cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of phosphorylation of the c-erbB-2/HER2 gene product by a monoclonal antibody and serum growth factor(s) in human mammary carcinoma cells.

Abstract Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 4D5 was used to analyze the phosphorylation of p185HER2, the gene product of c-erbB-2/HER2, in SK-BR-3 cells. Culture in the continuous presence of 4D5 reduced the in vivo steady-state levels of p185HER2 phosphorylation by 80% in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that MAb 4D5 may have interfered with the activation of phosphorylation of p185HER2. The observed MAb-mediated reduction of p185HER2 phosphorylation could not be completely accounted for by down-regulation. When cultures were grown under serum-free conditions, the steady-state levels of p185HER2 phosphorylation were reduced by 56%, and addition of 4D5 further inhibited phosphorylation to 20% of steady-state levels. With continuous exposure to increasing concentrations of newborn calf serum in these cultures, there was a linear increase in tyrosine-specific phosphorylation of p185HER2, reaching a 5.4-fold increase with 10% newborn calf serum. Phosphorylation of p185HER2 in the presence of newborn calf serum was not attributable to stimulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by epidermal growth factor or by transforming growth factor-alpha. Extension of these observations to two other mammary carcinoma cell lines. MDA-MB-453 and BT-474, also demonstrated a significant capacity of serum to induce p185HER2 phosphorylation. The demonstration of antibody-mediated partial inhibition of phosphorylation under serum-free conditions suggests that mammary carcinoma cells may also produce and secrete a factor or factors which may activate p185HER2. Our observation that growth-inhibitory MAb 4D5 is able to reduce the phosphorylation of p185HER2 by newborn calf serum and by a cellular-derived factor(s) suggests the existence of a growth factor(s) which uses phosphorylation of p185HER2 as a signal transduction pathway to regulate cell proliferation.
Clean Water for La Ceiba El Salvador - Household Biosand Filters

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) at Rowan University is a student-led organization that combines skills learned in the university classroom with real world experience, channeling the passion and knowledge of students to partner with communities in developing nations to solve engineering problems. In doing so, students learn civic responsibility, heighten their social awareness, and become actively contributing citizens of communities in both the United States and around the world. Students also learn skills that apply to the workplace, including project and team management, planning and organization, communication, fundraising and budgets, engineering "on the ground," and knowledge transfer. The Rowan EWB chapter partnered with the residents of La Ceiba, El Salvador to construct household biosand filters to achieve the ultimate goal of providing potable drinking water for the community. The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) describe the Rowan Engineering Clinic course sequence, used to prepare and award credit to students working on EWB projects; (2) describe the La Ceiba project, focusing on the process used to identify and implement the ultimate solution; and (3) provide information on the household biosand filters that could be useful to other service organizations. As of January 2013, 54 filters have been installed. The filter recipients are satisfied and able to maintain their filters, with a notable self-reported decrease in water-related illness. Some filters cracked, and even leaked, but the local concrete vendor worked with residents to make repairs. Iterations in the filter box design have reduced the cracking problem. Community residents are maintaining their own filters.
A novel switched-capacitor based partial power architecture for a 20 MHz resonant SEPIC

This paper presents a new switched-capacitor (SC) based partial power architecture which enhances the performance of resonant dc-dc converters operating at high frequency (HF, 3 MHz–30 MHz) and very high frequency (VHF, above 30 MHz). A wider input and output range, larger voltage conversion ratio, smaller size and excellent transient performance are expected. The prototype comprises of a 20MHz resonant single-ended-primary-inductor-converter (SEPIC) as a regulated stage and a high-efficiency (96.5 %) 200 kHz SC as an unregulated stage. The resonant SEPIC handles 30 % of total the input power while regulates the output using a high bandwidth (170 kHz) ON/OFF PWM control scheme, which enables fast transient responses. The high-efficiency SC processes 70 % of the input power and provides a large voltage conversion ratio. The low energy storage requirements of the proposed converters allow the use of air-core inductors and ceramic capacitors, thereby eliminating magnetic core loss, and short-lived electrolytic capacitors. The power stage of the prototype achieves a peak efficiency of 93.7 % and a power density of 705.86 W/in3 at 93.88 W.
Super Cilia Skin: A Textural Interface

AbstractThe Tangible Media Group has done a series of investigations into new multi-modal computer interfaces that utilize gesture and the sense of touch to improve interpersonal communication, education, and access to digital information. “Interactive surfaces” are one of our most promising lines of research and this article will look in depth at the design, implementation, and possible applications of interactive surfaces through an example project, Super Cilia Skin, an Interactive Membrane.Super Cilia Skin (SCS) is a computationally enhanced membrane that couples tactile/ kinesthetic input with tactile and visual output. Our prototype manipulates the orientation of an array of yarn-like actuators (cilia) to display dynamic images or physical gestures. Like cloth, SCS is designed to be applied to arbitrary objects to engage sight and touch. Unlike traditional textiles, SCS can sense touch and dynamically move its surface. This article will discuss the potential for scale shifts with actuated textiles in...
Best response dynamics for continuous games

