cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The urethral smear as an indicator of sex hormone in male rabbits.

Andrews (1946) first reported the possibility of the clinical use of the urethral smear as an indicator of androgen levels in men. Cohen (1947), investigating the suggested technic further, concluded that the smear differences which Andrews recorded were due to the drying of some of the slides before fixation, and thus could not be ascribed to different androgen levels. Both Shorr (1941) and Hartman (1944) had reported previously that vaginal smears stained by the Shorr technic require immediate fixation to avoid drying effects. The work reported herein was carried out on rabbits. We utilized Andrews’ (1946) technic as described for man. Preliminary examination of about 20 normal male human urethral smears led us to conclude that the normal cells in man are largely irregularly-shaped epithelial cells with blue-green cytoplasm containing nuclei which may be compact and red-staining or vesicular and blue-to-red staining.
Putative fusogenic activity of NSF is restricted to a lipid mixture whose coalescence is also triggered by other factors

It has recently been reported that N–ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion ATPase (NSF) can fuse protein-free liposomes containing substantial amounts of 1,2–dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS) and 1,2–dioleoyl-phosphatidyl–ethanolamine (DOPE) (Otter-Nilsson et al., 1999). The authors impart physiological significance to this observation and propose to re-conceptualize the general role of NSF in fusion processes. We can confirm that isolated NSF can fuse liposomes of the specified composition. However, this activity of NSF is resistant to inactivation by N–ethylmaleimide and does not depend on the presence of α–SNAP (soluble NSF-attachment protein). Moreover, under the same conditions, either α–SNAP, other proteins apparently unrelated to vesicular transport (glyceraldehyde-3–phosphate dehydrogenase or lactic dehydrogenase) or even 3 mM magnesium ions can also cause lipid mixing. In contrast, neither NSF nor the other proteins nor magnesium had any significant fusogenic activity with liposomes composed of a biologically occurring mixture of lipids. A straightforward explanation is that the lipid composition chosen as optimal for NSF favors non-specific fusion because it is physically unstable when formed into liposomes. A variety of minor perturbations could then trigger coalescence.
Identification of Authentic Estrogen Receptor in Cultured Endothelial Cells A Potential Mechanism for Steroid Hormone Regulation of Endothelial Function

Background Estrogen plays a major role in the delayed expression of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, and recent data indicate that postmenopausal estrogen therapy reduces the incidence of CHD by >40%. The mechanism or mechanisms through which estrogen exerts this benefit are unknown, although effects on blood pressure, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and coagulation have been suggested. We hypothesized that at least part of the effect of estrogen in reducing the incidence of CHD is due to an effect on endothelial cell function. Methods and Results In the present study, we examined human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells and bovine aortic endothelial cells for the presence of estrogen receptors (ERs) through immunoblot and mRNA analyses. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were also performed to determine the DNA-binding properties of the putative ERs. Nuclear extracts from all three endothelial cell types were found to contain a 67-kD protein that reacted with anti-ER monoclonal antib...
MEMS Based High Sensitivity Calorimetry

The fundamental study of phase transformations continues to be a key for successful implementation of metals and alloys in micro- and nano-scale structures in integrated circuitry and magnetic recording devices and systems. The thermodynamic and thermokinetic properties of extremely thin layers can be altered due to the relative effect of boundaries and interfaces on the volume of the material. Calorimetry at the nano-scale requires measurement sensitivity on the order of 1 nJ or better, which requires improved thermal design, development of thermal modeling, and development of experimental measurement techniques. In this report, the specific heat of 144 nm thick CoFe layer is measured, using frequency-domain Joule heating and thermometry (3ω-technique), on Cu/SiO2 and Cu/SiO2 /CoFe suspended bridges. Analyses of the heat transfer in suspended structures are performed to establish guidelines for design and fabrication of small-scale differential scanning calorimeters.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Revisiting the Phillips curve for India and inflation forecasting

Abstract This paper focuses on modeling and forecasting inflation in India using an augmented Phillips curve framework. Both demand and supply factors are seen as drivers of inflation. Demand conditions are found to have a stronger impact on non-food manufactured products (NFMP) inflation vis-a-vis headline wholesale price inflation; moreover, NFMP inflation is found to be more persistent than headline inflation. Both these findings support the use of NFMP inflation as a core measure of inflation. But, the impact of global non-fuel commodities on NFMP inflation is found to be substantial. Inflation in non-fuel commodities is seen as a more important driver of domestic inflation rather than fuel inflation. The exchange rate pass-through coefficient is found to be modest, but nonetheless sharp depreciation in a short period of time can add to inflationary pressures. The estimated equations show a satisfactory in sample as well as out-of-sample performance based on dynamic simulations. Nonetheless, forecasting challenges emanate from volatility in international oil and other commodity prices and domestic food supply dynamics.
Development of Next-Step-Relevant ICRF Technology in the DIII-D Program

