cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on a hemagglutinin from the mushroom Agaricus campestris.

Abstract A phytohemagglutinin has been isolated in 80 to 90% purity from the mushroom Agaricus campestris. This protein had a sedimentation constant of 4.2 S and an electrophoretic mobility, at pH 8.6, remindful of the properties of a fast γ-globulin. It was a nonspecific agglutinin reacting with erythrocytes and leukocytes from a number of species. The hemagglutination reaction was independent of temperature from 0–80° and of pH from 4 to 10, but was ionic strength dependent. The hemagglutination reaction was not inhibited by sugars but was inhibited by a red cell ghost sonic suspension. Enzymatic and chemical treatments of the sonically disintegrated inhibitor indicated that part or all of the inhibitor was a protein or polypeptide.
Subwavelength waveguide structures for optical interconnects

We report our advances in development of subwavelength engineered waveguide structures. This unique NRC patented technology [1,2] allows synthesis of a metamaterial with an unprecedented control of material properties, constituting a powerful tool for a designer of photonic integrated circuits. We have demonstrated a number of subwavelength engineered devices operating at telecom wavelengths [3–7], for example fibre-chip couplers, waveguide crossings, WDM multiplexers, ultra-fast optical switches, athermal waveguides, evanescent field sensors, polarization rotators, transceiver hybrids and ultra-broadband interference couplers. The subwavelength metamaterial concept has been adopted by industry (IBM) for fibre-chip coupling and subwavelength structures are likely to become key building blocks for the next generation of integrated photonic circuits. Here we present an overview of recent examples of our subwavelength engineered structures, with an emphasis on couplers for optical interconnects and evanescent field sensors. We demonstrate an unprecedented control over the light coupling between optical fibers and silicon chips by constructing metamaterial couplers operating at telecom (1.55 µm) and datacom (1.3 µm) wavelengths. We also show that by subwavelength patterning of silicon-wire waveguides the field delocalization can be engineered to increase the sensitivity of evanescent field waveguide sensors [8]. Finally, we discuss some emerging applications of subwavelength engineered structures in mid-infrared photonics.
Assessment of the Essential Fatty Acid Requirement in Gerbils by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio

Essential fatty acid status in the gerbil was assessed using the ratio of 20:3 omega 9 (5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid) to 20:4 omega 6 (arachidonic acid) derived from liver phospholipid. Both a fat-free diet and a diet containing 20% hydrogenated coconut oil produced an essential fatty acid deficiency. The minimum requirement for 18:2 omega 6 (linoleic acid) in the gerbil, like that in the rat, was estimated at 1% kcal of the diet when graded levels of safflower oil were added to a purified diet containing hydrogenated coconut oil. Dietary cholesterol did not affect the minimum requirement, but accentuated the triene:tetraene ratio when the dietary linoleate level was below the requirement.
A Critical Long View of Capital Markets and Institutions: Realized Returns from Corporate Assets, 1950-2003

It is often taken for granted that: 1) capital markets and institutions allocate funds to firms where realized returns on real assets are highest; 2) the net gains to the economy from investments by corporations have improved in the last 30-50 years due to innovations and better risk management techniques in the financial markets; and 3) the agency cost-reducing role of markets and institutions ensures that real assets funded with external funds would earn higher returns. However, corporate real assets are long lived, and realized returns have to be tracked over a long period to verify these assertions. We perform large-scale calculations of the realized returns on real assets to all firms available in the Compustat database for periods of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years. Our methodology relies only on cash flow between the firms and all their fund providers. In particular, we focus on capital markets, institutions and non interest bearing liability holders. It circumvents the potential problem in using market expectations of future cash flows if markets are inefficient over long periods as suggested by Shiller (1981). We found several new and surprising results. Returns on real assets by corporations derived from actual cash flow over long periods are, on the whole, lower than expected by the fund providers. They suffer a long-term decline, and have been below the yields of 10 year Treasury bonds since 1973. Real assets that received more external financing (from capital markets and institutions) actually report even lower realized long-term returns. These unexpected results may stimulate fresh debate on the roles and long-term performance of capital markets and institutions.
The Bacterial Oxidation of Vitamin B6 VIII. ENZYMATIC BREAKDOWN OF α-(N-ACETYLAMINOMETHYLENE)SUCCINIC ACID

Abstract Pseudomonas MA-1, a soil organism which forms α-(N-acetylaminomethylene)succinic acid (Compound A) as the first acyclic degradation product during growth on pyridoxine as a sole carbon source, also elaborates an enzyme that destroys this compound. This enzyme, apparently a hydrolase, has been purified approximately 22-fold from crude extracts and shown to catalyze Reaction i. At the purity [see PDF for equation] achieved (0.18 µmole of Compound A destroyed per mg of protein per min at 25°) no cofactor or metal ion requirements were observed, and no diffusible reaction intermediates have been detected.
Fat-oppressive attitudes and the feminist therapist: directions for change

