cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GATA-1 and Oct-1 Are Required for Expression of the Human α-Hemoglobin-stabilizing Protein Gene

Alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) is an erythroid protein that binds and stabilizes alpha-hemoglobin during normal erythropoiesis and in pathological states of alpha-hemoglobin excess. AHSP has been proposed as a candidate gene in some Heinz body hemolytic anemias and as a modifier gene in the beta-thalassemia syndromes. To gain additional insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling the erythroid-specific expression of the AHSP gene and provide the necessary tools for further genetic studies of these disorders, we have initiated identification and characterization of the regulatory elements controlling the human AHSP gene. We mapped the 5'-end of the AHSP erythroid cDNA and cloned the 5'-flanking genomic DNA containing the putative AHSP gene promoter. In vitro studies using transfection of promoter/reporter plasmids in human tissue culture cell lines, DNase I footprinting analyses and gel mobility shift assays, identified an AHSP gene erythroid promoter with functionally important binding sites for GATA-1- and Oct-1-related proteins. In transgenic mice, a reporter gene directed by a minimal human AHSP promoter was expressed in bone marrow, spleen, and reticulocytes, but not in nonerythroid tissues. In vivo studies using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated hyperacetylation of the promoter region and occupancy by GATA-1. The AHSP promoter is an excellent candidate region for mutations associated with decreased AHSP gene expression.
Duality, vortices and flux tubes in two-dimensional spin and chiral models

Abstract Duality transformations of abelian spin systems are arranged from the “field strength” point of view, a way which allows a straightforward extension to the non-abelian continuum chiral models. A proof of the equivalence of the field strength and the more standard formulation of chiral models is given, and for SU(2), the dual partition function is worked out explicitly. It is essentially an O(3) model. We also review some facts about vortices in the U(1) and SU(N)/ZN models. Then it is shown how these objects are naturally incorporated in the dual representation of these models. Next, the dual representation of the invariant correlation function in any chiral model is derived. We discuss, making use of the string singularity in this representation how the behavior of the function can be understood in terms of the confinement of the models conserved current to a tube. For the periodic gaussian model this is seen explicitly in the saddle-point approximation, the confinement being due to a solenoid of vortices. We also elaborate on the analogues between 4d gauge theories and 2d chiral models, including a comparison of the duality transformation for each.
Modulation by calcium of the inhibitor activity of naturally occurring urinary inhibitors

Modulation by calcium of the inhibitor activity of naturally occurring urinary inhibitors. The possibility that hypercalciuria could cause calcium stone formation through a mechanism other than by increasing urinary saturation of stone-forming calcium salts was explored. The effect of increasing calcium concentration on the inhibitor activity against the spontaneous precipitation of calcium oxalate was examined in whole urine (in the presence of naturally occurring inhibitors) and in synthetic media (with added inhibitors). In 11 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis, the induced hypercalciuria from calcium supplementation (600 mg/day) caused a significant fall in the urinary inhibitory activity against calcium oxalate precipitation, as shown by a decline in the formation product ratio from 12.6 ± 1.1 SEM to 9.6 ± 1.4 (P
The Coercive Weight of the Past: Temporal Dependence and the Conflict-Repression Nexus in the Northern Ireland “Troubles”

After 40 years, we still know very little about how state repression influences political dissent. In fact, to date, every possible relationship, including no influence, has been found. We argue th...
The NICU Nutritionist as an Agent of Change

Ensuring that feeding practices are current and evidence based is a fundamental role of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nutritionist. This includes proposing, implementing, and evaluating change in feeding practices when indicated. This article discusses the steps taken to change feeding practices to increase protein intake of very-low-birth-weight infants in a large NICU in a short period of time. The evaluation plan is also discussed. provides feedback to providers. This arti- cle describes how these steps were used to determine the need for a change in feed- ing practices and the implementation pro- cess in a large 60-bed NICU. Eight neona- tologists and 8 neonatal nurse practitioners present special challenges to disseminating information and implementing change.
Interferon regulatory transcription factors are constitutively expressed and spatially regulated in the mouse lens.

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are a family of transcription factors involved in regulation of cell growth and immunological responses. Nine IRFs have been described and they are expressed in a variety of cells, except for ICSBP and LSIRF/Pip, which are thought to be expressed exclusively in immune cells. Here, we show that IRF-1, IRF-2, ICSBP, and LSIRF/Pip are constitutively expressed in the mouse lens. These IRFs are present in both the cytoplasm and the nuclei of lens cells. However, the nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins exhibit distinct mobilities on SDS/PAGE. We further show that in the developing mouse lens, IRF-1 and IRF-2 are expressed at high levels in differentiated lens fiber cells with very low and barely detectable levels in undifferentiated lens epithelial cells. Although the level of ICSBP expression is very low in the normal mouse lens, in transgenic mice with constitutive expression of interferon γ in the lens, its level is markedly elevated and ICSBP expression is detected exclusively in the nuclei of undifferentiated lens cells. Taken together, our data suggest that expression of IRF transcription factors is spatially regulated in the lens and that distinct IRFs may contribute to differential gene regulation in the epithelial and fiber compartments of the vertebrate lens.
Superconformal Electrodeposition of Co and Co–Fe Alloys Using 2-Mercapto-5-benzimidazolesulfonic Acid

