cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diurnal metabolism of dopamine in dystrophic retinas of homozygous and heterozygous retinal degeneration slow (rds) mice

Dopamine metabolism was studied in dystrophic retinal degeneration slow (rds) mice which carry a mutation in the rds/peripherin gene. RDS mutations in humans cause several forms of retinal degeneration. Dopamine synthesis and utilization were analyzed at various time points in the diurnal cycle in homozygous rds/rds retinas which lack photoreceptor outer segments and heterozygous rds/+ retinas which have short malformed outer segments. Homozygous retinas exhibited depressed dopamine synthesis and utilization while the heterozygous retina retained a considerable level of activity which was, nevertheless, significantly lower than that of normal retinas. By one year, heterozygous rds/+ retinas which had lost half of the photoreceptors still maintained significant levels of dopamine metabolism. Normal characteristics of dopamine metabolism such as a spike in dopamine utilization at light onset were observed in mutant retinas. However, light intensity-dependent changes in dopamine utilization were observed in normal but not rds/+ retinas. The findings of this study suggest that human patients with peripherin/rds mutations, or other mutations that result in abnormal outer segments that can still capture light, might maintain light-evoked dopamine metabolism and dopamine-dependent retinal functions during the progression of the disease, proportional to remaining levels of light capture capabilities. However, visual deficits due to reduced light-evoked dopamine metabolism and abnormal patterns of dopamine utilization could be expected in such diseased retinas.
Separation of hepatic N-demethylase-inducing and opioid dependence-producing doses of levo-alpha-acetylmethadol in the pregnant rat.

Abstract A 2.0 mg per kg oral dose of l-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) administered daily to female rats prior to mating and throughout pregnancy increased ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity in liver microsomes of the dams measured 24 h after parturition. This dose of LAAM decreased maternal weight gain during gestation and increased postnatal mortality. However, 0.05 mg LAAM per kg was sufficient to produce dependence in the dams without affecting hepatic drug metabolism, gestational weight gain or neonatal mortality. The data indicate that it is not necessary to use doses of LAAM which can affect drug metabolizing enzymes in dams and increase pup mortality to maintain opioid-type physical dependence.
Cyclic Oligophosphonic Anhydrides in Phosphonation of Diacylamides

Abstract Diacylamides (10 compounds) were reacted with the system H3P03 - PCI3 in the media of mine hydrochlorides (conditions as in [I], B ˭ Py. Bu3N) and formed bicyclic dianhydrides 1 in high yields. The reaction failed when none of R was H and when R1 and R2 were a part of cycle. Less sterically hindered 1 were opened to monocyclic anhydrides 2 and to acyclic acids 3 using mild acidic hydrolysis.
Study of the cold drawing of nylon 6 fiber by in-situ simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques

Abstract The cold drawing of a nylon 6 fiber has been studied with on-line simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques. The equatorial crystallinity index, crystalline orientation, and apparent lateral crystallite size as a function of strain were studied by analysis of the wide-angle patterns. The small-angle patterns were examined with the Guinier analysis and the one-dimensional correlation function method to extract morphological parameters such as fibrillar thickness, long period, and lamellar thickness. Upon drawing, the γ-phase was either directly converted to the α-phase or destroyed while amorphous chains were formed into the α-phase due to the increased strain. As strain increased the long period and amorphous thickness increased while the crystalline thickness increased slightly and then leveled off. The shish–kebob morphology, which was seen initially, transformed into a lamellar morphology by the end of the examined drawing process.
148Gd production cross section measurements for 600- and 800-MeV protons on tantalum, tungsten, and gold

Abstract The production of 148Gd due to the spallation of tantalum, tungsten, and gold interacting with 600- and 800-MeV protons is investigated. The cumulative 148Gd production cross section was measured using charged-particle spectroscopy at WNR's facility at LANSCE. These data are compared with previous measurements and theoretical predictions of Bertini + Dresner, CEM2k + GEM2, and INCL4-ABLA. The importance of the new data on the reaction models are discussed.
Perineural invasion is an independent pathologic indicator of recurrence in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC) is a gynecologic malignancy diagnosed in nearly 4500 women in the United States each year. Current criteria for treatment planning provide inadequate assessment of aggressive vSCC cases, resulting in insufficient use of adjuvant treatments and high rates of vSCC recurrence. Perineural invasion (PNI) is a pathologic feature inconsistently included in the assessment of vSCC, because its relevance to clinical outcomes in these women is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between PNI and relevant clinical parameters such as recurrence. Methods A total of 103 cases of vSCC were evaluated for PNI using pathology report review and immunohistochemistry dual-chromogen staining for S100 and AE1/3. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and follow-up data. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression statistical methods. Results Patients with vSCC containing PNI had a greater risk for cancer recurrence than those whose tumors did not contain PNI (odds ratio=2.8, P=0.0290). There was no significant correlation between the presence of PNI and nodal involvement, stage, or lymphovascular invasion. Tumors with PNI had greater depth of invasion (DOI) (P=0.0047); however, DOI was not associated with recurrence (P=0.2220). When analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model, PNI was an independent predictor of recurrence in vSCC (adjusted odds ratio=2.613, P=0.045). Conclusions PNI is an independent indicator of risk for recurrence in vSCC. The association of PNI with increased risk for recurrence, independent of DOI, nodal involvement, lymphovascular invasion, or stage, should encourage practicing pathologists to thoroughly search for and report the presence of PNI in vSCC.
Processing Speed Weakness in Children and Adolescents with Non-Hyperactive but Inattentive ADHD (ADD)

