cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Sensitivity to Adriamycin in Hybrid Spheroids

AbstractUsing the newly developed hybrid spheroid system, we have been able to measure sensitivities to adriamycin in two sublines of LoVo cells (a human colon adenocarcinoma line). Hybrid spheroids are composed of coagglomerated LoVo cells, and nonproliferating HeLa “feeder” cells, mimicking a population of minitumors. Spheroids of uniform size, but containing different numbers of LoVo cells, were incubated with various concentrations of adriamycin and after washing, plated for colony formation. Binomial counting statistics were achieved by marking sugace-attached spheroids soon after plating, and scoring colonies one week later. From the fraction of noncolony formers, the average number of clonogens per spheroid (clonogenicity) was calculated using the zero term of the Poisson distribution. The effect of treatment with adriamycin was evaluated from the decrease in clonogenicity in parallel series of hybrid spheroids. Response to treatment was found to be independent of cellular clonogenicity in the cont...
A novel procedure for selection of materials in concept design

This work is concerned with the selection of materials for conceptual product design prior to precise definition of part geometries. The proposed selection method is based on normalized scales of 0 to 100 for all fundamental material properties. The proposed scales are independent of the units which are used for the material property values. Three important transformations of the scales are demonstrated. First, the inverse material property is simply represented by 100 minus the original scale value. For example, if a material scores 83 for weight, then its scale value for lightness is 17. Second, a procedure is given for transformation the “100-scales” of individual properties to the “100-scale” of any derived parameter. Finally, a general procedure is established for the selection of multiple parameters with weighting values if desired. A spreadsheet sample database is presented suitable for teaching or demonstration purposes.
Transforming growth factor-β-like activity in tumors of the central nervous system

✓ Transforming growth factor type β (TGF-β) is a ubiquitous peptide with wide-ranging regulatory functions. This paper reports the initial isolation of TGF-β activity from human glial and mesenchymally derived tumors and a human glial tumor cell line. While its physiological function at the molecular level is not yet defined, it is believed that this peptide plays a central role in the control of growth and transformation, with the exact role it plays being a function of the entire set of growth factors present in a given cell.
Environment- and sequence-dependence of helical type in membrane-spanning peptides composed of β3-amino acids.

Transmembrane (TM) β-peptides comprised of acyclic β3-amino acids demonstrate equilibrium between 12- and 14-helical structures in an environment- and sequence-dependent manner. Circular dichroism ...
Drug interaction profile of topiramate

In separate studies, potential pharmacokinetic interactions of topiramate (TPM) with phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA) were evaluated. TPM was added to the baseline antiepileptic drug (AED) at a dosage of up to 800 mg/day, after which the baseline drug was discontinued, when possible. Addition of TPM produced no change in plasma levels of CBZ or CBZ epoxide (CBZ-E). Modest increases in PHT plasma levels in six of 12 patients treated with PHT and TPM, and a small mean decrease in VPA levels noted in patients receiving VPA with TPM, were considered unlikely to require adjustments in the dosage of the concomitant AED when TPM is added or discontinued. When patients were changed from concomitant therapy with PHT or CBZ to TPM monotherapy, TPM clearance was reduced by approximately 50%, suggesting that an adjustment in TPM dose may be required when PHT or CBZ is discontinued from TPM-treated patients. A slight increase in plasma TPM levels during monotherapy compared to concomitant therapy with VPA was considered clinically insignificant and not likely to require TPM dosage adjustment. In another study, oral clearance of digoxin was slightly increased when TPM was added, resulting in a small decrease in peak plasma levels of digoxin. In vitro studies conducted to date on a number of specific cytochrome P450 isoforms show an effect of TPM only on the CYP2Cmeph isoform. The risk for clinically meaningful changes in plasma levels of traditional AEDs when TPM is added to or discontinued from concomitant regimens appears to be minimal. However, adjustments in TPM dosages are likely to be needed when potent enzyme inducers, such as PHT or CBZ, are added or discontinued. TPM has a relatively low propensity for clinically significant drug interactions, and its pharmacokinetic and drug interaction profiles represent a clear advance over those of the traditional AEDs.
Abstract 3305: Glucocorticoid differentially regulates gene expression in luminal and basal subtypes of breast cancer