We extend the convergence result of Hofbauer and Sorin for the best response differential inclusions coming from a nonconcave, nonconvex continuous payoff function U(x,y). A counterexample shows that convergence to a Nash equilibrium may not be true if we attempt to generalize the result to a three-person nonzero sum game.
Combination Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor and Interferon-γ Administration Ameliorates the Osteopetrotic Condition in Microphthalmic (mi/mi) Mice

Malignant osteopetrosis is a fatal congenital bone disorder characterized by defective osteoclastic function. Death frequently occurs within the first decade of life. The precise molecular defect(s) that causes osteopetrosis is not known. The possibility that osteoclasts, like macrophages, are controlled by interactions with cytokines suggests that these agents may provide a means of increasing osteoclastic function. Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), a cytokine known to enhance macrophage and osteoclast generation, and recombinant human interferon-gamma (rIFN), a cytokine known to stimulate superoxide generation by white cells, were administered to microphthalmic (mi/mi) mice in an attempt to improve the osteopetrotic condition. Each cytokine was administered separately and in combination to neonatal mi/mi mice for 7 consecutive d. Bone turnover, osteoclast numbers, superoxide generation by white cells, and hematocrit were assessed. rIFN, M-CSF, and a combination of the cytokines stimulates oxygen-derived free radical production by white cells and increased bone resorption. rIFN resulted in a reduction in the number of osteoclasts. This reduction in number was ameliorated by M-CSF. M-CSF alone and in combination with rIFN resulted in improved hematopoietic function, increased weight gain, and increased physical activity of the affected mutants.
The ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA2 as a mediator of intracellular trafficking

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a family of proteins that translocate molecules across cellular membranes. Substrates can include lipids, cholesterol and drugs. Mutations in ABC transporter genes can cause human pathologies and drug resistance phenotypes in cancer cells. ABCA2, the second member the A sub-family to be identified, was found at high levels in ovarian carcinoma cells resistant to the anti-cancer agent, estramustine (EM). In vitro models with elevated levels of ABCA2 are resistant to a variety of compounds, including estradiol, mitoxantrone and a free radical initiator, 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) (AAPH). ABCA2 is most abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), ovary and macrophages. Enhanced expression of ABCA2 and related proteins, including ABCA1, ABCA4 and ABCA7, is found in human macrophages upon bolus cholesterol treatment. ABCA2 also plays a role in the trafficking of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived free cholesterol and is coordinately expressed with genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Additionally, ABCA2 expression has been linked with gene cluster patterns consistent with pathologies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 14 of the ABCA2 gene was shown to be linked to early onset AD in humans, supporting the observation that ABCA2 expression influences levels of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta), the primary component of senile plaques. ABCA2 may play a role in cholesterol transport and affect a cellular phenotype conducive to the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases including AD, atherosclerosis and cancer.
Unitarizing high-energy scattering amplitudes in field theories I: QED

Abstract Using a procedure which incorporates the s -channel unitarity and t -channel unitarity at every step, we calculate the scattering amplitudes of QED in the high-energy limit. We find that all scattering amplitudes, elastic and inelastic, are summarized by a single eikonal formula which is explicitly unitary.
Neural predictors of depression symptom course

Depression is a debilitating illness causing significant societal and personal suffering. Improvements in depression identification and treatment are essential to reduce its toll. Recent developments in rodent models of depression and neuroimaging of humans suffering from the illness provide avenues through which gains can be made toward reducing its burden. In this review, new findings, integrating across rodent models and human imaging are highlighted that have yielded new insights toward a basic understanding of the illness and provide possibilities for improved identification and treatment — hopefully reducing the duration of depression episodes across the population.
Yield Comparisons and Unique Characteristics of the Dwarf Wheat Cultivar 'USU-Apogee'

Abstract Extremely short, high yielding cultivars of all crop plants are needed to optimize the food production of bioregenerative life support systems in space. In the early 1980's, we examined over a thousand wheat genotypes from the world germplasm collection in search of genotypes with appropriate characteristics for food production in space. Here we report the results of 12 years of hybridization and selection for the perfect wheat cultivar. ‘USU-Apogee’ is a full-dwarf hard red spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar developed for high yields in controlled environments. USU-Apogee was developed by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and released in April 1996. USU-Apogee is a shorter, higher yielding alternative to ‘Yecora Rojo’ and ‘Veery-10’, the short field genotypes previously selected for use in controlled environments. The yield advantage of USU-Apogee is 10 to 30% over these other cultivars, depending on environmental conditions. USU-Apogee (45–50 cm tall, depending on temperature) is 10 to 15 cm shorter than Yecora Rojo and 1 to 4 cm shorter than Veery-10. USU-Apogee was also selected for resistance to the calcium-induced leaf tip chlorosis that occurs in controlled-environments. Breeder seed of USU-Apogee will be maintained by the Crop Physiology Laboratory and seed is available for testing on request.
Effects of organic acids on the edema of the stria vascularis induced by furosemide

