cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Transition to Strong Convection

Recent work has shown that observations of tropical precipitation conform to properties associated with critical phenomena in other systems. Here some of these universal properties are used to probe the physics of tropical convection empirically, providing potential tests for models and parameterizations. The power-law pickup of ensemble average precipitation as a function of column water vapor w occurs above a critical value wc whose temperature dependence is determined for layer-integrated tropospheric temperature or saturation value. This dependence differs from the simplest expectations based on column saturation. Rescaling w by wc permits a collapse of precipitation-related statistics to similar functional dependence for all temperatures. The sharp precipitation variance peak at wc, obtained without detailed vertical structure information, appears consistent with arguments that onset requires a deep moist layer. Sea surface temperature (SST) is found not to have a significant effect on the precipitation pickup. The effect of SST on the climatological precipitation occurs via the frequency of occurrence of w values as the system spends a larger fraction of time near criticality over regions of warm SST. Near and above criticality, where most precipitation occurs, the w distribution is highly constrained by the interaction with convection, with a characteristic sharp drop at criticality. For precipitating points, the distribution has a Gaussian core with an approximately exponential tail akin to forced advection‐diffusion problems. The long tail above wc, implying relatively frequent strong events, remains similar through the range of tropospheric temperature and SST spanning tropical large-scale conditions. A simple empirical closure illustrates time decay properties.
Sepsis, complement and the dysregulated inflammatory response

Sepsis in human beings is a major problem involving many individuals and with a high death rate. Except for a single drug (recombinant activated protein C) that has been approved for treatment of septic patients, supportive measures represent the main clinical approach. There are many models of experimental sepsis, mostly in rodents. A commonly used model is cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In this model, robust activation of complement occurs together with up-regulation of C5a receptors (C5aR, C5L2) in a variety of different organs (lungs, kidneys, liver, heart). In septic human beings there is abundant evidence for complement activation. Interception of C5a or its receptors in the CLP model greatly improves survival in septic rodents. There is compelling evidence that CLP causes an intense pro-inflammatory state and that C5a interaction with its receptors can be linked to apoptosis of the lymphoid system and cells of the adrenal medulla, loss of innate immune functions of blood neutrophils, consumptive coagulopathy and cardiac dysfunction. These findings may have implications for therapeutic interventions in human beings with sepsis.
Cystatin C and Cognitive Impairment 10 Years Later in Older Women

Background. R esults of prospective studies examining the association between cystatin C and incident cognitive impairment have been inconsistent. We tested the hypothesis that there is a U-shaped association in older women between cystatin C and risk of incident cognitive impairment 10 years later. Methods. W e conducted a longitudinal analysis of a prospective cohort of 1,332 communitydwelling elderly women without dementia at baseline who had baseline cystatin C and serum creatinine measurements and completed an extended cognitive battery of neuropsychological tests with determination of cognitive status 10 years later. Incident cognitive impairment was defined as either new onset of adjudicated diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Results. Incident mild cogniti ve impairment or dementia was identified among 140 (26.0%) women in quartile 1 (Q1), 122 (22.6%) in Q2, 121 (22.5%) in Q3, and 156 (28.9%) in Q4 of cystatin C. In the fully adjusted model, compared to women in Q2–Q3 of cystatin C, adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for incident cognitive impairment were 1.31 (0.98–1.75) for Q1, and 1.25 (0.94–1.66) for Q4 Compared to women in Q2–Q3 of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR CysC ), adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for incident cognitive impairment after 10 years of follow-up were 1.18 (0.88–1.58) for Q4 (eGFR CysC 76.1–109.4 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) and 1.26 (0.94–1.67) for Q1 (eGFR CysC 21.8–55.5 mL/min/1 .73 m 2 ). Conclusions. These results suppor t a U-shaped association between cystatin C concentration and risk of cognitive impairment or dementia 10 years later, but the association is not independent of potential confounding factors.
Gap junction structure and function

Abstract Gap junctions are the anatomical means of direct communication between cells; a great deal is known about their structure and permeability but their meaning in tissue junction is still unclear.
Thermal performance of concrete masonry walls in fire

Under consideration here are the effects of cement paste, autoclaving, aggregates, geometry, and moisture on the fire endurance of concrete masonry walls.
Bond breaking at surfaces: Electrons or phonons?

