cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectrophotometric determination of choline acetyltransferase in the presence of dithiothreitol.

Abstract A modified spectrophotometric assay for choline acetyltransferase has been developed to measure the amount of CoA·SH produced by the catalytie reaction in the presence of dithiothreitol. This improvement will make the original method more useful and offers a complete assay procedure for this enzyme in either the presence or absence of dithiothreitol.
The Effects of Varying Goal Difficulty Operationalizations on Goal Setting Outcomes and Processes

Abstract The three studies reported here investigated the effect of operationalization of goal difficulty on the relationship between goal difficulty and performance. Subjects were assigned goals (easy, moderately difficult, or very difficult) under either an absolute goal level or performance improvement condition. Results indicated that the goal difficulty interacted with operationalization in affecting performance. Specifically, there was a linear relationship between goal difficulty and performance when goals were operationalized in terms of absolute level, but an inverted U-relationship between these two variables when goals were operationalized in terms of performance improvement. This interaction held up despite controlling for normative goal difficulty, performance improvement difficulty and absolute goal level difficulty. The effects of operationalization seemed to be attributable to differences in self-set goal levels, particularly among high ability persons. Taken as a whole, these studies indicate that how assigned goals are derived and how they are communicated to subjects affects goal setting outcomes.
Oxidation of sulfur dioxide in the sudbury smelter plume

Abstract The plume data obtained on the extent of oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfate from the Sudbury Smelter operation were interpreted as arising from a heterogeneous catalytic pseudo second-order mechanism. The rate of reaction was found to be 0.2 ppm−1 hr−1. This value is 1/5 that found for the pseudo-second order constant at an oil-fired plume. Of significance to a heterogeneous mechanism was that the emitted particulate loading of 0.04 grams per liter of emitted sulfur dioxide at the smelter operation was lower but possibly only coincidentally exactly equal to 1/5 that of the oil-fired operation.
Endoscopic diode-laser applications in airway surgery

A technique was developed to secure small mucosal grafts onto the airway wound with fibrin/albumin tissue adhesive mixed with ICG dye and irradiated with a 810 nm diode laser. An in vitro study of the tensile strength produced strong mucosal soldering which was adequate to fix grafts in place. In vivo studies showed that wounds with mucosal grafts were completely covered by regenerated squamous cells in 1 week and by ciliated epithelium in 2 weeks. Excellent healing was observed at 6 and 14 days postoperatively and the histology at 28 days found normal epithelium over the vocal cord lesion. This soldering technique is a less traumatic treatment for patients with extensive lesions of the larynx of various origin. Diode laser soldering with ICG-doped fibrin tissue adhesive was evaluated in tracheal anastomosis as a substitute for absorbable sutures. In vitro studies demonstrated strong anastomoses with minimal tissue damage. In vivo animal study showed that these anastomoses had less fibrosis and tissue damage than control animals repaired with sutures only.
The effects of genetic drift during range expansion on geographical patterns of variation: a computer simulation of the colonization of Australia by Bufo marinus

A computer simulation is performed of allele frequency changes resulting from genetic drift at eleven loci during the probable course of colonization of Australia by populations of the Giant Toad, Bufo marinus. The history of twelve populations for which allele frequency data are available is modelled. Account is taken of the likely pattern of relationship among the populations, the effective size of the populations (as indicated by the observed variance of allele frequencies) and the probable isolation of the populations from each other following their separation. In all simulations, allele frequencies at some loci show a significant association with latitude while others do not. In six of ten simulations, there is a significant association between degree of variation at a locus and the presence of a latitudinal cline of allele frequencies. There are also indications of this kind of association in simulations of a uni-directional range expansion. These results demonstrate that such associations, which were also observed in the data from the actual populations, can result from genetic drift during a range expansion, and therefore cannot be taken as evidence of the action of natural selection.
NEIGHBORHOOD CHANGES IN ECOLOGY AND VIOLENCE

We investigate links between ecological changes and changes in violence in Baltimore neighborhoods in the 1970's The two most salient ecological changes during the decade were (1) the emergence of a large number of gentrifying neighborhoods and (2) the further absorption of several older, minority neighborhoods into an “underclass” status Relative deprivation and social disorganization each predict increasing violence in gentrifying and emerging underclass neighborhoods. But, relative deprivation theory highlights the role of changes in economic status, whereas social disorganization highlights the role of changes in stability or family status. We further suggest that connections between ecological change and changes in disorder are contingent not only on historical context, but also on overall neighborhood structure at the beginning of the period. We hypothesize: (a) neighborhoods becoming more solidly “underclass” will experience increasing violence as status and stability decline and (b) emerging gentrifying neighborhoods will experience increasing violence as status and stability increase. Controlling for spatial autocorrelation, results support these hypotheses In emerging underclass neighborhoods status changes are most clearly linked to violence changes, whereas in gentrifying neighborhoods violence shifts are most closely tied to changing stability.
The Molecular Basis for Na-Dependent Phosphate Transport in Human Erythrocytes and K562 Cells

