cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hedgehog antagonist GDC-0449 is effective in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To demonstrate the efficacy of the hedgehog pathway inhibitor GDC-0449 in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Design Study: Case series. Methods: Three patients treated in a referral center for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma, one with metastases, were referred for treatment in a GDC-0449 phase I clinical trial. The treatment was once per day continuous therapy with oral GDC-0449. Results: Two patients showed complete clinical and radiologic resolution of disease, whereas one patient had significant reduction in tumor burden with radiologic evidence of slowly progressive local disease. Side effects were taste changes, mild to moderate hair loss, and muscle cramps in one patient. Conclusions: GDC-0449 showed significant inhibitory activity in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma.
EFFECT OF OVARIAN TRANSPLANTS ON ADRENAL X-ZONE OF CASTRATED MALE MICE

HILL (1, 2) and Hill and Strong (3) have reported that ovaries transplanted into the ears of mice secrete androgenic substance. This is evidenced by maintenance of the normal seminal vesicle and prostate conditions in castrated male mice receiving such grafts. The results of Hill (1) and others (4, 5) show that in inbred mice, intra-strain transplantation can be successful. The adrenal gland of the mouse shows an intermediary zone situated between the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis and designated by Howard-Miller (6) as the ‘X-zone.’ Development of the X-zone, in both sexes, begins at about 9 days and continues until maturity at 28 to 32 days of age (7). At maturity, the X-Zone in the male rapidly disappears by cytolysis of its cells. A connective tissue capsule then forms around the medulla.
Effluxed CO2-13C from sterilized and unsterilized treatments of a calcareous soil

Abstract Soil inorganic carbon (C) represents a substantial C pool in arid ecosystems, yet little data exist on the contribution of this pool to ecosystem C fluxes. A closed jar incubation study was carried out to test the hypothesis that CO 2 - 13 C production and response to sterilization would differ in a calcareous (Mojave Desert) soil and a non-calcareous (Oklahoma Prairie) soil due to contributions of carbonate-derived CO 2 . In addition to non-sterilized controls, soils were subjected to sterilization treatments (unbuffered HgCl 2 addition for Oklahoma soil and unbuffered HgCl 2 addition, buffered HgCl 2 addition, and autoclaving for Mojave Desert soil) to decrease biotic respiration and more readily measure abiotic CO 2 flux. Temperature and moisture treatments were also included with sterilization treatments in a factorial design. The rate of CO 2 production in both soils was significantly decreased (36–87%) by sterilization, but sterilization treatments differed in effectiveness. Sterilization had no significant effect on effluxed CO 2 - 13 C values in the non-calcareous Oklahoma Prairie soil and autoclaved Mojave Desert soil as compared to their respective non-sterilized controls. However, sterilization significantly altered CO 2 - 13 C values in Mojave Desert soil HgCl 2 sterilization treatments (both buffered and non-buffered). Plots of 1/CO 2 versus CO 2 -δ 13 C (similar to Keeling plots) indicated that the source CO 2 -δ 13 C value of the Oklahoma Prairie soil treatments was similar to the δ 13 C value of soil organic matter [(SOM); −17.76‰ VPDB] whereas the source for the (acidic) unbuffered-HgCl 2 sterilized Mojave Desert soil was similar to the δ 13 C value of carbonates (−0.93‰ VPDB). The source CO 2 -δ 13 C value of non-sterilized and autoclaved (−18.4‰ VPDB) Mojave Desert soil treatments was intermediate between SOM (−21.43‰ VPDB) and carbonates and indicates up to 13% of total C efflux may be from abiotic sources in calcareous soils.
Number of relevant independent points in x-ray-absorption fine-structure spectra

A discussion is given of the amount of information present in x-ray-absorption fine-structure spectra. It is shown that the usual formulations underestimate the degrees of freedom by at least one.
Time-dependent effects of ECS on spatial memory in rats.

The effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) on working memory for spatial information were studied in rats trained in an eight-arm radial maze. ECS was administered at varying times during a 4- or 6-hr-long retention interval, imposed between the rat's fourth and fifth choices. ECS treatment 2 or 4 hr after choice 4 produced severe amnesia, but if the same ECS treatment was given within 15 min of choice 4, spatial memory was not affected. With the choice 4 ECS interval at 30 min, partial amnesia was observed. Analysis of the pattern of errors indicated that all of the errors made after ECS on the retention tests involved reentries into arms visited on choices 1–4. This duplicates the error pattern associated with “natural forgetting” (i.e., memory loss at very long retention intervals) and indicates that the amnesia following ECS was not the result of general confusion or failure to remember the win—shift strategy required by the task. Control tests showed that administering ECS 2 hr before choices 1–4 or delivering a painful footshock 2 hr after choice 4 did not degrade spatial memory. Thus the amnesic effects of ECS treatment during the retention interval do not appear to result from proactive influences on performance or the potentially disruptive effects of novel, stressful stimulation. Increasing the strength of the ECS did not lead to amnesia when ECS was given immediately after choice 4. These findings provide the first clear demonstration that rat spatial memory in the radial maze can be disrupted by a treatment administered during the retention interval. At the same time the data suggest that some forms of spatial memory in the rat are somewhat protected from assault by traumatic agents for several minutes after their formation.
Addition of “HOBr” to trans-Anethole: Investigation of the Regioselectivity and the Stereoselectivity of an Addition Reaction

