cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DEFIBRILLATION TESTING MAY OBVIATE THE NEED FOR LEAD REVISION IN PATIENTS WITH POOR R WAVE SENSING

Defibrillation testing (DFT) has declined in recent years due to randomized data showing no difference in outcomes when used routinely. However, with low sensed R waves in sinus rhythm, DFT allows for the evaluation of sensing in ventricular fibrillation (VF), and if adequate, may obviate the need
A Self-Assembling and Disassembling (SADA) Bispecific Antibody (BsAb) Platform for Curative Two-step Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy.

Purpose: Many cancer treatments suffer from dose-limiting toxicities to vital organs due to poor therapeutic indices. To overcome these challenges we developed a novel multimerization platform that rapidly removes tumor-targeting proteins from the blood to substantially improve therapeutic index. Experimental Design: The platform was designed as a fusion of a self-assembling and disassembling (SADA) domain to a tandem single-chain bispecific antibody (BsAb, anti-ganglioside GD2 × anti-DOTA). SADA–BsAbs were assessed with multiple in vivo tumor models using two-step pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) to evaluate tumor uptake, dosimetry, and antitumor responses. Results: SADA–BsAbs self-assembled into stable tetramers (220 kDa), but could also disassemble into dimers or monomers (55 kDa) that rapidly cleared via renal filtration and substantially reduced immunogenicity in mice. When used with rapidly clearing DOTA-caged PET isotopes, SADA–BsAbs demonstrated accurate tumor localization, dosimetry, and improved imaging contrast by PET/CT. When combined with therapeutic isotopes, two-step SADA-PRIT safely delivered massive doses of alpha-emitting (225Ac, 1.48 MBq/kg) or beta-emitting (177Lu, 6,660 MBq/kg) S-2-(4-aminobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA) payloads to tumors, ablating them without any short-term or long-term toxicities to the bone marrow, kidneys, or liver. Conclusions: The SADA–BsAb platform safely delivered large doses of radioisotopes to tumors and demonstrated no toxicities to the bone marrow, kidneys, or liver. Because of its modularity, SADA–BsAbs can be easily adapted to most tumor antigens, tumor types, or drug delivery approaches to improve therapeutic index and maximize the delivered dose. See related commentary by Capala and Kunos, p. 377
Beyond integration: modeling every pixel to obtain better structure factors from stills.

Most crystallographic data processing methods use pixel integration. In serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX), the intricate interaction between the reciprocal lattice point and the Ewald sphere is integrated out by averaging symmetrically equivalent observations recorded across a large number (104−106) of exposures. Although sufficient for generating biological insights, this approach converges slowly, and using it to accurately measure anomalous differences has proved difficult. This report presents a novel approach for increasing the accuracy of structure factors obtained from SFX data. A physical model describing all observed pixels is defined to a degree of complexity such that it can decouple the various contributions to the pixel intensities. Model dependencies include lattice orientation, unit-cell dimensions, mosaic structure, incident photon spectra and structure factor amplitudes. Maximum likelihood estimation is used to optimize all model parameters. The application of prior knowledge that structure factor amplitudes are positive quantities is included in the form of a reparameterization. The method is tested using a synthesized SFX dataset of ytterbium(III) lysozyme, where each X-ray laser pulse energy is centered at 9034 eV. This energy is 100 eV above the Yb3+ L-III absorption edge, so the anomalous difference signal is stable at 10 electrons despite the inherent energy jitter of each femtosecond X-ray laser pulse. This work demonstrates that this approach allows the determination of anomalous structure factors with very high accuracy while requiring an order-of-magnitude fewer shots than conventional integration-based methods would require to achieve similar results.
Non-invasive tethered capsule endomicroscopy imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of the celiac disease from unsedated patients

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine's villi upon gluten ingestion. Intestinal biopsy via esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the current diagnostic gold standard for CD, but this procedure requires sedation and suffers from sampling error. Here, we conducted a clinical study to test whether image biomarkers derived from duodenal OCT tethered capsule endomicroscopy (TCE) can be used to diagnose CD. Results showed a statistically significant difference in OCT image metrics (villus height & width, contrast, and homogeneity with p<0.0001) among active CD, inactive CD and healthy subjects, demonstrating the potential of TCE for the diagnosis of CD.
The question-response system in Mandarin conversation

Abstract This article provides an overview of the question-response system in Mandarin Chinese from a conversation analytic perspective. Based on 403 question-response sequences from natural conversations, this study discusses the grammatical coding of Mandarin questions, social actions accomplished by questions, and formats of responses. It documents three grammatical types of questions, that is, polar questions (including sub-types), Q-word questions, and alternative questions. These questions are shown to perform a range of social actions, confirmation request being the most frequent. Also, this article reveals that the preferred format for confirming polar answers is interjection, while that for disconfirming polar answers is repetition. It provides a starting point for future studies on Mandarin questions and responses as well as a reference point for further crosslinguistic comparison.
Integrative surgical oncology: A model of acute integrative oncology

