cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA synthesizing activity in normal human sperm: Location and characterization of the endogenous reaction

Abstract Chromatin-associated complexes have been purified from membrane-free nuclei of normal human sperm heads. They band at a sucrose buoyant density of 1.15–1.19 g/ml and contain macromolecular components which catalyze the endogenous synthesis of DNA in a reaction partially sensitive to ribonuclease pretreatment. The sedimentation rate and buoyant density of the purified reaction product, still attached to its endogenous template, demonstrate that the [3H]DNA is associated with a high molecular weight RNA, which may be serving as both template and primer.
Expansion, Color and Shear Strength Properties of Com Starches Extrusion‐Cooked with Urea and Salts

Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and urea were mixed with normal corn starch (25% amylose) and extrusion-cooked at 140°C. The expansion ratio of the starch increased from 13 to 16.9 as the sodium chloride concentration was increased from 0 to 1 g per 100 g of starch (d. b.) and then decreased. As the concentrations of sodium bicarbonate and urea in the starch mixtures were increased, the expansion ratios decreased gradually from 13 to 11.9 and 8, respectively. Starch-sodium bicarbonate mixture extrudates were brownish-yellow in color. In a follow-up study, corn starches with amylose contents of 0, 25, 50 and 70% were extrusion-cooked with the above chemicals added at a level of 1 g per 100g starch. In general, the addition of sodium chloride increased the expansion ratio of all starch extrudates by 0.5 to 5.5 units, whereas sodium bicarbonate and urea decreased expansion by 1 to 6 units. The overall color of the starch extrudates, prepared with and without sodium bicarbonate, tended towards brownish-yellow with increasing amylose content. Ausdehnungs-, Farb- und Scherstabilitats-Eigenschaften von mit Harnstoff und Salzen extrusionsgekochten Maisstarken. Normale Maisstarke (25% Amylose) wurde mit Natriumchlorid, Natriumbicarbonat und Harnstoff vermischt und bei 140°C extrusionsgekocht. Das Ausdehnungsverhaltnis der Starke erhohte sich von 13 auf 16,9, wenn die Natriumchlorid-Konzentration von 0 auf 1 g je 100g Starke (TS) erhoht wurde und fiel danach wieder ab. Wenn die Konzentrationen an Natriumbicarbonat und Harnstoff in den Starkemischungen erhoht wurden, fiel das Ausdehnungsverhaltnis stufenweise von 13 auf 11,9 bzw. 8 ab. Die Extrudate der Starke-Natriumbicarbonat-Mischungen hatten eine braunlich-gelbe Farbe. In einer weiteren Untersuchung wurden Maisstarken mit Amylosegehalten von 0,25,50 und 70% nach Zugabe der genannten Chemikalien in Hohe von 1 g je 100g Starke extrusionsgekocht. Im allgemeinen erhohte der Zusatz von Natriumchlorid das Ausdehnungsverhaltnis aller Starkeextrudate um 0,5 bis 5,5 Einheiten, demgegenuber Natriumbicarbonat und Harnstoff die Ausdehnung um 1 bis 6 Einheiten verringerten. Die Gesamtfarbe der mit und ohne Natriumbicarbonat hergestellten Starkeextrudate tendierte mit steigendem Amylosegehalt nach braunlich-gelb.
Execution and optimization of continuous queries with cyclops

As the data collected by enterprises grows in scale, there is a growing trend of performing data analytics on large datasets. Batch processing systems that can handle petabyte scale of data, such as Hadoop, have flourished and gained traction in the industry. As the results of batch analytics have been used to continuously improve front-facing user experience, there is a growing interest in pushing the processing latency down. This trend has fueled a resurgence in the development and usage of execution engines that can process continuous queries.An important class of continuous queries is windowed aggregation queries. Such queries arise in a wide range of applications such as generating personalized content and results. Today, considerable manual effort goes into finding the most suitable execution engine for these queries and on tuning query performance on these engines. An ecosystem composed of multiple execution engines may be needed in order to run the overall query workload efficiently given the diverse set of requirements that arise in practice.Cyclops is a continuous query processing platform that manages and orchestrates windowed aggregation queries in an ecosystem composed of multiple continuous query execution engines. Cyclops employs a cost-based approach for picking the most suitable engine and plan for executing a given query. This demonstration first presents an interactive visualization of the rich execution plan space of windowed aggregation queries, which allows users to analyze and understand the differences among plans. The next part of the demonstration will drill down into the design of Cyclops. For a given query, we show the cost spectrum of query execution plans across three different execution engines---Esper, Storm, and Hadoop---as estimated by Cyclops.
Enthalpic relaxation of silica–polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites

Although the effects of filler nanoparticles size and surface treatment on the glass transition temperature of the matrix phase have received well-deserved attention, nanofiller effects on other physical parameters associated with the glass transition have received less interest. To better understand how the incorporation of nanofillers affects the enthalpic relaxations associated with the glass transition, differential scanning calorimeter measurements were carried out on silica–polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites with respect to filler content, annealing temperature, and annealing period. As expected, longer annealing periods below the glass transition temperature resulted in an increase of the subsequent enthalpic relaxations. However, the presence of filler substantially reduces the enthalpic relaxation relative to that of the neat polymer at longer annealing periods only. The underlying enthalpic relaxations and the effects suppressed by the fillers are specific to the annealing temperature. These results suggest a significant alteration in the physical state of the matrix because of the presence of the filler particles. However, this does not imply the existence of a glassy layer or layers with a glass transition gradient near the filler surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2733–2740, 2008
Nutrient cross-feeding in the microbial world

The stability and function of a microbial community depends on nutritional interactions among community members such as the cross-feeding of essential small molecules synthesized by a subset of the population. In this review, we describe examples of microbe-microbe and microbe-host cofactor cross-feeding, a type of interaction that influences the forms of metabolism carried out within a community. Cofactor cross-feeding can contribute to both the health and nutrition of a host organism, the virulence and persistence of pathogens, and the composition and function of environmental communities. By examining the impact of shared cofactors on microbes from pure culture to natural communities, we stand to gain a better understanding of the interactions that link microbes together, which may ultimately be a key to developing strategies for manipulating microbial communities with human health, agricultural, and environmental implications.
Evaluating post-Katrina recovery in Mississippi using repeat photography

Hurricane Katrina of August 2005 had extensive consequences for the state of Mississippi in the United States. Widespread infrastructure and property damage, massive social dislocation, and ecological loss remain among the many challenges faced by communities as they work towards 'normalcy'. This study employs repeat photography to understand differential recovery from Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. Revealing change with conventional landscape photography, a process known as repeat photography, is common in the natural sciences. Simply stated, repeat photography is the practice of re-photographing the same scene as it appears in an earlier photograph. Photographs were taken at 131 sites every six months over a three-year period. Each photograph was assigned a recovery score and a spatially interpolated recovery surface was generated for each time period. The mapped and graphed results show disparities in the progression of recovery: some communities quickly entered the rebuilding process whereas others have lagged far behind. Language: en
Endangered Records and the Beginning of Professionalism Among Archivists in England, 1918–1945

Abstract Archivists in England formed themselves into a self-conscious profession over about three decades following World War I. Domestic threats to archives during World War II, especially the in...
Q band GaAs f.e.t. amplifier and oscillator

GaAs field-effect transistors with a Schottky-barrier gate have been investigated in the frequency range 12–20 GHz. Measurements of the maximum available gain have shown that the devices have much higher gain in this range than has been expected. A 17 GHz oscillator having an output power of 4mW and a 4-stage 14.9GHz amplifier with 16 dB of power gain have been built using stripline technique.
In vitro development of testis and ovary from indifferent fetal mouse gonads.

Abstract Urogenital complexes composed of gonadal primordia and mesonephroi were isolated from mouse fetuses before the onset of morphological sex differentiation and cultured in vitro for 3 to 10 days. Indifferent gonads explanted on the 11th day of gestation (d.g.) developed into testes or ovaries after 3 to 5 days of culture, while gonads explanted on the 10th d.g. remained undifferentiated throughout the culture period. The development of indifferent gonads in vivo from the stage of the 10th d.g. to that of the 11th d.g. appeared to be crucial to both testicular and ovarian differentiation in vitro .
Ovarian and peripheral androgen and oestrogen levels in post-menopausal women: correlations with ovarian histology

Ovarian and peripheral plasma levels of oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), androstenedione (A) and testosterone (T) were assayed in 58 post-menopausal women who underwent hysterectomy and oophorectomy (35 for endometrial carcinoma and 23 for benign gynaecological diseases). No significant difference between the two groups was seen when they were matched for percentage of ideal weight. However, significant differences were found between the ovarian and peripheral levels of the four steroids investigated. To facilitate analysis of the data, 40 of these women were classified into three groups (1, 2 and 3) according to degree of stromal hyperplasia of the ovary. Group 1 comprised those with atrophic ovaries, group 2 those with slight stromal hyperplasia and group 3 those with moderate or marked stromal hyperplasia. Ovarian levels of A and T were significantly higher than peripheral levels in all three groups, but the ovarian/peripheral oestrogen differences were significant only in groups 1 and 2. The ovarian steroid levels in group 3 were significantly higher than those in groups 1 and 2 in the cases of E1 (P < 0.01), E2 (P < 0.001) and A (P < 0.001), but not in that of T. It was concluded that ovaries showing marked stromal hyperplasia can produce significant amounts not only of androgens but also of E2, and hence that any evaluation of the hormonal pattern in post-menopausal women must also take into account the microscopic characteristics of the ovary.
Effect of variation in the reflow profile on the microstructure of near eutectic SnAgCu alloys

