cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capillary Modification by Noncovalent Polycation Adsorption: Effects of Polymer Molecular Weight and Adsorption Ionic Strength

The strong polycation poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) was noncovalently immobilized on fused-silica capillaries. The stability and efficiency of the adsorbed coating was studied as a function of polymer molecular weight and coating ionic strength. By monitoring the electroosmotic flow on PDADMAC-coated capillaries, we found that optimal surface coverage is achieved using high molecular weight polycations at high ionic strength. Such capillaries can be used to elute positively charged proteins. In this study, true protein mobilities were obtained by (1) extrapolation of effective mobility to desired conditions and (2) theoretical calculation from the Henry function. By comparing apparent protein mobility with true protein mobility, we demonstrated that the protein−polycationic capillary surface interaction could enhance the selectivity of the silica capillary for separation of BSA and β-lactoglobulin.
Partially halogenated hydrocarbons CHFClCF3, CF3CH3, CF3CHFCHF2, CF3CH2CF3, CHF2CF2CH2F, CF3CH2CHF2, CF3OCHF2: critical temperature, refractive indices, surface tension and estimates of liquid, vapor and critical densities

Abstract For seven partially halogenated hydrocarbons, designated by the refrigeration industry as the refrigerants R124, R143a, R236ea, R236fa, R235ca, R245fa, and E125, we determined the critical temperatures Tc (ITS-90), the capillary rise, and the refractive indices of the liquid and vapor phases in the temperature range from 20°C to their critical points. Independently measured liquid densities at lower temperatures, when combined with our refractive indices, produce estimates of the vapor and liquid densities at higher temperatures up to the critical point. The densities combined with the capillary rise data give the surface tensions, σ, up to the critical points. The surface tensions of the seven refrigerants in this study together with nine others measured previously can be represented by the scaled equation σ = 2.51 (1 + 0.609ω) k b T c ( N a V c ) 2 3 t 1.26 (1 + 0.348t 1 2 −0.487t) where t ≡ (T c −T) T c is the reduced temperature, and kb, a, Vc, and ω are the Boltzmann and Avagadro constants, the critical volume, and the acentric factor, respectively. This equation yields values for σ within 5% of the measured values for all 16 candidate replacement refrigerants.
Charakterisierung von Plasma‐ Polymerfilmen mittels Flugzeit‐ Sekundärionen‐Massenspektrometrie (ToF‐SIMS). Characterisation Plasma‐Polymerfilms by Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS)

Die Flugzeit-Sekundarionen-Massenspektrometrie (ToF-SIMS) ist eine sehr oberflachenempfindliche Analysemethode, die in vielen wissenschaftlichen und industriellen Bereichen eingesetzt wird. Sie dient zur Identifikation und Lokalisation des Elementinventars sowie der vorliegenden organischen und anorganischen Verbindungen auf Festkorperoberflachen. Die Oberflacheninformationen werden aus Massenspektren gewonnen, in denen aufgrund der sehr hohen Massenauflosung des Instruments (m/Δm > 5.000) sogar zwischen Spezies gleicher nomineller Masse unterschieden werden kann. Zusatzlich konnen laterale Oberflachenverteilungen gemessen werden, die eine Lokalisation chemischer Spezies mit einer Auflosung < 1μm zulassen. Mit Hilfe multivariater Modelle lassen sich die massenspektrometrischen Signale mit physikalischen Oberflacheneigenschaften (wie z. B. Benetzungsverhalten, Elementkonzentrationen, Reibverhalten etc.) korrelieren. Daraus konnen haufig entscheidende Hinweise uber die Funktion der untersuchten Oberflachenstruktur abgeleitet werden. Die Flugzeit-Sekundarionen-Massenspektrometrie wird damit zu einem unverzichtbaren Hilfsmittel fur die Entwicklung funktionaler Oberflachen, die wiederum Grundlage vieler neuer und innovativer Produkte sind. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a surface sensitive analytical method which is utilised in many scientific and industrial branches. The area of application is the identification and localisation of all elements as well as organic and inorganic chemical compounds on arbitrary solid surfaces. The information on the surface is obtained from mass spectra. Due to the high mass resolution (m/Δm > 5.000) different chemical species of the same nominal mass can be clearly separated from each other. Furthermore, the lateral distribution of elemental and molecular species on the surface can be displayed with a lateral resolution < 1 μm. By multivariate modeling the complete information from the mass spectra can be correlated with physical surface properties such as wetting behaviour, elemental concentrations, tribological parameters etc. The outcome of this are decisive information about the functionality of the analysed surface structure. For this reason Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry becomes an essential analysis tool in the development of functional surfaces which are the basis of novel and innovative products.
Wayward Modeling: Population Genetics and Natural Selection*

