cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low temperature cure of unsaturated polyester resins with thermoplastic additives. II. Structure formation and shrinkage control mechanism

Abstract An important feature in the cure of unsaturated polyester (UP)/styrene/thermoplastics system is the formation of a two-phase structure. Its final morphology is primarily determined by the phase separation process and the gelation resulting from the polymerization. In this study, the phase separation process during the cure of UP resins with thermoplastic additives was investigated by optical microscopy. It was found that depending on the system miscibility and reaction kinetics, the formation of sample structure follows the same route, but may end at different stages with different types of structure. Two key factors—the volume fraction of the thermoplastic-rich phase and the phase separation period i.e. the time period between the onset of phase separation and the gelation—determine the final structure of the sample. Based on experimental results, a shrinkage control mechanism at low temperature cure was proposed.
Cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism.

Cholesterol plays an essential role in cell membrane synthesis and in cell growth and differentiation. In mammalian cells, cholesterol can be synthesized from acetate precursors or taken up from dietary or exogenous sources. The major catabolic route for disposal of cholesterol involves conversion into excretable bile acids. The maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis is influenced and carefully controlled by multiple feedback mechanisms. The key regulatory targets of these feedback mechanisms are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis, the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in cholesterol uptake, and cholesterol 7α-hydroxy-lase in cholesterol catabolism. The elucidation of regulatory mechanisms in cholesterol metabolism has been greatly facilitated by the discovery of a new class of lipid-lowering drugs, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In addition to proving therapeutically useful in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, these drugs have revealed novel regulatory steps in cholesterol metabolism and several new targets for future drug development. This manuscript reviews recent developments in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and the regulatory mechanisms that maintain cholesterol homeostasis.
Co-dependence of bone and energy metabolisms

The growing number of genetically modified mouse models available but also of the possibility to delete one or several genes at will in a defined time frame or in a specific cell type or tissue(s) has open new possibilities for the study of whole animal physiology. This in vivo approach has been especially successful in uncovering a regulatory loop linking the control of energy metabolism and the regulation of bone remodeling. This review is intended to summarize the key events that led to the identification and the characterization of the different steps and molecules constituting this regulatory network.
Whisker Follicle Removal Affects Somatotopy and Innervation of Other Follicles in Adult Mice

The present study shows that in the whisker-to-barrel pathway of adult mice surgical removal of three whisker follicles leads to the expansion of the functional cortical representation of the whiskers adjacent to the lesion into the deprived barrels within 8 months. Concomitant with this enlargement, there is an increase in follicular innervation of the corresponding whiskers. This reorganization of the peripheral innervation may be important for the observed reshaping of cortical somatotopy.
Magnetic properties of rare earth hydrides

Magnetic measurements on fully hydrogenated rare earth metals give no indication of magnetic ordering at temperatures down to 4 °K, whereas the corresponding elemental rare earth metals, except Pr, order at temperatures ranging from 19°K for Nd to 289 °K for Gd. The results are consistent with electrical resistivity measurements which indicate that these hydrides are not metallic conductors. Since the RKKY interaction is inoperative in the hydrides, ordering temperatures are depressed below 4°K. Detailed analysis of the paramagnetic behavior of PrH2 shows that experiment is consistent only with the anionic model for hydrogen in rare earth hydrides. Rare earth dihydrides, which are metallic conductors, do show magnetic ordering at temperatures ranging from 8°K, for HoH2 and DyH2, to 40°K, for TbH2, EuH2, alone among the dihydrides which order, becomes ferromagnetic. Rare earth intermetallics of the formula RT2 and RT5 (T = Co or Ni) absorb hydrogen with noticeable effect on their magnetic and electrical properties. Virgin samples of PrCo2 and NdCo2 order at 45 and 116 °K, respectively. After degassing under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at elevated temperature, these materials fail to exhibit magnetic ordering down to 4°K. A discussion is given of factors which probably bring about this striking sensitivity to hydrogen concentration. Magnetische Messungen an vollstandig hydrierten seltenen Erdmetallen ergeben oberhalb 4°K keine Anzeichen fur eine magnetische Ordnung; dagegen tritt bei den entsprechenden seltenen Erdmetallen selbst auser bei Pr im Temperaturbereich von 19 K (Nd) bis 289 °K (Gd) Ordnung auf. Die Ergebnisse stehen in Einklang mit Messungen des spezifischen elektrischen Widerstands, aus denen folgt, daβ diese Hydride keine metallischen Leiter sind. Da die RKKY-Wechselwirkung in diesen Hydriden unwirksam ist, werden die Temperaturen. bei denen Ordnung eintritt, bis unter 4°K erniedrigt. Eine genaue Analyse des paramagnetischen Verhaltens von PrH2 zeigt, das das Experiment nur mit dem anionischen Modell fur den Wasserstoff in seltenen Erdhydriden konsistent ist. Dihydride der seltenen Erden. die metallische Leiter sind, zeigen jedoch das Auftreten magnetischer Ordnung bei Temperaturen zwischen 8°K (HoH2 und DyH2) und 40 °K (TbH2). Von den Dihydriden, die sich ordnen, wird lediglich EuH2 ferromagnetisch. Intermetallische Phasen der seltenen Erden mit der Formel RT2 und RT5 (T = Co oder Ni) absorbierten Wasserstoff unter merklicher Beeinflussung ihrer magnetischen und elektrischen Eigenschaften. Jungfrauliche Proben von PrCo2 und NdCo2 ordnen sich bei 45 bzw. 116°K. Nach dem Entgasen im Ultrahochvakuum bei erhohter Temperatur zeigen diese Stoffe oberhalb 4°K keine magnetische Ordnung. Die Faktoren, die wahrscheinlich diese auffallend empfindliche Abhangigkeit von der Wasserstoffkonzentration hervorrufen, werden diskutiert.
Familial homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia

Abstract An apparently new form of abetalipoproteinemia, homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia, was studied in progeny of a mating of two parents each heterozygous for familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, which was characterized by three-generation vertical transmission on both maternal and paternal sides of the family. The two children, with an apparent homozygous form of hypobetalipoproteinemia, had, in addition to abetalipoproteinemia, acanthocytosis, intestinal etpithelial and hepatic steatosis and steatorrhea. No low desity lipoprotein (LDL) was detected by immunodiffusion with antisera to LDL or apoLDL. The defects in apolipoproteins in these two children were the same as those reported in children with abetalipoproteinemia inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The genetic defect of hypobetalipoproteinemia, when homozygous, can lead to all of the known clinical and biochemical features of abetalipoproteinemia.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN CHOEIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG) AND ALPHA FETOPROTEIN (αFP) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATOBLASTOMA

RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN CHOEIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG) AND ALPHA FETOPROTEIN (αFP) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATOBLASTOMA
Chiral diamines 4: a computational study of the enantioselective deprotonation of Boc-pyrrolidine with an alkyllithium in the presence of a chiral diamine.

The enantioselective deprotonation of N-Boc-pyrrolidine (1) with i-PrLi−(−)-sparteine has been studied at theoretical levels up through B3P86/6-31G*. Four low-energy intermediate complexes involving i-PrLi−(−)-sparteine and 1 were located via geometry optimizations; two of these complexes would lead to abstraction of the pro-S hydrogen from 1, and the other two complexes would lead to loss of the pro-R hydrogen. The lowest-energy intermediate complex was found to lead to loss of the pro-S hydrogen as observed experimentally. Transition states for the deprotonations were located using the synchronous transit-guided quasi-Newton method. The calculated activation enthalpy for transfer of the pro-S hydrogen within the lowest-energy intermediate complex, 10.8 kcal/mol, is reasonable for a reaction that occurs at a relatively low temperature, and the calculated kinetic hydrogen isotope effect is in agreement with experimental data. The lower enantioselectivity observed experimentally for deprotonation of 1 usin...
Isospin selection rules for inelastic electron scattering in the shell model

Abstract The E1 and M1 isospin selection rules for inelastic electron scattering are studied in terms of the particle-hole model. Form factors calculated for the 1 − levels of O 16 demonstrate the operation of the E1 selection rule in the T =0 levels at low momentum transfer k . Isospin impurities are introduced phenomenologically and are found to break down this selection rule, particularly for the T =0 level calculated at 23.0 MeV. The M1 isospin selection rule is studied for the closed sub-shell nucleus C 12 . Here only the configuration 1 p 3 2 ) −1 1 p 1 2 is considered. Form factor calculations show that for k ⪅300 MeV / c the ΔT =0 transition is suppressed by a factor of about 1 200 relative to the ΔT =1 transition. This is consistent with the absence of the ΔT =0 transition in C 12 electro-excitation cross section measurements, even at fairly high momentum transfer. Isospin mixing in C 12 does not appreciably alter this result.
IBR3, a novel peroxisomal acyl-CoA dehydrogenase-like protein required for indole-3-butyric acid response

Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is an endogenous auxin that acts in Arabidopsis primarily via its conversion to the principal auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that this conversion is similar to peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation, but the specific enzymes catalyzing IBA β-oxidation have not been identified. We identified an IBA-response mutant (ibr3) with decreased responses to the inhibitory effects of IBA on root elongation or the stimulatory effects of IBA on lateral root formation. However, ibr3 mutants respond normally to other forms of auxin, including IAA. The mutant seedlings germinate and develop normally, even in the absence of sucrose, suggesting that fatty acid β-oxidation is unaffected. Additionally, double mutants between ibr3 and acx3, which is defective in an acyl-CoA oxidase acting in fatty acid β-oxidation, have enhanced IBA resistance, consistent with a distinct role for IBR3. Positional cloning revealed that IBR3 encodes a putative acyl-CoA dehydrogenase with a consensus peroxisomal targeting signal. Based on the singular defect of this mutant in responding to IBA, we propose that IBR3 may act directly in the oxidation of IBA to IAA.
Saturn's magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind

The paper deals with the Pioneer 11 vector helium magnetometer observations of Saturn's planetary magnetic field, magnetosphere, magnetopause, and bow shock. Models based on spherical harmonic analyses of measurements inside 8 Saturn radii show that the planetary field has a high degree of symmetry about the rotation axis. The vector dipole moment has a tilt angle of less than 1 deg and is offset along the polar axis by 0.04 plus or minus 0.02 Saturn radius. Equatorial offsets derived from the models show pronounced variability and could be consistent with a very small offset. Large impulsive field compressions are observed in the magnetosheath near noon. Multiple crossings of the bow shock are observed, and the absence of significant changes in field direction indicates that it is quasi-perpendicular.
Light-emitting diode flashlights as effective and inexpensive light sources for fluorescence microscopy.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming more commonly used as light sources for fluorescence microscopy. We describe the adaptation of a commercially available LED flashlight for use as a source for fluorescence excitation. This light source is long-lived, inexpensive, and is effective for excitation in the range of 440–600 nm.
Exploring the Foundations of New Venture Success among Indian American Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Several recent studies have evidenced that Asian American immigrant entrepreneurs of Indian origin have been playing an increasingly important role in the economic growth in the United States. Desp...
Evaluation of haemodynamic flow to the hip in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: One of the groups with high risk for osteonecrosis is patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). No predictive test, however, is known to detect osteonecrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate haemodynamic flow to the proximal femur in SLE patients.Methods: Twenty‐two SLE patients without osteonecrosis were evaluated in comparison with 15 healthy controls. Medial and lateral circumflex arteries of 44 hips in the 22 SLE patients and 30 hips in the healthy controls were examined using ultrasound equipment with colour and power Doppler capability. Arterial pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were determined with neutral and internal rotation positions (stimulated ischaemia).Results: PSV was significantly increased in SLE patients compared to healthy controls in both the neutral position (70.6±40.4 vs. 46.9±19.3; p<0.001) and after internal rotation of the femoral head (74.8±42.3 vs. 49.9±19.9; p<0.001). PI was also higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls...
Response ofCitrus aurantium toGlomus etunicatus andG. Mosseae after soil treatment with selected fumigants

In the test withGlomus mosseae and four fumigants, plant height in the SMD, NaN3, and two highest rates of EDB was significantly less than height in the inoculated control. Vesicle formation was low but chlamydospore production suggested thatG. mosseae was least affected by EDB and DBCP. In the test withG. etunicatus and these fumigants, plant height was significantly less in the SMD treatments than in the inoculated check. Sporulation occured in all treatments; highestG. etunicatus chlamydospore numbers were in all EDB rates and the low rate of NaN3. Significantly more vesicles formed in roots at the high DBCP rate, and significantly fewer formed in the SMD treatments and at the high rate of NaN3 than the inoculated control. When DBCP and EDB-VAM tests were reexamined, neither EDB nor DBCP caused enhanced growth.
Linking cyber and physical spaces through community detection and clustering in social media feeds

Abstract Over the last decade we have witnessed a significant growth in the use of social media. Interactions within their context lead to the establishment of groups that function at the intersection of the physical and cyber spaces, and as such represent hybrid communities. Gaining a better understanding of how information flows in these hybrid communities is a substantial scientific challenge with significant implications on our ability to better harness crowd-contributed content. This paper addresses this challenge by studying how information propagates and evolves over time at the intersection of the physical and cyber spaces. By analyzing the spatial footprint, social network structure, and content in both physical and cyber spaces we advance our understanding of the information propagation mechanisms in social media. The utility of this approach is demonstrated in two real-world case studies, the first reflecting a planned event (the Occupy Wall Street – OWS – movement’s Day of Action in November 2011), and the second reflecting an unexpected disaster (the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013). Our findings highlight the intricate nature of the propagation and evolution of information both within and across cyber and physical spaces, as well as the role of hybrid networks in the exchange of information between these spaces.
Quantum Mechanical Capture/Phase Space Theory Calculation of the Rate Constants for the Complex-Forming CH + H2 Reaction

