cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrix Effects in Matrix Isolation Infrared Spectroscopy

A major factor limiting extensive use of matrix isolation gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry is the incompatibility of matrix-isolated spectra with available vapor-or condensed-phase spectral data bases. Here, matrix and surface effects on matrix isolation infrared spectra of organic molecules are investigated. Use of xenon at −215°C (58 K) to obtain matrix isolation spectra that are similar to condensed-phase spectra is demonstrated. Finally, the effect of temperature on reflection-absorption infrared spectra of matrix-isolated molecules is discussed, and guidelines for obtaining and interpreting matrix isolation infrared spectra of gas chromatographic eluants using the existing condensed phase data bases are provided.
Phase II trial of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor radioimmunotherapy in the treatment of anaplastic astrocytoma

The efficacy and safety of adjuvant radioimmunotherapy with 125I-labeled anti-epidermal growth factor receptor 425 murine antibody (125I-425 mAb) in patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) is evaluated in this single-institution phase II study. Patients with newly diagnosed and histologically proven AA were eligible. A total of 80 patients received three weekly intravenous injections of 1.8 GBq of 125I-425 mAb following surgery and radiation therapy to a median dose of 60 Gy. Median overall survival was the primary endpoint and the secondary endpoint was toxicity. The median age was 43 years (range 22–75 years), and the median Karnofsky Performance Status was 80 (range 50–100). The percentage of patients who underwent surgical debulking, radiation therapy, temozolomide, and nitrosourea-based chemotherapy are 57.5, 99, 25, and 25 % respectively. The overall median survival was 55.6 months (95 % CI 42.7–68.5 months). The 2- and 5-year survivals were 74 and 47 %, respectively. There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity with the administration of 125I-425 mAb. Treatment with 125I-425 mAb in newly diagnosed AA patients was safe and well tolerated. Survival benefits are encouraging and warrant further study.
Ductility capacity models for buckling-restrained braces

Abstract Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), which are braces that do not buckle in compression, have recently become popular for use in the primary lateral-force-resisting systems of structures located in high seismic regions of the United States. Although testing has shown that BRBs possess high ductility capacity, no generally accepted method yet exists to predict the cumulative plastic ductility capacity of a BRB. This research developed ductility capacity models for BRBs using a statistical framework and the results of past experimental studies. The primary outcome of the research is a model with sufficient accuracy for predicting BRB failure in engineering applications.
Abstract B15: Pediatric glioblastoma cell lines maintain response to developmental growth factors

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly invasive brain tumor arising from an astrocytic cell lineage. In the United States, nearly 500 children each year develop GBMs. Pediatric GBM has a different mutational, methylation, and gene expression spectra than adult GBM, implicating a strong role for developmental processes in disease pathogenesis. The developmental growth factors that define the astrocytic lineage include epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Expression of these growth factors also distinguishes pediatric versus adult GBM. Here, we use EGF or PDGF as a stimulus for malignant behavior in GBM cell lines isolated from either adult or pediatric patients to understand whether the cell line models parallel growth factor receptor signaling preferences observed clinically. In response to these stimuli, pediatric cell lines demonstrate distinct protein signaling and invasion phenotypes from adult cell lines in vitro, and generate invasive, multifocal lesions in an orthotopic xenograft model. Thus, distinguishing features of adult and pediatric GBM are maintained in the cell line models that will be used to test therapeutic regiments preclinically. Both of the receptors activated by EGF and PDGF are known to interact with a promising therapeutic target in adult glioblastoma: signal transducer and activator 3 (STAT3). STAT3 acts as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on cellular context such as the activating receptor complex and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutational status. Our studies will therefore address the differential implications of STAT3 therapy for pediatric versus adult GBM. Citation Format: Marie Renee Mooney. Pediatric glioblastoma cell lines maintain response to developmental growth factors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.
Continuous quantum measurement of a double dot

We consider the continuous measurement of a double quantum dot by a weakly coupled detector (tunnel point contact nearby). While the conventional approach describes the gradual system decoherence due to the measurement, we study the situation when the detector output is explicitly recorded that leads to the opposite effect: gradual purification of the double-dot density matrix. The nonlinear Langevin equation is derived for the random evolution of the density matrix which is reflected and caused by the stochastic detector output. Gradual collapse, gradual purification, and the quantum Zeno effect are naturally described by the equation. We also discuss the possible experiments to confirm the theory.
Workloads (creation and use)

Workloads are used to estimate and measure system performance, but the results are only as good as the workloads and models being used.
Python for Scientists and Engineers

Python has arguably become the de facto standard for exploratory, interactive, and computation-driven scientific research. This issue discusses Python's advantages for scientific research and presents several of the core Python libraries and tools used in scientific research.
The dependence of difference spectra of DPN and of related substances upon hydrogen ion concentration.

