cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), lymphotactin (XCL1) and estrogen receptor alpha (ER) expression in human breast cancer cells

Absence of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER) in human breast cancer cells is an indicator of poor prognosis, and predictive of lack of response to hormonal therapy. Previous studies in our laboratory and others have shown that epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, are common mechanisms leading to ER gene silencing. Through the use of pharmacologic inhibitors, 5-aza 2’deoxycytidine (AZA) and Trichostatin A (TSA), we have shown that alterations in both of these mechanisms results in synergistic re-expression of ER mRNA and functional protein. These alterations may play a larger role in stimulation of cell signaling pathways leading to ER expression. We have utilized newly developed genome wide screening microarray techniques to identify gene(s) contributing to the hormone independent phenotype and AZA/TSA mediated ER expression. From this screen, we identified and confirmed expression of 4 candidate genes (PP2A, XCL1, THY1 and NBC4) as potential regulators of the hormone...
Interface between a Liquid Crystalline Polymer and a Flexible Polymer

The properties of the interfacial region between melt phases of a liquid crystalline polymer and a flexible polymer were studied using the three-dimensional bond fluctuation model. The far-field orientation has a strong effect on the magnitude of the interfacial tension and the structure of the “interphase”. The interfacial tension is an increasing function of the nematic order parameter S for a parallel far field, while it is a decreasing function for a homeotropic (orthogonal) far field, with the difference in the magnitude of the interfacial tension growing exponentially in S. The interfacial tension for both far-field orientations is insensitive to liquid crystalline polymer chain length. Chain ends penetrate the adjacent phase with a homeotropic orientation, resulting in a more diffuse interphase. There is, nevertheless, a substantial orientation parallel to the interface even with a homeotropic far field, and order parallel to the interface is induced in the flexible polymer phase with both parallel...
Analysis of immunoglobulin VH genes suggests cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas recognise similar antigens

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (EMZL) are thought to develop from reactive infiltrates that represent immune responses to external or auto-antigens. Except for gastric EMZL, the antigenic triggers of EMZL development are mostly unknown, although a subset of cutaneous EMZL have been associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infections. To further evaluate whether a common antigen may be promoting the development of cutaneous EMZL, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V(H)) genes from eight USA cases were sequenced and analysed. All used V(H)3 family gene segments, with 2/8 using the same V3-30 segment, 2/8 using the closely related V3-30.3 or V3-33 segments, 6/8 containing mutations and 2/7 showing evidence of ongoing mutation. Many of the complimentarity-determining region 3s (CDR3s) also showed similarities in length and displayed conserved amino acid motifs in the non-templated areas between the diversity and joining segments. The use of similar V(H) gene segments and conserved CDR3 amino acid motifs suggests that some of these cutaneous EMZL may bind the same or similar antigen via their surface immunoglobulin receptor. Analysis of the somatic mutations present in many of the V(H) genes was also consistent with antigen directly stimulating the growth of cutaneous EMZL.
Computation of geometrical and inertial properties for general areas and volumes of revolution

Abstract Methods are developed to compute geometrical and inertial properties for regions of general shape. Formulae are deduced which show the changes occurring in plane or axisymmetric inertia properties when reference axes are subjected to a linear transformation. Various two-dimensional integrals are transformed into line integrals convenient for numerical evaluation. An 1100 statement FORTRAN program determining area and volume properties for regions bounded by contiguous circular :arcs and straight line segments is discussed. More concise exact results applicable in the case of straight line boundaries are obtained. Several numerical examples are presented which illustrate the versatility of the program.
A finite element investigation of stable crack growth in anti-plane shear

Although the anti-plane strain case is of minor practical value in engineering applications, such an idealization facilitates mathematical investigations of strain and displacement fields accompanying extending cracks. This paper presents finite element solutions to anti-plane strain crack propagation problems and contrasts the numerical results with available analytic solutions in an effort to assess the accuracy of the numerical procedures. The nature of dominant strain singularities for stationary and moving cracks, the question of stableversus unstable or catastrophic crack growth and the implications of various proposed fracture criteria are discussed.
Spillovers from United States Monetary Policy on Emerging Markets: Different This Time? 1

The impact of monetary policy in large advanced countries on emerging market economies— dubbed spillovers—is hotly debated in global and national policy circles. When the U.S. resorted to unconventional monetary policy, spillovers on asset prices and capital flows were significant, though remained smaller in countries with better fundamentals. This was not because monetary policy shocks changed (in size, sign or impact on stance). In fact, the traditional signaling channel of monetary policy continued to play the leading role in transmitting shocks, relative to other channels, affecting longer-term bond yields. Instead, we find that larger spillovers stem more from structural factors, such as the use of new instruments (asset purchases). We obtain these results by developing a new methodology to extract, separate, and interpret U.S. monetary policy shocks.
Slams, Crams, Jams, and other Phone Scams Competition, Crime, and Regulation in the Telecommunications Industry

