cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms for iron transport across the blood-brain barrier.

Many critical metabolic functions in the brain require adequate and timely delivery of iron. However, most studies when considering brain iron uptake have ignored the iron requirements of the endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Moreover, current models of BBB iron transport do not address regional regulation of brain iron uptake or how neurons, when adapting to metabolic demands, can acquire more iron. In this study, we demonstrate that both iron-poor transferrin (apo-Tf) and the iron chelator, deferoxamine, stimulate release of iron from iron-loaded endothelial cells in an in vitro BBB model. The role of the endosomal divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in BBB iron acquisition and transport has been questioned. Here, we show that inhibition of DMT1 alters the transport of iron and Tf across the endothelial cells. These data support an endosome-mediated model of Tf-bound iron uptake into the brain and identifies mechanisms for local regional regulation of brain iron uptake. Moreover, our data provide an explanation for the disparity in the ratio of Tf to iron transport into the brain that has confounded the field.
Using What You Get: Dynamic Physiologic Signatures of Critical Illness

A physiologic signature can be defined as a consistent and robust collection of physiologic measurements characterizing a disease process and its temporal evolution. If a library of physiologic signatures of impending cardiopulmonary instability were available to clinicians caring for inpatients, many episodes of clinical decompensation and their downstream effects could potentially be averted. The development and resolution of cardiopulmonary instability are processes that take time to become clinically apparent, and the treatments provided take time to have an impact. The characterization of dynamic changes in hemodynamic and metabolic variables is implicit in the concept of physiologic signatures. Changes in vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, as well as measures of flow such as cardiac output are some of the standard variables used by clinicians to determine cardiopulmonary instability. When these primary variables are collected with high enough frequency to derive new variables, this data hierarchy can be used to development physiologic signatures. The construction of new variables from primary variables, and therefore the creation of physiologic signatures requires no new information; additional knowledge is extracted from data that already exists. It is possible to create physiologic signatures for each stage in the process of clinical decompensation and recovery to improve patient outcomes.
Modeling Archaeology: Origins of the Artificial Anasazi Project and Beyond

The Artificial Anasazi (AA) agent-based simulation model was one of the first agent-based models to address archaeological questions. It grew out of a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists/anthropologists (George Gumerman, Jeffrey Dean, Alan Swedlund), computational social scientists (Robert Axtell, Joshua Epstein), and computer modelers (Steve McCarroll, Miles Parker). This chapter describes the kinds of archaeological questions the AA model was designed to address and the ability of the model to answer those questions, as well as an extension of the model that incorporates individual-level age-specific fertility and mortality rates (the Artificial Long House Valley, or ALHV model). We also provide a brief overview of other archaeologically oriented agent-based simulation models and describe how they relate to the AA model. We conclude with a discussion of future directions for the AA and ALHV models as well as suggestions for further research on archaeological questions for which agent-based computer simulations may be especially suitable.
Studying Starch Content and Sedimentation of Amyloplast Statoliths in Arabidopsis Roots

Amyloplasts, organelles responsible for the synthesis and storage of starch, are of critical importance to gravitropism in higher plants. We discuss two methods that are useful for describing the histology and behavior of amyloplasts. First, because mutants with little or no plastidic starch accumulation are defective in their gravitropic response, we review a method to observe starch accumulation quickly in plant tissue. Second, we discuss a method for measuring amyloplast sedimentation in the dynamic environment of Arabidopsis root columella cells, which is thought to provide a directional cue to a reoriented plant.
Labor Arbitration and Dispute Resolution.

There is a widespread perception that our judicial system needs changing. It is expensive, unnecessarily technical, intrusive on private relations, and it gives unfair advantage to the wealthy and powerful. Labor arbitration, by contrast, is frequently pointed to as the paradigm of private justice. It is understandable that labor arbitration is widely admired. When it functions properly it achieves in an impressive fashion the goals by which any system of dispute resolution should be measured. These are: (1) Finality. Once decided, are cases likely to be retried or appealed? (2) Obedience. Are the decisions put into effect or are they rendered meaningless by subsequent refusals to carry them out? (3) Guidance. Do the decisions provide necessary guidance to the parties involved in the dispute? Can they subsequently structure behavior in a reasonable fashion and avoid future litigation? (4) Efficiency. Are the majority of disputes settled without a formal hearing? When cases are tried, are the procedures adequate, flexible, and suited to the particular issue? Are the benefits achieved from the system economical compared to the costs? (5) Availability. Is the dispute-resolution machinery routinely available without undue expense to people whose behavior is governed by the system, and are they provided with adequate representation? (6) Neutrality. Do the decisionmakers avoid favoritism and bias for one side or another? (7) Conflict Reduction. Does the entire process, including the adjudication, lead to more amicable relations and contribute to mutual respect among the potential disputants? (8) Fairness. Will the disputes be resolved in a way that appropriately recognizes the interests of the various parties likely to come before the system?
Characterization of long‐term outcomes for pediatric patients with epithelioid hemangioma

Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) is a rare benign vascular tumor that occurs in soft tissues and bone and presents between the third and sixth decades of life. Little is known about the clinical course and outcomes of pediatric EH. We report 11 patients diagnosed with EH at a median age of 14.4 years. One patient treated with interferon and one with sirolimus exhibited partial response for >2 years. Although a benign neoplasm, EH is difficult to manage without standard protocols and portends considerable morbidity. Our findings suggest medical management, particularly sirolimus, may benefit these patients; however, long-term follow-up is needed.
O TRATAMENTO DIFERENCIADO PARA AS MICRO EMPRESAS E EMPRESAS DE PEQUENO PORTE NO PROCESSO LICITATÓRIO: UMA PESQUISA PARA LUCAS DO RIO VERDE/MT

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar uma breve analise sobre a Lei Complementar No 123 de dezembro de 2006, no âmbito da Administracao Publica na modalidade Licitacao, a referida lei busca ampliar as oportunidades das Micro e Empresas de Pequeno Porte, proporcionar um tratamento diferenciado em forma de beneficios, com o objetivo de atender e buscar a proposta mais vantajosa e de melhor preco nos certames publicos. O trabalho buscou conhecer quais sao os beneficios que a Lei No 123 /2006, contemplou ao setor, colocando em igualdade de disputa todas as empresas; mesmo que algumas apresentem irregularidades fiscais, mesmo assim poderao participar, estas irregularidades, serao citadas no corpo do trabalho. Com a aplicacao desta lei, muitas empresas buscam oportunidades para alavancar seus negocios, gerando assim mais empregos e renda. A fundamentacao teorica do presente estudo foi realizado com base em pesquisa bibliografica e legislacoes pertinentes, proporcionando o embasamento necessario para mostrar os resultados positivos que a sociedade usufrui a partir da criacao de tal lei. Conclui-se que a Lei Complementar No 123./2006 oportunizou ao Micro e Pequeno Empresario condicoes e vantagens no momento de contratar com a Administracao Publica, sendo assim maiores possibilidades de sobrevivencia no mercado competitivo na atualidade, com isto, oportunizando a estas que continuem a manutencao de suas atividades, bem como absorcao do grande percentual da mao de obra empregada pelas MEs e EPPs em nosso municipio e como via de regra a nivel nacional. Palavras-chave : Lei Complementar n° 123 de 2006. Micro e pequenas empresas. Licitacao. Administracao publica.
Multiplicative noise in Bayesian inverse problems: Well-posedness and consistency of MAP estimators

Multiplicative noise arises in inverse problems when, for example, uncertainty on measurements is proportional to the size of the measurement itself. The likelihood that arises is hence more complicated than that from additive noise. We consider two multiplicative noise models: purely multiplicative noise, and a mixture of multiplicative noise and additive noise. Adopting a Bayesian approach, we provide conditions for the resulting posterior distributions on Banach space to be continuous with respect to perturbations in the data; the inclusion of additive noise in addition to multiplicative noise acts as a form of regularization, allowing for milder conditions on the forward map. Additionally, we show that MAP estimators exist for both the purely multiplicative and mixed noise models when a Gaussian prior is employed, and for the latter prove that they are consistent in the small noise limit when all noise is Gaussian.
Preoperative Endoscopic Findings in Veterans Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: Prevalence and Predictors of Barrett's Esophagus.

There is no consensus regarding the need for routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients before bariatric surgery. The aim of our study is to determine the frequency and predictors of EGD findings in a Veteran population presenting for bariatric surgery. This is a single-center retrospective analysis of Veterans who underwent RYGB or LSG, at a Veterans Affairs hospital between January 2008 and December 2017. All patients received a preoperative EGD. Data abstracted included demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, and EGD findings. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for common EGD pathologies. Of the 260 Veterans included in our cohort, majority were male (75.0%), Caucasian (73.5%), and aged 54.0 ± 9.0 years old with a BMI of 44.9 ± 7.0 kg/m2. Most had hypertension (78.9%), previously smoked (63.9%), and recently used a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (53.1%). One third of Veterans had a completely normal preoperative EGD. Common preoperative EGD findings included gastritis (35.8%), hiatal hernia (25.8%), esophagitis (20.8%), duodenitis (10.4%), Barrett’s esophagus (7.4%), and Helicobacter pylori infection (4.6%). Preoperative predictors for a normal EGD were female gender, absence of hypertension, and no recent PPI use. Preoperative predictors of Barrett’s esophagus included older age, recent PPI use, and recent histamine H2 receptor blocker (H2B) use. Increased age, male gender, and PPI use were associated with a change in surgical and/or medical management. Preoperative factors can be used to identify patients at risk for gastroesophageal pathology. Our data support preoperative EGD especially in older males with a history of PPI or H2B use.
A comprehensive review of contemporary reconstructive urology.

