cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of water‐soluble vitamin E on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers

We evaluated the effect of water-soluble vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate [TPGS]; Liqui-E) on the oral pharmacokinetics of the cyclosporine, a poorly available (approximately 30%) drug, in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy subjects were given two doses of oral cyclosporine (10mg/kg) separated by a 7-day washout period. Oral TPGS (2.6 IU/kg) was administered concomitantly with one of the cyclosporine doses in a randomized order. A significant increase was observed in area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC;mean +/ SD) with concomitant TPGS administration (3908 +/- 2601 versus 6296 +/- 5102 ng x hr/ml). Significant decreases were observed in apparent oral clearance (0.24 +/- 0.14 versus 0.15 +/- 0.08 L/hr/kg) and apparent oral steady-state volume of distribution (1.57 +/- 0.95 versus 1.07 +/- 0.73 L/kg). No significant changes were observed in the ratios of metabolites to parent drug AUC values. The comparable relative decreases in apparent oral clearance (38%) and apparent oral steady-state volume of distribution (30%) with TPGS are most likely explained by enhanced absorption, decreased counter transport back into the intestine by P-glycoprotein, or some unknown mechanism by which cyclosporine is protected from metabolism in the gut, thereby increasing bioavailability.
Phylogenetic Beta Diversity Metrics, Trait Evolution and Inferring the Functional Beta Diversity of Communities

The beta diversity of communities along gradients has fascinated ecologists for decades. Traditionally such studies have focused on the species composition of communities, but researchers are becoming increasingly interested in analyzing the phylogenetic composition in the hope of achieving mechanistic insights into community structure. To date many metrics of phylogenetic beta diversity have been published, but few empirical studies have been published. Further inferences made from such phylogenetic studies critically rely on the pattern of trait evolution. The present work provides a study of the phylogenetic dissimilarity of 96 tree communities in India. The work compares and contrasts eight metrics of phylogenetic dissimilarity, considers the role of phylogenetic signal in trait data and shows that environmental distance rather than spatial distance is the best correlate of phylogenetic dissimilarity in the study system.
Electroweak corrections to high energy processes using effective field theory

Electroweak Sudakov logarithms at high energy, of the form $(\ensuremath{\alpha}/{sin﻿}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}{)}^{n}{log﻿}^{m}s/{M}_{Z,W}^{2}$, are summed using effective theory methods. The corrections are computed to processes involving two external particles in the standard model. The results include nonzero particle masses, such as the $t$-quark mass, electroweak mixing effects which lead to unequal $W$ and $Z$ masses, and radiative Higgs corrections proportional to the Yukawa couplings. We show that the matching at the scale ${M}_{W,Z}$ has a term at most linear in $\mathrm{log}﻿s/{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}$ to all orders. The effective theory formalism is compared with, and extends, previous work based on infrared evolution equations.
Ultrafast Dynamics of Individual, Isolated Nanoparticles and Nanoplasmas in Intense Laser Fields

We combine an aerodynamic lens with a velocity-map-imaging spectrometer to make the first measurements of shock wave generation and ultrafast dynamics in individual nanoplasmas, confirming a decade of theoretical predictions.
Electromigration Failure in Au Thin-Film Conductors

Experiments are carried out to understand the electromigration-induced failure mechanism in thin-film Au conductors. The activation energy for the atom transport and the magnitude of the current exponent In the failure equation are obtained. The role of surface coverage on the reliability of AU stripes is studied. The underlying mode of atom transport and the possible sources of flux divergences are discussed in terms of these results.
Merge Ahead: A Research Agenda to Increase Merger and Acquisition Success

Scholars have been conducting serious research on the human, organizational, and cultural aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for 30 years. Yet, over this period, there have only been modest improvements in the M&A success rate. In this article, we examine corporate combinations, describe how human factors contribute to their failure or success, and identify key research questions whose answers can help to improve the M&A success rate in both financial and human terms. We propose research questions for the key phases of a deal, including buying a company and putting companies together. And, reflecting an emerging trend among some frequent acquirers to build an internal competence in M&A execution, we also propose research questions for how to accelerate the process of learning from past combinations to better manage future ones.
Distance Education Programs in Social Work: Current and Emerging Trends.

This article reports on current and emerging trends in the use of distance education technologies in social work education. Areas studied include the extent of distance education programs, curricular areas covered, technologies used, pedagogical approaches, intentions for degree-program development, sources of pressure to adopt distance education technologies, and policy issues. Results are given for BSW and MSW programs.
Managed competition in California's small-group insurance market

This paper describes the early experience of the Health Insurance Plan of California (the HIPC), a small-employer purchasing cooperative established in 1993. The plan's experience is consistent wit...
Diagnostic Yield of Patch Ambulatory Electrocardiogram Monitoring in Children (from a National Registry)

