cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene 3′ enhancers deregulate bcl -2 promoter usage in t(14;18) lymphoma cells

In t(14;18) lymphomas, bcl-2 is juxtaposed to the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (IgH), resulting in increased bcl-2 transcription and resistance to apoptosis. Regulatory elements of both the bcl-2 promoter and the IgH enhancers are believed to play a role in the increased expression of bcl-2 in t(14;18) lymphoma cells. In addition, transcription of the translocated bcl-2 allele is deregulated with activation of the normally minor bcl-2 P2 promoter. The mechanisms involved in the promoter shift from P1 to P2 are not known. We found that the murine IgH 3′ enhancers increased bcl-2 P2 promoter activity in an episomal model of the translocation, and IgH enhancer region HS12 had the greatest effect. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that localized histone H3 hyperacetylation of the P2 promoter was observed on the translocated allele in t(14;18) DHL-4 cells and also on the stably transfected bcl-2 promoter-IgH enhancer episomal construct. Analysis of the HS12 enhancer region revealed that a previously identified nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) site and a previously uncharacterized downstream Cdx site, both of which are conserved in the human and murine IgH enhancers, were important for its enhancer activity and promoter activation. ChIP assays showed that C/EBPβ bound to the HS12 Cdx site in vivo, and mutation of this site abrogated the binding of C/EBPβ. Reduced expression of C/EBPβ by transfection of small interfering RNA or interference with NF-κB activity decreased transcription from the bcl-2 promoters. These results demonstrate that the IgH 3′ enhancers, particularly HS12, are important for the deregulation of bcl-2 promoter usage in t(14;18) lymphomas.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Antiferromagnetism in LaCrO 3

THE presence of antiferromagnetic ordering in LaCrO3 has been verified before by both neutron diffraction1 and static magnetic susceptibility2 techniques. In the former case, a Neel temperature of approximately 320° K. is reported, while the susceptibility results indicate Tn ≍ 295° K. Above Tn, LaCrO3 is paramagnetic and hence amenable to investigation by standard electron paramagnetic resonance techniques. We have carried out the experimental resonance investigations over the temperature-range 200–450° K.
Subchronic apocynin treatment attenuates methamphetamine-induced dopamine release and hyperactivity in rats.

Abstract Aims The effects of methamphetamine are linked to stimulation of dopaminergic neurons, which can be accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-acetophenone) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase (NOX) inhibitor shown to mitigate oxidative stress in a number of models. The present study aimed at testing whether apocynin suppresses the dopamine-releasing and locomotor-activating properties of methamphetamine. Main methods (1) Apocynin (0.01–100 μM) was applied to rat striatal slices preloaded with [ 3 H]dopamine and its efficacy to evoke [ 3 H]overflow and to alter methamphetamine (3 μM)-evoked [ 3 H]overflow was measured. (2) Groups of rats received apocynin (15 or 50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle injection for seven consecutive days, and the efficacy and potency of methamphetamine to evoke [ 3 H]overflow were determined. (3) Groups of apocynin-treated rats were administered methamphetamine (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) or saline to determine the effect of apocynin on stimulant-induced hyperactivity. Key findings (1) Apocynin applied to striatal slices did not evoke [ 3 H]overflow or alter methamphetamine-evoked [ 3 H]overflow. (2) However, subchronic apocynin treatment significantly and dose-dependently decreased methamphetamine's potency and efficacy to evoke [ 3 H]overflow. (3) Subchronic apocynin treatment also decreased the locomotor activity evoked by methamphetamine. Significance Subchronic apocynin treatment diminished methamphetamine induced dopamine-release and its locomotor-activating properties. The pattern of results indicates that apocynin is more effective after repeated, rather than after acute, treatment. The findings also suggest that NOX inhibitors or agents suppressing oxidative stress may constitute a new area for research to understand how methamphetamine produces its deleterious and neurotoxic outcomes in the brain.
Colonization of the developing murine enteric nervous system and subsequent phenotypic expression by the precursors of peptidergic neurons

The development of peptidergic neurons was analyzed in the murine bowel. Neurons, detected immunocytochemically with antisera to substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), respectively, were selected for study. Explantation of the primordial bowel with subsequent growth in organotypic tissue culture served as an assay for the presence of neuronal precursor cells within the developing gut. One objective of the study was to determine whether the neural crest population that initially colonizes the mammalian bowel contains the precursors of peptidergic neurons as well as those of neurons that contain small molecule neurotransmitters, or whether peptidergic neurons are derived from a later migration of emigr es to the gut. A second objective was to compare the timing of peptidergic phenotypic expression with that of the small molecule neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-HT). The precursors of peptidergic neurons were found to have colonized the bowel prior to the appearance of recognizable neurons of any type. The immunocytochemical detection of SP and VIP in vivo lagged behind the appearance of cholinergic and serotonergic markers by at least 2 days in the foregut and by greater than 3 days in the hindgut. Peptidergic neurons showed a proximodistal pattern of phenotypic expression. These observations support the hypothesis that the murine bowel is colonized by a single wave of precursor cells that contains the primordia of peptidergic neurons as well as neurons that use small molecule neurotransmitters. Data are consistent with the earlier expression of the small molecule phenotype. The proximodistal sequence of phenotypic expression in the absence of a similar sequence in precursor colonization supports an interaction between the precursors of enteric neurons and the microenvironment of the gut that modulates neuronal phenotypic expression.
Thiosulfate oxidation by three soils as influenced by temperature

Ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) is a popular liquid fertilizer in North America, and potassium thiosulfate (KTS) is also gaining acceptance for specialty purposes. Thiosulfate is known to oxidize rapidly in soil to tetrathionate and then to sulfate, but little information is available on the effect of temperature on these reactions. The objective of this study was to compare the rates of thiosulfate oxidation at three temperatures (5, 15, 25°C) by three soils, an Enon loamy sand from North Carolina (soil NC), an O'Neill loamy sand from Nebraska (soil NE), and a Vang loam from North Dakota (soil ND). Ammonium thiosulfate, or KTS were added at a rate of 25 mg S kg−1. At 25°C, oxidation was very rapid, being complete after 1 or 2 weeks by all three soils. No apparent immobilization of the applied S was observed with any soil after 2 weeks of incubation. At 15°C, oxidation was slowed, but oxidation was still nearly complete after 2 or 3 weeks. There was some apparent S immobilization by soil NE, and to a lesser de...
Hysteretic Effects in Droplet Motions on Heterogeneous Substrates: Direct Numerical Simulation

A method of calculation is introduced that allows the simulation of the time-dependent three-dimensional motion of liquid droplets on solid substrates for systems with finite equilibrium contact angles. The contact angle is a prescribed function of position on the substrate. An evolution equation is given, using the lubrication assumption, that includes viscous, capillary, and disjoining forces. Motion to and from dry substrate regions is made possible by use of a thin energetically stable wetting layer. We simulate motion on heterogeneous substrates with periodic arrays of high-contact-angle patches. For a homogeneous substrate, calculated droplet spreading rates are compared to published experimental results, revealing the need for a time-scale correction. Two different problems are treated. The first is spontaneous motion driven only by wetting forces. If the contact-angle difference is sufficiently high, the droplet can find several different stable positions, depending on the previous history of the ...
Kernel k-means: spectral clustering and normalized cuts

Kernel k-means and spectral clustering have both been used to identify clusters that are non-linearly separable in input space. Despite significant research, these methods have remained only loosely related. In this paper, we give an explicit theoretical connection between them. We show the generality of the weighted kernel k-means objective function, and derive the spectral clustering objective of normalized cut as a special case. Given a positive definite similarity matrix, our results lead to a novel weighted kernel k-means algorithm that monotonically decreases the normalized cut. This has important implications: a) eigenvector-based algorithms, which can be computationally prohibitive, are not essential for minimizing normalized cuts, b) various techniques, such as local search and acceleration schemes, may be used to improve the quality as well as speed of kernel k-means. Finally, we present results on several interesting data sets, including diametrical clustering of large gene-expression matrices and a handwriting recognition data set.
The E3 CR1-gamma gene in human adenoviruses associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

Human adenovirus species D type 37 (HAdV-D37) is an important etiologic agent of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Annotation of the whole genome revealed an open reading frame (ORF) in the E3 transcription unit predicted to encode a 31.6kDa protein. This ORF, also known as CR1-γ, is predicted to be an integral membrane protein containing N-terminal signal sequence, luminal, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains. HAdV-D19 (C), another viral pathogen causing epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, contains an ORF 100% identical to its HAdV-D37 homologue but only 66% identical to other HAdV-D homologues. Kinetics of RNA expression and confirmation of splicing to the adenovirus tripartite leader sequence suggest a role for the protein product of CR1-γ in the late stages of the viral replication cycle. Confocal microscopy is consistent with expression in the cytoplasm. Sequence analysis reveals a hypervariable luminal domain and a conserved cytoplasmic domain. The luminal domain is predicted to contain multiple N-glycosylation sites. The cytoplasmic domain contains a putative protein kinase C phosphorylation site and potential YXXϕ and dileucine (LL) motifs suggesting a potential role in modification of host proteins.
Thermodynamics of Mobile Order Theory. Part 3. Comparison of Experimental and Predicted Solubilities for Fluoranthene and Pyrene

Abstract Experimental solubilities are reported for fluoranthene dissolved in eleven organic solvents at 25.0°C and for pyrene dissolved in thirteen different organic nonelectrolyte solvents at 26.0°C. Solvents studied contained chloro-, cyano-, hydroxy-, fluoro-, ester-and amide-functional groups. Results of these measurements, combined with previously published solubility data, are used to test the applications and limitations of expressions derived from Mobile Order theory. For the 42 solvents for which predictions could be made computations show that Mobile Order theory does provide fairly reasonable (although by no means perfect) estimates of the saturation mole fraction solubilities. Average absolute deviations between predicted and observed values are circa 47% and 68% for fluoranthene and pyrene, respectively, if acetonitrile is excluded from the comparison. The average absolute deviations increase significantly to 1940% (flouranthene) and 1780% (pyrene) when ideal solution behavior is assumed.
The development of a mentoring program for university undergraduate women

