cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repair of DNA damage in shuttle vectors, virus, and chromosomal DNAs may depend on their biological imprinting--a 'Pygmalion' effect.

Abstract We have created a cell line that can repair damage in chromosomal DNA and in herpes virus, while not repairing the same damage in shuttle vectors (pZ189 and pRSVcat). This cell line, a xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) revertant, repairs the minor (6-4)-photoproducts, but not cyclobutane dimers, in chromosomal DNA. The phenotype of this revertant after irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light is the same as that of normal cells for survival, repair replication, recovery of rates of DNA and RNA synthesis, and sister-chromatid exchange formation, which indicates that a failure to mend cyclobutane dimers may be irrelevant to the fate of irradiated human cells. The two shuttle vectors were grown in Escherichia coli and assayed during transient passage in human cells, whereas the herpes virus was grown and assayed exclusively in mammalian cells. The ability of the XP revertant to distinguish between the shuttle vector and herpes virus DNA molecules according to their ‘cultural background’, i.e., bacterial or mammalian, may indicate that one component of the repair of UV damage involves gene products that recognize DNA markers that are uniquely mammalian, such as DNA methylation patterns. This component of excision repair may be involved in the original defect and the reversion of XP group A cells.
Larval settlement and metamorphosis of two gregarious sabellariid polychaetes: Sabellaria alveolata compared with Phragmatopoma californica

Two sabellariid polychaetes, Sabellaria alveolata from European waters and Phragmatopoma californica from the west coast of North America, are known from previous work to have larvae that settle and metamorphose preferentially on the cemented sand tubes of conspecific adults. The naturally occurring inducers of larval metamorphosis were recently isolated and identified for P. californica. In the present study, larval behaviour of S. alveolata and P. californica was compared in reciprocal laboratory settlement assays. For both species, metamorphosis occurred to a greater extent on conspecific tube sand than on control sand or on heterospecific tube sand. Extraction of the tube sand of S. alveolata with organic solvents diminished its capacity to induce metamorphosis pi conspecific larvae, but this capacity was not transferred to the extracts, as was the case for P. californica. The substance responsible for the enhanced metamorphosis of S. alveolata on conspecific tube sand remains unknown. The free fatty acid (FFA) inducers of larval metamorphosis of P. californica either inhibited, or had no effect on, metamorphosis of S. alveolata. Both species responded abnormally upon exposure to unnaturally high concentrations of certain (particularly polyenoic) FFAs. Abnormal larval responses of S. alveolata, however, did not incorporate behavioural components of normal metamorphosis, as were observed for P. californica. FFAs were isolated from the natural tube sand of S. alveolata at less than one-tenth the concentration found in the natural tube sand of P. californica. The differences between the two species provide further evidence that a very specific mechanism is responsible for the perception of FFAs by the larvae of P. californica.
Neonatal Hospital Lengths of Stay, Readmissions, and Charges

Objective. To evaluate trends in length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and readmission rates of Wisconsin newborns from 1989 through 1994 in light of recent policies requiring earlier discharges after delivery of newborns. Methodology. Two data sources were used: 1) 1989–1994 Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data from the Wisconsin Office of Health Care Information, and 2) 1994 birth certificate and matched infant mortality data from the Wisconsin Center for Health Statistics. Average lengths of stay and average hospital (delivery and readmission) charges were calculated, and readmission rates were estimated for full-term, premature, and sick newborns. Results. There were 368 955 full-term and 26 668 premature newborns in Wisconsin from 1989 through 1994. The average length of stay decreased by 24% in full-term newborns from 1989 through 1994, while average hospital (delivery and readmission) charges rose over 40% during the same period. Average length of stay for premature infants increased by 24% while their hospital delivery charges increased 214% during the study period. Readmission rates halved, yet charges per readmission doubled for full-term infants. More than twice as many full-term newborns were classified as sick in 1994 (43%) compared with 1989 (19%). Conclusions. Managed care efforts to control costs of neonatal care through earlier newborn discharge policies may have limited impact. Physicians or hospitals may be compensating for these policies by classifying more newborns as sick, thereby allowing for longer hospital stays to be reimbursed by the insurance carriers. Premature infants, <7% of the total births, account for half of all hospital delivery charges. Efforts to reduce premature births may have a greater impact on neonatal health care costs than efforts to discharge full-term newborns earlier.
The evolution of midwifery faculty practice: Impact and outcomes of care

The Yale School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery program was started in 1956 and is the second oldest existing master's degree program in the country. With an increase in student enrollment and a decrease in available clinical sites in the late 1990s, 2 initiatives for faculty practices were begun. Since then, the faculty practices have significantly strengthened the clinical teaching component of the educational program. The development and growth of the nurse-midwifery faculty practices has not been without its challenges. There are 3 lessons learned: The importance of a good business infrastructure, the importance of a positive relationship with physician colleagues, and the value of uncertainty. Two benefits of the practices are the modeling of evidence-based practice and the potential for research on nurse-midwifery care and outcomes.
Beyond hummus and falafel: social and political aspects of Palestinian food in Israel

