cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Microwave Ablation Appears Safe and Feasible for Renal Cell Carcinoma in an Early Series.

Abstract Microwave (MW) ablation and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) have potentially complementary advantages and limitations for treating inoperable renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Combining SBRT and MWA may optimize tumor control and toxicity for patients with larger (>5 cm) RCCs or those with vascular involvement. We retrospectively reviewed patients at our institution with RCC treated between 2014 – 2018 to identify patients treated with a combination of SBRT and MW ablation. Seven patients with RCC were treated with combination of SBRT and MW ablation, median tumor size of 6.4 cm. Local control was 100% with a median follow-up of 15 months. Four patients experienced grade 2 nausea during SBRT. Three patients experienced toxicities after MW ablation, two with grade 1 hematuria and one with grade 3 retroperitoneal bleed/collecting system injury. Median eGFR preceding and following SBRT and MW ablation was 69 mL/min/1.73m2 and 68 mL/min/1.73m2 (p=0.19) respectively. In patients who are not surgical candidates, larger RCCs or those with vascular invasion are challenging to treat. Combination treatment with SBRT and MW ablation may balance the risks and benefits of both therapies and demonstrates high local control in our series. MW ablation and SBRT have potentially complementary advantages and limitations.
Protecting the Commercial Value of Iowans' Identity Nationwide: A Response to Colon's Proposed State Statute

I read with interest Madison J. Murhammer Colon’s How Can Iowans Effectively Prevent the Commercial Misappropriation of Their Identities? Why Iowa Needs a Right of Publicity Statute. While I agree with her that Iowans need protection since Iowa is one of just 15 states without a state right of publicity statute, this Essay proposes that it would be better for Iowans to work toward a federal, rather than state, statute. Without a federal statute, whether a right of publicity exists and how broad the protection is depends upon the state in which one is asserting such a right. Relying on state law makes it difficult to protect one’s rights beyond state borders and to plan the cost of compliance with the law of multiple jurisdictions. There is support for a federal statute from a wide variety of sources, including the American Bar Association.
Uterine arterial vasoconstrictions mediated by ovarian nerves in virgin and postpartum rats

In most mammals, including humans, pregnancy results in the loss of most uterine vasomotor fibers. These experiments determined whether, despite this denervation, sympathetic nerves mediated uterine vasoconstrictions in the rat 24 h after delivery. Both virgin and uniparous postpartum rats were anesthetized with urethan. Femoral vessels were cannulated for measurement of arterial pressure and intravenous administration of fluids and drugs. Blood flow was measured in a uterine artery after ligation of all anastomotic ovarian vessels. Electrical stimulation of ovarian nerve efferents elicited frequency-dependent uterine vasoconstrictions in both virgin and postpartum rats. Vasoconstrictions in postpartum rats were not significantly different from those observed in virgins. In both virgin and postpartum rats, neurogenic vasoconstrictions were reduced by combined alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic blockade. We conclude that the uterine branches of the ovarian nerve mediate adrenergic uterine vasoconstrictions. In the largely denervated uterus of the postpartum rat, these vasoconstrictions may be mediated by surviving innervation of the uterine artery and its major branches. Sympathetic vasoconstriction acting at these sites would constitute an effective defense against postpartum hemorrhage.
Is Universality Valid on Hierarchical and Fractal Lattices

There is a lack of conclusive evidence, theoretical or experimental, to establish the validity of universality in phase transitions on hierarchical and fractal lattices. The critical properties depend on so many details of the lattice that it seems quite unlikely that a complete or finite set of universality criteria exists. It is proposed that a distinction be made between a “strong statement of universality” and a “weak statement of universality.”
A Systematic Study of Epidermal Ridge Minutiae

To permit the testing of a number of basic hypotheses regarding the relationship between neighboring minutiae, epidermal ridge minutiae on the distal portions of 412 thumbprints have been surveyed. For each thumbprint a centrally located focal minutia was chosen; neighboring minutiae were then sampled. Minutiae were considered to be neighbors if there were no other minutiae in a rectangular region defined by the two minutiae and the ridge system. For each minutia the following data were recorded: minutia type, orientation, ridge count from the focal minutia, and the intervening distance along the ridge flow. The number of neighbor minutiae was found to be normally distributed. Minutia orientation frequencies on the right and left hands were found to be unequal and to show a mirror image relationship. The incidence of particular minutia orientations and types were found to vary with ridge count from the focal minutia. Linear descriptions of these relationships were found to be adequate after adjustments were made for geometrical restrictions present for ridge counts of one, zero, and negative one. Predicted frequencies of minutia types and orientations for each ridge count were found to be in acceptable agreement with the observed frequencies.
Abstract 17188: Abnormal Local Electrograms in Hibernating Myocardium: a Three-dimensional Electro-anatomic Assessment of Arrhythmogenic Substrate in Patients With Ventricular Tachycardia