The Women's Center at a university in the United States implemented a mentoring program based on feminist and networking models to improve the educational climate for female undergraduate students. Due to a lack of literature detailing how to develop such a program, an interdisciplinary team of researchers collaborated with the Women's Center to address program development and implementation, including how to institutionalize the program, effective recruitment and retention strategies, how to facilitate formation of mentor relationships and strategies for maintaining those relationships, appropriate interventions and monitoring, and how to ensure that the program met mentees' needs. Among the findings are that success depends on a full‐time and dedicated coordinator, appropriate matching of mentors and mentees, and emphasis during training on continuing communication between mentors and mentees to reassess mentee needs.
Questioning the Militarization of U.S. police: Critical versus advocacy scholarship∗

(1999). Questioning the Militarization of U.S. police: Critical versus advocacy scholarship. Policing and Society: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 141-155.
Global optimization of file availability through replication for efficient file sharing in MANETs

File sharing applications in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have attracted more and more attention in recent years. The efficiency of file querying suffers from the distinctive properties of MANETs including node mobility and limited communication range and resource. An intuitive method to alleviate this problem is to create file replicas in the network. However, despite the efforts on file replication, no research has focused on the global optimal replica sharing with minimum average querying delay. Specifically, current file replication protocols in MANETs have two shortcomings. First, they lack a rule to allocate limited resource to different files in order to minimize the average querying delay. Second, they simply consider storage as resource for replicas, but neglect the fact that the file holders' frequency of meeting other nodes also plays an important role in determining file availability. A node having a higher meeting frequency with others provides higher availability to its files. In this paper, we introduce a new concept of resource for file replication, which considers both node storage and meeting frequency. We theoretically study the influence of resource allocation on the average querying delay and derive a resource allocation rule to minimize the average querying delay. We further propose a distributed file replication protocol that follows the rule. The trace-driven experiments on both the real-world GENI testbed and NS-2 show that our protocol can achieve shorter average querying delay at lower cost than current replication protocols, which justifies the correctness of our theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed protocol.
Event detection in sensor networks for modern oil fields

We report the experience of implementing event detection analytics to monitor and forewarn oil production failures in modern, digitized oil fields. Modern oil fields are equipped with thousands of sensors and gauges to measure various physical and chemical characteristics of oil and gas from underground reservoirs to distribution systems. Data from these massive sensor networks weave a picture depicting the state of oil production and potentially hinting at troubles ahead. Continuous streams of sensor readings can be tapped and fed into analytical algorithms in real time to estimate the likelihood of failure events and generate alerts for possible engineering actions. However, the large amount of main memory required to maintain algorithmic states on cumulative stream data poses challenges to today's web-centric, short-message oriented IT infrastructure. Familiar techniques such as data aggregation, selective sampling and window truncating cannot be applied to some sophisticated algorithms. The paper details our end-to-end solution, points out mismatches with the prevalent transactional web model and suggests new research directions.
Computer-assisted structure-activity studies of chemical carcinogens: a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon data set.

Abstract Studies of molecular structure-carcinogenicity relations for a large set of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are reported. A computer-assisted approach using pattern recognition methods was employed to develop a predictive model for PAH carcinogenic potential. Twenty-eight calculated molecular structure descriptors were identified that were able to support a linear discriminant function that could correctly classify 191 PAHs as carcinogens or noncarcinogens. A predictive ability of 90.5% correct classifications was obtained in randomized testing. This study demonstrates that pattern recognition methods can be useful in analyzing PAHs for carcinogenic activity.
Design and performance of thickness-shear vibrating quartz filter crystals

A study has been made of the effect of crystal-blank and electrode geometries on the performance of AT-cut and BT-cut quartz-crystal units intended for use in filters. Methods for controlling the frequencies and activities of unwanted modes of vibration are described, and it is shown that, by scaling the geometries, it is possible to translate crystal designs from one frequency to another. At frequencies below about 10 Mc/s, the unwanted spectrum of inharmonic thickness-shear resonances can be modified by the application of acoustically lossy material and the vacuum deposition of metal layers on to regions of the crystal which are most active for these modes of vibration. Above 10 Mc/s, it is found that the motional area of the crystal does not extend far outside the central electroded area, and, in view of this, it is possible to have more than one resonant section on the miniaturisation. Frequency/temperature between thickness-shear vibrations and influenced by the electrode thickness and same quartz blank, thereby obtaining a considerable degree of and activity/temperature characteristics, illustrating coupling high overtones of low-frequency resonances, are shown to be the method of mounting the crystal.
Numerical evaluation of the effects of friction and geometric nonlinearities on the energy release rate in three- and four-point bend end-notched flexure tests