Since the introduction of mathematical population genetics, its machinery has shaped our fundamental understanding of natural selection. Selection is taken to occur when differential fitnesses produce differential rates of reproductive success, where fitnesses are understood as parameters in a population genetics model. To understand selection is to understand what these parameter values measure and how differences in them lead to frequency changes. I argue that this traditional view is mistaken. The descriptions of natural selection rendered by population genetics models are in general neither predictive nor explanatory and introduce avoidable conceptual confusions. I conclude that a correct understanding of natural selection requires explicitly causal models of reproductive success.
Abstract 471: Acute activation of beta2-adrenergic receptor inhibits in vitro renal carcinoma cell migration through betaArrestin2-mediated regulation of p115RhoGEF

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is fatal with no current effective treatment. Molecular mechanisms underlying progression to metastatic RCC are not fully understood, and gene array studies have revealed increased expression of beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2AR) and betaArrestin2 genes in RCC. We examined the regulation of RCC migration and invasion, two critical steps in the progression to the metastatic disease, following beta2AR activation using scratch assays and Boyden chamber assays in cultured RCC cell lines Caki-1, SN12C and RCC7. Acute treatment with the selective beta2AR agonist formoterol inhibited migration of the three cell lines by 40% to 70% with an IC50 of 2.5 nM or less. We further examined contribution of G protein and betaArrestin signaling. Using the betaAR-inverse agonist carvedilol that is biased for[[Unsupported Character - ]]betaArrestin signaling, combined with transient knockdown of Gs or betaArrestin2 by siRNA, or mouse embryonic fibroblasts from betaArrestin1 or betaArrestin2 knockout mice, we identified betaArrestin2 as a mediator of beta2AR-induced inhibition of cell migration. betaArrestin2 forms a complex with p115RhoGEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) that was previously shown to be regulated by Gq and G12/13. Activation of beta2AR promoted the translocation of p115RhoGEF to the plasma membrane, with consequent activation of RhoA which enhances formation of focal adhesions that restrain the cell migration. These results suggest that betaArrestin2 exerts cell compartment-specific effects on the cell migration. In the absence of acute beta2AR activation, betaArrestin2 sequesters p115RhoGEF in the cytosol, leading to relatively lower RhoA activity at the cell periphery and higher cell migration rate. Upon acute beta2AR activation, betaArrestin2 translocates to the plasma membrane with concomitant enrichment of p115RhoGEF at the plasma membrane, resulting in the activation of RhoA and decreased cell motility. Our results imply that betaArrestin2 and its effectors impact RCC metastasis and suggest its utility as a drug target to limit progression of the disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 471. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-471
The QCD sum rule for the light-heavy quark systems

Abstract The method of QCD sum rules is applied to light-heavy quark systems, with detail treatment of the D and B mesons. We calculate the masses for the pseudo-scalar and vector states and their leptonic decay constants in a unified approach.
Curling up two spatial dimensions with SU(1,1)/U(1)

It is seen that a nonlinear sigma model based on the noncompact coset space SU(1,1)/U(1) can curl up two spatial dimensions into a topologically noncompact surface of finite area with a compact U(1) isometry group. This mechanism can be used for several higher-dimensional supergravity theories. In particular, chiral N = 2, D = 10 supergravity would reduce to an N = 1, D = 8 theory in which the masslessness of fermions does not depend only on supersymmetry. Further reduction to four dimensions is possible.
Vibration suppression of fixed-time jib crane maneuvers

A jib crane consists of a pendulum-like end line attached to a rotatable jib. Within this general category of cranes there exist devices with multiple degrees of freedom including variable load-line length and variable jib length. These cranes are commonly used for construction and transportation applications. Point-to-point payload maneuvers using jib cranes are performed so as not to excite the spherical pendulum modes of their cable and payload assemblies. Typically, these pendulum modes, although time-varying, exhibit low frequencies. The resulting maneuvers are therefore performed slowly, contributing to high construction and transportation costs. The crane considered here consists of a spherical pendulum attached to a rigid jib. The other end of the jib is attached to a direct drive motor of generating rotational motion. A general approach is presented for determining the open-loop trajectories for the jib rotation for accomplishing fixed-time, point-to-point, residual oscillation free, symmetric maneuvers. These residual oscillation free trajectories purposely excite the pendulum modes in such a way that at the end of the maneuver the oscillatory degrees of freedom are quiescent. Simulation results are presented with experimental verification.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stability constant determination and characterizationn of the complexation of trivalent lanthanides with polyoxometalates

Abstract Polyoxometalates (POMs), water-soluble metal oxides, can be considered small fragments of oxide lattices similar to the principle components of clay surfaces. Consequently, POMs may be used to model the thermodynamic aspects of clay–metal interactions to develop an understanding of the importance of clay colloids in the migration of metal cations in an environmental setting. The stability constants for the complexation of lanthanide(III) cations with P2W18O62 6− and the lacunary α2-P2W17O61 10− polyoxometalates have been measured using laser-induced fluorescence techniques at 25 °C and an ionic strength of 0.10 M (NaClO4). The values of log β1 correlate well with the ligand pKa values, reflecting the strong ionic nature of the metal–ligand interaction. The stability constants were used to estimate the localized effective charges sensed by the metal ions. The luminescent lifetimes of the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were measured to evaluate the residual hydration of the metal ions in these complexes.
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane amphiphiles: isotherm and brewster angle microscopy studies of trisilanolisobutyl-POSS at the air/water interface.

