cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Qumran Wisdom Literature and the Problem of Genre

The Dead Sea Scrolls include several writings that can be reasonably identified as wisdom texts. But the compositions that are regularly so classified contain a range of diverse perspectives and themes, and this problematizes the search for a common ingredient that makes them readily identifiable as sapiential literature. There were ancient authors who composed instructional works steeped in older didactic traditions that are well represented by the book of Proverbs. Such works can be legitimately classified as wisdom. But their authors did not conceive of wisdom as a precise or specific genre and our means for identifying wisdom texts are subjective and somewhat loose.
Cu(II) complexes of N-tert-butyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide

Abstract Cu(II) complexes have been prepared with N-tert-butyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide (TBA) employing the perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate, nitrate, chloride and bromide salts. Preparative molar ratios of 4:1 and 2:1 ligand to Cu(II) salt yielded the following unique solids: Cu(TBA) 2 X 2 (H 2 O) n (X = ClO 4 − , BF 4 − , NO 3 − and n = 0 or 1) and Cu(TBA)X 2 (X = Cl − , Br − ). Characterization has been accomplished primarily by IR electronic and ESR spectral measurements of the solid state. The latter two spectral techniques as well as molar conductivity measurements were employed on acetonitrile or nitromethane solutions of the complexes. TBA bonds as a bidentate ligand via its N-oxide oxygen and amine nitrogen in all of the complexes studied. The perchlorate solid is 5-coordinate with the water molecule coordinated and Cu(TBA) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 is 6-coordinate with the nitrate groups bound as monodentate ligands. Both halogen compounds appear to be monomeric 4-coordinate complexes involving two halide ligands. All complexes prepared here show a steric affect of the large alkyl group when compared to lighter analogues reported on previously.
SU‐GG‐J‐160: Radiation Enclosure Shielding Calculations for a Laboratory‐Based Small Animal Conformal Radiation Therapy Device

Purpose: Present radiation shielding calculations associated with a new laboratory‐based small animal conformal radiation therapy device (SACRTD). Method and Materials: SACRTD uses a Seifert 225kV X‐ray tube, which produces ∼100 times more penetrating radiation (at maximum tube voltage) than a typical 120kV diagnostic X‐ray imaging tube. Shielding calculations were performed assuming beam energy of 250kV. The Seifert maximum and leakage dose equivalent rates at 1m are ∼13Sv/hr and <10 mSv/hr, respectively. The a 6×6×6ft3 shielded enclosure consist of a steel frame from which two layers of 10lb/ft2lead blankets are hung (∼½inch lead equivalent). A lead‐lined door (∼½inch lead) was also constructed. The holding structure for all components was constructed using modular framing systems (80/20 Inc). The X‐ray source is mounted ∼40in from the floor, which is a primary barrier. Shielding calculations were performed following the NCRP Report♯49, which is still applicable to sources up to 500kV. Results: Assuming maximum occupancy and use factor, T=U=1, the thickness of the primary barrier required to shield the primary beam at 1m was determined to be ∼0.6inch of lead while for secondary and leakage radiation were ∼0.3inch and 0.17inch of lead, respectively, for a maximum allowed weekly exposure P = 0.08 R / week. The primary beam was shielded with 1 inch of lead while the secondary and leakage barriers consisted of ½ inch of lead equivalent. In addition, the therapy radiation beam is further shielded by a beam collimation attachment. Other radiation safety features (door interlock, radiation monitors and alerts) have been incorporated. A preliminary radiation survey was conducted. Conclusion: A laboratory‐based radiation shielded enclosure for a SACRTD meets or exceeds the requirements of NCRP Report♯49.
Measurement of low-frequency receptor potentials in inner hair cells: a theoretical analysis

The measurement of the low-frequency responses of inner hair cells is complicated by the fact that extracellular cochlear microphonic may be larger than the intracellular inner hair cell potential. A subtraction technique is proposed in which the extracellular and intracellular potentials are recorded sequentially and then subtracted to give an estimate of the true membrane potential. A theoretical analysis is presented which predicts that this calculated inner hair cell membrane potential is a more accurate measure of inner hair cell receptor current than the membrane potential measured with respect to a remote indifferent electrode.
On the aggregation of bilirubins using vapor pressure osmometry

Bilirubin and its analogs are carboxylic acids that engage in intramolecular hydrogen bonding and are thus thought to be monomelic in solution, although the evidence for the molecularity in solution is indirect. Contrastingly, the dimethyl esters favor intermolecular hydrogen bonding and are thought to be dimeric, yet they, like the bilirubin (acids), exhibit essentially no concentration dependence of their NH nmr chemical shifts upon dilution from 10−2 to 10−5 (or even 10−6) M in chloroform-d. Vapor phase osmometry (vpo) studies of chloroform solutions of eight bilirubins and their dimethyl esters clearly indicate that the former are monomelic, while the latter are dimeric — except when a β-methyl group (but not an α*-methyl) is present in each methyl propionate chain. Bilirubin mono-esters might be monomelic or dimeric in solution. Using vpo to study some seven mono-esters or mono acids, we found that the pigments were monomelic in chloroform.
Huntington’s disease A randomized, controlled trial using the NMDA-antagonist amantadine