The title of this book, Beyond Hummus and Falafel, implies that the subject matter at hand involves much more than just food. It clearly challenges the reader to think beyond the conventional when ...
Needle Elevation of the Scleral Flap for Failing Filtration Blebs After Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C

Purpose To report the incidence of failing filtration blebs after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and to report the outcome of needling procedures for failing filtration blebs in these eyes. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 537 eyes of 434 patients who had trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and reviewed the clinical course of 441 eyes of 338 patients with a minimum of three months of follow-up. Results In 441 eyes of 338 patients followed up for three months or more after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C, 88 (20.0%) eyes from 85 patients underwent needle elevation of the scierai flap. Forty-nine (22.4%) of 219 eyes required needle revision after trabeculectomy alone, and 39 (17.6%) of 222 eyes after trabeculectomy combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) after needle revision (17.9 ± 11.6 mm Hg) was significantly less than the mean preneedling IOP (27.1 ± 10.4 mm Hg, P Conclusions Needle elevation of the scierai flap may provide significantly long-lasting pressure reduction in eyes with failing mitomycin C blebs. Higher success rates are achieved in eyes with fewer prior conjunctival incisions, eyes requiring a single needle revision, and eyes with lower preneedling IOP.
Reaction and stability of metal/silicide interfaces: Ti/MoSi2 (001)

Metal/single‐crystal‐silicide interface evolution has been examined for Ti/MoSi2 (001) using high‐resolution synchrotron radiation and x‐ray photoemission. Reaction between Ti and Si was observed for temperatures 300≤T≤873 K. At 300 K, it was limited to Ti interaction with the single Si layer terminating the cleaved MoSi2 (001) surface. Analysis of the Si 2p core level line shape showed two different interfacial reaction products with bonding characteristics of TiSi and a disordered solution of Si in Ti. Interfacial development was dominated by Si outdiffusion at higher temperatures with Si enrichment of the overlayer but not conversion to a silicide.
On the Provenance of the Holy Shroud of Lirey/Turin: A Minor Suggestion

This paper does not discuss the authenticity or antiquity of the Holy Shroud. It addresses the problem of its historical appearance in the 1350s and its antecedents, if any, before that date. It is suggested that the object owed its creation (if a replica) or its transmission into Europe (if genuinely a relic) to the efforts of members of the Franciscan order. It speculates particularly on the role of Spirituals of that order aligned with Fra Angelo Clareno and his associates. The conclusions do not assert but suggest the thesis, and advance it as a line of inquiry meriting further pursuit.
Multiple Exciton Generation in Graphene Nanostructures

Multiple exciton generation has the promise of improving photovoltaic device efficiency. However, occurrence of this phenomenon in semiconductor nanocrystals is controversial. Using the Pariser−Par...
Composite Shewhart-EWMA statistical control schemes

A group of composite Shewhart-EWMA statistical control schemes were evaluated with simulations. The main results are given in terms of average run-length profiles for each scheme. Results in terms of suggested secondary criteria, percentile points of the run-length distribution of false out-of-control signals, are also given. It is shown that Shewhart-EWMA control schemes using either time-dependent or constant control limits can be found that have better average run-length characteristics than standard Shewhart-Runs Rules schemes. When the secondary criteria are used, only the constant control limit schemes are better than the Shewhart-Runs Rules schemes.
Rayleigh backscattering noise eliminated long-reach bi-directional WDM-PON with 10-Gb/s DPSK downstream and remodulated 2.5-Gb/s OOK upstream using optical carrier-suppressed sub-carrier modulation

A Rayleigh backscattering noise eliminated long-reach, single-fiber, full-duplex, centralized WDM-PON with 10-Gb/s DPSK downstream and remodulated 2.5-Gb/s OOK upstream using optical carrier-suppressed sub-carrier-modulation and optical interleaver is proposed. Experimental demonstration shows error-free transmission over 115km SMF-28 with less than 2dB power penalty.
An interdisciplinary approach to address identity theft education

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS) at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois (and printed in the 2011 ISTAS proceedings).The focus of this paper is to present observations related to information assurance (IA) in rural and urban populations. Based on our experience teaching college students in these environments, we have noted that on entering school, generally, individuals demonstrate limited background knowledge of a variety of computer related technologies. Students begin with a technical disadvantage that represents a readily exploitable attack vector for identity thieves. Because of the experience deficit, the hazard of identity theft is significant with possible severe detrimental outcomes for the student victim. In addition, the negative impact on the society as a whole is substantial. Methods that reach beyond traditional formal computer or network security instruction in the classroom and extend information assurance education across disciplines are needed. We have explored this direction at the university and have worked on strategies to educate students about identity theft. The interdisciplinary programs outlined here span the curriculum. In addition, we suggest community outreach programs that extend the scope of influence of information assurance education beyond the university to include surrounding at risk populations.
Seeded growth of AlN bulk single crystals by sublimation

