cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The nature and origin of gleyed polygenetic paleosols in the loess covered glacial drift plain of Northern Missouri, USA

Abstract At four study sites in northern Missouri the Farmdale and Sangamon paleosols, which are developed in loess, are welded to the underlying Yarmouth paleosol, developed in till. Upon initial examination, however, they appear to be a single, thick, continuous gleyed horizon (Gleysol). Along flat tabular drainage divides this welded solum is gleyed and is identical in all respects with the historical definition of gumbotil. The solum may exceed 4 m in thickness, but has little discernable horizonization. The profiles are nearly homogeneous, containing approximately 50% clay throughout most of the solum, of which 70–80% are expandable clay minerals. Variations in texture, clay mineralogy and weathering indices are typical of a welded solum which forms a complex, polygenetic profile. The base of the solum retains abundant slickensided joints, and upon exposure it rapidly develops shrink-swell features typical of Vertisols. This behavior, coupled with the remarkable homogeneity within the solum, indicates that these soils underwent significant mixing, primarily by pedoturbation, a characteristic of modern Vertisols.
Political Action Committees and the Tragedy of the Commons: The Case of Nonconnected PACs

Why did the receipts of political action committees (PACs) rise to a peak in the 1980s and then fall? Why were large numbers of PACs terminated in the middle of the 1980s? Focusing on nonconnected ...
Linkage between a PvuII restriction fragment length polymorphism and G6PD A-202A/376G: evidence for a single origin of the common G6PD A — mutation

DNA samples from 29 males with the G6PD A-phenotype and 14 males with a G6PD B phenotype were studied for the presence of each of four polymorphic restriction sites in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase locus. All G6PD A-subjects with the G6PD A-202A/376G genotype, regardless of population origin, shared identical haplotypes. In view of the fact that at least one of the restriction sites, the PvuII site in the intron between exon 5 and 6, has thus far been uncommon in the populations studied, it seems likely that the G6PD A-mutation at nucleotide 202 arose relatively recently and in a single individual.
onc gene amplification in promyelocytic leukaemia cell line HL-60 and primary leukaemic cells of the same patient

Cellular onc genes are a group of evolutionarily conserved sequences which are homologous to the transforming genes (v-onc) of oncogenic retroviruses1. Their function in normal cells is not yet known, but the sequence homology between viral and cellular onc genes is consistent with the idea that neoplastic transformation may, in some cases, be due to increased levels of cellular onc gene expression. The cellular homologue, c-myc, of the transforming gene of avian myelocytomatosis virus (MC29)1,2 is involved in the pathogenesis of chicken B-cell lymphomas induced by the non-acute leukosis virus (RAV-2)3–6, and in these tumours, c-myc expression is enhanced by the nearby integration of the RAV-2 terminal repeat region3–6. Transcripts from the c-myc gene are detectable in a variety of human cells7,8, and increased levels of myc mRNA have been occasionally detected in some neoplastic tissues7,8. The highest levels have been detected in the cell line HL-60 (ref. 8) derived from neoplastic cells from a patient with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)9. We have now investigated whether any structural alteration at the genomic level could account for the increased expression of c-myc in HL-60 and report here that the c-myc gene is stably amplified in HL-60 DNA. Amplification was also detected in primary uncultured leukaemic cells from the same individual, suggesting that the c-myc amplification may have been involved in the leukaemic transformation in this case.
Increased risk of secondary uterine leiomyosarcoma in hereditary retinoblastoma

Objective In the US, second non-ocular malignancies are the primary cause of death in retinoblastoma survivors with the germline RB1 mutation. Soft tissue sarcomas are one of the most likely malignancies to pose a risk to these patients, with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) being the most common subtype. As our cohort is followed for a longer period, we discover new second malignancy risks for these patients.
A 25 year retrospective on model-driven requirements engineering

While many engineers are familiar with Model-Driven design and architecture, Model-Driven Requirements Engineering is still, for a variety of reasons, not widely accepted. Although introduced formally at the First International Workshop on Model-Driven Requirements Engineering (MDRE) in San Diego in 2001, the value proposition is still not clear, there are fewer industrial practitioners than one might expect, MDRE techniques have yet to be standardized and are still not clearly understood. This paper describes the authors experience since 1987 using MDRE techniques, including lessons learned and observed benefits and weaknesses.
The Effect of Dietary Adaption on Cranial Morphological Integration in Capuchins (Order Primates, Genus Cebus)

