cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ploidy Regulation of Gene Expression

Microarray-based gene expression analysis identified genes showing ploidy-dependent expression in isogenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that varied in ploidy from haploid to tetraploid. These genes were induced or repressed in proportion to the number of chromosome sets, regardless of the mating type. Ploidy-dependent repression of some G1 cyclins can explain the greater cell size associated with higher ploidies, and suggests ploidy-dependent modifications of cell cycle progression. Moreover, ploidy regulation of the FLO11 gene had direct consequences for yeast development.
Search radar detection and track with the Hough transform. I. system concept

A method of viewing search radar signals and data is described and analyzed in which the image processing technique of the Hough transform is used to extract detections and simultaneous tracks from multi-dimensional data maps. System design concepts are considered and simulation examples are given that illustrate the concept. The technique offers many advantages when compared with more traditional techniques. These advantages include improved detection, a solution to the range walk problem, flexibility of implementation, elimination of slow scan-rate latency and automatic track acquisition without revisit. The concept is similar to track-before-detect algorithms that use preliminary information from previous scans to aid in target declarations. >
Circadian rhythm in the brain serotonin concentrations of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract 1. Whole brain serotonin content and concentration were determined in male and female lizards of the species Anolis carolinensis using a fluorimetric assay method based upon that described by Quay (1963). 2. Mean serotonin concentrations (μg/g wet weight of brain) in male lizards killed in May-June and August were as follows: 5·41±1·43 (S.D.) at 7.00 a.m., 1·83±1·00 at noon, 5·07±1·14 at 4.00 p.m. and 6·48±2·24 at midnight. 3. Mean serotonin concentrations for females killed in September were as follows: 3·82 at 7·00 a.m., 2·57 at noon, 3·71 at 4.00 p.m. and 7·68 at midnight. 4. No significant difference was found between males and females killed in the fall, but a definite circadian rhythm is indicated, there being a significant difference between the values found at noon and at midnight. 5. The highest concentration found was at midnight and the lowest at noon, suggesting a correlation with the animals' sleep-activity cycle and/or light regime.
Temporary disruption of fear potentiated startle following PKMζ inhibition in the amygdala

We examined whether protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ) inhibition in the amygdala permanently disrupts fear memory by testing retention at various intervals after PKMζ blockade. Although the expression of fear memory was disrupted when the inhibitor was applied shortly before testing, it had no effect when rats were tested with longer retention intervals. These results suggest that PKMζ inhibition does not erase memory, but temporarily disrupts expression of memory.
Improved in vivo photoacoustic microscopy based on a virtual-detector concept

Recently an in vivo high-resolution backward-mode photoacoustic microscope was developed that shows potential for applications in dermatology and related cancer research. However, the limited depth of focus of the large-numerical-aperture (NA) ultrasonic lens employed in this system causes the image quality to deteriorate significantly in the out-of-focus region. To solve this problem, we devised and explored, for the first time to our knowledge, a virtual-detector-based synthetic-aperture focusing technique, combined with coherence weighting, for photoacoustic microscopy with such a large-NA transducer. Images of phantoms show that the proposed technique improves the −6 dB−6 dB lateral resolution from 49–379 to 46–53
Attenuated Total Reflection FT-IR Spectroscopy to Measure Interfacial Reaction Kinetics at Silica Surfaces

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) FT-IR spectroscopy has been adapted to measure the rates of chemical modification reactions at silica surfaces. In this method, a silicon ATR crystal is oxidized at 1000°C under dry O2 to produce a silicon dioxide layer on the crystal surface, the thickness of which can be measured using ellipsometry. The oxidized silicon layer is then used as a model silica surface in measurements of the rates of chemical modification. A flow cell is filled with a solution of a surface active reagent. ATR infrared spectra are obtained at regular time intervals, where confinement of the intensity to the interface by total internal reflection provides a measure of local changes in concentration of species which adsorb or bind to the surface. The effect of the silicon dioxide layer on the sensitivity of measuring absorbance at the silica-solution interface is investigated. A model reaction study is carried out to determine the binding kinetics diphenylchlorosilane to silica from carbon tetrachloride solution. The technique yields both in situ kinetic and structural information about the reaction of this reagent with silica surfaces.
Antioxidant mechanism of milk mineral-high-affinity iron binding.

