cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The correlation of cellular changes with succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activities in the development of the cellular slime molds.

Abstract 1. 1. The activities of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase were studied in different developmental stages of the slime mold, D. mucoroides , in particular, the transition from the active feeding to the morphogenetic stages. Cytochrome oxidase activity decreased during the interphase between the vegetative and the aggregation stages, and remained low in the migrating pseudoplasmodium. By contrast, succinic dehydrogenase activity remained low during the early part of the growth period but increased in activity 4–5 hours before the initiation of aggregation. 2. 2. The time of this sudden increase corresponded with the time of transition from the logarithmic to the stationary phase in the growth curve of the amebas, and it was further shown that this was the period of depletion of bacterial food supply and the cessation of feeding. 3. 3. Also at this time, the small dotlike form of the mitochondria seen in the earlier feeding stages became superseded by new filamentlike structures, and the amebas showed more active pseudopod formation and greater rate of movement. 4. 4. Histochemical studies were made to examine the possibility of differential distribution of these enzymes in the migrating pseudoplasmodia of D. mucoroides and D. discoideum . In the case of D. mucoroides the posterior, prespore region showed higher enzyme activities than the anterior, prestalk region. The migrating pseudoplasmodia of D. discoideum did not show clear differential staining between the two regions for either reaction, although experiments with phenylurethane seem to indicate that in older migrating pseudoplasmodia, there is a similar, but latent, differential pattern of cytochrome oxidase. 5. 5. In addition two reactions for peroxidase were tried on the migrating pseudoplasmodia of D. mucoroides , but both failed to show any positive result.
N -chloramide modified Nomex ® as a regenerable self-decontaminating material for protection against chemical warfare agents

Recent interest in the treatment of textiles for chemical and biological agent defense has led to the creation of materials that contain N-chloramide moieties. These materials have demonstrated efficacy against weaponizable bacteria, mustard, and VX, as well as possessing antimicrobial properties against nuisance organisms that cause conditions such as athlete’s foot or molds. Here, N-chloramides have been attached to Nomex® intended for use as self-decontaminating regenerable military textiles. The materials were assayed for content of active oxidizing agent, and tested for efficacy against 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide and Demeton-S, simulants for mustard and VX, respectively. The decomposition products for each reaction were identified as well as reaction pathways to form each by-product as correlated to analogous products of mustard and VX. Furthermore, the rate constant for the neutralization of each simulant on the reactive material was calculated from data collected by GC-MS and ATR-FTIR real-time studies.
Characterization of tRNA genes in tRNA region II of yeast mitochondrial DNA

Abstract We have isolated individual mitochondrial tRNAs from a petite mutant OI-P2-1 known to contain a limited subset of mitochondrial tRNA genes and have mapped these genes on the wild type genome of the yeast strains MH41-7B and D273-10B. To obtain DNA for fine structure mapping and DNA sequence analysis of these genes, we screened a yeast mitochondrial DNA-pBR322 recombinant bank with the isolated tRNAs. We report here the fine structure mapping of recombinant clones containing the tryptophan, formyl methionine and proline tRNA genes as well as the DNA sequence of the proline tRNA gene. The combination of restriction mapping and DNA sequence analysis has enabled us to locate these genes precisely on the wild type genome and to determine their direction of transcription.
A Chemical, XRD, and 27Al MAS NMR Investigation of Miocene Gulf Coast Shales with Application to Understanding Illite/Smectite Crystal-Chemistry

This study assesses the distribution of Al and Fe in mixed-layer illite/smectites (I/S) in shales undergoing burial diagenetic changes, using evidence from 27Al NMR, XRD, and chemical analyses. Samples studied include a sequence of mixed-layer I/S (ranging from 40% to 68% illite layers) in shales from a well located in the Caillou Island Oil Field, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, as well as synthetic mica-montmorillonite (Syn-1), Silver Hill illite (IMt-1), K-benonite (ISMt-1), an Fe-bearing muscovite, phengitic muscovite, and a randomly interstratified mixed-layer I/S with 50% illite layers. Using a simplified model, where Fe3+ isomorphously substitutes randomly for [6]Al in the dioctahedral 2:1 structure, the 27Al NMR signal intensities are examined with regard to the paramagnetic deshielding effect of the Fe3+. The rapid decrease in paramagnetic deshielding with distance allows for a spherical “wipeout” model with a radius of 6 A, over which there is complete effective paramagnetic line broadening (i.e., Al within the sphere is not “seen”). Using the average dimensions of a dioctahedral mica, the expected relative intensities of the octahedral and tetrahedral Al signal are determined as a function of Fe2O3 content. Observed 27Al signals, normalized per unit weight of Al2O3 and relative to the lowest Fe-bearing phase, show a clear trend of decreasing intensity with increasing Fe2O3 content. Normative fitting of oxide data to structural formulae reveals a similar trend of decreasing 27Al intensity with increasing fraction of dioctahedral site occupied by Fe3+. Agreement between the observed 27Al intensities of low Fe-bearing 2:1 phyllosilicates and 27Al intensities predicted using the wipeout model indicate regular ordering of Fe and Al within the low Fe-bearing phases. However, observed 27Al intensities for the I/S specimens fall into a region where the amount of Al seen is in excess for the given XFe, thus indicating segregation of Al and Fe domains. The second order quadrupole effect for the [6]Al site in the I/S fraction of shales decreases very slightly with increasing depth and percent of illite in the I/S, but not enough to effect site quantitation. Quantitative apportionment of elements into the I/S phase of the <0.2 µm fraction using NMR constraints shows directly a trend of increasing number of [4]Al sites and no change in the number of [6]Al sites with increasing degree of illitization for samples from the Gulf Coast diagenetic environment. Stoichiometry indicates an approximate 1:1 substitution of tetrahedral Al for Si over the 40–68% range of illite in I/S examined.
Cultivation of Mengo encephalomyelitis virus in the embryonated hen egg.

