cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in platelet function in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia compared to equally thrombocytopenic patients with immune thrombocytopenia.

Background Severe thrombocytopenia is a major risk factor for haemorrhage, and yet platelet function and bleeding risk at low platelet counts are poorly understood because of limitations of platelet function testing at very low platelet counts.
An IL-2 Paradox: Blocking CD25 on T Cells Induces IL-2–Driven Activation of CD56bright NK Cells

Daclizumab (Dac), an Ab against the IL-2R alpha-chain, inhibits brain inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis, while expanding CD56(bright) immunoregulatory NK cells in vivo. We hypothesized that this unexpected expansion is paradoxically IL-2 driven; caused by the increased availability of T cell-derived IL-2 for NK cell signaling. To this end, we performed ex vivo functional analyses of CD56(bright) NK cells and T cells from patients in clinical trials with Dac. We developed in vitro models to investigate mechanisms for ex vivo observations. We observed that Dac treatment caused decreased numbers and proliferation of FoxP3(+) T regulatory cells (Tregs), a model T cell population known to be dependent on IL-2 for proliferation and survival. As anticipated, Dac therapy inhibited IL-2 signaling in all T cells; however, we also observed functional adaptation of T cells to low IL-2 signal in vivo, characterized by the concomitant enhancement of IL-7 signaling on all T cells and parallel increase of CD127 expression by Tregs. In contrast, IL-2 signaling on CD56(bright) NK cells was not inhibited by Dac and their in vivo proliferation and cytotoxicity actually increased. Mechanistic studies indicated that the activation of CD56(bright) NK cells was likely IL-2 driven, as low doses of IL-2, but not IL-15, mimicked this activation in vitro. Our study provides insight into the role that IL-2 and CD25 play in functional regulation of two important immunoregulatory cell populations in humans: FoxP3(+) Tregs and CD56(bright) NK cells.
Frontal Lobe Disorders

The frontal lobes are the largest and likely most complex structure in the brain. Among other functions, it allows the expression of personality and language, the planning and sequencing of desired movements or actions as well as inhibition of unwanted or undesirable ones. Given the regional distribution of function, lesions or dysfunction in the frontal lobes may lead to such range of personal and social disruptions as aphasia, perseveration, disinhibition, personality changes and acquired sociopathy. Besides trauma, tumours, infections and toxins, abnormal disorders of tau and ubiquitin proteins may lead to neurodegenerative diseases that predominantly affect the frontal lobes. These so-called frontotemporal dementias or frontotemporal lobar degenerations have become the most active and exciting field of research in the frontal lobes. Key Concepts These are the most salient functions and dysfunctions of the frontal lobes discussed here: Function Frontal lobe-specific dysfunction Recognition Language Expressive aphasia (Broca's aphasia) Impairment in fluency, naming and ability to repeat. No problems comprehending Executive function Executive dysfunction Perseverative behaviours with inability to sequence goal-directed movements Personality changes Apathetic personality (dorsolateral) Either abulic/apathetic or disinhibited personality ‘Orbital’ personality (orbitofrontal) Keywords: frontal lobes; personality changes; executive dysfunction; Broca's aphasia; frontemporal dementia
Production of organometallic polymers by the interfacial technique. VII. A study of some reaction variables in the production of poly[imino‐1.4‐phenyleneimino(diphenylsilylene)]

The following reaction variables were studied and reported on: Temperature, stirring rate, nature of the organic solvent and concentration of the reactants Amine solubility is important in determining polymer yield. Der Einflus folgender Reaktionsvariabler wurde untersucht: Temperatur, Ruhrgeschwindigkeit, Art des organischen Losungsmittels und Konzentration der Reaktanten. Die Ausbeute an Polymeren wird wesentlich durch die Loslichkeit der Aminkomponente mitbestimmt.
A Ferrocene-C60-Dinitrobenzene Triad: Synthesis and Computational, Electrochemical, and Photochemical Studies

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of a molecular triad comprised of ferrocene, C60, and dinitrobenzene entities is reported. Electrochemical studies revealed multiple redox processes involving all three redox active, ferrocene, C60, and dinitrobenzene entities. A total of eight reversible redox couples within the accessible potential window of o-dichlorobenzene containing 0.1 M (TBA)ClO4 are observed. A comparison between the measured redox potentials with those of the starting compounds revealed absence of any significant electronic interactions between the different redox entities. The geometric and electronic structure of the triad is elucidated by using ab initio B3LYP/3-21G(*) methods. In the energy optimized structure, as predicted by electrochemical studies, the first HOMO orbitals are found to be located on the ferrocene entity, whereas the first LUMO orbitals are mainly on the C60 entity with small orbital coefficients on the dinitrobenzene entity. The subsequent LUMO's track the obs...
Magnetic structure of the boundary layer

