cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Properties of Influenza Virus Nucleocapsids

Nucleocapsids released from influenza virions by sodium deoxycholate sedimented heterogeneously in sucrose gradients. Highly infectious virus (complete) preparations yielded nucleocapsids with peak distributions at 64 and 56S; von Magnus type virus (incomplete) lacked 64S nucleocapsids. Treatment of influenza virus nucleocapsids with pancreatic ribonuclease rendered the associated viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules acid-soluble, indicating that capsid proteins do not completely surround the viral RNA's. However, the capsid proteins remained associated after enzymatic hydrolysis of the RNA, as judged by persistently high sedimentation rates. Sedimentation rates of viral nucleocapsids reflected the sedimentation rates of the associated RNA's: 64S nucleocapsids contained 18S RNA, whereas 56S nucleocapsids contained 15S RNA, although in both cases RNA's sedimenting at 4 to 13S were also recovered. Furthermore, just as incomplete virions lacked 64S nucleocapsids, they also lacked 18S RNA. These findings support the hypothesis that the influenza virus genome is divided among several distinct pieces of RNA.
Longitudinal Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms Among Male and Female Adolescents

Using ecological theory and the peer socialization model, the current study identified risk and protective factors associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms across ecological domains. It was hypothesized that the constellation of risk and protective factors within the peer microsystem would vary by gender: future optimism and negative peer influence were expected to be significant risk/protective factors for males, whereas peer victimization was expected to be significant risk factors among females. Using four waves of data, three-level hierarchical linear models were estimated for males and females. Results revealed that negative peer influence was a particularly salient risk factor for both internalizing and externalizing behaviors among males, although future optimism did not emerge as a significant protective factor. In addition, as hypothesized, peer victimization indicators were significant risk factors for females. Parent-child conflict was also significantly and positively associated with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms for males and females. Implications are discussed.
The influence of plant anatomy on oviposition and reproductive success of the omnivorous bug Orius insidiosus

The mechanisms whereby the reproductive behaviour and success of omnivorous insects are influenced by plant characteristics are poorly understood. We examined how the oviposition behaviour of zoophytophagous Orius insidiosus and the subsequent longevity of its progeny are influenced by the physical structure and internal anatomy of five plant species. Female O. insidiosus oviposit into plant species with the thinnest layers of epidermal and collenchyma cells, a decision that is significantly correlated with the survival of their offspring. Once a plant species is chosen, the female mainly bases her oviposition decisions on epidermal thickness and the surface density of hair-like appendages on the plants. That females laid more eggs and nymphs survived longer on plants with thinner external tissues suggest that the mechanisms that drive female oviposition decisions have evolved such that optimal plant-based resources are available for the females' progeny. Microscopic examination of plant anatomical features revealed that vascular and cellular tissues are fully accessible to the piercing–sucking mouthparts of the developing insects, suggesting that multiple sources of plant nutrients are available to this omnivore. The ecological implications of plant-based contributions to O. insidiosus fitness are discussed.
Spin Hall and spin-diagonal conductivity in the presence of Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling

We investigate the spin-current linear response conductivity tensor to an electric field in a paramagnetic two-dimensional electron gas with both Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling in the weak scattering regime within the Born approximation. In the usual sample parameters, and for cross-sectional size smaller than the spin-coherence length, the spin-Hall conductivity depends only on the sign of the difference in magnitude of the Rashba and Dresselhaus coupling except within a narrow window where both coupling strengths are equal. We also find that a spin current is generated in the direction of the driving field for a non-zero Dresselhaus term. Possible experimental setups for its detection, taking into account the finite mobility and typical parameters of current samples, are discussed.
The 5,6‐dihydrothiazolo[2,3‐b]thiazolium system

The cyclization of hydrohalide salts of 2-(2-thiazolinthio) methyl ketones to yield the first simple 5,6-dihydrothiazolo[2,3-b]thiazolium salts has been carried out. It is believed that the transformation which 3-methyl-5,6-dihydrothiazolo-[2,3-b]thiazolium perchlorate undergoes in alkaline solution and in the presence of air involves ring opening and oxidation of the resulting mercaptan to a disulfide.
The influence of culture and language on performance of individual ability tests

