cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
69 – Signaling Pathways in the Heart and Moderate Alcohol Intake

This chapter describes the signaling activated by moderate alcohol consumption in the heart. Acute coronary syndromes are a leading cause of death worldwide. Patients remain at high risk of recurrent myocardial ischemia for months and benefit from cardio- protection during this period. However, few therapeutic strategies are now available that induce resistance against cardiac injury persisting for more than several days. Moderate alcohol consumption, defined as one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men, is suggested to reduce coronary heart disease in epidemiological studies. Statistical analyses have identified increased circulating high density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased platelet aggregation, and increased expression of tissue-type plasminogen activator as potential cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of moderate ethanol intake. However, ethanol administration may also directly increase the resistance of myocardial tissue to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Relationships between alcohol intake and total mortality are U-shaped and represent the sum of beneficial effects of moderate consumption on cardiovascular mortality and detrimental effects of heavy drinking on other causes of death.
A toolbox of nanobodies developed and validated for use as intrabodies and nanoscale immunolabels in mammalian brain neurons

Nanobodies (nAbs) are small, minimal antibodies that have distinct attributes that make them uniquely suited for certain biomedical research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Prominent uses include as intracellular antibodies or intrabodies to bind and deliver cargo to specific proteins and/or subcellular sites within cells, and as nanoscale immunolabels for enhanced tissue penetration and improved spatial imaging resolution. Here, we report the generation and validation of nAbs against a set of proteins prominently expressed at specific subcellular sites in mammalian brain neurons. We describe a novel hierarchical validation pipeline to systematically evaluate nAbs isolated by phage display for effective and specific use as intrabodies and immunolabels in mammalian cells including brain neurons. These nAbs form part of a robust toolbox for targeting proteins with distinct and highly spatially-restricted subcellular localization in mammalian brain neurons, allowing for visualization and/or modulation of structure and function at those sites.
Loss of the FOXP1 Transcription Factor Leads to Deregulation of B Lymphocyte Development and Function at Multiple Stages.

The FOXP1 transcription factor is expressed throughout B cell development until its extinction just prior to terminal differentiation. Foxp1 nulls die of cardiac defects at midgestation, but adult rescue via fetal liver transfer led to a strong pre-B cell block. To circumvent these limitations and to investigate FOXP1 function at later stages of B cell differentiation, we generated and analyzed floxed (F) Foxp1 alleles deleted at pro-B, transitional (T) 1, and mature B cell stages. Mb-1cre-mediated deletion of Foxp1F/F confirmed its requirement for pro-B to pre-B transition. Cd21- and Cd19cre deletion led to significant reduction of germinal center formation and a second block in differentiation at the T2/marginal zone precursor stage. T-dependent and -independent immunization of FOXP1 mutants led to reduction of Ag-specific IgM, whereas responses of class-switched Abs were unimpaired. Yet, unexpectedly, plasmablast and plasma cell numbers were significantly increased by in vitro BCR stimulation of Foxp1F/F splenic follicular B cells but rapidly lost, as they were highly prone to apoptosis. RNA sequencing, gene set enrichment analysis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses revealed strong enrichment for signatures related to downregulation of immune responses, apoptosis, and germinal center biology, including direct activation of Bcl6 and downregulation of Aicda/AID, the primary effector of somatic hypermutation, and class-switch recombination. These observations support a role for FOXP1 as a direct transcriptional regulator at key steps underlying B cell development in the mouse.
Suspected Aripiprazole-induced neutropenia in a geriatric patient: a case report

Aripiprazole, a third-generation antipsychotic medication, has been used to treat a range of psychiatric disorders. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s prescribing information, the most common adverse reactions in adult patients in clinical trials (≥10%) were nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, akathisia, anxiety, and insomnia. While hematological adverse effects may occur with aripiprazole, there is very limited information in the published literature on such adverse outcomes. A 68-year-old Caucasian male with treatment resistant depression was hospitalized for suicidal ideation. The patient developed neutropenia after aripiprazole was introduced as an augmentation agent. The neutropenia was reversible with discontinuation of the medication. To our knowledge, we describe the first case report of suspected neutropenia-induced by aripiprazole use in a geriatric patient. While hematological adverse reactions are rare, we recommend adding CBC to the standard adverse systemic reaction monitoring of antipsychotic medications, particularly among the elderly.
The Kansas tax experiment: The matter of legal form of organization

Abstract Using a dynamic stochastic occupational choice model with heterogeneous firms, this paper studies a sweeping business tax-cut program enacted in the State of Kansas during 2012-2016. This paper finds that “The Kansas Tax Experiment” distorts entrepreneurial choice of legal form of organization (LFO), and encourages the adoption of the pass-through status over the C-corporate legal form. Because pass-through businesses face more constraints on access-to-capital, the policy reduces aggregate productive efficiency and leads to declines in output, capital formation, and employment growth. This article highlights the importance of considering LFO choice when making a business tax policy change.
Streaming 1.9 Billion Hypersparse Network Updates per Second with D4M