Abstract AlN bulk single crystals were grown by sublimation of AlN powder at temperatures of 2100–2300°C in an open crucible geometry in a 400 Torr nitrogen atmosphere. Small, single crystalline AlN c -platelets, prepared by vaporization of Al in a nitrogen atmosphere, were used as seeds. Seeded growth occurred preferentially in the crystallographic c -direction, with growth rates exceeding 500 μm/h, while the seed crystals grew only marginally in the c- plane. Transparent, centimeter-sized AlN single crystals were grown within 24 h. Characterization by X-ray diffraction showed that rocking curves around the (0 0 0 2) reflection were very narrow (25 arcsec full-width at half-maximum), thus indicating very high crystalline quality of the material grown on the seeds.
Preparation of amphiphilic triblock copolymer brushes for surface patterning

This paper describes the formation of poly(methyl methacrylate)- b-poly(dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-b- PDAEMA-b-PMMA) and poly(methyl acrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PMA-b-PMMA- b-PHEMA) brushes and phase segregation by these materials upon exposure to a poor solvent for the outer block. Synthesis of the brushes employs room-temperature atom-transfer radical polymerization from a surface, and formation of multiblock copolymers simply involves changing the monomer solution that surrounds the substrate. Phase segregation by both types of triblock brushes in the presence of a poor solvent for the outer block results in surface domains that are about 50 nm in diameter. Sizes of domains are more uniform with PMMA-b-PDAEMA- b-PMMA than PMA-b-PMMA- b-PHEMA, but this may be specific to the solvent treatments employed for the two polymers. Formation of nanodomains by triblock copolymers appears to be a widespread phenomenon.
Self-consistent polaron states in the presence of simultaneous local and nonlocal exciton-phonon coupling

Abstract A canonical transformation method originally proposed by Munn and Silbey is used to diagonalize partially a model Hamiltonian which incorporates both local and nonlocal exciton-phonon coupling. At the heart of the method is a secular elimination principle which poses a difficult self-consistency problem. We take a numerical approach, solving the general self-consistency problem to desired accuracy. Among the differences between our findings and those of the original work are polaron binding energies much larger and Debye-Waller factors much smaller than originally anticipated.
Ca2+-activated K+ channel in rat pancreatic islet B cells: permeation, gating and blockade by cations.

Abstract Activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ conductance has long been postulated to contribute to the cyclical pauses in glucose-induced electrical activity of pancreatic islet B cells. Here we have examined the gating, permeation and blockade by cations of a large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channel in these cells. This channel shares many features with BK (or maxi-K+) Ca2+-activated K+ channel in other cells. (1) Its ‘permeability’ selectivity sequence is PTl+: PK+: PRb+: PNH4+: PNa+, Li+, Cs+=1.3:1.0:0.5:0.17: 400 mM (144 mM KCl pipette). (3) It shows asymmetric blockade by tetraethylammonium ion (TEA) and Na+. (4) It is sensitive to Ca12+ over the range 5 nM–100 μM; over the range 50–200 nM, channel activity varies as [Ca2+ free]1–2. (5) It is sensitive to internal pH over the range 6.85–7.35, but the decrease in channel activity seen with reduced pHi may be partially compensated by the increase in free Ca2+ concentration which occurs on acidification of buffered Ca2+/EGTA solutions.
The Value of Monitoring Pulmonary Artery Pressure for Early Detection of Left Ventricular Failure Following Myocardial Infarction

Flow-directed catheters recorded serial changes in mean pulmonary artery pressure (PA) every 4 to 6 hours in 25 patients during the first 4 or 5 days following acute myocardial infarction. On the basis of the PA on admission, patients were divided into three groups. Patients in group 1 had normal PA (10-20 mm Hg) and maintained a stroke volume index (SVI)>35 ml/min/m2, a pulmonary artery oxygen saturation (MVSO2)>70%, and a normal cardiac index, arterial oxygen saturation, pH, and PCOCO2. They developed only minor arrhythmias, no heart failure, and none died. Group 3 consisted of one patient with abnormally low PA ( 20 mm Hg) who maintained this elevation over the first 48 hours of monitoring, or showed progressive elevation prior to this, had SVI<35 ml/min/m2, MVSO2<70%, cardiac index<3 liters/min/m2, arterial desaturation, and respiratory alkalosis. They demonstrated clinical evidence of heart failure, had major arrhythmias, and 2...
On-road experiment to assess drivers’ detection of roadside targets as a function of headlight system, target placement, and target reflectance

