cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CORRECTLY MEASURING REAL VALUE ADDED

This paper examines issues involved in calculating a value added index in order to measure real value added at the industry level. Three methods of calculating real value added are considered; the Laspeyres double-deflation method recommended by the United Nations System of Nation Accounts, the commonly used single-deflation method, and the double-deflation Divisia method. Actual data are employed to clarify and illustrate the issues involved, and the paper concludes with a recommendation for an appropriate index to use when calculating industry real value added.
Deficit in Selective and Divided Attention Associated with Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Immunotoxic Lesion Produced by 192-Saporin; Motoric/Sensory Deficit Associated with Purkinje Cell Immunotoxic Lesion Produced by OX7-Saporin

The immunotoxin 192-saporin, infused intracerebroventricularly into rats, destroys cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain nuclei. Doses required for complete cholinergic loss also kill some Purkinje cells. The immunotoxin OX7-saporin, when infused intraventricularly into rats, destroys Purkinje cells in a pattern similar to that produced by 192-saporin, without affecting cholinergic neurons. Thus, we used OX7-saporin to distinguish behavioral effects of 192-saporin due to cerebellar damage versus those due to cholinergic cell loss. Three doses of 192-saporin (1.6, 2.6, and 3.3 μg/rat) were chosen along with a dose of OX7-saporin (2.0 μg/rat) that produced Purkinje loss equivalent to the two highest doses of 192-saporin. Groups of Fischer-344 rats were trained in the multiple choice reaction time task and retested with more complex tasks after lesioning. They were also tested in the water maze, passive avoidance, acoustic startle, and open field. The OX7-saporin group exhibited changes in many tests suggesting hypermotility and sensory deficits. The 192-saporin groups differed from the OX7-saporin group when they displayed deficits in multiple choice reaction time tasks in which novel challenges were introduced, including sessions with a noise distractor, shortened and lengthened intertrial intervals, and use of nine instead of five sources of light stimulus. The 192-saporin groups showed no impairment in the other tasks. The cholinergic basal forebrain lesion may mask some of the effects of cerebellar damage up to a threshold after which effects of Purkinje cell loss predominate when 192-saporin is administered intraventricularly.
The Impact of African Americans’ Beliefs About HIV Medical Care on Treatment Adherence: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Interventions

Disparities in access to and retention of regular HIV medical treatment persist among African Americans living with HIV. Many scholars believe that the mistrust of health care held by many African Americans stems from a legacy of abuse, from medical experimentation on slaves to the unethical practices with patients in the Tuskegee Syphilis study. We performed a systematic appraisal of the literature, using several key terms, in order to understand how attitudes about HIV-related health care influence African Americans' engagement in care. We examined peer-reviewed studies published during the period January 2001 through May 2012. An initial search generated 326 studies. Sixteen descriptive studies met our inclusion criteria. Experiences of racism, conspiracy beliefs and the quality of provider relationships appeared to impact engagement. Providers should openly investigate personal beliefs that adversely affect their treatment decisions, listen to patient narratives, and share treatment decisions in order to create a transparent environment.
Developing an energy-finance course with critical content: an integrated and SLO process-driven approach

Traditionally, collaborative initiatives between engineering and business disciplines are few because the targeted clients are quite different. However, the engineering world is increasingly facing new business challenges that are associated with the need for business skills to manage unlimited resources and to increase corporate revenue. First, this paper presents the results of a survey showing the current state of the energy finance course offerings in all 12 universities in the USA. Second, this study describes the author’s arduous journey and experience of creating an integrated energy finance course from scratch at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2009–2010 and the continuous improvement over the past four years. Finally, the author proposes common content areas to be included in energy finance courses that are compatible with the student learning outcomes standards advocated by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.
Mechanism of ϵ15 conversion studied with bacteriophage mutants

Mutants of bacteriophage ϵ15 were selected for their inability to produce the normal phage-induced O-antigen upon infection of Salmonella anatum. Most of the mutants found belonged to a class which not only failed to produce the phage-induced antigen but also stopped the formation of host antigen. Strains lysogenic for these mutants were shown by in vitro studies to be defective in the biosynthesis of O-antigen at the level of the polymerization of lipid-bound trisaccharide units. The isolation and characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of this type confirmed that a bacteriophage protein was defective and that this protein was directly involved in the enzymic synthesis of O-antigen. It was concluded that ϵ15 normally prevents the activity of the host polymerizing enzyme and replaces it with a bacteriophage enzyme. Analysis of the changes in O-antigen synthesis immediately after ϵ15 infection indicated that the host polymerizing enzyme was inhibited, but no evidence for a diffusible inhibitor was found.
Stress in the brain: novel cellular mechanisms of injury linked to Alzheimer's disease

