cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heavy Precipitation Associated with Southern Appalachian Cold-Air Damming and Carolina Coastal Frontogenesis in Advance of Weak Landfalling Tropical Storm Marco (1990)

Abstract An analysis is presented of Tropical Storm Marco (1990), a storm that dropped copious amounts of rain over the southeast United States. Marco was noteworthy because of its role in the formation and evolution of two distinct episodes of cold-air damming and coastal frontogenesis over Georgia and the Carolinas. These mesoscale features led to greater than 300 mm of precipitation in 2 days over the near-coastal southeast United States; much of the rain occurred while Marco was over 400 km away. This case is further complicated by two other nearby tropical cyclones, which affected Marco’s track and the overall rainfall distribution. Synoptic and mesoscale analyses of the development of the coastal front and cold-air damming episodes show that the location of Marco helped to orient low-level winds toward the Appalachians. As rain developed inland, a pocket of relatively cool air, the “cool pool,” formed near the mountain slopes and was partially blocked by the higher terrain. Low-level analyses show t...
General harmonic approximation for time‐dependent molecular dynamics

The linear approximation to TDVP equations for the complete molecular system is used to derive equations of motion for the electrons and the nuclei in the random phase approximation (RPA). Definitions of the relevant matrix elements in terms of nuclear gradients and hessians of the energy are given. The linear approximation to the evolution equations corresponds to a Gaussian approximation to the overlap and a quadratic approximation to the overall phase of the wave function.
A comparison of metal and Ly-α absorption in galactic haloes

The metallicity structure of galactic haloes is one of the major unknowns in modern galactic astrophysics and observational cosmology. Hereby we outline a very simple method for obtaining at least a crude picture of gas abundances, based on recent important statistical determination of the relationship between neutral hydrogen absorbing column density and galaxy impact parameter. It is a fine illustration of the great theoretical and observational power of low-redshift Lyα absorption studies. Future detailed analyses of large samples of absorption-selected galaxies will certainly provide us with more data on the abundance structure of extended gaseous component of galaxies.
Long-term alterations induced by injury and by 5=HT in Aplysia sensory neurons: convergent pathways and common signals?

Bodily injury in Aplysia, as in mammals, produces long-lasting memory traces at various neural loci. One consequence of injury, damage to peripheral axons, produces long-term hyperexcitability, synaptic facilitation, and growth in Aplysia sensory neurons. Similar effects are induced in these cells by repeated exposure to 5-HT that is released during aversive learning. An interesting question is to what extent cellular pathways that mediate the effects of axonal injury and 5-HT overlap. One current focus is on identifying cytoplasmic signals that initiate persistent sensory alterations that contribute to both long-term sensitization and memory of injury.
Flood routing in mild-sloped rivers—wave characteristics and downstream backwater effect

Abstract Unsteady flow routing in a mild-sloped river with gradually varying flow depth induced by the downstream backwater effect is theoretically investigated. The Saint-Venant equations and other routing models are linearized at the base flow state, a steady and spatially varying subcritical flow represented by the M1 or M2 water surface profile. The linear stability analysis is adopted to study the physical mechanisms responsible for wave attenuation or amplification, and wave retardation or acceleration in open channels when the flow is spatially varying. Analytical descriptions of the propagation characteristics such as wave celerity and wave attenuation factor for all range of wave numbers are derived and expressed in terms of channel property, steady uniform flow Froude number, dimensionless wave number, base flow depth and base flow pressure gradient. The downstream backwater effect on wave characteristics of various widely used flood routing models is discussed.
Brain mitochondrial metabolism in experimental thiamine deficiency

Thiamine deficiency causes Wernicke's encephalopathy, although the precise mechanism is unknown. We used a low-thiamine diet in conjunction with a thiamine analog, pyrithiamine, as a model of severe thiamine deficiency in rats. We investigated the function of intact, coupled mitochondria isolated from both brain and liver. State 4 respiration did not change in the thiamine-deficient animals. Brain state 3 rates fell in thiamine-deficient animals when pyruvate/malate, alpha-ketoglutarate, or glutamate were used as substrate. Liver state 3 rates were depressed only when pyruvate/malate was substrate. Activities of brain and liver pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex were depressed in the thiamine-deficient group. We conclude that the mitochondrial abnormalities resulting from thiamine deficiency are secondary to depression of thiamine-mediated enzyme activity, rather than from a putative role of thiamine in chemiosmotic coupling, and that the resulting abnormalities in ATP synthesis and perhaps in glutamate catabolism result in the irreversible neurologic defect seen in this disease.
Respiratory infections and bronchial hyperreactivity