Objective: To examine the acute effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist amantadine on motor and cognitive function in Huntington’s disease (HD). Background: Chorea in HD and in the levodopa-induced dyskinesias of PD may be clinically indistinguishable. In PD, hyperphosphorylation of NMDA receptors expressed on striatal medium spiny neurons contributes to peak-dose dyskinesias, and drugs that block these receptors can diminish chorea severity. Because these spiny neurons are the primary target of the neurodegenerative process in HD, sensitization of NMDA receptors on residual striatal neurons might also participate in the generation of motor dysfunction in HD. Methods: To evaluate this possibility, 24 patients with HD entered a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of amantadine with two 2-week arms. Results: Chorea scores were lower with amantadine (usually 400 mg/d) than placebo, with a median reduction in extremity chorea at rest of 36% ( p = 0.04) for all 22 evaluable patients and of 56% in the 10 individuals with the highest plasma drug levels. Improvement correlated with plasma amantadine concentrations ( p = 0.01) but not CAG repeat length. Parkinsonian rating scores did not worsen and there was no consistent change in cognitive measures. Adverse event profile was benign. Conclusions: Results suggest that NMDA receptor supersensitivity may contribute to the clinical expression of choreiform dyskinesias in HD and that selective antagonists at that site can safely confer palliative benefit.
Early Adolescents' Significant Others: Grade and Gender Differences in Perceived Relationships with Familial and Nonfamilial Adults and Young People.

In order to provide a fuller and more satisfying description of the significant others in the social world of an adolescent, the Social Relations Questionnaire was developed and then administered to almost 3000 seventh-through tenth-graders in a midwestern suburban school district. The sample was randomly split in half and analyses were run on both halves separately to test for replicability. Results indicated that parents and siblings are almost always listed as significant others by adolescents in all four grade levels. Furthermore, the majority of adolescents listed at least one extended family adult and at least one nonrelated adult as important in their lives. The nonrelated adults lived closer to the adolescents and were seen more frequently and in more contexts than extended family members. Fewer extended family adults were listed in the older grades. Females listed more significant others than males both overall and in terms of both same- and opposite-sex nonrelated young people. As hypothesize, an increasing number of opposite-sex young people was listed as a function of grade level. Most nonrelated young people listed (a loose definition of peers) were from the same grade, same school, and same neighborhood as the respondent. The authors conclude that age-segregation in this community is not extreme (over 40% of the significant others listed were adults) and that the Social Relations Questionnaire provides a useful and holistic description of an adolescent's social world.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor Biological Axis Promotes Survival and Growth of Bladder Cancer Cells

Objectives A significant fraction of invasive bladder carcinomas express both granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR). We sought to determine whether G-CSF/G-CSFR signaling promotes survival and growth of bladder cancer cells. The bladder carcinoma cell line 5637 constitutively secretes G-CSF but lacks G-CSFR expression. In contrast, TCC-SUP lacks expression of both G-CSF and G-CSFR. Using these bladder cancer cell lines as our model systems, we studied the effects of G-CSFR expression on cell proliferation, survival, and growth in vivo. Methods The TCC-SUP and 5637 cells were transiently transfected with either empty vector (3.1) or G-CSFR (GR). Cell proliferation was assessed with or without G-CSF by MTT assay in TCC-SUP-3.1 and TCC-SUP-GR cells. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry in 5637-GR with or without anti-G-CSF antibody and in TCC-SUP-GR in the presence of increasing concentrations of G-CSF. We examined the effects of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) dominant-negative expression on G-CSF/G-CSFR-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation by Western blotting in TCC-SUP-3.1 and TCC-SUP-GR cells. We characterized the effects of STAT3-dominant-negative expression on G-CSF/G-CSFR-mediated survivin expression by flow cytometry in TCC-SUP-3.1 and TCC-SUP-GR cells. We also examined tumor growth using 5637-3.1 and 5637-GR in the nude mice xenograft model. Results The G-CSF/G-CSFR loop significantly increased proliferation in TCC-SUP-GR cells. Anti-G-CSF antibody significantly increased apoptosis in serum-starved 5637-GR cells, G-CSF abrogated apoptosis in serum-starved TCC-SUP-GR cells in a dose-dependent manner. STAT3-dominant-negative expression blocked G-CSF-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and survivin expression in TCC-SUP-GR cells. Furthermore, 5637-GR cells produced a significantly larger tumor in the subcutaneous nude mice xenograft model. Conclusions The G-CSF/G-CSFR autocrine/paracrine signaling loop significantly promotes survival and growth of bladder cancer cells.
Comparison of thermospray and ion spray mass spectrometry in an atmospheric pressure ion source