It now appears that magnetospheric convection is driven by both magnetic reconnection and ‘viscous’ dragging of closed flux tubes acting in varying proportions but with reconnection being, on the average, the predominant cause. But the action of the closed flux tubes of the low latitude boundary layer seems predominant in driving system 1 field aligned currents and discrete auroras. A search of I SEE boundary layer data for the magnetic shear effects associated with field aligned currents has revealed, on some occasions, a ‘reverse draping’ of boundary layer field lines whose cause might be plasma entry around the cusps, a north-south asymmetry in current flow to the polar regions, or magnetic reconnection at high latitudes. Observed asymmetries in the nature and distribution of boundary layer encounters suggest that the boundary layer and/or the plasma mantle may differ substantially at the dawn and dusk sides of the magnetosphere and that there may be seasonal dependencies of their properties.
Infection of the SCID-hu mouse by HIV-1

SCID-hu mice with human fetal thymic or lymph node implants were inoculated with the cloned human immunodeficiency virus-1 isolate, HIV-1JR-CSF. In a time- and dose-dependent fashion, viral replication spread within the human lymphoid organs. Combination immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed only viral RNA transcripts in most infected cells, but some cells had both detectable viral transcripts and viral protein. Infected cells were always more apparent in the medulla than in the cortex of the thymus. These studies demonstrate that an acute infection of human lymphoid organs with HIV-1 can be followed in the SCID-hu mouse.
Selective loss of δ opioid analgesia and binding by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to a δ opioid receptor

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (18-20 bases) to a cloned delta opioid receptor (DOR-1) lower delta binding in NG108-15 cells by 40%-50%. Changing 4 bases to generate a mismatch antisense oligodeoxynucleotide or mixing the corresponding sense and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides prior to treatment of the cells eliminates the inhibition of binding, confirming the specificity of the response. In vivo, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to DOR-1 given intrathecally lowers delta, but not mu or kappa 1 spinal analgesia. The mismatch antisense oligodeoxynucleotide is inactive. Delta analgesic sensitivity gradually returns by 5 days after the last antisense treatment, indicating the lack of irreversible damage or toxicity. These studies demonstrate that DOR-1 mediates delta analgesia at the level of the spinal cord and confirm at the molecular level traditional pharmacological studies implying distinct receptor mechanisms for delta, mu, and kappa 1 analgesia. The use of antisense approaches may prove valuable in understanding the receptors mediating opioid pharmacology.
Nutritional thriftiness and human reproduction: Beyond the critical body composition hypothesis

Abstract The ‘critical body composition hypothesis’ (CBCH) is frequently used to explain variations in the duration of postpartum amenorrhea. The hypothesis predicts that ovulation will not occur if fat reserves fall below a critical threshold. This paper attempts to analytically separate the CBCH from the broader concept of nutritional thriftiness on which it is based. A review of previous research on fat cell metabolism and ovulation finds no direct link between fatness and fecundity. Rather they are each regulated by lactation and mother-infant interactions associated with breast feeding. As a system which delivers available fat into breast milk and prevents ovulation only during the time when the infant is dependent on the mother, the pathways outlined here represent a nutritionally thrifty method of fertility regulation, one which maximizes reproductive success while minimizing energy investment. The cultural patterning both of infant feeding behaviors and the wider range of maternal activities which affect breast feeding suggest specific testable hypotheses to explain interpopulation variations in fertility and infant nutritional status.
The relation between children's health and academic achievement

Abstract We investigate the relation between a variety of health conditions and test scores for children and adolescents using data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. In addition to estimating how health conditions are associated with test scores ‘on average,’ our statistical methodology estimates this association at different points of the conditional test score distribution. Such information could be crucial for policy purposes because the relation between health and academic achievement may be different for students at the bottom and top of the test score distribution. We find that several health conditions are highly negatively correlated with math and reading test scores, both on average and at different points of the achievement distribution. Given the current education policy environment where schools are shifting resources to conform to state and federal requirements on test scores and other outcomes, the results suggest caution in cutting resources from the traditional role of schools in monitoring a wide set of health outcomes.
Pseudospectral matrix element methods for flow in complex geometry

Abstract A pseudospectral matrix element (PSME) method, which extended the global pseudospectral method to a multi-element scheme, has been applied to the solution of the incompressible, primitive variable, Navier-Stokes equations for complex geometries with rectilinear or curvilinear boundaries. For a simple complex geometry, a direct solution for pressure Poisson equation is feasible, while in a much more complex geometry the pressure solution is accomplished by a new implementation of domain decomposition approach. According to this approach, the computational domain can be divided into a number of overlapping subdomains where the grid points inside the overlapping area may or may not be located at the same place. Each subdomain can be mapped onto a square domain by an algebraic (or isoparametric) mapping, of simpler geometry with patched elements, in which the pressure solution is more easily obtained by an eigenfunction expansion technique for cartesian-type geometries or a direct solver for noncartesian-type geometries with rectilinear (or curvilinear) boundaries. With an iterative Schwarz alternating procedure (SAP) between subdomains, the complete solution is found. The novel feature of this approach are (i) the continuity equation is satisfied everywhere, in the interior (including the inter-element points) and on the boundary; (ii) reducing the global storage size to local (subdomain) storage locations for which parallel computation is easily implemented; (iii) producing the desired grid points without solving any grid-generating equations is easy; and (iv) consistent mass conservation holds at geometrical singular points despite their discontinuous slope (i.e., singular vorticity). Numerical examples of flow over a triangular and parabolic bump as well as flow in a bifurcation with a daughter branch entering the main channel at angles 45° and 90° are presented in this paper.
Circular dichroism spectra of glutamate dehydrogenase plus reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract Circular dichroism (CD) spectra are reported for various concentrations of glutamate dehydrogenase in order to determine any role of protein aggregation on NADH-binding spectra. These CD spectra do appear to be sensitive to enzyme aggregation. These spectra raise some doubt about previous interpretation of CD spectra as direct evidence for a second NADH binding-site.
Are Blue Stragglers Mixed during Collisions