This article will examine the responses of other feminist therapists to the author's anti-fat-oppressive stance. These reactions will be used as a base from which to generate some hypotheses regarding the difficulties that continue to be faced by women therapists in attempts to identify and reduce internalized fat-oppressive attitudes regarding their own bodies and those of their women clients. Suggestions for heightening personal awareness regarding internalized fat oppression, and strategies for reducing fat-oppressive attitudes as a therapist will be presented.
Restoration of Riparian Buffer Function in Reclaimed Surface Mine Soils

Ecosystem processes such as water infiltration and denitrification largely determine how riparian buffers function to protect surface water quality. Reclaimed mine areas offer a unique opportunity to study the restoration of riparian function without the confounding influence of past land use. Between 1980 and 2000 in southern Illinois, agricultural fields with forest buffers were established along three restored stream reaches in reclaimed mine land. Our research objective was to compare common indicators of soil quality (infiltration, soil C and N, bulk density, and soil moisture) between forest and cultivated riparian zones to determine if riparian function was being restored. Soil bulk density was significantly lower in the forest buffers compared to the agricultural fields. The forest buffers had greater soil total C, total N, and moisture levels than agricultural fields likely due to greater organic matter inputs. Soil total C and N levels in forest buffers were positively related to age of restoration, indicating soil quality is gradually being restored in the buffers. Restoration success of riparian buffers should not be estimated by the return of structure alone; it also includes reestablishment of functions such as nutrient cycling and water retention that largely determine water quality benefits. Watershed planning efforts can expect a lag time on the order of decades between riparian restoration activities and surface water quality improvement.
Evaluating Food Stamp Nutrition Education: A View from the Field of Program Evaluation

The purpose of this paper is to review current approaches and issues in the field of program evaluation that apply to the effort of improving the evaluation of Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE). As nutrition educators respond to increasing demands for accountability and measuring results, there are challenges to consider, as well as opportunities to capture. This paper includes a focus on the internal and external functions of evaluation, with attention given to evaluation’s internal use and value in improving practice. A list of 10 building blocks is offered as essential for planning useful and credible evaluation of FSNE.
Uterine position and the activation of male sexual activity in testosterone propionate-treated female guinea pigs.

Abstract Fetal female guinea pigs were delivered surgically and their position within a uterine horn relative to male fetuses was noted. When adult they were ovariectomized, injected daily with testosterone propionate, and examined for male copulatory behaviors in response to the presence of a receptive female. Females that developed contiguous to a caudal male were functionally similar to those that had been situated between two males; both exhibited enhanced levels of mounting relative to females that were located contiguous to no males (with and without the presence of a caudal male) and to females contiguous to a cephalic male. Therefore, both contiguity and positioning of the male fetus are necessary conditions for prenatal mascutinization of the female guinea pig. Lastly, four animals that had resided singly in the uterus displayed the lowest levels of copulatory behaviors.
The Little Elongation Complex Functions at Initiation and Elongation Phases of snRNA Gene Transcription

The small nuclear RNA (snRNA) genes have been widely used as a model system for understanding transcriptional regulation due to the unique aspects of their promoter structure, selectivity for either RNA polymerase (Pol) II or III, and because of their unique mechanism of termination that is tightly linked with the promoter. Recently, we identified the little elongation complex (LEC) in Drosophila that is required for the expression of Pol II-transcribed snRNA genes. Here, using Drosophila and mammalian systems, we provide genetic and molecular evidence that LEC functions in at least two phases of snRNA transcription: an initiation step requiring the ICE1 subunit, and an elongation step requiring ELL.
Hypertonic saline resuscitation after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion induces ileal apoptosis.

Background: We have previously demonstrated that hypertonic saline (HS) resuscitation decreased inflammation and mucosal injury after mesenteric ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R). In contrast to I/R cell necrosis, apoptosis provides controlled cell death that minimizes inflammation. We therefore hypothesized that HS resuscitation after mesenteric I/R would induce apoptosis and decrease mucosal injury. Methods: Rats underwent 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) and then received no resuscitation or resuscitation with 4 mL/kg of HS, 4 mL/kg of lactated Ringer's (LR) solution (equal volume), or 32 mL/ke of LR solution (equal salt load). Rats were killed at 6 hours of reperfusion, and ileum was harvested for analysis. DNA fragmentation (apoptosis) was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and mucosal injury by histology (Chiu score 0-5). Caspase-3 (proapoptotic mediator) and Bcl-xL (antiapoptotic mediator) protein expression were analyzed by Western immunoblot. Results: SMAO with no resuscitation, SMAO with 4 mL/kg of LR, and SMAO with 32 mL/kg of LR increased apoptosis (quantitated by TUNEL) and I/R-induced mucosal injury (quantitated by Chiu score). This was associated with an increase to similar levels in both proapoptotic caspase-3 and antiapoptotic Bcl-xL protein expression. Moreover, SMAO with 4 mL/kg of HS further increased apoptosis but decreased mucosal injury. This was associated with a differential expression of proapoptotic caspase-3 over antiapoptotic Bcl-xL. Conclusion: HS resuscitation after mesenteric I/R significantly increased ileal mucosal apoptosis while decreasing mucosal injury and may represent a novel mechanism by which HS resuscitation after mesenteric I/R reduces inflammation and imparts protection to the gut.
The regional impact of infrastructure investment in Mexico

