cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computation of Efficient Patient Specific Models From 3-D Medical Images: Use in Virtual Endoscopy and Surgery Rehearsal

Virtual reality environments provide highly interactive, natural control of the visualization process, significantly enhancing the scientific value of the data produced by medical imaging systems. Due to the computational and real time display update requirements of virtual reality interfaces, however, the complexity of organ and tissue surfaces which can be displayed is limited. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for the production of a polygonal surface containing a pre-specified number of polygons, from patient or subject specific volumetric image data, selected to optimize the trade-off between surface detail and real time display rates of anatomic models. To illustrate the utility of these models we also present a brief overview of their application in virtual endoscopy and surgery rehearsal.
cGMP phosphodiesterase in rod and cone outer segments of the retina.

Immunochemical, chromatographic, and sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis studies suggest that immunologically related but distinct cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases are present in rod and cone outer segments of the retina. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that one monoclonal antibody (ROS-1) recognized a determinant present in both rod and cone outer segments, while another monoclonal antibody (ROS-2) only recognized rod outer segments. At least two peaks of phosphodiesterase activity could be separated by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography of retinal extracts. Both peaks were recognized by ROS-1. None of the first peak and only 80% of the second broad peak of activity were recognized by ROS-2. High-performance liquid chromatography profiles from human fovea and several other types of cone-enriched retina showed that most of the activity was contained in the first peak, suggesting that this activity was derived from cone outer segments. Conversely, the phosphodiesterase in rod-enriched preparations migrated predominately in the second peak. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis indicated that this first peak contained a single large immunoreactive polypeptide (alpha') that migrated with the same mobility as a phosphorylase b standard and was distinct from the more rapidly migrating large immunoreactive polypeptides (alpha and beta) present in a broad second peak. The second peak could be further separated into a first part that contained a doublet of two immunoreactive polypeptides (alpha and beta) that migrated faster than phosphorylase b and a later part that contained only the most rapidly migrating polypeptide (beta). All of the peaks could be activated by histone or transducin:GTP, implying that all contained a small 11-kDa inhibitory subunit (gamma) of the enzyme. Since the larger (alpha') and smaller (beta) immunoreactive polypeptides could be completely separated from the alpha polypeptide and from each other, yet still retain the ability to be activated by histone or transducin, the data suggest that only a single species of polypeptide-inhibitor complex (e.g. alpha' gamma, alpha gamma, or beta gamma) was required for histone or transducin:GTP activation.
Radio/Antenna Mounting System for Wireless Networking under Row-Crop Agriculture Conditions

Interest in and deployment of wireless monitoring systems is increasing in many diverse environments, including row-crop agricultural fields. While many studies have been undertaken to evaluate various aspects of wireless monitoring and networking, such as electronic hardware components, data-collection procedures, power management, and communication protocols, little information related to physical deployment issues has been reported. To achieve acceptable wireless transmission capability, the radio/antenna must be positioned properly relative to the ground surface or crop canopy to minimize degradation of the radio signal, usually requiring the mounting of the radio/antenna above the canopy. This results in the presence of obstacles to normal agricultural equipment traffic and production operations and potential damage to the wireless monitoring system. A simple and rugged radio/antenna mounting system was designed which could be subjected to encounters with agricultural equipment without suffering physical damage. The mounting system was deployed and tested, and operated successfully following repeated encounters with various agricultural machines and implements. The radio/antenna mount is simple and inexpensive to fabricate using locally available components.
Drinking-Water-Induced Copper Intoxication in a Vermont Family

Three of four family members reported recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal illness while residing in a house in a small northwestern Vermont village. The father and two daughters repeatedly experienced episodes of emesis and abdominal pain after drinking water drawn from their kitchen faucet. One early-morning water sample taken from the family household contained a copper level of 7.8 mg/L, which is above the standard for drinking water (1.0 mg/L). Values for the second daughter's copper in hair analysis (1,200 micrograms/g) and copper in nail analysis (100 micrograms/g) were elevated (normal range 11 to 53 micrograms/g). The household was at the end of a 3/4-in (19.05-mm) copper main, and it is suspected that copper levels increased in water when the water remained stagnant in the main. All symptoms of the family resolved when they stopped drinking water in their home. This is the first report of copper-induced gastrointestinal illness attributable to a public supply of drinking water.
The Semantics of Russian Genitive of Negation: The Nature and Role of Perspectival Structure

There is a large literature on the problem of the "genitive of negation" (Gen Neg) in Russian, a construction that poses challenges for syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, as well as for the nature of the lexicon. The problem is illustrated in (1) and (2), two different ways to say “[the/an] answer hasn’t arrived”. Example (2) shows Gen Neg: the subject is in the genitive case and the verb is in a non-agreeing impersonal form.
Using technology to teach technology

Teaching computer literacy to non-computer science majors presents a challenge to computer science departments. The authors believe that the best way to teach technology concepts and to enhance the learning in computer literacy classes is to engage the students in using technology to learn it. With that in mind, this article reports a measure of success by exposing literacy students to on-line teaching and grading. Personal experiences and student opinion surveys provide evidence that using technology to teach technology to computer literacy students is effective.
Teetering on the Rim: Global Restructuring, Daily Life, and the Armed Retreat of the Bolivian State.

