cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccination of mice with DNA encoding a large fragment of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A.

The potential utility of using DNA vaccination to protect mice from the microbial neurotoxin, botulinum toxin type A, was evaluated. A synthetically derived gene encoding a carboxyl-terminal 50 kDa fragment of the toxin was placed in two sites in the DNA inoculation vehicle pCMVint-BL (Vical), one predicted to lead to MHC I processing (pJT-1 construct) and the other to direct MHC II processing (pJT-2 construct). Mice were then inoculated at 3 week intervals with these two constructs and with the vehicle alone and evaluated for protection from botulinum toxin by i.p. challenges with various toxin doses. Protection was observed at about week 10–11 from toxin doses of 25–100 LD50. Only animals inoculated with pJT-2 exhibited protection. In dose–response experiments, 50 μg of DNA was the minimal dose required to elicit a protective response against serotype A, while protection against serotypes B or E was not obtained. With standard ELISA testing, a relationship was observed between the level of protection and the level of ELISA reactive antibody. Our results support the concept that DNA vaccination is a viable methodology to use in cases where protection from toxins is the goal.
Decentralized Membrane Filtration System for Sustainable and Safe Drinking Water Supply in Low-Income Countries: Baseline Study

Decentralized membrane filtration systems (DMFS) have the potential to supply safe drinking water in low-income countries (LICs) where centralized municipal water treatment is practically infeasible. This study aimed at applying an integrated bench-scale and field-testing approach to assess the sustainability of a DMFS in producing safe drinking water in LICs. The state-of-the-art DMFS employed in this study was capable of removing bacteria, surrogate parasites, and viruses at log⁡ reductions above 7, 5, and 4, respectively, from evaluated waters (n=4). The technological sustainability of the DMFS was primarily affected by membrane fouling, and a linear correlation was found between the reversible/irreversible fouling rates of a miniature bench-scale system and those of the full-size DMFS caused by representative types of source waters. The total and irreversible fouling rates of the full-size DMFS were approximately 50% of those of the miniature system, regardless of the properties of the source waters. ...
Molecular-Beam Maser for the Shorter-Millimeter-Wave Region: Spectral Constants of HCN and DCN

A millimeter-wave molecular-beam maser has been made to operate as both an amplifier and an oscillator on the $J=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ and the $J=2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$ transitions of HCN at 88.6 and at 177.2 kMc/sec, respectively, thus doubling the previously operational frequency range of such masers. With this maser, hyperfine components of these transitions have been measured for ${\mathrm{H}}^{12}$${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$N and ${\mathrm{D}}^{12}$${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$N to nine significant figures. The spectral constants (in kc/sec) that are derived from these frequencies are, for HCN, ${B}_{0}=44315975.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4$, ${D}_{J}=87.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06$, ${(\mathrm{eQq})}_{N}=\ensuremath{-}4709.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.3$, and ${C}_{\mathrm{N}}=10.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3$; for ${\mathrm{D}}^{12}$${\mathrm{C}}^{14}$N, ${B}_{0}=36207462.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$, ${D}_{J}=57.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$, ${(\mathrm{eQq})}_{\mathrm{N}}=\ensuremath{-}4703.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2$, ${C}_{\mathrm{N}}=8.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3$, ${(\mathrm{eQq})}_{\mathrm{D}}=194.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.2$, and ${C}_{\mathrm{D}}=\ensuremath{-}0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3$.
Human Mission from Planet Earth: finding a rationale for exploration of the Moon and Mars

Abstract This paper advances scenarios for an evolutionary approach to the establishment of a Human Mission from Planet Earth involving exploration and utilization of the Moon and Mars. Of critical importance are the concepts of robotic–human and Moon–Mars synergies. The paper discusses the rationale variables that have an influence on types of space activities pursued and thus the policy that leads to particular scenarios. In this regard, the technological, scientific, and sociopolitical/socioeconomic impacts and consequences related to a Human Mission from Planet Earth are examined.
System-level calibration of a transfer radiometer used to validate EOS radiance scales

A number of transfer radiometers have been developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) with the support and funding of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) satellite sensor calibration programmes. The transfer radiometers travel to NASA satellite builder and calibration facilities and validate the radiance scale of calibration sources at those facilities. One of these instruments, the Earth Observing Systems (EOS) Visible Transfer Radiometer (VXR), was calibrated for spectral responsivity in different facilities at NIST using two types of integrating sphere sources (ISSs): an incandescent lamp-illuminated ISS and a laser-illuminated ISS. The laser-illuminated ISS results in reduced uncertainties and a greater dynamic range in radiance responsivity. We will discuss the calibration procedures using the two types of source, compare results of calibrations of two of the VXR filter channels in the two NIST facilities, and suggest additional irradiance and radi...
Effect of arachidonic acid on cultured cerebromicrovascular endothelium: permeability, lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity

