cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of supernumerary limbs following blastemal transplantation in the regenerating forelimb of the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum☆

Abstract Regeneration blastemas at the stages of medium bud and palette were transplanted to contralateral limb stumps so that either their anterior and posterior positions or their dorsal and ventral positions were apposed to those of the stumps. Grafts were shifted from distal levels to proximal levels, or from proximal levels to distal levels, or remained at either a proximal or a distal level. When anterior and posterior positions of graft and stump were apposed, supernumerary limbs were produced at the graft-stump junction in anterior and posterior positions relative to the stump. All analyzable supernumerary limbs were of stump handedness. Apposition of dorsal and ventral positions of graft and stump led to the formation of supernumerary limbs at dorsal and ventral positions relative to stump tissues. All analyzable supernumerary limbs were once again of stump handedness. Shifts from distal levels to proximal levels never resulted in skeletal deletions, as potential deletions in the proximal-distal axis were always filled in. Shifts from proximal levels to distal levels resulted in a low frequency of serial duplications. The results are discussed in view of a recently presented formal model for pattern regulation in epimorphic fields.
A Universal Gate for Combinational Design of QCA Circuits

As an emerging technology, Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) has been extensively analyzed in the technical literature for implementing logic circuits; in this technology, the basic combinational circuit is the majority voter with three inputs. In this paper, the design of a logic gate which implements any combinational function of at most three input variables is presented. This type of gate is generally referred to as a universal gate and is often used as logic resource in array structures such as FPGAs. This paper investigates a logic characterization of the universal gate using two different techniques found in the technical literature: AND/OR-based synthesis and MV-based synthesis. Important design features of the gate (such as the utilization of the majority voting function or MV and inverters) and design issues revolving around signal routing of the input signals are presented along with the introduction of non-blocking interconnect circuit in this paper to extend the logic capabilities.
Faults and foibles of quantitative scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS)

Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is a powerful and flexible elemental analysis method that can identify and quantify elements with atomic numbers > 4 (Be) present as major constituents (where the concentration C > 0.1 mass fraction, or 10 weight percent), minor (0.01≤ C ≤ 0.1) and trace (C < 0.01, with a minimum detectable limit of ≈± 0.0005 - 0.001 under routine measurement conditions, a level which is analyte and matrix dependent ). SEM/EDS can select specimen volumes with linear dimensions from ≈ 500 nm to 5 μm depending on composition (masses ranging from ≈ 10 pg to 100 pg) and can provide compositional maps that depict lateral elemental distributions. Despite the maturity of SEM/EDS, which has a history of more than 40 years, and the sophistication of modern analytical software, the method is vulnerable to serious shortcomings that can lead to incorrect elemental identifications and quantification errors that significantly exceed reasonable expectations. This paper will describe shortcomings in peak identification procedures, limitations on the accuracy of quantitative analysis due to specimen topography or failures in physical models for matrix corrections, and quantitative artifacts encountered in xray elemental mapping. Effective solutions to these problems are based on understanding the causes and then establishing appropriate measurement science protocols. NIST DTSA II and Lispix are open source analytical software available free at www.nist.gov that can aid the analyst in overcoming significant limitations to SEM/EDS.
Haploid intersexes in the wasp Habrobracon

During a routine analysis for radiation-induced recessive lethal mutations and translocations, a female was found that produced haploid intersex offspring. These intersexes showed linkage with the orange locus of chromosome 2, as had two previous occurrences of this type of intersex. The intersexes were shown not to have derived from a separation of the sex alleles by a translocation. It is suggested that a gene was mutated that is in some respects analogous to the genes for intersexuality found in different species of Drosophila. The action of Habrobracon would appear to be from male-toward-female rather than the reverse as in Drosophila. (auth)
Regulatory issues in the United States pertinent to abdominal wall reconstruction

The invited review by Binita Asher, MD, Jiyoung Dang Ph.D., David Krause Ph.D. and Markham Luke, MD, PhD is the first of a two-part series from the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA/CDRH/ODE/DSORD (Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health/Office of Device Evaluation/Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices). They discuss regulatory issues in the United States pertinent to abdominal wall reconstruction. The Editors felt that this was important since we receive so many submissions dealing with various devices for hernia repair. The second submission will deal with fixation appliances, biological glues, and surgical adhesives.
Atomically controlled growth of tungsten and tungsten nitride using sequential surface reactions

