cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetics of Immunoglobulins in the Mouse

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses one aspect of the genetics of immunoglobulins in mice, the polymorphism of genes controlling the structure of the γA, γF, γG, and γH heavy chains. Inbred strains of mice vary in their heavy-chain immunoglobulin genotype, and it is possible in certain defined donor-recipient combinations to prepare precipitating antisera. These homologous antisera identify genetically controlled allotypic (antigenic) determinants that distinguish among mice with different heavy-chain immunoglobulin genotypes. Pure forms of immunoglobulins can be obtained in the form of myeloma immunoglobulins that are produced by plasma cell tumors, and plasma cell tumors can be easily induced in the highly inbred BALB/c strain of mice. These tumors can be propagated by serial transplantation in syngeneic hosts. The genes controlling the determinants on the BALB/c γA, γ G, and γH papain Fc fragments are closely linked. This cluster of genes comprises the heavy-chain linkage group. The chemical identification of immunoglobulins is based upon the analysis of the polypeptide chains of a large variety of myeloma proteins. Initially, myeloma proteins of mice were classified by heterologous rabbit antisera and, then further characterized by tryptic peptide maps of the heavy chains or the papain Fc fragments.
Nucleotide sequence and expression in Escherichia coli of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa lasA gene.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO-E64 is a mutant which produces parental levels of elastase antigen but has no elastolytic activity at 37 degrees C. The lesion (lasA1) in PAO-E64 is not a mutation in the structural gene for P. aeruginosa elastase (P.A. Schad, R.A. Bever, T.I. Nicas, F. Leduce, L.F. Hanne, and B.H. Iglewski, J. Bacteriol. 169: 2691-2696, 1987). A 1.7-kilobase segment of DNA that complements the lasA1 lesion was sequenced. Computer analysis of the DNA sequence showed that it contained an open reading frame which encoded a 41,111-dalton protein. The lasA gene was expressed under an inducible PT-7 promoter, and a 40,000-dalton protein was detected in Escherichia coli lysates. The lasA protein was localized in the outer membrane fraction of E. coli. This lasA protein produced in E. coli activated the extracellular elastase produced by the P. aeruginosa mutant, PAO-E64. Images
Laparoscopic removal of intrauterine contraceptive devices following uterine perforation.

Abstract Complete uterine perforation, although uncommon, is associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD's). Removal of the device from the abdominal cavity has heretofore required open operation. A new procedure for visualizing and removing an intraperitoneal IUCD, with the use of subumbilical laparoscopy, has proved to be safe, reliable, and associated with negligible morbidity. Four cases of perforation with a Lippes-type device, where removal was accomplished with this technique, are presented.
Chapter 20 Giant optical transmission of nanometer-scale apertures

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the giant optical transmission of nanometer (nm)-scale apertures. The use of photons within nanotechnology generates the need for a means to control light on length scales below 100nm, far smaller than the optical wavelength. The transmission of an aperture in a 350nm metal film decreases monotonically with wavelength when λ is larger than the cutoff wavelength. The extraordinary transmission efficiencies, which can be achieved even for apertures that are far in the subwavelength regime, together with the ability to tune the resonant wavelengths imply a huge potential for the application of this phenomenon in many nanophotonics based devices. A single, super-bright, subwavelength aperture carries a huge promise for use in near-field optical devices, which require both high spatial resolution and high throughput. A corrugated metal surface is useful as a substrate for sensors of low­efficiency processes, such as second harmonic generation or other optical nonlinearities. When excited resonantly, a metal surface with periodic corrugations can support electromagnetic fields well in excess of those found in the incident beam.
Quasineutral beam propagation in space

The propagation of dense energetic neutralized ion beams or plasmoids injected into a plasma across the ambient magnetic field under ionospheric conditions is considered. Using a simple physical model supported by two-dimensional hybrid simulations, it is shown that think dense beams can propagate ballistically over lengths many times their gyroradius. This occurs when the following conditions are satisfied: {Delta}/R{sub o} {much lt} 1, where {Delta} is the cross field beam width and R{sub o} the gyroradius of an ambient ion having a velocity equal to the beam velocity u{sub b}, and n{sub b}M{sub b}/n{sub o}M{sub o} {much gt} 1, where n{sub b}(M{sub b}), n{sub o}(M{sub o}) are the density (mass) of beam and ambient ions. The scaling of the ballistic propagation lengths and times with beam and ambient parameters is presented along with comments on the applicability of the model to space and astrophysics. 13 refs., 19 figs., 1 tab.
Recombination by grain-boundary type in CdTe