Adaptive headlights swivel with steering input to keep the beams on the roadway as drivers negotiate curves. To assess the effects of this feature on driver’s visual performance, a field experiment was conducted at night on a rural, unlit, and unlined two-lane road during which 20 adult participant drivers searched a set of 60 targets. High- (n = 30) and low- (n = 30) reflectance targets were evenly distributed on straight road sections and on the inside or outside of curves. Participants completed three target detection trials: once with adaptive high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, once with fixed HID headlights, and once with fixed halogen headlights. Results indicated the adaptive HID headlights helped drivers detect targets that were most difficult to see (low reflectance) at the points in curves found by other researchers to be most crucial for successful navigation (inside apex). For targets placed on straight stretches of road or on the outside of curves, the adaptive feature provided no significant improvement in target detection. However, the pattern of results indicate that HID lamps whether fixed or adaptive improved target detection somewhat, suggesting that part of the real world crash reduction measured for this adaptive system (Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), 2012a) may be due to the differences in the light source (HID vs. halogen). Depending on the scenario, the estimated benefits to driver response time associated with the tested adaptive (swiveling HID) headlights ranged from 200 to 380 ms compared with the fixed headlight systems tested.
Abstract 3994: Loss of STAT2 enhances the establishment of B16 melanoma tumors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL STAT2 is a key component of type I interferon (IFN-I) induced activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Several studies including ours have shown that STAT2 is a critical signaling mediator in the apoptotic and cell growth inhibitory effects of IFN-I. These findings suggest that STAT2 has tumor suppressive function. To investigate this further, the B16-F1 mouse melanoma cell line was used in a tumor transplantation model to interrogate the role of STAT2 in tumorigenesis. We found that STAT2 null mice injected subcutaneously with B16-F1 melanoma tumor cells showed accelerated tumor growth rate and grew larger tumors compared to those formed in wild type mice. We next compared the antitumor effects of IFN-I in wild type and STAT2 null mice administered intraperitoneally 3 days after tumor injection and given three times weekly until day 21 of the study. IFN-[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]] therapy of STAT2 null mice was ineffective as tumors continued to grow at the same rate as in saline treated STAT2 null mice. In contrast, wild type mice that received IFN-[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]] developed smaller tumors compared to saline treated control mice. Evaluation of B16 tumors established in wild type mice by Western blot analysis showed a marked reduction in the levels of STAT2 and STAT1 proteins. Similarly, B16 tumors established in STAT2 null mice also showed low levels of STAT1 protein. To determine whether tumor derived soluble factors were involved in decreasing STAT2 protein; supernatants collected from B16-F1 tumors incubated overnight with serum free medium were used to treat B16-F1 tumor cells grown in vitro. A decrease in STAT2 protein was evident when tumor supernatants derived from tumors established in wild type and STAT2 null mice were used. Taken together our findings reveal that host STAT2 restricts the establishment of melanoma tumors and soluble factors secreted by melanoma tumors reduce STAT2 protein levels thereby diminishing the antitumor effects of IFN. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3994. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3994
Survey of bacterial populations present in US-produced linerboard with high recycle content.

Aims: To survey paperboard products from 17 US mills for bacterial populations and for bacteria potentially harmful to human health. Methods and Results: Culturable aerobic bacteria were isolated from paperboard products using selective and nonselective medium. Resulting colonies from samples from three regions of the United States were identified using fatty acid methyl ester analysis. Percentages of bacteria species found were Bacillus megaterium (47), Bacillus licheniformis (15), Bacillus pumilus (12), Paenibacillus macerans (5), Paenibacillus pabuli (3), Bacillus subtilis (2), Bacillus cereus (2), Bacillus coagulans (1), Bacillus circulans (1), Bacillus brevis (1), Bacillus thuringiensis (1), Paenibacillus polymyxa (1), Cellulomonas turbata (1), Cellulomonas flavigena (1), unidentified Bacillus sp. (3) and unidentified bacteria (1). Conclusions: Recycled paperboard contained high populations of bacteria, and a positive correlation was found between recycle content and bacterial populations. Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella or confirmed coliform bacteria were not found in any product. Significance and Impact of the Study: Populations of bacteria did not differ significantly from original counts over a 4-month period of dry storage, indicating that bacteria persist in paperboard over long periods and may re-enter the recycling process. The predominance of heat-tolerant endospore-forming bacteria explains the high bacteria counts found in paperboard made from recycled materials.
Detection of viable Salmonella using microelectrode-based capacitance measurement coupled with immunomagnetic separation.

