cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boosting with averaged weight vectors

AdaBoost [5] is a well-known ensemble learning algorithm that constructs its constituent or base models in sequence. A key step in AdaBoost is constructing a distribution over the training examples to create each base model. This distribution, represented as a vector, is constructed to be orthogonal to the vector of mistakes made by the previous base model in the sequence [7]. The idea is to make the next base model's errors uncorrelated with those of the previous model. Some researchers have pointed out the intuition that it is probably better to construct a distribution orthogonal to the mistake vectors of all the previous base models, but that this is not always possible [7]. We present an algorithm that attempts to come as close as possible to this goal in an efficient manner. We present experimental results demonstrating significant improvement over AdaBoost and the Totally Corrective boosting algorithm [7], which also attempts to satisfy this goal.
The yeast fatty acid synthase. Pathway for transfer of the acetyl group from coenzyme A to the Cys-SH of the condensation site.

The reaction pathway of enzyme-catalyzed acetylation of the acyl-accepting sites of the yeast synthase, a Ser-OH at the acetyl transacylase site, a Cys-SH at the beta-ketoacyl synthase site, and the acyl carrier protein 4'-phosphopantetheine-SH (Pant-SH), has been investigated using the chromophoric substrate, p-nitrophenyl thioacetate. The stoichiometry of acetylation of the native enzyme was 3 mol of acetate bound per mol of synthase unit, alpha beta (Mr 430,000). The acetylation process is biexponential; the rate constant of acetylation of the first 2 mol is 5.0 s-1 and the third mol is 0.2 s-1. The pathway by which acetyl moiety is added to the enzyme was determined by selectively blocking the acyl-accepting sites and subsequently determining the kinetics and stoichiometry of acetylation. The dibromopropanone-treated enzyme, in which the Pant-SH and Cys-SH are alkylated, exhibited an exponential burst of approximately 1 mol/mol of synthase unit with a rate constant of 11.0 s-1. The iodoacetamide-treated enzyme, in which Cys-SH is alkylated, had a biexponential burst with a total stoichiometry of approximately 2 mol/mol of synthase unit, with rate constants of 9 and 0.2 s-1, respectively. The kinetically competent acetylation to the extent of 2 and approximately 1 mol/mol of synthase unit for both Cys-SH and Cys-SH and Pant-SH-blocked enzymes, respectively, indicated that the route of acetyl transfer in the yeast synthase is obligatorily Ser-OH—-Cys-SH. The acetylation of Pant-SH (0.2 s-1) occurs with a rate insignificant to the process of fatty acid synthesis (turnover rate constant of 1.5 s-1). These conclusions are supported by experiments involving end point radiolabeling of the synthase with [1-14C]acetyl moieties using the substrate, p-nitrophenyl thio[1-14C]acetate. Native, dibromopropanone-treated, and iodoacetamide-treated enzymes bind about 3, 1, and 2 mol of acetyl/mol of synthase unit, respectively. Performic acid oxidation studies of the acetyl-labeled enzyme indicate that there is one Ser-O-acetyl formed in the native and alkylated enzymes and one Cys-S-acetyl and one Pant-S-acetyl formed in the native enzyme. Altogether, these results support our contention that the acetylation of the Pant-SH is kinetically incompetent. Thus, the yeast synthase transacetylation reactions occur by a novel process of acetyl transfer from CoA to Ser-OH—-Cys-SH, which is in contrast to the transfer from CoA to Ser-OH—-Pant-SH—-Cys-SH catalyzed by the prokaryotic synthases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Identifying optimal measurement subspace for ensemble Kalman filter

To reduce the computational load of the ensemble Kalman filter while maintaining its efficacy, an optimisation algorithm based on the generalised eigenvalue decomposition method is proposed for identifying the most informative measurement subspace. When the number of measurements is large, the proposed algorithm can be used to make an effective trade-off between computational complexity and estimation accuracy.
Accountability Ratings of Elementary Schools: Student Demographics Matter

The researchers examined the most recent year of data (i.e., 2008-2009) from the Texas Academic Excellence Indicator System regarding accountability ratings and student characteristics (i.e., ethnicity, programmatic enrollment, mobility) in elementary schools (n = 4,110). Accountability ratings (i.e., Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable, and Academically Unacceptable) are assigned primarily based upon school performance on state-mandated tests by student subgroups. Exemplary elementary school campuses had statistically significantly lower percentages of Black students, Hispanic students, at-risk students, economically disadvantaged students, students with Limited English Proficient, and mobility percent (i.e., being at the school less than 83% of the school year) whereas Academically Unacceptable had the highest percentages in all these areas. As such, accountability ratings in Texas elementary schools were clearly related to student characteristics and not just test scores. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.
A Review of “The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: Skills for a Changing World”

The chapters in Part One of The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: Skills for a Changing World are each written by different authors from their particular perspectives: as professors in various d...
Joyce's ‘Saucebox’