The Dynamic Distributed Dimensional Data Model (D4M) library implements associative arrays in a variety of languages (Python, Julia, and Matlab/Octave) and provides a lightweight in-memory database implementation of hypersparse arrays that are ideal for analyzing many types of network data. D4M relies on associative arrays which combine properties of spreadsheets, databases, matrices, graphs, and networks, while providing rigorous mathematical guarantees, such as linearity. Streaming updates of D4M associative arrays put enormous pressure on the memory hierarchy. This work describes the design and performance optimization of an implementation of hierarchical associative arrays that reduces memory pressure and dramatically increases the update rate into an associative array. The parameters of hierarchical associative arrays rely on controlling the number of entries in each level in the hierarchy before an update is cascaded. The parameters are easily tunable to achieve optimal performance for a variety of applications. Hierarchical arrays achieve over 40,000 updates per second in a single instance. Scaling to 34,000 instances of hierarchical D4M associative arrays on 1,100 server nodes on the MIT SuperCloud achieved a sustained update rate of 1,900,000,000 updates per second. This capability allows the MIT SuperCloud to analyze extremely large streaming network data sets.
Broadening the Objectives of Future Potassium Recommendations

Potassium (K) fertilizer recommendations for annual crops in the USA are generally founded in soil test results. The goal of this chapter is to highlight additional plant-related traits that may impact crop responses to K fertilization. This includes the role of tissue testing, the influence of luxury consumption, genetic improvement of K use efficiency, genotype × environment × management interactions on K uptake and yield, response to foliar K fertilization, intraplant K cycling, fungal associations and K uptake, the influence of K on crop quality, and the role of K in abiotic stress tolerance. Recognizing the potential role of these plant factors may help reconcile response inconsistencies based solely on soil test information, and improve future K recommendations. Finally, we hope to highlight knowledge gaps and opportunities for additional integrated soil–plant K research.
Grandstanding, Certification and the Underpricing of Venture Capital Backed IPOs

We examine the role of venture capital backing in the underpricing of IPOs. Controlling for endogeneity in the receipt of venture funding, we find that venture capital backed IPOs experience larger first-day returns than comparable non-venture backed IPOs. Between 1980 and 2000, the average return difference ranges from 6.20 to 9.51 percent. This return difference is particularly pronounced in the “bubble” period of 1999-2000. As a potential explanation for these results, we explore a variant of the grandstanding hypothesis, in which the publicity associated with high first-day returns brings future commitments of capital to venture capitalists. Capital flow regressions show that commitments of capital are positively related to first-day returns.
Oxidations of pyrrolidines and piperidines to afford CH-functionalized isopropyl-1-carboxylate congeners.

Abstract This article describes the action of iodine(III) reagents [diacetoxyiodobenzene, PhI(OAc)2, and iodosobenzene, (PhIO)n] in conjunction with TMSBr which act as functional bromine equivalents in unique oxidations of saturated, carbamate protected N-heterocycles. Interestingly, during this work, treatment of the same carbamates with molecular bromine alone afforded similar products, which were sequestered by the solvent methanol.
Gas Leak and Mucosal Injury During Endoscopic Esophageal Myotomy After Previous Myotomy: A Single-Center Experience.

Purpose Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) after prior myotomy (PM-POEM) can be technically challenging with possible increased adverse events. We aimed to assess gas leak and mucosal injury incidence during PM-POEM, compared to an index POEM (iPOEM), and post-procedure extubation time. Patients and methods A retrospective study comparing PM-POEM to iPOEM from March 2016 to August 2018. Results There were 21 subjects in the PM-POEM and 56 subjects in the iPOEM. The PM-POEM group was younger (average age 44.33 vs 57.57 years, p=0.0082). Gas leak incidence did not differ between groups (28.6% in PM-POEM vs 14.3% in iPOEM, p=0.148). For cases with imaging available postoperatively, there was a trend towards higher incidence of gas leak in the PM-POEM, but it was not statistically significant (60% vs 42.1%, p=0.359). The post-procedure extubation time was not different between PM-POEM and iPOEM (11.38 vs 9.46 minutes, p=0.93), but it was longer when gas leak occurred (15.92 vs 8.67 minutes, p=0.027). The odds of mucosal injury were four-fold higher (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.32-14.08), and more clips were used to close mucosal injuries (0.62 vs 0.14 clips, p=0.0053) in the PM-POEM group. More procedures were deemed difficult or challenging in the PM-POEM (33.3% vs 7.1%, p=0.007). The number of clips used to close the mucosotomy was not different between groups (4.05 vs 3.84 clips, p=0.498). Although the myotomy was shorter in PM-POEM, it was not statistically significant (6.38 vs 7.14 cm, p=0.074). However, the procedure was longer in PM-POEM (61.28 vs 45.39 minutes, p=0.0017). There was no intervention or ICU admission required pertinent to the procedure. Conclusion Performing PM-POEM can be more difficult with more mucosal injuries. Gas leak was associated with a slightly longer post-procedure extubation time, but clinical relevance is unclear given incidence of gas leak was unknown at time of extubation.
Neurodevelopment of the zebrafish spinal serotonin system