Integrative oncology has emerged as a recognized medical subspecialty because of growing interest in the use of integrative medicine in modern cancer care on behalf of both patients and providers. Acutherapy and mind-body techniques, such as meditation and yoga, have been shown to aid in symptom control and improve quality of life in oncologic patient populations, and the Society of Integrative Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology have recently endorsed a set of guidelines for the implementation of these techniques specifically in patients with breast cancer. Although the current guidelines focus largely on the management of chronic symptoms, there exists evidence to support the use of these techniques in acute symptom management as well. With surgical resection representing the backbone of many cancer treatment regimens, symptoms that arise during the perioperative period are prime examples of the acute symptomatology common among patients with cancer. Here, the authors provide a detailed literature review of the current evidence supporting the use of integrative techniques during the perioperative period and demonstrate their applicability for acute symptom management within oncologic and surgical populations. In doing so, the authors introduce a new paradigm of surgical practice they call integrative surgical oncology and integrative surgery.
Derlin rhomboid pseudoproteases employ substrate engagement and lipid distortion to enable the retrotranslocation of ERAD membrane substrates

Summary Nearly one-third of proteins are initially targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, where they are correctly folded and then delivered to their final cellular destinations. To prevent the accumulation of misfolded membrane proteins, ER-associated degradation (ERAD) moves these clients from the ER membrane to the cytosol, a process known as retrotranslocation. Our recent work in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a derlin rhomboid pseudoprotease, Dfm1, is involved in the retrotranslocation of ubiquitinated ERAD membrane substrates. In this study, we identify conserved residues of Dfm1 that are critical for retrotranslocation. We find several retrotranslocation-deficient Loop 1 mutants that display impaired binding to membrane substrates. Furthermore, Dfm1 possesses lipid thinning function to facilitate in the removal of ER membrane substrates, and this feature is conserved in its human homolog, Derlin-1, further implicating that derlin-mediated retrotranslocation is a well-conserved process.
Redefining Distressed Opportunities

Excerpt] As the commercial real estate (CRE) industry embarks on a new year and hopes to put the pain of 2009 behind it, industry players should keep in mind that much of the wreckage left in the wake of the world financial crisis remains unresolved and billions of dollars in looming CRE loan maturities further cloud the outlook. By the end of Q1 2010, nearly $222 billion worth of CRE was distressed, of which $27 billion had been resolved. At the beginning of 2009, many predicted that a flood of distressed assets would be coming to market and hundreds of billions of dollars were raised to target the supposedly imminent opportunities. However, most of these investors have found the inventory of distressed opportunities wanting. If all of these properties are still in trouble and investors are aching to deploy their capital, why aren’t more deals getting done? Will 2010 be the year when the levees break? This report seeks to answer both of these questions.
Testing for the correct error term distribution

Abstract This paper presents a simple and easy to use test for selecting the appropriate model to estimate when the alternatives differ as to the distribution of their respective error terms: symmetric vs. skewed. The test is conducted in two steps, each employing a simple and time-honored test statistic and provides another tool in the spirit of the specification test literature. That is, this test permits the analyst to determine the correct characteristics of his model rather than assuming incorrect characteristics and, hence, drawing erroneous conclusions.
A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on the Control of a Single-Link Flexible Robotic Manipulator Fabricated from Composite Laminates

This paper discusses on the control of a single-link flexible robotic manipulator fabricated from advanced composite laminates. An output feedback controller incorporating two colocated sensors associated with angular position and velocity is designed based on the reduced-order model and implemented in order to investigate the control performances of robotic arms fabricated from aluminum and composite laminates. The control performances are evaluated and compared between two robotic arms through step responses of the system. It is shown in the experimental investigation that the arm fabricated from composite laminates has superior performance characteristics such as faster settling-time, smaller input torque and a superior increment of stability relative to the arm fabricated from aluminum.
Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Activity-Dependent Neuron–Glia Signaling in Output Fibers of the Hippocampus

Nonsynaptic signaling is becoming increasingly appreciated in studies of activity-dependent changes in the nervous system. We investigated the types of neuronal activity that elicit nonsynaptic communication between neurons and glial cells in hippocampal output fibers. High-frequency, but not low-frequency, action potential firing in myelinated CA1 axons of the hippocampus resulted in increased phosphorylation of the oligodendrocyte-specific protein myelin basic protein (MBP). This change was blocked by tetrodotoxin, indicating that axonally generated action potentials were necessary to regulate the phosphorylation state of MBP. Furthermore, scavengers of the reactive oxygen species superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors prevented activation of this neuron-glia signaling pathway. These results indicate that, during periods of increased neuronal activity in area CA1 of the hippocampus, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated, which diffuse to neighboring oligodendrocytes and result in post-translational modifications of MBP, a key structural protein in myelin. Thus, in addition to their well-known capacity for activity-dependent neuron-neuron signaling, hippocampal pyramidal neurons possess a mechanism for activity-dependent neuron-glia signaling.
Toward machine therapy: parapraxis of machine design and use