Airway hyperirritability or hyperresponsiveness i a principal characteristic of asthma. The relationship of respiratory infections to either the development or enhancement of airway hyperreactivity poses an important clinical problem and may also provide insight into the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and, possibly, asthma. Confirmation of this relationship has come from both retrospective and prospective studies that demonstrate that viral, not bacterial, respiratory infections are the most important causes of wheezing (hyperresponsiveness) during URIS. Furthermore, this association is most striking during infancy and early childhood when perhaps respiratory infections are the most common cause of acute wheezing. Nevertheless, adults are also affected, making viral URIS a universally important factor in the provocation of wheezing. Recent investigation has provided new insight into mechanisms of virus-induced asthma and possibly the pathogenesis of asthma itself.
Yeast-derived recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I: Production, purification, and structural characterization

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is efficiently expressed and secreted fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae using a yeast α-factor leader to direct secretion. However, approximately 10–20% of the IGF-I was in a monomeric form, the remaining materials being disulfide-linked aggregates. When the purified material was subjected to reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (rp-HPLC), it gave two doublet peaks, I and II. Upon reduction, doublet peaks I and II converged to one doublet peak. This suggests that peaks I and II result from different disulfide structures, and the doublet feature of each peak results from other causes. Different disulfide structures between peaks I and II were also suggested from the near UV circular dichroism of these proteins. Only the peak II was biologically active, indicating that peak II has the correct disulfide structure. Concanavalin A affinity chromatography of the purified peak II doublet showed binding of the subpeak with an earlier rp-HPLC retention time, indicating that it was glycosylated. Sequence analysis of tryptic peptides suggested that Thr29 was the site of glycosylation. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to convert Thr29 to Asn29. This substitution reduced, but did not eliminate IGF-I glycosylation, suggesting additional glycosylation sites. The site of carbohydrate addition was consistent with the model that O-glycosylations occur on hydroxyl amino acids near proline residues in β-turns.
Family Influences on Female Offenders’ Substance Use: The Role of Adverse Childhood Events among Incarcerated Women

Childhood maltreatment, witnessing violence, and growing up with absent, addicted, or mentally ill caregivers influence adult physical and psychological well-being and may play an important role in female offending. This study utilizes data from a study of 60 incarcerated women to examine a possible intervening variable in the victimization-crime relationship. We conduct qualitative analyses to examine family influences on substance use among female offenders. Findings indicate that substance use may arise from a need to cope with child victimization and adversity, and that factors such as poor parental supervision may contribute to girls’ substance use. After onset of drug use, many women may turn to further criminal activity to support their habits. Implications for research and intervention are addressed.
Effects of strophanthidin on the slow inward current in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes.

SUMMARY 1. The effect of strophanthidin on the slow inward current (Isi) and on contractile force were studied in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes and intact papillary muscles, respectively. In myocytes, both low (10 nmol/L) and high (1–10 μmol/L) concentrations had small or no effects in either direction on Isi whereas norepinephrine (10–100 nmol/L) increased it. To determine whether the same results are obtained after decreasing or increasing intracellular calcium or sodium, the same concentrations of strophanthidin were tested in different procedures that are known to (i) increase [Ca]i and decrease [Na]i (high [Ca]o, 3.6–5.4 mmol/L; low [Na]o, 112 mmol/L; (ii) decrease [Ca]i and increase [Na]i (low [Ca]o, 0.45–1 mmol/L; Sr, 1 mmol/L; (iii) decrease [Ca]i and [Na]i (Cd, 0.1–0.2 mmol/L); and (iv) increase [Ca]i and [Na]i (veratridine, 0.2 μmol/L). High [Ca]o and veratridine increased whereas low [Ca]o and Cd decreased Isi. In contrast, during these various procedures, strophanthidin had small and inconsistent effects at a low or high concentration. In intact papillary muscles, low strophanthidin decreased whereas high strophanthidin increased contractile force. It is concluded that strophanthidin has little direct or indirect effect on Isi and that the decrease in force by low and increase in force by high concentrations in intact muscle are probably related to demonstrated decrease and increase, respectively, in intracellular sodium activity.
From Megastructure to Megalopolis: Formation and Transformation of Mega-projects in Tokyo Bay

The Tokyo Bay is characterized by one of the highest concentrations of mega-projects in Asia. However, the tradition of mega-project development in this region can be traced back to the megastructural movement in the 1960s from which it drew inspiration in planning and design. From the megastructural movement in the 1960s to the ongoing mega-projects in Tokyo Bay, there has been a marked evolution in planning concepts and urban development strategies. Underlying these changes is the substantial transformation of economic patterns and social ideologies that occurred as Japanese society entered the post-industrial era. To examine the formation and evolution of urban design ideas in Tokyo Bay, this paper focuses on two epochal mega-projects, Tange's 1960 Tokyo Bay Plan and the Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, and compares them in terms of their socio-economic objectives, planning approaches, relationships between architecture and infrastructure and the notion of symbolism embodied in the project. Through the analys...
Harnessing Naturally Occurring Tumor Immunity: A Clinical Vaccine Trial in Prostate Cancer

Background Studies of patients with paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PND) have revealed that apoptotic tumor serves as a potential potent trigger for the initiation of naturally occurring tumor immunity. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and immunogenicity of an apoptotic tumor-autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccine.
Phenobarbital tolerance and physical dependence: Chronically equivalent dosing model

