cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 521: Glioma-associated IDH mutation induces miR-34a repression and stem cell-like physiology through enhanced PDGF signaling

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Point mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase enzymes (IDH1 and IDH2) have been identified in 70-90% of lower-grade gliomas (LGGs; WHO grade II and III) as foundational genomic alterations. Glioma-associated IDH mutations occur in active site arginine residues and confer a neomorphic activity resulting in overproduction of the oncometabolite R(-)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). The affects of 2HG on cellular physiology are widespread and include global shifts in epigenomic profiles. LGGs have also been repeatedly linked with dysregulated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling. We have recently demonstrated that miR-34a is downregulated in gliomas in response to dysregulated PDGF signaling and that miR-34a directly targets the PDGF receptor (PDGFRA) in high-grade gliomas. Analyzing a panel of diffuse gliomas, we find that miR-34a is specifically downregulated in LGG in response to IDH mutation. Similarly, in multiple isogenic cell line systems, IDH mutation induces repression of miR-34a. Also in these contexts, IDH mutation induces neurosphere formation and the expression of stem cell-associated genes. miR-34a has been reported to target pluripotency factors such as LIN28, OCT4 and NANOG. Accordingly, we find that murine neuroglial progenitor cells expressing IDH mutant isoform express higher levels of these factors than isogenic controls. The stem cell-like phenotype of IDH mutant-expressing cells is morphologically reversed by restoring miR-34a expression in the cells. Despite findings that IDH mutation correlates with hypermethylation at the MIR34a locus in LGG tumors, we have not been able to demonstrate the functional relevance of this. Instead, we find that IDH mutation is associated with enhanced PDGF signaling, and we demonstrate that inhibition or stimulation of PDGF signaling in IDH mutant cells increases or decreases miR-34a expression, respectively. Our studies support a model in which glioma-associated IDH mutation induces miR-34a repression and stem cell-like physiology through enhanced PDGF signaling. Citation Format: Joachim Silber, Girish Harinath, Prasanna Tamarapu Parthasarathy, Armida W.M. Fabius, Sevin Turcan, Timothy A. Chan, Jason T. Huse. Glioma-associated IDH mutation induces miR-34a repression and stem cell-like physiology through enhanced PDGF signaling. [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 521. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-521
Angiotensin and norepinephrine effects on isolated vascular strips from a reptile.

In order to better understand the vascular effects of angiotensin II (AII) in lower vertebrates, the contractile responses of aortic strips from the freshwater turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans were studied. Circumferential strips from the left aortic arch were suspended in a tissue bath in 25°C reptilian Ringer's solution at pH 7.5. Both [Asn1,Val5] AII (10−9–10−5 M) and norepinephrine (NE) (10−8–10−4 M) produced dose-dependent contractions. The threshold dosage for AII was between 10−9 and 10−8 M and for NE between 10−8 and 10−7 M. Pretreatment with [Sar1,Ile8] AII (10−6 M) significantly attenuated the response to [Asn1,Val5] AII at 10−5 M and totally blocked the response at lower AII concentrations (P < 0.01 in each case). The response to AII was unaffected by phentolamine (10−6 M). Phentolamine abolished the response to NE at concentrations of 10−6 M or less (P < 0.01) and attenuated the response by 48% at 10−5 M (P < 0.05) and 43% at 10−4 M (P < 0.05) NE. The response to NE was unaffected by [Sar1,Ile8] AII. The results demonstrate that [Asn1,Val5] AII has a direct contractile effect on turtle vasculature and that two functionally distinct vascular receptor populations for AII and NE are present in the turtle. Since phentolamine did not affect the responses to AII, it also appears that angiotensin-evoked norepinephrine release from the sympathetic nerve terminals in the vessel is not involved in the angiotensin-induced contractions in this preparation.
The Unidentified Growth Factor in Menhaden Fish Meal

Abstract Four replicated experiments were conducted to determine if the increased growth obtained from adding menhaden fish meal to turkey starter diets composed primarily of ground yellow corn and dehulled soybean meal was due to its vitamin, trace mineral, or selenium content. Dietary variables in the 2 X 2 X 2 X 3 factorially designed experiments were 0 and 5% menhaden fish meal, the regular and twice the regular amount of vitamin fortification, the regular and twice the regular amount of trace mineral fortification (except for selenium), and 0, .1, and .2 ppm selenium from sodium selenite. Each of the 24 diets was fed to one pen of nine male and one pen of nine female medium size turkeys from one day to eight weeks of age in each experiment. Body weights of the turkeys at eight weeks of age were increased 3.4% (P P>.05) from doubling the trace mineral fortification, and 2.2 and 2.4% (P
Effects of Amo-1618, Maleic Hydrazide, and Gibberellin Seed Treatment on the First and Second Generation of Datura tatula

Treatment of Datura tatula with Amo-1618 increased the fresh and dry weights of the first-year plants, but decreased the alkaloid content. Maleic hydrazide (MH) treatment induced an increase in plant weight and total alkaloid content but a decrease in plant height. Second generation studies indicated a reduction of the fresh and dry weights of the Amo-1618 group, a considerable decrease in the alkaloid concentration of the MH group, and a decrease in the total alkaloid content of both groups. The chlorophyll concentration was not affected. A selective solvent extraction was performed on the leaf-tops. Gibberellin treatment of seeds obtained from plants previously treated with the chemicals generally reversed any inhibitory effect demonstrated by the chemicals on growth, alkaloid concentration and content, and the concentration of various selective-solvent fractions. Gibberellin seed treatment of the controls caused decreases in fresh weight, total alkaloid content, and the alcohol-soluble fractions of the plant.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: Does the shunt device pressure selection affect the outcome?