Teetering on the Rim: Global Restructuring, Daily Life, and the Armed Retreat of the Bolivian State. Lesley Gill. New York: Columbia University Press, 2000. 222 pp.
Real-world evaluation of health-care resource utilization and costs in employees with fibromyalgia treated with pregabalin or duloxetine.

Objective: To evaluate changes in health-care resource use and costs after initiating pregabalin or duloxetine in employees with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: Employees (18 to 64 years old) with at least one claim for an FM-attributable medication within 60 days following an FM diagnosis were identified using the Thomson Reuters MarketScan® Commercial Database (2006 to 2008). Patients newly initiated on pregabalin were propensity score matched to patients newly initiated on duloxetine. These treatment cohorts were evaluated for changes between the 6-month pre- and post-initiation periods in health-care utilization including prescriptions, imputed medically related work loss and expenditures. Pre- to post-initiation changes were compared between pregabalin and duloxetine using a difference-in-difference approach based on univariate statistics and multivariable models. Results: A total of 731 employees with FM initiated on pregabalin (89.9% female, mean age 47.1 ± 9.7 years) were matched with 731 employees initiated on duloxetine (89.5% female, mean age 47.1 ± 9.8 years); other demographic and clinical characteristics were also comparable between cohorts. The adjusted marginal effects were not statistically significant for pre- to post-changes in opioid utilization (P = 0.856), number of FM-attributable (P = 0.151) or FM-related medications (P = 0.462), and all-cause (P = 0.323) or FM-attributable (P = 0.991) expenditures. Pregabalin was associated with a significantly lower probability of any medically related work loss of 3.2 percentage points (P = 0.030) compared with duloxetine, but changes in indirect costs were not significantly different (P = 0.600). Conclusions: The changes in health resource utilization and costs after initiation of pregabalin were not significantly different than the changes observed after initiation of duloxetine. These results not only demonstrate an overall similarity of resource utilization, but also suggest cost neutrality between pregabalin and duloxetine.
Being Trusted: How Team Generational Age Diversity Promotes and Undermines Trust in Cross-Boundary Relationships

We examine how demographic context influences the trust that boundary spanners experience in their dyadic relationships with clients. Because of the salience of age as a demographic characteristic as well as the increasing prevalence of age diversity and intergenerational conflict in the workplace, we focus on team age diversity as a demographic social context that affects trust between boundary spanners and their clients. Using social categorization theory and theories of social capital, we develop and test our contextual argument that a boundary spanner's experience of being trusted is influenced by the social categorization processes that occur in dyadic interactions with a specific client and, simultaneously, by similar social categorization processes that influence the degree to which the client team as a whole serves as a cooperative resource for demographically similar versus dissimilar boundary spanner-client dyads. Using a sample of 168 senior boundary spanners from the consulting industry, we find that generational diversity among client team members from a client organization undermines the perception of being trusted within homogeneous boundary spanner-client dyads while it enhances the perception of being trusted within heterogeneous dyads. The perception of being trusted is an important aspect of cross-boundary relationships because it influences coordination and the costs associated with coordination.
Long-term outcomes of endoluminal gastroplication: a U.S. multicenter trial

Background Endoluminal gastroplication has shown promise for the treatment of GERD in short-term studies. Until now, long-term outcome data have been lacking. Methods A prospective, multicenter trial enrolled 85 patients with GERD to be treated with endoluminal gastroplication. Inclusion criteria were 3 or more heartburn or regurgitation episodes per week, >4.2% time in 24 hours with esophageal pH Results At 1- and 2-year follow-up, patients had significant reductions in median heartburn symptom scores (72 at baseline [interquartile range (IQR) 90-48] vs. 4 at 12 months [IQR 43-0] and 16 at 24 months [IQR 53-3.5]; p Conclusions Endoscopic gastroplication is safe and effective, and is associated with symptom reductions in patients with GERD for at least 24 months.
Slow degeneration of zebrafish Rohon-Beard neurons during programmed cell death.

Rohon-Beard cells are large, mechanosensory neurons located in the dorsal spinal cord of anamniote vertebrates. In most species studied to date, these cells die during development. We followed labeled Rohon-Beard cells in living zebrafish embryos and found that they degenerate slowly, over many days. During degeneration, the soma shrinks and finally disappears, and the processes become beady in appearance and finally break apart, but they do not retract. Zebrafish Rohon-Beard cells apparently fragment their DNA, as revealed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) labeling, before undergoing degenerative morphologic changes. We also followed the development of labeled dorsal root ganglion neurons, as they are developing at the same stages that Rohon-Beard cells are degenerating. We found that, although axons of both cell types extend into similar regions, Rohon-Beard cells degenerate normally in mutants lacking dorsal root ganglia, providing evidence that interactions between the two cell types are not responsible for Rohon-Beard cell degeneration. Developmental Dynamics 229:30–41,2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Entanglements and elasticity in polybutadiene networks

