cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GestAltNet: aggregation and attention to improve deep learning of gestational age from placental whole-slide images

The placenta is the first organ to form and performs the functions of the lung, gut, kidney, and endocrine systems. Abnormalities in the placenta cause or reflect most abnormalities in gestation and can have life-long consequences for the mother and infant. Placental villi undergo a complex but reproducible sequence of maturation across the third-trimester. Abnormalities of villous maturation are a feature of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, among others, but there is significant interobserver variability in their diagnosis. Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool for research in pathology. To capture the volume of data and manage heterogeneity within the placenta, we developed GestaltNet, which emulates human attention to high-yield areas and aggregation across regions. We used this network to estimate the gestational age (GA) of scanned placental slides and compared it to a baseline model lacking the attention and aggregation functions. In the test set, GestaltNet showed a higher r2 (0.9444 vs. 0.9220) than the baseline model. The mean absolute error (MAE) between the estimated and actual GA was also better in the GestaltNet (1.0847 weeks vs. 1.4505 weeks). On whole-slide images, we found the attention sub-network discriminates areas of terminal villi from other placental structures. Using this behavior, we estimated GA for 36 whole slides not previously seen by the model. In this task, similar to that faced by human pathologists, the model showed an r2 of 0.8859 with an MAE of 1.3671 weeks. We show that villous maturation is machine-recognizable. Machine-estimated GA could be useful when GA is unknown or to study abnormalities of villous maturation, including those in gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. GestaltNet points toward a future of genuinely whole-slide digital pathology by incorporating human-like behaviors of attention and aggregation.
Stimulation of lung adenocarcinoma by beta-carotene

6081 Numerous laboratory studies have shown that the pro-vitamin beta-carotene inhibits the development of cancer from upper airway epithelia. However, in clinical trials it increased mortality from lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Our studies in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells (PAC) and their putative cells of origin, small airway epithelial cells (SAEC), show that beta-carotene (1 pM to 200 nM) stimulated the growth of both cell systems as monitored by MTT assays. By contrast, beta-carotene inhibited the growth of human large airway epithelial cells. Using immunoassays, PKA activation assays and Western blots, we provide evidence suggesting that the proliferative response of SAEC and PAC to beta-carotene was mediated via an increase in intracellular cAMP and activation of PKA, CREB and ERK1/2.These findings suggest that beta-carotene may selectively promote the development of PAC and should not be used as chemopreventive agent. The growth stimulating effects of beta-carotene on SAEC and PAC may have caused the unfortunate outcome of clinical trials with this agent. Moreover, our findings are the first report that links the activation of PKA/CREB with the growth regulation of a specific type of lung cancer. Our findings are in accord with our recent discovery that beta-adrenergic agonists and the cAMP activator forskolin promote the growth of PAC in vitro and in a hamster model in vivo.
BitTrain: Sparse Bitmap Compression for Memory-Efficient Training on the Edge.

Training on the Edge enables neural networks to learn continuously from new data after deployment on memory-constrained edge devices. Previous work is mostly concerned with reducing the number of model parameters which is only beneficial for inference. However, memory footprint from activations is the main bottleneck for training on the edge. Existing incremental training methods fine-tune the last few layers sacrificing accuracy gains from re-training the whole model. In this work, we investigate the memory footprint of training deep learning models, and use our observations to propose BitTrain. In BitTrain, we exploit activation sparsity and propose a novel bitmap compression technique that reduces the memory footprint during training. We save the activations in our proposed bitmap compression format during the forward pass of the training, and restore them during the backward pass for the optimizer computations. The proposed method can be integrated seamlessly in the computation graph of modern deep learning frameworks. Our implementation is safe by construction, and has no negative impact on the accuracy of model training. Experimental results show up to 34% reduction in the memory footprint at a sparsity level of 50%. Further pruning during training results in more than 70% sparsity, which can lead to up to 56% reduction in memory footprint. BitTrain advances the efforts towards bringing more machine learning capabilities to edge devices. Our source code is available at https://github.com/scale-lab/BitTrain.
Partner Characteristics and Social Contagion: Does Group Composition Matter?

Summary People's incorrect recalls can contaminate their collaborators' performance on subsequent tasks, referred to as the social contagion of memory. Research investigating how expectations about group members' abilities and affiliations relate to such contagion has given little attention to the mechanisms underlying any differential reliance on collaborators' contributions. In two experiments, we investigated whether expectations about a collaborative partner influence social contagion and whether source monitoring was related to any differential reliance. Contagion was reduced, for both accurate and inaccurate information, when participants worked with a partner perceived to be of low as compared with high credibility. Participants also showed reduced contagion after working with an out-group as compared with an in-group partner. These findings indicate that partner characteristics influence whether the information generated during a collaborative task is encoded and/or relied upon later. Expectations about potentially problematic sources can motivate resistance to misinformation through careful monitoring of partner contributions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of bio-chemotherapy with dacarbazine plus interleukin-2 in patients with unresectable malignant melanoma.

