cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy of ovarian cancer with antibodies: a focus on oregovomab

Recent advances in the molecular and cellular biology of malignancy and tumour immunology have stimulated significant progress in the application of immunotherapies as adjuvant treatments in cancer. Oregovomab (OvaRex, AltaRex) is a murine monoclonal antibody with high affinity to the ovarian cancer associated antigen CA125. Infusion of low-dose antibody results in formation of circulating immune complexes which can trigger a cellular immune response targeting CA125 and the ovarian cancer. Oregovomab has activity following initial chemotherapy and in recurrent disease settings and is in Phase III trials to establish its efficacy to prolong time to relapse in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and favourable outcomes to their front-line treatment. Additional studies of antigen processing and combination chemo-immunotherapy are ongoing. The treatment shows promise as a potential new addition to the standard care of ovarian cancer.
Muramyl dipeptide protects decomplemented mice from surgically-induced infection

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is a natural product of bacterial cell-wall breakdown which can now be produced synthetically; it is the smallest component of the mycobacterial cell wall capable of reproducing the adjuvant activities of Freund's complete adjuvant. We tested the well-documented, protective effect of MDP to increase survival in a murine model simulating surgically-induced bacteremia. The protocol involved the bacterial innoculation of control and decomplemented mice in the presence and the absence of pretreatment with MDP. Bacteremia in both the control and decomplemented groups pretreated with MDP was decreased statistically at 24 h (P < 0.01) as compared to controls. Likewise, survival was increased significantly at 24 h (P < 0.05), 48 h (P < 0.001), and 72 h (P < 0.001)using the same group comparisons. We conclude, therefore, that MDP maintains its protective effect in the absence of complement, supporting the view that the mechanism of action of MDP is complement independent.
Abstract 2557: GSTP1 is a determinant of temozolomiode resistance in human glioblastoma cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Temozolomide (TMZ) is a methylating agent used in first-line treatment of malignant gliomas and melanomas. Unfortunately, its use is limited by multifaceted resistance mechanisms. Although, the glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) protein metabolizes several alkylating and free radical generating anticancer agents, its role in TMZ metabolism and/or tumor resistance to TMZ are not known. In this study, we investigated the potential role of GSTP1-based metabolic detoxification of TMZ in glioma resistance to TMZ. The ability of GSTP1 to metabolize TMZ was assessed indirectly by measuring changes in the level of residual (free, un-metabolized) TMZ in a cell-free system containing TMZ, reduced glutathione (GSH) and human placental GSTP1 protein. We observed a time- and both GSH and GSTP1 concentration-dependent decrease in residual TMZ levels in reaction mixtures containing GSTP1 and after a 6 hr incubation, the level of free TMZ in GSTP1-containing reaction mixtures was decreased to 40% of controls without GSTP1. Presence of GSH alone resulted in only a 10% decrease in residual TMZ. Using three GSTP1 expressing glioma cell lines, viz, MGR1, MGR3 and U87, we examined the effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of GSTP1 expression on tumor survival to TMZ and the level of TMZ-induced apoptosis using caspase-3/7 activation as endpoint. The TMZ IC50 values for MGR1, MGR3 and U87 of 1.31, 0.91 and 1.06 mM, respectively, were reduced significantly to 0.78, 0.6 and 0.69 mM at 48hrs following GSTP1 knockdown. Similarly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of GSTP1 increased TMZ-induced caspase-3/7 activation, significantly, in all three cell lines when exposed to TMZ for 48 hrs. Experiments evaluating the effect of combined knockdown of GSTP1 and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) on cellular sensitivity of TMZ suggest synergism between the two strategies. Overall, these results provide support for a pivotal role that GSTP1 may play in glioma cell resistance to TMZ-based chemotherapy and the potential of targeting GSTP1 as part of strategies to reverse this resistance. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2557.
Self‐consistent relativistic orthogonalized plane‐wave calculation of ZnSe

The first self-consistent relativistic orthogonalized plane-wave calculation is presented. The electronic properties of ZnSe are presented as an example crystal. The Fourier transforms of the electronic charge density are compared to experiment values and to non-relativistic calculations. Likewise the excitation energies of the relativistic formalism are compared to experiment and to the calculated non-relativistic values. It is found that differences between relativistic results and non-relativistic results are large for this compound. Also the relativistic results for Slater's exchange approximation are further from experiment than those of the non-relativistic calculations.
STARCH FORMATION IN TOBACCO PLANTS DEFICIENT IN POTASSIUM.

