cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attockicetus praecursor, A New Remingtonocetid Cetacean from Marine Eocene Sediments of Pakistan

A new early-to-middle Eocene cetacean from the Kala Chitta Hills of northern Pakistan is described: Attockicetus praecursor new genus and species. It is based on fragmentary cranial material, including a rostral fragment, P3–M3, endocast, and ectotympanic. Attockicetus is the first remingtonocetid from northern Pakistan, and the oldest member of its family. Attockicetus praecursor is smaller than the species of the other remingtonocetid genera, Remingtonocetus, Andrewsiphius, and Dalanistes. It is also more primitive in the retention of large protocones on the upper molars and the anterior position of the orbit. Known material for Attockicetus is fragmentary, but the taxon is important because it extends the geographic and temporal range of remingtonocetids, is one of the few remingtonocetids in which toothcrowns are preserved, and because it is probably the most plesiomorphic remingtonocetid.
NAD + promotes assembly of the active tetramer of aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the redox cofactor of many enzymes, including the vast aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) superfamily. Although the function of NAD(H) in hydride transfer is established, its influence on protein structure is less understood. Herein, we show that NAD+ -binding promotes assembly of the ALDH7A1 tetramer. Multiangle light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and sedimentation velocity all show a pronounced shift of the dimer-tetramer equilibrium toward the tetramer when NAD+ is present. Furthermore, electron microscopy shows that cofactor binding enhances tetramer formation even at the low enzyme concentration used in activity assays, suggesting the tetramer is the active species. Altogether, our results suggest that the catalytically active oligomer of ALDH7A1 is assembled on demand in response to cofactor availability.
Platelet-rich plasma and its utility in the treatment of acne scars: A systematic review.

The field of dermatology has seen numerous therapeutic innovations in the past decade, with platelet-rich plasma recently garnering significant interest in acne scarring. This review consolidates the available evidence on platelet-rich plasma for the practicing dermatologist and evaluates the current evidence up to May 31, 2018. A search was conducted in the PubMed database for the terms platelet-rich plasma or platelet releasate or platelet gel or PRP and dermatology or skin or acne or scar or cutaneous, with 13 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The quality of each individual study was evaluated, and levels of evidence were assigned according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom. This review reveals that activated, leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma in combination with fractional ablative laser treatment administered in 2 or 3 sequential sessions 1 month apart improves the appearance of acne scars. The evidence for the use of platelet-rich plasma with microneedling is less supportive. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies and widely variable outcome measures, comparison between platelet-rich plasma treatments and subsequent statistical analysis could not be performed. Although these studies use various subjective and objective evaluation methods, the addition of platelet-rich plasma provides improvements in acne scarring, higher patient satisfaction, and decreased postprocedure downtime.
Genetic analysis of environment-sensitive genic male sterile rice under US environments

Two line hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding uses environment-sensitive genic male sterile (EGMS) lines to produce sterile or fertile pollen depending on daylength and/or temperature. There is limited information on the performance and genetic control of EGMS lines under U.S. environments. Therefore, genetic characterization of two F2 and four BC1F2 populations derived from EGMS line 2009S was conducted under Louisiana field conditions. Chi squared analyses in the F2 and BC1F2 populations indicated that pollen sterility under high temperature and long daylength field conditions was controlled by a single recessive gene. Sequence comparisons at locus LOC_Os02g12290 between 2009S, CL161 (USDA-AMS 2002) and published sequences of G63S and Nipponbare revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that has been detected previously in several EGMS lines. Due to high GC content, a CEL1 nuclease assay was used to detect SNPs associated with pollen sterility in 177 F2 and 59 BC1F2 sampled individuals. A high percentage of lines (90–100%) across all segregating populations were identified correctly as pollen sterile using the CEL 1 assay. Results from this study suggest that single-gene control of pollen sterility in EGMS line 2009S will be compatible with a two-line system for U.S. hybrid rice development.
Effects of elevated temperature on gonadal functions, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress in Atlantic sea urchin Arbacia punculata.

Increasing seawater temperature affects growth, reproduction and development in marine organisms. In this study, we examined the effects of elevated temperatures on reproductive functions, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and nitrotyrosine protein (NTP, an indicator of reactive nitrogen species) expressions, protein carbonyl (PC, an indicator of oxidative stress) contents, cellular apoptosis, and coelomic fluid (CF) conditions in Atlantic sea urchin. Sea urchins were housed in six aquaria with control (24 °C) and elevated temperatures (28 °C and 32 °C) for a 7-day period. After exposure, sea urchins exhibited decreased percentages of gametes (eggs/sperm), as well as increased HSP70 and NTP expressions in eggs and spermatogenic cells, increased gonadal apoptosis, and decreased CF pH compared to controls. PC contents were also significantly increased in gonadal tissues at higher temperatures. These results suggest that elevated temperature acidifies CF, increases oxidative stress and gonadal apoptosis, and results in impairment of reproductive functions in sea urchins.
The Probing Behavior Component of Disease Transmission in Insect-Transmitted Bacterial Plant Pathogens