Abstract Serotonin performs a wide range of physiological functions, both within and outside of the nervous system. In the spinal cord, serotonergic signaling modulates sensory and locomotor network activity and influences various neurodevelopmental processes. The largest source of spinal serotonin in mammals is the caudal raphe nuclei that project from the hindbrain to the spinal cord; however, vertebrates also possess intraspinal serotonergic neurons that project locally within the spinal cord. The number, location, and innervation patterns of the intraspinal serotonergic neurons are variable between species, with mammals possessing relatively few compared to fish and amphibians. In the zebrafish embryo, a subset of cerebrospinal fluid–contacting neurons located below the central canal are the sole source of serotonergic innervation of the spinal cord. During the transition to the larval developmental stage, these cells lose their serotonergic phenotype and are replaced by descending serotonergic raphe axons and a second, persistent population of intraspinal serotonergic neurons. This chapter details the progression of gene expression and spinal innervation patterns in these developing serotonergic cell populations.
Compositional Thinking in Cyberphysical Systems Theory

Engineering safe and secure cyberphysical systems requires system engineers to develop and maintain a number of model views, both dynamic and static. Verifying the composition of requirement, behavioral, and architectural models using category theory gives rise to a strictly compositional interpretation of cyberphysical systems theory.
Continuity, Chain Rule, and Substitution

This chapter discusses continuity, chain rule, and substitution. Two of the important formulas of elementary calculus are the chain rule for differentiating composite functions, and the substitution theorem, which allows changing the independent variable in a definite integral. Another important theorem asserts that an indefinite integral, over an interval, is a continuous function of the upper limit. In the elementary theory of differential equations, there is a formula for the solution of a single linear equation. This can be generalized to the case of a linear non-homogeneous stochastic differential equation. The chapter also explains derivation of analogs for Ito-belated integrals of all the theorems.
Comparison of optic nerve imaging methods to distinguish normal eyes from those with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the ability of qualitative assessment of optic nerve head stereophotographs (ONHPs), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to distinguish normal eyes from those with early to moderate glaucomatous visual field defects. METHODS: Eighty-nine eyes (63 normal, 63 age-matched with glaucoma) of 89 subjects more than 40 years of age were studied. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated from discriminant analysis of CSLO, SLP, and OCT measurements and from ONHP scores. Sensitivity at 80% and specificity at 90% were calculated. Differences between individual methods and combinations of methods were assessed for statistical significance. Agreement on categorization between methods (kappa) was assessed. RESULTS: The average visual field mean deviation (MD +/- SD) in patients with glaucoma was -3.9 +/- 2.2 dB, and the average pattern standard deviation (PSD) was 4.7 +/- 3.4 dB. In normal subjects the average MD was 0.1 +/- 0.9 dB and the average PSD was 1.5 +/- 0.3 dB. Optimal sensitivities, specificities, and areas under ROC curves were, respectively: ONHP (0.94, 0.87, 0.93), CSLO (0.84, 0.90, 0.92), SLP (0.89, 0.87, 0.94), and OCT (0.82, 0.84, 0.88). Best agreement on categorization (kappa) was between ONHPs and CSLO (0.70). The ROC area for the combination of methods was 0.99, higher than for any method alone. The ROC area for the combination of methods was significantly better than the CLSO rim area (P = 0.012) and the OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative methods CSLO, SLP, and OCT were no better than qualitative assessment of disc ONHPs by experienced observers at distinguishing normal eyes from those with early to moderate glaucoma. A combination of the imaging methods significantly improves this capability.
Phase shift analysis of d-α scattering

Abstract The phase shifts for d-α scattering were determined between 2 and 10 MeV from measured differential cross sections and tensor polarization parameters. Complex phase shifts of orbital angular momentum l ≦ 2 were used and coupling between the s- and d-wave J = 1 phase shifts was taken into account. The coupling was found to be small. The existence of the broad Jπ = 2+ and Jπ = 1+ resonances was confirmed and resonance parameters were determined. The real and imaginary parts of the p-waves remain less than 20° which provides strong evidence against the existence of the previously reported T = 0 p-wave triplet in 6Li. Comparison of the phase shifts with optical model phase shifts shows that all essential features of d-α scattering below 10 MeV can be described by a simple potential with an l · s term. The potential depth is about twice that for p-α scattering but the spin orbit interaction is considerably weaker for the d-α than for the p-α interaction.
Multimedia lessons for electromagnetic education