The effects of changes in thermal history (changes in the reflow profile) on solder joint microstructure are examined. The effects of variations in the reflow temperature, and in the cooling rate from the melt, on the microstructure of near eutectic lead free SnAgCu solder joints were investigated. Changes in precipitate or Sn grain morphologies have previously been correlated with changes in the failure rates in these Pb free alloys. Thus correlations were sought between changes in reflow parameters and in both precipitate and Sn grain morphologies. Precise reflows were conducted in a differential scanning calorimeter and it was found that changes in microstructure were correlated with large changes in the reflow temperature, and that the precipitate microstructure was a strong function of the cooling rate. This effect was similar in magnitude to that observed in relatively large changes (1 to 3wt%) in the Ag concentration of these near eutectic SnAgCu alloys.
Improvement of methanol electro-oxidation activity of PtRu/C and PtNiCr/C catalysts by anodic treatment

Abstract The effect of an anodic treatment on the methanol oxidation activity of PtRu/C (50:50 at.%) and PtNiCr/C (Pt:Ni:Cr = 28:36:36 at.%) catalysts was investigated for various potential limits of 0.9, 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4 V (vs. reference hydrogen electrode, RHE). NaBH 4 reduced catalysts were further reduced at 900 °C for 5 min in an argon balanced hydrogen flow stream. Improved alloying was obtained by the hydrogen reduction procedure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction results. In the PtRu/C catalyst, a decrease of irreversible Ru (hydrous) oxide formation was observed when the anodic treatment was performed at 1.1 V (vs. RHE) or higher potentials. In chronoamperometry testing performed for 60 min at 0.6 V (vs. RHE), the highest activity of the PtRu/C catalyst was observed when anodic treatment was performed at 1.3 V (vs. RHE). The current density increased from 1.71 to 4.06 A g cat. −1 after the anodic treatment. In the PtNiCr/C catalyst, dissolution of Ni and Cr was observed when potentials ≥1.3 V (vs. RHE) were applied during the anodic treatment. In MOR activity tests, the current density of the PtNiCr/C catalyst dramatically increased by more than 13.5 times (from 0.182 to 2.47 A g cat. −1 ) when an anodic treatment was performed at 1.4 V. On an A g noble metal −1 basis, the current density of PtNiCr-1.4V is slightly higher than the best anodically treated PtRu-1.3V catalyst, suggesting the PtNiCr catalyst is a promising candidate to replace the PtRu catalysts.
Thrift, Price Levels, and Employment — A Neglected Approach

Introduction, 487. — I. Two issues are involved in the paradox of saving, 488. — II. Conclusion, 490.
Los Angeles is the Olympic City: Legacies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games

In no other city but Los Angeles have the Olympics so completely shaped metropolitan identity – not even in modern Athens. Los Angeles used the 1932 games to put itself on the global map. The city used the 1984 games to redefine its image to the world. The Olympics helped Los Angeles to make itself the capital of the world's popular culture industry. The Los Angeles' Olympic productions have provided enduring lessons in how to use the games to market nations to the world. Los Angeles has shaped every aspect of the modern Olympic movement, from the bidding process, to the staging of spectacles, to the management of legacies. The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics provided the basic template for modern Olympic mega-productions. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics redesigned and revitalized that template, re-energizing the games at a crucial time. In the twenty-first century, Los Angeles seeks a third Olympic chapter.
Performance sensitivity of the Kalman filter to choice of state and observation vectors

Abstract The problem of applying Kalman filtering techniques to the processing of phased array data is addressed. The primary objective is to obtain a lucid explanation of why a previously developed filter design [1] encounters numerical difficulty upon initialization for a certain combination of state and observation vectors, while operating smoothly when one component of each is altered. The analysis of the factors contributing to computational difficulty suggests a method of alleviating the difficulty, but diminishes the optimality of the filter's output estimates. The difficulty results from the combination of an ill-conditioned observation covariance matrix, truncation error in representing the elements of the covariance matrix at long ranges, and the particular form of asymptotic behavior exhibited by the inverse covariance matrix.
Continuous Seismic Reflexion Profiles in the Red Sea

Twenty continuous seismic reflexion profiles have been made across the main trough of the Red Sea north of 17° N latitude. The main trough is characterized by mildly deformed sediment layers along the margins with highly disturbed materials in the deeper axial trough. A strong seismic reflector is observed at depths up to 500 m beneath the main trough, but is not found in the axial trough. This reflector may represent an unconformity of late Miocene-Early Pliocene age (5 to 6 Ma ago). On the assumption that this unconformity was once continuous across the main trough but has subsequently rifted apart as a result of seafloor spreading in the axial trough, separation distances of 48 to 74 km across the trough imply a minimum seafloor spreading rate of 0.4 to 0.7 cm a -1 . This rate is lower than spreading rates inferred from magnetic anomaly profiles in the Red Sea; however, if separation began as late as 2 to 3 Ma ago which can be inferred from the seismic profiles, a rate of 1.4 to 0.9 cm a -1 is indicated. This rate is in good agreement with those determined from magnetic profiles.
Using spatiotemporal blocks to reduce the uncertainty in detecting and tracking moving objects in video