The desorption of atoms and molecules is one of the most fundamental of all surface processes. A distinction is usually made between ‘‘thermal’’ desorption and desorption induced by energetic sources of excitation, such as incident photons or electrons, that induce electronic transitions. The paper by Trenhaile and co-workers in this issue shows the surprising result that the ‘‘thermal’’ desorption of Br from the Si(001) surface is in fact an electronic process in which the random statistical motion of phonons occasionally converges to excite an electron to an antibonding Si–Br r* state from which desorption of Br occurs [1]. Moreover, it is the entropy associated with the assembly of the phonons that is key to understanding how the desorption occurs. The results are important because they suggest that electronic transitions may have an important, but previously unrecognized, role in ‘‘thermal’’ desorption processes at surfaces. Bond breaking at surfaces, like its gas-phase counterpart, has long been understood based on two distinct mechanisms. In the ‘‘electronic’’ mechanism, some source of energy induces a transition from a bound electronic state to an unbound state; one example would be a transition from the Si–Br r state to a Si–Br r* antibonding state as illustrated in Fig. 1a. The second, ‘‘thermal’’ mechanism involves putting enough energy into a specific vibrational mode, such as an Si–Br stretching vibration, that a chemical bond literally breaks and desorption occurs; this process is illustrated in Fig. 1b. These mechanisms are usually distinct because the time scale for physical motion of an atom is quite long compared with the time needed for electrons to change their spatial distribution; this leads to the Franck–Condon approximation, which states that electronic transitions are usually not accompanied by a change in bond lengths and can usually be depicted as ‘‘vertical’’ transitions like that shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 1a.
Rat liver cytosolic glutathione peroxidase: Reactivity with linoleic acid hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide☆

Abstract The reactivity of rat liver glutathione (GSH) peroxidase with two hydroperoxides was determined using integrated rate equations. The bimolecular rate constant for the reaction of GSH peroxidase with linoleic acid hydroperoxide is approximately four times the rate constant with cumene hydroperoxide. The reactivity toward reduced glutathione is not altered by different hydroperoxides. The t 1 2 for lipid hydroperoxide in rat liver is approximated at 9.5 × 10−5 min.
Secure web framework for mobile devices

A secure mobile web framework is proposed based on MVC Struts 2 to support embedded browsers in mobile devices. The framework integrates JAAS with Tomcat providing Authentication and Authorization. Encryption Utility to support multiple providers, implementing a scheme for short-lived session objects, support for the menu items using xml configuration depending on the role and device category, view layer integration with Tiles 2 and rendering views for both desktop and mobile without duplicating the Struts 2 control action logic. Finally, an Electronic Medical Record — web application is designed and implemented for Dialysis Center to further demonstrate the feasibility of the unified secure mobile web framework.
Gender differences in the social behavior of the neutered indoor-only domestic cat

Abstract The domestic cat exhibits a wide variety of social behavior. The aim of this experiment was to investigate factors which influence the affiliative and aggressive behavior of the indoor-only neutered domestic cat. Some 60 households comprised of either two males, two females or a male and female cat were observed. The cats were between 6 months and 8 years old, and were always restricted to the indoors. Each pair of housemates was observed for 10 h. There were no significant differences in affiliative or aggressive behavior based on cat gender. However, females were never observed to allorub other females. The male/male households did spend more time in close proximity. The amount of time the cats had lived together was negatively correlated with the amount of aggression observed during the study. Factors such as size of the house and weight difference between the cats did not correlate with the aggression rate. Large standard deviations and the correlations of social behavior between housemates indicated the importance of individual differences in behavior.
Cancer is an ancient disease: the case for better palaeoepidemiological and molecular studies.

Cancer is an ancient disease: the case for better palaeoepidemiological and molecular studies
Fall diel diet composition of American eel (Anguilla rostrata) in a tributary of the Hudson River, New York, USA

American eel (Anguilla rostrata), a once common species, is now in decline throughout much of its native range in North America. There is little information on the role of American eel in river food webs. A better understanding of the diet and ecological role of American eel will help in the conservation of this important species. During autumn 2009, eel and aquatic invertebrate samples were collected from Hannacroix Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River, in Albany and Greene counties, New York, USA. Eel diet was analyzed by the eel size and time period (day or night). A high proportion of eel stomachs were empty (73%). Eel diets varied among size classes and day and night feeding periods (p = 0.001). Diet overlap was significant between small and medium eels caught both during the day (α = 0.71) and at night (α = 0.84). Nocturnal diet and nocturnal invertebrate samples were similar (α = 0.65), indicating a preference for bottom feeding during the night. Mayfly nymphs were the major prey consumed in each...
Ecological specialization of Hawaiian Drosophila

TheDrosophila community of Kipuka Puaulu, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was studied by field measurements and laboratory experiments. Phototactic responses were related to oviposition substrates forD. mimica andD. imparisetae, and were shown to reinforce substrate attractiveness. Both species were associated with rottingSapindus fruit, butD. imparisetae, less light tolerant thanD. mimica, was found in deeper shade. Individuals of a third species,D. kambysellisi, were strongly attracted to substratePisonia leaves. The attraction was strong enough to override strong positive phototaxis. The significance of this behavior was related to the adaptive strategy of the species. The sibling species,D. mimica andD. kambysellisi, utilized different substrates and were strongly separated spatially. Differences in substrates and mobility were related to the “grain size” of their environment. Males ofD. kambysellisi andD. imparisetae are located in leking sites above their respective females during the day. This behavior parallels the relatively greater light tolerance of males than of females. The same light response dimorphism inD. mimica is not accompanied by leking behavior, since they mate at night or in greatly subdued light.
Poliovirus can enter and infect mammalian cells by way of an intercellular adhesion molecule 1 pathway.