Abstract Performance on individual intelligence tests of children of Mexican descent with Spanish language background was compared to that of children of Anglo descent with English language background. The WISC, PPVT and CMMS were used. Children of Mexican descent scored lower on tests and subtests which are dependent upon language and specific cultural experiences. In a supplementary study an additional group of children of Mexican descent with more limited opportunities for contact with urban American culture were tested. Differences between this group and children of Anglo descent were greater than in the first part of the study.
Epidemiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis in men is an unrecognized but growing problem as the number of men who live to old age increases. The 10-year fracture risk at age 50 quadruples by age 80, and in general the incidence rate of osteoporotic fracture in men is about half that of women. Of note, the mortality and morbidity after hip fracture are much greater in men. There are many men whose osteoporosis is the result of specific causes such as oral glucocorticoid therapy, hypogonadism, or androgen withdrawal therapy for prostate cancer. In addition there are several interesting syndromes of osteoporosis in middle-aged men; these men usually present with vertebral fractures. As knowledge about the prevalence and etiology of osteoporosis in men increases, it will be recognized and treated in more men, in hopes of preventing fracture.
Competition of pairing and Peierls-charge-density-wave correlations in a two-dimensional electron-phonon model.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to investigate the competition betweensuperconducting and Peierls--charge-density-wave (CDW) correlations in atwo-dimensional electron-phonon system. The dependence of these correlations onthe band filling /l angle//ital n//r angle/, phonon frequency /omega//sub 0/, andelectron-phonon coupling /ital g/ is examined. The Peierls-CDW correlations arefavored as /l angle//ital n//r angle/ moves towards half-filling, /omega//sub 0/decreases, and /ital g/ increases. When the Peierls-CDW correlations are weak,the Monte Carlo results for the superconducting correlations are found to be inexcellent agreement with the results obtained using the well-known Eliashbergapproximation.
The Effect of Primary School Size on Academic Achievement

Evidence on optimal school size is mixed. We estimate the effect of transitory changes in school size on the academic achievement of fourth- and fifth-grade students in North Carolina using student-level longitudinal administrative data. Estimates of value-added models that condition on school-specific linear time trends and a variety of teacher-by-school, student, and school-by-year fixed effects suggest that, on average, there is no causal relationship between school size and academic performance. However, two subgroups of interest are significantly harmed by school size: socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with learning disabilities. The largest effects are observed among students with learning disabilities: A 10-student increase in grade size is found to decrease their math and reading achievement by about 0.015 test-score standard deviations.
Diagnosis and treatment of vasculitis of the central nervous system in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background A 23-year-old white woman with a 3-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus and a 15-month history of lupus nephritis and retinal vasculitis was successfully treated with antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia while on moderate doses of corticosteroids. Even though her pneumonia had improved, she developed acute changes in her mental status that rapidly progressed to encephalopathy with coma. Investigations Physical examination, fundoscopic examination, laboratory tests for metabolic abnormalities, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, microbiology and serologic testing, electroencephalogram, tests for IgM and IgG anticardiolipin antibodies, neuroimaging including CT of the brain and T1-weighted MRI before and after gadolinium contrast, and flow-attenuated inversion recovery MRI. Diagnosis Vasculitis of the central nervous system associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Management Intravenous methylprednisolone 1,000 mg/day for 3 days, one dose of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, intravenous immunoglobulin 400 mg/kg/day for 4 days, plasmapheresis on alternate days for five cycles, and prednisone 40 mg/day. She continued monthly doses of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide and intravenous pulse methylprednisolone for 6 months, followed by maintenance infusions every 3 months over 2 years. Prednisone was tapered over 18 months. Cyclophosphamide was discontinued after 2 years because of poor bone-marrow tolerance, and was replaced with mycophenolate mofetil 3,000 mg/ day and ciclosporin 50 mg twice daily.
Glutathione Depletion Accelerates Induction of DNA Repair Activity in Hyperoxic Newborn Rat Lungs

Glutathione Depletion Accelerates Induction of DNA Repair Activity in Hyperoxic Newborn Rat Lungs
Thyroid hormones control lysosomal enzyme activities in liver and skeletal muscle

Abstract Because protein degradation in liver and skeletal muscle is increased by thyroid hormones and decreased by thyroidectomy; we investigated the influence of thyroid hormones on the level of lysosomal enzymes. Hypophysectomized rats received daily injections of L-thyroxine or L-triiodothyronine. After 3 days of this regimen, homogenates of liver and skeletal muscle showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in the activities of cathepsin D, cathepsin B, and other lysosomal enzymes including leucine aminopeptidase, acid phosphatase, β-galactosidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and α-mannosidase. In liver, this effect reflected increased enzyme activity in the two subcellular fractions that normally contain lysosomes. Titration of cathepsin D with pepstatin indicated that the increase in this activity resulted from an increase in the number of enzyme molecules. These effects occurred with both pharmacologic (thyrotoxic) and physiologic (growth-promoting) doses of thyroid hormones. Liver and skeletal muscle from thyroidectomized rats had approximately 50% of the normal levels of lysosomal enzyme activities. Under these various conditions, heart and kidney, tissues in which protein degradation does not appear to be influenced by thyroid hormones, showed no significant changes in lysosomal hydrolases. Thus, thyroid hormones regulate proteolytic and other lysosomal enzyme activities in those tissues in which these hormones influence protein degradation. Many characteristic features of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may result from changes in levels of lysosomal enzymes.
Effects of oxygen-nitrogen /1:1/ at 760 Torr on the life span and fine structure of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Exposure of Drosophila melanogaster adult males to an atmosphere of O 2 N 2 (1:1) at 760 Torr resulted in a marked reduction of life span. Among the fine structural changes occurring in the oxygen-poisoned flies, the following were similar to age-related changes: ceroid-lipofuscin accumulation in the visceral organs, sponginess of the brain and accumulation of lamellated dense bodies in the nerve cells. Also, the oxygen-poisoned flies showed a loss of the cytoplasmic membranes of the sperm cells, an alteration which was previously found in γ-irradiated, but not in normal senescent, flies. In our opinion, oxygen poisoning of Drosophila may provide a valid model of accelerated aging, at least in regard to peroxidation injury of cell organelles and ceroidlipofuscin accumulation.
Retinoid reversal of squamous metaplasia in organ cultures of tracheas derived from hamsters fed on vitamin A-deficient diet☆