Steroid hormone receptors (SHRs), such as estrogen- and progesterone- receptors, are well-validated drug targets and prognostic indicators for breast cancer (BC). When targeting SHRs for BC therapy, the major challenge is how to increase the selectivity of drugs against SHRs in specific cell/tissue. While estrogen- and progesterone- receptors are well studied in BC, glucocorticoid (GC) as a ubiquitous stress activated steroid hormone is less investigated. However, the elevated GC circadian dynamics is associated with poor prognosis, and GC receptor (GR) is highly expressed in metastatic BC. GCs are used successfully as an adjuvant therapy to induce apoptosis of leukemia and lymphoma. However, when applied to BC, the results are controversial with most GCs showing either pro-survival or no effects. To analyze the underlying mechanisms, gene expression profiling was performed in this study using qRT-PCR array that covers the genes as the drivers of BC. Our results showed that compared to MCF7 (luminal subtype) cells, MDA-MB-231(basal B subtype) cells are more responsive to Dexamethasone (Dex; a synthetic GC) treatment with the higher number of genes that were either up- or down-regulated. Shared by both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, the Dex-regulated genes are highly related to cell adhesion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), followed by the genes involved in signal transduction, cell division and apoptosis, including SERPIN-E1, CDKN2A, c-Myc, THBS1, Snai2 and E-cadherin. However, the up- and down-regulation patterns are different between MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells. Using a real-time label-free cell assay, we identified that Dex promotes MDA-MB-231 cell adhesion and migration but only the spreading for MCF7 cells, suggesting that there are cell-specific effects of GC/GR in different subtypes of breast cancer. Citation Format: Jun Ling, Zenaida Lopez-Dee, Shagufta H. Khan, Raj Kumar. Glucocorticoid differentially regulates gene expression in luminal and basal subtypes of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3305. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3305
Inactivation of choline acetyltransferases by an antiserum to the enzyme from mouse brain.

Abstract An antiserum was prepared against partially-purified choline acetyltransferase (E.C. 2.3.1.6) from mouse brain. The antiserum inactivated the enzyme from mouse rat, cow and chick brain to approximately the same extent—about 80%. It did not inactivate the enzyme from squid head ganglion. Human placental enzyme was inactivated about 90%, while the enzyme from L. plantarum was 35% inactivated.
Structural Changes During Transient Post-Annealing of Preannealed and Arsenic Implanted Polycrystalline Silicon Films

Polycrystalline silicon films were transient preannealed, As implanted, and transient post-annealed at peak temperatures up to 1250°C for times up to 17.5 seconds. Structural changes occurring during post-annealing were examined by transmission electron microscopy. These results were correlated to Rutherford Backscattering and sheet resistance results. The grain size, which increased from 5–20 to 150–300 nm during preannealing, did not increase during post-annealing. During early stages of post-annealing, As diffused along grain boundaries and generated dislocation sources at grain boundary surfaces. Subsequently, as annealing progressed, a fine, As-rich cellular network structure propagated into the grains until the structure of an entire grain was transformed into a fine cellular network at the longest annealing times. Residual stresses in the film were relieved during formation of the network structure. The sheet resistance of preannealed samples, in comparison with non-preannealed samples with similar implantation and final transient anneals, was lower at shorter annealing times due to the larger grain size, which increased mobility, and the reduced grain boundary area, which trapped less As. It was also lower at longer annealing times due to the formation of the cellular network structure. In subsequent furnace stability tests for 30 minutes at 700–900°C, the sheet resistance increased less for preannealed than for non-preannealed samples.
Response of the Argentine Ant (Iridomyrmex humilis, Mayr) to external Conditions.

The following observations were made in an artificial formicary in the interest of recording the responses of the Argentine ant to varied conditions of humidity, temperature, and light, with particular reference to the care of their young.
Atomic resolution structures in nuclear transport

There are currently at least 53 structures of components of nuclear transport in the Protein Databank. In addition to providing critical insights into molecular mechanisms of nuclear transport, these atomic resolution structures provide a large body of information that could guide biochemical and cell biological analyses involving nuclear transport proteins. This paper catalogs 53 crystal and NMR structures of nuclear transport proteins, with the emphasis on providing information useful for mutagenesis and overexpression of recombinant proteins.
Texts as Performances: How to Reconstruct Webs of Beliefs from Expressed Utterances

This paper argues that historians of ideas must, when seeking to reconstruct webs of beliefs, interpret texts as though they were performances. As this is particularly the case with dialogic texts, the paper focuses on Plato's dialogues to show that the arguments expressed therein cannot be taken as expressions of Plato's beliefs. Rather, such arguments seek to prompt thought in their readers and thus reveal beliefs indirectly. We must therefore revise Mark Bevir's account of the reconstruction of webs of beliefs so that we construct a consistent web and then assume that to be the web of the author in question, rather than assuming that the web we construct is a consistent one. Consideration of Leo Strauss's argument that philosophers have often had to hide their meaning for fear of persecution, the paper concludes that its argument may apply to treatise-based writing as well as to dialogues. All texts include an element of the performative.
One Last Hurrah

Greetings all! Well, this is it, my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of Educational Studies. I have a few things I want to say before going—some thanks to give and some thoughts about the future, and ...
EFFECTS OF PRIOR COMMITMENT ON BEHAVIOR CHANGE AFTER A PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION

When a persuasive communication causes a change in belief, will behavior relevant to the belief also change? Past experiments have shown both successes and failures in obtaining such behavior change. The present study offers a reconciliation of these differences in findings by showing that the pattern of belief change with no behavior change occurred only in subjects who, before a communication, committed themselves to a position opposing it. Without this commitment, subjects showed no immunity against the effects of the communication on behavior. Some theoretical implications of this finding are discussed. A condensed version of this paper was read at the American Psychological Association meetings in Los Angeles in 1964. Dr. Anthony G. Greenwald is Mershon Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Ohio State University.
Rare‐Earth Element Reference Samples for Electron Microprobe Analysis

Fourteen rare-earth (plus scandium and yttrium) orthophosphates have been synthesized and characterized for use as electron microprobe reference samples. These reference samples are single-element phosphates that are homogeneous, stable under the electron beam, and free of interfering elements. They have a stoichiometric composition (RPO4) with the element of interest (R) ranging from 32 to 64 weight percent.
Expression of the two adult β-globin genes in mouse yolk sac and fetal liver erythrocytes☆☆☆

The two adult beta-globin genes (beta 1s2major and beta 2sminor) of the Hbbs2 haplotype are differentially expressed during development. Centrifugal elutriation was used to separate the two populations of erythrocytes present in developing fetuses. Hemoglobin analysis showed that the larger, nucleated erythrocytes (yolk sac-derived) have relatively larger amounts of beta-sminor hemoglobin than do smaller, nonnucleated cells (fetal liver-, spleen-, and bone marrow-derived) at the same stage of development.
Attributional processes and hazard control management in industry

This paper examines the applicability of attribution theory research to safety management in industry. Behavioral research on the perception of causality is reviewed in relation to: (a) how individual workers appraise the risks associated with various workplace hazards, (b) responses of first-line supervisors to safety incidents, and (c) the impact of upper management on the safety climate of the organization. Particular attention is given to the sources of attributional bias most likely to exist in organizational settings. Conclusions and safety program recommendations are presented.
An automatic sign recognition and translation system

A sign is something that suggests the presence of a fact, condition, or quality. Signs are everywhere in our lives. They make our lives easier when we are familiar with them. But sometimes they pose problems. For example, a tourist might not be able to understand signs in a foreign country. This paper discusses problems of automatic sign recognition and translation. We present a system capable of capturing images, detecting and recognizing signs, and translating them into a target language. We describe methods for automatic sign extraction and translation. We use a user-centered approach in system development. The approach takes advantage of human intelligence if needed and leverage human capabilities. We are currently working on Chinese sign translation. We have developed a prototype system that can recognize Chinese sign input from a video camera that is a common gadget for a tourist, and translate the signs into English or voice stream. The sign translation, in conjunction with spoken language translation, can help international tourists to overcome language barriers. The technology can also help a visually handicapped person to increase environmental awareness.
Autoimmune granulomatous thyroiditis in inbred mice: resemblance to subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis in man.

Mice in various inbred strains were immunized with mouse thyroglobulin emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant. Granulomatous thyroid lesions were observed only in RF and SJL mice. These lesions were studied ultrastructurally and showed similarities with subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis in man. Thyroid function tests, e.g., the concentration of serum thyroxine and thyroid radioiodine uptake showed similarities between these two diseases. Such findings have not been previously described in experimental thyroiditis.
Age and Obesity Are Risk Factors for Adverse Events After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Defining the epidemiology of adverse events after THA will aid in the development of strategies to enhance perioperative care.
Communicating with patients about extended -- cycle and continuous use of oral contraceptives.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been the gold standard for contraception in the United States since their introduction in 1960. They are used for both their contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits. Although the traditional dosing regimen, 21 active pills and 7 placebo pills, (21/7), reduces many symptoms women suffer with spontaneous cycles, hormone withdrawal symptoms often occur during the 7-day hormone-free interval. New contraceptives are available that decrease the number of hormone-free days each cycle or that increase the time between hormone-free intervals. These changes in packaging are expected to decrease the periodic hormone fluctuations experienced by OC users. Because routine use of extended-cycle/continuous OCs is relatively new and differs from what women have been told for years about the importance of monthly bleeding, women have many questions about and even significant reluctance to using these methods. Numerous studies have shown that extended-cycle and continuous OC use are safe and effective. Total bleeding episodes are reduced, as are problems with bloating and dysmenorrhea. Women usually experience more unscheduled spotting and bleeding in the initial cycles, but those problems decrease with longer use. Amenorrhea may be beneficial and suit the lifestyles of many women. Counseling women about all their contraceptive options and the variety of ways that OCs can be taken may increase women's commitment to correct use and increase efficacy. Good clinician-patient communication, which includes creating an open dialogue with the patient to discuss her individual risks and benefits, should lead to more successful contraceptive utilization.
Convergence of Reciprocal-Lattice Expansions and Self-Consistent Energy Bands of NaF

A convergence study is made of the reciprocal-lattice expansion of linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals integrals in NaF. Converged integrals are obtained by direct summation and by extrapolation after different numbers of terms. It is found that extrapolation procedures give simple accurate results and substantially reduce labor involved. Comparison is made with other methods for obtaining convergence. Converged integrals are used as a basis for a self-consistent Hartree-Fock-Slater energy-band calculation for NaF using methods previously developed. Some transition energies are presented and correlated with available optical data. Self-consistent charge densities in NaF differ only slightly from a linear combination of ionic charge densities, confirming the ionic nature of NaF.
Quark mass matrices with full off-diagonal mixing.

