cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Encounters: Higher Education and the International Student Experience

Throughout International Encounters: Higher Education and the International Student Experience, the authors encourage faculty, program administrators, and institutional leaders to challenge the deficient model that is often associated with international student experiences, and instead employ those in higher education to recognize the human, social, mobility, cultural, and identity capital that international students bring to universities and colleges. The editors are to be applauded for the unpacking and problematizing of terms such as “foreign student,” “cosmopolitanism,” “foreignness,” and “international” and for recognizing the assemblance of international education research and literature as somewhat haphazard, although prolific.
The Influence of School Resource Officer Presence on Teacher Perceptions of School Safety and Security

School resource officer (SRO) presence in K–12 public schools is becoming increasingly popular in an effort to help ensure stakeholder safety and protect against unsuspecting acts of school violenc...
Non-surgical Management of Complex Refractory Pyoderma Gangrenosum With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin disorder primarily treated with immunosuppression medication. We report a case of a large, chronic PG wound treated with adjunct negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) using nonadherent dressing (Mepitel) and reticular open-cell foam with through holes (ROCF-CC) with positive outcomes. The patient was a 62-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lymphedema, and morbid obesity who presented with a 19.5 cm x 13.2 cm x 2.1 cm wound of three years duration on the right posterolateral lower extremity that successfully responded to a multimodality approach of immunosuppression and wound vac therapy. We conclude in our case that NPWTi-d with Mepitel and ROCF-CC enhanced the wound healing process, and we discuss NPWTi-d’s potential role and benefit as an adjunctive therapy option for chronic and poorly controlled PG on patients taking concurrent immunosuppression.
Characterization of Drug-Drug Interactions on the Pharmacokinetic Disposition of Busulfan in Pediatric Patients during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Conditioning.

Aim The study objective was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for busulfan to comprehensively examine drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently, there is limited evidence to substantiate potential DDIs with busulfan. Methods This retrospective study population was comprised of 250 patients receiving, on average, 0.8 mg/kg intravenous busulfan as pretreatment. All model analyses were conducted using non-linear mixed effects modeling in Pumas v2.0. The metabolic pathways of primary interest were glutathione conjugation and cytochrome P450 activity. Concomitant medications were categorized as CYP inhibitors, inducers, or GST depleters and included in the model as conditional covariates. A bootstrap simulation and visual predictive check were conducted to qualify the final model. Results The final one-compartment model incorporates covariates of weight and age in relation to their effects on both total body clearance and volume of distribution. The estimated typical values of clearance and volume were 1.138 L/hr (CI: 1.095 - 1.179 L/hr) and 3.527 L (CI: 3.418 - 3.621 L), respectively. No significant changes in clearance were observed when medications that alter proposed hepatic and metabolic pathways of busulfan were coadministered. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest single center study of busulfan in children and the first to quantify the maturation effect of both clearance and volume. This study could not demonstrate a difference in busulfan clearance when comparing patients who received medications that alter the GST, CYP3A4, or CYP2C9 pathway to those who did not.
The minimization of certain nondifferentiable sums of eigenvalues of symmetric matrices

Properties of the sum of the q algebraically largest eigenvalues of any real symmetric matrix as a function of the diagonal entries of the matrix are derived. Such a sum is convex but not necessarily everywhere differentiable. A convergent procedure is presented for determining a minimizing point of any such sum subject to the condition that the trace of the matrix is held constant. An implementation of this procedure is described and numerical results are included.
Automated measurement of capacitance from 500 pF to 40 mF

This paper describes a method of deriving capacitance from current, voltage and time measurement with high accuracy over a wide range. The method was developed to provide automated traceable measurement of the continuously variable capacitance function of a newly developed calibrator. >
Blockade of low and high threshold Ca2+ channels by diphenylbutylpiperidine antipsychotics linked to inhibition of prolactin gene expression

The effects of diphenylbutylpiperidine (DPBP) antipsychotics on Ca2+ currents and prolactin (PRL) synthesis were studied in rat pituitary growth hormone (GH) cell lines (GH3 and GH4C1). In whole-cell patch-clamp experiments, DPBPs including fluspirilene, penfluridol, and pimozide at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 5 microM each blocked current through low threshold T-type as well as high threshold L-type channels. Each of the drugs preferentially blocked T-type current, and complete inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 1 microM. Inhibition of L-type channels by DPBPS was enhanced at depolarized holding potentials and promoted by prolonged channel activation. At concentrations similar to those which blocked Ca2+ currents, each of the three DPBPs markedly reduced basal PRL production by GH cells. PRL synthesis stimulated by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ agonist R5417 or thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was also inhibited. The inhibitory effects of the DPBPs were observed at the level of gene transcription. Penfluridol and fluspirilene inhibited basal, Ca2(+)- and TRH-stimulated expression of a fusion gene construct containing the 5'-flanking sequence of the rat PRL gene linked to the luciferase gene. The effect was concentration-dependent with the IC50 values for both drugs of less than 1 microM. Nimodipine also reduced basal, R5417, and TRH-stimulated expression of the reporter gene construct. Similar results were obtained with a reporter gene construct containing the 5'-flanking sequence of the rat GH gene. The GH luciferase construct was only slightly responsive to R5417 and TRH; however, these responses were reduced by fluspirilene and nimodipine at concentrations of less than 1 microM. These studies demonstrate that the DPBP antipsychotics block T- as well as L-type Ca2+ channels in GH cells and inhibit PRL production at the level of transcription. They also indicate that functioning Ca2+ channels are necessary for TRH-stimulated PRL gene transcription.
Reflection and Transmission Operators for General Discontinuities in Waveguides