We conducted cathodoluminescence (CL) spectrum imaging and electron backscatter diffraction on the same microscopic areas of CdTe thin films to correlate grain-boundary (GB) recombination by GB “type.” We examined misorientation-based GB types, including coincident site lattice (CSL) Σ = 3, other-CSL (Σ = 5–49), and general GBs (Σ > 49), which make up ∼47%–48%, ∼6%–8%, and ∼44%–47%, respectively, of the GB length at the film back surfaces. Statistically averaged CL total intensities were calculated for each GB type from sample sizes of ≥97 GBs per type and were compared to the average grain-interior CL intensity. We find that only ∼16%–18% of Σ = 3 GBs are active non-radiative recombination centers. In contrast, all other-CSL and general GBs are observed to be strong non-radiative centers and, interestingly, these GB types have about the same CL intensity. Both as-deposited and CdCl2-treated films were studied. The CdCl2 treatment reduces non-radiative recombination at both other-CSL and general GBs, but ...
Reversible Biotinylation of the 5′-Terminus of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides and its Application in Affinity Purification

The preparation of two reversible biotinylation phosphoramidites and their application in labeling and affinity purification of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides will be described. In both cases, the biotin is linked to the 5′-terminus of DNA through a diisopropyl silyl acetal functionality. This linkage is completely stable under certain postsynthetic cleavage/deprotection conditions, but can be readily broken by fluoride ions, releasing unmodified 5′-OH and 5′-phosphate DNA, respectively. To demonstrate the use of these reversible biotinylation methods, crude DNA was incubated with NeutrAvidin-coated microspheres, full-length biotinylated DNA was efficiently attached to the solid phase, and nonbiotinylated failure sequences and other impurities were readily removed by washing with buffer. Cleavage of the silyl acetal linkage afforded high-quality, full-length, unmodified 5′-OH and 5′-phosphate DNA, respectively, depending on which of the two phosphoramidites was used. It is anticipated that this method will find applications in areas that require efficient isolation of DNA from a complex mixture. Keywords: DNA; Phosphoramidite; Biotinylation; Fluoride Cleavage; Silyl Acetal; Avidin; Affinity Purification
Variability in Levels of Blood Uric Acid in Five Species of Birds

OUR preliminary studies on serum uric acid in birds showed the existence of diurnal differences in concentration. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to study the factors associated with these differences. This work is based on 123 birds of four species : Carpodacus mexicanus, Lophortyx californica, Passer domesticus and Zonotrichia leucophrys. The birds were housed individually at temperatures ranging from 22 to 26° C. on a daily photoperiod of 5 hr. To test a non-flying bird, week-old chicks kept at 33° C. in a brooder on a 5-hr, photoperiod were used. Water consumption was measured to check the degree of hydration prior to obtaining blood samples. Blood sera were analysed colorimetrically1. Activity was induced by (a) placing the birds in a cylindrical cage 8 in. in diameter and 24 in. in length and forcing them to hop by slowly rotating the cage at 6 r.p.m. with an electric motor for 2½ hr. or by (b) releasing them in mid-air in an empty room illuminated by dim red light. The birds were not attracted by the red light, although we had previously observed them flying towards any stray white light when they were permitted to fly in a darkened room. Because it was impossible to keep the birds flying in the dim red light for more than a few minutes, they were picked up at the end of each flight and re-released a sufficient number of times to give the approximate equivalent of 10 min. continuous flight.
The Identification of Two Different Spectral Types of Pulses in Gamma-Ray Bursts

It is shown in this study that two different types of spectral emission are generally produced in gamma-ray bursts. A subset of bursts is identified that exhibits a marked lack of fluence above 300 keV, and these bursts are shown to have luminosities about an order of magnitude lower than bursts with significant fluence above 300 keV. The bursts lacking emission above 300 keV exhibit an effectively homogeneous intensity distribution. In addition, it is shown that both types of emission are common in many bursts, demonstrating that a single source object is capable of generating both of them. These results strongly favor a gamma-ray burst source object that produces two different types of emission with varying degrees of superposition. The impact of this behavior is strong enough that it affects the properties of the burst intensity distribution, as well as the burst spectral characteristics.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry resolution of sugar acid enantiomers on a permethylated β-cyclodextrin stationary phase

Analysis of compounds in meteorites revealed a need to simultaneously characterize multiple enantiomers of sugar acids (aldonic acids) present in trace amounts. Analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrated that all but two of the three-carbon through six-carbon straight-chained sugar acid enantiomer pairs could be resolved using a single derivatization procedure and one set of GC parameters. Compounds were analyzed as their ethyl ester/O-triflouroacetyl, isopropyl ester/O-triflouroacetyl and isopropyl ester/O-pentafluoropropionyl derivatives on a capillary column containing permethylated beta-cyclodextrin (Chirasil-Dex CB) as the stationary phase. Characteristic mass fragments are related to the ester groups while several ions are also common to derivatized monosaccharides.
Using image entropy maximum for auto exposure

To achieve auto exposure in digital cameras, image brightness is widely used because of its direct relationship with exposure value. To use image entropy as an alternative statistic to image brightness, it is required to establish how image entropy changes as exposure value is varied. This paper presents a mathematical proof along with experimental verification results to show that image entropy reaches a maximum value as exposure value is varied by changing shutter speed or aperture size.
Biotransformation of quinovic acid glycosides by microbes: direct conversion of the ursane to the oleanane triterpene skeleton by Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646.