Ion spray is an approach to liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry which includes features common to the electrospray and ion evaporation interfaces. Thermospray is a liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric technique which utilizes heat and electrolytes in the mobile phase to generate sample ions. In this paper the operation of these two techniques at atmospheric pressure are compared with respect to the effects of solvent composition and electrolyte ion concentration for the production of ions from compounds that are ionized in solution (safranin orange, acid black 1 and testosterone sulfate) and un-ionized in solution (methyl red, adenosine and diethylstilbestrol). The results indicate that at atmospheric pressure ion spray produces ions by the ion evaporation mechanism while thermospray produces ions by both gas-phase chemical ionization and ion evaporation processes.
The Standard of Proof at Adjudication of Abuse or Neglect: Its Influence on Case Outcomes at Key Junctures

We measure the extent to which the standard of proof a state child protection agency must meet at trial in a child abuse or neglect case influences the outcomes in the case. In the United States, the government of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia sets its own standard of proof. We measure the influence of the standards of proof using survey data. We find that a higher standard of proof — one requiring the government to present clear and convincing evidence of abuse or neglect rather than only requiring a preponderance of the evidence of abuse or neglect — decreases the probability that the judge rules in favor of CPS. A clear and convincing standard also affects decisions before trial: it increases the number of visits made by CPS during an investigation; it lowers the odds that CPS substantiates the case; and it lowers the odds that a case reaches trial. After trial, it increases the probability of an out-of-home placement.
Induction of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase and 2-acetylaminofluorene N-hydroxylase by polycyclic hydrocarbons in regenerating liver from inbred strains of mice.

Abstract The effect of partial hepatectomy (67–75 per cent excised) on aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase and 2-acetylaminofluorene N -hydroxylase activities in genetically responsive C57BL/6N and nonresponsive DBA/2N inbred strains of mice was studied. Basal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in C57BL/6N mice is reduced by 70 per cent within 12 hr but returns to control values between 36 and 48 hr after the operation and remains at that level thereafter. Similar, but less pronounced, changes are observed in the DBA/2N mouse. Treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (80 mg kg −1 intraperitoneally) 1 hr after partial hepatectomy induces aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in C57BL/6N mice, by 48 hr, to the same extent as in mice with intact livers. In DBA/2N mice, even after partial hepatectomy, treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene has no effect on aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. The effect of partial hepatectomy and 3-methylcholanthrene treatment on 2-acetylaminofluorene N -hydroxylase activity in both strains of mice is similar to that observed on aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity.
Element abundances at high redshift

Abundances of Si(+), S(+), Cr(+), Mn(+), Fe(_), and Zn(+) are considered for two absorption-line systems in the spectrum of the QSO PKS 0528 - 250. Zinc and sulfur are underabundant, relative to H, by a factor of 10 compared to their solar and Galactic interstellar abundances. The silicon-, chromium-, iron-, and nickel-to-hydrogen ratios are less than the solar values and comparable to the local interstellar ratios. A straightforward interpretation is that nucleosynthesis in these high-redshift systems has led to only about one-tenth as much heavy production as in the gas clouds around the sun, and that the amount of the observed underabundances attributable to grain depletion is small. The dust-to-gas ratio in these clouds is less than 8 percent of the Galactic value.
How to correct chromosomal trisomy

Trisomy 21 in human causes Down syndrome, a common chromosome disorder with devastating phenotypes ranging from early death in utero to intellectual disability together with an array of physical anomalies and late-onset diseases. In a recent study published in Nature, Jeanne Lawrence and her colleagues restored normal gene expression in trisomy 21 cells by silencing the extra chromosome using XIST, the non-coding RNA that normally silences one X chromosome in females; this improved growth and differentiation of neural cells, which offers hope that some deleterious effects of the trisomy could be reversed to improve this incurable disease.
Unique agonist-bound cannabinoid CB1 receptor conformations indicate agonist specificity in signaling

Cannabinoid drugs differ in their rank order of potency to produce analgesia versus other central nervous system effects. We propose that these differences are due to unique agonist-bound cannabinoid CB1 receptor conformations that exhibit different affinities for individual subsets of intracellular signal transduction pathways. In order to test this hypothesis, we have used plasmon-waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy, a sensitive method that can provide direct information about ligand-protein and protein-protein interactions, and can detect conformational changes in lipid-embedded proteins. A recombinant epitope-tagged human cannabinoid CB1 receptor was expressed in insect Sf9 cells, solubilized and purified using two-step affinity chromatography. The purified receptor was incorporated into a lipid bilayer on the surface of the PWR resonator. PWR spectroscopy demonstrated that cannabinoid agonists exhibit high affinity (KD=0.2+/-0.03 nM and 2+/-0.4 nM for CP 55,940 and WIN 55,212-2, respectively) for the purified epitope tagged hCB(1) receptor. Interestingly however, these structurally different cannabinoid agonists shifted the PWR spectra in opposite directions, indicating that CP 55,940 and WIN 55,212-2 binding leads to different hCB1 receptor conformations. Furthermore, PWR experiments also indicated that these CP 55,940-and WIN 55,212-bound hCB1 receptor conformations exhibit slightly different affinities to an inhibitory G protein heterotrimer, Gi1 (KD=27+/-8 nM and KD=10.7+/-4.7 nM, respectively), whereas they strikingly differ in their ability to activate this G protein type.
Mott-Scattering Analysis of Longitudinal Polarization of Electrons from Co 60