Abstract Thin films of tungsten (W) and tungsten nitride (W 2 N) were grown with atomic layer control using sequential surface reactions. Tungsten atomic layer deposition was accomplished by separating the reaction WF 6 +Si 2 H 6 →W+2SiHF 3 +2H 2 into two half-reactions. The tungsten nitride atomic layer growth was performed by dividing the reaction 2WF 6 +NH 3 →W 2 N+3HF+9/2F 2 into two half-reactions. Successive exposure to WF 6 and Si 2 H 6 (NH 3 ) in an ABAB… reaction sequence produced W (W 2 N) deposition at substrate temperatures between 425–600 K (600–800 K). The W deposition rate was 2.5 A/AB cycle for WF 6 and Si 2 H 6 reactant exposures >800 and 3000 L, respectively. The W 2 N deposition rate was also 2.5 A/AB cycle for WF 6 and NH 3 reactant exposures >3000 and 10,000 L, respectively. Atomic force micrographs of the deposited films on Si(100) were remarkably flat indicating smooth deposition. X-ray diffraction investigations revealed that the deposited tungsten and tungsten nitride films were either amorphous or composed of very small crystalline grains. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the films contained very low impurity concentrations. The results for tungsten represent the first demonstration of atomic layer deposition (ALD) of smooth single-element films using sequential surface reactions.
Molecular simulation study of cooperativity in hydrophobic association: clusters of four hydrophobic particles

Abstract The multibody contribution to the potential of mean force (PMF) of hydrophobic association of four methane molecules in water was investigated by means of umbrella-sampling molecular dynamics. Two systems were considered: (i) a trigonal pyramid with three methane molecules at contact distance forming a fixed base, the fourth molecule being placed on the top with variable distance from the base; and (ii) a regular uniformly expanding tetrahedron. Methane–methane distances as far as 12.5 A, i.e. beyond the second solvent-separated minimum of the PMF, were considered to address the baseline problem. In contrast to the small effect in the three-body case studied previously (Protein Sci 9 (2000) 1235), the multibody contribution was found to amount to approximately 0.2 kcal/mol per methane–methane pair, or approximately 25% of the depth of the contact minimum in the PMF. The main effect of the multibody contribution to the PMF is a reduction of the height of the barrier between the contact and solvent separated minima and a narrowing of the region of its maximum, while the region of the contact minimum is affected only weakly. The reduction of the barrier is due to four-body contributions. The cooperative contributions to the PMF agree very well with those computed from the molecular surface of the systems under consideration, which further supports earlier observations that the molecular surface can be used with good accuracy to describe the energetics of hydrophobic association.
Dapsone and sulfapyridine therapy of pemphigoid diseases.

Summary Since 1974, dapsone and sulfapyridine have been used to treat 30 patients with localized oral pemphigoid, 36 with cicatricial pemphigoid, and 11 with cicatricial pemphigoid limited to the eyes; 7 of these 77 patients were less than 50 years of age. Follow-up was J to 12 years (mean, 4.8 years). Of the 30 patients with localized oral pemphigoid, half were in remission and off treatment at a mean follow-up of 5 years. Of 25 patients with cicatricial pemphigoid who received dapsone therapy as initial treatment, 15 (60%) had a successful result. Sulfapyridine was successful in three patients and dapsone in six additional patients after other therapy. Thus, dapsone or sulfapyridine therapy was successful in 24 of 34 patients (71%). In 30 patients with pemphigoid limited to the ocular mueosa or cicatricial pemphigoid with ocular manifestations, 25 (83%) responded successfully to dapsone or sulfapyridine; there were no treatment failures among these 30 patients with ocular pemphigoid. Overall, of the 77 patients, of 55 who underwent an evaluable eotirse of dapsone or sulfapyridine therapy, 47 (85%) responded successfully.
Impact of process variations on emerging memristor

The memristor, known as the fourth basic two-terminal circuit element, has attracted many research interests since the first real device was developed by HP labs in 2008. The nano-scale memristive device has the potential to construct some novel computing systems because of its distinctive characters, such as non-volatility, non-linearity, low-power, and good scalability. These electrical characteristics of memristors are mainly determined by the material characteristic and the fabrication process. For example, process variations may cause the deviation of the actual electrical behavior of memristors from the original design and result in the malfunction of the device. Therefore, it is very important to understand and characterize the impact of process variations on the electrical behaviors of the memristor and its implication to the circuit design. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the geometry variations on the electrical characteristics of the memristor. Two parameters - NARD (Normalized Accumulative Resistance Deviation) and NAARD (Normalized Accumulative Absolute Resistance Deviation), are introduced to measure the fluctuation of the overall internal state (or the resistance) of a memristor under the impact of process variations. Based on our analysis, Monte-Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate the device mismatch effects in the memristor-based memory.
Lithium in chondritic meteorites

Abstract Lithium determinations have been made in 35 ordinary chondrites, 8 carbonaceous chondrites and 5 enstatite chondrites, using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Significant differences in the concentrations of lithium are found in enstatite chondrites as compared to chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites. Chondrule fractions and metal-free matrices have been separated from 4 out of 35 chondrites studied and lithium analyses made. These data show a trend of lower lithium concentrations in chondrules relative to the matrices. Atomic lithium abundances of 40–50 for chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites, 46.0 for enstatite chondrites of Type I and 12.5 for enstatite chondrites of Type II based onSi=10 6 are calculated.
An adaptable CMOS depressing synapse with detection of changes in input spike rate

