cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blockade of Programmed Death 1 Augments the Ability of Human T Cells Engineered to Target NY-ESO-1 to Control Tumor Growth after Adoptive Transfer

Purpose:Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) become hypofunctional, although the mechanisms are not clear. Our goal was to generate a model of human tumor-induced TIL hypofunction to study basic mechanisms and to test anti-human therapeutics. Experimental Design:We transduced human T cells with an optimized T-cell receptor (TCR) that is directed to a peptide within the cancer testis antigen NY-ESO-1. After demonstrating antigen-specific in-vitro activity, these cells were used to target a human lung cancer line that expressed NY-ESO-1 in the appropriate HLA context growing in immunodeficient mice. The ability of anti-human PD1 antibody to augment efficacy was tested. Results:Injection of T cells had some antitumor activity, but did not eliminate the tumors. Injected T cells became profoundly hypofunctional accompanied by upregulation of PD1, Tim3, and Lag3 with co-expression of multiple inhibitory receptors in a high percentage of cells. This model allowed us to test reagents targeted specifically to human T cells. We found that injections of an anti-human PD1 antibody in combination with T cell therapy led to decreased TIL hypofunction and augmented the efficacy of the adoptively transferred T cells. Conclusions:This model offers an efficient platform for preclinical testing of adjuvant immunotherapeutics targeted to human T cells prior to transition to the bedside. Because the model employs engineering of human T cells, but with a TCR clone instead of a CAR, it allows for study of the biology of tumor-reactive TILs that signal through an endogenous TCR. The lessons learned from the TCR-engineered TILs can thus be applied to tumor-reactive TILs.
Generalizability of Creative Problem Solving Procedures to Real-Life Problems:

This study investigated whether students trained in Creative Problem Solving (CPS) generalize such training to the solution of problems presented out of the context of the training sessions. In an ...
Association of Hemodynamic Factors With Intracranial Aneurysm Formation and Rupture: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Recent evidence suggests a link between the magnitude and distribution of hemodynamic factors and the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. However, there are many conflicting results. Objective To quantify the effect of hemodynamic factors on aneurysm formation and their association with ruptured aneurysms. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis through October 2014. Analysis of the effects of hemodynamic factors on aneurysm formation was performed by pooling the results of studies that compared geometrical models of intracranial aneurysms and "preaneurysm" models where the aneurysm was artificially removed. Furthermore, we calculated pooled standardized mean differences between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms to quantify the association of hemodynamic factors with ruptured aneurysms. Standard PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results The hemodynamic factors that showed high positive correlations with location of aneurysm formation were high wall shear stress (WSS) and high gradient oscillatory number, with pooled proportions of 78.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Positive correlations were largely seen in bifurcation aneurysms, whereas negative correlations were seen in sidewall aneurysms. Mean and normalized WSS were significantly lower and low shear area significantly higher in ruptured aneurysms. Conclusion Pooled analyses of computational fluid dynamics models suggest that an increase in WSS and gradient oscillatory number may contribute to aneurysm formation, whereas low WSS is associated with ruptured aneurysms. The location of the aneurysm at the bifurcation or sidewall may influence the correlation of these hemodynamic factors.
The role of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Ag nanoparticles for conductive nanocomposite

To improve the electrical property of the isotropic conductive adhesives (ICA), self-assembled monolayer (SAM) compounds were used to help the dispersion of silver nanoparticles in epoxy resin. Silver nanoparticles were first treated by the SAM in order to increase the filler loading of nanoparticles in epoxy resin. The bonding and thermal debonding behavior between silver and SAM was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The amount of SAM coated on Ag nanoparticles was tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphologies of SAM treated Ag nanoparticles before and after the heat treatment. Several kinds of epoxy formulation were prepared by using SAM-treated Ag nanoparticles as conductive fillers and the resistivities were studied.
Central Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Temperature-Dependent Changes in the Goldfish Startle-Escape Behavior

Activation of auditory afferents on the lateral dendrite of the Mauthner (M)-cell triggers an escape response (C-start) in goldfish. To study distinct behavioral changes and their physiological correlates on a cellular level we examined the effect of acute changes of temperature on M-cell membrane properties and intracellular responses to sound clicks and on C-start kinematics and behavior, focusing on threshold and initial escape direction, two properties determined on the M-cell level. Cooling slowed C-start motor performance, increasing response latency and decreasing peak velocity and peak acceleration, but increased the probability of triggering the escape. In addition, the likelihood of escapes in an inappropriate direction (e.g., responses toward the stimulus instead of away from it) increased at low temperatures. On a cellular level, cooling caused a distinct increase in input resistance of the M-cell and in the dendritic space constant for the auditory-evoked synaptic potentials. Moreover, cooling decreased the magnitude and delayed the onset of feedforward inhibition of the M-cell. These temperature-induced changes in the network and in the intrinsic M-cell properties combine to support behavioral hyperexcitability, but apparently also alter the directional decision-making process during an escape. More generally, our results illustrate that the balance between excitatory and inhibitory influences can determine the expression of a behavior and its modification and at the same time underline the significance of temperature for nervous system function and behavior.
Teacher and observer ratings of head start children's social skills

