cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wnt/Wingless signaling through β-catenin requires the function of both LRP/Arrow and frizzled classes of receptors

Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signals are transduced by seven-transmembrane Frizzleds (Fzs) and the single-transmembrane LDL-receptor-related proteins 5 or 6 (LRP5/6) or Arrow. The aminotermini of LRP and Fz were reported to associate only in the presence of Wnt, implying that Wnt ligands form a trimeric complex with two different receptors. However, it was recently reported that LRPs activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by binding to Axin in a Dishevelled – independent manner, while Fzs transduce Wnt signals through Dishevelled to stabilize β-catenin. Thus, it is possible that Wnt proteins form separate complexes with Fzs and LRPs, transducing Wnt signals separately, but converging downstream in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The question then arises whether both receptors are absolutely required to transduce Wnt signals. We have established a sensitive luciferase reporter assay in Drosophila S2 cells to determine the level of Wg – stimulated signaling. We demonstrate here that Wg can synergize with DFz2 and function cooperatively with LRP to activate the β-catenin/Armadillo signaling pathway. Double-strand RNA interference that disrupts the synthesis of either receptor type dramatically impairs Wg signaling activity. Importantly, the pronounced synergistic effect of adding Wg and DFz2 is dependent on Arrow and Dishevelled. The synergy requires the cysteine-rich extracellular domain of DFz2, but not its carboxyterminus. Finally, mammalian LRP6 and its activated forms, which lack most of the extracellular domain of the protein, can activate the Wg signaling pathway and cooperate with Wg and DFz2 in S2 cells. We also show that the aminoterminus of LRP/Arr is required for the synergy between Wg and DFz2. Our study indicates that Wg signal transduction in S2 cells depends on the function of both LRPs and DFz2, and the results are consistent with the proposal that Wnt/Wg signals through the aminoterminal domains of its dual receptors, activating target genes through Dishevelled.
A planner 6.3 nm thin-body SOI MOSFET using tunnel epitaxy and nitrided gate oxides

A single-gate UTB SOI MOSFET was fabricated using tunnel epitaxy to form the silicon channel as thin as 6.3 nm. Experimental electrical measurements were conducted on a variety of devices, and the results are summarized. Low leakage currents were measured including gate leakage of 15 pA and device leakage of 1.1 pA. Measured I/spl square/V characteristics also included subthreshold slopes of 67 mV/dec., DIBL of 10 mV/V, and drive currents up to 280/spl square/A.
A personal computer environment for realtime programming

An approach to teaching realtime system design and programming is described which provides an understanding of realtime applications in terms of interacting tasks and modules sharing common resources. Emphasis is on the design and specification of the realtime system along with detailed testing and verification of the resulting concurrent programs. Programming is done on personal computers using a realtime operating system and an event tracing facility which supports both detailed execution tracing as well as "action" routines which can force occurrence of time critical events for testing.
Child Perceived Parenting Behavior: Childhood Anxiety and Related Symptoms.

Youth ages 7–14 (N = 175; 52.6% male) and parents were evaluated. Father's and mother's acceptance, psychological control, and firm/behavioral control were measured. Children were diagnosed, and self-, parent-, and teacher-reports were gathered. Children with anxiety disorders perceived higher parental control than children without. Regressions found child-reported maternal acceptance was associated with lower child anxiety, depression, and externalizing, whereas psychological control predicted higher symptoms. Child-reported depressive symptoms moderated the maternal psychological control and children's anxiety relationship (the relationship was weaker for anxious children with more depressive symptoms). Findings support that children's perception of parenting behavior is associated with anxiety.
Fermi energy tuning with light to control doping profiles during epitaxy

The influence of light stimulation and photogenerated carriers on the process of dopant surface segregation during growth is studied in molecular beam epitaxially grown Si-doped GaAs structures. The magnitude of surface segregation decreases under illumination by above-bandgap photons, wherein splitting of the quasi Fermi levels reduces the band bending at the growth surface and raises the formation energy of compensating defects that can enhance atomic diffusion. We further show that light-stimulated epitaxy can be used as a practical approach to diminish dopant carry-forward in device structures and improve the performance of inverted modulation-doped quantum wells.
Anodic oxidation of stilbenes bearing electron-withdrawing ring substituents

Abstract A number of disubstituted stilbenes bearing either two strong electron-withdrawing groups or one electron-withdrawing and one electron-donating group were synthesized and anodically oxidized in a divided cell in methanol at a carbon anode. A variety of types of products were obtained, most of which have never been observed upon oxidation of alkenes not bearing electron-withdrawing groups. A mechanistic scheme involving 2-methoxy-1,2-diarylethyl cations as key intermediates can account for all of the observed products. The nature of the products from each alkene is strongly correlated with the sum of the Hammett σ+ values of the ring substituents.
In vitro toxicity of eight mutagens/carcinogens for three fish cell lines.