High-power experiments with waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) have been performed on the DIII-D tokamak since 1988. In the course of these experiments, it has been necessary to carry out some development of the relevant technology. These developments, primarily in the areas of the plasma/antenna interface, high-power transmission line components, and transmission line configurations, are reviewed in this paper. They have led to a number of recommendations for specifying systems in next-generation tokamaks.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis and dosing regimen optimization of meropenem in adult patients

The objectives of this study were to develop a meropenem population pharmacokinetic model using patient data and use it to explore alternative dosage regimens that could optimize the currently used dosing regimen to achieve higher likelihood of pharmacodynamic exposure against pathogenic bacteria. We gathered concentration data from 79 patients (ages 18-93 years) who received meropenem 0.5, 1, or 2 g over 0.5- or 3-hour infusion every 8 hours. Meropenem population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using the NONMEM program. A 2-compartment model fit the data best. Creatinine clearance, age, and body weight were the most significant covariates to affect meropenem pharmacokinetics. Monte Carlo simulation was applied to mimic the concentration-time profiles while 1 g meropenem was administrated via infusion over 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hours. The 3-hour prolonged infusion improved the likelihood of obtaining both bacteriostatic and bactericidal exposures most notably at the current susceptibility breakpoints.
Proliferation of Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa within a simulated subpalpebral lavage flushed with equine serum.

Objective To evaluate whether equine serum administered via a simulated subpalpebral lavage system (SPL) supports proliferation of Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the tubing. Procedures A sterile i.v. catheter with injection cap was inserted into sterilized silicone tubing (Mila®). To mimic an SPL within the dorsal conjunctival fornix, the tubing was secured to an elevated platform. The tip of the tubing extended from the platform into a vial containing culture medium just inoculated with approximately 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL P. aeruginosa or S. zooepidemicus. To mimic administration of medication, the tubing was infused twice daily with equine serum, sterile saline (negative control), or culture medium (positive control) followed by air. Incubation was at 25 or 37 °C. At 24, 48, and 72 h postinoculation, samples were obtained for bacterial culture from one simulated SPL for each experimental variant. The following sections were cultured: (i) tubing tip previously submerged in the inoculated culture medium, (ii) tubing mid-section, and (iii) tip of the i.v. catheter. The experiment was performed in triplicate. Results Streptococcus zooepidemicus or P. aeruginosa were isolated from 100% of the tubing tips. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was isolated from one mid-section flushed with culture medium incubated at 37 °C. All other samples were negative for growth of the inoculated agents. Conclusions Streptococcus zooepidemicus and P. aeruginosa did not proliferate within silicone tubing infused with equine serum. These data suggest that topical serum can be safely administered through a superiorly placed SPL in clinical cases.
Untersuchung der spektroskopischen und elektrochemischen Eigenschaften 9, 10-arylsubstituierter Anthracene. I. Ergebnisse von UV- und ESR-spektroskopischen sowie elektrochemischen Messungen

Die elektrochemische Reduktion und Oxydation von Diphenylanthracen (DPA) und Dibiphenylylanthracen (DBPA) wurde untersucht und dabei gezeigt, das es sich bei der Bildung der Kationen und Anionen um reversible Elektrodenprozesse handelt. Die UV-Spektren des DPA und DBPA sowie die Hyperfeinstruktur der Radikalionen des Anthracens, DPA und DBPA werden angegeben. Die experimentell bestimmten Kopplungskonstanten werden mit HMO-Daten verglichen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen ahnliche elektrochemische und spektroskopische Eigenschaften fur DPA und DBPA.
A new course on computational methods in electromagnetics

The authors summarize their three-year experience with a computer-methods course for electromagnetics, introduced as an elective for senior undergraduates. The main features of the course include: (1) the inclusion of the finite-difference method of solving engineering problems formulated in terms of partial differential equations; (2) the use of the finite-difference method to solve engineering problems such as the design of microstrip transmission lines and eigenvalue problems including the propagation characteristics in waveguides of arbitrary cross sections; and (3) the use of the method of moments to solve dynamic field problems including radiation from linear antennas and scattering from two-dimensional inhomogeneous dielectric objects. Key steps in developing the course are noted and results from the various computer programs written by the students are presented. >
Abstract BS1-2: Reactive Stroma as Therapeutic Targets in Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis

Metastasis represents the most devastating stage of cancer progression. Bone metastasis is a frequent occurrence in breast cancer, affecting more than 70% of late stage cancer patients. Discovering bone metastasis genes that are clinically relevant and functionally important are critical for the development of novel therapeutics for high-risk breast cancer patients. We apply a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the molecular basis of breast cancer bone metastasis, combining functional genomics tools with animal models and clinical analysis of cancer metastasis. Candidate bone metastasis genes were identified from gene expression profiling of highly bone metastatic cells derived after in vivo selection in animal models. Functional characterization of these genes revealed their novel role in mediating tumor-stromal interactions essential for the formation of osteolytic bone metastasis. We discovered a novel metalloprotease-initiated, EGFR-dependent paracrine signaling cascade among tumor cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts that promotes the maturation of bone-degrading osteoclasts and formation of osteolytic lesions. Using in vivo imaging technology, we showed that TGFbis released from bone matrix upon bone destruction, and signals to breast cancer to further enhance their malignancy in developing bone metastasis. We furthered identified Jagged1 as a TGFb target genes in tumor cells that engaged bone stromal cells through the activation of Notch signaling to provide a positive feedback to promote tumor growth and to activate osteoclast differentiation. More recently, we identified osteoclast-derived miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of osteolytic bone metastasis. Importantly, pharmaceutical inhibitors against EGFR, TGFb and Notch signaling pathways and miRNAs blocking osteoclast differentiation significantly reduce the development of bone metastasis, suggesting novel avenues for clinical management of skeletal complications of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr BS1-2.
Ubiquitin Signals Proteolysis-Independent Stripping of Transcription Factors

Ubiquitination of transcription activators has been reported to regulate transcription via both proteolytic and nonproteolytic routes, yet the function of the ubiquitin (Ub) signal in the nonproteolytic process is poorly understood. By use of the heterologous transcription activator LexA-VP16 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that monoubiquitin fusion of the activator prevents stable interactions between the activator and DNA, leading to transcription inhibition without activator degradation. We identify the AAA(+) ATPase Cdc48 and its cofactors as the Ub receptor responsible for extracting the monoubiquitinated activator from DNA. Our results suggest that deubiquitination of the activator is critical for transcription activation. These findings with LexA-VP16 extend in both yeast and mammalian cells to native transcription activators Met4 and R-Smads, respectively, that are known to be oligo-ubiquitinated. The results illustrate a role for Ub and Cdc48 in transcriptional regulation and gene expression that is independent of proteolysis.
A study of NMR chemical shielding in water clusters derived from molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract In an attempt to reproduce and characterize gas-to-liquid NMR chemical shielding changes in water, ab initio gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculations have been carried out on central waters in clusters of ten waters derived from a molecular dynamics simulation. The calculated changes in the shieldings are in the proper range but recover only about half of the experimentally observed deshielding. The flexible water molecule employed in the simulation exhibits large geometry distortions (rovibrational effects) that contribute significantly to the deshielding calculated, especially for oxygen. Calculations on the distorted central waters removed from the clusters can be used to obtain shielding derivatives that are in good agreement with those calculated and observed previously. Data for some rigid (ice-like) pentamers are given, and it is found that general attempts to mimic the liquid environment by use of the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) approach fail.
Synthesis of Y2O3-MgO nanopowder and infrared transmission of the sintered nanocomposite

A sol-gel method was successfully used to synthesize Y 2 O 3 -MgO composite powder with a grain size below 30nm. Results from X-ray diffraction revealed how the microstructure evolved with increasing heat treating temperature. Taking advantage of high heating rate, spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique was used to sinter the nanopowder, resulting in a fully dense nanocomposite with grain size below 100nm. The transmittance can be enhanced by optimizing sintering parameters as well as appropriate post-sinter annealing. The fully consolidated nanocomposite exhibits an optical transmittance between 75% and 84% over infrared wavelength range between 3μm and 6μm. This kind of nanocomposite has a great potential to be used as infrared transparent material.
A Hierarchical Concept for Man-Machine Communication

The problem of man controlling or programming a machine may be considered as a hierarchy of control functions, with each level of control calling up ordered sequences of operations at the next lower level, using appropriate sensory feedback for each level. Man may enter the control hierarchy at any level for direct control or for programming an automatic system for later playback. The computer carries out lower level control functions, thereby augmenting man's control capabilities.The Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (CMAC) is a computer based control system in which high–level task–oriented commands can be broken down into a series of elemental motor actuator signals. CMAC is a general purpose adaptive control concept which can be arranged in a hierarchical structure, such as that described above, so as to facilitate the man–machine communication problem. For example, CMAC can solve the coordinate transformation problem so that commands can be given in terms of desired end point trajectories. Fur...
Detection of Mycoplasma synoviae by polymerase chain reaction

