cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The diphtheria toxin channel-forming T-domain translocates its own NH2-terminal region and the catalytic domain across planar phospholipid bilayers.

The T-domain of diphtheria toxin, which extends from residue 202 to 378, causes the translocation of the catalytic A fragment (residues 1-201) across endosomal membranes and also forms ion-conducting channels in planar phospholipid bilayers. The carboxy-terminal 57-amino acid segment (residues 322-378) in the T-domain is all that is required to form these channels, but its ability to do so is greatly augmented by the portion of the T-domain upstream from this. Here we show that in association with channel formation by the T-domain, its hydrophilic 63-amino acid NH2-terminal region (residues 202-264) as well as the entire catalytic A fragment (residues 1-201) cross the lipid bilayer. The phenomenon that enabled us to demonstrate this was the rapid closure of channels at cis negative voltages when a histidine tag was placed at various positions in the NH2-terminal region of the T-domain or in the A fragment; the inhibition of this effect by trans nickel established that the histidine tag was present on the trans side of the membrane. Thus, all of the machinery necessary to translocate the A fragment across membranes is built into the 114 residues at the carboxy-terminal end of the T-domain (residues 265-378), without the requirement of any proteins in the plasma membrane (e.g., toxin receptor) or of any other cellular components.
Foraging Wading Bird (Ciconiiformes) Attraction to Prescribed Burns in an Oligotrophic Wetland

Many wetland communities are fire prone or fire dependent, especially those dominated by forbs and grasses. Despite our considerable knowledge about fire effects on wildlife in uplands, there is a relative paucity of information about effects of fire in wetland systems. Long-legged wading birds (herons, egrets, ibises, storks, spoonbills; order Ciconiiformes) may benefit from fire through the exposure of prey after vegetation removal, or through a trophic response of prey to increased availability of nutrients and increased light. We conducted aerial surveys of foraging wading birds in prescribed burns and adjacent unburned areas in the central Everglades, Florida, USA, to determine if wading birds select for burned habitats. We measured aquatic prey density in burned and unburned sawgrass (Cladium mariscus [L.] Pohl ssp. jamaicense [Crantz] Kuk), and densities of prey injured or killed in the fires. We also observed foraging great egrets (Ardea alba L.) in and adjacent to prescribed burns to determine whether foraging success (i.e., capture efficiency and capture rate) differed between burned and unburned areas. Great egrets and white ibises (Eudocimus albus L.) selected for burns and areas of deeper water adjacent to burned areas, and avoided dense, tall, unburned vegetation. Measured densities of prey killed by the fire were very low. Live aquatic prey densities did not differ between burned and unburned sawgrass. Great egrets had higher capture rates in sloughs adjacent to burns than in burned areas, but were more efficient at capturing prey in burned areas than in adjacent sloughs. Prescribed fires created short-term shallow water habitats (burned areas) with limited submerged and emergent vegetation, making prey in burns more vulnerable despite lower densities (availability) compared to adjacent sloughs. This research suggests that prescribed fire in grass-dominated wetlands may attract predators like wading birds primarily because removal of vegetation makes prey easier to capture.
Design and implementation of a command processor for high level human-robot interaction system

This paper presents an innovative semi-autonomous human-robot interaction concept for people with severe disability and discusses a proof-of-concept prototype system. The user communicates with the robot through electromyographic (EMG) signals. However, unlike most EMG controlled robotic operations, here the user can issue high-level commands to the robot. This would allow people with severe disability to access robots that can help them in activities of daily living. This paper describes a high-level command processor that translates high-level commands issued by a disabled user to perform certain activities of daily living (ADL), into a sequence of lower level commands that are executable by a robot. The command processor is implemented using TXL (Tree Transformation Language).
The use of clonidine for the treatment of high intestinal output following small bowel transplantation

Abstract The use of small bowel transplant (SBT) for short bowel syndrome poses unique and challenging problems posttransplantation. High intestinal output or diarrhea following SBT is extremely common and often requires intravenous (IV) fluid supplementation or even HPN intermittently. Various methods to control this output have been utilized, but frequently are not very successful.
Treatment of stuttering with Regulated breathing : Strengths, limitations, and future directions

In this paper a treatment for stuttering known as Regulated Breathing (Azrin & Nunn, 1974) is described, and studies investigating the original procedure and its variations are evaluated. The studies conducted to simplify the procedure are also evaluated. This review demonstrates that both the original and simplified procedures reduce stuttering and increase speech rate. In addition to discussing the efficacy of the original procedure and simplifications, the efficacy of Regulated Breathing is compared to that of other treatments common in speech-language pathology. Finally, a number of limitations of past research and areas for future research are offered.
Graduate Education and Research for Economic Growth

Industry is the largest consumer for engineering and science doctorates, and doctorate-level training is thus a main link between the U.S. economy and education. Recent pressures on federal research and development funding, and the widening gap between the needs of industry and the expertise of academia, pose several challenges for the nature of graduate training. Fellowships, off-campus research, and opportunities for teaching should be emphasized in graduate schools, versus research assistant support.
First Prize: Characterization of Renal Ischemia Using DLP® Hyperspectral Imaging: A Pilot Study Comparing Artery-Only Occlusion Versus Artery and Vein Occlusion