The relationship of free arachidonic acid (AA) to cellular permeability, lipid peroxidation and physical state "fluidity" of the membrane was investigated in cultured endothelial cells (EC) dissociated from cerebral microvessels of rats. The results demonstrate that AA can induce a reversible alteration of endothelial permeability to trypan blue albumin (TBA). Exposure of EC to AA increases membrane "fluidity" as measured by fluorescence anisotropy using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5 hexatriene as a fluorescent probe. The AA modification of EC membrane "fluidity" is not associated with changes in EC permeability. Addition of AA and H2O2 to the incubation medium of EC leads to persistant alteration of EC permeability which can be prevented by catalase treatment. Both AA and H2O2 induce a greater formation of malondialdehyde, the product of lipid peroxidation, than AA alone. These findings strongly suggest that a release of AA either from the capillary or cellular membrane of the brain under a pathological condition may alone or through a peroxidative process alter the function of blood-brain barrier.
Hemopoietic colony-stimulating factors: biologic functions and clinical potentials.

Through use of semisolid tissue culture techniques that sup­ port the clonal growth of hemopoietic progenitor cells, it has become clear during recent years that blood cell production within the bone marrow is regulated by a family of glycopro­ teins referred to as hemopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) (1). A large body of evidence indicates that these cytokines constitute the endocrine hormones responsible for regulating the production of most if not all of the cells that enter the bloodstream. As illustrated by the data of Nakamura and colleagues, which are reported in the present edition of this journal (2), CSFs are capable of operating both individually and synergistically at various ontogenetic stages of hemopoiesis to stimulate the production of the vari­ ous classes of cells arising from the bone marrow. Many of the genes that encode these regulatory glycoproteins have been cloned, and, as a result, a large number of synthetic recombinant CSFs have been made widely available for in­ vestigation as well as for treatment of various disorders as­ sociated with bone marrow failure (3). To date, at least 14 cytokines in this family which affect the proliferation of phagocytes ' have been identified. Most prominent among these are GM-CSF, which stimulates the production of neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in vitro; IL-3, which supports the growth of all classes of phagocytes; G-CSF, which primarily stimulates the prolifer­ ation of neutrophils; and M-CSF, the effects of which are limited to cells committed to macrophage development. While the effects of G-CSF and M-CSF appear to be re­ stricted to single lineages, both GM-CSF and IL-3 are promiscuous in early hemopoiesis, stimulating the prolifera­ tion of virtually every class of early progenitor cell in the 1 Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granu­ locyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukins I through 9 (IL-I through IL-9) , tumor necro­ sis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases: nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for autoimmune diseases have been, because of safety reasons, overwhelmingly autologous. Results are, in general, encouraging with improvement in quality of life, a remission of up to several years, and perhaps in some diseases improved survival. This indicates that further study of autologous HSCT especially under phase III design is warranted. However, the ultimate goal of HSCT is cure of otherwise incurable autoimmune diseases. For this reason, allogeneic HSCT in carefully selected high-risk patients with autoimmune diseases using strategies to minimize both regimen-related toxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is ongoing at Northwestern University and will be reviewed briefly.
Bragg grating based nested fibre interferometers

An approach to configuring multiple nested interferometric sensor elements, based on Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers in common fibres using Bragg gratings, is described. These configurations can be used to provide adaptive interferometric sensors which provide unique spatial sampling capabilities.
Cosmology from the thermal Sunyaev-Zel’dovich power spectrum: Primordial non-Gaussianity and massive neutrinos

We carry out a comprehensive analysis of the possible constraints on cosmological and astrophysical parameters achievable with measurements of the thermal Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (tSZ) power spectrum from upcoming full-sky CMB observations, with a particular focus on one-parameter extensions to the LCDM standard model involving local primordial non-Gaussianity (described by fNL) and massive neutrinos (described by Mnu). We include all of the relevant physical effects due to these additional parameters, including the change to the halo mass function and the scale-dependent halo bias induced by local primordial non-Gaussianity. [...] We compute forecasts for Planck, PIXIE, and a cosmic variance (CV)-limited experiment, using multifrequency subtraction to remove foregrounds and implementing two masking criteria based on the ROSAT and eROSITA cluster catalogs to reduce the significant CV errors at low multipoles. We find that Planck can detect the tSZ power spectrum with >30-sigma significance, regardless of the masking scenario. However, neither Planck or PIXIE is likely to provide competitive constraints on fNL from the tSZ power spectrum due to CV noise at low-ell overwhelming the unique signature of the scale-dependent bias. A future CV-limited experiment could provide a 3-sigma detection of fNL~37, which is the WMAP9 maximum-likelihood result. The outlook for neutrino masses is more optimistic: Planck can reach levels comparable to the current upper bounds ~<0.3 eV with conservative assumptions about the intracluster medium (ICM); stronger ICM priors could allow Planck to provide 1-2-sigma evidence for massive neutrinos from the tSZ power spectrum, depending on the true value of the sum of the neutrino masses. We also forecast a ~<10% constraint on the outer slope of the ICM pressure profile using the unmasked Planck tSZ power spectrum.
The ‘Image of Africa’ in Africana Sociology:

‘Africana Sociology’ begins with a reappraisal of the ‘image of Africa’ in the form of sociology’s theoretical narrative about modernity’s spatial and temporal order. Early sociologists, like Augus...
Environmental stability of aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3) and its implications in light emitting devices

Abstract The thermal stability of the aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3) is currently discussed, in light of its vital role in failure mechanisms of molecular-based light emitting diodes (LEDs). This was investigated with the use of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), assisted by a specialized accessory that permits heating of powders or thin films of Alq3 under a controlled environment. We have shown that at elevated temperatures, Alq3 undergoes a ligand exchange reaction with water, which readily adsorbs on its surface. The increased sensitivity of GC/MS in detecting the liberated 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-Hq) indicates that Alq3 is extremely sensitive to the moisture above 90 °C. The surface of a freshly sublimed Alq3 powder or film becomes saturated with water in less than 2 minutes, under normal laboratory conditions. The implications of the underlying chemistry are discussed in relation to failure mechanisms observed in Alq3 based LEDs.
Rallian "equivalent" cylinders reconsidered: comparisons with literal compartments.

In Rall's "equivalent" cylinder morphological-to-electrical transformation, neuronal arborizations are reduced to single unbranched core-conductors. The conventional assumption that such an "equivalent" reconstructs the electrical properties of the fibers it represents was tested directly; electrical properties and responses of "equivalent" cylinders were compared with those of their literal branch constituents for fibers with a single symmetrical bifurcation. The numerical solution methods were validated independently by their accurate reconstruction of the responses of an analog circuit configured with compartmental architecture to solve the cable equation for passive fibers with a symmetrical bifurcation. In passive fibers, "equivalent" cylinders misestimated the spatial distribution of voltage amplitudes and steady-state input resistance, partly due to the lack of axial current bifurcation. In active fibers with a single propagating action potential, the spatial distributions of point-to-point conduction velocity values (measured in meters/second) for a literal branch point differed significantly from those of their "equivalent" cylinders. "Equivalent" cylinders also underestimated the diameter-dependent delay in propagation through the branch point and branches, due to the larger "equivalent" diameter. Corrections to the "equivalent" cylinder did not reconcile differences between "equivalent" and literal models. However, "equivalent" and literal branch fibers had the same (a) steady-state resistance "looking into" an isolated symmetrical branch point and (b) geometry-independent point-to-point propagation velocity when measured in space constants per millisecond except within ±1 space constant from the geometrical inhomogeneity. In summary, Rall's "equivalent" cylinders did not accurately reconstruct all passive or active electrophysiological properties and responses of their literal compartments. For the modeling of individual neurons, the requirement of single-branch resolution is discussed.
Nonlinear Rayleigh waves to detect initial damage leading to stress corrosion cracking in carbon steel

This research experimentally investigates second harmonic generation of Rayleigh waves propagating through carbon steel samples damaged in a stress corrosion environment. Damage from stress corrosion cracking is of major concern in nuclear reactor tubes and in gas and fuel transport pipelines. For example, certain types of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) account for more failures in steam generator tubes than most other damage mechanisms, yet these cracks do not initiate until late in the structure's life. Thus, there is a need to be able to measure the damage state prior to crack initiation, and it has been shown that the acoustic nonlinearity parameter - the parameter associated with second harmonic generation - is sensitive to microstructural evolution. In this work, samples are immersed in a sodium carbonate-bicarbonate solution, which typically forms in the soil surrounding buried pipelines affected by SCC, and held at yield stress for 5-15 days to the onset of stress corrosion cracking. Measurements of second harmonic generation with Rayleigh waves are taken intermittently to relate cumulative damage prior to macroscopic cracking to nonlinear wave propagation. Experimental results showing changes in second harmonic generation due to stress corrosion damage are presented.
Gilles de la tourette syndrome: Clinical and family study of 50 cases

Fifty patients with Tourette syndrome were evaluated; data included family history, clinical characteristics, response to haloperidol, and side effects during haloperidol therapy. Sixteen patients had a family history of Tourette syndrome, and another 16 had a family history of tics. Twenty-four families had more than 2 members with Tourette syndrome or tics. There was no preponderance of families with a Jewish, Eastern European background in this sample. Thirty-four patients had obsessive-compulsive behavior. Among the 50 patients there was a high frequency of sleep disturbance, learning disability, self-destructive behavior, inappropriate sexual activity, and antisocial behavior. Family history was significantly related to the occurrence of sleep disturbance, obsessive-compulsive behavior, haloperidol response, and the frequency of side effects caused by haloperidol. The precise mode of genetic transmission in familial Tourette syndrome remains to be determined.
Sequential estimation of computer system availability

