cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[15N] leucine as a source of [15N] glutamate in organotypic cerebellar explants

Approximately 26.0% of the [15N] glutamate and [alpha 15N] glutamine formed in organotypic cerebellar explants was derived from [15N] leucine. Approximately 14.0% of the 15NH3 and [amide 15N] glutamine synthesized came from leucine nitrogen. Another 4.0% of the alpha nitrogen of both glutamate and glutamine was derived from [15N] valine. These results suggest that branched-chain amino acids, particularly leucine, may be important for the synthesis of glutamic acid by the brain.
In search of physical parameters influenced by flow patterns in a heterogeneous two-phase mixture in microchannels using concomitant measurements

Space transportation systems require high-performance thermal protection and fluid management for systems ranging from cryogenic fluid devices to primary structures, and for propulsion systems exposed to extremely high temperatures, and other space systems, e.g., integrated circuits and cooling/environment control devices for advanced space suits. Although considerable developmental effort is underway to bring promising technologies to a readiness level for practical use, new and innovative methods are still needed. One such method is the Advanced Micro Cooling Module (AMCM), essentially a compact two-phase heat exchanger constructed of microchannels and designed to rapidly remove large quantities of heat from critical systems by incorporating phase transition. This paper describes the results of experimental research in two-phase flow phenomena, encompassing both an experimental and an analytical approach to the incorporation of flow patterns for air–water mixtures flowing in microchannels. Specifically addressed are: (1) design and construction of a sensitive two-phase experimental system which measures both ac and dc components of in situ physical mixture parameters including spatial concentration, using concomitant methods; (2) data acquisition and analysis in the amplitude, time, and frequency domains; and (3) analysis of results including evaluation of in situ physical parameters, and assessment of their validity for application in flow pattern determination.
Development of metacognitive concepts about thinking in gifted and nongifted children: Recent research

Abstract This article provides an overview of recent research in our laboratories on the development of metacognition in gifted and nongifted children. Research examining the development of children's metacognitive knowledge of mental activity concepts, general declarative metacognitive knowledge, and specific metacognitive attributions are reviewed. The present studies found, as had Alexander, Carr, and Schwanenflugel (1995), patterns of gifted and nongifted metacognitive development differed depending on the type of metacognitive knowledge being examined. Specifically, recent research on knowledge of mental activity concepts showed no clear advantages for gifted children over nongifted children. Declarative metacognitive knowledge research continues to support a monotonic advantage hypothesis in which gifted children show consistent advantages over nongifted children during the early elementary school years. This advantage, however, is short-lived due to the possible presence of a ceiling effect showing a closing of the declarative metacognitive knowledge gap between gifted and nongifted children around fourth grade. Finally, recent research on specific metacognitive attributions suggests that more intelligent children develop more sophisticated attributions over time but their ability to use this information may be more dependent on other individual differences variables that may or may not be related to intelligence such as knowledge base familiarity. We conclude that it is important to differentiate the types of metacognitive knowledge being measured in studies as we investigate individual differences in the development of children's metacognitive insights about thinking.
Interaction of germanium with silicon dioxide

Abstract The interaction of germanium (Ge) adatoms with SiO2 (silica) plays an important role in selective, heteroepitaxial growth of Ge(100) through windows created in silica on Si(100) and in the selective growth of Ge nanoparticles on hafnia, located at the bottom of pores etched through silica. Both processes rely on the inability of Ge to accumulate on silica. In hot wire chemical vapor deposition of Ge nanoparticles from GeH4, etching of the silica has been invoked as one path to prevent accumulation of Ge on silica; whereas dense silica is not etched when Ge atoms are incident on the surface in molecular beam processes. Surface studies were conducted to determine the nature of oxidized Ge on SiO2, to reconcile the etching claim with GeH4, and to look for the additional etching product that must accompany GeO, namely SiO. Etching of silica is not found with GeH4 or GeHx fragments. A more complete examination of the Ge isotopes reveals instead the m/e 90 signal, previously attributed to GeO, originates from interactions between iron oxide impurities in the molybdenum holder, and hydrogen and GeHx fragments. Coating the Mo with gold eliminates m/e 90 from Ge TPD spectra. The high temperature m/e 74 and m/e 2 peaks observed from 800 to 900 K are attributed to GeHx decomposition to Ge and H followed by their desorption, while the appearance of GeOx is attributed to possible reactions between GeHx species with hydroxyl groups and/or oxidation of Ge clusters by background oxidants.
Risk factors for arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin therapy.