The authors discuss some problems encountered in the development of a computer-based curriculum and present features of the interactive video lessons developed by the CAEME Center. These lessons were developed using the QUEST authoring software and are run on IBM-compatible PCs. It is shown that, in addition to the multimedia information and instructions, the lessons evaluate students' understanding and keep record of their scores for instructor use. The lessons developed by CAEME integrate multimedia information from videos, audio, software simulation, and animated graphics with multimedia instructions including tutorials and quizzes. >
3,3′-diindolylmethane, a major acid condensation product of indole-3-carbinol, induce expression of NAG-1 and ATF3 in colorectal cancer cells.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5589 Epidemiological studies have suggested that nutrition plays an important role in carcinogenesis and dietary factors have been estimated to account for up to 80% of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and approximately 30% of cancer morbidity and mortality might be prevented with proper adjustment of diets. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), present in cruciferous vegetables, and its major in vivo product 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), have been reported to suppress cancer development. The present study was performed to investigate whether I3C and DIM influence the expression of the TGF-β superfamily gene NAG-1 (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1) and ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3), that are associated with pro-apoptotic and anti-tumorigenic activities. I3C repressed cell proliferation and induced NAG-1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. DIM increased the expression of NAG-1 as well as the promoter activity of NAG-1 in a p53 independent manner. The induction of ATF3 was earlier than that of NAG-1 and up-regulated NAG-1 expression, suggesting a possible mechanism of ATF3-mediated NAG-1 expression. The DIM treatment increased the levels of ATF3 mRNA and protein via transcriptional regulation through a PKC-dependent pathway. Our results suggest that I3C repress cell proliferation through up-regulation of NAG-1, and ATF3 may play a pivotal role in DIM-induced NAG-1 expression in human colorectal cancer cells.
Glutamine Supplementation in Neonates: Is There a Future?

Over the past couple of decades, glutamine (GLN) has emerged as important metabolic intermediate, signaling molecule and nutrient that becomes rapidly depleted and therefore critically important during stress. In very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants, a population of patients in whom supplementation of GLN should provide major benefits, GLN is provided in subnutritional quantities because standard parenteral nutrition solutions do not contain GLN and most of these babies do not receive full enteral feedings until several weeks after birth. No evidence of toxicity of GLN supplementation was found in these clinical trials, but the results for efficacy on a limited number of outcomes have been mixed. The use of GLN supplementation in VLBW infants has therefore not become routine. Some authors suggest that further study in this area is no longer warranted. The purpose of this review is to provide an update in the area of GLN supplementation for preterm infants in order to determine whether GLN supplementation is unwarranted and/or additional investigations are needed. Evidence is presented and an argument is made that thoughtful reevaluation of future applications and trials of GLN in premature infants is warranted.
Preliminary Survey of Fungistatic Properties of Marine Algae.

Welch, Ann Marie (U. S. Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, N. C.). Preliminary survey of fungistatic properties of marine algae. J. Bacteriol. 83:97–99. 1962—Homogenized preparations of 35 marine algae were tested for inhibitory activity against 6 pathogenic or opportunistically pathogenic fungi with saturated filter-paper discs on seeded Sabouraud agar plates; 11 of these preparations produced wide zones of inhibition against 1 or more test organisms, and at least 4 of the 11 are considered to be worthy of further study. The results indicated that further search should be made for antifungal substances from marine algae.
Effects of lead design on ultrasonic bond quality of wire bonds

Wire bonding is an important method of interconnection in microelectronics. The micro welding of the contact pad to the gold wire is achieved by a thermosonic wire bonding process. Ultrasonic energy is known to soften metallic materials and hence when used in the wire bond process to decrease the flow stress similar to thermal energy. But experimental results shows for some lead frame designs neck fatigue, squashed bonds and poor wire pull strength are observed for some particular leads. Detailed resonance studies shows that those leads have closeby resonance compared to the bonding frequency which causes enhanced vibration resulting in smeared and squashed ball as well as localized fatigue at both the neck and heel of the wirebond. Hence precautions during lead frame design are necessary to avoid closeby resonance motion that are in the in-plane direction along the capillary vibration direction. This can be determined apriori using finite element method
The smell of fear: innate threat of 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, a single molecule component of a predator odor.

