cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Combined Mechanochemical and Calcination Route to Mixed Cobalt Oxides for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenols

Para-, or 4-nitrophenol, and related nitroaromatics are broadly used compounds in industrial processes and as a result are among the most common anthropogenic pollutants in aqueous industrial effluent; this requires development of practical remediation strategies. Their catalytic reduction to the less toxic and synthetically desirable aminophenols is one strategy. However, to date, the majority of work focuses on catalysts based on precisely tailored, and often noble metal-based nanoparticles. The cost of such systems hampers practical, larger scale application. We report a facile route to bulk cobalt oxide-based materials, via a combined mechanochemical and calcination approach. Vibratory ball milling of CoCl2(H2O)6 with KOH, and subsequent calcination afforded three cobalt oxide-based materials with different combinations of CoO(OH), Co(OH)2, and Co3O4 with different crystallite domains/sizes and surface areas; Co@100, Co@350 and Co@600 (Co@###; # = calcination temp). All three prove active for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and related aminonitrophenols. In the case of 4-nitrophenol, Co@350 proved to be the most active catalyst, therein its retention of activity over prolonged exposure to air, moisture, and reducing environments, and applicability in flow processes is demonstrated.
Holocene paleoclimate change in the western US: The importance of chronology in discerning patterns and drivers

Abstract Sediment in lakes and meadows forms a powerful archive that can be used to reconstruct environmental change through time. Reconstructions of lake level, of chemical, biological, and hydrological conditions, and of surrounding vegetation provide detailed information about past climate conditions, both locally and regionally. Indeed, most of our current knowledge of centennial- to millennial-scale climate variability in the arid western United States, where information about past hydroclimate is particularly important, comes from such sediment-based reconstructions. The pressing need for robust, precise predictions of future conditions is a significant motivation for paleoclimate science, and current research questions frequently require Holocene reconstructions to be resolved at sub-centennial timescales. Increasingly, regional syntheses seek to identify synoptic-scale patterns similar to those defined from modern observations (seasonal, interannual, multi-decadal, etc.) or to compare with the output of climate model simulations. However, the age control on existing records, especially those more than about 20 years old, is often sufficient only for millennial-scale interpretation. Here we assess the age control for 84 published and unpublished records from lakes and meadows in the Great Basin, California, and desert southwest, and use Bayesian modeling to evaluate the 95% uncertainty ranges for the 42 best-dated records. In the Late Holocene, about half of the 42 records have 800-year mean uncertainty and records of the Early Holocene have 600- to >1400-year mean uncertainty ranges. We find that the largest control on modeled uncertainties is dating density, with at least 2 dates/kyr being optimal and suggest obtaining “range-finder” dates at the onset of a study to better predict the total number of dates needed for an adequate age model. Such a density avoids a commonly observed phenomenon of significant peaks in uncertainty arising in gaps between age control points. Analysis of the uncertainties associated with proxy shifts reveal that more than half are >400 years. Although such large uncertainties currently prevent sub-centennial interpretations in most cases, increased dating density, strategic use of limited funds (including budgeting for a 2 date/kyr minimum at the proposal stage), construction of age-depth models with Bayesian methods, and critical evaluation of chronological uncertainty will shed light on past climate variability at finer timescales, enhancing our understanding of global and regional drivers of western U.S. climate.
Pharmacokinetic—Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Tumor Targeted Drug Delivery Using Nano-Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Nano-engineered mesenchymal stem cells (nano-MSCs) are promising targeted drug delivery platforms for treating solid tumors. MSCs engineered with paclitaxel (PTX) loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are efficacious in treating lung and ovarian tumors in mouse models. The quantitative description of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of nano-MSCs is crucial for optimizing their therapeutic efficacy and clinical translatability. However, successful translation of nano-MSCs is challenging due to their complex composition and physiological mechanisms regulating their pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship (PK–PD). Therefore, in this study, a mechanism-based preclinical PK–PD model was developed to characterize the PK–PD relationship of nano-MSCs in orthotopic A549 human lung tumors in SCID Beige mice. The developed model leveraged literature information on diffusivity and permeability of PTX and PLGA NPs, PTX release from PLGA NPs, exocytosis of NPs from MSCs as well as PK and PD profiles of nano-MSCs from previous in vitro and in vivo studies. The developed PK–PD model closely captured the reported tumor growth in animals receiving no treatment, PTX solution, PTX-PLGA NPs and nano-MSCs. Model simulations suggest that increasing the dosage of nano-MSCs and/or reducing the rate of PTX-PLGA NPs exocytosis from MSCs could result in improved anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical settings.
Futility and the Varieties of Medical Judgment

