cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
No-discharge atmospheric pressure chemical ionization: evaluation and application to the analysis of animal drug residues in complex matrices.

Alternative ionization methods are increasingly being utilized to increase the versatility and selectivity of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). One such technique is the practice of using commercially available atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources with the corona discharge turned off, a process termed no-discharge APCI (ND-APCI). The relative LC/MS responses for several different classes of veterinary drugs were obtained by using ND-APCI, electrospray ionization (ESI), and APCI. While the ND-APCI-MS and -MSn spectra for these compounds were comparable with ESI, ND-APCI provided advantages in sensitivity and selectivity for some compounds. Drugs that were charged in solution as cations or sodium adducts responded particularly well with this technique. Instrumental parameters such as temperatures, gas and liquid flow rates, and source design were investigated to determine their effect on the process of ND-APCI. This paper explores advantages of using ND-APCI for the determination and confirmation of drug residues that might be found in food matrices, including malachite green residues in fish tissue and avermectin residues in milk. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Genetic Programming Approach to Network Management Regulation

Although next-generation information network infrastructure is prerequisite for continued economic growth, the United States is falling behind in this area relative to many other countries. Businesses and regulators have grown concerned that the U.S. lacks the correct regulatory and business incentives to upgrade its network. Due to the complex and dynamic nature of this problem, traditional analytic tools have proven inadequate. This paper discusses a Genetic Programming (GP) approach to the problem. Although only a first step towards addressing the problem, the GP discovered several interesting results stemming from the complex interactions. For example, telecommunications companies would actually be hurt by the option to charge discriminatory prices but application providers would benefit.
Software reuse myths

Reusing software is a simple, straightforward concept that has appealed to programmers since the first stored-program computer was created. Unfortunately, software reuse has not evolved beyond its most primitive forms of subroutine libraries and brute force program modification. This paper analyzes nine commonly believed software reuse myths. These myths reveal certain technical, organizational, and psychological software engineering research issues and trends.
Anatomic considerations of transclavicular-transcoracoid drilling for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction.

Hypothesis Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries vary in severity and damage to the AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. We hypothesized that transclavicular-transcoracoid drilling techniques, which allow for arthroscopic passage and fixation of tendon grafts in bone sockets to replace the insufficient conoid and trapezoid ligaments, cannot restore the footprints of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments without significant risk of cortical breach and coracoid fracture. Materials and methods Data from a prospective computed tomography shoulder registry were used to create 23 distinct shoulders. Three-dimensional models were constructed the shoulders in which virtual CC ligament reconstruction tunnels were superimposed using previously described anatomic distances and landmarks. Results Transclavicular-transcoracoid techniques resulted in mean remaining medial and lateral wall thicknesses before cortical breach of 7.3 ± 1.7 and 7.0 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The distance from the entry point of this tunnel from the anatomic midpoint of the CC ligaments was 9.9 ± 2.2 mm. Attempts to recapitulate the CC ligament anatomy by using anatomic distances and landmarks with transcoracoid, transclavicular techniques resulted in medial cortical breach of the coracoid in 91.3% of the shoulders. Conclusion Transclavicular-transcoracoid reconstructive techniques cannot restore the footprints of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments without significant risk of cortical breach and fracture. Attempts to correct this nonanatomic configuration by creating a tunnel based on the anatomic footprints results in a nearly universal medial cortical breach of the coracoid process.
Macrophage secretory products and sperm zona pellucida binding

OBJECTIVE: To determine if exposure of human gametes to macrophage secretory products reduces sperm binding to the zona pellucida, and to determine which cytokine(s) may be responsible for this effect. METHODS: A human macrophage cell line was cultured and either activated with lipopolysaccharide for 2 hours and then washed or left unactivated. Culture-conditioned media from activated or unactivated cells was used in hemizona assay. Hemizonae were incubated with sperm suspended in culture medium from either unactivated macrophages or activated macrophages, with the matching hemizona incubated with sperm suspended in control medium. Matching hemizonae were incubated with sperm suspended in unactivated macrophage medium paired with sperm suspended in activated macrophage culture medium. Conditioned medium from activated macrophages was found to have elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, and transforming growth factor-β, therefore, gametes were also exposed to these cytokines followed by the hemizona assay. After each incubation, the number of sperm tightly bound to the outer surface of each hemizona was determined. RESULTS: Exposure of gametes to activated and unactivated macrophage culture-conditioned media significantly decreases sperm binding to the zona pellucida, with medium from activated macrophages inducing the greatest effect (P < .05). Exposure of sperm to TNF-α significantly impaired sperm binding (P < .05), whereas other cytokines tested had no effect. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that macrophage secretory products in the basal and activated state may be a factor in endometriosis-associated infertility through the interference of sperm binding to the zona pellucida, and that TNF-α is a key cytokine responsible for this effect.
Hemodialysis vascular access construction in the upper extremity: a review