In this advanced organic experiment, students used a combination of spectroscopy and molecular modeling to determine the regiochemical and stereochemical outcome of the addition of “HOBr” to trans-anethole. 1H, 13C, and HMQC NMR spectra were used to determine the regiochemistry of the addition reaction, and coupling-constant analysis and molecular modeling were used to determine the stereochemistry. Using a procedurally simple synthetic procedure, students obtained a racemic mixture of (1S,2R)- and (1R,2S)-2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-1-ol in 70% quantitative yield from the reaction between trans-anethole and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in 95% acetone(aq).
Deformation microstructures in ion-irradiated stainless steel

Although radiation damage in stainless steel has been studied extensively, the primary focus has been on microstructural development and welling in alloys irradiated to high dose and elevated temperatures. Considerably less effort has been directed to stainless steel irradiated to low doses at low temperatures. In particular, deformation of stainless steel, irradiated to low dose levels (<10 dpa) at lower temperatures (<300 C), has received relatively little attention. Earlier work has shown that the microstructure of stainless steel, neutron irradiated at temperatures <300 C, is comprised of a high density of small dislocation loops. Deformation bands were observed in material deformed at ambient temperature but no analysis of the bands was made. As part of a larger program to understand the underlying causes for irradiation assisted, stress-corrosion cracking (IASCC), the deformation of irradiated stainless steel is being evaluated. In this study, ion irradiation is used to simulate the microstructure expected after neutron irradiation to dose levels [<=] 10 dpa at temperatures near 300 C.
Factors influencing the quality of mayonnaise: a review

Food emulsions are an important part of the food industry. Use of one such emulsion, mayonnaise, has grown enormously since it first was produced commercially in the early 1900's. A number of factors influence the mayonnaise emulsion. These factors that have been discussed are: the egg yolk, the relative volume of the phases, the emulsifying effect of mustard, the method of mixing, water hardness, and viscosity. Numerous research efforts have shown these factors to be of great significance in the formation and stability of a high quality mayonnaise.
Focusing by electrical modulation of refraction in a liquid crystal cell

The creation of a field-controlled variation of the index of refraction in a liquid crystal cell has been analyzed and experimentally verified. To obtain a spherical lens utilizing a simple electrode structure and capable of focusing arbitrary incoming polarizations requires four flat nematic liquid crystal cells. With electrodes fabricated well within the current capability of photolithography, near diffraction-limited performance in terms of the optical transfer function is predicted. The focusing capability of a liquid crystal lens was demonstrated using a single cell with linear transparent electrodes. A plano-convex cylindrical lens for a single incoming polarization was thus created. While the cell had a crude electrode structure, it affirmed all the major qualitative predictions. The fringing along the edge of the electrodes required for eventually obtaining near diffraction-limited performance was observed.
Economic evaluation of energy produced by a bifacial photovoltaic array in the era of time-of-use pricing

Electric utility companies curb their system peak power demand through numerous Demand Response (DR) programs, such as the Time-Of-Use (TOU) rates where the cost of energy is typically much higher during the peak period and lower for the rest of the time relative to the standard flat rate. Meanwhile, a vertically installed West-facing bifacial PV array is expected to provide an advantage over a conventional South-facing orientation as it receives more sunlight during the period of high energy cost. This article evaluates the performance of a 1 kW bifacial PV array under different orientations while considering two energy rate options provided by the local power provider (a flat fixed rate and a TOU rate). Actual data collected during the 2011 and 2012 summer months, and numerical simulations using typical meteorological year data of the local region suggest that re-orienting the array to face west during the summer period does not result in any significant cost savings.
Tumour suppressor p53 down-regulates the expression of the human hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) gene