We study a generalization of the Fritzsch mass matrix in which all of the nondiagonal entries are nonzero, but which still allows the quark mixing angles to be calculated in terms of ratios of quark masses.
An Examination of Financial Leverage Trends in the Lodging Industry

ABSTRACT This study examines financial leverage trends of firms in the U.S. lodging industry for the period 1980 to 2005. It compares mean and median leverage ratio estimates of lodging firms to find which works better as an industry norm during the entire sample period, as well as during economic expansion and recession periods. Research results suggest that the industry median leverage ratio is more valid than the mean industry ratio as a proxy for the lodging industry. Results also suggest that the industry median leverage ratio is valid during the recession periods, but not during the expansion periods.
A comparison of successful and unsuccessful strategies in individual sight singing preparation and performance.

High school singers (N=198) individually sang two melodies from notation, with and without a 30-second practice opportunity. Overall accuracy scores were significantly higher with preparation time....
2-hydroxymethyl-4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-1-pyrazolyl]-1-benzenesulfonamide (DRF-4367): an orally active COX-2 inhibitor identified through pharmacophoric modulation.

Analogs of 1,5-diarylpyrazoles with a novel pharmacophore at N1 were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the in-vitro cyclooxygenase (COX-1/COX-2) inhibitory activity. The variations at/around position-4 of the C-5 phenyl ring in conjunction with a CF3 and CHF2 groups at C-3 exhibited a high degree of potency and selectivity index (SI) for COX-2 inhibition. The in-vivo evaluation of these potent compounds with a few earlier ones indicated the 4-OMe-phenyl analog 6 and the 4-NHMe-phenyl analog 9 with a CF3, and the 4-OEt-phenyl analog 19 with a CHF2 group at C-3 to possess superior potency than celecoxib. In addition to its impressive anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-arthritic properties, compound 6 (DRF-4367) was found to possess an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, gastrointestinal (GI) safety in the long-term arthritis study and COX-2 potency in human whole blood assay. Thus, compound 6 was selected as an orally active anti-inflammatory candidate for pre-clinical evaluation.
APL two by two-syntax analysis by pairwise reduction

Benkard explains the precedence rules of APL with a syntactic binding hierarchy [1,2]. This paper uses the hierarchy as a basis for developing a more formal description of APL syntax which can be applied directly in a syntax analyzer. The flexibility of this approach makes it useful as a basis for examining the effect of proposed syntax changes and the consequences of previous design choices.
Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion causing pericardial tamponade in hereditary hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Osler-Weber-Rendu disease, or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), is a rare, inherited autosomal dominant disorder characterized by telangiectasia and arteriovenous malformations in various organs. We report a unique case of HHT-associated hemorrhagic pericardial effusion presenting with pericardial tamponade.
Identification and quantification of cholesterol oxides in grated cheese and bleached butteroil

Butteroil samples bleached with benzoyl peroxide (BP) and 17 commercial cheeses were screened for oxidized sterols by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Ungrated cheeses made from bleached milk and freshly bleached butteroil contained no detectable oxidized sterols. Oxidized sterols were detected in stored, bleached butteroils and in grated cheeses. Four major oxidation products were the isomeric 5,6-epoxycholesterols and the epimeric 7-hydroxycholesterols identified by TLC, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Additional sterol oxides (tentatively identified and not quantified) present in these samples included low levels of 7-ketocholesterol and cholesta-3,5-dien-7-one. The epimeric 7-hydroxycholesterols were detected in bleached butteroils stored in air (BP-A) and nitrogen (BP-N) for 22 days at 15 C. Butteroil, after 90 days of storage at 15 C, had 30 (BP-N) and 60 (BP-A) µg total oxides/g of bleached oil and, after 1-year at −20 C, had 70 (BP-N) and 180 (BP-A) µg/g butteroil. A grated, unbleached cheese packaged in clear glass contained the most oxidized sterols (44 µg/g). Sterol oxides were not detected in bleached cream using a simulated industrial process.
Customer dissatisfaction responses to restaurant service failures: insights into noncomplainers from a relational perspective.