Study Objective. To evaluate risk factors for the development of arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin. Design. Retrospective chart review and case-control analysis. Setting. An 850-bed tertiary care medical center. Patients. All adult and pediatric patients who had received quinupristin-dalfopristin through either a compassionate-use protocol (February 1996–October 1999) or in the year after quinupristin-dalfopristin was added to the hospital formulary (November 1999–October 2000) were included in this study. Case patients were those who developed arthralgias or myalgias while receiving quinupristin-dalfopristin therapy; control patients were those who received quinupristin-dalfopristin but did not develop arthralgias or myalgias. Intervention. Medical records, pharmacy dispensing information, and microbiology data were reviewed by a physician and a pharmacist, both of whom specialized in infectious diseases. Presence or absence of arthralgias or myalgias was the primary outcome assessed. Measurements and Main Results. Quinupristin-dalfopristin was administered to 68 patients during the period defined by the study. Arthralgias and myalgias could not be assessed in 18 of the 68 patients because they were sedated and paralyzed, or they were young children who could not communicate the presence of pain. Univariate analysis demonstrated that significant risk factors for arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin were female sex, chronic liver disease, receipt of liver transplant, elevated bilirubin level at baseline, major surgery, and receipt of either mycophenolate or cyclosporine. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a strong association with chronic liver disease, receipt of liver transplant, elevated bilirubin level at baseline, and receipt of either cyclosporine or mycophenolate. Of 50 evaluable patients receiving quinupristin-dalfopristin, 25 had pain that may have been associated with this antimicrobial agent. Conclusion. The mechanism for development of arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin remains unknown, but these adverse events are more likely to occur in patients with chronic liver disease and those who have received a liver transplant or are receiving cyclosporine or mycophenolate.
Defect Chemistry of La2-xSrxCuO4-x/2(O < x ≤ 1)

Abstract The hole concentration in oxygen-equilibrated La2-xSrxCuO4-x/2 increases linearly with x up to x ≈ 0.15, passes through a maximum value, and then decreases for further increases in x. This change in behavior is attributed to a shift in the charge-compensating defect from holes to oxygen vacancies. However, classical defect chemistry indicates that the hole concentration should only shift to a less rapid rate of increase with x, but not decrease. The observed decrease is caused by an increase in the enthalpy of the oxidation reaction that fills vacancies and replaces them with holes. This occurs because large concentrations of oxygen vacancies are effective in relieving imbalances in stress and charge that exist in the intergrowth structure of La2CuO4. As a result, the vacancies become increasingly favored over holes as the charge-compensating defect in the highly acceptor-doped material. The increase in the enthalpy of oxidation results in maximum values for both the hole concentration and Tc as functions of the acceptor content.
Strong anticipation: Sensitivity to long-range correlations in synchronization behavior

Abstract Strong anticipation has emerged as a new framework for studying prospective control. According to earlier theories of prediction, anticipatory behavior rests on temporally local predictions from internal models. Strong anticipation eschews internal models and draws on the embedding of an organism in its environment. In this formulation, behavior is sensitive to the non-local temporal structure of the environment. We present initial evidence for strong anticipation in a synchronization task with tapping as the behavior. Participants were instructed to synchronize, to the best of their abilities, with a (unpredictable) chaotic signal. Our data suggest a close relationship between the long-range correlations of the chaotic signal and the long-range correlations of the synchronization behavior.
The Disciplinary Role of Takeovers

This paper presents a theory of the disciplinary role of takeovers based on an explicit model of managerial incentive problems stemming from asymmetric information. It is argued that an informed raider can reduce incentive problems by making managerial compensation more sensitive to information unavailable to shareholders. The paper also highlights the importance of specifying the source of contractual inefficiencies when analyzing the effect of takeovers on incentives.
CURRENT-CONTROLLED PHASE RETARDATION PLATE

A plate of fused quartz mounted in the jaws of a magnetic clamp serves as a current-controlled phase retardation plate. The current to the clamp controls the stress on the quartz plate, and hence the amount of stress-induced birefringence. The device described here can be used in a dc mode as a fixed phase retardation plate or in an ac mode as a polarization modulator at frequencies up to several hundred hertz. This device offers several advantages over other polarization modulators available.
The intrinsically disordered cytoplasmic domain of the T cell receptor zeta chain binds to the nef protein of simian immunodeficiency virus without a disorder-to-order transition.