Polybutadiene networks were prepared by peroxide crosslinking of monodisperse 1,4-polybutadienes both in solution and in bulk. The effect of the entangled sol fraction on the elastic modulus of high-molecular-weight polybutadiene was observed in stress relaxation measurements. Sol fraction was shown to make a large contribution to the Mooney–Rivlin 2C2 term. This effect was also observed on the molecular level in NMR spin-spin relaxation measurements. For networks crosslinked in bulk the stress relaxation measurements suggest the presence of trapped entanglements. The 2C2 term is insensitive to sol extraction in these networks. NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements in the rotating frame at 4.68 kHz verify the presence of additional effective crosslinks in these networks.
Annotation: methodological and conceptual issues in research on childhood resilience.

Recent advances in research on childhood resilience have yielded valuable insights on protective processes in adjustment. At the same time, however, as with any growing discipline, the rapid accrual of data has led to the identification of additional important questions, many of which are currently inadequately resolved. The focus of this paper is on salient methodological and conceptual issues that merit further scrutiny in research on resilience. The discussion focuses in turn on definitions of competence, measurement of risk, terminology used to describe protective mechanisms, main effect and interaction effect models of resilience, and processes underlying “buffering” or “moderating” effects.
Early history of the Western Pacific Warm Pool during the middle to late Miocene (~ 13.2–5.8 Ma): Role of sea-level change and implications for equatorial circulation

We document the waxing and waning of a "proto-warm pool" in the western equatorial Pacific (WEP) based on a study of multi-species planktic foraminiferal isotope ratios and census data spanning the 13.2-5.8 Ma interval at ODP Site 806. We hypothesize that the presence or absence of a proto-warm pool in the WEP, caused by the progressive tectonic constriction of the Indonesian Seaway and modulated by sea level fluctuations, created El Nino/La Nina-like alternations of hydrographic conditions across the equatorial Pacific during the late Miocene. This hypothesis is supported by the general antithetical relationship observed between carbonate productivity and preservation in the western and eastern equatorial Pacific, which we propose is caused by these alternating ocean-climate states. Warming of thermocline and surface waters, as well as a major change in planktic foraminferal assemblages record a two-step phase of proto-warm pool development similar to 11.6-10 Ma, which coincides with Miocene isotope events Mi5 and Mi6, and sea-level low stands. We suggest that these changes in the biota and structure of the upper water column in the WEP mark the initiation of a more modern equatorial current system, including the development of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC), as La Nina-like conditions became established across the tropical Pacific. This situation sustained carbonate and silica productivity in the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) at a time when carbonate preservation sharply declined in the Caribbean. Proto-warm pool weakening after similar to 10 Ma may have contributed to the nadir of a similar "carbonate crash" in the EEP. Cooling of the thermocline and increased abundances of thermocline taxa herald the decay of the proto-warm pool and higher productivity in the WEP, particularly similar to 9.0-8.8 Ma coincident with a major perturbation in tropical nannofossil assemblages. We suggest that this interval of increased productivity records El Nino-like conditions across the tropical Pacific and the initial phase of the widespread "biogenic bloom". Resurgence of a later proto-warm pool in the WEP similar to 6.5-6.1 Ma may have spurred renewed La Nina-like conditions, which contributed to a strong late phase of the "biogenic bloom" in the EEP. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Optimization of Incorporation of Low‐molecular‐weight Cryoprotectants into Intact Fish Muscle

Chanks of freshwater tront muscle were immersed in sorbitol solutions (0% to 60%), under different vacuum conditions, for up to 30 min at 5 °C, Molsture loss, weight change, and sorbitol uptable were measured or calculated by mass balance, and cryoprotection during subsequent freezing and thawing was monitored as change in myosin Ca 3+ ATPase activity. Vacuum treatment had no effect on measured parameters. Initial sorbinal uptake and weight loss were greater at higher sorbitol concentrations, but adequate cryoprotection was achieved by all treatments when diffusion time following immersion was extended sufficiently. Injection of 60% sorbitol was fasier in achieving desired levels of sorbital in flsh ment and induced excellent cryoprotection. diffesion, vacuum, trout, sorbitol, ATPase.
Novel handheld PET probes provide intraoperative localization of PET-avid lymph nodes.