Superconformal Co(Fe) filling of submicrometer trenches by electrodeposition is demonstrated in the presence of 2-mercapto-5-benzimidazolesulfonic acid (MBIS). MBIS inhibits the initiation of Co deposition. Inhibition breakdown is characterized by hysteretic voltammetry and rising chronoamperometric transients. The positive feedback process reflects the competition between MBIS adsorption and its desorption, and consumption, with the latter being closely coupled with proton reduction and the metal deposition reaction. Void-free Co trench filling proceeds by preferential metal deposition at the bottom corners leading to a V-notch interface shape that is followed by geometrical leveling. Void-free filling is also demonstrated for a via geometry. Almost identical superconformal trench filling is obtained for Co-rich Co-Fe alloys. Analytical transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicate that the Fe/Co ratio within the filled trenches is uniform. MBIS does not significantly perturb the magnetic properties of the Co or Co-Fe alloy deposits. © 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.11 49/1.3142427] All rights reserved.
Removal of Microbial Pollutants from Waste Effluents by the Redbeard Sponge

RECENT studies1 have shown that the redbeard sponge (Microcionia prolifera Verrill), a common inhabitant of the Atlantic shorelines, is able to use bacteria, notably E. coli, as food organisms. Sponges effectively filter these bacteria out of the sea water and concentrate large quantities of them in their bodies before digestion. The filtering capacity of the sponge was found to depend on the initial concentration of bacteria present in the surroundings, and it was shown that the more bacteria present, the more efficiently the sponge utilizes them. This suggests that the redbeard sponge can be used to combat microbial pollution in estuaries coming from faecal contamination.
Aerodynamic Performance of the DOE/Sandia 17-m-Diameter Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

The aerodynamic performance of the DOE/Sandia 17-m-diam Darrieus wind turbine is presented for two rotor configurations: 1) two strutted composite structure blades using a NACA-0012 airfoil section with a 21-in. (0.533-m) chord; and 2) two unstrutted extruded aluminum blades with a 24-in. (0.610-m) chord NACA-0015 section. Significant increases in overall performance were obtained for the extruded blades which represent a currently viable low cost blade construction technique applicable to the Darrieus wind turbine.
Neural network scheme for adaptive radar detection based on nonparametric statistics

In this paper, we introduce a neural network (NN) architecture that utilizes nonparametric as well as the conventional parametric statistics. Use of the Wilcoxon two-sample test along with the classical model (e.g. Gaussian) parameters provide a qualitative as well as a quantitative representation of the target and the background. On an ordinal scale the radar returns from the target background are ranked according to a specified order and the neural network is trained with a qualitative factor for deviation from the normal distribution. In addition, the actual background distribution also depends on the type of the sensor as well as the wavelength of operation. Accordingly, the independence of the neural network training from the background noise and the clutter distribution provides a unified design approach for the microwave and the laser radar detection systems.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The ultrastructural demonstration of membrane-coating granules in rat oral epithelium using the periodic acid-bismuth technique.

Abstract Ultra-thin sections of osmium-fixed rat oral mucosa were oxidised with periodic acid and then exposed to bismuth nitrate solution. An electron-dense reaction product was consistently obtained both over the membrane-coating granules present in the prickle and granular cell layers and in the intercellular spaces between the superficial granular and deeper keratinised cells. The results obtained using aldehydes as fixatives were inferior and osmium fixation appears to be a prerequisite for the reaction. It is suggested that the material stained in this tissue by the periodic acid-bismuth method is glycoprotein.
Transition to Middle and High School: Increasing the Success of Students with Asperger Syndrome

The transition from elementary to secondary school is challenging for all students as a number of environmental, social, psychological, and physiological changes are imposed on them. These challenges often have a significant effect on typical students but may have an even more profound effect on students with Asperger Syndrome (AS) due to the nature of the disability. This article outlines the numerous difficulties that students with AS may encounter during the transition to middle and high school. In addition, a range of specific supports and strategies are offered in order to assist students with AS in making a successful transition.
Late Systolic Murmur: A Clue to the Diagnosis of Aneurysm of the Membranous Ventricular Septum

A patient with a “late systolic” murmur along the left sternal border was found to have an aneurysm of the membranous interventricular septum with a small left-to-right shunt through the dome of the aneurysm. A left ventricular cineangiogram, which delineated the nature of this shunt, helps to explain the auscultatory findings. Four other patients with this defect and a similar murmur have been reported. It is proposed that this murmur may be a clue to the clinical diagnosis in some patients with interventricular septal aneurysms.
Survey of forensic pathologists.

