cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathway in the ischemic preconditioning-induced attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury In isolated rat hearts

Objective To investigate the role of cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathway in the ischemie pleeonditioning-induced attenuation of ischemia.1eperfusion(ITR)injury in isohted rat hearts.Methods Fifty healthy adult SD rats weighing 300-350 g were anesthetized with intraperitoneal(IP)pentobarbital 50 meg/kg.Their he.arts were excised and perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with 37℃ oxygenated(95%O2-5%CO2)modified K-H solution at a constant pressure of 70 cm H2O,and randomly divided into 5 groups(n=10 each):group Ⅰ I/R;group Ⅱ ischemic preconditioning(IPC);groupⅢH89(PKA inhibitor);group Ⅳ PDTC(NF-κB inhibitor)and group Ⅴ db-cAMP.The experiment started after 10 min stabilization.The isolated hearts were tinct perfuzed for 30 min.followed by 60 min ischemia and 30 min leperfusion in group I/R(Ⅰ).Group IPC(Ⅱ)w88 subjected to 3 episodes of 5 min ischemia at 5 min intervals before I/R.Group Ⅲ and Ⅳ received 5 min perfnsion withH89 10 μmol/L and PDTC 100 μmol/L 3 times at 5 min intervals respectively before I/R.Group Ⅴ was peffnsed with db-cAMP 200 μmol/L for 30 min before I/R.Left ventricular developed pressure(LVDP)and ± dp/dtu were measured at stabilization period and 10, 20, 30 rain of reperfusion. Coronary flow (CF) was measured at stabilization period and 30 min of reperfusion and activities of LDH and creafinc kinase (CK) in the coronary effluent were determined. The myocardial specimens were obtained at 30 rain of reperfusion for determination of NF-κB-DNA binding activity (by EMSA) and expression of TNF-κ mBNA (by RT-PCR ) and p-CBEB (Ser133) (by Western blot). Results Compared with 1/R group, NF-κB-DNA binding activity and TNF-α mRNA expression were significandy decreased, ± dp/dt and CF were significandy increased, CK and LHD activities in the coronary effluent were significantly decreased in group IPC and db-cAMP (group Ⅱ , Ⅴ ) and p-CREB (Ser133) expression was significantly increased in group IPC, PDTC and db-cAMP (group Ⅱ , Ⅳ,Ⅴ ). Compared with IPC group, NF-κB-DNA binding activity and TNF-α mBNA expression were significantly increased, ± dp/dtmax, LVDP and CF were significantly decreased, CK and LDH activities were significantly increased in group H89 and PDTC (group Ⅲ, Ⅳ ) and p-CREB (Ser133) expression was significantly decreased in group H89(group Ⅲ ). Conclusion lschemic preconditioning can attenuate I/R injury in isolated hearts by inhibition of NF-κB-DNA binding activity via cAMP-PKA signal transduction pathway which reduces gene transcription of inflammatory cytokine. Key words: Cyclic AMP; Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases; Ischemic preconditioning; Myocardial reperfusion injury
Perioperative statin use is associated with decreased incidence of primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation.

Abstract Background Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the major cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Statins reduce the risk of chronic rejection after lung transplantation, however their effects on PGD are unknown. We hypothesized that perioperative statin therapy decreases the risk for PGD after lung transplantation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all the patients undergoing lung transplantation between January 1999 and December 2014 at the University of Virginia Health System. The primary outcome was PGD (grades 1-3). Secondary outcomes included grade 3 PGD, length of ICU and hospital stay and mortality. Results 266 patients met final inclusion criteria. 138 patients (52%) were diagnosed with PGD. in-hospital mortality among patients with PGD was 6.5%. There were no mortalities in patients without PGD (P Conclusions The results demonstrate that perioperative use of statins is independently associated with reduced risk for PGD after lung transplantation.
Making the Transition as the New Copyright Librarian

The corpus of academic librarianship literature notes very little material in relation to the work of new copyright librarians. However, the number of academic libraries hiring librarians to fill these positions is increasing, and the need for such literature is real and pertinent. The purpose of this research is to assist incoming copyright librarians with practical, evidence-based guidance for colleagues just starting out in roles focused on copyright issues. The author drew from professional experience as a first-time copyright librarian at a Carnegie One academic institution in the United States. The author highlights the value of constructing a copyright educational foundation for the university community, cultivating a community of practice, establishing best practices around copyright questions and the utility of effective, vetted copyright resources. Understanding the finer details of a copyright librarian’s job are important, as academic libraries are hiring candidates for other scholarly communication positions, and the applicants are expected to know American copyright law.
Neighborhood disadvantage and racial disparities in colorectal cancer incidence: a population-based study in Louisiana.

