cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated in-solution protein digestion using a commonly available high-performance liquid chromatography autosampler

A completely automated peptide mapping liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) system for characterization of therapeutic proteins in which a common high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) autosampler is used for automated sample preparation, including protein denaturation, reduction, alkylation, and enzymatic digestion, is described. The digested protein samples are then automatically subjected to LC/MS analysis using the same HPLC system. The system was used for peptide mapping of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), known as a challenging group of therapeutic proteins for achieving complete coverage and quantitative representation of all peptides. Detailed sample preparation protocols, using an Agilent HPLC system, are described for Lys-C digestion of mAbs with intact disulfide bonds and tryptic digestion of mAbs after reduction and alkylation. The automated procedure of Lys-C digestion of nonreduced antibody, followed by postdigestion disulfide reduction, produces both the nonreduced and reduced digests that facilitate disulfide linkage analysis. The automated peptide mapping LC/MS system has great utility in preparing and analyzing multiple samples for protein characterization, identification, and quantification of posttranslational modifications during process and formulation development as well as for protein identity and quality control.
The Matching Between an EMP Simulator and the Pulse Generator

The input properties of the parallel-plate Harvard EMP simulator (HES) and the means for matching the simulator to the pulse generator have been studied in detail. Due to mismatching, multiple reflections occur between connections, and the originally generated single pulse becomes a complicated pulse sequence which includes not only the main impulse, but also many parasitic pulses. The parasitic pulses can be eliminated by meeting the conditions for match, or they can be separated from the main pulse by increasing the electrical distance between the simulator and the generator. The input properties of the simulator can be represented in terms of an "apparent impedance" which depends on the part of the pulse sequence under consideration. For the main incident pulse, the apparent impedance is a resistance close to the characteristic impedance of the simulator for CW operation at low frequencies.
The relation of direct home observations to the clinic evaluation of hyperactive school age boys.

SUMMARY The relation between clinic behavioral measures and direct home observations was examined as part of the evaluation of twenty hperactive grade school boys. During 1-hr home visits, frequency counts of shifts in activity, negative interpersonal interactions, and global estimates of “Hyperactivity” were made. These were correlated with teacher and parent rating scales, 4-day diary reports by the mothers, and with psychiatric playroom and psychologist behavior ratings. The home observations correlated significantly with psychologist's reports as well as with teacher ratings of classroom behavior problem and hyperactivity. These results indicate the validity of some clinic measurements and support the concept of “hyperactivity” as a pervasive, stable characteristic of these children not limited to structured settings.
Bird species richness in a Bornean exotic tree plantation: A long-term perspective

To provide sustainable income from forestlands, large areas in the tropics are planted with “agricultural” trees, such as oil palm and rubber, and “industrial” trees, such as Acacia mangium and Gmelina arborea. To examine how native forest birds use such plantations, we surveyed in 2005 the avifauna at Sabah Softwoods, a plantation in southeastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. We focused on A. mangium, Albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), and logged native forest, and compared our results to those of a study conducted at the same plantation in 1982. The number of forest species in the industrial groves did not change dramatically between 1982 and 2005, even though the trees had been cropped several times and the plantation was, by 2005, completely surrounded by cleared land and far removed from primary forest. However, as is common in logged or isolated forests throughout the world, certain primary forest groups (e.g., muscicapine flycatchers) have been extirpated from the entire plantation area. The industrial groves also lacked some larger species of kingfisher, woodpeckers, and canopy frugivores. Nevertheless, numerous primary forest taxa (ca. 50% of species) were found in mature industrial tree groves. Albizia attracted the most species of birds, followed closely by Acacia. Both tree types underpinned relatively complex secondary forests that attracted forest birds. In contrast, younger groves of Acacia and Albizia held mainly open country and scrub species. Oil palm, as a remarkably simple and unusual habitat, attracted few bird species. Sustained occurrence of forest birds in all groves of exotic trees at Sabah Softwoods was substantially enhanced by the relatively rich avifauna of the logged native forest remaining in substantial stands throughout the plantation.
Olfactory experience and the development of odor preference and vaginal marking in female Syrian hamsters

Rodent reproductive behavior relies heavily on odor processing, and evidence suggests that many odor-guided sexual behaviors are shaped by prior experience. We sought to determine if exposure to male odors during development is required for the adult expression of proceptive sexual behavior toward male odors in female Syrian hamsters. Exposure to male odors was restricted in naive subjects by removing all male siblings from the litter at three to five days of age. Control litters were also culled, but included equal numbers of male and female pups. As adults, naive females displayed investigatory preferences toward male odors in a Y-maze that were comparable to control females; this preference was observed whether contact with the odor stimuli was prevented of allowed. In contrast, naive females vaginal scent-marked equally toward male and female volatile odors, suggesting an inability to target behavior toward sexually relevant odors. However, naive females marked preferentially toward male odors when allowed to contact the odor stimuli. These results provide evidence for the experience-dependent development of vaginal marking behavior toward volatile components of sexual odors. Furthermore, they suggest that distinct mechanisms regulate the development of odor preferences and vaginal marking behavior in this species.
The effect of particle size on the thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluids

We present new data for the thermal conductivity enhancement in seven nanofluids containing 8–282 nm diameter alumina nanoparticles in water or ethylene glycol. Our results show that the thermal conductivity enhancement in these nanofluids decreases as the particle size decreases below about 50 nm. This finding is consistent with a decrease in the thermal conductivity of alumina nanoparticles with decreasing particle size, which can be attributed to phonon scattering at the solid–liquid interface. The limiting value of the enhancement for nanofluids containing large particles is greater than that predicted by the Maxwell equation, but is predicted well by the volume fraction weighted geometric mean of the bulk thermal conductivities of the solid and liquid. This observation was used to develop a simple relationship for the thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluids in both water and ethylene glycol.
Structural and Functional Analyses of Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus ORF57 Nuclear Localization Signals in Living Cells

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF57 is a multifunctional, nuclear protein involved in post-transcriptional regulation of a subset of viral genes during lytic replication. Three nuclear localization signals (NLSs), NLS1 (amino acids (aa 101-107), NLS2 (aa 121-130), and NLS3 (aa 143-152), were identified in the N terminus of the ORF57 protein, and each of the three represents a short stretch of basic amino acid residues. Disruption of all three NLSs prevented localization of ORF57 in the nucleus. Insertion of individual NLSs into a heterologous cytoplasmic protein converted it into a nuclear protein, confirming that each NLS functions independently and is sufficient to promote protein nuclear localization. Although it exhibits a function similar to that of Epstein-Barr virus EB2 in promoting KSHV ORF59 expression, KSHV ORF57 differs from the herpes simplex virus ICP27 protein, and its function could be disrupted by point mutations of single or two NLSs in random combination, despite the proper localization of the mutant protein in the nucleus. The dysfunctional ORF57 containing NLS mutations also had low affinity with ORF59 RNA and the RNA export factor REF. However, the REF binding of ORF57 in vivo appeared to have no effect on ORF57-mediated enhancement of ORF59 expression. Thus, the three NLSs identified in ORF57 provide at least two functions, nuclear localization of ORF57 and up-regulation of ORF59 expression.
Toward a Structural Understanding of Identity Formation: A Review and Extension of Theory

Drawing from the identity status and style constructs, a structural perspective on identity formation is proposed. This structural perspective introduces “boundaries” that frame identity, as a new construct that performs regulatory and delineating functions. Different identity-related boundary types are articulated that align well with the status and style paradigms. By placing identity statuses and styles along a boundary continuum, these constructs are understood in relation to one another. Then, utilizing cybernetic theory, exploration during moratorium is proposed to involve a recursive modification/synthesis process in the development of a clear boundary, which optimally performs its functions. Implications for conceptualizing the identity statuses are offered.
Emerging trends in metalloprotein inhibition

Numerous metalloproteins are important therapeutic targets that are gaining increased attention in the medicinal and bioinorganic chemistry communities. This Perspective article describes some emerging trends and recent findings in the area of metalloprotein inhibitor discovery and development. In particular, increasing recognition of the importance of the metal–ligand interactions in these systems calls for more input and consideration from the bioinorganic community to address questions traditionally confined to the medicinal chemistry community.
An Ab Initio Quantum Mechanics Calculation that Correlates with Ligand Orientation and DNA Cleavage Site Selectivity in Camptothecin-DNA-Topoisomerase I Ternary Cleavage Complexes

Camptothecin (CPT), a cytotoxic natural alkaloid isolated from Camptotheca acuminata, and its derivatives represent an important class of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs that act by inhibiting topoisomerase I (top1). The mechanism of top1 inhibition by CPT has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Biochemical studies carried out both in vitro and in vivo indicated that CPT has strict DNA sequence preference for −1 T and strong preference for +1 G at the cleavage site. To understand the molecular determinants for the CPT binding orientation and DNA sequence selectivity, we present a quantum mechanics calculation where only π−π stacking interactions were included to shed some light on the mechanism of this sequence selectivity. This ab initio calculation can not only reproduce the experimental binding orientation of CPT at the cleavage site but also shows very good correlation between the binding energy for different sequences and the observed frequency of CPT-stabilized sites in the SV40 viral genome. Th...
A Comparison of the Effects of Organismic and Setting Variables on the Social Interaction Behavior of Children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism.

