cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low power 10 bit, 80 MS/s CMOS pipelined ADC at 1.8 V power supply

CMOS process technology has been moving rapidly towards finer geometry for higher system integration faster clock frequencies and lower power consumption. With deep sub-micron CMOS transistors, the voltage supply has been reduced from 5.0 V to 3.3 V and even to 1.8 V. Lower supply voltage presents a major challenge to analog circuit design due to mostly reduced dynamic range and lower SNR and SINAD. While 1.5 V ADC has been designed at 10-bit resolution, the performance has been limited to less than 20 Msps. Other 10-bit, 100 MS/s ADCs have been demonstrated, yet with higher supply voltage and higher power consumptions. This paper introduces a design that addresses the issues of 1.8 V supply in a 10-bit 80 MS/s pipeline ADC implemented in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The total power consumption of the chip is only 80 mW, which is the least compared to other ADCs with similar performance reported in the literature to date.
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) assessment in air and house dust samples

PGN forms the outer wall of Gram+ bacteria (Gm+B) and when liberated induces inflammation through TLR2 and NLR2. Thus, PGN is a potential marker for Gm+B. We employed 3 PGN standards, 3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and environmental samples to develop PGN-specific EIAs. Reagents: anti-PGN mAb clones (B10, 6F6, 3C11); Ceremide β-D-galactoside, Kerasin and Phrenosin cerebrosides for PGN capture; PGN standards: Bacillus subtilis (PGN-Bs), Micrococcus luteus (PGN-Ml) and Staphylococcus aureau s (PGN-Sa). Evaluation methods: inhibition EIA, EIA with cerebrosides for capture and PGN mAb for labeling, and double mAb sandwich EIA. Samples from three studies were extracted in PBS plus 0.05% tween. Kerasin proved a higher affinity receptor than other cerebrosides. The B10 and 3C11 mAb showed high specificity for PGN-Bs and PGN-Ml. The 6F6 mAb exhibited high specificity for all 3 PGN. Sandwich EIA did not provide suitable detection for the PGN perhaps because the mAb were directed toward the same epitope. Inhibition assays were inferior to the method employing cerebrosides. Cerebrosides effectively captured PGN for EIA. The 6F6 mAb bound to soluble (PGN-Sa) or insoluble (PGN-Bs; PGN-Ml) macromolecular PGN while mAb B10 and 3C11 bound preferentially to insoluble (PGN-Bs; PGN-Ml) PGN. House dust samples had mean (±SE) PGN levels of 34.45±4.70 μg/mg dust. Inhalable-fraction air samples averaged 7.52±2.90 μg/m 3 while EDC passive air samplers averaged 2740±680 μg/m 2 PGN. These data show that our antibodies bind to an epitope on the PGN backbone that is common to many Gm+B. The sensitivity of the cerebroside-mAb EIA is sufficient for quantitation of PGN in household dust and air samples.
Low-temperature colossal carbon supersaturation enables anti-wear boundary film formation for austenitic stainless steels in oil-lubricated environment

Abstract Austenitic stainless steels are traditionally not good bearing materials due to their tendency to gall when rubbing against other hard alloys. Even worse, they cannot be well-lubricated by hydrocarbon oils. In this study, an alternative carburization process, low-temperature colossal supersaturation (LTCSS), offers a potential solution by demonstrating an improvement of wear-resistance by three orders of magnitude in a fully-formulated engine oil. In our reciprocating sliding test, the untreated Type 304 stainless steel (SS) experienced scuffing at a 120 N load resulting in a sudden friction rise from 0.12 to 0.55 and severe surface damage, while the LTCSS-treated 304 SS maintained low friction and low wear at a 240 N load for six-hour testing. Surface morphology examination indicated that LTCSS changed the wear mode from severe adhesive wear to mild abrasive wear. Surface chemical analysis revealed a protective boundary film containing carbon, metallic elements of the stainless steel, and elements contributed by the oil additives. Specifically, the detected Zn, P, and S contents indicate the involvement of the oil anti-wear additive zinc-dialkyl-dithiophosphate (ZDDP) in the boundary film formation. The case-hardening effect along with the newly observed good compatibility with oil additives makes LTCSS promising for a wide range of tribological applications.
An initiative to improve patient discharge satisfaction.

