cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of histones and chromatin in Xenopus laevis egg and oocyte extracts.

Histones are the major protein components of chromatin, the physiological form of the genome in all eukaryotic cells. Chromatin is the substrate of information-directed biological processes, such as gene regulation and transcription, replication, and mitosis. A long-standing experimental model system to study many of these processes is the extract made from the eggs of the anuran Xenopus laevis. Since work in recent years has solidified the importance of post-translational modification of histones in directing biological processes, the study of histones in a biochemically dissectible model such as Xenopus is crucial for the understanding of their biological significance. Here we present a rationale and methods for isolating and studying histones and chromatin in different Xenopus egg and oocyte extracts. In particular, we present protocols for the preparation of: cell-free egg and oocyte extract; nucleoplasmic extract (“NPE”); biochemical purification of maternally-deposited, stored histones in the oocyte and the egg; assembly of pronuclei in egg extract and the isolation of pronuclear chromatin and histones; and an extract chromatin assembly assay. We also demonstrate aspects of the variability of the system to be mindful of when working with extract and the importance of proper laboratory temperature in preparing quality extracts. We expect that these methods will be of use in promoting further understanding of embryonic chromatin in a unique experimental system.
Existence of a positive solution to systems of differential equations of fractional order

In this paper, we consider a system of (continuous) fractional boundary value problems given by {-D"0"^"+^@n^"^1y"1(t)=@l"1a"1(t)f(y"1(t),y"2(t)),-D"0"^"+^@n^"^2y"2(t)=@l"2a"2(t)g(y"1(t),y"2(t)), where @n"1, @n"2@?(n-1,n] for n>3 and n@?N, subject either to the boundary conditions y"1^(^i^)(0)=0=y"2^(^i^)(0), for 0@?i@?n-2, and [D"0"^"+^@ay"1(t)]"t"="1=0=[D"0"^"+^@ay"2(t)]"t"="1, for 1@?@a@?n-2, or y"1^(^i^)(0)=0=y"2^(^i^)(0), for 0@?i@?n-2, and [D"0"^"+^@ay"1(t)]"t"="1=@f"1(y), for 1@?@a@?n-2, and [D"0"^"+^@ay"2(t)]"t"="1=@f"2(y), for 1@?@a@?n-2. In the latter case, the continuous functionals @f"1, @f"2:C([0,1])->R represent nonlocal boundary conditions. We provide conditions on the nonlinearities f and g, the nonlocal functionals @f"1 and @f"2, and the eigenvalues @l"1 and @l"2 such that the system exhibits at least one positive solution. Our results here generalize some recent results on both scalar fractional boundary value problems and systems of fractional boundary value problems, and we provide two explicit numerical examples to illustrate the generalizations that our results afford.
3D free electron laser gain for an electron beam with finite emittance and energy spread

Abstract A generalization of the analytical 3-D gain derivation for an arbitrary free electron laser (FEL) with a Hermite-Gaussian TEM wave is presented for the low gain, small signal regime. The finite emittance and energy spread of the electron beam as well as the orbit distortions and misalignments are rigorously taken into account. The paraxial approximation is used both for the electron beam and the optical wave. The expression for FEL gain is analytically reduced from an integral over eight dimensions to a two dimensional integral along the FEL. Some peculiar FEL modes are used for illustration of this method.
‹Loving the Distance Between Them:’ Thinking Beyond Howard Gardner’s “Five Minds for the Future”

In his book, Five Minds for the Future (2006), Howard Gardner offers both a constructive critique of current educational practices and an alternative vision for the future of education. Gardner, best known for his seminal work on multiple intelligences, grounds his major conclusions primarily on the results of his impressive, decade-long, and massive Good Works Project. Despite my several agreements and significant overlap with Howard Gardner, I believe that there is insufficient evidence to accept fully his policy prescriptions. Gardner’s selection of the five minds of the future – the disciplined, synthesizing, creating, respectful, and ethical minds – is based on a set of limiting assumptions concerning globalization, good work, individuality, power and control, disciplines as value-free enterprises, ethics as the point of view of the universe, and the completeness of his list. This paper suggests that our conception of education might be dramatically expanded to include a more critical and distanced stance towards: globalization, the current goals of business, individualism, the traditional disciplines, and even ethics than Gardner currently imagines. Its aims can and should be broadened to include not only good work, but also love and play. Students must learn how to control their environments, but also how to appreciate and accept life’s inevitable difficulties and limits. Ethics should certainly play a more central role in education as Gardner correctly emphasizes, but our understanding of ethics must include not only respect but also care; not only principles but also dialog. To accomplish all of this, however, requires us to think beyond Gardner’s five minds to include additional “mental dispositions” like the caring, critical, intersubjective, spiritual, and joyful minds. Each of these “minds” is explored in this paper.
Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Lateral Compartment of Knees With Grade 3 Posterolateral Knee Complex Injuries