Looney R. and Frederiksen P. (1981) The regional impact of infrastructure investment in Mexico, Reg. Studies 15, 285–296. Using multiple regression analysis, production functions are estimated for Mexico to examine whether infrastructure's impact on GDP differs depending on the type of investment (economic or social overhead capital) or the type of recipient region (intermediate or lagging). This possibility has been suggested by Hansen. The states were grouped by means of cluster analysis. The results tend to confirm the Hansen thesis: economic overhead capital has had its greatest impact on GDP in intermediate regions while social overhead capital has had its greatest impact in lagging regions. A test for causality indicates that investment precedes income growth. Several policy recommendations are offered on the basis of these results.
Risk Factors for Early Mortality Following Modern Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of early mortality and identify risk factors for early death following modern uncemented THA. Between 2000 and 2006, we identified patients who died within 90 days of THA. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory studies, and complications were analyzed as risk factors for mortality. 38 of 8261 patients undergoing THA (0.46%) died within 90 days postoperatively. Of these, 26% were due to myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis revealed Charlson index > 3, peripheral vascular disease, elevated postoperative glucose, and abnormal postoperative cardiac studies as independent predictors of early mortality following THA. Caution should be taken in patients with increased comorbidities, PVD, perioperative hyperglycemia, and impaired renal function in order to reduce mortality following THA.
Breathwork in body psychotherapy: Clinical applications

The use of conscious breathing practices for the purpose of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual healing has a long and extremely varied history, yet little work has been done to bring these practices into a coherent and unified form that contributes to the field of body psychotherapy (BP). This article focuses on translating theoretical themes developed in a previous publication (Caldwell & Victoria, 2011. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, 6(2), 89–101) into practical applications in the BP profession. The authors propose six clinical themes for the use of breath in BP, a balanced breathing exercise, and four clinical models for integration into BP practice. Recommendations are made for future research and training in this crucial area of BP.
Health related academic technology transfer: rethinking patenting and licensing practices

In this article, I argue that some academic technology transfer professionals are rethinking their mission, their models of success, and their public message. In particular, they are beginning to orientate their activities to take account more explicitly of the missions of academic institutions, the stated purposes of publicly funded research, and the goal of legislation governing academic patenting and licensing. Focusing on health-related technology transfer activities, which have attracted some of the strongest criticism, I review existing, emerging, and suggested practices aimed not at maximising profit but at maximising the social benefit of academic research, some of which employ sophisticated licensing of patented academic inventions and discoveries. These practices, I will argue, should be considered and, where appropriate, employed by academic technology transfer offices, both because they aim to secure a moral good and because they will help academic technology transfer offices achieve a kind of success that closely mirrors the missions of their institutions.
Distorted-wave-approximation cross sections for excitation of the b3Σu+ and B1Σu+ states of H2 by low-energy-electron impact

Distorted-wave-approximation calculations are reported for the excitation of the b 3Σu+ and B 1Σu+ states of H2 by electron impact. A discrete-basis-set method is used to obtain the electron-molecule continuum wave functions. Differential and integrated cross sections are presented from near threshold up to 60-eV electron impact energy. Comparison is made with other theoretical results and experimental data.
The synthesis of ribonucleic acid in sea urchin embryos

Abstract The sea urchin egg rapidly acquires the ability to synthesize protein after fertilization. This activation is due to a changing property of the ribosomes (1). Previous work has shown unfertilized egg ribosomes are capable of directed protein synthesis in the presence of polyuridylic acid (2, 3). The purpose of this report is to present evidence suggesting the hypothesis that the activation of ribosomes is a consequence of the activation of messenger RNA synthesis. Experiments will be described showing that the sedimentation properties of ribosomes from fertilized and unfertilized eggs are virtually identical. RNA synthesis is activated following fertilization, and a portion of this RNA is found in the ribosome fraction. The bulk of the newly synthesized RNA does not possess sedimentation properties of ribosomal RNA.
A method of comparing the frequencies of a pendulum and a tuning fork

This paper describes a method of obtaining a permanent record of the vibrations of a tuning fork against a free pendulum. The apparatus consists of a Coast and Geodetic Survey quarter-second pendulum fitted with special knife edges which are illuminated by a 400-watt projection lamp. The flashes thus produced fall upon a potassium hydroxide photo-electric cell. The few micro-amperes of cell current are amplified by means of a suitable resistance coupled amplifier in order to operate an oscillograph element. This element records its motion on the film of a special high speed camera, giving a record 40 feet in length.
Donor Complaints About Fundraising: What Are They and Why Should We Care?