A survey of board-certified forensic pathologists (from a list of board-certified forensic pathologists supplied by the American Board of Pathology) was conducted to determine their current practice situations. The purpose of the survey was to provide information useful to the public in general and to those organizations that represent forensic pathologists in particular to better understand and meet the needs of the forensic pathology community. A total of 773 surveys were mailed, and 18 were returned as undeliverable. There were 337 replies (45%). Responses were as follows: In terms of age, 7% were in their 30s; 32% were in their 40s; 29% were in their 50s; 19% were in their 60s; and 13% were 70 years of age or older. In terms of gender, 79% were male and 21% were female. For pathology practice status, 72% worked more than 30 hours per week; 11% between 5 and 30 hours per week; 5% less than 5 hours per week; and 12% no longer practice pathology. For percentage of pathology practice that is forensic pathology, 69% of respondents were more than 80%; 6% were 50%-80%; 5% were 25%-50%; 8% were 5%-25%; and 12% were less than 5%. In terms of forensic pathology practice setting, 54% were employed by medical examiner or coroner systems; 13% worked under contract to medical examiner or coroner systems; 27% worked in private practice or consultation; and 6% responded as "other."
Nanosecond spectroscopy of a dimeric enzyme: plasma amine oxidase

The fluorescence dye 1-anilino-naphthalene-8-sulphonic acid (ANS) was used as a probe of non-polar binding sites in the enzyme plasma amine oxidase. Steady fluorescence measurements indicate that ANS binds to a single binding site of the dimeric enzyme with a dissociation constant of 5 microns. This binding site is different from the catalytic binding site. Nanosecond emission anisotropy measurements were performed on the ANS-enzyme in an effort to detect independent rotation of the subunits in the native enzyme. The observed rotational correlation time (phi = 105 ns) corresponds to the rotation of a rigid dimeric macromolecule. A rotational correlation time of 120 ns was obtained with the enzyme labelled with pyrenebutyric acid. It is concluded that the dimeric enzyme does not exhibit any modes of flexibility due to independent rotation of the subunits in the nanosecond range.
The United States and the Mekong Project

Abstract The United States has historically been a strong supporter of coordinated, international water resources studies and planning in Southeast Asia's Lower Mekong River Basin. Since 1975, however, the United States has not contributed to the Mekong Project. Nonetheless, the United States may benefit in several ways by supporting the Mekong River Commission. This paper describes a rationale for renewed US participation in the Mekong Project and identifies several Mekong River Commission Secretariat programs to which the United States could contribute.
The Neuropsychological and Neurobehavioral Consequences of ADHD Comorbid with LD and Otitis Media

The purpose of this study was to identify a possible subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbid with learning disabilities (LD) and otitis media (OM). Data collected from children with ADHD, LD and otitis media included: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—III, Intermediate Visual and Auditory continuous performance test, neurobehavioral rating, neuropsychological testing, neurophysiological function, and school grades. Findings included deficits in: auditory processing, interpersonal relations, increased social stress, external locus of control, and academic impairment. Parents rated ADHD as mild despite high theta to beta ratios along with neuropsychological dysfunction. Increased severity of ADHD and LD was associated with OM. There may be a unique ADHD subtype with phonological processing deficits. Implications for auditory vs. visual information transmission are discussed.
Luminescence in supersonic swirling flows

A luminescent region was observed near the axis of a cylindrical duct confining a supersonic swirling air flow at ambient temperature. The luminescence was identified as a glow discharge induced by a strong internal electric field, which was produced by condensed water droplets impinging on the duct wall.
Production decisions and time allocation: a guide to data collection

Introduction In this chapter I deal with methods for collecting behavioral and economic data on productive inputs and outputs. Any attempt at the collection of quantitative data requires that the researcher should ideally have prior knowledge of the full range of economic activities and perform preliminary evaluations of the accuracy of data collection procedures and coding schemes. This will prevent false starts, increase cross-cultural comparability, and lead to a more systematic account of activities. Whenever possible, I encourage researchers to rely on observational data as a kind of gold standard: it produces data amenable to sophisticated quantitative analysis, is crucial for theory testing, is more easily used for cross-cultural comparison than qualitative observations, and reduces the known errors in recall data (see Stange et al . 1998 for an illuminating account of recall errors compared to direct observation). Nevertheless, because of intrusiveness, labor intensiveness, and cultural sensitivities in direct observation, recall data are oftentimes required, but may be integrated into behavioral records. Techniques for reducing recall error (e.g., short time frames) and cross-checking are recommended in such cases. Conventionally, economic activities may be defined as behaviors whose end result is the production of a material good (e.g., food or artifact), maintenance of an object (e.g., tool repair), or provisioning of a service (e.g., assisting a neighbor building a house). Production activities can be easily characterized along a set of input measures (time, energy, or even risk) but output measures are more complex. In food production outputs are conventionally weight, kilocalories, or macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and represent common denominators for comparative and analytic purposes. Which of these currencies is appropriate will depend on the research question posed.
An extinct calycanthoid taxon, Jerseyanthus calycanthoides , from the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey

A new fossil genus and species, Jerseyanthus calycanthoides, is described from the Late Cretaceous (Turonian, ∼90 MYBP) Raritan Formation of New Jersey. Flowers have cupulate receptacles bearing imbricately arranged tepals that subtend a series of recurved tepals near the cup margin. Recurved tepal subtends a "stamen-staminode" pair, that includes a laminar stamen with ramified connective extensions, and an outer staminode. Outer staminodes are geniculate and incurved, and in aggregate their inner extremities define a circular area above the carpels and carpellodes. Each "stamen-staminode" pair apparently subtends (is opposite to) an inner tepal. Pollen is rounded and disulculate, with tectate columellate wall structure. Carpels are located at the center of the receptacle and have elongate styles that extend to and beyond the opening defined by the staminodal organs. Carpels are surrounded by tomentose carpellodes. Carpels include one marginally ridged seed. While these fossils do not match exactly any living species in morphology, they share numerous characters with extant members of Calycanthaceae and can be unequivocally placed within that family. Affinities of Jerseyanthus and Virginianthus were evaluated by including them in a combined analysis for the Laurales. Jerseyanthus is placed within Calycanthaceae as a sister taxon to the modern genus Calycanthus.
Generalized Vector Explicit Guidance

This paper proposes and evaluates a new guidance law termed generalized vector explicit guidance (GENEX). This guidance law can simultaneously achieve design specifications on miss distance and final missile-target relative orientation. The latter may be used to enhance the performance of warheads the effectiveness of which is influenced by the terminal encounter geometry. The GENEX guidance law is parameterized in terms of a design coefficient that determines the degree of curvature in the trajectory. Feasibility of GENEX guidance was demonstrated by its application to two weapon scenarios. The first was an air-to-air missile terminal homing scenario. Assuming ideal sensor information and a single-lag missile response model, the guidance was shown to perform well against an air target performing evasive maneuvers. A specified zero-aspect terminal encounter angle was achieved while simultaneously minimizing miss distance. The second application involved an air-to-surface munition released from an unmanned air vehicle. The GENEX guidance law was able to produce trajectories satisfying a terminal impact angle constraint. In addition, an engagement region of sufficient size was shown to be achievable using guidance gains scheduled with target location and weapon release altitude.
A marriage of mice produces answers to old questions about man

The atherogenic macromolecule lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has resisted in vivo analyses partly because it is found in a limited number of experimental animals. Although transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] have previously been described, they failed to assemble Lp(a) particles because of the inability of human apo(a) to associate with mouse apolipoprotein B (apoB). We isolated a 90-kilobase P1 phagemid containing the human apoB gene and with this DNA generated 13 lines of transgenic mice of which 11 expressed human apoB. The human apoB transcript was expressed and edited in the liver of the transgenic mice. Plasma concentrations of human apoB, as well as low density lipoprotein (LDL), were related to transgene copy number; the transgenic line with the most copies of human apoB had a >4-fold increase in LDL cholesterol compared with nontransgenics and a lipoprotein profile similar to that of humans. When human apoB and apo(a) transgenic mice were bred together, plasma apo(a) in mice expressing both human proteins was tightly associated with lipoproteins in the LDL density region. These studies demonstrate the successful expression of human apoB and the efficient assembly of Lp(a) in mice.
From single to double use expressions, with applications to parametric interval linear systems: On computational complexity of fuzzy and interval computations

In many practical problems, we need to estimate the range of a given expression f(x 1 , …, x n ) when each input x i belongs to a known interval [x i , x i ] — or when each input x i is described by a known fuzzy set. It is known that this problem is easy to solve when we have a Single Use Expression, i.e., an expression in which each variable x i occurs only once. In this paper, we show that for similarly defined Double Use Expressions, the corresponding range estimation problem is NP-hard. Similar problems are analyzed for the problem of solving linear systems under interval (and fuzzy) uncertainty.
Improved skin paddle survival in pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction of head and neck defects.

