cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural variation in expression of genes involved in xylem development in loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.)

Gene expression analyses using native populations can contribute to the understanding of plant development and adaptation in multiple ways. These include the identification of candidate genes and genetic polymorphisms affecting expression and phenotypic traits and characterization of transcriptional networks. We analyzed the expression of 111 genes with probable roles in xylem/wood development in a population of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) covering much of the natural range. Loblolly pine is one of the most commercially important forest tree species in the United States, and the discovery of genes and alleles contributing to desirable wood properties would be valuable. Of the 111 genes analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, there were significant differences in gene expression between clones for 106 genes. Genes encoding lignin biosynthetic enzymes and arabinogalactan proteins were more variable than those encoding cellulose synthases or those involved in signal transduction. Several groups of genes with related functions form clusters. A network analysis identified transcription factors that may be key regulators of xylem development in pine. Secondary wall-associated NAC domain protein 1 (SND1) in particular appears to be involved in the regulation of many other genes. The cluster analysis using clones did not result in discrete populations but did identify some expression differences between regions. In the future, the gene expression data will be used for association analyses and promoter studies to understand how these gene expression differences are associated with specific genetic polymorphisms in other genes and promoters.
Public Relations and Library Weeding

Beginning in 1995, the University Libraries of Virginia Tech embarked on a major shelf-load reduction/storage project. Every effort was made to communicate the scope of the project to the teaching/research faculty of the university. This article presents an overview of the project, with emphasis on ways in which sensible criteria, advance publicity, and demonstrations of flexibility and good will can help the library to retain the trust of its public. Potential pitfalls are also identified.
Material culture analysis and technical communication: the artifact approach to evaluating documentation

Usability testing and documentation review are vital components of every documentation release cycle; yet some project timelines and budgets overlook these essentials. The art history process of material culture analysis can help alleviate this oversight. Applied to documentation, material culture analysis can provide insight into the writer's personal values to expose potentially detrimental mismatches between the values of the writer and of the intended audience.
Selection of customers for operational and usage profiling

Operational and usage profiles collected from customers provide developers and testers with valuable quantitative information on usage patterns of software being developed. Unfortunately, gathering such profiles from a large set of customers can be challenging due to time and resource constraints.In this paper we propose to use information about customer defects to narrow down a list of candidate customers to profile. We present a technique for selection and prioritization of minimal set of customers for operational and usage profiling to cover certain set of defects. The technique optimally selects a minimal set of customers for profiling and, once the set is identified, prioritizes the customers within the minimal set. We describe a validation case study confirming that this approach is scalable for a large customer base. Analysis results can then be used to close gaps in testing coverage and to improve the maintenance process.
On knowing how well one is remembering: the persistence of strategy use during transfer.

Abstract A potential cause for children's failure to transfer learning strategies was explored in the present study. A self-monitoring process was suggested to be essential for evaluating one's own level of performance and the effectiveness of various mnemonic strategies. Matched on free recall scores in this study's first sort-and-recall phase, first, third, and fifth graders (ages 7, 9, and 11 years, respectively) were assigned to one of three treatment groups or a control group. During Phase II, the treatment groups received instruction in sorting pictures according to semantic similarities in preparation for future recall. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 later received feedback indicating their Phase II improvement in performance. A cause-and-effect relationship between strategy use and enhanced recall was further suggested to Group 4. Among third graders, only those provided with feedback and strategy instruction continued to rely upon the input organization strategy when faced with transfer tasks in Phase III. Both enhanced recall and improved sorting styles were observed for these subjects in Phase III. Some first graders also showed improved sorting styles and improved recall following feedback, while fifth graders showed enhanced recall even without experimenter-provided feedback. Subject's responses to a metamemory interview provided additional support for the hypothesis that the self-monitoring of memory performance is more likely to be part of fifth graders' (than first graders') memory abilities.
Biological Significance of Mefenoxam Resistance in Phytophthora erythroseptica and Its Implications for the Management of Pink Rot of Potato.

Taylor, R. J., Pasche, J. S., and Gudmestad, N. C. 2006. Biological significance of mefenoxam resistance in Phytophthora erythroseptica and its implications for the management of pink rot of potato. Plant Dis. 90:927-934. Tubers from plants treated with in-furrow and foliar applications of mefenoxam were inoculated with eight isolates of Phytophthora erythroseptica having varying levels of sensitivity to the fungicide. Two isolates with effective concentration causing 50% reduction of mycelial growth (EC50) values of 0.02 and 0.04 µg ml–1 were categorized as being mefenoxam sensitive. Isolates with EC50 values >1.0 µg ml –1 were designated as insensitive to mefenoxam and were grouped two each into low intermediate (EC50 = 1.1 and 5.3 µg ml–1), high intermediate (EC50 = 26 and 74 µg ml –1 ), and resistant (EC50 ≥ 100 µg ml –1 ). The biological significance of these isolates was examined by quantifying disease control. P. erythroseptica isolates classified in the resistant group infected a significantly greater proportion of untreated tubers than isolates in any other group. Mefenoxam reduced infection frequency of sensitive isolates by as much as 37%. Mefenoxam did not provide disease control of any isolate possessing insensitivity to the fungicide, with the greatest decrease in control observed with the low intermediate group. Aggressiveness indices, representing tuber infection frequency and depth of penetration, were calculated for untreated and mefenoxam-treated tubers. According to these indices, both isolates classified in the resistant group and high intermediate isolate 252-4 were more aggressive than sensitive isolates in the absence of mefenoxam pressure, and significantly so in the presence of mefenoxam. These results suggest that pink rot may become more severe in fields known to contain P. erythroseptica populations with mefenoxam EC50 values >1.0 µg ml–1 if the fungicide is applied. These factors should be considered when developing strategies to manage pink rot and mefenoxam-resistant populations of P. erythroseptica.
SHIRC: A simultaneous sparsity model for histopathological image representation and classification