Abstract In this study, we demonstrated the use of a general medium—brain heart infusion (BHI) broth that is not specifically formulated for impedance measurement, to achieve detectable impedance signals by using an interdigitated microelectrode (IME) with capacitance measurement at low frequencies. Anti- Salmonella antibody coated immunomagnetic beads were used to separate S. typhimurium from samples to provide the selectivity to this method. From analysis based on the equivalent circuit of the IME system, we found that the impedance change in BHI broth resulting from the growth of Salmonella was indeed the change in the double layer capacitance and could be monitored at 10 Hz using the IME. The results indicated that medium modification to improve impedance signal is not necessary with this IME system. However, effective immunological separation for the target organism is required for the selectivity when non-selective media are used. This finding provides a more flexible option of medium in impedance methods, which may provide opportunities to test those species of bacteria that have no suitable conductance growth medium. The detection time, t d , was obtained from the impedance growth curve (impedance against bacterial growth time) at 10 Hz at the point where the impedance started to change. A linear relationship between the detection time and the logarithmic value of the initial cell number ( N ) was found in the Salmonella cell number ranging from 10 1 to 10 6 cfu/ml. The regression equation was t d = − 1.22Log N + 8.90, with R 2 = 0.95. The detection times for the initial cell number of 10 1 CFU/ml and 10 6 CFU/ml are 8 h and 1.5 h, respectively. This method is more sensitive than impedance methods using conventional electrodes.
Iris Image Retrieval Based on Macro-features

Most iris recognition systems use the global and local texture information of the iris in order to recognize individuals. In this work, we investigate the use of macro-features that are visible on the anterior surface of RGB images of the iris for matching and retrieval. These macro-features correspond to structures such as moles, freckles, nevi, melanoma, etc. and may not be present in all iris images. Given an image of a macro-feature, the goal is to determine if it can be used to successfully retrieve the associated iris from the database. To address this problem, we use features extracted by the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) to represent and match macro-features. Experiments using a subset of 770 distinct irides from the Miles Research Iris Database suggest the possibility of using macro-features for iris characterization and retrieval.
In Situ Transformation of Deuterated Toluene and Xylene to Benzylsuccinic Acid Analogues in BTEX-Contaminated Aquifers

Techniques for detecting and quantifying anaerobic transformations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are needed to assess the feasibility of using in situ bioremediation to treat BTEX-contaminated groundwater aquifers. Deuterated surrogates of toluene (toluene-d8) and xylene (o-xylene-d10) were injected into BTEX-contaminated aquifers during single-well push-pull tests to monitor for the in situ formation of deuterated benzylsuccinic acid (BSA-d8) and o-methyl-BSA-d10. Test solutions (250 L) containing toluene-d8 (9-22 microM) and o-xylene-d10 (4-9 microM) along with a conservative bromide tracer (1.3 mM) and nitrate (4 mM) as an electron acceptor were injected into four wells at two sites. Detection of BSA-d8 and o-methyl-BSA-d10 in groundwater samples collected from the same wells following injection unequivocally demonstrated anaerobic in situ toluene-d8 and o-xylene-d10 transformation with calculated zero-order formation rates ranging from 1.0 to 7.4 nM/day. Concurrent utilization of co-injected nitrate was rapid in all tests at both sites, with zero-order rates ranging from 13 to 39 microM/h. The field tests conducted in this study represent the first reported use of deuterated aromatic hydrocarbons to detect and quantify anaerobic BTEX transformation product formation in the subsurface.
Self-perception of cognitive function among patients with active acromegaly, controlled acromegaly, and non-functional pituitary adenoma: a pilot study

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) represent 15 % of all brain tumors. One-sixth of these are reported to cause acromegaly via excess growth hormone secretion. These tumors have been associated with multiple comorbidities, including neuropsychiatric and cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to assess patient perception of cognitive deficits and the relationship of cognitive changes to active acromegaly (AA) versus controlled acromegaly (CA) versus non-functional PAs (NFPA). A modified FACT-Cog survey was used, which focused on the prevalence and severity of perceived dysfunction in five areas of cognitive function: ability to learn, concentration/distractibility, mental agility, memory and recall, and verbal recall. Patient perception of current health and health change over the previous 12 months was also assessed. The overall perceived prevalence and severity of cognitive dysfunction were the highest among NFPA groups, particularly in the areas of mental agility, verbal recall, and memory/recall. Patients with AA reported greater prevalence and severity of dysfunction with respect to concentration/distractibility and ability to learn. Patients with AA reported the best overall current health, though patients with CA reported the greatest improvement in health over the previous year. These findings may indicate that PAs can affect cognitive function regardless of whether excess growth hormone is present. Acromegaly and NFPA patients perceive specific areas of cognitive dysfunction that may require further evaluation and treatment. Further research may be useful regarding patient quality of life, patient functionality during normal daily activities, and perceived dysfunction despite biological disease control.
Ethnobotany of point of pines ruin Arizona W:10:50