Potassium is important in the growing of fine tobacco. Not only is it the nutrient removed from the soil in the greatest quantity, but it is essential for the vigorous growth of the plant (3). Potassium is also more important than any other element in producing good combustion of the dried leaf (1) and is necessary for choice aroma (5). This value of potassium to the finished tobacco product has a curiously paradoxical aspect, for it has long been assumed that much of the importance of this element to any plant lay in its relation to carbohydrate synthesis or translocation. But the type of tobacco grown in the Connecticut Valley is low in carbohydrates, especially starch. Consequently, there is a special interest in the problem of the relationship of potassium to the formation of starch in tobacco plants. It was the aim in this study, as in much recent work, to test the leaves soon after the effects of potassium deficiency had been definitely established but well before the plant had died from lack of this element. From preliminary trials with tobacco, it appeared that seedlings started in soil, transplanted to sand, and treated with a nutrient solution, could be grown normally with the usual elongation of the internodes ; or that similar plants, treated in a like manner except for the absence of potassium, would show evidence of a lack of this element during the latter part of the vegetative period. Methods
Stress-induced tolerance to delta receptor agonist DPDPE and selectivity of the irreversible δ-ligand, DALCE

Experiments were conducted to (1) provide further evidence of the selectivity of [D-Ala2,Leu5,Cys6]enkephalin (DALCE) as an antagonist of delta (delta) receptor ligands and (2) use DALCE as a tool to explore the possible role of delta receptors in restraint stress. Dose- and time-response curves were generated for the respective delta- and mu (mu)-selective opioid agonists DPDPE (3-30 micrograms) and DAGO (0.03-0.3 microgram) to increase the latency to paw-lick in the hot-plate test in rats. Both agonists produced robust analgesia lasting at least 20 min when injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.). DALCE (0.4-10 micrograms) administered i.c.v. 24 h earlier failed to affect baseline pain sensitivity. DALCE pretreatment dose-dependently blocked the increase in paw-lick latency produced by DPDPE (30 micrograms) but not that induced by an equivalent analgesic dose of DAGO (0.3 microgram). In the last experiment we determined whether 1 h of restraint stress would (a) alter delta receptor sensitivity as indexed by DPDPE-induced analgesia and (b) attenuate the ability of DALCE to functionally antagonize DPDPE-induced analgesia. Rats were assigned to one of four treatment groups: i.c.v. vehicle injection/no stress; vehicle/stress; i.c.v. DALCE (10 micrograms)/no stress; DALCE/stress. Twenty-four hours after treatment, dose- and time-response curves were generated to test the ability of DPDPE (30-120 micrograms) to increase paw-lick latency. Prior exposure to stress alone produced tolerance to DPDPE-induced analgesia. DALCE pretreatment antagonized DPDPE similarly regardless of stress condition. The effects of both stress and DALCE were surmounted by the highest dose of DPDPE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Inhibition of the MUC1-C oncoprotein induces multiple myeloma cell death by down-regulating TIGAR expression and depleting NADPH

The MUC1-C oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed in most multiple myeloma cells. However, the functional significance of MUC1-C expression in multiple myeloma is not known. The present studies demonstrate that treatment of multiple myeloma cells with a MUC1-C inhibitor is associated with increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidation of mitochondrial cardiolipin, and loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The MUC1-C inhibitor-induced increases in ROS were also associated with down-regulation of the p53-inducible regulator of glycolysis and apoptosis (TIGAR). In concert with the decrease in TIGAR expression, which regulates the pentose phosphate pathway, treatment with the MUC1-C inhibitor reduced production of NADPH, and in turn glutathione (GSH) levels. TIGAR protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The suppression of TIGAR and NADPH levels thus contributed to ROS-mediated late apoptosis/necrosis of multiple myeloma cells. These findings indicate that multiple myeloma cells are dependent on MUC1-C and TIGAR for maintenance of redox balance and that targeting MUC1-C activates a cascade involving TIGAR suppression that contributes to multiple myeloma cell death.
The hammer of Hawking: The impact of celebrity scientists, the intent of extraterrestrials and the public perception of astrobiology

This paper assesses the impact of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking’s warning about the possibly malicious intent of extraterrestrial visitors on the public opinion of the search for life in the universe, which is the domain of the interdisciplinary science of astrobiology. Using Web content analysis and sentiment analysis methods, 13 distinct categories of opinion are proposed, suggesting the role of Web comments as both public forums and naturalistic data sources. The results suggest that a significant percentage of those studied agreed with Hawking purely on the merits of his reputation, but those who disagreed tended to claim that Hawking’s argument failed logically or scientifically. Cross-domain authority and the influence of celebrity scientists on the public perception of astrobiology are discussed.
Heavy-doping effects in silicon - The role of Auger processes

Abstract A review is presented of heavy-doping effects in silicon, of the important role of Auger recombination in silicon solar cells and of the competing band-gap-narrowing model of heavy-doping effects. It is shown that previous analyses of these effects in silicon solar cells failed to include properly the consequences of Auger processes. By the use of a new method of calculating the saturation current of a p-n junction that incorporates Auger effects, it is found that this current is rather insensitive to doping density in the regime of heavy dopings. A wide variety of experiments are described that have led to interpretation by band gap narrowing. A critique of several of these interpretations is presented that disputes most quantitative estimates of such narrowing. A brief discussion of theories of band gap narrowing is also concluded with similar doubt about past estimates.
Oxidation of selenides to selenoxides using 2-sulfonyloxaziridines

