cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of diethyldithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of interferon antiviral activity, upon human natural killer cells.

In support of a postulated role of the Cu++-dependent enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), in antiviral effects of interferon (IFN), a close correspondence was previously shown to exist between inactivation of cellular SOD and concomitant blockade of IFN antiviral activity in fibroblasts by the Cu++-chelating agent, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC). To further define the extent of "anti-IFN" activity, we initiated studies of DDC effects on IFN stimulation in the NK cell system. Unexpectedly, DDC directly inhibited cytotoxicity mediated by unstimulated NK cells. Pronounced inactivation occurred rapidly (less than 30 min), but was spontaneously reversible in the absence of DDC. Neither cell viability nor lymphocyte binding to target cells was detectably affected. Preincubation of DDC with Cu++ or Zn++ failed to neutralize its inhibitory effects nor could function be restored in DDC-pretreated NK cells by subsequent addition of Cu++, Zn++, Mg++, or Ca++. DDC treatment that inactivated NK cells did not detectably alter lymphocyte SOD activity. Thus, inhibition was probably not attributable to chelating properties of DDC. N-ethyl maleimide (NEM) and para-( hydroxymercuri ) benzoic acid ( PMBA ), enzyme inhibitors that preferentially react with sulfhydryl groups, both inactivated NK cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner similar to that of DDC. Preincubation with the sulfhydryl compound, cysteine, neutralized in parallel fashion the capacity of NEM, PMBA , and DDC to inhibit NK cell activity. Thus, a previously unreported reactivity of DDC with sulfhydryl groups appeared to be the basis of inhibition. NK cells incubated 1 hr with IFN and subsequently cultured 17 to 23 hr without IFN were activated to an extent comparable to cells continuously incubated 18 to 24 hr with IFN. Exposure to IFN for 1 hr was therefore sufficient to commit NK cells to acquisition of a fully activated state. Whether preactivated by a 1-hr or 18- to 24-hr IFN treatment, activated NK cells retained the DDC-sensitive phenotype characteristic of fresh unstimulated NK cells. Thus, prolonged IFN treatment did not render NK cells resistant to DDC or preferentially activate a DDC-sensitive NK cell subset. An 18- to 24-hr incubation of DDC-pretreated cells in the continual presence of IFN resulted in the boosting of NK cell activity. However, the 1-hr IFN pulse treatment protocol was consistently ineffective in boosting when IFN was added just after DDC-pretreatment. These results strongly suggested that DDC temporarily rendered NK cells unresponsive to what, under normal circumstances, approximated an optimally potentiating IFN stimulus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Size Distribution and Probable Sources of Trace Elements in Submicron Atmospheric Particulate Material

Size-segregated atmospheric particulate material was collected at a rural location in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Tennessee, and at an urban site in Pasadena, California. The elemental composition of this material was determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Elements identified as being of anthropogenic origin had mass median diameters of below one micron, while elements of crustal origin were generally found to have a mass median diameters well over one micron. Some of the Pasadena samples however had elevated concentrations of the typical crustal elements Al, Fe, La, and Ce in the finer size fractions, probably due to motor vehicle emissions.
Mechanism of T Cell Tolerance Induced by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Ag-specific T cell tolerance plays a critical role in tumor escape. Recent studies implicated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the induction of CD8 + T cell tolerance in tumor-bearing hosts. However, the mechanism of this phenomenon remained unclear. We have found that incubation of Ag-specific CD8 + T cells, with peptide-loaded MDSCs, did not induce signaling downstream of TCR. However, it prevented subsequent signaling from peptide-loaded dendritic cells. Using double TCR transgenic CD8 + T cells, we have demonstrated that MDSC induced tolerance to only the peptide, which was presented by MDSCs. T cell response to the peptide specific to the other TCR was not affected. Incubation of MDSCs with Ag-specific CD8 + T cells caused nitration of the molecules on the surface of CD8 + T cells, localized to the site of physical interaction between MDSC and T cells, which involves preferentially only TCR specific for the peptide presented by MDSCs. Postincubation with MDSCs, only nitrotyrosine-positive CD8 + T cells demonstrated profound nonresponsiveness to the specific peptide, whereas nitrotyrosine-negative CD8 + T cells responded normally to that stimulation. MDSCs caused dissociation between TCR and CD3ζ molecules, disrupting TCR complexes on T cells. Thus, these data describe a novel mechanism of Ag-specific CD8 + T cell tolerance in cancer.
Auditory evoked potentials in the West Indian manatee (Sirenia:Trichechus manatus)

Potentials evoked by clicks and tone pips were recorded by fine wires inserted extracranially in four West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in air. Sounds were delivered via padded ear phones.
On lifting commutative dynamical systems

We construct a lifting of commuting power series from a residue field of positive characteristic to a local ring, in a manner similar to the formal group cohomologies of Lubin–Tate. This lifting is then used to prove that a nontorsion Zp automorphism and a multiplication-by-p endomorphism uniquely define a formal group over fields of a positive characteristic. This suggests that a characteristic 0 conjecture by Lubin could be approached with residue field considerations.
A Near-Infrared and X-Ray Study of W49 B: A Wind Cavity Explosion