Introduction The accurate intraoperative localization of malignant nodes can pose a challenge to the surgical oncologist. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has significantly increased our ability to detect suspicious lesions. We investigated the ability of a novel, handheld tool to evaluate suspicious nodes intraoperatively and to correlate its findings with those seen on preoperative PET scan.
Tutorial on parallel processing for design automation applications (tutorial session)

This tutorial is designed as an introduction to the field of parallel processing and to its impact on the field of design automation (DA). It starts by reviewing the history of parallel processing. Examples of current hardware are discussed, focusing on the trade offs between custom hardware and general purpose hardware. Interconnection of processors and memory is discussed to demonstrate the range of architectural options available. Then, two key DA algorithms, implemented on parallel machines, are analyzed. Finally, there is a list of other DA applications that have already been implemented on parallel hardware and a list of future candidates for parallel processing. The tutorial concludes with a summary of future needs and directions. High on this list is the need for program design aids and new compilers.
Mode Transition and Intermittency in an Acoustically Uncoupled Lean Premixed Swirl-Stabilized Combustor

The prediction of dynamic instability remains an open and important issue in the development of gas turbine systems, particularly those constrained by emissions limitations. The existence and characteristics of dynamic instability are known to be functions of combustor geometry, flow conditions, and combustion parameters, but the form of dependence is not well understood. By modifying the acoustic boundary conditions, changes in flame and flow structure due to inlet parameters can be studied independent of the acoustic modes with which they couple. This paper examines the effect of equivalence ratio on the flame macrostructure — the relationship between the turbulent flame brush and the dominant flow structures — in an acoustically uncoupled environment. The flame brush is measured using CH* chemiluminescence, and the flow is interrogated using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry. We examine a range of equivalence ratios spanning three distinct macrostructures. The first macrostructure (ϕ = 0.550) is characterized by a diffuse flame brush confined to the interior of the inner recirculation zone. We observe a conical flame in the inner shear layer, continuing along the wall shear layer in the second macrostructure (ϕ = 0.600). The third macrostructure exhibits the same flame brush as the second, with an additional flame brush in the outer shear layer (ϕ = 0.650). Between the second and third macrostructures, we observe a regime in which the flame brush transitions intermittently between the two structures. We use dynamic mode decomposition on the PIV data to show that this transition event, which we call flickering, is linked to vorticity generated by the intermittent expansion of the outer recirculation zone as the flame jumps in and out of the outer shear layer. In a companion paper, we show how the macrostructures described in this paper are linked with dynamic instability [1].Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Squamous Odontogenic Proliferation With Probable Origin From the Rests of Malassez (Early Squamous Odontogenic Tumor

A case is presented documenting an apparent nonreactive squamous odontogenic proliferation of the rests of Malassez. The nonreactive nature of the tumor is discussed along with the possible association between this lesion and the recently reported squamous odontogenic tumor.
Uniqueness of colorability and colorability of planar 4-regular graphs are NP-complete

It is shown that two sorts of problems belong to the NP-complete class. First, it is proven that for a given @k-colorable graph and a given @k-coloring of that graph, determining whether the graph is or is not uniquely @k-colorable is NP-complete. Second, a result by Garey, Johnson, and Stockmeyer is extended with a proof that the coloring of four-regular planar graphs is NP-complete.
Genetics of Cuckoo Egg Polymorphism

RECENT work on avian chromosomes has opened new vistas in the investigation of egg polymorphism in cuckoos. The question of how some of the parasitic cuckoos can consistently parasitize several unrelated host species in one area, usually with eggs well-matched to those of each host1–3, has long puzzled biologists. Speculations on the genetics involved have been undertaken by Miller4 and Punnett (in Chance2) among others; these need reappraisal in the light of newer ideas and discoveries.
Revisiting Thermal-Optical Analyses of Carbonaceous Aerosol Using a Physical Model

Thermal-optical analysis (TOA) has been widely used to separate carbonaceous aerosols from ambient and source samples into two components, organic and elemental carbon. This method uses volatility to separate groups of carbon, and laser monitoring to correct for the transformation of non-absorbing carbon into pyrolytic carbon that absorbs light. However, assumptions inherent in this method have proven incorrect, leaving interpretation of the results open to question. We present a framework for interpreting TOA results based on the optical and carbon-release signals recorded by the instrument, which accounts for co-evolution of different groups of carbon (organic carbon, light-absorbing carbon [LAC] native to the sample, and pyrolytic carbon). Optical cross-sections of carbon groups for use in this model are derived from measurements, and depend on filter transmittance for LAC but not for pyrolytic carbon. We constrain temperatures of carbon evolution by examining samples from controlled aerosol generation...
Minor Elements in Sediments of Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire

Concentrations of copper, zinc, chromium, lead, cadmium, and phosphorus were obtained from 81 samples of unconsolidated estuarine sediment from Great Bay, New Hampshire. Dispersal of aqueous chromium from localized industrial effluent is believed responsible for an increase in sediment chromium throughout the entire estuary. High phosphorus concentrations exist in sediment near the outfalls from several waste-water treatment plants. There is no evidence for any increase of copper, zinc, lead, or cadmium in this estuary, except for localized high concentrations close to industrial outfalls.
ANGULAR YIELD OF DEUTERONS AND ALPHAS FROM THE PROTON BOMBARDMENT OF BERYLLIUM