Pellegrino has argued that end-of-life decisions should be based upon the physician’s assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment and the patient’s assessment of its benefits and burdens. This would seem to imply that conditions for medical futility could be met either if there were a judgment of ineffectiveness, or if the patient were in a state in which he or she were incapable of a subjective judgment of the benefits and burdens of the treatment. I argue that a theory of futility according to Pellegrino would deny that latter but would permit some cases of the former. I call this the “circumspect” view. I show that Pellegrino would adopt the circumspect view because he would see the medical futility debate in the context of a system of medical ethics based firmly upon a philosophy of medicine. The circumspect view is challenged by those who would deny that one can distinguish objective from subjective medical judgments. I defend the circumspect view on the basis of a previously neglected aspect of the philosophy of medicine — an examination of varieties of medical judgment. I then offer some practical applications of this theory in clinical practice.
A game-theoretic framework for congestion control in general topology networks

We study control of congestion in general topology communication networks within a fairly general mathematical framework that utilizes noncooperative game theory. We consider a broad class of cost functions, composed of pricing and utility functions, which capture various pricing schemes along with varying behavior and preferences for individual users. We prove the existence and uniqueness of a Nash equilibrium under mild convexity assumptions on the cost function, and show that the Nash equilibrium is the optimal solution of a particular "system problem". Furthermore, we prove the global stability of a simple gradient algorithm and its convergence to the equilibrium point. Thus, we obtain a distributed, market-based, end-to-end framework that addresses congestion control, pricing and resource allocation problems for a large class of of communication networks. As a byproduct, we obtain a congestion control scheme for combinatorially stable ad hoc networks by specializing the cost function to a specific form. Finally, we present simulation studies that explore the effect of the cost function parameters on the equilibrium point and the robustness of the gradient algorithm to variations in time delay and to link failures.
IS THE FOX GUARDING THE HEN HOUSE?: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST THAT PERVADE THE ONE HUNDRED-YEAR HISTORY OF THE OKLAHOMA INSURANCE COMMISSION

Although the Oklahoma Insurance Department Commissioner Kim Holland has recently created two new reforms to deal with misconduct in the wake of former Commissioner Carroll Fisher's conviction, these reforms still fall short. These two policy changes focus on "things of values" and moonlighting, while well meaning, ignore several types of historical conflicts of interest-self dealing, influence peddling, post-employment, and campaign finance-that historically pervade this state-wide office. Through a reconstruction of a timeline from the Daily Oklahoman archives and a more recent examination of data from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and the National Institute on Money in State Politics' Follow the Money (2008), a larger picture is drawn detailing conflicts of interest unacknowledged by the current Department's reforms. With the spotlight on past conflicts of interest, it may be possible to foster a new understanding of needed policy reforms to deal with many potential conflicts of interest, keeping the current office holder from "conviction" in the public square if history unfortunately repeats itself yet again. However, some conflicts of interest are structural and need Constitutional changes to fix.
Permanent induction of morphological abnormalities in the penis and penile skeletal muscles in adult rats treated neonatally with diethylstilbestrol or estradiol valerate: a dose-response study.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of neonatal exposure to different doses of diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estradiol valerate (EV) on penile morphology, penile skeletal muscles, and fertility. Male pups received DES or EV at a dose of 10 μg, 1 μg, 100 ng, 10 ng, or 1 ng per rat on alternate days from postnatal days 2–12. Fertility was tested at 120 days, and tissues were examined at 150 days. Generally, DES and EV induced similar effects within the 10- and 1-μg groups. Fertility was reduced to 0; the weight, length, and diameter of the penis and the weight of penile skeletal muscles, especially bulbocavernosus muscle, were decreased (P < .05) in a dose-dependent manner; the preputial sheath was partially released or its release was delayed; testicular descent was delayed; and the cavernous spaces and smooth muscle cells in the corpora cavernosa penis were replaced by fat cells. Conversely, all of the above parameters were similar in controls and the lower dose groups, except in the 100-ng DES group, in which 4 of 7 males did not sire pups (compared with 1 of 7 in controls and 2 of 6 in the 100-ng EV group). The loss of fertility in these 4 males of the DES group and 1 male of the EV group was associated with partial release of the preputial sheath and abnormal penile morphology. Plasma testosterone was reduced (P < .05) in the 100-ng and higher dose groups for DES and EV. Hence, neonatal exposure to DES or EV at a cumulative dose of 600 ng per rat or more lowers fertility, which is associated with permanent alterations in penile morphology and penile skeletal muscles and decreased testosterone.
Effects of induced hypo- and hyperthyroidism on immune function and plasma biochemistry in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

Abstract Hypo- or hyperthyroid states were induced in adult male mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) by subchronic exposure to daily injections of methimazole or a 9:1 ratio of thyroxine (T4):triiodothyronine (T3). The levels of T4 given were 0, 125, 250, or 500 μg/kg/day and for methimazole; 10 mg/kg/day for 22 or 21 days. Plasma T3 showed a lasting decrease with T4:T3 treatment, despite the attempt to maintain the normal T4:T3 ratio. Antibody formation to sheep red blood cells was decreased only at the 125 μg/kg/day dose of T4, and was unaffected by methimazole treatment. Natural killer cell activity to RP-9 tumor cells and macrophage phagocytosis of killed, opsonized Saccaromyces cereviseae were unaffected by treatment throughout the study. However, lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxic activity to RP-9 tumor cells was significantly decreased after 21 days of methimazole treatment, indicating that hypothyroidism may have an influence on cell-mediated immunity. Hypo- and hyperthyroid conditions had opposing effects on plasma cholesterol levels.
Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Dopamine D2 Receptor Availability in Female Cynomolgus Monkeys