DSM-IV-TR defines ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive as allowing up to five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, while theories of the inattentive type usually assume a group that is hypoactive and characterized by processing speed and cognitive interference deficits. In a community-recruited sample of 572 children and adolescents, a pure inattentive subtype of ADHD (ADD) was defined as those who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD-PI but had two or fewer hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Processing and output speeds of those with ADD were compared to those identified with DSM-IV-TR ADHD combined type and non-ADHD controls. These results were then contrasted with those found when DSM-IV-TR defined ADHD-PI was compared with ADHD-C and controls. Processing and output speed were assessed with the Trailmaking A and B and the Stroop Naming Tests. Cognitive interference control was assessed with the interference score from the Stroop Task. Slower cognitive interference speed was found in the ADD vs. ADHD-C and controls comparisons, but not the ADHD-PI versus ADHD-C and controls comparisons. On output speed measures, ADD exhibited the slowest performance, significantly different from controls and the effect size for the set-shifting speed contrast (Trailmaking B) was double that of the ADHD-PI vs. control comparison. ADHD-Inattentive type as defined by the DSM-IV-TR is a heterogeneous condition with a meaningful proportion of those affected exhibiting virtually no hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This subgroup may represent a distinct inattentive condition characterized by poor cognitive interference control and slow processing or output speed.
Modulators of ion-transporting ATPases

This review focuses on ion-transporting ATPases which play an essential role in the generation and maintenance of ionic gradients between cell compartments and environment. There are three types of...
Superconductivity in the pseudo-binary A-15 compounds Mo3Os1−χRuχ and Mo3Ir1−χRuχ

Abstract Superconducting transition temperatures ( T c ) and room temperature lattice parameters (α o ) are reported for the A -15 pseudo-binary systems Mo 3 Ir 1−χ Ru χ and Mo 3 Os 1−χ Ru χ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8). If Mo 3 Ru could be synthesized in the A -15 structure, its T c and α o are predicted to be 10–11°K and 4.95 A, respectively.
Inhibition of preimplantation mouse embryo developmentby isoflurane

Summary OBJECTIVE : Preimplantation mouse embryos were exposed to a commonly used inhalational anestheticagent, isoflurane, to determine its effects on embryo development. STUDY DESIGN : Two-cell embryos were exposed at various intervals (5 to 6 hours, 3 to 4 hours, and 0 to1 hour) before the onset of their first cleavage in vitro. In addition, the effects of 5% isoflurane on four-cell embryos exposed about 2 hours after the first cleavage and morula stage embryos also were examined. RESULTS : Development to the blastocyst stage was inhibited by 3% and 5% isoflurane ( p CONCLUSIONS : Isoflurane adversely affects subsequent preimplantation development when two-cellmouse embryos are exposed just before the onset of their first cleavage in vitro
The Role of Gesture in Learning: Do Children Use Their Hands to Change Their Minds?

Adding gesture to spoken instructions makes those instructions more effective. The question we ask here is why. A group of 49 third and fourth grade children were given instruction in mathematical equivalence with gesture or without it. Children given instruction that included a correct problem-solving strategy in gesture were significantly more likely to produce that strategy in their own gestures during the same instruction period than children not exposed to the strategy in gesture. Those children were then significantly more likely to succeed on a posttest than children who did not produce the strategy in gesture. Gesture during instruction encourages children to produce gestures of their own, which, in turn, leads to learning. Children may be able to use their hands to change their minds.
Taking the Calf to Market in Robert Frost's “the Pasture”

The attractive little poem “The Pasture“ has a surprisingly prominent place in the Frost canon. One “versed in New England things,” however, will pause over the chore described in the second stanza, the fetching of a calf from its mother, and make more of the poem than a fond memory.
Structure of FabH and factors affecting the distribution of branched fatty acids in Micrococcus luteus

Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive bacterium that produces iso- and anteiso-branched alkenes by the head-to-­head condensation of fatty-acid thioesters [coenzyme A (CoA) or acyl carrier protein (ACP)]; this activity is of interest for the production of advanced biofuels. In an effort to better understand the control of the formation of branched fatty acids in M. luteus, the structure of FabH (MlFabH) was determined. FabH, or β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III, catalyzes the initial step of fatty-acid biosynthesis: the condensation of malonyl-ACP with an acyl-CoA. Analysis of the MlFabH structure provides insights into its substrate selectivity with regard to length and branching of the acyl-CoA. The most structurally divergent region of FabH is the L9 loop region located at the dimer interface, which is involved in the formation of the acyl-binding channel and thus limits the substrate-channel size. The residue Phe336, which is positioned near the catalytic triad, appears to play a major role in branched-substrate selectivity. In addition to structural studies of MlFabH, transcriptional studies of M. luteus were also performed, focusing on the increase in the ratio of anteiso:iso-branched alkenes that was observed during the transition from early to late stationary phase. Gene-expression microarray analysis identified two genes involved in leucine and isoleucine metabolism that may explain this transition.
Collagen Deposition in a Non-Fibrotic Lung Granuloma Model after Nitric Oxide Inhibition

Recent studies support the concept that pulmonary granulomatous inflammation directed by interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and nitric oxide usually resolves in the absence of fibrosis. To determine whether nitric oxide participates in modulating the fibrotic response during the development of pulmonary granulomas in response to purified protein derivative (PPD), mice presensitized to PPD received daily intraperitoneal injections of NG-nitro-d-arginine-methyl ester (d-NAME), NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME), or aminoguanidine after delivery of PPD-coated beads to the lungs. Eight days later, morphometric analysis of lung granulomas revealed that l-NAME-treated mice when challenged with PPD in vitro for 36 hours had the largest pulmonary granulomas and the greatest collagen deposition among the treated groups. In addition, equivalent numbers of dispersed lung cells from l-NAME- and aminoguanidine-treated mice produced significantly higher levels of IL-4, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and significantly lower levels of eotaxin compared with d-NAME-treated mice. Cultures of dispersed lung cells from l-NAME-treated mice also produced significantly more IL-10 and less IL-12 compared with similar numbers of dispersed lung cells from d-NAME-treated mice. Cultures of isolated lung fibroblasts from l-NAME-treated mice expressed higher levels of C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and CCR3 mRNA and contained less MCP-1 and eotaxin protein than a similar number of fibroblasts from d-NAME-treated mice. Thus, nitric oxide appears to regulate the deposition of extracellular matrix in lung granulomas through the modulation of the cytokine and chemokine profile of these lesions. Alterations in the cytokine, chemokine, and procollagen profile of this lesion may be a direct effect of nitric oxide on the pulmonary fibroblast and provide an important signal for regulating fibroblast activity during the evolution of chronic lung disease.
An MRI-powered and controlled actuator technology for tetherless robotic interventions

This paper presents a novel actuation technology for robotically assisted MRI-guided interventional procedures. In the proposed approach, the MRI scanner is used to deliver power, estimate actuator state and perform closed-loop control. The actuators themselves are compact, inexpensive and wireless. Using needle driving as an example application, actuation principles and force production capabilities are examined. Actuator stability and performance are analyzed for the two cases of state estimation at the input versus the output of the actuator transmission. Closed-loop needle position control is achieved by interleaving imaging pulse sequences to estimate needle position (transmission output estimation) and propulsion pulse sequences to drive the actuator. A prototype needle driving robot is used to validate the proposed approach in a clinical MRI scanner.
Foxp1 regulates cardiac outflow tract, endocardial cushion morphogenesis and myocyte proliferation and maturation

We have recently described a new subfamily of Fox genes, Foxp1/2/4, which are transcriptional repressors and are thought to regulate important aspects of development in several tissues, including the lung, brain, thymus and heart. Here, we show that Foxp1 is expressed in the myocardium as well as the endocardium of the developing heart. To further explore the role of Foxp1 in cardiac development, we inactivated Foxp1 through gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. Foxp1 mutant embryos have severe defects in cardiac morphogenesis, including outflow tract septation and cushion defects, a thin ventricular myocardial compact zone caused by defects in myocyte maturation and proliferation, and lack of proper ventricular septation. These defects lead to embryonic death at E14.5 and are similar to those observed in other mouse models of congenital heart disease, including Sox4 and Nfatc1 null embryos. Interestingly, expression of Sox4 in the outflow tract and cushions of Foxp1 null embryos is significantly reduced, while remodeling of the cushions is disrupted, as demonstrated by reduced apoptosis and persistent Nfatc1 expression in the cushion mesenchyme. Our results reveal a crucial role for Foxp1 in three aspects of cardiac development: (1) outflow tract development and septation, (2) tissue remodeling events required for cardiac cushion development, and (3) myocardial maturation and proliferation.
A blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oclacitinib and ciclosporin for the control of atopic dermatitis in client-owned dogs