Six-dimensional wave packet calculations on an accurate potential energy surface are used to obtain the quantum mechanical capture (QM C) probabilities for CH + H2 corresponding to a variety of total angular momenta and internal reactant states. Rate constant calculations are made feasible by employing a Monte Carlo based sampling procedure. The QM C probabilities alone are also used to estimate the high pressure CH + H2 rate constants corresponding to stabilization or CH3 formation. The rate constants for CH + H2 → CH2 + H reaction in the low pressure limit are obtained by combining the QM C probabilities with a phase space theory (PST) approximation for product formation from the complex. Our results are compared with the experimental results of Brownsword et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 1997, 106, 7662), as well as with purely classical PST calculations. The QM C probabilities are shown to be highly dependent on the initial rotational states of the reactants corresponding to orientational restrictions on comple...
Verification Theorems for Models of Optimal Consumption and Investment with Retirement and Constrained Borrowing

Proving verification theorems can be tricky for models with both optimal stopping and state constraints. We pose and solve two alternative models of optimal consumption and investment with an optimal retirement date (optimal stopping) and various wealth constraints (state constraints). The solutions are parametric in closed form up to at most a constant. We prove the verification theorem for the main case with a nonnegative wealth constraint by combining the dynamic programming and Slater condition approaches. One unique feature of the proof is the application of the comparison principle to the differential equation solved by the proposed value function. In addition, we also obtain analytical comparative statics.
Structural studies of viruses by Raman spectroscopy. Novel vibrational assignments for proteins from Raman spectra of viruses

Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy are versatile methods for probing details of protein structure and dynamics in complex biological assemblies, including viruses. The information contained in the Raman spectrum of a virus is ordinarily interpreted on the basis of an understanding that has been developed from detailed spectroscopic investigations of simpler and better characterized molecular structures, such as small globular proteins, peptides and related model compounds and their isotopic derivatives. The model systems approach serves generally as the foundation for reliable band assignments and has been the key to successful application of Raman methods to supramolecular assemblies. However, the converse approach is also possible. The supramolecular assembly may serve as a ‘model compound’ and its Raman signature may provide novel spectra–structure correlations applicable to isolated protein subunits, simpler proteins or related small molecules. Thus, the Raman spectrum of a virus particle can yield new insights into protein vibrational assignments. Here, a number of new vibrational assignments that have emerged from Raman studies of filamentous viruses are identified. The Raman bands in question have not been identified previously in proteins and are demonstrated to originate either from vibrations of the protein main-chain (CαH marker, 1340–1350 cm-1) or from aromatic amino acid side chains (phenylalanine marker, 827 cm-1; tyrosine singlet, 850–855 cm-1; tryptophan marker, 1560 cm-1). The present results, which are considered in the light of existing correlations between data on Raman spectra and protein structure, suggest that much remains to be learned about the structural significance of protein Raman bands. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning needs of hospitalized veteran patients: developing a tool for practice

Abstract The purpose of the study was to develop a practical tool for easy administration by staff to identify Veteran patients' perceived learning needs. Initial development of the tool was based upon a comprehensive literature review, an expert panel review using a modified Delphi Method, and pilot testing of select patients. Two study phases each involved 200 patient interviews from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. The first phase showed that the tool, the ‘Perceived Health Education Needs Scale’ had strong internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis suggested one dominant factor of health. Similar results showing strong internal consistency and one dominant factor were found during a second phase. Veteran patients placed importance on a wide range of educational learning needs, independent of their immediate health concerns.
Angiotensin IV Reverses the Acute Cerebral Blood Flow Reduction after Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Rat

The effect of angiotensin (ANG) IV on CBF after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was studied in rats using laser–Doppler flowmetry. ANG IV (1 μg/kg/min i.v.) or saline treatments were started 20 min after SAH. ANG IV increased CBF (from 45 to 84% of baseline) by 60 min. In the saline group, CBF remained low (51%). Pretreatment with the specific ANG II antagonist Sar1, Ile8-ANG II did not antagonize ANG IV. Determination of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in vitro or inhibition of NOS in vivo did not support a role for NO in the action of ANG IV.
Scaling functions for island-size distributions

Island-size distributions for submonolayer epitaxy are obtained by solving mean-field rate equations in the limit that the ratio of the adatom diffusion rate to the deposition rate becomes infinite. We determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a scaling solution and show that it is determined by the growth rates of islands. Distributions are calculated for several standard models and the pertinence of our results to real epitaxial systems is discussed.
Antibodies against a multiple-peptide conjugate comprising chemically modified human immunodeficiency virus type-1 functional Tat peptides inhibit infection

Abstract We demonstrated recently that selective side-chain modification of functional cysteine-rich (Tat 21–40 ) and arginine-rich (Tat 53–68 ) domains of the HIV-1 Tat protein blocks pathogenic activities of these peptides while retaining their immunological characteristics. In the present study, we have synthesized a multiple-peptide conjugate system comprising modified Tat 21–40 and Tat 53–68 peptides (HIV-1-Tat-MPC). Immunization of mice with this highly homogeneous 10.7 kDa HIV-1-Tat-MPC synthetic construct induced an effective immune response in mice. The antibodies generated against HIV-1-Tat-MPC efficiently suppressed Tat-induced viral replication and significantly reduced HIV-associated cytopathic effects in human monocytes. These results indicate that epitope-specific antibodies directed against functional sites of Tat protein using non-pathogenic peptides inhibit HIV pathogenesis. The HIV-1-Tat-MPC, therefore, has potential for the development of a safe, effective, and economical therapeutic vaccine to reduce the progression of HIV infection.
An Ethnobotanical analysis of the tree species common to the subtropical moist forests of the petén, Guatemala

