cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
102. Activation of the LMO2 Gene in Human Lymphoid Cells by rAAV-Mediated Targeted Insertion of a Single LTR Expression Cassette into the First Intron

The pathogenic activation of the LMO2 proto-oncogene contributed to leukemia in two children otherwise successfully treated for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in a gene therapy trial (Science 302: 415-419, 2003). We have reproduced the retroviral vector insertion into the first intron of the LMO2 gene that occurred in one of the SCID patients in a human lympholeukemia cell line (Jurkat) using recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector mediated gene targeting. The rAAV-LMO2 vector was constructed as follows. First, 1.3kb fragments containing LMO2 intron sequences from upstream and downstream of the retroviral insertion site in the SCID patient were amplified by PCR from human genomic DNA and sequenced to confirm identity to the genomic locus. Next, a gene cassette was designed to have the GFP coding sequences under the control of a single retroviral LTR that was used in the gene therapy trial followed by a polyadenylation signal. Then this 1.5kb single LTR-GFP cassette was placed in a reverse orientation between the 5' and 3' segments from LMO2 intron 1 and the assembled three fragments were cloned between AAV ITRs to derive the single stranded rAAV targeting vector. After packaging into serotype 1 capsid proteins, particles were purified by iodixanol gradient and gel filtration chromatography followed by ultrafiltration concentration. The Jurkat T cell line was transduced with rAAV-LMO2 particles at three multiplicities of infection (MOI). The percentage of GFP expressing cells was maximal (77%) at 3 days post-transduction and gradually decreased to stabilize at 2.2% at the highest MOI after 21 days. GFP expressing cells were selected by FACS from this cell population at 9 days post-transduction and clones derived from single cells were recovered. We initially screened 60 GFP-positive clones for targeting into the LMO2 locus and nine clones were positive by PCR using one primer in the GFP expression cassette and the other in the LMO2 intron just 3' to the region of homology with the targeting vector. These clones were analyzed by Southern hybridization using BglII or DraIII digestion with GFP and LMO2 probes. Four out of nine clones showed the predicted bands in addition to wildtype bands indicating successful gene targeting without rearrangement into one of the LMO2 alleles. Next, LMO2 expression was compared to that in control Jurkat cells by real-time quantitative RT-PCR using the comparative CT method. Expression of LMO2 mRNA was at a very low level in untransduced Jurkat cells but was highly upregulated in all 4 clones ranging from an 1100 to 3500-fold increase. Thus we have reproduced an LTR insertion at the exact location as occurred in one of the SCID patients and showed that a single LTR is sufficient to both maintain GFP expression and activate the upstream LMO2 promoter. This system should prove useful for evaluating the relative safety of specific retroviral vector designs with respect to the potential for protooncogene activation.
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF): immunoreactive neurones and fibers in rat hypothalamus

Abstract Antibodies to synthetic ovine corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) were used to localize nerve fibers and cell bodies in rat brain. Cell bodies, located nera the paraventricular nucleus, send a rich fiber plexus to the median eminence and less dense fiber connections to other hypothalamic and midbrain targets.
Near-wall variable-Prandtl-number turbulence model for compressible flows

A near-wall four-equation turbulence model is developed for the calculation of high-speed compressible turbulent boundary layers. The four equations used are the k-epsilon equations and the theta(exp 2)-epsilon (sub theta) equations. These equations are used to define the turbulent diffusivities for momentum and heat fluxes, thus allowing the assumption of dynamic similarity between momentum and heat transport to be relaxed. The Favre-averaged equations of motion are solved in conjunction with the four transport equations. Calculations are compared with measurements and with another model's predictions where the assumption of the constant turbulent Prandtl number is invoked. Compressible flat plate turbulent boundary layers with both adiabatic and constant temperature wall boundary conditions are considered. Results for the range of low Mach numbers and temperature ratios investigated are essentially the same as those obtained using an identical near-wall k-epsilon model. In general, there are significant improvements in the predictions of mean flow properties at high Mach numbers.
The Appearance and Disappearance of the 17-Kev Neutrino

It is a fact of life in empirical science that experiments often give discordant results. This is nowhere better illustrated than in the recent history of experiments concerning the existence of a heavy, 17-keV neutrino.1 What makes this episode so intriguing is that both the original positive claim, as well as all subsequent positive claims, were obtained in experiments using one type of apparatus, namely those incorporating a solid-state detector, whereas the initial negative evidence resulted from experiments using another type of detector, a magnetic spectrometer.2 This is an illustration of discordant results obtained using different types of apparatus. One might worry that the discord was due to some crucial difference between the types of apparatus or to different sources of background that might mimic or mask the signal.
Gender-Specific Exacerbation of Murine Lupus by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone: Potential Role of Gαq/111