Recent interest in and concern for the quality of the environment has prompted a great deal of research into methods of measuring and assessing changes in it. One problem of major interest is that of increasing amounts of mutagenic/carcinogenic chemicals generated by modern society and released into marine and freshwater ecosystems (KRAYBILL et ai. 1977). Numerous techniques involving whole animal testing for cancer, cell culture for mutation and cytogenetic changes and bacterial mutagenicity have been devised to assay specific chemicals and inspect unknown mixtures (KILBEY et ai. 1977). Little, however, has been done to determine the effects of foreign chemicals on aquatic organisms (DIAMOND AND CLARK 1970).
19.3: Efficient White Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Devices

We demonstrate two phosphorescent white OLEDs. At 1,000 cd/m2, one has EQE = 20% at CIE = (0.38, 0.39), and another has 25 lm/W with CIE (0.39, 0.44). At 100 cd/m2 and with outcoupling enhancements, devices either have total EQE = 37% or total efficacy = 51 lm/W.
Presence of β- but not α-adrenoceptors in the rat jugular vein : autoradiographical evidence

Previous functional studies with the rat jugular vein have shown alpha-adrenergically mediated contraction was minimal to nonexistent, yet this tissue relaxed in response to norepinephrine via beta 1 and to isoproterenol via beta 2-receptor activation. Unlike the rat jugular vein, the rat aorta markedly contracted to norepinephrine and relaxed to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. This study qualitatively examined the alpha- and beta-receptor distributions in the rat jugular vein, as compared to the rat aorta, with autoradiographical methods. Cross-sections of blood vessels were labelled with the alpha-receptor ligand, [125I]HEAT ([beta-(4-hydroxy-3-iodophenyl)-ethyl-aminomethyl]-tetralone) and the beta-receptor ligand, [125I]ICYP (iodo-cyanopindolol), and subsequently were opposed to emulsion coated coverslips. Specific binding of both alpha- and beta-receptors was demonstrated in the rat aorta. While specific beta-receptor binding was demonstrated in the rat jugular vein, this tissue showed no detectable alpha-receptors. These autoradiographic studies indicate that the lack of alpha-adrenergically mediated contraction in the rat jugular vein is likely due to a virtual absence of alpha-receptor binding sites, rather than poor functional alpha-receptor coupling.
Field of view and equivalent viewing power of near-vision telescopes

There are often substantial differences in linear field of view (FOV) and equivalent viewing power (EVP) when a distance telescope is either fitted with an objective lens cap or adjusted in length to focus for near vision. In addition, larger differences in linear FOV are found for Galilean than for Keplerian telescopes of similar magnification and EVP. Simple formulas are presented here that make use of EVP as a factor for calculating the linear FOV ratio between the two methods of converting distance Galilean and Keplerian telescopes for near vision. Examples are provided to illustrate the clinical application of these formulas. The information presented here may be helpful when making recommendations concerning the most appropriate method of converting a telescope for near vision.
Nanoencapsulation of pomegranate bioactive compounds for breast cancer chemoprevention

Pomegranate polyphenols are potent antioxidants and chemopreventive agents but have low bioavailability and a short half-life. For example, punicalagin (PU), the major polyphenol in pomegranates, is not absorbed in its intact form but is hydrolyzed to ellagic acid (EA) moieties and rapidly metabolized into short-lived metabolites of EA. We hypothesized that encapsulation of pomegranate polyphenols into biodegradable sustained release nanoparticles (NPs) may circumvent these limitations. We describe here the development, characterization, and bioactivity assessment of novel formulations of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) NPs loaded with pomegranate extract (PE) or individual polyphenols such as PU or EA. Monodispersed, spherical 150-200 nm average diameter NPs were prepared by the double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Uptake of Alexa Fluor-488-labeled NPs was evaluated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells over a 24-hour time course. Confocal fluorescent microscopy revealed that PLGA-PEG NPs were efficiently taken up, and the uptake reached the maximum at 24 hours. In addition, we examined the antiproliferative effects of PE-, PU-, and/or EA-loaded NPs in MCF-7 and Hs578T breast cancer cells. We found that PE, PU, and EA nanoprototypes had a 2- to 12-fold enhanced effect on cell growth inhibition compared to their free counterparts, while void NPs did not affect cell growth. PU-NPs were the most potent nanoprototype of pomegranates. Thus, PU may be the polyphenol of choice for further chemoprevention studies with pomegranate nanoprototypes. These data demonstrate that nanotechnology-enabled delivery of pomegranate polyphenols enhances their anticancer effects in breast cancer cells. Thus, pomegranate polyphenols are promising agents for nanochemoprevention of breast cancer.
Clinical Outcomes and Patterns of Failure in Pineoblastoma: A 30-Year, Single-Institution Retrospective Review