Background: Hibernating myocardium has been traditionally thought to have normal electrical properties. This study aimed to assess the local electrogram (EGM) properties in hibernating myocardium. Methods and Results: Endocardial voltage mapping, metabolic 18 FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) scans and perfusion 82 Rb, 201 Tl or 99m Tc scans were performed in 61 ischemic heart disease patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Hibernating areas were identified, which was followed by 3D-PET reconstructions and integration with voltage maps to allow hybrid metabolic-electro-anatomic 3D-assessment of the arrhythmogenic substrate. A total of 303 bipolar voltage recordings were obtained within hibernating myocardium. Local EGMs were categorized into: 1.Normal (sharp biphasic or triphasic spikes, voltage≥3mV, duration0.046); 2.Fractionated (voltage≤0.5mV, duration≥133ms, amplitude/duration ratio Conclusion: Hibernating myocardium displayed abnormal local EGMs. The findings might underlie the vulnerability to ventricular tachycardia in patients with hypoperfused yet viable hibernating myocardium.
l-Ribulose 5-Phosphate 4-Epimerase of Aerobacter aerogenes EVIDENCE FOR NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE-INDEPENDENT 4-EPIMERIZATION BY THE CRYSTALLINE ENZYME

Abstract l-Ribulose 5-phosphate 4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3._.) from Aerobacter aerogenes was purified to homogeneity as determined by a constant specific activity with recrystallization, a single protein band and coincident activity peak in a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and a constant molecular weight across the cell in high speed equilibrium ultracentrifugation. The latter method gave an approximate molecular weight of 1.14 x 105. No bound NAD+ was detected when (a) the purified enzyme was tested for NAD+ by microbiological assay, (b) the epimerase was purified from a nicotinic acid auxotroph grown on 14C-nicotinic acid, or (c) fluorescence and absorption spectra were measured. Activity measurements indicated that the enzyme does not require NAD+ for activity nor is the rate of epimerization enhanced by the presence of NAD+, NADH, NADP+, or NADPH. These results show that the mechanism of 4-epimerization for l-ribulose-5-phosphate and d-xylulose-5-phosphate differs from that for UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose. It is evident that the possibilities now include oxidation-reduction utilizing an as yet unrecognized acceptor or an entirely different mechanism.
Life's Complexity Pyramid

How are the myriad components inside the cell connected together, enabling the cell to carry out its specific functions? In their Perspective, [Oltvai and BarabAisi][1] discuss two new studies ([Lee][2] et al ., [Milo][3] et al .) that investigate both biological networks of intracellular components and nonbiological networks such as the World Wide Web. They explain that all networks seem to be organized according to the same distinct principles. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/298/5594/763 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/298/5594/799 [3]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/298/5594/824
Robust Control Design for Systems with Probabilistic Uncertainty

This paper presents a reliability- and robustness-based formulation for robust control synthesis for systems with probabilistic uncertainty. In a reliability-based formulation, the probability of violating design requirements prescribed by inequality constraints is minimized. In a robustness-based formulation, a metric which measures the tendency of a random variable/process to cluster close to a target scalar/function is minimized. A multi-objective optimization procedure, which combines stability and performance requirements in time and frequency domains, is used to search for robustly optimal compensators. Some of the fundamental differences between the proposed strategy and conventional robust control methods are: (i) unnecessary conservatism is eliminated since there is not need for convex supports, (ii) the most likely plants are favored during synthesis allowing for probabilistic robust optimality, (iii) the tradeoff between robust stability and robust performance can be explored numerically, (iv) the uncertainty set is closely related to parameters with clear physical meaning, and (v) compensators with improved robust characteristics for a given control structure can be synthesized.
Plasma aminopeptidase activity (oxytocinase) in pregnancy and labor

Abstract The primary oxytocinase activity of pregnancy plasma is apparently due to a cystine aminopeptidase. The latter activity may be measured by a chemical procedure which utilizes the synthetic substrate cystine-di-β-naphthylamide. The results of 110 determinations during pregnancy indicate a progressive rise of this aminopeptidase activity in plasma, paralleling the oxytocinase curves obtained by biologic assay methods. Contrary to some reports, there is no decline of activity during early or late labor, parturition, or the early puerperium. The onset of spontaneous labor in women can hardly be attributed to a diminished ability of the plasma to inactivate endogenous oxytocin.
Kinetics of liquid-liquid phase separation of a binary mixture in cylindrical pores

We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of the liquid-liquid phase separation of a binary mixture confined in two different sizes of cylindrical pore. In these systems, the interactions between the two fluids and the pore wall are identical so that no wetting occurs and the fluid separates into a series of pluglike domains after a temperature quench. In the larger pore the fluid separation is characterized by bulklike growth exponents until the average domain size is comparable with the pore diameter, after which the growth slows dramatically. In the smaller pore domain sizes reach the pore diameter very quickly, after which the growth proceeds faster than in the large pore system.
PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN FROM CALF THYMUS.