SummaryMengo encephalomyelitis (ME) virus was readily propagated in the embryonated hen egg. Infected embryos showed extensive haemorrhages and were usually dead within 48 to 96 hours after inoculation. Sections showed widespread degenerative changes and haemorrhages throughout the entire embryo. The embryo was susceptible to inoculation of ME virus by the amniotic, yolk sac, and allantoic routes and onto the “dropped” chorio-allantoic membrane. After amniotic inoculation, there was a slight lag in virus multiplication, after which rapid multiplication occurred and titers of virus of 10-7 were obtained in suspensions of whole embryos by 48 hours after inoculation. Similar titers were obtained in suspensions of whole embryos and yolk sacs after inoculation by the amniotic or yolk sac routes. The embryo was less susceptible to inoculations by the allantoic route. Irrespective of the route of inoculation, the titer of virus in the allantoic fluids was always less than 10-2 up to 48 hours after inoculation. T...
Improved sensitivity in flow cytometric intracellular ionized calcium measurement using fluo-3/Fura Red fluorescence ratios

Measurement of changes in intracellular ionized calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) has proved to be of wide use in the study of cellular responses to activating stimuli. The fluorescent dye Indo-1 has successfully been used in flow cytometry for this purpose, and when used as a ratiometric indicator it provides optimum sensitivity and accuracy. Unfortunately, this dye requires ultraviolet (UV) excitation which is often not available. We show here that similar results can be obtained using a ratio of green to red fluorescence from the simultaneous loading of the dyes Fura Red and fluo-3. Both Fura Red and fluo-3 are excited using the commonly available blue 488 nm laser line. With appropriate concentrations of the two dyes, the magnitude of response with the fluo-3/Fura Red ratio is greater than that achieved with indo-1, while the intercellular variation in measurement is similar to that seen with indo-1. Analyses can be simultaneously combined with immunofluorescent detection of PE-labeled antibodies to enable [Ca2+]i measurement within cell subsets.
Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease: Another Cardiovascular-Renal Syndrome?

To identify patients at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as having a blood pressure above goal despite the use of 3 or more antihypertensive therapies of different classes at maximally tolerated doses, ideally including a diuretic. Recent epidemiologic studies in selected populations estimated the prevalence of aTRH as 10% to 15% among patients with hypertension and that aTRH is associated with elevated risk of CV and renal outcomes. Additionally, aTRH and CKD are associated. Although the pathogenesis of aTRH is multifactorial, the kidney is believed to play a significant role. Increased volume expansion, aldosterone concentration, mineralocorticoid receptor activity, arterial stiffness, and sympathetic nervous system activity are central to the pathogenesis of aTRH and are targets of therapies. Although diuretics form the basis of therapy in aTRH, pathophysiologic and clinical data suggest an important role for aldosterone antagonism. Interventional techniques, such as renal denervation and carotid baroreceptor activation, modulate the sympathetic nervous system and are currently in phase III trials for the treatment of aTRH. These technologies are as yet unproven and have not been investigated in relationship to CV outcomes or in patients with CKD.
TH-C-BRB-02: Dosimetric Analysis of Inverse-Planned Modulated-Arc Total-Body Irradiation

Purpose: To determine the key dosimetric characteristics of a newly developed and clinically implemented inverse‐planned modulated‐arc total‐body irradiation (MATBI) technique, including optimal treatment beam parameters, a redefined beam model, and patient‐specific quality assurance (QA). Methods: During MATBI treatment, the patient is positioned prone and supine underneath the gantry at 2 m source‐to‐surface distance (SSD). The dose is delivered using open‐field beams at different gantry angles. Monitor units per beam are inverse‐planned through beam‐weight optimization based on the patient's anatomy from full‐body computed tomography(CT)images. Beam output characteristics were measured at extended SSD and a new beam model was commissioned. Delivery time and dose uniformity were studied vs. beam field size and geometry. Dose delivery accuracy was determined by comparing ion chamber measurements inside anthropomorphic water phantoms to planning system predictions. A phantom with Gaf‐Chromic film inserts was designed for clinical use to streamline patient‐specific QA. Results: MATBI was used on 17 patients so far. The best dose uniformity and shortest delivery time were achieved for a beam field size of 40×40 cm2 at isocenter with 5° step size between adjacent beams, using 16 to 28 beams per side depending on patient size. Compared to the original beam model, the new beam model improved the dose delivery accuracy by a fraction of a percent to 1.2%. The largest discrepancy between measurement and prediction was 3.2%. The patient‐specific QA procedure showed that QA with a 5% tolerance limit could be routinely performed. Conclusions: The new inverse‐planned MATBI technique permits dose optimization, dose‐volume histogram calculation and dosimetric analysis. MATBI beam setup parameters for optimal dose uniformity and treatment duration were determined. The developed phantom allows for a patient‐specific quality assurance procedure, which is now used routinely. These results are the basis for the safe and accurate clinical implementation of MATBI. Work supported by Siemens.
Interaction between vanilloid receptors and purinergic metabotropic receptors: Pain perception and beyond