Abstract Purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to demonstrate racial disparities in incidence and survival in the United States. This study investigates the role of neighborhood concentrated disadvantage in racial disparities in CRC incidence in Louisiana. Methods Louisiana Tumor Registry and U.S. Census data were used to assess the incidence of CRC diagnosed in individuals 35 years and older between 2008 and 2012. Neighborhood concentrated disadvantage index (CDI) was calculated based on the PhenX Toolkit protocol. The incidence of CRC was modeled using multilevel binomial regression with individuals nested within neighborhoods. Results Our study included 10,198 cases of CRC. Adjusting for age and sex, CRC risk was 28% higher for blacks than whites (risk ratio [RR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22–1.33). One SD increase in CDI was associated with 14% increase in risk for whites (RR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.10–1.18) and 5% increase for blacks (RR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02–1.09). After controlling for differential effects of CDI by race, racial disparities were not observed in disadvantaged areas. Conclusion CRC incidence increased with neighborhood disadvantage and racial disparities diminished with mounting disadvantage. Our results suggest additional dimensions to racial disparities in CRC outside of neighborhood disadvantage that warrants further research.
Women and Western Films in the Cold War

Describes how pro-feminist Westerns of the Cold War react to reactivation of gendered hierarchies by the security state by insisting women have the right to agency in private and domestic realms.
U.S. Experience with Tradeable SO2 Allowances

The following pages represent the original transparencies of the lecture held during the Advanced Study Course. A full text is not available due to the time constraints of the author. Nevertheless the editors felt that most of the transparencies are self-explanatory and worth of being reproduced in this volume to give an overview over the Acid Rain Programme of the United States of America.
The American and West German Health Care Systems: A Physician’s Reflections

Health care systems evolve in nation states and mirror the cultural value structure of the societies they serve. Professors Buchanan, von Schulenburg and Thust outline the evidence to support such a claim with regard to the American and West German systems. These three essays provide the reader with two nations that approach the funding distribution of personal health care services in seemingly different ways. Yet, both systems are caught in similarly situated dilemmas that are constant for health care in post industrial, high technology health care systems. Whether one is a privately insured American worker or a “compulsory health insured” citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, high costs of health care are being balanced by complex social and cultural values and individual claims to service consumption and competing visions of allocatable j ustice. The human instinct of self-preservation drives the majority of citizens to desire health care as a valued commodity to enhance the quantity and quality of mortal existence even when such services may be of very limited benefit. But as Buchanan correctly points out, there will always be other desires in human populations that are competing for the finite resources in private and public sectors of the economy that enhance life and give individual and collective meaning to it.
Phylogeny of conserved adenines in linkers of Group-I introns

We have analyzed the linkers in group-I introns, a characteristic region that is crucial to the folding and splicing process of the folded RNA, in seventy sequences spreading across r-RNA, t-RNA and organelle genes from various organisms including algae, fungi and protozoa. The study revealed a high degree of consensus of specific adenine residues in J3/4, J6/7 and J8/7 stems of the linker regions that were required to stabilize the local orientation, either as single residue or by forming unusual base pairs along with divalent metal ions. Conservation of these residues in the Group-I intron linkers suggests their significant contribution to the folded structure whose bonding and geometry recruit metal ions to interact in stabilizing the folded nature of RNA.
Measurement of heavy flavor production and azimuthal anisotropy in small and large systems with ATLAS

Heavy-flavor hadron production and collective motion in A+A collisions provide insight into the energy loss mechanism and transport properties of heavy quarks in the QGP. The same measurements in p ...
Abstract I01: Mechanisms and consequences of pancreatic cancer stromal evolution

The mechanisms underlying evolution of tumor-associated stroma remain poorly understood. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the archetype of a fibroinflammatory malignancy, with 50-90% of tumor volume occupied by a dense, desmoplastic stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the key cell type driving the stromal reaction in PDAC. Recent reports suggest that PDAC CAFs represent a heterogeneous population of cells from diverse origins, potentially including cell types that support and others that suppress tumor growth. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are lipid-storing cells in healthy pancreas that can transdifferentiate to an activated CAF phenotype. PSCs have been suggested as the predominant source of CAFs in the PDAC microenvironment. However, proper lineage tracing studies have never been performed, such that the relative contribution and specific functions of PSCs in the tumor microenvironment are unknown. We have taken advantage of a novel mouse model we developed to track PSC differentiation and function during pancreatic tumor progression in vivo. This model leverages the unique lipid-storing origin of PSC-derived CAFs, and enables their distinction from CAFs of non-PSC origin for the first time. We hypothesized that PSC-derived fibroblasts in the PDAC microenvironment are a proinflammatory and tumor-supportive subset of PDAC CAFs, and thus represent a viable therapeutic target. Our preliminary data support the notion that PSCs contribute to only a subset of the CAF population in the tumor microenvironment, and the functions of these distinct populations are entirely unknown. Our data also highlight a potential role for genetic alterations in the epithelial compartment in orchestration of stromal fibroblast evolution. Using our model, we have interrogated PDAC stromal heterogeneity and functional significance, analyzed the distinguishing features of CAF subpopulations from disparate origins, and determined the significance of genetic alterations in the epithelial compartment on stromal cell fate and function. Together, these studies have the potential to lay the foundation for development of stroma-targeted therapies based on careful lineage tracing and molecular data. These findings shed light on mechanisms of stromal evolution during pancreatic tumorigenesis, and potentially identify distinct CAF populations of relevance in additional solid tumors. Citation Format: Mara Sherman. Mechanisms and consequences of pancreatic cancer stromal evolution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr I01.
Fundamental Limits of Volume-based Network DoS Attacks

