cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflamed fibronectin: an altered fibronectin enhances neutrophil adhesion

Recent investigations have emphasized the role of activated granulocytes in mediating vascular endothelial injury in the pathogenesis of shock lung. In vitro studies have indicated that tight adherence of the neutrophil to the endothelium is crucial for the development of cellular injury. Fibronectin is critical to cell-to-substratum and cell-to-cell interactions. Since fibronectin resides in plasma, on endothelial cell surfaces and is secreted into cell matrices, the adhesive properties of fibronectin must be modulated, lest universal cell agglomeration occur, yet be enhanced when cell attachment is appropriate. In these studies, treatment of fibronectin-coated surfaces with neutrophil release products increased the adhesion of activated neutrophils. Similarly, endothelial cells treated with neutrophil release products become a more adherent substrate for neutrophils. This enhanced adherence generated by treatment of fibronectin with neutrophil supernatants is inhibitable by heat and the lysosomal proteinase inhibitor, pepstatin-A. Neutrophil release products cause proteolytic fragmentation of fibronectin and enhanced fibronectin immunofluorescence on endothelial cells. In addition, neutrophils are more injurious to endothelial cells that have been pretreated with neutrophil release products. Neutrophils may enhance their own adherence to endothelial cells by altering fibronectin, and this altered, or "inflamed," fibronectin may serve as an amplifier of inflammation.
Call to integrate supportive care and patient reported outcomes in early phase clinical trials: An exploration of adolescent and young adult (AYA) participation on phase I trials of novel anticancer agents.

149Background: Adolescent and young adults (AYA) aged 15-39 years with cancer represent a patient population with very unique needs extending into the psychosocial realm. Consequently AYA participa...
U.S. Empire and the “Adaptive Education” Model: The Global Production of Race:

Following World War I, the U.S. Department of Labor worked with a large-scale commercial philanthropic endeavor called the Phelps Stokes Fund to transfer educational policies designed for African A...
Discussion of “Investor Sophistication and the Mispricing of Accruals”

Collins et al. (2003, this issue) empirically investigate the relation between accruals mispricing and institutional ownership (IO), a proxy for investor sophistication. Their results show that accruals mispricing and IO are negatively correlated; less IO, more accruals mispricing. The authors attribute this differential in accruals mispricing to institutions' superior ability to price accruals either due to superior analytical ability or due to greater access to private information. While the research question is intriguing, a number of methodological limitations may limit the reliability and generality of the findings. In this paper, I discuss these limitations and offer ways of overcoming them, as well as identify a future research avenue in the area of mispricing.
On the Dimensions of Data Complexity through Synthetic Data Sets

This paper deals with the characterization of data complexity and the relationship with the classification accuracy. We study three dimensions of data complexity: the length of the class boundary, the number of features, and the number of instances of the data set. We find that the length of the class boundary is the most relevant dimension of complexity, since it can be used as an estimate of the maximum achievable accuracy rate of a classifier. The number of attributes and the number of instances do not affect classifier accuracy by themselves, if the boundary length is kept constant. The study emphasizes the use of measures revealing the intrinsic structure of data and recommends their use to extract conclusions on classifier behavior and their relative performance in multiple comparison experiments.
Efficient Distributed Topic Modeling with Provable Guarantees

Topic modeling for large-scale distributed web-collections requires distributed techniques that account for both computational and communication costs. We consider topic modeling under the separability assumption and develop novel computationally efficient methods that provably achieve the statistical performance of the state-of-the-art centralized approaches while requiring insignificant communication between the distributed document collections. We achieve tradeoffs between communication and computation without actually transmitting the documents. Our scheme is based on exploiting the geometry of normalized word-word cooccurrence matrix and viewing each row of this matrix as a vector in a high-dimensional space. We relate the solid angle subtended by extreme points of the convex hull of these vectors to topic identities and construct distributed schemes to identify topics.
Pre-Hospital Fluid Resuscitation in Civilian and Military Populations

Blood substitutes such as hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC) have tremendous potential to improve pre hospital fluid resuscitation in both civilian and military populations. This chapter reviews goals and current recommendations of pre hospital resuscitation, the historical development of HBOC and initial clinical trials, and future developments that may improve pre hospital resuscitation.
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a review

On January 29, 1881, in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Theodor Billroth performed the first successful operation for gastric cancer. Two previous attempts by other surgeons had resulted in early postoperative deaths; Dr. Billroth's patient survived the surgery but died a few months later from metastatic disease (1). Today surgeons are still challenged by similar obstacles in gastric cancer, notably the dismal result of incomplete resection.
Mean Value Form Enclosures for Nonlinear Reachability Analysis

