cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mutation in γ-Adducin Impairs Autoregulation of Renal Blood Flow and Promotes the Development of Kidney Disease.

Background The genes and mechanisms involved in the association between diabetes or hypertension and CKD risk are unclear. Previous studies have implicated a role for γ-adducin (ADD3), a cytoskeletal protein encoded by Add3. Methods We investigated renal vascular function in vitro and in vivo and the susceptibility to CKD in rats with wild-type or mutated Add3 and in genetically modified rats with overexpression or knockout of ADD3. We also studied glomeruli and primary renal vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from these rats. Results This study identified a K572Q mutation in ADD3 in fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rats-a mutation previously reported in Milan normotensive (MNS) rats that also develop kidney disease. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that this mutation destabilizes a critical ADD3-ACTIN binding site. A reduction of ADD3 expression in membrane fractions prepared from the kidney and renal vascular smooth muscle cells of FHH rats was associated with the disruption of the F-actin cytoskeleton. Compared with renal vascular smooth muscle cells from Add3 transgenic rats, those from FHH rats had elevated membrane expression of BKα and BK channel current. FHH and Add3 knockout rats exhibited impairments in the myogenic response of afferent arterioles and in renal blood flow autoregulation, which were rescued in Add3 transgenic rats. We confirmed these findings in a genetic complementation study that involved crossing FHH and MNS rats that share the ADD3 mutation. Add3 transgenic rats showed attenuation of proteinuria, glomerular injury, and kidney fibrosis with aging and mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension. Conclusions This is the first report that a mutation in ADD3 that alters ACTIN binding causes renal vascular dysfunction and promotes the susceptibility to kidney disease.
Exploring primary students causal reasoning about ecosystems

Using socio-scientific issues (SSI) in the science learning environment can promote student motivation to learn and make learning experiences more meaningful. Embedding model-based reasoning opport...
Theorising from global south literature for praxis: a transnational approach to chameleon feminism:

This article challenges the historical directionality of women’s knowledge and experience from the global north to the global south. It situates Moroccan feminist literature by Leila Abouzeid and M...
Parameters guiding the self-assembly of quantum dots and DNA origami by peptide-PNA

Nanoparticle (NP)-binding peptides conjugated to peptide nucleic acids - peptide-PNA - enable efficient and programmable self-assembly of quantum dots (QDs) on DNA nanostructures. As an alternative to chemically modified DNA, peptide-PNA were designed with a poly-histidine peptide motif (Histag) to enable self-assembly to the surface of ZnS-shelled QDs, along with a PNA domain which could undergo hybridization to a complementary DNA sequence by Watson-Crick base pairing. We have demonstrated that QDs can be conjugated efficiently to DNA origami by peptide-PNA without requiring a large excess of the individual components. Here, optimization was performed to assess the effects of varied molar ratios of peptide-PNA:QDs and QDs:origami on the binding efficiency of QDs to DNA origami.
Fuzzy Functional Dependencies and Fuzzy Association Rules

This paper proposes fuzzy association rule which is a more generalized concept than boolean, quantitative, and interval association rules. Fuzzy association rule is a spectrum of definitions. Each particular fuzzy association rule can be defined by adding restrictions on the fuzziness depending on the needs of practical situations. The definition of fuzzy association rule also fills in the gap between fuzzy functional dependencies and clusters and results in a whole spectrum of concepts which is called data association spectrum. Such a unified view has practical implications. For example, various data mining problems can be converted to clustering problems and take advantage of the availability of a large number of good clustering algorithms.
The Gray Zone: Networks of Piracy, Control, & Resistance

Taking Operation Payback and the broader context provided by The Pirate Bay as a point of reference, I consider the role of network-based initiatives in shaping the digital rights movement. I argue that Operation Payback is a significant milestone in copyright controversies because it exposed formal and informal, legal and extralegal strategies that have crystallized into an intricate business model around intellectual property. The most consequential outcome of this operation was that it created a focus on privacy violations that occurred at the behest of copyright, and thus, revealed the tensions between intellectual property and privacy. In so doing, it brought privacy concerns front and center, galvanizing unprecedented support for the digital rights movement.
In silico identification of potential transcriptional regulators associated with human MAPK signaling

In this study, a data-driven computational procedure was utilized in order to identify candidate transcription factors involved in the gene regulation network associated with mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction. Because the network reconstruction algorithm used for this study is relatively new, one purpose of the study was to apply it toward a real problem to gain insight as to its performance. The study resulted in identification of numerous candidate gene network interactions, and simultaneously provided clues regarding the quality of network reconstruction that can be expected from the algorithm at its current stage of development.
On foreign name search