: Milk mineral (MM), a by-product of whey processing, is an effective antioxidant in meat systems, but the antioxidant mechanism has not been established. MM has been postulated to chelate iron and prevent iron-catalysis of lipid oxidation. The objective of this research was to examine this putative mechanism. MM was compared to sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), calcium phosphate monobasic (CPM), and calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) to determine iron-binding capacity, sample solubility, and eluate soluble phosphorus after treating samples with a ferrous chloride standard. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was used to localize minerals on iron-treated MM particle surfaces. Histochemical staining for calcium was performed on raw and cooked ground beef samples with added MM. MM bound more iron per gram (P < 0.05) than the other compounds, and was much less soluble (P < 0.05) than either STPP or CPM. Mineral localization showed an even distribution of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and iron across the MM particle surface, directly demonstrating iron binding to MM particles. Unlike other common chelating agents, such as STPP and citrate, histochemical staining demonstrated that MM remained insoluble in ground beef, even after cooking. The ability of MM to bind iron and remain insoluble may enhance its antioxidant effect by removing iron ions from solution. However, MM particles must be small and well distributed in order to adequately bind iron throughout the food system.
Characterization of the T cell receptor repertoire causing collagen arthritis in mice.

Collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) is generated in susceptible rodent strains by intradermal injections of homologous or heterologous native type II collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Symptoms of CIA are analogous to those of the human autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis. CIA is a model system for T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. To study the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of bovine type II-specific T cells that may be involved in the pathogenesis of CIA in DBA/1Lac.J (H-2q) mice, 13 clonally distinct T cell hybridomas specific for bovine type II collagen have been established and the alpha and beta chains of their TCRs have been analyzed. These T cell hybridomas recognize epitopes that are shared by type II collagens from distinct species and not by type I collagens, and exhibit a highly restricted TCR-alpha/beta repertoire. The alpha chains of the TCRs employ three V alpha gene subfamilies (V alpha 11, V alpha 8, and V alpha 22) and four J alpha gene segments (J alpha 42, J alpha 24, J alpha 37, and J alpha 32). The V alpha 22 is a newly identified subfamily consisting of approximately four to six members, and exhibits a high degree of polymorphism among four mouse strains of distinct V alpha haplotypes. In addition, the beta chains of the TCRs employ three V beta gene subfamilies (V beta 8, V beta 1, and V beta 6), however the V beta 8.2 gene segment is preferentially utilized (58.3%). In contrast, the J beta gene segment usage is more heterogeneous. On the basis of the highly limited TCR-alpha/beta repertoire of the TCRs of the panel of bovine type II-specific T cell hybrid clones, a significant reduction (60%) of the incidence of arthritis in DBA/1Lac.J mice is accomplished by the use of anti-V beta 8.2 antibody therapy.
Chiral Dynamics, Field-Current Identity, and theKl3form Factors

Based on the notions of chiral dynamics and the field-current identity as applied to the broken SU(3), theoretical expressions for the form factors ${f}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}(t)$ are obtained. A small $\ensuremath{\xi}$ ($|\ensuremath{\xi}|\ensuremath{\ll}1$) and a large $|{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\ensuremath{-}}|$ (an order of magnitude larger than ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{+}$) are predicted. [However, the product $\ensuremath{\xi}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ is expected to be small.]
Synthesis of Segmented Polylactide Molecular Brushes and Their Transformation to Open-End Nanotubes

Segmented polylactide (PLA) core−shell molecular brushes, where the shell layer was located only in the middle part of the bottlebrush, were synthesized and converted to organic nanotubes with controlled dimensions and open ends. Segmented bottlebrush copolymer precursors were prepared from a triblock copolymer backbone with orthogonally protected hydroxyl groups and consisted of a poly(solketal methacrylate) middle block and poly(2-(p-methoxybenzyloxy)ethyl methacrylate) end blocks. The use of two selective protecting groups allowed for the sequential grafting of the middle and end PLA brushes with different end-groups. The shell layer of poly(4-(3-butenyl)styrene) was added by RAFT polymerization from the middle PLA brushes. Nanotubes were obtained by cross-linking of the shell layer under dilute conditions and subsequent removal of the PLA core. Transmission electron microscopy characterization revealed the formation of nanotubes with uniform size and open pore structure. The cylindrical shape of the b...
The velocity of P in the granitic layer

Determinations of the velocity of P1 the direct longitudinal wave through the outermost or granitic layer, have been made by a number of investigators from studies of earthquake records and from timed artificial explosions. In general, the velocity of P1 has been reported as about 5.5 km/sec from the former and six km/sec from the latter. Gutenberg recently discussed this difference to explain his belief that explosion waves do not give the correct picture. Gutenberg's suggestions are analyzed, and the entire problem is reviewed in the light of new evidence that personal factors of interpretation have been leading to divergence of results which is more apparent than real. It is concluded that Gutenberg's Py, for which velocities have been found between 5.92 and 6.14 km/sec, actually meets the criteria for P1 and is the phase observed from 0–110 km as the first arrival on explosion records. Such an interpretation fuses earthquake studies and explosion results into a strong unified body of data establishing the velocity of P1 as in the neighborhood of six km/sec.
Model for degradation of band‐gap photoluminescence in GaAs