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare teacher and observer ratings of young children’s social behaviors in the context of peer play with both sources using the same measure and instructions. Moreover, we sought to examine and compare the construct validity of the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale (PIPPS) as a teacher and an observer rating scale. Two hundred and fifteen African-American and Hispanic head start children from 22 classrooms were rated on their social behaviors by their teacher and an observer. The ratings from these two sources produced both convergences and divergences. Both teacher and observer ratings revealed factor structures that reflect play interaction, disruption, and disconnection. However, observer ratings distinguished between nonaggressive disruption and aggressive disruption. Also, teachers were better able to identify positive play behaviors than observers. Furthermore, despite considerable overlap in the factors observed, ratings of individual children by teachers and observers were significantly correlated on only one of the three factors. In light of these findings, the role of teachers and observers in bringing unique perspectives to the assessment of young children’s social behaviors is discussed.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator degradation: cross-talk between the ubiquitylation and SUMOylation pathways

Defining the significant checkpoints in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) biogenesis should identify targets for therapeutic intervention with CFTR folding mutants such as F508del. Although the role of ubiquitylation and the ubiquitin proteasome system is well established in the degradation of this common CFTR mutant, the part played by SUMOylation is a novel aspect of CFTR biogenesis/quality control. We identified this post-translational modification of CFTR as resulting from its interaction with small heat shock proteins (Hsps), which were found to selectively facilitate the degradation of F508del through a physical interaction with the SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) E2 enzyme, Ubc9. Hsp27 promoted the SUMOylation of mutant CFTR by the SUMO-2 paralogue, which can form poly-chains. Poly-SUMO chains are then recognized by the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase, RNF4, which elicited F508del degradation in a Hsp27-dependent manner. This work identifies a sequential connection between the SUMO and ubiquitin modifications of the CFTR mutant: Hsp27-mediated SUMO-2 modification, followed by ubiquitylation via RNF4 and degradation of the mutant via the proteasome. Other examples of the intricate cross-talk between the SUMO and ubiquitin pathways are discussed with reference to other substrates; many of these are competitive and lead to different outcomes. It is reasonable to anticipate that further research on SUMO-ubiquitin pathway interactions will identify additional layers of complexity in the process of CFTR biogenesis and quality control.
Ruminal metabolism of leafy spurge in sheep and goats : a potential explanation for differential foraging on spurge by sheep, goats, and cattle

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is an introduced forb that is invading western rangelands. Goats (Capra hircus) readily graze the plant, but cattle (Bos tarus) generally and sheep (Ovis aries) locally appear to develop conditioned flavor aversions to leafy spurge. They either avoid the plant entirely or graze it reluctantly. We hypothesized that: (1) a diterpene diester that can occur in leafy spurge was an aversive agent, and (2) diet selection differences among ruminant species may be partly a function of differential ruminai metabolism of aversive phytochemicals, and further that cattle and sheep may be reluctant to graze leafy spurge because their ruminai microbes do not metabolize certain leafy spurge chemicals as do ruminai microbes in goats. Sheep did not develop an aversion to a novel food when its consumption was followed by an intravenous injection of ingenol 3,20-dibenzoate (P=0.34). Sheep did develop an aversion to a novel food when its intake was followed by a dose of leafy spurge fermented with sheep ruminai digesta, but not when followed by a dose of leafy spurge fermented with goat ruminai digesta (P= 0.03). This suggests that goat ruminai microbes may modify leafy spurge such that it does not elicit an aversion in sheep.
Estimating Features of Underground Utilities: Hybrid GPR/GPS Approach

AbstractGround penetrating radar (GPR) is capable of detecting, locating, and characterizing underground utilities in a non-destructive manner. However, processing raw GPR scans to estimate the buried depth and radius of underground utilities remains a challenge in practice, which can be attributed to two main constraints: (1) the necessity of the GPR scanning trajectory being perpendicular to the centerline of the utility to be scanned and (2) the requirement of knowing either the velocity of the GPR electromagnetic (EM) waves traveling through heterogeneous soils or the range of the utility’s radius. This paper presents a novel method to overcome the two limitations by simultaneously estimating the radius and the buried depth of underground utilities based on GPR scans and auxiliary global positioning system (GPS) data. First, GPR scans are pre-processed to extract raw data points. Thereafter, a generic hyperbola equation is proposed to model GPR raw data, which incorporates the relative angles between ...
It Takes Two Binding Sites for Calcineurin and NFAT to Tango

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Rodriguez et al. (2009) identified the NFAT LxVP motif binding site as the same composite surface formed by the two calcineurin subunits that is recognized by the cyclophilin-CsA and FKBP-FK506 complexes.
Anomalous transverse distribution of pions as a signal for the production of disoriented chiral condensates.