The term “reconstruction” implies restoration of both form and function, and in urology the breadth and depth of surgical solutions to restore the urinary tract are expansive. I find it easiest to categorize the contemporary landscape of reconstructive urologic surgery in to different silos as follows: (I) urethral stricture disease; (II) prosthetic surgery; (III) trauma and complex urinary reconstruction; (IV) andrology and infertility; (V) transitional urology, and (VI) gender affirmation surgery. In this focused edition we will explore some of the most important and high-yield topics to date pertaining to the first four of these categories.
Hydro-biogeochemical processes and nitrogen removal potential of a tidally influenced permeable reactive barrier behind a perforated marine bulkhead

Abstract Denitrifying permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) installed in proximity to impaired waterbodies can help mitigate coastal eutrophication. We monitored the hydro-biogeochemical conditions and assessed nitrogen removal performance of a tidally influenced pilot PRB installed behind a perforated marine bulkhead. The pilot was installed in an area with appreciable submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and elevated nitrogen concentration likely due to medium – high density residential septic input to the local watershed. The bulkhead PRB reduced groundwater nitrate concentrations from 285 to 429 μM to
Mitochondrial uncoupling and the disruption of the metabolic network in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer related death worldwide. Adequate treatment options for patients with advanced HCC are currently limited. Materials and methods We studied the anti-HCC effect of FH535 and a novel derivative Y3, on proliferation, mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism focusing on the three key substrates, glutamine, glucose, and fatty acids. Results FH535 and Y3 disrupted mitochondrial redox control in HCC cells that resulted from uncoupling mechanisms that increased proton leakage and decreased ATP production leading to apoptosis. The uncoupling effects of the sulfonamides in HCC cells were supported by the loss of activity of the methylated analogs. The accumulation of ROS significantly contributed to cell damage after the impaired autophagic machinery. These sulfonamides, FH535 and Y3, targeted glutamine and fatty acid metabolism and caused HCC cell reprograming towards the preferential use of glucose and the glycolytic pathway. Conclusions FH535, and Y3, demonstrated potent anti-HCC activity by targeting OXPHOS, increasing dangerous levels of ROS and reducing ATP production. These sulfonamides target glutamine and FA metabolic pathways significantly increasing the cellular dependency on glycolysis.
Common Patterns of Developmental Dentofacial Deformities: A Biologic Classification System:

Jaw disharmonies that are recognized after birth and that present in association with the pre-pubertal growth spurt are called developmental dentofacial deformities. These deformities occur during ...
Modularity vs programmability in design of international products: Beyond the standardization-adaptation tradeoff?

Summary This paper argues that design innovation constitutes an important means for multinational corporations (MNCs) to manage the standardization–adaptation dilemma in product development for international markets. Through design innovation MNCs can accommodate the heterogeneity of different national markets by building functional versatility into products. Two design principles are covered. First, the familiar design principle of modularity is reviewed along with its bearing on the standardization–adaptation dilemma. Second, the less familiar design principle of programmability is introduced. A historical case study on ERP (enterprise resource planning) software is presented, showing how one firm (SAP AG) used design innovation to serve internationally heterogeneous markets. The study also illustrates the interplay of these two principles; in essence, modularity helps reduce some of the complexity costs that arise from increasing levels of programmability in product design.
Rare case of extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease presenting as a middle cranial fossa tumour.

A 16-year-old previously healthy boy presented with a 7-year history of ‘black out’ spells. The patient reported that the episodes occurred one to two times in a month associated with dizziness and loss of consciousness without associated urinary or faecal incontinence. At times, he would have
Creep of solder interconnects under combined loads

An exact analysis is presented for the creep deformation of solder interconnects subjected to the actions of bending moment and axial force. Dimensionless interaction curves and charts which relate the variables, axial force, location of neutral-axis, maximum bending stress and strain rate, bending moment and change in curvature rate are provided for engineering practice convenience. The tangent-modulus buckling loads of centrally loaded solder columns and a simple formula for the critical time to buckling are determined. The constitutive relationship of the solder interconnects is given. >
Iodoral-Induced Iatrogenic Hypothyroidism