The kinetics of sodium-stimulated phosphate flux and phosphate-stimulated sodium flux in human red cells have been previously described (Shoemaker, D.G., C.A. Bender, and R.B. Gunn. 1988. J. Gen. Physiol. 92:449–474). However, despite the identification of multiple isoforms in three gene families (Timmer, R.T., and R.B. Gunn. 1998. Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 274:C757–C769), the molecular basis for the sodium-phosphate cotransporter in erythrocytes is unknown. Most cells express multiple isoforms, thus disallowing explication of isoform-specific kinetics and function. We have found that erythrocyte membranes express one dominant isoform, hBNP-1, to which the kinetics can thus be ascribed. In addition, because the erythrocyte Na-PO4 cotransporter can also mediate Li-PO4 cotransport, it has been suggested that this transporter functions as the erythrocyte Na–Li exchanger whose activity is systematically altered in patients with bipolar disease and patients with essential hypertension. To determine the molecular basis for the sodium-phosphate cotransporter, we reasoned that if the kinetics of phosphate transport in a nucleated erythroid-like cell paralleled those of the Na-activated pathway in anucleated erythrocytes and yet were distinct from those known for other Na-PO4 cotransporters, then the expressed genes may be the same in both cell types. In this study, we show that the kinetics of sodium phosphate cotransport were similar in anuclear human erythrocytes and K562 cells, a human erythroleukemic cell line. Although the erythrocyte fluxes were 750-fold smaller, the half-activation concentrations for phosphate and sodium and the relative cation specificities for activation of 32PO4 influx were similar. Na-activation curves for both cell types showed cooperativity consistent with the reported stoichiometry of more than one Na cotransported per PO4. In K562 cells, external lithium activation of phosphate influx was also cooperative. Inhibition by arsenate, KI = 2.6–2.7 mM, and relative inhibition by amiloride, amiloride analogs, phosphonoformate, and phloretin were similar. These characteristics were different from those reported for hNaPi-3 and hPiT-1 in other systems. PCR analysis of sodium-phosphate cotransporter isoforms in K562 cells demonstrated the presence of mRNAs for hPiT-1, hPiT-2, and hBNP-1. The mRNAs for hNaPi-10 and hNaPi-3, the other two known isoforms, were absent. Western analysis of erythrocytes and K562 cells with isoform-specific antibodies detected the presence of only hBNP-1, an isoform expressed in brain neurons and glia. The similarities in the kinetics and the expression of only hBNP-1 protein in the two cell types is strong evidence that hBNP-1 is the erythrocyte and K562 cell sodium-phosphate cotransporter.
Novel cell surface receptors during mammalian fertilization and development.

Embryogenesis requires the precise movement and reorganization of many cell and tissue types. Presumably, cell surface receptors allow cells to interact selectively with adjacent cells and with the extracellular environment, as well as initiate differentiative events by transducing appropriate signals across the plasma membrane. One cell surface component that serves as a receptor during a variety of cellular interactions is β1,4-galactosyltransferase. Cell surface galactosyltransferase participates in diverse cellular interactions by binding its specific glycoconjugate substrate on adjacent cell surfaces or in the extracellular matrix. Biochemical, immunological, and molecular probes are being used to better define cell surface galactosyl-transferase functional in cellular interactions during fertilization, intercellular adhesion, cell migration, and growth control.
Ba2+ and Sr2+ reversal of the inhibition produced by ouabain and local anesthetics on membrane potentials of cultured heart cells

Ouabain (10−6−10−3 M) produced only inhibitory effects on the electrical activity of cultured chick heart cells; partial depolarization and depression of the action potential rate of rise gradually occurred leading to eventual cessation of firing. Cocaine and tetracaine produced depolarization and inhibitory effects similar to those of ouabain. The depressed electrical activity and quiescence induced by these drugs was rapidly reversed by Sr2+ or Ba2+ (5–10 mM), which usually produced a large hyperpolarization before the onset of the reversal of inhibition. As previously reported, Ba2+ and Sr2+ (5–10 mM) rapidly converted quiescent nonpacemaker cells into pacemakers; Ba2+ increased membrane resistance (presumably by decreasing K+ conductance) and produced partial depolarization, whereas Sr2+ always hyperpolarized. With lowering of [Na+]0 below 50 mM using Li+ or sucrose replacement, the action potential rate of rise became progressively depressed, the overshoot usually diminished, and firing eventually ceased, whereas the resting potential was only slightly affected; thus the inward current during an action potential seems to be normally carried by Na+. The lack of a hyperexcitable effect of ouabain is consistent with the hypothesis that catecholamine release is necessary for such action. The depolarization produced by ouabain and the local anesthetics may be due to inhibition of active ion transport. The rapid hyperpolarization produced by Ba2+ and Sr2+ in the presence of ouabain, cocaine and tetracaine could be due to a change in conductance or to stimulation of the Na+ pump.
Nanosized gold-catalyzed selective oxidation of alkyl-substituted benzenes and n-alkanes