Abstract Cytokinetic and ultrastructural studies were carried out to elucidate mechanisms involved in the reversal of squamous metaplasia (SM) by β-retinoic acid in organ cultures of tracheas derived from vitamin A-deficient hamsters. Tracheal cultures exhibiting focal areas of SM were treated with the retinoid for up to 7 days . The retinoid significantly inhibited [ 3 H ]-thymidine labeling indices in the basal cells and stimulated the labeling indices in mucous cells. At the ultrastructural level the retinoid induced marked remodeling alterations in the metaplastic epithelium that included: (a) disruption of desmosomes and widening of intercellular spaces; (b) extensive vacuolation and degeneration of the metaplastic cells; (c) extrusion of the degenerated cells; (d) aggregation of keratin filaments; and (e) differentiation of certain basal cells into secretory cells. Consequently most degenerated metaplastic cells were extruded and the epithelium repopulated as a result of differentiation of basal cells into mucous cells and hyperplasia of the pre-existing mucous cells. The degenerative effects of the retinoid were limited to the metaplastic foci since the uninvolved epithelium adjoining metaplastic foci were not significantly altered. The results suggest that the restoration of normal tracheal epithelium following the retinoid treatment of explants exhibiting focal areas of squamous metaplasia is associated with the enhanced proliferation of the mucous cells. The inhibition of proliferation of basal cells further prevented hyperplasia and restored cell replication within the normal range.
Computer aided-designed, 3-dimensionally printed porous tissue bioscaffolds for craniofacial soft tissue reconstruction.

ObjectiveTo determine the potential of an integrated, image-based computer-aided design (CAD) and 3-dimensional (3D) printing approach to engineer scaffolds for head and neck cartilaginous reconstruction for auricular and nasal reconstruction.Study DesignProof of concept revealing novel methods for bioscaffold production with in vitro and in vivo animal data.SettingMultidisciplinary effort encompassing 2 academic institutions.Subjects and MethodsDigital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) computed tomography scans were segmented and utilized in image-based CAD to create porous, anatomic structures. Bioresorbable polycaprolactone scaffolds with spherical and random porous architecture were produced using a laser-based 3D printing process. Subcutaneous in vivo implantation of auricular and nasal scaffolds was performed in a porcine model. Auricular scaffolds were seeded with chondrogenic growth factors in a hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel and cultured in vitro over 2 months’ duration.ResultsAur...
Cinnamon extract regulates glucose transporter and insulin-signaling gene expression in mouse adipocytes.

Cinnamon extracts (CE) are reported to have beneficial effects on people with normal and impaired glucose tolerance, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. However, clinical results are controversial. Molecular characterization of CE effects is limited. This study investigated the effects of CE on gene expression in cultured mouse adipocytes. Water-soluble CE was prepared from ground cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to investigate CE effects on the expression of genes coding for adipokines, glucose transporter (GLUT) family, and insulin-signaling components in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CE (100g/ml) increased GLUT1 mRNA levels 1.91 ± 0.15, 4.39 ± 0.78, and 6.98 ± 2.18-fold of the control after 2-, 4-, and 16-h treatments, respectively. CE decreased the expression of further genes encoding insulin-signaling pathway proteins including GSK3B, IGF1R, IGF2R, and PIK3R1. This study indicates that CE regulates the expression of multiple genes in adipocytes and this regulation could contribute to the potential health benefits of CE. Published by Elsevier GmbH.
Developing prospective teachers’ conceptions with well-designed tasks: explaining successes and analyzing conceptual difficulties

Several researchers have documented prospective teachers’ (PTs’) conceptions of various mathematical topics. However, less is known about how PTs’ conceptions develop. To address this gap, I designed two tasks with the goals of addressing the PTs’ initial conceptions of multidigit whole numbers and helping them develop more sophisticated ones. I examined how PTs’ conceptions changed while working on these tasks in two settings (a teaching experiment with 6 PTs and a mathematics methods course with 33 PTs) and modified the tasks on the basis of the results. Consistent with prior findings, this study showed that PTs entered with limited conceptions. This study showed further that (a) well-designed tasks (addressing the PTs’ incoming conceptions as well as focusing on the desired conceptions) can help PTs develop content knowledge, (b) conceptual difficulties may persist even with well-designed tasks, and (c) artifacts of children’s mathematical thinking can be used to develop mathematical content knowledge. Instructional implications are discussed.
Chemistry on interstellar grains

