cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Department Stores On Sale: An Antitrust Quandary

In 2005, Macy's bought its largest competitor, May Department Stores, for $17 billion. The resulting combination created a department store behemoth with over one thousand stores across the United States. Despite protests by the attorneys general of a number of states, and consumers and advocacy groups around the country, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") blessed this merger without requiring any modification in its terms. And according to law and economics scholars, this merger had no substantive impact on consumers, competition or consumer welfare. My empirical research, published in an earlier law review article, showed that Macy's now charges consumers 13% more than it did before the merger, and was featured in a page one New York Times article. My empirical research, however, was an observation. This article tells the heart of a very compelling story behind that empirical research and critically analyzes important legal questions. Department stores are an important part of the fabric of American life. For example, more than two years after Macy's changed the name of all Marshall Field's stores in Chicago, people are still picketing the store - in fact they led a large protest at Macy's most recent annual stock holder's meeting. Barely a day goes by without a major newspaper featuring a story on the plight of American department stores and consumer angst over these destructive changes. The FTC, which investigated Macy's acquisition of May, may have erred. This article explains the relevant history of department stores, analyzes the FTC's flawed investigation of the deal, and critiques the narrowly applied law and economics analysis that led to these incorrect conclusions.
Mechanism of coal solubilization by high temperature soaking: Investigation by extractability after soaking under various conditions

Abstract Solvent swelling has previously been examined for coal samples obtained by soaking in toluene at 200 and 350 °C. The result has implied that associative equilibrium is the major factor for large disintegration of coal in high temperature soaking. A systematic study using actual coal liquids was carried out to further investigate the proposition. Although it was very difficult to differentiate chemical and physical phenomena in soaking at 300 to 400 °C, all results obtained under various conditions could be rationalized by associative equilibria. Significant physical dissolution by high temperature soaking of coal was consistent with the associated molecular nature of coal.
Sequencing the head and neck cancer genome: implications for therapy

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies now enables the landscape of genetic alterations in HNSCCs to be deciphered. In this review, we describe the mutation spectrum discovered in HNSCCs, especially human papilloma virus-associated and/or tobacco smoke exposure-associated HNSCCs. We also describe related research from two independent investigators and from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Emphasis is placed on the therapeutic implications of genes frequently altered in HNSCCs (i.e., TP53, PIK3CA, and NOTCH1) and their corresponding pathways, with a particular focus on recent findings of Notch signaling pathway activation in HNSCC. We also discuss the application of integrated genomic pathway-based analysis for precision cancer therapy in HNSCC.
Identification and characterization of the calmodulin-binding domain of neuromodulin, a neurospecific calmodulin-binding protein.

Abstract Neuromodulin (formerly designated P-57) is an abundant, neural specific, calmodulin-binding protein which exhibits higher affinity for calmodulin in the absence of free Ca2+ than in the presence of free Ca2+. In this study a series of proteolytic fragments of neuromodulin were systematically screened for calmodulin-Sepharose binding activity. A 9-amino acid fragment, designated M1-C1 and having the sequence RGHITRKKL, was identified as the putative CaM-binding domain of neuromodulin. Two heptadecapeptides, designated FP57-Phe and FP57-Trp, were synthesized, each containing the M1-C1 sequence and the four flanking amino acids from each site. The FP57-Trp peptide contained a tryptophan residue in place of the native phenylalanine. Anti-FP57-Phe antibody binding to neuromodulin was inhibited by preincubation of antibodies with excess FP57-Phe. 125I-CaM gel overlay of neuromodulin was inhibited by anti-FP57-Phe antibodies. Addition of CaM to FP57-Trp increased peptide tryptophanyl fluorescence. In the presence of Ca2+, the stoichiometry of the FP57-Trp.CaM complex was 1:1, FP57-Trp binding to CaM was competitive with neuromodulin. The Ca2+-independent dissociation constant of the FP57-Phe.CaM complex was 0.41 microM. The Ca2+-dependent affinity of the complex could not be measured directly but appeared to be significantly greater than the Ca2+-independent affinity.
Density of Integral Points on Algebraic Varieties

Let K be a number field, S a finite set of valuations of K, including the archimedean valuations, and OS the ring of S-integers. LetX be an algebraic variety defined over K and D a divisor on X. We will use X and D to denote models over Spec(OS). We will say that integral points on (X,D) (see Section 2 for a precise definition) are potentially dense if they are Zariski dense on some model (X ,D), after a finite extension of the ground field and after enlarging S. A central problem in arithmetic geometry is to find conditions insuring potential density (or nondensity) of integral points. This question motivates many interesting and concrete problems in classical number theory, transcendence theory and algebraic geometry, some of which will be presented below. If we think about general reasons for the density of points the first idea would be to look for the presence of a large automorphism group. There are many beautiful examples both for rational and integral points, like K3 surfaces given by a bihomogeneous (2, 2, 2) form in P×P×P or the classical Markov equation x+ y+ z = 3xyz. However, large automorphism groups are “sporadic” they are hard to find and usually, they are not well behaved in families. There is one notable exception namely automorphisms of algebraic groups, like tori and abelian varieties. Thus it is not a surprise that the main geometric reason for the abundance of rational points on varieties treated in the recent papers [11], [3], [12] is the presence of elliptic or, more generally, abelian fibrations with multisections having a dense set of rational points and subject to some nondegeneracy conditions. Most of the effort goes into ensuring these conditions.
Surveillance and Seroepidemiology