Intrinsically disordered proteins are thought to undergo coupled binding and folding upon interaction with their folded partners. In this study, we investigate whether binding of the intrinsically disordered T cell receptor ζ cytoplasmic tail to the well-folded simian immunodeficiency virus Nef core domain is accompanied by a disorder-to-order transition. We show that ζ forms a 1:1 complex with Nef and remains unfolded in the complex. Thus, our findings oppose the generally accepted view of the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins and provide new evidence of the existence of specific interactions for unfolded protein molecules.
Characterization of SiO2 surface treatments using AFM, contact angles and a novel dewpoint technique

Abstract The properties of sensing surfaces are particularly important in chemical and biosensing since they affect the adhesion of sensing films and the sorption of analyte molecules onto the active area of the sensor. The objectives of this work were to study the effects of several surface treatments on glass and quartz using atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurements, and a novel dewpoint error technique, in order to develop a better understanding of the effects of these treatments. The dewpoint error technique was also examined as a novel method for measuring surface energy that may have advantages over contact angle measurements. Most significantly, chromic acid and oxygen/argon sputtering treatments were found to substantially decrease the contact angles of both glass and quartz. The surface roughness of glass was markedly increased by acetic acid, heated NaOH, and piranha etch while HCl and KOH caused the highest surface roughness for quartz. A reasonably good correlation was found between decreasing contact angles and increasing dewpoint error, suggesting that the dewpoint technique may provide a quantitative measure of surface energy without some of the drawbacks of contact angle measurements. There was no correlation found between surface roughness and contact angle hysteresis or dewpoint error.
WEIGHTING OF NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES : A REPLY

In an earlier paper (Knight and Mindell, 1993), we proposed and applied a method for calculating weights for DNA sequence characters prior to phylogenetic analysis. Our weighting scheme uses the ratio of ex? pected to observed (EOR) nucleotide differ? ences in comparisons of sequences, based on the premises that (1) rare types of charac? ter change will include less homoplasy than frequent types of character change and (2) assessment of the relative frequency of char? acter change types should attempt to ac? count for differences in nucleotide base
Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Pathways and Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest malignancies in both men and women. In spite of significant progress in screening and in surgical and therapeutic interventions, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still a major public health problem. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting inflammatory pathways may provide protection against the development of CRC. Eicosanoids derived from the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) may contribute to CRC carcinogenesis. Approaches for targeting COX-1 and COX-2 with traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or targeting COX-2 with specific inhibitors are highly successful at the preclinical and clinical levels; however, large-scale clinical applicability of these agents is limited owing to unwanted side effects. Emerging studies suggests that 5-LOX-derived leukotrienes may contribute to colon tumor development and risk of thrombotic events. Thus, developing drugs that target both 5-LOX and COX-2 may provide a safer strategy. In this review, we discuss evidence for the involvement of 5-LOX in colon tumor development and targeting 5-LOX and COX-2 with synthetic and naturally occurring agents for CRC prevention.
The UL13 Protein Kinase and the Infected Cell Type Are Determinants of Posttranslational Modification of ICP0

The herpes simplex virus infected-cell protein 0 (ICP0) acts as a promiscuous transactivator of genes introduced into eukaryotic cells by transfection or infection. The protein is highly posttranslationally modified by phosphorylation and nucleotidylylation. We have examined the electrophoretic mobility and phosphorylation of ICP0 in Vero and rabbit skin cells infected with wild-type virus or viruses from which the UL13 gene (DeltaUL13) encoding a protein kinase or the alpha22/US1.5 genes (Deltaalpha22/DeltaUS1.5) encoding putative transcriptional factors has been deleted. We report the following: (i) The accumulation of ICP0 and the electrophoretic mobility of ICP0 were dependent on the nature of the infected cell type and the presence of UL13. ICP0 encoded by wild-type virus accumulated to maximum levels earlier in infected Vero cells and its electrophoretic mobility was slower than that made in rabbit skin cells. In both Vero and rabbit skin cells infected with the DeltaUL13 virus, the prevailing ICP0 form migrated faster than that accumulating in the corresponding cells infected with wild-type virus. (ii) The alteration in electrophoretic mobility of ICP0 made in cells infected with DeltaUL13 virus was due to the absence of the UL13 protein and not to failure of posttranslational modification of Deltaalpha22/DeltaUS1.5 proteins inasmuch as the mobility of ICP0 in cells infected with Deltaalpha22/DeltaUS1.5 virus could not be differentiated from that of wild-type infected cells. (iii) ICP0 is extensively phosphorylated in infected cells even in the absence of UL13 protein. ICP0 is, however, a substrate for the UL13 kinase inasmuch as ICP0 was phosphorylated in mixtures of immune complexes of ICP0 and UL13. Complexes containing ICP0 only or infected cell lysate proteins reacting with preimmune serum from the rabbit immunized with UL13 protein failed to phosphorylate ICP0. (iv) In the absence of UL13, ICP22 is overproduced-an imbalance attributed to UL13. Thus, ICP22 regulates both the utilization of splice acceptor sites and the longevity of ICP0 mRNA (K. L. Carter and B. Roizman, 1996, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 12535-12540); UL13 is involved in the posttranslational modification of ICP0 and is required for both posttranslational processing and control of abundance of ICP22.
surrender-and-catch and hermeneutics:

If we people have attentively followed the actions of the nobility since time immemorial, possess records concerning them, have, so to speak, continued them, and believed that we have, among the innumerable facts, identified certain guidelines which permit conclusions about this or that historical destiny; and if in accord with these carefully sifted and ordered conclusions we have sought to accommodate ourselves somewhat to the present and the future — then all this is uncertain and perhaps only a play of the intellect, for perhaps these laws which we have here tried to guess at don’t exist at all. There is a small party which actually holds this opinion and which tries to prove that if a law exists, it can only read: The law is what the nobility does. This party sees only arbitrary acts of the nobility and rejects the popular tradition which in this party’s opinion brings us only slight incidental advantage but most of the time grave damage because it gives people a false, insidious, thoughtlessness-provoking certainty. This damage is not to be denied, but the overwhelming majority of our people see its cause in the fact that tradition is by far not yet sufficient, hence that many more investigations must be undertaken in it, and that indeed its material, no matter how gigantic it may appear, is still far too little, and that centuries must still pass before it will be enough. What is sad for the present in this view is brightened by the belief that one day a time will come when tradition and its investigation will, breathing, as it were, a sigh of relief, make a period. Everything has become clear, the law belongs to the people alone, and the nobility disappears. [...] A party which, in addition to believing in the laws, would also reject the nobility would at once have the whole people on its side, but such a party cannot arise because nobody dares to reject the nobility. This is the edge of the knife on which we live.1
The origin of swash cusps on beaches

Abstract Genetically, there are two types of beach cusps; those formed in the surfzone by the nearshore circulation system, and those formed on the beachface by the swash and backwash. The latter are here called “swash” cusps, and a simple model relating the physical dimensions of swash cusps to the properties of the incident wave field and the mean beach slope is developed. As in some previous models, the cusp wavelength is controlled by the longshore wavelength of edge waves, but the edge waves are now required only to provide small periodic perturbations on an originally uniform beach. Further cusp growth occurs because of the interactions between the incident waves and the perturbed topography. The maximum cusp height (apex to valley) is hypothesized to be proportional to the significant vertical excursion of swash motions. It follows from the above assumptions that the maximum possible cusp steepness (cusp height/cusp longshore wavelength) is proportional to the mean on-offshore beach slope. This result agrees with field data, and the value of the ratio of maximum cusp height to beach slope differs from that obtained theoretically by Guza and Bowen (1981) using a complicated non-linear model with rather different physics. The present model implies that edge waves, although necessary for initiating the initial bedform perturbation, need not persist for the development of mature cusp topography.
Nitro derivatives of 1-picrylbenzotriazole

The synthesis of the isomeric 4,6-, 5,6-, and 5,7-dinitro-1-picrylbenzotriazoles has been accomplished. The nmr spectra of these compounds and the mononitro derivatives of 1-picrylbenzotriazole were determined and the substituent effects of the nitro and picryl groups on the chemical shifts of the various benzotriazole protons are discussed.
Accessing Specialty Behavioral Health Treatment in Private Health Plans

Connecting people to mental health and substance abuse services is critical, given the extent of unmet need. The way health plans structure access to care can play a role. This study examined treatment entry procedures for specialty behavioral health care in private health plans and their relationship with behavioral health contracting arrangements, focusing primarily on initial entry into outpatient treatment. The data source was a nationally representative health plan survey on behavioral health services in 2003 (N = 368 plans with 767 managed care products; 83% response rate). Most health plan products initially authorized six or more outpatient visits if authorization was required, did not routinely conduct telephonic clinical assessment, had standards for timely access, and monitored wait time. Products with carve-outs differed on several treatment entry dimensions. Findings suggest that health plans focus on timely access and typically do not heavily manage initial entry into outpatient treatment.
THE PHYTASE OF NAVY BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The phytase (EC 3.1.3.8.) of Sanilac Navy Beans was extracted with 2% CaCl2 and purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The enzyme showed an optimum pH of 5.3 and Km of 0.018 mM with phytic acid as substrate. The optimum temperature was 50° C. The activation energy of the enzymic hydrolysis of phytic acid was 11,500 Cal/mole and the inactivation energy of the enzyme 55,800 Cal/mole. The purified phytase showed broad specificity. This enzyme may be described as a nonspecific phosphomonoesterase with phytase and potent pyrophosphatase activities. It was inhibited by high concentrations of phytic acid. The activity was increased by about 35% in the presence of 1 mM Co++. Soaking of beans in distilled water did not affect their phytic acid content and phytase activity. Germination of the beans resulted in an increase in phytase activity and breakdown of phytic acid.
The Titanic and the art of myth