Abstract Furosemide is a loop diuretic which is ototoxic. Investigations have shown the stria vascularis to be the traget tissue of this ototoxic drug. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of furosemide on the stria vascularis in chinchillas, in controls and in animals pretreated with the above organic acids. Control animals were injected with 0.5 ml alkalinized saline followed by furosemide IV 30 min later. Experimental animals received probenecid, penicillin or sodium salicylate IV. Thirty minutes later, furosemide was injected in the same dose as in the controls. The basal turn of the stria vascularis was rapidly removed at various times from 10 to 30 min after furosemide administration and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Control animals were found to have reversible edema of the stria vascularis. Experimental animals had variable findings. Those animals pretreated with penicillin had virtually no edema of the stria vascularis at any time. Salicylate and probenecid pretreated animals had significantly less edema from one to 10 min after furosemide injection, but more edema than controls at later times. These findings suggest a discrepancy between ultrastructural pathology and functional status of the cochlea in experimental animals pretreated with probenecid or sodium salicylate followed by furosemide. On the other hand, good structure function correlations were seen in controls and in experimental animals pretreated with penicillin.
La estimulación medular torácica es útil en el tratamiento del dolor post lesión medular cervical incompleta

Central neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury continues to represent a therapeutic challenge, perhaps due to the lack of understanding and consensus as to the neuropathophysiological symptomatic etiology. Spinal cord stimulation is a sophisticated minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain; however, in this case, we present a patient in whom thoracic spinal cord stimulation was the only successful approach to the treatment of lower extremity neuropathic pain after an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury.
Where do sex crimes occur? How an examination of sex offense location can inform policy and prevention

Although ample evidence demonstrates that sex crime policies focused on “stranger danger” types of offenses that occur in public places do little, if anything, to reduce sex crime, we have much les...
Peptide studies using a fast atom bombardment high field mass spectrometer and data system. 3--Negative ionization: mass calibration, data acquisition and structural characterization.

Under negative ionization conditions, nominal mass calibration of the fast atom bombardment high field mass spectrometer and data system was accomplished using cesium iodide/glycerol as a reference. Mass calibration at −8 kV accelerating potential extends from m/z 387 to m/z 2170 using xenon fast atoms. Negative xenon FAB mass spectra for human angiotensin I and human gastrin I complement their positive fast atom bombardment spectra. Negative xenon fast atom bombardment spectra of underivatized peptides exhibit molecular proton-abstracted ion envelopes and structurally significant fragment ions. Peptide mixture analysis under negative xenon fast atom bombardment reveals peptide molecular ion envelopes of higher relative intensities than under positive xenon fast atom bombardment.
Towards reverse engineering the brain: Modeling abstractions and simulation frameworks

Biological neural systems are well known for their robust and power-efficient operation in highly noisy environments. Biological circuits are made up of low-precision, unreliable and massively parallel neural elements with highly reconfigurable and plastic connections. Two of the most interesting properties of the neural systems are its self-organizing capabilities and its template architecture. Recent research in spiking neural networks has demonstrated interesting principles about learning and neural computation. Understanding and applying these principles to practical problems is only possible if large-scale spiking neural simulators can be constructed. Recent advances in low-cost multiprocessor architectures make it possible to build large-scale spiking network simulators. In this paper we review modeling abstractions for neural circuits and frameworks for modeling, simulating and analyzing spiking neural networks.
Adaptive finite element methods for the analysis of inviscid compressible flow: Part I. Fast refinement/unrefinement and moving mesh methods for unstructured meshes

New adaptive finite element methods are presented for the analysis of unsteady inviscid compressible flow in arbitrary two-dimensional domains. The procedures described herein are used in conjunction with a semi-explicit two-step algorithm for solving the time-dependent Euler equations in two space dimensions. Two schemes are presented for monitoring the evolution of error, and error estimates are used as a basis for a mesh refinement strategy. The capability of unrefinement (adaptively coarsening the mesh) is also included. The methods do not require a structured mesh and are applicable to quite general geometries.
Making Differences Ordinary in Inclusive Classrooms.

