cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A fluorescent flavonoid for lysosome detection in live cells under "wash free" conditions.

Lysosomes are vital organelles in living cells, which have acidic environments (pH 4.0–5.0) where macrobiomolecules and malfunctioning organelles are broken down into monomers by hydrolase activity. The majority of the currently reported fluorescent probes for detecting lysosomes suffer from small Stokes shifts (Δλ < 20 nm) and higher cytotoxicity due to an “alkalinizing effect”. An interesting flavonoid-based lysosome probe is synthesized by introducing a morpholine moiety onto the flavonoid skeleton. This new probe has shown excellent selectivity to detect lysosomes in MO3.13 oligodendrocytes and normal human lung fibroblast cell lines. Probes 1a and 1b have shown excellent fluorescence quantum yield (ϕfl up to 0.43 in non-aqueous solvents) and large Stokes shifts (120–150 nm). These new fluorescent probes also exhibit a large quantum yield difference from an aqueous to organic environment, making them potentially useful as “wash-free” stains for visualizing lysosomes. Cell viability evaluation of these probes shows excellent biocompatibility with the median lethal concentration being LC50 ≈ 50 μM.
Socioeconomic Disparities and Self-reported Substance Abuse-related Problems.

Background It is not well understood whether the self-reported experience of substance abuse-related problems differs by socioeconomic status. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis using the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) on participants who reported ever using illicit drugs or used illicit drugs in the past year. Findings Among those reporting ever using illicit drugs (n = 4701), 71% were Non-Hispanic White, 37% had a family income ≥ $75000, and 3% reported having substance abuse-related problems in the past year. After adjustment for age, race, marital status, and education, individuals in the lowest income group were more likely to report having problems related to their substance abuse compared to individuals in the highest income group [odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.72] among those who reported ever using illicit drugs. There was no evidence of interaction with race or gender. Conclusion Our findings suggest that poverty may be associated with self-identification of substance abuse-related problems among those who report ever using illicit drugs. Appropriate intervention should be targeted toward the low-income group to address identified substance abuse-related problems.
Elevated mortalities of triploid eastern oysters cultured off-bottom in northern Gulf of Mexico.

Abstract After unusually high mortalities of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were reported at commercial farms in Alabama during the summer of 2016, this study was conducted to determine whether the mortalities were reproducible, site-specific, and linked to ploidy. Seed of triploid and diploid oysters were deployed in November 2016 at four sites adjacent to commercial oyster farms in Alabama: Mobile Bay, Navy Cove, Grand Bay, and Dauphin Island. Mortality, growth, condition index, gametogenesis, and Perkinsus marinus infection intensity were monitored until October 2017. Mortalities were significantly greater in triploids by the end of the study, but the magnitude and timing of mortalities differed among sites. Triploids and diploids at Mobile Bay experienced severe mortalities in summer (100% in about two months), and the start of this mortality event was delayed in diploids. Elevated triploid mortalities were observed at Navy Cove (77%) and Dauphin Island (60%) in late spring through fall, while oysters at Grand Bay suffered the lowest triploid mortalities (34%). Possible causes of the high mortalities included environmental conditions, such as prolonged periods of low salinity and high temperature in summer at Mobile Bay, as well as, heavy P. marinus infection intensities in fall at Grand Bay. Despite elevated triploid mortalities, both triploids and diploids showed faster shell height growth at Navy Cove and Dauphin Island. Conversely, the site with minimal triploid mortality had the slowest shell height growth overall, but the greatest difference in shell height between triploids and diploids. Analysis of gametogenic stages and gonad-to-body ratios over the summer revealed diploids primarily in the spawning stage and triploids showing delayed and diminished gametogenesis, with lower gonad-to-body ratios than diploids.
Rhetorical Monstrosity and Female Agency in Adelaida García Morales’s El Sur

This article examines the role of Gothic monstrosity in the establishment of female agency in Adelaida Garcia Morales’s 1985 novella El Sur, drawing connections between the post-Civil War setting o...
Preprocedural Imaging for Prostatic Artery Embolization

Cross-sectional imaging of the pelvis prior to prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is useful for identifying the prostatic arteries given their variable anatomy and small caliber. Additionally, preprocedural cross-sectional imaging can be utilized to calculate prostate volume for postprocedural comparison. Preprocedural imaging is typically accomplished with pelvic computed tomography angiography (CTA). However, there is also an established role for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone beam CT (CBCT). The following chapter reviews the anatomy of the prostatic artery and the advantages and disadvantages of each imaging modality, as well as defines protocols for each imaging modality.
Radiocesium (137Cs) concentrations in the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia).

