cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary exposure of broiler breeders to aflatoxin results in immune dysfunction in progeny chicks

Broiler breeder hens were fed diets amended with 0 and 10 mg/kg (Trial 1) or 0, 0.2, 1, or 5 mg/kg (Trial 2) of aflatoxin (AF). Fertile eggs collected during 14 d of AF feeding were examined for AF residues. Various immunological endpoints were examined in chicks hatched from these eggs. Eggs collected at 7 d of AF feeding (Trial 1) had 0.15 to 0.48 ng/g of AFB1 and 0.22 to 0.51 ng/g of aflatoxicol, whereas eggs collected at 14 d of AF feeding had 0.05 to 0.60 ng of AFB1/g and 0.19 to 1.20 ng of aflatoxicol/g. In both trials, AF dietary exposure resulted in embryonic mortality and reduction in hatchability compared to controls. The AF progeny chicks in Trial 2 had total anti-SRBC antibodies similar to the controls during the primary antibody response. However, at 5 and 7 d after secondary SRBC injection, the antibody levels in the 1 and 5 mg/kg AF groups were lower than those of controls. Depression in anti-Brucella abortus antibodies occurred only in chicks from the 5 mg/kg AF group. Furthermore, phagocytosis of SRBC and reactive oxygen intermediate production by macrophages from AF progeny chicks were reduced as compared with the control chicks. The findings of this study imply that the progeny chicks from hens consuming a AF-amended diet may be increasingly susceptible to disease owing to suppression of humoral and cellular immunity.
An antiparallel alpha-helical coiled-coil model system for rapid assessment of side-chain recognition at the hydrophobic interface.

Both parallel and antiparallel α-helical coiled-coil dimers are common among proteins; however, biophysical scrutiny has focused almost entirely on parallel dimers. We describe the development of a model system that enables efficient and systematic analysis of hydrophobic packing between antiparallel α-helices. Our findings reveal significant differences in packing preferences between parallel and antiparallel coiled-coils.
Assessment of seismic vulnerability of structures

The paper addresses the application of effective tools for investigating structural integrity under earthquake loading, namely experimental testing, computer analysis and field data collection, and their combination. In particular, the application of hybrid (experimental-analytical) distributed (using several sites) simulation, hereafter referred to as HDS, to investigate seismic response of complex systems is presented. After briefly reviewing and comparing approaches of field surveys, testing, analysis and hybrid simulation, the paper deals with five applications where at least two of the three tools have been successfully applied. The collapse of the I-880 (Cypress Viaduct) during the Loma Prieta (California) earthquake of 1989 was investigated analytically following field observation of the failure modes. A plausible mechanism was postulated based on advanced analysis and supported by field data. Analytical studies aimed at quantifying the demand imposed on steel moment frames in the Northridge (California) earthquake of 1994 pointed towards a possible contribution of vertical beam modes to the increased rotational demand imposed on connections, leading to their failure. Next, issues of irregularity and lack of seismic detailing in RC buildings, repeatedly observed to be a major contributor to damage, are studied at full scale using laboratory testing, supported by advanced analysis to steer the model design and tune the level of input motion. Reinforced concrete bridges are also studied, using advanced analysis and field observations to investigate the partial collapse of a ramp structure part of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10). Finally, two examples of applications of hybrid distributed simulation (HDS) are presented, one of which is a continuation of the steel moment frames analytical investigation. It is emphasized that it is only through integrating the available investigation tools that the response of complex systems may be understood, leading to more economical and safer built environments in regions subjected to earthquakes.
Selected Contribution: Variation and heritability for the adaptational response to exercise in genetically heterogeneous rats

Adaptational response to aerobic exercise was artificially selected for across one generation in a founder population of 20 female and 20 male genetically heterogeneous rats (N:NIH). Selection for low and high response was based on the change in treadmill running capacity, assessed by meters (m) run to exhaustion before and after 24 days of modest treadmill running. The training response of the founder population averaged +222 m, with wide variation from a negative gain (-) of -110 m to a positive gain (+) of +430 m. Six pairs of the lowest (+13 m) and highest (+327 m) responders were mated. Mean response to training of the low-line (+242 m) offspring did not differ from the founder. The high-selected line gained 383 m from training, +161 m above the founder population. Narrow sense heritability estimated from regression of offspring on midparent values for response to training was 0.43 (P < 0.007). One generation of selection resulted in a 58% divide between the low and high lines. Selectively bred models of both intrinsic (untrained) and adaptation response can be useful in resolving the genetic basis of variation in aerobic capacity.
Preoperative determination of the resectability of hepatic tumors: efficacy of CT during arterial portography.

