cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor is selectively cytotoxic to acute myeloid leukemia blasts harboring FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations

Internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 have been found in 20% to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These mutations constitutively activate the receptor and appear to be associated with a poor prognosis. Recent evidence that this constitutive activation is leukemogenic renders this receptor a potential target for specific therapy. In this study, dose-response cytotoxic assays were performed with AG1295, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against FLT3, on primary blasts from patients with AML. For each patient sample, the degree of cytotoxicity induced by AG1295 was compared to the response to cytosine arabinoside (Ara C) and correlated with the presence or absence of a FLT3/ITD mutation. AG1295 was specifically cytotoxic to AML blasts harboring FLT3/ITD mutations. The results suggest that these mutations contribute to the leukemic process and that the FLT3 receptor represents a therapeutic target in AML.
Modal analysis of a three-span curved steel girder bridge

The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of modal analysis to ascertain changes in the boundary conditions (or structural damage) of a complicated bridge structure. Reconstruction of the Interstate 15 corridor through Salt Lake City, Utah had provided an opportunity for destructive testing to be conducted on a three-span, continuous curved steel girder bridge. Forced Vibration testing using an eccentric mass shaker was conducted on the bridge in three phases. Each phase represented a change in boundary conditions. The initial testing was done with the bridge in the as-built condition with the continuous deck at the abutments and frozen bronze bearings. The second phase of testing occurred after the bridge deck was cut way from the approach slabs. For the third phase of testing, the bearings at the ends of the girders were replaced with teflon pads and the bearings over the two intermediate piers were jacked up and greased. The results of the study show that modal analysis is capable of determining changes in a structure's natural frequencies and mode shapes due to a change in the boundary conditions. By extrapolation this would indicate that modal analysis would work as an effective non-destructive evaluation tool.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Search for narrow states with baryon number zero and strangeness -1 in p ― p → K slow + X − at 5 GeV/ c

A search for narrow states with baryon number zero and strangeness -1 was conducted in $\stackrel{-}{p}p$ collisions. These hypothetical states could be composed of two quarks and two antiquarks and are similar to baryonium states. The experiment studied the missing mass recoiling against a slow ${K}^{+}$. No narrow resonances were observed, corresponding to cross-section upper limits of 4 \ensuremath{\mu}b for masses below 2.75 Gev/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$.
Threatened abortion: A risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome, a population-based screening study.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with first-trimester threatened abortion are at increased risk for poor pregnancy outcome. Study design A large prospective multicenter database was studied. Subjects were divided into three groups: (1) no bleeding, (2) light bleeding, and (3) heavy bleeding. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Results The study comprised 16,506 patients: 14,160 patients without bleeding, 2094 patients with light bleeding, and 252 patients with heavy bleeding. Patients with vaginal bleeding, light or heavy, were more likely to experience a spontaneous loss before 24 weeks of gestation (odds ratio, 2.5 and 4.2, respectively) and cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 1.1 and 1.4, respectively). Light bleeding subjects were more likely to have preeclampsia (odds ratio, 1.5), preterm delivery (odds ratio, 1.3), and placental abruption (odds ratio, 1.6). Heavy vaginal bleeding subjects were more likely to have intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratio, 2.6), preterm delivery (odds ratio, 3.0), preterm premature rupture of membranes (odds ratio, 3.2), and placental abruption (odds ratio, 3.6). Conclusion First-trimester vaginal bleeding is an independent risk factor for adverse obstetric outcome that is directly proportional to the amount of bleeding.
Addressing Information Risk in Turbulent Times

Turbulent times exacerbate many existing information risks and create new security management challenges. Discussions and interviews with chief information security officers from a broad range of large firms about how they addressed the challenges of the economic downturn provide both actionable ideas and clues for future research.
Leptin action in pubertal development: recent advances and unanswered questions

In recent years we have witnessed a considerable advance in the understanding of the processes involved in pubertal development. This is partially due to the discovery of the kisspeptin system and its fundamental role in the control of reproductive physiology. In addition, the suspected relationship between increasing rates of childhood obesity and the apparent reduction in the age of puberty onset in girls has generated a growing interest in identifying the mechanisms by which nutrition may influence reproductive maturation. This review will focus on recent data unveiling the sites of leptin action in pubertal development that were generated using novel molecular techniques and genetically engineered mouse models. It will also emphasize areas of contention and the many relevant questions that remain unanswered.
Localization of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Nervous System

Single-cell analyses of carbonic anhydrase demonstrate that this enzyme is selectively concentrated in the glial and choroid cells of the rat brain. The nerve cells show a very low carbonic anhydrase activity. This specific localization supports the view that glial carbonic anhydrase is implicated in a mechanism for the active transport of chloride from the capillaries to the interstitial and cerebrospinal fluids.
ABNORMAL EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN SEA URCHIN FOLLOWING ILLUMINATION OF GAMETES WITH VISIBLE LIGHT FROM A PHOTOTHERAPY UNIT