Abstract Application of 2-sulfonyloxaziridine, 9 , for the “one pot” transformation of selenides to alkenes and the rearrangement of allylic selenides to allylic alcohols are described.
Some classical theorems and families of normal maps in several complex variables

Let H(X,Y)(C(XL,Y)) represent the family of holomorphic (continuous) maps from the complex (topological) space X to the complex (topological) space Y, and let Y + = Y∪{∞} be the Alexandroff one-point compactification of Y. We say that F ⊂ H(X,Y) is uniformly normal if {f ˆ ϕ : f e F, ϕ e H(M,X)} is a relatively compact subset of C(M,Y +) (with the compact-open topology) for each complex manifold M. We show that normal maps as defined by authors in various settings are, as singleton sets, uniformly normal families, and prove theorems for uniformly normal families. These theorems include (1) answers to questions posed by Hahn on higher dimensional formulations of classical theorems of Lehto and Virtanen and the Five-Point Criterion of Lappan, and (2) strong forms of Schottky's Theorem proved for and shown to characterize such families of functions. This last result is applied to present a higher dimensional version of a classical lemma of Bohr.
Clofarabine-induced kidney toxicity

Clofarabine is a purine nucleoside analog indicated for treatment of relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. The drug is also increasingly used, outside of its FDA approved indication, for treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia in adults. It acts by inhibiting DNA synthesis, the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and repair and activation of mitochondrial repair processes. We describe a case of a 48-year-old male with refractory acute myeloid leukemia with acute kidney injury associated with clofarabine treatment. We conducted a review of the literature and utilized the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System to identify spontaneous reporting of renal adverse events with this drug in 29 other cases. Since clofarabine inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, we postulate by extrapolation from the animal studies that collapsing glomerulopathy or severe tubular injury or a combination of both may be the mechanism of acute kidney injury observed with this agent. This would be consistent with the observed severe acute kidney injury and proteinuria in humans.
A novel basal ganglia pathway forms a loop linking a vocal learning circuit with its dopaminergic input.

Dopamine has been implicated in mediating contextual modulation of motor behaviors and learning in many species. In songbirds, dopamine may act on the basal ganglia nucleus Area X to influence the neural activity that contributes to vocal learning and contextual changes in song variability. Neurons in midbrain dopamine centers, the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), densely innervate Area X and show singing-related changes in firing rate. In addition, dopamine levels in Area X change during singing. It is unknown, however, how song-related information could reach dopaminergic neurons. Here we report an anatomical pathway that could provide song-related information to the SNc and VTA. By using injections of bidirectionally transported fluorescent tracers in adult male zebra finches, we show that Area X and other song control nuclei do not project directly to the SNc or VTA. Instead, we describe an indirect pathway from Area X to midbrain dopaminergic neurons via a connection in the ventral pallidum (VP). Specifically, Area X projects to the VP via axon collaterals of Area X output neurons that also project to the thalamus. Dual injections revealed that the area of VP receiving input from Area X projects to the SNc and VTA. Furthermore, VP terminals in the SNc and VTA overlap with cells that project back to Area X. A portion of the arcopallium also projects to the SNc and VTA and could carry auditory information. These data demonstrate an anatomical loop through which Area X activity could influence its dopaminergic input. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:824–839, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A type and effect system for atomicity

Ensuring the correctness of multithreaded programs is difficult, due to the potential for unexpected and nondeterministic interactions between threads. Previous work addressed this problem by devising tools for detecting race conditions, a situation where two threads simultaneously access the same data variable, and at least one of the accesses is a write. However, verifying the absence of such simultaneous-access race conditions is neither necessary nor sufficient to ensure the absence of errors due to unexpected thread interactions.We propose that a stronger non-interference property is required, namely atomicity. Atomic methods can be assumed to execute serially, without interleaved steps of other threads. Thus, atomic methods are amenable to sequential reasoning techniques, which significantly simplifies both formal and informal reasoning about program correctness.This paper presents a type system for specifying and verifying the atomicity of methods in multithreaded Java programs. The atomic type system is a synthesis of Lipton's theory of reduction and type systems for race detection.We have implemented this atomic type system for Java and used it to check a variety of standard Java library classes. The type checker uncovered subtle atomicity violations in classes such as java.lang.String and java.lang.String-Buffer that cause crashes under certain thread interleavings.This paper proposes that a stronger non-interference property is required, namely atomicity, and presents a type system for verifying the atomicity of methods in multithreaded Java programs. Methods in a class can be annotated with the keyword atomic. Clients of a well-typed class can then assume that each atomic method is executed in one step, thus significantly simplifying both formal and informal reasoning about the client's correctness.
Open Access Publishing Fees: Responses, Strategies and Emerging Best Practices