Sensory pathways in the brain attain large dynamic ranges and novelty detection through adaptive mechanisms. We present a CMOS neuromorphic circuit emulating the adaptation dynamics of short-term depressing synapses for both transient and steady state. The circuit detects abrupt changes in the input firing rate following the Weber-Fechner relation, where the transient response is proportional to the fractional change of the input firing rate. In the steady state, the input-output relationship follows the one over frequency law in the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplitude. The circuit also detects novel change after a long interval of inactivity. The design comprises a small number of transistors, while capturing the desired input-output relationship. The amplitude of both transient and steady state EPSP are tunable. To our knowledge this is the first CMOS design to approach the Weber-Fechner relation.
Alternative Approach to Maximal Exercise Testing and VO2max Prediction in College Students

(1996). Alternative Approach to Maximal Exercise Testing and VO2max Prediction in College Students. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 67, No. 4, pp. 452-457.
Synthesis and Investigation of Homo- and Heterobimetallic Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Exhibiting Increased Activities

The previously reported ruthenium carbenes (PCy3)2Cl2RuCHR (R = CHCPh2 (1a), Ph (1b)) react with the bridged-chloride dimers [(p-cymene)RuCl2]2, [(p-cymene)OsCl2]2, and [(tBu2Cp)RhCl2]2 to quantitatively form the bimetallic, bridged-chloride ruthenium carbenes 2a,b, 4a,b, and 6a,b and 1 equiv of each corresponding piano-stool complex. In the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 1,5-cyclooctadiene, catalyst activity was found to increase in the order M = Ru < Os < Rh for the ancillary metal centers, with all of the bimetallic catalysts having higher activities than 1a,b. The kinetics of ROMP of the derivatized norbornene 9 were studied using catalyst 2a, and the data support an associative mechanism of olefin metathesis, contrary to the mechanism of olefin metathesis proposed for the parent catalysts 1a,b.
Microtubule-associated protein MAP2 shares a microtubule binding motif with tau protein

The microtubule-associated protein MAP2 is a prominent large-sized component of purified brain microtubules that, like the 36- to 38-kilodalton tau proteins, bears antigenic determinants found in association with the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer9s disease. The complete sequence of mouse brain MAP2 was determined from a series of overlapping cloned complementary DNAs. The sequence of the carboxyl-terminal 185 amino acids is very similar (67 percent) to a corresponding region of tau protein, and includes a series of three imperfect repeats, each 18 amino acids long and separated by 13 or 14 amino acids. A subcloned fragment spanning the first two of the 18-amino acid repeats was expressed as a polypeptide by translation in vitro. This polypeptide copurified with microtubules through two successive cycles of polymerization and depolymerization, whereas a control polypeptide derived from the amino-terminal region of MAP2 completely failed to copurify. These data imply that the carboxyl-terminal domain containing the 18-amino acid repeats constitutes the microtubule binding site in MAP2. The occurrence of these repeats in tau protein suggests that these may be a general feature of microtubule binding proteins.
Chondroitin sulfate as a regulator of neuronal patterning in the retina

Highly sulfated proteoglycans are correlated with axon boundaries in the developing central nervous system which suggests that these molecules affect neural pattern formation. In the developing mammalian retina, gradual regression of chondroitin sulfate may help control the onset of ganglion cell differentiation and initial direction of their axons. Changes induced by the removal of chondroitin sulfate from intact retinas in culture confirm the function of chondroitin sulfate in retinal histogenesis.
Visibility now: Historicizing foreign presences in translation

Visibility is proposed in this article as an inverse corollary to Venuti's notion of invisibility and a site of methodological interest for translation history. By historicizing the visibility of translators and of other foreign elements in translations and paratexts, we can trace broader cultural-aesthetic agendas related to translation as they change over time. This essay demonstrates such changes in medieval and Renaissance translations. Impeding the practice and study of visibility have been ideologies strongly favoring invisibility, such as those ultimately derived from the Western discipline's founding myth of Babel, or from post-Romantic notions of literary value. But the visibility of the foreign has been – and is, in contemporary, experimental and digital translations – a potential aesthetic resource, a locus of friction and interest, and an index to historically changing attitudes to alterity.
Recombinant soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 protects against myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury in cats

Objective: Neutrophils (PMNs) contribute importantly to the tissue injury associated with ischemia and subsequent reperfusion of a vascular bed. The effects of a recombinant soluble human form of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (rsPSGL.Ig) on PMN–endothelial cell interactions were investigated in a well established model of feline myocardial-ischemia reperfusion injury. Methods: Cats were subjected to 90 min of myocardial ischemia followed by 270 min of reperfusion. Results: Administration of rsPSGL.Ig (1 mg/kg) just prior to reperfusion resulted in a significant reduction in myocardial necrosis compared to that in cats administered a low affinity mutant form of rsPSGL.Ig (1 mg/kg) (16±3 vs. 42±7% of area-at-risk, P <0.01). Cardioprotective effects were confirmed by significant ( P <0.05) reductions in plasma creatine kinase activity in cats treated with rsPSGL.Ig. Inhibition of PMN–endothelial cell interactions was evidenced by a significant attenuation in cardiac myeloperoxidase activity ( P <0.01) and reduced PMN adherence to ischemic–reperfused coronary endothelium ( P <0.001). In addition, rsPSGL.Ig treatment significantly ( P <0.01) preserved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in ischemic–reperfused coronary arteries. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the administration of a recombinant soluble PSGL-1 reduces myocardial reperfusion injury and preserves vascular endothelial function, which is largely the result of reduced PMN–endothelial cell interactions.
Effect of metal particle size on sulfur tolerance of Ni catalysts during autothermal reforming of isooctane