— The unfertilized oocytes and spermatozoa of the American sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) were exposed to phototherapy lights in order to determine the effect of this treatment regimen on post-irradiation fertilization and embryonic development. Light treatment revealed dose-dependent abnormalities in fertilization and subsequent embryonic development.
Unravelling the tangled web at the microtubule-organizing center

The last year has seen dramatic progress in the use of genetic and biochemical approaches to identify microtubule-organizing center components. The use of vertebrate and invertebrate egg extracts has allowed the development of novel assays for centrosome duplication and activation. A variety of mutations in fungi are being used to sort out the pathway of spindle pole body duplication.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of gold nanoparticles functionalized with amine-terminated alkanethiols

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a short chain amine-terminated alkanethiol (HS-(CH2)2NH2 or C2 NH2-thiol) are prepared via a direct synthesis method and then ligand-exchanged with a long chain amine-terminated alkanethiol (HS-(CH2)11NH2 or C11 NH2-thiol). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the AuNPs were relatively spherical with a median diameter of 24.2±4.3 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine surface chemistry of the functionalized and purified AuNPs. The ligand-exchange process was monitored within the time range from 30 min to 61 days. By the fourth day of exchange all the C2 NH2-thiol molecules had been replaced by C11 NH2-thiol molecules. C11 NH2-thiol molecules continued to be incorporated into the C11 NH2 self-assembled monolayer between days 4 and 14 of ligand-exchange. As the length of the exchange time increased, the functionalized AuNPs became more stable against aggregation. The samples were purified by a centrifugation and resuspension method. The C2 NH2 covered AuNPs aggregated immediately when purification was attempted. The C11 NH2 covered AuNPs could be purified with minimal or no aggregation. Small amounts of unbound thiol (∼15%) and oxidized sulfur (∼20%) species were detected on the ligand-exchanged AuNPs. Some of the unbound thiol and all of the oxidized sulfur could be removed by treating the functionalized AuNPs with HCl. © 2011 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3622481]
Signal Processing With The Storage Correlator

AbstractThe storage correlator is an acoustic surface wave device which can store an input signalfor times as long as a few seconds and correlate it with a signal read into it at a later time. It can also correlate two signals being read into it at the same time. In this paperwe describe a monolithic form of the device using zinc oxide sputter deposited on silicon.Applications to correlation of spread spectrum signals and to adaptive filtering for removalof interfering signals or of distortion are described.IntroductionThe storage correlator is a new type of acoustic surface wave signal processing devicewhich makes use of the interaction of an acoustic surface wave with a silicon semiconductoralong which it propagates. The device is capable of taking the correlation of two inputsignals over times of several tens of milliseconds; it should ultimately be capable ofhandling bandwidths of as much as 100 MHz . It has also been used to correlate a signalwith an earlier signal read into it and stored for times as long as several seconds. Animportant new application is its use as an adaptive filter to remove interfering signals orto act as an inverse filter for distorted signals.A schematic of a typical device is shown in Fig. 1.1,2,3 A row of diodes with a periodicspacing of the order of 8 microns is laid down on a silicon substrate. Thus, the diodes cansample an acoustic wave passing over the surface of a substrate. A thermal oxide is grownon top of the silicon substrate on which is sputter deposited a piezoelectric zinc oxide
Hunting of a salient-pole synchronous machine

FORMULAS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE for a long time for damping and synchronizing torque coefficients of a synchronous machine hunting while in normal synchronous operation. These formulas have been used in many studies of hunting phenomena, and numerical values of the coefficients for a range of synchronous-generator parameters have been reported previously.
Changes in hippocampal rhythmic slow activity during instrumental cardiovascular conditioning in the monkey (Macaca mulatta).

Abstract Analyses of 4–8 Hz electrical activity (RSA) of the mid-ventral hippocampus, motor activity (M), and blood pressure were carried out during experiments in which three monkeys were operantly conditioned to slow heart rate (HR), to speed HR or during control, no feedback ( FB ) periods. The results showed that RSA activity was greater during contingent HR (FB) slowing than during HR slowing noncontingent ( FB ) for all three animals. Motor activity tended to show small changes across conditions; however, it was higher during HR speeding and lower during HR slowing in two animals. There was no differential effect of FB on motor activity for any animal. Blood pressure changes were small and variable throughout conditioning. RSA changes tended to be highly consistent both early and late in conditioning. Results are discussed in terms of attentional and somatic factors that may be operative during instrumental cardiovascular conditioning.
Neutrophil elastase unleashed

Comment on Massullo et al, page [3397][1] The frustration of animal models aside, a simple cell culture model offers insight into how mutant neutrophil elastase causes hereditary neutropenia. Neutrophil elastase constitutes the major hydrolytic enzyme of neutrophil granules, yet there had been
Reduction–Oxidation Effects on Soil Potassium and Plant Uptake