A recombination‐enhanced defect reaction model is described. It is based on nonradiative recombination of photoexcited carriers at particular crystal defect sites near a semiconductor surface. The model is general and correctly predicts, with only one adjustable parameter, the photoluminescence degradation rate in GaAs, its power dependence, and its independence on lattice temperature.
SUICIDE IN HONG KONG, 1971-1990

Domestic integration and the economy were most effective in accounting for the time series suicide rate in Hong Kong from 1971–1990 for young adults aged 25–39.
Efficacy of diatomaceous earth to control Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in rough rice: Impacts of temperature and relative humidity☆

Abstract Laboratory trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of diatomaceous earth (DE) against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the lesser grain borer, on stored rough rice. Two DE commercial products, Insecto™ and Protect-It ® , were applied at their respective label rates of 500 and 400 ppm to long grain rice by hand-mixing the DE with the rice. R. dominica were exposed for varying time intervals, mortality was assessed, and rice was held at different temperatures and relative humidities (r.h.) for 8 weeks until F 1 adult emergence. There was a significant difference in mortality between the DE treatments and untreated controls ( P P ⩾0.05). Mortality increased as exposure interval increased, and ranged from 15.8% to 69.2%, depending on the exposure interval. Although the general ANOVA showed a significant difference for temperature and r.h., when mortality and r.h. were compared only 5 out of 30 comparisons were significant ( P P R. dominica on rough rice, and combination treatments with another insecticide may be necessary to give complete control.
Electrodeposited Defect Chemistry Superlattices

Nanometer-scale layered structures based on thallium(III) oxide were electrodeposited in a beaker at room temperature by pulsing the applied potential during deposition. The conducting metal oxide samples were superlattices, with layers as thin as 6.7 nanometers. The defect chemistry was a function of the applied overpotential: High overpotentials favored oxygen vacancies, whereas low overpotentials favored cation interstitials. The transition from one defect chemistry to another in this nonequilibrium process occurred in the same potential range (100 to 120 millivolts) in which the rate of the back electron transfer reaction became significant. The epitaxial structures have the high carrier density and low electronic dimensionality of high transition temperature superconductors.
Field airway management of the trauma patient: the efficacy of bag mask ventilation.

Abstract There is no consensus on what constitutes appropriate field airway management in the seriously injured semiconscious patient. The respiratory complications in a selected group of patients who were transported from the scene of an accident by a helicopter service whose policy was to perform endotracheal intubation on only deeply obtunded patients and manage others with bag mask ventilation are reported. Respiratory compromise was defined as follows: partial pressure of oxygen 45 torr on initial hospital arterial blood gases, or radiographic and clinical evidence of aspiration pneumonitis within 5 days of admission to the hospital. From a total of 116 patients transported from the scene of an accident during the period of this investigation, there were 42 patients with Trauma Scores between 4 and 14 whose records were studied in detail. Ten of these patients had adequate perfusion and abnormal arterial blood gases after arrival at the receiving hospital. Five patients might have benefited from endotracheal intubation in the field, but there were no preventable deaths. Neurologic status of the patient appeared to be more useful than respiratory status in predicting respiratory compromise.
Treatment of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension with Bosentan after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose Secondary pulmonary hypertension (pHTN) is common in advanced heart failure (HF) patients with a prevalence approaching 75%. Importantly, pHTN and right ventricular dysfunction are associated with poor prognosis in HF patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The role of pulmonary vasodilator therapy for this patient population is currently unclear. In this study, we sought to evaluate the safety and clinical course of HF patients treated with the endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) bosentan after LVAD implantation. Methods and Materials We performed a retrospective, single center analysis of 50 patients with secondary pHTN by pre-LVAD hemodynamics (mean PAP >25) treated with bosentan after LVAD. Patients were initiated on bosentan 62.5 mg bid for 4 weeks followed by an increase to 125 mg bid as tolerated. Routine clinical and laboratory assessment was performed and adverse events were documented. Results Between October 2008 and May 2011, 50 consecutive patients with mean PAP > 25 were treated with bosentan after LVAD implantation for a mean duration of 16.3 (± 12.1) months, including 30 patients for greater than 1 year. The target dose of 125 mg bid was achieved in 39 patients. During the follow-up period, 8/50 of patients discontinued the drug for possible side effects, including 2 for LFT abnormalities, 3 for peripheral edema, 1 each for headache, dizziness, and hypotension. Comparison of baseline to 6-month follow-up data revealed laboratory evidence for decongestion with a decrease in bilirubin (2.3 to 0.6, p Conclusions In this single center case series, we provide evidence that bosentan is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects in LVAD patients with secondary pHTN. Prospective, randomized investigation is warranted to determine whether ERA therapy provides hemodynamic and clinical benefit in this subgroup of LVAD patients.
Inhibitory effect of cholesteryl nitrate on interaction of nitrogen dioxide with cholesterol in monomolecular films.