In the last several years, the importance of understanding what innate threat and fear is, in addition to learning of threat and fear, has become evident. Odors from predators are ecologically relevant stimuli used by prey animals as warnings for the presence of danger. Of importance, these odors are not necessarily noxious or painful, but they have innate threat-like properties. This review summarizes the progress made on the behavioral and neuroanatomical fundamentals of innate fear of the predator odor, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a component of fox feces. TMT is one of several single molecule components of predator odors that have been isolated in the last several years. Isolation of these single molecules has allowed for rapid advances in delineating the behavioral constraints and selective neuroanatomical pathways of predator odor induced fear. In naive mice and rats, TMT induces a number of fear and defensive behaviors, including robust freezing, indicating it is an innate threat stimulus. However, there are a number of behavioral constraints that we do not yet understand. Similarly, while some of the early olfactory sensory pathways for TMT-induced fear are being delineated, the pathways from olfactory systems to emotional and motor output regions are less well understood. This review will focus on what we know and what we still need to learn about the behavior and neuroanatomy of TMT-induced fear.
Validation of community models: 3. Tracing field lines in heliospheric models

[1] Forecasting hazardous gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) bursts at Earth requires accurately modeling field line connections between Earth and the locations of coronal or interplanetary shocks that accelerate the particles. We test the accuracy of field lines reconstructed using four different models of the ambient coronal and inner heliospheric magnetic field, through which these shocks must propagate, including the coupled Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA)/ENLIL model. Evaluating the WSA/ENLIL model performance is important since it is the most sophisticated model currently available to space weather forecasters which can model interplanetary coronal mass ejections and, when coupled with particle acceleration and transport models, will provide a complete model for gradual SEP bursts. Previous studies using a simpler Archimedean spiral approach above 2.5 solar radii have reported poor performance. We test the accuracy of the model field lines connecting Earth to the Sun at the onset times of 15 impulsive SEP bursts, comparing the foot points of these field lines with the locations of surface events believed to be responsible for the SEP bursts. We find the WSA/ENLIL model performance is no better than the simplest spiral model, and the principal source of error is the model's inability to reproduce sufficient low-latitude open flux. This may be due to the model's use of static synoptic magnetograms, which fail to account for transient activity in the low corona, during which reconnection events believed to initiate the SEP acceleration may contribute short-lived open flux at low latitudes. Time-dependent coronal models incorporating these transient events may be needed to significantly improve Earth/Sun field line forecasting.
Two classes of Tn10 transposase mutants that suppress mutations in the Tn10 terminal inverted repeat.

Tn 10 transposition requires IS 10 transposase and essential sequences at the two ends of the element. Mutations in terminal basepairs 6–13 confer particularly strong transposition defects. We describe here the identification of transposase mutations that suppress the transposition defects of such terminus mutations. These mutations are named “SEM” for suppression of ends mutations. All of the SEM mutations suppress more than a single terminus mutation and thus are not simple alterations of transposase/end recognition specificity. The mutations identified fall into two classes on the basis of genetic tests, location within the protein and nature of the amino acid substitution. Class I mutations, which are somewhat allele specific, appear to define a small structural and functional domain of transposase in which hydrophobic interactions are important at an intermediate stage of the transposition reaction, after an effective interaction between the ends but before transposon excision. Class II mutations, which are more general in their effects, occur at a single residue in a small noncritical amino-terminal proteolytic domain of transposase and exert their affects by altering a charge interaction; these mutations may affect act early in the reaction, before or during establishment of an effective interaction between the ends.
Convergence of integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathways within the focal adhesion complex.

Extracellular matrix controls capillary endothelial cell sensitivity to soluble mitogens by binding integrin receptors and thereby activating a chemical signaling response that rapidly integrates with growth factor-induced signaling mechanisms. Here we report that in addition to integrins, growth factor receptors and multiple molecules that transduce signals conveyed by both types of receptors are immobilized on the cytoskeleton (CSK) and spatially integrated within the focal adhesion complex (FAC) at the site of integrin binding. FACs were rapidly induced in round cells and physically isolated from the remainder of the CSK after detergent-extraction using magnetic microbeads coated with fibronectin or a synthetic RGD-containing peptide. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that multiple signaling molecules (e.g., pp60c-src, pp125FAK, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, phospholipase C-gamma, and Na+/H+ antiporter) involved in both integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathways became associated with the CSK framework of the FAC within 15 min after binding to beads coated with integrin ligands. Recruitment of tyrosine kinases to the FAC was also accompanied by a local increase in tyrosine phosphorylation, as indicated by enhanced phosphotyrosine staining at the site of integrin binding. In contrast, neither recruitment of signaling molecules nor increased phosphotyrosine staining was observed when cells bound to beads coated with a control ligand (acetylated low density lipoprotein) that ligates transmembrane scavenger receptors, but does not induce FAC formation. Western blot analysis confirmed that FACs isolated using RGD-beads were enriched for pp60c-src, pp125FAK, phospholipase C-gamma, and the Na+/H+ antiporter when compared with intact CSK or basal cell surface preparations that retained lipid bilayer. Isolated FACs were also greatly enriched for the high affinity fibroblast growth factor receptor flg. Most importantly, isolated FACs continued to exhibit multiple chemical signaling activities in vitro, including protein tyrosine kinase activities (pp60c-src and pp125FAK) as well as the ability to undergo multiple sequential steps in the inositol lipid synthesis cascade. These data suggest that many of the chemical signaling events that are induced by integrins and growth factor receptors in capillary cells may effectively function in a "solid-state" on insoluble CSK scaffolds within the FAC and that the FAC may represent a major site for signal integration between these two regulatory pathways. Future investigations into the biochemical and biophysical basis of signal transduction may be facilitated by this method, which results in isolation of FACs that retain the CSK framework as well as multiple associated chemical signaling activities.
Systematic crystallographic refinement of triclinic unit cells

