cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The chemical dynamics of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane nickel(II) perchlorate with several solvents. I. Thermodynamics of base adduct formation

Abstract A solvent adduct study of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane nickel(II) perchlorate with the coordinating solvents acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), methyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and water by optical and nmr techniques is reported. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔS°, and K eq for adduct formation are given for each solvent system. At 25 °C, the stability order is found to be DMF > CH 3 CN > DMSO > H 2 O. A comparison of the observed stability order and stabilities predicted by single optical measurements and solvent donicity is presented.
The Availability of Behavioral Health Services for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

BACKGROUND:Advocates for juvenile justice youth claim that behavioral health treatment resources have not kept up with the numbers of youth in the juvenile justice system, particularly those needin...
A Simple DNA-Based Translation System

We have used DNA double crossover (DX) molecules to produce a translation system that generates unique molecular products. The particular species of DX molecule used contains an even number of half-turns between crossover points, so there is a continuous strand on both sides of the molecule. One of these strands acts as the input strand containing the message, and a second strand acts as the product of translation. The crossover strands carry the “code” that connects the two sides of the molecule. This system is more robust, more extendable, and simpler than previous DNA-based translation systems that have been reported. It is designed to be useful in a variety of applications that utilize the concept of translating from one code to another.
Simple heuristic derivation of some charge-transfer probabilities at asymptotically high incident velocities

For asymptotically high incident velocities we provide simple, heuristic, almost classical, derivations of the cross section for forward charge transfer, and of the ratio of the cross section for capture to the elastic-scattering cross section for the projectile scattered through an angle close to $\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{3}$.
EPR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry reveal distinctive features of the iron site in leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase.

Abstract The procedure for the expression and purification of recombinant porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase using Escherichia coli [K.M. Richards, L.J. Marnett, Biochemistry 36 (1997) 6692–6699] was updated to make it possible to produce enough protein for physical measurements. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the amino acid sequence. The redox properties of the cofactor iron site were examined by EPR spectroscopy at 25 K following treatment with a variety of fatty acid hydroperoxides. Combination of the enzyme in a stoichiometric ratio with the hydroperoxides led to a g4.3 signal in EPR spectra instead of the g6 signal characteristic of similarly treated soybean lipoxygenase-1. Native 12-lipoxygenase was also subjected to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. There was evidence for loss of the mass of an iron atom from the protein as the pH was lowered from 5 to 4. Native ions in these samples indicated that iron was lost without the protein completely unfolding.
CAI in digital logic design, debugging, and programming☆

Abstract This paper describes design techniques for generative computer-assisted instruction (CAI) systems. These are systems which are capable of generating problems for students and deriving and monitoring the solutions to these problems. The difficulty of the problem, the pace of instruction, and the depth of monitoring are all tailored to the individual student. Parts of the solution algorithms can also be used to analyze an incorrect student response and determine the exact nature of the student's error in order to supply him with meaningful remedial comments. A generative CAI system which teaches logic design and machine-language programming will be discussed. This CAI system covers the material in an introductory course in digital systems aimed at electrical engineering juniors. It does not replace classroom lectures or the textbook, but instead serves to provide practice and instruction in applying this material to solve problems. In addition, a companion system to teach laboratory principles has been designed. This system teaches a student how to construct a combinational or sequential logic circuit using standard integrated circuits. The student's logic circuit is automatically interfaced to the computer and tested; the computer then aids the student in debugging his circuit. In addition to teaching the student how to use integrated circuits to realize a paper design, the system also teaches the student good debugging techniques.
A DNA-damaging oxoaporphine alkaloid from Piper caninum.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an active organic extract of Piper caninum, using a sensitive yeast assay to monitor putative double-strand DNA-damaging activity, resulted in the isolation of the 4,5-dioxoaporphine alkaloid cepharadione A (1). Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity in a yeast cytotoxicity assay with IC 50 values of 50.2 nM toward RS321NpRAD52 grown on glucose versus 293 nM toward the same yeast strain grown on galactose.
Electronic structure near EF in YBa2Cu3Ox for 6.35 <= x <= 6.9: A photoemission study.