We formulate the general waveguide discontinuity problem in terms of reflection and transmission operators using a general mode-matching method. This allows the multidiscontinuity problem for arbitrarily shaped waveguides to be solved easily. We then relate the mode-matching method to the integral equation method by using the equivalence principle. This sheds light on the issue of relative convergence. We prescribe a more relaxed condition for obtaining a convergent solution to this problem. The idea is illustrated by a numerical simulation.
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for technically challenging tumours.

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To investigate the outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for endophytic tumours and those located near the hilum or the posterior upper-pole, as these pose a technical challenge. PATIENTS AND METHODS Technically challenging tumours were defined as endophytic, hilar, or at the posterior upper-pole (group 1), and were compared to tumours in other locations (group 2). We collected data prospectively for all patients undergoing LPN at our institution, including baseline patient and tumour characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes. Two-sided t-test or rank-sum test, and chi-square or exact tests were used as appropriate for comparison of continuous and categorical variables, respectively, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS There were 184 patients treated with LPN (42 in group 1 and 142 in group 2) between 2002 and 2008 by one surgeon (A.L.S.). Groups 1 and 2 were similar in terms of baseline variables (age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, previous surgery, renal function and haematocrit) and in tumour size. LPN for challenging tumours resulted in a higher rate of collecting system repair (78% in group 1, 61% in group 2, P = 0.03). However, operative (surgery time, warm ischaemia time, blood loss, intraoperative complications) and postoperative outcomes (renal function, nadir haematocrit, complication rate, hospital stay and positive margin rate) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS With developing experience LPN can be safe for technically challenging renal tumours in well selected patients.
Comment on 'Stratospheric evidence of relativistic electron precipitation' by Arthur C. Aikin

In his paper, Aikin investigates the hypothesis that high latitude O3 distributions near 1 mbar are modified by the precipitation of relativistic electrons. The authors of this comment believe that Aikin's results are based on an incomplete analysis and contain misperceptions regarding studies done by the authors. Aikin's reply follows this comment.
Convolution decomposition of 1-D and 2-D linear stationary signals

A linear stationary signal is represented as a convolution model, that is, a stationary driving noise convoluted with a system response sequence. The input noise is assumed to be non-Gaussian and independent and identically distributed. The author studies kurtosis deconvolution. The convergence theorems of kurtosis deconvolution in the mean square sense are proven in 1-D and 2-D cases. It shows that one can extract the driving noise and the system response only from the output signal by using kurtosis deconvolution. >
The ACL2 sedan theorem proving system

The ACL2 Sedan theorem prover (ACL2s) is an Eclipse plugin that provides a modern integrated development environment, supports several modes of interaction, provides a powerful termination analysis engine, and includes fully automatic bug-finding methods based on a synergistic combination of theorem proving and random testing. ACL2s is publicly available and open source. It has also been used in several sections of a required freshman course at Northeastern University to teach over 200 undergraduate students how to reason about programs.
Tri-layer a-Si:H TFTs on polymeric substrates

Large area electronic applications such as active matrix flat panel displays currently use glass as substrate material. Glass substrates are available with large area, low cost, and with flat and smooth surfaces that simplify device processing. Glass is also heavy and fragile, however, and alternatives are of interest. Using a mountant technique, we have fabricated hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistors (a-Si:H TFTs) on both colored and nearly colorless polyimide substrates with performance nearly identical to devices fabricated on glass substrates. These results indicate that with suitable thermal engineering, a-Si:H devices and circuits can be fabricated on polymeric substrates using nearly standard processing.
Using hydroacoustic stations as water column seismometers

[1] Getting seismic data from the deep oceans usually involves ocean-bottom seismometers, but hydrophone arrays may provide a practical alternative means of obtaining vector data. We here explore this possibility using hydrophone stations of the International Monitoring System, which have been used to study icebergs and T-wave propagation among others. These stations consist of three hydrophones at about the depth of the deep sound channel in a horizontal triangle array with 2 km sides. We use data from these stations in the very low-frequency regime (0.01–0.05 Hz band) to demonstrate that these stations can also be used as water column seismometers. By differencing the acoustic pressure, we obtain vector quantities analogous to what a seismometer would record. Comparing processed hydrophone station records of the 2004 Great Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake with broadband seismograms from a nearby island station, we find that the differenced hydrophones are indeed a practical surrogate for seismometers.
Photorefractive devices for information systems