Summary A Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) species‐specific recombinant subclone, pMS156–20, of approximately 1.1 kbp was partially sequenced. Based on the sequence data, a pair of 25 base primers were synthesized to develop a Ms polymerase chain reaction (Afs‐PCR). The primers amplified target DNA of approximately 1.1 kbp and had excellent specificity over a range of annealing temperature from 60°C to 68°C. The primers amplified 100 pg of 26 strains or isolates of Ms, but not three strains of M. gallisepticum (S6, K810, A5969), 15 other avian Mycoplasma species, and pUC8 plasmid. The minimum amount of target DNA detected by Ms‐PCR was 10 fg, which was 100,000 times more sensitive than the dot blot methodology using Ms recombinant DNA probes. The specificity of Ms‐PCR product detected by gel electrophoresis was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization using an internal probe derived from pMSl56–20.
Comparing capsule exposure using extracapsular dissection with partial superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare capsule exposure using extracapsular dissection (ECD) with partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) for pleomorphic adenoma. Purpose Long-term favorable results for recurrence and facial nerve function have been reported for ECD and PSP for parotid pleomorphic adenoma. Extracapsular dissection is distinguished from PSP in that the facial nerve is dissected in PSP but not in ECD. This article attempts to answer the following hypothesis: the margin of normal parotid tissue surrounding a parotid pleomorphic adenoma is less for ECD compared with PSP. Material and Methods This is a retrospective individual case-control study. Twelve consecutive parotidectomy procedures with a final pathology report of pleomorphic adenoma were retrospectively measured for margin (the percent of capsule exposure around the tumor). In 8 highly selected patients, ECD was performed. Four parotid surgical procedures not meeting strict criteria underwent PSP and served as controls. Results The eight patients with ECD had a mean of 80% (71%–99%) of the capsule exposed. The 4 PSP procedures had 21% (4%-50%) of the capsule exposed (P Conclusions Extracapsular dissection results in higher capsule exposure.
American Legislative Leaders, 1850-1910

Preface Introduction Biographical Dictionary Bibliography Appendix 1: Speakership Service, Party Membership, County Represented Appendix 2: Public Service Appendix 3: Family Background Appendix 4: Speaker Mobility Appendix 5: Relgion, Education, and Fraternal Memberships Appendix 6: Military Service Appendix 7: Political Career Appendix 8: Business Career Index
Air cargo load planning system: A rule-based optimization approach

For a multiple-segment flight of passenger aircraft, the primary objective of commodity load planning is to improve the operational efficiency of the whole journey. Unfortunately the objective can not be measured due to the unavailability of down-line stations shipment information. Traditional optimization algorithm can not be directly applied. Rule based optimization approach is proposed in this paper. High-level business logic is captured as a rule flow. Optimization algorithms are embedded as the action of the rule flow to specific decisions such as bin assign. With this approach, a loading plan can be adaptive to business changes without application code changes. Based on such design, a visual rule editor and rule engine are developed. The system has been successfully applied in a North American airline company. The rule based optimization approach and tool can also be applied to other operational planning and scheduling problems with complex business logic.
Transcriptional repression of Kruppel like factor-2 by the adaptor protein p66shc

The adaptor protein p66shc promotes cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanistic relationship between p66shc and the kruppel like factor-2 (KLF2) transcription factor and show that this relationship has biological relevance to p66shc-regulated cellular oxidant level, as well as KLF2-induced target gene expression. Genetic knockout of p66shc in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) stimulates activity of the core KLF2 promoter and increases KLF2 mRNA and protein expression. Similarly, shRNA-induced knockdown of p66shc increases KLF2-promoter activity in HeLa cells. The increase in KLF2-promoter activity in p66shc-knockout MEFs is dependent on a myocyte enhancing factor-2A (MEF2A)-binding sequence in the core KLF2 promoter. Short-hairpin RNA-induced knockdown of p66shc in endothelial cells also stimulates KLF2 mRNA and protein expression, as well as expression of the endothelial KLF2 target gene thrombomodulin. MEF2A protein and mRNA are more abundant in p66shc-knockout MEFs, resulting in greater occupancy of the KLF2 promoter by MEF2A. In endothelial cells, the increase in KLF2 and thrombomodulin protein by shRNA-induced decrease in p66shc expression is partly abrogated by knockdown of MEF2A. Finally, knockdown of KLF2 abolishes the decrease in the cellular reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide observed with knockdown of p66shc, and KLF2 overexpression suppresses cellular hydrogen peroxide levels, independent of p66shc expression. These findings illustrate a novel mechanism by which p66shc promotes cellular oxidative stress, through suppression of MEF2A expression and consequent repression of KLF2 transcription.
Nanostructures from Zirconium Diboride and Alumina Ceramics

In this paper, we describe the observation of nanostructure formation under microwave processing of zirconium diboride powder with aluminum oxide. These nanostructures appear to be formed from arcing resulting from a microwave-induced electric field across conductive ZrB2 particles. Microwave heating allows process times <1 min. The arcing rapidly heated the ZrB2 and nearby alumina creating nanotubes and nanorods. The morphology of these nanostructures was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing ∼100 nm tube wall thicknesses with widths up to a few micrometer and lengths to 40 μm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed the composition of the nanotubes included aluminum, oxygen, zirconium, and boron. Fast Fourier transform's of the TEM images provided characterization of the lattice parameters. Morphology, composition and crystallography resemble both single-crystal aluminum borate and boron-mullite nanotubes. The produced nanostructures could be used to reinforce high-temperature materials, improve the durability of metal surfaces or as needles for intracellular drug delivery.
Hierarchical Linear Models

This chapter provides a brief and relatively nontechnical introduction to hierarchical linear models. The purpose of such models is first explained in graphical terms. This is followed by a description of the model and then an empirical example. Numerous primary sources are provided for readers to learn the more technical details. Keywords: hierarchical linear modeling; random coefficient modeling
Embolic control of superior mesenteric artery hemorrhage caused by abdominal abscesses.

