cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Import protection, exports and labor-demand elasticities: Evidence from Korea

Abstract We empirically examine the impact of trade on labor demand elasticities using Korean firm-level data. In our analysis, in addition to looking at the impact of liberalizing import restrictions, we take into account the fact that greater trade integration also leads to better and greater export possibilities. While we find that Korea's own tariffs do not have any statistically significant effects on labor-demand elasticities at the firm level, we find some evidence for the impact of imports on labor-demand elasticities when we replace tariffs with import penetration ratios. We also find a fair amount of evidence that exports increase labor-demand elasticites (in absolute value). While we find fairly strong evidence that tariff reductions in China have led to an increase in Korean firm-level labor-demand elasticities, there is no conclusive evidence showing the effect of tariff reductions by Korea's other major trade partners, namely the EU, US and Japan.
Cross-linking of proteins in nuclei and DNA-depleted nuclei from Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract Reversible cross-linking of proteins in nuclei and DNA-depleted nuclei from Friend erythroleukemia cells was used as a probe to determine whether the protein structure was preserved following treatment with DNAase I. Interactions between histories were analyzed through cross-linking with 2-iminothiolane or dimethyl 3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate. No alterations in the interactions between intranucleosomal histone proteins resulted from digestion of the nuclear DNA. There was, however, a diminished extent of cross-linking of histone H1 to itself and to the intranucleosomal histories in DNA-depleted nuclei. The interactions of a group of nonhistone proteins with histone H3 could be monitored by cross-linking through the formation of disulfide bonds caused by oxidation of nuclei with H 2 O 2 . These interactions were not markedly affected by treatment of the nuclei with DNAase I. However, differences were observed in the extent of cross-linking of some of these proteins when cross-linking in nuclei from undifferentiated cells was compared to that in nuclei from cells which had been induced to differentiate with dimethylsulfoxide.
A high-salt diet stimulates thick ascending limb eNOS expression by raising medullary osmolality and increasing release of endothelin-1.

A high-salt diet increases renal endothelin (ET) production and thick ascending limb (THAL) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. ET stimulates THAL eNOS expression via ETB receptors...
How do firms evolve? The patterns of technological evolution of semiconductor subsidiaries

Abstract This study draws on concepts from international strategy and evolutionary economics to investigate the development of innovative ability within multinational subsidiaries. The paper develops hypotheses regarding the evolution of subsidiary innovative abilities, and the changes across time of their knowledge sourcing and sharing patterns with other parts of the multinational enterprise and host country firms. The paper analyzes patent data pertaining to foreign subsidiaries of US semiconductor firms and finds support for subsidiary technological development—there are positive changes in the scale and scope of innovative activity across time. The results also suggest that subsidiaries are increasingly embedded in host country knowledge networks—as they mature, subsidiaries increasingly learn and share knowledge locally. Evidence of increasing integration with other firms within the multinational enterprise is weaker.
Cobaloxime-mediated radical alkyl-nitroalkylanion cross coupling

Abstract Anaerobic photolysis of aqueous ethanol solutions of alkyl cobaloximesRCo III (dmgH) 2 py (dmgH = dimethylglyoxime monoanion) and nitroalkyl anions caused cross coupling in which an H α to the nitro was replaced with R.
Chromosome changes and splenectomy in Ph1-positive CML. II. Prognostic aspects in the blastic phase

Abstract The effect of splenectomy during the blastic phase (BP) in Philadelphia (Ph 1 ) positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was correlated with the chromosome findings during that phase of the disease. Fifty-three patients were divided into six groups on the basis of the chromosome findings and splenectomy; i.e., nonsplenectomized and splenectomized patients with only a Ph 1 clone (PP/S− and PP/S+); nonsplenectomized and splenectomized patients with a clone containing only a Ph 1 and another clone with karyotypic changes in addition to the Ph 1 (AP/S− and AP/S+), and nonsplenectomized and splenectomized patients with only abnormal clone(s) containing karyotypic abnormalities in addition to the Ph 1 (AA/S− and AA/S+). The percentage of patients with a good therapeutic response in each group was higher in splenectomized than nonsplenectomized patients. The median survival after the onset of BP was 171 days (5.7 months) in PP/S−, 167 days (5.6 months) in PP/S+, 136 days (4.5 months) in AP/S−, 183 days (6.1 months) in AP/S+, 23 days (0.8 months) in AA/S−, and 155 (5.2 months) in AA/S+. Statistically, there was a significant difference only between AA/S− and the other groups. These findings may indicate that splenectomy during the blastic phase could contribute to an improved tolerance to chemotherapy in each group and prolong the survival after the onset of BP in AA patients.
Apical Endosomes Isolated from Kidney Collecting Duct Principal Cells Lack Subunits of the Proton Pumping ATPase