Abstract This study sought to determine radiocesium (137Cs) concentrations in two species of aquatic salamanders – the two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means) and the lesser siren (Siren intermedia) on the Savannah River Site. Concentrations (137Cs Bq/g, dry wt) of the two species were similar at both 137Cs-contaminated (A. means = 0.733 ± 0.242, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.839 ± 0.722, n = 5) and reference sites (A. means = 0.028 ± 0.020, n = 5; S. intermedia = 0.042 ± 0.027, n = 11). Salamanders captured in areas impacted by 137Cs contamination exhibited significantly higher 137Cs concentrations than individuals captured at reference sites (U = 146, p
Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation

With a worldwide prevalence of 15%, chronic constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal diagnoses made in ambulatory medicine clinics, and is a common source cause for referrals to gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the United States. Symptoms vary among patients; straining, incomplete evacuation, and a sense of anorectal blockage are just as important as decreased stool frequency. Chronic constipation is either a primary disorder (such as normal transit, slow transit, or defecatory disorders) or a secondary one (due to medications or, in rare cases, anatomic alterations). Colonic sensorimotor disturbances and pelvic floor dysfunction (such as defecatory disorders) are the most widely recognized pathogenic mechanisms. Guided by efficacy and cost, management of constipation should begin with dietary fiber supplementation and stimulant and/or osmotic laxatives, as appropriate, followed, if necessary, by intestinal secretagogues and/or prokinetic agents. Peripherally acting μ-opiate antagonists are another option for opioid-induced constipation. Anorectal tests to evaluate for defecatory disorders should be performed in patients who do not respond to over-the-counter agents. Colonic transit, followed if necessary with assessment of colonic motility with manometry and/or a barostat, can identify colonic dysmotility. Defecatory disorders often respond to biofeedback therapy. For specific patients, slow-transit constipation may necessitate a colectomy. No studies have compared inexpensive laxatives with newer drugs with different mechanisms. We review the mechanisms, evaluation, and management of chronic constipation. We discuss the importance of meticulous analyses of patient history and physical examination, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic testing, guidance for individualized treatment, and management of medically refractory patients.
Food Insecurity and Risk Indicators for Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Sexually Active Persons Aged 15-44, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011-2017.

Objectives:Food insecurity is linked to poor sexual health outcomes, especially among persons engaged in sexual behaviors that are associated with the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infecti...
Terrestrial Locomotion in American Eels (Anguilla rostrata): How Substrate and Incline Affect Movement Patterns.

Fishes overcome a variety of challenges in order to invade the terrestrial environment. Terrestrial invasions by fish occur over a variety of environmental contexts. In order to advance their bodies on land, fishes capable of terrestrial excursions tend to use one of three different types of locomotor modes: axial-based, appendage-based, or axial-appendage-based. Elongate species with reduced appendages, such as the American eel, Anguilla rostrata, rely on axial based locomotion in water and on land. When eels move from water to land as part of their complex life cycle, they inevitably encounter a variety of substrates and must traverse variable degrees of incline. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substrate and incline on the terrestrial locomotion of the American eel. In order to do this, eels were filmed from a dorsal view on three substrates and four inclines: sand, loose pebbles, and fixed (glued) pebbles at 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. We digitized 20 evenly spaced points along the body to examine the following characteristics of locomotion: velocity, distance ratio, and wave parameters such as wave amplitude, frequency and length, and assessed whether substrate, incline, or body position affected these parameters. Distance ratio, our metric of movement efficiency, was highest on the flat sand condition and lowest on 15° pebble conditions. Efficiency also varied across the body. Velocity followed a similar pattern being highest on sand at 0° and lowest at the steepest inclines. Wave amplitude generally increased towards the tail but was similar across substrates and inclines. Wave frequency was relatively consistent across the body on both pebble substrates, but on sand, frequency was higher towards the head and decreased towards the tail. Wavelengths on sand were the longest at 0° near the head and shorter wavelengths were observed on steeper inclines. Both pebble substrates elicited lower wavelengths that were more similar across the body. Overall, A. rostrata were more effective in navigating compliant substrates but struggled at steeper inclines. Our findings provide insight into locomotor challenges that American eels may encounter as they move from and between bodies of water.
Testosterone Deficiency Evaluation, Management, and Treatment Considerations

Advanced Practice Providers (APP) working in urology clinical environments will have the opportunity to screen for and manage men with testosterone deficiency. APPs must be able to accurately diagnose, treat, and manage hypogonadal men effectively while monitoring for side effects. Hypogonadism has been associated with several common diseases that are factors in male morbidity and mortality, and providers have many options for treating low levels. The increased prevalence of hypogonadism and subsequent surge in treatment resulted in the creation of effective guidelines for the evaluation and management of hypogonadism.
Improving care through standardized treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to implement a standardized clinical treatment protocol for patients presenting with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in order to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), diagnostic radiation exposure, and related cost. Methods Baseline data from patients admitted with PSP from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018 were compared to data from patients managed using a newly developed evidence-based treatment pathway from August 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Standard QI methodology was used to track results. Results Fifty-six episodes of PSP were observed during the baseline period and 40 episodes of PSP following initiation of the PSP protocol. The average LOS decreased from 4.5 days to 2.9 days. Patients underwent an average of 8.8 X-rays per admission preintervention versus 5.9 postintervention. The rate of CT scans decreased from 45% to 15% (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the rates of 30-day recurrence between the preintervention (13%) and postintervention (10%) groups (p = 0.7). Average admission costs per patient decreased by $1322 after adoption of the pathway. Conclusions Adoption of a standardized treatment protocol for PSP led to a reduction in LOS, diagnostic imaging utilization, and cost without increasing clinical recurrence. Type of study Quality improvement. Level of evidence Level III.
Development of CAR-T Cell Constructs with Broad Anti-Tumor Tropism