High-resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements are reported for ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathit{x}}$ when oxygen stoichiometries are in the range 6.35\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}6.9. The stoichiometry dependence of spectral features at energies close to the Fermi level was monitored along major symmetry lines in the two-dimensional Brillouin zone. Along \ensuremath{\Gamma}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}-S\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}, two bands dispersing through ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ were observed in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.9}$. Band calculations indicate that these are ``plane''-related features. These two bands and the Fermi surfaces that they define are nearly independent of oxygen stoichiometry. The spectral weight near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ is relatively constant for 6.4\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}6.9. However, the spectral weight falls off significantly when x=6.35 (insulating), although the dispersive behavior that is characteristic of the higher oxygen stoichiometries persists. This abrupt intensity change might signal the onset of an electronic structure governed by strong correlation. Along \ensuremath{\Gamma}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}-Y\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}(X\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}), one band dispersing through ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ was observed in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.9}$. As oxygen was removed, the intensity of this dispersive feature decreased systematically. Predictions of band theory indicate that this band is a ``chain''-related feature. In general, predictions of band theory appear to be quite reliable near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ in the oxygen stoichiometry range x\ensuremath{\ge}6.4, where the material shows metallic behavior.
Functional organization of MobB, a small protein required for efficient conjugal transfer of plasmid R1162

ABSTRACT MobB is a small (molecular weight = 15,097) protein encoded by the broad-host-range plasmid R1162 and is required for its efficient transfer by conjugation. The C-terminal half of the protein contains a membrane domain essential for transfer. This region can be replaced by a putative membrane domain from another, unrelated protein, and thus is likely to function independently from the rest of MobB. The other, functionally active region of MobB, identified by mutagenesis, is at the N-terminal end. One mutation affecting this region inhibits replication, suggesting that this part of the protein is contacting and sequestering the relaxase-linked primase. The overall organization reflects a multimeric and bipolar organization, with molecules of MobB anchored in the membrane at one end and engaging the relaxase at the other. This arrangement could increase the transfer frequency by raising the probability of contact between the relaxase and the membrane-embedded, coupling protein for type IV secretion.
HIGH DENSITY ASSOCIATIVE MEMORIES

A class of high density associative memories is constructed, starting from a description of desired properties those should exhibit. These properties include high capacity, controllable basins of attraction and fast speed of convergence. Fortunately enough, the resulting memory is implementable by an artificial Neural Net.
Electrophysiological consequence of adipose-derived stem cell transplantation in infarcted porcine myocardium.

Aims Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intracoronary administration of freshly isolated adipose-derived mononuclear cells (ADMCs) on myocardial vulnerability to arrhythmia induction after infarction. Methods and results A transmural myocardial infarction in an experimental porcine model was induced by occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery with an angioplasty balloon for 3 h. Upon reperfusion, a cellular suspension with freshly isolated ADMCs (1.5 × 106 cells/kg BW) or vehicle alone was injected into the infarct artery. All animals underwent a programmed ventricular stimulation at 8 weeks follow-up for possible induction of ventricular arrhythmias using a train of 8 S1 stimuli. Cell injections did not cause acute ventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia, or conduction block. The cycle length of the ventricular arrhythmia was compared at 1 and 10 s following its induction. Despite comparable infarct size in both groups, we found that the cycle length of the induced ventricular arrhythmia in the ADMC-treated group was significantly longer compared with control animals ( P < 0.05). We also found that extra-stimuli were required for arrhythmia induction in the ADMC-treated group compared with control animals. Conclusion Freshly isolated autologous stem cell therapy is not proarrhythmic in pigs.
Modeling of seismic wave motion in high-rise buildings

a b s t r a c t This study examines one-dimensional wave propagation in a multi-story building with seismic excitation. In particular, the building is modeled as a series of shear beams for columns/walls and lumped masses for floors. Wave response at one location of the building is then derived to an impulsive motion such as displacement and acceleration at another location in time and frequency domains, termed here as wave- based or generalized impulse and frequency response function (GIRF and GFRF), which is dependent upon the building characteristics above the impulse location. Not only does this study illustrate features of GIRF and GFRF in terms of building properties, it also shows broad-based applications of the modeling. Two examples are presented with the use of the modeling. One is wave-based characterization of ten-story Millikan Library in Pasadena, California with the recordings of Yorba Linda earthquake of September 3, 2002. The other is analysis for influence of stochastic floor-to-column mass ratio, story-height and seismic input in seismic wave responses.
Freeways, detours, and dead ends: Search journeys among disadvantaged youth:

This study examines American high school students’ school-related information-seeking. Comparing advantaged and disadvantaged students’ practices, the research illuminates three phases of their information-seeking activities: 1) learning-opportunities for digital skill building, 2) information-retrieval tactics, and 3) information-evaluation strategies. The inquiry delineates several distinct categories of practice corresponding to each of these phases. In successful information-seeking, learning-opportunities enhance skill acquisition for effective information-retrieval that is followed by discerning information-evaluation. In unsuccessful information-seeking, inadequate learning-opportunities result in ineffective information-retrieval that is followed by disengaged information-nonevaluation. Significantly, gendered differences emerge in this final part of the sequence. Findings indicate that unskilled female information-searchers are more likely to adopt an overtrusting stance. By contrast, unskilled m...
Three Channel Optical Temperature Measurement of Laser-Heated Reacting Particles