Sex differences have been reported in a variety of affective and neurodegenerative disorders that involve dysfunctional dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. In addition, there is evidence for differences in sensitivity to the abuse-related effects of psychostimulants across the menstrual cycle which may result from effects of ovarian hormones on DA function. The goal of the present study was to extend previous work examining menstrual cycle-related changes in DA D2 receptor availability in humans to drug-naive female cynomolgus monkeys (n=7) using the selective D2-like receptor ligand [18F]fluoroclebopride (FCP) and a high-resolution microPET P4 scanner. Menstrual cycle phase was characterized by daily vaginal swabs and measurements of serum progesterone levels. PET studies were conducted once during the luteal phase and once during the follicular phase. Regions of interest in the caudate nucleus, putamen, and cerebellum were defined on coregistered MRIs. Distribution volumes were calculated for FCP in each structure and the distribution volume ratio (DVR) for both brain regions relative to the cerebellum was used as a measure of D2 receptor availability. FCP DVRs were significantly higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in both the caudate nucleus (11.7% difference, p=0.02) and putamen (11.6% difference, p=0.03). These findings extend earlier work in humans and suggest that changes in DA receptor availability may be involved in the variation in symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders across the menstrual cycle, including differences in sensitivity to the abuse-related effects of stimulants.
The edict of 495 reconsidered

Emperor Hsiao-wen of the Northern Wei dynasty issued an edict in the year 495 which established a procedure for defining, classifying, and ranking T'o-pa lineages. This procedure would be carried out once, and the resulting ranks would be hereditary thereafter. The intention was to create a hereditary aristocracy among the T'o-pa which would be similar to that which already existed among the Chinese, so that both the T'o-pa and the Chinese could be considered for bureaucratic office on a comparable basis. This was one of a number of edicts issued around this time which sought to make T'o-pa customs and practices more similar to Chinese ones.
UNSTEADY TRANSPORT FROM A DROP IN AXISYMMETRIC STRAINING FLOW

(1981). UNSTEADY TRANSPORT FROM A DROP IN AXISYMMETRIC STRAINING FLOW. Chemical Engineering Communications: Vol. 8, No. 4-6, pp. 263-268.
Recovery from decrement as a function of successive alternations of work and rest periods

The classical curve of recovery as a function of rest duration is increasing and negatively accelerated. The present study finds that this summary characterizes Rest 1 and cannot be generalized to Rest n successfully. The qualification is necessary for both work and learning tasks.
Effects of Adult Sex Ratio and Stocking Rate on Viable Egg Production of Anopheles Albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

On the basis of the number of viable eggs produced per cage and per female Anopheles albimanus , the optimum male–female sex ratio in the mass-rearing cages (0.23 m3) was found to be 1:3. The most efficient stocking rate for this cage size was 4000 pupae every 2 days. Production was ca 236,000 viable eggs/man-hour expended.
Fractional quantum Hall effect in a two-dimensional electron-hole fluid

We show that a two-dimensional electron-hole fluid in a strong perpendicular magnetic field has a quantized Hall conductance equal to ${\mathit{e}}^{2}$${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{c}}$/h at certain values of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{c}}$, where ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{c}}$=${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{e}}$-${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{h}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{e}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{h}}$ are the electron and hole filling factors. The ground states responsible for the quantized Hall effect consist of an incompressible fluid of excess charges and a Bose-condensed gas of excitons which do not interact either with each other or with the excess charge fluid. These results follow from an exact mapping between the electron-hole system and a two-component electron system.
Urban Bicyclists: Spatial Analysis of Adult and Youth Traffic Hazard Intensity

As issues related to oil dependency, rising gas prices, and global warming come to the forefront of topics of concern for Americans, the need for alternative modes of transportation has become critical. Urban settings are seemingly ideal for bicycling to become a significant mode, given the greater compactness of destinations. However, in the United States, bicycling is both scarcely used and very dangerous, as bicyclists are 12 times more likely to be killed than automobile drivers. The purpose of this research is to gain greater insights into the geographic dimensions of traffic crash intensity that bicyclists may experience in American cities. Bicycle crashes are studied in Buffalo, New York, for the years 2003 and 2004. The geographic distribution of crashes is determined and compared for both youth and adult bicyclists and factors of crash hazard intensity are statistically identified. Density of development and physical road characteristics such as roadway and intersection functional class are exami...
Black Suburbanization Has it Changed the Relative Location of Races

This note presents empirical evidence on changes in an index measuring the relative decentralization of blacks for 40 MSAs during the 1970s. The evidence demonstrates that although other, more conv...
Systemic autoimmune nephritogenic components induce CSF-1 and TNF-α in MRL kidneys

