cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-17RC: a partner in IL-17 signaling and beyond

The interleukin (IL)-17 cytokine family members IL-17A and IL-17F mediate inflammatory activities via the IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) complex, comprised of the IL-17RA and IL-17RC subunits. Proper regulation of the IL-17 signaling axis results in effective host defense against extracellular pathogens, while aberrant signaling can drive autoimmune pathology. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-17 signal transduction can yield an enhanced understanding of inflammatory immune processes and also create an avenue for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of IL-17-dependent diseases. To date, the fundamental signaling mechanisms used by the IL-17R complex are still incompletely defined. While current structure-function studies have primarily focused on the IL-17RA subunit, recent research indicates that the IL-17RC subunit plays a key role in modulating IL-17 responses. This review will examine what is known regarding IL-17RC function and provide a framework for future work on this subunit and its impact on human health.
A phase I study of lapatinib with whole brain radiotherapy in patients with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer brain metastases

Brain metastases are common in patients with advanced, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. We evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and feasibility of lapatinib given concurrently with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Eligible patients had (HER2)-positive breast cancer and ≥1 brain metastasis. Patients received lapatinib 750 mg twice on day one followed by 1000, 1250, or 1500 mg once daily. WBRT (37.5 Gy, 15 fractions) began 1–8 days after starting lapatinib. Lapatinib was continued through WBRT. Following WBRT, patients received trastuzumab 2 mg/kg weekly and lapatinib 1000 mg once daily. The regimen would be considered feasible if <3/27 pts treated at the MTD experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Thirty-five patients were enrolled; 17 % had central nervous disease (CNS) only. During dose escalation, no patients receiving 1,000 or 1,250 mg and two of five patients receiving 1,500 mg experienced DLTs (grade 3 mucositis and rash). Overall, 7/27 patients at 1,250 mg (MTD) had DLTs: grade 3 rash (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 2), hypoxia (n = 1), and grade 4 pulmonary embolus (n = 2). Among 28 evaluable patients, the CNS objective response rate (ORR) was 79 % [95% confidence interval (CI) 59–92 %] by pre-specified volumetric criteria; 46 % remained progression-free (CNS or non-CNS) at 6 months. The study did not meet the pre-defined criteria for feasibility because of toxicity, although the relationship between study treatment and some DLTs was uncertain. Given the high ORR, concurrent lapatinib-WBRT could still be considered for future study with careful safety monitoring.
Determination of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in human urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract A rapid, simple and sensitive method was developed for the determination of 8-iso-PGF2α in urine using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS); 8-iso-PGF2α-d4 was used as the internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was performed using an Acquity BEH C18 column with a mobile phase composition of A: 0.1% acetic acid in methanol:acetonitrile (1:1, v:v) and B: 0.1% acetic acid in water (A:B, 32.5:67.5, v:v). Detection was performed on a triple–quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in negative mode and using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were m/z 353 → 193 and 357 → 197 for 8-iso-PGF2α and IS, respectively. The calibration curve was prepared in PBS buffer because of the presence of endogenous concentrations of analyte in the control matrix; the internal standard successfully correcting for matrix effects. Good linearity was observed over the concentration range of 0.025–20 ng/mL; the method proving to be accurate and reliable was successfully used in support of a pharmacodynamic study in humans.
Peer Victimization Mediates the Impact of Maternal Depression on Risk for Suicidal Ideation in Girls but not Boys: A Prospective Study

Although children of depressed mothers are at an increased risk for suicidal thinking, little is known about the potential mechanisms by which this occurs. The present study is the first to our knowledge to utilize a prospective design with the goal of examining whether the impact of maternal depression on children's risk for suicidal ideation is mediated by children's levels of overt and relational peer victimization. Participants were 203 mother-child pairs recruited from the community. The age range of the children was 8 to 14 years old (50.2 % girls). Mothers either met criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD) during their child's lifetime (n= 96) or had no lifetime diagnosis of any DSM-IV mood disor- der and no current Axis I diagnosis (n=107). At the baseline assessment, diagnostic interviews were used to assess mothers' and children's histories of MDD and children com- pleted a self-report measure of peer victimization. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the initial assessment during which time interviewers assessed for the occurrence of suicidal ideation in the children. Utilizing a mediated moderation model, we found significant indirect pathways from maternal depression to children' ss ui- cidal ideation through both relational and overt forms of peer victimization among girls, but not among boys. The current study suggests that peer victimization may constitute one of the potential mechanisms by which daughters of depressed mothers are at increased risk for suicidal thinking.
Measurement of cytosolic free calcium concentration in relation to insulin release in normal rat pancreatic islets.