The 1984 divestiture of AT&T created a proliferation of telecommunication services and wide-spread opportunities for corporate and consumer fraud. The evolution of the telecommunications industry has resulted in aggressive marketing practices that have affected untold numbers of consumers and has fostered fraudulent practices that pit major long-distance phone companies against each other and against Baby Bells. This article examines slamming, cramming, jamming, holding, and gouging violations. Data from state and federal agencies are analyzed to show the scope of fraudulent practices and the methods of perpetration. The research traces enforcement actions by state public service commissions and the Federal Communications Commission and offers an analysis of the problems associated with regulatory sanctioning efforts that attempt to curtail unethical and illegal practices.
Effect of Intermediate Diaphragms on Decked Bulb-Tee Bridge System for Accelerated Construction

One of the promising systems for accelerated bridge construction is the use of the decked precast prestressed concrete girders or decked bulb-tee girders for the bridge superstructure. Using the calibrated three-dimensional finite-element models through field tests, a parametric study was conducted to determine the effect of intermediate diaphragms on the deflections and flexural strains of girders at the midspan as well as the live load forces in the longitudinal joint. The following diaphragm details were considered: different diaphragm types (steel and concrete), different diaphragm numbers between two adjacent girders, and different cross-sectional areas for steel diaphragms. Five bridge models with different diaphragm details were developed, and the short span length effect on the bridge behavior was also studied. It was found that as long as one intermediate diaphragm was provided between two adjacent girders at midspan, changing the diaphragm details did not affect the girder deflection, the girder...
Commodity trading using an agent-based iterated double auction

This paper describes a new agent-based market mechanism for commodity trading via the Internet. This institution combines the best properties of the continuous double auction and the call auction, but does not suffer from their disadvantages. The institution consists of a marketplace, and a set of agents representing the participants. The agents enter into negotiation with each other in a series of double auctions, and through this determine the equilibrium price of the marketplace. When the equilibrium price has been found, all trades take place at this price. In the paper, we firstly introduce the concepts of supply and demand, and present the double auction and call auction market institutions. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. We then present the agent-based iterated double auction, and discuss security features that can be incorporated in it. We give one possible implementation of the agent-based iterated double auction, using the PS agents of Preist and van To1 [12], and demonstrate that it can quickly determine the equilibrium price of the market. Finally, we discuss related and further work.
Hodgkin's disease: prognostic factors and short-course regimens.

Both topics discussed in this review, prognostic factors and short-course regimens for Hodgkin’s disease, have been the focus of recent research with the goal of developing tools and treatments that will result in the highest cure rates with the least long-term sequelae. A new “prognostic score” for advanced-stage Hodgkin’s disease and several potential prognostic factors, including soluble CD30, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, activated cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and Epstein-Barr virus, are discussed. Preliminary reports of short-course chemotherapy regimens with and without radiotherapy for all stages of Hodgkin’s disease are summarized.
Power production locality of bluff body flutter mills using fully coupled 2D direct numerical simulation

Abstract Two-dimensional, fully coupled direct numerical simulations (DNS) are conducted to examine the local energy dynamics of a flexible cantilevered plate in the wake of a two-dimensional circular cylinder. The motion of the cantilevered plate is described using a finite element formulation and a fully compressible, finite volume Navier Stokes solver is used to compute the flow field. A sharp interface level set method is employed in conjunction with a ghost fluid method to describe the immersed boundaries of the bluff body and flexible plate. DNS is first conducted to validate the numerical methodology and compared with previous studies of flexible cantilevered plates and flow over bluff bodies; excellent agreement with previous results is observed. A newly defined power production/loss geometry metric is introduced based on surface curvature and plate velocity. The metric is found to be useful for determining which sections of the plate will produce energy based on curvature and deflection rate. Scatter plots and probability measures are presented showing a high correlation between the direction of energy transfer (i.e., to or from the plate) and the sign of the newly defined curvature-deflection-rate metric. The findings from this study suggest that a simple local geometry/kinematic based metric can be devised to aid in the development and design of flexible wind energy harvesting flutter mills.
Amino acid adducts of PAH o-quinones: model studies with naphthalene-1,2-dione

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants which may cause cancer and require metabolic activation to exert their carcinogenic effects. As a step toward identifying the spectrum of PAH o-quinone-amino acid adducts that may form in biological systems, several naphthalene-1,2-dione-amino acid adducts were synthesized. Each adduct was formed as a 1,4-Michael addition product and spectral data corroborate that these adducts were either o-quinones or catechols. PAH o-quinone adducts can be used as standards to identify their presence in vitro and in vivo.
Timing of carcinogenicity studies and predictability of genotoxicity for tumorigenicity in anti-HIV drug development.

