cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Studies of the Functions of the Nucleus Basalis in Primates

For nearly two decades, studies of the activity of nucleus basalis neurons in primates have provided insights to the possible functions of this brain structure. In 1971, DeLong noted that many basalis neurons respond vigorously when an animal receives a water reward in an operant conditioning task. Since the mid-1970’s. Rolls and associates have studied basal forebrain neurons that respond selectively to the sight of food or to stimuli associated with food (Mora et al., 1976; Rolls et al., 1979; Wilson and Rolls, 1990). They have suggested that these neurons may be related to feeding and, more recently, to mnemonic processes. Other basalis neurons have response patterns that are somewhat similar to those of neighboring movement-related pallidal neurons, suggesting that the nucleus basalis may be related to basal ganglia function (Mitchell et al., 1987a,b). Subsequent studies from our laboratory have focused broadly on the entire nucleus basalis in an attempt to identify the processes in which it may be directly involved.
Abstract 2555: A cell based bioluminescent reporter assay for rapid measuring function of PD-1 or PD-L1 therapeutic antibodies

Programmed death-1(PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are important immunotherapy targets for cancer. PD-1 serves as a negative costimulatory receptor on various cell types, including T and B cells as well as myeloid-derived cells. Its ligand PD-L1 (B7-H1) is not expressed by normal epithelial tissues, but it is aberrantly expressed on a wide array of human cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. Engagement of PD-1 by its ligands PD-L1 expressed on tumor cells associated with poorer prognosis by disabling the host antitumor response. The most recent investigational anti-PD-1 immunotherapy drugs such as nivolumab from BMS and lambrolizumab (MK-3475) from Merck have all demonstrated significant overall survival rate in patients with advanced melanoma. Here we developed a cell based bioluminescent reporter assay that can be used for rapid quantifying function of PD-1 or PD-L1 therapeutic antibodies as measured by activation of NFAT signaling pathway. For this, Jurkat T-cell line stably expressing NFAT-luciferase reporter and human PD-1 was generated. Raji stably expressing human PD-L1 was generated as antigen presenting cells (APC). by co-cultivating the two cell lines in the present of CD3 and IgG, Raji cells fully activate Jurkat NFAT pathway via CD28 binding to CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) endogenously expressed on Raji cells. PD-1 signaling in Jurkat cells following engagement of PD-L1 ectopically expressed on Raji cells inhibits T cell function, and results in NFAT pathway inhibition. Blockade of PD-L1 using anti-PD-L1 mAb reversed NFAT pathway activation. Citation Format: Mei Cong, Natasha Karassina, Jey Cheng, Frank Fan. A cell based bioluminescent reporter assay for rapid measuring function of PD-1 or PD-L1 therapeutic antibodies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2555. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2555
Sources of high-chloride water and managed aquifer recharge in an alluvial aquifer in California, USA

As a result of pumping in excess of recharge, water levels in alluvial aquifers within the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Subbasin, 130 km east of San Francisco (California, USA), declined below sea level in the early 1950s and have remained so to the present. Chloride concentrations in some wells increased during that time and exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s secondary maximum contaminant level of 250 mg/L, resulting in removal of some wells from service. Sources of high-chloride water include irrigation return in 16 % of sampled wells and water from delta sediments and deeper groundwater in 50 % of sampled wells. Chloride concentrations resulting from irrigation return commonly did not exceed 100 mg/L, although nitrate concentrations were as high as 25 mg/L as nitrogen. Chloride concentrations ranged from less than 100–2,050 mg/L in wells affected by water from delta sediments and deeper groundwater. Sequential electromagnetic logs show movement of high-chloride water from delta sediments to pumping wells through permeable interconnected aquifer layers. δD and δ18O data show most groundwater originated as recharge along the front of the Sierra Nevada, but tritium and carbon-14 data suggest recharge rates in this area are low and have decreased over recent geologic time. Managed aquifer recharge at two sites show differences in water-level responses to recharge and in the physical movement of recharged water with depth related to subsurface geology. Well-bore flow logs also show rapid movement of water from recharge sites through permeable interconnected aquifer layers to pumping wells.
Does Effort Matter in Mindful Parenting

Mindful parenting has been thought to be more effective and less effortful than following a parenting routine. While there is evidence for effectiveness, the lessened effort is largely based on anecdotes. In this study, we created a self-report Parenting Effort Scale for use with already established parent self-report scales of everyday mindfulness and perceived youth problems. One hundred and eighteen volunteer mothers of middle school adolescents completed the three scales. As expected, mothers’ mindfulness scores covaried inversely with their effort scores and their perceptions of youth problems. Also as expected, the effort scores correlated positively with youth internalizing problem scores. This correlation was significantly weakened when mindfulness scores were entered in a regression model, suggesting that mothers’ mindfulness mediated the connection between their perceived effort and perceived youth internalizing problems. Surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between perceived effort and youth externalizing problems. However, we did find a connection involving effort, mindfulness, and externalizing problems. This connection revealed a moderating function in which mothers with high mindfulness scores reported less effort and lower youth externalizing problems compared to mothers with low mindfulness scores.
Modeling and simulation of the disassembly operations and the associated communications network