More than a century has elapsed since the description of Alois Alzheimer's patient Auguste D. Yet, the well-documented generation of β-amyloid aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles that define Alzheimer's disease is believed to represent only a portion of the cellular processes that can determine the course of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding of the complex nature of this disorder has evolved with an increased appreciation for pathways that involve the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, apoptotic injury that leads to nuclear degradation in both neuronal and vascular populations, and the early loss of cellular membrane asymmetry that mitigates inflammation and vascular occlusion. Recent work has identified novel pathways, such as the Wnt pathway and the serine-threonine kinase Akt, as central modulators that oversee cellular apoptosis and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles through their downstream substrates that include glycogen synthase kinase-3β, Bad, and Bcl-xL. Other closely integrated pathways control microglial activation, release of inflammatory cytokines, and caspase and calpain activation for the processing of amyloid precursor protein, tau protein cleavage, and presenilin disposal. New therapeutic avenues that are just open to exploration, such as with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide modulation, cell cycle modulation, metabotropic glutamate system modulation, and erythropoietin targeted expression, may provide both attractive and viable alternatives to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Energy budget in coronal holes.

EUV and radio observation, supplemented by other data, have made it possible to determine the flux of energy, F sub c, conducted from the corona into the chromosphere. Of the mechanical flux input in the corona, F sub m (of which F sub c is a large fraction), there are no direct measurements but limits can be found to it. It is shown that, if the described quantities relative to quiet regions are compared with the same quantities as observed in regions of different activity, it is possible to obtain important information on the regions of origin of the solar wind. In particular, it is found that the regions of very low EUV emission, i.e., the so-called coronal holes, appear to be the source of high energy streams of solar wind.
Production of site-selected neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies against the third variable domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein.

Abstract Cell lines secreting IgG1 human monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to the envelope glycoprotein, gp120, of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been produced by transformation of peripheral blood cells from HIV-infected individuals and by fusion of transformed cells to a human-mouse heteromyeloma cell line (SHM-D33). Two human mAbs were site-selected by means of a 23-mer synthetic peptide spanning a portion of the third variable domain of gp120 from the MN strain of HIV. The two heterohybridomas produce three times more IgG than do their parent lymphoblastoid cell lines. The specificities of these mAbs have been mapped to sequences near the tip of the disulfide loop of the gp120 third variable domain, Lys-Arg-Ile-His-Ile and His-Ile-Gly-Pro-Gly-Arg, respectively. The mAbs have dissociation constants of 3.7 x 10(-6) M and 8.3 x 10(-7) M, neutralize HIVMN in vitro at nanogram levels, and bear the characteristics of antibodies associated with protective immunity in vivo.
Seroanalysis of Tyzzer's disease in horses: implications that multiple strains can infect Equidae

A monoclonal antibody based competitive inhibition assay was used to detect antibodies in horse sera to purified flagellar antigens from distinct Clostridium piliforme isolates. Sequential absorption of hyperimmune rat serum to C. piliforme isolate E (horse-origin isolate), a positive C. piliforme-immune horse serum, and other suspected immune horse sera with unrelated bacteria or C. piliforme isolates E or isolate R1 (rat-origin isolate) alone demonstrated the specificity of this assay for C. piliforme. This specificity was associated with the inhibition of monoclonal antibody binding to C. piliforme flagella, rather than to C. piliforme somatic antigens, by horse immunoglobulins partially purified from serum. Thirty seven of 162 horse sera possessed large amounts of antibody to the flagella of C. piliforme isolate E and 23 of the 162 had large amounts of antibody to the flagella of C. piliforme isolate R1; 9 of the sera possessed large amounts of antibody to both flagellar antigens. Absorption of these sera with isolate E or R1 demonstrated that antibody reactivity to the 2 C. piliforme isolates was isolate-specific and not due to antibody cross-reactive with both isolates. These results suggest that infection of horses with C. piliforme may be relatively common; and that they are susceptible to at least 2 distinct strains.
Relational Uncertainty and Cortisol Responses to Hurtful and Supportive Messages from a Dating Partner

This paper evaluates theoretical claims linking relational uncertainty about a relationship partner to experiences of stress during interactions with that partner. Two observational studies were conducted to evaluate the association between relational uncertainty and salivary cortisol in the context of hurtful and supportive interactions. In Study 1, participants (N = 89) engaged in a conversation about core traits or values with a partner, who was trained to be hurtful. In Study 2, participants (N = 89) received supportive messages after completing a series of stressful tasks and receiving negative performance feedback. As predicted, partner uncertainty was associated with greater cortisol reactivity to the hurtful interaction in Study 1. Contrary to expectations, Study 1 results also indicated that self uncertainty was associated with less cortisol reactivity, when self, partner, and relationship uncertainty were tested in the same model. Study 2 revealed that relational uncertainty dampened cortisol reactions to performing poorly on tasks while the partner observed. As predicted, Study 2 also found that partner uncertainty was associated with less cortisol recovery after the supportive interaction, but neither self nor relationship uncertainty was associated with rate of cortisol change during the recovery period.
Nine compounds containing high‐nuclearity [CunX2n+2]2− (n = 4, 5 or 7; X = Cl or Br) quasi‐planar oligomers