We have previously demonstrated that GnRH and its analogues modulate the severity of murine systemic lupus erythematosus. In the present study, we demonstrate that GnRH alters disease severity in a sexually dimorphic fashion, even in gonadectomized mice. GnRH administration leads to an exacerbation of lupus in ovariectomized females, whereas it exerts no effect in castrated males. We initially hypothesized that gender differences in lymphocytic expression of GnRH receptor might explain these observations. Using competitive RT-PCR and binding studies to quantitate GnRH receptor expression in lymphoid organs, we found that GnRH administration led to decreased expression of GnRH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and GnRH binding, compared with vehicle, in spleens of ovariectomized females after 2 weeks of treatment. These decreases occurred concurrently with increased expression of interleukin-2 receptor mRNA and protein in females. GnRH administration did not alter GnRH receptor or interleukin-2 receptor mRNA o...
The Sociolinguistics of Ethnicity in New York City

This paper reviews the vast literature from sociolinguistics on ethnicity in New York City. Prior work falls into two camps: first, early work in dialectology on New York City English that often erased ethnic distinctions and presented a homogenous, white city; and second, later work investigating minority ethnic groups, often speakers of Languages Other than English. Here we summarize both threads of work, and suggest that the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which significantly changed the composition of immigrants in New York City, marks a turning point from work concerned with whites to that concerned with other ethnic groups. We also promote newer conceptions of ethnicity that view it as a fluid category concerned with the construction and/or destruction of boundaries. New York City's tremendous ethnolinguistic diversity makes it a unique site for explorations into ethnic identity practices.
Ligand Metathesis in Surface-Bound Alkoxyzirconium Complexes

Aluminum surface-bound alkoxyzirconium complexes undergo smooth ligand metathesis reactions with a variety of phenols to give the corresponding surface-bound phenoxyzirconium complex species. This process enables rapid preparation of members of a family of surface-bound complexes which are synthesized in situ from an easy-to-prepare common precursor. Ligand metathesis can be monitored by infrared spectroscopy under ambient conditions or by a combination of infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic techniques in ultrahigh vacuum.
Environmental Data in Bulgaria: Problems and Prospects

Research projects dealing with transition in the former centrally planned economies of Eastern and Central Europe face great difficulties of data availability. Much data are not available and much of what are available are poorly documented or unreliable. This paper describes some of the problems of data availability in the context of environmental research in Bulgaria. It describes current efforts to upgrade national level environmental monitoring capabilities, and argues for the need for the development of locally sensitive systems of data collection and analysis.
How can bone turnover modify bone strength independent of bone mass

The amount of bone turnover in the skeleton has been identified as a predictor of fracture risk independent of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and is increasingly cited as an explanation for discrepancies between areal bone mineral density and fracture risk. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain how bone turnover influences bone biomechanics, including regulation of tissue degree of mineralization, the disconnection or fenestration of individual trabeculae by remodeling cavities, and the ability of cavities formed during the remodeling process to act as stress risers. While these mechanisms can influence bone biomechanics, they also modify bone mass. If bone turnover is to explain any of the observed discrepancies between fracture risk and areal bone mineral density, however, it must not only modify bone strength, but must also modify bone strength in excess of what would be expected from the associated change in bone mass. This article summarizes biomechanical studies of how tissue mineralization, trabecular disconnection, and the presence of remodeling cavities might have an effect on cancellous bone strength independent of bone mass. Existing data support the idea that all of these factors may have a disproportionate effect on bone stiffness and/or strength, with the exception of average tissue degree of mineralization, which may not affect bone strength independent of aBMD. Disproportionate effects of mineral content on bone biomechanics may instead come from variation in tissue degree of mineralization at the micro-structural level. The biomechanical explanation for the relationship between bone turnover and fracture incidence remains to be determined, but must be examined not in terms of bone biomechanics, but in terms of bone biomechanics relative to bone mass.
A comparative study of oregon and washington peppermint oils

A study of three types of pappermint oil found in the Pacific NOrthwest was made to determine the cause of the unusual characteristics of peppermeitnt oil produced in eastern Washington. These were fractionally distilled and a strongly dextrorotatory substance was found to be more predominant in the eastern Washingtonoil, wich accounted for its low levo optical rotation. This substance was identified as menthofurance and a quantitative colorimetric procedure was developed for its estimation. Other compounds identified in eact of the three oils were: l-Limonene, cineol, pulegone menthone, menthol, acetic, and isovaleric acids. The acids were separated and estimated by chromatographic technique. Removal of menthofurane by franctional distillation resulted in an increase in the levorotation of pepperment oil and made it possible to produce an oil which conforms to the U. S. P. standards.
Demand for Local Public Services Revisited: the Case of Fire Protection:

This article estimates a more general demand function for local fire services simultaneously with a flexible cost function. Besides the standard income and price variables, the demand model includes estimates of marginal cost, tax exporting, and debt financing. Using these results, it is possible to reject several of the common assumptions about public sector technology and costs made in past demand re search. When the estimates of the demand model proposed in this study are compared to a standard expenditure demand model, there are major differences. In particular, the elasticity with respect to median income was found to be significantly higher using the more general model, which suggests that misspecification of the demand function may partially account for previous findings of a "flypaper effect."
Maspin nuclear localization is linked to favorable morphological features in pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Maspin, a mammary homologue of Serine Protease Inhibitors, has been shown to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. Recently, its biological functions have been linked to its subcellular localization. Specifically, a nuclear, opposed to a combined nuclear and cytoplasmic localization has been associated with increased survival in human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it is not known whether transformation affects maspin expression during lung carcinogenesis, and whether its subcellular localization correlates with the morphological features of NSCLC. To address these questions, we studied maspin expression in a model of transformation of bronchial epithelial cells and in resected NSCLC. We found that decreased maspin accompanied chemical transformation of normal immortalized bronchial epithelial cells BEAS 2B. Immunohistochemistry revealed maspin expression to be virtually universal in NSCLC, occurring in 72/77 Adenocarcinoma (ACa), and 46/46 squamous cell carcinoma (SqCCa). SqCCa showed almost exclusively a combined nuclear-cytosolic stain. In contrast, nuclear maspin, but not combined nuclear-cytoplasmic maspin significantly correlated with low histological grade, lower proliferative rate, absence of invasion, and negative p53 stain in ACa. These data support the hypothesis that nuclear localization of maspin may stratify subtypes of NSCLC with favorable clinical-pathological features.
Increased Expression of 5-Lipoxygenase in High-Grade Astrocytomas

OBJECTIVE 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) oxidizes arachidonic acid into proinflammatory eicosanoids that may promote tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated whether 5-LO is expressed in human astrocytomas and what effect its expression may have on patient outcome. METHODS Increased 5-LO messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression was detected by the polymerase chain reaction and antibody-based approaches, respectively, in surgical astrocytoma specimens and established glioblastoma multiforme cell lines compared with primary cell culture from the human white matter. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis revealed predominantly nuclear 5-LO staining in 44 of 49 glioblastoma multiforme samples (90%), 8 of 10 (80%) anaplastic astrocytomas samples, and 3 of 13 (23%) low-grade astrocytoma samples analyzed. Double-staining experiments with anti-CD-68 (macrophage/microglial marker) and anti-5-LO antibodies suggest that both CD-68-positive and CD-68-negative tumor cells express 5-LO protein. Staining of 5-LO was significantly more frequent in high-grade than in low-grade tumors (P = 0.001). Patients whose tumors expressed 5-LO were significantly older, had lower preoperative Karnofsky performance scores and shorter survival than patients whose tumors did not express 5-LO. After adjusting for pathological diagnosis and age, respectively, neither Karnofsky performance score nor survival were significantly associated with 5-LO staining. CONCLUSION These data indicate that 5-LO is overexpressed in high-grade astrocytomas and supports the idea that eicosanoids may play a role in tumorigenesis of these brain tumors.
Enthalpies of dilution of aqueous systems containing hexamethylenetetramine and other nonelectrolytes

Enthalpies of dilution of aqueous systems containing hexamethylenetetramine, alone and in ternary system with each of mannitol, myoinositol, cyclohexanol, formamide, dimethylformamide, and trioxane have been determined. The data have been treated in terms of the Savage-Wood additivity principle and first estimates for the pairwise groups interaction enthalpies of N/N, CH2/N, CHOH/N, COHN/N and −O−/N have been made. The results are discussed in light of all other known group interaction enthalpies. The limitations and utilities of the Savage-Wood principle are reviewed.
On the identification of time-varying dynamic systems by nonparametric procedures

The problem of identification of the unknown time-varying parameter in linear dynamic systems is considered. Nearest-neighbor procedures, based on the estimation of the state and its derivative, are presented. No conditions concerning the functional form of the time-varying parameter of the systems are made. If the state of the system has s derivatives, then the rate of convergence of the algorithm is O(n/sup -(s-1)///sup (1+2s)/) in probability. >
Ribosomal translocation: sparsomycin pushes the button.

Abstract New insights into the way that the tRNA:mRNA complex is translocated on the ribosome during protein synthesis have come from the recent observation that binding of the antibiotic sparsomycin in the peptidyl transferase center can trigger these large-scale movements.
Effects of cyclopiazonic acid on the ultrastructure of rat liver

Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed per os for 4 consecutive days with 0.0, 0.2, 2.0 or 4.0 mg cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)/kg body weight/day, and killed on the fifth day. Sections of liver were prepared for electron microscopic examination. Dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum was observed in all hepatocytes examined from the 2 highest dose groups, and in about 25% of liver cells from the 0.2 mg CPA/kg/day group. Vesiculation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum also occurred in these groups, an increasing amount of vesiculation being observed with increasing dosage. Control sections exhibited neither of these characteristics. No proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, or blockage of bile canaliculi was observed in any group. Lysing cells were present only in the 4.0 mg CPA/kg/day group; mitochondria in the 2.0 and 4.0 mg CPA/kg/day dose groups were swollen. Nuclei were ultrastructurally normal in all groups. The primary cellular effect of CPA was on the endoplasmic reticulum, even at relatively low doses. Possible interactions of CPA with other toxins likely to be produced by the same fungus, such as aflatoxin, are considered.
Scores on Piagetian Area Tasks as Predictors of Achievement in Mathematics over a Four-Year Period.

