cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction to Predictive Analytics

There are few technologies that have the ability to revolutionize how business operates. Predictive analytics is one of those technologies. Predictive analytics consists primary of the “Big 3” techniques: regression analysis, decision trees, and neural networks. Although several other techniques, such as random forests and ensemble models, have become increasingly popular in their use, predictive analytics focuses on building and evaluating predictive models resulting in key output fit statistics that are used to solve business problems. This chapter defines essential analytics terminology, walks through the nine-step process for building predictive analytics models, introduces the “Big 3” techniques, and discusses careers within business analytics.
Modeling Cable Lines Heating by Currents of Higher Harmonics and Interharmonics

The article discusses the issues of cable lines reliable operation provision. The main factors of the decrease in electric strength affecting the insulating materials used in high and low voltage cables are indicated. The heating temperature of the insulation is distinguished from a set of influencing factors because, when the permissible values are exceeded, various chemical reactions occurring between the insulation materials, internal inclusions, the environment and absorbed moisture are accelerated. The causes of the currents and voltages occurrence with the frequencies other than the main frequency in electric networks are shown. The experimental results of the electrical energy quality measurements confirming the existence of the currents and voltages of both higher harmonics and interharmonics in the power supply systems are given. A model for determining the power losses in the current-carrying conductors of cables, under the action of which the insulation is heated is proposed. This model allows one to take into account heating of the insulation by the currents of the main frequency, higher harmonics and interharmonics.
Assessing the potential impacts of climate and land use change on water fluxes and sediment transport in a loosely coupled system

Abstract Climate and land use change are the two primary factors that affect different components of hydrological cycle as well as sediment transport in the watershed. Quantifying potential impact of these two stressors enables decision makers to formulate better water resource management strategies to adapt to the changing environment. To that end, we have developed an integrated modeling framework employing an Agent-based approach to simulate land use conversion that then serves as input to the Soil and Water Assessment tool (SWAT) in a loosely coupled fashion. The modeling framework was tested on the Neshanic River Watershed (NRW), 142 km2 area in central New Jersey that contains mix of urban, agricultural and forested lands. An ensemble of 10 different global climate models (GCMs) for two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios including representative concentration pathways-4.5 and 8.5 (RCP-4.5 and 8.5) were employed to model future climate from 2020 to 2045. Land use conversion for 2040 was developed based on six driving factors including distance to residential lands, agricultural lands, roads, streams, train stations, and forest using three land use transition potential models and further, the best transition potential model accompanied with some local land use restrictions. The study evaluated various components of hydrological cycle and sediment transport for the three different scenarios one-at-a-time including climate change alone, land use change alone, and combined climate and land use change. Results indicate that the changing climate will have a larger effect on the hydrologic cycle than intensifying urban land uses in the study watershed. The climate change scenarios, either alone or in composite with land use change, predict higher streamflow (32% and 36% increase over baseline, respectively), overriding the effect of land use change which predicts a decline of 5% in streamflow. The increase in streamflow results in an increase in sediment loading, presumably due to an increase stream downcutting. Conversely, the effect of land use change (in this case the conversion of agricultural land to low density residential uses), is predicted to decrease sediment load. When modelled in composite, the effect of changing land use (in this case the conversion of erodible agricultural fields to suburban development) appears to override the adverse effect of climate change, enhancing watershed resiliency by reducing sediment load and thereby improving health of the downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Microfluidic synthesis of PLGA/carbon quantum dot microspheres for vascular endothelial growth factor delivery

In this study, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) – carbon quantum dot microspheres were produced using microfluidic platforms. The microcapsules were fabricated in flow-focusing geometry with a biphasic flow to generate solid/oil/water (s–o–w) droplets. To avoid any damage to protein functional and structural stability during the encapsulation process, the VEGF was PEGylated. The produced microspheres were intact and highly monodisperse in size (CV < 5%). Furthermore, microspheres in a size range of 16–36 µm were achieved by adjusting the flow ratio parameter. The encapsulation efficiency, release profile, and bioactivity of the produced microparticles were also studied. The loading efficiency of PEGylated VEGF in the microparticles was varied from 51–69% and more than 90% of PEGylated VEGF was released within 28 days. Furthermore, the release of VEGF was indirectly monitored by carbon quantum dots. The present monodisperse and controllable VEGF loaded microspheres with reproducible manner could be widely used in tissue engineering and therapeutic applications.
Cystic Fibrosis Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Medicine, Vol. 70). William R. Skach, ed. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press Inc., 2002, 652 pp., $145.00, hardcover. ISBN 0-89603-897-1.

Although this collection of laboratory techniques is directed primarily to research scientists, it has a wealth of information for clinicians and laboratorians who are involved with cystic fibrosis. As such, it delivers diverse protocols that cover topics ranging from the basic pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis to animal models and gene therapy. Therein lie the strengths of this volume. Basic researchers will probably be familiar with techniques related to their specialty, but other methods covered in this book should be of great interest. For clinicians and laboratorians, familiarity with these techniques …
Long-term outcomes of severe surgical necrotizing enterocolitis.