Insects can be effective vectors of plant diseases and this may result in billions of dollars in lost agricultural productivity. New, emerging or introduced diseases will continue to cause extensive damage in afflicted areas. Understanding how the vector acquires the pathogen and inoculates new hosts is critical in developing effective management strategies. Management may be an insecticide applied to kill the vector or a host plant resistance mechanism to make the host plant less suitable for the vector. In either case, the tactic must act before the insect performs the key behavior(s) resulting in either acquisition or transmission. This requires knowledge of the timing of behaviors the insect uses to probe the plant and commence ingestion. These behaviors are visualized using electropenetrography (EPG), wherein the plant and insect become part of an electrical circuit. With the tools to define specific steps in the probing process, we can understand the timing of acquisition and inoculation. With that understanding comes the potential for more relevant testing of management strategies, through insecticides or host plant resistance. The primary example will be Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus transmitted by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama in the citrus agroecosystem, with additional examples used as appropriate.
Parenthood, Maturation, and Desistance: Examining Parenthood Transition Effects on Maturation Domains and Subsequent Reoffending

We employ Rocque's (Criminology & Criminal Justice, 15(3), 340–360, 2015) integrated maturation theory of desistance to examine the impact of parenthood on four maturation domains and on desistance from self-reported offending among a sample of serious adolescent offenders. Using a subsample from the Pathways to Desistance panel (N = 1221), we employ Bayesian mixed-effect growth curve models to examine whether transition to parenthood shocks growth to maturation domains, whether growth in maturation domains is associated with self-reported offending, and whether any effects differ between males and females. The analysis suggests that, particularly for males, parenthood does have some effect on the growth of certain maturation domains, and that maturation domains are variably associated with offending for both males and females, but that parenthood does not affect offending through its impact on maturation. The relationship between parenthood and desistance from offending remains unclear. Parenthood appears to affect maturation, and maturation appears to affect offending, but the connection between these concepts needs further research. Concerning integrated maturation theory and similar perspectives, future research should reassess age-graded, “role transition” theories of desistance considering evolving meanings of adulthood.
Nonparametric tests of independence based on interpoint distances

We present novel tests for the hypothesis of independence when the number of variables is larger than the number of vector observations. We show that two multivariate normal vectors are independent...
Clinical vs Microscopic Extranodal Extension and Survival in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma in the Human Papillomavirus Era.

ObjectiveExtranodal extension (ENE) is known to be associated with poor outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of extent of ENE on s...
Antibody testing will enhance the power and accuracy of COVID-19-prevention trials.

Researchers starting clinical trials of prevention measures for COVID-19 have a unique window of opportunity for collecting blood from the participants, at baseline and at the end of the trial, to be able to incorporate critical data into their analysis once serological tests for the causative coronavirus become available.
Reduced synaptic vesicle protein 2A binding in temporal lobe epilepsy: A [11 C]UCB-J positron emission tomography study.

OBJECTIVE In this positron emission tomography (PET) study with [11 C]UCB-J, we evaluated synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) binding, which is decreased in resected brain tissues from epilepsy patients, in subjects with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and compared the regional binding pattern to [18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. METHODS Twelve TLE subjects and 12 control subjects were examined. Regional [11 C]UCB-J binding potential (BPND ) values were estimated using the centrum semiovale as a reference region. [18 F]FDG uptake in TLE subjects was quantified using mean radioactivity values. Asymmetry in outcome measures was assessed by comparison of ipsilateral and contralateral regions. Partial volume correction (PVC) with the iterative Yang algorithm was applied based on the FreeSurfer segmentation. RESULTS In 11 TLE subjects with medial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTS), the hippocampal volumetric asymmetry was 25 ± 11%. After PVC, [11 C]UCB-J BPND asymmetry indices were 37 ± 19% in the hippocampus, with very limited asymmetry in other brain regions. Reductions in [11 C]UCB-J BPND values were restricted to the sclerotic hippocampus when compared to control subjects. The corresponding asymmetry in hippocampal [18 F]FDG uptake was 22 ± 7% and correlated with that of [11 C]UCB-J BPND across subjects (R2 = .38). Hippocampal asymmetries in [11 C]UCB-J binding were 1.7-fold larger than those of [18 F]FDG uptake. SIGNIFICANCE [11 C]UCB-J binding is reduced in the seizure onset zone of TLE subjects with MTS. PET imaging of SV2A may be a promising biomarker approach in the presurgical selection and evaluation of TLE patients and may improve the sensitivity of molecular imaging for seizure focus detection.
Perspective/Review: Regulating telomere length from the inside out: The replication fork model

