cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of reporter gene architecture for quantitative measurements of gene expression in the Drosophila embryo

Quantitative assessment of gene regulation is critical for mathematical modeling of transcriptional systems for systems biology efforts. Enhancers, also termed cis-regulatory modules (CRMs), are the primary mediators of transcriptional regulation in higher eukaryotes; transcription factors binding to CRMs dictate the likelihood and frequency of promoter activation. To provide a suitable platform for in-depth CRM analysis, we adapted a targeted integration vector to compare action of basal promoters with diverse combination of TATA, Inr and DPE motifs, as well as a set of 3'-UTRs representative of those used in different reporter vectors. This "Honda" series of reporter gene vectors was activated by a regulatory element binding Dorsal and Twist activators suitable for transcription in the early Drosophila embryo. The diverse promoters functioned in a similar manner with minor quantitative differences, consistent with a lack of enhancer-promoter specificity. Constructs bearing SV40 3'-UTR sequences appeared...
A study of nitrogen excretion in insects

Abstract A study of nitrogen excretion in Acheta domesticus (L.), Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas), Periplaneta americana (L.), Tenebrio molitor (L.), Malacosoma americana (F.), and Galleria mellonella (L.) was made using the chromatographic technique. The results show that all insects studied excrete uric acid as the major nitrogenous compound. T. molitor excretes some urea and allantoin and O. fasciatus excretes some urea. G. mellonella larvae excrete 26·37 ± 7·43 mg uric acid and 2·30 ± 0·65 mg hypoxanthine per gram excreta. In addition Galleria excretes an unidentified compound believed to be a purine.
A kinetic study of the effects of phosphate and organic phosphates on the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from Crassula argentea.

Abstract The effects of phosphate and several phosphate-containing compounds on the activity of purified phospho enol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) from the crassulacean acid metabolism plant, Crassula argentea , were investigated. When assayed at subsaturating phospho enol pyruvate (PEP) concentrations, low concentrations of most of the compounds tested were found to stimulate PEPC activity. This activation, variable in extent, was found in all cases to be competitive with glucose 6-phosphate (Glc-6-P) stimulation, suggesting that these effectors bind to the Glc-6-P site. At higher concentrations, depending upon the effector molecule studied, deactivation, inhibition, or no response was observed. More detailed studies were performed with Glc-6-P, AMP, phosphoglycolate, and phosphate. AMP had previously been shown to be a specific ligand for the Glc-6-P site. The main effect of Glc-6-P and AMP on the kinetic parameters was to decrease the apparent K m and increase V max K m . AMP also caused a decrease in the V max of the reaction. In contrast, phosphoglycolate acted essentially as a competitive inhibitor increasing the apparent K m for PEP and decreasing V max K m . Inorganic phosphate had a biphasic effect on the kinetic parameters, resulting in a transient decrease in K m followed by an increase of the apparent K m for PEP with increasing concentration of phosphate. The V max also was decreased with increasing phosphate concentrations. Further, the enzyme appeared to respond to the complex of phosphate with magnesium. In the presence of a saturating concentration of AMP, no activation but rather inhibition was observed with increasing phosphate concentration. This is consistent with the binding of phosphate to two separate sites—the Glc-6-P activation site and an inhibitory site, a phenomenon that may be occurring with other phosphate containing compounds. High concentrations of phosphate with magnesium were found to protect enzyme activity when PEPC, previously shown to contain an essential arginine at the active site, was incubated with the specific arginyl reagent 2,3-butanedione, consistent with the binding of phosphate at the active site. Data were successfully fitted to a rapid equilibrium model allowing for binding of the phosphate-magnesium complex to both the activation site and the active site which accounts for the activation/deactivation observed at low substrate concentrations. Effects on the V max of the reaction are also addressed. Factors controlling the differential affinity of various effectors to the active site or activation site appear to include charge distribution, size, and other steric factors.
Design and Implementation of EPARK Wireless Parking Payment System Using Pervasive Computing

The advent of ubiquitous computing has prompted the development of wireless applications within a pervasive computing environment. PDA's and cell phones are the current logical choice for these implementations. However, the display characteristics of these devices vary greatly, and are certain to continue evolving. In order to handle existing and future breeds of these devices, a configurable, scalable, and maintainable interface, based upon standards definitions, is imperative. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of the EPARK wireless parking payment system built using pervasive computing. Our system utilizes XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) of standard XML (eXtensible Markup Language) for performing device adaptability and data validation.
A study of single-electron and total energies for some pairs of noble gas atoms

The MsXα method has been used to investigate the electronic structure of the atom pairs He-He, He-Ar, and Ar-Ar. Results are presented for ground state and excited state configurations over a wide range of R values. The computed interactions exhibit Born-Mayer repulsion, and the calculations demonstrate how the Xα orbital energies can be used to predict crossings between interaction potentials. An analysis is presented of the usefulness of the Xα theory for the understanding of collision phenomena.
The Snake in the Tree in Abu al-ʿAlaʾ al-Maʿarri’s Epistle of Forgiveness: Critical Essay and Translation

