cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3935: AnnexinA2 regulates invasion and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through Semaphorin3d.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a devastating disease with a median survival of less than six months, is characterized by its high metastatic ability and a lack of effective therapies. The mechanisms involved in promoting metastasis of PDA have yet to be elucidated. We recently identified AnnexinA2 (AnxA2) as a PDA-associated antigen. Tyr23 phosphorylated AnxA2 promotes metastasis of PDA cells, while shRNA knockdown, knockout or therapeutic inhibition of AnxA2 prevents metastasis to the liver in a mouse model. To identify downstream mediators of AnxA2 signaling, we evaluated gene expression differences in cell lines derived from the primary tumors of mice that express AnxA2 (KPC) and are metastatic or lack AnxA2 expression (KPCA) and are unable to metastasize. Using microarray analysis, we observed that expression of the ligand-receptor pair Semaphorin3d (Sema3d) and PlexinD1 (PlxnD1) was significantly down regulated in the non-metastatic KPCA cells. Sema3d and PlxnD1 were first identified as axon guidance genes. However, recently, axon guidance genes, including Sema3d and PlxnD1, were recently found by the International Cancer Genome Consortium to be among the cellular pathways that are most frequently altered by genetic mutations and amplification in human PDA (Biankin 2012). Therefore, we hypothesized that AnxA2 interacts with Sema3d and PlxnD1 in PDA to induce metastasis. We confirmed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis in multiple independent tumors from KPC and KPCA mice that Sema3d and PlxnD1 expression is down regulated in the absence of AnxA2 expression. AnxA2, Sema3d and PlxnD1 colocalize at the cell surface during pancreatic tumor development when AnxA2 is expressed. Interestingly, co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated a direct interaction between Sema3d and AnxA2 in PDA cells supporting our hypothesis that AnxA2 regulates the secretion of Sema3d from PDA cells to enable its paracrine interaction with PlxnD1 resulting in invasion of PDA cells. Clinically, we have found that Sema3d expression correlates with increased lymphovascular invasion, increased perineural invasion, poor survival and increased metastatic potential in human PDA patients. Therefore, understanding the pathways that lead to metastasis of PDA will enable the development of more effective therapeutics and better clinical outcomes. Citation Format: Kelly Foley, Donger Zhou, Qian Xiao, Agnieszka Rucki, Guanglan Mo, Lanqing Huang, Anirban Maitra, Elizabeth Jaffee, Lei Zheng. AnnexinA2 regulates invasion and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through Semaphorin3d. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3935. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3935
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for a Discrete Multivariate Shock Model

Abstract A k-variate Bernoulli distribution with k + 1 parameters is obtained as a shock model in which shocks are fatal to single components only or to all components simultaneously in a k-component system. The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for model parameters is fully characterized. In the most complex case, the MLE is displayed as a simple function of the smallest positive root of a kth degree polynomial. An iterative scheme that converges monotonically to the desired root is given. Results are applied to the analysis of data on asthma attacks reported by Cowan et al. (1963).
A human dihydrofolate reductase pseudogene and its relationship to the multiple forms of specific messenger RNA.

The presence of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFRase)-specific sequences that, in contrast to the normal DHFRase gene, are not amplified in a methotrexate-resistant cell line, has been detected in the DNA from human sperm and from several human cell lines. DNA fragments containing some of these sequences have been isolated from a cosmid library of human sperm DNA. One of these fragments contains a DHFRase pseudogene (λHD1) that completely lacks introns, has 92% sequence homology to the corresponding region of normal DHFRase complementary DNA, but exhibits several alterations that make it nonfunctional. The sequence analysis of the inserts of four different plasmids containing the reading frame and varying lengths of the 3′ non-coding regions of human DHFRase-specific cDNAs has revealed that the 3′ non-coding segments all are colinear in their corresponding portions. Furthermore, the data indicate that the cDNA of one of the plasmids is probably derived from the smallest of the three main human DHFRase messenger RNAs, the 0·8×103 base (0·8 kb) mRNA, the cDNA of two others, from the 1·0 kb mRNA, and the cDNA of the fourth, from a longer mRNA. These results are consistent with the idea that the multiple forms of DHFRase mRNA in human cells derive from the same gene by different transcription or RNA-processing events. Moreover, the sequence comparison between the ψHD1 and the different DHFRase cDNAs clearly indicates that, if an mRNA intermediate has participated in the formation of this pseudogene, a form of mRNA larger than the 1·0 kb mRNA, probably the 3·8 kb mRNA, must have been involved.
Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II is independent of P-TEFb in the C. elegans germline

RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation in metazoans is thought to require phosphorylation of serine 2 (Ser2-P) of the Pol II C-terminal domain (CTD) by the P-TEFb complex, CDK-9/cyclin T. Another Ser2 kinase complex, CDK-12/cyclin K, which requires upstream CDK-9 activity has been identified in Drosophila and human cells. We show that regulation of Ser2-P in C. elegans soma is similar to other metazoan systems, but Ser2-P in the germline is independent of CDK-9, and largely requires only CDK-12. The observed differences are not due to differential tissue expression as both kinases and their cyclin partners are ubiquitously expressed. Surprisingly, loss of CDK-9 from germ cells has little effect on Ser2-P, yet CDK-9 is essential for germline development. By contrast, loss of CDK-12 and Ser2-P specifically from germ cells has little impact on germline development or function, although significant loss of co-transcriptional H3K36 trimethylation is observed. These results show a reduced requirement for Pol II Ser2-P in germline development and suggest that generating Ser2-P is not the essential role of CDK-9 in these cells. Transcriptional elongation in the C. elegans germline thus appears to be uniquely regulated, which may be a novel facet of germline identity.
The U wave and aberrant intraventricular conduction. Further evidence for the Purkinje repolarization theory on genesis of the U wave.

Abstract The Purkinje system repolarization theory on the genesis of the U wave was tested by correlating the incidence of aberrancy of atrial premature systoles with the timing of the U wave and other measurements in 126 electrocardiograms selected from 6,000 records. Coupling (R s -R p ) intervals were measured from the onset of the QRS complex of a sinus (s) beat to that of the premature (p) beat, and 149 different R s -R p intervals were studied. Criteria used for diagnosing aberrancy were significant changes in the QRS amplitude and significant alterations in the QRS contour. The incidence of aberrancy was plotted against (1) the R s -R p interval; (2) the ratio between the R s -R p and R s -R s intervals (the basic cycle length); (3) the ratio between P s -P p (the interval from a sinus P wave to a premature P wave) and P s -P s (the sinus cycle length); (4) the interval from the end of the preceding T wave to the premature QRS complex (T-R p interval); (5) the interval from the apex of the U wave of the sinus beat to the premature QRS complex (aU-R p ); and (6) the interval from the end of the preceding U wave to the premature QRS complex (eU-R p ). As expected, a decrease in either of these values tended to increase the incidence of aberrancy. However, smooth S-shaped curves were noted with aU-R p and eU-R p intervals only. The correlation was much poorer with the other four measurements. Aberrancy with a typical right or left bundle branch block pattern was observed only when the premature QRS complex occurred before the apex of the U wave, the left bundle branch block pattern occurring with greater prematurity. It is concluded that the U wave most likely represents phase 3 repolarization of the Purkinje system, and propagation of supraventricular impulses during this period is the cause of aberrant ventricular conduction.
Time-since-death and bone weathering in a tropical environment

The structural breakdown of skeletal remains follows a lengthy decomposition process, progressing from the appearance of cracking along the bone to complete loss of shape and skeletal integrity, that can occur in as early as 6 years or as long as 30. The length of time a set of skeletal remains takes to decompose depends heavily upon its micro-environment, the local context in which decomposition agents act on remains. Critical changes in the micro-context can drastically increase or slow the process. The burial of remains below the surface has been found to effectively shut out many of the most destructive decaying agents, such as the natural elements and insect and animal activity. This causes an increase in the amount of time needed to breakdown the skeletal remains. A better understanding of the decomposition process in varying micro-contexts is important for the ability to correctly estimate time since burial. This can aid not only in understanding of archaeological remains, but also in the identification of individuals in modern forensic and human rights cases. This study details the observations made during the excavation and analysis of burials on the Isla de Coiba off the coast of Panama. The excavation took place during the summer 2003 in an effort to identify several individuals who were believed to be part of the 'disappeared', people who went missing and believed to have been murdered under orders by the Torrijos and Noriega military regimes. Through the fieldwork analysis a decomposition timeline, specific for the Coiba micro-environment, was created. This new set of stages can be used to estimate time since burial in other areas whose local context is similar to that found on Coiba.
The Unified Theory for Chain Branching Thermal Explosions with Dissociation-Recombination and Confinement Effects

Abstract The complete time-history of a spatially homogeneous, constant volume model of self-initiated branched-chain explosion including high temperature dissociation arid recombination is examined. This model is motivated by characteristic chemical kinetic steps that are known to occur in H2-O2 systems. The kinetic scheme consists of high activation energy/initiation and chain-branching reactions, a zero activation energy gas phase termination reaction, a high activation energy dissociation reaction and a zero activation energy recombination reaction. Perturbation techniques and asymptotic methods are employed to find the transient response of the system temperature and species concentrations, when the high activation energy limit is valid. The chain branching explosion time is defined by very rapid growth of the chain carriers with little change in temperature. It is found that the slow initiation reactions delay the chain branching explosion time significantly compared to that found in simple reactive...
Rate-equation model for quantitative concentration measurements in flames with picosecond pump–probe absorption spectroscopy