Automated classification of histopathological images is an important research problem in medical imaging. Digital histopathology exhibits two principally distinct characteristics: 1) invariably histopathological images are multi-channel (color) with key geometric information spread across the color channels instead of being captured by luminance alone, and 2) the richness of geometric structures in such tissue imagery makes feature extraction for classification very demanding. Inspired by recent work in the use of sparsity for single channel image classification, we propose a new simultaneous Sparsity model for multi-channel Histopathological Image Representation and Classification (SHIRC). Essentially, we represent a multi-channel histopathological image as a sparse linear combination of training examples under suitable channel-wise constraints and classification is performed by solving a newly formulated simultaneous sparsity-based optimization problem. Experiments on two challenging real-world image databases: 1) provided by pathologists of the Animal Diagnostics Lab (ADL) at Pennsylvania State University, and 2) histopathological images corresponding to intraductal breast lesions [1], reveal the merits of the proposed SHIRC model over state of the art alternatives.
Cosmological constraints on supergravity unified models

Abstract Supergravity GUT models with R-parity invariance possess a cold dark matter candidate (the lightest neutralino) with relic amounts consistent with astronomical measurements, and predict proton decay at rates accessible to on-going and future experiments. Future sattelite, balloon and ground based experiments will give precision determinations of the basic cosmological parameters, and thus affect accelerator and non-accelerator (p-decay, dark matter detection rate) predictions. Thus for the Λ CDM model we find an upper bound of gluino (neutralino) mass of about 520(70) GeV and for the HCDM model a bound of 720(100) GeV with gaps (forbidden regions) in the parameter space at lower masses. Kamiokande proton decay data combined with relic density constraints already excludes m g >400 GeV for minimal SU (5), and Super Kamiokande will be sensitive to m g >500 GeV for non-minimal models even for m 0 as large as 5 TeV. Proton decay and CDM relic density constraints also imply a reduction (by as much as 10 −3 ) in expected maximum CDM event rates for terrestial detectors.
The antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities of green tea polyphenols: a role in cancer prevention

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is rich in catechins, of which (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant. Studies in animal models of carcinogenesis have shown that green tea and EGCG can inhibit tumorigenesis during the initiation, promotion and progression stages. Many potential mechanisms have been proposed including both antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects, but questions remain regarding the relevance of these mechanisms to cancer prevention. In the present review, we will discuss the redox chemistry of the tea catechins and the current literature on the antioxidant and pro-oxidative effects of the green tea polyphenols as they relate to cancer prevention. We report that although the catechins are chemical antioxidants which can quench free radical species and chelate transition metals, there is evidence that some of the effects of these compounds may be related to induction of oxidative stress. Such pro-oxidant effects appear to be responsible for the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. These pro-oxidant effects may also induce endogenous antioxidant systems in normal tissues that offer protection against carcinogenic insult. This review is meant point out understudied areas and stimulate research on the topic with the hope that insights into the mechanisms of cancer preventive activity of tea polyphenols will result.
Competition Between Concerted and Stepwise Dynamics in the Triplet Di‐π‐Methane Rearrangement

The molecular dynamics of the triplet-state Zimmerman di-π-methane rearrangement of dibenzobarrelene were computed with B3LYP and M06-2X density functionals. All productive quasiclassical trajectories involve sequential formation and cleavage of C-C bonds and an intermediate with lifetimes ranging from 13 to 1160 fs. Both dynamically concerted and stepwise trajectories are found. The average lifetime of this intermediate is significantly shorter than predicted by either transition-state theory or the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus model, thus indicating the non-statistical nature of the reaction mechanism. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Characterization of the structure of binary and ternary adsorbed protein films using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and radiolabeling