Abstract Purpose We sought to describe long-term outcomes of infants with severe surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods Data were collected on infants with surgical NEC (2009–2018). Severe surgical NEC was defined by extensive bowel loss with residual bowel length Results Of 268 infants with surgical NEC, 41 (15%) had severe surgical NEC, and 14/41 were identified as “NEC totalis”. Zero severe NEC vs. 8 (57%) “NEC totalis” patients were placed on comfort measures following initial surgery (p Conclusion Long-term survival is excellent following initial discharge, and achievement of enteral autonomy is feasible in patients with severe surgical NEC. The majority of patients who survive do not have severe neurodevelopmental disability and participate in school. Given current survivals and outcomes, focus on measured residual bowel length may be more appropriate than the subjective term “NEC-totalis.” Type of Study Prognosis Study. Level of Evidence Level II.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Childhood Self‐Regulation and Adolescent Adiposity

Objective Research suggests that higher childhood self-regulation (CSR) predicts lower adiposity in adolescence. However, it is unclear whether this relationship differs by sex or by baseline weight status. Thus, this study investigated these questions in a longitudinal, community-based cohort. Methods The cohort included 221 girls and 214 boys. At age 9, CSR was assessed via parent/teacher reports of effortful control, and childhood BMI z scores (BMIz) were calculated from staff measurements. Late-adolescent waist-to-height ratio was based on staff measurements at age 18. Results CSR has a small inverse correlation with concurrent childhood BMIz in girls, but not in boys. Prospectively, however, CSR has a small inverse association with late-adolescent weight-to-height ratio in both sexes, after adjusting for childhood BMIz and other childhood predictors. This prospective association is marginally stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood BMIz. Conclusions CSR inversely predicts changes in adiposity across adolescence in both sexes, with some evidence that this association is stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood adiposity. However, this inverse association between CSR and adiposity may emerge earlier in girls. Future research should examine the causal status of CSR and its relationship to behaviors (e.g., diet).
Transport properties of statins by organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 and Regulation by transforming growth factor-β signaling in Human Endothelial Cells

Our in vivo rodent studies have shown that organic anion transporting polypeptide (Oatp) 1a4 is critical for blood-to-brain transport of statins, drugs that are effective neuroprotectants. Additionally, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling via the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) receptor regulates Oatp1a4 functional expression. The human ortholog of Oatp1a4 is OATP1A2. Therefore, the translational significance of our work requires demonstration that OATP1A2 can transport statins and is regulated by TGF-β/ALK1 signaling. Cellular uptake and monolayer permeability of atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin were investigated in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Regulation of OATP1A2 by the TGF-β/ALK1 pathway was evaluated using bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP-9), a selective ALK1 agonist, and LDN193189, an ALK1 antagonist. We showed that statin accumulation in HUVECs requires OATP1A2-mediated uptake but is also affected by efflux transporters (i.e., P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein). Absorptive flux (i.e., apical-to-basolateral) for all statins was higher than secretory flux (i.e., basolateral-to-apical) and was decreased by an OATP inhibitor (i.e., estrone-3-sulfate). OATP1A2 protein expression, statin uptake, and cellular monolayer permeability were increased by BMP-9 treatment. This effect was attenuated in the presence of LDN193189. Apical-to-basolateral statin transport across human endothelial cellular monolayers requires functional expression of OATP1A2, which can be controlled by therapeutically targeting TGF-β/ALK1 signaling. Taken together with our previous work, the present data show that OATP-mediated drug transport is a critical mechanism in facilitating neuroprotective drug disposition across endothelial barriers of the blood-brain barrier. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Transporter data derived from rodent models requires validation in human models. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, this study has shown that statin transport is mediated by OATP1A2. Additionally, we demonstrated that OATP1A2 is regulated by transforming growth factor-β/activin receptor-like kinase 1 signaling. This work emphasizes the need to consider endothelial transporter kinetics and regulation during preclinical drug development. Furthermore, our forward-thinking approach can identify effective therapeutics for diseases for which drug development has been challenging (i.e., neurological diseases).
Observations of Infall and Caustics

Identification of first and second turnaround radii in groups of galaxies provide interesting scaling relations and may constrain cosmological parameters.
The impact of a diversity intervention on White college students’ colour-blind racial attitudes

This research explored the impact a 3-day pre-college diversity intervention had on incoming White college students’ (N = 63) colour-blind racial attitudes (COBRAS), or their unawareness of racial ...
Using Mindfulness Meditation to Foster Reflection in Externships

In an externship setting, where students are asked to combine theory and practice, intentional reflection is key to processing what has been learned from experience. Students are asked to maintain an open curiosity about practice and to connect with their inner experiential world as part of this process. There is a natural connection between reflection and contemplative practice. Teaching reflection to law students can be enhanced by introducing mindfulness practices which share similar attributes such as open awareness, observation, and acceptance of both positive and negative outcomes. This article describes the ways in which mindfulness techniques can be introduced into an externship curriculum and shares lessons and improvements for the future.
The Surgical Pathology of Bone Infections