A fundamental challenge of morphology is to identify the underlying evolutionary and developmental mechanisms leading to correlated phenotypic characters. Patterns and magnitudes of morphological integration and their association with environmental variables are essential for understanding the evolution of complex phenotypes, yet the nature of the relevant selective pressures remains poorly understood. In this study, the adaptive significance of morphological integration was evaluated through the association between feeding mechanics, ingestive behavior and craniofacial variation. Five capuchin species were examined, Cebus apella sensu stricto, Cebus libidinosus, Cebus nigritus, Cebus olivaceus and Cebus albifrons. Twenty three-dimensional landmarks were chosen to sample facial regions experiencing high strains during feeding, characteristics affecting muscular mechanical advantage and basicranial regions. Integration structure and magnitude between and within the oral and zygomatic subunits, between and within blocks maximizing modularity and within the face, the basicranium and the cranium were examined using partial-least squares, eigenvalue variance, integration indices compared inter-specifically at a common level of sampled population variance and cluster analyses. Results are consistent with previous findings reporting a relative constancy of facial and cranial correlation patterns across mammals, while covariance magnitudes vary. Results further suggest that food material properties structure integration among functionally-linked facial elements and possibly integration between the face and the basicranium. Hard-object-feeding capuchins, especially C.apella s.s., whose faces experience particularly high biomechanical loads are characterized by higher facial and cranial integration especially compared to C.albifrons, likely because morphotypes compromising feeding performance are selected against in species relying on obdurate fallback foods. This is the first study to report a link between food material properties and facial and cranial integration. Furthermore, results do not identify the consistent presence of cranial modules yielding support to suggestions that despite the distinct embryological imprints of its elements the cranium of placental mammals is not characterized by a modular architecture.
400 THYROXINE [T4] AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE [T3] DEPRESSION IN INFANTS EXPOSED TO PSYCHOACTIVE AGENTS IN UTERO

400 THYROXINE [T4] AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE [T3] DEPRESSION IN INFANTS EXPOSED TO PSYCHOACTIVE AGENTS IN UTERO
Elevation of blood sugar in rats after single doses of dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl formamide, and dimethyl acetamide

Abstract Elevation of blood sugar occurred in rats after oral and intraperitoneal administration of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide (DMA). Minimum effective doses were 4 ml/kg i.p. and 8 ml/kg p.o.; 0.5 ml/kg i.p. and 2 ml/kg p.o., and 1 ml/kg i.p. and 1 ml/kg p.o., respectively.
Changes in visual fixation and saccadic eye movements in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Visual fixation and saccadic eye movements were assessed in 31 mild to moderately demented patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 31 age- and education-matched nondemented elderly control subjects. Seventeen AD and 17 matched control subjects were reassessed after a 9-month interval. On a fixation task, duration of fixation and number of intrusive saccades were not different between groups at baseline or follow-up. Both AD patients and control subjects showed more intrusive saccades at follow-up than at baseline. AD patients showed increased latency to initiation of saccades at baseline and on follow-up. Amplitude and velocity of saccades were not different between groups at any visit. Changes in measures of fixation, but no saccade measure, correlated with changes in MMSE scores over testing sessions. These data suggest that fixation is more sensitive than are saccades to the progression of AD.
Loss of Genetic Variation in a Hatchery Stock of Cutthroat Trout

Abstract We have detected significant reduction in genetic variation at isozyme loci in a hatchery stock of west-slope cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki) in comparison to the wild stock from which it was derived 14 years earlier. This conclusion is supported by (1) a 57% reduction in the proportion of polymorphic loci, (2) a 29% reduction in the average number of alleles per locus, (3) a 21% reduction in the average heterozygosity per individual, and (4) significant changes in allelic frequencies between age-classes. This loss of variation is attributed to both a limited number of founders of the hatchery stock and the effects of genetic drift in the maintenance of the hatchery stock.
Mouse scrapie and polyadenylated RNA metabolism in L cells

Abstract It has previously been reported that infection of mice with the scrapie agent alters polyadenylated RNA (poly (A) RNA) metabolism. In particular, it was claimed that incubation of L cells with extracts from scrapie-infected mice changed the level of poly (A) RNA in the L cells. We have attempted to repeat this work, using the original techniques, but have been unable to confirm the published findings. Furthermore our work suggests that the techniques used would not have yielded purified poly (A) RNA, and analysis of the data from the previous publications supports this view.
Teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding developmentally appropriate practices: A study conducted in India

The study assessed kindergarten teachers’ beliefs, stated practices and actual practices regarding developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) in India. Forty kindergarten teachers from the urban city of Mumbai (India) participated in the study. Overall, the results indicated that teachers’ beliefs were more developmentally appropriate than their stated practices or actual practices in the classroom. Further, teachers congruent in their developmentally appropriate beliefs and stated practices had classrooms with higher scores on actual practices. Lastly, group size was a significant predictor of teachers’ actual practices. The implications of these results for the early childhood education system of India are discussed in detail.
Who Initiates Emergency Commitments