The Fund Raising Standards Board is the body responsible for the self-regulation of fundraising practice in the UK. As a requirement of membership of this body, charities are required to complete an annual return detailing the complaints received about their fundraising practice in the previous year. We conduct through this study an analysis of these data to highlight the percentage of solicitations in a wide variety of media that result in a complaint. We also examine the nature of those complaints and interpret our results in the context of the wider literature exploring the role of complaints in bolstering customer/donor satisfaction and determining subsequent behaviour.
Paenibacterin, a novel broad-spectrum lipopeptide antibiotic, neutralises endotoxins and promotes survival in a murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced sepsis

Paenibacterin, produced by Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus OSY-SE, is active both against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Paenibacterin showed relatively low cytotoxicity against a human kidney cell line (ATCC CRL-2190), with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)≥109μg/mL. The cationic paenibacterin molecule binds to the negatively charged Gram-negative endotoxins in vitro, suggesting that paenibacterin can neutralise lipopolysaccharides. In a murine septic shock model, two 500μg doses of paenibacterin significantly increased the survival of mice challenged with a lethal level of P. aeruginosa. Considering that paenibacterin is effective against many strains of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, this study suggests that this antimicrobial agent is a promising candidate as a new drug.
Aminoacyl-tRNA formation in the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus.

Thermophilic organisms must be capable of accurate translation at temperatures in which the individual components of the translation machinery and also specific amino acids are particularly sensitive. Thermus thermophilus is a good model organism for studies of thermophilic translation because many of the components in this process have undergone structural and biochemical characterization. We have focused on the pathways of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis for glutamine, asparagine, proline, and cysteine. We show that the T. thermophilus prolyl-tRNA synthetase (ProRS) exhibits cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (CysRS) activity although the organism also encodes a canonical CysRS. The ProRS requires tRNA for cysteine activation, as is known for the characterized archaeal prolyl-cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (ProCysRS) enzymes. The heterotrimeric T. thermophilus aspartyl-tRNAAsn amidotransferase can form Gln-tRNA in addition to Asn-tRNA; however, a 13-amino-acid C-terminal truncation of the holoenzyme A subunit is deficient in both activities when assayed with homologous substrates. A survey of codon usage in completed prokaryotic genomes identified a higher Glu:Gln ratio in proteins of thermophiles compared to mesophiles.
Former Prison and Jail Inmates’ Perceptions of Informal Methods of Control Utilized by Correctional Officers

Correctional officers maintain control of the institutional environment by utilizing both formal and informal methods. Although research focusing on informal methods of control is sparse, studies have indicated these methods are essential for facilities to operate efficiently. This exploratory descriptive study examined differences in former jail and prison inmate perceptions of nine methods of informal control. A limited number of the participants indicated that officers use these methods to punish or control inmates, and from their perspectives, all methods examined were viewed as being effective means of control, to some extent. Differences found between the two groups, as well as recommendations for future research are discussed.
Oxygen Adsorption on Au–Ni(111) Surface Alloys

Molecular O2 dissociates upon interaction with a Ni(111) surface, as the spatial and energetic overlap between the Ni 3d electrons and the O2 antibonding orbitals is quite favorable. On a Au–Ni(111) surface alloy where the extent of this overlap is greatly reduced, exposure to O2 results in adsorption of molecular O2 characterized by three peroxo- or superoxo-like vibrational bands centered at 743, 856, and 957 cm–1 as observed by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. These bands correspond to the stretch vibrational mode of O2 at respective adsorption sites of type pseudo-3-fold fcc/hcp, degenerate-pseudo-2-fold fcc/hcp and bridge, and pseudo-3-fold bridge. These unusual chemical environments are brought about by surface alloying, rather than the presence of Au clusters on Ni, and are further stabilized by a dramatic reconstruction of the top two surface layers, as explained with an idealized surface alloy model in conjunction with electronic structure considerations. The ability to adjust t...
Lack of central sprouting of primary afferent fibers after ricin deafferentation.

A new deafferentation technique, the application of ricin to peripheral nerves, was used to test for collateral sprouting of undamaged primary afferent fibers within the adult mammalian spinal cord dorsal horn. The right sciatic nerves in rats were injected with ricin 14 to 57 days prior to bilateral labelling of dorsal rootlets with horseradish peroxidase. To equate the number of surviving dorsal root fibers on the two sides, the left sciatic nerves were injected 5 days prior to labelling. In each animal, horseradish peroxidase was applied to a bilateral pair of lumbar or low thoracic dorsal rootlets 18 hours prior to sacrifice to test for sprouting by labelling primary afferent fibers and terminals in the right (experimental) and left (control) dorsal horns. Although there is overlap of degenerated and intact primary afferent fields in this preparation, a postulated precondition for sprouting (Murray and Goldberger: J. Neurosci. 6: 3205-3217, '86), we found no evidence for sprouting of undamaged, myelinated afferent fibers in the experimental dorsal horns. The pattern of labelling was symmetrical in all animals, and the density of labelling was not consistently greater on the experimental side. These results support the conclusions of Rodin et al. (J. Comp. Neurol. 215: 187-198, '83) and Rodin and Kruger (Somatosens. Res. 2: 171-192, '84), who also found no sprouting in the rat's dorsal horn after surgical deafferentation, and do not support the assertion that the difference between the results of those studies and earlier studies in cats was due to a lack of overlap of degenerated and intact dorsal roots in the rat.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal regulation, neurotransmitters and affective disorders

Considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that alterations in neurotransmitters may play a role in the etiology of affective disorders on the one hand, and in the regulation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (LHPA) on the other. Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, the opioid polypeptides and dopamine have all been implicated in both phenomena. Although some contradictory evidence exists, norepinephrine, opioids, and GABA appear inhibitory, and serotonin and acetylcholine appear excitatory of the LHPA axis. In a correlative study, non-suppression of cortisol by dexamethasone correlated positively and significantly with methylphenidate-induced euphoric and antidepressant responses, and methadone induced growth hormone responses, possibly suggesting catecholamine and opioid receptor hypersensitivity. Although the overall effects of the cholinomimetic, physostigmine, did not correlate with dexamethasone non-suppression, strong positive correlations were found in a subgroup, consisting of affective disorder patients, between non-suppression of cortisol by dexamethasone and the physostigmine response, suggesting cholinergic hypersensitivity in the non-suppressing subjects.
Few-body nuclear physics in future (e,e′p) experiments

Abstract The short distance structure of few-body nuclear systems will be a focus of the multi-GeV electron accelerators planned for the 1990's. Four example (e,e′p) experiments in the quasi-elastic region are presented. The experiments are chosen to emphasize a particular aspect of few-body nuclear physics. They further illustrate a few of the requirements for experimental equipment at these facilities.
Acetoacetyl-Coenzyme A Thiolase in Brain, Liver, and Kidney during Maturation of the Rat

The development of thiolase in various rat tissues from 7 days before birth to adulthood was studied. Enzyme activities in brain, liver, and kidney during the perinatal period reflect the nutritional environment, whereas those in the adult tissues do not.
Sisters of teen mothers: Increased risk for adolescent parenthood

Abstract Study Objective: We examined the hypothesis that sisters of adolescent mothers are at increased risk for early parenthood compared with other adolescents living in a matched census tract, in the City of Boston, and in other areas of the state of Massachusetts. Setting: The setting was the Young Parents Program (YPP), a multidisciplinary clinic for adolescent mothers and their children, located at Children's Hospital, Boston. Participants: Seventy-eight consecutive adolescent mothers followed in YPP were interviewed, and data were collected on 112 sisters of teen mothers over a 48-month period. Complete information was obtained on only 88 (78.6%) sisters due to clinic attrition. Interventions: Data on the teen sisters were collected by trained interviewers from both a structured interview of consecutive adolescent mothers at intake into YPP, and 24 months and 48 months after intake. Medical records of the teen sisters were also reviewed. Main Outcome Measures: Data collected included number of births to the teen sisters and age at first birth. Birth rates were standardized to births for 15–19-year-olds/1,000 person-years and compared to matched census tract, City of Boston, and Massachusetts birth rates. Odd ratios were calculated. Results: By 24 months after the YPP mother had reached 12 weeks gestation, the birth rate of the previously nulliparous sisters, 15–19 years old, was 138.5/1,000 person-years. Compared to birth rates for the matched census tract, the City of Boston, and Massachusetts, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for births in the sisters were 3.0 (1.5–6.1), 3.9 (1.9–7.9), and 6.4 (3.2–13.0), respectively. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the sisters of adolescent mothers are at increased risk for premature parenthood. This may be due either to exposure to a pregnant or parenting sister or to common risk factors. These theories of etiology and potential interventions are discussed.
Ion mobility adds an additional dimension to mass spectrometric analysis of solution-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange

The goal of this study was to determine the utility of adding ion mobility spectrometry to studies probing the solution-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HX) of proteins. The HX profile of the Hck SH3 domain was measured at both the intact protein and the peptic peptide levels in the Waters Synapt HDMS system which uses a traveling wave to accomplish ion mobility separation prior to time-of-flight (Tof) m/z analysis. The results indicated a similar loss of deuterium with or without use of mobility in the Synapt and a level of deuterium loss comparable with a non-mobility Q-Tof instrument. The drift time of this small protein and its peptic peptides did not noticeably change due to solution-based deuterium incorporation. Importantly, ion mobility separations provided an orthogonal dimension of separation in addition to the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The additional dimension of separation allowed for the deconvolution of overlapping isotopic patterns for co-eluting peptides and extraction of valuable deuterium incorporation data for those peptides. Taken together, these results indicate that including ion mobility separation in HX MS analyses further improves the mass spectrometry portion of such experiments.
HDL Induces the Expression of the M2 Macrophage Markers Arginase 1 and Fizz-1 in a STAT6-Dependent Process