In this review, our current knowledge of the chemistry that occurs on cold interstellar grain surfaces is examined. The formation of molecular hydrogen from hydrogen atoms is emphasized. Various methods of modeling diffusive reactions on grain surfaces are illustrated, including the rate equation method, and two basic stochastic approaches. The results of a detailed Monte Carlo method - the continuous-time random-walk approximation - in which the problem of random walk in two dimensions is treated exactly, are shown and analyzed for the case of H2 formation. Both homogeneous surfaces such as olivine and amorphous carbon and inhomogeneous surfaces are studied. Results from this method show that (a) inhomogeneous surfaces allow efficient H2 formation over wider temperature ranges than do homogeneous surfaces, and (b) the reaction efficiency declines for grains smaller than a certain size, but the effect is smaller for inhomogeneous surfaces.
Approximate Similarity Principle for a Full-Scale STOVL Ejector

Full-scale ejector experiments are expensive and difficult to implement at engine exhaust temperatures. For this reason the utility of using similarity principles, in particular the Munk and Prim principle for isentropic flow, was explored. Static performance test data for a full-scale thrust augmenting ejector were analyzed for primary flow temperatures up to 1560°R. At different primary temperatures, exit pressure contours were compared for similarity. A nondimensional flow parameter is then used to eliminate primary nozzle temperature dependence and verify similarity between the hot and cold flow experiments. Under the assumption that an appropriate similarity principle can be established, properly chosen performance parameters were found to be similar for both hot flow and cold flow model tests.
On integrable coupled Burgers-type equations

Abstract In this Letter we describe the classification of symmetric integrable coupled Burgers type equations. Restricting our attention to the systems that cannot be decoupled by a change of dependent variables, we obtain two previously unknown classes of integrable equations. In same cases we present a recursion operator.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH AWARDS TO INSTITUTIONS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, 1976 - 85

Abstract Foreign institutions are eligible for grants from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) for biomedical research. Applications undergo a two-tier process of peer review. Most applications are approved and about a third succeed in obtaining funding. Each year the NIH awards about 300 research grants and contracts to foreign institutions and supports another 100 international research fellows. In the fiscal year 1984, the NIH spent about $35 million on these awards—about half the amount that it spent on international activities.
Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer

Paraneoplastic syndromes are caused by systemic factors that are produced at a site distant from the primary tumor or its metastases. Although these syndromes can be observed in a variety of tumor types, they are commonly found in lung cancer, particularly small cell lung cancer. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of two of the more well-documented paraneoplastic syndromes--endocrinologic and neurologic systemic manifestations of cancer.
Dynamic growth of an internal circular crack in a transversely isotropic composite

Abstract The dynamic growth of an internal circular crack in a transversely isotropic composite is investigated using the techniques of Hankel and Laplace transforms. The Laplace inversion is carried out through a complete contour integration. For the crack running at a constant speed, exact dynamic solutions for crack shape and stress distribution with singularities in the crack plane are obtained in closed forms in terms of anisotropic material constants and crack speed. Graphite/epoxy and E glass/epoxy materials and an isotropic material are used as example materials in calculating the numerical values of the dynamic stress intensity factor and crack shape. The dynamic solution reduces to the static solution at zero crack speed and deviates at speeds other than zero. Deviation between dynamic and static solutions is governed by dynamic correction factors, which are non-dimensional functions of anisotropic material constant ratios and the ratio between crack speed and shear-wave speed. Values of these dynamic factors are obtained for the sample composites for a large range of crack speed.
Toliara (Poaceae, Chloridoideae, Cynodonteae), a new grass genus endemic to southern Madagascar

Toliara arenacea Judziewicz (Poaceae), a new genus and species endemic to coastal sand dunes in southwestern Madagascar, is described and illustrated. It is related to the widespread paleotropical genus Perotis Aiton (Chloridoideae, Cynodonteae), but diff ers in its spikelets with awnless glumes. Known only from the region of the type locality near the city of Toliara, it is critically endangered.
Psychosocial Comorbidities and Obesity are Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Children with Voiding Dysfunction

Purpose: There is emerging awareness of comorbid psychosocial characteristics in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. To explore the prevalence of these comorbidities and their relationship to lower urinary tract symptoms, we examined the psychosocial comorbidities and body mass index of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected data on all new patients 6 to 17 years old with nonneurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction who presented to a single nurse practitioner in 2011. Parents completed a 21-question lower urinary tract symptom score based on a validated questionnaire and a psychosocial questionnaire that screened for stressful life events and psychological diagnoses. We examined the correlation of body mass index percentile and psychosocial comorbidities with lower urinary tract symptom score.Results: Of the 358 patients 28.5% were obese, 31.8% had a recent life stressor and 22.9% had a comorbid psychiatric disorder. Younger age correla...
Statistical tests for random effects in staggered nested designs