We present a novel method for detecting moving objects in videos. The method represents videos using spatiotemporal blocks instead of pixels. Dimensionality reduction is performed to obtain a compact representation of each block's values. The block vectors provide a joint representation of texture and motion patterns. The motion detection and tracking experiments demonstrate that our method although simpler than a state-of-the-art method based on the Stauffer-Grimson Gaussian mixture model has superior performance. It reduces both the instability and the processing time making real-time processing of high resolution videos and efficient analysis of large scale video data feasible.
Earnings and education in Ecuador: Evidence from the 1987 household survey

Abstract The paper uses data from the 1987 Household Survey to expore the relationship between education and earnings in Ecuador. The results indicate that there is a sharp difference in the premium associated with higher education between males and females (in favor of males), a result consistent with sex discrimination at the higher end of the occupational spectrum. Those with primary education are rewarded relatively more in the public rather than the private sector, a finding consistent with the pay equalization policy of civil service remuneration. Human capital variables (education and experience) account for one half of the individual earnings variance, as found elsewhere. The social returns to investment in primary and university education are of the order of 12%, and that to secondary education 9%. Thus, on efficiency grounds both primary and university education are profitable investment opportunities. But when adding the equity dimension, primary education is the most attractive investment option.
Abstract LB-229: PTEN modulates EGFRvIII-mediated SHP-2 activation and translocation to affect glioblastoma sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC EGFRvIII, a constitutively active truncated mutant of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been associated with increase neoplastic transformation and poor overall survival (OS). An earlier report showed that expression of EGFRvIII in gliomas provides resistance to chemotherapy. Co-expression of EGFRvIII and PTEN in a small subset of recurrent GBMs has been shown to increase sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), including Erlotinib (tarceva) and Geftinib. However, the exact mechanism of EGFRvIII and PTEN interaction in response to TKI is still unresolved. Our recent reports showed that SHP-2 PTPase and its phosphatase activity are required for the EGFRvIII-mediated transformation. The aim of the present work was to investigate the molecular interaction between EGFRvIII/SHP-2 activation complex and PTEN in response to tarceva treatment and its effect on glioblastoma transformation. Our recent report demonstrated an increased SHP-2 phosphorylation in U87MG. EGFRvIII (PTEN-deficient) when compared to PTEN-intact LN229.EGFRvIII cells. In the present study, we show that tarceva treatment abolished EGFRvIII, EGFR, SHP-2 and Erk1/2, but Src family kinase (SFK), phosphorylation in LN229.EGFRvIII cells at all time intervals ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours. On the contrary, phosphorylation of EGFRvIII, Src and Erk1/2 in U87MG. EGFRvIII cells was inhibited in early time points, but was restored in 2 to 6 hours. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of SHP-2 at Tyr542 residue was unaffected by tarceva treatment, but EGFR phosphorylation was inhibited in a time-dependent manner. PTEN deficiency resulted in resistance to tarceva treatment as assessed by MTT proliferation and soft agar transformation assays. Immunofluorescent labeling of U87MG. EGFRvIII cells with anti-phospho-SHP-2 (Tyr542) antibody showed perinuclear localization of SHP-2, whereas LN229.EGFRvIII cells exhibited membrane staining of phosphorylated SHP-2 (Tyr542). Our results showed that tarceva increased perinuclear SHP-2 Tyr542 in U87MG. EGFRvIII cells. Interestingly, stable expression of PTEN in U87MG. EGFRvIII cells conferred relocalization of phospho-SHP-2 to the membrane, a phenotype resembling LN229.EGFRvIII cells. Moreover, PTEN-expressing U87MG. EGFRvIII clones grew slower and showed a partially untransformed phenotype. These results suggest that SHP-2 is downstream effectors of PTEN and that PTEN deficiency may lead to SHP-2 activation and perinuclear localization by EGFRvIII, which may results in increased resistance to TKIs. Therefore, targeting SHP-2 may provide a new and effective therapeutic approach for treatment of glioblastoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-229.
Sexual selection in lekking sage grouse: phenotypic correlates of male mating success

Mate choice cues in sage grouse were reinvestigated by analyzing relationships between male mating success and a range of suggested cues. Display cues were implicated by significant relationships between mating status (whether or not a male mated) and lek attendance, display rate (corrected for effects of female proximity and time of day) and an acoustic component related to temporal and frequency measure of a whistle emltted during the strut display. Although display rate and the acoustic component were intercorrelated, both exerted significant partial effects on mating success in mutivariate analyses. These display measures also differed significantly between males. In contrast, mating success was not significantly related to measures of territory characteristics, including size and proximity to the lek center, or to body size. These results resolve discrepancies between previous studies and provide a basis for experimental analysis of the role of female choice in this lek system.
Parameter estimation with mixed-state quantum computation

