cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytoprotection of pancreatic islets before and early after transplantation using gene therapy.

Cytoprotection of pancreatic islets before and early after trans- and by low availability of suitable donor organs. Pancre- plantation using gene therapy. Pancreatic islet transplantation atic islet transplantation (PIT) by intraportal vein infusion (PIT) is an attractive alternative to insulin-dependent diabetes can circumvent surgical disadvantages of organ trans- treatment but is not yet a clinical reality. The first few days af- plantation but clinical application of PIT has been offset ter PIT are characterized by substantial pancreatic islet dys- by low rates of success (3-5). The discrepancy between function and death. Apoptosis has been documented in PI after extracellular matrix removal, during culture time, after duration of transplant function with whole pancreas or- exposure to proinflammatory cytokines, hypoxic conditions be- gans and purified islets suggest a fundamental biologic fore islet revascularization, and rejection. Targeting the apo- difference in these grafts. ptosis pathway by adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of the Although isolated PIT is susceptible to complex bio- anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene exerts a major cytoprotective effect logic insults incurred during organ procurement and
Molecular cloning of a heart antigen that cross-reacts with a neutralizing antibody to coxsackievirus B4

A panel of coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) neutralizing monoclonal antibodies was tested against a panel of normal mouse tissues. One mAb, 356-1, reacted specifically with murine heart tissue. Examination of the reactivity of 356-1 with CVB4 polypeptides using Western immunoblotting revealed that 356-1 binds to the VP-1 capsid protein. Immunohistochemical studies revealed an A band pattern of staining of the heart by this antibody. Western immunoblotting of sequential differential extracts of heart showed that 356-1 predominantly reacted with the murine cardiac myosin heavy chain. A rather weak cross-reaction was found with actin. These observations were confirmed by the binding of 356-1 to purified cardiac myosin and actin. This antibody showed a higher affinity for murine cardiac muscle myosin than for skeletal muscle myosin. The monoclonal antibody 356-1 was then used to screen a lambda gt11 CD1 mouse heart cDNA expression library. Forty-eight positive plaques were obtained, 14 of which reacted strongly with the antibody and were selected for additional studies. In 13/14 clones, inserts were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products ranged in size from approximately 150 to 1400 bp. Northern hybridization using these inserts demonstrated that 10/13 recognized a approximately 6.5 kb message in mouse heart total RNA and not in liver total RNA. These amplified inserts were sequenced and were found to contain sequences which encode approximately 1/3 of the amino-terminal end of light meromyosin. By comparison with known sequences of rat alpha and beta cardiac myosin heavy chains, we were able to identify sequences specific for alpha chain as potential cross-reactive autoantigenic epitope.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Squeeze Flow of Electrorheological Fluids Under Constant Volume

Compression studies of electrorheological (ER) fluids have been impeded by not knowing the concentration of particles held between the plates. This study presents a technique that calls for using a constant volume setup that solves the problem. This study also includes results on how the concentration of particles and the viscosity of the dispersing oils affect the compression of an ER fluid. The conclusions of this study are that the constant volume squeeze flows of ER fluids are significantly different from what has been predicted with constant volume squeeze flow theories.
Enhanced spectral resolution via externally dispersed interferometry

Externally dispersed interferometry (EDI) uses a hybrid spectrometer that combines a Michelson interferometer in series with a grating spectrometer. EDI provides a means of deriving spectral information at a resolution substantially higher than that provided by the grating spectrograph alone. Near IR observations have been conducted using the Triplespec spectrometer mounted on the 5m Hale telescope. Spectra have been reconstructed at a resolution of ~27000 where the resolution of Triplespec is ~2700. Progress in the development of the EDI technique is reported herein emphasizing studies related to the accuracy of the reconstructed spectra.
Familial risk for alcohol dependence and developmental changes in BMI: the moderating influence of addiction and obesity genes

Abstract Aim: Familial loading for alcohol dependence (AD) and variation in genes reported to be associated with AD or BMI were tested in a longitudinal study. Materials & methods: Growth curve analyses of BMI data collected at approximately yearly intervals and obesity status (BMI > 30) were examined. Results: High-risk males were found to have higher BMI than low-risk males, beginning at age 15 years (2.0 kg/m2 difference; p = 0.046), persisting through age 19 years (3.3 kg/m2 difference; p = 0.005). CHRM2 genotypic variance predicted longitudinal BMI and obesity status. Interactions with risk status and sex were also observed for DRD2 and FTO gene variation. Conclusion: Variation at loci implicated in addiction may be influential in determining susceptibility to increased BMI in childhood and adolescence. Orginal submitted 4 February 2014; Revision submitted 16 May 2014
Potentials of online scanning electron microscope performance analysis using NIST reference material 8091