The diagnostic yield of continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring in children for periods longer than a Holter monitor is unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize diagnostic yield, arrhythmia type, and time to first arrhythmia using a clinical repository of national ambulatory ECG data in children. A cross-sectional study was performed in 3,209 consecutive children receiving a 14-day adhesive patch monitor (Zio Patch) for clinical indications from January 2011 to December 2013. Of the 3,209 children (56% female, mean age 12.5 ± 4.4 years, range 1 month to 17 years), 390 had arrhythmias detected, making the diagnostic yield 12.2%. Of these, 137 patients (4.3%) had arrhythmias deemed clinically significant to warrant urgent physician notification. The most frequent indications for monitoring were palpitations (n = 1,138 [35.5%]), syncope (n = 450 [14.0%]), unspecified tachycardia (n = 291 [9.1%]), supraventricular tachycardia (n = 264 [8.2%]), and chest pain (n = 261 [8.1%]). Arrhythmias were detected in 10.0% of patients with palpitations, 6.7% of patients with syncope, 14.8% of patients with tachycardia, 22.7% of patients with supraventricular tachycardia, and 6.5% of patients with chest pain. The mean times to first detected and first symptom-triggered arrhythmias were 2.7 ± 3.0 and 3.3 ± 3.3 days, respectively. Forty-four percent of first detected arrhythmias and 50.4% of the first symptom-triggered arrhythmias occurred beyond 48 hours of monitoring. In conclusion, the diagnostic yield of continuous ECG patch monitoring in children was substantial beyond 48 hours and should be considered in children who are candidates for longer term ECG monitoring.
Nanoporous Organosilicate Glass Films via Chemical Vapor Deposition onto Colloidal Crystal Templates

Templated nanoporous organosilicate glass (OSG) films with extremely low dielectric constants and refractive indeces, as low as 1.4 and 1.067 respectively, were fabricated via chemical vapor deposition. Well-ordered assemblies of polymer nanospheres serve as templates for the pores. To enable three-dimensional crystal templates to form on substrate areas larger than 10 cm 2 , a method using rapid evaporation-induced self-assembly of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres was developed. Conformal plasma-enhanced CVD using dimethylsilane and oxygen precursors fills the interstices of the colloidal crystal to form the OSG matrix. With subsequent annealing at 500 °C the labile polymer beads decompose, resulting in a nanoporous organosilicate thin film.
BECOMING “JAPANESE” IN BOLIVIA: OKINAWAN-BOLIVIAN TRANS(NATIONAL)FORMATIONS IN COLONIA OKINAWA 1

This article chronicles the changing subject-positions of Okinawans in Bolivia from the 1950s to 1990s, who migrated to Colonia Okinawa, an agricultural settlement in the eastern Santa Cruz region, as sponsored migrants backed by the United States military administration and the Okinawan (Ryūkyū) government. Since the forced annexation of Okinawa by Imperial Japan in 1879, Okinawans and the Okinawan Diaspora have often been discriminated against by the Japanese government and the immigrants from mainland Japan as illegitimate Japanese national subjects. The lack of active intervention by the Japanese government and the virtual absence of Japanese mainlanders in the settlement, however, enabled the Okinawan settlers to maintain their Okinawan cultural identities and practices without being questioned about their legitimacy as Japanese. Underscored by their socioeconomic success as large-scale farm owners who employed the locals as inexpensive laborers, the settlers gradually shifted their primary identific...
Does more cash in conditional cash transfer programs always lead to larger impacts on school attendance

Abstract There is considerable evidence that conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs can have large impacts on school enrollment, including in very poor countries. However, little is known about what features of program design account for the observed outcomes. In this paper we analyze the impact of a program in Cambodia that made payments of varying magnitude to otherwise comparable households. The identification is based on a sharp regression discontinuity design. We find that a modest cash transfer, equivalent to approximately 2% of the consumption of the median recipient household, had a substantial impact on school attendance, approximately 25 percentage points. A somewhat larger transfer did not raise attendance rates above this level.
Cellulosic Nanowhiskers. Theory and Application of Light Scattering from Polydisperse Spheroids in the Rayleigh−Gans−Debye Regime

Mathematical treatment of light scattering within the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye limit for spheroids with polydispersity in both length and diameter is developed and experimentally tested using cellulosic nanowhiskers (CNW). Polydispersity indices are obtained by fitting the theoretical formfactor to experimental data. Good agreement is achieved using a polydispersity of 2.3 for the length, independent of the type of acid used. Diameter polydispersities are 2.1 and 3.0 for sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, respectively. These polydispersities allow the determination of average dimensions from the z-average mean-square radius ( z) and the weight-average molecular weight (M w) easily obtained from Berry plots. For cotton linter hydrolyzed by hydrochloric acid, the average length and diameter are 244 and 22 nm. This compares to average length and diameter of 272 and 13 nm for sulfuric acid. This study establishes a new light-scattering methodology as a quick and robust tool for size characterization of polydisperse spheroidal nanoparticles.
Cloning and Characterization of a Na+-driven Anion Exchanger (NDAE1) A NEW BICARBONATE TRANSPORTER