Abstract This paper describes to what extent Ni particle size affects the sulfur-tolerance of ceria-zirconia supported Ni catalysts during autothermal reforming (ATR) of isooctane. Particle size was isolated as an experimental variable by preparing catalysts with a range of Ni loadings that had nearly identical Ni surface areas. Under sulfur-free conditions, isooctane conversion and synthesis gas yield increased as the Ni particle size increased, contrary to the expectation that smaller particle sizes with lower Ni coordination would be more active. However, larger Ni particles proved to be more vulnerable to sulfur poisoning. The poor ATR activity of small Ni particles can be attributed either to a lack of sufficiently large nickel surface ensembles, or to their higher propensity to form nickel oxides under reaction conditions. This contribution suggests that, under typical ATR conditions, more highly dispersed Ni catalysts will not result in elevated sulfur tolerance.
Acute glutathione depletion induces hepatic methylglyoxal accumulation by impairing its detoxification to d-lactate

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a dicarbonyl that reacts with amino acids and nucleic acids to form advanced glycation endproducts, which may contribute to diabetes and its cardiovascular complications. MGO detoxification through the glyoxalase (GLO) pathway is glutathione (GSH)-dependent, but no studies have investigated whether acute depletion of GSH regulates MGO accumulation in vivo. We therefore administered a single intraperitoneal injection of the specific GSH biosynthesis inhibitor l-buthionine-(RS)-sulfoximine (BSO; 4 mmol/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline vehicle to six-week-old Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48) prior to sacrificing at 0, 6, 12 and 48 h (n = 6/time point/treatment). BSO had no effect (P > 0.05) on adipose or plasma MGO at any specific time points following treatment. In contrast, hepatic GSH was 68–71% lower (P < 0.05) at 6–12 h following BSO, and MGO was 27% higher at 12 h. At 12 h, hepatic d-lactate was 13% lower and GLO activity was 52% lower following BSO, which was fully restored by the e...
How groups cooperate in a networked geometry learning environment

This paper presents a small group computing environment in which four students each control a different point in a geometric space, such that as a group they collectively manipulate the vertices of a quadrilateral. Prior research has revealed that students have considerable difficulty in learning about the interrelationships among quadrilaterals shapes. In this study, we investigated how a designed environment can help support students’ learning in this area. In particular, in a case study of two student groups, we used the notions of appropriation and objectification to explain how students learned from one another different ways of using the technology and of explaining geometric concepts to progress in their geometric reasoning. When the students did not attain a shared focus of attention, they were not able to appropriate others’ approaches to using the technology or explaining geometric concepts. In one group, although some individuals demonstrated learning gains, when the coordination among the group members fell apart, not all the members were able to benefit. On the other hand, another group which demonstrated more group-oriented behavior—listening to one another, sharing the same focus of attention, engaging in coordinated actions—was able to benefit as a whole and did better overall on individual assessments.
Acute glomerulonephritis associated with ECHO virus type 9 infection.

The definite relationship of a viral agent to acute glomerulonephritis has not beendemonstrated either virologically or immunologically. The present report is the first to describe an association of acute glomerulonephritis with an infection by a specific virus, ECHO virus type 9.
Hydrogen in Stishovite, with Implications for Mantle Water Content

Stishovite, the highest pressure polymorph of silicon dioxide, may be an important mineral in some regions of the Earth's mantle. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to determine the hydrogen content of synthetic stishovite. The concentration of hydrogen depends on the aluminum content of the sample and reaches a maximum of 549 +/- 23 hydrogen atoms per 10(6) silicon atoms for an Al(2)O(3) content of 1.51 percent by weight. Stishovite could be a storage site for water in deep subducting slabs and in regions of the mantle that are too hot for hydrous minerals to be stable.
Urban Policy in Twentieth-Century America. Arnold R. Hirsch and Raymond A. Mohl, eds.; European Cities Towards 2000: Profiles, Policies and Prospects. Alan Harding, Jon Dawson, Richard Evans, and Michael Parkinson, eds.