Abstract Computer System availability is one of the most important measures of system performance. This paper applies sequential procedures to estimate mainframe computer system availability and determines the stopping point of the estimation as soon as the required criteria are reached. An empirical example that examines the sequential procedure is given.
Life at the apex: The functions of permanent secretaries in nine Southern African countries

The political role of senior civil servants in Africa cannot be differentiated from their administrative roles. An analysis of specially commissioned ‘diaries’ kept by 40 permanent secretaries or their deputies reveals that their roles include all the organizational functions described by Mintzberg. Their functions in order of priority as measured by time spent are ‘resource handling’, liaison, analysis/planning, monitoring, acting as spokesmen, entrepreneurship and dissemination. The political neutrality of permanent secretaries appears to survive in the sense of escaping party discipline. However, politicians and bureaucrats in. the countries surveyed both act as conservators and innovators. Environmental circumstances other than politics have the greatest influences on the activities of top civil servants. The similarities in functions performed are striking, given the different ideologies, colonial heritages and traditions of the countries studied.
Calibrating Pedestrian Level-of-Service Metrics with 3-D Visualization:

Unlike the case with airport terminals or the central business district, the quality of suburban pedestrian facilities is most likely affected less by congestion and more by safety, the walking environment, and aesthetics. Because the Highway Capacity Manual does not explicitly capture such factors when measuring pedestrian level of service (LOS), researchers have proposed innovative rating scales that do. These scales use either measurable characteristics, such as walkway width, median openings, and signalization parameters, or user perceptions, such as continuity and convenience, to rate a pedestrian facility. Unfortunately, the results of these scales are not always easy to interpret. For example, in a scaling system for pedestrian facilities in which a raised curb median counts 6 points and a blinking pedestrian-crossing signal counts 3 points, the developers of the scale believed that the median would be twice as valuable to pedestrians as the crossing signal. But would pedestrians agree? A scaling s...
TEM Analyses of Bismuth-Antimony Thermoelectric Nanowires

Thermoelectric materials have diverse applications for solid-state cooling and power generation, but at present have poor energy conversion efficiencies. Theory has long predicted that Bi-based nanowires could achieve dramatic improvements in thermoelectric performance through quantum confinement to create peaks in the electronic density-of-states that enhance the thermoelectric power factor [1,2]. However, achieving this promise has been difficult, in part because of the experimental challenges of controlling the materials growth in these systems. Key issues include control of composition and crystallinity. In this presentation, we will discuss our electron microscopic investigation of nanowires based on alloys of Bi and Sb, with the goal of understanding the underlying compositional and microstructural issues necessary for improving nanowire growth and quality.
Siblings in Foster Care: An Overview of Research, Policy, and Practice

Sibling relationships in the foster care experience have historically taken a back seat to other issues, such as the child–caregiver relationship. Estimates of the number of United States foster children who come from a sibling group range from 65% to 85%. An estimated more than 50% of those children are separated from at least one sibling. The purpose of this article is to review the limited empirical data on siblings in foster care, as well as to provide an overview of the policies and practices that have been influential in the lives of siblings served by the child welfare system.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of simplified α-keto heterocycle, trifluoromethyl ketone, and formyl substituted folate analogues as potential inhibitors of GAR transformylase and AICAR transformylase

A series of simplified alpha-keto heterocycle, trifluoromethyl ketone, and formyl substituted folate analogues lacking the benzoylglutamate subunit were prepared and examined as potential inhibitors of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) and aminoimidazole carboxamide transformylase (AICAR Tfase).
Prior Crime Specialization and Its Relationship to Homicide Crime Scene Behavior Type

The present study explored the link between offenders’ prior criminal specialization (violent crime, sexual crime, or burglary/theft) and subsequent homicide crime scene type (exploit, control, distance) in 77 U.S. cases of single-offender/single-victim homicides. Specialists as compared to those with no prior criminal history were significantly more likely to engage in goal directed behaviors such as controlling the victim, controlling the outcome, and exploitative behaviors (sex and theft). Sexual crime specialists specifically were the more distinct subtype. The findings indicated differences in how first-time homicide offenders approach the crime scene and are discussed in line with the usefulness to homicide investigators.
Virtual Prototyping of Novel Cathode Designs for the Relativistic Magnetron

Shaped cathodes enhance key magnetron performance parameters, such as output power, power efficiency, and impedance. Simulations using these novel designs showed a dramatic increase in the range of magnetic field in which the magnetron functions, a doubling of output power, an increase in efficiency, an elimination of mode competition, and halving of the startup time.
An ultrastructural study of the yeast tonoplast during the shift from exponential to stationary phase