PurposeThis article reviews the conventional vascular access types in the upper extremities for hemodialysis.MethodsWe performed a literature search for autogenous arteriovenous fistula in the upper extremities.ResultsThe upper extremities have four potential sites: radio-cephalic or radio-basilic transposition in the forearm, and brachio-cephalic or brachio-basilic transposition in the upper arm. A pre-operative Duplex ultrasound provides valuable information regarding arterial inflow and venous outflow. The surgical approach to fistula formation and final product depends on vein diameter and length as well as proximal vein patency. The discussion focuses on access outcomes and management of common complications.ConclusionsThe upper extremity arteriovenous fistula is the preferred access for hemodialysis. A number of arteriovenous fistulas can be created in the upper extremities. The Duplex ultrasound identifies suitable arteries and veins for successful arteriovenous hemodialysis fistula creation. Arter...
Correlation between Quick Word Test and Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire B Factor Scores

A correlation of .37 between scores on Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire source trait B and scores on the Quick Word Test of 104 male and 141 female American college students was calculated. It was concluded that Factor B's validity as an individual assessment of intelligence is not supported for this sample of college students.
A new approach for assessing early osteoarthritis in the rat

Several animal models have been developed to investigate osteoarthritis and potential disease-modifying therapeutics. However, early disease data from these models are limited by the resolution of current imaging modalities. In this in-vitro study, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with an axial resolution of 15 µm was used to track sequential changes in osteoarthritic rat knees. Osteoarthritis was induced via transection of the medial collateral ligament and an artificial full thickness meniscal tear. Imaging occurred at one, two, and three weeks after surgery. OCT successfully detected early signs of osteoarthritic change, including alteration of the cartilage surface and disruption of the bone–cartilage interface. This study demonstrates that OCT, along with the induction of mechanical injury, provides an excellent model for monitoring the sequential changes of osteoarthritis.
Splicing up Pluripotency

In this issue of Cell, Gabut and colleagues (2011) identify a new splice variant of FOXP1 that directly regulates the expression of pluripotency genes. It endows human embryonic stem cells with their pluripotent nature and is required for the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells.
MRI-guided cryoablation: In vivo assessment of focal canine prostate cryolesions.

Purpose To analyze the appearance of acute and chronic canine prostate cryolesions on T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare them with contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI and histology for a variety of freezing protocols. Materials and Methods Three different freezing protocols were used in canine prostate cryoablation experiments. Six acute and seven chronic (survival times ranging between 4–53 days) experiments were performed. The change in T2w signal intensity was correlated with freezing protocol parameters. The lesion area on T2w MRI was compared to CE-MRI. Histopathologic evaluation of the cryolesions was performed and visually compared to the appearance on MRI. Results The T2w signal increased from pre- to postfreeze at the site of the cryolesion, and the enhancement was higher for smaller freeze area and duration. The T2w lesion area was between the CE nonperfused area and the hyperenhancing CE rim. The appearance of the lesion on T1w and T2w imaging over time correlated with outcome on pathology. Conclusion T1w and T2w MRI can potentially be used to assess cryolesions and to monitor tissue response over time following cryoablation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:169–176. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Technological diffusion: European experience to 1850

This paper considers the diffusion of British technology to the Continent, especially France and Prussia, during the industrial revolution. Particular attention is paid to the various transmission mechanisms and to differences in the speed of diffusion. It is shown that the economic growth of a country and its absorption of foreign technology tends to follow a logistic curve. This suggests that linear and purely economic explanations of technological transmission may be inadequate.
Using movies to analyse gene circuit dynamics in single cells

Many bacterial systems rely on dynamic genetic circuits to control crucial biological processes. A major goal of systems biology is to understand these behaviours in terms of individual genes and their interactions. However, traditional techniques based on population averages 'wash out' crucial dynamics that are either unsynchronized between cells or are driven by fluctuations, or 'noise', in cellular components. Recently, the combination of time-lapse microscopy, quantitative image analysis and fluorescent protein reporters has enabled direct observation of multiple cellular components over time in individual cells. In conjunction with mathematical modelling, these techniques are now providing powerful insights into genetic circuit behaviour in diverse microbial systems.
Sniffing and motivated behavior in the rat.