(1994). Urban Policy in Twentieth-Century America. Arnold R. Hirsch and Raymond A. Mohl, eds.; European Cities Towards 2000: Profiles, Policies and Prospects. Alan Harding, Jon Dawson, Richard Evans, and Michael Parkinson, eds. Urban Geography: Vol. 15, Social (In)justice in the City: Theory and Practice Two Decades Later, pp. 694-694.
Assessment and selection of paired associate strategies: A developmental study

Abstract First, third, and fifth graders who had been instructed to use an interaction strategy and a repetition strategy on two separate paired associate tasks were asked on which task they had remembered better and why. Subjects were then given another paired associate task and told they could use any way they wanted to remember. Memory performance was better when the interaction strategy was used than when the repetition strategy was used. A significant majority of third and fifth graders correctly judged which task they had performed better on, and the number of subjects doing so increased with grade. Only among fifth graders, did the majority of subjects explain their judgments by referring to the use of the interaction strategy. Use of the interaction strategy on Task 3 did not increase with grade but was shown by a significant majority of first and fifth graders. Use of the interaction strategy on Task 3 was more frequent among subjects who referred to the use of the interaction strategy in explaining their choice of their more successful task than among those who did not.
Application of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes in Micro Shear Stress Sensing

This paper reports the development of a MEMS based aligned carbon nanotube, thermal surface shear stress sensor for micro shear stress sensing applications. This paper is focused on the theory of alignment of CNTs during sensing element fabrication as well as experimental and calibration results from sensor testing. It is found that CNTs can be routinely aligned between surface micromachined gold electrodes using AC dielectrophoresis to form shear stress sensing elements. In order to fabricate the sensing element, a 25 Vp-p electric field at 3 MHz was used to form a ~150 μm wide line of aligned CNTs. The measured resistance of the sensing element was 580 Ω. The fabricated CNT shear stress sensor has been tested by bonding a Plexiglas channel to the electrode chip in order to create a 2D internal flow. The CNT shear stress sensor was found to have an average TCR of −0.0112%/°C or −0.0691Ω/°C and a current to voltage ratio of 0.07 mA/V.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
sMAP: a simple measurement and actuation profile for physical information

As more and more physical information becomes available, a critical problem is enabling the simple and efficient exchange of this data. We present our design for a simple RESTful web service called the Simple Measuring and Actuation Profile (sMAP) which allows instruments and other producers of physical information to directly publish their data. In our design study, we consider what information should be represented, and how it fits into the RESTful paradigm. To evaluate sMAP, we implement a large number of data sources using this profile, and consider how easy it is to use to build new applications. We also design and evaluate a set of adaptations made at each layer of the protocol stack which allow sMAP to run on constrained devices.
Energetics of Ge addimers on the Si(100) and Ge(100) surfaces: a comparative study

Abstract The adsorption energetics of Ge dimers on the (1 0 0) surfaces of Ge and Si has been investigated using the first-principles molecular dynamics method. Four high-symmetry configurations have been considered and fully relaxed. The most stable configuration for Ge dimers on Si(1 0 0) is found to be in the trough between two surface dimer rows, oriented parallel to the substrate Si dimers. These results are consistent with recent experimental studies of the system using the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and help to clarify some existing controversies on the interpretation of the STM images. In contrast, for Ge dimers on Ge(1 0 0), the most stable configuration is on top of the substrate dimer row.
Thermodynamic, thermomechanical, and structural properties of a hydrated asymmetric phosphatidylcholine

1-Behenyl-2-lauryl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (22/12 PC) belongs to a unique group of phospholipids in which the molecule has one acyl chain almost twice as long as the other. The temperature-composition phase diagram for this lipid in the range of 25–65 degrees C, and 0 to 84.3% (w/w) water has been constructed by using the isoplethal method in the heating direction and x-ray diffraction for phase identification and structure characterization. At water contents between 10.3 and 34% (w/w) and at temperatures below 43 degrees C, a single mixed interdigitated lamellar gel phase (Lm beta, [symbol: see text]) of the type described by Hui et al. (1984. Biochemistry. 23:5570–5577) and McIntosh et al. (1984. Biochemistry. 23:4038–4044) was found. A second phase consisting of bulk aqueous solution coexists with the Lm beta phase at hydration levels above 34% (w/w) water in the temperature range between 25 and 43 degrees C. Above 43 degrees C, a partially interdigitated lamellar liquid crystalline (Lp alpha) phase ([symbol: see text]) is seen in the water concentration range extending from 0 to 84.3% (w/w). The pure Lp alpha phase is found below 43% (w/w) water, while coexistence of the Lp alpha phase and the bulk aqueous solution is observed above this water concentration which marks the hydration boundary. Interestingly, the latter boundary for both Lm beta and Lp alpha phases is nearly vertical in the temperature range studied. Furthermore, the lamellar chain-melting transition temperature appears to be relatively insensitive to hydration in the range 0–85% (w/w) water. We have confirmed the identify of the Lm beta phase by constructing a 5.7-A resolution electron density profile on oriented samples by the swelling method. Temperature-induced chain melting effects an increase in lipid bilayer thickness suggesting that the Lp alpha phase has chains packed in the partially as opposed to the mixed interdigitated configuration. Unlike the symmetric phosphatidylcholines a ripple (P beta') phase was not found as an intermediate between the low and high temperature lamellar phases of 22/12 PC. The specific volume of 22/12 PC is 940 (+/- 1) microliter/g and 946 (+/- 1) microliter/g in the hydrated lamellar gel state at 28 (+/- 2) and 40 (+/- 2) degrees C, respectively, from neutral buoyancy experiments. Based on measurements of the temperature dependence of the various lattice parameters of the different phases encountered in this study the corresponding lattice thermal expansion coefficients have been measured. These are discussed and their dependence on lipid hydration is reported.
Vitamin D regulation of the renin-angiotensin system.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure, electrolyte, and volume homeostasis. Epidemiological and clinical studies have long suggested an association of inadequate sunlight exposure or low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] levels with high blood pressure and/or high plasma renin activity, but the mechanism is not understood. Our recent discovery that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) functions as a potent negative endocrine regulator of renin gene expression provides some insights into the mechanism. The concept of vitamin D regulation of blood pressure through the RAS opens a new avenue to our understanding of the physiological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system, and provides a basis for exploring the potential use of vitamin D analogues in prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Optimal Conditions for Isolation of a Neurotropic Measles Virus from Brain Tissue