Quinovic acid glycosides were microbially deglycosylated by a Nocardia sp. to their aglycon quinovic acid and its biogenetic counterpart, cincholic acid (3), via an unprecedented carbon skeleton re...
Fetal and maternal electroencephalography in the guinea pig

Abstract This study describes the technique and demonstrates the usefulness of simultaneous maternal and fetal electroencephalography in guinea pigs. The earliest brain waves noted were in a 24-g fetus (47 days). Frequency of waveforms and voltage increased as fetal maturity increased. The addition of pentobarbital changed the fetal electrical patterns and correlated closely with similar maternal changes. Anoxia in the maternal guinea pig, by clamping the trachea, produced parallel and almost synchronous changes in the maternal and fetal recordings.
Moral Issues and Social Problems: The Moral Relevance of Moral Philosophy

At the beginning of one of his inimitable discourses William James once said, ‘I am only a philosopher, and there is only one thing that a philosopher can be relied on to do, and that is, to contradict other philosophers’.1 In his succeeding discourse James himself departed from this theme. And so shall I. I shall not be contradicting other philosophers—at least not very often. What I aim to do is to take a fresh look at one of the main traditions in American philosophy for insight and illumination on a way of dealing with some of the most serious issues of our time. But before I turn to that, my main theme, I want to pursue for a bit some variations on another, the cultural relevance of philosophy, for, as I view the matter, they are related.
Identity matching and information acquisition: Estimation of optimal threshold parameters

With the growing volume of collected and stored data from customer interactions that have recently shifted towards online channels, an important challenge faced by today's businesses is appropriately dealing with data quality problems. A key step in the data cleaning process is the matching and merging of customer records to assess the identity of individuals. The practical importance of this research is exemplified by a large client firm that deals with private label credit cards. They needed to know whether there existed histories of new customers within the company, in order to decide on the appropriate parameters of possible card offerings. The company incurs substantial costs if they incorrectly ''match'' an incoming application with an existing customer (Type I error), and also if they falsely assume that there is no match (Type II error). While there is a good deal of generic identity matching software available, that will provide a ''strength'' score for each potential match, the question of how to use the scores for new applications is of great interest and is addressed in this work. The academic significance lies in the analysis of the score thresholds that are typically used in decision making. That is, upper and lower thresholds are set, where matches are accepted above the former, rejected below the latter, and more information is gathered between the two. We show, for the first time, that the optimal thresholds can be considered to be parameters of a matching distribution, and a number of estimators of these parameters are developed and analyzed. Then extensive computations show the effects of various factors on the convergence rates of the estimates.
Business Education in Japan.

(1980). Business Education in Japan. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 93-96.
Spirometallodendrimers: terpyridine-based intramacromolecular cyclization upon complexation

The first examples of metallodendritic spiranes have been obtained via incorporation of single terpyridine units within each dendritic quadrant.
An evaluation of increasing doses of ranitidine for treatment of heartburn

Background : This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, parallel group, dose-ranging trial of ranitidine tablets for relief of episodic heartburn. Adult out-patients who reported heartburn relieved by antacids at least seven times per week were eligible. Methods : Patients who successfully completed a 1-week single-blind placebo run-in phase and who did not achieve adequate relief in more than 50% of heartburn episodes were randomized to a 1-week, double-blind treatment phase during which they received ranitidine doses of 25, 75 or 125 mg, or placebo. Results : Of 577 patients randomized, 566 had at least one evaluable heartburn episode and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. All three ranitidine doses were statistically significantly superior to placebo in providing overall episodic heartburn relief for the first episode (P < 0.002), last episode (P≤0.004), and all episodes combined (P < 0.001). The ranitidine 75 mg and 125 mg doses provided sustained relief (relief within 60 min of dosing that lasted throughout the 4-h evaluation period) to a greater proportion of patients for each individual episode (43–56% for 75 mg and 42–57% for 125 mg) than the ranitidine 25 mg dose (35–50%) or placebo (21–29%). The incidence of adverse events was similar in all treatment groups. Conclusions : All three ranitidine doses (125, 75 and 25 mg) are safe and superior to placebo in providing adequate relief for heartburn. Ranitidine's onset of relief was progressive and clearly present by 30 min as shown by statistically significant differences for the 75 mg dose when compared to placebo. Similarly, patients treated with ranitidine 75 mg and 125 mg consumed statistically fewer rescue antacids than placebo-treated patients for the first episode. All three doses were well tolerated, with adverse event profiles similar to those of placebo.
SENSORY PROFILING OF CANNED BONED CHICKEN: SENSORY EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND DATA ANALYSIS

Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) techniques were explored to develop procedures to identify primary defects in product quality of canned boned chicken from spent fowl. An extensively trained panel identified 12 sensory attributes important to the discrimination of differences among various sources of canned chicken. Through factor analysis the 12 sensory attributes were distributed into four general categories: texture, juiciness, off-flavor, and appearance. Elimination from factor analysis of those attributes which showed little or no contribution to product differentiation increased the cumulative variance accounted for in the data from 68.8% (with all attributes) to 77.4% (with 3 attributes omitted) and factors which represented texture, juiciness, and off-flavor showed increases in the portion of variance explained. The appearance factor showed a slight decrease. Texture attributes made the greatest contribution to product differentiation by the trained panel as determined by factor analysis. Further work with large consumer panels would be needed to estimate the contribution that individual attributes make to the perceived desirability of the products.
A single-pulse shock-tube study of the reactionbetween nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide

The bimolecular reaction between N 2 O and CO in the temperature range 1169°–1655°Khas been studied in a single-pulse shock tube. For the reaction N 2 O + C O → k 1 N 2 + C O 2 , ( 1 ) an Arrhenius frequency factor and an activation energy of 10 11.32±0.36 cc/mole-sec and 17,300±2300 cal/mole, respectively, have been reported for k 1 . The reactions between N 2 O and O atoms given by N 2 O + O → k 4 N O + N O ( 4 ) N 2 O + O → k 5 N 2 + O 2 ( 5 ) have also been studied and an average ratio of k 4 / k 5 =0.317±0.27, over the temperature range 1216°–1655°K, has been obtained.
Single-expansion EBCM computations for osculating spheres

We show that the standard, single-expansion extended boundary condition method provides convergent scattering results for osculating dielectric spheres and discuss the implications of this result.
Orbital Melanocytic Hamartoma

A male Chinese neonate had a melanocytic hamartoma that involved the entire orbit and the eye, but did not involve the orbital bones or eyelid skin. Although usually benign, these hamartomas may be locally invasive, and rare cases of malignant transformation have occurred.
Patterned metal polyhedra using calixarenes as organizational scaffolds: Ir4-based cluster assemblies

Isolated and patterned assemblies of Ir4-based metal polyhedra are described, in which a coordinated calixarene phosphine ligand enforces the desired cluster organization. The compounds are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy.
Reflective device for polarization rotation

It is shown that a three-mirror device with ideal mirror reflectivities may be used in place of a halfwave plate to rotate the plane of polarization of a plane polarized beam by any angle with no loss of polarization purity. For coated mirrors, with more general reflectivities, specifications are set on the allowed reflectivity ratio and phase shift difference for the s and p components in order that polarization purity be preserved to a specified amount.
Emerging MEMS technology and applications

MEMS technology, derived from the microelectronics industry, has enabled the manufacture of high volume sensors and actuators. However, the technology path for standard CMOS technology is smaller geometries, planar topology, and lower thermal budgets, while MEMS process technology have been moving towards high aspect features, high thermal budgets and non-aggressive lithography requirements. This has important implications for the viability of MEMS to be a mainstream technology that can support the products of a new generation of products and applications. This paper will review some of the emerging trends in MEMS technology and discuss some of the applications. The challenges in ensuring the manufacturing viability of MEMS technology will also be briefly discussed.
The Nature of Illite

Chemical composition, X-ray diffraction and other analytical data of a series of samples of clays that are composed essentially of illite are presented. The physical properties of these samples are given and related to variations in the composition and character of the illites. Data indicate that these illites have less potassium than well-crystallized micas and some of them are not essentially mixed-layer structures, It is concluded, therefore, that illite is not necessarily a mixed-layer material.
Saludo a un merecido Premio Nacional de Artes Musicales. Imágenes de Juan Pablo Izquierdo en dos hemisferios

Este articulo pasa revista a los contactos tanto en Chile como en los Estados Unidos de Juan Pablo Izquierdo con el compositor chileno Juan Orrego Salas, tambien galardonado con el Premio Nacional de Artes Musicales en 1992. Estos contactos se remontan a sesenta anos atras cuando Izquierdo inicio estudios particulares de composicion con Orrego Salas. Continuaron en Chile hasta los inicios de la decada de 1960, cuando Izquierdo completo su preparacion como director de orquesta y ofrecio sus primeros conciertos. Se profundizaron en la decada de 1980 en la Universidad de Indiana en Bloomington, en cuya Escuela de Musica Juan Orrego Salas se desempeno como profesor, ademas de fundar y ser el primer director del Latin American Music Center (Centro Latinoamericano de Musica), despues de su traslado definitivo a los Estados Unidos el ano 1961. Ademas de la actividad de Juan Pablo Izquierdo en la Universidad de Indiana el articulo hace referencia a otros directores de orquesta de Chile y de America Latina que tambien han divulgado en Estados Unidos la musica sinfonica de compositores chilenos y americanos.
On temperature increase of the Mg2 mole fraction in saturated magnesium vapour