In this investigation, the effects of four setting events and two organismic variables on the social behavior of children with developmental disabilities and autism were compared. In Study 1, social interactions within dyads composed of one student with disabilities and one nondisabled peer were compared to triads composed of two nondisabled peers and one child with disabilities. In addition, differential effects of peer tutoring and peer initiation interventions were determined. In Study 2, the effects of high- and low-status peers within triadic social interaction groupings were examined to determine effects on both the students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers. The results suggest that peer dyads, the cooperative peer intervention, and triads composed of two high-status nondisabled peers were most effective in promoting positive social interactions for the participants with disabilities. Furthermore, there seemed to be no real benefit to low-status peers related to participation in this se...
Solar Interface Dynamos. II. Linear, Kinematic Models in Spherical Geometry

Numerical models of interface dynamos are constructed, and their properties discussed in some detail. These models are extensions in spherical geometry of the Cartesian interface models considered by Parker and in the first paper of this series. The models are cast in the framework of classical mean-field electrodynamics and make use of a realistic solar-like internal differential rotation profile. The magnetic diffusivity is assumed to vary discontinously by orders of magnitude across the core-envelope interface. This allows the buildup of very strong toroidal magnetic fields below the interface, as apparently required by recent models of erupting bipolar magnetic regions. Distinct dynamo modes powered either by the latitudinal or radial shear can coexist and, under certain conditions, interfere destructively with one another. Hybrid modes, relying on the latitudinal shear both in the envelope and below it, are most easily excited in some portions of parameter space, and represent a class of dynamo solutions distinct from the true interface modes previously investigated in Cartesian geometry. Which mode is preferentially excited depends primarily on the assumed ratio of magnetic diffusivities on either side of the core-envelope interface. For an α-effect having a simple cos θ latitudinal dependency, the interface mode associated with the radial shear below the polar regions of the interface is easier to excite than its equatorial counterpart. In analogy with more conventional dynamo models, interface modes propagate equatorward if the product of the radial shear (∂Ω/∂r) and α-effect coefficient (Cα) is negative, and poleward if that product is positive. Interface dynamo modes powered by the positive radial shear localized below the core-envelope interface in the equatorial regions can be produced by artificially restricting the α-effect to low latitudes. For negative dynamo number, those modes are globally dipolar, propagate toward the equator, and are characterized by a phase relationship between poloidal and toroidal magnetic field components that is in agreement with observations. While the models discussed in this paper are linear and kinematic, and consequently rather limited in their predictive power, results obtained so far certainly suggest that interface dynamos represent a very attractive alternative to conventional solar mean-field dynamo models.
Properties of shoaling waves by theory and experiment

Experimental results on the transformation of wave height, length and steepness on a plane beach of 1/15 slope are compared with the small amplitude theory of Airy. The effects of wave shape and beach slope on the applicability of the theory are shown through comparison with these data and with those of former investigators. The theory is found applicable to the prediction of steepness. Additional observations on the transformation of crest height and length are presented and discussed with respect to their influence on the mass-transport velocities.
E-Commerce Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector: The Case of New York Theatre Group

To what extent does having a Web presence reflect on an organizationâ€™s e-commerce operations? Will a mere brick-and-mortar organizational Web site guarantee online success? This case presents the experience of the New York Theatre Group (NYTG), a nonprofit performing arts organization, in integrating e-commerce in its business practices. The case begins with a very broad overview of the nonprofit sector, the performing arts industry, its delivery channels, and the theatrical production process in general. Then attention turns to NYTG itself in terms of its history, organizational structure, its market segmentation, market trends, and forecasted growth. The strategic planning at NYTG, and the programs put in place to help it achieve its objectives and mission, are detailed. A survey that maps the demographic attributes of NYTGâ€™s patrons and subscribers is discussed. The case concludes with the current e-commerce challenges facing NYTG in particular and the nonprofit performing arts organizations in general.
Prevalence and Stability of Qualitative QoI Resistance in Populations of Venturia inaequalis in the Northeastern United States

Abstract Quinone-outside-inhibitor (QoI) fungicides are a safe and effective means of managing apple scab caused by Venturia inaequalis. To determine the prevalence of both quantitative (partial) and qualitative (complete) QoI resistance in V. inaequalis in the northeastern United States, we sampled single-lesion conidial isolates (n = 4,481) from 120 commercial and research orchards from 2004 to 2011 with a range of exposure to QoI fungicides from none to several applications a year. In all, 67% of these orchard populations of V. inaequalis were sensitive to QoI fungicides, 28% exhibited QoI practical resistance, and 5% were not sensitive QoI fungicides but had not become practically resistant. Isolates with qualitative QoI resistance, conferred by the G143A cytochrome b gene mutation, were found in 13 of the 34 QoI-resistant orchard populations. To evaluate the stability of the G143A mutation, 27 isolates were selected from different orchard populations to represent the scope of regional populations. Th...
High-dose therapy with hematopoietic stem cell rescue in patients with poor prognosis Ewing family tumors