Florida’s Mental Health Act was amended in 2005 and 2006 to include licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists, respectively, to the list of professionals authorized to initiate emergency commitments. The present study evaluates the volume of involuntary emergency commitments by type of initiator for a 5 year period. The results indicate that allowing licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapist to initiate emergency commitments has not been related to increased numbers of emergency commitments or a higher proportion of emergency commitments being initiated by mental health professionals. Potential policy and fiscal implications, as well as future directions for research, are discussed.
SCORIT: A computer subroutine for scoring electrodermal responses

Given digitized electrodermal response records sampled at a rate of 20/sec and at a sensitivity level between 140 and 170 ohms, a computer subroutine for scoring skin resistance responses is described. It is designed to score multiple responses on a trial, which makes it particularly suitable for classical conditioning experiments involving long interstimulus intervals. The subroutine returns to the main program response latency, base resistance, peak resistance, and time from base to peak. Since SCORIT is written in FORTRAN IV, it can be employed in virtually any modern central computing facility at costs substantially below those involved in hand scoring.
Endocytosis of native and glycosylated bovine serum albumin by duct cells of the rat parotid gland.

The ability of duct cells of the rat parotid gland to internalize bovine serum albumin (BSA) and several glycosylated albumins (glucosamide, galactosamide, fucosamide, lactosyl, p-aminophenyl-N-acetyl-D-glucosamide, p-aminophenyl-N-acetyl-D-mannopyranoside, p-aminophenyl-N-acetyl-D-galactosamide) was investigated. The various BSA preparations were infused into the gland via the main excretory duct, after which the tissues were fixed and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Immunolocalization of native BSA, as well as the glycosylated BSAs, was performed on thin sections, using an unlabeled antibody to BSA followed by protein A-colloidal gold. Gold particles were present over the lumina of both intercalated ducts and striated ducts, and over small endocytic structures and large vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm of both duct cell types. Endocytosis of the glycosylated BSAs by duct cells was greater than native BSA. Fucosylamide-BSA and mannopyranoside-BSA were taken up to a greater extent than the other glycosylated BSAs. Uptake by intercalated duct cells was greater than by striated duct cells, was independent of the concentration of the glycosylated BSA, and was reduced by an excess of the corresponding sugar. Striated duct cells showed some damage by the glycosylated BSAs that was concentration-dependent, and which was reduced in the presence of an excess of the corresponding sugar. These results suggest that endocytosis by salivary gland duct cells may involve specific recognition of carbohydrate residues and that the endocytosis of acinar secretory proteins observed in certain conditions may be due to increased and/or altered protein glycosylation.
Atypical endometrial hyperplasia shares genomic abnormalities with endometrioid carcinoma by comparative genomic hybridization

Endometrial hyperplasia is a common disorder that is now observed with increasing frequency in women treated with hormonal replacement therapy or with tamoxifen. This study was undertaken to determine whether genomic features of various forms of endometrial hyperplasias would allow their classification as a benign, premalignant, or malignant abnormality. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was performed on endometrial glands microdissected by laser capture microscope from 19 archival endometrial samples, comprising 5 normal endometria, 1 polyp, 2 simple hyperplasias, 5 hyperplasias with nuclear abnormalities (atypical hyperplasias), and 4 low-grade and 2 high-grade endometrioid carcinomas, 1 with squamous component (adenoacanthoma). Genomic DNA, extracted from the glands and the squamous component in 1 case, was amplified by degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) and compared with sex-matched DNA by CGH. No genomic imbalances were observed in the normal samples, the polyp, or the simple hyperplasias. However, in atypical hyperplasia, regardless of the level of cytologic atypia, genomic abnormalities were observed that also occurred in endometrioid carcinomas. Chromosomes 1, 8, and 10 were most often affected. The results are compared with molecular genetic abnormalities recently reported in these lesions. This study strongly suggests that atypical endometrial hyperplasias are closely related to endometrioid carcinoma and should be considered precancerous lesions, contrary to simple hyperplasia, which is a benign disorder. The squamous component of one of the high-grade carcinomas showed genetic abnormalities similar to those of endometrioid carcinoma and therefore does not represent squamous metaplasia but is an integral part of the malignant process.
DC matching for motion estimation

A new block matching algorithm is presented which saves computation time by using a simple and effective DC matching technique. Preliminary results indicate that this algorithm reduces the computation complexity by a factor of 6.5 at the expense of 0 to 0.9% increased prediction error as compared to the conventional full-search method.
Research prioritization using hypothesis maps

This work presents a method to aid in the prioritization of research within a scientific domain. The domain is encoded into a directed network in which nodes represent factors in the domain, and directed links between nodes represent known or hypothesized causal relationships between the factors. Each link is associated with a numeric weight that indicates the degree of understanding of that hypothesis. Increased understanding of hypotheses is represented by higher weights on links in the network. Research is prioritized by calculating optimal allocations of limited research resources across all links in the network that maximize the degree of overall knowledge of the research domain. We quantify the level of knowledge of individual nodes (factors) in the map by a network centrality measure that reflects in dependencies between knowledge level of nodes and the knowledge level of their parent nodes in the map. We analyzed a funded research proposal concerning the fate and transport of nanomaterials in the environment to illustrate the method.
Differential expression of potato tuber protein genes.