Abstract Telomere length is regulated around an equilibrium set point. Telomeres shorten during replication and are lengthened by telomerase. Disruption of the length equilibrium leads to disease, thus it is important to understand the mechanisms that regulate length at the molecular level. The prevailing protein counting model for regulating telomerase access to elongate the telomere does not explain accumulating evidence of a role of DNA replication in telomere length regulation. Here I present an alternative model: the replication fork model that can explain how passage of a replication fork and regulation of origin firing affect telomere length.
Design of Hydrolytically Resorbable and Biocompatible Polyethylene Glycol Crosslinkers for Facile Control of Hydrogel Degradation

Hydrogels are increasingly important biomaterials due to their high biocompatibility and ability to mimic soft tissues. Many applications require biodegradable hydrogels, which can control release of encapsulated cells and molecules without requiring device removal from the body afterward. Hydrogels offering tunable, controlled degradability while also preserving cell viability or protein stability are increasingly in demand. Here, we have designed hydrolytically degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) crosslinkers for use in hydrogels. Degradation is controlled by the crosslinkers' chemical structure, by introducing local hydrophobicity, steric hindrance or electron-withdrawing moieties to the vicinity of a degradable ester bond. Hydrogels made using these crosslinkers had gelation times from 1 to 22 minutes, storage moduli from 3 to 10 kPa, mesh size from 7 to 13 nm, and degradation times from 18 hours to 16 days. When reaction conditions were modified to achieve similar thiol deprotonation rates and gelation time, the differences in hydrogel initial properties were minimized, while differences in degradation rates remained. All crosslinkers were cytocompatible and supported high cell viability upon hydrogel encapsulation and upon cell exposure to hydrogel leachables and degradation products. The developed hydrogels will be useful in applications that require materials of controlled degradation, such as drug delivery or as matrices for cell encapsulation and transplantation.
ApoE and immunity in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies: Low-density lipoprotein receptor to the rescue

In this issue of Neuron, Shi et al. (2021) show a protective role for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in tau pathology. Brain overexpression of LDLR lowers apolipoprotein E (apoE), suppresses microglial activation, preserves myelin, and ameliorates neurodegeneration, pointing the way toward potential new therapies.
Not all flaps are created equal: Assessing the impact of active smoking in muscle-only versus perforator flaps for patients undergoing nonelective extremity-free tissue transfer-A case control study.

Introduction Active smoking is known to impair wound healing following free tissue transfer for reconstruction due to its vasoconstrictive effect on the microcirculation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of flap selection on flap loss, in nonelective, traumatic extremity-free soft tissue transfer in active smokers. Methods All patients undergoing a free tissue transfer for acute trauma of the extremity at a level I trauma center from 2011 to 2017 were identified. Breast reconstruction and osseous/osseocutaneous flaps were excluded. The study population was divided in two groups based on the type of flap used (muscle versus perforator flap). Factors known to be associated with impaired wound healing were extracted from the database. Primary outcome was major smoking related complications (complete/partial flap loss). Secondary outcomes included minor flap-related complications (infection, dehiscence) and donor site complications. The impact of smoking was assessed for the different type of flaps using multivariate analyses. Results A total of 118 flaps were identified during the study period. Out of those, 52 were perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps, while 66 were muscle flaps. Active smoking status resulted in a statistically significant increase in the incidence of major and minor complications in the perforator flap group (36% vs. 4%, adjusted odds ratio, AOR [95%CI]: 2.31[1.48,19.30], adj-p = 0.021 and 32% vs. 17%, AOR [95% CI]: 1.23[1.11,14.31], adj-p = 0.034) but had no impact in the muscle group. Conclusions The present study suggests a higher incidence of flap related complications in smokers when a perforator flap was selected but no impact when a muscle flap was utilized.
Variations in pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic target values across MICs and their potential impact on determination of susceptibility test interpretive criteria.

Background An antibacterial drug's susceptibility test interpretive criteria (STIC) are determined by integrating clinical, microbiological and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) data. PTA analysis plays a pivotal or supportive role in STIC determination and is heavily dependent on the PK-PD target values determined from animal PK-PD studies. Therefore, variations in PK-PD target values may impact STIC determination. Factors contributing to variation in the PK-PD target values include the number of and MICs for bacterial isolates used in animal PK-PD studies. Objectives To analyse the relationship between PK-PD target values and MICs, describe the variations in PK-PD target values of isolates and evaluate whether the proposed/target STICs were within the ranges of the MICs for isolates used in animal PK-PD studies. Methods A database was compiled for this research by screening animal PK-PD study reports submitted to the FDA from 10 new drug applications (NDAs). Results A relationship evaluation between PK-PD target values and MICs for tested isolates for seven drugs (that used AUC/MIC ratio as the PK-PD index) showed that, generally, the AUC/MIC values decreased with an increase in MIC. These target values were highly variable, with the percentage coefficient of variation ranging between 1% and 132% for isolates having the same MIC. For 16/27 (59%) drug/bacteria combinations from all 10 drugs, the proposed/target STICs were higher than the highest MIC for bacteria isolates evaluated, while 6/27 (22.5%) were lower. Conclusions This research suggests that careful considerations related to selection of bacterial isolates for animal PK-PD studies could strengthen the STIC determination process.
Legitimacy and Abuse in Biopharmacological Experimentation in Animals