Background: Iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones. Therefore, the thyroid gland is generally able to maintain normal hormone synthesis despite changes in iodine availability. When there is an increase in iodide load, the thyroid gland is able to inhibit the formation of organic iodide via the Wolff-Chaikoff effect (WCE). This prevents the formation of large quantities of thyroid hormones, thus preventing hyperthyroidism1. Continued exposure to excess iodine is also overcome by the “escape” phenomenon and hormone synthesis resumes in a normal fashion2. However, some patients may lack this autoregulation and develop hypothyroidism. Clinical Case: An 86-year-old male with a history of subclinical hypothyroidism initially presented to his PCP for evaluation of cognitive decline. Workup revealed a TSH of 10 mcIU/mL (0.34 – 5.6 mcIU/mL), a normal FT4 and a negative TPOAb. It was subsequently revealed that the patient was started on Iodoral 12.5 mg daily, an iodine/potassium iodide supplement, 1 month prior to presentation by a naturopathic doctor. Prior to all this, his TSH had always ranged between 4 – 6 mcIU/mL for many years. It was recommended that he discontinue Iodoral and repeat thyroid labs in the future. Despite this, the patient continued on varying doses of Iodoral supplementation. Repeat labs obtained 8 months later revealed an elevated TSH of 99 mcIU/mL and a low FT4 of 0.43 ng/mL (0.6 – 2.6 ng/mL). Despite these numbers, he was asymptomatic and did not exhibit any overt signs of hypothyroidism. He was referred to Endocrinology and finally stopped taking Iodoral.7 weeks post-discontinuation, his repeat labs showed a resolution of hypothyroidism and return to his baseline subclinical disease with a TSH of 8.2 mcIU/mL and a normal FT4. A urine iodine/creatinine was normal at 244.2 ug/g (35 – 540 ug/g) indicating that there was no residual iodine excess from the Iodoral. Conclusion: As far as we are aware, we present the first reported case of Iodoral-induced iatrogenic hypothyroidism. As with past cases of iodine-induced hypothyroidism, our patient had underlying thyroid disease in subclinical hypothyroidism which could explain why he was unable to escape from the WCE. The half-life of Iodoral is unknown but it is generally understood that the effects of iodide are reversed between 2 to 4 weeks after withdrawal. Our patient did not repeat his thyroid function tests until 7 weeks post-discontinuation but did demonstrate a return to baseline with no other intervention. Reference: 1. Markou K, Georgopoulos N, Kyriazopoulou V, Vagenakis AG. Iodine-Induced hypothyroidism. Thyroid. 2001 May;11(5):501-10. doi: 10.1089/105072501300176462. PMID: 11396709.2. Torti JF, Correa R. Potassium Iodide. 2020 Oct 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan–. PMID: 31194460.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Cell-Free DNA Extracted From Pleural Effusion Supernatant: Applications and Challenges

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from diverse specimen types has emerged as a high quality substrate for molecular tumor profiling. Analytical and pre-analytical challenges in the utilization of cfDNA extracted from pleural effusion supernatant (PES) are herein characterized in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Pleural effusion specimens containing metastatic NSCLC were collected prospectively. After ThinPrep® (TP) and cell block (CB) preparation, DNA was extracted from residual PES and analyzed by gel electrophoresis for quality and quantity. Libraries were prepared and sequenced with a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform and panel clinically validated for plasma specimens. Results were compared with DNA extracted from corresponding FFPE samples that were sequenced using institutional targeted NGS assays clinically validated for solid tumor FFPE samples. Tumor (TC) and overall cellularity (OC) were evaluated. Fourteen specimens were collected from 13 patients. Median specimen volume was 180 mL (range, 35-1400 mL). Median TC and OC on TP slides and CB sections were comparable. Median extracted DNA concentration was 7.4 ng/μL (range, 0.1-58.0 ng/μL), with >5 ng/μL DNA extracted from 10/14 specimens (71%). Mutations were identified in 10/14 specimens, including 1/3 specimens with median molecular coverage <1,000 reads. The minimal detected allelic fraction was 0.6%. NGS was falsely negative for the presence of one driver mutation. No correlation was identified between sample volume or OC, quality or quantity of extracted DNA, or mutation detection. Conclusion: Despite analytical and pre-analytical challenges, PES represents a robust source of DNA for NGS.
Fermi-polaron problem: Diagrammatic Monte Carlo method for divergent sign-alternating series

We use the diagrammatic Monte Carlo approach to solve the problem of a single spin-down fermion resonantly interacting with a Fermi gas of spin-up particles. Our solution is important for understanding the phase diagram and properties of the crossover from the BCS regime to the Bose-Einstein condensate in the strongly imbalanced regime. On the technical side, we develop a generic sign-problem-tolerant method for exact numerical solution of polaron-type models. This is a characteristic example of how Monte Carlo methods can be used to simulate divergent sign-alternating diagrammatic series.
Close Binary White Dwarfs

Previously undetected binaries consisting solely of degenerate stellar components have been discovered or their existence inferred by three different techniques, the results of which are discussed in this paper. The first and most useful method is the successful detection of periodic radial velocity variations due to orbital motion. Secondly, close binary evolution may be the only way of explaining the existence of stars having derived masses safely below the mass limit for core helium ignition. Finally, at least three stars exhibit inconsistencies between their line spectra and colors which can be explained if the spectra are composite.
Population Densities of Rhizobium japonicum Strain 123 Estimated Directly in Soil and Rhizospheres.

