cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Spanish in the United States in the digital age: Strategies and approaches on teaching Spanish in online and hybrid classes

Les tecnologies virtuals son omnipresents a la vida quotidiana i han esdevingut imprescindibles, tant a les classes online com presencials. A les institucions universitaries dels Estats Units, les plataformes virtuals s’utilitzen cada vegada mes amb alumnes de diferents perfils que estudien espanyol com a llengua estrangera. En aquest context, proposem una aproximacio a l’ensenyament de la gramatica –en espais virtuals– que te en compte els objectius comunicatius establerts en el pla d’estudis. Els metodes i les estrategies que plantegem ofereixen un curs de llengua atractiu que permet als estudiants aprendre i practicar un idioma a distancia. Com a pro-fessors d'espanyol que ensenyem en nivells inicial i intermedi de dues universitats diferents, compartirem algunes estrategies per ensenyar gramatica utilitzant exemples concrets de les nos-tres classes. Aixi mateix, presentarem els resultats que mostren algunes mesures eficaces per ensenyar la gramatica de l’espanyol en un context virtual.
Bounds for the stalks of perverse sheaves in characteristic p and a conjecture of Shende and Tsimerman

We prove a characteristic p analogue of a result of Massey which bounds the dimensions of the stalks of a perverse sheaf in terms of certain intersection multiplicities of the characteristic cycle of that sheaf. This uses the construction of the characteristic cycle of a perverse sheaf in characteristic p by Saito. We apply this to prove a conjecture of Shende and Tsimerman on the Betti numbers of the intersections of two translates of theta loci in a hyperelliptic Jacobian. This implies a function field analogue of the Michel–Venkatesh mixing conjecture about the equidistribution of CM points on a product of two modular curves.
Viscosity spectral functions of the dilute Fermi gas in kinetic theory

We compute the viscosity spectral function of the dilute Fermi gas for different values of the s-wave scattering length a, including the unitarity limit a→∞. We perform the calculation in kinetic theory by studying the response to a non-trivial background metric. We find the expected structure consisting of a diffusive peak in the transverse shear channel and a sound peak in the longitudinal channel. At zero momentum the width of the diffusive peak is ω0(2e)/(3η) where e is the energy density and η is the shear viscosity. At finite momentum the spectral function approaches the collisionless limit and the width is of the order of ω0~k(T/m)1/2.
Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and HIF1α stabilisation alters pluripotency and differentiation/proliferation properties of human-induced pluripotent stem cells.

Background information Wnt/β-catenin signalling, in the microenvironment of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), plays a critical role in their differentiation and proliferation. Contradictory reports on the role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in PSCs self-renewal and differentiation, however, render these mechanisms largely unclear. Results Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) was activated by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), driving the cells into a mesodermal/mesenchymal state, exhibiting proliferative, invasive and anchorage-independent growth properties, where over 70% of cell population became CD 44 (+)/CD133 (+). Wnt/β-catenin signalling activation also altered the metabolic state of hiPSCs from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative metabolism and changed their drug and oxidative stress sensitivities. These effects of GSK3 inhibition were suppressed in HIF1α-stabilised cells. Conclusions Persistent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling endows hiPSCs with proliferative/invasive 'teratoma-like' states, shifting their metabolic dependence and allowing HIF1α-stabilisation to inhibit their proliferative/invasive properties. Significance The hiPSC potential to differentiate into 'teratoma-like' cells suggest that stem cells may exist in two states with differential metabolic and drug dependency.
Courting danger: socially dominant fish adjust their escape behavior and compensate for increased conspicuousness to avian predators

Males of many species display conspicuous colors to attract mates and deter rivals, although this benefit can incur an increased predation risk. In the African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, males can change both their social status (dominant, DOM, or subordinate, SUB) and primary body color (yellow or blue). We hypothesized that these phenotypes vary in conspicuousness to predators and conspecifics, thus establishing a trade-off between intraspecific signaling and predation. We quantified the spectral reflectance of yellow and blue DOM and SUB males. We then constructed avian and conspecific visual receiver models to determine the relative conspicuousness of each phenotype. We show that there are significant differences in conspicuousness to predators and conspecifics, with the flanks of the yellow DOM males exhibiting more spectral contrast to both avian predators and conspecifics than the flanks of blue DOM males. Our measurements of escape behavior revealed that each morph exhibits distinct anti-predatory responses, with SUB males shoaling for protection, and the more conspicuous yellow DOM males executing more escape responses, potentially compensating for their increased conspicuousness. Our results suggest a novel mechanism for the maintenance of alternative male phenotypes in this species, where dynamically enhanced conspicuousness is offset by plastic changes in behavior.
September 11, 2001: then and now.

This article, written by a historian, uses the sequential questioning technique to present a selected historical and statistical overview of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, including: the hijackings; the suicide attacks in New York, Washington, D C, and Pennsylvania; background on Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda; rescue and recovery efforts; and a brief discussion of how the horrors of the day continue to affect the American people a year later. Especially sobering are the dollar costs of the attacks and the projected expenses of U.S. efforts to control the spread of international terrorism (estimated at $640 billion, just through fiscal year 2003). Throughout, the article draws on the experiences of the victims, the rescuers, and the survivors.
Mental Health Informed Educators: Facilitating Student Academic Success.

