cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial summation and contrast sensitivity of X and Y cells in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the macaque

Study of parallel processing in the visual pathway1 of the cat has revealed several classes of retinal ganglion cells which are physiologically distinct and which project to various locations in the brain2,3. Two classes have been studied most extensively: X cells, which sum neural signals linearly over their receptive fields, and Y cells, in which the spatial summation is nonlinear1,4. In the cat's lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) cells also can be classified as X or Y, a result of the parallel projection of retinal X and Y inputs to different geniculate neurones5–9. We report here our study of parallel signal processing in the LGN of the macaque monkey. We find that (1) monkey LGN cells can be classified as X or Y on the basis of spatial summation; (2) X-like cells are found in the four parvocellular and the two magnocellular laminae, whereas Y-like cells are found almost exclusively in the magnocellular laminae; and (3) the cells of the magnocellular laminae have high sensitivity and the parvocellular cells low sensitivity for homochromatic patterns. This implies that in macaque monkeys the magnocellular cells and their cortical projections may be the neural vehicle for contrast vision near threshold. The cells of the parvocellular laminae seem to be primarily concerned with wavelength discrimination and patterns of colour. As the human visual system is similar to that of the macaque in structure and behavioural performance, our findings are probably also applicable to man.
Characterization of rat platelet serotonin receptors with tryptamine agonists and the antagonists: Ketanserin and SCH 23390

Abstract Current literature suggests that the platelet 5-HT2 receptor, thought to be the only active platelet serotonin (5-HT) receptor, may be both heterogeneous and not the sole 5-HT receptor subtype on platelet membranes. The present studies used more selective tryptamine agonists, and the antagonists ketanserin and SCH 23390 to characterize rat platelet 5-HT receptors in vitro. The present studies also addressed anticoagulant effects (citrate versus heparin) on platelet 5-HT aggregation in the rat. 5-HT was less potent at enhancing ADP-induced aggregation in heparinized rat platelet rich plasma (PRP) as compared to citrated PRP. However, potency and maximum aggregation to ADP were greater in heparinized platelets. In citrated rat PRP, the selective tryptamine agonists, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and 2-CH3-5-HT, produced little change in the baseline ADP-induced aggregation and induced platelet shape change only in higher concentrations ( >1 μM). In contrast, α-CH3-5-HT-induced shape change and enhancement of ADP aggregation were superimposable with that of 5-HT itself suggesting 5-HT2 receptor activation. The antagonists, ketanserin and SCH 23390, inhibited 5-HT enhancement of ADP-induced aggregation with affinity constants consistent with the presence of 5-HT2 receptors as well. Studies with heparinized rat PRP did not unmask activity to 5-CT or 2-CH3-5-HT. Thus, although reports of multiple platelet 5-HT receptors exist, the only detectable, functional 5-HT receptor to enhance aggregation in rat platelets was probably of the 5-HT2 type.
The reaction of acetylcholinesterase with O-dimethylcarbamyl esters of quaternary quinolinium compounds.

Abstract The dimethylcarbamate esters of some mono- and diquaternary quinolinols were prepared and their anticholinesterase properties investigated by using acetyl-cholinesterase from electric eel. The I 50 values in the steady state of equal rates of carbamylation and decarbamylation were measured and the values of the second-order rate constants for carbamylation were evaluated. Compounds containing the dimethyl-carbamyl function substituted in the 5 and 7 positions were of the same order of activity as neostigmine to which they are structurally related. When substituted in the 3 position, the dimethylcarbamyl derivative was about as active as pyridostigmine which is structurally similar. It was concluded that the structure of the leaving group is important in determining the activity of these compounds and the p K a value of the leaving group appears to be relatively unimportant.
Regulation of glutamate receptors: possible role of phosphatidylserine

Abstract The polar head group of the phospholipid phosphatidylserine is similar in structure to the glutamate analogue 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB), an antagonist of excitatory transmission in the brain. When tested in ligand binding assays phosphatidylserine and its polar head group components O-phosphoserine and l -α-glycerophosphoserine were good displacers of APB-sensitive l -glutamate binding. The polar head group components were also antagonists of synaptic field potentials in the rat dentate gyrus evoked by stimulation of a presumed glutamate-using pathway. These results suggest that phosphatidylserine may regulate the activity of synaptic l -glutamate receptors.
Computation of band shape for strong injection solvent and weak mobile phase combinations in liquid chromatography

Afin de realiser le calcul de la forme des bandes, la theorie de la distribution d'equilibre est utilisee. Ceci est realise a l'aide d'un microordinateur PC et d'un tableur Lotus 123
Effect of disposition on the relative delayed neurotoxicity potency among leptophos analogs