Abstract A rat model of phenobarbital tolerance and physical dependence has been developed based on the ‘maximally tolerable, chronically equivalent’ dosing paradigm. Sodium phenobarbital was administered orally twice daily for 35 days in individually adjusted doses to achieve mean daily peak CNS depression culminating in severe ataxia. Dose to dose continuity of CNS depression was maintained throughout treatment. At the time of dosing rats were mildly ataxic. Following abrupt termination of chronic treatment, an abstinence syndrome characterized by CNS hyperexcitability was observed, which demonstrates physical dependence. Signs, which included motor, autonomic, and behavioral manifestations, appeared from 12–24 h and animals recovered by 12 days. Although tolerance development was nearly complete on day 10 of treatment, the abstinence syndrome observed was more severe following 35 than after 10 days of chronic treatment. Characteristics of tolerance and physical dependence are similar to those described for other species including humans.
Numerical solutions to the mass tensor form of the Ginzburg-Landau equations

The finite-element method (FEM) has been used to solve the mass-tensor form of the Ginzburg-Landau equations. The spatial variation of the local magnetic flux density, the supercurrent density, and the superelectron pair density has been computed for the anisotropic vortex lattice structure. The Gibbs free energy of the triangular vortex lattice was found to be less than that of the rectangular vortex lattice for all applied fields between the lower critical field and the upper critical field. >
Treatment of experimental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis with intravitreal vancomycin.

Abstract Endophthalmitis remains a dreaded complication of intraocular Urgery and penetrating eye trauma. Subconjunctival, topical, and systemic antibiotics have been largely ineffective in the treatment of endophthalmitis, whereas intravitreal antibiotics have proved efficacious. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis has become an important pathogen in many infections, including endophthalmitis. Toxicity, clearance, and efficacy of intravitreal vancomyciri were evaluated in the treatment of experimental methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis endophthalmitis. No evidence of retinal toxicity, was found and therapeutic levels were demonstrated six days after injection. The treated rabbit eyes showed a marked beneficial effect when compared to the untreated eyes. If experience confirms the safety of intravitreal vancomycin in human eyes, vancomycin should be considered the drug of choice for methicillinresistant S. epidermidis endophthalmitis.
Impact of NHAP Guideline Implementation Intervention on Staff and Resident Vaccination Rates

Objectives Determine whether a comprehensive approach to implementing national consensus guidelines for nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP), including influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, improves resident subject and staff vaccination rates. Methods Quasi-experimental, mixed-methods multifaceted intervention trial conducted at 16 nursing homes (NHs) from 1 corporation (8 in metropolitan Denver, Colorado; 8 in Kansas and Missouri) during 3 influenza seasons, October to April 2004 to 2007. Residents with 2 or more signs and symptoms of systemic lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and NH staff and physicians were eligible. Subjects' NH records were reviewed for vaccination. Each director of nursing (DON) completed a questionnaire assessing staffing and the number of direct care staff vaccinated against influenza. DONs and study liaison nurses were interviewed after the intervention. Bivariate analysis compared vaccination outcomes and covariates between intervention and control homes, and risk-adjusted models were fit. Qualitative interview transcripts were analyzed using content coding. Results No statistically significant relationship between the intervention and improved resident vaccination rates was found, so other factors associated with improved rates were explored. Estimated direct patient care staff vaccination rates were better during the baseline and improved more in the intervention NHs. Qualitative results suggested that facility-specific factors and national policy changes impacted vaccination rates. Conclusions External factors influence staff and resident vaccination rates, diluting the potential impact of a comprehensive program to improve care for NHAP on vaccination.
Automated image registration using the projective transformation model and block matching feature point pair selection

A subpixel-resolution image registration algorithm based on the nonlinear projective transformation model is proposed to account for camera translation, rotation, zoom, pan, and tilt. Typically, parameter estimation techniques for rigid- body transformation require the user to manually select feature point pairs between the images undergoing registration. In this research, the block matching algorithm is used to automatically select correlated feature point pairs between two images; these features are ten used to calculate an iterative least squares estimate of the nonlinear projective transformation parameters. Since block matching is only capable of estimating accurate displacement vectors in image regions containing a large number of edges, inaccurate feature point pairs are statistically eliminated prior to computing the least squares parameter estimate. Convergence of the registration algorithm is generally achieved in several iterations. Simulations show that the algorithm estimates accurate integer- and subpixel- resolution registration parameters for similar sensor data sets such as intensity image sequence frames, as well as for dissimilar sensor images such as multimodality slices from the Visible Human Project. Through subpixel-resolution registration, integrating the registered pixels form a short sequence of low-resolution video frames generates a high- resolution video still. Experimental results are also shown in utilizing dissimilar data registration followed by vector quantization to segment tissues from multimodality Visible Human Project image slices.
Kinetic modelling of phototropism in maize coleoptiles.