Aim : To compare the efficacy of low- versus medium-pressure shunts in pediatric hydrocephalus in a randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Forty patients of pediatric hydrocephalus were randomized into two groups. The Chhabra differential pressure VP shunt (low or medium) was inserted in every patient. Postoperative follow-up was performed for symptomatic improvement and radiological evaluation (by sonography or computed tomography scan) for ventricle hemispheric ratio (VHR). Comparative analysis of pre- and postoperative VHR and need of redo surgery for shunt malformation were carried out to establish outcomes. Results: Nineteen patients had a low-pressure and 21 patients had a medium-pressure shunt inserted. The age of the patients ranged from 1 day to 10 years. The average preoperative VHR in group A was 55.37%, which reduced to 40% postoperatively (P = 0.00005); likewise, the pre- and postoperative VHR in group B were 61.57% and 42%, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0006). The complications of shunts and incidence of redo shunt surgery in both groups were not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.5614). Conclusions : The study found no significant difference in the outcome of patients with low- or medium-pressure shunt placement in pediatric hydrocephalus.
Boundary Layer Separation Control With Fluidic Oscillators

Fluidic oscillating valves have been used in order to apply unsteady boundary layer injection to repair the separated flow of a model diffuser, where the hump pressure gradient represents that of the suction surface of a highly loaded stator vane. The fluidic actuators employed in this study consist of a fluidic oscillator that has no moving parts or temperature limitations and therefore is more attractive for implementation on production turbomachinery. The fluidic oscillators developed in this study generate an unsteady velocity with amplitudes up to 60% RMS of the average operating at non-dimensional blowing frequencies (F+ ) in the range 0.6 < F+ < 6. These actuators are able to fully reattach the flow and achieve maximum pressure recovery with a 60% reduction of injection momentum required and a 30% reduction in blowing power compared to optimal steady blowing. PIV velocity and vorticity measurements have been performed that show no large-scale unsteadiness in the controlled boundary layer flow.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Field evaluation of in-lane pavement markings in advance of freeway interchanges

Freeway interchanges with lane drops, double-lane exits with optional lanes, and other unusual geometries violate driver expectations and may result in late lane changes and erratic movements near the exit gore. In-lane pavement markings can reiterate the information provided on overhead signs that depict the geometry of the upcoming interchange. Researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute designed and conducted field studies at freeway interchanges to evaluate the operational impacts of route shield and directional arrow in-lane pavement markings. The addition of route shields resulted in better utilization of optional and inside exit-only lanes. In addition, motorists made lane changes farther upstream of the exit and made fewer unnecessary lane changes after the installation of the route shields. The addition of directional arrows also positively affected the lane distributions and lane change rate, but the effect on unnecessary lane changes was not as evident. Researchers concluded that the inst...
A REMPI Method for the Ultrasensitive Detection of NO and NO2 Using Atmospheric Pressure Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry

We report on the development of a quasi-simultaneous highly selective method for NO and NO2 detection at the ultratrace level. Atmospheric pressure laser ionization (APLI), recently introduced by our group, is used to detect both compounds at low parts per trillion by volume (pptv) mixing ratios. APLI is based on resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry. Two-color pump−probe experiments employing a single excimer pumped dye laser combination allow for the ultrasensitive measurement of NO and NO2 within a narrow range of maximum pumping efficiency of the laser dye Coumarin 120. NO is detected via excitation of the long-lived A 2Σ+ (ν‘ = 1) level at 215.36 nm and subsequently ionized with 308-nm radiation provided by the excimer pump laser. NO2 is ionized after double resonant excitation of the A 2B1 and 3pσ manifolds in a (1 + 1‘ + 1(‘)) process using 431.65 + 308 nm. The selectivity of the NO measurement exceeds 2000 with respect to NO2 and N2O5. For NO2, a selectivity of >3000 with res...
Moral Reasoning of In-Service and Pre-Service Teachers: A Review of the Research.