Abstract The oxons of leptophos, its desbromo analog, and its ethoxy analog all inhibit hen brain neurotoxic esterase (NTE) to a similar degree in vitro , but have large differences in minimum effective oral doses for organophosphorus-induced delayed neurotoxicity. The potencies of leptophos and ethoxyleptophos are increased 10-fold when administered to hens intravenously (iv), but the potency of desbromoleptophos is nearly the same whether administered iv or po. Leptophos distributes nearly five times more rapidly from the central compartment than does desbromoleptophos, and its attenuated oral potency may be due to slower net absorption and/or dilution by compartments other than nervous tissue. Intravenously administered phenylphosphonothionates are excreted rapidly into the gastrointestinal tract and a large proportion of the dose is eliminated in the first 48 hr. Indirect evidence indicates that ethoxyleptophos is more rapidly degraded and ethoxyleptophos-inhibited NTE recovers more rapidly than does NTE inhibited by leptophos or desbromomleptophos. It is proposed that differential aging of ethoxyleptophos chiral isomers as well as pharmacokinetic factors may contribute to the apparently anomalous behavior of these three analogs.
Immunogenicity and tolerogenicity of self-major histocompatibility complex peptides.

Mechanisms involved in self-antigen processing and presentation are crucial in understanding the induction of self-tolerance in the thymus. We examined the immunogenicity of determinants from major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules that are expressed in the thymus and have tested peptides derived from the polymorphic regions of class I and class II molecules. We found that two peptides corresponding to NH2 termini of the class II alpha and beta chains (Ak alpha 1-18 and Ak beta 1-16) could bind to self-Ak molecules with high affinity and, surprisingly, were immunogenic in that they could elicit strong proliferative T cell responses in B10.A mice (Ak, Ek). Neonatal injection of peptide Ak beta 1-16 resulted in complete unresponsiveness to this peptide at 8 wk of age showing that these T cells were susceptible to tolerance induction. We have also tested certain class I MHC peptides and showed that some can interact efficiently with class II MHC peptides to induce an autoreactive T cell proliferative response. Among these class I peptides is one (Dd 61-85) that has the capacity to bind to self-Ia without being immunogenic, and therefore represents an MHC determinant that had induced thymic self-tolerance. We conclude that some self-MHC molecules can be processed into peptides that can be presented in the context of intact class II molecules at the surface of antigen-presenting cells. Autoreactive T cells recognizing optimally processed self-peptide/MHC complexes are eliminated during development, whereas other potentially autoreactive T cells escape clonal inactivation or deletion. Incomplete tolerance to self-antigens enriches the T cell repertoire despite the fact that such T cells may eventually become involved in autoimmune disease.
Defects in GaAs as Revealed by Chemical Etching

A new eutectic etchant for GaAs has been developed to display (a) the normal etch pit patterns, but also to reveal (b) rectangular, (c) shallow matrix and (d) raised geometric patterns. Results on various GaAs substrates, ranged from undoped to In-, Cr-, Te-, Si-doped materials, show a general trend: The materials having the numbers of (a), (b) and (c) etched patterns are roughly in the above order (from high density to low density). Whereas, for the density of the raised geometric patterns, the ranking is reversed. It is concluded that the major factor in developing the (a), (b) and (c) etched patterns is due to the stress, while the (d) pattern may be due to dopant and its influence on Ga to As bondings.
Lymph Node Subcapsular Sinus Macrophages Confer Resistance to CNS Invasion upon Peripheral Infection with a Neurotropic Virus

Lymph nodes (LNs) capture microorganisms that breach the body's external barriers and enter draining lymphatics, thereby limiting the systemic spread of such pathogens1. Recent work has shown that CD11b+CD169+ macrophages, which populate the subcapsular sinus (SCS) of LNs, are critical for clearance of viruses from the lymph and for initiating anti-viral humoral immune responses2,3,4. Using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a relative to rabies virus that is typically transmitted by insect bites, we show here that SCS macrophages perform a third vital function; they prevent lymph-borne neurotropic viruses from infecting the CNS. Upon local depletion of SCS macrophages, ~60% of mice developed ascending paralysis and died within 7-10 days after subcutaneous infection with a small dose of VSV that was readily cleared by macrophage-sufficient control animals. VSV gained access to the nervous system via peripheral nerves in macrophage-depleted LNs. In contrast, in macrophage-sufficient LNs VSV replicated preferentially within SCS macrophages but failed to replicate in adjacent nerves. Removal of SCS macrophages did not compromise the humoral or T cell responses against VSV, but it dramatically reduced the production of type I interferon (IFN-I) within infected LNs. VSV-infected macrophages recruited IFN-I producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells to the SCS and additionally were a major source of IFN-I themselves. Experiments in bone marrow chimeric mice lacking the IFN-I receptor in either hematopoietic or stromal cells revealed that IFN-I must act on both compartments, including the intranodal nerves, to prevent lethal VSV infection. These results identify SCS macrophages as crucial gatekeepers to the CNS that prevent fatal viral neuroinvasion upon peripheral infection.
Characterization of pitting corrosion on small diameter ductile iron pipe using thermography

