cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cell Proliferative Activity in the Rat Urinary Bladder After Feeding High Doses of Cacodylic Acid

Publisher Summary Cacodylic acid fed at relatively high doses in the diet (100 ppm) produces an increased incidence of bladder tumors in rats, with the effect greater in females than in males. No similar urothelial changes are seen in mice. At similar doses, cacodylic acid also enhances bladder tumor formation following prior administration of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine. The weight of the evidence strongly suggests that cacodylic acid does not produce these changes by direct interactions with DNA. Possible increased cell proliferative effects secondary to the dietary administration of cacodylic acid fed for 10 weeks were evaluated in female F344 rats. Proliferative activity was evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy and by bromodeoxyuridine labeling index. Hyperplasia and significantly increased labeling index occurred at doses of 40 and 100 ppm but not at 2 or 10 ppm. Significant changes of necrosis and proliferation were detectable by scanning electron microscopy at the doses of 40 and 100 ppm. Urinary changes included increased volume with decreased osmolality and creatinine, but urinary calcium was increased. There was no urinary precipitate, microcrystalluria, or calculi detected related to the administration of cacodylic acid. Increased calcification occurred in the kidneys. These studies show that orally administered high doses of cacodylic acid produce urothelial toxicity and regeneration in female rats, which contribute to the ultimate development of a low incidence of bladder tumors.
Management of Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: Review and a Single Center Experience.

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary condition, characterized by diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the respiratory epithelium. DIPNECH lesions are less than 5 mm in size and are limited to the basement membrane with no invasion. There is limited information regarding epidemiology, natural history of disease progression, or the management of this rare entity. We present the experience of a center with extensive expertise in neuroendocrine disease. A cohort of patients (N = 13) with DIPNECH treated and followed at our institution was identified. We describe the our approach to their care, our disease management and also provide a review of DIPNECH pathophysiology. Our patient cohort consisted of twelve females and one male with a mean age of 63 years at the time of diagnosis. Dyspnea on exertion and dry cough were the most common presenting symptoms. Two patients were under surveillance without treatment; three patients were treated with a short-acting somatostatin analog; three patients were treated with azithromycin alone; four were treated with a combination of long-acting monthly somatostatin analogs and azithromycin; one patient received a combination of long-acting somatostatin analog and everolimus. Five patients had concomitant bronchial carcinoids. DIPNECH is a rare pathology that can profoundly affect a patient’s quality of life. Paroxysmal coughing episodes can be difficult to treat. Our limited single center experience shows encouraging response to use of somatostatin analogs, azithromycin, and everolimus in the management of debilitating DIPNECH associated symptoms.
A Fine-Tuned Convolution Neural Network Based Approach For Phenotype Classification Of Zebrafish Embryo

Abstract In the area of medical imaging, automation of medical image classification or recognition is an active field of research. Over the past decade, due to the popularity and usability of artificial neural networks, it is becoming the norm to achieve this automation by deep neural networks. In toxicology based research, zebrafish has become a key model organism in phenotypical imaging and drug discovery. Detection of complex patterns and phenotypes in zebrafish embryo during preclinical or clinical trials is a standard part of the drug discovery cycle. Currently this classification task of phenotypes is mostly experts based. In this work, we propose a fine-tuned convolution neural network (CNN) based model for automated classification of different phenotypical changes observed due to the toxic substance in the zebrafish embryo. We demonstrated the ability of CNN model as well as a fine-tuned CNN based model to classify different deformation in an embryo with high accuracy. Such automated medical imaging model can be used extensively by experts in the area of toxicology and drug discovery.
Phase analysis single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) detects dyssynchrony in myocardial scar and increases specificity of MPI

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is commonly used to assess patients with cardiovascular disease. However, in certain scenarios, it may have limited specificity in the identification of hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease (e.g., false positive), potentially resulting in additional unnecessary testing and treatment. Phase analysis (PA) is an emerging, highly reproducible quantitative technology that can differentiate normal myocardial activation (synchrony) from myocardial scar (dyssynchrony). The objective of this study is to determine if PA can improve the specificity SPECT MPI. An initial cohort of 340 patients (derivation cohort), referred for SPECT-MPI, was prospectively enrolled. Resting MPI studies were assessed for resting perfusion defects (scar). These were utilized as the reference standard for scar. Subsequently, we collected a second independent validation cohort of 138 patients and tested the potential of PA to reclassify patients for the diagnosis of “scar” or “no scar.” Patients were assigned to three categories depending upon their pre-test probability of scar based on multiple clinical and imaging parameters: ≤ 10% (no scar), 11–74% (indeterminate), and ≥ 75% (scar). The ability of PA variables to reclassify patients with scar to a higher group and those without scar to a lower group was then determined using the net reclassification index (NRI). Entropy (≥ 59%) was independently associated with scar in both patient cohorts with an odds ratio greater than five. Furthermore, when added to multiple clinical/imaging variables, the use of entropy significantly improved the area under the curve for assessment of scar (0.67 vs. 0.59, p = 0.04). The use of entropy correctly reclassified 24% of patients without scar, by clinical model, to a lower risk category (as determined by pre-test probability) with an overall NRI of 18% in this validation cohort. The use of PA entropy can improve the specificity of SPECT MPI and may serve as a useful adjunctive tool to the interpreting physician. The current study determined the optimal PA parameters to detect scar (derivation cohort) and applied these parameters to a second, independent, patient group and noted that entropy (≥ 59%) was independently associated with scar in both patient cohorts. Therefore, PA, which requires no additional imaging time or radiation, enhances the diagnostic capabilities of SPECT MPI. The use of PA entropy significantly improved the specificity of SPECT MPI and could influence the labeling of a patient as having or not having myocardial scar and thereby may influence not only diagnostic reporting but also potentially prognostic determination and therapeutic decision-making.
Uncovering the genomic signature of ancient introgression between white oak lineages (Quercus)