Mott scattering was used to analyze the degree of longitudinal polarization of beta particles emitted from radioactive nuclei. The reliability of this method and the influences of the various systematic errors associated with this methed on the accuracy of the measurement were investigated in detail and are discussed. On the basis of a linear extrapolation of the inverse of the Mott asymmetry to zero scatterer thickness, the polarization of 194 kev electrons from Co/sup 60/ was found to be - (0.994 plus or minus 0.057) v/c with all known corrections applied. The effects of atomic screening and finite nuclear size were not included. Using the quoted value for the polarization measured in the pure Gamow-Teiler transition in Co/sup 60/ yields C/ sub A/ = (0.7 to 1.45)C/sub A/. ( auth)
Ethanol lock therapy for catheter-associated blood stream infections in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Objective:Ethanol locks are being used to prevent and eradicate central venous catheter infections. This study describes the efficacy of ethanol locks in clearing central venous catheter infections in a pediatric intensive care unit.Design:Retrospective chart review.Setting:Pediatric intensive care
Parallel Virtual Organizations Managing and Working in the Virtual Workplace

The growing presence in the workplace of computers that are linked together to form intraorganizational networks (intranets), thus enabling unprecedented electronic employee connectedness, contains within it a collision between the traditional hierarchically organized physical workplace and the potentially chaotic virtual workplace. This article describes this new workplace context as a parallel virtual organization (PVO) that possesses its own values and culture independent of its host culture, the traditional bureaucratic hierarchical organization (BHO). The growth of PVOs means that a transitional space must be developed initially between them and their BHO counterparts to enable the eventual merger of the two organization forms to create a new, more dynamic, and fluid organization that, by its nature, innovates to keep pace with rapid and unrelenting change in the marketplace. The psychological, social, and technical aspects of the rise of the parallel virtual organization are discussed.
High performance liquid chromatography in studies of radiolabeled antibodies

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as applied to the separation of antibodies displays the same advantages as in its other applications, namely good resolution accompanied by fast analysis. It is therefore not surprising that many HPLC columns designed for use with antibodies and other proteins are now available commercially. The properties of proteins which provide the separation are size, hydrophobicity, charge and affinity. The features of each are discussed.
Evolution of a Strategy for Total Synthesis of the Marine Fungal Alkaloid (±)-Communesin F

A new synthetic strategy for construction of the heptacyclic marine fungal alkaloid (±)-communesin F has been devised. Key reactions include an intramolecular Heck cyclization of a tetrasubstituted alkene to generate a tetracyclic enamide bearing one of the quaternary carbon centers (C7) of the alkaloid, an intramolecular reductive cyclization of an N-Boc aniline onto the oxindole moiety to form a pentacyclic framework containing the southern aminal, a stereoselective N-Boc-lactam enolate C-allylation to introduce the second quaternary carbon center (C8), and an azide reduction/N-Boc-lactam-opening cascade leading to the northern aminal.
Trustworthy decoding of random network coded packets under pollution attack: Physical-layer approach

We propose a physical-layer approach to detect the trustworthiness (integrity) of network coded packet and exploit the detection outcome in decoding the message in the presence of pollution (Byzantine) attack. The trustworthiness of data x is defined as the likelihood of x being true. It is determined based on the physical-layer information that is available for free to the destination (detector). We show that the proposed scheme provides a significantly lower probability of decoding error than the conventional random selection scheme which does not exploit the physical-layer information and performs close to the cryptographic schemes that require computational and bandwidth overheads.
Boron therapeutics on the horizon

No pharmaceutical based on boron has yet made it to market, but this may soon change. The new millennium has brought with it some unique classes of bioactive boron compounds that are sufficiently mature in development to be considered significant and timely advances in their respective chemotherapeutic areas. Because boron is seldom seen as a constituent of a bioactive agent, this review relates some of the pertinent biologic and physiologic properties of boron and then describes in detail those boron-based agents clearly visible on the therapeutic horizon. Highlighted agents include boronic acids and boron heterocycles as potent proteasome inhibitors, beta-lactamase inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors, inositol trisphosphate receptor modulators, antibacterials, and antiestrogens. As these new agents are welcomed into the therapeutic armamentarium, others will surely follow and the prescribing clinician will already have an awareness and appreciation of the unique benefits that these compounds have to offer.
Molecular dynamics simulations of 14 HIV protease mutants in complexes with indinavir