Objective To update outcomes and assess prognostic factors in the modern, multimodality treatment of patients with pineoblastoma. Methods The medical records of patients with pineoblastoma evaluated at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1982 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Thirty-one patients with medical records suitable for review were identified. The majority of patients were female (67.7%) with a median age at diagnosis of 18.2 years (range, 0.3–52.8 years). Twenty-one patients underwent surgical resection, recorded as gross total (n = 9) or subtotal (n = 12) resections. Thirty patients received radiation with photon-based therapy (n = 16), proton-based therapy (n = 13), or radiosurgery (n = 1) to a median craniospinal irradiation dose of 36 Gy (range, 23.4–40 Gy) and a median focal dose of 54 Gy (range, 40–58.4 Gy). Twenty-eight patients received chemotherapy before (n = 10), during (n = 10), and after (n = 22) radiation. Median overall survival was 8.7 years for the entire cohort, with 2-, 5-, and 10- year actuarial rates of 89.5%, 69.4%, and 48.6%, respectively. Median disease-free survival was 10 years with 2-, 5-, and 10- year actuarial rates of 84.3%, 62.6%, and 55.7%, respectively. Univariate analysis failed to correlate age, sex, or extent of surgical resection with disease-free or overall survival. Conclusions Modern, multimodality treatment of pineoblastoma yields a high rate of overall survival, with acceptable short- and long-term toxicity. A greater M-stage at presentation and development of disease recurrence correlate with worse overall survival. Patients who received focal radiation initially experienced a greater rate of disease recurrence compared with those treated to the craniospinal axis.
Personal use of hair dyes and risk of bladder cancer: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic data.

Objective We compared, updated, and expanded the analyses of two previous meta-analyses of personal hair dye exposure and bladder cancer, and briefly discussed the biological plausibility of a systemic hazard to human health from exposure to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a key chemical in hair dyes.
C/EBPβ activity and HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA expression are not altered by imiquimod (ALDARA™) in human cervical cancer cells in vitro

Abstract Objective . The purpose of this study was to determine the potential relationship between imiquimod and C/EBPβ by investigating the extent to which imiquimod could alter C/EBPβ binding activity to known sequences of the HPV-16 NCR, which could lead to the repression of HPV-16 E6/E7 oncogene expression, possibly impacting a major mechanism by which HPV causes cellular transformation. Methods . The effect of imiquimod treatment on C/EBPβ binding activity to its consensus sequence as well as to two specific regions of the HPV-16 NCR was determined by electromobility shift assay (EMSA) in CaSki cervical cancer cells. HPV-16 E6/E7 gene expression was evaluated by RNase protection assay (RPA) in CaSki and in W12-E cells treated with imiquimod. In addition, C/EBPβ mRNA expression and protein production in response to imiquimod were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively, in the cervical cancer cell lines, CaSki, HeLa, and C33A. Results . C/EBPβ binding activity, mRNA expression, and protein production remained unchanged with imiquimod treatment. Initially, HPV-16 E6/E7 expression appeared to be increased with imiquimod treatment in CaSki cells, but this effect was not reproducible. HPV-16 E6/E7 expression was not reproducibly altered with imiquimod treatment in W12-E cells. Conclusion . While these results indicate that imiquimod does not alter C/EBPβ binding activity, nor does it appear to decrease HPV-16 E6/E7 oncogene expression in vitro, it remains possible that imiquimod may have utility in treating cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer via another mechanism.
The relationship between economic growth and inequality

This paper reviews some recent research analyzing the growth-inequality relationship among heterogeneous agents. The primary source of heterogeneity is due to the initial endowments of physical capital, although extensions to include human capital and ability are also briefly considered. The models considered fall into three structural categories. The first is the one-sector endogenous growth model, which abstracts from distributional, as well as aggregate, dynamics. The second assumes neoclassical production and is characterized by transitional dynamics in both aggregates and inequality, enabling us to discuss both intratemporal and intertemporal tradeoffs. It introduces only one source of heterogeneity and cannot address issues pertaining to wealth and income mobility. To achieve that, it requires at least two sources of heterogeneity, such as capital and ability or skills, which are introduced in a third model. An important characteristic of the framework is that the effects of any changes on the measu...
Cyclic AMP regulates substance P expression in developing and mature spinal sensory neurons.

The tachykinin, substance P, has long been associated with transmission of noxious stimuli. However, relatively little is known about signal transduction pathways subserving peptidergic regulation in sensory neurons. To investigate whether cyclic AMP (cAMP) could be a potential second messenger subserving substance P expression, dorsal root ganglion neurons were grown in culture in the presence of agents that increase content of cAMP. In developing neurons, forskolin increased substance P content and survival almost threefold. Anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) blocked the effect of NGF but not forskolin, suggesting that increased cAMP acts directly and not via increased secretion of NGF from Schwann cells and fibroblasts. In adult neurons, which do not require supplemental trophic factors for survival, NGF and forskolin had similar effects on substance P levels. Neither agent had any effect on somatostatin content of either developing or mature sensory neurons. 8-bromo cAMP and isobutyl methylxanthine duplicated the action of forskolin. Further, all three agents increased expression of preprotachykinin mRNA. Forskolin appeared to increase both total and neuron-specific expression of message as well as the number of neurons expressing mRNA. Our results suggest that cAMP directly regulates substance P content in sensory neurons from adult and neonatal rats.
Performance of Dicyclopentadiene/H2O2-Based Hybrid Rocket Motors with Metal Hydride Additives