Patatin and the 22-kilodalton protein complex make up more than 50% of the soluble protein present in potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) tubers and these two proteins are coordinately regulated during tuber development. Although genomic sequences related to these tuber genes exist in the genome of potato species that do not bear tubers, they cannot be induced into expression under the tested conditions. These genes are not expressed during substantial starch accumulation in petioles from a model petiole-leaf cutting system in nontuber-bearing plants, indicating that starch accumulation and synthesis of the major tuber proteins occur independently. Tuber protein gene expression also has been examined in hybrid potato plants that contain genomes from both tuberizing and nontuberizing species. One such triploid hybrid produced only stolons, whereas a pentaploid hybrid with an increased number of tuber genomes produced tubers. It was shown, using immunoblotting and Northern blot hybridization, that these two hybrids actively expressed both patatin and the 22-kilodalton tuber protein in induced petioles from the leaf-cutting system. The induced accumulation of patatin transcripts was consistent in all genotypes containing some tuberizing genome. The induced accumulation of the 22-kilodalton protein transcripts, however, was lower in genotypes containing some nontuberizing genome. Sucrose induction of these genes in leaves corroborates the induction patterns in petioles. A correlation exists between 22-kilodalton protein gene expression and a potato plant9s ability to produce stolons or tubers.
Calibration of Pore Volume in Adsorption Experiments and Theoretical Models

We propose a new definition of excess adsorption for use in molecular models of adsorption. This definition implies the calibration of theoretical models in a manner mimicking the experimental cali...
Synthesis, magnetic and structural properties of the nickel(II) tartrate complex, Ni6(dl-C4H4O6)7·30H2O

Abstract The synthesis, magnetic and structural properties of the polymeric nickel(II) tartrate complex, Ni 6 ( dl -C 4 H 4 O 6 ) 7 ·3H 2 O, are described. The magnetic susceptibility has been determined over the temperature range 300-77°K, and the data were described by the Curie law. Other physical data including electronic spectral, i.r., and X-ray were taken and are in agreement with a polymeric octahedral structure.
Predicting protein function and binding profile via matching of local evolutionary and geometric surface patterns

Inferring protein functions from structures is a challenging task, as a large number of orphan protein structures from structural genomics project are now solved without their biochemical functions characterized. For proteins binding to similar substrates or ligands and carrying out similar functions, their binding surfaces are under similar physicochemical constraints, and hence the sets of allowed and forbidden residue substitutions are similar. However, it is difficult to isolate such selection pressure due to protein function from selection pressure due to protein folding, and evolutionary relationship reflected by global sequence and structure similarities between proteins is often unreliable for inferring protein function. We have developed a method, called pevoSOAR (pocket-based evolutionary search of amino acid residues), for predicting protein functions by solving the problem of uncovering amino acids residue substitution pattern due to protein function and separating it from amino acids substitution pattern due to protein folding. We incorporate evolutionary information specific to an individual binding region and match local surfaces on a large scale with millions of precomputed protein surfaces to identify those with similar functions. Our pevoSOAR method also generates a probablistic model called the computed binding a profile that characterizes protein-binding activities that may involve multiple substrates or ligands. We show that our method can be used to predict enzyme functions with accuracy. Our method can also assess enzyme binding specificity and promiscuity. In an objective large-scale test of 100 enzyme families with thousands of structures, our predictions are found to be sensitive and specific: At the stringent specificity level of 99.98%, we can correctly predict enzyme functions for 80.55% of the proteins. The overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve measuring the performance of our prediction is 0.955, close to the perfect value of 1.00. The best Matthews coefficient is 86.6%. Our method also works well in predicting the biochemical functions of orphan proteins from structural genomics projects.
Isolation and characterization of plamsa membrane from monolayer cultures of epithelial type II lung cells