Machine Therapy is a new methodology combining art, design, psychodynamics, and engineering work in ways that access and reveal the vital relevance of subconscious elements of human-machine interactions. In this paper I present examples of empathic relationships with domestic appliances, roles of wearable and prosthetic apparatuses, and instances of evocative visceral robots that interact with people's understandings of themselves and each other. The Machine Therapy projects facilitate unusual explorations of the parapraxis of machine design and use. These usually unconscious elements of our interactions with machines critically affect our sense of self and our shared development.
Flow Visualization by Direct Injection Technique

The use of flow visualization often plays a defining role in the understanding of many fluid flow problems. Through the use of direct injection flow visualization, the researcher may be afforded either a global view of a complex flow field or the enhanced understanding of a critical flow feature. The current article serves to introduce the reader to several commonly practiced direct injection flow visualization techniques including smoke injection, smoke wire, chemical reactions and helium bubbles. Several considerations for the use of each of these techniques are provided along with multiple examples of the use of direct injection flow visualization. Keywords: direct injection; smoke tube; smoke wire; chemical reactions; helium bubble
Abstract 47: Proteomic Profiling of Acute Stroke Patients Highlights the Importance of vWF and vWF-Cleaving Protease (ADAMTS13) in Thrombolysis

Introduction: Recent animal studies show rADAMTS13 (vWF cleaving protease) to block tPA-induced BBB opening, reducing tPA-related hemorrhage and augmenting tPA’s thrombolytic effect. From proteomic screening, we found ADAMTS13/vWF to be an important pathway in tPA responders. Thus, the vWF/ADAMTS13 (vWF cleaving protease) axis may be an important modifier of tPA response in the clinical setting. But the effect of tPA on the ADAMTS13/vWF balance has not been studied directly in stroke patients post-tPA. Here we measured vWF and ADAMTS13 in acute ischemic stroke patients post IV tPA to investigate their clinical utility to follow tPA response. Methods: Quantitative Mass Spectrometry (MS), latex immuno-turbidimetric assay, and ELISA were performed in acute ischemic stroke plasma over time, with clinical outcome measured at 3 months. Response was defined per NINDS trial as mRankins = 4 points improvement on NIHSS. Results: Post tPA (up to 72 hours), ADAMTS13 is persistently and significantly higher in tPA responders than in non-responders (Figure 1A). Conversely, within 72 hrs post tPA, the ratio of vWF/ADAMTS13 (a measure of clot burden vs clot lysis) is significantly higher in tPA patients who did not improve compared to those who did. tPA patients also had lower vWF/ADAMTS13 ratios than non-tPA strokes (Figure 1B). Conclusion: Through dynamic changes detected in the vWF/ADAMTS13 pathway, our data suggest the balance of clot burden vs lysis is crucial in tPA response as measured in patient plasma in real time. More vWF degradation in tPA patients via ADAMTS13 is correlated to better clinical outcome within the first 72 hours, and conversely, increased clot burden was found in tPA non-responders. Studying endogenous ADAMTS13 activity in tPA response is an initial step to obtain evidence for its potential clinical utility. And vWF/ADAMTS13 ratio may be a biologically relevant and potentially clinically useful marker of clotting/lytic status in early thrombolysis. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Three dimensional sensing for environment and security control

This paper presents an inexpensive technology and method for integrated sensing networks that can be fabricated directly on construction materials as a part of existing manufacturing processes for the purpose of instrumenting closed (or partially closed) spaces. The sensors can also be placed manually. The goal of the sensing could be: (1) environmental, e.g., temperature, (2) safety monitoring of toxic gases, or (3) other applications such as security or intrusion. In each application, there is both a goal, such as an ideal or maximum level of the quantity being sensed or measured, and a proximate location of the measurement and/or alarm level.
Application of a Bayesian model to infer the contribution of coalbed natural gas produced water to the Powder River, Wyoming and Montana

The Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming and Montana contains significant coal and coal bed natural gas (CBNG) resources. CBNG extraction requires the production of large volumes of water, much of which is discharged into existing drainages. Compared to surface waters, the CBNG produced water is high in sodium relative to calcium and magnesium, elevating the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). To mitigate the possible impact this produced water may have on the quality of surface water used for irrigation, the State of Montana passed water anti-degradation legislation, which could affect CBNG production in Wyoming. In this study, we sought to determine the proportion of CBNG produced water discharged to tributaries that reaches the Powder River by implementing a four end-member mixing model within a Bayesian statistical framework. The model accounts for the 87Sr/86Sr, δ13CDIC, [Sr] and [DIC] of CBNG produced water and surface water interacting with the three primary lithologies exposed in the PRB. The model estimates the relative contribution of the end members to the river water, while incorporating uncertainty associated with measurement and process error. Model results confirm that both of the tributaries associated with high CBNG activity are mostly composed of CBNG produced water (70–100%). The model indicates that up to 50% of the Powder River is composed of CBNG produced water downstream from the CBNG tributaries, decreasing with distance by dilution from non-CBNG impacted tributaries from the point sources to ~10–20% at the Montana border. This amount of CBNG produced water does not significantly affect the SAR or electrical conductivity of the Powder River in Montana. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging ligand-dependent activation of CXCR7.

Chemokine CXCL12 is proposed to promote multiple steps in growth of primary tumors and progression to metastatic disease in more than 20 different cancers. Functions of CXCL12 previously were believed to be controlled only by receptor CXCR4, but CXCR7 was recently identified as a second receptor for this chemokine. CXCR7 increases tumor formation and metastasis in mouse models, suggesting that this receptor may also be a key target for blocking effects of CXCL12 in cancer. To image activation of CXCR7 in intact cells and living mice, we tested the hypothesis that binding of chemokine ligands to CXCR7 recruits β-arrestins, a family of cytosolic adapter proteins that interact with many activated chemokine and related seven-transmembrane receptors. Using firefly luciferase protein fragment complementation, we established that chemokine ligands CXCL12 and CXCL11 significantly increase association of CXCR7 and β-arrestins with preferential interaction of the receptor with β-arrestin 2. The magnitude of interactions between CXCR7 and β-arrestin 2 increased over time after treatment with ligands, contrasting with transient association of β-arrestin 2 and CXCR4. β-Arrestin 2 increased uptake of CXCL12 in cells expressing CXCR7, emphasizing the functional relevance of the interaction between CXCR7 and β-arrestin 2. In an orthotopic xenograft model of human breast cancer, we used bioluminescence imaging to quantify changes in the association of CXCR7 and β-arrestin 2. These studies demonstrate ligand-dependent interactions of CXCR7 with β-arrestin 2 that promote accumulation of chemokines and establish an imaging assay for the dynamic regulation of CXCR7 by chemokines and candidate therapeutic agents in cell-based assays and living mice.
Design, calibration and testing of a parallel stage impactor.

The fractionation of airborne particles according to aerodynamic size by a number of impactor stages operated in parallel offers significant advantages over the commonly employed cascade impaction technique when determining mass or chemical size distribution of an aerosol. A seven stage, round jet impactor based on the parallel stage concept was designed, manufactured, calibrated and tested. The stages operate at 25 liters per minute collecting fractions of zero to 0.35, 0.70, 2.0, 4.0 and 7.0 micrometers aerodynamic diameter. The last two stages have no impaction surface and collect aerosol over the entire size range; All stages are mounted on standard 47 mm filter holders. For each stage, particles larger than the cut-off size impact on a thick adhesive surface and are discarded while those smaller are Collected on a filter. The ratio of the particle mass penetrating to the filter of a given stage to the mass of the entire aerosol represents the cumulative mass fraction associated with the cut-off diame...
The dauerlarva, a post-embryonic developmental variant of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

In the postembryological development of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a morphologically recognizable, nongrowing stage, called the dauerlarva, may arise. Using synchronous populations and following growth and molting, it has been shown that the dauerlarva is formed by a facultative, reversible arrest at a specific point in the life cycle, the second of four cuticle molts, in response to external conditions. At each molt a normal animal passes through “lethargus,” a stage in which feeding and locomotion are transiently arrested. In the dauerlarva stage, feeding is arrested indefinitely and locomotion is markedly reduced. A simple quantitative assay, based on the exceptional resistance of dauerlarvae to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), has been developed to study dauerlarva formation and its reversal. The SDS resistance of dauerlarvae requires both non-feeding and an especially impermeable cuticle. Dauerlarva formation can be efficiently induced by limiting the concentration of bacteria (the food supply), but not by complete starvation. Quantitative recovery to normal development can be induced by transfer to fresh medium with excess bacteria. Simpler stimuli can elicit recovery at slower rates, the principal factors besides nutrition being nutrition being optimal ionic and osmotic conditions and a noninhibitory concentration of animals. There are identifiable stages in recovery, beginning with a resumption of feeding. The cuticle, ultrastructurally very different from normal cuticle, is shed at the next molt, after which development appears normal. A temperature-sensitive mutant, which forms dauerlarvae at high temperature despite the presence of abundant food, is described, and the use of dauerlarvae for further mutant isolation is discussed.
From foster care to young adulthood: The role of independent living programs in supporting successful transitions