AbstractThis study first proposes to interpret the opening passages of Abū al-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī’s (363-449/973-1058) Risālat al-Ghufrān (Epistle of Forgiveness) in terms of the mythic, lexic and ludic elements that make up the substance of what is essentially a non-narrative discourse. The study argues that al-Maʿarrī uses his parodic “heavenly garden” as a “ludic space” in which his self-righteous protagonist and addressee, Ibn al-Qāriḥ, as well as his (presumed) reader, is tested with riddles, both verbal and conceptual. Ibn al-Qāriḥ fails in what I claim to be a parody of a rite of initiation (a literary counterpart to the Prophet Muḥammad’s Night Journey and Ascension): he is constantly surprised and dumbfounded by God’s mercy. This study argues that the opening passages, which play on names, epithets and lexical items relating to the snake, the snake in the tree, the black core of the heart, and related symbols of the soul and immortality are ultimately grounded in the shared Mesopotamian-Mediterranean symbolic matrix. It argues that the bivalent image of the snake as a source of longevity and of death, of deception and of veracity, is found in the interwoven Christian symbolism of Eve, the serpent, the tree of life, the Virgin Mary, Christ and the tree of the Cross. Second, it offers an annotated translation of the opening passages of al-Maʿarrī’s Risālat al-Ghufrān.
Humidity as a Modifier of Vegetation Responses to Ozone: Design and Testing of a Humidification System for Open-Top Field Chambers

A system was designed, constructed, and tested for increasing the relative humidity in open-top field chambers used for air pollution studies. The system consisted of a propane-fired steam boiler capable of generating 454 kg hr−1 of dry steam at 0.1055 g cm−2 (15 PSI), ducting to supply humidified air to open-top chambers, and humidistats to control the humidity level In each chamber. Performance tests showed that under warm, dry conditions (air temperatures of 30°C and ambient relative humidity of 10 percent) the humidity level could be increased by 43 percent in each of two chambers or 25 percent in each of six chambers. At higher ambient humidities or cooler ambient temperatures, greater increases in relative humidity could be achieved. Temperature rise in the humidified chambers was 2.0-4.5°C vs. nonhumidified chambers on warm days due to the injected steam and solar heating of the galvanized steel ducting. Insulating the ducting reduced this difference to 1.6- 2.3°C. Bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) ...
Intramural incision technique.

Background: Therapeutic ERCP is technically complex. A variety of techniques can be used to achieve biliary access when direct cannulation is difficult. Pre-cut papillotomy can provide immediate access, but this technique is associated with an increased risk of complications. Methods: An intramural incision technique is described that uses the false tract created with a guidewire to place a papillotome though the intramural portion of the papilla and unroof the biliary orifice. Observations: Biliary access was achieved in 6 consecutive patients in whom access could not be obtained with either a papillotome or guidewire. No major complication occurred. Conclusions: By virtue of the incision depth, the intramural incision technique offers a safer approach to biliary access than conventional pre-cut techniques. The technique is simple and will be useful when there is aberrant passage of a guidewire.
An information theoretic method for classifying patients according to the risk of adverse hospital incidents

The measure of Mutual Information is used to select, out of a large number of possibly interrelated qualitative patient variables, those that are most related to the probability of occurrence of adverse incidents. The subpopulations defined by the variables selected are grouped according to risk levels while minimizing the loss of information. Results of the application of the method to predict the occurrence of three types of incidents in four hospitals are reported.
The Classroom Practice Inventory: Psychometric evaluation of a rating scale of intervention practices for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract The Classroom Practice Inventory (CPI) was developed as a tool to provide descriptive information about the practices used in classrooms to address the developmental needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Data from a multi-site study examining the outcomes for preschool students with ASD served in three types of classroom models indicate that the CPI produces reliable and valid assessments of practices used in classrooms. Items on the CPI can be used to discriminate among classroom models and can be used to provide descriptive information about classrooms following a prescribed comprehensive treatment model as well as those providing an eclectic model of services. Implications for the future use of the CPI are discussed.
In silico enhanced restriction enzyme based methylation analysis of the human glioblastoma genome using Agilent 244K CpG Island microarrays