Abstract The composition of saturated magnesium vapour is investigated in terms of the dimerization equilibrium constant and the observed saturated pressure in the temperature region 700–1000 K. The highest reported value of the dimer mole fraction x2 in its equilibrium mixture with the monomer at the saturated pressure is quite small (0.004%). It is found that (at least in the interval 850–1000 K) the x2 term increases with temperature. This is in agreement with recent findings of such temperature increase with other associating vapours.
Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells Serve as Potent Adjuvants for Peptide-Based Antitumor Vaccines

Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered the most effective antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for primary immune responses. Since presentation of antigens to the immune system by appropriate professional APCs is critical to elicit a strong immune reaction and DCs seem to be quantitatively and functionally defective in the tumor host, DCs hold great promise to improve cancer vaccines. Even though they are found in lymphoid organs, skin and mucosa, the difficulty of generating large numbers of DCs has been a major limitation for their use in vaccine studies. A simple method for obtaining DCs from mouse bone marrow cells cultured in the presence of GM-CSF + interleukin 4 is now available. In four different tumor models, mice injected with DCs grown in GM-CSF plus interleukin 4 and prepulsed with a cytotoxic T lymphocyte-recognized tumor peptide epitope developed a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response and were protected against a subsequent tumor challenge with tumor cells expressing the relevant tumor antigen. Moreover, treatment of day 5-14 tumors with peptide-pulsed DCs resulted in sustained tumor regression in five different tumor models. These results suggest that presentation of tumor antigens to the immune system by professional APCs is a promising method to circumvent tumor-mediated immunosuppression and is the basis for ongoing clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy with tumor peptide-pulsed DCs.
Kinetics of metal ion- and pyridoxal-catalyzed transamination and dephosphonylation of 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid

Abstract Transamination and dephosphonylation reactions of the Schiff bases of pyridoxal(PL) with aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMP), 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (2-AEP), and 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (APP) were studied in the absence and in the presence of Al(III), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions. Transamination does not occur at measureable rates for the Schiff bases of AMP- and 2-AEP, and for their metal chelates. In the case of APP Schiff bases extensive transamination followed by dephosphonylation were found to occur as successive reactions. The ketimine reaction intermediate was not formed in sufficient concentration to be detected. The formation of alanine as the final product indicates that ketimine to aldimine conversion follows the dephosphonylation step. Since the molar amount of inorganic phosphate produced is considerably greater than that of pyridoxal present, the reaction may be considered to be the conversion of APP to alanine and phosphate with pyridoxal and metal ions as catalysts. The relative catalytic activities of the metal ions is AI(III) > Cu(II) > Zn(II). A proposed mechanism for β-dephosphonylation is compared with the generally accepted mechanism of pyridoxal and metal ion-catalyzed β-decarboxylation.
Cross-modal sensory processing in the anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortices.

One of the principal functions of the nervous system is to synthesize information from multiple sensory channels into a coherent behavioral and perceptual gestalt. A critical feature of this multisensory synthesis is the sorting and coupling of information derived from the same event. One of the singular features of stimuli conveying such information is their contextual or semantic congruence. Illustrating this fact, subjects are typically faster and more accurate when performing tasks that include congruent compared to incongruent cross-modal stimuli. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrate that activity in select brain areas is sensitive to the contextual congruence among cross-modal cues and to task difficulty. The anterior cingulate gyrus and adjacent medial prefrontal cortices showed significantly greater activity when visual and auditory stimuli were contextually congruent (i.e., matching) than when they were nonmatching. Although activity in these regions was also dependent on task difficulty, showing decreased activity with decreasing task difficulty, the activity changes associated with stimulus congruence predominated.
Experimental studies of multicritical points in magnetic systems

Abstract A brief review is given of recent experimental studies of magnetic systems displaying either tricritical or bicritical point behavior. The tricritical systems include the highly anisotropic antiferromagnets FeCl 2 , CsCoCl 3 ·2D 2 O and Dy 3 Al 5 O 12 , while the bicritical systems include the weakly anisotropic antiferromagnets MnF 2 , GdAlO 3 and NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O. There have also been Monte-Carlo computer studies on both kinds of systems. The results provide significant tests for a number of theoretical predictions and in general good agreement is found. Most of the remaining disrepancies can probably be attributed to experimental difficulties, which are quite severe in studies of this kind.
Synthesis and structure of hexabenzyl-dimolybdenum (MoMo)