Blue-light-induced phototropism of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles was studied with a view to kinetic models. Red-light-grown plants were used to eliminate complication arising from the activation by blue light of phytochrome-mediated phototropism. In the first part, mathematical models were developed to explain the phototropic fluence-response data, which were obtained for the responses induced by a single unilateral pulse (30 s) and those induced by a unilateral pulse (30 s) given immediately after a bilateral pulse (30 s, fixed fluences). These data showed bell-shaped fluence-response curves, characteristic of “first positive curvature”. Modelling began with the assumptions that the light gradient plays a fundamental role in phototropism and that the magnitude of the response is determined by the gradient, or the concentration difference, in a photoproduct between the irradiated and the shaded sides of the tissue. Minimal mathematical models were then derived, by defining chemical kinetics of the photoreaction and introducing the minimum of parameters needed to correlate the incident fluencerate to the functional fluence-rates within the tissue, the functional fluence-rate to the rate constant of the photoreaction, and the photoproduct concentration difference to the curvature response. The models were tested using a curve-fitting computer program. The model obtained by assigning first-order kinetics to the photoreaction failed to explain the fluence-response data, whereas application of second-order kinetics led to a successful fit of the model to the data. In the second part, temporal aspects of the photosystem were examined. Experimental results showed that a high-fluence bilateral pulse eliminated the bell-shaped fluence-response curve for an immediate unilateral pulse, and that the curve gradually reappeared as the time for unilateral stimulation elapsed after the bilateral pulse. The model based on a second-order photoreaction could be extended to explain the results, with assumed changes in two components: the concentration of the reactant for the photoproduct, and the light-sensitivity of the reaction. The reactant concentration, computed with the curvefitting program, showed a gradual increase from zero to a saturation level. This increase was then modelled in terms of regeneration of the reactant from the photoproduct, with an estimated first-order rate constant of about 0.001·s-1. The computed value for the constant reflecting the light-sensitivity showed a sharp decline after the high-fluence pulse, followed by a gradual return to the initial level. From these analytical results, the appearance of “second positive curvature” was predicted.
The role of estrogen and estrogen receptor-α in male adipose tissue

Males and females both express estrogen receptor (ER) in white adipose tissue (WAT), and estrogens appear to play an important role in regulating WAT in females. However, the role of ER in male WAT was unclear. In this review, we describe our work, which used wild type (WT) and ERalpha-knockout (alphaERKO) male and female mice to determine the role of ERalpha in regulating WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT). There were progressive increases in WAT with advancing age in alphaERKO compared with WT males; weights of various WAT depots in alphaERKO males were increased by more than 100% compared with WT controls during adulthood. Conversely, BAT weight was similar in alphaERKO and WT males at all ages. Adipocyte areas and numbers were also increased in WAT from alphaERKO compared with WT males. Compared with WT controls, alphaERKO females also had increases in WAT. The alphaERKO mice also had insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, similar to humans lacking ERalpha or aromatase. The obesity in alphaERKO males appeared to involve decreased energy expenditure rather than hyperphagia. In summary, ERalpha absence causes adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy in WAT, but not BAT, and is accompanied by insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in both males and females. These results are the first evidence that the estrogen/ERalpha signaling system is critical in female and male WAT deposition, and may have clinical implications.
Novel Organoborane Lewis Acids via Selective Boron-Tin Exchange Processes Steric Constraints to Electrophilic Initiation by the Boron Halide

With the purpose of preparing novel mono- and bidentate organoboron Lewis acids, the scope and limitations of synthesizing the requisite organoboranes by the boron-tin exchange between a boron halide and the appropriate organostannane have been examined in detail. The following organotin derivatives have been obtained either from the corresponding RMgBr or RLi reagent and MenSnCl4–n or from a Barbier procedure using the organic halide, Me3SnCl and magnesium metal: 1,2-bis(trimethylstannyl)ethyne, o-, m-, and p-bis(trimethyl-stannyl)benzenes, α,o-bis(trimethylstannyl)toluene, α,α-bis(trimethylstannyl)-o-xylene, and 2,2-dimethyl-2-stannaindane. The individual interaction of the 1,2-bis(trimethylstannyl)ethyne and the isomeric bis(trimethylstannyl)benzenes with Et2BBr produced the corresponding bis(diethylboryl)-derivatives. By contrast, with Et2BCl the α,o-bis(trimethylstannyl)toluene gave only o-diethylboryl-α-trimethylstannyltoluene and with BCl3 the α,α′-bis(trimethylstannyl)-o-xylene formed only,-bis-(chlorodimethylstannyl)-o-xylene. Furthermore, in the attempted double boron-tin exchange between o-bis(trimethylstannyl)benzene and BCl3, an unprecedented rearrangement of the 1-(dichloroboryl)-2-(trimethylstan-nyl)benzene intermediate into its 1-[chloro(methyl)boryl]-2-(chlorodimethylstannyl) isomer was observed. Likewise, o-bis(trimethylstannyl)benzene with PhBCl2 produced by a similar rearrangement 1-[methyl(phenyl)boryl]-2-(chloro-dimethylstannyl)benzene. The thermolysis of such boranes led variously to definite dimers or ill-defined oligomers. Preliminary studies of the properties of these organoboranes have identified the heightened Lewis acidity of 1,2-bis(diethylboryl)ethyne and the π-electron delocalization involving the 2pz-boron orbitals in the 9,10-dihydro-9,10-diboraanthracene system. Finally, an electronic mechanism for the boron-tin exchange has been developed to account for the selectivity of the boron halide's attack at unsaturated carbon–tin bonds.
Performance of Wavelet Transform and Empirical Mode Decomposition in Extracting Signals Embedded in Noise