Objective To examine our outcomes with skin paddle survival using pectoralis myocutaneous flaps in reconstruction of the head and neck. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has been associated with a notable incidence of distal skin necrosis and flap loss. Our experience has been favorable compared with that reported in the literature. Methods Retrospective medical record review of 81 cases of pectoralis major muscle flap reconstruction performed in 78 patients from 1995 to 2008 using a flap harvest technique that is slightly different from the classic descriptions. Data were obtained regarding coexisting health conditions and perioperative complications, which were divided into major and minor categories. Major complications were defined as total flap failure or greater than 25% skin paddle loss. Minor complications and donor site complications included fistulas that were managed conservatively, wound dehiscence not requiring additional surgery, local infections, seromas, and hematomas. Results Of the 81 flaps performed, 22 complications were encountered. Total flap loss was not encountered in any patient. The overall major complication rate in myocutaneous flaps was 3 of 76 (4%), with these cases consisting of significant skin paddle loss. Minor complications occurred in 14 of 81 myofascial and myocutaneous flaps (17%). Donor site complications of the chest wall occurred in 5 of 81 flaps (6%). Conclusions Skin paddle necrosis may be minimized with modifications of the classic technique. We believe that extension of the skin flap over the rectus sheath is the cause of distal skin flap necrosis. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap remains a valuable reconstructive option in the head and neck.
The validity of occupational performance assessments: a validity generalization meta-analysis.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine sample weighted mean validity effect sizes for occupational performance assessments, and their generalizability from research to clinical settings. The bare-bones Validity Generalization (VG) guidelines developed by Hunter and Schmidt () augmented by Maximum Likelihood (ML) procedures were used to complete the meta-analysis. The sample consisted of 27 studies in which convergent, divergent, and predictive validity estimates of occupational performance assessments were investigated. The mean coefficients of assessments validated in the studies constituting the sample for this meta-analysis ranged from medium to large. Further meta-analysis with complete dis-attenuation of observed mean validity coefficients is indicated.
Growth factor, cytokine, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia in a community-based cohort of men.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the associations between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and polymorphisms in genes that encode growth factors, cytokines, and vitamin D and their receptors. Methods A total of 510 white men (median age 60 years) randomly selected from the Olmsted County, Minnesota community participated in a study of BPH from 1990 to 2000. Biennial measurements were made to assess the International Prostate Symptom Score, peak urinary flow rate, and prostate volume. Genotyping of genes that encode transforming growth factor, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor, and vitamin D receptor, among others, was performed. Results The CC genotype of the transforming growth factor-beta 1 gene was inversely associated with treatment for BPH (hazard ratio [HR] 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15 to 0.98). The presence of at least one allele with 17 or more CA repeats of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene was positively associated with an International Prostate Symptom Score greater than 7 (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73). The AA genotype of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was inversely associated with peak urinary flow rate (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.90). For the vitamin D receptor gene, positive associations were found between prostate volume and the CC genotype of the T_C (Taq 1) polymorphism (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.92) and the AA genotype of the G_A (Bsm 1) polymorphism (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.74). Conclusions These findings suggest that transforming growth factor-beta 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, epidermal growth factor receptor, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of BPH.
Animal models for experimental tuberculosis

Animal models for tuberculosis vaccine assays have evolved through a series of sequential experiments aimed at optimizing the activity of a particular vaccine product. As a result, studies that use different animal models do not agree on the potency ranking of antituberculosis vaccines, and each major test-system variable contributes to the disagreement. Disagreements among laboratories about the efficacy of vaccines are in part due to differences in test systems. A survey of potency assays of tuberculosis vaccines suggests that, based on the choice of a specific combination of variables in the test model, an investigator can show that any given vaccine product has superior potency. In view of these problems with animal models for research on tuberculosis vaccines, we recommend that attention should be focused on those animal models that replicate the key aspects of the natural history of human tuberculosis. The development of vaccines by means of new technologies requires animal models to assay the protective potency of vaccines that, ideally, inhibit tubercle bacilli at the point of infection. The development of new tuberculosis vaccines may be handled most efficiently in a joint venture that includes both laboratories involved in vaccine production and laboratories concerned with animal models.
A Protocol for Assessing Early Communication of Young Children With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

The purposes of this article are (a) to describe a structured protocol for assessing request, reject, and repair behavior of young children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities and (b) to highlight the importance of assessing these communicative behaviors. These three communicative functions are basic building blocks for social encounters, permitting the “speaker” to influence others in desired ways. Concepts of operant psychology, such as response class, functional equivalence, response competition, and response efficiency, are invoked to provide a conceptual framework for the assessment. To illustrate how the structured protocol can be implemented and the types of findings resulting from the assessment, an actual case study is presented with the data on requesting and rejecting for five young children with autism.
Identifying genes associated with chemotherapy response in ovarian carcinomas based on DNA copy number and expression profiles

DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) may change transcription profiles and are reported to be associated with chemotherapy response. Using a recently concluded ovarian cancer study derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network, we selected 98 ovarian cancer samples derived from patients who were only treated with Paclitaxel/Carboplatin after the surgery. A statistical testing procedure was proposed to examine the genes with CNAs and correlated changes in expression level, and their associated response to chemotherapy in progression-free survival. Among 12,042 genes under consideration, 112 genes with CNAs and correlated gene expression levels were found to be associated with progression-free survival (PFS) significantly. The region containing many selected genes, 1p35.1–1p34.2, is closely examined as a candidate segment where CNAs are significantly associated with chemotherapeutic response to Paclitaxel/Carboplatin. Biological processes and molecular functions associated with chemotherapy response were further proposed based on a gene ontology enrichment analysis.
Molecular mechanisms of polyploidy and hybrid vigor

Hybrids such as maize (Zea mays) or domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) grow bigger and stronger than their parents. This is also true for allopolyploids such as wheat (Triticum spp.) or frog (i.e. Xenopus and Silurana) that contain two or more sets of chromosomes from different species. The phenomenon, known as hybrid vigor or heterosis, was systematically characterized by Charles Darwin (1876). The rediscovery of heterosis in maize a century ago has revolutionized plant and animal breeding and production. Although genetic models for heterosis have been rigorously tested, the molecular bases remain elusive. Recent studies have determined the roles of nonadditive gene expression, small RNAs, and epigenetic regulation, including circadian-mediated metabolic pathways, in hybrid vigor, which could lead to better use and exploitation of the increased biomass and yield in hybrids and allopolyploids for food, feed, and biofuels.
A New Approach for Obtaining Advection Profiles: Application to the SHEBA Column

Abstract Time-averaged vertically integrated 3D advections are inferred from heat and moisture budgets obtained from observations at the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) field experiment for April, May, June, and July. Advection was a source of heat and moisture in the column budgets during the time period, balanced mostly by precipitation and radiative cooling. These inferred advections are used to evaluate and correct the 3D temperature and water vapor advection profiles obtained from operational forecasts of the ECMWF model. Advections from the ECMWF model are generally too warm and moist, particularly in July. These biases lead to overpredictions of temperature and water vapor mixing ratio, often exceeding 12 K and 50%, respectively, in monthlong single-column model simulations. A correction algorithm is developed that constrains the ECMWF advections to the observed column budgets, thereby eliminating a first-order source of error in the advective forcing. The approach described here di...
Upstream Competition and the Facilitating Effects of Vertical Restraints

The competitive effects of a number of vertical restraints, such as no-surcharge rules (common in the credit card industry) and market-share requirements (common in many other industries), have been at the center of a recent policy debate. This paper develops a model of bilateral vertical contracting in successive duopolies to study the effects of these restraints on the intensity of upstream competition. When suppliers offer menus of non-linear tariffs and are sufficiently differentiated, both downstream firms purchase inputs from both suppliers, who charge input prices above marginal cost to soften downstream competition. In such equilibria, vertical restraints such as no-surcharge/no-steering rules or market-share and/or minimum volume requirements soften upstream competition and lead to higher prices. Selective bans on only one type of restraint may, however, have unintended consequences. For example, a ban on minimum volume requirements may reduce welfare when no-surcharge rules or share requirements are allowed or when it results in exclusive equilibria.
Inverse Dynamic Analysis of Shoulder Muscle Activity During Archery Draw Back

The objective of this study is to conduct biomechanical simulation for a musculoskeletal of archery performance. The simulation aims to find the movement patterns in working postures, the muscle activity and joint reaction forces. The results obtained are discussed and the work presented can help analyze the utilization of various muscles during the performance of the repetitive motion of archery.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Ecological self-understanding in early Chinese philosophies

Confucianism, Daoism, and the Art of War present pragmatic and strategic philosophies. These philosophies are predicated upon a synthetic concept of person in-the-world. More specifically, these philosophies present prescriptions and methodologies for how one ought to conduct oneself as a person-in-the-world. To be a person-in-the-world is to be an ecological self. Accordingly, the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and the Art of War contain and express an ecological self understanding. The intention of this essay is to disclose this ecological self understanding in the context of classical Confucianism, Daoism, and the Art of War.
Abstract 2455: BAM38 is a potent and selective pro-apoptotic BAX activator molecule that restores apoptosis in cancer cells.