The structures of seven A(2)Cu(4)X(10) compounds containing quasi-planar oligomers are reported: bis(1,2,4-trimethylpyridinium) hexa-μ-chlorido-tetrachloridotetracuprate(II), (C(8)H(12)N)(2)[Cu(4)Cl(10)], (I), and the hexa-μ-bromido-tetrabromidotetracuprate(II) salts of 1,2,4-trimethylpyridinium, (C(8)H(12)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (II), 3,4-dimethylpyridinium, (C(7)H(10)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (III), 2,3-dimethylpyridinium, (C(7)H(10)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (IV), 1-methylpyridinium, (C(6)H(8)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (V), trimethylphenylammonium, (C(9)H(14)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (VI), and 2,4-dimethylpyridinium, (C(7)H(10)N)(2)[Cu(4)Br(10)], (VII). The first four are isomorphous and contain stacks of tetracopper oligomers aggregated through semicoordinate Cu···X bond formation in a 4(5/2,1/2) stacking pattern. The 1-methylpyridinium salt also contains oligomers stacked in a 4(5/2,1/2) pattern, but is isomorphous with the known chloride analog instead. The trimethylphenylammonium salt contains stacks of oligomers arranged in a 4(3/2,1/2) stacking pattern similar to the tetramethylphosphonium analog. These six structures feature inversion-related organic cation pairs and hybrid oligomer/organic cation layers derived from the parent CuX(2) structure. The 2,4-dimethylpyridinium salt is isomorphous with the known (2-amino-4-methylpyridinium)(2)Cu(4)Cl(10) structure, in which isolated stacks of organic cations and of oligomers in a 4(1/2,1/2) pattern are found. In bis(3-chloro-1-methylpyridinium) octa-μ-bromido-tetrabromidopentacuprate(II), (C(6)H(7)ClN)[Cu(5)Br(12)], (VIII), containing the first reported fully halogenated quasi-planar pentacopper oligomer, the oligomers stack in a 5(3/2,1/2) stacking pattern as the highest nuclearity [Cu(n)X(2n+2)](2-) oligomer compound known with isolated stacking. Bis(2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium) dodeca-μ-bromido-tetrabromidoheptacuprate(II), (C(6)H(7)ClN)(2)[Cu(7)Br(16)], (IX), contains the second heptacopper oligomer reported and consists of layers of interleaved oligomer stacks with a 7[(7/2,1/2)][(-9/2,-1/2)] pattern isomorphous with that of the known 1,2-dimethylpyridinium analog. All the oligomers reported here are inversion symmetric.
Maintenance of bovine oocytes in prophase of meiosis I by high [cAMP]i

The effects of high intracellular cAMP concentrations ([cAMP]i) on germinal vesicle maintenance of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were investigated, using 8-bromo-3',5'-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) or an invasive adenylate cyclase from Bordetella pertussis to increase the [cAMP]i. The effects of interactions of these agents with macromolecular supplements in culture medium (fetal calf serum, FCS; polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP; BSA), and different methods of processing complexes before culture, on subsequent germinal vesicle maintenance by invasive adenylate cyclase were studied. While 8-Br-cAMP was unable to maintain germinal vesicle arrest in the majority of oocytes for 20 h (36% with FCS, 24% with BSA, 18% with PVP), it maintained germinal vesicle arrest in a high proportion of cumulus-enclosed oocytes when BSA or PVP was used (37% with FCS, 52% with BSA, 53% with PVP). The difference in frequency of germinal vesicle maintenance between macromolecular supplements was not related to [cAMP]i when assayed after culture for 2 h with invasive adenylate cyclase. Complexes processed in whole follicular fluid were not maintained in meiotic arrest (26%) when cultured with invasive adenylate cyclase and PVP. Complexes processed in follicular fluid with 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine (IBMX) plus invasive adenylate cyclase were arrested at the germinal vesicle stage at high frequencies (65%), while those processed in IBMX or IBMX plus 8-Br-cAMP-supplemented follicular fluid had intermediate (43% and 49%, respectively) frequencies of intact germinal vesicles. Oocyte complexes processed in follicular fluid supplemented with IBMX and invasive adenylate cyclase formed morulae and blastocysts (27.2%), as did oocytes processed in follicular fluid alone (26%). Phosphoprotein profiles showed that control oocytes and 8-Br-cAMP-treated oocytes share a profile that is different from that of oocytes treated with invasive adenylate cyclase. These results show that increased [cAMP]i reversibly maintains bovine oocytes in meiotic arrest for an extended period without the occurrence of the post-translational protein modifications observed during meiotic resumption or transient arrest.
A simple multi-core parallelization strategy for learning classifier system evaluation

Permutation strategies for statistically evaluating the significance of predictions and patterns identified within learning classifier systems (LCSs) have only appeared since 2012. While already considered to be computationally expensive algorithms, a permutation testing based approach to determining statistical significance has the potential to be many times more demanding. One area of LCS research which has become both feasible and popularized in recent years is the adoption of parallelization strategies. In the present study we explore the simple benefits of parallelizing a set of LCS analyses in an attempt to make the completion of a permutation test with cross validation more feasible on a single multi-core workstation. We test our python implementation of this strategy in the context of a simulated complex genetic epidemiological data mining problem. Our evaluations indicate that on Windows 7 computers, as long as the number of concurrent processes does not exceed the number of CPU cores, the speedup achieved is approximately linear.
Arachidonic acid metabolites: effects on inflammation of fetal rabbit excisional wounds.

