cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene cloning and characterization of a GTP-binding Rab protein from mouse pituitary AtT-20 cells.

Abstract The Rab proteins constitute a family of Ras-like, low-molecular-weight GTP-binding proteins that are involved in vesicular transport in mammalian cells. Several members of this family have been localized to specific cellular compartments, indicating that they may control vesicular transfer between discrete portions of the endomembrane systems. To examine the complexity of the Rab proteins produced in cells with both regulated and constitutive secretory pathways, we used a PCR-based strategy to clone members of this gene family from rodent pituitary. Here, we report the identification and studies of one of the clones, RAB18. The full-length cDNA clone from a mouse pituitary AtT-20 cDNA library encodes a 23.5-kDa protein with four consensus GTP-binding domains. The deduced amino acid sequence is 42% and 40% identical to Rab2 and Sec4p, respectively, and contains sequence motifs characteristic of the Rab family. Northern blot analysis shows that the level of expression is high in the brain, moderate in the pituitary, and low in the liver. Rab 18 may be involved in membrane traffic events during biogenesis and/or recycling steps of secretory vesicle components.
Health status and utility measurement viewed from the right brain: Experience from the rheumatic diseases☆

Questionnaires for measuring function, health status, and quality of life have been developed for the rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. These new measures are as valid and as reliable as traditional measures of clinical status in clinical trials and health services research and add a valuable dimension to outcome assessment. However, they have limitations for use in patient care. Questionnaires cannot determine the etiologic basis of functional disability; nor cover any one function in enough depth; nor deal with the relative nature of function; nor account for the differences in functional priorities. Questionnaires are statistical approaches and based on normative model; patient care is humanistic emphasizing differences. Nevertheless, the interaction between psychometric approaches and concerns of patient care is a necessary and desirable goal for all we seek to accomplish with clinical investigation.
Vascular wall ACE is not required for atherogenesis in ApoE(-/-) mice.

Abstract Background It has been proposed that elements of the renin angiotensin system expressed in the arterial wall are critical for the development of atherosclerosis. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is highly expressed by the endothelium and is responsible for a critical enzymatic step in the generation of angiotensin II. However, the functional contribution of ACE expression in the vascular wall in atherogenesis is unknown. Therefore, we made use of unique genetic models in which mice without the expression of ACE in the vascular wall were crossed with ApoE −/− mice in order to determine the contribution of tissue ACE expression to atherosclerotic lesion formation. Methods and results Mice expressing either a soluble form of ACE (ACE 2/2) or mice with somatic ACE expression restricted to the liver and kidney (ACE 3/3) on an ApoE −/− background were placed on a standard chow or Western diet for 6 months. Atherosclerotic lesion area in the ACE 2/2 mice was significantly lower than that seen in the ACE 3/3 mice. However, these animals also had significantly lower blood pressure and reduced plasma ACE activity which precluded establishing a specific causal relationship between absent tissue ACE activity and decreased atherosclerotic lesion extent. Therefore, we studied the ACE 3/3 mice which are normotensive and lack vascular ACE expression. In the ACE 3/3 animals, atherosclerotic lesion area was not different from wild type controls despite reduced plasma ACE activity. Conclusions We concluded that under these experimental conditions, expression of ACE in the arterial wall is not required for atherosclerotic lesion formation.
Thrombosis of anomalous chordae in the right atrium; Chiari's network

Abstract In 1897 Chiari2 described eleven cases in which he found a network of fibers in the right atrium of the heart. Since that time such anomalous chordae have commonly carried his name. These fibers are anomalous remnants of the right valve of the sinus venosus, a structure which usually regresses during the fourth fetal month to form only the valves at the orifices of the inferior vena cava and the coronary sinus. In 1936 Yater6 found that only twenty-five examples of this structure had been reported since Chiari's original paper, and to this group he added one of his own. Since this review, only two additional cases have appeared in the literature.3,5 Although the network is usually an incidental observation at autopsy, a few cases of clinical as well as pathologic interest have been described. Alvarez and Herrmann1 ascribed a low “thonging” murmur along the right border of the sternum to a Chiari's network. However, the patient also had a systolic and diastolic murmur at the base of the heart. Wilson5 has supported the contention that Chiari's network can give rise to a murmur, for he observed a case similar to that described by Alvarez and Herrmann, but without abnormalities of the heart other than a Chiari's network. In his review, Yater6 found nine reports in which thrombosis had occurred on Chiari's network. In one instance, this thrombus was the origin of pulmonary emboli (Chiari,2 Case 1). Conversely, two cases have been described in which the network ensnared emboli arising in veins of the legs, and so prevented them from passing to the lungs.5,6 The case reported herewith resembles Chiari's first case in that thrombosis on Chiari's network was associated with pulmonary emboli.
Reflex effects of stimulation of sympathetic afferents on the triangularis sterni