On-line instrument testing can be employed by the analysis of sharpness using either the commercial product SEM Monitor or the public domain method referred to as kurtosis analysis. Both of these software programs require an appropriate sample artifact for the analysis. This paper discusses NIST Reference Material (RM) 8091 and its application to these programs. RM 8091 is intended primarily for use in checking the sharpness performance of scanning electron microscopes. It is composed of a granular tungsten layer deposited on a silicon wafer. The procedure for fabrication is provided if the user wishes to manufacture a full-wafer standard. This reference material is fully compatible with state-of-the-art integrated circuit technology. Optimization parameters and some data on the use of sharpness analysis in the semiconductor fab will be included in the presentation.
Density of Familial Alcoholism and Its Effects on Alcohol Use and Problems in College Students

Background: Previous studies of family history of alcoholism (FHA) in college students have typically relied on dichotomous indices of paternal drinking. This study examined the prevalence of FHA and its effects on alcohol use and problems using a density measure in a sample (n = 408) of college students. Methods: Undergraduate students completed an anonymous survey in exchange for course credit. Data was collected between 2005 and 2006. Results: Using a density measure of FHA, we observed an overall prevalence rate of 65.9% and a rate of 29.1% for FHA in both first and second-degree relatives. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate relations among FHA, alcohol use/problems and previously identified etiological risk factors for alcohol use disorders (AUD). Results indicated a significant positive association between FHA and alcohol-related problems and this relationship was mediated by age of onset of drinking, behavioral undercontrol and current cigarette use. Behavioral undercontrol also mediated the relationship between gender and alcohol problems. Additionally, FHA was associated with an earlier age of onset of drinking and this was related to greater alcohol use. Conclusions: Assessing density of FHA in future trajectory research may capture a greater number of students at risk for acute alcohol-related problems and/or future development of AUDs. Future preventive interventions with this population, which should begin well before the college years, may benefit from considering personality factors and incorporating smoking cessation to help identify at-risk students and assist those who wish to cut down on their alcohol use but find that smoking acts as a trigger for increased drinking. Language: en
Bile duct stones and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a decision analysis to assess the roles of intraoperative cholangiography, EUS, and ERCP

Abstract Background: The least costly management strategy for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is unclear. Methods: A decision model incorporating cost ratios, test accuracy, complication, and failure rates was used to determine the costs of 4 peri-laparoscopic cholecystectomy strategies: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), intraoperative cholangiography (IOCG), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and expectant management. Results: Expert IOCG is least costly for intermediate-risk patients when the risk of stones is between 17% and 34%. If expert EUS is available, 0% to 10% ("low" risk) merits expectant management; 11% to 55% ("intermediate" risk) merits EUS; and greater than 55% ("high" risk) merits ERCP. Thresholds were most sensitive to changes in the risks of symptoms and complications due to retained stones; and to procedural costs, sensitivity, and success rates. Neither IOCG nor EUS appears likely to reduce overall costs unless their accuracy and success rates are greater than 90% and their procedural cost is less than 60% to 70% that of ERCP. When neither are available, ERCP is preferable when the risk of stones is greater than 22%. Thresholds were relatively insensitive to changes in the risk and severity of ERCP-induced pancreatitis. Conclusions: The least costly strategy for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients depends primarily on the risk of stones and stone-related symptoms, but procedural costs and operator expertise are also critical. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;49:334-43.)
Distinct patterns of stimulus-inducible chemokine mRNA accumulation in human fetal astrocytes and microglia.

Interferon-gamma-inducible 10 kd protein (IP-10) is an ELR (Glu-Leu-Arg)(-) alpha chemokine with known chemotactic effects on T cells and monocytes, as well as anti-viral, anti-angiogenic, and anti-tumor effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that in cultured rat astrocytes and microglia, stimulation with LPS or virus can induce the expression of IP-10. In this study, we determined the pattern of IP-10 gene induction in primary human microglia and astrocytes by cytokines and LPS using ribonuclease protection assay. The expression of IP-10 mRNA was compared with that of other alpha (IL-8) and beta chemokines. The results showed that in human microglia, IP-10 expression was induced equally potently by LPS, IFNbeta or IFNgamma. "Proinflammatory" cytokines IL-1beta or TNFalpha also induced small amounts of IP-10 mRNA. "Anti-inflammatory" cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and TGFbeta were ineffective in inducing IP-10 in microglia. In human astrocytes, induction of IP-10 mRNA by cytokines was similar to that in microglia. LPS, however, was ineffective in inducing IP-10 in human astrocytes. The monocyte chemoattractant beta-chemokine I-309 mRNA was induced in human astrocytes and microglia by IFNbeta or IFNgamma, or by LPS in microglia, showing a tight co-regulation with IP-10 mRNA expression. In contrast to the potent induction of IP-10 and I-309 by IFNs in human glia, the ELR(+) alpha chemokine IL-8 mRNA was induced by IL-1beta and TNFalpha, and to a lesser extent by IFNbeta in microglia. IFNbeta but not IFNgamma was effective in inducing the expression of beta chemokines MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta in human microglia, with the levels of mRNA similar to those induced by IL-1beta or TNFalpha. Neither MIP-1alpha nor MIP-1beta mRNAs were induced by any stimulation in human astrocytes. The induction of RANTES mRNA in microglia by IFNbeta, IL-1beta or TNFalpha was variable, showing no to low level expression depending on the case, whereas LPS provided a consistent inducing signal. In astrocytes, only cytokine combinations (IFN + IL-1beta) effectively induced the RANTES mRNA. These results demonstrate that distinct sets of chemokine genes are induced in human glial cells by cytokines and interferons. These results may have wide implications for inflammatory, vascular and neoplastic diseases of the CNS.
Dynamic partitioning of non-uniform structured workloads with spacefilling curves

