cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of biologically active human SPARC in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Human SPARC has been cloned by the polymerase chain reaction from an endothelial cell cDNA library and expressed inEscherichia colias a biologically active protein. Transcriptional expression of the insert cDNA was dependent on the activation of the T7 RNA polymerase promoter by isopropylgalactopyranoside. Two forms of recombinant SPARC (rSPARC) protein were recovered from BL21(DE3)E. coliafter transformation with the plasmid pSPARCwt: a soluble, monomeric form of rSPARC and an insoluble, aggregated form sequestered in inclusion bodies. The isolation of the soluble form of rSPARC was accomplished by anion-exchange, nickel-chelate affinity, and gel filtration chromatographies. The isolated protein was an intact, full-length polypeptide of 293 amino acids by the following criteria: N-terminal amino acid sequence, reaction with anti-SPARC immunoglobulins specific for N-terminal and C-terminal sequences, and interaction of the C-terminal histidine tag of rSPARC with a nickel-chelate affinity resin. Circular dichroism and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the conformation of rSPARC was dependent on interaction with Ca2+ions. The recombinant protein inhibited cell spreading and bound specifically to bovine aortic endothelial cells. Levels of bacterial endotoxin (
A hydraulic figure‐of‐merit for heart valve prostheses

The pressure losses in the currently available prostheses are too high. We believe an excellent way to focus designers' attention upon this fact is to rank the various designs according to their hydraulic efficiency. The proposal of this paper is for pressure drop vs. velocity data (pulsatile flow) to be taken similar to that of Figure 2, so that a pressure loss coefficient, Kv, based upon the valve lumen area can be found for each valve design; further, that this Kv be used to compare and rank the various valve designs. The fact that Kv is a dynamic loss coefficient guides designers toward its improvement, for this compares the prosthesis problem to many “solved” problems (propeller blade profiles, hydrofoil profiles, etc.) which are similar hydraulically. The confusion of the surgeon when confronted with conflicting claims regarding various prostheses would be largely eliminated by acceptance of Kv as a figure of hydraulic merit by those concerned with this aspect of biomedical engineering.
External manifestation of plate-like particle arrays inthe plasma membrane of Tetrahymena

Abstract Plate-like arrays of 3–4 nm particles were previously reported to occur on the P face of the plasma membrane of Tetrahymena . Surface replicas have now been prepared from frozen, deep-etched cells. These replicas demonstrate that plate-like arrays are manifested on the external surface of the plasma membrane. This observation lends support to the idea that the plate-like arrays have a receptor function related either to feeding or to mating behavior in Tetrahymena .
Reconstructing the neutron-star equation of state from astrophysical measurements

The properties of matter at ultrahigh densities, low temperatures, and with a significant asymmetry between protons and neutrons can be studied exclusively through astrophysical observations of neutron stars. We show that measurements of the masses and radii of neutron stars can lead to tight constraints on the pressure of matter at three fiducial densities, from 1.85 to 7.4 times the density of nuclear saturation, in a manner that is largely model independent and that captures the key characteristics of the equation of state. We demonstrate that observations with 10% uncertainties of at least three neutron stars can lead to measurements of the pressure at these fiducial densities with an accuracy of 0.11 dex or $\ensuremath{\simeq}30%$. Observations of three neutron stars with 5% uncertainties are sufficient to distinguish at a better than $3\ensuremath{\sigma}$ confidence level between currently proposed equations of state. In the electromagnetic spectrum, such accurate measurements will become possible for weakly magnetic neutron stars during thermonuclear flashes and in quiescence with future missions such as the International X-ray Observatory.
Imaging of myocardial dyssynchrony in congestive heart failure

Heart failure constitutes a major health problem in USA and Europe. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and _ blockers were shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with CHF. Yet, their effectiveness is limited. A significant number of patients with heart failure manifest myocardial conduction abnormalities. Conduction abnormalities, especially in the form of left bundle branch block (LBBB) may be associated with abnormal mechanical function. Several studies demonstrated that these patients may gain benefit from biventricular (BiV) pacing in terms of improvement in exercise tolerance, heart failure morbidity and even decreased mortality. BiV pacing was also associated with improvement in ejection fraction, reduction in the extent of mitral regurgitation and a decrease in cardiac size (reverse remodeling). However, a significant number of patients do not gain benefit from biventricular pacing despite having conduction abnormalities. The underlying reason is that the electrical activity may not closely reflect mechanical activity. Several imaging modalities and techniques have been proposed to improve the selection of patients who may benefit from biventricular pacemakers. Of those, echo-Doppler, and especially, Tissue Doppler Imaging has been demonstrated as important tools for evaluating patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and following their response. The advantages of echo include accessibility, portability, its cost and a high temporal resolution. Yet, it is limited by its acoustic windows and scanning angles. MRI is a useful tool for evaluating patients for CRT by providing 3-D image of myocardial function. However, it is limited for follow-up after implantation due to its cost and a potential damage to the patients or pacemakers. Dyssnchrony imaging is a rapidly evolving field. New imaging techniques such as speckle tracking are promising and close update is needed to keep track of the developments and the changes in this exciting field.
Measurement of the Thermal Energy Evolved upon Tablet Compression