The vacuolar membrane or tonoplast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae changes dramatically during the transition from exponential to stationary phase. Stereological studies of thin sections reveal an increase in vacuole volume, changes in the tonoplast surface area, and a decrease in the surface to volume ratio of the vacuole. Freeze-fracture studies demonstrate changes in the distributions and frequencies of the tonoplast intramembranous particles. At one stage, rows of intramembranous particles surround polygonal areas depleted of particles. This stage is preceded and followed by stages during which the distribution of particles is dispersed. The particle distribution patterns are explained in terms of the fluid mosaic membrane model.
Role of NK cells in tumour growth and metastasis in beige mice

Although natural killer (NK) cells are thought to give the host a spontaneous resistance against tumours and have been postulated to act in vivo as surveillor cells, definitive data in support of these hypotheses has not been obtained. Recently the beige (bg) mouse, a morphological homologue of the human Chediak-Higashi (CH) syndrome, was shown to be deficient in NK activity. Specifically, spleen cells of bg mice were demonstrated to be incapable of in vitro natural cytotoxicity against tumour cells. We report here that a tumour line, modified to be sensitive to NK cytotoxicity by in vitro culture, demonstrated in vivo an increased growth rate, faster induction time and an increased metastatic capability in bg compared to control mice. This was not found with a tumour line insensitive to NK activity (without in vitro culture). In vivo activation of NK cells in bg and control mice resulted in a decrease in tumour growth rate and metastatic frequency. These results demonstrate that NK cells have an important function in the host's control of tumour growth and metastasis.
Quick-release medical tape

Medical tape that provides secure fixation of life-sustaining and -monitoring devices with quick, easy, damage-free removal represents a longstanding unmet medical need in neonatal care. During removal of current medical tapes, crack propagation occurs at the adhesive–skin interface, which is also the interface responsible for device fixation. By designing quick-release medical tape to undergo crack propagation between the backing and adhesive layers, we decouple removal and device fixation, enabling dual functionality. We created an ordered adhesive/antiadhesive composite intermediary layer between the medical tape backing and adhesive for which we achieve tunable peel removal force, while maintaining high shear adhesion to secure medical devices. We elucidate the relationship between the spatial ordering of adhesive and antiadhesive regions to create a fully tunable system that achieves strong device fixation and quick, easy, damage-free device removal. We also described ways of neutralizing the residual adhesive on the skin and have observed that thick continuous films of adhesive are easier to remove than the thin islands associated with residual adhesive left by current medical tapes.
Hypaconitin (Desoxymesaconitin) und Desoxyaconitin

Es wird gezeigt, das das Alkaloid Hypaconitin mit Desoxymesaconitin (II) identisch ist, welches aus Mesaconitin (III) durch Entfernung des Ring-A-Hydroxyls dargestellt wurde. Hypaconitin hat dieselbe absolute Konfiguration wie Aconitin (I). — Handelsaconitin enthalt eine geringe Menge Desoxyaconitin (N-Athyl-N-desmethyl-hypaconitin, V), welches isoliert wird.
STUDIES ON THE PNEUMONIC EXUDATE I. EFFECT OF PRESERVATION, TEMPERATURE, DIALYSIS, AND SALT CONCENTRATION ON THE ENZYME IN THE PNEUMONIC LUNG.

1. The enzyme present in the pneumonic lung exudate still remains active after preservation for 18 months. 2. The enzyme is active at incubator temperature before and after heating to 65 degrees C. for 1 hour. It is slightly active at room temperature and inactive after heating at 75 degrees C. for 1 hour. 3. Dialysis of the enzyme is not demonstrable. 4. Activity persists when the enzyme is mixed with concentrations of sodium chloride varying from normal to thirty-two times normal.
Bauxite processing and the role of less developed countries

Abstract Bauxite-rich developing countries like Guinea, Jamaica and Brazil have tried to build their economies by doing more processing rather than sending the ore to industrial countries. Their potential for success depends on the costs of energy and transportation as well as their own governmental policies.
Selumetinib for the treatment of cancer.