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the arthroscopic findings in the lateral compartment of knees with posterolateral knee complex injuries, to help identify individual injured anatomic structures, and to assist in the clinical identification of these injuries. Thirty of 33 consecutive knees noted to have grade 3 posterolateral knee complex injuries on preoperative evaluations and examinations under anesthesia underwent arthroscopic evaluation concurrently with open reconstruction. The arthroscopic evaluation revealed a significant number of pathologic changes in the lateral compartment that may have gone undetected if only an open reconstruction had been performed. Tears were identified arthroscopically in 25 (83%) of the anteroinferior, 22 (73%) of the posterosuperior, and 14 (47%) of the posteroinferior popliteomeniscal fascicles. Injuries to the coronary ligament (80%) and meniscotibial portion of the midthird lateral capsular ligament (73%) were also frequently seen. Other structures injured included the meniscofemoral portion of the posterior capsule (37%), the ligament of Wrisberg (33%), and the meniscofemoral portion of the midthird lateral capsular ligament (10%). Ten avulsions (33%) of the popliteal tendon origin off the femur were also identified. Identification of these injured components greatly facilitated open reconstruction of injuries to the posterolateral complex of the knee. All 30 knees were noted to have greater than 1 cm of lateral joint laxity with application of a varus stress. When an unexpected amount of lateral joint laxity is seen arthroscopically (a "drive-through" sign) in a patient with suspected ligamentous instability, one should consider a diagnosis of posterolateral knee complex injury.
Topological analysis of proteomic data

Cells become unregulated because topological properties of their interactive behavior make it impossible for them to be regulated. To explore this hypothesis, 2-D PAGE gel electrophoresis protein concentration assay data is embedded and analyzed within a topological computing framework. These 2-D PAGE data are produced using protocols that are standardized, established and widely used. These data are also precise, specific and reliably calibrated alongside an internal reference standard, making the data readily comparable. Importantly, protein concentration data preserve the influence of local interactions, which makes possible a topological analysis. Protein behavior models are developed from longitudinal studies of changes in protein sample concentrations. Continuous variations in protein interactive behavior and their rates of change are shown to produce discontinuous phase shifts in protein concentrations. Preliminary data indicate that a topological analysis of protein data from cancerous cells expose discontinuities in protein behavior space.
Trace element data for U.S.G.S. reference silicate rocks

Abstract The new U.S.G.S. reference rocks G-2, GSP-1, AGV-1, BCR-1, DTS-1 and PCC-1, together with the standard rocks W-1 and G-1 have been analyzed by emission spectrometric methods. Data for the trace elements Ag, B, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sn, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr found by this technique have been tabulated, together with some previously reported results obtained by other techniques for these elements.
Fabrication and Properties of Composites of Poly(ethylene oxide) and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract : We show that composites with improved uniformity and dispersion can be formed using chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes. A significant enhancement of the mechanical properties was obtained at low nanotube loading. In contrary to previous results from pristine nanotubes, the composites show efficient load transfer between the fillers and matrix.
Acculturation and adjustment in Latino Adolescents: How cultural risk factors and assets influence multiple domains of adolescent mental health.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among risk factors, cultural assets, and Latino adolescent mental health outcomes. We extend past research by using a longitudinal design and evaluating direct and moderated acculturation effects across a range of internalizing, externalizing, and academic engagement outcomes. The sample consisted of 281 Latino/a youths and one of their parents in metropolitan, small town, and rural areas within North Carolina and Arizona. The length of time the adolescent was in the U.S. was positively related to humiliation, aggression, and school bonding. Adolescent U.S. cultural involvement and parent culture of origin involvement were not significantly related to adolescent mental health or school bonding. Parent U.S. involvement had an inverse association with adolescent social problems, aggression, and anxiety. Adolescent culture of origin involvement was positively related to adolescent self-esteem 1 year later. Inverse relationships were found for the link between adolescent culture of origin involvement and hopelessness, social problems, and aggression 1 year later. Implications for prevention programming and policy development are discussed.
Properties of peroxidases from tobacco cell suspension culture

Abstract An enzyme preparation from suspension cultured tobacco cells oxidized IAA only in the presence of added cofactors, Mn 2+ and 2,4-dichlorophenol, and showed two pH optima for the oxidation at pH 4·5 and 5·5. Effects of various phenolic compounds and metal ions on IAA oxidase activity were examined. The properties of seven peroxidase fractions separated by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-Sephadex, were compared. The peroxidases were different in relative activity toward o -dianisidine and guaiacol. All the peroxidases catalysed IAA oxidation in the presence of added cofactors. The pH optima for guaiacol peroxidation were very similar among the seven isozymes, but the optima for IAA oxidation were different. The anionic and neutral fractions showed pH optima near pH 5·5, but the cationic isozymes showed optima near pH 4·5. With guaiacol as hydrogen donor, an anionic peroxidase (A-1) and a cationic peroxidase (C-4) were very different in H 2 O 2 concentration requirements for their activity. Peroxidase A-1 was active at a wide range of H 2 O 2 concentrations, while peroxidase C-4 showed a more restricted H 2 O 2 requirement. Gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel studies indicated that the three cationic peroxidases have the same molecular weight.
Chamaedorea Palm Frond Commercialization and Certification Considered from a Smallholder Livelihood System Perspective

