cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A single direct injection into the left ventricular wall of an adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) vector expressing extracellular superoxide dismutase from the cardiac troponin-T promoter protects mice against myocardial infarction.

Background Localized administration of a highly efficient gene delivery system in combination with a cardiac-selective promoter may provide an adequate biosafety profile in clinical applications such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), where regions of myocardium can be readily injected to protect them against the potential threat of future ischemic events.
Estenose arterial subclávia bilateral: mais do que uma descida da tensão arterial - Relato de caso

Introduction: Chronic ischaemia of the upper extremities is rare, particularly when it is bilateral. Depending on the existence and location of collateral vessels, it may remain asymptomatic or it may present with symptomatic ischemia of the upper limbs and a high risk of coronary and cerebrovascular disease. Although the diagnosis is made by ultrasonography, the physical examination may reveal abnormalities, including differences in blood pressure values between both arms with unilateral occlusion. In this case report, blood pressure values were consistently low bilaterally, which led to an erroneous initial approach based on a presumed decrease in systemic blood pressure. Case description: The authors describe the case of a 77 year old female patient, with controlled hypertension and dyslipidaemia, who presented with brachial blood pressure (BP) measurements consistently lower than 90/60 mmHg, as well as complaints of fatigue with movements of the upper extremities. In the absence of other abnormalities, changes were made to the dose of her anti-hypertensive medication, without clinical improvement. After a few months without change in the clinical situation, the physical examination revealed a bilateral decrease in radial pulses and an increase in the ankle-brachial index, suggesting occlusive upper extremity arterial disease. This was confirmed by an arterial Doppler ultrasound, which revealed bilateral occlusion of the subclavian arteries. Comment: Blood pressure measurements were erroneously low because they were made at the brachial artery in a patient with a bilateral occlusion of the subclavian arteries. In these cases, the evaluation of BP based solely on brachial measurements may lead to an incorrect approach. It is important to integrate other signs and symptoms as well as a more complete physical examination when evaluating a possible diagnosis of this condition.
Random Pulses and the Gaussian Distribution

So far we have said nothing about the statistical properties of noise, except to assign to noise a mean-square voltage or mean power and a spectral density distribution.
Kinetics of the adsorption of radionuclides on tuff from Yucca Mountain

The sorption of simple cations in tuff is dominated by adsorption on aluminosilicates that have charged surfaces, such as zeolites and clays. The most significant sorbing minerals present in Nevada tuff are clinoptilolite, heulandite, mordenite, and montmorillonite. The kinetics of sorption on tuffs containing the minerals clinoptilolite and montmorillonite has been determined by studying the uptake of strontium, cesium, and barium on thin tuff wafers. The rate constants for uptake of these elements on tuff are consistent with a model of sorption that is diffusion limited but where diffusion occurs in two stages. First the cations diffuse into the rock through the water-filled pore space. Next, the cations must diffuse into the much narrower channels within the aluminosilicate crystals. After they are within the zeolite framework or between the clay planes, the cations may rapidly sorb on the negatively charged surfaces. The actinide elements have a time constant for the apparent sorption that is inconsistent with this model and may have a radically different mechanism of removal from solution. 12 references, 4 tables.
Lost cities of the Amazon.

The article discusses the Amazon tropical forests and the environmental and ecological impact of humans on its pristine habitat such as deforestation. Topics include in-depth analyses of how humans have reshaped the Amazon forests as indigenous peoples were driven out by Europeans and the challenges of preserving unspoiled wilderness while recovering agricultural and forestry techniques used by the region's ancestors. A historical overview of pre-Columbian communities is presented. INSETS: Land of Legend;The Kuikuro;Pre-Columbian Towns;Peeking under the Canopy
Descent, alliance, and political order among Akha

This article explores the way patrilineal descent and affinity intersect and interlock with the political system among Tibeto-Burman-speaking Akha highlanders of mainland Southeast Asia. In contrast to Leach's famous work on the Kachin of Burma, the Akha case suggests that asymmetric alliance is not only compatible with egalitarian political organization but can also be constitutive of it. Uncovering the cultural nexus between descent and affinity and the structural linkage between asymmetric alliance and political egalitarianism requires a kinship analysis that is also an analysis of local constructions of gender, [kinship, asymmetric alliance, gender, political systems, comparison, Southeast Asia, Akha]
Remembering Dr. Anne E. Fowler editor, Annals of Dyslexia, 1994-1999.