Endocytic vesicles that are involved in the vasopressin-stimulated recycling of water channels to and from the apical membrane of kidney collecting duct principal cells were isolated from rat renal papilla by differential and Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Fluorescence quenching measurements showed that the isolated vesicles maintained a high, HgCl2-sensitive water permeability, consistent with the presence of vasopressin-sensitive water channels. They did not, however, exhibit ATP-dependent luminal acidification, nor any N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive ATPase activity, properties that are characteristic of most acidic endosomal compartments. Western blotting with specific antibodies showed that the 31- and 70-kD cytoplasmically oriented subunits of the vacuolar proton pump were not detectable in these apical endosomes from the papilla, whereas they were present in endosomes prepared in parallel from the cortex. In contrast, the 56-kD subunit of the proton pump was abundant in papillary endosomes, and was localized at the apical pole of principal cells by immunocytochemistry. Finally, an antibody that recognizes the 16-kD transmembrane subunit of oat tonoplast ATPase cross-reacted with a distinct 16-kD band in cortical endosomes, but no 16-kD band was detectable in endosomes from the papilla. This antibody also recognized a 16-kD band in affinity-purified H+ ATPase preparations from bovine kidney medulla. Therefore, early endosomes derived from the apical plasma membrane of collecting duct principal cells fail to acidify because they lack functionally important subunits of a vacuolar-type proton pumping ATPase, including the 16-kD transmembrane domain that serves as the proton-conducting channel, and the 70-kD cytoplasmic subunit that contains the ATPase catalytic site. This specialized, non-acidic early endosomal compartment appears to be involved primarily in the hormonally induced recycling of water channels to and from the apical plasma membrane of vasopressin-sensitive cells in the kidney collecting duct.
The Reception of Continental Reformation in Britain . Edited by Polly Ha and Patrick Collinson. Proceedings of the British Academy 164. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. xxxvii + 250 pp. $99.00 cloth

(ProQuest: ... denotes non-US-ASCII text omitted.)The Reception of Continental Reformation in Britain is a collection of essays that broadly examines the symbiotic relationship between the European and British reformations from around Luther to the middle of the seventeenth century. As such there is no central thesis, but there is at least one common assumption--that reform was a "continual process" (xvi). These essays were first presented at the British Academy in 2007.There are no weak essays here: all deserve their place. The two introductory essays--one each by the two editors--are valuable analyses of methodology and historiography, respectively. Polly Ha addresses the problematic term "reception" (problematic at least to the reviewer) in regards to the relationship between the two reformations. Patrick Collinson, Regius Professor Emeritus as well as Elton's successor at Cambridge, provides many examples of geographic tunnel vision that have appeared throughout the history of historical writing on the Reformation in Britain. His chapter would serve as particularly good background reading for graduate or seminary students, so they too will avoid the Anglo insularity that guided the landmark contributions of Aubrey Moore, Owen Chadwick, Father Philip Hughes, and others.As for the rest, Torrance Kirby's essay "Peter Martyr Vermigli's Political Theology and the Elizabethan Church" fills a sizeable gap in the subject, as he provides detailed evidence to support his claim that the Italian reformer Vermigli played a "pivotal role in the formation of the protestant religious settlement under Edward VI and consolidation under Elizabeth" (83). John Craig's piece on the politics of book purchases by parishes reveals that not all required texts were indeed really required after all. Some of which was required was readily purchased, but some other supposedly required texts were not. The requirement that Erasmus's Paraphrases and John Jewel's writings be purchased was generally heeded; but Foxe's Acts and Monuments , at least according to archival data, was not as frequently acquired, displayed, and maintained as much as many Reformation scholars had previously thought. Neither was Henry Bullinger's Decades , and other texts, for that matter. Other essays in The Reception address such variant topics as the Latin Bibles of the 1530s and 1540s, holdings in private and university libraries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the reception of Martin Luther's writings in Britain, the ways by which John Knox and Christopher Goodman implemented Genevan elements in their churches in Scotland, the religious--and not political--aspects of Anglo-Palantine relations, the Scottish application of Martin Bucer's ecumenical ideas, and seventeenth-century Moravian reformer Jan Amos Comenicus. …
Combined scanning probe and light scattering characterization of multi-stage self-assembly of targeted liposome-based delivery systems

The mean size and size distribution of a targeted nanoparticle delivery system (NDS) strongly influences the intrinsic stability and functionality of this molecular complex, affects its performance as a systemic drug delivery platform and ultimately determines its efficacy toward early detection and treatment of cancer. Since its components undergo significant reorganization during multiple stages of self-assembly, it is essential to monitor the size and stability of the complex throughout the NDS formulation in order to ensure its potency and manufacturability prior to entering clinical trials. This work combines scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques to obtain quantitative and reliable size measurements of the NDS, and to investigate how variations in the NDS formulation or self-assembly process impact the size, structure and functionality of the complex with various therapeutic and diagnostic agent payloads. These combined SPM and DLS methods, when implemented at an early stage of the NDS formulation, present a potential measurement approach to facilitate drug discovery and development, optimization and quality control during manufacturing of the NDS.
Boundary-layer analysis for the convection/diffusion transition in dendritic growth