We present near-infrared narrowband images of the supernova remnant W49 B, taken with the WIRC instrument on the Hale 200 inch (5 m) telescope on Mount Palomar. The 1.64 μm [Fe II] image reveals a barrel-shaped structure with coaxial rings, which is suggestive of bipolar wind structures surrounding massive stars. The 2.12 μm shocked molecular hydrogen image extends 1.9 pc outside of the [Fe II] emission to the southeast. We also present archival Chandra data, which show an X-ray jetlike structure along the axis of the [Fe II] barrel, flaring at each end. Fitting single-temperature X-ray emission models reveals an enhancement of heavy elements, with particularly high abundances of hot Fe and Ni, and relatively metal-rich core and jet regions. We interpret these findings as evidence that W49 B originated inside a wind-blown bubble (R ∼ 5 pc) inside a dense molecular cloud. This suggests that W49 B's progenitor was a supermassive star that could significantly shape its surrounding environment. We also suggest two interpretations for the jet morphology, abundance variations, and molecular hydrogen emission: (1) the explosion may have been jet driven, interacting with the molecular cavity (i.e., a gamma-ray burst); or (2) the explosion could have been a traditional supernova, with the jet structure being the result of interactions between the shock and an enriched interstellar cloud.
Inelastic seismic response of one‐storey, asymmetric‐plan systems: Effects of system parameters and yielding

The inelastic response of one-storey, asymmetric-plan systems to two excitations is presented and analysed with the objective of identifying the influence of system parameters: uncoupled lateral vibration period, uncoupled torsional-to-lateral frequency ratio, stiffness eccentricity, relative values of the strength and stiffness eccentricities, and yield factor. Furthermore, the influence of yielding on the response of asymmetric-plan systems is examined. In particular, we determine whether the well known relationship between the response of yielding and elastic single-degree-of-freedom (SDF) systems is also applicable to asymmetric-plan systems.
Induced fit in guanidino kinases—comparison of substrate-free and transition state analog structures of arginine kinase

Arginine kinase (AK) is a member of the guanidino kinase family that plays an important role in buffering ATP concentration in cells with high and fluctuating energy demands. The AK specifically catalyzes the reversible phosphoryl transfer between ATP and arginine. We have determined the crystal structure of AK from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) in its open (substrate-free) form. The final model has been refined at 2.35 Å with a final R of 22.3% (Rfree = 23.7%). The structure of the open form is compared to the previously determined structure of the transition state analog complex in the closed form. Classically, the protein would be considered two domain, but dynamic domain (DynDom) analysis shows that most of the differences between the two structures can be considered as the motion between four rigid groups of nonsequential residues. ATP binds near a cluster of positively charged residues of a fixed dynamic domain. The other three dynamic domains close the active site with separate hinge rotations relative to the fixed domain. Several residues of key importance for the induced motion are conserved within the phosphagen kinase family, including creatine kinase. Substantial conformational changes are induced in different parts of the enzyme as intimate interactions are formed with both substrates. Thus, although induced fit occurs in a number of phosphoryl transfer enzymes, the conformational changes in phosphagen kinases appear to be more complicated than in prior examples.
Organizing a tech camp for teachers

Indiana University/Purdue University (IUPUI) with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and Course Technology co-sponsored a "Tech Camp" for secondary school teachers. Many teachers were inconsistent in the level and breadth of technology education presented to their students. Many were not teaching state-of-the-art technology due to a lack of funding and training. Others simply did not know "what" to teach. Thus, a means had to be found to bring teachers up to speed with both hardware and software related to teaching technology, as well as acquainting them with college-level expectations.The following plan resulted from meetings, informal conversations, and surveys of both Indiana educators and businesses: IUPUI would host the Tech Camp. Secondary teachers with limited time would attend for one week during the summer. First, three tracks of instruction were created to run concurrently: Office Applications, Web Technologies, and Computer Programming. Second, to enhance and certify the participants' training, MOUS certification would be held on-site, to add value to the participants' work during the week. Third, to enable the teachers to use this training effectively in their high school classes, IUPUI articulation credit would be negotiated for high school students. IUPUI would contribute the labs and instructors. IDOE would handle publicity and CRU credit. Course Technology would contribute books and a guest author.This qualitative paper describes the process of putting together a tech camp, attracting sponsors, advertising, and choosing topics. In the summer of 2002, IUPUI hosted 75 high school teachers who attended classes for a week, led by professors and authors. Attendees received training, books, snacks, and software -- for a total charge of only $75.00!Success was measured by participants completing the training, summative assessment, articulation agreements, and MOUS certifications. A positive by-product was a closer cooperation between high school and higher education, and public relations for the university.
Flow Visualization and Pressure Measurement in Micronozzles