We give evidence that the production of disoriented chiral condensates during a nonequilibrium phase transition can lead to an anomalous transverse distribution of secondary pions when compared to a more conventional boost invariant hydrodynamic flow in local thermal equilibrium. Our results pertain to the linear \ensuremath{\sigma} model, treated in leading order in large N, in a boost invariant approximation. We also show that the interpolating number density of the field theory calculation plays the role of a classical relativistic phase space number distribution in determining the momentum distribution of pions in the center of mass frame. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS WITH ULTRASOUND IN THE DOMESTIC CAT

Ultrasonographic examinations of seven pregnant cats with known breeding dates were made on successive days to establish the identifiable characteristics of pregnancy. Subsequent serial examinations were made to sonographically characterize normal feline prenatal development before 30 gestational days. An enlarged uterus, gestational sacs, and fetal poles were recognized as the features of early feline pregnancy and were first seen at 4, 11, and 15 days, respectively. Cardiac activity was detected earliest on gestational day 16, and recognizable feline fetal morphology appeared at day 26. Fetal membranes became apparent at as early as 21 days of gestation. Generalized fetal movements were first noted at day 28. Live and dead fetuses were compared in utero and marked differences were noted, with dead fetuses rapidly losing previously recognizable morphology. Determination of litter size in each cat could not be done accurately by ultrasound examination. It was concluded that the diagnosis and accurate dating of early pregnancy in the domestic feline may be accomplished with serial ultrasound evaluation.
THE EFFECT OF DOPAMINE ON RENAL FUNCTION IN SOLITARY PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY SURGERY

Purpose: Dopamine continues to be used for preventing and treating acute renal failure. We determined the effects of dopamine on postoperative renal function in patients with a solitary kidney undergoing partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective randomized controlled study at a tertiary care referral center involving 24 patients with a solitary kidney undergoing partial nephrectomy secondary to malignancy. Patients were randomized to receive dopamine (13) or no dopamine (11). Intraoperatively those assigned to the dopamine group received a 3 μg./kg. per minute dopamine infusion. Patients in each group received an adequate amount of fluid to maintain good urine production, systemic blood pressure and central venous pressure. Serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum and urine osmolality, and urine output were measured at baseline, intraoperatively and through postoperative day 4. Preoperatively and postoperatively renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration r...
Predicting Inpatient Costs With Admitting Clinical Data

Hospital cost-containment programs should themselves be cost-effective, targeting high-cost physicians (which requires adjusting for case mix) and patients (which requires early identification). In this study, clinical data available within 24 hours of admission from an electronic medical record system were used to develop statistical models to predict hospital costs. In this retrospective analysis of clinical data and diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), study subjects were 2,355 patients admitted for at least 1 day to the medicine service at an urban teaching hospital with sophisticated electronic medical records. Of these 2,355 patients, 1,663 (71%) had one of the 41 most common DRGs. Predictive models were derived on a random subset of two thirds of the patients and were validated on the remaining third. The following patient data were obtained: admission and prior diagnostic test results, diagnoses, vital signs; demographic data; prior inpatient and outpatient visits; tests and treatments ordered within 24 hours of admission (discretionary data); DRGs; and total inpatient costs (estimated from charges). Diagnosis-related groups explained 24% of the variance in total costs in the derivation patient set and 16% in the validation set. When only nondiscretionary data were used, the models retained only clinical laboratory results and prior diagnoses, explaining 20% of the derivation set variance in total costs and 16% in the validation set. Adding DRGs increased the variance explained in the derivation set to 34%, but decreased to 24% in the validation set. Adding discretionary data substantially increased the explained variance in the derivation and validation patient sets. The models' median predicted costs underestimated true costs by 10% to 13%, with the lowest error in the models using all types of variables. Clinical data gathered during routine clinical care can be used to adjust for case mix and identify high-cost patients early in their hospital stays, when they could be targeted by cost-containment interventions.
Substrate Specificity of Aminopeptidase P from Escherichia coli: Comparison with Membrane-Bound Forms from Rat and Bovine Lung

The substrate specificity of recombinant E. coli aminopeptidase P (aminoacylprolylpeptide hydrolase) (EC 3.4.11.9) was studied using about 150 synthetic peptides. E. coli aminopeptidase P released the N-terminal amino acid from most peptides containing a penultimate proline, although the relative rates of hydrolysis varied over two orders of magnitude. Dipeptides (X-Pro) were hydrolyzed relatively slowly. Detailed kinetic analysis using peptides of different lengths suggested that the enzyme has at least four subsites for interaction with substrates, namely S1, S'1, S'2, and S'3. S1 and S'1 have high stereo-specificity Various Pro-X dipeptides where X is a hydrophobic amino acid were competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. The substrate specificity of E. coli aminopeptidase P was compared to that of purified bovine lung and rat lung membrane-bound aminopeptidase P. The mammalian enzymes had much more restricted substrate specificities. The differences appeared to be due primarily to differences in the S'2 subsite. The E. coli enzyme could accommodate bulky amino acid side chains in the S'2 subsite, whereas the mammalian membrane-bound enzymes could not.
Two-step binding of eukaryotic ribosomes to brome mosaic virus RNA3.

