cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AB0043 EFFECT OF IN VIVO HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AND EX VIVO ANTI-BDCA2 TREATMENT ON PDC IFNα PRODUCTION FROM PATIENTS AFFECTED WITH CUTANEOUS LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Background: BIIB059 (aka 24F4A) is a monoclonal antibody that targets BDCA2, an inhibitory receptor expressed on pDCs. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a major source of Type-I Interferon (IFN-I), which is considered to be a key pathogenic driver in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE). Recent results from a Phase I clinical trial suggest that BIIB059 may ameliorate skin lesions in CLE patients. BIIB059 is currently evaluated in Phase II clinical trial for CLE with or without SLE. Objectives: Given that Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a widely-used CLE therapy, and BIIB059 are both able to inhibit pDC-derived IFN-I production; this study aimed to determine whether BIIB059 would show an additional inhibitory effect on pDC response after ex-vivo or in-vivo treatment with HCQ. Methods: The effect of BIIB059 on pDC-derived IFNα was measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) either from healthy donors in presence or absence of HCQ or from CLE patients clinically exposed to various levels of HCQ. TLR7, TLR7/8, and TLR9 agonists (ssRNA, R848, and,CpG-A) were used for pDC stimulation. Results: PDCs were the only producers of IFNα in response to CpG-A, R848, and ssRNA stimulation in PBMC cultures. CLE patients with high blood HCQ levels showed lower ex-vivo pDC responses to CpG-A, but not R848 or ssRNA. In contrast, BIIB059 reduced the amount of IFNα produced by pDCs from CLE patients in response to all TLR agonists, irrespective of the blood HCQ level. This effect was observed in patients with low or high blood IFN signature and in patients with or without concomitant SLE diagnosis. Conclusion: Clinically-relevant HCQ concentrations partially inhibit the pDC response to TLR9 and weakly affect the response to TLR7/8 stimulation. BIIB059 robustly inhibits pDC responses even in the presence of HCQ, highlighting its unique potential to disrupt pDC disease relevant biology, which could provide additional therapeutic benefit for CLE patients. Disclosure of Interests: Agnes Gardet Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Alex Pellerin Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Christie-Ann McCarl Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Rohan Diwanji Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Wenting Wang Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, Douglas Donaldson Shareholder of: Biogen, Employee of: Biogen, NATHALIE FRANCHIMONT Shareholder of: owner of BIOGEN shares/stocks, Employee of: BIOGEN employee, Victoria Werth: None declared, Dania Rabah Shareholder of: Employee and shareholder of Biogen, Employee of: Biogen
Lipid Composition and Utilization in Early Stage Leptocephalus Larvae of Bonefish (Albula vulpes).

In order to encourage the survival of both captive and wild populations of bonefish (Albula vulpes), a deeper understanding of the species' early developmental characteristics is necessary. During ontogenesis, bonefish utilize lipids as a source of energy before the start of exogenous feeding. The goal of this study is to gain insight into the energetic needs of bonefish leptocephalus larvae in the post-hatch larval stage. Broodstock were collected in the wild and hormone induced. Spawning yielded eggs that were fertilized and were then incubated until hatching. Larval development was monitored throughout the duration of the trial until all larvae perished. Samples of larval tissue were taken to the lab for lipid analysis and composition was compared at different developmental stages. Larval lipid composition was significantly different across sample groups showing a change in lipid content related to development. After hatching, larvae gradually depleted wax esters-sterol ester (WE-SE) reserves over a period of 4 days, while simultaneously increasing hydrocarbon (HC). The role of WE-SE is seemingly tied to both buoyancy and energy reserves due to its high abundance immediately post-hatch and selective catabolism. As larvae weaned off of the nutrition provided by the yolk, exogenous feeding began to diversify lipid composition and overall lipid reserves were depleted. Future directions included the development of optimal larval feeds based on this analysis in order to gain more insight into the nutritional needs and requirements during the critical leptocephalus stages.
Organic Reformations in Richard Powers's The Overstory

Richard Powers takes the literary concept of “organic form” to new exploratory lengths–and satellite heights–in his latest ecofiction. In particular, the novelist who has proselytized voice-recogni...
Distant metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Does the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio act as a surrogate of the host immune status?