Abstract The effect of rewarding brain stimulation on inspiration rate in the rat was investigated using a temporal conditioning and a fixed-interval lever-pressing procedure. In early temporal conditioning trials, inspiration frequency was most pronounced following brain stimulation. With conditioning, inspiration frequency became most pronounced preceding brain stimulation. Inspiration frequency in the sniffing range remained part of the unconditional response to rewarding brain stimulation throughout both experiments of this study. In the fixed-interval procedure, inspiration frequency increased just prior to the first lever-press of an interval, and continued to increase until reinforcement was delivered. These results suggest that measurement of respiration/sniffing frequency may have relevance to classical conditioning interpretations of motivated behavior.
Distribution of size-fractionated particulate trace metals collected by bottles and in-situ pumps in the Gulf of Maine–Scotian Shelf and Labrador Sea

Abstract The distribution of size-fractionated particulate trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, V, and Co) was investigated in the Gulf of Maine–Scotian Shelf and Labrador Sea by collection of particulate matter using water bottles (Go-flo) and large volume in-situ pumps (Challenger Oceanic Systems and Services). Trace metal procedural filter blanks for Poretics membrane filters (0.4- and 10 μm pore size) and Nitex screens (53 μm mesh size) were sufficiently low that metal concentrations could be measured reliably. These results validate the use of Challenger Oceanics Systems and Services in-situ pumps for collection of particulate trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, V, and Co) in shelf, slope, and open ocean Atlantic waters. In the Gulf of Maine–Scotian Shelf and Labrador Sea, trace metal concentrations per volume filtered generally decrease with increasing particle size for all metals. In the upper 250 m of slope waters of the Gulf of Maine–Scotian Shelf and in the Labrador Sea, trace metal concentrations in all particle sizes are lower than in shelf waters. Higher particulate metal concentrations in shelf waters are consistent with an increase in the supply of these trace metals with proximity to continental sources. In addition, an increase in particulate trace metal concentrations in shelf waters with depth is attributed to an input from resuspended sediment.
ES Cell-derived Neuroepithelial Cell Cultures

ES cells have the potential to differentiate into cells from all germ layers, which makes them an attractive tool for the development of new therapies. In general, the differentiation of ES cells follows the concept to first generate immature progenitor cells, which then can be propagated and differentiated into mature cellular phenotypes. This also applies for ES cell-derived neurogenesis, in which the development of neural cells follows two major steps: First, the derivation and expansion of immature neuroepithelial precursors and second, their differentiation into mature neural cells. A common method to produce neural progenitors from ES cells is based on embryoid body (EB) formation, which reveals the differentiation of cells from all germ layers including neuroectoderm. An alternative and more efficient method to induce neuroepithelial cell development uses stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA), which can be achieved by co-culturing ES cells with skull bone marrow-derived stromal cells (1). Both, EB formation and SDIA, reveal the development of rosette-like structures, which are thought to resemble neural tube- and/or neural crest-like progenitors. The neural precursors can be isolated, expanded and further differentiated into specific neurons and glia cells using defined culture conditions. Here, we describe the generation and isolation of such rosettes in co-culture experiments with the stromal cell line MS5 (2-5).
Against the Asymmetric Convergence Model of Public Justification

Compared to standard liberal approaches to public reason and justification, the asymmetric convergence model of public justification allows for the public justification of laws and policies based on a convergence of quite different and even publicly inaccessible reasons. The model is asymmetrical in the sense of identifying a broader range of reasons that may function as decisive defeaters of proposed laws and policies. This paper raises several critical questions about the asymmetric convergence model and its central but ambiguous presumption against coercion. By drawing on the theory of structural coercion, a main conclusion of the paper is that the asymmetric convergence model ultimately encounters the very incompleteness problems that its proponents often associate with more familiar consensus models of public justification. The paper also develops an alternative, Rawlsian-inspired account of public justification that includes elements of both convergence and consensus but not asymmetry. The Rawlsian model enables us to understand how democratic decisions may possess a degree of procedural, but still morally significant, liberal legitimacy under conditions of pluralism even when citizens fail to agree fully about either the premises of or conclusions to their political arguments.
Allosteric modulation of dopamine D2 receptors by homocysteine.

The present study demonstrates that homocysteine exerts an allosteric modulation of dopamine D2 receptors, reducing the affinity of D2 receptors for agonists but not for antagonists. With mass spectrometry techniques it is shown that, by means of an arginine (Arg)−thiol electrostatic interaction, homocysteine forms noncovalent complexes with the two Arg-rich epitopes of the third intracellular loop of the D2 receptor, one of them involved in adenosine A2A−dopamine D2 receptor heteromerization.
Strength measurement of optical fibers by bending

A two-point bending technique has been used not only to measure the breaking stress of optical fiber but also to predict its static and dynamic fatigue. The present theory of this test is based on elastica theory of rod. However, within the limits of elastica theory the tensile and shear stresses cannot be determined. In this paper we study dynamic and static problems for optical fiber in the two- point bending test on the base of geometrically exact theory in which rod can suffer flexure, extension, and shear. We obtain the governing partial differential equations taking into account the fact that the lateral motion of the fiber is restrained by the presence of flat parallel plates. We develop the computational methods for solving the initial and equilibrium free-boundary nonlinear planar problems. We derive the formulas for predicting of the tensile strength from strength in the bending and calculate one example.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Monaco: fundamentals of molecular nano-communication networks

This article presents a branch of research where the use of molecules to encode and transmit information among nanoscale devices (nanomachines) is investigated as a bio-inspired viable solution to realize nano-communication networks. Unlike traditional technologies, molecular communication is a radically new paradigm, which demands novel solutions, including the identification of naturally existing molecular communication mechanisms, the establishment of the foundations of a molecular information theory, or the development of architectures and networking protocols for nanomachines. The tight connection of this cutting edge engineering research field with biology will ultimately enable both the bio-inspired study of molecular nanonetwork architectures and their realization with tools already available in nature. The testbed described in this article, which is based on a microfluidic device hosting intercommunicating populations of genetically engineered bacteria, is a clear example of this research direction.
TRAIL, Bim, and thymic-negative selection.