Micro devices have been widely used in aerospace engineering for years. Engineers are interested in applications of micro devices such as microjets, micro actuators, and micronozzles. The small size nozzles can be used for attitude adjustment and propulsion of micro-satellites or mini-spacecraft. In this paper, convergent-divergent micronozzles have been investigated at supersonic speed with various total pressures and Reynolds numbers. The throat of the micronozzle is 250 micron wide and the nozzle is designed as de Laval type. For the measurements, the Reynolds number at the throat varies from 1200 to 11000 and total pressure varies from 6 psia to 55 psia. Experimental results are obtained with pressure-sensitive paint for pressure measurement and schlieren imaging for flow visualization. Flow visualization is a challenge for conventional techniques due to the small length scales and small depth of the density gradient. A modified schlieren technique is used to increase the sensitivity by taking the ratio of wind-on and wind-off images. Pressure-sensitive paint is also used to obtain global pressure measurement of the flow field and to compare with the schlieren results.
Lifestyle Movements: Exploring the Intersection of Lifestyle and Social Movements

While the contentious politics (CP) model has come to dominate the field of social movements, scholars note the paradigm's shortcomings, especially its narrow focus on movement organizations, public protest, and political action. The conceptual wall between lifestyles and social movements has created a theoretical blind spot at the intersection of private action and movement participation, personal and social change, and personal and collective identity. We suggest that lifestyle movements (LMs) consciously and actively promote a lifestyle, or way of life, as a primary means to foster social change. Drawing upon our observations of a variety of LMs, we discuss three defining aspects of LMs: lifestyle choices as tactics of social change, the central role of personal identity work, and the diffuse structure of LMs. We also explore the links between LMs and social movements, CP, and conventional politics. Finally, we demonstrate that LM, as a new conceptual category, is applicable across a range of movement ...
DIFFERENTIATION OF SELF AND PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

This study investigated the relationship between Bowen’s (1978) concept of differentiation of self and Erikson’s (1950/1963) psychosocial stages of development. Three hundred and fourteen university undergraduates completed the Measure of Psychosocial Development (MPD; Hawley, 1988) and the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998). Multiple regression analyses indicated that differentiation level is significantly predictive of psychosocial development. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
The observation of laser-induced visible fluorescence in sooting diffusion flames

Visible fluorescence is produced using an argon-ion laser for excitation in sooting methaneair and methaneoxygen diffusion flames. This emission is attributed to small (two to four ring) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as suggested by previous studies. The key finding in the present investigation is that the fluorescence spectra can be altered dramatically by changes in the flame stabilization conditions. Spectra obtained with a slot burner and a cylindrically symmetric burner are presented, and are usually found to be broad and unstructured. However, under certain experimental conditions the laser-induced fluorescence spectra show considerable structure; four distinct peaks are identified at different excitation wavelengths. Evidence is presented that the structured spectra are caused by recirculation of downstream combustion gases (and particles) into the optically sampled area. Thus, these observations point out the importance of characterizing the flow conditions when optical measurements are used to study the flame chemistry of polycyclic aromatic molecules. Possible temperature effects and the relevance of the results to soot formation processes are also discussed.
The atomic structure of the Σ = 13(θ = 22.6°)[001] twist boundary in gold determined using quantitative X-ray diffraction techniques

Quantitative X-ray diffraction techniques have for the first time determined the complete three-dimensional atomic structure of a grain boundary. The structure of a large angle Σ = 13(θ = 22.6°)[001] twist boundary in Au was obtained with a resolution of ±0.06 A or better normal to the interface and ±0.02 A or better parallel to the interface. The atomic coordinates were determined by fitting a model structure to the intensity observations from large portions of the three-dimensional reciprocal lattice using a χ2 analysis. Details of the atomic structure of the grain boundary, including the magnitude of the decrease in density at the interface, are presented. The grain boundary structure was shown to consist of arrays of distorted octahedra that bridge the interface in the regions of good fit between the two misoriented crystals, and special configurations of distorted tetrahedra, octahedra and Archimedean antiprisms located between the regions of good fit within the interface. The polyhedral construct is used to predict sites for, and concentrations of solute atoms that segregate to interstitial positions within the boundary, without causing appreciable distortion of the boundary structure.
Economic lessons from some small socialist developing countries

Abstract The economic performance of four small socialist developing countries — Burma, Cuba, Sri Lanka and Tanzania — is examined on the following criteria: growth in per capita income, distribution of income, unemployment, fulfilment of basic needs, and self-reliance and economic independence. Adding Chile under Allende, and Portugal after the revolution, to the sample, economic lessons are drawn concerning the choice between present and future consumption, the influence of the way in which incomes are redistributed on subsequent growth, exports and economic independence, motivation and incentives, and mass mobilization. This is one of the first comparative evaluations of the performance of socialist developing nations. It is hoped that the shortcomings of the study will stimulate other researchers to do better.
Primary Papillary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Ureter Mimicking Genitourinary Tuberculosis