Selective embolization has become an important method for controlling arterial hemorrhage. In the gastrointestinal tract, it has been most useful in patients with bleeding gastric duodenal ulcers [1, 2]. Mesentenic embolization has generally been avoided for fear of ischemia and bowel necrosis. However, our experience in two patients with massive hemorrhage from mesentenic artery branches eroded by abdominal abscesses indicates that selective embolization has a role in certain patients with lifethreatening hemorrhage.
An α2,6-sialyltransferase cloned from Photobacterium leiognathi strain JT-SHIZ-119 shows both sialyltransferase and neuraminidase activity

We cloned, expressed, and characterized a novel beta-galactoside alpha2,6-sialyltransferase from Photobacterium leiognathi strain JT-SHIZ-119. The protein showed 56-96% identity to the marine bacterial alpha2,6-sialyltransferases classified into glycosyltransferase family 80. The sialyltransferase activity of the N-terminal truncated form of the recombinant enzyme was 1477 U/L of Escherichia coli culture. The truncated recombinant enzyme was purified as a single band by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis through 3 column chromatography steps. The enzyme had distinct activity compared with known marine bacterial alpha2,6-sialyltransferases. Although alpha2,6-sialyltransferases cloned from marine bacteria, such as Photobacterium damselae strain JT0160, P. leiognathi strain JT-SHIZ-145, and Photobacterium sp. strain JT-ISH-224, show only alpha2,6-sialyltransferase activity, the recombinant enzyme cloned from P. leiognathi strain JT-SHIZ-119 showed both alpha2,6-sialyltransferase and alpha2,6-linkage-specific neuraminidase activity. Our results provide important information toward a comprehensive understanding of the bacterial sialyltransferases belonging to the group 80 glycosyltransferase family in the CAZy database.
Growth factor production by human thyroid carcinoma cells: abundant expression of a platelet-derived growth factor-B-like protein by a human papillary carcinoma cell line

As papillary thyroid carcinoma cells grow surrounding finger-like structures of stromal tissue, we postulated they may secrete a growth factor(s) for mesenchymal cells and that these would be distinct from any mitogenic factors elaborated by follicular carcinomas. Conditioned medium from both the human papillary carcinoma cell line NPA and the follicular carcinoma cell line WRO evoked a 20- to 30-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into NIH3T3 cell DNA. NPA cell growth factor activity largely eluted with 0.5 mol/L NaCl from a heparin-Sepharose column. NPA-conditioned medium competed in a platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) RRA, and the mitogenic activity was partially blocked by an anti-PDGF-BB antibody. An immunoprecipitated PDGF-B-like protein from NPA cells was about 17 kilodaltons in a reducing gel, but, in contrast to wild-type PDGF-BB, did not change its electrophoretic mobility in an unreduced sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. NPA cells expressed an abundant ...
A relationship between twisted conjugacy classes and the geometric invariants Ωn

A group G is said to have the property R∞ if every automorphism \({\varphi \in {\rm Aut}(G)}\) has an infinite number of φ-twisted conjugacy classes. Recent work of Goncalves and Kochloukova uses the Σn (Bieri–Neumann–Strebel–Renz) invariants to show the R∞ property for a certain class of groups, including the generalized Thompson’s groups Fn,0. In this paper, we make use of the Ωn invariants, analogous to Σn, to show R∞ for certain finitely generated groups. In particular, we give an alternate and simpler proof of the R∞ property for BS(1, n). Moreover, we give examples for which the Ωn invariants can be used to determine the R∞ property while the Σn invariants techniques cannot.
Productivity Growth and Factor Prices in East Asia

The industrial revolution in several East Asian countries over the last three decades is one of the most important economic events in the postwar era. Several recent growthaccounting exercises have found that their extraordinary rate of output growth was due primarily to an equally impressive rate of factor accumulation, with little due to technological progress (see Alwyn Young, 1992, 1995; Jong-Il Kim and Lawrence Lau, 1994; Susan Collins and Barry Bosworth, 1996 ) . Since these studies suggest that factor accumulation has been the lead actor in East Asia’s growth, many economists have reached the conclusion that the industrial revolution in East Asia can largely be explained in terms of transition dynamics in a neoclassical growth framework (see e.g., Paul Krugman, 1994; N. Gregory Mankiw, 1995). If this view is correct, the lesson from East Asia’s experience is that there are no easy solutions for a poor country that seeks to join the league of wealthy nations. Low levels of investment and education may be the result of bad policies. But once proper policies are enacted, a poor country faces the grim prospect of a further decline in its already low standards of living as it devotes more resources to investment and education. The central point of this paper is that, if East Asia’s growth was largely driven by capital accumulation with little technological progress, the return to capital should have fallen dramatically as capital accumulation encounters diminishing returns. For example, the capital–output ratio for Korea computed from the national accounts has increased at an average rate of 3.4 percent per year from 1966 to 1990 while that of Singapore has increased at an average rate of 3.7 percent per year from 1968 to 1990. By dividing the share of payments to capital in total income by the capital–output
CapNet-an approach to ultra high speed network