The supercooling dependence of dendritic growth kinetics under the influence of convective heat transport is investigated theoretically and experimentally with emphasis on theoretical prediction of the supercooling level at which the transition from diffusion-controlled to convection-controlled dendritic growth occurs. It is shown that the crossover between diffusive and convective transport depends on the relative thickness of the Stefan length compared with the thermal boundary layer. These lengths become equal at a supercooling which may be calculated from diffusion theory and fluid mechanics. It is also shown that the crossover supercooling varies weakly with the gravitational acceleration, melt viscosity, and the volumetric expansion coefficient.
Challenges in Interpreting the Evidence for Genetic Predictors of Ototoxicity

There has been recent controversy regarding predictors of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in children, as highlighted in a previous issue of this journal. We have reviewed the two articles that purport to show an association between TPMT and COMT variants and ototoxicity, as well as the related patent applications dating back to 2006. We summarize statistical issues not fully addressed by the authors that appear to have confounded the results of their studies.
Comparison of post‐plant liking methods for quick response in a potting media

Abstract Several methods were compared for post‐plant incorporation of materials into a commercial potting medium to change the pH. Five days after treatment, surface application of limestone, Ca(OH)2 and Ca(NO3)2 did not significantly raise the pH. The pH of the top 5 cm of the medium was significantly raised by punching holes and surface applying lime. Pressurized injection of a limestone slurry resulted in consistent large increases of pH at every depth of the medium.
Characteristics of representative payeeship involving families of beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities.

Objective: Although the Social Security Administration frequently assigns family members to serve as representative payees for relatives with psychiatric disabilities, few studies have examined characteristics associated with these payee arrangements or the perceptions of the individuals involved in them. Methods: One hundred participants (50 dyads of consumers with psychiatric disabilities and their representative payees from their family) were interviewed for data on perceived benefits and problems of the payeeship, knowledge of payee guidelines, the consumer-payee relationship, arithmetic and money management skills, and payeeship characteristics. Results: Most consumers and payees believed that payeeship led to greater living stability; however, 36% of consumers and 50% of payees reported disagreement and conflict. Some consumers thought payeeship reduced their autonomy, although payees were less aware of this. Consumers and payees showed gaps in knowledge of payeeship, with only 28% correctly recognizing that payeeship did not last indefinitely. Both groups showed deficiencies in money management skills and basic arithmetic abilities; in these domains, there were no significant differences between payees and consumers. Risk of conflict was elevated when consumers had better money management skills and when payees had not completed high school. Conclusions: Although payeeship was beneficial, the data revealed potential problems in skills and knowledge about representative payeeship among consumers and payees. Efforts by policy makers and clinicians to increase collaboration between payees and consumers and to improve accurate knowledge of payeeship could help address its down-sides.
Avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptor discharge rate is increased by anion exchange blocker 'DIDS'.

Abstract Avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors (IPC) are neurons that sense lung P CO 2 and provide phasic feedback for the control of breathing in birds. To try to understand mechanisms of CO 2 transduction and intracellular pH regulation in IPC, the anion exchange inhibitor 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) was used to block transmembrane Cl − /HCO 3 − transport. Single-unit IPC discharge rates were measured at steady intrapulmonary CO 2 levels and during step changes in CO 2 in 15 anesthetized, unidirectionally ventilated adult mallard ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos ). Measurements were repeated after giving 50, 100 and 200 μmol/kg cumulative i.v. dosages of DIDS. Mean IPC discharge rates at steady (tonic) P CO 2 levels were significantly increased by 100 and 200 μmol/kg DIDS, but not by 50 μmol/kg DIDS. Mean dynamic (phasic) IPC responses to CO 2 steps were not significantly affected by DIDS. Results indicate that the DIDS-sensitive Cl − /HCO 3 − membrane exchanger is involved with tonic CO 2 signal transduction in IPC. However, because some individual IPC were unaffected by DIDS, yet still altered their discharge rate with CO 2 , additional mechanisms besides the Cl − /HCO 3 − exchange are probably required for CO 2 chemotransduction in IPC.
Common Value vs. Private Value Categories in Online Auctions: A Distinction Without a Difference?

There is a growing body of empirical research that attempts to distinguish private value from common value auctions. Strategic behavior for a seller/bidder in these two paradigms should differ, so the assumption of, or the identification of, the type of auction (private or common) is important for understanding the auction dynamics and strategies in game-theoretic models. However, it is difficult to recognize which of the two paradigms applies to a particular good. In this article, we briefly review some of the empirical work distinguishing common/private values using observed bidding behavior, both structural nonparametric and parametric models of auctions. We then examine the use of a priori beliefs to classify product categories. Specifically, we survey auction experts on their subjective judgment in classifying a list of consumer product categories on a private/common value continuum. We also survey consumers, asking them their subjective assessment. Interestingly, not only are extant models unable empirically to distinguish between private value and common value auctions, but also the experts have strongly divergent opinions on classifying product categories on this continuum. These findings raise doubts about the appropriateness of using a priori beliefs to classify a product as a common value versus a private value, and furthermore the findings question the feasibility of game-theoretic models to empirically distinguish private value from common value auctions. Perhaps decision theory would be a more useful paradigm for modeling auction decisions in practice.
Immobilized bovine lactose synthase. A method of topographical analysis of the active site.