Aim This study retrospectively evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of dacarbazine (DTIC) with low-dose subcutaneous interleukin-2 (IL-2) for patients with advanced melanoma. Method Patients with unresectable malignant melanoma received bio-chemotherapy DTIC (330 mg/m2, every 3 weeks ) and IL-2 18 MIU (million international units) in divided doses by subcutaneous injection three times a week for 4 weeks. Treatment was performed for six cycles or until disease progression or unbearable toxicity. Results From October 2006 to November 2013, up to 31 patients (17 men; 14 women) were enrolled. Their median age was 48 years (range, 22–81 years). Subtypes of melanoma included 11 (35.4%) acral lentiginous, nodular, 1 (3.2%) superficial spreading, 10 (32.2%) mucosal and 5 (16.1%) others. The response rate was 19.3%, including 3.2% with a complete response, 16.1% with a partial response and 6.3% with stable disease. The median progression-free survival time was 3.5 months (95% CI: 3.0–3.9 months). The median overall survival time was 8.6 months (95% CI: 4.1–10.9 months). The 1-year survival rate was 39% and the 5-year survival rate was 10%. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that low-dose subcutaneous IL-2 plus DTIC has modest efficacy and may produce long-term survival in small proportion of patients. Furthermore, the treatment is well tolerated by patients.
ASYMPTOTIC METHODS FOR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: THE REDUCED WAVE EQUATION AND MAXWELL'S EQUATION

The short wavelength or high frequency asymptotic theory of the reduced wave equation and of Maxwell’s equations is presented. The theory is applied to representative problems involving reflection, transmission, and diffraction in both homogeneous and inhomogeneous media. It is a slightly revised version of a report1 written in 1964 by the authors. Despite its age, it still provides a convenient introduction to the formal asymptotic theory and to the geometrical theory of diffraction.
A defect in the intramolecular and intermolecular cross-linking of collagen caused by penicillamine. II. Functional groups involved in the interaction process.

Abstract The neutral salt-soluble collagen which accumulates in the tissues of animals treated with penicillamine does not differ from normal in amino acid composition, specific optical rotation, and melting temperature. It has higher intrinsic viscosity, possibly due to a contamination with higher molecular weight aggregates originating from the depolymerization of insoluble collagen. In contrast to the aldehyde-deficient lathyritic collagen, the penicillamine collagen has an aldehyde content greater than normal and rapidly forms stable cross-links in vitro. Binding studies, involving film and equilibrium dialysis, revealed a significant interaction between collagen and compounds with a free α-aminothiol structure. The binding capacity of various collagens tested is proportional to their aldehyde content, and reduction with NaBH4 eliminates this interaction. Reduction of these aldehydes, amidination of the e-amino groups of lysine and hydroxylysine, or addition of sodium bisulfite (10-4 m) causes neutral salt-soluble collagen to behave like lathyritic collagen. It is postulated that the inhibition of cross-linking caused by penicillamine in vivo and in vitro involves a reversible interaction with the aldehydes present in tropocollagen to form a thiazolidine type complex, since compounds with adjacent free sulfhydryl and amino groups are necessary for activity. The solubilizing effect exhibited by α-amino-β-thiols on an incompletely cross-linked form of insoluble collagen as well as the generation of soluble collagen with a high aldehyde content can be attributed to the splitting of a Schiff's base intermediate. The structure which is responsible for the initial stabilization of the collagen fiber can be reduced with NaBH4, rendering the collagen insoluble in penicillamine.
Nuclear data for MCNP

The sources of neutron and photon transport data are described as well as the processing of the evaluated data sets into continuous-energy and multigroup cross-section sets. The procedures for checking and validating the processed data are discussed. The question of why so many data sets are available is addressed by indicating the differences between data sets as well as their relative strengths and weaknesses. Suggestions are made to help the MCNP user in selecting appropriate cross-section sets.
Providers' beliefs about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer and their recommended age groups for vaccination: Findings from a provider survey, 2012

Abstract Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recommended in 2007 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to preadolescent and adolescent girls. Vaccination initiation was recommended at age 11–12 years with the option to start at age 9. Catchup vaccination was recommended to females aged 13–26 previously not vaccinated. However, vaccination coverage remains low. Studies show that the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal and some oropharyngeal cancers and that provider recommendation of vaccines can improve low vaccination rates. Methods Using data from 2012 DocStyles, an annual, web-based survey of U.S. healthcare professionals including physicians and nurse practitioners (n = 1753), we examined providers' knowledge about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer and their vaccine recommendation to all age-eligible females (9–26 years). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences across specialties. Results Knowledge about HPV vaccine effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer was highly prevalent (96.9%), but less so for anal, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers. Only 14.5% of providers recommended the vaccine to all age-eligible females and 20.2% recommended it to females aged 11–26 years. Knowledge assessment of cancers associated with HPV and vaccination recommendations varied significantly among providers (p Conclusions Improving providers' knowledge about HPV-associated cancers and the age for vaccination initiation, communicating messages focusing on the vaccine safety and benefits in cancer prevention and on the importance of its delivery prior to sexual onset, may improve HPV vaccine coverage.
Respecting Human Subjects: Responsibilities of the Clinical Investigator