In the Shared Memory paradigm, a distributed system is viewed as a number of processors connected by a high-bandwidth bus sharing a virtual memory. MemNet was the first-generation effort to prove the paradigm in a local area environment. Its success encouraged the examination of the paradigm in the wide area context, leading to the second-generation effort, CapNet. Without the support of some features inherent in local area networks, CapNet is faced with a new set of problems. The issues involved, namely address space structure, page location, and caching algorithms, are discussed. A new approach that combines the address translation and routing is suggested as an optimized page location solution. A number of caching schemes are investigated, and a straw-man design for a large-scale implementation is proposed. >
Activity of the Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor Ganetespib in Melanoma

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes such as cell signaling, proliferation and survival, and has been recently recognized as a potential target for cancer therapy. Ganetespib is a potent ATP competitive inhibitor of HSP90. Ganetespib downregulated the expression of multiple signal transducing molecules including EGFR, IGF-1R, c-Met, Akt, B-RAF and C-RAF, resulting in pronounced decrease in phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 in a panel of five cutaneous melanoma cell lines including those harboring B-RAF and N-RAS mutations. Ganetespib exhibited potent antiproliferative activity on all five of these cell lines, with IC50 values between 37.5 and 84 nM. Importantly, Ganetespib is active on B-RAF mutated melanoma cells that have acquired resistance to B-RAF inhibition. Ganetespib induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 and/or G2/M phase. Ganetespib induced cell cycle arrest was accompanied by altered expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, cyclins B1, D1 and E, and/or cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2 and 4. HSP90 is functionally important for melanoma cells and HSP90 inhibitors such as ganetespib could potentially be effective therapeutics for melanoma with various genetic mutations and acquired resistance to B-RAF inhibition.
Pleistocene Park: Does re-wilding North America represent sound conservation for the 21st century?

Abstract A group of conservation biologists recently proposed to populate western North America with African and Asian megafauna, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and camels, to create a facsimile of a species assemblage that disappeared from the continent some 13,000 years ago. The goals of this program, known as “Pleistocene re-wilding”, are to restore some of the evolutionary and ecological potential that was lost from North America during the Pleistocene extinctions, and help prevent the extinction of selected African and Asian mammals. Pleistocene re-wilders justify this conservation strategy on ethical and aesthetic grounds, arguing that humans have a moral responsibility to make amends for overexploitation by our ancestors. They believe that the flora of many North American terrestrial ecosystems has gone basically unchanged since the end of the Pleistocene, so re-wilding would help restore evolutionary and ecological potential and improve ecosystem functioning. This paper discusses some of the pros and cons of this proposal, including the ethical, aesthetic, ecological, and evolutionary issues, assesses its potential economic and political impacts on other conservation practices, both in North America and elsewhere, and reviews the realities of large mammal reintroductions. It is concluded that Pleistocene re-wilding with exotic species will not restore the evolutionary or ecological potential of native North American species nor extinct Pleistocene megafauna and their ancient ecosystems, but may instead jeopardize indigenous species and North American ecosystems. Resources would be better spent on preserving threatened organisms in their native habitats and reintroducing them to places in their historical ranges from which they were only recently extirpated.
Inertial navigation sensor integrated motion analysis for obstacle detection

A maximally passive approach to obstacle detection is described, and the details of an inertial sensor integrated optical flow analysis technique are discussed. The optical flow algorithm has been used to generate range samples using both synthetic data and real data (imagery and inertial navigation system information) obtained from a moving vehicle. The conditions under which the data were created/collected are described, and images illustrating the results of the major steps in the optical flow algorithm are provided. >
Sensor fault detection in vehicle lateral control systems via switching Kalman filtering

Vehicle lateral control for automated highway systems (AHSs) is concerned with lane keeping and lane changing. It is of critical importance for safe highway operations; it must have fault tolerant capability in order to maintain stability in the event of malfunction of its components. In this paper, we investigate detection, isolation and accommodation of sensor faults. We propose a stochastic framework to which switching Kalman filtering and the EM algorithm are applied to detect faulty sensors and achieve good state estimation. With prior knowledge about the sensor failure modes, multiple sensors can be integrated into the framework, and the single failure assumption is no longer required. Simulations show that the sensor faults are detected immediately after their occurrences. Stability and performance are observed to be satisfactory in the event of sensor failures.
Isolation, identification, and characterization of a feather-degrading bacterium.