Our lab has previously shown in a mouse model that normalization of a low HDL level achieves atherosclerotic plaque regression. This included the shift from a pro (“M1”) to an anti-inflammatory (“M2”) phenotypic state of plaque macrophages. Whether HDL can directly cause this phenotypic change and, if so, what the signaling mechanism is, were explored in the present studies. Murine primary macrophages treated with HDL showed increased gene expression for the M2 markers Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and Fizz-1, which are classically induced by IL-4. HDL was able to potentiate the IL-4-induced changes in Arg-1, and tended to do the same for Fizz-1, while suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes in response to IFNγ. The effects of either IL-4 or HDL were suppressed when macrophages were from STAT6-/- mice, but inhibitor studies suggested differential utilization of JAK isoforms by IL-4 and HDL to activate STAT6 by phosphorylation. Overall, our results describe a new function of HDL, namely its ability to directly enrich macrophages in markers of the M2, anti-inflammatory, state in a process requiring STAT6.
Quantum Hall stripes in a periodic potential

Abstract We consider the influence of a weak external periodic potential on the stripes at half-integer filling fractions of the upper Landau levels. We find the ground state by minimizing the cohesive energy for the stripes aligned perpendicular to the direction of the applied external modulation.
Experimental evaluation of strategies for quantitative laser-induced-fluorescence imaging of nitric oxide in high-pressure flames (1–60 bar)

Abstract Nitric oxide laser-induced-fluorescence (NO-LIF) 2-D imaging measurements using a new multi-spectral detection strategy are reported for high-pressure flames (1–60 bar). This work builds on previous research that identified interference LIF from O 2 and CO 2 in high-pressure flames and optimized the choice of excitation strategies as a function of application conditions. In this study, design rules are presented to optimize the LIF detection wavelengths for quantitative 2-D NO-LIF measurements over a wide range of pressures (1–60 bar) and temperatures. Simultaneous detection of LIF in multiple wavelength regions enables correction of the NO signal for interference from O 2 and CO 2 and allows simultaneous imaging of all three species. New experiments of wavelength-resolved 1-D LIF in slightly lean ( ϕ = 0.9) and slightly rich ( ϕ = 1.1) methane/air flames are used to evaluate the design rules and estimate the NO detection limits for a wide range of flame conditions. The quantitative 2-D measurements of NO in the burnt gas are compared with model calculations (using GRI-Mech 3.0) versus pressure for slightly lean and slightly rich flames. The discussions and demonstrations reported in this study provide a practical guideline for application of instantaneous 1-D or 2-D NO-LIF imaging strategies in high-pressure combustion systems.
Cutaneous pharmacology of the tetracyclines.

he tetracycline antibiotics are widely prescribed in present dermatologie practice. They are employed in the treatment of infectious diseases of the skin such as impetigo, ecthyma, various pyodermas, granuloma inguinale and syphilis. They are also used in certain other diseases such as dyshidrotic hand eruptions and acne vulgaris, in which their mode of action is either uncertain or unknown. Studies of the systemic pharmacology and toxicology of these drugs are numerous but our knowledge of their cutaneous pharmacology is extremely limited.
Using a constraint satisfaction formulation and solution techniques for random test program generation

Automatic generation of test programs plays a major role in the verification of modern processors and hardware systems. In this paper, we formulate the generation of test programs as a constraint satisfaction problem and develop techniques for dealing with the challenges we face, most notably: huge variable domains (e.g., magnitude of 264) and the need to randomly generate "well distributed" samplings of the solution space. We describe several applications of our method, which include specific test generators targeted at various parts of a design or stages of the verification process.
Joint Estimation of NDE Inspection Capability and Flaw-Size Distribution for In-Service Aircraft Inspections

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is widely used in the aerospace industry, using scheduled maintenance inspections to detect cracks or other anomalies in structural and rotating components. Life prediction and inspection interval decisions in aerospace applications require knowledge of the size distribution of unknown existing cracks and the probability of detecting (POD) a crack, as a function of crack characteristics (e.g., crack length). The POD for a particular inspection method is usually estimated through laboratory experiments on a given specimen set. These experiments, however, cannot duplicate the conditions of in-service inspections. Quantifying the size distribution of unknown existing cracks is more difficult. If NDE signal strength is recorded at all inspections and if crack-length information is obtained after “crack find” inspections, it is possible to estimate the joint distribution of crack length, noise response, and signal response. This joint distribution can then be used to estimate bo...
Oocyte maturation failure: a syndrome of bad eggs

To show that disruption of meiotic competence results in cell cycle arrest, and the production of immature oocytes that are not capable of fertilization. Through an extensive review of animal studies and clinical case reports, we define the syndrome of oocyte maturation failure as a distinct oocyte disorder, present a classification system based on clinical parameters, and discuss the potential molecular origins for the disease.
Robust adaptive dynamic programming for nonlinear control design