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of Benz & Hills led to the assumption that blue stragglers created by collisions are initially fully mixed. The theoretical models of stars created under this assumption fit the observed blue straggler sequences well. Recently, however, Lombardi, Rasio, & Shapiro performed SPH calculations of stellar collisions using a more realistic polytropic index for the structure of stars near the main-sequence turnoff. Their results show that the collision products are not mixed and, in fact, have composition profiles similar to those of the original stars. We have calculated evolutionary tracks for both the "unmixed" products and fully mixed products and have compared the results to the very bright blue stragglers in the center of NGC 6397. The unmixed stars are not as blue and not as bright as the observed stars, and they only live on the main sequence for a very short time. To account for the observed blue stragglers in NGC 6397, the collision products must either be more than twice the turnoff mass or mixed by some process subsequent to the initial collision and merger.
Licensed Massage Therapist Strain Index Scores

Massage Therapists (MT) are almost exclusively self-employed and lose income if they are unable to perform massage treatments. This study investigated MT workplace pain via survey and assessed musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk by video recording MT massage treatments then calculating the Strain Index (SI) scores. First, randomly contacted MTs (16 respondents of 100 cold calls) completed an online survey about their work practices. Despite 87% of MTs reporting self care regimes, 83% reported work-related pain in the wrist or thumb over their careers with 57% experiencing pain in the last 30 days. SI scores were calculated for a 60 minute, naturalistic massage performed by seven licensed MTs (six female and one male reflecting the MT population sex proportions). There was suggestive evidence that the average and maximum hands-on day mean peak right hand SI scores (M = 5.6 and 7.7, SD = 4.30 and 5.73, and p = 0.08 and 0.04, respectively) were greater than an SI of 3.0 (moderate risk for MSD). There was no ...
Preparation and reactions of carbamate‐modified polyethylene

The reaction of azidoformates with low-density polyethylene melts gives rise to carbamate-modified polymers. The reaction is accompanied by crosslinking especially at high concentration of azide. The polymer-bound carbamate group is relatively unreactive, but may be thermally decomposed to give isocyanate-modified polyethylene.
Effect of fetal hypoxia on heart susceptibility to ischemia and reperfusion injury in the adult rat.

Objective:Epidemiologic studies showed an association between adverse intrauterine environment and ischemic heart disease in the adult. We tested the hypothesis that prenatal hypoxia increased the susceptibility of adult heart to ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury.Methods:Time-dated pregnant rats were divided between normoxic and hypoxic (10.5% oxygen from day 15 to 21) gbroups. Hearts of 6-month-old male progeny were studied using Langendorff preparation and were subjected to two protocols of I-R: 10 minutes of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion (I-R10) or 25 minutes of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion (I-R25).Results:Prenatal hypoxia did not change basal left ventricular (LV) function. I-R10 produced myocardial stunning and a transient decrease in LV function in control hearts but caused myocardial infarction and a persistent decrease in postischemic recovery of LV function in hypoxic hearts. I-R25 caused myocardial infarction in both control and hypoxic hearts, which was significantly higher in hypo...
Subglottic Stenosis in Children Undergoing Repair of Congenital Heart Defects

Objectives To examine the incidence of subglottic stenosis in children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical repair and the contributing factors to such a complication. Design A retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital heart center. Patients Children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgical repair and presenting with subglottic stenosis in the postoperative period. Measurements and Main Results The authors reviewed their practice for a 4-year period (2002-2005) and identified 17 of 809 children 96 hours. The common use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (783/809 children Conclusion Subglottic stenosis is an uncommon complication in children undergoing surgical repair of congenital heart defects. The most important risk factors are younger age and prolonged postoperative ventilation. Early diagnosis, referral, and intervention resulted in a favorable outcome in most of the authors' patients.
An unusual configuration for a bis(4-acylpyrazolon-5-ate)diorganotin species

The molecular structure of bis[1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-methyl-4-benzoylpyrazolon-5-ato]dimethyltin(IV) determined by X-ray diffraction methods shows an octahedral configuration with the metal on an inversion center. In this anomalous anti configuration equal Sn−O and C−O bond lengths in each ligand indicate a symmetrical O,O‘ bidentate form. In addition to this octahedral species, 119Sn NMR in CDCl3 shows a 5-coordinate complex, probably due to the loss of a Sn−O(acyl) bond.
Development of a new glass thickness selection procedure

