cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reticulospinal pacemaker neurons of the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla with putative sympathoexcitatory function: an intracellular study in vitro.

Extra- and intracellular recordings of tonically active neurons were obtained in slices of the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla maintained at 31°C. The predominant type consisted of cells with a regular non-bursting discharge rate of 9 ± 0.3 spikes/s (mean ± S.E.M., n = 84). Intracellular recordings revealed that these neurons (n = 43) exhibited typical pacemaker potentials reset after a single spike, and an input resistance of . No excitatory postsynaptic potentials were detected even during hyperpolarization (5–10 mV) which invariably resulted in silencing the cells (n = 28). Eighteen cells were injected intracellularly with Lucifer yellow, and the tissue was subsequently processed for the immunohistochemical detection of the adrenergic marker phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). None of the 12 dye-marked cells recovered exhibited any PNMT-like immunoreactivity, but all were surrounded by numerous adrenergic neurons. In 7 rats subjected to intraspinal injections (T3) of rhodamine-tagged microbeads. 4 out of 9 pacemaker cells marked intracellularly with Lucifer yellow were found labeled with the retrograde marker. It is concluded that the rostral ventrolateral medulla contains non-adrenergic reticulospinal cells with intrinsic pacemaker properties. These neurons probably represent a group of sympathoexcitatory cells on which the basal sympathetic tone depends.
Contractile failure in chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

The mechanisms for the progression of the anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy to contractile failure has not been defined. In vitro, doxorubicin (DOX) appears to modify calcium-mediated excitation-contraction coupling, which depresses cardiac contractility. This study characterizes the onset of contractile failure associated with the development of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Rabbits were treated with DOX (1 mg/kg i.v. twice weekly, 12-18 doses; DOX-treated group) and compared with a pair-fed Control group infuse with saline vehicle. The severity of the cardiomyopathy was determined by numerically-scored histopathology. Myocardial contractility was determined in thin fiber bundles from right ventricular (RV) papillary muscles and left atria that were removed and mounted on a force transducer in oxygenated Krebs-bicarbonate buffer (pH=7.4 at 30 degrees C) to record the amplitude (DT) and maximum rate (+dT/dt ) of isometric tension. Myofibrillar and calcium loading properties were determined by the calcium and caffeine-activated tension responses respectively in chemically-permeabilized fibers. With the onset of the cardiomyopathy (score <2) DT at low frequency (0.5 Hz) was depressed (0.61+/-0.01 mN/mg; n=14) compared to Control (0.93+/-0.09 mN/mg; n=15). Contractility at higher rates (1 Hz) was not different in this DOX-treated and Control groups. Maximum calcium and caffeine-activated force and the pCa to half-maximum force of permeabilized fibers were comparable in DOX-treated and Control groups. The loss of contractility of the DOX-treated group was related to reduction in sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel density, as determined by Bmax for 3H-ryanodine binding in cardiac microsomal membrane fraction. Post-rest potentiation of contractility, as well as frequency-dependent (0.25-1.5 Hz) and post-extrasystolic potentiation of contractility were preserved in the DOX-treated group. In vitro, DOX depressed post-rest potentiation of contractility. Thus, the onset of contractile failure of the DOX-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by effects consistent with disordered calcium-mediated excitation-contraction coupling and these effects are qualitatively different than in vitro effects of DOX.
Effect of anesthetics on neuropathologic sequelae of status epilepticus in rats

We compared the efficacy of four different classes of anesthetics to arrest the progression of brain damage after chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in rats. In two series of experiments, ventilated, paralyzed Long-Evans rats were subjected to 30 or 45 min of continuous seizures induced by intravenous (IV) mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) or inhaled flurothyl, respectively. In the first series, seizures produced with MPA were treated with: 1) thiopental, 15 mg/kg IV bolus (controls); 2) thiopental, 27 mg/kg IV followed by 20.9 mg.kg-1.h-1 for 2 h; 3) isoflurane 4% inhaled concentration for 1 min followed by 1%-2% for 2 h; 4) ketamine 30 mg/kg IV followed by 9.12 mg.kg-1.h-1 for 2 h; 5) midazolam 25 mg/kg IV followed by 9.7 mg.kg-1.h-1 for 2 h. In a second series, seizures were produced by flurothyl and, based on suggestive results in the MPA series, control rats were compared with rats receiving midazolam 25 mg/kg IV followed by 9.7 mg.kg-1.h-1. In all instances, seizure activity, recorded by electroencephalograph, stopped with anesthetic treatment. In MPA-treated rats extranigral damage was mild, with no differences apparent between anesthetics. Control animals sustained severe lesions in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNPR). No statistically significant differences between anesthetic groups were present, although an effect was suggested for midazolam to decrease SNPR lesional area (P = 0.06). In flurothyl-treated rats, there were significant reductions in SNPR neuropathologic grade (P = 0.025) and lesional area (P = 0.025) with midazolam. We conclude that midazolam attenuates postseizure SNPR damage in rats.
The effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on heavy-metal intoxication in mice and dogs.