Botanists have long recognised interspecific gene flow as a common occurrence within white oaks (Quercus section Quercus). Historical allele exchange, however, has not been fully characterised and the complex genomic signals resulting from the combination of vertical and horizontal gene transmission may confound phylogenetic inference and obscure our ability to accurately infer the deep evolutionary history of oaks. Using anchored enrichment, we obtained a phylogenomic dataset consisting of hundreds of single-copy nuclear loci. Concatenation, species-tree and network analyses were carried out in an attempt to uncover the genomic signal of ancient introgression and infer the divergent phylogenetic topology for the white oak clade. Locus and site-level likelihood comparisons were then conducted to further explore the introgressed signal within our dataset. Historical, intersectional gene flow is suggested to have occurred between an ancestor of the Eurasian Roburoid lineage and Quercus pontica and North American Dumosae and Prinoideae lineages. Despite extensive time past, our approach proved successful in detecting the genomic signature of ancient introgression. Our results, however, highlight the importance of sampling and the use of a plurality of analytical tools and methods to sufficiently explore genomic datasets, uncover this signal, and accurately infer evolutionary history.
Alcohol Use and Antiretroviral Therapy Non-Adherence Among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is efficacious in improving clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH) and reducing HIV transmission when taken regularly. Research examining modifiable factors associated with ART non-adherence is critical for informing novel intervention development in settings with high HIV prevalence. Alcohol use has been linked with ART non-adherence in studies in sub-Saharan Africa; however, no review has pooled estimates across studies. We reviewed studies of alcohol use and ART non-adherence conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO through August 2019 with terms related to ART non-adherence, alcohol use, and sub-Saharan Africa. One author reviewed titles/abstracts (n = 754) and two authors reviewed full texts (n = 308) for inclusion. Discrepancies were resolved by group consensus. Studies were retained if they quantitatively measured associations between alcohol use and ART non-adherence or viral non-suppression. We defined ART non-adherence using the definitions from each parent study (e.g., patients with > 5% missed ART doses during the previous four, seven or 30 days were considered non-adherent). A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool associations and we conducted additional analyses to assess between-study heterogeneity and publication bias and sensitivity analyses to determine robustness of our results when considering only certain study designs, alcohol use or ART scales, or studies that used viral non-suppression as their primary outcome. Of 56 articles meeting our inclusion criteria, 32 articles were included in the meta-analysis. All studies measured alcohol use via self-report. ART non-adherence was assessed using self-report, pill counts, or pharmacy records and definition of non-adherence varied depending on the measure used. Individuals who used alcohol had twice the odds of ART non-adherence compared with those who did not use alcohol (34% non-adherence among alcohol users vs. 18% among non-users; pooled odds ratio: 2.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.87–2.69; p < 0.001). We found evidence of a high degree of heterogeneity between studies (Cochrane Q statistic: 382.84, p< 0.001; I2 proportion: 91.9%) and evidence of publication bias. However, the magnitude of our pooled odds ratio was consistent across a number of sensitivity analyses to account for heterogeneity and publication bias. In a secondary analysis with studies using viral non-suppression as their primary outcome, we also estimated a statistically significant pooled effect of alcohol use on viral non-suppression (pooled odds ratio: 2.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.58–3.87). Evidence suggests alcohol use is associated with ART non-adherence in Sub-Saharan Africa, potentially hindering achievement of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 HIV treatment targets.
In vivo Spectroscopic Evaluation of the Intraperitoneal Cavity in Canines.