Abstract Objectives Distant metastasis (DM) is an important prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of host and tumor factors in development of DM. Materials and Methods After IRB approval, 1369 patients with OSCC undergoing primary surgery were eligible for the study. The primary endpoint was the development of distant metastasis (DM). Patients were pathologically staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th Edition. Pre-operative peripheral blood counts were used to calculate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results Median follow-up was 39 months (range 1–221). DM were identified in 126 patients during follow-up. When analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, neck recurrence (NR) was a significant predictor of DM (HR 16.35, 95% CI: 11.39–23.47, p Conclusions NLR, number of metastatic lymph nodes, and ENE were the strongest independent predictors of DM in OSCC treated with primary surgery and appropriate adjuvant therapy.
Implementation leadership: Confirmatory factor analysis and supervisor-clinician discrepancy in ratings on the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS)

In healthcare and allied healthcare settings, leadership that supports effective implementation of evidenced-based practices is critical. There is only one empirically validated measure to assess implementation leadership, the Implementation Leadership Scale (ILS). This study moves beyond testing the ILS with clinicians to assess the factor structure with clinical supervisors. Leader self-ratings can provide important insight into how leaders perceive their own abilities and behaviors, and assessing the discrepancies between leader self-ratings and follower ratings can be particularly useful in developing leaders' self-awareness, informing leadership development, and improving organizational functioning.
Risk Management Audit

The plaintiff in this case sought to recover damages for a back injury sustained during a fall from a recreational climbing wall maintained by her employer, Whitman College. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants (Alex Kosseff and Adventure Safety International, LLC [ASI]) were negligent in failing to discover the dangerous condition posed by the Super Shut climbing anchor which caused the accident during a safety audit commissioned by Whitman College in 2007.
A REACTION–DIFFUSION EQUATION MODELING THE INVASION OF THE ARGENTINE ANT POPULATION, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE, AT JASPER RIDGE BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE

A continuous reaction–diffusion model is developed for the invasive Argentine ant population within a preserve in northern California. The model is a second-order partial differential equation incorporating a logistic growth term. The dispersal distance traveled during the reproductive process of budding is used to estimate the diffusion coefficient. The model has two homogeneous steady states, one occurring at the propagation front where the Argentine ant population does not yet exist and one occurring where the population has reached carrying capacity. The traveling wave solutions of the model depict the population density for a given time and location. Using current research, parameter values for the model are estimated and a traveling wave solution for the average parameter values is numerically demonstrated.
The Role of Power Generation Technology in Mitigating Global Climate Change

Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), are primarily responsible for the roughly 0.8 °C global temperature increase since the industrial revolution. With industrial activity and population expected to increase for the rest of the century, the projected large increases in greenhouse gas emissions are expected to result in additional, potentially substantial, global warming. Using a powerful, PC-based global climate model, global warming is projected for two business-as-usual cases, as well as simple, yet instructive, scenarios in which major programs are initiated to limit CO2 emissions. The paper provides a brief overview of 1) the forces driving CO2 emission increases, 2) how different CO2 emission trajectories could affect temperature this century, 3) required mitigation technologies with a focus on power generation mitigation options, and 4) R&D priorities. While various aspects of this subject are addressed extensively in the scientific literature,, this paper aims to provide a succinct integration of information about the projected warming of the earth in the decades ahead, the emission reductions that may be needed to constrain this warming to tolerable levels, and the potentially available technologies to help achieve these emission reductions.
Not all election winners are equal: satisfaction with democracy and the nature of the vote

It is well known that individuals who voted for the winning party in an election tend to be more satisfied with democracy than those who did not. However, many winners deviate from their first choice when voting. It is argued in this article that the mechanisms that engender satisfaction operate less forcefully among such winners, thereby lessening the impact of victory on satisfaction. Results show that the gap in satisfaction over electoral losers among these �non-optimal winners� is, in fact, much smaller than that of �optimal winners�, who voted in line with their expressed preferences. A win matters more for those who have a bigger stake in victory. The article further explores how the effect of optimal victory on satisfaction varies across electoral systems.
Arm muscle plus bone area: anthropometry and CAT scan compared

Arm muscle plus bone (M + B) cross-sectional area of the arm estimated from area circumference and skinfold thickness was compared with that estimated from CAT scans. The anthropometric technique overestimated M + B area, and the degree of overestimation varied directly with arm adiposity.
Measurement of Fast Voltage Transients in High-Performance ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Magnets

The superconducting magnet group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been developing Nb3Sn high-field accelerator magnet technology for the last fifteen years. In order to support the magnet R&D effort, we are developing a diagnostic system that can help identify the causes of performance limiting quenches by recording small flux-changes within the magnet prior to quench-onset. These analysis techniques were applied to the test results from recent Nb3Sn magnets. This paper will examine various types of events and their distinguishing characteristics. The present measurement techniques are discussed along with the design of a new data acquisition system that will substantially improve the quality of the recorded signals.
Investigation of the Impact of Magnetic Permeability and Loss of Magnetic Composite Materials on RFID and RF Passives Miniaturization

The successful implementation of a magnetic composite material has enabled the investigation of the potential impact on RFID and RF passives miniaturization, considering both material/fabrication properties and geometric design parameters. The benchmarking structure is a short-circuited quarter-wavelength rectangular patch antenna for RFID UHF band (400 -930 MHz). The antenna is electromagnetically modeled in HFSS full wave EM (electromagnetic) software and optimized using statistical tools, and it is found that the permeability of a practical magnetic composite can enable miniaturization by a factor larger than 3, something that could be replicated for other large-size RF passives, such as integrated inductors. The impact of the magnetic loss of the composite on the miniaturized antenna performance is also evaluated. In addition, the proposed technique could provide a-priori confidence levels in the performance of RF passives and modules considering realistic fabrication variations and novel material characterization uncertainties and tolerances.
A probabilistic approach for the full response estimation of tall buildings with 3D modes using the HFFB