Abstract The myths engendered by the Titanic disaster suggest the essentially literary character of myths, the importance of individuals in their creation and consumption, the frequent insistence of their consumers on literal‐historical truth, and thus the importance of discerning whether, and why, the creators of a myth distort the truth. The myth of the Titanic should be understood as a literal‐historical myth with an especially strong literary character and claim to truth; a myth whose interest has not been exhausted by time because it raises perennial existential issues, and more superficially because it reflects the widespread assumption that disaster is readily avoidable and can be explained only by reference to stupidity or malfeasance.
Synthesis of Fexofenadine via Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation

Rhodium-catalyzed hydroaminomethylation is employed in a new synthesis of the anti-histamines, Terfenadine and Fexofenadine. Linear selective hydroformylation is performed using a homogeneous Rh-bisphosphite catalyst, followed by reductive amination under H2/CO. The reaction can be performed without protection of the hydroxyl substituent in the starting olefins.
Oriented zeolite MFI monolayer films on metal substrates by in situ crystallization

Continuous b-oriented zeolite MFI monolayer films (<0.4 μm thick) were prepared by in situ crystallization on metal substrates (stainless steel and aluminum alloy) using a synthesis solution 0.32TPAOH:TEOS:165H 2 O (TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, TEOS: tetraethylorthosilicate). Effects of crystallization temperature and time, surface roughness, position and chemical nature of the substrate, and aging time of the synthesis solution were investigated and a mechanism for the b-oriented monolayer thin film formation was discussed. The supported films were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Polishing of the film with a normal lab polisher leads to a continuous ultrathin zeolite film with a surface roughness less than 0.05 μm.
Studies of relativistic uranium nuclei with dielectric track detectors

The cross section for the breakup of relativistic uranium projectiles (energy ∼ 35 billion electron volts) into two large fragments in the track detector CR-39 was measured and found to be about half of the geometric cross section. The range of the uranium projectiles was also measured and found to agree with that predicted by the Bethe theory when modified to account for the capture of orbital electrons by the projectiles .
THE RELATIVE REACTION WITHIN LIVING MAMMALIAN TISSUES IV. INDICATED DIFFERENCES IN THE REACTION OF THE ORGANS ON VITAL STAINING WITH PHTHALEINS.

Mice can be vitally stained with many of the phthalein indicators. The staining is diffuse, appearing to interfere not at all with health in the case of the majority of the dyes. The color phenomena show that these retain the character of indicators. A special technique has been evolved for the determination of the hues of the various organs, which are readily modified by extraneous influences. The ability to recognize that the pH has thus been altered is a signal advantage of the indicator method. Phthaleins of slightly alkaline range or one that trenches slightly on acidity have been employed for the work here reported. Cresol red, phenol red, and brom phenol red have proved especially useful. The observations with the three agree closely in pointing to the existence of notable differences between the reaction of the blood and that within the tissues generally. The hue of blood plasma from the right heart is such as to suggest that its reaction lies at about pH 7.38 ordinarily, whereas that of the most alkaline of the tissues, judging from its color, the connective tissue, would appear to have a pH of 7.2 or slightly less. The tendons seem to be nearly but not quite so alkaline. The other stained tissues without exception, are of a hue which would indicate that the reaction lies beyond the range of phenol red on the acid side, that is to say is at least as acid as pH 6.6. In a subsequent paper observations which accord with these findings, carried out with indicators of frankly acid range, will be described. On the exposure of tissues to air, without disturbance of the circulation, some of them become alkaline. In the case of connective tissue, at least, the change is a consequence of the escape of carbon dioxide. The gas passes readily in and out, exerting a practically immediate influence on the color of the tissue bared by eversion of a skin flap; and so much may be absorbed on exposure to pure carbon dioxide, when the surface is large, that a general acidosis results. The precise interpretation of the color changes in terms of pH waits necessarily upon further work.
Mining approximate functional dependencies and concept similarities to answer imprecise queries

Current approaches for answering queries with imprecise constraints require users to provide distance metrics and importance measures for attributes of interest. In this paper we focus on providing a domain and end-user independent solution for supporting imprecise queries over Web databases without affecting the underlying database. We propose a query processing framework that integrates techniques from IR and database research to efficiently determine answers for imprecise queries. We mine and use approximate functional dependencies between attributes to create precise queries having tuples relevant to the given imprecise query. An approach to automatically estimate the semantic distances between values of categorical attributes is also proposed. We provide preliminary results showing the utility of our approach.
Bioethics and "Human Dignity"