Surveillance has been described as the systematic collection of data pertaining to the occurrence of specific diseases, the analysis and interpretation of these data, and the dissemination of consolidated and processed information to contributors to the program and other interested persons.
CYTOKINESIS AND BUILDING OF THE CELL PLATE IN PLANTS.

▪ Abstract Cytokinesis in plant cells is more complex than in animals, as it involves building a cell plate as the final step in generating two cells. The cell plate is built in the center of phragmoplast by fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles. This step imposes an architectural problem where ballooning of the fused structures has to be avoided to create a plate instead. This is apparently achieved by squeezing the vesicles into dumbbell-shaped vesicle-tubule-vesicle (VTV) structures with the help of phragmoplastin, a homolog of dynamin. These structures are fused at their ends in a star-shaped body creating a tubulovesicular “honeycomb-like” structure sandwiched between the positive ends of the phragmoplast microtubules. This review summarizes our current understanding of various mechanisms involved in budding-off of Golgi vesicles, delivery and fusion of vesicles to initiate cell plate, and the synthesis of polysaccharides at the forming cell plate. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved i...
The myth of phenomenological overflow

In this paper I examine the dispute between Hakwan Lau, Ned Block, and David Rosenthal over the extent to which empirical results can help us decide between first-order and higher-order theories of consciousness. What emerges from this is an overall argument to the best explanation against the first-order view of consciousness and the dispelling of the mythological notion of phenomenological overflow that comes with it.
Large-scale urban environment modeling from videos using image content segmentation and alignment

Detailed geometric modeling from images is very important but extremely complex and computationally expensive. In this paper we present an algorithm for large-scale urban terrestrial geometric modeling from videos. In the proposed approach, we classify and segment the contents of images based on the knowledge about the scene. Then the segments of each image are aligned to similar segments of the consecutive images and warped accordingly. The alignment and warping provide an overall image-to-image matching and allow us to achieve refined dense pixel matching more efficiently and reliably. In our experiment, we reconstruct the dense three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of a street and buildings from the video captured by a camera mounted on top of a vehicle. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm works effectively for difficult scenes such as objects that lack of texture or under unfriendly lighting conditions.
84 DEFICITS IN MOTHER-INFANT INTERACTION (MIA) ASSOCIATED WITH EARLIER OCCURRENCE/SEVERITY OF MALTREATMENT

It is not clear what factors influence early versus later onset of child maltreatment sufficiently severe to be detected. In a prospective double-blind study, 34 mother (M)-infant (I) pairs were observed @ 6 months (m) postpartum; 13 I's already had been identified (ID) as maltreated & were compared with the 21 later (TBI) identified. Data from these MIA observations were examined for probability of transition between 4 dyadic states: both (B), infant (I), mother (M), or neither (N) responding. Response transitions (RT) more likely in the ID group were: I drops out (BM, p=.02), abrupt mutual cessation (BN, p=.04) & I stops (IN, p= .004). RT more likely for TBI were: continuation of coacting (BB, p=.002), initiation of coacting (MB, p=.10) & M failing to join (II, p=.006). TBI also spent more total time coacting (B, p=.006) while ID spent more time quiescent (N, p=.01). From other research comparing normal with TBI MIA, it is known that the coacting state (B) & RT BB & MB distinguish normal while the quiescent state (N) & RT BN & II characterize TBI. In this study the coacting state (B) & RT BB, MB & II predominate in TBI while the quiescent state (N) & RT BN are more likely for ID. The remaining RT distinguishing ID (BM, IN) reflect cessation of I response. Except for RT II, TBI MIA resembles normal more than ID, suggesting that deficits in MIA are associated with earlier occurrence and/or severity of maltreatment.
XERODERMA PIGMENTOSUM VARIANT : GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBROBLASTIC CELL LINES TRANSFORMED WITH SV40 LARGE T ANTIGEN

Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) fibroblasts from the XP4BE strain (CRL1162) were transformed with the SV40 large T antigen with the purpose of generating immortalized cell lines that are defective in post-replication repair (PRR). Two transformation and selection protocols were used and at least two independent clones were obtained, which behaved in culture as immortal cell lines. Fingerprinting analyses were used to demonstrate their origin from XP4BE cells and to compare their genetic profiles. These cell lines were shown to be hypersensitive to killing by uv when compared to SV40-transformed fibroblasts derived from foreskins of normal neonates. One of the XPV transformed cell lines (CTag) was characterized further as a potential source of cell-free extracts with capability for catalyzing the T antigen-dependent in vitro replication of plasmid DNA carrying the SV40 origin of replication. In this assay system, CTag extracts were shown to be as active as those produced from HeLa cells. In vitro replication of uv-damaged plasmid DNA by protein extracts from PRR-defective (XPV) and PRR-proficient cells might allow the identification and characterization of protein factors that contribute to normal replication of uv-damaged DNA. Ultraviolet irradiation of plasmid DNA templates caused dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro replication by both HeLa and CTag extracts.
Management of Functional Voice Disorders in Adolescents

This article describes the nature and treatment of functional voice disorders in adolescents. It summarizes physiological and psychological changes that occur in adolescence, the types of functiona...
E-066 Dural sinus stenting for advanced pseudotumor cerebri with papilledema: patient selection and results

Pseudotumor cerebri in its advanced form creates severe papilledema which can threaten vision or cause blindness. A subgroup of pseudotumor patients with this advanced clinical picture have intracranial dural sinus outflow obstruction which is completely reversible with elimination of the offending venous pressure gradient by stent placement over the focal lesion causing the gradient. This procedure corrects the underlying cause of the increased intracranial pressure. Traditional surgical corrections, including shunts—lumboperitoneal, ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial—and optic nerve sheath fenestration do not correct the underlying hemodynamic abnormality and have high failure rates in follow-up. Dural sinus stents, on the other hand, have remained uniformly patent and our patients’ papilledemas have not recurred. This procedure should replace traditional surgical approaches in appropriately selected patients. The presentation will focus on the clinical evaluation and selection of these patients for treatment. Our clinical results (currently 19 stent placements in 18 patients) will be presented, with follow-up extending to 10 years.
Planting date and nitrogen management interactions in irrigated maize

Abstract It is becoming increasingly important to develop economically and environmentally sound nitrogen fertilizer management practices. The objective of this experiment was to determine the optimum N application time-crop planting time combination(s) at two N rates which would maximize N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) and maintain high grain yields of irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) in the western Corn Belt of the USA. Maize was planted three times at biweekly intervals during 1979–1981 on a Typic Argiudoll in eastern Nebraska. The 15N-depleted (NH4)2SO4 was applied at rates of 90 or 180 kg N/ha in a band midway between maize rows at planting, or at the 4-, 8-, or 16-leaf growth stage during 1979–1980. Control plots (no N fertilizer applied) were maintained in each planting date. No N was applied during 1981 to allow study of residual treatment effects. Grain dry-matter yield and total N and fertilizer N (FN) contents of grain were determined, and NFUE was calculated as the fraction of FN in grain to applied FN. Very high N supply by the soil resulted in small effects of FN on yield and NFUE during the first year of treatment. According to the response surface analysis, greatest NFUE (52%) in concert with high grain yield (11.2 Mg/ha, the predicted maximum) would have been achieved by applying the low N rate at the 13- to 14-leaf growth stage to maize planted during the week before the average date of 10 May. Due to lower soil N supply the 2nd year of treatment, most corn with 90 kg N/ha did not produce near-maximum grain yields. However, yields within 10% of maximum were obtained when 90 kg N/ha was applied to the early planting at the 14- to 16-leaf stage, and NFUE was 67–71% with this treatment. Maximum NFUE with the application of 180 kg N/ha was only 44%. Recovery of residual FN in this silty clay loam soil was an important factor in the improvement of NFUE with delayed N applications the second year of treatment. In 1981, recovery of residual FN generally increased with a previous delay in N application time and was not greatly influenced by planting time. Early planting in combination with a modest rate of N applied very late during vegetative growth provided maximum recovery of FN in harvested grain, while maintaining high grain yields.
Energy Bands in Diamond

Calculations of the valence and conduction bands of a covalent crystal by the augmented-plane-wave (APW) method are carried out in the case of diamond for 256 points in the first Brillouin zone. The bands show an unexpected gap between the first conduction bands and those that lie immediately above them. The calculated position in the Brillouin zone of the conduction-band minimum agrees with that determined experimentally by Warren, Wenzel, and Yarnell by the inelastic scattering of neutrons. It proved necessary to use the average potential between the APW spheres as a disposable parameter in order to obtain a satisfactory energy gap for the bands.
Explicit trace inequalities for isogeometric analysis and parametric hexahedral finite elements