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a transformative approach to cancer eradication. CAR-T is expensive in part due to the restricted use of each CAR construct for a specific set of tumors such as B cell lymphoma targeted with CD19 and multiple myeloma targeted with BCMA. A CAR construct with broad anti-tumor activity can be advantageous due to wide applicability and scalability of production. We show that CD126, the IL-6 receptor alpha, is an antigen that is expressed by many hematologic and solid malignancies including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, pancreatic and prostate adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer and malignant melanoma amongst others. High CD126 expression is a negative prognostic marker in many malignancies. The two CD126 targeting CAR-T cell constructs contain the CD28 anchoring domain followed by 4-1BB and CD3 zeta signaling domain. Lentiviral vectors were generated with triple plasmid (CAR, psPAX2 and pMD2.G) transfection of 293T cells and the vector concentrated by ultracentrifugation and used to transduce human T cells. T cells were isolated from leuko-reduction cones using negative selection with magnetic beads. The transduction efficiency was around 60%. The T cells were activated with anti-CD3/CD28 beads and expanded for two weeks before using for downstream experiments. CD126 CAR-T cells are able to kill many tumor cells in an antigen specific manner and with an efficiency that is directly proportional to the cell surface expression of CD126 expression (rho = 0.6, p = 0.0019). The presence of soluble CD126 in the culture media did not interfere with CAR-T cell killing. The CAR-T constructs bind murine CD126. However, injection of CD126 targeting CAR-T cells in NSG mice did not lead to any evidence of hepatotoxicity and weight loss despite possible expression of this antigen on hepatocytes. In vivo studies in NSG mice with multiple myeloma (RPMI-8226) and prostate adenocarcinoma (DU-145) xenograft models (n=10 tumors per group) showed that the intravenously injected CD126 targeted CAR-T cells (107) infiltrated the tumors, expanded, produced human interferon gamma and killed the tumor cells (p Disclosures Dingli: Apellis: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Sanofi-Genzyme: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Research Funding.
Zebrafish models of acute leukemias: Current models and future directions

Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemias (ALL) are heterogenous diseases encompassing a wide array of genetic mutations with both loss and gain of function phenotypes. Ultimately, these both result in the clonal overgrowth of blast cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other tissues. As a consequence of this, normal hematopoietic stem cell function is severely hampered. Technologies allowing for the early detection of genetic alterations and understanding of these varied molecular pathologies have helped to advance our treatment regimens toward personalized targeted therapies. In spite of this, both AML and ALL continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in part because molecular therapies for the plethora of genetic abnormalities have not been developed. This underscores the current need for better model systems for therapy development. This article reviews the current zebrafish models of AML and ALL and discusses how novel gene editing tools can be implemented to generate better models of acute leukemias. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals.
Stimuli-responsive engineered living materials

Stimuli-responsive materials are able to undergo controllable changes in materials properties in response to external cues. Increasing efforts have been directed towards building materials that mimic the responsive nature of biological systems. Nevertheless, limitations remain surrounding the way these synthetic materials interact and respond to their environment. In particular, it is difficult to synthesize synthetic materials that respond with specificity to poorly differentiated (bio)chemical and weak physical stimuli. The emerging area of engineered living materials (ELMs) includes composites that combine living cells and synthetic materials. ELMs have yielded promising advances in the creation of stimuli-responsive materials that respond with diverse outputs in response to a broad array of biochemical and physical stimuli. This review describes advances made in the genetic engineering of the living component and the processing-property relationships of stimuli-responsive ELMs. Finally, the implementation of stimuli-responsive ELMs as environmental sensors, biomedical sensors, drug delivery vehicles, and soft robots is discussed.
Gene expression for secondary metabolite biosynthesis in hop (Humulus lupulus L.) leaf lupulin glands exposed to heat and low-water stress