Multiple-color pyrometric measurement of particles reacting in an electrodynamic thermogravimetric analyzer is discussed. Attempts to measure the emissivity of heated tungsten particles are presented. The data are too scattered to provide reliable results. Experimental evidence for the sensitivity to noise and the speed of response of pyrometers is presented, and a brief theoretical discussion of the causes is presented.
External forward shock origin of high-energy emission for three gamma-ray bursts detected by Fermi

We analyze the > 100-MeV data for three gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the Fermi satellite (GRBs 080916C, 090510, 090902B) and find that these photons were generated via synchrotron emission in the external forward shock. We arrive at this conclusion by four different methods as follows. (1) We check the light curve and spectral behaviour of the > 100 MeV data, and late-time X-ray and optical data, and find them consistent with the socalled closure relations for the external forward shock radiation. (2) We calculate the expected external forward shock synchrotron flux at 100 MeV, which is essentially a function of the total energy in the burst alone, and it matches the observed flux value. (3) We determine the external forward shock model parameters using the > 100 MeV data (a very large phase space of parameters is allowed by the high-energy data alone), and for each point in the allowed parameter space we calculate the expected X-ray and optical fluxes at late times (hours to days after the burst) and find these to be in good agreement with the observed data for the entire parameter space allowed by the > 100 MeV data. (4) We calculate the external forward shock model parameters using only the late-time X-ray, optical and radio data and from these estimate the expected flux at > 100 MeV at the end of the sub-MeV burst (and at subsequent times) and find that to be entirely consistent with the high-energy data obtained by Fermi/LAT. The ability of a simple external forward shock, with two empirical parameters (total burst energy and energy in electrons) and two free parameters (circumstellar density and energy in magnetic fields), to fit the entire data from the end of the burst (1-50 s) to about a week, covering more than eight decades in photon frequency - > 10 2 MeV, X-ray, optical and radio - provides compelling confirmation of the external forward shock synchrotron origin of the > 100 MeV radiation from these Fermi GRBs. Moreover, the parameters determined in points (3) and (4) show that the magnetic field required in these GRBs is consistent with shock-compressed magnetic field in the circumstellar medium with pre-shocked values of a few tens of μG.
The Impact Of School Climate On School Outcomes

The purpose of this article is to provide insight into an elementary school whose climate issues appear to plague and impact it's performance as measured by it's Annually Yearly Progress (AYP). The Northwest Georgia elementary school is located in a rural school system approximately 50 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. A review of the literature suggests school climate can affect many areas and people within schools. It further suggests that positive interpersonal relationships and optimal learning opportunities in all demographic environments can increase school achievement levels and reduce maladaptive behaviors (McEvoy & Welker, 2000). Providing a positive and supportive work environment and climate for faculty and staff, more often than not, improves faculty, staff and student performance (Freiberg, 1998). An in-depth analysis of the environment of the school in question suggests a lack of faculty and staff respect for administration, a hostile work environment, and overall low morale. Deep frustration and anger on the part of faculty and staff were apparent in a substantial number of written responses to open-ended questions. Although responses to work environment and administration were split along mean scores, the overall data indicate that the status quo cannot continue without continued negative consequences. When half of the faculty and staff are dissatisfied with their work environment and administration, teaching and learning is almost certain to be negatively impacted. A Rasch analysis further supports recommendations.
Pediatric prescription pick-up rates after ED visits.

Abstract Objective To determine the compliance rate in filling outpatient medication prescriptions written upon discharge from the emergency department (ED). Methods Emergency department records of children during a 3-month period were examined along with pharmacy claim data obtained in cooperation with the largest insurance carrier in the community (private and Medicaid). Pharmacy claim data were used to validate the prescription pick-up date. Results Overall, 65% of high-urgency prescriptions were filled. The prescription pick-up rate in the 0-to 3-year age group (75%) was significantly higher than in the rest of the cohort (55%) ( P P = .03). Conclusion This study demonstrates that filling a prescription after discharge from an ED represents a substantial barrier to medication compliance.
Cancellation of Doppler shifts in a cold-atom CPT clock

A compact cold-atom clock based on coherent population trapping (CPT) is being developed. Long-term goals for the clock include achieving a fractional frequency accuracy of 1×10-13 in a package of less than 10 cm3 in volume. Here we present an overview of a prototype clock design, and a systematic evaluation of the first-order Doppler shift. We also introduce our second-generation physics package.
Next-Generation Cancer Vaccine Approaches: Integrating Lessons Learned From Current Successes With Promising Biotechnologic Advances