Summary The effects of glucose (16.7 mM), potassium (50 mM), forskolin (20 μ M), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) and arachidonic acid (82 μ M) upon insulin release and cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca 2+ ]i) were investigated in normal rat pancreatic islets. Potassium, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP significantly raised ([Ca 2+ ]i, but elicited only minimal insulin release. In the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ , glucose evoked insulin release, but failed to augment [Ca 2+ ]i. Arachidonic acid increased [Ca 2+ ]i both in Ca-depleted and -repleted medium, but promoted insulin release only in Ca 2+ -repleted environment. These new observations clearly demonstrate by direct measurements that although [Ca 2+ ]i is an important factor in exocytotic insulin release, its effect is subject to amplification or antagonism.
Diferrocenyl Molecular Wires. The Role of Heteroatom Linkers

Diferrocenyl molecular “wires”, in which two ferrocenes are linked by a conjugated chain, allowing the communication of redox information between the ferrocenes, are a versatile platform on which to investigate notions of molecular conductivity. In this paper, we examine the role of heteroatoms—including O, P, S, and Se, as well as C atoms in various oxidation states—separated from the ferrocenes by intervening double bonds which minimize any steric effects. Surprisingly, oxygen is a better electronic mediator than sulfur, a phenomenon we attribute to superior molecular orbital overlap. These fundamental studies on redox coupling will help to guide the design of efficient organic conductors for organic electronics.
Toward Data-Driven Structural Health Monitoring: Application of Machine Learning and Signal Processing to Damage Detection

AbstractA multilayer data-driven framework for robust structural health monitoring based on a comprehensive application of machine learning and signal processing techniques is introduced. This paper focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of the framework for damage detection in a steel pipe under environmental and operational variations. The pipe was instrumented with piezoelectric wafers that can generate and sense ultrasonic waves. Damage was simulated physically by a mass scatterer grease-coupled to the surface of the pipe. Benign variations included variable internal air pressure and ambient temperature over time. Ultrasonic measurements were taken on three different days with the scatterer placed at different locations on the pipe. The wave patterns are complex and difficult to interpret, and it is even more difficult to differentiate the changes produced by the scatterer from the changes produced by benign variations. The sensed data were characterized by 365 features extracted from a variety of...
An analysis of rater-ratee race and sex influences upon field training officer program evaluations

Abstract One recent innovation in law enforcement is the implementation of Field Training Officer (FTO) programs. The FTO program is a postacademy training period during which candidates receive additional instruction and have their field performance monitored on a daily basis. Black and female trainees in general receive lower scores than whites and males in the agency under study. Given differential success rates, the question becomes whether ratee and rater characteristics, such as race and sex, influence evaluations. An analysis of training scores from an FTO program in one southeastern municipal police agency indicated that rater characteristics do not alter ratee scores. Despite the introduction of a uniform program with a standardized rating format, these results pinpoint a program deficiency and suggest the need for a more structured instructional format in order to balance trainee success rates.
Oxidative conjugation of catechols with proteins in insect skeletal systems

Abstract Cuticle sclerotization or tanning is a vital process that occurs during each stage of insect development to harden and stabilize the newly secreted exoskeleton. The structural polymers protein and chitin make up the bulk of the cuticle, and chemical interactions between these biopolymers with quinonoid tanning agents are largely responsible for the physical properties of the mature exoskeleton. The oxidative conjugation of catechols with cuticular proteins plays an important role in this metabolism. The main hypothesis for cuticle sclerotization involves the formation of adducts and cross-links between nucleophilic imidazole nitrogens of histidyl residues in the proteins and electrophilic ring or side-chain carbons of ortho-quinones and para-quinone methides derived from the catechols, N-acetyldopamine, N-beta-alanyldopamine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol. C–N and C–O linkages between these quinone tanning agents and proteins in cuticles from a variety of insects from several orders have been elucidated. cDNAs for both the tyrosinase and laccase types of phenoloxidases that catalyze the cross-linking reactions have been isolated and sequenced. The sequences of laccase cDNAs from two insect species were more similar to fungal laccases than to those from plants. These results provide insights into how insects use structural proteins, catechols, and oxidative enzymes to form catechol–amino acid adducts during sclerotization.
Determinants and Patterns of Family Saving

This study was designed to determine the relative importance of income, wealth, and family characteristics in explaining the decision to save, the level of saving in house holds, and the patterns of saving in several types of families. Data from the 1972 -1973 Consumer Expenditure Survey were analyzed using multiple regression and difference of means tests. The results supported the general hypotheses that the decision to save and the level of saving are influenced by income, wealth, and family characteristics and that saving patterns vary among different types of families. The findings suggest that while income is the primary determinant of families' initial decision to save, their level of saving is best explained by their current wealth position.
Impact of observed sea‐ice concentration on the Southern Hemisphere extratropical atmospheric circulation in summer