The quantification of pitting corrosion in terms of material or metal loss is required for the understanding of pipe condition. One approach to accurately map pitting corrosion is with a high-resolution laser scanner. However, this process is time consuming and requires the removal of the pipe segment and sandblasting of its surface. In this study, thermography is considered for the field testing. We investigated the potential of quantifying pitting corrosion with thermography technique. A cleaned pipe was inspected with the pulsed thermography (PT) technique. Extracted signal features were used to characterize metal loss. The algorithms to process PT inspection data and extract signal features to characterize the pitting corrosion are presented in this paper.
Asset Management: A Systematic Approach to Factor Investing

In this book, Andrew Ang seeks to provide common rules and guidance for investment decisions to ‘nations, through sovereign wealth funds, collective owners like pension funds, endowments, and found...
Natural history and staging of chronic myelogenous leukaemia

The natural history of chronic myelogenous leukaemia has changed in recent years, partly as a result of earlier diagnosis but mostly as a consequence of the availability of effective therapies that have the potential to eradicate the Philadelphia-positive clone. The prognostic models designed in the pre-interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) era based on clinical characteristics of the disease are still useful in identifying different risk groups after treatment with IFN-alpha, but achieving a cytogenetic response with IFN-alpha is now the most important prognostic factor for survival. The significance of other molecular and biological variables remains to be determined.
High Repetition Rate Hyperspectral Systems for H2O Vapor Absorption Spectroscopy

Arbitrary photon generation remains impractical, but in the meantime, use of sources such as those discussed in this paper, either independently or in combination, allows high-performance sensing in gas at almost arbitrary conditions.
ON LAWS IN GEOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT Although many geographers have discussed philosophical problems related to “explanation'’and “theories'’in geography, few have attempted to examine the question of the types of laws and their occurrence in the discipline. It is suggested here that at least five different types of laws may be formulated by geographers, such as Cross-Section, Equilibrium, Historical, Developmental, and Statistical. By following principles of logical reasoning about geographic facts, geographers may discover laws from statistical to process types which emphasize spatial relationships between these facts.
Template stability in liver and hepatoma

Abstract The recent advances in the comparative biochemistry of liver tumors of different growth rates were outlined. 1. 1. The four key gluconeogenic enzymes, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate carboxylase decreased with the increasing growth rate and were absent in the rapidly-growing tumors. It was suggested that the genes for these enzymes may be localized on the same Functional Genome Unit. 2. 2. The RNA amount showed no correlation with growth rate in a spectrum of hepatomas. 3. 3. The incorporation of formate into total hepatoma RNA progressively increased with the increasing growth rate. The incorporation of orotate into RNA was markedly decreased in all tumors examined. The incorporation of formate and orotate into RNA was increased in the regenerating liver. 4. 4. Triamcinolone treatment in control, normal liver caused an increase in total RNA; however, there was no change in the hepatomas. The RNA specific activity was increased in normal liver by steroid injections and it also showed some rise in a slow-growing hepatoma. There was no response in the rapidly-growing liver tumor. 5. 5. The concentration of free amino acid did not correlate with the growth rate of hepatomas. Glucocorticoid injection caused a marked elevation in hepatic amino acid level; however, there was a complete failure of response in all hepatomas examined. 6. 6. Triamcinolone injection caused a progressive increase in hepatic glycogen, nitrogen and free amino acid content and in the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-diphosphatase. There was a failure of response in these biochemical parameters in the kidney cortex. 7. 7. The various biochemical parameters and metabolic responses were correlated with the growth rate of hepatomas.
Brief alteration in dopaminergic function during development causes deficits in adult reproductive behavior.

Our previous research revealed dramatic increases in dopaminergic function in vocal control and auditory nuclei in male zebra finches during the period of song learning. Such increases were not seen in the hypothalamic areas examined. In the current study, we manipulated dopamine receptor function during this period to determine how this might affect later singing behavior. Males were implanted with osmotic minipumps providing 0, 0.5, or 5 μg/g/day of the mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol from day 45 until day 57. At approximately 86 days of age, males were given subcutaneous silastic implants containing a maintenance dose of androgen, in case antagonist treatment interfered with adult androgen secretion. One week later, they began a series of three weekly tests to determine if this early treatment affected courtship singing. Males treated with the low dose of cis-flupenthixol showed profound decrements in courtship singing and copulatory behavior. Unlike saline-treated controls, low-dose males sang to females infrequently. High-intensity courtship displays in which males dance towards females while singing were most affected. Despite their decreased courtship singing, low-dose males were interested in females. They approached females as frequently as males in the other two groups, but antagonist-treated males were less likely to follow females if they moved. Low-dose males also attempted to mount females significantly less often than high-dose males. High-dose males groomed significantly less frequently than males in the other two groups. Thus, brief early treatment with cis-flupenthixol had profound and long-lasting effects on female-directed singing and on copulatory behavior, despite androgen treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2004
Methodology for biomechanical testing of fresh anterior wall vaginal samples from postmenopausal women undergoing cystocele repair.

