cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-[18F]fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides, [18F]FAU, [18F]FMAU, [18F]FBAU and [18F]FIAU, as potential PET agents for imaging cellular proliferation: synthesis of [18F]labelled FAU, FMAU, FBAU, FIAU

Abstract An efficient and reliable synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-[ 18 F]fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides is presented. Overall decay-corrected radiochemical yields of 35-45% of 4 analogs, FAU, FMAU, FBAU and FIAU are routinely obtained in >98% radiochemical purity and with specific activities of greater than 3 Ci/μmol (110 MBq/μmol) in a synthesis time of approximately 3 hours. When ∼220 mCi (8.15 GBq) of starting [ 18 F]fluoride is used, 25 –30 mCi (0.93 –1.11 GBq) of product (enough to image two patients sequentially) is typically obtained.
A Wavelet-Based Preprocessing for Moving Object Segmentation in Video Sequences

A simple preprocessing method for extracting boundary regions of moving objects in a video sequence is presented. We use Chui's overssampled shift-invariant wavelet transform and the multiresolution motion estimation and compensation in the wavelet domain. Dominant prediction errors often appear along the boundary of a moving object. Our algorithm is developed to detect boundary regions at a coarse scale by utilizing the prediction error information provided in all subband images at the coarse resolution. This is taken as our first step toward the video object segmentation for use in the wavelet-based MPEG-4.
Soil moisture variations and ecosystem-scale fluxes of water and carbon in semiarid grassland and shrubland

[1] Soil moisture distribution emerges as a key link between hydrologic and ecologic processes in semiarid grassland and shrubland, as it influences evapotranspiration, respiration, and assimilation. In support, we present three years of data (2002–2004) collected from a semiarid grassland and shrubland within the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge of central New Mexico; the two sites are separated by about 5 km. Instrumentation includes an eddy covariance tower and typical micrometeorological devices at both locations. Additionally, the grassland site features six soil moisture profiles and the shrubland site features four soil moisture profiles, with the maximum depth at 52.5 cm. At both sites, most rain falls during the warm season, but large storms do occur at other times of the year, e.g., spring of 2004. Soil moisture pulses at 2.5 cm follow almost all rain events, whereas only four pulses in the 3-year record are observed at 52.5 cm in the grassland and two in the shrubland; these deeper pulses follow large precipitation events or a series of smaller events. The daily times series of evapotranspiration (ET) is similar between the grassland and shrubland, supporting the results of Kurc and Small (2004). ET variations largely reflect changes in the soil moisture at 2.5 cm. In contrast, though the daily time series of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) at both sites covary, the magnitudes of peaks in net negative ecosystem exchange (NEE−) and net positive ecosystem exchange (NEE+) are over twice the magnitude at grassland than at the shrubland. Furthermore, pulses associated with NEE− peaks last much longer than ET pulses, of the order of 1–2 months, without any particular adherence to the climatologically defined rainy season. These NEE− pulses reflect changes in deeper soil moisture, i.e., 52.5 cm at the grassland and 37.5 cm at the shrubland. Finally, evidence of soil moisture driven respiration is found throughout the NEE time series, with spikes of NEE+ following most rain events; however, longer periods of NEE+ also occur during relatively dry periods. Modeled assimilation suggests that the relationship between assimilation and soil moisture is strongest at depths at least 30 cm below the surface.
The role of steroid hormones in the etiology and pathogenesis of cancer

Abstract Extensive observation in several animal species demonstrate the capacity of steroid hormones to induce cancer in numerous tissue sites. Available clinical observations fail to provide data adequate to ascertain whether such effects occur in man because such studies: (a) have been uncontrolled, (b) have involved populations too limited in number to provide statistically adequate samples, and (c) have been of too short duration to allow for the long latent period characteristically observed with all known human carcinogens. It is now proposed to apply steroid therapy for substantial portions of the life-span of both older and younger women. The risks involved should be carefully weighed against the expected effects and with due consideration of the relative merits of available alternatives. Meanwhile, it is mandatory that appropriately designed studies be projected for the resolution of this unresolved problem.
Statistical Guidelines for Publishing in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence

Advances in developmental science and the Journal of Youth and Adolescence’s rapid growth urge us to provide statistical guidelines for prospective authors. In terms of the Journal, more guidance is needed because we have moved away from supporting purely qualitative work, have experienced an increase in submissions, continue to reach out to authors who do not typically publish in developmental journals, and receive many inquiries from authors wondering whether their studies fall within the Journal’s mission. In terms of statistical and methodological advances in our field, more guidance appears needed given concerns about statistical power, interest in replication, and the overall desire to develop a more robust science. These changes spur efforts to be more proactive in helping authors develop stronger manuscripts and make more informed decisions about submitting them. Before proceeding, however, it is important to emphasize that guidelines are just that: guidelines. Publication decisions, which rest on the projected impact of manuscripts, depend on several factors, including how to consider the guidelines. Yet, overall, we expect that considering the guidelines will both increase the likelihood of getting published in the Journal and of contributing to better developmental science, particularly when authors join us from disciplines with other expectations. Describe Data Efficiently
Convexity Properties and Comparative Statics for M/M/S Queues with Balking and Reneging