This research investigates the reasons for noncomplaining and compares the return intentions of complainers and noncomplainers after a service failure in the restaurant context. Particularly, this research focuses on differentiating the two types of dissatisfaction responses from noncomplainers: loyalty and neglect. A survey of 171 respondents (81 complainers and 90 noncomplainers) is analyzed. Regarding the reasons for noncomplaining, four dimensions are identified and two dimensions (compassionate trust and lack of responsiveness) provide evidence for distinguishing loyalty from neglect. The loyalty customers show higher compassionate trust for and higher perception of responsiveness from the company than neglect customers. Customers’ return intentions are examined via two types of complainers (recovery satisfied and recovery dissatisfied) and two types of noncomplainers (loyalty and neglect). The findings suggest that loyalty customers have higher return intentions than neglect customers and their retu...
Radio counterpart searches of gamma ray bursts

Radio observations may be one of the most promising but least explored bands of the spectrum to search for the counterparts of gamma ray bursters. We describe several ongoing experiments with demonstrated high sensitivity to monitor gamma ray bursts for evidence of a flaring or fading counterpart in the days, weeks and months following the original event.
Greater depression severity associated with less improvement in depression-associated cognitive deficits in older subjects.

OBJECTIVES Elderly depressed patients often exhibit cognitive deficits, which may improve with drug therapy. The authors investigated the relationship of baseline depression severity and cognitive improvement with antidepressant treatment in depressed patients with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores were measured in 52 depressed geriatric patients without dementia at baseline, 6, and 12 months, during an intent-to-treat period. A repeated-measures regression model tested the effect of MADRS score on MMSE. RESULTS MMSE changes were significant and linear over time, with an average increase of 0.72 in the MMSE per 6-month interval. The final model showed that for every point increase in baseline MADRS, the average 6-month increase in MMSE decreased by 0.12. Repeated MADRS measurements did not significantly alter its predictive value. CONCLUSION Greater baseline depression severity in older subjects with mild cognitive deficits is associated with less improvement in those deficits even with successful antidepressant therapy.
Production of Bone Matrix In Vitro: II. Histochemical Observations on the Role of Acid Mucopolysaccharide in Early Matrix Formation:

Four stages of bone matrix are postulated as discerned by histochemical staining for acid mucopolysaccharide and neutral mucopolysaccharide.
Cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided liver biopsy

The risk of a major complication from blind percutaneous liver biopsy is reported to be in the range of 0.24% to 3.8%. In a recent randomized trial, patients whose liver biopsies were performed with ultrasonography had a significant reduction in complications requiring hospitalization compared with patients without ultrasound-guided biopsies (0.5% vs. 2.2%, P <.05). Despite this, routine use of ultrasonography for liver biopsies has not been implemented because of controversies with respect to cost-effectiveness. The aim of our study was to analyze the relative cost-effectiveness of performing ultrasound-guided liver biopsies using decision analysis. A decision tree was constructed to compare a strategy of liver biopsy using ultrasonography with a strategy without ultrasonography. The major outcomes included were minor complications such as pain requiring analgesics and major complications, which require hospitalization. Costs included were direct medical costs from the payer's perspective. In our baseline model, the cost from complications per patient with and without ultrasonography was $62 and $129, respectively. The marginal effectiveness expressed as the number of major complications avoided was 1.2/100 liver biopsies. The incremental cost to avoid one major complication was $2,731. The model was most sensitive to the frequency of major complications and the additional cost of ultrasonography. Our decision analysis model suggests that ultrasound-guided liver biopsy is cost-effective. Future studies assessing the efficacy of image-guided liver biopsies should be conducted.
Corn forage yield and chemical composition as influenced by sulfur fertilization

Abstract Soil sulfur (S) deficiency for plant growth has become an increasing problem in the United States. A field experiment was conducted to investigate effects of fertilization with 0 and 67 kg S/ha as a single or split application, in a Latin square design, on corn (Zea mays L.) forage yield and chemical composition. Sulfur fertilization by either method increased yield of whole plant and grain 7% and increased number of plants with two ears. Total S and sulfate‐S concentration in whole corn plants, leaf, stem, and grain were increased with S fertilization. The nitrogen (N):SO4‐S ratio was a useful indicator of S deficiency.
The effect of nitrogen mustard on the nuclear cycle and DNA synthesis in Physarum polycephalum