Abstract The characteristics of the nuclear ribosomal protein prepared by acid-extraction of calf thymus nuclear ribosomes have been studied. The protein shows similar amino acid composition as the total protein of the whole nuclear ribosomes and is therefore basic. Sedimentation analysis of the protein shows mainly species of 0.9 S. An average molecular weight of 20 800 was obtained by the Archibald method. However, starch-gel electrophoresis experiments indicate that the protein is highly heterogeneous, containing at least 13 components. By comparison, cytoplasmic ribosomal protein prepared from calf thymus shows relatively fewer components than the nuclear preparation. Immunochemical interactions between the acid-soluble nuclear and cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins with antisera prepared against the nuclear and cytoplasmic ribosomes show that while the nuclear ribosomal protein cross-reacts with cytoplasmic antiserum equally well as with nuclear antiserum, the cytoplasmic ribosomal protein is less active when cross-reacted with nuclear antiserum. The results suggest that the nuclear ribosomes differ from their cytoplasmic counterpart by containing more protein components.
Benchmarking Equity in Transfer Policies for Career and Technical Associate’s Degrees

Using critical policy analysis, this study considers state policies that impede technical credit transfer from public 2-year colleges to 4-year institutions of higher education. The states of Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin are considered, and seven policy benchmarks for facilitating the transfer of technical credits are proposed.
Interleukin‐1β triggers the differentiation of macrophages with enhanced capacity to present mycobacterial antigen to T cells

The rapid differentiation of monocytes into macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells is a pivotal aspect of the innate immune response. Differentiation is triggered following recognition of microbial ligands that activate pattern recognition receptors or directly by pro-inflammatory cytokines. We demonstrate that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induces the rapid differentiation of monocytes into CD209(+) MΦ, similar to activation via Toll-like receptor 2/1, but with distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics. The IL-1β induced MΦ express higher levels of key markers of phagocytosis, including the Fc-receptors CD16 and CD64, as well as CD36, CD163 and CD206. In addition, IL-1β-induced MΦ exert potent phagocytic activity towards inert particles, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and mycobacteria. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced MΦ express higher levels of HLA-DR and effectively present mycobacterial antigens to T cells. Therefore, the ability of IL-1β to induce monocyte differentiation into MΦ with both phagocytosis and antigen-presenting function is a distinct part of the innate immune response in host defence against microbial infection.
Combining energetic and informational masking for speech identification

This study examined combinations of energetic and informational maskers in speech identification. Speech targets and maskers (speech or noise) were processed and filtered into sets of 15 narrow frequency bands. The target was the sum of eight randomly selected bands. More masking occurred for speech maskers than for spectrally matched noise maskers regardless of whether the masker bands overlapped the target bands. The greater effect of the speech maskers was interpreted as due to informational masking. When the masker was comprised of nonoverlapping bands of speech, the addition of bands of noise overlapping the speech masker, but not the speech target, reduced the overall amount of masking. Surprisingly, presenting the noise to the ear contralateral to the target and masker produced an even greater release from masking. The contralateral noise was apparently sufficient to cause a slight change in the image of the ipsilateral speech masker, possibly pulling it away from the target enough to allow the focus of attention on the target. This finding is consistent with the interpretation that in some conditions small binaural differences may be sufficient to cause, or significantly strengthen, the perceptual segregation of sounds.
Beam-Foil Studies of Nitrogen*

Beam-foil spectra of nitrogen were obtained for particle energies between 0.25 and 2.0 MeV in a wavelength range between 1050 and 3000 A and up to 5.5 MeV between 2000 and 5000 A. Most of the spectral lines are ascribed to known transitions in N i–vi. Many Si i–vi transitions could also be identified in the spectrum of the mass-28 beam. Twenty-five decay times of nitrogen were measured. In some cases, the experimental mean lives differ by factors as large as 4 from theoretical values.
Transposon mutagenesis of baculoviruses: analysis of TFP3 lepidopteran transposon insertions at the FP locus of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses.

Abstract We report the complete sequences of two representatives of the TFP3 transposable element family of the lepidopteran, Trichoplusia ni . These elements were isolated as insertions mobilized from the Lepidopteran host genome into two closely related nuclear polyhedrosis viruses (NPV) during infection. Both elements inserted within the 500-bp FP locus of the respective viral genomes (map units 36.0 to 37.0), causing a distinctive plaque morphology phenotype and the loss of a 25-kDa viral-specific protein. Both insertions occurred at the identical TTAA target site in the respective genomes, in the same relative orientation, and are flanked by 15-bp imperfect inverted repeats. The inserted elements interrupt the 25 K open reading frame (ORF). One of these FP mutants undergoes spontaneous reversion. Sequence analysis at the excision site of a spontaneous revertant demonstrates that the TFP3 elements are capable of precise excision, restoring the expression of the 25-kDa protein. We also compare the sequences of the 25 K genes of the Autographa californica and Galleria mellonella viruses (AcMNPV and Gm MNPV, respectively). The 25 K gene sequences diverge in five areas, resulting in an additional Eco RV and Taq I site within the Gm MNPV 25 K gene, and extension of the ORF for an additional 2 amino acids at the C-terminus of the predicted Gm MNPV 25 kDa protein. The phenomenon of transposon mutagenesis of Baculovirus genomes provides a unique opportunity for analysis of transposon mobility.
Chemical composition of phosphorites of the Phosphoria Formation