Genome wide methylation profiling of gliomas is likely to provide important clues to improving treatment outcomes. Restriction enzyme based approaches have been widely utilized for methylation profiling of cancer genomes and will continue to have importance in combination with higher density microarrays. With the availability of the human genome sequence and microarray probe sequences, these approaches can be readily characterized and optimized via in silico modeling. We adapted the previously described HpaII/MspI based Methylation Sensitive Restriction Enzyme (MSRE) assay for use with two-color Agilent 244K CpG island microarrays. In this assay, fragmented genomic DNA is digested in separate reactions with isoschizomeric HpaII (methylation-sensitive) and MspI (methylation-insensitive) restriction enzymes. Using in silico hybridization, we found that genomic fragmentation with BfaI was superior to MseI, providing a maximum effective coverage of 22,362 CpG islands in the human genome. In addition, we confirmed the presence of an internal control group of fragments lacking HpaII/MspI sites which enable separation of methylated and unmethylated fragments. We used this method on genomic DNA isolated from normal brain, U87MG cells, and a glioblastoma patient tumor sample and confirmed selected differentially methylated CpG islands using bisulfite sequencing. Along with additional validation points, we performed a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to determine the optimal threshold (p ≤ 0.001). Based on this threshold, we identified ~2400 CpG islands common to all three samples and 145 CpG islands unique to glioblastoma. These data provide more general guidance to individuals seeking to maximize effective coverage using restriction enzyme based methylation profiling approaches.
Serum T4, TBG, T3 uptake, T3, reverse T3, and TSH concentrations in children 1 to 15 years of age.

Measurements of serum thyroxine (T4), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), T3 talc uptake (T3U), 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3 or rT3) and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were conducted in 195 healthy children and adolescents 1 to 15 years of age. All were of normal height and weight, had thyroid glands normal to palpation and none was taking medication. Caucasian, Asian and black children were included in the study. Regression analyses were made for each variable against race, sex, and age. There were no significant racial or sex differences noted for any of the variables studied. There were no agerelated changes in serum TSH or T3U. Linear regression of serum T4, T3 and TBG levels showed that each decreased significantly (P < 0.001 by Ftest) between 1 and 15 years; the decrease in mean concentration approximated 30% in each instance. The results indicate that the decrease in serum T4 and T3 concentrations with age are largely accountable on the basis of decreasing TBG ...
f-Element/crown ether complexes III: Synthesis and structural characterization of [Y(NO3)2(OH2)5][NO3]·2(15-crown-5)

Abstract [Y(NO 3 ) 2 (OH 2 ) 5 ][NO 3 ]·2(15- crown -5) was prepared by the addition of 15- crown -5, dissolved in a 1:3 solution of CH 3 OH:CH 3 CN, to a solution of Y(NO 3 ) 3 ·nH 2 O in the same solvent mixture. The crystal and molecular structures of the title compound were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using counter methods with crystals obtained by slowly cooling the reaction mixture. The complex is monoclinic, P2 1 c , with unit cell data a = 12.399(8) A , b = 10.488(4) A , c = 27.248(9) A , β = 91.47(5)° and D calc = 1.51g cm −3 for Z = 4 formula units. The structure was refined to a conventional R value of 0.107 using 2930 observed reflections [ I ⩾ 3 σ (I)]. High thermal motion and disorder were encountered when refining the two crownether molecules and the uncoordinated nitrate group. The yttrium atom is ninecoordinate with two bidentate nitrate groups (Y-O average length, 2.44(6) A) and five-coordinated water molecules (Y-O average length, 2.36(3) A).
Intelligent power management in micro grids with EV penetration

Large deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs) adds new challenges in the operation of a microgrid. Assuming that a number of EV owners allow their batteries to charge when their cars are parked, this paper proposes an approach that aims to find suitable individual active power set-points corresponding to the hourly charging rate of each EV battery connected to the microgrid. A multi agent system based controller is designed to find these active power set points for optimal power management of EVs, distributed energy resources in the microgrid, and the loads.
Identity Theft and Financial Fraud: Some Strangeness in the Proportions

If we can't trust banks, healthcare providers, colleges, and government entities to protect our privacy, who can we trust?
Leukemic transformation in mice expressing a NUP98-HOXD13 transgene is accompanied by spontaneous mutations in Nras, Kras, and Cbl

The NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) fusion gene occurs in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). We reported that transgenic mice expressing NHD13 develop MDS, and that more than half of these mice eventually progress to acute leukemia. The latency period suggests a requirement for at least 1 complementary event before leukemic transformation. We conducted a candidate gene search for complementary events focused on genes that are frequently mutated in human myeloid leukemia. We investigated 22 ANLL samples and found a high frequency of Nras and Kras mutations, an absence of Npm1, p53, Runx1, Kit and Flt3 mutations, and a single Cbl mutation. Our findings support a working hypothesis that predicts that ANLL cases have one mutation which inhibits differentiation, and a complementary mutation which enhances proliferation or inhibit apoptosis. In addition, we provide the first evidence for spontaneous collaborating mutations in a genetically engineered mouse model of ANLL.
Personality traits and vulnerability or resilience to substance use disorders

Clear evidence supports a genetic basis for substance use disorders (SUD). Yet, the search to identify individual gene contributions to SUD has been unsuccessful. Here, we argue for the study of endophenotypes within the frame of individual differences, and identify three high-order personality traits that are tied to specific brain systems and genes, and that offer a tractable approach to studying SUD. These personality traits, and the genes that moderate them, interact dynamically with the environment and with the drugs themselves to determine ultimately an individual's vulnerability or resilience to developing SUD.
Geometrical corrections in triple-correlation experiments