Chamaedorea palm frond (xate) certification has been broadly promoted throughout Mesoamerica as a means to foster the integration of forest conservation and economic development. This study examined the feasibility of xate commercialization and certification at the scale of the extractor livelihood system in an ejido in the Chinantla region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Ethnographic methods were used to collect livelihood system data. These data were used to develop an ethnographic linear program (ELP) model of extractor households to analyze the effects of palm frond management and marketing scenarios on their livelihoods. Three necessary conditions for the feasibility of certification were hypothesized: two related to extractor livelihoods and another related to market fluidity. Livelihood outcomes supported the notion that resource sustainability and economic development are not mutually exclusive, and provided support for xate certification as an intervention oriented toward the integration of these objectives. In contrast, the model revealed an unfavorable discrepancy between xate supply and the level of demand expressed by an interested buyer. This shortfall represented a substantial obstacle to the feasibility of xate certification in the community. Low demand fulfillment suggested that xate certification ultimately represents an infeasible strategy for the community, irrespective of the observed livelihood and conservation benefits. Results highlighted the importance of understanding household objectives and market context in local decisions to pursue NTFP certification. We suggest that the community’s objectives would best be served by engaging neighboring communities in a cooperative and controlled effort to augment regional supply.
Otoplasty in children younger than 5 years of age

Abstract Objective The prominent ear is the most common congenital deformity of the auricle. It is often recommended that prominent ears be surgically repaired before children start school and most surgeons seem to perform the surgery after 5 years of age. The aim of our study is to summarize the rationale of performing otoplasty procedure in children under the age of 5, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, and to review the patient (parent) satisfaction. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 10 children under the age of 5 who underwent otoplasty procedure and was followed for over a year. Results Ten patients (3 boys and 7 girls) between the ages of 48 months and 59 months, with a median age of 51.5 months were evaluated. Otoplasty was bilateral in 8 patients and unilateral in 2 patients. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scales of the patients were rated as “improved” or “better” at 52 weeks. The patient (parent) satisfaction was measured by a telephone survey. Parents revealed that 9 out of 10 were “very” or “completely” satisfied with the appearance and symmetry of their children's ears. We did not observe any visible disturbance or growth restriction in our patients, even in the unilateral operated group. Conclusion Timing of surgery is an issue of concern with regard to otoplasty in children. There may be significant psychosocial benefit to early intervention, particularly in light of changing norms for interaction with peers at ages considerably earlier than what had previously been thought of as the “school age.” Our preference is to plan the otoplasty as young as four years of age, after the child has expressed some concern about the deformity.
High-speed image transmission via the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS)

We are developing a wide area test bed network using the Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) from NASA for high speed medical image transmission. The two test sites are the University of California, San Francisco, and the National Library of Medicine. The first phase of the test bed runs over a T1 link (1.544 Mbits/sec) using a Very Small Aperture Terminal. The second phase involves the High Data Rate Terminal via an ATM OC 3C (155 Mbits/sec) connection. This paper describes the experimental set up and some preliminary results from phase 1.
Effect of nitrogen source concentration on curdlan production by Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 grown on prairie cordgrass hydrolysates

ABSTRACTThe effect of nitrogen source concentration on the production of the polysaccharide curdlan by the bacterium Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 from hydrolysates of prairie cordgrass was examined. The highest curdlan concentrations were produced by ATCC 31749 when grown on a medium containing a solids-only hydrolysate and the nitrogen source ammonium phosphate (2.2 mM) or on a medium containing a complete hydrolysate and 3.3 mM ammonium phosphate. The latter medium sustained a higher level of bacterial curdlan production than the former medium after 144 hr. Biomass production by ATCC 31749 was highest after 144 hr when grown on a medium containing a solids-only hydrolysate and 2.2 or 8.7 mM ammonium phosphate. On the medium containing the complete hydrolysate, biomass production by ATCC 31749 was highest after 144 hr when 3.3 mM ammonium phosphate was present. Bacterial biomass production after 144 hr was greater on the complete hydrolysate medium compared to the solids-only hydrolysate medium. Curdlan ...
Biography as an art form: the story of Helen Flanders Dunbar, M.D., Ph.D., B.D., and Med. Sci. D.