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of two cycles of high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) followed by autologous hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in patients with poor prognosis Ewing family of tumors (EFT). Twenty patients with primary metastatic bulky disease or recurrent EFT were enrolled to a treatment protocol with two cycles of HDT and HSCT. Patients tolerated well the first (n=20) and second (n=13) cycles, with limited and predictable toxicities. Only one (5%) TRM occurred during the second cycle. Myeloid engraftment occurred at the median of 11 days after both cycles. At 3 years, the overall and EFS were 45% (confidence interval; CI 0.22, 0.69) and 47% (CI 0.25, 0.70), respectively, for the entire group and 58% (CI 0.30, 0.86) for patients who completed two cycles. Dose intensification with two cycles of HDT and HSCT is feasible and safe, with low and acceptable treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Adding a second course of therapy does not impair engraftment. However, only 65% of the patients were able to proceed to the second cycle. Further studies are required to define the optimal mode of delivery of HDT and HSCT in treatment of advanced EFT.
High precision dipole moments in Ã 1A2 formaldehyde determined via Stark quantum beat spectroscopy

The high resolution technique of Stark quantum beat spectroscopy is used to examine the electric dipole moment function for the first excited singlet state (A 1A2) of formaldehyde‐h2 and formaldehyde‐d2. The high precision of these measurements (i.e., better than 5 parts in 104) enables detailed determination of a‐axis dipole moment components (μa ) for individual J=2 rovibronic levels in the ν4 out‐of‐plane bending mode. In the case of 21,1 rotational levels, we find μa (40)=1.4784(7) D and μa (41)=1.4678(4) D for H2CO. For D2CO the measured 21,1 dipole moments are μa (40)=1.4698(6) D, μa (41)=1.4693(3) D, and μa (43) =1.4786(7) D. The state‐specific variations in μa revealed by this study reflect the structural influences exerted by the pervasive S1∼S0 nonadiabatic interactions and the pyramidally distorted equilibrium configuration which characterize the A state of formaldehyde. The origin and experimental manifestation of the out‐of‐plane dipole moment component (μc ) in nonrigid A 1A2 formaldehyde...
Local contraction patterns of striated muscle

Electrically stimulated muscle shows localized contractions which make possible the comparison of the changing band pattern within the same myofibril. A- and I-bands show up to 60% shortening. Cross sections demonstrate that the mean diameter of the A-filaments in shortened A-band specimens has increased. Such shortening has been observed in local reaction down the same myofibril and across the myofibrils of a single fiber. Shortened A-band specimens have been checked against unstimulated muscle to eliminate magnification error. Measurements of the change of H-band and corresponding sarcomere length show a strong linear correlation in agreement with the sliding filament model of contraction.
Computer addiction: implications for nursing psychotherapy practice.

TOPIC. Nurse psychotherapists will encounter the impact of today's technology on the daily lives of people including computer addiction. Computer addiction may also present with comorbidities such as depression, gambling, substance abuse, and marital infidelity and divorce. PURPOSE. This overview article presents what is currently documented in the literature regarding the incidence, symptomatology, and nursing psychotherapy interventions relevant to computer addiction and its treatment. Issues presented include computer addiction, virtual relationships, online marital infidelity, and compulsive online sexual behavior. SOURCES. Review of literature from Medline, Psychoinfo, CINAHL, and current texts. CONCLUSIONS. Given the increased use of computers in today's society, there is the potential for overuse of technology and neglect of others and self as a result of computer addiction. Computer disorders also present themselves as marital or couple discord with the potential for online extramarital affairs and compulsive sexual online behavior. A summary and an assessment tool are provided to guide the nurse psychotherapist in practice.
Study of Defect Behaviour in Ga2O3 Nanowires and Nano-Ribbons under Reducing Gas Annealing Conditions: Applications to Sensing

The growth of monoclinic Ga2O3 nanowires, nano-ribbons and nano-sheets has been investigated. Results indicate that high quality single crystal nanowires can be grown at 900?C using an Au catalyst, while single crystal nano-ribbons and nano-sheets require no metal catalyst for growth. Since bulk Ga2O3 is a promising material for high temperature gas sensing, Ga2O3 nanowires and nano-ribbons may prove to enhance the sensing capability due to the high surface area. We have investigated the nature of defects in this material using electron spin resonance, photoluminescence and scanning electron microscopy, in as grown material, as well as under annealing in a reducing gas (H2) at various high temperatures. Results indicate the presence of an oxygen deficiency in the material, resulting in a conduction electron signal that becomes enhanced with annealing. The eventual loss of this signal is attributed to hydrogen etching of the nanowires, leading to a loss of material.
Elevated serum levels of the CXCR3 chemokine ITAC are associated with the development of transplant coronary artery disease

Background— Human and animal studies of acute allograft rejection have implicated CCR5 and CXCR3 chemokines as causative factors. However these chemokines have not been assessed in transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD). Methods and Results— Serum levels of chemokines were measured by ELISA. Levels of ITAC/CXCL11 were found to be elevated in patients with severe TCAD compared with long-term survivors of transplantation without TCAD and with healthy volunteers who had not undergone transplantation (1.476±0.274 ng/mL, 0.926±0.466 ng/mL, and 0.741±0.321 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.05 for all comparisons to TCAD group). Immunohistochemical localization confirmed the presence of CXCR3+ mononuclear cells within lesions and the presence of the ligand, ITAC/CXCL11, on the surface of endothelial cells associated with TCAD. Conclusions— Elevated peripheral blood levels of the CXCR3 chemokine ITAC/CXCL11 are associated with severe TCAD and may serve as a marker for patients at increased risk for the development of t...
Does the Weighted Average Cost of Capital Describe the Real-World Approach to the Discount Rate?