Abstract The method of Feingold and Frankel 1 ) has been extended to the computation of geometrical corrections in triple directional correlation experiments involving a point source and two axially symmetric movable detectors. It is shown that the correction factors are products of the factors used in double correlation experiments.
If and the biological pacemaker

A biological pacemaker based on the HCN gene family, the molecular correlate of the native cardiac pacemaker current, holds promise of enhancing or supplanting current electronic pacemakers by providing autonomic responsiveness of cardiac rate. Gene-based and cell-based delivery of the HCN gene have been employed to produce biological pacemakers. This article reviews efforts to date to create gene- and cell-based biological pacemakers, using both the HCN gene family and other approaches, and discusses what is known about the autonomic responsiveness in each case. Possible future refinements to an HCN based biological pacemaker also are discussed.
Renaissance of MMPs as Therapeutic Targets? Maybe

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have been implicated in a number of different human diseases and are currently one of the actively pursued targets in drug discovery and development. In this issue of Structure, Udi and colleagues describe how an inhibitory antibody, LEM-2/15, affects a member of the MMP family, MT1-MMP.
Ob/ob serum promotes a mesenchymal cell phenotype in B16BL6 melanoma cells

In 2009, malignant melanoma was responsible for approximately 9,000 deaths in the US. These deaths are often associated with aggressive metastasis to secondary sites such as the lungs. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that obesity is a risk factor for melanoma. Others have shown that B16BL6 melanoma cells metastasize more aggressively in obese ob/ob than in lean mice. However, the mechanism by which obesity promotes B16BL6 melanoma metastasis in ob/ob mice has not been identified. In the present study, we used serum obtained from control and ob/ob leptin-deficient obese mice to determine if obese serum increases the aggressive phenotype of melanoma cells. Results showed that ob/ob serum has higher levels of resistin, insulin, tPAI1, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 compared to control serum. We showed that ob/ob serum increases the invasive ability of B16BL6 melanomas. To further determine the mechanism by which ob/ob serum increases the invasive ability of melanomas, we determined the effect of ob/ob and control serum on genes associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cancer cells with a mesenchymal phenotype have a higher metastatic ability. Snai1 and Twist are genes that are strongly associated with EMT and metastasis of melanomas. Our results showed that ob/ob serum increases the expression of Snai1 and Twist. Moreover, ob/ob serum increased matrix metalloproteast 9 (MMP9) activity and decreased the expression of E-cadherin and the metastasis suppressor gene Kiss1. In summary, results suggest that obesity may increase the metastatic ability of melanoma by promoting a mesenchymal cell phenotype.
Species diversity in the Florida Everglades, USA: A systems approach to calculating biodiversity

The Everglades, a complex wetland mosaic bounded by human development at the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula, is home to a wide array of species, including 68 threatened or endangered animal species. Species richness within Everglades National Park, at the southern extreme of the Greater Everglades ecosystem, is 1033 plant taxa, 60 reptile taxa, 76 mammal taxa, 432 fish taxa, 349 bird taxa and 38 amphibian taxa. This paper briefly introduces the flora and fauna of the Greater Everglades, focusing on species of special conservation concern and those non-native species that are altering native ecology. While there is conservation utility in cataloging biodiversity, we argue that counts of species alone are inadequate descriptors of ecosystem condition because they fail to effectively indicate emergent ecosystem properties (resilience, productivity). We develop an approach to calculating biodiversity based on systems theory that can be applied across trophic levels to provide a condition benchmark that accounts for food web interactions. The Everglades, for which detailed flow data between ecosystem components have been compiled as part of ongoing modeling efforts (DeAngelis et al., 1998), is among the few ecosystems globally for which this technique is currently feasible. Flow data are coupled with exogenous forcing energies (in emergy units – Odum, 1996) to compute transformity values (Odum, 1988) for biotic and abiotic components of an Everglades graminoid marsh community. We calculate across-trophic level biodiversity using the Shannon information equation applied to ecosystem emergy flows. Results suggest that the graminoid marsh is operating at 42% of theoretical maximum ecosystem flow diversity. By comparing observed flows with theoretical maximum flows, we provide a measure of component conservation value; we observe strong overlap between species with lower than expected emergy-based importance and those known to be currently threatened or endangered. A significant positive association between this conservation value and transformity in the marsh suggests systematic uppertrophic level biodiversity degradation.
AN IN VITRO ASSAY FOR ESTRADIOL-17/3 AND ESTRONE1

ESTRADIOL-17β2 added in vitro has been shown to stimulate a reaction mediated by a diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) dependent isocitric dehydrogenase in human, term placental extracts (Villee, 1955; Villee and Gordon, 1955). In the course of this reaction, DPN is reduced to DPNH and the product can be measured by its absorption of light at 340 mμ. in a spectrophotometer (Gordon and Villee, 1955). In this paper, the rate of DPN reduction is shown to be a function of the concentration of estradiol in the incubation medium. Estrone is as effective as estradiol in this reaction, but none of a number of other steroids tested has this marked stimulatory property. These circumstances provide the basis for a sensitive, in vitro method for measuring estradiol and estrone. Data are presented which compare the analyses of urine extracts by this method of estrogen determination with those of bioassay by the vaginal smear response in adult castrate rats (Smith and Smith, 1952). Kinetic analysis of the data is compat...
Frédéric Bastiat as an Austrian Economist