In this paper, we present certain statistical tests under a staggered nested design set-up, for the hypotheses that certain variance components are zero. To do so, the particular variance-covariance, structure induced by the staggering is exploited and certain results of multivariate analysis are used. In most problems, the test statistics can be easily computed. An example is provided for illustration and some power computations for comparison of test statistics are shown.
System-level pre-launch calibration of onboard solar diffusers

Onboard diffuse reflecting plaques are carried to orbit as radiometric reference standards for Earth-observing satellite instruments. For many instruments the reflectance properties of the plaque are characterized independently of the instrument, and the effects of scattering by the diffuser housing are determined through mathematical modeling. The pre-launch laboratory calibration of the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) included a system-level calibration of the onboard diffuser using an external lamp and a reference plaque at the sensor's Earth-view port. The calibration of the onboard diffuser was made relative to the reference plaque using SeaWiFS as a transfer radiometer. Recent developments in laboratory light sources enable a significant improvement to the SeaWiFS calibration technique. These include sets of fiber-optically coupled tunable lasers that illuminate integrating spheres or the prime focus of a collimator, to produce uniform, high radiant flux Lambertian or collimated sources, respectively. In addition, newly developed, spectrally tunable supercontinuum-based light sources can provide sets of radiance spectra for the collimator to validate the laser-based diffuser calibration. An absolute calibration of the diffuser system in the laboratory also provides the first step in a two-part transfer-to-orbit experiment, in which the second step uses the illumination of the diffuser on orbit by the Sun. For hyperspectral instruments, the laboratory calibration must account for spectral artifacts in the diffuser material. For on-orbit measurements, the calibration must account for the effects of Earth-shine as a contaminating source of irradiance illuminating the diffuser.
Physical Properties of Two O-Ring Compounds after Exposure to Reactor Radiation

Abstract Two commercial O-ring compounds, NBR and SBR, specially formulated for radiation resistance were irradiated by means of a nuclear reactor to six gamma-dose levels in the range from 4.9×108 to 15×1011ergs/gm(C). O-rings and compression-set buttons of both materials were irradiated in air at near room temperature; O-rings of NBR were also irradiated in oil. Tensile properties, hardness, and compression set were measured as a function of radiation dose. Fifteen O-rings and five compression buttons were used for each experimental condition to provide statistically valid results. Analytical procedures were used to compute molecular weight between crosslinks and network-chain ratio as a function of dose. The wide dose range provided an accurate assessment of degradation produced by radiation. The highest dose resulted in complete loss of useful mechanical properties. Properties most adversely affected at lower doses were ultimate elongation, hardness, and compression set. While compression set was 50% ...
Hotel Management Contracts: Breach of Contract, Termination, and Damages

ABSTRACT Recent court decisions have redefined the relationships and expectations of both owners and operators involved in hotel management contracts. What were once considered irrevocable contracts that a court would enforce with an order for specific performance are now likely to be contracts that can be revoked (but which may carry the risk of damage awards). This paper looks at contract law and examines several interesting hospitality court cases to determine the types of damages that would be available in the event a court determines that a management contract has been breached.
Surface Texturing of Tribological Interfaces Using the Vibromechanical Texturing Method

Modifying the surface topography of tribological interfaces has the potential to improve the friction performance of certain mechanical components that experience sliding contact. Vibromechanical texturing (VMT), an improved texturing method based on the convenient turning process, is introduced. This process is performed on a standard computer numeric controlled (CNC) lathe, which is retrofitted with a piezoelectric-actuated tool positioning stage. Controlled vibratory motion of the tool is used to cut microsized dimples into the surface of the workpiece. Two types of workpiece materials are used: aluminum and hardened steel, with three forms of workpiece geometries: outer cylinder, inner cylinder, and flat/end face. The accuracy of the texturing method is compared with a basic surface topography model, which predicts texture dimensions within an 11% error for aluminum and up to 90% error for hardened steel, using the current open-loop control system. Further analysis of the textured samples shows no significant signs of process-induced damage. It is demonstrated that this VMT method is a versatile, accurate technique that has potential to be a cost-effective means for surface texturing of tribological components.
Replication research in nursing

The importance and contribution of replication research in nursing to the development of nursing science is discussed as well as deterrents which have apparently contributed to a dearth of replication studies in nursing. Various types and examples of replication studies are analyzed and criteria for replication in nursing are proposed.
Induction of prostate tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in vitro using antigen-presenting cells pulsed with prostatic acid phosphatase peptide.