Abstract Nonlinear finite element analyses are used to examine the effects of friction and geometric nonlinearities on the energy release rate in three- and four-point bend end-notched flexure tests. Energy release rates are first determined by a recently developed direct energy balance approach. It is shown that the finite diameter loading rollers that are typically used in practical test set-ups cause both tests to be inherently nonlinear. The effect of these nonlinearities on the energy release rate is shown to be larger in the four point than the three point test and to increase with increasing roller diameter, increasing coefficient of friction along the crack plane, and decreasing supporting span length. For the four point test, the effect of these nonlinearities is also shown to increase with increasing ratio of inner to outer span length. Next, energy release rates at the onset of crack advance are determined by a simulated compliance calibration technique. This “perceived toughness” is compared with predictions of the “true toughness” given by the direct energy balance approach at the same load. It is shown that perceived toughnesses from this simulated compliance calibration procedure are larger than previously reported results that were obtained in a similar fashion using linear theory. In addition, the perceived toughness is shown to strongly depend upon the range used for fitting the load versus deflection data to obtain compliance. These findings are used to make some general recommendations regarding use of the two test methods and their associated data reduction techniques.
Interactions between Hairy/Enhancer of Split-related proteins and the pancreatic transcription factor Ptf1-p48 modulate function of the PTF1 transcriptional complex

In the developing pancreas, the onset of exocrine differentiation is driven by the activity of the PTF1 (pancreas transciption factor 1) transcriptional complex, which is comprised of the class II bHLH (basic helix–loop–helix) protein, Ptf1-p48 [also known as Ptf1a (pancreas specific transcription factor 1a)], and a class I E-box binding partner. Activity of the PTF1 complex is normally inhibited by the Notch signalling pathway, a process mediated by Notch effector proteins in the HES (Hairy/Enhancer of Split) family of bHLH transcriptional repressors. In the present study, we show that this inhibitory effect occurs through direct interaction between HES family members and Ptf1-p48. The HES family members Hey1 (hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1) and Hey2 co-immunoprecipitate with Ptf1-p48, and Ptf1-p48 binding by Hes1 is also evident in yeast two-hybrid and GST (glutathione S-transferase) pull-down assays. The ability of Hes1 to interact with Ptf1-p48 resides within a fragment comprised of the bHLH, Orange and C-terminal domains, and does not require the N-terminal or WRPW elements. The ability of truncated versions of Hes1 to bind Ptf1-p48 correlates with their ability to down-regulate the activity of the PTF1 transcriptional complex, defining Ptf1-p48 binding as the most likely mechanism by which Notch effector proteins delay exocrine pancreatic differentiation.
Cold Tolerance and Fatty Acid Composition of Striped Bass, White Bass, and Their Hybrids

Abstract Cold tolerance of striped bass Morone saxatilis, white bass M. chrysops, palmetto bass (female striped bass × male white bass), and sunshine bass (female white bass × male striped bass) were compared under controlled laboratory conditions. Two groups of each taxon were acclimated at 20°C in a recirculating-water system housed in an environmental chamber and were fed either a natural or prepared diet for 84 d. The fatty acid composition of the natural diet was 13% more unsaturated than that of the prepared diet. Fish fed the natural diet subsequently had unsaturated: Saturated fatty acid ratios 10-25% higher than fish fed the prepared diet. After being subjected to identical simulated cold fronts (10°C drop in surface water temperature, as if the fish were confined in cages or pens), all groups of fish fed the prepared diet suffered high mortality (50-90%) whereas there was zero mortality among the groups receiving the natural diet. White bass and sunshine bass fed the prepared diet had higher sur...
Matrix exponential approach to dynamic response

Abstract The matrix exponential technique, widely used in modern control theory, is adapted as a direct integration procedure for predicting the dynamic response due to discrete inputs. A sample problem whose exact solution is known is solved analytically, and the response is compared with the Wilson method, as well as the matrix exponential. The method is then applied to the response of a nuclear structure subjected to an earthquake excitation. Results indicate that the matrix exponential method is well-suited for problems where the input data is known in digitized form.
Evaluation of photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy for simultaneous measurement of N2O and CO2 gas concentrations and fluxes at the soil surface

Simultaneous measurement of N2 O and CO2 flux at the soil surface with photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy (PAS) is gaining popularity due to portability, low maintenance, and ease-of-operation. However, the ability of PAS to measure N2 O with accuracy and precision similar to gas chromatography (GC) is uncertain due to overlap in N2 O, CO2 , and H2 O absorbance spectra combined with the large range in analyte concentrations. We tested the ability of six PAS units to simultaneously measure N2 O and CO2 gas concentrations and fluxes with accuracy and precision similar to two GC units. We also evaluated H2 O vapor and CO2 interferences with N2 O measurement. The accuracy and precision of standard gas concentration measurements with PAS and GC were similar. High water vapor (~26 600 ppm) and CO2 concentrations (~4500 ppm) did not interfere with N2 O measurement across the concentration range typically observed in static flux chambers at the soil surface (~0.5-3.0 ppm N2 O). On average, N2 O fluxes measured with the six PAS were 4.7% higher than one GC and 9.9% lower than the second GC.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the SF-36 in older adults with diabetes in Beijing, China.