Abstract From a study of acute heavy-metal toxicity it has been found that dl -α-lipoic acid (a) is effective for the prevention and reversal of arsenic intoxication in mice and dogs; (b) effectively prevents mercury intoxication in mice provided a sufficiently large excess is used; (c) prevents gold intoxication in mice only under very specific conditions; and (d) fails to protect mice against a lethal dose of lead. 3-(6-Carboxyhexyl)-1,3-dithiolane was as effective as dl -α-lipoic acid in preventing arsenic intoxication in mice.
Using a global name space for parallel execution of UNIX tools

A parallel make utility that executes on multiple workstations and achieves a significant real-time speedup makes work with distributed computing easy to conduct.
Multistate molecular information storage using S-acetylthio-derivatized dyads of triple-decker sandwich coordination compounds

An approach toward molecular information storage employs redox-active molecules attached to an electroactive surface. The chief advantages of such molecular capacitors include higher charge density and more versatile synthetic design than is afforded by typical semiconductor charge-storage materials. An architecture containing two triple-decker sandwich coordination complexes and an S-acetylthiomethyl-terminated tether has been designed for multibit storage. Each triple decker is composed of two phthalocyanines, one porphyrin, and two europium atoms. The oxidation potentials of each triple decker are tuned through the use of different substituents on the phthalocyanines (t-butyl, methyl, H) and porphyrins (pentyl, p-tolyl). Interleaving of the four cationic oxidation states of each triple decker potentially affords eight distinct oxidation states. Two dyads were examined in solution and in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a Au surface. One dyad exhibited eight distinct states in solution and in the SAM, thus constituting a molecular octal counter. The potentials ranged from −0.1-+1.3 V in solution and +0.1-+1.6 V in the SAM. Taken together, this approach provides a viable means of achieving multibit information storage at relatively low potential.
Translocation of δPKC to mitochondria during cardiac reperfusion enhances superoxide anion production and induces loss in mitochondrial function

Activation of the delta-isoform of protein kinase C (deltaPKC) by certain conditions of oxidative stress results in translocation of the kinase to the mitochondria leading to release of cytochrome c and the induction of apoptosis. In the current study, the effects of myocardial reperfusion-induced deltaPKC translocation on mitochondrial function were assessed. Mitochondria isolated from hearts that had undergone ischemia (30 min) followed by reperfusion (15 min) exhibited a significant increase in the rate of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) generation. This was associated with the translocation of deltaPKC to the mitochondria within the first 5 min of reperfusion. deltaPKC translocation occurred exclusively during reperfusion and could be mimicked by infusion of intact hearts with H(2)O(2) suggesting redox-dependent activation during reperfusion. Infusion of a peptide inhibitor (deltaV(1-1)) specific to the delta-isoform of PKC significantly reduced reperfusion-induced increases in mitochondrial O(2)(-) generation. Finally, the decline in mitochondrial respiratory activity evident upon prolonged reperfusion (120min) was completely prevented by inhibition of deltaPKC translocation. Thus, deltaPKC represents a cytosolic redox-sensitive molecule that plays an important role in amplification of O(2)(-) production and subsequent declines in mitochondrial function during reperfusion.
Recent Advances in SPECT Imaging

SPECT is a rapidly changing field, and the past several years have produced new developments in both hardware technology and image-processing algorithms. At the component level there have been improvements in scintillators and photon transducers as well as a greater availability of semiconductor technology. These devices permit the fabrication of smaller and more compact systems that can be customized for particular applications. New clinical devices include high-count sensitivity cardiac SPECT systems that do not use conventional collimation and the introduction of diagnostic-quality hybrid SPECT/CT systems. While there has been steady progress with reconstruction algorithms, exciting new processing algorithms have become commercially available that promise to provide substantial reductions in SPECT acquisition time without sacrificing diagnostic quality. Preclinical small-animal SPECT systems have become a major focus in nuclear medicine. These systems have pushed the limits of SPECT into the submillimeter range, making them valuable molecular imaging tools capable of providing information unavailable from other modalities.
Postcolonial feminist analysis of high-technology entrepreneuring

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine identity formation and networking practices relevant for high-technology entrepreneuring or the enactment of entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley by Turkish business people. Design/methodology/approach – Guided by postcolonial feminist frameworks, the author conducted a combination of ethnographic and auto-ethnographic fieldwork at high-technology conferences in Silicon Valley by focussing on talk and text as relevant for understanding entrepreneuring. Through a reflexive stance, the author analyzed observations, conversations, and experiences inclusive of her own positionality during the research process as they related to entrepreneurial identity formation and networking. Findings – During business networking conferences taking place among Turkish business people in Silicon Valley, women and older males became marginalized through the emergence of a hegemonic masculinity associated with young Turkish male entrepreneurs. In addition, local context impacted ...
An analysis of the 1978–1980 decline in gasoline consumption in the United States☆