This paper presents a new method for computing time-varying enclosures of the reachable sets of nonlinear systems subject to bounded uncertainties, which has applications in set-based state estimation, fault detection, robust control, etc. Interval reachability methods based on differential inequalities (DI) are desirable in these applications due to their high efficiency, but they often produce extremely conservative bounds. Here, we extend the DI approach to compute tighter enclosures using the so-called mean value form, which is widely used to mitigate the conservatism of interval methods in non-dynamic settings. This method is shown to be much more accurate than interval DI and more efficient than a related approach using Taylor models for a challenging case study.
A Generative Adversarial Neural Network for Beamforming Ultrasound Images Invited Presentation

Plane wave ultrasound imaging is an ideal approach to achieve maximum real-time frame rates. However, multiple plane wave insonifications at different angles are often combined to improve image quality, reducing the throughput of the system. We are exploring deep learning-based ultrasound image formation methods as an alternative to this beamforming process by extracting critical information directly from raw radio-frequency channel data from a single plane wave insonification prior to the application of receive time delays. In this paper, we investigate a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) architecture for the proposed task. This network was trained with over 50,000 FieldII simulations, each containing a single cyst in tissue insonified by a single plane wave. The GAN is trained to produce two outputs – a Deep Neural Network (DNN) B-mode image trained to match a Delay-and-Sum (DAS) beamformed B-mode image and a DNN segmentation trained to match the true segmentation of the cyst from surrounding tissue. We systematically investigate the benefits of feature sharing and discriminative loss during GAN training. Our overall best performing network architecture (with feature sharing and discriminative loss) obtained a PSNR score of 29.38 dB with the simulated test set and 14.86 dB with a tissue-mimicking phantom. The DSC scores were 0.908 and 0.79 for the simulated and phantom data, respectively. The successful translation of the feature representations learned by the GAN to phantom data demonstrates the promise that deep learning holds as an alternative to the traditional ultrasound information extraction pipeline.
Parental Self-Control as a Moderator of the Association Between Family Conflict and Type 1 Diabetes Management.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether parental self-control (i.e., parents' ability to regulate their emotions, cognitions, and behaviors) moderates the detrimental association between type 1 diabetes (T1D)-specific family conflict and adherence and HbA1c, such that conflict is most detrimental when parental self-control is low. METHODS One hundred and forty-nine adolescents diagnosed with T1D (Mage = 14.09; 53% female) reported on their T1D-specific conflict with their mothers and fathers and their adherence to the T1D regimen at two time points (6 months apart). Mothers and fathers reported on their self-control. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was obtained from the medical record at both time points. RESULTS Higher adolescent-reported conflict with father was associated concurrently with higher HbA1c and lower adherence only for fathers with low self-control (ps < .05). Higher adolescent-reported conflict with mother was also associated concurrently with lower adherence only for mothers with lower self-control (p < .05); no significant moderation was found for mothers' self-control in predicting HbA1c. Longitudinal analyses indicated family conflict with mother predicted changes in adherence and HbA1c, but there were no significant moderating effects of either mother or father self-control. CONCLUSIONS Lower parental self-control may prevent parents from handling diabetes-related family conflict in a productive manner. We discuss the implications of parental self-control as an intervention target for health care professionals working with adolescents with T1D and their families.
How to Break the Limits of Secrecy Constraints in Communication Networks

In many communication networks, secrecy constraints usually incur an extra limit in capacity (or generalized degrees-of-freedom, GDoF), in the sense that a penalty in capacity (or GDoF) is incurred due to the secrecy constraints. Over the past decades a significant amount of effort has been made by the researchers to understand the limits of secrecy constraints in communication networks. In this work, we focus on how to break the limits of secrecy constraints in communication networks, i.e., how to remove the penalty in GDoF due to the secrecy constraints. We begin with three basic settings: a two-user symmetric Gaussian interference channel with confidential messages, a symmetric Gaussian wiretap channel with a helper, and a two-user symmetric Gaussian multiple access wiretap channel. Interestingly, in this work we show that adding common randomness at the transmitters can totally remove the penalty in sum GDoF or GDoF region of the three settings considered here. The results reveal that adding common randomness at the transmitters is a powerful way to break the limits of secrecy constraints in communication networks. Common randomness can be generated offline. The role of the common randomness is to jam the information signal at the eavesdroppers, without causing too much interference at the legitimate receivers. To accomplish this role, a new method of Markov chain-based interference neutralization is proposed in the achievability schemes utilizing common randomness. From the practical point of view, we hope to use less common randomness to break the limits of secrecy constraints. With this motivation, for most of the cases we characterize the minimal GDoF of common randomness to break the limits of secrecy constraints, based on our derived converses.
Dynamics of host glutathione and glutathione related enzymes in Macrophomina phaseolina-sorghum bicolor interaction