A trisilanol derivative of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), trisilanolisobutyl-POSS, has recently been reported to form stable monolayers at the air/water interface. Moreover, the trisilanolisobutyl-POSS monolayer undergoes a nonequilibrium structural transition (collapse) around a surface pressure of Π ≈ 18 mN·m-1. This paper explores the mono- and multilayer properties of POSS molecules at the air/water interface by the Wilhelmy plate technique and Brewster angle microscopy. Surface concentrations are controlled by four mechanisms: (1) compression at a constant rate, (2) stepwise compression followed by surface pressure relaxation to an “equilibrium” value, (3) successive additions of spreading solution followed by relaxation to a stable surface pressure value, and (4) hysteresis loops to test the reversibility of the structural transitions. Results show that both an increasing compression rate and a decreasing temperature lead to an increase in the surface pressure of the structural trans...
Effects of ALDH2∗2 on alcohol problem trajectories of Asian American college students.

The variant aldehyde dehydrogenase allele, ALDH2∗2, consistently has been associated with protection against alcohol dependence, but the mechanism underlying this process is not known. This study examined growth trajectories of alcohol consumption (frequency, average quantity, binge drinking, maximum drinks) and problems over the college years and then tested whether the ALDH2 genotype mediated or moderated the relationship between alcohol consumption and problems. Asian American college students (N = 433) reported on their drinking behavior in their first year of college and then annually for 3 consecutive years. Alcohol consumption and problems increased over the college years for both those with and without ALDH2∗2, but having an ALDH2∗2 allele was associated with less of an increase in problems over time. A mediation model was supported, with ALDH2∗2 group differences in problems fully accounted for by differences in frequency of binge drinking. Findings also supported a moderation hypothesis: All four alcohol consumption variables were significant predictors of subsequent alcohol problems, but these relationships were not as strong in those with ALDH2∗2 as in those without ALDH2∗2. Our findings suggest that the interplay between ALDH2∗2 and drinking-related problems is complex, involving both mediation and moderation processes that reduce the likelihood of developing problems via reduction of heavy drinking as well as by altering the relationship between alcohol consumption and problems. Results of this longitudinal study provide evidence that what seems like a relatively straightforward effect of a diminished ability to metabolize alcohol on drinking behavior is actually dependent on behavior and developmental stage.
Preparation of psychosines (1-O-hexosyl sphingosine) from cerebrosides

A convenient method for large or small scale preparation of psychosine from cerebroside has been developed by adaptation of published procedures. Cerebroside is refluxed with butanol and aqueous KOH, then the KOH is removed with perchloric acid. The fatty acids are removed by extraction with hexane and the excess perchloric acid is removed by partitioning between chloroform, ethanol, and water.
Modeling and sensitivity analysis for solar grade silicon production

This paper addresses modeling and control strategy for fluidized bed reactors designed to produce poly-silicon for solar cell applications. This reaction process provides a potential alternative to the Siemens process which is widely used in the current poly-silicon solar market. Thermal decomposition of silane takes place in the fluidized bed reactor and seed particles are growing due to the chemical vapor deposition and the scavenging powders generated in homogeneous decomposition. A discretized population balance is developed to describe the dynamics of particles. The model employs ordinary differential and algebraic equations to track particle movement through discrete size intervals to capture the size distributions. A novel sensitivity analysis for the steady state operation is presented to demonstrate the impact of control parameters to the process and is validated via experimental data obtained from pilot plants in Renewable Energy Corporation.
Impaired IgG production in the lungs of HIV-infected individuals.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at risk for pulmonary infections with encapsulated bacterial pathogens. This could reflect impaired production of opsonizing antibodies in the lower respiratory tract. We examined antibody production in the alveolar space by measuring immunoglobulin concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of HIV-infected patients and normal volunteers and by assessing the ability of alveolar macrophages (AM) to induce immunoglobulin production in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). BAL from HIV-infected patients contained significantly less IgG than normal BAL. IgA and IgM concentrations were similar in both groups. Normal AM supported IgG and IgA production in PBMC. While HIV AM could induce IgA production in PBMC, in no instance did they induce IgG secretion. HIV AM produced significantly more transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a factor known to suppress IgG production, than normal AM. Finally, TGF-β antibodies blocked the inhibitory effect of HIV AM on normal IgG secretion without affecting IgA secretion. These findings demonstrate impaired production of opsonizing IgG in the alveolar space of HIV-infected subjects and implicate excess TGF-β production by AM as the cause of this impairment.
Subleading shape functions and the determination of |Vub|