Abstract Difference spectra at various pH values have been measured on solutions of adenine, adenosine-3-phosphoric acid, 2,6-diaminopourine, ribonucleic acid, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide,a nd trigonelline. The nature of the observed difference spectra has been indicated and a method for estimating the dissociation constants of compounds showing pH-dependent difference spectra has been presented.
A Note on the Description of Designs

Shape grammars elucidate the composition of designs and at the same time provide the basis for the description of these designs in other terms.
Unique solvability for the problem of recovering an optical surface from its three images

The following problem is considered: given three image intensities (photographs) of an opaque object surface, reconstruct the shape of the surface and the surface local reflecting properties. This problem is formalized on the basis of rigorous description of object photoimage formation (in the framework of geometrical optics and photometry) and resulted in three concepts: an optical surface (the mathematical description of an opaque object surface), a projection schema (the mathematical description of an image- formatting optical apparatus as a (photo)camera), a projection-schema image (the mathematical description of an image intensity). The usage of these concepts allows one to formulate the opaque object surface reconstruction problem as the mathematical problem of reconstructing an optical surface from its three projection-schema images. It is shown that the optical surface reconstruction (OSR) problem takes the form of a Cauchy problem for the system of three first- order, non-linear, partial differential equations. A general uniqueness theorem for the OSR problem is proven. Also, the OSR problem for a specific class (`diffuse-speculum' surfaces) of optical surfaces is investigated. The conditions providing the unique reconstruction of a diffuse- speculum optical surface have been found in the form of `pure' geometric conditions (the restrictions on the relative positions in the space of the source of illumination and cameras) as well as in the form of some restrictions on image intensity distributions which to be used if the geometric conditions are not fulfilled.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of Acyl Coenzyme A Binding to the Transcription Factor FadR and Identification of Amino Acid Residues in the Carboxyl Terminus Required for Ligand Binding

The Escherichia coli FadR protein regulates the transcription of many unlinked genes and operons encoding proteins required for fatty acid synthesis and degradation. Previously, we demonstrated that the ability of purified FadR to bind DNA in vitro is inhibited by long chain acyl coenzyme A esters (DiRusso, D. D., Heimert, T. L., and Metzger, A. K.(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 8685-8691). In the present work, we show that FadR binds acyl-CoA directly. Ligand binding resulted in a shift in the apparent pI of FadR from 6.9 to 6.2 and in a marked decrease in intrinsic fluorescence. The K m for FadR binding of oleoyl coenzyme A was determined to be 12.1 nM using the fluorescence quenching assay. The binding site for acyl-CoA was identified by selection of noninducible mutations in the FadR gene. One altered protein carrying the change Ser 219 to Asn (S219N) was purified and shown to have a reduced affinity for oleoyl coenzyme A as evidenced by a K m of 257 nM. S219N retained the ability to bind DNA and to repress or activate transcription. Alanine substitution of amino acid residues 215 through 230 identified Gly 216 and Trp 223 as also required specifically for induction. This region of FadR shares amino acid identities and similarities with the coenzyme A-binding site of Clostridium thermoaceticum CO dehydrogenase/acetyl-coenzyme A synthase. Due to the alteration in binding affinity of the purified S219N protein, the non-inducible phenotype of several proteins carrying alanine substitutions and similarities to CO dehydrogenase/acetyl-coenzyme A synthase we propose this region of FadR forms part of the acyl-CoA-binding domain.
A preferential site for sperm-egg fusion in mammals.

The tendency of mammalian sperm-egg fusion to occur at a site away from the first polar body was investigated in a homologous (mouse oocytes and mouse spermatozoa) and in a heterologous model (hamster oocytes and mouse spermatozoa). Following micromanipulation of the zona pellucida either in proximity to or opposite the first polar body, in vitro fertilization was performed and subsequent differences in sperm-egg interaction were evaluated. Since spermatozoa from random-bred mice do not readily penetrate intact zonae pellucidae in vitro, it is likely that zona penetration occurred through the artificial holes in both models. The creation of a gap in the zona pellucida opposite the first polar body was associated with levels of sperm fusion that were significantly higher than those resulting from manipulation near the first polar body. Spermatozoa were rarely found to penetrate the hole completely, and in general few spermatozoa were observed in the perivitelline space. The proximity between pronuclei following sperm penetration was correlated with the position of the incision with respect to the polar body. The findings suggest that breaching the zona pellucida for microsurgical fertilization should be performed away from the microvillus-free area of the oocyte.
Maimonides and the Pre-Maimonidean Jewish Philosophical Tradition According to Hermann Cohen

This paper examines Hermann Cohen’s idiosyncratic construction of a medieval Jewish philosophical tradition, focusing primarily, though not exclusively, on his Charakteristik der Ethik Maimunis. This construction, not unlike modern accounts, is filtered through the central place of Maimonides. For Cohen, however, Maimonides’ centrality is defined not by his systematization of Aristotelianism, but by his elevation of ethics over metaphysics. The ethical and pantheistic concerns of Maimonides’ precursors, according to this reading, anticipate his uniqueness. Whereas Shlomo ibn Gabirol’s pantheistic doctrine of emanation, for example, assigned little weight to ethics, Abraham ibn Daud rebelled against such a doctrine. Ibn Daud—much like Bahya ibn Paquda and Abraham ibn Ezra—becomes part of a Jewish philosophical tradition that culminates in Maimonides’ rejection of Aristotelian metaphysics. In particular, this paper examines the way in which Cohen envisaged the pre-Maimonidean philosophical tradition, putting his highly critical reading of Shlomo ibn Gabirol and his pantheistic obsession with prime matter in counterpoint with his more favorable readings of Abraham ibn Daud and Bahya ibn Paquda.
Wigner crystals of 229Th for optical excitation of the nuclear isomer.