Abstract Unprecedented declines in highway use of gasoline in the United States in 1979 and 1980 are analyzed by means of a gasoline demand model. Approximately half of the reduction in use in each year over the preceding year can be attributed to the short run effect of higher gasoline prices. Most of the remainder can be traced to declines in real household incomes and increasing fleet fuel efficiencies. The summer fuel shortage of 1979 appears to be responsible for 15% of the reduction in use in that year. Continuing declines are anticipated, primarily due to increasing new vehicle economy.
Closing the loop on a complete linkage hierarchical clustering method

To develop a complete linkage hierarchical clustering method that 1) substantially improves upon the accuracy of the standard complete linkage method and 2) can be fully automated or used with minimal operator supervision, the assumptions underlying the standard complete linkage method are unwound, evaluating pairs of data points for linkage is decoupled from constructing cluster sets, and cluster sets are constructed de novo. These design choices make it possible to construct only the cluster sets that correspond to select, possibly non-contiguous levels of an n·(n−1) over 2 + 1-level hierarchical sequence. To construct meaningful cluster sets without constructing an entire hierarchical sequence, a means that uses distance graphs is used to find meaningful levels of such a hierarchical sequence. This paper presents an approach that mathematically captures the graphical relationships that are used to find meaningful levels and integrates the means into the new clustering method. The approach is inexpensive to implement. Consequently, the new clustering method is self-contained and incurs almost no extra cost to determine which cluster sets should be constructed and which should not. Empirical results from four experiments show that the approach does well at finding meaningful levels of hierarchical sequences.
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Drilling Muds and Reserve Pits by Isotope Dilution GC/MS with Selected Ion Monitoring

Abstract Shale cuttings, spent fluids, and drilling muds from natural gas exploration were analyzed for extractable hydrocarbons including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated-PAH. Complex mixtures of aliphatic hydrocarbons with carbon numbers from 10 to 32 were found in three phases coexisting in waste pits where extractable hydrocarbons were 45–990 mg/L in wastewater and 265–59 000 mg/kg in drilling muds/pit sediments. Over 20 members of 2–4 ring PAH and alkylated-PAH were isolated using chemical prefractionation and quantified by isotope dilution GC/MS with selected ion monitoring. Concentrations of total PAH assessed at three sites including a central waste storage site followed the trend: hydrocarbon film > oil-based muds > water-based muds > shale cuttings > = phase and ranged from 15mg/L for reserve pit water to > 24000mg/kg for oil-based drilling muds. Inhomogeneity of large reserve pits due to mechanical dispersion of wastes was illustrated using solution/sediment distribution rat...
Prediction of polymer tube life for solar hot water systems : A model of antioxidant loss

Abstract The successful use of polymer components in solar hot water systems requires an understanding and method of predicting material degradation in water. The relevant degradation mechanism is oxidation. Degradation from oxidation can be delayed through the use of antioxidant additives. However, once the antioxidants have been depleted, oxidation of the polymer and subsequent loss of mechanical integrity occur rapidly. In this study, antioxidant loss from polymer tubes is modeled. Dimensional analysis and results of the model show the rate of antioxidant loss is controlled by diffusion through the polymer. The diffusion time scale is dictated by the tube wall thickness. Antioxidant concentration profiles and depletion rates are presented for three representative tube geometries and temperatures of 293 and 333 K. The time to deplete 90% of the antioxidant is on the order of 1000–10,000 h.
Use of polymer films in amperometric biosensors

Different types of polymeric films implemented in various capacities in amperometric biosensor design are reviewed. Conducting and nonconductinzg polymer films and composite films are considered. Methods of film fabrication such as solvent casting, electropolymerization, and adsorption are presented. Film function, including prevention of interference and fouling problems, immobilization of the enzyme or active biocomponent, extension of linear range, or to address biocompatibility problems are described. The use of polymeric films as a medium to incorporate mediators, while an important function, is too vast for review here. The applications of polymer film-modified biosensors for selected analytical determinations are also presented. This review focuses upon the use of polymer films in amperometric biosensors and emphasizes innovative biosensor designs and unique applications, and omits traditional free-standing films unless they are coupled with new types of polymer films or used innovatively.
Circumferential graben and the structural evolution of Alba Mons, Mars