[1] The response of the Southern Hemisphere extratropical, atmospheric circulation to extremes of sea-ice concentration in summer is investigated using a fully coupled climate model. Maximum and minimum sea-ice extremes were obtained from satellite-derived data, and a 12-month climatology for each case was created. Two 10-year simulations for each scenario were completed, and the results for the southern summer are compared. At the surface the sea-ice extremes directly affected the temperatures around Antarctica and through these the latitudinal surface temperature and pressure gradients. The midlatitude surface westerlies are weaker in the maximum scenario, while the polar easterlies expand farther north. In the middle troposphere the zonal jet strengthens slightly and shifts equatorward in the maximum scenario. Comparisons of the sea level pressure field and the 500 hPa geopotential height field for the two scenarios show that the leading mode of circulation variability, the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode, tends toward positive polarity (lower than normal geopotential heights over Antarctica) in the minimum sea-ice scenario. This tendency is associated with local differences in surface pressure gradient and temperature and large scale dynamic responses to extremes of sea-ice concentration.
Tramadol versus Buprenorphine for the Management of Acute Heroin Withdrawal: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Controlled Study

Many medications have been used over the past thirty years for the treatment of opioid withdrawal, including propoxyphene, methadone, clonidine, parenteral buprenorphine, and, more recently, sublingual buprenorphine. Each has been found to have clinical strengths and limitations. Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic with opiate activity primarily due to the binding of a metabolite to the micro receptor. Despite this micro receptor activity, tramadol appears to have low abuse potential and is a non-scheduled analgesic. The pharmacologic profile of tramadol makes it a candidate for opiate withdrawal treatment. A chart review was undertaken to retrospectively compare treatment outcomes of heroin-dependent patients when detoxified with parenteral buprenorphine (1996-1997) versus tramadol (1999-2000). Inclusion criteria for this study were heroin as drug of choice, current opioid physical dependence (ie, withdrawal symptoms), no current abuse of oral opioid analgesics, and no alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Patient cases that met inclusion criteria were group-matched between buprenorphine and tramadol on the basis of age, sex, and amount of heroin used (bags/day). Charts were audited for patient demographics, daily heroin use at admission, withdrawal symptoms, and discharge status. In total, 129 patient charts were reviewed, and 115 met all inclusion criteria and were group-matched (45 patients in the buprenorphine group, seventy in the tramadol group). There were no differences in demographics between the two groups of patients. Fifty-six percent of the buprenorphine group and 71% of the tramadol group completed detoxification; tramadol-treated patients had significantly higher average withdrawal symptoms when compared to the buprenorphine group and a greater reduction in withdrawal symptoms over time. Finally, the number of side effects was small and did not differ between the groups. The results of this study are consistent with previous pilot reports that indicated few clinical differences between parenteral buprenorphine and oral tramadol protocols when used in the management of acute heroin withdrawal. As a consequence, tramadol shows some promise as an opioid withdrawal management medication.
Measurement of the turbulent flow field in a free-surface jet of water

Measurements of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity are presented for a rectangular jet of water ejecting into a gaseous ambient. Data are reported for streamwise locations up to 30 nozzle widths from the discharge and spanwise locations covering the inner 80% of the jet width. The flow conditions at the nozzle discharge were controlled by using different nozzle designs (parallel-plate and converging) and flow manipulators (wire grid and screens). The results track the mean velocity and turbulence intensity profiles with streamwise distance, highlighting changes in both the profile shapes and magnitudes for both measured quantities.
Neocolonialism and the Global Prison in National Geographic's Locked Up Abroad

This essay examines the reformulation of colonial ideologies in National Geographic Channel's Locked Up Abroad, a documentary program that chronicles the narratives of Westerner travelers incarcerated in foreign nations. An analysis of Locked Up Abroad evinces neocolonialism in contemporary media culture, including: the historic association between dark-skin and savagery, the backwardness of the non-Western world, and the Western imperative to civilize it. The program's documentary techniques and framing devises sustain an Otherizing gaze toward non-Western societies, and its portrayals elide a critical analysis of colonialism in its present forms. I advocate for neocolonial criticism to trace how NatGeo remains haunted by its own history in support of America's civilizing mission.
Neuronal organization in long term cultures of the spinal cord of the fetal mouse.