Glutathione and its related enzymes play an integral role in cellular detoxification processes and redox buffering. A genome wide transcriptome profiling was conducted through RNA sequencing to investigate the dynamics of glutathione and related enzymes in sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench in response to Macrophomina phaseolina (MP) infection. Compared to mock inoculated control treatment, MP significantly upregulated the glutathione synthetase, glutamate cysteine ligase (involved in glutathione biosynthesis), glutathione s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) genes in a charcoal rot susceptible sorghum genotype (Tx7000), but not in a resistant genotype (SC599) at 7 days post- inoculation. The net log2 fold up-regulation of the aforesaid genes in MP-inoculated Tx7000 was 1.9, 0.9, 120.0, 9.0, and 4.5, respectively. To confirm the gene expression data, cell extracts were acquired from MP- and mock-inoculated resistant (SC599, SC35) and susceptible (Tx7000, BTx3042) sorghum genotypes and their reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GST, GPX, and GR activities were measured using standard protocols. A significantly reduced GSH/GSSG ratio was observed in Tx7000 and BTx3042 indicating the strong oxidative stress experienced by charcoal rot susceptible genotypes under MP infection. MP significantly increased the GST, GPX, and GR activities of Tx7000 and BTx3042. Although augmented GR activity contributes to cellular GSH restoration, the enhanced GST activity leads to diminishing GSH pools through vacuolar sequestration of GSH-S-conjugates. This eases the oxidative stress confronted by susceptible genotypes under MP infection and in turn contributes to reduced charcoal rot susceptibility. The importance of GSH in controlling the MP infection associated oxidative stress was further supported by the significantly reduced disease severity observed in Tx7000 and BTx3042 upon exogenous GSH application.
Halperin’s Heraclean Feat: Navigating the ‘Reliable Sources’ Challenge en route to Crafting a Book ‘for all Seasons’ and Modifying the ‘Renaissance Prince’ Paradigm

Halperin’s extensively researched, methodically logical and thought out, and clearly written, if perforce selective study of Ivan iv and his reign scrupulously devotes attention to the reliability of the available sources. The author’s leitmotif here is that diplomatic papers and chronicles, as well as polemical literature, a la the disputed Ivan iv-Kurbskii epistolary exchange, as well as the History attributed to the latter and also foreigners’ reports, can simultaneously be authentic, authorial works and factually unreliable. Halperin flags in such sources numerous statements which stand either uncorroborated by other sources, some surely not credible, such as the young Ivan as a “monster in training,” or contradicted by them, for example, that oprichnina members were totally separated from the rest of Russian society. Halperin also modifies Michael Cherniavsky’s “Renaissance Prince” paradigm for Ivan iv with an emphasis on the explosive social tensions seen for this era and the dynamics of the domestic terror which the tsar unleashed, as well as his personal religious sensitivities and political ideology. Herein Halperin perceptively grasps the anomaly of Ivan’s repudiating the lasting, state-strengthening reforms of the 1550s. This reviewer takes partial responsibility for where Halperin was misled by the ‘Kurbskii’ History regarding Trans-Volgan hermitages.
Does Disgust Increase Unethical Behavior? A Replication of Winterich, Mittal, and Morales (2014):

We consider the relationship between disgust and ethical behavior. Winterich, Mittal, and Morales report several experiments finding that disgust increases unethical behavior. We replicated three o...
Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: A New Hope for Patients With Severe Emphysema and Air Trapping

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common and has significant morbidity and mortality as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In many patients, particularly those with emphysema, COPD is characterized by markedly increased residual volume contributing to exertional dyspnea. Current therapies have limited efficacy. Surgical resection of diseased areas of the lung to reduce residual volume was effective in identified subgroups but also had significant mortality in and suboptimal cost effectiveness. Lung-volume reduction, using bronchoscopic techniques, has shown substantial benefits in a broader patient population with less morbidity and mortality. This review is meant to spread the awareness about bronchoscopic lung-volume reduction and to promote its consideration and early referral for patients with advanced COPD and emphysema frequently encountered by both primary care physicians and specialists. A search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE), EMbase, and Cochrane library for original studies, using the following keywords: "lung-volume reduction." "endobronchial valves," "intrabronchial valves," "bronchoscopic lung-volume reduction," and "endoscopic lung-volume reduction." We included reports from systematic reviews, narrative reviews, clinical trials, and observational studies. Two reviewers evaluated potential references. A total of 27 references were included in our review. Included studies report experience in the diagnosis and bronchoscopic treatment for emphysema; case reports and non-English or non-Spanish studies were excluded.
Using Urine Drug Testing to Estimate the Prevalence of Drug Use: Lessons Learned From the New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2014

ObjectivesEstimating the prevalence of drug use in the general population is important given its potential health consequences but is challenging. Self-reported surveys on drug use have inherent li...
Sensitization of Nanoporous Ti02 Films by Semiconductor Nanoparticles

A Summary Report to The Electrochemical Society for the 1997 Department of Energy Summer Research Fellowship.
Associations between cerebral magnetic resonance imaging infarct volume and acute ischemic stroke etiology.