Recently work has been done about simulation and analysis of manufacturing operations combined with the communications network it operates with. However no such methodology exists in disassembly line context. In this paper, we attempt to enhance their approach and apply it for a disassembly line. To this end, we look at a disassembly line system as a combination of physical processing (performed by machines) and information processing (performed by computer systems), and formulate a model to analyze the system behavior and to obtain an optimal or near optimal solution that would maximize the system performance by minimizing the risk of down time due to network capacity related problems. A case example is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the model"s implementation.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Potency, Efficacy, and Antigenic Mapping of H7 Avian Influenza Virus Vaccines Against the 2012 H7N3 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus from Mexico

In the spring of 2012 an outbreak of H7N3 highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza virus (AIV) occurred in poultry in Mexico. Vaccination was implemented as a control measure, along with increased biosecurity and surveillance. At that time there was no commercially available H7 AIV vaccine in North America; therefore, a recent H7N3 wild bird isolate of low pathogenicity from Mexico (A/cinnamon teal/Mexico/2817/2006 H7N3) was selected and utilized as the vaccine seed strain. In these studies, the potency and efficacy of this vaccine strain was evaluated in chickens against challenge with the 2012 Jalisco H7N3 HPAIV. Although vaccine doses of 256 and 102 hemagglutinating units (HAU) per bird decreased morbidity and mortality significantly compared to sham vaccinates, a dose of 512 HAU per bird was required to prevent mortality and morbidity completely. Additionally, the efficacy of 11 other H7 AIV vaccines and an antigenic map of hemagglutination inhibition assay data with all the vaccines and challenge viruses were evaluated, both to identify other potential vaccine strains and to characterize the relationship between genetic and antigenic distance with protection against this HPAIV. Several other isolates provided adequate protection against the 2012 Jalisco H7N3 lineage, but antigenic and genetic differences were not clear indicators of protection because the immunogenicity of the vaccine seed strain was also a critical factor.
Quantum Statistical Corrections to Dynamic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

A quantum statistical treatment of the chemical exchange between molecular eigenstates or conformations revealed previously unsuspected dynamic terms in the spin Hamiltonian operator that describes fast exchange. These terms resulted from the effect of nuclear spin on rotational and vibrational relaxation. With the traditional theory, an interpretation of new carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the chemical shift of methylcyclohexane in solution showed fast-exchange equilibrium constants that were inconsistent with the slow-exchange free-energy difference and were spread over a range of 30 percent for the various carbon-13 positions. Modeling of the new terms indicated that they have the correct magnitude and temperature dependence to reconcile these inconsistencies.
Porphyrin substituted phosphoramidites: new building blocks for porphyrin–oligonucleotide syntheses

Abstract Thymidine phosphoramidites containing trispyridylphenyl and tetraphenylporphyrin chromophores attached via a short amide linker in the 3′-position have been synthesized and used as building blocks in solid-phase synthesis of self-complementary 8-mer oligonucleotides 3′-T-5′-GCGCGCA-3′ and 5′-ACGCGCGT-3′. To our knowledge, these are the first porphyrin–oligonucleotide conjugates carrying the porphyrin chromophores in the 3′-position. Chain assembly was achieved by automated solid-phase synthesis and by inexpensive straightforward ‘in flask’ modification of commercially available solid supported oligonucleotides. This approach allows the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides without using costly instrumentation for automated DNA synthesis. Porphyrin-containing self-complementary oligonucleotides are expected to be a valuable model for drug binding studies and determination of conformational changes in DNA sequences using circular dichroism.
A mechanism of benefit of soy genistein in asthma: inhibition of eosinophil p38‐dependent leukotriene synthesis