This article addresses the need to make differences ordinary as inclusive school programs are developed and implemented. Qualities that are hallmarks of inclusive classrooms and that ensure that di...
Sonication assisted Agrobacterium -mediated transformation enhances the transformation efficiency in flax ( Linum usitatissimum L . )

A sonication-assisted, Agrobacterium-mediated, co-cultivation technique was used in an attempt to increase the transformation efficiency of flax. Hypocotyls and cotyledons excised from about 10-day-old flax seedlings grown in vitro were placed into a 10 mM MgSO4 solution, and inoculated with an A. tumefaciens vector bearing the mgfp5-ER gene driven by the CaMV 35S promoter. The explants were subjected to pulses of ultrasound delivered by a sonicator apparatus (35 kHz) for 0–150 s and co-cultivated for 2 h at 27°C. The dried hypocotyls and cotyledons were grown on a selective MS medium to promote shoot regeneration. An electron microscopic study showed that the sonication treatment resulted in thousands of microwounds on and below the surface of the explants. A stereo microscope Leica MZ 12 equipped with a GFP adaptor was used to assess the infection and transformation of plant tissues in real time. After only 48 h and for at least 30 days after bacteria elimination, signs of transgene expression could be seen as a bright fluorescence. Our results show that treatment with ultrasound facilitates an enhanced uptake of plasmid DNA into the cells of flax hypocotyls and cotyledons and that its efficiency depends on the duration of the treatment and the frequency used. SAAT could be a promising tool for enhancing transformation efficiency in flax.
Evaluation of Cleaning and Washing Processes for Cotten Fiber Part VI : Histamine Analysis of Cotton Material1

Chemical and biological assay of dust material obtained from carding washed and unwashed cotton suggests the occurrence of a modest decrease in the histamine content of the dust following the washing process. Histamine-releasing activity is significantly reduced in the washed samples when analyzed by chemical assay. However, biological assay shows only insignificant reduction in histamine releasing after washing.
Cigarette Smoke, Bacteria, Mold, Microbial Toxins, and Chronic Lung Inflammation

Chronic inflammation associated with cigarette smoke fosters malignant transformation and tumor cell proliferation and promotes certain nonneoplastic pulmonary diseases. The question arises as to whether chronic inflammation and/or colonization of the airway can be attributed, at least in part, to tobacco-associated microbes (bacteria, fungi, and spores) and/or microbial toxins (endotoxins and mycotoxins) in tobacco. To address this question, a literature search of documents in various databases was performed. The databases included PubMed, Legacy Tobacco Documents Library, and US Patents. This investigation documents that tobacco companies have identified and quantified bacteria, fungi, and microbial toxins at harvest, throughout fermentation, and during storage. Also characterized was the microbial flora of diverse smoking and smokeless tobacco articles. Evidence-based health concerns expressed in investigations of microbes and microbial toxins in cigarettes, cigarette smoke, and smokeless tobacco products are reasonable; they warrant review by regulatory authorities and, if necessary, additional investigation to address scientific gaps.
Clinoenstatite in Alpe Arami Peridotite: Additional Evidence of Very High Pressure

Observations by transmission electron microscopy show that lamellae of clinoenstatite are present in diopside grains of the Alpe Arami garnet lherzolite of the Swiss Alps. The simplest interpretation of the orientation, crystallography, and microstructures of the lamellae and the phase relationships in this system is that the lamellae originally exsolved as the high-pressure C-centered form of clinoenstatite. These results imply that the rocks were exhumed from a minimum depth of 250 kilometers before or during continental collision.
Complement therapy in dry age-related macular degeneration

The leading cause of vision loss in industrialized countries is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its prevalence is increasing with the ageing of the population. Thus, since dysfunction of the local complement system is associated with AMD, the retinal pigment epithelium–choroid complex is a potential location for the delivery of novel therapeutic agents that target the complement cascade. We present an introduction to the complement cascade and a review of current literature that summarizes the role of current and future drugs that may potentially be available as targets in the management of AMD.
Analytical Risk Model for Automated Collision Avoidance Systems

An analytical procedure is developed for evaluating the risks associated with collision avoidance systems. Typically, system reliability analyses are fault-tree based and do not capture the dynamic interactions among various subsystems. Monte Carlo simulations can capture the underlying stochastic processes, but require a very large number of simulations to estimate rare events with sufficient accuracy. In this paper, the state space is augmented, so that discrete (non-homogeneous) Markov chains can be constructed and solved in closed form to evaluate system reliability. The presented method provides an efficient means for modeling dependent subsystems without explicit state-space representation of individual components by semi-inverting Markov chains for non-repairable portions of the model and using the obtained transition rates in the full Markov model. The developed procedure is general, but a specific application for the Advanced Aerospace Concept (AAC) is used to demonstrate the method capabilities and to compare the results with those of published Monte Carlo simulations. The advantage of the presented method is not only computational efficiency and higher precision, but increased transparencyof the contributing risk factors, which is particularly beneficial given the uncertainty about the input parameters and the associated need of sensitivity studies.
Automatic correction of biplane projection imaging geometry.