Almost every capital budgeting textbook has a chapter on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Though this is theoretically satisfying, it does not describe how companies actually operate. The WACC calls for a balanced capital structure in which debt and equity are utilized at some predetermined percentage. The problem is that researchers have shown that firms try to avoid selling new shares whenever possible. This leads to the pecking order theory in which firms first use internal funds, then low-risk debt, then high-risk debt, and finally, as a last resort, new common stock. There is no attempt to balance the capital structure. This survey study basically confirms that approach.
Patterns of Evolution and Host Gene Mimicry in Influenza and Other RNA Viruses

It is well known that the dinucleotide CpG is under-represented in the genomic DNA of many vertebrates. This is commonly thought to be due to the methylation of cytosine residues in this dinucleotide and the corresponding high rate of deamination of 5-methycytosine, which lowers the frequency of this dinucleotide in DNA. Surprisingly, many single-stranded RNA viruses that replicate in these vertebrate hosts also have a very low presence of CpG dinucleotides in their genomes. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and the evolution of a virus is inexorably linked to the nature and fate of its host. One therefore expects that virus and host genomes should have common features. In this work, we compare evolutionary patterns in the genomes of ssRNA viruses and their hosts. In particular, we have analyzed dinucleotide patterns and found that the same patterns are pervasively over- or under-represented in many RNA viruses and their hosts suggesting that many RNA viruses evolve by mimicking some of the features of their host's genes (DNA) and likely also their corresponding mRNAs. When a virus crosses a species barrier into a different host, the pressure to replicate, survive and adapt, leaves a footprint in dinucleotide frequencies. For instance, since human genes seem to be under higher pressure to eliminate CpG dinucleotide motifs than avian genes, this pressure might be reflected in the genomes of human viruses (DNA and RNA viruses) when compared to those of the same viruses replicating in avian hosts. To test this idea we have analyzed the evolution of the influenza virus since 1918. We find that the influenza A virus, which originated from an avian reservoir and has been replicating in humans over many generations, evolves in a direction strongly selected to reduce the frequency of CpG dinucleotides in its genome. Consistent with this observation, we find that the influenza B virus, which has spent much more time in the human population, has adapted to its human host and exhibits an extremely low CpG dinucleotide content. We believe that these observations directly show that the evolution of RNA viral genomes can be shaped by pressures observed in the host genome. As a possible explanation, we suggest that the strong selection pressures acting on these RNA viruses are most likely related to the innate immune response and to nucleotide motifs in the host DNA and RNAs.
In vivo location of the human vermiform appendix

The anatomic position of the appendiceal tip is cited in many surgical and anatomical texts as being fixed in the retrocecal position in as many as two-thirds of cases studied. The reference most often quoted to support this observation is Wakeley (1933), but this frequency did not correspond to the clinical experience of the surgical staff at the authors' institution. Accordingly, a prospective survey of the in vivo location of the vermiform appendix was undertaken over a 6-month period. The results demonstrated that the retrocecal position was indeed the most common location, but occurred in only 33% of instances. This observation may encourage greater utilization of laparoscopic appendectomy, since it suggests that retroperitoneal dissection will not be necessary to locate the appendiceal tip in the majority of cases. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Monitoring stem cell therapy in vivo using magnetodendrimers as a new class of cellular MR contrast agents.

Human embryonic stem (ES) and germ (EG) cells have been isolated and can now be propagated indefinitely in culture (1,2). They can be differentiated into most, if not all cell types, and offer unprecedented therapeutic potential to replace or substitute defunct endogenous cell populations. In order to track the biodistribution of transplanted cells in animals, including their migration in vivo, cells can be given a tag before grafting. These tags currently include fluorescent labels, thymidine analogues, and transfected reporter genes (e.g. LacZ or GFP), which can be visualized using (immuno)histochemical procedures following tissue removal at a particular given time point. The clinical use of progenitor and stem cells in humans, however, will require a technique that can monitor their fate non-invasively and repeatedly, in order to take a momentary “snapshot” assessment of the cellular biodistribution at a particular given time point. As a result, magnetic resonance (MR) tracking of magnetically labeled stem and progenitor cells is now emerging as a new technology (3,4). A further implementation of this potentially powerful technique will greatly benefit from the availability of magnetic probes that can render cells highly magnetic during their normal expansion in culture (5). We present here magnetodendrimers (MD-100) as a new class of magnetic probes that can achieve a high degree of intracellular magnetic labeling for virtually any cell type, including human mesenchymal and neural stem cells (NSCs). Our rationale to use dendrimers as the iron oxide-associated polymer is based upon its reported high efficiency to shuttle other macromolecules such as oligonucleotides across cell membranes (7). Analogous to the use of dendrimers as transfection agents (including the commercially available agents SuperfectTM and PolyfectTM), a key feature of magnetodendrimers is its universal applicability for the magnetic labeling of cells, that is, the cellular uptake is non-specific and not dependent on binding to membrane receptors. Using a rat brain transplantation model, we show here that NSC-derived, MD100-labeled oligodendroglial progenitors can be readily detected in vivo following transplantation, with an excellent correlation between the obtained MR contrast and staining for (LacZ) transfected -galactosidase.
Experimental Validation of Empirical Methods for Dynamic Stress Prediction in Turbomachinery Blades