Volume-based network denial-of-service (DoS) attacks refer to a class of cyber attacks where an adversary seeks to block user traffic from service by sending adversarial traffic that reduces the available user capacity. In this paper, we explore the fundamental limits of volume-based network DoS attacks by studying the minimum required rate of adversarial traffic and investigating optimal attack strategies. We start our analysis with single-hop networks where user traffic is routed to servers following the Join-the-Shortest-Queue (JSQ) rule. Given the service rates of servers and arrival rates of user traffic, we first characterize the feasibility region of the attack and show that the attack is feasible if and only if the rate of the adversarial traffic lies in the region. We then design an attack strategy that is (i).optimal: it guarantees the success of the attack whenever the adversarial traffic rate lies in the feasibility region and (ii).oblivious: it does not rely on knowledge of service rates or user traffic rates. Finally, we extend our results on the feasibility region of the attack and the optimal attack strategy to multi-hop networks that employ Back-pressure (Max-Weight) routing. At a higher level, this paper addresses a class of dual problems of stochastic network stability, i.e., how to optimally de-stabilize a network.
Introduction: Education and Human Capital, Current Debates, and Policy Imperatives

The editors provide an introduction outlining the concept of the book and its chapters. The volume examines education and human capital development in Africa, with emphasis on outcomes that promote good governance and sustainable development. Growth, development, and poverty reduction depend on knowledge and skills, which require investment in education. In this book, readers are challenged to think critically about access to education, curricula, education policies, and the quality of education in Africa. The following topics are discussed: education and skills as determinants in economic development and economic inequality between countries; free education, outcomes and effectiveness; education, agriculture, and economic development in Africa; gender equity in education; education, inclusion, and development for orphans, vulnerable children, and marginalized groups; examination of an educational policy that mandates that education should be skills-centered; and an examination of the gap between learning outcomes and assumed corresponding and appropriate curriculum and pedagogy.
Auditory attention late effects in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This study sought to characterize auditory attention functioning among pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) survivors treated on a chemotherapy-only protocol, given previous literature sugg...
SAMPA Based Streaming Readout Data Acquisition Prototype.

We have assembled a small-scale streaming data acquisition system based on the SAMPA front-end ASIC. We report on measurements performed on the SAMPA chip and preliminary cosmic ray data acquired from a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector read out using the SAMPA.
A chronological review on perceptions of crowding in tourism and recreation

This study presents a chronological review of methodological and empirical issues of the perceived crowding literature in the contexts of tourism and recreation. A content analysis was performed on...
The Relationship between Physical Fitness and Reasoning in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study examines two independent aspects of cognition, deductive and probabilistic reasoning to differentiate between their relationship to physical fitness in older adults. This study measured ...
New York Department of Revenue vs. Quality Markets of America: Teaching Note

This is the teaching note for the case: https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=2181653 This case was written to be useful in finance, accounting, or taxation courses at Levels 2, 3, or 4 in the undergraduate curriculum. It is also appropriate for Level 5 graduate accounting, tax, or finance courses. The rigor and depth of material can easily be adjusted for the intended audience. The case works well with traditional class discussion based case approaches, but can also be easily adapted for role-playing or debate exercises in the class. Introductory finance or accounting classes (Levels 2 and 3) can use the case to explore the differences between debt and equity and the various shades of grey that sometimes exist between the two. More advanced finance classes (Levels 4 and 5) can use the case to explore signaling theory, capital structure theory, and how firm capital structures are influenced by state and federal tax considerations. Tax accounting courses (Levels 4 and 5) can use the case to explore the concepts and calculations of state franchise taxes.
Impact of postoperative dexamethasone on survival, steroid dependency, and infections in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients.

Background We examined the effect of dexamethasone prescribed in the initial 3 postoperative weeks on survival, steroid dependency, and infection in glioblastoma patients. Methods In this single-center retrospective cohort analysis, we electronically retrieved inpatient administration and outpatient prescriptions of dexamethasone and laboratory values from the medical record of 360 glioblastoma patients. We correlated total dexamethasone prescribed from postoperative day (POD) 0 to 21 with survival, dexamethasone prescription from POD30 to POD90, and diagnosis of an infection by POD90. These analyses were adjusted for age, Karnofsky performance status score, tumor volume, extent of resection, IDH1/2 tumor mutation, tumor MGMT promoter methylation, temozolomide and radiotherapy initiation, and maximum blood glucose level. Results Patients were prescribed a median of 159 mg [109-190] of dexamethasone cumulatively by POD21. Every 16-mg increment (4 mg every 6 hours/day) of total dexamethasone associated with a 4% increase in mortality (95% confidence interval [CI] 1%-7%, P < .01), 12% increase in the odds of being prescribed dexamethasone from POD30 to POD90 (95% CI 6%-19%, P < .01), and 10% increase in the odds of being diagnosed with an infection (95% CI, 4%-17%, P < .01). Of the 175 patients who had their absolute lymphocyte count measured in the preoperative week, 80 (45.7%) had a value indicative of lymphopenia. In the POD1-POD28 period, this proportion was 82/167 (49.1%). Conclusions Lower survival, steroid dependency, and higher infection rate in glioblastoma patients associated with higher dexamethasone administration in the initial 3 postoperative weeks. Nearly half of the glioblastoma patients are lymphopenic preoperatively and up to 1 month postoperatively.
Student-Driven, Curriculum-Embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (SD-CUREs) in the Senior Chemistry Curriculum and its Impact on Students