The liver is exposed to a wide variety of toxic agents, many of which damage DNA and result in increased levels of the tumour suppressor protein p53. We have previously shown that p53 inhibits the transactivation function of HNF (hepatocyte nuclear factor) 4α1, a nuclear receptor known to be critical for early development and liver differentiation. In the present study we demonstrate that p53 also down-regulates expression of the human HNF4α gene via the proximal P1 promoter. Overexpression of wild-type p53 down-regulated endogenous levels of both HNF4α protein and mRNA in Hep3B cells. This decrease was also observed when HepG2 cells were exposed to UV irradiation or doxorubicin, both of which increased endogenous p53 protein levels. Ectopically expressed p53, but not a mutant p53 defective in DNA binding (R249S), down-regulated HNF4α P1 promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation also showed that endogenous p53 bound the HNF4α P1 promoter in vivo after doxorubicin treatment. The mechanism by which p53 down-regulates the P1 promoter appears to be multifaceted. The down-regulation was partially recovered by inhibition of HDAC activity and appears to involve the positive regulator HNF6α. p53 bound HNF6α in vivo and in vitro and prevented HNF6α from binding DNA in vitro. p53 also repressed stimulation of the P1 promoter by HNF6α in vivo. However, since the R249S p53 mutant also bound HNF6α, binding HNF6α is apparently not sufficient for the repression. Implications of the p53-mediated repression of HNF4α expression in response to cellular stress are discussed.
Feasibility of studying brain morphology in major depressive disorder with structural magnetic resonance imaging and clinical data from the electronic medical record: A pilot study

For certain research questions related to long-term outcomes or to rare disorders, designing prospective studies is impractical or prohibitively expensive. Such studies could instead utilize clinical and magnetic resonance imaging data (MRI) collected as part of routine clinical care, stored in the electronic medical record (EMR). Using major depressive disorder (MDD) as a disease model, we examined the feasibility of studying brain morphology and associations with remission using clinical and MRI data exclusively drawn from the EMR. Advanced automated tools were used to select MDD patients and controls from the EMR who had brain MRI data, but no diagnosed brain pathology. MDD patients were further assessed for remission status by review of clinical charts. Twenty MDD patients (eight full-remitters, six partial-remitters, and six non-remitters), and 15 healthy control subjects met all study criteria for advanced morphometric analyses. Compared to controls, MDD patients had significantly smaller right rostral-anterior cingulate volume, and level of non-remission was associated with smaller left hippocampus and left rostral-middle frontal gyrus volume. The use of EMR data for psychiatric research may provide a timely and cost-effective approach with the potential to generate large study samples reflective of the real population with the illness studied.
Kinetic analysis of iodine metabolism.

Iodide kinetic studies were performed on 24 subjects, including normal controls (4), patients with multinodular goiter (8), thyro toxicosis (4), and a variety of other thyroid diseases (8). Rates of iodine metabolism were calculated by more than one technique when possible. The resulting observations are at variance with traditional concepts of iodide metabolism in some instances. AIU (absolute iodine uptake) agrees well with estimates of hormone degradation derived from isotope labeled thyroxine turnover studies. Estimates of thyroid hormone secretion, calculated by 3 different techniques, were uniformly higher than AIU. It is believed that the discrepancy may be attributed to (a) incomplete isotope equilibrium, and (b) a valid difference reflecting spillage of thyroidal iodine as iodide or iodotyrosine, in addition to hormone secretion. Thyroid clearance, as usually measured, probably represents a “net clearance,” and does not include iodide bound and again released as iodotyrosine during the observatio...
Nucleotide sequence of cloned cDNA of human c- myc oncogene

Like other transforming genes of retro viruses, the v-myc gene of the avian virus, MC29, has a homologue in the genome of normal eukaryotic cells. The human cellular homologue, c-myc, located on human chromosome 8, region q24→qter (refs 1, 2), is translocated into the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus on human chromosome 14 (ref. 3) in Burkitt's lymphoma1,4,5, suggesting that c-myc has a primary role in transformation of some human haematopoietic cells. In addition, c-myc is amplified in the human promyelocytic leukaemia cell line, HL60 (refs 6, 7) which also contains high levels of c-myc mRNA8. Recently, Colby et al.9 reported the nucleotide sequence of the human c-myc DNA isolated from a genomic recombinant DNA library derived from human fetal liver10. This 4,053-base pair (bp) sequence includes two exons and one intron of the myc gene, and the authors have suggested the existence of a human c-myc mRNA of 2,291 nucleotides that has a coding capacity for a protein of molecular weight (Mr) 48,812. We have approached the problem of accurately defining the characteristics of the human c-myc mRNA and c-myc protein by determining the sequence of the c-myc cDNA isolated from a cDNA library prepared from mRNA of a clone of the K562 human leukaemic cell line11. K562 cells are known to contain c-myc mRNA which is similar in size to the c-myc mRNA of other human cell types8. We report here the sequence of 2,121 nucleotides of a human c-myc mRNA and demonstrate that its 5′ noncoding sequence does not correspond to the sequence of the reported genomic human sequence. However, our data confirm that the intact human c-myc mRNA can encode a 48,812-Mr protein with a sequence identical to that reported by Colby et al.9.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Regulatory Reform or Favoring the Regulated?

