cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia with a high risk of adverse outcome: the Mayo Clinic approach.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) is usually an incidental diagnosis in patients with early–intermediate stage disease. However, most patients with a diagnosis of CLL will subsequently have significant morbidity and die from their disease and its complications. For these patients, CLL is not the ‘good leukemia’ with a predictably ‘benign’ outcome. Indeed, we can now identify a cohort of patients with high-risk CLL at diagnosis who will have rapid disease progression, poor response to treatment, and poor survival based on prognostic methods developed from an improved understanding of the biology of CLL. The concomitant development of improved treatments has led to risk-adjusted management approaches that could improve outcomes. We discuss the clinical and laboratory components of comprehensive risk evaluation of patients with CLL and our approach to the management of patients with a high to very high risk of disease progression and poor outcome. In addition, we review the challe...
Electrochemical performance of surfactant-processed LiFePO4 as a cathode material for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries

This study focuses on the effect of addition of surfactant as a dispersing agent during vibratory ball milling of LiFePO4 (LFP) precursor materials on the electrochemical performance of solid-state reaction synthesized LFP for lithium-ion battery cathode material. LFP particles formed after calcinations of ball milled LFP precursors (Li2CO3, FeC2O4, and NH4H2PO4) showed better size uniformity, morphology control, and reduced particle size when anionic surfactant (Avanel S-150) was used. The specific surface area of LFP particles increased by approximately twofold on addition of surfactant during milling. These particles showed significantly enhanced cyclic performance during charge/discharge due to a reduced polarization of electrode material. Electrodes fabricated from LFP particles by conventional milling process showed a 22 % decrease in capacity after 50 cycles, whereas the performance of electrode prepared by surfactant processed LFP showed only 3 % loss in capacity. The LFP particles were characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, particle size distribution, density measurement, and BET-specific surface area measurement. Electrochemical impedance spectra and galvanostatic charge/discharge test were performed for the electrochemical performance using coin-type cell.
Phase transformations in ion irradiated Ti-6242s alloys

Abstract Neutron irradiation of Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo-0.08Si (Ti-6242s) indicated that the microstructure of this alloy may be stable under irradiation, in contrast to Ti-6A1-4V (Ti-64) which showed radiation-induced phase instabilities. However, the present study showed that after 2 dpa of 9 MeV aluminum ion irradiation within the temperature range 450–700°C, Ti-6242s displayed extensive precipitation. The precipitate was identified as a bcc phase similar to that observed in Ti-64. The morphology of the precipitation response for 450–600°C was highly unusual. It consisted of the apparent agglomeration of small (~ 20 nm) precipitates into some form of array or cluster. The high temperature precipitate response (650–700°C) was normal in that the precipitate morphology was that of an elongated platelet. The unusual precipitate morphology is attributed to the observed segregation of Al and Mo to sinks. A low void density was observed between 550–650°C with the voids preferentially located near grain boundaries.
The Role of Politics and Governance in Educational Accountability Systems

Abstract This brief utilizes case study methodology to illustrate the role of governance in educational accountability systems. Most research on the effectiveness of such systems has focused on technical components, such as standards-setting, assessments, rewards and sanctions, and data collection and reporting. This brief seeks to demonstrate that this focus may miss the importance of the institutional set-up. We argue that effective accountability systems are largely dependent on associated government structures, rules, and procedures, and the individuals responsible for implementing them. We use an illustrative case from the state of Oklahoma, where a lack of independent oversight, few checks and balances, and little in-state technical capacity combine to call into question the effectiveness of this state's accountability system. We urge researchers and policy makers to focus more attention on the “messy” governance and politics of educational accountability, and conclude the brief with specific policy...
Update on Interstitial Pneumonia

Interstitial pneumonias encompass a wide variety of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and include the specific diseases equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis and acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress. These diseases have been diagnosed in all age groups of horses, and numerous agents have been identified as potential causes of interstitial pneumonia. Despite the varied causes, interstitial pneumonia is uniformly recognized by the severity of respiratory disease and often poor clinical outcome. This article reviews the causal agents that have been associated with the development of interstitial pneumonia in horses. Pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options are discussed.
The Case Against Identifying Carotid Stenosis in Asymptomatic Patients

Carotid ultrasonography is performed frequently to identify carotid stenosis in patients with no history of carotid-territory cerebrovascular ischemia. The premises of such testing are that the potential benefit of endarterectomy or stenting exceeds the potential harm in patients with asymptomatic stenosis and that discovery of asymptomatic stenosis may trigger beneficial changes in lifestyle or medical management that otherwise would not have occurred. However, given low contemporary rates of stroke in medically managed patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis, invasive carotid procedures cannot be justified in this population. Moreover, among patients at increased cardiovascular risk, there is no evidence that carotid imaging motivates behavioral change or improves risk stratification beyond consideration of conventional risk factors. In this focused review, we address topics that should help health care professionals advise patients who inquire about carotid screening and patients in whom asymptomatic carotid stenosis has already been identified. We conclude that there is currently no role for carotid imaging in patients without a history of carotid-territory stroke or transient ischemic attack.
New family forms in a state socialist society: the German Democratic Republic.