AbstractThe increase in temperature that occurs when a granulation or powder is compressed into a tablet has long been of interest to pharmaceutical scientists. Not only can this rise in temperature be indicative of differences in formulations which affect their performance during the tabletting process, but it may also cause unforeseen changes in the final tablet. Exact measurements of this temperature rise and of the thermal energy released have proven to be elusive. The diversity in equipment used approximately equals the number of published studies. This is the first report in which an accurate temperature probe has successfully been placed within the powder bed being compacted. Using a measurement system of original design, both the temperature rise and thermal energy evolved have been measured for single component systems comprised of Avicel, calcium carbonate, Corn Starch USP, and sulfathiazole. Extension of this work will deal with reactive multicomponent systems
Plasma nanocoated carbon nanotubes for heat transfer nanofluids.

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were plasma-treated using glow discharges of argon, oxygen and methane/oxygen mixtures and then dispersed into a base fluid of water. It was found that proper plasma treatments of CNTs using nanoscale plasma coatings significantly improve the dispersion and stabilize the suspension of CNTs in the base fluid. With 0.01 vol% addition of plasma-treated CNTs, a 25% initial increase in thermal conductivity was achieved and a stabilized 20% increase was observed with the resulting nanofluids after 5 days' settling. It should particularly be pointed out that such a large increase in thermal conductivity was achieved when plasma-treated CNTs were stably dispersed in water without adding any dispersing agents or surfactants. Surface modification of the CNTs was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and ultra-thin (~2 nm) plasma nanocoatings were noted on the treated CNT surfaces by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Structural health monitoring of an inflatable boom subjected to simulated micrometeoroid/orbital debris damage

Inflatable-rigidizeable composite space structures are an emerging technology that could revolutionize the design of large on-orbit satellites. These structural systems have the advantages of low mass, high packaging efficiency, low life cycle cost, low part counts, and high deployment reliability. As they are rigidized on-orbit, they do not depend on internal pressure to maintain their shape once deployed. However, as thin-walled structures, micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) are still a potential threat to their structural integrity. Such impacts will create punctures on the structure of varying sizes related to the size and kinetic energy of the debris/meteorite. For closed-cell geometries, such as booms or struts, MMOD objects can penetrate the outer wall twice, once on initial impact and once upon exiting the structure. As impact damage and structural degradation will be cumulative over time, being able to monitor the structural integrity of these satellites would be of great interest. Impedance-based structural health monitoring schemes using distributed piezoelectric transducers are one possible approach. In this study, several Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) piezoelectric devices were installed on a representative space-inflatable rigidizeable composite boom and used in ground tests as collocated sensor-actuators for detecting and assessing simulated micrometeoroid/orbital debris strike damage. Electrical impedance signatures were compared before and after application of the simulated damage to determine the extent of the damage sustained. Both small and large footprint MFC piezocomposite sensor/actuators were shown to be effective in characterizing simulated MMOD punctures along the entire length of the boom.
Spatially-resolved electrochemistry of the lead sulfide (galena) (001) surface by electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract Electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to investigate the chemical and electrochemical reactions of naturally-occurring lead sulfide (galena) (001) surfaces. Both oxidation and reduction reactions are shown to be spatially anisotropic, involving almost exclusively atoms located at step edges. STM images show that the oxidation reaction PbS → Pb 2+ + S + 2e − occurs by removal of atoms from step edges, and that impurity-related defects on the surface lead to etch pit formation under oxidizing conditions. STM images at ambient lead concentrations reveal that the electrochemical reduction PbS + 2H + + 2e − → Pb 0 + H 2 S occurs exclusively by removal of material from step edges, with simultaneous formation of Pb(111) islands on the PbS terraces. Re-oxidation of the Pb islands causes regrowth of PbS at the step edges and the simultaneous disappearance of Pb islands from the terraces, indicating that this reaction is partially reversible at the atomic level. Using atomic-resolution images to establish the crystallographic orientation, it is shown that the rate of removal of material from step edges is directionally anisotropic and is fastest along the 〈100〉 directions, leaving behind steps with outward normal directed along the equivalent 〈110〉 directions.
Depletion-mode pseudomorphic In 0.22 Ga 0.78 As-channel MOSFETs with InAlP native oxide gate dielectric for RF applications

Pseudomorphic high electron-mobility transistors (pHEMTs) have demonstrated excellent high-speed, power and noise performance, and have been widely used in microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, as well as wireless and optoelectronic applications [1]. Replacing the Schottky gate contacts in pHEMTs with insulating metal-oxide-semiconductor structures (pMOSFETs) can result in increased allowable gate voltage swing, while at the same time suppressing gate current due to the higher effective gate potential barrier. Here we present the first pseudomorpic In 0.22 Ga 0.78 As-channel MOSFETs with InAlP native oxide gate dielectric operating in depletion mode with significant performance enhancement compared to prior GaAs-channel MOSFETs with same gate dielectric [2], indicating clear promise of such devices for future RF applications.
Can Bandwidth Estimation Tackle Noise at Ultra-high Speeds?