Dr. Anne Elizabeth Fowler, developmental psychologist, psy cholinguist, and reading specialist was a gifted researcher and inspired teacher. A senior research scientist at Haskins Labora tories in New Haven, Connecticut, she conducted developmen tal studies of language and reading acquisition, and pursued her passion for helping teachers improve the effectiveness of reading instruction. She passed away on March 27, 2004, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Anne Fowler, who lived in Madison, Connecticut, was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, on April 15, 1953. She grew up in Pembroke, New Hampshire, a daughter of the late Charles and Katherine (O'Donnell) Fowler. Anne began her undergraduate education at Connecticut College, transferred to Rice University in Houston, Texas, and graduated in 1975 with a dual major in Russian and linguistics. She earned a master's degree in linguis tics from Yale University in 1977. There, Professor Alvin
Quantum Operator Permutation by Optical Means

Quantum functions have been proposed as a potentially more intuitive design methodology for quantum computations. We present a proposed experimental architecture for implementing a proof-of-principle functional algorithm using photonic qubits and quantum switching technology.
Use of the photovoltaic cell in micro acidimetry

A method of acidimitry of strong acids and strong bases has been described which employs a light sensitive cell for following indicator color changes. 5 cc. of 0,007 N acid can be titrated to the equivalence point with an error of 1 part in 750.
Multireader receiver operating characteristic studies: A comparison of study designs

Rationale and Objectives. Traditionally, multireader receiver operating characteristic (ROC) studies have used a “paired-case, paired-reader” design. The statistical power of such a design for inferences about the relative accuracies of the tests was assessed and compared with alternative designs. Methods. The noncentrality parameter of an F statistic was used to compute power as a function of the reader and patient sample sizes and the variability and correlations between readings. Results. For a fixed-power and Type I error rate, the traditional design reduces the number of verified cases required. A hybrid design, in which each reader interprets a different sample of patients, reduces the number of readers, total readings, and readings required per reader. The drawback is a substantial increase in the number of verified cases. Conclusion. The ultimate choice of study design depends on the nature of the tests being compared, limiting resources, a priori knowledge of the magnitude of the correlations and variability, and logistic complexity.
Human evolutionary genomics and the search for the genes that made us human.

Due to advances in genome sequencing and analysis we can now carry out comparisons of genomic data with unprecedented scope and detail, both within and between species. As a result gene and genomic changes that have occurred specifically in the human lineage can now be identified. This field is one of the most interesting areas of human biology, and there has now emerged, due in large part to our ability to carry out computational analyses of large genome datasets, a growing list of significant discoveries. This workshop will survey the latest findings in this rapidly advancing field, including both key discoveries and remaining challenges (e.g. complexity of some genomic regions, difficulties in moving from identification of genomic differences to linking them with human-specific traits, etc.). The types of human lineage-specific genomic changes, and the methods used to detect them, cover a wide range, and speakers have been chosen with this in mind. Speakers include individuals focused on 1) computational analysis at the transcriptional level particularly in brain (D. Geschwind; E. Lein), 2) computational genomics to identify rapidly evolving genomic sequences including non-coding sequences (D. Kostka), 3) computational analysis of protein coding sequences under selection in the human lineage (E. Vallender), 4) identification of gene coding regions that have undergone extreme human lineage-specific copy number expansions (J. Sikela), and 5) computational approaches to identifying genomic changes that distinguish “modern” humans from archaic hominins (J. Wall).
Tailoring macromolecular architecture with imidazole functionality: A perspective for controlled polymerization processes

Abstract Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) allows for the design and synthesis of functional polymers with tailored composition and unique macromolecular architectures. Synthetic methods that are readily available for controlled radical polymerization include nitroxide-mediated polymerization, reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, and atom transfer radical polymerization. N-Vinyl monomers that are typically amenable to free radical methods are often difficult to synthesize in a controlled manner to high molecular weight due to the lack of resonance stabilization of the propagating radical. However, recent advances in the field of CRP have resulted in successful controlled polymerization of various N-vinyl heterocyclic monomers including N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylphthalimide, and N-vinylindole. The incorporation of the imidazole ring into homopolymers and copolymers using conventional free radical polymerization of N-vinylimidazole monomer is particularly widespread and advantageous due to facile functionalization, high thermal stability, and the relevance of the imidazole ring to many biomacromolecules. Copolymers prepared with methyl methacrylate displayed random incorporation according to differential scanning calorimetry and amorphous morphologies according to X-ray scattering. Imidazole- and imidazolium-containing monomers have shown recent success for CRP; however, the controlled polymerization of N-vinylimidazole has remained relatively unexplored. Future efforts focus on the development of tailored imidazole-containing copolymers with well-defined architectures for emerging biomedical, electronic and membrane applications.
0.16-0.25 pJ/bit, 8 Gb/s Near-Threshold Serial Link Receiver With Super-Harmonic Injection-Locking

A near-threshold forwarded-clock I/O receiver architecture is presented. In the proposed receiver, the majority of the circuitry is designed to operate in the near-threshold region at 0.6 V supply to save power, with the exception of only the global clock buffer, test buffers and synthesized digital circuits at the nominal 1 V supply. To ensure the quantizers are working properly with this low supply, a 1:10 direct demultiplexing rate is chosen as a demonstration of achieving low supply operation by high-parallelism. A novel low-power super-harmonic injection-locked ring oscillator is proposed to generate deskewable symmetric multi-phase local clock phases. The relative performance impact of including a per-data lane sample-and-hold (S/H) to improve quantizer aperture time at low voltage is demonstrated with two receiver prototypes fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS technology. Including the amortized power of global clock distribution, the receiver without S/H consumes 1.3 mW and the one with S/H consumes 2 mW at an 8 Gb/s input data rate, which converts to 0.163 pJ/bit and 0.25 pJ/bit, respectively. Measurement results show both receivers get BER <; 10-12 across a 20-cm FR4 PCB channel.
Selecting synchronous populations of mammalian cells.