We discuss inverse spacefilling partitioning (ISP), a partitioning strategy for non-uniform scientific computations running on distributed memory MIMD parallel computers. We consider the case of a dynamic workload distributed on a uniform mesh, and compare ISP against orthogonal recursive bisection (ORE) and a median of medians variant of ORE, ORB-MM. We present two results. First, ISP and ORB-MM are superior to ORE in rendering balanced workloads-because they are more fine-grained-and incur communication overheads that are comparable to ORE. Second, ISP is more attractive than ORB-MM from a software engineering standpoint because it avoids elaborate bookkeeping. Whereas ISP partitionings can be described succinctly as logically contiguous segments of the line, ORB-MM's partitionings are inherently unstructured. We describe the general d-dimensional ISP algorithm and report empirical results with two- and three-dimensional, non-hierarchical particle methods.
The use of Haber's law in standard setting and risk assessment.

Haber's Law simply states that the incidence and/or severity of a toxic effect depends on the total exposure, i.e. exposure concentration (c) rate times the duration time (t) of exposure (c x t). This rule, within constraints, is often used in setting exposure guidelines for toxic substances. Establishing reference doses (acceptable daily intakes) for long-term exposures when only the results of short-term studies are available requires the use of an uncertainty (safety) factor. The value of this uncertainty factor often approximates a value comparable to Haber's Law for extrapolation from short-term to long-term exposure durations. As a default procedure, cancer risk estimates are generally based on the average lifetime daily dose which is derived from the total cumulative exposure, i.e. Haber's (c x t). This has been shown both theoretically and empirically to be valid within a factor of 20 for carcinogenesis. This provides some credence for the use of an additional safety factor of 10, in some instances, for exposures of children to carcinogens. Finally, a generalization of Haber's Law, exposure concentration raised to a power times exposure duration, is discussed.
Determination of left atrium volume by fast anatomical mapping and intracardiac echocardiography. The contribution of respiratory gating

Background The anatomical reconstruction of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins with fast anatomical mapping (FAM) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) using the Carto 3 system (Biosense Webster, Inc) provides real-time guidance to catheter manipulation during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study compared real-time LA volume reconstruction using FAM and ICE. In addition, the contribution of respiratory gating was assessed.
Primary intraocular lymphoma: a review

Primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a rare, non-Hodgkin lymphoma considered to be a subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma. We describe a 65-year-old woman who presented to the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, who was diagnosed with bilateral PIOL without systemic disease. She enjoyed a 16-month remission but ultimately recurred in the brain. We reviewed the literature and present a discussion of the diagnostic criteria for PIOL and current strategies for treating PIOL in immunocompetent patients.
Computer programming for nucleic acid studies. III. Calculated ultraviolet absorption spectra of protected oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

Abstract A computer program called UV.FOR was written in FORTRAN. This program primarily utilizes the digitized UV absorption spectra of 8 protected deoxyribonucleosides in 95% ethanol solution to compose the UV spectrum of a oligodeoxynucleotide of any sequence. Both calculated and observed UV spectra of 2 protected oligodeoxynucleotides are carefully compared. The results show that the calculated UV spectrum is virtually identical to the observed spectrum. Thus, the calculated spectra provide rapid confirmation of oligonucleotide compositions during the course of oligonucleotide synthesis by the phosphotriester method.
Duloxetine and Other Antidepressants in the Treatment of Patients with Fibromyalgia

Objective. To review the use of duloxetine, a new selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), and other antidepressants in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. Design. Two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, 12-week trials of duloxetine in the treatment of fibromyalgia were reviewed. Other published, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials, and meta-analyses of antidepressant treatment of fibromyalgia were identified by a PubMed search that was augmented by reference cross-check. Results. Duloxetine has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, particularly for women. Other selective SNRIs also show promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Until recently, tricyclic agents that have serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitory activity had been the most commonly studied group of antidepressants, and they are effective in treating pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, although their use may be limited by safety and tolerability concerns. There are few randomized, controlled studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in fibromyalgia, and the results have been mixed. Conclusions. Antidepressants play an important role in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. Agents with dual effects on serotonin and norepinephrine appear to have more consistent benefits than selective serotonin antidepressants for the treatment of persistent pain associated with fibromyalgia.
On the multimode quadratic vibronic coupling problem : An open-ended solution using a parallel Lanczos algorithm