We derive new trace inequalities for NURBS-mapped domains. In addition to Sobolev-type inequalities, we derive discrete trace inequalities for use in NURBS-based isogeometric analysis. All dependencies on shape, size, polynomial degree, and the NURBS weighting function are precisely specified in our analysis, and explicit values are provided for all bounding constants appearing in our estimates. As hexahedral finite elements are special cases of NURBS, our results specialize to parametric hexahedral finite elements, and our analysis also generalizes to T-spline-based isogeometric analysis. We compare the bounding constants appearing in our explicit trace inequalities with numerically computed optimal bounding constants, and we discuss application of our results to a Laplace problem. We finish this paper with a brief exploration of so-called patch-wise trace inequalities for isogeometric analysis.
Treatment Outcomes for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Early Intervention Populations

Abstract Research indicates that close to half of infants, toddlers and preschool children enrolled in early intervention programs funded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have a c...
Petri net model with fuzzy timing and fuzzy-metric temporal logic

This paper is concerned with a Petri net model having fuzzy timing and fuzzy real-time temporal logic. In an earlier paper, we introduced a Petri net model with four fuzzy set theoretic functions of time but no algorithms were given for computing the two important operators called, earliest and latest. In this paper, we first present algorithms for performing these two operations on fuzzy functions of time. Then we extend the existing concept of (real-time) metric temporal logic to fuzzy metric temporal logic by expressing the metrics for state and time constraints in terms of fuzzy possibility distributions. Finally we combine the two concepts of fuzzy-timing Petri net and fuzzy metric temporal logic to introduce a new Petri net model called the temporal-logic fuzzy-timing Petri net (TLFTN). The paper concludes with an algorithm and illustrative example for model checking using TLFTNs. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fitting semi-Markov models to interval-censored data with unknown initiation times.

In a semi-Markov model, the hazard of making a transition between stages depends on the time spent in the current stage but is independent of time spent in other stages. If the initiation time (time of entry into the network) is not known for some persons and if transition time data are interval censored (i.e., if transition times are not known exactly but are known only to have occurred in some interval), then the length of time these persons spent in any stage is not known. We show how a semi-Markov model can still be fit to interval-censored data with missing initiation times. For the special case of models in which all persons enter the network at the same initial stage and proceed through the same succession of stages to a unique absorbing stage, we present discrete-time nonparametric maximum likelihood estimators of the waiting-time distributions for this type of data.
Glucose regulation of specific gene expression is altered in a glucokinase-deficient mutant of Tetrahymena.

Expression of the galactokinase gene in Tetrahymena thermophila can be repressed by glucose, glucose analogs, and epinephrine, each apparently acting through increased intracellular levels of adenosine 3′:5′-cyc lic monophosphate (cAMP) (1). To characterize further the initial steps in the control of galactokinase gene-expression by glucose, we have analyzed mutants which are defective in the metabolism of this sugar; these mutants were selected for their resistance to the glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose (2). In one such mutant that is deficient in glucokinase, the synthesis of galactokinase is totally resistant to repression by glucose or its analogs, while repression by exogenous catecholamines or dibutyryl cAMP is unaffected. Radiochromatographic analyses of extracts of wild-type cells incubated with [14C]-deoxyglucose reveal intracellular conversio to several deoxyglucose metabolites, principally deoxyglucose-6-P and smaller amounts of deoxyglunose 1-P and 2-deoxygluconate; extracts of glucokinase-deficient cells prepared in a similar manner contain only trace amounts of deoxyglucose-6-P. The glucose analog 3-O-methylglucose, which is transported but not phosphorylated in wild-type cells, also cannot maintain repression of galactokinase. These results establish that the transport and subsequent phosphorylation of glucose are required for glucose-initiated repression of galactokinase gene expression, possibly acting by modulation of catecholamine or cyclic AMP levels. Additionally, we show unequivocally that: (a) cells containing derepressed levels of galactokinase are repressed upon the addition of glucose by inhibition of the synthesis of new enzyme and dilution of preformed enzyme concomitant with cell division, rather than through selective inactivation or degradation of galactokinase; and (b) glycerol kinase, glucokinase and fructokinase activities also are repressed by glucose in wild-type Tetrahymena, indicating that the glucose repression phenomenon is pleiotropic. Because the glucose repression of the synthesis of each of these enzymes is abolished in cells deficient in glucokinase, the regulatory mechanisms elucidated for repression of galactokinase synthesis are likely to be of wide significance.
Pertussis Toxin-Catalyzed ADP-Ribosylation: Effects on the Coupling of Inhibitory Receptors to the Adenylate Cyclase System

AbstractThe adenylate cyclase system consists of stimulatory and inhibitory hormone and drug receptors coupled through different GTP-binding proteins to a catalytic unit, responsible for the synthesis of cAMP from ATP. Pertussis toxin blocks the effect of inhibitory agonists on the catalytic unit by enzymatically inactivating the inhibitory GTP-binding protein (Gi). Study of the inhibitory arm of the cyclase system has been facilitated by the dissection of the overall process of hormonal inhibition of cAMP formation into a series of reactions characteristic of the individual protein components of this complex system; pertussis toxin has proven to be a useful tool with which to study these individual reactions. Exposure of cells or membranes to pertussis toxin in the presence of NAD results in ADP-ribosylation of a 41,000 Da subunit of Gi. ADP-ribosylation of Gi has a number of effects on the overall and partial reactions of the cyclase system, including a loss of a) hormonal inhibition of cAMP formation, ...
Isolates of soil actinomycetes with potential for phytotoxin production