Abstract Alba Mons is a unique, very extensive but shallow volcanotectonic construct in northern Tharsis, Mars. Numerous models have been presented to explain the formation of Alba Mons and its most characteristic feature, a wristwatch-like pattern of radial and circumferential graben. We used a wide selection of topographic datasets to characterize the fault throw variation on nine topographic transects across the circumferential graben in order to provide observational constraints for the different formation models, and to gain further insight into the evolution of Alba Mons. In most of the transects, summed throws from outwards-facing (away from the center of the volcano) faults are larger than from the inwards-facing (towards the center) ones. Only the very gently sloping western transects show the opposite, emphasizing the east–west-asymmetry of Alba Mons. 10–40% of the observed topographic relief of Alba Mons along the nine transects can be accounted for by this throw difference between the inwards- and outwards-facing faults. These results are consistent with predictions of models suggesting an uplift mechanism to explain the formation of the circumferential graben, but not with models invoking central subsidence. Horizontal extensional strain along the transects varies between 0.5% and 2%, consistent with strain predictions of the late-stage sill complex inflation model of McGovern et al. (McGovern, P.J., Solomon, S.C., Head J.W. III, Smith, D.E., Zuber M.T., Neumann, G.A. [2001]. J. Geophys. Res. 106(E10), 23769–23809).
A Phosphorus-Based Fish Kill Response Function for use with Stochastic Lake Models

Abstract Twelve summer fish kills were observed and documented over a 3-year period in the hypereutrophic University Lakes System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Examination of water quality data associated with these kills revealed an apparent threshold level of 0.400 mg/liter total phosphorus below which no kills were observed. The data indicate a uniform frequency of occurrence of summerkills of 3% when total phosphorus levels exceed 0.400 mg/liter. Above this critical value, physical factors such as temperature, light, and wind apparently become the controlling parameters in algal growth. Optimum weather conditions promote blooms that subsequently collapse when the conditions change, resulting in oxygen depletion and suffocation of fish populations. This observation may be formalized in probabilistic terms as a probability density function describing the risk of a fish kill at any given nutrient level. The value of such a representation lies in its use in conjunction with a stochastic phosphorus model for ...
Synchrophasor analysis of 221 generating unit trips in ERCOT

This paper examines the synchrophasor data for 221 generating unit trips in ERCOT over the time period during September 2009 through June 2010. Specifically, the phase angle variation between West Texas (i.e., wind country) with regard to central ERCOT is studied. The results show no clear relationship between wind generation and damped resonant frequency (f) or normalized damping ratio (ζ).
Development of basal lamina in synaptic and extrasynaptic portions of embryonic rat muscle.

Abstract Each vertebrate skeletal muscle fiber is ensheathed by a basal lamina (BL) which passes through the synaptic cleft of the neuromuscular junction. In the adult, the synaptic portion of the BL is both functionally and chemically specialized. We have used an immunofluorescence method to compare the development of synaptic and extrasynaptic portions of BL in embryonic rat intercostal muscles. Immunohistochemical staining of adult muscle fibers with monoclonal and serum antibodies defines “synaptic” antigens (including acetylcholinesterase) that are concentrated in synaptic BL, “extrasynaptic” antigens that are concentrated in extrasynaptic regions, and “shared” antigens (including collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin, and a heparan sulfate proteoglycan) that are present in both synaptic and extrasynaptic BL (Sanes and Chiu, 1983) . Synapses appear on newly formed myotubes on embryonic Day 14 (E14; birth is on E22). Patches of BL that contain shared and extrasynaptic antigens are present on myotube surfaces by E15, and BL forms a continuous sheath by E17. Shared antigens are present at but not confined to synaptic areas by E15. Two synaptic antigens appear in synaptic areas a day later, and are not detectable extrasynaptically. At least one extrasynaptic antigen is present at immature synapses, and lost or masked by E19. Thus synaptic BL is not assembled as a unit; rather, components are added, lost, or modified as synaptogenesis proceeds.
Statistical analysis of the Hertzian fracture of pyrex glass using the Weibull distribution function

Hertzian fracture tests were carried out on specimens of ground-and-polished Pyrex glass using polished Pyrex glass balls of 6 and 8 mm diameter. The results were analysed according to the theory of flaw statistics originally proposed by Weibull. The Weibull parameters m and σ0 were found to be independent of ball size; σu however decreased with increase in ball size. The parameters σu,σ0 and m obtained from the Hertzian tests differed from those obtained from a four-point bend test. The predicted mean fracture stress and the mean fracture location for Hertzian fracture using the derived Weibull parameters agreed reasonably well with the experimental values.
Adaptation of Endothelial Cells to Physiologically-Modeled, Variable Shear Stress

Endothelial cell (EC) function is mediated by variable hemodynamic shear stress patterns at the vascular wall, where complex shear stress profiles directly correlate with blood flow conditions that vary temporally based on metabolic demand. The interactions of these more complex and variable shear fields with EC have not been represented in hemodynamic flow models. We hypothesized that EC exposed to pulsatile shear stress that changes in magnitude and duration, modeled directly from real-time physiological variations in heart rate, would elicit phenotypic changes as relevant to their critical roles in thrombosis, hemostasis, and inflammation. Here we designed a physiological flow (PF) model based on short-term temporal changes in blood flow observed in vivo and compared it to static culture and steady flow (SF) at a fixed pulse frequency of 1.3 Hz. Results show significant changes in gene regulation as a function of temporally variable flow, indicating a reduced wound phenotype more representative of quiescence. EC cultured under PF exhibited significantly higher endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity (PF: 176.0±11.9 nmol/105 EC; SF: 115.0±12.5 nmol/105 EC, p = 0.002) and lower TNF-a-induced HL-60 leukocyte adhesion (PF: 37±6 HL-60 cells/mm2; SF: 111±18 HL-60/mm2, p = 0.003) than cells cultured under SF which is consistent with a more quiescent anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic phenotype. In vitro models have become increasingly adept at mimicking natural physiology and in doing so have clarified the importance of both chemical and physical cues that drive cell function. These data illustrate that the variability in metabolic demand and subsequent changes in perfusion resulting in constantly variable shear stress plays a key role in EC function that has not previously been described.
REINCORPORATION: MOTIVES AND SHAREHOLDER WEALTH