In complex adsorbed protein films, the biological reactivity of the adsorbed proteins depends on their relative concentrations, organization, conformation, and orientation. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) samples the outermost composition of an adsorbed protein film, providing biologically relevant information about the organization and availability of the adsorbed proteins in the film. We have previously shown that ToF-SIMS can quantitatively measure the composition of binary adsorbed protein films. However, for one particular binary system studied (immunoglobulin G−fibrinogen), a difference between the ToF-SIMS and 125I-radiolabeled protein adsorption measurements was reported. It was hypothesized that the composition of the protein film at its outermost (and, therefore, most biologically relevant) surface was different than that of the overall protein film due to the protrusion of the adsorbed fibrinogen over the adsorbed immunoglobulin G. This study provides further evidence ...
Subpicosecond Ring Opening of 7-Dehydrocholesterol Studied by Ultrafast Spectroscopy

The photoinitiated electrocyclic ring opening of 7-dehydrocholesterol (DHC) to form previtamin D3 was studied in methanol solution with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The molecules were excited at 265 nm and probed at 20 wavelengths ranging from 261 to 650 nm. A sizable absorption signal decaying on a 0.95 ± 0.10 ps time scale was seen at all probe wavelengths from 470 to 650 nm. This absorption is assigned to an S1 → Sn transition that peaks near 470 nm. Thus, the S1 state has a lifetime of 0.95 ps, while the initially prepared S2 state has a lifetime ≤ 0.1 ps. Data obtained with probe wavelengths in the ultraviolet yielded a subpicosecond (0.4−1.0 ps) component corresponding to the lifetime of the S1 state. This data set also exhibits a 1−5 ps wavelength-dependent component assigned to vibrational cooling, and a 100 ± 20 ps component assigned to rotational isomerization of the photoproduct to achieve a thermal distribution of rotamers. No further dynamics are seen for time delays of up t...
Locke on Sensitive Knowledge as Knowledge1

This article is an extended analysis of the most recent scholarly work on Locke's account of sensitive knowledge. Lex Newman's "dual cognitive relations" model of sensitive knowledge is examined in detail. The author argues that the dual cognitive relations model needs to be revised on both philosophical and historical grounds. While no attempt is made to defend Locke's position, the aim is to show that it is at least consistent, contrary to the received view. The final section provides textual support for the interpretation.
Associations between arachidonic acid metabolism gene polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk.

BACKGROUND The arachidonic acid (AA) pathway is suspected to be involved in the development of various cancers, including prostate cancer. However, the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AA pathway genes remains unclear. The purpose of this case–control study was to evaluate the association between prostate cancer risk and 14 such SNPs in the PTGS2, PTGES2, ALOX5, ALOX5AP, and LTA4H genes. METHODS Genotyping was conducted on 585 white prostate cancer cases and 585 healthy, age-matched controls. The best genetic model for each SNP was determined using Akaike's information criterion. Odds ratios for the association between each SNP and prostate cancer risk were calculated, both overall and stratified by obesity (BMI ≥ 30). Haplotype analysis was conducted for the PTGES2 SNPs. RESULTS LTA4H rs1978331 was inversely associated with prostate cancer risk overall (unadjusted, overdominant model OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.91 for TC vs. TT/CC). Among non-obese individuals, the GG genotype of PTGES2 rs10987883 was associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer (unadjusted, recessive model OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.27–8.23). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that SNPs in certain AA metabolism genes may influence prostate cancer susceptibility. Furthermore, it is possible that obesity, which induces a chronic state of low-level inflammation in addition to several metabolic sequelae, may modify the impact of these SNPs. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study with power to detect differential effects by obesity. Prostate 71:1382–1389, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Suppression of Antigen-Specific T Cell Proliferation by Measles Virus Infection: Role of a Soluble Factor in Suppression

Abstract Measles virus infection causes a profound immunosuppression. The basis for this immunosuppression is not known. This immunosuppression could be due to virus acting directly on lymphoid cells, the production of an immunosuppressive viral product, or a lymphoid product. We have developed an antigen-specific T cell system to study measles virus–T-cell interactions. We demonstrate that as few as five infectious viral particles added to 1000 T cells results in profound inhibition of antigen-specific T cell proliferation. Supernates taken from measles virus-infected T cells suppress the proliferation of uninfected T cells. Measles-virus-infected HeLa or Vero cells do not produce the factor. The antiproliferative effects of the supernates cannot be attributed to infectious virus, IL-10 or TGF-β. The soluble factor appears to be larger than 100 kDa, yet retains antiproliferative activity following trypsin digestion with a size less than 10 kDa. Loss of activity is seen following heat treatment at 56°C. The factor is lymphoid cell specific and exhibits cytokine-like behavior yet appears not to be a known cytokine. This soluble factor may be responsible for the overt clinical immunosuppression seen in man and a previously undescribed cytokine induced by measles virus infection of human lymphocytes.
The oncology nurse's role in educating patients on endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer--focus on fulvestrant.