Summary Background Dietary intake of the soy isoflavone genistein is associated with reduced severity of asthma, but the mechanisms responsible for this effect are unknown. Objective To determine whether genistein blocks eosinophil leukotriene C4 (LTC4) synthesis and to evaluate the mechanism of this effect, and to assess the impact of a 4-week period of soy isoflavone dietary supplementation on indices of eosinophilic inflammation in asthma patients. Methods Human peripheral blood eosinophils were stimulated in the absence and presence of genistein, and LTC4 synthesis was measured. 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) nuclear membrane translocation was assessed by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation was determined by immunoblot. Human subjects with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma and minimal or no soy intake were given a soy isoflavone supplement (100 mg/day) for 4 weeks. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and ex vivo eosinophil LTC4 production were assessed before and after the soy isoflavone treatment period. Results Genistein inhibited eosinophil LTC4 synthesis (IC50 80 nm), blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and its downstream target MAPKAP-2, and reduced translocation of 5-LO to the nuclear membrane. In patients with asthma, following 4 weeks of dietary soy isoflavone supplementation, ex vivo eosinophil LTC4 synthesis decreased by 33% (N=11, P=0.02) and FENO decreased by 18% (N=13, P=0.03). Conclusion At physiologically relevant concentrations, genistein inhibits eosinophil LTC4 synthesis in vitro, probably by blocking p38- and MAPKAP-2-dependent activation of 5-LO. In asthma patients, dietary soy isoflavone supplementation reduces eosinophil LTC4 synthesis and eosinophilic airway inflammation. These results support a potential role for soy isoflavones in the treatment of asthma.
Non-perturbative time-dependent quantal dynamics of superexchange in electron transfer processes

Abstract We report non-perturbative time-dependent quantal studies on the superexchange mechanism in electron transfer processes. In our one-dimensional model, the donor and acceptor states are coupled through an intermediate bridge state that may have higher energy than both the donor and acceptor states. The electron transfer dynamics are simulated by numerically solving the exact time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Electron transfer rates are extracted from the population decay of the donor state or the buildup of the acceptor. This approach is very efficient and applicable in cases where perturbative methods fail. It also gains insight into dynamical evolution of electron transfer systems.
Topological Analysis of Numerosity-Constrained Social Networks

In this study, we present a class of directed graphs with bounded degree sequences, which embodies the physical phenomenon of numerosity found in the collective behavior of large animal groups. Behavioral experiments show that an animal’s perception of number is capped by a critical limit, above which an individual perceives a nonspecific “many”. This species-dependent limit plays a pivotal role in the decision making process of large groups, such as fish schools and bird flocks. Here, we consider directed graphs whose edges model information-sharing between individual vertices. We incorporate the numerosity phenomenon as a critical limit on the intake of information by bounding the degree sequence and include the variability of cognitive processes by using a random variable in the network construction. We analytically compute measures of the expected structure of this class of graphs based on cycles, clustering, and sorting among vertices. Theoretical results are verified with numerical simulation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Testing hypotheses about methods, traits, and communalities in the direct-product model

The direct-product model has been suggested as a procedure for estimating multiplicative effects of traits and methods in multitrait-multimethod matrices. Research on the direct-product model is extended in two ways. First, hierarchically nested models are derived for explicitly testing the overall and specific patterns of method and trait factors. Second, formal tests are developed for the pattern of communalities. These procedures are illustrated with data from Lawler (1967)
TRANSITIONING TO FIXED-ROUTE SERVICES

By 2002, it is expected that all fixed-route transportation systems in the United States will be accessible to people with disabilities. This is heralded as good news for riders who have been limited to traveling via special services (i.e., paratransit) and transit providers concerned with the cost of such services. Such optimism assumes—perhaps erroneously—that many riders will shift from paratransit to the newly accessible fixed-route systems. A survey was conducted that reveals that riders are generally satisfied with the service they receive and—despite imminent accessibility—are not eager to switch. The paratransit service, which the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) regards as a "safety net" for those unable to use fixed-route transit, has become the primary mode of public transport for significant portions of its ridership. However, a core group of riders appears to be interested in changing, which, coupled with the finding that almost none of the survey respondents had received any form of tr...
Boundary layer thickness effect on boattail drag

A combined experimental and analytical program was conducted to investigate the effects of boundary layer changes on the flow over high angle boattail nozzles. The tests were run on an isolated axisymmetric sting mounted model. Various boattail geometries were investigated at high subsonic speeds over a range of boundary layer thicknesses. In general, boundary layer effects were small at speeds up to Mach 0.8. However, at higher speeds significant regions of separated flow were present on the boattail. When separation was present large reductions in boattail drag resulted with increasing boundary layer thickness. The analysis predicts both of these trends.
Willingness to undergo split-dose bowel preparation for colonoscopy and compliance with split-dose instructions

Background Split-dose bowel preparations for colonoscopy have superior effectiveness compared with giving all the preparation the evening before colonoscopy. Some physicians believe that split-dose preparations would be unpopular with patients scheduled for early morning colonoscopies.
Tonotopic organization in the avian telencephalon

