cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of digitalis on ventricular myocardial and His-Purkinje refractoriness and reentry in man.

Abstract The effects of digitalis on retrograde conduction and refractoriness of the His-Purkinje system, ventricular myocardium and reentry within the His-Purkinje system were studied in 17 patients using the ventricular extrastimulus (V 2 ) technique. Studies were performed, before and 30 minutes after intravenous administration of ouabain, 0.01 mg/kg. After treatment with ouabain, there was a significant decrease in the functional refractory period (266 ± 19 to 254 ± 18 msec, P P P 3 ) at critical retrograde conduction delays in the His-Purkinje system (V 2 -H 2 ) within a narrow range of V 1 –V 2 intervals was seen in 10 of 17 patients. Ouabain increased and shifted to the left the zone of reentry within the His-Purkinje system in 7 of 10 patients (36 ± 23 to 55 ± 23 msec, P 2 -H 2 (186 ± 29 to 193 ± 27 msec, difference not significant [NS]) and V 1 –V 2 (299 ± 30 to 294 ± 36 msec, NS) intervals for reentry did not significantly change after ouabain. However, the minimal V 1 –V 2 intervals (266 ± 26 to 253 ± 25 msec, P 2 -H 2 intervals (266 ± 40 to 239 ± 37 msec, P Thus, in the intact human heart, digitalis (1) significantly decreased all measures of ventricular myocardial refractoriness, (2) had no significant effect on retrograde conduction and refractoriness of the His-Purkinje system, and (3) widened the zone of reentry within the His-Purkinje system due to shortening of the functional refractory period of the ventricular muscle with attainment of longer V 2 -H 2 delays.
Cytocidal and cytostatic effects of activated peritoneal leukocytes.

MACROPHAGES seem to be of importance in both immunologically specific and nonspecific resistance to neoplastic cells1–10. It has been proposed11–13 that activated macrophages are significant effectors in the elimination of tumour cells at sites of delayed hypersensitivity reactions induced by chemical haptens, microbial antigens or lymphokines13–18. Immunologically specific elimination of neoplastic cells by macrophages may be mediated by tumour-specific antibodies7,10,19,20. Such antibodies may also confer specificity to macrophages activated by nonspecific stimulation. Besides specificity which may be imparted by antibodies, activated macrophages seem to possess an inherent recognition mechanism which permits selective cytotoxicity towards certain categories of cells, including tumour cells11,21–23.
Tetanus Immunity in Older Adults

The frequency of tetanus has declined little in the past decade. The majority of cases occur in persons over 50 years of age. A sample of 225 blood donors, between the ages of 50 and 68, from a mixed rural-suburban county, were tested for tetanus antitoxin levels. Only 14% had protective levels. This low rate indicates the need for increased attention to tetanus immunizations in older adults.
Shuttle radar topography mission produces a wealth of data

On February 22, 2000, the Space Shuttle Endeavour landed at Kennedy Space Center, completing the highly successful 11-day flight of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Onboard were over 300 high-density tapes containing data for the highest resolution digital topographic map of Earth ever made. SRTM is a cooperative project between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. The mission was designed to use a single-pass radar interferometer to produce a digital elevation model (DEM) of the Earth's land surface between about 60 north and 56 south latitude. When completed, the DEM will have 30-m pixel spacing and about 15-m vertical accuracy. Two ortho-rectified image mosaics, one from the ascending passes with illumination from the southeast, and one from descending passes with illumination from the southwest, will also be produced (Figure 1).
An optimal parallel connectivity algorithm

Abstract A synchronized parallel algorithm of depth O( n 2 / p ) for p (≤ n 2 /log 2 n ) processors is given for the problem of computing connected components of an undirected graph. The speed-up of this algorithm is optimal in the sense that the depth of the algorithm is of the order of the running time of the fastest known sequential algorithm over the number of processors used.
p-adic matrix valued inequalities

Abstract This paper explores the p -adic analogues of the matrix valued triangle inequality and the matrix valued norm inequality.
Arginine vasopressin-induced changes in blood flow to the ovine chorion, amnion, and placenta across gestation.