Infections and inflammations of bone (osteitis) and the bone marrow space (myelitis) are among the most commonly encountered problems in orthopedic surgical pathology. The majority of infections are limited to pyogenic, tubercular, and fungal organisms. Viral, rickettsial parasitic, and other infections are much less commonly seen. With the AIDS epidemic, however, several organisms that were previously considered rare are being increasingly seen. Viral, rickettsial, and other organisms have been reported.
Three dimensional boundary formulations for nonlinear thermal shape sensitivities

Implicit differentiation of the discretized boundary integral equations governing the conduction of heat in three dimensional (3D) solid objects, subjected to nonlinear boundary conditions, and with temperature dependent material properties, is shown to generate an accurate and economical approach for the computation of shape sensitivities. The theoretical formulation for primary response (surface temperature and normal heat flux) sensitivities and secondary response (surface tangential heat flux components and internal temperature and heat flux components) sensitivities is given. Iterative strategies are described for the solution of the resulting sets of nonlinear equations and computational performances examined. Multi-zone analysis and zone condensation strategies are demonstrated to provide substantial computational economies in this process for models with either localized nonlinear boundary conditions or regions of geometric insensitivity to design variables. A series of nonlinear sensitivity example problems are presented that have closed form solutions. Sensitivities computed using the boundary formulation are shown to be in excellent agreement with these exact expressions.
Discretization of partial differential equations for computer evaluation

Physics described by partial differential equations is difficult to visualize. Computer solutions of such equations supported with dynamic graphic displays are therefore of high interest to educators and scientists [1]. Translation of partial differential equations into formats understood by computers is beset with complexity and pitfalls. This article explores a direct method for deriving the relevant algorithms from physics itself and illustrates the approach with examples in propagation and diffusion. The resulting algorithms are cast into C-language.
Some New Perspectives on the Method of Control Variates

The method of control variates is one of the most widely used variance reduction techniques associated with Monte Carlo simulation. This paper studies the method of control variates from several different viewpoints, and establishes new connections between the method of control variates and: conditional Monte Carlo, antithetics, rotation sampling, stratification, and nonparametric maximum likelihood. We also develop limit theory for the method of control variates under weak assumptions on the estimator of the optimal control coefficient.
Preferential interaction of albumin-binding proteins, gp30 and gp18, with conformationally modified albumins. Presence in many cells and tissues with a possible role in catabolism.

Albumin binding to the endothelial surface apparently initiates its transcytosis via plasmalemmal vesicles and also increases capillary permselectivity. Several albumin-binding proteins, which, we call gp60, gp30, and gp18, have been identified; however, their functional relationship to each other is unclear. In this study, we show that gp30 and gp18 are both variably expressed by cultured rat fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells and are present in all tissues examined (heart, lung, skeletal muscle, diaphragm, duodenum, kidney, fat, brain, adrenal, pancreas, and liver). The binding of albumin-gold complexes (A-Au) to gp30 and gp18 was compared with that of native and modified albumins. Monomeric native bovine serum albumin (BSA) interacted much less avidly than A-Au and BSA that was chemically modified by formaldehyde (Fm-BSA) or maleic anhydride (Mal-BSA). Mal-BSA and A-Au have similar affinity constants for gp30 and gp18 (KD approximately 3-7 micrograms/ml (50-100 nM)), which is 1000-fold greater than BSA. These interactions were Ca(2+)-independent but sensitive to pH ( or = 1.0 M). Comparative biochemical characterization provided evidence of conformational changes for Mal-BSA, Fm-BSA, and A-Au. Anti-native BSA serum recognizes BSA much more avidly than modified BSA. Mal-BSA, Fm-BSA, and A-Au are much more sensitive to trypsin digestion than BSA. Cellular processing was also examined. A-Au and Mal-BSA bound at the endothelial cell surface were degraded, whereas BSA was not. Our results indicate that: (i) gp30 and gp18, unlike gp60, are expressed in all tissues tested regardless of the type of endothelia lining the microvasculature and the local mechanism of transendothelial albumin transport; (ii) BSA conformationally modified by either surface adsorption or chemical means not only interacts more avidly with gp30 and gp18 than native albumin but also is preferentially degraded by the cells; (iii) A-Au and native albumin are not equivalent probes for detecting albumin interaction sites; and (iv) gp30 and gp18 exhibit binding behavior resembling scavenger receptors. The possible roles of gp30 and gp18 in albumin binding, transcytosis, endocytosis, and even protein catabolism are discussed.
Pathogenesis of polycation-induced alterations ("fusion") of glomerular epithelium