The mammalian and avian auditory pathways have distinctly homologous cell groupings. Tonotopic organization has been demonstrated by means of single unit recordings in the cochlear nuclei of both birds and mammals. The avian thalamic nucleus ovoidalis, the homolog of the mammalian medial geniculate body, has a discrete projection to an area of the telencephalic neostriatum caudale, field L (see ref. 6, 17). Although the primary projection of the ascending auditory pathway to the telencephalon of mammals has been shown to have a tonotopic organization, single unit recordings from neither field L of the ring dove nor that of the starling have produced evidence for a tonotopic organization of individual neurons of the avian telencephalon. The absence of tonotopic organization in field L of birds would appear to underscore the dissimilarities between the gross characteristics of field Land primary auditory cortex. We wish to report, however, an initial set of experiments using single unit recordings in a song bird, the zebra finch, which define a point-by-point projection from the avian cochlea to the auditory area of the telencephalon, the first such demonstration in a sensory pathway of an infra-mammalian vertebrate.
Abnormal MIBG uptake in a neuroblastoma patient with right upper lobe atelectasis

A 3-month-old boy with a history of an abdominopelvic neuroblastoma presented 1 week after tumor resection for a routine follow-up 123-I Meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan to assess for residual mass. The study demonstrated abnormal radiotracer uptake in the right upper lobe, which correlated on the SPECT/CT to an area of airspace consolidation thought to be secondary to atelectasis. To the best of our knowledge, there is one published case of MIBG radiotracer uptake in the lung correlating with pneumonia; however, there are no reported cases to date in the literature of focal pulmonary MIBG uptake corresponding to atelectasis.
Rethinking ethnography: Towards a critical cultural politics

(1991). Rethinking ethnography: Towards a critical cultural politics. Communication Monographs: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 179-194.
Jet Mixing Enhancement by High-Amplitude Fluidic Actuation

Recent experiments have shown that properly designed high-amplitude, low mass flux pulsed slot jets blowing normal to a jet's shear layer near the nozzle can significantly alter the jet's development. In contrast to commonly used low-amplitude forcing, this strong excitation appears to overwhelm the turbulence, having nearly the same effect at high and low Reynolds numbers. It can, therefore, be studied in detail by direct numerical simulation. Direct numerical simulations of Mach 0.9, Reynolds number 3.6 × 10 3 jets exhausting into quiescent fluid are conducted. Physically realistic slot jet actuators are included in the simulation by adding localized body-force terms to the governing equations. Three cases are considered in detail: a baseline unforced case and two cases that are forced with flapping modes at Strouhal numbers 0.2 and 0.4. (Sr = 0.4 was found to be the most amplified frequency in the unforced case.) Forcing at either frequency causes the jet to expand rapidly in the plane parallel with the actuators and to contract in the plane perpendicular to the actuators, as observed experimentally
The Synthesis, X-ray Structure Analysis, and Photoisomerization Assessment of the Acyclic Triazenes 4-[( E )-2-(biphenyl-4-yl)diazenyl]-morpholine and 1,3-Bis(biphenyl-4-yl)triazene

The acyclic triazenes 4-[(E)-2-(biphenyl-4-yl)diazenyl]-morpholine (1) and 1,3-bis(biphenyl-4-yl)triazene (2) were prepared and their X-ray crystal structures determined. Compound 1 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 29.153 (5) A, b = 6.0444 (14) A, c = 7.5997 (15) A, and β = 96.03 (1)°. Compound 2 crystallized as the 1/4 cyclohexane solvate in the triclinic space group P $$\bar{1}$$ with a = 10.3228 (10) A, b = 13.4541 (14) A, c = 15.4323 (15) A, α = 87.158 (4)°, β = 76.030 (4)° and γ = 71.492 (5)°. The N–N double bond in 1 and 2 adopted an (E)-configuration and had bond angles that ranged from 112.19 (9)° to 114.01 (13)°, which deviated from optimal trigonal planar geometry by 6°–8°. A degree of π-conjugation across the acyclic triazene moieties in compounds 1 and 2 was indicated by N–N double and single bond lengths that were respectively longer and shorter than the literature values for these types of bonds. The room temperature electronic absorption spectra of 1 and 2 in various solvents were both dominated by an intense band above 300 nm that was assigned to a combination of π → π* and n → π* transitions. Compounds 1 and 2 in acetonitrile and methanol solution were found to undergo trans → cis photoisomerization. The magnitudes of trans → cis rate constants were rationalized in terms of the degree of solvent stabilization of the dipolar resonance hybrid structure of the acyclic triazene subunits in 1 and 2. Irradiation of chloroform solutions of 1 and 2 caused trans → cis photoisomerization and radical decomposition to occur. The X-ray structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined and their photoisomerization kinetics explored.
Performance Of Wigner Distribution Function Based Detection Methods