Tilly Eggers noted in her 1975 article entitled ‘Darling Milly Bloom’ that ‘considering the abundance of Joyce criticism, critics hardly notice Milly’,1 yet still, even thirty years later, surprisi...
Immunochemical Comparison of l-Asparaginases from Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli

Immunochemical properties of l-asparaginases from Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli were compared by means of quantitative precipitin reactions and quantitative microcomplement-fixation reactions employing homologous and heterologous antisera. The enzyme preparations used in these tests produced one arc of precipitate upon immunoelectrophoresis. According to our results with the precipitin and micro-complement fixation reactions, both enzymes are related immunochemically. On the basis of these tests, distinct structural differences exist between the two enzymes. From results with the micro-complement fixation test, we estimated that the two enzymes could differ by 10 to 15 amino acid residues.
Anorexia prevention messages: effects on psychological reactance among female college students

This study examined how anorexia prevention campaign messages affect female college students through a linear relationship among magnitude of requests, perceived threat to freedom, psychological reactance, attitude, and behavioral intention. A total of 163 female undergraduate students participated in an online survey and read four different fictional campaign messages (no request version, small request version, larger request version, and small and large request combined version) in terms of magnitude of requests regarding anorexia prevention. Five hypotheses were examined to measure participants’ level of reactance, threat to freedom, attitudes, and behavioral intention. The findings revealed a significant relationship between magnitude of requests and threat to freedom; i.e., more demanding requests in an anorexia prevention message can generate a higher level of threat to freedom. In addition, there was a positive relationship between threat to freedom and reactance; i.e., individuals who experienced a higher threat to freedom were more likely to experience stronger reactance whereas those who presented higher reactance exhibited a lower behavioral intention to follow anorexia prevention recommendations. Nevertheless, there was not a significant relationship between reactance and attitude toward anorexia prevention recommendations. Furthermore, no significant positive relationship was revealed between attitude toward anorexia prevention recommendations and behavioral intention to follow anorexia prevention recommendations.
Importance of the global regulators Agr and SaeRS in the pathogenesis of CA-MRSA USA300 infection

CA-MRSA infection, driven by the emergence of the USA300 genetic background, has become epidemic in the United States. USA300 isolates are hypervirulent, compared with other CA- and HA-MRSA strains, in experimental models of necrotizing pneumonia and skin infection. Interestingly, USA300 isolates also have increased expression of core genomic global regulatory and virulence factor genes, including agr and saeRS. To test the hypothesis that agr and saeRS promote the observed hypervirulent phenotype of USA300, isogenic deletion mutants of each were constructed in USA300. The effects of gene deletion on expression and protein abundance of selected downstream virulence genes were assessed by semiquantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. The effects of gene deletion were also assessed in mouse models of necrotizing pneumonia and skin infection. Deletion of saeRS, and, to a lesser extent, agr, resulted in attenuated expression of the genes encoding α-hemolysin (hla) and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (lukSF-PV). Despite the differences in hla transcription, the toxin was undetectable in culture supernatants of either of the deletion mutants. Deletion of agr, but not saeRS, markedly increased the expression of the gene encoding protein A (spa), which correlated with increased protein abundance. Each deletion mutant demonstrated significant attenuation of virulence, compared with wild-type USA300, in mouse models of necrotizing pneumonia and skin infection. We conclude that agr and saeRS each independently contribute to the remarkable virulence of USA300, likely by means of their effects on expression of secreted toxins.
The natural history of chronic disorders of consciousness

Chronic disorders of consciousness comprise a tragic group of conditions for which determining prognosis is a prerequisite for clinical decision-making.1 The vegetative state (VS) of wakefulness without awareness was first described in 1972 by Jennett and Plum but achieved national attention through highly publicized judicial rulings on discontinuing the medical treatment of young women named Karen Quinlan, Nancy Cruzan, and Theresa Schiavo. The minimally conscious state (MCS), formerly and more accurately called the minimally responsive state, was defined diagnostically in 2002 as profound unresponsiveness despite nominal and intermittent evidence for awareness.2 The VS and MCS are syndromes, encompassing a spectrum of severity with various etiologies, most commonly traumatic brain injury or hypoxic-ischemic or hemorrhagic neuronal injury; they can be a transient stage during recovery from an acute brain insult or can be chronic and stable.1 Although functional neuroimaging studies are changing our understanding and bedside assessment of conscious awareness,3 the VS and MCS remain clinically defined syndromes. Published analyses of the prognosis of these syndromes, such as the 1994 Multi-Society Task Force on PVS,4 have been limited by several factors. First, there was no agreed-upon definition of, or …
Comparative aspects of nitrobenzylthioinosine and dipyridamole inhibition of adenosine accumulation in rat and guinea pig synaptoneurosomes