Systemic autoimmune nephritogenic components induce CSF-1 and TNF-α in MRL kidneys. MKL-Faslpr mice are an appealing strain to understand the importance of cytokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune renal destruction, since injury is rapid and predictable. Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are detected in the kidney and circulation prior to renal injury and continue to increase with progressive renal damage in MRL-Faslpr, Fas deficient mice, but not the congenic Fas intact MRL- + + strain. Delivery of CSF-1, but not TNF-α, into the kidney via gene transfer incites local renal injury. By comparison, dual gene transfer of CSF-1 and TNF-α incites autoimmune renal injury that is far more severe than CSF-1 alone. The purpose of this study was to establish whether CSF-1 and TNF-α expression in the kidney of MRL-Faslpr mice induced by a circulating stimulant resulted from a primary defect in the kidney. Therefore, we transplanted (Tx) a MRL-+ + kidney without CSF-1, TNF-α and renal injury into an MRL-Faslpr recipient after removing nephritic kidneys expressing CSF-1 and TNF-α. The Tx kidneys were examined after 2, 4, 5, 6, and 12 weeks. CSF-1 and TNF-α were rapidly induced in the MRL-+ + Tx kidney. CSF-1 and TNF-α were evident by two weeks and continually increased for 12 weeks post-transplantation. Within several weeks, the rapid expansion of Mφ and T cells and induction of glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis in the MRL-++ Tx kidney was similar to the age-matched native MRL-Faslpr kidney. In conclusion, we have constructed an experimental transplantation system that can explore whether cytokine expression in the kidney induced by a circulating stimulant is a result of a primary defect in the kidney. Using this approach, we established that the MRL-Faslpr kidney is not defective, but rather a circulating stimulant in the MRL-Faslpr mouse can induce CSF-1, TNF-α and renal injury in a normal MRL-+ + kidney. Thus, we exclude an intrinsic defect in the MRL-Faslpr kidney as the pathogenic mechanism responsible for tissue damage. We suggest purging the circulation of molecules that induce CSF-1 and TNF-α as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune renal injury.
Hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian Semi-Implicit Time-Integrators

Hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian semi-implicit time-integrators (HELSI) are presented which use the standard semi-implicit formulation as their starting point. The advantage of such an approach is that existing models which employ Eulerian semi-implicit time-integrators can easily be augmented to use the HELSI approach, that is, provided that either: a series of advection problems can be solved efficiently as in the operator-integration-factor splitting (OIFS) method or that the grid and underlying numerics allow the construction of efficient search and interpolation stencils typically required of semi-Lagrangian methods. Once the advection problem is solved the approach then follows the standard semi-implicit approach. An important caveat of this approach is that the semi-implicit time-integrator must be constructed around the implicit backward difference formulas.
Restoration of the response of the isolated atria of guinea-pigs to tyramine and possible significance of beta-hydroxylation.

Restoration of the Response of the Isolated Atria of Guinea-Pigs to Tyramine and Possible Significance of β-Hydroxylation
Prostate-specific antigen doubling time in the identification of patients at risk for progression after treatment and biochemical recurrence for prostate cancer

After primary treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer, biochemical recurrence is usually the first evidence of either local recurrence or metastatic progression. This poses a diagnostic dilemma for both the patient and the physician regarding future therapy. Prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) is a useful tool in this clinical setting. There have been multiple reports of the utility of PSADT in men with isolated biochemical recurrence after either radical prostatectomy or external-beam radiation therapy. Early observations of PSADT in men with recurrence are reviewed and the current literature is summarized to allow physicians to make an accurate assessment of a patient's risk of progression after isolated biochemical recurrence.
Near-field to near/far-field transformation for arbitrary near-field geometry, utilizing an equivalent magnetic current

A method is presented for computing near- and far-field patterns of an antenna from its near-field measurements taken over an arbitrary geometry. This method utilizes near-field data to determine an equivalent magnetic current source over a fictitious surface which encompasses the antenna. This magnetic current, once determined, can be used to ascertain the near and the far fields. This method demonstrates that once the values of the electromagnetic field are known over an arbitrary geometry, its values for any other region can be obtained. An electric field integral equation is developed to relate the near fields to the equivalent magnetic current. A moment method procedure is employed to solve the integral equation by transforming it into a matrix equation. A least squares solution via singular value decomposition is used to solve the matrix equation. Computations with both synthetic and experimental data, where the near field of several antenna configurations are measured over various geometric surfaces, illustrate the accuracy of this method.
Flexible Patch Antennas Using Patterned Metal Sheets on Silicone

A flexible antenna was created by covering a silicone substrate with patterned metal sheets. The sheets are etched so that they can bend in either direction without damaging the metal. The silicone substrate was a commercial off-the-shelf product. The design allows rapid creation of patch antennas that can bend and hold their shape. Results show that the antenna can be bent in either direction without significantly altering the impedance match.
Recruitment of functional subpopulations of t lymphocytes. Initiator t lymphocytes recruit helper t cells for cytotoxic response.