Time-frequency transformations have gained increasing attention for the characterization of nonstationary signals in a broad spectrum of science and engineering applications. This study evaluates the performance of two popular transformations, the continuous wavelet transform and empirical mode decomposition with Hilbert transform EMD+HT, in estimating instantaneous frequency IF in the presence of noise. The findings demonstrate that under these conditions wavelets seeking harmonic similitude at various scales produce lower variance IF estimates than EMD+HT. The shortcomings of the latter approach are attributed to its empirical, envelope- dependent nature, leading to bases that are themselves derived from noise.
Model dependence of the γZ dispersion correction to the parity-violating asymmetry in elastic ep scattering

We analyze the dispersion correction to elastic parity violating electron-proton scattering due to γZ exchange. In particular, we explore the theoretical uncertainties associated with modeling contributions of hadronic intermediate states. Taking into account constraints from low- and high-energy, parity-conserving electroproduction measurements, choosing different models for contributions from the nonresonant processes, and performing the corresponding flavor rotations to obtain the electroweak amplitude, we arrive at an estimate of the uncertainty in the total contribution to the parity-violating asymmetry. At the kinematics of the Q-Weak experiment, we obtain a correction to the asymmetry equivalent to a shift in the proton weak charge of (0.0054±0.0020). This should be compared to the value of the proton’s weak charge of QW^p=0.0713±0.0008 that includes Standard Model contributions at tree level and one-loop radiative corrections. Therefore, we obtain a new Standard Model prediction for the parity-violating asymmetry in the kinematics of the Q-Weak experiment of (0.0767±0.0008±0.0020_(γZ)). The latter error leads to a relative uncertainty of 2.8% in the determination of the proton’s weak charge and is dominated by the uncertainty in the isospin structure of the inclusive cross section. We argue that future parity-violating inelastic ep asymmetry measurements at low to moderate Q^2 and W^2 could be exploited to reduce the uncertainty associated with the dispersion correction. Because the corresponding shift and error bar decrease monotonically with decreasing beam energy, a determination of the proton’s weak charge with a lower-energy experiment or measurements of “isotope ratios” in atomic parity violation could provide a useful cross-check on any implications for physics beyond the Standard Model derived from the Q-Weak measurement.
Successful aging and life satisfaction: A pilot study for conceptual clarification

Abstract Successful aging has often been equated with life satisfaction, but some argue the need to separate the two concepts and to specify the meanings older people attach to these concepts. This research sought to identify how older people understood life satisfaction and successful aging and what they viewed as essential for each. Open-ended interviews were conducted with a sample of older people (n = 19) at a Senior Activity center. Respondents were asked to explain what successful aging and life satisfaction meant to them, what was necessary for each, and what prevented each. While there were some overlaps in older people s understandings of these concepts, one key difference did emerge from the qualitative data. Respondents described life satisfaction in terms of past expectations and present circumstances, while successful aging was more oriented to strategies for coping in later life and maintaining a positive outlook.
Community College Students with Disabilities and Transfer to a Four-Year College

This study examined 12 predictors for transfer from the community college to a four-year institution for students with disabilities. Pre-existing data from the California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) matched with data from the National Student Clearinghouse, running from the academic year 1995–1996 until 2006–2007, were used. This resulted in a sample of 31,590 students with disabilities. Of the 4,741 students with disabilities who transferred to a four-year college during that 12-year time period, the average number of years for a transfer was 5.83. A logistic regression with all 21 predictors significantly predicted transfer, χ2 (21, N = 26,751) = 4918.46, p < .001. Variables that were found to have a strong relationship with transfer were also found to be the strongest predictors of transfer: (a) proportion of transfer courses in which enrolled, and (b) proportion of units students completed out of the total number in which students enrolled. Implications for practice and for research ...
"Same day" ex-vivo regional gene therapy: a novel strategy to enhance bone repair.