Potassium ions (K+) may become “fixed” between adjacent phyllosilicate layers under waterlogged conditions, rendering K less available to plant uptake. This phenomenon was investigated under greenhouse conditions to determine if K fixation due to biogeochemical reduction contributed to the K deficiency in corn (Zea mays L.) in the northern Great Plains (South Dakota). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single reduction–oxidation (redox) event on soil K fractions and plant K uptake in montmorillonitic soils. Surface soil (Udolls, 0–15 cm) was collected from various sites across east-central South Dakota and used in a completely randomized greenhouse pot study ( 2×4 factorial). Reduced (Re) and reduced/reoxidized (Re/Ox) treatments were established, and corn was grown to the V5 stage of growth in a two cropping sequence. Potassium levels among soil K fractions did not significantly change upon the redox event. Dry matter (DM) yields were not significantly affected by the redox even...
Model goodness-of-fit analysis using regression and related techniques

Four related approaches for assessing model goodness-of-fit (GOF) are discussed in this paper: linear regression of observed versus predicted values, the sum of squared prediction errors, a reliability index summarizing predictions as being within a factor Ks of observed values, and correlation-like measures of fit that normalize the sum of squared prediction error to be between zero and one. Relationships among the four measures are derived and alternative decompositions of the measures into components relating to bias, variance, and consistency are presented. The measures are extended to include lack-of-fit terms when multiple observations are available for each prediction, and except for the reliability index, extended to include the multivariate case of multiple prediction variables. Application of the GOF measures to model predictions and observed radon-222 concentrations (a univariate example) showed significant lack-of-fit for high concentrations. Application of the GOF measures to predicted and observed mean lengths and densities of winter flounder larvae (a multivariate example) showed predicted densities were good with most of the lack-of-fit attributed to ∼ 0.44 mm bias in predicted mean lengths. The role of GOF analysis in evaluating model performance is discussed.
OVEREXPRESSION OF HEME OXYGENASE BY CALCIUM PHOSPHATE MEDIATED TRANSFECTION IN CULTURED FETAL LUNG CELLS † 1470

OVEREXPRESSION OF HEME OXYGENASE BY CALCIUM PHOSPHATE MEDIATED TRANSFECTION IN CULTURED FETAL LUNG CELLS † 1470
A > 200 kb deletion removing the entire β-like globin gene cluster in a family of Irish Descent

We describe a new deletional form of γδβ-thalassemia segregating in two generations of a family of Irish descent. Affected family members present with a β-thalassemia minor phenotype, normal Hb A2 and Hb F levels. Genomic blotting analyses on DNA from affected family members show heterozygosity for a large deletion beginning at least 15 kb upstream of the 5′ endpoint of the γδβ-thalassemia-1 deletion, extending through the entire β-like globin gene cluster, and continuing for at least 10 kb beyond the 3′ endpoint of the deletion associated with the Spanish form of δβd`-thalassemia. This deletion is among the largest described so far, and removes at least 205 kb encompassing the entire β-like globin gene cluster on chromosome 11.
Nonverbal involvement, expressiveness, and pleasantness as predicted by parental and partner attachment style

This work argues that individuals’ attachment styles combine with that of their partners’ to create approach and avoidance tendencies and ensuing nonverbal involvement style during interactions with their significant others. Specifically, while secures are expected to be moderately involved, expressive, and pleasant, preoccupieds are expected to be highly so, while avoidants are the least involved. In combination with partner style, however, dismissive avoidants paired with preoccupieds are expected to be the very least involved, while secures paired with secures are expected to be moderately involved, and preoccupieds paired with dismissive avoidants are expected to be the very most involved of all the romantic partners in the current investigation. Results support the contention that parental and partner attachment are both important in predicting approach and avoidance in that role‐reversed females paired with avoidant partners were less kinesically and vocally involved and less kinesically pleasant. F...
Spatially restricted imprinting of mouse chromosome 7.

Three of the four known imprinted genes (Igf-2, H19, and Snrpn) map to mouse chromosome 7. We used mRNA phenotyping to examine the tissuespecific transcription of Igf-1r, H-ras-1, and Gabrb3, which map to chromosome 7 between Snrpn and the Igf-2/H19 domain, and Myod-1, which maps proximal to Snrpn. We found that all of these genes were expressed by both parental alleles in tissues from day 1 neonates. The fact that imprinted genes can flank or map closely to genes that escape such epigenetic modification suggests that autosomal imprinting is not manifested globally along imprinted chromosomes but rather is spatially restricted, perhaps even defined by specific DNA consensus sequences or an “imprint box” associated with imprintable genes. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Serum lipid levels in iron deficiency anemia and effects of various treatments.