A method is described by which large synchronous cultures of mammalian cells can be obtained. Applied to HeLa cells, the method produces unperturbed populations of viable cells
Correlating ACM Core IT Learning Outcomes with Associate Degree and Certificate Programs (Abstract Only)

As directed by the ACM Education Board, the ACM Committee for Computing Education in Community Colleges (CCECC) delivered the final version of its curricular guidance for associate-degree Information Technology (IT) programs. The guidance, An ACM Competency Model of Core Learning Outcomes and Assessment for Associate-Degree Curriculum in Information Technology, includes core IT learning outcomes with associated assessment metrics. Examples of degree and certificate programs that align with the ACM core IT learning outcomes are part of a growing repository at CAPspace.org. These correlations demonstrate the adaptability of this competency-based curriculum approach to a variety of computing courses, certificates, and degree programs. The CCECC invites institutions to highlight their IT degree and certificate programs by submitting correlations at capspace.org/correlation/ using an easy-to-use web form.
Intercultural Competence in Conversation: Teaching German Requests

While driving curriculum design in and beyond languages, intercultural competence remains an elusive concept because of its broad scope. This article makes this competence tangible for the teaching of German by exploring interaction patterns in German that can be taught and learned. To illustrate this end, I discuss a particular speech act, namely requesting, and some of its basic interactional structures in the German-speaking world. I suggest teaching strategies, guidelines for lesson planning and materials design and offer some sample teaching materials.
Alternative pacing in an introductory java sequence

In academic year 2002-3, the Information Technology (IT) Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) implemented an alternative programming sequence with the goal of helping students who initially struggle with programming concepts to succeed. The original IT freshman programming sequence consisted of three (3) courses, Programming for IT 1 (IT-1), Programming for IT 2 (IT-2), and Programming for IT 3 (IT-3). Since the second course in this sequence, IT-2, had traditionally been a "gatekeeper" for students, the IT Department created a decelerated two-course sequence, IT-2A and IT-2B, as an alternative option. In its first year of implementation, this option significantly increased student retention through the introductory programming sequence, improved overall student performance, and enhanced student satisfaction. These results were described in a paper presented at the 2003 CITC4 conference entitled "Implementation of Alternative Pacing in an Introductory Programming Sequence" and published by ACM Press (Whittington, Bills, and Hill, 2003).However, the true measure of whether or not this approach was a success is how well the students who completed the decelerated option performed in the final programming course, IT-3. In IT-2A and 2B, students had been "cohorted" with other students like themselves and given more time on task. In IT-3, they had to adjust to both learning in a more competitive setting and at the standard pace.This paper examines how the first group of students to complete the alternative programming sequence performed in the third programming course. How these students felt in terms of their preparedness for IT-3 and their overall satisfaction with the alternative programming sequence is also discussed. Finally, since this curricular change is just a part of the IT department's ongoing plans to build flexibility into the curriculum, this paper concludes with the lessons learned and the department's plans for future studies.
Prenatal analysis of rhesus CcDEe blood groups by heteroduplex generator

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of the heteroduplex generator in the prenatal analysis of rhesus CcDEe blood groups. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed evaluating fetal samples from 85 women undergoing prenatal diagnosis and comparing the results with standard immunologic serotyping on cord blood delivery. RESULTS: Of the 85 samples, 64 were tested for all CcDEe alleles; one case was discrepant. Twenty-one cases were tested solely for the D antigen. Two novel genotypes were detected in the population by heteroduplex generator and confirmed by deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing. Five cases were indeterminate because of an indistinct banding pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Heteroduplex analysis can identify rhesus blood group alleles and is inexpensive, rapid, and does not use radioactive isotopes. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1084-9.)
H‐Enrichments and Their Homeomorphism Groups II

. H-enrichments of topologies are larger (i.e., inclusive) topologies that also have larger homeomorphism groups. The study of H-enrichments of the Euclidean and rational topologies via generalized Baire category arguments is continued. New results concern lower bounds on the number of H-enrichments, connectedness, and separation properties of such topologies and certain of their cardinal invariants.
Veno-venous bridge in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

![Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3][![Graphic][4] ][4] A newborn was diagnosed as having hypoplastic left heart syndrome with mitral atresia. On echocardiography, 4 pulmonary veins were seen connecting to the left atrium (LA). Color flow Doppler also showed a vessel that originated
Long-Term Opioid Contract Use for Chronic Pain Management in Primary Care Practice. A Five Year Experience