An experimental performance evaluation of metal hydride fuel additives for hybrid rocket motor propulsion systems is examined in this paper. Some metal hydride additives offer improved performance, but a common issue is material aging. An accelerated aging study revealed that dicyclopentadiene can protect sodium borohydride (NaBH4) particles from exposure to air and water vapor much better than conventional hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene. Static hybrid rocket motor experiments were conducted using dicyclopentadiene as the fuel. Sodium borohydride and aluminum hydride (AlH3) were examined as fuel additives. Ninety percent rocket-grade hydrogen peroxide was used as the oxidizer. In this paper, the sensitivity of solid fuel regression rate and characteristic velocity efficiency to total fuel grain port mass flux and particle loading is examined. Chamber pressure histories revealed steady motor operation in most tests, with reduced ignition delays when using the NaBH4 fuel additive. The addition of NaBH4 a...
Computer simulation of two-phase flow in nuclear reactors

Abstract Two-phase flow models dominate the requirements of economic resources for the development and use of computer codes which serve to analyze thermohydraulic transients in nuclear power plants. An attempt is made to reduce the effort of analyzing reactor transients by combining purpose-oriented modeling with advanced computing techniques. Six principles are presented on mathematical modeling and the selection of numerical methods, along with suggestions on programming and machine selection, all aimed at reducing the cost of analysis. Computer simulation is contrasted with traditional computer calculation. The advantages of run-time interactive access operation in a simulation environment are demonstrated. It is explained that the drift-flux model is better suited than the two-fluid model for the analysis of two-phase flow in nuclear reactors, because of the latter's closure problems. The advantage of analytical over numerical integration is demonstrated. Modeling and programming techniques are presented which minimize the number of needed arithmetical and logical operations and thereby increase the simulation speed, while decreasing the cost.
Selecting System Concept by Minimizing Cost of Part Requirement Tolerances

At the end of a conceptual design phase, engineers choose a single (or a small set of) system concept from a large number of concept variants. In most cases, there is not enough design information to quantitatively evaluate how a final system developed from each concept would perform and cost. Thus engineers need to first perceptually evaluate and select a concept, and then design a system. On the other hand, if engineers know analytical relationships between system and part requirements, they can specify target values of part requirements such that a system achieves its target requirements. Furthermore, if engineers know how much it will cost to control part requirements within tolerances, they can minimize the cost of a system by optimizing tolerances of part requirements. This paper proposes and illustrates an approach to select a system concept when engineers know the relationship between system and part requirements, and how much it will cost to control part requirements within tolerances. Engineers choose a concept that minimizes cost.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Microscopic theory of vortex pinning: Impurity terms in the Ginzburg-Landau free energy.

In the presence of a single impurity, the Ginzburg-Landau free-energy functional for a superconductor acquires extra terms. Using microscopic theory, we determine the structure of these terms and their coefficients. Our calculation is very general: we assume a k\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}-dependent order parameter $\ensuremath{\Delta}(\stackrel{^}{\mathrm{k}})$, which transforms according to any one-dimensional irreducible representation of the crystalline point group. This representation may be conventional or unconventional, as appropriate to the current models of high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors. We treat an arbitrary Fermi surface. The physical significance of the theory is discussed, with emphasis on vortex pinning. We estimate the pinning energy of a single vortex.
Sex Stereotypes and Trait Favorability on the Adjective Check List.

Using the items from the Adjective Check List in a relative judgment method. Williams and Bennett (1975) found that men and women subjects were in close agreement as to the characteristics which compose the male and female sex stereotypes. The present study was designed to replicate the Williams and Bennett findings using an absolute judgment method and also to investigate the favorability of each stereotype more systematically. Results indicated that the stereotypes derived by the two methods were highly similar and that the male and female stereotypes did not differ in overall favorability ratings. Based on the data from both studies, a single sex stereotype index score was derived for each of the 300 Adjective Check List items. These scores may be used to determine the mean sex stereotype value of standard self-descriptions, as well as any other concepts (e.g., "men in general," "ideal physician," "ideal mate") described by the use of this item pool.
Bilateral microneurosurgical reconstruction of inferior alveolar nerves via autogenous sural nerve transplantation

Microneurosurgical operative techniques permit satisfactory restoration of sensation in many lesions of the inferior alveolar nerve. Therefore, restoration of the sensory deficit is becoming increasingly more important in the total functional rehabilitation of individuals with mandibular continuity defects involving transection of or permanent damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. This article reviews the case history of a young man who underwent bilateral osseous mandibular reconstruction and microneurosurgical reconstruction of his inferior alveolar nerves following severe maxillofacial trauma. A new technique for isolating the sural nerve is introduced to facilitate harvesting of the graft. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the resected proximal inferior alveolar nerve is recommended to determine the prognosis for regeneration across the proximal anastomosis and to decide whether secondary resection and reanastomosis of the distal anastomosis is indicated when anesthesia persists 9 to 12 months after initial transplantation of a long donor nerve.
Green‘s Theory of Liquid Helium

IN a recent communication1, H. S. Green remarks that "the application of the Born–Green theory of liquids2,3 to helium II has been completed and it has been found possible, without further assumption, to explain all the well-known properties of this liquid". A discussion of this theory must be postponed until the detailed calculations of Green are published. Nevertheless, a few remarks may be made on the basis of the preliminary communications1,3.
Intensity-Correlation Spectroscopy

A survey is given of techniques for spectroscopic analysis using intensity fluctuations. Particular attention is given to counting times, the role of macroscopic sources and detectors, and the electronic constraints placed on the observations.
Cellular variation during the immune response, one possible model of cellular differentiation.