A multiinstitutional study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of CT during arterial portography for determining the resectability of hepatic tumors. The impact of findings from CT during arterial portography on patients' treatment (i.e., surgical vs nonsurgical) was assessed. In patients considered to have resectable tumors, the accuracy of CT during arterial portography for predicting surgical findings was also evaluated.A retrospective study was done of 404 patients from three institutions who had CT during arterial portography during the period 1985-1991 as part of preoperative staging to determine the resectability of hepatic tumors. The tumors included metastases from colorectal carcinoma in 197 patients (49%); other hepatic metastases, mostly from adenocarcinoma of the stomach, pancreas, and biliary tree in 123 (30%); and primary hepatocellular carcinoma in 84 (21%). Imaging results were correlated with results of percutaneous biopsy of at least one hepatic lesion in patients whose tumors were c...
Accessing the discourse representation during reading

The process of text comprehension requires the integration of the information in the sentence currently being read with information previously read. This, in turn, implies that information presented earlier in the text must be accessed. We present a view of that access process as one in which concepts and propositions in the discourse representation resonate in response to related elements in the current sentence, initiating a process that makes available a subset of the information in the representation. In support of our position, we summarize the effects of several variables that have been shown to affect the availability of information in the discourse representation, and we describe a simulation model of the hypothesized resonance process, together with the results of several applications of that model.
Cell therapy for spinal cord regeneration

This review presents a summary of the various types of cellular therapy used to treat spinal cord injury. The inhibitory environment and loss of axonal connections after spinal cord injury pose many obstacles to regenerating the lost tissue. Cellular therapy provides a means of restoring the cells lost to the injury and could potentially promote functional recovery after such injuries. A wide range of cell types have been investigated for such uses and the advantages and disadvantages of each cell type are discussed along with the research studying each cell type. Additionally, methods of delivering cells to the injury site are evaluated. Based on the current research, suggestions are given for future investigation of cellular therapies for spinal cord regeneration.
Isolation and structure elucidation of a novel product of the acidic degradation of cefaclor

The acidic aqueous degradation of cefaclor, an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic, has been investigated. The most prominent peak in the high-performance liquid chromatography profile of a degraded solution of cefaclor was isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Mechanistically, the formation of this degradent from cefaclor involves a condensation of two cefaclor degradation products in which both products have undergone contraction from a six-membered cephem ring to a five-membered thiazole ring, presumably via a common episulfonium ion intermediate.
What is it with these kids?: a generational insight into student workers and customers

While supporting the advancement of technology in the educational environment is a common concern these days, we also need to keep in mind the targets of this technology. They are the Millennial Generation (those born between 1982 and 1997, approximately), a body of people who are as numerous as the Baby Boomers from two generations previous. They have been brought up in a world of ubiquitous technology and instantaneous information. How do their expectations as employees and customers differ from those who are running the show? Is their work ethic compatible with established norms? How difficult will it be to communicate with them? This paper looks at all these questions and more, to address challenges with Millennial Generation students using educational information technology. Attitudes and behaviors have been studied to produce an image of the current student generation, which lets us see how we can best serve them.
Effects of calcium depletion on norepinephrine- and A23187-induced stimulation of inositol phosphate formation

The role of calcium in the stimulation of phosphoinositide (PIn) hydrolysis by norepinephrine and the calcium ionophore A23187 was investigated in chopped cerebral cortex in which the PIns had been labeled previously with ([3H]myo-inositol. The accumulation of the newly formed [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]IPs) was used as an index of PIn hydrolysis. Norepinephrine produced a concentration-related increase in the accumulation of [3H]inositol-phosphates ([3H]IP), and this effect was only partially antagonized by omission of calcium from the incubation medium. Norepinephrine had relatively little effect on the accumulation of [3H]inositol 1,4-bisphosphate [3H]IP2 and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and/or inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate ([3H]IP3). A23187 also increased the accumulation of [3H]IP but this effect was not antagonized by omission of calcium from the incubation medium. When the tissue had been washed extensively with EGTA, the basal levels of [3H]IP, [3H]IP2 and [3H]IP3 were decreased markedly, and the effects of both norepinephrine and A23187 were antagonized. Addition of calcium back to the depleted tissue led to an increase in the basal level of [3H]IPs as well as restoration of the stimulation produced by norepinephrine and A23187. The calcium threshold for the PIn effect was 0.1 microM. Additional calcium did not affect markedly the stimulation of accumulation of [3H]IP produced by norepinephrine and A23187. The results suggest that there is an absolute calcium requirement for PIn phosphodiesterase which is attained at 0.1 microM Ca2+. A23187 can stimulate the accumulation of [3H]IP perhaps by providing access of another form of the enzyme to artificially high concentrations (millimolar range) of calcium.
Possible influence of cosmic ray Čerenkov photons on infrared interferometric search for non-solar planets

It is shown that the pervasive cosmic-ray protons in the vicinity of the Earth would produce infrared photons by Cerenkov radiation in the material walls, and mirrors, of an orbiting infrared interferometer designed to search for non-solar planets. The flux of such photons is at least comparable to the zodiacal infrared background radiation. It is found that for the worst possible conditions a minimum time of about six weeks is indicated for planetary detection using a fourth-harmonic noise analysis. It is suggested that direct laboratory measurement of a simulated cosmic-ray-induced Cerenkov flux be undertaken to settle the question of the background contaminant produced by this effect.
Annotating image ROIs with text descriptions for multimodal biomedical document retrieval