The most accessible human organ, skin has played a historically significant role in human experimentation. From syphilis to psoriasis, research related to dermatology has contributed greatly to the prevention and treatment of diseases. Unfortunately, abuses have also occurred, including, in the twentieth century, the following: Sulfonamide experiments in Nazi concentration camps, in which inmates were intentionally wounded, and the wounds inoculated with bacteria, in order to then test the effectiveness of sulfonamide and other compounds in treating infections [1].
Neurons in the posterior interposed nucleus of the cerebellum related to vergence and accommodation. I. Steady-state characteristics

Zhang, Hongyu and Paul D. R. Gamlin. Neurons in the posterior interposed nucleus of the cerebellum related to vergence and accommodation. I. Steady-state characteristics. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 1255–...
Adaptive Mutation and Slow-Growing Revertants of an Escherichia coli lacZ Amber Mutant

We have studied revertants, selected on lactose minimal agar medium, of the Escherichia coli lacZ am strain that was first used by Cairns and his colleagues to demonstrate the phenomenon of “adaptive mutation.” We have found, by performing appropriate reconstruction studies, that most of the late-arising Lac + revertants of this lac amber strain (appearing as colonies in 3–5 days) are slow-growing ochre suppressor mutants that probably existed in the culture prior to plating and cannot, therefore, be classified as “adaptive.” The appearance of a small number of fast-growing, late-arising Lac + revertants may result from residual cell growth and turnover or from phenomena related to the fact that the lacZ am mutation in strain SM195 is carried on an F′ plasmid. Thus, the appearance of late-arising revertants in this lacZ am system does not provide convincing evidence that selective conditions specifically increase the rate of occurrence of favorable mutations.
FFT processor using field programmable gate arrays

The design and construction of a hardware fast Fourier transform processor are presented. The hardware relies principally on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The hardware architecture is based on Tukey-Cooley butterfly algorithms. It uses 218 configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and 42 input-output processors (IOBs) and implements a simple parallel processing architecture. The input of the processor is 16 real-value points and the output is complex. The execution time of the transform is estimated to be 0.736 ms. >
Evidence of use of vibrissae in swimming in Sigmo don fulviventer

Abstract Yellow-bellied cotton rats ( Sigmodon fulviventer ) from riparian habitats of a southwest New Mexican canyon have mystacial vibrissae that move well forward of the animals' noses when the rats are placed in the water. These rats are excellent swimmers and centrifugal stress alone has little or no effect on their aquatic behaviour. However, devibrissation (right, left, both sides) affected the swimming of 13 of 18 rats, resulting in body tilting and/or nose-dipping while in the water. With centrifugal stress and devibrissation, all 18 rats showed either or both effects. It is suggested that vibrissae play a role in the successful swimming of these rats, perhaps in maintaining body position as well as in keeping the head above the water.
Depolarization-induced slowing of Ca2+ channel deactivation in squid neurons

Properties of squid giant fiber lobe (GFL) Ca2+ channel deactivation (closing) were studied using whole-cell voltage clamp. Tail currents displayed biexponential decay, and fast and slow components of these tails exhibited similar external Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependence. Both components also shared similar inactivation properties. Increasing duration pulses to strongly depolarizing potentials caused a substantial slowing of the rate of deactivation for the fast component, and also led to an apparent conversion of fast tail currents to slow without an increase in total tail amplitude. A five-state kinetic model that computed the closing of channels differentially populating two open states could simulate the kinetic characteristics of GFL Ca2+ pulse and tail currents over a wide voltage range. The kinetics of the proposed state transition was very similar to the time course of relief of omega-Agatoxin IVA Ca2+ channel block with long pulses. A similar model predicted that the relief of block could occur via faster toxin dissociation from the second open state. Thus, GFL Ca2+ channels possess a unique form of voltage-dependent gating modification, in which maintained prior depolarization leads to a significant delay to channel closure at negative potentials. At the nerve terminal, amplified Ca2+ signals generated by such a mechanism might alter synaptic responses to repetitive stimulation.
Anomalous behavior of the magnetic entropy in PrNi 5

By considering a Hamiltonian that includes the crystalline electric field and exchange interaction components we showed theoretically that paramagnetic PrNi{sub 5} exhibits an anomalous entropy behavior in which the magnetic entropy increases with increasing magnetic field at low temperature. This anomaly in magnetic entropy can be fully understood and is associated with the crossing of the two lowest magnetic energy levels ({Gamma}{sub 4} and {Gamma}{sub 1}). Experimental verification of the anomalous behavior of the magnetic entropy in polycrystalline PrNi{sub 5} was obtained. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
FROM PRUDENCE TO MORALITY: A Case for the Morality of Some Forms of Nondualistic Mysticism