Abstract Regulation of intra- and extracellular ion activities (e.g. H+, Cl−, Na+) is key to normal function of the central nervous system, digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urinary system. With our cloning of an electrogenic Na+/HCO3 − cotransporter (NBC), we found that NBC and the anion exchangers form a bicarbonate transporter superfamily. Functionally three other HCO3 −transporters are known: a neutral Na+/ HCO3 − cotransporter, a K+/ HCO3 − cotransporter, and a Na+-dependent Cl−-HCO3 − exchanger. We report the cloning and characterization of a Na+-coupled Cl−-HCO3 − exchanger and a physiologically unique bicarbonate transporter superfamily member. ThisDrosophila cDNA encodes a 1030-amino acid membrane protein with both sequence homology and predicted topology similar to the anion exchangers and NBCs. The mRNA is expressed throughoutDrosophila development and is prominent in the central nervous system. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, this membrane protein mediates the transport of Cl−, Na+, H+, and HCO3 − but does not require HCO3 −. Transport is blocked by the stilbene 4,4′-diisothiocyanodihydrostilbene- 2,2′-disulfonates and may not be strictly electroneutral. Our functional data suggest thisNa+ driven anionexchanger (NDAE1) is responsible for the Na+-dependent Cl−-HCO3 − exchange activity characterized in neurons, kidney, and fibroblasts. NDAE1 may be generally important for fly development, because disruption of this gene is apparently lethal to the Drosophila larva.
Intensity and alignents of three-photon nonresonant transitions

Abstract In this paper we present the algebraic angular momentum recoupling method to treat three-photon nonresonant excitations. The expressions of the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) intensity of a three-photon nonresonant excitation are obtained. Such a treatment can be extended to a 3+1 and up to an n +1 photon nonresonant excitation without recourse to coupling coefficients higher than the 9- j symbols. The recurrence relations of spherical tensor are also obtained. The table of spherical tensor operators in terms of angular momentum operators has been extended to k =8 by using this recurrence relation. The general form of the reduced matrix elements of higher order spherical tensor operators is also given.
Wireless wises up with smart antennas

The concept of smart antennas (also known as adaptive antennas) is not new. However, until recent years, their cost has prevented their use in commercial systems. Smart antennas are antenna arrays with smart signal processing algorithms used to identify spatial signal signature. Smart antenna techniques are used notably in acoustic signal processing, radar, radio telescopes, and cellular systems.
Ethanol toxicity in primary cultures of rat myocardial cells

The potential cardiotoxicity of ethanol (EtOH) was evaluated in primary cultures of rat myocardial cells. EtOH cardiotoxicity was assessed in the cells on the basis of cell morphology, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, and beating rates. Cells were treated with EtOH at concentrations of 600, 800, and 1000 mg% for duration of 1, 4, and 24 h and then evaluated for cardiotoxicity. Vacuole formation occurred 1 h after exposure to EtOH at 800 and 1000 mg%; by 4 h, cytosolic granular material appeared in these cells. Exposure for 24 h to all concentrations of EtOH resulted in vacuole, granule, and pseudopod formation and loss of cross-striations. Significant LDH leakage occurred at 1 h and 4 h with 800 and 1000 mg% EtOH. LDH release was significantly increased after 24 h with all concentrations. SDH activity was significantly depressed after 24 h with all concentrations of EtOH. Beating rates were altered as early as 1 h after exposure to 800 and 1000 mg% EtOH. After 24 h, those cells exposed to the highest concentrations of EtOH were not beating at all. These data suggest that primary myocardial cell cultures may be used to assess the in vitro cardiotoxicity of EtOH to the myocardial cell.
Patterns of basidiomycete nutrient accumulation in conifer and deciduous forest litter

Abstract Nutrient data were obtained for basidiomycete sporocarps, rhizomorphs and forest floor leaf litter samples collected from a white pine (Pinus strobus L.) watershed and from a mixed hardwood watershed at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, N.C. Basidiocarps taken from the surface litter of both watersheds were fleshy representatives of Agaricaceae, Cantharellaceae or Clavariaceae. Forest floor basidiocarp samples (cap + stalk) from both watersheds had significantly greater concentrations of Cu, K, Na, P and Zn than the leaf litter from which they were removed. Bulked rhizomorph samples from both watersheds contained significantly more Ca, K, Na and Sr than forest floor leaf litter. Polyporaceae growing on hardwood branches concentrated Al, Mo, P and Zn.
Vaccination and protection from a lethal viral infection: identification, incorporation, and use of a cytotoxic T lymphocyte glycoprotein epitope.