Curriculum-embedded undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have the unique advantage that all students enrolled in a course engage in authentic scientific research. While CUREs guided by faculty research interests are common, this article describes CUREs embedded in the senior chemistry curriculum that were driven entirely by students’ research interests. Activities are described in detail that brought student-driven CUREs (SD-CUREs) from their inception of defining research questions to the fruition of presenting results at multiple venues to diverse audiences, over the course of the academic year. These activities included building students’ proficiency in analytical instrumentation, enhancing their library research and technical writing skills, and providing support as students developed research questions and laboratory protocols starting from the primary literature. Students gained experience in grant writing by submitting proposals to the “Capstone Projects Grant” funded by The Evergreen State College Foundation. Support provided by the science staff, the librarian/writing instructor, as well as financial support from the college were instrumental in the success of the SD-CUREs. While there were some inherent challenges, SD-CUREs resulted in the evolution of a research community of engaged student leaders who demonstrated ownership of their research projects and were supportive and conducive to the success of all students. A survey of students indicated very positive impressions of the CUREs. Assessment tools used for the SD-CUREs, success of students beyond the CUREs, and the impact of COVID-19 on the CUREs are discussed in the article.
The Mouse and Its Forms

An understanding of the different aspects of the H-2 system requires some knowledge of the animal inherent to the system, the mouse. This chapter summarizes the essential information on the various forms of wild and domesticated mice.
Drinking and Nostalgia: Social Imagination in Postsocialist Romania

This paper stems from my previous work on social drinking and nostalgia in postsocialist Romania. My aim is to understand the way experiences and practices constitutive of individual and collective forms of self-understanding in socialism are retrospectively valued at present, as well as to account for social drinking as a particular object of nostalgia. In this sense, I try to understand the way the discourse about the past is constitutive of the present condition of those articulating it.
Postoperative Radiotherapy for Non-Small Cell Carcinoma

The role of post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Currently, the available evidence suggests that PORT is indicated for stage II and III (node-positive) NSCLC, but not for stage I NSCLC. However, it is still disputed in which cases patterns of failure necessitate further treatment following surgery, and if it is warranted, the question becomes whether to do radiotherapy instead of or with (before, during, or after) chemotherapy. Study of PORT is further complicated by the improvement of radiotherapy techniques in recent decades, and the shortage of well-defined prospective randomized trials since their implementation. Advances in technology have allowed more precise administration of higher doses of radiation with lower exposure of healthy tissues, resulting in greater local control and lower treatment-related toxicities. Weighing the benefits and risks to determine the overall usefulness of PORT is difficult and will require future studies.
Control of Robotic Vehicles with Actively Articulated Suspensions in Rough Terrain

Future robotic vehicles will perform challenging tasks in rough terrain, such as planetary exploration and military missions. Rovers with actively articulated suspensions can improve rough-terrain mobility by repositioning their center of mass. This paper presents a method to control actively articulated suspensions to enhance rover tipover stability. A stability metric is defined using a quasi-static model, and optimized on-line. The method relies on estimation of wheel-terrain contact angles. An algorithm for estimating wheel-terrain contact angles from simple on-board sensors is developed. Simulation and experimental results are presented for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Sample Return Rover that show the control method yields substantially improved stability in rough-terrain.
An alternative method for generation of ULF waves by ionospheric heating

[1] We present results from a numerical study of the generation of ULF waves by the ionospheric feedback instability (IFI) initiated by heating the ionosphere with a powerful HF transmitter. Previous investigations in this area suggested that even a relatively weak modification of the ionospheric conductivity by the heater can initiate IFI and enhance its development, if the heating wave is modulated with a frequency of the most feedback-unstable ULF mode. In this paper, we show that the development of the instability and, as a result, the generation of ULF waves, can be significantly enhanced if the heating spot is moved in the direction of the background electric field with the velocity defined from a simulation of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere model.
Inhomogeneous stretch induced patterning of molecular orientation in liquid crystal elastomers