To determine whether physiological increases in fetal plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration alter blood flow rates to the ovine chorion, amnion or placenta, and to determine whether these AVP-induced changes inflow are dependent on gestational age. Colored microspheres (15.10 ± 0.02 μm (standard deviation)) were infused into the superior vena cava before and at 30, 75, and 125 minutes of an intravenous A VP infusion (3 ng/min/kg) in 9 chronically catheterized fetal sheep between 103 to 141 days gestation (term = 147 days). Chorion, amnion, and placental cotyledons were removed, and microspheres were counted to determine blood flow rates. Fetal arterial pressure (FAP) increased (analysis of variance, P 125 days) compared to younger (< 125 days) fetuses (P <.001). Chorionic blood flow rate increased by 19 ± 7% at 30 min of the AVP infusion, and declined by 18 ± 6% at 75 min, and 32 ± 5% at 125 min (P <.0001). Similarly, fetal placental blood flow rate increased by 20 ± 7% at 30 min of infusion, and declined, in parallel with chorionic blood flow rates, by 6 ± 4% at 75 min, and 17 ± 4% at 125 min (P <.0001). Amniotic blood flow rate did not change significantly during the infusion. The membranous and placental blood flow rate responses to A VP infusion did not depend upon gestational age. Physiologic increases in plasma A VP concentration induce an early increase in chorionic blood flow followed by a gradual decrease which parallels similar changes in placental blood flow rate. Unlike FAP and FHR, these blood flow changes are not gestational age-dependent. AVP-induced blood flow changes could play an important role in determining abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume observed clinically in some stressed fetuses. (J Soc Gynecol Invest 1997;4:203-208) Copyright © 1997 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.
FOXA1 in breast cancer

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and classification is important for clinical management. At least five subtypes can be identified based on unique gene expression patterns; this subtype classification is distinct from the histopathological classification. The transcription factor network(s) required for the specific gene expression signature in each of these subtypes is currently being elucidated. The transcription factor network composed of the oestrogen (estrogen) receptor alpha (ERalpha), FOXA1 and GATA3 may control the gene expression pattern in luminal subtype A breast cancers. Breast cancers that are dependent on this network correspond to well-differentiated and hormone-therapy-responsive tumours with good prognosis. In this review, we discuss the interplay between these transcription factors with a particular emphasis on FOXA1 structure and function, and its ability to control ERalpha function. Additionally, we discuss modulators of FOXA1 function, ERalpha-FOXA1-GATA3 downstream targets, and potential therapeutic agents that may increase differentiation through FOXA1.
Inter Chip Fill for 3D Chip Stack

Three-dimensional (3D) integration is considered to be the most promising solution for the continuing improvement in device performance,[1] while the scaling of Si CMOS is approaching its economical and physical limits. Inter Chip Fill (ICF) resin, filled between the gaps of 3D stacked chips, is expected to improve the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of such chips. Pre-applied resin, which is applied before the chip joining process, was evaluated for this application. The characteristics required for ICF materials are different from those for conventional flip chip underfills, because the ICF must fill much thinner, multiple gaps of the order of a few micrometers between the silicon dies for which there is no CTE mismatch. In this paper, a new ICF resin was designed for the 3D chip stack. The polymerization and viscosity of the material at each joining process step were precisely optimized. As a result, we could confirm the applicability of pre-applied ICF materials to the 3D chip integration process joined by very low height solder bumps of an area array. We arrived at the idea of a novel Stack Joining process which could be effective to reduce chip stacking process costs and contribute significantly to higher reliability.
Dynactin–membrane interaction is regulated by the C-terminal domains of p150Glued

Dynactin has been proposed to link the microtubule-associated motor cytoplasmic dynein with membranous cargo; however, the mechanism by which dynactin–membrane interaction is regulated is unknown. Here we show that dynein and dynactin exist in discrete cytosolic and membrane-bound states in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Results from in vitro membrane-binding studies show that dynein and dynactin–membrane interaction is co-dependent. p150Glued of dynactin has been shown to interact with dynein intermediate chain and dynactin Arp1 filament; however, it is not known to play a direct role in membrane binding. In this report we describe our analysis of 43 p150Glued mutants, and we show that C-terminal deletions which remove the terminal coiled-coil (CC2) and basic domain (BD) result in constitutive dynactin–membrane binding. In vitro addition of recombinant p150Glued CC2+BD protein blocks dynactin–membrane binding. We propose that the C-terminal domains of p150Glued regulate dynactin–membrane binding through a steric mechanism that controls accessibility of the Arp1 filament of dynactin to membranous cargo.
Gender Differences in the Construct Validity of the Silencing the Self Scale

Gender differences in the construct validity of Jack's (1991) Silencing the Self Scale (STSS) were assessed using 187 female and 169 male undergraduates. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed gender differences in the scale's latent structure and at best provided only limited support for the validity of the scale's four subscales for women. Among men, the studies exposed a weakness in the scale's construct validity and provided insights into possible alternative interpretations made by men when responding to the scale's items. Convergent and discriminant validity of the scale were assessed by correlating it with measures of neuroticism and attachment. Whereas the construct validity of the STSS for use with women was supported, evidence was weaker for men. For men, data suggest that the STSS, in part, taps a motive to avoid intimacy and relationship situations that limit one's sense of independence and autonomy, a construct incongruous with Jack's notion of self-silencing.
Identification of a connecting filament protein in insect fibrillar flight muscle.