Abstract Background and Purpose: Renal artery-only (AO) occlusion, as opposed to artery and vein (AV) occlusion, has demonstrated some benefit in reducing renal insufficiency during warm ischemia. In this pilot study, we used digital light projection hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to construct a “real time” tissue oxygenation “map” to determine whether there are differences in renal tissue oxygenation during vascular occlusion with AO vs AV. Materials and Methods: Renal vascular occlusion with either AO or AV was performed for 60 minutes in seven porcine renal units. Using HSI, the percentage of oxyhemoglobin (%HbO2) in the renal cortex was determined at 4-minute increments throughout the ischemic period and for 30 minutes after reperfusion. Results: Average baseline %HbO2 in all animals was approximately 70%. After vascular occlusion in both cohorts, %HbO2 decreased by one third within 2 to 5 minutes, with a gradual decline in %HbO2 over the remaining 55 minutes. Oxyhemoglobin profiles for AO and AV occlusi...
CCL5 regulation of mucosal chlamydial immunity and infection

Following genital chlamydial infection, an early T helper type 1 (Th1)-associated immune response precedes the activation and recruitment of specific Th1 cells bearing distinct chemokine receptors, subsequently leading to the clearance of Chlamydia. We have shown that CCR5, a receptor for CCL5, is crucial for protective chlamydial immunity. Our laboratory and others have also demonstrated that CCL5 deficiencies found in man and animals can increase the susceptibility and progression of infectious diseases by modulating mucosal immunity. These findings suggest the CCR5-CCL5 axis is necessary for optimal chlamydial immunity. We hypothesized CCL5 is required for protective humoral and cellular immunity against Chlamydia. The present study revealed that CCR5 and CCL5 mRNAs are elevated in the spleen, iliac lymph nodes (ILNs), and genital mucosa following Chlamydia muriduram challenge. Antibody (Ab)-mediated inhibition of CCL5 during genital chlamydial infection suppressed humoral and Th1 > Th2 cellular responses by splenic-, ILN-, and genital mucosa-derived lymphocytes. Antigen (Ag)-specific proliferative responses of CD4+ T cells from spleen, ILNs, and genital organs also declined after CCL5 inhibition. The suppression of these responses correlated with delayed clearance of C. muriduram, which indicate chlamydial immunity is mediated by Th1 immune responses driven in part by CCL5. Taken together with other studies, the data show that CCL5 mediates the temporal recruitment and activation of leukocytes to mitigate chlamydial infection through enhancing adaptive mucosal humoral and cellular immunity.
The state of confusion Reflections on Central American asylum seekers in the Bay Area

This article explores the problematic assumptions at play in the asylum applications of Central American asylum seekers in northern California. I address the disjuncture between the legal parameters under which asylum is granted and the perceptions and knowledge about the process of all those involved. For `undocumented' immigrants, claiming asylum establishes a formal relationship to the state, in which they must learn to reformulate their identity and memory to fit the legal definition of refugee. Poverty, marginality, lack of education, and fear, however, make the situation difficult to grasp. Uncertainty and confusion increase during the asylum interview, where officer's interpretations of the situation lead to essentialized notions of ethnicity, poverty, and violence. Ultimately, positive outcomes depend on applicants' ability to learn to navigate the process and access the categories established in a political economy of suffering. The power relations inherent in the application reflect the greater ...
Studies in Cyciocopolymerization. XIII. A Study of Steric Effects in Cyciocopolymerization of Divinyl Ether with Substituted Electron-Acceptor Alkenes

Abstract The equilibrium constants for charge-transfer (CT) complex formation between divinyl ether (DVE) and several sub-stituted maleic anhydrides and 2-cyclopentene-l,4-dione were measured in CHC13 by use of UV spectroscopy. The copolymerizaticn of DVE with these acceptor monoolefins produced regular cyclocopolymers of constant 1:1 or 1:2 (DVE:monoolefin) composition regardless of the feed composition. Comparison of the CT complexation and the cyciocopolymerization leads to the following conclusions: 1) A strong CT complex gives regular cyclocopolymer of constant 1:1 composition having a copolymer backbone made up of only 1,4-diene units: 2) when a monoolefin is un-reactive (often sterically), the 1:1 cyclocopolymer is pro-duced: and 3) if CT complexation is weak and the monoolefin is reactive toward radicals (but not so reactive as to homo-polymerize easily), a 1:2 alternating cyclocopolymer is produced. A facile and quantitative elimination of hydrogen halides with dilute aqueous NaOH solution was found.
Geometric Control Over the Motion of Magnetic Domain Walls