Although concerns about the moral domain of teaching have been expressed for more than 30 years, empirical studies investigating moral reasoning of in‐service and pre‐service teachers are sparse. Even fewer studies have investigated the effectiveness of educational interventions to advance moral reasoning in these populations. The purpose of this paper is to review the research on moral reasoning of and moral interventions with in‐service and pre‐service teachers and to suggest implications for teacher education programs. Results of the review indicate that moral reasoning levels of in‐service and pre‐service teachers are relatively low but can be increased through proper intervention.
Magnetic storm ring current injection modeled with the Rice Convection Model and a self‐consistent magnetic field

[1] We simulate plasma transport from the plasma sheet to the ring current, for the first time including the feedback effect of the drifting particles on both the electric and magnetic fields. Results suggest that strong, steady adiabatic convection throughout the middle plasma sheet leads to a highly stretched inner plasma sheet, but no ring current particle flux increases. We subsequently impose a substantial reduction of the specific entropy PV5/3 near midnight outside 10 RE, where P is particle pressure and V = ∫ds/B is flux tube volume. This produces a strong enhancement of the asymmetric ring current, which becomes symmetric when the pressure depletion and strong convection are quelled. We suggest that a reduction of the specific entropy in a region of the inner plasma sheet, apparently by some process that violates the assumption of adiabatic drift, plays a major role in the injection of a storm-time ring current.
Combined experimental and computational studies of heterobimetallic Bi-Rh paddlewheel carboxylates as catalysts for metal carbenoid transformations.

The catalytic activity of heterobimetallic Bi−Rh paddlewheel carboxylate complexes has been evaluated for the first time in the context of metal carbenoid chemistry. The Bi−Rh carboxylate complexes were found to effectively catalyze both cyclopropanation reactions and C−H insertions as well as reactions involving ylide intermediates with similar selectivity profiles to analogous dirhodium complexes. The heterometallic complex BiRh(O2CCF3)3(O2CCH3) was found to be approximately 1600 times less reactive than its homometallic analogue Rh2(O2CCF3)3(O2CCH3) toward the decomposition of methyl phenyldiazoacetate. The observed difference in reactivity is in good agreement with a computational model system where axial coordination to the second rhodium active site is considered for the dirhodium catalyst.
Electrowetting Displays Utilizing Bistable, Multi-Color Pixels Via Laser Processing

Electronic paper, or e-Paper, for use in displays has seen rapid growth in the past decade because of its potential as an alternative to traditional transmissive displays. Offering several critical advantages over current display technologies, including high contrast in direct sunlight, wide viewing angles, and compatibility with flexible substrate processing, electrowetting displays (EWDs) have made it to the forefront of e-Paper research and development efforts. Here, we describe a new design for the fabrication of multi-color, bistable electrowetting displays. Using a laser-based process to pattern an in-plane electrode design, liquid can be manipulated out-of-plane. This process relies on electromechanical pressure forcing water in and out of channels, causing colored oil to be displaced. When voltage is removed, the oil remains in its current position, resulting in bistability. We have demonstrated multi-color, bistable pixels that maintain their state at ${\rm V}= 0$ for several days, which drastically reduces the power required to drive the display.
Availability of dissolved organic matter offsets metabolic costs of a protracted larval period for Bugula neritina (Bryozoa)

For nearly a century researchers have investigated the uptake and utilization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by marine invertebrates, but its contribution to their growth, reproduction, and survival remains unclear. Here, the benefit of DOM uptake was assessed for the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina (Linnaeus 1758) through performance comparisons of individuals in the presence and absence of DOM. The experiments were performed using B. neritina collected from floating docks in Beaufort, NC, USA from July to September 2004. Seawater was subjected to ultraviolet irradiation to reduce naturally occurring DOM, and then enriched with either 1 μM of palmitic acid or a mixture containing 1 μM each of glucose, alanine, aspartic acid and glycine. Larvae in DOM-enriched and DOM-reduced treatments were sampled and induced to metamorphose following 1, 6, 12, and 24 h of continuous swimming at 25°C. Sampled larvae were assessed for initiation of metamorphosis, completion of metamorphosis, and ancestrular lophophore size to determine the extent to which energy acquired from DOM uptake could offset the metabolic costs of prolonged larval swimming. DOM treatment had no significant effect on initiation of metamorphosis, but did have a significant effect on completion of metamorphosis and lophophore size. Larvae swimming in DOM-enriched treatments for 24 h experienced a 20% increase in metamorphic completion rate, compared to larvae swimming for 24 h in the DOM-reduced treatment. In addition, larvae in the amino acid and sugar mixture for 24 h had a significantly larger lophophore surface area and volume (23 and 31%, respectively), compared to larvae in DOM-depleted seawater. To ensure that the increases in performance found in larvae with access to DOM were not due to a decrease in metabolic activity, the respiration rates for these larvae were compared to those of larvae in DOM-depleted seawater. There were no significant differences between these treatments, indicating that the increases in performance were due to the energy acquired from DOM. These results clearly show that for B. neritina, DOM uptake results in increased metamorphic success and in the size of the feeding apparatus following an extended larval swimming duration.
Does training affect mRNA transciption for cytokine production in circulating leucocytes