Abstract There are currently significant differences in glass strength information presented by major United States glass manufacturers. These differences have caused considerable confusion among glass designers. Several years ago a glass failure prediction model was developed in an effort to provide a mechanism for restoring continuity to the glass design process. This failure prediction model allows the probability of failure of window glass to be specified in terms of surface flaw parameters and the stresses induced by lateral loads. For the past several years, a task group within ASTM has focused on developing a new set of glass design charts based on the glass failure prediction model. The result of this effort is a “Practice to Determine the Minimum Thickness of Annealed Glass Required to Resist a Specified Load.” The proposed practice presents a method for relating the probability of failure of a rectangular annealed glass plate subjected to a 60 second duration design load. This new ASTM practice is currently in the ASTM ballot process.
Six Sigma in the Microbiology Laboratory

Abstract The introduction of the Six Sigma methodology for reducing defects and improving processes into the clinical laboratory has been met with both skepticism and enthusiasm on the part of microbiologists and other laboratorians. While Six Sigma can result in significant improvement in laboratory processes, it is not a methodology than can be adopted without a significant outlay of time, expense, and energy. In this article, the basic components of the Six Sigma methodology are described and applied to a microbiology preanalytic process.
An improved fast radiative transfer model for special sensor microwave imager/sounder upper atmosphere sounding channels

[1] Special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMIS) on board the U. S. Defense Meteorology Satellite Program satellites includes six upper atmosphere sounding (UAS) channels for probing air temperature in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere. Three of the UAS channels 19–21 are sensitive to the Doppler frequency shift due to Earth's rotation. The sensitivity to the frequency shift in large degree depends on the O2 Zeeman splitting effect, which is a function of the Earth's magnetic field strength and the angle between the Earth's magnetic field and propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. Since the brightness temperatures can change up to 2 K as a result of the Doppler shift, the fast radiative transfer model developed earlier for the SSMIS UAS channels has recently been improved to take the Doppler shift into account. In the fast model, an averaged transmittance within the channel frequency passbands is parameterized and trained with a line-by-line radiative transfer model that accurately computes the monochromatic transmittances at fine frequency steps within each passband. The model is evaluated by comparing it with the line-by-line model in an independent experiment. The root mean square differences between the two models are 0.21, 0.39, 0.34, and 0.19 K for channels 19–22, respectively. Using the model, the sensitivities of the radiances to the Doppler shift are analyzed through simulations. A theoretical explanation is given for the dependence of the sensitivities on the Zeeman splitting effect. Results from the analysis are then compared to the observations and a good agreement is achieved.
Topological actions in the stochastic quantization method

Abstract We consider the problem of the stochastic quantization of actions with topological terms, like the Chern-Simons term or the Wess-Zumino term. We argue that the stochastic process achieves an equilibrium configuration and gives results even for arbitrary, non-quantized values of the coefficient of the topological term. The quantization of the coefficient is then possibly recovered through a breakdown of unitary of the theory for non-quantized values. We also comment on how the method can successfully reproduce Aharonov-Bohm type effects.
How important are transposons for plant evolution

For decades, transposable elements have been known to produce a wide variety of changes in plant gene expression and function. This has led to the idea that transposable element activity has played a key part in adaptive plant evolution. This Review describes the kinds of changes that transposable elements can cause, discusses evidence that those changes have contributed to plant evolution and suggests future strategies for determining the extent to which these changes have in fact contributed to plant adaptation and evolution. Recent advances in genomics and phenomics for a range of plant species, particularly crops, have begun to allow the systematic assessment of these questions.
Comparative toxicity of cadmium, zinc, and mixtures of cadmium and zinc to daphnids

Investigations were conducted to determine acute (48-h) effects of cadmium and zinc presented individually and in combination on Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia magna, Daphnia ambigua, and Daphnia pulex. Toxicity tests were conducted with single metals to determine lethal effects concentrations (lethal concentrations predicted for a given percent [x] of a population, LCx value). These were used to derive metal combinations that spanned a range of effects and included mixtures of LC15, LC50, and LC85 values calculated for each metal and species. In single-metal tests, 48-h LC50 values ranged from 0.09 to 0.9 micromol/L and 4 to 12.54 micromol/L for cadmium and zinc, respectively. For each metal, D. magna was most tolerant and showed a different pattern of response from all others as determined by slope of concentration-response curves. In the combined metal treatments, all daphnids showed a similar pattern of response when LC15 concentrations were combined. This trend continued with few exceptions when LC15 concentrations of cadmium were combined with LC50 or LC85 values for zinc. However, when this treatment was reversed (LC15, zinc + LC50 or LC85, cadmium), responses of all species except D. magna indicated less-than-additive effects. For C. dubia, a near complete reduction in toxicity was observed when the LC15 for zinc was combined with LC85 for cadmium. Multimetal tests with D. magna did not differ from additive. Collectively, these studies suggest that D. magna may not be representative of other cladocerans.
Visual Neuroscience: How Flies Segregate Moving Objects from the Optic Flow Field