Fulvestrant, an estrogen receptor downregulator, is an effective and a safe endocrine option for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who progress or develop recurrent disease on prior endocrine therapy. The recommended dose is 250 mg given as a single 5-mL or 2 concurrent 2.5-mL monthly intramuscular injections. Common adverse events associated with fulvestrant are hot flashes, nausea, and mild injection site reactions. Applying warm or cold compresses to the injection site can minimize injection site reactions. In randomized double-blind clinical trials, the frequency of injection site reactions for fulvestrant are no different from the comparator (anastrozole) arm. Overall, fulvestrant has a safety profile similar to aromatase inhibitors. Advantages of this agent are its effectiveness in tamoxifen-resistant tumors and ' the lack of agonistic property, creating a favorable side-effect profile. One limitation is that there is no evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of fulvestrant in premenopausal women. Among endocrine therapies used to treat breast cancer, fulvestrant is unique not only in its mechanism of action but also in its mode of administration. With oral therapies, the patient fills the prescription in a pharmacy and takes the medication home. In contrast, with monthly fulvestrant intramuscular injection, the patient will have increased contact with the nurse. The increased interaction between the patient and the nurse will affect the role of nurses providing patient education and monitoring.
Scaffolding Collaborative Exchanges Between Expert and Novice Language Teachers in Threaded Discussions

: This article presents a two-semester study that examines the effectiveness of threaded discussions for foreign language teaching methods courses. In particular, this study focuses on how students view the role of asynchronous computer-mediated communication in the development of language pedagogy through an exchange with expert teachers from secondary schools. The author gathered data from 32 students who participated in weekly discussion boards, wrote monthly reflective logs, filled out surveys, and joined group interviews. The findings demonstrated that online discussions promoted scaffolding by which expert teachers assisted students in creating reflective messages. In addition, threaded discussions fostered learners' autonomy and accountability while supporting collaborative learning through social interaction. The study suggests three essential ingredients to maximize the potential benefits of discussion board for language teacher training: (1) use of carefully designed tasks that engage critical thinking, (2) scaffolding strategies for monitoring group discussions, and (3) inclusion of online etiquette to avoid confusion and reduce personal conflicts.
Infantile parkinsonism-dystonia: a dopamine “transportopathy”

The dopamine transporter (DAT) retrieves the neurotransmitter dopamine from the synaptic cleft at dopaminergic synapses. Variations in solute carrier family 6A, member 3 (SLC6A3/DAT1), the human gene encoding DAT, have been implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity and bipolar disorders, and DAT is a prominent site of action for drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine. In this issue of the JCI, Kurian et al. report that an autosomal recessive infantile parkinsonism-dystonia is caused by loss-of-function mutations in DAT that impair dopamine reuptake (see the related article beginning on page 1595). Though this might be predicted to result in dopamine excess in the synaptic cleft, it likely also causes depletion of presynaptic dopamine stores and possibly downregulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptor function, resulting in impairments in dopaminergic neurotransmission consistent with the clinical presentation. This is the first report of a genetic alteration in DAT function underlying a parkinsonian disorder.
Some effects of feeding rate on growth, feed conversion and nutrient absorption of channel catfish

Abstract In an 8-week trial, 300-g channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) were fed at five feeding rates: a control group which was fed at a rate that approximated the ad libitum rate for this size fish, and four groups which were fed at 110, 90, 75 and 50% of the control rate. Significant decreases in growth and feed conversion (feed/gain) rates were obtained in treatments fed 110% of the control rate. Water quality monitoring indicated that this reduction in performance was not due to poorer water quality. Gains were not significantly affected by feeding 90% of the control level, but were reduced in the 75 and 50% treatments. Food efficiencies were improved by reduction of the feeding rate to 90 and 75% of the control level, but were not further improved at the 50% feeding level. Total absorbability and digestible energy values for the test diet were improved by restricting the rate to 90% of the control, but protein absorbability was not affected.
Preoperative irradiation in carcinoma of the pancreas

Seventeen patients with carcinoma confined to the pancreas and the peripancreatic area received preoperative radiation therapy in an attempt to increase the resectability rate and to reduce the incidence of recurrence. The tumors were considered either unresectable or of borderline resectability. The radiation dose ranged between 4000--5000 rads, the majority of patients (75%) receiving 4400--4600 rads in 4 1/2--5 weeks. After a period averaging six weeks the patients were reevaluated for surgery. Eleven patients were explored and six underwent radical resection. Two patients remained disease free after five years. Pancreatic resection is feasible following a course of preoperative radiotherapy to a moderately high dose. It is suggested that the response of the primary tumor to radiotherapy be used as a criterion for selecting patients for reexploration and resection.
Optical design of glancing incidence extreme ultraviolet telescopes.