The timing of carcinogenicity studies in parallel with the clinical development of anti–human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs has been flexible for most cases in the past. This includes postpone...
Thyroid hormones in blood plasma of developing salmon embryos.

Abstract Blood plasma thyroxine (T 4 ) and 3.5,3′-triiodo- l -thyronine (T 3 ) concentrations in developing embryos of chum ( Oncorhynchus keta ), coho ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ), chinook ( Oncorhynchus tschawytscha ), and Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) were measured by radioimmunoassay between hatching and completion of yolk-sac absorption. Blood sampling was initiated when approximately 50% of the yolk that was present at hatching had been absorbed. At this time blood plasma levels of T 4 (7–9 ng/ml) and T 3 (1–5 ng/ml) were similar in all species. In embryos of each salmon species blood plasma levels of T 4 increased to maximal values (9–16 ng/ml) when both differentiation of the abdominal body wall and absorption of the yolk sac were completed. Blood plasma levels of T 3 generally decreased to low or nondetectable values during this time. There was either a trend toward a decrease or a stasis of levels of T 4 and at the same time in some species an increase in levels of T 3 in the blood plasma following the completion of yolk-sac absorption and the onset of exogenous feeding. These results demonstrate that thyroid hormones are present in the blood of developing teleost embryos. This finding is discussed in light of the possible role of thyroid hormones in control of the embryonic and larval development of fishes.
Lactose Synthesis by a Golgi Apparatus Fraction from Rat Mammary Gland

LACTOSE synthetase (UDP galactose : D-glucose 1-galactosyl transferase, EC 2.4.1.22) catalyses the final step in the synthesis of lactose of milk and is composed of two subunits, both of which are required for activity1. The A subunit is membrane bound and, in the absence of the B subunit, transfers galactose from UDP galactose to N-acetylglucosamine with the formation of N-acetyl-lactosamine2–4. The B subunit is identical to the milk protein α-lactalbumin, and modifies the acceptor specificity of the A subunit to include glucose2,3. Galactosyl transferase activities have been specifically localized in Golgi apparatus from rat5 and bovine6 livers. Because the localization of lactose synthetase activity has been the subject of much speculation8, it was of interest to extend these studies to mammary tissue. We show here the A protein of lactose synthetase to be concentrated in a Golgi apparatus fraction from rat mammary gland.
Alginate encapsulation supports the growth and differentiation of human primordial follicles within ovarian cortical tissue.

Purpose In vitro follicle growth (IVFG) is an investigational fertility preservation technique in which immature follicles are grown in culture to produce mature eggs that can ultimately be fertilized. Although progress has been made in growing primate primary and secondary follicles in vitro, it has been a relatively greater challenge to isolate and culture primordial follicles. The purpose of this study was to develop methods to grow human primordial follicles in vitro using alginate hydrogels.
Application of the Slip-Link Model to Bidisperse Systems

Although the LVE predictions of monodisperse systems by the discrete slip-link model (DSM) are at least as good as those made by tube models, there are significant differences in contributions to r...
Essays on the Great Depression. By Ben S. Bernanke. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2000. Pp. vii, 310. $35.00.

Ben S. Bernanke's Essays on the Great Depression make satisfying reading. Spanning microeconomic foundations and macroeconomic outcomes, the book pulls together articles containing some of the best and most conclusive research on the economic catastrophe of the 1930s. Bernanke's work, with co-authors Harold James, Ilian Mihov, James L. Powell, Martin Parkinson, and Kevin Carey, tackles key questions head-on; here the reader will find lucid treatment of the role played in the crisis by worldwide operation of the gold standard, as well as dissection of key developments in interwar labor-market institutions. The work is on the methodological forefront, with a number of careful comparative analyses across nations and industries.
Testing the cascade model for food webs

The cascade model is a standard model for food web data. This article describes a method for testing the cascade model that complements existing tests. Like existing tests, the new test is conditional on the number of links observed in the predation matrix. One important feature of the cascade model is that an ordering of species is required, but in practice the true order is unknown. This feature has important implications for tests of the model, both for the new test and for existing tests. The analysis here does not require a single assumed order. Some real food webs are used for illustration.
Stress-Induced Voiding vs Temperature and Passivation Thickness IN Al-0.5%Cu-2%Si, AI-0.5%Cu AND Al-1%Si

Stress-induced voiding in microelectronics chips has been reported to exhibit a variety of dependencies on temperature and on passivation stress. The dependence of line failure is reported here at four different temperatures (150, 225, 285, and 315 °C) for Al-0.5%Cu-2%Si, Al-0.5%Cu and Al-1%Si lines with passivation thicknesses (silicon oxide or silicon nitride) ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 times the metal thickness. Failure distributions change in a complex manner with changing passivation thickness, and with temperature for a specific passivation thickness, raising questions on the validity of using the conventional median time to failure (t50) and lognormal slope (σ) to project field failure rates from data generated by accelerated life testing.
Eugene V. Debs: The agitator as speaker

This essay discusses the strengths and weaknesses in the rhetoric of Eugene V. Debs, a charismatic leader who agitated against the status quo at the time this country changed from an agricultural nation into an industrial nation.
Structural basis for sequence specific DNA binding and protein dimerization of HOXA13.