Rhizobium japonicum serotype 123 was enumerated in soil and rhizospheres by fluorescent antibody techniques. Counting efficiency was estimated to be about 30%. Indigenous populations of strain 123 ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand per gram of field soil before planting. Rhizosphere effects from field-grown soybean plants were modest, reaching a maximum of about 2 × 104 cells of strain 123 per g of inner rhizosphere soil in young (16-day-old) plants. Comparably slight rhizosphere stimulation was observed with field corn. High populations of strain 123 (2 × 106 to 3 × 106 cells per g) were found only in the disintegrating taproot rhizospheres of mature soybeans at harvest, and these populations declined rapidly after harvest. Pot experiments with the same soil provided data similar to those derived from the field experiments. Populations of strain 123 reached a maximum of about 105 cells per g of soybean rhizosphere soil, but most values were lower and were only slightly higher than values in wheat rhizosphere soil. Nitrogen treatments had little effect on strain 123 densities in legume and nonlegume rhizospheres or on the nodulation success of strain 123. No evidence was obtained for the widely accepted theory of specific stimulation, which has been proposed to account for the initiation of the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis.
A Fast Algorithm for Adaptive Motion Compensation Precision in Screen Content Coding

Fractional-pel motion compensation is very good at improving video coding efficiency, especially for camera-captured content. But for screen content, which is obtained from a computer desktop, motion vectors with integer-precision may be enough to represent the motion in different pictures. Using fractional-pel motion compensation for such content is a waste of bits. Thus, adaptive motion compensation precision is helpful for improving coding efficiency, especially for screen content coding. Usually, to select suitable motion compensation precision, multi-pass encoding is introduced, which significantly increases the encoding time. This paper presents a fast encoding algorithm for adaptive motion compensation precision used in screen content coding by hash-based block matching. With the proposed method, multi-pass encoding is avoided and most of the benefits brought by adaptive motion compensation precision are preserved. The experimental results show that with the proposed method, up to 7.7% bit saving is obtained without a significant impact on encoding time.
Hypnosis: Exploring the Benefits for the Role of the Hospital Social Worker

This article will provide an examination of Erickson's model of hypnosis and the impact hypnosis has made on the psychosocial well being of the medically ill patient. The intrinsic three stage process of a hypnotic intervention, as well as its value, practice assumptions, and its relevance to alleviating pain, distress, and anxiety with oncology patients will be discussed. We have found this approach to be particularly effective with adult oncology patients at alleviating the side effects of the arduous treatment that is often endured. Case vignettes will demonstrate the benefits of utilizing this intervention with adult patients in the hospital setting as well as provide specific insight into the creative methods in which we have woven hypnosis into our clinical work. Finally, we will explore the use and rationale of hypnosis in medical settings and the impact of using this intervention on the role of the hospital social worker.
FREQUENCY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF CARDIAC MURMURS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE

The frequency of cardiac murmurs in early infancy has been studied in a large series of unselected infants. In the immediate postnatal examination, a murmur was heard in 1.7 per cent. With repeated examinations, however, at 6 and at 12 months of age, the proportion of infants in whom a cardiac murmur was heard at some time rose to 7.0 per cent of 5,017 full-term singlebirth infants and to 9.9 per cent of 364 premature single-birth infants. Non-white infants had a significantly higher prevalence of murmurs than did white infants at both the 6 and 12 month examinations. Of the 71 full-term infants who had murmurs at the birth examination and were re-examined at both 6 and 12 months, 49 (69 per cent) had no murmurs at either of the later examinations. Of the 150 full-term infants who had murmurs heard for the first time at 6 months and were re-examined at 12 months, 90 (60 per cent) had no murmur at the 12-month examination. Of the total number of 353 murmurs heard in full-term infants, 166 were ultimately interpreted to be functional, and 25 to be organic murmurs. The remaining 162 were inconstantly present, and were probably all functional murmurs. In our experience, a murmur heard at birth carries a 1:12 probability of congenital heart disease; if it is again heard at 6 months, this chance is 1:3; and if the murmur persists to 12 months, the chance is 3:5 that congenital heart disease is present. When a murmur is first heard at 6 months, and persists until 12 months, the probability of congenital heart disease is 1:7; and when a murmur is first heard at 12 months, the probability falls to 1:50. Premature infants were found to be similar to full-term infants in all respects, insofar as their small numbers made comparisons possible. Finally, the relative rarity of cardiac murmurs in the newborn period has been demonstrated once more.
Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptides Inhibit Hyaluronan-Induced Cytokine Release and Modulate Chronic Allergic Dermatitis

Antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidins can modulate inflammation by interfering with TLR function. Small fragment hyaluronan (HA) is released following injury, and is an endogenous ligand for TLR4 as well as CD44. In this study, we examined the interactions of cathelicidin with HA. Cathelicidin inhibited HA induced MIP-2 release from mouse bone marrow derived macrophages in a CD44 dependent manner but did not inhibit MALP2-induced MIP-2 release. This inhibitory activity was more potent than that of a peptide inhibitor of HA binding (Pep-1) and independent of Gi protein coupled or EGF-R signaling, both targets of cathelicidin inhibited HA-induced MIP-2 release. In assay of cell binding to HA, cathelicidins also significantly inhibited this process, suggesting that this antimicrobial peptide can interfere in other membrane binding events mediated by HA. The significance of this inhibition was demonstrated in a skin inflammation model induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. This induced an increase in HA at the site of application and was partially CD44 dependent. Camp(-/-) mice lacking cathelicidin demonstrated a large increase in ear swelling, cell infiltration, and MIP-2 expression compared with wild type mice. These results suggest that cathelicidin has anti-inflammatory activity in skin that may be mediated in part by inhibition of HA-mediated processes.
Comment, Criminal Procedure - The Quintessential Exercise of the Peremptory Challenge: Denial of Peremptory Strike Possibly Violates Section One of the Kentucky Constitution