We first briefly describe the photorefractive effect. The band transport model is introduced to analyze the processes involved in the photo-induced index variation. This is followed by a more detailed analysis of the dynamics of grating formation. We then describe the interaction between electromagnetic waves propagating inside photorefractive media. Nonlinear optical processes including two-wave mixing, four-wave mixing and phase conjugation are discussed. We also point out some fundamental properties of grating diffraction. Then we discuss the applications of the photorefractive effect in information systems, including information storage, processing, modulation, and transmission. In the discussion of applications, we will focus on data storage and fiber optic devices.
Barriers to exercise in African American women with physical disabilities

Abstract Rimmer JH, Rubin SS, Braddock D. Barriers to exercise in African American women with physical disabilities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2000;81:182-8. Objective: To examine what factors African American women with one or more physical disabilities perceive as barriers to exercise and how they rank them. Setting: Department of Disability and Human Development at a major university. Study Design: Data were collected through telephone interview using a newly developed instrument (Barriers to Physical Exercise and Disability [B-PED]) that addressed issues related to physical activity and the subjects' disability. Subjects: Fifty subjects were asked questions about their participation and interest in structured exercise. Results: The four major barriers were cost of the exercise program (84.2%), lack of energy (65.8%), transportation (60.5%), and not knowing where to exercise (57.9%). Barriers commonly reported in nondisabled persons (eg, lack of time, boredom, too lazy) were not observed in our sample. Only 11% of the subjects reported that they were not interested in starting an exercise program. The majority of subjects (81.5%) wanted to join an exercise program but were restricted by the barriers reported. Conclusion: African American women with a physical disability are interested in becoming more active but are limited in doing so because of their inability to overcome several barriers to increased physical activity participation. © 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Anatomic and physiological considerations in pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease.

Our ongoing study of ventral pallidotomy for the control of Parkinson’s disease in selected patients has provided the opportunity to explore the topographical and somatotopic organization of the human globus pallidus. Utilizing microelectrode techniques we have obtained recordings which were correlated with data from MPTP- parkinsonian primates. In addition, we performed pre- and postoperative FDG/PET scans in these patients. Our studies reveal similarities between the MPTP-parkinsonian primate model and human Parkinson’s disease in terms of physiologic recordings and responses. However, we have encountered significant differences between dominant and non-dominant hemisphere representations, particularly for the hand, in the human. In addition, our PET studies confirmed, as in previous parkinsonian primate models, glucose hypermetabolism in the lenticular area of Parkinson’s disease patients. This hypermetabolism is dramatically altered by creation of a lesion in the globus pallidus medialis. This is demonstrated by follow-up PET scans which reveal not only a decrease in metabolism of the operated lenticular region, but also in the frontal cortical projections. These combined observations of the cellular activity in the globus pallidus and the observed changes in PET metabolism support the selection of the pallidum for lesioning and control of Parkinson’s disease, and offer insight into the underlying physiology of this disorder. The above physiological and PET data will be clinically correlated with our ongoing series of 35 + patients.
Chemotherapy-induced Raynaud's phenomenon

BACKGROUND Various antineoplastic agents can cause Raynaud9s phenomenon, as can malignant diseases themselves. OBJECTIVE To review the clinical characteristics of chemotherapy- induced Raynaud9s phenomenon and compare them with those of malignancy-associated Raynaud9s phenomenon. SUMMARY Chemotherapy-induced Raynaud9s phenomenon most commonly occurs in patients with testicular cancer who receive bleomycin either as a single agent or as part of a multipledrug chemotherapeutic regimen. It tends to resolve spontaneously, especially after discontinuation of the inducing antineoplastic agent, and rarely causes significant functional impairment. However, it tends to recur with subsequent administration of the drug. In contrast, malignancy-associated Raynaud9s phenomenon is rarer, causes more severe symptoms, and usually occurs in older patients with more advanced cancer. CONCLUSIONS As more patients with cancer undergo chemotherapy, physicians should be aware of the potential delayed toxic effects of antineoplastic drugs.
Computer-aided design comparisons of monolithic and hybrid MEM-tunable VCSELs

We report and use our micro-electro-mechanically tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (MEM-TVCSEL) computer-aided design methodology to investigate the resonant frequency design space for monolithic and hybrid MEM-TVCSELs. For various initial optical air gap thickness, we examine the sensitivity of monolithic or hybrid MEM-TVCSEL resonant frequency by simulating zero, two, and four percent variations in III-V material growth thickness. As expected, as initial optical airgap increases, tuning range decreases due to less coupling between the active region and the tuning mirror. However, each design has different resonant frequency sensitivity to variations in III-V growth parameters. In particular, since the monolithic design is comprised of III-V material, the shift in all growth thicknesses significantly shifts the resonant frequency response. However, for hybrid MEMTVCSELs, less shift results, since the lower reflector is an Au mirror with reflectivity independent of III-V growth variations. Finally, since the hybrid design is comprised of a MUMPS polysilicon mechanical actuator, pull-in voltage remains independent of the initial optical airgap between the tuning reflector and the III-V material. Conversely, as the initial airgap increases in the monolithic design, the pull-in voltage significantly increases.
Nonlinear vibration of a rotating laminated composite circular cylindrical shell: traveling wave vibration