Abstract The homoleptic benzyl Mo2(CH2Ph)6 has been obtained by reaction of either MoCl4(thf)2 or Mo2(OPri)6 with Mg(CH2Ph)2. The dark-red, sparingly soluble complex has been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR as well as by a solid-state structure analysis. Pertinent bond distances (A) and angles (°) for the unbridged, ethane-like molecule which contains crystallographic S6-symmetry are: MoMo = 2.175(1), MoC = 2.162(2), MoMoC = 97.61(6), and MoCC(Ph) = 98.9(1).
Boundary-spanning in emerging technology research: determinants of funding success for academic scientists

Emerging technologies, including nanotechnologies, are generally seen as those latest scientific innovations which have a potential impact on industry structure, and commercialization and economic potential. Work in this area of emerging technologies has distinct boundary spanning characteristics from the perspective of academic science. First, many emerging technologies involve collaboration of scientists across disciplinary boundaries. Second, because of the commercializability of many emerging technologies, scientists may interact more often with industry throughout the research and commercialization process. We ask, what are the boundary-spanning characteristics of scientists engaged in emerging technology research and how do those characteristics matter in obtaining funding in this area? We examine the characteristics of academic scientists in the United States who are employed in research intensive institutions and who are engaged in funded research in the area of emerging technologies. We address the factors that predict their grant success in areas of emerging technology. Findings reveal that interdisciplinary activities and industry orientation are both important in predicting funding in areas of emerging technology. Moreover, the findings imply that the emergence of new technologies may offer opportunities for women in low representation fields.
Neuronal chromatin changes in layer V pyramidal cells of somatomotor cortex after pyramidal tract lesions as demonstrated by [3H]actinomycin D binding

Changes in chromatin structure of pyramidal tract neurons after medullary pyramidal tract lesions were examined autoradiographically utilizing [3H]actinomycin D (Act D) binding to nuclei in frozen sections of brain. After a right pyramidal tract lesion, the binding of Act D to nuclei of axotomized pyramidal neurons of somatomotor cortex layer V increased sharply at 1 and 5 days postoperation, compared with pyramidal cells of the left side or hippocampal control cells of the left hemisphere. At 3, 7, 9, and 11 days the axotomized cells showed significantly decreased binding compared with controls. The unoperated pyramidal cells showed a significantly decreased Act D binding at 2 h and 9 days postoperation compared with the ipsilateral hippocampal control cells. The data suggested that intrinsic neurons of the central nervous system had a response pattern of chromatin changes to axotomy that was basically similar to that of peripheral neurons (sensory ganglion cells). However, the response was compressed into the 1st week postoperation with only a brief reaction which might be correlated to axonal regeneration. This reaction was followed by a prolonged depression of Act D nuclear binding which may be associated with cellular atrophy.
Participation in the Community Rating System of NFIP: An Empirical Analysis of North Carolina Counties

In order to motivate flood insurance purchase and promote flood hazard awareness and mitigation, the Community Rating System (CRS) of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), credits floodplain management activities and awards flood insurance premium discounts. CRS, however, has been marked by a lack of active participation since its inception. The objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence related to community decisions involving incentive-based flood risk mitigation projects. We test a number of hypotheses offered by previous researchers regarding factors that motivate local hazard management initiatives through an examination of patterns in CRS participation across all 100 North Carolina counties from 1991 to 2002. Specifically, we examine the influence of flood experience, hydrological risk, local capacity, and socioeconomic factors on county hazard mitigation decisions. Results indicate that flood history and physical risk factors increase likelihood of local hazard mitigation adoption. We find evidence that the probability of CRS participation is lower in counties with a greater proportion of senior citizens and greater level of education, and that flood hazard mitigation activities at the county level are more likely when a greater number of nested of municipalities participate in CRS.
Boltzmann babies in the proper time measure

After commenting briefly on the role of the typicality assumption in science, we advocate a phenomenological approach to the cosmological measure problem. Like any other theory, a measure should be simple, general, well defined, and consistent with observation. This allows us to proceed by elimination. As an example, we consider the proper time cutoff on a geodesic congruence. It predicts that typical observers are quantum fluctuations in the early universe, or Boltzmann babies. We sharpen this well-known youngness problem by taking into account the expansion and open spatial geometry of pocket universes. Moreover, we relate the youngness problem directly to the probability distribution for observables, such as the temperature of the cosmic background radiation. We consider a number of modifications of the proper time measure, but find none that would make it compatible with observation.
A Regulatory Loop Involving PAX6, MITF, and WNT Signaling Controls Retinal Pigment Epithelium Development