The capsaicin or vanilloid receptor (VR) plays an important role in transducing thermal and inflammatory pain. The VR is a nonselective cation channel that possesses a high permeability to Ca2+ ( P Ca/ P Na ratio ≈10, similar to that of the N- methyl-d-aspartate receptor), exhibits strong outward rectification, and desensitizes after repeated stimulation (tachyphylaxis) (1). Two types of VRs (VR1, VR-L) and a splice variant (VR.5′sv) have been cloned (2–4). Generally, VRs are thought to be distributed in peripheral sensory nerve endings and involved in the perception of noxious stimuli. The activation of VRs depolarizes the sensory nerve endings and evokes a train of action potentials that propagates to the spinal cord and brain. Mice lacking the VR1 gene have deficits in thermal- or inflammation-induced hyperalgesia but are sensitive to noxious heat, which largely confirms a role in certain modalities of nociception (5, 6). On the other hand, purinergic receptors (P2Y) also are expressed in nociceptive sensory nerve endings. They are either coupled directly to ion channels (ionotropic) or to the G protein-mediated production of second messengers (metabotropic). Seven ionotropic (P2X1–7) and six genuine metabotropic receptors (P2Y1,2,4,6,11,12) (from a total of 13 P2Y-like cDNA clones) have been cloned. The P2X3 subtype is exclusively expressed in the peripheral nerve endings (7, 8). Algesic properties of ATP are thought to occur by the activation of P2X receptors. Although the source for extracellular ATP is a debated issue, a number of possibilities have been suggested: ( i ) mechanical stimulation; ( ii ) activation of connexin hemichannels; ( iii ) synaptic vesicle exocytosis; ( iv ) tissue damage; and ( v ) from nerve endings after noxious stimulation (7, 9). Activation of P2X3 receptors by ATP is not a favorable means of nociception because …
A new approach to synthesis of vinblastine analogs. Addition of organozinc reagents to the dihydropyridinium ion generated by fragmentative coupling to catharanthine and vindoline.

Abstract The dihydropyridinium ion generated by Potier-Polonovski coupling of catharanthine and vindoline reacts with organozinc reagents to give either 15′ or 12′-substituted adducts. The former are unstable enamines but 20′-deoxyvinblastine analogs can be isolated after NaBH 4 reduction. 21′-Phenylanhydrovinblastine and the 15′-ethyl, 15′- tert -butyl and 15′-phenyl analogs of 20′-deoxyvinblastine show activity in the micromolar range as tubulin assembly inhibitors.
Avian influenza and poultry workers, Peru, 2006.

Background Currently numerous countries in Asia, Africa and Europe are encountering highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) infections in poultry and humans. In the Americas, home of the world’s largest poultry exporters, contingency plans are being developed and evaluated in preparation for the arrival of these viral strains. Objectives With this cross-sectional study, to our knowledge the first in its kind in Central or South America, we sought to learn whether Peruvian poultry workers had evidence of previous AI infection and if so, to determine the risk factors for infection. Methods We performed a cross-sectional seroprevalence study among 149 workers on a Peruvian poultry farm (132 exposed to poultry and 17 non-exposed controls), serum samples were tested for human influenza virus exposure using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Microneutralization assays were performed on all serum samples to detect antibodies against prototypic AI strains H4 through H12. Results Using multivariate proportional odds modeling we found that the prevalence of elevated titers against AI viruses was low in both groups, exposed and non-exposed controls. Conclusions No evidence of previous AI infection among Peruvian poultry workers was found in this first cross-sectional study performed in South America. This first occupational study of AI in Latin America was encouraging, but it likely reflects the sector of poultry production with higher biosecurity.
Alkylation of 3-benzylsydnone