As the first step in investigating uses of the Wigner distribution function (WD) for pattern recognition applications, we consider its use in a simple binary detection problem. Using the output signal-to-noise ratio as a performance measure, we show that WD based methods provide similar per­ formance to the conventional cross-correlator. We show that, by proper exten­ sion of the known reference signal, the computation involved in WD based methods can be reduced. Simulation results are provided to illustrate our theoretical conclusions.
The Significance of Void Ballots in West German Elections

In the 1961 federal election six per cent of West German voters failed to cast two valid votes under the single-ballot, two-vote German electoral system: 1.3 million voters cast their party list vote invalidly, while almost one million failed to vote validly for a district candidate. Since 1949—and 1953, when the present single-ballot, two-vote system was introduced —the development of the invalid vote has been as shown in Table I. Not only has the total invalid vote increased steadily, despite the counter-movement of first and second vote trends; it has also been exceptionally high in comparison to the Weimar Republic, Imperial Germany and other Western European countries. Thus in pre-Hitler Germany the invalid vote seldom exceeded 1 per cent of the poll. In postwar parliamentary elections in Scandinavia it has not yet exceeded 1 per cent while in Britain, Switzerland and Austria it has approached 2 per cent only in rare instances. In Fourth and Fifth Republic France spoiled and blank ballots have been constant at about 3 per cent of the poll. Only in isolated cases—for example, where compulsory voting is combined with a deep-seated social and political malaise, as in Belgium—has the invalid vote been comparable in proportion to that of Western Germany.
IMAGE CORRELATION TECHNIQUES IN RADIATION THERAPY TREATMENT PLANNING

Abstract A technique to spatially correlate multi-modality or serial imaging studies of the head is described. Surface fitting of a well defined structure in different imaging studies is used to determine the optimal three dimensional transformation between the coordinate systems. The transformation is then used to map volumes of interest between studies or to reslice the studies along comparable planes. The approach is feasible in the presence of variations in slice thickness, pixel size, imaging plane, or head position, and for correlations between different modalities. Correlations have been performed between serial CT, CT/MRI, and PET/Cr/MRI studies. Phantom studies and clinical cases are presented. Accuracy is typically on the order of the sum of the pixel sizes between studies. Applications in radiation therapy treatment planning are described.
Mediator Subunit MED28 (Magicin) Is a Repressor of Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation

Magicin, a protein that we isolated earlier as an interactor of the neurofibromatosis 2 protein merlin, was independently identified as MED28, a subunit of the mammalian Mediator complex. Mediator complex is an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional cofactor, which plays an essential role in positive and negative gene regulation. Distinct Mediator subunit composition is thought to contribute to gene regulation specificity based on the interaction of specific subunits with subsets of transcription factors. Here we report that down-regulation of Med28 expression in NIH3T3 cells results in a significant induction of several genes associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of MED28 represses expression of SMC genes, in concordance with our knockdown data. More importantly, multipotent mesenchymal-derived murine precursors can transdifferentiate into SMCs when Med28 is down-regulated. Our data also show that Med28 functions as a negative regulator of SMC differentiation in concert with other Mediator subunits including Med6, Med8, and Med18 within the Mediator head module. Our results provide strong evidence that MED28 may function as a scaffolding protein by maintaining the stability of a submodule within the head module and that components of this submodule act together in a gene regulatory program to suppress SMC differentiation. The results presented here demonstrate for the first time that the mammalian Mediator subunit MED28 functions as a repressor of SMC differentiation, which could have implications for disorders associated with abnormalities in SMC growth and differentiation, including atherosclerosis, asthma, hypertension, and smooth muscle tumors.
Statistically periodic processes and toeplitz(α by β) matrices

If each element in a Toeplitz matrix is replaced by an α byβ matrix and the original constraints preserved, the result is a doubly infinite matrix with periodic structure called a toeplitz(α byβ) matrix. Such matrices are a basic tool for describing, generating, estimating, filtering, synchronizing, and analyzing information-theoretic functions for statistically periodic processes.
Determination of Lead in Leaded Steels by X-Ray Spectroscopy