Sex-based and race-based peremptory strikes violate the Equal Protection Clause. These restrictions have prompted some scholars and jurists to speculate about the peremptory strike's demise.But what if a court requires the use of a peremptory strike to remove a suspected panel member because it erroneously denied a motion for cause?This paper analyzes the text, history, precedent, and policy both favoring and against the protection of the peremptory under the Kentucky Constitution.
Longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and walking impairment in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Worsening depressive symptoms and walking impairment are significant burdens in multiple sclerosis. We explored the reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and walking impairment in a cohort of 269 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis over 2 years. The data were examined using longitudinal panel analysis in Mplus. Baseline depressive symptoms predicted change in walking impairment at 1-year follow-up (path coefficient = .074), and change in walking impairment at 1-year follow-up predicted change in depressive symptoms at 2-year follow-up (path coefficient = .177). Our study provides preliminary evidence for initiation of a reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and walking impairment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Genetic algorithms in electromagnetics

The application of modern electromagnetic theory in real world radiation and scattering problems often requires or at least benefits from the use of optimization. This paper discusses a relatively new approach to the electromagnetic optimization problem called the genetic algorithm that can handle the common optimization problem characteristics with relative ease yielding near global maxima in cases that cannot be readily handled by any other optimization method.
The perceived similarity of auditory polyrhythms.

This experiment explored the structural representation of rhythm by having subjects rate the similarity of pairs of polyrhythms. Three different polyrhythms were employed (3×4, 3×5, and 4×5). Although subjects were instructed to ignore pitch, two types of pitch information (pitch proximity and tonal relatedness) were varied between the tones defining the polyrhythms in order to assess their influence on the similarity space of the rhythms. The results showed that, independently of pitch, some rhythm combinations were considered more similar than others. Pitch information had a uniform effect on polyrhythm similarity, systematically increasing or decreasing the similarity among all rhythms by roughly the same amount. This suggests that pitch information may have been processed independently of rhythmic information, and that only at another stage in processing is information from the two dimensions integrated.
Nuclear coexistence in the oxygen region and realistic nucleon-nucleon forces

Abstract Deformed states in the oxygen region are constructed according to an isospin coupling scheme, which is discussed in detail. Matrix elements between these states and the usual shell-model states are calculated from the Hamada-Johnston nucleon-nucleon force, and are found to be in reasonable agreement with those needed empirically. Difficulties in interpretation of binding energies are discussed.
New method for scanning spacecraft and balloon-borne/space-based experiments

A new method is presented for scanning balloon-borne experiments, free-flying spacecraft, and gimballed experiments mounted to the space shuttle or the space station. It uses rotating-unbalanced-mass (RUM) devices for generating circular, line, or raster scan patterns and an auxiliary control system for target acquisition, keeping the scan centered on the target, and producing complementary motion for raster scanning. It is ideal for applications where the only possible way to accomplish the required scan is to physically scan the entire experiment or spacecraft as in X-ray and gamma ray experiments. In such cases, this new method should have advantages over prior methods in terms of either power, weight, cost, performance, stability, or a combination of these.
Zeolitization of Miocene volcaniclastic rocks, southern Desatoya Mountains, Nevada

Heulandite, clinoptilolite, mordenite, analcime, thomsonite(?), erionite, and chabazite(?) occur with other authigenic minerals in the thick Miocene volcaniclastic sequence of the southern Desatoya Mountains, Nevada. The mineral assemblages formed diagenetically in an open system probably at depths of 2,500 m or less and in a variety of rock types, including rhyolite, quartz latite, dacite, latite, and andesite. The authigenic minerals developed mainly through the breakdown of the inherently unstable glassy components, and the original porosity and permeability of the rocks were major factors controlling the degree of alteration. Determination of the temperatures of diagenesis depends greatly on ascertaining the time of diagenesis and, thus, the geothermal gradient at that time. The paragenetic sequence of events between primary and secondary materials and among authigenic mineral species is (1) partial replacement of glass by clay minerals, (2) solution of remaining glass, (3) precipitation of heulandite and/or clinoptilolite (± silica) and/or other authigenic minerals, and (4) deposition of opal or chalcedony in cavities or veinlets. Twenty-seven electron microprobe analyses are given for single crystals and crystal clusters of heulandite, clinoptilolite, and thomsonite(?). Chemical comparisons between (1) petrographically identified glass and its adjacent alteration products and (2) unaltered and/or partially altered and completely altered whole rocks from the same unit indicate that Si, Ca, Na, K, and H 2 O were mobile components. It is inferred from petrographic observations that Fe and Mg also were mobile. Na, and possibly some K, apparently were lost during diagenesis. Mineral development and chemical changes seem to have followed the general pattern for leaching in an open system.
Combination of Neighboring Cells in Contingency Tables