As part of a preclinical trial for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) with photodynamic therapy (PDT), we have assessed changes in optical properties, tissue oxygenation and drug concentration as a result of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD)-mediated PDT using diffuse reflectance and fluorescence measurements. PDT can effectively treat superficial disease spread, but treatment efficacy is influenced by physical properties of the treated tissue which can change over the treatment time. In this study, healthy canines were given BPD and irradiated with 690 nm light during a partial bowel resection, and spectroscopic and fluorescence measurements were made using an in-house built spectroscopic probe. Hemoglobin concentration, oxygenation and optical properties were determined to be highly heterogeneous between canines and at different anatomical locations within the same subject, so further development of PDT dosimetry systems will need to address this patient and location-specific dose optimization. Compared to other photosensitizers, we found no apparent BPD photobleaching after PDT.
Cooperative output regulation of linear heterogeneous multi-agent systems based on the observer by event-triggered mechanism

This paper studies the problem of cooperative output regulation for heterogeneous linear multi-agent system by using event-triggered control mechanism. The controller is designed by constructing state observer and compensator for each agent. And it is proved that under the proposed distributed control protocol, the output regulation problem is solved and the Zeno phenomenon is excluded. Finally, a simulation result is given to show that regulation output errors tend to zero and there does not happen Zeno behavior for each agent.
Scoping Review of Therapeutic Strategies for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Background Keloids are an abnormal proliferation of scars that can involve large areas of tissue beyond the original injury site. Hypertrophic scars are similar clinically, but do not exceed the original scar limits. These scarring abnormalities can cause noxious symptoms such as pain, tenderness, itching, and ulcerations. The aim of this review is to discuss current therapies for both types of abnormal scarring, and to determine if guidelines can be provided for excisional treatment with adjuvant therapies versus non-excisional methods. Methods A systematic literature search was performed through the Web of Science database. The search revolved around keywords such as "keloid," "hypertrophic scars," and "treatment." Articles were reviewed and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review focuses on an analysis and summarization of randomized control trials regarding keloid or hypertrophic scar treatments. Results The original searches produced 1161 and 1275 articles for keloid and hypertrophic scars, respectively. In total, 316 duplicates were found. After accounting for 2014-2019 publication time, 655 keloid and 893 hypertrophic scar articles were reviewed. This resulted in 15 articles that pertained to treatment and randomized control trials. Conclusions Keloids and hypertrophic scars present a clinical challenge. Based on qualitative review of recurrence, neither excision plus adjuvant therapy or nonsurgical treatments can be recommended preferentially at this time. More research is needed to determine if recurrence rate bias exists between the treatment regimens, as excisional treatment plus adjuvant therapy is reserved for refractory scars.
Melanoma detection by skin self-examination targeting at-risk women: a randomized controlled trial with telemedicine support for concerning moles

Secondary melanoma prevention remains crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality for the 200,000 people in the United States estimated to develop melanoma in 2021. This 3-month randomized controlled trial of online skin self-examination (SSE) education among 1000 at-risk women who received care at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois sought to determine SSE initiation and monthly performance, SSE anxiety and confidence, and health care practitioner (HCP) visits for concerning moles. Positive responses to a personal history of sunburn, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and/or having 10 or more lifetime indoor tanning sessions identified and informed women of their increased risk of melanoma. At one month, 96.2% of women receiving SSE education (SSE women) initiated SSE compared to 48.1% in the active control arm (control) (p<0.001). More control women sought HCP visits (n=107) than SSE women (n=39). Control women seen by HCPs identified benign lesions, especially seborrheic keratosis, more often than SSE women. More atypical nevi (SSE 38.5%, control 8.4%) and melanomas (SSE 25.6%, control 4.7%) were visually identified by SSE women seeing HPCs (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in SSE anxiety between the control and SSE arms. Confidence increased significantly in the SSE arm whereas there was no change in the control group (p<0.001). Women checked someone else for concerning moles [315/ 494 (63.8%) of SSE women]. Targeting at-risk women for SSE education may help reduce melanoma mortality, especially in rural communities where incidence and mortality are greater than in urban areas.
Characterization of vertical Bridgman grown Cd0.9Zn0.1Te0.97Se0.03 single crystal for room-temperature radiation detection

We report a modified vertical Bridgman method to grow Cd0.9Zn0.1Te0.97Se0.03 (CZTS) single crystals using in-house zone-refined 7 N (99.99999%) purity elemental precursors for room-temperature radiation detection. CZTS is an economic yet high performance alternative to expensive CdZnTe (CZT) detectors for room-temperature gamma-ray detection. Radiation detector in planar geometry has been fabricated on an 11.0 × 11.0 × 3.0 mm3 CZTS single crystal. A bulk resistivity of 1010 Ω.cm has been achieved without using any compensating dopant. The elemental composition of the grown crystal has been examined using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed formation of zincblende phase with a lattice constant of 6.447 A, and sharp peaks confirmed the formation of highly crystalline single-phase CZTS crystals. A modified Vegard’s law has been applied to calculate the atomic percentage of Se in the grown crystals from the XRD patterns and compared with the intended and the measured stoichiometry. The electron mobility-lifetime (μτ) product and the drift mobility have been calculated to be 1.5 × 10–3 cm2/V and 710 cm2/V.s, respectively, using alpha spectroscopy. The presented vertical Bridgman growth method uses a single pass through the controlled heating zone in contrast to the previously reported multiple pass growth techniques, thus, reducing the growth duration by two third which would help to further reduce the cost of production of CZTS-based room-temperature detectors.
Unconditional Cash-Based Assistance to the Poor: What Do At-Scale Programs Achieve?