Abstract The chemical composition, both major and minor constituents, of 60 samples of phosphorite from the Phosphoria Formation was determined. Major constituents of the average phosphorite are, by weight per cent: SiO 2 , 11·9; Al 2 O 3 , 1·7; Fe 2 O 3 ,1·1; MgO, 0·3; CaO, 44·0; Na 2 O, 0·6; K 2 O, 0·5; total H 2 O, 2·2; H 2 O − , 0·6; TiO 2 , 0·1; P 2 O 5 , 30·5; CO 2 , 2·2; SO 3 , 1·8; F, 3·1; organic matter, 2·1; and oil, 0·2. Uranium averages 0·009 per cent. The phosphate mineral is basically apatite, Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F, with small but significant and variable substitutions—Na, Sr, U and Th for Ca, and CO 3 and SO 4 for PO 4 . Rare metals not associated with apatite are associated principally with the organic-matter component of the rocks. This group includes As, Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, V and Zn. Chromium is the most abundant, having a modal abundance of 0·1 per cent and a maximum concentration of 0·3 per cent. The average phosphorite is composed of approximately 80 per cent apatite, 10 per cent quartz, 5 per cent muscovite-illite, 2 per cent organic matter, 1 per cent dolomite—calcite, 1 per cent iron oxide, and 1 per cent other components. It is texturally a medium-grained pellet phosphorite.
De no vo synthesis of mannanase by the endosperm of Lactuca sativa

Abstract The increase in endo-(1→4)-β-mannanase activity in isolated lettuce endosperms was inhibited by 1 μg/ml cycloheximide added before or during enzyme production. In vivo density labelling using 50% D2O increased mannanase buoyant density from 1.308 to 1.319. The production of the enzyme is therefore based upon de novo synthesis. Mannanase synthesis in isolated endosperms was prevented by addition of 10 μM cordycepin or 20 μg/ml actinomyein D during the ca 4 hr period before enzyme production began. These inhibitors had little efrect at later times. Enzyme production was similarly inhibited when endosperms were isolated from non-germinated seeds at 24 hr, instead of 4 hr, after sowing. It is suggested that (i) mannanase production is dependent on the completion of transcriptional events and (ii) in germinating seeds these events are part of the control mechanism through which the germinating axis initiates mannanase production. Mannanase secreted by isolated lettuce endosperms has been characterized by native gel filtration chromatography and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The secreted mannase was present as three charge-isomers, with pIs between 4.75 and 4.9. Estimates of Mr by chromatography and electrophoresis were 19 and 46 000, respectively. Reasons for favouring the 46 000 estimate are presented.
Catalogers’ Perceptions and Use of Social Media and Conventional Information Sources for Professional Development

Many professional development information sources are available to catalogers, who may be constrained by limited time and money to devote to them. This article reports the results of a survey gathering information on six types of information sources: journal articles, conferences, electronic discussion lists, blogs, microblogs, and social networking sites. Catalogers rated these resources regarding their importance to filling professional development needs, the reliability of the information disseminated, and their usefulness for obtaining specific types of information. The results should help catalogers and their administrators decide where to focus their attention both as consumers and disseminators of continuing education information.
The initial- and final-value theorems in Laplace transform theory☆

Abstract The initial- and final-value theorems, generally neglected in Laplace transform theory, for some purposes are among the most powerful results in that subject. Here are advanced some useful applications of these theorems: we show how they may be employed as necessary checks on the accuracy of response transforms, to evaluate (directly, in a uniform manner, and with remarkable ease) certain definite integrals, to derive an important general result, and to evaluate (again uniformly and easily) certain limits and indeterminate forms (this is believed to be a new application). Then the theorems are generalized, and the first of these is applied to generate, directly from a Laplace transform itself, the Maclaurin expansion of the inverse Laplace transform.
Epstein-Barr virus-positive B-cell lymphoma of the elderly at a United States tertiary medical center: an uncommon aggressive lymphoma with a nongerminal center B-cell phenotype

Summary Epstein-Barr virus–positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders similar to those seen in posttransplantation patients have recently been described in immunocompetent, elderly Asian individuals. To our knowledge, this entity has not been described in the United States. The clinicopathologic features of 6 Epstein-Barr virus–positive B-cell lymphomas of the elderly from 5 patients 60 years and older were reviewed. Three specimens exhibited a polymorphous infiltrate with Reed-Sternberg–like cells. The remaining specimens resembled conventional diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Most tumor cells were Epstein-Barr virus–positive by in situ hybridization and had a nongerminal center B-cell immunophenotype. In addition, 90 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in patients 60 years and older were screened for Epstein-Barr virus and were negative. All 5 patients were treated with combination chemotherapy; however, they had a poor outcome. Epstein-Barr virus–positive B-cell lymphomas of the elderly occur uncommonly at a United States tertiary medical center. Pathologic features that may aid in identification and trigger Epstein-Barr virus testing include a polymorphic infiltrate, plasmacytic morphology, Reed-Sternberg–like cells, angioinvasion, necrosis, and a nongerminal center B-cell immunophenotype. Further investigation is needed to determine if Epstein-Barr virus status plays an independent role in the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in non-Asian countries, which would also impact the need to screen all diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in older patients for Epstein-Barr virus.
Characterization of a p53-related Activation Domain in Adr1p That Is Sufficient for ADR1-dependent Gene Expression

