cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sciences and Technology Open Resources: A Collaborative Effort Between Libraries and Faculty

Open Oregon Educational Resources (2018) researched the changes open educational resources have had on textbook affordability in community colleges in Oregon between 2015 and 2017. One comparison in the report is the number of hours a student working minimum wage would need to work to afford course materials. In 2017, at a two-year college that was 176 hours of work. While similar data is not yet available for Oregon four-year universities, one may assume it is near to double or more, topping 300 hours of work. Open access is in relation to the license type of a text or material. A copyright license such as Creative Commons attribution allows people to use materials without the traditional barriers of the publishing industry. Add to this the wide accessibility of the internet, and there is a new model for creating and sharing of information that many can use. For the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), this does not only mean easier access for students across socioeconomic barriers, but also the ability of the library to publish materials created by faculty, and for faculty to work with other services such as OpenStax and LibreText to publish materials on a larger scale. This paper seeks to provide two views of the process at Oregon Tech. First, the library sponsored a pilot to support use and creation of open materials. Second, the paper gives one faculty member’s experience in the creation and use of such resources.
Ionomers from Step-Growth Polymerization: Highly Ordered Ionic Aggregates and Ion Conduction

Precisely controlling the position of ionic groups along neutral polymer backbones in ionomers has led to novel nanoscale morphologies and promising properties, although the synthetic routes can be quite demanding. Here, we report a series of Li+-containing ionomers directly synthesized from step-growth polymerization of commercially available diol monomers (x = 6 or 12) and dianhydride monomers followed by neutralization with various amounts of lithium salts. The results are nearly precise linear polymers wherein nonpolar segments have precisely 6 or 12 methylene groups, as determined by the diol. The functional segment has two carboxylic acid pendant groups and 6–8 backbone atoms depending on the dianhydride addition. From X-ray scattering, these segmented ionomers exhibit well-defined nanostructures in contrast to the conventional random ionomers. The nearly precise nature of these segmented ionomers does not compromise the morphological ordering. The temperature-dependent ionic conductivities exhibit ...
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESCHEDULING ELECTIVE PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY PROCEDURES FOLLOWING COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN.

Elective surgical and endoscopic procedures were suspended nationwide during the March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to minimize exposure and healthcare resource utilization. This resulted in an unprecedented backlog of procedures in most clinical practices including pediatrics. Our group developed an internal process toward the rational development of an algorithm prioritizing elective procedures. This was based on patient disease severity defined by the presence of alert symptoms, symptom severity for dysphagia and abdominal pain, and diagnostic investigation findings. The underlying rationale is to prioritize patients in whom suspected disease course would be greatest impacted by endoscopy. We developed a nurse phone call-based process utilizing REDCap®, identifying relevant symptoms categorized by severity, and a validated functional impairment questionnaire for abdominal pain. We abstracted key laboratory and radiological findings also categorized by severity. The order of priority of procedures was established on the basis of a 4-tiered system factoring both presence and severity of symptoms or prior diagnostic testing results. We present the framework that we have adopted toward prioritizing procedures with the assumption that it offers an objective methodology and that can be efficiently and more broadly applied to other similar practice scenarios. Our tool may have wide-ranging implications both in the current COVID-19 pandemic and in other scenarios of limited resource allocation and deserves further investigation.
Neoliberalism and public library policy in Ireland, 1998–2011: From the first government policy document to the first general election after the Great Recession

This article discusses the influence of neoliberal ideology on public libraries in Ireland, from the first government policy document published in 1998 to the first election after the recession in ...
Mediation and Strategic Delay in Bargaining

Mediator proposals can accelerate agreement and increase welfare even if the mediator is entirely uninformed. We demonstrate this by adding random mediation to the Cramton (1992) bargaining model. Mediation increases welfare by pooling types, which reduces signaling costs. When mediation is expected to occur soon, bargainers wait for mediation. Otherwise, bargainers make offers with greater strategic delay due to the possibility of future mediation. Despite the greater pre-mediation delay, the net effect of mediation is welfare enhancing.
A health literacy analysis of the consumer-oriented COVID-19 information produced by ten state health departments.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the public’s need for quality health information that is understandable. This study aimed to identify (1) the extent to which COVID-19 messaging by state public health departments is understandable, actionable, and clear; (2) whether materials produced by public health departments are easily readable; (3) relationships between material type and understandability, actionability, clarity, and reading grade level; and (4) potential strategies to improve public health messaging around COVID-19. Methods: Based on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics from June 30, 2020, we identified the ten states with the most COVID-19 cases and selected forty-two materials (i.e., webpages, infographics, and videos) related to COVID-19 prevention according to predefined eligibility criteria. We applied three validated health literacy tools (i.e., Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, CDC Clear Communication Index, and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level) to assess material understandability, actionability, clarity, and readability. We also analyzed correlations between scores on the three health literacy tools and material types. Results: Overall, COVID-19 materials had high understandability and actionability but could be improved in terms of clarity and readability. Material type was significantly correlated with understandability, actionability, and clarity. Infographics and videos received higher scores on all tools. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we recommend public health entities apply a combination of these tools when developing health information materials to improve their understandability, actionability, and clarity. We also recommend using infographics and videos when possible, taking a human-centered approach to information design, and providing multiple modes and platforms for information delivery.
Radiosensitization of Glioblastoma Stem Cells by Targeting High-affinity Glucose Uptake (S43.001)