The purpose of this study was to determine whether contralateral inhibition of the triangularis sterni is produced by stimulation of intrathoracic sympathetic afferents. Dogs were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and placed on positive pressure ventilation. The chest was opened through a mid-sternal incision. Diaphragm and left and right triangularis sterni EMGs were recorded, post-vagotomy, before and during electrical stimulation of the left ventral ansa subclavia (VA), vagosympathetic trunk, ventrolateral and ventromedial cardiac nerves and, when present, the stellate cardiac nerve. Peak of the phasic diaphragm EMG and expiratory time were not significantly affected by stimulation of the VA. A significant decrease in inspiratory time was observed. Ipsilateral excitation and contralateral inhibition of the left and right triangularis sterni EMGs, respectively, were produced by stimulation of the VA. Stimulation of the other intrathoracic nerves produced a similar pattern of results. Conduction velocity determinations suggested that the afferents which produced the reflex responses are, at least in part, small A fibers.
The Financing of Malayan Rubber, 1905-23: Reply

T HE primary objectives of my article 'The Financing of Malayan Rubber, I905-I923' were to develop two hypotheses concerning the role of international financial intermediaries involved in a capital flow from developed to less-developed countries; also, to illustrate that these hypotheses can help explain some aspects of the early financing of the Malayan rubber industry. The first hypothesis is that an important component of financial services is information provided by financial institutions concerning the capital market and alternative investments. If this is correct, it would imply that the outcome of the competition among institutions depends on the comparative advantage of different institutions in providing the currently most valuable type of information. The second hypothesis is that the operations of financial intermediaries operating in large foreign capital markets provide indirect liquidity benefits to local longterm assets which would otherwise be very illiquid in a local capital market. These hypotheses have important policy implications for less-developed countries. The effects of capital markets and financial institutions in less-developed countries have recently been stressed in some studies on economic development.' The attempt to illustrate the first hypothesis in the context of the early financing of the Malayan rubber industry required information on the history of the institutional arrangements concerning this financing as well as an estimate of the magnitude of financial services provided by different types of financial institutions. To provide this estimate, I constructed a table on the authorized capital of sterling rubber estate companies listed in the Stock Exchange Official Intelligence from I904 to I922 disaggregated by type of institution listed as the secretarial firm on the prospectus. The types of institutions considered were "agency houses", firms which had commercial and/or managerial interests in Malaya and presumably had a comparative advantage in supplying information about individual Malayan rubber estates, and "issuing houses", which did not have commercial or managerial interests in Malaya but presumably had other types of expertise concerning the London Stock Exchange. I also stated that this series on authorized capital was an estimate of the capital flow from Britain to Malaya. Mr Drabble and Mr Drake dispute some historical statements and interpretations made in the article, many of which do not directly involve testing the significance of either hypothesis in the Malayan case. The most important of their comments concerns my interpretation of the series on authorized capital as an estimate of the capital flow to Malaya. They are correct in pointing out possible
The struggle for the knowledge‐based workplace

US teacher unions have begun to depart from industrial principles. The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers have endorsed ideas such as peer review, training standards for teachers, job embedded professional development, and alternatives to the standard salary schedule. Union locals are experimenting with variations of these ideas and others. Still, the struggle to organize teaching as mental rather than physical labor is far from won, and it is argued that substantial policy intervention will be required. Changes in labor law and policy often pattern new organizational culture and practice. The conclusion of the article addresses the mismatch between industrial‐era law and contemporary teaching.
Structural requirements for anion substrates of the methotrexate transport system in l1210 cells.

A broad spectrum of structurally diverse anions reversibly inhibits the influx of methotrexate in L1210 cells. Several of the more effective anions and their respective inhibition constants (Ki values) were: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (0.3 microM), bromosulfophthalein (2 microM), thiamine pyrophosphate (3 microM), 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (7 microM), phthalate (20 microM), and AMP (50 microM). Moderate inhibition was observed with Pi (Ki = 400 microM) and other divalent inorganic anions, while small monovalent anions such as Cl- (Ki = 30 mM) were the least effective. When these same anions were tested for an effect on methotrexate efflux, stimulation was observed with some anions, while others had no effect. Enhancement was produced by folate compounds and p-amino-benzoylglutamate, small monovalent (e.g., Cl-, acetate, and lactate) and divalent (e.g., phosphate and succinate) anions, a few nucleotides (e.g., AMP), and thiamine pyrophosphate, while little or no effect was associated with trivalent anions (e.g., citrate), most nucleotides, and large organic anions (e.g., bromosulfophthalein, NAD, and NADP). Anions with the ability to promote methotrexate efflux in control cells lost this capacity upon exposure of the cells to an irreversible inhibitor of methotrexate influx. These results support the hypothesis that methotrexate transport proceeds via an anion-exchange mechanism and moreover provide evidence that anion substrates for this system can be identified by their ability to promote methotrexate efflux. Anions which appear most likely to participate in this exchange cycle in vivo are Pi and AMP.
Spatial resolution of the variable-period x-ray standing-wave method as applied to model membranes.