Several contemporary philosophers have charged that there is a conceptual tension between nondualistic types of mystical awareness—an awareness of some particular conception of the divine as an all-pervasive unity within which there are no distinct substances—and the social character of morality. However, some nondualistic mystics have conceptualized enlightenment not only as being compatible with moral virtue—specifically, compassion and care—but as providing a foundation for it. I here offer a conceptual model for this grounding, at least according to Dōgen Zenji and Meister Eckhart. Briefly, the model suggests that some forms of nondualistic mystical awareness are accompanied by the mystics' prudential concerns extending to include the well-being of “others” under their scope. Finally, utilizing this model, I suggest possible responses to two common arguments for the claim that nondualistic mysticism is essentially amoral.
Tactics of Manipulation: A Revisionist Study of Gediminas and the Threat of Teutonic Invasion, 1315–1342

In the early fourteenth century, the pagan Grand Duchy of Lithuania became a prominent player in the political, economic, military, and religious affairs of Europe and Rus’. As demonstrated by his correspondence with Western Europe, Grand Duke Gediminas (1315–1342) exaggerated Lithuania’s position as a confessional and military frontier. Much like his neighboring kingdoms, the duke presented Lithuania as a victim of Teutonic incursion. The threat of Teutonic invasion, while real, was far from existential; Lithuania was quite capable of defending itself. When examined within the broader context of fourteenth-century European diplomacy, Gediminas’s attacks on the Knights appear to be part of a larger political movement aimed at strengthening Lithuanian economy and shoring up commercial and military alliances.
When Optimism Hurts: Inflated Predictions in Psychiatric Neuroimaging

The ability to predict outcomes from neuroimaging data has the potential to answer important clinical questions such as which depressed patients will respond to treatment, which abstinent drug users will relapse, or which patients will convert to dementia. However, many prediction analyses require methods and techniques, not typically required in neuroimaging, to accurately assess a model's predictive ability. Regression models will tend to fit to the idiosyncratic characteristics of a particular sample and consequently will perform worse on unseen data. Failure to account for this inherent optimism is especially pernicious when the number of possible predictors is high relative to the number of participants, a common scenario in psychiatric neuroimaging. We show via simulated data that models can appear predictive even when data and outcomes are random, and we note examples of optimistic prediction in the literature. We provide some recommendations for assessment of model performance.
Effect of soluble zinc on differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells

Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) are attractive fillers for osseous defects and are stabilized through the incorporation of transition metals such as zirconium and zinc. As ACP converts in solution to hydroxyapatite (HAP) in a manner marked by a transient release of calcium and phosphate ions, it is capable of stimulating osteoblastic differentiation. Zinc is known to retard ACP conversion to HAP, and—when incorporated into ceramic biomaterials—has been shown to stimulate osteoblastic differentiation. Because zinc deficiency in vivo is marked by skeletal defects, we postulated that zinc ions released from ACP and other minerals could stimulate proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of progenitor cells. To test this hypothesis, rat bone marrow stromal cells were cultured in osteogenic medium containing basal (3 × 10−6M) or supplemented Zn2+ concentrations (1 × 10−5 and 4 × 10−5M) for up to 3 weeks. No significant effects of zinc concentration on cell number, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content, collagen synthesis, or matrix mineralization were found. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
EEG correlates of reinforced behavioral inhibition

Three cats, bearing chronically implanted cortical electrodes, were trained in an instrumental vigilance situation to inhibit licking a foodcup for 15–25 sec prior to the onset of a stimulus signalling availability of a milk reward. Electrocortical activity following attainment of stable inhibition of licking was characteristically desynchronized, differing little from pre-inhibitory activity. On some occasions, motor quiescence was highly correlated with a 14–16/sec rhythm. However, since inhibition of licking and/or lack of movement also occurred in the absence of this waveform, it probably does not reflect neural processes necessary for behavioral inhibition. Enhanced cortical synchrony during behavioral inhibition. reported by other investigators may indicate a lowering of arousal level which often accompanies behavioral inhibition rather than the neural processes underlying inhibition itself.
Performance of Binax NOW Flu A and B and direct fluorescent assay in comparison with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of influenza infection during the 2006 to 2007 season

The Binax NOW Flu A and Flu B (Binax NOW), direct fluorescent assay (DFA), and viral culture were evaluated and compared with a composite of viral culture or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Participants with medically attended acute respiratory illness were identified through active surveillance during the 2006 to 2007 season, and consenting individuals (n=932) were tested for influenza by culture and RT-PCR. Physicians ordered a rapid antigen test (Binax NOW [n=73] or DFA [n=70]) according to their clinical judgment. The Binax NOW detected 11 of 18 influenza infections (sensitivity, 61%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36-83%), whereas DFA detected 17 of 21 influenza infections (sensitivity 81%, 95% CI, 58-95%). Compared with culture/RT-PCR, specificity of both Binax NOW and DFA was 100%. During the 2006 to 2007 influenza season, DFA and Binax NOW demonstrated high specificity but failed to identify a substantial proportion of influenza infections.
Isolation and characterization of catalase deficient mutants of Salmonella typhimurium.