BACKGROUND Most strategies in cancer immunotherapy are aimed at the induction of a strong cellular immune response against the tumor. Particularly, CD8+ T lymphocytes have been proven in multiple animal models to be critical for the eradication of solid tumors. METHODS We used a population of peripheral blood-derived antigen-presenting cells (APC), containing dendritic cells (DC), to generate prostate tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. Selected peptides from prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), a prostate tissue-specific antigen, were shown to bind HLA-A2. A high-affinity peptide was used to generate peptide-specific CD8+ cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. RESULTS The obtained PAP-peptide-specific CTL lysed peptide-coated target cells, vaccinia-infected target cells, and HLA-A2-positive prostate-tumor cells in vitro in an antigen-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that CTL precursors to the PAP gene product exist and could be potentially recruited to elicit an antitumor response. Thus, PAP is a suitable antigen for inclusion in prostate cancer vaccines. Prostate 36:129–138, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CD95 and CD95L promote and protect cancer stem cells

CD95 (APO-1/Fas) is a death receptor used by immune cells to kill cancer cells through induction of apoptosis. However, the elimination of CD95 or its ligand, CD95L, from cancer cells results in death induced by CD95R/L elimination (DICE), a type of cell death that resembles a necrotic form of mitotic catastrophe suggesting that CD95 protects cancer cells from cell death. We now report that stimulation of CD95 on cancer cells or reducing miR-200c levels increases the number of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are more sensitive to induction of DICE than non-CSC, while becoming less sensitive to CD95-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, induction of DICE or overexpression of miR-200c reduces the number of CSCs. We demonstrate that CSCs and non-CSCs have differential sensitivities to CD95-mediated apoptosis and DICE, and that killing of cancer cells can be maximized by concomitant induction of both cell death mechanisms.
Buying and selling attacks on fixed exchange rate systems

Abstract In this paper we show how rational expectations models of speculative attacks on fixed exchange rate systems can be extended to take into account the possibility that the central bank could be forced to either devalue or revalue. Essential to the analysis are the concepts of buying attack and selling attack, by means of which we were able to describe how expectations about the future exchange rate are formed. We also provide a discussion on the problem of uniqueness of the equilibrium that may arise in this kind of speculative attack models.
HEAVY WATER INHIBITION OF CELL DIVISION: AN APPROACH TO MECHANISM*

ABS>At concentrations higher than about 75%, deuterium oxide blocks cell division in the eggs of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata and in those of the annelid Chaetopterus pergamentaceus. The block is reversible, although cells that have been kept is a deuterium-rich medium for long periods relative to the time for one mitotic cycle may show multipolar and irregular divisions after removal to normal water, and may subsequently cytolyze. The antimitotic action is manifested at all stages of the mitotic cycle and, to a significant extent, during cytokinesis. An important feature of the mitotic block is that it becomes effective almost immediately after the cells are placed in D2O and is quickly reversed when the cells are washed free of D2O. Whereas D2O blocks mitosis at all stages it does not destroy the achromatic apparatus, nor does it cause wholesale regression of cleavage furrows. Instead, it exerts a powerful stabilizing effect upon these structures. This appears to be related to a sharp and reversible increase in cytoplasmic viscosity evoked by immersion of nondividing cells in D2O. Examination of a number of alternative explanations of the effect leaves as the most useful working hypothesis a rigidification of the mitotic apparatus, possibly throughmore » a small increase in the strength of individual hydrogen bonds which cross-link macromolecules or small particles. For large, multiply cross-linked structures, such changes for individual bonds would produce very large cooperative effects in the direction required by the data.« less
A linear-time approximation method for computing the reliability of a network

Abstract The best known solution methods for network reliability problems are of exponential time-complexity. This exponential behavior can render even moderately sized problems computationally intractable due to the enormous amount of time required to generate a solution. To render such problems manageable, a bounding algorithm has been developed that provides upper and lower bounds for the source-to-terminal reliability of an arbitrary network. A unique feature of this bounding algorithm is that it possesses linear time-complexity when the maximum indegree of all network nodes is limited.
Progressive failure analysis of composite cylindrical shells considering large rotations

A progressive failure analysis approach is presented for cylindrical shells. A geometrically non-linear finite element formulation (with large rotation capability based on the total Lagrangian approach is used to predict the onset of various failure modes in laminated composite plates and shells. Some of the failure modes considered include matrix cracking, fiber breakage and delamination. Failure relations in terms of 2nd Piola Kirchhoff stresses and changes in the constitutive relations due to large strain are taken into consideration. Load-carrying capabilities of the composite cylindrical shell structures, after the first ply failure, are discussed.
Almost Commutative Matrices

The n × n matrices A and X over a field F are called almost commutative if AX - XA = I . This equation cannot hold if the characteristic of F is either zero or greater than n . In the case where the characteristic of F divides n , certain pairs A and X , exist. It is the purpose of this paper not only to prove the existence of such pairs, but to construct (in terms of arbitrary parameters) the most general matrix X for a given matrix A . The methods use the rational canonical form so as to facilitate constructability.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Interhemispheric Commissure Development and Social Behaviors in the BTBR T+tf/J Mouse Model of Autism