We have produced laser-cooled Wigner crystals of $^{229}\mathrm{Th}^{3+}$ in a linear Paul trap. The magnetic dipole ($A$) and electric quadrupole ($B$) hyperfine constants for four low-lying electronic levels and the relative isotope shifts with respect to $^{232}\mathrm{Th}^{3+}$ for three low-lying optical transitions are measured. Using the hyperfine $B$ constants in conjunction with prior atomic structure calculations, a new value of the spectroscopic nuclear electric quadrupole moment $Q=3.11(16)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eb}$ is deduced. These results are a step towards optical excitation of the low-lying isomer level in the $^{229}\mathrm{Th}$ nucleus.
Welfare costs of sticky wages when effort can respond

Abstract We examine the impact of wage stickiness when employment has an effort as well as hours dimension. Despite wages being predetermined, the labor market clears through the effort margin. Consequently, welfare costs of wage stickiness are potentially much, much smaller.
Moments Analysis for Improving Decision Reliability Based on Travel Time

Decision reliability is becoming an important issue for both researchers and transportation service providers; different models and methods have been proposed to improve decision reliability. A method is proposed for improving decision reliability by analyzing the moments and central moments of historical travel time data. Because of the existence of traffic congestion—especially nonrecurrent traffic congestion—travel time is generally a random variable with an asymmetric historical distribution. Statistical methods are applied to obtain the higher-order moments and central moments of historical travel time, which provide quantitative information about the variability, asymmetry, and leptokurtosis of travel time. This information is useful in making reliable decisions and avoiding scenarios that can potentially lead to extremely high costs. The method is based on advanced traveler information systems, which provide useful historical travel time information for traffic networks. The new method and other me...
Evidence for hypothalamic KATP+ channels in the modulation of glucose homeostasis

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP+) participate in the brain's regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis. In testing this hypothesis we conducted a series of in vivo experiments using albino rats and bilateral intrahypothalamic injections of KATP+ channel blockers, glibenclamide and repaglinide. The results show that 0.2 and 2.0 nM injections of glibenclamide lowered blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner. During mild insulin-induced hypoglycemia, hypothalamic glibenclamide delayed recovery to normoglycemia. The impaired recovery was associated with a reduction in plasma norepinephrine (P<0.001), though circulating epinephrine and glucagon were not reduced. In a separate experiment, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to produce neuroglucopenia. Hypothalamic injections of either glibenclamide or repaglinide significantly blunted compensatory hyperglycemic responses (P<0.01). In a feeding study, 2.0, but not 0.2 nM of hypothalamic glibenclamide, reduced chow intake over a 2-h period (P<0.01). The results support the hypothesis that hypothalamic KATP+ channels participate in central glucose-sensing and glucose regulation.
The Principle and Practice of ‘Reconciliation’ in German Foreign Policy: Relations with France, Israel, Poland and the Czech Republic

Germany has sought ‘reconciliation’ with former foes as an ideal in foreign policy since 1949. Reconciliation remains a priority of new the SPD-Green coalition, as for all previous German governments since the Second World War, for both moral and pragmatic motives. In four bilateral cases of reconciliation in German foreign policy–with Israel, France, Poland, and the Czech Republic–the mix of pragmatism and morality differs depending on history, institutions, leadership, and the international context. Reconciliation with France and Poland is more institutionalized, more open, more embedded in the European Union, and more pragmatic than in the other two cases. In relationswith Israel and the Czech Republic, history and moral claims are more prominent. Institutions are important in all four cases, but they are not as dominant in the latter two cases. Political leadership is central in all four cases, navigating the relationships through periods of domestic opposition to bilateral partnership in processes of reconciliation that strive for an unachievable idea.
Analyzing and Synthesizing Phylogenies Using Tree Alignment Graphs