Explants of spinal cord from 14–16 day old fetal mice were cultured for 18–54 days in vitro. They were fixed and stained with cresyl violet or the Holmes method. In most explants a basic pattern of cell and fiber architectonics was recognizable. In many aspects the pattern seen in the explants resembles the structure of the spinal cord at the time of explantation, and some of the same cell groups are present in both. Most explants resmble a transverse section of spinal cord. A ventral commissure and dorsal and ventral roots are readily identified. In addition, two characteristic circular bands of fibers form around the periphery of the explants. Many axons in the ventral roots arise from large ventral horn cells and form terminal arborizations at some distance from the explants. These axons are comparable to in vivo ventral root fibers. The fibers in the dorsal roots, however, are generally fibers that deviate from the circular bands and return again, thus forming extensive loops. The circular bands may represent regenerated axons of long association pathways. The structure of these explants demonstrates that pieces of nervous tissue grown in complete isolation can maintain much of their internal organization. Their axons appear to follow relatively constant growth patterns which are characteristic for particular cell types and, to a certain extent, appropriate to the pattern that would be formed in vivo.
The in vitro incorporation of 32P-labeled orthophosphate into the phosphatides of isolated rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract 1. 1. The incorporation of 32 P i into the lipides of intact rat liver mitochondria occurs mainly into phosphatides which resemble but are not identical to phosphatidic acids and which constitute only a very small fraction of the total lipide P. Evidence is presented which indicates that one of these highly labeled phosphatides is an α,β-conjugated ester of glycerophosphate. The incorporation into the common phosphatides such as lecithin and phosphatidyl ethanolamine is extremely small in these systems. 2. 2. Glycerol, Mg, and several nucleotides such as ATP and CTP were found to stimulate the incorporation into at least 3 phosphatides one of which contains glycerophosphate. The microsomal-rich supernatant fluid also had a stimulating effect. On the other hand, cyanide, dinitrophenol, malonate, and a variety of metal ions and surface agents were found to inhibit the system. 3. 3. The identification of the mitochondrial lipides was made by chemical, infrared spectral, and paper and column chromatographic analysis. 4. 4. In contrast to intact mitochondria, the acetone powders of these particles were far less effective in incorporating 32 P i into the phosphatides. However, a striking difference was found inasmuch as in these latter systems the incorporation occurred predominantly in lecithin and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and none occured in the fast moving glycerophosphatide. 5. 5. A discussion is given of the experimental findings.
Field Report: Beyond the Dog.

Nonhuman animal training (hereafter referred to simply as “animal training”) has been a mainstay of behavior analysis since the founding of the field (Skinner, 1938). While early behavior analysis focused on the use of nonhuman animals to discover behavioral mechanisms underlying environment-response relations, later applications drifted toward use-inspired basic studies using nonhuman analogs to understand issues such as pharmacological effects on behaviors (e.g., Thompson & Schuster, 1968) or intervention models (e.g., Mace et al., 2010). Of course, Karen Pryor’s seminal applications of behavioral technologies—expanding on the works of the Brelands (Skinner’s proteges; e.g., Breland & Breland, 1966)—to the training of both domestic and exotic animals gave raise to the proliferation of applied animal training methodologies (Pryor, 1984, 2009).
Constrictions in cathode-dominated, low-pressure argon discharges

The spatial development of constrictions across the cathode of a low-pressure, quasi-steady-state discharge in argon is recorded as a function of discharge current through the use of charge-coupled device (CCD) camera observations of light emission through a semitransparent anode.
Fragmentary and en bloc blackouts: similarity and distinction among episodes of alcohol-induced memory loss.

Objective: En bloc and fragmentary blackouts are distinguishable forms of alcohol-induced amnesia. The former are instances of full and permanent memory loss for intoxicated events, whereas the latter are episodes for which retrieval of experiences is facilitated by provision of cues. Beyond this nosological difference, little is known about descriptive dimensions of the two blackout types. The current study assessed their characteristics as reported by a group of heavy drinking young adults. Method: A sample of 136 young adult volunteers (54% male; mean [SD] age = 22.71 [2.23]) were administered a Time-Line Follow-Back assessment, expanded to gather descriptive information about the occurrence and characteristics of en bloc and fragmentary blackouts. Results: Although overall reporting of blackouts by the sample mirrored rates reported in prior research, prevalence and incidence of fragmentary blackouts were more than threefold those of en bloc blackouts. A surprising finding was that the two blackout ty...
Cationic Polymerization of Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A Resins Initiated by Benzylsulfonium Salts