Goal To explore the methodological challenges of biomechanical testing of freshly harvested human anterior vaginal wall (HAVW) samples. Method Longitudinal full-thickness samples of HAVW were excised during cystocele repair in postmenopausal women and age-matched controls. Two methods of tissue storage during transport were compared. All samples were prepared for uniaxial testing within 2 hr of harvest and loaded at a rate of 0.5 mm/sec, until irreversible deformation was observed. Young's modulus and other parameters were extracted from the tensile stress–strain curves. Results Samples were obtained over 2 years from 42 patients. Significant differences in biomechanical parameters were noted based on the degree of hydration of the tissue, suggesting that the wetter samples were mechanically weaker. Conclusions This study reports on a new method for testing the biomechanical properties of freshly harvested HAVW tissues and the impact of tissue hydration during transport between the operating room and the testing lab. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:325–329, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Arabidopsis ribosomal proteins control developmental programs through translational regulation of auxin response factors

Upstream ORFs are elements found in the 5′-leader sequences of specific mRNAs that modulate the translation of downstream ORFs encoding major gene products. In Arabidopsis, the translational control of auxin response factors (ARFs) by upstream ORFs has been proposed as a regulatory mechanism required to respond properly to complex auxin-signaling inputs. In this study, we identify and characterize the aberrant auxin responses in specific ribosomal protein mutants in which multiple ARF transcription factors are simultaneously repressed at the translational level. This characteristic lends itself to the use of these mutants as genetic tools to bypass the genetic redundancy among members of the ARF family in Arabidopsis. Using this approach, we were able to assign unique functions for ARF2, ARF3, and ARF6 in plant development.
The Influence of Cardiac Risk Factor Burden on Cardiac Stress Test Outcomes.

Background : Chest pain is the most common admission diagnosis for observation unit patients. These patients often undergo cardiac stress testing to further risk stratify for coronary artery disease (CAD). The decision of whom to stress is currently based on clinical judgment. We sought to determine the influence of cardiac risk factor burden on cardiac stress test outcome for patients tested from an observation unit, inpatient or outpatient setting. Methods : We performed a retrospective observational cohort study for all patients undergoing stress testing in our institution from June 2006 through July 2007. Cardiac risk factors were collected at the time of stress testing. Risk factors were evaluated in a summative fashion using multivariate regression adjusting for age and known coronary artery disease. The model was tested for goodness of fit and collinearity and the c statistic was calculated using the receiver operating curve. Results : A total of 4026 subjects were included for analysis of which 22% had known CAD. The rates of positive outcome were 89 (12.0%), 95 (12.6%), and 343 (16.9%) for the OU, outpatients, and hospitalized patients respectively. While the odds of a positive test outcome increased for additional cardiac risk factors, ROC curve analysis indicates that simply adding the number of risk factors does not add significant diagnostic value. Hospitalized patients were more likely to have a positive stress test, OR 1.41 (1.10 - 1.81). Conclusions : Our study does not support basing the decision to perform a stress test on the number of cardiac risk factors. Cardiol Res. 2011;2(3):106-111 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr39w
Adenyl cyclase of polymorphonuclear leukocytes

CYCLIC adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP)1 influences so many varied metabolic processes that any exception becomes the object of close scrutiny and proper verification. Phagocytosis seems to be such an exception. As an extension of our interest in phagocytic stimulation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes2,3, we investigated the possible involvement of cyclic AMP in this process. We also studied some of the properties of adenyl cyclase in these cells. The PMN phagocyte and the monocyte are stimulated about two-fold4 by the naturally occurring tetrapeptide, tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg)5. The alteration in cellular cyclic AMP levels during phagocytosis and the occurrence of adenyl cyclase in PMN cells, have been subjects of recent controversy6–8.
Estimation of a fixed-effect Cobb–Douglas system using panel data

Abstract This paper considers the estimation of a model consisting of a Cobb–Douglas production function and the associated first-order conditions for cost minimization. There is a fixed individual (firm) effect in each equation, and the availability of panel data is assumed. The conditional MLE is derived and shown to be MLE after a within transformation. It can be written explicitly as a corrected OLS estimator or as an IV estimator. In the special case in which the errors in the production function are independent of the errors in the first-order conditions, the conditional MLE does not require input price data.
A Time Integration Algorithm for Nonlinear Viscoelastic Behaviors of Orthotropic Media

This study develops a recursive-iterative algorithm for analyzing nonlinear viscoelastic responses of orthotropic materials. The algorithm is derived based on implicit stress integration solutions within a general displacement based finite element (FE) framework for small deformations and uncoupled thermo-mechanical problems. The Schapery's nonlinear single integral model is generalized for stress-temperature-time dependent responses of an orthotropic medium. The time-dependent compliance follows material symmetry, which leads to nine independent time integral equations. A recursive method is used to solve the time-dependent integral model. An incremental iterative algorithm is added in order to minimize error arising from the linearized strain formulation in the recursive method. Furthermore, a consistent tangent stiffness matrix is formulated to enhance equilibrium and avoid divergence. The recursive-iterative numerical formulation is implemented within the ABAQUS general purpose FE code. Available experimental data on nonlinear viscoelastic responses of orthotropic laminated composite materials are used to verify the above numerical algorithm.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Acute Heart Failure Syndromes