The yeast transcriptional activator Adr1p controls expression of the glucose-repressible alcohol dehydrogenase gene (ADH2), genes involved in glycerol metabolism, and genes required for peroxisome biogenesis and function. Previous data suggested that promoter-specific activation domains might contribute to expression of the different types of ADR1-dependent genes. By using gene fusions encoding the Gal4p DNA binding domain and portions of Adr1p, we identified a single, strong acidic activation domain spanning amino acids 420-462 of Adr1p. Both acidic and hydrophobic amino acids within this activation domain were important for its function. The critical hydrophobic residues are in a motif previously identified in p53 and related acidic activators. A mini-Adr1 protein consisting of the DNA binding domain of Adr1p fused to this 42-residue activation domain carried out all of the known functions of wild-type ADR1. It conferred stringent glucose repression on the ADH2 locus and on UAS1-containing reporter genes. The putative inhibitory region of Adr1p encompassing the protein kinase A phosphorylation site at Ser-230 is thus not essential for glucose repression mediated by ADR1. Mini-ADR1 allowed efficient derepression of gene expression. In addition it complemented an ADR1-null allele for growth on glycerol and oleate media, indicating efficient activation of genes required for glycerol metabolism and peroxisome biogenesis. Thus, a single activation domain can activate all ADR1-dependent promoters.
Expansive behavior of coal mine spoils treated with calcium-based stabilizers

Abstract Sulfate-induced swelling, resulting from the chemical treatment of sulfate rich soils, has been known to cause significant damage to pavements and other structures particularly in the south-western United States. This paper addresses the problem of sulfate-induced swelling in coal mine spoils, formed as a result of shallow strip coal mining, after treatment with calcium-based stabilizers. Samples of coal mine spoils were obtained from the Hawthorn coal mine area in Sullivan County, Indiana, and treated with the following calcium-based stabilizers: hydrated lime, quick lime and Portland cement, at dosages ranging from 1.5% to 9% by dry mass of the spoils. The swelling tests, conducted over a period of one month, were performed using the sand bath method in a custom setup housed in an environmental chamber. All specimens of the spoils treated with the stabilizers were found to exhibit swelling greater than that measured on the untreated spoils, with the greatest swelling observed following treatment with 3% hydrated lime. Swelling of the treated spoils was initially delayed and approached a constant value after approximately one month. X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetric analyses provide evidence of the presence of ettringite in all spoil–stabilizer specimens. While the formation of this mineral appears responsible for the observed expansion, the measured swelling strain could not be correlated to the amount of ettringite formed, and appears, instead, governed by the restraint provided by the stabilized matrix. Tests were also conducted to examine the effectiveness of the following two mitigation techniques: pre-compaction mellowing and double lime treatment. A pre-compaction mellowing period of 2–3 days led to swelling strains comparable to those of the untreated spoils. No advantages could be identified in using double lime treatment.
EXPERIMENTAL RICKETS IN RABBITS

Rickets has been produced experimentally in rabbits by the administration of diets deficient in the antirachitic organic factor and phosphorus but with a high calcium content. Cod liver oil added to these rickets-producing diets prevented the development of rickets in rabbits.
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract This is a general review of X-ray emission spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation from storage ring sources. Applications thus far have been to chemical analysis and to use of emission as a probe of absorption in dilute samples. One class of application combines the use of high resolution primary monochromator with a secondary spectrometer also having high resolution. This combination permits detailed examination of some complex inner shell which perturb both emission and absorption spectra.
Role of Aspartate-1 in Cu(II) Binding to the Amyloid-β Peptide of Alzheimer's Disease

Considerable effort is being directed at unraveling the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the participation of metal ions. The extracellular proteinaceous plaques associated with AD are composed predominantly of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, which has been shown to bind copper. Because coordination environment is an important determinant of copper reactivity, work to establish the copper binding site in Aβ is central to understanding copper's role in AD. A major controversy centers on the coordination environment of Cu(II) when bound to Aβ. We have shown previously that tyrosine is not the O-atom donor to Cu(II) and that N-terminal deletions to the Aβ peptide disrupt the native Cu(II) binding site [Karr, J. W.; Akintoye, H.; Kaupp, L. J.; Szalai, V. A. Biochemistry, 2005, 44, 5478−5487]. Here, we present low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of Cu(II) bound to N-terminal mutants of Aβ16 as a means to assess the role these amino acids play in creating the ...
Regrowth of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactive axons from the chronically injured rat spinal cord into fetal spinal cord tissue transplants.

