cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo assay of protein synthesizing capacity of Escherichia coli from slowly growing chemostat cultures.

Abstract The incorporation of short pulses of [ 14 C]guanine and [ 14 C]tryptophan by chemostat cells grown with different nutrient limitations throughout a “shift-up” into enriched medium containing glucose, sulfate, vitamins and amino acids, but not purines and very little or no tryptophan was followed. We found that the increase in the rate of protein synthesis following the shift-up of a sulfate-limited chemostat paralleled the cumulative increase in net RNA. On the other hand, the rate of protein synthesis in glucose-limited or in alanine-limited cells increased abruptly 4.4- to 6.6-fold immediately after the shift, and after the initial spurt also increased at a rate that paralleled cumulative net RNA synthesis. We interpret these results to mean that in the case of carbon-limitation, but not in the case of sulfate-limitation, there is a change in the efficiency of protein synthesis per unit amount of RNA immediately after the shift. It is also concluded that virtually all the RNA in carbon-limited cells can become functional but only a small fraction of the RNA of sulfate-limited cells becomes functional.
The role of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in nonimage-forming responses to light

Light exerts many effects on behavior and physiology. These effects can be characterized as either image-forming or nonimage-forming (NIF) visual processes. Image-forming vision refers to the process of detecting objects and organisms in the environment and distinguishing their physical characteristics, such as size, shape, and direction of motion. NIF vision, in contrast, refers to effects of light that are independent of fine spatiotemporal vision. NIF effects are many and varied, ranging from modulation of basal physiology, such as heart rate and body temperature, to changes in higher functions, such as mood and cognitive performance. In mammals, many NIF effects of light are dependent upon the inner retinal photopigment melanopsin and the cells in which melanopsin is expressed, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). The ipRGCs project broadly throughout the brain. Many of these projections terminate in areas known to mediate NIF effects, while others terminate in regions whose link to photoreception remains to be established. Additionally, the presence of ipRGC projections to areas of the brain with no known link to photoreception suggests the existence of additional ipRGC-mediated NIF effects. This review summarizes the known NIF effects of light and the role of melanopsin and ipRGCs in driving these effects, with an eye toward stimulating further investigation of the many and varied effects of light on physiology and behavior.
Poly[[aquacopper(II)]-μ-adamantane-1,3-diacetato]

In the title compound, [Cu(C14H18O4)(H2O)]n, each CuII atom bonds to four O atoms of four adamantanediacetate (ada) ligands in equatorial positions and an O atom from a water mol­ecule in the apical position. Two adjacent CuII atoms form a paddle-wheel unit with four ada ligands. The distance between the two Cu atoms is 2.5977 (3) A. A crystallographic inversion center is located at the center of the Cu–Cu core. Each Cu2(ada)4 paddle-wheel further bonds to four adjacent identical paddle-wheel units, generating a two-dimensional layered structure of Cu(ada)(H2O) with a 44 topology.
[3 5S]Sulfate incorporation into myelin glycoproteins I. Central nervous system

Abstract The in vivo incorporation of [3 5S]sulfate and [3H]fucose into rat brain myelin was investigated. Most of the 3 5S in the myelin was in sulfatide, but about 4% was associated with the residual proteins after chloroform/methanol extraction. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of these proteins indicated that the major 3 5S-labeled component corresponded to the major fucose-labeled glycoprotein. The labeling of this predominant glycoprotein with sulfate was more selective than with fucose, since there was relatively little incorporation of sulfate into some of the minor fucose-labeled glycoproteins. There was little or no 3 5S associated with proteolipid or basic protein on polyacrylamide gels. The fucose-labeled glycoproteins were converted to glycopeptides by pronase digestion and separated into two major classes by gel filtration on Sephadex-G50. Only the higher molecular weight class contained significant amounts of 3 5S. The association of 3 5S with the glycopeptides was not due to binding of sulfatide or free inorganic sulfate. The results indicate that the predominant myelin-associated glycoprotein in rat brain is sulfated.
Units of word recognition: Evidence for developmental changes

A recent study in word recognition with college students indicated that holistic processing occurs with regular orthography while component processing occurs with-mirror-image text. In this study, which investigated the unit of word recognition as a function of grade level, subjects from grades two, four, six, and college judged single words to be in animal or nonanimal categories. Words were in regular orthography and varied in length from three to six letters. The latency analysis indicated significant effects for grade level and word length. The critical interaction effect was also significant, indicating a developmental trend from component to holistic processing with advancing grade level.
All-dielectric low-loss terahertz waveguide fabricated by rapid prototyping

An all-dielectric Terahertz waveguide is designed based on hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. Simulation shows a waveguide transmission loss as low as 0.019 dB/mm near 140 GHz with a working bandwidth of approximately 18 GHz. Several waveguides of identical cross-section and differing lengths have been fabricated using a polymer-jetting rapid prototyping technique. Measurement results from these samples will also be reported.
Myeloperoxidase Interacts with Endothelial Cell-Surface Cytokeratin 1 and Modulates Bradykinin Production by the Plasma Kallikrein-Kinin System