SummaryFor recovery of measles virus from brain tissue dissociation by trypsinization was superior to cell isolation by mechanical and chemical treatment. Optimal techniques for dispersion of brain cells were established. When tested in cell cultures or in animals dissociated cells transferred infectivity much more effectively than did brain homogenates. Isolation of measles virus was successful up to 18 hr after the death of animals in tissue culture and up to 22 hr when assayed in suckling hamsters.
Structures of Ferulic Acid Glycoside Esters in Corn Hulls

1D-NMR (1H and 13C) and 2D-NMR spectroscopy as well as chemical means have been used to determine the structures of three new feruloylated disaccharides derived from acid hydrolysis of corn hulls. The structures of these oligosaccharides were determined to be O-(2‘-O-trans-feruloyl-α-l-arabinofuranosyl)-(1→3)-β−d-xylopyranose, O-[2‘-O-methoxyl-5‘-O-(E)-feruloyl]-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-xylopyranose, and O-[2‘-O-methoxyl-5‘-O-(Z)-feruloyl]-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1→3)-d-β-xylopyranose.
Pair Production and Bremsstrahlung of Charged Leptons

Photo pair productions of electrons, muons, and heavy leptons and bremsstrahlung of electrons and muons are reviewed. Atomic and nuclear form factors necessary for these calculations are discussed. Straggling of electrons in matter and other effects due to finite target thickness are considered. Tables of radiation lengths of all materials and the energy dependence of photon absorption coefficients of many materials are presented. Problems associated with production of particles by photon and electron beams are also discussed.
Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of immunoreactive prostaglandin synthase in the rat ovary

Follicular prostaglandins (PG) increase markedly in the hours after the preovulatory gonadotropin rise in the rat. The present investigation was performed to determine if the increased prostaglandins result from elevation of the amount of the principal enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, i.e. PG synthase. PG synthase was purified from sheep seminal vesicles and rat ovaries for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody was utilized in a competitive, microtiter plate-based enzyme immunoassay to quantitate PG synthase protein. Follicular development was stimulated in 26-day-old rats by injection of 20 IU of PMSG, and 51 h later 20 IU of hCG was injected. Ovaries were removed from rats before and 8 h after the hCG injection for quantitation of PG synthase by enzyme immunoassay. PG synthase immunologic activity was increased three-fold by hCG stimulation. These findings support the hypothesis that the preovulatory gonadotropin rise causes increased PG synthase protein in the rat ovary.
Interval models for target tracking algorithms

This paper presents a new set of models which utilize the target information implied by more than two scans of measurements. The new models are called interval models. Simulations prove that interval models have significant advantages over existing models in certain common scenarios.
Finite amplitude waves in isotropic elastic waveguides with arbitrary constant cross-sectional area

Harmonic generation in homogeneous, isotropic, stress-free elastic waveguides with arbitrary constant cross-sectional area is investigated theoretically. Perturbation and modal analysis are used to obtain solutions of the nonlinear equation of motion for harmonic generation. Conditions for internal resonance are quantified. There are no restrictions on the modes or frequencies of the primary waves. Calculations for second-harmonic and difference-frequency components are presented for cylindrical rods and shells.
Nonprofit Agencies in Public Child Welfare: Their Role and Involvement in Policy Advocacy

Growth in privatization has made human service nonprofit organizations increasingly important providers of public child welfare services. Policy advocacy is a key tool that these organizations can use to communicate their unique on-the-ground experience to lawmakers, potentially improving policy and strengthening services for at-risk children and families. However, little is known about the degree to which they participate in advocacy or the ways in which they are involved. This research uses large-scale survey data to investigate the percentage of nonprofit child welfare agencies participating in advocacy, as well as how they involve staff and volunteers and the types of advocacy tactics they use. Results indicate that nonprofit child welfare agencies are less likely to advocate and less likely to involve volunteers in advocacy than other types of nonprofit human service providers. However, the nonprofit child welfare agencies that are involved have high rates of participation in a variety of sophisticat...
I19 Antiviral actions of the interferon-inducible IFIT proteins