Purpose To provide patients with knowledge needed to make a smoother transition from inpatient rehabilitation to the community or another level of care. Design The Journey to Discharge concept developed from efforts to clearly communicate the stages a patient travels through on the path to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Findings The creation and implementation of this concept led to marked improvement in patient satisfaction scores as measured by Press Ganey Associates. Specifically, measures of discharge-specific questions increased from the 39th percentile in fiscal year (FY) 2009 to the 84th percentile in FY 2011 and gains were maintained through FY 2012 and into this year. Conclusions The Journey to Discharge guides Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital associates in helping patients understand expectations for their inpatient rehabilitation stay. This patient-centered initiative demonstrates an innovate approach to better understanding of the rehabilitation process and to easing the patient's transition across the continuum of care (Brady, 2013). The concept includes a post discharge follow-up component designed to ensure patients are following instructions, thereby potentially lowering the incidence of readmission following discharge. Clinical Relevance Optimizing patient discharge preparation can lead to improvement in satisfaction scores. Discharging well-prepared patients, coupled with proactive post discharge follow-up has the potential to lower the incidence of readmissions.
The electrochemistry of permselective protamine collodion membranes. III. The electrical resistance of several types of permselective protamine collodion membranes in solutions of various electrolytes

Abstract 1. 1. The periods of time required in which final, stable electrical resistances are established with three electrolytes—potassium chloride, potassium iodate, and magnesium chloride—across three types of permselective protamine collodion membranes vary from about 15 min. to many hours, being somewhat longer, for unknown causes, than in the case of the analogous permselective collodion membranes. The influence of the ionic properties of the electrolytes with which the membranes are equilibrated on the rates of equilibration closely resembles that observed with the permselective oxidized collodion membranes. 2. 2. The final, stable resistances of three types of permselective protamine collodion membranes equilibrated with solutions of six electrolytes at six concentrations were measured and tabulated. The data are evaluated as to the differences of the various types of membranes, the influence of the concentration on membrane resistance, the influence of the nature of the electrolyte, and various concentration functions. The regularities found are strictly analogous with those observed with permselective oxidized collodion membranes. 3. 3. The experimental data on equilibrium resistance of permselective collodion and protamine collodion membranes given in this and in the preceding paper are discussed jointly from the point of view of the basic concept of the fixed charge theory of electrochemical membrane behavior. Various complications which arise with real membranes which are heteroporous and have inhomogenous pores are sketched. Certain cases of membrane behavior under limiting conditions as to concentration of the adjacent solutions, the nature of the critical ions, etc., are discussed and compared to the experimental results. 4. 4. The direction of further fruitful investigations on membrane resistance is pointed out and the increasing number of points of close contact and even of overlapping between the physical chemistry of membranes and studies on ion exchangers is indicated.
Conversion of an AFLP fragment linked to the carrot Y2 locus to a simple, codominant, PCR-based marker form.

Recent advances have expanded the potential usefulness of molecular techniques for plant genetic research. AFLP is a powerful technique, allowing rapid and reliable analysis of multiple, potentially polymorphic sites in a single experiment. Because AFLP technology requires no a priori knowledge of genome structure or preparation of molecular probes, it is immediately useful for a wide variety of plant species. However, because AFLP markers are dominant, costly, and technologically demanding, the technique has limited application for large-scale, locus-specific uses. In carrot, the Y2 locus controls carotene accumulation in the root xylem core. Although carrot is an important source of dietary carotene, little is known about the regulation and biosynthesis of carotenes in carrot. We identified six AFLP fragments linked to the Y2 locus through a combination of F2 mapping and bulked segregant analysis. We have developed a procedure for generating simple, codominant, PCR-based markers from dominant AFLP fragments using a Y2-linked AFLP fragment as a model. Our converted marker requires only a simple PCR followed by standard agarose gel electrophoresis. It is rapid, simple, reliable, comparatively inexpensive, codominant, and non-radioactive. Conversion of AFLP fragments to forms better adapted to large-scale, locus-specific applications greatly expands the usefulness of this molecular technique.
EVEROLIMUS (RAD001) AND THE MTOR PATHWAY IN LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS

BACKGROUND: Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are slow growing, primary brain tumors that frequently recur after primary surgical treatment. Recent work has suggested the activation of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in >50% of LGG, raising the possibility that treatment with mTOR inhibitors such as everolimus (RAD001) may benefit patients with LGG. METHODS: We have an ongoing single-institution phase II clinical trial testing everolimus 10 mg daily in patients with recurrent low-grade gliomas. Primary outcome is 6-month progression-free survival (PFS-6). Secondary outcomes include safety, overall survival, overall response rate, and assessment of the correlation between molecular markers and outcome. A molecularly selected phase II clinical trial for newly diagnosed grade II gliomas is now under development; patients' tumors will be evaluated for 1p/19q chromosomal status as well as PRAS-40 and ribosomal S6 activation as markers of mTOR pathway activation. RESULTS: Accrual in the study for recurrent patients is ongoing, with 48 patients enrolled thus far of 60 total planned. Treatment has been well tolerated. Preliminary PFS-6 for those patients accrued thus far is 72%. Preliminary correlation of results with molecular markers raises the possibility that patients treated with everolimus whose tumors have PRAS-40 activation may have improved PFS vs. treated patients with non-activated tumors (p = 0.03). In contrast, patients with PRAS-40 activated tumors in a historical control trended toward worse PFS than patients with non-activated tumors (p = 0.07). Further molecular characterization, including IDH1/IDH2 status and 1p/19q chromosomal status, is also planned. We will provide updated results at the conference, and will also discuss the design of the study under development for newly diagnosed patients. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR pathway by everolimus is a promising avenue of treatment for low-grade gliomas. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Neuropathology & Tumor Biomarkers.
Full-length HIV-1 immunogens induce greater T lymphocyte responses to conserved epitopes than conserved-region-only HIV-1 immunogens in monkeys