A series of model membranes as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films composed of long-chain zinc alkanoates (saturated fatty acid salts) was used to evaluate the spatial resolution of the variable-period x-ray standing-wave (XSW) technique. The chain length dependence of the zinc mean position (z) above the supporting substrate demonstrates that it is possible to detect differences in (z) of 1–2 A. Thus 1–2 A is the spatial resolution of the method in the current application. The data show that the chain tilt angle is chain length dependent, varying from 40 degrees to 0 degrees for alkanoates 18 and 24 carbon atoms long, respectively. The spread about the mean position of the zinc in the film, sigma(in), was found to be independent of chain length at 10.0 A for all members of the series. Sigma(in) was shown to be insensitive to the presence of a "spacer" omega-tricosenoic acid (omegaTA) bilayer placed between the zinc alkanoate LB film and the coated gold mirror. However, an overlayer of omegaTA sharpened the zinc ion distribution and lowered the chain tilt angle. This study provides important information regarding sample composition and constitution that facilitates membrane structure determination by XSWs.
Quantitative measurement of F-actin accumulation at the NK cell immunological synapse

Abstract NK cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that can kill target cells after activation signal-induced directional secretion of lytic granule contents. This process depends upon F-actin polymerization at the NK cell immunological synapse (NKIS), which is the dynamic organization of molecules at the interface between the NK cell and target cell. Although F-actin accumulation at the NKIS is easily visualized, the ability to quantify F-actin at the NKIS is required to understand how F-actin reorganization and accumulation enable NK cell function. Here, we demonstrate several novel algorithms for measuring the content of F-actin accumulated at the NKIS with special emphasis upon actin contributed by the NK cell. These algorithms do not rely upon overexpressing fluorescent proteins or preincubating cells with vital fluorescent dyes. Using models of the activating and inhibitory NKIS as well as NK cells expressing fluorescent protein — cell surface receptor fusion proteins, these algorithms were tested and were used to quantitatively demonstrate that F-actin accumulates at the activating, but not at the inhibitory NKIS. With these approaches, we have also established mathematical formulas that should prove valuable in the comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the NKIS and be more broadly applicable in the measurement of the accumulation of any fluorophore at an intercellular junction.
Founding of Ethnic Programs and Agencies for Asian Americans: An Exploration of Strategies & Challenges

This article uses the multiple case study approach to explore the intent, experience, and implementation of Asian-based programs/agencies by their founders. Four major themes were identified in this study that included start of agency, services and outreach, challenges, and factors for successes. Specifically, start of agency included vision and action, needs assessment, and structure. Subthemes within services and outreach involved focus of services on a specific ethnic group, need for outreach, and support of mainstream agencies. Challenges faced by founders consisted of staffing, resistance of ethnic community, and funding. Factors that contributed to success included passion, background, and skill development.
Misconceptions and the Certainty of Response Index (CRI)

We describe a simple and novel method for identifying misconceptions. This approach utilizes the Certainty of Response Index (CRI) in conjunction with answers to multiple choice questions.
Seasonal fluxes of pelagic diatoms in the subarctic Pacific, 1982–1983

Abstract An assessment of the vertical flux of pelagic diatoms was conducted on PARFLUX sediment trap samples collected during September 1982–September 1983 at subarctic Pacific Station PAPA (50°N, 145°W; water depth 4200 m). A total of 24 time-series sediment trap samples were collected for 11- to 16-day periods during the year. Seasonal fluxes of 18 encountered taxa are reported. All of the taxa fall into one of five different types of seasonal flux patterns. Generally, taxa in Types 1–3 are indicators for high mass, opal, and organic carbon fluxes based on correlation analysis with mass and opal fluxes. Among them, Chaetoceros atlanticum, Rhizosolenia styliformis and Asteromphalus robustus are the best indicators for production. Unique signals from Coscinodiscus marginatus are present in the October–December high flux season and the January–March high percentage values. Based on flux maxima and minima and species components, samples from 1000 and 3800 m were cross-correlated. The correlations show that the two samples are generally offset by one sample interval of 2 weeks. The sinking speeds of diatoms are thus estimated to be approximately 175 m d−1 regardless of taxa, size, or morphology, invoking the necessity of aggregated and accelerated sinking. Diatom fluxes of various taxa measured at 1000 and 3800 m with one sample offset are generally nearly equal, implying that no significant dissolution takes place en route to the sea floor. A marked change was noted in the relative abundance of diatom species composition from the flux to surface sediment assemblages. For example, Denticulopsis seminae represents 87% in the flux of total diatoms compared to 30% in surface sediments. A significant alteration in percentages of diatom taxa place on the sea floor, with only 2% of the diatom flux being preserved in the surface sediments.
The analytic approach to recursion relations