During an inflammatory state, functional myeloperoxidase (MPO) is released into the vessel as a result of intravascular neutrophil degradation. One mechanism of resulting cellular injury involves endothelial internalization of MPO, which causes oxidative damage and impairs endothelial signaling. We report the discovery of a protein that facilitates MPO internalization, cytokeratin 1 (CK1), identified using affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry. CK1 interacts with MPO in vitro, even in the presence of 100% human plasma, thus substantiating biological relevance. Immunofluorescent microscopy confirmed that MPO added to endothelial cells can co-localize with endogenously expressed CK1. CK1 acts as a scaffolding protein for the assembly of the vasoregulatory plasma kallikrein-kinin system; thus we explored whether MPO and high molecular weight kininogen (HK) reside on CK1 together or whether they compete for binding. The data support cooperative binding of MPO and HK on cells such that MPO masked the plasma kallikrein cleavage site on HK, and MPO-generated oxidants caused inactivation of both HK and kallikrein. Collectively, interactions between MPO and the components of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system resulted in decreased bradykinin production. This study identifies CK1 as a facilitator of MPO-mediated vascular responses and thus provides a new paradigm by which MPO affects vasoregulatory systems.
Individual differences in women's facial preferences as a function of digit ratio and mental rotation ability

Abstract The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and mental rotation (MR) ability are sexually dimorphic traits that appear early in development and have been correlated with exposure to prenatal androgens (Grimshaw, Sitarenios, & Finegan, 1995; Lutchmaya, Baron-Cohen, Raggatt, Knickmeyer, & Manning, 2004). The current study examined how 2D:4D and MR differences among women of European descent ( N =41) were related to their (a) preferences for male faces: attractive (ATM), short-term (STM), and long-term mate (LTM), and (b) psychological femininity and masculinity, as measured by the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) (Bem, 1981). To examine potential changes in facial preferences over their menstrual cycle, participants' preferences were measured during two experimental sessions separated by 2 weeks. The results indicated that (a) femininity scores decreased with decreasing 2D:4D, (b) masculinity scores increased with faster MR, (c) women preferred a more masculine male face for an STM than for an LTM, and (d) preference changes over the menstrual cycle varied systematically with 2D:4D. When compared with women with high 2D:4D ratios, low 2D:4D women (e) preferred a more masculine LTM, (f) recalled less parental bonding, (g) had shorter intimate relationships, and (h) reported more menstrual irregularity. The results are interpreted as support for an interactive hormonal theory of physical attraction.
Structure and properties of melt-extruded laRC-IA (3,4′-ODA 4,4′-ODPA) polyimide fibers

LaRC-IA polyimide fibers were extruded from the melt and drawn. The fibers were characterized by sonic pulse propagation, polarized optical microscopy, calorimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and tensile testing. When the amorphous, essentially isotropic, as-extruded filaments were heated slowly in a calorimeter, no “cold” crystallization could be detected. However, when these filaments were drawn at temperatures above the Tg of the polymer, they crystallized rapidly to produce oriented semicrystalline structures. The consequent increases in modulus and strength were significant, with the properties reaching the levels of commercial fibers of intermediate tenacity. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 1215–1222, 1999
Pulmonary scintigraphy with a triple-head camera for evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism

Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy is a useful test for the evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism. While the sensitivity is high, there is concern from the PIOPED experience about potentially suboptimal specificity, in part reflected by a 39 % rate of intermediate probability lung scans as reported by the PIOPED investigators [7]. To help address this concern, we developed a modified procedure for ventilation scintigraphy with xenon-133 in which two serial dynamic ventilation studies offset by 180 ° were acquired with a triple-head gamma camera, yielding a six-view assessment of pulmonary ventilation. This was followed by a six-view acquisition of pulmonary perfusion with technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) using the same camera. A series of 100 scintigraphic assessments incorporating this procedure to evaluate possible acute pulmonary embolism were systematically reviewed to assess the potential interpretive merits of the additional ventilation views, compared to the traditional single posterior xenon-133 ventilation view. There were 36 cases identified for which the additional ventilation views were graded as either “somewhat helpful” or “essential” in formulating the scan interpretation. Of the 36 cases, 26 (72 %) were in the “low” and “high” probability categories, thereby helping to reduce the proportion of intermediate probability scan results to only 16/100, less than half the rate observed in the PIOPED experience. Thus, the use of this modified scintigraphic procedure allows multiview ventilation-perfusion assessment with xenon-133 as the ventilation tracer, improves interpretability of the scans, and helps to increase the proportion of definitive assessments for the evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism.
Magnetic anchoring and Guidance System instrumentation for laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery/natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: Lack of histologic damage after prolonged magnetic coupling across the abdominal wall