The use of opioid medications to manage chronic pain is complex and challenging, especially in primary care settings. Medication contracts are increasingly being used to monitor patient adherence, but little is known about the long-term outcomes of such contracts. To describe the long-term outcomes of a medication contract agreement for patients receiving opioid medications in a primary care setting. Retrospective cohort study. All patients placed on a contract for opioid medication between 1998 and 2003 in an academic General Internal Medicine teaching clinic. Demographics, diagnoses, opiates prescribed, urine drug screens, and reasons for contract cancellation were recorded. The association of physician contract cancellation with patient factors and medication types were examined using the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 330 patients constituting 4% of the clinic population were placed on contracts during the study period. Seventy percent were on indigent care programs. The majority had low back pain (38%) or fibromyalgia (23%). Contracts were discontinued in 37%. Only 17% were cancelled for substance abuse and noncompliance. Twenty percent discontinued contract voluntarily. Urine toxicology screens were obtained in 42% of patients of whom 38% were positive for illicit substances. Over 60% of patients adhered to the contract agreement for opioids with a median follow-up of 22.5 months. Our experience provides insight into establishing a systematic approach to opioid administration and monitoring in primary care practices. A more structured drug testing strategy is needed to identify nonadherent patients.
Sequential W and Z bosons

Abstract We present and discuss a class of electroweak gauge models where the low-energy phenomenology is naturally identical to that of the standard model, but which allows for the existence of an arbitrary number of weak gauge bosons which have nontrivial couplings to the known fermions. The lightest W and Z in these models must be lighter than the W and Z of the standard model.
Nonprobabilistic modelling of dynamically loaded beams under uncertain excitations

A nonprobabilistic model for a dynamically loaded beam is developed, when the forcing function and the initial conditions may contain uncertain components. Uncertainty in these functions is required to be bounded in the L"2 norm and expressed using a finite number of eigenmodes. The specific expressions are determined for the dynamic loads which yield the least favorable deflection. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the solution procedure and to assess the effect of various problem parameters.
Using Dialogue Features to Predict Trouble During Collaborative Learning

A web-based, collaborative distance-learning system that will allow groups of students to interact with each other remotely and with an intelligent electronic agent that will aid them in their learning has the potential for improving on-line learning. The agent would follow the discussion and interact with the participants when it detects learning trouble of some sort, such as confusion about the problem they are working on or a participant who is dominating the discussion or not interacting with the other participants. In order to recognize problems in the dialogue, we investigated conversational elements that can be utilized as predictors for effective and ineffective interaction between human students. These elements can serve as the basis for student and group models. In this paper, we discuss group interaction during collaborative learning, our representation of participant dialogue, and the statistical models we are using to determine the role being played by a participant at any point in the dialogue and the effectiveness of the group. We also describe student and group models that can be built using conversational elements and discuss one set that we built to illustrate their potential value in collaborative learning.
Exchange characteristics of calcium ions bound to anthrax protective antigen

Abstract Protective antigen (PA), the receptor-binding moiety of anthrax toxin, contains two calcium atoms buried within domain 1′ (amino acid residues 168–258). We showed that these ions are stably bound and exchange with free 45 Ca 2+ only slowly (t1/2∼4.0 h). Dissociation is the rate-limiting step. PA63, the heptameric prepore form of PA, showed a slightly higher exchange rate than the monomeric intact protein. Exchange by this form was retarded by binding of the enzymatic moieties of the toxin, but was unaffected by reducing the pH to 5.0, a condition known to trigger conversion of the prepore to the pore form. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that bound Ca2+ within PA plays primarily a structural role, maintaining domain 1′ in a conformation that allows PA63 to oligomerize and bind the enzymatic moieties of the toxin.
Segregation of transferrin to a mildly acidic (pH 6.5) para-golgi compartment in the recycling pathway

To study the intracellular sorting of internalized ligands and receptors, we examined the pathways of two ligands: transferrin, which is recycled, and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), which is degraded. In CHO cells the two ligands rapidly segregate into different intracellular compartments. Within 5 min fluorescein-labeled transferrin (F-Tf) is found in a large round juxtanuclear structure. Rhodamine-labeled alpha 2M is found in a punctate pattern. Ultra-structural localization studies demonstrate that colloidal gold-alpha 2M is found predominantly in endocytic vesicles, while ferritin-transferrin is found in small vesicles and tubular structures in a region adjacent to the Golgi complex. Using image intensified fluorescence microscopy and digital image analysis, we determined that the F-Tf containing structure has a pH of 6.4 +/- 0.2, while endocytic vesicles containing F-alpha 2M have a pH of 5.4 +/- 0.1. Our study defines a mildly acidic compartment, distinct from endocytic vesicles, that is involved in the recycling of internalized components back to the cell surface.
The UCSB free electron laser experimental program

The University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) free electron laser (FEL) program was initiated in January of 1980 at the Quantum Institute to study the operation of electrostatic accelerator free electron lasers. A detailed discussion of the operation of these devices can be found elsewhere in this book under the title “Electrostatic Accelerator Free Electron Lasers” and also in reference [1].
Triethanolamine complexes of copper