Agar plate screening of 220 isolates of soil actinomycetes for phytotoxin production resulted in selection of six isolates that inhibited (≥70%) one or both indicator plants for further studies. Cell-free broth of the two isolates, diluted in a 1:1 ratio, significantly reduced seed germination and radicle growth of six plants species on filter paper bioassay. Both isolates were inhibitory to velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), a difficult weed to control. Phytotoxin from cell-free fermentation broth of one of the isolates (no. 48), sequestered by solvent extraction, was bioassayed on filter paper. Seed germination and growth of cress (Lepidium sativum) and barnyard-grass (Echinochloa crusgalli) were severely reduced at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/ml concentration, respectively. Solvent extract of mycelia was marginally inhibitory indicating that the phytotoxin was largely extracellular.
The Lived Experiences of Resilient Single Mothers Who Raised Successful Black Men

This transcendental phenomenological study (Moustakas, 1994) describes the lived experiences of resilient mothers who raised successful Black men in absent-father homes. The 8 themes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences are explored in detail. The author provides recommendations for counselors, public school administrators, and community organizations providing services to single mothers and their children.
Cold Gas Injection for Erosion Protection

A method for providing shape-stable, high-performance re-entry through an ablative/erosive environment has been developed. This concept involves injection of cold gas through an array of discrete sonic orifices. The gasous injectant produces a relatively thick layer of dense material which is designed to decelerate and break up incoming particles and droplets. The overall nosetip design rationale is presented and modeling predictions are compared to data obtained in two series of tests performed in a 10-MW arc facility with and without particle flow.
Self-managed teaming and team effectiveness in interdisciplinary capstone design

The purpose of this paper is to present results from an interdisciplinary design course that utilized an inquiry-based approach to guide students in producing “smart” safety equipment for firefighters. This study explores the benefits and challenges of promoting interdisciplinarity through self-managed teaming. The participants included 12 students in an interdisciplinary capstone design course, with 4 each from electrical and computer engineering, industrial design, and marketing. The course was designed so that students self-managed their teams in an inquiry-based learning mode with the objective of designing safety equipment for firefighters that utilizes “smart” technology. The researchers observed and video-recorded each class and administered the Team Diagnostic Survey and concept map activities. Results indicated that students benefited from the self-managed teaming and also encountered various challenges in this project-based course, but they were able to succeed in both product design and crossing disciplinary boundaries. Recommendations for interdisciplinary teaming pedagogy are discussed.
Polarization in neutron-deuteron elastic scattering at 1.0 MeV

Abstract The neutron polarization produced in the scattering of 1 MeV neutrons by deuterons has been remeasured for a c.m. scattering angle of 110°. A polarization P2 = 0.013±0.021 was measured at this energy and angle.
Purdue Ionomics Information Management System. An Integrated Functional Genomics Platform

The advent of high-throughput phenotyping technologies has created a deluge of information that is difficult to deal with without the appropriate data management tools. These data management tools should integrate defined workflow controls for genomic-scale data acquisition and validation, data storage and retrieval, and data analysis, indexed around the genomic information of the organism of interest. To maximize the impact of these large datasets, it is critical that they are rapidly disseminated to the broader research community, allowing open access for data mining and discovery. We describe here a system that incorporates such functionalities developed around the Purdue University high-throughput ionomics phenotyping platform. The Purdue Ionomics Information Management System (PiiMS) provides integrated workflow control, data storage, and analysis to facilitate high-throughput data acquisition, along with integrated tools for data search, retrieval, and visualization for hypothesis development. PiiMS is deployed as a World Wide Web-enabled system, allowing for integration of distributed workflow processes and open access to raw data for analysis by numerous laboratories. PiiMS currently contains data on shoot concentrations of P, Ca, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, B, Se, Mo, Na, As, and Cd in over 60,000 shoot tissue samples of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), including ethyl methanesulfonate, fast-neutron and defined T-DNA mutants, and natural accession and populations of recombinant inbred lines from over 800 separate experiments, representing over 1,000,000 fully quantitative elemental concentrations. PiiMS is accessible at www.purdue.edu/dp/ionomics.
P=f(M X A): Cognitive Ability as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Personality and Job Performance

This study tested the validity of the use of personality tests with aptitude tests as predictors of performance for 203 warehousers using an interactive model. Results indicated cognitive ability explained a significant 2% of the variance in performance, with the interaction between cognitive ability and personality explaining a significant incremental 9% of the variance in performance. These results indicate a need to expand our models of the relationship between personality characteristics and job performance.
Preparation and particle size analysis of chromium hydroxide hydrosols of narrow size distributions