(1991). Legitimacy and Abuse in Biopharmacological Experimentation in Animals. Global Bioethics: Vol. 4, No. 13, pp. 15-19.
Cortical Evoked Responses from Stimulation of Various Regions of the Visual Field

Visual evoked responses have been recorded in normal subjects to half field (15° disc) and quarter field stimulation. The stimulus was a flashed checkerboard pattern in a light adapted surround (100 ft-L). Monopolar recording from multiple electrode positions was used to obtain potential graphs and equi-potential contour maps of the posterior scalp.
Chapter 33. Organocopper Reagents

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses chemistry of organocopper reagents such as alkylcopper reagents, allylcopper reagents, vinylcopper reagents,and mixed cuprate (I) reagents. The most significant and recent contribution to the understanding of conjugate additions of dialkyl cuprates to enones comes from House's correlation of enone-reduction potentials with 1, 4-additions. As a qualitative rule, unsaturated esters and ketones, which have reduction potentials lying in the range of minus 1.64 up to 2.3 volts, react rapidly with lithium dimethylcuprate to form conjugate addition products. The vinylcuprate is prepared from the corresponding lithium species, which in turn are obtained by metallation of the trans-vinyl iodide. The conjugate addition is highly stereospecific and yields diastereomeric trans-isomers. Further, some of the practical limitations of various organocuprate reagents include the use of thermally unstable sec- and tert- alkyl cuprates and the need for a large excess of copper reagent to obtain high conversions. The advent of using inert ligands as part of the mixed cuprates enhances the stability of the cuprates in some cases and maximizes the efficiency of transferring desired organic ligands.
Treatment of cryptorchidism. Long-term prospective study.

Abstract We have presented preliminary findings on a long-term prospective study designed to (1) assess timing of orchiopexy, (2) eliminate unnecessary abdominal exploratory surgery, and (3) determine efficacy of orchiopexy on subsequent fertility and on malignant degeneration. Some suggestions for the management of this common congenital defect can be provided, but long-term results are lacking. A significant drop-out rate from this prospective study is expected with time; therefore, large patient numbers are needed to draw any valid conclusions at the time of postpubertal reassessment.
A preliminary analysis of the effects of coaching feedback on teacher implementation fidelity of first step to success.

First Step to Success (FSS) is a “manualized” intervention with documented effectiveness in reducing problem behaviors for young children at risk for school failure. This study is a preliminary analysis focusing on the role of performance feedback from FSS coaches on the fidelity with which teachers implemented FSS. Three typically developing students (2 kindergarten and 1 first grade) and their respective teachers served as participants. Student behavior and teacher implementation fidelity were assessed using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across student/teacher dyads, in which a no coaching baseline was followed by a performance feedback condition. The baseline phase showed modest levels of implementation fidelity and initial low levels of problem behavior followed by gradually increasing trends. A relation was demonstrated between coaching feedback and improved implementation fidelity. In addition, improved fidelity was associated with improvements in student problem behavior. Implications are drawn for clinical application of FSS and other “manualized” interventions.
Activation of Succinate Dehydrogenase by Anions and pH

Abstract Succinate dehydrogenase in the deactivated form becomes activated on incubation at mildly acid pH to an extent dependent on the pH, type of anion present, and the concentration of the anion. The equilibrium level established under one set of conditions can be perturbed by changing either the pH or the anion concentration and the resulting level of activation reflects the new set of conditions. The rate of activation is influenced by the temperature, the anion concentration, and the pH when simple anions (e.g. Br-) are used, but the energy of activation is not affected by either pH or anion concentration. The value found for the activation energy (Ea) is 25 Cal per mole. In contrast, when activation of the enzyme is mediated by succinate, malonate, or reduced coenzyme Q10, the Ea value is 31 to 33 Cal per mole. Although this difference in energies of activation suggests that activation by mild acid and anions involves a different mechanism, no difference in the catalytic activity of preparations activated by these different methods is detected.
Aerosol production from the surface of the Great Lakes