Hops are valued for their secondary metabolites, including bitter acids, flavonoids, oils, and polyphenols, that impart flavor in beer. Previous studies have shown that hop yield and bitter acid content decline with increased temperatures and low-water stress. We looked at physiological traits and differential gene expression in leaf, stem, and root tissue from hop (Humulus lupulus) cv. USDA Cascade in plants exposed to high temperature stress, low-water stress, and a compound treatment of both high temperature and low-water stress for six weeks. The stress conditions imposed in these experiments caused substantial changes to the transcriptome, with significant reductions in the expression of numerous genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Of the genes involved in bitter acid production, the critical gene valerophenone synthase (VPS) experienced significant reductions in expression levels across stress treatments, suggesting stress-induced lability in this gene and/or its regulatory elements may be at least partially responsible for previously reported declines in bitter acid content. We also identified a number of transcripts with homology to genes shown to affect abiotic stress tolerance in other plants that may be useful as markers for breeding improved abiotic stress tolerance in hop. Lastly, we provide the first transcriptome from hop root tissue.
Deep learning-based nuclei segmentation and classification in histopathology images with application to imaging genomics

Abstract In this chapter, we present a deep learning-based, joint nuclei segmentation and fine-grained classification method in histopathology images, which solves the nuclei segmentation and nuclei classification problems in a unified framework. It consists of a prediction network that outputs the segmentation results of tumor, lymphocyte, and stroma nuclei, as well as a perceptual network that enhances the segmentation of details. The framework is trained by a lung cancer data set with pixel-level annotations and achieves accurate segmentation and classification results. We then briefly introduce two applications of the framework in the context of imaging genomics analysis. The segmentation and classification results can be used to extract imaging features for analyses of intratumor heterogeneity and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. A multiscale analysis integrating the imaging features, genomic features, and clinical outcomes will promote understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype and help find potential biomarkers that will lead to favorable clinical outcomes.
McClintock at 100--Reason to Celebrate

The Tangled Field Barbara McClintock's Search for the Patterns of Genetic Control. Nathaniel C. Comfort. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2001. 357 pp. $37.50, £25.95. ISBN 0-674-00456-6. Comfort focuses on the development and context of McClintock's research. He argues that, contrary to current opinion, her work on transposition was both understood and appreciated, although her ideas on "controlling elements" failed to convince her colleagues.
Virus particles from conidia of Penicillium species.

Virus particles and their component double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) have been isolated from conidia and mycelia of certain Penicillium species. The conidia and mycelia of P. stoloniferum NRRL 5267 contained 75 and 85 μg of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively. Of the total dsRNA released from NRRL 5267 conidia, 10% was nonencapsulated. Conidia of P. brevi-compactum NRRL 5260 and P. chrysogenum Q-176 contained 2 and 120 μg of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively, whereas mycelium from the two species contained 3 and 95 μg of dsRNA/g (dry weight), respectively. No viruses were isolated from conidia or mycelia of P. stoloniferum NRRL 859. A method is described for disruption of both conidia and mycelia. The technique facilitates the isolation and characterization of fungal viruses and their component dsRNA and also potentiates surveying of fungal isolates for the presence of virus.
Importing Growth: The Crucial Role of Imports in a Trade-Led Growth Strategy

This policy brief shows that if a country intends to use trade as an engine for growth and development, then it should not overlook imports. The first section provides evidence that imports are an important determinant of export performance. Therefore, the success of an export-led growth strategy will be reduced if it only focuses on exports promotion and ignores barriers to imports. The second section surveys the abundant evidence that imports also foster productivity. Therefore, imports contribute to growth directly by stimulating productivity and indirectly by increasing export performance, making them a key component of a trade-led growth strategy. The third section elaborates on the channels through which imports affects growth. Finally, the fourth section investigates if the export and growth impact of imports is limited to imports of goods.
Relationship of biochemical drug effects to their antitumor activity--I. Diacridines and the cell membrane.

Abstract Based on prior and current experimental results, a hypothesis is presented, that the most effective antineoplastic agents are those agents that modify directly or indirectly the interaction between cells. We also propose that the in vitro assays for antitumor agents in use today may select for unnecessarily toxic agents. Previous results from this laboratory indicated that the antitumor activity of the diacridines correlates best with their effect on the plasma membrane, despite the fact that the prominent biochemical site of action of the diacridines is the inhibition of nucleic acid metabolism. A method has been developed that permits the sensitive determination of the permeability of cells in culture, as well as changes in the intracellular acid-soluble and acid-insoluble nucleic acid pools. The evidence indicates that P-388 cells normally extrude acid-soluble components into the medium, that the diacridines attach to the plasma membrane, alter the degree of extrusion of acid-soluble components of the cells, and modify the intracellular levels of newly synthesized nucleic acids. The present study, performed with four selected diacridines, shows that the diacridines affect these parameters to varying degrees.
Land policy in the United States

policy towards land use and development. Instead, land use policies are set unintentionally by a myriad of federal programmes and uncoordinated local and state programmes and policies. The diversity of land use policies and problems in growing and stagnating areas is illustrated. The paper concludes by suggesting that more coordinated and flexible land use policies are needed and that the federal government could play an important facilitating role.
Formative Assessment as a Vehicle for Changing Classroom Practice in a Specific Cultural Context.