Abstract A major component on sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing gels of solubilized isolated Z-discs, purified from honeybee flight muscle, migrates with an apparent molecular weight of 360,000. Antibodies to this high molecular weight polypeptide have been prepared by injecting rabbits with homogenized gel slices containing the protein band. With indirect immunofluorescence microscopy these antibodies are localized to a region extending from the edge of the Z-band to the A-band in shortened or stretched sarcomeres. Similarly, glycerinated flight muscle treated with antiserum and prepared for electron microscopy shows enhanced density from the ends of the thick filaments to the I-Z junction regardless of sarcomere length. Evidence indicates that antiserum is directed toward a structural protein of connecting filaments, which link thick filaments to the Z-band in insect fibrillar muscle, rather than to a thin filament component. In Ouchterlony double-diffusion experiments a single precipitin band is formed when antiserum is diffused against solubilized Z-discs; no reaction occurs between antiserum and proteins from native thin filaments prepared from honeybee flight muscle. Further, antibody stains the I-band in flight muscle fibrils from which thin filaments are removed. Finally, honeybee leg muscle myofibrils, in which connecting filaments have not been observed, are not labelled with antibody. Since antibody binds to the short projections which extend from the flat surfaces of isolated Z-discs, these projections are assumed to be remnants of connecting filaments and the source of the 360,000 Mr protein. The amino acid composition of this high molecular weight material, purified by Sepharose chromatography, is presented. The protein has been named “projectin”.
Abstract 704: Inhibitors of telomerase and of poly(ADP-Ribose)polymerases synergize to limit the lifespan of pancreatic cancer cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Telomerase is required for the unlimited lifespan of cancer cells. Pancreatic cancers are almost always positive for telomerase activity and inhibiting telomerase in these cells could limit their lifespan. In this project, we have characterized the biology of telomeres in a panel of 11 pancreatic cancer cell lines and have examined the effects of GRN163L (Imetelstat), a potent telomerase inhibitor, on these cells. GRN163L inhibited telomerase in all 11 pancreatic cancer cell lines, with IC50 ranging from 50 nM to 200 nM. Continuous exposure of AsPC-1, CAPAN1 and CD18 cells to 1 μM GRN163L resulted in telomere shortening, induction of crisis, and loss of the cultures. Crisis In these cells was accompanied by activation of a DNA damage response (γ-H2AX) and evidence of both senescence (SA-β-galactosidase) and apoptosis (Floating cells, sub-G1 DNA content, PARP1 cleavage). In L3.6 cells, continuous GRN163L exposure led to the emergence of a GRN163L-resistant sub-population of cells. Over the last year, these cells have been expanded at successively higher concentrations of GRN163L and are still dividing in the presence of 10 μM GRN163L. To shorten telomeres and limit the lifespan of these cells, an alternate approach was to use inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARP) to block the parsylation of TRF1 and TRF2, thereby enhancing the telomerase-inhibitory activity of the Shelterin complex. Our results show that combining GRN163L with the general PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) was sufficient to shorten telomeres and limit the lifespan of the GRN163L-L3.6 resistant cells. These experiments were then repeated in the parental L3.6 cells to determine if 3AB could be used to block the development of GRN163L-resistance. Whereas 3AB alone was not sufficient to induce crisis, 3AB did synergize with GRN163L to accelerate the timing of crisis and block the emergence of GRN163L resistant cells. These results raise the possibility that inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases could be exploited in the clinic to accelerate the effects of anti-telomerase therapies. Citation Format: Katrina M. Burchett, Michel M. Ouellette. Inhibitors of telomerase and of poly(ADP-Ribose)polymerases synergize to limit the lifespan of pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 704. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-704
Nilsson and interacting-boson-model pictures of deformed nuclei

Variational solutions of the pairing-plus-quadrupole Hamiltonian are obtained for a system of protons and neutrons moving in a set of degenerate single-particle orbitals. The role played by pairs of particles coupled to angular momentum $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ different from 0 and 2 has been studied. It is found that pairs of particles coupled to angular momentum $\ensuremath{\lambda}=4$ are essential to obtain the properties of the ground state of deformed nuclei. Even pairs of particles coupled to angular momentum $\ensuremath{\lambda}=6$ can play an important role in many cases.
Validity of an Instrument Measuring Male Attitudes: The Traditional-Liberated Content Scale

This study was undertaken to investigate the validity of two factors in The Traditional-Liberated Content Scale, an instrument which shows promise in assessing some major dimensions of men's attitudes. Scores were compiled from the ratings made by 83 college undergraduate men and on a short form of the Brannon Masculinity Scale. Subjects also rated the meaning of four concepts representing major areas of change for the male sex-role. Different bipolar-adjective scales were used to rate these concepts. As indicative of the concurrent validity, each factor had a modest, but statistically significant correlation with scores on the Brannon Masculinity Scale. Support for construct validity also was obtained as subjects with extreme scores on these two factors differed in their ratings of two of the four concepts.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Factors That Place Adolescents at Risk for Prescription Opioid Misuse