Helen Flanders Dunbar (1902–1959) was a physician, medieval and Renaissance scholar, theologian, and founder of the American Psychosomatic Society and its journal Psychosomatic Medicine. Her contributions are not currently well known but deserve recognition from all those involved or interested in the dialogue between medicine and spirituality. This essay explores Dunbar’s personal history and professional achievements. It focuses particular attention on a feminist perspective regarding her life and work. It will conclude with a discussion of how biography, as an art form, transforms both author and audience. This essay was originally presented as the Second Annual J.R. Williams Memorial Lecture on Spirituality and Medicine at the Tulane School of Medicine in fall 2013.
The Blacktail thrust-fold, Crandall Conglomerate, and Heart Mountain detachment fault, northwestern Wyoming

The Blacktail anticline in northwestern Wyoming was interpreted by Pierce and Nelson (1973) to be a pop-up anticline which rose into a pull-apart chasm created during an early stage of movement of the Heart Mountain detachment fault (HMD). The Crandall Conglomerate was thought to be the sedimentary fill of that chasm. Alternatively, Hauge (1990) suggested that the channel formed by normal erosional processes and that the Blacktail structure is a late Laramide thrust-fold localized along this channel. Based upon new field observations, we interpret the Blacktail structure to be a northeast-verging, early Laramide thrust-fold, similar to nearby structures. All Crandall Conglomerate exposures in the HMD footwall are always just northeast of the crest of the thrust-fold, a geometry which suggests that a canyon incised in a plateau surface was initially localized along fractured rock on the crest of the thrust-fold. As the canyon eroded vertically, it departed with depth from the southwest-inclined thrust-fold. Crandall Conglomerate deposited in this canyon and the adjacent thrust-fold were then decapitated by movement of the HMD. This history negates the need for an early period of HMD movement.
Quadrupolar effects in the temperature dependence of the lattice parameters of HoP1-xVxO4.

Powder-neutron-diffraction techniques have been used to investigate the temperature dependence of the structural properties of ${\mathrm{HoP}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{V}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ for x values of 0.0, 0.33, 0.52, 0.71, and 1.0. The diffraction data confirm the tetragonal zircon-type crystal structure for all of the samples in the temperature range between 12 and 300 K. The temperature dependence of the lattice parameters of the pure ${\mathrm{HoPO}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{HoVO}}_{4}$, however, exhibits significant anomalies below about 100 K. In ${\mathrm{HoPO}}_{4}$, the lattice parameter a increases with decreasing temperature while c decreases. In ${\mathrm{HoVO}}_{4}$ this behavior is reversed. These anomalies can be explained in terms of quadrupolar interactions of the ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$ ion with the crystalline lattice. In particular, the calculated quadrupole moments for ${\mathrm{HoPO}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{HoVO}}_{4}$ reproduce the observed temperature dependence and the inverse behavior. The anomaly in the thermal expansion is reduced in the case of the mixed phosphate vanadate materials (0x1) because of the competing ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$ quadrupole contributions.
Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Interest in pain management is growing, with the emerging demand by our patients and colleagues, for pain relief. To meet that need, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies have provided the medical field with a variety of choices and options to deliver medication for pain control. Examination and review of the present systemic options are introduced. A more detailed look at the intrathecal route is necessary because of the tremendous potential for receptor-targeted drug delivery. The ability to treat nociceptive and neuropathic pain with drug-specific therapy makes this system all the more exciting. Because of this future, a wealth of new and old drugs are being found or reexamined for their use.
A descriptive study of day care characteristics

The present study describes federally funded day care centers from a large metropolitan area in relation to the arrangement of classroom physical space, child care providers' interactions with children, and the intensity of children's involvement with activities and materials, as well as the structural context. The day care characteristics observed were: (a) well equipped classrooms with a variety of materials; (b) provider involvement in maintenance contexts and brief interactions; (c) providers engaged directly with children most of the time; (d) neutral and management oriented interactions with children; (e) high adult structure but low percentage of structured learning (lesson) time; and (f) relatively low child involvement in activities. The data present a profile of a child-maintenance program, or custodial care.
Open foundry platform for high-performance electronic-photonic integration