The determination of lead in leaded steel by x-ray spectroscopy is highly dependent on proper surface preparation because of the tendency toward smearing or removal of the lead. A metallographic preparation technique using diamond dust as the abrasive is shown to provide reproducible and accurate results even with appreciable changes in the particle size of the lead. This work is part of a cooperative program with the United States Steel Corporation in the preparation of a leaded-steel spectrochemical standard. Although certain inhomogeneities, both linear and radial, were observed by x-ray spectroscopy in the rods tested, suitable material has been selected for use as the National Bureau of Standards spectroscopic standard.
Mechanism of protein retention in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The retention of a number of proteins byalkylsilicas with phosphate buffer—isopropanol, buffer—ethanol and buffer—detergent mobile phases (all pH 2.1) was investigated. In each case the percentage of organic component was varied over a wide range without causing appreciable retention. However, a solution composition was reached where very small changes, less than 1% for the alcohols, caused dramatic increases in protein retention. Retention of proteins decreased with increased temperature. The mobile-phase composition was found to be characteristic of each protein at a given temperature so that separations could be achieved by careful selection of temperature and of buffer—organic component ratios. Calculations of the energy of interaction from surface tension and contact angel measurements supported the concept tht protein retention by alkylsilicas may be explained by Van der Waals interactions, and that the interactions may be attractive or repulsive depending on the surface tension of the mobile phase.
Structure and Sequence of the Gene Encoding Human Keratocan

Keratocan is one of the three major keratan sulfate proteoglycans characteristically expressed in cornea. We have isolated cDNA and genomic clones and determined the sequence of the entire human keratocan (Kera) gene. The gene is spread over 7.65 kb of DNA and contains three exons. An open reading frame starting at the beginning of the second exon encodes a protein of 352 aa. The amino acid sequence of keratocan shows high identity among mammalian species. This evolutionary conservation between the keratocan proteins as well as the restricted expression of Kera gene in cornea suggests that this molecule might be important in developing and maintaining corneal transparency.
A study of an axial-flow turbine for kinetic hydro power generation

Abstract The ancient notion of installing turbines directly in waterways, without the use of civil structures, has been reviewed recently. In an early study conducted for the New York Power Authority (NYPA), we reached conclusions regarding the resource and types of kinetic hydroenergy conversion systems (KHECS) which could be utilized. These studies established that a kinetic hydro-energy resource sufficient to warrant the development of devices to exploit it exists in New York State. A technology assessment yielded a number of types of devices which could be practical, while criteria including efficiency, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and near-term commercialization indicated an advantage to axial-flow propeller machines in both tidal flows and rivers. Rotor blades designed according to the Glauert theory were tested and produced the necessary high efficiency (nearly 80% of the theoretical maximum). Fixed-pitch rotor operating curves yielded good load matching with an induction generator. Since units must operate reliably underwater for extended periods, variable-blade pitch or variable-speed drive mechanisms add a degree of complexity which should be avoided, if possible. These factors have been accommodated by careful rotor design and selection of drive and generating components. The culmination of the study involves the design, fabrication, and testing of a grid-connected, full-scale prototype in New York's East River and the determination of the national resource. At the prototype level this research project incorporates various examples of environmental and other administrative permitting. The prototype experimental program is described. With respect to resource assessment, an investigation is being performed to determine which rivers of the U.S. are acceptable for KHECS utilization.
A Pilot Project to Manage Kepler-Derived Data in a Digital Object Repository

Staff at the Research Library at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) worked with LANL astrophysicists to archive data derived from Kepler Mission observations. The collaboration archived and preserved secondary data products so they could be linked with the research papers about the data. The large data volume, storage needed, and access issues dictated the need for the long-term management of the data. These data were used to classify stars, which were analyzed to determine more about their structure and makeup. This collaboration formed the basis of a pilot project, which used the DSpace digital object repository software.
The effects of phenytoin on in vitro protein synthesis in oral and non-oral tissues of the rat.

Abstract The incorporation of [ 3 H]-leucine into the acid-precipitable fraction was used to assess the rates of protein synthesis in slices of palatal mucosa, buccal mucosa, submandibular gland, liver, kidney and carrageenin granulomas. The addition of phenytoin (30 μg/ml) during the incubation of tissues from untreated animals caused: a decrease in [ 3 H]-leucine incorporation in buccal mucosa, liver, and granuloma; an increase in incorporation in palatal mucosa and submaxillary gland; no significant effect in kidney slices. The rates of protein synthesis in liver, kidney, submandibular gland, buccal mucosa and granuloma from animals receiving 100 mg/kg phenytoin daily for 16 days were lower than the comparable rates in tissues from untreated animals. Palatal mucosa from chronically treated animals was the only tissue which exhibited an accelerated rate of protein synthesis.
Probing the WHZ vertex in E 6 models at colliders

We consider the production of charged Higgs scalar bosons at ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and hadron colliders as a probe of the ${\mathrm{WHZ}}_{i}$ vertex which can be nonzero at the tree level in ${\mathrm{E}}_{6}$ models. Substantial cross sections at both kinds of colliders are possible but backgrounds are very substantial. These backgrounds can, in principle, be dealt with. ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ annihilation with a light ${Z}_{2}$ may offer the best hope of probing this new interaction.
Effects of Students' Race, Physical Attractiveness, and Dialect on Teachers' Evaluations.