Regions of interest (ROIs) that are pointed to by overlaid markers (arrows, asterisks, etc.) in biomedical images are expected to contain more important and relevant information than other regions for biomedical article indexing and retrieval. We have developed several algorithms that localize and extract the ROIs by recognizing markers on images. Cropped ROIs then need to be annotated with contents describing them best. In most cases accurate textual descriptions of the ROIs can be found from figure captions, and these need to be combined with image ROIs for annotation. The annotated ROIs can then be used to, for example, train classifiers that separate ROIs into known categories (medical concepts), or to build visual ontologies, for indexing and retrieval of biomedical articles. We propose an algorithm that pairs visual and textual ROIs that are extracted from images and figure captions, respectively. This algorithm based on dynamic time warping (DTW) clusters recognized pointers into groups, each of which contains pointers with identical visual properties (shape, size, color, etc.). Then a rule-based matching algorithm finds the best matching group for each textual ROI mention. Our method yields a precision and recall of 96% and 79%, respectively, when ground truth textual ROI data is used.
Dileucine‐based sorting signals bind to the β chain of AP‐1 at a site distinct and regulated differently from the tyrosine‐based motif‐binding site

In previous work, we showed that peptides from endocytosed proteins containing the tyrosine YXXphi sorting motif are recognized by the mu 2 subunit of AP-2, the plasma membrane clathrin adaptor protein complex. This interaction is activated by phosphoinositide lipids that are phosphorylated at the D-3 position of the inositol ring, and is also enhanced by the formation of clathrin-AP-2 coats. Here, we describe the detection of a specific interaction between peptides containing a second sorting motif, the dileucine motif, and AP-1, the clathrin adaptor complex responsible for sorting proteins at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Surprisingly, the site of dileucine binding is the beta1 subunit, not mu 1. A YXXphi-containing peptide from a protein trafficked within the TGN does bind to mu 1, however. Phosphatidylinositol 3,4-diphosphate and 3,4, 5-triphosphate did not activate the interaction between dileucine-containing peptides and AP-1 but instead inhibited it, and clathrin-AP-1 coat formation did not alter the interaction. Thus, there are at least two physically separate binding sites for sorting signals on APs, which are also regulated independently.
I. Induction of proteinuria in the rat by a monoclonal antibody against SGP-115/107

I. Induction of proteinuria in the rat by a monoclonal antibody against SGP-115/107. The role of individual antigenic determinants in the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated glomerular injury is, at present, incompletely understood. This study was designed to compare the effect of monoclonal antibodies upon binding to three distinct antigenic determinants present in the glomerular capillary wall. Ten monoclonal antibodies were tested for their nephrotoxic capacity in the rat. Six antibodies directed against basement membrane laminin and three antibodies with specificity for a 129/117 kd antigenic complex present on endothelial and glomerular visceral epithelial cell surfaces did not induce proteinuria or structural injury. A non-complement binding monoclonal antibody that immunoprecipitates a 115/107 kd sialo-glyco-protein (SGP-115/107) from glomerular cell membrane preparations and a 107 kd component from proximal tubules, intestinal cells and liver cells, induces glomerular epithelial cell alterations consisting of focal obliteration of foot process architecture, vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm, microvillous transformation of the cell surface, and focal retraction of podocytes, resulting in detachment of the epithelium from the underlying basement membrane. These structural changes are accompanied by immediate transient proteinuria only in animals given complete Freund's adjuvant at the time of antibody administration. These studies indicate that direct antibody-mediated glomerular injury can be induced in the rat by administration of monoclonal antibodies specific for cell associated antigens.
Effects of Antibodies to Bovine Thyroid Plasma Membranes on in Vitro Basal and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation of Bovine Thyroid Adenylate Cyclase*

Antibodies to bovine thyroid plasma membranes were prepared in rabbits by the weekly injection of purified ovine thyroid membranes emulsified in Freund 's complete adjuvant. After immunization, sera and immunoglobulin G (IgG) from two of the seven rabbits significantly increased adenylate cyclase activity in bovine thyroid membranes, while sera and IgG obtained from these two rabbits before immunization were without effect. Although the antibodies to thyroid plasma membranes also contained antibodies against thyroglobulin, these latter antibodies were not responsible for the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity. Stimulation by these antibodies was biphasic, since maximum stimulation was obtained with about 11 mg protein /ml using serum and 110 jug protein/ml using Igs, while greater amounts had decreasing effects. Serum obtained after immunization noncompetitively inhibited the stimulation by TSH of adenylate cyclase activity. While 66–110 μg protein / ml immunized IgG increased TSH stimulation of ad...
Spectrum of weak magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.