Abstract Fetal spinal cord tissue was transplanted into either a hemisection or complete transection lesion site at lumbar levels of the adult rat spinal cord that had been produced 3, 6, or 11 weeks prior to grafting. Tissue sections containing the graft and adjacent regions of the host spinal cord were processed for calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity (CGRP-IR) 2–6 months later. Numerous CGRP-IR axons within laminae I, II, V and X of the host spinal cord were observed crossing the graft-host interface as they spread diffusely throughout the caudal-rostral extent of the transplants. Many of these immunolabeled axons terminated in a distinct bouton-like formation. These results indicate that within the chronically injured spinal cord at least one-specific neuronal population retains the potential for regrowth in a long-term injury condition and that this capacity for axonal elongation can be sustained by the presence of fetal spinal cord tissue grafts.
General methods of determining stability and critical speeds for elastic mechanism systems

Abstract Critical operating speeds of an elastic mechanism system are speeds where the dynamic response of the system suddenly increases to a large amplitude. The critical speeds occur as ranges of speeds and if damping is insufficient dynamic instability will occur at these speeds. Costly computer simulations to determine the response of the mechanism system need to be performed only in the vicinity of the critical speeds to estimate the maximum stresses in the links. Mechanism designers would find efficient, accurate and general methods of determining critical speeds very useful especially when analyzing complex mechanism systems with large numbers of elastic degrees of freedom. In this work the critical speed ranges for an elastic mechanism are determined using independent general methods that are capable of analyzing mechanism systems with all members being elastic and of complex shape. The results from the method are compared and this is shown to lead to a better understanding of the methods as well as the results. The practical limitations and suitability of the methods of stability analysis and determination of critical speeds for general elastic mechanism systems are discussed.
Doubly differential cross sections of secondary electrons ejected from gases by electron impact. 50--300 eV on helium

Doubly differential cross sections of secondary electrons ejected from C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ by electron impact have been measured by means of a crossed-beam method. The incident energies used were 50, 100, 200, and 400 eV. The energy range and angular range of secondary electrons measured were from one-half of the difference between incident energy and ionization potential to 1.0 eV and from 12 to 156\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, respectively. The present results agree with the results of Rapp and Englander-Golden for the total ionization cross sections and with that of Opal et al. for the singly differential cross sections. The doubly differential cross sections show larger values at extreme angles and smaller values near 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} than those of Opal et al.
Economic impacts of climate-related changes to California agriculture

California agriculture is driven by the interactions between technology, resources, and market demands. Future production is a balance between the rates of change in these variables and environmental factors including climate change. With tight statewide water supplies and agriculture being an important part of the California economy, quantifying the economic consequences of changes in these variables is important for addressing related policy questions. We estimate the economic effects of climate change on California crop farming by year 2050 using the Statewide Agricultural Production Model (SWAP). With climate warming, crop yields are expected to decline, production costs to increase, and water supplies to fall. These negative effects may be partially offset by higher crop prices and technological improvements. Results indicate that gross agricultural revenues across all regions are reduced under climate change, as is water usage. However, given the climate-induced reductions in water supply and crop yields, reductions in revenue are proportionally less due to shifting crop demands, technological change, and a shift to higher value less water intensive crops. Given the long time horizon required in this study, the results should not be considered a projection or forecast, but as a probable outcome of the interaction of several uncertain driving forces.
Mitochondrial permeability in neuronal death: possible relevance to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes catecholaminergic nerve cell loss and a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease (PD). The metabolite of MPTP, MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium), decreases mitochondrial complex I activity similar to that in the PD nigra. Opening of a multi-protein, mitochondrial membrane pore constitutes a critical decisional event in some forms of apoptosis. We review recent findings showing that the permeability transition pore (PTP) opening caused by a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) contributes to MPP+-induced apoptosis. The reduction in ΔΨM appears to result from decreased proton pumping at complex I and therefore decreased complex I activity may also contribute to apoptosis in PD.
Regional econometric models that reflect labor market relations

Abstract Regional economic forecasting is often hampered by a lack of reliable data. This study attempts to improve the efficiency of forecasts by incorporating interindustry linkages in wage and employment determination into an econometric model. Prior information of historical linkages is utilized in the form of restricted least squares and applied to the Louisville metropolitan area. We provide a step toward the specification of reliable models that reflect the local institutional framework which is often ignored in neoclassical, labor market-based model specifications. Comparisons on forecast accuracy with other structural models found in the literature favor the use of local institutional factors, though univariate time series models still tend to outperform the econometric approach.
Tracing cosmic evolution with clusters of galaxies