Abstract Bovine galactosyltransferase (UDPgalactose : d -glucose 4β-galactosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.22) was covalently coupled to Sepharose 4B by reaction at pH 5.0 with the activated mixed disulfide Sepharose-glutathione-2(5-nitropyridyl)-disulfide. The Sepharose-protein conjugate was presumably coupled via the unique highly reactive cysteine of those thiols on the bovine enzyme. The gel-bound N -acetyllactosamine and lactose synthase activity of about 0.4% was consistent with the effects of diffusion and the 90% activity reduction noted upon thiol modification of the dissolved enzyme. The residual lactose biosynthetic activity of the bound enzyme appeared possible only if the reactive thiol were physically distinct from the active site since the bulky Sepharose-glutathione group must not obscure the α-lactalbumin binding region.
Rostral brainstem contributes to medullary inhibition of muscle tone

Abstract It has long been known that stimulation of the medial medulla in the decerebrate animal produces bilateral inhibition of muscle tone. In the present study we have found that transection of the brainstem at the pontomedullary junction attenuates this inhibition. An interaction between medullary and rostral brainstem systems is responsible for the medullary inhibition phenomenon. A similar interaction may produce the inhibition of muscle tone seen in REM sleep.
Modeling CO2 and water vapor exchange of a temperate broadleaved forest across hourly to decadal time scales

Fluxes of carbon dioxide, water and energy between a temperate deciduous forest and the atmosphere were quantified across time scales of hours, days, seasons, years and decades. This exercise was performed using stand-level eddy covariance flux measurements and a biophysical model, CANOAK. The CANOAK model was tested with measurements of carbon dioxide, water vapor and energy flux densities we have been collecting since October 1994. Model calculations reproduced 80% of CO2 and water vapor flux variance that are contained in a year-long time series, when the model was forced with hourly weather data and seasonal information on plant structure and physiological capacity. Spectral analysis of measured and computed time series revealed that peak time scales of flux variance have periods of a day, half-week, season and year. We examined questions relating to inter-annual variability of mass and energy exchange by forcing the validated model with a decade-long meteorological record. Theoretical estimates of year-to-year variability of net ecosystem CO2 exchange were on the order of ±200 gC m−2 year. We also deduced that significant variance of water vapor and CO2 exchange occurs on the time scale of 5–6 years, the time scale associated with El Nino phenomena. Sensitivity tests performed with the model examined issues associated with model complex and parameterization issues. Of particular importance were the effects of leaf clumping and length of the growing season on canopy photosynthesis and net ecosystem CO2 exchange. Ignoring the effects of leaf clumping caused an error as large as 50% in the estimation of annual biosphere–atmosphere net carbon exchange. Each incremental day change in the length of the growing season altered the net ecosystem CO2 exchange by 5.9 gC m−2.
TU‐E‐BRB‐08: Rapid Arc Patient Specific Dose Delivery Accuracy under Extreme Mechanical Limits Using Linac Log Files

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of RapidArc (RA) delivery for treatment machine operation near allowable mechanical limits in DMLC leaf velocities, gantry speeds, and dose rates. Method and Materials: Thirty RA patient plans were created for treatment of gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers on a Trilogy unit. Three RA plans per patient were generated; one with medium MLC velocities, highest gantry speeds and dose rates (case 1); one with maximal allowable MLC leaf velocities (case 2); and one with lowest gantry speeds (case 3). Combinations of dose rates (140 – 600 Mu /min), gantry speeds (2 – 5.4 deg/s), and DMLC leaf velocities (1.3 – 2.4 cm/s) were utilized to test the RapidArc delivery accuracy. Linac delivery log files were acquired after delivery of each plan. In‐house software was used to read in the original RapidArc DICOM plan and update the plan to reflect the delivered plan taking into account the MLC leaf positions, gantry positions and MU. This DICOM RT plan was imported back to Eclipse and the delivered 3D dose map recomputed. Finally the planned and delivered 3D isodose maps were imported into a 3D gamma analysis algorithm to evaluate the dosimetric differences. Results: For the three cases indicated above MLC leaf position discrepancies are: 0.8 ±0.2, 1.2 ± 0.2, 0.8 ± 0.2 mm; maximum gantry position discrepancies are: 0.9 ±0.2, 0.9 ±0.2, 0.6 ±0.1 deg, and maximum differences in delivered MU per control point are: 0.2±0.1, 0.2 ±0.1, and 0.04±0.01 respectively. The 3D Gamma factor acceptance rates are better than 97%. Conclusion: This work shows that the accuracy of RapidArc delivery holds across the full space of gantry speeds, leaf velocities, and dose rates with small dosimetric uncertainties. A novel technique to obtain the delivered 3D dose distributions using machine log files is also presented.
Functional calcium release channel formed by the carboxyl-terminal portion of ryanodine receptor