The outcome of infection by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is determined largely by the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response of the host. In H-2 b mice, the anti-glycoprotein (GP) response is directed to at least two epitopes, one located at GP as 272–286 and a second in GP-1. Here we show that the second epitope can be minimally identified by amino acid residues GP 34–40 (AVYNFAT). The epitope is restricted by the Db class I glycoprotein. Characterization of these CTL epitopes allowed us to address the role(s) played by each epitope when expressed singly in the control of a lethal challenge with LCMV. Here we show that a single immunization with a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) vaccine expressing LCMV GP as 1–59 confers protection to H-2b mice from lethal LCMV infection. In contrast, a VV expressing LCMV GP as 272–293, although recognized by CTL, does not protect. We show that the success or failure of protective immunization is determined by the ability of the immunizing sequences to prime for CTL in vivo. Although the GP 278–286 epitope when contained as a “minigene” fails to induce CTL, when incorporated in the normal GP “backbone” it successfully elicits CTL. These observations suggest that the “minimal” recognition sequence alone may not be sufficient to induce a protective CTL response in vivo. Thus a single CTL epitope can protect against a lethal virus infection, but to achieve an effective vaccine, the immunizing sequences must be carefully selected.
Effect of temperature and illumination on pyrite oxidation between pH 2 and 6

The effect of heat and illumination with visible light on the oxidation of pyrite with dissolved molecular oxygen in solutions between pH 2 and 6 has been investigated using a combination of surface science experiments and batch oxidation experiments. The rate of the oxidation of pyrite is strongly dependent on temperature. It is, however, not possible to cast the temperature dependence in a simple Arrhenius equation because the magnitude of the activation energy depends on the progress variable chosen. Activation energies based on proton release rate, sulfate release rate, and total iron release rate vary by as much as 40 kJ mol-1, suggesting that the oxidation mechanism of the sulfur and iron component of pyrite are largely independent of each other. This difference in mechanism can also explain why the reaction rates on the basis of these three different progress variables do not show the same pH dependence. Exposed to visible light, the rate of pyrite oxidation is under most conditions accelerated by less than a factor of two. Some of this acceleration may be accounted for by a light-induced heating of the pyrite surface. Surface science experiments employing photoelectron spectroscopy show no evidence for significant changes in the chemical composition of the surface as a function of exposure to visible light. The batch sorption experiments show, however, that the reaction stoichiometry changes somewhat, which indicates that there might be a change in reaction mechanism as a result of exposure to visible light.
Lif1 SUMOylation and its role in non-homologous end-joining

Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repairs DNA double-strand breaks by tethering and ligating the two DNA ends. The mechanisms regulating NHEJ efficiency and interplay between its components are not fully understood. Here, we identify and characterize the SUMOylation of budding yeast Lif1 protein, which is required for the ligation step in NHEJ. We show that Lif1 SUMOylation occurs throughout the cell cycle and requires the Siz SUMO ligases. Single-strand DNA, but not double-strand DNA or the Lif1 binding partner Nej1, is inhibitory to Lif1 SUMOylation. We identify lysine 301 as the major conjugation site and demonstrate that its replacement with arginine completely abolishes Lif1 SUMOylation in vivo and in vitro. The lif1-K301R mutant cells exhibit increased levels of NHEJ repair compared with wild-type cells throughout the cell cycle. This is likely due to the inhibitory effect of Lif1 SUMOylation on both its self-association and newly observed single-strand DNA binding activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that SUMOylation of Lif1 represents a new regulatory mechanism that downregulates NHEJ in a cell cycle phase-independent manner.
Gestational changes in cell types within the ovine placenta

A recent study in our laboratory on the DNA content and permeability of the sheep placenta showed that in the last third of gestation, although there is a decrease in placental weight, the total placental DNA tends to remain constant, and the placental urea permeability per gram of DNA rises logarithmically. In an attempt to clarify these data we have studied the morphometric changes on 6 placentas of known gestational age, ranging from 40 to 145 days. A microscopic point-counting technique was applied to determine the numerical density (NV) and the pattern of distribution of 7 types of nuclei in each placenta. The study of this morphometric parameter along gestation has revealed a stable concentration of the columnar and cryptal epitheliums, a fall in the binucleate giant cells and in the fetal mesenchyme from 11.9% to 2.1% and from 17. 5% to 6.4%, as compared to a rise from 9% to 21.2% for the fetal and maternal capillary endotheliums. The mean NV for all types of nuclei from early gestation to term did not change significantly, in agreement with the DNA data. These results indicate 1) the reliability of DNA measurements in determining the total number of nuclei in the placenta, and 2) that different patterns of cell growth in the placenta may underlie a stable DNA, a fall in placental weight, and a progression in functional capacity.
Endoscopic Management of Sinonasal Malignancy

The advent of rigid telescopes has revolutionized the management of rhinologic disease. These instruments have been used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for paranasal sinus inflammatory diseases since the 1970s. Endoscopic techniques have been used for treating increasingly complex intranasal pathology, including nasolacrimal duct obstruction, cerebrospinal fluid leaks/encephaloceles, dysthyroid orbitopathy, and optic neuropathy. Recently, endoscopic techniques have also been used successfully to manage selected tumors, including inverted papilloma, angiofibromas, and hypophyseal tumors. This article reviews patient evaluation strategies, surgical techniques, and outcomes data for the minimally invasive endoscopic resection.
Molecular dynamics predictions of the influence of graphite stacking arrangement on the thermal conductivity tensor