Objective This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (China version) in older Chinese with diabetes living in Beijing, China. Methods The SF-36 was administered to community-based sample of 182 older adults with diabetes living in Beijing. Data collection was conducted in face-to-face interviews. Reliability and validity were assessed using internal consistency, convergent and discriminant analyses. Exploratory principal components analyses (PCA) were conducted to compare the sample's response patterns with the hypothesized scale constructs. Results Item level validation of the scale supported the assumptions of the hypothesized structure. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha >.70) of the subscales were acceptable except for the General Health subscale (.67). PCA confirmed general support of the two hypothesized dimensional factors and eight concepts (factors). The physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) explained 62.26% of the variance and the eight factors components explained 67.39% of the variance. Known-group comparisons of scale scores indicated significantly higher levels of functionality for respondents with no blood pressure, heart, or depressive symptomatology problems. Conclusions The Chinese version of the SF-36 showed good reliability and validity and was culturally equivalent. The scale is appropriate for use with older Chinese adults with diabetes.
Anisotropic Elastic Materials That Uncouple Antiplane and Inplane Displacements but not Antiplane and Inplane Stresses, and Vice Versa

When an anisotropic linear elastic material is subjected to a two-dimensional deformation, the antiplane displacement U3 and the inplane displacements ul, U2 are in general coupled. For certain materials such as monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at X3 = 0, the antiplane displacement and the inplane displacements are uncoupled. For these materials, the antiplane stresses 031, 032 and the inplane stresses all, 012, 022 are also uncoupled. We show that there are materials more general than monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at X3 = 0 for which, when the antiplane and inplane displacements are uncoupled, the antiplane and inplane stresses remain coupled. Conversely, when the antiplane and inplane stresses are uncoupled, the antiplane and inplane displacements remain coupled. Examples are presented for which the solutions are identical to the solutions for an isotropic elastic material with additional displacements or stresses that do not exist in isotropic elasticity solutions.
New World Encounters

New World Encounters. STEPHEN GREENBLATT (editor). Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. XVIII + 344 pp., figures, notes, index. $15.00 (paper). ISBN 0–520–08021–1.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can be the initial endocrine manifestation in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia-type I

Abstract purpose: To determine whether patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN-I) can initially present with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES), and to learn whether ZES exhibits any distinguishing features when it occurs as a first manifestation of MEN-I. patients and methods: Sixty patients who had been referred to a clinical research center with ZES were examined by cohort analysis. Twenty-eight had MEN-I and 32 did not. In patients with MEN-I, we analyzed the temporal relationships between the clinical and biochemical manifestations of ZES and the other endocrinopathies associated with the neoplasia. To determine whether patients who had ZES as a first manifestation of MEN-I (n = 8) had any distinguishing clinical characteristics, we compared them to a cohort of patients with established sporadic ZES (n = 32) matched for age, sex, and time since the onset of symptoms consistent with ZES. results: Of the 28 patients with ZES and MEN-I, 11 initially presented with ZES and hyperparathyroidism (HP) and 1 with evidence only for pituitary disease. Eight patients (29%) presented with features of ZES and developed clinical and biochemical evidence for HP later, while the same number developed these 2 endocrinopathies in the opposite order. In whichever order ZES and HP occurred, the time from the diagnosis of the first to the diagnosis of the second was similar. It ranged from 9 to 177 months in patients who presented with ZES first, and from 12 to 264 months in patients who presented with HP first. At the time of initial diagnosis, the patients who presented with ZES as a manifestation of MEN-I had no distinguishing ZES-related symptoms, biochemical assays, or tumor imaging results compared to the cohort of patients who had the syndrome sporadically. conclusion: Patients with MEN-I can initially present with a symptomatic pancreatic endocrine tumor syndrome without any other disease manifestations. In patients with ZES and MEN-I, up to one third may present with ZES without evidence of any other endocrinopathy. Consequently, patients with presumed sporadic ZES should undergo continual biochemical screening for other endocrinopathies characteristic of MEN-I and, in the future, genetic studies for the MEN-I gene.
P5-07-03: Modulation of Autophagic Activity by Extracellular pH.