Author(s): Jones-Davis, Dorothy M; Yang, Mu; Rider, Eric; Osbun, Nathan C; da Gente, Gilberto J; Li, Jiang; Katz, Adam M; Weber, Michael D; Sen, Saunak; Crawley, Jacqueline; Sherr, Elliott H | Abstract: BackgroundAutism and Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (AgCC) are interrelated behavioral and anatomic phenotypes whose genetic etiologies are incompletely understood. We used the BTBR T⁺ tf/J (BTBR) strain, exhibiting fully penetrant AgCC, a diminished hippocampal commissure, and abnormal behaviors that may have face validity to autism, to study the genetic basis of these disorders.MethodsWe generated 410 progeny from an F2 intercross between the BTBR and C57BL/6J strains. The progeny were phenotyped for social behaviors (as juveniles and adults) and commisural morphology, and genotyped using 458 markers. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified using genome scans; significant loci were fine-mapped, and the BTBR genome was sequenced and analyzed to identify candidate genes.ResultsSix QTL meeting genome-wide significance for three autism-relevant behaviors in BTBR were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 9, 10, 12, and X. Four novel QTL for commissural morphology on chromosomes 4, 6, and 12 were also identified. We identified a highly significant QTL (LOD score = 20.2) for callosal morphology on the distal end of chromosome 4.ConclusionsWe identified several QTL and candidate genes for both autism-relevant traits and commissural morphology in the BTBR mouse. Twenty-nine candidate genes were associated with synaptic activity, axon guidance, and neural development. This is consistent with a role for these processes in modulating white matter tract development and aspects of autism-relevant behaviors in the BTBR mouse. Our findings reveal candidate genes in a mouse model that will inform future human and preclinical studies of autism and AgCC.
Relationship of tumor DNA-ploidy toserum prostate-specific antigen doubling time after radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives. DNA-ploidy is a strong prognostic factor for prostate cancer patientstreated with definitive external beam radiotherapy. Using DNA/nuclear protein flow cytometry, three prognostic groups based on DNA-ploidy were identified: from good to poor, these are diploid, near-diploid, and nondiploid tumors. Since recent evidence indicates that the rate at which prostate-specific antigen (PSA) increases in the presence of biochemical failure is predictive of the time to clinical relapse, we examined the relationship between DNA-ploidy and PSA doubling time (PSA-DT). Methods. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 76 patients treated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with definitive radiotherapy alone were analyzed for ploidy using DNA/nuclear protein flow cytometry. Of these, 24 of the 27 patients with a rising PSA profile had three or more post-treatment PSA values from which the PSA-DTs were calculated. PSA-DTs were estimated using nonlinear regression techniques. Results. The average PSA-DT for the 24 patients in this cohort was 11.3 ± 10.5 months(±SD) with a median of 8.4 months. Diploidy (n = 3) was associated with a PSA-DT of 27.0 ± 22.8 months, near-diploidy (n = 7) with a PSA-DT of 12.2 ± 5.7 months, and nondiploidy (n = 14) with a PSA-DT of 7.5 ± 5.7 months (p = 0.004, Spearman rank test). Stage, grade, and pretreatment PSA, as well as the endpoints of local control, freedom from metastases, and freedom from any relapse, did not correlate significantly with PSADT values. However, when patients were subdivided by PSA-DT into those with values 10 months or less (n = 14) and those more than 10 months (n = 10), there was a correlation with 3-year actuarial freedom from relapse: 28% and 74%, respectively (p Conclusions. The results show that there is a significant correlation of DNA-ploidy with PSA-DT Diploidy was associated with the longest PSADTs, near-diploidy with intermediate PSA-DTs, and nondiploidy with short PSA-DTs. Patients with short PSA-DTs also had significantly higher actuarial rates of disease relapse at 3 years. These data confirm that PSA-DT is a strong predictor of tumor behavior and that patients who have nondiploid tumors probably require more aggressive, combined modality, treatment.
Effect of ion damage on optical properties of ZnO films grown by plasma-assisted MBE

The effect of plasma-induced ion damage on the optical prop erties of ZnO films grown by plasma-assisted molecularbeam epitaxy on a-sapphire substrates and GaN(0001)/ c-sapphire templates prepared has been studied using steady-stateand time-resolved photoluminescence. We observed that the deflecting the ions produced by the RF oxygen plasmaaway from substrate results in improved excitonic emission and modification of the defect-related PL spectrum. Theintensity of the near-band-edge lines in the photoluminescence spectra from the layers grown with the ion deflection was found to increase by factors 7 to 20 for the layers grown on GaN(0001)/ c-sapphire at a plasma power of 350 W and by 3 to 4 times for ZnO grown on a-sapphire substrates at a plasma power of265 W as compared to the controls grownwithout the ion deflection. The yellow-green spectral range was dominated by different defect bands in the films grownwith and without ion deflectio n. The effect of RF power on peak positions of the defect band was studied for the filmsgrown without ion deflection. For the ZnO films grown on a-plane sapphire substrates, time-resolved photoluminescenceshowed a significant increase in luminescence decay times both at RT and 89 K. However, for ZnO on GaN(0001)/c-sapphire substrates, virtually no improvement in decay time was found at 89 K with only a moderate increase in decayconstant at room temperature.Keywords: experiment, ZnO, molecular beam epitaxy, photoluminescence
Metabolic Processes in Cytoplasmic Particles of the Avocado Fruit. VI. Controlled Oxidations and Coupled Phosphorylations