One in five children experiences a diagnosable mental disorder. However, adolescents have been overlooked in programming and policy responses to mental health issues. Mental health issues contribut...
A novel and practical technique to facilitate lead insertion at the His bundle region

His bundle (HB) pacing techniques are challenging and time-consuming. This is primarily due to the limitations in locating the relatively small area of the HB body for pacing. Permanent HB pacing was performed in 133 consecutive patients with symptomatic bradycardia. A right atrial septo-gram (RAS) was performed in all patients to locate the HB. Briefly, 8–10 cc of contrast was injected through the Medtronic C315HIS delivery sheath while fluoroscopy cine runs were obtained in the RAO 15–20° projection. The images obtained provided the visualization of an approximately 90° angle composed by the medial aspect of the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) anteriorly and the superior aspect of the interatrial septum superiorly. The apex of this angle coincides with the tip of the triangle of Koch (TK), where the HB body is usually located. A Medtronic SelectSecure™ MRI SureScan™ Model 3830 lead was then advanced and directed towards this area. The HB was mapped using pace mapping and unipolar recordings from the lead tip. Localization of the apex of the TK/HB body with the RAS was successful in all patients. The overall acute success of inserting the lead at the HB was 95%. This study demonstrated that our method of utilizing a RAS to facilitate the localization the HB body proved to be safe and efficient in achieving permanent HB pacing with a success rate higher than previously reported.
AAV-PHP.S-mediated delivery of reporters to cranial ganglion sensory neurons

Because of their ease of use and low risk containment, Adeno-Associated Virus vectors are indispensable tools for much of neuroscience. Yet AAVs have been used relatively little to study the identities and connectivity of peripheral sensory neurons because methods to selectively target particular receptive fields or neuron types have been limited. The introduction of the AAVPHP.S capsid with selective tropism for peripheral neurons (Chan et al., 2017) offered a solution, which we further elaborate here. We demonstrate using AAV-PHP.S with GFP or mScarlet reporters, that all cranial sensory ganglia, i.e. for cranial nerves V, VII, IX and X, are targeted. Pseudounipolar neurons of both somatic and visceral origin, but not satellite glia, are efficiently transduced rapidly and express the gene of interest within 1 week of injection. Fluorescent reporter proteins are transported into the central and peripheral axons of these sensory neurons, permitting visualization of terminals at high resolution, and/or in intact, cleared brain using light sheet microscopy. By combining a Cre-dependent reporter with the AAVPHP.S capsid, we confirmed expression in a cell-type dependent manner for both anatomical and targeted functional analyses. The AAV-PHP.S capsid will be a powerful tool for mapping the receptive fields and circuits of molecular subtypes of many somatosensory, gustatory and visceral sensory neurons.
Human Evolution and Christian Ethics

Preface 1. Evolution and religion 2. The indifference of Christian ethics to human evolution 3. Varieties of reductionism 4. Faith, creation and evolution 5. Chance and purpose in evolution 6. Human nature and the human good 7. Freedom and responsibility 8. Human dignity and common descent 9. Christian love and evolutionary altruism 10. The natural roots of morality 11. Natural law in an evolutionary context 12. Sex, marriage and family.
Query Languages in Data Base Systems

This is a considerably shortened version of a survey on query languages /1/ on the background of the users and applications they are designed to serve and the data models and data base systems on which they operate. The query languages discussed include also restricted natural language interfaces to data base systems, as research in this direction has been very active in recent years. A classification of each query language is given after a discussion of functional and user oriented requirements. Results on the evaluation of query languages are presented. The conclusions are drawn (1) that there does not exist a theory of query languages yet, which implies that criteria for comparing them must be more thoroughly defined, and (2) that, since most query languages were designed for non-programmers, more research is required to determine what these users need and to what extent existent or future query languages satisfy these needs. All references can be found in /1/.
Underwater gliders reveal rapid arrival of El Niño effects off California's coast

[1] The 2009–2010 El Nino marked the first occurrence of this climate phenomenon since the initiation of sustained autonomous glider surveillance in the California Current System (CCS). Spray glider observations reveal the subsurface effects of El Nino in the CCS with spatial and temporal resolutions that could not have been obtained practically with any other observational method. Glider observations show that upper ocean waters in the CCS were unusually warm and isopycnals were abnormally deep during the El Nino event, but indicate no anomalous water masses in the region. Observed oceanic anomalies in the CCS are nearly in phase with an equatorial El Nino index and local anomalies of atmospheric forcing. These observations point toward an atmospheric teleconnection as an important mechanism for the 2009–2010 El Nino's remote effect on the midlatitude CCS.
A multimedia teleteaching system using an electronic whiteboard for two-way communication of motion videos and chalkboards