Using data from the larger Pathways to College study, this article presents two analyses exploring the potentially beneficial role of independent living programs (ILPs) for foster youth. First, a comparative analysis using survey data describes characteristics of former foster youth who were enrolled in an ILP while in foster care (N=81) compared to those who were not (N=113). Second, an ethnographic analysis using interview data with ILP coordinators in nine California counties describes typical and unique ILP services, as well as the impact of recent federal policy changes on ILPs. Survey results indicated that ILP participants were more likely to be African American or Mexican American/other Latino, and while in foster care, they tended to be placed in nonrelative placements, had more out-of-home placements, and were more likely than non-ILP participants to have been taught a number of independent living skills. Ethnographic results indicated that ILP services typically use an instructional model that focuses on teaching discrete and concrete skills considered to be associated with self-sufficiency, and recent legislation has increased funding and flexibility in ILP services. Implications and recommendations for ILPs are discussed.
Education and Medical Professionals Collaborating to Prepare Early Childhood Teachers for Inclusive Settings.

Best practice in the early childhood special education field supports the inclusion of young children with special needs in natural learning environments, that is, in programs where children without disabilities of the same age and their families participate. Consequently, early childhood teacher education programs must prepare professionals to teach children who are diverse in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and needs. This article describes the first 3 years of collaboration between a university's early childhood teacher education program and a hospital's program for families of children with special needs. Using a transdisciplinary model, the mission of this partnership is to prepare a new generation of teachers who excel in helping children with and without disabilities thrive.
Determinants of divisional performance evaluation practices

Abstract I investigate factors affecting firms' uses of three types of performance metrics to evaluate division mangers: division accounting metrics, firm accounting metrics and firm stock price. Survey data reveal that division accounting metric use increases with the divisions' industry's price–earnings correlation and decreases with divisional growth opportunities; firm accounting metric use increases with the manager's impact on other divisions and decreases with growth opportunities and other managers' impact on that division; and firm stock price use increases with relative division size and the correlation between firm stock returns and market-wide returns.
The growth hormone receptor antagonist pegvisomant blocks both mammary gland development and MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft growth

Mammary gland development is dependent upon the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis, this same axis has also been implicated in breast cancer progression. In this study we investigated the effect of a GH antagonist, pegvisomant (Somavert®, Pfizer), on normal mammary gland development and breast cancer xenograft growth. Intraperitoneal administration of pegvisomant resulted in a 60% suppression of hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels and upto a 70–80% reduction of serum IGF-I levels. Pegvisomant administration to virgin female mice caused a significant delay of mammary ductal outgrowth that was associated with a decrease in the number of terminal end buds and reduced branching and complexity of the gland. This effect of pegvisomant was mediated by a complete inhibition of both GH and IGF-IR-mediated signaling within the gland. In breast cancer xenograft studies, pegvisomant caused shrinkage of MCF-7 xenografts, with an initial 30% reduction in tumor volume, which was associated with a 2-fold reduction in proliferation and a 2-fold induction of apoptosis. Long-term growth inhibition of MCF-7 xenografts was noted. In contrast, pegvisomant had no effect on MDA-231 or MDA-435 xenografts, consistent with primary growth of these xenografts being unresponsive to IGF-I both in vitro and in vivo. In MCF-7 xenografts that regressed, pegvisomant had only minor effects upon GHR and IGF-IR signaling. This data supports previous studies indicating a role for GH/IGF in mammary gland development, and suggests that pegvisomant maybe useful for the prevention and/or treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.
Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome in two African-American brothers†‡

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding disorder, and, in some patients, granulomatous colitis and/or a fatal pulmonary fibrosis. There are eight different subtypes of HPS, each due to mutations in one of eight different genes, whose functions are thought to involve intracellular vesicle formation and trafficking. HPS has been identified in patients of nearly all ethnic groups, though it has primarily been associated with patients of Puerto Rican, Northern European, Japanese and Israeli descent. We report on the diagnosis of HPS type 1 in two African-American patients. Both brothers carried compound heterozygous mutations in HPS1: previously reported p.M325WfsX6 (c.972delC) and a novel silent mutation p.E169E (c.507G > A), which resulted in a splice defect. HPS may be under-diagnosed in African-American patients and other ethnic groups. A history of easy bruising or evidence of a bleeding disorder, combined with some degree of hypopigmentation, should prompt investigation into the diagnosis of HPS. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in 150-kilodalton IGFBP complexes by a cation-dependent protease activity in adult rat serum promotes the release of bound IGF-I