[1] While much is known about marine aerosol generation, little is known about aerosol produced from breaking waves in large freshwater environments or about what implications this aerosol may have for air quality and climate. We present here evidence of significant particle production from the surface of the Great Lakes. In 2009, vertical profiles of the submicron particle size distribution were measured over Lake Michigan, where we found substantial increases in ultrafine particle concentrations with the source at or near the lake surface. The Aitken mode aerosol concentration exhibits an exponential correlation with wind speed, suggesting that breaking waves along the surface were causing the observed particle formation. A calculated dry particle size distribution based on analysis of the lake water shows reasonable agreement with our observed size spectra. This new particle production source is previously un-studied and could significantly impact atmospheric composition in the region surrounding fresh water lakes.
Natural and Synthetic CCK‐58

CCK-58 is a unique reagent for testing how segments of a peptide far removed from its active site can influence the expression of its biological activity. Indications of tertiary structure have come from studies with natural peptide purified from canine small intestine. These studies gave clear indications that tertiary structure affects CCK-58 bioactivity, but the small quantities of CCK-58 available made it impossible to characterize completely how tertiary structure influenced bioactivity. Canine CCK-58 was synthesized manually using a solid support and was purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Synthetic CCK-58 was characterized by isocratic reverse phase and gradient HPLC, amino acid analysis, mass spectral analysis, sequence analysis, and three bioassays. Synthetic and natural canine CCK-58 had the same elution profiles, amino acid composition, sequence, and mass. The two peptides were equipotent for the stimulation of pancreatic secretion. Natural canine CCK-58 was equipotent to CCK-8 for CCK "B" receptor binding, a further indication of the purity of the natural peptide. However, natural CCK-58 was more potent than CCK-8 for CCK "A" receptor binding and less potent than CCK-8 for stimulation of pancreatic secretion. These data support the concept that CCK-58 has a stable tertiary structure. This structure does not affect its binding to CCK "B" receptors, enhances its binding to low affinity CCK "A" receptors, and decreases its activity expressed through binding to high affinity CCK "A" receptors. The concept of a stable tertiary structure is also supported by the fact that many antibodies directed towards the carboxyl terminus of cholecystokinin react better with CCK-8 than CCK-58. The availability of synthetic CCK-58 will allow analysis of its tertiary structure by physical and chemical methods as well as studies on how peptide tertiary structure can affect receptor binding, receptor activation, metabolism in blood, degradation in interstitial fluid, and inactivation at the receptor. Evaluating all of these systems will help investigators understand the regulation of cholecystokinin activity by its major endocrine form, CCK-58.
Spatial management of information

Methods of spatially managing data are currently under study at the Architecture Machine Group. Management concepts are drawn from everyday examples of paper and document handling. However, the work elaborates data types to include: animation, movies, and sound-sync computer graphics.Beyond the application of management information systems, the paper portrays a sophisticated surround of keyboardless, interactive, and large scale graphics. Computer graphics, image processing, and broadcast are viewed as one. The system includes three frame buffers, four minicomputers, two touch sensitive displays, an octophonic sound system, and an MCA Optical Videodisc.
Tip Based Nanomanipulation Through Successive Directional Push

Nanomanipulation refers to the process of transporting nanoscale components. It has found applications in nanodevice prototyping and biomolecular and cellular investigation. In this paper, we present an atomic force microscope (AFM) based approach for automated manipulation of nanoparticles to form designed patterns. The automated manipulation is based on a novel method, successive directional push. This method keeps pushing along a fixed forward direction until the particle reaches the baseline of the target position, and it then repeats the pushing process along the baseline direction. This process is iterated until the particle reaches its target position. By examining the topography of several local parallel scan lines, this method can determine the lateral coordinate of the particle. The novelty of this method lies in the fact that further pushing along the same pushing direction can be conducted without precise information about the forward position. The successive directional push method has been successfully implemented into an AFM system. We demonstrate that complex designed patterns including over 100 latex particles of 50 nm diameter can be fabricated with this method.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Isozymes: Further Kinetic Studies at High Enzyme Concentration

By competition with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), commonly occurring intracellular proteins, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and albumin, can protect LDH-1 and LDH-5 from inhibition and ternary complex formation with NAD and pyruvate. The existence of intracellular proteins that compete with LDH for NAD renders unphysiological a model for estimating the extent of intracellular LDH inhibition based on incubations of only LDH, NAD, and pyruvate.
The Roman god Janus: a paradigm for the function of CD43

Abstract Although the structural characterization of the major leukocyte cell surface mucin CD43 has proceeded rapidly, understanding its physiological function has been hindered by contradictory results. Here, Julie Ostberg and colleagues propose that the Roman god of two faces, Janus, provides a model that reconciles the roles attributed to CD43.
Stiction Compensation in Process Control Loops: A Framework for Integrating Stiction Measure and Compensation

In this paper, a framework that utilizes a stiction measure for effective stiction compensation in process control valves is proposed for the first time. The performance of a friction compensator termed the “knocker” proposed in the literature is studied. It is observed that the choice of knocker parameters has a significant influence on the performance of the compensator. It is shown that the choice of the knocker parameters can be automated based on the stiction severity exhibited by the loop. We propose the use of a combination of two approaches for estimating stiction severity. Experimental and simulation case studies are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. Results indicate that a reduction of 6−7 times can be obtained for the output variability.
Kinetics of immunoglobulin synthesis and secretion by resting and pokeweed mitogen-transformed human lymphocytes.