Objectives To study the potential pathologic effect of prolonged compression of abdominal wall between the components. Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System (MAGS) instruments ameliorate some of the challenges in triangulation created by laparo-endoscopic single-site and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery. They consist of an intracorporeal magnetic device coupled to an external hand-held magnet used to anchor and "steer" it around the peritoneal cavity. Methods Three pigs (45.5-48.6 kg) underwent laparoscopic placement of magnetic devices in 4 quadrants, with the devices left in place for 2 or 4 hours. Full-thickness abdominal wall sections (mean 2.1 cm thick) where each MAGS platform was placed plus a control were harvested at 0, 2, or 14 days after surgery. Histologic assessment was then performed. Results Beyond mild blanching of the peritoneal surface with a few petechiae immediately after internal component removal, no gross tissue damage was seen. These changes were undetectable by 48 hours and no intra-abdominal adhesions were identified at necropsy. NADH stain for tissue viability in the 4 nonsurvival specimens showed no tissue damage. Hematoxylin and eosin stain showed no necrosis of either superficial or deep muscle, skin, or subcutaneous fat tissue in all 12 specimens when compared with the control. Conclusions MAGS instruments do not appear to cause tissue damage or adverse clinical outcomes when coupled across thin porcine abdominal walls for up to 4 hours. Because the distance across the abdominal wall is generally greater in adult human beings, these findings support the further clinical development of magnetic instruments to be used in human patients.
Analysis of the dementia profile on The Medical Symptom Validity Test

The Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) was administered as part of a neuropsychological battery to a mixed clinical sample of 286 consecutively referred individuals. Of the 47% of the sample who failed in the easy subtests, 48% were considered to have the "dementia profile." The remaining 52% of individuals failing the easy subtests were considered by the task to have "poor effort." Comparing the neuropsychological test performance among these three groups (Pass, Dementia Profile, Poor Effort) found that on most tasks those individuals passing the easy subtests of the MSVT perform significantly better than the other two groups, which did not differ from each other. Individuals meeting criteria for the Dementia Profile performed worse on tasks of motor functioning and list learning in comparison to the Poor Effort group. The results suggest that the algorithm creating a Dementia Profile does not effectively differentiate groups of individuals who fail the easy subtests of the MSVT. Consideration of a more liberal cutoff score for the easy subtests is offered.
Stereoselective α-glycosylation of C(6)-hydroxyl myo-inositols via nickel catalysis—application to the synthesis of GPI anchor pseudo-oligosaccharides

Abstract Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchors play a key role in many eukaryotic biological pathways. Stereoselective synthesis of GPI anchor analogues have proven to be critical for probing the biosynthesis, structure, and biological properties of these compounds. Challenges that have emerged from these efforts include the preparation of the selectively protected myo -inositol building blocks and the stereoselective construction of glucosamine α-linked myo -inositol containing pseudodisaccharide units. Herein, we describe the effectiveness of the cationic nickel(II) catalyst, Ni(4-F-PhCN) 4 (OTf) 2 , at promoting selective formation of 1,2- cis -2-amino glycosidic bonds between the C(2)- N -substituted benzylideneamino trihaloacetimidate donors and C(6)-hydroxyl myo -inositol acceptors. This catalytic coupling process allows rapid access to pseudosaccharides of GPI anchors in good yields and with excellent levels of α-selectivity (α:β = 10:1–20:1). In stark contrast, activation of trichloroacetimidate donors containing the C(2)- N -substituted benzylidene group with TMSOTf and BF 3 . OEt 2 provided the desired pseudodisaccharides as a 1:1 mixture of α- and β-isomers.
Cryocooler Resonance Characterization

This paper presents the fundamental equations governing cyocooler mechanical efficiency and launch vibration response in terms of their implications for cooler design.
Recreating first contact: expeditions, anthropology and popular culture, edited by Joshua A. Bell, Alison K. Brown and Robert J. Gordon

This volume collects and connects twelve case studies of expeditionary travel from the first half of the twentieth century. Its object of study is the expedition as a Western genre of knowledge-bui...
Elevated presence of myeloid dendritic cells in nasal polyps of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Although chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by Th2 inflammation, the mechanism underlying the onset and amplification of this inflammation has not been fully elucidated. Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen presenting cells, central inducers of adaptive immunity and critical regulators of many inflammatory diseases. However, the presence of DCs in CRS, especially in nasal polyps (NPs), has not been extensively studied.
Solar nebula origin for volatile gases in Halley's comet☆