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) is one of the key proteins involved in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in skeletal muscle, where it functions as a Ca2+ release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane. RyR consists of a single polypeptide of approximately 560 kDa normally arranged in a homotetrameric structure, which contains a carboxyl (C)-terminal transmembrane domain and a large amino (N)-terminal cytoplasmic domain. To test whether the carboxyl-terminal portion of RyR is sufficient to form a Ca2+ release channel, we expressed the full-length (RyR-wt) and C-terminal (RyR-C, approximately 130 kDa) RyR proteins in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, and measured their Ca2+ release channel functions in planar lipid bilayer membranes. The single-channel properties of RyR-wt were found to be similar to those of RyR from skeletal muscle SR. The RyR-C protein forms a cation-selective channel that shares some of the channel properties with RyR-wt, including activation by cytoplasmic Ca2+ and regulation by ryanodine. Unlike RyR-wt, which exhibits a linear current-voltage relationship and inactivates at millimolar Ca2+, the channels formed by RyR-C display significant inward rectification and fail to close at high cytoplasmic Ca2+. Our results show that the C-terminal portion of RyR contains structures sufficient to form a functional Ca2+ release channel, but the N-terminal portion of RyR also affects the ion-conduction and calcium-dependent regulation of the Ca2+ release channel.
Tape transport control based on sensor fusion

Abstract Reliable and precise tape transport is of fundamental importance to achieve larger volumetric recording densities in tape storage systems. The performance of the tape transport control system, which is affected by variations in the tape velocity and tension, impacts the write and read quality of the data tracks and eventually the achievable areal recording density. During operation in cruise velocity mode, disturbances in velocity and tension may be induced for example by tape reel eccentricities. This problem is particularly serious when the reel rotation frequencies are close to the resonance frequency determined by the tape path. Typically, the tape velocity is estimated at the tape head from a servo signal, which is obtained by reading pre-formatted servo information, and used for tape transport control during cruise mode. In such a scheme, velocity disturbances observed at the head cannot be attributed to an individual reel. Hence no targeted disturbance suppression can take place at the individual tape reels. However, Hall sensors are typically included in tape drives to obtain additional tape velocity information from the individual reels. This information is used to achieve proper tape transport operation in the absence of valid velocity estimates from the pre-formatted servo information, for example during tape acceleration. In this paper, we present a novel control scheme for tape transport that uses velocity measurements from three sources, the Hall sensors at the tape reels and the servo channel that yields velocity estimates at the head. Specifically, characterization of the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) tape transport system provides an accurate system model and enables an optimized two-sensor control design. Furthermore, H∞ filtering is employed to perform sensor fusion and the resulting state estimates are used in the feedback control of the two reels. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the behavior and performance of the proposed tape transport control system.
Effective field theory and the quark model

The striking success of the nonrelativistic quark model (NRQM) in explaining the main features of baryon and meson masses and baryon magnetic moments suggests that its success is independent of the drastic approximations assumed in its typical formulations. To explore this point, we have examined the connection between the quark model (QM) approach to baryon masses and moments, and the rigorous relativistic effective field theory approach used in the chiral expansion of QCD. We show here that, as noted in [1], the QM for the static properties of baryons is simply a parametrization of matrix elements in the underlying relativistic field theory in a general spin–flavor basis, where the flavor and spin variables can be identified with those of effective valence quarks. This identification holds exactly through first order in the chiral symmetry breaking mass variable ms. The connection becomes clear when the chiral baryon fields are written in a natural form with three flavor and three spin indices. This change of basis clarifies the structure of the theory, including the origin of approximate SU(6) relations, and demonstrates the natural occurence of the QM spin-spin interaction terms in the baryon masses, and of effective quark moments in the description of the baryon magnetic moments [2,3]. The change of basis also provides a direct connection between the effective field theory and semirelativistic models for hadrons [4] used in successful dynamical calculations [5,6], and allows dynamical information to be incorporated into the chiral expansion. We will show, in particular, that the three-flavor-index notation allows a natural classification of the spin-flavor correlations that appear in general matrix elements into those arising from effective one-, two-, and three-body operators. This classification corresponds directly to the underlying dynamics when spin-dependent forces and symmetry-breaking mass terms can be treated perturbatively, as seems to be the case. For example, the usual additive model for the baryon moments corresponds exactly to the one-body moment operator in the effective field theory. The model is successful because the non-additive two- and three-body operators arise from spin-dependent interactions and are correspondingly small. The “nonrelativistic” aspects of the QM arise because the baryons are heavy, not because the dynamical quarks are heavy or nonrelativistic. The actual internal structure of the hadrons is absorbed into the momentum expansion of heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory [7], and the quark degrees of freedom move with the baryons. If these are sufficiently massive, the baryons may be treated as nonrelativistic with no recoil effects in loop diagrams, and the “quark” kinematics of the NRQM follow.
Multilayer resonant light scattering nanoshells as a novel class of nonbleaching labels for multimarker molecular imaging