Abstract The high frequency force balance technique for the assessment of wind actions on tall buildings is widely adopted mainly due to its relatively fast setup and capacity for providing estimates of the resultant wind action independently of building geometry. Nevertheless, some shortcomings represent a limit to its adoption as an experimental methodology. In particular, the lack of knowledge on the pressure field makes it necessary to make arbitrary assumptions on the floor loads that can consequently generate important errors – usually more relevant for buildings with non-linear and coupled modes – in the response estimation. Also, the adoption of the method is often hindered by the limitation of considering only the first three fundamental modes in the response assessment. The novel methodology which is proposed in this paper has the aim of overcoming the aforementioned problems. The reliability framework in which the method is set allows the consideration of the uncertainties arising from the lack of knowledge on the pressure field through the definition of probabilistic models and provides the possibility of estimating any response parameter of interest, for any kind of building, considering exclusively the base measurements. The application to two representative case study buildings with coupled and non-linear modes shows, through comparison with reference results obtained from synchronous pressure measurements, the effectiveness of the method in providing conservative estimates of the response parameters.
Blends of a thermotropic liquid-crystal polyester with poly(phenylene sulphide)

Abstract Blends of a thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymer (LCP), based on a copolyester of hydroxynaphthoic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid, with an engineering thermoplastic, poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The blends were subsequently injection moulded to study their mechanical, dynamic, impact and morphological characteristics. Rheological studies have indicated a higher shear viscosity of the LCP as compared to PPS, with the shear viscosity of some of the blends being higher than that of the LCP. Dynamic and thermal studies have indicated overlapping temperature transitions of the pure components. Therefore, based on these measurements it is not possible to make a conclusion about the compatibility of the blends. Thermogravimetric studies have indicated the poor thermal stability of the blends when compared to the pure materials. The tensile and impact properties of these blends were found to increase with the addition of LCP. However, the pure LCP exhibits the highest properties. The morphology of the blends has indicated their incompatibility and the formation of LCP droplets in the matrix of PPS at nearly all concentrations of LCP, with the formation of the skin-core morphology being clearly visible at LCP content greater than 25%.
El reencuentro de la Psicologia Social con la conducta colectiva y los movimientos socials

ResumenEl autor discute tres tendencias recientes que refuerzan la marea creciente de interes hacia los factores sociopsicologicos. Al hacerlo, el autor intenta situar la perspective psicosocial, la tesis central del articulo de Javaloy, 2003 (en este mismo numero), justamente en el centro del progreso cientifico del estudio de la conducta colectiva y los movimientos sociales. Estas tendencias son las siguientes: 1) el interes en los procesos enmarcadores de la accion colectiva, 2) la renovacion del interes en torno a las emociones y los movimientos sociales, y 3) la focalizacion en el espacio geografico y las relaciones espaciales y su papel de moldeamiento de la conducta colectiva y los movimientos socials.
Energy-efficient adaptive wireless NoCs architecture

With the increasing number of cores in chip multiprocessors, the design of an efficient communication fabric is essential to satisfy the bandwidth and energy requirements of multi-core systems. Scalable Network-on-Chip (NoC) designs are quickly becoming the standard communication framework to replace bus-based networks. However, the conventional metallic interconnects for inter-core communication consume excess energy and lower throughput which are major bottlenecks in NoC architectures. On-chip wireless interconnects can alleviate the power and bandwidth problems of traditional metallic NoCs. In this paper, we propose an adaptable wireless Network-on-Chip architecture (A-WiNoC) that uses adaptable and energy efficient wireless transceivers to improve network power and throughput by adapting channels according to traffic patterns. Our adaptable algorithm uses link utilization statistics to re-allocate wireless channels and a token sharing scheme to fully utilize the wireless bandwidth efficiently. We compare our proposed A-WiNoC to both wireless/electrical topologies with results showing a throughput improvement of 65%, a speedup between 1.4-2.6X on real benchmarks, and an energy savings of 25-35%.
Structure of the gene encoding the M1 protein of sonchus yellow net virus.