Abstract Cholesterol monomolecular films exhibit a loss in surface pressure on exposure to nitrogen dioxide due to the formation and subsequent desorption of cholesteryl nitrate. The cholesterol-nitrogen dioxide interaction is inhibited by the prior addition of cholesteryl nitrate, and the degree of inhibition is a direct function of the mole fraction of the nitrate ester. Total inhibition occurs when this mole fraction is about 0.75. The differential equations developed to describe the sequence of events involved in this process were programmed for solution on an analog computer. This simulation indicated that at least six molecules of cholesteryl nitrate are required for each remaining cholesterol molecule to produce a total inhibition of the nitrogen dioxide-cholesterol reaction.
Almost regular integer hexagons

We establish the sequence of all “Equiangular Integer Hexagons” that have alternating sides whose lengths differ by one.
Phase II study to assess the efficacy of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy followed by a stereotactic radiosurgery boost in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) followed by body stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods and Materials: In this prospective study, all patients (19) had pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma and were uniformly staged. Our treatment protocol consisted of 45 Gy IMRT with concurrent 5-FU followed by a 25 Gy SRS boost to the primary tumor. Results: Sixteen patients completed the planned therapy. Two patients experienced Grade 3 toxicity (none had more than Grade 3 toxicity). Fifteen of these 16 patients were free from local progression until death. Median overall survival was 33 weeks. Conclusions: Concurrent IMRT and 5-FU followed by SRS in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer results in excellent local control, but does not improve overall survival and is associated with more toxicity than SRS, alone.
Release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone by veratrine in a hypothalamic-pituitary coincubation

Abstract The effects of veratrine and veratridine on the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from incubations of pituitary alone, hypothalamus alone, and coincubations of hypothalamus and pituitary were examined. Veratrine produced only small increases in LH secretion from pituitaries alone relative to that produced by exogenous GnRH. Veratrine caused a calcium-dependent release of GnRH from the hypothalamu. When a pituitary and hypothalamus were coincubated veratrine produced increases in LH secretion that were much larger than its direct pituitary effects. Veratridine also produced large increases in the release of GnRH and LH from hypothalamic-pituitary coincubations. The direct effect of veratridine on pituitary LH release, however, was greater than that of veratrine. The results indicate that veratrine is capable of releasing hypothalamic GnRH with relatively small direct effects on pituitary LH secretion. Hypothalamic-pituitary coincubations coupled with veratrine depolarization may be quite useful for studying hypothalamic factors controlling pituitary hormone release.
Synthesis of mesocyclic and macrocyclic polythioethers using the cesium dithiolate technique

The mesocyclic trithioethers, 1,4,7-trithiacyclodecane, 1,4,7-trithiacycloundecane, 1,4,8-trithiacycloundecane, and 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecane; the mesocyclic trithioether ketones, 1,4,7-trithiacyclodecan-9-one; 1,4,8-trithiacycloundecan-6-one, and 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecan-3-one; and the mesocyclic trithioether alcohols, 1,4,7-trithiacyclodecan-9-ol, 1,4,8-trithiacycloundecan-6-ol, and 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecan-3-ol, have been synthesized using the cesium dithiolate technique. In some cases, the corresponding macrocyclic hexathioether was isolated from the reaction mixture in addition to the mesocyclic trithioether; 1,4,7,11,14,17-hexathiacycloeicosane, 1,4,7,11,14,17-hexathiacycloeicosan-9,19-dione, 1,4,7,12,15,18-hexathiacyclodocosane, and 1,5,9,13,17,21-hexathiacyclotetracosane. Single-crystal X-ray structures have been determined for 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecan-3-ol and 1,4,7,12,15,18-hexathiacyclodocosane. For 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecane-3-ol, the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, C2/c, with a = 10.5926(9) A, b = 15.582(2) A, c = 13.6015(8) A, β = 98.186(6)0, Z = 8, and R = 0.038. The macrocycle, 1,4,7,12,15,18-hexathiacyclodocosane, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbca, with a = 21.406(5) A, b = 9.810(2) A, c = 10.225(2) A, Z = 4, and R = 0.020.
Micro-mixing of highly viscous bio-samples observed with a miniature wireless video sensor

Micro-mixing of a highly viscous bio-sample with water using orbital shaking and micro-channels is considered. Existing methods mix bio-samples by only shaking micro-wells or by specially designed micro-stirrers which are ineffective or inapplicable for highly viscous materials. Our method mixes a viscous bio-samples with water in micro-wells using orbital shaking plus an innovative block which divides the micro-wells into two compartments and is built in with micro-channels. The mixing method with the block in the micro-well is efficient compared with mixing in the micro-well without the block. In this paper, the design of the block is presented, and the flow of the bio-samples in the micro-channel under orbital shaking is analyzed. Furthermore, a miniature wireless video sensor system is used to observe the mixing process which verifies the model of flow in the analysis. Finally, X-ray diffraction experiments on the mixing monoolein with water are presented, in which X-ray diffraction is used to evaluate the results of mixing which confirm that the proposed approach is effective.
Chemokines and chemokine receptors: Update on utility and challenges for the clinician