Phylogenetic trees are used to analyze and visualize evolution. However, trees can be imperfect datatypes when summarizing multiple trees. This is especially problematic when accommodating for biological phenomena such as horizontal gene transfer, incomplete lineage sorting, and hybridization, as well as topological conflict between datasets. Additionally, researchers may want to combine information from sets of trees that have partially overlapping taxon sets. To address the problem of analyzing sets of trees with conflicting relationships and partially overlapping taxon sets, we introduce methods for aligning, synthesizing and analyzing rooted phylogenetic trees within a graph, called a tree alignment graph (TAG). The TAG can be queried and analyzed to explore uncertainty and conflict. It can also be synthesized to construct trees, presenting an alternative to supertrees approaches. We demonstrate these methods with two empirical datasets. In order to explore uncertainty, we constructed a TAG of the bootstrap trees from the Angiosperm Tree of Life project. Analysis of the resulting graph demonstrates that areas of the dataset that are unresolved in majority-rule consensus tree analyses can be understood in more detail within the context of a graph structure, using measures incorporating node degree and adjacency support. As an exercise in synthesis (i.e., summarization of a TAG constructed from the alignment trees), we also construct a TAG consisting of the taxonomy and source trees from a recent comprehensive bird study. We synthesized this graph into a tree that can be reconstructed in a repeatable fashion and where the underlying source information can be updated. The methods presented here are tractable for large scale analyses and serve as a basis for an alternative to consensus tree and supertree methods. Furthermore, the exploration of these graphs can expose structures and patterns within the dataset that are otherwise difficult to observe.
The effect of oxygen fugacity on the partitioning of nickel and cobalt between olivine, silicate melt, and metal

The effect of oxygen fugacity, f(O2), on the partitioning behavior of Ni and Co between olivine, silicate melt, and metal was investigated in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-FeO-Na2O system, an analogue of a chondrule composition from an ordinary chondrite. The conditions were 1350 C and 1 atm, with values of f(O2) varying between 10 exp -5.5 and 10 exp -12.6 atm (i.e., the f(O2) range relevant for crystal/liquid processes in terrestrial planets and meteorite parent bodies). Results of chemical analysis showed that the values of the Ni and Co partitioning coefficients begin to decrease at values of f(O2) that are about 3.9 log units below the nickel-nickel oxide and cobalt-cobalt oxide buffers, respectively, near the metal saturation for the chondrule analogue composition.
Examining cement-based materials by laser scanning confocal microscopy

Abstract While laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) is widely used in a variety of fields, LSCM has not been broadly applied for the characterization of cement-based materials, despite the potential advantages of this technique. It is believed that the use of confocal microscopy for characterizing cement-based materials would be expanded by the further development of sample preparation and examination protocols. Three imaging methodologies: (1) “through-aggregate” examination, (2) wet-chemistry studies, and (3) surface characterization; and their potential applications to cement-based materials are described.
Pyrolysis–GC/MS of sinapyl and coniferyl alcohol

Abstract Herein we report the fast pyrolysis of the lignin monomers sinapyl and coniferyl alcohol, as well as mixtures of the two, at 650 °C using pyrolysis–GC/MS. The total ion chromatogram area % of certain marker pyrolysates for each alcohol were summed and used to calculate sinapyl:guaiacyl (S:G) ratios in the mixtures; these ratios were then plotted against the actual molar S:G ratios of the starting material. 13 coniferyl alcohol marker pyrolysates and 9 sinapyl alcohol marker pyrolysates provided acceptable linear correlation, whereas several other marker groups chosen did not correlate to the actual S:G ratio in the starting material. Results indicated that the demethoxylation of sinapyl alcohol and/or its pyrolysates occurs during pyrolysis at 650 °C; however, the amount of demethoxylated products generated is statistically insignificant. Having obtained the pyrolysis profile of the various S:G mixtures, marker pyrolysates for the calculation of the S:G ratio in lignin can be carefully selected according to unique samples. These marker groups can then be calibrated against known S:G ratios to provide analysis of the actual S:G ratio of lignin in biomass. For example, pyrolysates chosen from the pyrolysis of peach pit lignin were calibrated in order to determine the S:G ratio in peach pit lignin. The resulting S:G ratio was similar to that obtained from capillary electrophoresis of the products from KMnO 4 oxidation of the peach pit lignin.
Genetic algorithms in computational materials science and engineering: simulation and design of self-assembling materials

Abstract We introduce here two genetic algorithms that were developed in order to aid in the design of molecules for self-assembling materials. The first constructs molecules from sets of chemical building blocks, searching for candidates that are determined by an ancillary modeling program to assemble into low-energy aggregates. The results of running this Genetic Algorithm (GA) on a set of building blocks are discussed in the context of experimental observations on molecules synthesized from these chemical components. The second genetic algorithm attempts to find the most favorable configuration of four molecules in space, as determined by an empirical molecular mechanics force field. We present the results of the application of this GA to molecules that have been studied experimentally in our laboratory. The two genetic algorithms promise to be of use not only in the context in which they are presented, but also in a wide variety of future applications in molecular design and modeling.
The Impact of Voting by Mail on Voter Behavior

