cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactionary Dentinogenesis and Neuroimmune Response in Dental Caries

Reactionary dentin formation is an adaptive secretory response mediated by odontoblasts to moderate dentin injury. The implications of this process for neuroimmune interactions operating to contain pathogens have not been fully appreciated. The purpose of the present study was to describe the relationship between reactionary dentinogenesis, the neurogenic changes of dental pulp innervation, and dendritic cell recruitment to caries progression, using a comparative immunohistochemical approach in human teeth from young adult individuals. Reactionary dentin formation during dentin caries progression is associated with changes in the integrity of junctional complexes within the odontoblast layer. Diminished coexpression of Cx43 and zonula occludens 1 implies a reduced level of intercellular connectivity between odontoblasts. Dentin caries also causes overexpression of growth-associated protein 43, a modulator of neural plasticity that promotes extensive sprouting of nerve endings into the reactionary dentin matrix. At the same time, an elevated number of HLA-DR-positive dendritic cells infiltrate the odontoblast layer and subsequently invade reactionary dentin formed underneath the early caries-affected regions. Simultaneous odontoblast layer remodeling, nerve fiber sprouting, and activation of dendritic cells during caries progression suggest a coordinated neuroimmune response to fight caries pathogen invasion and to promote dentin-pulp healing. We propose that reactionary dentin formation hinders pathogen invasion and supports defensive neuroimmune interactions against infection. The eventual understanding of this complex scenario may contribute to the development of novel approaches to dental caries treatment.
Modeling, Simulation, and Performance of a Synergistically Propelled Ichthyoid

We have developed a novel type of submersible named the Synergistically Propelled Ichthyoid (SPI). The SPI is propelled by the synergistic combination of jet action and oscillatory motion of a fluttering fluid-conveying tail. Two dynamic models for an SPI are presented and solved: an analytically tractable model and a more complex model that captures the complete dynamics in two dimensions. The latter model has been solved numerically-these simulations show a benefit of using a fluttering tail relative to a dimensionally identical rigid tail. Construction details of an exper- imental realization are provided, and preliminary measurements taken using that platform are also provided. These measurements qualitatively confirm the simulation's conclusion that a fluttering flexible tail is capable of higher speed than a dimensionally identical rigid tail.
Methods for the separation of rhenium, osmium and molybdenum applicable to isotope geochemistry.

Effective methods are described for the chemical separation of rhenium, osmium and molybdenum. The methods are based on distillation and anion-exchange chromatography, and have been the basis for rhenium—osmium isotope studies of ore deposits and meteorites. Successful anion-exchange separation of osmium requires both recognition and careful control of the osmium species in solution; thus, distillation of osmium tetroxide from a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide is preferred to anion-exchange. Distribution coefficients measured for perrhenate in sulfuric acid media are sufficiently high (Kd > 500) for rhenium to be directly loaded onto an ion-exchange column from a distillation residue and subsequently eluted with nitric acid. Polymerization of molybdenum species during elution is prevented by use of a solution that is 1M in hydrochloric acid and 1M in sodium chloride.
Hindered convection of proteins in agarose gels

Abstract The hindered convection of macromolecules in gels was examined by measuring the sieving coefficient (Θ, the ratio of filtrate to retentate concentration) of globular proteins in agarose membranes, as a function of protein size and gel concentration. The proteins used were lactalbumin (Stokes–Einstein radius, r s = 2.1 nm), ovalbumin ( r s = 3.0 nm), and BSA ( r s = 3.6 nm), and the volume fraction of agarose ( φ ) was varied from 0.04 to 0.08. Agarose membranes were prepared on polyester mesh supports and studied in a stirred ultrafiltration cell. The Darcy permeabilities of the gels were determined in addition to Θ, and separate measurements of the mass transfer coefficient in the stirred cell were made to correct Θ for the effect of concentration polarization. The values of Θ decreased with increasing r s or φ , as expected. From the measurements of Θ and estimates of the protein diffusivity and equilibrium partition coefficient, the convective hindrance factor ( K c ) was calculated for each protein–gel combination. This is the ratio of the average solute velocity (in the absence of diffusion) to the superficial fluid velocity. For small r s and φ it was found that K c slightly exceeded unity, whereas K c r s or φ . This behavior was qualitatively, but not quantitatively, consistent with predictions from existing hindered transport theories for media consisting of parallel fibers or straight pores. Given evidence from previous partitioning and diffusion data that an agarose gel is better represented as a randomly oriented array of fibers, the large quantitative discrepancies between the data and models are not entirely surprising. Thus, the present results suggest that there is a need to extend theories of hindered convection to random arrays of fibers.
Temperature study of the polariton associated with the 248 cm-1 soft mode in LiNbO3☆

Abstract The temperature dependence of the dispersion curve of the polariton associated with the 248 cm -1 mode in LiNbO 3 is measured by means of near-forward Raman scattering, and described through the classical oscillator dispersion theory. The measured intensity and line-width of the Raman line are compared to those expected from theory.
The Magnetic Scattering of Neutrons