Benzylsulfonium salts are latent thermal cationic initiators that dissociate on heating to form benzyl cations that can initiate polymerizations. This paper describes the cure behavior of commercial epoxy resins using 1 -(p-methoxybenzyl)tetrahydrothiophenium hexafluoroantimonate [2]. The thermal cationic cure of bisphenol A diglycidylether (DGEBA) resins was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC revealed complex cure behavior as indicated by multiple exotherms. The resins cured rapidly at low initiator concentrations with gelation occuring in 3.5 and 1.5 min at 75 and 85 °C, respectively, at conversions of epoxy groups α = 0.2–0.3. Cure kinetics were evaluated from both dynamic and isothermal DSC measurements. The effects of initiator concentration, isothermal cure temperature and heating rate on the cure behavior and mechanisms, especially involving potential termination pathways, are discussed.
Abstract 4340: Formulation of oral microparticulate drug delivery system for cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The development of oral controlled-release cancer drug formulations with enhanced bioavailability and efficacy is highly desired. Our research aim to develop controlled-release capsule formulations containing sulforaphane-encapsulated in a biodegradable polymeric microparticulate system. Sulforaphane, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDAC), was investigated as this therapeutic agent reverses aberrant epigenetic changes in cancer cells and the effects of this drug are reversible. Biodegradable polymeric microspheres were prepared by a microencapsulation method, and prepared microspheres were characterized for various properties, including encapsulation efficiency, percent yield, particle size, size distribution, surface morphology, and Zeta potential. Dissolution studies were carried out to analyze the release profiles of the microspheres and capsule-containing microsphere formulations. Data indicated that microspheres were less than 2-μm in diameter size. It has been shown that particles within this size range are effectively taken in by the cells. The prepared microsphere formulations had Zeta potential values of about -30 mV, which suggest that they are stable. Furthermore, microsphere formulations were shown to provide controlled-release of the drug over 36 hours. Capsule formulations containing microspheres exhibited similar drug release characteristics; however, the lag time for drug release was longer. Thus, oral gelatin capsules containing sulforaphane-encapsulated biodegradable microspheres show potential for effective delivery of epigenetic agents. Citation Format: Jay V. Patel, Kunal P. Desai, Duc P. Do. Formulation of oral microparticulate drug delivery system for cancer. [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 4340. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4340
CEO grandiose narcissism and firm performance: The role of organizational identification ☆

Abstract This study reconciles the positive and negative sides of CEO grandiose narcissism by examining the role that CEO organizational identification plays in moderating the effect of CEO grandiose narcissism on top management team (TMT) behavioral integration. We first distinguish between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and we then draw on upper echelons theory and executive personality research to hypothesize and test a model in which CEO grandiose narcissism is positively related to TMT behavioral integration when CEOs are high in organizational identification. The relationship is expected to be negative when CEOs do not identify strongly with their organizations. TMT behavioral integration, in turn, predicts subsequent firm performance. Findings based on multi-source data from a sample of 97 CEOs and their firms supported the hypotheses. These results highlight the complex nature of CEO grandiose narcissism – namely, that the construct has both positive and negative aspects as it relates to top management team dynamics and firm performance and that the relationship is affected by CEOs' identification with their organizations.
Restrained electrostatic potential atomic partial charges for condensed-phase simulations of carbohydrates

Charges derived from fitting a classical Coulomb model to quantum mechanical molecular electrostatic potentials (so called ESP-charges) are frequently used in simulations of macromolecules. Simulational methods that use ESP-charges generally reproduce the geometries of hydrogen bonded complexes, despite the fact that these charges are known to overestimate the strengths of these interactions. Through the use of a restraint function during the fitting of the partial charges to the electrostatic potentials the magnitudes of the charges may be attenuated (so called RESP-charges). For the AMBER force field RESP-charges have been proposed for proteins and nucleic acids. Here we examine a novel approach for determining the RESP-charges for carbohydrates based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of crystal structures. During a simulation, the crystallographic unit cell geometry is sensitive to both inter-molecular non-bonded forces and internal torsional rotations. However, for polar molecules, and specifically carbohydrates, the crystal geometries are particularly sensitive to the set of partial atomic charges employed in the simulation. Thus, given a force field in which the van der Waals and torsion terms are well parameterized, it is possible to assess the suitability of a set of partial charges by monitoring the properties of the crystal during an MD simulation. We have examined several charge sets for use with the GLYCAM parameters for carbohydrate and glycoprotein simulations and found that a restraint weight of 0.01 gives the best agreement with the neutron diffraction structure of α-d-glucopyranose. Unrestrained ESP-charges performed poorly as did the charges obtained from Mulliken and distributed multipole analyses of the quantum mechanical HF/6-31G* wavefunctions.
Photon-transport forward model for imaging in turbid media

A photon-transport forward model for image reconstruction in turbid media is derived that treats weak inhomogeneities through a Born approximation of the Boltzmann radiative transfer equation. This model can conveniently replace the commonly used diffusion approximation in optical tomography. An analytical expression of the background Green's function is obtained from the cumulant solution of the Boltzmann equation. Our model provides the correct behavior of photon migration at early times and reduces at long times to the center-moved diffusion approximation. Numerical comparisons between this model and the standard and center-moved diffusion models are presented.
Die Vereinheitlichung des hämolytischen Index