The purpose of this study was to analyze the utilization of tree species within and around the borders of the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala and to compare two sampling methodologies for the acquisition of such data. Residents in the communities of Caoba (border of reserve) and Uaxactun (within reserve) demonstrated significantly different utilization of tree species. Differences were due to the unique ecological and socio-economic conditions in each of the towns. Residents of both communities relied most heavily onSwietenia macrophylla, Manilkara achras. Cedrela odorata, Pouteria mammosa and Caesalpinia spp. Residents of Caoba considered 39% of all useful tree species to be marketable compared with only 18% in Uaxactun. Overall, more than 80 tree species were identified as useful in each of the communities. Changes in forest composition along with dynamic economic conditions were found to be altering the commercial utilization of tree species throughout the region. Some suggestions are offered for community development projects.
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1) Activation Inhibits Small GTPase RhoA Activity and Regulates Motility of Prostate Carcinoma Cells

The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is activated in an autocrine fashion by the endocannabinoids (EC), N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The CB1 and its endogenous and synthetic agonists are emerging as therapeutic targets in several cancers due to their ability to suppress carcinoma cell invasion and migration. However, the mechanisms that the CB1 regulates cell motility are not well understood. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms that diminish cell migration upon the CB1 activation in prostate carcinoma cells. The CB1 activation with the agonist WIN55212 significantly diminishes the small GTPase RhoA activity but modestly increases the Rac1 and Cdc42 activity. The diminished RhoA activity is accompanied by the loss of actin/myosin microfilaments, cell spreading, and cell migration. Interestingly, the CB1 inactivation with the selective CB1 antagonist AM251 significantly increases RhoA activity, enhances microfilament formation and cell spreading, and promotes cell migration. This finding suggests that endogenously produced EC activate the CB1, resulting in chronic repression of RhoA activity and cell migration. Consistent with this possibility, RhoA activity is significantly diminished by the exogenous application of AEA but not by 2-AG in PC-3 cells (cells with very low AEA hydrolysis). Pretreatment of cells with a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, JZL184, which blocks 2-AG hydrolysis, decreases the RhoA activity. These results indicate the unique CB1 signaling and support the model that EC, through their autocrine activation of CB1 and subsequent repression of RhoA activity, suppress migration in prostate carcinoma cells.
Structure of the chromosphere-corona transition region

The structure and energy balance of the chromosphere-corona transition region is investigated by means of a static, planar model which is compared with the results of XUV-resonance-line observations. In this model, the transition region is heated by thermal conduction from the corona and cooled by radiative losses. Comparison of the model with observational results implies that this is the dominant process in the energy balance of the transition region, and that the base of the transition region is inherently non-static and/or non-planar. The model explains the observational finding of Noyes et al. (1970) that the number density and the downward heat flux both increase by the same factor from quiet regions to active regions. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to spicules.
Baryon production in the central region of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.

We introduce a new string model (venus 2) for ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, based on color exchange between quarks and also between antiquarks. These two mechanisms affect the rapidity distribution of baryons differently: Quark color exchange shifts baryons towards central rapidity, antiquark color exchange moves baryons back towards large (c.m.) rapidities. We obtain almost flat baryon rapidity distributions for symmetric /ital A/+/ital A/ collisions. Rapidity distributions for proton-nucleus collisions show a forward plateau rather than a forward peak, in agreement with data.
Phorbol myristate acetate stimulates formation of phosphatidyl inositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate in human platelets

Abstract The tumor-promoting phorbol ester PMA increased the incorporation of 32P-phosphate into PIP (150%) and PIP2 (50%) in human platelets over the same range of concentrations that stimulate protein kinase C activity (i.e. 1–10 ng/ml). PMA also increased the total content of PIP (2.5-fold) and PIP2 (1.5-fold). The increase in 32P-PIP and 32P-PIP2 was 50% completed at 2 min after 10 ng/ml PMA, and was maximal by 20 min. The increase in PIP and PIP2 was accompanied by a fall of 32P-PI and PI mass over the same time period and concentration range of PMA, but no 32P-PA was fourmed, indicating that phosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C was not stimulated. Inhibition of phospholipase C activity by increasing platelet cyclic AMP did not duplicate the effects of PMA. We conclude that PMA may directly affect inositol lipid kinases and/or phosphatases, or that PMA stimulation of protein kinase C provides feedback regulation of the enzymes that determine the levels of polyphosphoinositides involved in transmembrane stimulus-response coupling.
APE1/Ref-1 regulates STAT3 transcriptional activity and APE1/Ref-1-STAT3 dual-targeting effectively inhibits pancreatic cancer cell survival.