Initiator T (Ti) lymphocytes are defined by their ability to recruit other T cell populations in vivo. In this study the function of T cells recruited into draining lymph nodes following injection of Ti cells primed to alloantigens in mixed lymphocyte culture was examined. The results demonstrate that alloantigen-specific helper T cells that interact with cytotoxic T (Tc) lymphocyte precursors are recruited, as shown by the significantly higher frequencies of helper cells in draining lymph nodes compared with controls. However, neither Tc cells nor their precursors are recruited. Recruitment by Ti lymphocytes is therefore selective for certain T cell subsets. Proposals to explain the mechanism, specificity, and selectivity of recruitment are discussed. We suggest that Ti cells have a central role in both the initiation of T cell-dependent immune responses and in the maintenance of immunologic memory. Their function is the rapid mobilization of T cell subclasses to a regional lymphoid organ where the immune response subsequently develops.
Superior Orders, Nuclear Warfare, and the Dictates of Conscience: The Dilemma of Military Obedience in the Atomic Age

When Francis Gary Powers was asked by the presiding judge of the Soviet military tribunal trying him for espionage whether he had not considered the possibility that his U-2 flight might provoke armed conflict, the captured pilot answered, “The people who sent me should think of these things. My job was to carry out orders. I do not think it was my responsibility to make such decisions.” This article deals with a similar problem, a predicament which to this day, fortunately, has remained hypothetical, but which may become distressingly real at some time in the future. It concerns the unenviable position of the military subordinate commanded to use nuclear weapons, who may be punished today if he disobeys and prosecuted tomorrow if he obeys. The discussion initially evolves around three issues in international law: (1) the validity of the plea of superior orders as a defense in war crimes trials; (2) the question of the legality of using nuclear weapons; and (3) the present status and future of the law of war. That these problem areas are intimately related should become clear as we proceed. The disregard for humanitarian and moral considerations which has increasingly characterized the conduct of war in the twentieth century, and, more recently, the development of nuclear weapons—the tools of mass extermination par excellence—have led many students of international law to conclude that the laws of war are dead. Grotius' doctrine of the temperamenta belli, requiring belligerents to conduct hostilities with regard for the principles of humanity and chivalry, as well as the many conventions drawn up prior to World War I in order to regulate the use of violence, are said to have become largely obsolete.
Labeling internalizing anti-epidermal growth factor receptor variant III monoclonal antibody with 177Lu: in vitro comparison of acyclic and macrocyclic ligands

Abstract Introduction The monoclonal antibody (mAb) L8A4, reactive with the epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), internalizes rapidly in glioma cells after receptor binding. Combining this tumor-specific mAb with the low-energy β-emitter 177 Lu would be an attractive approach for brain tumor radioimmunotherapy, provided that trapping of the radionuclide in tumor cells after mAb intracellular processing could be maximized. Materials and Methods L8A4 mAb was labeled with 177 Lu using the acyclic ligands [( R )-2-amino-3-(4-isothiocyanatophenyl)propyl]- trans -( S , S )-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-pentaacetic acid (CHX-A″-DTPA), 2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (pSCN-Bz-DTPA) and 2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-6-methyldiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (1B4M-DTPA), and the macrocyclic ligands S -2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-tetraacetic acid (C-DOTA) and α-(5-isothiocyanato-2-methoxyphenyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (MeO-DOTA). Paired-label internalization and cellular processing assays were performed on EGFRvIII-expressing U87.ΔEGFR glioma cells over 24 h to directly compare 177 Lu-labeled L8A4 to L8A4 labeled with 125 I using either iodogen or N -succinimidyl 4-guanidinomethyl-3-[ 125 I]iodobenzoate ([ 125 I]SGMIB). In order to facilitate comparison of labeling methods, the primary parameter evaluated was the ratio of 177 Lu to 125 I activity retained in U87.ΔEGFR cells. Results All chelates demonstrated higher retention of internalized activity compared with mAb labeled using iodogen, with 177 Lu/ 125 I ratios of >20 observed for the three DTPA chelates at 24 h. When compared to L8A4 labeled using SGMIB, except for MeO-DOTA, internalized activity for 125 I was higher than 177 Lu from 1-8 h with the opposite behavior observed thereafter. At 24 h, 177 Lu/ 125 I ratios were between 1.5 and 3, with higher values observed for the three DTPA chelates. Conclusions The nature of the chelate used to label this internalizing mAb with 177 Lu influenced intracellular retention in vitro, although at early time points, only MeO-DOTA provided more favorable results than radioiodination of the mAb via SGMIB.
The Soviet family during the great terror, 1935–1941

(1991). The Soviet family during the great terror, 1935–1941. Soviet Studies: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 553-574.
Terminating platinum-initiated cation-olefin reactions with simple alkenes.