Catalase deficient mutants (kat) ofSalmonella typhimurium have been isolated. The mutationskatA1, katC6 andkatD9 appear to map at about minute 10 on theSalmonella chromosome. ThekatC6 andkatD9 lesions are complemented by theE. coli F′128 (lac+ pro+) episome but thekatA1 lesion is not.KatB2 maps at about minute 100. None of the mutants are oxygen sensitive; they grow as well as wild type bacteria, even when aerated.
Post-fine-needle biopsy infarction of thyroid neoplasms: a review of 28 cases.

This report describes 28 cases of thyroids which had undergone infarction following fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy procedure. Their cytologic diagnoses included 15 Hurthle cell tumors, eight papillary carcinomas, and five follicular neoplasms. Nine patients also had large-needle biopsy performed within 3 wk of FNA biopsy, three of which showed infarction and one had no surgical follow-up. Surgery was performed on 27 patients within 7 to 90 days. All 27 cases showed partial to total infarction. Histological and cytologic diagnoses were not in accordance in 12 cases, either due to complete fibrosis (two cases), obscuring of histologic details (four cases), or failure to recognize the thin rim of neoplastic tissue at the periphery, by pathologists unaware of the cytologic diagnoses (six cases). Fine-needle biopsy results should be made available to the surgical pathologists handling the surgically excised thyroid specimen. Also, partial or complete infarction must initiate careful examination, so as not to miss any neoplasms.
The preface paradox

Discussion du paradoxe de la preface, decouvert par D. Makinson, « The paradox of the preface », Analysis, (25, 1965, p. 205-207). Le paradoxe concerne une maniere de croire justifie un ensemble de propositions tout en n'excluant pas la possibilite d'une erreur, ce qui est la position d'un auteur dans une preface, qui doit a la fois justifier ce qui suit et par modestie ne pas exclure totalement la possibilite d'une erreur. L'A. propose une solution de ce paradoxe qui ne remette pas en cause des principes importants en logique epistemique
Identification of high molecular weight neurophysins in extracts of human neurohypophyseal tissue

Abstract Acid extracts of human neurohypophyseal tissue were found to contain neurophysin-immunoreactive proteins in the 17,000–20,000 dalton molecular weight range by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 17,000–20,000 dalton neuophysins persisted under reducing conditions. Limited chymotrypsin proteolysis of the 17,000–20,000 dalton neurophysins generated both increased 10,000 dalton neurophysin and also 4000–8000 dalton vasopressin immunoreactivity. These ‘big’ neurophysins appear to represent precursor forms of the neurophysins and the neurohypophyseal hormones, which are present within the neurosecretory granules of the human posterior pituitary.
Management Perspectives On Markstrat: The GE Experience and Beyond

Markstrat has attained great success as an educational tool for marketing management. It is also a simulated environment in which academics are now conducting experimental studies on marketing variables and monitoring the impact in the Markstrat context. A most important question that arises in both these types of utilization of Markstrat is the degree to which it reflects the real world of marketing decision making. Do managers from diverse industry experience perceive that Markstrat reflects a real enough marketplace to be useful both as a teaching tool and as a research environment? This article reports the results of a study of this question in the General Electric Company, plus the perceptions of another set of managers drawn from a broad set of other companies. Overall results indicate that managers working in diverse industries believe that Markstrat does reflect a real environment useful for teaching and research.
Thermodynamics of inclusion formation in Fe-Cr-Ti-N alloys

The thermodynamics of the formation of titanium carbonitride in liquid iron-titanium-carbon-nitrogen alloys were investigated in order to predict under what conditions it will form in liquid steel. A metal-carbonitride equilibration technique was used. Titanium carbonitride of a desired composition was made by mixing and high-temperature sintering of very fine powders of titanium nitride and carbide. The formation of titanium carbonitride was confirmed by lattice parameter measurements on the samples before and after the experiments. The equilibrium concentrations of titanium, carbon, and nitrogen in equilibrium with a specific titanium carbonitride were obtained at 1873 K. Activities of titanium carbide and nitride relative to pure solid titanium carbide and nitride were calculated. It was found that titanium carbonitride solid solution is almost ideal. From the results, calculations were performed to predict at which composition various carbonitrides will form.
Characterization of the inhibition of Escherichia coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by pyruvate

The E. coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was inhibited by pyruvate in absence of its cofactor, NAD+. The inhibition was found to increase with pH and phosphate concentration of the buffer and decrease with its ionic strength. The inhibition profile was different with MOPS buffer. No radioactivity was found in the enzyme, when the latter was incubated with 2-14C-pyruvate. The results suggest that covalent adduct formation is not necessary for the observed inhibition.
Vacuum Packaging, Ascorbic Acid and Frozen Storage Effects on Heme and Nonheme Iron Content of Mackerel

Vacuum packaging and ascorbic acid were tested for their ability to prevent heme iron loss in mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Vacuum packed samples had less heme breakdown than air packed samples at frozen storage temperatures above -20 o C. Ascorbic acid protected the heme at all temperatures when compared to air or vacuum packed samples
Activation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene expression by the DNA-alkylating agent N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine requires p53.