Antiviral actions of the interferon-inducible IFIT proteins Ganes Sen, Volker Fensterl, Jamie Wetzel The ISG56/IFIT genes are a multi-member family of interferon-inducible genes; there are four members in human and three in mouse. All IFIT proteins contain multiple TPR motifs which mediate protein-protein interactions. Some, but not all, members inhibit initiation of protein synthesis by binding to the translation initiation factor eIF-3 or by binding to the 5′ end of the mRNA. The murine Ifit1 encodes P56, Ifit2 encodes P54 and Ifit3 encodes P49. For investigating the biological functions of the murine Ifit proteins, we have recently generated several knock-out mice. Challenging Ifit1-/- and Ifit2-/- mice with various viruses have revealed their strong, but selective, antiviral properties. Ifit1-mediated host restriction was shown to be evaded by 2′-O-methylation of viral mRNAs. Flavivirus (West Nile Virus), vaccinia virus and coronavirus mutants, that lack 2′-O-methylation of their mRNAs, were growth-restricted in Wt, but not in Ifit1-/-, cells and mice. Further studies revealed that the action of Ifit1 on WNV replication is highly manifested in CNS infection, a deficiency of Ifit1 causing increased neuronal death in infected mice. Ifit2, on the other hand, blocked neuro-pathogenesis caused by intranasal infection with the rhabdovirus, VSV. All Ifit proteins were induced in the CNS of the infected mice, but Ifit1-/- mice were not more susceptible than Wt mice and most of the infected mice survived. In contrast, all Ifit2-/- mice died from neuro-pathogenesis; VSV replicated efficiently in the neurons of these mice. However, there was no effect on pathogenesis by another neuro-tropic virus, EMCV. Moreover, VSV did not replicate efficiently in the liver or the lung of infected Ifit2-/- mice and in vitro, in MEF or primary fetal neurons, the sensitivity of VSV replication to IFN-treatment was similar in Wt and Ifit2-/- cells. These results demonstrated the existence of tissue-, virus- and ISG-specific antiviral actions of interferon.
Automated detection of lung nodules in CT scans: Preliminary results

We have developed a fully automated computerized method for the detection of lung nodules in helical computed tomography(CT) scans of the thorax. This method is based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses of the image data acquired during diagnostic CT scans.Lung segmentation proceeds on a section-by-section basis to construct a segmented lung volume within which further analysis is performed. Multiple gray-level thresholds are applied to the segmented lung volume to create a series of thresholded lung volumes. An 18-point connectivity scheme is used to identify contiguous three-dimensional structures within each thresholded lung volume, and those structures that satisfy a volume criterion are selected as initial lung nodule candidates. Morphological and gray-level features are computed for each nodule candidate. After a rule-based approach is applied to greatly reduce the number of nodule candidates that corresponds to non-nodules, the features of remaining candidates are merged through linear discriminant analysis. The automated method was applied to a database of 43 diagnostic thoracic CT scans. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the ability of the classifier to differentiate nodule candidates that correspond to actual nodules from false-positive candidates. The area under the ROC curve for this categorization task attained a value of 0.90 during leave-one-out-by-case evaluation. The automated method yielded an overall nodule detection sensitivity of 70% with an average of 1.5 false-positive detections per section when applied to the complete 43-case database. A corresponding nodule detection sensitivity of 89% with an average of 1.3 false-positive detections per section was achieved with a subset of 20 cases that contained only one or two nodules per case.
Reduced Toxicity Conditioning and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults Using Fludarabine, Carmustine, Melphalan, and Antithymocyte Globulin: Outcomes Depend on Disease Risk Index but Not Age, Comorbidity Score, Donor Type, or Human Leukocyte Antigen Mismatch

Abstract Although reduced-intensity conditioning has become standard of care for patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), the optimum regimen has yet to be defined, and may depend on pretransplantation patient– and/or disease-specific risk factors. We report here results in 100 adults, ages 18 to 69, with high-risk hematologic malignancy who received conditioning with fludarabine, carmustine, melphalan, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (FBM-A). Outcomes were stratified using the disease risk index (DRI) as published by Armand et al. (Blood 2012;120:905-913). Median age was 56, and patients were ineligible for standard myeloablative conditioning because of age, organ dysfunction, or prior autologous HCT. Patients underwent transplantation for myeloid (acute myelogenous leukemia, n = 40; myelodysplastic syndrome, n = 24; myelofibrosis, n = 13; other myeloid, n = 2) or lymphoid (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, n = 8; non-Hodgkin lymphoma, n = 8; Hodgkin lymphoma, n = 4, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, n = 1) malignancy. Donors were related in 26 patients (22 matched, 4 mismatched at 1 antigen) and unrelated in 74 (mismatched at 1 or 2 HLA loci in 33); grafts were peripheral blood stem cells in 97 patients, bone marrow in 2, and double cord in 1. According to the DRI, 68 patients were classified as low (n = 1) or intermediate risk (n = 67), and 32 were classified as high (n = 28) or very high risk (n = 4). With a median follow-up of surviving patients of 18 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival at 2 years for patients in the low/intermediate risk group is 80%, compared with 66% in the high/very high group (P = .11). Two-year cumulative incidence of relapse and nonrelapse mortality in the low/intermediate group are 9.9% and 15%, versus 25% and 19% in the high/very high group (respective P values .07 and .81). The cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host (GVHD) grades III to IV at 100 days was 8.1%, and the incidence of National Institutes of Health–defined moderate to severe chronic GVHD was 22% at 2 years. No deaths were attributable to chronic GVHD. Survival was not influenced by age, hematopoietic comorbidity index score, donor type, donor gender, or presence of mismatch. We conclude that FBM-A is an effective and safe conditioning regimen for adults up to age 69 with hematologic malignancies who have low-, intermediate-, or high-risk scores according to the DRI.
A "circannian" rhythm in hibernating species of the genus Citellus with observations on their physiological evolution.