The molecular mechanisms of HIV drug resistance were studied using molecular dynamics simulations of HIV-1 protease complexes with the clinical inhibitor indinavir. One nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations were run for solvated complexes of indinavir with wild type protease, a control variant and 12 drug resistant mutants. The quality of the simulations was assessed by comparison with crystallographic and inhibition data. Molecular mechanisms that contribute to drug resistance include structural stability and affinity for inhibitor. The mutants showed a range of structural variation from 70 to 140% of the wild type protease. The protease affinity for indinavir was estimated by calculating the averaged molecular mechanics interaction energy. A correlation coefficient of 0.96 was obtained with observed inhibition constants for wild type and four mutants. Based on this good agreement, the trends in binding were predicted for the other mutants and discussed in relation to the clinical data for indinavir resistance. Figure Poincare map representation for WT protease-indinavir complex. The side chain of Tyr 59 showing the positions of hydrogen atoms.
Ballroom dance lessons for geriatric depression : An exploratory study

Abstract Twenty depressed, community-dwelling older adults (average age = 69) completed a pilot study of ballroom dance lessons as a treatment for geriatric depression. Participants were randomly assigned to either an immediate or delayed treatment condition. All participants received eight ballroom dance lessons from a selection of six dances (foxtrot, waltz, rumba, swing, cha-cha, and tango) from the National Dance Council of America's syllabus. Effect sizes were in the medium range for the HRSD ( d = .51) and GDS ( d = .40), and in the small range for the SCL-90R ( d = .17). There was some support for self-efficacy and hopelessness as outcome predictors. Participant feedback indicated the dance lessons were enjoyable and well-received.
New perspectives on the endothelin axis in pain.

The endogenous peptide endothelin (ET) and its several receptors are now well-known participants in a broad variety of conditions that cause pain. Ample evidence supports a direct role for these molecules in causing overt pain and in sensitizing the nervous system to elevated responses to painful stimuli. Our laboratory has recently published an extensive review on the role of endothelins and their receptors (the “endothelin axis”) on pain that occurs under many conditions including inflammation, nerve injury and cancer [1]. In the present review, we highlight some of the key novel findings over the past two years with regard to the biochemistry and molecular pharmacology of endothelin receptors, the diverse intracellular signaling pathways that might couple ET receptor activation to pain-related processes and the newest and updated findings on the in vivo pharmacology of endothelin in various pain states.
Gene expression arrays reveal a rapid return to normal homeostasis in immunologically-challenged trophoblast-like JAR cells

Abstract The immunologic adaptations of pregnancy have come under increasing scrutiny in the past 15 years. Existing experimental evidence clearly demonstrates that placental trophoblasts play an important role in regulating immunologic/inflammatory responses at the maternal–fetal interface. We used a well-developed gene expression array to examine in greater detail the physiologic response of trophoblast-like choriocarcinoma cells to a model immunologic ‘challenge.’ We co-cultured PHA-activated or resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with the human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR for time periods ranging from 2 to 18 h. Messenger RNA expression in the JAR cells was then assessed using a 21,329-gene microarray and novel biostatistical analyses that we have previously published. Patterns of differential gene expression were assessed using a commercial pathway analysis software program. Differences in gene expression between JAR cells cultured with activated PBMC (experimental samples) and JAR cells cultured with resting PBMC (control samples) were seen only at the 2 h time point. That is, multiple genes were transcribed in JAR cells in response to activated PBMC, but expression levels of the genes had all returned to baseline by 6 h. Molecular modeling demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes were largely associated with cell growth and differentiation. This model was confirmed by noting a two-fold increase in CD10/neutral endopeptidase expression (a marker for cell differentiation) in JAR cells incubated with media from activated PBMC compared with JAR cells incubated with resting PBMC. These findings support the hypothesis that there is a delicate immunologic milieu at the maternal–fetal interface that must be maintained. Immunologic/inflammatory challenge at the maternal–fetal interface is compensated by cellular mechanisms that work to reduce inflammation and rapidly restore immunologic balance.
TEMPORAL STABILITY OF SUNSPOT UMBRAL INTENSITIES: 1986-2012

We examine the relative intensity of sunspot umbrae during the period from 1986 to 2012 using photometric images from the San Fernando Observatory. We confirm the presence of a relationship between the mean umbral core intensity and the mean sunspot area, as found in previous studies, and do not find a notable change in this relationship between cycles 22 and 23. We looked for a possible time variation in the sunspot umbral contrast during the 27 yr covering cycles 22, 23, and the rise of cycle 24, and we did not find a significant change. These findings do not indicate that sunspots have become less dark during cycles 23 and 24.
On Critical Compassion in the Historical Judgment of Stalin