Summary Physical exertion is a stimulus for the upregulation of cytokine production including IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in horses. To investigate that hypothesis, we initiated training of 5 stall-rested Thoroughbreds. Blood samples were drawn before and weekly during training. The relative transcription of mRNA within the leucocytes was measured using real time TaqMan quantitative PCR. The training protocol was walking (3 min), trotting (3 min) and cantering/galloping (6 min) increasing in intensity weekly (6 to 12 m/s) and culminating in an intense exercise period. Comparisons of mRNA concentrations were made using a repeated measures ANOVA on ranks and a Student-Newman-Keuls pair-wise multiple comparison (P<0.05). The training programme or intense exercise bout did not affect IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10. IL1-β and TNF-α transcription increased on Day 23. TNF-α peaked on Day 23 and IL1-β on Day 30. Neither demonstrated a response to intense exercise. IL-1ra decreased significantly on Day 9; rose significantly from Day 9 to Days 16 and 23; remained significantly elevated through Days 30 and 37 over Day 9, and rose very slightly after intense exercise on Day 56. Alterations in leukocyte cytokine responses may influence susceptibility to infectious disease, metabolic responses to exercise or exercised induced syndromes.
Hydrogen isotope analysis of rehydrated silicic lavas: implications for eruption mechanisms

Abstract Bulk and step-heating hydrogen isotope measurements of glassy and vesicular samples from three young rhyolite lavas demonstrate for the first time that magmatic H 2 O can be distinguished from meteoric H 2 O added during rehydration. Step-heat extractions of gases obtained at five temperatures show that most meteoric H 2 O is released at around 400°C, while magmatic H 2 O comes off during the fusion step at 1100–1200°C. Magmatic H 2 O contents from vertically-arrayed lava samples show a downward increase consistent with the equilibrium pressure-dependence of H 2 O solubility. These gradients imply that volatile concentrations high enough to generate pyroclastic flows during front collapse may be found in the upper portions of silicic domes produced by relatively high eruption rates.
Diving into the “Third Waves” of Regional Governance and Economic Development Strategies: A Study of Regional Partnerships for Economic Development in U.S. Metropolitan Areas

In a number of areas in the United States, local governments, often with the help of private sector firms and nonprofit organizations, have voluntarily formed groups or alliances whose mission is to enhance the economy of a multijurisdictional area. This article presents the results of the first study of a large number of these “regional partnerships for economic development” ( N = 133) in U.S. metropolitan areas. The study concludes that the number of regional partnerships for economic development increased fourfold from the 1970s to the 1990s. Further, it finds that both government officials and business leaders play key roles in these regional partnerships, as participants, decision makers, and financial contributors. In addition, this study determines that the most common activities undertaken by these partnerships deal with marketing and government affairs.
Quantitative error estimates for a least-squares Monte Carlo algorithm for American option pricing

We prove new error estimates for the Longstaff–Schwartz algorithm. We establish an \(O(\log^{\frac{1}{2}}(N)N^{-\frac{1}{2}})\) convergence rate for the expected L2 sample error of this algorithm (where N is the number of Monte Carlo sample paths), whenever the approximation architecture of the algorithm is an arbitrary set of L2 functions with finite Vapnik–Chervonenkis dimension. Incorporating bounds on the approximation error as well, we then apply these results to the case of approximation schemes defined by finite-dimensional vector spaces of polynomials as well as that of certain nonlinear sets of neural networks. We obtain corresponding estimates even when the underlying and payoff processes are not necessarily almost surely bounded. These results extend and strengthen those of Egloff (Ann. Appl. Probab. 15, 1396–1432, 2005), Egloff et al. (Ann. Appl. Probab. 17, 1138–1171, 2007), Kohler et al. (Math. Finance 20, 383–410, 2010), Glasserman and Yu (Ann. Appl. Probab. 14, 2090–2119, 2004), Clement et al. (Finance Stoch. 6, 449–471, 2002) as well as others.
An Outsider in My Own Home: Attachment Injury in Stepcouple Relationships

This multiple-case study explored women's relational experiences as attachment injury patterns in distressed stepcouple relationships and how these experiences might be attributable to stepcouple status. The first author interviewed five stepmothers with biological children, using open-ended interview questions developed from attachment theory and existing research regarding attachment injury and stepfamily formation. Data analysis using the pattern-matching method derived and explored markers of attachment injury in the women's stepcouple relationships. The four categories of attachment injury showed significant attribution to stepfamily issues. This supports past stepfamily research suggesting that stepcouples face unique challenges. Further, these findings suggest that the language of attachment injury accurately describes stepcouples' problems and the usefulness of conceptualizing and addressing these problems in an attachment injury framework.
Residual Fluctuations in the Matter and Radiation Distribution After the Decoupling Epoch