Background Ciclosporin is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs and has been shown to be safe and effective. Placebo-controlled studies suggest that oclacitinib is a safe and effective alternative therapy. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oclacitinib, in comparison to ciclosporin, for the control of AD in a blinded, randomized clinical trial, incorporating a noninferiority test at day 28. Animals A total of 226 client-owned dogs with a history of AD from eight sites were enrolled. Methods Enrolled animals were randomized to receive oral oclacitinib (0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily) or oral ciclosporin (3.2–6.6 mg/kg once daily) for 12 weeks. Owners assessed pruritus using an enhanced visual analog scale (VAS), and veterinarians assessed dermatitis using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-02. Results On days 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84, the percentage reduction from baseline for owner-assessed pruritus changed from 25.6 to 61.0% in the oclacitinib group compared with 6.5 to 61.5% in the ciclosporin group; differences were significant at all time points up to day 28. On day 56, ciclosporin-treated dogs showed a similar decrease in pruritus to oclacitinib-treated dogs. On day 14, the percentage reduction from baseline CADESI-02 was significantly greater in the oclacitinib group (58.7%) than in the ciclosporin group (43.0%). Three times as many adverse events attributed to gastrointestinal signs were reported in the ciclosporin group compared with the oclacitinib group. Conclusions and clinical importance In this study of treatment for canine AD, oclacitinib had a faster onset of action and a lower frequency of gastrointestinal side effects compared with ciclosporin.
Word processing services for a university: experiences at Stanford

Approaches to the technical, political, economic and human factors issues in planning and provision of word processing services for a university.While usage of word processing services at Stanford's computer center has continued to grow, the University has experienced a proliferation of commercial stand alone equipment. After over a year of guiding administrative offices and academic departments in selecting among the alternatives, the interdepartmental Committee on Office Systems and Technology (COST) is preparing a recommendation for a campus-wide system.
The preparations and decompositions of some chloroacetyl-transition metal derivatives

Abstract The reactions of ClCH 2 COCl with NaM(CO) 3 C 5 H 5 (M = Cr, Mo, W), NaM′(CO) 5 M′ = Mn, Re), NaFe(CO) 2 C 5 H 5 , (Ph 3 P) 4 Pt and Cl(CO)(Ph 3 P) 2 Ir were examined. The chloroacetylmetal derivatives, C 5 H 5 (CO) 3 MCOCH 2 Cl (M = Mo, W), C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 FeCOCH 2 Cl, and (CO) 5 MnCOCH 2 Cl, were isolated and their thermal and photochemical decompositions studied. The last complex decomposes to produce Mn(CO) 5 Cl, CO, and CH 4 , whereas the others yield the corresponding metal chlorides and ketene via β-chloride elimination. The Pt and Ir chloroacetyl complexes probably form and decompose under the reaction conditions to give the metal chloride complexes as the only isolable products.
Follicular size and response to Ovsynch versus detection of estrus in anovular and ovular lactating dairy cows

In a commercial dairy herd, 316 lactating Holsteins were studied to determine the percentage of anovular cows, to examine follicular sizes in anovular cows, and to compare synchronized ovulation (Ovsynch) versus detection of estrus on fertility of ovular and anovular cows. Ultrasonography examinations at 47 to 53 d and at 54 to 60 d postpartum were used to measure follicles and to classify cows as ovular or anovular. Anovular cows were identified as those with no detectable luteal tissue by ultrasonography and by low progesterone in blood samples collected weekly. Anovular cows included 28% of 122 primiparous cows and 15% of 194 multiparous cows. Of 64 anovular cows, 20% had follicles > or = 25 mm that might be considered cystic (4% of total cows), 58% had 15- to 24-mm follicles, and 22% had 9- to 14-mm follicles. Cows identified as ovular and anovular were randomly assigned within cyclic status to one of two artificial insemination (AI) strategies: 1) AI after detected estrus during 21 d, or 2) timed AI after a 10-d Ovsynch protocol. Weekly ultrasonography continued for 21 d to detect ovulations. For the Ovsynch sub-groups, 97% of ovular and 94% of anovular cows ovulated after the second GnRH injection. Within 21 d, spontaneous ovulations for the detection of estrus sub-groups were 42% of anovular cows vs. 89% of ovular cows. Conception rates were greater for ovular cows regardless of treatment, but conception rates between respective Ovsynch and estrus detection groups for ovular (32%, 35%) or anovular (9%, 11%) cows were similar. Although 20% of lactating cows were not cyclic by about 60 d postpartum, nearly all ovulated following Ovsynch. However, anovular cows had lower conception than ovular cows whether inseminated after detected estrous or after Ovsynch.
`Getting Out' in Ethnography: A Seldom-told Story

In ethnography and related qualitative research that relies on naturalistic observation or fieldwork, `getting in', or accessing a research population or site, receives considerable attention, as d...
Learning to play the game: Student publishing as an indicator of future scholarly success