Abstract We report the synthesis of nanoporous silica-supported gold nanoparticle catalysts and their selective and efficient catalytic properties toward oxidation reactions of various substituted alkylbenzenes and linear alkanes. The Au nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing Au(III) ions in situ within the nanopores of hemiaminal-functionalized mesoporous silica by using the supported hemiaminal groups as reducing agents. The resulting mesoporous silica-supported gold nanoparticles efficiently catalyzed the oxidation reactions of different alkyl-substituted benzenes and linear alkanes with t -butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. The catalytic reactions gave up to ∼99% reactant conversion and up to ∼100% selectivity toward ketone products in some cases. This high selectivity toward ketone products by the catalysts was unprecedented, especially considering the fact that only mild reaction conditions and no additives were employed during the reactions.
Field potential response changes in the rabbit olfactory bulb accompany behavioral habituation during the repeated presentation of unreinforced odors.

Experiments were performed on waking rabbits to investigate the changes in both sniffing behavior and local field potential responses in the olfactory bulb during repeated exposure to unreinforced odors. Six rabbits were each implanted with 2 pairs of electrodes for differential recording of the bulbar extracellular field potential. Each animal was given 3 sequential sessions to each of 2 separate odors on 6 consecutive days, while monitoring the bulbar field potential activity and sniffing behavior. Behavioral sniffing responses exhibited rapid within-session decrement in amplitude and long term decrement across sessions. The within-session decrement showed spontaneous recovery between sessions. Both decremental changes in sniffing behavior were accompanied by changes in the bulbar field potential responses. The responses to novel odors were characterized by a reduction in amplitude of high frequency activity (40–80 Hz) and a corresponding increase in amplitude of low frequency activity (15–25 Hz). The high frequency component of the responses showed an initial increase in frequency to a novel odor on the first 3 presentations followed by a rapid decrease in frequency on subsequent trials in the first session which stabilized thereafter. No change in frequency or relative amplitude was observed for the low frequency component. The absolute difference between the odor evoked activity and the preceeding control activity measured on each trial showed a significant decrement across sessions with no evidence for spontaneous recovery. The results demonstrate that olfactory bulb responses to novel unreinforced odors show both rapid and long-term changes which parallel changes in sniffing behavior. These changes, which have been predicted by a theoretical model of the olfactory bulb (Freeman 1979a, b), are postulated to reduce the spatial specificity of the response pattern to unreinforced odors.
Endogenous opiates: 1989

This paper is the twelfth installment of our annual review of the research published during 1989 involving the behavioral, nonanalgesic, effects of the endogenous opiate peptides. The specific topics this year include stress; tolerance and dependence; eating; drinking; gastrointestinal and renal functions; mental illness; learning, memory, and reward; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; seizures and other neurological disorders; electrical-related activity; locomotor activity; sex, development, pregnancy, and aging; immunological responses; and other behavior.
Mental Representations in Stressful Situations: The Calming and Distressing Effects of Significant Others ☆

According to attachment theory, attachment figures serve a safe haven function in stressful situations by reducing anxiety through physical proximity. The current study tested the effects of cognitive safe haven in adulthood. Thoughts of a significant other who was not physically present were hypothesized to reduce feelings of anxiety in a stressful situation. Participants imagined and described either a significant other or an acquaintance while waiting to take part in a potentially stressful task. An interaction between working models of attachment and experimental condition was found for distress scores. Thinking about a significant other led to lower levels of distress for individuals with a positive model of self, but higher levels of distress for individuals with a negative model of self.
Pliocene-Pleistocene emergence of the Moroccan Meseta

The Atlantic coast of Morocco is extensively veneered by littoral marine-eolian calcarenite. Modified littoral dune ridges mark successive strandline positions occupied during progressive emergence since late Miocene time. Principal strandline deposits are mildly transgressive, recording fluctuations in general sea level. Comparisons with Mediterranean chronology set general limits to local rates of emergence. On some transects, rates may have been uniform during the past 3 m.y. — for example, Casablanca, 0.065 m/1,000 yr, and Rabat, 0.053 m/1,000 yr. Ages of strandlines derived by interpolation, based on the assumptions of uniform rates of emergence and of uniform heights of sea-level maxima, are in broad and some detailed agreement with ages of O 18 minima in deep-sea cores. The degree of correspondence encourages confidence in the initial assumptions. Moghrebian (Early Pliocene, 4.2 to ? m.y. ago), Fouaratian (late Pliocene, 2.8 to 2.4 m.y. ago), and Messaoudian (Calabrian, 1.8 to 1.1 m.y. ago) stages were sustained intervals of high sea level. Each was transgressive — that is, each was preceded by one of three Pliocene intervals of low sea level, presumably reflecting expanded continental ice sheets. Disconformities within Fouaratian and Messaoudian stages reflect smaller fluctuations of sea level, with a periodicity of about 0.2 m.y. Quarry exposures in a small area southwest of Casablanca allow distinction of at least nine transgressive “cycles” during the past 1 m.y. The implied period of fluctuation is about half that during the Fouaratian and Messaoudian stages; amplitudes are presumably greater. Strandlines marking sea-level peaks between the first, Maarifian, and the sixth, Anfatian, are now as low as or lower than during the early part of the Anfatian cycle. They indicate that “inter-glacial” sea levels fell short of present sea level during a late Matuyama–early Brunhes interval (0.8 to 0.6 m.y. ago). Correlative features will not ordinarily be recognized on coasts with low rates of emergence.
Optical properties of single crystal silicon arsenide