We propose a method that enables a precise control of magnetic patterns and relies only on the fundamental properties of the wire as well as on the choice of the path in the controlled parameter space but not on the rate of motion along this path. Possible experimental realizations of this mechanism are discussed. In particular, we show that the domain walls in magnetic nanowires can be translated by rotation of the magnetic easy axis or by applying pulses of magnetic field directed transverse to the magnetic easy axis.
Gold Nanowire and Nanorod Plasmonic Mechanisms for Increasing Ultra-Thin Organic Photovoltaic Active Layer Absorption

We theoretically investigate the effect of incorporating gold cylindrical- and ellipsoidal-shaped nanowires and gold nanorods situated centrally within the active layer of organic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic devices, on the optical absorption performance using finite element electromagnetic simulations. Gold cylindrical nanowire-embedded devices show increased active layer absorption enhancement with increasing radius; however, this effect decreases with the introduction of a polystyrene dielectric capping layer around the nanowires. Active layer absorption, with respect to changes in the orientation, aspect ratio, periodicity, and spacing between ellipsoidal nanowires were optimized. A maximum absorption enhancement weighted by AM 1.5 solar spectrum of 17 % is predicted for gold ellipsoidal nanowires of aspect ratio of 1.167 with in-plane horizontal orientation and arranged with periodicity of 35 nm within a 30-nm thin active layer. We attribute this enhancement primarily to interparticle electromagnetic coupling between adjacent nanowires, where, a maximum spatial and spectral overlap of the electromagnetic field with the absorption band of the active layer material is achieved. This effect increases with decreasing aspect ratio as well as decreasing periodicity with a trade-off observed between nanowire packing density and the active layer absorption enhancement. For gold nanorod-embedded organic photovoltaic devices, the inter-particle electromagnetic coupling effects are weaker and longitudinal surface–plasmon resonances supported by the nanorods are more pronounced. However, since the longitudinal surface–plasmon resonances occur at wavelengths greater than the absorption edge of the photovoltaic active layer, a mere 3.4 % increase in absorption enhancement is achieved for the photovoltaic device incorporating gold nanorods with aspect ratio of 1.167 and periodicity of 35 nm.
Industrialization and urbanization in Japan: The emergence of public discontent

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses industrialization and urbanization in Japan. Japan has been a country of special interest to theorists of modernization because it is the most successful example of the transition among the countries outside the historical circle of western civilization. During the past quarter-century, Japan completed its modernization with rapid, intensive industrialization, and urbanization. Developments of comparable magnitude also occurred in the United States and European countries and it has become apparent that certain social issues associated with intensive industrialization were shared by all of these countries, including Japan. The policy of production, first among the capitalist nations also assumes that ideally the free market will make up for social deficiencies, absolutely, or relatively perceived that may accumulate in the system. The welfare gap appears to be a mixture of both absolute and relative deprivations, felt or perceived by large and growing segments of the Japanese population. Analysis of damage to the environment begins with the growth and concentration of industrial activities and the output of polluting or disrupting substances by these activities.
Targeting CSCs within the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy: a potential role of mesenchymal stem cells.

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one subgroup of adult stem cells and possess a proliferative potential and ability to differentiate into various ceells. Areas covered: Emerging evidence suggests that MSCs can reprogram toward cancer stem cells (CSCs), due to alterations of intrinsic and extrinsic microenvironments, leading to tumorigenesis. The CSC concept has fundamental clinical implications because of its involvement in cell migration/invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Therefore, targeting CSCs provides a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. However, the origin of CSCs and its molecular connections are not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests the existence of an inter-relationship between CSCs and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic cells, in the context of inflammation and hypoxia, as well as the potential role of miRNAs. Expert opinion: We suggest that targeting CSC signatures along with EMT, inflammation, and hypoxia will provide a m...
Fusing N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Carborane Anions

Here we describe the fusion of two families of unusual carbon-containing molecules that readily disregard the tendency of carbon to form four chemical bonds, namely N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and carborane anions. Deprotonation of an anionic imidazolium salt with lithium diisopropylamide at room temperature leads to a mixture of lithium complexes of C-2 and C-5 dianionic NHC constitutional isomers as well as a trianionic (C-2, C-5) adduct. Judicious choice of the base and reaction conditions allows the selective formation of all three stable polyanionic carbenes. In solution, the so-called abnormal C-5 NHC lithium complex slowly isomerizes to the normal C-2 NHC, and the process can be proton-catalyzed by the addition of the anionic imidazolium salt. These results indicate that the combination of two unusual forms of carbon atoms can lead to unexpected chemical behavior, and that this strategy paves the way for the development of a broad new generation of NHC ligands for catalysis.
A Computational Model for Rotor-Fuselage Interactional Aerodynamics