Abstract Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) is soft active material, which can have large deformation when subjected to various external stimuli. Due to the coupling between the orientation of liquid crystal (LC) molecules in the elastomer and the deformation of LCEs, mechanical behaviors of LCEs can be significantly modified by manipulating LC molecular orientation field in the material. In the letter, we demonstrate, for the first time, that inhomogeneous and anisotropic stretch field can be used to pattern LC molecular orientation in the LCE during its synthesis. We further show that different active deformation modes can be realized in LCE sheets with different patterns of LC molecules. The method developed in the letter to pattern LC molecular orientation field in the LCE is facile and effective, which may find wide applications in fabricating programmable materials and structures.
Stress intensity factors for slightly kinked, partially closed cracks in compression

Abstract A solution is presented for the elastic stress intensity factors at the tips of a slightly kinked, partially closed crack in compression. The solution is accurate to first order in the deviation of the crack surface from a straight line and is carried out using perturbation procedures analogous to those of Banichuk (Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR Mekh. Tverd. Tela7, 130 (1970)), Goldstein and Salganik (Int. J. Fracture 10, 507 (1974)) and Cotterell and Rice (Int. J. Fracture16, 155 (1980)) for the problem of an open crack. Comparison with the exact solution indicates that the asymptotic solution is accurate for values of the angle between the straight crack and its out-of-plunc kinks up to about 20°.
Conversion of glycerol to pyruvate by Escherichia coli using acetate- and acetate/glucose-limited fed-batch processes

We report the conversion of glycerol to pyruvate by E. coli ALS929 containing knockouts in the genes encoding for phosphoenolpyruvate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate formate lyase, the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and pyruvate oxidase. As a result of these knockouts, ALS929 has a growth requirement of acetate for the generation of acetyl CoA. In steady-state chemostat experiments using excess glycerol and limited by acetate, lower growth rates favored the formation of pyruvate from glycerol (0.60 g/g at 0.10 h−1 versus 0.44 g/g at 0.25 h−1), while higher growth rates resulted in the maximum specific glycerol consumption rate (0.85 g/g h at 0.25 h−1 versus 0.59 g/g h at 0.10 h−1). The presence of glucose significantly improved pyruvate productivity and yield from glycerol (0.72 g/g at 0.10 h−1). In fed-batch studies using exponential acetate/glucose-limited feeding at a constant growth rate of 0.10 h−1, the final pyruvate concentration achieved was about 40 g/L in 36 h. A derivative of ALS929 which additionally knocked out methylglyoxal synthase did not further increase pyruvate productivity or yield, indicating that pyruvate formation was not limited by accumulation of methylglyoxal.
Isoelectric points of proteins: A table

We have prepared a table of isoelectric points (pZ) of proteins selected from the literature. Initially, we retrieved a computerized bibliography from the MEDLARS data base covering the time period of January 1970-March 1976. This search, supplemented by an additional search of Biological Abstracts, produced about 3000 citations. From this bibliography we initially screened about 1000 papers and selected 400 for the table. These papers were chosen to be representative rather than comprehensive. Data obtained were collected according to the following scheme: 1. Only named proteins are recorded. Classes of proteins (ribosomal, membrane, etc.) are not included. 2. Only pZ’s obtained by isoelectric focusing in the presence of carrier ampholytes are included in the table. These values are taken directly from the text and have not been normalized for effects of temperature or other factors that might affect the apparent pZ. All values are rounded off to one decimal place. 3. pZ values were determined under nondenaturing conditions except where indicated (** denotes values obtained by isoelectric focusing in the presence of urea). pi’s for protein subunits have not been included. 4. In cases where there are several reports for the pZ of a given protein, we have selected only one of several references. This was usually the most accessible reference. 5. When only one or two major forms were present, those values are listed. With multiple forms, the pZ range is given. In a pZ range with one predominant component, that pZ is listed first and underlined, e.g., 5.7, 5.5-6.0 represents multiple forms with pi’s between 5.5 and 6.0, with the major component at pZ 5.7.
Factors influencing fetal macrophage development: I. Reactions of the tumor necrosis factor‐α cascade and their inhibitors

BACKGROUND: When fetal rat lungs are explanted to organ culture, precursor angular cells soon convert to nascent macrophages that multiply rapidly as they mature into efficient phagocytes. The present study examines the influence of proinflammatory early cytokines of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) cascade on this initial expression of the macrophage phenotype. METHODS: Fourteen- and 15-day fetal rat lungs were grown for varying periods on an agar-solidified medium with and without test factors added singly or in combination. Growth of the macrophage population was followed daily by light microscopy and quantified by measuring the area of coronas formed as cells emerged from explants. RESULTS: TNF alpha interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) stimulated growth of the macrophage population, as had macrophage- and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (M- and GM-CSFs) in prior studies. Inhibition was obtained by exposure to IL-1 receptor antagonist and antibodies neutralizing the CSFs. Only the effects of TNF alpha were sufficiently delayed to discount possible influence on conversion and growth of nascent macrophages. Two transcription blockers, dexamethasone and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of nuclear factor NF-kappa B, both profoundly suppressed macrophage growth without preventing conversion of precursors. Effects of dexamethasone were significantly ameliorated by IL-1 beta alone and combined with GM-CSF; those of PDTC were mitigated by M-CSF and a combination of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha but not by GM-CSF. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1 beta, M-CSF, and GM-CSF all promote growth of the young macrophage population. TNF alpha is effective only later on, likely because early-stage cells lack its receptors which normally use intracellular signalling pathways similar to those for IL-1. The severity of PDTC inhibition to population growth indicates that NF-kappa B is important for transmitting proliferative signals in these cells.
Chemical Modification of Alginates in Organic Solvent Systems