Background Identifying ischemic stroke etiology is necessary for proper treatment and secondary prevention. We sought to define associations between infarct volume and stroke subtypes. Materials and methods Inclusion criteria necessitated a Johns Hopkins Hospital inpatient admission (2017-2019) for ischemic stroke with confirmatory brain magnetic resonance imaging. Infarct volume was calculated using MRIcron© by a masked reviewer. Ischemic strokes were adjudicated using TOAST classification. Multivariable/multinomial logistic regression determined associations between infarct volume and stroke subtypes with interaction terms for infarct number and location. Stepwise adjustment accounted for potential confounders. Results Patients (N = 150) were on average 61 years old, male (58%), and black (57%). Each 5mL increase in infarct volume was associated with cardioembolic (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.01-1.14) and large-artery occlusions (OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02-1.18), but lower odds of lacunar stroke (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.06-0.55). There was no difference in risk of cardioembolic (base) and large-artery atherosclerotic strokes with increasing infarct volume (RRR 1.01, 95%CI 0.94-1.09), but risk of lacunar stroke was decreased (RRR 0.17, 95%CI 0.06-0.53). Infarct number (single vs multiple) modified the association between volume and subtype for large-artery occlusions (p-interaction 0.09). Conclusions In this study, larger volume infarcts were significantly associated with both cardioembolic and large-artery atherosclerotic strokes (no difference in the degree of association) and decreased odds of lacunar stroke. A single, large-volume stroke was associated with large-artery atherosclerosis, while multiple infarcts were associated with cardioembolism. Given the differential associations between volume, number of lesions, and stroke etiology, defining stroke subtypes in light of infarct volume might aid in clinical practice.
Adherence to Endocrine Therapy and Racial Outcome Disparities in Breast Cancer

The disparity in outcomes of breast cancer for Black compared with White women in the U.S. is well known and persistent over time, with the largest disparities appearing among women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) cancers. The racial gap in breast cancer survival first emerged in the 1980s, a time of significantmen treatment advances in early-stage breast cancer, including the introduction of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Since that time, the gap has continued to widen despite steady advances in treatment and survival of breast cancer overall. Although advanced stage at presentation and unfavorable biology undoubtedly contribute to racial differences in survival of HR+ breast, treatment disparities are increasingly acknowledged to play a key role as well. The recent recognition of racial differences in endocrine therapy use may be a key explanatory factor in the persistent racial gap in mortality of HR+ disease, and may be a key focus of intervention to improve breast cancer outcomes for Black women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Black women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer experience the greatest racial disparity in survival among all breast cancer subtypes. This survival gap appears consistently across studies and is not entirely explained by differences in presenting stage, tumor biology as assessed by genomic risk scores, or receipt of chemotherapy. Recent research highlights lower adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) for Black women. Health systems and individual providers should focus on improving communication about the importance of ET use, sharing decisions around ET, providing appropriate support for side effects and other ET-related concerns, and equitably delivering survivorship care, including ET adherence assessment.
A Scoping Review of Ongoing Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Clinical Trials in Otolaryngology.

Objective Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a rapidly developing intraoperative technology, and many contrast agents are currently under investigation. We sought to provide a review of the current state of FGS clinical trials in Otolaryngology, emphasizing its oncologic applications. Methods According to the preferred reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) workflow for scoping reviews, a clinical trial search was performed across multiple international clinical trials registries, searching for permutations of "fluorescence," "tumor," "surgery," and "nerve" to identify all relevant studies. Studies that were active, enrolling, or soon to be enrolling patients undergoing head and neck surgery were included. Results Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Seventeen studies are focused on FGS for oncologic resection and lymph node detection. One study assesses peripheral nerve fluorescence, and one evaluates normal parathyroid function after thyroidectomy. Contrast agents under development are conjugated to fluorophores that excite in the 800 nm (indocyanine green), 410 nm (5-aminolevulinic acid), 700 nm (Cyanine 5.5), and 525 nm ranges (fluorescein derivatives). Conclusion Presently, there are 19 ongoing trials investigating novel FGS contrast agents for their safety, efficacy, and utility in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. These agents rely on unique fluorophores and absorption ranges in the near-infrared and visible light spectra. FGS studies are expanding within Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with profound implications in oncologic surgery, lymph node detection, and anatomic and functional assessment. Laryngoscope, 2021.
Acquired Immunity against Fungi

This chapter focuses primarily on four fungi, Candida albicans, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum, but also considers examples from other fungal pathogens. The primary goal in this chapter is to focus on the general principles involved in the acquired immune response to fungi. Major human fungal pathogens and medical conditions predisposing to invasive disease have been discussed in the chapter. For many bacterial and viral pathogens the importance of acquired immunity is evident from the observation that recovery from symptomatic infection results in long-lasting immunity. Nevertheless, for several fungal pathogens, serological skin reactivity surveys indicate that infections are common but clinical disease is rare, consistent with the development of acquired immunity. Hence, the experience with experimental vaccines against fungi indicates that acquired immunity can be protective against fungi and that both arms of the immune system can be effective depending on the antigen used and the fungal pathogen in question. For many fungal pathogens, the effective tissue response to invasion is granulomatous inflammation. Given that an extensive body of evidence indicates an important role for acquired immunity in host defense against fungal pathogens, it is nevertheless important to consider certain caveats with regard to the studies performed in this field.
Structured Operational Semantics for Concurrency and Hierarchy