A novel method is presented for correcting errors in measurements of biplane projection imaging geometry without prior identification of corresponding points in the two images. For imaged objects that project onto both images, a constraint equation is obtained that relates weighted integrals along corresponding epipolar lines. The integrals are computed to first order in the angular beamwidth, which is assumed to be small. Starting from measured or estimated values, geometrical parameters are computed iteratively in order to maximize the correlation between epipolar line integrals in the two images. Improvement in the computation of corresponding epipolar lines is demonstrated on images of a wire phantom. The root mean square distance of the epipolar lines from the corresponding reference points is improved from 15 pixel widths to less than 4 pixel widths (1.3 mm). Convergence is demonstrated on phantom images for individual parameter variations up to 70% in relative magnification, a relative shift of the imaging planes by 50 pixels, or a relative rotation of at least 35° around either of two axes. Applicability to clinical images is demonstrated by using a biplane angiogram of a pig to align corresponding points determined from images of a Perspex cube acquired with the same geometry.
Functionalizable hydrogel microparticles of tunable size and stiffness for soft-tissue filler applications.

Particle size, stiffness and surface functionality are important in determining the injection site, safety and efficacy of injectable soft-tissue fillers. Methods to produce soft injectable biomaterials with controlled particle characteristics are therefore desirable. Here we report a method based on suspension photopolymerization and semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) to synthesize soft, functionalizable, spherical hydrogel microparticles (MP) of independently tunable size and stiffness. MP were prepared using acrylated forms of polyethylene glycol (PEG), gelatin and hyaluronic acid. Semi-IPN MP of PEG-diacrylate and PEG were used to study the effect of process parameters on particle characteristics. The process parameters were systematically varied to produce MP with size ranging from 115 to 515 μm and stiffness ranging from 190 to 1600 Pa. In vitro studies showed that the MP thus prepared were cytocompatible. The ratio and identity of the polymers used to make the semi-IPN MP were varied to control their stiffness and to introduce amine groups for potential functionalization. Slow-release polymeric particles loaded with Rhodamine or dexamethasone were incorporated in the MP as a proof-of-principle of drug incorporation and release from the MP. This work has implications in preparing injectable biomaterials of natural or synthetic polymers for applications as soft-tissue fillers.
Molecular Mechanisms of Propyne Oxidation on the Pt(111) Surface: In Situ Soft X-ray Studies in Pressures of Oxygen

Oxidation of preadsorbed propyne has been characterized on the Pt(111) surface in oxygen at pressures up to 0.009 Torr using fluorescence yield ultrasoft X-ray adsorption methods above the carbon K edge. A combination of temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) and temperature-programmed fluorescence yield near edge spectroscopy (TP-FYNES) experiments indicating that similar oxidation pathways occur both for coadsorbed oxygen and pressures of oxygen. Soft X-ray spectroscopy indicates that propyne's π system adsorbs nearly parallel to this surface with a saturation coverage of 1.45 × 1015 C atoms/cm2. Oxidation of small propyne coverages with coadsorbed oxygen results in simultaneous CO2 and H2O peaks at 320 and 420 K, as seen in TPRS. Oxidation of higher propyne coverages with coadsorbed oxygen results in a broad oxidation peak over the 350−420 K temperature range. Oxidation of a saturated propyne monolayer in oxygen pressures (TP-FYNES) results in a rapid decrease in carbon coverage over the s...
Reproducibility of Interfraction Lung Motion Probability Distribution Function Using Dynamic MRI: Statistical Analysis

Purpose To investigate the statistical reproducibility of craniocaudal probability distribution function (PDF) of interfraction lung motion using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Methods and Materials A total of 17 subjects, 9 healthy volunteers and 8 lung tumor patients, underwent two to three continuous 300-s magnetic resonance imaging scans in the sagittal plane, repeated 2 weeks apart. Three pulmonary vessels from different lung regions (upper, middle, and lower) in the healthy subjects and lung tumor patients were selected for tracking, and the displacement PDF reproducibility was evaluated as a function of scan time and frame rate. Results For both healthy subjects and patients, the PDF reproducibility improved with increased scan time and converged to an equilibrium state during the 300-s scan. The PDF reproducibility at 300 s (mean, 0.86; range, 0.70–0.96) were significantly ( p 2 frames/s. Conclusion A statistically significant improvement in PDF reproducibility was observed with a prolonged scan time among the 17 participants. The confirmation of PDF reproducibility over times much shorter than stereotactic body radiotherapy delivery duration is a vital part of the initial validation process of probability-based treatment planning for stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer.
Kinetic analysis of the cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)-cysteine reaction: Implications to the extent of platinum-DNA binding☆