Effects of anemia on serum total cholesterol and tri glyceride levels were studied in Sri Lanka. In subjects with hemoglobin (Hb) levels of less than 9.0g/100ml, there was a significant relationship between Hb and cholesterol levels (r=0.53). This relationship was not seen in subjects with Hb levels equal to, or greater than, 9.0g/100ml. Triglyceride levels were independent of Hb levels. Total cholesterol levels were elevated following an increase in Hb levels by transfusion and iron treatment. It was suggested that the concentration of red blood cells may affect cholesterol synthesis or mobilization from tissue to plasma.
Chromatic opponency in 3-month-old human infants

A test spectral sensitivity curve was measured on 3-month-old human infants using a steady 8 degrees test light on a 580 nm adapting field. The data show a "Sloan" notch near 580 nm and a peak near 610 nm. The results are compared to standard nonopponent and opponent models of color vision, and it is concluded that 3-month-old infants have a chromatically opponent detection channel.
Regulation of polyamine synthesis and transport by retinoic acid and epidermal growth factor in cultured adult rat type II pneumocytes

During injury of lung epithelial cells, the type II pneumocyte proliferates and differentiates into a type I pneumocyte to restore the epithelium. Polyamines, which constitute a family of small organic polycations, are required for this process of cell repair. Because retinoic acid (RA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) also are involved, the purpose of this research was to determine their effect on polyamine transport and synthesis in cultured type II pneumocytes. Rat type II pneumocytes were isolated, cultured overnight, and treated with RA and/or EGF for 24 hours. Polyamine transport was determined by [(3)H]spermidine uptake, and polyamine synthesis was assessed by the activity of the initial rate-limiting enzyme ornithine decarboxylase. EGF (100 ng/mL) significantly increased spermidine transport, but RA did not. At low concentrations of spermidine (2 microM), the combined effect of RA and EGF on spermidine transport was additive. Both EGF (25 ng/mL) and RA (1 microM) increased polyamine synthesis, and cotreatment resulted in an additive effect (a fourfold increase over the control). We also found that ornithine decarboxylase activity is greatly diminished in the presence of tyrphostin B56, which is a specific inhibitor for the tyrosine kinase of the EGF receptor, suggesting that polyamine synthesis within the type II pneumocyte may depend on activation of tyrosine kinase of the EGF receptor. These results indicate that RA and EGF increase the availability of polyamines, which may be important in the lung cell repair process.
Synthesis of high-Tg hole-transporting polymers with different redox potentials and their performance in organic two-layer LEDs

Organic hole transport materials are used in organic LEDs, where they substantially improve device performance if placed as a hole transport layer (HTL) between the anode and the electroluminescent layer (EL). Soluble polymeric hole transport materials with high glass transition temperatures are of particular interest, because they allow for efficient device fabrication through spin casting of the HTL, and high glass transition temperatures have been found to improve thermal and long-term stability of the device. The redox potential of the hole transport material determines the facility of charge injection at the anode/HTL and the HTL/EL interfaces, thus affecting the overall device efficiency. We have synthesized a series of soluble hole-transporting polymers with glass transition temperatures in the range of 130 degrees C to 150 degrees C. The synthetic method allows facile substitution of the hole transport functionality with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups, which permits tuning of the redox potential of the polymer. These polymers have been used as HTL in tow-layer devices ITO/HTL/Alq/Mg. The maximum external quantum efficiency increase, if the redox potential is changed to facilitate reduction of the hole transport material at the HTL/EL interface. Electron-deficient derivatives show higher external quantum efficiencies. The device stability, however, follows the opposite trend.
Cerebral air emboli with atrial-esophageal fistula following atrial fibrillation ablation: a case report and review.

Background: Atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and early complication of radiofrequency ablation for medically refractory atrial fibrillation, but has devastating consequences when the diagnosis is delayed or difficult to make. Methods: Single case in a neurosciences critical care center. Results: A 69-year-old man with significant cardiac and neurologic medical history who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation 50 days prior to admission to the neurocritical care unit presented with acute left-sided weakness and gram-positive bacterial sepsis. This is an exceptional case discussing the need for early detection of AEF presenting with sepsis, neurologic deficit along with complicated decision-making in the neurocritical care setting. His hospital course was complicated by acute stroke, left ventricular (LV) aneurysm with thrombus, gastrointestinal (GI) bleed discovered to be from left atrial esophageal fistula, and subsequent cerebral air emboli leading to death. Conclusions: This is the most delaye...
The role of prophylactic oophorectomy in the avoidance of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy in the avoidance of ovarian cancer. METHOD: A survey was performed of all members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and all obstetrician-gynecologists in the State of Connecticut. RESULT: Seventy-nine percent of gynecologic oncologists and 72% of obstetrician-gynecologists surveyed reported 0–1% of women would be saved from ovarian cancer if one ovary was removed at elective hysterectomy at age 45 years. If both ovaries were removed, 8.4% and 32.1% of these physicians respectively responded that 95–100% of women could be saved from ovarian cancer. Approximately 50% responded that macroscopic appearance and frozen section studies at surgery were helpful in deciding whether to remove ovaries at hysterectomy. A literature review suggested that 12% of ovarian cancers might be avoided if women undergo prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of well-designed epidemiologic studies evaluating risk factors for ovarian cancer and the role of prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy.
Earth-Impact Modeling and Analysis of a Near-Earth Object Fragmented and Dispersed by Nuclear Subsurface Explosions