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) circulates in plasma predominantly in a 150-kDa complex together with IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), an approximately 40-kDa glycoprotein that binds IGF-I with high affinity, and an 85-kDa acid-labile subunit that does not bind IGFs. The 150-kDa complex serves as a potential reservoir of IGF-1 by sequestering the growth factor in the vascular compartment. Before IGF-I can reach the tissues, however, it must be released from the complex in a form that can cross the capillary-endothelial barrier. The present study demonstrates that proteolysis of IGFBP-3 in the 150-kDa complex occurs in vitro and results in the release of IGF-I. Specific IGFBP-3 protease activity in adult rat serum was demonstrated by incubating the serum at 37 C in the presence and absence of various protease inhibitors, followed by ligand blotting. Intact and truncated (30-kDa) IGFBP-3 were almost completely proteolyzed after 12 h of incubation, whereas IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 in the serum were unchanged even after 48-h incubation. The IGFBP-3 protease activity was inhibited by EDTA, indicating cation dependence, and by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride, a serine protease inhibitor. Fractionation of the serum after incubation indicated that IGFBP-3 was proteolyzed while it was part of the 150-kDa complex. Proteolysis of human IGFBP-3 (hIGFBP-3) also occurred within 150-kDa complexes when ternary complexes that had been reconstituted from recombinant hIGFBP-3, rat acid-labile subunit, and IGF-I were incubated with rat serum. Release of IGF-I from ternary complexes after proteolysis of hIGFBP-3 was indicated by the observation that some of the [125I]IGF-I initially associated with reconstituted 150-kDa complexes was transferred to endogenous rat IGFBPs during the incubation. Similar proteolysis of IGFBP-3 within 150-kDa complexes in vivo would provide a mechanism for mobilizing IGF-I from the circulating reservoir in plasma as well as for the turnover of IGFBP-3.
Sensory-set factors in age differences in reaction time.

(1971). Sensory-Set Factors in Age Differences in Reaction Time. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 119, No. 2, pp. 241-249.
A canonical structure for iterative procedures

Abstract In this paper a canonical structure for multistep finite memory algorithms is presented. The concept of characteristic set is introduced and some of the finite and limit properties of the structure are proved. Then it is shown that the use of the theory developed in the paper's first part greatly simplifies the analysis of complicated iterative procedures.
Estimating mutagen mass in indeterminate mixtures: micronuclei in Tradescantia.

Abstract Short-term biological tests are used to evaluate environmental damage caused by toxic chemicals. Risk or damage to an ecological system exposed to chemicals is assessed using ecological studies or inferences derived from biological-effect data after identification and quantification of contaminants. The compositions of environmental contaminant mixtures are generally indeterminate; there are no direct methods for identifying and comprehensively quantifying all the mutagens, carcinogens, and other types of biologically active chemicals in these mixtures. We present a method for using the induction of micronuclei (MCN) in Tradescantia during the tetrad stage of meiosis to estimate the total quantity of active chemicals. Component identification is not needed. The lognormal distributions of the estimated minimum effective dose (EMED) for 23 compounds tested in solution and 11 tested as vapors (Ma, T. H., Harris, M. M., Anderson, V. A., Ahmed, I., Mohammed, K., Bare, J. L., and Lin, G., 1984, Mutat. Res. 138 , 157–167) are used to determine the median-mutagen activity for each exposure route. These activities are 203 mg/liter for aqueous exposures and 14,854 ppm-min for vapor exposures. The method is illustrated using the responses of Tradescantia exposed to a hexachloroethane/zinc chloride aerosol for 30 min at 50 and 100 m. The response at 50 m was equivalent to exposure to a median-active mutagen at 365 ppm for 30 min.
A compact stacked-device output driver in low-voltage CMOS Technology

This paper presents a high-voltage output stage suitable for square-wave drive in nanometer-scale CMOS technology. The output stage relies on device stacking to extend output swings reliably beyond that of the technology's supply rating. Two assisted-charging transistors are required for every additional stacked device to maintain reliability during switching transitions. Doubly- and triply-stacked drive circuits are designed using 2.5V thick-oxide devices in 65nm CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the two drivers operate reliably at 5V and 7.5V outputs respectively.
The search for a new paradigm for the development of national agricultural research systems

This paper first reviews trends in the recent evolution of investment in national agricultural research systems. It then synthesizes the major elements of an emerging paradigm for viewing the future evolution of research systems. This paradigm has arisen in response to the funding crisis in public research organizations in the 1990s, and the declining capacity of many of these organizations. Key elements of this new paradigm; are a pluralistic institutional structure, a growing role for the private sector, new mechanisms for research funding, improved efficiency and effectiveness of public research organizations, and strengthening of global scientific links.
Fast chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a widely used method to explore in vivo interactions between proteins and DNA. The ChIP assay takes several days to complete, involves several tube transfers and uses either phenol–chlorophorm or spin columns to purify DNA. The traditional ChIP method becomes a challenge when handling multiple samples. We have developed an efficient and rapid Chelex resin-based ChIP procedure that dramatically reduces time of the assay and uses only a single tube to isolate PCR-ready DNA. This method greatly facilitates the probing of chromatin changes over many time points with several antibodies in one experiment.
Effects of acute ozone exposure on growth, nodulation and nitrogen content of Ladino clover