We address foreign name search in a highly diverse user community. User sophistication ranges from highly experienced archivists to apprehensive users who shy away from technology; apprehensive users dominate system use. Thus, all system interfaces must assume minimal dependency on the user. Our foreign names search approach, called Segments, is language independent; thus, there is no need to determine the language of origin from the diverse candidate set of thirteen languages. We compare Segments against traditional n-gram and Soundex based solutions. Actual and synthetic queries are used to search a names data set resident in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. We also search a subset of the 1990 United States Census Bureau Surnames data set to evaluate the performance of Segments on a predominately language specific (English) collection. Our results demonstrate statistically significant performance gains over both traditional approaches. The described approach supports search efforts at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Bardeen-Moshe-Bander Fixed Point and the Ultraviolet Triviality of ( Φ → 2 ) 3 3

The three-dimensional ${({\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}^{2})}^{3}$ theory is studied at large $N$. A complete mapping of the phase diagram and a detailed analysis of the renormalization-group flows is given. The recently found uv fixed point of Bardeen, Moshe, and Bander is investigated and it is pointed out that its characteristics seem to be somewhat nongeneric and might disappear at finite $N$. Our analysis is restricted to infinite $N$ and hence no definitive conclusions are yet possible.
Recognizing scientific excellence in the biology of cell adhesion

The prestigious 2005 Japan Prize for Cell Biology has been awarded to Dr. Masatoshi Takeichi, Director of RIKEN Developmental Biology, Kobe, Japan, and Dr. Erkki Ruoslahti, Distinguished Professor, The Burnham Institute, La Jolla, USA for their "Fundamental contribution in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion". The award is scheduled to be presented to the scientists in ceremonies in Tokyo on April 20, 2005 as part of a week-long celebration of "Japan Prize Week".
Learner-Directed Nutrition Content for Medical Schools to Meet LCME Standards

Deficiencies in medical school nutrition education have been noted since the 1960s. Nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity, are now the most common, costly, and preventable health problems in the US. Training medical students to assess diet and nutritional status and advise patients about a healthy diet, exercise, body weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption are critical to reducing chronic disease risk. Barriers to improving medical school nutrition content include lack of faculty preparation, limited curricular time, and the absence of funding. Several new LCME standards provide important impetus for incorporating nutrition into existing medical school curriculum as self-directed material. Fortunately, with advances in technology, electronic learning platforms, and web-based modules, nutrition can be integrated and assessed across all four years of medical school at minimal costs to medical schools. Medical educators have access to a self-study nutrition textbook, Medical Nutrition and Disease, Nutrition in Medicine© online modules, and the NHLBI Nutrition Curriculum Guide for Training Physicians. This paper outlines how learner-directed nutrition content can be used to meet several US and Canadian LCME accreditation standards. The health of the nation depends upon future physicians’ ability to help their patients make diet and lifestyle changes.
Satellite detection of the 1982 El Chichon eruptions and stratospheric dust cloud

The March 28, April 3, and April 4, 1982 eruptions of El Chichon volcano were detected and monitored using geostationary and polar-orbiting environmental satellites. Based on the satellite data it was concluded that the March 28 eruption, the second of two eruptions on April 3, and the April 4 eruption injected material into the stratosphere at heights between 17 and 31 km. The resultant stratospheric dust cloud from the April 4 eruption was observed on the satellite imagery to travel completely around the Earth in a 3 week period. The altitude of the dust cloud was determined to be approximately 24 km.
The αβ versus γδ T Cell Fate Decision: When Less Is More

How does signaling through receptors with very similar signaling pathways promote distinct cell fates? For the αβ versus γδ T cell fate, quantitative differences in T cell antigen receptor signaling appear to be crucial (Hayes et al., 2005; Haks et al., 2005; this issue of Immunity ).
Entrance window design parameters for high-pressure gas x-ray imaging detectors.

Gas ionization x-ray detectors operating at pressures up to 100 atm offer inherently high spatial and contrast resolution. However, incorporating the detector x-ray entrance window in a conventional pressure vessel designed for such pressures can result in high primary beam loss in the window and a much reduced overall detective quantum efficiency. The design of a gas chamber cover plate for a strip beam detector which mechanically isolates the x-ray entrance window from the lateral tensile stresses in the chamber body is described. A number of test windows of this design, varying in three geometric parameters—thickness, window curvature, and fillet radius—were fabricated from wrought aluminum [6061-T651] and subjected to pressures of up to 400 atm for the purpose of selecting an optimum window for a prototype digital x-ray imaging detector. The experimental data indicate that windows can be designed for a detector admitting a 1.0 cm wide x-ray beam that have rupture pressures exceeding 500 atm while maintaining x-ray transmittances of as much as 93.4% for a 120 kVp tungsten anode spectrum.
Assessment of the Motivational Reactions of Teachers to a School-Based Performance Award Program