While existing bandwidth estimation tools have been shown to perform well on 100Mbps networks, they fail to do so at gigabit and higher network speeds. This is because finer inter-packet gaps are needed to probe for higher rates -- fine gaps are more susceptible to be disturbed by small-scale buffering-related noise. In this paper, we evaluate existing noise reduction techniques for tackling the issue, and show that they are ineffective on 10Gbps links. We propose a novel smoothing strategy, Buffering-aware Spike Smoothing (BASS), which can be applied effectively to both single-rate and multi-rate probing frameworks and help significantly in scaling bandwidth estimation to ultra-high speed networks. Besides, we provide first evidence that accurate bandwidth estimation using our strategy can help improve the performance of congestion-control protocols on real 10Gbps networks.
Secure, Autonomous, Intelligent Controller for Integrating Distributed Sensor Webs

This paper describes the infrastructure and protocols necessary to enable near-real-time commanding, access to space-based assets, and the secure interoperation between sensor webs owned and controlled by various entities. Select terrestrial and aeronautics-base sensor webs will be used to demonstrate time-critical interoperability between integrated, intelligent sensor webs both terrestrial and between terrestrial and space-based assets. For this work, a Secure, Autonomous, Intelligent Controller and knowledge generation unit is implemented using Virtual Mission Operation Center technology.
Fire and vegetation type effects on soil hydrophobicity and infiltration in the sagebrush-steppe: I. Field analysis

Soil water repellency, infiltration, and fire severity were evaluated at 235 locations within a sagebrush-steppe ecosystem in southern Idaho, USA, after a 78,000 ha wildfire. Fire frequency in the sagebrush-steppe has increased dramatically in the last century due to the proliferation of introduced annual weeds. Wildfire in shrub-steppe can increase runoff and erosion by decreasing vegetation cover and increasing soil hydrophobicity. Soil water repellency was measured with the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test and relative infiltration rates were measured by the mini-disc infiltrometer (MDI). Shrub-dominated locations showed highest water repellency in areas of moderate fire severity and infiltration rate was inversely related to distance from individual sagebrush plants. Highest water repellency in grass-dominated areas was also associated with moderate fire severity. Likewise, the lowest relative mean infiltration rates occurred in shrub-dominated or grass-dominated areas of moderate fire severity. These findings indicate that land management strategies should be targeted towards moderate fire severity areas.
Central Nervous System Expression of a Monoclonal Paraprotein in a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patient

An unusual complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is reported. The patient, a 79-year-old man, had a long standing history of CLL, that had been complicated by the development of a Guillain-Barre-like syndrome and a peripheral biclonal gammopathy. The biclonal immunoglobulins identified in the serum were IgM lambda and IgG lambda. The patient's condition progressed and he eventually developed ophthalmologic complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained during evaluation of his visual dysfunction contained numerous small, mature lymphocytes consistent with the presence of CLL cells in the central nervous system (CNS); immunoperoxidase staining of these cells revealed a monoclonal population. Protein electrophoretic evaluation of the patient's CSF showed a single monoclonal band and immunofixation electrophoresis of the CSF revealed that the immunoglobulin present was IgG lambda. No evidence for the monoclonal IgM paraprotein identified in serum could be appreciated in the CSF by immunofixation. Taken together, these findings strongly implied that there was CNS involvement by the leukemia and this process caused the patient's neurologic symptoms. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that chronic lymphocytic leukemia should also be considered as one of the hematopoietic malignancies associated with monoclonal gammopathies involving the CNS.
Transmission through and wave guidance on metal plates perforated by periodic arrays of through-holes of subwavelength coaxial cross-section

Perfect electrically conducting (PEC) plates perforated by doubly periodic arrays of through-holes of subwavelength coaxial cross-section permit enhanced transmission of plane waves and support surface wave guidance. The transmission enhancement is attributed to coupling of free-space fields to TEM and TE11 modal fields in holes and occurs via two distinct mechanisms. The first couples incident fields to local resonances (cavity modes) supported by individual holes. The second couples scattered fields (diffraction modes) to global resonances (surface waves). The surface waves arise due to strong interactions between the holes and can have a large propagation wavenumber. The presented PEC model is adequate in the microwave and terahertz regimes and insights into related wave phenomena at optical frequencies.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1554–1558, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22484
From the Editor: A Little Something for (Almost) Everyone