The residual spectra of matter and radiation fluctuations in the early universe are investigated, and the evolution of primordial adiabatic and isothermal fluctuations through the decoupling epoch is studied. Amplification of adiabatic density fluctuations during decoupling, or velocity 'overshoot', is largely suppressed by Compton drag. Consequently, the amplitude of density fluctuations entering the horizon prior to decoupling is larger than hitherto assumed in the adiabatic theory. Damping of primordial adiabatic density fluctuations by an order of magnitude occurs on mass-scales of 3 x 10 to the 13th solar masses (Omega = 1) or 10 to the 14th solar masses (Omega = 0.2). Comparison of the residual radiation fluctuations with observational limits indicates that the adiabatic theory is only acceptable if re-ionization of the intergalactic medium results in additional scattering of the radiation after decoupling. Primordial isothermal fluctuations are found to yield radiation fluctuations which are insensitive to the assumed spectrum and lie a factor of about 5 below current limits
Drug use and level of anxiety among college students

The present study was begun with the expectation that a positive relationship would be found between extent of drug use and level of anxiety, since earlier research had suggested that more anxious individuals were more likely to experiment with drugs. However, this was not found to be the case. Male drug users and nonusers were not found to differ in mean anxiety score on three separate anxiety scales. Female users were found to be less anxious than nonusers, findings contradictory to the initial hypothesis. The findings are consistent with recent research by Cross and Davis (1972) and Hogan et al.(1970) in suggesting that drug users may be more socially outgoing and adventuresome than nonusers.
Interactions of Aluminum(III) with Phosphates.

In order to obtain information about aluminum(III)−phosphate interactions, potentiometric measurements were carried out to characterize the complex forming properties of Al(III) with organic phosphates, phosphonates, and nucleoside-5‘-monophosphates. The aluminum(III)−orthophosphate system is difficult to study due to AlPO4 precipitation. To overcome this problem, the stability constant logarithms of the 1:1 Al(III) complexes of ligands with the same donor groups (log K1:1) were plotted against the basicities of the ligands (log KPO3H). The resulting linear free energy relation (LFER) indicates that organic phosphates, phosphonates, and uridine-, thymidine-, and guanosine 5‘-monophosphates similarly bind Al(III). Adenosine and cytidine 5‘-monophosphate fall above the LFER owing to the presence of a second microform with the nucleic base protonated and a hydroxide bound to the Al(III). From the LFER the log stability constant for Al(III) binding to HPO42- is estimated as 6.13 ± 0.05. From the weakness of a...
Lipochaeta and Melanthera (Asteraceae: Heliantheae subtribe Ecliptinae): establishing their natural limits and a synopsis

We restrict the genusLipochaeta to the allopolyploid species of the typical section.Lipochaeta s.str. is interpreted to be the result of an intergeneric hybridization betweenMelanthera and a presently unknown taxon, perhaps of the genusWedelia. Lipochaeta is characterized, in addition to its allopolyploidy (n=26), by having both flavonols and flavones, disk corollas with 4 lobes, achenes tuberculate at maturity, the disk achenes flattened to slightly biconvex, and ray achenes obcompressed.Lipochaeta sect.Aphanopappus andWollastonia are here reduced to synonymy underMelanthera. We transfer 14 HawaiianLipochaeta and one New Caledonian species as well as the AsianWedelia prostrata toMelanthera. These transfers, along with the species in Africa and North America, bring the number of species in the genus to 35.Melanthera is delimited by an abruptly narrowed to truncate and flattened top of the achene, (0−)1–15(−20) often unequal, ciliate or barbellate, caducous pappus bristles immediately surrounding the corolla, involucral bracts and receptacular paleae with many veins forming longitudinal striations, and n=15. The florets are 5-merous, the corollas are yellow or white, and rays are absent (in white-flowered species) or present and neutral or fertile. In dealing with species formerly placed inLipochaeta, the GalapagosL. laricifolia is here transferred from the illegitimate generic nameMacraea toTrigonopterum and the BrazilianL. goyazensis is transferred toAngelphytum. We maintain the earlier reduction ofEchinocephalum underMelanthera and reduce all three taxa originally described in it to one,M. latifolia.
Limit theorems for pathwise average cost per unit time problems for controlled queues in heavy traffic

We treat the average cost per unit time problem for controlled and uncontrolled open queueing networks in heavy traffic. The usual heavy traffic theorems prove that a suitably scaled and normalized sequence of queue length processes converges weakly in the Skorohod topology to a certain reflected diffusion, as the traffic intensity goes to unity. The Skorohod topology essentially discounts the distant future, and the usual weak convergence methods are not well suited for dealing with the average cost problem over an infinite time interval. We provide a particularly strong approach to this problem via a “functional occupation measure” method. A fairly general cost functional is used. For the uncontrolled problem, it is shown that the average pathwise (i.e., no mathematical expectation is used) cost per unit time converges in probability to an ergodic cost for the limit reflected diffusion, no matter how the time goes to infinity or the traffic intensity goes to unity. The methods which are introduced are n...
Core-level X-ray photoelectron spectra and X-ray photoelectron diffraction of RuO2(110) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on TiO2(110)

Abstract We have measured Ru 3d, 4s, 4p and O 1s high-resolution core-level X-ray photoelectron spectra, along with Ru 3d and O 1s scanned-angle X-ray photoelectron diffraction angular distributions, for RuO2(110). The surfaces were prepared by oxygen-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxial growth of RuO2 on TiO2(110). XPS spectral interpretation and the nature of the XPD scans strongly suggest that the complex line shapes are due to final-state screening effects, rather than the presence of Ru in oxidation states other than +4.
The effect of strychnine administration during development on adult maze learning in the rat. II. Drug administration from day 51 to 70.