Ex-vivo regional gene therapy with bone marrow cells (BMCs) overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has demonstrated efficacy in healing critical sized bone defects in preclinical studies. The purpose of this preclinical study was to compare the osteoinductive potential of a novel “same day” ex-vivo regional gene therapy versus a traditional two-step approach, which involves culture expansion of the donor cells before implantation. In the “same day” strategy buffy coat cells were harvested from the rat bone marrow, transduced with a lentiviral vector-expressing BMP-2 for 1 hour and implanted into a rat femoral defect in the same sitting. There was no significant difference (P = 0.22) with respect to the radiographic healing rates between the femoral defects treated with the “same day” strategy (13/13; 100%) versus the traditional two-step approach (11/14; 78%). However, the femoral defects treated with the “same day” strategy induced earlier radiographic bone healing (P = 0.004) and higher bone volume (BV) [micro-computed tomography (micro-CT); P < 0.001]. The “same day” strategy represents a significant advance in the field of ex-vivo regional gene therapy because it offers a solution to limitations associated with the culture expansion process required in the traditional ex vivo approach. This strategy should be cost-effective when adapted for human use.
Preparing Future Teachers for Diversity.

This program for teacher education is built on the assumption that the effectiveness of public schooling will improve in relation to the diversity of ideas and experiences of teachers. The program speaks to the linkage between better teacher preparation, improved schooling for students of color, and the recruitment of teachers of color. The program has three main components: (1) early involvement in teacher education programs with ongoing internships in schools and the community; (2) active participation by arts and science faculty, including ethnic studies; and (3) seminars in the teacher education program which connect theory with practice.
NMR Analysis of Partially-Folded States and Persistent Structure in the Alpha Subunit of Tryptophan Synthase: Implications for the Equilibrium Folding Mechanism of a 29 kDa TIM Barrel Protein

Structural insights into the equilibrium folding mechanism of the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase (alpha TS) from Escherichia coli, a (beta alpha)(8) TIM barrel protein, were obtained with a pair of complementary nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The secondary structures of rare high-energy partially folded states were probed by native-state hydrogen-exchange NMR analysis of main-chain amide hydrogens. 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR analysis of several (15)N-labeled nonpolar amino acids was used to probe the side chains involved in stabilizing a highly denatured intermediate that is devoid of secondary structure. The dynamic broadening of a subset of isoleucine and leucine side chains and the absence of protection against exchange showed that the highest energy folded state on the free-energy landscape is stabilized by a hydrophobic cluster lacking stable secondary structure. The core of this cluster, centered near the N-terminus of alpha TS, serves as a nucleus for the stabilization of what appears to be nonnative secondary structure in a marginally stable intermediate. The progressive decrease in protection against exchange from this nucleus toward both termini and from the N-termini to the C-termini of several beta-strands is best described by an ensemble of weakly coupled conformers. Comparison with previous data strongly suggests that this ensemble corresponds to a marginally stable off-pathway intermediate that arises in the first few milliseconds of folding and persists under equilibrium conditions. A second, more stable intermediate, which has an intact beta-barrel and a frayed alpha-helical shell, coexists with this marginally stable species. The conversion of the more stable intermediate to the native state of alpha TS entails the formation of a stable helical shell and completes the acquisition of the tertiary structure.
Nuclear astrophysics with unstable nuclei

I discuss the challenges in obtaining the nuclear physics input for the Big Bang and stellar evolution. Then I will show how a new generation of theoretical developments and experiments can shed light on the complex nuclear processes that control the evolution of stars and stellar explosions.
Effect of varying physical properties of porous, surface modified bioactive glass 45S5 on osteoblast proliferation and maturation.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of porous bioactive glass (45S5) substrate characteristics on the expression and maintenance of the osteoblastic phenotype. We cultured ROS 17/2. 8 cells on substrates with different pore size and porosity for periods up to 14 days and analyzed the characteristics of the cells and extracellular matrix. Results of the study show that the glass substrates supported the proliferation and growth of osteoblast-like cells. Although the morphologies of the cells differed on the various substrates, their shape and the extent of membrane ruffling suggested that they maintained high levels of metabolic activity. Cells on all substrates expressed high levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and produced extracellular matrices that mineralized to form nonstoichiometric, carbonated, calcium-deficient apatites. An important finding was that at a given porosity of 44%, the pore size neither directed nor modulated the in vitro expression of the osteoblastic phenotype. In contrast, porosity did affect cellular function. We noted that at an average pore size of 92 microm, as the porosity increased from 35 to 59%, osteoblast activity was reduced. As designed in this experiment, an increase in the porosity led to a corresponding increase in total surface area of the specimens. With increasing porosity and surface area, glass reactions in the media may persist for longer durations at higher intensities, thereby affecting local media composition. As such, we suggest that extensive conditioning treatments before cell seeding can reduce this effect. Our results also revealed that the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype is enhanced by the ongoing glass dissolution. The reaction pathway at the origin of this effect still needs to be elucidated. Taken together, the findings support the overall hypothesis that in vitro cell activity can be controlled by a careful selection of substrate properties.
Postnatal Changes in Rat Ventricular Function