Family formation patterns and the changing role of women in the German Democratic Republic are examined. Consideration is given to employment and female labor force participation the availability of child care changes in the fertility rate (including illegitimacy) female education and occupational level single parenthood divorce consensual union and state policies. Data are from official and other published sources. (ANNOTATION)
Direct photodissociation of CH bonds in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - Implications for the infrared emission bands

La photodissociation directe est proposee comme un mecanisme de destruction important des liaisons CH dans les grandes molecules interstellaires exposees au rayonnement UV. Les implications pour les bandes d'emission IR non identifiees sont examinees en supposant que les hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques sont les porteurs des bandes. La photodissociation directe peut expliquer la deshydrogenation importante de ces molecules aromatiques d'apres l'analyse des spectres des bandes IR non identifiees
Computer aided design for composite structures

Abstract A new approach for computer aided design of composite structure is proposed. This approach pays attention to the three-dimensional stresses and strains, particularly the interlaminar stresses and strains. A package for the analysis of composite beams has been developed and presented. This COMPBEAM package utilizes three-dimensional finite elements and gives interlaminar stresses. Beams with different boundary and loading conditions can be analysed. The finite element mesh is fixed. The program is designed to run on a microcomputer. This computer aided design package allows designers and researchers to have a quick picture of the complete stress and strain distribution in laminated composite beams.
A Meta-Analysis Comparing Relational and Semantic Models

Data modeling is the sine quo non of systems development and one of the most widely researched topics in the database literature. In the past three decades, semantic data modeling has emerged as an alternative to traditional relational modeling. The majority of the research in data modeling suggests that the use of semantic data models leads to better performance; however, the findings are not conclusive and are sometimes inconsistent. The discrepancies that exist in the data modeling literature and the relatively low statistical power in the studies make meta-analysis a viable choice in analyzing and integrating the findings of these studies.
How and Why 1 Year Differs from 365 Days: A Conversational Logic Analysis of Inferences from the Granularity of Quantitative Expressions

The same quantity can be expressed at different levels of granularity, for example, “1 year,” “12 months,” or “365 days.” Consumers attend to the granularity chosen by a communicator and draw pragmatic inferences that influence judgment and choice. They consider estimates expressed in finer granularity more precise and have more confidence in their accuracy (studies 1–4). This effect is eliminated when consumers doubt that the communicator complies with Gricean norms of cooperative conversational conduct (studies 2–3). Based on their pragmatic inferences, consumers perceive products as more likely to deliver on their promises when the promise is described in fine-grained rather than coarse terms and choose accordingly (study 4). These findings highlight the role of pragmatic inferences in consumer judgment and have important implications for the design of marketing communications.
Effects of component molecular weight on the viscoelastic properties of thermoreversible supramolecular ion gels via hydrogen bonding

We describe a thermoreversible supramolecular ion gel system consisting of a poly(2-vinylpyridine-b-ethylene oxide-b-2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP-PEO-P2VP) triblock copolymer, a poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVPh) linear homopolymer, and a room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMI][TFSA]). Aggregates of intermolecularly hydrogen-bonded PVPh cross-linkers form cross-links, connecting P2VP-PEO-P2VP triblock chains into a transient polymer network through hydrogen bonding with the P2VP endblocks. The viscoelastic properties of the resulting gels are strongly temperature-dependent, as manifested by the 15 orders of magnitude variation in the longest relaxation time (τ1) from the gel temperature (Tgel) down to room temperature. Wide temperature- and frequency-independent rubbery plateaus are distinct, indicating the formation of a well-defined network structure. The applicability of time-temperature superposition to this system is striking, suggesting the invariance of the underlying relaxation mechanism. The terminal relaxation dynamics of these hydrogen-bonded supramolecular networks is dramatically retarded upon increasing the P2VP endblock length. In contrast, their viscoelastic properties are relatively insensitive to the PVPh cross-linker length. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that τ1 is determined by the average lifetime of a P2VP ↔ PVPh association, which is directly related to the number of hydrogen bonds involved. Besides their potential applications in various electrochemical devices, these materials might also be used in surface coatings, where thermally reversible and sensitive viscoelastic properties are highly advantageous.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of SU-8 biocompatibility

SU-8 negative photoresist is a high tensile strength polymer that has been used for a number of biomedical applications that include cell encapsulation and neuronal probes. Chemically, SU-8 comprises, among other components, an epoxy based monomer and antimony salts, the latter being a potential source of cytotoxicity. We report on the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of SU-8 biocompatibility based on leachates from various solvents, at varying temperatures and pH, and upon subcutaneous implantation of SU-8 substrates in mice. MTT cell viability assay did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects from the leachates. The hemolytic activity of SU-8 is comparable to that of FDA approved implant materials such as silicone elastomer, Buna-S and medical steel. In vivo histocompatibility study in mice indicates a muted immune response to subcutaneous SU-8 implants.
Nu: preserving design modularity in object code