Targeting key apoptosis regulators to overcome the apoptotic resistance of cancer cells is a highly attractive therapeutic strategy. The BCL-2 protein family includes both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins that form a complex interaction network and regulate the critical balance between cellular life and death. BAX is a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 member that, when activated, undergoes a structural transformation, which converts BAX from an inactive conformation into a lethal one, creating mitochondrial pores. Although inactivating mutations in BAX have been identified with a very small frequency in tumors, cancer cells commonly ensure survival by overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 members, a feature that contributes to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, the vast majority of cancer cells contain functional but suppressed BAX. Our discovery of the BAX trigger site and BAX activator molecule 7 (BAM7), which directly triggers BAX activation and selective BAX-mediated cell death, provides a new opportunity for rational drug design to target BAX and promote cell death in tumors. Using an in silico structural similarity approach and a competitive fluorescence polarization assay, we identified a novel small molecule activator of BAX, BAM38, that has ten-fold improved binding potency compared to BAM7 and retains selectivity over anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. NMR and molecular docking analysis demonstrates that BAM38 engages the BAX trigger site using increased complementary interactions. Biochemical assays indicate that BAM38 has correspondingly improved potency in triggering BAX conformational activation and BAX-mediated membrane permeabilization. In a panel of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that overexpress distinct combinations of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, BAM38 overcomes apoptotic blockade through induction of BAX-mediated apoptosis. We observe dose-dependent AML cell death that coincides with BAX translocation, cytochrome c release and caspase 3/7 activation. BAM38 synergizes with the BCL-2/BCL-X L inhibitor ABT-737 in resistant AML cells, highlighting the therapeutic potential of combined direct pharmacologic activation of BAX with targeted inhibition of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and BCL-X L . Thus, our data suggest a novel small molecule approach to restoring cancer cell death by directly targeting BAX, and provides a lead molecule for further development into a next generation cancer therapeutic. Citation Format: Denis E. Reyna, Loren D. Walensky, Evripidis Gavathiotis. BAM38 is a potent and selective pro-apoptotic BAX activator molecule that restores apoptosis in cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2455. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2455 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Multilayered Nanoarchitecture of Graphene Nanosheets and Polypyrrole Nanowires for High Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes

A novel nanoarchitecture is developed by combining the nanostructured conductive polymer polypyrrole with highly electrically conductive graphene nanosheets in a multilayered configuration to achieve high specific capacitance and low electronic resistance for supercapacitor electrode applications. The fibrous network of polypyrrole nanowires with high electrolyte ionic accessibility was interspersed with electrically conductive monolayers of highly aligned large sized graphene nanosheets as a series of current collectors within the macroscopic configuration for enhanced electronic charge transport inside the electrode. A fabrication method relying on capillary force driven self-assembly coupled with the strong van der Waals attraction between highly aromatic graphene basal plane and π conjugated conductive polymer chains was employed to create a 100% binder free multilayered composite structure of these two distinct nanoscale elements to construct the electrode. This multilayer composite electrode exhibit...
Leaf surface chemicals from Nicotiana affecting germination of Peronospora tabacina (adam) sporangia

A bioassay was used to evaluate the effects of cuticular leaf components, isolated fromN. tabacum, N. glutinosa (accessions 24 and 24a), and 23other Nicotiana species, on germinationof P. tabacina (blue mold). The leaf surface compounds includedα- andβ-4,8,13,-duvatriene-l,3-diols (DVT-diols), (13-E)-labda-13-ene-8α-,15-diol (labdenediol), (12-Z)-labda-12,14-diene-8α-ol (cis-abienol), (13-R)-labda-8,14-diene-13-ol (manool), 2-hydroxymanool, a mixture of (13-R)-labda-14-ene-8α,13-diol (sclareol), and (13-S)-labda-14-ene-8α,13-diol (episclareol), and various glucose and/or sucrose ester isolates. The above in acetone were applied onto leaf disks of the blue moldsusceptibleN. tabacum cv. TI 1406, which was then inoculated with blue mold sporangia. Estimated IC50 values (inhibitory concentration) were 3.0μg/cm2 forα-DVT-diol, 2.9μ/cm2 forβ-DVT-diol, 0.4μg/cm2 for labdenediol and 4.7μg/cm2 for the sclareol mixture. Manool, 2-hydroxymanool, andcis-abienol at application rates up to 30μg/cm2 had little or no effect on sporangium germination. Glucose and/or sucrose ester isolates from the cuticular leaf extracts of 23Nicotiana species and three different fractions fromN. bigelovii were also evaluated for antimicrobial activity at a concentration of 30μg/cm2. Germination was inhibited by >20% when exposed to sugar esters isolated fromN. acuminata, N. benthamiana, N. attenuata, N. clevelandii, andN. miersii, and accessions 10 and 12 ofN. bigelovii. These results imply that a number of compounds may influence resistance to blue mold in tobacco.
Phototactic Response of First-Instar Larvae of the Pink Bollworm to Light of Different Wavelengths

First-instar larvae of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), exposed to sources of colored light containing a high percentage of infrared, responded by going to the source with the shortest wavelength. When larvae were given a choice of colored light with high and low transmission of infrared, they went to the source of shortest wavelength with least infrared. The larvae were most attracted to near ultraviolet and repelled by infrared in combination with visible light.
The influence of calcium deficiency on the translocation of photosynthetically fixed 14C in soybeans