Paper accompanying a poster presentation for the 2013 International iConference. This paper discusses research on open access publishing fees and article processing charges.
Individual Differences in Women’s Rape Avoidance Behaviors

Rape can exact severe psychological, physical, and reproductive costs on women, and likely was a recurrent adaptive problem over human evolutionary history. Therefore, women may have evolved psychological mechanisms that motivate rape avoidance behaviors. Guided heuristically by an evolutionary perspective, we tested the hypothesis that women’s rape avoidance behaviors would vary with several individual difference variables. Specifically, we predicted that rape avoidance behaviors would covary positively with (1) women’s attractiveness, (2) women’s involvement in a committed romantic relationship, and (3) the number of family members living nearby. We also predicted that women’s rape avoidance behaviors would covary negatively with age. We administered the Rape Avoidance Inventory (McKibbin et al., Pers Indiv Differ 39:336–340, 2009) and a demographic survey to a sample of women (n = 144). The results of correlational and regression analyses were consistent with the predictions, with the exception that women’s rape avoidance behaviors did not covary with women’s age. Discussion highlighted limitations of the current research and directions for future research on women’s rape avoidance psychology and behaviors.
Comparison of Rates of Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Versus Those With the Metabolic Syndrome

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the extent and progression of coronary atherosclerosis for these conditions have not been directly compared. Three thousand four hundred fifty-nine patients with coronary artery disease underwent serial evaluation of atheroma burden by intravascular ultrasound. Patients with DM, MS, or neither diagnosis were compared with regard to plaque burden, progression, and arterial remodeling. Among the 3 groups, patients with MS had the largest number of individual cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with DM demonstrated more extensive atherosclerosis burden with a greater percent atheroma volume compared to patients with MS or those with neither diagnosis (40.3 +/- 9.0%, 37.6 +/- 8.9%, and 38.1 +/- 9.1%, p <0.001) and total atheroma volume (198.3 +/- 85.9, 190.7 +/- 85.0, and 186.3 +/- 79.1 mm(3), p = 0.05). MS compared to neither diagnosis was accompanied by expansion of the external elastic membrane (501.3 +/- 174.3 vs 484.4 +/- 160.7 mm(3), p = 0.02), whereas DM was associated with lumen constriction (290.6 +/- 111.7 vs 298.1 +/- 105.5 mm(3), p <0.0001). On serial evaluation, DM, but not MS, was associated with greater progression of percent atheroma volume compared to neither diagnosis (+0.8 +/- 0.3, +0.3 +/- 0.2, and +0.1 +/- 0.2%, p <0.0001) and total atheroma volume (-1.0 +/- 1.8, -3.3 +/- 1.8, and -4.0 +/- 1.8 mm(3), p = 0.001). Meeting criteria for MS was not associated with greater disease progression in patients with DM. In conclusion, despite having fewer individual risk factors, DM is associated with greater plaque progression and more constrictive remodeling than MS. This finding highlights the deleterious effects of DM on the arterial wall independent of its associated metabolic abnormalities.
Proteins as binding targets of isothiocyanates in cancer prevention

Isothiocyanates are versatile cancer-preventive compounds. Evidence from animal studies indicates that the anticarcinogenic activities of ITCs involve all the major stages of tumor growth: initiation, promotion and progression. Epidemiological studies have also shown that dietary intake of ITCs is associated with reduced risk of certain human cancers. A number of mechanisms have been proposed for the chemopreventive activities of ITCs. To identify the molecular targets of ITCs is a first step to understand the molecular mechanisms of ITCs. Studies in recent years have shown that the covalent binding to certain protein targets by ITCs seems to play an important role in ITC-induced apoptosis and cell growth inhibition and other cellular effects. The knowledge gained from these studies may be used to guide future design and screen of better and more efficacious compounds. In this review, we intend to cover all potential protein targets of ITCs so far studied and summarize what are known about their binding sites and the potential biological consequences. In the end, we also offer discussions to shed light onto the relationship between protein binding and reactive oxygen species generation by ITCs.
An assay of deoxyadenosine and adenosine in human plasma by HPLC

Abstract We have developed a method for the simultaneous measurement of deoxyadenosine and adenosine in human plasma. A barium hydroxidezinc sulfate extraction procedure circumvented acid precipitation and preserved the deoxyadenosine. Deoxyadenosine and adenosine were separated using reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and their identities were confirmed by the enzymatic peak shift technique. A radioactive internal standard was used to measure extraction efficiency and to prove completeness of enzyme treatment for the peak shift technique. This assay is sensitive to 100 n m of either nucleoside in plasma and can be completed within 1 hr. This technique can be used to quantitate plasma deoxyadenosine and adenosine in patients with congenital adenosine deaminase deficiency or in patients being treated with ADA inhibitors.
Energy-aware call admission control scheme in wireless cellular networks