The separation of the optic neuroepithelium into future retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a critical event in early eye development in vertebrates. Here we show in mice that the transcription factor PAX6, well-known for its retina-promoting activity, also plays a crucial role in early pigment epithelium development. This role is seen, however, only in a background genetically sensitized by mutations in the pigment cell transcription factor MITF. In fact, a reduction in Pax6 gene dose exacerbates the RPE-to-retina transdifferentiation seen in embryos homozygous for an Mitf null allele, and it induces such a transdifferentiation in embryos that are either heterozygous for the Mitf null allele or homozygous for an RPE–specific hypomorphic Mitf allele generated by targeted mutation. Conversely, an increase in Pax6 gene dose interferes with transdifferentiation even in homozygous Mitf null embryos. Gene expression analyses show that, together with MITF or its paralog TFEC, PAX6 suppresses the expression of Fgf15 and Dkk3. Explant culture experiments indicate that a combination of FGF and DKK3 promote retina formation by inhibiting canonical WNT signaling and stimulating the expression of retinogenic genes, including Six6 and Vsx2. Our results demonstrate that in conjunction with Mitf/Tfec Pax6 acts as an anti-retinogenic factor, whereas in conjunction with retinogenic genes it acts as a pro-retinogenic factor. The results suggest that careful manipulation of the Pax6 regulatory circuit may facilitate the generation of retinal and pigment epithelium cells from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells.
Secrets of Award Winning Programs for the Gifted in Mathematics

The objectives of this study were to identify high schools with well-developed programs for gifted students in mathematics and to isolate the key ingredients of such programs. The first objective involved analyzing data from 509 schools. Four stringent criteria were applied to isolate the top 2% of the schools, and these were labeled exemplary schools. Each of the exemplary schools had developed viable independent study research programs in mathematics. The key ingredients included the following: dynamic research-oriented math teachers, development of problem-centered courses that used no text or tests, active administrative support, active recruiting, and contact with nearby universities. None of the schools had above average facilities or extensive computer resources.
Experimental determination of electroabsorption in GaAs/Al0.32Ga0.68As multiple quantum well structures as function of well width

Electroabsorption in GaAs/Al/sub 0.32/Ga/sub 0.68/As multiple quantum well structures was experimentally studied for quantum well widths in the range 50-260 AA. The maximum obtainable change in absorption coefficient was found to increase monotonically with decreasing well width at the cost of increasing electric field.
Phenology and Productivity of C3 and C4 Grasslands in Hawaii

Grasslands account for a large proportion of global terrestrial productivity and play a critical role in carbon and water cycling. Within grasslands, photosynthetic pathway is an important functional trait yielding different rates of productivity along environmental gradients. Recently, C3-C4 sorting along spatial environmental gradients has been reassessed by controlling for confounding traits in phylogenetically structured comparisons. C3 and C4 grasses should sort along temporal environmental gradients as well, resulting in differing phenologies and growing season lengths. Here we use 10 years of satellite data (NDVI) to examine the phenology and greenness (as a proxy for productivity) of C3 and C4 grass habitats, which reflect differences in both environment and plant physiology. We perform phylogenetically structured comparisons based on 3,595 digitized herbarium collections of 152 grass species across the Hawaiian Islands. Our results show that the clade identity of grasses captures differences in their habitats better than photosynthetic pathway. Growing season length (GSL) and associated productivity (GSP) were not significantly different when considering photosynthetic type alone, but were indeed different when considering photosynthetic type nested within clade. The relationship between GSL and GSP differed most strongly between C3 clade habitats, and not between C3-C4 habitats. Our results suggest that accounting for the interaction between phylogeny and photosynthetic pathway can help improve predictions of productivity, as commonly used C3-C4 classifications are very broad and appear to mask important diversity in grassland ecosystem functions.
Targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase σ after myocardial infarction restores cardiac sympathetic innervation and prevents arrhythmias

Millions of people suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) every year, and those who survive have increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Recent clinical studies have identified sympathetic denervation as a predictor of increased arrhythmia susceptibility. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans present in the cardiac scar after MI prevent sympathetic reinnervation by binding the neuronal protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor σ (PTPσ). Here we show that the absence of PTPσ, or pharmacologic modulation of PTPσ by the novel intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) beginning 3 days after injury, restores sympathetic innervation to the scar and markedly reduces arrhythmia susceptibility. Using optical mapping we observe increased dispersion of action potential duration, supersensitivity to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and Ca(2+) mishandling following MI. Sympathetic reinnervation prevents these changes and renders hearts remarkably resistant to induced arrhythmias.
Energetic Quaternary Salts Containing Bi(1,2,4-triazoles)

New energetic salts (2, 3, 9, 10, and 11) were synthesized via the protonation of 4,4‘-bi(1,2,4-triazole) or N-4-(1,2,4-triazole)-N-3-(4-methyl-1,2,4-triazole)amine with nitric acid or perchloric acid or 5-nitro-tetrazole. The structures of 4,4‘-bi(1,2,4-triazolium) nitrate (2), N,N-dimethyl-N‘-(5-methyl-tetrazole)methanimidamide (8), and N-4-(1,2,4-triazole)-N-3-(4-methyl-1,2,4-triazolium)amine perchlorate (10) were confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray analysis. The physical properties and heats of combustion of the new ionic salts were measured, and the heats of formation were also determined.
Elementary Girls' Science Reading at Home and School.