I write my comments on Von Laue's encomium to Stalin's "Tragic greatness" not as a specialist in Soviet affairs but as someone primarily concerned with humanizing the practice and possibilities of contemporary world politics. In reacting to his essay, first let me applaud Von Laue's effort to convey a "compassionate understanding" of Stalin's evil "greatness." Secondly, I shall comment critically on his standards for judging, or refraining from judging, Stalin's political greatness and moral responsibility. Thirdly, I shall address certain issues which these views raise when reapplied to the contemporary Soviet-American foreign policy context from which they originate.
Adaptation of the Estuarine Fish Fundulus heteroclitus (Atlantic Killifish) to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

In this study, we describe remarkable intraspecific variation in sensitivity to the broadly distributed pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), among wild populations of the nonmigratory estuarine Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Variation among killifish populations was characterized in 28-day laboratory challenges using embryonic and larval life stages and the highly toxic, dioxin-like PCB congener, 3,3′4,4′,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB126). In summarizing results for 24 populations, we show that killifish populations vary over four orders of magnitude in their sensitivity to PCB126 and that this variation is adaptive to the magnitude of contamination at their residence site. The four least-sensitive killifish populations reside in US Atlantic coast urban harbors >100 km apart from one another: New Bedford, MA, Bridgeport, CT, Newark, NJ, and Norfolk, VA, USA. Prior studies examining all but the CT population have shown that these killifish are relatively insensitive to local contaminants, with mixed evidence concerning the heritability of this trait. We show here that tolerance to PCB126 is extreme, with some mechanistic similarities among these four killifish populations. However, these populations do not respond identically to each other, and in at least one population, tolerance appears to degrade over the F1 and F2 generations tested. Complementary ongoing studies using molecular approaches provide opportunity to identify unique and shared mechanisms of tolerance in these independently evolving populations and explore the adaptive benefits and costs of contemporary evolutionary responses in the wild.
Correlation between Nasal Anatomy and Objective Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity

ObjectivesTo determine if a correlation exists between nasal anatomical obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea severity as measured by overnight polysomnogram (PSG).Study DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsSubjects were recruited immediately prior to an overnight, in-lab PSG. All subjects who agreed to participate underwent a standardized nasal examination performed by the senior author and then completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire, the Snore Outcomes Survey (SOS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) prior to their sleep study. In addition, tonsil size, Mallampati score, Friedman tongue position, neck circumference, uvula length, and occlusion were assessed and documented. Nasal anatomy assessments were then compared with PSG, NOSE, SOS, and ESS results. Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple comparisons.ResultsOne hundred subjects were included in the study. Fifty-nine subjects (59%) were found to have obst...
The anatomy of the cricoid pressure unit

We read with interest the article by Benkhadra et al. [1] describing the relationship of the cricoid cartilage and the esophagus during neck Xexion and extension. As the authors correctly point out, the bond between the cricoid ring and esophagus is vital to the clinical eYcacy of cricoid pressure performed to prevent regurgitation of stomach contents during the induction of general anesthesia. Our group recently reported a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study investigating the relationship of the cricoid cartilage and the esophagus, with and without cricoid pressure, in the typical anatomic positions for endotracheal intubation [2]. As similarly reported by Schmalfuss et al. [3], we also did not observe the esophagus at the level of the cricoid as is commonly believed, but found the postcricoid hypopharynx. This is more than just a curiosity of nomenclature. The postcricoid hypopharynx is Wxed in relationship to the cricoid cartilage in what we have named the cricoid pressure unit [2]. “It is the constant relationship of the cricoid cartilage to the laryngeal cartilages, maintained by their connecting ligaments and muscles, which laterally stabilizes the cricoid relative to the thyroid lamina and cornua. Because the cricoid cartilage and the postcricoid hypopharynx are constantly related by a subset of these muscular attachments, the cricoid cartilage and postcricoid hypopharynx behave as a unit when they are compressed together posteriorly against the cervical spine or the deep neck muscles. This cricoid pressure unit also has built-in constraints to lateral displacement of the cricoid cartilage relative to the postcricoid hypopharynx with compression [2].” We agree with Benkhadra et al. [1] that wall thickness must play a role in the eYcacy of cricoid pressure. Schmalfuss and colleagues [3] made precise wall thickness measurements, which we used to bolster our case that the alimentary tract lumen was occluded because our observed total antero-posterior diameter of the postcricoid hypopharynx was much less with cricoid pressure than the total of the two walls in the non-occluded state [2]. The Wnal words on the eYcacy of cricoid pressure, Wrst described by Dr. Brian Sellick [4], have not yet been written. Continued dialogue between investigators and across disciplines, as Benkhadra et al. have demonstrated, will help us further reWne our thinking about the role for and eYcacy of cricoid pressure in clinical practice.
Quantum mechanical investigation of aqueous desferrioxamine B metal complexes: Trends in structure, binding, and infrared spectroscopy

Abstract A systematic density functional theory study supported by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and infrared spectroscopic data was conducted to elucidate how structure and vibrational spectra of aqueous desferrioxamine B (DFOB) metal complexes vary with the metal ion identity. Structural parameters derived from EXAFS analyses and trends in metal binding constants are well reproduced and validated by the applied computational model. Vibrational mode analysis guides determination and recognition of crucial structure- and metal-sensitive infrared marker bands. The key marker bands, CO and CN stretching modes, dominate the infrared spectra in the 1400–1650 cm − 1 region. The modes are sensitive to the stability and size of the metal core (first coordination shell) and indicative of its deformation from the octahedral symmetry. The results shed light on the fundamental structural and electronic factors that control metal binding by siderophores, and drive their potentially rich and largely unexplored interactions with trace metals.
Amino acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of prothrombin in the perfused rat liver.