Abstract The effect of stacking configuration on the phonon-based thermal conductivity of graphite is investigated using equilibrium molecular dynamics. Hexagonal (AAA), Bernal (ABA), and Rhombohedral (ABC) stacking forms are considered in a 5 × 5 nm domain. The intralayer thermal conductivity values are predicted to be 450–800 W/m K for both zigzag and armchair directions for different configurations, which are in agreement with previous results for graphite and few-layer graphene. The interlayer thermal conductivity values are calculated in the range of 9–55 W/m K. The intralayer thermal conductivity in the armchair direction appears to increase with increasing vertical alignment of carbon atoms in adjacent layers.
Fixed points of boundary-preserving maps on punctured projective planes

Abstract This paper considers the relationship between the relative Nielsen number and the minimal number of fixed points for boundary-preserving self-maps of surfaces with boundary. For the projective plane with two open punctures, we give examples of maps for which these quantities differ by one. When there is more than two punctures examples are given for which the difference can be arbitrarily large.
Degeneracy lifting in graphite and boron nitride: A perturbational approach

The degeneracy lifting in the pi bands, near the Fermi energy, for two- and three-dimensional graphites and boron nitride are qualitatively determined, without calculation, using first-order perturbation theory and the concept of transferability. The relationships between the band diagrams for several three-dimensional modifications of graphite and boron nitride are presented in a simple orbital context.
Migration patterns of neonatal subventricular zone progenitor cells transplanted into the neonatal striatum

Our previous studies have shown that the progeny of the neuronal progenitor cells localized in a discrete region of the anterior part of the neonatal subventricular zone, referred to as the SVZa, migrate tangentially along a stereotypical and extended pathway to the olfactory bulb, and then turn radially into one of the overlying cellular layers. In this study we have examined whether the SVZa cells retain their ability to migrate and disperse when heterotopically transplanted into the striatum. SVZa cells from P0-P2 rat pups were microdissected, dissociated, labeled with the lipophilic, fluorescent dye PKH26 or the cell proliferation marker BrdU, and then transplanted into the neonatal (P0-P2) striatum. Examination of the striatum a few days after transplantation revealed aggregates of heavily labeled BrdU-positive, SVZa cells in the striatum, often situated near blood vessels. Two to four weeks after transplantation, however, the labeled SVZa cells had disseminated from their site of implantation and showed three patterns of distribution. In none of the cases was the implantation site detectable in the striatum, signifying that the cells had become incorporated in the host brain. Of the 12 brains analyzed for cell distribution, transplanted SVZa cells were confined to the striatum in 4 cases. The cells were present as individual cells or in small groups of usually two to four cells. When PKH26 was used, we found that many of the transplanted cells extended processes into the striatum. In 3 out of the 12 animals, the labeled SVZa cells were distributed along the dorsal and lateral aspects of the striatal boundary. In the remaining five animals, labeled SVZa cells appeared in both locations: within the striatum as well as along the striatal boundary. The dispersion of the transplanted cells within the striatum and the presence of the transplanted SVZa cells all along the striatal boundary, a region corresponding to the lateral cortical stream of migration of the developing forebrain, demonstrates that the isochronically transplanted SVZa cells retained their capacity to migrate.
Human performance evaluation of enhanced vision systems for approach and landing

A study was conducted to compare three types of enhanced vision systems (EVS) from the human pilot's perspective. The EVS images were generated on a silicon graphics workstation to represent: an active radar-mapping imaging system, an idealized forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor system, and a synthetic wireframe airport database system. The study involved six commercial airline pilots. The task was to make manual landings using a simulated head- up display superimposed on the EVS images. In addition to the image type, the sensor range was varied to examine the effect of atmospheric attenuation on landing performance. A third factor looked at the effect of runway touchdown and centerline markings. The low azimuthal resolution of the radar images (0.3 degree(s)) appeared to have affected the lateral precision of the landings. Subjectively, the pilots were split between the idealized FLIR and wireframe images while the radar image was judged to be significantly inferior. Runway markings provided better lateral accuracy in landing and better vertical accuracy during the approach. Runway markings were unanimously preferred by the six pilots.
The related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase is tyrosine-phosphorylated after beta1-integrin stimulation in B cells and binds to p130cas.