Dipyridamole (DPR) and nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBI) inhibition of adenosine accumulation in synaptoneurosomes derived from rat cerebral cortex, rat cerebellum, guinea pig cerebral cortex and guinea pig cerebellum was investigated. The inhibition of adenosine accumulation by NBI was observed to be distinctly biphasic in both guinea pig and rat synaptoneurosomes. Such biphasic inhibition consisted of a nM potency component to inhibition, accounting for 20-30% of the maximum inhibition, and a ?M potency component, accounting for the remaining 70-80% maximum inhibition. Such an inhibitory profile contrasts sharply with that of DPR which appears monophasic, with a mean IC(50) of between 10(?7) M and 10(?6) M, in all rat and guinea pig synaptoneurosomes preparations studied. Further differences between the potency of NBI and DPR in inhibiting [(3)H]adenosine accumulation were also noted. DPR was more potent in inhibiting [(3)H]adenosine accumulation in guinea pig cerebellar synaptoneurosomes than in cerebral cortex synaptoneurosomes. In rat synaptoneurosomes, the reverse selectivity was observed. DPR was also 2-6 fold (depending on brain region of comparison) more potent in inhibiting adenosine accumulation in guinea pig synaptoneurosomes than in inhibiting such accumulation in rat synaptoneurosomes. In contrast, NBI was approximately equipotent in inhibiting adenosine accumulation in rat and guinea pig synaptoneurosomes. Additional binding studies using [(3)H]NBI are also reported. The data presented are entirely consistent with the hypotheses that (1) NBI and DPR bind to functionally relevant sites and (2) there are different populations of nucleoside transporters in mammalian brain.
Design and synthesis of trivalent ligands targeting opioid, cholecystokinin, and melanocortin receptors for the treatment of pain.

Abstract It has been known that co-administration of morphine with either cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor or melanocortin (MC) receptor antagonists enhance morphine’s analgesic efficacy by reducing serious side effects such as tolerance and addiction. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Considering these synergistic effects, we have designed trivalent ligands in which all three different pharmacophores for opioid, CCK, and MC receptors are combined in such a way as to conserve their own topographical pharmacophore structures. These ligands, excluding the cyclic compound, were synthesized by solid phase synthesis using Rink-amide resin under microwave assistance in very high yields. These trivalent ligands bind to their respective receptors well demonstrating that the topographical pharmacophore structures for the three receptors were retained for receptor binding. Ligand 10 was a lead compound to show the best biological activities at all three receptors.
Microdevices for biomolecular and single cell detection

Recent advances towards developing biomolecular and single cell applications for a mass-based biosensor known as the suspended microchannel resonator (SMR) will be presented. In SMR detection, target molecules or cells flow through a vibrating suspended microchannel and are captured by receptor molecules attached to the interior channel walls. What separates the SMR from the existing resonant mass sensors is that the receptors, targets, and their aqueous environment are confined inside the resonator, while the resonator itself can oscillate at high Q in an external vacuum environment, thus yielding extraordinarily high sensitivity. This approach solves the problem of viscous damping that degrades the sensitivity of cantilever resonators in solution. We have achieved a resolution of approximately 300 attograms which is represents an improvement of six order of magnitude improvement over a high-end commercial quartz crystal microbalance. This gives access to intriguing applications such as mass based flow cytometry or the direct detection of cancer biomarkers.
Highly active and stable supported iron Fischer–Tropsch catalysts: Effects of support properties and SiO2 stabilizer on catalyst performance

Abstract The effects of support properties including pore size, hydroxyl group concentration, and support stabilizer were investigated for six alumina-supported FeCuK Fischer–Tropsch catalysts containing 20% or 40% iron. Catalysts were supported on one of four aluminas stabilized with La2O3 or SiO2. A large pore support was found to accommodate 40% Fe without pore blockage. Catalyst activity was found to increase with increasing support pore size, lower OH group concentrations, and higher extents of reduction. SiO2 was found to be a more effective hydrothermal stabilizer than La2O3 as it suppresses the high-temperature transformation of γ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3 up to 1200 °C allowing SiO2-stabilized catalysts to be dehydroxylated at higher temperatures. SiO2 stabilization also inhibits deactivation by sintering and increases activity, possibly due to surface silicate groups. Indeed, the activity of Fe/Si–Al2O3 continues to increase after 700 h on stream, while the Fe/La–Al2O3 catalysts lose activity over the same time period.
Influence of grinding on the graduation graphitization and densification of coke powder