Uncovered fetal rabbit excisional wounds do not exhibit any classic signs of healing; wounds covered with an impermeable cover do contract, reepithelialize, and exhibit inflammation. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is elevated in amniotic fluid, acting as an immunosuppressant at the maternal-fetal interface. Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on 25-day gestational age rabbit fetuses. Half the wounds were covered with an impermeable cover. Tissue from covered, uncovered, and nonwounded fetuses was examined 72 h after wounding for arachidonic acid metabolites. Uncovered wounds had significantly (P≤0.05) elevated levels of PGE2, PGE2α, and 12-HETE versus covered wounds and control tissue. Covered wounds had significantly elevated levels of 15-HETE compared to uncovered and control tissue. The elevated PGE2 in uncovered wounds may act as a fetal immunosuppressant; covered wounds (lower PGE2) developed cellular inflammation. Further investigations of these interactions may permit modulation of adult inflammation.
Susceptibility of ponderosa pine to Endocronartium harknessii and other causes of mortality in Pennsylvania

The effects of Endocronartium harknessii on provenances of Pinus ponderosa planted in 1969 on a coal strip-mine spoil bank in central Pennsylvania were reassessed. In 1982 infection levels among seed sources ranged from 4.9 to 52.5%. In 1991 infection levels ranged from 29 to 95%, and mortality due to rust infection ranged from 9 to 58% among these seed sources. Levels of infection, mortality due to rust infection, and mortality unrelated to rust infection differed significantly among seed sources (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and = 0.023, respectively). Among geographic ecotypes, there were no significant differences among percentages of trees infected (P = 0.094), but there were significant differences among trees surviving outplanting (P = 0.007), mortality due to rust (P = 0.004), and mortality unrelated to rust (P < 0.001). Only one provenance incurred less than 40% infection, indicating that virtually none of these types of provenances are suitable for reforestation in areas of eastern North America where E. harknessii occurs.
Gas-liquid chromatography and mass-spectral analysis of per-O-trimethylsilyl acyclic ketoxime derivatives of neuraminic acid

Abstract The per- O -trimethylsilyl derivatives of the acyclic O -methyl- and O -(trimethylsilyl)ketoximes of both the methyl and ethyl esters of N -acetylneuraminic acid and N -glycolylneuraminic acid, and also the acyclic O -benzylketoximes of the methyl esters of these N -acylneuraminic acids were synthesized. In addition, the per- O -trimethylsilyl derivatives of the acyclic O -trimethylsilylketoximes and the O -trimethylsilyl( 15 N)ketoximes of the trideuteriomethyl esters of N -acetyl- and N -glycolylneuraminic acid were prepared. For comparison, the per- O -trimethylsilyl derivatives of the cyclic ethyl esters of the two N -acylneuraminic acids were synthesized and all compounds were studied by gas-liquid chromatography and combined gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Mechanism for bias-assisted indium mass transport on carbon nanotube surfaces

In this paper, results of ab initio pseudopotential density-functional calculations of indium adsorption on graphitelike surfaces are presented. The adsorption energy was calculated as a function of In coverage, and it is shown that, for low surface densities, In becomes positively charged by donating about one electron to the underlying nanotube surface. This is consistent with experimental observations of bias-assisted In flux in the direction opposite to that of electron flow. The effects of nanotube surface curvature on In adsorption are shown to be small. Based on the calculated energy barrier between two neighboring energy minima and the calculated vibrational frequencies, the hopping rate for In adsorbed on graphene is estimated. It is also shown that In adsorption is stronger on and around a Stone-Wales defect on a graphene sheet, which suggests that defects can work as nucleation centers for crystal growth. Adsorption of In on BN sheets and of Au on graphene is also discussed. No significant charge transfer is present in these two alternative systems and the adsorption energies are weaker.
Cognitive-Motivational Influences on the Task-Related Help-Seeking Behavior of Black Children

The present study examined the relation between children's mastery motivation, self-assessment of performance, and task-related help-seeking behavior during task performance. Average-achieving black American children, varying in mastery motivation as measured by subscales of the Harter's Intrinsic-Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom Scale, performed a multitrial verbal task and were given the opportunity to seek help on each trial after making a tentative response and assessing their performance by rating their confidence in the correctness of the response. A response-contingent payoff system was implemented to encourage children to restrict their help seeking to those instances in which they perceived that they could not make a correct response without assistance. As predicted, children's self-assessments of performance, regardless of their accuracy, appeared to influence help seeking more than the actual performance outcomes. Neither children's self-assessments of performance nor their overall rate of help seeking varied with level of measured mastery motivation. However, the type of help sought varied as expected with mastery motivation. Children characterized by high intrinsic orientations toward independent mastery in academic achievement contexts sought indirect help (i.e., hints) more often than they sought direct help (i.e., answers), whereas children characterized by low intrinsic orientations toward independent mastery showed no preference. These differences in motivational orientation influenced requests for help only when children perceived their initial solutions to be incorrect. These findings are discussed in the context of the analyses of help seeking as an instrumental learning and achievement strategy. The implications of the findings for analyses of black children's achievement styles are highlighted.
Spectroscopic Evidence for a Unique Bonding Interaction in Oxo-Molybdenum Dithiolate Complexes: Implications for σ Electron Transfer Pathways in the Pyranopterin Dithiolate Centers of Enzymes