Abstract It is argued that the dominant subleading shape-function contributions to the endpoint region of the charged-lepton energy spectrum in B → X u lν decays can be related in a model-independent way to an integral over the B → X s γ photon spectrum. The square root of the fraction of B → X u lν events with charged-lepton energy above E 0 =2.2 GeV can be calculated with a residual theoretical uncertainty from subleading shape-function effects that is safely below the 10% level. These effects have therefore a minor impact on the determination of | V ub |.
Hispanic-Asian Immigrant Inequality in Perceived Medical Need and Access to Regular Physician Care

In the face of continuing large immigrant streams, Hispanic and Asian immigrants’ human and social capital inequalities will heighten U.S. race/ethnic health and health care disparities. Using data from the 2004 and 2008 panels of the Survey of Income and Program Participation, this study assessed Hispanic-Asian immigrant disparity in access to health care, measured by perceived medical need and regular access to a physician. Logistic regression results indicated that Hispanics had lower perceived met medical need and were less likely to see a doctor regularly. These disparities were significantly attenuated by education and health insurance. Assimilation-related characteristics were significantly associated with a regular doctor visit and were not fully mediated by socioeconomic variables. Findings indicate the importance of education above and beyond insurance coverage for access to health care and suggest the potential for public health efforts to improve preventive care among immigrants.
Crack and damage assessment in concrete and polymer matrices using liquids released internally from hollow optical fibers

This was an investigation into the feasibility of using liquid core optical fibers for the detection and self repair of cracking in cement or polymer materials generated by dynamic or static loading. These experiments relied on our current research sponsored by the National Science Foundation. That work on the concept of internal adhesive delivery from hollow fibers for repair was here combined with the nondestructive fiber optic analysis of crack location and volume. The combination of the ability to remotely measure crack occurrence in real time and determine the location and volume of crack damage in the matrix is unique in the field of optic sensors. The combination of this with crack repair, rebonding of any detached or broken fibers, and replenishment of liquid core chemicals, when necessary, make this a potentially powerful sensing and repair tool. Work on this research topic was sponsored by the University of Illinois.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-mediated disruption of Rho GTPase activity impairs lens fiber cell migration, elongation and survival

Abstract To explore the role of the Rho GTPases in lens morphogenesis, we overexpressed bovine Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDIα), which serves as a negative regulator of Rho, Rac and Cdc42 GTPase activity, in a lens-specific manner in transgenic mice. This was achieved using a chimeric promoter of δ-crystallin enhancer and αA-crystallin, which is active at embryonic day 12. Several individual transgenic (Tg) lines were obtained, and exhibited ocular specific phenotype comprised of microphthalmic eyes with lens opacity. The overexpression of bovine RhoGDIα disrupted membrane translocation of Rho, Rac and Cdc42 GTPases in Tg lenses. Transgenic lenses also revealed abnormalities in the migration pattern, elongation and organization of lens fibers. These changes appeared to be associated with impaired organization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell–cell adhesions. At E14.5, the size of the RhoGDIα Tg lenses was larger compared to wild type (WT) and the central lens epithelium and differentiating fibers exhibited an abnormal increase of bromo-deoxy-uridine incorporation. Postnatal Tg eyes, however, were much smaller in size compared to WT eyes, revealing increased apoptosis in the disrupted lens fibers. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical role for Rho GTPase-dependent signaling pathways in processes underlying morphogenesis, fiber cell migration, elongation and survival in the developing lens.
Anomalous rheological characteristics of a high-internal-phase-ratio emulsion

Abstract High-internal-phase-ratio emulsions containing 97–98% liquid fuel as the dispersed phase, are shown to exhibit complex rheological behavior including reversible work hardening and apparent slip-flow anomalies. However, when proper precautions are taken to prevent contamination by demulsified fuel, steady flow in glass and steel tubes is characterized by the Bingham model up to a critical wall shear stress. At higher stresses a discontinuity in the flow curve is observed. Experiments in different diameter tubes are used to establish that the critical stress is associated with the rupture of emulsion droplets and the formation of a thin film of fuel at the wall of the tube. The apparent absence of a yield value and critical stress with PTFE tubes indicates that the film of fuel forms when the emulsion contacts a hydrophobic surface.
Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Caspase Inhibition Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Apoptosis-modulating therapeutics using active-site mimetic peptide ketones (z-VAD-fluoromethylketone (fmk)) have been reported to be efficacious in delaying the apoptotic response in central nervous system lesions. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the caspase inhibitor z-VAD fmk prevents apoptosis and improves neurological deficit and tissue damage. One-hundred twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into groups that were administered 25 microg of z-VAD-fmk or vehicle 30 min and 24 h after moderate spinal cord contusion (NYU impactor, 12.5 mm at T10). Several routes of administration were tested: (1) via Gelfoam placed on the spinal cord, (2) into the cisterna magna via a subarachnoidal catheter, (3) intravenously via the external jugular vein, or (4) intraperitoneally. Another group was injected with 50 microg of zVAD-fmk or vehicle intraperitoneally 30 min, 24, 48, and 72 h after injury. Animals were evaluated for locomotor function (BBB score) at weekly intervals for 6 weeks after injury and treatment. Spinal cords were then processed for histological analysis to determine whether zVAD-fmk treatment decreased contusion volume. Other spinal cord samples were harvested 24 h after injury and examined for cleavage of XIAP by immunoblot analysis. There were no significant differences in the BBB scores, contusion volumes, and XIAP cleavage between animals receiving the broad specific caspase inhibitor by the various routes and animals receiving vehicle alone. These findings raise critical questions about the use of peptide ketone apoptotic inhibitors in improving functional and histopathological outcomes following spinal cord injury.
Rotating frame nuclear relaxation of PBr3: Off-resonance studies by fourier transform NMR