Abstract We introduce an algorithm to solve the secular equation that arises in the time independent multimode expansion of the quadratic vibronic coupling problem in parallel. The implementation can handle expansions of arbitrary length, with the open-ended character of the algorithm achieved through the use of fine grained parallelism to partition the trial vectors. The characteristics of the algorithm are discussed and its utility is illustrated by determining a model photoelectron spectrum of the ethoxy radical (C 2 H 5 O) using a vibronic expansion involving more than 1 billion vibronic basis states. This calculation also represents the first determination of a photoelectron spectrum obtained using a diabatic Hamiltonian obtained with a recently introduced ab initio surface reshaping procedure.
Grapefruit phenolics—I. : Identification of dihydrokaempferol and its co-occurrence with naringenin and kaempferol

Abstract Dihydrokaempferol has been isolated from the fruit of Citrus paradisi Macf. where it has been shown to co-occur with naringenin and kaempferol. These findings extend the limited knowledge of the occurrence of dihydroflavonols to the Rutaceae and lend support to the postulated biosynthetic pathway for flavonols: flavanone→dihydroflavonol→flavonol.
Gravity anomaly and flexural model: Constraints on the structure beneath the Peruvian Andes

Abstract Bouguer gravity data along the Nazca profile of Fukao et al. (1989), NE-SW striking across the Peruvian Andes, are used to investigate the flexure of the Brazilian Shield. Modeling of the observed gravity data indicates that the Brazilian Shield lithosphere is flexed downward and may extend beneath the Andes as far as 150 km. Assuming that the Brazilian Shield behaves elastically, flexural analysis shows that the isostatic gravity inequilibrium in the eastern Andes can be explained by deflection of the Moho due to the bending of an elastic plate beneath the Sub-Andes. The elastic thickness of the plate is estimated to be between 25 and 55 km, with corresponding flexural rigidity between 0.1 and 1.7 × 10 24 Nm. Many small to moderate-sized earthquakes that have focal depths of tens of kilometers are distributed over a broad area from the Eastern Cordillera to the Brazilian Shield. These events are located well above the subducted flat Nazca plate and very likely are associated with the underthrusting of the Brazilian Shield. A step-like gravity anomaly of 150 mGal on the eastern margin of the Eastern Cordillera cannot be fully explained by the flexure model alone and requires a sharp-edged mass deficit or discontinuous Moho beneath the Eastern Cordillera. Our gravity modeling shows that Bouguer gravity anomalies along the Nazca profile are best explained by a flexed Moho, which is deflected by the underthrusting of the Brazilian Shield beneath the Andes along with a wedge-shaped body of low-density material directly beneath the Eastern Cordillera.
Use of polymer matrices to activate palladium(0) catalysts and reduce catalyst agglomeration

The dimerization–alkylation of butadiene to 1-methoxy-3,7-octadiene and 3-methoxy-1,7-octadiene has been studied in benzene at 100°C using both homogeneous and resin-attached palladium(0) catalysts. Pd(PPh3)4 was used as the homogeneous catalyst. Styrene-divinylbenzene (1% crosslinked) resins, functionalized with diphenylphosphine groups, were treated with Pd(PPh3)4 to give the resin-bound catalysts by ligand exchange. The rates of the homogeneously catalyzed reactions reach a limiting value as the catalyst concentration reaches 4 X 10−3 to 6 X 10−3 M due to equilibrium processes which limit the concentration of active species. The concentration of palladium in the resins is far higher (0.5 X 10−1 to 7 X 10−1 M), yet at similar P/Pd ratios the rates are greater per Pd using the resins. Furthermore, much larger catalyst charges may be employed, with the resin catalysts, without reaching limiting rates. Apparently, the resin retards the ability polymer-attached phosphines to highly coordinate (i.e., 3 or 4) palladium(0) relative to the corresponding situation in homogeneous solution. The resin matrix appears to retard the tendency, exhibited in the homogeneous reactions, for the catalyst to agglomerate and precipitate from solution as an inactive material.
High-temperature silicon-on-insulator electronics for space nuclear power systems: requirements and feasibility

The authors performed a study to determine whether silicon very large-scale integrated circuits (VLSICs) can survive the high temperature (up to 300 degrees C) and total-dose radiation environments (up to 10 Mrad over a 7-10-y system life) projected for a very-high power space nuclear reactor platform. It is shown that circuits built on bulk epitaxial silicon cannot meet the temperature requirement because of excessive junction leakage currents. However, circuits built on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) material can meet both the radiation and temperature requirements. It is also found that the temperature dependence of the threshold voltage of the SOI transistors is less than that of bulk transistors. Survivability of high-temperature SOI VLSICs in space, including immunity to transient and single-event upset, is also addressed. >
Memory and Temporality: A phenomenological alternative