Although brome mosaic virus RNA3 has only one translatable cistron, it can bind two 80S ribosomes at initiation. One ribosome binds at the first AUG codon (bases 92–94). The other binds nearer the 5′ end at an entry or holding site. Disome formation is thus unrelated to a silent cistron ∼1,000 bases downstream.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRE-INTERVENTION DATA AND POST-INTERVENTION READING FLUENCY AND GROWTH: A META-ANALYSIS OF ASSESSMENT DATA FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS

Curriculum-based measurement is commonly used within a response-to-intervention framework to assess the effectiveness of intervention and to triage students into intervention tiers (e.g., the lowest 10% receive a Tier 3 intervention, and those in the 11th to 25th percentiles receive a Tier 2 intervention). We conducted a meta-analysis of 18 studies to examine the relationship between pre-intervention assessments and post-intervention level and growth in reading fluency. The results indicated that several pre-intervention measures were moderately related to post- intervention fluency, but only a percentage of comprehension questions answered during baseline assessments, reading fluency age or grade-based standard scores (SS), and word attack SS resulted in even a small to moderate relationship with reading growth. Moreover, there was no significant differencebetweenthecorrelationofanytwopre-interventionmeasureswithreadinggrowth,which suggested that all of the measures were equally poorly related to reading growth. Implications for research and practice are discussed. C � 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional assessment of five wetlands constructed to mitigate wetland loss in Ohio, USA

Five replacement wetlands in Ohio, USA, were investigated to determine their ecological and legal success. Hydrology soils, vegetation, wildlife, and water quality of each wetland determined their functional success. The progress of the wetlands was also compared to their legal requirements. Four of the five wetlands (80%) were in compliance with legal requirements and the same four wetlands demonstrated medium to high ecosystem success. For the four wetlands, a replacement ratio of 1.4∶1 was achieved for area, and depressional wetlands were generally replaced with depressional wetlands.
A Definition of ‘More Systematic Risk’ with Some Welfare Implications

Producers are subject to similar production risks, and so their outputs are likely correlated. Using the entire data-set rather than summary statistics, we study an ordinal definition of systematic risk. For risk-neutral producers in perfect competition, we trace the effects of an increase in systematic risk through to impacts on welfare measures and production decisions. Expected welfare falls under more systematic risk, but either of expected producer surplus or expected consumer surplus may rise. Our definition of systematic risk also has relevance for the incentive to incur R&D expenditures, the benefits of diversity and the gains from risksharing.
Inverse sampling: a composite approach

This article describes a two-stage composite sampling scheme to locate a fixed number of rare items in a sample. A recursion formula is developed to compute the expected costs associated with this sampling scheme. The two-stage scheme is shown to be cost effective when compared with the traditional method of individual testing.
The arrangement and rearrangement of antibody genes

Cloned segments of mouse chromosomal DNA provide direct evidence for the somatic rearrangement of kappa variable and constant region genes in antibody producing cells. This rearrangement apparently affects only one member of an allelic pair of light chain genes.
A computer-assisted study of forced relaxation oscillations

A piece-wise linear version of the forced relaxation oscillator is studied. Computer results are discussed and informal explanations of some properties of the subharmonic solutions are given. The experimental results display a unique interrelationship between the subharmonics in that all subharmonics can be decomposed into a fundamental set containing the odd order, single-loop subharmonics.
In search of a happy medium in instructional technology research: Issues concerning external validity, media replications, and learner control

Due in part to the diverse characteristics and training of its researchers, the field of instructional technology is currently plagued by much uncertainty regarding meaningful research questions and accepted paradigms for investigating them. Major areas in which these uncertainties are manifested concern the degree of emphasis to be placed on basic versus developmental research and considerations involving the separation of media from methods in research designs. To help researchers achieve a “happier medium” in balancing instructional technology goals with the performance of well-designed and scientifically sound studies, greater attention to three concerns is advocated: the external validity of studies to increase the relevance of findings to applied technologies; usage of media replications to test the generalizability of findings obtained with individual media and to demonstrate delivery applications; and learner control as a potentially effective and practical means of adapting validated instructional strategies to individuals. Each of these issues is discussed in relation to research conducted by the authors and to suggested designs for future studies.
Decreased IL-6 secretion by fibroblasts following repeated doses of TNFα or IL-1α : post-transcriptional gene regulation