Although considerable research attention is paid to the misuse of controlled medications, a relatively small number of studies focus on prescription opioid misuse (POM) among racial/ethnic minority adolescents. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of POM among adolescents in the three largest racial/ethnic groups (Whites, Hispanics, Blacks) and identify demographic and psychosocial factors that increase the risk of POM. Additionally, the authors applied concepts from social bonding theory and social learning theory to determine the extent to which these concepts explain adolescent POM among each group. Using data from the 2012 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to determine which factors were associated with an increased risk of POM. Results show that Blacks (6.08%) have the highest prevalence rate of adolescent POM and risk factors vary by race/ethnicity. These findings are important in that they enhance the ability of prescribers to identify high-risk adolescent patients and help to make prevention interventions more culturally relevant.
Laser imaging for rapid Microbial Source Tracking

DNA fingerprinting, PCR and other genomic technologies have recently been used to determine sources of fecal bacteria in waterways. Here, we report on the development of a simple and automated optical method for potential use in Microbial Source Tracking (MST) of E. coli. The method employs laser imaging of bacterial colonies and high-resolution optical scattering image analysis for information extraction and classification. Cross validation is used to statistically evaluate the robustness of the classifiers. The entire image analysis procedure can be fully automated, making this a potentially useful tool for future MST studies.
Hemorrhage decreases macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and interleukin-6 release: A possible mechanism for increased wound infection

Objective To determine whether alteration in wound exudate cell immune function occurs after trauma-hemorrhage. Background Although clinical and experimental studies indicate that the rate of wound infection is increased after trauma and hemorrhagic shock, the underlying mechanism for this increased susceptibility remains unknown. Methods Male C3H/HeN mice were subjected to a midline laparotomy and polyvinyl alcohol sponges were implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal wound before hemorrhage (35 ± 5 mm Hg for 90 minutes and resuscitation) or sham operation. The wound exudate cells from the sponges were harvested on the first, third, and fifth postoperative day and cultured for 24 hours in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/ml) or heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and nitrite levels were determined in the supernatants. The distribution of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes was assessed in the sponge with and without in vivo injection of S. aureus. The phagocytic activity of isolated wound exudate cells was determined using fluorescent S. aureus. Results The composition of exudate cells was unaltered by hemorrhagic shock; however, in vivo injection of S. aureus significantly decreased the percentage of macrophages under such conditions. Wound exudate cell phagocytic activity and the release of IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 was decreased on the first postoperative day. The release of IL-1 β and IL-6 was also decreased on the third postoperative day in hemorrhaged mice. On the fifth postoperative day, wound exudate cell cytokine production was comparable to that in shams. Conclusions Because most wound infections occur early after severe trauma, these results suggest that the dysfunction of wound exudate cells after hemorrhage might contribute to the increased incidence of wound infections. Therefore, attempts to enhance or restore wound cell immune function might be helpful for decreasing the incidence of wound infections in trauma victims.
Geographical variations in heart deaths and diabetes: Effect of climate and a possible relationship to magnesium

Background: Geographical variations in deaths from heart disease and the prevalence of diabetes occur in the United States.Methods: These geographical variations, by state, were compared to the tertiles of the Z-score (Z-climate) obtained from the mean annual temperature and precipitation, by state, and to the tertiles of the Z-score (Z-environment) obtained from six environmental factors, by state, in monovariant analyses of variance.Results: Both Z-scores were significantly related to male heart deaths (Z-climate: p = 0.000009; Z-environment: p = 0.000043) with Z-climate being the most significant. Both Z-scores were significantly related to the 1998 prevalence of diabetes (Z-climate: p = 0.00018; Z-environment: p = 0.0059) with the climate again being the most significant.Conclusions: Increased temperature can increase magnesium sweat losses, which may not be compensated by diet or water intake. Climate relationships to these diseases need further investigation.
Orthopedic pitfalls in the ED: Vascular injury associated with knee dislocation

Tibial femoral knee dislocation is a severe injury, with a real potential for limb-threatening vascular compromise, primarily caused by injury to the popliteal artery. When unrecognized or inadequately evaluated and treated, these injuries often lead to a high incidence of morbidity and potential limb loss. Emergency medicine practitioners should be vigilant for vascular injury associated with knee dislocation. This review article examines the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and management options applicable to the emergency practitioner.
Formal theories of politics: The scope of mathematical modelling in political science

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the scope of mathematical modeling in political science. Mathematical models became popular in political science in the 1950s, when inferential statistics came into common usage. The 1950s and 1960s are referred to as the behavioral era, because most effort was focused on the detection of empirical patterns in voting behavior and public opinion data. There are two major mathematical approaches: political economy and systems modeling. The fundamental axioms of the political economy approach are that individuals in a political system are rational actors and that social outcomes result from the interaction of these individuals within the constraints imposed by social institutions. The second approach, systems modeling, examines the properties of systems and their changes in time. These approaches theorize about aggregates or systemicvariables. The models are useful in dealing with three characteristics of human judgment, namely, the use of a large amount of memory, sequential information processing, and the general process of learning.
Streamlined eigenchannel treatment of open-shell spectra