Heart failure resulting in hospitalization represents a significant and growing health care burden. Heterogeneity characterizes this group in terms of mode of presentation, pathophysiology, and prognosis. The vast majority of patients symptomatically improve during hospitalization; however, their early post-discharge rehospitalization and mortality rates continue to be high. Worsening signs and symptoms, neurohormonal, and renal abnormalities occurring soon after discharge may contribute to these high post-discharge event rates. Currently available assessment modalities combined with recent advances in cardiovascular therapies provide present-day opportunities to improve post-discharge outcomes. Further investigation into pathophysiologic targets and novel approaches to clinical trial design are needed. Improving post-discharge outcomes is the single most important goal in the management of acute heart failure syndromes.
Acute phase response, inflammation and metabolic syndrome biomarkers of Libby asbestos exposure ☆

Identification of biomarkers assists in the diagnosis of disease and the assessment of health risks from environmental exposures. We hypothesized that rats exposed to Libby amphibole (LA) would present with a unique serum proteomic profile which could help elucidate epidemiologically-relevant biomarkers. In four experiments spanning varied protocols and temporality, healthy (Wistar Kyoto, WKY; and F344) and cardiovascular compromised (CVD) rat models (spontaneously hypertensive, SH; and SH heart failure, SHHF) were intratracheally instilled with saline (control) or LA. Serum biomarkers of cancer, inflammation, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the acute phase response (APR) were analyzed. All rat strains exhibited acute increases in α-2-macroglobulin, and α1-acid glycoprotein. Among markers of inflammation, lipocalin-2 was induced in WKY, SH and SHHF and osteopontin only in WKY after LA exposure. While rat strain- and age-related changes were apparent in MetS biomarkers, no LA effects were evident. The cancer marker mesothelin was increased only slightly at 1 month in WKY in one of the studies. Quantitative Intact Proteomic profiling of WKY serum at 1 day or 4 weeks after 4 weekly LA instillations indicated no oxidative protein modifications, however APR proteins were significantly increased. Those included serine protease inhibitor, apolipoprotein E, α-2-HS-glycoprotein, t-kininogen 1 and 2, ceruloplasmin, vitamin D binding protein, serum amyloid P, and more 1 day after last LA exposure. All changes were reversible after a short recovery regardless of the acute or long-term exposures. Thus, LA exposure induces an APR and systemic inflammatory biomarkers that could have implications in systemic and pulmonary disease in individuals exposed to LA.
Magnetic Field And Field Gradient Corrections within a Nonconducting Sensor Enclosure in a Conducting Fluid---Part III: Current Exclusion Contribution for an Arbitrary Axisymmetric Enclosure

Neglecting the velocity field perturbation, we examine the current exclusion contribution to the magnetic distortion field /→H/' along the symmetry axis of a "streamlined" enclosure in the shape of a general body of revolution. In contrast to the case of a spherical enclosure where all orientations of the (unknown) unperturbed current density /→J/0 relative to the enclosure surface are equivalent, for the present geometry the relative orientation of /→J/0 must be specified. On the symmetry axis (z-axis) the component of the distortion field parallel to that axis vanishes independent of the orientation of /→J/0. In regard to field gradients, all diagonal elements of the gradient dyad similarly vanish. However, only the combination ∂H'x/∂y + ∂H'y/∂x vanishes independent of orientation. Here (x, y) denote any two orthogonal directions perpendicular to the symmetry axis.
Automated production of traditional proofs in solid geometry

This paper presents a method of producing readable proofs for theorems in solid geometry. The method is for a class of constructive geometry statements about straight lines, planes, circles, and spheres. The key idea of the method is to eliminate points from the conclusion of a geometric statement using several (fixed) high-level basic propositions about the signed volumes of tetrahedrons and Pythagorean differences of triangles. We have implemented the algorithm, and more than 80 examples from solid geometry have been used to test the program. Our program is efficient and the proofs produced by it are generally short and readable.
The 1927 Soviet War Scare: The Foreign Affairs-Domestic Policy Nexus Revisited

The Soviet War Scare of 1927 is usually treated solely within the bounds of Soviet political machinations. This study explores the connection between Bolshevik domestic and foreign policy in the War Scare of 1927 with a focus on the peasants. The peasants in the early years of the NEP were seeking a compromise with the regime, seeing the relations of power following the war, the civil war, and horrendous famine of 1921-1922, not in their favor. The War Scare of 1927 altered how both the peasants and the regime saw one another and the possibility of compromise. The rumors of war were soon coupled with threats of peasants uprising against the communists. By fall 1927, both the local police in their svodki and the central OGPU in its summary reports to the political leadership were describing a mounting confrontational atmosphere among the peasants. Given the heightened anxieties within the leadership regarding the Soviet Union’s ability to defend itself, concern over the reliability of the peasantry and a demand to know more fully about the “political situation in the countryside” had reached a fever pitch. Surveiling the countryside, both the central OGPU and the party leadership concluded, not without some evidence, that a growing number of peasants desired a showdown. The War Scare of 1927 added significantly to the factors that helped set the process of collectivization in motion.
A Resin‐bound Photosensitizer for Aqueous Photooxidations

A new resin-bound photosensitizer for aqueous photooxidations has been prepared. This product allows the sensitizer to be easily removed from the solution by a simple filtration. Its efficiency has been tested with two different substrates.
Immunotherapy for AIDS virus infections: cautious optimism for cell-based vaccine.