Traditional call admission control (CAC) schemes focus on only two parameters: call blocking probability and handoff dropping probability, although energy conservation is important and closely related to admission control. In this paper, we present an adaptive CAC to take a third parameter, energy consumption, into account as well. In order to reveal the relationship between CAC and energy consumption, energy consumption rate (ECR) is introduced. Based on a key observation of ECR that the same bandwidth variation of different mobile users may cause different rates of energy consumption, two algorithms are proposed, victim selection algorithm (VSA) and beneficiary selection algorithm (BSA), to reduce energy consumption. The performance of the proposed scheme for a multi-class services model is analyzed, and simulation results demonstrate that the lowest energy consumption is achieved by our scheme with improvement in blocking/dropping probabilities.
The Housing Futures Market

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in May 2006 began trading housing futures contracts and options, in response to the growing concern with housing risk. This paper reviews the development and operation of the CME housing futures market. The findings indicate that speculators earn significant risk premiums for assuming the risk of future fluctuations in housing prices. These returns and risks, however, appear to be substantially different than the risks and returns earned by those who invest in housing directly. The CME housing futures market offers a way for individuals, businesses, and others to transfer housing risk, which would seem to be important given the importance of housing to household wealth and the overall economy, but low trading volumes indicate that few have been willing to utilize this mechanism.
Effects of topically applied capsaicin on moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris

Alterations in the cutaneous vascular system are prominent in psoriasis and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We evaluated the effects of topically applied capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a known inhibitor of cutaneous vasodilatation, on moderate and severe psoriasis. Under a double-blind paradigm, forty-four patients with symmetrically distributed psoriatic lesions applied topical capsaicin to one side of their body and identical-appearing vehicle to the other side for 6 weeks. After 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, we performed ratings on changes in scaling and erythema, as well as overall improvement of the psoriasis. Over the course of the study, significantly greater overall improvement was observed on sides treated with capsaicin compared to sides treated with vehicle. Similarly, significantly greater reductions in scaling and erythema accompanied capsaicin application. Burning, stinging, itching, and redness of the skin were noted by nearly half of the patients on initial applications of study medication but diminished or vanished upon continued application. These results suggest that topical application of capsaicin may be a useful new approach in the treatment of psoriasis.
Molecular simulations of hydrogen and methane permeation through pore mouth modified zeolite membranes

Membrane-based separations are an attractive means to separate hydrogen from gas mixtures in order to use hydrogen in energy-related applications. Zeolite membranes are robust materials that are well suited to be used in harsh conditions, but they are not typically selective for hydrogen. Several studies have shown that highly selective separations of hydrogen are possible using zeolite membranes whose pore mouths have been chemically modified. An important challenge for materials of this kind is to develop methods by which hydrogen selectivity can be retained without significantly reducing the hydrogen flux possible with an unmodified zeolite membrane. Motivated by this, the effect of the pore mouth modification of silicalite was examined using atomic-scale simulations. We developed methods to mimic the chemical vapour deposition of Si and O atoms near the surface of a silicalite crystal, and examined the flux of CH4 and H2 through the resulting materials. Under some degrees of surface modification, the ...
Allosteric mechanism of Ca2+ activation and H+-inhibited gating of the MthK K+ channel

MthK is a Ca2+-gated K+ channel whose activity is inhibited by cytoplasmic H+. To determine possible mechanisms underlying the channel’s proton sensitivity and the relation between H+ inhibition and Ca2+-dependent gating, we recorded current through MthK channels incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. Each bilayer recording was obtained at up to six different [Ca2+] (ranging from nominally 0 to 30 mM) at a given [H+], in which the solutions bathing the cytoplasmic side of the channels were changed via a perfusion system to ensure complete solution exchanges. We observed a steep relation between [Ca2+] and open probability (Po), with a mean Hill coefficient (nH) of 9.9 ± 0.9. Neither the maximal Po (0.93 ± 0.005) nor nH changed significantly as a function of [H+] over pH ranging from 6.5 to 9.0. In addition, MthK channel activation in the nominal absence of Ca2+ was not H+ sensitive over pH ranging from 7.3 to 9.0. However, increasing [H+] raised the EC50 for Ca2+ activation by ∼4.7-fold per tenfold increase in [H+], displaying a linear relation between log(EC50) and log([H+]) (i.e., pH) over pH ranging from 6.5 to 9.0. Collectively, these results suggest that H+ binding does not directly modulate either the channel’s closed–open equilibrium or the allosteric coupling between Ca2+ binding and channel opening. We can account for the Ca2+ activation and proton sensitivity of MthK gating quantitatively by assuming that Ca2+ allosterically activates MthK, whereas H+ opposes activation by destabilizing the binding of Ca2+.
DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIVE VALUE AND MINERAL ELEMENTS OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS LINN. SEED