of synthetic growth regulator treatments on the level of free endogenous growth substances in plants. Ann. Botany N.S. 20: 439-59. 6. AUDUS, L. J. AND R. THRESH. 1956. The effects of synthetic growth substances in the level of endogenous auxins in plants. In: The Chemistry and Mode of Action of Plant Growth Substances. Wain and Wightman, ed. Butterworths, London. p 248-52. 7. KLEIN, A. 0. AND C. W. HAGEN, JR. 1961. Anthocyanin production in detached petals of Impatiens balsarnina L. Plant Physiol. 36: 1-9. 8. NOEL, R. 1951. Contribution, a l'etud de la rhizogenesis. Neoformation des racines dans les fragments de hypocotyles d'Impatiens balsamina L. cultives in vitro. Arch. Inst. Bot., Univ. Liege, Belgique 21: 1-164. 9. STRAUSS, J. 1960. Anthocyanin synthesis in corn endosperm tissue cultures. II. Effect of certain inhibitory and stimulatory agents. Plant Physiol. 35: 645-50. 10. THIMANN, K. AND Y. EDMUNDSON. 1951. The biogenesis of the anthocyanins. III. The role of sugars in anthocyanin formation. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 34: 305-23. 11. THIMANN, K. AND Y. EDMUNDSON. 1949. The biogenesis of the anthocyanins. I. General nutritional conditions leading to anthocyanin formation. Arch. Biochem. 22: 33-53. 12. THIMANN, K. AND B. RADNER. 1958. The biogenesis of anthocyanin. VI. The role of riboflavin. Arch Biochem. Biophys. 74: 209-23. 13. THIMANN, K. AND B. RADNER. 1955. The biogenesis of anthocyanin. V. Evidenice of the mediation of pyrimidines in anthocyanin synthesis. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 59: 511-25. 14. WHITE, P. R. 1943. A Handbook of Plant Tissue Culture. Cattell Press, Lancaster, Pa.
Book Reviews : Graham Hancock. Lords of Poverty. New York: The Atlantic Monthly Press, 1989, 234 pp:

Books applicable to the broad field of program evaluation are reviewed. Books may be reviews singularly or in groups to illuminate similarities and differences in intent, philasophy, and usefulness. Persons with suggestions of books to be reviewed or those who wish to submit a review should contact Barbara Searle (940 25th St., N.W., Apt. 114S, Washington, DC 20037) for specific instructions. In general, a review of an individual book should not exceed four double-spaced typewritten pages; groups of books may require additional length.
At the Revolution with Fred Sherman

Fred Sherman was a prominent yeast geneticist and my mentor in graduate school. Fred passed away in September 2013 at the age of 81. In this minireview, I describe what it was like to know Fred and be in his lab from 1977 to 1982, the extraordinarily exciting time when the recombinant DNA revolution hit yeast genetics.
Consequences of Reverse Discrimination

62 white subjects participated in an experiment to assess reactions to reverse discrimination. After losing to a black confederate on two tests of ability either because the confederate had more ab...
Dynamic approach to strategic and operational multimodal routing decisions

By adopting multimodal logistics, global firms can significantly reduce lead time and inventory carrying costs, which may constitute major improvements in both profit and customer service. This paper presents dynamic programming formulations of multimodal logistics systems, which result in deterministic acyclic networks that may be solved using Dijkstra's algorithm. Using these models one can find both a least cost route and a least lead time route subjected to lead time and total cost, respectively. By combining these models, they may be used to make strategic decisions and to allow for system control in response to disruption. The presented model has both the analytical foundation and flexibility for application to a number of situations.
Calculation of distribution of oligomers and free diisocyanate in urethane prepolymers

The equations developed by P.J. Flory for condensation polymerization have been adapted to the calculation of the amount of the free diisocyanate in urethane prepolymers and of the distribution of the oligomers (x-mers). The calculated values are found to compare well with experimental values. (BLM)
Preozonation as an aid in the coagulation of humic substances—Optimum preozonation dose

Abstract Using a number of commercial and natural water humic substances, the positive effect of preozonation as an aid to coagulation-flocculation of these compounds was confirmed by a 13–30% decrease in alum consumption. Experiments were conducted at a pH of 5.5 and humic substance concentrations of 20 mg/l (total organic carbon concentrations of approx. 10 mg/l). Standard jar test procedures were used to evaluate alum dosage requirements and the primary water quality parameters monitored were turbidity, u.v., TOC and color. In addition to decreased alum consumption the existence of an optimum preozonation dose (OPD) was also confirmed. For ozone dosages beyond the OPD, the benefit is reduced, then eliminated and further ozonation becomes detrimental to the coagulation-flocculation removal process. The OPD was found to be a function of the initial colloidal charge density (CCD) of the humic substances. The strong correlation of initial CCD to the OPD identified the major mechanism for preozonation to be effective as a reduction in CCD due to mild ozonation. Preozonation did not show a positive effect on a system with very low molecular weight (noncolloidal) humic substances.