Bastiat is widely acknowledged as the most effective advocate of free markets, but his status as an economist is widely denied even by prominent Austrian economists who share his literary style and support for liberty. In particular, his theories of value and exchange have been attacked as a labor theory of value. Bastiat is exonerated here from these charges and is shown to fully oppose objective theories of value and to fully endorse the gains from free exchange. In addition, Bastiat viewed economics as a science based on deductive reasoning and he vehemently opposed the use of mathematics. He thus was an important precursor of the Austrian school of economics.Bastiat est tres reconnu comme etant le defenseur le plus eloquent du libre marche. Cependant, son statut en tant queconomiste est amplement nie, et ce, meme par les economistes Autrichiens eminents qui sont en accord avec son style litteraire et sa defense de la liberte. En particulier, ses theories de la valeur et de lechange, considerees comme participant de la theorie de la valeur-travail, ont fait lobjet de critiques. Cet article exonere Bastiat de ces critiques et demontre que ses theories sopposent radicalement aux theories objectives de la valeur : Bastiat avait une comprehension parfaite des gains decoulant des echanges libres. De plus, Bastiat envisageait leconomie comme une science reposant sur un raisonnement deductif et sopposait resolument a lemploi des mathematiques. En ce sens, il etait un precurseur important de lecole Autrichienne deconomie.
Curvelets and Fourier Integral Operators

Abstract A recent body of work introduced new tight-frames of curvelets E. Candes, D. Donoho, in: (i) Curvelets – a suprisingly effective nonadaptive representation for objects with edges (A. Cohen, C. Rabut, L. Schumaker (Eds.)), Vanderbilt University Press, Nashville, 2000, pp. 105–120; (ii) http://www.acm.caltech.edu/~emmanuel/publications.html , 2002 to address key problems in approximation theory and image processing. This paper shows that curvelets essentially provide optimally sparse representations of Fourier Integral Operators. To cite this article: E. Candes, L. Demanet, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 336 (2003).
Wetland Production and Smallholder Persistence: Agricultural Change in a Highland Peruvian Region

Abstract This study integrates regional political ecology concepts via the ideas of structuration, a politics of place, and production ecology in order to examine the ecological and social relations embodied in wetland agriculture. Montane bogs were converted into fields roughly twenty years ago when peasant cultivators in Colquepata District (southern Peru) responded to a convergence of production and demand incentives. Environmental conditions, regional social and economic structures, and government policy most shaped the temporal and spatial realization of these stimuli. Both the expansion of local commerce and the capture of state agricultural subsidies depended on social relations that formed historically through ethnic and peasant resistance against landlord domination in a “region of resistance.” Flexible labor allocation required by the biological ecology of wetland fields has contributed to the persistence of production by peasant smallholders. The social practices and struggles of dominated peas...
Imperforate anus: anorectosigmoid pressure studies as a quantitative evaluation of postoperative continence.

Abstract Continence represents the ability to control defecation. This is maintained by the synergism of the puborectalis muscle and the external and internal sphincters. Since no objective method for the evaluation of incontinent children subsequent to surgery for imperforate anus has heretofore existed, we have studied manometrically the behavior of the anorectum to induced propulsive waves. If a propulsive wave reaches the rectosigmoid or high rectum, the internal sphincter shows a reflex relaxation and thus lowers the pressure in the anorectum. A compensatory contraction of the puborectalis occurs as soon as this wave reaches the low rectum. This is an unconscious, involuntary control of continence. Waves of high amplitude initiate a conscious, active, reinforcing contraction of the anorectal ring and the external sphincter. By measurement of the length of the sphincteric mechanism and the amplitude of the expulsion waves, as well as the anorectal contraction pressures, continence or incontinence can be roughly estimated. If the “contraction” forces are greater than the “expulsion” forces, continence results. Any equality or imbalance in favor of the “expulsion” forces produces varying degrees of incontinence. The critical level of anorecto-puborectalis pressure below which incontinence occurs seems to be about 18 mm. Hg. A minimum anorecto-puborectalis length of 3 cm. must be present in combination with adequate contraction pressure to give continence. These concepts applied through the anorectosigmoid pressure tests are useful in differentiating organic from psychogenic incontinence. The measurements permit a quantitative evaluation of patients with deficient muscular or neural development of the anorectal area. They permit, finally, a rough prediction of the final continence result to be anticipated in children who have undergone anorectal surgery but who are not yet bowel trained.
Regulation of Insulin Degradation: Expression of an Evolutionarily Conserved Insulin-Degrading Enzyme Increases Degradation via an Intracellular Pathway

The insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is an evolutionarily conserved enzyme that has been implicated in cellular insulin degradation, but its site of action and importance in regulating insulin degradation have not been clearly established. We addressed this question by examining the effects of overexpressing IDE on insulin degradation in COS cells, using both human IDE (hIDE) and its Drosophila homolog (dIDE). The dIDE, which was recently cloned in our laboratory, has 46% amino acid identity with hIDE, degrades insulin with comparable efficiency, and is readily expressed in mammalian cells. Transient expression of dIDE or hIDE in COS monkey kidney cells led to a 5- to 7-fold increase in the rate of degradation of extracellular insulin, indicating that IDE can regulate cellular insulin degradation. Insulindegrading activity in the medium was very low and could not account for the difference between transfected and control cells. To further localize the site of IDE action, the fate of insulin after receptor b...
Development of Ecdysone-Regulated Lentiviral Vectors

We have engineered a lentivirus-based gene transfer system to achieve ecdysone-regulated transgene expression. The method combines the wide tropism of lentiviral vectors and the possibility of gene regulation by a small molecule with an excellent pharmacological profile. Using the hematopoietic tissue as a model, we transduced mouse progenitors with an ecdysone-regulated GFP expression cassette. The ecdysone gene switch efficiently turned GFP on and off in transplanted animals, showing low basal activity. This system allows the delivery of inducible transcriptional units in vitro and ex vivo and may be a useful tool for gene transfer purposes. Moreover, our work provides hints on the design of lentiviral vectors containing multiple expression cassettes with multiple promoters.
DNA synthesis in endothelium of aortic segments in vitro.

Abstract This paper describes a method for the short-term preservation of rat aortic endothelium and presents evidence that such endothelium is capable of DNA synthesis in vitro. The method consists of relatively nontraumatic surgical removal of rat aorta and incubation of 2–5 mm segments in medium 199 with 10% fetal calf serum. DNA synthesis was assessed by autoradiography of en face preparations of endothelium after exposure to 3H-thymidine in vitro and endothelial structure was studied by electron microscopy. The percentage of labeled cells in uninjured aortic segments incubated with 3H-thymidine in vitro varied according to the age of the rat, being highest in younger rats and lowest in old retired breeders. The length of survival in culture was determined by ability of endothelium, that had been stimulated by in vivo crushing of the aorta, to incorporate 3H-thymidine at intervals after in vitro culture: labeled endothelial cells were readily identified 24–48 h after culture, when up to 90% of the endothelium appeared to be preserved in en face preparations. Subsequently there was progressive detachment of endothelial cells, but patches of endothelium and labeled cells were seen as late as 6 days after culture. Trauma to the aorta in vitro, after removal from the animal, also resulted in stimulation of DNA synthesis in endothelial cells of aortic segments in culture. Electron microscopic observations confirmed adequate preservation of endothelial structure after 24 and 48 h of culture. The relative simplicity of the method and the demonstration of the ability of cultured endothelial cells to incorporate 3H-thymidine after both in vivo and in vitro trauma make it suitable for studies on endothelial regeneration.
Relative Contributions of Adiposity and Muscularity to Physical Function in Community‐dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To determine the relative contributions of adiposity and muscularity to multi-dimensional performance-based and perceived physical function in older adults living independently. Methods and Procedures: Data from 109 women and men, aged 60 or older, with low serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate levels were included in this cross-sectional analysis of baseline measures from a single-site, randomized, controlled trial of DHEA replacement therapy. Physical function was determined by means of performance on the 100-point Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test and by self-reporting using the physical function subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (SF36PF). Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Linear regression analyses were used to determine the contributions of body mass index (BMI; kg body mass/m2), fat index (FI; kg fat/m2), and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI; kg muscle/m2) to the CS-PFP and SF36PF scores, adjusted for age and sex. Results: Age-adjusted regression analyses indicated that FI, but not ASMI, was a significant (P < 0.001) determinant of CS-PFP (R 2 = 0.54) and SF36PF (R 2 = 0.37). When adjusted for age and sex, BMI was nearly as good a predictor of CS-PFP (R 2 = 0.50) and SF36PF (R 2 = 0.34) as FI. Discussion: Adiposity was a stronger predictor of measured and self-reported physical function than was muscularity in older adults living independently. BMI, adjusted for sex, is a reasonable substitute for adiposity in the prediction of physical function.
Determination of Ototoxicity of Common Otic Drops Using Isolated Cochlear Outer Hair Cells