Abstract The study was designed to assess the effects of a student's race, dialect, and physical attractiveness on teachers' evaluations. The students were of two races, black and white; three physical attractivenss levels, high, middle, and low; and they spoke one of two dialects, Black English or Standard English. Sixty-eight, white, elementary school teachers listened to each student's response and rated the student in terms of personality, quality of response, and current and future academic abilities. Analysis of the results showed that all main effects and interactions were significant. Generally, black students, Black English-speaking students, and low attractive students were rated lower. The results also revealed that teachers' ratings in the different areas were highly consistent with one another. Discussion centered around the results' implications for determining the cause(s) of black children's failure in school. The results provide some support for attributing these children's academic failures to their race and dialect rather than to their actual performance.
Substance P neuronal organization in the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus of the cat: an electron microscopic analysis.

Abstract The localization of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the interpeduncular nucleus using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, revealed that the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus was one area rich in substance P-like immunoreactive processes. The ultrastructural characteristics of these substance P-like immunoreactive processes and their organization within the middle zone of the median region of the interpeduncular nucleus was studied. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was found in the perikaryon of small neurons, and in proximal and small dendrites. The substance P-like immunoreactive cell bodies and proximal dendrites receive a variety of unlabeled synaptic terminals. The immunoreactive small dendrites usually formed the central component of a “rosette” like formation with unlabeled terminals. A few immunoreactive small unmyelinated axons and boutons were also present in the neuropil. The substance P-like immunoreactive boutons contained mainly small round vesicles with some large dense-core vesicles. These substance P-like immunoreactive boutons were presynaptic to unlabeled dendritic profiles, and frequently to substance P-like immunoreactive dendritic profiles. They were also seen in apposition to unlabeled boutons. Substance P-like immunoreactive boutons were not found to synapse with the crest-like dendritic processes in this part of the interpeduncular nucleus. It is suggested on the basis of morphological features, that some of the unlabeled terminals synapsing on substance P-like immunoreactive dendrities, may be cholinergic in nature.
Cantor polynomials and some related classes of OPRL

We explore the spectral theory of the orthogonal polynomials associated to the classical Cantor measure and similar singular continuous measures. We prove regularity in the sense of Stahl-Totik with polynomial bounds on the transfer matrix. We present numerical evidence that the Jacobi parameters for this problem are asymptotically almost periodic and discuss the possible meaning of the isospectral torus and the Szeg? class in this context.
Use of a duct-burning turbofan for an earth-to-orbit vehicle booster

The Space Shuttle will soon reduce the cost of transportation to orbit. The resulting traffic growth will lead to economic pressure for a new vehicle. Several vehicles have been studied. A supersonically staged system with twin turbojet boosters may be attractive but the development of a large supersonic turbojet engine would be required. Subsonic staging with a reasonable number of turbojet engines does not provide the desired payload capability with existing engines. The addition of a duct burner to an existing large turbofan engine provides sufficient thrust to allow the design of an attractive system with twin boosters staged subsonically.
The emerging model of subscription computing

Subscription computing is a package of computer and networking hardware, system and selected application software, and support services necessary to build and maintain a basic computing platform. The package commonly includes a suite of personal-productivity applications, add-ins, and utilities. Some providers include a wide range of business services through a portal. Subscription computing puts the pieces of a computing platform together as a service, rather than as a collection of separately purchased components.
The Polish‐Lithuanian commonwealth since 1989: National narratives in relations among Poland, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine

Those who hold that national identity amounts to an organic historical tradition are likely to believe that it directly influences policy, while those who consider it recent and constructed are apt to contend that it is manipulated by political elites. A third position holds that nationally conscious people create narratives which, while constrained by brute historical facts, invariably prove their right to statehood. National conflicts, then, are best predicted not by the actual precedent of bloodshed, but by the interactions of the narratives of neighbouring nations which have recently attained sovereignty. This argument is tested by the case of contemporary relations among Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine.
THE INTRAMOLECULAR DIELS-ALDER REACTION: STEREOCONTROL THROUGH NONSYNCHRONOUS BOND FORMATION.