A photographic target chamber incorporating limited magnetic deflection of product particles was used to measure the angular yield of deuterons and alphas from the proton bombardment of beryllium at energies up to 1 Mev. The angular variation observed is of the form $1+{A}_{1}cos\ensuremath{\theta}+{A}_{2}{cos}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}$, with relatively large values for ${A}_{1}$ indicating strong interference between states of the compound nucleus of opposite parity. The variation of the total cross sections with energy suggests the presence of a state of the compound nucleus at ${E}_{p}=0.68$ Mev, in addition to the states previously known at ${E}_{p}=0.33 \mathrm{and} 0.94$ Mev. Range in emulsion vs energy measurements for the light nuclei observed in the reaction are also given.
Age and growth of the blacknose shark, Carcharhinus acronotus, in the western North Atlantic Ocean with comments on regional variation in growth rates

We examined the age and growth of the blacknose shark, Carcharhinus acronotus, in the western North Atlantic Ocean by obtaining direct age estimates using vertebral centra. We verified annual deposition of growth increments with marginal increment analysis and validated it by analyzing vertebrae marked with oxytetracycline from a female blacknose shark held in captivity. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters indicated that female blacknose sharks have a lower growth constant (k), a larger theortical maximum size (L∞), and are longer lived than males. We compared these growth parameters for blacknose sharks in the western North Atlantic Ocean to growth parameters for blacknose sharks collected in the eastern Gulf of Mexico to test for differences between regions. Females in the western North Atlantic Ocean have a significantly lower L∞, lower k, and a higher theoretical longevity than females in the Gulf of Mexico. Males in the western North Atlantic Ocean have a higher L∞ , lower k, and higher theoretical longevity than males in the Gulf of Mexico. The significant differences between these life history parameters for blacknose sharks suggest that, when possible, future management initiatives concerning blacknose sharks should consider managing the populations in the western North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico as separate stocks.
Low-frequency KRAS mutations are prevalent in lung adenocarcinomas.

Aim: This study quantified low-frequency KRAS mutations in normal lung and lung adenocarcinomas, to understand their potential significance in the development of acquired resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies. Materials & methods: Allele-specific Competitive Blocker-PCR was used to quantify KRAS codon 12 GAT (G12D) and GTT (G12V) mutation in 19 normal lung and 21 lung adenocarcinoma samples. Results: Lung adenocarcinomas had KRAS codon 12 GAT and GTT geometric mean mutant fractions of 1.94 × 10-4 and 1.16 × 10-3, respectively. For 76.2% of lung adenocarcinomas, the level of KRAS mutation was greater than the upper 95% confidence interval of that in normal lung. Conclusion: KRAS mutant tumor subpopulations, not detectable by DNA sequencing, may drive resistance to EGFR blockade in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
N2-HYDROXYGUANOSINE 5'-MONOPHOSPHATE IS A TIME-DEPENDENT INHIBITOR OF ESCHERICHIA COLI GUANOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE SYNTHETASE

In contrast to several other glutamine amidotransferases including asparagine synthetase, cytidine 5'-triphosphate (CTP) synthetase, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) amidotransferase, guanosine monophosphate synthetase (GMPS) will not utilize hydroxylamine as an alternative nitrogen source. Instead, the enzyme is inhibited by an unknown mechanism. One untested hypothesis was that hydroxylamine serves as a substrate and intercepts a xanthosine 5'-monophosphate- (XMP-) adenylate intermediate in the enzyme active site. The nucleotide product of this substitution reaction would be N2-hydroxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (N2-OH-GMP, 2). Here we describe the chemoenzymatic preparation of 2, via the nucleotide 2-fluoroinosine 5'-monophosphate (F-IMP, 5), and characterization of both these compounds as inhibitors of Escherichia coli GMPS. F-IMP was conceived as an electronic mimic of a reactive intermediate in the GMPS reaction but was found to bind weakly to the enzyme (IC50 > 2 mM). In contrast, N2-OH-GMP shows time-dependent inhibition and is competitive with respect to XMP (Ki = 92 nM), representing the first example of a compound that displays these kinetic properties with GMPS. The mechanism of inhibition is proposed to occur via formation of a ternary E.ATP.2 complex, followed by a rate-determining isomerization to a higher affinity complex that has a t1/2 =7.5 min. The contrast in inhibitory activity for 2-substituted purines with GMPS formulates a basis for future inhibitor design. In addition, these results complement recent structural studies of GMPS and implicate the formation of the XMP-adenylate intermediate inducing a probable conformational change that stimulates the hydrolysis of glutamine.
Thermodynamic behavior of hydrochloric and hydrobromic acid in {water+50 mass per cent bis-2-methoxyethyl ether (diglyme)} from e.m.f. measurements at 278.15 to 328.15 K