Although reading is a critical part of science and science learning, it is no longer a part of many children's elementary science instruction. This is of concern because girls often develop strong identities as readers, but do not develop scientific identities with ease. In this study, we investigate girls' science reading to know (1) if science books were available to girls in homes and classrooms, (2) if girls were choosing to read them, and (3) what influences their choices. Forty-five third-grade girls, 29 of their families, and three of their teachers were interviewed to ascertain girls' preferences among various book genres, as well as to learn the ways in which families and teachers influence the choices girls make. We found that girls had access to science books at school, and teachers had strategies to encourage reading them. At home, parents encouraged reading, but were generally less directive than teachers as to what the girls read, and underestimated their daughters' science-related interests. The families studied rely largely on major bookstores as their primary source of books. Our findings suggest we need to understand better the way gender influences girls' engagement with science in a variety of contexts, particularly those in which girls exercise choice. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed90:270–288, 2006
Critical Incidents in the Development of Supportive Principals: Facilitating School Counselor-Principal Relationships.

The qualitative study in this article explores critical incidents that may facilitate the support a principal provides for a school counseling program. Through structured interviews, supportive principals are asked to reflect on their prior experiences with school counselors, their educational exposure to school counseling, and their recommendations for school counselors. Results suggest that by demonstrating effective leadership and systemic interactions, school counselors can foster relationships with principals that can help them expand their roles and their programs.
Problems in the interpretation of left atrial left ventricular mean diastolic gradients

Abstract Two patients are described in whom the mitral diastolic gradients noted during left heart catheterization were not satisfactorily explained by the anatomic findings observed at cardiac surgery. In one subject aortic and tricuspid stenosis was found at surgery without significant stenosis of the mitral valve. In the second patient a large mitral diastolic gradient persisted after the mitral valve was opened to a size of 4.5 sq. cm. In both instances marked hypertrophy of the anterior papillary muscle in the left ventricular cavity is considered one of the causes of these anomalous mitral diastolic gradients.
Chlorpyrifos Release Rate from Clay Granules: Experimental Observations and Simple Algorithm Development for Use in Computer-Based Exposure Assessments

Environmental models can approximate pesticide mass leaving a treated field in runoff water and sediment but do not typically account for controlled-release formulations such as granules. Mathematical algorithms are developed from experimental observations to predict the environmental release rate of chlorpyrifos from a commercial formulation [Lorsban (trademark of Dow AgroSciences) 15G insecticide] into the surrounding soil environment. Chlorpyrifos release rates into flowing water were measured by HPLC analysis of water pumped through a column containing 15G granules. Analysis of these observations provides a basis for predicting water-induced release rates during natural precipitation events. Chlorpyrifos diffusion and volatilization rates from the granule in the absence of precipitation were determined from experimental observations using first-order kinetic modeling. Multiyear simulations and distribution analysis were performed using the GLEAMS model for the Midwestern corn belt region to determine release mechanism sensitivity and edge-of-field runoff potential for chlorpyrifos in 15G granules when the release mechanisms of advection, volatilization, and diffusion are accounted for. It is found that advection release was the dominate mechanism for chlorpyrifos release from clay granules, followed by diffusion and volatilization for Midwestern U.S. scenarios. Predicted losses of chlorpyrifos in runoff from soil incorporated applications are <1% of applied.
Alkyne-Functional Homopolymers and Block Copolymers through Nitroxide-Mediated Free Radical Polymerization of 4-(Phenylethynyl)styrene

Nitroxide-mediated polymerization of the alkyne-functional monomer 4-(phenylethynyl)styrene allows the preparation of homopolymers and block copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. At higher conversions, side reactions, including addition of mediating nitroxides to alkyne groups, lead to broader molecular weight distributions. While differential scanning calorimetry suggests that poly((4-phenylethynyl)styrene) blocks of moderate molecular weight have a fair degree of miscibility with polystyrene, reaction of the pendant alkyne groups of these copolymers with dicobalt octacarbonyl leads to microphase-segregated cobalt-functional materials.
A computerized procedure for teaching the relationship between graphic symbols and their referents.

Many individuals with little or no functional speech communicate through graphic symbols. Communication is enhanced when the relationship between symbols and their referents are learned to such a degree that retrieval is effortless, resulting in fluent communication. Developing fluency is a time consuming endeavor for special educators and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). It would be beneficial for these professionals to have an automated procedure based on the most efficacious method for teaching the relationship between symbols and referent. Hence, this study investigated whether a procedure based on the generation effect would promote learning the association between symbols and their referents. Results show that referent generation produces the best long-term retention of this relationship. These findings provide evidence that software based on referent generation would provide special educators and SLPs with an efficacious automated procedure, requiring minimal direct supervision, to facilitate s...