Measurement of radical concentrations is important in understanding the chemical kinetics involved in combustion. Application of optical techniques allows for the nonintrusive determination of specific radical concentrations. One of the most challenging problems for investigators is to obtain flame data that are independent of the collisional environment. We seek to obviate this difficulty by the use of picosecond pump–probe absorption spectroscopy. A picosecond pump–probe absorption model is developed by rate-equation analysis. Implications are discussed for a laser-pulse width that is much smaller than the excited-state lifetime of the absorbing atom or molecule. The possibility of quantitative, quenching-independent concentration measurements is discussed, and detection limits for atomic sodium and the hydroxyl radical are estimated. For a three-level absorber–emitter, the model leads to a novel pump–probe strategy, called dual-beam asynchronous optical sampling, that can be used to obtain both the electronic quenching-rate coefficient and the doublet mixing-rate coefficient during a single measurement. We discuss the successful demonstration of the technique in a companion paper [Appl. Opt. 34, XXX (1995)].
Blastomycosis-induced respiratory failure: The successful application of continuous positive airway pressure

A patient diagnosed with pulmonary blastomycosis was seen initially by her primary care physician for severe pain in her right elbow and was treated with steroid therapy and analgesics. She also had been treated for chronic cough and congestion for approximately 2 months before admission. She showed no improvement at home. She was hospitalized for right epicondylitis, and progressively worsening restrictive pulmonary symptoms developed, including hypoxemia and dyspnea. She was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated with mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and intravenous amphotericin B. Despite worsening hypoxemia, successful management of oxygenation was achieved with CPAP, averting the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. This case demonstrates the usefulness of CPAP in infectious disorders that create restrictive lung impairment.
The Sequential, Complementary and Synergistic Activation of Fibrin-bound Plasminogen by Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Pro-urokinase

Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and pro-urokinase (pro-UK) are the two principal activators of the fibrinolytic system. They share a relative fibrin specificity related to their selective activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen, but achieve this by very different mechanisms. Some of the properties of pro-UK, which contrast with those of t-PA, are reviewed. These include zymogenicity and stability in plasma, lack of significant fibrin affinity and requirement for a certain conformational change in Glu-plasminogen. This conformation appears to be induced principally when Glu-plasminogen is bound to carboxyterminal lysine residues which interact with the high affinity lysine binding sites. These residues become available on fibrin only after degradation has been initiated. By contrast, in a plasma milieu, fibrin-bound t-PA was found to activate plasminogen on intact fibrin. This plasminogen binding involves internal lysine residues which interact with the weak lysine binding site on Kringle 5. The two activators are therefore sequential and complementary in their activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen. This complementariness helps to explain their synergistic fibrinolytic effects when combined. The findings also explain the lag phase characteristic of pro-UK but not t-PA-induced clot lysis. They also help account for the unusually high dose requirements for t-PA and pro-UK in therapeutic thrombolysis when each is used alone. A rationale for combination therapy is provided which may mimic the natural design for fibrinolysis.
The relative biostratigraphic values of fossils

The three primary biostratigraphic attributes of fossils comprise, geographical range, facies distribution, and vertical range. All attributes can be quantified in several manners. Relative biostratigraphic value (RBV) represents the amount of information which can be gained from observing the presence of a selected species. Several measures are available, three of which are discussed here. RBV1 weights all three attributes equally and this index is a comprise between time-stratigraphic correlation and establishing the persistence of a particular biofacies. RBV2 assigns double weight to the vertical range compared to the other two parameters; this index is designed to identify species that are useful for time correlation. For some data sets a reasonable estimate, RBV3, can be obtained solely from the vertical range. The biostratigraphic attributes and RBV's can be applied in several manners. Examples are: to determine the relations between the parameters, comparison of the biostratigraphic properties of different data sets and groups of taxa, use RBV's as weighting functions, and to select subsets of taxa with high RBV's for correlation.
Evolution of InP surfaces under low fluence pulsed UV irradiation

Abstract An InP wafer was irradiated in air by a series of UV pulses from a nitrogen laser with fluences of 120 mJ/cm2 and 80 mJ/cm2. These fluences are below the single-pulse ablation threshold of InP. Over the studied region the distribution of the radiation intensity was uniform. The number of pulses varied from 50 to 6000. The evolution of the surface morphology and structure was characterized by atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The relationship between mound size and the number of pulses starts out following a power law, but saturates for a sufficiently high number of pulses. The crossover point is a function of fluence. A similar relation exists for the surface roughness. Raman spectroscopic investigations showed little change in local crystalline structure of the processed surface layer.
Contemporary management of meconium ileus.