The conditions for Comet Halley formation are presently considered in light of the application of physical and chemical processes in the solar nebula environments to the present data base on the composition of the comet's gases. Key molecular ratios are compared to solar nebula model predictions, and the nebular thermochemistry is quantified for a range of solar elemental compositions which correspond to varying water depletion states in the inner nebula. Assuming that inner nebula chemistry is catalyzed by reaction on grains, it is judged that the abundances of the volatile C species CH4, CO, and CO2 in Halley could have been supplied by the solar nebula.
Near-Infrared Observations of Extended Emission around PG 1545+210

Infrared images at H and Ks of the quasar PG 1545+210 clearly show both extended emission centered on the quasar and a companion galaxy. The magnitudes of the extended emission deduced from these observations depend strongly on the model adopted for the emission. Both an exponential disk model and a de Vaucouleurs model provide adequate fits to the extended emission. If it is assumed to follow an exponential disk galaxy, these measurements imply that the host galaxy has absolute magnitudes comparable with those of a Schechter L^* galaxy. With this assumption for the intrinsic light distribution, the H magnitude and the Hubble Space Telescope limit on the V magnitude are inconsistent with color predictions for unreddened spiral galaxies at the redshift of the quasar. If the data are fitted to a de Vaucouleurs model, the extended emission dominates the total energy of the system and significantly exceeds that of an L^* galaxy. The companion galaxy has colors consistent with its being at the redshift of the quasar, but its luminosity is at most a small part of that of the entire system. If the companion is at the redshift of PG 1545+210, its absolute magnitude is M_H ∼ -22 mag, significantly fainter than that of an L^* galaxy.
Toward a phenomenology of community: Stein and Nancy

Abstract In this paper, I try to bring together the works of two philosophers, themselves quite different, around the idea of community. The paper has three parts. In the first section, I examine Edith Stein's early phenomenological work on empathy and community, emphasizing how, for her, the always already given ‘we’ of community is formed only within an ongoing appreciation of the other's alterity. In the second section, I examine Jean-Luc Nancy's description of community as inoperative, noting how he sees community as intrinsically challenging any notion of an authentic, or immanent, ‘we.’ And, finally, I describe the common trajectory of these two philosophers—namely, the establishment of a community of responsible writers who give themselves over to each other's singularity for the purpose of sharing what is to come.
A Model of Career Decision Making for College Students.

Abstract This article presents a model of career decision making which is limited in its application to typical undergraduate college students. Limiting the model to a specific stage in the life-span and to a relatively homogeneous environment has resulted in a comprehensive model which includes: a delineation of the internal psychological process of decision making; identification of important developmental and personality characteristics of the decision maker; and specification of immediate or anticipated environmental factors influencing decision making. The model is intended to provide a conceptual framework for assessment of student needs, designing counseling and educational interventions, and for generating empirically testable hypotheses.
Conductive cooling of lava: columnar joint diameter and stria width as functions of cooling rate and thermal gradient

Abstract Much evidence exists that column diameter and stria width of columnar joints in lava flows vary inversely with cooling rate (∂T/∂t) and thermal gradient (∂T/∂x) at the point of fracture as the flow cools. Some evidence suggests that lava flows cool conductively. A conductive cooling model yields cooling rate and thermal gradient through space and time for cooling igneous bodies, both for extrusive and intrusive settings. Thermal gradient and cooling rate are then linked to stria width and column diameter, with faster cooling leading to narrower columns, and steeper gradients to narrower striae. This model shows large regions within a body where the ratio of thermal gradient to cooling rate is nearly constant, and predicts that the ratio of stria width to column diameter is also nearly constant. This prediction is consistent with field observations, both in this and other works. The model also suggests that if conductive cooling dominates, then joint spacing (i.e., column diameter) should increase inward from the margins of the body, as should stria width.
Abstract 5206: Systems biology identification of processes/pathways facilitating the development of high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Previously, based on well-known stem cell phenotypes (sphere formation, potent tumorigenicity, embryonic gene expression, and chemoresistance), we used patient tumors to isolate high-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer-initiating cells (OCICs) that express the cell surface markers CD44 (a hyaluronate receptor) and CD117 (c-kit) (Zhang et al., 2008, Cancer Res 68:4311). Here, to identify biological pathways that underlie HGS ovarian tumorigenesis, including the specific role of OCICs in that process, we performed integrated analyses of global gene expression, DNA copy number, and DNA methylation patterns. To that end, OCICs and “bulk” (i.e., disaggregated but unsorted) tumor cells were compared to primary human normal ovarian surface epithelial (nOSE) cells that, along with fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cells, represent hypothesized cells-of-origin for HGS pelvic cancers. Principle components analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed distinct DNA methylation and gene expression profiles for replicate (n=3) samples of each cell type (i.e., OCIC, bulk tumor, and nOSE). Gene ontology and additional unsupervised analyses of “gene expression signatures” corresponding to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (82 of 159 signature genes), TGF-beta (47 of 86 genes), and Wnt (75 of 151 genes) pathways demonstrated well-defined segregation of the three cell types, with mesenchymal and Wnt signaling hierarchies being nOSE > OCIC > bulk tumor cells. To examine early events in HGS ovarian tumorigenesis, previously published (Tone et al., 2008, Clin Cancer Res 14:4067) gene expression datasets were employed to show that nOSE, OCIC, and bulk ovarian tumor cell transcriptomes distinctly segregate from normal (FTE) and malignant fallopian epithelial transcriptomes. Interestingly, the largest divergence was between the nOSE and FTE gene expression profiles. Finally, DNA methylation and gene expression patterns were integrated, implicating specific networks/circuits in ovarian carcinogenesis. Taken together, these results support a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition during ovarian tumorigenesis, reveal legitimate therapeutic targets (at the pathway level), and raise uncertainty that surface epithelial cells of the fallopian tube and ovary are reciprocal cells-of-origin for HGS pelvic carcinomas. 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 5206. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5206
Computer simulation of a green chemistry room-temperature ionic solvent