Abstract The gene encoding the M 1 protein of sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV), a plant rhabdovirus, has been sequenced and identified by Western blot analysis of SYNV proteins using antibodies directed against a fusion protein derived from a portion of the sequenced gene. The M1 gene is positioned between nucleotides 4039 and 5109 relative to the 3′ end of the viral RNA and is the fourth gene from the 3′ end of the genome. The 1071-nucleotide (nt) M1 gene lies between a putative nonstructural gene of unknown function and the gene encoding the glycoprotein and is bordered on either side by the same GG intergenic dinucleotide that separates other genes in the SYNV genome. The M1 mRNA (scRNA 6) consists of a 71-nt untranslated region at the 5′ terminus followed by an 858-nt open reading frame (ORF) capable of encoding a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 31,779. The amino acid sequence deduced from this ORF is not highly homologous to those of other rhabdovirus matrix proteins, but has some localized regions of similarity. The UGA codon that terminates the M1 ORF is followed by a 3′ untranslated region of 142 nt. The viral RNA (minus-sense) sequence corresponding to the extreme 3′ end of the mRNA contains a 9-nt tract (3′-AUUGUUUUU-5′) that is identical to the sequences at the termini of other SYNV genes.
Redox chemistry of highly dispersed rhodium in zeolite NaY

NaY zeolite exchanged with [Rh(NH3)5Cl]2+ ions have been studied using temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The TPO profiles show that ammine ligands in NaY encaged [Rh(NH3)5Cl]2+ are destroyed above 300 °C, whereas the Rh precursor ion remains intact after calcination at 200 °C. TPR profiles in conjunction with the COads IR spectra show that the reducibility of Rh by H2 is largely controlled by the concentration of the surface protons, i.e. Rh3++H2⇌Rh++2H+ Rh+ + 1/2H2⇌Rh0+H+
Quasi-stationary cardinal utility and present bias

Abstract This note gives an axiomatic foundation for utility exhibiting quasi-geometric discounting. In addition, it introduces a wider class of utility functions satisfying weakened stationarity, called quasi-stationary utility . Both are established as von Neumann–Morgenstern utility indices in a model of risk preference.
Gastric Myoelectrical Activity, Gastric Emptying, and Correlations with Symptoms and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetic Patients

ABSTRACT Background The aims of this study were to determine the electrogastrogram (EGG) changes and gastric emptying rates in diabetic patients and to investigate the correlation between upper gastrointestinal symptoms, fasting blood glucose, and gastric myoelectrical abnormalities. Methods Fourteen patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus and dyspepsia symptoms participated in the study. EGG recordings were obtained 30 minutes before and during a 2-hour radionuclide gastric emptying test for a solid meal. Fasting blood glucose was determined immediately before the gastric emptying study. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, abdominal bloating, and pain were rated from 0 to 3. Results Nine patients (64%) had delayed gastric emptying with 84.6 ± 4.5% retention at 2 hours. Seven patients (50%) had abnormal EGG findings. The postprandial power change in the EGG of the patients with delayed gastric emptying (—0.48 ± 0.16 dB) was decreased compared with patients with normal gastric emptying (4.7 ± 2.6 dB) (P = 0.079). In patients with abnormal EGGs, the mean symptom score was significantly higher than patients with normal EGGs (2.42 ± 0.13 versus 2.0 ± 0.16; P Conclusions Overall, 78% (11 of 14) of patients with diabetes had either gastric motility or myoelectrical abnormalities. Patients with abnormal EGGs had more severe symptom scores. In diabetic patients with symptoms of gastropathy, an EGG may provide an important screening test for diagnosing abnormal gastric motility.
A PEEM STUDY OF SMALL AGGLOMERATES OF COLLOIDAL IRON OXIDE NANOCRYSTALS

A common limitation in nanostructure research is often the requirement to perform experiments on ensembles of nanoparticles, therefore averaging over inherent distributions with respect to particle size and shape, chemical composition, crystallinity and defect structure. This limitation can be overcome by studying the properties of a single nanostructure individually, which will allow one to truly correlate scaling laws of material properties with changes in size. Here we report the first experiments to explore the feasibility of spectromicroscopy using a photoemission electron microscope (PEEM) to record the X-ray absorption spectra of single nanocrystals. Colloidal iron oxide nanocrystals with an average diameter and standard deviation of 13 nm and 2 nm, respectively, were deposited on graphite (HOPG) forming small islands of agglomerated γ-Fe2O3 nanocrystals (4–30 particles) as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Spatially resolved soft X-ray absorption spectra at the Fe L3,2 edges of these individual islands were recorded with the PEEM2 instrument of the Advanced Light Source (ALS).
Prenatal origins of brachymesophalangia-5

As shown in 91 embryos and fetuses in the 41-235 mm crownrump length, brachymesophalangia-5 may be identified in prenatal time. Although the ratios involving different combinations of length of mid-5 relative to other segments yield different frequencies of BMP-5, the short middle segment of the little finger is already associated with clinodactyly and developmental eccentricity as early as the ninth week of prenatal development.
Physical measures of image quality in photostimulable phosphor radiographic systems

