cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gibberellin enhancement of the enzymic release of Pisum root cell protoplasts

Cultivar differences have been reported in the protoplast yields from Pisum sativum root cortical explants treated with preparations of commercial cellulase and pectinase. The presence of intracellular starch significantly influenced these protoplast yields. The application of gibberellin before or during the enzymic wall-degradation increased the protoplast yields from two of the five cultivars tested. For tissues of‘Little Marvel’ pea roots, 10 mg 1−1 of gibberellin most effectively increased the release of protoplasts when the hormone preceded the enzyme incubation. One mg 1−1 of gibberellin was most effective at increasing the protoplast release when the tissues were treated with the hormone simultaneously with the wall-degrading enzymes. Mitotic activity was significantly reduced in protoplasts derived from gibberellin-treated tissues.
Antitumor activity of phenethyl isothiocyanate in HER2-positive breast cancer models

HER2 is an oncogene, expression of which leads to poor prognosis in 30% of breast cancer patients. Although trastuzumab is apparently an effective therapy against HER2-positive tumors, its systemic toxicity and resistance in the majority of patients restricts its applicability. In this study we evaluated the effects of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells stably transfected with HER2 (high HER2 (HH)) were used in this study. The effect of PEITC was evaluated using cytotoxicity and apoptosis assay in these syngeneic cells. Western blotting was used to delineate HER2 signaling. SCID/NOD mice were implanted with MDA-MB-231 (HH) xenografts. Our results show that treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells with varying concentrations of PEITC for 24 h extensively reduced the survival of the cells with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 8 μM in MDA-MB-231 and 14 μM in MCF-7 cells. PEITC treatment substantially decreased the expression of HER2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr-705. The expression of BCL-2-associated × (BAX) and BIM proteins were increased, whereas the levels of B cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) were significantly decreased in both the cell lines in response to PEITC treatment. Substantial cleavage of caspase 3 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) were associated with PEITC-mediated apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Notably, transient silencing of HER2 decreased and overexpressing HER2 increased the effects of PEITC. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis by PEITC treatment were much higher in breast cancer cells expressing higher levels of HER2 (HH) as compared to parent cell lines. The IC50 of PEITC following 24 h of treatment was reduced remarkably to 5 μM in MDA-MB-231 (HH) and 4 μM in MCF-7 (HH) cells, stably overexpressing HER2. Oral administration of 12 μM PEITC significantly suppressed the growth of breast tumor xenografts in SCID/NOD mice. In agreement with our in vitro results, tumors from PEITC-treated mice demonstrated reduced HER2, EGFR and STAT3 expression and increased apoptosis as revealed by cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP. In addition our results show that PEITC can enhance the efficacy of doxorubicin. Our results show a unique specificity of PEITC in inducing apoptosis in HER2-expressing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and enhancing the effects of doxorubicin. This unique specificity of PEITC offers promise to a subset of breast cancer patients overexpressing HER2.
244 HYPOXIA, LUNG GROWTH AMD THE SURFACTANT SYSTEM DURING ALVEOLARIZATION

Alveolarization in the rat occurs during the first 21 days and provides surface area proportional to oxygen needs. Lung size is known to increase in distance runners and persons living at altitude. Rat dams with 7–1 day old pups (HR), were placed 0.12 Ox in a recirculating chamber using Nx to reduce O2 and soda lime to absorb CO2. Control dams and comparable litters of pups (CR) were raised in 0.21 O2 under similar conditions. At 20–21 days HR and CR pups were weighed, injected with [14C] methylcholine, and the lungs removed, weighed, and homogenized. A lamellar body (LB) fraction was derived by sucrose density centrifugation and LB disaturated phosphatidylcholine (LBPC) was extracted, quantitated, and the specific activity determined. HR pups were hyperpneic and runted significantly as compared to CR (36.1g vs 51.4g, p<0.001), although HR and CR lung weights were not different (1.41g vs 1.38g) and the % dry weights were comparable (HR 21.0 vs CR 20.6). LW/BW however, was significantly increased in HR (0.039 vs 0.028 p<.005). LBPC/g lung was comparable in HR and CR (209.1 vs 194.2). The accumulations of label in LBPC (dpm/μmol /min) as an index of synthesis was higher in HR (183.7 vs 291.9, p<.001). These data show decreased body growth but not lung growth in response to hypoxia. The increase in LBPC labelling suggest more rapid synthesis of surfactant lipid perhaps in response to hyperpnea.
Indigenous Siberians solve collective action problems through sharing and traditional knowledge