In the interests of making chemistry more environmentally friendly, room-temperature ionic liquids are currently being investigated as alternative solvents in industry and academia. In this paper, we present molecular dynamics simulations of 1-buthyl-3 methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]). We compute radial distribution functions, average density, and mean-square displacements for the individual ions. With this information, diffusion coefficients are calculated and conductivities are estimated using the Nernst−Einstein relation. The time history of the mean-square displacement of the ions appears to indicate that the system exhibits complex dynamics with at least two different time scales for diffusion. We model this behavior using a generalized Langevin approach. Results compare well with experimental data reported in the literature.
Mediation of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Induced Lactotropic Cell Proliferation by Src-Ras-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p44/42 Signaling

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which is secreted from folliculostellate cells in the anterior pituitary, is known to be involved in the communication between folliculostellate cells and lactotropes during estradiol-induced lactotropic cell proliferation. We studied the role of MAPK p44/42 in bFGF-regulated cell proliferation using enriched lactotropes and the lactotrope-derived PR1 cell line. In cell cultures, bFGF increased cell proliferation of PR1 cells and enriched lactotropes. In both of these cell populations, bFGF also increased phosphorylation of MAPK p44/42. U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK p44/42, blocked the bFGF-induced activation of MAPK p44/42 as well as the bFGF-induced cell proliferation of enriched lactotropes and PR1 cells. Treatment of PR1 cells with bFGF increased the activity of Ras p21, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of Ras p21 abrogated the bFGF-induced activation of MAPK p44/42 in these cells. Furthermore, the Src kinase inhibitor PP1 suppressed bFGF-induced activation of MAPK p44/42 in both enriched lactotropes and PR1 cells. The Src kinase inhibitor PP1 also reduced bFGF activation of Ras p21 and cell proliferation in PR1 cells. On the other hand, the bFGF-induced activation of MAPK p44/42 in enriched lactotropes and PR1 cells was not affected by protein kinase C inhibitors. These data suggest that bFGF induction of lactotropic cell proliferation is possibly mediated by activation of Src kinase, Ras p21, and MAPK p44/42.
Paired serologic and polymerase chain reaction analyses of avian influenza prevalence in Alaskan shorebirds.

Surveillance has revealed low prevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIV) in shorebirds except Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) on the North American Atlantic coast. Similarly, of five species of shorebirds surveyed in Alaska in 2010, Ruddy Turnstones had the highest AIV antibody prevalence; prevalence of AIV RNA was low or zero.
The Niacin Requirement of Young Chickens

Abstract DANN and Handler (1941) stated that the hatched chick contained ten times as much niacin as the unincubated egg. This led the authors to suggest that the hatched chick is able to synthesize niacin and is therefore independent of a dietary supply of this vitamin. Snell and Quarles (1941) observed that niacin is synthesized by the chick embryo to the extent that the final amount present is twenty times that originally present in the unincubated egg. They presumed that the synthesizing powers of the embryo are retained by the chick and, if so, it would indicate that niacin is not required in the diet of the chick. Briggs et al. (1942) reported that niacin is essential in the diet of chicks for optimal growth and to prevent “chick blacktongue.” They found niacinamide equally effective in stimulating growth and preventing blacktongue. Studies by Briggs et al. (1943) indicated that a dietary . . .
Agrin Acts via a MuSK Receptor Complex

Abstract Formation of the neuromuscular junction depends upon reciprocal inductive interactions between the developing nerve and muscle, resulting in the precise juxtaposition of a differentiated nerve terminal with a highly specialized patch on the muscle membrane, termed the motor endplate. Agrin is a nerve-derived factor that can induce molecular reorganizations at the motor endplate, but the mechanism of action of agrin remains poorly understood. MuSK is a receptor tyrosine kinase localized to the motor endplate, seemingly well positioned to receive a key nerve-derived signal. Mice lacking either agrin or MuSK have recently been generated and exhibit similarly profound defects in their neuromuscular junctions. Here we demonstrate that agrin acts via a receptor complex that includes MuSK as well as a myotube-specific accessory component.
IS CO A SPECIAL LIGAND IN ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY? THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF AB, FE(CO)4AB, AND FE(AB)5 (AB = N2, CO, BF, SIO)