Perfusion of rat kidneys with polycations (protamine sulfate, poly-L-lysine), resulted in glomerular epithelial alterations very similar to those observed in proteinuric states, particularly rat aminonucleoside nephrosis. Such changes did not occur after exposure to neutral or anionic macromolecules (poly-DL-alanine, myoglobin, heparin, poly-L-glutamic acid and ovalbumin). Morphigenetic factors in the polycation-induced lesion included retraction and flattening of foot processes, narrowing of filtration slits, formation of occluding junctions between foot processes and cell swelling. The associated suppression of histochemically demonstrable glomerular polyanion suggested that neutralization of cell surface anionic sites was an important factor in the causation of the lesion, which was reversible by reperfusion with heparin. Observations by freeze-fracture confirmed the similarity of the polycation-induced lesion to the epithelial changes in rat aminonucleoside nephrosis. Following exposure to polycations there was also "staining" of anionic sites on epithelial and endothelial cell membranes and glomerular basement membrane. Reperfusion of protamine-treated kidneys with heparin resulted in restoration of previously suppressed colloidal iron staining and the formation of spherical, electron-dense (heparin-protamine) complexes within the glomerular filter.
Dialysate Sodium: Choosing the Optimal Hemodialysis Bath

Fluid overload in patients undergoing hemodialysis contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and is a major cause of hospitalizations. It is often addressed by reinforcing the importance of a low-salt diet with patients and challenging estimated dry weights. More recently, interest has shifted toward the dialysate sodium prescription as a strategy to improve fluid overload and its adverse sequelae. The availability of high-flux high-efficiency dialysis in conjunction with the need to ensure its tolerability for patients has resulted in an increase in dialysate sodium prescriptions from 120 to ≥140 mEq/L. However, we are now tackling the unforeseen consequences associated with high dialysate sodium prescriptions. High dialysate sodium concentration is associated with high interdialytic weight gain, a commonly used surrogate for hypervolemia contributing to hypertension. The association between mortality and high dialysate sodium concentration remains controversial with conflicting data. It is clear that fluid management in the diverse end-stage renal disease population is extremely complex and more clinical trials are needed. In the meantime, while patients require treatments and clinical decisions need to be made, this review article attempts to summarize the current evidence for individualized dialysate sodium prescriptions based on patients' volume status, comorbid conditions, plasma sodium level, and hemodynamic response to dialysis therapy.
AGM-consistency and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. Part II: from PBE to sequential equilibrium.

In (Bonanno, Int J Game Theory 42:567–592, 2013) a general notion of perfect Bayesian equilibrium (PBE) for extensive-form games was introduced and shown to be intermediate between subgame-perfect equilibrium and sequential equilibrium. Besides sequential rationality, the ingredients of the proposed notion are (1) the existence of a plausibility order on the set of histories that rationalizes the given assessment and (2) the notion of Bayesian consistency relative to the plausibility order. We show that a cardinal property of the plausibility order and a strengthening of the notion of Bayesian consistency provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a PBE to be a sequential equilibrium.
Who is Afraid of Reg FD? The Behavior and Performance of Sell-Side Analysts Following the SEC's Fair Disclosure Rules

This paper analyzes the impact of Regulation FD on the accuracy and dispersion of earnings forecasts made by sell-side equity analysts. Using a large sample of forecasts made over a nearly ten-year period surrounding FD's adoption, we uncover two main sets of findings. First, earnings forecasts become less accurate post-FD at the levels of both the individual analyst and the consensus. This effect is significantly larger for early forecasts than for late forecasts, and for smaller companies than for larger companies. Second, the dispersion in earnings forecasts across individual analysts following a company increases post-FD. This effect is also larger for early forecasts than for late forecasts, and it increases with the passage of time following FD's adoption. These results are quite robust to alternative empirical methodologies. Our findings suggest that there has been a reduction in both selective guidance and the quality of analyst forecasts post-FD.
Almost-periodic solutions to quasilinear evolution equations with a nonlocal nonlinearity

We prove an existence and uniqueness result for almost-periodic solutions to the quasilinear evolution equations (1) and (5). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal perception of infant personality: a preliminary investigation.

Thirty-five couples were recruited from childbirth classes for a study of their impressions of their firstborn infant's personality. Both mothers and fathers were found to have stable perceptions of their infant's temperament in late pregnancy and in early infancy. Additionally, the prenatal perceptions predicted the postnatal perceptions in several dimensions of temperament. Mothers whose perceptions of the infant's temperament changed substantially pre- to postnatally were found to have experienced labor as very different from what they had expected prenatally.
Building Collaborative Construction Skills through BIM-integrated Learning Environment

The integration of technology and team collaboration is increasingly becoming a critical juncture in construction education of the work environment. Through literature review and interviews, the authors find that students equipped with knowledge of BIM technology is not the ultimate goal, while the collaborative process of using BIM to solve practical construction problems emerges as key to individuals entering the industry. However, a majority of BIM-relevant courses have been taught as technology training without the context of a collaborative learning environment, while the industry values training in collaboration as a paramount skill in possible employees. To fill this gap, the authors assume that the collaborative construction skills can be obtained through training in higher education of construction. This work applies a case study analysis of one of Virginia Tech’s Department of Building Construction courses, the Integrated Construction Studio (ICS), to demonstrate how the BIM process help student...
Antigenic relationship of SV40 early proteins to purified large T polypeptide