Glancing incidence telescope designs employing surfaces of revolution and of the same geometry as the Wolter type 2 telescope (a concave paraboloid followed by a confocal convex hyperboloid) are investigated for primarily solar physics applications in the spectral region greater than 100 A. The optical properties of the telescopes are evaluated in terms of minimum spot size and flattened focal surface as a function of optical acceptance (throughput) and folding ratio (physical length of the telescope/effective focal length). One meter focal length systems with full fields of 0.8 deg, throughputs of 15 × 10−4 sr and 30 × 10−4 sr, and maximum grazing angles of 13 deg are shown to exhibit optimum imaging properties for a folding ratio on the order of 0.85.
The influence of butene on CO hydrogenation over ruthenium

Abstract Reactions of 1-C 4 H 8 with H 2 and CO were investigated over Ru SiO 2 . To identify the sources of carbon in the products, 13 CO and unlabeled 1-C 4 H 8 were used and product analysis was carried out by isotope-ratio gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Butene undergoes extensive hydrogenation and isomerization in the absence of CO. The production of small quantities of C 1 C 3 and C 5+ paraffins is also observed, indicating hydrogenolysis and homologation of C 4 H 8 . The observed product distribution is described by a chain growth scheme involving C 1 and C 4 monomer units. Butene added to synthesis gas strongly influences the reactions of CO while undergoing reactions itself. With increasing C 4 H 8 partial pressure, hydrocarbon formation from CO is suppressed but the production of pentanal and pentanol via hydroformylation is enhanced. The rate of C 4 H 8 homologation increases with increasing C 4 H 8 pressure, resulting in higher overall rates of production of C 5+ hydrocarbons in the C 4 H 8 /H 2 /CO reaction than those in the H 2 CO reactions. Implications of these results on the chain growth mechanism are discussed. Comparisons are made among the reactions of C 4 H 8 , C 2 H 4 , and C 3 H 6 with synthesis gas. It is concluded that the efficiency of the olefin in producing monomers that are active in chain growth decreases in the order C 2 H 4 > C 3 H 6 > 1-C 4 H 8 .
The history of the treatment of musculoskeletal infection

The documented history of the management of infections of the musculoskeletal system date back to ancient Egypt, and great strides have been made since, especially in the last two centuries. This chapter presents an overview of the important achievements in treating these conditions, as well as some of the challenges faced by the various physicians—from Hippocrates to Lister—who sought to cure them. Because of the constraints of chapter length and the excellent current literature available, no attempt will be made to deal with the past fifty years.
The Political Economy of Voting Rights Enforcement in America's Gilded Age: Electoral College Competition, Partisan Commitment, and the Federal Election Law

We develop a model of electoral college competition and apply it to the transformation of nineteenth-century voting rights enforcement. The Federal Election Law (1872–92) was born of an effort to secure political power for southern blacks, yet it developed into an expansive machinery to police federal elections in northern cities. We argue that the Reconstruction commitment to black suffrage gradually succumbed to the competitive structure of Gilded Age presidential elections, crowded out by a growing preoccupation with registration and voter fraud in the volatile swing states that typically determined electoral college victory. More broadly, we view the electoral college as a critical force in shaping American political development. With its structured system of competition for doubtful states and pivotal groups, the electoral college injects a unique logic into the dynamics of national politics.
Physiological Response to Hooking Stress in Hatchery and Wild Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract This study evaluated the physiological response of rainbow trout to hooking stress after being played under standardized conditions (0–5 min) and estimated the time needed for recovery (to 72 h). Plasma osmolality and chloride measurements were used to evaluate osmoregulatory disturbances and gill ion-exchange function, and plasma glucose was used as an index of the generalized nonspecific physiological stress response. Hooking stress caused more severe blood chemistry differences in hatchery fish than in wild trout. Also, hooking stress imposed a greater stress on larger than on smaller hatchery rainbow trout. Higher water temperatures aggravated the delayed hyperglycemia and hyperchloremia in both hatchery and wild trout but only about 3 days were needed for recovery at 4, 10, or 20 C.
Electrochemical reduction of acids in dimethyl sulfoxide. Comparison of weak C–H, N–H and O–H acids

Abstract The reduction of 21 weak acids, HA, has been studied in dimethyl sulfoxide. The acids included CH, NH and OH acids and their p K a (DMSO) values ranged from 6.4 to 19.8. When studied with a freshly polished platinum electrode, all of the NH and OH acids are reduced to form the conjugate base of the acid (A − ) and dihydrogen. In cyclic voltammetry, the reduction peak on the forward sweep is accompanied by an oxidation peak on the return sweep and the half-wave potential, taken as the mean of the cathodic and anodic peak potentials, was found to be very close to the calculated half-wave potential based on the formal potential for the HA/A − , H 2 couple for most of these acids. The rate-determining step in the reduction is thought to be a type of dissociative electron transfer whereby HA is reduced to A − plus a hydrogen atom adsorbed on the platinum surface. Consonant with this idea is the observation that no reduction is seen when a non-catalytic surface such as glassy carbon is used. The CH acids fell into several categories. The first included 2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione and malononitrile which behave very similarly to NH and OH acids of similar acidity. 1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanedione (completely enolized) and triacetylmethane (68% enolized) react as OH acids with the complication that with the former, reduction to the radical anion occurs in the same potential region as the reduction as an acid. The CH acids ethyl nitroacetate and 2,4-pentanedione (partially enolized) appear to require tautomerization to OH acid forms prior to reduction. Finally, nitromethane shows little indication of reduction as an acid at platinum and is reduced instead to the radical anion which undergoes rapid following reactions.
Role of leaflet asymmetry in the permeability of model biological membranes to protons, solutes, and gases.