Solution and solid state electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism, and resonance Raman spectroscopies have been used to probe in detail the excited state electronic structure of LMoO(bdt) and LMoO(tdt) (L = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate; bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate; tdt = 3,4-toluenedithiolate). The observed energies, intensities, and MCD band patterns are found to be characteristic of LMoO(S-S) compounds, where (S-S) is a dithiolate ligand which forms a five-membered chelate ring with Mo. Ab initio calculations on the 1,2-ene-dithiolate ligand fragment, -SCCS-, show that the low-energy S → Mo charge transfer transitions result from one-electron promotions originating from an isolated set of four filled dithiolate orbitals that are primarily sulfur in character. Resonance Raman excitation profiles have allowed for the definitive assignment of the ene-dithiolate Sin-plane → Mo dxy charge transfer transition. This is a bonding-to-antibonding transition, and its intensity directly probe...
Thymosin α1: Amino acid homology with peptide T from the human immunodeficiency virus envelope

Abstract Thymosin α1 has many effects on immune function and its absence in primary immunodeficenncy states produce a clinical presentation similar to the one encountered in acquired immmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent of AIDS, binds to T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes through specific surface receptors which include the CD4 glycoprotein. Octapeptide T, a component of the HIV envelope, mediates the binding of HIV to its receptor. In this report, we draw attention to the similarity between the amino acid sequence of thymosin α1 and peptide T and its analogues. This similarity can produce a cross-reactivity between thymosin α1 and HIV and may be a factor in the pathophysiology of the acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome.
Application of Ion-Selective Electrodes as Reference Electrodes

Abstract Reference electrodes limiting interfering effects of conventional reference electrodes on the measurement involving ion-selective electrodes have been developed. They are constructed of a plastic body with porous plug or sleeve junction. Solid state, low impedance, ion-selective electrodes (cupric, cadmium, fluoride) in the equilibrium of corresponding ion solution are used as the half-cells. The absence of interfering ions in the electrolyte allows the determination of the ion of interest at extremely low levels without interference. The electrodes have good reproducibility and stable intercomparison potentials of ± 0.2 mV. The performance of the electrodes has been tested for the measurement of sub-ppm halide levels. Data on stability, reproducibility, effects of temperature, ionic strengthand pH is presented and compared to that of conventional reference electrodes.
Abstract 5497: Targeting glioblastoma stem cells with withaferin A

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Introduction. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer affecting 3 to 4 per 100,000 people annually in the United States. Despite aggressive therapy including surgical resection followed by both radiation and chemotherapy, overall survival remains dismal at approximately 14 months. Recent studies have determined that GBM's contain a small population of stem cells (GSCs), which promote tumor growth through unlimited self-renewal. Since GSCs are chemo- and radio-resistant and drive tumor regrowth following therapy, successful treatment depends on the elimination of these cells. Withaferin A (WA) is a bioactive compound derived from the plant Withonia somnifera which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Here we evaluated the effects of WA on patient derived GSCs. Methods. With IRB approval, GSC lines were generated. GSCs were propagated in neurosphere media and examined for the stem cell markers CD133, nestin, musashi and BMi1 by immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. Effect of WA on cell viability was determined using MTS assay. The effect of WA on cell survival and stress pathways was evaluated by western blot analysis. Results. WA induced a significant decrease in cell viability at low micromolar concentrations. The IC50 for 3 patient derived GSC lines ranged between 0.96-1.78μM. WA induced ER stress and apoptosis in the GSCs as indicated by increased expression of ER stress markers grp78 and CHOP and increased levels of cleaved PARP. Furthermore, WA decreased survivin but increased phospho-ERK levels. However, inhibition of ERK activity with U0126 did not potentiate the effect of WA on cell death. Conclusion. Ashwagandha has been used safely for medicinal purposes for centuries and pharmacokinetic studies in mice indicate that micromolar plasma concentrations of WA are obtainable. Our studies indicate that very low concentrations of WA induce ER stress and cell death in GSC lines. Targeting GSC with WA may increase patient survival by hindering GSC mediated tumor regrowth following surgery. Our data demonstrates the efficacy of WA and supports additional studies toward the use of WA as an adjuvant GBM therapy. Citation Format: Baoyu Zhang, Branko Cuglievan, Nadia G. Myrthil, Steven Vanni, Ricardo J. Komotar, Regina M. Graham. Targeting glioblastoma stem cells with withaferin A. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5497. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5497
Fire ant venoms: comparative analyses of alkaloidal components.