A vaccine that is able to work as a treatment for HIV-infected patients has been an elusive goal. Now experiments on macaques suggest that injections of modified dendritic cells might boost immunity to hold back disease progression ( pages 27–32 ).
Derivation of the Partial Differential Equations utilized in a Model describing the Na Concentration Profile in the Renal Medulla

THE purpose of this communication is to derive the partial differential equations and to clarify the mathematical details described in connexion with a model used to obtain the sodium concentration profile in the renal medulla1. An elementary operating unit of the model is shown in Fig. 1. A generalized segment of a vascular or tubular channel is shown in the top half of Fig. 2. Consider the case where fluid moves in a direction from left to right, corresponding to motion in the descending limbs of the vas rectum or the Henle loop. The net change of sodium concentration ΔC(g/cm3) in the differential volume element of length ΔX shown is given by equation (1).
Chromosome aberrations induced by daunomycin in human leukocyte cultures, with the apparent synergistic effect of arginine.

Das Antibiotikum und Zytostatikum Daunomycin induziert betrachtliche Chromosomenaberrationen in menschlichen Leukozyten in der Konzentration von 0,02 µg/cm3. Dieser Effekt wird durch Zusatz von Arginin zur Zellkultur wesentlich verstarkt, und die Aberrationen werden auch qualitativ verandert. Es ist nicht bekannt, wie Daunomycin und Arginine aufeinander einwirken.
Mitochondria-specific Function of the Dynamin Family Protein DLP1 Is Mediated by Its C-terminal Domains

The dynamin superfamily of large GTPases has been implicated in a variety of distinct intracellular membrane remodeling events. One of these family members, DLP1/Drp1, is similar to conventional dynamins as it contains an N-terminal GTPase domain followed by a middle region (MID), an unconserved region (UC), and a coiled-coil (CC) domain. DLP1 has been shown to function in membrane-based processes distinct from conventional dynamin, most notably mitochondrial fission. In this study, we tested whether the functional specificities of DLP1 and dynamin stems from differences in the individual domains of these proteins by generating dynamin/DLP1 chimeras in which correlate domains had been interchanged. Here we report that three consecutive C-terminal domains of DLP1 (MID-UC-CC) contain information necessary for DLP1-specific function and removing any one of these domains results in a loss of DLP1 function. Importantly, the coiled-coil (CC) domain of DLP1 alone targets specifically and exclusively to mitochondria, implicating its involvement in localizing DLP1 to this organelle in vivo. The mitochondrial targeting information within the DLP1 CC domain is not sufficient to retarget dynamin to mitochondria but is still able to adequately function as an assembly domain in a dynamin background. These data suggest that whereas the GTPase domain of DLP1 provides an enzymatic function, other domains contain information for intermolecular assembly and mitochondrial targeting.
Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Recent Air Passenger Flows

Airline mergers and acquisitions (MAs) are on the rise across the globe and have been a growing trend in the U.S. aviation industry in the last few years. MAs are taking several factors into consideration, such as cost efficiency, competition, and geographic coverage. For airlines, these transactions can eliminate overlapping routes and help reduce competition, leading airlines to achieve higher operating margins. For travelers, MAs often lead to lesser flight frequency, higher airfares or longer travel miles. To explore spatial-temporal variations from airline and passenger perspectives, this paper focuses on 55 major airports in the 50 largest cities between 2000 and 2010. The detailed results of passenger flow patterns suggest that some airports have more spatial imbalance than others in terms of passenger travel distances. Further, the findings indicate that the MAs have different effects on passenger flows and traveled distances, and the effect is complexly related to the airportâ€™s spatial status.
Virtual damping and Einstein relation in oscillators

This paper presents a new physical theory of oscillator phase noise. Built around the concept of phase diffusion, this work bridges the fundamental physics of noise and existing oscillator phase-noise theories. The virtual damping of an ensemble of oscillators is introduced as a measure of phase noise. The explanation of linewidth compression through virtual damping provides a unified view of resonators and oscillators. The direct correspondence between phase noise and the Einstein relation is demonstrated, which reveals the underlying physics of phase noise. The validity of the new approach is confirmed by consistent experimental agreement.
Cell surface location of an endogenous lectin and its receptor in Polysphondylium pallidum.