The term "human dignity" is the source of considerable confusion in contemporary bioethics. It has been used by Kantians to refer to autonomy, by others to refer to the sanctity of life, and by still others (e.g., the President's Council on Bioethics) to refer-albeit obliquely-to an important but infrequently discussed set of human goods. In the first part of this article, I seek to disambiguate the notion of human dignity. The second part is a defense of the philosophical utility of such a notion; I argue that there is nothing implausible about appealing to a deontological "principle of dignity" to solve bioethical problems, especially those concerning the development of new biotechnologies. There may, however, be problems associated with any attempt to use dignity as a basis for public policy. This sort of worry is explained and briefly addressed in the final section.
Synthesis of 6,6′-(S)-cyclo-2′-deoxyuridine featuring a unique Barbier-style cyclization

Here we present the synthesis of the novel nucleoside 6,6′-(S)-cyclo-2′-deoxyuridine (1). This efficient synthesis is carried out starting from 2′-deoxyuridine and reaches the deprotected product in few steps and high yield. Crystal structures of the product indicate that it is a very good structural mimic of thymidine as found in DNA duplexes. This rigidified nucleoside locks the uracil base in the anti conformation, positioning the nucleobase for Watson–Crick duplex formation at significant entropic savings. The structure of 6,6′-(S)-cyclo-2′-deoxyuridine maps more favorably onto naturally occurring nucleosides than previous cyclo nucleosides. The synthesis features a unique Barbier-style cyclization, expanding on Luche and Sarandeses allyl zinc additions, to create a 7-membered ring in good yield.
MicroRNAs and B cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

AbstractThe relative expression levels of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) correlate with known prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), such as leukemia-cell expression of zeta-associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70), use of unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region genes (IGHV), chromosomal abnormalities or dysfunctional p53. Here we review studies that provide evidence suggesting that certain miRNAs (e.g. miR-155, miR-17-92, miR-181, miR-29) can regulate the activated phenotype of CLL cells and/or fitness of the surface-immunoglobulin (sIg) B cell receptor (BCR) complex expressed by CLL cells, thereby accounting for the differential leukemia-cell expression of these miRNAs in different CLL prognostic subgroups. How these miRNAs influence cellular activation and/or BCR signaling through the post-transcriptional regulation of critical signaling molecules (e.g. Lyn, Syk, BTK, SHIP-1, SHP1) is a topic of current research.
Managing replicated files in partitioned distributed database systems

In this paper, we describe a consistency control algorithm for managing replicated files in the face of network partitioning due to node or communication link failures. It adopts a conservative approach in that mutual consistency among copies of a file is maintained by permitting files to be accessed only in a single partition. Our algorithm has the property that it permits dynamic switching between the “dynamic voting” algorithm and the “linearly ordered copies” algorithm. This aspect is not only appealing but results in greater file availability than in all previously published conservative algorithms.
The Cognition of Engineering Design—An Opportunity of Impact

In May, 2006, the National Science Foundation hosted a workshop entitled “The Scientific Basis of Individual and Team Innovation and Discovery” (Schunn, Paulus, Cagan, & Wood, 2006). An important outcome of the workshop was a focus on the emerging research opportunity of the cognition of engineering innovation. To advance industry’s ability to be innovative, a fundamental understanding of how individuals and teams are innovative must emerge. Such an understanding would enable more effective tools and methods to assist the innovation process, to make it more efficient and productive. Cognitive science offers the possibility of not only acknowledging that creative breakthroughs happen, but how they happen, when they happen, and, from that, how to help them happen. Such understanding will provide the basis for a science of innovation, and that scientific basis will provide the means to improve design innovation outcome. A rich direction of research is needed. Design is a complex human phenomenon, so research must couple basic theoretical and experimental findings with their application to more realistic design settings, short time frames with longer time frames, and individual mechanisms with group mechanisms. Cognitive science must contribute to the core mechanisms that contribute to these situations. I believe that to be most impactful, collaborative interdisciplinary partnerships should be pursued. Although cognitive psychologists are in a position to explore the mechanisms of creativity independently, innovation requires the pragmatics of application, of how engineers solve problems and what is important to the engineers in solving those problems; engineers are also driven to place the research in the context of application. I have benefited from a collaborative research approach to understanding the cognition of innovation for more than a dozen years with Kenneth Kotovsky, a cognitive psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon. We have co-advised psychology students and engineering students, working to make inroads in understanding this complex human endeavor. There are a few key areas that I feel are critical to explore: understanding fixation—what causes it and how to overcome it; understanding representation—how it aids in problem solving and how it changes to improve outcome or overcome fixation; group cognition—how
Expression of Sendai virus nucleocapsid protein in a baculovirus expression system and application to diagnostic assays for Sendai virus infection