Solution of algebraic recursion relations in the most obvious fashion may produce unwieldy expressions. If the structure of the recursion is well understood, a better method may be to calculate the coefficient of each term in the answer by analysis of all ways in which that tern can be generated by the recursion relation. This technique has been applied with great success to the WKB (phase-integral) approximation for ordinary differential equations and systems. In progress is a more difficult application, to differential geometry and relativity (Synge-DeWitt tensors).
Coherent and chaotic generation of pions from relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Based on the recent NA44 and WA98 two- and three-pion interferometry data together with the WA98 pion multiplicity information, we observe that the pions may be mostly emitted from chaotic sources in the peripheral events and coherent pions are mostly generated in the central events. A more refined analysis would be needed, however, to make our observation conclusive by quantifying various effects such as resonance formation of the emerging pions and also experimental uncertainties.
On the relationship between Karen Horney's tripartite neurotic type theory and personality disorder features

Abstract Karen Horney's 1945, 1950 interpersonal theory [Horney, K. (1945). Our inner conflicts . New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc.; Horney, K. (1950). Neurosis and human growth . New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc.] postulated that individuals could move toward, move against, and move away from others as manifestations of their character development. In the present studies, it was hypothesized that Horney's tripartite theory might be useful in the elucidation of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders personality disorder features. In the first study, college students ( n =198) completed the Coolidge Axis II Inventory [CATI; Coolidge, F. L. (1999), Coolidge Assessment Battery Manual . Port Huron, MI: Sigma Assessment Systems and Coolidge, F. L., & Merwin, M. M. (1992). Reliability and viability of the Coolidge Axis II Inventory: a new inventory for the assessment of personality disorders. Journal of Personality Assessment , 59, 223–238] and Cohen's 1967 35-item test [Cohen, J. B. (1967). An interpersonal orientation to the study of consumer behaviour. Journal of Marketing Research , 4, 270–278] of Horney's three types: Compliant, Aggressive, and Detached. In the second study, another group of college students ( n =881) completed the CATI and Coolidge's 57-item test of Horney's three types. Results showed that both scales were reliable, generally similar, and numerous predicted correlational relationships were found. The usefulness of Horney's constructs in the understanding of personality disorders was discussed.
The effects of sponsorship in 12-step treatment of injection drug users

What contributes to sustained abstinence from injection drug use by those who participate in community-based Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not well understood. We know that sponsorship is a central element in these programs. To investigate the relationship between sponsorship and abstinence, we evaluated NA/AA sponsorship over a 1-year period in a longitudinal study of 500 former and current injection drug users in inner-city Baltimore recruited from the community-at-large, independent of treatment center affiliation. The findings indicated that having a sponsor in NA/AA for this population was not associated with any improvement in 1-year sustained abstinence rates than a non-sponsored group. However, being a sponsor over the same time period was strongly associated with substantial improvements in sustained abstinence rates for the sponsors, controlling for involvement with community organizations, NA/AA meeting attendance, marital status, employment, participation in drug and alcohol treatment centers and HIV status. Involvement in community organizations was also strongly associated with successful abstinence, controlling for the same variables. Of those participants involved with community organizations, more than half reported involvement in church activities. Our investigation suggests that, for NA/AA sponsors in this study population, providing direction and support to other addicts is associated with improved success in sustained abstinence for the sponsors but does little to improve the short-term success of the persons being sponsored.
How to measure the value of health

The importance of health to an individual is believed to influence that individual's behavior with respect to their health. This idea is incorporated in several of the theories used to explain health behavior. Measurement of the value or importance of health is frequently omitted, however, from research based on these theories. This omission is due partly to the difficulty of measuring the value of health. The issues, problems and possible solutions to measuring the value of health are discussed.
Soluble aggregates of the amyloid‐β protein activate endothelial monolayers for adhesion and subsequent transmigration of monocyte cells

Increasing evidence suggests that the deposition of amyloid plaques, composed primarily of the amyloid-beta protein (Abeta), within the cerebrovasculature is a frequent occurrence in Alzheimer's disease and may play a significant role in disease progression. Accordingly, the pathogenic mechanisms by which Abeta can alter vascular function may have therapeutic implications. Despite observations that Abeta elicits a number of physiological responses in endothelial cells, ranging from alteration of protein expression to cell death, the Abeta species accountable for these responses remains unexplored. In the current study, we show that isolated soluble Abeta aggregation intermediates activate human brain microvascular endothelial cells for both adhesion and subsequent transmigration of monocyte cells in the absence of endothelial cell death and monolayer disruption. In contrast, unaggregated Abeta monomer and mature Abeta fibril fail to induce any change in endothelial adhesion or transmigration. Correlations between average Abeta aggregate size and observed increases in adhesion illustrate that smaller soluble aggregates are more potent activators of endothelium. These results support previous studies demonstrating heightened neuronal activity of soluble Abeta aggregates, including Abeta-derived diffusible ligands, oligomers, and protofibrils, and further show that soluble aggregates also selectively exhibit activity in a vascular cell model.
Prenatal exposure to TCDD triggers significant modulation of microRNA expression profile in the thymus that affects consequent gene expression.