Chemokines, or chemotactic cytokines, represent alarge family of secreted proteins that have a wide range of function in normal physiology. Chemokine functions include direction of immune cell trafficking, angiogenesis, and wound healing, all critically important to patients being considered for surgery or anticancer therapy. In recent years, perturbations in expression of chemokines or their cognate receptors have been associated with several inflammatory disorders and both solid-tumor and hematologic malignancies. As such, chemokines and chemokine receptors have made attractive targets for biomarker identification and drug discovery. To move chemokine laboratory science to the bedside application for biomarker and drug discovery, we will need a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which chemokines are expressed and function. Specific areas that require further study include the structure-function relationship of chemokines and their receptors, differential signaling of ligands, concentration gradient-dependent signaling, and the genetic or epigenetic mechanisms that regulate chemokine ligand or receptor gene expression. Chemokines provide a powerful opportunity for translational investigation. Chemokines are secreted proteins that travel in the circulation, move through the parenchyma and extracellular matrix of tissues, and bind to and activate the extracellular domain of their cognate receptors present on individual cell types. Consequently, chemokines can serve both as potential biomarkers and as promising targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Similar to other cytokines, chemokines altered in expression during specific disease states can serve as useful diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. For example, chemokines such as CCL2, CCL5, and CCL20 are potential candidate biomarkers in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases of the skin and gut. Herein, we outline the numerous inflammatory diseases and cancers associated with aberrant chemokine expression and activity (Table). Our laboratory is currently investigating the role of several chemokines in pancreatic cancer biology, where inflammation is a key component of tumor initiation, growth, and possibly metastasis. We also discuss the existing opportunities for pharmaceutic targeting of aberrant chemokine activity to alleviate disease. In particular, the chemokine CXCL12 is a potential target for pharmaceutic intervention in several malignancies, including colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. Finally, we explore the emerging pharmaceutic strategies to target more specifically chemokine signaling, leading to a more favorable therapeutic profile. Table Changes in chemokine ligand and receptor expression in human disease
A new procedure for evaluating the time domain boundary influence matrix of unbounded media

Abstract The finite element method can only deal with finite domains with well defined boundaries. For dynamic problems involving unbounded media, the boundaries of the finite model distort the real physical behaviour of the problem if they remain untreated. For many problems it is possible to formulate so-called silent boundary conditions which perfectly simulate the effect of the truncated unbounded medium. Unfortunately, most of these conditions are properly formulated in the frequency domain. The present paper introduces a new procedure which employs these frequency-dependent boundary conditions to calculate the time domain influence matrix of the truncated unbounded medium. This matrix, which was introduced in a previous publication, is used to calculate the reflection-free response of the truncation boundary one time step ahead of the present time station. The known boundary response is then used as a prescribed condition for the finite model. A one-dimensional example with a frequency-dependent boundary condition is presented to examine the effectiveness of the new procedure. Two other silent boundary conditions formulated directly in the time domain are also examined.
A Note on the Fate of Postmodern Theory and its Failure to Meet the Basic Requirements for Success in Medical Sociology

The purpose of this paper is to examine why postmodern theory failed to gain a foothold in medical sociology and ultimately became little more than relic of a recent period in sociological thought. The significance of this outcome for medical sociology has not been examined. Yet, the fate of postmodern theory is instructive not only in relation to the theory's strengths and weaknesses but also in relation to what it tells us about the basic fundamentals that any theorizing in medical sociology must include.
Reliability and credibility of progress test criteria developed by alumni, faculty, and mixed alumni-faculty judge panels.

Objective. To compare the reliability and credibility of Angoff-based, absolute criteria derived by faculty, alumni, and a combination of alumni and faculty judge panels. Methods. Independently, faculty, alumni, and mixed faculty-alumni judge panels developed pass/fail criteria for an 86-item test. Generalizability and decision studies were performed. Root mean square errors (RMSE) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for reliability and credibility assessment. School graduate performance upon the North American Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) was the comparator for credibility assessment. Results. RMSEs were 1.06%, 1.42%, and 2.32% for the alumni, faculty, and mixed judge panels respectively. The school's NAPLEX pass rate was 97.5%. This rate triangulated well with the faculty judge panel (pass rate = 93.9%, CI95% = 87.1% - 98.2%), but did not with either mixed judge or alumni judge panels. Conclusions. Faculty-derived criteria offer superior pass/fail decision defensibility relative to both alumni derived and mixed faculty-alumni derived criteria.
Hidden MeV-scale dark matter in neutrino detectors

The possibility of direct detection of light fermionic dark matter in neutrino detectors is explored from a model-independent standpoint. We consider all operators of dimension six or lower which can contribute to the interaction $\overline{f}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}n$, where $f$ is a dark Majorana or Dirac fermion. Constraints on these operators are then obtained from the $f$ lifetime and its decays which produce visible $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays or electrons. We find one operator which would allow $\overline{f}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}n$ at interesting rates in neutrino detectors, as long as ${m}_{f}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}$. The existing constraints on light dark matter from relic density arguments, supernova cooling rates, and big-bang nucleosynthesis are then reviewed. We calculate the cross section for $\overline{f}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}n$ in neutrino detectors implied by this operator, and find that Super-Kamiokande can probe the new physics scale $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ for this interaction up to $\mathcal{O}(100\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV})$.
Redox regulation of NLRP3 inflammasomes: ROS as trigger or effector?