We present a multimedia teleteaching system that integrates an electronic whiteboard with our multimedia conferencing system which supports a motion video and a shared chalkboard. The teleteaching system uses personal computers that contain a motion video CODEC, and transmits data through the ISDN basic interface (128 kbps). An electronic whiteboard is attached to the personal computer for direct input by the teacher and display of that input. With this system, a teacher can use the electronic whiteboard as a real chalkboard. He can directly write test and draw figures in the area of the shared chalkboard by using the pen provided for the electronic whiteboard with a digitizer in it. When the teacher draws something on the shared chalkboard, it is automatically transmitted to the students' site and displayed on their shared chalkboard using the functions of multimedia conferencing system. The teacher's gestures and the contents of the whiteboard are captured by a video camera and transmitted to the students' computer. Conversely, a motion video of the students is transmitted from their site to the teacher's site. >
Urodynamic findings in women with insensible incontinence

Objectives To define the urodynamic study findings among women with insensible urinary incontinence. Methods Women complaining of insensible incontinence who underwent urodynamics at our center were identified. Coexisting symptoms of stress incontinence, urgency incontinence and/or mixed incontinence were recorded. The primary outcome was the urodynamic study finding. Urodynamic stress incontinence, detrusor overactivity incontinence, combination of both or neither (no incontinence) were the possible diagnoses. Results A total of 58% of patients had insensible incontinence alone and 42% had insensible incontinence combined with other urinary incontinence symptoms. Of the patients with insensible incontinence alone, 37% had no incontinence on urodynamics, whereas urodynamic stress incontinence was diagnosed in 52%. Isolated urodynamic stress incontinence was found in 73% of patients with insensible and stress incontinence symptoms. In patients with insensible plus urgency incontinence, isolated detrusor overactivity incontinence and detrusor overactivity incontinence with urodynamic stress incontinence were found in the same percentage of women (40% each). In patients with symptoms including stress urinary incontinence, stress incontinence was the predominant urodynamic finding. Conclusions In patients who have incontinence symptoms in addition to insensible incontinence, these symptoms are highly predictive of urodynamic findings. In particular, women with insensible incontinence, concomitant stress incontinence symptoms are most predictive of urodynamic findings (i.e. urodynamic stress urinary incontinence). In contrast, where insensible incontinence represents the only symptom, urodynamic findings vary widely, with a significant proportion having non-diagnostic studies.
Sample path-based policy-only learning by actor neural networks

This paper highlights a sample-path-based policy-only learning algorithm for regenerative (stochastic) processes proposed by Marbach and Tsitsiklis (1998). The algorithm attempts to optimize a randomized, parameterized policy according to the average cost criteria in conjunction with the so-called infinitesimal perturbation analysis gradient estimation technique. We present our numerical studies, demonstrating this learning algorithm using small-scale problems; in particular, the parametrized policy-only agent is a neural network function approximator in the spirit of neuro-dynamic programming (or reinforcement learning).
Modeled Sea Level Rise Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems at Six Major Estuaries on Florida's Gulf Coast: Implications for Adaptation Planning.

The Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) was applied at six major estuaries along Florida’s Gulf Coast (Pensacola Bay, St. Andrews/Choctawhatchee Bays, Apalachicola Bay, Southern Big Bend, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor) to provide quantitative and spatial information on how coastal ecosystems may change with sea level rise (SLR) and to identify how this information can be used to inform adaption planning. High resolution LiDAR-derived elevation data was utilized under three SLR scenarios: 0.7 m, 1 m and 2 m through the year 2100 and uncertainty analyses were conducted on selected input parameters at three sites. Results indicate that the extent, spatial orientation and relative composition of coastal ecosystems at the study areas may substantially change with SLR. Under the 1 m SLR scenario, total predicted impacts for all study areas indicate that coastal forest (-69,308 ha; -18%), undeveloped dry land (-28,444 ha; -2%) and tidal flat (-25,556 ha; -47%) will likely face the greatest loss in cover by the year 2100. The largest potential gains in cover were predicted for saltmarsh (+32,922 ha; +88%), transitional saltmarsh (+23,645 ha; na) and mangrove forest (+12,583 ha; +40%). The Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay study areas were predicted to experience the greatest net loss in coastal wetlands The uncertainty analyses revealed low to moderate changes in results when some numerical SLAMM input parameters were varied highlighting the value of collecting long-term sedimentation, accretion and erosion data to improve SLAMM precision. The changes predicted by SLAMM will affect exposure of adjacent human communities to coastal hazards and ecosystem functions potentially resulting in impacts to property values, infrastructure investment and insurance rates. The results and process presented here can be used as a guide for communities vulnerable to SLR to identify and prioritize adaptation strategies that slow and/or accommodate the changes underway.
Stejskal's formula for multiple-pulsed diffusion MRI.