Abstract Optical absorption and reflectivity have been studied in single crystal SiAs at 300°K over the wavelength range of 0.3 to 8 μ. Measurements were performed for the incident radiation polarized both parallel and perpendicular to the two-fold axis of symmetry in this monoclinic crystal. From an analysis of the absorption data the following direct transition band gap energies were obtained: 1.48 ± 0.01 eV for E∥b and 1.57 ± 0.01 eV for E⊥b. For E⊥b an indirect transition was identified with a threshold band gap of 1.45 ± 0.03 eV, but a preference for an allowed or forbidden type transition could not be determined. For E∥b an indirect transition could not be clearly identified. The optical measurements indicate SiAs is a semiconductor; all material studied was undoped p-type.
DO DESCARTES AND ST. THOMAS AGREE ON THE ONTOLOGICAL PROOF

Abstract: Contrary to received opinion, Descartes’ view on the merits of the ontological proof may actually agree with that of Thomas Aquinas, whose rejection of the a priori existence proof has stocked the armories of anti-Anselmians ever since. In a rarely noted passage of the First Replies, Descartes claims not to differ in any respect from Thomas on the proof, a claim that gains sense in light of recent work on the Fifth Meditation. That work in turn reveals a well-founded, if surprising, understanding of the Cartesian proof and of Cartesianism's true relation to Thomism.
Gunfighter in Gotham: Bat Masterson's New York City Years. By Robert K. DeArment. (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Pp. ix, 293. $29.95.)

This book comes with a great title, one almost certain to catch any interested reader's attention. Its author has made a career of writing about American frontier and Western gunmen, gamblers, lawm...
Initial oxidation of GaAs(110): A core-level photoemission study

The initial oxidation of GaAs(110) is studied with high-resolution photoemission. The Ga and As $3d$ core levels of atoms within two to three atomic layers from the surface show small oxygen-induced shifts at about half-monolayer oxygen coverage [corresponding to about ${10}^{7}$ L (1 L = ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ Torr sec) oxygen exposure]. The surface As atoms with a large chemical shift of 3.0 eV are significantly produced only at much higher oxygen exposures.
Donor Properties of the p-Tricyanovinylphenyldicyanomethide Ion

Abstract The donor properties of the p-tricyanovinylphenyldicyanomethide (TCVPDM) ion are studied by cyclic voltammetry and pi-complex formation with the acceptors 2,4,6-triphenylthiapyrylium and 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF). These complexes are electrically insulating and both are photosensitive. The tetramethylammonium salt of TCVPDM− crystallizes from acetonitrile with solvent of crystallization. The salt (CH3)4N+TCVPDM−. TNF is the first structurally characterized example of a pi-complex between a closed-shell monoanion donor and a neutral closed-shell acceptor. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/C, a = 17.190(5) A, b = 6.879(3), c = 27.458(10), β = 107.85(3)°, V = 3090 A3, Z = 4, ρobs = 1.37(1) g/cm3, p calc = 1.357 g/cm3. Several short contacts between the donor and acceptor are noted. Other structurally established examples of pi-complexes which arise by donor-acceptor interactions other than the well-known neutral closed-shell donor-neutral closed-shell acceptor interaction are summari...
Graph data management for molecular and cell biology

As high-throughput biology begins to generate large volumes of systems biology data, the need grows for robust, efficient database systems to support investigations of metabolic and signaling pathways, chemical reaction networks, gene regulatory networks, and protein interaction networks. Network data is frequently represented as graphs, and researchers need to navigate, query and manipulate this data in ways that are not well supported by standard relational database management systems (RDBMSs). Current approaches to managing graphs in an RDBMS rely on either external procedural logic to execute the graph algorithms or clumsy and inefficient algorithms implemented in Structured Query Language (SQL). In this paper we describe the Systems Biology Graph Extender, a research prototype that extends the IBM RDBMS--DB2® Universal Database software--with graph objects and operations to support declarative SQL queries over biological networks and other graph structures. Supported operations include neighborhood queries, shortest path queries, spanning trees, graph transposition, and graph matching. In a federated database environment, graph operations may be applied to data stored in any format, whether remote or local, relational or nonrelational. A single federated query may include both graph-based predicates and predicates over related data sources, such as microarray expression levels, clinical prognosis and outcome, or the function of orthologous proteins (i.e., proteins that are evolutionarily related to those in another species) in mouse disease models.
Above-ground vegetative development and growth of winter wheat as influenced by nitrogen and water availability