Abstract A feather-degrading culture was enriched with isolates from a poultry waste digestor and adapted to grow with feathers as its primary source of carbon, sulfur, and energy. Subsequently, a feather-hydrolytic, endospore-forming, motile, rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from the feather-degrading culture. The organism was Gram stain variable and catalase positive and demonstrated facultative growth at thermophilic temperatures. The optimum rate of growth in nutrient broth occurred at 45 to 50°C and at pH 7.5. Electron microscopy of the isolate showed internal crystals. The microorganism was identified as Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1. Growth on hammer-milled-feather medium of various substrate concentrations was determined by plate colony count. Maximum growth (approximately 109 cells per ml) at 50°C occurred 5 days postinoculation on 1% feather substrate. Feather hydrolysis was evidenced as free amino acids produced in the medium. The most efficient conditions for feather fermentation occurred during the incubation of 1 part feathers to 2 parts B. licheniformis PWD-1 culture (107 cells per ml) for 6 days at 50°C. These data indicate a potential biotechnique for degradation and utilization of feather keratin.
A note on disturbances in slightly supercritical plane Poiseuille flow

The evolution of disturbances after a laminar, slightly supercritical flow between parallel planes is disturbed is considered as an initial-value problem. An asymptotic solution of the disturbances for large time possesses the same characteristic features as the turbulent spots observed by Emmons (1951).
A competition to identify key challenges for unmanned aerial robots in near-earth environments

Tasks like bomb-detection, search-and-rescue, and reconnaissance in near-Earth environments are time, cost and labor intensive. Aerial robots could assist in such missions and offset the demand in resources and personnel. However, flying in environments rich with obstacles presents many more challenges which have yet to be identified. For example, telephone wire is one obstacle that is known to be hard to detect in mid-flight. This paper describes a safe and easy to fly platform in conjunction with an aerial robot competition to highlight key challenges when flying in near-Earth environments
Line Blanketing without LTE: The Effect on Diagnostics For B-Type Stars

In another paper in this volume, Anderson discussed methods for reducing the content of spectral information in a stellar atmosphere to computationally manageable proportions. In this paper we show some general results from models of B-type stellar atmospheres. We compare the effect on typical diagnostics for the effective temperature and surface gravity of three stages of approximation: a) nonLTE, H,He,C,N,O only; b) LTE, H,He,C,N,O,Ne,Mg,Al,Si,Fe group; and c) nonLTE H,He,C,N,O,Ne,Mg,Al,Si,Fe group. Finally we show the present level of success in reproducing high-dispersion spectra obtained by IUE.
Associations among ribosomal (r)DNA intergenic spacer length, growth rate, and C:N:P stoichiometry in the genus Daphnia

The growth rate hypothesis (GRH) proposes that variation in organismal C : N : P ratios is associated with growth rate due to differential allocation to P-rich ribosomal RNA to support growth. A further extension of the GRH proposes that this variation is associated with the structure of ribosomal (r)DNA genes (e.g., promoter‐enhancer sequences in the rDNA intergenic spacer [IGS]) that influence the production rate of rRNA. To test these ideas, we examined growth rate, rDNA structure, RNA : DNA ratios, and elemental composition (C : N : P) in multiple clones of three Daphnia species ( pulex, pulicaria, magna) in controlled laboratory experiments. Results show that a portion of the rDNA motif, consisting primarily of the IGS, shows considerable interspecific and intraspecific length variation. Significant interspecific differences in all parameters were found, while significant intraspecific (clone) effects were detected only for RNA : DNA ratios and growth rate. As predicted by the GRH, there were significant positive correlations between RNA : DNA ratio and either growth rate or rDNA/IGS length, and a significant positive correlation between rDNA/IGS length and growth rate, when clonal means for all three species were examined. However, no clear-cut relationships between RNA : DNA and either C : P or N : P were observed for any of the three species. Likewise, no discernible intraspecific relationships between growth rate and either C : P or N : P were detected. These preliminary findings suggest that further study of elemental composition, nucleic acid content, and growth rates of organisms may lead to a clearer understanding of the role of stoichiometric constraints in influencing the ecology and evolution of natural populations.
Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor1 response to acute and chronic growth hormone-releasing peptide-2, growth hormone-releasing hormone 1–44 NH2 and in combination in older men and women with decreased growth hormone secretion