An Stelle des bisher ublichen Plussystems zur Bestimmung der Wirkung hamolytischer Sera wird der Vergleich mit Standard-Sapotoxinlosungen gewahlt. Als Sapotoxineinheiten werden die Anzahl Milligramme Sapotoxin bezeichnet, deren Wirkung aquivalent 100 ccm des hamolytischen Serums ist. Es werden Beispiele fur die Bestimmung der Sapotoxineinheiten verschiedener hamolytischer Sera gegeben.
The Asian Miracle and Modern Growth Theory

The policy differences between accumulation and assimilation growth theories may be much smaller than the conceptual or analytic differences. Can the Asian miracle be explained in terms of capital investments? Or were entrepreneurship, innovation, and learning significant factors in the rapid growth of the Asian tigers? In the past 35 years, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan (China) have transformed themselves from technologically backwards and poor economies to relatively modern, affluent economies. Each has experienced more than a fourfold increase in per capita income. In each, a significant number of firms are producing technologically complex products competitive with firms in Europe, Japan, and the United States. Their growth performance has exceeded that of virtually all comparable economies. How they did it is a question of great importance. Virtually all theories about how they did it place investments in capital stock at the center of the explanation. Nelson and Pack divide most growth theories about the Asian miracle into two groups: The accumulation theories stress the role of capital investments in moving these economies along their production functions. What lies behind rapid development, according to this type of theory, is very high investment rates. If a nation makes the investments, marshals the resources, development will follow. The assimilation theories stress the entrepreneurship, innovation, and learning these economies went through before they could master the new technologies they were adopting from more advanced industrial nations. They see investment in human and physical capital as an essential but far from sufficient part of assimilation. In addition, people must learn about, take the risk of operating, and come to master technologies and other practices new to the country, if not the world. The emphasis for assimilation theorists is on innovation and learning, rather than on marshalling. If one marshals but does not innovate and learn, development does not follow. These are complex theories that raise as many questions as they answer. Nelson and Pack discuss differences in the way the two groups of theorists treat four matters: Entrepreneurial decisionmaking. The nature of technology. The economic capabilities possible with a well-educated work force. The role exports play in a country`s rapid development. The differences between the theories matter because they affect our understanding of why the Asian miracle happened and because they imply different things about appropriate economic development policy. This paper-a product of the Development Research Group-is part of a larger effort in the group to study the impact of public policy on growth.
First Report of Southern Blight of Ruellia brittoniana Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Louisiana

Ruellia brittoniana, Mexican petunia, is an herbaceous flowering perennial grown in hardiness zones 8 to 10 in the southern and western United States. Popular dwarf forms with flower colors of white, pink, and blue are used as ground covers and borders. In April of 2003, root and stem rot that caused plant death was observed on cv. Katie (dwarf form, pink flowers) at a wholesale nursery in southern Louisiana. Plants were growing in a vermiculite and sand mix. The grower had purchased the plants from an out-of-state source, and approximately one-half of 1,440 plants were dead or dying. Symptoms included wilt, basal stem rot, and root rot. Peripheral roots were covered with a white mycelial layer that contained white sclerotial initials and small, brown sclerotia. Fungal isolates from infected roots grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) produced white mycelia and 1- to 2-mm-diameter dark brown sclerotia. Sclerotia were nearly round with smooth surfaces and distributed over the entire colony. Isolates were identified as Sclerotium rolfsii on the basis of mycelial characteristics and color, size, and distribution of sclerotia. Two-month-old seedlings (6 to 10 cm high) of R. brittoniana, from seed of cv. Katie, were used in pathogenicity tests. Inoculum was grown in 10-cm-diameter plastic, culture dishes on PDA medium. Blended inoculum was prepared from a single 1-week-old culture that was composed of mycelia and sclerotia and blended 4 to 6 s at high speed in 100 ml of distilled water. In test one, 5 ml of inoculum was placed at the base of each inoculated plant. In test two, a single 5-mm-diameter agar plug with mycelium plus four sclerotia was placed beside plant stems near soil line. In test three, 5 ml of blended inoculum was dripped on exposed roots after plants were removed from pots. In test four, exposed plant roots were dipped in the blended inoculum. Each test contained 10 inoculated plants, and 10 noninoculated plants served as controls. All plants were placed in a dew chamber maintained at 28°C for 2 days and then returned to a greenhouse to observe development of symptoms and signs of disease. In tests one and two, basal stem rot and wilt developed on inoculated plants after 2 days and after 5 to 8 days all were dead. Inoculated plants from tests three and four were alive 4 months after inoculation, but were showing symptoms including leaf yellowing and drop, moderate to severe root rot, and some plants had begun to show white mycelia and white sclerotial initials on peripheral roots by January 2004. All noninoculated plants remained healthy and S. rolfsii was reisolated from infected plants in each test. To my knowledge, this is the first report of S. rolfsii causing disease on R. brittoniana.
Interferon receptors and their role in interferon action.