The homeobox gene (HOXA13) codes for a transcription factor protein that binds to AT-rich DNA sequences and controls expression of genes during embryonic morphogenesis. Here we present the NMR structure of HOXA13 homeodomain (A13DBD) bound to an 11-mer DNA duplex. A13DBD forms a dimer that binds to DNA with a dissociation constant of 7.5 nM. The A13DBD/DNA complex has a molar mass of 35 kDa consistent with two molecules of DNA bound at both ends of the A13DBD dimer. A13DBD contains an N-terminal arm (residues 324 – 329) that binds in the DNA minor groove, and a C-terminal helix (residues 362 – 382) that contacts the ATAA nucleotide sequence in the major groove. The N370 side-chain forms hydrogen bonds with the purine base of A5* (base paired with T5). Side-chain methyl groups of V373 form hydrophobic contacts with the pyrimidine methyl groups of T5, T6* and T7*, responsible for recognition of TAA in the DNA core. I366 makes similar methyl contacts with T3* and T4*. Mutants (I366A, N370A and V373G) all have decreased DNA binding and transcriptional activity. Exposed protein residues (R337, K343, and F344) make intermolecular contacts at the protein dimer interface. The mutation F344A weakens protein dimerization and lowers transcriptional activity by 76%. We conclude that the non-conserved residue, V373 is critical for structurally recognizing TAA in the major groove, and that HOXA13 dimerization is required to activate transcription of target genes.
Cholesterol stimulation of penetration of unilamellar liposomes by hydrophobic compounds

The incorporation of cholesterol into unilamellar liposomes greatly increased the transmembranous movement of hydrophobic ionophores such as nigericin. In reconstituted liposomes containing rhodopsin as the only protein, the presence of cholesterol lowers by 10-fold or more the amount of nigericin required to eliminate the light-driven proton gradient. These effects are seen both above and below the transition temperature of the phospholipid used for reconstitution.
Physiological evidence for two distinct GABAA responses in rat hippocampus

The gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABAA) receptor is a ligand-gated ionophore involved in synaptic inhibition. Biochemical and molecular biological studies indicate that considerable receptor heterogeneity exists, but physiological differences between inhibitory GABAA synaptic responses have not been identified in the brain. The present report describes two anatomically segregated GABAA-mediated synaptic currents in the hippocampal CA1 region that have distinct physiological, pharmacological, and functional properties. GABAA,fast enters at or near the cell body, decays rapidly (3-8 ms), is blocked by furosemide, and rapidly curtails the excitatory response. GABAA,slow enters far from the cell body, decays slowly (30-70 ms), is not blocked by furosemide, and underlies the conventionally recognized early inhibitory postsynaptic potential. The receptors producing these responses may represent subtypes of the GABAA receptor.
3-D structure-property relationships in rolltruded polymers. Part II: Anisotropic yielding and deformation in triaxially oriented polymers

Rolltrusion, a single step solid state deformation process, has been successfully applied to isotactic poly(propylene), iPP, to produce unique 3-D properties. Mechanical property enhancement not only occurs in the principal draw direction, but also in the transverse directions. A systematic series of standard (ASTM) tensile and compressive experiments were made on well oriented materials supporting this claim. Tensile testing was also performed on dumb-bell shaped specimens cut at various angles to the main deformation direction. A variety of observations were made during testing. Deformation bands, anisotropic yielding, and ductile-to-brittle behavior were observed. These results are presented along with a morphological model that has been developed to account for the behavior of these unique triaxially oriented polymers.
Isolation and identification of a new pteridine, neopterinyl-3′-β-d-glucuronic acid from Bacillus subtilis☆

Abstract 1. 1. Bacillus subtilis produces two pteridines in relatively high amounts during growth. 2. 2. One of these is 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine. 3. 3. The second is a new compound whose structure has been derived from degradative experiments. It is neopterinyl-3′-β- d -glucuronic acid. 4. 4. Its biosynthesis in B. subtilis from guanosine triphosphate has been demonstrated.
Modes of resolution of belief dilemmas