The sustainability of indigenous communities in the Arctic, and the vulnerable households within, is in large part dependent on their continuing food security. Using a methodology inspired from a community on the Taimyr Peninsula in northern Siberia, a network of post-procurement food distributions is explored to describe underlying patterns of stability. Four pathways for food sharing are identified, including kin and non-kin distributions that are both reciprocated and unreciprocated. These four pathways obtain even when considering differences in household hunting skill, differences in household hunting wealth, the sum costs of procurement, and documented reciprocation in non-food goods and services. The interplay between traditional ecological knowledge about sharing and access to resources and the observed sharing behavior is discussed. These findings illustrate the robustness of prosocial solutions to collective action problems surrounding food procurement and security in an indigenous Siberian community.
In search of the DFNA11 myosin VIIA low- and mid-frequency auditory genetic modifier

Objectives To evaluate the auditory, vestibular, and retinal characteristics of a large American DFNA11 pedigree with autosomal dominant progressive sensorineural hearing loss that first impacts the low and mid-frequency auditory range. The pedigree (referred to as the HL2 family) segregates a myosinVIIA (MYO7A) mutation in exon 17 at DNA residue G2164C (MYO7AG2164C) that appears to be influenced by a genetic modifier that either rescues or exacerbates the MYO7AG2164C alteration. DNA analysis to examine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two candidate modifier genes (ATP2B2 and WFS1) is summarized in this report.
Investigation of the effects of cryophylactic agents on the isolated rat heart at 37°C

Summary In order to investigate the effects of cryophylactie agents and subzero cooling in rat hearts, an isolated perfusion system was modified from that originally described by Langendorff. The heart was suspended in a bath of perfusate, and the temperature, perfusion, flow rates, and pressures could be varied or maintained constant. The function of the heart was assessed by measuring pulse rate, electrocardiogram, the pressure within the right ventricle, and release of lactie dehydrogenase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase enzymes into the effluent. Finally, the perfused hearts were examined histologically. Using this technique, more than 100 hearts from 400-g albino Sprague Dawley rats were perfused at 37°C using flow rates of 6 ml per min. A satisfactory perfusate, which allowed 6 hrs of acceptable function, was found to be Tis-U-Sol to which were added 380 mg per liter of calcium chloride dihydrate, and the concentration of magnesium ions was increased from the standard level of 1.6 to 7.7 mEq per liter. At 37°C, dimethyl sulfoxide and glycerol were found to be more damaging to the myocardium than was ethylene glycol; when the latter was used at 3 m concentration, it could be perfused through the heart for 30 min and removed, with subsequent restoration of function.
How the federal trade commission is fighting cancer treatment scams.

A cancer diagnosis can tempt a patient to turn to miraculous cancer-fighting products, but the Federal Trade Commission says it is good to be skeptical—most of these products are scams.
The Rh(110)-p2mg(2×1)-2O surface structure determined by automated tensor LEED : structure changes with oxygen coverage

Oxygen is dissociatively chemisorbed on Rh(110) and forms an ordered (2 × 1) surface structure at one monolayer coverage. The automated tensor LEED approach has been applied to the determination of atomic positions in the Rh(110)-p2mg(2 × 1)-2O structure. The oxygen atoms are confirmed to be in a zig-zag fashion in the (110) troughs to produce the glide plane symmetry observed in the LEED pattern. The clean surface interlayer relaxations are reduced and the oxygen atoms are bound asymmetrically in the three-fold fcc hollow-sites to the (111) facets of the steps. Two RhO bonds are formed to Rh atoms in the top metal layer with bond lengths of 1.86 ± 0.11 A and a third RhO bond of 2.07 ± 0.16 A is formed to a Rh atom in the second metal layer. A novel finding is that the second metal layer Rh atoms are shifted towards the oxygen positions, introducing a zig-zag lateral displacement of the atoms in the row by 0.10 ± 0.07 A.
Antifungal activity of nontraditional antifungal agents

Invasive fungal infections are becoming increasingly important in the management of critically ill and immunocompromised patients. As organ and stem cell transplantation becomes more prominent and immune therapies are employed for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, the population of patients at risk continues to grow. Many invasive fungal infections are associated with extremely high mortality rates. Antifungal options are limited and novel therapies are intriguing as we attempt to improve patient outcomes and preserve the antifungal armamentarium. Many other classes of pharmaceuticals typically seen as non-antifungal do in fact have significant antifungal activity. Prominent among these are calcineurin inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, antibacterials, and others. Some have activity alone and some augment the activity of conventional antifungals. Unfortunately, clinical data are lacking for most of these agents and their role in therapy remains undefined. This review focuses on several representative non-antifungal agents with antifungal activity.
Compensatory renal hypertrophy in fetal lambs.

Summary: Compensatory renal hypertrophy was studied in fetal lambs during midgestation. Functional adaptation was correlated with anatomica and biochemical changes by measuring glomerular filtration and clearance of para-amino hippurate (PAH). Normal intrauterine body growth and kidney growth by changes in RNA and DNA over a 72-hr period were studied in twin fetuses. Seventytwo hr after left uninephrectomy in single fetuses, there was a significant increase in weight of the renoprival right kidney as well as a significant increase in renal cortical content of RNA and DNA. The rate of increase in RNA was greater than the increase in DNA. Preliminary studies suggest that an increase in renal function parallels renal hypertrophy in fetal lambs. Speculation: In midgestation, compensatory renal hypertrophy occurs by both an increase in cell size and by hyperplasia. The rate of increase is greater than that previously demonstrated in the postnatal period. Functional adaptation parallels renal compensatory hypertrophyin utero
Orally active acaricidal peptide toxins from spider venom.