Â ABSTRACTObjectives: This study was undertaken to assess the nutritive value and mineral contents of Ficus benghalensis seed locally prescribed as a diet forstomach ulcer.Methods: The nutrients were analyzed by using different biochemical methods while the mineral elements were analyzed by flame photometry andby using various titration methods.Results: Mineral element analysis revealed the presence of important macro and micro elements such as P, K, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu and Cr. Theresults for ash content, crude protein, crude carbohydrate, crude fat, crude fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E content were 2.55%, 15.02%, 12.95%,2.56%, 19.45%, 203.45Â±1.877 mg/g, 517.65Â±0.875 mg/g respectively. Nutritional value of F. benghalensis was 134.92Â±1.250 Cal/100 g.Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that the selected plant seeds contain an appreciable amount of nutrients and minerals and can be includedin diets to supplement our daily nutrient needs and to fight against many of the diseases as nutraceuticals.Keywords: Chemical analysis, Nutraceutical, Ficus benghalensis, Seed powder.
Early TIPS versus endoscopic therapy for secondary prophylaxis after management of acute esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS American College of Gastroenterology and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease guidelines recommend endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment for esophageal variceal bleed. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is reserved for cases of therapeutic failure. Several studies have suggested improved prevention of rebleeding and improved survival without excess hepatic encephalopathy in patients who receive TIPS within the first 5 days after bleeding (early TIPS). In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of early TIPS versus endoscopic therapy for secondary prophylaxis after acute esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. METHODS Pubmed, Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISI Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared early TIPS to endoscopic therapy. The primary outcome was mortality at 1 year; secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy at 1 year. RESULTS Nine randomized controlled trials involving 608 cirrhotic patients were identified. Early TIPS was associated with a significant risk reduction in 1-year mortality (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49-0.96; P = 0.03) and 1-year incidence of variceal rebleeding (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.20-0.40; P < 0.001) without significant heterogeneity among studies (I(2) = 30% and 47%, respectively). No significant difference in the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy at 1 year was observed (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.72-2.56; P = 0.34); however, there was significant heterogeneity among studies (I(2) = 68%). CONCLUSION TIPS placed within 5 days after a major esophageal variceal hemorrhage is superior to endoscopic treatment in reducing subsequent bleeding. Early TIPS placement is also associated with superior 1-year survival without significantly increasing the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy.
Neglecting Decline: Remembered and Predicted Personal Development Diverge from Actual Longitudinal Change.

A one-year longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of people’s assessments of their own personal change over time. We compared people’s predicted, actual, and recalled change in their personality, values, and preferences over this time period. On average, participants underestimated the absolute magnitude of their personal change, yet simultaneously overestimated their net improvement, in both prediction and recall. This effect was due to an asymmetry whereby people selectively neglected negative changes, especially prospectively. Although participants in our sample both improved and declined over the year, they were more likely to remember past improvements than declines, and made nearly uniformly positive predictions of future change. We discuss how the current findings reconcile research demonstrating expectations of personal improvement (e.g., Wilson & Ross, 2001; Kanten & Teigen, 2008) with other research that suggests people overpredict their personal stability (Quoidbach, Gilbert, & Wilson, 2013).
MRI–Arthroscopy Correlation of the Wrist: A Primer for Radiologists

Wrist arthroscopy is commonly performed as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and its indications are expanding. In this article, we review indications and surgical setup for wrist arthroscopy. We review normal arthroscopic wrist joint anatomy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation. Using case examples and MRI–arthroscopy correlation, we demonstrate common wrist pathologies and discuss updates in surgical classification of wrist disorders such as Kienbock’s disease and intrinsic wrist ligament tears.
Does Amateurism Model Mean No Money for Mo'ne?

Mo'ne Davis has not even entered high school, and yet the NCAA's strict rules over collegiate athletics may already be costing her money. The article, “Does Amateurism Model Mean No Money for Mo’ne?” discusses Mo’ne Davis and how making money off her Little League World Series performance now could risk her eligibility to play sports in college.
Time and taphonomy; quantitative estimates of time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder in a shallow marine habitat