The most common diagnostic technique for the detection of Sendai virus infection in rodents is serological evaluation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with semipurified preparations of whole virions as antigens. This assay often suffers from a lack of specificity. The goal of the present project was to develop more specific antigens for use in diagnostic testing by producing recombinant antigens in insect cells. To identify viral proteins immunoreactive in multiple laboratory rodent species, Western blots (immunoblots) of viral polypeptides were probed with immune sera from mice, rats, and hamsters. The nucleocapsid protein (NP) reacted with immune sera from all species tested. Therefore, the NP gene was selected for cloning and expression in a baculovirus. To construct the recombinant, complementary DNA was synthesized by reverse transcription PCR from Sendai virus RNA with primers from the 5' and 3' termini of the NP-coding region. Amplified DNA was cloned into a baculovirus transfer vector (pBlueBacHis A) and was cotransfected with wild-type baculovirus into insect cells. Baculovirus recombinants containing the NP gene were identified by PCR. Evaluation of the recombinant proteins expressed in insect cells by Western blot analysis revealed specific reactivity with immune sera. In comparison with conventional ELISAs that use whole virions as the antigen, ELISAs that use recombinant NP were more specific.
The Coronae of AB Doradus and V471 Tauri: Primordial Angular Momentum versus Tidal Spin-up

The zero-age main-sequence star AB Dor and the K dwarf component of the V471 Tau close binary have essentially identical rotation rates and spectral types. An analysis of their high-resolution Chandra X-ray spectra reveals remarkably similar coronal characteristics in terms of both temperature structure and element abundances. Both stars show depletions of low first ionization potential (FIP) elements by factors of ~3, with higher FIP elements showing more mild depletions. No evidence for enhancements of very low FIP (<7 eV) elements, such as Na, Al, and Ca, as compared to other low-FIP elements, was found. The abundance anomaly pattern for AB Dor and V471 Tau is similar to, although less extreme than, the abundance anomalies exhibited by active RS CVn-type binaries. While we find statistically significant structure in the underlying differential emission measure distributions of these stars over narrow temperature intervals, this structure is strongly dependent on the lines used in the analysis and is probably spurious. On the basis of their X-ray similarities, we conclude that the exact evolutionary state of a star has little effect on coronal characteristics and that the parameters that dominate coronal structure and composition are simply the rotation rate and spectral type.
Levonorgestrel Contraceptive Implants in Female Patients 14 to 21 Years Old

• Objective To determine which factors are associated with duration of use of a levonorgestrel implant (Norplant) for contraception in adolescents and young adults. • Design We retrospectively studied 144 young women (14 to 21 years of age) who chose a levonorgestrel contraceptive implant at Mayo Clinic Rochester between April 1990 and December 1993. • Material and Methods The following information was obtained at the time of insertion of the implant and from any follow-up visits: demographics, prior contraceptive experiences, frequency and management of complications, complications noted at removal of the implant, and subsequent contraceptive choice. The duration of use was examined. • Results Of the 144 young women who underwent insertion of a Norplant system, 75 telephoned or made a medical appointment because of implant-related side effects. During the follow-up period, 64 patients had the Norplant system removed. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the probability of the Norplant system remaining in place for at least 12 months was 83 % and for at least 24 months was 63%. Duration of Norplant use was not found to differ with respect to age, prior contraceptive use, or timing of insertion, but it was significantly shorter among those with a prior pregnancy than in those who had never been pregnant. • Conclusion These findings suggest that a group of young women who are likely to continue use of a contraceptive implant (with or without treatment for side effects) are those who have never been pregnant.
Simulation Modeling as a Tool for Understanding the Landscape Ecology of Southern Pine Beetle Infestations in Southern Appalachian Forests

The forests of southeastern North America are influenced by a variety of disturbances including fire and insect outbreaks. In this paper, we discuss the role of disturbances in structuring forest landscapes with particular emphasis placed on the reciprocal interaction between forest structure and outbreaks of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann). We highlight work in which we are currently involved to illustrate the importance and utility of using spatially explicit forest modeling as a tool for understanding forest–insect interactions and its potential role in determining management strategies.
WHO IS THE “MINER”? A BRIEF EXEGESIS OF JOB 28:4

There is a long tradition of researching the book of Job and the meaning behind the imagery presented. Job 28:4, is not without its own imagery especially the image of the ―miner‖ and ―foreigner.‖ Unpacking the meaning behind the ―miner‖ and its use in the Old Testament, is quite interesting. Addressing the image of the ―miner‖ within the context of the book of Job and other books in the Old Testament shows the complex meaning of the search for wisdom. The analysis of the text provides evidence for the meaning of the image of the ―miner‖ as well as the overall search for wisdom. What is verse 4 telling its readers? How does it fit into the larger work of the book of Job? This work will address these questions and show that the 4th verse in the book of Job does indeed fit into wisdom literature.
The cost of congenital heart-disease in children and adults: a model for multicenter assessment of price and practice variation