Abstract Mouse fibroblast cell lines were transfected with truncated forms of the human poliovirus receptor (PVR) cDNA and tested for the expression of functional receptors for poliovirus. Several receptor constructs, all containing the coding region of the first 143 amino acids of PVR, were able to render mouse cells susceptible to poliovirus infection. A deletion of 65 amino acids in the first extracellular domain of PVR prevented virus attachment and infection. These data suggest that domain 1 is necessary and sufficient for the virus-receptor interaction. A PVR/intercellular adhesion molecule 1 hybrid receptor, expressing the PVR variable domain on a truncated receptor molecule for human rhinovirus 14, was shown to be a functional receptor for poliovirus. This observation indicates that, subsequent to attachment to the PVR-binding domain, poliovirus can use the same pathway as the major receptor group rhinoviruses to enter cells.
Effects of base and emitter doping gradients on the electrical performance of heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract The analytical equations of heterojunction bipolar transistors with nonuniform doping in the base and emitter was developed. Device characteristics between linearly and uniformly doped HBTs was evaluated. The linearly doped HBT has higher current gain, lower base transit time, higher cutoff frequency, and lower emitter-base junction capacitance than those of the uniformly doped HBT.
INSM1 Promoter-Driven Adenoviral Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Cancer Gene Therapy for the Treatment of Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors

The INSM1 gene encodes a developmentally regulated zinc finger transcription factor. INSM1 expression is normally absent in adult tissues, but is reactivated in neuroendocrine tumor cells. In the present study, we analyzed the therapeutic potential of an adenoviral INSM1 promoter-driven herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) construct in primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). We constructed an adenoviral INSM1 promoter-driven HSV-tk gene for therapy in PNETs. The PNET-specific adeno-INSM1 promoter HSV-tk construct was tested both in vitro and in vivo in a nude mouse tumor model. Northern blot analysis and transient transfection of an INSM1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene indicated that the INSM1 promoter was active in neuroblastoma (IMR-32), retinoblastoma (Y79), and medulloblastoma (D283 Med) cells, but not in glioblastoma (U-87 MG) cells. After Ad-INSM1p-HSV-tk infection, the levels of HSV-tk protein expression were consistent with INSM1 promoter activities. Furthermore, in vitro multiplicity of infection and ganciclovir (GCV) sensitivity studies indicated that the INSM1 promoter could mediate specific expression of the HSV-tk gene and selective killing of INSM1-positive PNETs. In vivo intratumoral adenoviral delivery demonstrated that the INSM1 promoter could direct HSV-tk gene expression in a nude mouse tumor model and effectively repressed tumor growth in response to GCV treatment. Taken together, our data show that the INSM1 promoter is specific and effective for targeted cancer gene therapy in PNETs.
Lumazine protein and the excitation mechanism in bacterial bioluminescence.

The spectral properties of lumazine protein and mixtures with the intermediates of the bacterial luciferase reaction, are reviewed. Measurements of fluorescence dynamics in particular have been employed with the aim of elucidating the mechanism by which lumazine protein functions in the bioluminescence of the bacteria of the type Photobacterium. The reaction of bacterial luciferase with its substrates produces bioluminescence emission with a spectral maximum at 496 nm. This spectrum is the same as the fluorescence of a luciferase flavin intermediate in the reaction, called the Fluorescent Transient. When lumazine protein is also present in the reaction, however, the bioluminescence emission now corresponds to the fluorescence of lumazine protein, which has a maximum at 475 nm. From measurements of the decay of fluorescence anisotropy of lumazine protein alone and in mixtures with the luciferase fluorescent transient, it is shown that a protein-protein complex is formed and that there is rapid energy transfer between the flavin on the luciferase and the lumazine derivative bound to its protein. An approximate calculation estimates the rate of this energy transfer to be faster than 109s−1, and this would account for the efficient transfer of excitation from the flavin on the associated luciferase in the mixed protein bioluminescence reaction.
Investigation of the Cross-beam Correlation Algorithm to Reconstruct Local Field Statistics from Line-of-sight Measurements in Turbulent Flows

Optical techniques such as speckle photography and rainbow schlieren deflectometry yield path integrated measurements of deflection angle instead of the local field variable such as density, temperature and/or species concentration. Thus, a reconstruction algorithm is employed to obtain the local properties from the path-integrated measurements. Cross-beam correlation (CBC) algorithm provides the link between path-integrated and local field statistics in time-averaged axisymmetric turbulent flows. Path-integrated statistics are obtained using orthogonal light rays crossing within the turbulent flow. The algorithm assumes local isotropy and negligible correlation between points on orthogonal beams, which is valid strictly in fully turbulent flows. In this study, noise-free synthetic scalar turbulence data are generated and used to determine how different assumptions in the CBC algorithm affect the reconstruction accuracy. Results show that the reconstruction accuracy is excellent for a narrow correlation function (or small integral length scale), while significant errors are incurred in case of a wide correlation function. A procedure to improve the reconstruction accuracy of the CBC algorithm is proposed in this study.
Stability of finite difference models containing two boundaries or interfaces