The need to encourage future generations of students in the pursuit of scientific research has been viewed as a cornerstone of US R&D efforts. However, few indicators of student intellectual activity at the graduate level are tracked on an ongoing basis. The aim of this paper is to examine graduate student publishing as an indicator of pre-doctoral research activity and future scholarly success. This study addresses the gap in knowledge about student publishing through a distinctive dataset that merges bibliometric publication data with survey data from a study of academic scientists. These data are from a nationally representative sample (n = 1598) of scientists employed in Research I institutions. For each survey respondent, we have compiled a lifetime publication record from the Web of Science, Science Citation Index. The results indicate that the share of students with at least one publication is substantial and growing over time. Co-publication with advisors is found to be an important driving factor in publication activity, along with certain demographic and field characteristics. Our analysis also suggests that graduate student publication and collaboration are predictors of later career success and productivity, and as such an important tool in evaluating graduate programs.
Nonverbal communication and aging

The nonverbal effects of aging are Idrgely unexamined in the communication and gerontological disciplines. As a result, a number of assumptions and suppositions are required to interpret the available literature. Briefly exmained are developmental approaches to nonverbal communication, and the biological and gerontological theories relevant to the study of nonverbal communication. A functional approach to aging effects in nonverbal communication is developed to integrate the results of research on nonverbal aspects of aging.
Jurassic Reconstruction of the Gulf of Mexico Basin

The Jurassic evolution of the Gulf of Mexico Basin is related intimately to the break-up of the late Paleozoic supercontinent Pangea and to the early evolution of the Atlantic/proto-Caribbean system. A new two-stage model presented here is constrained by a refined oceanic crust definition in the Gulf of Mexico and by the known kinematic framework of the large continental blocks (North America plate, Afro-South America plate). Oceanic crust definition in the Gulf of Mexico was obtained by combining the results of independent geophysical data sets, including: (a) refraction data, (b) magnetic data, (c) multichannel seismic data in the eastern Gulf of Mexico area, and (d) gravity data. Reconstruction of the basin was completed using the Plates 2.0 plate reconstruction software to visualize the movement of the Afro-South America plate and the Yucatan, Florida-Bahamas microplates during the Mesozoic break-up. During the Late Triassic(?) to late Middle Jurassic syn-rift stage, the relatively stable Yucatan bloc...
Differences between adult and neonatal rats in their astroglial response to spinal injury

Transection of the thoracic spinal cord in adult rats produces an astroglial reaction at the lesion site which spreads gradually to lumbar segments. We compared the spread of gliosis in cordotomized adult and neonatal rats in order to evaluate whether or not maturity of long spinal tracts is a precondition for the genesis of this histopathological reaction. By this experiment, we sought to determine whether spread of gliosis is induced by degeneration of nerve fibers in ascending and descending pathways or results from some more general reaction to injury. The spinal cords of 40 neonatal and 30 young adult rats were transected at T5, and 4 to 60 days later the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments were examined immunocytochemically for glial fibrillary acidic protein. In the neonatal rats, there was a moderate gliosis at the lesion site by 7 days; this reaction intensified somewhat during the next 60 days but always remained confined to the site of injury. In contrast, the lesion site of adult rats showed a much more intense gliosis; in those animals the response was maximal by 14 days and was characterized by a gradient of decreasing glial reactivity both rostrally and caudally from the transection site. These results support the hypothesis that the spread of gliosis from spinal lesions results from degeneration of the long ascending and descending fiber tracts.
Allozymic variation and natural hybridization in sculpins, Cottus confuses and Cottus cognatus☆

Abstract Genetic variation at 33 enzymic and other protein loci was examined for 16 populations of Cottus confusus and six populations of C. cognatus from the Flathead River system in north-western Montana. Expression of alternate alleles at six loci permits complete separation of the two species. Allozymic variation in Cottus from one locality indicates the existence of a narrow zone of hybridization between the two species. Hybridization occurs in a disturbed habitat where hypolimnion release of water from a dam maintained for power generation has resulted in altered thermal regimes and habitat structure.
A high efficiency dye laser tunable from the UV to the IR

Abstract A dye laser has been developed as a source of tunable radiation in the wavelength range 3500–3700 A. A Variety of dyes and dye mixtures have been used to cover this range. Output powers up to 30 kW are obtained with line-widths less than 1.8 A. A Fabry-Perot etalon reduces the output linewidth to 0.1 A and the peak output power by a factor of three. Second harmonic powers in excess of 2 kW have been generated from the output of this laser.
Impersonal Passive "Se" in Spanish

Within the last twenty years and in the framework of transformational grammar at least seven kinds of se have been proposed: spurious se, reflexive se, reciprocal se, pronominal se, impersonal se, passive se and se moyen. Each of these se's shows its own syntactic and semantic characteristics. In this article, in the framework of the Theory of Government and Binding, an eighth type of se, the impersonal passive se, is proposed. Similar to the passive se, it is passive in interpretation; however, unlike passive se, and similar to the impersonal se, it has an impersonal subject. The different syntactic properties this new se exhibits are shown to follow from the principles of universal grammar.
Effect of buffer components and carrier solvents on in vitro activity of recombinant human carboxylesterases.