ALKYLATION OF 3-BENZYLSYDNONE C. V. Greco and B. P. OlReilly Department of Chemistry, St. John's University Jamaica, New York 11432 (Received in USA 1 June 1971; received in UX for publication 12 July 1971) The mesoionic struoture proposed for sydnonel and supported by molecular orbital calculations2r3 would lead to the expeotation of enhanced acidity by hydrogens contained in alkyl or aralkyl substituents attached to the annular nitrogen at position three carrying a fractional positive charge. Among the preparations and reactions of organometallia derivatives of sydnone, there has been no report4 of involvement by such substituents. We now describe the first of such reactions of sgdnone. When 3-benrylsydnone (115 (0.01 mole) in tetrahydrofuran at 30 with a three-fold molar exaess of ethylmagnesium bromide for 4 hrs was subsequently treated with a four-fold molar excess of benryl bromide for 18 hrs and the mixture worked up in the usual manner,6 1,2-diphenyl-1-sydnonylethane (III:, mp 120-1220 (benzene-hexsne, 59.4% yield) was isolated. The structural assignment followed from elemental analysis7 and spectral data:8 infrared bands at 3.20 (sydnone H) and 5.73,& (@none C=O); ultraviolet maxima at 2l3 (log& 4.11) and 295 nm (3.90); nmr (CDCl3) at d 3.54 (d, 1, J = &it, methylene), 3.60 (d, 1, J = 8 Hs, methylene), 5.58 (t, 1, J = 8 HZ, methine), 6.24. (s, 1, sydnone H19, 7.15 (9, 5, C6H5), 7.35 (s, 5, C6H5). The structure of III was unambiguously oonfirmed by an alternate synthesis from 1,2_diphenylethylamine by alkylation with chloroacetia acid, then nitrosation and dehydration in aaetio anhydride as usually desaribed,l mp 120122O (benzene-hexane, 50.3% yield based on precursor nitrosoaoid). This product was identical to the alkylation product in both physical and SPeotrosooPio
Motor vehicle crash-associated eye injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments.

Introduction: Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of injury in the United States (U.S.). Detailed knowledge of MVC eye injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments (ED) will aid clinicians in diagnosis and management. The objective of the study was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and characteristics of non-fatal motor vehicle crash-associated eye injuries presenting to U.S. EDs from 2001 to 2008. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) from 2001 to 2008 to assess the risk of presenting to an ED with a MVC-associated eye injury in relation to specific occupant characteristics, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, disposition, and occupant (driver/passenger) status. Results: From 2001 to 2008, an estimated 75,028 MVC-associated eye injuries presented to U.S. EDs. The annual rate of ED-treated eye injuries resulting from MVCs declined during this study period. Males accounted for 59.6% of eye injuries (95% confidence interval [CI] 56.2%-63.0%). Rates of eye injury were highest among 15-19 year olds (5.8/10,000 people; CI 4.3-6.0/10,000) and among African Americans (4.5/10,000 people; CI 2.0-7.1/10,000). Drivers of motor vehicles accounted for 62.2% (CI 58.3%-66.1%) of ED-treated MVC eye injuries when occupant status was known. Contusion/Abrasion was the most common diagnosis (61.5%; CI 56.5%-66.4%). Among licensed U.S. drivers, 16-24 year olds had the highest risk (3.7/10,000 licensed drivers; CI 2.6-4.8/10,000). Conclusion: This study reports a decline in the annual incidence of ED-treated MVC-associated eye injuries. The risk of MVC eye injury is greatest among males, 15 to 19 year olds and African Americans. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(6):-0]
A reduction of ECS-produced amnesia through post-ECS sensory isolation

Previous research has shown that, following training-ECS treatments, rats kept in a sensory isolation chamber during the entire retention interval show little evidence of retrograde amnesia. In this experiment, rats trained on a passive avoidance task and kept in a sensory isolation chamber for only 1 h after training-ECS treatments also showed attenuated anmesia. In contrast, retrograde amnesia was complete in animals similarly trained but returned to home cages immediately after ECS. These results indicate that environmental manipulations within the first hour after training-ECS treatments can alter the amnesic effect of ECS, suggesting that critical events determining whether or not retrograde amnesia is produced may occur within that time period.
Tidal variability of the geomagnetic polar cap mesopause above Resolute Bay

Variability in the geomagnetic polar cap neutral wind near the mesopause above Resolute Bay, Canada (74.9°N, 94.9°W) has been observed by a Fabry-Perot Interferometer, using a circle-to-line detection technique (FPI/CLIO) to observe the OH Meinel emission. We present an analysis of the first wind measurements obtained with the FPI/CLIO from December 1995 to March 1996. The OH(7,3) (892.0 nm) Doppler winds were analyzed for tidal oscillations (defined herein as oscillations with periods which are sub-harmonics of a solar day). Daily spectral analysis, using 50 relatively clear days showed that oscillations between, and including, 12 h and 8 h were frequent throughout the winter season in both the meridional and the zonal winds. A non-linear least squares fit, performed on the data from the Jan 22-30 interval, revealed that a 12 h tidal feature was dominant. Observations of the OH neutral winds show variations indicating strong tidal wave activity at the mesopause.
Fluxes of particles and constituents to the eastern United States continental slope and rise: SEEP—I