Combining the exhaustive indexing of triclinic powder diffraction patterns with a crystallographic determination of unit cell parameters from pinacoid and prism reflections yields unit cell parameters with realistic limits of error. Additionally a referee method has been developed by which the six reciprocal cell parameters of a triclinic phase are determined by solving an exhaustive set of linear simultaneous equations in six unknowns.
Olivine diogenites: The mantle of the eucrite parent body

Two olivine-rich Antarctic diogenites (ALH A77256 and ALH 84001) of the howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) meteorite association have olivine/pyroxene ratios similar to normative ratios in devolatilized ordinary chondrites. Based on chemical data and petrological analysis, these meteorites represent the residuum of partial melting of the mantle in the eucrite parent body (EPB). Mineral assemblages in these olivine-rich diogenites record a continuum in thermal histories from initial partial melting (1150-1200 C) to subsolidus reequilibration (795 + or - 55 C). The small number of olivine-rich diogenites known hints that only the outer portion of the EPB has been sampled.
S0120 G.E.M.S.: genomics encounters MGUS and SMM.

In this issue of Blood , Dhodapkar et al[1][1] present the first US cooperative group trial in asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies that prospectively examines state-of-the-art laboratory, genomic, and imaging as potential predictors for progression to active multiple myeloma. ![Figure][2]
Human/Environment Interactions, Remote Sensing, and Artificial Neural Networks: Modeling Longleaf Pine Sandhill Leaf Area and Burn History in North-Central Florida

Longleaf pine sandhills are intensely managed pyric (fire-controlled) ecosystems that occupy 2% of their previous area. The ability to map and monitor sandhill biophysical characteristics, such as leaf area index (LAI), could be a useful tool to stave off succession. This paper examines the use of remote sensing data and artificial neural networks (ANN) to estimate sandhill LAI as a function of time since last burn (0-6 years; 7-9 years; > 9 years) and frequency of burns in the last nine years (0, 1, or 2 burns). Significant differences were found between sandhills that last burned within 6 years and those that last burned 10 or more years earlier, and between sandhills that burned between 7 and 9 years earlier and those that burned 10 or more years earlier, indicating that sandhill LAI increases as a function of time since last burn. Significant differences were also found between each of the frequency groups, indicating that sandhill LAI is inversely related to burn frequency and fire frequency may be m...
On the complexity of deadlock-free programs on a ring of processors

Abstract A combinatorial view of deadlock (as in Dijkstra's self-stabilizing systems) is presented which leads to precise lower bounds on the complexity of programs. Specifically, we consider a directed ring of k individual processors, each having n states, identical programs, and asynchronous activity. Our main theorem establishes the minimum size (i.e., complexity) of a program for which no global state is in deadlock.
Charge nonuniformity light scattering

Abstract Classical models for colloidal forces assume that the particles are uniformly charged. However, charge nonuniformity can decrease suspension stability and reduce the accuracy of colloidal assemblies. Our lab group has previously seen that polystyrene latex particles are often nonuniformly charged, through the experimental technique of “rotational electrophoresis” [J.D. Feick, N. Chukwumah, A.E. Noel, D. Velegol, Langmuir 20 (2004) 3090]. Even though rotational electrophoresis is unique in finding zeta potential nonuniformity on individual particles, the technique is currently time-consuming and for practical reasons is limited to particles larger than 1 μm in size. We now introduce a modification of the rotational electrophoresis technique: “charge nonuniformity light scattering” (CNLS). CNLS takes advantage of two effects: (1) nonuniformly charged particles will rotate in an applied electric field and (2) light scattering from anisotropic particles changes when the particles align, an effect already used in the electric light scattering technique. By “visualizing” rotational electrophoresis with light scattering and interpreting the results with electrokinetic modeling, CNLS enables a measurement of zeta potential distribution for a colloidal suspension of particles with anisotropic geometry. In order to test the method, we synthesized model colloidal doublets composed of spheres with zeta potentials ζ1 and ζ2. Using translational electrophoretic mobility experiments, we found the difference ζ2 − ζ1 for our doublets. We then conducted experiments with CNLS, which gave the same value of ζ2 − ζ1, verifying the accuracy of the technique. Thus, CNLS allows for much more rapid measurements of charge nonuniformity and will soon be applied to more challenging systems.
Policing terror threats and false positives: Employing a signal detection model to examine changes in national and local policing strategy between 2001 and 2007