Abstract A fundamental theoretical result for diffusion MRI is the formula by Stejskal showing that the diffusion NMR signal is proportional to the Fourier transform of the diffusion displacement probability density function. Here this result is extended to multiple-pulsed diffusion MRI (MP-dMRI) by using a higher dimensional q-space formalism to express the diffusion-weighted signal for a sequence with N diffusion wave vectors in terms of a Fourier transform of a diffusion displacement probability density function in a 3N-dimensional space. As an illustration of the application of this extended version of Stejskal’s formula, it is used to analyze the cumulant expansion of the signal magnitude for MP-dMRI.
The spatial vectorcardiogram of patients with malignant neoplasms.

Abstract This paper is a correlative study of the electrocardiogram and spatial vectorcardiogram with the heart at autopsy in 89 patients with carcinoma. Analysis of the QRSsE loops revealed an increased frequency of narrowed Type-1 loops in the patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. Distortion of the QRSsE loop, such as reported previously for normal aging people, was present in nearly every patient in this series. There was a significant number of patients who demonstrated pathologic evidence of right or left ventricular hypertrophy, but in whom the ventricular hypertrophy was not definitely recognizable from the electrocardiogram or the spatial vectorcardiogram. A number of patients showed a greater influence upon the heart of the stimulus for ventricular hypertrophy, than the stimulus for ventricular atrophy associted with the extreme cachexia of prolonged illness with ultimate death from carcinoma, when both stimuli were existent simultaneously.
Role of striction at magnetic and structural transitions in iron pnictides

We discuss the role of striction in the intertwined magnetic and structural phase transitions in the underdoped iron pnictides. The magnetoelastic coupling to acoustic modes is then derived and estimated in framework of the multiband spectrum for itinerant electrons with nesting features. We argue that the first-order character of the magnetoelastic phase transition originates from the lattice instabilities near the onset of spin-density wave order introducing, thus, a shear acoustic mode as another order parameter. Taking nonharmonic terms in the lattice energy into account may explain the splitting of the structural and magnetic transitions in some oxypnictides. Fluctuations of the magnetic order parameter show up in the precursory temperature dependence of the elastic moduli.
Cyberbullying: What Is It and How Can We Combat It?

With the rapid growth of the digital age, children and adolescents can make use of an emerging technology to access a wealth of information (i.e., the Internet). There are numerous ways to interact...
Organizational Memory Management: Technological and Research Issues

As new information technologies are available to the design and implementation of organizational memory and as organizations continue to automate their business processes and collect explosive amounts of data, researchers in knowledge management need to confront new opportunities and new challenges. Some of the core issues of organizational memory management include organizational context, retention structure, knowledge taxonomy, ontology, organizational learning, and so forth. In this article, we review the literature of organizational memory management. We further present a basic framework of the technological components and their applications in organizational memory systems and discuss a number of important research issues.
Estrogen modulates 5-HT1A agonist inhibition of lordosis behavior but not binding of [3H]-8-OH-DPAT

Previous studies showed that repeated estrogen treatment reduces the ability of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), to inhibit lordosis behavior of female rats. The present study evaluated the effects of repeated estrogen treatment on lordosis behavior and 5-HT1A receptor binding and coupling to G protein in the hypothalamus-preoptic area using the agonist ligand [3H]-8-OH-DPAT, which binds selectively to G-protein-coupled 5-HT1A receptors. Rats were injected twice with 25 or 50 μg of estradiol benzoate (EB) 7 days apart followed by 500 μg of progesterone (P) 48 h after the second EB injection. Controls received a single injection of 25 or 50 μg EB followed 48 h later by 500 μg of P. Four hours after P, 0.15 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT was injected, and lordosis behavior examined for 30 min. Rats treated twice with EB showed significantly less 8-OH-DPAT inhibition of lordosis behavior than rats receiving a single EB injection. For receptor binding, rats received EB without P treatment. None of the estrogen treatments reduced [3H]-8-OH-DPAT binding density or affinity in the hypothalamus-preoptic area or hippocampus. These studies suggest that estrogen modulates 5-HT1A agonist potency without a measurable change in 5-HT1A receptor density or coupling to G protein.
Estimation of tamoxifen metabolite concentrations in the blood of breast cancer patients through CYP2D6 genotype activity score

Tamoxifen, a prodrug used for adjuvant breast cancer therapy, requires conversion to the active metabolite endoxifen through CYP 2D6. We aimed to construct an algorithm to predict endoxifen concentrations based on a patient’s CYP 2D6 genotype, demographic factors, and co-medication use. Eighty-eight women enrolled in the UCSF TamGen II study and 81 women enrolled in a prospective study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were included in this analysis. All the women had been on tamoxifen for at least 3 months before blood collection. Demographic information included the patient’s age, race/ethnicity, body mass index (where available), and self-reported and measured medications and herbals that affect 2D6 activity. DNA was extracted and genotyped for 2D6 (Amplichip, Roche Diagnostics). An activity score was calculated based on genotypes and adjusted for use of medications known to inhibit 2D6. Serum was tested for tamoxifen and metabolite concentrations and for the presence of drugs by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were computed for age, body mass index, ethnicity, and adjusted activity score to predict tamoxifen metabolite concentrations in the training data-set of UCSF patients, and the resulting algorithm was validated in the Dana-Farber patients. For the training set, the correlation coefficient (r2) for log endoxifen and N-desmethyltamoxifen:endoxifen ratio to activity score, age, and race, were 0.520 and 0.659, respectively; 0.324 and 0.567 for the validation; and 0.396 and 0.615 for both the datasets combined. An algorithm that incorporates genotype and demographic variables can be used to predict endoxifen concentrations for women on tamoxifen therapy. If endoxifen levels are confirmed to be predictive of tamoxifen benefit, then this algorithm may be helpful to determine which women warrant endoxifen testing.
STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNDER DECENTRALIZATION: A TRANSFORMATION OF THE POLITICAL ECONOMY