Although various technologies, including nuclear explosions, kinetic impactors, and slow- pull gravity tractors, have been proposed for mitigating the impact threat of near-Earth objects (NEOs), there is no consensus on how to reliably deflect or disrupt such hazardous NEOs in a timely manner. This paper describes the orbital dispersion modeling, analysis, and simulation of an NEO fragmented and dispersed by nuclear subsurface explosions. It is shown that various fundamental approaches of Keplerian orbital dynamics can be effectively employed for the orbital dispersion analysis of fragmented NEOs. This paper also shows that, under certain conditions, proper disruption using a nuclear subsurface explosion with shallow burial is a feasible strategy, providing considerable impact damage reduction if all other approaches fail.
Nonenzymatic Synthesis of Oligoadenylates on Template lacking Steric Regularity

POLYNUCLEOTIDES can function as templates not only in the enzymatic synthesis of nucleic acid, but also in the spontaneous condensation of activated nucleotide derivatives. These condensations merit study as a model of prebiotic synthesis and replication of nucleic acids, despite the fact that their conversion rate is low and the only products are oligomers. Previous condensation studies used polynucleotide templates with highly ordered bases. In this study, we used an atactic polymer, poly(l-vinyluracil), poly(vU) and compared its efficiency as a template in the condensation reaction with that of polyuridylic acid, poly(U).
Tissue-specific expression of the 79B actin gene during Drosophila development.

We report temporal and tissue-specific patterns of expression of the 79B actin gene in Drosophila. The pattern of accumulation of 79B actin transcripts was determined and compared to the expression of a 79B actin promoter fused to the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase reporter gene. This chimeric gene contained approximately 4 kb of 5′ flanking DNA from the 79B actin gene. We found that β-galactosidase activity in transformants was localized in the same tissues and possessed the same developmental timing as the transcripts of the 79B actin gene. Expression is limited to tubular-type muscles found predominantly in the thorax and leg, including the direct flight muscles, pleurosternal muscles, and muscles of the various leg segments. In addition, the 79B actin gene is expressed in muscles which support the head and abdomen, in the scutellar pulsatile organ, and in abdominal muscles which are present only in male flies.
The role of the adiabatic principle in ion chemistry: a personal history

Prior to their measurement in the laboratory, several critical ionospheric ion–molecule reactions were excluded from models on the basis of the adiabatic principle of Ehrenfest. Following the development of versatile laboratory measurement techniques, a number of these reactions were found to be fast, implying that the adiabatic principle was generally inapplicable to thermal energy ion–molecule reactions. Examples of rare exceptions are shown. More recently, there have been successful applications of this theory as evidenced in Landau–Teller plots of vibrational quenching and excitation of various ions.
Reforming state-market relations in rural China1

Because of the political importance of stable and affordable food prices, governments in transitional economies in Europe and Asia fkequently struggle to balance the desire to maintain state controls in the rural sector with the goal of promoting market development and privatizing or commercializing state agencies involved in rural trade or finance. This paper examines institutional change in China's rural state agencies during the reform period, focusing on the conflict between managerial incentives to maximize profits, on the one hand, and implement policy, on the other. We explain the reasons for changing contractual incentives and authority arrangements over time, assess the effects of new institutional forms on economic performance and policy implementation, and consider reform options.
Effects of Added Substrate on the Production and Population Characteristics of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Ponds