Abstract Introduction The effects of buffer and substrate solvent conditions on in vitro activity of carboxylesterases (CE) have not been previously described. Therefore, it is unknown if the many different assay conditions used by various laboratories have a substantial impact on the activity of CE enzymes. Methods Three human CEs were expressed and purified, and the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl butyrate was measured to assess enzyme activity. Four buffers (HEPES, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and Tris) were evaluated for their effects on enzyme activity at concentrations ranging from 5 to 900 mM, as well as phosphate buffered saline. Five commonly used substrate-carrier solvents (acetone, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, and methanol) ranging from 0.25 to 6% were also assessed for their effect on enzyme activity. Results The clearances for the CEs in HEPES, potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and Tris up to 100 mM were similar to the CE clearances obtained with phosphate buffered saline. Higher buffer concentrations resulted in differential activity of the CEs. All three CEs tolerated the substrate solvents up to 2% as indicated by little effect of solvent on catalytic activity. At substrate solvent concentrations above 2% the CE activities were found to gradually decrease. In general, CES3 displayed substantially lower activity than CES1 and CES2. Discussion In conclusion, any of the buffers examined up to 100 mM resulted in clearance values similar to that of phosphate buffered saline for the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl butyrate by the human CEs. With regard to the substrate solvents tested, acetone, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide appear to be well tolerated by the CEs up to 2% of the total reaction volume.
Staurosporine-induced G1 arrest in cancer cells depends on an intact pRB but is independent of p16 status

Abstract Staurosporine and its derivative 7-hydroxystaurosporine are protein kinase inhibitors that are being considered for treatments of cancers. Several recent studies have shown that cells with defective pRB protein are resistant to the G 1 cell cycle-inhibiting effects of staurosporine compounds. In this study, we examined the effect of staurosporine on two breast cancer-derived and three lung cancer-derived cell lines characterized by deficiencies in the p16 tumor suppressor. All of these p16-deficient cell lines are highly sensitive to staurosporine-induced inhibition of pRB phosphorylation and induction of arrest in G 1 . This response is similar to that seen in cultured normal human bronchial epithelial cells and normal mammary epithelial cells, but strikingly different than the staurosporine resistance seen in cancer cells with defective pRB. Interestingly, inhibition of pRB phosphorylation could be seen within 4 h of treatment, suggesting that this inhibition is a consequence of direct effects of staurosporine on protein kinase(s) rather than a result of induction of other cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Our findings suggest that different types of cancer cells have vastly different responses to the staurosporine class of agents, and that evaluation of pRB and p16 will help predict the response of the cancer cells to these agents.
Socioeconomic risk factors for long-term mortality after pulmonary resection for lung cancer: an analysis of more than 90,000 patients from the National Cancer Data Base.

Background Several clinical variables, such as tumor stage and age, are well established factors associated with long-term survival after surgical resection of lung cancer. Our aim was to examine the impact of other clinical and demographic variables, controlling for known predictors of long-term survival, in order to investigate how outcomes varied according to important nonclinical factors. Study Design The National Cancer Data Base, jointly supported by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society, was used to identify patients undergoing pulmonary resection for lung cancer and perform a retrospective cohort study. The cohort consisted of patients diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer from 2003 to 2006, who underwent resection; overall survival data are available only for patients diagnosed through 2006. A Cox proportional hazards survival model was used to examine factors associated with risk of mortality. Results A total of 92,929 patients were identified as diagnosed during the study period and undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. On multivariable analysis, several socioeconomic factors such as lack of insurance, lower income, less education, and treatment at community centers vs academic or research programs predicted worse overall survival after controlling for disease characteristics known to be predictors of worse survival, such as tumor stage, histology, age, and extent of resection. Conclusions Diminished long-term survival after pulmonary resection was associated with a number of socioeconomic factors. To date, this represents the largest database analysis of long-term mortality in patients undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. The disparities in survival outcomes reported here require further detailed investigation.
Where is the “family” in family communication?: Exploring families' self‐definitions

(1989). Where is the “family” in family communication?: Exploring families' self‐definitions. Journal of Applied Communication Research: Vol. 17, Applying Communication Theory to Family Process, pp. 27-41.
Soluble expression and purification of the oxidoreductase component of toluene 4-monooxygenase