Bilayer asymmetry in the apical membrane may be important to the barrier function exhibited by epithelia in the stomach, kidney, and bladder. Previously, we showed that reduced fluidity of a single bilayer leaflet reduced water permeability of the bilayer, and in this study we examine the effect of bilayer asymmetry on permeation of nonelectrolytes, gases, and protons. Bilayer asymmetry was induced in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes by rigidifying the outer leaflet with the rare earth metal, praseodymium (Pr3+). Rigidification was demonstrated by fluorescence anisotropy over a range of temperatures from 24 to 50°C. Pr3+-treatment reduced membrane fluidity at temperatures above 40°C (the phase-transition temperature). Increased fluidity exhibited by dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes at 40°C occurred at temperatures 1–3°C higher in Pr3+-treated liposomes, and for both control and Pr3+-treated liposomes permeability coefficients were approximately two orders of magnitude higher at 48° than at 24°C. Reduced fluidity of one leaflet correlated with significantly reduced permeabilities to urea, glycerol, formamide, acetamide, and NH3. Proton permeability of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes was only fourfold higher at 48° than at 24°C, indicating a weak dependence on membrane fluidity, and this increase was abolished by Pr3+. CO2 permeability was unaffected by temperature. We conclude: (a) that decreasing membrane fluidity in a single leaflet is sufficient to reduce overall membrane permeability to solutes and NH3, suggesting that leaflets in a bilayer offer independent resistances to permeation, (b) bilayer asymmetry is a mechanism by which barrier epithelia can reduce permeability, and (c) CO2 permeation through membranes occurs by a mechanism that is not dependent on fluidity.
Diagnosis and management of lateral sinus thrombosis.

Objectives To define the contemporary management of septic otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Study design Retrospective case series identified through database search of otologic surgical cases managed by a single surgeon in four teaching hospitals over a 6-year period. Methods Twelve patients presenting with lateral sinus thrombosis of otogenic cause were the subjects of this study. Patients with incomplete medical records or unknown outcomes were excluded. Results Lateral sinus thrombosis was the result of chronic otitis media in 50% of cases, with five of these patients having cholesteatoma. In addition, there were seven associated intracranial complications in six patients in this series. All patients underwent medical and surgical treatment. Aggressive and early surgical treatment was tailored to the degree of preoperative and intraoperative findings. The sigmoid sinus was resected in six of the patients with a variable degree of inferior margin proportional to the extent of thrombosis. Thrombectomy alone under vascular control with reestablishment of flow was used to remove the septic thrombus in the other six patients. There were no complications in these patients. Conclusion Early and aggressive surgical intervention of this otogenic complication can potentially minimize mortality, hospital stay, and length of medical treatment.
Phoenix from the Ashes: Rediscovery of the Lost Lukiiko Archives

On 24 May 1966 the 500-year-old kingdom of Buganda came to an end. That was the day that Prime Minister Obote sent Colonel Idi Amin to attack the Mengo palace of Kabaka Frederick Mutesa, who was also the President of Uganda. A 120-man bodyguard defended the Kabaka; Amin had automatic and heavy weapons. Nevertheless, Obote was much annoyed that the palace held out against Amin's troops. An audience watched the battle from nearby hilltops, where expatriates and others brought out folding chairs, until a mid-afternoon thunderstorm sent everyone scurrying for cover. The Kabaka used this interruption to scale the rear wall of Mengo palace, where he hailed a passing taxicab and set off for Burundi and ultimately exile in London.1 Obote divided Buganda into two separate districts (East Mengo and West Mengo), promoted Amin, and gave him the palace as a barracks for his "paratroop" battal ion, and more importantly also gave him Buganda's legislative hall?the Bulange?to become Amin's national military headquarters. The casualties in the "battle of Mengo" were certainly few in number compared to the destruction Amin would wreak after his coup in 1971. But one invisible casualty of the Bulange occupation was especially sig nificant for historians. The Bulange was not only the seat of the Lukiiko, the Ganda legislature, it was also the storage building for the Buganda government archives, which went back to the 1890s, and were still well
An experimentally based nonlinear viscoelastic model of joint passive moment

Previous investigations have not converged on a generally accepted model of the dissipative part of joint passive moment. To provide a basis for developing a model, a series of measurements were performed to characterize the passive moment at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger. Two measurement procedures were used, one in moment relaxation over a range of fixed joint angles and the other at a series of constant joint velocities. Fung's quasi-linear viscoelastic theory motivated the development of the passive moment model. Using this approach, it was not necessary to make restrictive assumptions regarding the viscoelastic behavior of the passive moment. The generality of the formulation allowed specific functions to be chosen based on experimental data rather than finding coefficients which attempted to fit a preselected model of the data. It was shown that a nonlinear viscoelastic model described the passive stiffness. No significant frictional effects were found. Of particular importance was the nonlinear behavior of the dissipative part of the passive moment which was modeled by joint speed raised to a power less than one. This result could explain the differing findings among previous investigations, and may have important implications for control of limb movement.
ANALYSIS OF RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR METAL COIL TRUCK TRANSPORT