Abstract Pallidin, a carbohydrate-binding protein purified from cohesive P. pallidum cells, is present on the surface of these cells as revealed by immunofluorescent and immunoferritin labelling techniques. After in situ fixation, immunofluorescence studies showed that the protein was diffusely distributed on the surface of aggregating or streaming cells. With living cells, fluorescent caps formed, indicating that pallidin associated with the cell surface can diffuse laterally in the plane of the membrane. Immunoferritin labelling techniques were used to confirm the presence of pallidin on the cell surface and also to show its presence on the cytoplasmic surface of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Pallidin's cell surface location was also shown by binding of formalinized sheep erythrocytes to cohesive P. pallidum cells to form rosettes. Rosette formation was inhibited by 0.1 M d -galactose, a sugar that reacts with pallidin; but not by 0.1 M d -glucose, a sugar which does not react with pallidin. Diffuse distribution of a receptor for pallidin on the surface of fixed, cohesive P. pallidum cells was demonstrated by diffuse binding of ferritin-conjugated pallidin, which could be blocked by 0.3 M d -galactose, but not by 0.3 M d -glucose. These results support previous evidence that pallidin and a receptor that it binds to are present on the surface of cohesive P. pallidum cells, consistent with our hypothesis that these substances may mediate cell cohesion.
Using a residue clash map to functionally characterize protein recombination hybrids.

In this article, we introduce a rapid, protein sequence database-driven approach to characterize all contacting residue pairs present in protein hybrids for inconsistency with protein family structural features. This approach is based on examining contacting residue pairs with different parental origins for different types of potentially unfavorable interactions (i.e. electrostatic repulsion, steric hindrance, cavity formation and hydrogen bond disruption). The identified clashing residue pairs between members of a protein family are then contrasted against functionally characterized hybrid libraries. Comparisons for five different protein recombination studies available in the literature: (i) glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GART) from Escherichia coli (purN) and human (hGART), (ii) human Mu class glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1-1 and M2-2, (iii) beta-lactamase TEM-1 and PSE-4, (iv) catechol-2,3-oxygenase xylE and nahH, and (v) dioxygenases (toluene dioxygenase, tetrachlorobenzene dioxygenase and biphenyl dioxygenase) reveal that the patterns of identified clashing residue pairs are remarkably consistent with experimentally found patterns of functional crossover profiles. Specifically, we show that the proposed residue clash maps are on average 5.0 times more effective than randomly generated clashes and 1.6 times more effective than residue contact maps at explaining the observed crossover distributions among functional members of hybrid libraries. This suggests that residue clash maps can provide quantitative guidelines for the placement of crossovers in the design of protein recombination experiments.
DsaV methyltransferase and its isoschizomers contain a conserved segment that is similar to the segment in Hhai methyltransferase that is in contact with DNA bases.

Abstract The methyltransferase (MTase) in the DsaV restriction--modification system methylates within 5'-CCNGG sequences. We have cloned the gene for this MTase and determined its sequence. The predicted sequence of the MTase protein contains sequence motifs conserved among all cytosine-5 MTases and is most similar to other MTases that methylate CCNGG sequences, namely M.ScrFI and M.SsoII. All three MTases methylate the internal cytosine within their recognition sequence. The 'variable' region within the three enzymes that methylate CCNGG can be aligned with the sequences of two enzymes that methylate CCWGG sequences. Remarkably, two segments within this region contain significant similarity with the region of M.HhaI that is known to contact DNA bases. These alignments suggest that many cytosine-5 MTases are likely to interact with DNA using a similar structural framework.
GATA-3 and FOXA1 expression is useful to differentiate breast carcinoma from other carcinomas

GATA-3, a member of the GATA family of zinc-finger DNA binding proteins, and FOXA1, a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, are both associated with estrogen receptor expression. Both GATA-3 and FOXA1 are useful markers for breast carcinoma, but their expression in the different breast cancer subtypes and other neoplasms has not been thoroughly evaluated. We examined the expression of GATA-3 and FOXA1 in estrogen receptor-positive, Her2/neu-positive, and triple-negative breast carcinomas as well as in 10 other common carcinomas, including hepatocellular, colonic, pancreatic, gastric, endometrial (endometrioid), lung, prostatic, renal cell, urothelial, and ovarian serous carcinomas. Primary and metastatic melanomas and mesotheliomas were also evaluated. GATA-3 and FOXA1 staining of estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinomas was seen in 96.6% and 96.2%, respectively. In triple-negative breast carcinomas, GATA-3 and FOXA1 staining was seen in 21.6% and 15.9%, respectively. Among the other tumors, GATA-3 staining was only seen in urothelial carcinoma (70.9%) and FOXA1 staining was only seen in prostatic (87.5%), urothelial (5.1%) carcinomas, and mesotheliomas (40.0%). In conclusion, GATA-3 and FOXA1 are excellent breast carcinoma markers; however, their utility is limited in the triple-negative subtype. The utility of FOXA1 in diagnosing prostatic carcinoma and mesothelioma warrants further investigation.
Measurement of Functional Capacity: A New Approach to Understanding Functional Differences and Real-World Behavioral Adaptation in Those with Mental Illness

The measurement of functional capacity in mental illness is an important recent development. Determination of functional capacity may serve as a surrogate marker for real-world functioning, thereby aiding clinicians in making important treatment determinations. This article provides an overview of a model of functioning, discusses the various areas of functioning relevant to real-world performance in persons with mental illness, and reviews existing measures that assess functional capacity. Limitations of existing methods of assessing functional capacity are discussed, and future areas of research are suggested.
Simulation program development by stepwise refinement in UNITY