In the 13th Century a group of emigrants from northern Arizona settled among an indigenous people in east central Arizona. The immigrants occupied a block of rooms that later burned as a unit. The carbonized vegetal material in the rooms provides evidence concerning ethnobotany, the study of the inter-relationship between plants and man (Jones, 1941: 220). The significance of the plant material derives from integrating information on topography and plant ecology with traditional Southwestern Indian plant uses and archaeological data. The Point of Pines Ruin, Arizona W:10:50, is in east-central Arizona, 65 miles east of Globe and 40 miles north of Safford. The ruin was excavated between 1946 and 1960, when the University of Arizona maintained an archaeological field school at Point of Pines. Both the field school facilities and the ruin lie at the edge of Circle Prairie (elev. 6000 ft) where the gentler, northeastern slopes of the Nantack Ridge finger toward Circle Prairie as spurs (Fig. 1). The main ridge is about 51/2 miles southwest of Point of Pines, and extends from northwest to southeast. It has an average elevation of 6,500 feet, but reaches a maximum height of 7,600 feet (Woodbury, 1961). The southwest escarpment descends from approximately 6,500 feet to 5,000 feet at Ash Flat. Arizona W:10:50 began around A.D. 1200 as a cluster of pit houses and a contemporary adjacent masonry structure. Between 1280 and 1285 newrooms
The idea of a future

Growing numbers of social scientists are questioning the products and methodologies of social science because these do not appear to serve as guides to solutions of community problems. The principal cause is fragmentation of disciplines, methodologies, and assumptions of values. What is needed is an integrating principle or reference which will provide a common basis by which apparently conflicting approaches can be evaluated. Presented herein is a topology for such a principle. The topology has two major dimensions, individual needs and community needs, each containing items designed to be specific enough to guide and evaluate testing, but general enough to allow for evolving situations. The axiom on which the topology is based assumes that human societies can only progress if they hold an articulated vision of what they strive to become. Such a vision must be phenomenologically based and must require us to stretch beyond where we are now.
Dynamic Subunit Exchange and the Regulation of Microtubule Assembly by the Stress Response Protein Human αB Crystallin

BACKGROUND The small heat shock protein (sHSP), human alphaB crystallin, forms large, polydisperse complexes that modulate the tubulin-microtubule equilibrium using a dynamic mechanism that is poorly understood. The interactive sequences in alphaB crystallin for tubulin are surface exposed, and correspond to interactive sites for the formation of alphaB crystallin complexes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS There is sequence homology between tubulin and the interactive domains in the beta8-strand of the core domain and the C-terminal extension of alphaB crystallin. This study investigated the hypothesis that the formation of tubulin and alphaB crystallin quaternary structures was regulated through common interactive domains that alter the dynamics of their assembly. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), SDS-PAGE, microtubule assembly assays, aggregation assays, multiple sequence alignment, and molecular modeling characterized the dynamic response of tubulin assembly to increasing concentrations of alphaB crystallin. Low molar ratios of alphaB crystallin:tubulin were favorable for microtubule assembly and high molar ratios of alphaB crystallin:tubulin were unfavorable for microtubule assembly. Interactions between alphaB crystallin and unassembled tubulin were observed using SEC and SDS-PAGE. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Subunits of alphaB crystallin that exchange dynamically with the alphaB crystallin complex can interact with tubulin subunits to regulate the equilibrium between tubulin and microtubules.
Asynchronous breathing movements in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

An electromagnetic ventilation monitor was used to record the separate anterior-posterior movements of the chest and abdomen during the breathing cycle in 30 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in 10 normal subjects. In all normal subjects and 17 COPD patients, the chest and abdomen movements were synchronous and in phase with the flow of air as measured with a spirometer. In 13 COPD patients chest movement was synchronous with the flow of air, but the abdomen moved inward suddenly near or at end inspiration and then outward during a variable part of expiration. Compared to COPD patients with a normal breathing pattern, those with asynchronous breathing movements had poorer ventilatory mechanics and 10 of the 13 were dependent on assisted ventilation. Nine of the 13 patients with asynchronous breathing have died in a 10 month period, a significantly higher mortality than in those with normal breathing.
Retention of a metastable bcc ε-Pu solid solution: ε-Pu(Ti)

A metastable e-Pu (bcc) solid solution has been retained to room temperature by rapid quenching of Pu-rich Pu-Ti alloys from the liquid state. Until now, e-Pu solid solutions were limited to high temperatures and had not been successfully quenched to room temperature without transformation. The apparatus used to quench the specimens was a modified “gun-type” splat-cooling unit, capable of producing extremely high cooling rates of from 106 to 108 ° C sec−1. e-Pu(Ti) was retained in the composition region from ∼ 20 to more than 45 at.% Ti, and extrapolation of the lattice parameter/composition curve yielded a value of a0 = 3.530 A for e-Pu at 20° C. This modification differs from the e-Pu modification derived by extrapolating from high temperature to 20° C by a small valence increase of ≈ 0.1. Metastable δ-Pu (Ti) (fcc) solid solutions were also quenched-in with alloys containing lesser amounts of Ti, and evidence was found to indicate that the δ was probably a product of e-Pu(Ti) solid-state decomposition.
Treatment of Gliomas: How did we get here?