Development of colon cancer is a multistep process frequently involving mutations in both theAPC and p53 tumor suppressor genes. In this study we treated the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line with alkylating agents includingN-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG),which is known to cause colon cancer in animals, and examined the expression of both APC and p53genes. Exposure of cells with MNNG caused an 8–12-fold increase in the level of APC mRNA and protein. APC induction was shown to result from increased nuclear transcription of the APCgene and correlated with a concomitant increase in the p53 protein level after MNNG treatment. A necessary role for p53 in APCgene regulation is supported by the failure of MNNG to induceAPC expression in cell lines either expressing very low levels of p53 (HeLa cells) or no p53 (K562 erythroleukemia cells). The overexpression of wild-type p53 gene into HCT-116 cells mimicked the effect of MNNG-induced expression of APCmRNA. A direct causal role for p53 in APC gene regulation was further evaluated by transfecting the wild-typep53 gene into K562 cells and observing a 5-fold increase in the APC gene expression. These results support a model featuring a direct link between p53 and APC in response to alkylation-induced DNA damage and suggest a novel role for p53 in a stress-response pathway involving APC.
Lupus transverse myelopathy: better outcome with early recognition and aggressive high-dose intravenous corticosteroid pulse treatment

Seven patients with transverse myelopathy (TM) were found to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Four patients had no prior diagnosis of SLE. All patients had positive antinuclear antibody (ANA). All patients had a spinal syndrome which progressed to TM with cervical or thoracic levels. The diagnosis of TM was confirmed with neurological tests and neuro-radiographic studies. Delay in diagnosis and treatment resulted in a poor outcome. Four patients died and one remained wheelchair-bound. Only two patients who received high-dose IV pulse steroid within 1 week of onset of TM had a good outcome, with full ability to ambulate without assistance. Our experience suggest that early diagnosis with early treatment using high-dose IV steroid affects the mortality and improves the outcome.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of PPAR-γ Agonists Directly Correlate With PPAR-γ Expression During Acute Pancreatitis

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-inducible transcription factors that regulate cellular energy and lipid metabolism. PPAR-gamma agonists also have potent anti-inflammatory properties through down-regulation of early inflammatory response genes. The role of PPAR-gamma in acute pancreatitis has not been adequately examined. In this study, we determined the effect of PPAR-gamma agonists on the severity of pancreatitis and sought to correlate PPAR-gamma expression in pancreatic acinar cells and the severity of acute pancreatitis in vivo. Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice by hyperstimulation with the cholecystokinin analog, cerulein. PPAR-gamma agonists were administered by intraperitoneal injection 15-30 minutes before induction of pancreatitis (pretreatment) or at various times after induction of pancreatitis (treatment). Pancreata and serum were harvested over the course of 24 hours. Serum amylase activity and glucose levels were measured. Pancreata were used for histological evaluation as well as protein and mRNA analysis. Pretreatment of mice with the PPAR-gamma agonists 15-deoxy-Delta12, 14-prostaglandin J(2), or troglitazone significantly reduced the severity of pancreatitis in a dose-dependent manner. This reduction was indicated by reduced serum amylase activity and histological damage (leukocyte infiltration, vacuolization, and necrosis). Although cerulein decreased PPAR-gamma expression in the pancreas, pretreatment with agonists maintained PPAR-gamma expression early in acute pancreatitis. The expression of PPAR-gamma inversely correlated with pancreatitis severity and expression of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Treatment with troglitazone after the induction of pancreatitis reduced serum amylase activity. The results suggest that PPAR-gamma plays a direct role in the inflammatory cascade during the early events of acute pancreatitis. Our data are the first to demonstrate that PPAR-gamma agonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy for acute pancreatitis.
THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF 4-TOSYLOXYBUTYLTRIMETHYLTIN, THREE PATHWAYS IN THE PROTONOLYSIS OF 3-BUTENYLTRIMETHYLTIN

Abstract The thermal decomposition of 4-tosyloxybutyltrimethyltin has been shown to occur by an initial dehydrotosylation to form toluenesulfonic acid and 3-butenyltrimethyltin. The reaction can be arrested at this stage if a base such as sodium carbonate or, better, 2,6-lutidine is present to neutralize the acid. In the absence of base the initial products react with each other to form methylcyclopropane, 1-butene, methane, trimethyltin tosylate and 3-butenyl-dimethyltin tosylate as secondary products. Further reactions lead to the additional products: Tetramethyltin, dimethyltin ditosylate, and cis - and trans -2-butenes.
Accounting, organizations & institutions. Essays in honour of Anthony Hopwood

Accounting, Organizations & Institutions. Essays in Honour of Anthony Hopwood C.S. Chapman, D.J. Cooper and P.B. Miller (Eds) Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009, 441 pp., €68, ISBN 9780199546350...
Evaluation, using Salmonella typhimurium, of the mutagenicity of seven chemicals found in cosmetics.