Primary adenocarcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter are rare and account for less than 1% of all malignancies at this site. We report a case of primary papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ureter that clinically mimicked genitourinary tuberculosis. Early diagnosis is important for the better outcome.
Retinal vascular permeability in diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, and despite many years of research it continues to be the major cause of blindness in adults. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which transport across the inner Blood Retinal Barrier (iBRB) is regulated is a key step for the discovery of improved means to control vascular permeability and loss of vision in persons with DR. In this study, using Bovine Retinal Endothelial Cell (BREC) monolayers we measured hydraulic conductivity and diffusive as well as apparent (i.e. diffusive plus convective) permeabilities of TAMRA (467 Da), Dextran (70 kDa), and LDL (2,000 kDa). We did not observe any significant change in permeability to the 3 tracer molecules or the conductance of water after exposure to high glucose. The transport results are consistent with observed ZO-1 staining. On the other hand, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased BREC permeability in normal and high glucose environments. This supports the existence of an indirect pathway by which iBRB permeability is increased in hyperglycemia in vivo. The up-regulation of VEGF in pericytes that in turn increases endothelial permeability.
Active vision for reliable ranging: cooperating focus, stereo, and vergence

This article addresses the problem of measuring reliabily the absolute three-dimensional position of objects in an unknown and cluttered scene. It circumvents the limitations of a single sensor or single algorithm by using several range recovery techniques together, so that they cooperate in visual behaviors similar to those exhibited by the human visual system. Implemented visual behaviors include (i) aperture adjustment to vary depth of field and contrast, (ii) focus ranging followed by fixation, (iii) stereo ranging followed by focus ranging, and (iv) focus ranging followed by disparity prediction followed by focus ranging. The main contribution is a demonstration that two particular visual ranging processes—focusing and stereo—can cooperate to improve measurement reliability. The results of 75 experiments processing close to 3000 different object points lying at distances between 1 and 3 meters demonstrate that the computed range values are highly reliable.
Thomas W. Salmon: advocate of mental hygiene.

The article looks at the life and work of Dr. Thomas W. Salmon. According to the article, as part of the mental hygiene movement that emerged in the early 20th century, Salmon argued that psychiatrists should spearhead new approaches to prevent mental illness and to rehabilitate criminals. Salmon also played an important role in one of the earliest client advocate health reform movements in the U.S., the National Committee for Mental Hygiene. The article discusses Salmon's work as a bacteriologist for New York State mental hospitals, his system to screen military recruits for mental health problems, his procedures for treating "shell shocked" soldiers, and his concern for the long-term health of veterans and juvenile delinquency.
Fractionation of sugar cane with hot, compressed, liquid water

Sugar-cane bagasse and leaves (10−15 g oven-dry basis) were fractionated without size reduction by a rapid (45 s to 4 min), immersed percolation using only hot (190−230 °C), compressed (P > Psat), liquid water (0.6−1.2 kg). Over 50% of the biomass could be solubilized. All of the hemicellulose, together with much of the acid-insoluble lignin in the bagasse (>60%), was solubilized, while less than 10% of the cellulose entered the liquid phase. Moreover, recovery of the hemicellulose as monomeric sugars (after a mild posthydrolysis) exceeded 80%. Less than 5% of the hemicellulose was converted to furfural. Percolation beyond that needed to immerse the biomass in hot liquid water did not result in increased solubilization. The yield of lignocellulosic residue was also not sensitive to the form of the sugar cane used (bagasse or leaves) or its moisture content (8−50%). Commercial applications for this fractionation process include the pretreatment of lignocellulosics for bioconversion to ethanol and the produ...
Time-resolved structural studies of the low-index faces of lead.

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction with 200-ps time resolution is used to study the structural behavior of the three low-index faces of Pb. The surfaces are subjected to heating and cooling rates on the order of ${10}^{11}$ K/s. The open Pb(110) surface is seen to reversibly disorder below the bulk melting temperature, ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{m}}$. In contrast to Pb(110), the close-packed Pb(111) surface sustains superheating to ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{m}}$+120 K. Pb(100), a surface with atomic packing intermediate to that of Pb(110) and Pb(111), shows evidence of residual order at a temperature above the bulk melting point.
Regulating Physical Activity Education for the Public's Health and Safety, and the Field's Continued Relevance and Survival: Licensure for Exercise Leadership — It's Time!