Abstract Significance: Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes localized within the cytoplasm of the cell that are responsible for the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, and the activation of a highly inflammatory form of cell death, pyroptosis. In response to infection or cellular stress, inflammasomes are assembled, activated, and involved in host defense and pathophysiology of diseases. Clarification of the molecular mechanisms leading to the activation of this intracellular inflammatory machinery may provide new insights into the concept of inflammation as the root of and route to human diseases. Recent Advances: The activation of inflammasomes, specifically the most fully characterized inflammasome—the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, is now emerging as a critical molecular mechanism for many degenerative diseases. Several models have been developed to describe how NLRP3 inflam...
Activity of cancer chemotherapeutic agents against human colorectal carcinomas grown as primary tissue culture.

Improved procedures are described for the seeding of primary cultures from human colon adenocarcinoma and for the use of these cultures in the evaluation of drug effects. Two of the specimens studied were xenografts maintained in athymic (nude) mice, while the other six were biopsies obtained directly from patients. Tumor cells obtained directly from the patients proliferated in defined hormone-supplemented medium to the exclusion of other cells.
Where does von Willebrand factor go

VWF is removed from the blood by macrophages rather than scavenger receptors, suggesting a possible strategy for improving treatment of VWD and hemophilia. In clinical hematology, von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a bit like the actor Jake Gyllenhaal: we care about him because of who clings to his arm
Inhibition of Tribolium gut chitin synthetase.

Abstract The chitin synthetase (CS) of Tribolium castaneum gut is inhibited 50% by 0.02 μ M nikkomycin and 4 μ M polyoxin D, two pyrimidine nucleoside fungicides, in in vitro assays with 10-min preincubation of enzyme and inhibitor prior to substrate addition. Tribolium CS is also sensitive to inhibition by the pyrimidine nucleotides uridine and cytidine di- and triphosphates. Captan, a known inhibitor of insect chitin synthesis, and the related fungicides captafol and dichlofluanid are highly potent inhibitors of Tribolium CS. Moderately active CS inhibitors are the acaricide oxythioquinox and the herbicide barban. One phenylcarbamate insect growth reatardant, H-24108, is weakly active in inhibiting Tribolium gut CS, as are three of its analogs but not 26 others. Many triazines are not inhibitory including several herbicides and an azido derivative, CGA 19255, which is active in blocking insect growth and chitin synthesis. Although the benzoylphenyl urea insecticides diflubenzuron and SIR 8514 are potent in vivo inhibitors of the polymerization step in insect chitin synthesis, they do not affect T. castaneum gut CS activity in vitro and greatly stimulate Tribolium brevicornis gut CS activity in vivo . These studies and preliminary findings on an integumental enzyme indicate that CS of these tissues is not sensitive to the direct action of benzoylphenyl ureas. This leads to speculation that the benzoylphenyl ureas act either as CS inhibitors via active metabolites formed in the integument or as blocking agents by direct binding to non-CS sites important in chitin polymerization and fibrillogenesis.
Optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) for next-generation WDM communications

This paper reviews some of the key enabling technologies for present and future optoelectronic integrated circuits. This review concentrates mainly on technology for lasers, waveguides, modulators, and fast photodetectors as the basis for next generation communication systems. Emphasis is placed on integration of components and mass production of a generic intelligent transceiver.
Reaction rate for isomerization in a molecular beam

Abstract It is shown that in an ideal gas (molecular beam), at temperature T , consisting of molecules that can isomerize and whose molecular dynamics can be non-ergodic, the observed decay rate of the concentration can be greater than that. k TST , predicted by transition state theory. The “observed” rate constant is then given by ( Q / Q ≠ (1) ) k TST where Q ≠ (1) is the contribution to the canonical partition function Q arising from only activated and irregular states. It is also shown that in the presence of strong collisions the long-time decay rate of the concentration provides no information about the intramolecular rate process, but at low collision rates it is sensitive to the non-ergodic dynamics.
Calibration of gel permeation chromatography columns using polydisperse polymer standards