Abstract The kinetics of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis and secretion were examined in human plasma cells, resting lymphocytes, and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-transformed lymphocytes, in an attempt to define the Ig production properties of the PWM-transformed lymphocyte which is often used as a model for the plasma cell. By pulse labeling with [3H]leucine, the time course of intracellular Ig synthesis was shown to be similar for lymphocytes and plasma cells. However, plasma cells differed basically by exhibiting secretion of labeled Ig into the culture medium exceeding intracellular Ig levels after several hours of pulsing, whereas resting lymphocytes were nonsecretory. PWM-transformed peripheral blood lymphocytes were shown to have a spectrum of morphologic differentiation from numerous large lymphoblasts to relatively few plasmacytoid cells. In addition, they were found to have enhanced intracellular Ig synthesis (2.5-fold increase over baseline resting state) but no significant rise in secreted Ig, thus exhibiting enhanced Ig production but retaining a lymphocyte-like Ig kinetic profile. This suggests that the PWM-transformed peripheral blood lymphocyte represents only a partial differentiation toward the mature antibody-secreting plasma cell.
Statins and asthma: where we stand, and the next critical steps in research

AbstractAsthma remains a formidable public health problem with ever increasing annual costs and prevalence. There are 300 million people with asthma worldwide. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 25 million Americans with asthma (both children and adults), i.e. one in 12 people have asthma, and this is increasing annually. Asthma results in approximately half a million hospitalizations and two million emergency department (ED) visits per year. In 2007 alone, 185 children and 3262 adults died from asthma, i.e. nine to ten patients die a day from asthma. This resulted in an annual cost of $56 billion in medical costs, lost work/school days, and early deaths. Therefore, we need novel and innovative therapies for asthma.In this Editorial, I review results from a study by Tse et al. evaluating the therapeutic potential of statins, within the context of our current state of knowledge. I review observational studies and clinical trials, highlight some potential pitfalls in clinical...
Human Genome Project: Data Quality

Steven E. Koonin's interdisciplinary perspective on the Human Genome Project (Science's Compass, 2 Jan., p. 36) is intriguing, but I would like to comment on two key issues regarding data quality.
Characterization of damage and regeneration in cultured avian utricles.

Hair cell regeneration occurs spontaneously throughout life and following hair cell injury in the vestibular epithelia of mature birds and other nonmammalian vertebrates. We examined hair cell regeneration in post-hatch chick utricles that were cultured in media with or without the ototoxin, streptomycin, for various periods. The goal of our study was to characterize the dose- and time-dependent effects of streptomycin on hair cell loss and regeneration in vitro. Utricles that were cultured with streptomycin for 1 day displayed a dose-dependent loss of hair cells in spatial patterns and levels that were consistent with those observed in comparable experimental paradigms in vivo. Incorporation of the nucleotide analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) demonstrated that supporting cell proliferation is decreased during the first day of culture in the presence of streptomycin, but it increases over time when cultures are subsequently placed in streptomycin-free media. Utricles cultured for 1 day with streptomycin followed by 2–4 more days without streptomycin had numerous bundles of immature stereocilia, suggesting that new hair cells were generated in vitro. We tested this hypothesis by culturing utricles with BrdU for 3 or 5 days and double-labeling them to detect BrdU and the hair cell-specific antigen, TuJ1. Numerous BrdU-positive/TuJ1-positive cells with phenotypic characteristics of immature hair cells were present in the cultures, and the number of such cells increased between 3 and 5 days in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner.
Modeling the transition region of a symmetric step junction

The authors are indebted to Dr.B.L.Grung for several helpful suggestions concerning this paper.
The magneplane system

Abstract The results of the magneplane project carried out by a joint MIT-Raytheon-United Engineers team are summarized. These include preliminary design of a full-scale system with analysis of guideway and power distribution costs, vehicle requirements, and vehicle dynamics. The theoritical results were tested practically by building a fully operational 1 25 scale model system using both samarium-cobalt and superconducting magnet vehicles with on-board control telemetering systems, operating on a 116 m long actively synchronized guideway. The construction and testing of this scale model is also described.
Testing of multimedia content transmission in wireless 802.11n network

In the last decade wireless network solutions have become even more widespread than ever. Along with emergence of new applications and network services end users' demands for higher data rate continue to increase. 802.11n technology has grown into potentially best solution for wireless system realization which upholds effective transmission of multimedia content.
Effect of mineral salts on adsorption and regeneration of activated carbon