Abstract Rabbit antiserum was produced against SV40 large T antigen purified by immunoprecipitation and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This antiserum immunoprecipitated both large T and small t antigens, and reacted with SV40 T, U, and S antigens by immunofluorescence. these data establish the antigenic relatedness of all the known SV40 early gene products, with the exception of transplantation antigen activity, and confirm the virus-specific nature of each. The reactivity of the anti-T polypeptide serum was compared with the specificities of T-reactive antisera produced by different methods, including conventional tumor-bearing hamster sera, rabbit antiserum directed against whole-cell SDS-lysates of SV40-transformed rabbit kidney cells, and high-titer ascites fluid from hamsters in which ascites was induced by injection of SV40-transformed hamster ascites cells. Each of the antisera was reactive in all of the tests for SV40-induced early antigens, but the relative reactivity toward each protein varied considerably. It is postulated that the differences in reactivity to small t antigen and U antigen represent differences in the immune response of individual animals to the amino and carboxyl termini of the large T antigen polypeptide, respectively. Antiserum produced against the SDS-denatured large T polypeptide exhibited the highest reactivity to both small t and U antigenic sites relative to its reactivity against intranuclear large T antigen.
The Vectorcardiogram and Electrocardiogram in Persistent Common Atrioventricular Canal

The electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram are of great aid in differentiating atrial septal defect of the secundum type from the ostium-primum type. In the latter condition there is left axis deviation in the scalar electrocardiogram and superior orientation of the QRS vector in the sagittal and frontal planes. There are relatively few congenital lesions that lead to the same degree of axis deviation and superior orientation of the QRS vector.
Flexion characteristics of four-unit fixed partial denture frameworks using holographic interferometry

Abstract Flexion of a metal/ceramic fixed partial denture (FPD) framework under function can cause fracture of the porcelain or deterioration of the cement seal. This study evaluated the iexion under compressive load of a four-unit mandibular FPD replacing the second premolar and the first molar. Testing was accomplished with elapsed time holographic interferometry, using 39 porcelain fused-to-metal frameworks cast with a silver-palladium alloy. The results demonstrated that solder joints at the junction of the premolar and molar pontics flexed under a reduced compressive load and exhibited a higher failure rate than other connector designs.
TrustCode: P2P reputation-based trust management using network coding

Trust management is very important for participating usersto assess trustworthiness of peers and identify misbehaving peers inthe open P2P environment. In this paper, we present TrustCode, aframework for P2P reputation-based trust management. Leveraging randomnetwork coding, TrustCode spreads coded feedbacks massivelyamong peers, thereby achieving bandwidth-efficient dissemination, ensuringdata availability, and yielding efficient feedback retrieval. Our simulationsshow that TrustCode is resilient to failures and robust againstmalicious nodes. To exhibit applicability of TrustCode, we also presenttwo applications that can be built on top of TrustCode.
795-6 Comparison Between Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Two-Dimensional Imaging for Evaluating Regurgitant Jets: An In Vitro Study

The aim of our study was to investigate the applicability of the 3D reconstruction for evaluating color Doppler regurgitant jet imaging compared to conventional 20 color Doppler flow mapping. Methods Steady flows (20–80 cc/sec) were driven through a rectangular orifice (24 mm2, length = 8 × width) using a steady flow pump. The regurgitant jets were imaged using 3 different Nyquist velocities (35, 52 and 78 cm/sec)with an Interspec ultrasound system and analyzed using 3D reconstruction with a Tomtec computer. An oblique “birds eye” view from above the orifice plane gave a side view of the flattened jet. Volumes of 3D regurgitant jets were measured and were compared to the conventional color Doppler 2D maximal jet area. Results The 3D reconstructions showed characteristically elongated and flaring jet propagation for all flow conditions (Figure). Jet areas sliced parallel to the orifice plane provided the most quantifiable jet propagation pattern. A linear relationship between flow rates and 3D jet volumes was obtained (r = 0.91, P l 0.001) whereas conventional 20 maximal jet areas showed a less well defined relationship with actual flow rates (r = 0.87, p l 0.01). The consistency of the relationship between flow rates and jet area in 3D volume over the various Nyquist units was also better for 3D volumes. Conclusion Our study suggests that three-dimensional jet volume methods should provide more accurate approaches for quantifying regurgitant jets than the conventional 2D jet area measurement. Download : Download high-res image (40KB) Download : Download full-size image
Prostaglandin A2 Blocks the Activation of G1 Phase Cyclin-dependent Kinase without Altering Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Stimulation