This paper presents photonic devices with 3 dB/cm waveguide loss fabricated in an existing commercial electronic 45 nm SOI-CMOS foundry process. By utilizing existing front-end fabrication processes the photonic devices are monolithically integrated with electronics in the same physical device layer as transistors achieving 4 ps logic stage delay, without degradation in transistor performance. We demonstrate an 8-channel optical microring-resonator filter bank and optical modulators, both controlled by integrated digital circuits. By developing a device design methodology that requires zero process infrastructure changes, a widely available platform for high-performance photonic-electronic integrated circuits is enabled.
Predictors of survival after resection of early hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: To identify clinicopathologic factors that predict survival following hepatectomy in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Summary Background Data: Although surgical resection of early HCC is thought to be associated with a good outcome, factors predictive of prognosis following resection of these tumors remain ill-defined. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify patients with histologically confirmed early HCC (≤5 cm and no nodal involvement, metastases, or major vascular invasion) who underwent surgical resection (not ablation or transplantation) between 1988 and 2005. Prognostic factors were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The study included 788 patients. Median tumor size was 3.2 cm, and 20% of patients had tumors ≤2 cm. Most HCC lesions were solitary (74%) and had no evidence of vascular invasion (82%). Following surgery, overall median and 5-year survival were 45 months and 39%, respectively. After adjusting for demographic factors and histological grade, tumor size >2 cm (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.51), multifocal tumors (HR: 1.51), and vascular invasion (HR: 1.44) remained independent predictors of poor survival (all P < 0.05). Based on these findings, a prognostic scoring system was developed that allotted 1 point each for these factors. Patients with early HCC could be stratified into 3 distinct prognostic groups (median and 5-year survival, respectively): 0 points (70 months, 55%), 1 point (52 months, 42%), and ≥2 points (24 months, 29%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although early HCC is generally associated with a good prognosis, pathologic factors can still be used to stratify patients with respect to survival after resection. These data emphasize the importance of pathologic staging even in small HCC.
High-temperature thermoelectric properties of p-type skutterudites Ba0.15Yb x Co3FeSb12 and Yb y Co3FeSb9As3

Two series of p-type polycrystalline skutterudites, Ba0.15YbxCo3FeSb12 and YbyCo3FeSb9As3 with varying Yb concentrations, were synthesized by solid-state reaction and then densified by hot pressing. The phase and stoichiometries of the resulting materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy, while their high-temperature transport properties were investigated from 300 to 800 K. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities increased linearly with increasing temperature for the double-filled specimens. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities did not change very much for the As-substituted specimens. The thermal conductivity for all specimens decreased with increasing temperature up to 700 K, corresponding to the plateau in the Seebeck coefficient, and then increased again due to bipolar diffusion. We find that double filling is a more feasible approach to thermoelectric property optimization than single filling with As substitution.
Teaching moral reasoning through gesture.

Stem-cell research. Euthanasia. Personhood. Marriage equality. School shootings. Gun control. Death penalty. Ethical dilemmas regularly spark fierce debate about the underlying moral fabric of societies. How do we prepare today’s children to be fully informed and thoughtful citizens, capable of moral and ethical decisions? Current approaches to moral education are controversial, requiring adults to serve as either direct (‘top-down’) or indirect (‘bottom-up’) conduits of information about morality. A common thread weaving throughout these two educational initiatives is the ability to take multiple perspectives––increases in perspective taking ability have been found to precede advances in moral reasoning. We propose gesture as a behavior uniquely situated to augment perspective taking ability. Requiring gesture during spatial tasks has been shown to catalyze the production of more sophisticated problem-solving strategies, allowing children to profit from instruction. Our data demonstrate that requiring gesture during moral reasoning tasks has similar effects, resulting in increased perspective taking ability subsequent to instruction.
On the group structure of elementary particles

Abstract An attempt is made to account for the group structure of elementary particles by assuming that they are obtained by combining a limited number of basic fields. It is shown that if the basic fields are all taken to be fermions, one needs three fields to ? for the continuous group structure only, but four fields are necessary if distinct operation for C and P are to be incorporated in the scheme. On the other hand, a model with ? number of independent field components can describe the group structure corrects of the bosons and fermions are taken as basic fields, their common feature in this case ? that they are all strange fields. Difficulties inherent in such schemes are discussed.
Electronic Health Record Impact on Work Burden in Small, Unaffiliated, Community-Based Primary Care Practices

BACKGROUND The use of electronic health records (EHR) is widely recommended as a means to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of US healthcare. Relatively little is known, however, about how implementation and use of this technology affects the work of clinicians and support staff who provide primary health care in small, independent practices.
PbS (1−x) Se x single and double heterostructure diode lasers

PbS (1−x) Se x single heterostructure (SH) and double heterostructure (DH) diode lasers have been fabricated using a 300°C Vacuum deposition process. Epitaxial layers of p,n PbS (1−x) Se x (x=0, 0.28, 0.54, 0.60) have been grown on bulk single crystal substrates of p,n PbS 0.78 Se 0.22 in a planar configuration. At 12°K pulsed laser emission is observed at 4.98µm (SH, x=0.28), 5.60µm (DH, x=0.54) and 6.10µm (DH, x=0.60) corresponding to the bandgap energies of the grown layers. Pulsed threshold current densities at 12°K are 200 A/cm2 (SH, x=0.28), 80 A/cm2 (DH, x=0.54) and 60 A/cm2 (DH, x=0.60). Pulsed power outputs in all modes range from 1–5 mW at 12°K with 5000 A/cm2 drive. DH lasers operate CW at 12°K. Improved DH device structures operate pulsed at 77°K with threshold current densities of 1500 A/cm2. Lattice mismatches of 0.25%–1.2% do not seriously limit laser performance.
Potato phytoalexin elicitors in Phytophthora infestans spore germination fluids