Background MicroRNAs (miRs) are a class of small RNAs that regulate gene expression. There are over 700 miRs encoded in the mouse genome and modulate most of the cellular pathways and functions by controlling gene expression. However, there is not much known about the pathophysiological role of miRs. TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), an environmental contaminant is well known to induce severe toxicity (acute and chronic) with long-term effects. Also, in utero exposure of fetus to TCDD has been shown to cause thymic atrophy and alterations in T cell differentiation. It is also relevant to understand “the fetal basis of adult disease” hypothesis, which proposes that prenatal exposure to certain forms of nutritional and environmental stress can cause increased susceptibility to clinical disorders later in life. In the current study, therefore, we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to TCDD on miR profile in fetal thymocytes and searched for their possible role in causing thymic atrophy and alterations in the expression of apoptotic genes. Methodology/Principal Findings miR arrays of fetal thymocytes post exposure to TCDD and vehicle were performed. Of the 608 mouse miRs screened, 78 miRs were altered more than 1.5 fold and 28 miRs were changed more than 2 fold in fetal thymocytes post-TCDD exposure when compared to vehicle controls. We validated the expression of several of the miRs using RT-PCR. Furthermore, several of the miRs that were downregulated contained highly complementary sequence to the 3′-UTR region of AhR, CYP1A1, Fas and FasL. Also, the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and database was used to analyze the 78 miRs that exhibited significant expression changes and revealed that as many as 15 pathways may be affected. Conclusions/Significance These studies revealed that TCDD-mediated alterations in miR expression may be involved in the regulation of its toxicity including cancer, hepatic injury, apoptosis, and cellular development.
Nanoemulsion- and emulsion-based delivery systems for curcumin: Encapsulation and release properties

Abstract Curcumin has been reported to have many biological activities, but its application as a functional ingredient is currently limited because of its poor water-solubility and bioaccessibility. This study investigated the impact of different lipid-based formulations on curcumin encapsulation and bioaccessibility. Oil-in-water nanoemulsions ( r r > 100 nm), were prepared with different lipids: long, medium, and short chain triacylglycerols (LCT, MCT and SCT, respectively). An in vitro model simulating small intestine digestion conditions characterised rate and extent of lipid phase digestion. A centrifugation method determined fraction of curcumin released into mixed micelles after digestion (bioaccessibility). Initial digestion rate decreased in the order SCT > MCT > LCT, while final digestion extent decreased in the order MCT > SCT > LCT. The bioaccessibility of curcumin decreased in the order MCT > LCT ≫ SCT and appeared to be slightly higher in conventional emulsions than in nanoemulsions.
Symmetry approach to coherence in spontaneous nuclear decay

Abstract We apply the symmetry approach of coherence in spontaneous radiation processes to nuclear electromagnetic decays. Wavelength limits on the cooperation number are addressed. Basic characteristics of nuclear enhanced spontaneous decay in the absence of stimulated emission are described.
Subtle Lesion Appearance on MRI May Precede Development of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Natalizumab (P07.059)