Pancreatic cancer is a largely incurable disease, and increasing evidence supports strategies targeting multiple molecular mediators of critical functions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Intracellular redox state modulates the activity of various signal transduction pathways and biological processes, including cell survival, drug resistance and responsiveness to microenvironmental factors. Recently, it has been shown that the transcription factor STAT3 is under redox control, but the mechanisms involved in its regulation are unknown. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that STAT3 DNA binding and transcriptional activity is directly regulated by the redox function of the APE1/Ref-1 endonuclease, using overexpression and redox-specific mutational strategies, and gene knockdown. Also, pharmacological blockade of APE1/Ref-1 by the redox-selective inhibitor E3330 abrogates STAT3 DNA binding. Since APE1/Ref-1 also exerts redox control on other cancer-associated transcription factors, we assessed the impact of dual-targeting of STAT3 signaling and APE1/Ref-1 redox on pancreatic cancer cell functions. We observed that disruption of APE1/Ref-1 redox activity synergizes with STAT3 blockade to potently inhibit the proliferation and viability of human PDAC cells. Mechanistically, we show that STAT3–APE1/Ref-1 dual targeting promotes marked tumor cell apoptosis, with engagement of caspase-3 signaling, which are significantly increased in comparison to the effects triggered by single target blockade. Also, we show that STAT3–APE1/Ref-1 dual blockade results in significant inhibition of tumor cell migration. Overall, this work demonstrates that the transcriptional activity of STAT3 is directly regulated by the redox function of APE1/Ref-1, and that concurrent blockade of STAT3 and APE1/Ref-1 redox synergize effectively inhibit critical PDAC cell functions.
Using an adjustable detection time to correct photobleaching effects in fluorescence microscopy

ABSTRACTPhotobleaching causes progressive fading in successive slices of a through-focus series, so that the last image taken in the series can have a significantly lower signal-to-noise ratio than the first. Bleaching is oftensuccessfully minimized by including antifade additives in the specimen preparation and/or by reducing theoptical dose to the specimen. However, these measures may not be sufficient in a through-focus series where many slices must be taken. This paper presents a simple approach to ameliorating the effects of bleaching, which is to progressively increase the integration times so as to maintain constant signal level from slice to slice. I refer to the sequence of integration times as an integration schedule. I develop the equations for integration scheduling from the physical assumptions and discuss how the method affects image quality.Keywords: microscopy, fluorescence, photobleaching, confocal, three-dimensional microscopy, photodetector 1. INTRODUCTION In fluorescence microscopy, a structure or function of interest in a specimen is labeled with a fluorescent probe.
Quantitative mapping of cytovhrome oxidase activity in the central auditory system of the gerbil: a study with calibrated activity standards and metal-intensified histochemistry

The objective was to obtain detailed topographic determinations of cytochrome oxidase activity in the gerbil central auditory system at the light microscopic level. Quantitative techniques were developed using (1) tissue standards calibrated to express histochemical measures as actual enzyme activity units, (2) densitometry and image analysis of histochemical reaction product formation, (3) spectrophotometry of cytochrome oxidase activity, and (4) a cobalt-intensified staining procedure compatible with autoradiography and other techniques requiring fresh-frozen brains without perfusion-fixation. Linear relationships between incubation time, section thickness, and activity of dissected brain regions, with their reaction product measured densitometrically were determined. Auditory structures with the high activities showed about 8 times the labeling intensity of the white matter or control sections inhibited with cyanide, glutaraldehyde, or heat. This indicated the high sensitivity of the method without loss of specificity. Specific activity for each of the 18 auditory structures measured were all above the units measured for whole brain homogenates, supporting the notion that basal levels of oxidative metabolism are greater for the auditory system. There was a progressive decrement in activity from brain stem to forebrain auditory structures. The more peripheral nuclei also showed a higher proportion of somatic as compared to neuropil reactivity. In contrast, auditory midbrain and thalamocortical regions were characterized primarily by neuropil reactivity. Comparison of intrinsic patterns of activity with morphological schemes to subdivide nuclei, showed a good correspondence with classical subdivisions derived from Golgi studies. The reported activities may provide a base of normative data in the gerbil for subsequent studies of central auditory functions. The method presented fulfilled established quantitative criteria and provided a more sensitive approach for regional mapping studies of brain cytochrome oxidase activity.
Effects of the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX on the development and expression of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and amphetamine.