. The effects of added substrate on the growth and population characteristics of freshwater prawns raised in ponds were evaluated. Juvenile prawns (0.3 × 0.2 g) were stocked into six 0.04-ha ponds at a density of 59,280/ha. In three randomly selected ponds artificial substrate was added sufficient to increase available surface area approximately 20%. Three control ponds received no added substrate. Added substrate consisted of PVC frames with horizontal plastic mesh and vertical suspended seines. Prawns were fed a commercial diet (32% protein) twice daily according to a computer-generated feeding schedule. At harvest average individual weight, daily yield, and total yield were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds with added substrate (37 g, 12.0 kg/ha per day, and 1,268 kg/ha, respectively). There was no significant difference in survival between treatments, averaging 59% overall. In ponds without substrate the number of small males (SM) was significantly higher and the number of orange claw males (OC) was significantly lower than in ponds with added substrate. Average individual weights of blue claw males, orange claw males, reproductive females, and virgin females were significantly higher (P × 0.05) in ponds with added substrate. Prawns raised in ponds containing added substrate had growth rates and population structures characteristic of prawns stocked at lower densities. Optimum relationships between stocking rates and amounts and types of added substrate should be evaluated as possible methods to increase production levels.
Angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract In this review, various aspects of angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) as applied to solid state- and surface chemical- studies are discussed. Special requirements for instrumentation are first considered. The use of grazing-emission angles to enhance surface sensitivity and study surface concentration profiles of various types is then discussed. Various effects that may limit the accuracy of such measurements such as surface roughness, electron refraction, and elastic scattering are considered. Several examples of surface-specific electronic structure changes as studied by grazing-emission ARXPS (e.g., valence-band narrowing and core-level shifts) are also reviewed. The use of grazing-incidence geometries for surface enhancement is also briefly considered. Single-crystal studies providing additional types of information via ARXPS are next discussed. For core-level emission from single-crystal substrates or adsorbed overlayers, x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) is found to produce considerable fine structure in polar- or azimuthal- scans of intensity. Such XPD effects can be very directly related to the atomic geometry near a surface, for example, through simple intramolecular or intermolecular scattering processes. A straightforward single scattering or kinematical theory also appears to describe such effects rather well, thus far permitting several structures to be solved by analyses of azimuthal intensity scans. Likely future developments and possible limitations of such XPD structure studies are also discussed. Finally, valence-band ARXPS is considered, and it is shown that pronounced direct-transition effects can be observed provided that the specimen Debye-Waller factor is not too small. A simple free-electron final-state model is found to predict these direct-transition effects very well, and future studies at low temperatures and with higher angular resolution seem promising.
Reversible covalent immobilization of ligands and proteins on polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract Ligands and proteins were covalently but reversibly immobilized on polyacrylamide gels using novel acrylic monomers whose syntheses are reported here. These reagents have an acrylyl group at one end for copolymerization into gels, an N-succinimidyl ester at the other allowing rapid immobilization of molecules having an available primary amino group, and a cleavable disulfide bond in the middle. Two immobilization methods were developed using these reagents. In the first method, a ligand with a primary amino group was treated with the immobilization reagent in anhydrous ethanol and the resulting amide derivative was purified and copolymerized with acrylamide and bisacrylamide resulting in the desired reversible immobilization. In the second method, the immobilization reagents (at densities up to 50 μmol/ml) were directly copolymerized with acrylamide and bisacrylamide to form activated gels of the desired shape and porosity. Proteins or other ligands in aqueous buffers were then added to the activated gels resulting in their covalent immobilization. Ligands or proteins immobilized using the methods reported here remained stably bound even when gels were subjected to boiling in detergents or high-ionic-strength buffers. Immobilized ligands were readily released (>62;97%) from gels by treatment with quantitative amounts of aqueous dithiothreitol (DTT) under mild conditions. Immobilized proteins were also released (up to 87%) from the gels by DTT treatment. Small ligands (e.g., aminohexyl glycosides), active enzymes, and glycoproteins were immobilized, and then recovered, using these reagents.
A glioblastoma neurosphere line with alternative lengthening of telomeres.

Neoplastic cells must maintain telomeres in order to replicate extensively, often by inducing telomerase activity. However, some tumors use a telomerase-independent mechanism dependent upon homologous recombination known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) [1]. ALT has been identified in 11–24 % of glioma tissue samples [2–4], but has been demonstrated in only one glioma cell line (TG20) [5]. In this brief letter, we describe a second ALT-positive glioblastoma (GBM) cell line.
Implementing Concurrent Engineering in Small Manufacturing Enterprises

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on developing a general strategy for implementing concurrent engineering. Because no two manufacturers are alike in all aspects, no single correct method exists for implementing concurrent engineering. Therefore, the recommendations outlined in the research are intended to be guidelines to consider and evaluate with regard to their applicability in a particular setting. The article presents a brief overview of concurrent engineering, including information on its purpose, the need for its implementation, and its benefits. The implementation strategy developed is applicable to manufacturers of any size. This strategy is presented as a cyclic approach centered around the concept of continuous improvement.
A Neurodegenerative Disease Sleep Questionnaire: Principal component analysis in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Sleep disturbances are common in many neurodegenerative diseases and may include altered sleep duration, fragmented sleep, nocturia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and vivid dreaming experiences, with occasional parasomnias. Although representing the “gold standard,” polysomnography is not always cost-effective or available for measuring sleep disturbance, particularly for screening. Although numerous sleep-related questionnaires exist, many focus on a specific sleep disturbance (e.g., restless legs, REM Behavior Disorder) and do not capture efficiently the variety of sleep issues experienced by such patients. We administered the 12-item Neurodegenerative Disease Sleep Questionnaire (NDSQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to 145 idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients. Principal component analysis using eigenvalues greater than 1 suggested five separate components: sleep quality (e.g., sleep fragmentation), nocturia, vivid dreams/nightmares, restless legs symptoms, and sleep-disordered breathing. These results demonstrate construct validity of our sleep questionnaire and suggest that the NDSQ may be a useful screening tool for sleep disturbances in at least some types of neurodegenerative disorders.
A heuristic design advisor for incorporating pollution prevention concepts in chemical process design