We study the effects of large, temporary income changes on consumption patterns, food insecurity, livelihood coping strategies, child well-being, and health among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Using a regression discontinuity design, we show that an unconditional cash transfer program (USD 2,100) and a food voucher program (USD 1,620) increase contemporaneous expenditure by 21% and 10%, respectively, with transfers spent on basic needs of rent, food, and energy. Both programs generate immediate, positive effects on child well-being, food security, and livelihood coping strategies. Surprisingly, we find no evidence that any program effects persist even at six months after transfers end. Although cash savings and the stock of durable goods increase while receiving assistance, households liquidate and spend these assets during or soon after the beneficiary period. Effects are similar for new and continuing beneficiaries, suggesting that the length of assistance cycles does not increase consumption smoothing. These findings are consistent with a highly volatile economic environment in which large asset transfers may be unable to yield sustained improvements in well-being.
The rise and fall of e-cigarette cloud chasing appealing to youth.

Abstract Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to rise among youth with new devices and technology outpacing regulation. The “cloud chasing” phenomenon, whereby vapers compete or otherwise showcase the production of large or artistic exhaled aerosols from e-cigarettes, played a role in the early appeal of e-cigarette use in youth. This paper describes the sudden rise in the phenomenon of cloud chasing on social media and at vaping conventions due to the proliferation of second and third-generation powerful e-cigarette devices in their peak in 2015 and then their subsequent decline in the past few years. We describe four distinct factors that affected both the rise and fall in cloud chasing, including: 1) the rapid evolution of powerful e-cigarette devices, 2) the increase in social media promotions, 3) an inability of regulatory bodies to keep up with evolving ENDS technology, and 4) two recent widespread health concerns and conditions. Conclusions highlight the importance of swift regulation and effective health communication to mitigate unintended consequences of product evolution. It remains unknown whether such vape tricks and related competitions will reemerge and appeal to youth as store fronts reopen and devices continue to evolve.
Apolipoprotein E levels in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex predict relative regional brain volumes in irradiated Rhesus macaques.

In the brain, apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays an important role in lipid transport and response to environmental and age-related challenges, including neuronal repair following injury. While much has been learned from radiation studies in rodents, a gap in our knowledge is how radiation might affect the brain in primates. This is important for assessing risk to the brain following radiotherapy as part of cancer treatment or environmental radiation exposure as part of a nuclear accident, bioterrorism, or a nuclear attack. In this study, we investigated the effects of ionizing radiation on brain volumes and apoE levels in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus of Rhesus macaques that were part of the Nonhuman Primate Radiation Survivor Cohort at the Wake Forest University. This unique cohort is composed of Rhesus macaques that had previously received single total body doses of 6.5-8.05 Gy of ionizing radiation. Regional apoE levels predicted regional volume in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. In addition, apoE levels in the amygdala, but not the hippocampus, strongly predicted relative hippocampal volume. Finally, radiation dose negatively affected relative hippocampal volume when apoE levels in the amygdala were controlled for, suggesting a protective compensatory role of regional apoE levels following radiation exposure. In a supplementary analysis, there also was a robust positive relationship between the neuroprotective protein α-klotho and apoE levels in the amygdala, further supporting the potentially protective role of apoE. Increased understanding of the effects of IR in the primate brain and the role of apoE in the irradiated brain could inform future therapies to mitigate the adverse effects of IR on the CNS.
Univ. of Karlsruhe’s DSL Synthesis System / CADDY System

The University of Karlsruhe’s DSL Synthesis System (also called the Carlsruhe Digital Design System (CADDY)) includes transformations, data path synthesis, and scheduling. See also IBM’s Yorktown Silicon Compiler and IBM’s HIS System — Camposano later became involved with those systems.
Analysis and compensation of moiré effects in fiber-coupled image sensors