SummaryThe amino acid composition of the perfusate of an isolated rat liver varies markedly, and highly individually for given amino acids, over a 6-hr period. Glutamic acid, valine, isoleucine, and leucine concentrations increased whereas the concentrations of aspartic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, and arginine decreased. In livers bathed in warfarin (10 μg/ml), vitamin K1 added at 2 hr in a concentration of 25 μg/ml caused a prompt and linear increase in prothrombin. The specific activity of L-leucine-1-14C added to the perfusate at zero time declined exponentially to 4% of initial values as the concentration of total leucine increased 5-fold. The prothrombin synthesized under these conditions was highly radioactive, suggesting that vitamin K stimulates de novo synthesis of this coagulation protein.The authors wish to thank Miss Lourdes Maglasang and Miss Katherine Compagno for able technical assistance.
Modified Rapid DNA Extraction Protocol for High Throughput Microsatellite Analysis in Wheat

New technology is allowing marker-assisted selection to fulfill the promise of increasing efficiency of cultivar development However, these techniques depend upon the ability to extract DNA from large populations of plants. The objective of this project was to develop a high-throughput DNA extraction procedure without the need for greenhouse space or growing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. A sodium hydroxide rapid DNA extraction was modified for a 96-well format to reduce costs. Seeds were germinated in 8-well tissue culture plates, and 4-d-old seedling tissue was used to extract DNA by means of sodium hydroxide methodology. Approximately 1 μg of genomic DNA per 10 mg of tissue was isolated at a cost of about $0.10. The DNA quality was verified by amplification of microsatellite markers. Results were consistent with either fresh or stored tissue extracts. This technique allows one person to extract nearly 1000 storage-stable DNA samples daily, while keeping costs at a minimum.
Purification of staphylococcal enterotoxin E

Staphylococcal enterotoxin E has been purified by a combination of Red-A ligand chromatography and Mono-S (cation – exchange) chromatography. Commencing with 30 litres of fermenter-grown culture the method has been used to purify 17 mg of toxin, giving a purification yield of around 40%. The purity of the toxin was over 98% when analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, but demonstrated three isoelectric forms by isoelectric focusing, with pl values of 7.6, 7.4, and 7.0. This method adds to the versatility of the Red-A matrix system which can also be used for the purification of staphylococcal enterotoxins A, B, and C2. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sampling of virus particles and macromolecules sedimented in an equilibrium density gradient.

La distribution de composes macromoleculaires, stratifies dans un gradient de densite de CsCl etabli par une ultracentrifugation prolongee, est determinee quantitativement par le recoupage du contenu du tube. Une courte aiguille hypodermique est tout simplement inseree dans le fond du tube. Le contenu du tube s'epanche goutte a goutte. Les fractions de recoupage peuvent etre ensuite analysees une a une.
Properties of radiating pointlike sources in cylindrical omnidirectionally reflecting waveguides

The behavior of pointlike electric dipole sources enclosed by an axially uniform, cylindrically symmetric waveguide of omnidirectionally reflecting material is analyzed. It is found that the emission spectrum of a source inside the waveguide is strongly modified by features resembling one-dimensional Van Hove singularities in the local density of states (LDOS). Additionally, more than 100% of the power radiated by a dipole in vacuum can be captured at the end of the waveguide, owing to the overall enhancement of the LDOS (the Purcell effect). The effect of varying the positions and orientations of electric dipole sources is also studied.
Luminescence variations in hydroxyapatites doped with Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions

We present a detailed analysis of the luminescence behavior of europium-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (Ca-D HAp) nanopowders. The results show that, while both powders are similar in crystallite size, particle size, and morphology, the luminescence behavior differs significantly. For the HAp:Eu powders, the emission is clearly from Eu(3+) ions and corresponds to typical (5)D(0) --> (7)F(J) emissions, whereas for the Ca-D HAp:Eu powders, we also see a broad emission with two peaks at 420 and 445 nm, corresponding to the 4f(6)5d(1) --> 4f(7) ((8)S(7/2)) transition of Eu(2+). The powders are weakly luminescent in the as-synthesized state, as expected for combustion-synthesized materials and have higher emission intensities as the heat treatment temperature is increased. Luminescence spectra obtained using an excitation wavelength of 254 nm are weak for all samples. Excitation wavelengths of 305, 337, and 359 nm, are better at promoting the Eu(3+) and Eu(2+) emissions in hydroxyapatites. We propose that fluorescence measurements are an excellent way of qualitatively determining the phase composition of europium-doped hydroxyapatite powders, since powders that exhibit a blue emission contain substantial amounts of Ca-D HAp, allowing the determination of the presence of this phase in mixed-phase hydroxyapatites.
Stress dependence of creep in bonded adhesives