For a number of reasons, such as to generate object code that is compliant with the existing virtual machines (VM), current compilers for aspect-oriented languages sacrifice design modularity when transforming source to object code by losing textual locality and intermingling concerns in the object code. Sacrificing design modularity has significant costs, especially in terms of the speed of incremental compilation. We present an intermediate language design that preserves aspect-oriented design modularity in Java byte code. We briefly describe our extensions to the Sun Hotspot VM to support the new intermediate language design.
Geometric Foundation of the Magnetic Dipole Moment

The observed value of the magnetic dipole moment of the electron is much larger than that allowed by electromagnetic theory. In particular, Maxwell's equations, together with the known upper bound on the size of the electron predict a magnetic moment much smaller than the observed one, even if the particle is rotating at the speed of light! In gravitation with an asymmetric connection, the intrinsic spin of an elementary particle gives rise to torsion. It is shown here that this source, spin, can also give rise to the observed magnetic dipole moment of the electron, and do so with no moving parts.
Determinants for Association and Guide RNA-Directed Endonuclease Cleavage by Purified RNA Editing Complexes from Trypanosoma brucei

Abstract U-insertion/deletion RNA editing in the single mitochondrion of kinetoplastids, an ancient lineage of eukaryotes, is a unique mRNA maturation process needed for translation. Multisubunit editing complexes recognize many pre-edited mRNA sites and modify them via cycles of three catalytic steps: guide RNA (gRNA)-directed cleavage, insertion or deletion of uridylates at the 3′-terminus of the upstream cleaved piece, and ligation of the two mRNA pieces. While catalytic and many structural protein subunits of these complexes have been identified, the mechanisms and basic determinants of substrate recognition are still poorly understood. This study defined relatively simple single- and double-stranded determinants for association and gRNA-directed cleavage. To this end, we used an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to directly score the association of purified editing complexes with RNA ligands, in parallel with UV photocrosslinking and functional studies. The cleaved strand required a minimal 5′ overhang of 12 nt and an ∼ 15-bp duplex with gRNA to direct the cleavage site. A second protruding element in either the cleaved or the guide strand was required unless longer duplexes were used. Importantly, the single-stranded RNA requirement for association can be upstream or downstream of the duplex, and the binding and cleavage activities of purified editing complexes could be uncoupled. The current observations together with our previous reports in the context of purified native editing complexes show that the determinants for association, cleavage and full-round editing gradually increase in complexity as these stages progress. The native complexes in these studies contained most, if not all, known core subunits in addition to components of the MRP complex. Finally, we found that the endonuclease KREN1 in purified complexes photocrosslinks with a targeted editing site. A model is proposed whereby one or more RNase III-type endonucleases mediate the initial binding and scrutiny of potential ligands and subsequent catalytic selectivity triggers either insertion or deletion editing enzymes.
A structural framework for interpretation of four-electrode microimpedance spectra in cardiac tissue.

Renewed interest in the four-electrode method for identification of passive electrical properties in cardiac tissue has been sparked by a recognition that measurements made with sensors in close proximity are frequency dependent. Therefore, resolution of four-electrode microimpedance spectra (4EMS) may provide an opportunity for routine identification of passive electrical properties for the interstitial and intracel- lular compartments using only interstitial access. The present study documents a structural framework in which the tissue resistivity (�t) and reactivity (�t) that comprise spectra are computed using interstitial and intracellular microimpedance distributions that account for differences in compartment size, anisotropic electrical properties in each compartment and electrode separations. We used this framework to consider 4EMS development with relatively wide (d=1 mm) and fine (d=250 µm) electrode separations and sensors oriented along myocyte axes, across myocyte axes and intermediate between those axes. I. INTRODUCTION In total tissue resistivity (�t) experiments with heart prepa- rations (1), (2), (3), (4), a four-electrode configuration is often used with delivery of supplied current to the interstitial compartment via two outer stimulating electrodes establish- ing an interstitial potential field that is monitored by two inner voltage-sensing electrodes. Calibration is important in such experiments, ast is derived from the ratio between the central potential difference (uPD) and the supplied current (Istim) after uPD/Istim is scaled by a probe constant (Kp). Kp, which is identified in advance of electrophysiologic study during stimulation and recording with a solution of known conductivity (�k), is intended to account for vari- ations between the expected and measured ratio due to inconsistencies in electrode positions and to contributions of electrode-electrolyte interfaces at each sensor. Although �t depends upon the passive electrical properties of the intracellular and interstitial compartments as well as on mem- brane resistance and capacitance, measurements are usually made during DC stimulation or AC stimulation at a single frequency. One might anticipate use of multiple frequencies to identify a complex composite impedance (uCI) spectra whose magnitude (|uCI|) and phase (6 uCI) depend upon the tissue's complete resistive and capacitive properties would provide an opportunity to quantify component values for circuit representations of tissue near the electrodes. How- ever, the uCI spectra changes little with frequency when
Cross section for Ly-α emission by electron impact on methane