Turbulence of magnetohydrodynamic waves in nature and in the laboratory is generally cross-helical or nonbalanced, in that the energies of Alfv\'en waves moving in opposite directions along the guide magnetic field are unequal. Based on high-resolution numerical simulations it is proposed that such turbulence spontaneously generates a condensate of the residual energy ${E}_{v}\ensuremath{-}{E}_{b}$ at small field-parallel wave numbers. As a result, the energy spectra of Alfv\'en waves are generally not scale invariant in an inertial interval of limited extent. In the limit of an infinite Reynolds number, the universality is asymptotically restored at large wave numbers, and both spectra attain the scaling $E(k)\ensuremath{\propto}{k}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. The generation of a condensate is apparently related to the breakdown of mirror symmetry in nonbalanced turbulence.
A Lattice Boltzmann Equation Method Without Parasitic Currents and Its Application in Droplet Coalescence

A formulation of the intermolecular force in the nonideal gas lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) method is examined. Discretization errors in the computation of the intermolecular force cause parasitic currents. The parasitic currents can be eliminated to round-off if the potential form of the intermolecular force is used with compact isotropic discretization. Numerical tests confirm the elimination of the parasitic currents. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the present model, inertial coalescence of droplets at high density ratio is studied.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Towards a More Cloud-Friendly Medical Imaging Applications Architecture: A Modest Proposal

Recent information technology literature, in general, and radiology trade journals, in particular, are rife with allusions to the “cloud” suggesting that moving one’s compute and storage assets into someone else’s data center magically solves cost, performance, and elasticity problems. More likely, one is only trading one set of problems for another, including greater latency (aka slower turnaround times) since the image data must now leave the local area network and travel longer paths via encrypted tunnels. To offset this, an imaging system design is needed that reduces the number of high-latency image transmissions, yet can still leverage cloud strengths. This work explores the requirements for such a design.
Leveraging in-house R&D competencies for a new market: how Corning pioneered fibre optics

This paper examines how established firms create new (radical) technologies by re-deploying existing knowledge into other domains than those in which that knowledge was originally accumulated. Drawing from the strategy and the innovation research, the analysis focuses on some of the mechanisms firms can use in developing a new technology. More specifically, we study the following mechanisms: the role of internal vs. collaborative RD the breadth of firm's search behaviour; the scope of this firm's RD the importance of individual inventors relative to the teams of inventors in new technology developments. We trace Corning's invention and the development of fibre optics over the period of 1970-1995 using multiple sources of data and information. The analysis shows that Corning developed fibre optics mostly in-house by leveraging its stock of knowledge into a new application domain, i.e., long-distance telecommunications. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Norman Vincent Peale: The power of positive speaking

(1962). Norman Vincent Peale: The power of positive speaking. Today's Speech: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 8-10.
Electrostatic Effects in Acylation of Hemoglobin by Aspirins

Carboxylate substituents added to the salicylate ring increase the effectiveness of a variety of aspirins and diaspirins in acylating hemoglobin. Even more effective are a series of monoesters of dicarboxylate derivatives. Bis(5-carbomethoxysalicyl)fumarate and -succinate at 5 mM concentrations modify approximately 100% of the hemoglobin in solution and should alter the aggregation behavior of sickle hemoglobin.
Growth behavior and defect reduction in heteroepitaxial InAs and GaSb on GaAs using block copolymer lithography

Defect reduction in heteroepitaxial growth of GaSb and InAs was achieved using nano-patterned GaAs substrates generated by block copolymer lithography (BCL). The lattice-mismatched growth of both GaSb and InAs on nano-patterned GaAs templates exhibited defect mitigation with few observed threading dislocations, but the growth behavior and surface morphology of the resultant films were very different for the two systems. The strain relaxation process proceeds through the relaxation of the nanoscopic, highly lattice-mismatched islands prior to film coalescence. The growth of GaSb on GaAs templates yielded a smooth, coalesced film whereas large islands were observed for the growth of InAs on such templates. The difference in surface morphology was described in terms of the interaction of adatom surface diffusion and the strain-dependent attachment of these atoms with the growing islands. The morphology can be altered through changes in growth temperature and rate. Nanolithographic patterning can be used as a general technique for integration of lattice-mismatched materials.
Effect of calcination temperature on Al2O3-supported CeO2: complementary results from XRD and XPS

Abstract X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to follow the effect of calcination temperature on CeO2 particle size, relative CeO2 concentration, and cerium oxidation state for CeO2 supported on γ-Al2O3. When the calcination temperature was increased from 500 to 900°C, XRD results indicated a decrease in the relative concentration of CeO2 at the highest loading (15 wt%), while XPS results reflected an apparent reduction of Ce4+toCe3+ at the lowest loading (5 wt%). Together these results suggest a transformation of a portion of the CeO2 particles to a more dispersed Ce3+-like species following high-temperature calcination. The reduction of ceria under these conditions is thermodynamically unfavorable. The apparent reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ upon calcination may be the result of an electronic effect, rather than a true reduction of the ceria.
Investigating laser-induced ionization of purified liquid argon in a time projection chamber