Abstract : The en masse cyclization of polyolefins into polycyclic terpenoids by cyclase enzymes (e.g. squalene to hopene), is a biosynthetic reaction of particular fascination to chemists. Noteworthy recent additions to synthetic mimics of the cyclase enzymes are asymmetric methods that include Br nsted Lewis acids (BLA), masked equivalents of Br+ and I+, organocatalysts, and electrophilic metal catalysts. With the exception of HgII reagents, few electrophilic metal catalysts cyclize polyenes with bio-like alkene terminators. The development of methods whose catalysts can initiate, cyclize, and terminate polyenes under ligand control would significantly advance the state of the art.
Seasonal dispersal of the oak wilt fungus by Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi in Minnesota

Ambourn, A. K., Juzwik, J., and Moon, R. D. 2005. Seasonal dispersal of the oak wilt fungus by Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi in Minnesota. Plant Dis. 89:1067-1076. Sap beetles (Nitidulidae) are considered important overland vectors of the oak wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis fagacearum, in the north central United States. Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi are thought to be the principal sap beetle vectors in Minnesota. Field studies using windoriented funnel traps baited with aggregation pheromones of the insects were conducted during 2 years in east central Minnesota. The studies compared temporal flight dynamics of Colopterus truncatus and Carpophilus sayi from April through October, measured the proportion of dispersing adults of each species carrying viable pathogen propagules, and estimated the populations of contaminated dispersing beetles in oak (Quercus spp.) stands with and without oak wilt. Abundance of Colopterus truncatus peaked in either April or May, but the pathogen was most frequently isolated (20 to 45%) from beetles obtained from oak wilt sites from July through September. However, the highest contaminated insect population (CIP) generally occurred during April and May. Abundance of Carpophilus sayi peaked in October of both years, but the pathogen was most commonly isolated from beetles collected during May and June. The CIP was highest in June. The infective insect potential, as indexed by CIP, was greatest for both species in the spring and was greater for Colopterus truncatus than for Carpophilus sayi.
Effects of Substituting Tryptophan for Basic Residues in the S4 Voltage-Sensing Helices of CaV1.1

In skeletal muscle, CaV1.1 serves dual functions as the voltage sensor for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and as an L-type Ca2+ channel. It has been long established that L-type Ca2+ current activates at potentials ∼20 mV more depolarized than intramembrane charge movement or EC coupling. We recently characterized a CaV1.1 mutation (R174W) which affects the innermost basic residue of the voltage-sensing S4 helix of Repeat I and results in malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in humans. Interestingly, R174W abolishes activation of the L-type current in response to 200 ms depolarizations without affecting the voltage dependence of intramembrane charge movement or of SR Ca2+ release. In this study, we have made corresponding mutations in Repeats II (K537W), III (R906W) and IV (K1245W) and expressed these mutants in dysgenic (CaV1.1 null) myotubes. Confocal imaging of affixed YFP tags indicated that all the mutants were correctly targeted to membrane-SR junctions. In striking contrast to the virtual loss of channel function observed with R174W, the K537W and K1245W mutants produced enormous L-type currents with peak amplitudes nearly 8-fold greater than wild-type CaV1.1 and greatly impaired deactivation. Even though these two gain of channel function mutants activated at substantially more hyperpolarized potentials (∼20 mV shift), the voltage-dependence of charge movement and SR Ca2+ release were largely unaffected. On the other hand, R906W produced currents of similar amplitude to wild-type CaV1.1 but with a consistent ∼15 mV depolarizing shift in activation. We are currently investigating the effects of the R906W mutation on the voltage dependence of charge movement and SR Ca2+ release in order to determine whether RIII plays a more critical role in engaging EC coupling than the other conserved Repeats of CaV1.1. Supported by NIH AR055104 (KGB) and AG038778 (RAB), and MDA176448 (KGB).
Risk factors associated with parents claiming personal-belief exemptions to school immunization requirements: community and other influences on more skeptical parents in Oregon, 2006

Abstract Background and objectives With vaccine-preventable diseases at record lows, few studies investigate rising parent-claimed exemptions to school immunization requirements. After finding exemption clusters in Oregon, we hypothesized that exemption risk factors may vary among communities. We surveyed parents to identify risk factors for exemptions and evaluated risk factor differences among communities with differing exemption rates. Design Retrospective cohort study, multi-staged, population-proportionate sampling. Setting and participants Parents of 2004–05 Oregon elementary school children ( N = 2900). Main outcome measure Parent-reported exemption status. Results The response rate was 55%. Compared to vaccinators, exemptors were significantly more likely to have: strong vaccine concerns (weighted adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 15.3, 95% CI 6.4–36.7); “vaccine-hesitant” concerns (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–5.0); >1 childbirth(s) at a non-hospital, alternative setting (aOR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.6–8.0); distrust of local doctors (aOR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.0–7.5); reported chiropractic healthcare for their youngest school-age child (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.8–8.5); and reported knowledge of someone with a vaccine-hurt child (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI 0.9–3.4). Exemptors were less likely to have “pro-vaccine” beliefs (aOR = 0.2; 95% CI 0.0–0.6) and less likely to report relying on print materials (aOR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.8). The strengths of association differed significantly for those with strong vaccine concerns and those reporting knowledge of someone with a vaccine-hurt child, depending on residence in exemption-rate areas, e.g., exemptors in medium-rate areas were more likely to have strong vaccine concerns (aOR = 13.5; 95% CI 5.4–34.0) than those in high-rate areas (aOR = 9.7; 95% CI 3.7–25.4). Conclusions Vaccine beliefs were important risk factors. That differing community-level exemption use modified the effects of several individual-level factors suggests that communities also influence parent decisions. Therefore, understanding community contexts and norms may be important when designing interventions.
Heart failure treatment in the elderly