Over the course of its 70? year history, family therapy has grown from being comprised of a small group of innovative thinkers and practitioners known mostly to themselves into a large and diverse field that has worldwide recognition as an effective means for helping individuals, couples, and families. What is more, this field is made up of an ever expanding group of professionals who play many different roles and have a wide range of interests. Such variety, of course, is essential and speaks to the health and long-term viability of the field. That is, without the expansion and development of theory our approaches would likely become outmoded and less effective. Without educators and supervisors trainees in the field would have nowhere to turn for the instruction necessary to become well-qualified professionals. Without close scrutiny of our approaches and assessment tools we might find ourselves doing more harm than good. Thus it is important that journals such as Contemporary Family Therapy continue to support and encourage the various roles and interests of the field’s members. Sometimes this happens with special editions comprised of articles devoted to a single topic. Other times journal editors create several sections, with each article fitting into a particular category. And then there are instances, as with the current edition, when there is such a range of topics that there seems to be a little something for (almost) everyone. Accordingly, the menu for this edition follows, with interest group indicated for each. My hope is that readers will find one or more articles that relate(s) to a current area of interest as well as articles that expand their focus to include other areas for exploration. Given the international nature of this journal, I also have indicated the authors’ country of origin at the end of each article summary. For those interested in education-informed practice and practice-informed education: ‘‘The Importance of Spirituality in Couple and Family Therapy: A Comparative Study of Therapists’ and Educators’ Beliefs’’ by Thomas Stone Carlson, Christi McGeorge, and Amy Anderson sheds light on differences and similarities between those teaching and those practicing relative to the incorporation of spirituality in therapy with clients (USA).
S-Ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) and 2,2-dichloro-N,N-di-2-propenylacetamide (Dichlormid) inhibitions of synthesis of acetyl-coenzyme A derivatives

Abstract [2-14C]Acetate incorporation into acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Stacy) chloroplasts was inhibited by S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC, 0.01 μM) and the inhibition was reversed by 90 μM acetate. [2-14C]Pyruvate was converted to acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) in wheat chloroplasts and the conversion was inhibited by EPTC (0.01 μM). The inhibition was reversed by 90 μM pyruvate. Production of NADH by wheat (cv. Holly) mitochondrial PDC was inhibited 10% by 3.3 10−14 M EPTC and 90% by 0.33 μM EPTC. Mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activity was inhibited 65% by 0.033 μM EPTC. Dichlormid (2,2-dichloro-N,N-di-2-propenylacetamide, 0.01 μM) inhibited the incorporation of [2-14C]acetate into wheat chloroplast acetyl-CoA and the inhibition was reversed by 90 μM acetate. Dichlormid (0.01 μM) also inhibited the chloroplastic conversion of [2-14C]pyruvate into acetyl-CoA and partially reversed the inhibition by EPTC (0.1 μM) of conversion of [2-14C]pyruvate to acetyl-CoA.
Parasite-stress, cultures of honor, and the emergence of gender bias in purity norms

Of the many far-reaching implications of Fincher & Thornhill's (F&T's) theory, we focus on the consequences of parasite stress for mating strategies, marriage, and the differing roles and restrictions for men and women. In particular, we explain how examination of cultures of honor can provide a theoretical bridge between effects of parasite stress and disproportionate emphasis on female purity.
A children's oral health status index based on dentists' judgment.

The development of this index for children is explained in terms of carious teeth, occlusion, teeth position, and missing teeth. Clinical application is discussed for three subject areas. Four variables can be easily measured to provide a practical means of appraising pediatric populations.
The role of perched aquifers in hydrological connectivity and biogeochemical processes in vernal pool landscapes, Central Valley, California

Relatively little is known about the role of perched aquifers in hydrological, biogeochemical, and biological processes of vernal pool landscapes. The objectives of this study are to introduce a perched aquifer concept for vernal pool formation and maintenance and to examine the resulting hydrological and biogeochemical phenomena in a representative catchment with three vernal pools connected to one another and to a seasonal stream by swales. A combined hydrometric and geochemical approach was used. Annual rainfall infiltrated but perched on a claypan/duripan, and this perched groundwater flowed downgradient toward the seasonal stream. The upper layer of soil above the claypan/duripan is ∼0·6 m in thickness in the uplands and ∼0·1 m in thickness in the vernal pools. Some groundwater flowed through the vernal pools when heads in the perched aquifer exceeded ∼0·1 m above the claypan/duripan. Perched groundwater discharge accounted for 30–60% of the inflow to the vernal pools during and immediately following storm events. However, most perched groundwater flowed under or around the vernal pools or was recharged by annual rainfall downgradient of the vernal pools. Most of the perched groundwater was discharged to the outlet swale immediately upgradient of the seasonal stream, and most water discharging from the outlet swale to the seasonal stream was perched groundwater that had not flowed through the vernal pools. Therefore, nitrate-nitrogen concentrations were lower (e.g. 0·17 to 0·39 mg l−1) and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were higher (e.g. 5·97 to 3·24 mg l−1) in vernal pool water than in outlet swale water discharging to the seasonal stream. Though the uplands, vernal pools, and seasonal stream are part of a single surface-water and perched groundwater system, the vernal pools apparently play a limited role in controlling landscape-scale water quality. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental frequency of tapered plates by the method of eigensensitivity analysis