This study provides evidence on the wealth effects of reincorporation and the association of these wealth effects with motives to change the state of incorporation. There are no wealth effects observed on the announcement of the change for shareholders of corporations that change as part of a set of measures to defend against a pending or possible hostile takeover. However, for corporations that reincorporate without stated antitakeover intentions, a positive reaction is observed at the announcement of the change. These results indicate that the defensive posture assumed by reincorporating may offset other positive effects of the change in corporate charters.
Capillary gas chromatography for the assessment of cholesterol oxides in the heart.

Abstract Recent studies indicated the presence of cholesterol oxides in biological tissues such as heart under pathophysiological conditions. Currently, no suitable method is available to separate and quantitate these oxides in biological tissues. This study was undertaken to develop a method suitable for the quantification of cholesterol oxides in heart. Since under normal conditions cholesterol oxidation does not occur, we exposed isolated perfused rat heart to oxygen-derived free radicals, which are known to oxidize cholesterol in heart. Free radical treated hearts were homogenized and lipids extracted by conventional techiques. The extracted lipids were saponified, and non-saponified portions were extracted with ether. Silyl derivatives of the extracted products were subjected to capillary gas chromatography. One microlitre of the sample was injected onto an SE 54 Supelco capillary column and run by stepwise temperature programming from 230 to 260°C at a rate of 20°C min −1 , and then from 260 to 290°C at 6°C min −1 . 5-Androsten-3β-ol-17-one was used as internal standard. The separated cholesterol oxides were identified by comparing with authentic standards. This method was suitable to separate 7α-hydroxycholesterol, dihydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, 20α-hydroxycholesterol, cholesterol-5α, 6α-epoxide, and 5-cholestene in heart. Since some of these oxides are cytotoxic to the heart, identification of these oxides should be important to understand the pathophysiology of myocardial disease and for the successful therapy to prevent them.
A method for examining the discourse of reading lessons

This article describes a method for analyzing instructional discourse that was developed during a study of reading lessons. The purpose of the study was to identify teacher and student discourse strategies during reading lessons where teachers identified comprehension as the main goal. Eight reading lessons were audiotaped in two second-grade and two sixth-grade classes in one elementary school. From the transcribed data, two separate but complementary systems of analysis were developed: a pragmatic system for describing utterances in terms of different types of speech acts, termed instructional acts ; and a semantic system for describing utterances in terms of different types of topical relationships, termed topical moves . For each system, the criteria for the classification of instructional acts and topical moves are explained and illustrated. Reliability of each system is described. Application and implications for research on instructional discourse are discussed.
Application of the spatiochromatic visual evoked potential to detection of congenital and acquired color-vision deficiencies

Visual evoked potentials were recorded in response to spatiochromatic stimuli modulated in different directions in cone-activation color space from subjects with congenital and acquired color defects. This technique was effective for detection and classification of both mild and severe forms of congenital deficits. Results suggest that the visual evoked potential is useful for early identification of color abnormalities in acquired deficits such as diabetes and that it is sensitive enough to detect regional retinal losses of sensitivity (e.g., as in central serous choroidopathy). The spatiochromatic visual evoked potential provides a systematic and sensitive indication of different color-vision anomalies.
Resolution and fractionation of macromolecules by isokinetic sucrose density gradient sedimentation.

Abstract A technique for the preparation, analysis, and fractionation of macromolecules using a computer-calculated isokinetic sucrose gradient is described. The variables of density or partial specific volume, initial sucrose concentrations, temperature, and rotors are included in the computer analysis. The results of this technique using rat liver ribosomes, polysomes, and ribosomal RNA are presented.
Distribution of random sum cell dwell times in wireless network

The distribution of a random sum of the cell dwell times (CDTs) for a complete call in a wireless network is derived in terms of a weighted sum of Erlang distributions. The weights are found to be functions of the moments of the cell dwell time. To validate the derived results by computer simulation, the gamma, Weibull, Pareto, and lognormal distributions for the CDT are considered.
Evaluation of a UCMK/dCK fusion enzyme for gemcitabine-mediated cytotoxicity