Meconium ileus was noted as an early manifestation of cystic fibrosis in 60 neonates between 1972 and 1991. There were 20 girls and 40 boys. A family history of cystic fibrosis was present in six children. Twenty-five neonates had uncomplicated meconium ileus due to inspissated meconium within the terminal ileum. Thirty-five neonates presented with 56 complications of meconium ileus, including volvulus (n=22), atresia (n=20), perforation (n=6), and giant cystic meconium peritonitis (n=8). Clinical presentation included abdominal distension, bilious vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. In two recent cases, prenatal ultrasonography detected a mass with proximal bowel distension indicative of cystic meconium peritonitis. Mechanical bowel obstruction in the other neonates was diagnosed from plain abdominal radiographs and barium enema. Ten patients with uncomplicated meconium ileus were successfully treated with a diatrizoate meglumine (Gastrografin) enema. The remaining 15 patients required a laparotomy, with 9 treated by bowel resection and enterostomy and 6 recent cases managed with enterotomy and irrigation. Complicated cases were managed by bowel resection and anastomosis (n =15) or enterostomy (n=20). Survival at 1 year was 92% in patients with uncomplicated meconium ileus and 89% for those with complicated meconium ileus. The therapy of choice for uncomplicated meconium ileus is nonoperative Gastrografin enema, with enterotomy and irrigation reserved for enema failures. Complicated cases require exploration and, in the absence of giant cystic meconium peritonitis, are usually amenable to bowel resection and primary anastomosis.
CORRECTIONS TO THE GROUND STATE ENERGIES OF SHALLOW DONORS IN SILICON AND GERMANIUM

Abstract The correct potential in the effective mass equation should be the difference of the potential of a donor in the solid and that of an atom of the semiconductor host crystal. In the present paper such a difference potential is constructed for the central-cell region (defined by a sphere of radius of half the nearest neighbor distance), by making use of the Thomas-Fermi statistical theory, and considered as a perturbation to the potential (a simple Coulomb potential shielded by the static dielectric constant of the semiconductor) of the uncorrected theory. Using first-order perturbation theory the energy corrections are computed and the ground state energies of P, As, Sb and Bi in Si and Ge are found to be (the minus signs are not denoted) 31, 35, 39,45 meV and 8·9, 9·3, 9·6, 10.0 meV, respectively, representing a definite improvement over the values of 29 meV and 9.2 meV which were predicted for all donors in Si and Ge, respectively, by the uncorrected theory. The possible sources of the still remaining discrepancies between theoretical and experimental values are discussed and attributed partly to effects outside of the central-cell region and partly to approximations involved in the present treatment that resulted in obtaining a lower limit for the size of the corrections.
What features of limb movements are encoded in the discharge of cerebellar neurons

This review examines the signals encoded in the discharge of cerebellar neurons during voluntary arm and hand movements, assessing the state of our knowledge and the implications for hypotheses of cerebellar function. The evidence for the representation of forces, joint torques, or muscle activity in the discharge of cerebellar neurons is limited, questioning the validity of theories that the cerebellum directly encodes the motor command. In contrast, kinematic parameters such as position, direction, and velocity are widely and robustly encoded in the activity of cerebellar neurons. These findings favor hypotheses that the cerebellum plans or controls movements in a kinematic framework, such as the proposal that the cerebellum provides a forward internal model. Error signals are needed for on-line correction and motor learning, and several hypotheses postulate the need for their representations in the cerebellum. Error signals have been described mostly in the complex spike discharge of Purkinje cells, but no consensus has emerged on the exact information signaled by complex spikes during limb movements. Newer studies suggest that simple spike firing may also encode error signals. Finally, Purkinje cells located more posterior and laterally in the cerebellar cortex and dentate neurons encode nonmotor, task-related signals such as visual cues. These results suggest that cerebellar neurons provide a complement of information about motor behaviors. We assert that additional single unit studies are needed using rich movement paradigms, given the power of this approach to directly test specific hypotheses about cerebellar function.
HUME'S FOUR PHILOSOPHERS: RECASTING THE TREATISE OF HUMAN NATURE

Disappointed by the indifferent reception of his 1739 Treatise of Human Nature, particularly in view of his commitment to vividness and convincingness as epistemological criteria, Hume recast crucial arguments from his Treatise in “The Epicurean,” “The Stoic,” “The Platonist,” and “The Sceptic,” four pieces from his 1741–2 Essays Moral and Political. Locating these texts within both the dialogue and essay genres, I demonstrate how Hume continues the project of the Treatise by showing, rather than telling, his views: he blends rhetoric and reasoned argument to show that they are in many cases indistinguishable; he depicts his speakers' conclusions as consequences of their personalities to show his skepticism about human freedom; and he concludes, in a moment strongly reminiscent of the famous end of Book I of the Treatise, by showing the limits of philosophy itself.
Catherine Leroy editor Under Fire: Great Photographers and Writers in Vietnam 192 pages. Random House (2005). ISBN 1400063582. Hardcover $35.00