Over the past 30 years, the treatment of gliomas has become more multi-modality with clinical trials demonstrating that adjuvant chemo-radiation following surgery improves survival of patients. Unfortunately, this advance in therapeutic intervention has had a modest impact on patient survival, with only a 3–6 month improvement in survival during this time period. In this review, we discuss the progress made in each key aspect of glioma treatment; chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. We present key clinical trials that were used as basis for current management guidelines for patients with gliomas. Ultimately, it is clear that future treatments of patients with gliomas will entail specific chronologic combinations of these three modalities in personalized regimens designed for individual patient tumor sub-type.
Mass, energy, and the electron

Abstract The two-component solutions of the Dirac equation currently in use are not separately a particle equation or an antiparticle equation. We present a unitary transformation that uncouples the four-component, force-free Dirac equation to yield a two-component spinor equation for the force-free motion of a relativistic particle and a corresponding two-component, time-reversed equation for an antiparticle. The particle–antiparticle nature of the two equations is established by applying to the solutions of these two-component equations criteria analogous to those applied for establishing the four-component particle and antiparticle solutions of the four-component Dirac equation. Wave function solutions of our two-component particle equation describe both a right and a left circularly polarized particle. Interesting characteristics of our solutions include spatial distributions that are confined in extent along directions perpendicular to the motion, without the artifice of wave packets, and an intrinsic chirality (handedness) that replaces the usual definition of chirality for particles without mass. Our solutions demonstrate that both the rest mass and the relativistic increase in mass with velocity of the force-free electron are due to an increase in the rate of Zitterbewegung with velocity. We extend this result to a bound electron, in which case the loss of energy due to binding is shown to decrease the rate of Zitterbewegung .
Growth instability and surface phase transition of Ti thin film on Si(1 1 1): An atomic force microscopy study

Abstract Evolution of surface structure during the annealing of e-beam evaporated Ti films is studied by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Image variography and power spectral density analysis are used to study scaling properties of the films, ranging from 50 nm to 20 μm length scale. No particular grain size is observed up to 473 K. At 673 K, grain size of ∼250 nm are formed and coalesced to form bigger grain size upon further annealing. At 473 K, RMS roughness dropped at all length scale and became rougher at 673 K with an increasing trend up to 873 K. Clustering at 673 K indicates Kosterlitz–Thaouless [J.M. Kosterlitz, D.J. Thaouless, J. Phys. Chem. 6 (1973) 1181] type phase transition at the surface. The observed transition is also consistent with existing scaling laws.
Abstract B66: Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling enhances TRAIL-dependent apoptosis in human melanoma

TNF receptor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) can induce apoptosis in tumor cells with limited toxicity to normal tissue. TRAIL based therapy is promising; however, melanomas are often resistant to TRAIL induced apoptosis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in melanoma is linked to patient survival, apoptosis, and pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in melanoma with Wnt ligand or small molecules on sensitivity to TRAIL induced apoptosis. Treatment of melanoma cell lines with the canonical Wnt ligand Wnt3a strongly enhanced apoptosis induced by recombinant human TRAIL at doses as low as 10 ng/mL as measured by binding of Annexin V or cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP1. Knockdown by siRNA of β-catenin, the ultimate downstream effector of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway completely abrogated this effect. Treatment with the GSK3-β inhibitor CHIR99021, a small molecule activator of the Wnt pathway, also enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL. Furthermore, the HMG-COA reductase inhibitor simvastatin, a known Wnt enhancer, significantly increased TRAIL sensitivity in a β-catenin dependent fashion. Treatment of melanoma cells with Wnt3a resulted in increased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins BIM and PUMA as well as reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Together these results suggest that activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be a promising novel strategy to overcome resistance to TRAIL in melanoma and warrants exploration of combinatorial therapy with Wnt and TRAIL agonists.
What White Blood Cell Count Should Prompt Antibiotic Treatment in a Febrile Child? Tutorial on the Importance of Disease Likelihood to the Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests

Most diagnostic tests are not dichotomous (negative or positive) but, rather, have a range of possible results (very negative to very positive). If the pretest probability of disease is high, the test result that prompts treatment should be any value that is even mildly positive. If the pretest probability of disease is low, the test result needed to justify treatment should be very positive. Simple decision rules that fix the cutpoint separating positive from negative test results do not take into account the individual patient's pretest probability of disease. Allowing the cutpoint to change with the pretest probability of disease increases the value of the test. This is primarily an issue when the pretest probability of disease varies widely between patients and depends on characteristics that are not measured by the test. It remains an issue for decision rules based on multiple test results if these rules fail to account for important determinants of patient-specific risk. This tutorial demonstrates how the value of a diagnostic test depends on the ability to vary the cutpoint, using as an example the white blood cell count in febrile children at risk for bacteremia.
Bounding the inefficiency of equilibria in nonatomic congestion games