We use sample path arguments to derive convexity properties of an M/M/S queue withimpatient customers that balk and renege. First, assuming that the balking probability andreneging rate are increasing and concave in the total number of customers in the system(head-count), we prove that the expected head-count is convex decreasing in the capacity(service rate). Second, with linear reneging and balking, we show that the expected lost salesrate is convex decreasing in the capacity. Finally, we employ a sample-path sub-modularityapproach to comparative statics. That is, we employ sample path arguments to show how theoptimal capacity changes as we vary the parameters of customer demand and impatience.We find that the optimal capacity increases in the demand rate and decreases with thebalking probability, but is not monotone in the reneging rate. This means, surprisingly, thatfailure to account for customersâ reneging may result in over-investment in capacity. Finally,we show that a seemingly minor change in system structure, customer commitment duringservice, produces qualitatively different convexity properties and comparative statics.
Studies of trans-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid in normal and schizophrenic humans

The report that sweat of certain schizophrenics contains the branched chain fatty acid, trans-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (TMHA), stimulated an investigation to evaluate the relationship between this fatty acid and schizophrenia. A sensitive and specific gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopic procedure was developed for analyzing biological fluids for TMHA. Analysis of sweat samples from normal and schizophrenic subjects indicated that the sweat of both groups contains comparable quantities of this fatty acid. In addition, the fate of intravenously administered (14)C-labeled TMHA was shown to be similar in normal and schizophrenic subjects. It is concluded that there is no relationship between TMHA and schizophrenia.
Short-term influence of nitrate on acetylene reduction, net photosynthesis and nodule respiration in black alder (alnus glutinosa L. gaertn.) seedlings

Abstract The use of nitrogen-fixing trees such as black alder ( Alnus glutinosa L. Gaertn.) as forest silvicultural tools has recently been recognized. The potential benefit of black alder in silvicultural practices may be reduced by nitrate fertilization. Fifteen-month-old, nodulated, black alder rooted cuttings were fertilized for 6 days with 0, 7.5 or 15 mM NO 3 to determine the influence of nitrate on acetylene reduction, nodule respiration and net photosynthesis. Acetylene reduction, net photosynthesis and nodule respiration were measured on the second, fourth and sixth days of nitrate application. Nitrate treatment significantly reduced acetylene reduction and nodule respiration by day 4. Acetylene reduction was 75% lower and nodule respiration 36% lower for the 15 mM NO 3 treatment when compared to that of the control treatment. By day 6, net photosynthesis and nodule respiration were significantly reduced by 29 and 59%, respectively, for seedlings treated with 15 mM NO 3 . This study suggests that nitrate fertilization has a profound influence on nitrogenase activity and that nitrogen-fixing tree species may respond to nitrate fertilization by shifting photosynthetic rates.
Angiotensin II diminishes the effect of SGK1 on the WNK4-mediated inhibition of ROMK1 channels.

ROMK1 channels are located in the apical membrane of the connecting tubule and cortical collecting duct and mediate the potassium secretion during normal dietary intake. We used a perforated whole-cell patch clamp to explore the effect of angiotensin II on these channels in HEK293 cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-ROMK1. Angiotensin II inhibited ROMK1 channels in a dose-dependent manner, an effect abolished by losartan or by inhibition of protein kinase C. Furthermore, angiotensin II stimulated a protein kinase C-sensitive phosphorylation of tyrosine 416 within c-Src. Inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase attenuated the effect of angiotensin II. Western blot studies suggested that angiotensin II inhibited ROMK1 channels by enhancing its tyrosine phosphorylation, a notion supported by angiotensin II's failure to inhibit potassium channels in cells transfected with the ROMK1 tyrosine mutant (R1Y337A). However, angiotensin II restored the with-no-lysine kinase-4 (WNK4)-induced inhibition of R1Y337A in the presence of serum–glucocorticoids-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), which reversed the inhibitory effect of WNK4 on ROMK1. Moreover, protein tyrosine kinase inhibition abolished the angiotensin II-induced restoration of WNK4-mediated inhibition of ROMK1. Angiotensin II inhibited ROMK channels in the cortical collecting duct of rats on a low sodium diet, an effect blocked by protein tyrosine kinase inhibition. Thus, angiotensin II inhibits ROMK channels by two mechanisms: increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of the channel and synergizing the WNK4-induced inhibition. Hence, angiotensin II may have an important role in suppressing potassium secretion during volume depletion.
Effect of several dietary levels of o,p′-DDT on reproduction and lactation in the rat