Abstract The theory for off resonance measurements of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating coordinate frame (T1ϱ) is developed to facilitate measurements of this parameter by Fourier transform (FT) NMR. Measurements on PBr3 are used to test the theory, but the technique is developed so as to apply to multiline spectra suitable for FT-NMR study. Methods of interpreting data and applications are discussed.
Hereditary influence on the normal personality using the MMPI. I. Age-corrected offspring resemblances..

The MMPI was administered to 28 adolescent offspring from marriages in which both parents had taken the test during the ninth grade. Therefore, parent-offspring comparisons could be made on these measures of personality obtained at approximately the same age, one generation apart. Thus age bias is eliminated. Correlations and regressions for the ten clinical scales and K validity scale were determined. Heritability estimates were computed including corrections for parental assortative mating. The heritability estimates for the psychotic scales (6-Pa, 7-Pt, 8-Sc, and 9-Ma) tended to be higher than those for the remaining test scales.
Assessing dementia. Part II: Clinical, functional, neuropsychological and social issues.

Despite the pressures of an increasingly ageing population and an ever increasing scientific knowledge, the clinical characteristics of dementia remain poorly defined. This relative lack of clarity in clinical understanding has led to diverse diagnostic problems, including those of mistaken diagnosis as well as over- and under-diagnosis in different settings. This paper focuses on the syndromal and aetiological diagnosis of dementia by outlining current clinical definitions, considering differential diagnosis in detail and reviewing characteristics of common dementing disorders. The past emphasis on a search for treatable causes, the reliance on laboratory investigations and the concept of subcortical dementia are all questioned. Aspects of evaluation that are stressed include the value of brief objective cognitive testing, a knowledge of normal age-related cognitive changes, flexible criteria for Alzheimer's disease and a comprehensive individualised evaluation of the person. Broader assessment issues wi...
Ancient splice junction shadows with relation to blocks in protein structure

Splice junction shadows (ancient exon-exon junctions) presumably reflect the existence of amino acid primary blocks which were used in the course of evolution for the construction of new proteins. The lengths of such blocks (i.e. regions between splice junctions), as the lengths of corresponding inserted or duplicated ancient exons, should be divisible by three in order to store the preexisting coding frame in the course of evolution. In this paper, we will test the hypothesis of intron-mediated recombination in a model of block molecular evolution (exon shuffling) by revealing corresponding blocks in existing database-contained coding sequences. For this purpose, we use a weight matrix prediction of ancient splice junction shadows in coding regions of the nucleotide sequences in current databases. The usage of splice junction shadows allows us to test the block evolution hypothesis in better detail in comparison with previous methods which were based only on currently existing recent exons. Our result of block length distribution at the nucleotide level shows a clear tendency to be divisible by three. At the protein level, several unexpected favorable block lengths, which are six, nine, 12 and 15 amino acids in length, were observed. Further refinements in our method for revealing splice junction shadows (structural block boundaries) might reveal peptides which probably maintain stable folds in different structures. The latter can in turn be used for protein structure prediction.
TDAG51 is an ERK signaling target that opposes ERK-mediated HME16C mammary epithelial cell transformation.