Negative selection is a process whereby autoreactive lymphocytes are deleted through apoptosis. Negative selection is essential for self-tolerance and its breakdown may lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. Although the phenomenon of negative selection is well-recognized, its underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Recent studies using gene-knockout mice have provided new insights into the mechanisms of negative selection. In this review, we discuss the newly discovered roles of TRAIL and Bim in negative selection. Our main focus will be on T cells and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Social Science Implications of Agricultural Science and Technology: Discussion

issue by saying they are both important and they interact with one another in the growth process? Are there other considerations equally important in explaining agricultural growth, considerations such as growth in domestic and foreign agricultural markets; increases in the availability of natural resources, human capital, and purchased farm inputs; or factors affecting the regional location of agricultural enterprises? We seem to have lost our knack for building and rebuilding suitable institutional arrangements. We are having a crisis of what Mancur Olsen has called "institutional arthritis." It was not always so. Adam Smith referred to the limit to growth which is set by the "laws and institutions" of a country. He emphasized the importance of "order and good government" and noted that capitalistic institutions promoted technological advance. John Stuart Mill listed several institutional changes which he considered characteristic of economic progress: a continual increase of the security of person and property, adoption by the people of the qualities we call "industry" and "frugality", an improvement in the business capacities of humankind, and the capacity for cooperation. He also listed several good reasons why institutional intervention is needed to correct the social ills caused by the marketplace. Karl Marx noted the interplay between technological advance and institutional change. He was concerned with the unprecedented increase in productivity under capitalism, and he concluded that the capitalistic institution provided strong incentives for technological advance.
Der Einfluss von Produktwerbung und Produktproben auf das Kaufverhalten

Die Frage, ob das Werbebudget fur neue Konsumguter nur fur klassische Werbung oder auch fur Consumer Promotions ausgegeben werden soll, wird haufig thematisiert. In einem in der Marketingforschung etablierten Werbewirkungsmodell, welches Smith/Swinyard entwickelten, wird angenommen, beide Masnahmen seien erforderlich, damit Konsumenten stabile uberzeugungen gegenuber neuen Konsumgutern entwickeln. Daran lasst sich jedoch kritisieren, dass der Gultigkeitsbereich dieses Modells auf die Guter eingeschrankt ist, deren wichtige Merkmale so genannte Erfahrungseigenschaften sind, und eine eigene Erfahrung eventuell auch durch eine positive Empfehlung von glaubwurdiger dritter Seite substituiert werden kann. In diesem Beitrag wird zunachst das Modell von Smith/Swinyard erlautert. Anschliesend wird in drei empirischen Studien untersucht, inwieweit die Relevanz von Werbung bzw. von Produktproben zur Bildung von stabilen Einstellungen seitens der Konsumenten davon abhangt, ob die wichtigen Produkteigenschaften entweder Sucheigenschaften oder Erfahrungseigenschaften oder Vertrauenseigenschaften darstellen.
Effect of Grafting Methodology of Nano-Particle Reinforcement on the Performance of Structural Hybrid Composite

Inclusion of nano-sized alumina by the surface treatment of S2 fiberglass (fiber modification) or ultrasonically exfoliated in epoxy resin system (resin modification) has been shown to provide epoxy-fiberglass hybrid composite systems with changes in their mechanical/ damage behavior under static tensile loading conditions. Integration of alumina nano-particles in epoxy-S2 fiberglass to form hybrid composites has not only shown improvements in the material properties, but also changes in the failure mechanism of the material system. This phenomenon is influenced by the changes in constituent interaction and its load transfer mechanism. In the processing of these hybrids composite systems, alumina nano-particles (sized at 110nm) are functionalized and grafted into epoxy composite material system during material processing via resin solution treatment and fabric surface treatment. These alumina embedding methodologies to form hybrid composites employed are the resin modification and fiber modification in conjunction with the conventional vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process for the manufacture of composite laminates. The chemical bonding and adhesion between the inorganic alumina and the organic resin is also enhanced via the functional treatment of the alumina particles with a coupling agent in the form of tris-2-methyoxyethoxy vinylsilane- T2MEVS (silane coupling agent). Processing methodologies are used to fabricate particulate reinforcement for various (<5%wt) compositions. Performance evaluation is carried to study the effect of the nano-particulate alumina on mechanical properties. Thermo-physical properties changes caused by particulate inclusion in hybrid material matrix phase are studied via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and are also discussed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Treatment of prolymphocytic leukemia