This paper presents a language, CHA, and semantics for studying Statechartslike drawings. CHA is a process algebra. CHA terms are interpreted as programs that extend Mealy- style finite automata with concurrent execution and hierarchical structure. Transitions in CHA can cross hierarchy boundaries, and it is this fact that makes giving a semantics to CHA (and to Statecharts) an interesting problem. In the terminology of [Mil89] all of the function symbols in CHA except the constants are static combinators.
The Efficiency Costs of Local Property Tax

Section II briefly reviews the literature on the efficiency effects of the property tax. Section III presents the details of our model of local use of the property tax. Simulation results for the efficiency costs of local property taxation are presented in section IV for a variety of model scenarios. These results are then compared to existing estimates of the efficiency cost of various tax alternatives in Section V. Section VI summarizes the results and suggests some directions for future research.
[32] Ultrastructural localization and relative quantification of 4-hydroxynonenal-modified proteins in tissues and cell compartments

Publisher Summary The chapter presents methods to localize 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE)-modified proteins in vivo . Methods for relative quantification of 4HNE-modified proteins in tissues and subcellular compartments are also discussed. These latter analytical methods allow one to compare levels of 4HNE-modified proteins between an experimental and a control group, but do not allow determination of absolute concentrations of 4HNE-modified proteins. Degradation rates of oxidatively damaged proteins may vary among cell types. The cell turnover rate is unique for each cell type. Positive controls should be used in any morphologic analysis. 4HNE is found in large quantities in organs with large amounts of lipofuscin, including seminal vesicle and prostate. Quantitative image analysis indicated an increase in oxidative damage following TPA treatment in nuclei and mitochondria but not in the cytoplasm. The results illustrate the importance of immunomorphologic techniques in quantifying oxidative damage to allow study of important biological problems.
New Techniques for Data Reduction in a Database System for Knowledge Discovery Applications

Databases store large amounts of information about consumer transactions and other kinds of transactions. This information can be used to deduce rules about consumer behavior, and the rules can in turn be used to determine company policies, for instance with regards to production, marketing and in several other areas. Since databases typically store millions of records, and each record could have up to 100 or more attributes, as an initial step it is necessary to reduce the size of the database by eliminating attributes that do not influence the decision at all or do so very minimally. In this paper we present techniques that can be employed effectively for exact and approximate reduction in a database system. These techniques can be implemented efficiently in a database system using SQL (structured query language) commands. We tested their performance on a real data set and validated them. The results showed that the classification performance actually improved with a reduced set of attributes as compared to the case when all the attributes were present. We also discuss how our techniques differ from statistical methods and other data reduction methods such as rough sets.
Targeted Mutagenesis of ς54 Activator Proteins in Myxococcus xanthus

Myxococcus xanthus DNA segments related to the highly conserved central sequence of ς 54 activator proteins have been investigated. A genetic technique designed to inactivate a gene that encodes such an activator by inserting a plasmid-borne internal fragment of the putative gene has been tested. When the internal fragment inserted by homologous recombination into the corresponding chromosomal locus, the expected duplication of the gene was observed by Southern hybridization. The single restriction fragment characteristic of each segment was replaced in the insertion strains by two hybridizing fragments, and one of these fragments hybridized with the kanamycin resistance gene of the plasmid vector. The combined molecular weights of the two fragments from the insertion strains were equal to the molecular weight of the original fragment plus the expected molecular weight contributed by the vector. In the duplication, one copy is expected to have an N-terminal deletion and the other copy is expected to have a C-terminal deletion. In most cases, the net result should be loss of activator function. If an activator is essential for vegetative growth, then it should not be possible to obtain the insertion strain by plasmid integration. Indeed, integrants for three of the segments were not obtained in repeated trials; however, a plausible explanation for these results other than lethality can be offered. Of the seven insertions validated by Southern hybridization, four strains exhibited defects in the development of fruiting bodies. One of these failed to develop in submerged culture, though it developed normally on agar. The other three showed arrested development of fruiting bodies, each at a morphologically different stage of aggregation. One of the mutants may be defective in the reception pathway of A-signal.
The microbiology of mutability