Results are summarized from a series of studies of cellular differentiation during the immune response. In vivo culture methods are described that were used to determine the cellular kinetics of radioinduced inactivation of the immune response. The significance of the quantitative cytokinetic data are discussed. It is concluded that, following an antigenic stimulation, potentially competent cells undergo differentiation and somatic division leads to the appearance of non-dividing, antibody-containing plasma cells. (C.H.)
Role of NF-κB in the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Tocotrienols

The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors regulates genes that are critical for inflammation and immunity. In most cells, NF-kappaB function is induced upon activation of cells by various stimuli. However, constitutive NF-kappaB activity is an equally important aspect of NF-kappaB function that is particularly relevant to chronic inflammation and cancer. Here, we provide a brief overview of NF-kappaB biology and discuss the role of NF-kappaB in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of tocotrienols The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors is a central player in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses. Consequently, NF-kappaB dysregulation has been implicated in diverse human pathologies ranging from autoimmune diseases to cancers. Additionally, there is considerable interest in the contribution of NF-kappaB-mediated chronic inflammation in aging. Because NF-kappaB-dependent gene regulation is important in virtually all mammalian cell types, it is critical to keep in mind some basic features of its functions when considering interventional therapeutics.
Boundary layer versus free tropospheric CO budget and variability over the United States during summertime

[1] The regional Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) version 3.2 is used to analyze the carbon monoxide (CO) budget and spatiotemporal variability over the United States in summer 2008. CO tracers for different emission sources are used to separate the modeled CO fields into the contributions from individual sources (pollution inflow to the model domain, chemical production within the model domain, and local emissions by type). The implementation of tagged CO tracers into WRF-Chem constitutes an innovative aspect of this work. We evaluate WRF-Chem CO concentrations using aircraft, satellite, and surface observations. The model reproduces fairly well the observed CO concentrations for the entire altitude range but tends to underestimate fire emissions and overestimate anthropogenic sources and CO from pollution inflow. Evaluation results also show that the model gives a good representation of background CO mixing ratios with mean biases better than ∼15 ppbv in the free troposphere (FT) and less than 20 ppbv toward the surface. The analysis of the CO budget over the contiguous United States shows that at the surface, CO from inflow is the dominant source, with a mean relative contribution of 63 ± 19%. Anthropogenic and photochemically produced CO contribute to surface CO to a lesser extent (18 ± 14% and 14 ± 8%, respectively). The average contribution from fire emissions to surface CO during the period examined is small (2 ± 5%) but can have a large impact in certain regions and times. Similar trends are found in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). In the FT, the average CO relative contributions are estimated as 84 ± 12% for CO from inflow, 5 ± 4% for anthropogenic CO, 9 ± 7% for photochemically produced CO, and 1 ± 5% for CO from fires. Using WRF-Chem simulations, we also examine the representation of surface and PBL CO concentration variability that would be captured by current near infrared (NIR) and thermal infrared (TIR) satellite observations. We find that CO total columns are impacted by variability in the lowermost troposphere (LMT) at the ∼10% level, indicating limited sensitivity for air quality applications. The same is generally true for the FT CO column obtained from TIR measurements, although this does provide a good measure for capturing the pollution inflow variability and is therefore valuable in providing initial and boundary conditions to constrain regional models. We further analyze the situations under which the LMT concentrations obtained from recently demonstrated multispectral (NIR + TIR) observations capture the surface CO variability.
Social economics: where has it gone?

Reports statistics that show that the number of economics majors in the USA achieved a peak in 1989‐90 but had declined by 11 percent by 1993 and experienced further 8.8 percent drop from 1992‐93 to 1993‐94 while at the same time the number of overall Bachelor’s degrees granted in all fields climbed steadily. Examines the possible causes for this decline in numbers and explores two possible outcomes and their effects on the discipline of economics.
Building business from technology: the Sandia experience