Utilizing Lyman-alpha emission cross sections for H2 as secondary standards, absolute values of Lyman-alpha emission cross sections for CH4 have been obtained for electron impact energies varying from threshold to 100 eV. A crossed electron beam-molecular beam geometry was employed and the Lyman-alpha radiation was detected at 90 deg and 45 deg with respect to the incident electron beam by a solar blind photomultiplier in tandem with an oxygen filter. The results are compared with previous measurements. Appreciable differences among the various experimental data are found.
Ionic Activity in Soil Solution as Affected by Application Of Newsprint and Nitrogen Sources

The influence of noncomposted ground newsprint (GNP) and nitrogen (N) source on corn (Zea Mays L.) dry matter production, grain yield, and soil chemical properties has been previously reported (Lu et al. 1995). The effects of GNP and N source on soil solution ionic activities at 40 days after planting in a field study; seed germination and extractable aluminum (Al) in GNP in laboratory studies were evaluated to determine their effects on corn seedling stunting and nutrient imbalances during early growth stages. Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), urea, anhydrous ammonia (NH3), or poultry litter (PL) were the N sources used in the field study to adjust the C:N ratio of the GNP to ≤ 30:1. In laboratory experiments, cotton, soybean, and corn germination at seven days was not affected by N source or GNP applied at a rate of 2.44 kg C/m2 soil; but N source did influence the dry weight of corn root/shoot ratio at 21 days. The Al extracted from GNP increased as the NH4OH concentration in the extracting solution increased...
A representation for volume involving interior reach

where K1 and x2 are the principal curvatures at peS , and dA is the area element. Here r(S, p) is equivalently defined to be the supremum over all 2 > 0 such that p is the unique nearest point on S to the point p -2u (p ) , where u(p) is the unit outer normal to S at p. Ros [3] has recently used this formula to obtain a new proof of Alexandrov's Theorem that the only compact embedded surfaces of constant mean curvature are the standard spheres. A review of the work of Ros, including the derivation of (2), can also be found in Osserman [23.
Cooperative motion in fragile liquids near the glass transition: probe reorientation in o-terphenyl and polystyrene

Abstract Reorientational relaxation measurements of dilute rigid probes in o-terphenyl and polysterene are reported. In each matrix, the results span more than 13 decades in time and extend to below the conventional glass transition temperature. The temperature dependence of the observed rotation times is roughly proportional to viscosity divided by temperature, as predicted by the Debye-Stokes-Einstein equation. Consistent with previous work on o-terphenyl [F. Fujara, B. Geil, H. Sillescu and G. Fleischer, Z. Phys. B88 (1992) 195], it is observed that probe rotational motion has a stronger temperature dependence than probe translational diffusion at low temperatures. Using translational diffusion results from the literature, it is shown for the first time that this is also true in a polymeric glass former. These results are inconsistent with several proposed models of cooperativity near the glass transition.
Recent developments in certain X-linked genetic eye disorders

Over the past few years, genetic diseases of the ocular system have become very active and fast-growing research areas in the vision field. The rapid development of the recombinant DNA techniques together with somatic cell genetics, during the last two decades has fueled this progress. As a result, many genetic disease genes have been localized in the human chromosome and several of them have been isolated and characterized. These and other studies have profoundly enriched our basic understanding of genetic eye disorders. Although gene replacement therapy, prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection have not been extensively tried for genetic eye diseases, such attempts will now be feasible. Molecular analyses made it clear that there are many challenging problems that need attention. This report highlights some of these initial developments, particularly on the X-linked major genetic eye diseases. In order to help the beginners and general audience, a brief description of the clinical pathology and the molecular probes used to locate the genetic defects of certain disorders are presented. Disorders are arranged according to their linkage from telomere to telomere on the chromosome to give a coherent structure. It is hoped that this information is useful and of general interest for the beginners, established investigators and ophthalmologists.
Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa to Correct the Coagulation Status of Individuals with Advanced Liver Disease Prior to a Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