Optical molecular imaging of living tissues could potentially allow tissue characterization and disease diagnosis with high resolution, non-invasively and at a low cost [1]. The capability to image multiple molecular targets simultaneously is particularly important. However, currently this task cannot be achieved, due to the broad spectral responses (~80-200 nm) of current optical contrast agents, which limit the number of markers that can be used simultaneously to, typically, not more than three [1-6]. Therefore, ideal nanoparticle-labels for multi-color multi-marker detection should exhibit sharp resonances, whose spectral position can be controlled. We hereby describe a new concept that utilizes resonant light-scattering spectroscopy of multi-layered metallic nanospheres to achieve the labeling of multiple targets simultaneously. Our model of light-scattering predicts that multilayered metallic-dielectric nanoshells exhibit tunable ultra-sharp resonance peaks with widths as narrow as 10 nm. By varying the materials and size ratios between different layers, the position of the resonance peaks can be easily controlled, which may enable detection of more than 10 different labels simultaneously by recording the spectra of resonant light scattering in the visible range. Conjugated with molecular probes, such as antibodies, these novel structured nanospheres may enable previously unattainable multi-label optical molecular imaging.
On choosing combinations of weapons

Abstract : A model for evaluating the advantages of various weapons mixes for battle engagements is described. The choice of weapons mixes for various purposes is co sidered in the analysis. (Author)
Water and Sediment Quality, Phytoplankton Communities, and Channel Catfish Production in Sodium Nitrate-Treated Ponds

Three channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) ponds were treated at two-week intervals with sodium nitrate at 2 mg NO3 −-N/L per application and three ponds served as controls. Average concentration of nitrite-nitrogen measured midway between application dates never exceeded 1.2 mg/L in treated ponds, but on most sampling dates, nitrate concentrations were greater than those in control ponds (P 0.1) in pH and concentrations of total alkalinity, total ammonia nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen between treated and control ponds. The higher chlorophyll a concentration (P < 0.1) suggested that greater availability of nutrients in treated ponds resulted in more phytoplankton growth than in control ponds. Because of greater phytoplan...
Oligomerization of Amphipathic Peptides in a Membrane Studied by Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations

To gain insight into the aggregation and oligomerization of antimicrobial or amyloidogenic peptides, we carried out molecular dynamics simulations of a 26-residue amphipathic peptide at different concentrations (8, 16, and 32 copies) in a fully hydrated bilayer composed of 1600 POPC lipid molecules. With a coarse-grained representation of the molecules, >28 microseconds of simulations were accumulated for each system. Oligomers of various orders were observed to form. The system with 32 copies of the peptide was finally comprised of a 4-, 7-, 8-, and 13-mer. The final compositions of the systems with 16 and 8 copies of the peptide were 3-, 4-, and 9-mer for one and 3- and 5-mer for the other. Higher oligomers were formed by addition of monomers and by association of pre-formed lower oligomers (see Figure). Dissociation was not observed. In the lower oligomers (up to 4-mer) only the hydrophilic side of each copy was buried, but in the higer oligomers the hydrophobic sides of some copies were also buried. These simulations provide molecular insight into oligomerization of peptides inside membranes.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil esters

Fuel properties of beef tallow, soybean oil, their esters, and blends with No. 2 diesel fuel and ethanol were determined. Fuel properties tested were viscosity, specific gravity, API gravity, distillation ranges, calculated cetane index, energy content, flash point, water content, sulfur content, carbon residue, particulate matter, acid value, copper-strip corrosion test, ash content, melting point, cloud point, and pour point. Gas-chromatographic analyses of tallow, soybean oil, and their esters were performed to determine their major constituents. Viscosities of soybean oil and tallow were significantly reduced by esterification. Other fuel properties of the esters and their blends with No. 2 diesel fuel and ethanol were similar to the properties of No. 2 diesel fuel.
Is Autotaxin (ENPP2) the Link between Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Cancer

Hepatitis C is the most significant risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cell proliferation may contribute to cancer development either through malignant hepatocyte transformation or extracellular matrix remodeling within the tumor microenvironment. The study objective was to investigate differences in gene expression between patients with Hepatitis C (± cancer) and normal that might explain the increased cancer risk. Liver tissue was collected from three patient groups: 1) healthy patients, 2) Hepatitis C patients without cancer, 3) patients with Hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma. Microarray analysis was performed on samples from each group. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses corroborated the microarray data. A p value of 0.05 was set as significant. Microarray analysis showed overexpression of autotaxin in patients with cancer versus hepatitis patients or normal patients. Rho GTPase binding proteins (Cdc42s) associated with lysophosphatidic acid signaling were also overexpressed in cancer patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed overexpression of several factors associated with autotaxin in patients with Hepatitis C (± cancer) versus normal patients. Patients with Hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma show differential expression of various components of the autotaxin pathway versus normal patients. This merits further investigation in the context of early diagnosis.
Does heparin prophylaxis prevent exacerbations of hereditary angioedema