Abstract Chromium hydroxide sols of submicronic particles of narrow size distributions can be prepared by aging chromium sulfate or chrom alum solutions at elevated temperatures. The size distributions and the particle concentrations were obtained in situ using light scattering techniques.
Optimum dissociating condition for immunoaffinity and preferential isolation of antibodies with high specific activity

Using an immunoaffinity model consisting of a high performance matrix (Affi-prep-10) with normal human IgG as ligand, and hyperimmune goat anti-human IgG (heavy and light chain active) antibodies, we compared the efficacies of 13 elution reagents. Efficacy was considered in terms of specific activity and total quantitative recovery of the eluted antibody. The optimum, general-purpose dissociation reagent for this immunoaffinity system is 3.0 M MgCl2.6H2O, 0.075 M Hepes/NaOH, with 25% ethylene glycol pH 7.20. The antibodies recovered from diluted (1/2) goat serum with this dissociation reagent have a SpAct of 1.87 times and a total recovery of 6.33 times that of a comparable experiment using the usual eluant of 1.0 M glycine/HCl, pH 2.00. We also demonstrated that the SpAct of antibodies recovered from immunoaffinity procedures performed under antibody excess and antigen limiting conditions is 2.36-8.00 times higher than that produced by antigen excess and antibody limiting configurations.
HGPRT activity changes in preimplantation mouse embryos.

TO compensate for unequal doses of genes on the X chromosomes of males and females, one of the X chromosomes in the somatic cells of mammalian females is inactive1. This inactivation occurs early in development, although the exact time is unknown2. Before X-chromosome inactivation, and in the absence of other dosage compensating mechanisms, female embryos with two X chromosomes would be expected to have twice as much activity for an X-linked enzyme as male embryos with only one X chromosome. In a litter with approximately an equal number of male and female embryos, the distribution of enzyme activity should have two equal-sized peaks separated by a factor of two. The change from a bimodal to unimodal distribution would indicate that X-chromosome inactivation had occurred. Early in development, the X-linked enzymes α-galactosidase (α-gal)3 and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT)4,5 are both derived from embryonic gene activity. α-gal was found to have a bimodal distribution at the morula stage3. For HGPRT, Monk and Kathuria6 found no bimodality at either the eight-cell or blastocyst stages, however further analysis revealed bimodality at certain stages7. Epstein et al.8 have found that females have twice as much HGPRT activity as males in early blastocysts. We present here evidence for the activity of both the maternal and paternal X chromosomes by the eight-cell stage, with inactivation initiated at blastulation.
Central visual pathways and the distribution of sleep in 24-hr and 1-hr light-dark cycles

The role of the central visual pathways in determining the distribution of sleep in light-dark (LD) cycles in the circadian and ultradian range was examined. EEG, EMG, and brain temperature were recorded under 24-hr (LD 12:12 or LD 10:14) and 1-hr (LD 0.5:0.5) cycles in rats which received either (1) no lesion, (2) primary optic tract lesions, (3) lesions of dorsal and lateral terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system, (4) lesions of medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system, or (5) retinohypothalamic tract-suprachiasmatic nucleus lesions. Under 24-hr cycles, about 40% of sleep occurred in the dark in intact rats. Retinohypothalamic tract-suprachiasmatic nucleus lesions abolished this entrainment of sleep to the LD cycle. Under 1-hr cycles, 90% of REM sleep occurred in the dark periods in intact rats. While primary optic tract lesions attenuated this response, it was not completely abolished by any of the visual system lesions. The characteristic LD distributions of sleep in circadian and ultradian cycles may therefore be under separate neural control by the central visual system.
Alterations in distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes in the liver of rats force-fed a threonine-devoid diet.

Abstract In a kwashiorkor-like experimental model in which young rats were force-fed a purified diet devoid of threonine, the livers have previously been reported to show enhanced RNA and protein synthesis as well as a shift toward heavier polyribosomes with decreased monosomes in comparison with control animals force-fed the complete diet. As a follow-up study, this investigation reports chemical and electron microscopic evidence that there is an increase in hepatic ribosomes in rats fed the experimental diet and that this increase is relatively greater in the free ribosomal fraction than in the total or bound ribosomal fraction. The chemical evidence is based on analyses of hepatic free ribosomes, as well as by fractionation of liver homogenate into nuclear, ribosomal and soluble RNA fractions.
Clinical research directions in pediatric cardiology