The Charlotte–Mecklenburg Schools school-based performance award program (SBPA) for teachers and classified staff is an accountability program that measures and sets goals for student achievement, provides numerous performance enablers for teachers (such as professional development and information about best practices), and awards monetary bonuses to teachers and staff in schools that meet their goals. Based on expectancy and goal-setting theory, an interview protocol was used to assess teachers' motivational reactions to the program. Teachers reported that the goals were specific, understandable, focused, and challenging; there were concerns, however, about being able to meet ever higher future goals. The usefulness of the performance enablers received mixed reactions. Bonuses were viewed as appropriate and an appreciated form of recognition, though of too small an amount. Helping students learn and seeing them meet achievement goals were reported to be more potent motivators than the bonus per se. Comparison of these reactions to those from teachers under the Kentucky SBPA showed both common and contrasting impacts. Numerous implications for future research, and for the design and implementation of SBPA programs, were suggested.
Group I metabotropic glutamate antagonist reduces acute neuronal degeneration and behavioral deficits after traumatic brain injury in rats.

Recent studies indicate that acute activation of Group I mGluRs following traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to the ensuing pathophysiology. The present study examined the effects of post-TBI administration of the selective mGluR1 antagonist (RS)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA) on acute neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and long-term sensorimotor and learning/memory outcome. In Experiment 1, 26 rats received 0.4, 2.0, or 10.0 nmol AIDA or artificial CSF vehicle infusion into the hippocampus starting 5 min postinjury. At 24 h after TBI characteristic pyramidal cell degeneration was observed in Fluoro-Jade-stained coronal sections of the CA2/3 sectors of the dorsal hippocampus. The mean (±SEM) number of Fluoro-Jade-positive neurons in the 10 nmol AIDA group (184 ± 32) was significantly less (P < 0.05) than the vehicle group (310 ± 47). In Experiment 2, 20 rats were trained on sensorimotor and memory tasks prior to parasagittal fluid percussion TBI. Rats were administered 10 nmol AIDA or vehicle as in Experiment 1. Rats were assessed on beam walking and radial arm maze (RAM) performance weekly for 6 weeks after TBI. Acquisition of a Morris water maze (MWM) task was assessed on days 11–15 after TBI. The AIDA-treated group had significantly reduced deficits in beam walk, MWM, and RAM performance compared to the vehicle-treated group. These data indicate that injury-induced acute activation of mGluR1 receptors contributes to both the cellular pathology and the behavioral morbidity associated with TBI.
Organized Business, Political Competition, and Property Rights: Evidence from the Russian Federation

Political competition and ‘‘merchant group’’ pressures have been pointed to as forces that limit state threats to the property rights of firms. This article presents evidence confirming their importance and highlighting an interesting feature of their interaction. Drawing on separate surveys of managers at industrial enterprises and directors of business associations in the Russian Federation, we demonstrate that a firm’s willingness to contest government predation, its ability to influence reforms to its institutional environment, and its propensity to invest in physical capital are positively related both to the membership in a business association and to the level of political competition in its region. Of particular note, the relationship between association membership and property rights strengthens in less politically competitive regions. Business community collective action, that is, appears to serve as a substitute for political competition in securing firms’ property rights. (JEL D23, D71, P26)
Nucleotide pools of Novikoff rat hepatoma cells growing in suspension culture. II. Independent snucleotide pools for nucleic acid synthesis

Novikoff rat hepatoma cells (subline NlSl-67) in suspension culture incorporate 3H-5-uridine into the acid-soluble nucleotide pool more rapidly than into RNA, resulting in the accumulation of labeled UTP in the cells. When labeled uridine is removed from the medium after 20 minutes or 4.75 hours of labeling, the rate of incorporation of label from the nucleotide pool into RNA decreases to less than 10% of the original rate within five to ten minutes, in spite of the presence of a large pool of labeled UTP in the cells, and incorporation ceases completely if an excess of unlabeled uridine is present during the chase. Upon addition of 14C-uridine to 3H-uridine pulse-labeled, chased cells, the 14C begins to be incorporated into RNA without delay and at a rate predetermined by the concentration of 14C-uridine in the medium and without affecting the fate of the free 3H-nucleotides labeled during the pulse-period. The results are interpreted to indicate that uridine is incorporated into at least two different pools, only one of which serves as primary source of nucleotides for RNA synthesis. During active synthesis of RNA, the latter pool of free nucleotides is very small and rapidly exhausted when uridine is removed from the medium. However, UTP accumulates in this pool when cells are labeled at 4–6°, since at this temperature RNA synthesis is blocked while uridine is still phosphorylated by the cells, and the UTP is rapidly incorporated into RNA during a subsequent ten-minute chase at 37°. From these types of experiments it is estimated that only 20–25% of the total uridine nucleotides formed in the cells from uridine in the medium is directly available for RNA synthesis and that the remainder becomes available only at a slow rate. Evidence is presented which suggests that one uridine nucleotide pool is located in the cytoplasm and another in the nucleus and that mainly the nuclear pool supplies nucleotides for RNA synthesis. The size of the latter pool is under strict regulatory control, since preincubation of the cells with 0.5 mM unlabeled uridine has little or no effect on the subsequent incorporation of 3H-uridine, although it results in an increase of the overall cellular uridine nucleotide content to at least 5 mM. Other results indicate that adenosine is also incorporated into two independent nucleotide pools, whereas the cells normally appear to possess a single thymidine nucleotide pool.
Effects of aggregation on scattering and radiative properties of soot aerosols