Introduction: Signaling downstream of Ras is mediated by three major pathways, Raf/ERK, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RalGEF). Ras signal transduction pathways play an important role in breast cancer progression, as evidenced by the frequent over-expression of the Ras-activating epidermal growth factor receptors EGFR and ErbB2. Here we investigated which signal transduction pathways downstream of Ras contribute to EGFR-dependent transformation of telomerase-immortalized mammary epithelial cells HME16C. Furthermore, we examined whether a highly transcriptionally regulated ERK pathway target, PHLDA1 (TDAG51), suggested to be a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and melanoma, might modulate the transformation process. Methods: Cellular transformation of human mammary epithelial cells by downstream Ras signal transduction pathways was examined using anchorage-independent growth assays in the presence and absence of EGFR inhibition. TDAG51 protein expression was down-regulated by interfering small hairpin RNA (shRNA), and the effects on cell proliferation and death were examined in Ras pathway-transformed breast epithelial cells. Results: Activation of both the ERK and PI3K signaling pathways was sufficient to induce cellular transformation, which was accompanied by up-regulation of EGFR ligands, suggesting autocrine EGFR stimulation during the transformation process. Only activation of the ERK pathway was sufficient to transform cells in the presence of EGFR inhibition and was sufficient for tumorigenesis in xenografts. Up-regulation of the PHLDA1 gene product, TDAG51, was found to correlate with persistent ERK activation and anchorage-independent growth in the absence or presence of EGFR inhibition. Knockdown of this putative breast cancer tumor-suppressor gene resulted in increased ERK pathway activation and enhanced matrix-detached cellular proliferation of Ras/Raf transformed cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that multiple Ras signal transduction pathways contribute to mammary epithelial cell transformation, but that the ERK signaling pathway may be a crucial component downstream of EGFR activation during tumorigenesis. Furthermore, persistent activation of ERK signaling up-regulates TDAG51. This event serves as a negative regulator of both Erk activation as well as matrix-detached cellular proliferation and suggests that TDAG51 opposes ERK-mediated transformation in breast epithelial cells.
New roads to a megakaryocyte inner territory

In this issue of Blood , Eckly et al describe megakaryocyte inner membranes’ origin and territories, implying an additional role they might play.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy 3D reconstruction of the predemarcation membrane system (orange) located
A survey of endogenous dopamine and serotonin in ciliated and nervous tissues of five species of marine bivalves, with evidence for specific, high-affinity dopamine receptors in ciliated tissue of Mytilus californianus

Abstract 1. Survey studies were carried out to determine levels of endogenous DA and 5-HT in the gills, labial palps, pedal ganglia, cerebral ganglia, and visceral ganglia of 5 species of marine bivalves using HPLC coupled with ED. 2. All tissues studied contained assayable quantities of these two biogenic amines although the richest source of both DA and 5-HT was the labial palp. Palp tissue generally contained 4–12 × more DA than the gill tissue. 3. High affinity binding of ( 3 H)APOM was demonstrated in both palp and gill tissue of the sea mussel, Mytilus californianus . Competition experiments using d - and l -butaclamol, APOM and dopamine suggest the presence of specific dopamine-receptors in these ciliated tissues.
Flyover and static tests to investigate external flow effect on jet noise for nonsuppressor and suppressor exhaust nozzles.

The effect of external air flowing across exhaust nozzles on the jet noise characteristics of supersonic transport aircraft at high takeoff speeds was investigated. A series of flyover and static tests were conducted using an F-106B aircraft modified with two underwing nacelles each containing a calibrated J85-GE-13 turbojet engine. Comparison of flyover and static data indicated that external flow reduces the noise of an auxiliary inlet ejector nozzle. An unsuppressed plug nozzle was not affected while the plug suppressor configurations were not as effective in flight.
Public investment, private investment, and inflation

Abstract In this paper I investigate the short- and long-run effects of cutting investment in social infrastructure in a simple perfect foresight model. Even though the equilibrium capital stock falls, private investment increases in the short run provided the intertemporal elasticity of substitution is not extremely large. When the productivity of social infra-structure is comparable to or above that of private capital, inflation is likely to increase in the long run. Furthermore, inflation may be higher throughout the adjustment process if a modest degree of intertemporal substitution is possible.
Differences in Acne Treatment Prescribing Patterns of Pediatricians and Dermatologists: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Data

Background Acne vulgaris is a very common disease process that is seen frequently by both pediatricians and dermatologists. However, treatment may be different depending on specialty. Objectives To compare pediatricians' and dermatologists' patterns of treatment for acne vulgaris. Methods National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data on office visits to pediatricians and dermatologists for acne vulgaris were analyzed from 1996 to 2005. Results During this 10-year time period, dermatologists managed an estimated 18.1 million acne visits and pediatricians managed an estimated 4.6 million acne visits. Dermatologists prescribed topical retinoids considerably more frequently than did pediatricians (46.1% of acne visits for dermatologists vs 12.1% for pediatricians). Conclusions There is an opportunity for pediatricians to play a greater role in the management of patients with acne. A shift toward greater use of topical retinoids by pediatricians would be more in line with the practice of dermatologists and with current acne treatment consensus guidelines.
Perspectives on what is needed to implement genomic medicine.