A novel unsteady rotor-fuselage interactional aerodynamics model has been developed. This model loosely couples a Generalized Dynamic Wake Theory (GDWT) to a thin-layer Navier-Stokes solution procedure. This coupling is achieved using an unsteady pressure jump boundary condition in the Navier-Stokes model. The new unsteady pressure jump boundary condition models each rotor blade as a moving pressure jump which travels around the rotor azimuth and is applied between two adjacent planes in a cylindrical, non-rotating grid. Comparisons are made between measured and predicted time-averaged and time-accurate rotor inflow ratios. Additional comparisons are made between measured and predicted unsteady surface pressures on the top centerline and sides of the fuselage.
In vitro lymphocyte transformation in atopic patients: Induced by antigens

Abstract The effect of addition of antigens to cultures of lymphocytes from atopic individuals was investigated. The number of large "blast cells" in cultures of patients sensitive to ragweed, Alternaria, and penicillin was greater than in control cultures from non-sensitive individuals, supporting the specific stimulatory effect of antigen. For each antigen, there is an optimal dose-response curve. Above this optimal concentration no further stimulatory effect is obtained. When two or more antigens to which a patient is sensitive were added to his lymphocytes, no cumulative stimulatory effect was obtained, as compared with the effect of only one antigen. A similar absence of summation could be seen when an antigen was mixed with phytohemagglutinin. Although the morphology of the blast cells obtained with antigenic stimulation was similar or identical to that obtained with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), the percentage of blast cells was strikingly higher with PHA, and the peak of response appeared after 3 days with PHA instead of 5 to 7 days as with antigens. When the percentage of blast cells obtained with ragweed and Alternaria was compared with other tests of hypersensitivity, such as, skin test and passive hemagglutination, a fairly good correlation was observed. On the other hand, penicillin-sensitive patients can exhibit a positive hemagglutination test and an increased percentage of blast cells with a negative skin test. When antigen was added to the washed lymphocytes of a patient sensitive to that particular antigen, the culture fluid contained antibodies demonstrable by the Schultz-Dale technique. The highest content was observed from the third to the fifth day with a significant decrease at the seventh and ninth days. Heating this culture fluid at 56° C. for 4 hours significantly decreased the content in antibodies. The addition of fluid from lymphocytes grown in tissue culture in the presence of antigen caused contraction of unsensitized monkey ileum strip. This conceivably could be due to the presence of antigen-antibody complexes.
Art Is Magic/It Cannot Succeed: Christoph Schlingensief's Via Intolleranza II

"I want you to eat my dead body, digest me, and shit me out. I want you to spread the shit on plants as fertilizer, and nourish yourself again." In his production Via Intolleranna II , German director Christoph Schlingensief becomes present to our present, despite his death in August 2010.
Vows for the Masses: Eison and the Popular Expansion of Precept-Conferral Ceremonies in Premodern Japan

Over the course of his roughly fifty-year ministry, the Japanese vinaya ( ritsu ) revivalist priest Eison (also read “Eizon,” 1201–1290) is said to have bestowed the bodhisattva precepts upon some 97,710 people. Many of these conferrals were given en masse , with tens or hundreds (and, according to some records, even thousands) taking precepts ( jukai ; Chns. shoujie ) from Eison together, in single ceremonies. This study places Eison's use of precept-conferral ceremonies in the broader historical context of East Asian, and especially Japanese, Buddhist practice. It then focuses on the particular methods used and innovations introduced by Eison and his vinaya-revival movement, paying close attention to the socio-political roles that precept-conferral ceremonies played in relationships between monks, monasteries, and lay devotees in medieval Japan.
Blocking KCa1.1 Channels Inhibits the Pathogenic Features of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Treats Rat Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects synovial joints, resulting in cartilage and bone degradation. Current therapies for RA typically focus on suppressing the immune response, although resident joint cells known as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are responsible for many of the pathogenic features of RA. In normal joints, FLS line the capsule and function to maintain the extracellular matrix and to lubricate the joint. However, FLS in RA (RA-FLS) develop an invasive phenotype tightly correlated with joint damage and release proteases and pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory growth factors. Due to their pathogenic nature, understanding how to regulate RA-FLS activity could provide the basis for novel therapeutics for RA that would bypass the need for immunosuppressants.We have found that the KCa1.1 channels are involved in many of the pathogenic features of RA-FLS. KCa1.1 is up-regulated in RA-FLS and localizes on the leading edge of the plasma membrane. Blocking KCa1.1 ex vivo inhibits cellular migration and invasion, along with the production of VEGF, IL-8, and MMP-2. This inhibition in cellular motility agrees with our finding that blocking KCa1.1 inhibits the formation of lamellipodia and interferes with integrin regulation in RA-FLS. These changes in phenotype are likely due to a calcium transient that forms as a result of KCa1.1 block, as invasiveness of KCa1.1-blocked RA-FLS is rescued upon blocking CaV channels on the cell membrane. We have also found that blocking KCa1.1 with the small molecule paxilline significantly decreases clinical signs in two complementary rat models of RA.Our results point to KCa1.1 channels as a promising new target for RA therapy and open the possibility for treatments that would not induce immunosuppression.
Thermal and mechanical joints to cryo-cooled silicon monochromator crystals