In this paper, the large-amplitude (geometrically nonlinear) vibrations of rotating, laminated composite circular cylindrical shells subjected to radial harmonic excitation in the neighborhood of the lowest resonances are investigated. Nonlinearities due to large-amplitude shell motion are considered using the Donnell’s nonlinear shallow-shell theory, with account taken of the effect of viscous structure damping. The dynamic Young’s modulus which varies with vibrational frequency of the laminated composite shell is considered. An improved nonlinear model, which needs not to introduce the Airy stress function, is employed to study the nonlinear forced vibrations of the present shells. The system is discretized by Galerkin’s method while a model involving two degrees of freedom, allowing for the traveling wave response of the shell, is adopted. The method of harmonic balance is applied to study the forced vibration responses of the two-degrees-of-freedom system. The stability of analytical steady-state solutions is analyzed. Results obtained with analytical method are compared with numerical simulation. The agreement between them bespeaks the validity of the method developed in this paper. The effects of rotating speed and some other parameters on the nonlinear dynamic response of the system are also investigated.
Chelation-controlled nucleophilic additions. 2. A highly effective system for asymmetric induction in the reaction of organometallics with β-alkoxyaldehydes.

Abstract Organocuprates have been found to be highly stereoselective reagents for the addition of carbanionic nucleophiles to α-asymmetric aldehydes bearing β-oxygen substituents. The major products are those predicted by a chelation-controlled transition state and have diastereomeric purities ranging from -15-30:1.
Detection of Exoplanets from the Antarctic Plateau

The limitation to ground based astronomy is the Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere above the Antarctic plateau is fundamentally different in many regards compared to the atmosphere at temperate sites. The extreme altitude, cold and low humidity offer a uniquely transparent atmosphere at many wavelengths. Studies at the South Pole have shown additionally that the turbulence properties of the night time polar atmosphere are unlike any mid latitude sites. The lack of high altitude turbulence combined with low wind speeds presents favorable conditions for interferometry. More recent site testing at Dome C has revealed the most superb seeing of any site tested. The unique properties of the polar atmosphere can be exploited for Extra-solar Planet studies with differential astrometry, differential phase and nulling interferometers.
Short TE phosphorus spectroscopy using a spin‐echo pulse

In vivo phosphorus spectroscopy requires very short acquisition delays in order to capture the signal from components with short transverse relaxation times (T2). The echo time typical of standard slice selective spin-echo pulses are too long for this application, so hard pulse, free induction decay (FID) acquisitions have frequently been used instead. With FID, however, there is an interval between the time of coherence and data acquisition (acquisition delay), with resulting baseline distortions. In this paper we describe the design of a new short TE, slice-selective, composite spin-echo pulse with echo times as short as 2.5 ms. With a long TR, fully relaxed, multislice spectra can be collected. This technique will be useful for assessing in vivo, changes in brain phospholipid activity associated with psychiatric and neurological diseases.
D2-like dopamine receptor mediation of social-emotional reactivity in a mouse model of anxiety: Strain and experience effects

D 2 -Like Dopamine Receptor Mediation of Social-Emotional Reactivity in a Mouse Model of Anxiety: Strain and Experience Effects
Exploiting Metabolic Differences in Glioma Therapy

Brain function depends upon complex metabolic interactions amongst only a few different cell types, with astrocytes providing critical support for neurons. Astrocyte functions include buffering the extracellular space, providing substrates to neurons, interchanging glutamate and glutamine for synaptic transmission with neurons, and facilitating access to blood vessels. Whereas neurons possess highly oxidative metabolism and easily succumb to ischemia, astrocytes rely more on glycolysis and metabolism associated with synthesis of critical intermediates, hence are less susceptible to lack of oxygen. Astrocytoma and higher grade glioma cells demonstrate both basic metabolic mechanisms of astrocytes as well as tumors in general, e.g. they show a high glycolytic rate, lactate extrusion, ability to proliferate even under hypoxia, and opportunistic use of mechanisms to enhance metabolism and blood vessel generation, and suppression of cell death pathways. There may be differences in metabolism between neurons, normal astrocytes and astrocytoma cells, providing therapeutic opportunities against astrocytomas, including a wide range of enzyme and transporter differences, regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), glutamate uptake transporters and glutamine utilization, differential sensitivities of monocarboxylate transporters, presence of glycogen, high interlinking with gap junctions, use of NADPH for lipid synthesis, utilizing differential regulation of synthetic enzymes (e.g. isocitrate dehydrogenase, pyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate-aspartate NADH shuttle) and different glucose uptake mechanisms. These unique metabolic susceptibilities may augment conventional therapeutic attacks based on cell division differences and surface receptors alone, and are starting to be implemented in clinical trials.
Spin waves and spin polarizability in atoms