There are two levels of analysis of intrapersonal conflict: the action level and the belief level, the former dealing with external motor responses and the latter with internal affective and cognitive processes. Particular instances of conflict may, for theoretical convenience, be localized at one or another of these levels. For example, one may ask how a person acts when simultaneously motivated to approach and to avoid an external object (3, 9, 10). Or one may ask instead what happens to the cognitive representation of an external object when the object simultaneously incurs favorable and unfavorable cognitions (12). The present paper is addressed to the latter type of question. We shall not consider the problem of whether and how the action level is to be reduced to the belief level or vice
Fibrillar Amyloid-β-Activated Human Astroglia Kill Primary Human Neurons via Neutral Sphingomyelinase: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease

Glial activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, molecular mechanisms by which activated glia could kill neurons are poorly understood. The present study underlines the importance of neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) in mediating the damaging effect of fibrillar amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) peptide-activated astroglia on neurons. In transwell experiments, soluble products released from activated primary human astroglia induced the activation of neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase), production of ceramide, and cell death in primary human neurons. Protection of neurons from cytotoxic effects of activated astroglia by antisense knockdown of N-SMase, but not acidic sphingomyelinase (A-SMase), suggests that soluble products released from activated astroglia kill neurons via N-SMase but not A-SMase. Next we examined the role of N-SMase in the activation of human astroglia. Interestingly, knockdown of N-SMase, but not A-SMase, by either antisense oligonucleotides or chemical inhibitor, prevented the induction of proinflammatory molecules [tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6] and the activation of nuclear factor-κB in Aβ1-42-activated astroglia. Subsequently, fibrillar Aβ peptides also induced the activation of N-SMase and ceramide in vivo in mouse cortex. Most importantly, antisense knockdown of N-SMase, but not A-SMase, decreased the activation of astroglia and protected neurons from fibrillar Aβ toxicity in vivo in the cortex. Together, it is apparent that both the activation of astroglia by Aβ and that the cytotoxicity of activated astroglia on neurons depend on N-SMase.
On systolic array methods for band matrix factorization

A systolic array for band matrixQR factorization is presented and its connection with various other arrays explained. It is shown how the computations should be performed on banded rectangular matrices which appear in several numerical problems.
Histopathologic manifestations of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Abstract Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is underrecognized but increasingly identified as causing acute and chronic liver disease. Several prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary and/or supplementary agents, and herbal products are hepatotoxic. Drug-induced liver injury mimics other primary acute and chronic liver diseases and it should be considered in patients with hepatobiliary disease. Certain drugs result in specific histopathologic patterns of liver injury, which may help in sorting out the responsible drug. The diagnosis of drug-induced hepatotoxicity is challenging. It involves excluding other possible causes, careful medication history, the latent period between drug exposure and symptom onset and/or abnormal liver tests, and histopathologic findings.
Overlay multicast for video on demand on the Internet

Patching is an attractive technique for building efficient video-on-demand systems. However, since Patching assumes the existence of IP Multicast, implementing Patching on the current Internet is a challenging task because the Internet is based on IP Unicast only. In this paper, we propose an overlay technique called Vcast for enabling multicast services on the application layer, as a way to support the implementation of Patching. Unlike earlier overlay multicast schemes, Vcast does not introduce any global topology for the overlay and therefore avoids control overhead to maintain it. Vcast can configure itself adaptively to the changing network traffic, and is tolerant to failures prone to happen frequently in dynamic environments such as the Internet. In addition, Vcast provides load balancing among network nodes by employing the Round-robin approach in selecting delivery paths for clients.
Community psychology in the postmodern world

The postmodern era is a period of transition from the 300-year-long modern period. Community psychology as a field is faced with the challenge of what to do in the period of transition. This article sets the historical context of the challenge in the modern period with the traditional laboratory science model as the solution to a concern about social uncertainty and chaos. An alternative, human science, developed in the late 19th century, is the tradition that community psychology should draw on. Human science provides the philosophical basis for a humanistic science with a value base oriented toward a more just and equitable world. An eight-step reflection on the recent name change of the Division of Community Psychology to the Society for Community Research and Action yielded the conclusion that the field should consider two moves: (a) the development of a theory of community and (b) the development of a theory of praxis. This article and that by Dokecki (this issue) offer complementary approaches to both matters. These two additions should help position the field to become an actor in shaping the postmodern world of the 1990s.
The Musculature of the Eyestalk of the Crayfish, Orconectes Virilis 1)

Zehn verschiedene Muskeln werden fur den Augenstiel von Orconectes virilis (Hagen) beschrieben, drei mehr als Schmidt (1915) fur den sehr ahnlichen europaischen Flusskrebs, Astacus astacus (L.), unterschieden hat. Die Muskeln von Orconectes werden mit denen von Astacus astacus, Callinectes sapidus und Penaeus setiferus verglichen. Obwohl Callinectes und Penaeus anderen Unter-ordnungen angehoren, ist die Ubereinstimmung der Muskeln - trotz mehrerer kleiner Verschiedenheiten - auffallend gross.
Statin Therapy Should be Discontinued in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