In this commentary, I interpret Xinying Yin and Gayle Ann Buck’s collaborative action research from a social–cultural perspective. Classroom implementation of formative assessment is viewed as interaction between this assessment method and the local learning culture. I first identify Yin and Buck’s definition of the formative assessment, and then analyze the role of formative assessment in the change of local learning culture. Based on the practice of Yin and Buck I emphasize the significance of their “bottom up” strategy to the teachers’ epistemological change. I believe that this strategy may provide practicable solutions to current Chinese educational problems as well as a means for science educators to shift toward systematic professional development.
Electronic level degeneracy in nonsymmorphic periodic or aperiodic crystals

The theory of space-group representations is extended to aperiodic crystals by reformulating it as the theory of symmetry-required degeneracies of electronic levels that emerges from the Fourier-space approach to crystal symmetry. As an illustration it is shown that the nonvanishing of a simple linear combination of phase functions belonging to commuting elements from the little group of q requires the degeneracy of all levels with generalized Bloch wave vector q. This condition is applied to all cubic and icosahedral centrosymmetric nonsymmorphic space groups, and to the two nonsymmorphic space groups of periodic crystals that have no systematic extinctions.
A test of Larson and Alderton's (1990) worst performance rule of reaction time variability

Abstract The validity of Larson and Alderton's (1990; Intelligence, 14, 309–325) ‘Worst Performance’ rule of reaction time (RT) variability, which states that the worst RT trials correlate more highly with intelligence than the fastest RT trials, was tested by examining the potentially confounding effect of range restriction across the RT bands of elementary cognitive tasks (ECTs) of various degrees of information processing complexity. Results of this study indicate that the intersubject variability within RT bands is not systematically related to the pattern of correlations of RT with intelligence. In addition, results of an analysis of the movement time (MT) bands provide evidence of the divergent validity of the worst performance rule. These data also support Jensen's (1985; Methodological and statistical advances in the study of individual differences. New York: Plenum. 1987; Speed of information processing and intelligence. Norwood, NJ: Ablex) argument for the separate measurement of RT and MT in all speed of information processing research. In sum, results of this study sunstantiate the Worst Performance rule for individual differences in RT variability and intelligence.
Effects of Stimulating Psychodynamically Relevant Unconscious Fantasies on Schizophrenic Psychopathology

This article reviews a series of studies investigating the relationship between various unconscious fantasies and manifest pathology in adult schizophrenics. The results support the view that the activation of specific fantasies can lead to both the exacerbation and amelioration of symptoms in schizophrenia. The theoretical and clinical implications of the experimental findings are discussed, and suggestions for further research are offered.
Dielectric saturation of the aqueous boundary layers adjacent to charged bilayer membranes

The surface charge density resulting from the adsorption of hydrophobic anions of dipicrylamine onto dioleyl-lecithin bilayer membranes has been measured directly using a high field pulse method. The surface charge density increases linearly with adsorbate concentration in the water until electrostatic repulsion of impinging hydrophobic ions by those already adsorbed becomes appreciable. Then Gouy-Chapman theory predicts that surface charge density will increase sublinearly, with the power [z +/(z ++2)] of the adsorbate concentration, wherez + is the cation valence of the indifferent electrolyte screening the negatively charged membrane surface. The predicted 1/3 and 1/2 power laws for univalent and divalent cations, respectively, have been observed in these experiments using Na+, Mg++, and Ba++ ions. Gouy-Chapman theory predicts further that the change from linear to sublinear dependence takes place at a surface charge density governed by the static dielectric constant of water and the concentration of indifferent electrolyte. Quantitative agreement with experiment is obtained at electrolyte concentrations of 10−4 m and 10−3 m, but can be maintained at higher concentrations only if the aqueous dielectric constant is decreased. A transition field model is proposed in which the Gouy-Chapman theory is modified to take account of dielectric saturation of water in the intense electric fields adjacent to charged membrane surfaces.
Differences of Composition among Australian Iron Meteorites

THE discovery1 of iron meteorite fragments with the structure of medium octahedrites in the neighbourhood of the Wolf Creek meteorite crater compounded a curiosity. The Boxhole and Henbury craters were already known to be associated with meteoritic debris which has the structure of medium octahedrites and although such structures are relatively common among iron meteorites—Hey's2 catalogue shows them to represent 36 per cent of all classified irons—coincidence of structures has caused speculation that two or more of these crateririg events were produced by fragments of the same meteoroid.
Effects of tensile test parameters on the mechanical properties of a bimodal Al–Mg alloy