OBJECTIVE: To understand how high-affinity glucose transporter (Glut3) promotes glioblastoma (GBM) radioresistance through maintaining tumorigenic hierarchical growth pattern, and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting Glut3 to sensitize glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) to radiation therapy. BACKGROUND: GBM remains one of the most lethal and treatment-impervious of human cancers. The role of metabolic stress in promoting tumor hierarchy is a novel paradigm with energy-dependent and therapeutically-relevant properties of GSCs, including treatment resistance through drug efflux and DNA repair. DESIGN/METHODS: 1. Examine the functional importance of Glut3 in tumorigenesis through xenograft mouse model. GSCs expressing Glut3 shRNA were implanted intracranially into immunocompromised mice, and tumor incidence was recorded. 2. Define the therapeutic benefits of down-regulating Glut3 on GSCs in conjunction with radiation. MTT assay was conducted 3 days after radiation to evaluate the effect of Glut3 knockdown. 3. Characterize the expression level of Glut3 in determining GBM patient survival. Based on TCGA database, the predictive value of Glut3 for GBM patient outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: 1. Glut3 is required for in vivo tumorigenesis of GSCs. In vivo tumor propagation assay with patient-derived GSCs demonstrated that targeting Glut3 using shRNA increased the survival of mice bearing human GBM xenografts. 2. Knocking down Glut3 sensitizes GSCs to radiation. Glut3 knockdown significantly decreased GSC survival after radiation compared to control (1.7 fold). This result revealed the function of Glut3 in promoting GSC survival after radiation therapy, consistent with its key role in GSC maintenance. 3. Glut3 expression level correlates with GBM patient survival. Glut3 expression informed poor prognosis, whereas other glucose transporters did not correlate with patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that Glut3 plays a key role in enforcing GBM cellular hierarchy and promoting radiation resistance. Study Supported by: This work was supported by the 2013 AAN Medical Student Summer Research Scholarship. Disclosure: Dr. Yang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Flavahan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rich has nothing to disclose.
Precise Definition of Software Component Specifications

Abstract A set of generic specification categories is presented which can be used to comprehensively define any software component within a certain class. With these categories as a template, a specific set of formal specifications can be generated for each component. Specifications for a particular component (an algorithm that estimates the position and orientation of a physical object using visual sensing) have been defined in EXPRESS, an information modeling language. A few example natural language specifications are presented for this particular component.
The Supreme Court and the Press: The Indispensable Conflict by Joe Mathewson Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press, 2011, 501 Pp.

(2011). The Supreme Court and the Press: The Indispensable Conflict by Joe Mathewson Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press, 2011, 501 Pp. American Journalism: Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 149-150.
Cloning and chromosomal localization of a mouse cDNA with homology to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene zuotin

The eukaryotic DnaJ homologs form a family of proteins with diverse functions. One member of the family, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene zuotin, was isolated for its ability to bind Z-DNA. Here, we have isolated a mouse cDNA called ZRF1 (for zuotin-related factor 1) with significant homology to zuotin. The DnaJ domain and candidate phosphorylation sites of zuotin and ZRF1 are highly conserved. ZRF1 is expressed in all tissues, and the mouse ZRF1 gene is localized in chromosome 5. The structural similarity of zuotin and ZRF1 suggests conservation of function of this DnaJ subfamily. 23 refs., 2 figs.
Foreword to Symposium Volume: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) v. Hill: The Greatest Little Story Never Told

In 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that Congress intended the Endangered Species Act to afford "the highest of priorities" to endangered species. (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill; 437 U.S. 153). The Court's ruling prevented -- at least, for a period of time -- the completion of TVA's Tellico dam project. Since then, it has been endlessly evaluated, celebrated, excoriated, and commemorated. The "snail darter" case (as it has come to be known) has captivated an entire generation of environmental and natural resources law academics, practitioners, and students, and its influence persists some thirty-plus years later. Indeed, the case made the top ten list in a survey of lawyers' perceptions of the most important cases in environmental law (Salzman and Ruhl; 2010). Closer to home, the snail darter case is closely associated with students and faculty of the University of Tennessee and is the embodiment of UT's collaborative and paraxial educational environment. It is also highly representative of the Law School's rich history of engaging with members of the local community to advance the law in groundbreaking and important ways. In other words, it is a perfect example of the very type of interdisciplinary project that the Baker Center Energy and Environment Forum was designed to promote. This Foreword introduces the context, speakers, and sentiment of the Spring 2013 Symposium entitled, "TVA v Hill: The Greatest Little Story Never Told".
How Effective are Troop Surges Against the Menace of Transnational Terrorism