Summary Moving animals often have difficulty detecting moving objects because self-generated optic flow patterns confound image motion. The new hypothesis of ‘regressive motion salience' reveals simple rules used by fruit flies.
Distributed volt/var control in unbalanced distribution systems with distributed generation

Future power distribution systems are expected to have large number of scale smart measuring devices and distributed generation (DG) units which would require real-time network management. Integration of single-phase DG and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technologies will add further complexity to the power distribution system which is inherently unbalanced. In order to alleviate the negative impacts associated with the integration of DG, transformation from passive to active control methods is imperative. If properly regulated, DGs could provide voltage and reactive power support and mitigate the volt/var problem. This paper presents a distributed algorithm to provide voltage and reactive power support and minimize power losses in unbalanced power distribution systems. Three-phase volt/var control problem is formulated and active/reactive powers of DGs are determined in a distributed fashion by decomposing the overall power distribution system into zonal sub-systems. The performance is validated by applying the proposed method to the modified IEEE 37 node test feeder.
Fluorescence decay time measurements in tetracene crystals

Abstract A dual exponential decay has been observed in the fluorescence of tetracene. A slow component with a decay time of 12 nsec dominates at low temperatures. The other component has a decay time of 0.8 nsec up to 230°K, where singlet fission begins and reduces the decay time to 0.3 nsec at 300°K. The efficiency of this fast component increases with temperature. The fast and slow components are assigned to different emitting species.
Annulus Fibrosus Shear Properties Are Consistent With Motion Segment Mechanics When Fibers Are Loaded

The annulus fibrosus (AF) is a highly organized structure made up of concentric lamellae of fibers embedded in a hydrated extrafibrillar matrix; the collagen fibers are oriented at alternating angles in each lamella. The AF undergoes multidirectional loading through combinations of compression, bending, torsion and shear of the motion segment. The composition and structure of the AF leads to mechanical stress-strain nonlinearity and anisotropy. Previous tissue-based studies of shear have tested the AF tissue under compressive simple shear and torsion, producing shear modulus on the order of 0.06–0.4 MPa [1, 2]. However, structural testing and mathematical models of the IVD have reported the shear modulus to be between 3–20 MPa [3–6]. We hypothesize that when the fibers of the AF are loaded the shear modulus will be on the same order as structural tests and mathematical models of the IVD. The objectives of this study are to measure the shear mechanical properties of the bovine outer AF and compare the regional variances between anterior and posterior AF.© 2009 ASME
Predictions of Conformational Enthalpy and Heat Capacity from the Zimm−Bragg Theory

Statistical mechanical calculations are presented of the conformational enthalpy and heat capacity of a solution of poly-γ-benzyl-l-glutamate using the partition function of Zimm and Bragg for helix−coil transitions. We determine the temperature dependence of the statistical parameter s from optical data and treat the parameter σ as a fitting parameter. We note, however, that consistency with the Zimm−Bragg theory requires that σ not be less than the square of the reciprocal of the number of residues per molecule. We utilize that data given by Ackermann and Ruterjans [Ackermann, Th.; Ruterjans, H. Ber. Bunsen-Ges. Phys. Chem. 1964, 68, 850] and find the same value for σ as they, σ = 2.5 × 10-5 for their solution of 0.257 mol of residue per liter in a solvent of dichloracetic acid and 1,2-dichlorethane. We consider our calculation to be in satisfactory agreement with that of the experiment but point out some problems associated with the determination of the temperature dependence of s.
Role of silicon in accelerating the nucleation of Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitates in dilute Al–Sc–Zr alloys

Abstract The effects of adding 0.02 or 0.06 at.% Si to Al–0.06Sc–0.06Zr (at.%) are studied to determine the impact of Si on accelerating Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitation kinetics in dilute Al–Sc-based alloys. Precipitation in the 0.06 at.% Si alloy, measured by microhardness and atom-probe tomography (APT), is accelerated for aging times
Isolation of a cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase from bovine hypothalamus and its interaction with hypothalamic substituents.

Summary A soluble cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase has been partially purified from bovine stalk-median eminence tissue. Its activity was stimulated maximally by low concentrations of cyclic AMP. The kinase catalyzed the phosphorylation of histones and of neurosecretory granules (NSG), prepared from bovine posterior pituitary glands, but not of other subcellular fractions. The kinase also catalyzed the phosphorylation of a deamidase, from porcine hypothalami, that inactivates thyrotropin releasing hormone. Monoamines known to be present in the hypothalamus (dopamine, norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine) inhibited protein kinase activity at concentrations of 0. 1 and 1: 0 mM. These results suggest the participation of protein kinases in mechanisms of neuroendocrine regulation in the hypothalamus.
The neurite-promoting effect of laminin is mediated by different mechanisms in embryonic and adult regenerating mouse optic axons in vitro.