Interferon (IFN)_proteins interact with cells through specific cell surface receptors, some of which have been purified and cloned. The alpha-IFNs and beta-IFN bind to a common receptor (type I), whereas gamma-IFN binds to a separate receptor (type II). Both types of high-affinity receptors have been demonstrated on a variety of different kinds of cells but in relatively low numbers (102–104/cell). The relationship between IFN binding to receptors and the ways in which IFNs may affect cellular physiology and gene expression is discussed.
Evaluación de los recursos minerales de Costa Rica

Desde la publicacion del folio EVALUACION DE LOS RECURSOS MINERALES DE COSTA RICA (U.S. Geological Survey, 1987) ha habido bastante progreso tanto en la exploracion como tambien en el desarrollo de la industria minera en Costa Rica. Cuando se nos pidio el permiso para reimprimir el capitulo de "Evaluacion de los recursos minerales", realizamos algunos cambios menores, especialmente en los parrafos sobre los depositos de oro de placer y de oro de fuentes termales. Muchos de los datos especificos basicos para las conclusiones presentadas en este articulo, especialmente las localidades geograficas y las descripciones de los yacimientos, estanen la publicacion EVALUACION DE LOS RECURSOS MINERALES DE LA REPUBLICA DE COSTA RICA (U.S. Geological Survey, 1987).
Modulation of lymphocyte motility by macrophages

Motility of lymphocytes plays a significant role in their functions. Because macrophages frequently associate with lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues and inflammatory sites, they are likely to be important in regulating lymphocyte motility. In this study, we identified a chemokinetic activity in macrophage culture supernatants. Interestingly, this activity could be detected by the capillary migration assay but not by the more commonly used Boyden chamber chemotaxis assay. Colchicine, on the other hand, was chemokinetic for lymphocytes in the Boyden chamber chemotaxis assay but not in the capillary migration assay. Both these observations and previous studies on the morphology of motile lymphocytes on two-dimensional (2-D) surfaces (capillary migration assay) and in 3-D matrices (Boyden chamber chemotaxis assay) suggest that lymphocytes possess more than one motility mechanism--one for 2-D surfaces and one for 3-D matrices. We propose that the macrophage-derived chemokinetic activity described herein only affected the motility mechanism on 2-D surfaces. In addition, we also observed that the chemokinetic activity was produced by "resting" macrophages and could not be augmented by further activation. Finally, the effect was greatest on mature T cells. We propose that this factor plays an important role in facilitating cell interactions within lymphoid tissues and inflammatory sites.
Regional variations in tectonic geomorphology along a segmented convergent plate boundary pacific coast of Costa Rica

Abstract Pacific coastal mountain/piedmont landforms of Costa Rica extend across the tectonic boundary between the forearc and magnetic arc region of an active convergent margin. This plate boundary became segmented circa 1 million years ago when the aseismic Cocos Ridge impinged upon the Middle America Trench offshore from the southernmost coastal area of Costa Rica. Morphometric analyses of 100 mountain fronts and numerous river long-profiles, radiometric dating, and field studies were conducted in two study areas located arcward from the plate boundary where oceanic lithosphere of the Cocos plate is being subducted beneath the Caribbean plate (region I) and the partially subducted aseismic ridge is uplifting the plate margin by isostatic and collisional processes (region II). Values of tectonic geomorphic parameters [mountain front sinuosity (S), percent dissected facets (Ffd), river concavity (K)] are not only different statistically in regions I and II but are also different in the areas experiencing isostatic and collisional responses to the subducting aseismic ridge. In the area experiencing collisional responses, mountain fronts, developed along NE-dipping imbricate thrust and high-angle reverse faults, step upward and inland from the coast; morphometric data along with the divergence of river-terrace profiles from the coast piedmont inland toward the mountains indicates higher uplift rates along interior-range mountain fronts. Isostatic uplift in the outer forearc area in region II produces a distinctly different morphologic and neotectonic style characterized by regional uplift distributed across a number of blocks bounded by normal faults. Geomorphic analyses indicate a general southward trend of increasing tectonic uplift from region I into region II where the highest frequency of mountain fronts with low values of S and Ffd, as well as rivers with the highest values of K, occur over the crest of the subducted ridge. Field and historical seismic data for these regional trends include: (1) fault scarps displacing late Quaternary fluvial terraces and colluvial soils in areas of collisional responses; (2) Holocene-latest Pleistocene marine sediments uplifted tens of meters along normal faults in areas of isostatic response of region II; and (3) more frequent shallow, high-magnitude earthquakes in region II. This study indicates that spatial variations in the plate tectonic framework can be detected by regional morphometric analyses using techniques applied in extensional and compressional terranes of arid and semiarid regions but not previously applied to forearc systems along convergent plate boundaries in tropical areas.
Light-toned strata and inverted channels adjacent to Juventae and Ganges chasmata, Mars