While gemcitabine (2′-2′-difluoro-2′-deoxycytidine, dFdC) displays wide-ranging antineoplastic activity as a single agent, variable response rates and poor intracellular metabolism often limit its clinical efficacy. In an effort to enhance dFdC cytotoxicity and help normalize response rates, we created a bifunctional fusion enzyme that combines the enzymatic activities of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and uridine/cytidine monophosphate kinase (UCMK) in a single polypeptide. Our goal was to evaluate whether the created fusion could induce beneficial, functional changes toward dFdC, expedite dFdC conversion to its active antimetabolites and consequently amplify cell dFdC sensitivity. While kinetic analyses revealed the UCMK/dCK fusion enzyme to possess both native activities, the fusion rendered cells sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of dFdC at the same level as dCK expression alone. These results suggest that increased wild-type UCMK expression does not provide a significant enhancement in dFdC-mediated cytotoxicity and may warrant the implementation of studies aimed at engineering UCMK variants with improved activity toward gemcitabine monophosphate.
The Adolescent Relational Dialectic and the Peer Roots of Adult Social Functioning

The long-term import of a fundamental challenge of adolescent social development—establishing oneself as a desirable peer companion while avoiding problematic behaviors often supported within peer groups—was examined in a community sample of 184 adolescents, followed from ages 13 to 23, along with parents, peers, and romantic partners. The dialectical nature of this challenge appeared in findings that autonomy vis-a-vis peer influences predicted both long-term success avoiding problematic behavior but also more difficulty establishing strong adult friendships. Conversely, being a desirable peer companion in adolescence predicted more positive adult relationships but also greater alcohol use. Adolescents who established themselves as both desirable companions and as autonomous vis-a-vis peers were rated as most successful by their parents at age 23.
The formation of fatty acyl thioesters during 14C-1-acetate incorporation into long chain fatty acids by isolated spinach chloroplasts

Summary 14 C-Long chain fatty acids synthesized by isolated spinach chloroplasts from 14 C-1-acetate accumulate both as thioesters and oxygen esters. The ratio of oleate to palmitate is much higher in acyl thioesters than in acyl oxygen esters. Long chain acyl CoA thioesters are suitable substrates for the synthesis of diglycerides in chloroplasts. In addition to the fatty acid synthetase system the chloroplast preparations have acyl CoA synthetase, transacylase and acyl hydrolase activities.
Distribution and retention of fluorocarbon in mice and dogs after injection or liquid ventilation.

Abstract Three groups of mice (strain ICR) were injected with either fluorocarbons FX-80, Caroxin-D, or with isotonic saline. The growth rates among these groups were not statistically different at 48 weeks. Seventeen to 19 months after the fluorocarbons were injected sc or ip, mice were sacrificed and the concentration of fluorocarbon in various tissues was determined by gas chromatography. In a second experiment, the lungs of dogs were ventilated with Caroxin-D fluorocarbon for 1 hr, after which they were reconverted to breathing gas. Twenty to 23 months later they were sacrificed, and the concentration of fluorocarbon in various tissues was determined. Except for the source of introduction of the fluorocarbon (the lung in dogs, which contained approximately 160 mg of fluorocarbon/100 g of tissue), other tissues in both dogs and mice contained minute quantities of fluorocarbon (approximately 0.1 mg/100 g). The highest concentration of fluorocarbon was found in fat.
Interaction of dislocations with grain boundaries in Ni3Al

Abstract The interaction between slip dislocations and grain boundaries in hypo-stoichiometric Ni3Al, with and without boron, has been investigated by using the in situ TEM deformation technique. In both alloys, the slip dislocations were incorporated into the grain boundaries and remained at the point of entry. The difference between the alloys was in the dominant response mode of the grain boundary to the stress concentration associated with a dislocation pileup. In the boron-free material, the stress was relieved primarily by the nucleation and propagation of a crack along the grain boundary. In contrast, in the boron-doped material, relief occurred by the emission of dislocations from the grain boundary. These results are consistent with boron increasing the cohesive energy of the grain boundary. The slip system activated at grain boundaries in the ductile ordered alloy was shown to satisfy the same slip transfer criteria that operate in f.c.c. disordered alloys.
Symmetry-Based Vibrational Analysis of Polyatomic Ionic Species in Polymer Electrolytes: Application to the Compounds Poly(ethylene oxide)3LiCF3SO3 and Poly(ethylene oxide)NaCF3SO3

A symmetry-based vibrational analysis of the compounds (PEO) 3 LiCF 3 SO 3 and (PEO)Na-CF 3 SO 3 is described which preserves the distinct identity of the CF 3 SO 3 - intramolecular vibrational modes in the one-dimensional and three-dimensional space groups appropriate to each compound. The infrared and Raman spectra in the δ s (CF 3 ) spectral region of the two compounds are discussed in terms of this formalism, although a similar analysis of the v s (SO 3 ) region is limited to the (PEO) 3 LiCF 3 SO 3 compound. A one-dimensional space group is sufficient to describe the δ s (CF 3 ) spectral region in both compounds and the v s (SO 3 ) region in (PEO) 3 LiCF 3 SO 3 .
Demolish it and They Will Come: Estimating the Economic Impacts of Restoring a Recreational Fishery1