Numerous species of ticks and mites (collectively known as acarines) are serious pests of animals, humans, and crops. There are few commercially available acaricides and major classes of these chemicals continue to be lost from the marketplace due to resistance development or deregistration by regulatory agencies. There is consequently a pressing need to isolate new and safe acaricidal compounds. In this study, we show that two families of peptide neurotoxins isolated from the venom of the Australian funnel-web spider Hadronyche versuta are lethal to the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum. These toxins, which are specific blockers of arthropod voltage-gated calcium channels, induce a pronounced phenotype characterized by an unusual gait that is rapidly followed by paralysis and death. Remarkably, one of these toxins, the calcium channel blocker ω-atracotoxin-Hv1a, is virtually equipotent whether the toxin is injected or fed to A. americanum.
A novel HLA-B*40 allele and novel exon 1 sequences of two B*40 alleles identified in potential marrow donors.

Sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization and sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typing suggested the presence of variants of HLA-B*40 in three individuals. Two were part of 3,500 potential marrow donors being screened for the National Marrow Donor Program, while the third was a clinical specimen. PCR products encompassing HLA-B locus exons 1 through 3 were prepared and subcloned. In one individual, a native of the Pacific Islands, sequencing revealed a novel HLA-B*40 allele (B*4023). In two other individuals, a previously unknown exon 1 sequence was determined for HLA-B*4016 (ethnicity unknown) and B*4020 (Hispanic). These findings further illustrate the substantial genetic variation present at the HLA-B locus within human populations ( Note).
Discrete Stress Analysis on Point-Cloud Model Derived From Medical Images

Pixel or voxel data from the medical images provide a point-cloud depiction for complicated anatomies that are difficult to describe in CAD geometry. Traditionally, a point-cloud model needs to be converted into finite element mesh in order to perform mechanical analysis. Although meshing generation tools have been significantly improved over the last decades, generating high quality meshes in complicated bodies remains a challenge. Recently, the authors developed a family of solid mechanics solvers that work directly on domains represented by point-clouds [1,2]. Using this method, it is possible to conduct mechanical analysis on point-cloud representations of patient-specific organs without resorting to finite element method. In this article, we describe this paradigm of analysis and demonstrate the method with numerical examples.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A Voice-Based Computer Interview for Drug Dependence

Abstract The Recovery Attitudes and Treatment Evaluator (RAATE), via 94 true/false questions, assesses resistance and obstacles to chemical dependence treatment. We computerized the RAATE to offer questions via digitized human voice and to recognize patient responses spoken into the computer's microphone. Sixty-eight consecutive adults seeking addictions treatment were randomized to one of four formats. The voice-input/voice-output version yielded the shortest mean duration of administration. Patients reported high satisfaction ratings and confidence that their answers were accurate. They perceived their responses to be useful in treatment planning. Group mean ratings did not significantly differ by version. There was a statistical trend in which the voice-based versions reduced the intragroup variability on test duration and patient confidence. Computerized voice-interactive interviewing may shorten test durations, increase the uniformity of administration, increase access for the vision-impaired, and in...
TGFβ-stimulated microRNA-21 utilizes PTEN to orchestrate AKT/mTORC1 signaling for mesangial cell hypertrophy and matrix expansion

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) promotes glomerular hypertrophy and matrix expansion, leading to glomerulosclerosis. MicroRNAs are well suited to promote fibrosis because they can repress gene expression, which negatively regulate the fibrotic process. Recent cellular and animal studies have revealed enhanced expression of microRNA, miR-21, in renal cells in response to TGFβ. Specific miR-21 targets downstream of TGFβ receptor activation that control cell hypertrophy and matrix protein expression have not been studied. Using 3′UTR-driven luciferase reporter, we identified the tumor suppressor protein PTEN as a target of TGFβ-stimulated miR-21 in glomerular mesangial cells. Expression of miR-21 Sponge, which quenches endogenous miR-21 levels, reversed TGFβ-induced suppression of PTEN. Additionally, miR-21 Sponge inhibited TGFβ-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt kinase, resulting in attenuation of phosphorylation of its substrate GSK3β. Tuberin and PRAS40, two other Akt substrates, and endogenous inhibitors of mTORC1, regulate mesangial cell hypertrophy. Neutralization of endogenous miR-21 abrogated TGFβ-stimulated phosphorylation of tuberin and PRAS40, leading to inhibition of phosphorylation of S6 kinase, mTOR and 4EBP-1. Moreover, downregulation of miR-21 significantly suppressed TGFβ-induced protein synthesis and hypertrophy, which were reversed by siRNA-targeted inhibition of PTEN expression. Similarly, expression of constitutively active Akt kinase reversed the miR-21 Sponge-mediated inhibition of TGFβ-induced protein synthesis and hypertrophy. Furthermore, expression of constitutively active mTORC1 prevented the miR-21 Sponge-induced suppression of mesangial cell protein synthesis and hypertrophy by TGFβ. Finally, we show that miR-21 Sponge inhibited TGFβ-stimulated fibronectin and collagen expression. Suppression of PTEN expression and expression of both constitutively active Akt kinase and mTORC1 independently reversed this miR-21-mediated inhibition of TGFβ-induced fibronectin and collagen expression. Our results uncover an essential role of TGFβ-induced expression of miR-21, which targets PTEN to initiate a non-canonical signaling circuit involving Akt/mTORC1 axis for mesangial cell hypertrophy and matrix protein synthesis.
A Polarization Based Optical Connectionist Machine