Abstract The successful application of activated carbon for the treatment of wastewater is very much tied to the adsorption loading and efficient regeneration of the carbon. This paper is concerned with the extent to which these steps can be improved when a mineral salt is present. A series of three-step processing sequences was carried out involving first an adsorption, then a regeneration, and finally a second adsorption. JXC 6/8 activated carbon (Carbon Products Division of Union Carbide Corporation) was used as the adsorbent for the removal of sodium benzenesulfonate from water. The salts had more effect when the salt treatment occurred simultaneously with adsorption than when salt impregnation was carried out prior to the adsorption. Calcium chloride had the greatest effect and potassium carbonate, the least. Concerning regeneration, potassium carbonate offered no improvement in adsorptive capacity after regeneration. In the cases of zinc chloride and calcium chloride, the most effective scheme was that in which impregnation was carried out simultaneously with regeneration. However, there was some improvement when the adsorption was carried in the presence of a salt. No improvement was found when the impregnation occurred prior to either regeneration or adsorption.
Combined CD4+ Donor Lymphocyte Infusion and Low-Dose Recombinant IL-2 Expand FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) successfully control graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) in animal models. In humans, incomplete reconstitution of Treg after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been associated with chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Recent studies have demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-2 infusions expand Treg in vivo. However, the effectiveness of this therapy depends on the number of cells capable of responding to IL-2. We examined the effect of low-dose IL-2 infusions on Treg populations after HSCT in patients who also received infusions of donor CD4(+) lymphocytes. Utilizing FOXP3 as a Treg marker, we found that patients who received CD4+DLI concomitantly with IL-2 had greater expansion of Treg compared to patients who received IL-2 (P = .03) or CD4(+)DLI alone (P = .001). FOXP3 expression correlated with absolute CD4(+)CD25(+) cell counts. Moreover, expanded CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells displayed normal suppressive function and treatment with CD4(+)DLI and IL-2 was not associated with GVHD. This study suggests that administration of low-dose IL-2 combined with adoptive CD4(+) cellular therapy may provide a mechanism to expand Treg in vivo.
Seismic response analysis of structural system subjected to multiple support excitation

Abstract In the seismic analysis of a multiply supported structural system subjected to nonuniform excitations at each support point, the single response spectrum, the time history, and the multiple response spectrum are the three commonly employed methods. In the present paper the three methods are developed, evaluated, and the limitations and advantages of each method assessed. A numerical example has been carried out for a typical piping system. Considerably smaller responses have been predicted by the time history method than that by the single response spectrum method. This is mainly due to the fact that the phase and amplitude relations between the support excitations are faithfully retained in the time history method. The multiple response spectrum prediction has been observed to compare favorably with the time history method prediction. Based on the present evaluation, the multiple response spectrum method is the most efficient method for seismic response analysis of structural systems subjected to multiple support excitation.
SYNTHESIS OF SOME SUBSTITUTED PIPERIDONES.

5,5-Dimethyl-6-hydroxy-6-phenyl-2-piperidone was obtained from a side reaction of a synthetic sequence aimed at the production of analgesics. A series of these hydroxypiperidones has been prepared and their stability toward dehydration studied.
Medical management of cerebral vasospasm: present and future

Abstract Cerebral vasospasm is one of the major complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The delayed occurrence of this complication allows for preventive management and early therapeutic interventions. Yet, accurate and timely diagnosis remains challenging and therapeutic options are rather limited. This review discusses new developments in the diagnosis and medical management of cerebral vasospasm made possible by technological advances and growing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this disorder. CT protocols including CT perfusion and MRI with diffusion and perfusion sequences are increasingly employed in the evaluation of patients with suspected vasospasm. These radiological studies can add important information to that provided by transcranial Doppler and conventional angiography. Nimodipine for the prevention of delayed functional sequelae and hemodynamic augmentation therapy for the treatment of symptomatic vasospasm remains the mainstay of medical management. Novel strategies under ...
Empowering Public Sector Employees to Improve Performance: Does It Work?

For more than a decade, public organizations have been adopting employee empowerment with the aim of improving performance and job satisfaction and promoting innovativeness. Our understanding of employee empowerment has been hindered by a dearth of empirical research on its uses and consequences in the public sector. Based on Bowen and Lawler’s conceptualization of employee empowerment, this study explores the link between various empowerment practices and perceived performance in federal agencies. It is found that empowerment practices aimed at providing employees with access to job-related knowledge and skills and at granting them discretion to change work processes have a positive and substantively significant influence on perceived performance. Other empowerment practices geared toward providing employees with information about goals and performance and offering them rewards based on performance are found, however, to have little bearing on perceptions of performance.
A CFD Study of Flow Past a Rotating Cylinder to Re = 1000