Introduction: The MAPK pathway is essential for regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and survival. Multiple human cancers have demonstrated activation of Raf-mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MEK)–extracellular signal-related kinase signaling, a hallmark of these tumors. Efforts to inhibit various protein kinases in this pathway have led to the development of MEK inhibitors. Selumetinib is one such drug, functioning as an oral, selective non-ATP-competitive MEK1/2 inhibitor.Areas covered: In this article, the authors discuss the underlying biology of MEK inhibition and its rationale in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the authors summarize the clinical development of selumetinib in various tumor types, from initial Phase I studies to randomized Phase II studies, both as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapeutics.Expert opinion: Given the frequency of activated MAPK signaling in multiple tumor types, the potent MEK inhibitor selumetinib had strong preclinical and early clinica...
Dynamic aspects of the interaction between microtubules and actin filaments

This paper summarizes observations on the motility and behavior of microtubule asters in polymorphonuclear leukocytes under a variety of experimental conditions. These observations suggest that the location and organization of microtubules is influenced, at least in part, by the activity of the cortical actin network. Aster motility may therefore serve as an indicator of the interaction between the centrosomal microtubules and the cell cortex, and it is speculated that this interaction is of importance for leukocyte translocation.
Duration Judgments in Children With ADHD Suggest Deficient Utilization of Temporal Information Rather Than General Impairment in Timing

Clinicians, parents, and teachers alike have noted that individuals with ADHD often have difficulties with "time management," which has led some to suggest a primary deficit in time perception in ADHD. Previous studies have implicated the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and frontal lobes in time estimation and production, with each region purported to make different contributions to the processing and utilization of temporal information. Given the observed involvement of the frontal-subcortical networks in ADHD, we examined judgment of durations in children with ADHD (N = 27) and age- and gender-matched control subjects (N = 15). Two judgment tasks were administered: short duration (550 ms) and long duration (4 s). The two groups did not differ significantly in their judgments of short interval durations; however, subjects with ADHD performed more poorly when making judgments involving long intervals. The groups also did not differ on a judgment-of-pitch task, ruling out a generalized deficit in auditory discrimination. Selective impairment in making judgments involving long intervals is consistent with performance by patients with frontal lobe lesions and suggests that there is a deficiency in the utilization of temporal information in ADHD (possibly secondary to deficits in working memory and/or strategy utilization), rather than a problem involving a central timing mechanism.
Exploration of heterogeneous duplex grain structure in type 304 austenitic stainless steel using ultrasonic spectroscopy

Abstract Cyclic stress-strain tests at different temperatures for a given constant strain range on a single reference heat (9T2796) of Type 304 austenitic stainless steel showed many unexpected features. The metallographic investigations of the fatigued specimens showed existence of heterogeneous duplex grain structure of ASTM grain size numbers ranging from 1.6 to 3.2. Since it was not feasible economically to cut even a small portion, for the metallographic examination, of the machined and heat treated specimen ready for the test, a non-destructive technique was needed to sort out specimens according to their grain structures prior to testing. Results of using ultrasonic spectroscopy for this purpose are described in this work.
Material Flow Optimization in By-product Synergy Networks

Summary By-product synergy (BPS) is an industrial ecology practice that involves utilization of industrial by-products as feedstocks for other industrial processes. A novel decision support tool is developed to analyze BPS networks that involve material processing and transport among regional clusters of companies. Mathematical programming techniques are used to determine the optimal network design and the material flows that minimize total cost or environmental impacts. This methodology is incorporated into a graphical software package called Eco-Flow™. The tool has been applied to model and analyze available synergies in an existing BPS network centered in Kansas City, Missouri. A base case, which assumes no synergies, is compared with the optimal BPS solution found by Eco-Flow™. The results for Kansas City suggest that when companies in the network cooperate to optimize the system profitability, up to $15 million per year of savings are possible. The findings also indicate that the BPS approach would result in 29% reduction in total cost, 25.8% reduction in average company cost, 30% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and 37% reduction in waste to landfill. The modeling approach is being extended to better represent the dynamics of industrial and ecological processes.
An efficient adjustable-layering thermodynamic sea-ice model formulation for high-frequency forcing

Recent observations suggest that high-frequency forcing events have profound influence on the air-sea-ice interactions in the polar region. Studying these events with sea-ice models requires close examination of the model sensitivity that may arise from the high-frequency variability of the forcing. We show that the maximum layer thickness is dictated by the time-scale of the forcing variability and that the computation of the surface temperature develops enhanced sensitivity at high-frequency forcing. We resolve these constraints by developing an "adjustable-layering" thermodynamic formulation for ice and snow that re-computes the number of layers required each time-step to satisfy this maximum thickness, which preserves the total enthalpy and general internal thermal gradients. The conservation equations form a tri-diagonal system ideal for a fast and efficient implicit solution. Furthermore, we resolve the issue of the high sensitivity of the surface flux balance by solving the linearized version of the flux boundary condition simultaneously with the overall conservation system. In this paper we develop the analyses specifying the model requirements, describe the model system and test its algorithmic implementation.
Writing life and love: Julio cortázar and gilles deleuze

What's the hurry, in the end? You can’t walk first and later enjoy the landscapes, or the versere … I seek things, I remember others, I return to the poems, and in addition I go and I come, I love,...
Highly dispersed and electrically conductive polycarbonate/oxidized carbon nanofiber composites for electrostatic dissipation applications