This paper presents a theory of agency decision-making regarding homeland security policy over the last decade in the United States and inquires about appropriate modes of study to test its potential effectiveness. The key hypothesis is that the staple strategy of agency decision-making during the last decade has been ‘hypervigilance’; defined here as: a state in which agency policy is rationally structured to maximize the pursuit of false positives and gravitate aggressively toward security threats. The related research question is ‘How can we study hypervigilance and false positives in all matters regarding policing terror threats?’ We argue that increased security measures tend to err toward pursuing false positives. However, we do not claim to understand the overall economic costs and benefits of recent homeland security policy decisions, in tangible financial or other realms. We contend that such an understanding is presently unattainable, considering the lack of raw data availability of how many terrorist attacks have been halted by increased security measures within the last decade. We do argue however, that the signal detection model is an appropriate starting methodology for study of such policing strategies.
Hydrophilic ePTFE-Based Composite Membranes for PEMFCs

A hydrophilic expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) based composite membrane was prepared and tested for proton exchange fuel cell applications. The composite membrane was prepared by impregnating hydrophilic ePTFE membrane with 5% Nafion solution (equivalent weight = 1000). This new composite membrane showed higher water uptake (12.7%) than that of normal hydrophobic ePTFE based composite membrane (6.3%) and better proton conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that the hydrophilic ePTFE based membrane can easily form a dense composite membrane while hydrophobic ePTFE based composite membranes tend to have micropores inside. The hydrophilic ePTFE based composite membrane showed better thermal and dimensional stability than recast Nafion membrane.
Rationale to Study the Early Natural History of Heart Disease: The Bogalusa Heart Study

The Bogalusa Heart Study now establishes that precursors of adult cardiovascular diseases begin in childhood. The clearest evidence comes from autopsy studies that show coronary atherosclerotic lesions occur in early life and are strongly associated with very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and obesity, and have an inverse relationship with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Observations of cardiovascular risk factors span a period of life from birth to 31 years of age, and longitudinal studies span a 15-year period. Risk factor variables tend to persist over time, "track." Although tracking is best for height and weight, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum total cholesterol track at a high order; blood pressure tends to track at a lower order. Obesity and body fatness have an adverse influence on risk factors in children, just as noted in adults, with central obesity becoming more obvious after puberty, and having a greater adverse effect on risk factors. The emergence of abnormal levels of risk factors by adult criteria begins to occur in young adults, and is not evident in childhood. Retrospective studies, interestingly, for obesity, higher blood pressure, and dyslipidemia reveal evidence of their presence already in childhood. These findings have strong implications for undertaking prevention in early life.
Mixtures of Nonionic Surfactants made from Renewable Resources with Alkyl Sulfates and Sodium n -Alkanecarboxylates: Comparison of Mixing Behavior using Rubingh’s Treatment

Binary aqueous mixtures of (1) alkyl glucopyranosides (glycosides), (2) alkyl maltopyranosides (maltosides), or (3) alkyl N-methyl glucamines with (1′) sodium alkyl sulfates or (2′) sodium n-alkyl carboxylates were investigated in an effort to evaluate physiochemical properties for mixtures of surfactants from renewable resources. Solutions at various concentrations and mixture ratios were tested and evaluated to determine critical micelle concentrations (CMCs). The greatest reduction in CMC was found for surfactants with long and intermediate hydrophobe lengths. In agreement with other studies, an increase in hydrophilic group size and flexibility decreased the electrostatic repulsion of ionic-nonionic mixed micelles as evidenced by a more negative Rubingh’s β parameter. However, at low hydrophobe length, carboxylate and glycoside headgroup mixtures produced mixed micelle interactions displaying synergism at low nonionic surfactant mole fractions and slight antagonism at high nonionic mole fractions. The asymmetry in interaction produces an S-shaped CMC curve and demonstrates that the one-parameter Rubingh model is insufficient in describing both synergism and antagonism for this binary mixture.
On strictly separating vectors and reflexivity

It is shown that the set of strongly disjoint pairs of strictly separating vectors for an operator space is open, and an operator subspace having a strongly disjoint pair of strictly separating vectors is reflexive. Some applications are discussed.
What Educators Can Teach Speech-Language Pathologists About Effective Homework Practices

Speech-language pathologists frequently assign outside activities to children to enhance their skill development in target areas. The assignment of such activities is similar to the classroom teacher's assignment of homework. This article presents findings of research on homework and translates these findings into recommended practices for speech-language pathologists.
Transplantation and Quality of Care for End-Stage Renal Disease: 1993

We describe a group of renal transplant recipients whose allografts are in general considered to be successful statistically, but who are not greatly benefitted clinically. Grafts in these recipients survive somewhat longer than 6 months, but generally less than 3 years. Many of these individuals are chronically ill. They have many hospitalizations, experience most of the complications associated with transplantation, and incur more mortality and less benefit. Research initiatives need to be focused on this group of patients. A major study of more sensitive methods of detecting presensitization might be beneficial.
Purification and characterization of a large, tryptic fragment of human thyroid peroxidase with high catalytic activity.