Objectives Otic drops are commonly used not only for otitis externa, but also for otorrhea in the presence of tympanostomy tubes or tympanic membrane perforations. Many studies have demonstrated the ototoxicity of common otic preparations such as Cortisporin® otic drops (Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, TN). The purpose of this study was to assess the relative ototoxicity of common otic preparations by direct exposure to isolated cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). Methods OHCs from adult chinchilla cochlea were exposed to standard bathing solution (control), acetic acid, Acetasol HC® (Alpharma USPD Inc., Baltimore, MD), Gentacidin® (CIBA Vision Ophthalmics, Atlanta, GA), and Tobradex® (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX). The cells were observed using an inverted microscope, and the images were recorded in digital still-frame and video, and analyzed on the Image Pro-Plus 3.0 program (Media Cybernetics, Silver Spring, MD). Results and Conclusions As measured by time to cell death and change in morphology of OHCs, acetic acid with or without hydrocortisone was most toxic to OHCs. Cortisporin was more cytotoxic than gentamicin and Tobradex.
DEFINING RECURRENCE AFTER RADIATION FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Purpose: We reviewed prostate specific antigen (PSA) definitions of recurrence after external beam radiation for prostatic cancer and related them to the definitions used for other treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: The literature on defining recurrence after external beam radiation, brachytherapy and prostatectomy for prostate cancer was reviewed through a MEDLINE search to ensure completeness and the inclusion of all pertinent information. Results: Although the definition, which is the current standard for estimating recurrence after external beam radiation, has proved to be a reasonable measure, alternative options that are more sensitive and specific have now been defined. Similar statistical testing and comparison must also be done for other treatment modalities since the choice of failure definitions has not been evaluated nearly as thoroughly for these therapies. As much as possible, outcome reporting should be done according to the same method to ensure fairness when comparisons are made. However, inherent differences between treatment modalities and their effect on PSA production must also be considered. Conclusions: With the latest available information from patients with long-term followup PSA definitions of tumor recurrence after external beam radiation for prostatic cancer must again be reviewed in a consensus conference format. The application of a universal PSA definition of tumor recurrence across multiple treatment modalities should also be explored.
System safety analysis of hydrogen and methanol vehicle fuels

Over the next 10 to 25 years, primary fuels used in automobiles may be changing from gasoline and diesel fuels to new "alternative" fuels. Two fuels that have generated much interest are hydrogen and methanol, and will propel vehicles through new power-plant concepts. However, these new breeds of vehicle systems introduce a new class of safety hazards. This paper will introduce the basic concepts of these new vehicles and briefly describe some of the systems these vehicles have that are not present in conventional gasoline- or diesel-fuels internal combustion vehicles. This paper will then explore the new safety concerns, risks, and hazards associated with these new vehicle systems as well as to predict what elements future safety standards may contain.
Deguelin inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

As previously demonstrated, deguelin [(7aS, BaS)-13, 13a-dihydro-9,10-dimethoxy-3,3-dimethyl-3H-bis[1]benzo-pyrano[3,4-b:6',5'-e]pyran-7(7aH)-one mediates anti-proliferative properties in a variety of cell types. In the present study, deguelin was found to suppress the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells with an IC(50) of 4.32 x 10(-8) M. The cells were arrested in the G1-S-phase of the cycle. Investigations of G1/S regulatory proteins by Western blot analyses showed an upregulation of p27, and decreased expression levels of cyclin E and CDK4. Furthermore, by 24 h, exposure to deguelin resulted in an increase in the hypophosphorylated form of Rb. Since hypophosphorylated pRb binds to and inactivates E2F1, additional studies were performed and downregulation of E2F1 was observed after 24 h of treatment with deguelin. These results are consistent with the observation that deguelin arrested cells in the G1-S- phase. In addition, based on ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining, detection of digoxigenin-labelled genomic 3'-OH DNA ends, and DNA laddering, it was found that deguelin exerts its growth inhibitory effects via the induction of apoptosis. Based on these data, the potential of deguelin to serve as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent for colon cancer may be suggested.
Water-induced effects on CO adsorption on Ru(001)

In this paper we report briefly on CO desorption spectra from perturbed Ru(001) which closely resemble spectra from supported Ru catalysts. In particular, we find a high-temperature desorption state, induced by the preadsorption of water and thought to derive from a dissociated form of chemisorbed CO. We speculate that small amounts of water may play a role in methanation by assisting CO bond cleavage.
Stenosing Tenosynovitis of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon at the Great Toe

The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the previously overlooked entity, stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in the sesamoid area of the great toe. Nine patients have been tabulated and successfully treated during the past 4 years, with an average 2 1/2-year follow-up. Trauma seems to be the causative factor. Five cases had accompanying pathology. Three cases responded to inflation of the tendon sheath with 1% lidocaine anesthesia, but the remainder required tenolysis of the sheath plus surgery to the accompanying pathology for relief. Early recognition of this problem and prompt inflation with lidocaine may be the only required treatment if this is the only entity. Chronic cases will respond to tenolysis. A plantar full visualization surgical approach is recommended.
Low-resolution array spectrograph for the 2.9- to 13.5-um spectral region

This paper describes the optical system and the electronics of a newly developed low-resolution IR spectrograph, designed for ground-based and airborne observations. The spectrograph covers the entire 2.9- to 13.5-micron spectral region simultaneously, without scanning, at a nominal resolving power of 50 and a minimum resolving power of 20. The new spectrograph equals in spectral coverage to circular variable filter spectrometers that contain three filter segments. Because all of the detectors view the source through the same aperture, telescope tracking errors do not result in spectral ambiguities such as those that can arise in scanning spectrometers.
A China Paradox: Migrant Labor Shortage amidst Rural Labor Supply Abundance