Simulations of massively parallel connectionist systems are very time consuming on serial computers . Vector-matrix multiplications, which are a common calculation of many popular connectionist architectures, require 0(n 2 ) operations on serial machines. A simple optical architecture can perform this calculation in nearly constant time, neglecting the machine loading time. The parallelism in such optical designs makes them attractive for implementation of connectionist models. We have demonstrated an optoelectronic connectionist module with modifiable inputs and weight matrices that performs associative memory operations. Low cost commercial liquid crystal television sets are used to encode unit activities as intensity of linearly polarized light, and signed multiplication as rotation of this light. Integrated computer control will allow the extension to many connectionist models.
Visual Acuity through Various Types and Grades of Sun Glasses

The visual acuity of 27 subjects was determined with a new psychometric device and compared with their visual acuity when looking through three types of sun glasses prepared by grinding and polishing the lens to curvature, by bending polished plate glass, and by bending drawn sheet glass. No significant effect between the different types was discovered. The visual acuity of 43 other subjects was similarly determined and compared to their visual acuity while looking through three grades of resolving power in sun glasses made by the process of bending drawn sheet glass. No significant effect of the different optical resolving powers was found. It is concluded that no presently employed method of manufacturing sun glasses has, in itself, any superiority with regard to sharpness of seeing.
Applying Geodesy to the Spectrum of Geosciences 2008 UNAVCO Science Workshop; Boulder, Colorado, 10–13 March 2008

In March 2008, 190 scientists attended an international workshop in Colorado sponsored by UNAVCO to explore research and education advances in geodesy and its spectrum of applications in geosciences. The meeting featured groundbreaking science that resulted from recent innovation, including solid Earth applications as well as emerging research focusing on the cryosphere and atmosphere, with plenary sessions on polar science and glacier dynamics, geodetic monitoring of natural hazards, seismic-cycle geodesy, and magmatic systems.
Differences in the rate of redistribution of receptors for concanavalin A in vivo and in vitro on spermatozoa from normal mice and from sterile mice carrying different T/t locus haplotypes

The redistribution of receptors for fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated concanavalin A (FITC-con A) on mouse spermatozoa during maturation has been studied in vivo and in vitro using normal mice and sterile mice carrying two different lethal T-locus haplotypes (tx/ty). Receptors for FITC-con A, uniformly distributed on the head of functionally immature sperm within the proximal epididymis, become localized as the cells acquire functional maturity within the distal portion of the epididymis. Examining samples of epididymal sperm incubated for short periods of time in vitro, a similar increase in the proportion of discretely labeled cells is observed with time. Sperm from sterile tx/ty males also show redistribution of receptors for FITC-con A in vivo and in vitro; however, a significantly smaller proportion of cells of the population achieve a discrete distribution of receptors comparable to that displayed on sperm from fertile mice. It is concluded that mouse sperm undergo redistribution of receptors for con A normally in acquiring functional maturity within the epididymis and upon liberation from the male urogenital tract; the sterility of tx/ty mice may be due to a genetically based impairment of plasma membrane reorganization reflected in sluggish redistribution of receptors for con A shown by these cells in vivo and in vitro.
Personal religious history as a pastoral tool

A personal religious history is a picture of the theological dimensions of an individual's past and present. Early religious teaching and memory, beliefs and attitudes, and family rituals compose parts of a religious history. The history is secured by asking questions. The hypothesis of this writer is that religious history can have diagnostic utility for assessing the needs and resources of persons under the care of a minister. Data secured from a religious history can be evaluated in five areas: suffering-hurting patterns; covenant-commitment capacities; binding-freeing components; identity projections; and reality foci. Insights secured in diagnostic evaluation can lead to a more creative ministry.
Interpretation of NOx/NOy observations from AASE‐II using a model of chemistry along trajectories