We examined the radiocarbon age, taphonomic condition and stratigraphic position of shells of the venerid bivalve Chione spp. from the tidal flats of Bahia la Choya, Sonora, Mexico. Shells in Bahia la Choya are time-averaged. Thirty shells yielded radiocarbon dates from modern (A.D. 1950 or younger) to 3569 years before present. The median calendar age of inner flat shells is 483 years; the median age of tidal channel shells is 427 years. We interpret such long shell survival to be the result of frequent shallow burial. Such burial retards bioerosion of shells. The taphonomic condition of shells varied with environment. Shells from the surface of the inner flats were better preserved than shells from the tidal channel. Shells are more likely to be physically worn and biologically degraded in the waters of the channel than on the quieter and more frequently exposed inner tidal flat. Taphonomic condition is an unreliable indicator of a shell's time-since- death. Poorly-preserved shells on the inner flats tended to be old, but in general shell condition was much more variable than shell age. A shell's condition is more likely the result of its total residence time on the surface than its time-since-death (surface time plus burial time). Two composite short (44 cm and 50 cm) cores revealed varying degrees of stratigraphic disorder (the departure from perfect correlation between relative stratigraphic position and relative age). One of eight shells in the inner flats core was disordered; four of nine shells in the tidal channel were disordered. The actual age range of surface shells approximates the age range of shells in cores. Stratigraphic disorder is a consequence of both time-averaging and physical and biogenic mixing. Time-averaging controls the degree of precision possible in paleoecological studies. Environ- mental changes and ecological phenomena occurring within a span of 3500 years would not be recognized in deposits like those of Bahia la Choya. Time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder also constrain the temporal resolution possible in microstratigraphic studies of evolution. The extent of time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder will dictate an appropriate sample interval. In order to prevent temporal overlap between successive samples in deposits like Bahia la Choya, sample spacing should not be less than approximately 0.5 m.
High chi block copolymer DSA to improve pattern quality for FinFET device fabrication

Directed self-assembly (DSA) with block-copolymers (BCP) is a promising lithography extension technique to scale below 30nm pitch with 193i lithography. Continued scaling toward 20nm pitch or below will require material system improvements from PS-b-PMMA. Pattern quality for DSA features, such as line edge roughness (LER), line width roughness (LWR), size uniformity, and placement, is key to DSA manufacturability. In this work, we demonstrate finFET devices fabricated with DSA-patterned fins and compare several BCP systems for continued pitch scaling. Organic-organic high chi BCPs at 24nm and 21nm pitches show improved low to mid-frequency LER/LWR after pattern transfer.
Weightbearing Roentgenograms in Arthritis of the Ankle: A Case Report

In specific situations the nonweightbearing roentgenograms of the ankle do not correlate with clinically suspected ankle malalignment or arthrosis, and weightbearing roentgenograms of the ankle joint can be quite helpful. The nature and severity of ankle arthrosis may not be detected with standard x-rays alone. A case is described in which these views contributed significantly to the clinical treatment of a rheumatoid patient.
Simultaneous Inoculation of Variola and Vaccinia Viruses in Embryonated Eggs

SummaryMixtures of variola virus diluted 101 and vaccinia virus diluted 106 were inoculated in embryonated eggs and followed by 3 or more successive transfers. In 5 of the 6 tests the highly diluted vaccinia virus was masked in the 1st transfer but subsequently multiplied and predominated by the 3rd. Two of the transferred mixtures on inoculation in rabbits produced a typical vaccinial reaction in dilutions through 106.
Autonomous nanomotor based on copper-platinum segmented nanobattery

We describe an efficient, bubble-free nanoscale motor consisting of a copper–platinum (Cu–Pt) segmented rod that operates as a nanobattery in dilute aqueous Br2 or I2 solutions. The motion of the rod is powered by self-electrophoresis caused by redox reactions occurring on the two different metal segments. Asymmetric ratchet-shaped pure copper nanorods were also found to rotate and tumble in aqueous Br2 solution because of the ion gradient arising from asymmetric dissolution of copper.
Exploring the Effects of Encouragement in Educational Games

Encouragement (e.g., 'You're doing well') given at regular intervals improves performance in a variety of sporting domains. This improvement is regardless of the actual performance of participants. However, it has not been studied how this type of encouragement can affect players of video games. In the current study (N = 662), we look at the following encouragement conditions: (1) Positive (e.g., 'You're doing good'), (2) Negative (e.g., 'You're doing badly'), (3) Neutral (e.g., 'You're doing average'), and (4) None. Via the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), participants in the Neutral condition had significantly improved flow, immersion, and affect than participants in the None condition. Moreover, participants in both the Positive and Neutral conditions had the highest overall GEQ ratings. These findings are directly relevant to educational games.
The comparative effects of 5-azacytidine and dihydro-5-azacytidine on polysomal RNA in Ehrlich ascites cells in vitro.