Most of the studies of voter behavior have dealt with voter turnout, but few have looked at other aspects of voting behavior that could be linked to balloting method. A reasonable amount of information has now accumulated about the impact of the shift from polling place elections to voting by mail on turnout, rolloff, drop-off, differences in voting for partisan offices and referenda, and differences in straight-ticket voting. This article analyzes recent time series of voting data in Oregon to assess the impact of the shift in voting method on these issues. The analysis includes data at the state, county, precinct, and individual levels, including individual ballots. The results suggest new criteria for evaluating shifts from one voting method to another that may be applied to other electoral reforms, such as those that will result from the Help America Vote Act.
High-sensitivity microfluidic pressure sensor using a membrane-embedded resonant optical grating

We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a sensor capable of detecting minute changes in pressure within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel. The device consists of a guided-mode resonance (GMR) grating with a resonant wavelength of 731 nm embedded in an 85 µm thick PDMS membrane which acts as one wall of the microchannel. As pressure within the channel is increased, the membrane expands, straining the PDMS as well as the embedded grating. This strain results in an increase in the pitch of the grating, which in turn produces a shift in the resonance of the device. By measuring the resulting change in the reflectivity spectrum of the device, changes in relative pressure as small as 50 pascal may be detected over a range of over 5 kilopascal.
The distance marketing of consumer financial services directive

The EU directive on the distance marketing of consumer financial services (the DMD) was adopted in September 2002 bringing financial services in line with other retail sectors. This paper begins with an analysis of the principal substantive provisions of the DMD before considering the obligations it places on member states to ensure its substantive provisions are enforceable in national law and that an adequate system of redress is available to consumers. The paper then summarises the path taken by the DMD through the European legislative machine and analyses how the DMD will facilitate the integration of a European single market in financial services while striking an essential balance between the rights of the consumer and the rights of financial services providers. In the final part, consideration is given to how the DMD will be implemented by member states. In particular, attention is directed to the overall impact the DMD is likely to have on the marketing of financial services in the UK and how HM Treasury and the Financial Services Authority aim to harmonise domestic law with the DMD.
Pediatric Blood Cell Transplantation

Objectives: To provide a review of the use of blood cell transplantation (BCT) in pediatric patients, the psychological and developmental issues related to BCT, and guidelines for supportive care. Data sources: Review articles, research studies, and book chapters pertaining to BCT in children with cancer. Conclusions: BCT is a safe and reliable source of support after myeloablative regimens for children with disseminated disease, relapse or failure after chemotherapy, or children with high-risk features at diagnosis. Implications for nursing practice: The pediatric oncology nurse is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team in providing long-term care for children undergoing BCT. Astute clinical monitoring, supportive care, and management of complications is of utmost importance to recovery.
Schwinger's variational principle for bound states

We present an analytical method for the evaluation of quantum defects of atoms and ions based on Schwinger's variational principle. The method is applied to a screened Coulomb potential $V$, and expressions for quantum defects as smooth functions of energy are obtained. This function goes through all the Rydberg levels and the lowest bound state. We calculate the quantum defects for $l=0$, where trial functions with one and two Slater-type functions are used. The results are accurate when the trial function represents the exact wave function in the region where $V\ensuremath{\ne}0$.
α-Actinin-4 Is Required for Normal Podocyte Adhesion

Mutations in the alpha-actinin-4 gene ACTN4 cause an autosomal dominant human kidney disease. Mice deficient in alpha-actinin-4 develop a recessive phenotype characterized by kidney failure, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and retraction of glomerular podocyte foot processes. However, the mechanism by which alpha-actinin-4 deficiency leads to glomerular disease has not been defined. Here, we examined the effect of alpha-actinin-4 deficiency on the adhesive properties of podocytes in vivo and in a cell culture system. In alpha-actinin-4-deficient mice, we observed a decrease in the number of podocytes per glomerulus compared with wild-type mice as well as the presence of podocyte markers in the urine. Podocyte cell lines generated from alpha-actinin-4-deficient mice were less adherent than wild-type cells to glomerular basement membrane (GBM) components collagen IV and laminin 10 and 11. We also observed markedly reduced adhesion of alpha-actinin-4-deficient podocytes under increasing shear stresses. This adhesion deficit was restored by transfecting cells with alpha-actinin-4-GFP. We tested the strength of the integrin receptor-mediated linkages to the cytoskeleton by applying force to microbeads bound to integrin using magnetic pulling cytometry. Beads bound to alpha-actinin-4-deficient podocytes showed greater displacement in response to an applied force than those bound to wild-type cells. Consistent with integrin-dependent alpha-actinin-4-mediated adhesion, phosphorylation of beta1-integrins on alpha-actinin-4-deficient podocytes is reduced. We rescued the phosphorylation deficit by transfecting alpha-actinin-4 into alpha-actinin-4-deficient podocytes. These results suggest that alpha-actinin-4 interacts with integrins and strengthens the podocyte-GBM interaction thereby stabilizing glomerular architecture and preventing disease.
The blood supply to the splenic lymphatic nodules in the rhesus monkey