The levels of o,p′-DDT fed in this experiment were considerably above those likely to be encountered in accidental feed adulteration or through careless use of the insecticide. Even though these experiments included the critical periods of reproductive maturation and were extended through two pregnancies, no adverse effect on female reproduction could be determined. Since o,p′-DDT is the most estrogenically potent of the isomers or metabolic analogs of DDT, these experiments serve to indicate levels of exposure that can be safely tolerated throughout growth, pregnancy, and lactation. Further, since technical DDT contains only 15–20% of the o,p′-isomer, by extrapolation it would be expected that daily amounts as high as 1 gram of the technical insecticide preparation (80–85%, p,p′-DDT) could be ingested without deleterious effects on reproduction, except for the physiological effects of so large a dose. As judged from these experiments on a small laboratory rodent, our results indicate that o,p′-DDT, an estrogenically active pesticide, does not adversely affect reproduction in mammals.
High prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in women with urinary infections.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with unrecognized sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women who had pelvic examinations and were subsequently released from the ED with a sole diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: A 3-month retrospective chart review was performed in an urban teaching hospital ED (>70,000 visits/year). Women aged 12–45 years who had pelvic examinations and were released from the ED with a sole diagnosis of UTI were included. Patient complaints, physical findings, and laboratory results were reviewed. Laboratory evaluations included the complete blood count, urinalysis, urine pregnancy test, and cervical cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas. Results: Of the 94 women who met study criteria, 53% had proven STDs (19% N. gonorrhoeae 22% C. trachornaris 33% Trichomonas). There was no difference between the patients with positive and negative tests for STDs with regard to complaints, physical findings, and laboratory results (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Women undergoing pelvic examinations who are subsequently released, from this urban ED with the diagnosis of UTI have a high (>50%) prevalence of occult STDs. No complaint, physical finding, or laboratory result reviewed was associated with the risk of an STD. Consideration should be given to empirical antibiotic therapy in similar urban populations.
Lipid-based Nanoparticle Delivery of Pre-miR-107 Inhibits the Tumorigenicity of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide with about 600,000 new cases diagnosed in the last year. Our laboratory showed that miR-107 expression is reduced and functions as a tumor suppressor gene in HNSCC suggesting the potential application of miR-107 as a novel anticancer therapeutic. In this study, we determined the efficiency and efficacy of cationic lipid nanoparticles to deliver pre-miR-107 (NP/pre-miR-107) in HNSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. NP/pre-miR-107 increased delivery of miR-107 into HNSCC cells by greater than 80,000-fold compared to free pre-miR-107. Levels of known miR-107 targets, protein kinase Ce (PKCe), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-β (HIF1-β), decreased following NP/pre-miR-107 treatment. Clonogenic survival, cell invasion, and cell migration of HNSCC cells was inhibited with NP/pre-miR-107. Moreover, NP/pre-miR-107 reduced the cancer-initiating cell (CIC) population and dampened the expression of the core embryonic stem cell transcription factors, Nanog, Oct3/4, and Sox2. In a preclinical mouse model of HNSCC, systemic administration of NP/pre-miR-107 significantly retarded tumor growth by 45.2% compared to NP/pre-miR-control (P < 0.005, n = 7). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a survival advantage for the NP/pre-miR-107 treatment group (P = 0.017). Our results demonstrate that cationic lipid nanoparticles are an effective carrier approach to deliver therapeutic miRs to HNSCC.
Some quantitative methods for determining capacities and locations of military emergency medical facilities

Abstract This paper presents background on the hospital facility location model as a prelude to describing some quantitative methods for determining the optimal capacity and location of emergency medical facilities within service areas of potential occupational accidents. It is assumed that the types of services provided by each emergency medical facility in the geographical domain are either all identical or all non-identical, and the capacities of these facilities are either all equal or all unequal. The specific application in mind is to determine the optimum allocation of medical personnel and materials around a geographical location where a dangerous physical or chemical agent is expected with some probability to be dispersed.
Globalisation and outsourcing: confronting new human resource challenges in India's business process outsourcing industry

In this article, we argue that the rapid growth of the outsourcing industry has resulted in both high turnover and labour shortages and at the same time provided employment opportunities to a new group of employees: young upwardly mobile college graduates. We argue that this particular demographic profile is prone to high turnover and presents new managerial challenges. We then examine the variety of recruitment and retention strategies that companies in the business process outsourcing industry are experimenting with and show that many novel HR strategies are being crafted to address the needs of this young middle‐class workforce. We also examine macro efforts by state and central governments and the industry association to help resolve some of these problems.
Oxygen and nitrogen diffusion in α-hafnium from first principles

We use a combination of density functional theory and multistate diffusion formalism to analyze the diffusion of oxygen and nitrogen in technologically important hafnium metal. Comparing the local density approximation and the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof version of the generalized gradient approximation, we find that a better description of the hafnium lattice in the latter results in the correct sequence of stable and transition states for oxygen interstitials leading to essentially quantitative agreement with experiment. For oxygen diffusion, we find an isotropic temperature-dependent diffusion coefficient of D=0.082e−2.04/kBTcm2s−1 utilizing interstitial sites with hexahedral and octahedral coordination. For the diffusivity of nitrogen, we find that an additional stable interstitial site, the crowdion site, exists and that the diffusion coefficient is D=0.15e−2.68/kBTcm2s−1. Our results also reproduce the experimental observation that nitrogen diffusivity is lower than that of oxygen in hafnium.
Vector Gluonium as a Possible Explanation for Anomalous ψ Decays