Heart failure is a growing epidemic, particularly in the elderly. As a consequence, we will see a greater number of elderly patients with heart failure in our practices. Elderly heart failure patients have not been well studied. Data suggest that most medical and other therapies are appropriate for elderly individuals. This article identifies the available data regarding treatment of heart failure in elderly patients.
From Craton to Rift: Empirically Based Ground-Truth Criteria for Local Events Recorded on Regional Networks

Region‐specific empirically based ground‐truth (EBGT) criteria used to estimate the epicentral‐location accuracy of seismic events have been developed for the Main Ethiopian Rift and the Tibetan plateau. Explosions recorded during the Ethiopia–Afar Geoscientific Lithospheric Experiment (EAGLE), the International Deep Profiling of Tibet, and the Himalaya (INDEPTH III) experiment provided the necessary GT0 reference events. In each case, the local crustal structure is well known and handpicked arrival times were available, facilitating the establishment of the location accuracy criteria through the stochastic forward modeling of arrival times for epicentral locations. In the vicinity of the Main Ethiopian Rift, a seismic event is required to be recorded on at least 8 stations within the local ![Graphic][1] crossover distance and to yield a network‐quality metric of less than 0.43 in order to be classified as EBGT595% (GT5 with 95% confidence). These criteria were subsequently used to identify 10 new GT5 events with magnitudes greater than 2.1 recorded on the Ethiopian Broadband Seismic Experiment (EBSE) network and 24 events with magnitudes greater than 2.4 recorded on the EAGLE broadband network. The criteria for the Tibetan plateau are similar to the Ethiopia criteria, yet slightly less restrictive as the network‐quality metric needs to be less than 0.45. Twenty‐seven seismic events with magnitudes greater than 2.5 recorded on the INDEPTH III network were identified as GT5 based on the derived criteria. When considered in conjunction with criteria developed previously for the Kaapvaal craton in southern Africa, it is apparent that increasing restrictions on the network‐quality metric mirror increases in the complexity of geologic structure from craton to plateau to rift. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Homotransplant antigens: preparation of active cellular fractions by a modified method; properties and attempted dose response.

IN an earlier communication1, we described a method for the preparation of homotransplant antigens from the splenic cells of inbred mice. The observation that the antigenic fraction contained in the sediment (‘test sediment’) retained its activity after suspension in 2 M sodium chloride provides the basis for the development of a new method which is described here. The potencies of the new preparation are equivalent to those of the test sediment described earlier, but the new procedure is simpler and quicker than that previously reported. Other recent reports of methods of preparation of transplant antigens include those of Castermans2 and Manson et al.3.
Generalization Lags behind Learning on an Auditory Perceptual Task

The generalization of learning from trained to untrained conditions is of great potential value because it markedly increases the efficacy of practice. In principle, generalization and the learning itself could arise from either the same or distinct neural changes. Here, we assessed these two possibilities in the realm of human perceptual learning by comparing the time course of improvement on a trained condition (learning) to that on an untrained condition (generalization) for an auditory temporal-interval discrimination task. While significant improvement on the trained condition occurred within 2 d, generalization to the untrained condition lagged behind, only emerging after 4 d. The different time courses for learning and generalization suggest that these two types of perceptual improvement can arise from at least partially distinct neural changes. The notably longer time course for generalization than learning demonstrates that increasing the duration of training can be an effective means to increase the number of conditions to which learning generalizes on perceptual tasks.
A Simple Preparation of a (Pyridonyl-1)propargylacetic Acid Derivative

(Pyridonyl-1)propargyl malonate 7 was prepared through two consecutive alkylations of pyridone 2 with ethyl bromomalonate and propargyl bromide in one pot in nearly quantitative yields. Malonate 7 was hydrolyzed to give racemic acid (±)-1, which was then resolved with (−)-norephedrine to give (S)-1. The recovered acid, which was enriched with undesired (R)-1, was activated with CDI, and a complete racemization was achieved in the presence of triethylamine at room temperature. Malonate 7 was also treated with LiBr and underwent selective monodecarboxylation to give (pyridonyl-1)propargylacetic ester 6, an enzymatic resolution substrate, directly in 87% yield.
Modulation of neonatal myelopoiesis in newborn rats after 7 days' administration of either granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor or interleukin-3.