Petroleum coke powder, made by the delayed coking method at about 500° C, was ground for various times from 15 min to 44 h. Carbon solids were made from the ground coked powder compacts and heat-treated at 1000 to 2800° C without the use of binder materials. The coke particles ground for a considerable time had a spherical appearance and an amorphous structure, and showed non-graphitizability. These ground powders were easily densified and hard carbon solid could be obtained by heat-treatment. However, if the coke powder was pre-heat treated above about 600° C before grinding, no densification occurred and the powder graphitized as well as non-ground ones. The hard carbon solids made from powder ground for 44 h had a bulk density of 1.71 g cm−3, Shore hardness of 120 and bending strength of about 700 kg cm−2 at a heat-treatment temperature of 1000° C. These values changed with increasing heat-treatment temperature to a bulk density of 1.93 g cm−3, Shore hardness of 90 and bending strength of 500 kg cm−2 at a heat-treatment temperature of 2800° C.
Scientists and Reporters Just Want to Get to the Bottom of It All

After just a few short months, my desk at the Los Angeles Times had succumbed to the same peculiar malady as my desk at Oregon State University, where I did my Ph.D. in paleoclimatology: It seemed to have sprouted a thin coat of fluorescent sticky notes. Each tiny square bore a fact that merited remembering or a question that demanded answering, and, every day, they multiplied.
Retrospective analysis of 58 children with retinoblastoma

We performed a retrospective analysis of 58 children with retinoblastoma seen at the University of Illinois at Chicago between 1960 and 1982. Our findings showed an almost equal distribution by sex, a predominance (69%) of white patients, and a common presenting symptom (70%) of leukocoria, with (22%) or without (48%) strabismus. Unilateral involvement was noted in 35 patients (60%). Of the 23 (40%) bilaterally affected children, 19 had simultaneous involvement at the time of diagnosis. All bilateral and 90% of the unilateral cases were diagnosed before age five years. Family history was positive for retinoblastoma in five bilateral and one unilateral case. At the time of diagnosis, 35 patients had stage V disease (Reese-Ellsworth classification, Table 1). Depending on the stage of disease treatment included enucleation, radiation, and chemotherapy. Mortality was 25% from 1960 to 1974, and zero thereafter.
Suppression of alcohol preference in high alcohol drinking rats: Efficacy of amperozide versus naltrexone

The selectively bred high alcohol drinking (HAD) line of rat is considered as a potential model of one type of alcoholism. The purpose of the present experiments was to compare the efficacy of two drugs on the volitional drinking of the HAD rats: the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, amperozide, and a nonselective antagonist of opiate receptors, naltrexone. To determine the pattern of alcohol drinking of the HAD rats, a standard preference test was used in which water was offered with alcohol increased in concentrations from 3% to 30% over 11 days. The maximally preferred concentration of alcohol of each rat was offered for 4 days and ranged from 7% to 20% with a mean intake of 6.9 g/kg per day. Initially, 1.0 mg/kg amperozide, 2.5 mg/kg naltrexone, or the saline vehicle were injected twice daily for 4 days at 1600 and 2200 hours. Secondly, 2.0 mg/kg amperozide, 5.0 mg/kg naltrexone, or the saline vehicle were administered also for 4 days. After the drug sequences, alcohol preference tests continued for another 4 days. Whereas the saline vehicle was without effect on drinking, the administration of either drug caused a significant dose-dependent reduction in the daily intake of alcohol by the HAD rats in terms of absolute g/kg and proportion of alcohol to water consumed. A comparison of the drinking response to the higher doses of the two drugs showed that amperozide was more efficacious in suppressing alcohol intake than naltrexone. Neither amperozide nor naltrexone exerted any significant effects on food and water intakes or on body weight. These results support the concept of a functional link in the brain between the serotonergic and opioidergic systems postulated to underlie, in part, the aberrant drinking of alcohol. A marked dissociation between the temporal patterns of drinking after naltrexone and amperozide treatment suggests that the opiate receptors mediate the immediate reinforcing effects of alcohol, whereas the more vegetative phenomena underlying addictive properties of alcohol are regulated by 5-HT2A receptors postsynaptic to serotonergic neurons. Finally, the inhibitory actions of both drugs imply that multiple receptor mechanisms within the mesolimbic and other systems in the brain underpin the addictive liability to alcohol.
Renal peripelvic lymphatic cysts (lymphangiomas) associated with generalized lymphangiomatosis.

Renal peripelvic lymphatic cysts (lymphangiomas) are usually seen as an isolated finding. They appear as multiple mass lesions with low attenuation on computed tomography (CT), and show no contiast enhancement. We present a case of renal peripelvic lymphatic cysts associated with generalized lymphangiomatosis, and examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, and lymphangiography. Multiplanar MRI demonstrated the extent of disease, including retroperitoneal lesions. The lesions had low-signal intensity on T1-weighted and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The diagnosis of generalized lymphangiomatosis was verified by renal sinus cyst puncture, lymphangiography, and tissue biopsy.
Investigation of Taimyrsk graphites for producing periclase-carbon ladle refractories

The investigations showed that Taimyrsk graphite corresponds in chemical composition to foundry and crucible graphite.
Liquid Structure Analysis by Energy-scanning X-ray Diffraction