Prostaglandin A2 (PGA2) reversibly blocked the cell cycle progression of NIH 3T3 cells at G1 and G2/M phase. When it was applied to cells synchronized in G0 or S phase, cells were blocked at G1 and G2/M, respectively. The G2/M blockage was transient. Microinjected oncogenic leucine 61 Ras protein could not override the PGA2 induced G1 blockage, nor could previous transformation with the v-raf oncogene. The serum-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase was not inhibited by PGA2 treatment. These data suggest that PGA2 blocks cell cycle progression without interfering with the cytosolic proliferative signaling pathway. Combined microinjection of E2F-1 and DP-1 proteins or microinjected adenovirus E1A protein, however, could induce S phase in cells arrested in G1 by PGA2, indicating that PGA2 does not directly inhibit the process of DNA synthesis. In quiescent cells, PGA2 blocked the normal hyperphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma susceptible gene product and the activation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2 and CDK4, in response to serum stimulation. PGA2 treatment elevated the p21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1 protein expression level. These data indicate that PGA2 may arrest the cell cycle in G1 by interfering with the activation of G1 phase CDKs.
Influence matrix diagonal block elements for two-dimensional elastodynamic problems

A method is described in this article to calculate the diagonal block elements of the influence matrices used in the boundary element method for two-dimensional elastodynamic problems. Currently, a method that is used in the calculation of diagonal block elements is a combination of rigid-body translation and Gaussian quadrature for the adjoining elements to the singularity point. This paper proposes to show an alternative method for the calculation of diagonal block elements of the traction influence matrix in elastodynamic problems where linear elements are used. In addition, the method is applied for use in the displacement influence matrix. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated in an example problem. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Acculturative Stress Inventory for Children

The psychometric properties of the Acculturative Stress Inventory for Children (ASIC) were examined with a sample of 139 Hispanic children. This self-report instrument was studied using the items of the Societal, Attitudinal, Familial, and Environmental Acculturative Stress Scale for Children (SAFE-C; Chavez, Moran, Reid, & Lopez, 1997), which had face validity for acculturative stress. The psychometric properties of the ASIC were examined by conducting an exploratory principal-axis factor analysis, which yielded a two-factor solution. The first factor includes 8 items assessing perceived discrimination and the 4 items of the second factor measure immigration-related experiences. Evidence of internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the 2 factors and the total scale were found to be adequate. In addition, sufficient estimates of convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity were obtained. Implications for future research of acculturative stress in children involving the ASIC are discussed.
Derivation of time of concentration

Abstract Generalized expressions for the time of concentration are derived from the kinematic wave theory. Two types of geometric configurations are considered in the derivations: (1) rectangular plane section and (2) converging section. It is shown that under very special conditions the well-known Kirpich's formula for the time of concentration is a special case of the generalized expressions. Furthermore, it is shown that the rainfall duration has definite influence on the time of concentration — a fact that apparently has not been considered before.
Testosterone upregulates lipoprotein status to control sexual attractiveness in a colorful songbird

A salient feature of many secondary sexual characteristics in animals is that their expression is controlled by sex-steroid hormones. However, for only a few types of ornaments do we know the precise molecular mechanism by which androgens like testosterone (T) enhance trait production. We studied the red carotenoid-based beak of male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), which serves as a sexually selected trait and is thought to be T dependent. In previous research, we demonstrated that the extent to which male finches produce lipoproteins in the bloodstream, which bind carotenoid pigments acquired from the diet and transport them to peripheral tissues, regulates the accumulation of carotenoids in the body and beak pigmentation. Here we show that T acts to upregulate lipoprotein production and allows male zebra finches to display flashy, sexually attractive coloration. Levels of circulating T in blood positively and significantly predicted lipoprotein profile (as measured by cholesterol levels), blood carotenoid concentration, and beak color. Exogenous T administration elevated cholesterol and carotenoid status as well as beak redness. Last, experimental inhibition of T (using the anti-androgen flutamide) downregulated lipoprotein production and carotenoid circulation and faded the beak. This androgen- and lipoprotein-mediated system represents one of the more detailed physiological mechanisms underlying the development of a sex-steroid-dependent trait in animals.
Infrared spectroscopy on size-controlled synthesized Pt-based nano-catalysts

Abstract Pt, Ru and Pt/Ru nano-particles, synthesized in ethylene glycol solutions, are studied using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The synthesis method allows the control of the mono- and bi-metallic catalyst particle sizes between 1 and 5.5 nm. The IR spectra of CO adsorbed (CO ads ) on the Pt, Ru and bi-metallic Pt/Ru colloids are recorded as a function of the particle size. The stretching frequency of CO ads depends on the particle size and composition. Strong IR bands due to the stretching vibration of CO ads are observed between 2010 and 2050 cm −1 for the Pt nano-particles, while two IR bands between 2030 and 2060 cm −1 for linear bonded CO ads , and at lower wavenumbers between 1950 and 1980 cm −1 for bridged bonded CO ads , are found for the Ru particles. The IR spectra for the Pt/Ru nano-sized catalyst particles show complex behaviour. For the larger particles (>2 ± 0.5 nm), two IR bands representative of CO ads on Ru and Pt–Ru alloy phases, are observed in the range of 1970–2050 cm −1 . A decrease in the particle size results in the appearance of a third band at ∼2020 cm −1 , indicative of CO ads on Pt. The relative intensity of the band for CO ads on the Pt–Ru alloy vs. the Pt phase decreases with decreasing particle size. These results suggest that Ru is partially dissolved in the Pt lattice for the larger Pt/Ru nano-particles and that a separate Ru phase is also present. A Pt–Ru alloy and Ru phase is observed for all Pt/Ru particles prepared in this work. However, a decrease in particle size results in a decrease of the number of Pt and Ru atoms in the Pt–Ru alloy phase, as they are increasingly present as single Pt and Ru phases.
A clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of a topical erythromycin-zinc formulation with a topical clindamycin formulation