A look at OMB's proposal for cost-benefit analysis changes.Business Economics (2007) 42, 61–65; doi:10.2145/20070107
Ethanol acutely reduces LH and prolactin secretion: Possible involvement by dopamine ☆

Abstract Ethanol (ETOH) administered acutely to castrate male rats caused a decline in pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion. This was associated with an elevation in hypothalamic and median eminence stores of dopamine (DA) that was related to the dose of alcohol given. Pituitary stalk transection (PST) resulted in a significant rise in plasma PRL levels compared to sham control animals, which suggests that DA in the hypophysial portal blood exerted an inhibitory influence on pituitary PRL secretion. The DA agonist bromocriptine failed to alter mean plasma LH levels in stalk-transected rats. The ETOH-treated castrated rats showed a significant rise in circulating PRL after injection of the DA receptor antagonist haloperidol metabolite II (HAL), but the administration of the DA receptor agonist R (−)-apomorphine HCL (APO) caused plasma PRL to decline to near undetectable levels. Plasma LH levels remained unchanged in the HAL- and APO-treated rats and were similar to those of sham controls. These results suggest that lactotroph DA receptors were still functional. Thus our previous finding of ETOH-induced reduction on LH secretion may be attributable to an inhibitory effect by DA on the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptidergic neurons rather than a direct inhibition by DA on the pituitary gonadotroph.
The identity of the allergically active substance in the giant and low ragweed pollen

Abstract A water soluble albuminous protein isolated from the giant and the low ragweed pollen was found to be chemically similar and biologically identical. Therapeutically, the purified protein from the low ragweed pollen was as effective in the treatment of hay fever as a routine extract of the giant ragweed pollen.
IDENTIFICATION OF A MAINTENANCE SYSTEM ON ROLLING CIRCLE REPLICATING PLASMID PVT736-1

Distribution of plasmid molecules to the two daughter cells at cell division is of major importance for their stable inheritance. Several mechanisms that control equipartitioning of low-copy-number plasmids have been described in molecular terms. However, no homologous or analogous systems have been identified for intermediate or high-copy-number plasmids, including rolling circle replicating (RCR) plasmids. It has been suggested that distribution of such plasmids at cell division relies solely on random segregation. Plasmid pVT736-1 is a 2 kb RCR plasmid that was isolated from the Gram-negative capnophilic coccobacillus Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. The plasmid contains a DNA region of approximately 0.8 kb that is associated with its segregational stability. An operon that consists of two genes (orf3 and orf2) is followed by a putative cis-acting site that contains an integration host factor (IHF) binding site, flanked by several repeats. Mutations in orf2 resulted in plasmid instability. In addition, this DNA region was able to stabilize partially a heterologous replicon, p15A. Homologues or analogues of the pVT736-1 stabilization system have been detected on numerous plasmid and bacterial genomes.
How we select our residents--a survey of selection criteria in general surgery residents.

Introduction The future of general surgery depends on the quality of the resident trainees, and successful resident selection is a factor that is important in the process of high-quality surgical education. Methods A 36-question survey regarding resident selection and the interview process was sent to surgical program directors, department chairs, and associate program directors across the United States and Canada. Results In all, 262 valid replies were received (65%), of which 83% were program directors. University hospital programs accounted for 49% of the completed surveys. The mean yearly applicant number per residency program was 571. Most programs indicated that they strictly adhere to their selection criteria (82%). The screening selection is made by the program director in 62%. Only 31% of programs show their selection criteria on their web page. United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is the single most important factor in screening criteria (37%), followed by USLME Step 2 (24%). A total of 96% of all programs have female residents, 66% have non-Liaison Committee on Medical Education graduates, and 38% have Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) residents. Final selection is made by the program director in 49%. Although research experience is considered in selection criteria (80%), only 46% of programs offer research opportunities to their residents and only 13% require 1-year of research. On a Likert 5-point scale, the interview is by far the most important factor (4.69), followed by Step 1 score (4.21), and letters of recommendation (4.02). Conclusions Even though all general surgery programs have a wide range of screening/selection criteria, USLME Step 1 is the single most important factor for preliminary screening, and the interview is the most important factor in determining the final selection. The final selection is relatively subjective and based on a combination of interview, USLME scores, research experience, and personal judgment.
Paleoconvergence rates determined from K2O/SiO2 ratios in magmatic rocks and their application to Cretaceous and Tertiary tectonic patterns in southwestern North America