In situ measurements of NO and NO(y) are used to derive the ratio NO(x)/NO(y) along the flight track of the NASA ER-2 aircraft. Data are presented for two flights at midlatitudes in October 1991 during the Airborne Arctic Stratospheric Expedition-2 (AASE-2). Aerosol particle surface area was concurrently measured. The observations are compared with a photochemical model integrated along back trajectories from the aircraft flight track. Comparison of observations with the model run along trajectories and at a fixed position clearly and quantitatively demonstrates the importance of an air parcel's dynamic history in interpretation of local chemical observations. Comparison of the data with model runs under different assumptions regarding heterogeneous chemistry further reinforces the case for occurrence of the reaction of N2O5 + H2O on sulfate aerosol surfaces in the atmosphere. Finally, comparisons for which relative changes in the model and the data are not consistent caution that our ability to resolve all the observations is not yet complete.
Wave Equation Parameters from Numerical Simulation Techniques

ABSTRACT Wave equation analysis and dynamic pile testing have been generally accepted by the engineering profession as effective techniques for construction control of driven piles. The accuracy of wave equation analysis, however, is dependent upon the assumed hammer performance and the correct input of dynamic soil-pile interaction model parameters. A host of proprietary numerical simulation programs have been developed to facilitate the calculation of pile capacity and pertinent soil-pile interaction model parameters based on the measured dynamic signals (force and velocity wave forms measured at a point near the pile top) during each hammer blow (usually at the end of initial driving or the beginning of re-strike). The numerical simulation techniques involve the adjustment of the model parameters based on the matching of the calculated signal with a reference signal. Either dynamic force or kinetic velocity is imposed at the top as a stimulus, while the other signal is used as a reference for matching purpose. In this paper, a new numerical simulation algorithm, utilizing both force and velocity as the given boundary stimuli, has been developed. The proposed algorithm differs from the existing numerical programs mainly in that it is cast in a system in which the signal matching process is performed at several points along the pile shaft. In this way, the soil-pile interaction model parameters can be more accurately determined. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can determine the shaft resistance and toe resistance separately, thus helping the determination of the uplift capacity of driven piles.
In Search of Explanations for Early Pubertal Timing Effects on Developmental Psychopathology

Early pubertal maturation has been identified as a potential risk factor for internalizing and externalizing problems during adolescence. However, questions about the mechanisms that link early pubertal timing and psychopathology remain. In this article, we describe four hypotheses that explain the effects of early pubertal maturation. The hormonal influence hypothesis predicts that an increase in hormones at puberty leads to increased psychopathology. The maturation disparity hypothesis focuses on the gap between physical, social, and psychological maturation in early maturers that exacts the toll on individuals' adjustment. The contextual amplification hypothesis proposes that experiencing early pubertal transition in a disadvantaged context increases the risk for psychopathology. Finally, the accentuation hypothesis maintains that preadolescent vulnerabilities and challenges during early pubertal transition together increase problems. This article concludes with a consideration of how these hypotheses ...
Selection of suitable prodrug candidates for in vivo studies via in vitro studies; the correlation of prodrug stability in between cell culture homogenates and human tissue homogenates.

Purpose. To determine the correlations/discrepancies of drug stabilities between in the homogenates of human culture cells and of human tissues. Methods. Amino acid/dipeptide monoester prodrugs of floxuridine were chosen as the model drugs. The stabilities (half-lives) of floxuridine prodrugs in human tissues (pancreas, liver, and small intestine) homogenates were obtained and compared with ones in cell culture homogenates (AcPC-1, Capan-2, and Caco-2 cells) as well as human liver microsomes. The correlations of prodrug stability in human small bowel tissue homogenate vs. Caco-2 cell homogenate, human liver tissue homogenate vs. human liver microsomes, and human pancreatic tissue homogenate vs. pancreatic cell, AsPC-1 and Capan-2, homogenates were examined. Results. The stabilities of floxuridine prodrugs in human small bowel homogenate exhibited the great correlation to ones in Caco-2 cell homogenate (slope = 1.0-1.3, r2 = 0.79-0.98). The stability of those prodrugs in human pancreas tissue homogenate also exhibited the good correlations to ones in AsPC-1 and Capan-2 cells homogenates (slope = 0.5-0.8, r2 = 0.58-0.79). However, the correlations of prodrug stabilities between in human liver tissue homogenates and in human liver microsomes were weaker than others (slope = 1.3-1.9, r2 = 0.07-0.24). Conclusions. The correlations of drug stabilities in cultured cell homogenates and in human tissue homogenates were compared. Those results exhibited wide range of correlations between in cell homogenate and in human tissue homogenate (r2 = 0.07 – 0.98). Those in vitro studies in cell homogenates would be good tools to predict drug stabilities in vivo and to select drug candidates for further developments. In the series of experiments, 5′-O-D-valyl-floxuridine and 5′-O-L-phenylalanyl-L-tyrosyl-floxuridine would be selected as candidates of oral drug targeting delivery for cancer chemotherapy due to their relatively good stabilities compared to other tested prodrugs. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Error bounds of two smoothing approximations for semi-infinite minimax problems

In the paper we investigate smoothing method for solving semi-infinite minimax problems. Not like most of the literature in semi-infinite minimax problems which are concerned with the continuous time version(i.e., the one dimensional semi-infinite minimax problems), the primary focus of this paper is on multidimensional semi-infinite minimax problems. The global error bounds of two smoothing approximations for the objective function are given and compared. It is proved that the smoothing approximation given in this paper can provide a better error bound than the existing one in literature.
Efficiency of repair of pyrimidine dimers and psoralen monoadducts in normal and xeroderma pigmentosum human cells.