Objectives Percutaneous liver biopsies are used to grade and stage liver disease and are also useful in monitoring the progress of liver disease over time as well as the response to medical therapies. The present study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of recombinant factor VIIa as a means of transiently correcting the coagulopathy, enabling the safe performance of a percutaneous liver biopsy in patients in whom the use of fresh-frozen plasma is not possible without precipitating pulmonary edema or who have a treatment induced (iatrogenic) coagulopathy. Methods The subjects of this report consisted of 18 consecutive individuals with advanced disease induced, and 15 with a therapeutic iatrogenic-induced, coagulopathy. All biopsies were performed by a single hepatologist. Before and 6 h after each biopsy, a prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time was obtained from each subject. Mean values ± the standard error of the mean were obtained using the independent samples T-test. Results Recombinant factor VIIa had a marked effect in transiently correcting the mean prothrombin time in these subjects allowing for a safe complication free percutaneous biopsy in this high-risk group. Conclusions Recombinant factor VIIa could be used to obtain a clinically indicated liver biopsy in severely ill patients, who without this therapeutic agent, would either not be biopsied or, if biopsied, would require much longer hospitalization and the use of fresh-frozen plasma (with its risks of volume overload and infection).
Stability of rotating flows with radial heat transfer

Abstract This investigation extends the classical stability analysis of rotating flows with the heat transfer to the geometry of a superconducting rotor. It is shown that the inherent stability of the solid body rotational flow field often limits the convective cooling when the coolant is contained inside the rotor. A stability threshold exists. At radial heat fluxes above this threshold, the no-flow solution becomes unstable. Experimental data are presented that clearly show an increase in the heat transfer coefficient as the stability threshold is reached. With a knowledge of this stability threshold, the designs of superconducting rotors for electrical motors and generators can be improved.
Up-regulation of protein kinase C in regenerating optic nerve fibers of goldfish: immunohistochemistry and kinase activity assay.

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation has been associated with synaptic plasticity in many projections, and manipulating PKC in the retinotectal projection strongly affects the activity-driven sharpening of the retinotopic map. This study examined levels of PKC in the regenerating retinotectal projection via immunostaining and assay of activity. A polyclonal antibody to the conserved C2 (Ca2+ binding) domain of classical PKC isozymes (anti-panPKC) recognized a single band at 79–80 kD on Western blots of goldfish brain. It stained one class of retinal bipolar cells and the ganglion cells in normal retina, as shown previously. Strong staining was not present in the optic fiber layer of retina or in optic nerve, optic tract, or terminal zone in tectum, with the exception of a single fascicle of optic nerve fibers that by their location and by L1 (E587) staining were identified as those arising from newly added ganglion cells at the retinal margin. Normal tectal sections showed dark staining of a subclass of type XIV neuron with somas at the top of the periventricular layer and an apical dendrite ascending to stratum opticum. In regenerating retina, swollen ganglion cells stained darkly and stained axons were seen in the optic fiber layer. In regenerating optic nerve (2–11 weeks postcrush), all fascicles of optic fibers stained darkly for both PKC and L1(E587). At 5 weeks postcrush, PKC staining could also be seen in the medial and lateral optic tracts and stratum opticum at the front half of the tectum and very lightly over the terminal zones. PKC activity was measured in homogenized tissues dissected from a series of fish with unilateral nerve crush from 1 to 5 weeks previously. Activity levels stimulated by phorbols and Ca2+ were measured by phosphorylation of a specific peptide and referred to levels measured in the opposite control side. Regeneration did not increase overall PKC activity in retina or tectum, but in optic nerve there was an 80% rise after the first week. The increased activity verifies that the increased staining in nerve represented an up-regulation of functional PKC during nerve regeneration. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 36: 315–324, 1998
LY 294002 inhibits adenosine receptor activation by a mechanism independent of effects on PI-3 kinase or casein kinase II

Adenosine reduces both evoked and spontaneous calcium-dependent acetylcholine (ACh) release through a mechanism downstream of calcium entry at amphibian motor nerve endings (Silinsky EM. J Physiol 1984; 346: 243-6). LY 294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), an inhibitor of both phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase) and casein kinase II, has been reported to increase spontaneous ACh release reflected in miniature endplate potential (MEPP) frequencies independently of intraterminal calcium at the frog neuromuscular junction (Rizzoli SO, Betz WJ. J Neurosci 2002; 22: 10680-). It has been suggested that the increase in MEPP frequency caused by LY 294002, is mediated through an action on synaptotagmins, vesicle associated calcium sensors believed to trigger synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We thus examined the effects of adenosine on MEPP frequencies and evoked ACh release reflected as endplate potentials (EPPs) in order to determine if the presumed calcium-independent ACh release is affected by adenosine. We also wanted to determine if PI-3 kinase or casein kinase II is involved in mediating or modulating the inhibitory effects of adenosine. To these ends, we examined the effects of adenosine in the presence of LY 294002, wortmannin (a highly selective the PI-3 kinase inhibitor), or DRB (5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside, an inhibitor of casein kinase II). LY 294002 reduced the sensitivity of both MEPP frequencies and the nerve-evoked calcium dependent EPPs to adenosine. The occlusive effects of LY 294002 on the actions of adenosine on MEPPs and EPPs were overcome by increasing adenosine concentration. Neither wortmannin nor DRB had any effect on the sensitivity of the EPPs to adenosine indicating that neither PI-3 kinase nor casein kinase II inhibition mediates the reduction in motor-nerve terminal sensitivity to adenosine produced by LY 294002. The results indicate a competitive relationship between LY 294002 and adenosine at A1 receptors at the frog neuromuscular junction. This effect is independent of the previously described effects of LY 294002 on the exocytotic process, and is also independent of PI-3 kinase or casein kinase II.
Production of monoclonal antibodies with pre-selected submolecular binding specificities to protein determinants: Demonstration with sperm whale myoglobin