Abstract Assessing the influence of nitrogen and water availability on development and growth of individual organs of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is critical in evaluating the response of wheat to environmental conditions. We constructed a simulation model (SHOOTGRO 2.0) of shoot vegetative development and growth from planting to early boot by adding nitrogen and water balances and response functions for seedling emergence, tiller and leaf appearance, leaf and internode growth, and leaf and tiller senescence to the existing wheat development and growth model, SHOOTGRO 1.0. Model inputs include daily maximum and minimum air temperature, rainfall, daily photosynthetically active radiation, soil characteristics necessary to compute soil N and water balances, and several factors describing the cultivar and soil conditions at planting. The model provides information on development and growth characteristics of up to six cohorts of plants within the canopy (cohort groupings are based on time of emergence). The cohort structure allows SHOOTGRO 2.0 to provide output on the frequency of occurrence of plants with specific features (tillers and leaves) within the canopy. The model was constructed so that only water availability limited seedling emergence. Resource availability (nitrogen and water) does not influence time of leaf appearance. Leaf and internode growth, and leaf and tiller senescence processes are limited by the interaction of N and water availability. Tiller appearance is influenced by the interaction of N, radiation and water availability. Predicted and observed dates of emergence and appearance of the first tiller had correlation coefficients of 0.98 and 0.93, respectively. However, these events were, on average, predicted 3.2 and 5.2 days later than observed. SHOOTGRO 2.0 generally under-predicted the number of culms per unit land area, partially because the simulation is limited to a maximum of 16 culms/plant. Model output shows that the simulation is sensitive to N and water inputs. The model provides a tool for predicting vegetative development and growth of the winter wheat with individual culms identified and followed from emergence through boot. SHOOTGRO 2.0 can be used in evaluating alternative crop management strategies.
PDE8 Regulates Rapid Teff Cell Adhesion and Proliferation Independent of ICER

Background Abolishing the inhibitory signal of intracellular cAMP by phosphodiesterases (PDEs) is a prerequisite for effector T (Teff) cell function. While PDE4 plays a prominent role, its control of cAMP levels in Teff cells is not exclusive. T cell activation has been shown to induce PDE8, a PDE isoform with 40- to 100-fold greater affinity for cAMP than PDE4. Thus, we postulated that PDE8 is an important regulator of Teff cell functions. Methodology/Principal Findings We found that Teff cells express PDE8 in vivo. Inhibition of PDE8 by the PDE inhibitor dipyridamole (DP) activates cAMP signaling and suppresses two major integrins involved in Teff cell adhesion. Accordingly, DP as well as the novel PDE8-selective inhibitor PF-4957325-00 suppress firm attachment of Teff cells to endothelial cells. Analysis of downstream signaling shows that DP suppresses proliferation and cytokine expression of Teff cells from Crem−/− mice lacking the inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Importantly, endothelial cells also express PDE8. DP treatment decreases vascular adhesion molecule and chemokine expression, while upregulating the tight junction molecule claudin-5. In vivo, DP reduces CXCL12 gene expression as determined by in situ probing of the mouse microvasculature by cell-selective laser-capture microdissection. Conclusion/Significance Collectively, our data identify PDE8 as a novel target for suppression of Teff cell functions, including adhesion to endothelial cells.
Excitonic effect in the optical spectrum of semiconductors.

The electron-hole interaction affects the optical spectrum of many semiconductors, not only in the bound exciton region in the energy gap, but also throughout the continuum. In particular, it controls the strength of the E1 and E2 peaks in group IV, III-V and II-VI semiconductors. By solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation in a multi-plane wave representation containing the relevant band structure features of this entire class of semiconductors, we account for the experimental E1 and E2 peaks. We discuss how the excitonic effect shifts the strength of the spectrum from the E2 to the E1 peak.
M-P-Φ Diagrams for Reinforced, Partially, and Fully Prestressed Concrete Sections under Biaxial Bending and Axial Load

An analytical model that determines the M-P-f diagrams including the inelastic structural re- sponse, ultimate strength, and failure mode of reinforced concrete, partially prestressed concrete, and fully prestressed concrete sections of any cross shape under combined biaxial bending and axial load is presented. The proposed method uses (1) a nonlinear stress-strain relationship for the concrete; (2) a multilinear elastic- plastic relationship for the conventional reinforcement; (3) a modified Ramberg-Osgood function for the pre- stressed steel; and (4) Gauss's integral method for equilibrium at the sectional level. The proposed method can be utilized to study the effects of creep, confinement, and tension-stiffening of the concrete and relaxation of the prestressed steel on the behavior, strength, ductility, and failure mode of reinforced concrete, partially pre- stressed concrete, and fully prestressed concrete sections under biaxial bending and axial load. The biaxial bending behavior, ultimate strength, failure mode, and M-P-f diagrams of any concrete section can be obtained using a minicomputer, and as expected, they depend on (1) cross-sectional characteristics and reinforcement layout; (2) the constitutive stress-strain characteristics of the concrete and reinforcements; and (3) the type and intensity of applied loads. Two numerical examples are presented in detail to verify and show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Identification of a major 50-kDa molecular weight human B-cell growth factor with Tac antigen-inducing activity on B cells