Seventeen time-series sediment traps were deployed for a year from September 1983 to October 1984 along 70°55′W longitude in a two-dimensional array in water depths from 500 m on the upper continental slope to 2750 m on the upper continental rise as part of the SEEP—I (Shelf Edge Exchange Processes) experiment. Fluxes of total particulate mass, organic carbon and nitrogen, calcium carbonate and 210Pb were measured in the almost 300 samples that were recovered. Based on 210Pb inventories in the slope sediments, the total mass fluxes measured in the traps near the bottom of the slope water column are representative of the longer-term (∼100 y) accumulation rates of slope sediments. In addition to the vertical flux of particles coming from near-surface waters of the slope, both fresh biogenic particulate matter and resuspended sediment derived from the shelf and upper slope are transported downslope and added to the burden of particles settling vertically to the slope and upper rise sediments. The fluxes and composition of the trapped particles vary seasonally as a result of effects resulting from the spring bloom in plant biomass on the shelf, and as a result of the succession of the spring-bloom effects by carbonate-secreting organisms in the late summer and autumn. On a much shorter time scale variations in fluxes and composition are caused by more local biological events and by events that resuspend and transport sediment from the shelf across the shelf-break and down the slope. The scavenging of particle-reactive radionuclides (210Pb and 234Th) and, by analogy, particle-reactive pollutants, is closely tied to the flux of fresh biogenic debris. Comparison of the fluxes of organic carbon on the slope with the estimates of primary productivity over the shelf, indicates that <10% of the biogenic carbon fixed on the shelf is exported to the slope in the SEEP—I area. Comparison of the fluxes of 210Pb in the slope traps with the known atmospheric input to the shelf and slope surface waters implies that of the order of 20% of both biogenic and abiogenic particles from the shelf are exported to the slope on a time scale commensurate with the half life of210Pb. Comparison of the SEEP—I organic carbon and 210Pb fluxes to the slope at 1200 m with those fluxes ∼250km to the south at 975 m suggests that the shelf-to-slope export may increase by as much as three-fold for organic carbon particles and by two-fold for biogenic and abiogenic particles with which 210Pb is associated.
Variation Among Internet Based Calculators in Predicting Spontaneous Resolution of Vesicoureteral Reflux

Purpose: An increasing number of parents and practitioners use the Internet for health related purposes, and an increasing number of models are available on the Internet for predicting spontaneous resolution rates for children with vesicoureteral reflux. We sought to determine whether currently available Internet based calculators for vesicoureteral reflux resolution produce systematically different results.Materials and Methods: Following a systematic Internet search we identified 3 Internet based calculators of spontaneous resolution rates for children with vesicoureteral reflux, of which 2 were academic affiliated and 1 was industry affiliated. We generated a random cohort of 100 hypothetical patients with a wide range of clinical characteristics and entered the data on each patient into each calculator. We then compared the results from the calculators in terms of mean predicted resolution probability and number of cases deemed likely to resolve at various cutoff probabilities.Results: Mean predicted ...
NMR espectroscopic parameters of HX and Si (Sn)X4 (X = H, F, Cl, Br and I) and SnBr4−nIn model compounds

Abstract The NMR spectroscopic parameters are largely influenced by relativistic effects. They are highly dependent on the electronic behavior inside the spatial regions occupied by nuclei. Full relativistic calculations of indirect nuclear spin–spin couplings at random phase level of approach (RPA) in the title compounds with reoptimized Dyall cVTZ basis sets are given. A comparison with the results of calculations with other basis sets that are mostly used within the non-relativistic (NR) domain is presented. We analyzed the dependence of that couplings with the speed of light over the whole range of values, from the full relativistic to the NR regimes. Within this last regime, calculations at the second-order level of approach (SOPPA) indicated that electron correlation effects may not be as important for nuclear magnetic shieldings, but they must be included with care for J-coupling calculations. From these calculations, we determined that relativity enlarges the electron correlation effects of the J-couplings of HBr and HI. Because the results of nuclear magnetic shielding calculations within polarization propagators at the RPA level were reliable, we were able to show a new and easy procedure to obtain absolute nuclear magnetic shieldings on reference compounds for both Si and Sn nuclei: σ[Si (CH3)4] = 421.28 ± 29.33 ppm and σ[Sn (CH3)4] = 3814.96 ± 79.12 ppm. They were obtained from experimental chemical shifts and accurate nuclear magnetic shielding calculations on different molecular systems.
microRNA-dependent modulation of histone acetylation in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) cells present with increased expression of microRNA-206 (miRNA-206) and reduced expression of miRNA-9*. Predicted miRNA-206– and -9*–targeted genes include histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyl transferases (HATs), indicating that these miRNAs may play a role in regulating histone acetylation. We were able to demonstrate that primary WM cells are characterized by unbalanced expression of HDACs and HATs, responsible for decreased acetylated histone-H3 and -H4, and increased HDAC activity. We next examined whether miRNA-206 and -9* modulate the aberrant expression of HDAC and HATs in WM cells leading to increased transcriptional activity. We found that restoring miRNA-9* levels induced toxicity in WM cells, supported by down-modulation of HDAC4 and HDAC5 and up-regulation of acetyl-histone-H3 and -H4. These, together with inhibited HDAC activity, led to induction of apoptosis and autophagy in WM cells. To further confirm that miRNA-9*–dependent modulation of histone acetylation is responsible for induction of WM cytotoxicity, a novel class of HDAC inhibitor (LBH589) was used; we confirmed that inhibition of HDAC activity leads to toxicity in this disease. These findings confirm that histone-modifying genes and HDAC activity are deregulated in WM cells, partially driven by the aberrant expression of miRNA-206 and -9* in the tumor clone.
SU-8 Photolithography as a Toolbox for Carbon MEMS