In the United States, soccer is the game of the future—and it always will be! Substitute “genomic medicine” for “soccer” and this would be an apt statement for many who criticize the amount of clinically relevant information available for the practice of medicine that has resulted from the expenditure of time and resources on the Human Genome Project and subsequent funded efforts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others. The recognition of the role that NIH (particularly through the National Human Genome Research Institute [NHGRI]) had in funding research on the implementation of genomic medicine in the clinic was not explicitly stated until the release of the NHGRI's strategic plan, “Charting a course for genomic medicine from base pairs to bedside” (Green and Guyer 2011). In the subsequent years, significant progress has been made. This commentary will briefly explore the current and future state of genomic medicine emphasizing aspects that are not as frequently considered but are crucial to the successful translation of genomics into the clinic.
Biomechanical optimization of bone plates used in rigid fixation of mandibular fractures

Purpose To design and optimize a bone plate for fractures of the mandibular body that will provide maximum fracture stability with minimal implanted volume and patient intrusion. The design will be driven by the unique biomechanics specific to this fracture location. Materials and Methods A finite element model of a fractured human mandible was created using tomography scans. Material properties were assigned to the cortical bone, cancellous bone, and dental region. Boundary conditions included simulating a unilateral molar clench and incisal loading. The bone plate design process included a shape optimization routine and design parameter analysis using the model. The optimized bone plate design was finally compared with standard bone plate configurations based on stress and strain measures. Results For incisal loading, the newly designed InterFlex II plate has 69% of the fracture strain and only 34% of the plate stress of an 8-hole strut plate. For unilateral molar loading, those numbers improve even further to 59% and 27%, respectively. InterFlex II plate stresses are less than or equal to the paired plate configuration, and fracture strain is within 10% of the corresponding paired plate strain under both loading scenarios. In terms of mechanical performance, InterFlex II is in the same class as the commonly used paired plate configuration, despite having only 55% of the implanted volume. Conclusion A design process focused on shape and design variable optimization can produce bone plates that provide maximum fracture stability with minimum implanted volume.
Carotid Artery Stenting Versus Carotid Endarterectomy: Post CREST

The risk of stroke associated with carotid artery stenosis can be reduced with carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting in carefully selected patients. While surgery has been the traditional treatment there have been many trials comparing carotid endarterectomy with carotid artery stenting, and stenting has shown promising results for certain patient populations. This article reviews the natural history of carotid artery stenosis, the data supporting carotid endarterectomy, trials directly comparing surgery to stenting, and current recommendations for each modality.
Reduced REM latency predicts response to tricyclic medication in depressed outpatients.

Abstract Forty-two outpatients with major depressive disorder entered a double-blind, randomized trial of either desipramine or amitriptyline for a minimum of 6 weeks. Pretreatment polysomnographic and clinical measures were used to predict response. Response was defined as a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score ⩽9 at the end of treatment. There was a 61.1% response rate for patients treated with amitriptyline and a 66.7% response rate for patients treated with desipramine. Reduced REM latency (2-night mean ⩽65.0 min) predicted a positive response to these tricyclic antidepressants. REM latency did not differentiate between desipramine or amitriptyline responders. More patients with reduced REM latency (80%) responded to treatment compared with patients with nonreduced REM latency (50%). The 80% response rate in reduced REM latency depressed patients confirms our previous findings in a mixed inpatient and outpatient sample. Contrary to our hypothesis, in this sample, endogenous depression was not associated with a good response to tricyclic medication.
Growth and Production of Inbred and Outbred Holstein-Friesian Cattle

Summary Growth and production data of inbred and outbred progeny of Holstein-Friesian sires in three Wisconsin State Department of Public Welfare herds were collected and analyzed to determine the effect of inbreeding on body dimensions (height at withers, circumference of shin bone, heart girth and width of hips) at 6 and 18 months of age and at maturity and on milk and butterfat production and butterfat test. The average intra-sire partial regression (holding mature size of dam constant) of dimension on inbreeding was used to measure this effect. The partial regression of dimensions on inbreeding was essentially zero, except for heart girth at 18 months and maturity, which was significant only at 18 months. Intra-sire partial regressions (holding dam's record constant) of milk and butterfat production of 42 inbred and 47 outbred cows on inbreeding were significant and amounted to an average decrease of 74lb. of milk and 2.3lb. of butterfat for each 1 per cent increase in inbreeding. No evidence of an effect of inbreeding on butterfat percentage was indicated. Considerable variation was found in the partial regression coefficients of sires, indicating that offspring of some sires could be inbred without any apparent decrease in body size or production, possibly in part because the beneficial effect of increasing the relationship to a sire transmitting a superior level of production tends to offset detrimental effects of inbreeding to him.
Thermal Stability of an Axial-Compressed Open-Tip Carbon Nanocone

This paper used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate thermal stability of an axial compressed open-tip carbon nanocone, which have an apex angle of 19.2°. To study the thermal stability, the carbon nanocone was first compressed axially up to the compression strain near its critical strain for buckling. Temperature of carbon nanocone was then increased gradually and the corresponding axial force in the carbon nanocone was monitored to examine the thermal stability of the carbon nanocone. It was found that the critical temperature for thermal instability grows with the decrease of the initial compressed strain. Comparing with the buckling mode of the carbon nanocone, the thermal instability mode displayed a swelling configuration rather than a deflective configuration of the buckling mode. The interesting finding would be helpful for applications of open-tip carbon nanocones.
From Spontaneous Play and Hanging Out to Out-of-School-Time Programming: An American Perspective.