Abstract Synchronous plasmodia of the myxomycete, Physarum polycephalum, were treated with nitrogen mustard (HN2) for 1 h during the S and G2 phases of the nuclear cycle. When the plasmodia were treated with HN2 during the S phase, DNA synthesis was immediately blocked. Plasmodia treated with HN2 during the G2 phase failed to begin the next DNA synthetic period. DNA synthesis as measured by radioactive thymidine incorporation was only 10 to 13% of that of control cultures at the third mitosis following drug treatment. Immediately following this mitosis, DNA synthesis returned, with a normal doubling pattern. Plasmodia appeared to go through two mitotic-like divisions despite the radical blockage of DNA synthesis. RNA synthesis was also affected immediately by the drug treatment, but synthesis began again 4.5 to 10 h after treatment. Protein synthesis was affected only 12.5 to 18 h after HN2 treatment, apparently as a result of the block in nucleic acid synthesis. No evidence was found for non-conservative DNA replication (“repair synthesis”) with neutral and alkaline cesium chloride gradients. Treatment with HN2 early or late in a nuclear cycle led to the same time sequence of recovery events in later nuclear cycles. Cultures treated with HN2 and kept in log phase growth had a slower growth rate than did control cultures. Such cultures gradually increased in growth rate so that after 3 months the rate was identical with that of untreated cultures.
From two-state to three-state: the effect of the P61A mutation on the dynamics and stability of the factor for inversion stimulation results in an altered equilibrium denaturation mechanism.

Factor for inversion stimulation (FIS) is a 22 kDa homodimeric protein found in enteric bacteria that is involved in the stimulation of certain DNA recombination events and transcription regulation...
British Hypertension Society Recommends That β‐Blockers Are No Longer Indicated as Initial Treatment of Hypertension: Has the Pendulum Swung Too Far?

Beta-blockers are no longer preferred as a routine initial therapy for hypertension.—British Hypertensive Society Guidelines, 2006.1
Modeling crack growth processes in fusion reactor materials

Abstract Models for the effect of the chemical environment on crack growth processes in austenitic and ferritic stainless were evaluated. The effect of impurity segregation, yield strength, and hydrogen on crack growth of HT-9 and radiation induced phosphorus segregation on the intergranular stress corrosion of 316SS have been evaluated. Moderate increases in impurity segregation and/or yield strength caused significant decreases in the K IC and K TH of HT-9, while less than a 10 fold increase in the intergranular stress corrosion crack growth rate of 316SS was predicted for a fluence of 100 dpa using the radiation induced phosphorus segregation data of Brimhall et al. and the stress corrosion model of Parkins. Therefore, while radiation induced impurity segregation is greater in 316SS than HT-9, the effect of impurity segregation may be more pronounced in HT-9. The effect of hydrogen on fatigue crack thresholds was evaluated using a model by Tien which describes the threshold as a function of surface energy. A reduction in the surface energy by hydrogen adsorption was found to cause a decrease in the fatigue threshold a small but comparable amount to that observed for 2-1/4Cr-lMo steel.
Height of a liquid film in a horizontal concurrent gas‐liquid flow

Results of a study of the height of liquid films flowing concurrently with an air stream in a horizontal channel are presented. If three-dimensional waves exist at the interface, the dimensionless film height h+ = hu*/v, defined in terms of the friction velocity and the kinematic viscosity of the liquid, is primarily a function of the liquid Reynolds number.
Plant–soil feedbacks and invasive spread

Plant invaders have been suggested to change soil microbial communities and biogeochemical cycling in ways that can feedback to benefit themselves. In this paper, we ask when do these feedbacks influence the spread of exotic plants. Because answering this question is empirically challenging, we show how ecological theory on 'pushed' and 'pulled' invasions can be used to examine the problem. We incorporate soil feedbacks into annual plant invasion models, derive the conditions under which such feedbacks affect spread, and support our approach with simulations. We show that in homogeneous landscapes, strong positive feedbacks can influence spreading velocity for annual invaders, but that empirically documented feedbacks are not strong enough to do so. Moreover, to influence spread, invaders must modify the soil environment over a spatial scale larger than is biologically realistic. Though unimportant for annual invader spread in our models, feedbacks do affect invader density and potential impact. We discuss how future research might consider the way landscape structure, dispersal patterns, and the time scales over which plant-soil feedbacks develop regulate the effects of such feedbacks on invader spread.
Fatal occupational injuries among electric power company workers

Surveillance data suggest high rates of electrocutions and fatal falls among workers in electric utility companies, who may be exposed to electric current, heights, flammable agents, and frequent motor vehicle travel. To characterize the occurrence of fatal injuries among electric utility workers, we studied workers in five electric power companies in the United States. A cohort of 127,129 men hired between 1950 and 1986 was followed through 1988. Injuries at work were identified through manual review of death certificates. The occurrence of occupational injuries was analyzed with directly adjusted rates and Poisson regression. The overall rate of fatal occupational injuries was 13.20 per 100,000 person-years (n = 192), with 76% due to electric current, homicide, and falls from heights. Deaths were concentrated in a few groups with elevated injury rates, notably linemen (rate ratio (RR) 3.33), electricians (RR 2.79), and painters (RR 3.27). Occupations requiring daily work on elevations or frequent, direct contact with energized electrical equipment experienced markedly higher rates of fatal injury from falls and electrocutions with rate ratios of 21.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.4-41.5) and 16.7 (95% CI 6.6-42.6), respectively, independent of worker age and seniority. Although fatal injury rates in this industry have declined in recent decades, significant numbers of deaths still occur. Based on the premise that all injuries are preventable, a need for continued vigilance and efforts at prevention is indicated.
Power control of VCSEL arrays using monolithically integrated focal plane detectors