Carbon monoxide, CO, is a ubiquitous ligand in organometallic and coordination chemistry. In the present paper we investigate the neutral isoelectronic molecules AB = N2, CO, BF, and SiO and their coordination in the model complexes Fe(CO)4AB and Fe(AB)5, using nonlocal density functional theory and a large, polarized STO basis set of triple-ζ quality (NL-SCF/TZ(2P)). Our aim is to get more insight into the ligating properties of SiO and BF in comparison to CO and N2. The computed 298 K Fe(CO)4−AB bond dissociation enthalpies of C3v-symmetric Fe(CO)4AB are 18.1, 42.3, 67.9, and 35.6 kcal/mol for N2, CO, BF, and SiO, respectively; the corresponding values for C2v-symmetric Fe(CO)4AB are comparable: 19.0, 42.3, 66.7, and 39.7 kcal/mol. Good, balanced σ donation (through 5σ) and π acceptance (through 2π) are what makes CO a good donor, of course. The gap between these frontier orbitals (5σ and 2π) becomes even smaller in SiO and BF. The analysis of the bonding mechanism of the Fe−AB bond shows that SiO is a...
A Theory of Reciprocal Gifts

Anthropologists and sociologists have long emphasized the concept of generalized reciprocity and symbolic value of gifts. When gifts are given in primitive or modern societies, symbolic meanings of gifts are taken into account and the gift recipients feel obliged to return the favor. In the field of economics, several papers in recent years have emphasized the value of gifts as signaling toools or as expressions of altruism. However, these papers do not address the issue of symbolic value of gifts. This paper discusses how symbolic value of a gift can be determined and how it is related to the concept of generalized reciprocity. A Nash game is used to show how symbolic values may be determined in a model of generalized reciprocal gifts.
Older Adults' Health Information Needs and the Effect of the Internet:

Internet-based health information may be particularly beneficial for older adults as this segment of the population is likely to need healthcare information and services and often experiences problems accessing needed services and care. In order to effectively design e-health tools for seniors it is important to understand their health information needs and factors that enhance or impede their ability to use the Internet. Another important issue is to determine if in fact health information needs are satisfied to a greater extent between Internet users and non-users. This study explored these issues using six focus groups comprised of 35 adults aged 50+ (M = 69.71 years) with varying levels of Internet-based health information-seeking experience. Results indicated that the adults who used the Internet were quite satisfied with finding information from this source; however non-users were also quite satisfied with the more traditional sources that they rely on for health information.
Regiospecific, enantiospecific total synthesis of the 12-alkoxy-substituted indole alkaloids, (+)-12-methoxy-Na-methylvellosimine, (+)-12-methoxyaffinisine, and (-)-fuchsiaefoline.

The enantiospecific synthesis of 7-methoxy-d-tryptophan was completed by combination of the Larock heteroannulation process with a Schollkopf-based chiral auxiliary in good yield. This ester was then employed in the first total synthesis of (+)-12-methoxy-Na-methylvellosimine, (+)-12-methoxyaffinisine, and (−)-fuchsiaefoline in regiospecific, stereospecific fashion in excellent overall yield. The asymmetric Pictet−Spengler reaction and enolate-driven palladium-catalyzed cross coupling processes served as key steps.
Resolving the dilemmas of interaction, separability, and additivity

Abstract Motivated by the basic biological concern of attributing phenotypic variation to genotypic versus environmental causes, the general principles of assigning effects to two causal variables and specifying the operation by which they produce (phenotypic) responses are elaborated. It turns out that the effects of a cause can be defined only if the response to it is consistently distinguishable under the operation of the complementary causes. If consistency is realized for all causes of one variable, the effects of this causal variable are termed separable. Interaction occurs when separability is not realized and thus effects are not definable for at least some causes. As a consequence, separability or interaction may be realized for one but not for the other causal variable, or it may be realized for both variables simultaneously. The concept of unidirectional interaction or separability provides new means of interpretation of data. Additivity of effects, even in its most general sense, is shown to be a particular case of mutual separability (separability for both variables). It is shown that there are situations which can be transformed into additivity, thus implying mutual separability, which would definitely have been classified as interaction according to the classical concepts. Additive responses actually form only a vanishingly small proportion among the mutually separable ones. This is demonstrated with the help of necessary conditions for additivity. Therefore, the additive basis of the analysis of variance is not suitable for detecting interaction. The probabilistic interpretation of the concept of separability is outlined, and the problem of using averages for defining effects is discussed and demonstrated.
Linear control rules for production control of semiconductor fabs