Alginates are (1→4)-linked linear copolysaccharides composed of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and its C-5 epimer, α-l-guluronic acid (G). Several strategies to synthesize organically modified alginate derivatives have been reported, but almost all chemistries are performed in either aqueous or aqueous-organic media. The ability to react alginates homogeneously in organic solvents would open up access to a wide range of new chemistries and derivatives. However, past attempts have been restricted by the absence of methods for alginate dissolution in organic media. We therefore report a strategy to dissolve tetrabutylammonium (TBA) salts of alginic acid in polar aprotic solvents containing tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). Acylation of TBA-alginate was performed under homogeneous conditions, such that both M and G residues were acetylated up to a total degree of substitution (DS) ≈1.0. Performing the same reaction under heterogeneous conditions resulted in selective acylation of M residues. Regioselectivity in the acylated alginate products was studied, and degradation under basic reaction conditions was probed.
Rotation-matrix-based attitude control without angular velocity measurements

Rigid-body attitude control without angular velocity measurements is considered. The error rotation matrix describing the attitude error is used directly within the control algorithm. A controller composed of a proportional control term and an angular velocity control term is first considered. The proportional control term is a function of the error rotation matrix, while the angular velocity control term is realized by a strictly positive real system. Asymptotic stability of a desired closed-loop equilibrium point is shown, and a derivative free implementation of the controller is identified for use when angular velocity measurements are not available. Numerical simulation results demonstrate successful set-point regulation and noise mitigation.
One and two codon insertion mutants of bacteriophage f1.

Simple methods for introducing one or two extra codons of genetic information into the f1 genome in vitro have been devised. The methods use various combinations of enzymes to insert three or six base-pairs into the RF DNA of the bacteriophage. Since such insertions do not cause frameshifts in coding regions, a number of these mutants are viable. Several such mutants were mapped and characterized. The methods described and variations of them can be applied to other circular DNA genomes.
Polycrystal Plasticity Based Predictions of Strain Localization in Metal Forming

In this study, a multiscale material model is employed to simulate two metal forming processes: 2D plane strain compression and a 3D biaxial bulge test. A generalized Taylor-type polycrystal model is employed to describe the fine scale viscoplastic response of the material, while the coarse scale response is computed using a multiphysics finite element code. The coupling between the local responses of the textured polycrystal and the continuum level is achieved via an adaptive sampling framework, which is shown to greatly reduce the total number of fine scale evaluations required to achieve a specified error tolerance. The anisotropy represented at the fine scale is sufficient to observe strain localization in both forming processes. For the case of idealized plane strain compression, a fairly diffuse yet distinct patterning of plastic strain localization develops in a manner consistent with experimental observations. The application of friction constraints to the compression surfaces-as is present in channel die compression tests-dramatically strengthens and redistributes the localization patterns. The simulated biaxial bulge test also demonstrates strain localization that is in agreement with the locations of diffuse necks in experimental observations. The tests are conducted using a federated multiple-program multiple-data simulation, which allows for load balancing between the coarse and fine scale calculations. Such a simulation framework is capable of efficiently embedding physically robust, but computationally expensive material models in component scale simulations appropriate to design decisions.
Plant responses to stocking rate in a subtropical grass-legume pasture

(...)The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of such mixtures. Effects of stocking rate and grazing season on botanical composition, herbage availability, and herbage nutritive value were evaluated on a Pomona fine sand (sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic Ultic Haplaquod). Following overseeding of legumes in March 1987, pastures were grazed at three stocking rates in summer 1987 and in spring and summer 1988. Carpon desmodium increased from less than 1% at the start of grazing in 1987 to over 7% of the live herbage in 1988. Combined percentage of aeschynomene plus phasey bean decreased during 1987 from more than 4 to 1.6% (...)
Exact quantum, quasiclassical, and semiclassical reaction probabilities for the collinear F+H2 → FH+H reaction

Exact quantum, quasiclassical, and semiclassical reaction probabilities and rate constants for the collinear reaction F+D_2 → FD+D are presented. In all calculations, a high degree of population inversion is predicted with P^R_(03) and P^R(04) being the dominant reaction probabilities. In analogy with the F+H_2 reaction (preceding paper), the exact quantum 0→3 and 0→4 probabilities show markedly different energy dependence with PR03 having a much smaller effective threshold energy (E_T=0.014 eV) than P^R_(04) (0.055 eV). The corresponding quasiclassical forward probabilities P^R_(03) and P^R_(04) are in poor agreement with the exact quantum ones, while their quasiclassical reverse and semiclassical counterparts provide much better approximations to the exact results. Similar comparisons are also made in the analysis of the corresponding EQ, QCF, QCR, and USC rate constants. An information theoretic analysis of the EQ and QCF reaction probabilities indicates nonlinear surprisal behavior as well as a significant isotope dependence. Additional quantum results at higher energies are presented and discussed in terms of threshold behavior and resonances. Exact quantum reaction probabilities for the related F+HD → FH+D and F+DH → FD+H reactions are given and an attempt to explain the observed isotope effects is made.
Metabolic influence of gabapentin in brain