Drawn from resource-mobilization theory, we examine whether different troop deployment levels affect counterterrorism efforts. We postulate that very low-scale and very high-scale military interventions should have little or no effect on transnational terrorism, while interventions of intermediate intensity should have a positive effect. A pooled data analysis of 165 countries from 1968 to 2005 reveals that, when different troop deployment levels are considered, only those with moderate numbers of troops are consistent predictors of fueling terrorist incidents. In policy terms, these findings suggest that transnational terrorist violence may be mitigated through a policy of military restraint or overwhelming military force.
A novel p65 inhibitor suppresses glutamate release and proliferation of macrophages: therapeutic implications for chronic neurological diseases. (THER3P.887)

Activated nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) plays critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic neurological diseases constituting an attractive therapeutic target. Based on the cross talk between NFκB and glucocorticoid signaling pathways, we developed a novel strategy to selectively target p65, the functionally critical subunit of NFκB. Glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is a “divergence” hub linked to multiple proteins in the NFκB signaling pathway. Structurally, proline rich carboxy terminus of GILZ binds the transactivation domain of p65. An immunomodulatory peptide derived from the p65 binding region of GILZ, the GILZ-P ameliorated autoimmune disease in mice. Here we determine the secondary structural characteristics and investigate the efficacy of GILZ-P in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated ThP-1 macrophages used as model systems for human microglial cells. GILZ-P treatment did not adversely affect cell viability as determined by vital staining and flow cytometry. LPS stimulated mature macrophages treated with GILZ-P exhibited reduced proliferation and inflammatory cytokine secretion as assessed by the MTT assay and ELISA respectively. Mechanistically the inhibitory potential of GILZ-P was substantiated by the reduced nuclear translocation of p65 and decreased glutamate release. Collectively, our data support anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for the PPII helical GILZ-P suggesting therapeutic applications in neuroinflammatory-neurodegenerative conditions.
STATION POSITIONS AND PLATE MOTION FROM LAGEOS LONG ARC LLA8903

Recent long-arc solutions for the Lageos orbit, station positions, Earth rotation parameters and dynamical force modeling parameters have yielded improvements in implied tectonic network motion. The latest such effort includes all Lageos laser tracking data from May 1976 through early 1989, a single continuous arc of over 12.5 years. Baseline rates are determined for the entire network, including North and South America, the Pacific basin, Australia, with special attention paid to the Eurasian fixed sites for this presentation.
VARIABLES INFLUENCING OPERATOR INFORMATION PROCESSING.

Using two criteria, time required to react to the stimulus and performance on a simple tracking task, subjects were exposed to various levels of rate of information presentation, the number of channels through which it was presented, and the physical location and arrangement of the information media.Performance as measured by both criteria dropped as the rate and number of channels increased. Performance was generally better on more compact media arrangements and those channels more centrally located. There were some differences between criteria in these areas, however.
Automatic, Real Time, Unsupervised Spatio-temporal 3D Object Detection Using RGB-D Cameras

The evolution and affordability of depth cameras like Microsoft Kinect make it a great source for object detection and surveillance monitoring. Information available from depth cameras includes depth in addition to color. Using depth cameras, the provided depth information can be incorporated for object detection in still and video images, but needs special care to pair it with color information. In this work, we propose a simple, yet novel real time unsupervised object detection method in spatio-temporal videos. The RGB color frame is mapped into Hunter Lab color space to reduce emphasis on image illuminations, while the depth frame is back-projected into the 3D real world coordinate in order to distinguish between objects in space. Once combined, the mapped color information and the back-projected depth information are fed into automatic, unsupervised clustering framework in order to detect scene objects. The framework runs in parallel to provide real time spatio-temporal object detection.
β-Glucan particles as a vaccine platform with intrinsic adjuvanticity (469.3)

Most licensed vaccines work by promoting protective antibody responses. However, some populations, such as the elderly and the immunocompromised, generally have poor antibody responses to conventio...
Terrain Modelling for In-situ Activity Planning and Rehearsal for the Mars Exploration Rovers

Immersive environments are being used to support mission operations at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This technology contributed to the Mars Pathfinder Mission in planning sorties for the Sojourner rover and is being used for the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) missions. The stereo imagery captured by the rovers is used to create 3D terrain models, which can be viewed from any angle, to provide a powerful and information rich immersive visualization experience. These technologies contributed heavily to both the mission success and the phenomenal level of public outreach achieved by Mars Pathfinder and MER. This paper reviews the utilization of terrain modelling for immersive environments in support of MER
Integrating concurrent engineering into undergraduate design and research experiences