We consider the problem of reducing the cycle time required for producing wafers at a given rate in high-volume single-product semiconductor fabs. Based on theoretical results, we propose a new method of input control that uses intersecting hyperplanes to decide when to release a new lot into the wafer fab. The release control rules constructed thus are said to belong to the class of linear control rules. We provide numerical examples to demonstrate that our method gives nearly optimal results for flowline and probabilistic reentrant flowline models. We then propose the linear control rule called descending control (DEC) and give a hybrid simulation-optimization procedure for determining DEC rules in real-life settings. We provide numerical results for the HP development fab model of Wein.
Ambiguity and constraint in mathematical expression recognition

The problem of recognizing mathematical expressions differs significantly from the recognition of standard prose. While in prose significant constraints can be put on the interpretation of a character by the characters immediately preceding and following it, few such simple constraints are present in a mathematical expression. In order to make the problem tractable, effective methods of recognizing mathematical expressions will need to put intelligent constraints on the possible interpretations. The authors present preliminary results on a system for the recognition of both handwritten and typeset mathematical expressions. While previous systems perform character recognition out of context, the current system maintains ambiguity of the characters until context can be used to disambiguate the interpretation. In addition, the system limits the number of potentially valid interpretations by decomposing the expressions into a sequence of compatible convex regions. The system uses A-star to search for the best possible interpretation of an expression. We provide a new lower bound estimate on the cost to goal that improves performance significantly.
Explaining the attacker's advantage: Technological paradigms, organizational dynamics, and the value network

Abstract Understanding when entrants might have an advantage over an industry's incumbent firms in developing and adopting new technologies is a question which several scholars have explained in terms of technological capabilities or organizational dynamics. This paper proposes that the value network—the context within which a firm competes and solves customers' problems—is an important factor affecting whether incumbent or entrant firms will most successfully innovate. In a study of technology development in the disk drive industry, the authors found that incumbents led the industry in developing and adopting new technologies of every sort identified by earlier scholars —at component and architectural levels; competency-enhancing and competency-destroying; incremental and radical—as long as the technology addressed customers' needs within the value network in which the incumbents competed. Entrants led in developing and adopting technologies which addressed user needs in different, emerging value networks. It is in these innovations, which disrupted established trajectories of technological progress in established markets, that attackers proved to have an advantage. The rate of improvement in product performance which technologists provide may exceed the rate of improvement demanded in established markets. This mismatch between trajectories enables firms entering emerging value networks subsequently to attack the industry's established markets as well.
Assessment of 115 Candidate Genes for Diabetic Nephropathy by Transmission/Disequilibrium Test

Several lines of evidence, including familial aggregation, suggest that allelic variation contributes to risk of diabetic nephropathy. To assess the evidence for specific susceptibility genes, we used the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) to analyze 115 candidate genes for linkage and association with diabetic nephropathy. A comprehensive survey of this sort has not been undertaken before. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and simple tandem repeat polymorphisms located within 10 kb of the candidate genes were genotyped in a total of 72 type 1 diabetic families of European descent. All families had at least one offspring with diabetes and end-stage renal disease or proteinuria. As a consequence of the large number of statistical tests and modest P values, findings for some genes may be false-positives. Furthermore, the small sample size resulted in limited power, so the effects of some tested genes may not be detectable, even if they contribute to susceptibility. Nevertheless, nominally significant TDT results (P < 0.05) were obtained with polymorphisms in 20 genes, including 12 that have not been studied previously: aquaporin 1; B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) proto-oncogene; catalase; glutathione peroxidase 1; IGF1; laminin alpha 4; laminin, gamma 1; SMAD, mothers against DPP homolog 3; transforming growth factor, beta receptor II; transforming growth factor, beta receptor III; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3; and upstream transcription factor 1. In addition, our results provide modest support for a number of candidate genes previously studied by others.
Experimental verification of variable gain CCII-K circuits and modeling of AD844

In this article, we discuss the experimental investigation of a current feedback amplifier (CFA) AD844 from Analog Devices Inc. This is aimed at developing an accurate model for AD844 in the high frequency range.
Defects in courtship and vision caused by amino acid substitutions in a putative RNA-binding protein encoded by the no-on-transient A (nonA) gene of Drosophila