A 72-year-old man with history of hypertension, lacunar stroke, and mild cognitive impairment presents with a spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage. He takes a statin. 1. Should statin therapy be discontinued in this patient and why? 2. Are there tests to help with this decision making? statin therapy in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage Statins are of unequivocal benefit in reducing the risk of a first stroke in patients with coronary heart disease and other high-risk conditions.1 A secondary analysis of the Heart Protection Study (HPS) further found that a stain reduced the risk of major vascular events in patients with established cerebrovascular disease, although there was no reduction in recurrent stroke, possibly because the subjects were randomized a mean of 4.3 years after the qualifying event.2 The Stroke Prevention with Aggressive Reductions in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) trial randomized patients with noncardioembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack and no known coronary heart disease to a statin or placebo between 1 and 6 months after the index event, found a reduction in recurrent strokes with statin treatment, and remains the only trial to date specifically designed …
Role of phospholipids in muscarinic binding by neural membranes.

Abstract A role for acidic phospholipids in brain muscarinic receptors is suggested by their effect on the specific binding of a potent muscarinic antagonist, tritiated 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB), to neural membranes. The addition of phosphatidylserine (PS) enhances specific muscarinic binding up to 40 per cent, while phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) are less effective, and neutral lipids are generally without effect. Unsaturated fatty acids, but neither saturated fatty acids nor the methyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids, inhibit [3H]QNB binding, the amount of inhibition being proportional to the degree of unsaturation. Unsaturation in the phospholipids is also inimical to muscarinic binding. Pretreatment of the membranes with phospholipases A and C decreases binding 100 and 60 per cent respectively. The addition of acidic phospholipids restores some binding activity after phospholipase treatment. Inhibition of [3H]QNB binding by low concentrations of cationic detergents is completely reversible by PS and PA. Ionic, pH and temperature effects on QNB binding indicate that the association of QNB with muscarinic receptors involves primarily hydrophobic interactions.
Why-and how-do we engage in basic epilepsy research?

Summary Some have questioned whether research into basic mechanisms of the epilepsies can have a significant impact on the development of better treatments and cures for patients with epilepsy. In that context, it is helpful to develop clear expectations about what we can accomplish in the laboratory, and how to optimize our contributions. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper’s Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books).
Screen-Printable Silver Pastes with Nanosized Glass Frits for Silicon Solar Cells

In this study, silver pastes containing different sizes of glass frits were employed to form the front-side electrodes in order to examine the size effect of the glass frits on the interfacial microstructures between the front-side silver contacts and the n-type silicon emitter layers, which will subsequently affect the electrical performance of silicon solar cells. The interfacial microstructures at the Ag/Si interfaces were investigated by advanced electron microscopy techniques. The transfer length method (TLM) was used to measure the specific contact resistivity of silver electrodes screen-printed on the n-type silicon substrates. The particle size of the glass frits was found to strongly affect the interfacial microstructures and therefore resulted in different specific contact resistivities (ρ c) of the fabricated silver ohmic contacts. Nanosized glass frits showed excellent etching ability during engineered thermal treatments. The samples made with silver pastes containing microsized glass frits showed a thick residual glass layer at the Ag/Si interface, while the silver paste with nanosized glass frits was found to form an interface with less glass residue, which led to lower resistance after otherwise identical processing.
Robust control of stable linear systems with continuous uncertainty

Abstract This paper presents a robust model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for stable, linear plants described by a state-space model. Model uncertainty is parameterized by an infinite-dimensional set of possible plants. Robust stability is achieved by adding cost function constraints that prevent the sequence of optimal controller costs from increasing for the true plant. The optimal input is re-computed at each time step by solving a convex semi-infinite program. The solution is Lipschitz continuous in the state at the origin; as a result the closed loop system is exponentially stable and asymptotically decaying disturbances can be rejected. Simulation results illustrate performance of the algorithm relative to other methods when the elements of the input matrix lie in an elliptical uncertainty region.
Data Assimilation Strategies in the Planetary Boundary Layer