After graduation, engineering and engineering technology students are expected to enter the highly competitive, global work place of the 90's and beyond as immediately productive members of manufacturing or development teams. In order to excel in that target market, students must experience and practice concurrent engineering, design engineering and team development skills throughout their undergraduate curriculum. Students in the Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University actively participate in a wide variety of undergraduate design and undergraduate research projects where concurrent engineering and team work are expected and emphasized. This paper describes how the faculty within Engineering Technology Department have integrated concurrent engineering principles and design throughout the curriculum and gives several program and project examples. The paper also presents specific examples of where multi-disciplinary teams of students have actively participated in undergraduate research experiences and learned much from active team development and integrated design. Marketing, accounting and technical communication majors are often the most popular additions to design or competition teams. This paper describes specific design, research and student competition examples where concurrent engineering team work has been successful. It also describes the extra faculty efforts needed to help the process to work. Curricular issues that have been modified within the manufacturing and plastics programs are also discussed.
Legitimacy and Deterrence Effects in Counterterrorism Policing: A Study of Muslim Americans

This study considers the circumstances under which members of the Muslim American community voluntarily cooperate with police efforts to combat terrorism. Cooperation is defined to include both a general receptivity toward helping the police in antiterror work and the specific willingness to alert police to terror-related risks in a community. We compare two perspectives on why people cooperate with law enforcement, both developed with reference to general policing, in the context of antiterror policing and specifically among members of the Muslim American community. The first is instrumental. It suggests that people cooperate because they see tangible benefits that outweigh any costs. The second perspective is normative. It posits that people respond to their belief that police are a legitimate authority. On this view we link legitimacy to the fairness and procedural justice of police behavior. Data from a study involving interviews with Muslim Americans in New York City between March and June 2009 strongly support the normative model by finding that the procedural justice of police activities is the primary factor shaping legitimacy and cooperation with the police.
Effectiveness of biweekly low-dosage peginterferon treatment on the improvement of serum alanine aminotransferase and α-fetoprotein levels.

Aim: The purpose of this clinical study was to determine the effect of a biweekly low-dosage peginterferon α-2a treatment program on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Methods: Fifty-five patients participated in the study. The inclusion criteria included chronic genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, liver cirrhosis, or the absence of cirrhosis in subjects 65 years old or above, and interferon therapy naivety or a lack of sustained response to therapy with interferon-plus-ribavirin or peginterferon-plus-ribavirin. Patients were divided into naive, relapser, and non-responder groups. The median age of the patients was 70 years, and 73% of patients had cirrhosis. All patients were treated with peginterferon α-2a at 90 µg biweekly. Results: The rates of normalization (≤30 IU/l) of ALT levels at week 24 in the relapser group and the ≥2 log10 HCV RNA decline group were high (74% and 68%, respectively). However, the ALT and AFP levels decreased significantly in each group, including the non-responder group. The ALT levels decreased significantly even in patients in whom the HCV RNA levels did not decrease. Furthermore, the AFP levels decreased significantly in the patients showing no decline in the ALT and HCV RNA levels. Only three patients discontinued treatment within 48 weeks due to adverse events, and more than 70% of the patients experienced no subjective symptoms during treatment. Conclusion: A biweekly low-dosage peginterferon α-2a therapy is effective for reducing the serum levels of ALT and AFP and may reduce hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with liver cirrhosis and in the elderly individuals.
Strategies for recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

In 1989, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (UPSDM) found there was an urgent need for new programs that would be effective in recruiting highly qualified and talented underrepresented minority students and ensuring their retention. Major efforts focused on leadership, financial support, institutional commitment, and the creation of an inclusive environment. UPSDM also offers an accelerated program leading to combined bachelor9s and dental degrees and has agreements with several undergraduate institutions, including Xavier University in Louisiana and Hampton University, to enroll students in this program. UPSDM encourages minority retention through a Peer Mentorship Program, a Minority Mentorship Program, and course offerings that focus on diversity. Over the past thirteen years, these efforts have successfully garnered a fivefold increase in the number of underrepresented minority students at UPSDM.
The mechanism of inhibition of protein synthesis by 5-azacytidine in HeLa cells.

Abstract The base analogue 5-azacytidine is shown to inhibit protein synthesis in HeLa cells with a half-life of 90 min. Inhibition apparently occurs at the level of initiation of translation. The analogue must be incorporated into RNA, since its effect is suppressed by actinomycin. The defective RNA which causes inhibition is probably neither messenger nor ribosomal RNA. 5-Azacytidine may interfere with the actinomycin-sensitive metabolism involved in initiating translation in HeLa cells.
The NH2-terminal proregion of peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase facilitates the secretion of soluble proteins.