The Drosophila no-on-transient A (nonA) gene is involved in the visual behaviors and courtship song of the fly. The NONA polypeptide contains two copies of the RNA-recognition motif (RRM), a hallmark of proteins involved in RNA binding, and an adjacent conserved charged region. This 311-amino-acid region is found in four other proteins and largely overlaps the Drosophila-Behavior/Human Splicing (or DBHS) domain. The newest family member, Drosophila nAhomo, was discovered in a database search, and encodes a protein with 80% identity to NONA. In this study, three nonA mutations generated by chemical mutagenesis were sequenced and found to fall within the conserved region. Site-directed mutagenesis of the two RRMs, and within a (conserved) charged region located C-terminal to them, was performed to determine the significance of these domains with respect to whole-organismal phenotypes. Behavior and viability were assessed in transformed flies, the genetic background of which lacks the nonA locus. Point mutations of amino acid 548 in the charged region confirmed the etiology of the nonAdiss courtship-song mutation and showed that a milder substitution at this site produced intermediate singing behavior, although it failed to rescue visual defects. Mutagenesis of the RRM1 domain resulted in effects on viability, vision, and courtship song. However, amino acid substitutions in RNP-II of RRM2 led to near-normal phenotypes, and the in vivo nonA mutations located in or near RRM2 caused visual defects only. Thus, we suggest that the first RRM could be important for all functions influenced by nonA, whereas the second RRM may be required primarily for normal vision.
Ecological biogeography of cephalopod molluscs in the Atlantic Ocean: historical and contemporary causes of coastal diversity patterns

Aim One of the most recognized ecological paradigms on earth is the increase in species richness from the poles towards the equator. Here we undertake a comprehensive survey of the latitudinal gradients of species richness (LGSR) of coastal cephalopod fauna in the western (WA) and eastern margins (EA) of the Atlantic Ocean, and test climate and non-climate theories to explain the variation in diversity. Location The coastal Atlantic Ocean. Methods The diversity and geographical ranges of coastal cephalopods were investigated by means of an exhaustive survey of the primary literature, reports and on-line data bases. In order to test the productivity, ambient energy and area hypotheses, we investigated the relationship between diversity and net primary production (NPP), sea surface temperature (SST; measure of solar energy input) and continental shelf area, respectively. Results LGSR of cephalopod molluscs are present at both Atlantic coasts, but are quite distinct from each other. Historical processes (rise of the Central American Isthmus, formation of ‘Mare Lago’ and glaciations) explained much of the shape and the zenith of LGSR. Contemporary climate and non-climate variables also each explained over 83% and 50% of the richness variation in WA and EA, respectively, and the best fitted models accounted for > 92% of the variance. By combining latitude with depth a strong Rapoport effect was observed in WA but not in EA. Main conclusions Besides the evolutionary history, we demonstrate that the contemporary environmental gradients (SST and NPP), shelf area and extent of coral habitat can predict many of the diversity patterns. The longitudinal difference in Rapoport's bathymetric rule is attributed to western fauna specialization to shallow coral reef habitats and greater ecological tolerance of eastern fauna to upwelling ecosystem dynamics. A combined approach of historical biogeography and species–area–energy theories was essential to fully understand broad-scale variation in cephalopod biodiversity.
Genomic and proteomic profiling II: Comparative assessment of gene expression profiles in leiomyomas, keloids, and surgically-induced scars

Background: Leiomyoma have often been compared to keloids because of their fibrotic characteristic and higher rate of occurrence among African Americans as compared to other ethnic groups. To evaluate such a correlation at molecular level this study comparatively analyzed leiomyomas with keloids, surgical scars and peritoneal adhesions to identify genes that are either commonly and/or individually distinguish these fibrotic disorders despite differences in the nature of their development and growth. Methods: Microarray gene expression profiling and realtime PCR. Results: The analysis identified 3 to 12% of the genes on the arrays as differentially expressed among these tissues based on P ranking at greater than or equal to 0.005 followed by 2-fold cutoff change selection. Of these genes about 400 genes were identified as differentially expressed in leiomyomas as compared to keloids/incisional scars, and 85 genes as compared to peritoneal adhesions (greater than or equal to 0.01). Functional analysis indicated that the majority of these genes serve as regulators of cell growth (cell cycle/apoptosis), tissue turnover, transcription factors and signal transduction. Of these genes the expression of E2F1, RUNX3, EGR3, TBPIP, ECM-2, ESM1, THBS1, GAS1, ADAM17, CST6, FBLN5, and COL18A was confirmed in these tissues using quantitative realtime PCR based on low-density arrays. Conclusion: the results indicated that the molecular feature of leiomyomas is comparable but may be under different tissue-specific regulatory control to those of keloids and differ at the levels rather than tissue-specific expression of selected number of genes functionally regulating cell growth and apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and tissue turnover.
Reconsidering Insider Status for Families During the Transition From Early Intervention to Preschool Special Education

Scholars know little about families’ experiences when receiving related services and how these services affect the shift from a family-centered to an educational program. In this qualitative interview study, the authors explored the transition experiences of six families over a 3-month period, focusing on the role of related therapy services and therapists. In the metatheme titled The Outsiders, the authors discuss these families’ views of their changing roles as their children enter preschool programs. Families in this study felt removed from their former role as an integral member of their children’s intervention team once their children entered school. Based on these families’ reported experiences, the authors propose strategies for professionals to improve their communication with parents to help them during this transition.