Turbomachinery blade fatigue life estimation requires reliable knowledge of actual static and dynamic stresses occurring within the blades. A common method for predicting dynamic stresses is to construct a finite element model of the blade and simulate the dynamic response to aerodynamic loads. Although this method is powerful and very useful, modeling errors (geometry, boundary conditions, stress concentrations, damping, etc.) may result in inaccurate stress predictions. Furthermore, unavoidable variability in manufacturing results in blade mistuning, which significantly affects stress amplification at resonance. This paper presents two empirical methods for predicting dynamic stresses in turbomachinery blades that include the actual effects of structural damping and mistuning. Both methods use strain gauge measurements from a blade modal test to obtain load to strain transfer functions, which are applied to predict the blade strain or stress response to a simulated load. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The predictions of each method are compared with dynamic blade strain data acquired during a rotating test of a centrifugal compressor impeller.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Emission isoprene from leaf discs of hamamelis

Abstract lsoprene has been reported and identified as a light dependent natural plant emission. GLC techniques are used to measure isoprene emission from leaf d
Increased competition as a cost of specialization during the evolution of resource polymorphism

Identifying the factors that promote or preclude the evolution of resource polymorphism is essential for understanding the origins of diversity. Although such polymorphisms have long been viewed as an adaptive response to intraspecific competition, they are by no means ubiquitous, even in populations experiencing strong competition. In the present study, we examined a potentially important cost of resource polymorphism. Specifically, resource polymorphism typically entails the evolution of one or more resource-use specialists, and these specialists may suffer more from competition with other specialists than generalists would with other generalists. Using spadefoot toad tadpoles as a model system, we combined stable isotope analyses with an experiment aiming to characterize dietary differences between alternative carnivore and omnivore morphs and to assess the potential ecological consequences of any such differences. We found that carnivores and omnivores represent alternative trophic specialists and generalists, respectively. We also established that the specialist morph (carnivores) experienced greater intramorph competition than the generalist morph (omnivores). We hypothesize that the greater intramorph competition faced by specialists stems ultimately from functional limitations associated with trophic specialization, which prevent specialists from switching to alternative resources when their resource is depleted. These costs may even preclude the evolution of distinct resource-use specialists, and hence resource polymorphism, in certain populations. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 107, 845–853.
Entrepreneurial Finance and Innovation: An Introduction and Agenda for Future Research

The increasingly large role played by financial intermediaries, such as venture capitalists and angels, in nurturing entrepreneurial firms and in promoting product market innovation has led to great research interest in the area of entrepreneurial finance and innovation. This paper introduces the special issue of the Review of Financial Studies dedicated to entrepreneurial finance and innovation and highlights some of the promising topics for future research in this area. The special issue combines papers presented at the June 2010 �Entrepreneurial Finance and Innovation (EFIC)� conference, which was jointly sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and the Review of Financial Studies, with other related papers.
Recursive structures for standard ML

Standard ML is a statically typed programming language that is suited for the construction of both small and large programs. "Programming in the small" is captured by Standard ML's Core language. "Programming in the large" is captured by Standard ML's Modules language that provides constructs for organizing related Core language definitions into self-contained modules with descriptive interfaces. While the Core is used to express details of algorithms and data structures, Modules is used to express the overall architecture of a software system. In Standard ML, modular programs must have a strictly hierarchical structure: the dependency between modules can never be cyclic. In particular, definitions of mutually recursive Core types and values, that arise frequently in practice, can never span module boundaries. This limitation compromises modular programming, forcing the programmer to merge conceptually (i.e. architecturally) distinct modules. We propose a practical and simple extension of the Modules language that caters for cyclic dependencies between both types and terms defined in separate modules. Our design leverages existing features of the language, supports separate compilation of mutually recursive modules and is easy to implement.
The inhibitory action of excessive iodide upon the synthesis of diiodotyrosine and of thyroxine in the thyroid gland of the normal rat.