Abstract Two monoclonal antibodies with pre-selected submolecular binding specificities to sperm whale myoglobin (Mb) were obtained by hybridizing Fa/0 mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells derived from mice which had been immunized with free (not coupled to any carrier) Mb synthetic peptides 132–153 or 145–151 (antigenic site 5). Both monoclonal antibodies were IgG 1 ( k ). Their homogeneity was confirmed by analytical isoelectric focusing electrophoresis. According to competitive inhibition studies in which Mb, the five synthetic antigenic sites of Mb, Mb peptide 132–153, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lysozyme were used as inhibitors, the binding specificities of both monoclonal antibodies were restricted to determinants present in the peptides used for immunizations. The results of direct binding studies confirmed this conclusion and suggested that monoclonal antibodies with pre-selected submolecular binding specificities can be readily obtained by the techniques of somatic cell hybridization when the corresponding free synthetic determinants are used as immunogens.
Increased resolution of lipopolysaccharides and lipooligosaccharides utilizing tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

We utilized the recently described tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (TSDS-PAGE) system to study the lipooligosaccharides (LOS) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of gram negative bacteria. TSDS-PAGE resulted in a high degree of resolution of LOS and LPS in the 'mini-gel' format. TSDS-PAGE resulted in the LOS and LPS migrating as a function of their Mr during electrophoresis and allowed estimation of Mr from a protein standard. Several species of LOS were analyzed. The newly described procedure allowed a more rapid and accurate analysis of LOS and the core region of LPS.
Estimation of Markov processes

Let t → x(t) denote a Markov process evolving on some state-space X and consider observations given by y(t) = h(x(t)) , where h is a real-valued function on X . If is another real-valued function on X , the best estimate (in the mean square sense) of φ(x(t)) given y(τ), 0 ⩽ τ ⩽ t , is the conditional expectation E ((x(t))¦y(τ), 0 ⩽ τ ⩽ t). In this paper we derive the equation governing the time evolution of the ‘unnormalized’ form of the conditional expectation, and express its solution as a multiple integral expansion whose existence is guaranteed by Wiener's theorem. The usual ‘signal plus noise’ model is a special case of the situation studied here.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastatic to the Right Ventricle

![Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3][![Graphic][4] ][4] A 71-year-old man with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma presented with chest pain. An exercise myocardial perfusion scan showed anterior and inferior ischemia, and angiography demonstrated a long tubular stenosis of the mid
Concurrent Energy Harvesting From Vibratory Base Excitations and Aerodynamic Flows

This paper presents theoretical and experimental investigations into the potential of utilizing a piezoaeroelastic micropower generator to harvest energy from the combination of an external base excitation and an aerodynamic load. In particular, a harvester consisting of a rigid airfoil supported by a flexural piezoelectric beam and a torsional spring is placed in an incompressible air flow and subjected to an external harmonic base excitation in the plunge direction. Electromechanical equations describing the nonlinear system are given along with theoretical simulations. The performance of the piezoaeroelastic generator is studied experimentally below and above the flutter speed and found to exhibit qualitative agreement with the theory. Below the flutter speed, the response of the harvester is observed to be always periodic with the air flow serving to amplify the influence of the base excitation on the response by reducing the effective stiffness of the system, and hence, increasing the RMS output power. Beyond the flutter speed, the harvester’s response and its performance were observed to depend on the nearness of the excitation frequency to the frequency of the self-sustained oscillations induced by the flutter instability and the magnitude of the base excitation. When the base excitation is small and/or the excitation frequency is not close to the frequency of the self-sustained oscillations, the response of the harvester is two-period quasiperiodic with amplitude modulation due to the presence of two incommensurate frequencies. This amplitude modulation reduces the RMS output power. On the other hand, when the frequency of excitation is close to the frequency of the self-sustained oscillations and/or the amplitude of excitation is large enough to quench the quasiperiodic behavior, the response becomes periodic and the output power increases exhibiting little dependence on the base excitation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Responses of three mouse species to deterrent chemicals in the monarch butterfly. I. Taste and toxicity tests using artificial diets laced with digitoxin or monocrotaline