Imaging fiber bundles can relay a curved image surface to a conventional at focal plane, effectively providing the curved image sensor needed for some high performance lenses. If the fiber bundle period or image sensor pitch are very different, the system resolution is determined by the oversampled fiber or sensor feature. But crosstalk imposes an approximately 2µm minimum waveguide pitch, and light collection and fabrication constraints impose a lower limit of 1-2µm for the sensor pitch. Maximizing image information leads to some degree of aliasing, which appears in the form of moire pattern on the raw image sensed. For example, a 30 Mpixel 120° field of view imager using a 1.75µm Bayer filtered CMOS focal plane with 2.5µm pitch fiber bundle yielded images with visible moire. Here we present a study of moire effects in fiber-coupled image sensors, including a method for quantitative analysis of moire, and experimental characterization of the sensors with 1.1µm pixel pitch, the highest spatial resolution in commercially available focal plane arrays. We investigate the effect of exposure time of the sensor, angle of incidence of collimated light, and imaging lens F/# on the raw moire pattern strength. This study provides guidelines for optimization and operation of high resolution fiber-coupled imagers.
The rhodium-promoted guerbet reaction: Part I. Higher alcohols from lower alcohols

Abstract The multiple roles played by both the rhodium and alkoxide catalysts in the efficient and mild condensation of alcohols to higher molecular weight alcohols, the Guerbet reaction, have been clarified. Rhodium promotes alcohol dehydrogenation at the beginning of the reaction sequence, and later assists in the saturation of an allyl alcohol intermediate. The alkoxide catalyst pushes the intermediates through the reaction sequence by serving both as a simple base in the aldol condensation step, and as a hydride reducing agent for the various vinyl and carbonyl moieties found in the reaction intermediates. The investigation also revealed a strong rate dependence upon the initial alkoxide concentration and indicated how the presence of water, a primary Guerbet reaction product, leads to deactivation of the system.
Lessons from Their Use in Some Industrialized Countries

Many central banks around the world are gradually shifting from a system of direct controls towards the implementation of monetary policy through market-oriented instruments, including refinance facilities. This paper reviews the use of refinance instruments in a sample of industrialized countries, and discusses how central banks use them to influence short-term interest rates and to manage banks` reserves. Some lessons are suggested for their implementation in developing countries or economies in transition.
Optimal Channel Placement for Multi-Terminal Nets

We consider multi-terminal placement problems in which the terminals of n multi-terminal nets can be placed in a number of given positions in a channel. The positions for the terminals must be chosen so that the resulting channel routing problem has minimum density. The general multi-terminal placement problem is easily proved to be NP-hard. We show that a number of variants have efficient placement algorithms. The variant in which the upper row positions of the terminals have already been fixed can be viewed as an interval extension problem. For a class of such interval extension problems, we present an efficient algorithm based on a combinatorial characterization of a density-minimizing interval extension.
The propagation of transient wave packets in highly dissipative media

[1] The group velocity of a wave packet is defined in terms of the central wave number. Because of scale-dependent dissipation, the central wave number migrates to lower values as transient wave packets propagate through dissipative media. The importance of this effect is greater the broader the bandwidth of the wave packet is or the more localized it is spatially. For modest localization, the migration of the central wave number significantly accelerates the vertical motion of wave packets and allows propagation to significantly greater altitudes before packets are substantially dissipated. Wave packets may experience significant attenuation due to dispersion before they begin to experience strong viscous dissipation.
SYMBOLIC LOGIC: A RAZOR-EDGED TOOL FOR DRAFTING AND INTERPRETING LEGAL DOCUMENTS

A large amount of the litigation based on written instruments?whether statute, contract, will, conveyance or regulation?can be traced to the draftsman's failure to convey his meaning clearly. Frequently, of course, certain items may purposely be left ambiguous, but often the question in issue is due to an inadvertent ambiguity that could have been avoided had the draftsman clearly expressed what he intended to say. In this Article it is suggested that a new approach to drafting, using certain elementary notions of symbolic logic, can go a long way towards eliminating such inadvertent ambiguity. This new approach makes available to draftsmen a technique that achieves some of the clarity, precision and efficiency of analysis that symbolic logic provides. In addition, it can be a valuable aid in moving towards a more comprehensive and systematic method of interpretation,1 as well as drafting. This approach is a compromise between expression in ordinary prose and expression in the mathematical notation of symbolic logic?enough like ordi? nary prose to be understood easily by any careful reader, enough like sym? bolic logic to achieve some of its important advantages. It represents an effort to adapt some of the techniques of symbolic logic to make more systematic what is now best described as the "art" of drafting. The first section will explain six elementary logical connectives: implication, conjunction, coimplication, exclusive disjunction, inclusive disjunction and negation. In order to simplify this exposition, trivial examples will be used for purposes of illustration. In the second section the proposed system will be applied to actual legal problems of drafting, interpretation, simplification and comparison. Six Elementary Logical Connectives 2 1.0 Implication The development of a more systematic method of drafting will enable the lawyer to communicate his intended meaning more effectively. That is the basic proposition to which this Article is addressed. This same proposition can be stated in a different form:
Genetic Interactions Between the RhoA and Stubble-stubbloid Loci Suggest a Role for a Type II Transmembrane Serine Protease in Intracellular Signaling During Drosophila Imaginal Disc Morphogenesis