Abstract The notion of memory storage, central to most contemporary theories of remembering, is challenged from a philosophical perspective as being contradictory and untenable. It criticizes this storage hypothesis as relying upon a linear explanation of time, an assumption which results in infinite regression, solipsism, and a failure to contact the real past. A model based on the phenomenological viewpoints of Edmund Husserl and Maurice Merleau‐Ponty is offered as an alternative paradigm. Finally, a research method suggested by this descriptive approach to memory is presented and illustrated.
Agriculture and dietary guidelines

Abstract Relative to USDA dietary guidelines there is a 30% deficit in vegetable production and a 100% deficit in fruit production in the US. The western US, especially California, dominates current production of both fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Constraints in land and water resources in California suggest that some shifts in production could occur in the future if production is matched to self sufficiency. Opportunities exist for production to increase in the eastern half of the US where water is abundant, especially for processed products. Even regions with long winters, such as the northeast, could be self sufficient in fruits and vegetables. Past responses of agriculture to producing more healthy products include vegetable oils, low fat milk and greater production of poultry. Crop improvement programs have not included nutrition and health characteristics as a guiding principle and much potential to improve these traits in fruits and vegetables exists. Greater understanding of the effects of environmental and management factors on crop `quality' is needed and strategies to produce nutritionally consistent products should be developed.
The interleukin 6 receptor is a direct transcriptional target of E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cells

BACKGROUND The E2F/RB pathway is frequently disrupted in multiple human cancers. E2F3 levels are elevated in prostate tumors and E2F3 overexpression independently predicts clinical outcome. The goals of this study were to identify direct transcriptional targets of E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cells. METHODS Expression array studies identified the interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) as an E2F3 target. E2F3-dependent expression of IL-6R was analyzed by real time PCR and Western immunoblot analysis in several cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and IL-6R-luciferase reporter plasmid studies were used to characterize the IL-6R promoter. RESULTS Expression array studies identified genes that were regulated by E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cell lines. The network most significantly associated with E2F3-regulated transcripts was cytokine signaling and the IL-6R was a component of several of the most prominent E2F3-regulated pathways. The transcriptional regulation of IL-6R by E2F3 knockdown was validated in several prostate tumor-derived cell lines at the RNA level and protein level. The IL-6R regulatory region containing ChIP-identified E2F3 binding sites was cloned into a reporter and co-transfected with an E2F3a expression plasmid. The luciferase assay showed that E2F3a transactivated the IL-6R promoter in a dose dependent manner. The functional consequence of IL-6R decrease was a reduction in the levels of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that IL-6R initiated signaling was altered. CONCLUSION These studies connect the E2F and IL-6 signaling cascade, thus providing the mechanistic link between two major regulatory networks that are perturbed during prostate tumorigenesis. Prostate 72:649–660, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cloning and organization of genes for 5S ribosomal RNA in the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus

Abstract A 1.35-kb EcoRI fragment of Lytechinus variegatus DNA containing a single 5S rRNA gene has been cloned into the plasmid vector pACYC184. Four clones from different transformation experiments contain 5S rDNA inserts of about the same size and have the same restriction enzyme digestion patterns for the enzymes HaeIII, HinfI, HhaI, and AluI. One EcoRI site near the HindIII site of the plasmid vector pACYC184 is missing in all the four clones. By DNA sequencing, the missing EcoRI was found to be an EcoRI∗ site, d(TTTAAN)d(AAATTN) in pLu103, one of the four 5S rDNA clones. The structure of pLu103 was determined by restriction mapping and blot hybridization. Three restriction fragments, 1.0-kb HaeIII/HaeIII, 0.375-kb AluI/AluI and 0.249-kb MboII/MboII, which contain the 5S rRNA coding region, have been subcloned into the EcoRI site of the plasmid pACYC184. The organization of 5S rRNA genes in the sea urchin genome was also investigated. It was found that restriction endonuclease HaeIII has a single recognition site within each 5S rDNA repeat, and yields two fragment lengths, 1.2 and 1.3 kb. The behavior of these 5S rRNA genes when total L. variegatus DNA is partially digested with HaeIII is consistent with an arrangement of 5S rRNA genes in at least two tandemly repeated, non-interspersed families. Both the coding region and spacer region of the 5S rRNA gene in pLu103 hybridize to 1.2 and 1.3-kb rDNA families. This indicates that the cloned EcoRI fragment of 5S rDNA in pLu103 represents one single repeat of 5S rDNA in the genome.
A note on the termination of commissural fibers in the neocortex.