Two methods of calibrating gel permeation chromatography columns are given. The first method uses polymer standards that may have broad molecular weight distributions. Either the weight-, number-, or viscosity-average molecular weight of each standard must be known. This method neglects column peak spreading. The second method requires polymer standards of moderately narrow molecular weight distributions for which both the weight- and number-average molecular weights are known. However, the second method determines both the column peak spreading and calibration of the column. The second method is applied to calibration of a column using polystyrene standards. The column peak spreading is found to be small and independent of molecular weight for this column.
The challenge of feeding the people: Chile under Allende and Tanzania under Nyerere

Abstract The commitment to the premise “food as a right” is the result of a political decision. This attitude was present in Chile from 1970–1973 and in Tanzania after independence. Real commitment explains why these governments often overlooked Western criteria of decision making when social advantages were seen in investing in human capital as a strategy for development. Economic development is understood by committed governments as being different from economic growth, and an increase in the GNP (with its unequal distribution) is not necessarily their ultimate goal. The attitudes of both governments are explored here comparatively in terms of policy options and program implementation. The analysis focuses on the relevant policies implemented and problems encountered in both countries, in order to suggest the extent to which the theoretical tentative solutions, described in the literature as desirable, may have been achieved.
The production and annealing of point defects in β-CuZn☆

Abstract Ordered β-brass was irradiated with 1.5 MeV electrons at 20°K and then annealed. Three prominent decay stages occur at 40, 65 and 90°K with respective energies of about 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1 eV. These stages are similar to those which occur in pure metals and are therefore believed to arise from correlated interstitial—vacancy recombination. A stage occurs in the range of 100–150°K which is believed to arise from either uncorrelated interstitial migration or from the release of trapped interstitials. A long decay stage begins at 150°K and continues until it joins the thermal equilibrium curve above room temperature. It has a varying activation energy with about 0.4 eV at 200°K. The annealing goes well below the pre-irradiated value at 180°K and a similar effect is observed after irradiation at 78°K. This enhanced ordering is assigned to the vacancy. After quenching an unirradiated sample to − 14°C, transferring quickly to liquid nitrogen and then annealing, two stages are seen; one from −50 to about 0°C with an activation energy of 0.45 ± 0.05 eV and one in the range of 10–120°C with an activation energy ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 eV, the location of the latter stage depending upon the quench temperature. The lower temperature stage is assigned to the vacancy and the upper stage to vacancies trapped at antiphase domain boundaries. On the basis of these assignments it is understandable that the high vacancy mobility inhibits the retention of quenched-in disorder in this system.
Innovative Web-lecturing technology: towards open learning environments

The InterLabs state-of-the-art Web-lecturing tool for online education has been designed, developed, and tested at the InterLabs Research Institute at Bradley University, Peoria, IL, as a part of the National Science Foundation's CCLI-EMD grant # 0196015. It is based on active utilization of innovative software engineering, streaming multimedia, communication, teaching, and learning and information technologies. Student formative and summative evaluations and academic performance clearly demonstrated the advantages of the innovative online courseware based on Web-lecturing technology. This technology along with reusable learning objects (including SCORM, IEEE LTSC, IMS and Dublin Core standards for learning objects), multiagent technology, intelligent tutoring systems, new developments in instructional design, XML, PHP and other programming languages lead towards a new generation of virtual learning environments - open, learner-centered, knowledge-driven, intelligent, agent-based, collaborative, interactive open learning environments (OLE).
BRG1 directly regulates nucleosome structure and chromatin looping of the α globin locus to activate transcription

Alpha globin expression must be regulated properly to prevent the occurrence of alpha-thalassemias, yet many questions remain unanswered regarding the mechanism of transcriptional activation. Identifying factors that regulate chromatin structure of the endogenous alpha globin locus in developing erythroblasts will provide important mechanistic insight. Here, we demonstrate that the BRG1 catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF-related complexes co-immunoprecipitates with GATA-1 and EKLF in murine fetal liver cells in vivo and is recruited to the far-upstream major-regulatory element (MRE) and alpha2 promoter. Furthermore, based on our analysis of Brg1(null/ENU1) mutant mice, BRG1 regulates DNase I sensitivity, H3ac, and H3K4me2 but not CpG methylation at both sites. Most importantly, BRG1 is required for chromatin loop formation between the MRE and alpha2 promoter and for maximal RNA Polymerase II occupancy at the alpha2 promoter. Consequently, Brg1 mutants express alpha globin mRNA at only 5-10% of wild-type levels and die at mid-gestation. These data identify BRG1 as a chromatin-modifying factor required for nucleosome remodeling and transcriptional activation of the alpha globin locus. These data also demonstrate that chromatin looping between the MRE and alpha2 promoter is required as part of the transcriptional activation mechanism.
Mutations that define the optimal half-site for binding yeast GCN4 activator protein and identify an ATF/CREB-like repressor that recognizes similar DNA sites.