Purpose of review Clinical research in pediatric cardiology is under-appreciated and under-funded, yet it has enormous implications for cardiovascular health and healthcare over the entire life-course. Renewed interest in federally funded clinical research makes it timely to propose a comprehensive research agenda that, with its associated rationale, will attract public funds for research into child cardiovascular health and disease. Recent findings We propose here a comprehensive pediatric cardiology research agenda consisting of 22 topics and associated research questions. We describe the following five topics in more detail: the need for life-course studies of pediatric cardiac disease and epigenetic factors for later onset of cardiovascular effects; the need to study cardiometabolic disease risk in children; recent pediatric cardiology clinical trials and observational studies; the need to explore the role of physical activity in preventing and treating pediatric cardiology patients; and the need to develop and implement evidence-based interventions to manage pediatric cardiovascular problems. Summary If the field of pediatric cardiology can adopt a comprehensive research agenda that identifies the most-needed studies, then research could be better coordinated, long-term and collaborative studies would be more readily organized and funded, and the overall financial and scientific efficiency of research in pediatric cardiology would be improved. Targeted research efforts are more likely to realize potential breakthroughs in areas such as genetic and epigenetic screening, biomarkers, cardioprotective strategies, life-course studies, long-term monitoring technologies, environmental influences on disease, evidence-based practice guidelines, and more rapid and safer development of drugs.
Longitudinal space charge in final-focus systems for linear colliders☆

Abstract In the final-focus system of a linear collider, the effect of longitudinal space charge can be significant. A diverging or converging ultra-relativistic beam experiences a longitudinal space-charge force which is independent of the beam energy. This force, though weak and often neglected, causes an energy variation across the bunch which depends on the beam size, beam-pipe radius and bunch population and this may affect the chromatic correction of a beam line. Because of the inherent large chromaticity of a typical final-focus system, a very small energy variation, induced in the final focus, can lead to an intolerable increase of the spot size at the interaction point. The space-charge force, thus, gives rise to a limit on bunch intensity beyond which the resulting spot-size increase will degrade the collider performance. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of the longitudinal space charge and derive intensity limits for the three existing or proposed final foci.
Actinide ENDF/B-VII cross-section evaluations and validation testing

We describe advances made recently at Los Alamos for ENDF/B-VII, and for future ENDF releases, of actinide cross-section evaluations. Using americium as an illustrative example, we describe recent experiments that have largely confirmed the nuclear theory predictions that were the basis for the ENDF/BVII.0 data for these americium reactions. The goal of this paper is to highlight some of the open issues in our understanding of the actinide nuclear data – especially for fast reactor applications – and show examples of how experiment, theory, and integral data validation has advanced our understanding. We will also describe the usage of these data in MCNP and SN radiation transport simulations of various integral critical systems, for both criticality and for transmutation reaction rates.
DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL CYTOCHROME P4501B1 IN THE RAT

A 57-kDa protein whose expression in rat adrenocortical microsomes is increased after weaning has been identified as cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1). Levels of CYP1B1 protein were moderately expressed in late gestation fetuses and on postnatal day 1 (pd1), but were nearly undetectable on pd6 and pd10. CYP1B1 expression initially increased in the late preweaning period (pd17–19) and again immediately postweaning (pd21–24). The temporal coincidence of CYP1B1 expression and weaning was not due to transition from suckling to solid food, as neonates that were prematurely weaned showed no increase in adrenal CYP1B1 compared with normally weaned littermates. The pattern of CYP1B1 expression paralleled changes in microsomal metabolism of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), a marker of CYP1B1 activity. Twice daily injections of ACTH to rat pups (pd3–10) failed to significantly increase the expression of CYP1B1 in pd10 adrenals, although the injections weakly stimulated steroidogenesis. Adrenocortical cells from pd1...
Cantharidin production in a blister beetle

Cantharidin, a potent defensive chemical, is present in all ten life stages of the blister beetleEpicauta funebris. The first five larval stages accumulate cantharidin as they feed and grow in size. When disturbed, they exude cantharidin in a milky oral fluid, not in hemolymph which adult beetles reflexively discharge from leg joints. Two subsequent larval stages and the pupa do not feed, grow, regurgitate, or change in their defensive reserves (110 μg cantharidin/insect, regardless of sex). Adult beetles kept in isolation for 60–90 d exhibit a pronounced sexual dimorphism in cantharidin production: the male biosynthesizes about 17 mg of the toxin, representing 10% of his live weight, whereas the female actually loses most of her defensive reserves. But in the wild a female beetle repeatedly acquires cantharidin as copulatory gifts from her mates.
Effect of Riboflavin Intake on the Content of Egg Whites and Yolks from Individual Hens

Abstract THE importance of riboflavin, also called vitamin B2 or vitamin G, in poultry feed is quite generally recognized. Numerous studies have been made concerning the relationship of riboflavin to hatchability, chick growth, and the prevention of curled-toe paralysis. The effect of riboflavin intake on the content of eggs has not been studied extensively and particularly since improved methods of analyses have become available. Eggs are one of the good sources of riboflavin in the human diet and the relationship of the amount of riboflavin in poultry feeds to the content in eggs needs further study. Ellis, Miller, Titus, and Byerly (1933) noted that the riboflavin content of the diet influenced the content of the eggs, which was further observed by Heiman (1935). A more complete study to show this effect was made by Norris and Bauernfeind (1940) in which they used groups of hens fed different levels of riboflavin. Their . . .
Resolving Scientific Service Interoperability With Schema Mapping