The arterioles and capillaries supplying the lymphatic nodules and marginal zone (in part) in the rhesus monkey's spleen arise from a follicular artery branch of the central artery. This follicular artery first undergoes a series of convolutions and branchings, out of which a parallel array of tightly bound arterioles and capillaries, an anteriorlar capillary bundle (ACB), leading into the central part of the nodule is formed. From the proximal end, side, and distal end of the ACB, arterioles and capillaries radiate outward through the mantle zone of the nodule to terminate in the marginal zone. Some capillaries are formed within the bundle and others not until an arteriole nearly reaches the marginal zone. A similar ACB and capillary distribution is found in the human spleen. However, the supplying arteries, for the most part, come from recurrent penicillar arteries which pass close to the central artery before forming the bundle. This artery does not undergo the convolutions found in the rhesus monkey. In the monkey, the bundle contains a higher proportion of arteriolar vessels. It appears that in human and rhesus monkey spleens, the ACB replaces the internal capillary net of Jager (′29).
Differential effects of injection regimen on behavioral responses to cocaine.

Abstract Locomotor behavior was measured in mice receiving IP cocaine at 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Mice in the cumulatively dosed treatment were injected first with saline and then with 5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg at 10-min intervals. In the single-dose treatment, mice received a single dose of cocaine at a time corresponding to the equivalent cumulative dose, with saline injections at other times. The single-injection treatment was similar, but saline injections were omitted. Locomotor activity was measured across each 10-min interval. Mice were retested 6 weeks later and 1 day after that. Dose-response curves were similar for all three treatments on the first test, but diverged markedly on subsequent tests. Significant locomotor sensitization occurred at the higher doses on the second test, particularly in the treatment receiving single cocaine injections. On the third test, convulsions occurred at 40 mg/kg, but only in the singly dosed treatments. The results demonstrate that injection parameters can modify both the behavioral and toxic effects of cocaine.
KRas(G12D)-evoked leukemogenesis does not require β-catenin.

The targeting of self-renewal pathways commonly activated in leukemia serves as a potential strategy for multiple subtypes of this disease regardless of genetic, clonal, or cellular heterogeneity. Elevation of β-catenin above physiological conditions enhances the self-renewal of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) , and this attribute appears to be commonly utilized by leukemia cells.1 Dependency on elevated β-catenin activity in leukemia stem cells (LSCs) demonstrated in several different types of leukemia strongly suggest an essential and universal role for β-catenin in LSC function in leukemia.2-6 Since normal adult HSCs do not require its basal activity,7 β-catenin has emerged as a potential LSC-specific therapeutic target.
Cardiovascular Challenges in Toxicology

The diagnoses and subsequent treatment of poisoned patients manifesting cardiovascular compromise challenges the most experienced emergency physician. Numerous drugs and chemicals cause cardiac and vascular disorders. Despite widely varying indications for therapeutic use, many agents share a common cardiovascular pharmacologic effect if taken in overdose. Standard advanced cardiac life support protocol care of these patients may not apply and may even result in harm if followed. This chapter discusses com-mon cardiovascular toxins and groups them into their common mechanisms of toxicity. Multiple agents exist that result in human cardiovascular toxicity. The management of the toxicity of each agent should follow a rationale approach. The first step in the care of all poisoned patients focuses on good supportive care.
Lineshape and temperature dependence of the nuclear quadrupole resonance of 14N2 in β-quinone clathrate☆

Abstract Nuclear quadrupole resonance of 14 N 2 molecules entrapped in β hydroquinone clathrate has been studied using Fourier transform spectroscopy. The spectrum at 4.2 K spans the frequency range 3.577 to 3.596 MHz and consists of three well-solved major components, each showing partially resolved fine structure. A consistent interpretation of intensities and frequencies is given by postulating that an N 2 molecule introduced into a clathrate cavity produces a slight lattice distortion extending to nearest-neighbor cavities arrayed along the crystallographic c axis, thereby affecting the electric field gradient. A one-to-one correlation is established among the three major components of the spectrum and the possible configurations for occupancy of nearest-neighbor cavities. Fine structure of the low- and high-frequency components is due to intramolecular dipolar interaction, whereas the middle component additionally exhibits a Stark splitting due to an asymmetric cavity environment. From the temperature dependence of the resonance frequency the molecular libration frequency in the cavity is deduced to be 50.7 cm −1 at 0 K, the zero-point rms amplitude is 11.3°, and the static resonance frequency is 4.025 MHz. The libration frequency decreases by about 4% on warming to 80 K.
THP-1 macrophage membrane-bound plasmin activity is up-regulated by transforming growth factor-β1 via increased expression of urokinase and the urokinase receptor