Objective: To assess the cost of congenital heart disease (CHD) and to assess whether practice pattern or price was more responsible for variation. Research Design and Setting: Data were collected from Charleston, NC; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Mich; Houston, Tex; Los Angeles, Calif; and New York, NY. The CHD was first classified as to physiologic characteristics and severity. For each type of CHD, the number of clinic visits, hospitalizations, and years of medication use were estimated. Results: On the basis of actual charges, the "prices" were calculated as follows, in 1992 dollars: for patients from birth to 21 years: benign disease (19% of patients), $3940; acyanotic disease (45%), $49 730; cyanotic disease (36%), $102 084; and average for all CHD categories, $59 877; for patients 22 to 40 years of age (of whom 24% had resolved defects or were dead): benign disease (19%), $3470; acyanotic disease (52%), $12 981; cyanotic disease (29%), $39 187; and average for all CHD, $18 773. The cost for the group from birth to 21 years varied from $47 500 to $73 600, accounting for 55% by practice (number of echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations) and 45% by price, although mortality was similar. Conclusions: The treatment of CHD is comparatively inexpensive, especially in adult survivors. The variation in both practice and price bears further study, with comparisons to determine the most cost-effective strategies for treating these patients. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:1039-1045)
Halo orbit mission correction maneuvers using optimal control

This paper addresses the computation of the required trajectory correction maneuvers for a halo orbit space mission to compensate for the launch velocity errors introduced by inaccuracies of the launch vehicle. By combining dynamical systems theory with optimal control techniques, we are able to provide a compelling portrait of the complex landscape of the trajectory design space. This approach enables automation of the analysis to perform parametric studies that simply were not available to mission designers a few years ago, such as how the magnitude of the errors and the timing of the first trajectory correction maneuver affects the correction @DV. The impetus for combining dynamical systems theory and optimal control in this problem arises from design issues for the Genesis Discovery Mission being developed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Ontic terms and metaontology, or: on what there actually is

Terms such as ‘exist’, ‘actual’, etc., (hereafter, “ontic terms”) are recognized as having uses that are not ontologically committing, in addition to the usual commissive uses. (Consider, e.g., the Platonic and the neutral readings of ‘There is an even prime’.) In this paper, I identify five different noncommissive uses for ontic terms, and (by a kind of via negativa) attempt to define the commissive use, focusing on ‘actual’ as my example. The problem, however, is that the resulting definiens for the commissive ‘actual’ is itself equivocal between a commissive and a noncommissive reading. I thus consider other proposals for defining the commissive use, including two proposals from David Lewis. However, each proposal is found to be equivocal in the same way—and eventually I argue that it is impossible to define an ontic term unequivocally. Even so, this is not meant to overshadow that we can understand an ontic term as univocally commissive, in certain conversational contexts. I close by illustrating the import of these observations for the Hirsch–Sider debate in metaontology.
Early Cocking Phase Mechanics and Upper Extremity Surgery Risk in Starting Professional Baseball Pitchers.

Background:Early cocking phase pitching mechanics may affect risk of upper extremity injury requiring surgery in professional baseball players.Purpose:To assess the occurrence of inverted-W arm pos...
Timing of First Childbirth and Young Women’s Postsecondary Education in an Inner-City Minority Cohort:

The present study investigated the relationships between the timing of women’s first childbirth and their postsecondary education using an inner-city minority cohort. The study sample (695 females) was drawn from the Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS), an ongoing investigation of a panel of low-income minority children (94% African American) born in 1980 who grew up in high-poverty neighborhoods in Chicago. The findings indicated that, taking into account sociodemographic factors and early academic achievement, first childbirths before age 18 and between ages 19 and 21 were significantly associated with lower rates of college attendance and bachelor (BA) degree completion. First childbirths between ages 21 and 25 were not significantly associated with any outcome of postsecondary education.
Marital Stability and Changes in Marital Quality in Newly Wed Couples: A Test of the Contextual Model

This study presents evidence supporting a contextual model of marriage that demographic and personality variables relevant to relationship functioning provide a context within which marital events are appraised. Changes in marital relationships were examined from the time of marriage to 1 year later. Twenty-three couples who separated/ divorced before their first anniversary reliably differed from 353 couples who stayed together on demographic variables, personality variables and spousal discrepancies on the personality variables. The intact couples were divided into six types of couples which varied by marital history of each spouse (first marriage or remarriage after divorce) and presence/absence of children or stepchildren. Over both times of assessment, couples experiencing a premarital pregnancy reported the lowest marital quality. Marital quality decreased over the 1-year period, especially for couples having experienced a premarital pregnancy and for couples in a remarriage or in a stepfather famil...
Terminology for contractions of muscles during shortening, while isometric, and during lengthening

Communication among scientists must be clear and concise to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretations. The selection of words must be based on accepted definitions. The fields of biomechanics, muscle ...