Abstract Equilibria in noncooperative games are typically inefficient, as illustrated by the Prisoner's Dilemma. In this paper, we quantify this inefficiency by comparing the payoffs of equilibria to the payoffs of a “best possible” outcome. We study a nonatomic version of the congestion games defined by Rosenthal [Int. J. Game Theory 2 (1973) 65], and identify games in which equilibria are approximately optimal in the sense that no other outcome achieves a significantly larger total payoff to the players—games in which optimization by individuals approximately optimizes the social good, in spite of the lack of coordination between players. Our results extend previous work on traffic routing games.
Ventricular remodeling in heart failure

This review briefly highlights the major mechanisms of left ventricular (LV) remodeling following myocardial infarction in heart failure and presents novel strategies to limit infarct size and retard the progression of LV remodeling. This is important since interventions that have been shown to improve mortality in patients with heart failure such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and beta-blockers had a favorable impact on the LV remodeling process. Although several other animal models of heart failure are available, we chose the rat infarct model because of its accurate reflection of human pathophysiology. It is clear from this review that the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the regression of ventricular remodeling is still unclear. Further investigations in this area will certainly lead to the development of new therapy for heart failure.
Synergistic activation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced in brain slices by norepinephrine and the excitatory amino acid agonist, trans-ACPD.

Abstract Norepinephrine and trans-1-aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) each individually stimulated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and when tested in combination caused a stimulation that was 50–90% greater than additive in hippocampal and cortical slices of the rat but not in striatal slices. This synergistic augmentation of hydrolysis of phosphoinositide was evident with all stimulatory concentrations of norepinephrine and of ACPD up to 1 mM, at which point ACPD was inhibitory. A time-course study revealed no lag in the synergistic interaction and no down-regulation through 60 min of incubation of the augmented response to the combined agonists. The synergistic reaction was mediated by α1-adrenergic receptors and by metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptors. Increased intracellular calcium, but not activation of protein kinase C, may play a role in mediating the synergistic interaction. Thus, a unique synergistic stimulatory interaction was found between two receptors coupled with phosphoinositide metabolism, a finding which also supports the suggestion that these two systems are co-localized in some cells.
Sex-dependent expression of CYP2C11 in spleen, thymus and bone marrow regulated by growth hormone

CYP2C11, the most commonly expressed isoform of cytochrome P450 in male rat liver, was measured in spleen, thymus and bone marrow by quantitative real-time PCR and enhanced Western blotting. CYP2C11 concentrations in the lymphoid tissues were a fraction of that observed in liver, but like the liver, were sexually dimorphic (M>F) with mRNA and protein levels in agreement. Although the response to hypophysectomy varied according to tissue and sex, expression levels of CYP2C11 in all measured tissues remained greater in males. Further differences in CYP2C11 expression between liver and lymphoid tissue were observed following restoration of the circulating masculine growth hormone profile in hypophysectomized rats. In contrast to the liver where the renaturalized growth hormone profile elevated CYP2C11 expression in both sexes, the response was opposite in spleen and thymus with isoform concentrations declining in both sexes. Lastly, the divergent response of CYP2C11 between the liver and immune system was examined in cultured splenocytes exposed to different mitogens. In contrast to the dramatic depletion of CYP2C11 reported in proliferating hepatocytes, mitogen-stimulation resulted in a significant elevation in splenocyte CYP2C11 expression. In summary, we report for the first time that thymus, spleen and bone marrow express, albeit nominal, sex-dependent levels of CYP2C11 (M>F) whose regulation appears to be under some hormonal control, but very different from that of the hepatic isoform.
Insulin-Stimulated NAD(P)H Oxidase Activity Increases Migration of Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background We reported that insulin stimulates NAD(P)H oxidase activity but not migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Because angiotensin II (Ang II) increases NAD(P)H oxidase activity in these cells, we wished to determine whether insulin stimulates migration of Ang II-treated VSMCs by synergistically stimulating enzyme activity. Methods Cultured rat VSMC superoxide anion (O 2 − ) production, cyclic GMP production, and migration were measured by lucigenin luminescence, immunoassay, and wound closure rate, respectively. Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging was measured by inhibition of NO-induced fluorescence of 4-5-diaminofluorescin. Results Insulin (1 nmol/L) did not affect and Ang II (100 nmol/L) stimulated VSMC migration by 65% ( P P 2 − production by 34% and 35%, respectively (both P P P Conclusions Insulin synergestically stimulates NAD(P)H oxidase activity in Ang II-treated cultured rat VSMCs causing increased migration.
Computer Experiments with Qualitative and Quantitative Variables: A Review and Reexamination

This article reviews and reexamines approaches to modeling computer experiments with qualitative and quantitative input variables.
Differences in Health Behaviors of Hispanic, White, and Black Childbearing Women Focus on the Hispanic Paradox

Maternal health behaviors such as substance use and sexual promiscuity can put the health of mothers and their offspring at risk. Sociodemographic factors including low socioeconomic status are als...