There have been many debates in recent years about the role of the government in economic development. Studies of many developing countries suggest that government intervention in the economic mark...
The absorption of dietary phosphorus and calcium in hemodialysis patients

Absorption of dietary phosphorus plays a critical role in the development of metabolic bone diseases in patients with chronic renal failure. However, phosphorus absorption is difficult to quantitate in dialysis patients because the dialysis treatments complicate metabolic balance studies. Utilizing a recently developed technique which permits measurement of net absorption of dietary constituents after a single meal, we measured phosphorus absorption in dialysis patients. The following observations were made: A.) Following a meal containing approximately 300 mg phosphorus, mean phosphorus absorption in five hemodialysis patients (with severe vitamin D deficiency) was only slightly less than in matched controls (186 +/- 35 vs. 242 +/- 30). B.) After dialysis patients were treated with 1,25(OH)2-D3, phosphorus absorption increased from 186 +/- 35 to 272 +/- 16 mg (P less than 0.025). C.) The effect of three aluminum containing antacids on phosphorus absorption was studied; each slightly reduced the absorption of phosphorus compared to placebo (P less than 0.01), but there was no significant difference between them. D.) Aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate each reduced dietary phosphorus absorption to approximately the same extent. Calcium carbonate ingestion was associated with sharply increased calcium absorption. The absorption of dietary phosphorus is influenced only modestly by 1,25(OH)2-D3 and is inhibited to an equal but only modest degree by various aluminum antacids and by calcium carbonate.
A 25/spl mu/W 100kS/s 12b ADC for wireless micro-sensor applications

A 0.18mum CMOS 12b 100kS/s successive approximation ADC is presented. The entire ADC consumes 25muW from a 1V supply and achieves an SNDR of 65dB. Its sampling rate can be scaled, yielding linear power savings. Efficiency of the comparator is increased by an offset compensating latch, while noise performance and common-mode rejection are improved by a modified capacitor network
Effects of early cutting time and stubble height on yield and quality in lucerne

Abstract Lucerne is consumed not only as hay, but it is also used as the raw material of concentrated food for livestock. This study investigated the effects of four cutting times (20, 40, 60 cm tall and at the beginning of flowering) and three stubble heights (base, 5 and 10 cm) on the dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) yields, the N content of tops, and non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) in roots of lucerne. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial in a randomised complete block design with four replications carried out at the Research Station of Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University, in 1996 and 1997. The N content decreased while the DM and N yields of top and NSC content of the roots increased as the cutting height, and consequently plant maturity, increased. The lower stubble heights increased the DM and N yields, but they decreased the NSC contents in roots. Therefore, the highest DM yield (12 660 kg ha‐1) was taken when lucerne was harvested at the beginning of flowering and cut from the base.
Topophilia: a study of environmental perception, attitudes, and values

What are the links between environment and world view? Topophilia, the affective bond between people and place, is the primary theme of this book that examines environmental perceptions and values at different levels: the species, the group, and the individual. Yi-Fu Tuan holds culture and environment and topophilia and environment as distinct in order to show how they mutually contribute to the formation of values. Topophilia examines the search for environment in the city, suburb, countryside, and wilderness from a dialectical perspective, distinguishes different types of environmental experience, and describes their character.
Combination cancer chemotherapy with one compound: Pluripotent bradykinin antagonists

Abstract Lung and prostate cancers are major health problems worldwide. Treatments with standard chemotherapy agents are relatively ineffective. Combination chemotherapy gives better treatment than a single agent because the drugs can inhibit the cancer in different pathways, but new therapeutic agents are needed for the treatment of both tumor types. Bradykinin (BK) antagonists offer advantages of combination therapy in one compound. These promising multitargeted anti-cancer compounds selectively stimulate apoptosis in cancers and also inhibit both angiogenesis and matrix metalloprotease (MMP) action in treated lung and prostate tumors in nude mice. The highly potent, metabolism-resistant bradykinin antagonist peptide dimer, B-9870 [SUIM-(DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Igl-Ser-DIgl-Oic-Arg) 2 ] (SUIM = suberimidyl; Hyp = 4-hydroxyproline; Igl = α-(2-indanyl)glycine; Oic = octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid) and its non-peptide mimetic, BKM-570 [2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocinnamoyl-( o -2,6-dichlorobenzyl)- l -tyrosine- N -(4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)amide] are superior to the widely used but toxic chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin and taxotere. In certain combinations, they act synergistically with standard anti-cancer drugs. Due to its structure and biological activity, BKM-570 is an attractive lead compound for derivatization and evaluation for lung and prostate cancer drugs.
DETERMINATION OF SOURCE AGES AND MIGRATION PATTERNS OF BRINES FROM THE U.S. GULF COAST BASIN USING 129I