Prolymphocytic leukemia is characterized by marked splenomegaly, distinctive cellular morphologic characteristics, and a poor clinical course. Five patients with typical PL were treated systematically with vincristine/prednisone, chlorambucil/prednisone, splenic irradiation, splenectomy, and other chemotherapy regimens. No patient responded to vincristine/prednisone. Two patients responded to chlorambucil/prednisone, and four patients had brief responses to splenic irradiation. Two patients underwent splenectomy, one of whom had a prolonged clinical remission. There were no complete remissions. No other chemotherapy combinations were of value. The median survival was 33 months. Recommendations are made to use chlorambucil/prednisone or splenic irradiation as initial treatment. Splenectomy should be considered in patients refractory to these modalities. The course of PL may be more protracted than originally reported.
Long-term Results of Pulmonary Resection for Atypical Mycobacterial Disease

From 1967 through 1981, 40 pulmonary resections were performed in 37 patients with Mycobacterium intracellulare infection. The patients ranged in age from 24 to 67 years, and 86% were men. Smoking and alcohol abuse seemed to be predisposing factors. Localized atypical mycobacterial infection unresponsive to chemotherapy was the operative indication for 38 of the 40 resections. All patients had cavitary disease. Mean length of preoperative drug treatment was 22 weeks. Sensitivity studies showed a very high incidence of in vitro drug resistance. Twenty-five patients were converted to sputum-negative status preoperatively; however, 23 of these had positive smears or cultures from their resected specimens. Resections performed included upper lobectomy in 31 patients, upper and middle lobectomy in 2 patients, upper lobectomy plus superior segmentectomy in 3, left completion pneumonectomy in 2, and wedge resection in 2. Two patients underwent staged bilateral upper lobectomies. There were no perioperative deaths. Complete follow-up in 33 patients (mean, 94 months) revealed only two reactivations at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. One of these patients is well following completion pneumonectomy 9 years after his first operation; the second patient responded to reinstitution of three-drug chemotherapy and is well 5 years later. Thirty-one patients have remained entirely free of disease. Excisional surgery remains the treatment of choice for localized M. intracellulare pulmonary infection.
Hawking radiation in an inflationary universe

Abstract We construct a spacetime which models the “rolling phase” of a Linde-Guth scenario. Although the spacetime has neither the special symmetries, nor the event horizons, of de Sitter space, we show it does have de Sitter-like Hawking radiation. This Hawking temperature necessitates modifying the use of the finite temperature effective potential in the proposed scenarios.
Two-Dimensional ESEEM Spectroscopy of Nitrogen Hyperfine Couplings in Methemerythrin and Azidomethemerythrin

The application of a two-dimensional ESEEM spectroscopy, known as HYSCORE, to the study of the hyperfine couplings from the nitrogens of histidine and azide ligands in mixed-valent states of methemerythrin and azidomethemerythrin produced by low-temperature (77 K) γ-irradiation is described. The HYSCORE spectra contain groups of well-separated cross-peaks from directly coordinated and remote histidine nitrogens, and from nitrogens of the azide ligand. The observation of cross-features correlating double-quantum transitions allows direct estimation of the hyperfine couplings from all coordinated histidine nitrogens of semimethemerythrin which vary between 5 and 15 MHz as well as their changes upon azide binding. The results obtained show that two-dimensional spectroscopy provides significantly more information compared to one-dimensional techniques for the characterization of the paramagnetic centers involving large numbers of magnetically nonequivalent nuclei. This work forms the basis for the application...
Efficacy of a 3‐Substituted Versus 17‐Substituted Chemical Delivery System for Estradiol Brain Targeting

Abstract Brain‐targeted delivery of estrogens has been achieved by a chemical delivery system (CDS) in which a molecular targetor (1‐methyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinate) was attached to the 17‐alcohol of estradiol. Optimization of this effect was attempted with the isomeric 3‐phenol ester. Estradiol 3‐nicotinate was prepared with nicotinic anhydride, which selectively acylated the phenol position. Methylation and reduction gave estradiol 3‐(1‐methyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinate) of the 3‐E2‐CDS. Theoretical and electrochemical investigation indicated that the 3‐E2‐CDS was more stable to oxidation than was the prototype 17‐ester (17‐E2‐CDS). Systemic administration of the 17‐E2‐CDS produced high levels of the corresponding quaternary salt in the brain of rats, which disappeared with an estimated half‐life of > 2 days, but 3‐E2‐CDS dosing resulted in no significant quatemary salt trapping. Pharmacological activity was potent and sustained after 17‐E2‐CDS dosing but transient after 3‐E2‐CDS administration. Thus, the 3‐E2‐CDS reduced the rate of weight gain in male rats but to a lesser extent and for a shorter duration than did the 17‐E2‐CDS. Similar effects were seen on pituitary hypertrophy, reduction in serum androgen concentrations, and involution of prostate and seminal vesicles. The results of these studies suggest that placement of the targeting ester at the phenol position increases dihydropyridine stability but, at the same time, reduces brain sequestration.
Comparison of approaches based on optimization and algebraic iteration for binary tomography