Recent experiments at SLAC show unexpectedly large values for the ratios (1) $\frac{B(\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi})}{B({\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi})}$ and (2) $\frac{B(\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{*}\overline{K})}{B({\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{*}\overline{K})}$. It is proposed that these anomalies are caused by the mixing of the ground-state isoscalar vector mesons ($\ensuremath{\omega}, \ensuremath{\phi}, \ensuremath{\psi}$) with a ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}$ vector glueball ($O$) which was first postulated by Freund and Nambu in 1975. Its mass is estimated at \ensuremath{\simeq} 2.4 GeV and direct experimental searches for the $O$ are suggested.
Advanced millimeter-wave security portal imaging techniques

Millimeter-wave (mm-wave) imaging is rapidly gaining acceptance as a security tool to augment conventional metal detectors and baggage x-ray systems for passenger screening at airports and other secured facilities. This acceptance indicates that the technology has matured; however, many potential improvements can yet be realized. The authors have developed a number of techniques over the last several years including novel image reconstruction and display techniques, polarimetric imaging techniques, array switching schemes, and high-frequency high-bandwidth techniques. All of these may improve the performance of new systems; however, some of these techniques will increase the cost and complexity of the mm-wave security portal imaging systems. Reducing this cost may require the development of novel array designs. In particular, RF photonic methods may provide new solutions to the design and development of the sequentially switched linear mm-wave arrays that are the key element in the mm-wave portal imaging systems. Highfrequency, high-bandwidth designs are difficult to achieve with conventional mm-wave electronic devices, and RF photonic devices may be a practical alternative. In this paper, the mm-wave imaging techniques developed at PNNL are reviewed and the potential for implementing RF photonic mm-wave array designs is explored.
Spectroscopy and the classification of liquid stationary phases in gas-liquid chromatography

A table of data for acidity, basicity, polarity and London potential for stationary phases is given. These provide guidance in choosing a stationary phase for a given task from the 26 substances listed. The indices are calculated from infra-red shifts of 1-chlorobutane and the visible wavelength shifts of l2 when they are dissolved in the stationary phases, from NMR estimates of acidity and basicity and from relative retention data. They replace the less reliable data of Burns and Hawkes. Methods of determining the indices are suggested that require only a gas chromatograph and can be applied by technicians with no specialized understanding of solution parameters. An attempt to add electron donoracceptor indices to the table was unsuccessful. A further table is given of the slopes of the log plots d(logt′)/dC for use in extrapolating from one homologue to another on these stationary phases.
Rescue of embryonic lethality in Mdm2-deficient mice by absence of p53

The Mdm2 proto-oncogene was originally identified as one of several genes contained on a mouse double minute chromosome present in a transformed derivative of 3T3 cells. Overexpression of Mdm2 can immortalize primary cultures of rodent fibroblasts. Human MDM2 is amplified in 30-40% of sarcomas, and is overexpressed in leukaemic cells. The Mdm2 oncoprotein forms a complex with the p53 tumour-suppressor protein and inhibits p53-mediated transregulation of gene expression. Because Mdm2 expression increases in response to p53, Mdm2-p53 binding may autoregulate Mdm2 expression and modulate the activity of p53 in the cell. We have created Mdm2-null and Mdm2/p53-null mice to determine whether Mdm2 possesses developmental functions in addition to the ability to complex with p53, and to investigate the biological role of Mdm2-p53 complex formation in development. Mice deficient for Mdm2 die early in development. In contrast, mice deficient for both Mdm2 and p53 develop normally and are viable. These results suggest that a critical role of Mdm2 in development is the regulation of p53 function.
Empirical functions for atmospheric aerosol size distributions

Abstract Two- and three-parameter functions are proposed for fitting aerosol size distributions that have a maximum and exhibit log-linear behaviour at large radii. To demonstrate their usefulness, we fit the functions to measured size distributions of insoluble particles recovered from sections of Greenland and Antarctic ice cores.
1980 Midwest Meeting