RECENT advances in the state of the art of solid state radiation analysers have provided the means of quantitatively scanning X-ray reciprocal space through an energy (wavelength) analysis instead of the conventional 2θ scan (angle) analysis. The possible advantage of the energy scan is that diffraction data is accumulated simultaneously over all reciprocal space. The general idea is to irradiate the specimen with a white X-ray spectrum. Then the detector, set at constant scattering angle, discriminates between scattered wavelengths by producing, for each photon received, a signal which is proportional to the energy of that photon. Such signals, from the several wavelengths, can be sorted and stored in a multi-channel analyser. The chief advantages of such a diffractometer are, first, that because nearly all photons scattered to the detector are used, the efficiency of the system is greatly increased and, second, that because all reciprocal space is scanned in parallel, instabilities in the X-ray generation apparatus are of little significance. An apparatus, based on these principles, was described a few years ago by Giessen and Gordon1 for use in powder diffraction analysis. Here we describe the use of such an energy scanning device for liquid structure analysis. To our knowledge this is the first description of a quantitative structure determination of any type using an energy scanning instrument. In the following we demonstrate that the structure of liquid mercury at room temperature can be determined to the accuracy of recent 2θ scan determinations.
Range overlap and individual movements during breeding season influence genetic relationships of caribou herds in south-central Alaska

Abstract North American caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds commonly exhibit little nuclear genetic differentiation among adjacent herds, although available evidence supports strong demographic separation, even for herds with seasonal range overlap. During 1997–2003, we studied the Mentasta and Nelchina caribou herds in south-central Alaska using radiotelemetry to determine individual movements and range overlap during the breeding season, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers to assess levels of genetic differentiation. Although the herds were considered discrete because females calved in separate regions, individual movements and breeding-range overlap in some years provided opportunity for male-mediated gene flow, even without demographic interchange. Telemetry results revealed strong female philopatry, and little evidence of female emigration despite overlapping seasonal distributions. Analyses of 13 microsatellites indicated the Mentasta and Nelchina herds were not significantly differentia...
Venture Capital Ownership as a Contingent Resource: How Owner–Firm Fit Influences IPO Outcomes

This study seeks to contribute to the literature on corporate ownership and firm performance by advancing an expertise-based perspective that views owners as a contingent resource. Specifically, we...
Abstract: Investigating Methods for Detecting Interindividual Differences in Intraindividual Change.

This study examined and compared various statistical methods for detecting interindividual differences in intraindividual change. Considering 3 issues including test forms (specific vs. generalized...
A new approach to integrated instruction in mechanics and materials science

AbstractEducating student engineers in the total design of structures should involve an integrated approach. Hence a new course linking mechanics, materials science and design has been developed. The course, titled ‘Mechanics and Materials in Structural Design’, educates students in the total design of structures. One important aspect of this approach to teaching is to develop multimedia-based virtual laboratory modules. This paper focuses on one such module, namely the ‘tension test of metals’ module. This module links the mechanics experiment with the fundamentals of materials science and highlights its usefulness in generating design information. With this approach to teaching, using an apparently simple tension test, the students can better visualize the linkages between mechanics, materials response at the macro and atomic levels, and design. Preliminary evaluation of the course suggests that this philosophy of teaching an integrated course on design is valid.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF EXTENDED X-RAY ABSORPTION FINE STRUCTURE (EXAFS) AND X-RAY ABSORPTION NEAR EDGE STRUCTURE (XANES) SPECTROSCOPIES

ABSTRACT XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy) has proven to be a powerful technique in several fields including the biological and environmental sciences. It has enabled scientists to analyze samples that could not be analyzed using classical techniques such as XRD (X-ray diffraction). In addition, it allows for the direct determination of elemental oxidation states, where the use of other methods is time consuming, cumbersome, and can lead to false results. XAS experimentation has allowed the direct determination of the local coordination environments in many different samples. This review article briefly explains some of the concepts related to two of the most important techniques of XAS, which are EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) and XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure). An explanation of some of the parameters used to obtain XAS data and data reduction from raw spectroscopic data is discussed. Finally, some applied examples are given that has been obtained though the use of XAS ...
AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma cells rapidly internalize endostatin, which co‐localizes to tropomysin microfilaments and inhibits cytokine‐mediated migration and invasion