Background A global HIV-1 vaccine will need to induce broadly reactive immune responses against conserved HIV-1 regions. It is currently unclear how best to elicit these responses by vaccination. We therefore compared the immunogenicity of a bivalent full-length HIV-1 Gag/Pol/Env mosaic vaccine, a trivalent full-length HIV-1 Gag/Pol/Env mosaic vaccine, and a bivalent mosaic vaccine containing only conserved HIV-1 Gag/Pol/Env epitopes in rhesus monkeys.
Wetting Behavior of Elastomer-Modified Glass Fibers

Interfacial properties of glass fibers coated by admicellar polymerization with a styrene−isoprene copolymer thin film have been investigated. Advancing and receding contact angles on single glass fibers as small as 6.2 μm in diameter were measured at slow meniscus velocities (2.0 μm/s) by using the Wilhelmy method with probe liquids of various hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics. Distinctly different contact angles were obtained from the dynamic wetting of fibers with different surface treatments. In water, the average advancing contact angle for admicellar-modified fibers was high (θadv ≈ 65−75°), suggesting an increased hydrophobicity as compared to that of the fully wettable desized fibers. Furthermore, it was found that both fibers with silane coupling agents and admicellar-coated fibers are chemically heterogeneous on their surfaces. Contact line pinning behavior induced by regions of different surface energy, as well as high hysteresis values, indicates that the ultrathin styrene−isoprene film ...
Using reverse genetics to manipulate the NSs gene of the Rift Valley fever virus MP-12 strain to improve vaccine safety and efficacy.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), which causes hemorrhagic fever, neurological disorders or blindness in humans, and a high rate abortion and fetal malformation in ruminants1, has been classified as a HHS/USDA overlap select agent and a risk group 3 pathogen. It belongs to the genus Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae and is one of the most virulent members of this family. Several reverse genetics systems for the RVFV MP-12 vaccine strain2,3 as well as wild-type RVFV strains 4-6, including ZH548 and ZH501, have been developed since 2006. The MP-12 strain (which is a risk group 2 pathogen and a non-select agent) is highly attenuated by several mutations in its M- and L-segments, but still carries virulent S-segment RNA3, which encodes a functional virulence factor, NSs. The rMP12-C13type (C13type) carrying 69% in-frame deletion of NSs ORF lacks all the known NSs functions, while it replicates as efficient as does MP-12 in VeroE6 cells lacking type-I IFN. NSs induces a shut-off of host transcription including interferon (IFN)-beta mRNA7,8 and promotes degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) at the post-translational level.9,10 IFN-beta is transcriptionally upregulated by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), NF-kB and activator protein-1 (AP-1), and the binding of IFN-beta to IFN-alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR) stimulates the transcription of IFN-alpha genes or other interferon stimulated genes (ISGs)11, which induces host antiviral activities, whereas host transcription suppression including IFN-beta gene by NSs prevents the gene upregulations of those ISGs in response to viral replication although IRF-3, NF-kB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) can be activated by RVFV7. . Thus, NSs is an excellent target to further attenuate MP-12, and to enhance host innate immune responses by abolishing the IFN-beta suppression function. Here, we describe a protocol for generating a recombinant MP-12 encoding mutated NSs, and provide an example of a screening method to identify NSs mutants lacking the function to suppress IFN-beta mRNA synthesis. In addition to its essential role in innate immunity, type-I IFN is important for the maturation of dendritic cells and the induction of an adaptive immune response12-14. Thus, NSs mutants inducing type-I IFN are further attenuated, but at the same time are more efficient at stimulating host immune responses than wild-type MP-12, which makes them ideal candidates for vaccination approaches.
Achievement of complete Bacillus subtilis microcycle sporulation by the addition of S-adenosylmethionine and phospholipids

In an attempt to find factors that may be responsible for the initiation of sporulation, a system in which the germination and outgrowth phases were separate was applied to Bacillus subtilis. Outgrowth of the germinated spores to only the primary singlet cells was followed in chemically defined medium. Addition of specific metabolites induced the primary singlet cells to sporulate via microcycle sporulation. Experiments are described that led to complete sporulation by the addition of diaminopimelic acid, S-adenosyl-L-methionine and phosphatidylethanolamine.
Information Technology and Growth