We investigate the effect of the assimilation of surface and boundary-layer mass-field observations on the planetary boundary layer (PBL) within a one-dimensional (1D) version of the non-hydrostatic Fifth-Generation Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5). We focus on the vertical extent and effects of mass-field nudging within the PBL based on surface observations, and the added value of assimilating column mass observations within the PBL. Model experiments for dynamic initialization and dynamic analysis are conducted and composited for 29 May, 6 June, and 7 June 2002 during the International H2O Project (IHOP) over the Southern Great Plains, U.S.A. Advantages are found when the data assimilation uses the innovation (the difference between the modelled value and the observed value) calculated by comparing the surface mass-field observation to the model value at the 2-m observation height rather than at the lowest model level. It is shown that this innovation can be applied throughout the model-diagnosed PBL via nudging during free-convective conditions because of the well-mixed nature of the PBL. However, in stable conditions, due to decreased vertical mixing the surface innovation may be best applied only in a shallow layer adjacent to the surface. Surface air-temperature innovations were also applied to the top soil-layer temperature to minimize disruption to the surface energy balance. In combination with the surface observations, the use of within-PBL mass-field data assimilation improves the simulated PBL structure.
Pitfalls of the 45Ca uptake method

Abstract The interpretation of the data derived from 45Ca uptake measurements by cells and tissues can be difficult. Several of these difficulties and possible misinterpretations are described: 1) 45Ca uptake is not equivalent to calcium influx; 2) interpretations based on the sole visual examination of 45Ca uptake curves can be misleading because an increased tracer uptake can coexist with a decreased calcium transport and vice-versa; 3) drugs and hormones can have diametrically opposite effects when they are tested at steady state on in nonsteady state conditions. It is concluded that 45Ca uptake curves must be kinetically analyzed and that the steady or non-steady state of the system must be known for a valid interpretation of such data.
AMPD1 Gene Mutation in Congestive Heart Failure New Insights Into the Pathobiology of Disease Progression

In the late 19th century, Sir William Osler noted that patients with myocardial damage due to valvular heart disease had a highly variable clinical course. Some patients remained free of symptoms for a relatively prolonged period of time, whereas others rapidly decompensated.1 More recently, the presence of cardiac dilatation has been found to be a robust predictor of the development of symptomatic congestive heart failure.2 However, in large populations of patients with asymptomatic and nonischemic myocardial dilatation, only a relatively modest percentage developed symptomatic congestive failure during 11 years of follow-up.2 This marked variability in the progression of disease in different individuals led investigators to suspect that these differences might be attributable to variations in genetic background. This hypothesis was further supported by recent evidence suggesting that (1) dilated cardiomyopathy is familial in a larger percentage of cases than was originally recognized,3 (2) specific loci are associated with adult-onset autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy,4 and (3) mutations affecting cytoskeletal proteins are associated with the development of dilated cardiomyopathy.5 However, investigators have not found molecular markers that would predict the development of congestive heart failure in the general population, nor have they identified genetic determinants that might affect the progression of the disease in individual patients. In this issue of Circulation , Loh and colleagues6 provide the first evidence of a correlation between the presence of a genetic marker and the progression of heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathies. Patients having a relatively common mutation in at least 1 allele of the adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 ( AMPD1 ) gene experienced a significantly longer duration of heart failure symptoms before referral for transplantation evaluation and had a greater chance of surviving without a cardiac transplant than patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. If confirmed in a …
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Mathematics Competence: From Computation to Concepts and Applications to Real-Life Problem Solving:

In this article, the authors explain how curriculum-based measurement (CBM) differs from other forms of classroom-based assessment. The development of CBM is traced from computation to concepts and applications to real-life problem solving, with examples of the assessments and illustrations of research to document technical features and utility for instructional decision making.
Osteogenic sarcoma from exostosis

Abstract The case reported is that of an adult male, with multiple congenital (familial) exostoses. One of these on the lower portion of the femur was subjected to violent trauma. In three weeks enlargement was noticed; in three months the size of the tumor was interfered with locomotion. Amputation was refused. A massive sharp dissection was performed and 100 mgm. radium was implanted for twenty-four hours. The histologic sections showed osteogenic sarcoma, so diagnosed by all the consultants of the Bone Sarcoma Registry. Thirteen years after operation the patient is alive and well. It is suggested that osteogenic sarcoma arising in an exostosis has a better prognosis than the usual kind.
Rapid preparation of custom grid screens for crystal growth optimization

Initial crystallization conditions are typically discovered using commercially available sparse-matrix screens. Positive results are then refined using some type of expansion tray. For example, coarse and shallow gradients can be prepared which vary single chemical parameters around the initial conditions in a grid-screen format. Expansion trays are customarily formulated using numerous volume calculations and pipetting stock solutions into individual wells. This tedious process is plagued by pipetting errors, including differences in viscosity, small volumes with large dilutions, evaporation and poor mixing. Here we present a simple method to standardize expansion-tray formats. Instead of using independent well-volume calculations, the initial and final conditions are formulated and gradients (A/B gradients) are prepared using standardized pipetting maps. These step gradients can be prepared by adding decreasing amounts of the initial (A) solution to consecutive wells followed by the addition of the final (B) solution with increasing volume. This simple idea can be applied to both coarse and shallow grids where the pipetting errors are confined within the boundaries defined by the A and B solutions. Programmable electronic pipettes and robotic liquid handlers can be used to prepare the standardized A/B gradients rapidly, regardless of the components, eliminating reprogramming between trays.
Multilayer X-Ray Imaging Systems