Abstract A simple benchtop synthesis of the deep blue tetrameric compound [Cu{N(CH2CH2O)3H}]4 prepared from CuSO4·5H2O and triethanolamine is presented. The compound has been characterized in three different crystalline modifications which vary due to the presence of different lattice solvents that include THF, Et2O and H2O. The compound dissolves in water, alcohols and to a slight extent in dichloromethane and chloroform. It produces basic solutions (Kb=1.2 (±0.4)×10−7) in water and a visible spectrum that varies as a function of pH. FAB mass spectral data indicate that the tetramer remains intact and incorporates additional copper ions in the mass spectrometer.
Ethnographic analysis of everyday ethics in the care of nursing home residents with dementia: a taxonomy.

Background The concept of everyday ethics was used to emphasize the moral basis of ordinary issues of daily living affecting quality of life for nursing home residents with dementia. Objectives To critically examine ethical issues of daily living affecting nursing home residents with dementia and to construct a descriptive taxonomy inductively derived from ethnographic fieldwork data. Method Combined anthropological methods of participant observation and in-depth interviewing were used in the natural setting of a 147-bed, voluntary, not-for-profit nursing home. Experiences of 30 residents, their family members, and nursing home staff were explored. In addition, the records of 10 ethics committee cases involving residents with dementia further enlarged the database. Results The taxonomy of everyday ethical issues includes the following four domains: (a) learning the limits of intervention; (b) tempering the culture of surveillance and restraint; (c) preserving the integrity of the individual; and (d) defining community norms and values. Each is representative of constellations of concerns that are grounded in the cultural and moral environment of the nursing home. Conclusions Results highlight the challenges of recognizing the ethical in the ordinary, and of resolving everyday issues in ways that enhance quality of life for residents with dementia and those (family and staff) who care for them.
Burnett and pycnometric (p,Vm,T) measurements for natural gas mixtures

Abstract Accurate (p,Vm,T) measurements were performed on five natural gas mixtures using a Burnett apparatus and a high pressure, continuously-weighed pycnometer. These measurements were part of a co-operative project sponsored by the Gas Research Institute to establish an internally consistent database of experimental measurements for five representative natural gas mixtures. Burnett results are reported atT=(250, 275, 300, and 325) K for pressures to 11 MPa. Pycnometer results are reported atT=(225, 250, 275, 300, 325, and 350) K for pressures to 70 MPa.
Microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of laser surface melted Ti6Al4V alloy.

Abstract Laser surface melting (LSM) of Ti6Al4V alloy was carried out with an aim to improve properties such as microstructure and wear for implant applications. The alloy substrate was melted at 250 W and 400 W at a scan velocity of 5 mm/s, with input energy of 42 J/mm2 and 68 J/mm2, respectively. The results showed that equiaxed α+β microstructure of the substrate changes to mixture of acicular α in β matrix after LSM due to high cooling rates in the range of 2.25×10−3 K/s and 1.41×10−3 K/s during LSM. Increasing the energy input increased the thickness of remelted region from 779 to 802 µm and 1173 to 1199 µm. Similarly, as a result of slow cooling rates under present experimental conditions, the grain size of the alloy increased from 4.8 μm to 154–199 μm. However, the hardness of the Ti6Al4V alloy increased due to LSM melting and resulted in lowest in vitro wear rate of 3.38×10−4 mm3/Nm compared to untreated substrate with a wear rate of 6.82×10−4 mm3/Nm.
Current Operators in the Lowest Landau Level

We use Noether’s theorem to generate a consistent definition of the current operator for electrons restricted to the lowest Landau level. We exhibit the connection between this current and the Moyal bracket, or W∞, algebra, and use it to derive the edge-charge algebra for the ν=1/(2n+1) FQHE states.
Apparatus for the study of fatigue of thin metal films in the Hitachi H.U. 11 electron microscope

The present paper describes an electronic stress-reversing device for the Hitachi H.U. 11 electron microscope which combines the advantage of variable fatigue rates with the ability to select various strain amplitudes. The device, when coupled with the standard Hitachi tensile deformation attachment, will apply a controlled zero-tension stress to a thin metal foil. This apparatus thus allows a selected area to be repeatedly observed following successive accumulations of fatigue damage without removing the specimen from the electron microscope.
Estimation of stability constants for metal–ligand complexes containing neutral nitrogen donor atoms with applications to natural organic matter