The rapid diffusion of information technology (IT) is a direct consequence of the swift decline in the price of computer-related equipment, which has led to a vast and continuing substitution of IT equipment for other forms of capital and labor. This substitution generates substantial returns for the economic agents who undertake IT investments and restructure their activities in order to increase the role of IT. There is little evidence, however, that substitution is accompanied by technical change as this term is used by economists. While this appears highly paradoxical to technologists, who think of substitution of a more IT-intensive mode of production for a less ITintensive mode as a change in technology, it is entirely consistent with the economic framework developed by Robert M. Solow (1957). What do economists mean by ‘‘technical change’’ and how could this exclude the substitution of a more IT-intensive production process for one that is less IT-intensive? Substitution represents movement along a given production function, while technical change corresponds to a shift in the production function. Substitution takes place if the introduction of computer-intensive equipment produces benefits that are fully captured or internalized by the users of IT and their suppliers. Technical change occurs only if more
Statistical mechanical studies of polypeptides. I. Theory of the helix–coil transition including right and left‐handed helical states

The Lifson-Roig and Zimm-Bragg theories of the helix–coil transition in polypeptides are generalized to include both right- and left-handed α-helical states. The partition functions for these more general theories are formulated in terms of the parameters u, vR, VL, WR, and wL for the generalized Lifson-Roig theory and σR, σL, sR, and sL for the generalized Zimm-Bragg theory. Matrix equations are derived for calculating such average molecular properties as the fraction of the amino acid residues hydrogen bonded into right- and left-handed α-helices, the average number of right- and left-handed helical sequences per molecule, the number-average length (in residues) of the right- and left-handed helical sequences, and the degree of solvent binding to the peptide NH and CO groups. These equations are shown to be conveniently adaptable to machine methods of calculation, thus avoiding the difficulty of solving an eigenvalue problem where the secular equation is of a high order. A discussion is given of the various energetic and entropic effects which determine the screw sense and stability of helices and of the extent to which it is valid to interpret experimental data by adjustment of the parameters of these statistical mechanical theories which include in their formulation only near-neighbor interactions between residues.
Influence of population prevalences on numbers of false positives: an overlooked entity.

Background Disease prevalence alters the number of true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false negatives (FN), and false positives (FP), even if the sensitivity and specificity of a test stays the same. Methods and Materials We illustrate this using data for the detection of suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) from the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis II (PIOPED II). We chose PE because of the clinical significance of the disease, the low prevalence of PE in the patient population being tested with CTPA with the widespread adoption of CTPA, and the serious clinical consequences of anticoagulation therapy in FP patients. Results Based on PIOPED II data (sensitivity 83%, specificity 96%), at a disease prevalence of approximately 5%, the number of FP patients is greater than the number of TP patients. Scaled to the US population, at a disease prevalence of 5%, there would be 139,800 FPs and 3,356,200 TNs. Assuming a mortality rate of 0.5% and a 3.0% rate of major bleeding secondary to anticoagulation therapy for well-controlled patients, if all FP patients received anticoagulation, there would be 699 deaths and 4194 major bleeding complications. Conclusions At a prevalence of approximately 5% for PE, the number of FPs approaches or is greater than the number of TPs for CTPA for the detection of suspected acute PE. Patients with FP results may receive unnecessary, potentially harmful treatment with anticoagulation therapy. Population prevalence of disease needs to be taken into account along with the diagnostic accuracy of a test, because this may significantly affect downstream patient outcomes.
StAR Protein Stability in Y1 and Kin-8 Mouse Adrenocortical Cells

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) protein expression is required for cholesterol transport into mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads. STAR is synthesized as a 37 kDa precursor protein which is targeted to the mitochondria and imported and processed to an intra-mitochondrial 30 kDa protein. Tropic hormone stimulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is the major contributor to the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of STAR synthesis. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms of cAMP-PKA mediated control of STAR synthesis while there are few reports on STAR degradation pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling on STAR protein stability. We have used the cAMP-PKA responsive Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells and the PKA-deficient Kin-8 cells to measure STAR phosphorylation and protein half-life. Western blot analysis and standard radiolabeled pulse-chase experiments were used to determine STAR phosphorylation status and protein half-life, respectively. Our data demonstrate that PKA-dependent STAR phosphorylation does not contribute to 30 kDa STAR protein stability in the mitochondria. We further show that inhibition of the 26S proteasome does not block precursor STAR phosphorylation or steroid production in Y1 cells. These data suggest STAR can maintain function and promote steroidogenesis under conditions of proteasome inhibition.
Mapping Saltwater Intrusion in the Biscayne Aquifer, Miami-Dade County, Florida using Transient Electromagnetic Sounding