The sixth annual Midwest AGU Meeting was held at Holmes Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, on September 18 and 19,1980. Over 200 registrants presented 95 papers in 12 sessions: Isotope Studies of Hydrologic Processes, chaired by E. C. Perry, Jr., and C. W. Montgomery, Northern Illinois University; Petrology and Geochemistry, chaired by J. Berg, Northern Illinois University; Late Precambrian Magmatism, chaired by J . Berg and M. G. Mudrey, Jr., Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey; Midwest Coal Hydrology, D. E. Lindorff, Illinois State Geological Survey, and T. Naymik, Illinois State Water Survey; Hydrology, D. E. Lindorff; General Geophysics, C. P. Ervin, Northern Illinois University; Tectonics of the Transantarctic Mountains, P. N. Webb, Northern Illinois University; Northern Illinois Deep Drill Hole, B. Haimson, University of Wisconsin, and W. J. Hinze, Purdue University; Rift Tectonics in the Mississippi Embayment, T. C. Buschbach, Saint Louis University; Geology and Tectonics of the Pre-Mt. Simon Clastics in the Midcontinent, W. J. Hinze and E. G. Lidiak, University of Pittsburgh; Paleozoic Paleomagnetism of the Midcontinent, V. A. Schmidt, University of Pittsburgh; Midcontinent Seismology, O. W. Nuttli, Saint Louis University. The general session was opened with a welcoming address by James D. Norris, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Jack Simon, chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey, described the role of the Survey during its first 75 years and went on to discuss its future responsibilities in an after dinner speech on Thursday evening.
Exploration and Estimation of Gravel Resource Potential in Southeast Chukchi Sea Continental Shelf off Kivalina, Alaska

Frequent storm surges in the Alaskan arctic result in washovers and high erosion of barrier islands. The village council of Kivalina has resolved to relocate its present location on a barrier island in northwest arctic Alaska to an adjacent onshore site. The relocation plan envisages excavation of the upper 4 meters of the 25-km2 onshore permafrost ground and the construction of a foundation pad. The objective of this research is to estimate the gravel resource potential in the continental shelf off Kivalina. In this context, seismic surveys and sediment sampling were conducted. The seismic surveys were of limited use as they failed to resolve the upper 1–2 m of the seafloor. The lithostratigraphy indicated dominance of the 2.4–3.4 mm size fraction in the region north of Kivalina. The geostatistical analysis indicated an omnidirectional variogram fit to the data with ordinary kriging (OK) producing the best kriging estimate of the gravel resource potential. At least 20 × 106 m3 of gravel above 90% cut-off...
Low grade gliomas: preliminary analysis of failure patterns among patients treated using 3D conformal external beam irradiation.

Purpose: The pattern of failure of low grade gliomas following radiotherapy is less well known than that of the high grade gliomas. Stereotactic histologic studies have suggested that tumor cells extend beyond imaging abnormalities, and that large margins would be required for radiotherapy target volumes to encompass all of the neoplasm. Our experience using computerized tomography (CT)- and magnetic resonance (MR)-planned irradiation of low grade gliomas was reviewed to determine the pattern of tumor recurrence, in an effort to clinically define the minimum margin required. Methods and Materials: Forty-six patients with low grade supratentorial gliomas were treated between April 1985 and November 1992 using three-dimensional (3D) conformal CT- or MR-planned external beam radiotherapy. Fields were designed to encompass a target volume created by adding a margin to the tumor in three dimensions. Generally, patients were treated using shrinking fields with an initial target (tumor plus a 1 to 3 cm margin) treated to a dose of 45 to 50.4 (median 50.4) Gy, and a boost (tumor plus a 0 to 2 cm margin) treated to a total of 54 to 59.4 (median 59.4) Gy. Median follow-up was 32.9 months. Results: There have been 11 failures; all of these occurred within the radiographic abnormality (either T2 prolongation or CT hypodensity) visualized at the time of treatment planning (i.e), all failures were within the boost volume). Median time to failure was 53 months. Because all failures were local, there was no relationship between the amount by which the tumor volumes were expanded to create target volumes and the eventual outcome. Conclusion: Despite pathologic data suggesting that low grade glioma cells can be found outside the MR T2-signal abnormality in many cases, our results demonstrate that conformal external beam radiotherapy, in which the high dose volume is limited, does not result in increased marginal or out-of-field failures. Until control of tumor within the radiographically abnormal volume can be achieved, the need for large fields to treat prophylactically microscopic disease beyond the visualized tumor volume is questionable. The use of conformal fields might be associated with reduced toxicity, and thereby allow delivery of higher total doses to the central tumor
Active potassium transport in reticulocytes of high-K+ and low-K+ sheep.

The kinetics of active K+ transport were studied in immature red blood cells cells from high-K+ and low-K+ sheep, particularly with respect to the effects of varying intracellular K+ concentration, [K]i. Comparison was made with active transport, or pump, activity in mature high-K+ and low-K+ red cells. Reticulocytes from both types of sheep had much higher maximal active K+ influxes than did mature cells. In both types of reticulocytes, and in mature high-K+ cells as well, the pump was relatively insensitive to increasing [K]i. In contrast, intracellular K+ markedly inhibited the pump in mature low-K+ cells. Active K+ transport in low-K+ reticulocytes, however, as in mature low-K+ cells, is stimulated by specific isoimmune anti-L serum. Therefore the K+ pumps of high-K+ and low-K+ reticulocytes have similar kinetic properties. Maturation of the red cells, involving inactivation of most of the pump activity in both cell types, results in mature high-K+ and low-K+ cells with K+ pumps of very different kinetic characteristics.
A note on pitfalls of credit crunch regressions