A bioassay was developed using human small B cells adherent to anti-human IgM (anti-mu)-coated wells. These B cells were stimulated to proliferate by culture supernatants of concanavalin A (Con A)-activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (Con A Sup) even in the presence of high concentrations of anti-mu coated on assay wells. Human B-cell growth factor (BCGF) activities were partially purified from Con A Sup. Preparative chromatography (Sephacryl S-200 and isoelectrofocusing) yielded a major peak of BCGF activity for B cells adherent to anti-mu-coated wells with a molecular weight of 50,000 (50 kDa) and a pI 7.6. The 50-kDa BCGF was further purified by sequential chromatography using DEAE-Sephacel, CM-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200, CM-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and hydroxyapatite (HA)-HPLC. The HA-HPLC-purified 50-kDa BCGF was free of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon activities, but could support growth of BCL1 cells, similar to BCGF-II. Neither IL-1 nor interferon-gamma had any growth-stimulating effect in our B-cell proliferation assay with or without BCGF in Iscove's synthetic assay medium. BCGF-induced proliferation of B cells adherent to anti-mu-coated wells could be markedly augmented by the simultaneous or sequential addition of recombinant human IL-2 (rIL-2). When cultured for 3 days with 50-kDa BCGF, about 40% of B cells adherent to anti-mu-coated wells expressed Tac antigen, and monoclonal anti-Tac antibody inhibited rIL-2 enhancement of proliferation of 50-kDa BCGF-preactivated B cells. In addition, 50-kDa BCGF could induce Tac antigen on an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line (ORSON) in the presence of a suboptimal dose of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and also on a natural killer-like cell line (YT cells). We have therefore identified a major 50-kDa BCGF activity with Tac antigen-inducing activity that also has a synergistic effect with IL-2 on normal B-cell proliferation.
Does international family nursing need a professional organization

An International Family Nursing Conference has been held on a periodic basis since the 1980s. It started with several nursing professionals with a common interest: wanting to meet to share research and practice ideas. The organization of these conferences has been completely voluntary and sponsored by some very benevolent individuals and an institution of higher education. The fact that any of these conferences came off is attributed to considerable personal financial support and an untold number of volunteer hours. A group met in 2005 at the 7th International Family Nursing Conference in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to discuss whether there was any interest in forming a professional organization for family nursing. This article explores the cost/ benefits of such an endeavor. Input from other small newly created professional nursing organizations is shared. Conclusions provide summative questions related to development of a formal international professional nursing organization that family nurses ...
Unstable angina and non-Q wave myocardial infarction: does the clinical diagnosis have therapeutic implications?

Abstract Objectives. The goal of this review is to reevaluate the unstable coronary syndromes in the setting of new therapies and biochemical markers. Background. Patients with acute coronary syndromes comprise a large subset of many cardiology practices. Patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-Q wave myocardial infarction (NQMI) may sustain a small amount of myocardial loss but have significant amounts of viable, yet ischemic, myocardium, placing them at high risk for future cardiac events. In the past, enzyme differentiation of NQMI from UA was considered important to assess prognosis and direct therapy. Methods. Manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals over the past three decades were reviewed and selected for this review. Recent abstracts were also considered and cited where appropriate. Results. In the late 1990’s, although UA and NQMI remain parts of a spectrum, it is apparent that the distinction between these two entities is no longer sufficient to identify high risk patients; rather, specific electrocardiographic changes, aspects of the clinical history, newer biochemical markers, and angiographic findings help to better distinguish higher risk individuals from a large patient population with unstable coronary syndromes and these factors usually determine therapy. Conclusions. Based on these results, it is likely that newer therapies such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, low molecular weight heparins, and coronary stents will be directed toward these high risk patients.
TEM studies on twin boundary in YBa2Cu3O7 and YBa2(Cu0.98M0.02)3O7 (M = Zn, Al)

High resolution electron microscopy of the twin boundary layers in YBa{sub 2}(Cu{sub 1{minus}{ital x}}M{sub {ital x}}){sub 3}O{sub 7+{delta}} for {ital x}=0 and 0.02 and M=Zn and Al showed that the boundary widths are {similar to}1 nm for the pure and the Zn substituted YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} and {similar to}3 nm for the Al substituted oxide. From two beam contract studies and the high resolution images, it was concluded that the respective lattice plane across the boundary is shifted by (1/3{endash}{1/2}){center dot}2{ital d}{sub (110)} along the boundary. The broadening of the layer by the Al substitution is also thought to be a cause for the reduction of the twin boundary energy leading to an increased twin density.
Statistics Refresher II: Choice of Sample Size

One of the important considerations in the planning of any experiment involving statistical analysis of data is the sample size to be used. The appropriate sample size for a given experiment depends upon the hypotheses being tested, the kind of statistical test being applied, the degree of accuracy required by the researcher, and other factors. Generally, it is not appropriate to make an intuitive guess at what the appropriate sample size should be; nor is it always true that "the larger the sample size, the better."
OCTAL: online course tool for adaptive learning