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants were grown at two levels of Ca (0.05 and 2.5 mM Ca) with and without an inorganic source of N in a growth chamber and in the greenhouse. The fourth leaf from the top of the plant was labeled with 14C, and the distribution of 14C was measured 24 hours after labeling. The translocation of 14C out of the labeled leaf was decreased at the low Ca level in both experiments. This decrease occurred before there were any visual Ca deficiency symptoms and before the low Ca level had any effect on dry weight accumulation. The effect of the low Ca level on translocation was the same for plants exposed to an inorganic N source and those that were nodulated. The reduced rate of translocation from the labeled leaf had no measurable effect on the nodule activity as measured by the acetylene reduction method. The data demonstrate the importance of an adequate supply of Ca to the soybean plant for maximum translocation of carbohydrates from the leaves.
Adverse effects of wide calcium:phosphorus ratios on supplemental phytase efficacy for weanling pigs fed two dietary phosphorus levels.

Ninety-six weanling pigs (initial BW = 9.3 kg, initial age = 37 d) were used in a 4-wk experiment to evaluate the response to three Ca: total (t) P ratios (1.2:1, 1.6:1, or 2.0:1) fed in combination with two P levels (.07 or .16% available that correspond to .36 or .45% tP) and two phytase levels (PY; 700 or 1,050 units/kg of diet). A 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed using a corn-soybean meal diet. Performance, serum mineral concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Ca and P digestibility and excretion, and bone mechanical measurements were examined. Average daily gain (P < .001), average daily feed intake (P < .01), and gain:feed (P < .05) were decreased linearly as the Ca:tP ratio became wider. The digestibility of P and Ca were decreased (P < .001) linearly as the Ca:tP ratio became wider. The digestibility of P (P < .001) and fecal P excretion (P < .01) were increased at the higher level of P. Increasing PY from 700 to 1,050 units (U)/kg of diet increased (P < .05) P digestibility and decreased (P < .01) P excretion but did not improve bone measurements. Shear force, stress and energy, and percentage of ash of both metacarpal and 10th rib linearly decreased (P < .001 to .05) as the Ca:tP ratio became wider, and bone measurements were generally greater for pigs fed the higher P level. Serum Ca concentration increased (P < .01) and the P concentration decreased (P < .001) as the Ca:tP ratio increased, but Mg, Zn, and ALP activity were not influenced by the Ca:tP ratio. Serum Ca and P concentrations were affected by PY supplementation over the 4-wk trial, but serum Mg and Zn concentrations were not affected by dietary treatments. Adverse effects of a wide Ca:tP ratio were greater at the low P diet for all responses. In addition, the activity of supplemental PY in diets seemed to be decreased as the Ca:tP ratio became wider and this negative effect of Ca:tP ratio seemed greater at the low P level, and seemed to parallel the effects of Ca:tP ratio on performance, P digestibility, bone, and serum measurements. Narrowing the dietary Ca:total P ratio from 2.0:1 to 1.2:1 led to an approximate 16% increase in phytase efficacy for improving performance, digestibility, bone measurements, and serum Ca levels.
The management of proximal hypospadias using a 1-stage hypospadias repair with a preputial free graft for neourethral construction and a preputial pedicle flap for ventral skin coverage

AbstractA total of 77 patients with proximal hypospadias underwent a 1-stage hypospadias repair using a preputial free graft for neourethral construction and a preputial pedicle flap for ventral skin coverage. Of the patients 84% achieved excellent functional and cosmetic results with 1 procedure.
A statistical investigation of the mass discrepancy–acceleration relation

We use the mass discrepancy-acceleration relation (the correlation between the ratio of total-to-visible mass and acceleration in galaxies; MDAR) to test the galaxy-halo connection. We analyse the MDAR using a set of 16 statistics that quantify its four most important features: its shape, its scatter, the presence of a "characteristic acceleration scale," and the correlation of its residuals with other galaxy properties. We construct an empirical framework for the galaxy-halo connection in LCDM to generate predictions for these statistics, starting with conventional correlations (halo abundance matching; AM) and introducing more where required. Comparing to the SPARC data, we find that: 1) the approximate shape of the MDAR is readily reproduced by AM, and there is no evidence that the acceleration at which dark matter becomes negligible has less spread in the data than in AM mocks; 2) even under conservative assumptions, AM significantly overpredicts the scatter in the relation and its normalisation at low acceleration, and furthermore positions dark matter too close to galaxies' centres on average; 3) the MDAR affords 2 sigma evidence for an anticorrelation of galaxy size and Hubble type with halo mass or concentration at fixed stellar mass. Our analysis lays the groundwork for a bottom-up determination of the galaxy-halo connection from relations such as the MDAR, provides concrete statistical tests for specific galaxy formation models, and brings into sharper focus the relative evidence accorded by galaxy kinematics to LCDM and modified gravity alternatives.