Experiments were designed to assess the intrinsic changes in myocardial function with age and to determine the role of increasing left ventricular mass in this process. Isometric ventricular pressure-volume curves and length-tension curves were measured in isolated perfused rat hearts of different ages and masses. Incremental tension, peak active tension, and peak passive tension were less for 10-day-old hearts than they were for older hearts subjected to proportionately equal increases in length. At resting length, peak active tension developed by hearts at least 16 days old was 78% higher than that developed by 10-day-old hearts, and peak passive tension was 133% higher. There was no significant difference between 16-day-old rats and older rats. Thus, by the sixteenth postnatal day, the heart had developed functional maturity. These functional changes appeared to be related to age rather than to left ventricular mass. Histological studies of the left ventricle showed that, at birth, the myofibrils were disoriented with a high ratio of nonmyofibrillar elements to myofibrillar elements. Within 16-20 days after birth, the structural organization and the ratio of nonmyofibrillar elements to myofibrillar elements were similar to the organization and the ratio found in an adult. Thus a direct relationship existed between the functional properties and the anatomical development of the myocardium. Mass per se was not the sole factor that contributed to improved myocardial function with age.
Effects of feed processing and frequency of feeding on ruminal fermentation, milk production, and milk composition.

Twenty Holstein cows, averaging 108 d postpartum, were used in five replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares to investigate the effects of feed processing and frequency of feeding on ruminal fermentation, milk production, and milk composition. Four rumen-fistulated cows were used in one of the replicates to monitor ruminal fermentation. Each cow was fed for ad libitum intake a diet of 55% alfalfa and 45% concentrate on a DM basis. Treatments were 1) noncubed diet fed two times daily, 2) noncubed diet fed four times daily, 3) cubed diet fed two times daily, and 4) cubed diet fed four times daily. Alfalfa was fed as long hay in the noncubed diet and chopped and pressed into a cube in the cubed diet. Dry matter intake by cows was not different between treatment comparisons. However, cows fed the noncubed diet consumed 5% more concentrate and 5% less alfalfa than did cows fed the cubed diet. Milk production was greater (1.4 kg/d) when the cubed diet was fed to cows, but the percentage and yield of milk fat were depressed (.43 percentage units and .09 kg/d), causing a decreased production of 4% FCM (.9 kg/d). The depression in milk fat percentage and yield may have been attributed to lowered ruminal fluid pH and a decreased ratio of acetate to propionate in cows consuming the cubed diet. Even though ruminal fluid pH and the ratio of ratio of acetate to propionate tended to be lower when cows were fed four times rather than two times per day, production and composition of milk were not affected by frequency of feeding the diets.
Lysophosphatidylcholine upregulates the level of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor mRNA in human monocytes.

Abstract Lysophosphatidylcholine is increased in the plasma of hypercholesterolemic patients, is a component of oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein, and, as such, may play an important role in atherosclerosis. Here we demonstrate that in human monocytes, lysophosphatidylcholine increases the level of mRNA encoding the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a potent smooth muscle mitogen. Lysophosphatidylcholine treatment also enhances the release of heparin-binding mitogenic activity by these cells in culture. The anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibits the upregulation of HB-EGF mRNA induced by either lysophosphatidylcholine or bacterial lipopolysaccharide in cultured monocytes. However, the responses induced by lysophosphatidylcholine and by lipopolysaccharide differ in their kinetics. In addition, the response to lysophosphatidylcholine is resistant to the action of cycloheximide, whereas the response to lipopolysaccharide is not, suggesting that the activation mechanisms induced by these two stimuli are different. Since a nuclear run-on assay showed no effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on the transcription of the HB-EGF gene, we speculate that lysophosphatidylcholine may increase the level of HB-EGF mRNA by altering the processing or degradation of primary or mature transcripts. Lysophosphatidylcholine enhancement of monocyte production of HB-EGF may represent an important result of the interactions among oxidized low-density lipoprotein and monocyte-derived macrophages and may play a role in initiation of smooth muscle proliferation in atherogenesis.
Use of Computers To Perform Old Log Analysis

In the past, old gamma ray neutron (GRN) (1940's to 1960's) and old electric (E) logs were not widely used for detailed log analysis because performing this task accurately is manpower intensive. Recent developments in computer hardware and software have made it feasible to digitize and analyze old logs to obtain more accurate reservoir parameters for fields developed from the 1930's to the 1960's before modern logs were available. This paper describes a computer-based method to rescale old GRN and E logs efficiently, then perform shale volume, effective porosity, bulk volume water (BVW), and water saturation calculations. This method leads to more accurate reservoir characterization and reserves determination. Using the computer simplifies this task and reduces the cost enough that old fields may be studied that otherwise might not be economically feasible to study.
Bone mineral density and L-thyroxine treatment in rapidly cycling bipolar disorder