A highly conserved ten amino acid proregion separates the peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) domain of the bifunctional peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) protein from the NH2-terminal signal peptide; propeptides with amino acid sequences similar to the PAM proregion have been identified in other secreted proteins. In AtT-20 cells, but not in human embryonic kidney (hEK)-293 cells, an endogenous endoprotease acting at a site distal to the trans-Golgi network efficiently removes the propeptide from stably transfected monofunctional PHM (PHMs). We constructed a mutant PHM protein (delta ProPHMs) in which the proregion was deleted and the signal peptide joined directly to the monooxygenase domain. Newly synthesized, enzymatically active delta ProPHMs was secreted from both AtT-20 cells and hEK-293 cells more slowly than PHMs. In endocrine cells, the proregion was not required for storage in regulated secretory granules. We transferred the PAM proregion to prohormone conv...
Tonsillectomy as a Treatment for Psoriasis: A Review

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects 1% to 3% of the general population worldwide. Streptococcal infection, especially streptococcal pharyngitis, has been shown to be a significant trigger of psoriasis in some patients, possibly by sensitizing T cells to keratin epitopes in the skin. Due to the role of the palatine tonsils as an immunological organ that may generate autoreactive T cells, tonsillectomy has been investigated as a treatment for psoriasis. Tonsillectomy originally gained acceptance in Japan as a treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis, a condition that shares features with pustular psoriasis. Subsequently, tonsillectomy has been used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. Recently, the first randomized, controlled clinical trial of tonsillectomy was performed. Here, we review the available evidence for the benefit of tonsillectomy as a treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis and psoriasis. We also discuss molecular studies aimed at understanding the role...
Projection and prediction: Mapping the road ahead

Research into climate change mitigation and adaptation has been hindered by a disconnect between climate science and socio-economic studies. The development of a new set of climate forcing pathways could prove to be the first step towards integrated analyses of policies and impacts.
Postprandial triglyceride response in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is not altered by short-term deterioration in glycaemic control or level of postprandial insulin replacement

The effect of deteriorating glycaemic control on the lipoprotein responses to the ingestion of a high fat meal was investigated in seven normolipidaemic Type 1 (insulindependent) diabetic patients and the results were compared with corresponding responses in seven normolipidaemic control subjects. In addition, the importance of insulin in regulating the postprandial lipoprotein responses was examined by comparing the results obtained from the diabetic patients maintained on a basal infusion of insulin throughout the study with those obtained when a step-up, step-down insulin infusion was administered following the meal. Vitamin A was added to the test meal in all subjects to trace the metabolism of the chylomicron (Sf> 1000) and non-chylomicron (Sf< 1000) fractions in the postprandial period. No differences in fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels nor in the concentration of the chylomicron and non-chylomicron fractions were observed between diabetic and control subjects. In the diabetic patients short-term (two-week) deterioration in glycaemic control did not have any adverse influence on the basal and postprandial lipid responses. However, while the amount of insulin administered after the meal in the diabetic patients did not have any effect on the postprandial triglyceride or chylomicron responses, the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was significantly higher (p< 0.0005) when only a basal infusion of insulin was administered. In conclusion: 1) Short-term deterioration in glycaemic control does not adversely affect lipoprotein concentrations in Type 1 diabetes. 2) Non-esterified fatty acids appear to be a more sensitive index of insulinization postprandially than triglycerides.
Matching problem diagnostic tools to managers' decision styles: A contingency approach

Abstract Problem diagnosis is a most important problem solving activity. However it is rarely taught at universities or colleges. Even when managers learn diagnostic techniques they often do not use them on the job. One reason is that different tools may appeal to different managers. We theorize that management trainers must match diagnostic tools to different types of managers—a contingency approach. We use Jung's decision style construct to classify managers, and we focus on the two most common managerial types—Extraverted Thinking or Introverted Sensing managers. Which diagnostic tools are they likely to prefer? We consider the two most commonly-used diagnostic tolls—the Kepner and Tregoe Method and the Cause and Effect Diagram. Drawing on Jung's writings, we conclude that Extraverted Thinking managers will prefer and use the Kepner and Tregoe Method and Introverted Sensing managers will prefer and use the Cause and Effect Diagram. We generalize these findings and suggest that trainers should first teach diagnostic tools that support managers' superior functions. If successful, then trainers should teach diagnostic tools that augment managers' inferior functions. The paper concludes with the need for additional research to fully explicate the contingency approach.
Antitumor agents LV: Effects of genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine on nucleic acid synthesis of P‐388 lymphocytic leukemia cells

The diterpene esters, genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine, have been shown to possess significant antileukemic activity in the P-388 screen. The major metabolic effects of the diterpene esters were on DNA and protein synthesis. The effects on DNA synthesis in vitro were evoked at a lower concentration than that required for protein synthesis inhibition. The sites in DNA synthesis which were inhibited were DNA polymerase and purine synthesis. In the latter pathway the enzyme activities inhibited were phosphoribosyl aminotransferase, inosinic acid dehydrogenase, and dihydrofolate reductase. In vivo administration of the diterpene esters at 0.8 mg/kg afforded identical types of effects on purine and DNA synthesis and in addition suppressed histone phosphorylation and reduced the number of surviving tumor cells. The in vivo effects on purine and DNA synthesis were evident as early as 6 and 24 hr after administration of a single dose of the diterpene esters.
Effects of an LHRH agonist and gonadotropins on testicular prolactin receptors.