Abstract Retinal explants from embryonic or adult mice were placed on laminin or merosin substrates and the outgrowth of optic fibers was assayed under serum-free conditions. Both substrates strongly promoted outgrowth. A blocking antibody to the β1/β3 integrin subunits completely blocked laminin-dependent growth of embryonic optic fibers but had no detectable effect on adult fibers. Similarly, a blocking antibody against the main neurite-promoting region within the globular domain of the E8 fragment of laminin inhibited growth of embryonic fibers but had no effect on adult optic fibers. The β1 integrin subunit was identified immunohistochemically on both embryonic and adult fibers. These findings indicate that adult fibers have lost the β1 function which dominates laminin-dependent growth in embryonic fibers but express a receptor for laminin-dependent growth that is not detectable in embryonic fibers. These findings suggest that there are intrinsic differences between embryonic and adult optic fibers that may have implications for regenerative failure in the central nervous system of adult mammals.
Dangerous Electric Currents

This paper discusses lethal electric currents and their accompanying physiological effects, and interprets the data of a previous paper4 in accordance with an original method of analysis found useful by the author in his own investigations of let-go currents. The present analysis concerns itself with threshold currents likely to produce instantaneous electrocution in one-half per cent of a large groud of normal men. Although the conclusions are derived from tests made on animals, it is believed that the results may be indicative of what might be expected to occur in man. The majority of the work is based on experiments made at 60 cycles with shock durations of 0.03 to 3.0 seconds. Predictions of lethal currents for both direct current and capacitor discharges, while more speculative because of the limited data available, are included because of their importance due to the greatly increased use of direct current and electronic equipment.
Stimulation of collagen α1(I) gene expression is associated with lipid peroxidation in hepatocellular injury: A link to tissue fibrosis?

We have shown that lipid peroxidation stimulates collagen alpha 1(I) gene transcription in cultured cells. Because increased lipid peroxidation and collagen production coexist in many hepatic disorders, including experimental carbon tetrachloride intoxication, we investigated whether lipid peroxidation modulates collagen gene expression in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride. In this animal model, we show colocalization of increased collagen alpha 1(I) mRNA with lipid peroxidation by means of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical study for malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts, respectively. However, allyl alcohol treatment, which induced a similar degree of hepatocellular injury but without aldehyde-protein adducts, did not increase collagen alpha 1(I) gene expression, suggesting that hepatocyte necrosis is not sufficient to induce the expression of collagen type I. Furthermore, in the absence of an inflammatory response, coculture experiments of hepatocytes and Ito cells treated with carbon tetrachloride indicate that hepatocytes exert a "paracrine" stimulation of both lipid peroxidation and collagen gene expression in Ito cells. These experiments suggest that hepatocyte lipid peroxidation plays a major role in the regulation of collagen alpha 1(I) gene expression by Ito cells and that it may be a link between hepatocyte injury and hepatic fibrosis.
Dynamic state estimation of power system harmonics using Kalman filter methodology

A Kalman filter is used to obtain the optimal estimate of the power system harmonic content. The measurements are simulated by adding Gaussian noise to the power system voltage and line flows at different harmonies obtained from a harmonic load flow program (HARMFLO). The effect of load variation over a one day cycle on the power system harmonics and standard are presented. The test results on the IEEE 14 bus system are included. The main difference in this approach from static estimation methods is that this method is dynamic and has the capability of tracking harmonic content versus time. >
K-Cl cotransport in LK sheep erythrocytes: kinetics of stimulation by cell swelling.

The effects of osmotic cell swelling were studied on the kinetics of Cl-dependent K+ influx, K−Cl cotransport, in erythrocytes from sheep of the low K+ (LK) phenotype. Swelling ≈25% stimulated transport by increasing maximum velocity (J max) ≈1.5-fold and by increasing apparent affinity for external K (K o ) nearly twofold. Dithiothreitol (DTT) was shown to be a partial, reversible inhibitor of K−Cl cotransport. It inhibited in cells of normal volume by reducingJ max more than twofold: apparent affinity for K o was increased by DTT, suggesting that DTT stabilizes the transporter-K o complex. Cell swelling reduced the extent of inhibition by DTT:J max was inhibited by only about one-third in swollen cells, and apparent affinity was only slightly affected. This result suggested that DTT does not act directly on the transporter, but on a hypothetical regulator, an endogenous inhibitor. Swelling relieves inhibition by the regulator, and reduces the effect of DTT. Reducing intracellular Mg2+, Mg o , stimulated cotransport. Swelling of low-Mg2+ cells stimulated transport further, but only by raising apparent affinity for K o nearly threefold:J max was unaffected. Thus effects of swelling onJ max and apparent affinity are separable processes. The inhibitory effects of Mg o and DTT were shown to be additive, indicating separate modes of action. There appear to be two endogenous inhibitors: the hypothetical regulator, which holds affinity for K o , low; and Mg o , which affectsJ max perhaps by holding some transporters in an inactive form. Swelling stimulates transport by relieving both types of inhibition.
Bounds on stress concentration factors in finite anti-plane shear