The fundamental frequency of a rectangular isotropic plate having a linear thickness variation is computed using the method of eigensensitivity analysis. The approach incorporates eigen derivatives to evaluate a Maclaurin series representation of the desired eigenvalue, here the fundamental frequency. Comparison with published results, for various taper ratios, aspect ratios, and support conditions, demonstrates the accuracy and utility of the expression and methodology.
The Evolution of the Normal Distribution

(2006). The Evolution of the Normal Distribution. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 79, No. 2, pp. 96-113.
Acute pancreatitis in association with cytosine arabinoside therapy

This paper reports the association of acute pancreatitis coincident with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-c) therapy in a single patient on at least two occasions. The patient had previously received L-asparaginase, but the last dose had been given 4 months prior to the onset of pancreatitis. A literature review provided two more cases of pancreatitis associated with Ara-c therapy in patients previously treated with L-asparaginase. In view of the extreme rarity of pancreatitis in patients receiving Ara-c, the possibility arises that prior treatment with L-asparaginase may predispose the pancreas to this complication.
LACK OF CORRELATION BETWEEN INTERCURRENT INFECTION AND GROWTH FAILURE IN CHILDREN WITH HIV INFECTION. 1010

Weight loss in adults with advanced HIV infection has been shown to correlate with the occurrence of episodes of acute infection. Likewise, weight loss in adults and growth failure in children have been indicators of disease progression. We sought to determine whether episodes of acute infection could be correlated with growth failure in children. Weights were obtained from the clinic records of 31 HIV-infected children at 2 month intervals with an average of 9.5 intervals for each child. All children at all visits were weighed in light clothing using the same scale. These measurements were normalized by converting the weights into z-scores (GrowTrak, Genentech). The problem list was reviewed to identify any infections that occurred during the preceding 2 month interval. Contingency tables were constructed by coding each interval according to whether there was a change in the weight z-score of >±0.3. Smaller variations were recorded as no change. An interval infection was recorded as present or not present. 183 infections occurred in 135 of a total of 294 intervals, with the most common being viral upper respiratory illnesses and otitis media; 16 were opportunistic. The 5 episodes of varicella were all uncomplicated. 12 patients were CDC immunologic class 1, 11 class 2, and 8 class 3. There was no correlation between growth failure and interval infection events among all children, nor when each immunologic class was analyzed separately. Adults with advanced HIV infection experience more opportunistic infections, while children experience more frequent episodes of common childhood infections that do not appear correlated with growth failure.
Women, Text and the Canon: the Strange Case of 1 Corinthians 14:33-35:

Just when 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 could become the first passage in the Pauline collection to be assigned interpolation status by the common consent of Pauline scholars, certain feminist scholars ha...
Cocaine stimulates Endothelin-1 release through the Dopamine (D1) receptor and Mitogenactivated kinase activity (MAPK) in cultured Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial cells. • 110

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a novel endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor peptide that induces a potent and sustained vasoconstrictive effect on a variety of blood vessels, may play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and local blood flow. Disturbed endothelial function and endothelin release appears to be involved in the hypertensive process. Cocaine exposure has been associated with accelerated and increased development of hypertension in individuals with previous intrauterine cocaine exposure, as well as recreational drug users, suggesting a long term effect of cocaine drug exposure on the developing or developed vasculature. Cocaine directly augments immunoreactive ET-1 (irET-1) release in cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC's) (Cardiovas Res, 1996). The receptor and cellular signaling mechanisms involved in cocaine induced ET-1 release were investigated. Using the selective Angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker, Losartan, and the Dopamine receptor (D1) blocker, SCH23390, the effects of receptor blockage on cocaine stimulated irET-1 release was determined by radioimmunoassay. Cells treated with cocaine (10-5M) or cocaine and Losartan resulted in augmented ET-1 release. In contrast, SCH23390(10-5M) treatment of cocaine exposed cells prevented the cocaine stimulated endothelin-1 release. Furthermore, cocaine treatment of endothelial cells resulted in increased expression of mitogen-activated kinase activity as demonstrated by induction of p42MAPK (ERK 2). These results support the hypothesis that the D1 receptor and activation of phosphoproteins, specifically the MAPK signal transduction pathway, are mechanisms involved in cocaine stimulated ET-1 release in the endothelium.
Using Single Subject Methodology To Improve Decision-Making in Stuttering Treatment

With the proliferation of evidence-based practice and the need to quantify therapy effects, it is imperative for speech-language pathologists to adapt a systematic approach when planning therapy. I...
Simultaneous polymerization and molding of pyrrone polymers