Saltwater intrusion in southern Florida poses a potential threat to the public drinking-water supply that is typically monitored using water samples and electromagnetic induction logs collected from a network of wells. Transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings are a complementary addition to the monitoring program because of their ease of use, low cost, and ability to fill in data gaps between wells. TEM soundings have been used to map saltwater intrusion in the Biscayne aquifer over a large part of south Florida including eastern Miami-Dade County and the Everglades. These two areas are very different with one being urban and the other undeveloped. Each poses different conditions that affect data collection and data quality. In the developed areas, finding sites large enough to make soundings is difficult. The presence of underground pipes further restricts useable locations. Electromagnetic noise, which reduces data quality, is also an issue. In the Everglades, access to field sites is difficult and working in water-covered terrain is challenging. Nonetheless, TEM soundings are an effective tool for mapping saltwater intrusion. Direct estimates of water quality can be obtained from the inverted TEM data using a formation factor determined for the Biscayne aquifer. This formation factor is remarkably constant over Miami-Dade County owing to the uniformity of the aquifer and the absence of clay. Thirty-six TEM soundings were collected in the Model Land area of southeast Miami-Dade County to aid in calibration of a helicopter electromagnetic (HEM) survey. The soundings and HEM survey revealed an area of saltwater intrusion aligned with canals and drainage ditches along U.S. Highway 1 and the Card Sound Road. These canals and ditches likely reduced freshwater levels through unregulated drainage and provided pathways for seawater to flow at least 12.4 km inland.
Apparent diffusion coefficients and electron propagation mechanisms in viologen polyelectrolyte coatings containing multiply-charged anions

A copolymer of styrene and methyl-p-vinylbenzyl viologen was used to coat graphite electrodes with a cationic polyelectro lyte whose positive charge density could be varied by reducing the viologen centers. The coatings were used to bind the multiply- charged, electroactive anions Fe(CN)61−/4−, IrCl62−/3− and Mo(CN)84− on the electrode surface. The apparent diffusion coefficients of both the viologen centers and incorporated anions were similar and quite small. Evidence is offered that the slow processes responsible for the small apparent diffusion coefficients are the motions within the coatings required to bring pairs of oxidized and reduced reactants together and the accompanying motion of counter-ions into and out of the coatings.
Association of the mSin3A-Histone Deacetylase 1/2 Corepressor Complex with the Mouse Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Gene

Several factors have been identified in the transcriptional repression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene promoter; yet, no associating corepressor complexes have been characterized for the mouse promoter in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. We now report that Sp3, CAGA element binding proteins, and a corepressor complex consisting of mSin3A, histone deacetylase (HDAC)1, and HDAC2 associates with a transcriptional repressor region within the mouse StAR promoter. 5'-Promoter deletion analysis localized the negative regulatory region between -180 and -150 bp upstream of the transcription start site, and mutations in both the CAGA and Sp binding elements were required to relieve the repression of basal StAR promoter activity. Protein-DNA binding analysis revealed Sp3 and specific CAGA element-binding protein(s) associated with the repressor region. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis identified the presence of the mSin3A, HDAC1, and HDAC2 corepressor complex in MA-10 cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed Sp3, mSin3A, and HDAC1/2 association with the proximal region of the StAR promoter in situ. In addition, HDAC inhibition resulted in a dose-dependent activation of a mouse StAR reporter construct, whereas mutations within the repressor region diminished this effect by 44%. In sum, these data support a novel regulatory mechanism for transcriptional repression of the mouse StAR promoter by DNA binding of Sp3 and CAGA element-binding proteins, and association of the Sin3 corepressor complex exhibiting HDAC activity.
Determination of 4-hydroxyanisole in serum using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

4-Hydroxyanisole (p-methoxyphenol) has been used in the treatment of malignant melanomas. A simple, sensitive, and specific, method for its determination by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) is described. Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) was used as an internal standard.
Charge collection measurements and theoretical calculations for partially depleted silicon devices

Abstract Charge collection measurements were carried out using partially depleted silicon devices. The amount of charge collected at a given junction can be used to estimate the thickness of the sensitive volume to be associated with that junction. The assumption that the charge generated within this sensitive volume equals the charge collected at the junction forms the basis of current methods of predicting SEU rates for components exposed to the natural radiation environments of space. A simple analytic expression provides reasonable agreement with the experimental results of charge collection with alphas. When the dimensions estimated from this expression were used in Monte Carlo simulations of charge generation in the sensitive volumes through proton-induced spallation reactions, the results were found to be in good agreement with measured charge collection spectra.
Interpolation, strongly nonspanning powers and Macintyre exponents

Abstract Recent work of Pavlov suggests the following definition: positive integers p 1 p 2 z p n } strongly nonspanning if the approximation, by linear combinations, to positive integral powers not in the sequence is uniformly bad for all curves extending from one circle about the origin to another; there is a related notion of strongly free sets. It is shown that for an interpolation sequence, the corresponding powers are strongly free and strongly nonspanning. As one corollary (implicit in Pavlov's work), an interpolation sequence { p n } is a Macintyre sequence: a non-constant entire function Σa n z p n can not be bounded on a curve going to infinity. Our interpolation sequences include the sequences of exponents which Kovari and Pavlov have identified as Macintyre sequences.
Microbial Transformations of Natural Antitumor Agents XVIII: Conversions of Vindoline with Copper Oxidases

Vindoline occurs structurally intact in the clinically important Vinca alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine. It is oxidized by human ceruloplasmin and fungal and plant laccases into a reactive intermediate which undergoes intramolecular cyclization to an enamine which ultimately dimerizes. Transformations of vindoline by these copper oxidases are enhanced when enzyme incubations are performed with cofactors such as chlorpromazine. The role of copper oxidases in alkaloid metabolic interconversions and the possible implications of these reactions in Vinca alkaloid toxicity are discussed.
Exposure to ionizing radiation in adulthood and thyroid cancer incidence.