Bacteria possessing elevated spontaneous mutation rates are prevalent in certain environments, which is a paradox because most mutations are deleterious. For example, cells with defects in the methyl-directed mismatch repair (MMR) system, termed mutators or hypermutators, are overrepresented in populations of bacterial pathogens, with the mutator trait hypothesized to be advantageous in the changing host enviroments faced during colonization and establishment of chronic infections. Error-prone DNA polymerases, such as polIV and polV, function in translesion DNA synthesis, a DNA damage response that ensures genome integrity with a cost of increased mutation. While the biochemical aspects of these mutability pathways are well understood, the biological impacts have received less attention. Here, an examination of bacterial mutability systems and specifically the ecological and evolutionary context resulting in the selection of these systems is carried out.
Phase Transformation and Phonon Anomalies in Ni2MnGa

Inelastic neutron scattering experiments and transmission electron microscopy have been used to study a single crystal of the Ni 2 MnGa shape memory Heusler alloy in a wide temperature range covering the parent phase (T>T 1 =265 K), a recently discovered premartensitic (T l >T>T M ) and martensitic (T<T M =220 K) phase regions. A temperature dependent anomaly in the TA 2 phonon dispersion in the parent phase was observed and related to the phase transformations. The martensitic phase involves a transverse modulation of the parent cubic structure with a simple periodicity of 1/3 [1 1 0]. The approximately tetragonal lattice of the low-temperature martensite is distorted by transverse modulations with incommensurate wave vectors [ζM ζM 0] and [2ζM 2ζM 0], ζM 0.43. The observed phenomena are attributed to electron-phonon interactions and anharmonic effects.
Predictions of recall and study strategy decisions after diffuse brain injury.

Objective: To investigate relationships between self-monitoring operationalized by predicting recall and study strategy decisions made by adults with diffuse, acquired brain injury (ABI) and adults without ABI. Research design and methods: Eighteen adults with ABI and 16 without ABI studied two lists of unrelated noun-pairs, made item-by-item immediate and delayed recall predictions and selected items (after predictions) to restudy again. The computer selected items for restudy based on the lowest prediction rating (i.e. unlikely to recall). A mixed list design was used to balance item selection (self or computer, within-lists) by type of prediction (immediate or delayed, between-lists). Recall was tested prior to and after restudying. Hypotheses: Delayed recall predictions would be more accurate than immediate recall predictions; participants would select items for restudy that corresponded with ‘lower’ delayed predictions (i.e. less likely to recall) and ‘higher’ immediate predictions (i.e. more likely ...
The asymmetric synthesis of 1-alkyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-benzazepines and benzo[β]-1-azabicyclo[5,3,1]decanes

Abstract The metalation-alkylation of benzazepine formamidines gives high yields and good diastereoselectivity of 1-substituted derivatives. Removal of the chiral auxiliary leads to the title compounds in 84–96% ee and represents the first chiral benzazepines prepared via asymmetric synthesis.
Oxidation of Fe-7Cr-12Ni-(0-6)Al-(0-7)Si alloys

A series of Fe-7Cr-12Ni-(0-6)Al-(0-7)Si alloys was oxidized at test temperatures between 800° and 1000 °C. The master alloy, Fe-7Cr-12Ni, had no oxidation resistance at temperatures above 800 °C. Aluminum additions to the master alloy produced a protective A12O3 layer over the substrate metal which prevented rapid oxidation and allowed time for a Cr2O3 layer to develop underneath. Silicon addition to the master alloy produced an SiO2 oxide sublayer at the metal-oxide interface which, when formed, provided an effective barrier to oxidation. A combination of 1.5-pct-Al and 2.0-pct-Si additions provided the best oxidation protection.
Mutation Profiling in Cholangiocarcinoma: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is clinically heterogeneous; intra and extrahepatic CCA have diverse clinical presentations. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology may identify the genetic differences between these entities and identify molecular subgroups for targeted therapeutics. Methods: We describe successful NGS-based testing of 75 CCA patients along with the prognostic and therapeutic implications of findings. Mutation profiling was performed using either a) NGS panel of hotspot regions in 46 cancer-related genes using a 318-chip on Ion PGM Sequencer or b) Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform for 3,769 exons of 236 cancer-related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes to an average depth of 1000X. Clinical data was abstracted and correlated with clinical outcome. Patients with targetable mutations were referred to appropriate clinical trials. Results: There were significant differences between intrahepatic (n555) and extrahepatic CCA (n520) in regard to the nature and frequency of the genetic aberrations (GAs). IDH1 and DNA repair gene alterations occurred more frequently in intrahepatic CCA, while ERBB2 GAs occurred in the extrahepatic group. Commonly occurring GAs in intrahepatic CCA were TP53 (35%), KRAS (24%), ARID1A (20%), IDH1 (18%), MCL1 (16%) and PBRM1 (11%). Most frequent GAs in extrahepatic CCA (n520) were TP53 (45%), KRAS (40%), ERBB2 (25%), SMAD4 (25%), FBXW7 (15%) and CDKN2A (15%). In intrahepatic CCA, KRAS, TP53 or MAPK/mTOR GAs were significantly associated with a worse prognosis while FGFR GAs correlated with a relatively indolent disease course. IDH1 GAs did not have any prognostic significance. GAs in the chromatin modulating genes, BAP1 and PBRM1 were associated with bone metastases and worse survival in extrahepatic CCA. Radiologic responses and clinical benefit was noted with EGFR, FGFR, C-met, B-RAF and MEK inhibitors.
Dynamics of one-dimensional domain walls interacting with disorder potential