Abstract Effects of administration of the LHRH agonist D-Leu 6 -LHRH ethylamide (LHRH-A), gonadotropin (PMS), and their interaction on testicular prolactin (PRL) receptor levels were investigated in rats. LHRH-A (2 μg/100 g body wt.) or saline was injected SC daily, and PMS (5 IU) injected every other day. In intact rats, the testicular PRL receptor levels were about 400 fmoles/testis after either 1 or 7 daily injections of saline. Administration of LHRH-A decreased PRL receptors to 12% of that of saline-injected control rats at day 1, and to 20% at day 2, and PRL receptor levels were partially restored to 55% at day 7. In hypophysectomized rats given daily injections of saline for 7 days PRL receptor levels were only 20% of those in saline-injected intact rats. Injections of LHRH-A in hypophysectomized animals did not further decrease PRL receptor numbers at this time. Administration of PMS to hypophysectomized rats for 7 days partially reversed the reduction of PRL receptors that occurred after hypophysectomy, to 46% of those in intact controls. Injections of LHRH-A into hypophysectomized, PMS-treated animals did not significantly alter PRL receptors on day 1 (117% of that of saline-injected, hypophysectomized, PMS-treated rats at day 1) or day 2 (96% of same-day controls), but decreased PRL receptors on day 7 to 102 fmoles/testis (55% of same-day controls). This latter concentration is nearly the same as that in saline-injected, 7-day hypophysectomized rats not treated with PMS. These findings suggest that: (1) the effects of LHRH-A on testicular PRL receptors differ depending on the presence or absence of gonadotropin, (2) gonadotropin, primarily FSH, maintains some population of testicular PRL receptors, and these gonadotropin-dependent PRL receptors are suppressed by direct action of LHRH-A upon the testes, and (3) there is a population of PRL receptors which is not affected by LHRH-A or gonadotropin.
Heavy metals in estuarine shellfish from Oregon.

The concentrations of Hg, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd were determined in marine shellfish from the Oregon coast. The levels of these metals in both crustaceans and molluscs were generally typical of those reported from other geographic areas. The primary exception was Cd, which in crustaceans was 5 to 40 times lower and in three of the six marine bivalve molluscs studied was 5 to 25 times lower than that found in most previous studies. The low concentrations of Cd may be due to the lower level and types of industrial activity in coastal Oregon estuaries compared to other regions of the world, and/or to a lower rate of input of this metal from natural weathering processes in this region. No significant variations due either to season or geographical location were apparent in the three principal shellfish species studied.
Target transformation factor analysis

Abstract This tutorial article provides an introduction to target transformation factor analysis (TTFA). TTFA is a method of apportioning the measured value of a system to a series of independent causal processes. Such systems can be mixtures of components for which aggregate properties such as the absorption spectrum have been measured and the nature and amounts of the constituents need to be determined. The use of the TTFA method will be illustrated with an example of mass spectra of mixtures of cyclohexane and hexane.
In vivo wireless communication channels

In this paper we perform signal strength and channel impulse response simulations using an accurate human body model and we investigate the variation in signal loss at different RF frequencies as a function of position around the human body. It was observed that significant variations in received signal strength (RSS) occurred with changing position of the external receive antenna at a fixed distance from the internal antenna. The variations were even more profound at the highest frequency, where just a 5° of movement causes an increase of RSS up to 20 dB. Wideband scattering parameters were also obtained and the channel impulse response was calculated. A greater amount of dispersion through the abdomen has been observed than was expected based on human body geometry.
Complement-fixation test for feline leukemia and sarcoma viruses (the COCAL test).