Abstract Media from germinating spores of Phytophthora infestans contain substances that elicit accumulation of the phytoalexin rishitin in potato tuber slices. Gel permeation chromatography of media extracts indicates the presence of several substancec. The active substances can be precipitated with ammonium sulfate, are heat labile and pronase-sensitive, which suggests that they are proteins.
Engine Fault Analysis: Part I-Statistical Methods

Several studies have been performed to detect faults in engines. Fourier series and autocorrelation-based methods have been shown to be useful for this purpose. However, these and other methods discussed in the literature cannot locate the fault. In this paper, the focus is on techniques that will enable the location of the fault. In general, our approach involves the analysis of the instantaneous angular velocity of the flywheel. Three methods of analysis are presented. The first method depends on the computation of a set of statistical correlations. The second method is based on evaluation of similarity measures. These methods are able to locate faults in several tests that have been performed. The third approach uses pattern recognition methods and involves three stages?data extraction, functional approximation to determine a feature vector, and classification based on a Bayesian approach. This method is computationally more complex than the other approaches. However, on the basis of the experimental results it appears that the third method leads to a lower error rate. Cases involving faults in one and two cylinders are presented.
The p53R172H mutant does not enhance hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly deadly malignancy, accounting for approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide every year. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is a common genetic change in HCC, present in 30% of cases. p53R175H (corresponding to p53R172H in mice) is a hotspot for mutation that demonstrates “prometastatic” gain-of-function in other cancer models. Since the frequency of p53 mutation increases with tumor grade in HCC, we hypothesized that p53R172H is a gain-of-function mutation in HCC that contributes to a decrease in tumor-free survival and an increase in metastasis. In an HCC mouse model, we found that p53R172H/flox mice do not have decreased survival, increased tumor incidence, or increased metastasis, relative to p53flox/flox littermates. Analysis of cell lines derived from both genotypes indicated that there are no differences in anchorage-independent growth and cell migration. However, shRNA-mediated knockdown of mutant p53 in p53R172H-expressing HCC cell lines resulted in decreased cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Thus, although p53 mutant-expressing cells and tumors do not have enhanced properties relative to their p53 null counterparts, p53R172H-expressing HCC cells depend on this mutant for their transformation. p53 mutants have been previously shown to bind and inhibit the p53 family proteins p63 and p73. Interestingly, we find that the levels of p63 and p73 target genes are similar in p53 mutant and p53 null HCC cells. These data suggest that pathways regulated by these p53 family members are similarly impacted by p53R172H in mutant expressing cells, and by alternate mechanisms in p53 null cells, resulting in equivalent phenotypes. Consistent with this, we find that p53 null HCC cell lines display lower levels of the TA isoforms of p63 and p73 and higher levels of ΔNp63. Taken together these data point to the importance of p63 and p73 in constraining HCC progression.
Phospholipid composition of human monocytes and alterations occurring due to culture and stimulation by C3b

Abstract The phospholipid composition of human peripheral blood monocytes has not been previously reported, due to difficulty in isolating these cells in a purified state. In this study, monocytes were purified by counterflow centrifugation without selective adherence, and were characterized with the use of fluorescent monoclonal antibodies to T and B lymphocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. These platelet-free cell preparations contained less than 5% T cells and less than 3% B cells. Isolated monocytes, which were rapidly frozen after isolation, contained phospholipids (in order of decreasing concentrations) as follows: phosphatidylcholine > phosphatidylethanolamine > sphingomyelin > phosphatidylserine > phosphatidylinositol > cardiolipin. A small amount of lyso-PC, but no lyso-PE, phosphatidic acid or lyso-PI, was found. The effect of culturing these cells in the presence or absence of a known stimulant of monocyte prostaglandin E and thromboxane release, the C3b fragment of the third component of human complement (C3), was studied with regard to phospholipid composition. Monocytes cultured without stimulant for 24 h contained 3–4% more sphingomyelin than did uncultured cells, and lyso-PC concentrations were consistently elevated. The addition of the stimulant C3b to cultured cells resulted in enhancement of release of immunoreactive prostaglandin E into culture supernatants, without affecting the release of lysosomal enzymes. Analysis of the phospholipid content of cells cultured in the presence of C3b revealed that there was a significant decrease in total PI compared to cells cultured in the absence of C3b, in addition to an increased concentration of sphingomyelin and lyso-PC when compared to freshly isolated cells. These changes occurred in the absence of elevated concentrations of phosphatidic acid.
Equations of motion for flexible cables.