Background:Recent reviews of the radiation epidemiology literature have concluded that there is little evidence that exposure to ionizing radiation in adulthood causes thyroid cancer. This paper examines the association between radiation dose and thyroid cancer incidence among Japanese survivors who
Protein nitration and poly-ADP-ribosylation in brain after rapid exsanguination cardiac arrest in a rat model of emergency preservation and resuscitation

Summary Background Emergency preservation and resuscitation (EPR) of 60min in rats is achievable with favorable outcome, while 75min is associated with substantial mortality and impaired neurological outcome in survivors. We hypothesized that 75min but not 60min of EPR would be associated with activation of two potential secondary injury cascades in brain as reflected by protein nitration and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation. Methods Rats were rapidly exsanguinated over 5min. After 1min of cardiac arrest (CA), rats were cooled to a target tympanic temperature of 15°C. After either 60min or 75min of CA, resuscitation was achieved via cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Rats subjected to CPB only served as controls. Overall performance category (OPC) and neurologic deficit score (NDS) were assessed at 24h. Protein nitration and poly-ADP-ribosylation were assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry for 3-nitrotyrosine and poly-ADP ribose polymers, respectively, in multiple brain regions. Results Neurologic outcome was better in the 60min vs. the 75min EPR group (OPC, P P =0.001). Densitometric analysis of the major 64kD band showed that nitration and PARP activation were significantly increased in hippocampus, cortex and striatum in the 75min EPR group vs. other groups. However, there were no differences in cerebellum. Analysis of the full protein spectrum showed significantly increased PARP activation only in hippocampus in the 75min EPR group vs. other groups. Conclusions Extending the duration of EPR beyond the limit that can yield favorable recovery in rats was associated with increased nitration and ribosylation of selected proteins in selectively vulnerable brain regions. The impact of these mechanisms on the outcome remains to be determined.
Clinical social work planning with 5,000 general medical and surgical patients for their hospital discharge.

Abstract The Social Work Service of the Veterans Administration, on examining one segment of its program, found that 1 out of 20 patients discharged from general medical and surgical hospitals during a 90-day period required assistance with planning for care after release, due to severity of illness or disability. p]Table I shows the plans developed for the 5,065 patients. The major impact of the social worker's activity is shown in the percentage of these patients returning to their own homes. Case examples reflect the involvement in determining, nurturing, and coordinating strength within the patient, family, and community necessary to achieve this record.
Computer-assisted collection and analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data

Computer programs are presented for automating the collection, processing, and analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data. The programs are written to run on an Apple Macintosh computer (equipped with at least 512 kilobytes of random access memory, a single disk drive, and an Apple Image-writer dot matrix printer) interfaced with a Bio-Rad EIA reader. The primary program is written in Pascal with associated data analysis performed by a programmable electronic spreadsheet.
Regulation of autoreactive B cells: checkpoints and activation.

It has become clear that the autoreactive B cells are a part of the normal naive B cell repertoire in the periphery, despite the fact that they undergo a series of checkpoints, which include receptor editing (revision), clonal deletion, and anergy. However, most of those B cells reactive against self antigen remain functionally naive for autoantibody production by differential peripheral checkpoints. Therefore, the presence of autoreactive B cells does not always signify disease. Regulation of their activation and effector functions will determine the ultimate outcome. Although autoreactive B cell tolerance is well maintained in the healthy individual, the existence of pathogenic autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases indicates that these tolerogenic checkpoints are broken. Recent studies have demonstrated that autoreactive B cells are regulated by a composite of factors, such as genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers such as bacterial and viral infections as well as other immune cells. Interestingly, Toll-like receptors, previously considered as pattern-recognition receptors to detect and sense pathogens, may also have a potential to recognize self antigens and regulate autoreactive B cells for activation. Understanding the mechanisms of autoreactive B cell regulation and activation may help in identifying novel targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Emerging views of corticothalamic function

Although it is now generally accepted that the thalamus is more than a simple relay of sensory signals to the cortex, we are just beginning to gain an understanding of how corticothalamic feedback influences sensory processing. Results from an increasing number of studies across sensory systems and different species reveal effects of feedback both on the receptive fields of thalamic neurons and on the transmission of sensory information between the thalamus and cortex. Importantly, these studies demonstrate that the cortico-thalamic projection cannot be viewed in isolation, but must be considered as an integral part of a thalamo-corticothalamic circuit which intimately interconnects the thalamus and cortex for sensory processing.
Majorana modes at the ends of superconductor vortices in doped topological insulators.