This article makes a case for requiring those who teach physical activity to be appropriately educated through accredited college and university programs, and certified and/or licensed by legitimate governing bodies.
Modification of mitochondrial respiration by aging and dietary restriction

Effects of aging and of dietary restriction on mitochondrial recovery and respiratory capacities have been assessed in mice. Old mice (23–26 months) did not differ from adult mice (9–12 months) in amounts of protein recovered in mitochondrial fractions of liver, brain and spleen, but did show a decline in specific activity of cytochrome c oxidase (cyt. c ox.) in liver and spleen. Age effects on in vitro respiration by mitochondria occurred in liver and spleen. In liver, only one substrate (β-hydroxybutyrate) of four tested was respired at a different rate by old than by young mitochondria. Depression of state 3 respiration and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-uncoupled rates was observed for this substrate; however, this effect depended on expressing respiration on the basis of mitochondrial protein and was less overt if data were expressed per unit of cyt. c ox. activity. Old spleen mitochondria exhibited a grosser defect, showing a 40% decrease in the respiratory control index (RCI) for (succinate + rotenone)- supported respiration (the only substrate tested) due to a possible increase in state 4 rates. Effects of dietary restriction were assessed in liver and brain of 3–7-month-old mice underfed since weaning. Dietary restriction reduced recovery of total liver mitochondrial protein and liver cyt. c ox. specific activity. Liver mitochondria from restricted mice generally showed increased state 3 rates with no differences from controls in state 4 rates for respiration supported by glutamate or pyruvate + malate, resulting in an increased RCI for these substrates. DNP-uncoupled rates were also raised by dietary restriction. Unlike effects observed in old versus young mice, these differences obtained whether the data were expressed on the basis of mitochondrial protein or on cyt. c ox. activity. Electron microscopy of liver mitochondrial preparations revealed more non-mitochondrial contaminants in old mice and larger mitochondria in dietarily restricted mice. These findings are compatible with reports of age-dependent losses of liver mitochondria and suggest that dietary restriction may retard this loss.
Issues of politics, boundaries, and technology choice.

Mature mental health systems face problems different from their predecessors, especially issues such as integration with acute medical care, boundaries, and choices about affordable and suitable care technologies.
Graphical transformations and hierarchic picture structures

Precise definitions are given for the notions of picture-object, graphical transformation, overlaying of pictures, and hierarchic picture structure. Graphical transformations include pure geometric transformations and specifications that restrict the domain of a picture-object, for example, clipping regions and picture extents. General algorithms based on these definitions are described for composing and applying transformations in hierarchic graphics systems. The results are pertinent to a variety of systems that use hierarchic picture descriptions. The main contributions are the clarification of the concepts used in general transformation systems and the simple algorithms that result from this clarification.
Topiramate and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) as Initial Treatment for Infantile Spasms

Historically, adrenal cortico-tropic hormone (ACTH) was used as first line treatment for infantile spasms, however there has been increasing use of topiramate as initial therapy. Here we report a retrospective study of ACTH and topiramate as initial treatment of infantile spasms. The neurology patient database at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was searched using the ICD-9 code for infantile spasms, and 50 patients were randomly chosen for chart review. We identified thirty-one patients receiving either ACTH or topiramate monotherapy (ACTH, n = 12, topiramate n = 19) as a first line treatment for infantile spasms. Twenty-six patients were symptomatic and five cryptogenic. Six patients treated with ACTH had resolution of clinical spasms and hypsarrhithmia within a month, but three relapsed. Four of the nineteen patients treated with topiramate eventually, though over a period of 0,1,8 or 69 months, had resolution of spasms and hypsarrhythmia.
The effect of loads and expenses on open-end mutual fund returns

Abstract In this study, 1,012 mutual funds were examined to investigate the relationship between the funds' sales loads, annual expenses, and returns. Low expense funds significantly outperformed high and very high expense funds. For funds with similar expenses, the load funds do not produce returns sufficient to offset the load versus no-load funds. However, when broken down by expense level, load funds (even high load funds) with low expenses do sufficiently outperform high expense, no-load funds. This finding may be the result of high expense funds being characterized by higher turnover than low expense funds. Given fund managers' inability to select “above average” stocks, this leads to higher expenses but not higher returns, and thus lower net-of-expense returns.
A cellular automation model of excitable media including curvature and dispersion

Excitable media are spatially distributed systems characterized by their ability to propagate signals undamped over long distances. Wave propagation in excitable media has been modeled extensively both by continuous partial differential equations and by discrete cellular automata. Cellular automata are desirable because of their intuitive appeal and efficient digital implementation, but until now they have not served as reliable models because they have lacked two essential properties of excitable media. First, traveling waves show dispersion, that is, the speed of wave propagation into a recovering region depends on the time elapsed since the preceding wave passed through that region. Second, wave speed depends on wave front curvature: curved waves travel with normal velocities noticeably different from the plane-wave velocity. These deficiencies of cellular automation models are remedied by revising the classical rules of the excitation and recovery processes. The revised model shows curvature and dispersion effects comparable to those of continuous models, it predicts rotating spiral wave solutions in quantitative accord with the theory of continuous excitable media, and it is parameterized so that the spatial step size of the automation can be adjusted for finer resolution of traveling waves.
Urinary Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that increased tumor expression of proteins such as aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and adipophilin (ADFP) in patients with renal cancer would result in increased urine AQP1 and ADFP excretion. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prenephrectomy and postnephrectomy (pseudocontrol) urine samples were collected from 42 patients with an incidental radiographically discovered renal mass and presurgical presumptive diagnosis of kidney cancer from July 8, 2008, through March 10, 2009. Also enrolled were 15 control patients who underwent nonrenal surgery and 19 healthy volunteers. Urine AQP1 and ADFP concentrations normalized to urine creatinine were determined by sensitive and specific Western blot assays. RESULTS Mean ± SD preexcision urine AQP1 and ADFP concentrations (76±29 and 117±74 arbitrary units, respectively) in patients with a pathologic diagnosis of clear cell (n=22) or papillary (n=10) cancer were significantly greater than in patients with renal cancer of nonproximal tubule origin, control surgical patients, and healthy volunteers (combined values of 0.1±0.1 and 1.0±1.6 arbitrary units, respectively; n=44; P r =0.82 and 0.76, respectively; P CONCLUSION Urine AQP1 and ADFP concentrations appear to be sensitive and specific biomarkers of kidney cancers of proximal tubule origin. These biomarkers may be useful to diagnose an imaged renal mass and screen for kidney cancer at an early stage. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00851994
A Comparison of Decision Criteria for Capital Investment Decisions