Abstract Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) were developed for estimating 1:1 metal–ligand stability constants (log KML) for small organic molecules containing neutral nitrogen donor atoms. A data set of 44 monodentate and 112 bidentate ligands for six metal ions: Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ was employed to parameterize the LFER equations. Monodentate and bidentate log KML values were adequately described using Irving–Rossotti LFERs previously developed for ligands containing negatively-charged oxygen functional groups. Modifications to the LFER equations were necessary to account for steric hindrances to metal complexation by primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. The resulting LFER equations can be used to estimate log KML values for monodentate and bidentate ligands with neutral nitrogen donor groups where such values do not currently exist in the literature. Comparison of these results to our previous work with negatively-charged oxygen donor atoms reveals that neutral nitrogen functional groups are weaker than their oxygen counterparts for metal ions classified as “hard” on the basis of Hard–Soft Acid–Base (HSAB) theory. For “soft” metals, the opposite is true. These LFERs can be used to incorporate nitrogen functional groups in models for metal ion binding to natural organic matter (NOM).
Time course of endolymph volume increase in experimental hydrops measured in vivo with an ionic volume marker

Abstract A new method has been developed to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of scala media in the living cochlea. The method has some advantages over histological methods, in which tissues may shrink or move during processing. In the present study, scala media CSA was measured in the second turn of guinea-pig cochleas in which endolymphatic hydrops was induced surgically. The area measurement method used an iontophoretic injection of a volume marker into scala media, during which the concentration of marker in endolymph was monitored with an ion-selective microelectrode. The measured marker concentration was inversely proportional to the CSA of endolymph.The marker we used was the anion arsenic hexafluoride (AsF − 6 ), which was almost ideal for the purpose as it was retained well in endolymph. Area was measured in normal animals and in hydropic animals at times from 4 days to 16 weeks after endolymphatic duct obstruction. The results showed that hydrops develops within days of ablation of the endolymphatic duct. The degree of hydrops was compared with electrophysiological measures of function, including the endocochlear potential, action potential thresholds and the amplitudes of the cochlear microphonic, summating potential and action potentials. In the initial stages of hydrops development, electrophysiological changes were small. In contrast, there were marked functional changes between 8 and 16 weeks, when endolymph volume was no longer increasing. These data support earlier studies which have shown that dysfunction in the hydropic cochlea does not correlate directly with the degree of endolymphatic hydrops. If the same is true for dysfunction in the ears of patients with Meniere's Disease, then it may not be possible to restore normal function simply by alleviating the hydrops. Furthermore, if dysfunction depends on factors other than the degree of hydrops, it may be possible to alleviate symptoms in ways other than by directly reducing hydrops.
Role of stem cell factor and bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in airway remodeling

Recent evidence suggests that bone marrow-derived fibroblasts are involved in airway remodeling in asthma, but the role and mechanism of recruitment of these fibroblasts remains unclear. Stem cell factor (SCF), a key factor in the propagation of hematopoietic stem cells, is important in the process of airway remodeling as well. To test the hypothesis that SCF is involved in the recruitment and differentiation of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, GFP-bone marrow chimeric mice were created. These mice were then sensitized and chronically challenged with cockroach antigen to induce chronic airway disease. Fluorescence microscopy revealed an influx of significant numbers of GFP-expressing fibroblasts in the airways of these mice, which was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of cells co-expressing both GFP and collagen I. These cells preferentially expressed c-kit, interleukin-31 receptor, and telomerase reverse transcriptase when compared with control lung-derived fibroblasts. Interestingly, SCF stimulated interleukin-31 receptor expression in bone marrow cells, whereas interleukin-31 strongly induced telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in fibroblasts. Treatment with neutralizing antibodies to SCF significantly reduced airway remodeling and suppressed the recruitment of these bone marrow-derived cells to the lung. Thus SCF in conjunction with interleukin-31 may play a significant role in airway remodeling by promoting the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors into the lung with the capacity to promote lung myofibroblast differentiation.
The coherent solubilities of γ′ in Ni-Al, Ni-Si AND Ni-Ti alloys

The coherent solubilities of the γ′ phase in Ni-Al, Ni-Si and Ni-Ti alloys have been determined from magnetic studies of γ′ particle coarsening and by electron metallographic observations. Over the temperature intervals 620–775°C (Ni-Al), 620–845°C (Ni-Si), and 525–775°C (Ni-Ti), the solubilities obey the empirical equations cAl = 0.2545 exp (−1418/RT)cSi = 0.2828 exp (−1768/RT)cTi = 0.2566 exp (−1850/RT) The solubilities above are expressed in terms of the atom fraction of solute in the saturated Ni-rich matrix and are estimated to be accurate to within ± 1%. These data are compared with literature values of the maximum solubilities of Al, Si and Ti in nickel. The data on γ′ in Ni-Al, in particular, are considered in light of a recent theoretical treatment of coherent two phase equilibrium by Oriani. It is concluded that previous investigators also determined the coherent solubility of γ′ in Ni-Al alloys.
The Lê varieties, II

For a complex polynomial,f:(ℂ n+1 ,0) → (ℂ, 0), with a singular set of complex, dimensions at the origin, we define a sequence of varieties—the Le varieties, Λ () , off at 0. The multiplicities of these varieties, λ () , generalize the Milnor number for an isolated singularity. In particular, we show that ifs≤n-2, the Milnor, fibre off is obtained fromB 2n by successively attaching λ () k-handles, wheren-s≦k≦n Ifs=n-1, the Milnor fibre off is obtained from a2n-manifold with the homotopy type of a bouquet of λ () circles by successively attaching λ () k-handles, where 2≦k≦n.
Metal formyl and hydroxymethyl metal compounds