Abstract The long-lived cosmogenic and fissiogenic isotope 129I has been applied to the study of source ages and migration patterns of oil field brines from the U.S. Gulf Coast basin. 129 I I ratios were measured in sixty samples of saline formation water from depths of 660–4503 m in several oil fields in southeast Texas, south-central Louisiana, and offshore Louisiana. Comparisons between measured ratios and the decay curve for surface hydrospheric 129I result in minimum source ages much older than present host formation ages, indicating vertical migration of brine from older, deeper sources. Conservative corrections for a fissiogenic component due to spontaneous fission of 238U in the subsurface result in the following median source ages: Iberia field: 55 Ma, Port Barre field: 53 Ma, and Eugene Island Blocks 316 and 330: 55 Ma, pointing to Wilcox Group shales as source formations. Mesozoic sources cannot be ruled out, due to the uncertainties in estimating the fissiogenic component. Some of the ratios measured in Texas Gulf Coast brines show evidence of a greater fissiogenic component which indicates that the brines have resided in formations with locally high U concentrations.
Preparation and in Vitro Dissolution Profiles of Tolazamide-Polyethylene Glycol Solid Dispersions

AbstractThe objective of this study is to prepare solid dispersions of tolazamide (TLZ) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and measure the dissolution of TLZ. PEG 8000 was used as carrier to prepare solid dispersions by melt and solvent methods. Dissolution studies indicated a remarkable increase in the rate of dissolution of TLZ when dispersed in PEG as well as with physical mixture of TLZ and PEG. The rate of dissolution of TLZ was faster with solid dispersions containing TLZ:PEG (1:5) and (1:10) compared to physical mixtures and pure TLZ. The effect of buffer on dissolution was studied. In general the dissolution of TLZ was less in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) compared to Tris buffer. However, there was no significant difference in the extent of dissolution of TLZ from solid dispersions and physical mixture compared to pure TLZ. Solid dispersions prepared by solvent method showed faster dissolution rates compared to melt method. These results suggest that the rate of dissolution can be increase...
Ultrafast ionization and subsequent coulomb explosion of zirconium oxide and tungsten carbide “superatomic” cluster species and comparison to group 10 metals

Ultrafast pulses centered at 624 nm are used to explore the ionization behavior of small zirconium oxide, palladium oxide, tungsten carbide, and platinum clusters. ZrxOy and WxCy have been identified as “superatom” species as they are isovalent with PdxOy and PtxCy clusters, respectively. Intensity selective scanning (ISS) technique is used to study the high charge states of each metal as a function of laser intensity. The ion signals of each atomic charge state are compared to those predicted from semi-classical atomic tunneling theory using sequential ionization potentials. A clear difference in ion signal appearance potentials is observed in early-group transition metal clusters vs. late transition metal clusters, indicating the significance of the d-orbitals in the overall ionization behavior of these clusters. The ionization behavior of each cluster species is explored in the context of transition metal clusters.
Multi-Layered Structure of the Wind over the Equatorial Pacific During the Line Islands Experiment

Abstract Analysis of serial rawinsonde observations over the Line Islands during March and April 1967 reveals a multi-layered wind structure, especially in the meridional component, which changes sign as many as eight times below 20 km. The layering is strongest above 14 and below 9 km, and is most marked near the equator. Very large vertical wind shears are observed, occurring most frequently near the tropopause. It is likely that the most extreme shears are accompanied by considerable turbulence and may, therefore, represent significant kinetic energy sinks. The layered winds above 14 and below 9 km may be associated with vertically propagating waves. The wind variations in the 9–14 km region appear to be linked to changes in position and intensity of circulation features in either hemisphere rather than with a regular progression of wave disturbances.
Propagation of guided Lamb waves in concrete repaired with composite plates

This research examines the propagation of guided Lamb waves in bonded components, establishing the effectiveness of combining laser ultrasonic techniques with a time-frequency representation (TFR) to experimentally measure the dispersion curves of a layered medium. The specific layered medium examined is a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plate bonded (with an adhesive layer) to concrete. A TFR is used to operate on experimentally measured, guided Lamb waves to resolve individual Lamb wave modes and to generate the system's dispersion curves. The objective of this research is to demonstrate that it is possible to develop the dispersion curves of FRP bonded components from a single, experimentally measured guided wave signal. The experimental results show that, by examining the characteristics of the system's dispersion curves, the stiffer the bond, the more deviation from the behavior of a free plate case, and the less modes that are present.
Formulation and analysis of conserving algorithms for frictionless dynamic contact/impact problems