Abstract Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was purified from human thyroid tissue, obtained at surgery from patients with Graves' disease, by a procedure similar to one that we had previously used for the purification of porcine TPO. The membrane-bound enzyme was solubilized by treatment of the thyroid particulate fraction with trypsin plus detergent. After precipitation with ammonium sulfate, the enzyme was purified by a series of column treatments, including ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, gel filtration through Bio-Gel P-100, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Although a high degree of purification was achieved, the finally isolated product was considerably more heterogeneous than the TPO obtained from porcine thyroids. Several pools of active enzyme differing in values for A 412 A 280 and in specific activity were collected. Gel electrophoresis was performed under native, denaturing [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)] and denaturing plus reducing conditions. Native gel electrophoresis indicated that the active enzyme (93 kDa) was heavily contaminated with an inactive 60-kDa fragment, which we were unable to remove by HPLC. The inactive fragment was highly antigenic when tested on immunoblots with an antibody to TPO. The presence of the inactive fragment greatly reduced values for A 412 A 280 in the finally purified human TPO. Two of the pools, with A 412 A 280 values of 0.159 and 0.273, were used for further testing. Catalytic activity was very similar in these two pools when measured on the basis of heme content by several different assays. Moreover, the specific activities of both, based on heme content, were very similar to those observed with a porcine TPO preparation with A 412 A 280 = 0.48 . These findings indicate that the inactive 60-kDa fragment most likely did not contain heme. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, the 60-kDa fragment completely disappeared and was replaced by a 36- and a 24-kDa component. Amino terminal sequence information obtained on these components indicated that the 24-kDa component represents the amino terminal portion of the active 93-kDa fragment, whereas the 36-kDa fragment represents the carboxyl terminal portion. A model is proposed suggesting that the 60-kDa fragment was generated by trypsin cleavage of native TPO at two internal sites within a disulfide loop (res ~300 and res 564) and at one further internal site (res 280). In addition, trypsin cleavage is proposed at sites near the amino and carboxyl ends common to both the active 93-kDa and the inactive 60-kDa fragments. According to this model, the inactive 60-kDa fragment is missing that portion of the polypeptide chain extending from res ~300 to res 564. Since the 60-kDa fragment lacks heme, this region of the molecule appears to be important for heme binding and may contain the heme binding site.
Studies for the enantiocontrolled preparation of substituted tetrahydropyrans: Applications for the synthesis of leucascandrolide A macrolactone.

Abstract Strategies for the stereocontrolled preparations of 2,6-cis- and 2,6-trans-substituted tetrahydropyrans have been devised. These studies have explored methodology for asymmetric induction in SE′ reactions using chiral 1,3,2-diazaborolidine controllers. Reactions with aldehydes at −78 °C yield nonracemic 1,5-diols for chemoselective internal backside displacements. This concept is developed as a flexible and reliable strategy in studies toward leucascandrolide A macrolactone 2 via the sequential applications of SE′ reactions leading to the C1–C9 aldehyde 14, and the bis-tetrahydropyran 59, respectively.
Neuroethics and the Problem of Other Minds: Implications of Neuroscience for the Moral Status of Brain-Damaged Patients and Nonhuman Animals

Our ethical obligations to another being depend at least in part on that being’s capacity for a mental life. Our usual approach to inferring the mental state of another is to reason by analogy: If another being behaves as I do in a circumstance that engenders a certain mental state in me, I conclude that it has engendered the same mental state in him or her. Unfortunately, as philosophers have long noted, this analogy is fallible because behavior and mental states are only contingently related. If the other person is acting, for example, we could draw the wrong conclusion about his or her mental state. In this article I consider another type of analogy that can be drawn between oneself and another to infer the mental state of the other, substituting brain activity for behavior. According to most current views of the mind–body problem, mental states and brain states are non-contingently related, and hence inferences drawn with the new analogy are not susceptible to the alternative interpretations that plague the behavioral analogy. The implications of this approach are explored in two cases for which behavior is particularly unhelpful as a guide to mental status: severely brain–damaged patients who are incapable of intentional communicative behavior, and nonhuman animals whose behavioral repertoires are different from ours and who lack language.