Trucks transporting metal coils are known to have been involved in several serious incidents resulting in property damage as well as loss of life. Examples include the loss of two 20,000 lb coils on a flatbed trailer on I-94 in Chicago that resulted in two fatalities and $250,000 property damage, the loss of two aluminum coils from a U.S.-based motor carrier in Ontario, Canada that killed four U.S. residents in a passenger car, and the release of several 7,000 lb coils from a tractor trailer on I-190 near Buffalo, N.Y. that killed four passenger vehicle occupants. Due to a lack of consistent incident reporting, little is known about how often coil securement fails. When incidents are reported, it has been difficult to determine the causes of the securement failure. This paper details a research effort that observed steel coil securement methods and obtained data for the development of securement failure frequency statistics. Additionally, the research analytically and experimentally examines the current regulations for metal coil securement and makes recommendations for changes to the regulations.
Realizations of magnetic-monopole gauge fields: Diatoms and spin precession.

It is found that the effective Hamiltonian for nuclear rotation in a diatom is equivalent to that of a charged particle in a background magnetic-monopole field. In certain cases, half-integer orbital angular momentum or non-Abelian fields occur. Furthermore, the effects of magnetic-monopole-like gauge fields can be experimentally observed in spin-resonance experiments with variable magnetic fields.
Investigation of RF-sputtered tin sulfide thin films with in situ heating for photovoltaic applications

Tin (II) Monosulfide (SnS) is of increasing interest to researchers due to its near-optimal optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic devices. In this work, we take a new approach using a Tin (IV) Disulfide target to sputter SnS thin films. Sulfur-rich SnS thin films are produced via in situ heating of the substrate. Experimentation with substrate heating has yielded two unique crystal structures, depending on constant or “pulsed” heating. Standardless Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy measurements indicate that the films are nearly 1∶1 Sn:S ratio. Films with low resistivity (<100 Ω-cm) were produced via this method. These results are promising for improving SnS-based photovoltaic device performance.
The EYA Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity Is Pro-Angiogenic and Is Inhibited by Benzbromarone

Eyes Absents (EYA) are multifunctional proteins best known for their role in organogenesis. There is accumulating evidence that overexpression of EYAs in breast and ovarian cancers, and in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, correlates with tumor growth and increased metastasis. The EYA protein is both a transcriptional activator and a tyrosine phosphatase, and the tyrosine phosphatase activity promotes single cell motility of mammary epithelial cells. Since EYAs are expressed in vascular endothelial cells and cell motility is a critical feature of angiogenesis we investigated the role of EYAs in this process. Using RNA interference techniques we show that EYA3 depletion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibits transwell migration as well as Matrigel-induced tube formation. To specifically query the role of the EYA tyrosine phosphatase activity we employed a chemical biology approach. Through an experimental screen the uricosuric agents Benzbromarone and Benzarone were found to be potent EYA inhibitors, and Benzarone in particular exhibited selectivity towards EYA versus a representative classical protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1B. These compounds inhibit the motility of mammary epithelial cells over-expressing EYA2 as well as the motility of endothelial cells. Furthermore, they attenuate tubulogenesis in matrigel and sprouting angiogenesis in the ex vivo aortic ring assay in a dose-dependent fashion. The anti-angiogenic effect of the inhibitors was also demonstrated in vivo, as treatment of zebrafish embryos led to significant and dose-dependent defects in the developing vasculature. Taken together our results demonstrate that the EYA tyrosine phosphatase activity is pro-angiogenic and that Benzbromarone and Benzarone are attractive candidates for repurposing as drugs for the treatment of cancer metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and vasculopathies.
A New Transducer Design for Implantable Blood-Flow Measurement

diameter or area, SWE lesion shape, and homogeneity. Qualitative color SWE stiffness was assessed by an independent observer. 939 masses were analyzable: 102 BI-RADS 2 masses were assumed benign, and reference standard was available for 837 BI-RADS 3 or greater lesions. Considering 4a or higher as test positive, impact of SWE features on AUC beyond BI-RADS, sensitivity, and specificity after reclassifying BI-RADS 3 and 4a masses, was determined. Results: Median participant age was 50 years (mean 52, range 21 to 94) with median mass size 12 mm (mean 13.7, range 1 to 53); 289/ 939 (30.8%) masses were malignant. B-mode BI-RADS AUC was 0.950, with 8/303 (2.6%) BI-RADS 3 masses malignant as were 18/193 (9.3%) 4a, 41/97 (42%) 4b, 42/57 (74%) 4c, and 180/187 (96.3%) of BI-RADS 5 lesions. Using visual color stiffness/softness to selectively upgrade BI-RADS 3 and downgrade 4a masses respectively, specificity improved from 397/650 (61.1%) to 510/650 (78.5%, p, 0.0001 respectively) without significant improvement in sensitivity or AUC. Conclusion: Adding SWE to BI-RADS feature analysis improves specificity of breast ultrasound mass assessment without loss of sensitivity.
Analysis of atmospheric attenuation due to water content at 400 and 650 GHz