The stability of finite difference models of hyperbolic initial boundary value problems is connected with the propagation and reflection of parasitic waves. Wave propagation ideas are applied to models containing two boundaries or interfaces, where repeated reflection of trapped wave packets is a potential new source of instability. Various known instability phenomena are accounted for in a unified way. Results show: (1) dissipativity does not ensure stability when three or more formulas are concatenated at a boundary or internal interface; (2) algebraic GKS instabilities can be converted by a second boundary to exponential instabilities only when an infinite numerical reflection coefficient is present; and (3) GKS-stability and P-stability can be established in certain problems by showing that all numerical reflection coefficients have modulus less than 1.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of electrical activity in the heart using optical parallax

Until recently, optical mapping of electrical activity in the heart muscle using voltage-sensitive dyes has mainly been applied to subsurface imaging. Here we present a method for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of electrical activity deep inside the myocardial wall. We propose an alternative approach to diffusive optical tomography, based on ideas from binocular vision. Detection and illumination occur on opposite sides of the preparation. Staining with absorptive voltage-sensitive dyes is assumed. Data acquisition follows a paraxial scanning procedure, which modifies coaxial scanning by the introduction of a vector offset between illumination and detection axes. Pairs of 2D images are obtained corresponding to offsets of opposite signs. Those image pairs created by parallax are used as an input for the reconstruction algorithm, whose output is a 3D optical image of intramural electrical excitation. We apply this method to the slab geometry. The procedure was tested for a variety of computer-generated sources including particles, lines, bubbles, and simulated electrophysiological patterns such as scroll waves. The limitations of the method and possible improvements are discussed.
The effect of benthic prey abundance and size on red knot (Calidris canutus) distribution at an alternative migratory stopover site on the US Atlantic Coast

A population decline of the western Atlantic red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) has been linked to food limitation during the spring migratory stopover in Delaware Bay, USA. The stopover ecology at potential alternative sites has received little attention. We studied factors affecting red knot habitat selection and flock size at a coastal stopover site in Virginia in 2006–2007. The most common potential prey items were coquina clams (Donax variabilis) and crustaceans. Red knot foraging sites had more clams and crustaceans than unused sites in 2006. Prey abundance increased during the 2007 stopover period and remained high after the red knot peak. Red knot flock size in 2007 increased with mean clam shell length, and probability of flock presence decreased with increasing distance from night use locations. Our results suggest that red knots preferred coquina clams and that these clams were not depleted during the stopover period in 2007. Thus prey abundance did not appear to be a population-limiting factor at this coastal stopover site in Virginia in that year. Protection of coastal sites outside of Delaware Bay, many of which have been altered by human development, would likely benefit red knot population recovery, as they can apparently provide abundant food resources during at least some years.
Visible diode laser induced fluorescence detection of doxorubicin in plasma using pressurized capillary electrochromatography.

Pressurized capillary electrochromatography is a variant of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) in which the driving force is both electroosmotic and hydraulic. The inlet of the CEC capillary is pressurized using an HPLC pump, and an electric field is simultaneously applied. This work describes a method for the analysis of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin was reacted with Cy5.29.OSu in acetonitrile. The derivative was confirmed by RP-TLC. A CEC system equipped with a VDLIF detector was constructed and used to analyze the derivative. The reaction mixture was injected onto a capillary packed in-house with 3 microm C-18 Luna particles and separation was carried out at 25 kV using 70% acetonitrile/ 30% phosphate (10 mM, pH = 4.8) as the mobile phase. The derivatization reaction was optimized by the investigation of parameters such as reaction time, temperature and concentration of label in order to increase the yield of the derivative. The optimal conditions were determined to be 30 min, 80 degrees C and 50 nmol/mL, respectively. Doxorubicin was extracted from plasma using solid-phase extraction under alkaline conditions, derivatized and injected onto the CEC-VDLIF system. The selectivity of the assay was demonstrated by a lack of interfering peaks due to plasma constituents across the elution window of the derivative peak in blank plasma extracts (n = 6 sources). The limit of detection (LOD) of the assay in plasma calculated as 3 s(b)/m was determined to be 1.7 ng/mL. The precision of the assay determined at a concentration of 167.7 ng/mL (n = 5) was found to be within 7.04 %RSD.
Fabrication of an optoelectrochemical microring array.