This paper presents the formulation of conserving time-stepping algorithms for frictionless dynamic contact of solids. A new class of finite element methods is proposed for the solution of these problems that exhibit the same conservation laws as the underlying continuum dynamical system. The proposed methods are based on a penalty regularization of the constrained contact problem, and lead to full conservation of the total energy of the system (including the regularization penalty potential) during persistent contact, and restoration of the original energy upon release. Both linear and angular momenta are conserved by the scheme. Furthermore, the newly developed methods have the ability to enforce the associated constraints in the velocity besides the impenetrability constraint in the displacements, while preserving the conservation/restoration properties of the final numerical scheme. A modification of these schemes is described that assures positive energy dissipation if desired (even in the highly nonlinear setting of contact/impact problems), leading to contact schemes with high-frequency energy dissipation. Representative numerical simulations are presented illustrating the performance of the proposed numerical schemes.
Mechanism for regulating cell surface distribution of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in polarized epithelial cells

Restriction of sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K(+)-ATPase) to either the apical or basal-lateral membrane domain of polarized epithelial cells is fundamental to vectorial ion and solute transport in many tissues and organs. A restricted membrane distribution of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells was found experimentally to be generated by preferential retention of active enzyme in the basal-lateral membrane domain and selective inactivation and loss from the apical membrane domain, rather than by vectorial targeting of newly synthesized protein from the Golgi complex to the basal-lateral membrane domain. These results show how different distributions of the same subunits of Na+,K(+)-ATPase may be generated in normal polarized epithelial and in disease states.
Impaired activation of AP-1 and altered expression of constituent proteins in rat adrenal during ageing.

Abstract Oxidative stress appears to be one of the primary factors contributing to an age related decline in steroidogenic response in rat adrenocortical and testicular Leydig cells. In this report we concentrate on age-related changes in the DNA binding activity of the transcription factor AP-1 which is particularly responsive to changes in cellular oxidative conditions: adrenal nuclear extracts from young mature (5 months) and old (24 months) rats treated with, and without, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were studied. AP-1 binding activity, as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), was diminished ∼70% with age in unstimulated adrenals. Following LPS treatment, AP-1 binding activity increased significantly in the adrenals of both young and old animals; however, the level of AP-1 binding achieved in LPS-stimulated old rats was less than that observed for LPS-stimulated young rats. There was no corresponding change in the binding activity of housekeeping transcription factors SP-1 and OCT-1. To further understand these observations, compositional changes in the members of the AP-1 DNA-binding complex were examined by a super-shift assay and Western blot analysis. In adrenals from old rats, a significant decrease in the amount of Fra2 was noted under basal conditions, whereas, substantial decreases in c-Fos, Jun D and c-Jun were observed in response to LPS treatment. In contrast, basal levels of JunB, an inhibitor of the trans -activating function of c-Jun and repressor of AP-1-dependent transcription, were significantly elevated in adrenals from old rats compared to young rats. Together, these findings suggest that ageing-induced oxidative stress may contribute to impaired functional expression of AP-1 by differentially regulating the steady state levels of AP-1 components. The observed decrease in AP-1 binding activity in ageing adrenals is most likely due to decreased expression of the AP-1 activating components (c-Fos, c-Jun, JunD, etc.) and increased expression of JunB, resulting in a switch from transcriptionally active AP-1 complexes observed in young rats to less efficient JunB containing complexes in old rats.
Microwave electrooptic coefficient and modulation applications using ferroelectric single-crystal fibers

Besides the well-known LiNbO 3 , ferroelectric strontium barium niobate (SBN) crystals are attractive for electrooptic modulation applications because of their high electrooptic coefficients and low half wave voltage. Their EO properties, typically obtained under low frequency electric field driving conditions, contain both primary and secondary contributions arising from electromechanical coupling. Single crystal fibers (Sr,Ba)Nb 2 O 6 and LiNbO 3 grown by laser heated pedestal growth method are investigated to explore the frequency dependence of electrooptic property both for mechanically stress-free crystals (low frequency) and at microwave driving frequency of 10GHz. An optical pulse can be up-tuned/down-tuned, squeezed/ expended in the range of GHz using a single piece of SBN crystal fiber under a moderate microwave field, controlled by the relative position of optical pulse traversing the crystal fiber to the microwave field. The effective microwave-photonic interactions demonstrated in ferroelectric SBN crystals provide a potential solution for the bandwidth definitions and wavelength tuning applications. The experimental configuration and the analysis are also of general significance in electrooptic property studies at microwave frequencies.
Low-valent titanium bis(phospholyl) chemistry: A configurationally stable chiral phosphatitanocene

The first example of a low-valent phosphatitanocene has been prepared and structurally characterized, and a chiral Ti(II) phosphametallocene was prepared and was found to have a significantly higher barrier to isomerization than the Ti(IV) analogue. Descriptions of the molecular orbitals of the two complexes offer an explanation of the difference.
Protection of PSK Communication Systems with Adaptive Arrays