The ability of the photographic image to expose the truth is a widely accepted idea. The veracity of photography is, in fact, one of its signature yet controversial qualities. A visual image can cu...
Optimizing GaN/AlGaN multiple quantum well structures by time-resolved photoluminescence

We present the results of picosecond time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements for GaN/AlxGa1-xN MQWs with varying structural parameters, grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition under the optimal GaN-like growth conditions. We have shown that the optimal GaN/AlGaN (x approximately 0.2) MQW structures for UV light emitter applications are those with well widths ranging from 12 and 42 angstroms and barrier widths ranging from 40 to 80 angstroms. The decreased quantum efficiency in GaN/AlxGa1-xN MQWs with well width LW 42 angstroms is associated with an increased nonradiative recombination rate as LW approaching the critical thickness of MQWs. For the barrier width dependence, when the barrier width is below the critical thickness, the nonradiative recombination rate increases with a decrease of the barrier width due to the enhanced possibilities of the electron and hole wavefunctions at the interfaces as well as in the AlGaN barriers. On the other hand, the misfit dislocation density increases as the barrier width approaches the critical thickness, which can result in an enhanced nonradiative interface recombination rate. Our optimized GaN/AlxGa1-xN MQW structures exhibited extremely high quantum efficiencies as well as a ratio of well emission intensity to barrier emission intensity exceeding 104.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Microstructural Characterization and Charge Transport in Thin Films of Conjugated Polymers

The performance of semiconducting polymers has been steadily increasing in the last 20 years. Improved control over the microstructure of these materials and a deeper understanding of how the microstructure affects charge transport are partially responsible for such trend. The development and widespread use of techniques that allow to characterize the microstructure of semiconducting polymers is therefore instrumental for the advance of these materials. This article is a review of the characterization techniques that provide information used to enhance the understanding of structure/property relationships in semiconducting polymers. In particular, the applications of optical and X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning probe techniques in this context are described.
An efficient method for detecting connectivity in neural ensembles

Modern technology is allowing researchers to collect data from neural ensembles with a large number of units, and the analysis of interaction between these units can be very time consuming. Estimation of pairwise connectivity is the most common method of determining the neural 'network' but usually necessitates the production of numerous histograms for each pair considered. We present a method which will indicate which pairs in a network represent potential connections and thereby simplify the postexperimental analysis. The technique uses cross-interval information to create an n × n matrix which represents all possible connections in an n neuron ensemble and can be calculated recursively on-line. The performance of this technique is analyzed with respect to data size and strength of the connections. It is compared to 2 similar techniques that are also presented here, one in which perfect knowledge of the timing of the excitation is known, and one in which the timing can be bounded.
Problematic Sociality: Uncertainty and the Study of Social Problems

John Kitsuse and Malcolm Spector’s theoretical framework for the analysis of social problems is revisited and an alternative formulation is sketched out, albeit one that maintains a focus on constructivist processes. Spector and Kitsuse’s model posits actors (claims-makers and counter-claimants) who possess moral certitude regarding what is objectionable and worthy of remedial action; by contrast, the present discussion suggests grounding the study of social problems in experiences characterized by uncertainty. The concept of “problematic sociality” is proposed as a way of identifying such circumstances. Sociality — routine, coordinated and manageable forms of association among individuals and between groups — becomes problematic when interactions are experienced as persistently difficult to navigate, distressing, or otherwise viscerally onerous. Encounters with problematic sociality may be connected to underlying social transformations and disruptions. The concept of problematic sociality therefore suggests there is merit in pairing the study of social problems with the study of social change.
Influence of Selenium on the Microvasculature of the Retina

The impact of small differences in selenium exposure during the first year of life was investigated in male Wistar rats. Forty-five rats were evaluated in two experiments. Rats were provided diets that contained sucrose as the sole carbohydrate to induce an elevation in blood triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin. In each experiment one-half the rats received 0.1 mg Se/kg and the other half 0.2 mg Se/kg diet. Both levels of selenium supported normal activity of the marker for selenium sufficiency erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase. In experiment 1 rats were maintained in galvanized cages and in experiment 2 they were housed in stainless steel cages. In both experiments rats provided 0.2 mg Se/kg diet had fewer acellular degenerating capillaries and a higher ratio of pericyte to endothelial cells in the capillary wall than those fed 0.1 mg/kg as well as fewer vessels over the optic disc head. In the second experiment, the height of the central choroid was also greater in rats exposed to the higher level of selenium suggesting that the element protected the capillaries in this region from degeneration. In contrast to vascular tissue, the retinal parenchymal tissue was unaffected by the level of selenium exposure. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the microvasculature has a unique requirement for selenium.
District Accountability without a State Assessment: A Proposed Model.