Abstract Linearized hydrodynamic equations for spin-up and -down fluids oscillating about the Thomas-Fermi ground state are derived variationally and estimates for the lowest-lying spin waves obtained. Static solutions in an external magnetic field yield a model spin susceptibility.
On the solvability of a mathematical model for prion proliferation

We show that a model describing the interaction between normal and infectious prion proteins admits global solutions. More precisely, supposing the involved degradation rates to be bounded, we prove global existence and uniqueness of classical solutions. Based on this existence theory, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of global weak solutions in the case of unbounded splitting rates. Moreover, we prove global stability of the disease-free steady state.
Combined multiple testing by censored empirical likelihood

Abstract We propose a new procedure for combining multiple tests in samples of right-censored observations. The new method is based on multiple constrained censored empirical likelihood where the constraints are formulated as linear functionals of the cumulative hazard functions. We prove a version of Wilks’ theorem for the multiple constrained censored empirical likelihood ratio, which provides a simple reference distribution for the test statistic of our proposed method. A useful application of the proposed method is, for example, examining the survival experience of different populations by combining different weighted log-rank tests. Real data examples are given using the log-rank and Gehan-Wilcoxon tests. In a simulation study of two sample survival data, we compare the proposed method of combining tests to previously developed procedures. The results demonstrate that, in addition to its computational simplicity, the combined test performs comparably to, and in some situations more reliably than previously developed procedures. Statistical software is available in the R package ‘emplik’.
Structural Correlates of Affirmative Action Compliance

In this paper a structural-contingency model drawn from the innovation literature is applied to the particular adaptive situation created by Affirmative Action requirements. If the initiation stage activities are essential to an effective adaptation, it is argued that organic structural characteristics will be associated with success. In situations where the need for, and alternative proposals for, change are known, success will depend on the performance of adoption and implementation stage activities. Therefore, it is argued that mechanistic characteristics will be associated with success.Affirmative Action compliance is decomposed into six behavioral dimensions, two of which require intitiation stage activities and several of which require adoption and implementation only. In general, the model is supported among a sample of small manufacturing firms. It is concluded that formalization is the predominant structural characteristic associated with Affirmative Action compliance, a result which may be gener...
Comparing the Response Rates for Superiority, Noninferiority and Equivalence Testing with Multiple-to-One Matched Binary Data

Paired and multiple-to-one matched data have often been collected in clinical trials and epidemiological safety studies. When the response is binary, the sample size and power are determined by the discordant pairs or matched sets. Fixed sample size determination in assessing response rate difference of superiority, noninferiority, and equivalence tests of paired binary data has been discussed by Lu and Bean (1995)Nam (1997), and Liu et al. (2002). We extend the results of Lu and Bean (1995)Nam (1997), and Liu et al. (2002) to more general cases of multiple-to-one matched binary data. We further examine two issues regarding such tests. First, we examine the issue of simultaneous test and two-stage test for both superiority and noninferiority/equivalence hypotheses. Although, as discussed in Nam (1997) and Liu et al. (2002), the standard errors restricted to null hypothesis are different between superiority and noninferiority test, the monotonic property of the two tests makes the simultaneous testing and ...
1856 IDENTIFICATION OF THE INTRACELLULAR PRECURSOR TO RAT PULMONARY SURFACTANT APOLIPOPROTEIN(S) A

The major protein components of rat pulmonary surfactant are acidic proteins, pI =4. 3-4. 8, referred to as Apo (s) A1, Mr=26,000; A2, Mr=32,000; and A3, Mr=38,000. Although it is widely accepted that surfactant is synthesized and secreted into the airway by alveolar Type II epithelial cells, the molecular characteristics of intracellular Apo (s) A precursor (s) have not been established. Toward this end poly (A) mRNA was isolated from adult rat lungs. In vitro translation resulted in mRNA-dependent incorporation of 35S-methionine into TCA-precipitable proteins. Immunoprecipitation of these translation products, with rabbit antisera directed against rat Apo (s) A, identified a protein with Mr=26,000; this protein was not precipitated by non-immune rabbit sera. Specificity of the immunoprecipitated protein was verified by competition experiments: addition of rat lung Apo A completely inhibited immunoprecipitation of Mr=26,000; addition of BSA or DPPC had no effect. Further, Mr=26,000 was not detected in in vitro translated rat liver poly (A)+ mRNA. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE demonstrated that Mr=26,000, pI=4.3, co-migrated with Apo A1, from rat lung lavage and also with protein immunoprecipitated from 35S-methionine-labelled Type II epithelial cells. Addition of tuni-camycin to Type II cell cultures resulted in appearance of Apo A1, but not Apo (s) A2. and A3. Peptide maps of lung lavage Apo (s) A1, A2 and A3 were identical. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that Mr=26,000 is the intracellular precursor to rat pulmonary surfactant Apo (s) A and that larger molecular weight forms result from extensive N-linked glycosylation of the primary translation product.
An External Validation of Laboratory Evidence for Earned Dignity