The performance of binary phase-shift-keyed (BPSK), binarydifferential phase-shift-keyed (DPSK), and quadrature phase-shift-keyed(QPSK) communication systems that use adaptive arrayantennas for interference rejection is examined. The case where thedesired signal is corrupted by continuous wave (CW) interference isspecifically addressed. The performance of the adaptive array andthe ideal BPSK, DPSK, and QPSK detectors are evaluated first andthe results of these calculations are combined to determine theoverall system performance. The bit-error probability at the systemoutput is used as the performance measure. Several examples arepresented which illustrate the effects of signal powers, arrivalangles, frequencies, and the array input bandwidth.
Citrate-based biodegradable injectable hydrogel composites for orthopedic applications

Previous studies have confirmed that natural bone apatite crystals are bound with citrate-rich molecules. Citrates on apatite crystals impact bone development and its load-bearing function. However, such understanding has never been translated into bone biomaterials design. Herein, the first citrate-based injectable composite material for orthopedic applications is developed based on our recently developed biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) maleate citrate (PEGMC) and hydroxyapatite (HA). PEGMC contains rich carboxylic groups that could chelate with calcium-containing HA, thus facilitating polymer/HA interactions, similar to natural citrate-bound apatite crystal. The crosslinking of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) with PEGMC/HA composites allows additional control over the degradation and mechanical properties of the crosslinked PEGMC/HA (CPEGMC/HA) composites. CPEGMC/HA composite can serve as an ideal injectable cell carrier as confirmed by the enhanced DNA content, ALP activity, and calcium production through a human fetal osteoblast encapsulation study. An ex vivo study on a porcine femoral head demonstrated that PEGMC/HA is a potentially promising injectable biodegradable bone material for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Development of biodegradable citrate-based injectable PEGMC/HA composite is an initial step for the development of the next generation of bone tissue engineering and orthopedic biomaterials.
Differential virus host-ranges of the Fuselloviridae of hyperthermophilic Archaea: implications for evolution in extreme environments

An emerging model for investigating virus-host interactions in hyperthermophilic Archaea is the Fusellovirus-Sulfolobus system. The host, Sulfolobus, is a hyperthermophilic acidophile endemic to sulfuric volcanic-driven hot springs worldwide. The Fuselloviruses, also known as Sulfolobus Spindle-shaped Viruses (SSVs), are “lemon” or “spindle” shaped double-stranded DNA viruses that are also found worldwide. Although a few studies have addressed the host-range for the type virus, SSV1, using common Sulfolobus strains, a comprehensive host-range study for SSV-Sulfolobus systems has not been performed. Herein, we examine six bona fide SSV strains (SSV1, SSV2, SSV3, SSVL1, SSVK1, SSVRH) and their respective infection characteristics on multiple hosts from the family Sulfolobaceae. A “halo” assay was used to determine virus infectivity and host susceptibility. Different SSV strains have different host-ranges with SSV1 exhibiting the narrowest host-range and SSVRH exhibiting the broadest host range. There is no correlation between geographic separation of viruses and their hosts and their relative infectivity and susceptibility. In contrast to previous reports, SSVs can infect hosts beyond the genus Sulfolobus. Furthermore, the Fusellovirus-Sulfolobus system appears to exhibit host-advantage. This work provides a foundation for understanding Fusellovirus biology and virus-host co-evolution in extreme ecosystems, a rapidly emerging field of study.
HISTAMINE-BINDING ACTION OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE.

WE have previously reported1 the effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) on the levels of serotonin in the rabbit. These results showed increased levels of serotonin in all parts of the body, except in the cerebrum, of the rabbit after administration of LSD-25. Freedinan and Giarman2 showed increased levels of serotonin in cell partieulate matter in animals treated with LSD-25. These results denote that, while LSD-25 is somehow increasing the levels of serotonin, it is also increasing the binding of serotonin into an inactive or bound form. Our later work3 showed that LSD-25 decreased the levels of norepinephrine in the rabbit, probably by releasing norepinephrine from a bound form, not susceptible to enzymatic action, to a free form subject to further enzymatic catabolism.
Precision heterodyne measurements of ozone spectral lines near 9.5 μm

Abstract Precision measurements of 26 individual spectral lines of ozone near 9.5 μm were made using the GSFC infrared heterodyne spectrometer. The line profiles of 26 lines in near coincidence with the emission lines from a 12 C 16 O 2 laser local oscillator were measured at resolving powers of 6 × 10 6 . The retrieved absolute line center frequencies, accurate to ±3 MHz, and the relative line intensities were compared to previous experimental results and theoretical calculations.
Synthesis of metallothionein in a polysomal cell-free system.

Abstract A new covalent chromatography system utilizing Activated Thiol Sepharose 4B was employed to quantitate the content of thionein chains synthesized in a polysomal cell-free system. Liver polysomes from zinc injected rats directed the translation of more thionein-like polypeptide chains than polysomes from control rats. The increase was similar to the stimulation in MT synthesis in vivo following a zinc injection. This evidence supports the concept that metallothionein synthesis is regulated by changes in the pool of translatable thionein mRNA.