The use of SU-8 as precursor for glass-like carbon, or glassy carbon, is presented here. SU-8 carbonizes when subject to high temperature under inert atmosphere. Although epoxy-based precursors can be patterned in a variety of ways, photolithography is chosen due to its resolution and reproducibility. Here, a number of improvements to traditional photolithography are introduced to increase the versatility of the process. The shrinkage of SU-8 during carbonization is then detailed as one of the guidelines necessary to design carbon patterns. A couple of applications—(1) carbon-electrode dielectrophoresis for bioparticle manipulation; and (2) the use of carbon structures as micro-molds are also presented.
Cancer Genes by Illegitimate Recombination

Retroviral onc genes are as yet the only proven cancer genes. They are generated by rare illegitimate recombinations between retroviruses and cellular genes, termed proto-onc genes. The claims that these proto-onc genes cause virus-free cancers upon "activation" by mechanisms that do not alter their germline structure are challenged. Instead, it is proposed that retroviral onc genes and cellular cancer genes are generated de novo by illegitimate recombinations that alter the germline structure of normal genes.
Characterization of plasmid burden and copy number in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for optimization of metabolic engineering applications

Many metabolic engineering and genetic engineering applications in yeast rely on the use of plasmids. Despite their pervasive use and the diverse collections available, there is a fundamental lack of understanding of how commonly used DNA plasmids affect the cell’s ability to grow and how the choice of plasmid components can influence plasmid load and burden. In this study, we characterized the major attributes of the 2μ and centromeric plasmids typically used in yeast by examining the impact of choice of selection marker, promoter, origin of replication, and strain ploidy on conferred growth rates and plasmid copy number. We conclude that the “plasmid burden,” as demonstrated by a reduced growth rate, is primarily due to the choice of selection marker, especially when auxotrophic markers are utilized. The plasmid burden traditionally attributed to replication and maintenance of plasmid DNA plays only a minor role in haploid yeast yet is much more significant in diploid strains. The selection marker can also significantly change plasmid copy number. In fact, plasmid copy number can be influenced to some extent by all of the parameters tested. The information presented in this study will allow for more rational design and selection of plasmids for engineering applications.
Video stabilization and rolling shutter distortion reduction

This paper presents an algorithm that stabilizes video and reduces rolling shutter distortions using a six-parameter affine model that explicitly contains parameters for translation, rotation, scaling, and skew to describe transformations between frames. Rolling shutter distortions, including wobble, skew and vertical scaling distortions, together with both translational and rotational jitter are corrected by estimating the parameters of the model and performing compensating transformations based on those estimates. The results show the benefits of the proposed algorithm quantified by the Interframe Transformation Fidelity (ITF) metric.
Fast Scheduling of Optical Flow Switching

Optical Flow Switching (OFS) is a promising architecture to provide end users with large transactions with cost-effective direct access to core network bandwidth. For very dynamic sessions that are bursty and only last a short time (~1S), the network management and control effort can be substantial, even unimplementable, if fast service of the order of one round trip time is needed. In this paper, we propose a fast scheduling algorithm that enables OFS to set up end-to-end connections for users with urgent large transactions with a delay of slightly more than one round-trip time. This fast setup of connections is achieved by probing independent paths between source and destination, with information about network regions periodically updated in the form of entropy. We use a modified Bellman-Ford algorithm to select the route with the least blocking probability. By grouping details of network states into an average entropy, we can greatly reduce the amount of network state information gathered and disseminated, and thus reduce the network management and control burden to a manageable amount; we can also avoid having to make detailed assumptions about the statistical model of the traffic.
Ratio scaling of TAT need for achievement through application of a paired-comparisons method, with a test of internal consistency.

-A method for ratio scaling of projective personality variables was ' devised and tested i n two studies, using the T A T and achievement motivation ( n Ach). In Exp. I, 4 judges made direct ratio estimates of relative n Ach in all possible pairs of 8 Ss' TAT protocols (28 pairs). In Exp. 11, 3 judges used the same procedure to estimate relative n Ach for all pairs of TAT stories told to the same card, rather than for four-story protocols (112 pairs). Ratio scale values correlated with traditional n Ach scoring between .86 and .91 in Exp. I, and .90 and .95 i n 11. The protocols represented two criterion groups with different 7z Ach. Ratio scores from Exp. 11, but not from I, differentiated these groups as well as traditional scoring. A model was developed for testing the internal consistency of judges' ratio estimates, based on Cornrey's work. It showed over 90% o f the ratio estimates' variance accounted for by the linearity assumptions of the ratio scaling model. Advantages and problems in using the ratio scaling method were discussed.
Electron microscopy of the development of tracheoles in Drosophila melanogaster