The general arrangement of fibers in the corpus callosum shows a strongly symmetrical (homotopic) pattern characteristic of a true commissure. Connections between non-symmetrical (heterotopic) areas also have been demonstrated for many regions, both by anatomical studies using the Marchi technique13,14,16,24,26,29 and by electrophysiological methods6,18. The contribution of recently developed silver techniques, notably the suppressive Nauta-Gygax method23, has been to emphasize the extent of non-homotopic connections3,8,9,19,21. Some clearly delineated areas of neocortex appear not to receive any commissural fibers1,2,6,8,9,17,18,21,28; outstanding examples of such areas are ‘visual cortex’ or area 17, and the hand and foot portions of somatosensory cortex. It is generally presumed that each cortical area contributes fibers to the corpus callosum, and the sparse histological evidence available indicates that the cells of origin reside in cortical layers III through VI5,12,25.
Identification of noise in linear data sets by factor analysis

With the use of atomic and nuclear methods to analyze samples for a multitude of elements, very large data sets have been generated. Due to the ease of obtaining these results with computerized systems, the elemental data acquired are not always as thoroughly checked as they should be leading to some, if not many, bad data points. It is advantageous to have some feeling for the trouble spots in a data, set before it is used for further studies. A technique which has the ability to identify bad data points, after the data has been generated, is classical factor analysis. The ability of classical factor analysis to identify two different types of data errors make it ideally suited for scanning large data sets. Since the results, yielded by factor analysis indicate correlations between parameters, one must know something about the nature of the data set and the analytical techniques used to obtain it to confidentially isolate errors.
Accountability for All Students: Kentucky's Alternate Portfolio Assessment for Students with Moderate and Severe Cognitive Disabilities

One of the keys to ensuring high expectations for all students is the requirement for inclusive measures of educational accountability. Recognizing this need, Congress enacted Title II, National Ed...
Electrochemical determination of activation energies for methanol oxidation on polycrystalline platinum in acidic and alkaline electrolytes

The oxidation pathways of methanol (MeOH) have been the subject of intense research due to its possible application as a liquid fuel in polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The design of improved catalysts for MeOH oxidation requires a deep understanding of these complex oxidation pathways. This paper will provide a discussion of the literature concerning the extensive research carried out in acidic and alkaline electrolytes. It will highlight techniques that have proven useful in the determination of product ratios, analysis of surface poisoning, anion adsorption, and oxide formation processes, in addition to the effects of temperature on the MeOH oxidation pathways at bulk polycrystalline platinum (Ptpoly) electrodes. This discussion will provide a framework with which to begin the analysis of activation energy (Ea) values. This kinetic parameter may prove useful in characterizing the rate-limiting step of the MeOH oxidation at an electrode surface. This paper will present a procedure for the determination of Ea values for MeOH oxidation at a Ptpoly electrode in acidic and alkaline media. Values from 24–76 kJ mol−1 in acidic media and from 36–86 kJ mol−1 in alkaline media were calculated and found to be a function of applied potential and direction of the potential sweep in a voltammetric experiment. Factors that influence the magnitude of the calculated Ea include surface poisoning from MeOH oxidation intermediates, anion adsorption from the electrolyte, pH effects, and oxide formation processes. These factors are all potential, and temperature, dependent and must clearly be addressed when citing Ea values in the literature. Comparison of Ea values must be between systems of comparable electrochemical environment and at the same potential. Ea values obtained on bulk Ptpoly, compared with other catalysts, may give insight into the superiority of other Pt-based catalysts for MeOH oxidation and lead to the development of new catalysts which lower the Ea barrier at a given potential, thus driving MeOH oxidation to completion.
A palmitoyl-CoA-specific Δ9 fatty acid desaturase from Caenorhabditis elegans.

Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in C. elegans is initiated by the introduction of a double bond at the delta9 position of a saturated fatty acid. We identified three C. elegans fatty acid desaturase genes related to the yeast delta9 desaturase OLE1 and the rat stearoyl-CoA desaturase SCD1. Heterologous expression of all three genes rescues the fatty acid auxotrophy of the yeast delta9 desaturase mutant ole1. Examination of the fatty acid composition of the transgenic yeast reveals striking differences in the substrate specificities of these desaturases. Two desaturases, FAT-6 and FAT-7, readily desaturate stearic acid (18:0) and show less activity on palmitic acid (16:0). In contrast, the other desaturase, FAT-5, readily desaturates palmitic acid (16:0), but shows nearly undetectable activity on the common delta9 substrate stearic acid. This is the first report of a palmitoyl-CoA-specific membrane fatty acid desaturase.
Perceived Parent and Peer Marijuana Norms: The Moderating Effect of Parental Monitoring During College

This study examined descriptive and injunctive normative influences exerted by parents and peers on college student marijuana approval and use. It further evaluated the extent to which parental monitoring moderated the relationship between marijuana norms and student marijuana outcomes. A sample of 414 parent-child dyads from a midsize American university completed online surveys. A series of paired and one-sample t tests revealed that students’ actual marijuana use was significantly greater than parents’ perception of their child’s use, while students’ perception of their parents’ approval were fairly accurate. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression indicated that perceived injunctive parent and student norms, and parental monitoring all uniquely contributed to the prediction of student marijuana approval. Furthermore, parental monitoring moderated the effects of perceived norms. For example, at low but not high levels of parental monitoring, perceptions of other students’ marijuana use were associated with students’ own marijuana approval. Results from a zero-inflated negative binomial regression showed that students who reported higher descriptive peer norms, higher injunctive parental norms, and reported lower parental monitoring were likely to report more frequent marijuana use. A significant Parental Monitoring × Injunctive Parental norms interaction effect indicated that parental approval only influenced marijuana use for students who reported that their parents monitored their behavior closely. These findings have intervention implications for future work aimed at reducing marijuana approval and use among American college students.
Necrophagy by a benthic omnivore influences biomagnification of methylmercury in fish