We describe the performance of various materials used as the thermal interface between silicon to silicon and silicon to copper joints when operated at ~120K and loaded with ~20 watts of thermal power. We find that only the indium based silicon-to-silicon joint is reliable.
Enhanced pneumonia and disease in pigs vaccinated with an inactivated human-like (δ-cluster) H1N2 vaccine and challenged with pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza virus

Influenza is an economically important respiratory disease affecting swine world-wide with potential zoonotic implications. Genetic reassortment and drift has resulted in genetically and antigenically distinct swine influenza viruses (SIVs). Consequently, prevention of SIV infection is challenging due to the increased rate of genetic change and a potential lack of cross-protection between vaccine strains and circulating novel isolates. This report describes a vaccine-heterologous challenge model in which pigs were administered an inactivated H1N2 vaccine with a human-like (δ-cluster) H1 six and three weeks before challenge with H1 homosubtypic, heterologous 2009 pandemic H1N1. At necropsy, macroscopic and microscopic pneumonia scores were significantly higher in the vaccinated and challenged (Vx/Ch) group compared to non-vaccinated and challenged (NVx/Ch) pigs. The Vx/Ch group also demonstrated enhanced clinical disease and a significantly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to the NVx/Ch group. In contrast, viral shedding and replication were significantly higher in NVx/Ch pigs although all challenged pigs, including Vx/Ch pigs, were shedding virus in nasal secretions. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and serum neutralizing (SN) antibodies were detected to the priming antigen in the Vx/Ch pigs but no measurable cross-reacting HI or SN antibodies were detected to pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1). Overall, these results suggest that inactivated SIV vaccines may potentiate clinical signs, inflammation and pneumonia following challenge with divergent homosubtypic viruses that do not share cross-reacting HI or SN antibodies.
Dexamethasone-induced killing of neoplastic cells of lymphoid derivation: lack of early calcium involvement.

The role of calcium influx in dexamethasone-induced fragmentation of DNA was studied in the glucocorticoid-sensitive human lymphoid line of T cell derivation (CEM-C7). Reduction of calcium content in the medium or the use of EGTA increased DNA fragmentation and appeared to slightly enhance the effect of dexamethasone. Incubation of isolated nuclei in the presence of high concentrations of calcium did not bring about significant DNA fragmentation. Calmida-zolium, an antagonist of calmodulin dependent reactions did not reduce the sensitivity of CEM-C7 cells to dexamethasone nor did it modify the response to dexamethasone of the resistant CEM-C1 line. It appears that in contrast to rodent thymocytes, massive calcium influx is not per se responsible for the initiation of directed cell killing (apoptosis).
Calmodulin binding and inhibition of cardiac muscle calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor).

Abstract Metabolically 35S-labeled calmodulin (CaM) was used to determine the CaM binding properties of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and to identify potential channel domains for CaM binding. In addition, regulation of RyR2 by CaM was assessed in [3H]ryanodine binding and single-channel measurements. Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles bound approximately four CaM molecules per RyR2 tetramer in the absence of Ca2+; in the presence of 100 μmCa2+, the vesicles bound 7.5 CaM molecules per tetramer. Purified RyR2 bound approximately four [35S]CaM molecules per RyR tetramer, both in the presence and absence of Ca2+. At least four CaM binding domains were identified in [35S]CaM overlays of fusion proteins spanning the full-length RyR2. The affinity (but not the stoichiometry) of CaM binding was altered by redox state as controlled by the presence of either GSH or GSSG. Inhibition of RyR2 activity by CaM was influenced by Ca2+ concentration, redox state, and other channel modulators. Parallel experiments with the skeletal muscle isoform showed major differences in the CaM binding properties and regulation by CaM of the skeletal and cardiac ryanodine receptors.
Molecular orbital studies of polyethylene deformation

Young's modulus E for polyethylene in the chain direction is calculated with molecular orbital theory applied to n-alkanes C3H8 through n-C13H28 and analyzed with the cluster-difference method. Semiempirical CNDO, MNDO, and AM1 models and ab initio HF/STO-3G, HF/6-31G, HF/6-31G*, and MP2/6-31G* models are used. Cluster-difference results, when extrapolated to infinite chain length, give E in good agreement with moduli evaluated with molecular cluster or crystal orbital methods, provided minimal basis sets are employed. E decreases from 495 GPa (CNDO) to 336 GPa (MP2/6-31G*) as the level of theory is improved, consistent with established behaviors of the various models. Our calculations do not reproduce earlier molecular cluster or crystal orbital results, which gave E < 330 GPa. The most rigorous MP2/6-31G* model is known to overestimate force constants by ∼ 11%; the scaled modulus E = 299 GPa is in good accord with E = 306 GPa from recent calculations based on experimental vibration frequencies. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Separation of acidic phospholipids by one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography.