Two-parent working families, safety factors, shifts in gender roles, and many other factors have led to rapid development of out-of-school-time programming to provide youngsters with the kinds of experiences they might have historically received at home and in the neighborhood. This article elaborates on key issues in quality, the quality of relationships with both peers and staff, opportunity for youth voice, and the activities provided.
Migration and fertility behaviour in England and Wales: a record linkage study.

Relationships between migration and fertility are examined using data from the OPCS Longitudinal Study of England and Wales including linked information from the 1971 and 1981 censuses and birth registration data for the period 1971-80. The results show that the proportion moving between the 1971 Census and the 1st subsequent birth was higher among tenants than owner occupiers particularly for women in shared accommodation in 1971. The association between tenure and moving was more consistent than the relationship between moving and the husbands social class. Differences in the proportions moving between the censuses were positively associated with fertility in the same period particularly for women in potentially crowded accomodation in 1971. Moving in 1970-1971 was not associated with differences in parity progression ratios 1971-1981. There were however differences in the timing of births suggesting that long distance migration was associated with a postponement of the 1st or 2nd child probably because both longer distance migration and fertility behavior are associated with other characteristics such as education. (authors modified)
Effect of intranasally administered immune serum on influenza virus present in the mouse lung.

SummaryWhen mice were infected by the intranasal route with large doses of influenza virus and immune serum was introduced into the lungs 1 hour later, the animals died even though neither the amount of infectious virus in the lungs at the time the serum was given nor the amount subsequently produced was as great as the corresponding amounts found in the lungs of mice that had been infected with small doses of virus and that were protected when immune serum was given 24 hours later. The findings suggest that a large amount of influenza virus introduced directly into the mouse lung may, by itself, be sufficient to kill the animal without any subsequent multiplication of the agent.
A Multi‐Institutional Web‐Based Undergraduate Food Product Innovation and Marketing Course

: Food product development courses at The Pennsylvania State University and Saint Joseph's University were combined into a single course with a common faculty, syllabus, and web-based course management system. Industry specialists made weekly presentations on critical aspects of the product development and marketing process, via compressed video conferencing and the Web, to students at both locations. Cross-institutional interdisciplinary student teams completed a comprehensive plan for developing, evaluating, and launching a new product. Assessment of student learning revealed an enhanced understanding of all aspects of the product innovation, development, and marketing processes. The net result is a model learning system transcending disciplines, place, and time.
External Compression-Induced Fracture Patterning on the Surface of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Cubes and Microspheres

This article describes a method for creating submicrometer surface patterns on cubes and microspheres. In this method, PDMS cubes and microspheres are exposed to oxygen plasma, which creates a very thin, hard, surface-modified layer on a compliant substrate. These are then compressed, causing the layer to crack in patterns dictated by the distribution of tensile stresses in the surface layer. Cracks with submicrometer widths were generated on 1 cm3 cubes and 800-μm-diameter microspheres, and the resulting crack patterns were observed. Finite-element simulations of the tensile stress distributions reveal that the fracture patterns arise from different mechanisms in the cubes and spheres. In particular, pattern formation is associated with frictional contact in the cubes but not in the microspheres, where geometrical effects associated with changes in the cross-sectional area along the axis lead to the generation of tensile stress. These observations and analyses provide a foundation on which to predict and...
Examining Supernova Remnant GSH054-00+003

Supernova remnants play a key role in galactic evolution. Therefore, studying them intensively can improve our understanding of the process. In this project, we studied the neutral hydrogen shell GSH054-00+003 located at RA 292.75o and DEC 18.25o that was found in the SETHI dataset. We found its reference velocity to be 3km/s. After matching it with the Galactic rotation curve and spiral structure, we found its distance to be 10kpc away. Based on this and geometry, we estimated its size to be 245 pc. Using computer analysis of its HI spectrum, we determined the expansion velocity to be 8.6km/s. We therefore can calculate its age and kinetic energy. Assuming the number density of the ambient interstellar medium to be 1 atom/cm3, we calculated its energy to be . Through comparison to computer models of shell evolution, we estimated it was formed by approximately 5 to 10 supernovae. A simple age estimation is 14 million years. Although this is an over estimate, the slow expansion and absence of x-ray emission indicate the shell is old. We conclude that a cluster of supernovae formed this old shell.
Globalization and the economic role of the state in the new millennium

This essay concerns the process of globalization, the integration of economies around the world which has put new demands on nation-states at the very same time that, in many ways, it has reduced their capacities to deal with those demands. The nation-state today is squeezed, on the one side, by the forces of global economics and, on the other side, by the political demands for devolution of power. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.