Our previously reported one-step method of simultaneously polymerizing and molding pyrrone monomers to produce high-strength, high-modulus, dense, thermally stable moldings has been studied in more detail and improved by using crystalline 1 : 1 salts of the monomers. Interrelationships between molding powder characteristics and molding conditions required to achieve optimum polymer properties were investigated. Typical properties of the moldings obtained from the salt of pyromellitic anhydride and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine were: density, 1.29 g/cc; diametral tensile strength, 10,700 psi; ultrasonic modulus, 1.3 × 106 psi; hardness, 80 Rockwell B; and thermal stability in air (at 0.5°C/min), 400°C. Quick TGA methods, applied to the salts for estimating the thermal stability of molded polymers, before actual polymerization and molding, have been developed. No problems associated with gas release are observed when molding conditions have been optimized.
A useful test of temperature dependency of cluster populations under saturation conditions: the Ar2 case

Abstract The argon vapour in equilibrium with the condensed Ar phase is treated as mixture of the monomer and dimer. The gas-phase composition is evaluated using the calculated dimerization equilibrium constant and the observed saturated pressure (in the temperature region 80–150 K). Regardless of the approximation used for the equilibrium constant evaluation, the dimer mole fraction x2 in its equilibrium mixture with monomer at saturated pressure exhibits a clear temperature increase in the temperature interval. This conclusion is consistent with recent findings of such a temperature increase with other saturated cluster-containing vapours.
Rural hospitals under PPS: a five-year study.

: This research examines the impact of prospective payment (PPS) on the financial performance of Kansas hospitals, which are predominantly rural. Financial ratios are presented and regressed on bed size and year. The data suggest that bed size has the strongest effect on financial viability. There are indications of a delayed effect of PPS on the rural, smallest hospitals (fewer than 25 beds), suggesting that non-operating sources of revenue (local property tax mill levies) are being used to subsidize them in the short term. Small hospitals appear to be delaying all capital and long-term costs to survive. The research suggests that the effect of PPS may be long term.
Analysis of irregular current and voltage wave shapes found in industrial power engineering

THE industrial power application engineer is faced more and more with the problem of resolving the properties of irregular wave shapes of current and voltage. This is due to the ever-increasing use of current-limiting fuses, electronic switching devices, magnetic amplifiers, gaseous discharge tubes, lamps, etc. For the most part, the quantities to be resolved are: the current-time product (? idt), and the summation of the current squared-time product (? i2 dt). From the former are derived average, and from the latter root-mean-square values of current. Which of these two is desired in a particular problem will depend upon whether the effects being studied are responsive to the first power or to the second power of the current.
Ex vivo expansion of apheresis-derived peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitors.

Because the administration of hematopoietic growth factors and the use of stem cell support often fails to alleviate the neutropenic phase induced by cytotoxic drugs, several investigators have attempted to expand ex vivo hematopoietic progenitors for clinical use. These attempts have clearly shown that the cultured cells are functional and can be safely administered to patients, but that the in vivo performance is disappointing and the concept as a whole is not yet clinically useful. The major reasons for these unsuccessful attempts are thought to be cumbersome cell fractionation techniques, contamination, prolonged incubation, and the use of less than ideal cytokine combinations. In response, we have developed a simple procedure for ex vivo expansion of myeloid progenitor cells. In this assay, unfractionated mononuclear cells from apheresis donors are incubated in nonpyrogenic plastic bags for 7 days in the presence of culture medium either containing fetal calf serum or human plasma, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and stem cell factor. We have demonstrated that under these conditions the number of colony-forming units (CFU) granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) and of CFU-granulocyte-macrophage-erythroid-megakaryocyte (CFU-GEMM) increased 7- and 9-fold, respectively, by day 7 and the number of burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E) increased 2.7-fold by day 5 of culture. Significant increases in the numbers of cells expressing CD34+, CD34+/CD38+, CD34+/CD33+, CD34+/CD15+, and CD34+/CD90+ and significant declines in the numbers of cells expressing CD34+/CD38- and CD19 surface antigens were also observed. The relative numbers of cells expressing T-cell markers and CD56 surface antigen did not change. By using different concentrations of various hematopoietic growth factor combinations, we can increase the number of mature and immature cells of different hematopoietic lineages. J. Clin. Apheresis 17:7–16, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Melatonin Rhythm Onset in the Adult Siberian Hamster: Influence of Photoperiod But Not 60-Hz Magnetic Field Exposure on Melatonin Content in the Pineal Gland and in Circulation:

To determine the relationship between pineal melatonin production and its appearance in circulation, the rising phase of the pineal and serum melatonin rhythm was studied in the adult Siberian hamster. Melatonin concentrations increased in the pineal gland and in serum at 1.50 and 1.75 h, respectively, relative to lights off in long days (16 h of light/day) and at 2.00 and 2.75 h, respectively, in short days (10 h of light/day). Thus, a photoperiod-dependent melatonin rise in circulation lagged production by the pineal gland by 0.50 h—a delay of 0.75 h in short-day hamsters versus 0.25 h in long-day hamsters. Following initiation of this rise, concentrations that were typical of the nighttime peak were achieved within 2 h of melatonin rhythm onset, regardless of photoperiod. To determine whether clock control of the rising phase of the melatonin rhythm, in the absence of photoperiod cues, may be disrupted by perturbations in the ambient magnetic field, hamsters in constant darkness were acutely exposed to...
A VARIABLE NEIGHBORHOOD DECOMPOSITION SEARCH METHOD FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROBLEMS

Abstract Few models have been developed for the integrated planning and scheduling of the inventory, production and distribution functions. In this paper, we consider a three-stage supply chain, for which a sustainable inventory–production–distribution plan over a multi-period horizon is constructed. The associated program takes the form of a general mixed-integer program, for which the sole reliance upon exact methods is shown to be insufficient. We use a solution algorithm based on the variable neighborhood decomposition search metaheuristics, that can be seen as a stagewise exploration of increasingly large neighborhoods. The stages are related to the decomposition scheme, i.e., the order on which integrality conditions are restored. Within each stage, a sequence of neighborhoods is defined relying on the variable neighborhood search metaheuristics, while the exploration of the successive neighborhoods is performed using a branch-and-bound algorithm. The methodology is validated through its application to a problem faced by a large supply chain. Empirical results show that (i) the methodology performs best when the decomposition scheme accounts for the possibility of resources bottleneck, (ii) the primary source of savings originates from the distribution function and (iii) congestion must be defined with respect to the availability of the distribution resources at the periods with high requirements.
Cytotaxonomy and phylogeny in certain species of Taxodiaceae.

Various species ofTaxodiaceae were selected for chromosome studies to indicate cytotaxonomic and phylogenetic relationships. Point dispersal patterns of diagrammatic presentations of the species' karyotypes, rather than marker chromosomes, were found to be the most significant cytotaxonomic characteristic in indicating phylogenetic relationships. Karyotypic evolution inTaxodiaceae appears to occur by unequal reciprocal translocations followed by pericentric and paracentric inversions. Cytotaxonomic relationships among species generally correspond to the phylogenetic relationships withinTaxodiaceae indicated by classical taxonomic classification. Presence and types of marker chromosomes may have the potential to indicate relationships between different coniferous families.
DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID FROM THE CHLOROPLASTS OF EUGLENA GRACILIS.

Abstract 1. 1. DNA preparations from Euglena chloroplasts were found to contain a major component with a density of 1.684 in addition to the nuclear component with a density of 1.708. Partial lysis of the chloroplasts resulted in the removal of the nuclear component. A component with a density of approx. 1.692 was also associated with the chloroplast preparations. 2. 2. The temperature of melting of the chloroplast DNA was 78–80°, as compared to 89–91° for the nuclear DNA. 3. 3. Nucleotide analysis of the chloroplast DNA indicates an overall G+C content of about 25 mole%. The 5-methylcytosine of Euglena DNA is concentrated in the nuclear material. 4. 4. The amount of DNA per chloroplast appears to be about the same as that in an Escherichia coli cell. 5. 5. The nucleotide composition of the ribosomal RNA of Euglena chloroplasts seems to be influenced by that of the chloroplast DNA.
Use of pedicle flaps of skin for closure of perianal and sacral defects.

Chronic ulcerations and portions of actinodermatitis near and around the anus sometimes require pedicle flaps of skin for repair. The types of flaps which offer the most satisfactory results for this purpose have been described.
Simplified treatment of collective instabilities in matter

Abstract By exploiting the simplicity emerging when the temperature is small in comparison with the Fermi energy, it is possible to treat the collective modes in unstable nuclear matter on a nearly analytical form. Some of the key results are outlined and illustrated.
Abstract 4293: In vivo imaging and tracking of a PARP inhibitor at single-cell resolution

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL PARP is an enzyme involved in sensing single-stranded DNA breaks and plays a critical role in the organization of DNA damage repair. Several PARP inhibitors have been developed for clinical use, particularly in breast and ovarian cancers with BRCA mutations. Despite the scientific rationale and promising early clinical results with PARP inhibitors, more advanced clinical trials in breast cancer have been disappointing. One of the questions arising from these trials is to better understand why the PARP inhibitors failed. We used a window-chamber system in mice to image the distribution and function of model PARP inhibitors such as AZD2281-Bodipy. Specifically, we measured the kinetics of vascular, cellular, and subcellular uptake and distribution of AZD2281-Bodipy in breast (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436) and ovarian (OVCAR429, A2780) tumors over time. Additionally, using the fluorescently-labeled inhibitor, we were able to examine the heterogeneity of AZD2281 localization in single cancer cells in vivo. Our data provide the first example of single-cell distribution of fluorescent small molecule inhibitors. When coupled with reporter cell lines (e.g. for apoptosis, DNA damage, autophagy, and senescence), this approach will be a powerful tool to understand drug action in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4293. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4293
Examining Early Intentional Communication in Down's Syndrome and Nonretarded Children