With the recent approval of sipuleucel-T for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma, there is increasing excitement in the field of cancer immunotherapy. A large number of clinical trials are currently testing various vaccine vectors in a diverse array of cancer types. Which of these strategies will ultimately prove successful has yet to be determined. However, a better understanding of the complex interplay of tumor-specific T cells and the challenges faced at the tumor microenvironment, advances in biotechnology, and lessons learned from prior successes and failures will likely lead to approvals of other therapeutic cancer vaccines.
Exploration of undergraduate preservice teachers' experiences learning advocacy: A mixed-methods study

ȠApplying transformational critical advocacy research in college instruction can be a powerful way to engage students in challenging inequity in society and promoting positive changes. Few studies systematically measure the impact of such pedagogy on the development of college students' beliefs about advocacy. In this mixed methods study, we worked with 21 preservice teachers through advocacy letter writing activities and collected data from pre/post surveys and focus group discussions to explore the impact of such pedagogy. The findings indicated that advocacy letter writing was a meaningful activity for preservice teachers, allowing them a professional opportunity to voice their concerns about personally meaningful issues to entities in power. A significant correlation was found between baseline advocacy experiences and baseline advocacy beliefs, suggesting that the teaching of advocacy, when combined with opportunities for meaningful practice, can contribute to shifts in belief about the importance of advocating.
Polarity independent effects of cerebellar tDCS on short term ankle visuomotor learning.

Abstract Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), an emerging technique of noninvasive brain stimulation, has shown to produce beneficial neural effects in consequence with improvements in motor behavior. There are not many studies examining the use of tDCS for lower limb motor control and learning. Most studies using tDCS for facilitating lower limb motor coordination have applied tDCS to the lower limb motor cortex (M1). As the cerebellum is also critically involved in movement control, it is important to dissociate the effect of tDCS on the cerebellum and M1 with respect to lower limb motor control before we begin the application of tDCS as a neuromodulatory tool. Objective/Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cerebellar vs. motor cortical tDCS on short term ankle visuomotor learning in healthy individuals. Methods Eight healthy individuals practiced a skilled ankle motor tracking task while receiving either facilitatory anodal tDCS to cerebellum, inhibitory cathodal tDCS to cerebellum, facilitatory anodal tDCS to M1, inhibitory cathodal tDCS to M1 or sham stimulation. Pre- and post-measures of changes in cortical excitability of the tibialis anterior muscle and measures of tracking accuracy were assessed. Results Anodal cerebellar, cathodal cerebellar, and anodal M1 stimulation improved target-tracking accuracy of the ankle. This was not dependent on the observed changes in motor cortical excitability of the tibialis anterior muscle. Conclusion(s) Polarity independent effects of tDCS on cerebellum were observed. The present study shows that modulation effects of tDCS can occur because of changes in the cerebellum, a structure implicated in several forms of motor learning, providing an additional way in which tDCS can be used to improve motor coordination.
Three-dimensional (3-D) finite strain at the central Andean orocline and implications for grain-scale shortening in orogens

Three-dimensional (3-D) finite strain analyses from across the central Andes are used to document the contribution of grain-scale strain in quartzites and sandstones to the total shortening budget. The results are compared to thermal, stratigraphic, and strain data from other fold-and-thrust belts to determine the influence of lithologic strength and deformation temperature on strain accommodation during orogenic evolution. In the central Andes, 3-D best-fit ellipsoids are inconsistently oriented relative to structural trends, have short axes at high angles to bedding ( Z , mean plunge = 78° ± 21°), and have bedding-parallel long axes ( X , mean plunge = 6° ± 24°). Ellipsoid shapes are dominantly oblate ( X = Y > Z ), indicate low natural octahedral shear strains (e S = 0.03–0.19), and have axial ratios that range from 1.02:1:0.81 (e S = 0.19) to 1.02:1:0.97 (e S = 0.03). Highly variable R f -ϕ data ( R f = 1.0–5.0, ϕ fluctuations exceeding 100°) indicate detrital grain shapes may overwhelm any measurable tectonic strain fabric recorded by grain geometry. The best-fit ellipsoids may reflect either weak compaction strain, or they may be related to a depositional fabric. At a minimum, granular strain was insufficient to reset the detrital grain fabric, and therefore grain-scale strain in quartzites and sandstones is not a significant factor in deformation. We suggest that the nonstrained nature of these stiffer lithologies indicates a lack of regional, penetrative strain in the central Andes like that quantified in similar lithologies in other orogens. The regional lack of strain may be due to deformation temperatures
Integrated Robust and Resilient Control of Nuclear Power Plants for Operational Safety and High Performance