An energy-independent transformation of the generalized eigensystem used in eigenchannel calculations is shown to give the energy dependence of the $R$ matrix in semianalytic form. The transformation gives insight into the energy dependence of the short-range parameters used in multichannel quantum-defect theory. We present a simple method for setting up the many-electron basis set which integrates naturally with the noniterative eigenchannel method. The approach is used to calculate energy-dependent quantum defects for the $^{1}S^{e}$ and $^{3}P^{e}$ symmetries of silicon near the first ionization threshold, with spin-orbit effects described by a frame transformation.
WE‐C‐330A‐07: Radiofrequency Ablation Electrode Displacement Elastography

Purpose:Elastography can be used to image the position and location of thermal lesions created using radiofrequency(RF)ablation. A challenge, however, when applying this technique to guide treatment of livertumors is that of producing a controlled compression of the tissue. We are testing a new method, ‘electrode displacement elastography’, for producing elasticityimages of ablation therapy treatments. This paper presents results of tests in a custom elastography phantom. Method and Materials: An elastography phantom containing a stiff inclusion (50 kPa) embedded in a soft (11kPa) background was used. A discarded RFelectrode was mounted firmly into the inclusion with the handle extending outside the phantom container. A stepper motor applied small (0.1mm) displacements while the phantom was imaged using an ultrasound machine equipped with a research interface, acquiring raw echo data before and after small perturbations of the electrode. One‐dimensional cross correlation was used to estimate displacements. Finite element analyses were also performed to characterize the contrast‐transfer efficiency (CTE) of the conversion from the underlying modulus domain to the observed strain domain. Results: On elastograms the inclusion has a characteristic halo appearance, similar to that observed in in‐vivo tests of this technique. Strain contrast is consistently higher than the underlying modulus contrast, confirmed by a study of the CTE. On simulated strain images, stiffer inclusions in softer backgrounds have CTE values in excess of 0 dB. Conclusions: Feasibility of electrode displacement elastography is shown. The strain contrast observed exceeds the underlying modulus contrast, for stiffer inclusions. This characteristic of the method may provide RF ablation practitioners with added lesion contrast in situations where the actual stiffness ratio between the lesion and surrounding normal tissue is not significantly greater than 1:1. This work is supported by Whitaker Foundation grant RG‐02‐0457.
Procrastination and personality, performance, and mood

Abstract Procrastination research has generated conflicting results, partly due to the reliance on contaminated self-report measures. This study addressed this situation by creating scales based on both observed behaviors and atheoretical self-reports, and using these scales to determine procrastination’s performance, mood, and personality correlates. One-hundred and fifty-two undergraduates were measured at six time periods during an 11-week introductory psychology course. The course consisted of a computer-administered personalized system of instruction, a system noted for susceptibility to procrastination. Results show that procrastination is an excellent predictor of performance, though some final-hour catching-up is possible. Efforts to clarify its causes were mixed. Procrastination does reflect an excessive discrepancy between work intentions and work actions, as procrastinators tend to have a larger than average intention-action gap, especially at the beginning of the course. On the other hand, procrastination’s correlations with mood (i.e., state and trait affect) and personality (i.e., neuroticism, self-esteem, locus of control, extraversion, psychoticism, dominance, and self-monitoring) are uncertain as results diverge depending upon whether observed or self-report procrastination criteria are used. This dichotomy indicates that self-report procrastination likely reflects a self-assessment influenced by actual behavior but also significantly contaminated by self-concept.
Archaeal and eukaryotic homologs of Hfq A structural and evolutionary perspective on Sm function

Hfq and other Sm proteins are central in RNA metabolism, forming an evolutionarily conserved family that plays key roles in RNA processing in organisms ranging from archaea to bacteria to human. Sm-based cellular pathways vary in scope from eukaryotic mRNA splicing to bacterial quorum sensing, with at least one step in each of these pathways being mediated by an RNA-associated molecular assembly built upon Sm proteins. Though the first structures of Sm assemblies were from archaeal systems, the functions of Sm-like archaeal proteins (SmAPs) remain murky. Our ignorance about SmAP biology, particularly vis-a-vis the eukaryotic and bacterial Sm homologs, can be partly reduced by leveraging the homology between these lineages to make phylogenetic inferences about Sm functions in archaea. Nevertheless, whether SmAPs are more eukaryotic (RNP scaffold) or bacterial (RNA chaperone) in character remains unclear. Thus, the archaeal domain of life is a missing link, and an opportunity, in Sm-based RNA biology.
N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Antagonists Have Variable Affect in 3-Nitropropionic Acid Toxicity