Abstract Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder characterized by episodes of angioedema of the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract resulting from a defect in the gene that produces C1 esterase inhibitor. Although in vitro laboratory data and past reports suggested that heparin might be efficacious in preventing HAE attacks, no controlled study has been reported to examine heparin's efficacy in this regard. Objectives: We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of inhaled and subcutaneous heparin versus that of placebo in the prevention of HAE attacks. Methods: We performed a double-blind, double-dummy, saline placebo–controlled, randomized, 3-way crossover study with 11 visits. Results: The study was designed to enroll 24 patients. Twenty-two patients were randomized and received the study drug. Patients did not have a significant decrease in average flare intensity after they received injected or inhaled heparin compared with that seen after placebo, the primary endpoint. However, when patients received injected heparin, they had a statistically significant decrease in average flare intensity compared with that seen with inhaled heparin after a normalizing transformation was applied. When the means are back transformed, this translates into median flare intensities of 9.2, 8.0, and 5.1 in the patients treated with inhaled heparin, placebo, and injected heparin, respectively. There were no significant differences when individual symptoms were examined, when total numbers of flares over a 6-week observation period were examined, or when global evaluations by the patients and investigators were evaluated. Adverse event severity was fairly uniform across treatments, with the majority of events classified as moderate and the remainder split between mild and severe. Injected heparin treatment was associated with higher rates of relatedness than other treatments, which was partially explained by 17 adverse events specifically related to the injection process itself (tenderness, bruising, redness, pain, and itching at the injection site). The injection treatment was also associated with a larger overall number of reported adverse events (70 vs 48 in the placebo treatment). Tenderness and bruising at the injection site were entirely confined to the injected heparin treatment. Conclusions: Injected and inhaled heparin failed to attenuate average flare intensity, the primary endpoint, compared with placebo. Interestingly, after patients injected heparin, they had a significant decrease in average flare intensity compared with that seen after inhalation of heparin. There were no differences among groups in other efficacy parameters. Taken together, these data indicate that commercial heparin was ineffective in preventing exacerbations of HAE. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:995-1000.)
Indirectly estimated sinoatrial conduction time by the atrial premature stimulus technique: Patterns of error and the degree of associated inaccuracy as assessed by direct sinus node electrography

Abstract The atrial premature stimulus method for estimating sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) is commonly used. When the stimulated atrial premature depolarization (APD) does not appear to affect sinus node automaticity or conduction, the indirectly estimated SACT (SACT I ) is quite accurate. That is, SACT I correlates quite highly with SACT measured directly (SACT D ) on sinus node electrograms (SNE). In this study we used direct SNE recordings in 17 patients to assess SACT I when factors thought to produce inaccuracy in SACT I were present. Three patients had sinoatrial entrance block, which might make some expect sinoatrial exit delay to be present. However, SACT D was normal in two (60 and 70 msec) and prolonged (130 msec) only in the one who had other evidence of sinus node dysfunction. Therefore, sinoatrial entrance block does not necessarily indicate sinoatrial exit delay. Thirteen patients had apparent depression of sinus node automaticity by the induced APD (A 3 A 4 > A 1 A 1 ). In all 13, SACT, overestimated SACT D . One patient had apparent sinoatrial conduction delay induced by the APD and/or vagal transmitter release induced by the APD. In this patient, too, SACT I exceeded SACT D . Thus when sinoatrial automaticity or conduction are depressed by the stimulated APD, SACT I will overestimate SACT D . if SACT I is normal, SACT D will be normal; however, if SACT I is prolonged, SACT D may or may not be prolonged.
Localization and electron-interaction effects in metallic glasses.

Magnetoresistance measurements have been made on amorphous Lu/sub 75/Pd/sub 25/ and Lu/sub 75/Ni/sub 25/ alloys. In the absence of contributions from spin-splitting interaction (because of the high spin-orbit scattering rate 1/tau/sub so/approx. =10/sup 14/ s/sup -1/) and superconducting fluctuations, direct comparison of experimental data with three-dimensional weak localization theory can be made. Our results follow the trend predicted by theory, but are about 20% larger. Interaction effects with a negative screening parameter can explain both the discrepancy and the order of magnitude of resistivity rho(T). We obtain the inelastic scattering time tau/sub i/(T)approx. =2 x 10/sup -10/T/sup -2/ s which can be attributed to electron-phonon processes in disordered metals, according to the theory of Bergmann and Takayama. Prior results obtained for amorphous Zr/sub 40/Cu/sub 60/ are discussed only qualitatively as this alloy does exhibit superconducting fluctuations above 0.5 K.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL97 Kinase Is Required for the Normal Intranuclear Distribution of pp65 and Virion Morphogenesis