Of three common mouse species at the Mexican overwintering sites of the monarch butterfly, onlyPeromyscus melanotis eats monarchs. We hypothesized thatP. aztecus andReithrodontomys sumichrasti reject monarchs because they are more sensitive to the bitter taste and/or toxic effects of the cardiac glycosides (CGs) and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in the butterflies. Two-choice preference tests revealed no difference in taste avoidance thresholds to free base and N-oxide forms of the PA, monocrotaline, but very different avoidance thresholds to the CG, digitoxin. Avoidance thresholds forR. sumichrasti andP. aztecus were, in respective order, 1020 and 34 times less than that forP. melanotis. We also tested the toxic sensitivity of juvenile mice by chronically feeding diets containing digitoxin or monocrotaline at concentrations similar to those used in the preference tests. No species developed CG toxicity, but bothP. melanotis andP. aztecus developed moderate PA toxicity (R. sumichrasti was not tested for PA toxicity).P. aztecus grew more slowly and manyP. melanotis had hepatic metabolic lesions. Thus, the three mouse species responded very differently to the taste and toxic properties of CGs and PAs at ecologically relevant concentrations: 1) CGs were taste rejected by all species exceptP. melanotis, while PAs were not; and 2) PAs were toxic, while CGs were not.
Chromatin structure of hormone-responsive Moloney murine leukemia virus proviruses that contain sequences from mouse mammary tumor virus.

The chromatin structure of chimeric Moloney murine leukemia viruses (M-MuLVs) containing a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) from mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) inserted into the long terminal repeat (LTR) was investigated. Nuclear run-on assays indicated that transcription from the chimeric proviruses was induced 2-to 4-fold by dexamethasone. The wild-type M-MuLV 5′ LTR contained a DNase I hypersensitive (HS) site at the TATA sequences, as well as four sites in the enhancer region. The chimeric LTRs contained these sites, as well as three additional sites in the MMTV sequences. Two of the MMTV sites were present in the absence of hormone, while one was hormone-induced. In addition, internal MMTV sequences appeared protected from DNase I digestion in the absence of hormone, suggesting bound protein. Hormone treatment resulted in loss of the DNase I protection.
Ion pump as molecular ratchet and effects of noise: electric activation of cation pumping by Na,K-ATPase

Na,K-ATPase is a universal ion pump of the biological cell. Under physiological conditions, it uses the γ-phosphorus bond energy of ATP during hydrolysis to pump 2 K+ inward and 3 Na+ outward; both being uphill transports. The experiment presented here demonstrates that the protein transporter can also use electric energy to fuel its pump activity. A theory of electroconformational coupling (TEC) is described and an experiment performed to verify several predictions of the model. Analysis based on the TEC model suggests that Na,K-ATPase is a Brownian ratchet. The enzyme harvests energy from the applied field by means of the field-induced conformational oscillation or fluctuation. However, high efficiency of energy transduction can only be achieved with an electric field of certain intensities, frequencies and waveforms. This property of the enzyme allows us to define an electric signal and differentiate it from electric noise on the basis of the analysis by the TEC model. Data show that electric noise alone does not induce pump activity. However, an appropriate power level of noise imposed on a signal can enhance the pump efficiency. The effect of noise on the signal transduction of Na,K-ATPase is reminiscent of the stochastic resonance phenomenon reported in other biological systems [3, 35]. The TEC model embodies many common features of enzymes and biological motors. It is potentially energy-efficient, much more so than models based on the ion-rectification mechanism.
A comparison of the gas, solution, and solid state coordination environments for the copper(II) complexes of a series of aminopyridine ligands of varying coordination number

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of the copper(II) complexes of a series of aminopyridine ligands that range from tri- to heptadentate is described. The ligands include the tripod ligand tris(2-((2-pyridylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amine, TREN-pyr, and the following linear ligands: (2-pyridylmethyl)(2-(2-(2-((2-pyridylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)amine, TRIEN-pyr; bis(2-((2-pyridylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amine, DIEN-pyr; (2-pyridylmethyl)(2-((2-pyridylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amine, EN-pyr; bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, AM-pyr; and methyl(2-((-pyridylmethyl)amino)ethyl)amine, MeEN-pyr. The following methods were used to determine the binding geometries of the Cu(II) complexes in the solid, solution, and gas phases: magnetic susceptibility measurements, absorption spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and analyzing the gas phase ion-molecule reactions in a mass spectrometer. The solid state structures for the TRIEN-pyr and DIEN-pyr complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. [Cu(TRIEN-pyr)](BF 4 ) 2 crystallized in the octahedral system, space group Pbca , with a =9.4107(7), b =17.536(13), c =30.132(6) A, and Z =8 ( R =0.064, R w =0.060). [Cu(DIEN-pyr)](BF 4 ) 2 crystallized in the octahedral system, space group Pbca , with a =29.137(5), b =14.829(3), c =9.850(1) A, and Z =8 ( R =0.071, R w =0.066). The coordination numbers of the Cu(II) complexes in this study are dependent on the denticity of the ligand. The complexes with AM-pyr, MeEN-pyr and TRIEN-pyr appear to be six-coordinate, DIEN-pyr to be five-coordinate and the EN-pyr to be four-coordinate in the solid state. The TREN-pyr complex was isolated as a dimer in the solid state but appears to be a tetragonally distorted monomeric complex in the solution and gas phases. For all of the complexes except DIEN-pyr, the coordination sphere appears to be independent of the phase of the complex. The Cu(II) DIEN-pyr complex appears to be five-coordinate in the solid phase, a mixture of four- and five-coordinate in the solution phase, and predominately four-coordinate in the gas phase.
Transcription factors of the anterior neural plate alter cell movements of epidermal progenitors to specify a retinal fate.