Abstract 1. 1. Continuous hibernation or estivation in Citellus lateralis , C. mohavensis, C. tereticaudus, C. variegatus and C. beecheyi never exceeds about 2 weeks. The frequency of arousal is a function of the ambient temperature, though in the latter four species not necessarily a direct one. A theory is proposed to explain this phenomenon. 2. 2. An endogenous rhythm, termed “circannian”, of about a year's duration is demonstrated in all five species. The physiological evolution of this rhythm and hibernation are discussed, and Zeitgebers speculated upon. The adaptive value of such a rhythm in the ecology of the various species is demonstrated. 3. 3. Neither the length of the hibernation period nor the active period seems to be affected by castration, thus arguing against gonadal atrophy or hyperthrophy being a causative factor in the onset or termination of hibernation. 4. 4. There is a marked cyclic rise and fall in body weight of at least three species, and the whole hibernation periods are closely related to this. It is thought that this cycle is a reflection of a deeper endogenous rhythm probably functioning in the central nervous system. 5. 5. Subspecies of C. lateralis from the most northern and most southern part of its range show no difference in their physiological behavior with respect to hibernation.
Interpretation of molecular marker data in the modern era.

2 he article by Khor et al. (1) in this issue raises several mportant issues regarding the interpretation of molecular arker data, not only in the context of Bcl-2 and Bax, but for ther markers as well. Given the recent explosion of molecular nd genetic profiling data over the course of the recent decade, t becomes imperative to understand how marker data should e properly interpreted and analyzed. Indeed, the Khor et al. rticle highlights the inherent dangers of interpreting marker ata in a vacuum without carefully considering associated linical, technical, and scientific factors. Khor et al. describe several prior reports that suggest that xpression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax have important progostic and predictive values, respectively, in the setting of rostate cancer. However, the authors do mention that a revious report by Bylund et al. demonstrates opposite esults, in that Bcl-2 overexpression was found to be assoiated with improved clinical outcomes. The Khor et al. tudy found that neither Bax or Bcl-2 was significantly ssociated with clinical outcome in patients treated in Raiation Therapy Oncology Group 86-10 (RTOG 86-10). his not only leaves the average clinician wondering not nly which report is correct, but also how to interpret orrelative studies properly, given that such paradoxical ndings are becoming increasingly common as correlative tudies are being performed in unprecedented frequency. The clinical factors that must be considered in interpretng a correlative study include the parent clinical study, imilarities and differences between patients included in the orrelative vs. the parent study, clinical characteristics of he patient population, and treatment factors. The parent tudy on which the report by Khor et al. was based, RTOG 6-10, in many ways represents an ideal clinical study on hich to perform correlative analysis. RTOG 86-10 was a arge phase III prospective, randomized clinical study perormed in the multi-institutional setting. The patients were omogenously treated on one of two treatment arms under ell-defined guidelines. Although it is true that the Khor t al. study was performed retrospectively rather than pro-
Preparing Future Professors: A Cross-Institution Mentoring Program

During the 2012–2013 and the 2013–2014 academic years, Stanford and San Jose State Universities implemented a graduate-student mentoring partnership. With the support of Stanford's Center for Teach...
Cytochalasin B inhibition of brain glucose transport and the influence of blood components on inhibitor concentration

Abstract The effect of cytochalasin B on cerebral glucose transport and metabolism was investigated in 19 isolated perfused dog brain preparations. Cytochalasin B is a potent, non-competitive inhibitor of glucose transport at the blood-brain interface. Both glucose transport into ( K i = 6.6 ± 1.9 μ M ) and out of the capillary endothelial cell are inhibited. The inhibition is readily reversible by perfusion with blood containing no cytochalasin B. After 2 min of exposure to 30 μM cytochalasin B, the cerebral oxygen consumption decreased by 31% probably due to decreased availability of glucose for oxidative metabolism. About one-half of the cytochalasin B that is dissolved in blood is bound to erythrocytes and other blood components while the remainder is free.
The torsion of a limacon in relation to theories for thin elastic rods

Abstract Often theories for thin elastic rods are generated from the equations of three dimensional elasticity by employing infinite series expansions in terms of the coordinates transverse to the long axis of the rod. We provide an example of how such a series solution for the torsion of a limacon fails to converge everywhere in the cross-section.