Abstract Metal formyl anions are produced by reaction of borohydrides with metal carbonyls. The resulting metal formyl anions have moderate kinetic stability but are thermodynamically less stable than the corresponding metal hydrides. Anionic metal formyl compounds can react as hydride donors. Reaction of (C5H5)Re(CO)2(NO)+ with HB (OR)−3 produces the neutral metal formyl complex (C5H5)Re(CO)(NO)(CHO) which undergoes disproportionation as a neat oil to give the metallo ester (C5H5)(CO)(NO)ReCO2CH2(CO)-(NO) (C5H5). Indirect hydrolysis of this metallo ester produced (C5H5Re-(CO) (NO)(CH2OH), the first authentic hydroxymethyl metal compound. Reduction of (C5H5)Re(CO)2(NO)+ with H2Al(CH2CH3−2 provides a more convenient synthesis of (C5H5Re(CO)(NO)(CH2OH). (C5H5)Re(CO)(NO)-(CH2OH) does not react with CO below 90 °C, the temperature at which the hydroxymethyl compound loses H2O to form an ether dimer [(C5H5)Re-(CO) NO)CH2]2O. At room temperature, (C5H5)Re(CO)(NO)CH3 reacts with two equivalents of P(CH3)3 to produce (η1-C5H5)Re(CO)-(NO) [P(CH3)3]2CH3.
Expression of a dominant-negative Wnt blocks induction of MyoD in Xenopus embryos

During gastrulation of Xenopus embryos the prospective mesoderm is induced initially with domains of dorsal and ventral fate, then further patterned to generate somitic mesoderm by signals from the gastrula organizer. Although Xwnt-8 is expressed in future ventrolateral mesoderm and induces prospective epidermis to differentiate in vitro as ventral mesoderm, no loss-of-function studies have demonstrated a requirement for Wnt signaling for the normal expression of mesodermal genes in the gastrula. We report development of a dominant-negative (dnXwnt-8) that inhibits embryonic responses to Wnt signaling in a cellnonautonomous fashion. By expressing dnXwnt-8 in Xenopus embryos, we uncover a requirement of Wnt signaling for localized expression in prospective mesoderm of XMyoDa and Xenopus-posterior (Xpo). Because ectopic expression of functional Xwnt-8 in the dorsal marginal zone of the gastrula induces ectopic XMyoDa and Xpo, both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments support a model in which endogenous Xwnt-8 functions to induce expression of genes involved in specification of ventral and somitic mesoderm.
Localized quantitative characterization of chemical functionalization effects on adhesion properties of SWNT

Chemical modification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) has been found to be an excellent method to promote SWNT dispersion, and possibly to improve interaction with matrices via covalent bonding. It is thus a quite promising technique to enhance the mechanical properties of SWNT-reinforced nanocomposites. However, the underlying mechanism of SWNT chemical functionalization effects on interfacial strength is not quantitatively understood, limiting their usefulness in the design of nanocomposites. In this work, an atomic force microscopy (AFM-) based adhesive force mapping technique combined with a statistical analysismethod were developed and implemented to study adhesive interactions of small SWNT bundles functionalized by amino, epoxide, and hydroperoxide groups as compared to SDS-treated SWNT in controlled environment. Finally, the importance of such localized quantitative measurements in SWNT-reinforced nanocomposites design and fabrication was also discussed.
Cellular and subcellular localization of estrogen and progestin receptor immunoreactivities in the mouse hippocampus.

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα), -β (ERβ) and progestin receptor (PR) immunoreactivities are localized to extranuclear sites in the rat hippocampal formation. Since rats and mice respond differently to estradiol treatment at a cellular level, the present study examined the distribution of ovarian hormone receptors in the dorsal hippocampal formation of mice. For this, antibodies to ERα, ERβ, and PR were localized by light and electron immunomicroscopy in male and female mice across the estrous cycle. Light microscopic examination of the mouse hippocampal formation showed sparse nuclear ERα–, and PR-immunoreactivity (-ir) most prominent in the CA1 region and diffuse ERβ-ir primarily in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer as well as in a few interneurons. Ultrastructural analysis additionally revealed discrete extranuclear ERα-, ERβ- and PR-ir in neuronal and glial profiles throughout the hippocampal formation. While extranuclear profiles were detected in all animal groups examined, the amount and types of profiles varied with sex and estrous cycle phase. ERα-ir was highest in diestrus females, particularly in dendritic spines, axons and glia. Similarly, ERβ-ir was highest in estrus and diestrus females, mainly in dendritic spines and glia. Conversely, PR-ir was highest during proestrus, and mostly in axons. Except for very low levels of extranuclear ERβ-ir in mossy fiber terminals in mice, the labeling patterns in the mice for all three antibodies were similar to the ultrastructural labeling found previously in rats, suggesting that regulation of these receptors is well conserved across the two species.
Rapid Sample Fusion with Lithium Tetraborate for Emission Spectroscopy