The use of levothyroxine in higher doses, sufficient to suppress thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), has been shown in open and placebo-controlled crossover studies to be useful as an adjunctive treatment of the cycling behavior in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder who are predominantly premenopausal women (Bauer and Whybrow 1990, 1991, Bauer et al 1994); however, we have been concerned about the risk of osteoporosis in this patient group, because exogenous thyroid hormone administration increases bone resorption and bone turnover (Baron and Braverman 1991). Indeed, some endocrinological studies indicate that externally administered thyroxine leads to decreased bone density in preand postmenopausal women (Baron and Braverman 1991 for review). Conversely, Franklyn et al (1992) recently found that premenopausal hypothyroid women treated with thyroxine did not develop a decrease in bone density in the vertebral and appendicular bone sites. There are no data on the effect of externally administered thyroxine on bone density on psychiatrically ill patients who receive this hormone to augment the effect of psychotropic medications. Hence, we now report a cross-sectional study undertaken to evaluate bone density in women with rapidly
The Survival of International New Ventures

The early years are a particularly hazardous period for new ventures. This paper focuses on the survival of international new ventures (INVs), approaching the question from an empirical point of view. It is pointed out that the choice of an INV strategy is endogenous, in the sense the firms self-select into the strategy modes that are best suited to their resources. When this self-selection is ignored, INVs appear to have lower survival probabilities than other multinational firms. However, this result disappears when the endogeneity of the firms' strategies is taken into account. A revised version of this paper, joint with Shaker Zahra, has appeared: Journal of International Business Studies, vol.38(2): 333-352, 2007.
Feature Article: Laboratory Studies of Stardust

Since the 1950s it has been established that carbon and all heavier elements are produced in stars and that these elements are produced in different stellar sources with very different isotopic ratios [e.g., 1]. Although many stellar sources must have contributed material to the solar system, it was believed that this material had been thoroughly mixed during solar system formation and resulted in very uniform isotopic ratios. As a consequence, signatures of individual stars had been completely obliterated and the solar system or “cosmic” abundances of elements and isotopes, although providing an important touchstone for stellar nucleosynthesis, represented only an average of distinct stellar sources
Chronic toxicity studies on methylcellulose in rats

A standard diet of 5 per cent methlcellulose fed to rats for thirty-two weeks (averaging 690–775 mg./Kg./day/rat during this period) has no deleterious effect on growth, and significantly increased dietary intake. Also, it neither inhibited reproduction nor left evidence of pathologic change in the tissue. Fifty per cent of the diet replaced by methylcellulose significantly depresses growth throuh nutritional want. Methylcellulose is not hydrolyzed to cellulose and methanol in the intestinal tract of rats to any detectable extent. Methylcellulose per se does not appear to be absorbed from the intestinal tract of rats.
Recognition of proofs in conditional reasoning

Relatively little is known about those who consistently produce the valid response to Modus Tollens (MT) problems. In two studies, people who responded correctly to MT problems indicated how “convinced” they were by proofs of conditional reasoning conclusions. The first experiment showed that MT competent reasoners found accurate proofs of MT reasoning more convincing than similar “proofs” of invalid reasoning. Similarly, there was a tendency for MT competent reasoners to find an initial counterfactual supposition more convincing than did people who were less competent in MT. The second experiment showed that when individuals produced the correct MT response, and found correct MT proofs to be more convincing than “bogus” proofs, they were also less likely to find the conclusions to Denying the Antecedent, or Affirming the Consequent problems valid, compared to individuals who could not discriminate between valid and bogus MT proofs. These findings are discussed in terms of both their implications for the ...
A skin test survey of valley fever in Tijuana, Mexico.

Results of a study of the prevalence of valley fever among 1128 residents of Tijuana, Baja California are presented. Children from primary and middle schools (n=97) and adults from technical institutes and maquiladoras (assembly plants) were tested for reaction to both spherulin and coccidioidin during 1985–1986, and they completed a questionnaire containing 23 variables on their socio-environment. Place of residence was mapped. The population sampled is largely middle class. Discriminant analysis indicates the distribution of positive cases is not clustered, nor can it be correlated with geomorphic factors such as mesa tops, canyons, or valley bottoms.
Radiosynthesis of the HIV integrase inhibitor [18F]MK‐0518 (Isentress)

The human immunodeficiency virus integrase inhibitor, [18F]MK-0518, was prepared via a three-step, one-pot radiosynthesis. [18F]4-Fluorobenzylamine was produced from the fluorination of 4-cyano-N,N,N-trimethylammonium triflate with [18F]fluoride and reduction with borane methylsulfide complex in 50–68% radiochemical yield. The final step, the coupling of [18F]4-fluorobenzylamine with an ester coupling partner, achieved an overall uncorrected radiochemical yield after HPLC purification of ∼2%, based on the starting [18F]fluoride. In a typical run, the total synthesis time was about 90 min and gave 0.37–1.74 GBq (10–47 mCi) of [18F]MK-0518. The radiochemical purity of [18F]MK-0518 was>98% and the specific activity was 243–1275 Ci/mmol (EOS, n=4). A convenient three-step, one-pot radiosynthesis of [18F]MK-0518 via [18F]4-fluorobenzylamine has been developed, giving sufficient quantities of [18F]MK-0518 for animal positron emission tomography studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.