The paper describes New Ventures, a new initiative at Sandia National Laboratories that encourages the creation of new businesses based on laboratory technology as a timely, efficient means of technology transfer. Sandia's New Ventures program has shown that a dedicated effort can produce significant results. In the three years prior to this program's launch, just two ventures per year on average were created based on laboratory technology. By comparison, the New Ventures program has enabled 20 new ventures in its first nine months of full operation. Our experience has yielded several lessons: most ventures result from Sandia entrepreneurs, from technologies that are well matched to market needs, and from laboratory projects that are ready for production; entrepreneurship issues are tremendously complex, requiring policy changes to reduce risk, manage intellectual property and licensing determinations, plan for potential conflicts of interest, and tailor other strategies; a new ventures program must advocate these policy changes, assist entrepreneurs, put significant effort into matching outside companies to inside technologies, and identify lab projects ready for manufacture; connection to the local business community is vital to good commercialization matches and to the development of Sandia entrepreneurs; lab employees are far more interested in pursuing Technology Transfer Leaves of Absence than anticipated.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of the Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies

The observation that anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies dramatically reduce joint pain and inflammation and retard radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has created a considerable amount of enthusiasm among rheumatologists and has set new treatment standards for patients with inflammatory joint disease. A central question that has emerged is whether these agents are effective in treating the seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA). A related question is whether second-line agents such as methotrexate (MTX) can improve axial inflammation and functional measures if administered early in disease. The SpA are a cluster of inflammatory arthridites encompassing ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Reiter’s syndrome/reactive arthritis (ReA), and the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease. These disorders share similar clinical and immunogenetic features including axial arthritis and enthesopathy, a general predilection for males and patients positive for the MHC class I alleles, the absence of rheumatoid factor, and association with infections of the intestinal and genitourinary tracts. Reclassification of SpA based on axial or peripheral involvement may be more relevant from a pathophysiologic and therapeutic perspective than the current stratification, given the strong association between axial disease and the HLAB27 allele and the relative resistance of axial disease to conventional anti-inflammatory therapy.
Retina-simulating phantom for optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a rapidly growing imaging modality, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. Accurate early diagnosis of diseases requires consistent and validated imaging performance. In contrast to more well-established medical imaging modalities, no standardized test methods currently exist for OCT quality assurance. We developed a retinal phantom which mimics the thickness and near-infrared optical properties of each anatomical retinal layer as well as the surface topography of the foveal pit. The fabrication process involves layer-by-layer spin coating of nanoparticle-embedded silicone films followed by laser micro-etching to modify the surface topography. The thickness of each layer and dimensions of the foveal pit are measured with high precision. The phantom is embedded into a commercially available, water-filled model eye to simulate ocular dispersion and emmetropic refraction, and for ease of use with clinical OCT systems. The phantom was imaged with research and clinical OCT systems to assess image quality and software accuracy. Our results indicate that this phantom may serve as a useful tool to evaluate and standardize OCT performance.
Comparison of the properties of CLCA1 generated currents and ICl(Ca) in murine portal vein smooth muscle cells

Calcium-activated chloride currents (ICl(Ca)) have been recorded in various smooth muscle cells but, to date, there has been no information as to the molecular nature of the channel underlying this conductance. We have characterised native ICl(Ca) in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells isolated from murine portal vein using whole-cell voltage clamp. ICl(Ca) exhibited time-dependent activation at depolarised potentials and rapid deactivation upon repolarisation. The reversal potential of ICl(Ca) was close to the theoretical equilibrium potential (ECl) and was shifted by replacement of external Cl− by SCN− or isethionate. Dithiothreitol (DTT, 1 mm), a blocker of CLCA1, had no effect on the ICl(Ca) current in myocytes. RT-PCR demonstrated the expression of mCLCA1 transcripts, but not mCLCA3 transcripts, in various murine smooth muscle cells including portal vein, as well as cardiomyocytes, and the levels of mCLCA1 transcriptional expression were quantified by real time quantitative RT-PCR. Stable transfection of HEK293 cells with the cDNA encoding mCLCA1 cloned from murine portal vein smooth muscle yielded a current with notable differences in Ca2+ sensitivity, channel kinetics and modulation by DTT from the native ICl(Ca). However, there was some similarity in the pore properties and these data suggest that mCLCA1 alone does not comprise the Cl− channel in portal vein smooth muscle cells.
Bruce W. Wardropper 1919-2004

Bruce W. Wardropper died in Durham, North Carolina, on 6 January 2004. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Palmer Wardropper, his son Ian Bruce Wardropper, and his granddaughter Chloe. At the time of...
Maltreated and Nonmaltreated Children’s Knowledge of the Juvenile Dependency Court System

The current study examined age differences in maltreated and nonmaltreated children's knowledge of juvenile dependency court vocabulary and proceedings. One hundred and sixty-seven children aged 4-14 years were questioned about their understanding of legal vocabulary and about the content of a story depicting a child involved in dependency court. Age-related increases emerged across all measures of children's legal understanding. Direct experience with the dependency system was also related to the accuracy of children's legal knowledge. Children with greater experience in the dependency system were more knowledgeable than children with no such experience, although even the oldest maltreated children with considerable dependency system experience evidenced some deficits in legal knowledge. Overall, findings suggest children and adolescents involved in dependency proceedings need help understanding some aspects of the dependency process, and this need exists regardless of whether children have been involved in cases ongoing for some time.
“What we need is communication”: “Communication” as a cultural category in some American speech