metal wing. The addition of composite material in region 1 actually reduced the flutter speed. Flutter calculations using a massless patch showed that the reduction in flutter speed was caused almost entirely by trie stiffness of the patch, rather than by the mass of the patch. The fact that the flutter design in Fig. 2a has a build-up in thickness in a region between the quarter and mid chord suggests that a composite patch covering this region of the strength-designed wing might be more beneficial in reducing the mass addition for flutter prevention than any of the regions considered in Fig. 4. The effects of such a patch, denoted as region 5, is shown in Fig. 5 along with the results from Fig. 4 for a composite patch in region 3 and the minimum-mass all-titanium design. The mass of composite reinforcement required in region 5 is half that required in region 3 and less than one-third the mass addition required by the all-titanium design, even though no optimality criteria or search techniques were used to determine the location or size of the region or the orientation of the fibers; thus even lighter designs may be possible. These results clearly demonstrate that selective reinforcement of wing surfaces, using judiciously placed filamentary composites, promises sizeable mass savings in the design of advanced aircraft structures. References
Written versus visual stimuli in the study of impression formation

Abstract An Affect Control Theory approach is applied to the question of what information people receive and use in forming impressions when observing written versus visual stimuli. Two identical sets of social events involving actors, objects, and behaviors were created. These two sets of events, one in written form and one on videotape, were presented to subjects. The affective reactions of the subjects on the dimensions of evaluation, potency and activity were recorded and analyzed. The findings indicate that observers use different pieces of information in forming impressions based on stimuli type and that what those pieces of information are varies by affective dimension.
Reacting the unreactive: a toolbox of low-temperature solution-mediated reactions for the facile interconversion of nanocrystalline intermetallic compounds.

Metallurgical materials, including intermetallic compounds, are notoriously inert toward low-temperature reactivity. However, as nanocrystals, their reactivity is significantly enhanced. Here we show that intermetallic PtSn and AuCu nanocrystals can be converted, in solution at low temperatures, into derivative intermetallics. For example, PtSn can be converted into PtSn2 and Pt3Sn by reaction with SnCl2 and K2PtCl6, respectively. The reactions are also reversible, for example, the sequences PtSn → PtSn2 → PtSn and PtSn → Pt3Sn → PtSn are all readily achievable. The strategy also allows nanocrystalline AuCu to be successfully converted into AuCu3 via reaction with Cu(C2H3O2)2·H2O, suggesting that this approach may be general.
Forecasting enrollments for immigrant entry-port school districts.

This paper projects school enrollments in Santa Ana, California and evaluates the accuracy of the projections. It emphasizes the distinctive aspects of a local setting undergoing substantial immigrant influx and highlights the uncertainties that must be addressed. I adapt existing forecasting approaches to such local situations, match assumptions to future unknowns, and devise “early warning” thresholds keyed to timely decision making. This hybrid approach offers forecasters a useful point of departure in local settings dominated by wide margins of uncertainty and inherently risky assumptions.
On the initial value problem of the second Painlevé transcendent

The initial value problem associated with the second Painleve Transcendent is linearized via a matrix, discontinuous, homogeneous Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problem defined on a complicated contour (six rays intersecting at the origin). This problem is mapped through a series of transformations to three different simple Riemann-Hilbert problems, each of which can be solved via a system of two Fredholm integral equations. The connection of these results with the inverse scattering transform in one and two dimensions is also pointed out.
Musical murmurs: An echo-phonocardiographic study

Five patients with muscial murmurs were studied noninvasively with simultaneous echocardiography and phonocardiograpy and phonocardiography. Three patients had aortic regurgitation, one mitral regurgitation and one tricuspid regurgitation. The frequency of the muscial murmurs ranged from 40 to 158 cycles/sec. The patient with tricuspid regurgitation manifested an inspiratory honk. Simultaneous echo-phonocardiography revealed regular valve leaflet flutter (aortic, mitral or tricuspid) at a frequency identical to that of the simultaneously recorded muscial murmur. This study demonstrates that echocardiography is a useful noninvasive tool in identifying the site of origin of musical murmurs.
Kinetic modeling sheds light on the mode of action of recombinant factor VIIa on thrombin generation

article i nfo Article history: Introduction. The therapeutic potential of a hemostatic agent can be assessed by investigating its effects on the quantitative parameters of thrombin generation. For recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) ― a promising hemostasis-inducing biologic ― experimental studies addressing its effects on thrombin generation yielded disparate results. To elucidate the inherent ability of rFVIIa to modulate thrombin production, it is necessary to identify rFVIIa-induced effects that are compatible with the available biochemical knowledge about thrombin generation mechanisms. Materials and Methods. The existing body of knowledge about coagulation biochemistry can be rigorously represented by a computational model that incorporates the known reactions and parameter values constituting the biochemical network. We used a thoroughly validated numerical model to generate activated factor VII (FVIIa) titration curves in the cases of normal blood composition, hemophilia A and B blood, blood lacking factor VII, blood lacking tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and diluted blood. We utilized the generated curves to perform systematic fold-change analyses for five quantitative parameters characterizing thrombin accumulation. Results. The largest fold changes induced by increasing FVIIa concentration were observed for clotting time, thrombin peak time, and maximum slope of the thrombin curve. By contrast, thrombin peak height was much less affected by FVIIa titrations, and the area under the thrombin curve stayed practically unchanged. Comparisons with experimental data demonstrated that the computationally derived patterns can be observed in vitro. Conclusions. rFVIIa modulates thrombin generation primarily by accelerating the process, without significantly affecting the total amount of generated thrombin.
Identification of a cKit+ Colonic Crypt Base Secretory Cell That Supports Lgr5+ Stem Cells in Mice