The Drosophila RhoA (Rho1) GTPase is essential for postembryonic morphogenesis of leg and wing imaginal discs. Mutations in RhoA enhance leg and wing defects associated with mutations in zipper, the gene encoding the heavy chain of nonmuscle myosin II. We demonstrate here that mutations affecting the RhoA signaling pathway also interact genetically with mutations in the Stubble-stubbloid (Sb-sbd) locus that encodes an unusual type II transmembrane serine protease required for normal leg and wing morphogenesis. In addition, a leg malformation phenotype associated with overexpression of Sb-sbd in prepupal leg discs is suppressed when RhoA gene dose is reduced, suggesting that RhoA and Sb-sbd act in a common pathway during leg morphogenesis. We also characterized six mutations identified as enhancers of zipper mutant leg defects. Three of these genes encode known members of the RhoA signaling pathway (RhoA, DRhoGEF2, and zipper). The remaining three enhancer of zipper mutations interact genetically with both RhoA and Sb-sbd mutations, suggesting that they encode additional components of the RhoA signaling pathway in imaginal discs. Our results provide evidence that the type II transmembrane serine proteases, a class of proteins linked to human developmental abnormalities and pathology, may be associated with intracellular signaling required for normal development.
The Servant Leader: A Higher Calling for Dental Professionals

The dental profession is guided by normative principles that provide guidance to our leaders and practicing dentists in addressing the needs of patients and the profession, yet there is room for incorporating new ideas that help dental professionals meet their professional obligations. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the concept of "servant leadership," especially in contrast with "self-serving leaders," and to suggest that servant leadership is consistent with the high ethical and professional ideals of the dental profession. The servant leader is the antithesis of the self-serving leader, who incessantly seeks more power and acquisition of material possessions. The servant leader's highest priority is the people (patients/students/customers) he or she serves. The concept of the servant-leader can take us away from self-serving, top-down leadership and encourage us to think harder about how to respect, value, and motivate people and ultimately provide better service to our patients.
Analysis of near-source contributions to early P-wave coda for underground explosions. I. waveform complexity

A data set of more than 1600 teleseismic short-period P waves from 46 nuclear explosions is analyzed to establish near-source contributions to the first 15 sec of the P signals. The near-source components are isolated by event-to-event comparisons of first-cycle magnitudes, RMS amplitudes in the first 5 and next 10 sec of the wave forms, and energy temporal centroid measurements. Events from the Nevada, Amchitka, and Novaya Zemlya test sites are analyzed separately to characterize overall source-region variations. Event-averaged waveform complexity variations between explosions within a given site are tested for dependence on source strength, burial depth, location within the site, and tectonic release. Azimuthal patterns of the individual event complexity anomalies are used to discriminate between possible near-source influences. For events at Pahute Mesa, a strong azimuthal amplitude pattern in both the direct P waves and the P coda for all of the events is produced principally by deep mantle variations. Defocusing by a high-velocity anomaly in the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the site has a stronger effect on the direct P signals than on the early P coda, resulting in a systematic, spatially varying relative pattern.
Determination and the Behavior of Trace Amounts of Chloride and Bromide Ions in Environmental Waters, such as Rain and River Waters

The simultaneous determination of chloride and bromide ions in environmental water by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry after precipitation as silver halides in the presence of ammonium nitrate was developed. Calibration curves for chloride and bromide ions were linear from 0.2 to 7.5mg/l(10-375μg/50ml) and from 0.0025 to 1.0mg/l(0.125-50μg/50ml), respectively. The relative standard deviations were less than 3% for both ions. To clarify the effect of bromide ion in environmental water on trihalomethane (THM) formation during a water treatment with chlorine, the concentrations of the chloride and bromide ions in rain- and river-water samples were measured by the present method.
Applying accounting principles to a partnership dissolution

Abstract This teaching case shows how a partnership used a consultant to help resolve certain accounting issues associated with its dissolution. Focusing on accounting theory, partnership accounting and contracts, this case can help develop critical thinking skills and can be used in several accounting courses (including advanced financial accounting and accounting theory) at both the graduate and upper division undergraduate levels. The case demonstrates that lawyers and others who form partnerships should develop well-crafted operating agreements that cover normal and unusual business transactions as well as the firm’s dissolution. Specifically, they should identify and assess all matters relevant to the dissolution process, including the compensation scheme and other contractual issues. The case emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely accounting information – both during a firm’s life and at its dissolution. The case requires students to balance GAAP and the fair/equitable treatment of the partners involved.
Mechanisms of killing of spores of Bacillus subtilis by dimethyldioxirane.