Binary tomography represents a special category of tomographic problems, in which only two values are possible for the sought image pixels. The binary nature of the problems can potentially lead to a significant reduction in the number of view angles required for a satisfactory reconstruction, thusly enabling many interesting applications. However, the limited view angles result in a severely underdetermined system of equations, which is challenging to solve. Various approaches have been proposed to address such a challenge, and two categories of approaches include those based on optimization and those based on algebraic iteration. However, the relative strengths, limitations, and applicable ranges of these approaches have not been clearly defined in the past. Therefore, it is the main objective of this work to conduct a systematic comparison of approaches from each category. This comparison suggested that the approaches based on algebraic iteration offered both superior reconstruction fidelity and computation efficiency at low (two or three) view angles, and these advantages diminished at high view angles. Meanwhile, this work also investigated the application of regularization techniques, the selection of optimal regularization parameter, and the use of a local search technique for binary problems. We expect the results and conclusions reported in this work to provide valuable guidance for the design and development of algorithms for binary tomography problems.
The quiescent center in roots of maize: initiation, maintenance and role in organization of the root apical meristem

Using roots of maize, we tested the hypothesis that the origin and maintenance of the quiescent center (QC) are a consequence of polar auxin supply. Exposing roots to the polar auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), or to low temperature (4 °C, with subsequent return to 24 °C), enhances mitotic frequency within the QC. In both treatments, the QC most typically is activated at its distal face, and the protoderm/dermatogen undergoes several periclinal divisions. As a result, the root body penetrates and ruptures the root cap junction and the characteristic “closed” apical organization changes to “open”. A QC persists during these changes in apical organization, but it is diminished in size. The data from the TIBA-treated roots suggest a role for auxin in the origin and maintenance of the QC, and further, that alterations in QC dimensions are a consequence of polar auxin supply. We hypothesize that the root cap, and specifically the root cap initials, are important in regulating polar auxin movements towards the root apex, and hence are important in determining the status of the QC.
Synthesis of metal complex hydrides for hydrogen storage

A new procedure for the direct synthesis of metal complex hydrides, NaAlH4 and LiAlH4, has been developed through hydrogenation of their respective metal hydrides, NaH and LiH, with Al, both in the presence of a catalyst and in the presence of a liquid complexing agent. This procedure involves three steps: blending the TiCl3 catalyst precursor with reactants using dry high-pressure ball milling (HPBM) in hydrogen, hydrogenation using HPBM in hydrogen and tetrahydrofuran (THF), and vacuum filtration and drying. Essentially, pure NaAlH4 and LiAlH4 products were produced in high yield at ambient temperature and near ambient pressure. For the Na and Li systems, the Ti nanoparticles, stabilized in THF, together with the formation of a MAlH4·xTHF adduct (M = Na or Li), both facilitated the hydrogenation of MH at such mild conditions. For the Na system, x was equal to 4 or 8, but the interaction was very weak, and for the Li system, x was equal to 4, but the interaction was very strong. In general, THF, the Ti ...
Transient photodecay measurements as a probe of the density of localized states in amorphous semiconductors

Abstract We show that structure in the density of localized states of an amorphous semiconductor beyond the apparently ubiquitous exponential band tails yield deviations from the usual power-law decay of the photocurrent, i(t) ∝ tα−1, which can be described analytically. With our expression, dispersive-transport results can be deconvoluted to provide a spectroscopy of the localized-state distribution when well-defined defect centers and band tails are simultaneously present.
Citation analysis for collection development: A study of international relations journal literature

By examining citations in international relations journal articles published between 2000 and 2005, this study reveals that international relations scholars more heavily rely on books rather than on journals. Less than 2% of the citations are from electronic resources. Materials in foreign languages are utilized insignificantly, with English language citations dominating the research literature. The analysis of subject scatter details the main disciplines that are associated with international relations research. Qualitative scholars cite a higher proportion of monographic literature, while quantitative scholars display a higher journal citation rate.
Future directions in data mining: streams, networks, self-similarity and power laws