Abstract The properties of aluminum alloy (AA) 5083 are shown to be significantly improved by grain size reduction through cryomilling and the incorporation of unmilled Al particles into the material, creating a bimodal grain size distribution consisting of coarse grains in a nanocrystalline matrix. To provide insight into the mechanical behavior and ultimately facilitate engineering applications, the present study reports on the effects of coarse grain ratio, anisotropy, strain rate and specimen size on the elastic–plastic behavior of bimodal AA 5083 evaluated in uniaxial tension tests using a full-factorial experiment design. To determine the governing failure mechanisms under different testing conditions, the specimens’ failure surfaces were analyzed using optical and electron microscopy. The results of the tests were found to conform to Joshi’s plasticity model. Significant anisotropy effects were observed, in a drastic reduction in strength and ductility, when tension was applied perpendicular (transverse) to the direction of extrusion. These specimens also exhibited a smooth, flat fracture surface morphology with a significantly different surface texture than specimens tested in the axial direction. It was found that decreasing specimen thickness and strain rate served to increase both the strength and ductility of the material. The failure surface morphology was found to differ between specimens of different thicknesses.
Skin ulceration potential of paclitaxel in a mouse skin model in vivo

BACKGROUND The antimitotic agent paclitaxel is highly active in the therapy of several tumor types, including ovarian and breast cancer. The commercial formulation (Taxol®) is supplied in a vehicle containing alcohol and the surfactant Cremophor EL® (polyethoxylated castor oil). Whereas Phase I studies did not describe extravasation necrosis, more recent case reports have suggested that paclitaxel can cause soft tissue necrosis if inadvertently extravasated. The efficacy of various antidotal maneuvers, if any, was not known. METHODS Dehaired, BALB/c mice were given intradermal (ID) injections of paclitaxel 0.3 mg, 0.6 mg, or 1.2 mg, or Cremophor EL®, 0.1 mL, into the dorsal skin. The sites were observed thrice weekly for evidence of ulceration. Perpendicular widths of skin ulcers were measured by caliper and multiplied to yield a lesion area in cm2. The lesion area multiplied by time in days was integrated by computer to yield cumulative ulceration areas in (cm2·days). Potential pharmacologic adjuvants were injected ID after paclitaxel. These included saline (0.05 mL), albumin (0.05 mL), hyaluronidase (15 Units), and hydrocortisone (2.5 mg). Topical adjuvants included dimethylsulfoxide solution, (0.1 mL), cooling to 8–10 °C or heating to 43–44 °C for 30 minutes after ID paclitaxel. RESULTS Dose-dependent skin ulcers that lasted 12–17 days were created with the 3 ID paclitaxel doses. The two higher paclitaxel dose levels, 0.6 mg and 1.2 mg, were selected for antidote studies. Hyaluronidase and saline were effective ID antidotes for lesions induced by the 0.6-mg paclitaxel dose, but not for the higher paclitaxel dose of 1.2 mg (P < 0.05 by analysis of variance). None of the topical adjuvants or other ID adjuvants significantly reduced paclitaxel-induced skin ulcers in the mice. CONCLUSIONS Paclitaxel has experimental vesicant potential in the ID mouse skin model. Clinical extravasations of paclitaxel may be treated by subcutaneous injections of hyaluronidase diluted in saline. Cancer 1996;78:152-6.
A prospective comparison of bone density in adolescent girls receiving depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), levonorgestrel (Norplant), or oral contraceptives.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine bone density among adolescents receiving different forms of hormonal contraception along with that of control subjects. METHODS: Baseline and 1-year measures of lumbar vertebral bone density were obtained in girls receiving depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) (n = 15), levonorgestrel (Norplant) (n = 7), or oral contraceptives (n = 9) and in girls receiving no hormonal treatment (n = 17). In a subsample of Depo-Provera users (n = 8), Norplant users (n = 3), and control subjects (n = 4), bone density measurements were repeated after 2 years. Bone density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Body mass indexes, level of pubertal development, substance use, and reproductive histories were not significantly different among the groups. More black girls were represented in the initial Depo-Provera group ( p p p p p CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Depo-Provera may, at least temporarily, suppress the expected skeletal bone mineralization in adolescents, whereas Norplant and oral contraceptives are associated with the expected increase in bone density in this population. (J Pediatr 1996;129:671-6)
Flow Characteristics of Rotating Disks Simulating a Computer Hard Drive

A computational effort was undertaken to study the fluid flow inside a computer hard drive. Disk arrangements with multiple arms were considered inside a stationary enclosure. The results indicated large differences between circumferential velocities. In some cases, the slopes of the circumferential velocities were close to those represented by the solid-body rotation and the analytical solution for a thin fluid gap with one stationary and one rotating wall. The circumferential velocities were strongly affected by the arm length. The rotational speed and arm length had an increasing effect on the viscous power dissipation of the disks.
Human-Like Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 3 from Neurospora crassa