Most states have adopted assessment and accountability systems that involve common measures of student performance. A state assessment system that allows school districts to choose the specific strategies they use to measure student performance on state-adopted content standards presents a unique state accountability challenge. The authors propose an accountability model that addresses this challenge using a combination of student performance, technical quality, and noncognitive indicators of performance. They also describe a study that evaluated the proposed model using data from all school districts in a southern state.
The electronic structure of dodecahedrane and the nature of the central cavity

Abstract A wavefunction for dodecahedrane has been obtained usine the molecular orbital method PRDDO. Energies for the inclusion compounds C 20 H 20 X for X = H + , H 2 , He, Li + , Li − , Be and Be 2+ have been obtained with X located at the center of the cavity. The C 20 H 20 -H + complex is weakly bound while that with Be 2+ is strongly bound.
Robotic locomotion of three generations of a family tree of dynamical systems. Part I: Passive gait patterns

This paper includes the latest results of our research effort in developing a family of energetically efficient robots that can produce stable gait. Gravity powered bipeds provide ample proof for the possibility of designing robots that can walk using minimal energy. It is conceivable that mechanisms that are much simpler than legged robots can also produce gravity powered locomotion. In this paper, we present the results of our study of the first three generations of the family: a single mass, a two-mass, and a three-mass system. We show that these three systems can generate a rich set of passive gaits such as hopping, tapping, and walking each including various gait modes. These periodic passive gaits are sustained based on conditions for the physical parameters of the systems. We have developed a preliminary “contact based rule of passive gait patterns” that seems to work well for the first three generations of the family. We think that this rule can be extended to more complex generations of the family. The control issues are presented in Part II of this paper.
Effects of chronic ethanol ingestion on the activity of rat liver mitochondrial 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase.

Abstract Chronic ethanol ingestion induced a 47% increase in the specific activity of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase (nucleoside-2′:3′-cyclic-phosphate 2′-nucleotidohydrolase, EC 3.1.4.37) in whole mitochondria. Both inner and outer mitochondrial membranes showed increased (cyclic nucleotide)phosphohydrolase activity, but the inner was increased 94% compared to 67% for the outer. Techniques which disrupt membrane structure increased (cyclic nucleotide)phosphohydrolase activity. After these treatments, whole mitochondria from ethanol-treated animals still showed a 50% increase in activity. This increase may be related either to an inherent increase in the resistance of (cyclic nucleotide)phosphohydrolase to protein degradation or turnover, or to ethanol-induced membrane changes. An increase in (cyclic nucelotide)phosphohydrolase reaction medium pH was observed when freshly isolated, highly-coupled mitochondria were used. The total increase in pH was about 2-fold greater in the controls compared to the ethanol-treated mitochondria. It is suggested that the smaller initial increase in pH and the greater activity of (cyclic nucleotide)phosphohydrolase in the mitochondria from the ethanol-treated animals relate to previously observed changes in the lipid and protein composition of the mitochondrial membranes. In addition, (cyclic nucleotide)phosphohydrolase may represent an excellent marker for membrane integrity.
A bulky bis N-heterocyclic carbene complex of iron with coordination number of six: [CpFe(CO)(CH2(ImtBu)2)]I (where ImtBu = 3-tert-butyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl-2(3H)-ylidene)

article i nfo The crystal structure of the title compound, (CpFe(CO)(CH2(Im tBu )2))I (where Im tBu =3 -tert-butyl-1H-imidazol- 1-yl-2(3H)-ylidene) (1), has been studied by X-ray diffraction. A piano-stool geometry is observed with binding of the Cp ring in three coordination sites, the chelating bis N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand in two sites, and the CO ligand. This molecule is a cation and the iodide provides a counter-anion that is not coordinated. This struc- ture is similar to other bidentate chelating NHC complexes in the literature, but the combination of t-butyl groups in a pseudo-six-coordinate complex makes the title compound more sterically crowded than its literature analogs. This complex is remarkably stable, with attempts to displace the CO ligand proving unsuccessful and leading to no reac- tion or decomposition under forcing conditions. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Interaction of O2− and NO in the Thick Ascending Limb

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of NaCl absorption by the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (THAL). The free radical superoxide (O(2)(-)) reacts with NO, decreasing its bioavailability. O(2)(-) is produced by mitochondria and various oxidases, some of which are present in the THAL. However, the ability of the THAL to produce O(2)(-) and its interaction with NO have not been studied. We hypothesized that NO bioavailability is decreased by O(2)(-). THALs were isolated and perfused and NO production was measured with an NO-selective microelectrode. Addition of L-Arg (250 micromol/L), but not D-arginine, to the bath increased NO release by 34.8 +/- 11.8 pA (n=7). The response to L-Arg was completely abolished by the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (n=7). Scavenging THAL O(2)(-) with the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic Tempol (50 micromol/L) increased L-Arg-induced NO release. At all concentrations of L-Arg tested (50, 100, 250, 500, and 750 micromol/L), further addition of Tempol to the bath significantly increased NO release by THALs. Addition of SOD (300 U/mL) to the bath increased L-Arg-induced NO levels by 82% (n=5; P<0.02). Pretreatment of THALs with the SOD inhibitor diethyl-dithiocarbamate (250 micromol/L) blunted L-Arg-induced NO release by 63% compared with untreated tubules (n=5; P<0.05). Finally, we tested the effect of Tempol on NO-induced inhibition of THAL chloride transport. Addition of L-Arg decreased THAL Cl(-) absorption by 35%. Subsequent addition of Tempol (50 micromol/L) to the bath further decreased Cl(-) absorption by 35% (n=6; P<0.05). We conclude that NO bioavailability in the THAL is decreased by O(2)(-). In addition, we believe our studies are the first to show that endogenous O(2)(-) may act as a physiological regulator of nephron NaCl transport.
Another look at Bruen chains