There is accumulating evidence that excitotoxicity and oxidative stress resulting from excessive activation of glutamate (N-methyl-d-aspartate) NMDA receptors are major participants in striatal degeneration associated with 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP) administration. Although excitotoxic and oxidative mechanisms are implicated in 3NP toxicity, there are conflicting reports as to whether NMDA receptor antagonists attenuate or exacerbate the 3NP-induced neurodegeneration. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of NMDA receptors in striatal degeneration, protein oxidation and motor impairment following systemic 3NP administration. We examined whether NMDA receptor antagonists, memantine and ifenprodil, influence the neurotoxicity of 3NP. The development of striatal lesion and protein oxidation following 3NP administration is delayed by memantine but not affected by ifenprodil. However, in behavioral experiments, memantine failed to improve and ifenprodil exacerbated the motor deficits associated with 3NP toxicity. Together, these findings suggest caution in the application of NMDA receptor antagonists as a neuroprotective agent in neurodegenerative disorders associated with metabolic impairment.
Male choice, fighting ability, assortative mating and the intensity of sexual selection in the milkweed longhorn beetle, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Over five hundred adult longhorn milkweed beetles, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus, were individually marked and their copulatory success followed for one month in a pasture of Asclepias syriaca in northern Indiana, USA. Migration of beetles from the field site was greatest from areas of low population density. Dispersal was significantly greater for males experiencing low copulatory success; a similar but nonsignificant trend was observed for females. Large males, which displayed greater site tenacity than small males, copulated more frequently than small males because of their ability to displace small males from females. Both large and small males demonstrated a preference for large females in laboratory tests. Male preference in combination with aggressive displacement of small males results in size-assortative mating which was much stronger under conditions of high population density. It contributes to variance in male reproductive success since female size is known to be correlated with fecundity and offspring viability. Variance in copulatory success is similar for males and females, suggesting that both sexes experience similar intensities of sexual selection with respect to this component of reproductive success. Futhermore, comparison of this with other studies suggests that the intensity of sexual selection among males is positively correlated with the variance in body size which appears to be under both stabilizing and directional sexual selection in males but not in females.
Photosynthetic Activity during the Division Cycle in Synchronized Euglena gracilis

Axenic populations of the photosynthetic protozoan Euglena gracilis, grown with autotrophic nutrition, were synchronized with respect to cell division by culture on an alternating light-dark cycle. No cell divisions occurred in the light periods; approximately 100% of the cells divided in the dark periods. In such cultures, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and accumulation of polysaccharide were confined to the light periods. The capacity for photosynthesis, however, increased continuously over the entire light-dark cycle, and is thus not directly correlated with pigment content. A correlation was seen between photosynthetic capacity and protein content, suggesting that enzymatic mechanisms of the photosynthetic apparatus might be the limiting factor. Estimates of total photosynthetic activity indicate that about 5 × 10−6 calories are required for the synthesis of a new cell.
Histology of the canine urethra. I. Morphometry of the female urethra

Urinary bladders and urethrae were collected from six adult and two juvenile female dogs. Five urethral regions and the neck and body of the bladder were sampled. Volume fractions for connective tissue including elastic fibers, smooth and striated muscle, and epithelium were obtained by projecting section images onto an array of points and computing the number of points overlying a tissue constituent per total points overlying the tissue section. Smooth muscle occupied approximately half the volume of the bladder wall, one-third the volume of the vesical neck, and one-fourth the volume of the proximal urethra. Striated muscle was present in the distal half of the urethra, where the total muscle coat occupied about one-third of the urethral wall volume. Smooth muscle was practically absent in the terminal urethra, where the striated urethralis muscle encircles urethra and vagina in common. Epithelial area and lumen perimeter were not significantly different along the length of the urethra except that urethral epithelium was significantly thicker adjacent to the vesical neck. In terms of histological proportions, the vesical neck was intermediate between the body of the bladder and the proximal urethra.
Impact of randomly varying fiber dispersion on dual-pump fiber-optic parametric amplifiers

We study the impact of random variations in the zero-dispersion wavelength along the fiber length and show that they limit considerably the usable bandwidth of dual-pump fiber-optic parametric amplifiers.
Compliance matrices for cracked bodies

An algorithm is developed to construct the compliance matrix for a cracked solid in the integral-equation formulation of two-dimensional linear-elastic fracture mechanics. The integral equation is reduced to a system of algebraic equations for unknown values of the dislocation-density function at discrete points on the interval from -1 to 1, using the numerical procedure described by Gerasoulis (1982). Sample numerical results are presented, and it is suggested that the algorithm is especially useful in cases where iterative solutions are required; e.g., models of fiber-reinforced concrete, rocks, or ceramics where microcracking, fiber bridging, and other nonlinear effects are treated as nonlinear springs along the crack surfaces (Ballarini et al., 1984).
Evaluation of current software costing tools