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-related malignancy. In some respects, KS is analogous to other angioproliferative diseases, in that KS lesions are highly vascularized and promoted by inflammatory cytokines. However, unlike other cancers or inflammatory mediated vascular diseases, KS is unique in that the KS lesional cells both express and respond to the complete angiogenic cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Therefore, the angiogenic phenotype, which is crucial for cancer progression, is inherent to KS tumor cells. Due to the recognized importance of angiogenesis in cancer progression, numerous angiostatic agents are being investigated as potential therapeutic agents. One such agent is endostatin, which is a 20-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII that has demonstrated potent angiostatic activities at both the in vivo and in vitro levels. Since endostatin is recognized as a potent angiostatic agent, the majority of in vitro endostatin studies have evaluated its effects on endothelial cells. Although KS cells are speculated to arise from endothelial cell precursors and KS lesions are highly vascularized, no previous studies have investigated endostatin–KS cell interactions. This present study evaluated endostatin's effects on KS tumor cell: (i) signal transduction (endostatin internalization and transcription factor activation), and (ii) migration and invasion (functional activity assays and tropomysin co-localization). Our results show that KS cells rapidly internalize endostatin and that endostatin initiates activation of the transcription activating factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activating protein 1 (AP-1). Our data also show that internalized endostatin co-localizes to tropomysin microfilaments and acts to inhibit KS cell migration and invasion in response to the clinically relevant angiogenic cytokines VEGF and bFGF. As a consequence of its combined angiostatic and antitumorigenic activities, endostatin could provide dual therapeutic benefits for patients with mucocutaneous KS. J. Cell. Biochem. 89: 133–143, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Climate Change in the Preservice Teacher's Mind

Given the recent media attention on the public’s shift in opinion toward being more skeptical about climate change, 154 preservice teachers’ participated in an intervention in an elementary science methods course. Findings indicated that students developed a deeper level of concern about climate change. Their perceptions on the evidence for climate change, consensus of scientists, impacts of climate change, and influence of politics also changed significantly. The curriculum and instruction appear to be an important factor in increasing understanding of climate change and developing perceptions more aligned to those of climate scientists. More broadly, this study provides preliminary support for the value of providing a careful framing of the topic of climate change within the context of science methods courses.
Excitatory postsynaptic potentials in neonatal rat sympathetic preganglionic neurons: possible mediation by NMDA receptors.

Abstract Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked in antidromically identified sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) and membrane depolarizations induced by N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) applied by pressure ejection were increased by removing Mg ions from the perfusing media and blocked by d -2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), dl -APV and ketamine. Further, the amplitude of EPSPs and NMDA-induced depolarizations were decreased and increased by membrane hyperpolarization in Krebs solution with and without Mg 2+ , respectively. These findings indicate that the excitatory amino acid receptor mediating the EPSPs in SPNs may be of the NMDA subtype.
Simulated Compensatory Motion of Transradial Prostheses

The prostheses used by the majority of persons with hand/arm amputations today have a very limited range of motion. Transradial (below the elbow) amputees lose the three degrees of freedom provided by the wrist and forearm. Some myoeletric prostheses currently allow for forearm pronation and supination (rotation about an axis parallel to the forearm) and the operation of a powered prosthetic hand. Older body-powered prostheses, incorporating hooks and other cable driven terminal devices, have even fewer degrees of freedom. In order to perform activities of daily living (ADL), a person with amputation(s) must use a greater than normal range of movement from other body joints to compensate for the loss of movement caused by the amputation. By studying the compensatory motion of prosthetic users we can understand the mechanics of how they adapt to the loss of range of motion in a given limb for select tasks. The purpose of this study is to create a biomechanical model that can predict the compensatory motion using given subject data. The simulation can then be used to select the best prosthesis for a given user, or to design prostheses that are more effective at selected tasks, once enough data has been analyzed. Joint locations necessary to accomplish the task with a given configuration are calculated by the simulation for a set of prostheses and tasks. The simulation contains a set of prosthetic configurations that are represented by parameters that consist of the degrees of freedom provided by the selected prosthesis. The simulation also contains a set of task information that includes joint constraints, and trajectories which the hand or prosthesis follows to perform the task. The simulation allows for movement in the wrist and forearm, which is dependent on the prosthetic configuration, elbow flexion, three degrees of rotation at the shoulder joint, movement of the shoulder joint about the sternoclavicular joint, and translation and rotation of the torso. All joints have definable restrictions determined by the prosthesis, and task.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Asteroid families - An initial search

A stereo examination was conducted for clusters in three-dimensional proper element space within a sample of both numbered and faint Palomar-Leiden Survey (PLS) asteroids. The clusters were then objectively filtered for small Poisson probability of chance occurrence; 104 were accepted as families with 4- to 12-member populations, and are interpreted as impact-generated. Structure is common in the well-populated families: the better-sampled families are accordingly discussed in terms of their geometry and taxonomy. Some families are very rich in faint PLS members.
A statistical comparison of solar wind sources of moderate and intense geomagnetic storms at solar minimum and maximum