This paper presents an integrated robust and resilient control strategy to enhance the operational safety and performance of nuclear power plants. The objective of robust control is to minimize the sensitivity of plant operations to exogenous disturbances and internal faults while achieving a guaranteed level of performance with a priori specified bounds of uncertainties. On the other hand, the role of resilient control is to enhance plant recovery from unanticipated adverse conditions and faults as well as from emergency situations by altering its operational envelope in real time. In this paper, the issues of real-time resilient control of nuclear power plants are addressed for fast response during emergency operations while the features of the existing robust control technology are retained during normal operations under both steady-state and transient conditions. The proposed control methodology has been validated on the International Reactor Innovative & Secure (IRIS) simulator of nuclear power plants.
Adaptive Cartesian Sharp Interface Method for Three-Dimensional Multi-Phase Flows

We have developed a sharp interface method for treating interfacial discontinuities of compressible multi- phase fluids on 3-D Cartesian cut-cell grids. The evolution of the interfacial discontinuities in Cartesian grid is captured by level set method. The intersections between interfacial fronts and Cartesian grids are interpolated using level set function information at vertices of Cartesian grids. Triangular surfaces are then constructed on the interfacial fronts. A novel cell merging method is used for complex topological changes. Jump conditions across discontinuous interfaces are enforced by reconstruction of interfacial flow variables using constrained least squares method. Inviscid flux across internal faces of the same fluid is calculated by local Lax Friedrichs (LLF) flux. Validation results show the validity and accuracy of the proposed sharp interface method for two-phase fluids.
Current Status of Bicarbonate in CKD

Metabolic acidosis was one of the earliest complications to be recognized and explained pathologically in patients with CKD. Despite the accumulated evidence of deleterious effects of acidosis, treatment of acidosis has been tested very little, especially with respect to standard clinical outcomes. On the basis of fundamental research and small alkali supplementation trials, correcting metabolic acidosis has a strikingly broad array of potential benefits. This review summarizes the published evidence on the association between serum bicarbonate and clinical outcomes. We discuss the role of alkali supplementation in CKD as it relates to retarding kidney disease progression, improving metabolic and musculoskeletal complications.
Single Molecule Studies of Bacteriophage phi29 DNA Terminal Protein Interactions and their Role in DNA Packaging

The assembly of a functional DNA-packaging complex is an essential process in the lifecycle of the tailed double-stranded DNA bacteriophage, phi29; however a detailed understanding of the assembly pathway is still missing. Phi29 and its relatives, as well as some Adenoviruses, possess linear double stranded DNA genomes with proteins covalently linked to the 5’ terminal ends of each strand. In addition to the terminal protein's (TP) main role in protein-primed DNA replication, the phi29 TP, gp-3, appears to play an essential role in the formation of the mature DNA packaging substrate. Evidence suggests gp3 mediates the formation of DNA loops which are subsequently bound by the motor protein, gp16, and supercoiled to form the mature packaging substrate. We have developed a single molecule optical tweezers assay that allows us to measure gp3-DNA and gp3-gp3 interactions and probe their role in the initiation of motor-driven viral DNA packaging. Here we present the direct observation of strong sequence-specific gp3-phi29DNA interactions as well as evidence for preferential binding of left-end gp3 to a region near the left terminal end of the genome, with the later suggesting a mechanism by which the virus may preferentially package the left end of its genome in vivo. We will also discuss efforts to determine whether gp16 in isolation, apart from the viral capsid portal complex, can act as a DNA translocase.
An integrated agent for playing real-time strategy games

We present a real-time strategy (RTS) game AI agent that integrates multiple specialist components to play a complete game. Based on an analysis of how skilled human players conceptualize RTS gameplay, we partition the problem space into domains of competence seen in expert human play. This partitioning helps us to manage and take advantage of the large amount of sophisticated domain knowledge developed by human players. We present results showing that incorporating expert high-level strategic knowledge allows our agent to consistently defeat established scripted AI players. In addition, this work lays the foundation to incorporate tactics and unit micromanagement techniques developed by both man and machine.
Mechanical Turk is Not Anonymous

While Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (AMT) online workforce has been characterized by many people as being anonymous, we expose an aspect of AMT’s system design that can be exploited to reveal a surprising amount of information about many AMT Workers, which may include personally identifying information (PII). This risk of PII exposure may surprise many Workers and Requesters today, as well as impact current institutional review board (IRB) oversight of human subjects research involving AMT Workers as participants. We assess the potential multi-faceted impact of such PII exposure for each stakeholder group: Workers, Requesters, and AMT itself. We discuss potential remedies each group may explore, as well as the responsibility of each group with regard to privacy protection. This discussion leads us to further situate issues of crowd worker privacy amidst broader ethical, economic, and regulatory issues, and we conclude by oering a set of recommendations to each stakeholder group.
Heterogeneous Firms and Policy Preferences

The Oxford Handbook of the Political Economy of International Trade surveys the literature on the politics of international trade and highlights the most exciting recent scholarly developments.
Specter of a Nazi Threat: United States-Colombian Relations, 1939-1945