This paper presents a robust optimal controller design for unknown nonlinear systems from a perspective of robust adaptive dynamic programming (robust-ADP). The proposed methodology has several novel features. First, the class of nonlinear systems studied in the paper allows for the presence of dynamic uncertainties with unmeasured state and uncertain system order/dynamics. Second, in the absence of the dynamic uncertainty, the online policy iteration technique developed in this paper can be viewed as an extension of the existing ADP method to affine continuous-time nonlinear systems with completely unknown dynamics. Third, the theory of approximate/adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) is integrated for the first time with tools from modern nonlinear control theory, such as the nonlinear small-gain theorem, for robust optimal control design. It is shown that, with appropriate robust redesign, the robust-ADP controller asymptotically stabilizes the overall system. A practical robust-ADP-based online learning algorithm is developed in this paper, and is applied to the robust optimal controller design for a two-machine power system.
Fibrous diamond and diamond coated graphite fibers via the low-pressure solid-state source process (LPSSS)

Abstract We describe herein a new process for the synthesis of diamond and diamond coated graphite fibers. The method uses mixtures of colloidal carbon and carbon fibers as the carbon source with metals and diamonds as seed or catalyst materials. The mixtures are reacted in a pure hydrogen microwave-assisted plasma at 900 °C for 20–22 h. The pre-existing fibers are fully coated with diamond on the surface with a graphite core as shown by Raman and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, various dendritic fibrous forms of diamond not found in chemical vapor deposition appear in several runs.
Identification of Gα13 as One of the G-proteins That Couple to Human Platelet Thromboxane A2 Receptors

Abstract Previous studies have shown that ligand or immunoaffinity chromatography can be used to purify the human platelet thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor-Gαq complex. The same principle of co-elution was used to identify another G-protein associated with platelet TXA2 receptors. It was found that in addition to Gαq, purification of TXA2 receptors by ligand (SQ31,491)-affinity chromatography resulted in the co-purification of a member of the G12 family. Using an antipeptide antibody specific for the human G13 α-subunit, this G-protein was identified as Gα13. In separate experiments, it was found that the TXA2 receptor agonist U46619 stimulated [35S]guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) incorporation into G13 α-subunit. Further evidence for functional coupling of G13 to TXA2 receptors was provided in studies where solubilized platelet membranes were subjected to immunoaffinity chromatography using an antibody raised against native TXA2 receptor protein. It was found that U46619 induced a significant decrease in Gαq and Gα13 association with the receptor protein. These results indicate that both Gαq and Gα13 are functionally coupled to TXA2 receptors and dissociate upon agonist activation. Furthermore, this agonist effect was specifically blocked by pretreatment with the TXA2 receptor antagonist, BM13.505. Taken collectively, these data provide direct evidence that endogenous Gα13 is a TXA2 receptor-coupled G-protein, as: 1) its α-subunit can be co-purified with the receptor protein using both ligand and immunoaffinity chromatography, 2) TXA2 receptor activation stimulates GTPγS binding to Gα13, and 3) Gα13 affinity for the TXA2 receptor can be modulated by agonist-receptor activation.
Geomagnetic storm fields near a synchronous satellite

An apparent early recovery of the main phase of geomagnetic storms at the distance of the synchronous satellite is examined in terms of changing electric current distributions in the magnetosphere during magnetic storms. It is suggested that a rapid recession of the edge of the plasma sheet (after the advance toward the earth during an early epoch of the main phase) is partly responsible for the early recovery. Relevant plasma sheet variations during geomagnetic storms are found to be in agreement with the inferred variations.
Polynomial acceleration of Monte-Carlo global search