Abstract A UV-wavelength laser beam was used to ionize a purified liquid argon medium in a time projection chamber environment, and for the first time, to our knowledge, ionization signals corresponding to ionization electrons were measured in the particle time projection chamber resulting in a laser calibration. Furthermore, the mechanism of the complicated ionization process has been postulated.
Factors influencing the optimum sex ratio in a structured population

W. D. Hamilton (1967, Science 156, 477-488) calculated the optimum sex-ratio strategy for a population subdivided into local mating groups. He made three important assumptions: that the females founding each group responded precisely to the number of them initiating the group; that ail broods within a group matured synchronously; and that males were incapable of dispersing between groups. We have examined the effects of relaxing each of these assumptions and obtained the following results: (1) When broods mature asynchronously the optimum sex ratio is considerably more female biased than the Hamiltonian prediction. (2) Increasing male dispersal always decreases the optimum female bias to the sex ratio, but it is of particular interest that when moderate levels of dispersal are coupled with asynchrony of brood maturation then the optimum strategy is relatively insensitive to changes in foundress number. (3) When females cannot precisely determine the number of other foundresses initiating the group then the optimum strategy is almost exactly the strategy appropriate to a group of average size. These effects can be most easily understood in terms of local parental control (LPC) of the sex ratio. Through LPC a founding female can alter the mating success of her sons by altering the sex ratio of her brood. Asynchrony in the maturation of broods within a group increases the control that a founding female has over the mating success of her sons, whereas male dispersal reduces it. We have shown that the role of LPC and the role of inbreeding, which favors a female-biased sex ratio in haploidiploid species, are independent and that their effects can be combined into a single general formula r = (1-(r2/z2) E(alpha z/alpha r]/(1 + I). The concept of LPC can also be used to interpret two factors which have been proposed to select for the Hamiltonian sex ratios: local mate competition is LPC acting through sons; and sib mating is LPC acting through daughters.
Effective gauge theories

A method is described for dealing with gauge field theories that contain very heavy particles, by constructing a gauge-invariant effective field theory, in which the heavy particles do not appear. For theories in which a simple group is spontaneously broken to the strong and electroweak gauge groups, the running strong and electroweak effective couplings become equal to the original gauge coupling at different renormalization scales, given as weighted geometric averages of the super-heavy particle masses. The method is also applied to quantum chromodynamics with heavy quarks.
A 3D numerical model for flow profiles in a Bridgman tube — The effects of constant and periodic off axis orientation in a low gravity environment

Abstract A 3D numerical calculation is performed on a model that depicts the flow profiles due to thermo-solutal convection in a cylindrical tube. The calculations were done with the purpose of delineating the qualitative features of the flow profiles for the cases when the container's axis is perfectly aligned with respect to the mean gravity vector and also when it changes periodically with respect to the gravity vector. It is found that the flow profiles are similar to those of the Rayleigh-Benard problem in the case of perfect alignment while a swirling pattern appears when the tube's axis is not aligned with the gravity vector. This indicates that it might be preferable to have a slight tilt in the container axis during crystal growth as swirling flow will diminish axial mixing. The solutal convection is the dominant feature of the flow and is affected considerably by the gravity level.
Speaking fundamental frequency characteristics of centenarian females

Speaking fundamental frequency (F(0)) characteristics were determined for nine centenarian females and nine young adult females. Mean, maximum, and minimum F(0) values were obtained for each subject from a minimum of 20 s of continuous speech. Results indicated that female centenarians have significantly lower mean and minimum speaking F(0) values than young adult females, as well as significantly greater speaking F(0) ranges (in both Hz and semitones). The present results extend the investigation of the ageing continuum as it affects vocal F(0), and indicate that excessively low mean and minimum speaking F(0) values must be considered within the normal spectrum of voice characteristics for the female centenarian population.
Validity of a brief locus of control scale for survey research

Of the numerous scales proposed to measure locus of control, most are too long to use efficiently in survey research in which locus of control is not the major focus. This research reports the validation of a 6-item sub-scale from Rotter but using the Likert format. A national probability sample of 3,009 was used to overcome the limitations of previous samples. Based on the alpha coefficient and replicating the relationship. to several correlates established in prior research, the brief measure appears to be valid.
Evidence that histamine does not participate in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rat.

Abstract The injection of carrageenan into the rat pleural cavity provoked an intensse inflammatory reaction with the formation of an exudate which contained mainly neutrophils but which was also rich in mast cells and histamine. There was, however, no evidence that histamine participated in the reaction. The mast cells ramained intact, and no increase in extracellular histamine levels was observed. Prior treatment with both H 1 and H 2 histamine receptor antagonists or depletion of the histamine stores by pretreatment with compound 48/80 did not alter the reaction. In contrast, the exudate formed in response to the intrapleural injection of small doses (0.05 mg/kg) of compound 48/80 was reduced by pretreatment with the antihistamine compounds and, unlike the exudate formed after carrageenan injection, was devoid of neutrophils. Since saline washes of the pleural cavity of untreated rats had histamine and mast cell contents similar to those of the edxudates of the carrageenan-treated rats, the source of histamine appeared to be mast cells from the pleural cavity.
THE PHENOMENON OF CONGLOMERATE CRYSTALLIZATION, PART 41. THE CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF (H5O2)[cis-α-Co(edda)ox](I), K[cis-β-Co(edda)ox]·H2O (II) AND K[cis-α-Co(edda)malonate]·3H2O (III)