Abstract Six chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics were evaluated for mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium. Two of these ingredients, trans-4-phenyl-3-butene-2-one and 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, were mutagenic in the presence of rat liver S-9 towards strains TA100 and TA1537 respectively. An impurity found in some cosmetic products, N-nitrosodiethanolamine, was mutagenic to S. typhimurium stains TA1535 and TA100 in the presence of hamster-liver S-9 but not rat-liver S-9.
Institutions, Interests, and Judicial Outcomes The Politics of Federal Diversity Jurisdiction

Since 1789, diversity of citizenship jurisdiction has been a staple of the American judicial system. After presenting a general theory of jurisdictional change and reviewing diversity jurisdiction'...
Arabidopsis thaliana AHL family modulates hypocotyl growth redundantly by interacting with each other via the PPC/DUF296 domain

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes 29 AT-HOOK MOTIF CONTAINING NUCLEAR LOCALIZED (AHL) genes, which evolved into two phylogenic clades. The AHL proteins contain one or two AT-hook motif(s) and one plant and prokaryote conserved (PPC)/domain of unknown function #296 (DUF296) domain. Seedlings lacking both SOB3/AHL29 and ESC/AHL27 confer a subtle long-hypocotyl phenotype compared with the WT or either single-null mutant. In contrast, the missense allele sob3-6 confers a dramatic long-hypocotyl phenotype in the light. In this study, we examined the dominant-negative feature of sob3-6 and found that it encodes a protein with a disrupted AT-hook motif that abolishes binding to AT-rich DNA. A loss-of-function approach demonstrated different, yet redundant, contributions of additional AHL genes in suppressing hypocotyl elongation in the light. We showed that AHL proteins interact with each other and themselves via the PPC/DUF296 domain. AHLs also share interactions with other nuclear proteins, such as transcription factors, suggesting that these interactions also contribute to the functional redundancy within this gene family. The coordinated action of AHLs requires an AT-hook motif capable of binding AT-rich DNA, as well as a PPC/DUF296 domain containing a conserved Gly-Arg-Phe-Glu-Ile-Leu region. Alteration of this region abolished SOB3/AHL29’s physical interaction with transcription factors and resulted in a dominant-negative allele in planta that was phenotypically similar to sob3-6. We propose a molecular model where AHLs interact with each other and themselves, as well as other nuclear proteins, to form complexes which modulate plant growth and development.
The evolution of dust deposits in the Martian north polar region

The origin and evolution of two major eolian deposits of the Martian north polar region, the layered deposits and the debris mantle, are examined. Both apparently result from deposition of dust along with the seasonal CO2 frost cap. Dust deposited onto the perennial ice is incorporated into the layered deposits, while dust deposited directly onto the surface becomes part of the debris mantle. Climatically induced fluctuation of the perennial ice margin has influenced the evolution of both units. Periodic exposure to the atmosphere has allowed erosion of curvilinear troughs in the surface of the layered deposits. Intervening periods of deposition may have resulted in gradual poleward migration of the trough forms, leaving behind sets of low-amplitude surface undulations in former trough locations. Advance and retreat of the perennial ice margin has also probably resulted in a fine interfingering of the layered deposits-debris mantle contract. Limited post-depositional stripping of the debris mantle has been accomplished by intense winds blowing outward from the pole.
The Role of Diabetes and Diabetes Treatments in Colorectal Cancer Mortality, Incidence, and Survival

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and colorectal cancer are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. T2DM and colorectal cancer share common risk factors related to westernized lifestyles, including high body mass index and central adiposity, low physical activity, cigarette smoking, and diets characterized by low intake of fruit and vegetables and high intake of red and processed meats and refined grains and sugars. Epidemiologic studies show that T2DM is quite convincingly associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, even after accounting for their shared risk factors. Whether T2DM is related to poorer prognosis after colorectal cancer diagnosis is less understood and controversial, although some larger studies suggest poorer prognosis among patients with T2DM. The impact of diabetes treatments, such as metformin or insulin, on colorectal cancer risk also is characterized poorly. This review describes studies on the association of diabetes and its treatments with colorectal cancer mortality, incidence, and survival. Potential clinical and biological explanations for these associations are explored.
Ion/molecule reactions investigated by using tandem mass spectrometry in an ion trap: halomethylation

The ion-trap mass spectrometer has several features which make it a useful device for the study of ion/molecule reactions, viz., the ability to store ions for long periods, mass-selective storage, access to time and pressure-resolved data, and MS/MS capabilities in which the fragmentation behavior of selected ions may give insight into ion structure. These capabilities are used to study the gas-phase halomethylation of a variety of organic compounds with CH2Cl+ as the reagent ion. The ion/molecule reaction of greatest interest involves addition of CH2Cl+, followed by the elimination of HCl, resulting in a net addition of methyne. This methyne-addition reaction is observed in many aromatic compounds as well as such compounds as cycloheptatriene and cyclo-octene. The structures of the product ions were probed using collision-activated dissociation.
Towards an understanding of the shapes of inclusive spectra

Abstract Shapes of inclusive distributions as a function of longitudinal momentum are investigated using Regge phenomenology. A dual six-point function is used as a guide to guess the general structure of the single Regge limit. It is found that the shapes are governed by (i) the kinematic relationships between the Mandelstam variables t and M2 and the usual c.m. momentum variables x and P⊥2; (ii) the dynamics due to the intercept of the leading trajectory exchange in the t- (or u -) channel; and (iii) the presence of an exponential damping factor in x which exists in the dual model, and is required to describe the experimental data.
The rate-determining step in the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitric acid.