1. 1. Three one-dimensional thin-layer Chromatographie systems for separation of acidic phospholipids such as cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidyl-glycerol, are described. System I: adsorbent is silica gel without CaSO4 binder. Two step developing system is used. The first solvent is acetone-light petroleum (1:3, by vol.); the second solvent is a mixture of chloroform-methanol-acetic acid-water (80:13:8:0.3, by vol.). The separated compounds from the top of the chromatogram are: monoglyceride, cardiolipin, phosphatidic acid, ceramidemonohexosides (cerebrosides), phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. System II: silica gel thin-layer plates are prepared with 0.1 M Na2CO3. The first solvent is pyridine-light petroleum (3:1, by vol.); the second solvent is chloroform-methanol-pyridine-2 M NH4OH (35:12:65:1, by vol.). The following compounds are separated by the two-step developing system (from the top of chromatogram): ceramidemonohexosides, sulfatides and ceramidedihexosides (overlapping), phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin. System III: one-step development modification of System II. This system is suitable only for quantitative determination of phospholipids if the presence of glycolipids is not deemed detrimental. 2. 2. Application of the Systems I and II for separation of acidic phospholipids along with some glycolipids is demonstrated on total lipid extracts from animal tissues. 3. 3. The systems described for the separation of acidic phospholipids are complementary to the previously reported system for separation of phospholipids.
Multiscaling and Stock Market Efficiency in China

China has taken important steps to reform its economy and capital markets in the past 20 years. Despite these efforts there is a lack of quantitative evidence on how these measures have impacted price returns in the stock exchanges. The purpose of this research was to determine the randomness of Chinese equity returns and to measure the scaling property of volatility over time. The main assumption of the Efficient Market Hypothesis is that security returns follow the path of a random walk and that volatility scales with the square root of time. This notion was tested by analyzing daily stock returns of the Shanghai- and Shenzhen Composite Indexes between 1990 and 2013. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test rejected the log-normal distribution and random walk hypothesis. The measured Hurst exponents revealed a multiscaling property of fractal Brownian motion and indicated the presence of long-range dependence. The findings also showed that the degree of persistence and cycle length has reduced over time.
Signatures of inhomogeneity in the early universe

We have made a systematic study of the production of elemental CNO in inhomogeneous nucleosynthesis, investigating a much larger region of parameter space than previously studied. We have determined abundances of CNO elements and ascertained the main channels to their production. We have focussed in particular on the role played by the 7Li(n, γ)8Li(α,n)11B(n, γ)12B(β - v)12C reaction sequence: in models with Ωb = 1, we show that this sequence provides the main channel to CNO element production of which there is a significant amount; for lower values of Ωb there is competition from 7Li(α, γ)11B but here there is a concurrent decline in CNO production. From these determinations, CNO element production emerges as a distinct signature of an Ωb = 1 inhomogeneous universe. Beyond 12C, a series of neutron captures is thought to lead to the production of 14C. We have studied the branching at 14C and have deduced the importance of the 14C(d, n)15N reaction which may be the dominant channel for the production of heavier elements.
Implementing type-based constructive negation

This paper presents an implementation of a constructive negation method. The constructive negation method makes use of type dependencies between arguments of a predicate to rewrite negative goals in a logic program. The constructive negation method is first reformulated as a derivation rule. Then an algorithm for efficiently implementing the derivation rule is presented and its complexity is analyzed.
Nitrogen transfer between plants: a 15N natural abundance study with crop and weed species

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that N can be transferred between plants. Nonetheless, a number of fundamental questions remain. A series of experiments was initiated in the field to examine N transfer between N2-fixing soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) varieties and a non-nodulating soybean, and between N2-fixing peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) or soybean and neighboring weed species. The experiments were conducted in soils with low N fertilities and used differences in N accumulation and/or 15N natural abundance to estimate N transfer. Mixtures of N2-fixing and non-nod soybean indicated that substantial inter-plant N transfer occurred. Amounts were variable, ranging from negligible levels to 48% of the N found in the non-nod at maturity. Transfer did not appear to strongly penalize the N2-fixing donor plants. But, in cases where high amounts of N were transferred, N content of donors was noticeably lowered. Differences were evident in the amount of N transferred from different N2-fixing donor genotypes. Results of experiments with N2-fixing crops and the weed species prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia [L.] Irwin & Barneby) also indicated substantial N transfer occurred over a 60-day period, with amounts accounting for 30–80% of the N present in the weeds. Transfer of N, however, was generally very low in weed species that are known to be non-hosts for arbuscular mycorrhizae (yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. and Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri [S.] Watson). The results are consistent with the view that N transfer occurs primarily through mycorrhizal hyphal networks, and they reveal that N transfer may be a contributing factor to weed problems in N2-fixing crops in low N fertility conditions.
Discovering the Importance of Mediator Style—An Interdisciplinary Challenge

Mediator style research is a continuing interdisciplinary challenge intersecting with professional practice and academic theory. The research discussed herein is drawn from a large database obtained from survey research of mediators, parties, and representatives at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Issues discussed include the importance of researcher background/possible bias in the construction of the methodology; development of effective survey research methodology and survey questions that measure the complex mediation process; the limitations of the use of survey research methodology in addressing the complex issues related to mediator style; the challenge to the identification of an effective mediator style or styles; the interdisciplinary team skills that can contribute to quality research vis-a-vis academic institutional barriers; and the ethical and program-centered contextual challenges to what can be high-stakes research outcomes.
Neurologic Outcome in Singleton ≥ 2500g BW CORE Project Babies Not Treated for Hyperbilirubinemia

Neurologic Outcome in Singleton ≥ 2500g BW CORE Project Babies Not Treated for Hyperbilirubinemia
Excitability of a penicillin-induced cortical epileptic focus.