Aims: To determine the mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to and killing by a novel sporicide, dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) that was generated in situ from acetone and potassium peroxymonosulfate at neutral pH. Methods and Results: Spores of B. subtilis were effectively killed by DMDO. Rates of killing by DMDO of spores lacking most DNA protective α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (α−β− spores) or the major DNA repair protein, RecA, were very similar to that of wild-type spore killing. Survivors of wild-type and α−β− spores treated with DMDO also exhibited no increase in mutations. Spores lacking much coat protein due either to mutation or chemical decoating were much more sensitive to DMDO than were wild-type spores, but were more resistant than growing cells. Wild-type spores killed with this reagent retained their large pool of dipicolinic acid (DPA), and the survivors of spores treated with DMDO were sensitized to wet heat. The DMDO-killed spores germinated with nutrients, albeit more slowly than untreated spores, but germinated faster than untreated spores with dodecylamine. The killed spores were also germinated by very high pressures and by lysozyme treatment in hypertonic medium, but many of these spores lysed shortly after their germination, and none of these treatments were able to revive the DMDO-killed spores. Conclusions: DMDO is an effective reagent for killing B. subtilis spores. The spore coat is a major factor in spore resistance to DMDO, which does not kill spores by DNA damage or by inactivating some component needed for spore germination. Rather, this reagent appears to kill spores by damaging the spore's inner membrane in some fashion. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work demonstrates that DMDO is an effective decontaminant for spores of Bacillus species that can work under mild conditions, and the killed spores cannot be revived. Evidence has also been obtained on the mechanisms of spore resistance to and killing by this reagent.
Varying modulation of HTLV-1 LTR activity by BAF complexes

Chromatin remodeling is a rapidly emerging field with critical implications for the control of viral gene expression, especially for viruses with integrated genomes, such as HTLV-1. Recent observations indicate that there are as many as eight different BRG1 containing chromatin remodeling complexes highlight the advancement in the field, but also the necessity for future study especially when looking at viral infections. In the current study we focused on few of the Baf subunits that are common to most SWI/SNF complexes. We find that at least three Bafs, Baf53, Baf155 and Baf170, are highly regulated in HTLV-1 infected cells. Along these lines others have shown that depletion of Baf53 leads to the expansion of chromosome territories and decompaction of the chromatin. Here we show that there are clear varying differences between the Baf subunits after viral infection. These subunits also co-elute in different places from a sizing column and one particular form, Baf53 may be phosphorylated in HTLV-1 infected cells. Normally Baf53 is a suppressive complex and knock down experiments show increased level of virus gene expression from transfected or chronically infected cells.
Fate and effects of heavy metals in salt marsh sediments

The fate and effects of selected heavy metals were examined in sediment from a restored salt marsh. Sediment cores densely covered with Spartina patens were collected and kept either un-amended or artificially amended with nickel (Ni) under standardized greenhouse conditions. Ni-amendment had no significant effect on the fate of other metals in sediments, however, it increased root uptake of the metals. Metal translocation into the shoots was small for all metals. Higher Ni concentrations in plants from amended cores were accompanied by seasonal reductions in plant biomass, photosynthetic capacity and transfer efficiency of open photosystem II reaction centers; these effects, however, were no longer significant at the end of the growing season. Root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) resembled that of natural salt marshes with up to 20% root length colonized. Although Ni-amendment increased AMF colonization, especially during vegetative growth, in general AMF were largely unaffected.
Mixed-metal fretting corrosion of Ti6Al4V and wrought cobalt alloy.

Corrosion has been reported at the modular interfaces of total joint replacement implants, but with conflicting theories as to the cause of such damage. The modular design itself leaves the interface susceptible to galvanic, crevice, or fretting corrosion, or a combination of the three. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of material combination on fretting corrosion of orthopedic alloys. Each test specimen consisted of a two-hole plate with spherical countersinks of a two cortical bone screws. The plates and screws were made of either Ti6Al4V or wrought cobalt–chromium–molybdenum (CCM), and were tested in all mixed-metal and similar-alloy combinations. Fretting corrosion experiments were conducted for 14 days in 10% calf serum, according to ASTM F897. Corrosion damage was evaluated by weight-loss measurements, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The results indicated that Ti6Al4V suffered relatively severe damage when fretted against itself, as a result of adhesive galling. The extent of titanium damage was reduced considerably, however, when Ti6Al4V was fretted against wrought CCM. In contrast, there was essentially no difference in wrought CCM damage when the alloy was fretted against itself compared to fretting against Ti6Al4V. Finally, in similar-alloy combinations, Ti6Al4V suffered more severe damage than wrought CCM. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Viral transformation for production of personalized type I interferons.