Toluene 4-monooxygenase (T4MO) is a member of the bacterial multicomponent monooxygenases, an enzyme family that utilizes a soluble diiron hydroxylase to oxidize a variety of hydrocarbons as the initial step in their metabolism. The hydroxylases obtain reducing equivalents from NAD(P)H via an electron transfer chain that is initiated by an oxidoreductase containing an N-terminal ferredoxin domain and C-terminal flavin- and NAD-binding domains. T4moF, the NADH oxidoreductase of T4MO, was expressed as a soluble protein in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) from the pUC-derived expression vector pRS205. This vector contains a lac promoter instead of a T7 promoter. A three step purification from the soluble cell lysate yielded approximately 1 mg of T4moF per gram of wet cell paste with greater than 90% purity. The purified protein contained 1 mol of FAD and 2 mol of Fe per mol of T4moF; quantitative EPR spectroscopy showed approximately 1 mol of the S=1/2 signal from the reduced [2Fe-2S] cluster per mol of T4moF. Steady state kinetic analysis of p-cresol formation activity treating T4moF as the variable substrate while all other proteins and substrates were held constant gave apparent K(M-) and apparent k(cat)-values of 0.15 microM and 3.0 s(-1), respectively. This expression system and purification allows for the recovery of the soluble oxidoreductase in yields that facilitate further biochemical and structural characterizations.
Automating NFC message sending for good and evil

Near Field Communication (NFC) is an emerging proximity wireless technology used for triggering automatic interactions between mobile devices. In standard NFC usage, one message is sent per device contact, then the devices must be physically separated and brought together again. In this paper, we present a mechanism for automatically sending multiple messages without any need to physically decouple the devices. After an introduction to NFC and related security issues, we discuss the motivation for—and an implementation of—an automation framework for sending repeated NFC messages without any need for human interaction. Then we consider how such an automated mechanism can be used for both a denial of service attack and as a platform for fuzz testing. We present experimental evidence on the efficacy of automated NFC as a vector for achieving these goals. We conclude with suggestions for future work and provide some overall insights.
Kingship and Slavery in African Thought: A Conceptual Analysis

Freedom is the secret topic of this essay—a topic political theorists can scarce let alone. Hence the following exploration into African kingship and slavery should be understood as part of a dialectic of freedom, as seen through its opposites.The passing references to Western thinkers are meant to put the African ideas in a perspective of general intellectual history, which is permissible if only because the great tradition of political philosophy, after it was eradicated in the West, was preserved by the Arabic and Jewish scholars of Africa, Asia Minor, and Andalusia. Subsequently some versions of this tradition were diffused throughout Africa with the spread of Islam and Christianity.
Harmonic analysis for fixed-speed wind turbines

This paper presents harmonic analysis of a fixed-speed wind turbine in a utility distribution system. It shows a condition of how the wind turbine may be involved in harmonic resonance through its power factor correction capacitors. In addition the effect of wind speed on the resonant frequency is also considered. The test system used in this study is a distribution feeder with an equivalent nonlinear load and a wind turbine connected at the feeder end. The results show that severe harmonic distortion can occur due to the interaction of the power factor correction capacitors and the system impedances. Although, wind speed does not have a direct effect on the resonant frequency, the number of power factor correction capacitors affects the resonance condition. A single-tuned notch filter is shown to be efficient in reducing the harmonic distortion.
Scheme to measure relative clock skew of two internet hosts based on end-link capacity

Proposed is a scheme to measure the relative clock skew between two network nodes. The scheme is based on measuring the intra-packet gaps of probes sent between the two network nodes. The proposed scheme is evaluated through simulation under a heavy cross-traffic load scenario. The obtained results show that the scheme measures the clock skew with high accuracy despite the presence of cross-traffic.
Automated conflict resolution in collaborative data sharing systems using community feedbacks

In collaborative data sharing systems, groups of users usually work on disparate schemas and database instances, and agree to share the related data among them (periodically). Each group can extend, curate, and revise its own database instance in a disconnected mode. At some later point, the group can publish its updates to other groups and get updates of other ones (if any). The reconciliation operation in the CDSS engine is responsible for propagating updates and handling any data disagreements between the different groups. If a conflict is found, any involved updates are rejected temporally and marked as deferred. Deferred updates are not accepted by the reconciliation operation until a user resolves the conflict manually. In this paper, we propose an automated conflict resolution approach that depends on community feedbacks, to handle the conflicts that may arise in collaborative data sharing communities, with potentially disparate schemas and data instances. The experiment results show that extending the CDSS by our proposed approach can resolve such conflicts in an accurate and efficient manner.
Characterization of Carbon Nanotube-Conjugated Collagen Composite Matrix Mechanics

In the case of vascular grafts, enhanced mechanical properties of engineered tissue constructs are required in order to function properly in mechanically-active physiologic conditions. It is proposed that a composite matrix constructed of type I collagen, fibronectin, and covalently-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) will provide the desired mechanical properties required for the development of implantable tissues capable of withstanding high-stress environments.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Lattice dynamics of crystals with extended point defects