Abstract The chemistry of the venom alkaloids of Solenopsis geminata, S. xyloni and the red and black forms of S. saevissima was investigated. All four forms have a venom composition characterized by the presence of various 2,6-disubstituted piperidines in amounts distinctive of the form. The alkaloids of the red and black forms mainly contain an alkenyl group in position 6 and a trans configuration of the substituents on the piperidine ring, while those of the two indigenous species of North American fire ants contain alkyl substituents which are both cis and trans on the ring. In addition, the venom of S. xyloni contains detectable amounts of 2-methyl-6- n -undecyl- Δ 1,2 -piperideine, a possible precursor of certain of these alkaloids.
Chronically Instrumented Conscious Dog Model in Cardiovascular Toxicology Studies

A chronically instrumented dog model has been developed to conduct preclinical studies of the cardiovascular pharmacology and toxicology of pharmaceuticals. Eight conscious, unrestrained dogs can be simultaneously studied while cardiovascular signals are acquired through the use of flexible tethers, sealed mercury rotary connectors, and digital data acquisition and analysis systems. Test articles can be administered by either oral or intravenous routes. Intravenous infusions are performed via indwelling cannulae and remote controlled infusion pumps. The principle of operation is explained for implantable micromanometers, and sonomicrometers as well as electromagnetic, transit time, and Doppler blood flowmeters. Historical references are provided for the development of several of these devices. Techniques are described to perform aseptic thoracotomy surgery and to implant devices to measure cardiac left ventricular and aortic blood pressure, left ventricular wall thickness or segment length, and blood flow...
Passive mechanical behavior of human neutrophils: effect of cytochalasin B

Actin is a ubiquitous protein in eukaryotic cells. It plays a major role in cell motility and in the maintenance and control of cell shape. In this article, we intend to address the contribution of actin to the passive mechanical properties of human neutrophils. As a framework for assessing this contribution, the neutrophil is modeled as a simple viscous fluid drop with a constant cortical ("surface") tension. The reagent cytochalasin B (CTB) was used to disrupt the F-actin structure, and the neutrophil cortical tension and cytoplasmic viscosity were evaluated by single-cell micropipette aspiration. The cortical tension was calculated by simple force balance, and the viscosity was calculated according to a numerical analysis of the cell entry into the micropipette. CTB reduced the cell cortical tension in a dose-dependent fashion: by 19% at a concentration of 3 microM and by 49% at 30 microM. CTB also reduced the cytoplasmic viscosity by approximately -25% at a concentration of 3 microM and by approximately 65% at a concentration of 30 microM when compared at the same aspiration pressures. All three groups of neutrophils, normal cells, and cells treated with either 3 or 30 microM CTB, exhibited non-Newtonian behavior, in that the apparent viscosity decreased with increasing shear rate. The dependence of the cytoplasmic viscosity on deformation rate can be described empirically by mu=mu c(gamma m/gamma c)-b, where mu is cytoplasmic viscosity, gamma m is mean shear rate, mu c is the characteristic viscosity at the characteristic shear rate gamma c, and b is a material coefficient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Are there permanent effects of night shift work on sleep

Abstract The sleep structures, patterns and subjective evaluations of 50–60 year old nurses with varying amounts of night shift experience during their nursing careers were compared with the sleep of 50–60 year old females without night shift experience. Seven nurses had extensive prior night shift experience and were currently on night shift schedules, seven nurses had extensive night shift experience but were on current day schedules, five nurses, currently on day schedules, had had limited night shift experience. There were limited differences between the nurses on current day schedules and the non shift women. The current night shift scheduled nurses showed characteristic displaced sleep responses. It was concluded that there is little support for an hypothesis of a permanent effect of night shift work experience on subsequent sleep.
Prognostic factors in the management of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

The results of 51 patients with metastatic spinal cord compression were analyzed. There were seven paralyzed patients, three received radiotherapy (RT) alone and four received laminectomy (L) + RT. No patient regained any motor function. Of six ambulatory patients, half received RT and half L + RT. All remained ambulatory after the treatment. Of 38 paraparetic patients, 20 underwent L + RT. Their complete, partial and nonresponse (CR, PR, NR respectively) rates were 25%, 60% and 15%, respectively. This result was clearly better than 18 other patients treated by RT alone of which only 22% regained ambulation (CR = 22%) while 67% were NR and 11% had a PR. In this series combined modality therapy appears better in paraparetic patients.
Arsanilic Acid and Blood Coagulation

Abstract IN ANIMAL feeding practice, arsenicals are being widely used as additives, and considerations regarding the safety of their use in poultry feeds have been discussed by Frost (1953). While the toxicity of arsenic-containing compounds is well known, it has also been reported that even the low doses of arsanilic acid (p-amino-phenylarsonic acid) and arsonic acid (3-nitro-4 hydroxy-phenylarsonic acid) commonly used in poultry rations might increase the blood clotting time of the chicken and cause hemorrhages (Griminger et al., 1953; Sweet et al., 1954; Nelson and Norris, 1959). Anderson et al. (1954) and Frost et al. (1958), however, did not observe any effect on blood clotting. In the light of such disagreements it seems appropriate to re-examine the possible influence of arsanilic acid on blood coagulation. EXPERIMENTAL Female crossbred chicks were fed a semi-synthetic basal ration, deficient in vitamin K-active compounds (Table 1), from the day of hatch to one week …
MEASURING DISTRIBUTIONAL INEQUITY