Both theoretical arguments and laboratory evidence indicate that society awards earned dignity (worth) to persons perceived as voluntarily performing praiseworthy behaviors. Laboratory research, as well as common observation, indicates also that society accords an intrinsic dignity unconditionally to all people. On a questionnaire given in class, college students reported increased dignity earned by the Russians from their praiseworthy (i.e., embracing freedom) and voluntary rejection of the attempted coup in 1991. The questionnaire also revealed a general belief in intrinsic dignity. External evidence for earned dignity is shown by increased international support for the Russians after rejection of the coup. This convergence of laboratory and external data validates the laboratory techniques for studying social perception of human dignity.
Stocks of Admired and Spurned Companies

Do stocks of admired companies yield admirable returns? Are increases in admiration followed by high stock returns, and how reliable is the relation between admiration and returns? These questions are answered by Anginer and Statman based on their study of Fortune magazine’s annual list “America’s Most Admired Companies.” They find that from April 1983 through December 2007 stocks of admired companies had lower returns, on average, than stocks of spurned companies and that increases in admiration were followed, on average, by lower returns. The authors also find that the dispersion of returns is high, especially in the portfolio of spurned company stocks, implying that investors who would like to benefit from the return advantage of spurned company stocks must diversify widely among them.
Advanced Chemical Propulsion for Science Missions

The advanced chemical propulsion technology area of NASA's in-space technology project is investing in systems and components for increased performance and reduced cost of chemical propulsion technologies applicable to near-term science missions. Presently the primary investment in the advanced chemical propulsion technology area is in the AMBR high temperature storable bipropellant rocket engine. Scheduled to be available for flight development starting in year 2008, AMBR engine shows a 60 kg payload gain in an analysis for the Titan-Enceladus orbiter mission and a 33% manufacturing cost reduction over its baseline, state-of-the-art counterpart. Other technologies invested include the reliable lightweight tanks for propellant and the precision propellant management and mixture ratio control. Both technologies show significant mission benefit, can be applied to any liquid propulsion system, and upon completion of the efforts described in this paper, are at least in parts ready for flight infusion. Details of the technologies are discussed.
Grain boundary mediated oxidation and interlayer dipolar coupling in a magnetic tunnel junction structure

We present a study detailing changes in the layers of a magnetic tunnel junction that has been overoxidized to explore the impact of unwanted oxidation. From the evidence of grain boundary diffusion, we conclude that the microstructure plays an important role in determining the impact of the oxidation process. Layer-dependent switching measurements show that the change in the tunneling magnetoresistance was solely due to modified dipolar coupling after field annealing into the exchange biased state. This was confirmed by scattering measurements, which show clearly that the preanneal and postanneal interfacial structure remains unchanged.
Global sea level stratigraphy: An appraisal

Abstract Although Pleistocene sea level concepts were first developed in the Mediterranean Basin, research has been revolutionized during the past 15 years by massive dating programs applied in other world areas. reappraisal of four key sequences nonetheless shows that the chronometric framework is imperfect. As a result, available paleosea level traces continue to depend on deep-sea stratigraphy for confirmation rather than the reverse; they do not provide independent support for the Milankovitch radiation cycles, nor do they invite deductive-hypothetical ‘dating’ by means of such astronomical reconstructions. Inferred ‘initial’ sea levels, based on uplift assumptions or δ 18 O determinations on coral and mollusca, show considerable divergence but broadly agree that sea levels assigned to isotope stages 5a and 5c were lower than today. Systematic studies should be expanded in environments that allow lithostratigraphic resolution of interdigitated marine and continental sediments, meticulously complemented by biostratigraphic work. Direct information on the complexity and significance of regressional hemicycles helps place sea level stages recorded by transgressive facies into a multidimensional context essential for comprehensive interpretation.
Electromagnetic Interference Control Considerations Solenoid Operated Control Devices

Relay and solenoid controlled devices have historically been a common source of electromagnetic interference. The pulsed electrical energy resulting from actuation and deactuation generates broad frequency spectrum interference. Establishment of meaningful component and subsystem specifications and application of proper design techniques can minimize the interference generated by such devices and subsystems and can also minimize their susceptibility to other interference sources. This paper reviews the approaches which will significantly minimize electromagnetic interference problems.
Computational Studies of the Isomerization and Hydration Reactions of Acetaldehyde Oxide and Methyl Vinyl Carbonyl Oxide