The question arises as to whether mathematical achievement can be predicted from the level of cognitive development in a child as determined by use of Piagetian tasks. The investigator considered a two-fold problem. First, the investigator determined whether mathematics achievement can be predicted for 1 to 4 succeeding years once the level of cognitive development of a child is assessed by using Piagetian area task scores. If area task scores correlate with future mathematics performance scores, early identification of possible learning difficulties may be made. Although early remediation can be prescribed for children in an early Piagetian stage of cognitive development, and enrichment activities can be recommended for performers in a later stage of cognitive development, this study does not address the effects of those interventions. Children selected for the sample in the present study had no previous exposure to Piagetian tasks. Second, given how effectively two specific IQ tests predicted mathematics achievement from 1 to 4 succeeding years, the investigator considered whether a better prediction of mathematics achievement can be made from Piagetian area task scores than from the IQ tests alone. If Piagetian tasks are found to have considerable predictive value, such a finding might also support the views of those who argue that early exposure to Piagetian tasks makes for better performance in mathematics achievement. Thus, the rationale for programs incorporating Piagetian tasks would be strengthened (Biggs & MacLean, 1969). Examples of such programs are the Nuffield Mathematics Project (1969) and early childhood curricula based completely on Piagetian activities (Stendler, 1970). However, conservation training studies such as that by Bearison (1975) in which children were trained to conserve liquid quantity in kindergarten found that spontaneous early conservation was a better predictor of school achievement for grade three. Further research is needed to determine effects of early exposure or training in conservation for affecting prediction of mathematics achievement.
Improvements in health-related quality of life before and after isolated cardiac operations.

Background Our study compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among cardiac surgical patient groups before and after cardiac operations for isolated surgical procedures and examined cardiac surgical patient HRQOL within the context of United States population norms. Methods Of 2524 patients undergoing cardiac operations, 370 underwent isolated procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting, 136; aortic valve repair or replacement, 96; mitral valve repair or replacement, 92; Maze procedures, 46) between April 18, 2004, and June 30, 2008. They completed Short Form 36 questionnaires at baseline, at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. Statistical analyses included χ 2 , analysis of variance, longitudinal modeling, and longitudinal multivariable analyses. Results Overall, the 370 cardiac surgical patients were 61.5 ± 11.9 years old, 70% men, and 76% white. Significant baseline differences in HRQOL existed among the cardiac surgical groups. Physical and mental components of the Short Form 36 improved from baseline to within 3 to 6 months postoperatively and remained stable through 3 years for all groups. When demographic and clinical covariates were held constant, the effect of cardiac surgical type on postsurgical HRQOL changes was not significant. Conclusions HRQOL improves early after cardiac operations and remains relatively constant long-term, independently of procedure type.
Anti-phase domain growth kinetics in β′ phase AgZn

Abstract Anti-phase domain growth was studied in a quenched β′ phase Ag-43 atom % Zn single crystal. X-ray line breadth analysis showed that the domain growth rate changes over a five decade range within the temperature interval 23 C to 99 C. The experimentally determined growth kinetics are substantially different from those found in other alloy systems and from those predicted by theory.
A role for NF-κB binding motifs in the differential induction of chemokine gene expression in human corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE The interleukin (IL)-8 promoter possesses a NF-kappa B-binding site with affinity to p50p65 and p65p65 complexes while the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 promoter's NF-kappa B-binding site has exclusive affinity to p50p65 heterodimers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the two NF-kappa B sites play a role in the capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) to produce nanogram amounts of IL-8 in the absence of MCP-1 synthesis. METHODS IL-8 and MCP-1 promoters were cloned into luciferase reporter vectors. Site-directed mutagenesis of wild-type promoters was used to mutate the NF-kappa B-binding motif in the wild-type IL-8 reporter plasmid into a motif with exclusive affinity to p50p65 and to mutate the NF-kappa B binding motif in the wild-type MCP-1 reporter plasmid into a motif with affinity to p65p65. Luciferase activity was determined after transfection of reporter vector constructs into TNF-alpha-stimulated HCECs. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to confirm binding of NF-kappa B subunits to IL-8 and MCP-1 promoters in vivo. RESULTS Promoters with affinity to p65p65 homodimers were active in driving the expression of the reporter gene, whereas promoters with affinity to p50p65 heterodimers did not induce significant reporter gene expression. Incorporation of a CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-binding site immediately upstream of p65p65-binding sites significantly enhanced promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the interaction of p65p65 homodimers and C/EBP transcriptional factors with IL-8 promoters and not MCP-1 promoters account for the capacity of HCECs to produce IL-8 selectively, in the absence of MCP-1 production.
Geology of Sierra Pena Blanca Region, Chihuahua, Mexico: ABSTRACT