[1] The superposition T-matrix method is used to compute the scattering matrix elements and optical cross sections for a wide variety of fractal-like soot aggregates in random orientation at a visible wavelength 0.628 μm. The effects of the fractal dimension and prefactor, the monomer radius, the number of monomers in the aggregate, and the refractive index on light scattering and absorption by aggregated soot particles are analyzed. It is shown that the configuration of the monomers can have a substantial effect and that aggregation can result in a significant enhancement of extinction and scattering relative to those computed from the Lorenz–Mie theory, assuming that there are no electromagnetic interactions between the monomers. Thus one must take the effects of soot agglomeration and cluster morphology into account in radiative transfer modeling and remote sensing applications.
Effects of cryogenic chilling on beef carcass grade, shrinkage and palatability characteristics.

Alternate right or left sides of 90 carcasses were randomly selected and chilled at −70°C for 5 h, held at +16°C for 4 h and held at 1°C for 15 h (rapid chill—RC). The remaining sides were chilled at −7°C for 24 h (conventional chill—CC). Physical measurements and USDA quality grade data were obtained at 24 h post mortem and palatability samples were collected at 3–5 days post mortem. RC sides had 0·9% less shrinkage (P < 0·05) at 24 h post mortem when compared to paired CC sides. Beef sides that were given the RC treatment had a darker, softer lean (P < 0·01) and received higher marbling scores (P < 0·01) at 24 h post mortem than did CC sides. Loin steaks from RC sides had longer sarcomeres, less shear resistance and higher sensory panel tenderness ratings. It may be possible to rapidly chill carcasses with less carcass shrinkage and with no detrimental effects on USDA quality grade or on beef palatability.
Enhancement of membrane performance with employment of cellulose acetate blend

Abstract The present study reports the comparative assessment of various cellulose acetates and a blend thereof as polymeric materials, their properties in casting solutions and the relative performance of membranes prepared from them. An approach has been made to evaluate these polymers under closely identical conditions. Several prototype physico-chemical interactions possibly involved during the formation of a typical asymmetric membrane are studied. Viscosity evaluations are consistent with those of the cellulose acetates being non-spherical extended macromolecules which acquire flexibility with increasing temperature. The activation energy of viscous flow for the blend is higher than that for the individual constituents. The blend membrane is found to give ca. 20% greater salt rejection and 70% higher flux than the single component membrane.
Distribution‐free prediction bands for non‐parametric regression

Summary We study distribution-free, non-parametric prediction bands with a focus on their finite sample behaviour. First we investigate and develop different notions of finite sample coverage guarantees. Then we give a new prediction band by combining the idea of ‘conformal prediction’ with non-parametric conditional density estimation. The proposed estimator, called COPS (conformal optimized prediction set), always has a finite sample guarantee. Under regularity conditions the estimator converges to an oracle band at a minimax optimal rate. A fast approximation algorithm and a data-driven method for selecting the bandwidth are developed. The method is illustrated in simulated and real data examples.
Free-radical crosslinking copolymerization of styrene/unsaturated polyester resins: 2. Electron spin resonance study

Abstract Electron spin resonance (e.s.r.) spectroscopy provided useful information regarding the nature of propagating radicals and the radical concentration during the free-radical copolymerization of styrene (ST)/unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. The hyperfine structure of the spectrum showed that there were three types of radicals in the ST/UPE copolymerization at low temperatures. Changes of these radical species were determined by the e.s.r. spectrum simulation method. The behaviour of trapped radicals formed during polymerization was also examined by temperature scanning.
Contending perspectives in one department

Barone’s 1991 essay stimulated a debate in our economics department. Two department members at the time, Yngve Ramstad and Richard McIntyre, proposed to reorganise the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree to emphasise contending perspectives. When this proposal was rejected, Ramstad then changed his (required) history of thought course to a contending perspectives course with a significant history of thought component. McIntyre has taught the course since 2008, and in 2010, in rotation with Robert Van Horn who joined the faculty in Fall 2009. The Competing Traditions course emphasises the acquisition of skills rather than the deconstruction of orthodox theory. We explain this shift in three steps: first through an interpretation of the initial departmental debate; second, by exploring student feedback on concrete learning goals and forms of assessment; and finally by considering two reflective essays, each by a university alumnus.
Precipitated diazepam withdrawal in baboons: Effects of dose and duration of diazepam exposure