The most successful cosmological models to date envision structure formation as a hierarchical process in which gravity is constantly drawing lumps of matter together to form increasingly larger structures. Clusters of galaxies currently sit atop this hierarchy as the largest objects that have had time to collapse under the influence of their own gravity. Thus their appearance on the cosmic scene is also relatively recent. Two features of clusters make them uniquely useful tracers of cosmic evolution. First, clusters are the biggest things whose masses we can reliably measure because they are the largest objects to have undergone gravitational relaxation and entered into virial equilibrium. Mass measurements of nearby clusters can therefore be used to determine the amount of structure in the universe on scales of ${10}^{14}--{10}^{15}{M}_{\astrosun{}}$, and comparisons of the present-day cluster mass distribution with the mass distribution at earlier times can be used to measure the rate of structure formation, placing important constraints on cosmological models. Second, clusters are essentially ``closed boxes'' that retain all their gaseous matter, despite the enormous energy input associated with supernovae and active galactic nuclei, because the gravitational potential wells of clusters are so deep. The baryonic component of clusters therefore contains a wealth of information about the processes associated with galaxy formation, including the efficiency with which baryons are converted into stars and the effects of the resulting feedback processes on galaxy formation. This article reviews our theoretical understanding of both the dark-matter component and the baryonic component of clusters, providing a context for interpreting the flood of new cluster observations that are now arriving from the latest generation of x-ray observatories, large optical surveys, and measurements of cluster-induced distortions in the spectrum of the cosmic microwave background.
Spatial and sex differences in AIDS mortality in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Abstract Aggregate mortality data do not tell us if AIDS mortality is uniformly reduced or if there is spatial differentiation. A total of 2432 male and 1864 female deaths (2000–2004) from AIDS in Chiang Rai are used to detect mortality clusters. Both male and female clusters are more or less in the same location implying similar risk factors; however, male clusters remain more prevalent as male patients are likely to be slower in getting treatment. The findings indicate non-random clustering and confirm that although mortality rates are significantly reduced in most areas some sub-districts need attention for follow-up public health efforts.
The effect of heat transfer on three-dimensional spatial stability and transition of flat plate boundary layer at mach 3

Abstract The 3-dim. linear spatial stability of compressible flat plate boundary layers with heat transfer is investigated for the parallel flow assumption. The mean flow is obtained from the standard compressible boundary layer equations assuming perfect gas fluid properties, Sutherland's law of viscosity and constant Prandtl number. Stability characteristics, amplification maps, are obtained for 2-dim. and 3-dim. modes at Mach 3.0 and ratio of wall to adiabatic wall temperature equal to 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.8, 0.7 and 0.3. Results show that the stability of a given boundary layer cannot be concluded simply on the basis of the critical Reynolds number—incorrect conclusions may be made unless the entire instability map, particularly growth factors vs frequency and Reynolds number, is evaluated. Computations for the first 3-dim. mode show that, except for the ‘transition reversal’ the observed variation of the transition Reynolds number with heat transfer at the wall (cooling and heating) is predicted, qualitatively, by linear instability theory. Also, since the dominance of an instability mode can switch as major parameters affecting the disturbance are changed, transition reversal is predicted by the linear theory when with extended surface cooling the first 3-dim. mode, which is monotonically stabilized with cooling, ceases to be important and transition is then determined by the second 2-dim. mode.
Ion-sliced Lithium Niobate on silicon dioxide for engineering the temperature coefficient of frequency of Laterally Vibrating Resonators

This paper presents a new Laterally Vibrating Resonator (LVR) based on Y-cut ion-sliced Lithium Niobate (LN) thin films on silicon dioxide (SiO2). In this work, the LN LVR is built on top of a SiO2 layer and released from the underlying silicon wafer by dry etching in XeF2. For a given sample having a LN layer thickness of 420 nm and SiO2 thickness of 1600 nm, this first demonstration yielded resonators with temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of + 17 ppm/°C, and + 18 ppm/°C for devices vibrating at 500 MHz, respectively oriented at 10 and 30 to the x-axis, and TCF of +24.1 ppm/°C, and +27.7 ppm/°C for devices vibrating at 750 MHz, respectively oriented at 40 and 50 to the x-axis. The positive TCF clearly indicates the effect of the SiO2, matches with finite element method simulations and non-linear analysis, and offers evidence that TCF engineering is possible. Most importantly, these LN LVRs still exhibited high values of electromechanical coupling, kt2, around 9% at 723.7 MHz, and Q in excess of 1,320 in air at 419.3 MHz. By optimizing the relative values of the LN and SiO2 thickness it is ultimately possible to attain devices with zero first order TCF.
Biological Equivalence of Ophthalmic Prednisolone Acetate Suspensions

We compared both concentrations (0.125 and 1.0%) of two widely used commmerical brands of prednisolone acetate suspensions. We investigated the concentration that each product attained in the cornea and aqueous humor, and each product's anti-inflammatory effectiveness in the cornea. There was no statistically significant difference in the corticosteroid levels measured in cornea or aqueous humor after administration of the two suspensions. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the ability of the two commercial preparations to suppress corneal inflammation.
Effects of dietary mercury level and cadmium on rat tissue metallothionein: Mercury binding and influences on zinc