In this paper, we describe a novel approach for fabricating an optoelectrochemical microring array. The array was fabricated by coating individual optical fibers of 25-μm diameter with a 1-μm layer of gold nanoparticles via electroless gold deposition. A SAM layer around the individual gold-coated imaging fibers prevented electrical contact with neighboring ring electrodes. To achieve better mechanical stability and to make the device more practical, the electrode/fiber bundle comprising ∼600 individual gold-coated optical fibers was dipped into epoxy. By polishing the ends of such a device, a ring microelectrode array comprising 600 individual and insulated ring electrodes was formed. To limit diffusional overlap of current, only 20−30% of the microring fiber/electrodes were wired. The inner diameter of the ring electrode is fixed by the diameter of the individual optical fibers (25 μm), while the outer radius is determined by the thickness of the deposited gold. The array was characterized using ferrocy...
Physical attractiveness and its relation to unprovoked and reactive aggression

Abstract Studies have linked facial attractiveness to positive outcomes and unattractiveness to negative ones. However, no study has examined whether attractiveness and aggression are related, even though there is a relationship between unattractiveness and risk factors for aggression like neglect and bullying. In this study, 78 men and women engaged in unprovoked and reactive physical aggression tasks, and reactive derogation of a fictitious opponent. The participants were graded on attractiveness by a group of independent raters. The results indicated that for male participants, unattractiveness predicted unprovoked and reactive aggression as strongly as callous/unemotional psychopathic traits. Among female participants, attractiveness predicted derogation of the opponents more strongly than any psychopathic trait. Implications from gene-environment correlation and social role theory perspectives are discussed.
Can we have fun @ work? The role of intrinsic motivation for utilitarian systems

Since the introduction of the Motivational Technology Acceptance Model in 1992, many researchers have considered both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation as antecedents of intent to use and actual use of a system. However, it has been a long-standing and largely unchallenged assumption that intrinsic motivation (i.e., fun or enjoyment) is a more dominant predictor of hedonic (fun) application use and that extrinsic motivation (i.e., usefulness) is a more dominant predictor of utilitarian (practical) application use. In this article, we probe whether system type serves as a boundary condition (i.e., moderator) for understanding an individual’s interaction with information technology. Specifically, we examine whether perceived enjoyment’s influence on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, intention, and use varies with system type. On the basis of a meta-analytic structural equation modeling analysis of 185 studies between 1992 and February 2011, our findings suggest intrinsic motivation is equally relevant for predicting intentions toward using and actual use of both hedonic and utilitarian systems. Therefore, our meta-analytic results call into question the rigidity of the assumption that system type is a ‘boundary condition’ for understanding individuals’ interaction with information technology. The implications of these results for research and practice are discussed.
Family-based association study of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -9 haplotypes with susceptibility to ischemic white matter injury

Susceptibility to ischemic damage to the subcortical white matter of the brain has a strong genetic basis. Dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contributes to loss of cerebrovascular integrity and white matter injury. We investigated whether sequence variation in the genes encoding MMP3 and MMP9 is associated with variation in leukoaraiosis volume, determined by magnetic resonance imaging, in non-Hispanic whites and African-Americans using family-based association tests. Seven hundred and fifty-six white and 671 African-American individuals from sibships ascertained through two or more siblings with hypertension were genotyped for 7 and 8 haplotype-tagging polymorphisms in the MMP3 and MMP9 genes, respectively. MMP3 sequence variation was significantly associated with variation in leukoaraiosis volume in Whites. Two common haplotypes with opposing relationships to leukoaraiosis volume were identified. MMP9 sequence variation was also significantly associated with variation in leukoaraiosis volume in both African-Americans and Whites. Different haplotypes contributed to these associations in the two racial groups. These findings add to the growing body of evidence from animal models and human clinical studies suggesting a role of MMPs in ischemic white matter injury. They provide the basis for further investigation of the role of these genes in susceptibility and/or progression to clinical disease.
The Association of Elevated HbA1c on the Behavior of Adenomatous Polyps in Patients with Type-II Diabetes Mellitus

Background and Aims The high level of circulating insulin in diabetic patients and the potential proliferative properties of insulin as a result of its cross interaction with insulin-growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors suggest a proto-oncogenic role on the colonocyte. The aim of our study was to determine whether poor control of diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased prevalence of colonic adenomatous polyps (APs), especially those that are advanced . Methods A retrospective review of all patients with type-2 DM diagnosed with APs from 1996 to 2006 was performed. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were evaluated as an index of glycemic control over the year that preceded the diagnosis of APs. A total of 33 factors were assessed in the patients grouped as well controlled (HbA1c < 7.5%) and poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥ 7.5%). Factors associated with advanced APs in each group were examined using univariate analysis (UA). Significant variables by UA were included in a stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of aggressive clinical behavior by the polyps. All values are presented as means ± SE, and statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Results Approximately 652 patients with DM type-2 and APs were identified. UA demonstrated that patients with poorly controlled DM-2 had a significantly increased incidence of right-sided APs (P = 0.001), a greater number of APs (P < 0.005), more advanced APs (P < 0.005), a younger age of presentation (P = 0.001), a history of smoking (P = 0.05), and greater use of exogenous insulin (P = 0.01). Logistic regression, as measured by HbA1c, demonstrated that poorly controlled DM-2 independently predicted a greater prevalence of right-sided AP, a more advanced lesion at the time of presentation, a greater number of polyps, and greater use of exogenous insulin. Conclusions Poor glycemic control in patients with DM-2 independently predicts an aggressive clinical course for patients with APs. Small differences in HbA1c elevation and, by inference, small differences in circulating insulin levels may lead to large variations in the behavior of APs.
Modification of Ferrocene-Containing Redox Gel Sensor Performance by Copolymerization of Charged Monomers