Recombinant human cytomegaloviruses that do not express UL97 kinase activity exhibit a distinctive plaque morphology characterized by the formation of highly refractile bodies late in infection. These structures were also observed in infected cells treated with the UL97 kinase inhibitor maribavir. Nuclear inclusions were purified to near homogeneity, and the constituent proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This analysis demonstrated that the aggregates were formed principally of the tegument proteins pp65 and ppUL25 but also contained additional virion structural proteins including the major capsid protein. Immunoblotting experiments confirmed these results and identified a number of additional viral proteins present in the purified tegument aggregates. Interestingly, the formation of these structures appeared to be dependent on pp65, since it was not induced in cells infected with a recombinant virus with this open reading frame deleted. Morphologically similar aggregates could be reproduced in nuclei of uninfected cells by overexpressing pp65, and their formation was prevented by coexpressing the UL97 kinase. Inhibition of UL97 kinase activity with maribavir or mutation of an essential amino acid in the kinase abolished its ability to prevent aggregate formation. These data taken together suggest that the UL97 kinase impacts the aggregation of pp65 in the nuclei of infected cells. We propose that the kinase plays an important role in the acquisition of tegument during virion morphogenesis in the nucleus and that this activity represents an important step in the production of mature virus particles.
Molecular thermodynamic modeling of droplet-type microemulsions.

Microemulsions are nanoheterogeneous, thermodynamically stable, sponta- neously forming mixtures of oil and water by means of surfactants, with or without cosurfactants. The pledge to use small volumes of amphiphile molecules compared to large amounts of bulk phase modifiers in a variety of chemical and industrial processes, from enhanced oil recovery to biotechnology, fosters continuous investigation and an improved understanding of these systems. In this work, we develop a molecular thermodynamic theory for droplet-type microemulsions, both water-in-oil and oil-in-water, and provide the theoretical formulation for three-component microemulsions. Our thermodynamic model, which is based on a direct minimization of the Gibbs free energy of the total system, predicts the structural and compositional features of microemulsions. The predictions are compared with experimental data for droplet size in water−alkane−didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide systems.
Epidemiology of Alzheimer Disease

The global prevalence of dementia has been estimated to be as high as 24 million, and is predicted to double every 20 years until at least 2040. As the population worldwide continues to age, the number of individuals at risk will also increase, particularly among the very old. Alzheimer disease is the leading cause of dementia beginning with impaired memory. The neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease include diffuse and neuritic extracellular amyloid plaques in brain that are frequently surrounded by dystrophic neurites and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles. The etiology of Alzheimer disease remains unclear, but it is likely to be the result of both genetic and environmental factors. In this review we discuss the prevalence and incidence rates, the established environmental risk factors, and the protective factors, and briefly review genetic variants predisposing to disease.
Gas and Dust

The interstellar medium of M33 consists of five principal components: (1) neutral hydrogen gas, which is distributed broadly in a spiral structure, (2) high temperature excited gas that is primarily concentrated in luminous HII regions which are usually found in spiral arm segments, (3) very high temperature gas that is detected by x-ray telescopes, (4) interstellar dust, which can be detected either through reddening of stars or through infrared emission, such as mapped by the Spitzer Infrared Telescope, and (5) molecular gas, which can be detected by emission, especially by carbon monoxide molecules, and by absorption in the case of molecular hydrogen. Most of these topics are covered in this chapter.
Serotonin 1A receptor coupling to NF‐κB studied using inducible receptor expression in hippocampal neuron‐derived cells

The mechanism of serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A-R) mediated activation of NF-κB has been studied in non-neural cells, but this pathway has not been elucidated in neuronal cells. We have used inducible expression of the 5-HT1A-R in the hippocampal neuron-derived HN2 cells to analyze the coupling of this receptor to NF-κB. A construct harboring luciferase cDNA driven by a minimal promoter under the control of an NF-κB-specific enhancer element was transfected into these 5-HT1A-R-expressing HN2 cells. Using luciferase expression in the transfected cells, we have studied 5-HT1A-R agonist evoked activation of NF-κB. Inhibition of either mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with PD98059 or protein kinase C (PKC) with GFX caused elevation of the basal level of NF-κB activity but did not affect 5-HT1A-R mediated activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, neither the basal level of NF-κB nor its activation by a 5-HT1A-R agonist was altered by dibutyrylcAMP. Thus, the MAPK pathway and PKC cause inhibition of the basal NF-κB activity and the 5-HT1A-R-linked NF-κB activation does not require MAPK, PKC, and cAMP. Intriguingly, Western blot analysis showed that 5-HT1A-R mediates activation of both CaMKII and PI-3K. This 5-HT1A-R-evoked the stimulation of CaMKII was reversed in the presence of a PI-3K inhibitor. Therefore, the likely mechanism of 5-HT1A-R mediated induction of NF-κB in neuronal cells involves activation of PI-3K upstream of CaMKII. This reveals a novel pathway that could be crucial in the functional activity of brain neurons.