An assessment of the imaging properties of multilayer X-ray imaging systems with spherical surfaces has been made. A ray trace analysis was performed to investigate the effects of using spherical substrates (rather than the conventional paraboloidal/hyperboloidal contours) for doubly reflecting Cassegrain telescopes. These investigations were carried out for mirrors designed to operate at selected soft X-ray/XUV wavelengths that are of significance for studies of the solar corona/transition region from the Stanford/MSFC Rocket X-Ray Telescope. The effects of changes in separation of the primary and secondary elements were also investigated. These theoretical results are presented as well as the results of ray trace studies to establish the resolution and vignetting effects as a function of field angle and system parameters.
Iran, the United States, and the War on Terrorism

For more than two decades the United States has considered Iran the world's leading country in sponsoring international terrorism. Shortly after the September 11 attacks the two nations worked together to defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban. By late 2001, however, the old mistrust and suspicion had resurfaced. This article examines the brief period of cooperation between Washington and Tehran in the war on terrorism. The following sections analyze the failed attempt to smuggle Iranian weapons to the Palestinian Authority (the so-called Karine-A affair), the designation of Iran as part of global axis of evil, and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. Despite strong disagreement on how to define and fight terrorism, the study argues, Iranian and American interests are not mutually exclusive. There are certain areas where the two sides can work together.
Evanescent field Raman scattering by phonons with parabolic dispersion

Evanescent field Raman scattering (EFRS) of light by phonons in perfect crystals is proposed as a method to investigate spectra of vibrations from the entire Brillouin zone. A boundary between the crystal, and the waveguide providing the evanescent field into the crystal depth ensures violation of the momentum conservation perpendicular to the boundary. As a consequence, Raman scattering by phonons from the entire Brillouin zone can be observed. A parabolic region of the phonon dispersion curve demonstrates a specific asymmetric EFRS line as a function of the energy transfer. Location of the parabolic regions in the momentum space, and the mode dispersion can be identified.
Characterization of stem and progenitor cells in the dental pulp of erupted and unerupted murine molars

In the past few years there have been significant advances in the identification of putative stem cells also referred to as "mesenchymal stem cells" (MSC) in dental tissues including the dental pulp. It is thought that MSC in dental pulp share certain similarities with MSC isolated from other tissues. However, cells in dental pulp are still poorly characterized. This study focused on the characterization of progenitor and stem cells in dental pulps of erupted and unerupted mice molars. Our study showed that dental pulps from unerupted molars contain a significant number of cells expressing CD90+/CD45-, CD117+/CD45-, Sca-1+/CD45- and little if any CD45+ cells. Our in vitro functional studies showed that dental pulp cells from unerupted molars displayed extensive osteo-dentinogenic potential but were unable to differentiate into chondrocytes and adipocytes. Dental pulps from erupted molars displayed a reduced number of cells, contained a higher percentage of CD45+ and a lower percentage of cells expressing CD90+/CD45-, CD117+/CD45- as compared to unerupted molars. In vitro functional assays demonstrated the ability of a small fraction of cells to differentiate into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. There was a significant reduction in the osteo-dentinogenic potential of the pulp cells derived from erupted molars compared to unerupted molars. Furthermore, the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of pulp cells from erupted molars was dependent on a long induction period and were infrequent. Based on these findings we propose that the dental pulp of the erupted molars contain a small population of multipotent cells, whereas the dental pulp of the unerupted molars does not contain multipotent cells but is enriched in osteo-dentinogenic progenitors engaged in the formation of coronal and radicular odontoblasts.
What monetary rewards can and cannot do: How to show employees the money

Abstract Monetary rewards can be a very powerful determinant of employee motivation and performance which, in turn, can lead to important returns in terms of firm-level performance. However, monetary rewards do not always lead to these desirable outcomes. We discuss in this installation of Human Performance what monetary rewards can and cannot do, and reasons why, in terms of improving employee performance. Also, we offer research-based recommendations including the following five general principles to guide the design of successful monetary reward systems: (1) define and measure performance accurately, (2) make rewards contingent on performance, (3) reward employees in a timely manner, (4) maintain justice in the reward system, and (5) use monetary and nonmonetary rewards. In addition, we offer specific research-based guidelines for implementing each of the five principles. In short, our article summarizes research-based findings and offers recommendations that will allow managers and other organizational decision makers to understand when and why monetary reward systems are likely to be successful in terms of enhancing employee motivation and performance.