Abstract The influence of low cost, commercially oxidized carbon nanofibers (ox-CNFs) on the morphological, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of polycarbonate (PC) composites was examined. Using a simple solution mixing process leads to good dispersion and high packing density of CNFs in the resultant composites. The composite materials exhibit a dramatic improvement in the DC conductivity; for example, increasing from 2.36 × 10 −14 S/m for PC to ca. 10 −2 S/m for the composite at only 3.0 wt.% of CNFs, and exhibits a very fast static charge dissipation rate. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed a remarkable increase in storage modulus (282%) at 165 °C, compared to pure PC. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal stability of the composites increased by 54 °C compared to the pure PC. To our knowledge, the measured electrical conductivity and thermal properties for PC/CNF are the highest values yet reported for PC/CNF composites at comparable loadings. The AC/DC conductivity is shown to play an important role to predict the state of dispersion.
Partial characterization of several protein and amino acid metabolizing enzymes in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract The developmental kinetics of several amino acid and protein catabolizing enzymes have been studied. Aminopeptidase and alanine transaminase have been found to increase approximately 3-fold starting at the time of starvation and reaching maximum activity at 18 and 5 hours, respectively. The increase of both enzymes is sensitive to actinomycin D and cycloheximide, suggesting that prior RNA and concomitant protein synthesis are necessary for the increase. Neither enzyme increases in a mutant which does not aggregate. Aminopeptidase but not alanine transaminase shows temporal regulation in the temporally deranged mutants FR-17 and GN-3. This paper also confirms that glutamate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate transaminase are not developmentally regulated. Aminopeptidase and alanine transaminase appear to be a single molecular species.
Agonistic behaviour in woodchucks

Abstract Seven complexes of five neighbouring wood-chucks each were observed in the field between May 1959 and September 1960. Following 3 to 4 weeks of observation, these animals were trapped and subjected to competitive dominance tests. Six other “aggregates” were subjected to competitive tests also. The combination of pen and field observations allowed a description of agonistic behaviour in this species. Woodchuck behaviour during the post-reproductive period (May–November) could be described as essentially ingestive, and agonistic. Animals usually lived solitarily, each animal in the population establishing dominance-subordination relationships with those animals whose home ranges overlapped or met its own. There was no evidence of territorial defence. Agonistic behaviour in the field was characterized chiefly by avoidance of dominant animals by their subordinate neighbours. The average aggressive-interaction rate in the population was about one per animal per day. This changed seasonally, increasing with the May–June period and then decreasing progressively until entrance into hibernation. Analysis of distances at which interactions were initiated and prevalence of wounding in trapping samples revealed the same seasonal trend. Part of the observed (seasonal) decrease in interactive rate was due to an actual decrease in the average level of aggressive response of the individuals in the population, as shown by an analysis of interaction distances with vegetation eliminated as a variable.
Evaluation of second-harmonic generation of various sugars in the powder form

Ten members of the class of sugars have been investigated in the powder form for second-harmonic generation at two wavelengths, 1.064 μ and 532 nm. Phase-matching cut-offs below 266 nm cannot be ruled out for five of these materials. Of these, four were found to have small nonlinearities. One powder, \beta-D -lactose, was found to be a potentially useful nonlinear optical material below 266 nm.
The aluminum chemistry and corrosion in alkaline solutions

Abstract Aluminum–alkaline solution systems are very common in engineering applications including nuclear engineering. Consequently, a thorough knowledge of the chemistry of aluminum and susceptibility to corrosion in alkaline solutions is reviewed. The aluminum corrosion mechanism and corrosion rate are examined based on current experimental data. A review of the phase transitions with aging time and change of environment is also performed. Particular attention is given to effect of organic and inorganic ions. As an example, the effect of boron is examined in detail because of the application in nuclear reactor power systems. Methods on how to reduce the corrosion rate of aluminum in alkaline solutions are also highlighted.
Construct Validity of the Divergent Production Subtests from the Structure-of-Intellect Learning Abilities Test:

The Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities (SOI-LA) test has been widely recommended for use in placement, diagnostic, and prescriptive applications. However, the validity of the test has not been fully explored. This study investigated the construct validity of the three divergent production subtests on the SOI-LA test. Subjects were 205 sixth-grade pupils from New York and Louisiana schools. The evidence generally supported the validity of the three subtests, although results were somewhat mixed with respect to one subtest.
Prediction of functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury: A comparison of 2 measures of duration of unconsciousness