Spatial, temporal, and chemical data may be used to calculate paleodip angles for paleosubduction zones, assuming the position of the paleotrench is reasonably well known. In turn, paleoconvergence rates may be calculated according to the equation developed by Luyendyk (1970), that relates dip angle to convergence rate. Data from Cretaceous-Tertiary magmatic rocks indicate paleoconvergence rates of 7 to 8 cm/yr for the period 130 to 85 m.y. ago. Convergence rates markedly increased to an average of about 14 cm/yr for the period 85 to 45 m.y. Decreased convergence rates are indicated from 45 to 20 m.y. Paleoconvergence rates determined from magmatic rocks are generally in agreement with those determined independently by other workers from paleomagnetic data on ocean-floor rocks. The anomalously high rates of convergence determined from the igneous-rock data may be due to subduction of younger, more buoyant oceanc crust after 65 m.y. B.P., although recent observations from independent data suggest that Eocene convergence may have been a high 20 to 26 cm/yr. Paleomagnetically, the period of constant convergence, constant dip subduction from 130 to 85 m.y. ago correlates almost exactly with the long Cretaceous normal polarity interval as suggested on the new Lowrie-Alvarez 1981 geomagnetic time scale. In contrast, the post-85-m.y. period of variable convergence and variable dip subduction correlates with polarity events of short duration and frequent reversal. Tectonically, the period of constant convergence rates from 130 to 85 m.y. ago correlates with Sevier orogeny in Nevada and Utah. The period of increased convergence from 85 to 45 m.y. ago correlates with classic Laramide orogeny in Wyoming and Colorado. The period of decreased convergence from 45 to about 20 m.y. ago correlates with a poorly understood and incompletely defined mid-Tertiary orogenic event.
Model selection in magnetic resonance imaging measurements of vascular permeability: Gadomer in a 9L model of rat cerebral tumor.

Vasculature in and around the cerebral tumor exhibits a wide range of permeabilities, from normal capillaries with essentially no blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage to a tumor vasculature that freely passes even such large molecules as albumin. In measuring BBB permeability by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), various contrast agents, sampling intervals, and contrast distribution models can be selected, each with its effect on the measurement's outcome. Using Gadomer, a large paramagnetic contrast agent, and MRI measures of T1, over a 25-min period, BBB permeability was estimated in 15 Fischer rats with day-16 9L cerebral gliomas. Three vascular models were developed: (1) impermeable (normal BBB); (2) moderate influx (leakage without efflux); and (3) fast leakage with bidirectional exchange. For data analysis, these form nested models. Model 1 estimates only vascular plasma volume, vD, Model 2 (the Patlak graphical approach) vD and the influx transfer constant K1- Model 3 estimates vD, Ki and the reverse t...
Large P 4 -free graphs with bounded degree

Let ex * (D; H) denote the maximum number of edges in a connected graph with maximum degree D and no induced subgraph isomorphic to H. We prove that this is finite only when H is a disjoint union of paths,m in which case we provide crude upper and lower bounds. When H is the four-vertex path P4, we prove that the complete bipartite graph KD,D is the unique extremal graph. Furthermore, if G is a connected P4-free graph with maximum degree D and clique number ω, then G has at most D2 − D(ω − 2)/2 edges. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Theoretical study of the thermodynamic properties of αδ′ interphase boundaries in AlLi

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of coherent interphase-boundary interfaces between α and δ′ phases in the AlLi alloy system have been studied using a theoretical approach based on the cluster variation method. Interfacial excess free energies have been calculated for interphase boundaries with {100} and {111} crystallographic orientations at several temperatures ranging between 100 and 209°C. Additionally, the dependencies of the average composition and the order parameter upon distance within the compositionally diffuse interfacial regions have been computed. The calculated interphase energies range between 7 and 11 mJ/m 2 . From an analysis of the calculated composition and order-parameter profiles, interface widths are predicted to be as large as 27 A.
Science Meets Business

The combination of the global economic crisis and growing international competition in science innovation has prompted a demand for professionals who possess scientific training and multidisciplinary entrepreneurial skills to meet the increasing demands of the workforce. This paper discusses the professional science master's programs at Rutger, The State University of New Jersey. The Rutgers PSM model is an example of developing collaborative partnerships on a statewide level. Efforts are currently being undertaken to expand the PSM model by developing international partnerships with leading universities in the fields of science, engineering, and business across five continents. PSM programs across the United States are bridging the gap between the academic and practical aspects of the sciences. These programs are truly addressing the innovation needs of the science and technology workforce of the 21st century.
Suicide Attempt Histories in Alcohol-Dependent Men: Differences in Psychological Profiles

Fifty-three alcohol-dependent men without additional Axis I disorders were divided into two groups based on past history of suicide attempts (SP = suicide positive, N = 15; SN = suicide negative, N = 38). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the two groups were matched for age, racial makeup, family history of suicide, and total number of years of drinking. A significantly higher percentage of SP group patients had personal and family histories of either illicit drug use, past psychiatric treatment, or both. Psychological profiles demonstrated exaggerated tendencies toward sociopathy, attitudinal deviance, heightened activity, anxiety, depression, hostility, and disordered thinking among the SP patients. These findings highlight the importance of designing individualized relapse prevention programs.
Hyaluronate distribution in the regenerating retinal pigment epithelium of the rabbit: A study using confocal laser scanning microscopy