Abstract One way to obtain a (hopefully) new nondesarguesian translation plane is by constructing a new spread which is not subregular. Chains of reguli in a regular spread of PG (3, q ) were first introduced by Bruen as a device to obtain in a fairly large replaceable partial spread, and hence such a nonsubregular spread. In this paper, we describe various operations on chains enabling us to construct an extremely rich class of replaceable partial spreads, at least for small values of q . We also give a new chain for q = 17.
Voltage-dependent potentiation of L-type Ca2+ channels due to phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Voltage-dependent potentiation of L-type Ca2+ channels due to phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase
Relative value relevance of historical cost vs. fair value: Evidence from bank holding companies

Abstract This study complements the growing literature on the value relevance of fair value by examining the validity of the hypothesis that fair value is more informative than historical cost as a financial reporting standard for financial instruments. Using the fair value disclosures made under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 107 and SFAS No. 115 by bank holding companies (BHCs) over the 1995–98 period, we compare the relative explanatory power of fair value and historical cost in explaining equity values. For our entire sample, we are unable to detect a discernible difference in the informativeness of fair value measures collectively relative to historical cost measures. However, for small BHCs and those with no analysts following, we find that historical cost measures of loans and deposits are more informative than fair values. Anecdotal evidence indicates that loans and deposits are not actively traded and often involve more subjectivity with respect to the methods and assumptions used in estimating their fair values. In contrast, fair value of available-for-sale securities, which are more actively traded in well-established markets, explains equity values more than historical cost. Taken together, our results are consistent with the notion that fair value is more (less) value relevant when objective market-determined fair value measures are (not) available. More importantly, our results suggest that simply requiring fair value as the reported measure for financial instruments may not improve the quality of information for all BHCs unless appropriate estimation methods or guidance for financial instruments that are not traded in active markets can be established.
The rippled structure in bilayer membranes of phosphatidylcholine and binary mixtures of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol

Freeze-fracture electron microscopy is used to study the rippled texture in pure dimyristoyl and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine membranes and in mixtures of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. Evidence is presented that the apparent phase transition properties of multilamellar liposomes may be dependent on the manner in which liposomes are prepared. Under certain conditions the ripple structures as visualized by freeze-fracture electron microscopy for the pure phosphatidylcholines are observed to be temperature dependent in the vicinity of the pretransition. Thus the transition can sometimes appear to be a gradual transition rather than a sharp, first-order phase transition. In mixtures of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, the ripple repeat distance is found to increase as the cholesterol concentration is increased between 0 and 20 mol%. Above 20 mol%, no rippling is observed. A simple theory is presented for the dependence of ripple repeat spacing on cholesterol concentration in the range 0--20 mol%. This theory accounts for the otherwise inexplicable abrupt increase in the lateral diffusion coefficients of fluorescent lipids in binary mixtures of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol when the cholesterol concentration is increased above 20 mol%.
Layout strategies for retail operations: A case study

The purpose of this study was to research retail layout of a local super market. The five concepts of retail layout were used to determine if the super market was achieving an effective layout. To accomplish this study, we applied previous studies, conducted interviews, and made use of the store for our own research. After discovering that the local supermarket needed some improvements, recommendations were made to improve the supermarket from the customers’ point of view. The other objective of our study was to determine if the supermarket utilised floor space to maximise profitability per square foot. Our findings helped to verify whether the supermarket implemented an appropriate layout.
“EXTRACTING” POLICY FROM JUDICIAL OPINIONS: THE DANGERS OF POLICY CAPTURING IN A FIELD SETTING

Policy-capturing techniques have been used to assess factors thought to influence judicial decisions relevant to human resource management. This article explains why the “advice” offered human resource management practitioners and others based on these studies can be incomplete and misleading. Substantive knowledge needed to independently evaluate research involving judicial decision making in field settings is provided. Five dangers associated with the use of policy capturing in the context indicated are identified, discussed, and then illustrated. Alternative research investigating the role of legal inputs in HRM using lawyers as subject matter experts is suggested.
The role of nitrogen oxides in nonurban ozone formation in the planetary boundary layer over n America, w europe and adjacent areas of ocean