We present an experimental study of electromagnetic losses resulting from atmospheric absorption and scattering on terahertz (THz) radiation. A sealed, high-Q quasi-optical resonator system permits the determination of atmospheric attenuation, while also allowing for the measurement of water content within the system. The measured data is then compared with the predictive Millimeter-wave Propagation Model (MPM)
Pulse Radiolysis Investigations of Solvation Effects on Arylmethyl Cation Reactivity in Supercritical Fluids

Pulse radiolysis has been used to measure the influence of supercritical fluid and cosolvent solvation on arylmethyl cation reactivity in supercritical fluoroform (CHF3) and ethane (C2H6). Ion−neutral reactivity was investigated for the reaction of benzhydryl cation (Ph2C+H) with tetramethylethylene (TME) in CHF3 at 35 and 50 °C, and with triethylamine (TEA) in CHF3 at 35 and 70 °C, and for the reaction of 4,4‘-dimethoxybenzhydryl cation ((4-MeOPh)2C+H)) with TEA in CHF3 at 35 and 70 °C, and with TEA in C2H6 at 35 °C. The effect of pressure on the bimolecular rate constants (kbi) for these nucleophilic reactions was investigated over significant fluid density ranges, along the isotherms indicated, and in each case was found to decrease in magnitude with an increase of pressure (solvent density). The reactivity observed was analyzed in terms of the influence of bulk solvent dielectric constant on kbi, the comparison of the pressure effect on kbi with that predicted from transition state theory, and the inf...
Regulation of hepatocyte cAMP and pyruvate kinase by site-specific analogs of adenosine ☆

Abstract The effects of site-specific analogs of adenosine on cAMP content and pyruvate kinase activity of isolated rat hepatocytes were studied. N6-(Phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), a metabolically stable analog of adenosine which acts specifically at ‘R’ sites, increased cAMP content and decreased pyruvate kinase activity to about the same extent as did epinephrine. By contrast, adenosine itself was without effect. Consistent with ‘R’-site mediated effects, the effects of PIA were blocked by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. 2′,5′-Dideoxyadenosine, which acts specifically at ‘P’ sites to inhibit adenylate cyclase, counteracted the effects of epinephrine on pyruvate kinase, but paradoxically not the effects of PIA. The adenylate cyclase in membranes from these parenchymal cells was determined and was found to exhibit comparable sensitivity to ‘R’ site-specific analogs and other activators as did the enzyme prepared from whole liver. Thus, the data suggest that the effects on liver metabolism of ‘R’ site-specific analogs of adenosine are initiated by an adenosine-receptor coupled activation of adenylate cyclase and that these effects are characteristics of the parenchymal cells.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Unbound Mycophenolic Acid in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressant routinely used in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) to promote stem cell engraftment and prevent acute graft vs host disease. Administered as a prodrug, MMF is converted by esterases to the active moiety, mycophenolic acid (MPA). The impact of clinical covariates on unbound MPA exposure was investigated with a population pharmacokinetic approach. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from routine area under the curve (AUC) monitoring of unbound MPA drug levels in 36 pediatric (n = 31) and young adult (n = 5) patients undergoing alloHCT for a variety of malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Unbound MPA pharmacokinetics were well described by a 2-compartment model with linear elimination and first-order absorption. The important clinical covariates affecting unbound MPA pharmacokinetics were weight, estimated creatinine clearance, and total bilirubin. Unbound MPA clearance was reduced, and exposure (AUC(0-8)) increased in individuals with decreased renal function. In individuals with severe hepatic dysfunction (total bilirubin >10 mg/dL) unbound MPA clearance was approximately 3-fold lower compared with patients with normal to mild hepatic impairment. In alloHCT recipients with renal dysfunction or severe hepatic injury, dose reductions may be necessary to prevent toxicity and ensure optimal immunosuppression.
Migration and actin protrusion in melanoma cells are regulated by EB1 protein

Remodeling of actin and microtubule cytoskeletons is thought to be coupled; however, the interplay between these two systems is not fully understood. We show a microtubule end-binding protein, EB1, is required for formation of polarize morphology and motility of melanoma cells. EB1 depletion decreased lamellipodia protrusion, and resulted in loss of opposed protruding and retracting cell edges. Lamellipodia attenuation correlated with mis-localization of filopodia throughout the cell and decreased Arp3 localization. EB1-depleted cells displayed less persistent migration and reduced velocity in single-cell motility experiments. We propose EB1 coordinates melanoma cell migration through regulating the balance between lamellipodial and filopodial protrusion.