Abstract Baboons were exposed to diazepam via continuous injection at doses of 0.125–20.0 mg/kg per day intragastrically (i.g.) for 7 days or to 20 mg/kg per day, i.g. for 1 h or 1 to 35 days. After diazepam administration, Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine antagonist was given (5.0 mg/kg i.m.) and precipitated benzodiazepine withdrawal was evaluated by scoring individual signs. The severity of the withdrawal, as indicated by the number of the different signs as well as by frequency of individual signs, increased as the dose and duration of diazepam exposure were increased. Consistent elevations in diazepam withdrawal signs were evident after a dose as low as 0.25 mg/kg per day for 7 days and after administration of 20 mg/kg per day for as short as 3–7 days. Data also suggested that history of previous benzodiazepine exposure sensitized animals to subsequent development of physical dependence. Overall, this study suggests that benzodiazepines produce meaningful functional changes in the central nervous system after exposure to relatively low doses and after relatively short durations of exposure.
Triton calculations in a harmonic oscillator basis with realistic potentials

Abstract Using the Reid potential and a basis of translationally invariant harmonic oscillator states of good particle permutation symmetry the binding energy of the triton is calculated to be 6.30 MeV.
Differential production of interferon and lymphotoxin by human tonsil lymphocytes.

Abstract Lymphotoxin (LT) production, interferon (IF) production, and DNA synthesis were investigated after mitogen stimulation and in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reaction using human tonsil lymphocytes. Both LT and IF were assayed in parallel and from the same lymphocyte supernatants. An analysis of the PHA, PWM, one-way and two-way MLC reactions showed that the amounts of LT and IF produced could not be correlated. Polyriboinosinic: polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I: C)) failed to induce either LT production or [ 3 H]TdR incorporation but did induce IF production. Removal of glass-adherent cells (GAC) had no effect on mitogen induced LT production but their removal reduced LT production in MLC reactions. GAC were necessary for IF production and optimal [ 3 H]TdR incorporation in both mitogen stimulated cultures and in MLC reactions. IF and LT activities were shown to be the result of different molecules by using a Sephadex G-75 column. These results indicate that mitogen stimulation differs from MLC reactions in the cell type or control mechanisms involved for LT production, and that in mitogen stimulated cultures all three of these in vitro phenomena are probably the results of either different cell types or of different cell to cell interactions.
Characterization of relative homogeneity in particulate mixtures

Abstract Procedures for evaluating the relative homogeneity of complex particle systems are discussed. The discrete nature of particle systems leads to an inherent heterogeneity corresponding to the situation where all particles are arranged completely at random. Theoretical relationships, based on simple statistical considerations, are available for predicting the expected variance among samples taken from random binary mixtures. It is shown that these can be applied to any particulate system by considering it as a series of binary mixtures of appropriately defined critical components with a second, composite component consisting of the remainder of the material. The critical components can also be composites provided they have some common feature and their concentration in the mixture can be measured. Criteria for the definition of critical components are discussed. Characterization of relative homogeneity is based on comparison of observed sample variances with those predicted for the random state. The importance of correct sampling is emphasized and some special constraints on the application of standard sampling procedures to evaluating relative homogeneity are described. Guidelines for the choice of appropriate sample size for specific applications are presented. It is demonstrated that a reasonable estimate of the variance associated with sampling and assaying errors can be a critical requirement for identifying relatively minor inhomogeneities. A brief discussion of procedures for characterizing the magnitude and scale of inhomogeneities is also included.
On the Integration of Cognitive Work Analysis within a Multisource Information Fusion Development Methodology

This research explored the means by which methods in cognitive engineering, namely, work domain analysis, could be used to provide input to the development of advanced information processing, or multisensor information fusion, algorithms. Specifically, a work domain analysis of an emergency management environment (in a post-earthquake context) was performed, and linked abstraction hierarchy models representing the emergency management and response system, the physical environment (e.g., buildings, transportation systems, civilians), and other goal directed agents (e.g., civilian responders and volunteers) were created. Outputs from that analysis (information requirements) were input to the design of the information processing algorithms, providing guidance as to the nature of information required by decision makers, which could be computed through fusion capabilities. This ongoing work thus presents an example of an integrated cognitive engineering/multisensor fusion methodology.
Opioid and cannabinoid receptors

Opioids and cannabinoids are two major classes of drugs with important clinical uses as well as significant side effects. Recently, the three major subtypes of opioid receptors, delta, kappa and mu, have been cloned. Both the endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors have also recently been cloned. These advances are facilitating attempts to understand the structural features of these receptors that are involved in their functioning, which should lead to the development of new and improved clinically useful opioids and cannabinoid-like drugs.
Influence of coded micro‐wire tags on postlarval lobster (Homarus americanus) behavior

The influence of coded micro‐wire tags on postlarval lobster behavior was investigated in a simulated cobble environment. Newly settled postlarvae were divided into two treatment groups, tagged and untagged. Seven behavioral categories were identified and the proportion of time spent in each for each treatment was evaluated. We observed no difference in the proportion of time spent in any of the behaviors between tagged and untagged postlarvae. We conclude that the presence of micro‐wire tags does not influence behavior of newly settled lobsters.
Ability of haematopoietic spleen colonies to form macrophages in vitro.