Strychnine sulphate administered to rats during development from day 51 to day 70 affected the rate of maze learning in adulthood. Rats given the drug in a rich environment learned the maze at a faster rate and with fewer errors than rats treated with the same drug but raised in small laboratory cages. The performance of rats given no drug was intermediate to that of the drug-rich and drug-caged groups.
Ca2+ transient decline and myocardial relaxation are slowed during low flow ischemia in rat hearts.

The mechanisms that impair myocardial relaxation during ischemia are believed to involve abnormalities of calcium handling. However, there is little direct evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the time constant of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) decline (tau Ca) was increased during low flow ischemia, and if there was a relationship between the time constant of left ventricular pressure decline (tau P) and tau Ca. Isolated perfused hearts were studied using indo-1 fluorescence ratio as an index of [Ca2+]c.tau P was used as an index of myocardial relaxation. The time constant of decline of the indo-1 ratio increased from 74 +/- 5 ms to 95 +/- 4, 144 +/- 10, and to 204 +/- 16 ms when coronary flow was reduced was reduced to 50, 20, and 10% of control, respectively. Indo-1 transients were calibrated to calculate tau Ca. tau Ca increased from 67 +/- 6 ms to 108 +/- 9 and 158 +/- 19 ms when coronary flow was reduced to 20 and 10% of control, respectively. There was a linear relationship between tau Ca and tau P (r = 0.82). These data support the hypothesis that during low flow ischemia, impaired myocardial relaxation may be caused by slowing of [Ca2+]c decline.
Ceruloplasmin in neurodegenerative diseases

Two decades ago, patients lacking circulating serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) presented with neurodegeneration associated with brain iron accumulation. These patients, with mutations in the MCO (multi-copper oxidase), Cp, revealed an essential role for Cp in iron homoeostasis. The patients were diagnosed in adulthood with CNS (central nervous system) disease and progressed rapidly, making understanding the mechanism of disease imperative. We now know that (i) Cp regulates the efficiency of iron efflux, (ii) Cp stabilizes ferroportin membrane expression, (iii) GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-linked Cp is the predominant form expressed in brain, (iv) Cp functions as a ferroxidase and regulates the oxidation of Fe(2+) to Fe(3+), (v) Cp does not bind to transferrin directly, and (vi) Cp is one member of a family of mammalian MCOs, which includes hephaestin. It is still unclear how an absence of Cp results in neurodegeneration: is the iron accumulation a primary or secondary injury? Although it is attractive to invoke an iron-mediated oxidative stress mechanism for the neuronal injury and degeneration in aceruloplasminaemia, our data suggest limited redox injury in the brains of mice lacking MCO. In fact, we propose a role for neuronal iron starvation with associated astrocyte and microglial iron overload. With the defect in aceruloplasminaemia being one of inefficient iron efflux from macrophages, we believe that the iron is trapped in a compartment not readily available to participate in oxyradical injury. It is likely that different mechanisms of neuronal cell protection are offered by astrocytes and microglia, and, once these cells are damaged, neuronal survival is compromised.
Proteasome Modulates Mitochondrial Function During Cellular Senescence

Proteasome plays fundamental roles in the removal of oxidized proteins and in the normal degradation of short-lived proteins. Previously we have provided evidence that the impairment in proteasome observed during the replicative senescence of human fibroblasts has significant effects on MAPK signaling, proliferation, life span, senescent phenotype, and protein oxidative status. These studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition and replicative senescence caused accumulation of intracellular protein carbonyl content. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms by which proteasome dysfunction modulates protein oxidation during cellular senescence. The results indicate that proteasome inhibition during replicative senescence has significant effects on intra- and extracellular ROS production in vitro. The data also show that ROS impaired the proteasome function, which is partially reversible by antioxidants. Increases in ROS after proteasome inhibition correlated with a significant negative effect on the activity of most mitochondrial electron transporters. We propose that failures in proteasome during cellular senescence lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, it is likely that changes in proteasome dynamics could generate a prooxidative condition at the immediate extracellular microenvironment that could cause tissue injury during aging, in vivo.
Interaction of 1-Propanol and 2-Propanol with Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Bilayer: A Calorimetric Study