Receptors for urokinase (uPA) and plasminogen provide a mechanism to direct the cellular activation of plasminogen. The regulation of these receptors is important for several macrophage functions. In these studies, the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on uPA, uPA receptor, and plasminogen receptor expression by human THP-1 macrophage was examined. TGF-beta 1 induction of uPA expression by THP-1 cells was differentiation dependent. Suspension and adherent cultures expressed similar constitutive levels of uPA. Exposure of adherent cells to TGF-beta 1 led to a dose- and time-dependent increase in uPA activity which was paralleled by an increase in uPA antigen and uPA mRNA. In contrast, uPA expression by suspension cultures was unresponsive to TGF-beta 1. The differential response exhibited by suspension and adherent THP-1 cells may reflect differences in their expression of TGF-beta 1 receptors, since when assayed by crosslinking techniques, suspension cells primarily expressed a 65 kDa receptor; whereas, the adherent cells expressed 65 and 100 kDa receptors. TGF-beta 1-induced alterations in uPA receptor expression by adherent THP-1 cells were examined by quantitating membrane-bound uPA activity. Membrane-bound uPA activity increased three-fold when cells were incubated with TGF-beta 1. The increase in membrane-uPA activity expressed by TGF-beta 1-treated cells was not due to increased uPA receptor occupancy since incubation of either control or TGF-beta 1 primed cells with exogenous uPA did not lead to an increase in membrane-bound uPA activity. Furthermore, immunoreactive uPA receptor was increased in TGF-beta 1-treated cells. Following incubation with plasminogen, membrane-bound plasmin activity increased three-fold in TGF-beta 1-treated cells. However, no change in immunoreactive membrane-bound plasmin(ogen) was observed. In addition, binding of 125I-Lys-plasminogen to THP-1 cells was not affected by TGF-beta 1 treatment. We conclude that TGF-beta 1 stimulates membrane-bound plasmin activity, without affecting plasminogen receptor expression, through the up-regulation of uPA and the uPA receptor expression.
Auger analysis of platinum field emitters

Abstract Surface segregation on platinum emitters was studied by means of field emission microscopy and very high resolution Auger electron spectroscopy. Surfaces with the characteristic {100} ring structure (mainly Sigmund Cohn wire), which is stable to about 1500 K, were found to be phosphorus contaminated. When such emitters were heated between 870 and 1250 K, silicon as well as small amounts of S and C segregated to the {100} area and caused the ring the broaden. The latter shrank in size upon heating to above 1250 K, indicating a dissolution of Si in the Pt bulk. On other platinum surfaces (Materials Research wire), which showed after heat treatment a predominant Si contamination, {100} ring structures did not appear, instead, {012} planes developed in a temperature range of 870–1030 K. Vapor deposition of P on surfaces with very low P contamination and of Si on surfaces with very low Si contamination resulted in the appearance of {100} ring structures and {012} planes, respectively.
The role of cellular immune response in Theiler's virus-induced central nervous system demyelination.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) persists in spinal cord white matter of susceptible mice (e.g., SJL/J), resulting in chronic inflammation and demyelination. Reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with CD4+ T- or CD8+ T-lymphocytes results in extensive TMEV-induced demyelination, and depletion of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the early or late phase of the disease decreases the extent of demyelination, indicating that the cellular immune response against the virus plays a key role in myelin destruction. In susceptible mice, the demyelinated lesions are characterized by infiltration of a large numbers of B- and T-lymphocytes; whereas in mice resistant to TMEV-induced demyelination (e.g., C57BL/6), virus clearance requires infiltration of between 2.9×105 and 5.7×105 CD8+ T-lymphocytes and between 3.4×105 and 6.1×105 CD4+ T-lymphocytes per mouse in the brain 5–9 days post infection. Transgenic expression of capsid proteins of TMEV abrogates resistance in C56BL/6 mice, rendering the mice susceptible to TMEV persistence and demyelination. Comparison of the kinetics of virus replication and B- and T-lymphocyte infiltration in mice lacking key adhesion molecules (l-selectin (l-sel−/−), P-selectin (P-sel−/−), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1−/−), or leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1−/−)) demonstrates a role for individual adhesion molecules in recruitment of immune cells into central nervous system (CNS), but the role is not significant to prevent eventual virus clearance.
Calmodulin synthesis and accumulation during oogenesis and maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Abstract The calmodulin levels in stage 6 Xenopus oocytes averaged 89 ± 24 (SD) ng/oocyte and had largely accumulated by stage 3 of oogenesis. From stage 3 to early stage 6, calmodulin levels did not increase further. However, in large stage 6 oocytes (> 1.25 mm diam) calmodulin levels again rose to a level as high as 121 ng/oocyte. Calmodulin levels did not change during the maturation of stage 6 oocytes and the results of measurements on animal and vegetal oocyte halves from control and mature oocytes showed no evidence of a redistribution of calmodulin during maturation. Measurements of calmodulin synthesis in stages 1 and 2 oocytes, stage 4 oocytes, and stage 6 oocytes indicated that calmodulin was being synthesized continuously during oogenesis and that the rate of synthesis increased during oogenesis. In stage 1 and 2 oocytes (combined), the synthesis rate was 3.5 pg/hr/oocyte; in stage 4 oocytes it was 48 pg/hr/oocyte, and in large stage 6 oocytes the rate had increased to 160 pg/hr/oocyte. These changes in the rates of synthesis were discussed as they relate to the pattern of calmodulin accumulation during oogenesis.
Prediction of the Aero-Acoustic Performance of Open Rotors