ABSTRACT: Single-pulse administration of either recombinant human granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor or recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor to newborn rats has previously been demonstrated to increase the peripheral neutrophil count and modulate bone marrow (BM) neutrophil pools. In our present study, we investigated the effects of 7 d of either recombinant murine granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) (75 μg/kg/d) or recombinant murine IL-3 (rm IL-3) (10 μg/kg/d) on newborn rat myelopoiesis. Sprague Dawley newborn rats (≥24 h) were injected (intraperitoneally) daily for 7 d with either rmGM-CSF, rmIL-3, or PBS/BSA. rmGM-CSF induced a significant increase in the peripheral neutrophil count on d 3 (p < 0.03) and d 7 (p < 0.001) (75% increase). Additionally, rmGM-CSF induced a 50% increase in the BM neutrophil storage pool (p < 0.025). rmIL-3 increased the BM colony forming unit-granulocyte monocyte pool (p < 0.001); however, it failed to increase the peripheral neutrophil count or BM neutrophil storage pool. Neither CSF increased the BM neutrophil proliferate pool or BM colony forming unit-granulocyte monocyte proliferate rate. Additionally, 7 d of rmGM-CSF with or without antibiotics did not synergistically alter the mortality rate after group B streptococcol inoculation. This study suggests that rmIL-3 appears to stimulate more neonatal myeloid committed progenitor cell activity compared with rmGM-CSF. Optimal modulation of neonatal myelopoiesis may require the use of a sequential combination of hematopoietic CSF, namely an early-acting CSF followed by a more lineage myeloid-specific CSF.
A Bode-Like Integral for Discrete Linear Time-Periodic Systems

We present a generalization of the Bode integral formula for discrete-time linear periodic systems. It is shown that similar to the classical Bode integral formula, the sensitivity integral for a discrete-time linear periodic system depends only on the open-loop dynamics of the system; in particular, on the open-loop characteristic multipliers outside the unit circle in the complex plane. The integral is derived by using an asymptotic eigenvalue distribution theorem for block Toeplitz matrices, which does not require the open loop system to be stable or the disturbance to be Gaussian. The result is demonstrated through application to a class of multi-rate sampled data systems with commensurate rates.
Individual variation of nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase activity in human erythrocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets.

Analysis of the nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase specific activity of red cells obtained from a random Caucasian population indicated at least two subclasses. The specific activity of 18% of the population ranged from undetectable activity to 27.5 nmol ITP cleaved/20 min/mg hemoglobin. The remainder of the population had higher activity, 27.5–125 nmoles ITP cleaved/20 min/mg hemoglobin. The variation of NTPH activity evident in the red cells of an individual is reflected in granulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets of that individual. Erythrocyte activity ranges from 0.7 to 21 units (nmol of ITP cleaved in 20 min)/107 cells, granulocytes have 17–201 units/107 cells, lymphocytes have 91–462 units/107 cells, and platelets have 1.1–7.1 units/107 platelets. These cell differences are discussed with respect to the hypothesis that NTPH prevents incorporation of ITP or dITP into nucleic acids.
Formation of leukocyte inclusions in normal polymorphonuclear cells incubated with synovial fluid.

Normal polymorphonuclear cells phagocytosed IgG, IgM and β1c (C3)-containing inclusions from the majority of rheumatoid factor-positive synovial f.uids, but not from factor-negative fluids, as determined by fluorescent antibody staining. Addition of rheumatoid factor (but not Waldenstrom IgM) to factor-negative rheumatoid fluids produced phagocytosable complexes of similar composition in these fluids, indicating the presence of altered IgG in factor-negative as well as factor-positive rheumatoid effusions. Inclusions were infrequently phagocytosed from nonrheumatoid effusions.
The size-number trade-off in clonal broods of a parasitic wasp: responses to the amount and timing of resource availability

Summary Life-history traits that shift in response to environmental conditions are well studied; however, allocation patterns of traits in the context of a trade-off shifting with the environment are hardly examined. Using a polyembryonic parasitoid wasp system, we revealed features of the plasticity in allocation by observing the trade-off outcome between individual body mass and the number of offspring in a wasp brood in response to different host conditions. We manipulated food availability to the host caterpillar at two different phases of development: early host instars during wasp embryo division and late host instars after completion of wasp embryo division. The food manipulation allowed us to shift the rate of development and the total mass of the wasp brood both separately and together through altered host development time and final size. With greater host mass, the trade-off relationship between wasp body mass and brood size shifted, to the same extent for both sexes, towards higher wasp brood size and individual body mass. On the other hand, with faster host development, the trait combinations shifted towards greater wasp body mass but smaller brood size along the same trade-off relationship. These shifts indicate a reduction of wasp brood size when resource level is reduced late in host development. This adjustment yields wasp brood size and body mass in rough proportion to each other and positively related to resource availability late in development. Our demonstration of simultaneous shifts in traits under the trade-off relationship indicates that wasp broods respond differently to the different environmental conditions by altering body mass and the number of wasp individuals, suggesting that the plastic response in the trade-off allocation pattern may be adaptive.