"Communication” is examined as a cultural term whose meaning is problematic in selected instances of American speech about interpersonal life. An ethnographic study, focusing on analysis of several cultural “texts,” reveals that in the discourse examined here, “communication” refers, to close, supportive, flexible speech, which functions as the “work” necessary to self‐definition and interpersonal bonding. “Communication,” thus defined, is shown to find its place in a “communication” ritual, the structure of which is delineated. The use of the definition formulated, and of the ideational context which surrounds it, is illustrated in an analysis of a recurring public drama, the “communication” theme shows on the Phil Donahue television program. Implications of the study are drawn for ethnography as a form of communication inquiry.
Patients with diabetes requiring emergency department care for hypoglycaemia: characteristics and long-term outcomes determined from multiple data sources

Aim To triangulate three data sources and report the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with diabetes requiring emergency department (ED) care for hypoglycaemia. Method Three data sources were used—ambulance electronic records, hospital episode statistics and patient administration system. Hypoglycaemia (capillary blood glucose Results Using the three sources, there were 165 hypoglycaemia-related attendances in 132 patients with diabetes [type 1–59 episodes in 43 patients, type 2–106 episodes in 89 patients (therapy—54 (51%) insulin, 35 (33%) sulfonylurea, 11 (10%) both, 6 (6%) others)]. At best only 65% of episodes would have been identified were a single data source used. Patients with type 2 vs type 1 diabetes were older (median age 79 vs 61 years, p 2 , p=0.019) and lower HbA1c (median 6.7% vs 8.4%, p Conclusions Dependence on a single data source would have at best identified only 65% of episodes. One-third of episodes were sulfonylurea related in patients with type 2 diabetes, and one-fourth of all patients with diabetes who required ED care for hypoglycaemia died the following year.
MRI of pelvic neurofibromatosis

Pelvic neurofibromatosis is a rare disease and rarely involves the prostate. A 19-year-old male presented with irritative and obstructive voiding symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass extending from the sacral promontory to the perirectal and perivesical spaces and to the proximal root of the penis. The mass also involved the prostate. The characteristics of the mass were highly suggestive for neurofibroma. Prostate biopsy showed neurofibroma, and the immunohistochemistry stain for S-100 protein was positive.
Ferromagnetic behavior in linear charge-transfer complexes. Structural and magnetic characterization of octamethylferrocene salts: [Fe(C5Me4H)2]•+[A]•− (A=TCNE, TCNQ)

The reaction of Fe{sup II}({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}H){sub 2} with cyano acceptors A (A = TCNE (tetracyanoethylene), TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quanodimethane), n-C{sub 4}(CN){sub 6} (n-hexacyanobutadiene), C{sub 6}(CN){sub 6} (tris(dicyanomethylene)cyclopropane), DDQ (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone), TCNQF{sub 4} (perfluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane) results in formation of 1:1 charge-transfer salts of (Fe{sup III})(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}H){sub 2}){sup {sm bullet}+}(A){sup {sm bullet}{minus}} composition. The TCNE and TCNQ complexes have been structurally characterized. The high-temperature magnetic susceptibility for polycrystalline samples of these complexes can be fit by the Curie-Qeiss law, {chi} = C(T-{theta}){sup {minus}1}, with {theta} = +0.5 {plus minus} 2.2 K, and {mu}{sub eff} ranges from 2.71 to 3.97 {mu}{sub B}, suggesting that the polycrystalline samples measured had varying degrees of orientation. The 7.0 K EPR spectrum of the radical cation exhibits an axially symmetric powder pattern with g{sub {parallel}} = 4.11 and g{sub {perpendicular}} = 1.42, and the EPR parameters are essentially identical with those reported for ferrocenium and decamethylferrocenium. No EPR spectrum is observed at 78 K. Akin to the (Fe(C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}){sup {sm bullet}+} salts, these salts have {sup 57}Fe Moessbauer spectra consistent with complete charge transfer; however, unlike the case for the former complexes, quadrupole splittings of 0.30 and 0.220 mm/s are observed at 4.8 and 298 K,more » respectively. The absence of strong interionic magnetic coupling for the (Fe(C{sub 5}Me{sub 4}H){sub 2}){sup {sm bullet}+} salts contrasts with the behavior of the (Fe(C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}){sup {sm bullet}+} salts. 26 refs., 13 figs., 8 tabs.« less
Source of Protein Affecting the Vitamin B6 Requirement of Chicks

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different plant protein meals on the vitamin B6 requirement of broiler chicks. Soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and safflower meal were added to semipurified rations deficient in vitamin B6 to contribute 60% of the protein (Experiment 1) or 40 % of the protein (Experiment 2). The rest of the protein in the rations was supplied by isolated soy protein. Vitamin B6 was added at 0, .5, and 5.0 mg/kg levels. No response to vitamin B6 supplementation was noted in the first experiment in spite of marginally adequate vitamin B6 in soybean meal rations (3 mg/kg) and low levels of vitamin B6, in the cottonseed meal and safflower meal rations (1.7 and 1.9 mg/kg, respectively). When the vitamin B6, was further reduced to 2.1, 1.2, and 1.3 mg/kg for the soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and safflower meal rations, respectively (Experiment 2), a significant reduction in growth was noted in the group fed soybean meal with .5 mg vitamin B6 /kg. The type of protein significantly influenced the requirement of chicks for vitamin B6 since the soybean meal diet with more vitamin B6 needed more supplementation of vitamin B6 for optimum growth than the safflower meal or cottonseed meal containing diets. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase activities further supported the growth data.
An acute intratracheal selenium study: immediate effects on respiration in guinea pigs.