Abstract Whyte J, Cifu D, Dikmen S, Temkin N. Prediction of functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury: a comparison of 2 measures of duration of unconsciousness. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:1355-9. Objective: To compare the usefulness of time until motor localization occurs versus time until commands are followed in predicting outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: A retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of subjects with severe TBI. Setting: Seventeen Traumatic Brain Injury Model System programs. Participants: A total of 496 subjects, recruited through the TBI Model System programs, with loss of consciousness greater than 1 day, with no late neurosurgical complications, and complete data for all measures. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Time until Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) motor score of 5 (time to motor localization) and time until GCS motor score of 6 (time until commands were followed) were abstracted from medical records. Functional outcomes were assessed at inpatient rehabilitation admission and discharge, along with acute and rehabilitation lengths of stay and charges. Results: Time until commands were followed was a better predictor of all of the outcomes assessed than time until motor localization occurred. In multiple regression models, time until motor localization did not add significantly to the prediction provided by time until commands were followed. The predictive power of time to command following was superior even in the subgroup with poor language comprehension as measured by the Token Test. Conclusion: Despite the theoretical appeal of time to motor localization (eg, in persons with language comprehension problems), time to command following appears to be a more powerful predictor of outcome after severe brain injury. © 2001 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Social Psychologies of Emotion A Bridge That Is Not Too Far

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 54:733–40. Fiske, Susan T. and Steven L. Neuberg. 1990. ‘‘A Continuum of Impression Formation, from Category-Based to Individuating Processes: Influences of Information and Motivation on Attention and Interpretation.’’ Pp. 1-74 in Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, edited by M. Zanna. New York: Academic Press. Miller, Joan G. 1984. ‘‘Culture and the Development of Everyday Social Explanation.’’ Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 46:961–78. Morris, Michael W. and Kaiping Peng. 1994. ‘‘Culture and Cause: American and Chinese Attributions for Social and Physical Events.’’ Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 67:949–71. Smith, Eliot R. and Elizabeth C. Collins. 2009. ‘‘Contextualizing Person Perception: Distributed Social Cognition.’’ Psychological Review 116:343–64.
Supporting load balancing for distributed data-intensive applications

In data-intensive computing, an important problem that has received relatively little attention is of transparent processing of data stored in remote data repositories. Interesting load balancing considerations arise for these scenarios. Particularly, based on where data is generated and how it is shared, a dataset of interest can be divided across multiple data repositories, which may be geographically distributed and the data may be partitioned in a number of ways. This paper focuses on enabling such distributed processing of data from distributed resources. We have developed a load balancing algorithm, which minimizes the total time spent on processing the data. We consider weighted sum of two factors, a load balancing factor and a term that captures the amount of time spent by processing nodes waiting for the data. Our solutions have been implemented and evaluated in the context of FREERIDE-G (FRamework for Rapid Implementation of Datamining Engines in Grid). We have extensively evaluated our techniques using two data-intensive applications.
Surge in North Atlantic hurricanes due to detectors, not climate change

[1] A spate of research has indicated there may be a link between climate change and the prevalence of North Atlantic tropical cyclones. In a new paper, researchers note upon closer inspection that the prominent upswing in tropical cyclone detections beginning in the midtwentieth century is attributable predominantly to the detection of “shorties” tropical cyclones with durations of less than 2 days. That the apparent surge in cyclone activity could be attributable to changes in the quality and quantity of detections has gained ground as a potential alternative explanation. Using a database of hurricane observations stretching back to 1878, Villarini et al. try to tease out any detectable climate signal from the records. The authors note that between 1878 and 1943 there were 0.58 shorty detections per year, and between 1944 and 2008 there were 2.58 shorty detections per year. This increase in shorties, which the authors propose may be related to the end of World War II and the dawn of air-based reconnaissance and weather tracking, was not mirrored by an increase in tropical cyclone activity for storms longer than 2 days. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, doi:10.1029/2010JD015493, 2011
Growth, structure, and tribological behavior of atomic layer-deposited tungsten disulphide solid lubricant coatings with applications to MEMS

This paper describes the synthesis, structure, and tribological behavior of nanocomposite tungsten disulphide (WS2) solid lubricant films grown by atomic layer deposition. A new catalytic route, incorporating a diethyl zinc catalyst, was established to promote the adsorption and growth of WS2. The films were grown down to 8 nm in thickness by sequential exposures of WF6 and H2S gases in a viscous flow reactor on Si, SiO2, stainless steel, and polycrystalline Si and electroplated Ni microelectromechanical systems structures. Films were studied by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) with Automated eXpert Spectral Image Analysis (AXSIA) software for X-ray spectral images and X-ray diffraction to determine the coating conformality and crystallinity. The coatings exhibited a hexagonal layered structure with predominant preferentially orientated (0 0 2) basal planes. Regardless of orientation to the substrate surface, these basal planes when sheared imparted low friction with a steady-state friction coefficient as low as 0.008 to 50,000 cycles in a dry nitrogen environment. The formation of smooth transfer films during wear provided low interfacial shear stresses during sliding thus achieving low friction and wear. The XTEM combined with AXSIA of the wear tracks identified this mechanism and the effects of vapor phase reaction by-product etching on insulating and native polycrystalline Si and Ni surfaces.