Integrin ligation initiates intracellular signaling events, among which are the activation of protein tyrosine kinases. The related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK), also known as PYK2 and CAKβ, is a tyrosine kinase that is homologous to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) p125FAK. The structure of RAFTK is similar to p125FAK in that it lacks a transmembrane region, does not contain Src homology 2 or 3 domains, and has a proline-rich region in its C terminus. Here we report that RAFTK is a target for β1-integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in both transformed and normal human B cells. Ligation of the B cell antigen receptor also induced tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK. Phosphorylation of RAFTK following integrin- or B cell antigen receptor-mediated stimulation was decreased by prior treatment of cells with cytochalasin B, indicating that this process was at least partially cytoskeleton-dependent. One of the tyrosine-phosphorylated substrates after integrin stimulation in fibroblasts is p130cas, which can associate with p125FAK. RAFTK also interacted constitutively with p130cas in B cells, since p130cas was detected in RAFTK immunoprecipitates. Although the function of RAFTK remains unknown, these data suggest that RAFTK may have a significant function in integrin-mediated signaling pathways in B cells.
Geochemical impacts to groundwater from geologic carbon sequestration: controls on pH and inorganic carbon concentrations from reaction path and kinetic modeling.

Geologic carbon sequestration has the potential to cause long-term reductions in global emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Safe and effective application of carbon sequestration technology requires an understanding of the potential risks to the quality of underground sources of drinking water. In particular, concern is warranted regarding the potential for CO2 leakage through geological features and abandoned wells that may result in detrimental perturbations to subsurface geochemistry. Reaction path and kinetic models indicate that geochemical shifts caused by CO2 leakage are closely linked to mineralogical properties of the receiving aquifer. CO2 gas dissolution into groundwater and subsequent reaction with aquifer minerals will control the evolution of pH−bicarbonate envelopes. These parameters provide geochemical context for predicting how regulated contaminants associated with aquifer solids will respond via various mineral−water reaction processes. The distribution and abundance of carbo...
Immunocytochemical evidence for serotonergic neurotoxicity of N-ethyl-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE)

Abstract N -ethyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDE) is one of a group of substituted amphetamines which have effects on several serotonergic markers such as tissue levels of serotonin and activity of tryptophan hydroxylase. In this study we have compared its effects on the rat brain with those of p -chloroamphetamine (PCA) using serotonin immunocytochemistry with a primary 5-HT antibody and a secondary avidin-biotin-HRP antibody. Two weeks after multiple (40 mg/kg × 8), but not single, injections of MDE there was a pronounced reduction in the number of serotonin-immunoreactive axons seen. This reduction was most marked in areas innervated extensively by serotonergic axons with varicosities of the fine type (e.g., posterior cerebral cortex and area CAl of hippocampus). The reduction was quantitatively less than but qualitatively similar to that produced by a single dose of PCA (10 mg/kg). In material from short (3 day) survival animals, a large number of morphologically highly abnormal forms could be seen, suggestive of degenerating axons. A parallel series of sections prepared using tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry showed no differences between saline controls and PCA- or MDE-treated animals. We conclude that multiple systemic injections of MDE reduce the number of serotonin-immunoreactive fibers in the rat brain 2 weeks after treatment.
Advances in the assessment of childhood brain tumors and treatment-related sequelae

The assessment of children with brain tumors represents a unique challenge due to the difficulty in obtaining repeat tissue samples for evaluation. Over the past decade, magnetic resonance imaging has been the standard imaging modality utilized to follow tumor status and treatment effects in these children because of its sensitivity and ability to delineate tumor tissue. The information obtained from standard magnetic resonance imaging is primarily limited to structural changes. Newer techniques that noninvasively assess metabolic and physiologic characteristics of brain and tumor tissue are being developed and incorporated into clinical trials, particularly for the newer molecularly targeted agents, where physiologic changes rather than tumor size reduction may be an early determinant of activity. This article reviews some of these techniques and their role in the assessment of children with brain tumors.
An Application of Conley Index Techniques to a Model of Bursting in Excitable Membranes

Abstract Assumptions about a model of bursting activity in pancreatic β -cells are stated and a neighborhood of the attractor in this model is constructed. Conley index results and techniques are used to give a sufficient condition for a singular isolating neighborhood to isolate a nonempty attractor. Finally, this theorem is applied to the bursting model.
Deterring nuclear weapons proliferation

In the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the problem of nuclear proliferation has become one of the primary issues of strategic concern The proliferation problem is an old one, but the problem today is very different from that of even a few years ago. calling for new approaches. By considering demand and supply factors, the old approaches that rely on limits on the technology or supply appear inadequate in the current situation Rather, the best approaches today are those that influence demand, making it less attractive for nations to develop nuclear weapons. The constraints on the United States that inhibit it from using its nuclear weapons to threaten new nuclear states make both nuclear deterrence and guarantees to countries not acquiring such weapons ineffectual in preventing further proliferation. The use of conventional forces to prevent proliferation or to protect threatened nations may also be politically difficult unless there are clear national interests at stake. A possible way out of this dilemma is to develop a system of conventional deterrence using precision guided munitions and other recent technological developments that have increased the accuracy of weapons delivery systems. Such a system of conventional deterrence could play an important role in making nuclear weapons of less perceived value to potentially proliferating nations and in protecting regions that these nations threaten.
Electric field spectra beyond the strong turbulence regime of relativistic beam-plasma interactions.