Accurate optical power control of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array is achieved through the use of monolithically integrated photodetectors, which lie within the focal plane of the array and are interconnected into optoelectronic feedback loops. Piecewise linear device models, which also account for crosstalk and optoelectronic device variations, are developed to provide design guidelines. Direct digital control of the individual VCSEL output powers is then achieved through a custom CMOS driver chip based on programmable current-mode digital-to-analog converters. Experimental results verify the power control scheme and the developed models. The performance of this power control method in the presence of crosstalk and noise is also presented.
Characteristics of magnetite in submarine basaltic glass

SUMMARY We have compared the rock-magnetic characteristics of Cretaceous submarine basaltic glass (SBG) from DSDP/ODP Holes 417D, 418A, 807C and 543A to data from Holocene glasses from the East Pacific Rise. Both groups are very similar in that they contain single-domain, low-Ti magnetite as the carrier of a strong and stable remanent magnetization. The behaviour of magnetic hysteresis in SBG is, however, dominated by superparamagnetic grain-size populations. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherically shaped grains of 10-20 nm diameter with crystal lattice properties consistent with magnetite. These grains could be responsible for the magnetic behaviour of SBG.
An evaluation of techniques for grabbing and manipulating remote objects in immersive virtual environments

Grabbing and manipulating virtual objects is an important user interaction for immersive virtual environments. We present implementations and discussion of six techniques which allow manipulation of remote objects. A user study of these techniques was performed which revealed their characteristics and deficiencies, and led to the development of a new class of techniques. These hybrid techniques provide distinct advantages in terms of ease of use and efficiency because they consider the tasks of grabbing and manipulation separately. CR Categories and Subject Descriptors: 1.3.7 [Computer Graphics] :Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism - Virtual Reality; 1.3.6 [Computer Graphics]:Methodology and Techniques - Interaction Techniques.
Applying principles of robotics to understand the biomechanics, neuromuscular control and clinical rehabilitation of human digits

Given the biomechanical complexity of the human hand, it is not surprising that the grasping ability of individuals after treatment for severe paralysis or injury can seldom be restored to the level of the "normal" hand. Improving clinical outcomes will require: i) developing experimental paradigms to evaluate hand function objectively, ii) understanding how the nervous system controls the redundant musculature of the digits, and iii) increasing the clinical impact of computer biomechanical models by validating their anatomical assumptions. Recognizing that the human hand is also a mechanical system, the principles of robotics developed for the analysis of manipulators can be applied to each of these three clinical challenges. This paper is an overview of experimental and theoretical work aimed at understanding individual human digits as serial manipulators.
Type-Specific inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Localization in the Vomeronasal Organ and its interaction with a Transient Receptor Potential Channel, TRPC2

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is the receptor portion of the accessory olfactory system and transduces chemical cues that identify social hierarchy, reproductive status, conspecifics and prey. Signal transduction in VNO neurons is apparently accomplished via an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-activated calcium conductance that includes a different set of G proteins than those identified in vertebrate olfactory sensory neurons. We used immunohistochemical (IHC) and SDS–PAGE/western analysis to localize three IP3 receptors (IP3R) in the rat VNO epithelium. Type-I IP3R expression was weak or absent. Antisera for type-II and -III IP3R recognized appropriate molecular weight proteins by SDS–PAGE, and labeled protein could be abolished by pre-adsorption of the respective antibody with antigenic peptide. In tissue sections, type-II IP3R immunoreactivity was present in the supporting cell zone but not in the sensory cell zone. Type-III IP3R immunoreactivity was present throughout the sensory zone and overlapped that of transient receptor potential channel 2 (TRPC2) in the microvillar layer of sensory epithelium. Co-immunoprecipitation of type-III IP3R and TRPC2 from VNO lysates confirmed the overlapping immunoreactivity patterns. The protein–protein interaction complex between type-III IP3R and TRPC2 could initiate calcium signaling leading to electrical signal production in VNO neurons.
Courtship behaviour of the Ouachita dusky salamander, Desmognathus brimleyorum, and a comparison with other desmognathine salamanders