Abstract Pneumocyte type II produces a phospholipid, dipalmitoyl lecithin, which is stored in and secreted from the cell's inclusion bodies and is indispensable for alveolar stability. Cloned rat lung type II cells were harvested at monolayer confluence and homogenized in swelling buffer. After sequential differential centrifugations, the crude membrane fraction was subjected to discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation at 65,000 × g . Quality of the relevant fractions was monitored by enzyme activities and phase contrast and electron microscopy of two major bands at densities 1.16 and 1.18, respectively. The less dense band contained only small quantities of organelles, little cytochrome c oxidase, and some glucose 6-phosphatase, but had a significant (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity; this and ultrastructural evidence certified the product as a suitable plasma membrane preparation. Upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis, the protein pattern consisted of 11 major protein bands between 13,000 and 68,000 M r ranges, and several minor ones. The lipid pattern was studied by two-dimensional thin layer chromatograpy, followed by various group reactions (e.g., amine, unsaturation, phosphorus, sugars). In the two major phospholipids, phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine, palmitic acid was the least abundant of four major fatty acids, accounting for 14.20% in phosphatidyl choline and 5.70% in phosphatidyl ethanolamine, whereas the most abundant were stearic and palmitoleic with about 28% each in phosphatidyl choline, and palmitoleic (29.90%) and oleic (23.05%) in the ethanolamine phosphatide. Apparently, the palmitic acid containing phosphatidyl choline must be in the lamellar inclusion bodies of type II cells and not in their plasma membranes.
A noncanonical Flt3ITD/NF-κB signaling pathway represses DAPK1 in acute myeloid leukemia.

Purpose: Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), a tumor suppressor, is a rate-limiting effector in an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptotic pathway. Its expression is epigenetically suppressed in several tumors. A mechanistic basis for epigenetic/transcriptional repression of DAPK1 was investigated in certain forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with poor prognosis, which lacked ER stress-induced apoptosis. Experimental Design: Heterogeneous primary AMLs were screened to identify a subgroup with Flt3ITD in which repression of DAPK1 , among NF-κB–and c -Jun–responsive genes, was studied. RNA interference knockdown studies were carried out in an Flt3ITD + cell line, MV-4-11, to establish genetic epistasis in the pathway Flt3ITD–TAK1–DAPK1 repression, and chromatin immunoprecipitations were carried out to identify proximate effector proteins, including TAK1-activated p52NF-κB, at the DAPK1 locus. Results: AMLs characterized by normal karyotype with Flt3ITD were found to have 10- to 100-fold lower DAPK1 transcripts normalized to the expression of c -Jun, a transcriptional activator of DAPK1 , as compared with a heterogeneous cytogenetic category. In addition, Meis1 , a c -Jun-responsive adverse AML prognostic gene signature was measured as control. These Flt3ITD + AMLs overexpress relB, a transcriptional repressor, which forms active heterodimers with p52NF-κB. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified p52NF-κB binding to the DAPK1 promoter together with histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and HDAC6 in the Flt3ITD + human AML cell line MV-4-11. Knockdown of p52NF-κB or its upstream regulator, NF-κB–inducing kinase (NIK), de-repressed DAPK1 . DAPK1 -repressed primary Flt3ITD + AMLs had selective nuclear activation of p52NF-κB. Conclusions: Flt3ITD promotes a noncanonical pathway via TAK1 and p52NF-κB to suppress DAPK1 in association with HDACs, which explains DAPK1 repression in Flt3ITD + AML. Clin Cancer Res; 18(2); 360–9. ©2011 AACR .
A novel three-dimensional tool for teaching human neuroanatomy

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization of neuroanatomy can be challenging for medical students. This knowledge is essential in order for students to correlate cross-sectional neuroanatomy and whole brain specimens within neuroscience curricula and to interpret clinical and radiological information as clinicians or researchers. This study implemented and evaluated a new tool for teaching 3D neuroanatomy to first-year medical students at Boston University School of Medicine. Students were randomized into experimental and control classrooms. All students were taught neuroanatomy according to traditional 2D methods. Then, during laboratory review, the experimental group constructed 3D color-coded physical models of the periventricular structures, while the control group re-examined 2D brain cross-sections. At the end of the course, 2D and 3D spatial relationships of the brain and preferred learning styles were assessed in both groups. The overall quiz scores for the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (t(85) = 2.02, P < 0.05). However, when the questions were divided into those requiring either 2D or 3D visualization, only the scores for the 3D questions were significantly higher in the experimental group (F₁(,)₈₅ = 5.48, P = 0.02). When surveyed, 84% of students recommended repeating the 3D activity for future laboratories, and this preference was equally distributed across preferred learning styles (χ² = 0.14, n.s.). Our results suggest that our 3D physical modeling activity is an effective method for teaching spatial relationships of brain anatomy and will better prepare students for visualization of 3D neuroanatomy, a skill essential for higher education in neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery.
Study of heat-transfer on the surface of a circular cylinder in flow using an immersed-boundary method

An immersed-boundary method, previously developed for flow-field simulation, is extended to study heat-transfer problems of flow over a circular cylinder. The Dirichlet-type isothermal temperature boundary conditions and the Neumann-type iso-heat-flux boundary conditions are both implemented. To verify the accuracy of the simulation method, L2-norm are computed to test the order of accuracy of the scheme. Numerical solutions are then further validated by comparing simulated temperature distributions and local convective-heat-transfer coefficients in flow over a stationary circular cylinder with data in the literature. Comparisons are made at different Reynolds-number flows and under different types of temperature boundary conditions. Finally, the effect of heat-transfer enhancement for flow over a transversely oscillating cylinder is investigated.
Chaperone-dependent amyloid assembly protects cells from prion toxicity.