The distribution of hyaluronate (HA) in regenerating retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the rabbit was examined using immunohistochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The goal was to determine if there is a correlation between differentiation and HA expression, like that seen in developing tissues, where HA accumulates and then disappears as the tissue matures. In normal RPE cells HA is associated mainly with the apical surface. In regenerating RPE (produced by i.v. injection of sodium iodate to damage the epithelium, regeneration arising from spared cells), HA exhibits a patchy distribution among the more immature cells and is especially prominent where they overlap or pile up on each other. Where cells are more mature and form a compact monolayer of cells, HA is expressed mainly on the apical surface, as in normal RPE. The accumulation of HA among the more immature cells in the regenerating epithelial sheet supports the hypothesis that HA influences differentiation by suppressing cell-cell associations until the proper time for their formation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ecological role of energy taxis in microorganisms

Motile microorganisms rapidly respond to changes in various physico-chemical gradients by directing their motility to more favorable surroundings. Energy generation is one of the most important parameters for the survival of microorganisms in their environment. Therefore it is not surprising that microorganisms are able to monitor changes in the cellular energy generating processes. The signal for this behavioral response, which is called energy taxis, originates within the electron transport system. By coupling energy metabolism and behavior, energy taxis is fine-tuned to the environment a cell finds itself in and allows efficient adaptation to changing conditions that affect cellular energy levels. Thus, energy taxis provides cells with a versatile sensory system that enables them to navigate to niches where energy generation is optimized. This behavior is likely to govern vertical species stratification and the active migration of motile cells in response to shifting gradients of electron donors and/or acceptors which are observed within microbial mats, sediments and soil pores. Energy taxis has been characterized in several species and might be widespread in the microbial world. Genome sequencing revealed that many microorganisms from aquatic and soil environments possess large numbers of chemoreceptors and are likely to be capable of energy taxis. In contrast, species that have a fewer number of chemoreceptors are often found in specific, confined environments, where relatively constant environmental conditions are expected. Future studies focusing on characterizing behavioral responses in species that are adapted to diverse environmental conditions should unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying sensory behavior in general and energy taxis in particular. Such knowledge is critical to a better understanding of the ecological role of energy taxis.
The complex subject of psychosis

Psychological resilience is built on the capacity accurately to reflect on one's thoughts and feelings in relation to the thoughts and feelings of others. The strong link between bullying and psychosis highlights ways in which social isolation inhibits the development of these capacities. Prevailing ideas about psychosis tend further to marginalize individuals already struggling with social isolation. We present interview data that show ways in which identified patients may stumble over diagnoses, thereby exacerbating extant cognitive or perceptual difficulties. In striking contrast, a Lacanian perspective marks the importance of recognizing the Subject in the context of experienced difficulties. Such a view is supported by outcome data that highlight the importance of attending to the psychosocial contexts in which psychosis arises, and the human connections through which such distress might be moderated.
Retinal ganglion cells within the foveola of New World (Saimiri sciureus) and Old World (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.

The morphology and distribution of retinal ganglion cells within the foveola of New World (Saimiri sciureus) and Old World (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys labeled as a result of horseradish peroxidase injections into the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus were studied. The results indicate that monkey's foveola normally contains significant numbers of retinal ganglion cells. Most of these project ipsilaterally. Cells within the foveola are larger than other cells in monkey central retina; their dendritic fields are up to 50 times larger in area than those of cells in the foveal slope. The dendritic fields of the ganglion cells within the foveola cover at least 70–100% of its area. Among ganglion cells within the foveola (as in most ganglion cells), there was a strong tendency for the axon and dendritic tree to arise from opposite poles of the soma. The axon-dendrite axes of ganglion cells within the foveola did not show a consistent pattern. In contrast, the axes of ganglion cells in the transition zone between the foveola and the foveal slope were directed tangentially to the circumference of the fovea. The dendritic coverage of the foveola by retinal ganglion cells suggests functional significance and provides a possible neural basis for 2–3° of bilateral representation of the fovea within the central visual pathways. Alternatively or in addition, these cells may be “remnants of foveation” and provide insight into the developmental processes that mediate the development of the fovea. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Buffering Mechanisms in Leaching of Composites of Cement with Radioactive Waste

Leachates in contact with composites of cement and radioactive waste are buffered by the formation and dissolution of calcium silicate hydrates. Among a large number of hydrates with closely spaced energies, the most likely buffers are 11 A tobermorite, 14 A tobermorite, and gyrolite. There is x-ray evidence for the presence of all three: 11 A tobermorite is present in small amounts in both cured cement and leached warm-pressed cement; there is weak evidence for 14 A tobermorite in both, and for gyrolite in leached warm-pressed cement. According to currently available thermodynamic data, C-S-H gel forms in the cement paste and dissolves in the leachate. In order for C-S-H to be the principal buffer there would have to be an error in free energy of formation of C/sub 3/S or 2 to 4 Kcal/mol. This is possible; the thermodynamics of these calcium silicates are not well known. Several dissolution reactions are compatible with the observed reaction paths. ..beta..-C/sub 2/S, C/sub 3/S and Ca(OH)/sub 2/ are present in all the cements and forshagite and hillebrandite may be present in cured cements. The presence of the radioactive waste forms pollucite, Sr-powellite, I-sodalite, Savannah River waste and supercalcine SPC - U + 2more » does not significantly alter the activity ratios between Ca, Si, and pH. The fact that the buffering mechanisms are a property of the cement and not the waste must be taken into account when designing cement-water systems.« less
Single-iteration compression of femtosecond laser pulses