Abstract Omnivory has an important role in the movement of energy, nutrients, and contaminants between benthic and pelagic food webs. While top-predator fish are known to supplement a mostly piscivorous diet with benthic organisms, a more obscure benthic–pelagic coupling occurs when benthic invertebrates forage on fish carcasses, referred to as necrophagy. The combination of these two benthic–pelagic links, top-predator fish feeding on benthic organisms that have fed on dead fish, can generate a trophic feedback cycle that conserves energy and nutrients and may have implications for biomagnification of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish. We investigated the role of necrophagy by crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), via a trophic feedback cycle, on the biomagnification of MeHg in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a cosmopolitan top predator fish known to feed on crayfish. Controlled laboratory tests quantified the uptake of MeHg by both organisms from artificial and natural food (whole crayfish or bass tissue). Assimilation efficiency (AE) of MeHg was greater for bass fed crayfish (79 ± 0.5%) than those fed artificial food (60 ± 3%). Furthermore, AE of MeHg was greatest for largemouth bass fed crayfish that fed on MeHg-dosed dead fish (i.e., trophic feedback cycle; 94 ± 17%). A model, parameterized with results of the laboratory experiments, was used to make steady-state projections of MeHg biomagnification factors. Model projections also indicate that MeHg biomagnification would be greatest for largemouth bass from a trophic feedback cycle. These results suggest that food web ecology has an important role in determining MeHg levels in predatory fish and underscore the need for further investigation into the magnitude that necrophagy may affect MeHg biomagnification in aquatic systems.
Detection of herpes simplex virus by measurement of luciferase activity in an infected-cell lysate

Abstract A stably transformed cell line (BHKICP6LucA6) has been isolated which expresses high levels of luciferase activity following infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). The genome of this cell line contains an HSV-1 promoter-luciferase chimeric gene. Infected BHKICP6LucA6 cells exhibit a level of luciferase activity 5 · 105 higher than mock-infected cells. This signal-to-noise ratio is of a sufficient magnitude that measurement of the luciferase activity of an infected-cell lysate can detect a single infected cell when a practical number of cells is used in the assay. This approach to the detection of infectious virus could be useful in a number of circumstances and may be adaptable to an automated assay which could become a useful means for diagnostic laboratories to detect viruses in clinical specimens.
Telling smokers their "lung age" promoted successful smoking cessation.

G Parkes Dr G Parkes, The Limes Surgery, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK; parkesko@hotmail.co.uk Does describing to patients how smoking has accelerated their age-related decline in lung function (“lung age”) increase smoking cessation rates? ### Design: randomised controlled trial. ### Allocation: concealed. ### Blinding: blinded (outcome assessors). ### Follow-up period: 12 months. ### Setting: 5 general practices in Hertfordshire, UK. ### Patients: 561 current smokers ⩾35 years of age (mean age 53 y, 54% women, mean 17 cigarettes/d, mean 33 pack-y of smoking). Patients receiving oxygen or with a history of lung cancer, tuberculosis, asbestosis, silicosis, bronchiectasis, or pneumonectomy were excluded. ### Intervention: all patients had spirometry at baseline to measure forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1). Patients in the intervention group (n = 280) were immediately given their results verbally and graphically as “lung age” (the age …
MECHANISMS OF BLEOMYCIN-INDUCED LUNG DAMAGE

Bleomycins are a family of compounds produced by Streptomyces verticillis. They have potent tumour killing properties which have given them an important place in cancer chemotherapy. They cause little marrow suppression, but pulmonary toxicity is a major adverse effect. The mechanisms of cell toxicity are well described based on in vitro experiments on DNA. The bleomycin molecule has two main structural components: a bithiazole component which partially intercalates into the DNA helix, parting the strands, as well as pyrimidine and imidazole structures, which bind iron and oxygen forming an activated complex capable of releasing damaging oxidants in close proximity to the polynucleotide chains of DNA. This may lead to chain scission or structural modifications leading to release of free bases or their propenal derivatives. The mechanisms are well described based on in vitro experiments on DNA, but how they relate to intact cells in whole animals is more tenuous. Bleomycin is able to cause cell damage independent from its effect on DNA by induction lipid peroxidation. This may be particularly important in the lung and in part account for its ability to cause alveolar cell damage and subsequent pulmonary inflammation. The lung injury seen following bleomycin comprises an interstitial oedema with an influx of inflammatory and immune cells. This may lead to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by enhanced production and deposition of collagen and other matrix components. Several polypeptide mediators capable of stimulating fibroblasts replication or excessive collagen deposition have been implicated in this, but the precise role of these in bleomycin-induced fibrosis is yet to be demonstrated. Current therapy for bleomycin-induced lung damage is inadequate, with corticosteroids most often used. Given the mechanism of action described above, antioxidants and iron chelators might be beneficial. Although, studies to date are equivocal and there is insufficient evidence to promote their use clinically. Novel drugs are currently being developed and it is hoped these may be more useful.
Increased Penalty Rates for Overtime and Job Creation in Australia