Reprogramming energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, a common feature of human cancer, results in a relative acidic tumor microenvironment which is further accentuated by hypoxia operating within most tumors. We report that alteration of extracellular pH induces marked and rapid changes of autophagic activity in a variety of cell lines including mammary non-transformed cells and breast cancer cells. Interestingly, acidic and basic conditions induce completely opposite effect on autophagy, with its activity suppressed at lower pH whereas stimulated at higher pH. Gene knockdown experiments indicate that pH induced-autophagy requires Beclin 1, Vps34 and ATG5, key components of the autophagy pathway. Of note, acidic condition not only inhibits the basal but also blocks starvation-induced autophagy activity. Significantly, examination of different areas of tumor mass reveals a lower autophagic activity within the inner region than the outer region. These findings have important implications on the connections between autophagy and cancer as well as a wide range of other physiological and pathological processes. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-03.
Democratic Ledership and Faculty Empowerment at the Community College: A Theoretical Model for the Department Chair

Community college organization at the department level, with diverse disciplines and semiautonomous faculty members, presents important leadership issues for the newly appointed department chair. Faced with an existing culture that looks upon the administration with some mistrust, the chair must work within a leadership perspective of a faculty peer rather than a military commander. The author concludes that the most appropriate theoretical model for a department chair is democratic leadership emphasizing faculty empowerment as a way to overcome faculty resistance to change.
The relationship between absenteeism and production efficiency: An empirical assessment

Despite almost universal agreement that employee absenteeism leads to decreased production efficiency, there is little documentation of a relationship between these variables. Several authors have even suggested that absenteeism might have some beneficial effects. The present study finds that absenteeism and department efficiency are negatively associated only (1) when production processes are not highly automated, and (2) when the absences cannot be anticipated in advance. Despite these limitations, however, the costs attributable to the impact of absenteeism on department efficiency are substantial. Programmes designed to decrease unanticipated absenteeism, therefore, can result in considerable savings by increasing operating efficiency where employees are directly involved in the production process.
New metal-oxide-type pH sensors

Abstract Two new types of metal-oxide pH sensors with a direct solid-state contact have been developed and tested. Their performance was demonstrated near ambient temperatures with a samarium substituted ceria ceramic membrane and single crystals of several molybdenum oxide bronzes. The pH sensors with Na-molybdenum-oxide bronzes show near-ideal Nernstian behaviour in the pH range 3–9. The response was not affected by the direction of the pH change. In contrast, the pH sensor with the Na-tungsten bronze sensitive electrode (SE) shows a deviation from linearity, as well as non-Nernstian behaviour with a slope − 76.3 mV/pH at 25 °C. The response time of most molybdenum bronze pH sensors is less than 5 s for 90% response. The pH sensors with stabilized ceria membrane show close to ambient temperature non-Nernstian behaviour in the pH range 3–10 with a slope − 23.8 mV/pH at 25 °C. With increasing temperatures the behaviour of ceria membrane pH sensors approaches more and more a Nernstian response with slope − 39.9 mV/pH at 60 °C. Both pH sensors also can be used to follow acid-base titrations.
Review Essay: The High Cost of Administration in Health Care: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?

This review article canvassed international comparisons of administrative costs in health care as presented by a book from the Office of Technology Assessment. It argued that the real issue is not whether Americans spend too much on administration but whether their spending buys what Americans want, including not only medical care but also a decentralized, private system of control. It is appealing to argue that Canada has a better and fairer system because it offers similar health outcomes, better overall protection against risk, and higher consumer satisfaction ?all for less money per head?but not because Canada has fewer managers and clerks. Getting the patient the best value is the key, not achieving some right level of administrative cost. (Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics 1995 Summer; 23(2): 186-194).
The 147 nm photodecomposition of monogermane

Abstract The 147 nm photolysis of GeH 4 results in the formation of H 2 , Ge 2 H 6 , Ge 3 H 8 , Ge 4 H 10 and a solid hydridic germanium film or powder. Two primary processes are involved: (a) GeH 4 + hv → GeH 2 + 2H and (b) GeH 4 + hv → GeH 3 + H, with π a = 0.66 and π b = 0.34. The quantum yields depend rather strongly on the partial pressure of GeH 4 , but at 2 Torr are Φ(−GeH 4 ) = 9.0 ± 0.4 and Φ(Ge 2 H 6 ) = 2.6 ± 0.7. The quantum yields of Ge 3 H 8 and Ge 4 H 10 were not measured at 2 Torr, but the average values found at lower pressures were 0.10Φ(Ge 2 H 6 ) and 0.02Φ(Ge 2 H 6 ) respectively; Φ(H 2 ) was not measured. A mechanism is proposed, which incorporates the known reactions of hydrogen atoms, GeH 2 radicals and GeH 3 radicals with GeH 4 and each other, and is shown to be in reasonable accord with the experimental facts.
Psychiatry after virtue: a modern practice in the ruins.