Abstract The excitability of a penicillin-induced cortical epileptic focus was investigated in urethane-anesthetized cats. Attention was paid to the state of cortical excitability in the period immediately following the generation of an interictal spike. Conditiontest pairs of stimuli to the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (VL) produced pairs of driven interictal spikes in the cortex for which the test response was facilitated when it occurred 170 to 400 ms after the conditioning response. Single stimuli to the VL at various intervals after spontaneously generated interictal spikes yielded a similar facilitation of the driven spike in that interval. This facilitation is believed to be related to two other phenomena: spike doublets and afterdischarge. Occasionally pairs of interictal spikes (doublets) spontaneously appeared with interspike intervals of 300 to 350 ms. Also such doublets could be initiated through tetanic stimulation of the VL; they appeared after termination of the stimulus and persisted 10 to 20 s. Afterdischarge often appeared as a brief oscillation during the interval from 170 to 400 ms after a spontaneous or driven interictal spike. The similar time characteristics among the cortical facilitation, doublets, and afterdischarge and their excitatory nature strongly suggest a common basis for their generation. Cortical and thalamocortical mechanisms are possible bases for these phenomena, and the facilitation is considered as having a potential role in the transition from intercital to ictal discharge.
Optics at the lewis research center.

A survey is presented of the applications of optics to research at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The Center’s principal research areas are flight propulsion and space power generation; these use optical devices and techniques in photography, gas density visualization, pyrometry of gases and surfaces, radiative heat transfer studies, spectroscopy, spectroradiometry, solar simulation, and solar-cell development for space applications.
Analysis of the Community Structure of Yeasts Associated with the Decaying Stems of Cactus. I. Stenocereus gummosus

Yeast communities in necroses of organpipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) were surveyed at 3 localities in Arizona. Quantitative analysis of random samples allows comparisons of the types and numbers of yeasts at 3 levels: within plants, between plants within a locality, and between localities. The analysis shows that the major source of variability is between plants. This pattern is identical with the pattern shown by agria cactus (Stenocereus gummosus) and is thought to be due to sampling different successional stages. No significant differences in estimates of the effective number of yeast species (ENS) in agria and organpipe samples were found. Comparisons of agria, organpipe, and prickly pear (Opuntia) cacti support the hypothesis that cactus chemistry is an important determinant of the yeast community structure which, in turn, is an important determinant of the diversity ofDrosophila species which utilize necrotic cacti as feeding and breeding substrates.
Effects of order of presentation and length of viewing time on size estimation.

Summary.-Based on the Gardner, et al. (1959) interpretation of the leveling-sharpening dimension, order of presentation and length of viewing time were manipulated on a size-estimation task. Contrary to expectation, neither variable significantly affected performance, and four different subject-estimation patterns were isolated rather than the two patterns (leveling and sharpening) expected. Both magnitude and directional properties of the four estimation patterns were explained by a modified version of Parducci's range-frequency model. The fact that systematic differences often exist between S's responses to a variety of perceptual tasks has led to increasing interest in cognitive styles as such styles interact with perceptual judgment. One dimension of cognitive style, the leveling-sharpening dimension, was isolated by Klein and Holzman (1950) from size-estimation data obtained on the schematizing test. In the schematizing test, Ss are shown squares ranging from approximately 1 in. to 14 in. on a side. The squares are presented successively for 3 sec. each, usually in over-all order of increasing size, and Ss ate required to estimate the actual size of each during an ensuing response interval. Klein and Holzman's results indicated that Ss were - rather consistent in their perceptual judgments and, further, that two different judgment patterns obtained. The response pattern of one group of Ss, called sharpeners, was characterized by accurate size estimates and by close adherence to size changes of the squares. The judgment pattern of those called levelers tended, on the other hand, to be inaccurate, with these Ss' changes in size judgment lagging behind the actual changes occurring in the series. The leveling-sharpening dimension has also been identified in several
Myocardial Protection for Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Myocardial protection during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) is a multifactorial problem. Careful, individualized choice of graft sequence and maintenance of stable systemic hemodynamics are of central importance. Recently refined techniques for atraumatic rotation of the heart and visualization of coronary anastomoses allow precise and controlled grafting of all coronary territories without cardiopulmonary bypass in the large majority of cases. Perfusion-assisted direct coronary artery bypass (PADCAB) techniques, in which coronary perfusion pressure is independent of systemic arterial pressure, can avoid or abort a downward hemodynamic spiral, which may occasionally occur during complex, multivessel OPCAB. PADCAB promotes collateral myocardial perfusion and avoids the cumulative global effect of sequential episodes of regional ischemia, improving myocardial protection during OPCAB.
A comparison of methods for determining the partition coefficient of gadolinium in the myocardium using T1 mapping