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is a key regulator of translation initiation, but its in vivo assembly and molecular functions remain unclear. Here we show that eIF3 from Neurospora crassa is structurally and compositionally similar to human eIF3. N. crassa eIF3 forms a stable 12-subunit complex linked genetically and biochemically to the 13th subunit, eIF3j, which in humans modulates mRNA start codon selection. Based on N. crassa genetic analysis, most subunits in eIF3 are essential. Subunits that can be deleted (e, h, k and l) map to the right side of the eIF3 complex, suggesting that they may coordinately regulate eIF3 function. Consistent with this model, subunits eIF3k and eIF3l are incorporated into the eIF3 complex as a pair, and their insertion depends on the presence of subunit eIF3h, a key regulator of vertebrate development. Comparisons to other eIF3 complexes suggest that eIF3 assembles around an eIF3a and eIF3c dimer, which may explain the coordinated regulation of human eIF3 levels. Taken together, these results show that Neurospora crassa eIF3 provides a tractable system for probing the structure and function of human-like eIF3 in the context of living cells.
Absolute Irradiance of the Moon for On-orbit Calibration

The recognized need for on-orbit calibration of remote sensing imaging instruments drives the ROLO project effort to characterize the Moon for use as an absolute radiance source. For over 5 years the ground-based ROLO telescopes have acquired spatially-resolved lunar images in 23 VNIR (Moon diameter ≈500 pixels) and 9 SWIR (≈250 pixels) passbands at phase angles within ±90 degrees. A numerical model for lunar irradiance has been developed which fits hundreds of ROLO images in each band, corrected for atmospheric extinction and calibrated to absolute radiance, then integrated to irradiance. The band-coupled extinction algorithm uses absorption spectra of several gases and aerosols derived from MODTRAN to fit time-dependent component abundances to nightly observations of standard stars. The absolute radiance scale is based upon independent telescopic measurements of the star Vega. The fitting process yields uncertainties in lunar relative irradiance over small ranges of phase angle and the full range of lunar libration well under 0.5%. A larger source of uncertainty enters in the absolute solar spectral irradiance, especially in the SWIR, where solar models disagree by up to 6%. Results of ROLO model direct comparisons to spacecraft observations demonstrate the ability of the technique to track sensor responsivity drifts to sub-percent precision. Intercomparisons among instruments provide key insights into both calibration issues and the absolute scale for lunar irradiance.
Structures of liganded and unliganded RsrI N6-adenine DNA methyltransferase: a distinct orientation for active cofactor binding

Abstract The structures of RsrI DNA methyltransferase (M.RsrI) bound to the substrate S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet), the product S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (AdoHcy), the inhibitor sinefungin, as well as a mutant apo-enzyme have been determined by x-ray crystallography. Two distinct binding configurations were observed for the three ligands. The substrate AdoMet adopts a bent shape that directs the activated methyl group toward the active site near the catalytic DPPY motif. The product AdoHcy and the competitive inhibitor sinefungin bind with a straight conformation in which the amino acid moiety occupies a position near the activated methyl group in the AdoMet complex. Analysis of ligand binding in comparison with other DNA methyltransferases reveals a small, common subset of available conformations for the ligand. The structures of M.RsrI with the non-substrate ligands contained a bound chloride ion in the AdoMet carboxylate-binding pocket, explaining its inhibition by chloride salts. The L72P mutant of M.RsrI is the first DNA methyltransferase structure without bound ligand. With respect to the wild-type protein, it had a larger ligand-binding pocket and displayed movement of a loop (223–227) that is responsible for binding the ligand, which may account for the weaker affinity of the L72P mutant for AdoMet. These studies show the subtle changes in the tight specific interactions of substrate, product, and an inhibitor with M.RsrI and help explain how each displays its unique effect on the activity of the enzyme.
NT-PGC-1α Protein Is Sufficient to Link β3-Adrenergic Receptor Activation to Transcriptional and Physiological Components of Adaptive Thermogenesis

PGC-1α is an inducible transcriptional coactivator that regulates cellular energy metabolism and adaptation to environmental and nutritional stimuli. In tissues expressing PGC-1α, alternative splicing produces a truncated protein (NT-PGC-1α) corresponding to the first 267 amino acids of PGC-1α. Brown adipose tissue also expresses two novel exon 1b-derived isoforms of PGC-1α and NT-PGC-1α, which are 4 and 13 amino acids shorter in the N termini than canonical PGC-1α and NT-PGC-1α, respectively. To evaluate the ability of NT-PGC-1α to substitute for PGC-1α and assess the isoform-specific role of NT-PGC-1α, adaptive thermogenic responses of adipose tissue were evaluated in mice lacking full-length PGC-1α (FL-PGC-1(-/-)) but expressing slightly shorter but functionally equivalent forms of NT-PGC-1α (NT-PGC-1α(254)). At room temperature, NT-PGC-1α and NT-PGC-1α(254) were produced from conventional exon 1a-derived transcripts in brown adipose tissue of wild type and FL-PGC-1α(-/-) mice, respectively. However, cold exposure shifted transcription to exon 1b, increasing exon 1b-derived mRNA levels. The resulting transcriptional responses produced comparable increases in energy expenditure and maintenance of core body temperature in WT and FL-PGC-1α(-/-) mice. Moreover, treatment of the two genotypes with a selective β(3)-adrenergic receptor agonist produced similar increases in energy expenditure, mitochondrial DNA, and reductions in adiposity. Collectively, these findings illustrate that the transcriptional and physiological responses to sympathetic input are unabridged in FL-PGC-1α(-/-) mice, and that NT-PGC-1α is sufficient to link β(3)-androgenic receptor activation to adaptive thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Furthermore, the transcriptional shift from exon 1a to 1b supports isoform-specific roles for NT-PGC-1α in basal and adaptive thermogenesis.
Bayesian Mediation Analysis