De novo synthesis of glutamate in excised rat retinas results in incorporation of 14CO2 into neuronal glutamate that is partially (30%) inhibited by the neuroactive drug gabapentin (Lieth et al. 2001). Gabapentin inhibits the cytosolic form of branched chain aminotransferase (BCATc) and prevents formation of glutamate via transamination of α-ketoglutarate by branched chain aminoacids. The present study was an evaluation of the influence of gabapentin on glutamate synthesis in the whole brain in vivo. Gabapentin or vehicle was given IP (100 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the experiment. The rats were continuously infused through the jugular vein with H14CO3 (1.0 mCi/h) and U13C-glucose (1 mm) while blood samples were taken from the carotid artery. Blood H14CO3 specific activity and U13C glucose concentration remained constant throughout infusions and rats were sacrificed at 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 min Heads were quick frozen in liquid nitrogen and frozen brains removed and extracted with perchloric acid. 14C-metabolites were separated chromatographically and assayed as described previously. The 13C data are currently being analyzed to determine 13C-glutamate turnover. The 14C-glutamate specific activity increased with a half-life of 6 ± 1 min in control rats and 9 ± min in gabapentin treated rats. At steady state, the H14CO3 in the control glutamate pool was 8.90 ± 0.3 and 7.92 ± 0.6 nmoles/mg protein in the gabapentin pool. The corresponding values in the glutamine pools were 9.48 ± 0.4 and 7.73 ± 0.6 nmoles/mg protein. The data suggest that gabapentin also inhibits de novo synthesis of glutamate in the whole brain but less so than in the intact excised retina. Nevertheless, gabapentin may induce larger changes in brain areas with high concentrations of glutamatergic neurons.
Robustness of a methodology for estimating hourly energy consumption of buildings using monthly utility bills

The evaluation of building energy consumption under typical meteorological conditions requires building energy profiles on an hourly basis. Computer simulations can be used to obtain this information, but generating simulations requires a significant amount of experience, time, and effort to enter detailed building parameters. This paper considers a simple methodology for using existing EnergyPlus benchmark building energy profiles to estimate the energy profiles of buildings with similar characteristics to a given benchmark model. The method utilizes the building monthly energy bills to scale a given benchmark building energy profile to approximate the real building energy profile. In particular, this study examines the robustness of the methodology considered with respect to the parameter discrepancies between a given building and the corresponding EnergyPlus benchmark model used to estimate its profile. Test buildings are defined by perturbing several combinations of the parameters defined in the benchmark building model. The test buildings examined are similar to the EnergyPlus, medium sized office, benchmark building in Baltimore, MD, and a total of 72 distinct test building configurations are examined. The analysis reveals that the methodology can significantly reduce the errors introduced by discrepancies from the EnergyPlus benchmark model.
Application of mathematical morphology to the automated determination of microstructural characteristics of composites

Secondary electron microscope images of silicon carbide particles in aluminum metal matrix composites show that many of the particles appear in clusters. In order to determine the stiffness of the material, microstructural characteristics such as orientation and percentage area of the particles have to be evaluated. To facilitate this, the connectivity among the various particles has to be broken. Three algorithms have been developed that are fairly successful in separating the particles. The results of the three methods are compared with a manual method of separating the particles in images.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Guide for Submissions to the Features and Information Section—A Wealth of Opportunities

The associate editor for the Features and Information (F&I) section of the Journal of Economic Education provides an overview of articles published in this section over the last 20 years with emphasis on pieces that serve as exceptional models for potential contributions. She also offers advice on topics and stylistic approach to authors considering a submission to F&I.
Telling the mother's story: History and connection in the autobiographies of Maxine Hong Kingston and Kim Chemin

(1987). Telling the mother's story: History and connection in the autobiographies of Maxine Hong Kingston and Kim Chemin. Women's Studies: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 55-63.
High-Resolution High-Speed Panoramic Cardiac Imaging System

A panoramic cardiac imaging system consisting of three high-speed CCD cameras has been developed to image the surface electrophysiology of a rabbit heart via fluorescence imaging using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye. A robust, unique mechanical system was designed to accommodate the three cameras and to adapt to the requirements of future experiments. A unified computer interface was created for this application-a single workstation controls all three CCD cameras, illumination, stimulation, and a stepping motor that rotates the heart. The geometric reconstruction algorithms were adapted from a previous cardiac imaging system. We demonstrate the system by imaging a polymorphic cardiac tachycardia.
Complete Rations for Dairy Cattle. II. Sugarcane Bagasse Pellets as Roughage in Blended Rations for Lactating Cows