Contemporary psychiatry maintains the myth that it is value neutral by appeal to modern medical science for both its diagnostic categories and its therapeutic interventions, leaving the impression that it relies on reason—that is to say, reason divorced from tradition—to master human nature. Such a practice has a certain way of characterizing and defining humanity's lapses from acceptable human behavior—a lapse from human being. The modern practice of psychiatry applies a particular notion (largely influenced by Enlightenment ideals) of scientific instrumentation to the human person in order to diagnose the ailment and manufacture a corresponding treatment in keeping with a hidden conception of human biological flourishing. This covert vision is an impoverished (and possibly dangerous) one. As much as the practice of psychiatry is constrained by the goals of the dominant moral tradition of our day, it becomes a tool (or technique) for achieving the transient and partial ends of modern individualism. Given this truncated view of human nature and human end, modern psychiatry fails to attend comprehensively to the unity of a life, missing altogether the essential relevance of character formation, and thereby forfeiting excellence in human flourishing.
APJM is now included in SSCI

As your proud Editor-in-Chief, I am pleased to inform you that the Asia Pacific Journal of Management has been accepted for inclusion in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). We received this great news in August 2008, as APJM celebrated our 25th anniversary (and the world celebrated the 29th Olympic Games, which, of course, took place in Asia at that time). As someone who publicly announced, repeatedly, that one of APJM’s main goals under my editorship was to join SSCI (Peng, 2007a, 2007b, 2008), there is no better news to share than this. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Platinum silicide study for submicron CMOS application: dielectric breakdown of gate oxide and correlation with yield models

Abstract The effect of a platinum silicide formation process on gate oxide integrity is reported. Platinum silicide/polysilicon capacitors with sidewall spacer construction on 150 A of gate oxide, a structure proposed for submicron CMOS devices, were evaluated for yield to a dielectric breakdown criterion of 7.5 × 10 6 V/cm. The work was done in a 2 3 factorial experiment with conventional data analysis as well as with a computer run Yates algorithm and ANOVA statistical evaluations. A 500 A film of platinum gives a 37% yield of large, 128 × 10 -3 cm 2 capacitors. This is a 17% better yield than given by 1000 A of platinum and is reported with 97% confidence in the data. No statistical difference was observed in capacitor yield between 3 kA and 4kA thick polysilicon. Similarly, no statistical difference was seen when using 2 kA or 3 kA of sidewall spacer oxide. Correlating the data with the Poisson or Seeds statistical models for yield, a defect density of 6.88 cm -2 or 12.7 cm -2 respectively was obtained. Assuming a six transistor, platinum silicide gate, memory cell with gate dimensions of 0.5 μm length and 1.0 μm width, the above defect densities predict between 0.2 and 0.4 gate defects per megabit of memory.
The economics of monographs acquisitions: A time/cost study conducted at Iowa State University

The staff time/cost research conducted at Iowa State University is unique because it represents a longitudinal study. Dilys Morris, Assistant Director for Technical Services, has been collecting and analyzing this data since 1987. This paper provides a brief description of the methodology used at Iowa State University and the study's results as they relate to monographs acquisitions staff costs.
Properties of a triangle with three concurrent Cevian lines

Consider an ordinary triangle with three concurrent Cevian lines drawn from the three vertices. There are six lines altogether in the figure. We assert that the interior ratio within a line segment of all six lines can be easily determined given the interior ratio of any two lines. This is done through four theorems. The first two are the well‐known theorems of Menelaus and Ceva. The third and fourth theorems are less well known, but are presented in simple forms and can be considered as companion theorems to those of Menelaus and Ceva.
An efficient algorithm for equations of motion of molecular dynamical systems

Abstract This paper presents a new efficient sequential O ( N ) algorithm for computer modelling of the motion behaviours of molecular dynamical systems. The method is based on the frozen lightly-excited degrees of freedom of an atom in a molecular system, such as inter-atomic oscillations and rotation about double bonds with high frequencies, so that a reduced molecular system with rigid subsets and joints is formed. Then Kane’s dynamical equations and the internal coordinate method (ICM) are applied to the reduced model for recursive formation and solution of equations of motion of the atomistic molecular system. The increased computational efficiency is accomplished through three sequential computing sweepings along the structure of the molecular system so that the equations of motion are solved when they are being formed at a fixed computing cost. The algorithm provides a sequential O ( N ) computational performance for a molecular system with an open-loop structure. Here N is the total number of subsets.
SecA protein is required for secretory protein translocation into E. coli membrane vesicles

The soluble and membrane components of an E. coli in vitro protein translocation system prepared from a secA amber mutant, secA13[Am], contain reduced levels of SecA and are markedly defective in both the cotranslational and posttranslational translocation of OmpA and alkaline phosphatase into membrane vesicles. Moreover, the removal of SecA from soluble components prepared from a wild-type strain by passage through an anti-SecA antibody column similarly abolishes protein translocation. Translocation activity is completely restored by addition of submicrogram amounts of purified SecA protein, implying that the observed defects are solely related to loss of SecA function. Interestingly, the translocation defect can be overcome by reconstitution of SecA into SecA-depleted membranes, suggesting that SecA is an essential, membrane-associated translocation factor.
Early results of laparoscopic Heller myotomy do not necessarily predict long-term outcome.