Abstract This note introduces an example where a typical credit crunch regression fails to detect significant effects of borrowing constraints embedded in a dynamic general equilibrium model. The failed estimation result remains robust even if the regression is based on a large sample.
Steel-shot method for measuring the density of soils

The density of soil is crucial in engineering, construction, and research. Standard methods to determine density use procedures, equipment or expendable materials that limit their effectiveness in ...
Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice

Genetically-modified mice have emerged as a preferable animal model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying conduction abnormalities, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.1 Intracardiac pacing studies can be performed in mice using a 1.1F octapolar catheter inserted into the jugular vein, and advanced into the right atrium and ventricle. Here, we illustrate the steps involved in performing programmed electrical stimulation in mice. Surface ECG and intracardiac electrograms are recorded simultaneously in the atria, atrioventricular junction, and ventricular myocardium, whereas intracardiac pacing of the atrium is performed using an external stimulator. Thus, programmed electrical stimulation in mice provides unique opportunities to explore molecular mechanisms underlying conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias.
Purification of monoclonal antibodies from ascites using ABx liquid chromatography column

Murine and rat monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were purified to 90-95% homogeneity from ascites in a single step using an ABx liquid chromatography column which utilizes a silica-based mixed-mode ion-exchange matrix. The resulting MAbs were highly immunoreactive reflecting the mild conditions used for this procedure. The column was also useful for detecting and separating multiple immunoglobulins present in the same ascites. For one ascites sample, three immunoglobulin species, which apparently differed only in their light chains, were resolved using this column and differed greatly in their immunoreactivity.
Educational and career goals of pharmacy students upon graduation.

Objective. To assess the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students’ desire to obtain additional degrees after graduation.Methods. During the spring 2011 semester, an anonymous 14-question survey instrument was administered to students across all 6 years of the PharmD program to evaluate their interest in obtaining an additional degree after graduation. Demographic data was also collected and analyzed from this convenience sample.Results. Approximately 34% of the respondents (n=1,239) indicated a desire to seek an additional degree. Of the additional degrees offered in the survey instrument, more than one-third of the students expressed interest in the master of business administration (MBA). Also, 79% of those respondents were willing to take summer courses to achieve a dual or additional degree.Conclusion. Pharmacy students are interested in obtaining an additional degree(s) after graduation and are willing to complete summer courses to achieve their career goals.
Investigations of the electronic structures of metals using ultrasonic techniques

This paper reviews ultrasonic research on the electronic properties of metals performed since the first observations, about ten years ago, that at low temperatures electrons are responsible for the primary contribution to the ultrasonic attenuation. After a description of the Fermi surface and other aspects of the physics of electrons in metals, there is a sketch of the origins of geometric resonances, acoustic cyclotron resonances, and quantum oscillations, as well as other less familiar magnetoacoustic effects in the ultrasonic attenuation in pure metals. The types of information that each of these effects can give about the Fermi surface are cited. Then there is a discussion of ultrasonic attenuation experiments in superconductors, and of the kinds of information that these experiments can provide. In each area, the present status of research is indicated. The paper concludes with a brief description of the experimental techniques involved in this branch of research. Included are some relatively new techniques for performing simultaneous experiments at several ultrasonic frequencies and for performing ultrasonic attenuation experiments in metals at 9 Gc/s.
Tests of two models for the transmission of the Mu mutator in maize

The mutator system Mu does not follow a typical Mendelian mode of transmission. In outcrosses in which 50 per cent mutator plants are expected, about 90 per cent are observed. Two possible models of transmission are tested. One assumes that Mu has segregation distortion activity such as has been described for the SD locus in Drosophila. The second model assumes an extra-chromosomal factor that is transmitted through the cytoplasm. No evidence of SD activity was found. Mutation frequencies in lines in which Mu was transmitted through the female were not greater than the frequencies observed when Mu was transmitted through the male; as might be expected on some models of cytoplasmic transmission. Thus, cytoplasmic transmission was not established. Other possible models of extrachromosomal inheritance that might not be detected by reciprocal crosses are discussed.
Effect of sulfur and oxygen on weld penetration of high-purity austenitic stainless steels

Convective flow during arc welding depends upon the surface tension gradient (dy/dT, Marangoni flow), buoyancy, arc drag force, electromagnetic force, shielding gas, and the viscosity of the melt. The Marangoni and the buoyancy-driven flow are the major factors in controlling weld penetration in ferrous alloys, especially austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 316. Small variations in the concentration of surfactants, such as sulfur and oxygen, in stainless steels cause significant changes in the weld penetration and depth/width (D/W) ratio of the fusion zone. Gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welds were done on low- and high-sulfur 304 and 316 heats using pure argon and argon/oxygen shielding gases. Also, laser beam (LB) welds were done on the 304 and 316 heats using pure argon as the shielding gas. Increase in the sulfur content decreased the D/W ratio for the GTA 304 welds using pure argon, but for the case of LB 304 welds the results were the opposite. For the GTA 316 welds and LB 316 welds, increase in sulfur increased the D/W ratio of the fusion zone. Oxygen increased the D/W ratio of both the 304 and 316 GTA welds.
Management and Outcomes of Facial Paralysis from Intratemporal Blunt Trauma: A Systematic Review