Objective: To report MRI features of 3 cases with confirmed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with natalizumab that presented with subtle new lesions on MRI several months prior to diagnosis. Background Clinical vigilance and early recognition of specific MRI changes are considered caveats for early diagnoses of PML in natalizumab treated patients. Design/Methods: Retrospective clinical and MRI evaluation of 3 patients with confirmed PML (by detection of JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid), who had several serial scans prior to the PML diagnosis. Results: Case 1: 41 year old man who received 29 monthly natalizumab infusions. A small new T2 hyperintense/T1 enhancing lesion in the subcortical white matter of the left frontal lobe was detected. No clinical symptoms were associated and he tested negative for prior JC virus exposure 6 months previous. Seven months later, a large T2 hyperintense/T1 enhancing lesion, indicative of PML was detected in the same location. He tested positive for JC virus exposure on repeat analysis, one month prior to diagnosis. Case 2: 47 year old woman on natalizumab for 31 months complained of new onset double vision. A small T2 hyperintense, T1 non-enhancing lesion was detected in pons. Two months later, a large T2 hyperintense lesion consistent with PML was detected in the same location, in addition to multiple other lesions. Case 3: 54 year old woman on natalizumab for 61 months presented with mild vertigo. A small new T2 hyperintense lesion in pons was seen retrospectively. Four months later a large T2 hyperintense lesion consistent with PML was detected in the same location, in addition to multiple other lesions. Conclusions: The appearance of subtle new T2 hyperintense lesions may suggest PML in patients treated with natalizumab for more than two years. Disclosure: Dr. Hojnacki has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Pfizer Inc, and Teva Neuroscience as a speaker and/or participant on scientific advisory boards. Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, and Questcor Pharmaceuticals as a speaker and/or consultant. Dr. Zivadinov has received research support from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Genzyme Corporation, Bracco, Questcor Pharmaceuticals and EMD Serono. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Teva Neuroscience as a speaker and/or participant on an advisory board. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received research support from Acorda Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Serono Inc., Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Teva Neuroscience, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Institutes of Health, ITN, Teva Neuroscience, Aspreva-Roche, Acorda Therapeutics and Shire Pharmaceuticals.
Possible Role of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Although cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a neoplastic helper T-cell disorder of unknown etiology, prolonged antigenic stimulation has been postulated to contribute to the development of this disease. Because Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection has been associated with several different lymphomas, the sera of 21 CTCL patients were examined for antibodies to EBV antigens. By using complement immuno- fluorescence (CIF) techniques, 13 of 21 CTCL patients had detectable antibodies to Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigens (EBNA), whereas only five of 20 control psoriatic patients were CIF positive. When immunoblot analysis was employed, all 21 of the CTCL patients had antibodies to the EBV antigens, EBNA, whereas only 12 of the control patients had detectable antibodies to these antigens. In addition, three of 21 CTCL patients had antibodies to the EBV-associated antigen, rheumatoid arthritis nuclear antigen (RANA), as determined by double immunodiffusion, whereas none of the control sera contained anti-RANA antibodies. These results indicate that antibodies against EBV antigens are found with a higher frequency and concentration in patients with CTCL when compared to controls and suggest that EBV products might serve as a possible stimulus for the development of this malignant disease.
The origin of composition gaps at South Sister volcano, central Oregon: implications for fractional crystallization processes beneath active calc-alkaline volcanoes

Abstract South Sister is an active, calc-alkaline strato-volcano located in west-central Oregon in the high Cascades. South Sister contains lavas that range from basalt (50% SiO 2 ) to rhyolite (75% SiO 2 ). Within this compositional spectrum the lavas are restricted to three distinct populations: basalt/basaltic-andesite, andesite and rhyolite. Compositional, textural and mineralogic criteria indicate that the basaltic-andesites are hybrid mixtures of basalt and andesite magma. This implies that the system is characterized by basalt, andesite and rhyolite magma populations that are separated from one another by composition gaps. Major, minor and trace element modeling suggests that the three magma populations are related to one another primarily through fractional crystallization. We propose a standard fractionation model for generating compositional diversity amongst erupted lavas wherein in situ fractional crystallization occurs within a downward descending solidification front. Extraction and eruption of the interstitial fractionated liquid, now separated from the parental liquid by a composition gap, occurs only after the percentage of crystallization within the solidification front has exceeded the appropriate critical crystallinity value for the given parental magma. We envision a magmatic plumbing system characterized by multiple, independently solidifying bodies of magma. Thus, at any given time, discrete bodies of basalt, andesite and rhyolite magma may exist. Interaction and mixing among these bodies could generate the continuous range of lava compositions that characterize most calc-alkaline volcanic complexes.
Absence of focally enhanced gastritis in macaques with idiopathic colitis.

Background: Focally enhanced gastritis has been described in association with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but is rare in the general population. The study aim was to test whether idiopathic colitis in macaques was associated with any characteristic changes of the gastric mucosa resembling similar changes in humans. Methods: The presence or absence of idiopathic colitis was established by gross and microscopic examination of the colons of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), which died at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Gastric tissue specimens were compared between a case population of 26 macaques with idiopathic colitis and a control population of 21 macaques without colitis. The specimens were histologically assessed by two independent pathologists blinded to the presence or absence of idiopathic colitis. Differences between cases and controls were compared using a two-sided Fisher's exact test. Results: Of the 26 cases of macaques with colitis, 11 animals (42%) harbored signs of chronic gastritis. Of the 21 control macaques without colitis, nine animals (43%) harbored signs of chronic gastritis, P = 1.0000. Of all animals with gastritis, 1/11 animals with colitis and 2/9 control animals showed rare active gastritis as evidenced by the presence of neutrophils, P = 0.5658. Lymphocytic infiltrates of the gastric mucosa were seen in 4/11 colitis cases and 0/9 controls, P = 0.0942. No gastric specimens with focally enhanced gastritis were found among any of the case or control animals. Conclusions: Unlike chronic inflammatory bowel disease in humans, idiopathic colitis in macaques is not associated with focally enhanced gastritis or any other type of specific gastritis. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Treatment of clouds and the associated response of atmospheric sulfur in the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system