The reaction between cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) and L-cysteine was examined at neutral pH at 37 degrees C. The reaction proceeds through a Pt(NH3)2 (cys)Cl intermediate which undergoes parallel reactions with a second molecule of cysteine to form a bis(cysteine) complex, Pt(NH3)2(cys)2 and with the starting platinum complex to form a cysteine-bridged dinuclear complex. In the presence of excess cysteine, the product is predominantly the bis(cysteine) complex. The intermediate is formed by the direct reaction of the platinum complex with cysteine with a bimolecular rate constant 2.2 +/- 0.2 x 10(-2) M-1.s-1 at 37 degrees C as well as through a rapid reaction with the mono aqua-platinum complex. The rate constant for the formation of the dimer was evaluated to be 0.24 +/- 0.4 M-1.s-1, an order of magnitude higher than that for the mononuclear complex formation. The intermediate reacts with a second cysteine molecule with a bimolecular rate constant, 5.6 +/- 0.4 x 10(-2) M-1.s-1. The rate constant for the equation of Pt(NH3)2(cys)Cl was evaluated to be 1.8 +/- 0.2 10(-4) s-1. The Pt-195 chemical shifts for the mono(cysteine), bis(cysteine), and cysteine bridged dimer were found to be -3308, -3705, and -3104 ppm. The bis(cysteine) complex at neutral pH undergoes slow reaction (t1/2 approximately equal to four days) to form a secondary product, presumably Pt(NH3)(cys)2, in which one cysteine acts a bidentate chelating agent. In acidic solution, with equimolar concentrations of cysteine and diaqua-platinum complex, the reaction predominantly yielded a cysteine bridged dimeric complex. When cysteine concentration was increased fourfold over the platinum complex, the bis(cysteine) chelate with complete removal of coordinated ammonia appeared as the dominant product. The platinum-195 chemical shift for this chelate was found to be -3290 ppm. Considering the abundance of thiols in amino acids/peptides and replication enzymes in the cellular milieu, it remains to be seen how platinum complexes react with DNA. Direct platination to replication enzymes as a possible mechanism for antineoplactic activity is yet to be ruled out.
From Serving Students to Serving the Economy: Changing Expectations of Faculty Role Performance.

In this article, it is argued that academic managers in state bureaucracies and universities are changing their expectations of faculty role. Such changes are generally justified as a necessary response to the fiscal crisis faced in many states. The nature and degree of these changing expectations are assessed through analysis of the goals and objectives addressing teaching, research and service in state, system and university planning documents as these bear on a single university over a ten year period (approximately 1970 to the present). Next, faculty behavior, as indicated by university statistics based on faculty activities reports, is examined to see if it is changing to conform to emerging managerial expectations. Finally, these changing role expectations are looked at in light of shifts in role resources.
A Novel End-to-End Architecture for H.264 Video Streaming over the Internet

In this paper we propose a novel end-to-end architecture for H.264 unicast video streaming over the Internet. The proposed video streaming architecture is based primarily on a new transport layer protocol, the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP). We show that the network-friendly specification of H.264, and the novel technical characteristics of SCTP, when coupled together are able to provide a highly adaptive and flexible system for unicast video streaming. More specifically, we develop algorithms that handle at the transport layer the following functions concerning video packet transmission: retransmission policy, packet prioritization, implicit receiver feedback. We combine the above algorithms with an R-D optimization strategy at the encoder, that provides more options when adapting to bandwidth variations. This combined optimization strategy leads to more options concerning the streaming parameters. Finally, with simulation results we prove that our system is capable of maintaining good perceptual quality and TCP-friendliness under various loss conditions.
Cerebral lateralization: relation to subject's sex.

Abstract Patterns of reflective LEM's have been correlated to a number of cognitive and personality variables, but the relationship to sex, education, and mental illness is unclear. In this study females produced significantly more R-LEM overall indicating a preferential use of left hemisphere mechanisms when they initiate reflective thought. Females also produced more R-LEM for verbal nonemotional material, suggesting stronger lateralization of language abilities to their left hemisphere. Emotional and spatial stimuli were less well lateralized to the right hemisphere in females, and education was an unimportant variable for both sexes. Schizophrenia was independently associated with increases in total R-LEM indicating increased left hemisphere activity in this group.
Why the Market Subverts Democracy

Proponents of neoliberalism contend that promoting free markets is nearly synonymous with promoting democracy. Even those who reject extreme neoliberalism and call for regulating markets often express reluctance to do so because such interventions, in their view, diminish economic freedom to some extent. After a critical examination of competing definitions of economic democracy, this article argues that, contrary to popular opinion, the market system undermines both economic and political democracy in a number of ways.
Density functional and ab initio studies on N-acetyl-duocarmycin SA: Insight into its DNA interaction properties

Abstract Density functional (DF) and Moller-Plesset second order perturbation (MP2) calculations were carried out on N-acetyl-duocarmycin SA (N-Ac-DSA), an analogue of a series of potent antitumor antibiotics that include the duocarmycins. These computational methods were used to investigate the degree of ground state destabilization of duocarmycins that would result upon binding to DNA. Ground state destabilization has been proposed as the origin of the ligand's enhanced rate of alkylation by more than a millionfold. The conformations of the ‘Unbound’ and ‘DNA-Bound’ N-Ac-DSA were generated using available geometric data for duocarmycin SA. Specifically, the dihedral angles χ1/χ2 were locked at 6.9°/4.5° for the Unbound and 22.0°/11.0° for the Bound form. The structures were optimized using DF theory, with subsequent MP2 calculations to improve the electronic energies. All of the calculations were performed on the unprotonated ( 1 Download : Download high-res image (60KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Structures and the numbering system for N-acetyl-duocarmycin SA, 1 , and its C6-carbonyl protonated form, 2 . ) as well as the C6-carbonyl protonated form ( 2 ). The results showed that the ground state destabilization energies of the Unbound and Bound forms, for the unprotonated and protonated series, were fairly small (
Conditional Inhibition of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Cascade by Wortmannin DEPENDENCE ON SIGNAL STRENGTH

Phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades are activated by many of the same ligands. Several groups have reported involvement of PI 3-kinase in the activation of Erk1 and Erk2, whereas many other groups have shown that activation of Erk1 and Erk2 is not sensitive to inhibitors of PI 3-kinase such as wortmannin. Here we show that wortmannin inhibition of the MAP kinase pathway is cell type- and ligand-specific. Wortmannin blocks platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-dependent activation of Raf-1 and the MAP kinase cascade in Chinese hamster ovary cells, which have few PDGF receptors, but has no significant effect on Erk activation in Swiss 3T3 cells, which have high levels of PDGF receptors. However, wortmannin blocks activation of Erk proteins if Swiss 3T3 cells are stimulated with lower, physiological levels of PDGF. These results suggest that PI 3-kinase is in an efficient pathway for activation of MAP kinase, but that MAP kinase can be stimulated by a redundant pathway when a large number of receptors are activated. We present evidence that a protein kinase C family member downstream of phospholipase Cgamma is involved in the redundant pathway.
Study on digital-analog hybrid model of synchronous generator with direct drive wind turbine

A digital-analog hybrid model of synchronous generator with direct drive wind turbine is formed based on realtime digital simulator HYPERSIM and Voltage Source Converter analog model. It combines with the merits of digital simulator and analog simulator. The dynamic behavior and responding character of the model is be studied by simulating steady and transient tests including network faults. The technical problems of real-time simulating the dynamic character of IGBT in wind turbine exactly are solved. This model provides an indispensable technical measure to study the strategy and parameters of the real wind turbine controllers. It can also be used to study the dynamic characteristic of the wind turbine connected to grid. Basic guidelines for the preparation of a technical work for the IEEE Power & Energy Society are presented.
Pediatric cardiac catheterization with same-day discharge

A system was developed for cardiac catheterization in children without overnight hospital stay (called same-day discharge). Over a 4 year period, 233 children (aged 5 weeks to 20 years) had catheterization with same-day discharge staying an average of 11.8 hours in the hospital. In all but 1, no problems occurred after hospital discharge; 1 child required readmission for psoas tendinitis after retrograde aortography. Same-day discharge was safely applied regardless of the patient's age, diagnosis, and use of systemic heparinization, large-bore sheaths, retrograde arterial catheterization, or cineangiography. The hospital-related cost of pediatric cardiac catheterization was reduced 29% compared with that of the standard 42 hour hospital stay. Same-day discharge provides attractive elements to the physician and institution involved in cardiac catheterizations, for example: (1) improved medical care by a decrease in the length of hospitalization, (2) a significant reduction in medical costs, and (3) elimination of time pressure in training and teaching as well as therapeutic decision-making. Critical factors for the successful application of same-day discharge are coordination of multiple health care professionals and physician judgment of the patient's clinical status. We speculate that reassessment of other hospital-oriented procedures may foster the development of methods for improving medical care or reducing cost, or both.
The KK effect in ππ scattering

Abstract The current picture of s-wave isoscalar ππ scattering shows a sharp rise of the phase shift δ00 through a resonance just below the K K threshold. A model based on coupled ππ and K K channels is developed for understanding this phenomenon. The method is one in which we analyze four form factors: the π to π and K to K matrix elements of two isoscalar sigma commutators derived from (3, 3 ) + ( 3 ,3) symmetry breaking. The equations for the system of coupled form factors are obtained from hard-meson current algebra and solved in terms of analytic functions having the ππ and K K cuts. Unitarity is invoked to extract the desired ππ phase shift. The dramatic influence of the K K channel is apparent in the solution and an excellent fit to the recent data is obtained. An S∗ resonance is among the resutls; the resonance pole on the second sheet is found at complex energy M − 1 2 iΓ = (1006−23i) MeV .
Intra- and extraganglionic peripheral cholinergic neurons in the urogenital organs of the cat.