The application of pollution prevention concepts to chemical process design is often hampered by lack of sufficient information about potential design alternatives. The high cost of collecting this information can thus present act as a constraint on the thoroughness of the final design optimization. One approach to dealing with such data constraints is the application of design heuristics. Particularly when coupled with the use of robust optimization methods, heuristic approaches can provide useful insight and direction at all stages of the design effort. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been developing a heuristic-based tool for use in chemical process design. Known as the Process Heuristic Review of Environmental Design (PHRED) this design tool uses conventional backwards chaining expert systems techniques to identify and prioritize applicable design heuristics based on a minimal set of process data. The development philosophy and current status of the PHRED tool are discussed in this paper.
The appropriateness of situational disclosures and the perceptions of interpersonal attraction and adjustment

As an elaboration of the concept of self-disclosure, self disclosure flexibility, defines as the modulation of disclosure in accordance with target and setting conditions, has been related to greater social perceptiveness and generally successful interpersonal functioning. The present study investigated the manner in which the appropriateness of self-disclosure related to the concept of disclosure flexibility. Subjects rated contrived protocols which varied disclosure appropriateness with respect to target and setting conditions. Significant main effects for target and setting disclosure appropriateness for both adjustment and attraction variables were observed. Results are interpreted as indicating that differential perceptions of self-disclosure are largely contingent on the appropriateness of the disclosure and not the flexibility per se. Implications of the study are discussed in terms of the current method of assessing self-disclosure flexibility.
Phenomenology of giant magnetic-field-induced strain in ferromagnetic shape-memory materials (invited)

Ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys have recently emerged as a new class of active materials showing very large magnetic-field-induced extensional strains. Recently, a single crystal of a tetragonally distorted Heusler alloy in the NiMnGa system has shown a 5% shear strain at room temperature in a field of 4 kOe. The magnetic and crystallographic aspects of the twin-boundary motion responsible for this effect are described. Ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys strain by virtue of the motion of the boundaries separating adjacent twin variants. The twin-boundary motion is driven by the Zeeman energy difference between the adjacent twins due to their nearly orthogonal magnetic easy axes and large magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The twin boundary constitutes a nearly 90° domain wall. Essentially, twin-boundary motion shorts out the more difficult magnetization rotation process. The field and stress dependence of the strain are reasonably well accounted for by minimization of a simple free energy expression includin...
STUDIES OF THE HEMOLYSIS OF RED BLOOD CELLS BY MUMPS VIRUS III. ALTERATIONS IN LIPOPROTEINS OF THE RED BLOOD CELL WALL

Evidence from microscopic studies indicates that hemolysis caused by the mumps virus hemolysin is a chemical type of hemolysis. Chromatographic analyses of the reaction mixture of erythrocytes and mumps virus following hemolysis indicate that hemolysis is not due to the action of a lecithinase A and that lysolecithin does not play a part in this process. The alteration of a component of the erythrocyte similar to sphingomyelin suggests that some of the phosphatides other than lecithin may be either directly or indirectly affected in the process of hemolysis of red blood cells by the mumps virus.
Rates of ethiodide formation and the stereochemistry of ajmaline at C-21

Les auteurs ont mesure les vitesses de reaction entre l'ajmaline plus derives et l'iodure d'ethyle. Les conclusions stereochimiques deTaylor au C-21 en ont ete confirmees.
Nutrition and wound healing

A role for nutrition therapy in the regulation of wound healing has been predicated on two concepts. The first is that malnutrition increases the risk of wound-related complications. The second is that dietary intervention, either in the form of complete nutrition support or as single nutrient supplementation, can improve or accelerate the wound-healing response. Although frequently stated and extensively discussed, these two concepts are not supported by objective data.
Mining America: The Industry and the Environment, 1800-1980

Throughout the nineteenth century, miners were given virtually free rein to profit without having to worry about impacts to the land, water, and air. But during the twentieth century, the mining industry has evidenced serious concerns about its effects on the environment. Since the 1960s, mining and its consequences have become heated issues of public debate and legislative reform. By the mid-1970s, a number of industry hard-liners were still clinging to nineteenth-century values, but many more were accepting the legacy of mining's past and were beginning to integrate preservation and reclamation into their plans. 'Mining America" is a vivid account of the damage wrought by almost two centuries of mining, but its main focus is on the conflicting attitudes behind the destruction and on society's responses. Veteran author and historian Duane Smith asserts that the marriage of mining and environmental issues was bound to touch America's sensitive pocketbook nerve -- but the question now is, are all groups willing to pay the price?
Investigation of mechanism(s) of DNA damage induced by 4-monochlorobiphenyl (PCB3) metabolites.