How to spot abnormalities in a stream of temperature data from a sensor? Or from a network of sensors? How does the Internet look like? Are there 'abnormal' sub-graphs in a given social network, possibly indicating, e.g., money-laundering rings?We present some recent work and list many remaining challenges for these two fascinating issues in data mining, namely, streams and networks. Streams appear in numerous settings, in the form of, e.g., temperature readings, road traffic data, series of video frames for surveillance, patient physiological data. In all these settings, we want to equip the sensors with nimble, but powerful enough algorithms to look for patterns and abnormalities,(a) on a semi-infinite stream,(b) using finite memory, and (c) without human intervention.For networks, the applications are also numerous: social networks recording who knows/calls/emails whom; the Internet itself, as well as the Web, with routers and links, or pages and hyper-links; the genes and how they are related; customers and products they buy. In fact, any "many-to-many" database relationship eventually leads to a graph/network. In all these settings we want to find patterns and 'abnormalities'; the most central/important nodes; we also want to predict how the network will evolve; and we want to tackle huge graphs, with millions or billions of nodes and edges.As a promising direction towards these problems, we present some surprising tools from the theory of fractals, self-similarity and power laws. We show how the 'intrinsic' or 'fractal' dimension can help us find patterns, when traditional tools and assumptions fail. We show that self-similarity and power laws models work well in an impressive variety of settings, including real, bursty disk and web traffic; skewed distributions of click-streams; and multiple, real Internet graphs.
Methods for aligning and for averaging 3D volumes with missing data

The visibility and resolution of a tomographic reconstruction containing multiple copies of discrete particles can be enhanced by averaging subtomograms after they are corrected aligned. However, the "missing wedge" in electron tomography can easily lead to erroneous alignment. We have explored a Fourier space cross-correlation method with a proper weighting scheme to align and average different sets of volumetric data, each of which has different missing data due to the limited specimen tilts. This approach depends neither on a preexisting template, nor an exact knowledge of the geometry, orientation, or amount of the missing data. This paper introduces a procedure where the missing data might be gradually "filled in" by consecutively aligning and averaging volumes with different orientations of their missing data. We have validated these techniques by a set of simulated data with various symmetries and extent of missing data. We have also successfully applied these procedures to experimental cryo-electron tomographic data [Chang, J.T., Schmid, M.F., Rixon, F.J., and Chiu, W., 2007. Electron cryotomography reveals the portal in the herpesvirus capsid. J. Virol. 81, 2065-2068; Schmid, M.F., Paredes, A.M., Khant, H.A., Soyer, F., Aldrich, H.C., Chiu, W., and Shively, J.M., 2006. Structure of Halothiobacillus neapolitanus carboxysomes by cryo-electron tomography. J. Mol. Biol. 364, 526-535].
Virotherapy targeting cyclin E overexpression in tumors with adenovirus-enhanced cancer-selective promoter

Oncolytic virotherapy can selectively destroy cancer cells and is a potential approach in cancer treatment. A strategy to increase tumor-specific selectivity is to control the expression of a key regulatory viral gene with a tumor-specific promoter. We have previously found that cyclin E expression is augmented in cancer cells after adenovirus (Ad) infection. Thus, the cyclin E promoter that is further activated by Ad in cancer cells may have unique properties for enhancing oncolytic viral replication. We have shown that high levels of viral E1a gene expression are achieved in cancer cells infected with Ad-cycE, in which the endogenous Ad E1a promoter was replaced with the cyclin E promoter. Ad-cycE shows markedly selective oncolytic efficacy in vitro and destroys various types of cancer cells, including those resistant to ONYX-015/dl1520. Furthermore, Ad-cycE shows a strong capacity to repress A549 xenograft tumor growth in nude mice and significantly prolongs survival. This study suggests the potential of Ad-cycE in cancer therapy and indicates the advantages of using promoters that can be upregulated by virus infection in cancer cells in development of oncolytic viruses.
Perceived familiarity or factual knowledge? Comparing operationalizations of scientific understanding

This study compares two frequently used operationalizations of understanding: factual knowledge and perceived familiarity. The authors argue that these measurements--which have been used interchangeably in past research--are conceptually distinct and should be treated as such. Using hierarchical linear ordinary least squares regression, this study provides evidence that factual knowledge and perceived familiarity are only slightly correlated and are influenced differently by predicting variables, such as media use and cognitive processing variables. As a result, the use of these measures may result in different assessments of the levels of public understanding, which has important implications for future policy decisions. Copyright The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com, Oxford University Press.
Stratigraphic analysis of the distributary fan in Eberswalde crater using stereo imagery

The eroded remains of a fluvial distributary network in Eberswalde crater are uniquely well preserved among similar structures on Mars. A quantitative analysis of the exposed stratigraphy has been performed to investigate the internal structure of the deposit. Using topographic information derived from stereo pairs of high-resolution Mars Orbiter Camera images, we have for the first time quantified the orientation of individual layers exposed along the distal end of the distributary network. In combination with topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, we have examined plausible scenarios for the formation of this structure. We find that the evidence is inconsistent with formation both as an alluvial fan and as a progradational delta. Instead, we find that an aggradational delta best fits the observed characteristics of the channel network and the Eberswalde basin as a whole. We conclude that the delta likely formed not in a stable long-lived lake but over the course of a small number of shorter lacustrine episodes, which were not sustained at equilibrium conditions.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH OF AEROBACTER AEROGENES BY SODIUM CHLORIDE.