Type I interferons (IFN) are cytokines with many functions and have been widely used to treat many human diseases such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. By the use of viral transformation and priming properties of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we have developed a system that can produce high levels of “personalized” IFNs, which are produced from the cells of the patient to whom the IFNs are to be administrated. We demonstrate the feasibility of the system. This seems to be the first report for the establishment of a personalized IFN production system. The personalized IFNs could have longer circulation time, fewer side-effects but higher efficacy. We anticipate that the system can provide an improved form of IFN for medical uses.
Genes and cis-acting sequences involved in replication of barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV RNA

Abstract Deletion and point mutation analyses were employed to determine gene products and cis-acting signals involved in translation, replication, and encapsidation of barley yellow dwarf virus (PAV serotype) RNA in oat protoplasts. Of the six open reading frames (ORFs), only ORFs 1 and 2, which include the putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene, were required for replication. In vitro translation of these mutants revealed that sequence upstream of the shifty heptanucleotide was required for ribosomal frameshifting, and that a 3′-translational enhancer stimulated translation more efficiently when located in closer proximity to the translated ORFs. Deletion of the coat protein gene reduced the accumulation of genomic but not subgenomic RNA. The carboxy-terminally extended form of the coat protein, produced by readthrough of its stop codon, was not required for encapsidation. Although the ORF6 product was not necessary, cis -acting RNA signals in and around ORF6 were required for RNA replication. Defective RNAs harboring various deletions were not replicated in trans by the co-inoculated wild-type helper genome, suggesting that replication of PAV RNA may be coupled to translation.
Technology use on the front line: how information technology enhances individual performance

This study explores and tests a new model that links different types of technology usage to individual-level outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of efficient use (routinization) and effective use (infusion) along with the traditional measure of usage—namely, frequency of use—on two dimensions of individual-level outcomes: information technology-enabled administrative performance and information technology-enabled salesperson performance. To maintain consistency with the existing literature, the authors examine the effects of predeployment attitude toward or acceptance of technology and pre-deployment intended use of technology. The authors discuss managerial implications and provide directions for future research.
Therapeutic approaches to protein-misfolding diseases

Several sporadic and genetic diseases are caused by protein misfolding. These include cystic fibrosis and other devastating diseases of childhood as well as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other debilitating maladies of the elderly. A unified view of the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of these conditions has led to the search for chemical chaperones that can slow, arrest or revert disease progression. Molecules are now emerging that link our biophysical insights with our therapeutic aspirations.
Fabrication of nano-scaled polymer-derived SiAlCN ceramic components using focused ion beam

Fully dense polymer-derived amorphous silicoaluminum carbonitride (SiAlCN) ceramics were synthesized from polysilazane as preceramic precursors followed by a thermal decomposition process. The nanofabrication of amorphous SiAlCN ceramics was implemented with a focused ion beam (FIB). FIB conditions such as the milling rate, the beam current, and the number of passes were considered. It was found that nanopatterns with a feature size of less than 100 nm could be fabricated onto polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) precisely and quickly. Specific nanostructures of thin walls, nozzle, and gear have been fabricated as demonstrations, indicating that the FIB technique was a promising method to realize nanostructures on PDCs, especially for microelectromechanical system and micro/nano-sensor applications.
Maximum Hypergraphs without Regular Subgraphs

We show that an n-vertex hypergraph with no r-regular subgraphs has at most 2n−1 + r− 2 edges. We conjecture that if n > r, then every n-vertex hypergraph with no r-regular subgraphs having the maximum number of edges contains a full star, that is, 2n−1 distinct edges containing a given vertex. We prove this conjecture for n ≥ 425. The condition that n > r cannot be weakened.
VARIOUS APPROXIMATIONS TO THE BETHE--SALPETER AMPLITUDE.

We establish relationships between several approximate solutions to the Bethe-Salpeter (BS) equation. In the process, we obtain a convenient generating function for the [1, $N$] Pad\'e series for the BS amplitude.
Multiple kink solutions and multiple singular kink solutions for two systems of coupled Burgers-type equations

Abstract Two systems of integrable coupled Burgers-type equations are investigated. The Cole–Hopf transformation combined with the Hirota’s bilinear sense are employed for a reliable treatment of these two systems. Multiple kink solutions and multiple singular kink solutions are formally derived for each system.
Complications in endoscopic intranasal ethmoidectomy: an update.

The complication results in 300 ethmoidectomies performed on 180 patients are presented. Methods and techniques that have led to the reduction of complications are briefly discussed
Intense electron-beam radius-tailoring experiment

The growth rate of the hose instability may be reduced by tapering the beam radius from head to tail. Generation of such a beam has been achieved by a fast-rising magnetic field with a rise time of 30 ns and a peak field of 1.2 kG. The electron beam has an energy of 1.7 MeV, a current of 1 to 2 kA, and a flattop of 12 ns. The beam radius tailoring is indicated by time- resolved beam-radius measurements, from a scintillator in the beam path viewed by a streak camera.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.