This paper provides the first description of the courtship of the North American Ouachita dusky salamander, Desmognathus brimleyorum (Plethodontidae: Desmognathinae). Heterosexual encounters consist of multiple sequences of courtship, each sequence ending with the deposition of a single spermatophore on the substratum. Insemination is most likely to occur at the end of the final sequence in an encounter. Each sequence contains behaviour patterns that function to orient and synchronize the partners, and enable the male to provide tactile (rubbing and nudging), chemical (snapping and pulling) and, perhaps, visual (jerking) stimulation to the female. In terms of the sequential structure of encounters, the courtship of D. brimleyorum is unique among desmognathine salamanders for which descriptions are available. However, each of the individual behaviour patterns exhibited by D. brimleyorum during sequences of courtship is shown by congeneric taxa. Understanding patterns of similarities among these taxa awaits a phylogenetic analysis of behavioural evolution in the monophyletic Desmognathinae.
Crop Revenue and Yield Insurance Demand: A Subjective Probability Approach

A multinomial logit is utilized to model the choice of whether to purchase yield or revenue insurance using subjectively elicited survey data. Our results indicate that the demand for crop insurance is inelastic (−0.40), consistent with most earlier yield elasticity estimates, but the elasticity for choices between yield and revenue insurance is found to be relatively more elastic (−0.88).
A REVIEW OF PECCARY-PALM INTERACTIONS AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL RAMIFICATIONS ACROSS THE NEOTROPICS

Palms (Arecaceae) are a dominant element within the neotropical plant community and because they substantially contribute to the overall and year-round fruit availability they are considered a key resource for frugivores, particularly for peccaries. Similarly, peccaries (Tayassuidae) are a dominant element within the neotropical mammal community. Their evolution of a strong mastication apparatus, unique interlocking canines, patterns of movement, and foraging ecology are viewed as adaptations to exploit hard seeds, particulary palm seeds. But how strong are the interactions between peccaries and palms, and what are the ecological ramifications? This review synthesizes over 76 papers, published between 1917 and 2004, which revealed that peccaries consumed fruits from 46 palm species, 73% of whose seeds were destroyed after ingestion. Furthermore, peccaries disperse palm seeds; eat flowers, seedlings, and roots; and trample seedlings. Thus, peccaries affect the spatiotemporal distribution and demography of palms. Local extinction of peccaries resulted in dramatic changes in the forest ecology. New conservation strategies are required to protect peccaries and prevent negative cascading effects.
Immobilization of Actively Thromboresistant Assemblies on Sterile Blood‐Contacting Surfaces

Rapid one-step modification of thrombomodulin with alkylamine derivatives such as azide, biotin, and PEG is achieved using an evolved sortase (eSrtA) mutant. The feasibility of a point-of-care scheme is demonstrated herein to site-specifically immobilize azido-thrombomodulin on sterilized commercial ePTFE vascular grafts, which exhibit superior thromboresistance compared with commercial heparin-coated grafts in a primate model of acute graft thrombosis.
First results in an MR imaging--compatible canine model of acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to develop an MR imaging-compatible animal model of reversible embolic stroke. We hypothesize that real-time MR imaging of the brain can be performed during stroke thrombolysis and can provide real-time feedback and guidance on the success of thrombolysis. METHODS: Embolic strokes were induced in 5 adult dogs by the use of autologous blood clots, with a sixth dog serving as an experimental control. Serial MR anatomic and physiologic imaging was performed to track the evolution of the stroke. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and quantitative cerebral blood flow (qCBF) were compared in the normal and stroke regions. During and after the administration of a chemical thrombolytic agent, MR imaging was performed to assess the outcome of the treatment. RESULTS: Strokes were successfully created in 5 animals. No ADC or qCBF changes were observed in the control animal. Both ADC and qCBF values were found to be significantly different in the region affected by the stroke. Restoration of flow was observed in 1 case. CONCLUSION: We have successfully implemented an MR imaging-compatible canine model of reversible embolic stroke.
Comparing Chronic Pain Treatment Seekers in Primary Care versus Tertiary Care Settings

Background: Patients frequently seek treatment for chronic nonmalignant pain in primary care settings. Compared with physicians who have completed extensive specialization (eg, fellowships) in pain management, primary care physicians receive much less formal training in managing chronic pain. While chronic pain represents a complicated condition in its own right, the recent increase in opioid prescriptions further muddles treatment. It is unknown whether patients with chronic pain seeking treatment in primary care differ from those seeking treatment in tertiary care settings. This study sought to determine whether patients with chronic pain in primary care reported less pain, fewer psychological variables related to pain, and lower risk of medication misuse/abuse compared with those in tertiary care. Methods: Data collected from patients with chronic pain in primary care settings and tertiary care settings were analyzed for significant differences using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Fisher exact tests, and linear regression. A host of variables among populations, including demographics, self-reported pain severity, psychological variables related to pain, and risk for opioid misuse and abuse, were compared. Results: Findings suggest that primary care patients with chronic pain were similar to those in tertiary care on a host of indices and reported more severe pain. There were no significant group differences for risk of medication misuse or abuse. Conclusion: It seems that primary care physicians care for a complicated group of patients with chronic pain that rivals the complexity of those seen in specialized tertiary care pain management facilities.