Abstract Torsion shear microcreep studies were performed on seven highly filled modified bisphenol-A-type epoxy adhesive systems. The steady state creep rate versus creep stress relationships were similar for all systems and were not monotonic. The results are interpreted in terms of the residual stresses which can exist in adhesive-bonded joints at temperatures other than the cure temperature. These stresses are considered to diminish by plastic flow during creep. Each adhesive system also had a threshold stress below which no creep was detected. In addition the creep rate was shown to be dependent on the filler particle content of the adhesives and independent of the filler particle shape.
Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase: The Art of Compromise between Substrate Selectivity and Stereoselectivity

Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase catalyzes the consecutive head-to-tail condensations of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP, C5) with dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP, C5) and geranyl diphosphate (GPP, C10) to give (E,E)-FPP (C15). The enzyme belongs to a genetically distinct family of chain elongation enzymes that install E-double bonds during each addition of a five-carbon isoprene unit. Analysis of the C10 and C15 products from incubations with avian FPP synthase reveals that small amounts of neryl diphosphate (Z-C10) and (Z,E)-FPP are formed along with the E-isomers during the C5 --> C10 and C10 --> C15 reactions. Similar results were obtained for FPP synthase from Escherichia coli, Artemisia tridentata (sage brush), Pyrococcus furiosus, and Methanobacter thermautotrophicus and for GPP and FPP synthesized in vivo by E. coli FPP synthase. When (R)-[2-2H]IPP was a substrate for chain elongation, no deuterium was found in the chain elongation products. In contrast, the deuterium in (S)-[2-2H]IPP was incorporated into all of the products. Thus, the pro-R hydrogen at C2 of IPP is lost when the E- and Z-double bond isomers are formed. The synthesis of Z-double bond isomers by FPP synthase during chain elongation is unexpected for a highly evolved enzyme and probably reflects a compromise between optimizing double bond stereoselectivity and the need to exclude DMAPP from the IPP binding site.
Stability and Convergence Properties of Dynamic Average Consensus Estimators

We analyze two different estimation algorithms for dynamic average consensus in sensing and communication networks, a proportional algorithm and a proportional-integral algorithm. We investigate the stability properties of these estimators under changing inputs and network topologies as well as their convergence properties under constant or slowly-varying inputs. In doing so, we discover that the more complex proportional-integral algorithm has performance benefits over the simpler proportional algorithm
Stark effect induced by photogenerated carriers in multiple GaN/AlN asymmetric coupled quantum wells

We have observed blue and red Stark shifts of two excitonic transition peaks in multiple GaN/AlN asymmetric coupled quantum wells due to increases in electric fields originating from spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.
CubeSat mission design based on a systems engineering approach

With the exception of the CubeSat specification, CubeSat design and development approaches have been mostly ad hoc, which has questioned their reliability. A systems engineering approach, based on the guidelines of NASA's Systems Engineering Handbook has been developed for CubeSats to facilitate systematic design, development and address their reliability, traceability, and reusability. The CubeSat systems engineering approach, developed as a repeatable process, uses a top-down design methodology to translate mission definitions into basic building blocks, components, interfaces and tasks, that then facilitate a bottom-up development and fabrication process. Some of the design tools (e.g., N2 diagram) described in NASAs Systems Engineering Handbook are utilized early in the design phase to identify potential conflicts in the mechanical and electrical interfaces. A novel subsystem level flowdown, which transcribes the system level requirements into identifiable CubeSat subsystems, (i.e., building blocks) is described. Utilizing this approach yields full traceability from mission concept to subsystem component to flight software. Additionally, the approach facilitates the estimation of the mission overhead in terms of power, telemetry, and computation associated with each component, interface, and task.
Cholesterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol trafficking in Alzheimer’s disease

Cholesterol and the cholesterol oxide 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC) are highly enriched in the human CNS. Clinical, genetic, neurochemical and epidemiological evidence continue to support dysfunctional cholesterol metabolism as an important contributing factor driving the development and/or progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. Cholesterol overabundance in the brain plasma membrane lipid- raft domains, appears to be fundamental to the generation of the more neurotoxic forms of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide from beta-amyloid holoprotein precursor. 24S-HC may have a pivotal role in promoting altered inflammatory signaling, apoptotic genetic responses and AD-type change. In clinical studies, cholesterol-lowering statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol absorption/transport inhibitors and related modulators of cholesterol trafficking have demonstrated some pharmacological benefit for the treatment of AD, but overall their efficacy at slowing the cognitive decline and the progression of AD remains controversial and open to question.