On 11 September 1941, U..S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took to the airwaves to warn his country that “Hitler's advance guards” were readying “footholds, bridgeheads in the New World, to be used as soon as he has gained control of the oceans.” The most recent sign that the Nazis were coming, the president told his rapt national audience, was the discovery of “secret airlanding fields in Colombia, within easy range of the Panama Canal.” In Bogota, the response was pandemonium. U.S. ambassador Spruille Braden, astonished that “the President has gone out on a limb with this statement,” sent his staff scrambling across German-owned farms and rice fields to try to produce evidence for the assertion ex post facto. Colombian President Eduardo Santos scoffed at Roosevelt's claim, telling Braden, “in the final analysis all of Colombia is a great potential airport.” A resentful Colombian Senate voted unanimously that no such airfields existed (that Colombia had fulfilled its responsibility to defend against the Axis menace). In Washington, Secretary of State Cordell Hull was forced to call in Colombia's Ambassador Gabriel Turbay to express “the very deep regret of the President, of myself and of our Government” for the “unintentional reference.”
Mobility and Disdain: Columbus and Cannibals in the Land of Cotton

Abstract. The premise of this contribution is that some of the observations regard-ing the indigenous peoples of the Bahama archipelago (“Lucayans”) recorded in the diario of Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to America provide the opportunity to infer precontact practices. Important observations in the diario for the Bahamas are descriptions of exchanges between the Lucayans and the Spanish. These descrip -tions indicate that cotton, parrots, and wood javelins were considered by the Luca-yans to be appropriate “gifts.” This article explores the possibility that Lucayan/Spanish exchanges refract traditional precontact exchange practices. In addition, Columbus observed wounds on the bodies of the first men he met. He interpreted these wounds as resulting from incursions by a superior civilization that sought to subjugate and enslave the “simple” and “naked” Lucayans. Throughout the diario, Columbus maintains the belief that he had reached Asia, and the land of the Grand Can (“Caniba”). These names and associated behaviors (anthropophagy) do not represent or portray the native peoples of the Caribbean Islands. In contrast, the wounds observed are interpreted as emblematic of the potential for hostilities that permeate tribal exchange relations.
Abstract 4530: Pralatrexate-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells correlates with RFC-1 and DHFR expression

Pralatrexate (PDX, 10-propargyl 10-deazaaminopterin) is a novel anti-folate agent that is approved for use in relapsed peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL). It is distinguished from the parent drug methotrexate (MTX) by having significantly greater affinity for the reduced folate carrier (RFC)-1, the principle transporter that internalize anti-folates, as well as broader efficacy, which strongly suggests that PDX has mechanisms of action beyond inhibition of nucleotide synthesis. Given the activity of PDX in aggressive lymphoid malignancies such as PTCL, we examined the activity of this agent in preclinical models of multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy that is currently incurable. We examined the cytotoxic activity of anti-folates in vitro against a panel of human multiple myeloma cell lines (HMCL) and showed that PDX induced dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in a subset of these. In sensitive cell lines (MM.1s and ARH-77) PDX demonstrated significantly greater potency at 48 hours compared to MTX (LD50 PDX = 2-3 nM vs. LD50 MTX = 25-30 nM). PDX also induced apoptosis in a polyclonal population of primary myeloma cells isolated from a patient specimen, whereas MTX had no effect on viability in these cells. PDX-induced apoptosis in sensitive HMCL was characterized by cleavage and activation of caspase-3 and -9, accompanied by the loss of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Mcl-1. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of a panel of folate metabolism genes, including RFC-1, folyl polyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH), thymidylate synthase (TS), and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) revealed that RFC-1 expression was significantly higher in sensitive HMCL compared to resistant. Dose-dependent up-regulation of DHFR protein expression was observed by western blot in PDX-resistant cell lines, but not in PDX-sensitive ones. Incubation of HMCL with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib or the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), both of which demonstrate activity in MM, did not affect expression of RFC-1 in PDX-resistant HMCL and did not synergize with PDX to induce apoptosis in vitro. These results demonstrate that PDX induces apoptosis in sensitive HMCL, and that RFC-1 expression and DHFR up-regulation are functional biomarkers for susceptibility to this anti-folate. These data support further exploration of PDX therapy in MM, including combination therapy with agents that can increase expression of RFC-1 and/or block up-regulation of DHFR. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4530. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4530
Urinary mucopolysaccharide excretion in the sex-linked form of the Hurler syndrome.