It has been argued that increasing the overtime pay premium may be one way to stimulate employment growth and reduce unemployment. This proposition is investigated for Australia and rejected. Increasing the overtime pay premium from time-and-a-half to double-time would currently create only about 9000 jobs and have little impact on the unemployment rate.
Mechanisms of chromosome translocation in B- and T-cell neoplasia

Abstract Studies on the molecular features of non-random chromosome translocations of lymphoid malignancies have revealed that enzymes which normally catalyse the recombination of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes may cause specific translocations. The type of mechanism implicated in the translocation, coupled with other aspects of the tumor phenotype, allow us to specify the point in lymphocyte ontogeny at which the event leading to neoplastic transformation occurred.
The effects of extending the spectral information acquired by a photon-counting detector for spectral CT.

Photon-counting x-ray detectors with pulse-height analysis provide spectral information that may improve material decomposition and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in CT images. The number of energy measurements that can be acquired simultaneously on a detector pixel is equal to the number of comparator channels. Some spectral CT designs have a limited number of comparator channels, due to the complexity of readout electronics. The spectral information could be extended by changing the comparator threshold levels over time, sub pixels, or view angle. However, acquiring more energy measurements than comparator channels increases the noise and/or dose, due to differences in noise correlations across energy measurements and decreased dose utilisation. This study experimentally quantified the effects of acquiring more energy measurements than comparator channels using a bench-top spectral CT system. An analytical and simulation study modeling an ideal detector investigated whether there was a net benefit for material decomposition or optimal energy weighting when acquiring more energy measurements than comparator channels. Experimental results demonstrated that in a two-threshold acquisition, acquiring the high-energy measurement independently from the low-energy measurement increased noise standard deviation in material-decomposition basis images by factors of 1.5–1.7 due to changes in covariance between energy measurements. CNR in energy-weighted images decreased by factors of 0.92–0.71. Noise standard deviation increased by an additional factor of due to reduced dose utilisation. The results demonstrated no benefit for two-material decomposition noise or energy-weighted CNR when acquiring more energy measurements than comparator channels. Understanding the noise penalty of acquiring more energy measurements than comparator channels is important for designing spectral detectors and for designing experiments and interpreting data from prototype systems with a limited number of comparator channels.
Structural and vibrational properties of neopentane and tetramethylsilane using ab initio mo calculations

Abstract The geometry and vibrational properties of neopentane and tetramethylsilane have been determined from ab initio calculations. The 6–31 G* basis level geometries along with analytically determined frequencies and force constants are presented and compared with experiment. A complete and non-redundant set of internal symmetry coordinates is presented and used for the normal coordinate treatment of the molecular force constants. Both molecules are determined to have T d point symmetry. The torsional A 2 and F 1 frequencies which are inactive in both infrared and Raman are calculated as 221 and 302 cm −1 for neopentane and 144 and 168 cm −1 for tetramethylsilane respectively.
Studies of the Fiber-Matrix Interphase for Controlled Energy Absorption and Strength

Hybrid polysiloxane-based sizings with embedded silica and silica/latex nanoparticles were studied to improve Interfacial Shear Strength (IFSS) and energy absorption using the micro-droplet test method. The sizing mixture comprised of mixed polysiloxane with silica nanoparticles has been screened by varying one parameter at a time. The best mechanical performance was observed in the following concentration range: 1.0–2.0 wt% tetraethoxysilane (TES)/3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPS) mixture, and 1.0–3.0 wt% Ludox® silica nanoparticles; 1.0–1.5 TES/GPS ratio, and 20 nm silica nanoparticles size. Increase of nanoparticles size leads to a decline in both strength and energy absorption, whereas chemical modification of nanoparticles surface has no significant effect compared to the baseline. The study also shows that the combination of hard (silica) and soft (latex) nanoparticles works best to maximize the strength and energy absorption. Hard particles increase surface roughness that increases interfacial strength and energy absorption during debonding whereas rubber particles contribute to improved energy absorption. Possible rational for such sizing composition/material property relationship will be discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Concepts are not beliefs, but having concepts is having beliefs

We applaud Millikan's psychologically plausible version of the causal theory of reference. Her proposal offers a significant clarification of the much-debated relation between concepts and beliefs, and suggests positive directions for future empirical studies of conceptual development. However, Millikan's revision of the causal theory may leave us with no generally satisfying account of concept individuation in the mind.
The influence of immigration status on early childhood education and care enrollment

Early childhood education and care has become the norm for children in the United States and most European countries. In the United States, immigrant children, a growing demographic, are under-enro...