Protein conformational diseases are associated with the aberrant accumulation of amyloid protein aggregates, but whether amyloid formation is cytotoxic or protective is unclear. To address this issue, we investigated a normally benign amyloid formed by the yeast prion [RNQ+]. Surprisingly, modest overexpression of Rnq1 protein was deadly, but only when preexisting Rnq1 was in the [RNQ+] prion conformation. Molecular chaperones protect against protein aggregation diseases and are generally believed to do so by solubilizing their substrates. The Hsp40 chaperone, Sis1, suppressed Rnq1 proteotoxicity, but instead of blocking Rnq1 protein aggregation, it stimulated conversion of soluble Rnq1 to [RNQ+] amyloid. Furthermore, interference with Sis1-mediated [RNQ+] amyloid formation exacerbated Rnq1 toxicity. These and other data establish that even subtle changes in the folding homeostasis of an amyloidogenic protein can create a severe proteotoxic gain-of-function phenotype and that chaperone-mediated amyloid assembly can be cytoprotective. The possible relevance of these findings to other phenomena, including prion-driven neurodegenerative diseases and heterokaryon incompatibility in fungi, is discussed.
TEM equivalent circuits for quasi-TEM couplers

Equivalent circuits for quasi-TEM (transverse electromagnetic) coupled lines have been developed for symmetric lines (C/sub 1/=C/sub 2/) and for asymmetric lines having a congruent LC matrix. It is shown that the congruence assumption is very general. The error is insignificant provided the line width is narrower than the substrate thickness, a condition generally met in practical circuits. These equivalent circuits are easy to implement using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) system such as TOUCHSTONE, which accepts and correctly calculates ideal transmission line performance even for negative characteristic impedances. >
Estimation of soil moisture using Radarsat repeat-passes

The method for developing a soil moisture inversion algorithm can be approached in two ways: the multiple-incident angle approach and the change detection method. The paper discusses how these two methods can be used to predict surface soil moisture. In the multiple incident angle approach surface roughness can be mapped, if multiple incident angle viewing is possible, and if the surface roughness is assumed constant during data acquisitions. A backpropagation neural network is trained with the data set generated by the IEM (Integral Equation Method) model. The training data set includes possible combinations of backscatter as a result of variation in soil moisture within the period of data acquisitions, and the inputs to the network are backscatter acquired at different incident angles. The outputs are correlation length and r.m.s. height. Once the roughness is mapped, soil moisture can be determined. The next approach is the application of the change detection concept. In this approach, the change in soil moisture over two different periods is determined from Radarsat data using a simplified algorithm. The methods would be applied to Radarsat data acquired over Ames, Iowa during the period June-July 2002.
A simple proof of the unimodular property for the basic loop matrix

In this letter it is proven in a simple manner, without using results from electrical networks, that the basic loop matrix of a connected graph is unimodular. This result is established by using several properties of loop matrices in the theory of linear graphs and basic results from linear algebra.
Rate of AIDS Progression Is Associated with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Pigtail Macaques

During HIV/SIV infection, mucosal immune system dysfunction and systemic immune activation are associated with progression to AIDS; however, it is unclear to what extent pre-existing gastrointestinal damage relates to disease progression postinfection. Pigtail macaques (PTM) are an excellent model in which to assess mucosal dysfunction in relation to HIV/SIV pathogenesis, as the majority of these animals have high levels of gastrointestinal damage, immune activation, and microbial translocation prior to infection, and rapidly progress to AIDS upon SIV infection. In this study, we characterized the mucosal immune environment prior to and throughout SIV infection in 13 uninfected PTM and 9 SIV-infected PTM, of which 3 were slow progressors. This small subset of slow progressors had limited innate immune activation in mucosal tissues in the periphery, which was associated with a more intact colonic epithelial barrier. Furthermore, we found that preinfection levels of microbial translocation, as measured by LPS-binding protein, in PTM correlated with the rate of progression to AIDS. These data suggest that pre-existing levels of microbial translocation and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction may influence the rate of HIV disease progression.
ABH incompatible bone marrow transplantation: removal of erythrocytes by starch sedimentation.