Abstract The standard potential of (silver + silver chloride) and (silver + silver bromide) electrodes have been determined from electromotive-force measurements on cells of the type: Pt|H 2 (g,101.325 kPa)|HX in (water+50 mass per cent of diglyme)|AgX|Ag where XCl or Br. The e.m.f. measurements in this mixed solvent (dielectric constant = 47.85 at 298.15 K) were performed at 11 temperatures from 278.15 to 328.15 K, and were used to derive (a) the mean molality-based activity coefficients of HCl and HBr; (b) the relative partial molar enthalpies of HCl and HBr at 298.15 K; and (c) the standard thermodynamic quantities for the transfer of HCl and of HBr from the standard state in water to the standard state in (water + 50 mass per cent of diglyme). The molality of HCl and HBr covered the range from 0.0098 to 0.1 mol kg −1 . The standard e.m.f. was determined by an extrapolation method making use of the extended terms of the Debye-Huckel theory. The information obtained sheds some light on the nature of ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions of HCl and HBr in this (water + dipolar aprotic solvent) mixture.
Polymere als Reagentien für organische Synthesen

Polymere Reagentien bieten eine Reihe einzigartiger Vorteile. Intramolekulare Reaktionen, z. B. die Cyclisierung von Peptiden oder Dieckmann-Cyclisierungen, lassen sich erzwingen, wenn eine Polymerkette in genugend grosen Abstanden mit dem reaktiven Molekul beladen wird. Verankert man reaktive Molekule dagegen in kleinen Abstanden an einem polymeren Trager, treten intermolekulare Reaktionen ein, wie am Beispiel einer Ketonsynthese demonstriert wird. Neben diesen Nachbarschaftseffekten lassen sich kooperative Effekte ausnutzen, z. B. bei der Bildung eines 2: 1-Komplexes aus einem Kronenather und einem Alkalimetall-Ion. Am Beispiel der Hydrolyse eines Esters mit Polyvinylimidazol wird eingehend uber hydrophobe Wechselwirkungen berichtet. Die einfache Trennung polymer-gebundener und niedermolekularer Verbindungen durch Filtration ist ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil.
Concurrent spatial mapping of the elasticity of heterogeneous soft materials via a polymer-based microfluidic device

In this paper, built upon a polymer-based microfluidic device, a novel experimental technique called concurrent spatial mapping (CSM) is presented for measuring the spatially-varying elasticity of heterogeneous soft materials. Comprised of a single compliant polymer microstructure and a set of electrolyte-enabled distributed resistive transducers, this device is capable of detecting continuous distributed loads. In this experimental technique, a rigid probe is employed to press a material specimen against the device with precisely controlled displacements, and consequently the spatially-varying elasticity of the specimen translates to continuous distributed loads acting on the device, where continuous distributed loads give rise to continuous deflection of the polymer microstructure and register as discrete resistance changes at the locations of the distributed transducers. Performance characterization is first conducted on the device as a control experiment. Then, CSM is implemented on several heterogeneous and homogeneous polydimethylsiloxane specimens, as well as a rabbit tissue specimen. The associated data analysis is performed on the measured data for extracting the spatially-varying load-deflection relations of these specimens. In conjunction with its dimensions, the extracted spatially-varying load-deflection relations of a specimen result in its spatially-varying elasticity by the related theoretical formula. For the first time, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of using a single polymer-based microfluidic device to concurrently map out the spatially-varying elasticity of heterogeneous soft materials. As a result, CSM will pave the way for efficiently examining biological tissues and cell-seeded engineering scaffolds, while without excluding the interaction among neighboring compositions in such materials.
BVR Photometry of Northern Galactic Plane Luminous Stars

ABSTRACT CCD‐based BVR photometry of 90 stars listed in Volumes II, III, and IV of the Case‐Hamburg Catalog of Luminous Stars in the Northern Milky Way is reported.
Coherent Systems with Multi-State Components

The theory of binary coherent systems is generalized for multi-state components. The system state is defined to be the state of the “worst” component in the “best” min path, or equivalently, the state of the “best” component in the “worst” min cut. Many of the results for the binary case can be computed for multi-state systems using the binary structure and reliability function concepts. Monotonicity results are now valid with respect to stochastic ordering of component probability vectors.
Light Penetration in the Waters of the San Juan Archipelago

Measurements of the penetration of visible solar radiation into the waters of the San Juan Archipelago have been made at several stations, and absorption coefficients computed from the measurements. The data reported include three spectral bands: One from 6000A to 7000A with nearly constant transmission throughout this band; the second from 5000A to 5900A with a definite maximum at 5400A; and a third from 4100A to 5000A with a maximum at 4650A. The illumination beneath the surface was measured with a calibrated photronic cell thus giving quantitative comparison of the intensities of different parts of the spectrum at different depths. In some cases the variation was exponential but not in all. Evidence of microscopic life on the penetration of light is indicated. The illumination has been measured to depths of 50 meters in the inshore waters.
Rare Variants in APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 Increase Risk for AD in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Families