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α) are pluripotent cytokines mediating the host response to sepsis, injury, and cancer. Animals can be protected from the lethal effects of TNFα by repeated administration of sublethal doses, but the mechanism of this effect is not known. Human foreskin fibroblasts (FS4 cells), which rapidly elaborate interleukin-6 (IL-6) when stimulated with TNFα or IL-1α, were grown in culture as confluent monolayers and their secretion of IL-6 was quantitated using the murine B9-hybridoma bioassay against an external reference of human recombinant IL-6 (Genetics Institute). When FS4 cells were incubated with human recombinant TNFα (50 ng/ml; Cetus) or recombinant IL-1α (30 pg/ml; Genzyme) a rapid increase in IL-6 production was measured over control, rising to IL-6 levels of 71.7 ± 5.9 units/ml with TNFα and 54.0 ± 1.2 units/ml with IL-1α after 7.5 hr incubation. FS4 cells which were exposed to cytokine, rinsed, and then reexposed to cytokine 24 hr later produced significantly less IL-6 [38.1 ± 2.8 units/ml with second exposure to TNFα (P < 0.05), and 18.3 ± 1.9 units/ml with second exposure to IL-1α (P < 0.01)]. Successive daily exposure to TNFα or IL-1α caused a further stepwise diminution of IL-6 secretion. When RNA was extracted from FS4 cells incubated daily with TNFα or IL-1α for 1 to 3 days, Northern blot analysis revealed no apparent change in IL-6 mRNA gene expression following repeated exposure to TNFα or to IL-1α. We conclude that fibroblasts become refractory to the stimulatory effects of TNFα and IL-1α after a single exposure, and that repetitive exposure can cause a further decrease in IL-6 production which probably occurs by post-transcriptional regulation. These observations may have applicability to clinical conditions in which toxicity or untoward effects are mediated through the secretion of cytokines.
Simpson on species.

In summary, then, this discussion indicates one of the ways in which Simpson participated in the “modern evolutionary synthesis” by focusing on his developing concept of the species. In particular, we see him moving from species-as-types to species-as-populations, and next to how those populations, through organism-environment interactions, might give rise to new species, some of which rapidly lead to higher taxa. Simpson's participation in the creation of the modern synthesis is more generally evident here by his contribution to what V. B. Smocovitis has recently termed the “quantification of evolution — the attachment of numbers to ‘nature.’” Smocovitis rightly views such quantification as an essential ingredient for the formulation of the evolutionary synthesis; however, she neglects Simpson's role in this regard. As suggested here and demonstrated more fully elsewhere, Simpson's commitment to a positivistic philosophy often found expression in quantitative argumentation, even if the paleontological data upon which such arguments were based were limited in number and precision.
Concurrent optimization of consumer's electrical energy bill and producer's power generation cost under a dynamic pricing model

Demand response is a key element of the smart grid technologies. This is a particularly interesting problem with the use of dynamic energy pricing schemes which incentivize electricity consumers to consume electricity more prudently in order to minimize their electric bill. On the other hand optimizing the number and production time of power generation facilities is a key challenge. In this paper, three models are presented for consumers, utility companies, and a third-part arbiter to optimize the cost to the parties individually and in combination. Our models have high quality and exhibit superior performance, by realistic consideration of non-cooperative energy buyers and sellers and getting real-time feedback from their interactions. Simulation results show that the energy consumption distribution becomes very stable during the day utilizing our models, while consumers and utility companies pay lower cost.
Fiber size spectra and cyclic AMP content of sciatic nerves: Effect of muscle hypoactivity and hyperactivity

Abstract Fiber size spectra, fiber densities, fascicular area, and cyclic AMP content were sequentially examined in rat sciatic nerves innervating normal control, hypoactive, and hyperactive muscles. Computer-generated mean curves for all measurements were obtained by fitting a fifth degree polynomial to the results. Fiber densities and fascicular area changed sinusoidally and reciprocally with time. Small fibers behaved differently from large fibers. Cyclic AMP content showed time-dependent but reciprocal oscillations on the hypoactive and hyperactive sides. It is suggested that work load establishes a set point of fiber size. Information is relayed through the axon. The time delay or inertia of the system carries it past its equilibrium point and oscillations in fiber size spectra and cyclic AMP occur. Information to and from the controller might be transmitted by axoplasmic flow or cyclic AMP. These results could explain some previous contradictory findings in analogous but time-locked experiments.
Inward Rectification of Both AMPA and Kainate Subtype Glutamate Receptors Generated by Polyamine-Mediated Ion Channel Block

Abstract Ca 2+ -permeable glutamate receptors assembled from subunits containing a GLN residue at the RNA editing site in membrane domain 2 show strong inward rectification. In HEK 293 cells transfected with the kainate receptor subunit GIuR6(Q), inward rectification is lost in outside-out patches, suggesting a role for diffusible, cytoplasmic factors. Inclusion of different polyamines in the internal solution restored inward rectification, whereas Mg 2+ (1 mM) was inactive. Spermine (Kd[0 mV] = 5.5 μM) was of higher affinity than spermidine (K d [0 mV] = 25.4 μM) or putrescine (K d [0 mV] = 1.2 mM). AMPA receptors assembled from GIuRA flip showed even higher affinity for spermine (Kd[0 mV] = 1.5 μM). Analysis of the voltage dependence of whole-cell responses predicted intracellular free spermine and spermidine concentrations of 51 and 153 μM, respectively.
Interlaminar Shear Stresses Around Internal Elliptical Cylindrical Holes Weakening Edge-Loaded Cross-Ply Plates