SummaryThe urinary mucopolysaccharide excretion of a family with the sex-linked form of gargoylism has been quantitatively studied, using several methods. The results indicate that neither carriers nor unaffected siblings excrete significantly higher than normal quantities of total acid mucopolysaccharides.
Posttraumatic Growth: Spouses’ Relationship Quality and Psychological Distress

ABSTRACTWhile research links interpersonal processes to posttraumatic growth (PTG; Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006a), little is known about whether partners’ PTG has consequences for people’s (i.e., actors’) relationship functioning and psychological distress. Sixty-one married couples who had experienced severe flooding completed measures of PTG, perceptions of spouses’ PTG, relationship quality, and psychological distress 6 and 12 months following the event. Partners’ increased PTG predicted actors’ increased perceptions of partners’ PTG, which predicted actors’ increased relationship quality, which, in turn, predicted actors’ decreased psychological distress. Thus, partners’ PTG can benefit spouses’ evaluations of their relationship and, ultimately, actors’ psychological well-being.
The essentials of assessment literacy: Contrasts between testers and users:

Language assessment literacy refers to language instructors’ familiarity with testing definitions and the application of this knowledge to classroom practices in general and specifically to issues related to assessing language. While it is widely agreed that classroom teachers need to assess student progress, many teachers and other test users have a limited understanding of assessment fundamentals. To help meet this need, a tutorial for foreign language instructors was developed (CAL, 2009) to describe the basics of language assessment and assist with test selection. In this project, group interviews and surveys were used to elicit feedback from two groups of experts, US language instructors (N = 44) and language testers (N = 30), on the content of the tutorial. The results of the project revealed the challenges of including the technical information considered essential by testers while meeting the real and practical needs of teachers. This paper investigates efforts to elicit language testers’ beliefs ...
Pipefishes and Seahorses (Syngnathidae)

In the 200+ living species of pipefishes and seahorses (family Syngnathidae), males invariably are the pregnant gender, gestating large cohorts of progeny in a ventral brood pouch on their abdomen or tail. This happens when a female transfers her unfertilized eggs, during copulation, to the brood pouch of a male, who then fertilizes the eggs internally and carries and nurtures the resulting embryos for several weeks, until finally giving birth to live young. The whole process is quite analogous to female pregnancy, except that the “conventional” sexual roles of the two genders tend to be reversed.
269 MOLECULAR REQUIREMENTS FOR VLA-4-MEDIATED B-LYMPHOCYTE ADHERENCE UNDER FLOW CONDITIONS.

VLA-4 is critical for normal lymphocyte recirculation. Expressed on B lymphocytes, VLA-4 binds VCAM-1 on endothelium as a first step in lymphocyte extravasation. In this study, we examine the behavior of B lymphocytes on purified VCAM-1 as a first step toward quantifying the molecular parameters and requirements for lymphocyte rolling and arrest mediated by VLA-4. In our first set of observations, we wished to define chemokines that stimulated VLA-4 on human B lymphocytes isolated from blood and determine the site densities over which VLA-4-mediated attachment could occur. We tested a panel of chemokines and show that four chemokines may stimulate VLA-4 activation on human peripheral blood B lymphocytes. We next show that B lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood will roll and attach to VCAM-1 in the absence of cellular stimulation; B-lymphocyte accumulation does not occur below 50 sites/μm2 of VCAM-1 and shows increasing accumulation up to 200 sites/mm2. Interestingly, VLA-4 is activated to its high-affinity state using Mn2+ or SDF-1α stimulation, and increased accumulation is seen over the range of 50 to 200 sites/μm2 compared with no cellular stimuli, yet the site density over which attachment occurs remains unchanged. We then examined the effect of culturing B lymphocytes after isolation from blood on VLA-4-mediated binding. Using a VCAM-1 site density that would promote maximal binding (≈1,200 sites/μm2), we show that the proportion of VLA-4-expressing B lymphocytes that roll on VCAM-1 progressively increases from 1 to 4 days of culture (90% firm arrest/10% rolling on day 1 versus 45% firm arrest/55% rolling on day 4). Flow cytometry-based site density experiments indicate that the VLA-4 site density on B cells remains constant over the 4 days. To determine whether the change in VLA-4-mediated rolling and arrest on VCAM-1 was due to changes in the native receptor affinity or intracellular signaling, we performed a series of studies of pharmacologic studies. Exposure of day 1 or day 4 B lymphocytes to Mn2+ and DTT, activators of VLA-4, promoted firm attachment of greater than 90% of the cells, indicating that VLA-4 could obtain a high-affinity state regardless of culture duration. Inhibition of protein kinase C, farnesyl transferase, and G protein-coupled receptor signaling increases the proportion of rolling cells with fewer overall attachments. This phenomenon is observed on day 1 and is more pronounced on day 4, suggesting that inside-out signaling remains intact despite culturing. In all, we quantify for the first time the effect of site density and postisolation culture on the behavior of VLA-4-mediated adherence of B lymphocytes. Our observations also suggest that signaling both from and to the VLA-4 receptor occurs and changes during postisolation culture. These observations are important in resolving previous studies examining VLA-4-mediated lymphocyte rolling and arrest.
Ocular hypertension or early undetected glaucoma