We examined the effect of 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX), an antagonist of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of glutamate receptor, on the development and expression of behavioral sensitization to amphetamine and cocaine in rats. A single injection of NBQX (12.5 mg/kg) administered 30 min prior to cocaine during the induction phase (days 1–5) prevented the development of cocaine sensitization, assessed by responsiveness to cocaine challenge on day 8. This NBQX regimen did not affect development of amphetamine sensitization. Two pretreatment injections of NBQX, one 20 min before and one 70 min after amphetamine on each day of the induction phase (days 1–6), did not affect sensitization of stereotypy but prevented sensitization of post-stereotypy ambulatory hyperactivity (both assessed by responsiveness to amphetamine challenge on day 8). The effect of NBQX on ambulatory sensitization was dose-dependent (attenuation with 12.5 mg/kg, complete prevention with 25 mg/kg). In contrast to its effects on development, NBQX (25 mg/kg) did not prevent expression of sensitization to cocaine or amphetamine. NBQX itself exerted no significant effects on locomotor activity in either drug-naive rats or rats that had received either NBQX or amphetamine repeatedly. These findings support a requirement for AMPA receptor stimulation in the development of locomotor sensitization to cocaine and amphetamine, but suggest a different mechanism for sensitization of amphetamine stereotypy.
Relations between the Keystone and Red Spring Thrust Faults, Eastern Spring Mountains, Nevada

A low-angle fault exposed in tilted fault blocks beneath the Keystone thrust plate in the eastern Spring Mountains, Nevada, was designated by Longwell (1926) as the Red Spring thrust fault of pre-Keystone age. Long-well later (1960) interpreted the Red Spring thrust plate as a frontal portion of the Keystone plate that had been broken, down-dropped along high-angle faults, and overridden by continued advance of the Keystone plate at the time of thrust-faulting and synchronous strike-slip displacement along the nearby Las Vegas shear zone. Several lines of new evidence support Longwell9s original interpretation of relations between the Red Spring and Keystone thrusts. Thrust faulting in the Spring Mountains area is Mesozoic in age, whereas displacement along the Las Vegas shear zone occurred in late Tertiary time. Thrust faults cut by high-angle faults beneath the Keystone plate are not restricted to the Red Spring area of the Spring Mountains. One of these thrust faults, the Contact fault of Hewett (1931), is believed to be correlative with the Red Spring thrust fault. The Red Spring-Contact thrust plate very likely overrode the land surface as evidenced by conglomeratic channel deposits beneath it, a conclusion first reached by Longwell (1926). The plate was then broken by northwest-striking high-angle faults, and an uplifted portion of it between the Cottonwood and La Madre faults was eroded away prior to emplacement of the higher Keystone plate. The Keystone plate should no longer be considered as the lowest major allochthonous unit in the Spring Mountains portion of the foreland fold-and-thrust belt.
A Robust Wheel Interface With a Novel Adaptive Controller for Computer/Robot-Assisted Motivating Rehabilitation

TheraDrive is an effective system for post-stroke upper extremity rehabilitation. This system uses off-the-shelf computer gaming wheels with force feedback to help reduce motor impairment and improve function in the arms of stroke survivors. Preliminary results show that the TheraDrive system lacks a robust mechanical linkage that can withstand the large forces exerted by patients, and it lacks a patient-specific adaptive controller to deliver personalized therapy. It is also not capable of delivering effective therapy to severely low-functioning patients. A new low-cost, high-force haptic robot with a single degree of freedom has been developed to address these concerns. The resulting TheraDrive consists of an actuated hand crank with a compliant transmission. Actuation is provided by a brushed DC motor, geared to output up to 23 kgf at the end effector. To enable a human to interact with this system safely, a special compliant element was developed to double as a failsafe torque limiter. A set of strain gauges in the handle of the crank are used to determine the interaction forces between human and robot for use by the robot’s impedance controller. The impedance controller is used to render a one-dimensional force field that attracts or repels the end effector from a moving target point that the human must track during therapy exercises. As exercises are performed, an adaptive controller monitors patient performance and adjusts the force field accordingly. This allows the robot to compen
Paradigms and Paradox: The Politics of Economic Ideas in Two Moments of Crisis

This article argues that there is a paradox at the heart of Hall’s “Policy Paradigms” framework stemming from the desire to see both state and society as generative of social learning while employing two different logics to explain how such learning takes place: what I term the “Bayesian” and “constructivist” versions of the policy paradigms causal story. This creates a paradox as both logics cannot be simultaneously true. However, it is a generative paradox insofar as the power of the policy paradigms framework emerges, in part, from this attempt to straddle these distinct positions, producing an argument that is greater than the sum of its parts. In the second part of the article, I discuss the recent global financial crisis, an area where we should see third-order change, but we do no not. That we do not strengthens the case for the constructivist causal story.
Carbon Trading Over Taxes

Carbon emissions trading ensures not only that targets will be met by a specific date but also fosters international cooperation and development objectives.
Globalism and Liberal Expansionism in Meiji Protestant Discourse