The Sierra Pena Blanca is a fault-block mountain range, extending 100 km in a north-south direction, and being up to 15 km wide. Paleozoic eugeosynclinal sediments constitute the southernmost part, and rocks are progressively younger to the north. Cretaceous basinal and reef carbonate facies are present, and are succeeded northward by lower Tertiary conglomerates, ash-flow tuffs, and volcaniclastics, ranging in age from 44 to 35 m.y. The area is at the boundary of the Chihuahua trough on the east and the Aldama platform on the west. Internally, the range has a repetition of significant northwest-trending, down-to-the-northeast faults. The Tertiary units show some variation in thickness and facies throughout the area. They illustrate an outflow environment, and some units uggest a caldera source on the west or southwest. Significant uranium deposits occur near the base of the ignimbrite pile. The largest volume of ore is stratigraphically controlled at the base of a welded ash-flow tuff, the Nopal Formation. The Margarita deposit and northern El Curvo zone are examples of this type. Additional mineralization occurs in fractures and faults, as at Nopal 1 and 3. Some mineralization is also present in the underlying Cretaceous carbonate rocks, as at Domatilla, and Sierra Gomez. Data were collected from drill holes in the Margarita deposits. To define the geochemical indicators a principal factor analysis was performed on the data, which consists of 30 samples with 28 chemical elements. Factor analysis reduced this data set to 8 latent variables or factors. The factors can be interpreted from the association of variables which have the highest factor loadings. An eight-factor solution to the analysis indicated that certain trace elements, as well as some important major elements, could be used as possible geochemical indicators for this type of deposit. The positive trace elements defined are: MnO, Hg, B, Y As, Mo, F, and Cu. The multiple correlation coefficient End_Page 760------------------------------ for these variable is as great as 0.9, but, individually, the correlation between uranium and the variables was no greater than 0.3. These elements individually have little significance but, taken as a suite, they are related to the uranium mineralization. Major and minor elements which are also related are MgO, CaO, CO2, Fe, and S. The deposit is interpreted as having been deposited from uraniferous ground waters between 100 and 200°C, migrating toward paleotopographic lows on the east. The uranium is believed to have been derived from the leaching of tuffs. End_of_Article - Last_Page 761------------
Uteroferrin: A protein in search of a function

Uteroferrin, a purple-colored, iron-containing acid phosphatase, with many of the properties of a lysosomal hydrolase, transports iron from the mother to the conceptus in pregnant pigs. Uteroferrin, however, is but one member of what may be a broad class of iron-containing phosphatases with unusual spectral properties which result from a novel type of di-iron active site. The biological function of uteroferrin is unknown. We argue here that the in vivo function of uteroferrin, despite its undoubted ability to act as a potent acid phosphatase, is that of a transplacental iron transporter.
Study on some selective β-adrenoreceptor blocking effects of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-hydroxy-2-methyl isopropylaminoethane (α-methyl INPEA)

1. The effect of methyl substitution in the alpha-carbon position of the ethanolamine side chain of INPEA was investigated on its beta-adrenoreceptor blocking activity in the isolated turtle heart and anaesthetized cats.2. In the turtle heart preparation, the pA(2) value for erythro-alpha-methyl INPEA was 5.3, as compared with 6.9 for INPEA, while threo-alpha-methyl INPEA was extremely weak and its pA(2) value could not be determined.3. In the intact cat experiments, alpha-methyl INPEA produced a competitive blockade of the peripheral vasodilator effect of isoprenaline in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg/kg. However, this agent had a minimal effect on the cardiac stimulant effect of the catecholamine.4. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the beta-adrenoreceptors comprise a family of nonhomogeneous receptors and a selective blockade of only some, but not all, responses mediated through their activation can be achieved by specific molecular modification of the beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agents.
High resolution 15N NMR of the 225 K phase transition of ammonia borane (NH3BH3): mixed order-disorder and displacive behavior.

We report high resolution 15N NMR probing of the solid−solid phase transition of 15N-labeled ammonia borane (NH3BH3) at 225 K. Both the 15N isotropic chemical shift (δiso) and the spin−lattice relaxation rate (T1-1) exhibited strong anomalies around 225 K. The analysis of T1-1 using the Bloembergen, Purcell, and Pound model showed that the motional correlation time, τ, increased from about 1 to 100 ps and the corresponding Arrhenius activation energy increased from 6 to 14.5 kJ/mol on going through the transition toward lower temperatures. The temperature dependence of δiso was interpreted by an extension of the Bayer model. The time scale of the underlying motion was found to be in a reasonable agreement with the T1-1 data. These results imply that the NH3 rotor motion plays a pivotal role in the transition mechanism and that the transition is of both order−disorder and displacive type.
Real-Time Dynamics of Single Vortex Lines and Vortex Dipoles in a Bose-Einstein Condensate