A semi-analytical postprocessing method, termed the equilibrium/compatibility method, is employed for computation of hitherto unavailable through-thickness variation of interlaminar shear stresses in the neighborhood of the bilayer interface circumferential reentrant corner line of an internal (part-through) elliptical cylindrical hole weakening an edge-loaded laminated composite plate. A C 0 -type triangular composite plate element, based on the assumptions of transverse inextensibility and layerwise constant shear-angle theory, is used to first compute the in-plane stresses and layerwise through-thickness average interlaminar shear stresses, which serve as the starting point for computation of through-thickness distribution of interlaminar shear stresses in the vicinity of the bilayer interface circumferential reentrant corner line of the internal hole. The errors in the same stresses computed by the conventional equilibrium method are more severe in the presence of the bilayer interface circumferential reentrant corner line singularity arising out of the internal (part-through) elliptical cylindrical hole than their circular counterparts, and are, as before, found to violate the interfacial compatibility condition. The computed interlaminar shear stresses can vary from negative to positive through the thickness of a cross-ply plate in the neighborhood of this kind of stress singularity.
Fetal growth compromise: definitions, standards, and classification.

Fetal growth compromise is mostly defined by gestational age specific threshold value of birth weight or ultrasonically estimated fetal weight. The most frequently used threshold is the 10th centile. However, this approach can not differentiate fetal constitutional smallness from fetal growth failur
Women's Experiences of Midlife Divorce Following Long-Term Marriage

Abstract Using Hagestad and Smyer's (1982) and Bohannan's (1970) divorce theories as a framework to guide the research, the divorce experiences of five midlife women were investigated to understand (a) how midlife women adjust to marital dissolution, and (b) how recently divorced midlife women negotiate the transition to singlehood. In-depth interviews revealed that midlife divorce is a complicated process consisting of multiple ceasings and new beginnings that take place over an extended period of time. Results supported that a divorce model hinging on the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce may be appropriate for understanding women's midlife divorce. Analyses of the interviews suggested a link between an orderly pattern of divorce according to Hagestad and Smyer's model and the successful transition through all of Bohannan's six stations of divorce.
The roles of the "visual word form area" in reading.

Activation of the left midfusiform gyrus in response to reading words and pseudowords is such a reliable finding in functional imaging that this region has been called “the visual word form area” (VWFA). However, this label has recently been challenged, because activation in VWFA is also observed in other lexical tasks. We evaluated whether VWFA is necessary, sufficient, or specialized for reading by examining how frequently acute lesions in VWFA disrupt tasks that require access to written word forms versus other lexical tasks. We administered lexical tasks with spoken and written input and output, and identified damage or dysfunction of VWFA and other regions of interest (ROI) on diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI and PWI) in 80 patients within 24 h of onset of acute left ischemic stroke. Associations between abnormalities in each region of interest and impairment on lexical tasks were evaluated with chi-squared tests. Damage or dysfunction of VWFA was not significantly associated with impairment of written word comprehension or lexical decision, but was significantly associated with impairment on all tasks requiring lexical output: oral reading and oral naming (visual or tactile input), and written naming. We account for these results and results from functional imaging by proposing that the left midfusiform gyrus normally has two roles in reading: (1) computation of location- and modality-independent grapheme sequences from written word stimuli, and (2) a modality-independent stage of lexical processing that links modality-specific input and output representations. VWFA is not necessary for the former because the right homologue of VWFA can immediately assume this role.
Variation in antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzyme components among cultivars of rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade) and V. ashei derivatives

Abstract Fruit from 42 blueberry ( Vaccinium species) cultivars, including 36 rabbiteye cultivars ( Vaccinium ashei Reade), 3 V. ashei hybrid derivatives and 3 northern highbush ( V. corymbosum L.) standards, were evaluated for antioxidant activities (AA), levels of antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (AsA-POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) and guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD)], and antioxidant nonenzyme components [ascorbic acid (ASA) and glutathione (GSH)]. The results of this study showed that cultivars had varying levels of AA, a wide range of antioxidant enzyme activities and various amounts of nonenzyme components. The correlations between AA and all of the enzyme activities or nonenzyme components were positive and high in the 42 cultivars tested in this study. The correlation ( R 2 ) values between AA and CAT, SOD, DHAR, MDAR, GSH-POD, GR, G-POD and AsA-POD were 0.91, 0.91, 0.91, 0.91, 0.90, 0.90, 0.90, and 0.90, respectively. The correlations between AA and ASA and GSH were 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. Among all 42 cultivars, ‘Early May’ had the highest activities of the AA, AsA-POD, G-POD, DHAR and MDAR and the highest amounts of ASA and GSH, whereas ‘Elliott’ had the highest levels of GR, GSH and SOD.
All-digital low-power CMOS pulse generator for UWB system