This study examined the communicative intentions encoded by a group of normally developing preschool children and a group of Down's syndrome children matched for cognitive level and general linguistic abilities. the results revealed no significant differences between groups with respect to their use of a variety of intentional communicative behaviours. These findings suggest that young retarded children at a two-word stage of linguistic development may be as flexible and diverse in their use of language during social interactions as are nonretarded children.
First- and second-order motion perception in Gabor micropattern stimuli: psychophysics and computational modelling

This paper examines the perception of first- and second-order motion in human vision. In an extension of previous work by Boulton and Baker [J.B. Boulton, C.L. Baker, Motion detection is dependent on spatial frequency not size, Vision Res., 31 (1991) 77-87; J.B. Boulton, C.L. Baker, Different parameters control motion perception above and below a critical density, Vision Res., 33 (1993) 1803-1811], the direction of two-frame apparent motion is measured for stimuli composed of Gabor or Gaussian micropatterns. Three conditions are investigated. Condition 1 is that used by Boulton and Baker, in which motion is defined by the displacement of Gabor micropatterns. In condition 2, motion is defined by the displacement of Gaussian micropatterns. In condition 3, the envelopes of Gabor micropatterns are displaced while their carriers remain static. Using sparsely distributed micropatterns, direction judgements in all three conditions are determined by the spacing of the micropatterns. With a dense stimulus, direction judgements vary as a function of displacement in qualitatively different ways for the three conditions. The psychophysical results are predicted by a two-channel computational model. In one channel, motion is calculated directly from stimulus luminance, while in the other it is preceded by a texture-grabbing operation. The relative activities of the two channels dictates which governs direction judgements for any given stimulus.
Messages That High School World History Textbooks Convey. Challenges for Multicultural Literacy.

(1994). Messages That High School World History Textbooks Convey: Challenges for Multicultural Literacy. The Social Studies: Vol. 85, No. 6, pp. 268-274.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Anaerobic Bacteria to Josamycin

A total of 132 strains of anaerobic bacteria were tested for susceptibility to josamycin, using a broth dilution technique. All strains of Peptococcus species, Peptostreptococcus species, and Bacteroides fragilis were inhibited by 2 mug or less per ml. Seventy percent of these susceptible strains were also killed by 2 mug or less of josamycin per ml. However, 2 of 12 Clostridium species and 6 of 10 Fusobacterium species had minimum inhibitory concentrations of 32 mug or more per ml.
Regulation of hormone-sensitive lipase in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Insulin deficiency as seen in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus causes an activation of lipolysis in adipose tissue that results in hydrolysis of stored triglycerides and release of large amounts of fatty acids into the plasma, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is thought to be the rate-limiting enzyme of lipolysis in adipose tissue. This study was designed to examine the effects of insulin deficiency on the regulation of HSL in isolated adipocytes. Insulin deficiency was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin. After 8 days, some animals were treated with insulin, and all animals were killed 10 days after induction of insulin deficiency. Compared with levels in control rats, 10 days of insulin deficiency increased HSL activity twofold (P < .05), as assayed for neutral cholesterol esterase activity, and insulin treatment returned HSL activity to normal. HSL protein was increased twofold (P < .05) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, as estimated by immunoblotting, but remained elevated after insulin treatment. Levels of HSL mRNA assessed by Northern blot analysis also increased twofold (P < .01) in adipose cells isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, and remained elevated after insulin treatment. In conclusion, our studies suggest that 10 days of insulin deficiency increases HSL expression via pretranslational mechanisms and short-term insulin treatment returns HSL activity to normal via posttranslational mechanisms in adipose tissue.
Marital status as a predictor of survival in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: The Washington, DC dilated cardiomyopathy study

Marital status and other socioeconomic and clinical factors were examined as predictors of survival in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using data from a hospital-based study in Washington, DC. Twenty-five (18.1%) of the cases (n = 138) were single, 66 (47.8%) were married, 25 (18.1%) were divorced or separated, and 22 (15.9%) were widowed. Married patients were more likely to be male, to have an annual household income grater than $15,000, and to live with another person (p ⩽ 0.01) as compared with those who were single, widowed, divorced or separated. Widowed patients were older on average and more likely to abstain from drinking alcohol. The cumulative survival among widowed patients at 12 and 24 months was 54.6 and 48.5%, respectively, as compared with 75.8 and 59.0% among single patients and 80.0 and 71.2% among married patients. The survival of divorced or separated patients was relatively good with a cumulative survival of 84.0% at both 12 and 24 months. Older age, lower ejection fraction, ventricular arrhythmias, bundle branch block, and marital status were significant predictors of survival in univariate analysis using the proportional hazards model. In multivariable analysis, age, race, ejection fraction, and marital status were statistically significant independent predictors of survival, with single patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy having a poorer survival than those who were married (adjusted RR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–6.2, p < 0.05). The observed association with marital status may be explained by psychosocial factors not examined in the present study such as quality of social network or psychological stress.