[1] Superposed epoch analyses of 549 storms are performed to make a comparison of solar wind features of geomagnetic storm events at solar minimum (July 1974 to June 1977; July 1984 to June 1987; July 1994 to June 1997) and solar maximum (January 1979 to December 1981; January 1989 to December 1991; July 1999 to June 2002). In this study, geomagnetic storms are defined by the pressure-corrected Dst (Dst*) and classified into moderate storms (−100 nT < Dst* ≤ −50 nT) and intense storms (Dst* ≤ −100 nT). The average values of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), solar wind plasma, NOAA/POES hemispheric power, Kp, and Dst* are analyzed and compared among the different storm categories. During the main phase of storms in each category, the average solar wind plasma parameters and IMF components are disturbed and compressed by a relative high-speed plasma stream. It is shown that the peak of the average solar wind density leads the minimum Dst* (the zero epoch time) by 4.3–7.0 hours, which is longer than the peak time difference (0.3–1.0 hour) between the average IMF Bs and Dst*min. For intense storms at solar minimum, the average IMF By is greatly disturbed during both the main phase and the recovery phase. In addition, the average solar wind density is enhanced up to 28 cm−3, but the average solar wind bulk flow in this storm category is lower than those in all other categories. A significant finding is that the average interplanetary causes of intense storms at solar minimum are found to be against the well-known empirical criteria (Bs ≥ 10 nT or VBs ≥ 5.0 mV/m for ≥3 hours), having a long interval of average Bs = ∼10 nT with dual peaks separated by ∼4.0 hours. The interplanetary and solar origins of storms in the different storm categories are also discussed.
Gel permeation chromatographic calibration for polymers making use of the universal calibration curve

Abstract It is usually difficult to obtain narrow molecular weight distribution samples of a given polymer for calibrating the gel permeation chromatographic instruments in the conventional way. The literature reports several methods which have been used to obtain instrument calibrations with samples of broad distribution polymer. However, these methods generally must assume a linear calibration of the logarithm of molecular weight versus elution volume. This assumption may lead to significant errors in precise molecular weight distribution computations. It is possible to avoid this assumption by making use of the universal calibration curve proposed by Benoit without the necessity of defining this curve by any mathematical function. A number of methods have been developed for combining the universal calibration curve with measurable parameters of the polymeric material (such as intrinsic viscosity, number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight) to calculate molecular weight distributions. Results will be reported on a careful evaluation of the accuracy and reproducibility of several of these methods.
CELLULAR VOLUME REGULATION IN FRESHWATER BIVALVES

The effect of ambient osmolality on the height of lateral ciliated cells from the gills of two freshwater bivalve species (Dreissena polymorpha, Toxolasma texasensis) was directly observed microscopically. The addition of 1 mmol · l−1 KCl to an artificial pondwater (APW) superfusion medium resulted in an increase in cell height. When the superfusion solution was made hyperosmotic (∼90 mmol · kg−1 H2O) by the addition of 45 mmol · l−1 NaCl to APW, the cell height decreased by about 20–30% and there was no evidence of a regulatory volume increase over 20–30 min. In contrast, when 1 mmol · l−1 KCl was added to the hyperosmotic medium the cell height always partially (40–50%) recovered. When the gill tissue was returned to APW following the hyperosmotic treatment the cells returned to the original cell height. Bivalve gills superfused with the hyperosmotic NaCl and KCl solution in the presence of 1 mmol · l−1 ouabain experienced a similar 25% decrease in cell height. When the ouabain-treated tissues were returned to APW the cells swelled, overshooting the original cell height. These results indicate these freshwater bivalves have a limited ability for cellular volume regulation using inorganic ions, but depend on a suitable balance of Na+ and K+ in the environment to effect regulatory volume changes.
Social Factors, Enrollment in Vocational/Technical Courses, and High School Dropout Rates

AbstractThe question investigated was whether enrollment in vocational/business courses has special "holding power" for students or whether personal, social characteristics were more salient in the dropout decision. The data were taken from the first follow-up responses of the High School and Beyond survey. Public school students who had dropped out of school were compared with age mates who had graduated. The two groups were matched on the following variables: reading comprehension, socioeconomic status (SES), gender, geographic region, and community size. Using a path analytic approach with the data, I found that participation in vocational/ business courses does not seem to be related to persistence. The variables that were identified as being most highly associated with dropout status reflected the influence of a student’s social relationships within the school environment. Peer interest, sense of social belonging, and relationships with school staff were differentially linked to school interest for g...
Lineshape effects in atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Deviations from Beer's Law caused by the relative lineshape functions of source and absorber in atomic absorption experiments are considered. The validity of using a modified form of the law incorporating a correction factor γ, which is particularly convenient in time-resolved atomic absorption experiments, to account for these deviations, has been critically examined for a wide range of source and absorber lineshapes using numerical evaluation of the transmission integrals involved. It is concluded that there is, in general, no theoretical justification for the use of such a γ factor, except in the case of large source linewidth/absorber linewidth ratios when the line broadening in the absorber involves a significant homogeneous (Lorentzian) contribution. The use of empirically determined γ factors, much different from unity to analyse experimental data, should be viewed with suspicion unless direct evidence is presented to show that under the experimental conditions γ happens to be constant or slowly varying.
A study of gastric emptying with the pylorus open