Recent experiments have observed bulk superconductivity in doped topological insulators. Here we ask whether vortex Majorana zero modes, previously predicted to occur when $s$-wave superconductivity is induced on the surface of topological insulators, survive in these doped systems with metallic normal states. Assuming inversion symmetry, we find that they do but only below a critical doping. The critical doping is tied to a topological phase transition of the vortex line, at which it supports gapless excitations along its length. The critical point depends only on the vortex orientation and a suitably defined SU(2) Berry phase of the normal state Fermi surface. By calculating this phase for available band structures we determine that superconducting $p$-doped ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3}$, among others, supports vortex end Majorana modes. Surprisingly, superconductors derived from topologically trivial band structures can support Majorana modes too.
High expression of somatostatin receptors and messenger ribonucleic acid for its receptor subtypes in organ-confined and locally advanced human prostate cancers.

To evaluate the potential application of somatostatin (SST) analogs as an adjuvant treatment for prostate cancer, we characterized the binding sites for SST octapeptide analogs on prostate cancers in patients treated with radical prostatectomy. The affinity and density of binding sites for SST analog RC-160 on 80 surgical specimens of prostate cancers were determined by ligand competition assays. The expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for SST receptor subtype 1 (SSTR1), subtype 2 (SSTR2), and subtype 5 (SSTR5) was also investigated in 22 samples by RT-PCR. Fifty-two of 80 specimens (65%), showed a single class of specific binding sites for RC-160 with a mean dissociation constant (Kd) of 9.44 nmol/L and a mean maximal binding capacity of 754.8 fmol/mg membrane protein. The mRNA for SSTR1 was detected in 86% of samples, whereas the incidences of mRNA for SSTR2 and SSTR5 were 14% and 64%, respectively. The expression of SSTR2 and/or SSTR5 was 100%, consistent with the presence of RC-160 binding...
The Currarino triad: complex of anorectal malformation, sacral bony abnormality, and presacral mass

The Currarino triad is a unique complex of congenital caudal anomalies including anorectal malformation, sacral bony abnormality, and presacral mass. The usual symptomatology is constipation due to anorectal stenosis. Contrast enema and computed tomographic myelography are the imaging modalities of choice for diagnostic confirmation and clarification of the anomalies. The clinical features, unique radiologic appearance, and importance of a correct diagnosis of the Currarino triad are reviewed.
Conversion of atrial fibrillation by the experimental antiarrhythmic drug tedisamil in two canine models.

Tedisamil Conversion of AF in Two Canine Models.Introduction: Tedisamil is an experimental bradycardic agent possessing action potential-prolonging effects. It has been proven effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias in several animal models and atrial flutter in a conscious dog model. There are no reports to date evaluating tedisamil's efficacy in terminating atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: Two different canine models of AF were used. One group of dogs (n = 6) was subjected to 28 days of chronic fibrillatory pacing at 50 Hz using an implantable neural stimulator. Sustained AF was achieved in all dogs within 14 days of initiating pacing. A second set of dogs (n = 5) had AF induced via bilateral vagal stimulation. Tedisamil 1 mg/kg was 100% effective in terminating AF in both models. Cardioversion was associated with a statistically significant prolongation of the fibrillatory cycle length immediately before return to normal sinus rhythm in both models. A dose-response trial was performed in the vagal AF group as well as in a second group of three dogs that underwent chronic fibrillatory pacing. The efficacy of tedisamil was dose dependent, with limited efficacy at 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg intravenously in both models. Tedisamil was able to prevent reinduction of sustained AF 30 minutes after administration of 1 mg/kg in the chronic pacing model in all dogs. Side effects included minor hypersalivation in most dogs receiving the 1 mg/kg dose. No ventricular ectopy or arrhythmias were observed. Conclusion: Tedisamil is effective for conversion of sustained AF to normal sinus rhythm in two different models of AF.
Effects of nicotine on distribution and release of 14C-norepinephrine and 14C-dopamine in rat brain striatum and hypothalamus slices.