Abstract A feline leukemia and sarcoma group-specific complement-fixation (CF) test has been developed, analogous to the COFAL test for the avian leukosis viruses and the COMUL test for the murine leukemia viruses. CF viral antibodies used in this test were prepared by immunizing rabbits with ether-disrupted feline leukemia virus and by the induction of fibrosarcoma in beagle dogs with the GA strain of the feline fibrosarcoma virus. The dog CF antibodies contained viral envelope antibodies as well as antibodies to the ether-resistant, nonsedimentable antigens (gs antigen) of the virus. A tissue culture CF viral antigen induction test was devised for the detection and assay of infectious virus and viral-neutralizing antibodies. The test was useful and sensitive for the routine detection and assay of various field strains of feline leukemia virus. High titers of infectious virus and/or viral antigen were found in various preparations from cats with lymphosarcoma and cultures of feline, canine, and human cells inoculated with the virus. The presence in feline sarcoma virus stocks of 100- to 1000-fold excess of noncytopathogenic feline leukemia virus was detected. The CF test for feline leukemia and sarcoma viruses (the COCAL test), may be useful as a routine laboratory tool in the studies of the natural occurrence and transmission of feline leukemia and sarcoma viruses in cats and other species.
745 IS THE CONCEPT OF A “SAFE” BACTERIAL COUNT FOR RAW HUMAN MILK ACADEMIC?

To determine the fate of bacteria in human milk, we obtained serial cultures of gastric contents in 20 well preterm infants (BW:1200±91g, GA:29±1 wk, age:27±4 days, mean±SE). Eleven infants received fresh frozen maternal milk (FMM), 7 received donor milk (DM), and 2 received formula (F). Using sterile technique, samples were obtained via a gastric tube for colony count and identification before, and at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 hrs after a feeding. pH was tested with Hydrion tape. Three of 11 FMM, 6 of 7 DM, and both F samples were sterile, the rest were contaminated with skin bacteria (1-290 × 103/ml). At time 0, 12 of 23 gastric samples were sterile, 4 grew skin bacteria, 7, pathogens, and 4, Candida. Bacterial growth was related to time and pH (Fig). No bacteria grew if pH was ≤3.5 but Candida growth was unaffected by pH. Our findings indicate that the ability to generate an acid pH is an important factor in the preterm infant's ability to suppress bacterial growth and that the debate about a “safe” bacterial count for raw human milk for the well preterm infant may indeed be academic.
Alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid content in the rat superior cervical ganglion and pineal gland☆

Abstract The endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of the rat pineal gland and superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. It was found that GABA levels in both tissues increased after decapitation of the animals. The GABA content of tissues frozen within 20 seconds after decapitation was the same as that of tissues removed from animals killed by microwave irradiation. Amino-oxyacetic acid, a GABA-transaminase inhibitor, increased the endogenous GABA content of both of these tissues. Dimethylphenylpiperizinium or isoniazid administration did not alter GABA levels in these tissues. Isoproterenol increased the GABA content of the SCG but did not change the pineal gland GABA levels. The ability of the pineal gland to take up and accumulate 3 H-GABA was significantly reduced in rats that had been ganglionectomized. A fluctuation in endogenous GABA levels in the pineal gland was seen to occur when measures were taken at different times of the day. These results tend to suggest that GABA may have some functional role in the pineal gland and the superior cervical ganglion.
First-principles calculations of stability of δ-Pu-Am alloys

AbstractFirst-principles methods are employed to study the ground-state properties of Pu–Am systems. Calculated density of -Pu 100−c Am c alloys( c = 30at.%) agrees well with the experimental data. The paramagnetic (PM) → antiferromagnetic (AF) transition temperature (T c )ofPu 100−c Am c alloys is calculated by the Monte Carlo technique. By introducing Am into the system, one could lower T c from ∼548K (purePu) to 372K (Pu 70 Am 30 ). We also found that, contrary to pure Pu where this transition destabilizes the -phase, Pu 3 Am compound remainsstable in the antiferromagnetic phase that correlates with recent discovery of a Curie–Weiss behavior in Pu 100−c Am c system at c ≈ 24at.%.© 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: -Pu–Am; Magnetism 1. IntroductionIt is strongly believed that many anomalous physical prop-erties of Pu metal, such as many allotropic forms ( , , , , and e), signiﬁcant ( ∼24%) volume increase for the → transition, negative coefﬁcient of thermal expansionof -Pu, low (∼913K) melting point, etc., are due to theparticular position of Pu in the Periodic Table. In respect toa progressive ﬁlling of the 5f sub-shell, Pu is located on theborder between the light actinides (Th–Np) with itinerant 5felectrons and the heavy actinides (Am–Lr) with 5f localizedstates. In other words, the transition from delocalized to lo-calized 5f electrons takes place within the plutonium phasediagram resulting in numerous allotropic forms.Among these phases -Pu has received a signiﬁcant in-terest in the metallurgical community because of its highductility that makes it easy to machine and form. This phaseis also the most interesting for physicist because its 5f elec-trons exhibit intermediate behavior between delocalizationand localization [1]. The -Pu phase is stable at temperaturesbetween 593 and 736K, but can be stabilized at lower tem-peratures by alloying Pu with a foreign element, so called‘ -stabilizer’ (or deltagen). Among the elements known as -stabilizers, i.e., Al, Ga, Zn, Zr, Sc, In, Tl, Am, and Ce, only
Determining the geometry of the North Anatolian Fault East of the Marmara Sea through integrated stress modeling and remote sensing techniques