UNITY is a computational model and proof system suitable for development of parallel (and distributed) programs through stepwise refinement of specifications. UNITY supports the development of correct programs and the efficient implementation of those programs on parallel computer architectures. The authors assess the potential of UNITY for simulation model specification of the machine interference problem with a patrolling repairman service discipline. The conclusions reached are that the UNITY proof system can assist formal verification of simulation models, and the UNITY mappings of programs to various computer architectures offer some potential for assisting the automatic implementation of simulation models on parallel architectures. The authors give some insights into the relationship of time flow mechanisms, parallel simulation protocols, and target parallel computer architectures. >
Skull Base Osteomyelitis: The Effect of Comorbid Disease on Hospitalization

Objectives/Hypothesis: Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare disease that has a high morbidity and mortality rate if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Our objective was to perform a more detailed analysis of skull base osteomyelitis in the inpatient population. We also provide a more comprehensive evaluation of comorbid disease and severity of illness in this population and describe their effects on the duration and cost of hospital stay. Study Design: Review of the California Hospital Discharge Database between the years 1990 and 2000. Methods: Information evaluated included age, race, insurance, charges and length of hospital stay, comorbid disease, severity of illness, and disposition. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Results: The overall incidence of skull base osteomyelitis ranged from 57 to 95 cases annually (median 75.5). Whites (69.3%) were more likely to present with the disease than Native Americans (13.2%), African Americans (6.5%), or Asians (2.9%). The majority of patients diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis had Medicare or public assistance (62%) compared with those with Preferred Provider Organization or Health Maintenance Organization insurance (27%). Increased length of hospital stay and increased charges incurred during hospitalization were significantly associated (P < .05) with aplastic anemia, renal disease, arteriosclerosis, facial nerve dysfunction, and diabetes. Severity of illness and the presence of one or more comorbid conditions also significantly affected the duration and charges incurred during hospital stay (P < .05). Conclusions: The presence of concurrent illness with skull base osteomyelitis significantly affects the duration of hospital stay and the charges incurred during hospitalization.
A 40 GHz Differential Push-Push VCO in 0.18 $\mu{\rm m}$ CMOS for Serial Communication

A 40 GHz differential CMOS push-push VCO is proposed for high-frequency applications. It is shown analytically that the phase noise of the VCO output at the full-rate frequency is close to 6 dB higher than that of the half-rate frequency. The result of the phase noise analysis is verified by simulations and measurements. A phase noise of - 101 dBc/Hz was achieved at 1 MHz offset frequency. The proposed push-push VCO design enables higher VCO frequency operation with differential output, which is suitable for millimeter wave frequency synthesizers.
Cell-Based Immunomodulatory Concepts and Tolerance Protocols for Reconstructive Transplantation

Immunomodulation and tolerance induction during vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) represent the “Holy Grail” of the modern era of transplantation. Although lifelong immunosuppression is justifiable for life-saving solid-organ transplantation, it may not be permissible for a life-enhancing procedure such as face or extremity transplantation. Thus, the ability to reduce or completely abolish immunosuppression regimens would significantly shift the risk-benefit balance in favor of VCA. Several immunomodulatory approaches have been attempted for tolerance induction, with central and peripheral immunologic mechanisms representing the forefront of research efforts. In this chapter, we discuss relevant cell-based approaches and experimental protocols for tolerance induction in VCA, as well as the preliminary clinical use of such protocols in reconstructive transplantation.
Incorporation of H3-thymidine into chloroplast DNA of marine algae.

The chloroplasts of three genera of marine algae, Dictyota, Padina , and Bryopsis , were labeled with tritiated-thymidine for various time periods during culture in "Erd-Schreiber's" solution. Autoradiographs were prepared from both smeared and sectioned material. They revealed that almost all of the radioactivity was in the cytoplasm and associated with the chloroplasts, as detected in the overlying silver halide crystals. Deoxyribonuclease, ribonuclease, and hot trichloracetic acid treatments indicated that the loss of radioactivity corresponded to the removal of DNA and not RNA. Quantitative studies of silver grain distribution suggested that the radioactivity of the labeled DNA originated from the edge of the pyrenoids on either side in the longitudinal direction of Bryopsis chloroplasts. Nuclei did not incorporate H3-thymidine even though cells were dividing rapidly in the three genera examined. It is postulated that the enzyme, thymidine kinase, is absent as a coding sequence of nuclear DNA in algae, but is present in chloroplast DNA. When the chloroplasts of Dictyota and Padina in various stages of division were scored for labeling, there appeared to be a DNA synthesis period, analogous to S period in cell division. This chloroplast-labeling period occurred just previous to fission. Many of the criteria seem to have been satisfied to establish the self-reproducing and semi-autonomous nature of chloroplasts, especially when combined with the chemical, genetic, and morphological evidence.