The purpose of this study was to critically assess and compare the intrinsic resolution, noise, and signal-to-noise transfer characteristics of two modern digital photostimulable phosphor (PSP) radiographic systems. Two commercial PSP systems were evaluated by identical methodologies. Measurements were made at three beam qualities using standard-resolution and high-resolution screens. The presampled modulation transfer functions (MTF) of the systems were measured using an edge method. The noise power spectra (NPS) were determined by 2D Fourier analysis of uniformly exposed radiographs. The frequency-dependent detective quantum efficiencies (DQE) were obtained from the MTF and NPS measures and the input signal-to-noise ratio, determined by a computational model for x-ray spectrum which was verified against exposure and half-value-layer measurements. The physical performance of the systems were very similar; a DQE of 0.24 and a spatial frequency of 2.5 cycles/mm at 0.2 MTF were estimated for both systems at 115 kVp using a pixel size of 0.1 mm and standard-resolution screens. The HD screen provided improved MTF with an adverse effect on noise as compared to the GP-25 screen using the same pixel size and beam quality.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFECT OF SMALL SOLID PARTICLES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOCONVECTION PLUMES

We investigate numerically the impact of small solid particles on the steady-state bioconvection plume caused by up-swimming of motile gyrotactic micro-organisms. Small solid particles that are heavier than water are added into the upper fluid layer when bioconvection has already attained its steady-state. As sedimentation process goes on, solid particles get involved in convection. They impact the fluid flow and cause the transition of the bioconvection plume to a different steady-state
Using a Gain/Loss Framework to Measure Impact: The Perceived Impact of Life Event Scale

The author describes three interconnected investigations focused on the development and psychometric evaluation of the Perceived Impact of Life Event Scale (PILES), a measure developed using a gain/loss framework for assessing the multidimensional impact of single life events. In Study 1 (N = 160), the author describes the item generation process and results of a pilot study. In Study 2 (N = 244), exploratory factor analysis suggested a 29-item scale with the four following gain/loss factors: existential, discretionary time, romantic relationship/sexual, and career and employment. In Study 3 (N = 244), confirmatory factor analysis indicated a three-factor model (26-item scale), and findings suggested convergent validity of the measure.
SYNCOPE AS AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Pulmonary embolism presenting as an isolated syncopal spell can be a difficult clinical correlation to make. We present three cases of pulmonary embolism-induced syncope and review the pathophysiology and diagnostic considerations in this setting. Pulmonary embolism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every syncopal event that presents to the emergency department, even in the face of cardiac dysrhythmias and normal pulse oximetry values.
Characterisation of sulphoxides by atmospheric pressure ionisation mass spectrometry

An observation that a series of proprietary compounds containing a methyl thiophenyl group all underwent metabolic S-oxidation, and that the product ion spectra of the resulting S-oxides showed methyl radical loss under low-energy atmospheric pressure ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (API-MS/MS) conditions, has led to an investigation of the fragmentation of commercially available sulphoxides. The phenyl methyl sulphoxides studied do lose methyl radicals under MS/MS conditions on triple quadrupole mass spectrometers. In addition, the phenyl sulphoxides, with simple substituents other than a methyl group, also showed a tendency to lose the substituent as a radical. It was concluded that radical loss from these simple sulphoxides was characteristic of S-oxidation of these molecules. Radical losses, such as those reported here, are used in-house to distinguish S-oxidation from N- and C-oxidation in metabolism studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleosides CIII. Anhydropyrimidine-C-nueleosides. Synthesis of 4,2′-anhydro-5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)- and 5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)pyrimidine C-nucleosides

4,2′-Anhydro-5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)isocytosine and 4,2′-anhydro-5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-uracil were synthesized. Treatment of Ψ-isocytidine with either α-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride or salicyloyl chloride in acetonitrile afforded the acylated anhydronucleoside. Deacylation of the product with methanol-hydrogen chloride afforded 4,2′-anhydro-5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)isocylosine hydrochloride in crystalline form. Analogous reaction of Ψ-uridine with the acyl chloride reagents, however, always gave a mixture of the acylated anhydronucleoside and 2′-chloro-2′-deoxy-Ψ-uridine. Treatment of these products either singly or as a mixture with sodium methoxide in methanol afforded 4,2′-anhydro-5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil in crystalline form in good yield. 5-(β-D-Arabinofuranosyl)isocytosine was obtained upon treatment of the corresponding 4,2′-anhydronucleoside with 10% sodium hydroxide under reflux for 30 minutes. Treatment of the anhydro uracil nucleoside with a small amount of Dowex 50(H+) in water at 50° gave 5-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil.
Rapid Initiation of Apoptosis by Photodynamic Therapy

— Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of neoplastic cell lines is sometimes associated with the rapid initiation of apoptosis, a mode of cell death that results in a distinct pattern of cellular and DNA fragmentation. The apoptotic response appears to be a function of both the sensitizer and the cell line. In this study, we examined photodynamic effects of several photosensitizers on murine leukemia P388 cells. Two drugs, a porphycene dimer (PcD) and tin etiopurpurin (SnET2), which localized at lysosomal sites, were tested at PDT doses that resulted in 50% loss of viability (LD50), measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. An oligonucleosomal pattern of DNA degradation was observed within 1 h after irradiation. Neither sensitizer antagonized PDT-mediated internucleosomal DNA cleavage by the other. Very high PDT doses with either agent abolished this rapid internucleosomal cleavage. Exposure of cells to high concentrations of either sensitizer in the dark also resulted in rapid DNA fragmentation to nucle-osomes and nucleosome multimers; this effect was not altered by the antioxidant 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-2-carboxylic acid (trolox), although the latter could protect cells from cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects caused by LD50 PDT doses. Photodamage from two cat-ionic sensitizers, which localized at membrane sites, caused rapid DNA cleavage to 50 kb particles; however, no further fragmentation was detected after 1 h under LD10, LD50 or LD95 PDT conditions. Moreover, the presence of either cationic sensitizer inhibited the rapid internucleosomal cleavage induced by SnET2 or PcD photodamage. The site of photodynamic action may therefore be a major determinant of the initiation and rate of progression of apoptosis.
The Role of Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Primary Tumors of the Central Nervous System

(1994). The Role of Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Primary Tumors of the Central Nervous System. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 88-97.
Optimization of Ultrashort Pulse Generation in Passively Mode-Locked Vertical External-Cavity Semiconductor Lasers

We present a genetic algorithm based method to optimize the gain medium design of a passively mode-locked vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) for ultrashort pulse generation. Beginning with a given standard VECSEL design, we show that a simple modification to the DBR within the active mirror can significantly reduce both the duration and the chirp of the generated pulse. We demonstrate, using realistic numerical simulations, that the full-width at half-maximum of the pulse can be reduced by more than a factor of two. The required design changes come at the cost of increased sensitivity to perturbations in the active chip growth. Methods of counteracting this trend are presented.
Appraisal Inflation: Evidence from 2009 GSE HVCC Intervention

Appraisal inflation is a prominent aspect of lax underwriting practice. The GSE May 2009 Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) aims to prohibit lenders from influencing appraisers. Refinance loans, without a transaction price, are potentially more susceptible to appraisal inflation than purchase loans. We use GSE refinance loans as our treatment group and non-GSE refinance loans as the control group, and find that GSE refinance loans originated after May 2009 have lower default rates than non-GSE refinance loans. We further measure the appraisal inflation (bias) as the difference between the appraisal value in a 2009 refinance transaction and the actual transaction price in an earlier purchase transaction for the same property adjusted for local housing value changes. We find that the reduction in appraisal bias was larger for GSE refinance loans than for non-GSE refinance loans. This paper quantifies the “contribution” of appraisal inflation in poor loan underwriting standards and highlights the importance of unbiased and independent appraisal.
Indirect ultraviolet spectrophotometric detection in the ion chromatography of common mono- and divalent cations on an aluminium adsorbing silica gel column with tyramine-containing crown ethers as eluent.

The application of laboratory-made aluminium-adsorbing silica gel (Al-Silica) as a cation-exchange stationary phase to ion chromatography-indirect photometric detection (IC-IPD) for common mono- and divalent cations (Li + , Na + , NH + 4 , K + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) was carried out by using protonated tyramine (4-aminoethylphenol) as eluent ion. When using 1.2 mM tyramine-0.2 mM oxalic acid at pH 4.5 as eluent, incomplete separation of the monovalent cations and complete separation of the divalent cations were achieved in 17 min. Then, the addition of crown ethers in the eluent was carried out for the complete separation of the mono- and divalent cations. As a result, when using 1.2 mM tyramine-0.2 mM oxalic acid at pH 4.5 containing either 5 mM 15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane) or 0.5 mM and 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane) as eluent, excellently simultaneous separation of these cations was achieved in 21 min. The proposed IC-IPD was successfully applied to the determination of major cations in natural water samples.
The orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) in the rostral medullary raphe contributes to the hypercapnic chemoreflex in wakefulness, during the active period of the diurnal cycle.

Abstract It has been shown that orexin plays an important role in the hypercapnic chemoreflex during wakefulness, and OX 1 Rs in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) participate in this mechanism. We hypothesized that OX 1 R in the rostral medullary raphe (MR) also contributes to the hypercapnic chemoreflex. We studied the effects on ventilation in air and in 7% CO 2 of focal antagonism of OX 1 R in the rostral MR by microdialysis of SB-334867 in rats during wakefulness and NREM sleep, under dark and light periods. During wakefulness in the dark period, but not in the light period, SB-334867 caused a 16% reduction of the hyperventilation induced by 7% CO 2 compared with vehicle. There was no significant effect in sleep. The basal ventilation, body temperature and V ˙ O 2 were not affected. No effect was observed in a separate group of animals which had the microdialysis probe misplaced (peri-raphe). We conclude that OX 1 R in the rostral medullary raphe contribute to the hypercapnic chemoreflex in wakefulness, during the dark period in rats.
Synthesis of cryptands with one carbon and one nitrogen bridgehead atom

Abstract Two novel cryptands which each contains one carbon and one nitrogen atom at the bridgehead positions are synthesized and found to form strong complexes with lithium cations.
Relationship between chewing behavior and body weight status in fully dentate healthy adults.