Alkene ozonolysis is a major source of hydroxyl radical (•OH), the most important oxidant in the troposphere. Previous experimental and computational work suggests that for many alkenes the measured •OH yields should be attributed to the combined impact of both chemically activated and thermalized syn-alkyl Criegee intermediates (CIs), even though the thermalized CI should be susceptible to trapping by molecules such as water. We have used RRKM/master equation and variational transition state theory calculations to quantify the competition between unimolecular isomerization and bimolecular hydration reactions for the syn and anti acetaldehyde oxide formed in trans-2-butene ozonolysis and for the CIs formed in isoprene ozonolysis possessing syn-methyl groups. Statistical rate theory calculations were based on quantum chemical data provided by the B3LYP, QCISD, and multicoefficient G3 methods, and thermal rate constants were corrected for tunneling effects using the Eckart method. At tropospheric temperatur...
Dopamine receptor (D4) polymorphism is related to comorbidity between marijuana abuse and depression

Abstract The rates of marijuana abuse are steadily increasing in the U.S. Data suggest that comorbid marijuana abuse and depression is associated with worse outcomes than either diagnosis. Genetic studies independently link the DRD4 gene polymorphism to substance use and to internalizing disorders, but no study has examined whether the DRD4 polymorphism is linked to comorbid marijuana use and depression in a population sample. This study examined associations between the DRD4 gene 48 bp VNTR polymorphism and comorbidity between marijuana use frequency and depression in a diverse, non-clinical adolescent sample (n = 1882; ages 14 to 18) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Multinomial regression analyses indicated that the odds of being comorbid for depressive symptoms and marijuana use are approximately 2.5 ≥ with the ≥ 7R/≥ 7R genotype than youths who carry the
The catalytic mechanism of mammalian adenylyl cyclase: Equilibrium binding and kinetic analysis of P-site inhibition

The mechanism of P-site inhibition of adenylyl cyclase has been probed by equilibrium binding measurements using 2'-[3H]deoxyadenosine, a P-site inhibitor, and by kinetic analysis of both the forward and reverse reactions (i.e. cyclic AMP and ATP synthesis, respectively). There is one binding site for 2'-deoxyadenosine per C1/C2 heterodimer; the Kd is 40 +/- 3 microM. Binding is observed only in the presence of one of the products of the adenylyl cyclase reaction, pyrophosphate (PPi). A substrate analog, Ap(CH2)pp (alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate), and cyclic AMP compete for the P-site in the presence of PPi, but P-site analogs do not compete for substrate binding (in the absence of PPi). Kinetic analysis indicates that release of products from the enzyme is random. These facts permit formulation of a model for the adenylyl cyclase reaction, for which we provide substantial kinetic support. We propose that P-site analogs act as dead-end inhibitors of product release, stabilizing an enzyme-product (E-PPi) complex by binding at the active site. Although product release is random, cyclic AMP dissociates from the enzyme preferentially. Release of PPi is slow and partially rate-limiting.
IC-P1-009: Patterns of cerebral hypoperfusion in amnestic and dysexecutive MCI subgroups

Background: Few studies on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have examined non-amnestic MCI patients. The objective of this study was to compare MRI measurements of resting state cerebral perfusion in two subgroups of MCI patients. Specifically, patients with dysexecutive MCI (dMCI), operationally defined as individuals with report of recent onset of dysexecutive symptoms (e.g., attention, multi-tasking, behavior) and/or had impaired scores on executive, but not memory, measures (N 17), patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI), who had impaired memory, but not executive function (N 18), and cognitively normal elderly controls (N 25). Methods: All subjects underwent arterial spin-labeling and structural MR imaging. Perfusion images were analyzed on a voxel-by-voxel basis and thresholded at an uncorrected voxel-level p-value of 0.001 and a cluster size of 10 voxels with SPM2. Results: Relative to controls, dMCI patients showed hypoperfusion in the right middle frontal cortex, while aMCI patients showed hypoperfusion in the left middle frontal cortex and right precuneus. Compared to dMCI, aMCI patients showed hypoperfusion in the right precuneus and middle cingulum bilaterally. Compared to aMCI, dMCI patients showed hypoperfusion in the right frontal lobe, near the precentral gyrus when we used a more liberal voxel-level threshold of p 0.003. We also examined correlations between cognition, function, and resting state cerebral perfusion. Better Trail-making scores (a measure of executive function) correlated with greater resting state cerebral perfusion in the middle frontal cortex, bilaterally in controls, in the precentral gyrus in aMCI patients, and in the left cuneus and right parietal cortex in dMCI patients. Lower scores on the Functional Activities Questionnaire (indicating less functional dependence) correlated with greater resting state perfusion in the right postcentral gyrus, left inferior and superior frontal cortex in aMCI patients and in the right cuneus, left precuneus, and right superior temporal lobe in dMCI patients. Conclusions: The finding that aMCI and dMCI patients exhibited different spatial patterns of cerebral hypoperfusion supports the existence of two distinct subgroups of MCI. Furthermore, these results suggest that resting cerebral perfusion in the less affected brain regions (i.e., frontal cortex in aMCI, posterior cortex in dMCI) is related to cognition and function in MCI patients.
Transition Theory of Elastic-Plastic Deformation, Creep and Relaxation