We present a quantum algorithm to estimate parameters at the quantum metrology limit using deterministic quantum computation with one bit. When the interactions occurring in a quantum system are described by a Hamiltonian $H=\ensuremath{\theta}{H}_{0}$, we estimate $\ensuremath{\theta}$ by zooming in on previous estimations and by implementing an adaptive Bayesian procedure. The final result of the algorithm is an updated estimation of $\ensuremath{\theta}$ whose variance has been decreased in proportion to the time of evolution under $H$. For the problem of estimating several parameters, we implement dynamical-decoupling techniques and use the results of single parameter estimation. The cases of discrete-time evolution and reference frame alignment are also studied within the adaptive approach.
Frequency‐selective heteronuclear dephasing by dipole couplings in spinning and static solids

A compensated pulse sequence for the spectrally selective reintroduction of heteronuclear dipole–dipole interactions (frequency‐selective dipolar recoupling) into solid state magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments is described and shown to provide frequency‐selective dipolar dephasing in weakly coupled spin systems. The experimental dipolar spin evolution is interpreted via analytical and numerical calculations, which include a simple model for the observed losses of spin coherence in the multiple pulse experiments. In the peptide glycylglycine, the selective dipolar evolution of two spins is observed while the influence of larger internuclear couplings is suppressed. This approach is aimed at obtaining several quantitative internuclear distances independently in dipolar ‘‘recoupling’’ MAS experiments by reducing multiple spin effects in the observed dipolar evolution. Similar frequency‐selective dephasing experiments are also introduced for static solids, where an efficie...
Lack of definable nucleation sites in the rate-limiting transition state of barnase under native conditions

Abstract It has been shown that the burst-phase (submillisecond) intermediate of barnase, if it exists, can be only marginally more stable than the fully unfolded state at pH 6.3 and 25 °C. In the study reported here, no stable burst-phase intermediate could be detected, even in the presence of stabilizing salt (0.4 M Na 2 SO 4 ). These results suggest that a burst-phase intermediate with even marginal stability does not exist. The absence of such an intermediate in turn suggests the need for re-examination of the rate-limiting transition state (RLTS) under native conditions, which was previously characterized by using a three-state model with a stable intermediate and protein engineering. Surprisingly, mutations throughout the structure of barnase do not significantly affect the folding rate, suggesting a lack of specific favorable interactions among the side-chains in the RLTS. This RLTS is clearly different from that previously characterized under denaturing conditions, indicating that changes take place in the RLTS under native and denaturing conditions. The occurrence of such changes is further supported by the observation that the unfolding rate constants of barnase and its mutants were divergent or convergent as a function of denaturant concentrations. Consistent with changes in the RLTS, a re-analysis of data from native-state hydrogen exchange studies has shown that the logarithm of the unfolding rate constant inflects down under low concentrations of denaturant. Here, we discuss in detail the question of whether changes in the RLTS involve a kinetically silent intermediate that occurs after the initial RLTS.
Modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis by lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), is a unique member of the phospholipase A2 superfamily. This enzyme is characterized by its ability to specifically hydrolyze PAF as well as glycerophospholipids containing short, truncated, and/or oxidized fatty acyl groups at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone. In humans, Lp-PLA2 circulates in active form as a complex with low- and high-density lipoproteins. Clinical studies have reported that plasma Lp-PLA2 activity and mass are strongly associated with atherogenic lipids and vascular risk. These observations led to the hypothesis that Lp-PLA2 activity and/or mass levels could be used as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease and that inhibition of the activity could offer an attractive therapeutic strategy. Darapladib, a compound that inhibits Lp-PLA2 activity, is anti-atherogenic in mice and other animals, and it decreases atherosclerotic plaque expansion in humans. However, disagreement continues to exist regarding the validity of Lp-PLA2 as an independent marker of atherosclerosis and a scientifically justified target for intervention. Circulating Lp-PLA2 mass and activity are associated with vascular risk, but the strength of the association is reduced after adjustment for basal concentrations of the lipoprotein carriers with which the enzyme associates. Genetic studies in humans harboring an inactivating mutation at this locus indicate that loss of Lp-PLA2 function is a risk factor for inflammatory and vascular conditions in Japanese cohorts. Consistently, overexpression of Lp-PLA2 has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties in animal models. This thematic review critically discusses results from laboratory and animal studies, analyzes genetic evidence, reviews clinical work demonstrating associations between Lp-PLA2 and vascular disease, and summarizes results from animal and human clinical trials in which administration of darapladib was tested as a strategy for the management of atherosclerosis.
Smokers’ and Nonsmokers’ Beliefs About Harmful Tobacco Constituents: Implications for FDA Communication Efforts