In this article, we propose Bayesian analysis of mediation effects. Compared with conventional frequentist mediation analysis, the Bayesian approach has several advantages. First, it allows researchers to incorporate prior information into the mediation analysis, thus potentially improving the efficiency of estimates. Second, under the Bayesian mediation analysis, inference is straightforward and exact, which makes it appealing for studies with small samples. Third, the Bayesian approach is conceptually simpler for multilevel mediation analysis. Simulation studies and analysis of 2 data sets are used to illustrate the proposed methods.
Comparative disc-electrophoretic study of different proteinaceous extracts from Periplaneta americana males☆

Abstract 1. 1. Males of Periplaneta americana were subdivided into eleven portions: haemolymph; antenna; tarsus/tibia; coxa/femur; ventral nerve cord; wing/tegmen; palpus; cercus/stylus; and the separate remains of the head, thorax and abdomen. 2. 2. Saline-soluble and Triton-soluble proteinaceous extracts from homogenates of each body portion were analyzed separately by disc electrophoresis. 3. 3. Quantities of extractable saline-soluble and Triton-soluble proteins per body portion were determined. 4. 4. The electrophoreted bands in different extracts were compared by R f values. 5. 5. Two similar major bands were resolved from each saline extract. 6. 6. The Triton-solubilized proteins from most extracts resolved one major band whose R f value increased as the applied protein concentration was increased; this suggested an involvement of an aggregation phenomenon.
Formation of aqueous suspensions of fullerenes.

Colloidal suspensions of C60, C70, and a derivative of C60, PCBM ([6,6]-Phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester) were produced by extended mixing in water. We examined the contribution of background solution chemistry (pH, ionic strength) on the formation of colloidal suspensions in terms of mass, aggregate size, and zeta potential. These parameters were also compared between free-settling and filtered treatments. Results indicated that all three fullerenes were highly negatively charged in aqueous systems, that it took a finite time to reach kinetically stable suspensions, and that suspension formation was pH and ionic strength dependent. With isoelectric points approaching zero, the suspensions were generally stable at pH > 3. The results indicate that it is critical to state the condition under which the formation of aqueous fullerene suspensions occurs when employing such suspensions to evaluate environmental toxicity or fate and transport of fullerenes.
The clinical significance of lung hypoexpansion in acute childhood asthma

Background Many children experiencing acute asthmatic episodes have chest radiographs, which may show lung hyperinflation, hypoinflation, or normal inflation. Lung hypoinflation may be a sign of respiratory fatigue and poor prognosis.
Coccidiomycosis presenting as a popliteal cyst

Coccidiomycosis is a fungal infection that primarily causes pulmonary disease. Extrapulmonary dissemination can occur to the musculoskeletal system with the knee joint most frequently involved. This case report describes a patient with coccidiomycosis whose initial presentation was of a popliteal cyst. The need for aggressive surgical and antibiotic treatment to eradicate this infection is discussed. Coccidiomycosis should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients with popliteal cysts without other obvious etiologies.
Insect fat body mitochondria: Endocrine and age effects on respiratory and electron transport activities

Abstract Studies were conducted on oxygen uptake and electron transport activity using fat body mitochondria isolated from adult males of the cockroach, Bladerus discoidalis . Teh results show a greater than 2-fold increase in the Q O 2 and cytochrome c reductase and oxidase activities over the first 10 days after imaginal ecdysis followed by a rather stable rate over the next 20 days. Cardiatectomy-allatectomy of newly-ecdyased adults resulted, 30 days later, in an ca. 30% reduction in the both the Q O 2 and the activities of th elctron transport enzyme studied. The respiaraory and electron transport activities of fat body mitochondria from 30-days old cardiatectomized-allatectomized animal are comparable to those of “partially eveloped” mitochondria from 5-day old adult animals. These results suggest that a factor from the neuroendocrine complex of insects regulates fat body metabolism via effects on electron transport enzyme. It is speculated that this factor may act by maintaining a continuously high level of electron transport activity after a certain level of development has been attained by the fat body mitochondria.
Illusory figures: Individual differences apparent depth and lightness

When the luminance of a pattern that induces a sharp-edged illusory circle was decreased, both illusory contrast with the surround and the illusory depth difference between that circular area and the inducing elements reliably increased. Thus, changes in both of these effects apparently participate in (contribute to) the increased overall salience that had previously been found with decreased luminance. However, among individuals, the correlation between this improvement in contrast and this increase in depth was exceedingly small.