SODIUM chloride is usually added to a culture medium to make the medium isotonic, so that any blood added as an enrichment is not haemolysed. It is conceivable that any specific requirements a non-marine bacterium might possess for the Na+ or the Cl− ion is so small it can be supplied by the culture medium itself. Thus, the addition of sodium chloride, at a concentration of 0.5 per cent (w/v), to any medium intended for the growth of non-marine bacteria seems arbitrary unless it has previously been shown to be necessary to promote optimal growth or to demonstrate some particular metabolic activity (for example, haemolysis).
Efficacy of gemcitabine conjugated and miRNA-205 complexed micelles for treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Clinical effectiveness of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer is hindered due to its rapid plasma metabolism and development of chemo-resistance. We have previously delineated the significant role of miRNAs in mediating the growth and proliferation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) which in turn result in chemo-resistance, invasion and metastasis. Here, we designed self-assembling, gemcitabine conjugated cationic copolymers for co-delivery of a tumor suppressor miRNA-205 (miR-205) and evaluated their in vivo efficacy in a pancreatic cancer ectopic tumor model developed using gemcitabine resistant MIA PaCa-2(R) cells. Combination formulations showed mean a particle size of 10% w/w, exhibited miRNA complexation at N/P ratio of 4/1, sustained release of gemcitabine for >10 days, transfection efficiency of >90%, extended miRNA and drug stability in serum. Functional assays in gemcitabine resistant MIA PaCa-2(R) and CAPAN-1(R) pancreatic cancer cells revealed that the combination formulations effectively reversed chemo-resistance, invasion and migration. In pancreatic tumor model, the combination formulation treated group showed significant inhibition of tumor growth. Immuno-hiostochemical analysis revealed decreased tumor cell proliferation with increased apoptosis in the animals treated with miR-205 and gemcitabine combination.
Protein kinase C inhibitors counteract the ethanol effects on myelin basic protein expression in differentiating CG-4 oligodendrocytes

Abstract Abnormal formation of myelin appears to be one defect contributing to the development of the neuropathology associated with the fetal alcohol syndrome. Using the CG-4 cell line we previously showed that 25–75 mM EtOH downregulates the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in differentiating oligodendrocytes (OLGs) without affecting morphological development (Dev. Brain Res. 128 (2001) 9). Here we showed that a relatively low concentration of 12-phorbol-13-myristate acetate (PMA) mimicked the EtOH-caused inhibition of MBP expression without affecting morphology. The inhibition of MBP expression by 100 mM EtOH or 1 nM PMA was completely counteracted by three inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), bisindolylmaleimide I, chelerythrine chloride, and calphostin C, indicating that EtOH downregulated MBP expression by activating PKC. We investigated whether the EtOH activation resulted, in part, from upregulation of the expression of PKC isozymes. Of 11 PKC isozymes examined, CG-4 OLGs expressed nine; PKCs α, β1, β2; δ, e, η; λ, ζ; μ; while PKC isozymes γ and θ were not detected. Only five PKC isozymes, α, β1, β2, η, and μ, displayed developmental changes in expression. However, EtOH did not upregulate the early expression of any PKC isozyme during the first 2 days of differentiation, the developmental stage when it downregulates MBP expression in CG-4 cells. The similar effects of PMA and EtOH indicate that EtOH delays MBP expression by activating at least one phorbol ester-sensitive PKC isozyme in oligodendrocytes without upregulating its expression.
Investments, financial structure and imperfect financial markets: An intertemporal discrete-time framework

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of simultaneity between the firm's investments and financial structure in the context of dynamic optimization where the process of information spreading that associates the profitability of the firm to its share price only takes part gradually, due to market imperfections and diverging incentives between shareholders and managers. In particular, the latter are assumed to hold the control of the firm and decide upon the allocation of its cash-flow. This creates a link between cash-flow and rate of discount of profits, generating a ‘financial channel of transmission’ of the real shocks.
Molecular Cloning and Sequence Analysis of the Porcine Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-5 Complementary Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract We report here for the first time the isolation of a cDNA clone containing the open reading frame sequence for porcine insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (pIGFBP-5) and the complete deduced amino acid sequence for this porcine IGFBP. The cDNA sequence shares 94%, 90% and 91% identity to its human, mouse and rat counterparts, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence consists of 252 amino acids and a putative 19 amino acid signal and shares 97%, 96% and 96% identity to the human, mouse and rat peptides, respectively. The mature peptide contains the 18 conserved cysteines found in all of the IGFBPs. Northernblot analysis of total RNA isolated from porcine heart, muscle and spleen using a 315 base pair cDNA insert derived from the pIGFBP-5 open reading frame sequence revealed a single mRNA transcript of 6.0 kilobases.