Abstract The oxidative decarboxylation of isocitric acid by NADP dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase is accompanied by a β-carboxyl carbon isotope effect k 12 k 13 of 0.996 at 25° pH 7.5. This indicates that decarboxylation is not the rate-determining step in this reaction. Some step prior to decarboxylation, probably dehydrogenation, must be at least tenfold slower than decarboxylation.
Does a One-Day Course Influence Surgeon Adoption of Laparoscopic Ventral Herniorrhaphy?

Background New laparoscopic techniques introduced after residency have created a new teaching paradigm focused on animate courses and preceptor instruction. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of animate course instruction in teaching laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR), its success in relationship to the course participants’ previous minimally invasive surgery experience, and the role of preceptors in adapting these techniques. Methods Surgeons participating in a one-day LVHR course (lectures/animal laboratory) at the Carolinas Medical Center were surveyed concerning professional demographics, prior laparoscopic experience, and their performance of LVHR before and after the encounter. Standard statistics were used to determine significance (P Results Of the 234 surgeons attending a LVHR course between 1999 and 2004, 171 (73%) answered the survey. Mean follow-up after the course was 427 days (range: 34–1202 d). Mean age was 45.9 years (range: 28–67 y). Mean time since residency was 14.4 years (range: 0.5–37 y), and 106 (62%) had learned at least basic laparoscopy in residency. One hundred twenty-six (73.7%) were in private practice. Since the course, 122 (71.3%) had performed a LVHR. They had performed a total of 2049 LVHRs (mean: 16.5; range: 1–102) compared with 1098 open herniorrhaphies (mean: 9; range: 1–23). There was no difference between those performing and not performing LVHR or the number executed with respect to practice type (P = 0.67), age (P = 0.47), years in practice (P = 0.19), or laparoscopic experience in residency (P = 0.42). Fifty-four (32%) surgeons had been precepted, and all have since performed LVHR. Surgeons with advanced laparoscopic experience were more likely to perform LVHR compared with those with only laparoscopic cholecystectomy experience (87% versus 33%, P = 0.02). Indeed, of those with only laparoscopic cholecystectomy experience who performed LVHR, 80% were precepted. In the subset of surgeons who had not yet performed LVHR, 28 intended to start, 17 requested assistance, and 4 planned not to begin. Conclusions A one-day course impacts surgeon practice patterns despite age or type of practice. Surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills are more likely to perform LVHR. Most with limited experience will begin after working with a preceptor. Didactic instruction and a precepted experience may determine the future performance of advanced laparoscopy.
Conductimetric Studies of Interactions of Optically Active Ions I: Interactions of Amphetamine with Mandelic and Tartaric Acids

The conductances of 0.006 M aqueous solutions of d-and l-amphetamine were measured in equimolar aqueous solutions of d- and l-mandelic acid and d- and l-tartaric acid. Conductivity changes were recorded, and the results were interpreted in terms of ionic associations.
Electrical and anatomic study of the Purkinje system of the canine heart.

Abstract The activation of the conduction system and adjacent muscle of the subendocardium of the entire left ventricle and right ventricular free wall has been studied in the intact canine heart by means of plunge electrodes. Penetration of Purkinje potentials to a depth of 3 to 4 mm. beneath the endocardial surface was recorded first in mid left septal surface areas of early muscle activation (1.0 to 1.5 cm. below the bifurcation of the left bundle). No such penetration occurred in the upper left septal surface. A shorter Purkinje-adjacent muscle activation time and earlier muscle activation 2 to 3 mm. below the endocardial surface, as compared to that at the surface, suggests that muscle activation begins at this depth in the lower left septal surface and left ventricular free wall. Purkinje potentials recorded in the right ventricular free wall indicate that the activation wave to this area is transmitted by the peripheral conduction system. There was 81 per cent correlation of the localization of specific strands of conduction tissue demonstrated by iodine staining with the recording sites which demonstrated Purkinje potentials.
Numerical simulation of spatially-evolving instability control in plane channel flow

The applicability of active control by periodic suction-blowing in spatially evolving plane Poiseuille flow is investigated by the direct simulations of the two-dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. All the computations were performed for Reynolds number (Re = 7500) which is linearly unstable for this flow. The result reveal that significant reductions in perturbation amplitudes can be obtained by a proper choice of the control wave amplitude and phase even for large disturbance amplitudes. The upstream influence of the control wave is also investigated.