Understanding the behavior of quantized vortices is essential to gaining insight into diverse superfluid phenomena, from critical-current densities in superconductors to quantum turbulence in superfluids. We observe the real-time dynamics of quantized vortices in trapped dilute-gas Bose-Einstein condensates by repeatedly imaging the vortex cores. The precession frequency of a single vortex is measured by explicitly observing its time dependence and is found to be in good agreement with theory. We further characterize the dynamics of vortex dipoles in two distinct configurations: (i) an asymmetric configuration, in which the vortex trajectories are dynamic and nontrivial, and (ii) a stable, symmetric configuration, in which the dipole is stationary.
New Amplitude Correction and Phase Linearization Technique for Channel Response on Wideband Microwave Spectrum Analysers

Channel frequency response is one of the banner performance specifications for discrete Fourier transform (DFT) based spectrum analysers. Digital techniques have emerged as most attractive approaches to correct the linear distortion introduced in the microwave and immediate frequency (IF) analogue signal paths. This paper presents a novel technique for correcting the channel frequency response (flattening amplitude and linearizing phase) on microwave spectrum analysers. By combining factory calibration data of the amplitude and phase response and run-time IF alignment, we can accomplish significant improvement in vector measurement performance. In contrast, traditional equalization of channel frequency response is only performed at a fixed IF frequency and the channel response variation over RF frequencies is mostly ignored. A cost-effective calibration solution can also be realized using an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and an off the shelf mixer to generate calibration signal.
Amino acid variations resulting in functional and nonfunctional zebrafish P2X1 and P2X5.1 receptors

Several zebrafish P2X receptors (zP2X1, zP2X2, and zP2X5.1) have been reported to produce little or no current although their mammalian orthologs produce functional homomeric receptors. We isolated new cDNA clones for these P2X receptors that revealed sequence variations in each. The new variants of zP2X1 and zP2X5.1 produced substantial currents when expressed by Xenopus oocytes, however the new variant of zP2X2 was still nonfunctional. zP2X2 lacks two lysine residues essential for ATP responsiveness in other P2X receptors; however introduction of these two lysines was insufficient to allow this receptor to function as a homotrimer. We also tested whether P2X signaling is required for myogenesis or synaptic communication at the zebrafish neuromuscular junction. We found that embryonic skeletal muscle expressed only one P2X receptor, P2X5.1. Antisense knockdown of P2X5.1 eliminated skeletal muscle responsiveness to ATP but did not prevent myogenesis or behaviors that require functional transmission at the neuromuscular junction.
Cavity pressure in rain screen walls

Abstract Open rain screen walls were developed to prevent rain penetration by developing a cavity pressure equal to the wind pressure. The size and the distribution of openings in the inner and outer wythes will determine the magnitude of the cavity pressure in relation to the wind pressures. The impact of cracks in outer wythe on the cavity pressure is considered in this paper. Experimental work on a field model showed the cavity pressure to vary significantly according to the size of cracks and vent holes.
Cognitive Abilities and Motivational Processes in High School Students' Situational Engagement and Achievement in Science

Building on Snow's (1989) idea of 2 pathways to achievement outcomes, a performance and a commitment pathway, this study examined how cognitive and motivational factors associated with each of these pathways, respectively, contributed to the prediction of achievement outcomes in science. The sample consisted of 491 10th- and 11th-grade high school students. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that (a) students' cognitive abilities were the strongest predictors of their performance in science as measured by standardized test scores; (b) motivational processes enhanced the predictive validity for science test scores and grades beyond the variance accounted for by ability; and (c) motivational processes were the strongest predictors of students' commitment to science in the form of situational engagement and anticipated choices of science-related college majors and careers. These results are consistent with Snow's (1989) conjecture that both performance and commitment pathway-related factors a...
Recurrent low-grade glioma in children with special reference to computed tomography findings and pathological changes

Recurrent low-grade gliomas in children were studied with special reference to correlation between the computed tomography (CT) scan and pathological findings at recurrence. During the past 16 years (1970–1986) 105 cases of primary pediatric brain tumors were treated in our hospital. Seventeen of these had low-grade glioma, seven of which (five astrocytomas, one ependymoma, and one subependymoma) had recurrence of tumor by the end of 1987. The enhanced CT findings were classified into three types — cystic, false cystic, and solid, according to Lapras' classification. The pathological findings of recurrent tumors were reviewed with particular attention to malignant transformation. The results showed that in two out of three cases where CT findings had changed from initial cystic to solid type at recurrence malignant transformation was revealed. Enhanced CT scan was also useful for detecting small asymptomatic recurrent tumors in children. On the other hand, surgical procedures and adjuvant therapies demonstrated no significant relationship with recurrence. It is suggested that the recurrence of low-grade glioma in children is not rare, and that changes in findings on contrast enhanced CT might reflect malignant transformation in a recurrent tumor, necessitating a careful follow-up.
Two holes in the finite Hubbard lattice with a strong magnetic field: The phase diagram