THERE is substantial evidence that blood monocytes are the immediate precursors of macrophages in inflammatory exudates1,2 and in the peritoneal fluid3, and that bone marrow is a potential source of these macrophages3–5. In previous work using the chromosome marker technique, and in vitro cultivation of macrophages, it was shown that in mouse radiation chimaeras, bone marrow is a source of alveolar macrophages and of macrophages which can be cultured from different organs6. This work also suggested that only haematopoietic tissues contain precursor cells for macrophages.
Catalysis: individual nanoparticles in action.

A catalytic reaction occurring on a single gold nanoparticle can be monitored directly with surface plasmon spectroscopy.
Immunodepressive Effects of LPS on Monocyte CD14in Vivo

Having previously reported that septic patients displayed lower levels of monocyte CD14 (endotoxin receptor) as compared to normal individuals, we were interested in the hypothesis that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modulates levels of monocyte CD14 in vivo. We examined CD14 expression in 13 human volunteers who were given a non-lethal injection of Escherichia coli LPS (4.0 ng/kg). Monocyte CD14 was assayed by direct immunofluorescent determination with appropriate anti-CD14 monoclonal antibodies using flow cytometry. To test for cell responsiveness, monocytes were additionally examined following in vitro stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl - leucyl - phenylalanine (FMLP). Following LPS infusion, all patients displayed significant monocytopenia and responded with fever and tachycardia. Plasma samples demonstrated elevated levels of TNFα. CD14 expression was down-regulated by 52% on monocytes obtained 3 hr following LPS infusion (P < 0.05, vs. pre-LPS levels). Monocytes obtained pre-LPS infusion were down-regulated following in vitro stimulation by PMA to levels 72 ± 8% and by FMLP to levels 75 ± 5% of unstimulated control cells. In contrast, monocytes obtained 3 hr post-LPS infusion failed to respond to PMA or FMLP with significant down-regulation. LPS down-regulated CD14 expression on monocytes in vivo and LPS also blunted the ability of monocytes to respond to other stimuli. We conclude that LPS desensitizes monocytes to itself and thereby renders an immunodepressive effect on these cells.
Localized corrosion susceptibility of Al-Li-Cu-Mg-Zn alloy AF/C458 due to interrupted quenching from solutionizing temperature

Isothermal time-temperature-localized corrosion-behavior curves were determined for the Al-1.8Li-2.70Cu-0.6Mg-0.3Zn alloy AF/C458, to understand the effect of slow or delayed quenching on localized corrosion susceptibility. Alloy samples were subject to a series of systematic interrupted quenching experiments conducted at temperatures ranging from 480 °C to 230 °C for times ranging from 5 to 1000 seconds. Individual samples were then exposed to an oxidizing aqueous chloride solution consisting of 57 g/L NaCl plus 10 mL/L H2O2 to induce localized attack. The localized corrosion mode was characterized by optical microscopy. Additionally, the microstructure of selected samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to relate the corrosion mode and morphology to microstructural features. Results showed that only pitting attack was exhibited by samples subjected to isothermal treatment at temperatures greater than 430 °C. At temperatures ranging from 280 °C to 430 °C, isothermal treatment tended to induce susceptibility to intergranular attack (IGA) and intersubgranular attack (ISGA) for all treatment times investigated. For isothermal treatments at temperatures lower than 280 °C, only pitting was observed for treatment times less than about 30 seconds, while IGA and ISGA were observed for longer treatment times. Comparisons showed that the time-temperature domains for IGA and ISGA were virtually coincident. Based on this finding and the results from TEM characterization, IGA and ISGA appear to be related to the precipitation of a Zn-modified T1 (Al2(Cu,Zn)Li) precipitate, which can occur both on low-angle and high-angle grain boundaries in this alloy. When the alloy is resistant to IGA and ISGA, the grain boundaries are decorated by θ′ (Al2Cu), and TB (Al7Cu4Li) phase particles, or subgrain boundaries are populated by a comparatively low density of T1 precipitates. It is, therefore, speculated that θ′ and TB are more corrosion-resistant precipitate phases than T1, and that a critical concentration of boundary T1 must exist for IGA or ISGA to occur.
Assessing individual differences in ethanol preference using a cumulative dosing procedure