Abstract The status of knowledge on photochemical ozone formation and the effects of nitrogen oxides and peroxyacyl nitrates on such formation have been evaluated. The literature is reviewed on 1. (a) nonurban ozone and nitrogen oxide concentration distributions, (b) ozone lifetimes, (c) nitrogen oxide lifetimes, and (d) ozone formation in plumes as related to nitrogen oxide. The modeling approaches applied to ozone formation 1. (a) with urban plumes, 2. (b) power plant plumes, 3. (c) high pressure systems, and 4. (d) during longerrange transport of ozone are discussed. In addition, models concerned with the contributions to ozone formation associated with reactions of natural hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide near ground level and photochemical ozone formation associated with reactions of carbon monoxide and of more persistent organic species with nitrogen oxides in the free troposphere are considered. It is concluded that urban plumes are major contributors to elevated ozone concentrations measured at nonurban locations, particularly during the passage of high pressure systems. Ozone can survive at significant concentration levels for more than one day of transport. However, the evidence for multiday ozone transport is to a large extent associated with transport over water. Ozone formation during the first day of transport does not appear to be limited by the availability of nitrogen oxides. However, it is likely that multiday formation and transport of ozone within the boundary layer is limited in duration because of the relatively short lifetimes of nitrogen oxides and peroxyacyl nitrates. Photochemical formation of ozone in the free troposphere may be an important contributor to longer-time average ozone concentrations in rural areas. These free tropospheric processes depend in part on anthropogenic sources of precursors and are especially sensitive to the vertical distribution of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.
Forces Driving Health Care Policy Decisions

Strategies must be created and developed to promote increased participation of registered nurses in the political process and health care policy decision making. An interaction model is presented h...
Margins: A new conceptual approach to continental margin research

The geology of continents is to a large degree the geology of continental margins. The margins mark the site where materials that form major components of the continental crust are distilled from Earth's mantle and where continents grow through plate interactions that progressively incorporate these margins into the continental mass. Much of the continents consists of the remnants of ancient margins that offer an extensive and detailed record of continental evolution over time and space. Knowledge of this record is essential for understanding processes of global change, their diversity, and long-term history. Unraveling this record is one of the major challenges in modern Earth sciences.
Mining Pareto-optimal modules for delayed product differentiation

This paper presents a framework for finding optimal modules in a delayed product differentiation scenario. Historical product sales data is utilized to estimate demand probability and customer preferences. Then this information is used by a multiple-objective optimization model to form modules. An evolutionary computation approach is applied to solve the optimization model and find the Pareto-optimal solutions. An industrial case study illustrates the ideas presented in the paper. The mean number of assembly operations and expected pre-assembly costs are the two competing objectives that are optimized in the case study. The mean number of assembly operations can be significantly reduced while incurring relatively small increases in the expected pre-assembly cost.
Synthetic Dual-Doppler Analysis of a Winter Mesoscale Vortex

Abstract This article presents a detailed examination of the kinematic structure and evolution of the 5 December 1997 winter mesoscale vortex in the vicinity of Lake Michigan using the synthetic dual-Doppler (SDD) technique. When such a mesoscale event propagates a distance large enough that the viewing angle from a single-Doppler radar changes by about 30° and the circulation is sufficiently steady during this time period, then the SDD method can reveal reliable details about the circulation. One such detail of the observed vortex was a pattern of convergence and divergence associated with radial bands, where heavier snowfall was located. Another was the steadiness and vertical coherence of the derived vorticity and convergence patterns within the cyclonic circulation. On 5 December 1997, the observed reflectivity field remained remarkably steady for nearly 2.5 h as the vortex moved southeastward allowing for the application of the SDD technique. The reflectivity field exhibited a pronounced asymmetric c...
Carrier Arraying with Coupled Phase-Locked Loops for Tracking Improvement

This paper considers a system that couples several phaselocked loops (PLL's) to improve carrier tracking performance. The system coherently combines the received carrier signals at geographically separated ground antennas to increase the total effective aperture. It automatically aligns the received carrier's phases to enhance received carrier signal-to-noise ratio. The tracking performance of this system is being assessed in terms of rms phase jitter.
Die Funktion der Glia im Lichte neuerer histochemischer Befunde

Die Glia, lange Zeit als Stutzgewebe vernachlassigt, gewinnt zunehmendes Interesse als ein stoffwechselmasig differenziertes und funktionell offenbar bedeutendes Gewebselement des Nervensystems. Der folgende Bericht gibt eine kurze und oft vereinfachte Ubersicht uber gegenwartige Vorstellungen uber die funktionelle Bedeutung der Glia, wie man sie von histochemischen Befunden gewinnen kann.