Dynamics of 1D perpendicular-anisotropy domain walls in a few monolayer-thin Co films is imaged by polar Kerr microscopy. When domain walls, driven by a square-pulsed magnetic fields, travel through a random disordered potential landscape, they display Gaussian-distributed roughness characteristic of this landscape. Average velocity of the domain wall driven by a constant magnetic field strongly depends on a strain field which modifies (increases) the elastic energy of the wall and reduces the wall velocity.
An electron spin resonance study of X-irradiated calcium aluminosilicate glasses

Abstract An electron spin resonance investigation of a series of low-silica-content (≤ 20 mol%) calcium aluminosilicate glasses has been performed. The compositional dependence of the X-ray-induced defects is found to be consistent with the proposed dependence of the number of non-bridging oxygens on the CaO/Al2O3 ratio and the silica content. Computer lineshape simulations of the experimental data have led to the identification of two variations of aluminum-oxygen hole centers.
Human Female Orgasm as Evolved Signal: A Test of Two Hypotheses

We present the results of a study designed to empirically test predictions derived from two hypotheses regarding human female orgasm behavior as an evolved communicative trait or signal. One hypothesis tested was the female fidelity hypothesis, which posits that human female orgasm signals a woman’s sexual satisfaction and therefore her likelihood of future fidelity to a partner. The other was sire choice hypothesis, which posits that women’s orgasm behavior signals increased chances of fertilization. To test the two hypotheses of human female orgasm, we administered a questionnaire to 138 females and 121 males who reported that they were currently in a romantic relationship. Key predictions of the female fidelity hypothesis were not supported. In particular, orgasm was not associated with female sexual fidelity nor was orgasm associated with male perceptions of partner sexual fidelity. However, faked orgasm was associated with female sexual infidelity and lower male relationship satisfaction. Overall, results were in greater support of the sire choice signaling hypothesis than the female fidelity hypothesis. Results also suggest that male satisfaction with, investment in, and sexual fidelity to a mate are benefits that favored the selection of orgasmic signaling in ancestral females.
Mechanism of action of lenalidomide in hematological malignancies

Immunomodulatory drugs lenalidomide and pomalidomide are synthetic compounds derived by modifying the chemical structure of thalidomide to improve its potency and reduce its side effects. Lenalidomide is a 4-amino-glutamyl analogue of thalidomide that lacks the neurologic side effects of sedation and neuropathy and has emerged as a drug with activity against various hematological and solid malignancies. It is approved by FDA for clinical use in myelodysplastic syndromes with deletion of chromosome 5q and multiple myeloma. Lenalidomide has been shown to be an immunomodulator, affecting both cellular and humoral limbs of the immune system. It has also been shown to have anti-angiogenic properties. Newer studies demonstrate its effects on signal transduction that can partly explain its selective efficacy in subsets of MDS. Even though the exact molecular targets of lenalidomide are not well known, its activity across a spectrum of neoplastic conditions highlights the possibility of multiple target sites of action.
Molecular basis of healing and fracture at polymer interfaces

The interdiffusion of polymer chains across a polymer–polymer interface, and subsequent fracture to re-create the interface is reviewed. In particular, films formed via latex coalescence provide a very large surface area. Of course, latex film formation is a very important practical problem. Healing of the interface by interdiffusion is treated using the de Gennes reptation theory and the Wool minor chain reptation model. The self-diffusion coefficients of polystyrene and the polymethacrylates obtained by small-angle neutron scattering, SANS, direct non-radiative energy transfer, DET, and other techniques are compared. Reduced to 150,000 g/mol and 135°C, both polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) have diffusion coefficients of the order of 10−16−10−17 cm2/sec. Variations in the diffusion coefficient values are attributed to the experimental approaches, theoretical treatments and molecular weight distribution differences. An activation energy of 55 kcal/mol was calculated from an Arrhenius plot of all polystyrene data reduced to a number-average molecular weight of 150,000 g/mol, using an inverse square molecular weight conversion method. Interestingly, this is in between the activation energies for the α and β relaxation processes in polystyrene, 84 and 35 kcal/mol, respectively. Fracture of polystyrene was considered in terms of chain scission and chain pull-out. A dental burr apparatus was used to fracture the films. For low molecular weights, chain pull-out dominates, but for high molecular weights, chain scission dominates. At 150,000 g/mol, the energy to fracture is divided approximately equally between the two mechanisms. Above a certain number average molecular weight (about 400,000 g/mol), the number of chain scissions remains constant at about 1024 scissions/m3. Energy balance calculations for film formation and film fracture processes indicate that the two processes are partly reversible, but have important components of irreversibility. From the interdiffusion SANS data, the diffusion rate is calculated to be about 1 A/min, which is nine orders of magnitude slower than the dental burr pull-out velocity of about 0.8 cm/sec.
Jean Bernabé , La graphie créole . Martinique: Ibis Rouge Editions, 2001. Pp. 142. Pb. €15.00.