An all-digital CMOS ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse generator which complies with FCC regulations is presented. The proposed pulse generator generates a single UWB pulse satisfying FCC regulations without any filtering. The average power consumption of the whole circuit is 15.4 mW and 675 /spl mu/W at the pulse repetition frequency of 500 and 1 MHz, respectively.
Effects of gas flow ratio on silicon carbide thin film growth mode and polytype formation during gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

Silicon carbide thin films have been grown on vicinal 6H‐SiC(0001) substrates by gas‐source molecular beam epitaxy at 1050 °C. The effect of gas flow ratios (C2H4Si2H6=1,2,10) on the growth mode was examined via cross‐sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy and in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction. Step flow, step bunching, and the deposition of 6H‐SiC occurred at the outset of the exposure of the (1×1) surface to the reactants using any flow ratio. Subsequent deposition resulted in step flow and continued growth of 6H films or formation and coalescence of 3C‐SiC islands using the gas flow ratio of one of the ethylene‐rich ratios, respectively. The (3×3) surface reconstruction observed using the former ratio is believed to enhance the diffusion lengths of the adatoms which, in turn, promotes step flow growth.
Synthesis of UDN-N-[1-14C]acetyl d-glycosamine and UDP-N-[1-14C]acetyl-d-galactosamine from [1-14C]acetate☆

Procedures for the preparation of UDP-N-[1-14C]acetyl-d-glucosamine and UDP-N-[1-14C]acetyl-d-galactosamine with very high specific activities are deseribed. The overall yield based on the amount of [1-14C]acetate used is greater than 80%. The N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-α-1-phosphate used in this synthesis is prepared by phosphorylation of tetraacetyl-d-N-acetylglucosamine with crystalline phosphoric acid. N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-α-1-phosphate is then deacetylated in anhydrous hydrazine with hydrazine sulfate as a catalyst. d-glucosamine-α-1-phosphate is N-acetylated with [14C]acetate using N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline as the coupling agent. The acetylated product is coverted to the UDP derivative with yeast UDP-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine pyrophosphorylase. UDP-N-[1-14C]acetylgalactosamine is prepared by acetylation of UDP-galactosamine using [1-14C]acetate and N-ethoxy-carbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline. UDP-galactosamine is prepared enzymatically using galactokinase and galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. The labeled products, isolated and characterized by ion-exchange and paper chromatography, were active as substrates in glycosyl transferase systems.
Ultrastructural studies of the envelopment and release of guinea pig herpes-like virus in cultured cells

Abstract The process of envelopment and release of guinea pig herpes-like virus was examined in both infected guinea pig kidney and thymus tissue culture cells by electron microscopy. The majority of the nucleocapsids were enveloped by budding into nuclear vacuoles; some were enveloped by budding from the inner nuclear membrane. Budding into cytoplasmic vacuoles was also seen. Many enveloped virus particles inside the nuclear vacuoles were pear shaped with a tail-like structure. Approximately 23% of pear-shaped virus particles were seen in the infected thymus fibroblastic cells, but only 6% were found in the infected epithelial cells. The envelopes of all nuclear enveloped virus particles appeared as smooth membranes, while the majority of particles exhibiting fuzzy and thick dense envelopes were seen in the cytoplasm or extracellular space. The average diameter of the cytoplasmic or extracellular enveloped virus particles was approximately 167 nm, and the average diameter of the nuclear enveloped virus particles was about 146 nm. Data also showed that mature nuclear virus particles were first released into perinuclear cisterna and then traveled through cytoplasmic channels to the extracellular space.
Energy and charge transfer by donor–acceptor pairs confined in a metal–organic framework: a spectroscopic and computational investigation

Molecular organization of donor–acceptor pairs within a metal–organic framework (MOF) offers a new approach to improving energy and charge transfer at donor–acceptor interfaces. Here, the photo-physical effects of infiltrating MOF-177 (ZnO4(BTB)2; BTB = 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate) with α,ω-dihexylsexithiophene (DH6T) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), representing well-established polymeric and molecular materials used in organic photovoltaics, were probed using UV-visible absorption and luminescence spectroscopies combined with first-principles electronic structure calculations. The energetics of guest molecule infiltration were determined by constructing potential energy curves from self-consistent charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) calculations. These reveal that infiltration is energetically favored and that DH6T and PCBM are strongly bound to MOF-177 by 55 kcal mol−1 and 57 kcal mol−1, respectively. Solution-phase infiltration with PCBM achieved a 22 wt% loading, comparable to those in bulk heterojunction solar cells, but without evidence of phase segregation. DH6T loadings were very light (maximum of ∼1 molecule per 11 unit cells), but this was sufficient to produce significant quenching of the MOF-177 photoluminescence (PL). The coincident appearance of DH6T PL demonstrates that efficient Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the MOF-177 linkers to DH6T occurs. These results show that the MOF is a multifunctional host that not only confines and stabilizes guest molecules, but also plays an active role, serving as a photon antenna that harvests light not efficiently absorbed by a donor molecule (DH6T in this case) and transferring it to guest acceptor molecules. Finally, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) predicts the existence of linker-to-PCBM charge transfer states, suggesting that photoconductivity might be achievable in an appropriately designed guest@MOF system.
A Galerkin boundary integral method for multiple circular elastic inclusions with uniform interphase layers