ABSTRACT Capital investment decisions, at least the quantitative portion, are usually based on one of several possible decision criteria. The analysis and calculations required to base the capital investment decision on one criterion only require a relatively small extension to allow the decision to be based, or at least compared, on several decision criteria. This paper analyzes seven capital investment decision criteria, including six objective and one subjective one, and illustrates how a typical capital investment problem can be analyzed on the basis of the seven decision criteria. Computer simulation is used to determine the outcomes of the hypothetical capital investment projects.
Newer horizons in the etiology of pancreatitis: Metabolic and endocrinologic factors

1. Pancreatitis associated with alcoholism and biliary-tract disease account for etiology in only approximately two-thirds of the cases of chronic pancreatitis. The remainder comprise clinical varieties of pancreatitis of metabolic, vascular, and endocrinologic pathogenesis. These varieties are not as rare as previously thought.
Energy-momentum of isolated systems cannot be null

Abstract It is shown that neither the ADM nor the Bondi four-momentum of an isolated system in general relativity can be null. This strengthens recent results on positivity of energy by showing that the total four-moemtum must be strictly timelike (and future directed).
ROENTGEN RAY INTOXICATION : I. BACTERIAL INVASION OF THE BLOOD STREAM AS INFLUENCED BY X-RAY DESTRUCTION OF THE MUCOSAL EPITHELIUM OF THE SMALL INTESTINE.

The x-ray has a specific effect upon the epithelium lining the crypts and covering the villi of the small intestine. A suitable dose of x-ray will destroy this epithelium in large measure, leaving empty crypts and naked villi exposed to swarms of bacteria in the intestine. Subsequently one does not observe an overwhelming invasion of the tissues, lymph, and blood by intestinal bacteria. It seems obvious therefore that the intestinal epithelium is not the all important barrier which protects the tissues from invasion by intestinal bacteria.
ANTENATAL STEROIDS DECREASE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PERMEABILITY IN THE OVINE FETUS • 1067

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy reduces the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The mechanism(s) for this effect are not well understood. We have been interested in the development of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as an important maturational event, which may confer microvascular integrity and protection against IVH. Maturation of the BBB may be under hormonal control. We hypothesized that antenatal corticosteroids decrease BBB permeability in the ovine fetus. Chronically instrumented 120 days of gestation (term=150 days) ovine fetuses were studied 12 hrs after the last of four 6 mg dexamethasone (n=5) or placebo (n=6) injections had been given over 48 hrs to the ewes. BBB function was quantified with the blood-to-brain transfer constant (Ki) to α-aminoisobutyric acid. Ki was significantly (ANOVA, P<0.004) lower across brain regions in fetuses of ewes which received antenatal dexamethasone compared with placebo (cerebrum: 2.45±0.27 vs 3.41±0.74; cerebellum: 4.55±0.48 vs 5.40±0.85; caudate nucleus: 1.89±0.12 vs 2.58±0.50; hippocampus: 2.17±0.19 vs 2.95±0.40; thalmus: 2.51±0.31 vs 3.46±0.55; medulla: 3.86±0.50 vs 5.25±0.71; and cervical spinal cord: 3.47±0.45 vs 4.89±0.66 m±SD, mL•g Brain-1•min-1). We conclude that antenatal treatment with corticosteroids reduces BBB permeability in the ovine fetus at 80% of gestation. We speculate that antenatal steroids accelerate maturation of the fetal BBB. Decreased barrier permeability reflecting endothelial vascular change arising from increased tight junction bonding may be one of the mechanisms by which antenatal corticosteroids reduce the incidence of IVH in very low birth weight infants. Supported by NIH HD/NS 34618-01
Academic and Clinical Preparation and Practices of School Speech-Language Pathologists With People Who Stutter

One-hundred-fifty-seven Indiana school speech-language pathologists responded to a survey regarding their educational and clinical preparation and their current clinical practices with people who s...
Engraftment of nonintegrating neural stem cells differentially perturbs cortical activity in a dose-dependent manner