Pathogenic mutations in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT and GRN have previously been linked to familial early onset forms of dementia. Mutation screening in these genes has been performed in either very small series or in single families with late onset AD (LOAD). Similarly, studies in single families have reported mutations in MAPT and GRN associated with clinical AD but no systematic screen of a large dataset has been performed to determine how frequently this occurs. We report sequence data for 439 probands from late-onset AD families with a history of four or more affected individuals. Sixty sequenced individuals (13.7%) carried a novel or pathogenic mutation. Eight pathogenic variants, (one each in APP and MAPT, two in PSEN1 and four in GRN) three of which are novel, were found in 14 samples. Thirteen additional variants, present in 23 families, did not segregate with disease, but the frequency of these variants is higher in AD cases than controls, indicating that these variants may also modify risk for disease. The frequency of rare variants in these genes in this series is significantly higher than in the 1,000 genome project (p = 5.09 × 10⁻⁵; OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 1.49-3.28) or an unselected population of 12,481 samples (p = 6.82 × 10⁻⁵; OR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.347-3.26). Rare coding variants in APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2, increase risk for or cause late onset AD. The presence of variants in these genes in LOAD and early-onset AD demonstrates that factors other than the mutation can impact the age at onset and penetrance of at least some variants associated with AD. MAPT and GRN mutations can be found in clinical series of AD most likely due to misdiagnosis. This study clearly demonstrates that rare variants in these genes could explain an important proportion of genetic heritability of AD, which is not detected by GWAS.
Controlled testing and breeding for field resistance to potato virus Y

Controlled testing for field resistance to virus Y (placement of viruliferous aphids on plants) was more efficient in insect-proof cages (12×20×6 foot cage covered with 32 gauge Seran) than in the field or greenhouse. Subsequent indexing of the caged clones in the greenhouse gave a good indication of the potential resistance of the clone grown under field conditions. Virus Y resistance may be incorporated into new clonal lines. Inbreeding of the parental clones leads to sterility. A modified system of backcrossing proved most adequate for maintaining fertility at a usable level. Outcrosses with selfed progeny of virus Y stocks, crosses of parental hybrids (Y stocks crossed with a commercial variety or selection), and crosses between parental hybrids gave the highest ratios of symptomless plants.
Identifying habitat sinks: a case study of Cooper’s hawks in an urban environment

We studied a population of Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in Tucson, Arizona from 1994 to 2005. High rates of mortality of nestlings from an urban-related disease prompted speculation that the area represented an ecological trap and habitat sink for Cooper’s hawks. In this paper, we used estimates of survival and productivity from 11years of monitoring to develop an estimate of the rate of population change, λ, for Cooper’s hawks in the area. We used a Cormack–Jolly–Seber approach to estimate survival of breeding hawks, and a stochastic, stage-based matrix to estimate λ. Despite the urban-related disease, the estimate of λ indicated that the area does not function as a habitat sink for Cooper’s hawks ( $$\widehat\lambda $$ = 1.11 ± 0.047; P = 0.0073 for the null of λ ≤ 1). Because data required to reliably identify habitat sinks are extensive and difficult to acquire, we suggest that the concept of habitat sinks be applied cautiously until substantiated with reliable empirical evidence.
Label-free cell phenotypic assessment of the biased agonism and efficacy of agonists at the endogenous muscarinic M3 receptors.