—Repair of DNA damage produced by ultraviolet light or 5-methylisopsoralen in normal and xeroderma pigmentosum human cells involves many similar steps. Aphidicolin and cytosine arabinoside block repair of both kinds of damage with similar efficiency, indicating that DNA polymerase a has a major role in repair for these lesions. In xeroderma pigmentosum cells of various complementation groups, the relative efficiency of excision repair for both ultraviolet- and 5-methylisopsoralen-induced damage was group A < C < D, indicating a close resemblance between both kinds of lesions in relation to the repair deficiencies in these groups. At high doses, the maximum rate of repair of damage by ultraviolet light was about twice that for methylisopsoralen damage, possibly because ultraviolet-induced damage forms a substrate that is more readily recognized and excised than that of the psoralen adducts. Differences in the structural distortions to DNA caused by these kinds of damage could be detected using single strand specific nucleases which excised dimers but not 5-MIP adducts from double strand DNA.
A fast and accurate single frequency estimator

A novel frequency estimator for a single complex sinusoid in complex white Gaussian noise is proposed. The estimator is more computationally efficient that the optimal maximum-likelihood estimator yet attains equally good performance at moderately high signal-to-noise ratios. The estimator is shown to be related to the linear prediction estimator. This relationship is used to reveal why the linear prediction estimator does not attain the Cramer-Rao bound even at high signal-to-noise ratios. >
Quantifying sustainable improvements: Interactions of energy efficient construction techniques and estimating their efficiency

Many sustainable building improvements can be implemented in order to increase a building's efficiency. The article demonstrates ways in which improvements can be tested, compared, and evaluated together to identify synergies among different improvements to find the best return on investment by quantifying potential savings both in electricity and energy consumption of buildings. The goal of the study was to assess the possibility and ease of determining economic savings from energy improvements installed in a building design project. With the tools and methods discussed in the study, reasonable estimates for savings can be made quickly and efficiently for people looking to invest in improvements for their homes or buildings, allowing them to calculate payback periods with confidence and help them get the most out of their investment decisions.
Remote monitoring of resin transfer molding processes by distributed dielectric sensors

Feed-forward adaptive control of resin transfer molding (RTM) processes is crucial for producing a high yield of usable parts for industrial applications. The enabling technique for this process is non-invasive monitoring of the fill-front position and the degree of cure of the resin as it is injected into the mold. Successful implementation of a sensing system capable of meeting these criteria will result in a high yield of composite parts that can be used for the next generation of aircraft. This article articulates the possibility of a hybrid sensing system for multiparameter monitoring during RTM processes. It addresses the fundamental engineering trade-offs between penetration depth and signal strength, discussing how to account for fringing electric field (FEF) effects present in the system. FEF effects hinder the measurement accuracy of the sensor system. This article describes how these effects are addressed using a mapping algorithm that is developed using numerical simulations of the experimental setup. The experimental setup utilizes a rectangular RTM tool and a water-glycerin mixture which simulates mechanical properties of epoxy resins, prior to cure. Modeling of the FEF effects helps to achieve high measurement accuracy of the fill front location.
Simultaneous determination of organotin, organolead, and organomercury compounds in environmental samples using capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection

As part of a continuing evaluation of new analytical and sample preparation techniques conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED) for the simultaneous determination of organotin, organolead, and organomercury compounds in environmental samples was investigated. Pentylmagnesium bromide was used to pentylate ionic organotin, organolead, and organomercury compounds; the pentyl derivatives were then separated by GC and determined by AED. Several important GC-AED parameters, including the type of injector inlet, carrier gas flow rate, and helium make-up gas flow rate, were optimized for the simultaneous determination of these organometallic compounds. Their minimum detectable concentrations were approximately 1.0 to 2.5 ng/mL using a 0.5-μL on-column injection. The calibration curves exhibited good linearity between 2.5 and 2500 ng/mL for organotin and organolead compounds, and between 2.5 and 10000 ng/mL for organomercury compounds.
Existentialism: A Personalist Philosophy of History

I seek in this chapter to discover the way in which Berdyaev’s Existentialism fulfills a need in his philosophy of history. What relation does his Existentialism have to his doctrine of the “historical?” In this connection, we will have to study a Personalist doctrine which is inspired by religious thought and stems from certain philosophical currents.
SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF THE MARINE DINOFLAGELLATE SINOPHYSIS MICROCEPHALUS (DINOPHYCEAE) FROM A MANGROVE ISLAND. TWIN CAYS. BELIZE1