The effects of nicotine on the uptake and cellular distribution of 14C-norepinephrine (14C-NE)and 14C-dopamine (14C-DA) were examined in slices prepared from rat brain striatum and hypothalamus. Nicotine inhibited the uptake of both 14C-labelled norepinephrine and dopamine only in hypothalamus slices. Under similar incubation conditions, washout experiments with striatum and hypothalamus slices indicated that nicotine decreased the amount of 14C-NE and 14C-DA present in the slow washout component of the hypothalamus but did not alter 14C-labelled contents in the striatum. Addition of 0.62 mM nicotine produced a sustained increase in 14C-NE efflux from brain slices; the presence of desipramine or the absence of either sodium or calcium ions in the washout solution did not alter this nicotine-induced increase. These findings support the hypothesis that the nicotine-induced release of norepinephrine in the hypothalamus occurs by a specific and direct action at cellular amine binding sites or stores.
Superconductivity from non-phonon mechanisms

Abstract Our studies of the determination of the transition temperature from the non-phonon mechanisms is reviewed. Raising T c by replacing phonons with high frequency excitations does appear possible though the usual estimates are found to be too high.
New Taxa and Combinations in Agastache (Lamiaceae)

Diagnoses are given for the following new taxa:Agastache eplingiana, A. micrantha var.durangensis, A. pallida var.coriacea,A. pallidiflora var.gilensis andA. palmeri var.leonensis. Five new combinations are made.
Differential Chondrogenic Potential of Human and Bovine Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Agarose and Photocrosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels

Articular cartilage has a limited regenerative capacity, and there exist no methodologies to restore structure and function after damage or degeneration. This has focused intense work on cell-based therapies for cartilage repair, with considerable literature demonstrating that chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo can generate cartilage-like tissue replacements. However, use of primary cells is limited by the amount and quality of autologous donor cells and tissue. Multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow offer an alternative cell source for cartilage tissue engineering. MSCs are easily accessible and expandable in culture, and differentiate towards a chondrocyte-like phenotype with exposure to TGF-β [1]. For example, we have shown that bovine MSCs undergo chondrogenic differentiation and mechanical maturation in agarose, self-assembling peptide, and photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels [2]. HA hydrogels are particularly advantageous as they are biologically relevant and easily modified to generate a range of hydrogel properties [3]. Indeed, bovine MSCs show a strong dependence of functional outcomes on the macromer density of the HA gel [4]. To further the clinical application of this material, the purpose of this study was to investigate functional chondrogenesis of human MSCs in HA compared to agarose hydrogels. To carry out this study, juvenile bovine and human MSCs were encapsulated and cultured in vitro in HA and agarose hydrogels, and cell viability, biochemical, biomechanical, and histological properties were evaluated over 4 weeks of culture.© 2010 ASME
The decomposition of formic acid on Ni(100)

Abstract The decomposition of HCOOD was studied on Ni(100). Low temperature adsorption of HCOOD resulted in the desorption of D2O, CO2, CO, and H2. The D2O was evolved below room temperature. CO2 and H2 were evolved in coincident peaks at a temperature above that at which h2 desorbed following H2 adsorption and well above that for CO2 desorption from CO2 adsorption; CO desorbed primarily in a desorption limited step. The decomposition of formic acid on the clean surface was found to yield equal amounts of H2, CO, and CO2 within experimental error. The kinetics and mechanism of the decomposition of formic acid on Ni (110) and Ni(100) single crystal surfaces were compared. The reaction proceeded by the dehydration of formic acid to formic anhydride on both surfaces. The anhydride intermediate condensed into islands due to attractive dipole-dipole interactions. Within the islands the rate of the decomposition reaction to form CO2 was given by: Rate = 6 × 10 15 exp{−[25,500 + ω( c c sat )]/RT} × c , where c is the local surface concentration, csat is the saturation coverage for the particular crystal plane, and ω is the interaction potential. The interaction potential was determined to be 2.7 kcal/mole on Ni(110) and 1.4 kcal/mole on Ni(100); the difference observed was due to structural differences of the surfaces relating to the alignment of the dipole moments within the islands. These attractive interactions resulted in an autocatalytic reaction on Ni(110), whereas the interaction was not strong enough on Ni(100) to sustain the autocatalytic behavior. Formic acid decomposition oxidized the Ni(100) surface resulting in the formation of a stable surface oxide. The buildup of the oxide resulted in a change in the selectivity reducing the amount of CO formed. This trend indicated that on the oxide surface the decomposition proceeded via a formate intermediate as on Ni(110) O.
Rapid induction of early osteoarthritic-like lesions in the rabbit knee by continuous intra-articular infusion of mammalian collagenase or interleukin-1

Aminophenyl mercuric acetate (APMA)-activated collagenase (C) (60 U/ml) obtained fromin vitro cultures of human skin fibroblasts or recombinant interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (200 U/ml) was infused continuously for 7 days into the rabbit knee synovial space by means of an implanted Alzet osmotic pump. In stability studiesin vitro, activated C or IL-1 incubated for 7 days at 37°C, showed no significant loss of biological activity. Alterations in knee cartilage morphology and proteoglycan (PG) content were determined histologically, and the incidence of cartilage damage calculated. C or IL-1 vehicles infused for 7 days, caused on damage. Incidences of damage for C or IL-1 (n=8–9), respectively, were as follows: loss PG: 88% and 100%; chondrocyte disorganiation and loss, 50% and 78%, fissures and or fraying, 25% and 78%; and convergence of inflammatory cells, 25% and 66%. These results confirm the important role of C and IL-1 in cartilage damage.