One hundred three patients with acne vulgaris were randomly designated to receive either a topical formulation of erythromycin plus zinc or a topical solution of 1 % clindamycin phosphate (Cleocin-T). The patients treated themselves twice daily and were examined at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after the start of therapy. By week 6 the overall severity grade was consistently lower and the percent reduction of severity, papules, pustules, and total comedones was higher in the erythromycin-zinc-treated group than in the clindamycin-treated group. In the 92 patients who completed this study (48 receiving erythromycin-zinc and 44 receiving clindamycin), no serious topical or systemic side effects were reported. Two patients, one from each treatment group, suffered mild irritation. One patient was withdrawn from the erythromycin-zinc-treated group. Results of patch tests were negative. The superiority of the erythromycin-zinc formulation may be due to the increased (4%) erythromycin concentration and/or the ability of 1.2% zinc acetate to enhance the product's activity.
Particle formation from pulsed laser irradiation of soot aggregates studied with a scanning mobility particle sizer, a transmission electron microscope, and a scanning transmission x-ray microscope

We investigated the physical and chemical changes induced in soot aggregates exposed to laser radiation using a scanning mobility particle sizer, a transmission electron microscope, and a scanning transmission x-ray microscope to perform near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Laser-induced nanoparticle production was observed at fluences above 0.12 J/cm(2) at 532 nm and 0.22 J/cm(2) at 1064 nm. Our results indicate that new particle formation proceeds via (1) vaporization of small carbon clusters by thermal or photolytic mechanisms, followed by homogeneous nucleation, (2) heterogeneous nucleation of vaporized carbon clusters onto material ablated from primary particles, or (3) both processes.
Periodic synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids in the absence of protein synthesis.

Abstract In Alcaligenes fecalis low concentrations of chloramphenicol (10 γ/ml) block cell division but allow some protein synthesis. Under these conditions, synchronized cultures exhibit stepwise DNA and RNA synthesis. At high concentrations of the drug (500 γ/ml), protein synthesis ceases and cells lose viability rapidly, yet periodic nucleic acid synthesis persists. If high concentrations of antibiotic are added just before division, the cells divide once and then proceed to die. The amount of DNA or RNA synthesized in the presence of chloramphenicol is not proportional to the nucleic acid content of the cell at the time of addition of the drug. Instead, the ability to synthesize either DNA or RNA varies depending upon the time during the division cycle at which the drug is added. These results are discussed in view of what is now known concerning periodic nuleic acid synthesis by synchronous cultures of Alcaligenes fecalis .
The impact of misrepresentative data patterns on sales forecasting accuracy

The development of a sales forecasting system involves three major steps. The first step is to obtain prior sales data and to identify the model that will best forecast the patterns that exist in the data. The second step is to estimate parameter values for the selected model by analyzing the prior sales data. The third step is to test the accuracy of the model by use of the prior sales data. Each of the steps requires use of prior data.
Mammalian BLM helicase is critical for integrating multiple pathways of meiotic recombination

Bloom’s syndrome (BS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by growth retardation, cancer predisposition, and sterility. BS mutated (Blm), the gene mutated in BS patients, is one of five mammalian RecQ helicases. Although BLM has been shown to promote genome stability by assisting in the repair of DNA structures that arise during homologous recombination in somatic cells, less is known about its role in meiotic recombination primarily because of the embryonic lethality associated with Blm deletion. However, the localization of BLM protein on meiotic chromosomes together with evidence from yeast and other organisms implicates a role for BLM helicase in meiotic recombination events, prompting us to explore the meiotic phenotype of mice bearing a conditional mutant allele of Blm. In this study, we show that BLM deficiency does not affect entry into prophase I but causes severe defects in meiotic progression. This is exemplified by improper pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes and altered processing of recombination intermediates, resulting in increased chiasmata. Our data provide the first analysis of BLM function in mammalian meiosis and strongly argue that BLM is involved in proper pairing, synapsis, and segregation of homologous chromosomes; however, it is dispensable for the accumulation of recombination intermediates.
Retinal recipient nuclei in the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta: an autoradiographic and HRP study.