Both chemical (Harington, 1944, 1945; von Mutzenbecher, 1939; Block, 1940, Reineke and Turner, 1942) and biochemical evidence (Perlman et al., 1941; Morton et al., 1943; Taurog et al., 1947; Leblond, 1942) has shown that at least 2 steps are involved in the synthesis of thy.roxine: 1) iodination of tyrosine to form diiodotyrosine and 2) coupling of 2 diiodotyrosine molecules to form thyroxine. While the exact nature of step 1 is not well understood, it is apparent that the iodide reaching the thyroid gland from the blood must be oxidized either to I2 or to HIO before it can be incorporated into the phenolic group of tyrosine. The subsequent coupling of 2 diiodotyrosine molecules is believed by both Harington (1945) and Johnson and Tewkesbury (1942) to be an oxidative reaction in which the oxidized form of iodide (I2 or HIO) plays a significant role.
Comparison of Basis-Vector Selection Methods for Target and Background Subspaces as Applied to Subpixel Target Detection

This paper focuses on comparing three basis-vector selection techniques as applied to target detection in hyperspectral imagery. The basis-vector selection methods tested were the singular value decomposition (SVD), pixel purity index (PPI), and a newly developed approach called the maximum distance (MaxD) method. Target spaces were created using an illumination invariant technique, while the background space was generated from AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery. All three selection techniques were applied (in various combinations) to target as well as background spaces so as to generate dimensionally-reduced subspaces. Both target and background subspaces were described by linear subspace models ( i.e ., structured models). Generated basis vectors were then implemented in a generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) detector. False alarm rates (FAR) were tabulated along with a new summary metric called the average false alarm rate (AFAR). Some additional summary metrics are also introduced. Impact of the number of basis vectors in the target and background subspaces on detector performance was also investigated. For the given AVIRIS data set, the MaxD method as applied to the background subspace outperformed the other two methods tested (SVD and PPI).
Role of absolute humidity in the inactivation of influenza viruses on stainless steel surfaces at elevated temperatures.

Influenza virus has been found to persist in the environment for hours to days, allowing for secondary transmission of influenza via inanimate objects known as fomites. We evaluated the efficacy of heat and moisture for the decontamination of surfaces for the purpose of preventing of the spread of influenza. Aqueous suspensions of influenza A virus were deposited onto stainless steel coupons, allowed to dry under ambient conditions, and exposed to temperatures of 55°C, 60°C, or 65°C and relative humidity (RH) of 25%, 50%, or 75% for up to 1 h. Quantitative virus assays were performed on the solution used to wash the viruses from these coupons, and results were compared with the solution used to wash coupons treated similarly but left under ambient conditions. Inactivation of influenza virus on surfaces increased with increasing temperature, RH, and exposure time. Reductions of greater than 5 logs of influenza virus on surfaces were achieved at temperatures of 60 and 65°C, exposure times of 30 and 60 min, and RH of 50 and 75%. Our data also suggest that absolute humidity is a better predictor of surface inactivation than RH and allows the prediction of survival using two parameters rather than three. Modest amounts of heat and adequate moisture can provide effective disinfection of surfaces while not harming surfaces, electrical systems, or mechanical components, leaving no harmful residues behind after treatment and requiring a relatively short amount of time.
IM-05MULTISPECIFIC CAR T CELLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIGH GRADE GLIOMA

BACKGROUND: High grade gliomas (HGG) carry a dismal prognosis. Our group has shown that patients' HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells kill autologous HGG, yet 40% of tumors recur in experimental animals. Recurrences are composed of HER2 negative escape variant cells that maintain positivity for two other glioma antigens, IL13Rα2 and EphA2. We hypothesized that co-targeting of these escape variants will enhance the anti-glioma activity of CAR T cells. OBJECTIVES: Objectives: The intent of this project is to develop a multi-specific T-cell product for the adoptive immunotherapy of HGG. DESIGN/METHOD: We generated and tested the effector functions of patients' T-cells co-expressing CARs for HER2, IL13Rα2 and EphA2 against autologous HGG cells derived from surgical excision samples. RESULTS: Primary patient HGG samples exhibited varied expression of the three target antigens, HER2, IL13Rα2 and EphA2. In order to render single patients' T cells tri-specific, we designed a transgene incorporating 3 encoding regions for HER2, IL13Rα2 and EphA2 CARs separated by 2A sequences in a single cassette driven by a CMV promoter. We used a retroviral system to stably integrate this transgene into the primary T cell genome. CAR-specific flow cytometry indicated proportionate stable expression of individual CAR molecules on the T cell surface. These T cells show distinct specificity for each of the three glioma antigens evidenced by activation, proliferation, and cytolytic function in immunoassays. Further, preliminary in vitro testing in glioma cell lines shows the ability to target populations of tumor cells that are not eliminated by unspecific products. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity of antigenic expression in HGG and antigen escape justify targeting multiple glioma antigens simultaneously. We have successfully generated and tested a multi-specific T cell product for adoptive transfer that could offset antigen escape and exhibit an enhanced anti-glioma efficacy.
Isolated neck recurrence after definitive radiotherapy for node‐positive head and neck cancer: Salvage in the dissected or undissected neck