Abstract The yeast GCN4 transcriptional activator protein binds as a dimer to a dyad-symmetric sequence, indicative of a protein-DNA complex in which two protein monomers interact with adjacent half-sites. However, the optimal GCN4 recognition site, ATGA(C/G)TCAT, is inherently asymmetric because it contains an odd number of base pairs and because mutation of the central C.G base pair strongly reduces specific DNA binding. From this asymmetry, we suggested previously that GCN4 interacts with nonequivalent and possibly overlapping half-sites (ATGAC and ATGAG) that have different affinities. Here, we examine the nature of GCN4 half-sites by creating symmetrical derivatives of the optimal GCN4 binding sequence that delete or insert a single base pair at the center of the site. In vitro, GCN4 bound efficiently to the sequence ATGACGTCAT, whereas it failed to bind to ATGAGCTCAT or ATGATCAT. These observations strongly suggest that (i) GCN4 specifically recognizes the central base pair, (ii) the optimal half-site for GCN4 binding is ATGAC, not ATGAG, and (iii) GCN4 is a surprisingly flexible protein that can accommodate the insertion of a single base pair in the center of its compact binding site. The ATGACGTCAT sequence strongly resembles sites bound by the yeast and mammalian ATF/CREB family of proteins, suggesting that GCN4 and the ATF/CREB proteins recognize similar half-sites but have different spacing requirements. Unexpectedly, in the context of the his3 promoter, the ATGACGTCAT derivative reduced transcription below the basal level in a GCN4-independent manner, presumably reflecting DNA binding by a distinct ATF/CREB-like repressor protein. In other promoter contexts, however, the same site acted as a weak upstream activating sequence.
Disclosing individual genetic results to research participants.

Investigators and institutional review boards should integrate plans about the appropriate disclosure of individual genetic results when designing research studies. The ethical principles of beneficence, respect, reciprocity, and justice provide justification for routinely offering certain results to research participants. We propose a result-evaluation approach that assesses the expected information and the context of the study in order to decide whether results should be offered. According to this approach, the analytic validity and the clinical utility of a specific result determine whether it should be offered routinely. Different results may therefore require different decisions even within the same study. We argue that the threshold of clinical utility for disclosing a result in a research study should be lower than the threshold used for clinical use of the same result. The personal meaning of a result provides additional criteria for evaluation. Finally, the context of the study allows for a more ...
Late recognition of pregnancy as a predictor of adverse birth outcomes

Objective We examined the relationship between the time of recognition of pregnancy and birth outcomes, such as premature births, low birthweight (LBW), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and infant mortality. Study Design A secondary analysis was performed using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRAMS) multistate data from 2000-2004. The sample consisted of 136,373 women who had a live childbirth. Analysis involved multiple logistic regression models, appropriately weighted for point and variance estimation to reflect the complex survey design of the PRAMS using STATA 9.2 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX). Results Approximately 27.6% recognized their pregnancy late (after 6 weeks of gestation). Late recognition was significantly associated with an increased odds of having premature births (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.19), LBW (OR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.01-1.15), and NICU admissions (OR, 1.12; 99% CI, 1.03-1.21). Conclusion These results provide a rationale and an impetus for developing interventions that promote early recognition of pregnancy.
CULTURAL STUDIES, VICTORIAN STUDIES, AND FORMALISM

Victorian studies, in its longstanding resistance to the formalist study of Victorian literature, has to an extent been re-enacting the anxiety of mid-Victorian poets and novelists about being entrapped in a world of art. That anxiety notoriously defined the Victorian resistance to their Romantic forebears (think of Tennyson's and Arnold's well-documented, ambiguous attitudes toward Wordsworth and Keats or even Dickens's satire of Leigh Hunt as Skimpole in Bleak House). And, predictably enough, it led to the backlash of the late-century aestheticism. If one positions the anti-formalism of the vari
Altitude and solar activity dependence of 1967–2005 thermospheric density trends derived from orbital drag

We examine 1967–2005 thermospheric mass density trends (as well as 1967–2013 trends) derived from satellite orbit data, as a function of altitude, solar flux, and geomagnetic activity. At 400 km altitude, the estimated 1967–2005 trend is −2.0 ± 0.5% per decade. The estimated trends become increasingly negative with increasing height between 250 and 575 km, suggesting an exospheric temperature trend of −1 to −2 K per decade, which is much smaller than temperature trends that have been inferred from ground-based incoherent scatter radar measurements. The orbit-derived trend height profiles are in good agreement with model simulations of the enhanced cooling that results from increasing concentration of CO2 in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. In contrast to earlier results, the solar flux dependence of the estimated trends is weak, relative to the trend uncertainty. There is some indication that the trends may be stronger during very low geomagnetic activity conditions. Estimation of the solar flux and geomagnetic activity dependence of the trends is complicated by monotonic decreases in these drivers over the past four solar minima together with the CO2 increase, all of which drive interminima decreases in density.