In this paper, we examine, computationally, a uniform flow past a rotating circular cylinder. The objective is to determine the effect the rotation has on the lift and drag acting on the cylinder, on the vortex structures and on the vortex-shedding frequency. A streakline calculation illustrates the effect the rotation has on the vortex-structure in the wake. A combination of finite-difference and spectral methods is used to calculate the three-dimensional incompressible unsteady Navier-Stokes equations in primitive variable form in nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinates. A second-order accurate in time fractional-step method is used to decouple pressure and velocity components. High-order compact-difference schemes are used to avoid the problem of the so-called checker-board behavior. The calculated lift coefficient (CL ), drag coefficient (CD ) and pressure coefficient (CP ) of the flows at a Reynolds number of 200 and α = 1 to 5 (α is the nondimensional ratio of the rotating speed-to-free stream speed) agreed very well with results in the literature. However, streak line patterns were not presented in these earlier studies. We also have drag and lift results at Re = 1000 for the same range of α values. These results are found to follow the same trends as at Re = 200. These results have a practical application in offshore drilling.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The size dependence of fracture toughness for two embrittled materials

Over the last several years, Hudson and Seward [1-3] have provided extensive compendia of sources of fracture toughnesses for metallic alloys. In these reports, references containing data are identified without any actual toughness values being furnished. This prompted a sequence of notes that sought to indicate what an engineer might find in terms of fracture toughness on consulting the references in [ 1-3]. The findings of this sequence are summarized in its last member (Hoysan and Sinclair [4]), and can be briefly restated as follows. In [4], the plane-strain fracture toughness, K k of twelve different metallic alloys is considered. The alloys are distinguished as to composition and heat treatments and/or processing methods. The criterion for an alloy's inclusion is simply that there exists a sufficient number of measurements of K k by independent investigators to gauge variability (>10). For a specific metallic alloy so selected, typically K~, is found to vary by more than a factor of two from its lowest apparently valid value to its highest. Such discrepancies in fracture toughness raise questions as to what are their causes? The intent of the present note is to consider a potentially significant contributor in this regard, namely size effects.
Community College Access, Mission, and Outcomes: Considering Intriguing Intersections and Challenges

Since their inception, community colleges have carried out a number of complex and often competing programs or foci. The transfer, vocational, developmental, and continuing and community service foci have become increasingly important as the mission of community colleges has evolved. During their early history, operating primarily as transfer institutions, the student population of junior colleges was not especially diverse-traditional age, male, White, college-bound students filled most classrooms. As times passed and as enrollments grew, community colleges became increasingly diverse in the students they serve and in their purposes for being. Today, community colleges fulfill a multiplicity of roles within their communities, offering a myriad of educational programs and services with a broad and sometimes contradictory set of intended outcomes. This article summarizes pertinent literature related to community college access, mission, and outcomes, exploring the complex intersections between these import...
The effect of chromosomal polytenization on the rates of RNA synthesis and decay in the salivary glands of the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala

Abstract The rates of total RNA synthesis and accumulation have been measured in the polytenic salivary gland cells of the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala, by three methods: (1) injecting larvae with [2-3H]adenosine and determining its flow into the cellular ATP pool and RNA, (2) measuring the increase in glandular RNA optically, and (3) measuring the rate of flow of ATP out of the cellular pool. The size of the steady-state pool of rapidly turning over RNA and its half-life, were calculated from these kinetic data and, also, by an independent measurement of the steady-state content of nuclear RNA. These parameters were compared at a number of developmental stages which differed in degree of chromosomal polytenization. The results indicate that these polytenic cells synthesize RNA at a rate approximately 103 times those of other diploid eukaryotic cells. This rate is independent of the increase in chromosomal polyteny that accompanies larval development. Approximately 67% of the newly synthesized salivary gland RNA is an unstable component with an average first-order half-life of 20–25 min. The remainder is a long-lived species with an estimated average first-order half-life of about 30 hr.
Formulation of Three Simple Triangular Plane Stress Anisotropic Finite Elements for a Microcomputer

This paper extends the formulations for a class of three isotropic triangular plane stress and plane strain finite elements to include the effect of symmetrically laminated aniso tropic materials. ...
Failure Analysis of Heavy Industrial Gas Turbine Engine First Stage Nozzel Guide Vane

Failure analysis investigation was conducted on 70 MW set of 1st stage turbine nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) of heavy industrial gas turbine. The failure was investigated using the light optical microscope (LOM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The results of the analysis indicate that the NGVs which were made of Co base superalloy FSX-414 had been operated above the recommended operating hours under different fuel types in addition to inadequate repair process in previous repair removal. The XRD analysis of the fractured areas sample shows presence ofwhich might indicate the prolonged operation at high temperature. Keywords: cobalt-base; nozzle guide vanes, gas turbine.