The distribution of cholinergic neurons in the urinary tract and male genital organs of the cat was studied by a histochemical method for acetylcholinesterase. In addition to cell clusters in autonomic ganglia (intraganglionic cells), isolated extraganglionic cholinergic cells were found within the innervated tissues, usually in association with nerve trunks and blood vessels. Smaller neural cells with multiple axonal processes, identical to Cajal's “interstitial cells”, were found in the meshes of the terminal nerve plexus in smooth muscle, lamina propria and vascular wall.
Analysis of thermochemically-derived wood oil

Abstract An oil derived by thermochemical conversion of Douglas fir wood chips has been characterized by capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis after fractionation by vacuum distillation. The oil was composed primarily of phenols, but cyclic ketones and alcohols were also present in the low-boiling fraction. The alkenes, cycloalkenes, and alkyl benzenes reported by other workers were not found, and the potential for confusing cyclic ketones and alcohols with them on the basis of both mass spectra and retention times is discussed.
Effect of Surgical and Chemical In Ovo Bursectomy on Lymphocyte Density Scores and Histological Evaluations of Primary and Secondary Lymphoid Organs in Hypertensive and Hypotensive Turkeys

Abstract The effects of surgical and chemical in ovo bursectomy on the histology of primary and secondary lymphoid organs were studied in hypertensive and hypotensive lines of turkeys. The effects of bursectomy were measured by determining the presence of lymphatic nodules and the presence of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs: spleen, cecal tonsil, Meckel's diverticulum, and Peyer's patches; as well as in the thymus and bursa of Fabricius. No treatment effect on splenic nodule formation occurred, but a significantly lower lymphocyte density score was present in the surgically bursectomized group. Both nodule formation and lymphocyte density scores for the cecal tonsil and Peyer's patches were significantly reduced in the surgically bursectomized and testosterone-treated groups as compared with the control and sham groups. The most consistent depression in lymphatic scores in both the surgically and chemically bursectomized groups occurred in the Peyer's patches followed by cecal tonsils and Meckel's diverticulum. As expected, there were no differences in thymocyte density scores. There was no consistent effect on lymphatic scores due to blood pressure selection; however, the hypertensive line showed significantly lower scores than the hypotensive line in the bursa, cecal tonsils, and Peyer's patches. No differences between the sexes were noted in any organ.
Chaos and parametric management

Abstract In 1994 Marine Policy published an article on “Chaos, complexity and community management of fisheries“ by J A Wilson, J Acheson and P Kleban. It has given rise to a lively discourse in the journal and the editor is pleased to provide space for this further contribution to the debate.
Intermittency through modulational instability

Abstract Slightly overstable 2-d thermohaline convection in a horizontally infinite domain is governed by coupled Ginzburg-Landau equations with complex coefficients whose statistically steady solutions exhibit intermittency in space and time.
The ultrahistology of bone formation.

Abstract The palates of 1 day old mice were fixed in aqueous osmium tetraoxide and some were stained with alcoholic phosphotungstic acid. Thin sections were stained and demineralized in aqueous phosphotungstic acid and/or stained in uranyl acetate, or were examined without staining. In the differentiation of bone from mesenchyme, five phases could be discerned in the electron microscope: (1) The appearance of collagen fibrils among the preosteoblasts. (2) The aggregation of collagen fibrils into bundles. (3) The appearance of patches of inorganic particles, predominantly isometric in shape. After demineralization in aqueous phosphotungstic acid, condensed ground substance could be demonstrated between the fibril bundles in these patches. (4) The appearance of rodlet-shaped inorganic particles. (5) The coalescence of the isolated patches. In the apposition of bone by osteoblasts upon the surface of bone spicules, most of the same phases occurred. The phase of isometric inorganic particles was not seen in this material, although ground substance condensation occurred in areas filled with inorganic rodlets. Isolated patches of matrix did not occur. Mineralized bone in the bodies of spicules was filled with inorganic rodlets. After demineralization, substantial areas of condensed ground substance, previously filled with rodlets, were disclosed.
Outcomes of endoscopic incision for the treatment of ureterocele in children at a single institution.

Purpose: We assessed outcomes in children with ureterocele after transurethral incision at our institution between 2001 and 2014, focusing on end points of vesicoureteral reflux, improvement of hydronephrosis and need for second surgery.Materials and Methods: We performed chart reviews of 83 patients, collecting information including age at transurethral incision, gender, renal anatomy, ureterocele location, indication for transurethral incision, and preincision and postincision vesicoureteral reflux and hydronephrosis status. Patients were divided into those with single system and duplex system ureteroceles, and intravesical and extravesical location for analysis. Statistical evaluations were performed with the Wilcoxon rank test and Fisher exact test.Results: Transurethral incision was performed at a mean age of 34.2 months in patients with single system ureterocele and 8.9 months in those with duplex system ureterocele (p <0.0001). Cure rates (improvement of hydronephrosis and absence of vesicoureteral...
The contribution of qq̄ annihilations to dimuon production in πN interactions

We present data on dimuon production by 16 GeV π+ and π− beams on a Cu target. From the data we evaluate, for π−N collisions, the fraction of dimuon events that originate from the annihilation process qq → μ+μ−. Using this information the experimentally determined cross section for the process qq → μ+μ− is observed to be in agreement with the Drell-Yan model over a wide range of incident energies. The observed deviations from exact scaling are of the order predicted by QCD calculations for the Q2-dependence of the nucleon and the pion structure function.