Abstract Ladino clover ( Trifolium repens L.) was subjected to two 2-h exposures, one week apart, of carbon-filtered air, 30 pphm ozone or 60 pphm ozone, in the facilities of the Southeastern Plant Environmental Laboratories. Plants were exposed at the following times: 14 + 21, 28 + 35, 42 + 49 or 56 + 63 days after seeding. Plants at each exposure age were harvested over a four-week period starting one week after the last exposure. Ozone reduced the growth of tops and roots. The magnitude of the effect varied with ozone concentration and plant exposure age. Both 30 and 60 pphm ozone reduced nodulation for the first three exposure ages. Nitrogenase activity per plant and per nodule was not significantly modified when compared with the appropriate controls. Total nitrogen was directly correlated with biomass.
Circadian clocks, epigenetics, and cancer

Purpose of review The interplay between circadian rhythm and cancer has been suggested for more than a decade based on the observations that shift work and cancer incidence are linked. Accumulating evidence implicates the circadian clock in cancer survival and proliferation pathways. At the molecular level, multiple control mechanisms have been proposed to link circadian transcription and cell-cycle control to tumorigenesis.
The deteriorating action of salt and brine on reinforced concrete

AT the present time, when concrete structures are being erected throughout the co8untry for all manner of purposes, it is of the greatest importance that the limitations, the durability. and the causes of the deterioration of reinforced concrete should be thoroughly understood. Within the past few years the number of reinforced concrete structures has been increasing so rapidly that to-day concrete has replaced brick and stone to a large extent. Since most of our oldest reinforced concrete is not over fifteen to eighteen years old. n-ho can predict. from so short a period of observation, its condition twenty-five or fifty years hence? During the past few yea& there has been considerable discussion regarding the durability of concrete, and there exists a certain amount of disagreement on the matter. There appeared in Engiwering News of &April 4, 1912, wherein is published a report of the American Society for Testing Materials’ meeting, the following sentence : *’ The report of the water-proofing committee brought about some excited discussions, during which several persons affirmed their belief in the imperishability of concrete and protested against any hint of any other possibility.” H’owever, though “ it is no doubt true that many diseases can be cured by a practitioner who strenuously denies their existence and thus encourages the patient to resist and overcome them, it can hardly be expected that defective concrete walls or disintegrating piers can be strengthened by ‘ absent treatment,’ however vigorous be the denial of the injury or however prominent the denier.” It is much better to look facts in the face and attempt to find a remedy. Sea-water, one of the agents which brings about the disintegration of concrete, attracted the attention of users osf cement
Mineral nutrition and leaf longevity in an evergreen shrub, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens.

Effects of variable mineral nutrient status on evergreen leaf longevity were investigated in a field fertilization experiment, and by comparison of plants from several sites. The species studied was Ledum palustre spp. decumbens, with a normal leaf life expectancy of 2.06 years and a maximum leaf longevity of 4.5–5.0 years. Most leaf losses took place during the growing season, not during the winter. Fertilization increased leaf production but decreased leaf survivorship. Total number of leaves per stem was unchanged with fertilization. In a comparison among sites, there was a moderate negative correlation between plant N and P concentrations and leaf longevity. These intraspecific responses are similar to known interspecific changes along nutrient gradients, i.e. with high nutrient availability a vegetation should become more “deciduous” and less “evergreen”.
APPLICATION OF A GENERAL PURPOSE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD TO ELASTIC PIPES CONVEYING FLUID

The motion of elastic pipes conveying fluids has been studied extensively for various idealized cases for many years. In this paper we show that recent advances in finite element methodology have made it possible to simulate these coupled fluid-structure systems within the context of a general-purpose finite element program. Using a nonlinear Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element formulation we compare computational and theoretical results for four test cases with analytical solutions: a simplified cantilever pipe, a fixed-fixed pipe (clamped at both ends), a cantilever pipe, and a spring-supported cantilever pipe. Although care must be taken to match the finite element and theoretical modeling assumptions properly in all cases, the results show good agreement.
Diversity Challenges in Community Research and Action: The Story of a Special Issue of AJCP

Community research and action often involve managing difficult diversity-related dilemmas. However, the literature on diversity tends to focus on success stories that tie up very complex issues into neatly-packaged case studies or lists of specific recommendations. This article introduces a special issue of the American Journal of Community Psychology that was rooted in the belief that it is within the stories of the challenges that the complexity of the political, historical, social, and psychological dynamics of diversity are most evident. The special issue includes 22 detailed narratives of dilemmas related to multiple dimensions of diversity including race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. We asked contributing authors to divide their papers into three primary subsections: (1) context, (2) Challenge and Response, and (3) Reflections. We do the same in telling the story of how this edited collection evolved.
Experimental aspects of inelastic X-ray scattering studies on liquids under extreme conditions (P–T)