The Online Course Tool for Adaptive Learning (OCTAL) is an adaptive exercise system that customizes the progression of question topics to each student. By creating a concept dependency graph of topics in a course and modeling a student's knowledge state, the tool presents questions that test knowledge within a student's zone of proximal development. We intend OCTAL to be a formative assessment tool that is not tied to any specific course by providing language-agnostic questions on computer science concepts. While the tool will be generalizable for many courses, our first prototype includes a concept map and question set for UC Berkeley's introductory computer science course, CS10: The Beauty and Joy of Computing. Using the tool, we will launch an experiment in the spring to investigate metacognitive improvements in the identification of knowledge gaps by presenting online course material in a nonlinear fashion.
Demo: PolyPoint: High-Precision Indoor Localization with UWB

We demonstrate PolyPoint, a high-fidelity RF-based indoor localization system that achieves 28~cm accuracy indoors and tracks a fast-moving quadcopter with only 56~cm average error. PolyPoint uses ultra-wideband signals to achieve high precision RF time-of-flight estimates between nodes. To further improve accuracy, PolyPoint exploits two forms of diversity: frequency diversity, which leverages several ultra-wideband channels to improve channel response, and antenna diversity, which adds three antennas at 120 degree offsets to mitigate the effects of antenna polarization and nulls. PolyPoint introduces an efficient, novel ranging protocol that maximizes these diversity sources with a minimal number of packets.Additionally, this work introduces a new hardware platform that provides ranging and localization as a service. The minimal TriPoint module integrates an ultra-wideband transceiver and microcontroller with firmware that implements the protocol. The TriTag carrier board adds Bluetooth and batteries to create a complete mobile tag, and the TriBase anchor platform integrates a TriPoint with an Intel Edison to act as anchors for the system.
Thermally induced crystallization and enzymatic degradation studies of poly (L‐lactic acid) films

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films with different crystallinities were prepared by solvent casting and subsequently annealed at various temperatures (Ta) (80–110°C). The effects of crystallinity on enzymatic degradation of PLLA films were examined in the presence of proteinase K at 37°C by means of weight loss, DSC, FTIR spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. DSC and the absorbance ratio of 921 and 956 cm−1 (A921/A956) were used to evaluate crystallinity changes during thermally induced crystallization and enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest percentage of weight loss was observed for the film with the lowest initial crystallinity and the lowest percentage of weight loss was observed for the film with highest crystallinity. FTIR investigation of degraded films showed a band at 922 cm−1 and no band at 908 cm−1 suggested that all degraded samples form α crystals. The rate of degradation was found to depend on the initial crystallinity of PLLA film and shown that enzymatic degradation kinetics followed first-order kinetics for a given enzyme concentration. DSC crystallinity and IR absorbance ratio, A921/A956 ratio, showed no significant changes with degradation time for annealed PLLA films whereas as-cast PLLA film showed an increase in crystallinity with degradation; this revealed that degradation takes place predominantly in the free amorphous region of annealed PLLA films without changing long range and short range order © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Optimization of the Penicillin Ring Expansion Reaction through the Use of an Alkene as an HCl Scavenger

The combination of alkenes and SnCl4/Et2O in the ring expansion of penicillin sulfoxides to 3-exomethylenecephams inhibits the formation of chlorine that is responsible for the production of a chlorine-substituted byproduct. These reagents block formation of chlorine from the reaction of HCl with N-chlorophthalimide by removal of HCl.
Toward a Comprehensive Model of International Adjustment: An Integration of Multiple Theoretical Perspectives

Primarily because of the significant rate and costs of failed international assignments, the attention paid by scholars to the topic of international adjustment has increased recently. Unfortunately, most of the work has been without substantial theoretical grounding. In an effort to move toward a theoretical framework for guiding future research, this article integrates theoretical and empirical work of both the international and the domestic adjustment literatures. This integration provides a more comprehensive framework than might be obtained from either of the literatures alone.
Academic games in the speech curriculum

Games are paradoxical vehicles for tryng out alternatives and consequences with both involvement and detachment, where mistakes can be made without serious injury. Some academic games create miniature environments particularly suited to studying concepts and content of speech communication.
The 5-C framework for managing talent §