Neural stem cell (NSC) therapy represents a potentially powerful approach for gene transfer in the diseased central nervous system. However, transplanted primary, embryonic stem cell- and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs generate largely undifferentiated progeny. Understanding how physiologically immature cells influence host activity is critical to evaluating the therapeutic utility of NSCs. Earlier inquiries were limited to single-cell recordings and did not address the emergent properties of neuronal ensembles. To interrogate cortical networks post-transplant, we used voltage sensitive dye imaging in mouse neocortical brain slices, which permits high temporal resolution analysis of neural activity. Although moderate NSC engraftment largely preserved host physiology, subtle defects in the activation properties of synaptic inputs were induced. High-density engraftment severely dampened cortical excitability, markedly reducing the amplitude, spatial extent, and velocity of propagating synaptic potentials in layers 2–6. These global effects may be mediated by specific disruptions in excitatory network structure in deep layers. We propose that depletion of endogenous cells in engrafted neocortex contributes to circuit alterations. Our data provide the first evidence that nonintegrating cells cause differential host impairment as a function of engrafted load. Moreover, they emphasize the necessity for efficient differentiation methods and proper controls for engraftment effects that interfere with the benefits of NSC therapy.
The identification of homocystine in the urine.

Abstract Methionine is an essential amino acid present in human blood plasma and normally excreted in small amounts in the urine. The normal pathway for the metabolism of methionine involves demethylation to homocysteine which in turn combines with serine to form cystathionine, an intermediate along the pathway to cysteine and cystine. During biochemical investigations of children with congenital anomalies, mental retardation and failure to thrive, several significant abnormalities in the pattern of the sulfur amino acid excretion were observed in a one year old male infant. To our knowledge, the presence of homocystine in urine has not been previously reported. This communication will serve to describe the isolation and identification of this amino acid. A complete clinical description of the patient and evaluation of the metabolic data will be published later.
Plastein synthesis with α‐chymotrypsin immobilised on chitin

Low-molecular weight peptide fractions were prepared from soya bean, lucerne (alfalfa) leaf protein, and wild grass leaf protein by enzymatic hydrolysis. The concentrated hydrolysates were used as substrates for plastein synthesis with α-chymotrypsin immobilised on chitin. When submitted to gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, the plasteins formed with the immobilised α-chymotrypsin were comparable to the plasteins formed from the soluble enzyme. Isoelectric focusing of the plasteins showed five bands each from immobilised α-chymotrypsin and from soluble chymotrypsin. However, slight differences in the isoelectric points of the comparable bands were observed.
Stumbling through the “open door”: the U.S. in Persia and the standard‐Sinclair oil dispute, 1920–1925

(1995). Stumbling through the “open door”: the U.S. in Persia and the standard‐Sinclair oil dispute, 1920–1925. Iranian Studies: Vol. 28, No. 3-4, pp. 203-229.
Multichannel disk-based optical correlator

Angularly multiplexed transmission holograms were recorded at multiple spots on a photopolymer coated disk. By imaging in the `along track' direction and Fourier transforming in the radial direction when recording and presenting images, disk rotation can be used to generate the 2D correlation functions between stored templates and presented images. The correlation functions for holograms multiplexed at a given spot are generated line by line and detected in parallel. A theoretical model of operation was developed and experimentally verified.
Subcellular localization of the major immediate early protein (IE1) of human cytomegalovirus at early times after infection.

Abstract The immediate early (IE) 1 protein of human cytomegalovirus was investigated by subcellular fractionation and immuno colloidal gold electron microscopy. The IE1 protein is phosphorylated and detected on intracytoplasmic membranes at early times after infection. An electron microscopy study confirmed that the IEl antigen was an intracytoplasmic membrane-associated protein at early times after infection. The IE1 antigen as well as the IE2 antigen was also detected in the nucleus. However, the IE1 antigen was not detected on the plasma membrane surface of infected cells. The role of this viral protein in the immune response is discussed.
Bubbles and waves description of self-aerated spillway flow

The “continuum” description of self-aerated spillway flow has adequately served to describe spillway bulking, but encounters difficulties when applied to other physical phenomena, such as cavitation and gas transfer. The continuum description is adapted to separate air being transported by the flow as bubbles ("entrained" air), and air transported with the flow in the roughness or waves of the water surface ("entrapped" air). Results from flume experiments on aerated flow are used to develop an analysis procedure and mathematical description of entrained and entrapped air for flow along a spillway face. Entrapped air is found to be constant at a void ratio, with a vertical distribution analogous to the “intermittent” region of a turbulent boundary layer. Entrained air gradually increases to a maximum value depending on slope. Cain's dimensionless distance is used to collapse entrained air data from several unit discharges with the same slope to a single relationship. The analysis procedure and dimensionle...
Mobile Sensor Waypoint Navigation via RF-Based Angle of Arrival Localization