The embryonic progenitors that give rise to the vertebrate retina acquire their cell fate identity through a series of transitions that ultimately determine their final, differentiated retinal cell fates. In Xenopus, these transitions have been broadly defined as competence, specification, and determination. The expression of several transcription factors within the anterior neural plate at the time when the presumptive eye field separates from other neural derivatives suggests that these genes function to specify competent embryonic progenitors toward a retinal fate. In support of this, we demonstrate that some transcription factors expressed in the anterior neural ectoderm and/or presumptive eye field (otx2, pax6, and rx1) change the fate of competent, ventral progenitors, which normally do not contribute to the retina, from an epidermal to a retinal fate. Furthermore, the expression of these factors changes the morphogenetic movements of progenitors during gastrulation, causing ventral cells to populate the native anterior neural plate. In addition, we experimentally demonstrate that the efficacy of pax6 to specify retinal cells depends on the position of the affected cell relative to the field of neural induction. Thereby, otx2, pax6, and rx1 mediate early steps of retinal specification, including the regulation of morphogenetic cell movements, that are dependent on the level of neural-inductive signaling.
Chloroaluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate delivered via acid‐labile diplasmenylcholine‐folate liposomes: Intracellular localization and synergistic phototoxicity

Folate-diplasmenylcholine (1,2-di-O-(Z-1′-hexadecenyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine; DPPlsC) liposomes have been shown to greatly enhance the potency of water-soluble antitumor agents via a selective folate-mediated uptake and acid-catalyzed endosomal escape mechanism (Rui et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1998; 120:11213–18). This study describes an adaptation of this strategy for the delivery of chloroaluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (AlPcS44−), a water-soluble sensitizer used in photodynamic therapy, in a binary targeting scheme designed to enhance both its tumor selectivity and phototoxicity. AlPcS44−/DPPlsC:folate liposomes (9.8 μM bulk concentration, 2.5 mM intraliposomal concentration) were substantially more phototoxic to folate-deficient KB cells than 12.5 μM free AlPcS44− after a 30 min irradiation (630–910 nm). Considerable differences in phototoxicity were observed, however, between the commercially-available AlPcS44− and an HPLC purified sample of AlPcS44− due to an increased tendency for the latter to aggregate. Experiments with AlPcS44−/DPPC:folate and folate-free AlPcS44−/DPPlsC liposomes (acid-insensitive and non-targeted controls, respectively) showed significantly reduced phototoxicities under the same illumination conditions. Our results imply that higher concentrations of water-soluble sensitizers can be delivered to target cells using the folate receptor-mediated pathway, which can change both the biodistribution and intracellular localization of the sensitizer when acid-labile DPPlsC liposomes are used as the delivery vehicle. Potential advantages of this approach include the use of lower bulk AlPcS44− concentrations, rapid plasma clearance of free AlPcS44−, and better phototoxic responses, due to higher intracellular AlPcS44− concentrations combined with reduced collateral photodamage arising from misguided sensitizer accumulation, thereby enhancing the selective phototoxicity of PDT treatments. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Psychological validity of uncertainty combining rules in expert systems

: In recent years, an increasing amount of research in Artificial Intelligence has focused on the representation and manipulation of uncertainty in expert systems. New approaches have been developed and justified because of their mathematical rigor or simplicity, cautiousness, programmability, and/or ability to capture the essence of natural language. Little attention has been paid to the psychological validity of any approach, new or old. To explore the psychological validity of rules that combine uncertainties, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a computer program known as LES. Four applications of LES revealed that subjects’ natural combining rules are (1) not best modeled by any generally accepted uncertainty approach and (2) may be highly idiosyncratic. Knowledge Engineers should be aware that cognitive representations of knowledge in expert systems are not routinely being matched with combining rules actually used by experts. Frustrating development activities and highly unsatisfactory expert system performance may result.
Simian Virus 40: Isolation of Two Plaque Types

Two different morphological plaque types of simian virus 40 were isolated from three of six strains. Increased uptake of neutral red gave one type of plaque a uniform red appearance, whereas the center of the other remained unstained. The viruses showed stability of plaque morphology on passage in tissue culture; cross neutralization studies identified both as simian virus 40.