Late gadolinium enhancement can evaluate focal, but not diffuse myocardial fibrosis. T1-mapping techniques can quantify fibrosis by calculating the partition coefficient (λ) of gadolinium (Gd). One method (CI) calculates λ at equilibrium following a continuous infusion of Gd, while the other, early post-contrast method (EPC), determines λ from multiple post-contrast time points after Gd injection. The Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) technique accurately performs T1 mapping, but may be limited in practice due to the long breathhold required. A shortened-MOLLI technique (Sh-MOLLI) has been described, which only allows a single heart beat for magnetization recovery.
A new phenogroup in the horse D system of red cell alloantigens found in the Caspian pony.

Summary A new D blood group phenogroup consisting of the specificities adeo was observed in a stallion family of Caspian ponies from Iran. An additional six undescribed genetic variants were seen in a total of 82 Iranian horses. This result suggests extensive new genetic variation may be present in domestic horses from geographic regions that have not yet received scientific attention.
Identification of members of the Wnt signaling pathway in the embryonic pituitary gland

Prop1 is one of several transcription factors important for the development of the pituitary gland. Downstream targets of PROP1 and other critical pituitary transcription factors remain largely unknown. We have generated a partial expression profile of the developing pituitary gland containing over 350 transcripts, using cDNA subtractive hybridization between Prop1 df/df and wild-type embryonic pituitary gland primordia. Numerous classes of genes including transcription factors, membrane associated mol- ecules, and cell cycle regulators were identified in this study. Of the transcripts, 34% do not have sequence similarity to known genes, but are similar to ESTs, and 4% represent novel sequences. Pituitary gland expression of a number of clones was verified using in situ hybridization. Several members of the Wnt signaling pathway were identified in the developing pituitary gland. The frizzled2 receptor, Apc, b-catenin, groucho, and a novel isoform of TCF4 (officially named Tcf7l2) were identified in developing pituitary libraries. Three N- terminal alternatively spliced Tcf7l2 isoforms are reported here, each of which lacks a DNA-binding domain. Functional studies indicate that these isoforms can act as endogenous inhibitors of Wnt signaling in some contexts. This is the first report of Tcf7l2 and Fzd2 expression in the developing pituitary. These molecules may be important in medi- ating Wnt signaling during pituitary ontogeny. We expect other transcripts from these libraries to be involved in pituitary gland development.
Targeting p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Restores Subventricular Zone Neural Stem Cells and Corrects Neuromotor Deficits in Atm Knockout Mouse

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a progressive degenerative disorder that results in major neurological disability. In A-T patients, necropsy has revealed atrophy of cerebellar cortical layers along with Purkinje and granular cell loss. We have previously identified an oxidative stress-mediated increase in phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the resultant downregulation of Bmi-1 and upregulation of p21 as key components of the mechanism causing defective proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of Atm(-/-) mice. However, the in vivo aspect of alteration in SVZ tissue and the functional significance of p38MAPK activation in NSCs for neuropathogenesis of ATM deficiency remain unknown. Here we show that the NSC population was abnormally decreased in the SVZ of 3-month-old Atm(-/-) mice; this decrease was accompanied by p38MAPK activation. However, after a 2-month treatment with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580, starting at 1 month old, Atm(-/-) mice showed restoration of normal levels of Bmi-1 and p21 with the rescue of NSC population in the SVZ. In addition, treated Atm(-/-) mice exhibited more Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Most importantly, motor coordination of Atm(-/-) mice was significantly improved in the treatment group. Our results show for the first time in vivo evidence of depleted NSCs in the SVZ of Atm(-/-) mice and also demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of p38MAPK signaling has the potential to treat neurological defects of A-T. This study provides a promising approach targeting the oxidative stress-dependent p38 signaling pathway not only for A-T but also for other neurodegenerative disorders.
Deciding on the Correct Statistical Technique

Researchers are often faced with the need to choose the correct statistical technique for a given data analysis problem. There are a number of criteria that should be used to guide them in making the choice: their research questions, the nature of the variables involved, the sample size, and the distributional behavior of the data, among others. This article provides guidelines on the nature of the study variables, which will help researchers select the proper statistical technique. Of course, all statistical techniques have certain underlying assumptions, which must be checked before the technique is applied.
Quality assurance for large-area gaseous detectors in high-energy physics

The performance of the two most commonly used large-area gaseous detectors, resistive plate chambers (RPCs) and limited streamer tubes (LSTs), is examined and compared with the available information about quality assurance and quality control procedures that were used in the construction of these devices. Detectors used at LEP, HERA, and CESR are examined, as well as the more recent experience from the BaBar and BELLE b-factories detectors.