THE classical macroscopic treatment of problems in plasticity, creep and relaxation has to assume semi-empirical yield conditions like those of Tresca, Von Mises and creep-strain laws like those of Norton, Odqvist, Kachanov and others1. This is a direct consequence of using linear strain measures, which neglect the non-linear transition region through which the yield occurs and the fact that creep and relaxation strains are never linear. Tresca2 pointed out that a transition state, which he called the mid-zone, existed, and Todhunter and Pearson have supported him3. In this state the whole of the material participates, and not simply a line or selected region, as is assumed by classical theories. Sir Lawrence Bragg4 expresses this view when he points out that an element of a crystal, embedded in the matrix, should be pictured as being strained together with the whole mass of the metal, and hence the slip must take place by a whole intra-atomic distance. A recent numerical investigation5 on flow and deformation theories also shows that a continuous approximation through a transition state leads to a satisfactory convergent solution.
Peroxyacetyl nitrate solubility and decomposition rate in acidic water

Abstract Recent investigations have shown that peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is soluble in acidic water samples. A Henry's law constant of 5 ± 1 M atm −1 has been determined. PAN decays in a first order manner in these solutions, with k = 7.0 ± 0.3 × 10 −3 min −1 at 5°C. The principal anionic product was nitrate ion.
Rho GTPases in PC-3 prostate cancer cell morphology, invasion and tumor cell diapedesis.

Background The Rho GTPases comprise one of the eight subfamilies of the Ras superfamily of monomeric GTP-binding proteins and are involved in cytoskeletal organization. Previously, using a dominant negative construct, we demonstrated a role for RhoC GTPase in conferring invasive capabilities to PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. Further, we demonstrated that inactivation of RhoC led to morphological changes commensurate with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and was accompanied by increased random, linear motility and decreased directed migration and invasion. EMT was related positively to sustained expression and activity of Rac GTPase. In the current study we analyze the individual roles of RhoA, RhoC and Rac1 GTPases in PC-3 cell directed migration, invasion and tumor cell diapedesis across a human bone marrow endothelial cell layer in vitro. Results Use of specific shRNA directed against RhoA, RhoC or Rac1 GTPases demonstrated a role for each protein in maintaining cell morphology. Furthermore, we demonstrate that RhoC expression and activation is required for directed migration and invasion, while Rac1 expression and activation is required for tumor cell diapedesis. Inhibition of RhoA expression produced a slight increase in invasion and tumor cell diapedesis. Conclusions Individual Rho GTPases are required for critical aspects of migration, invasion and tumor cell diapedesis. These data suggest that coordinated activation of individual Rho proteins is required for cells to successfully complete the extravasation process; a key step in distant metastasis.
Immunochemical studies of conjugates of isomaltosyl oligosaccharides to lipid: Fractionation of rabbit antibodies to stearyl-isomaltosyl oligosaccharides and a study of their combining sites by a competitive binding assay

Abstract An antiserum to stearyl-IM5 liposomes, R-856, with a high proportion of IgM and IgG antibodies was separated into IgM and IgG fractions by column chromatography. The IgM and IgG antibody binding sites were studied by quantitative precipitin, precipitin inhibition and competitive binding assays. Both were similar to unfractionated antibodies with sites complementary to IM4. Another antiserum, R-846, was separated into antibody fractions of restricted heterogeneity by preparative isoelectric focusing and their combining sites were studied by competitive binding. Two groups of site sizes were found, one complementary to IM5 was similar to the unfractionated antiserum whereas the other had smaller size sites complementary to IM4.
Porcine pancreatic transplantation. I. Autotransplantation of duct ligated segments

Abstract A method of autotransplantation of duct ligated pancreatic segments has been described. In untreated animals autotransplants underwent significant destruction within 2 weeks after transplantation due to inflammation following ligation of the duct. Insulin production by these grafts was significantly decreased. Radiation and Trasylol failed to prevent these inflammatory and fibrotic changes. Steroids had a protective effect on these grafts, preserving both their morphology and function. Insulin production was preserved and continued exocrine function resulted in accumulation of large volumes of peripancreatic fluid. When glucagon was added to the steroid treatment there was virtually total inhibition of the exocrine function and negligible peripancreatic fluid accumulation, but insulin production continued and the grafts appeared normal morphologically. The implications of the use of high dose steroid therapy and glucagon to prevent the acute damage to duct ligated pancreatic autografts are that major obstacles to the use of this method in allografts can now be removed.
Actinide chemistry: A tale of two nitrides.

The first thing that comes to mind about uranium is certainly not its similarity to iron. Chemists have now shown that the two have a lot in common.