To better appreciate the interactions of GHRP-2 and GHRH 1-44NH2 on the release of GH in normal adult men and women with decreased GH secretion and low serum IGF-1 levels, a series of acute and chronic studies have been performed (n=5 men, 5 women). The acute iv bolus GH responses of these subjects to the two peptides alone and together suggest that the decreased GH secretion may be primarily due to a deficiency of the natural endogenous GHRP, ghrelin, rather than a decreased secretion of endogenous GHRH or excess secretion of SRIF. To determine whether the low GH response to GHRH was due to a limited capacity of pituitary to release GH, higher dosages of GHRP-2 alone were administered. At a dose of 1 μg/kg GHRP-2 the GH response was essentially the same as that elicited by 1 μg/kg GHRH+0.1μg/kg GHRP-2 while the GH response to 10 μg/kg GHRP-2 sc was about twice as high in both men and women. Although these subjects have a limited pituitary capacity to release GH, which is also an indication of decreased GH secretion in the presence of low serum IGF-1 levels, this alone would not explain the low GH response to GHRH. Furthermore, the finding that a low dose of 0.1 μg/kg GHRP-2 augments the GH response to 1 μg/kg GHRH is strongly against an excess secretion of SRIF. Twenty-four hour profiles of GH secretion during placebo, GHRP-2, and various doses of GHRH alone and together with GHRP-2 were studied. In addition, 1 μg/kg/h GHRP-2 was infused continuously sc to these subjects for 30 d. The normal pulsatile secretion of GH as well as the serum IGF-1 level was increased after 24 h and remained elevated for 30 d. With a deficiency of endogenous GHRH, the GH response of GHRP-2 would be little to none, while in subjects with a deficiency of the natural GHRP, the GH response to GHRH would be more attenuated. Thus, in chronic deficiency the GH response would be expected to depend on the degree of the capacity of the pituitary to release GH as well as the type(s) of hormonal deficiency.
Angewandte Ethik: Tradition und Gegenwart

Die Geschichte der angewandten Ethik reicht weit zuruck. Schon seit der Zeit, in der sich Berufe differenzierter zu entwickeln begannen, finden ethische Denkweisen Anwendung im praktischen Bereich sozialer Beziehungen. Durch die Entstehung der Berufsstande wurden Denkmuster aufgebaut, nach denen sich ethisch begrundete Urteile bilden sollten. Besonders in denjenigen Anwendungsbereichen, die als Berufe angesehen werden, spielt die Funktion der als Stand bezeichneten Gemeinschaft bei der Formulierung ethischer und anderer normativer Bewertungsmasstabe sowie der Urteilsfallung in ethischen Auseinandersetzungen innerhalb dieser Gemeinschaft bezuglich der Unterscheidung von Standen und anderen, etwa einer gewohnlichen Tatigkeit nachgehenden Gruppierungen eine entscheidende Rolle.
A Sea Change in the Social Sector - Examining Earned-Income Ventures and Entrepreneurial Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofits across the nation are increasingly launching earned-income ventures to support their social missions. Even though this is not a new strategy for many nonprofits, for the sector as a whole it is a fundamental shift from traditional sources of revenue. This study identifies and evaluates significant factors associated with nonprofits operating earned-income ventures in Rhode Island and compares these results to data collected for a recently published national study. New data collected from a web-based survey of over 325 Rhode Island nonprofits is analyzed along with data from over 375 nonprofits in a national sample. This study also examines the types of earned-income ventures organizations are operating, the perceived impact, how nonprofits define themselves as “entrepreneurial,” and the reasons why some organizations have never operated ventures. Insights from Rhode Island nonprofit leaders, academics, and funders are also included in this mixed-methods approach, to help understand the motivations of nonprofits launching and operating earned-income ventures. The findings suggest that Rhode Island organizations are operating earned-income ventures at a rate of three times the comparable national sample. Additionally the majority of ventures are related to the organizations’ social missions, and the impacts are overwhelmingly positive.
Cell polarity and calcium oxalate crystal adherence to cultured collecting duct cells

The relationship between cell membrane polarity and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal binding was studied in rat renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells in primary culture. Cultures grew as simple monolayers (M) with interspersed cellular aggregates (A), and CaOx bound preferentially to A. An antibody that recognizes an exclusively basolateral epitope in intact IMCD binds to some of the cells in A but not to cells in M. Lysing of intercellular junctions with 3 mM EGTA (monitored by transepithelial resistance, R) resulted in basolateral antibody binding to the previously negative cells in M and a 21-fold increase in CaOx adherence to M over control (P less than 0.01). Enhanced CaOx attachment appeared to lag behind the fall in R by 5-10 min. Crystal attachment returned to control between 30 and 120 min after removal of EGTA and readdition of Ca. These data suggest that loss of epithelial membrane polarity may result in enhanced capacity to bind CaOx. Such loss of cell membrane polarity may occur in IMCD with some forms of epithelial injury and repair and may provide a site of crystal fixation to initiate nephrolithiasis.
George Hess: A scientific appreciation

The recent passing of George Hess (1926–2015) has left a deep void in Cornell University’s Biochemistry department, and in the hearts of his many friends and admirers. He is sorely missed by his scientific friends and by his loving family.
An example of solving HJB equations using sparse grid for feedback control

It is well known that solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation in moderate and high dimensions (d > 3) suffers the curse of dimensionality. In this paper, we introduce and demonstrate an example of solving the 6-D HJB equation for the optimal attitude control of a rigid body equipped with two pairs of momentum wheels. The system is uncontrollable. To mitigate the curse-of-dimensionality, a computational method based on sparse grids is introduced. The method is causality free, which enjoys the advantage of perfect parallelism. The problem is solved using several hundred CPU cores in parallel. In the simulations, the solution of the HJB equation is integrated into a model predictive control for optimal attitude stabilization.