Abstract An air quality modeling system—“Models-3/CMAQ”—is studied to determine the relationship between simulated cloud cover and atmospheric sulfur. Sulfur dioxide oxidation to sulfate occurs in the atmosphere through gas-phase reactions and reactions in clouds. The latter heterogeneous reactions can be rapid compared to gas-phase chemistry and a model must correctly simulate cloud cover to avoid serious bias. An evaluation of CMAQ revealed serious problems with diagnosed cloud cover and a bias in simulated sulfate production that was consistent with cloud biases. CMAQ modifications were tested to determine the sensitivity of the sulfur balance to cloud modeling assumptions. The model's vertical layer structure, limits on subgrid-scale cloud base and top heights, and the ability to simulate subgrid-scale convective cloud formation were found to be important. After applying model changes, atmospheric sulfur simulations were less biased and sulfur dioxide and sulfate were in better balance.
Properties of polyisobutylene polyurethane block copolymers: 2. Macroglycols produced by the ‘inifer’ technique

Abstract The structure-property relationships of a series of 4,4′-diphenylmethane diiscoyanate (MDI) based polyisobutylene (PIB) polyurethanes were investigated. The PIB glycol was synthesized via the ‘inifer’ technique and had a narrow functionality distribution with a number average functionality of 2.0. The use of a PIB glycol with improved functionality and solution polymerization of the polyurethane led to improved mechanical properties compared with previously studied PIB polyurethanes. However, the mechanical properties were still low compared with conventional polyurethanes; the absence of soft segment strain-induced crystallization and compositional heterogeneity due to reactant incompatibility are cited as possible causes of low mechanical properties. Sample compositions were designed for independent investigation of the effects of hard segment content and soft segment molecular weight on the properties of the materials. Increasing hard segment content resulted in improved dynamic and tensile modulus, lower elongation at break, and larger hard segment domains. Increasing soft segment molecular weight led to larger domains and reduced mechanical properties. The degree of phase separation as measured by the soft segment T g and the amount of interfacial mixing measured by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were unaffected by hard segment content and soft segment molecular weight and were indicative of a high degree of phase separation compared with conventional polyurethanes.
Effects of chronic caffeine on brain adenosine receptors: regional and ontogenetic studies

The effect of chronic caffeine treatment on three different binding sites in five brain areas of mice is characterized. The sites studied were the adenosine receptor, using [3H] diethylphenylxanthine, the benzodiazepine receptor, using [3H] diazepam and the adenosine uptake site, using [3H] nitrobenzylthioinosine. Significant increases were only observed in adenosine receptors with the greatest degree of change seen in the cerebellum and brain stem at both 16 and 23 days of caffeine treatment. The lack of significant effects of chronic caffeine on benzodiazepine receptors and adenosine uptake sites indicates that the caffeine effect is specific. The effect of chronic caffeine treatment on the ontogeny of adenosine receptors was also studied with the result showing a significantly accelerated development of the receptor in the caffeine treated animals. The adult adenosine receptor levels were 20-30% higher than those observed in control animals. The observed alterations in adenosine receptor number which occur as a consequence of caffeine consumption may underlie some of the behavioral effects of this cortical stimulant as well as provide insights concerning the mechanisms of tolerance to and dependence on caffeine.
In Situ Thermocouples in Macro-Components Fabricated Using SALD and SALDVI Techniques. III. Fabrication and Properties of the SiC/C Thermocouple Device

Abstract Fabrication of a SiC/C thermocouple embedded in an arbitrarily-shaped SiC macro-component has been demonstrated using an integrated Selective Area Laser Deposition (SALD) with the closely related Selective Area Laser Deposition Vapor Infiltration (SALDVI) process. SALD is used to make the embedded thermocouple devices in situ and SALDVI to fabricate the macro-components. The thermocouple elements, silicon carbide and carbon lines, and the electrical insulation layer, Si3N4, have been deposited from tetramethylsilane (TMS), acetylene, and a gas mixture of TMS and ammonia, respectively. It is found that the fabricated in situ thermocouples respond sensitively to temperature variation. Furthermore, the electric signal of the embedded thermocouple is very stable and reproducible in response to thermal cycling. This is not the case when the thermocouple is not embedded in the SiC matrix because of the oxidation of the thermocouple elements.
Did the National Industrial Recovery Act Foster Collusion? Evidence from the Macaroni Industry

We use plant-level data from the Census of Manufactures to study collusion in the United States macaroni industry during the Great Depression. The National Industrial Recovery Act was passed in 1933 to promote recovery through industry coordination of economic activity. While there is no change in the price-cost margin after the law is passed, a variety of markers of anti-competitive conduct suggest that collusion indeed increased. Prices became less responsive to changes in cost, the dispersion of prices decreased, and the persistence in prices increased.
Prevention of post-focal thermal damage by formation of bubbles at the focus during high intensity focused ultrasound therapy