The rising cost of jet fuel has renewed interest in contrarotating open rotor propulsion systems. Contemporary design methods offer the potential to maintain the inherently high aerodynamic efficiency of open rotors while greatly reducing their noise output, something that was not feasible in the 1980's designs. The primary source mechanisms of open rotor noise generation are thought to be the front rotor wake and tip vortex interacting with the aft rotor. In this paper, advanced measurement techniques and high-fidelity prediction tools are used to gain insight into the relative importance of the contributions to the open rotor noise signature of the front rotor wake and rotor tip vortex. The measurements include three-dimensional particle image velocimetry of the intra-rotor flowfield and the acoustic field of a model-scale open rotor. The predictions provide the unsteady flowfield and the associated acoustic field. The results suggest that while the front rotor tip vortex can have a significant influence on the blade passing tone noise produced by the aft rotor, the front rotor wake plays the decisive role in the generation of the interaction noise produced as a result of the unsteady aerodynamic interaction of the two rotors. At operating conditions typical of takeoff and landing operations, the interaction noise level is easily on par with that generated by the individual rotors, and in some cases is even higher. This suggests that a comprehensive approach to reducing open rotor noise should include techniques for mitigating the wake of the front rotor as well as eliminating the interaction of the front rotor tip vortex with the aft rotor blade tip.
Two-nucleon exchange cuts in the Amado model for n--d scattering

A study is carried out of some of the singularities that occur in the second Born amplitude for elastic n--d scattering as described by the Amado model. It is shown that for real energies this amplitude is analytic in the momentum transfer plane except for a right hand cut, and that the discontinuity across the leading edge of the cut depends only on the on-shell, two-nucleon t matrix. This right hand cut leads to a left hand cut in the energy plane for the partial wave amplitudes. A simple formula which involves only the on-shell t matrix is derived for the discontinuity across the leading edge of the s-wave left hand cut. The possible implications of these results for the model dependence of three-nucleon calculations are discussed. (AIP)
The carbon–hydrogen bond strength in dimethyl ether and some properties of iodomethyl methyl ether†

The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between iodine and dimethyl ether (DME) have been studied spectrophotometrically from 515–630°K over the pressure ranges, I2 3.8–18.9 torr and DME 39.6–592 torr in a static system. The rate-determining step is, where k1 is given by log (k1/M−1 sec−1) = 11.5 ± 0.3 – 23.2 ± 0.7/θ, with θ = 2.303RT in kcal/mole. The ratio k2/k−1, is given by log (k2/k−1) = −0.05 ± 0.19 + (0.9 ± 0.45)/θ, whence the carbon-hydrogen bond dissociation energy, DH° (HCH2OCH3) = 93.3 ± 1 kcal/mole. From this, ΔH°f(CH2OCH3) = −2.8 kcal and DH°(CH3OCH2) = 9.1 kcal/mole. Some nmr and uv spectral features of iodomethyl ether are reported.
Phytochemical Investigation of Xanthones of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners

Six polyoxygenated xanthones were isolated from the roots of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners collected in Texas. Structural elucidation of five of these xanthones (1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,6,7-tetramethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,6,7,8-pentamethoxyxanthone, and 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone) was accomplished via UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry; traditional physical-chemical methods; or direct comparison with a prepared derivative. The sixth xanthone derivative was characterized incompletely. The pentamethoxyxanthone is a new compound and has been designated generically as eustomin. The probable occurrence of these six xanthone compounds in the plant as glycosides is reported.
Moving from Private to Public Ownership: Selling Out to Public Firms vs. Initial Public Offerings

We study the movement of assets from private to public ownership through two alternative means: the acquisition of private companies by firms that are public (sellouts) or by initial public share offerings (IPOs). We consider firm-specific characteristics for 1,074 IPOs and 735 sellouts from 1995 through 2004 to identify differences in growth, capital constraints, and asymmetric information between the two types of transactions. Our results suggest that firms move to public ownership through an IPO when they have greater growth opportunities, and face more capital constraints. Previous analyses of U.S. companies have focused on broad aggregate and industry-level trends while our work allows a better understanding of the firm-specific characteristics leading to firms choosing to go public through an IPO and the costs of accessing the public capital markets.
A model for electrical conductivity in (TMTSF)2ClO4, (TMTSF)2ReO4 and related materials

Abstract To describe quantitatively the diverse variations of the temperature-dependent electrical conductivities of tetramethyltetraselenafulvenium (TMTSF) salts, a model based on small Fermi ( E f ) and small gap ( E g − E f ) energies and T − n dependence of scattering is presented. The difference between the conductivities of quenched and slowly cooled (TMTSF) 2 ClO 4 is described by different values of E f and E g − E f in the two cases. The model illustrates, in terms of variables E f and E g − E f , the effect of pressure on the metal-insulator transition in (TMTSF) 2 ReO 4 , for example, and indicates a relation between E f and E g − E f at the onset of superconductivity.