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to study the effects of 1-propanol and 2-propanol on the thermotropic behavior of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer membranes. The biphasic effect was observed in both systems based on an abrupt reversal in trend of the gel-to-liquid crystalline main transition temperatures upon heating. At this inflection point, a large hysteresis also occurred between the heating and cooling main transition temperatures, and the pretransition peaks disappeared. Such evidence indicated the formation of the interdigitated gel phase at this critical concentration, which was determined to be 0.39 mol·L−1 and 0.52 mol·L−1 for 1-propanol and 2-propanol, respectively. This threshold concentration was found to be higher for 2-propanol than for 1-propanol, suggesting that the shorter chain length and branching in 2-propanol caused it to be a less effective inducer for the interdigitated phase in DPPC. On some heating and cooling scans, an extra peak is observed aro...
Acquisition of territories by floaters in cooperatively breeding purple gallinules

Abstract The manner in which new territories were acquired in a population of cooperatively breeding purple gallinules, Porphyrula martinica, was examined. At the beginning of the study, four gallinule territories occupied a 3-ha pond and many birds in the population were non-breeding, non-territorial ‘floaters’. As an experiment, the pond was allowed to fill in with vegetation, creating more breeding habitat for the gallinules. By the end of the study, there were 11 gallinule territories and very few floaters on the pond. New territories were acquired by pairs, all of which formed from birds that had been floaters. The pairs set up territories either in segments of existing territories or in previously unoccupied areas. One breeding vacancy occurred during the study and it was filled promptly by an unpaired floater. Helpers departed from their natal territories when they became adults. Most disappeared from the study site, and three returned after several months. The returning birds became floaters. Three birds that had been helpers became breeders during the study. Helping and floating are viewed as age-related responses of purple gallinules to the ecological constraint of limited habitat availability.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Induces Dental Follicle Cells to Differentiate Toward a Cementoblast/Osteoblast Phenotype

When triggered appropriately, dental follicle cells are considered to be able to differentiate toward a cementoblast/osteoblast phenotype. However, factors and mechanisms regulating follicle cell differentiation remain undefined. This study focused on determining the ability of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 to promote the differentiation of follicle cells and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells along a cementoblast/ osteoblast pathway. Follicle cells and PDL cells were isolated from the first molar region of CD-1 mice and immortalized with SV40. Both cell types expressed BMP-4 and BMP receptors (BMPR) IA and II, but only follicle cells expressed BMP-2 mRNA. Cells were exposed to recombinant human BMP (rhBMP)-2 (0-100 ng/ml) and Northern blots were used to determine the expression of mineral-associated markers. BMP-2, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, induced cementoblast/osteoblast differentiation of follicle cells, as reflected by enhanced core binding factor alpha (Cbfal), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression and enhanced mineral formation. U0126, a specific inhibitor of MEK-1/2 members of the MAPK family, abolished BMP-2-mediated expression of BSP and OCN. In contrast, exposure of PDL cells to BMP-2 resulted in modest expression of OCN and minimal promotion of mineralization. These results suggest that BMP-2 triggers follicle cells to differentiate toward a cementoblast/osteoblast phenotype and that the MAPK pathway is involved.
Stress distribution in a lap joint under tension-shear

Abstract This paper deals with the elastostatic load transfer of a tensile load in a model of an adhesive lap joint (tension-shear problem). The adhesive layer is regarded as infinitesimally thin and the displacement and traction vectors in the adherends are assumed to be continuous across the bond. The problem is reduced to a pair of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind which involve the mean angle between the deformed bond line and the tensile load. This angle, in turn, is determined by means of a scheme due to Goland and Reissner. Numerical results for the bond line stresses and the stress intensity factors at the ends of the bonded region are presented.
Infinity and a Critical View of Logic

AbstractThe paper explores the view that in mathematics, in particular where the infinite is involved, the application of classical logic to statements involving the infinite cannot be taken for granted. L. E. J. Brouwer’s well-known rejection of classical logic is sketched, and the views of David Hilbert and especially Hermann Weyl, both of whom used classical logic in their mathematical practice, are explored. We inquire whether arguments for a critical view can be found that are independent of constructivist premises and consider the entanglement of logic and mathematics. This offers a convincing case regarding second-order logic, but for first-order logic, it is not so clear. Still, we ask whether we understand the application of logic to the higher infinite better than we understand the higher infinite itself.
Testing Track Initiation Algorithms That Fuse 2-D Tracks

The task of track initiation by passive sensors grows more difficult as the density of targets and number of sensors viewing them increases. This is especially true of the sensor-to-sensor association problem for scanning sensors whose target detections cannot, in general, be made simultaneous. A variety of track initiation algorithms is discussed, and 16 different algorithms for performing fusion of two-dimensional (2-D) tracks into 3-D tracks are defined and tested. These 16 algorithms result from combining four separate cost functions and four separate allocation algorithms. Most of these algorithms employ stereo polar coordinates, defined here, for both 2-D and 3-D tracks. Their use simplifies the association phase, and initialization phase, of track initiation. The purpose here is to test a variety of algorithms, so that both their performance and their speed are explored and can be used in algorithm selection. A track initiation algorithm of clustered objects viewed by two or three sensors is also discussed.
Calculation of power on a transmission line

Power flow at a position on a transmission line can be evaluated as the difference in power in incident and reflected waves if 1) these positions are restricted to locations where the impedance is pure resistance, or 2) the line is distortionless, with no restrictions on location.
Obesity, physical activity, and the metabolic syndrome in adult neuromuscular disease.