Retinofugal pathways in the painted turtle were examined with autoradiographic and HRP methods. The majority of the retinal fibers decussate at the optic chiasm and course caudally to terminate in 12 regions of the diencephalon and mesencephalon. The pars dorsalis of the lateral geniculate nucleus is the densest target in the thalamus. Two nuclei dorsal to pars dorsalis-the dorsal optic and dorsal central nuclei-receive optic input. Three nuclei ventral to pars dorsalis are retinal targets-the ventral geniculate nucleus, nucleus ventrolateralis pars dorsalis, and nucleus ventrolateralis pars ventralis. Contralateral fibers course through the pretectum where they terminate in nucleus geniculatis pretectalis, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus posterodorsalis, and the external pre- tectal nucleus. Retinal fibers also terminate within the superficial zone of the optic tectum. HRP material demonstrates three optic fiber layers-laminae 9, 12, and 14. Optic fibers leave the main optic tract as a distinct accessory tegmental optic pathway and terminate in the basal optic nucleus. Ipsilateral retinal terminals occur in a pars dorsalis and a pars ventralis of the lateral geniculate nucleus, the dorsal optic nucleus, nucleus posterodorsalis, the basal optic nucleus, and in laminae 9 and 12 of the optic tectum. Rostrally, the ipsilateral tectal fibers occupy two zones along the medial and lateral tectal roof; these zones converge caudally and are continuous along the caudal wall of the tectum.
Growth estimates and lower bounds for solutions in nonlinear elastodynamics with indefinite strain energy

This paper investigates questions of nonexistence and growth of weak solutions of a system of equations of nonlinear elastodynamics under various hypotheses on the data and on the form of the strain energy function.
Electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotube networks.

We present a study on the electronic behavior of films of as-prepared and purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and demonstrate the important role that chemical functionalization plays in modifying their electronic properties, which in turn throws further light on the mechanism of action of SWNT-based sensors. Films of electric arc SWNTs were prepared by spraying, and optical spectroscopy was used to measure the effective film thickness. The room-temperature conductivities (σRT) of thin films deposited from as-prepared and purified SWNTs are in the range σRT = 250−400 S/cm, and the nonmetallic temperature dependence of the conductivity indicates the presence of tunneling barriers, which dominate the film conductivity. Chemical functionalization of SWNTs with octadecylamine (ODA) and poly(m-aminobenzenesulfonic acid) (PABS) significantly decreases the conductivity; σRT = 3 and 0.3 S/cm for SWNT-ODA and SWNT-PABS, respectively.
The role of ion-molecule reactions in the conversion of N2O5 to HNO3 in the stratosphere

Abstract We have investigated the role of several ion-molecule reactions in the conversion of N2O5 to HNO3. In the proposed conversion, an N2O5 molecule would react with an H2O molecule clustered to an inert ion to produce two HNO3 molecules. Subsequent clustering of an H2O molecule to the inert ion would make the reaction catalytic. If such an ion-catalysed conversion of N2O5 to HNO3 occurs, it would probably play a role in the stratospheric chemistry at high latitudes in winter. In this paper we present reaction rate constant measurements made in a flowing afterglow apparatus for hydrated H3O+, H+(CH3CN)m (m = 1, 2, 3), and several negative ions reacting with N2O5. Slow rate constants were found for these ions for hydration levels that are predominant in the stratosphere. With the known stratospheric ion density, these slow rate constants preclude significant N2O5 conversion by ion-molecule reactions.
THE EFFECTS OF WEANING AND MILK ON MAMMARY FATTY ACID SYNTHESIS.

Abstract 1. 1. A mechanism is proposed to account for the rapid cessation of fatty acid synthesis in the lactating mammary gland following weaning. It is suggested that milk contains an inhibitor which accumulates with the retained milk and serves to shut off fatty acid synthesis. 2. 2. Extracts of lactating rat mammary glands were prepared at various time intervals from 3 to 24 h following weaning. During this period there is a rapid accumulation of milk in the gland, measured by the lactose concentration in the extract and a concomitant diminution of fatty acid synthesis, measured by the incorporation of [14C]acetate into long-chain fatty acids. Fatty acid synthesis is partially restored in such extracts if the rat, whose young were removed 24 h previously, is sucked by another litter for 3–18 h, resulting in the removal of all the accumulated milk from the gland. 3. 3. When access to some of the rat's mammary glands is prevented for 9 h while the other glands are suckled, milk accumulates in the obstructed glands. Extracts from such glands incorporate only one-tenth as much [14C]acetate into fatty acids as extracts from the suckled glands. 4. 4. The addition of rat milk to an extract of actively lactating rat mammary gland results in severe inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. 5. 5. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acetyl-CoA:CO2 ligase (ADP), EC 6.4.1.2) was measured in (NH4)2SO4-treated mammary extracts by the incorporation of NaH14CO3 into malonyl-CoA. This enzyme is profoundly inhibited by the addition of rat milk. 6. 6. The inhibitory activity is located in the particulate fraction of milk.