Much effort has been expended over the last several years to construct various tools which predict the development schedules and costs of software projects. The organizations which contract out system development work are starting to request that the contractor use a specific costing tool during the bid.This paper reports the results and recommendations of a software costing tool evaluation project which was recently carried out at MacDonald Dettwiler. The primary project goal was to model a suite of the company's completed projects and determine if currently available commercial tools could predict effort and elapsed project time.
Risk effect of maternal age in Pallister i(12p) syndrome

Abstract Pallister syndrome is consequent to mosaicism for i(12p). The isochromosome is found mainly in skin fibroblast cultures, but rarely also in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes. Maternal age for reported cases of Pallister syndrome was significantly older (p less than 0.005) compared to maternal age for the general population, and similar to maternal age in cases of Down syndrome (p less than 0.5). Paternal age in cases of Pallister syndrome was that expected in the general population from the age of their spouses (p less than 0.9). These data complement the maternal age effect seen in other aneuploidy conditions and suggest, as is found in mosaic cases of Down syndrome, that the chromosomally normal cell line in Pallister syndrome arises post-conception from a zygote already aneuploid consequent to meiotic nondisjunction.
The effects of salt on the physicochemical properties and immunogenicity of protein based vaccine formulated in cationic liposome

Recently, we have developed a simple and potent therapeutic cancer vaccine consisting of a cationic lipid and a peptide antigen. In this report, we expanded the utility of this formulation to protein based vaccines. First, we formulated the human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 protein (E7) in different doses of DOTAP liposome. The results showed that these formulations failed to regress an established tumor. However, when sodium chloride (30 mM) was added to the DOTAP (100 nmol)/E7 (20 microg) formulation, anti-tumor activity was generated in the immunized mice. Correlatively, 30 mM NaCl in the DOTAP/E7 protein formulation increased the particle size from approximately 350 to 550 nm, decreased the protein loading capacity (from 95 to 90%), and finally increased the zeta potential (from 29 to 38 mV). Next, a model protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA) was formulated in different doses of DOTAP liposomes. Similarly, the results showed that 20 microg OVA formulated in 200 nmol DOTAP with 30 mM NaCl had the best OVA-specific antibody response, including both IgG(1) and IgG(2a), suggesting both Th1 and Th2 immune responses were generated by this formulation. In conclusion, we have expanded the application of cationic DOTAP liposome formulation to protein based vaccines and also identified that small amounts of salt could change the physicochemical properties of the vaccine formulation and enhance the activity of the DOTAP/protein based vaccine. The enhancement of immune responses by salt is possibly due to its interference of the electrostatic interaction between the cationic lipid and the protein antigen to facilitate the antigen release from the carrier and at the same time activate the antigen presenting cells.
Synthesis of oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s containing central pyromellitdiimide or naphthalenediimide groups and bearing terminal isocyanide groups : molecular components for single-electron transistors

Abstract Oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s that are of variable length, contain a central arenediimide unit, either a pyromellitdiimide or a naphthalenediimide group, and are terminated by isocyanide groups have been prepared. The extended frameworks were assembled from appropriately functionalized arenediimide and areneformamide units whose lengths were adjusted by adding phenyleneethynylene units. Final transformation of the formamide groups into isocyanide groups gave the title compounds. Several isocyanide-terminated oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s without an arenediimide unit have also been prepared.
Multi2Sim: a simulation framework for CPU-GPU computing

Accurate simulation is essential for the proper design and evaluation of any computing platform. Upon the current move toward the CPU-GPU heterogeneous computing era, researchers need a simulation framework that can model both kinds of computing devices and their interaction. In this paper, we present Multi2Sim, an open-source, modular, and fully configurable toolset that enables ISA-level simulation of an ×86 CPU and an AMD Evergreen GPU. Focusing on a model of the AMD Radeon 5870 GPU, we address program emulation correctness, as well as architectural simulation accuracy, using AMD's OpenCL benchmark suite. Simulation capabilities are demonstrated with a preliminary architectural exploration study, and workload characterization examples. The project source code, benchmark packages, and a detailed user's guide are publicly available at www.multi2sim.org.
Der Einfluß struktureller Faktoren auf die Korrosion von rostfreiem Stahl