A U.S. geographer and noted authority on China's urbanization seeks to explain the apparent paradox between reported recent shortages of migrant labor in cities in eastern China's export-oriented manufacturing belt and the abundant supply of labor in China's rural areas. He examines important socioeconomic contexts often overlooked in the debate over whether China has reached the Lewis turning point (when dual rural-urban labor markets begin to merge and a labor surplus economy is transformed into a full-employment economy), which make possible the existence of such shortages over the short term and in local areas. These include the special characteristics of China's export industrialization (e.g., preference for workers in the age category 16-30); its immense migrant labor force, constrained under the hukou system; the short-term impacts of China's economic stimulus program launched in early 2009 in the wake of the global economic crisis; and cycles in the global economy that support or impede export pro...
Parent-Adolescent Conflict: Comparison and Prediction of the Perceptions of Mothers, Fathers, and Daughters:

Adolescence has been portrayed as a time of storm and stress, and parent-adolescent conflict has been identified as a primary contribution to this state. At the present time there have been few stu...
The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ERCC1 and MMS19 genes in predicting platinum-sensitivity, progression-free and overall survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective This study aims to assess the role of polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, excision repair cross-complementation group 1 ( ERCC1 ) and methyl-methanesulfonate sensitivity 19 ( MMS19 ), in tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy and survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on the paraffin-embedded tumor tissue of women with advanced EOC, treated with platinum-based chemotherapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Polymorphisms from two ERCC1 (codon-118 and C8092A) and three MMS19 (rs2211243, rs2236575 and rs872106) gene loci were evaluated by real time PCR Allelic Discrimination Assay. Results Genotyping was performed in 107 patients, 45 platinum-sensitive and 62 platinum-resistant. ERCC1 , codon-118 and C8092A genotyping was evaluable in 98 and 106 patients respectively and in all 107 patients for MMS19 polymorphisms. No differences were observed in genotype between platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients. Polymorphisms in the ERCC1 , codon-118 and MMS19 genes did not correlate with overall survival (OS), although a trend toward improved progression free survival (PFS) was observed in patients expressing the minor (GG) alleles of the rs872106 MMS19 gene. Women homozygous for the ERCC1 -C8092A minor (AA) alleles had a significant increase in PFS compared to AC and CC patients and both AA and AC genotypes conferred improved survival over the major (CC) genotype. Conclusions Polymorphisms in ERCC1 , codon-118 and MMS19 genes are not associated with clinical response to platinum or survival. The ERCC1 -C8092A genotypes containing an "A" allele were associated with significant improvement in PFS and OS strengthening the value of this specific genotype in survival.
Non-static effects in the one-gluon-exchange potential

Abstract The one-gluon-exchange quark-quark amplitude is evaluated explicitly in momentum space using the helicity representation, thus avoiding the non-relativistic limit. Non-static effects are investigated in detail and, for non-strange quark masses, are found to be rather important, especially in the central and tensor part.
Synthesis of some 2-C-alkyl-2,3-dideoxy-alpha,beta-L-glycero-tetrurono-1,4-lactones . Evaluation as antitumor agents.

A series of 3-C-alkyl-2,3-dideoxy-5-O-trityl-D-erythro-pentono-1,4-lactones were detritylated. The resultant free-hydroxy compounds were converted to their respective 2-C-alkyl-2,3-dideoxy-alpha,beta-L-glycero-tetrurono-1,4-lactones (L-sugar numbering) in a one-vessel reaction sequence of (a) conversion of the lactones to their aldonic acid sodium salts, (b) cleavage of the resulting aldonates with sodium metaperiodate, and (c) acidification, followed by acetylation, to give the title compounds. The unsubstituted tetrurono-1,4-lactones were inhibitory toward L1210 leukemia cells at concentrations in the 10(-4) M range.
Solutions of Luikov equations of heat and mass transfer in capillary-porous bodies

Abstract This paper presents an analytical method to solve the Luikov system of linear partial differential equations subject to specified initial and boundary conditions. Luikov equations are the governing equations in analyzing heat and mass diffusion problems for capillary-porous bodies. However, an analytical method to obtain complete and satisfactory solutions of these equations is still lacking in the literature. The method of solution presented in this paper is illustrated by considering the transient distributions of temperature and moisture in a slab of wood during drying. Numerical results are obtained and compared with published finite element solutions and experimental data for spruce specimens. The method should have a general application to problems of heat and mass transfer in capillary-porous bodies.
Some small sample properties of estimators and test statistics in the multivariate logit model

Abstract In this paper we compare three estimators for the multivariate logit model: two asymptotically efficient methods and a consistent method. The most interesting result is that at sample sizes of more than one hundred, the simple consistent estimator performs almost as well as the asymptotically efficient estimators.