Abstract The 1200 km long North Anatolian Fault (NAF) is part of an east–west trending dextral shear zone (NAF system), along the boundary between the Anatolian and Eurasian plates, that widens to the west. This widening zone of deformation complicates potential earthquake rupture paths and highlights the importance of understanding the geometry of active fault systems. In the central portion of the NAF system – just west of the town of Bolu – the NAF splits into two major faults: the northern and southern strands. These two faults diverge, almost converge, and then diverge again to border the Marmara Sea. Earthquake data from the region where the two faults converge indicate that they may be linked by an active fault. We model the active fault geometries with and without the linking fault to explore its impact on the output regional stress field (from a finite element model). These results are compared to focal mechanism records and lineament analyses to determine which geometry best simulate the stress field in a regional model. Our results show that a linking fault between the northern and southern strands of the NAF system is necessary to best match the primary stress orientations of the model with the maximum paleostress orientations inferred from deformation patterns, and observed in earthquake focal mechanisms. Furthermore, the linking fault should be a significant component in future models of the NAF system within the region.
Acoustic/seismic identifications, imaging, and communications in Steel Rattler

Unattended ground sensors (UGS) utilize data from a variety of sensors (e.g., acoustic, seismic, and imagery) to make a determination about an unknown potential target. The Steel Rattler UGS derives its target identification solution from acoustic and seismic data. The identification solution and optional still imagery of the target are transmitted to the appropriate operating bases via satellite. This paper describes the various Steel Rattler hardware components used in the target identification process, the optional imaging system, and the communication system used for testing and demonstration purposes.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The ontogenesis of neurophysin-containing neurons in the mouse hypothalamus

Abstract Several aspects of the ontogeny of the neurophysin-containing neurons of the mouse hypothalamus were studied. The events investigated included: (1) the onset of appearance of neurophysin (NP) immunoreactivity in supraoptic (SON), paraventricular (PVN) and suprachiasmatic (SCN) neurons; (2) axonal outgrowth to the neural lobe and zona externa of the median eminence from SON and PVN, respectively; (3) the time course of dendritic outgrowth in selected SON neurons and (4) the time period for synaptic input to the SON. The first immunoreactive neurons were observed on embryonic day (E) 13 1 2 in the presumptive SON and in the region between the third ventricle and the SON. Neurophysin-positive axons and terminals from the SON were present in the posterior pituitary on E 14 1 2 . Immunoreactive neurons were observed in the PVN on E 16 1 2 and their terminals in the zona externa of the median eminence were detected on E 17 1 2 . Neurophysin immunoreactivity appeared in the SCN on E 18 1 2 , just prior to birth. Dendritogenesis was studied in those SON neurons residing medial to the optic tract. Few dendritic processes could be observed in these neurons prior to postnatal day (PN) 5. On PN 10 many long dendritic processes oriented parallel to the pial surface were present. From day PN 15 onwards, the adult pattern, which consists of both parallel coursing dendrites and large finger-like dendritic branches oriented ventrally toward the pial surface, were observed. Synaptogenesis was studied from E 18 to PN 24 in tissue processed by standard electron microscopic procedures. Although a few synapses (as defined by the presence of membrane specializations) were present just before (E 18) and just after birth (PN 1), the majority of synaptic input was established between PN 5 and PN 15. These studies demonstrate that some characteristics of neuron differentiation (neurohormone synthesis and axonal outgrowth) are expressed early in fetal development while other aspects of neuronal maturity such as dendritic outgrowth and the establishment of synaptic input occur relatively late in post-natal life.
Sensitive resist systems based on acid‐catalyzed polymer reactions

Acid-catalyzed polymer reactions have been successfully utilized in the design of chemical amplification resist systems for semiconductor manufacturing. In this paper are described preparation and acid-catalyzed depolymerization reactions of α-substituted polystyrenes.
THE USE OF A DIAGNOSTIC CIRCULATION MODEL FOR OIL TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT A diagnostic circulation model designed for the continental shelf region was used to study water parcel trajectories. The model assumes a combination of geostrophic plus Ekman dynamics and is diagnostic in that it uses fluid density data (obtained from a typical oceanographic cruise; i.e., STD stations) and wind stress data to specify the baroclinic and surface Ekman modes of the flow. The model then solves for the remaining barotropic and bottom Ekman modes subject to the constraints imposed by continuity and bathymetry. Variations in the boundary conditions correspond to variations in the mean inflow/outflow surface currents, or barotropic mode. Using this correspondence, the model was keyed to the measurements obtained from a moored current meter array and a time stepping procedure was developed. This allows the model to generate a continous time- and space-varying representation of the regional flow field. Field data for the Northeast Gulf of Alaska were used in the model equations which were...