Pulmonary function was assessed in non-sensitized male guinea pigs (206–445 g) before and after intratracheal (ITr) treatment with saline or selenium (Se, 0.06 mg/100 g body weight) as selenium dioxide (SeO2) or seleno-l-methionine (SeM). Pulmonary functional parameters such as the respiratory rate (f), tidal volume (TV), dynamic lung compliance (Cdynl) and lung resistance (Rl) were determined using the respiratory flow (F) signal and the transpulmonary signal obtained via the intrapleural pressure (P) from the animal. Although, pulmonary dysfunction was observable with exposure to two different Se compounds, the SeO2-induced changes in f and Rl were significant (P<0.05). Treatment with SeM did not result in alteration of any of the parameters significantly. Results indicated that acute ITr SeO2 exposure affects respiration precipitated by a significantly decreased f and an increased Rl unlike after SeM. The Cdynl did not change significantly after treatment with either of the two Se compounds. Comparing the immediate effects of the two different Se compounds on respiration, acute ITr SeO2 exposure was found to be more detrimental to pulmonary function than SeM.
Gaseous Mercury Release during Steam Curing of Aerated Concretes That Contain Fly Ash and Activated Carbon Sorbent

Gaseous mercury released from aerated concrete during both presteam curing at 25 °C and steam curing at 80 °C was measured in controlled laboratory experiments. Mercury release originated from two major components in the concrete mixture: (1) class F coal fly ash and (2) a mixture of the fly ash and powdered activated carbon onto which elemental mercury was adsorbed. Mercury emitted during each curing cycle was collected on iodated carbon traps in a purge-and-trap arrangement and subsequently measured by cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Through 3 h of presteam curing, the release of mercury from the freshly prepared mixture was less than 0.03 ng/kg of concrete. Releases of total mercury over the 21 h steam curing process ranged from 0.4 to 5.8 ng of mercury/kg of concrete and depended upon mercury concentrations in the concrete. The steam-cured concrete had a higher mercury release rate (ng kg−1 h−1) compared to air-cured concrete containing fly ash, but the shorter curing interval resulted in...
Quantifying RNA–protein interactions in situ using modified-MTRIPs and proximity ligation

The stabilization, translation and degradation of RNA are regulated by interactions between trans-acting factors, such as microRNA and RNA-binding proteins (RBP). In order to investigate the relationships between these events and their significance, a method that detects the localization of these interactions within a single cell, as well as their variability across a cell population, is needed. To visualize and quantify RNA-protein interactions in situ, we developed a proximity ligation assay (PLA) that combined peptide-modified, multiply-labelled tetravalent RNA imaging probes (MTRIPs), targeted to sequences near RBP binding sites, with proximity ligation and rolling circle amplification (RCA). Using this method, we detected and quantified, with single-interaction sensitivity, the localization and frequency of interactions of the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) nucleocapsid protein (N) with viral genomic RNA (gRNA). We also described the effects of actinomycin D (actD) on the interactions of HuR with β-actin mRNA and with poly(A)+ mRNA at both native and increased HuR expression levels.
Older men's experiences of living with severe visual impairment

Background. Little is known about how men react to their health and illness experiences. Lack of information about the lives of older men is unfortunate considering the anticipated growth of the older male sector of society and the fact that older men age differently than older women. One health-related experience common to many older men is severe visual impairment caused by macular degeneration, a chronic eye disease that affects central vision. Understanding the health experiences of older men is imperative if nurses are to provide quality care to this growing segment of society. Aim. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of severe visual impairment from the perspective of older men with macular degeneration. Method. A phenomenological approach was used to investigate the experience of severe visual impairment in eight older men with macular degeneration. Data were gathered through audiotaped interviews and analysed using a modified Giorgi method. Findings. The resultant general structural description revealed six central themes: (1) older men's lives were circumscribed by what they could and could not see and could and could not do, (2) cherishing of independence, (3) creation of strategies, (4) acknowledgment of the progression of visual impairment, (5) confrontation of uncertainties, scepticisms, and fears about their diagnosis and treatment, and (6) persistence with hope and optimism. Conclusions. A thorough nursing history and assessment must be completed, including information about the progression of the visual impairment, strategies used for living with visual loss, and presence of other health problems that may complicate life with visual impairment. Nurses must be aware that older men with macular degeneration are often sceptical about their diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, careful education and clear communication are essential.