Sinophysis microcephalus Nie and Wang 1944 is a nonphotosynthetic, tropical, benthic. dinophysoid dinoflagellate. I isolated it from floating detritus on a subtropical mangrove island. Twin Cays. Beleze, Central America, and describe its micromorphology from light and scanning electron micrographs. Cells of S. microcephalus are circular to subcircular and compressed laterally with a cell size of 42-44 μm long and 33–35 μm wide and with a length /width ratio of 1.25–1.28. Areolae are numerous, 368–550 per valve, ranging in size from 0.75 to 2.0 μm. Pores are oblong and deeper at the valve's center and pentagonal-shaped at the plate margin. The well-defined cingulum is narrow and deeply incised with a smooth surface. The epitheca is small, moderately convex, and divided into two large, highly ornate, asymmetrical plate: the left and right epitheca I plates. The left epithecal plate bears two slightly curved, upright anterior projections located dorsally adjacent to the epithecal list, a relatively large opening, and three smaller openings compressed against the sagittal suture. The right plate contains a wide megacytic zone with two parallel ridges, a fairly large oblong opical pore in ventral position adjacent to the cingulum, and eight areolae each with a round, uniform-sized pore opening. There are two long and narrow sulcal lists, gently convex with a smooth edge without structure or ribs. The left sulcal list has an ear-shaped labe, a form of a primitive dinophysoid list. The megacytic zone is smooth and expands unevenly during cell division. The epitheca and sulcus distinguishes S. microcephalus from all examined Dinophysis.
Avoiding Complications in the Repair of Orbital Floor Fractures

Fractures of the orbital floor are commonly repaired by all specialists who manage facial trauma. Potential complications include incomplete correction of preoperative enophthalmos or diplopia, as well as induction of hypoglobus or hyperglobus, eyelid malposition, or optic nerve injury. To optimize functional and aesthetic results, a stepwise analysis of the surgical procedure is presented—from the election and timing of repair, through the incision and dissection path, release of herniated orbital tissue, implant material and placement, wound closure, and postoperative care. Key elements include the distinction of floor fracture subtypes, avoiding cicatricial contraction of the lower eyelid, complete release of herniated soft tissue, direct observation of all fracture margins, and proper contouring and positioning of the implant.
On-the-Fly Algorithms and Sequential Machines

Frougny has presented a method that generalizes various "on-the-fly” operations that have been presented, mainly in connection with computer arithmetic. First, we shall trace the origin of this method to its source, which is the celebrated paper of Rabin and Scott that introduced the notion of nondeterminism and the power-set construction. Second, we shall show that an understanding of this origin may lead to great quantitative improvements in applications of the method. Finally, we shall show by a pathological example that the method as originally presented by Frougny may result in circuits that are larger, in terms of gates per step, by two exponentiations than those that are constructed as described in the present paper.
MicroRNA-Management of Lipoprotein Homeostasis

Although HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme)-reductase inhibitors (statins) have significantly contributed to the reduction in major adverse cardiac events observed in primary and secondary prevention trials, in part, by lowering circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, ischemic cardiovascular disease still remains the number 1 cause of death in the United States, suggesting that additional therapies that address patient residual risk are desperately needed.1,2 Recent epidemiological studies in patients treated with statins suggest a marked association with levels of circulating high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and future cardiovascular risk independent of LDL-cholesterol.3 Indeed, an inverse association has been implicated for HDL-C and future cardiovascular risk from various populations.4 Although several prospective studies aimed to increase HDL-C have not demonstrated improved efficacy for major adverse cardiovascular events, intense scientific interest remains at identifying new targets that harness many of the salutary pleiotropic effects of HDL-C, such as promoting efflux of cholesterol from the vessel wall, reducing inflammation, or facilitating reverse cholesterol transport.5–7 Article, see p 10 MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNAs that inhibit target genes by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of mRNAs to promote mRNA degradation or translational repression. Several miRNAs have been implicated in regulating HDL-C and cholesterol metabolism, including microRNA-33 (miR-33).8–10 Human miR-33a and miR-33b are located in the introns of the sterol-response-element-binding protein (SREBP) genes, SREBP-2 and SREBP-1, respectively. MiR-33a and miR-33b differ by 2 nucleotides in their mature form with the same seed sequence. MiR-33a is expressed across different species, including rodents, primates, and humans; however, miR-33b is not expressed in rodents. Several groups identified miR-33 as a key regulator in cholesterol metabolism by targeting the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in 2010.11–15 Antisense inhibition or genetic deletion of miR-33 resulted in increased ABCA1 expression, HDL-C, …
Agribusiness Extension: The Past, Present, and Future?