Both policy managers and policy analysts are interested in the distribution of urban public services. It seems clear, however, that minimizing service maldistribution first depends on better measurement. The Index of Inequity is a new statistical procedure designed to measure maldistribution of urban services with respect to any distributional standard stipulated by the analyst. Evaluation of the Index and a proposed alternative provide insight into its capability and limits as a mensurative technique, particularly with regard to the distinction between two aspects of maldistribution, inequality and concentration.
Nucleophilic Assistance in Rhenium-Catalyzed Oxygen Atom Transfer

Oxygen atom transfer from pyridine N-oxides (PyO) to triphenylphosphine is catalyzed by MeReO(mtp)PPh3, 1, where mtpH2 is 2-(mercaptomethyl)thiophenol, at a rate given by v = kc[1][PyO]2/[PPh3]. When, however, other nucleophiles N are added, the rate law becomes v = kN[1][PyO][N]/[PPh3], and values of kN correlate with the nucleophilic strength of the added cocatalyst N.
Competitive Intelligence: A Status Report on US Business Practices

Recognition of the need for competitive intelligence appears to be widespread and has grown during the past 30 years. However, there appears to have been relatively little change in what is important, in what sources are used and how the information is treated internally. US business seems to recognize the need for competitive intelligence but has not figured out how to use the information effectively or efficiently. In a mail survey, using the Fortune 1000 industrial companies list and the Fortune 500 service companies list, the author describes the changing perceptions, use of and emphasis companies put on the importance of competitive intelligence over three decades.
Characterization of the murine thymidine kinase-encoding gene and analysis of transcription start point heterogeneity.

Abstract We have determined the molecular organization and transcription start points (tsp) for the murine gene (TK) encoding thymidine kinase. The exon/intron structure and sequences present at the splice junctions of the mammalian TK genes have been highly conserved; however, the promoter sequences of these genes have diverged widely. Both the human and Chinese hamster TK promoter regions contain CCAAT and TATA consensus motifs, whereas the mouse promoter has neither element. This difference between species is reflected in that, unlike the hamster and human TK genes, transcription initiates from numerous specific tsp within a 100-bp region in the mouse TK gene. The complex pattern of tsp seen in the endogenous gene was not maintained in transfected cell lines containing TK promoter::β-globin (HBB) fusions. Transcription from the murine TK::HBB fusion genes initiated from a small number of tsp that were clustered downstream from the ATG in hybrids containing TK coding sequences, and in the HBB 5' UTR in hybrids that did not. Few or no specific tsp were detected from the upstream sites used in the endogenous mouse TK gene.
Frequency up-conversion single-photon detectors for quantum communication systems

Frequency up-conversion technology can be used to increase detection efficiency for near infrared photons, as has been demonstrated in fiber-based quantum communication systems. In a continuous wave pumped up-conversion detector, the temporal resolution is limited by the timing jitter of the detector in the visible range, which limits the maximum clock rate of a quantum communication system. In this paper we describe a scheme to improve the temporal resolution of an up-conversion single-photon detector using multi-wavelength optical-sampling techniques, allowing for increased transmission rates in single-photon communications systems. We experimentally demonstrate our approach with an up-conversion detector using two spectrally and temporally distinct pump pulses, and show that it allows for high-fidelity single-photon detection at twice the rate supported by a conventional single-pump up-conversion detector.
Metabolism of fenfluramine to norfenfluramine in guinea-pigs.

— After injection of fenfluramine into guinea-pigs, the N-dealkylated metabolite norfenfluramine was present in brain at higher concentrations and persisted longer than the parent drug, fenfluramine. Contrary to a claim in previous literature, the guinea-pig does metabolize fenfluramine to norfenfluramine, hence the ability of fenfluramine to cause acute and long-term depletion of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine in this species does not prove that fenfluramine, instead of nonfenfluramine, can produce these effects.
The role of prevention services in the county context of child maltreatment

Abstract A growing body of literature has investigated the effects of living in certain neighborhoods on child maltreatment. Relatively few (5) studies to date have utilized methods that adequately account for clustering within neighborhoods. None of these studies accounted for the availability of local child maltreatment prevention services — the very programs that were put in place to address the problem of maltreatment. This study investigates the role of the availability of child maltreatment prevention programs in individual-level risk for maltreatment. A multi-level analysis was conducted using county-level information on child maltreatment prevention program spending, census information on county characteristics, and individual-level data on individual risks for maltreatment and maltreatment behaviors. Results show that controlling for individual- and county-level risks for maltreatment, the amount a county spends on maltreatment prevention programs is associated with lower odds of maltreatment at the individual level.
Attitudes of 1990, 1991, and 1992 Mid-America Boat Show and 1991 Fairport Fishing Symposium Patrons Concerning the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Lake Erie, and Great Lakes Pollution