This paper provides an analytical approach for obtaining bounds on elastic stress concentration factors in the theory of finite anti-plane shear of homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible materials. The problem of an infinite slab with traction-free circular cavity subject to a state of finite simple shear deformation is considered. Explicit estimates are obtained for the maximum shearing stress in terms of the applied stress at infinity and constitutive parameters. The analysis is based on application of maximum principles for second-order quasilinear uniformly elliptic equations.
Acylation-dependent Export of Trypanosoma cruzi Phosphoinositide-specific Phospholipase C to the Outer Surface of Amastigotes

Phosphoinositide phospholipase C (PI-PLC) plays an essential role in cell signaling. A unique Trypanosoma cruzi PI-PLC (TcPI-PLC) is lipid-modified in its N terminus and localizes to the plasma membrane of amastigotes. Here, we show that TcPI-PLC is located onto the extracellular phase of the plasma membrane of amastigotes and that its N-terminal 20 amino acids are necessary and sufficient to target the fused GFP to the outer surface of the parasite. Mutagenesis of the predicted acylated residues confirmed that myristoylation of a glycine residue in the 2nd position and acyl modification of a cysteine in the 4th but not in the 8th or 15th position of the coding sequence are required for correct plasma membrane localization in T. cruzi epimastigotes or amastigotes. Interestingly, mutagenesis of the cysteine at the 8th position increased its flagellar localization. When expressed as fusion constructs with GFP, the N-terminal 6 and 10 amino acids fused to GFP are predominantly located in the cytosol and concentrated in a compartment that co-localizes with a Golgi complex marker. The N-terminal 20 amino acids of TcPI-PLC associate with lipid rafts when dually acylated. Taken together, these results indicate that N-terminal acyl modifications serve as a molecular addressing system for sending TcPI-PLC to the outer surface of the cell.
Parents’ Experiences as Predictors of State Accountability Measures of Schools’ Facilitation of Parent Involvement

The aim of this study was to ascertain which dimensions of parents’ experiences with schools are most strongly associated with parents’ perceptions that schools are or are not facilitating parent involvement as mandated by the federal accountability system under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants were 92 parents of students with disabilities from 18 schools in 8 school districts in a large southeastern state. Parents completed the quantitative measure used by their state to report on schools’ parent engagement efforts; they then described their experiences collaborating with their child’s school. Data from the qualitative analysis of parents’ comments were transformed into quantitative variables used to predict success, defined as meeting the state’s standard on the quantitative measure of schools’ facilitation of parent involvement. Results suggested that schools prioritize responsive communication with parents and careful monitoring of students’ progress to improve coll...
Migrating to a service-oriented architecture with web services: beyond the hype

This intense and unique tutorial provides a direct, step-by-step walkthrough of the key factors and considerations for migrating an organization from its current state to a service-oriented architecture. It discusses key areas of concern that should be addressed in this transformation process from current to future state. The identification, modeling and design of appropriate services at a proper level of granularity that are business aligned and leverage IT systems is a key issue addressed by a Service-oriented Analysis and Design. Thus, in the second part of this tutorial we provide a step-by-step introduction to Service-oriented Analysis and Design using the SOMA (service-oriented modeling and architecture) method [1]. Using this method in conjunction with key web services standards and tools, we present a set of concrete process steps that lead to the realization of an SOA.
Surface Plasmon Detection Of Surface Contamination Of Metallic Film Surfaces

Previous studies of metallic mirror surfaces using surface-plasmon resonance (SPR) showed contamination present after 3M and Universal strippable coatings were applied and removed.' In this paper, we examine contamination by moisture and 3M-coating residue, and methods to reduce this contamination using ultrasonic cleaning in acetone and isopropyl alcohol. We also discuss the sensitivity of the silver film surface to roughening during ultrasonic cleaning.
New ideas and improved instrumentation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A new cholangiograsper cannula was developed through which a Fr 4 or 5 ureteric cannula can be advanced into the incised cystic duct and held in a watertight position. This instrument facilitates intraoperative cholangiography. A plastic trocar stylet eliminates the metal shadow of the trocar during cholangiography. A new “laparocamera” is described where camera and telescope are built together in one unit decreasing the need for additional manipulation during the procedure. A camera holder driven by air helps the operator to keep his/her hands free. The need for a third assistant is avoided by inserting the camera into a (presterilized) holder, the position of which is controlled by press buttons.
Interfacial studies in CTBN‐modified epoxies