Enzyme electrodes were fabricated by entrapping glucose oxidase (GOx) in charged ferrocene-containing redox gels formed by the copolymerization of vinylferrocene−hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex, acrylamide, and N,N ‘-methylenebis(acrylamide), together with a positively or negatively charged monomer at pH 7, in the presence of GOx in aqueous solution. The one-step polymerization procedure was initiated by a ternary catalyst system consisting of flavin mononucleotide, H2O2, and N,N,N ‘,N ‘-tetramethylethylenediamine. The effects of varying the concentration and structure of the charged monomers on the electrochemical properties of the charged redox gels with and without GOx were investigated, and the pH−activity profiles of entrapped GOx were examined. The storage and operational stabilities of the sensors were established, and the influence of the interferents ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and uric acid, which are present in body fluids, on the amperometric signals of the sensors was determined.
Three-dimensional surgical simulation in Resident training

Stephen A. Schendel, MD, DDS, Stanford, CA, is a noard-certified plastic surgeon. John Q. Resident has just completed his fifth and final rhinoplasty of the day, a complicated redo. The young woman has had 2 previous nasal surgeries and now presents with the chief complaint of difficulty breathing combined with a poor aesthetic result. John has diagnosed the problem as internal nasal valve collapse, nasal tip depression, and an overresected nasal dorsum. He has completed cartilage grafts, dorsal augmentation, and tip graft using an open approach. John looks carefully at the 3-dimensional (3D) result, rotating the head from one side to the other and also observing the basal view. Professor Joseph looks over John's shoulder and says, “Nice job, but I think you could have achieved the same result using an intranasal approach instead of the open approach.” John removes his 3D glasses and digital gloves, looks at his professor and says, “No problem.” He then pushes the return key on the computer, restarting the simulation in 3-D; he hands the gloves and glasses to his professor and says, “Could you …
A novel method for determining the strength of PECVD silicon (oxy)nitride films

Abstract A technique is described for determining the strength of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor-deposited (PECVD) thin films from the bursting size of microscopic bubbles formed by escaping volatiles upon annealing. The strength of a PECVD SiOxNy (silicon oxynitride) film is estimated using this approach.
Helper T Cell Differentiation Is Controlled by the Cell Cycle

Abstract Helper T (Th) cell differentiation is highly regulated by cytokines but initiated by mitogens. By examining gene expression in discrete generations of dividing cells, we have delineated the relationship between proliferation and differentiation. Initial expression of IL-2 is cell cycle-independent, whereas effector cytokine expression is cell cycle-dependent. IFNγ expression increases in frequency with successive cell cycles, while IL-4 expression requires three cell divisions. Cell cycle progression and cytokine signaling act in concert to relieve epigenetic repression and can be supplanted by agents that hyperacetylate histones and demethylate DNA. Terminally differentiated cells exhibit stable epigenetic modification and cell cycle-independent gene expression. These data reveal a novel mechanism governing Th cell fate that initially integrates proliferative and differentiative signals and subsequently maintains stability of the differentiated state.
Regulation of Prostate Cancer Progression by Galectin-3

Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding protein, has been implicated in a variety of biological functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. The present study was undertaken to understand the role of galectin-3 in the progression of prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis of galectin-3 expression revealed that galectin-3 was cleaved during the progression of prostate cancer. Galectin-3 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) was associated with reduced cell migration, invasion, cell proliferation, anchorage-independent colony formation, and tumor growth in the prostates of nude mice. Galectin-3 knockdown in human prostate cancer PC3 cells led to cell-cycle arrest at G 1 phase, up-regulation of nuclear p21, and hypophosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb), with no effect on cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2 and CDK4), and p27 protein expression levels. The data obtained here implicate galectin-3 in prostate cancer progression and suggest that galectin-3 may serve as both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for future disease treatments.
Rapid 3D-imaging of phosphocreatine recovery kinetics in the human lower leg muscles with compressed sensing.