We demonstrate a technique for correcting arbitrary spectral-phase aberrations in a single iteration with no reference pulse. By utilizing spectral-phase interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction and a programmable liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, we have achieved compression of complex pulse shapes from nearly picosecond extent down to 70 fs.
Molecular requirements for immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region gene switch-recombination revealed with switch-substrate retroviruses

We have employed a retroviral vector, ZN(Smu/S gamma 2b)tk1, as a means of introducing immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) switch (S) region sequences into B cell lines to directly measure their switch-recombinase activities. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that retrovector Smu-S gamma 2b recombination events occurred in two thymidine kinase (tk)-negative murine pre-B cell lines (18-8 and 38B9) upon selection in bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) media for the loss of an Htk gene inserted in between the vector's Smu and S gamma 2b sequences. Here we have used this assay system to show that the 300-18 murine pre-B cell line possesses a very high level of switch-recombinase activity (greater than 1 event in 2500 cells/generation) while a terminally differentiated, antibody-secreting hybridoma line (A39R 1.1) has no detectable recombinase activity. Both S mu and S gamma 2b segments are required for switch region-mediated deletions. Retrovectors harboring only an Smu segment or an Smu segment and a portion of the murine c-myc gene in place of S gamma 2b sequences were both non-recombinagenic in this assay system. Nucleotide sequence analysis of six retrovector S segment recombinants, recovered from ZN(Smu/S gamma 2b) tk1-infected 18-8 and 39B9 pre-B lines, did not reveal homology at their sites of recombination. We conclude that: (1) S segment repetitive sequences play an essential but indirect role in IgCH gene switch-recombination, which occurs by an illegitimate, non-homologous mechanism; (2) the c-myc gene is not a significant target for switch-recombination; and (3) since endogenous Smu and S gamma 2b rearrangements were not observed in populations and clones of pre-B cells expressing a high level of switch-recombinase activity, multiple factors (presumably contributed in part by the degree of S segment accessibility) in addition to S recombinase activity are required for CH class switching.
COGNITIVE INTERVIEWS AS A TOOL FOR INVESTIGATING THE VALIDITY OF CONTENT KNOWLEDGE FOR TEACHING ASSESSMENTS

This report provides a description of a cognitive interview study investigating validity of assessments designed to measure content knowledge for teaching (CKT). The report is intended both to provide information on the validity of the CKT measures and to provide guidance to researchers interested in replicating the design. The study takes an argument-based approach to investigating validity by first articulating interpretive arguments that are central to the CKT measurement theory and then using the cognitive interview data to evaluate these arguments (Kane, 2006). The study is based on 30 interviews of elementary mathematics teachers and 30 interviews of elementary English language arts teachers. Teachers were selected using previous CKT assessment scores to represent high- and low-scoring groups for each subject. The cognitive interviews were conducted separately for each subject and responses were coded and then analyzed to investigate the scoring and extrapolation inferences for the validity argument. Findings strongly support the scoring inference, providing evidence that the item keying for the items is correct. Results also indicate that the participants reasoned about the item in ways that conformed with the reasoning outlined in the task design rationales (TDR) for each item. These TDRs represent what reasoning should look like for each of these items for a respondent drawing on the desired CKT knowledge. As such, conformity with the TDRs supports the extrapolation inference, providing evidence that the reasoning used by the participant represents the underlying knowledge and skill domain we intend to measure through CKT assessments. The study design, instruments, methods, and results are described in detail, with discussion included to support researchers interested in replicating or capitalizing on the study design.
Regenerative Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell

The regenerative hydrogen-oxygen ion-exchange membrane fuel cell is especially suitable for use in space power systems. During discharge, the anode reaction is H 2 +20H-?2H 2 O+2e. The electrons pass out of the fuel cell at the anode to the load, then re-enter at the cathode. The cathode reaction is ?0 2 +H 2 O+2e ?20H-. The hydroxyl ions pass through the membrane to the anode; the electrical circuit is thus completed. The cell reaction is H 2 +?0 2 ?H 2 O. During charge, electrical energy is furnished to the fuel cell and water is electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen. Single cells have been cycled continuously for several months without significant decreases in performance. The electrochemical efficiencies ampere-minutes out/ampere-minutes in are 95 to 100 per cent and the energy efficiencies watt-minutes out/watt-minutes in are as high as 50 per cent. Cells have been operated initially at current densities of 38 and 100 a per square foot at 0.8 and 0.6 v, respectively. Multicell units have been built and tested. Experimental fuel-cell batteries have been tested under zero-gravity conditions in aircraft and have been flown in missile flights. The results have shown that this fuel cell operates satisfactorily in the environment of outer space.
Effects of gamma radiation on Penicillium expansum L. III. On nucleic acid metabolism