What do Novartis, GE, Roche, Costco, Haier, IKEA, Google, Haier, Ford, Tata, Starbucks, LG, Siemens, P&G, Huawei, DuPont, Unilever, Apple, Disney, 3M, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, ABB, Toyota, Roche, Amazon, Ritz Carlton, Southwest Airlines, Wipro, Nestle, Shell, Panasonic, and Facebook have in common? The answer is that they all take very seriously the concept and practice of managing their people as valuable human capital, as talent, as a high value corporate asset. They link this talent to the leadership, values, company culture, strategies and the external environment of their companies. They use analytical tools and techniques that are understood and supported by everyone, all for the explicit purposes of being excellent, flexible and adaptable to serve the current and longer term interests of all their stakeholders. Not only has talent management become seen as totally necessary for organizational sustainability and competitive advantage, it has become one of the most widely discussed topics in management by academics, consultants, senior executives and managers for almost twenty years under the label of ‘‘talent management’’ or ‘‘global talent management.’’ Because the conditions that have given rise to this phenomenon are only accelerating, without question it is very likely this will continue. Managing talent or practicing talent management (TM) or global talent management (GTM) extremely well is not a choice for companies but a mandate for companies that want to succeed and excel. To manage talent well requires managers to make choices, many choices indeed because there is no one best way or one best set of policies and practices. This article is about those choices and offering a framework for thinking about
Magnetic and Electronic Properties of Fe0.1Sc0.9N/ScN(001)/MgO(001) Films Grown by Radio-Frequency Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Fe0.1Sc0.9N with a thickness of ˜~ 380 nm was grown on top of a ScN(001) buffer layer of ˜~ 50 nm, grown on MgO(001) substrate by radio-frequency N-plasma molecular beam epitaxy (rf-MBE). The buffer layer was grown at TS ˜~ 800 °C, whereas the Fe0.1Sc0.9N(001) film was grown at TS ~˜ 420 °C. In-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction measurements show that the Fe0.1Sc0.9N film growth starts with a combination of spotty and streaky pattern [indicative of a combination of smooth and rough surface]. After ˜~ 10 minutes of growth, the pattern converts to a spotty one [indicative of a rough surface]. Towards the end of the Fe0.1Sc0.9N film growth, the spotty patterns transform into even spottier, but also ring-like indicating a polycrystalline behavior. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetic measurements show a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition of TC ˜~ 370–380 K. We calculated a magnetic moment per atom of μ(Fe0.1Sc0.9N) = 0.037 Bohr magneton/Fe-atom. Based on the carrier concentration measurements (nS (Fe0.1Sc0.9N) = 2.086 × 1019 /cm3), we find that iron behaves as an acceptor. Comparisons are made with similar MnScN (001)/ScN(001)/MgO(001) system.
New families of commuting transfer matrices in q state vertex models

Abstract New exactly solvable two-dimensional q -state vertex models are given which generalize the ( q = 2) eight-vertex model, using the method of commuting transfer matrices. Associated one-dimensional hamiltonians and, in some cases, free energies are calculated.
A phase II trial of imatinib mesylate in patients with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy

OBJECTIVE To determine the biological effects of imatinib mesylate (STI-571, Gleevec®; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., East Hanover, NJ, USA), as measured by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in men with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men with prostate cancer, who had had definitive local therapy, with nonmetastatic recurrent disease as manifested by a rising PSA level, were enrolled on this phase II trial. Men received 400 mg of imatinib mesylate orally twice daily and continuously until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The PSA level was measured monthly. RESULTS In all, 20 men with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer were treated. The median pretreatment PSA level was 5.4 ng/mL. Of the 19 evaluable men, one achieved a ≥ 50% reduction in PSA level and two had decreases of <50%. For the 16 men in whom the on-treatment PSA doubling time (PSADT) could be calculated (those with increasing PSA level) the median PSADT did not increase significantly (5.8 vs 7.2 months, P = 0.64). Eleven of 20 men discontinued therapy due to toxicity and the trial was stopped early due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Based on the lack of PSA modulation and pronounced toxicities leading to early closure of this trial, further study of single-agent imatinib mesylate at this dose (400 mg twice daily) cannot be recommended in this patient population.
Global distribution of wave amplitudes and wave normal angles of chorus waves using THEMIS wave observations

[1] The global distribution of chorus wave amplitudes and their wave normal angles is investigated using high-resolution wave spectra and waveform data from THEMIS for lower-band and upper-band chorus separately. Statistical results show that large amplitude chorus (>300 pT) occurs predominantly from premidnight to postdawn and is preferentially observed at lower L shells ( 50 pT) tend to have wave normal angles of <20° and their wave normal angles become even smaller with increasing wave amplitudes. For modest waves, the wave normal angles are distributed over a broad range with a major peak at <20° and a secondary peak at 60°–80°. Wave normal angles of lower-band chorus are generally smaller on the dayside than on the nightside possibly due to the more uniform and more compressed magnetic field configuration on the dayside. Lower-band chorus becomes more oblique with increasing latitude on the dayside, whereas on the nightside the probability of observing oblique chorus decreases at higher latitudes. Compared to lower-band chorus, the properties of upper-band chorus are somewhat different. Upper-band chorus is considerably weaker in magnetic wave amplitudes, shows tighter confinement to the magnetic equator (<10°), and occurs at smaller L shells (<8). Furthermore, wave normal angles of upper-band chorus are generally larger than those of lower-band chorus, but the occurrence rate still peaks at wave normal angles of <20°, particularly for strong upper-band chorus.
The climatic factor in precipitating acute tonsillitis in children

Summary The precipitation of acute tonsillitis in children most often takes place in the wake of a “cold front”, a time when the air temperature falls, the barometric pressure increases, and there is lessened humidity. At this time there is a change in the functional status of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. A latent period or “lag” of a few hours to one or more days may occur before the actual initiation of the clinical symptoms. Nineteen cases of acute tonsillitis in children, each child sufficiently ill to warrant hospitalization, are presented to illustrate the significance of the onset of the “cold front” in precipitating the disease.