Abstract (H5O2)[cis-α-Co(edda)ox]·H2O (I), CoO10N2C8H15, crystallizes, at 22°C, from a dilute HCl solution of K[cis-α-Co(edda)ox] in space group P21/n (a variant of No. 14), with lattice constants: a = 9.370(2), b = 9.872(3), c = 14.433(2) A, β = 106.43(1)° V = 1280.50 A3 and d(calc; MW = 358.15, Z = 4) = 1.858 g-cm−3. A total of 3687 data were collected over the range of 4° 3σ(I)) were used in the structural analysis. Data were corrected for absorption (μ = 13.902 cm−1) and the transmission coefficients ranged from 0.7678 to 0.9993. The final R(F) and Rw (F) residuals were, respectively 0.0378 and 0.0348. The anions exist in the lattice as enantiomeric pairs with chiropital descriptors Λ(δλλ)[cis-α-Co(edda)ox] and δ(λδλ)[cis-α-Co(edda)ox]. K[cis-β-Co(edda)ox]·H2O (II), CoKO9N2C8H12, crystallizes from water at 22°C in space group P21/c(No. 14), with lattice constants: a = 8.993(2), b = 10.302(3), c = 14.900(2) A, β = 106.24(2)°; V = 1297.66 A3 and d(cal...
Third-order nonlinear optical characterization of side-chain copolymers

Third order nonlinear optical properties of side-chain methacrylate copolymers incorporating 4-amino-4'-nitrostilbene, 4-oxy-4'nitrostilbene, and functionalized silicon phthalocyanine chromophores are measured by picosecond degenerate four wave mixing at 598 nm. The nonresonant stilbene system exhibits a pulse limited ultrafast response, while the resonant phthalocyanine system has a large excited state nonlinearity. Comparison of silicon phthalocyanine copolymers with solubilized guest/host systems dispersed in polymethylmethacrylate illustrate the importance of aggregation and phthalocyanine ring interaction in determining the linear optical properties and the magnitude and speed of the nonlinear optical response.
Grain growth behavior of nanocrystalline Inconel 718 and Ni powders and coatings

Nanocrystalline Inconel 718 and Ni powders were prepared using two approaches: methanol and cryogenic attritor milling. High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying of milled Inconel 718 powders was then utilized to produce coatings with a nanocrystalline grain size. Isothermal heat treatments were carried out to study the thermal stability of the methanol milled and cryomilled powders, as well as the HVOF-derived coatings. All nanocrystalline Inconel 718 powders and coatings studied herein exhibited significant thermal stability against grain growth by maintaining a grain size around 100 nm following annealing at 1273 K for 60 min. In the case of the cryomilled nanocrystalline Ni powders, isothermal grain growth behavior was studied, from which the parameters required for the prediction of the microstructural evolution during a non-isothermal annealing were acquired. The theoretical simulation of grain growth behavior of nanocrystalline Ni during non-isothermal annealing conditions yields results that are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Cancer Cachexia: Effects of the Disease and Its Treatment

Abstract Cachexia is acknowledged as a significant debilitating manifestation of progressive malignancy, yet the phenomenon is not well understood. Systematic studies of the development and progression of cachexia conducted over time are lacking. Observations frequently have been collected on a one-time basis or for only a short time period and in subjects with markedly varying tumors, varying time since diagnosis, and varying therapies. Thus, these studies have not provided adequate information to determine whether or not different tumors have different or predominant patterns of metabolic alterations resulting in cachexia. 95 How the malignant cells specifically affect host metabolism; increase energy expenditure; and alter metabolism of lipids, protein, carbohydrates, and other metabolic components remains unknown. Only recently have investigators begun to study the metabolic alterations in patients with similar tumor types. Anticancer therapies influence nutrient intake and absorption; the extent to which they alter energy expenditure is unknown. The significance of the contribution of these effects to the progression of cachexia remains a question. However, unless the anticancer treatment is effective, cachexia will not be reversed.
Regorafenib inhibits colorectal tumor growth through PUMA-mediated apoptosis

Purpose: Regorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, has recently been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the mechanisms of action of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells have been unclear. We investigated how regorafenib suppresses colorectal cancer cell growth and potentiates effects of other chemotherapeutic drugs. Experimental Design: We determined whether and how regorafenib induces the expression of PUMA, a p53 target and a critical mediator of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. We also investigated whether PUMA is necessary for the killing and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, xenograft tumors were used to test if PUMA mediates the in vivo antitumor, antiangiogenic, and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib. Results: We found that regorafenib treatment induces PUMA in colorectal cancer cells irrespective of p53 status through the NF-κB pathway following ERK inhibition and glycogen synthase kinase 3β activation. Upregulation of PUMA is correlated with apoptosis induction in different colorectal cancer cell lines. PUMA is necessary for regorafenib-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Chemosensitization by regorafenib is mediated by enhanced PUMA induction through different pathways. Furthermore, deficiency in PUMA abrogates the in vivo antitumor, antiangiogenic, and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a key role of PUMA in mediating the anticancer effects of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells. They suggest that PUMA induction can be used as an indicator of regorafenib sensitivity, and also provide a rationale for manipulating the apoptotic machinery to improve the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib and other targeted drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3472–84. ©2014 AACR .
Characterization of the synthesis and release of human placental lactogen and human chorionic gonadotropin by an enriched population of dispersed placental cells.