Summary The tracheoblasts associated with the flight-muscles of Drosophila were studied by electron microscopy. During the developmental stages the cytoplasm of such tracheoblasts shows extensive membrane structures arranged in whorls. It seems that these membranes become aligned in pairs, spread out in tracheoblast cytoplasm, and form the walls of the new tracheolar vessels. The membranous whorls appear to have no obvious relationship with the usual endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus or plasma membranes. They are probably produced from certain large granules distributed irregularly in the cytoplasm of the young tracheoblasts. Membranes limiting the tracheoles from the tracheoblast cytoplasm (the so-called mestracheons) are not usually seen in the younger stages. They are sometimes seen after the cuticular lining of the tracheoles has been formed.
MHC Diversity and Mate Choice in the Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus

We estimated levels of diversity at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRs1 gene in 50 breeding pairs of the Magellanic penguin and compared those to estimates from Humboldt and Galapagos penguins. We tested for positive selection and 2 conditions required for the evolution of MHC-based disassortative mating: 1) g reater MHC diversity between breeding pairs compared to random mating, and 2) associations between MHC genotype and fitness. Cloning and sequencing of the DRs1 gene showed that Magellanic penguins had higher levels of genetic variation than Galapagos and Humboldt penguins. Sequence analysis revealed 45 alleles with 3.6% average proportion of nucleotide differences, nucleotide diversity of 0.030, and observed heterozygosity of 0.770. A gene phylogeny showed 9 allelic lineages with interspersed DRs1 sequences from Humboldt and Galapagos penguins, indicating ancestral polymorphisms. dN/dS ratios revealed evidence for positive selection. Analysis of breeding pairs showed no disassortative mating preferences. Significant MHC genotype/fitness associations in females suggest, however, that selection for pathogen resistance plays a more important role than mate choice in maintaining diversity at the MHC in the Magellanic penguin. The differential effect of MHC heterozygosity on fitness between the sexes is likely associated with the relative role of hatching and fledging rates as reliable indicators of overall fit ness in males and females.
Keratoacanthoma following pneumococcal vaccination: a case report.

. A woman with chronic pulmonary disease was immunized with polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. She developed a keratoacanthoma at the injection site. Such an occurrence would seem to be a rare complication of pneumococcal vaccination.
Resource utilization after introduction of a standardized clinical assessment and management plan.

Introduction. A Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) is a novel quality improvement initiative that standardizes the assessment and management of all patients who carry a predefined diagnosis. Based on periodic review of systemically collected data the SCAMP is designed to be modified to improve its own algorithm. One of the objectives of a SCAMP is to identify and reduce resource utilization and patient care costs. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed resource utilization in the first 93 arterial switch operation (ASO) SCAMP patients and 186 age-matched control ASO patients. We compared diagnostic and laboratory testing obtained at the initial SCAMP clinic visit and control patient visits. To evaluate the effect of the SCAMP over time, the number of clinic visits per patient year and echocardiograms per patient year in historical control ASO patients were compared to the projected rates for ASO SCAMP participants. Results. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress echocardiogram, and lipid profile utilization were higher in the initial SCAMP clinic visit group than in age-matched control patients. Total echocardiogram and lung scan usage were similar. Chest X-ray and exercise stress testing were obtained less in SCAMP patients. ASO SCAMP patients are projected to have 0.5 clinic visits and 0.5 echocardiograms per year. Historical control patients had more clinic visits (1.2 vs. 0.5 visits/patient year, P < .01) and a higher echocardiogram rate (0.92 vs. 0.5 echocardiograms/ patient year, P < .01) Conclusion. Implementation of a SCAMP may initially lead to increased resource utilization, but over time resource utilization is projected to decrease.
Organic and conventional Washington State farmers' opinions on GM crops and marketing strategies

A 1999 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy on organic certification excluded the use of genetically modified (GM) crops. The decision remains controversial because it provokes debate over the fundamental meaning of organic agriculture. Some scholars, farmers and activists claim that organic agriculture represents a value orientation that is opposed to trends in industrial agriculture, of which GM crops are the latest product. Because organic farmers are a significant constituency in this debate, we examined their values and practices related to marketing, environment and GM crops. From a survey of 1181 Washington State farmers, we created a sub-sample of 598 crop farmers (fruits, vegetables and grains), of which 109 described themselves as organic (certified organic, moving towards organic certification and non-certified organic), and we analyzed organic and conventional farmer responses to a number of issues to discern comparative commitment to self-seeking economic interests. Results reveal differences among conventional and organic farmers on GM crops and several marketing and environmental values and practices, suggesting that there is some validity to portraying organic agriculture as an alternative vision to industrial agriculture.
Study on Rush-Repair Scheme for Distribution Network Fault

The subject addressed is the rush-repair scheme for distribution network fault. Organization structure of rush-repair scheme is first built and rush-repair process is proposed. Confronted with the need of higher quality and higher efficiency of distribution network fault rush-repair, rush-repair command platform is developed for command center to enhance the rush-repair efficiency. The information exchanged between command platform and related various application systems is also described in detail. The proposed rush-repair scheme will provide practical techniques for efficiency improvement of fault rush-repair work of distribution network, and thus mostly abbreviate power recovery time.
Horsetail Creek Bridge: Design Method Calibration and Experimental Results of Structural Strengthening with CFRP and GFRP Laminates