Background & Aims Paneth cells contribute to the small intestinal niche of Lgr5 + stem cells. Although the colon also contains Lgr5 + stem cells, it does not contain Paneth cells. We investigated the existence of colonic Paneth-like cells that have a distinct transcriptional signature and support Lgr5 + stem cells. Methods We used multicolor fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate different subregions of colon crypts, based on known markers, from dissociated colonic epithelium of mice. We performed multiplexed single-cell gene expression analysis with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction followed by hierarchical clustering analysis to characterize distinct cell types. We used immunostaining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses with in vivo administration of a Notch inhibitor and in vitro organoid cultures to characterize different cell types. Results Multicolor fluorescence-activated cell sorting could isolate distinct regions of colonic crypts. Four major epithelial subtypes or transcriptional states were revealed by gene expression analysis of selected populations of single cells. One of these, the goblet cells, contained a distinct cKit/CD117 + crypt base subpopulation that expressed Dll1, Dll4, and epidermal growth factor, similar to Paneth cells, which were also marked by cKit. In the colon, cKit + goblet cells were interdigitated with Lgr5 + stem cells. In vivo, this colonic cKit + population was regulated by Notch signaling; administration of a γ-secretase inhibitor to mice increased the number of cKit + cells. When isolated from mouse colon, cKit + cells promoted formation of organoids from Lgr5 + stem cells, which expressed Kitl/stem cell factor, the ligand for cKit. When organoids were depleted of cKit + cells using a toxin-conjugated antibody, organoid formation decreased. Conclusions cKit marks small intestinal Paneth cells and a subset of colonic goblet cells that are regulated by Notch signaling and support Lgr5 + stem cells.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase overexpression causes kynurenine-modification of proteins, fiber cell apoptosis and cataract formation in the mouse lens.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is the first enzyme in the kynurenine pathway. The kynurenines formed in this pathway chemically modify proteins and cause apoptosis in cells. Evidence suggests that kynurenines and their protein modifications are involved in cataract formation, but this has yet to be directly demonstrated. We generated transgenic mouse lines (Tg) that overexpress human IDO in the lens. Homozygous Tg (homTg) lenses had higher IDO immunoreactivity, ~4.5 times greater IDO mRNA, and ~8 times higher IDO activity compared to lenses from hemizygous Tg animals (hemTg). The kynurenine content was 3-fold higher in homTg than hemTg but was not detected in Wt lenses. Kynurenine-modifications were ~2.6 times greater in homTg than hemTg or Wt. HomTg lenses had vacuoles in the epithelium and cortical fiber cells. Kynurenine-modifications coincided with apoptosis in the secondary fiber cells of homTg lenses. Caspase-3 and -9 activities were markedly higher in homTg than in hemTg and Wt. The GSH content was ~36% lower in homTg compared to hemTg and Wt lenses. HomTg animals also developed bilateral cataracts within 3 months of birth. Together these data demonstrate that IDO-mediated production of kynurenines results in defects in fiber cell differentiation and their apoptosis and suggest that IDO activity is kept low in the lens to prevent deleterious effects by kynurenines.
Genetic influences on being processed through the criminal justice system: results from a sample of adoptees.

Background Behavioral genetic research has revealed that antisocial phenotypes are under genetic influence. This study examines whether genetic factors also affect the odds of being processed through the criminal justice system. Methods A sample of adoptees ( n = 191–257) drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health was analyzed. They self-reported on whether they had ever been arrested, sentenced to probation, incarcerated, and arrested multiple times. Assessments were also conducted of the criminal status of their biological parents. Results Adoptees who have a biological father or a biological mother who have been arrested previously are significantly more likely to be arrested, sentenced to probation, incarcerated, and arrested multiple times when compared with adoptees whose biological parents have not been arrested. Conclusions Adoptees who are genetically predisposed to antisocial phenotypes are at risk for being formally processed through the criminal justice system.
Mobile Adaptive Networks

In this paper, we investigate the self-organization and cognitive abilities of adaptive networks when the individual agents are allowed to move in pursuit of a target. The nodes act as adaptive entities with localized processing and are able to respond to stimuli in real-time. We apply adaptive diffusion techniques to guide the self-organization process, including harmonious motion and collision avoidance. We also provide stability and mean-square performance analysis of the proposed strategies, together with computer simulation to illustrate results.