Safety concerns exist for potential thermal damage at tissue-air or tissue-bone interfaces located in the post-focal region during high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatments. We tested the feasibility of reducing thermal energy deposited at the post-focal tissue-air interfaces by producing bubbles (due to acoustic cavitation and/or boiling) at the HIFU focus. HIFU (in-situ intensities of 460-3500 W/cm2, frequencies of 3.2-5.5 MHz) was applied for 30 s to produce lesions (in turkey breast in-vitro (n = 37), and rabbit liver (n = 4) and thigh muscle in-vivo (n = 11)). Tissue temperature was measured at the tissue-air interface using a thermal (infrared) camera. Ultrasound imaging was used to detect bubbles at the HIFU focus, appearing as a hyperechoic region. In-vitro results showed that when no bubbles were present at the focus (at lower intensities of 460-850 W/cm2), the temperature at the interface increased continuously, up to 7.3 +/- 4.0 degrees C above the baseline by the end of treatment. When bubbles formed immediately after the start of HIFU treatment (at the high intensity of 3360 W/cm2), the temperature increased briefly for 3.5 s to 7.4 +/- 3.6 degrees C above the baseline temperature and then decreased to 4.0 +/- 1.4 degrees C above the baseline by the end of treatment. Similar results were obtained in in-vivo experiments with the temperature increases (above the baseline temperature) at the muscle-air and liver-air interfaces at the end of the high intensity treatment lower by 7.1 degrees C and 6.0 degrees C, respectively, as compared to the low intensity treatment. Thermal effects of HIFU at post-focal tissue-air interfaces, such as in bowels, could result in clinically significant increases in temperature. Bubble formation at the HIFU focus may provide a method for shielding the post-focal region from potential thermal damage.
Protocol and recruitment results from a randomized controlled trial comparing group phone-based versus newsletter interventions for weight loss maintenance among rural breast cancer survivors

Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer recurrence and death. Women who reside in rural areas have higher obesity prevalence and suffer from breast cancer treatment-related disparities compared to urban women. The objective of this 5-year randomized controlled trial is to compare methods for delivering extended care for weight loss maintenance among rural breast cancer survivors. Group phone-based counseling via conference calls addresses access barriers, is more cost-effective than individual phone counseling, and provides group support which may be ideal for rural breast cancer survivors who are more likely to have unmet support needs. Women (n=210) diagnosed with Stage 0 to III breast cancer in the past 10 years who are ≥ 3 months out from initial cancer treatments, have a BMI 27-45 kg/m(2), and have physician clearance were enrolled from multiple cancer centers. During Phase I (months 0 to 6), all women receive a behavioral weight loss intervention delivered through group phone sessions. Women who successfully lose 5% of weight enter Phase II (months 6 to 18) and are randomized to one of two extended care arms: continued group phone-based treatment or a mail-based newsletter. During Phase III, no contact is made (months 18 to 24). The primary outcome is weight loss maintenance from 6 to 18 months. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, serum biomarkers, and cost-effectiveness. This study will provide essential information on how to reach rural survivors in future efforts to establish weight loss support for breast cancer survivors as a standard of care.
Professor Bar-Hillel on nonformal implications and phenomenalism

SOME time ago in a very condensed paper I I proposed definitions for three types of nonformal logical relations, which I called lalic, phemic, and phrastic. My purpose was to disentangle some of the very different things that are often run together under the name 'pragmatical implication.' Professor Yeoshua Bar-Hillel has been kind enough to discuss that paper.2 He concludes his discussion by saying: "I think that Castafieda's innovations, because of his double failure to distinguish between sentence-types and sentence-tokens as well as between non-indexical and indexical sentences, must be rejected as confused and confusing."3 He also expresses the hope that those mistakes might have been avoided had I taken account of earlier discussions of pragmatical implication, namely, two papers by Bar-Hillel himself.4 I do not intend to defend my "innovations." I do think that Bar-Hillel's charges are unfair. But obviously it is much more important to examine whether Bar-Hillel's papers could have saved me, and can save other persons, from those mistakes. I want to argue: (a) that Bar-Hillel's discussions are for the most part irrelevant to a study of nonformal logical relations; (b) that he would have a serious objection of principle to such a study if and only if his claim that indexical sentences cannot stand at all in logical relations were correct; (c) that such a claim is false (see section 4 below); and, incidentally, (d) that, as a consequence of (c), Bar-Hillel's "simplest" proof of the impossibility of any strictly phenomenalistic language collapses. 1. It is true that in my paper I did not mention the difference between sentence-token and sentence-type. However, on a new, cold reading of the paper I find that it should have been easy for Bar-Hillel to see that I was only talking of sentences qua used in specifiable contexts. That was precisely the point of my contrasting entailment with the nonformal implications I wanted to discuss.5 In other words, I was talking throughout about sentencetokens-cum-contexts-of-utterance. Thus, Bar-Hillel's refutation of one of my examples of lalic implication misses the mark. It is: "even if the sentence (-token) -uttered-by-Castafieda-at-t lalically implies that Castafieda is a speak-