The Horsetail Creek Bridge, constructed in 1912, is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon. In a recent rating of bridges, the cross beams of the structure were found to be 50 percent deficient in flexure and 94 percent deficient in shear, mainly due to the traffic loads increase. In order to identify suitable Fiber Reinforced Polymer strengthening system, few commercially available systems were reviewed and alternative designs were carried on. Concurrently, four full size beams were constructed to simulate the retrofit of the bridge. One served as a control, while the other three were reinforced with various configurations of FRP composites. Third point bending tests were conducted. Load, deflection and strain data were collected. Results revealed that addition of either GFRP or CFRP composites provided static capacity increase of 45 percent compared to the control beam. The beam strengthened with CFRP for flexure and GFRP for shear, which simulated the HCB cross beams after the retr...
Single Fiber Tensile Properties Measured by the Kolsky Bar Using a Direct Fiber Clamping Method

The Kolsky bar test has been widely used in measuring material behavior under high strain rate conditions. In particular, polymers used in ballistic applications have been characterized by this method to investigate high strain rate behavior during ballistic impact. Research conducted by Cheng et al. (J Eng Mater Technol-Trans ASME 127(2):197–203, 2005) and Lim et al. (J Mater Sci 45(3):652–661, 2010) measured high strain rate properties of single PPTA [Poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide)] fibers and aramid co-polymer fibers by gluing the fiber directly to the Kolsky bar, which is time consuming work and can be affected by wicking of the glue into the fiber gauge length area. Kim et al. (J Mater Sci. doi: 10.1007/s10853-013-7142-y, 2013) investigated clamping effects of the glue-tab and direct gripping methods on the single PPTA fiber tensile properties under the quasi-static loading condition and applied the direct grip method for the Kolsky bar test to measure the tensile strengths at a high strain rate (Kim et al., Compos Sci Technol. doi: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2012.03.021, 2012). This study extends the measurement capability for the tensile strength, failure strain and modulus that are important parameters that influence performance of soft body armor.
Fire and alluvial chronology in Yellowstone National Park: Climatic and intrinsic controls on Holocene geomorphic processes

We employed a systemwide approach, a large and robust set of radiocarbon ages, and modern process analogs to interpret the Holocene history of forest fire–related sedimentation and overall alluvial activity in northeastern Yellowstone National Park. Debris-flow and flood events following the 1988 fires provided facies models for interpreting the stratigraphic record of fire-related sedimentation within valley-side alluvial fans of Soda Butte Creek. Fire-related deposits make up approximately 30% of the late Holocene fan alluvium. Fifty 14 C ages on fire-related events cluster within the intervals of 3300–2900, 2600–2400, 2200–1800, and 1400–800 yr B.P. and suggest earlier episodes of large fires and fan aggradation around 7500, 5500, and 4600–4000 yr B.P. A major pulse of fire-related debris-flow activity between 950 and 800 yr B.P. coincided with the height of the widely recognized Medieval Warm Period (ca. a.d. 1050–1200). Instrumental climate records over the last ∼100 yr in Yellowstone imply that the intensity and interannual variability of summer precipitation are greater during warmer periods, enhancing the potential for severe short-term drought, major forest fires, and storm-generated fan deposition. Along lower Soda Butte Creek, fill-cut terrace treads were created by lateral migration of channels and accumulation of overbank sediments ca. 8000 yr B.P. (terrace level T1a), 7000–5600 (T1b), 3100–2600 (T2), 2000–1300 (T3), and post–800 yr B.P. (T4). These periods coincide with overbank sedimentation on Slough Creek and the Lamar River but alternate with intervals of fire-related fan deposition, implying a strong climatic control. Local paleoclimatic data suggest cooler, effectively wetter conditions during terrace tread formation. In warmer, drier intervals, reduced average runoff in axial streams results in meander-belt narrowing; concurrent channel incision may be caused by infrequent large floods. Greater resistance to downcutting, however, allowed fewer terraces to be formed along Slough Creek and the Lamar River. Alluvial systems in northeastern Yellowstone show a clear response to millennial-scale climatic cycles, wherein alluvial fans aggrade and prograde over flood plains in drier periods. Axial streams widen their flood plains and trim back the fans during wetter periods. “Small-scale” climatic fluctuations of the Holocene thus had substantial impact on postglacial landscapes in northeastern Yellowstone.
Hydraulic Performance of Fully Permeable Highway Shoulder for Storm Water Runoff Management

AbstractThis paper summarizes the results of numerous simulations to assess the hydraulic performance of fully permeable highway shoulder retrofits designed to capture all the rainfall runoff falling onto conventional highway surface pavements. The simulations were performed using commercially available HYDRUS software that uses unsaturated flow theory. The hydraulic properties of subgrade soil and pavement materials were measured in the laboratory and used as input for numerical simulation. The simulations were performed for three rainfall regions in California representing high, medium, and low annual rainfall events. The simulations were performed based on 24-h actual rainfall data using 2-, 50-, and 100-year storm recurrences to determine the critical thickness of aggregate needed to capture the highway runoff volume without surface ponding and/or overflow. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of material, hydrologic, and geometric factors on the critical aggregate base thickn...