AbstractRecent research indicates that chewing behavior may influence energy intake and energy expenditure. However, little is known about the relationship between chewing behavior and body weight status. In the present study, 64 fully dentate normal-weight or overweight/obese adults were asked to consume five portions of a test food and the number of chewing cycles, chewing duration before swallowing and chewing rate were measured. Adjusting for age and gender, normal-weight participants used a higher number of chewing cycles (p = 0.003) and a longer chewing duration (p < 0.001) to consume each portion of the food, compared to overweight/obese participants. However, there was no significant difference in their chewing rate (p = 0.597). A statistically significant negative correlation between body mass index and the number of chewing cycles (r = −0.296, p = 0.020) and chewing duration (r = −0.354, p = 0.005) was observed. In conclusion, these results suggest that chewing behavior is associated with body w...
The Relations among Feminist Identity Development, Gender-Role Orientation, and Psychological Well-Being in Women.

This study examined relations between feminist identity development, gender-role orientation, and psychological well-being in 244 women of varying ages and backgrounds. As hypothesized, both feminist identity development and gender-role orientation contributed independently to the explanation of variance in psychological well-being. Instrumentality, expressiveness, and a more developed feminist identity were all related positively to psychological well-being. In addition, instrumentality and a more developed feminist identity were correlated positively. Implications of these findings as well as limitations and future directions are discussed.
Cyberwar is coming

Abstract The information revolution and related organizational innovations are altering the nature of conflict and the kinds of military structures, doctrines, and strategies that will be needed. This study introduces two concepts for thinking about these issues: cyberwar and netwar. Industrialization led to attritional warfare by massive armies (e.g., World War I). Mechanization led to maneuver predominated by tanks (e.g., World War II). The information revolution implies the rise of cyberwar, in which neither mass nor mobility will decide outcomes; instead, the side that knows more, that can disperse the fog of war yet enshroud an adversary in it, will enjoy decisive advantages. Communications and intelligence have always been important. At a minimum, cyberwar implies that they will grow more so and will develop as adjuncts to overall military strategy. In this sense, it resembles existing notions of “information war” that emphasize C3I. However, the information revolution may imply overarching effects ...
PREFERENCE FOR A STIMULUS THAT FOLLOWS A RELATIVELY AVERSIVE EVENT: CONTRAST OR DELAY REDUCTION?

Several types of contrast effects have been identified including incentive contrast, anticipatory contrast, and behavioral contrast. Clement, Feltus, Kaiser, and Zentall (2000) proposed a type of contrast that appears to be different from these others and called it within-trial contrast. In this form of contrast the relative value of a reinforcer depends on the events that occur immediately prior to the reinforcer. Reinforcers that follow relatively aversive events are preferred over those that follow less aversive events. In many cases the delay reduction hypothesis proposed by Fantino (1969) also can account for such effects. The current experiments provide a direct test of the delay reduction and contrast hypotheses by manipulating the schedule of reinforcement while holding trial duration constant. In Experiment 1, preference for fixed-interval (FI) versus differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (DRO) schedules of reinforcement was assessed. Some pigeons preferred one schedule over the other while others demonstrated a position (side) preference. Thus, no systematic preference was found. In Experiment 2, a simultaneous color discrimination followed the FI or DRO schedule, and following training, preference was assessed by presenting the two positive stimuli simultaneously. Consistent with the contrast hypothesis, pigeons showed a significant preference for the positive stimulus that in training had followed their less preferred schedule.
Ovarian Characteristics and Reproductive Performance of the Aged Cow

The reproductive performance of 152 grade Hereford cows that were 14 to 15 years of age at either death or slaughter resulted in an observed mean of 9.3 +- 0.3 calves and a calculated mean lifetime reproductive capacity of 10.4 calves. The median was 10 calves and the modal number was 12. As dictated by the criterion ''failure to bear a calf during two successive years,'' 15 years was the age at which over 50 percent of the herd became infertile. Ovaries from 69 fertile and 78 infertile cows were serially sectioned and microscopically examined; the groups did not differ in total germ-cell endowment (P greater than 0.05), and fertile significantly exceeded infertile only in number of growing follicles (P less than 0.01). No intergroup difference occurred in either number or quality of vesicular follicles. The mean germ-cell endowment of 14- to 15-year-old cows was 24 +- 3 thousand (N = 147). Cystic corpus luteum was the apparent principal cause of infertility.
The merchant prince