Using a Stark-effect diagnostic, we have explored a new regime of relativistic beam-plasma turbulence, 〈${\mathrm{E}}^{2}$〉g${\mathrm{nT}}_{\mathrm{e}}$. Measurements of E and of the plasma frequency used nonperturbing optical techniques during the electron-beam pulse. Fields up to 150 kV/cm display an exponential spectrum, exp(-${\mathrm{E}}^{2}$/${\mathrm{E}}_{0}^{2}$) with ${\mathrm{E}}_{0}$=85 kV/cm. This spectrum does not resemble that given by strong-turbulence theory, and involves stronger fields than are dealt with in current theory. '
Nitrite intensity explains N management effects on N2O emissions in maize

Abstract It is typically assumed that the dependence of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions on soil nitrogen (N) availability is best quantified in terms of ammonium ( NH 4 + ) and/or nitrate ( NO 3 − ) concentrations. In contrast, nitrite ( NO 2 − ) is seldom measured separately from NO 3 − despite its role as a central substrate in N2O production. We examined the effects of three N fertilizer sources and two placement methods on N2O and N dynamics in maize over two growing seasons. Cumulative N2O emissions were well-correlated with NO 2 − intensity (NO2I) but not with NO 3 − (NO3I) or NH 4 + (NH4I) intensity. By itself, NO2I explained more than 44% of the overall variance in N2O. Treatment effects on N2O and NO2I were similar. When conventional urea (U) was applied using mid-row banding (MRB), both N2O and NO2I increased by a factor of about 2 compared to broadcast/incorporated (BI). When polymer-coated urea (PCU) was the N source, MRB placement increased both N2O and NO2I compared to BI only in the wetter of the two years. When urea with microbial inhibitors (IU) was the N source, N2O and NO2I were lowest across both years and were less affected by placement than U or PCU. A 50/50 mix of IU and U reduced N2O and NO2I compared to U alone, suggesting that a mixed N source may provide an economical N2O mitigation strategy. Our results show that practices which reduce NO 2 − accumulation have the potential to also reduce N2O emissions, and that separate consideration of NO 3 − and NO 2 − dynamics can provide more insight than their combined dynamics as typically quantified.
Computerized Assessment Technique for Large Classes

The primary purpose of classroom assessment is to determine how well students are learning on a continuous basis and to take necessary corrective action as soon as possible to improve their learning. This paper describes a computerized assessment technique that can be used effectively and easily in large classes. The technique allows instructors and students to monitor the learning process on a daily basis and to quickly point out the need for corrective action, if necessary. Students can view their performance and also the average class performance on the web. The graphical displays allow them to see the trend of their performance over several days. Several reports, automatically generated for instructors, allow them to determine promptly how well certain concepts or topics are learned by students. Use of special codes and optical scanning sheets minimize paper shuffling in large classes, and the computer program automatically grades and updates the database. The program is fairly general and has friendly interfaces; thus, it can be implemented for use by faculty at other universities. According to student response sheets, 80 to 97 percent of the students find different aspects of the technique to be effective in improving teaching-learning in large classes.
Target detection in hyperspectral images based on independent component analysis

The paper presents an algorithm based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for the detection of small targets present in hyperspectral images. ICA is a multivariate data analysis method that attempts to produce statistically independent components. This method is based on fourth order statistics. Small, man-made targets in a natural background can be seen as anomalies in the image scene and correspond to independent components in the ICA model. The algorithm described here starts by preprocessing the hyperspectral data through centering and sphering, thus eliminating the first and second order statistics. It then separates the features present in the image using an ICA based algorithm. The method involves a gradient descent minimization of the mutual information between frames. The resulting frames are ranked according to their kurtosis (defined by normalized fourth order moment of the sample distribution). High kurtosis valued frames indicate the presence of small man-made targets. Thresholding the frames using zero detection in their histogram further identifies the targets. The effectiveness of the method has been studied on data from the hyperspectral digital imagery collection experiment (HYDICE). Preliminary results show that small targets present in the image are separated from the background in different frames and that information pertaining to them is concentrated in these frames. Frame selection using kurtosis and thresholding leads to automated identification of the targets. The experiments show that the method provides a promising new approach for target detection.
A branching algorithm for discriminating and tracking multiple objects

A recursive branching algorithm for multiple-object discrimination and tracking consists of a bank of parallel filters of the Kalman form, each of which estimates a trajectory associated with a certain selected measurement sequence. The measurement sequences processed by the algorithm are restricted to a tractable number by combining similar trajectory estimates, by excluding unlikely measurement/state associations, and by deleting unlikely trajectory estimates. The measurement sequence selection is accomplished by threshold tests based on the innovations sequence and state estimates of each filter. Numerical experiments performed using the algorithm illustrate how the accuracy of the a priori state estimates and trajectory model influences the selectivity of the algorithm.
Elastic Properties of PEEK/IM7 Related to Temperature