Land Grant Universities from their inception have combined extension programs with research and teaching. This makes them unique from other universities and extension programs can have a synergistic effect on both agribusiness teaching and research programs. While being relatively young, Agribusiness Extension programs have evolved from a rich history of agricultural economics programs to meet the current needs of a changing clientele and environment. While initial emphasis in extension programming focused on the needs of farmers at the production level of the supply chain, agribusiness extension programming has reached out to involve more suppliers and buyers in support of the entire chain. This paper examines the evolution of agricultural economics into agribusiness extension programs and looks at what is currently happening with agribusiness extension programs including the linkages to research and teaching. The paper then current and predicted trends and what they might mean for agribusiness extension programs in the future. Agribusiness Extension programs have evolved into many strong programs that universities in the face of budget cuts continue to support. However, these programs face many challenges and opportunities and will need to continue to build on their success of providing answers to a changing clientele to take them into a strong future.
Patient expectations for pain relief in the ED

The objective of the study was to assess patient expectations for pain relief in the ED. A convenience sample of 522 patients with pain and 144 patients without pain were enrolled in a prospective observational study at a university ED. Patients reported a mean expectation for pain relief of 72 % (95% CI 70-74). Eighteen percent expected complete (100%) pain relief in the ED. Patient expectations for pain relief were poorly correlated (r = 0.150) with initial pain intensity. Patients without pain reported a mean expectation for pain relief of 74% (95% CI 71-77) if they had presented with pain. There were no differences in patient expectations for pain relief based on age or gender. Patients expect a large percentage of their pain to be relieved in the ED, and many expect complete analgesia. Patient expectations for pain relief do not vary based on age, gender or pain intensity.
Does one-against-all or one-against-one improve the performance of multiclass classifications?

One-against-all and one-against-one are two popular methodologies for reducing multiclass classification problems into a set of binary classifications. In this paper, we are interested in the performance of both one-against-all and one-against-one for classification algorithms, such as decision tree, naive bayes, support vector machine, and logistic regression. Since both one-against-all and one-against-one work like creating a classification committee, they are expected to improve the performance of classification algorithms. However, our experimental results surprisingly show that one-against-all worsens the performance of the algorithms on most datasets. One-against-one helps, but performs worse than the same iterations of bagging these algorithms. Thus, we conclude that both one-against-all and one-against-one should not be used for the algorithms that can perform multiclass classifications directly. Bagging is better approach for improving their performance.
In Vivo Evidence of Free Radical Formation After Asbestos Instillation: An ESR Spin Trapping Investigation

Abstract It has been postulated that the in vivo toxicity of asbestos results from its catalysis of free radical generation. We examined in vivo radical production using electron spin resonance (ESR) coupled with the spin trap α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone (4-POBN); 180 day-old rats were intratracheally instilled with either 500 μg crocidolite or saline. Twenty-four hours later, histologic examination revealed a neutrophilic inflammatory response. ESR spectroscopy of the chloroform extract from lungs exposed to asbestos gave a spectrum consistent with a carbon-centered radical adduct, while those spectra from lungs instilled with saline revealed a much weaker signal. This same radical formation persisted and, even one month after instillation, could be detected in the lungs of rats exposed to asbestos. The 4-POBN adducts detected by ESR are very similar to, if not identical with, ethyl and pentyl radical adducts, providing evidence of in vivo lipid peroxidation resulting from asbestos exposure. We conclude that, after instillation of crocidolite in the rat, ESR analysis of lung tissue demonstrates in vivo free radical production.
Rousseau's Political Theory of Second Nature

Rousseau is famous for his romantic depictions of solitary walkers, who pass through the landscape leaving at most a negligible trace. But it is perhaps less well recognized that he also explores another feature of the human presence in the natural world: he emphasizes that as human beings come to live in social groups they must transform the landscape in order to survive. Thus, in the Discourse on Inequality, whereas 'savage man' makes use of what nature puts into his hands without having to alter the source of those goods, Rousseau associates 'civil man' with quite substantial alterations of the landscape, as human beings learn through their economic activities to exploit natural processes. It follows that the evolution of human nature and social life that Rousseau recounts in the Discourse can also be read as the story of humanity transforming its habitat from primordial wilderness into the 'second nature' of an agricultural countryside. After tracking Rousseau's descriptive project of recounting the development of second nature through socially organized labor, I shall argue that he pairs it with a normative project of evaluating the condition of the transformed landscape in moral and political terms. Thus, I will conclude, Rousseau advocates an agrarian political vision in which republican institutions and environmental quality are mutually sustaining.
Future xenon system operational parameter optimization

Any atmospheric monitoring network will have practical limitations in the density of its sampling stations. The classical approach to network optimization has been to have 12 or 24-h integration of air samples at the highest station density possible to improve minimum detectable concentrations. The authors present here considerations on optimizing sampler integration time to make the best use of any network and maximize the likelihood of collecting quality samples at any given location. In particular, this work makes the case that shorter duration sample integration (i.e. <12 h) enhances critical isotopic information and improves the source location capability of a radionuclide network, or even just one station.