Executive Summary Youssef Mohammed has returned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after completing a Ph.D. in Business. He is expected to take a leadership position within a family business that is experiencing a multitude of operational and strategic problems. For Youssef, the problem is whether to accept a position where he directs an organizational-change effort or as a detailed, hands-on manager as family tradition commands. In addition, Youssef wonders if the Western-management principles he has learned would be effective in the Kingdom. The case provides background information on doing business in Saudi Arabia, highlighting differences between U.S. and Middle-Eastern business practices. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structure of Nonlinear Optical Phenomena in Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate

Previously available data on nonlinear optical phenomena in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) are interpreted together with new data on the linear electrooptic effect. It is shown that second harmonic generation is dominated by energy levels in the ultraviolet ("electronic" levels) whereas the dc and linear electrooptic effects may have contributions due to processes simultaneously dependent on ultraviolet and infrared ("ionic") levels. The contribution of this "electronic-ionic" process to the dc and linear electrooptic effects is less than 50% and may indeed be negligible. The close relationship between the dc and linear electrooptic effects is reexamined and shown to be in better agreement with experiment than previously reported. The limitations and implications of Kleinman's symmetry condition are discussed in the light of recent experimental data.
William J. Jenkins Receives 2010 Maurice Ewing Medal

[1] William J. Jenkins was awarded the 2010 Maurice Ewing Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 15 December 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “significant original contributions to the scientific understanding of the processes in the ocean; for the advancement of oceanographic engineering, technology, and instrumentation; and for outstanding service to the marine sciences.”
The law's response to reproductive genetic testing: questioning assumptions about choice, causation and control.

The law’s response to reproductive genetic testing depends on a number of assumptions about choice, causation and control which need to be questioned. From the preconception stage forward, the illusio
Kinetic measurements and mechanism determination of Stf0 sulfotransferase using mass spectrometry

Mycobacterial carbohydrate sulfotransferase Stf0 catalyzes the sulfuryl group transfer from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to trehalose. The sulfation of trehalose is required for the biosynthesis of sulfolipid-1, the most abundant sulfated metabolite found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this paper, an efficient enzyme kinetics assay for Stf0 using electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry is presented. The kinetic constants of Stf0 were measured, and the catalytic mechanism of the sulfuryl group transfer reaction was investigated in initial rate kinetics and product inhibition experiments. In addition, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry was employed to detect the noncovalent complexes, the Stf0-PAPS and Stf0-trehalose binary complexes, and a Stf0-3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate-trehalose ternary complex. The results from our study strongly suggest a rapid equilibrium random sequential Bi-Bi mechanism for Stf0 with formation of a ternary complex intermediate. In this mechanism, PAPS and trehalose bind and their products are released in random fashion. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed mechanistic data reported for Stf0, which further demonstrates the power of mass spectrometry in elucidating the reaction pathway and catalytic mechanism of promising enzymatic systems.
CTH10-1: Optimization of Coding Gain for Full-Response CPM Space-Time Codes

Conditions are derived under which M-ary full-response CPM space-time codes will attain full spatial diversity and optimal coding gain. General code construction rules are desirable due to the nonlinearity and inherent memory of CPM signals which make manual design or computer search difficult. Optimization of the coding gain for CPM space-time codes is shown to depend on the CPM frequency/phase shaping pulse, modulation index, and codewords. The modulation indices and phase shaping functions that optimize the coding gain are specified. Finally, optimization of ST-CPM codewords is discussed.
In vivo interaction of metyrapone with adrenal cortical mitochondrial cytochrome P-450.

Abstract Metyrapone, a competitive inhibitor of adrenal cortical 11β-hydroxylation, was administered to rats in vivo , and these rats were sacrificed 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hr later. The in vitro rates of 11β-hydroxylation by adrenal mitochondria were maximally inhibited between 0.5 and 2 hr after metyrapone administration with subsequent recovery at later times. The DOC-induced spectral shift in these same mitochondria was markedly reduced 0.5 hr after metyrapone treatment, but gradual increments were apparent at each succeeding time period studied until control values were again achieved after 24 hr. The metyrapone-induced difference spectra, on the other hand, were markedly and consistently depressed at least until 8 hr after metyrapone administration but had completely recovered by 24 hr. The altered DOC-induced spectral shifts following metyrapone treatment appear to correlate with the activity of the 11β-hydroxylation system.
The quality of microparticulated protein

The purpose of this paper is to describe the effects of microparticulation upon the quality of microparticulated protein products and to confirm that microparticulation does not result in changes in protein structure or quality different from those that occur with cooking. Two products were tested: microparticulated egg white and skim milk proteins and microparticulated whey protein concentrate. Three approaches were used to monitor for changes in amino acid and protein value: amino acid analysis, protein efficiency ratio (PER) bioassay, and both one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Evaluation of the results of these tests indicates that no significant differences were found when comparing the premix before and after microparticulation. Significant differences also did not occur when the premix was cooked using conventional methods. Collectively, the data provide strong evidence that the protein microparticulation process used to prepare microparticulated protein products (e.g., Simplesse) does not alter the quality or nutritional value of protein in the final products.