Abstract The paper presents a numerical method for solving the problem of an infinite, isotropic elastic plane containing a large number of randomly distributed circular elastic inclusions with uniform interphase layers. The bonds between the inclusions and the interphases as well as between the interphases and the matrix are assumed to be perfect. In general, the inclusions may have different elastic properties and sizes; the thicknesses of the interphases and their elastic properties are arbitrary. The analysis is based on a numerical solution of a complex singular integral equation with the unknown tractions at each circular boundary approximated by a truncated complex Fourier series. The Galerkin technique is used to obtain a system of linear algebraic equations. The resulting numerical method allows one to calculate the elastic fields everywhere in the matrix and inside the inclusions and the interphases. Using the assumption of macro-isotropic behavior in a plane section one can find the effective elastic moduli for an equivalent homogeneous material. The method can be viewed as an extension of our previous work (Int. J. Solids Struct. 39 (2002) 4723) where simpler spring-like interface conditions were modeled. The problem of overlapping of the fibers and matrix inherent to spring type interface is discussed in the context of the present model. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach.
Evaluation of surgical risk factors in an elderly population undergoing major gynecologic surgery by a gynecologic oncology service

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of coexisting medical risk factors in an elderly group of patients under-going major surgery by a university-based gynecologic oncology service. The impact of each risk factor was assessed to determine which ones significantly increased the surgical risk. We performed a retrospective chart review of 99 patients aged 70 or older to identify the preexisting medical risk factors and the surgical complications. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression where appropriate. Eighty-four percent of the study population had at least one risk factor and 65% of the patients did not have any major complications. Age alone did not increase surgical risk, although arrhythmias in the patients over the age of 80 significantly increased surgical risk (relative risk = 2.8). The perioperative mortality rate in this population was 3%. Although the elderly population has a high rate of coexisting medical conditions, major surgery can be performed safely. Special attention should be paid to the older patient with cardiac arrhythmias.
Ensiling characteristics of Tift Sudangrass and Coastal Bermudagrass.

Abstract The ensiling characteristics of Coastal Bermudagrass and Tift Sudangrass were compared in two experiments. Coastal Bermudagrass is difficult to chop finely and hard to compact in the silo, whereas Tift Sudangrass is easily chopped and packed. Larger spoilage and gaseous losses were experienced with Coastal Bermudagrass, but little or no seepage came from this forage. Some seepage was obtained from the Tift Sudangrass. Over-all losses of dry matter were about equal in the two species. Both the Tift Sudangrass and the Coastal Bermudagrass silages were well preserved and losses were quite reasonable. Preservation of nutrients in both compared favorably with an oats, ryegrass, and crimson clover mixture. Tift Sudangraass silage was much higher in organic acids than Coastal Bermudagrass. In this respect Tift Sudangrass is more similar to oats, ryegrass, and crimson clover and to most northern-type forages. The Coastal Bermudagrass had a higher pH and a higher level of ammoniacal nitrogen. Higher peak temperatures were exhibited in the Coastal Bermudagrass silage and these tended to persist for a longer time. The repeatability of results from silos filled in succession was quite good, indicating that the experimental techniques and the biological changes are such as to give confidence in the results.
Reaction time of the fingers with responses measured on a typewriter keyboard.

Reaction times on each of the eight fingers were obtained for 24 skilled typists using an electric typewriter and a mechanical timer. Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the mean reaction times of the eight fingers. Scheffe's multiple-comparison procedure indicated that the mean reaction time of each finger differed from that of every other finger and that the mean reaction time of the finers on the left hand was significantly slower than the mean reaction time of fingers on the right hand. The average inter-class correlation coefficient among the fingers was .92 which indicated rank-order of reaction times to be similar across fingers.
Use of Chromatographic Measurements for the Physical and Chemical Characterization of Polymer Beads.

Abstract : Rate theory was used to examine further the interaction between the selected group of molecular probes and polymer beads. Relative peak broadening was measured as a function of both flow rate and temperature to provide a chromatographic evaluation of molecular probe-polymer interaction occurring during the chromatographic process, as well as to deduce information about the polymer beads' physical and chemical properties. Quantitative analysis for 22 metals using atomic absorption and scanning electron microscopy were used to find independent evidence which might be useful in interpretation of chromatographic data. The peak broadening data was obtained by using a computer-control system and was processed by use of interactive graphics.