Because public opinion influences the allocation of resources to manage the Great Lakes it is important to quantify the attitudes of Great Lakes resource users. Patrons of the 1990, 1991, and 1992 Mid-America Boat Shows and the 1991 Fairport Fishing Symposium were surveyed on Great Lakes issues including the invasion of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). The typical respondent was 43 to 45 years old, male, married, employed in professional, highly skilled, or managerial positions, with household incomes in excess of $30,000 and a family size of 2.8. Almost eight often respondents were boat owners. Nine of ten respondents from all three year groups agree that pollution by individuals does have an effect on the Great Lakes. Nine of ten respondents believe that government should be doing more to control pollution in Lake Erie. Over eight of ten respondents agree that citizens should be involved in the management of the Great Lakes. Seven of ten respondents would like to have some of their current tax monies used for research on zebra mussels and seven of ten agree that public funding for research on zebra mussels is a wise investment. Significant differences (p<=.05) in responses between the three year groups were found in six of the fourteen items. Boat owners and non-boat owning respondents alike view the zebra mussel as a threat to the Lake Erie boating and sport fishing industry. Significant differences (p<=.05) between boat owners and non-owners occurred in four of the fourteen items. In the 1991 and 1992 Mid-America Boat Show surveys significant differences (p<=.05) between members of boating, civic, environmental, and/or fishing clubs and nonmembers were found in six out of fourteen attitudinal variables.
Benzodiazepines and the risk of falls in nursing home residents.

CONTEXT: For nursing home residents who require a benzodiazepine, short-acting agents are recommended, primarily to avoid increased risk of falls and other injuries associated with the long-acting agents. However, much of the data for the clinical outcomes of falls and injuries comes from community-dwelling older people. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the rate of falls among nursing home residents taking benzodiazepines and how this varies with drug elimination half-life. DESIGN: Historical cohort study. POPULATION: A total of 2510 residents of 53 Tennessee nursing homes, classified according to benzodiazepine use on each day of follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES: Falls occurring during study follow-up. RESULTS: After adjustment for differences in resident characteristics, benzodiazepine users had a 44% increased rate of falls (adjusted rate ratio 1.44 [95% confidence interval, 1.33-1.56]). The adjusted rate ratio increased from 1.30 (1.12-1.52) for a dose equivalent to ≤2 mg of diazepam, to 2.21 (1.89-2.60, P 8 mg. The rate of falls was greatest in the 7 days after the benzodiazepine was started (rate ratio of 2.96 [2.33-3.75]) but remained elevated (1.30 [1.17-1.44]) after the first 30 days of therapy. Drugs with elimination half-lives of < 12, 12–23, and ≥24 hours had adjusted rate ratios of 1.15 (0.94-1.40), 1.45 (1.33-1.59), and 1.73 (1.40-2.14), respectively. Users of hypnotics with elimination half-lives < 12 hours had an increased rate of falls occurring during the night (adjusted rate ratio 2.82 [2.02–3.94]). CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk of falls among nursing home residents receiving short-acting benzodiazepines is less than that for the long-acting agents, these drugs are associated with a materially increased risk of nocturnal falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:682–685, 2000.
A neutron detector to monitor the intensity of transmitted neutrons for small-angle neutron scattering instruments

A semiconductor-based neutron detector was developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for use as a neutron beam monitor for small-angle neutron scattering instruments. The detector is constructed using a coating of 10 Bo n a gallium–arsenide semiconductor detector and is mounted directly within a cylindrical (2.2 cm dia. and 4.4 cm long) enriched 10 B4C beam stop in the time-of-flight Small Angle Neutron Diffractometer (SAND) instrument at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS) facility at ANL. The neutron beam viewed by the SAND is from a pulsed spallation source moderated by a solid methane moderator that produces useful neutrons in the wavelength range of 0.5–14 ( A. The SAND instrument uses all detected neutrons in the above wavelength range sorted by time-of-flight into 68 constant DT=T ¼ 0:05 channels. This new detector continuously monitors the transmitted neutron beam through the sample during scattering measurements and takes data concurrently with the other detectors in the instrument. The 10 B coating on the GaAs detector allows the detection ofthe cold neutron spectrum with reasonable efficiency. This paper describes the details of the detector fabrication, the beam stop monitor design, and includes a discussion of results from preliminary tests using the detector during several run cycles at the IPNS. r 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The nucleation sites of Ag clusters grown by vapor deposition on a TiO 2 (1 1 0)-1 × 1 surface

We present results of a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of the nucleation and growth of silver clusters grown by vapor deposition on a rutile TiO2(1 1 0)-1 · 1 surface. We have scanned, with atomic resolution, the same surface area before and after Ag deposition, to determine the relationship between the nucleation sites and various surface defects. We have found that small precursor strands of (1 · 2) surface reconstruction have a higher propensity to nucleate Ag clusters than missing-oxygen vacancies and C-type defects. All studies were performed at room temperature, a regime in which the clusters nucleate and grow during the deposition, but do not coarsen. � 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.