We describe a class of algorithms for approximating the global minimum of a function defined on a subset of d-dimensional Euclidean space. The algorithms are based on adaptively composing a number of simple Monte Carlo searches, and use a memory of a fixed finite number of observations. Within the class of algorithms it is possible to obtain arbitrary polynomial speedup in the asymptotic convergence rate compared with simple Monte Carlo.
Septic arthritis in the adult caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: a report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES To identify coexistent diseases, clinical features, approaches to management, and predictors of outcome in patients with pneumococcal septic arthritis. METHODS Case series of 4 adults with Streptococcus pneumoniae septic arthritis seen at a university hospital, plus a review of 115 adults with pneumococcal septic arthritis reported in the medical literature from 1973 through 2003. RESULTS Among our 4 patients, 3 had polyarticular infections, joint prostheses were involved in 1, 3 had underlying joint diseases, and 1 had concurrent meningitis. Infection was caused by penicillin-intermediate/cephalosporine-susceptible S pneumoniae in 1 patient and penicillin-resistant/cephalosporine-intermediate S. pneumoniae in 1 patient. After a mean treatment duration of 6 weeks, all patients were clinically cured of infection. Review of the literature identified 115 cases of S pneumoniae septic arthritis in adults. Clinical data were available for 107 patients. Twenty-nine cases were polyarticular (26%), joint prostheses were involved in 15 patients (13%), and 61 patients had underlying joint disease (57%). Meningitis was a concurrent infection in 15 cases. The presumed primary focus of infection was the respiratory tree in 44 patients. Ninety-six percent of cases were caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms. Cure of infection with survival was achieved in 83% (79 of 95) of patients with native joint septic arthritis and in 67% (8 of 12) of patients with prosthetic joint infection. A good functional outcome (full range of motion or return to baseline range of motion) after infection was achieved by 44 of 71 patients (62%) with native joint infection and by 4 of 7 patients (57%) with infections of prosthetic joints. The likelihood of cure of infection or good functional outcome was not influenced by method of joint drainage. CONCLUSIONS S pneumoniae is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of septic arthritis in the adult. Many patients have underlying joint disease (especially rheumatoid arthritis) and coexistent alcoholism. Although most infections involve native joints, prosthetic joint infections comprise 13% of cases. Polyarticular disease occurs in approximately one quarter of patients. Most patients have a preceding or concurrent extra-articular focus of pneumococcal infection. To date, the majority of reported infections are caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms, so penicillin G or a third-generation cephalosporine such as ceftriaxone remains the appropriate treatment option. However, infection with drug-resistant organisms is likely to be an increasing problem in the future. With directed antimicrobial therapy and appropriate joint drainage, the outcome is generally good for patients with native joint infections. In contrast, only two thirds of patients with infections of prosthetic joints survive their infections. Approximately 40% of surviving patients experience functional impairment or chronic pain as a sequelae of their infection.
Identification of PTSD in Cancer Survivors

The authors measured the rate and determinants of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a group of cancer survivors. Patients who had a history of cancer diagnosis with at least 3 years since diagnosis, receiving no active treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, were interviewed (N = 27). Patients, who were part of the DSM-IV PTSD field trial, were compared with a community-based control group matched for age and socioeconomic status. One member of the survivor group (4%) and no members of the control group met criteria for current PTSD (NS). Six of the survivors (22%) and no control subjects met lifetime criteria (P < 0.02). Cancer patients have a higher rate of PTSD than found in the community. Symptoms closely resemble those of individuals who have experienced other traumatic events.
Effects of Speaker's Immediacy on Receivers' Information Processing:

The experiment examined the effects of a speaker's immediacy on receivers' perceptions of the speaker's credibility, likability, attractiveness, and similarity. A female speaker delivered a 3 1/2-min. message to 71 undergraduate subjects, with immediacy manipulated across two levels. Analysis yielded positive relationships between the speaker's immediacy and the perceptions of likability, similarity, competence, and trustworthiness. An analysis of cognitive responses indicated that the speaker's immediacy affected receivers' information processing by increasing the incidence of positive and neutral thoughts and decreasing negative thoughts about the speech and speaker.
An Interpretation of the Nature of Hodgkin's Disease: III. Report of a Neoplasm in the Rabbit which Corresponds Closely to Hodgkin's Disease in Man

Malignant tumors of the hematopoietic tissue in the rabbit are rare. Feldman (1) records a case of lymphosarcoma. Schultze (2) reports the occurrence of a sarcoma which he succeeded in transplanting. Some of the animals which were given tumor transplants developed a leukemia, and Schultze (3) observed that “the same agent may cause sarcoma, sarcomatosis, and leukemia in the rabbit.” Jianu and Netta (4) record the occurrence of a generalized sarcoma in a rabbit which had been inoculated with an emulsion of a lymph node from a case of Hodgkin's disease in man, but they believed the sarcoma to be a coincidence rather than due directly to the material which they had inoculated. Polson (5) reports a case of lymphosarcoma which he did not regard as of the Hodgkin's type. We have been unable to find in the literature any instance of neoplasia in the rabbit corresponding to the gross and histopathological lesions to be reported in this paper. During the past ten years we have used many hundreds of rabbits in our experimental work on tuberculosis, the large majority of these having been raised in our own breeding colony. Except for the case recorded here and two carcinomata of the uterus in old breeding does, no evidence of malignancy has been observed. Since our stock consists in large part of hybrids, it is not possible to trace the ancestry of the rabbit in which the tumor occurred. A hybrid doe of black and white stock was given a single intravenous injection of heat-killed Brucella abortus in February 1932, and was kept to determine how long after the initial appearance of complement-fixing and agglutinin antibodies these immune substances could be demonstrated. The rabbit was kept in a cage by itself throughout the period of observation, and was handled only for the withdrawal of small samples of blood from an ear vein at infrequent intervals. The sole observation of note from 1932 to 1936 was a complete loss of hair and a marked degree of emaciation in 1933. Such a condition has been recorded in other animals and has per se no relation to the injection of Br. abortus. The animal fully recovered and appeared in good condition thereafter. It died in March 1936, a little over four years after inoculation.