An approach using laminate Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) measurements and two measured elastic constants is applied to predict the elastic properties of PEEK-IM7 prepreg laminae. This study assesses the feasibility of the use of this method to compute elastic properties over a range of temperatures. Three-dimensional elastic constants of PEEK/IM7 are determined for the temperature range of 20°Cto 120°C. The results indicate good agreement with quoted values measured by standard techniques, at room temperature. Moreover, the technique allows the study of the temperature dependence of the elastic properties over a range of temperatures. Thus, the technique demonstrates an ability to generate elastic properties data for a transversely isotropic material, over a wide temperature range, which ultimately can be used for improved performance prediction of structural composites.
Evolution at the crossroads: modern human emergence in western Asia

There is long-standing disagreement regarding Upper Pleistocene human evolution in Western Asia, particularly the Levant. Some argue that there were two dilierent populations, perhaps different species, of Upper Pleistocene Levantine hominids. The first, from the Israeli silcs of Qafzeh and Skhul. is anatomically modern. The second, from sites such as Amud. Kcbara. and Tabun, is archaic, or "Neandertal" in morphology. Others argue that ihis is a false dichotomy and that all of lliese hominids belong to a single, highly variable population. In this paper I attempt to resolve this issue by examining posteranial measures reflective of body shape. Results indicate that the Qafzeh-Skhul hominids have African-like, or tropically adapted, proportions, while tliosc from Amud, Kebara. Tabun. and Shanidar (Iraq) have more European-like, or cold-adapled. proportions. This suggests that iherc were in fact two distinct Western Asian populations and that the Qaf/ch-Skhul hominids were likely African in origin—i result consistent with the "Replacement"' model of modern human origins, [modern human origins, NeunJertals, Qafzeh-Skhul hominids, body shape]
Multiple Cytokine and Growth Factor Serum Biomarkers Predict Therapeutic Response and Survival in Advanced-Stage Head and Neck Cancer Patients

In this issue of Clinical Cancer Research , Allen et al. ([1][1]) report that serum levels and temporal velocities of multiple cytokine and growth factors interleukin IL-6, IL-8, growth regulated oncogene 1 (GRO-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF),
Publish or perish? Palestrina and print culture in 16th-century Italy

In 1554 Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina had his earliest edition, the Missarum liber primus, printed in Rome. This sumptuous folio choirbook was dedicated to his patron, Pope Julius III. This publication, along with his Primo libro di madrigali a quatro voce of 1555, marked an auspicious publishing debut for the composer. Yet for the next 17 years, Palestrina brought out only a handful of publications, while the works of his distinguished contemporary Orlando di Lasso were printed in great profusion. It was not until some 20 years later, in the 1570s, that Palestrina ' s music, particularly his sacred works, emerged with more frequency from Roman and Venetian presses. Furthermore, it appears that the Roman composer did not gain widespread recognition until his twilight years, when Venetian editions of his sacred music began to appear in rapid succession. Why were so few of Palestrina ' s works published during the prime of his life? Why did he wait so long to see his music in print? What role did he play in the dissemination of his music? This study will address these issues by examining the relationship between the composer, his music printers, and his patrons. In particular, it will explore the differences between the printing industries of 16th- century Rome and Venice, and what infl uence this may have had on the transmission of Palestrina ' s music and the reputation of the composer.
The social psychology of stigma.

This chapter addresses the psychological effects of social stigma. Stigma directly affects the stigmatized via mechanisms of discrimination, expectancy confirmation, and automatic stereotype activation, and indirectly via threats to personal and social identity. We review and organize recent theory and empirical research within an identity threat model of stigma. This model posits that situational cues, collective representations of one's stigma status, and personal beliefs and motives shape appraisals of the significance of stigma-relevant situations for well-being. Identity threat results when stigma-relevant stressors are appraised as potentially harmful to one's social identity and as exceeding one's coping resources. Identity threat creates involuntary stress responses and motivates attempts at threat reduction through coping strategies. Stress responses and coping efforts affect important outcomes such as self-esteem, academic achievement, and health. Identity threat perspectives help to explain the...
Minimizing MPI Resource Contention in Multithreaded Multicore Environments

With the ever-increasing numbers of cores per node in high-performance computing systems, a growing number of applications are using threads to exploit shared memory within a node and MPI across nodes. This hybrid programming model needs efficient support for multithreaded MPI communication. In this paper, we describe the optimization of one aspect of a multithreaded MPI implementation: concurrent accesses from multiple threads to various MPI objects, such as communicators, datatypes, and requests. The semantics of the creation, usage, and destruction of these objects implies, but does not strictly require, the use of reference counting to prevent memory leaks and premature object destruction. We demonstrate how a naive multithreaded implementation of MPI object management via reference counting incurs a significant performance penalty. We then detail two solutions that we have implemented in MPICH2 to mitigate this problem almost entirely, including one based on a novel garbage collection scheme. In our performance experiments, this new scheme improved the multithreaded messaging rate by up to 31% over the naive reference counting method.