Background. The role of salvage neck dissection for isolated regional recurrences after definitive radiotherapy (RT) is ill-defined. Methods. Five-hundred fifty patients were treated with RT for lymph node-positive head and neck cancer. RT consisted of a median dose of 74.4 Gy. Chemotherapy was administered in 133 patients (24%). Patients were followed for neck failure after planned neck dissection (n ¼ 341) or observation (n ¼ 209). Sal- vage therapy was offered to those with isolated neck recur- rences. Results. There were 54 (10%) failures in the neck at a median 3.7 months after RT (range, 0 to 17 months). Thirteen patients had isolated recurrences after receiving definitive RT with (n ¼ 11) or without (n ¼ 2) neck dissection. Nine patients underwent attempted surgical salvage with or without re-irradiation and 4 were successfully salvaged without major complications. Conclusions. Patients with neck failure after definitive ther- apy usually have poor outcomes, but salvage attempts may be successful in selected patients with an isolated neck recur- rence. V C 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 29: 715-719,
Matrilysin in Epithelial Repair and Defense

Repair involves an orderly progression of events to reestablish the integrity of the injured tissue. During each stage in this process, secreted proteinases are needed to remodel extracellular matrix, facilitate cell migration, and process latent proteins, among other functions. In lung epithelium, several of these processes are mediated by matrilysin, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). Unlike most MMPs, matrilysin is produced by intact, noninjured airway and peribronchial epithelial cells. In other intact epithelial tissues, namely the small intestine, matrilysin functions in host defense by activating the latent form of defensins, a family of antimicrobial peptides. This metalloproteinase may serve a similar function in the lung. Furthermore, in models of airway injury, matrilysin expression is upregulated in migrating epithelial cells, and the activity of this proteinase is required for repair of airway wounds. These observations indicate that matrilysin serves key functions in both epithelial defense and repair.
Immunization and Infection Change the Number of Recombination Activating Gene (Rag)-Expressing B Cells in the Periphery by Altering Immature Lymphocyte Production

Recombination activating gene (RAG) expression in peripheral B cells increases after immunization with (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl coupled to chicken gamma globulin (NP-CGG) in alum. This increase could result from reinduction of RAG expression or, alternatively, from accumulation of RAG-expressing immature B cells in the periphery. We have used mice that carry a green fluorescent protein (GFP) RAG indicator transgene (RAG2-GFP) to characterize the RAG-expressing B cells in immunized spleens. Most of the RAG2-GFP-expressing B cells in unimmunized spleen are immature B cells. Injection with NP-CGG in alum initially suppresses lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow and decreases the number of immature RAG2-GFP-expressing B cells in the spleen. Recovery of lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow coincides with accumulation of RAG-expressing immature B cells in the spleen. Most of the RAG-expressing cells that accumulate in the spleen after immunization do not proliferate and they are not germinal center cells. Neither the initial suppression of lymphopoiesis nor the subsequent accumulation of RAG-expressing cells in the spleen is antigen dependent, since similar changes are seen with alum alone. Furthermore, such changes in the numbers of developing and circulating immature lymphoid cells are seen after injection with complete Freund's adjuvant or malaria infection. Our experiments suggest that adjuvants and infectious agents cause previously unappreciated alterations in lymphopoiesis resulting in the accumulation of RAG-expressing immature B cells in the spleen.
Living with Evil

David Parkin. ed. The Anthropology of Evil. Oxford and New York: Basil Blackwell, 1985. 283 pp. $49.95 (cloth); $14.95 (paper).
Comparative assessments of Gonatocerus ashmeadi and the ‘new association’ parasitoid G. deleoni (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) as biological control agents of Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Egg age preference, competitive ability, and behavior of Gonatocerus deleoni (‘new association’ parasitoid) and G. ashmeadi (the co-evolved dominant parasitoid in California) were investigated in the laboratory to determine whether one species exhibited competitive superiority. When searching concurrently for Homalodisca vitripennis egg masses, G. ashmeadi consistently outperformed G. deleoni by parasitizing 59–89% more eggs under three different experimental systems in the laboratory with varying host densities, egg ages, and exposure times. G. ashmeadi parasitism in control vials containing one parasitoid ranged from 58 to 86% and was up to 28% higher at egg ages 1 and 3 days compared with 5 days. G. deleoni in control vials parasitized on average 7% of H. vitripennis egg masses in 1 h regardless of egg age. G. deleoni failed to parasitize H. vitripennis egg masses in 15 min when caged alone or in competition with G. ashmeadi. In a combined species treatment, parasitism by G. ashmeadi was 11% higher whe...