Over the past decade, wireless sensor networks have advanced in terms of hardware design, communication protocols, and resource efficiency. Recently, there has been growing interest in mobility, and several small-profile sensing devices that control their own movement have been developed. Unfortunately, resource constraints inhibit the use of traditional navigation methods because these typically require bulky, expensive sensors, substantial memory, and a generous power supply. Therefore, alternative navigation techniques are required. In this paper, we present a navigation system implemented entirely on resource-constrained sensors. Localization is realized using triangulation in conjunction with radio interferometric angle-of-arrival estimation. A digital compass is employed to keep the mobile node on the desired trajectory. We also present a variation of the approach that uses a Kalman filter to estimate heading without using the compass. We demonstrate that a resource-constrained mobile sensor can accurately perform waypoint navigation with an average position error of 0.95 m.
ADAPTATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-P ITU ITARY-ADRLNAL AXIS IN LATE-ONSET CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

ADAPTATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMIC-P ITU ITARY-ADRLNAL AXIS IN LATE-ONSET CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
A CubeSat design to validate the Virtex-5 FPGA for spaceborne image processing

The Earth Sciences Decadal Survey identifies a multiangle, multispectral, high-accuracy polarization imager as one requirement for the Aerosol-Cloud-Ecosystem (ACE) mission. JPL has been developing a Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (MSPI) as a candidate to fill this need. A key technology development needed for MSPI is on-board signal processing to calculate polarimetry data as imaged by each of the 9 cameras forming the instrument. With funding from NASA's Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program, JPL is solving the real-time data processing requirements to demonstrate, for the first time, how signal data at 95 Mbytes/sec over 16-channels for each of the 9 multiangle cameras in the spaceborne instrument can be reduced on-board to 0.45 Mbytes/sec. This will produce the intensity and polarization data needed to characterize aerosol and cloud microphysical properties. Using the Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA platform, a polarimetric processing least-squares fitting algorithm is under development to meet MSPI's on-board processing (OBP) requirements. The Virtex-5 FPGA is not yet space-flight qualified; however, an in-flight validation of this technology on a pre-cursor CubeSat mission is valuable toward advancing the technology readiness level for MSPI and the ACE mission. 1,2
Effects of Supervisor Performance Feedback on Increasing Preservice Teachers' Positive Communication Behaviors With Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders:

The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of supervisor performance feedback on preservice teachers' rates of positive and negative communication behaviors with students with emotional...
Spiro Cations based on Bis-Bidentate Tetrakis(1-Pyrazolyl)Borate Ligand

Abstract Sir: The ability and propensity of tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)-borate ion, B(pz)− 4, to act as a uninegative tridentate ligand of local C3# symmetry have been well established.1 We wish to report the first instance of this ligand acting in bis-bidentate fashion and forming novel types of spiro-cations2 according to the following scheme:
Planar Waveguide Genetic Assay Readout Device

A planar waveguide (PWG) device has been developed for the detection of fluorescently labeled nucleic acid sequences immobilized or hybridized to the surface of a planar waveguide. Unlike current technologies requiring image gathering and reading capabilities or specially textured waveguide surfaces, this instrument uses simple glass slide based arrays, providing a numerical output in proportion to the fluorescent intensity recorded. The system consists of an optical waveguide (a glass microscope slide), an excitation light source, a photo detector, filters for select fluorescent emissions and the positioning array cassette. A data analysis algorithm is presented for interpretation of two dimensionally organized arrays. Based on our experimental evaluations we conclude that this sensing system shows promise as a simple and effective means to read fluorescent microarrays.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Duality theorem for a generalized Fermat-Weber problem

The classical Fermat-Weber problem is to minimize the sum of the distances from a point in a plane tok given points in the plane. This problem was generalized by Witzgall ton-dimensional space and to allow for a general norm, not necessarily symmetric; he found a dual for this problem. The authors generalize this result further by proving a duality theorem which includes as special cases a great variety of choices of norms in the terms of the Fermat-Weber sum. The theorem is proved by applying a general duality theorem of Rockafellar. As applications, a dual is found for the multi-facility location problem and a nonlinear dual is obtained for a linear programming problem with a priori bounds for the variables. When the norms concerned are continuously differentiable, formulas are obtained for retrieving the solution for each primal problem from the solution of its dual.
Nested plutons as megageopetal structures: the Merrimac plutons, northern Sierra Nevada, California

Contacts within nested plutons are crucial for constraining the relative timing of pluton emplacement and the internal geometry of composite plutons. Exposures in orogenic belts are commonly discontinuous, however, disguising these contacts. In this paper, the Merrimac plutons in the northern Sierra Nevada of California are used as an example of how composition and foliation patterns can allow the definition of unexposed contacts and identify nested plutons. Image analysis techniques were used to determine modal compositions of a total of 52 samples from the Merrimac plutons. The integrated analysis of compositional data and foliations patterns reveals a critical contact within the plutons, and suggests that the Merrimac plutons indicate way-up towards the north-east at the time of emplacement 142 ± 3 Ma ago. This paper provides guidelines for recognizing nested plutons in poorly exposed areas and shows that consistent structural and compositional assymmetries within nested plutons can be used as regional top-direction indicators.