: This paper presents the results of an ex post survey of recreational anglers for the lower Kennebec River, post-Edwards Dam removal. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents one of the first ex post analyses of fisheries restoration from dam removal. We find significant benefits have accrued to anglers using the restored fishery. Specifically, anglers are spending more to visit the fishery, a direct indication of the increased value anglers place on the improved fishery. Anglers are also willing to pay for increased angling opportunities on the river. These findings have policy implications for other privately owned dams that are currently undergoing relicensing and/or dam removal considerations. Our findings may also hold implications for fisheries that have deteriorated due to historic dam construction.
A model of strategy formulation and implementation for service technology

Technology as a source of building competitive advantage is playing an important role in many service firms. However, technology management in the service sector has significantly lagged behind that in the manufacturing sector. Service technologies have radically altered the strategic environment in ways that offer significant new opportunities and threats for service firms. In addition, service technologies offer a variety of ways for service providers to add value within their own operations. This paper presents a technology-centred strategic planning model, which emphasizes the important role of technology in strategy formulation and implementation in services. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The high temperature α field in the titanium-aluminum phase diagram

Il est etabli de facon definitive que la phase en equilibre avec un alliage liquide Ti-50% Al est la solution solide hexagonale compacte basee sur la structure du Tiα, plutot que sur une forme cubique centree suggeree par le diagramme de phases. Revision de ce dernier pour y inclure un champ α haute temperature et une seconde reaction peritectique L+α→γ
Persistent Activation of Signal Transduction Networks Induces a Novel Mechanism of Cell Death

The directed migration of cells in response to chemical cues, known as chemotaxis, plays a critical role in normal physiology and disease pathogenesis. Knowledge of the molecular mechanism of chemotaxis is critical to our understanding of the process of metastasis and for developing new therapies to prevent it.During chemotaxis ‘front’ proteins are recruited to extending pseudopods, which themselves are concentrated at the cell's anterior. Conversely, ‘back’ proteins dissociate from nascent pseudopods.The Ras/TorC2 pathway has recently been shown to be important for chemotaxis in Dictyostelium. A similar conserved mTORC2 pathway has since been shown to play a role in neutrophil chemotaxis. The discovery of the importance of this pathway in chemotaxis challenges the conventional linear, PIP3-centric view of chemotaxis, in favor of a model involving a complex network of parallel pathways connected via feedback mechanisms.In an attempt to decipher the mechanism of chemotaxis we generated pairwise mutations activating front protein RasC, and inactivating back-protein PTEN. Here we report that this combination of RasC and PTEN perturbations trapped cells in a globally activated or ‘front-state’. Front-state “clamped” cells in Dictyostelium were extremely spread and flattened. Most surprising was the susceptibility of these altered cells to death by cytoplasmic fragmentation.Front state clamped cells displayed global elevations of front protein signaling at the cortex. Levels of actin-binding probe GFP LimE at the cortex of front-state cells were elevated, as they were at the peak of the chemotactic response at the tips of pseudopods in control cells.The promise of this research is rooted in our discovery of a potentially specific vulnerability of eukaryotic cells with a combination of mutations to PTEN and Ras; two genes commonly mutated in human cancers.
The Design And Construction Of A Multipurpose Instrument For Solar Radiation Measurements

The design and operation of a multipurpose instrument for the measurement of solar radiation at ground level is presented. The instrument measures insolation in seven spectral bands from 427.8 nm to 940.0 nm. The field of view of the photometer is 3° and the basic mode of operation is that of scanning the sky in a series of almucantars. In addition, the instrument measures the direct beam of the sun at fifteen minute intervals. The basic data, therefore, consists of both direct and diffuse components of insolation which can be synthesized to yield the sum total falling on a surface of arbitrary orientation. The detection mode will allow a basic stability in the measurement of ±2% and the instrument module is portable and suitable for remote siting. Control of the instrument is accomplished with a dedicated minicomputer, and data logging on digital magnetic cassette tape allows unattended operation for periods of 1-2 weeks.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rates of Elementary Reactions: Measurement and Applications

Modern experimental techniques for measuring rate parameters of elementary reactions have transformed the field of gas-phase reaction kinetics from one of indirect inference to one of direct determination. Recent progress in the principal techniques is described, a few examples are given of the hundreds of elementary reactions for which rate information has become available, and comparison with reaction rate theory is briefly discussed. Some generalizations regarding the dependence of rate parameters on structure and thermodynamics are drawn, and successful applications to atmospheric and combustion modeling and measurement are presented.
G-6-PD as a genetic marker.