The rate of phosphocreatine (PCr) resynthesis following physical exercise is an accepted index of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and has been studied extensively with unlocalized 31P-MRS methods and small surface coils. Imaging experiments using volume coils that measure several muscles simultaneously can provide new insights into the variability of muscle function in healthy and diseased states. However, they are limited by long acquisition times relative to the dynamics of PCr recovery. This work focuses on the implementation of a compressed sensing technique to accelerate imaging of PCr resynthesis following physical exercise, using a modified three-dimensional turbo-spin-echo sequence and principal component analysis as sparsifying transform. The compressed sensing technique was initially validated using 2-fold retrospective undersampling of fully sampled data from four volunteers acquired on a 7T MRI system (voxel size: 1.6 mL, temporal resolution: 24 s), which led to an accurate estimation of the mono-exponential PCr resynthesis rate constant (mean error <6.4%). Acquisitions with prospective 2-fold acceleration (temporal resolution: 12 s) demonstrated that three-dimensional mapping of PCr resynthesis is possible at a temporal resolution that is sufficiently high for characterizing the recovery curve of several muscles in a single measurement. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous Deposition of Powder in Three Parallel-Oriented Cylindrical Dies

The inhomogeneity of bulk density distribution created during the die filling process might cause quality problems for powder compacts, such as distortion, lamination, and cracking. To avoid these problems, understanding the die filling process and ensuring a uniform pre-compaction powder deposition are necessary. The second-generation pressure deposition tester (PDT-II) was developed to investigate simultaneous deposition of powder into multiple dies. Its design requirements and new features were proposed through evaluating the main strength and limitations of the mass deposition tester (MDT). The operation of the PDT-II and analysis of its data showed that it generates real-time deposition profiles of the entire process for multiple locations. PDT-II data can be used to study the effects of various filling-related parameters (such as die shape, powder flowability, and feed shoe speed) on the deposition process and final pressure distribution. For cylindrical dies filled with a granulated powder with d50...
Cellular and Molecular Physiology of Escherichia coli in the Adaptation to Aerobic Environments

Upon exposure to oxygen, Escherichia coli increases the expression of enzymes essential for aerobic respiration, such as components of the TCA cycle and terminal oxidase complexes. This increase requires the elimination of repression mediated by the Arc regulatory system under anaerobic conditions. Coordinately, the synthesis of enzymes that function in anaerobic processes such as fermentation decreases, partly due to the inactivation of the transcription factor Fnr. E. coli is thus able to adjust the levels of respiratory enzymes to fit its environmental circumstances, and in this case, reduces the production of the less energy efficient fermentation enzymes in favor of the aerobic pathways. In contrast to the advantage in energy production, aerobiosis brings a disadvantage to E. coli: the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e. superoxide anion radical (O2.-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (.OH). These byproducts of aerobic respiration damage many biological molecules, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. To alleviate the toxicity of these compounds, E. coli induces the synthesis of protective enzymes, such as Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SodA) and catalase I (HP I), and this induction is controlled by the regulatory proteins SoxRS, OxyR, and ArcAB. Thus, ArcAB, Fnr, SoxRS, and OxyR function in concert so that E. coli can optimize its energy production and growth rate. Fnr and SoxRS are cytoplasmic, DNA-binding proteins, and these regulatory systems utilize iron-sulfur clusters as cofactors which may directly sense the redox environment. OxyR is also a cytoplasmic, DNA-binding protein, and appears to respond to redox potential through the oxidation state of a specific cysteine residue. In the ArcAB system (which belongs to the family of two-component regulatory systems), ArcB, a membrane protein, functions as the sensor, and ArcA, a DNA-binding protein, directly controls target gene expression. Under anaerobic conditions, ArcB undergoes autophosphorylation and transphosphorylates ArcA, stimulating ArcA's DNA-binding activity. During aerobic growth, the transphosphorylation of ArcA does not occur. In this signal transduction mechanism, the ArcB C-terminal or "receiver" domain plays a critical role; that is, it stimulates or abolishes the transphosphorylation depending on the metabolic state of the cell, which in turn is influenced by the availability of oxygen. E. coli thus employs at least four global regulatory systems which monitor the cellular oxidative/metabolic conditions, and adjust the expression of more than 70 operons to give the organism a better aerobic life.
Effects of α-Difluoromethylornithine and Recombinant Interferon-α2 on the Growth of a Human Renal Cell Adenocarcinoma Xenograft in Nude Mice