INTRODUCTION Legislation requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release information to the public about harmful constituents in tobacco and tobacco smoke. To inform these efforts, we sought to better understand how smokers and nonsmokers think about tobacco constituents. METHODS In October 2012, 300 U.S. adults aged 18-66 years completed a cross-sectional Internet survey. The questions focused on 20 harmful tobacco constituents that the FDA has prioritized for communicating with the public. RESULTS Most participants had heard of 7 tobacco constituents (ammonia, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nicotine), but few participants had heard of the others (e.g., acrolein). Few participants correctly understood that many constituents were naturally present in tobacco. Substances that companies add to cigarette tobacco discouraged people from wanting to smoke more than substances that naturally occur in cigarette smoke (p < .001). Ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde being in cigarettes elicited the most discouragement from smoking. Constituents elicited greater discouragement from wanting to smoke if respondents were nonsmokers (β = -.34, p < .05), had negative images of smokers (i.e., negative smoker prototypes; β = .19, p < .05), believed constituents are added to tobacco (β = .14, p < .05), or were older (β = .16, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our study found low awareness of most tobacco constituents, with greater concern elicited by additives. Efforts to communicate health risks of tobacco constituents should consider focusing on ones that elicited the most discouragement from smoking.
Infection, Thyroid Disease, and Autoimmunity

The etiology of the AITDs remains unclear but it is now generally believed that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their development. Some recent findings have begun to directly and indirectly implicate the possibility of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of AITD, and these data serve as the basis for this review. Classical AITD (i.e. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis) has been shown to be associated with a variety of infectious agents (e.g. Yersinia enterocolitica, retroviruses) while infections of the thyroid gland (e.g. subacute thyroiditis, congenital rubella) have been shown to be associated with thyroid autoimmune phenomena. However, the causative role of infectious agents in AITD has not been definitively demonstrated in humans although AITD can be induced in experimental animals by certain viral infections. Infectious agents may induce thyroid autoimmunity by a variety of diverse mechanisms, such as inducing modifications of self-antigens, mimicking self-molecules, inducing polyclonal T cell activation (for example by superantigens), altering the idiotypic network, forming immune complexes, and inducing expression of MHC molecules on thyroid epithelial cells. While indirect data suggesting involvement of the infecting organisms in the pathogenesis of human AITD is abundant, only a limited number of studies have employed direct approaches. Such a direct approach would involve isolation or molecular identification of the potentially infecting organisms from the thyroid gland and the subsequent induction of AITD in an experimental model.
Studies on the ganglioside micelle

Abstract The molecular weight of β-ganglioside was measured by vapor pressure depression in a number of different solvents. The molecular weight was found to be near 1665, corresponding to a structure containing sphingosine, stearic acid, glucose, galactose, N -acetylgalactosamine, and two N -acetylneuraminic acid residues. In aqueous solution, the ganglioside associated to form a micelle structure with an aggregate weight of 200 000 or greater. The critical micelle concentration was found to be 1.0 · 10 −5 M. A discussion of these properties is presented.
A Mechanism of Specifying and Determining Pricing in Utility Computing Environments

Utility services providers offer on-demand services for multiple users and applications from a shared resource pool. The utility computing environment provider manages resources that have multiple dimensions, namely CPU, Memory and Disk. It is important that a mechanism of quantification he utilized for determining pricing. Also in these environments, we believe that price needs to be adapted to reflect and influence dynamic change in demand on resources, and can be used, as an economic mechanism, to efficiently manage a utility computing environment. To achieve this, we propose in this paper an adaptive pricing mechanism. The objective of this scheme is twofold: it, for business objectives, adapts price based upon the supply and demand curves over time intervals; on the other hand, price invisibly manages the distribution of resource demand across time intervals, therefore makes resource utilization more efficient and balanced over time. In this approach, the resource unit to be priced is called capacity unit, and applications are billed based upon the capacity units that have been reserved or used.
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of SU5416 after intravenous administration in nonhuman primates

Purpose: SU5416 is a small, lipophilic synthetic molecule that selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of the VEGF receptor Flk-1/KDR. The role of this agent in brain tumors is currently being investigated. Pharmacokinetic studies of SU5416 have been performed in humans; however, there have been no studies of its penetration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We studied the pharmacokinetics of SU5416 in plasma and CSF after intravenous (i.v.) administration using a nonhuman primate model that is highly predictive of the CSF penetration in humans.Experimental design:SU5416 (85 mg/m2, about 3.8 mg/kg) was administered i.v. over 20 min to four nonhuman primates. Serial plasma and CSF samples were obtained prior to, during, and after completion of the infusion, for determination of SU5416 concentrations. SU5416 was measured in plasma and CSF using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Concentration-versus-time data were modeled using model-independent and model-dependent methods.Results: Peak plasma concentrations ranged from 6.3 to 14.5 μM and the mean plasma AUC was 620±180 μM min. Disappearance of SU5416 from the plasma was best described by a one-compartment model with a half-life of 39±2.9 min. The volume of distribution was 36±11 l/m2 and the clerance was 0.62±0.2 l/min per m2. SU4516 was not quantifiable in the CSF.Conclusions: There is minimal penetration of SU5416 into the CSF after i.v. administration. The very low CNS exposure to SU5416 after i.v. dosing suggests that this agent is not optimal for the treatment of leptomeningeal tumors.
Revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity: Supergroups and superspace

The revised Robertson's test theory of special relativity (SR) has been constructed upon a family of sets of passive coordinate transformations in flat space-time [J. G. Vargas and D. G. Torr,Found. Phys., 16, 1089 (1986)]. In the same paper, it has also been shown that the boosts depend in general on the velocities of the two frames involved and not only on their relative velocity. The only exception to this is SR, if one has previously used an appropriate constraint to remove the other relativities—like Galilean relativity—from the family.
Optoelectronic wavelet processors based on Smartt interferometry.