In the United States, there is an epidemic of obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Investigators have identified a constellation of factors that increases the risk for these diseases, termed the metabolic syndrome. Obesity and reduced physical activity are associated strongly with metabolic syndrome, and primary therapy consists of increasing physical activity and dietary modification. In able-bodied populations, interventions targeting these factors lead to improvement in measures associated with metabolic syndrome. In individuals with slowly progressive hereditary neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), common disabilities include muscular weakness, decreased physical working capacity, and fatigability. Because of these issues, a sedentary lifestyle is common. Ability to exercise varies among specific disorders, but is generally reduced in all NMDs. Presumably, individuals with NMDs should be at even greater risk for metabolic syndrome than the general population. Obesity does seem to be more prevalent in adults with physical disabilities, particularly lower extremity mobility difficulties [1]. About 70% of older (O50 years old) physically disabled adults do not obtain the recommended amount of physical activity to maintain health [2]. Life span in many individuals with NMDs and other disabilities now may be similar to life span in able-bodied individuals. Secondary conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, play an important role in
Intracranial Granulocytic Sarcoma (Chloroma): MR Findings

Complications of the central nervous system are not uncommon in patients with a diagnosis of leukemia including infections and hemorrhage. We present the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma) in two leukemic patients who presented with masses in the cerebellopontine angle and in the cavernous and the sphenoid sinuses. The MR signal displayed by these two lesions was isointense to the brain on both T1- and T2-weighted images. This signal intensity differs from that observed in cases of hemorrhage or infection.
Effects of drugs and axotomy on acetylcholine levels in central cholinergic neurons.

Administration of cholinergic muscarinic agonists either did not alter, or increased hippocampal Ach levels, while antagonists lowered the levels. As observed previously, placement of lesions in the medial septal area resulted in a rise in hippocampal Ach levels in the first thirty minutes. Agonist drugs administered immediately before lesion, further increased the post-lesion rise in Ach levels. With antagonists, inconsistent results were obtained in that atropine blocked the post-lesion rise, while scopolamine and quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) potentiated the post-lesion rise. These results suggest that there may be receptor-mediated effects on Ach synthesis or release after axotomy.
Minification influences spatial judgments in virtual environments

Distances in immersive virtual environments (VEs) have been commonly reported as being spatially compressed while the same judgments are performed accurately in real space. Previous research has been unable to determine the cause of this spatial compression in VEs. The work reported here seeks to improve spatial judgments in VEs by manipulating the computer graphics in a way that biases distance judgments in a controlled manner, but is unnoticed by VE users. We show that shrinking the displayed image and appropriately rendering the scene to fill in the space resulting from shrinking the image ("minification") causes people to make more accurate distance judgments than they do with normally rendered graphics. Possible explanations for this effect include changes to the visual angle of declination from horizon to targets and changes in familiar size.
XGA resolution full-video microdisplay using light-emitting polymers on a silicon active matrix circuit

Capable self-emissive polymers are being developed for use as emitting materials for a variety of display applications. This paper describes the use of standard CMOS integrated circuit silicon wafer technology along with a spin-cast polyfluorene-base polymer emissive layer, to demonstrate an XGA resolution, full video microdisplay. The silicon chip drive circuitry (Analog Pixel-APIX) is described along with results from our efforts to optimize the reflective anode, the semitransparent cathode process, and emissive cell construction. The 1024 X 768 pixel display achieves 200 Cd/m2 brightness at low power (<50 mW) with fast 1 usec response times. In addition, we summarize future directions to achieve color and the need to incorporate a production- worthy seal layer on microdisplays manufactured on silicon wafers.
A framework for teaching centralized and decentralized peer-to-peer programming paradigms in introductory computer science courses

Among today's population of students, many are very familiar with peer-to-peer (P2P) programming applications. The concept of programs that communicate over a network with other programs written by other programmers using a shared protocol is easily understood and appreciated by students in introductory computer science (CS) courses, but developing this type of software is usually beyond the scope of the skill sets students are taught in those courses. However, we have developed a P2P library framework that is presented in this paper that allows students to develop the type of centralized and decentralized peer-to-peer applications in CS1 and CS2 courses that are important parts of the growing cyberculture of which most of today's students are members.
Predictive model on micro droplet generation through mechanical cutting

We describe the step-by-step formation process of picoliter to femtoliter volume of microdroplets by using a mechanical valve. An experiment-based theoretical model has been proposed through a parametric study of droplet formation in a microchannel with variations of the channel height, the working pressure to drive the liquids in the microchannels, and the viscosity of the dispensed phase. Three steps in the process of droplet generation have been depicted. The present study provides a clear understanding of the droplet generation process based on physical cutting method by using a mechanical valve and could be applied to advanced design for highly flexible droplet-based microfluidic systems.