This paper reviews the diagnostic process and the utilization of specific testing procedures - including patient history, anterior chamber evaluation, intraocular pressure measurement, optic disc evaluation, nerve fiber layer evaluation, visual field evaluation, and psychophysical and electrophysiological testing - for the clinical differentiation of ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma.
Collision-Induced Vibrational Spectroscopy in Liquids

Pressure or collision-induced absorption arises from transient dipoles produced by distortion of the electronic distribution of molecules in binary, ternary and higher order interactions. The induced dipole is modulated by the vibration and rotation of the colliding molecules and, because of its strong dependence on the intermolecular separation, by their relative translational motion. Thus a variety of pressure-induced spectra are known ranging from pure translation and rotation in the microwave and far infrared regions to fundamental and overtone rotation-vibration spectra in the infrared region. Such spectra have been observed in pure substances and in mixtures in the gaseous, liquid and solid phases. Collisions also induce anisotropic polarizability in atoms and spherical molecules producing depolarized Rayleigh spectra. More recently, vibrational Raman bands have been studied which are forbidden by symmetry in the isolated molecule but are produced by intermolecular fields.
WHERE IS VICTORIAN ECOCRITICISM

The most striking thing about reviewing the field of Victorian ecocriticism is that there is so little of it. This relative absence is all the more perplexing given that ecocritical work on Romanticism and nineteenth-century American literature is so profuse. Thoreau and Wordsworth remain the most-discussed authors in a field that was in many respects inaugurated by Jonathan Bate's Romantic Ecology: Wordsworth and the Environmental Tradition (1991) and Lawrence Buell's The Environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing and the Formation of American Culture (1995). Romanticism remains the point of departure for some of the most influential studies in the field, including those like Timothy Morton's Ecology Without Nature (2009) that challenge many of its core precepts. Meanwhile, ecocriticism has expanded to include many other periods and regions, with collections ranging from The Ecocritical Shakespeare (2011) to Postcolonial Ecologies (2011), and unsurprisingly, a strong turn toward the contemporary.
Evaluation of the Interacting Parabolized Navier-Stokes (IPNS) Formulation for Subsonic Viscous Flow Simulation

A simplified analysis (IPNS) was developed earlier for simulating subsonic viscous flows with strong upstream pressure interaction. The analysis and solution procedure were used to determine the flow in various channel and cascade configurations. The method was observed to be very efficient computationally as compared to other reported formulations (Thin-Layer Navier-Stokes or full Navier-Stokes) for subsonic flows. The present paper examines the accuracy of the IPNS formulation by concurrently developing a full Navier-Stokes formulation and comparing the results obtained from both formulations for identical flow configurations. Satisfactory agreement between the two sets of results then serves to establish the validity of the assumptions employed in the IPNS analysis.
Vinylogous Dehydration by a Polyketide Dehydratase Domain in Curacin Biosynthesis

Polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes continue to hold great promise as synthetic biology platforms for the production of novel therapeutic agents, biofuels, and commodity chemicals. Dehydratase (DH) catalytic domains play an important role during polyketide biosynthesis through the dehydration of the nascent polyketide intermediate to provide olefins. Our understanding of the detailed mechanistic and structural underpinning of DH domains that control substrate specificity and selectivity remains limited, thus hindering our efforts to rationally re-engineer PKSs. The curacin pathway houses a rare plurality of possible double bond permutations containing conjugated olefins as well as both cis- and trans-olefins, providing an unrivaled model system for polyketide dehydration. All four DH domains implicated in curacin biosynthesis were characterized in vitro using synthetic substrates, and activity was measured by LC-MS/MS analysis. These studies resulted in complete kinetic characterization of the all-trans-tri...
Translational Correlation: Stroke

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability of adults in the United States. An ischemic stroke is the sudden onset of focal neurological dysfunction due to infarction in cerebrum, brain stem, or cerebellum from lack of cerebral blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by rupture of cerebral arteries and includes intraparenchymal hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Clinical symptoms and signs in anterior circulation stroke are different from those of posterior circulation stroke. The treatment of acute ischemic stroke includes intravenous thrombolytic and mechanical thrombectomy.
Accelerating the clinical trial start-up process for early-phase cancer studies: A test of process change to support rapid activation in an academic medical center.

e17507 Background: Clinical trial sponsors have strong scientific, financial, and regulatory interests in rapidly activating studies at participating sites. Academic medical centers have difficulty...