Optoelectronic wavelet-processor implementations based on Smartt interferometry are described for both one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) wavelet transforms. The 1-D processor study focuses on the processor's capability to perform the wavelet transform when the wavelets are defined in the time domain. The experimental results indicate that the system preserves all the phase information of the selected mother wavelets and thus delivers the true wavelet transform. The 2-D version of the processor is designed for the implementation of the complex wavelet transform. This processor will be valuable for applications, such as image coding-decoding, for which the preservation of phase information is necessary. A pair of prototype processors that incorporates.the 1-D and the 2-D systems has been built and tested to mechanical vibrations. High-quality reconstructed images were also obtained from the experimental data. The proposed systems have great potential for many practical applications.
RECENT EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON SOLUTE REDISTRIBUTION AT THE ICE/WATER INTERFACE. IMPLICATIONS FOR ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES AND INTERFACE PROCESSES

Redistribution of NaF, HC1, NaC1, NH4F, and AFGP at the ice/water interface have been investigated under near-equilibrium constrained growth conditions. The distribution coefficient of NaF-declined from 2 x 10 (at 1 0 9 initial liquid concentration) to 3 x (at 10 N). By contrast, the distribution coefficient of the two chlorides was 3 x and invariant wirh initial liquid concentrations in the range 5 x N to 5 x 10'~ N. At 10 N concentration of the mother solution, the distribution coefficient of NH,F was found to be strongly pH dependent. AFGP is the most highly soluble of known impurities in ice, with a distribution coefficient close to unity. In unstirred solutions, traces of AFGP in the mother solution caused an increase in the distribution coefficient of HC1 due to instabilities in the flux fields of heat and solute. We report on new measurements of redistribution of trace amounts of ionic solutes (NaF, HC1, NaC1, NH4F) and of AFGP (antifreeze glycoprotein) at the ice/water interface under near-equilibrium conditions of phase transformation. Concentration dependence of the distribution coefficient was of primary concern because it reflects solute interactions with the ice lattice, such as formation of point defects [I], microstructures [ 2 ] , dislocations [3], and vacancies [ 4 ] . Conductivity and dielectric relaxation spectrum of ice are controlled by these phenomena 151.
Vacancy and defect structures in metal oxides

The self-consistent local density (LD) theory is used to model vacancy and defect structures in metal oxides by use of the embedded cluster scheme. LCAO-MO expansions of cluster orbitals are obtained by the DV-Xα discrete variational method, and used to characterize energy levels, charge distributions, X-ray absorption and cohesive energies. Examples are drawn from recent work on transition metal monoxides such as Fe1−xO, ceramic materials such as yttrium-stabilized zirconia, and the alumina/ruby system. It is shown that in addition to predicting spectroscopic properties, LD theory has now reached a stage of implementation where lattice stability and local site geometry can be usefully explored.
Intranasal epidermal growth factor treatment rescues neonatal brain injury

There are no clinically relevant treatments available that improve function in the growing population of very preterm infants (less than 32 weeks' gestation) with neonatal brain injury. Diffuse white matter injury (DWMI) is a common finding in these children and results in chronic neurodevelopmental impairments. As shown recently, failure in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell maturation contributes to DWMI. We demonstrated previously that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has an important role in oligodendrocyte development. Here we examine whether enhanced EGFR signalling stimulates the endogenous response of EGFR-expressing progenitor cells during a critical period after brain injury, and promotes cellular and behavioural recovery in the developing brain. Using an established mouse model of very preterm brain injury, we demonstrate that selective overexpression of human EGFR in oligodendrocyte lineage cells or the administration of intranasal heparin-binding EGF immediately after injury decreases oligodendroglia death, enhances generation of new oligodendrocytes from progenitor cells and promotes functional recovery. Furthermore, these interventions diminish ultrastructural abnormalities and alleviate behavioural deficits on white-matter-specific paradigms. Inhibition of EGFR signalling with a molecularly targeted agent used for cancer therapy demonstrates that EGFR activation is an important contributor to oligodendrocyte regeneration and functional recovery after DWMI. Thus, our study provides direct evidence that targeting EGFR in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells at a specific time after injury is clinically feasible and potentially applicable to the treatment of premature children with white matter injury.
Effect of filament diameter and extracellular matrix molecule precoating on neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell behavior on multifilament entubulation bridging device in vitro