This essay discusses the domestic moral and cultural reformism and the liberal expansionist discourses of leading Japanese Protestant journalists at the turn of the 20th century. It gives special attention to Uchimura Kanzō and examines his important theoretical relationships with the leading proponents of imperialism at the time, such as Tokutomi Sohō, Yamaji Aizan, and Takekoshi Yosaburō. Although it is important to consider Uchimura’s religiosity and intellectual biography because they are essential to his resistance to imperial Japan, it is also necessary to compare Uchimura’s journalistic writings with those of his friends and contemporary rivals and consider them together in the context of the intellectual currents of the time. As I argue, amid developing imperialism in East Asia at the turn of the 20th century, Protestant intellectuals overall championed cosmopolitanism, promoted liberal education and international comity and ethics over jingoism, and urged sophisticated cultural development comparable to that of the West. Uchimura and other Protestants, moreover, supported liberal expansionism, that is, Japan’s expansion through peaceful and economic means in tandem with British and American imperialism and emigration overseas. Furthermore, liberal expansionism was inspired by a historicist view that the development and expansion of liberalism and capitalism would inevitably lead Japan and the rest of the world to peaceful coexistence and higher moral civilization.
Simulations of three-dimensional viscoelastic flows past a circular cylinder at moderate Reynolds numbers

The results from a numerical investigation of inertial viscoelastic flow past a circular cylinder are presented which illustrate the significant effect that dilute concentrations of polymer additives have on complex flows. In particular, effects of polymer extensibility are studied as well as the role of viscoelasticity during three-dimensional cylinder wake transition. Simulations at two distinct Reynolds numbers (Re = 100 and Re = 300) revealed dramatic differences based on the choice of the polymer extensibility (L2 in the FENE-P model), as well as a stabilizing tendency of viscoelasticity. For the Re = 100 case, attention was focused on the effects of increasing polymer extensibility, which included a lengthening of the recirculation region immediately behind the cylinder and a sharp increase in average drag when compared to both the low extensibility and Newtonian cases. For Re = 300, a suppression of the three-dimensional Newtonian mode B instability was observed. This effect is more pronounced for higher polymer extensibilities where all three-dimensional structure is eliminated, and mechanisms for this stabilization are described in the context of roll-up instability inhibition in a viscoelastic shear layer.
Enhanced Vasoreactivity and Its Response to Antihypertensive Therapy in Hypertensive Elderly Women

Several previous studies have demonstrated sex differences in cardiovascular autonomic control in healthy young women, but little is known about the regulation of blood pressure in hypertensive elderly women, who have the greatest risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, we examined sex differences in physiological responses to upright tilt in 21 healthy (13 men and 8 women), 22 controlled hypertensive (10 men and 12 women), and 18 uncontrolled hypertensive (9 men and 9 women) elderly men and women. Of these, 19 normotensives, 18 controlled hypertensives, and 14 uncontrolled hypertensives completed 6 months of observation or pharmacological therapy for uncontrolled hypertension. All of the subjects underwent continuous monitoring of cardiac (RR) interval (ECG), finger arterial pressure (photoplethysmography), and stroke volume (transthoracic impedance) and periodic measurements of forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) while resting supine and during a graded head-up tilt. Blood pressure and RR-interval power spectra were computed. Baroreflex gain was estimated by the cross-spectral and sequence methods. In contrast to other groups, elderly hypertensive women increased systemic vascular resistance during tilt. This response was associated with greater low-frequency systolic pressure variability, a presumed marker of sympathetic vascular control. After 6 months of successful antihypertensive therapy, women showed attenuation of the systemic vascular resistance response and a reduction in low-frequency systolic blood pressure variability to levels similar to men and normotensive controls. These results highlight the beneficial effects of antihypertensive therapy on the systemic vasculature, particularly for elderly women in whom enhanced vasoreactivity may contribute to excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
AuditGuard: a system for database auditing under retention restrictions

Auditing the changes to a database is critical for identifying malicious behavior, maintaining data quality, and improving system performance. But an accurate audit log is a historical record of the past that can also pose a serious threat to privacy. In many domains, retention policies govern how long data can be preserved by an institution. Regulations like FERPA and HIPAA (in the U.S.) or the Directive of Data Protection (in the EU), require strict retention periods to be observed, mandating the disposal of past data. In addition, institutions often adopt their own retention policies, choosing to remove sensitive data after a period of time to avoid its unintended release, or to avoid disclosure that could be forced by subpeona.
Development of a 15 kV bridge rectifier module using 4H-SiC junction-barrier schottky diodes

To demonstrate higher efficiency and more compact high-voltage power conversion systems, a 15 kV full-bridge rectifier module has been developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. The module utilizes 15 kV, 3 A silicon carbide junction-barrier Schottky diodes manufactured by CREE Inc. In this paper, we will present the analyses, design, and characterization of this module using conventional materials and processes and introduce a novel technique to reduce electric field stress and associated failure modes.