Objectives/Hypothesis: To systematically review the existing literature on outcomes and management of facial paralysis resulting from intratemporal blunt trauma. Study Design: Systematic review of the literature. Methods: Thirty-five articles met our inclusion criteria. Outcome variables analyzed included severity of paralysis, time of onset of paralysis, surgical or nonsurgical management, steroid use, and final facial nerve function. Results: All studies were classified as level 4 evidence as defined by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. There was marked variation in the quality of the studies with inconsistent outcome measures, diagnostic testing, and follow-up, thus ruling out a formal meta-analysis. In an exploratory pooling of data, 612 cases had sufficient follow-up and facial movement grading for some evaluation of trends. In 189 patients who were followed observationally, 66% achieved an outcome equivalent to House-Brackmann (HB) I, 25% achieving HB II-V, and two patients an HB VI score. Among 83 patients treated with steroids, 67% achieved HB I, 30% HB II-V, and no patients with HB VI. In 340 patients treated surgically, 23% achieved HB I postoperatively, 58% were graded as HB II-V, and 9% with HB grade VI postoperatively. No patient presenting with partial paralysis had an HB VI outcome. Conclusions: The role of surgery versus nonsurgical interventions for this clinical entity remains inconclusive. Level 4 evidence studies predominate and are further hindered by poor description of outcome measures and incomplete data reporting. Exploratory pooling of data without formal meta-analysis suggests the need to compare any intervention to the natural course of healing, which overall appears to be favorable. Laryngoscope, 2010
The Role of cAMP-dependent Signaling in Receptor-recognized Forms of α2-Macroglobulin-induced Cellular Proliferation

Ligation of α2-macroglobulin receptors by receptor-recognized forms of α2-macroglobulin (α2M*) activates various signaling cascades and promotes cell proliferation. It also elevates cAMP in murine peritoneal macrophages. We now report that a significant elevation of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) occurs in α2M*-stimulated cells, and this effect is potentiated by isobutylmethylxanthine, dibutyryl-cAMP, or forskolin. An α2M* concentration-dependent rapid increase in phosphorylated CREB at Ser133 also occurred, a necessary event in its activation. Inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin kinase, protein kinases A and C, tyrosine kinases, ribosomal S6 kinase, farnesyl transferase, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase markedly reduce α2M*-induced phosphorylation of CREB, indicating a role for the p21ras-dependent and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways in regulating CREB activation by α2M*. Finally, silencing the CREB gene by transfecting cells with a homologous gene sequence double-stranded RNA drastically reduced the expression of CREB and blocked the ability of α2M* to promote macrophage cell division. We conclude that cAMP-dependent signal transduction as well as other signaling cascades are essential for α2M*-induced cell proliferation.
Diffusion in turbulence

We prove long time diffusive behavior (homogenization) for convection-diffusion in a turbulent flow that it incompressible and has a stationary and square integrable stream matrix. Simple shear flow examples show that this result is sharp for flows that have stationary stream matrices.
Recent advances in plasma source ion implantation at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Abstract Plasma source ion implantation (PSII) is an environmentally benign, potentially cost-effective alternative to conventional lineof-sight, accelerator-based implantation and wet-chemical plating processes. PSII offers the potential of producing a high dose of ions in a relatively simple, fast and cost-effective manner, allowing the simultaneous implantation of large surface areas (many square meters), complex shapes and multiple components. The dynamics of the transient plasma sheath present during PSII have been modeled in both 1 1/2-D and 2 1/2-D (one or two spatial dimensions, plus time), and recent results from these efforts are compared with measurements of the uniformity of the implanted ion dose in complex configurations. Ammonia gas (NH 3 ) has been used as a nitrogen source for PSII processing of electroplated hard chromium. A retained dose of 2.2 × 10 17 N atoms cm −2 has been demonstrated to increase the surface hardness of the electroplated Cr by 24%, and decrease the wear rate by a factor of four, without any evidence of increased hydrogen concentration in the bulk material. By adjusting the repetition rate of the applied voltage pulses, and therefore the power input to the target, controlled, elevated temperature implantations have been performed, resulting in enhanced diffusion of the implanted species with a thicker modified surface layer. Experimental work has been performed utilizing cathodic arcs as sources of metallic ions for implantation, and preliminary results of this work are given. The area of ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) has been explored utilizing PSII, with large surface area diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers being generated which can exhibit hardnesses in excess of 20 GPa.
Teabags: Computer programs for instrumental neutron activation analysis