Abstract In the application of the χ 2-test for independence to contingency tables in case the expected frequencies in some of the cases are small, a commonly recommended procedure is to coalesce two or more rows and/or columns. Based on Cramer's modified χ 2 minimum method, this paper develops means of combining individual cells instead of whole rows or columns. Specific results are given for a pair of cells in the same row (or column), a block of cells, two pairs which form a 2×2 block, and two row pairs whose columns do not overlap. Results generally are simple if the sets of cells combined form a block or blocks which do not overlap. The complications that arise in the case of partial overlapping are illustrated for two row pairs which have a single column in common. The estimates of the probability of an item falling in each of the three columns on the null hypothesis are obtained from a quadratic equation which, however, always leads to a unique set of consistent estimates.
Physical and genetic characterisation of the gene cluster for the antibiotic actinorhodin in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

We determined the physical and transcriptional organisation of the set of previously cloned biosynthetic genes involved in the production of the polyketide antibiotic actinorhodin byStreptomyces coelicolor A3(2). Complementation and mutational cloning analyses (in part using new ϕC31 phage vectors incorporating a transcriptional terminator to block transcription from vector promoters into the cloned DNA) indicate that all the biosynthetic genes, including at least one regulatory (activator) gene, are clustered in a chromosomal region of about 26 kb. The genes are organised in at least four separate transcription units, ranging in size from 1 kb for the class III gene, to a polycistronic transcript of at least 5 kb for the class I, VII and IV genes. Indirect evidence shows that resistance to actinorhodin is also determined by the cloned DNA.
After Shoulder Dystocia: Managing the Subsequent Pregnancy and Delivery

Among risk factors for shoulder dystocia, a prior history of delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia is the single greatest risk factor for shoulder dystocia occurrence, with odds ratios 7 to 10 times that of the general population. Recurrence rates have been reported to be as high as 16%. Whereas prevention of shoulder dystocia in the general population is neither feasible nor cost-effective, intervention efforts directed at the particular subgroup of women with a prior history of shoulder dystocia can concentrate on potentially modifiable risk factors and individualized management strategies that can minimize recurrence and the associated significant morbidities and mortality.
Anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody therapy suppresses autoimmune disease in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice

MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by vasculitis, lymphadenopathy, glomerulonephritis, and autoantibody formation. The target organ inflammatory lesions are composed largely of CD4+ "helper" T cells, while the massively enlarged lymph nodes are composed primarily of CD3+ CD4- CD8- TCR alpha/beta + "double-negative" T cells. In this study we investigated the effect of treatment of MRL/lpr mice with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb); control groups consisted of animals treated with normal saline or rat immunoglobulin (Ig). Anti-CD4 mAb treatment, which was started at 4 weeks and continued through 20 weeks of age, resulted in a dramatic reduction of both the frequency and severity of the autoimmune disease, as demonstrated histologically and serologically. Anti-CD4 mAb therapy markedly reduced the frequency of glomerulonephritis and eliminated vasculitis of the major renal arterial branches. Glomerulonephritis was detected in 9 of 9 saline-treated, 9 of 9 rat Ig-treated, but in only 1 of 9 anti-CD4 mAb-treated mice; vasculitis was detected in 6 of 9 saline-treated, 7 of 9 rat Ig-treated, but in none of 9 anti-CD4 mAb-treated mice. The frequency of antinuclear antibodies, titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies, and total Ig levels were all significantly reduced by anti-CD4 mAb therapy. These data support the hypothesis that CD4+ T cells play a central role in the disease process in this autoimmune strain.
Temporary Brittle Bone Disease: Association with Decreased Fetal Movement and Osteopenia

Infants who present with multiple unexplained fractures pose a difficult diagnostic dilemma of child abuse versus intrinsic bone disease. Temporary brittle bone disease is a recently described disease characterized by a transient bone weakness in the first year of life which presents with multiple, unexplained fractures that can be confused with child abuse. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are common, historical features in infants with unexplained fractures that might suggest a basis for the fractures, and to determine if bone density measurements might indicate that such infants have low bone density. Medical records were reviewed in 33 infants who were referred for consultation for multiple unexplained fractures in which the parents and other caregivers denied wrongdoing. In 9 of the infants, radiographic absorptiometry and/or computed tomography bone density studies were performed. In 26 of these infants the diagnosis of temporary brittle bone disease was made. A normal collagen test was found in 17 of the 26 infants studied; 9 infants did not have a collagen test because the diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta was considered highly unlikely. In 25 of them there was a history of decreased fetal movement and/or intrauterine confinement. Bone density, as judged by plain X-ray films, was normal in all 26 cases, but when formally measured by radiographic absorptiometry or computed tomography, the bone density measurements were low in 8 of the 9 infants studied. These findings implicate decreased fetal movement and intrauterine confinement as contributing factors to temporary brittle bone disease and suggest that normal, unconstrained fetal movement during pregnancy is important for normal fetal bone formation. These findings support the model that bone formation and strength are dependent on the mechanical load placed on the bone. The results also demonstrate the usefulness of bone density measurements in evaluating the infant with multiple unexplained fractures to help distinguish nonaccidental injury from intrinsic bone disease.
PERSISTENT PATTERNS IN MICROTUBULE DIPOLE LATTICES

Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal protein polymers orchestrating a host of important cellular functions including, but not limited to, cell support, cell division, cell motility and cell transport. We construct a toy-model of the MT lattice composed of classical vector Ising spins (dipole moments) representing the tubulin molecules, the building block of MTs. Nearest-neighbor (NN) and next-nearest-neighbor (NNN) interactions are considered within an anisotropic dielectric medium. As a consequence of the helical topology, certain spin orientations render the lattice frustrated with NN ferroelectric and NNN antiferroelectric bonds. Mapping the problem to a 2D Ising model and employing Monte Carlo methods we find that frozen clusters of spins exist at human physiological temperatures. This suggests a novel biological mechanism for storing information in living organisms, whereby the classical tubulin spin states become information bits and information gets stored in MTs in a way that is robust to thermal fluctuations.
Diagnosis of Hybrid Microelectronics using Transmission Acoustic Microscopy

This paper reports further progress we have made most recently on nondestructive diagnosis of hybrid microelectronic components using a 150 MHz transmission scanning acoustic microscope. Acoustic imaging of defects in production-line thin-film circuits, thick-film circuits, and multilayer chip capacitors was carried out. Contrary to the optical micrographs, the acoustic micrographs recorded show a high degree of contrast. A large differential acoustic attenuation (typically 30 db) and thus a high degree of nonuniformity was observed in the multilayer structures. For a thick-film resistor circuit the contrast in the acoustic micrograph was found to be a sensitive function of the resistance value. A simple method has also been established to determine both the defect location (in depth) and the defect type. We conclude that transmission acoustic microscopy is a highly useful and unique technique for failure analysis and quality control of hybrid microelectronics.
Assignment of the Qy absorbance bands of photosystem II chromophores by low-temperature optical spectroscopy of wild-type and mutant reaction centers.

Photosystem II (PSII) contains a collection of pheophytins (Pheo) and chlorophylls (Chl) that have unique absorbance spectra depending on their electronic structure and the surrounding protein environment. Despite numerous efforts to identify the spectra of each cofactor, differing assignments of the chromophore absorbance bands and electrochromic effects have led to conflicting models of pigment organization and chromophore interactions in PSII. We have utilized low-temperature measurements on well-defined redox states, together with the use of site-directed mutants, to make spectral assignments of several reaction center (RC) chromophores. Cryogenic (77 K) optical spectroscopy has been used to trap the bound redox-active quinone, QA, in the reduced form and measure the effect of the redox state of QA on PSII chromophores without interference from other redox-active cofactors. The QA- minus QA difference spectrum contains a number of features that represent the perturbation of Pheo and Chl absorbance ban...
Inhibition of buttermilk xanthine oxidase by folate analogues and derivatives

Abstract Folic acid has been reported recently to be an effective agent for the treatment of hyperuricernia, although conflicting data exist. The relative inhibitory activities of this compound and its breakdown products, pterin aldehyde and 6-hydroxymethylpterin, for the enzyme xanthine oxidase have not been clear. In this study, folic acid purified from these two compounds competitively inhibited buttermilk xanthine oxidase under aerobic conditions by a mechanism kinetically distinct from that of pterin aldehyde, with an inhibition constant ( K i ) of 0.12 μM. Methotrexate, leucovorin and N 5 -methylH 4 folate were competitive inhibitors of the enzyme with K i values ranging from 12 to 53 μM. MethyleneH 4 folate, H 2 folate and H 4 folate did not inhibit xanthine oxidase. N 5 -MethylH 4 folate could not be evaluated by the reduction of cytochrome c because of the nonenzymatic oxidation of this folate derivative by cytochrome c to a compound, shown to be N 5 -methylH 2 folate. Unless high intracellular concentrations of unchanged folic acid, pterin aldehyde or hydroxymethylpterin can be achieved or folic acid proves to be a more effective inhibitor of reduced than of oxidized enzyme, it is unlikely that this compound will be an effective clinical agent for the inhibition of xanthine oxidase.
Full-scale wind-tunnel study of wing-fuselage interaction and comparison with paneling method

Full-scale wind-tunnel tests, conducted to determine the effects of three different airfoil sections on the aft-fuselage drag of a low-wing aircraft, are described. The measurements indicate a maximum difference in aft fuselage drag between the three airfoils of about 0.002. Measured changes in the locations of the fuselage pressure contours with airfoil section correlated well with the changes predicted by a three dimensional paneling code. A criterion, based on the inviscid computer code, is then proposed as an indicator for possible adverse viscous interactions at the wing-fuselage juncture.