Abstract Three groups of six lactating cows were allotted to complete rations containing either 25% sugarcane bagasse pellets, 25% cottonseed hulls, or 12.5% of each which were fed ad libitum for 10 wk in a continuous trial. Covariance adjusted dry matter intake as percent of body weight, kg milk/day, kg solids corrected milk/day and milk fat percent on the respective rations averaged 3.9, 4.1, 4.0; 21.7, 22.8, 21.7; 22.0, 20.6, 21.1; and 4.1, 3.8 and 3.8. Sugarcane bagasse pellets were a satisfactory roughage substitute for cottonseed hulls. In Experiment II 36 lactating cows were assigned to complete rations containing 20, 25, or 30% sugarcane bagasse pellets fed ad libitum for 15 wk. Within each bagasse percent Coastal bermuda hay (1.36kg offered/cow daily), sodium bentonite (3.7% of complete ration) or the control ration for that bagasse percent was fed for 5-wk periods (3x3 Latin square design). Covariance adjusted means for dry matter intake as percent of body weight, kg milk/day, milk fat percent; kg solids corrected milk/day, solids-not-fat percent, and protein percent were 3.5, 3.6, 3.5; 18.6, 18.5, 18.1: 4.3, 4.7, 4.6; 18.8, 20.1, 19.2: 9.09, 9.15, 9.20; and 3.6, 3.6 and 3.6 for the 20, 25, and 30% bagasse rations. Cows on the 20% bagasse ration produced more solids corrected milk when hay was fed, and solids-not-fat percent was highest on the 30% bagasse ration.
Serum IgE responses to Alternaria in Th1-biased Fisher-344 rats

Abstract Rationale Allergens containing proteases can induce Th2 responses in Th1-biased mice, including airway hyperresponsiveness, BAL eosinophilia, peribronchial inflammation, and airway goblet cell metaplasia. We hypothesized that exposing Th1-biased rats to protease-containing allergen (crude Alternaria ) would result in a Th2-biased response (increase in crude Alternaria -specific IgE levels). Methods Using Fisher-344 rats, we evaluated IgE responses to crude Alternaria exposure. Group 1 was sensitized subcutaneously to crude Alternaria in AlOH 3 at week 0 and exposed to nebulized crude Alternaria (150 mg protein) twice weekly for 5 weeks. Group 2 was sensitized subcutaneously to crude Alternaria in AlOH 3 at week 0 and exposed to intranasal crude Alternaria (0.6 mg protein) twice weekly for 5 weeks. Group 3 (not sensitized) was exposed to nebulized crude Alternaria (150 mg protein) twice weekly for 5 weeks. Group 4 (not sensitized) was exposed to nebulized saline twice weekly for 5 weeks. Blood samples were drawn weekly. Crude Alternaria -specific IgE levels were evaluated via ELISA. Results No statistically significant differences in crude Alternaria -specific IgE levels were demonstrated between groups (p>0.05). Protease content in the crude Alternaria extract (quantitated using a protease assay kit) was 130 ng/mg. Endotoxin level in the crude Alternaria extract (quantitated using an LAL test performed by Cambrex BioScience) was 21.5 EU/mg. Conclusions We were unable to induce IgE responses to Alternaria in the Fisher-344 rat model. Neither the threshold dose of protease to induce Th2 responses or the threshold dose of endotoxin to induce Th1 responses in rodents are currently known.
A Note on the Cultural Aspects of the WAIS Vocabulary Subtest in Relation to British Mental Patients

An attempt has been made to study Robertson and Batcheldor's rank order of difficulty of the WAIS vocabulary subtest on a fresh sample of British mental patients. The results give general support to their findings with minor divergences, particularly in relation to the items slice and perimeter. It is suggested that the present order of difficulty of items would be preferable to Wechsler's, especially when dealing with psychiatric subjects. Furthermore, it is more advantageous to apply this test in full when dealing with such cases rather than to follow Wechsler's ‘discontinue’ direction.
Characterization of deep centers in bulk n-type 4H–SiC

Abstract Nitrogen-related shallow centers and defect- and impurity-related deep centers in nitrogen doped bulk n-type 4H–SiC were characterized by high temperature Hall effect and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements. Two nitrogen centers at E c −0.048 and −0.098 eV, with a concentration close to each other, and a poorly resolved deep donor level, with activation energy of 0.58 eV, were found by fitting the Hall-effect data. A dominant DLTS deep center is observed at E c −0.61–0.63 eV due to electric field effect, with a concentration of ∼1.2×10 15 cm −3 . The center is believed to be the Z 1 center (also called Z 1 / Z 2 (4H)), which is often observed in as-grown and implanted or irradiated 4H–SiC epilayers and is speculated to be a vacancy-type defect. Correlation between the Hall effect deep donor and Z 1 suggests that Z 1 is donor-like.