Abstract Introduction Efficacy describes the property of a ligand that enables the receptor to change its behavior towards the host cell, while biased agonism defines the ability of a ligand to differentially activate some of the vectorial pathways over others mediated through the receptor. However, little is known about the molecular basis defining the efficacy of ligands at G protein-coupled receptors. Here we characterize the biased agonism and cell phenotypic efficacy of seven agonists at the endogenous muscarinic M3 receptors in six different cell lines including HT-29, PC-3, HeLa, SF268, CCRF-CEM and HCT-15 cells. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR and multiple label-free whole cell dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assays were used to determine the functional muscarinic receptors in each cell line. DMR pathway deconvolution assay was used to determine the pathway biased activity of the muscarinic agonists. Operational agonism model was used to quantify the pathway bias, while macro-kinetic data reported in literature was used to analyze the biochemical mechanism of action of these agonists. Results Quantitative real-time PCR and ligand pharmacology studies showed that all the native cell lines endogenously express functional M3 receptors. Furthermore, different agonists triggered distinct DMR signals in a specific cell line as well as in different cell lines. DMR pathway deconvolution using known G protein modulators revealed that the M3 receptor in all the six cell lines signals through multiple G protein-mediated pathways, and certain agonists display biased agonism in a cell line-dependent manner. The whole cell efficacy and potency of these agonists were found to be sensitive to the assay time as well as the cell background. Correlation analysis suggested that the whole cell efficacy of agonists is correlated well with their macro-dissociation rate constants. Discussion This study implicates that the endogenous M3 receptors are coupled to multiple pathways, and the muscarinic agonists can display distinct biased agonism and whole cell phenotypic efficacy.
Abstract 4486: 5-Hydroxymethyl-2’-deoxyuridine, but not temozolomide, enhances the selective synthetic lethality in BRCA1 and BRCA2-deficient cells caused by PARP inhibition.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) has been determined as an attractive chemotherapeutic treatment for homologous recombination (HR)-deficient tumors. PARP is involved in repairing DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) via the base excision repair (BER) pathway; therefore, PARP inhibitor (PARPi) leads to an accumulation of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) at the sites of SSBs during DNA replication. While the cytotoxic effect of PARPi was demonstrated to be potentiated by addition of genotoxic alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ), it is not clear that this combined treatment further increases selectivity to cause cell death in HR-deficient cells, such as BRCA-deficient cells, over HR-proficient cells. TMZ randomly increases SSBs at scattered locations in the genome; in contrast, incorporation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2’-deoxyuridine (5-HmedU) in DNA has a potential to cause multiple SSBs within a short distance during BER. We hypothesized that a combination treatment of PARPi and 5-hmedU could increase selectivity of PARPi-mediated cytotoxicity in HR-deficient cells more so than the PARPi and TMZ combination. Here we show that in single chemical treatment experiments, the IC50 of 5-HmedU was eight times lower in BRCA1-/- and BRCA2-/- mutant cells, but in TMZ treatments the IC50 was only two times lower compared HR-proficient cells. Furthermore, the 5-HmedU and PARPi agent Olaparib combination enhanced a synergistic cell killing effect in BRCA1-/- and BRCA2-/- mutant cells with higher selectivity than the PARPi and TMZ combination. Advantages of the 5-HmedU and PARPi combination is as follows: 1] 5-HmedU causes DNA damage through vast genome incorporation in highly proliferating cells. Thus, 5-HmedU is more effective at selecting highly proliferating tumor cells; 2] 5-HmedU single treatment more selectively targeted BRCA1-/- and BRCA2-/- mutant cells than TMZ. This selectivity could be due to more efficient DSB formation by 5-HmedU through accumulation of clustered SSBs; and 3] combination treatment of 5-HmedU and PARPi produces a synergistic selectivity to kill HR-deficient BRCA1-/- and BRCA2-/- mutant cells whereas TMZ and PARPi combination does not. A possible mechanism of the selective cell killing effect by 5-HmedU and PARPi could result from an accumulation of closely located DSBs with PARP-DNA strand break complexes in HR-deficient cells. Citation Format: Jean Clement, Jun Nakamura. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2’-deoxyuridine, but not temozolomide, enhances the selective synthetic lethality in BRCA1 and BRCA2-deficient cells caused by PARP inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4486. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4486
Effect of Amine Ligand Bulk on the Interaction of Methionine with Platinum(II) Diamine Complexes

Molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations have been used in conjunction with experimental data to study the effects of amine ligand bulk on the formation of both guanine and methionine complexes with platinum diamine compounds. The AMBER force field has been supplemented with previous modifications [Yao; et al. Inorg. Chem. 1994, 33, 6061−6077. Cerasino; et al. Inorg. Chem. 1997, 36, 6070−6079] and has been further modified to include parameters for platinum bound to the sulfur atom of methionine. Molecular mechanics calculations with this modified AMBER force field have suggested that a platinum complex with two sulfur-bound methionine ligands and a bulky diamine ligand (N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylethylenediamine, Me4en) would have severe interligand clashes; such interligand clashes are less pronounced in bis(9-ethylguanine) complexes. Consistent with these observations, NMR studies with [Pt(Me4en)(D2O)2]2+ have indicated that guanine 5‘-monophosphate reacts in a 2:1 guanine:platinum ratio while both meth...
Comparison of M. longissimus dorsi pigment concentration from implanted and control Angus and Limousin bulls and steers.

M. longissimus dorsi total pigment concentration, visual color score and 24-h pH values were evaluated in a 23 factorial design that included bulls versus steers, Zeranol implants versus control and Angus versus Limousin comparisons. Bulls had greater total pigment concentration than steers (3.25 versus 2·90 mg/g; P < 0·01) and darker colored lean (P < 0·01). Twenty-four hour pH values did not differ between bulls and steers. Zeranol implanting and breed had no effect on total pigment concentration or visual color score; however, Limousin had higher (P < 0·05) 24-h pH values than Angus. The initial slaughter group (N = 10; average age = 256 days) had 34% less total pigment than the final slaughter group (N = 48; average age = 458 days). The correlation between visual color score and total pigment concentration was −0·65. These results indicate that the darker colored lean from bulls is due in part to an increase in pigment concentration.
First-breath response of medullary inspiratory neurones to the mechanical loading of inspiration

Abstract Experiments have been conducted to investigate whether electrical activity of medullary inspiratory neurones is altered on the first breath following mechanical loading of inspiration. The predominant effect of resistive loading was an increase in both rate and duration of neurone activity. This facilitation was completely eliminated by vagotomy suggesting that the vagi are the only source of sensory information impinging on the inspiratory neurones conveying information about the loaded breath. In the intact animal, elastic loading and tracheal occlusion elicited the following responses : 1) an extended firing time of all neurones, 2) increased rate of unit activity in one population of neurones, 3) a decreased rate of unit activity in another population of neurones. Following vagotomy the only response noted with these types of loading was a decrease in the firing rate of some neurones. A probable source of the observed inhibition are the tendon organs of the diaphragm and /or external intercostal muscles via dorsal root pathways.