Abstract The problem of obtaining the Fourier coefficients of the lattice dynamical Green's function for a crystal containing a point defect is reformulated for the case that the impurity atom interacts with the host crystal through forces which differ from those in the unperturbed crystal throughout a large volume surrounding the defect site. The inhomogeneous integral equation for these coefficients is rewritten in a form in which the inhomogeneous term is the Fourier coefficient of the Green's function for a crystal containing a pure mass defect, while the kernel of the integral equation absorbs the force constant changes, which are generally small in magnitude, but which have a long range. This integral equation is solved formally by the Fredholm method. The zeroes of the Fredholm denominator yield the frequencies of any localized modes induced by the presence of the defect. The method is applied to the study of localized modes in a monatomic linear chain of atoms containing a substitutional defect whose mass differs from that of the atom it replaces, and which interacts with many atoms of the host crystal. The dependence of the localized mode frequency on the range of the impurity-host crystal interaction is determined.
Socialization of employers costs during economic recessions: The use of shared work unemployment insurance to keep skilled workers

In the late 1970s underemployment as a result of recession began to receive attention with several states in the USA legislating for reduced hours compensation. This article examines California's Shared Work Unemployment Insurance (SWUI) programme and the reaction of firms to it. Under SWUI rules employers voluntarily enrol workers for benefit eligibility; it is not a short‐term worker's right to receive benefit. The labour market context of employers who choose to use SWUI as an alternative to lay‐offs is discussed
Export activity and firm size: an examination of the machine tool sector

This paper examines the relationship between firm size and export performance within the US machine tool (MT) industry, a sector comprised primarily of SMEs. Evidence for this analysis is taken from the results of a postal survey of 82 MT exporters representing a cross‐section of company size, product lines, and geographic location. Among these manufacturers, firm size fails to correlate with export‐intensity or export growth. However, the results suggest relationships between firm size and the degree of importance accorded to several problems impacting the MT sector, such as access to export finance and declining local markets. Overall, smaller MT producers do not face major impediments to export activity. Instead, specialization and market niche appear to be important. The paper concludes with a discussion of future growth prospects and competitive issues for these manufacturers.
The theory of the avant‐garde: Some TOPOI for the study of movements

This study argues that movements employ a series of strategic guiding topoi and examines activism, antagonism, agonism, and futurism. It concludes that when all four rhetorical topoi are present an avant‐garde movement of radical proportions exists.
Asymptotically flat self-dual solutions to euclidean gravity

In an attempt to find gravitational analogs of Yang-Mills pseudoparticles, we obtain two classes of self-dual solutions to the euclidean Einstein equations. These matries are free from singularities and approach a flat metric at infinity.
Trends, Utilization, and Immediate Perioperative Complications of Urethroplasty in the United States: Data From the National Inpatient Sample 2000-2010

Objective To determine national urethroplasty trends based on type of surgery and patient and hospital characteristics. We hypothesized that the number of complex urethroplasty procedures performed has increased over time and may be associated with increased periprocedure complications. Methods The National Inpatient Sample from years 2000 to 2010 was queried for patients with urethroplasty-associated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We analyzed trends in urethroplasty procedures, patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. We evaluated the relationship between patient demographics and comorbid disease, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and inpatient complications. Results During the study period, an estimated 13,700 men (95% confidence interval, 9507-17,894) underwent urethroplasty nationally. Excision with primary anastomosis, buccal graft, and other graft or flap urethroplasty comprised 80.3%, 14.3%, and 5.4%, respectively. Buccal mucosa graft procedures increased over time ( P = .03). Only 1.6% of hospitals have ≥20 urethroplasties performed annually. Urethroplasty type and urethroplasty volume were not associated with immediate complication rates. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, and obesity were the most common comorbidities in urethroplasty patients. Complications during urethroplasty hospitalization occurred in 6.6% of men, with surgical or wound complications being the most common (5.2%). Postoperative mortality was exceedingly rare. Older patients, African Americans, and patients with increased comorbidities were more likely to have complications. Conclusion An increasing number of buccal mucosa graft urethroplasties occurred over time. Urethroplasty patients have low immediate perioperative morbidity (6.6%) and mortality (0.07%). Patients who are older, African American, or have more comorbid conditions have greater risk for complications.
Hepatitis C viral infection is not associated with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

While a familial predisposition may exist in up to 20% of patients with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM), the precipitating cause of this B-cell malignancy remains unknown in most patients. In previous studies, an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and WM has been suggested as etiological. This relationship has been the subject of debate, however, with some studies demonstrating increased incidence of HCV infection among WM patients and other studies showing no such association exists. This discordance might be attributable to the analytical method used, HCV antibody detection, which might be ineffective in patients with immunosuppression. We therefore analyzed the prevalence of HCV in a large population of WM patients utilizing both an HCV antibody detection immunoassay as well as qualitative polymerase chain reaction assay to directly detect HCV presence in serum samples. None of 100 randomly tested WM patients in this study tested positive for HCV by either analytical method. Our results therefore demonstrate a lack of association between HCV and WM.