[1] Light-toned layered deposits on the plains adjacent to Juventae and Ganges Chasmata have been identified and analyzed with several instruments onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, including HiRISE, CTX, and CRISM. Beds exhibit variations in brightness, color, polygonal fracturing, and erosional properties that are not seen in light-toned layered deposits within the chasmata. At both Juventae and Ganges, the light-toned layered deposits along the plains have associated features we interpret as fluvial, including sinuous ridges (inverted channels) that exhibit light-toned layering and an extensive valley system for the Ganges deposit. The strong correlation between the inverted channels and light-toned layered deposits suggests an association with fluvial-lacustrine processes, although pyroclastic and eolian activity may also be involved in their emplacement. The identification of potential fluvial-lacustrine layered deposits and associated valley networks suggests surface water flow in the Valles Marineris region that occurred for sustained periods during the Hesperian (3.7–3.0 Gyr).
Multiple distinct NK-cell synapses

In this issue of Blood, Barreira da Silva and colleagues further unravel the mysterious interaction between human NKcells and dendritic cells (DCs) through detailed study of their synaptic interface.1 Here, actin integrity in the DCs works to restrain cytolysis and enable civil cross-talk thus defining a regulatory NK-cell synapse.
Using different drift gases to change separation factors (α) in ion mobility spectrometry

The use of different drift gases to alter separation factors (α) in ion mobility spectrometry has been demonstrated. The mobility of a series of low molecular weight compounds and three small peptides was determined in four different drift gases. The drift gases chosen were helium, argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. These drift gases provide a range of polarizabilities and molecular weights. In all instances, the compounds showed the greatest mobility in helium and the lowest mobility in carbon dioxide; however the percentage change of mobility for each compound was different, effectively changing the α value. The α value changes were primarily due to differences in drift gas polarizability but were also influenced by the mass of the drift gas. In addition, gas-phase ion radii were calculated in each of the different drift gases. These radii were then plotted against drift gas polarizability producing linear plots with r2 values greater than 0.99. The intercept of these plots provides the gas-phase radi...
Synchronic syntax in historical perspective

Abstract Since evaluative criteria such as economy, intuition, and function are subjective devices for syntactic evaluation, the ‘historical principle’ should be explicitly employed as an objective criterion. This principle allows a syntactician to make his analysis as consistent with historical facts as possible. The application of this principle and its effect are illustrated with English sentences that have developed from the impersonal construction in Old English.
Injection temperature significantly affects in vitro and in vivo performance of collagen-platelet scaffolds.

Collagen-platelet composites have recently been successfully used as scaffolds to stimulate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) wound healing in large animal models. These materials are typically kept on ice until use to prevent premature gelation; however, with surgical use, placement of a cold solution then requires up to an hour while the solution comes to body temperature (at which point gelation occurs). Bringing the solution to a higher temperature before injection would likely decrease this intra-operative wait; however, the effects of this on composite performance are not known. The hypothesis tested here was that increasing the temperature of the gel at the time of injection would significantly decrease the time to gelation, but would not significantly alter the mechanical properties of the composite or its ability to support functional tissue repair. Primary outcome measures included the maximum elastic modulus (stiffness) of the composite in vitro and the in vivo yield load of an ACL transection treated with an injected collagen-platelet composite. In vitro findings were that injection temperatures over 30°C resulted in a faster visco-elastic transition; however, the warmed composites had a 50% decrease in their maximum elastic modulus. In vivo studies found that warming the gels prior to injection also resulted in a decrease in the yield load of the healing ACL at 14 weeks. These studies suggest that increasing injection temperature of collagen-platelet composites results in a decrease in performance of the composite in vitro and in the strength of the healing ligament in vivo and this technique should be used only with great caution.
Preshock-induced phase transition in spalled U-0.75 wt% Ti

Abstract Uranium–0.75 wt% Ti samples were spalled in the range of 5–24 GPa shock pressure. One sample was preshocked to a pressure of 24 GPa, `soft' recovered, and then reloaded and spalled at 10 GPa. The spall strength of U–3/4 wt% Ti was found to range from −4.1 to −2.9 GPa when the Romanchenko correction is used in the spall strength calculation. The spall morphology of the sample that was preshocked and then spalled showed a significant change in microstructure from a parent alpha' martensite to a 2-phase eutectoid. The thermodynamically calculated temperature rise resulting from the preshock at 15–24 GPa in these samples is ∼555°C. This temperature is not sufficient to induce such a phase change. However, the preshock conditions additionally increase the flow stress of the U–34 wt% Ti, and it is postulated that this additional hardening is sufficient to increase the temperature above 885°C due to the increased amount of plastic work required during spall, thereby triggering the phase change.