The Nagaoka instability and the existence of off-diagonal long-range order (ODLRO) and superconductivity for two holes near half-filling in 1d, 2d, and 3d hypercubes with periodic boundary conditions are exactly proven in the Hubbard model immersed in a strong magnetic field. The upper critical field and criteria for stability of either the spin-flipped or excitonic phases as a function of interaction strength are found. The theory predicts the possibility of the ODLRO mechanism of superconductivity in the strong-repulsion Hubbard model in arbitrary dimensions.
When Is Counseling an Appropriate and Ethical Supervision Function

Abstract In this paper the authors outline ethical standards associated with the use of counseling behaviors within supervision. They begin by demonstrating why it is unethical to provide personal psychotherapy for one's supervisees. The counselor's role in supervision as initially described by Bernard (1979), however, involves appropriate and ethical counseling behaviors for purposes of student assessment and training. Strategies for facilitating development of reflective skills and the use of self as an instrument for assessment are described.
The scarless heart.

Over the past several years many mechanisms by which myocardial replacement could be achieved have been described. These include resident cardiac stem cells or circulating stem cells that can either differentiate into, or fuse to cardiomyocytes, or mature cells that can transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes. However, the fact remains that after injury to the heart, the overriding response is scar formation with little myocardial replacement. One exception to this response is the MRL mouse, which heals with little scarring and shows nearly full myocardial replacement after injury. Results obtained with this model will be discussed.
Utilization of antigen specific cytotoxic T-cells as a sensitive approach to investigate the fate of placentally injected allogeneic lymphocytes.

Abstract In this report we present a model for the introduction of immunocompetent populations during murine gestation and the subsequent detection of allogeneic cells in the offspring. A highly sensitive in vitro assay, the primed lymphocyte cytotoxicity assay, which can detect extremely low numbers of allogeneic cells residing within host tissue is described. Primed cytotoxic T cells specific for class I antigens were found to be restimulated by as few as 10–50 allogeneic spleen cells from within 10 000 syngeneic neonatal spleen or liver cells. Various tissues derived from neonatal mice which had been placentally injected 1 or 10 days previously were found to contain markedly different percentages of “chimeric” cells in the neonatal organs examined. Notably, while spleen and lung contained more allogeneic cells early following injection, 10 days later the liver contained the highest percentage and the thymus and spleen a significantly lower percentage of allogeneic cells. These findings are discussed with respect to the possible enhancement or depression of the offspring's immune responsiveness following interaction with alloantigen bearing lymphoid cells.
Ligation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein with Antibodies Elevates Intracellular Calcium and Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate in Macrophages☆

Abstract We have probed the signaling characteristics of the macrophage low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) with monoclonal antibody 8G1, its Fab and F(ab′) 2 fragments directed against the ligand binding heavy chain, and monoclonal antibody 5A6 directed against the membrane-spanning light chain of LRP. Ligation of LRP with 8G1, its Fab and F(ab′) 2 fragments, or 5A6 increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels two- to threefold. Prior ligation of LRP with 8G1 did not affect the increase in [Ca 2+ ] i observed on subsequent ligation of LRP with lactoferrin, P. exotoxin A, or lipoprotein lipase. Binding to LRP by 8G1, its Fab and F(ab′) 2 fragments, or 5A6 increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) levels by 50 to 100%. Incubation of macrophages with guanosine 5′,3′- O (thio)-triphosphate (GTP-γ-S) before treatment with antibody potentiated and sustained the 8G1-induced increase in IP 3 levels. Treatment of macrophages with guanyl-5′-yl thiophosphate prior to GTP-γ-S treatment abolished the GTP-γ-S-potentiated increase in IP 3 levels in 8G1-treated macrophages. Antibody-induced increases in IP 3 and [Ca 2+ ] i in macrophages on ligation of LRP were pertussis toxin sensitive. Binding of 8G1 or its Fab or F(ab′) 2 fragments to LRP stimulated macrophage protein kinase C (PKC) activity as evaluated by histone IIIs phosphorylation by about two- to sevenfold. Staurosporin inhibited the anti-LRP antibody-induced increase in PKC activity. Ligation of LRP with 8G1 increased cellular cAMP levels about twofold. Preincubation of macrophage with the LRP-binding protein receptor-associated protein suppressed the 8G1-induced increase in cAMP levels. Thus, binding of antibodies directed against either chain of LRP triggers complex signaling cascades.
The relationships of resting baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability and measures of impulse control in children and adolescents