Feeding low levels of mercury in diets for rats resulted in its deposition with metallothionein (MT) in the kidney, but not in the liver. The addition of high levels of mercury to diets for rats caused the accumulation of mercury in kidney MT and to a much lesser extent in this low-molecular-weight protein in the liver. The accumulation of mercury in MT also caused zinc to accumulate in it. Treatment of rats with cadmium caused dietary mercury to accumulate in MT in the liver. Feeding stable mercury in the diet caused an increased uptake of labeled mercury in rat kidney MT, but in contrast, caused a decreased content in the liver MT. The mercury proteins from liver and kidney were purified and the amino acid analyses indicated that they are MT. Thus, MT binds low levels of mercury likely to be found in the environment in the kidney but not in the liver.
Strategies for Oligopoly Negotiations Involving Multiple Issues

This study compared the effectiveness of cooperative, distributive, and integrative strategies in oligopoly negotiations involving multiple issues. Seventy-five female subjects from introductory psychology classes assumed the role of buyers and negotiated with three programmed strategies (sellers). Subjects could bargain with the seller of their choice and could change sellers at any time. Results indicated that subjects made most offers to and reached most agreements with the cooperative seller. Furthermore, the cooperative seller strategy tended to earn most profit per customer contact and produced most joint profit per customer contact. However, the integrative seller tended to produce most seller profit per agreement and joint profit per agreement.
Isolation of bacteriophages from commercial sera.

Commercially available sera contain bacterial viruses. The possible origin of serum bacteriophages and the implication of this observation for tissue culture studies are discussed.
A parallel implementation of 3-D pseudospectral based code on the IBM 9076 scalable POWERparallel system

Abstract The paper reports on two parallel message passing implementations of a 3-D pseudospectral based code on top of the PVMe [1] and the MPL Parallel Environment [2], both parallel interfaces tuned for the IBM's scalable parallel system. Specifically, the discussion underlines details of high performing real-to-complex and complex-to-real parallel 3-D FFTs, the two computational kernels in the 3-D pseudospectral integration method, on the base of parallel performances measured on an SP1 16 nodes and on two SP2 16 thin and 16 wide nodes. At the end, some considerations about computational capabilities of the IBM's parallel distributed memory architecture in performing high intensive numerical simulations of 3-D homogeneous turbulent flows are also addressed.
Umbilical V-A differences of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate in fed and starved ewes.

Conclusions(a) Starvation in the pregnant ewe is associated with an increase in maternal blood concentrations of acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate.(b) Despite elevated maternal concentrations of acetoacetate, the umbilical venous-arterial blood acetoacetate difference does not change during maternal starvation. However, rising maternal levels of β-hydroxybutyrate are associated with increasing umbilical venous-arterial β-hydroxybutyrate concentration differences.(c) Neither acetoacetate nor β-hydroxybutyrate umbilical uptake is used by the sheep fetus as a major fuel of aerobic metabolism, even during maternal starvation.
THE VALUE OF PRIVATE INFORMATION IN MONOPOLY

We investigate a basic question about a monopoly with incomplete information: when does the seller have an incentive to allow potential buyers to acquire more private information about their tastes for the seller's product? Under plausible conditions such as log-concave density of willingness-to-pay and convex marginal cost, the seller prefers that the paying customers be well informed as a group but be left in the dark regarding their individual tastes.
Total synthesis of (±)-filifolone.

Abstract Monoterpene filifolone has been synthesized by an intramolecular acid catalyzed alkylation of dienic diazoketone. The potential utility of the key transformation in the synthesis of a new terpene synthon is indicated.
Learning parameter sets for alignment advising

While the multiple sequence alignment output by an aligner strongly depends on the parameter values used for the alignment scoring function (such as the choice of gap penalties and substitution scores), most users rely on the single default parameter setting provided by the aligner. A different parameter setting, however, might yield a much higher-quality alignment for the specific set of input sequences. The problem of picking a good choice of parameter values for specific input sequences is called parameter advising. A parameter advisor has two ingredients: (i) a set of parameter choices to select from, and (ii) an estimator that provides an estimate of the accuracy of the alignment computed by the aligner using a parameter choice. The parameter advisor picks the parameter choice from the set whose resulting alignment has highest estimated accuracy.We consider for the first time the problem of learning the optimal set of parameter choices for a parameter advisor that uses a given accuracy estimator. The optimal set is one that maximizes the expected true accuracy of the resulting parameter advisor, averaged over a collection of training data. While we prove that learning an optimal set for an advisor is NP-complete, we show there is a natural approximation algorithm for this problem, and prove a tight bound on its approximation ratio. Experiments with an implementation of this approximation algorithm on biological benchmarks, using various accuracy estimators from the literature, show it finds sets for advisors that are surprisingly close to optimal. Furthermore, the resulting parameter advisors are significantly more accurate in practice than simply aligning with a single default parameter choice.