Preference for ethanol versus a placebo was assessed in 12 normal volunteers using a cumulative dosing preference test. The test consisted of four sampling sessions followed by three choice sessions. During the sampling sessions subjects received either five cumulating oral doses of ethanol (0.1g/kg per dose) or equal volumes of placebo, at 15-min intervals. Subjective and observer-rated drug effects, psychomotor performance, drug liking ratings, and breath ethanol levels were measured at regular intervals. During choice sessions, subjects first chose which of the two substances (drug or placebo) they wished to take and ingested one unit dose. Then, at 15-min intervals throughout the session, they could ingest up to ten additional unit doses of the same substance (i.e., up to 1.1 g/kg ethanol). On average, the subjects chose the ethanol-containing beverage on 75% of the choice sessions, and they self-administered a mean total dose of 0.8g/kg per session. Subjects varied in the amount of ethanol ingested on choice sessions, and the amount they chose was related to their subjective responses to the drug during sampling. Subjects who chose the most ethanol reported experiencing stimulant-like effects from the ethanol, whereas the subjects who chose ethanol less frequently and ingested lower doses reported primarily sedative-like effects from the drug. The results demonstrate that the cumulative dosing procedure can be used effectively to evaluate drug preferences and dose preferences in normal volunteers.
Intraseptal tacrine-induced disruptions of spatial memory performance

The medial septal nucleus regulates the physiology and emergent functions (e.g., memory formation) of the hippocampal formation. This nucleus is particularly rich in cholinergic receptors and is a putative target for the development of cholinomimetic cognitive enhancing drugs. Several studies have examined the direct effects of intraseptal cholinomimetic treatments and the results have been somewhat conflicting with both promnestic and amnestic effects. Several variables (e.g., age, task difficulty, timing of drug administration) may influence treatment outcome. The present study examined the effects of intraseptal infusion of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tacrine (0-25 microg/0.5 microl) on spatial memory performance. Tacrine was infused into the medial septum just prior to testing. Tacrine infusions did not significantly affect the number of correct choices in the first eight entries, or the number of correct choices until an error. This treatment did not alter the angle of arm entries, or impair the animals' ability to complete the task (enter all baited arms). However, tacrine produced a linear dose-dependent increase in errors, doubling (12.5 microg) and tripling (25.0 microg) the number of errors made before rats completed the task. The deficit demonstrates that activation of intraseptal cholinergic receptors can disrupt spatial memory performance. These findings are discussed with regards to septohippocampal-dependent memory processes and the development of therapeutic strategies in the treatment of age-related memory disorders.
Are joint bidding and competitive common value auction markets compatible?—some evidence from offshore oil auctions☆

Abstract In this paper we consider whether joint bidding for oil leases in U.S. Department of the Interior Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) auctions has been compatible with the maintenance of competition in these auctions. In 1975 eight major oil companies were banned from being co-bidders on any joint bids, apparently due to concern that joint bidding was fostering collusion. Focusing on eight major companies, five of which were banned from joint bidding in 1975, we present evidence which strongly suggests that joint bidding was consistent with more competitive rather than less competitive behavior.
Model-driven engineering: raising the abstraction level through domain-specific modeling

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) has emerged as a promising paradigm in software engineering by emphasizing the use of models not just for documentation and communication purposes, but as first-class artifacts to be transformed into other work products (e.g., other models, source code, and test scripts). MDE supports full-scale round-trip engineering, from idea inception to operationalization. Historically, models have been developed using general-purpose modeling languages, such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML). A more recent trend is to use domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs), which assist domain experts in working within their own problem space without being concerned about technical details of the solution space (e.g., programming languages and middleware). DSMLs also provide an accessible way to communicate with stakeholders who are not familiar with the fast changing technologies. This introductory tutorial will present a summary of the areas represented by MDE and offer some insight into the benefits of using DSMLs in both research and teaching.
Mapping the Southwest Indian Ridge with Geosat

Satellite altimetry continues to have an extraordinary impact on the Earth sciences. It is sure to be considered the most important new observing tool for marine geophysics and geology to emerge in recent times. Spacecraft that have used and are currently using radar altimeters to map sea-surface topography, and thereby marine gravity, include Geos-3, Seasat, Geosat, ERS-1, and Topex/Poseidon. To date, however, only Geosat altimeter data have possessed both the accuracy and density of coverage necessary to clearly resolve tectonic details in the marine gravity field on a global basis.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia complicating methotrexate treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris

From the Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine. Reprint requests: Leonard M. Milstone, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, 333 Cedar St, 501 LCI, New Haven, CT 065208059. J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:276-8. Copyright © 1998 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. 0190-9622/98/$5.00 + 0 16/54/90382 Low-dose methotrexate is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and in psoriasis and other cutaneous diseases.1,2 The complication rate is low, with the benefits of its use far outweighing the risks.3 However, there have been a number of opportunistic infections associated with the increasing use of methotrexate for chronic inflammatory conditions.4 We report a case of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in a man treated with methotrexate for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). We also review the other reported cases of P. carinii pneumonia associated with low-dose methotrexate therapy.
The voltage-current characteristics of an electrosurgical arc