At present there is no clinically effective treatment for injuries or pathological processes that disrupt the continuity of axons in the mature central nervous system. However, a number of studies suggest that a tremendous potential exists for developing biomaterial based therapies. In particular, biomaterials in the form of bridging substrates have been shown to support at least some level of axonal regeneration across the lesion site, but display a limited capacity for directing axons toward their targets. To improve the directionality and outgrowth rate of the axonal regeneration process, filaments and tubes appear promising, but the technology is far from optimized. As a step toward optimization, the influence of filament diameter and various extracellualr matrix coatings on nerve regeneration was evaluated in this article using a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant model. An increasing pattern of alignment and outgrowth of neurites in the direction parallel the long axis of the packed filament bundles with decreasing filament diameters ranging from supracellular and beyond (500 to 100 μm), cellular (30 μm), down to subcellular size (5 μm) was observed. Such effects became most prominent on filament bundles with individual filament diameters in the range of cellular size and below (5 and 30 μm) where highly directional and robust neuronal outgrowth was achieved. In addition, laminin-coated filaments that approached the size of spinal axons support significantly longer regenerative outgrowth than similarly treated filaments of larger diameter, and exceed outgrowth distance on similarly sized filaments treated with fibronectin. These data suggested the feasibility of using a multifilament entubulation bridging device for supporting directional axonal regeneration. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Economic implications of imperfect quality certification

Abstract Imperfect but efficient third-party certification of unobserved product quality in a market under asymmetric information results in equilibrium outcomes which are very different from those implied by models of perfect certification and have a number of interesting economic implications.
IL-11 produced by breast cancer cells augments osteoclastogenesis by sustaining the pool of osteoclast progenitor cells

Interleukin (IL)-11, a cytokine produced by breast cancer, has been implicated in breast cancer-induced osteolysis (bone destruction) but the mechanism(s) of action remain controversial. Some studies show that IL-11 is able to promote osteoclast formation independent of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), while others demonstrate IL-11 can induce osteoclast formation by inducing osteoblasts to secrete RANKL. This work aims to further investigate the role of IL-11 in metastasis-induced osteolysis by addressing a new hypothesis that IL-11 exerts effects on osteoclast progenitor cells. To address the precise role of breast cancer-derived IL-11 in osteoclastogenesis, we determined the effect of breast cancer conditioned media on osteoclast progenitor cells with or without an IL-11 neutralizing antibody. We next investigated whether recombinant IL-11 exerts effects on osteoclast progenitor cells and survival of mature osteoclasts. Finally, we examined the ability of IL-11 to mediate osteoclast formation in tissue culture dishes and on bone slices in the absence of RANKL, with suboptimal levels of RANKL, or from RANKL-pretreated murine bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). We found that freshly isolated murine bone marrow cells cultured in the presence of breast cancer conditioned media for 6 days gave rise to a population of cells which were able to form osteoclasts upon treatment with RANKL and M-CSF. Moreover, a neutralizing anti-IL-11 antibody significantly inhibited the ability of breast cancer conditioned media to promote the development and/or survival of osteoclast progenitor cells. Similarly, recombinant IL-11 was able to sustain a population of osteoclast progenitor cells. However, IL-11 was unable to exert any effect on osteoclast survival, induce osteoclastogenesis independent of RANKL, or promote osteoclastogenesis in suboptimal RANKL conditions. Our data indicate that a) IL-11 plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis by stimulating the development and/or survival of osteoclast progenitor cells and b) breast cancer may promote osteolysis in part by increasing the pool of osteoclast progenitor cells via tumor cell-derived IL-11. However, given the heterogeneous nature of the bone marrow cells, the precise mechanism by which IL-11 treatment gives rise to a population of osteoclast progenitor cells warrants further investigation.
The domination numbers of the 5 x n and 6 x n grid graphs

The k × n grid graph is the product Pk × Pn of a path of length k − 1 and a path of length n − 1. We prove here formulas found by E. O. Hare for the domination numbers of P5 × Pn and P6 × Pn. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simple formula for small-angle light scattering by a spheroid

A simple formula for the scattering of light by a dielectric spheroid is obtained and is numerically shown to work for spheroids with large size-parameter at angle up to 30°. The formula is based on the generalized Eikonal approximation method, and is a direct result of the simple formula for a dielectric sphere and the effective sphere method for a spheroid reported earlier.
Comparison of nicardipine versus placebo to control hemodynamic responses during emergence and extubation

Abstract Objective: To compare 2 different doses of intravenous nicardipine versus placebo to control heart rate and blood pressure responses to emergence and extubation. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. Setting: University hospital, single-institutional. Participants: Forty-five American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I through III adult patients. Interventions: General endotracheal anesthesia was with oxygen and isoflurane and muscle relaxation. At the end of surgery, with at least 2 twitches present by nerve stimulator and end-tidal isoflurane