The objectives of the present study were to assess: (1) the feasibility of using a non-invasive method to measure baroreflex sensitivity in children and adolescents; (2) the relationships of resting baroreflex sensitivity with resting levels of other cardiovascular variables; and (3) whether baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability, two indices of cardiac vagal control at rest, were related to measures of impulse control. Ninety-one Black and White children (ages 8-10) and adolescents (ages 15-17), both female and male, participated in the study. Baroreflex sensitivity, auscultatory blood pressure, EKG-derived heart rate, and the mean successive difference of interbeat intervals were collected during a 10-min rest period. Measures of impulse control came from the Interview for Antisocial Behavior. Baroreflex sensitivity was strongly positively correlated with mean successive difference and negatively correlated with heart rate for all participant groups; baroreflex sensitivity was negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, but only for children, males, and Blacks. Increased problems with impulse control was associated with decreased cardiac vagal control, but only in males. The usefulness of this technique as a measure of vagal activation is discussed.
Surface Adsorbed Water on NaCl and Its Effect on Nitric Acid Reactivity with NaCl Powders

Adsorbed water has been shown to enhance the ionic mobility on NaCl surfaces at water vapor pressures well below the deliquescence point. This has important implications for the steady-state reactivity of NaCl, in atmospheric sea salt particles, with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. In the absence of surface ionic mobility the surface passivates due to the buildup of a product layer. It has also been suggested that the actual reaction probability of the reaction of HNO3 with NaCl surfaces may depend on the water content of the surface. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy, we show that the specifics (particle size and water exposure) of the NaCl sample preparation can have significant effect on the amount of strongly adsorbed water (SAW) on the surface. Specifically, large single crystals of NaCl(100) do not adsorb water strongly. Crystallites in the size range of 500 μm adsorb small amounts of water strongly. In comparison, small crystallites in the size range of 1−10 μm can a...
A Euclidean direction based algorithm for blind source separation using a natural gradient

The paper develops an extension of the adaptive RLS-type algorithm proposed by X.-L. Zhu and X.-D. Zhang (see IEEE Sig. Process. Lett., vol.9, no.12, p.432-5, 2002). Their work uses the matrix inversion lemma to solve iteratively the equation obtained from the natural gradient of the nonlinear principle component analysis problem. We reduce the complexity of the solution by applying the Euclidean direction search concept in place of the matrix inversion lemma. The simulations performed show that the convergence rate is comparable, albeit slower, but with reduced complexity per iteration.
Irregular repeat accumulate codes for non-binary modulation schemes

In this paper, we review the performance of irregular repeat accumulate (IRA) codes. We present simulation results on the performance of IRA codes in two non-binary modulation schemes viz., turbo-coded modulation and multilevel coding. These results show that IRA codes are good for high data rate applications and that multilevel coding with IRA codes provides a low complexity alternative to TCM.
Template-Based Object Detection through Partial Shape Matching and Boundary Verification

This paper presents a novel template-based method to detect objects of interest from real images by shape matching. To locate a target object that has a similar shape to a given template boundary, the proposed method integrates three components: contour grouping, partial shape matching, and boundary verification. In the first component, low-level image features, including edges and corners, are grouped into a set of perceptually salient closed contours using an extended ratio-contour algorithm. In the second component, we develop a partial shape matching algorithm to identify the fractions of detected contours that partly match given template boundaries. Specifically, we represent template boundaries and detected contours using landmarks, and apply a greedy algorithm to search the matched landmark subsequences. For each matched fraction between a template and a detected contour, we estimate an affine transform that transforms the whole template into a hypothetic boundary. In the third component, we provide an efficient algorithm based on oriented edge lists to determine the target boundary from the hypothetic boundaries by checking each of them against image edges. We evaluate the proposed method on recognizing and localizing 12 template leaves in a data set of real images with clutter back-grounds, illumination variations, occlusions, and image noises. The experiments demonstrate the high performance of our proposed method. Keywords—Object detection, shape matching, contour grouping.
Oncological and functional outcomes following open radical prostatectomy: how patients may achieve the "trifecta"?

Purpose: The desirable outcomes after open radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PC) are to: a) achieve disease recurrence free, b) urinary continence (UC), and c) maintain sexual potency (SP). These 3 combined desirable outcomes we called it the “Trifecta”. Our aim is to assess the likelihood of achieving the Trifecta, and to analyze the influencing the Trifecta . Materials and Methods: A total of 1738 men with localized PC underwent RP from 1992-2007 by a single surgeon. The exclusion criteria for this analysis were: preoperative hormonal or radiation therapy, preoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, follow-up less than 24 months or insufficient data. Post-operative Trifecta factors were analyzed, including biochemical recurrence (BR).. We defined: BR as PSA ≥ 0.2 ng/mL, urinary continence as wearing no pads, and sexual potency as having erections sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor . Results: A total of 831 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the entire cohort was 59 years old. The median follow-up was 52 months (mean 60, range 24-202). The BR, UC and SP rates were 18.7%, 94.5%, and 71% respectively. Trifecta was achieved in 64% at 2 year follow-up, and 61% at 5 year follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed age at time of surgery, pathologic Gleason score (PGS), pathologic stage, specimen weight, and nerve sparing (NS) were independent factors. Conclusions: Age at time of surgery, pathologic GS, pathologic stage, specimen weight and NS were independent predictors to achieve the Trifecta following radical prostatectomy. This information may help patients counseling undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.