Abstract 4-Monochlorobiphenyl (PCB3) is readily converted by xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes to dihydroxy-metabolites and quinones. The PCB3 hydroquinone (PCB3-HQ; 2-(4′-chlorophenyl)-1,4-hydroquinone) induces chromosome loss in Chinese Hamster V79 cells, whereas the para- quinone (PCB3-pQ; 2-(4′-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzoquinone) very efficiently induces gene mutations and chromosome breaks. Apparently, each of these two metabolites, which are a redox pair, has a different spectrum of genotoxic effects due to different, metabolite-specific mechanisms. We hypothesized that the HQ requires enzymatic activation by peroxidases with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the ultimate genotoxin, whereas the pQ reacts directly with nucleophilic sites in DNA and/or proteins. To examine this hypothesis, we employed two cell lines with different myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, MPO-rich HL-60 and MPO-deficient Jurkat cells, and measured cytotoxicity, DNA damage (COMET assay), MPO activity, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular free –SH groups (monochlorobimane assay, MCB) and free GSH contents (enzyme recycling method) after treatment with PCB3-HQ and PCB3-pQ. We also examined the modulation of these effects by normal/low temperature, pre-treatment with an MPO inhibitor (succinylacetone, SA), or GSH depletion. PCB3- p -Q increased intracellular ROS levels and induced DNA damage in both HL-60 and Jurkat cells at 37 °C and 6 °C, indicating a direct, MPO-independent mode of activity. It also strongly reduced intracellular free –SH groups and GSH levels in normal and GSH-depleted cells. Thus the ROS increase could be caused by reduced protection by GSH or non-enzymatic autoxidation of the resulting PCB3-HQ-GSH adduct. PCB3-HQ did not produce a significant reduction of intracellular GSH in HL-60 cells and reduced intracellular free –SH groups only at the highest concentration tested in GSH depleted cells. Moreover, PCB3-HQ induced DNA damage and ROS production only at 37 °C in HL-60 cells, not at 6 °C or in Jurkat cells at either temperature; no significant DNA damage and ROS production was observed in HL-60 cells at 37 °C if MPO activity was inhibited by SA. These studies show that the effects of PCB3-HQ are enzyme dependent, i.e. PCB3-HQ is oxidized by MPO in HL-60 cells with the generation of ROS and induction of DNA damage. However, this is not the case with the PCB3-pQ, which may produce DNA damage by the reactivity of the quinone with the DNA or nuclear proteins, or possibly by indirectly increasing intracellular ROS levels by GSH depletion. These different modes of action explain not only the different types of genotoxicity observed previously, but also suggest different organ specificity of these genotoxins.
SpeechOmeter: heads-up monitoring to improve speech clarity

Individuals with neuromotor speech disorders due to conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease and Cerebral Palsy have soft and slurred speech. These individuals receive speech training to increase vocal loudness and to speak slowly and clearly. Although successful in clinical settings, generalizability of these techniques to daily conversation requires technological innovation. To address this issue we designed SpeechOmeter, a Google Glass application that provides unobtrusive real-time visual feedback on vocal loudness relative to the ambient noise level. The system also provides clinicians with treatment adherence and performance statistics in order to further personalize speech training regimes. In a longitudinal usability study 12 individuals with MS increased vocal loudness when provided with feedback. A live demonstration of SpeechOmeter will enable attendees to experience the system.
The “real-life” variability of CA-125 in ovarian cancer patients

Abstract Background. The serum CA-125 antigen value has proven to be useful in predicting changes that affect prognosis and management of ovarian cancer; however, interpreting variations in the tumor marker is still not well-defined. Our goal was to further understand the analytical variability of CA-125 in a conventional hospital laboratory. Methods. In an IRB-approved study, ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer patients receiving active therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation had a blood sample obtained prospectively during a routine clinic visit. The sample was separated into three aliquots then submitted on three different weekdays for CA-125 analysis. Laboratory personnel performing the CA-125 assays had no knowledge that this blood was part of a research study. The CA-125 assay used was a microparticle enzyme immunoassay from Abbott AxSYM system™. Results. Fifty-one blood samples were obtained from 45 patients (median age: 62; range: 45–89). The samples were stratified into 3 sub-groups: 600 U/ml (12 samples). Analysis of CA-125 consisted of calculating the standard deviations (SD) and coefficients of variations (CV) for each patient's samples. The median SD for CA-125 600 U/ml was 56.12, mean SD 149.73 ± 230.35, median CV 2.10, and mean CV 10.93 ± 24.75. Conclusions. CA-125 assay imprecision can contribute considerably to result variations in a conventional laboratory setting, with the degree of variation being directly related to the absolute CA-125 value. However, the relative variability is fairly constant with a median of 1.5–2.5% of the CA-125 concentration.