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate how patients' symptoms evolve after laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Methods Before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy, 88 patients graded dysphagia and heartburn on a Likert scale (0 = none; 5=severe). Patients graded outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Outcomes were compared in the same patients at 1 and 3 years of follow-up. Results At early follow-up (10.6 ± 7.8 months) significant reductions were noted in dysphagia (11% versus 100%), dysphagia scores (0.6 ± 1.1 versus 4.7 ± 0.7), heartburn (31% versus 72%), and heartburn scores (1.2 ± 1.6 versus 2.7 ± 1.9). By late follow-up (37.6 months ± 18.0) these values increased (47%, 1.9 ± 1.7, 48%, 1.8 ± 1.5, respectively) but remained significantly reduced compared with before operation. Excellent/good outcomes at early and late follow-up were 89% and 85%, respectively ( P = not significant). Conclusions Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is highly effective at palliating the symptoms of achalasia. With time, symptoms may recur owing to esophageal dysmotility, mandating continued surveillance.
Single-channel activity induced in mitoplasts by alkaline pH

Abstract Exposure of patch-clamped mitoplasts to alkaline pH induces a reversible conductance increase (Antonenko, Yu. N., Kinnally, K.W. and Tedeschi, H. (1991) J. Membr. Biol. 124, 151–158) which is due to an increase in open probability of a channel activity of 15 pS and larger transitions. The present study defines in more detail some of the characteristics of the channel activity involved in this conductance increase. The results suggest the presence of two channels one slightly cation-selective of approx. 15 pS (referred to here as alkaline-induced cation-selective activity, ACA) and another slightly anion selective of approx. 45 pS (referred to as alkaline-induced anion-selective activity, AAA). The possible implication of these results in relation to other channels and the permeability transitions reported by others using mitochondrial suspensions is discussed.
A hedonic price analysis of quality characteristics of Japanese Wagyu beef.

Understanding the implicit valuations of beef characteristics in the Japanese market has important policy implications for the U.S. beef industry. Hedonic price analysis was used to estimate beef characteristics values in Japan. Japanese Wagyu beef auction data were used in the analysis. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determination of chloride in geological samples by ion chromatography

Abstract Samples of silicate rocks are prepared by sodium carbonate fusion and then treated by ion chromatography. The method was tested for geological standards with chloride concentration between 0.003 and 3%. Observed chloride concentrations comparedd favorably with literature values. The relative standard deviation and detection limit for the method were 8% and 7 ppm, respectively. Up to 30 determination per 24-hour period were possible.
Neighborhood Walkability and Active Travel (Walking and Cycling) in New York City

Urban planners have suggested that built environment characteristics can support active travel (walking and cycling) and reduce sedentary behavior. This study assessed whether engagement in active travel is associated with neighborhood walkability measured for zip codes in New York City. Data were analyzed on engagement in active travel and the frequency of walking or biking ten blocks or more in the past month, from 8,064 respondents to the New York City 2003 Community Health Survey (CHS). A neighborhood walkability scale that measures: residential, intersection, and subway stop density; land use mix; and the ratio of retail building floor area to retail land area was calculated for each zip code. Data were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression incorporating survey sample weights and adjusting for respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 44 % of respondents reported no episodes of active travel and among those who reported any episode, the mean number was 43.2 episodes per month. Comparing the 75th to the 25th percentile of zip code walkability, the odds ratio for reporting zero episodes of active travel was 0.71 (95 % CI 0.61, 0.83) and the exponentiated beta coefficient for the count of episodes of active travel was 1.13 (95 % CI 1.06, 1.21). Associations between lower walkability and reporting zero episodes of active travel were significantly stronger for non-Hispanic Whites as compared to non-Hispanic Blacks and to Hispanics and for those living in higher income zip codes. The results suggest that neighborhood walkability is associated with higher engagement in active travel.
Distributed computer control at the LLNL tandem

Abstract Livermore is developing hardware and software tools to provide automated operation of an FN tandem accelerator. Automated operation is planned for several nuclear analytical techniques including hydrogen depth profiling and accelerator mass spectrometry. The control system utilizes a distributed computer system to provide 16 bit precision in control of accelerator power supplies.
Mercury(II) sorption by waste rubber

Abstract Studies were connected to assess the capability of waste tire rubber for removing inorganic mercury from solution. Samples of vulcanized tire rubber were ground to a suitable sorbent size and utilized in batch sorption studies. Research parameters included aqueous mercury concentration, rubber sorbent particle size, solution temperature, and hydrogen ion concentration. Alternate sulfur-free rubber materials were also evaluated in an attempt to identify the sorption mechanism. The studies showed tire rubber to be an efficient sorbent material for mercury removal from waste solutions. Of the parameters investigated, pH was determined to be most crucial, with an optimum pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 for good mercury removal. The diffusion of mercury through pores in the rubber sorbent was shown to be the rate limiting step regarding mercury uptake. Finally, sulfur-free rubber materials were shown to be equally efficient for inorganic mercury removal.