In the past two decades the enormous degree of variability which is characteristic of many human enzymes has unfolded (1,2). Because samples of red blood cells are so easy to obtain they have occupied center stage in the study of enzyme polymorphisms. The investigation of the distribution of various genes for red cell enzymes has been employed to deduce the ebb and flow of human populations. They have been used to establish paternity and as markers in bone marrow transplantation.
Traumatic and spontaneous extracranial internal carotid artery dissections

Seventy patients with spontaneous and 21 with traumatic extracranial internal carotid artery dissections were studied clinically and angiographically with mean follow-ups of 64 (spontaneous group) and 40 months (traumatic group). Sixty percent of the patients in the spontaneous group and 71% in the traumatic group also had follow-up angiograms. In traumatic dissections aneurysms were common, significantly fewer aneurysms resolved or became smaller and fewer stenoses resolved or improved, whereas more stenoses progressed to occlusion. Traumatic dissections were more likely to leave the patients with neurological deficits. A significantly higher percentage of the patients with spontaneous dissections were asymptomatic at follow-up compared with the traumatic group. Although both spontaneous and traumatic dissections of extracranial internal carotid arteries mostly carry a good prognosis, the outcome may be somewhat less favorable for the traumatic group.
Enriched Performance Measure Approach for Reliability-Based Design Optimization.

An enriched performance measure approach is presented for reliability-based design optimization to substantially improve computational efficiency when applied to large-scale applications. In the enriched performance measure approach, four improvements are made over the original performance measure approach: as a way to launch reliability-based design optimization at a deterministic optimum design, as a new enhanced hybrid-mean value method, as an efficient probabilistic feasibility check, and as a fast reliability analysis under the condition of design closeness. It is found that deterministic design optimization helps improve numerical efficiency by reducing some reliability-based design optimization iterations. In reliability-based design optimization, a computational burden on the feasibility check of constraints can be significantly reduced by using a mean value first-order method and by carrying out the refined reliability analysis using the enhanced hybrid-mean value method for e-active and violated constraints. The enhanced hybrid-mean value method is developed to handle nonlinear and/or nonmonotonic constraints in reliability analysis. The fast reliability analysis method is proposed to efficiently evaluate probabilistic constraints under the condition of design closeness. Moreover, two numerical examples are provided to compare the enriched performance measure approach to existing reliability-based design optimization methods from a numerical efficiency and stability point of view.
Bending the truth with a PRISM.

![][1] ©cartoonbank.com. All Rights Reserved. The Association of American Publishers (AAP) recently launched a website, entitled The Partnership for Research Integrity in Science & Medicine (PRISM; www .prismcoalition.com). The partnership was created to lobby against the Federal
A New Model for Multiply Charged Adduct Formation Between Peptides and Anions in Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

A new model has been developed to account for adduct formation on multiply charged peptides observed in negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry. To obtain a stable adduct, the model necessitates an approximate matching of apparent gas-phase basicity (GBapp) of a given proton bearing site on the peptide with the gas-phase basicity (GB) of the anion attaching at that site. Evidence supporting the model is derived from the fact that for [Glu] Fibrinopeptide B, higher GB anions dominated in adducts observed at higher negative charge states, whereas lower GB anions appeared predominately in lower charge state adducts. Singly charged adducts were only observed for lower GB anions: HSO 4 – , I–, CF3COO–. Ions that have medium GBs (NO 3 – , Br–, H2PO 4 – ) only form adducts having −2 charge states, whereas Cl– (higher GB) can form adducts having −3 charge states. The model portends that (1) carboxylate groups are much more basic than available amino groups; (2) apparent GBs of the various carboxylate groups on peptides do not vary substantially from one another; and (3) apparent GBs of the individual carboxylate and amino sites do not behave independently. This model was developed for negative ion attachment but an analogous mechanism is also proposed for the positive ion mode wherein (1) binding of a neutral at an amino site polarizes this amino group, but hardly affects apparent GBs of other sites; (2) proton addition (charge state augmentation) at one site can decrease the instrinsic GBs of other potential protonation sites and lower their apparent GBs.
Against all Odds: An Investigation into the Transformation of Waynesburg College

The history of Higher Education in the United States during the twentieth century includes many examples of colleges and universities, founded by mainline, protestant denominations, whose identity with and influence from those churches had faded dramatically by the 1960s and 70s. Waynesburg College, founded in 1859 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (later merged into what is now the Presbyterian Church USA) was one of those examples. But by 2003, Waynesburg College (now Waynesburg University) became a full member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. The article that follows is the result of a two-year study, conducted from 2005 to 2007, the purpose of which was to discover the story of this remarkable and quite novel missional transformation.
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Abstract The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope has become an invaluable diagnostic and therapeutic instrument in the management of pulmonary disease. Advantages over the conventional rigid bronchoscope include airway examination to the subsegmental level, increased accuracy of diagnosis in pulmonary malignancy, patient comfort, ease of bedside examination, and atraumatic aspiration of postoperative secretions. Disadvantages include cost, inability to remove foreign bodies, and lack of a satisfactory technique for infant endoscopy. The extended range of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of the flexible bronchoscope makes it an important instrument for the thoracic surgeon.