The comparative effects of 5-azacytidine (AZC) and dihydro-5-azacytidine (DHAZC) on the synthesis of polysomal RNA, as well as the translational activity of drug-modified poly(A)RNA were studied in Ehrlich ascites cells in vitro. AZC inhibited the incorporation of [3H]adenosine into non-poly(A)RNA in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not affect the synthesis of poly(A)RNA. In contrast, neither RNA fraction was significantly affected by equimolar concentrations of DHAZC except at 10-3 M, where 40% inhibition of the synthesis of only non-poly(A)RNA was achieved. Electrophoretic characterization of non-poly(A)RNA revealed that the synthesis of 28 S rRNA was inhibited to a greater extent than was 18 S rRNA by 10-5 M AZC, but to equal extents at 10-4 M drug. Significant inhibition of 28 S and 18 S rRNA occurred only with 10-3 M DHAZC, where approximately 50% inhibition of both rRNA species occurred. Both cytidine analogues were ineffective in inhibiting tRNA synthesis. AZC and DHAZC were incorporated into all species of polysomal RNA, but the amount of drug substitution into a particular species of RNA was not proportional to its effect on the synthesis or function of that RNA. There was more analogue incorporated into poly(A)RNA than into nonpoly(A)RNA, but drug-substituted poly(A)RNA showed neither an impairment of its coding efficiency nor qualitative changes in the translation products synthesized in a rabbit reticulocyte translation system in vitro. From these results, it appears that the relative differences in the inhibitory effects by the two cytidine analogues on rRNA synthesis, as well as their incorporation into rRNA, correlate closely with their relative potencies as antitumor agents.
Increasing network lifetime by balancing node energy consumption in heterogeneous sensor networks: Research Articles

Sensor nodes are powered by battery and have severe energy constraints. The typical many-to-one traffic pattern causes uneven energy consumption among sensor nodes, that is, sensor nodes near the base station or a cluster head have much heavier traffic burden and run out of power much faster than other nodes. The uneven node energy dissipation dramatically reduces sensor network lifetime. In a previous work, we presented the chessboard clustering scheme to increase network lifetime by balancing node energy consumption. To achieve good performance and scalability, we propose to form a heterogeneous sensor network by deploying a few powerful high-end sensors in addition to a large number of low-end sensors. In this paper, we design an efficient routing protocol based on the chessboard clustering scheme, and we compute the minimum node density for satisfying a given lifetime constraint. Simulation experiments show that the chessboard clustering-based routing protocol balances node energy consumption very well and dramatically increases network lifetime, and it performs much better than two other clustering-based schemes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of LHC II mRNA Levels During Photoadaptation in Dunaliella tertiolecta (Chlorophyceae)

Many photosynthetic organisms adapt to growth irradiance changes by adjusting the absorption cross-section of their photosynthetic apparatus (1,2). Alteration of the effective absorption cross-section results in part from changes in cellular abundance of pigment protein complexes. The capability to photoadapt is especially pronounced in unicellular algae which are well suited to the study of light intensity regulation.
Chapter 10 – The Past, Present, and the Future of Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology, with its benefits and risks, is here to stay simply because nanoparticles are rapidly becoming an integral part of modern society. Nanoparticles can be found in medicine, food, cosmetics, clothing, water purification, and electronic devices, among others. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a partnership between the public, industry, and government to develop strategies for the safe use of this technology. The aim of this chapter is to discuss some of the relevant issues.
The Stratosphere in General Circulation Models

A simple discussion of the processes which maintain the mean state of the stratosphere is given in order to demonstrate how the stratosphere might influence the tropospheric circulation. A series of GCM studies which indicate that the strength of the polar night jet is important in determining the planetary wave structures in the troposphere are then summarized. These experiments are used to determine the tropospheric response to stratospheric changes during northern winter, when the largest influence is expected. The climatological response and the time scale on which the response develops has been determined using separate experiments. Finally, problems with the physical parameterizations which are typically encountered when extending tropospheric GCMs to include the full stratosphere and lower mesosphere are summarized.
Fire, Invertebrate Damage, and Reproductive Output in the Endemic Forb Liatris ohlingerae (Asteraceae)

ABSTRACT In pyrogenic ecosystems, fire often plays an integral part in plant population dynamics. For a subset of plant species in such ecosystems, fire is connected to seed set and/or germination, resulting in postfire recruitment episodes. We investigated the relationship between fire and seed set in the perennial forb Liatris ohlingerae (Asteraceae), one of many species endemic to the pyrogenic Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem of central Florida. Our study focused on comparisons of seed production and invertebrate damage to flowers across L. ohlingerae populations in locations encompassing a range of intervals since fire, between 1 mo and 9 yr prior to the study. We found that the estimated seed set was significantly higher in populations burned less than 1 yr prior to the study than in all other populations. Both low invertebrate damage and high seed production rates contributed to this trend in the populations burned < 1 yr prior to the study. Previous research has demonstrated that germination of L. ohli...
E-ballet: designing for remote ballet learning

Since its genesis in the 16th century, ballet training has largely been unchanged: it relies on the word of mouth expertise of ballet teachers passed down generation to generation. Top-tier training is only found in few locations around the world, and comes at an exceptional price. In this context, remote education might represent an affordable alternative: it would allow skilled dance teachers to connect with a wider audience. Although prior research has begun to develop technologies for dancers, there is no consensus on the type of feedback that should be provided to allow remote ballet learning. We prototyped four variations of a technologically simulated mirror to evaluate different combinations of feedback commonly used in traditional ballet settings. Our preliminary results suggest that systems for remote ballet learning should provide combinations of visual, verbal, value, and corrective feedback.