Penicillium expansum was grown in Czapek-Dox broth after the suspensions of conidia were irradiated with 50 and 100 krad of gamma radiation. The dry weight of mycelia in irradiated cultures was lower than those in the controls, while the contents of RNA and DNA were higher 1–2 days after post irradiation incubation. The RNA and DNA contents remained higher up to the fourth day of incubation, then declined and reached the same level as that of the controls by the fifth day of incubation. When the fungus was grown in the medium containing thymine-2- 14 C, radioactivity was found in both the DNA and RNA of the mycelium. Chemical and isotopic analyses showed no gross radiation-induced degradation of DNA and RNA in the fungus during an 8-hour post irradiation incubation.
Assessing Defense Structure in School-Age Children Using the Response Evaluation Measure-71-Youth Version (REM-Y-71)

This study used the Response Evaluation Measure-Youth (REM-Y-71), a self-report measure of 21 defense reactions, among school-age children. Participants were elementary and middle school students (n = 290; grades 3-8; age range: 8-15; mean = 11.73). Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor defense structure consistent with structure among high school and adult samples. The composite REM-Y defense scores for each factor were significant predictors of social desirability, using the Children's Defensiveness Scale (CDS); anxiety, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC); and psychosocial functioning. This study represents the first cross-sectional empirical analysis of overall defense structure and use among children and early adolescents.
Analyzing multiply matched cohort studies with two different comparison groups: application to pregnancy rates among HIV+ women.

Nous developpons une nouvelle methode statistique pour analyser des etudes de cohorte appariees entre deux groupes de comparaison differents. Nous utilisons un modele logistique lineaire pour decrire les log odds ratios sous-jacents et une approche de vraisemblance conditionnelle pour l'inference statistique. Sous l'hypothese de log odds ratios homogenes, nous presentons des methodes pour implementer les regions de confiance asymptotiques et exactes des deux log odds ratios dans un cas simple. Nous proposons un test de score pour evaluer l'hypothese d'homogeneite des log odds ratios dans les strates. Bien que les methodes proposees se situent dans un cadre general, nous les developpons dans un cas specifique, a savoir, l'etude du taux de grossesses chez des femmes infectees au VIH. Nos analyses suggerent que l'infection au VIH soit associee a une diminution de ces taux et cette diminution de la fertilite est significative apres la prise en compte de l'utilisation de drogues illicites.
Allergic reaction secondary to voiding cystourethrography

Abstract A patient with an allergic reaction secondary to a voiding cystourethrogram is presented and the significance discussed.
A qualitative study of the ramifications of rash from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.

Objective: Over 50% of cancer patients who are treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors develop a papulopustular rash that involves the face, neck, and upper torso. However, because relatively few previous reports have focused on the full ramifications of this drug-induced side effect, this qualitative study was undertaken. Methods: Fifteen patients who had either an active or previous rash from these agents participated in scripted interviews. All interviews were transcribed and examined by means of a qualitative methodologic approach. Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) actual physical discomfort was associated with the rash; (2) patients were concerned about their appearance; (3) despite initial denial, patients did suffer social isolation; and (4) high medical morbidity was associated with the rash. Patients voiced concerns such as: (1) ‘Especially when I try to sleep, I can feel the itch and burn all over…’; (2) ‘My face looks so bad that if I go to see my friends and they say, ‘What happened to you.’ I am self conscious about that’; (3) ‘I just told them they would be better off just calling me, don't come visit…’; and (4) ‘I went to the hospital for my face…they made a bandage to put all over [my] face…. [I] just had a little nose hole, a mouth hole and holes for…eyes.’. Conclusion: Rash from EGFR inhibitors can have a major negative impact upon cancer patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of reference genes for gene expression studies in the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Abstract The Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) an exotic invasive insect pest has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) across North America and threatens billions more. We validated six A. planipennis reference genes (actin, ACT; beta tubulin, β-TUB; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH; ribosomal protein, RPL7; translation elongation factor 1α, TEF-1α; and ubiquitin, UBQ) using geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper for accurate determination of target messenger RNA levels in gene expression studies. The stability of the six reference genes was evaluated in different larval tissues, developmental stages and two treatments of A. planipennis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Although there was no consistent ranking observed among the reference genes across the samples, the overall analysis revealed TEF-1α as the most stable reference gene. GAPDH and ACT showed least stability for all the samples studied. We conclude that TEF-1α is the most appropriate reference gene for gene expression studies in A. planipennis. Results obtained can be applicable for transcript profiling in other invasive insect pests. Further, these validated reference genes could also serve as the basis for selection of candidate reference genes in any given insect system post-validation.