We address the problem of service composition to implement complex scientific workflows. The BioOn-Map approach exploits domain ontologies to develop sound and scalable methods to compose and reconciliate automatically bioinformatics services invoked within a scientific workflow.
Structure And Properties Of Novel Benzo[a]phenoxazinium Photochemotherapeutic Agents

The approach used for the development of some novel benzophenoxazinium photosensitizers is presented. Considerations that have influenced the design of these dyes include structure/function relationships pertaining to such properties as selective tumor staining, fluorescent quantum yields and photosensitized singlet oxygen formation (1O2). General trends in the relative photodynamic behavior exhibited by these new dyes in cell culture are discussed. The results indicate that several of the dyes have significant photosensitizing efficacy.
Evaluating Redband Trout Habitat in Sagebrush Desert Basins in Southwestern Idaho

Abstract We estimated abundance quantiles of redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri relative to five site-specific habitat variables (stream shading, bank cover, bank stability, fine sediment in the stream substrate, and cover for adults) and one landscape variable (distance from stream headwaters) on 30 streams in southwestern Idaho during 1993–1998. In addition, the five site-specific habitat variables were used to calculate a habitat suitability rating (HSR) used by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to determine habitat quality of sagebrush desert streams for redband trout. Variation in abundance increased significantly with increasing HSR; the highest abundances were only found with high HSRs, indicating that the HSR model correctly predicted habitat quality for redband trout. However, a model that consisted of stream shade, distance from stream headwaters, and their interaction best predicted redband trout density, explaining 36% of the variation in adult density in sagebrush desert basin strea...
Synthesis of 10‐deazariboflavin and related 2,4‐Dioxopyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines

Condensation of substituted anthranilaldehydes with barbituric acid results in the formation of 2,4-dioxopyrimido[4,5-b]quinolines. Using this general synthetic approach, 7,8-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-10-ribityl-2,3,4,10-tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline (10-deazariboflavin) was prepared by the condensation of barbituric acid with 4,5-dimethyl-N-ribitylanthranilaldehyde. The latter was obtained in situ by the treatment of 1-[4,5-dimethyl-N-(ribityl)anthraniloyl]-2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)hydrazine, prepared from 4,5-dimethylanthranilic acid with anhydrous sodium carbonate.
Thermal properties of kinetic spray Al-SiC metal-matrix composite

Kinetic spray deposition provides a new means for producing composite materials with tailored physical properties. We report on measurements of the thermal conductivity and thermal-expansion coefficient for several compositional variations of kinetically sprayed Al-SiC metal-matrix composites. As a result of the deposition process, inclusion of SiC particles saturates in the 30-40% volume fraction range.
Vibrational modes of the vinyl and deuterated vinyl radicals.

Following the initial report of the detection of fundamental transitions of all nine vibrational modes of the vinyl radical [Letendre, L.; Liu, D.-K.; Pibel, C. D.; Halpern, J. B.; Dai, H.-L. J. Chem. Phys. 2000, 112, 9209] by time-resolved IR emission spectroscopy, we have re-examined the assignments of the vibrational modes through isotope substitution. Precursor molecules vinyl chloride-d3, vinyl bromide-d3, and 1,3-butadiene-d6 are used for generating vibrationally excited vinyl-d3 through 193 nm photolysis. The nondeuterated versions of these molecules along with vinyl iodide and methyl vinyl ketone are used as precursors for the production of vinyl-h3. IR emission following the 193 nm photolysis laser pulse is recorded with nanosecond time and ∼8 cm−1 frequency resolution. A room-temperature acetylene gas cell is used as a filter to remove the fundamental transitions of acetylene, a photolysis product, in order to reduce the complexity of the emission spectra. Two-dimensional cross-spectra correlati...
The Russo‐Turkish war and the ‘Eastern Jewish question’: Encounters between victims and victors in Ottoman Bulgaria, 1877–8

(1996). The Russo‐Turkish war and the ‘Eastern Jewish question’: Encounters between victims and victors in Ottoman Bulgaria, 1877–8. East European Jewish Affairs: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 53-66.
Branching algorithms for solving the group technology problem

Abstract In this paper, a group technology (GT) problem with bottleneck parts and bottleneck machines is considered. Three heuristic algorithms based on different branching schemes are developed. Each algorithm uses the cluster identification concept. The first algorithm solves an unconstraint GT problem. The second heuristic considers a constraint restricting the number of machines in each cell. The third algorithm screens machines and parts to identify bottlenecks. The algorithms are illustrated with numerical examples and an industrial case study.