Recently, lithium tetraborate fusion of mineral and plant ashes has become popular in preparing samples for both x-ray and optical emission spectroscopy. Lithium tetraborate fusion of soils, geological material, refractories, slags, and other silicates largely solves the problem of crystal and particle size differences and transforms such samples to homogeneous materials. Lithium tetraborate is especially suitable for x-ray emission spectroscopy, because lithium and boron have low atomic numbers and their absorption edges do not interfere with the emission lines of elements to be determined.
Out-of-sample tests of forecasting accuracy: an analysis and review

Abstract In evaluations of forecasting accuracy, including forecasting competitions, researchers have paid attention to the selection of time series and to the appropriateness of forecast-error measures. However, they have not formally analyzed choices in the implementation of out-of-sample tests, making it difficult to replicate and compare forecasting accuracy studies. In this paper, I (1) explain the structure of out-of-sample tests, (2) provide guidelines for implementing these tests, and (3) evaluate the adequacy of out-of-sample tests in forecasting software. The issues examined include series-splitting rules, fixed versus rolling origins, updating versus recalibration of model coefficients, fixed versus rolling windows, single versus multiple test periods, diversification through multiple time series, and design characteristics of forecasting competitions. For individual time series, the efficiency and reliability of out-of-sample tests can be improved by employing rolling-origin evaluations, recalibrating coefficients, and using multiple test periods. The results of forecasting competitions would be more generalizable if based upon precisely described groups of time series, in which the series are homogeneous within group and heterogeneous between groups. Few forecasting software programs adequately implement out-of-sample evaluations, especially general statistical packages and spreadsheet add-ins.
Ventriculophasic sinus arrhythmia in the orthotopic transplanted heart: mechanism of disease revisited.

Background: Several mechanisms have been proposed for ventriculophasic sinus arrhythmia: phasic changes in baroreceptor mediated vagal input to the sinus node, mechanical effects and pressure changes caused by ventricular systole, and increased blood flow to the sinus node. We attempt to elucidate the role of SA nodal blood flow in the generation of ventriculophasic sinus arrhythmia by measuring phasic changes in PP intervals from the atrial remnants of patients who have received cardiac transplant. Methods: A total of 16 atrial electrogram recordings were obtained from the recipient atrial remnant in 12 patients who had undergone heart transplantation at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. Concomitant recordings of the donor surface ECG were also obtained. Recipient atrial PP intervals that contained a QRS were measured. The QP intervals were also measured and plotted against the associated PP interval to assess the relationship between varying QP intervals and the associated PP interval. Results: A linear relationship between the PP intervals and the associated QP intervals was seen in all patients. Despite widely varying QP intervals, there was little change in the PP intervals suggesting absence of ventriculophasic arrhythmia. Our linear graphs are in contrast to the typical curves seen in ventriculophasic arrhythmia that have been described by Lepeschkin. Conclusions: In our study, there appeared to be absence of ventriculophasic arrhythmia despite intact vagal innervation to the atrial remnant suggesting that the lack of pulsatile SA node blood flow may contribute to the absence of ventriculophasic arrhythmia. We conclude that the transplanted heart, when performed by the standard technique, may provide a model to study mechanisms of ventriculophasic arrhythmia.
Schizaphis graminum: Effect on Grain Sorghum Exposed to Severe Drought Stress

During extreme drought in eastern Nebraska in 1974 in which only 1.57 cm of rain fell from June 11 to Aug. 9, differences of 1274 and 991 biotype C greenbugs/plant caused significant yield reductions of 365 and 757 kg/ha respectively on grain sorghum in 2 field tests. These yield losses were 3 and 6 times greater than the then current loss associated with the economic injury level (121 kg/ha). Greenbug densities on the 3 dates of insecticide application and at peak density were significantly (P = 0.05) and inversely related to the numbers of heads in both tests.
Functional role of autophagy-mediated proteome remodeling in cell survival signaling and innate immunity.

Ras-driven cancer cells upregulate basal autophagy that degrades and recycles intracellular proteins and organelles. Autophagy-mediated proteome degradation provides free amino acids to support metabolism and macromolecular synthesis, which confers a survival advantage in starvation and promotes tumorigenesis. While the degradation of isolated protein substrates by autophagy has been implicated in controlling cellular function, the extent and specificity by which autophagy remodels the cellular proteome and the underlying functional consequences were unknown. Here we compared the global proteome of autophagy-functional and -deficient Ras-driven cancer cells, finding that autophagy affects the majority of the proteome yet is highly selective. While levels of vesicle trafficking proteins important for autophagy are preserved during starvation-induced autophagy, deleterious inflammatory response pathway components are eliminated even under basal conditions, preventing cytokine-induced paracrine cell death. This reveals the global, functional impact of autophagy-mediated proteome remodeling on cell survival and identifies critical autophagy substrates that mediate this process.