Described is a series of INAA data reduction programs collectively known as TEABAGS (Trace Element Analysis By Automated Gamma-ray Spectrometry). The programs are written in FORTRAN and run on a Nuclear Data ND-6620 computer system, but should be adaptable to any medium-sized minicomputer. They are designed to monitor the status of all spectra obtained from samples and comparison standards irradiated together and to do all pending calculations without operator intervention. Major emphasis is placed on finding all peaks in the spectrum, properly identifying all nuclides present and all contributors to each peak, determining accurate estimates of the background continua under peaks, and producing realistic uncertainties on peak areas and final abundances.
The Xist lncRNA interacts directly with SHARP to silence transcription through HDAC3

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect gene expression, but the mechanisms by which they act are still largely unknown. One of the best-studied lncRNAs is Xist, which is required for transcriptional silencing of one X chromosome during development in female mammals. Despite extensive efforts to define the mechanism of Xist-mediated transcriptional silencing, we still do not know any proteins required for this role. The main challenge is that there are currently no methods to comprehensively define the proteins that directly interact with a lncRNA in the cell. Here we develop a method to purify a lncRNA from cells and identify proteins interacting with it directly using quantitative mass spectrometry. We identify ten proteins that specifically associate with Xist, three of these proteins--SHARP, SAF-A and LBR--are required for Xist-mediated transcriptional silencing. We show that SHARP, which interacts with the SMRT co-repressor that activates HDAC3, is not only essential for silencing, but is also required for the exclusion of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) from the inactive X. Both SMRT and HDAC3 are also required for silencing and Pol II exclusion. In addition to silencing transcription, SHARP and HDAC3 are required for Xist-mediated recruitment of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) across the X chromosome. Our results suggest that Xist silences transcription by directly interacting with SHARP, recruiting SMRT, activating HDAC3, and deacetylating histones to exclude Pol II across the X chromosome.
Examining the impact of overlying aerosols on the retrieval of cloud optical properties from passive remote sensing

Haywood et al. (2004) show that an aerosol layer above a cloud can cause a bias in the retrieved cloud optical thickness and effective radius. Monitoring for this potential bias is difficult because space ]based passive remote sensing cannot unambiguously detect or characterize aerosol above cloud. We show that cloud retrievals from aircraft measurements above cloud and below an overlying aerosol layer are a means to test this bias. The data were collected during the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment (INTEX-A) study based out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States, above extensive, marine stratus cloud banks affected by industrial outflow. Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) irradiance measurements taken along a lower level flight leg above cloud and below aerosol were unaffected by the overlying aerosol. Along upper level flight legs, the irradiance reflected from cloud top was transmitted through an aerosol layer. We compare SSFR cloud retrievals from below ]aerosol legs to satellite retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in order to detect an aerosol ]induced bias. In regions of small variation in cloud properties, we find that SSFR and MODIS-retrieved cloud optical thickness compares within the uncertainty range for each instrument while SSFR effective radius tend to be smaller than MODIS values (by 1-2 microns) and at the low end of MODIS uncertainty estimates. In regions of large variation in cloud properties, differences in SSFR and MODIS ]retrieved cloud optical thickness and effective radius can reach values of 10 and 10 microns, respectively. We include aerosols in forward modeling to test the sensitivity of SSFR cloud retrievals to overlying aerosol layers. We find an overlying absorbing aerosol layer biases SSFR cloud retrievals to smaller effective radii and optical thickness while nonabsorbing aerosols had no impact.
Vesicoureteric reflux and videourodynamic studies: Results of a prospective study after three years of follow-up

Objective. To study prospectively the influence of videourodynamic studies on the management of children with vesicoureteric reflux. Methods. One hundred one children with reflux were investigated routinely with videourodynamic studies, as well as renal scans, ultrasound studies, and/or intravenous urograms. The studies were repeated at one, three, and five years. If bladder instability was demonstrated, the primary treatment consisted of anticholinergic drugs and antibiotics, regardless of the grade of reflux. In reflux Grades IV and V with instability and renal scars, surgery was performed. In case of a stable bladder, reflux Grades I–III received antibacterial treatment, while surgical correction was used for reflux Grades IV and V. Results. The results of three years of follow-up of 101 children are reported. Bladder instability was found in 39 children. Thirty of them with reflux Grades I–-IV and instability could be managed with anticholinergic and antibacterial drugs, while 9 needed surgical correction. Conclusions. A voiding cystourethrogram is only sufficient for the detection of reflux but for correct management of these children a (video) urodynamic study is mandatory. After treatment of frequently found bladder dysfunction, the reflux will disappear in the majority of cases.
Subsurface imaging: a new engineering discipline

Subsurface imaging is a new discipline encompassing optical, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic tools for underwater, underground, or under tissue imaging. We have developed a new senior-level engineering course covering waves and their interaction with various media, inverse scattering methods, and image reconstruction techniques for localized and multiview tomographic imaging.