The effects of human recombinant interferon-α2 (IFN-α2) and α-difluoromethylomithine (DFMO) as single agents and in combination were studied for efficacy against the renal cell adenocarcinoma (JDF-1) in an in vitro clonogenic assay and in vivo as xenografts in nude mice. In vitro studies showed dose-dependent inhibition of JDF-1 colony formation by IFN-α2. DFMO alone did not significantly inhibit colony formation even though ornithine decarboxylase activity was significantly inhibited. The combination of IFN-α2 and DFMO synergistically inhibited JDF-1 colony formation. The synergism was more readily observed at low IFN-α2 concentrations. In vivo studies showed a similar tumor growth inhibition pattern. JDF-1 tumors were implanted s.c. in nude mice, and drugs were administered continuously by Alza minipumps (IFN-α2) and in drinking water (DFMO) for 28 days. IFN-α2 alone significantly inhibited JDF-1 growth, while DFMO alone had no significant inhibitory effect. The combination of IFN-α2 and DFMO inhibited tumor growth in an apparent additive manner at the doses used. This was reflected in the mean tumor weights obtained at the termination of the experiment: control, 1484 ± 187 (S.E.) mg; DFMO only, 1106 ± 129 mg; IFN-α2 only, 941 ± 186 mg; and DFMO plus IFN-α2, 620 ± 109 mg. Assessment of mouse natural killer cell activity at the time of sacrifice showed that DFMO inhibited natural killer cell activity, while IFN-α2 had no effect. DFMO was observed to inhibit ornithine decarboxylase activity in JDF-1 tumors by 78%, IFN-α2 by 18%, and the combination by 78%. In addition, the drugs individually and in combination had similar inhibitory effects on JDF-1 spermidine content. One of the unexpected findings was the alteration in the spermine:spermidine ratio in the tumors treated with the combination of DFMO and IFN-α2. The ratio in this group decreased to 0.44, while ratios for control, IFN-α2 only, and DFMO only were 0.99, 0.66, and 0.88, respectively. These results clearly show that combined therapy with DFMO and IFN-α2 is more effective than is single-drug therapy. The mechanism by which these drugs coordinately inhibit tumor growth is unclear but appears to be associated with direct inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, possibly by modulation of polyamine metabolism.
Identification of Properties of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latent Origin of Replication That Are Essential for the Efficient Establishment and Maintenance of Intact Plasmids

ABSTRACT The maintenance of latent Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genomes is mediated in cis by their terminal repeats (TR). A KSHV genome can have 16 to 50 copies of the 801-bp TR, each of which harbors a 71-bp-long minimal replicator element (MRE). A single MRE can support replication in transient assays, and the presence of as few as two TRs appears to support establishment of KSHV-derived plasmids. Why then does KSHV have such redundancy and heterogeneity in the number of TRs? By determining the abilities of KSHV-derived plasmids containing various numbers of the TRs and MREs to be established and maintained in the long term, we have found that plasmids with fewer than 16 TRs or those with tandem repeats of the MREs are maintained inefficiently, as shown by both their decreased abilities to support formation of colonies and their instability, resulting in frequent rearrangements yielding larger plasmids during and after establishment. These defects often can be overcome by adding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) partitioning element, FR (i.e., family of repeats), in cis to these plasmids. In addition we have found that the spacing between MREs is important for their functions, too. Thus, two properties of KSHV9s origin of latent replication essential for the efficient establishment and maintenance of viral plasmids stably are (i) the presence of approximately 16 copies of the TR, which are needed for efficient partitioning, and (ii) the presence of at least 2 MRE units separated by 801 bp of center-to-center spacing, which are required for efficient synthesis. IMPORTANCE KSHV is a human tumor virus that maintains its genome as a plasmid in lymphoid tumor cells. Each plasmid DNA molecule encodes many origins of synthesis. Here we show that these many origins provide an essential advantage to KSHV, allowing the DNAs to be maintained without rearrangement. We find also that the correct spacing between KSHV9s origins of DNA synthesis is required for them to support synthesis efficiently. The identification of these properties illuminates plasmid replication in mammalian cells and should lead to the development of rational means to inhibit these tumorigenic replicons.
Valproic Acid–Induced Neutropenia

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of severe neutropenia caused by valproic acid (VPA).CASE SUMMARY:A 56-year-old white woman with an infectious brain abscess causing tonic–clonic seizure activity was treated with VPA. She developed severe neutropenia after 2 days of VPA therapy. The absolute neutrophil count reached a nadir of 47 cells/mm3 during VPA use and returned to normal upon its discontinuation.DISCUSSION:VPA is considered to be a well-tolerated antiepileptic drug. While neutropenia has been reported, it has been mild and transient. This patient developed severe neutropenia during effective treatment with VPA, making her significantly susceptible to infection. The Naranjo probability scale indicates VPA as the probable cause of neutropenia in this case.CONCLUSIONS:This report of severe neutropenia caused by VPA emphasizes the importance of monitoring complete blood cell counts during therapy with this agent.
Genetic rescue of cell number in a mouse model of microphthalmia: interactions between Chx10 and G1-phase cell cycle regulators.

Insufficient cell number is a primary cause of failed retinal development in the Chx10 mutant mouse. To determine if Chx10 regulates cell number by antagonizing p27Kip1 activity, we generated Chx10, p27Kip1 double null mice. The severe hypocellular defect in Chx10 single null mice is alleviated in the double null, and while Chx10-null retinas lack lamination, double null retinas have near normal lamination. Bipolar cells are absent in the double null retina, a defect that is attributable to a requirement for Chx10 that is independent of p27Kip1. We find that p27Kip1 is abnormally present in progenitors of Chx10-null retinas, and that its ectopic localization is responsible for a significant amount of the proliferation defect in this microphthalmia model system. mRNA and protein expression patterns in these mice and in cyclin D1-null mice suggest that Chx10 influences p27Kip1 at a post-transcriptional level, through a mechanism that is largely dependent on cyclin D1. This is the first report of rescue of retinal proliferation in a microphthalmia model by deletion of a cell cycle regulatory gene.