Closure of the pylorus is not an essential factor in the delayed emptying from the stomach of oil, acid solutions and certain other liquids. One function of the pylorus is to control duodenal regurgitation.
Attorney-Client Privilege versus Mandatory Reporting by Psychologists: Dilemma, Conflict, and Solution

Buried within the laws of most states lies a potential tension between psychologists and attorneys related to mandatory reporting of certain crimes that may be divulged during psychological evaluations. In the United States, psychologists and a number of other professionals are required by law to report past criminal conduct (e.g., child or elder abuse); however, in only two states are attorneys subject to mandatory reporting of child abuse. The disparity between the ethical and legal duties of the two professions may create a serious dilemma with significant repercussions for both parties. This paper provides a brief overview of the legal and ethical responsibilities for both professions and highlights potential areas of conflict. Recommended steps to avoid such conflicts are then offered.
Designer drugs: New directed therapies for cancer

The last thirty years have witnessed major improvements in the survival of pediatric cancer patients. This has been due to improvements in the various modalities of cancer therapy as well as improvements in supportive care. Historically, cancer treatments have been developed in an empiric fashion and amplified to the limits of tolerance. As more is learned about the biology of oncogenesis, we hope it will become possible to design therapies to deal with the unique mechanisms involved in the development of specific types of cancer. These rational approaches to cancer therapy should improve efficacy and diminish the risks of toxicity. The era of "designer drugs" is just beginning with the introduction of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against tumor antigens, and new small molecules that target specific tumors, such as retinoids and imatinib mesylate. This presentation will review these advances and provide a perspective on potential future directions in this field.
Cognitive Functioning in School-Age Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus:

The number of pediatric AIDS cases continues to rise. This study focused on 27 HIV-positive children aged 6 through 17 and attending public schools. Cognitive functioning and the relation between this domain of functioning and stage of disease, drug therapy, mode of transmission, and caretaker were examined. IQs and visuomotor skills were all, generally, within or close to the normal range. Visuomotor skills emerged as the most sensitive cognitive area in relation to stage of disease, mode of transmission, and the children's living environment. Full scale IQ was highest in children infected from their mothers. No relationships were found between IQs and drug treatment or caretakers. The caretakers' effect on visuomotor skills highlights the influence of environmental factors on functioning. Implications for intervention are discussed with attention to early intervention and the need to address emotional functioning in this population.
Localization of photosynthetic reaction centers by antibody binding to chromatophore membranes from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides strain R26.

Abstract Rabbit antiserum against highly purified reaction center preparations was shown to react specifically with a single component of chromatophore membranes from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides strain R-26. The conjugate of purified gamma globulin and ferritin prepared with toluene diisocyanate was used to determine the localization of reaction centers in the chromatophore membranes. Virtually no antibody was bound by intact membranes. After removing the 9 nm ATPase from these membranes by dilute EDTA treatment, a considerable amount of antibody was bound to the exposed outer membrane surface. The reaction center binding sites were estimated to be uniformly distributed with approx. 1 reaction center per 200 nm 2 of membrane surface. These results indicate that the reaction centers are located near the outer membrane surface but below the ATPase particles. Since the distribution of reaction centers and particles on rough faces seen by freeze-fracture electron microscopy are similar, it is suggested that the freeze-fracture particle may be a complex of a reaction center and other electron transfer components localized within the hydrophobic region of the membrane.
SENSITIZED PHOTOOXIDATION OF AMINO ACIDS: EFFECTS ON THE REACTIVITY OF THEIR PRIMARY AMINE GROUPS WITH FLUORESCAMINE AND O-PHTHALALDEHYDE

— The photooxidation of his, met, trp and tyr with methylene blue and eosin as sensitizers resulted in a loss of primary amine reactivity as measured with fluorescamine and o-phthalaldehyde. The rates of oxygen uptake and of loss of primary amine reactivity with illumination was characteristic for each amino acid. Glycine did not photooxidize and showed no change in primary amine reactivity. Primary amine reactivity of the N-acetyl derivatives of these amino acids was negligible and during photooxidation the reactivity increased slowly with N-acetylhis and N-acetyltrp while the reactivity of N-acetylmet and N-acetyltyr did not change. Imidazole and indole also showed a slow increase in primary amine reactivity during sensitized photooxidation. The rate of oxygen uptake and primary amine reactivity loss during the sensitized photooxidation of his and met was markedly increased in deuterium oxide. This indicated that singlet oxygen was involved. Radical scavengers did not affect the rates indicating that free radical intermediates were not involved. Primary amine reactivity loss is probably due to intra- and/or inter-molecular secondary dark reactions between unknown initial oxygenation products and primary amino groups.