Rubber particle cavitation and concomitant shear deformation of the matrix is known to be a major source of toughening in rubber-modified epoxies. The role of the rubber-matrix interface in this toughening mechanism, however, is not well studied. It has been claimed by Chen and Jan [Polym. Eng. Sci., 31,577 (1991)] that introduction of a ductile interphase around the rubbery phase enhances plastic dilation of particles and thus contributes to fracture energy of modified blend. In spite of this promising development in rubber toughening, very few studies on the use of ductile interfaces to improve the fracture resistance of rubber-modified polymers have been initiated. The objective of this investigation is to examine the role of ductility of interface on the fracture toughness of rubber-modified epoxies. Both ductile and rigid interphases are incorporated around CTBN particles in a DGEBA epoxy matrix via end-capping of rubber with epoxy monomers different from that of the matrix. The results of this investigation suggest that introduction of a ductile interphase may indeed further improve the crack growth resistance of material under certain test conditions. In contrast, introduction of the rigid interphase, in the system studied, promoted interfacial debonding and plastic dilation but did not alter the mechanical performance of the rubber-modified blend. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural and Spectroscopic Studies of the Versatile Coordination Chemistry of the Chiral Ligand N,N-Bis(1-propan-2-onyl oxime)-l-methionine N‘-Methylamide with NiII and ZnII

The potentially pentadentate, chiral ligand N,N-bis(1-propan-2-onyl oxime)-l-methionine N‘-methylamide (l-MABO) shows remarkable versatility in its coordination chemistry with Ni(II) and Zn(II). In the crystal structure of the ZnCl2 complex of l-MABO, the ligand coordinates to the metal only through its three nitrogen donor groups (one amine and two oximes), with two chloride anions completing the distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination sphere. In the NiCl2 complex, the three nitrogen donors and the thioether sulfur coordinate, along with two chlorides. The crystal structure of the Ni(NO3)2 complex contains two independent molecules, one of which coordinates the three nitrogens, the thioether sulfur, and the amide oxygen of l-MABO in addition to one nitrate anion. The second molecule coordinates the three nitrogen donors, the amide oxygen, one nitrate anion, and a methanol molecule. Thus, in only three crystal structures, l-MABO demonstrates its ability to provide N3, N3S, N3O, and N3OS donor sets. Th...
Cation dependence of guinea pig epidermal cell spreading.

To understand the earliest phases of epidermal cell spreading we have sought a defined in vitro system. We studied the divalent cation dependence of guinea pig epidermal cell spreading in media containing varying concentrations of cations. No spreading occurred in calcium-magnesium-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (CMF-DME) in the presence of cation-free fetal bovine serum; however, significant spreading occurred if the medium was supplemented with Mg++ plus Ca++ or Mg++ alone. Supplementing with Ca++ alone led to much less spreading. These cations in CMF-DME did not support spreading in the absence of serum or the presence of serum albumin. Assaying cell spreading in a simple salt solution consisting of NaCl, KCl, Tris buffer, pH 7.4 plus dialyzed serum and a series of divalent cation supplements (Ca++, Mg++, Mn++, Co++, Zn++, Ni++), showed that only Mg++ and Mn++, and to a lesser extent, Ca++, supported cell spreading. In contrast to Mg++, however, Mn++ could support spreading in the absence of whole serum if serum albumin were present. Although Mn++ plus serum albumin supported more rapid spreading at lower cation concentrations than Mg++ plus serum, equal concentrations of Ca++ completely blocked the Mn++ effect. In contrast to the increasing cell spreading, which occurred in Mg++-containing medium with time, cell death occurred in Mn++-containing medium by 24 h. Consonant with studies from other laboratories, human foreskin fibroblasts spread in Mn++-containing salt solution in the absence of protein supplements. These experiments indicate for epidermal cell spreading that Mg++ is the important cation in tissue culture media, that under proper cation conditions epidermal cells do not need a specific spreading protein (i.e. a protein that has been demonstrated to support cell spreading), that Mn++ and Mg++-induced spreading seem to represent different mechanisms, that fibroblastic and epidermal cells have different cation requirements for in vitro spreading, and that the crucial role cations play in cell spreading remains to be elucidated.
Developing a framework for using E-portfolios as a research and assessment tool

As Tarone (1998) stated, an understanding of interlanguage variation in relation to contextual changes has been a key issue in both second language acquisition (SLA) and language assessment (LA) research. Research on interlanguage variation has shown that systematic variation is often evidenced when different phonological and syntactic forms are examined across contexts. Such systematic variation has raised important questions about the distinction between competence and performance, and generalizability of results beyond the research elicitation tasks or test tasks in SLA and LA research. However, most previous studies that have examined this issue are based on cross-sectional data with a focus on between-group differences rather than within-individual differences across different contexts. Such limited data often make it difficult for researchers to understand individual developmental trends in interlanguage as well as to interpret context effects on the learner's spoken and written language data. Electronic (E)-portfolios may address this limitation by serving as a valuable research and assessment tool for collecting and storing an individual learner's language samples obtained across different tasks over time. The technology may also enhance the situational and interactional authenticity of tasks by including multi-media input and constructed response tasks. However, it is not clear how tasks in E-portfolios can be constructed to represent various linguistic and situational contexts, and how they could be systematically evaluated and scored. In that vein, this article addresses a number of limitations of existing E-portfolios as a research and assessment tool, and offers recommendations and suggestions for future research.