Summary. Nineteen patients with acute leukaemia underwent bone marrow transplantation despite major ABH incompatibility between donor and recipient. The marrow inoculum was prepared prior to infusion by admixture with hydroxy-ethyl starch to sediment the incompatible erythrocytes, which were then discarded. The infusion was well tolerated with two patients developing transient haemoglobinuria, seven patients developing low grade fever and 10 experiencing no reaction. Durable haematopoietic engraftment was achieved in the 18 evaluable patients and was not influenced by pre-transplant isohaemagglutinin titres. No difference in time to engraftment, incidence of GVHD or in overall survival was found, compared to ABH compatible transplants. Therefore, the presence of incompatibility did not appear to influence transplant outcome adversely. The technique described is a rapid and safe method for overcoming the ABH barrier in marrow transplantation.
Stand development in a 130-year-old spruce-hemlock forest based on age structure and 50 years of mortality data

Abstract Influences on forest stand development were assessed using tree age and long-term mortality data in ten 0.4 ha permanent plots established in 1935. The stand originated following a major fire in the 1840s with a period of rapid invasion (1851–1870). This was followed by slower filling to full stand closure (1871–1900), recruitment suppression (1901–1930), reinitiation of hemlock recruitment (1931–1950), and continued slow recruitment (1951-present). Recruitment re-initiation was apparently associated with natural stand thinning and not with major disturbance. Large blowdown patches occurred in two plots in the 1960s, but the primary effect was release of hemlock advance regeneration rather than recruitment of new individuals. From 1935 to 1983 annual mortality (calculated from 5–10-years remeasurements) was 0.5–1.2% for both species. At this rate, continued thinning will likely allow a gradual transition to an all-aged forest, as population turnover time is short relative to frequency of intermediate or major disturbance.
Granular-cell tumor of trachea masquerading as Hurthle-cell neoplasm on fine-needle aspirate: a case report.

We report on a case of extraluminal tracheal granular-cell tumor which was interpreted as a Hurthle-cell neoplasm of the thyroid on fine-needle aspirate. Review of the literature reveals only one other such case. The patient was a 35-yr-old female who presented with an enlarged thyroid. Aspiration cytology revealed a syncytium of cells with abundant granular cytoplasm interpreted as a thyroid follicular neoplasm with Hurthle-cell change. However, histology of the resection specimen with immunohistochemistry confirmed it as a granular-cell tumor. The cytologic differential diagnosis of neoplasms with oncocytoid cytoplasm in and around the thyroid should include granular-cell tumor of the trachea.
Promise and challenges in drug discovery and development of hybrid anticancer drugs

Background: Because cancer is a complex disease, it is unlikely that a single mono functional ‘targeted’ drug will be effective for treating this most advanced disease. Combined drugs that impact multiple targets simultaneously are better at controlling complex disease systems, are less prone to drug resistance and are the standard of care in cancer treatment. In order to improve the efficiency of using a two-drug cocktail, one approach involves the use of the so-called hybrid drugs, which comprises the incorporation of two drugs in a single molecule with the intention of exerting dual drug action.Objective: In the present article, we discuss the design, synthesis and various applications of anticancer hybrid agents and the developments in this field during the last few decades. Additionally, we describe different types of linkers and their role in contributing towards biological effects and the in vivo mechanism of drug release. We also depict some challenges from scientific and regulatory perspectives i...
New approaches to rapidly control foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks

Economically, foot-and-mouth disease is the most important viral-induced livestock disease worldwide. The disease is highly contagious and foot-and-mouth disease virus replicates and spreads extremely rapidly. Recent outbreaks in previously foot-and-mouth disease-free countries and the potential use of foot-and-mouth disease virus by terrorist groups have demonstrated the vulnerability of countries and the need to develop control strategies that can rapidly inhibit or limit spread of the disease. The current vaccine, an inactivated whole-virus preparation, has a number of limitations for use in outbreaks in disease-free countries. This review discusses the potential of the antiviral agent, Type I interferon, to produce rapid protection and proposes a combination strategy of an antiviral agent and a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine to induce both immediate and long-lasting protective responses.
Human-executed operations in the Teamware process programming system

This paper describes the consequences of considering human beings as the primary executors of a process program. The paper begins by identifying the key differences between traditional applications written for hardware processors (i.e. silicon-based CPUs) vs. software process specifications written for execution by humans. As a consequence of these differences, five key requirements on process programming languages for team coordination and control are identified. The paper then discusses how the Teamware process programming language and system meets these key requirements. The paper concludes with a comparison between Teamware's approach and that found in other process programming systems.
Meteorological influences on trace gas transport along the North Atlantic coast during ICARTT 2004