An enriched fraction of human placental cells that synthesize and release both placental lactogen (hPL) and hCG was obtained by isopycnic centrifugation of collagenase/ hyaluronidase-clispersed cells through a density gradient of 40% Percoll. The enriched cells, which banded at a density of approximately 1.01 g/ml, comprised 10-15% of the total DNA. During the first 24 h after attachment, the cells released 50-250 ng hPL and 4-10 mlU hCG/106 cells. Thereafter, the rate of hPL release decreased, while the rate of hCG and [35S]trichloroacetic acid-precipitable protein release remained constant. The enriched cells responded to phospholipase A2, low extracellular calcium, and (Bu)2cAMP in a manner similar to that of placental explants. Phospholipase A2 (0.1 and 1 U/ml) stimulated hPL release by 270% and 568%, respectively, and low extracellular calcium (0–0.18 mM) stimulated hPL release by 48%. (Bu)2 cAMP (1 mM) stimulated hCG release by 42%, but had no effect on hPL. Estradiol (10−5–10−12 m) and progesterone...
Lunar sample 14425: Not a lunar tektite

Abstract Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of a polished section of lunar sample 14425 shows, in contradiction to a previous report, that it has a composition similar to Apollo 14 breccias, but not to high-magnesium microtektites. The glass is homogeneous, but the bead contains numerous metallic spherules up to 0.7 mm in diameter. The metal in the spherules is iron with up to 16 wt.% Ni and 9 wt.% P and small amounts of S and Si. The high phosphorus content indicates the presence of a fine-grained phosphide phase in the metal. All of the metallic spherules have an associated sulphide phase. The composition of the glass bead and the presence of numerous Ni-Fe spherules with an associated sulphide phase indicates that the bead was formed by impact melting of surficial deposits at the Apollo 14 site.
Convergence guarantee and improvements for a fast hardware exponential and logarithm evaluation scheme

In one iteration, Chen's algorithm for evaluating exponentials and logarithms advances by 2 bits on the average, yet may not advance at all. Analysis reveals that the no-advance situation actually paves the way for sizable advance in the next iteration, and the guaranteed advance, after a one iteration overhead, is one bit per iteration. Two new schemes raise the guaranteed advance to 1.5 bits per iteration, after a two-iteration overhead, while maintaining the original requirement of one stored constant per operand bit. Adopting as a figure of merit the following quantity Q = advance per iteration/memory words per operand bit for the steady-state iterations, the new schemes appears to be better than other methods heretofore proposed.
Weather Factor Impacts on Commuting to Work by Bicycle

Abstract Objective Quantify the impact of weather conditions on individual decisions to commute to work by bicycle among a diverse panel of adults who commute ≥ 2 miles each way. Method Working adults (n = 163) in a northern U.S. state reported transportation mode for four seven-day periods in 2009–2010 that maximized seasonal weather variations. Personal characteristics, trip to work distances, and commuting mode data were linked to location- and time-specific weather data and daylight hours. Analyses focused on effect of weather conditions on reports of commuting by bicycle. Results Participants were diverse in age, gender and bicycle use, but were relatively well-educated; they traveled to work by bicycle on 34.5% of the logged commuting days. Modeling indicated that the likelihood of bicycle commuting increased in the absence of rain (odds ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.42, 2.57) and with higher temperatures (1.03; 1.02, 1.04), and decreased with snow (0.90; 0.84, 0.98) and wind (0.95; 0.92, 0.97). Independent effects also were found for bicycle commuting distance, gender, and age, but not for daylight hours. Conclusion Precipitation, temperature, wind and snow conditions had significant and substantial independent effects on the odds of travel to work by bicycle among a diverse panel of adult bicycle commuters.
Effect of allergenic extracts of house dust and bacterial vaccine on respiratory infections of mice.

Abstract Allergenic extracts of house dust and a bacterial vaccine with no U. S. standard of potency were examined for their capacity to protect mice against respiratory virus infections. A single intravenous injection of house dust extract resulted in the recovery of significantly less of the Sendai strain of parainfluenza virus from the lungs of mice after aerosol challenge than did an injection of saline. Multiple subcutaneous injections of house dust extract protected more mice against an aerosol challenge of Sendai virus than did a single subcutaneous dose. This increased level of protection was not associated with an increased level of circulating interferon. A single intravenous injection of bacterial vaccine did not protect mice against an aerosol challenge with Sendai virus. Mice were not significantly protected against challenge with influenza viruses by either house dust extract or bacterial vaccine. Although both of these types of products have been shown to be capable of inducing interferon in mice, presumably because they contain endotoxin, the induction of interferon may not be the only mechanism for any antiviral protective effect observed.
MMPI assessment of patients with functional bowel disorders.