In this study, collective excitations of liquid indium are studied just above the melting point at different pressures (1.7 GPa, 240 °C; 3.0 GPa, 300 °C; 4.0 GPa, 360 °C). The pressures and temperatures are achieved by the use of an externally heated diamond anvil cell. Clear evidence for the existence of propagating modes is observed from the dynamical structure factor at constant momentum transfer (Q) up to about 18 nm−1. The reason for the observed high elastic-scattering background is identified, and its effects on the determination of elastic properties such as viscosity are discussed.
Analytical Model for Large-Scale Turbulence

The paper presents an analytical model for large-scale turbulence, based on a new closure which depends on the growth rate of the instability-generating turbulence. For convection in stars the results of the mixing-length theory are recovered, and for laboratory convection the N = R to the 1/3 power law is recovered. The present model can readily be extended to include magnetic fields and rotation.
An examination of the basic postulates of surface chemistry: A variational calculus analysis of the classic rotating drop experiment

A demonstration, using the variational calculus, is given showing that it is impossible to describe the excess free energy in any liquid surface by the use of a single energy parameter, the surface tension, without violating the laws of motion. The addition of the required second parameter, the flexural rigidity, is shown to be adequate to explain published data on the systemn-hexadecane/glycerol, and to demonstrate that for small radii of curvature, the curvature parameter may contribute orders of magnitude more to the surface energy than the surface tension does.
Observation of a discontinuous red-shift in the emission spectrum of a two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract Photoluminescence of a high-density GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure has been investigated up to 60 T using a quasi-continuous magnet. At a field of 27.5 T, corresponding to a filling factor of ν=2 of the 2DEG, we find that the dominant Fermi-edge-enhanced emission line disappears abruptly, and an anomalous luminescence line emerges concurrently with a red-shift of about 10 meV. While there are various theoretical models addressing the issue of discontinuous red-shift in the quantum Hall regimes, we find that our observation, in its entirety, cannot be explained by the these models.
Channel-optimized hyperspectral image coding

This paper presents a wavelet-based hyperspectral image coder that is optimized for transmission over the binary symmetric channel. The proposed coder uses a robust channel- optimized trellis-coded quantization stage that is designed to optimize the image coding based on the channel characteristics. This optimization is performed only at the level of the source encoder, and does not include any channel coding for error protection. The robust nature of the coder increases the security level of the encoded bit stream and provides a much more visually pleasing rendition of the decoded image. In the absence of channel noise, the proposed coder is shown to achieve a compression ratio greater than 70:1, with an average PSNR of the coded hyperspectral sequence exceeding 40 dB. Additionally, the coder is shown to exhibit graceful degradation with increasing channel errors.
The size and power of the exact bivariate symmetry test

Abstract Hollander's bivariate symmetry test for paired data is a two-sided conditional test of the null hypothesis H 0 : F ( y , x )= F ( y , x ) for all ( x , y ) versus the alternative hypothesis that H 0 fails to hold. Hollander (1971) proved the consistency of this test against a wide range of alternatives. Because of the potential usefulness of this test and because asymptotic distributions of the test statistic defined to date have not performed well, we created an algorithm for conducting exact bivariate symmetry tests. The algorithm computes exact P values in a tiny fraction of the time required for complete enumeration of the sample space. We use the algorithm to demonstrate the exact test's high sensitivity to location and moderate sensitivity to scale alternatives.
Retinal pigmented epithelium does not transdifferentiate in adult goldfish

The neural retina of adult goldfish can regenerate from an intrinsic source of proliferative neuronal progenitor cells, but it is not known whether the retina can regenerate by transdifferentiation of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), a phenomenon demonstrated in adult newts. In this study, we asked whether following surgical removal of the neural retina in adult goldfish the RPE was capable of autonomously transdifferentiating and generating new neural retina. The retina was prelabeled by injecting the fluorescent dye Fluoro-Gold (FG) into the eye prior to surgical removal; this procedure ensured that residual retina was labeled with FG and could therefore be distinguished from unlabeled, regenerated retina. To examine the time course of retinal regeneration, and to identify regenerated retinal neurons, the thymidine analogue bromodeoxyuridine was injected intraocularly, and retinas were examined up to 2 months later. We found that the RPE did not transdifferentiate; instead, retinas regenerated only when pieces of residual neural retina were left intact. Under these circumstances, newly regenerated cells derived from proliferating cells intrinsic to the residual neural retina. When retinas were completely removed, as was evident from a lack of FG labeling, there was no retinal regeneration. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.