Austenitische rostfreie Stahle weisen stark unterschiedliches Korrosionsverhalten auf, je nachdem, welchen umgebenden Einflussen sie ausgesetzt werden, sie konnen korrosionsfest oder passiv in korrodierenden Oxydationsmitteln sein oder konnen in sauren Losungen ebenso schnell korrodieren wie Eisen und Stahl. Dieses Verhalten hangt direkt mit dem Phanomen der Passivitat zusammen bzw. der Wirkung, die der passive Zustand der Oberflache der rostfreien Stahle seiner Struktur nach auf das Auftreten, den Grad und die Art der Korrosion ausubt. Der Verfasser hat diese Wirkung der Oberflachenstruktur in zahlreichen Versuchen untersucht, er hat Zusammensetzung und Vorbehandlung der Stahle verandert — durch Polieren, Warmbehandlung, Temperung, Sensibilisierung —, die Exponierungszeiten und Oxydationsmittel verandert — durch Verwendung von kochender Salpetersaure, Chromsaure oder Salzsaure — und die Einwirkung der Korngrose auf die intergranulare Korrosion sowie den Effekt der Kaltverformung auf die Korrosionsfestigkeit der rostfreien Stahle untersucht. Er gibt im Artikel einen ausfuhrlichen Bericht uber alle diese Versuche und belegt die erhaltenen Resultate durch 22 Mikrophotographien und elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen. Influence of structural factors on the corrosion of stainleaa steel Depending on the influence of their surroundings, austenitic stainless steels show great differences in their corrosion behaviour; they may be corrosion-proof, or passive in corrosive oxidants, or they may, in acid solutions, corrode as rapidly as iron and steel. This behaviour is directly connected with the phenomenon of passivity, or with the influence exerted, by virtue of its structure, by the passive state of the surface of stainless on the occurrence, intensity and type of corrosion. The author has investigated this effect of the surface structure in numerous tests, varying the composition and pre-treatment of the steels (machining, heat treatment, tempering, sensitivisation), the exposure times and oxidants (using boiling nitric acid), examining the influence of the grain size on intergranular corrosion, and determining the effect of clod drawing on the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. The article contains a detailed report about these tests, and the results are illustrated by 22 reproductions of microphotographs and of pictures obtained by the electron microscope.
Expanding the conversation: A commentary toward revision of Swenson, Rozema, Young, McGrail, and Whitin

As a commentary aimed toward revision of “Beliefs About Techno logy and the Preparation of English Teachers: Beginning the Conversation” (Swenson, Rozema, Young, McGrail, & Whitin, 2005), this paper encourages the authors to focus on the multiliteracies that technologies enable as a guiding theme rather than on techno logies themselves. It also contends that revisions could be more congruent with current trends in K-12 literacy instruction, namely addressing how multiliteracies and design-based learning can connect with standards and assessment. In so doing, it suggests that the revision of this belief statement can expand the conversation from one primarily about technologies to one that focuses on the changing nature of literacy as well as the larger and long-term implications of this shift for English education.
Prediction of the time accuracy and integrity of GPS timing

The application of Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) algorithms internal to the GPS sensor have added an extra level of system reliability to timing applications that cannot tolerate system outages. This paper addresses the time integrity issue from GPS, introduces an algorithm that has been implemented in a low cost GPS core receiver, and provides analysis of the algorithm performance under unusual satellite conditions. The algorithm detects and removes from the solution those satellites that exceed a pre-determined time residual threshold. Scientific error simulations have been used to characterize the detection and isolation performance of the algorithm, and are reported on. The threshold selection is designed to support a detection and isolation probability of at least 99.99%, and a maximum false alarm rate no greater than 1 false alarm every 5.7 days. A multi-channel GPS satellite simulator was used to generate typical GPS satellite outages, and the performance of the algorithm was tested and results are reported. Accuracy of GPS with and without the T-RAIM algorithm is reported as well as the receiver's ability to protect the IPPS time reference output pulse from the influence of the failed satellite. One of the by-products of the T-RAIM algorithm is its ability to predict the time error performance of the receiver under the influence of SA with and without failed satellites. The paper reports on the algorithm's ability to predict the overall system time accuracy for possible exploitation by the end user.
Quantitative membrane loading of polymer vesicles

We utilize a series of structurally homologous, multi-porphyrin-based, fluorophores (PBFs) in order to explore the capacity of polymer vesicles (polymersomes) to stably incorporate large hydrophobic molecules, non-covalently within their thick lamellar membranes. Through aqueous hydration of dry, uniform thin-films of amphiphilic polymer and PBF species deposited on Teflon, self-assembled polymersomes are readily generated incorporating the hydrophobic fluorophores in prescribed molar ratios within their membranes. The size-dependent spectral properties of the PBFs allow for ready optical verification (via steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopy) of the extent of vesicle membrane loading and enable delineation of intermembranous molecular interactions. The resultant effects of PBF membrane-loading on polymersome thermodynamic and mechanical stability are further assessed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and micropipet aspiration, respectively. We demonstrate that polymersomes can be loaded at up to 10 mol/wt% concentrations, with hydrophobic molecules that possess sizes comparable to those of large pharmaceutical conjugates (e.g. ranging 1.4–5.4 nm in length and Mw = 0.7–5.4 kg mol−1), without significantly compromising the robust thermodynamic and mechanical stabilities of these synthetic vesicle assemblies. Due to membrane incorporation, hydrophobic encapsulants are effectively prevented from self-aggregation, able to be highly concentrated in aqueous solution, and successfully shielded from deleterious environmental interactions. Together, these studies present a generalized paradigm for the generation of complex multi-functional materials that combine both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents, in mesoscopic dimensions, through cooperative self-assembly.