This prospective study was undertaken to assess personality differences among patients with chronic pelvic floor disorders. Sixty patients (43 females and 17 males) of a mean age of 58 (range, 33–87) years with fecal incontinence (n=19), constipation (n=30), or levator spasm (n=11) had a mean duration of symptoms of 35 (range, 2–50) years. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was utilized for psychologic assessment for all patients prior to treatment. Mean scores for scales 1 (hypochondriasis), 2 (depression), and 3 (hysteria) were significantly elevated for the levator spasm group (71, 75, and 73, respectively). A similar pattern was seen for the constipation group, where the mean scores for scales 1 and 2 were significantly elevated (70 and 74, respectively) with a moderate elevation on scale 3 (68). The hypochondriasis (1), depression (2), and hysteria (3) scales are referred to as the “neurotic triad”, and profile patterns such as these indicate that these subjects may manifest their psychologic distress as physical symptoms. By contrast, the fecal incontinence patients were within the normal range on all scales. The information from these MMPI profiles can be used to understand the personality and emotional composition of these patients to assist in their evaluation and treatment.
Nuclear consequences of the welfare state revisited: Danger in the data

In Ayanian (1986) I presented evidence that the Soviet Union has followed a 'Parkinson strategy' of stockpiling nuclear weapons as U.S. federal nondefense budget claims on U.S. GNP have risen, since such claims increasingly pre-empt the resources required for a U.S. stockpiling response. That evidence, which was based on 1984 congressional testimony by the Secretary of Defense on U.S. and Soviet nuclear stockpiles, is in error. Subsequent testimony by the Undersecretary of Defense, Research and Engineering (to the 99th Congress, second session, 1986: III-20) updating the earlier testimony displays inconsistencies with the nuclear force levels reported in 1984, showing higher force levels than the earlier testimony. A still more recent Department of Defense (DoD) publication by Ikle' and Wohlstetter et al. (1988) contains figures which show still higher Soviet and U.S. nuclear force levels. Working from the 1988 figures I have produced the graphs presented here as Figures 1 and 2, covering the same period as the original graphs in my 1984 paper. The 1988 figures which are more consistent with other published reports on U.S. and Soviet stockpiles differ considerably from both congressional testimonies, showing far less relative disparities in the Soviet and U.S. nuclear force levels. Reestimation of the Parkinson strategy model with this new data for 1965-84 reveals a positive, but now statistically insignificant, year to year relation between the Soviet to U.S. nuclear force ratios and the U.S. non-defense budget share of GNP. After discussion with Pentagon analysts and others, I believe that this data simply does not have the degree of accuracy required for reliable econometric estimation. This assessment of the data is supported by the recent ratification debate on the INF Treaty, where it was learned that the Soviets had reported the existence of a stockpile of 84 SSC-X-4 GLCM's totally unknown to U.S. intelligence, and that the U.S. had never seen an SS-20 missile, and does not know for certain how many the Soviets possess. With the new data showing the Soviet to U.S. force imbalance to be less se-
Psychosocial Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Activity in Black Adolescent Females

The purpose of this study was to identify personality, demographic, academic, family, and health-related variables that predict a sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis. Subjects were 73 lower-income Black females who presented with an STD diagnosis (n = 24), were sexually active, requested birth control, and had no history of STDs (n = 20), or were not sexually active and presented with a diagnosis unrelated to reproductive health problems (n = 29). Findings revealed that subjects with an STD diagnosis and those who were sexually active tended to be more alike than different and that these two groups differed from the nonse-xually active group. Results are discussed in relation to the existing literature on adolescents and reproductive health care.
Functional relevance of μ-δ opioid receptor heteromerization: a role in novel signaling and implications for the treatment of addiction disorders: from a symposium on new concepts in mu-opioid pharmacology.

Abstract Morphine and other opiates are among the most widely prescribed and clinically useful medications for the treatment of chronic pain. However, the applicability of these compounds has been severely hampered by the rapid development of tolerance and physical dependence that typically accompanies their repeated use. A growing body of evidence has implicated the regulated functioning of μ–δ opioid receptor heteromers in both the modulation of morphine-mediated antinociception, and in the limitation of undesirable side effects resulting from chronic opiate exposure. Moreover, μ–δ heteromers exhibit unique ligand binding characteristics and signaling properties, indicating that pharmacological targeting of the μ–δ heteromer may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the management of chronic pain and addiction disorders. Therefore, the present review will attempt to summarize the latest relevant findings regarding the regulation and functional characteristics of the μ–δ heteromer both in vitro and in vivo.