Abstract Nonsynchronous bond formation in the transition state of the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction is suggested to be an important determinant of the stereochemical outcome of the cyclization.
Mercury Concentrations in Fish from Lake Meredith, Texas: Implications for the Issuance of Fish Consumption Advisories

We examined how length of fish is related to mercury concentrations in muscle tissue of seven species of fish from Lake Meredith, Texas and determined how sex and growth rate are related to mercury concentration in walleye (Sander vitreus). Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), walleye and white bass (Morone chrysops) had the highest concentrations of mercury and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) had the lowest concentrations of mercury. Mercury concentrations were positively correlated with total length (TL) of fish for all species except gizzard shad, which exhibited a negative correlation between mercury concentration and TL. Male walleye grew more slowly than females, and males had higher concentrations of mercury than females. We also assessed the differences in fish consumption advisories that would be issued using Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) guidelines versus United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommendations. Using DSHS guidelines, no fish species in Lake Meredith would be issued a fish consumption advisory. Nevertheless, DSHS has issued an advisory for walleye in Lake Meredith, possibly due to an inadequate sample size of fish. Using USEPA guidelines, a fish consumption advisory would be issued for the largest size class of flathead catfish but no advisory exists for flathead catfish in Lake Meredith. We suggest that when fish in a lake may be contaminated with mercury, all game fish in the lake should be assessed, and mercury advisories should take fish size into account.
An explanation for anode voltage drops in an MPD thruster

Thesis (Sc. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1993.
Protection of Hippocampal Neurogenesis from Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent Innate Immune Activation by Ablation of Prostaglandin E2 Receptor Subtype EP1 or EP2

Prostaglandin E2 is one of several eicosanoid products of the cyclooxygenase isozymes and is a key regulator of innate immune responses; it also possesses paracrine effects on mature neurons. The prostaglandin E2 receptor family consists of four subtypes of which EP1 and EP2 are known to be expressed by microglia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate immune activation leads to the degeneration of intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs) that are destined for neuronal maturation in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ); these cells can be identified by the expression of the transcription factor T-box brain gene 2 (Tbr2). Importantly, depletion of LPS-induced IPCs from the SGZ is suppressed by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. We therefore tested the hypothesis that either EP1 or EP2 is critical to LPS-induced depletion of Tbr2+ IPCs from the SGZ. Expression of either EP1 or EP2 was necessary for Toll-like receptor 4-dependent innate immune-mediated depletion of these Tbr2+ IPCs in mice. Moreover, EP1 activation was directly toxic to murine adult hippocampal progenitor cells; EP2 was not expressed by these cells. Finally, EP1 modulated the response of murine primary microglia cultures to LPS but in a manner distinct from EP2. These results indicate that prostaglandin E2 signaling via either EP1 or EP2 is largely to completely necessary for Toll-like receptor 4-dependent depletion of IPCs from the SGZ and suggest further pharmacological strategies to protect this important neurogenic niche.
Clinical significance of colorectal cancer: Metastases in lymph nodes <5 mm in size

Background: The clinical significance of metastases in small lymph nodes is not known. Our objective was to evaluate possible relationships between the number and size of lymph node metastases and survival after potentially curative colorectal resection. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in patients with Dukes' C (any T, N1–3, M0) colorectal cancers from July 31, 1971 to December 31, 1987. All specimens underwent the lymph node clearing technique. Statistical analysis was performed with the log rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: In 77 patients there were 253 (8%) of 3,087 cleared lymph nodes with metastases. One hundred seventy-five (69%) of these metastatic nodes were 5 mm or less in diameter. The distal margin of resection (p=0.011) and number of positive lymph nodes (p=0.036) were statistically significant factors influencing overall survival. There was no significant difference in overall survival (p=0.73) or disease-free survival (p=0.56) whether the involved lymph nodes were 5 mm in size. Conclusion: Most metastatic lymph nodes were <5 mm in diameter. Based on our results, the size of lymph node metastases do not affect disease-free or overall survival in colorectal carcinoma.
Snow mass in boreal forests derived from a modified passive microwave algorithm

With passive microwave snow data the most prominent error feature is the underestimation of snow mass during the winter, especially for North America. The reason why the microwave data underestimates snow mass primarily has to do with the effects of vegetation above snow fields. With the microwave data the emissivity of trees, especially dense conifers, can overwhelm the scattering signal which results when upwelling microwave energy is redistributed by snow crystals. The boreal forests which stretch across the northern tier of North America are perhaps the physiographic region where most of the difference occurs between the snow depth measurements based on climatological data and those based on microwave observations. Forests not only absorb some of the radiation scattered by snow crystals, but trees are also emitters of microwave radiation. So in forested areas the signal received by a radiometer on-board a satellite is produced by a combination of media. Generally, the denser the forest, the higher the microwave brightness temperature despite the type and condition of the media underlying the forest canopy. Furthermore, because the canopy shields the snow from direct solar radiation the deepest snow accumulates in the densest forests. However, if the fractional forest cover of a given microwave pixel can be accounted for in some way then microwave algorithms can be modified by including a forest cover parameter and estimates of snow depth will be improved. In this study we have used a vegetation index, derived from satellite brightness data, as an indicator of forest cover, and preliminary results show that this refined algorithm compares more favorably with climatological snow depths.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.