The voltage-current characteristics resulting from the application of a high voltage, 500 kHz sinusoidal frequency via a electrosurgical electrode in a simulated TUR environment are presented. Arc responses are clearly seen in the tissue. Rectification is observed in the power density spectra. These results indicate that neuromuscular stimulation is possible.
Preliminary in vivo atherosclerotic carotid plaque characterization using the accumulated axial strain and relative lateral shift strain indices

In this paper, we explore two parameters or strain indices related to plaque deformation during the cardiac cycle, namely, the maximum accumulated axial strain in plaque and the relative lateral shifts between plaque and vessel wall under in vivo clinical ultrasound imaging conditions for possible identification of vulnerable plaque. These strain indices enable differentiation between calcified and lipidic plaque tissue utilizing a new perspective based on the stiffness and mobility of the plaque. In addition, they also provide the ability to distinguish between softer plaques that undergo large deformations during the cardiac cycle when compared to stiffer plaque tissue. Soft plaques that undergo large deformations over the cardiac cycle are more prone to rupture and to release micro-emboli into the cerebral bloodstream. The ability to identify vulnerable plaque, prone to rupture, would significantly enhance the clinical utility of this method for screening patients. We present preliminary in vivo results obtained from ultrasound radio frequency data collected over 16 atherosclerotic plaque patients before these patients undergo a carotid endarterectomy procedure. Our preliminary in vivo results indicate that the maximum accumulated axial strain over a cardiac cycle and the maximum relative lateral shift or displacement of the plaque are useful strain indices that provide differentiation between soft and calcified plaques.
Application of mxaF functional gene sequence to determine genetic relatedness among environmental Methylobacterium strains (PPFMs)

Abstract Pink-pigmented, facultatively methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs) of the Methylobacterium genus utilize plant-derived methanol as a carbon and energy source when growing on plant roots. To accomplish this, they employ the methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) enzyme, for which mxaF is the structural gene. Changes in mxaF sequence can result in decreased enzyme efficiency. Environmental conditions such as soil pH can alter MDH efficiency and impact bacterial proliferation in soil by affecting the solubility and chemical speciation of metals and nutrients. Soil pH can be influenced by location, soil type, ecosystem type and plant cover. Phenotypic analyses as well as 16S rRNA and mxaF functional gene phylogeny and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were performed on nine New Jersey agricultural soil PPFM isolates to compare gene characteristics and to determine the feasibility of using mxaF as a genetic tool to distinguish between PPFM species. 16S rRNA and mxaF functional gene phylogeny of 114 New Jersey, South Carolina, and California forest and agricultural soil Methylobacterium isolates were examined in order to apply mxaF sequence as a tool for describing genetic relatedness among newly acquired soil Methylobacterium strains. The pH of soil sample source was considered as a potential influencing factor for PPFM species distribution and thus mxaF sequence in soil environments. Nucleotide sequences of PPFM 16S rRNA gene fragments were too similar to be useful for species characterization. DGGE separation of mxaF fragments revealed species-specific banding patterns for PPFM strains whereas 16S rRNA patterns were nearly identical for multiple strains. pH, location and plant type were found not to be a selecting factor for mxaF sequence and PPFM species distribution in soil, suggesting the robust and versatile nature of the mxaF gene in Methylobacterium .
A Review of Available Collision Strength Data for the Boron Isoelectronic Sequence (Z = 5 to 28)

A review is given of the available data on collision strengths and effective, or Maxwellian-averaged, collision strengths for neutral boron and all boron-like ions up to and including boron-like nickel. When sufficient collision strength data are available for the determination of two or more sets of effective collision strengths {gamma} for the same ion by different authors, comparison graphs of {gamma} versus the logarithm of the electron temperature T(K) are given. 40 refs., 20 figs., 1 tab.
Relative intensities in photoelectron spectroscopy of atoms and molecules

The relative intensities of photoelectron lines is discussed. The relationship of observed intensities to angle of observation is considered as are the errors introduced by ignoring the fact that different lines may have different angular distributions. Tables of theoretical results for the angular distribution asymmetry parameter, β, are presented for incident Al Kα, Mg Kα, and Zr Mζ radiation for all atomic ground state subshells of non-zero angular momentum. The application of these results to molecules is discussed.
Spin alignment in superdeformed Hg nuclei.

One of the superdeformed rotational bands in {sup 194}Hg has transition energies (rotational frequencies) that are equal within about 0.1% to those of the (only known) band in {sup 192}Hg. This excited (two-quasiparticle) band in {sup 194}Hg has an aligned spin of (1.00{plus minus}0.04){h bar} relative to the very similar band in {sup 192}Hg, suggesting an interpretation in terms of aligned pseudo (intrinsic) spin. The implied pseudospin symmetry may be a clue as to why the rotational frequencies are so similar.