An analysis of coastal meteorological mechanisms facilitating the transit pollution plumes emitted from sources in the Northeastern U.S. was based on observations from the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) 2004 field campaign. Particular attention was given to the relation of these plumes to coastal transport patterns in lower tropospheric layers throughout the Gulf of Maine (GOM), and their contribution to large-scale pollution outflow from the North American continent. Using measurements obtained during a series of flights of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) WP-3D and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) DC-8, a unique quasi-Lagrangian case study was conducted for a freshly emitted plume emanating from the New York City source region in late July 2004. The development of this plume stemmed from the accumulation of boundary layer pollutants within a coastal residual layer, where weak synoptic conditions allowed for its advection into the marine troposphere and transport by a mean southwesterly flow. Upon entering the GOM, analysis showed that the plume layer vertical structure evolved into an internal boundary layer form, with signatures of steep vertical gradients in temperature, moisture and wind speed often resulting in periodic turbulence. This structure remained well-defined during the plume study, allowing for the detachment of the plume layer from the surface and minimal plume-sea surface exchange. In contrast, shear driven turbulence within the plume layer facilitated lateral mixing with other low-level plumes during its transit. This turbulence was periodic and further contributed to the high spatial variability in trace gas mixing ratios. Further influences of the turbulent mixing were observed in the impact of the plume inland as observed by the Atmospheric Investigation, Regional Modeling, Analysis and Prediction (AIRMAP) air quality network. This impact was seen as extreme elevations of surface ozone and CO levels, equaling the highest observed that summer.
Dosimetric rationale and early experience at UFPTI of thoracic proton therapy and chemotherapy in limited-stage small cell lung cancer

Background. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard of care in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Treatment with conventional x-ray therapy (XRT) is associated with high toxicity rates, particularly acute grade 3 � esophagitis and pneumonitis. We present outcomes for the fi rst known series of limited-stage SCLC patients treated with proton therapy and a dosimetric comparison of lung and esophageal doses with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Material and methods. Six patients were treated: fi ve concurrently and one sequentially. Five patients received 60 ‐ 66 CGE in 30‐34 fractions once daily and one patient received 45 CGE in 30 fractions twice daily. All six patients received prophylactic cranial irradiation. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v3.0, was used to grade toxicity. IMRT plans were also generated and compared with proton plans. Results. The median follow-up was 12.0 months. The one-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 83% and 66%, respectively. There were no cases of acute grade 3 � esophagitis or acute grade 2 � pneumonitis, and no other acute grade 3 � non-hematological toxicities were seen. One patient with a history of pulmonary fi brosis and atrial fi brillation developed worsening symptoms four months after treatment requiring oxygen. Three patients died: two of progressive disease and one after a fall; the latter patient was disease-free at 36 months after treatment. Another patient recurred and is alive, while two patients remain disease-free at 12 months of follow-up. Proton therapy proved superior to IMRT across all esophageal and lung dose volume points. Conclusion. In this small series of SCLC patients treated with proton therapy with radical intent, treatment was well tolerated with no cases of acute grade 3 � esophagitis or acute grade 2 � pneumonitis. Dosimetric comparison showed better sparing of lung and esophagus with proton therapy. Proton therapy merits further investigation as a method of reducing the toxicity of CRT.
The Matilda Effect—Role Congruity Effects on Scholarly Communication: A Citation Analysis of Communication Research and Journal of Communication Articles

Using role congruity theory as the basis for the study, an analysis of 1,020 articles published 1991-2005 in Communication Research and Journal of Communication, as well as the ISI citations these articles received and the citations these articles included, was conducted. In line with a hypothesized “Matilda effect” (underrecognition of female scientists), articles authored by female communication scientists received fewer citations than articles authored by males. Hypotheses on moderating impacts of research topic, author productivity, and citing author’s sex, as well as on change in the effect’s extent across time were derived from the theoretical framework. Networking conceptualizations led to an additional hypothesis. Five of six hypotheses were supported.
Comparison of Academic and Behavioral Performance between Athletes and Non-athletes

The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (2010) and several national physical activity plans advocate sports participation as an important part of population targeted physical activity for youth. Emerging research evidence also suggests that sports participation during adolescents is linked to significant positive correlations with academic and behavioral performance. The purpose of this study was to compare academic and behavioral performance between male and female public school athletes (Total N=11,139; 38% Female) and non-athletes (Total N=23,891; 52% Female) in a convenient, ethnicity diverse, sample (grades 7-12) from the state of Texas (USA). We examined the passing rates of individual athletes and non-athletes on standardized tests (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, TAKS) for math, language arts, reading, writing, science, and social studies. We also examined the percentage of athletes and non-athletes for being "at risk," for dropping out of school and for the total average number of disciplinary actions. Chi-Square statistical analyses comparing athletes to non-athletes showed that athletes scored significantly better (p<0.05) on all standardized tests compared to non-athletes (passing rate ranges ranged from 77.1% to 92.9% versus 27.7% to 66.5% respectively). Athletes were at lower risk for dropout compared to non-athletes (35.6% versus 49.24%; p<0.05), and they had fewer disciplinary actions (mean of 0.85 per athletes per year versus 1.23 for non-athletes; ANOVA, p<0.05). Our results support the research findings of others that participation in school sports is positively correlated to better academic and behavioral performances for athletes compared to non-athletes.