A signal event in the history of language policy in France was the recognition in 2000 of French-lexifier creoles as languages that students in secondary schools could select as subject matter. This decision by the ministry of education placed these languages on an equal footing with the heretofore officially recognized regional languages, such as Breton or Corsican. For these languages to be taught in French secondary schools, teachers needed to be certified by an examination, the CAPES (Certificat d'Aptitude au Professorat de l'Enseignement Secondaire). This book by the leading creolist of the French Antilles is part of a series of handbooks for prospective candidates for that diploma.
Non-cytochrome mediated mitochondrial ATP production in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei brucei

The life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei brucei involves a series of differentiation steps characterized by marked changes in mitochondrial development and function. The bloodstream forms of this parasite completely lack cytochromes and have not been considered to have any Krebs cycle function. It has been suggested that glycolysis is the sole source of ATP in all bloodstream forms. However, earlier results indicated that in the mitochondria of the transitional intermediate/short stumpy bloodstream forms, the biochemical pathways are present that could allow intra-mitochondrial production of ATP. Using a high mannitol buffer to enhance permeability, we confirm previous observations showing that transitional forms maintain motility and respiratory activity with 2-oxoglutarate as the sole substrate. Using a luminometer to measure intracellular ATP levels via the luciferin/luciferase chemiluminescence assay, we show that these same transitional forms, but not long slender forms, maintain high levels of intracellular ATP in the presence of 2-oxoglutarate. Further, in the presence of bongkrekic acid, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase, ATP levels are reduced with subsequent death and lysis of the cells when 2-oxoglutarate, but not glucose, is used as sole substrate. These data are direct evidence of ATP production by transitional bloodstream form mitochondria.
Characterizing growth and carcass composition differences in pigs with varying weaning weights and postweaning performance.

The unprecedented increase in litter size over the last decade has led to a perceived increase in the number of fallback pigs (Sus scrofa). However, there is little peer-reviewed data available regarding the biological differences between fallback pigs and their normal cohorts. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to identify differences in the biology and physiology, and thus the growth and metabolism, between pigs with varying weaning weights (WW) and postweaning performance. To accomplish this objective, a total of 120 barrows (PIC C22/C29 × 337) were used in growth and comparative slaughter experiments. Pigs were selected from a population of 960 weanling pigs to represent the 10% lightest, median, and heaviest pigs at weaning (n = 40 pigs per WW category). Eight pigs from each WW category were harvested on d 5 postweaning as the initial slaughter group (ISG). The remaining 96 barrows were housed in individual crates, fed ad libitum quantities of a common diet during a 27-d growth study, and were harvested on d 33 or 34 postweaning. After the completion of the live animal component of the experiment, pigs within each WW category were further stratified into the slowest, median, or fastest 33% ADG categories. This resulted in a total of 9 treatments in a nested design. Fallback pigs were designated as those belonging to the slowest ADG category from either the lightest or median WW categories. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the fixed effects of WW category and WW(ADG). Although feed intake was maximized (P 0.12) in tissue nutrient concentrations, ratios, or energy content among pigs in the growth experiment. All tissue deposition rates, which were calculated as the difference between tissue nutrient concentrations of the growth experiment and initial slaughter groups, were maximized (P < 0.0002) by WW(ADG), even when equalized per unit of BW. In conclusion, WW and ADG affect tissue accretion rates, but not feed efficiency or carcass composition in nursery pigs.
Study of the role of CCR5 in a mouse model of intranasal challenge with Yersinia pestis.

Abstract CCR5 is a chemokine receptor used by HIV-1 to enter cells and has recently been found to act as a pathogen associated molecule pattern receptor. Current positive selection for the high frequency of a CCR5-Δ32 allele in humans has been attributed to resistance to HIV, smallpox, and plague infections. Using an intranasal mouse model of Y. pestis infection, we have found that lack of CCR5 does not enhance host resistance to Y. pestis infection and that CCR5-mediated responses might have a protective role. CCR5−/− mice exhibited higher levels of circulating RANTES and MIP-1α than those exhibited by wild-type mice at the baseline and throughout the course of Y. pestis infection. High levels of RANTES and MIP-1α, which are CCR5 ligands that mediate Natural Killer cell migration, may reflect compensation for the absence of CCR5 signaling.
Skepticism and Relativism

Kudos to Science and David Miller (“Being an absolute skeptic,” Essays on Science and Society, Science 's Compass, 4 June, p. [1625][1]) for airing the claims of postmodernists and relativists that science deserves “no special claim to attention.” Miller, following in the tradition of Pyrrho