The interaction of neutrons with ferromagnetic materials has been investigated through a number of experiments. Because of the dependence of the interaction upon the spin orientation of the neutron relative to the magnetic field of the atom, and the effect of this spin dependent perturbation on the nuclear scattering, a beam of neutrons transmitted through or scattered from a magnetized iron plate becomes polarized by selective scattering.This resultant neutron polarization has been studied most throughly through the increase in intensity of a neutron beam transmitted through a single iron plate when magnetized. The dependence of observed polarization on thickness of iron has been shown to agree within the limits of error with the theories of Bloch and Schwinger. The dependence of magnetic interaction on neutron energy was studied by the use of an effective "howitzer" for the production of low energy neutrons. The interaction increased rapidly for lower energy neutron energies, as would be expected, since the form factor for the interaction increases for longer neutron wave-lengths. The effective cross sections of iron for neutrons of spin +\textonehalf{} and -\textonehalf{} have been determined to be 13.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and 10.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for \ensuremath{\sim}300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K neutrons, and 14.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and 9.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for \ensuremath{\sim}120\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K neutrons. Considering the uncertainty in the values to be expected theoretically, these cross sections are probably in reasonable agreement with the theories.The intensity of neutrons scattered from a single iron plate has been shown to decrease when the plate is magnetized. Neutron polarization has also been studied through the change in neutron intensity when a beam of neutrons partially polarized by transmission through one plate of magnetized iron is scattered from or transmitted through a second iron plate magnetized parallel or antiparallel to the first. (Polarizer-analyzer action.)These experiments show definitely the existence of non-adiabatic transitions of the magnetic spin quantum numbers of the neutron in rotating or precessing magnetic fields whose frequency is of the same order as the Larmor precession frequency, $\frac{g\ensuremath{\mu}H}{h}$, for the neutron.The sign and the approximate magnitude of the neutron's magnetic moment have been determined by an experiment which depended on measuring the probability of nonadiabatic transitions in a controlled precessing magnetic field. This experiment was dependent only on the neutron properties in free space. The neutron magnetic moment has been shown to be negative in sign, and to be 2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 nuclear magnetons in magnitude.
Effects of calcination on the CO hydrogenation activity/selectivity properties of potassium-promoted iron/silica

Much of the previous research in Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis has been directed toward development of catalysts having higher selectivities to premium hydrocarbon products such as light olefins or gasoline. Nevertheless, the product distribution of conventional, non-shape-selective FT catalysts is governed by Anderson-Schulz-Flory (ASF) polymerization kinetics which place severe restrictions on the maximum yield of any given product or product range, e.g., a maximum of 47 wt%. C/sub 5/-C/sub 11/ gasoline range hydrocarbons. Attempts to circumvent the limitations of ASF kinetics through incorporation of catalyst additives, strong metal-support interactions, and supported metal clusters have generally met with little success, although these catalyst modifications can be used to tailor catalyst selectivities for branched paraffins, olefins, and alcohols within the constraints of the ASF model. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of potassium level and calcination pretreatment on the activity and selectivity properties of potassium-promoted Fe/SiO/sub 2/. The results reveal that a mild calcination treatment can dramatically influence the activity/selectivity behavior of Fe/K/SiO/sub 2/ catalysts, and they provide evidence of an alternative synthesis route in CO hydrogenation on these catalysts. 28 references.
Dobutamine-induced bradycardia in a dog

An otherwise healthy 8-year-old neutered male, mixed breed dog was anesthetized for surgical removal of multiple uroliths. Pre-anesthetic medication was midazolam, glycopyrrolate, and morphine. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. One hour after induction, the patient moved and propofol was administered. Subsequently, the patient developed hypotension. Dobutamine administered at this time produced a rapid and profound decrease in heart rate that was treated successfully with atropine. The bradycardia in this case may be the result of the Bezold–Jarisch reflex, an intracardiac parasympathetic nervous reflex. Discontinuation of dobutamine and/or administration of a parasympatholytic drug should be performed if bradycardia occurs during dobutamine infusion.
Pure electron plasma, liquid, and crystal

We speculate on the possibility of liquefying and crystallizing a magnetically confined pure electron plasma.
Monoamines alter in vitro migration of chicken leukocytes.

Abstract The effect of the biogenic amines serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) on peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) migration was studied in two populations derived from line UNH 105 New Hampshire chickens. Maximum migration from capillary tube migration chambers was achieved in 1 hr. An age effect in both populations was indicated by significantly larger migration areas found in leukocytes from 7-week-old chickens compared to those of 4-week-old chicks. Thirty min after intravenous monoamine injection, line UNH 105 PBL migration was unaffected by exogenous monoamines. In the second population, B 24 B 24 chicks, NE enhanced migration at 4 weeks of age but DA suppressed migration at 7 weeks of age. In vitro exposure of PBL to the biogenic amines also affected leukocyte migration. Migration was augmented by 100 ng 5-HT but suppressed by 1 μg 5-HT in UNH 105 chicks. Furthermore, DA suppressed PBL migration and NE enhanced migration in the same population. PBL from B 24 B 24 chicks were not affected by in vitro exposure to 5-HT, however, DA enhanced migration whereas NE suppressed migration. Specific antagonists for 5-HT, DA, and NE blocked the effects of each monoamine suggesting that receptors are present on chicken leukocytes. These receptors mediate action of the monoamines on leukocyte migration activity.
Business Intelligence, Data Mining, and Future Trends

This series has endeavored to direct the thinking and mind-set of radiologists to embrace the ACR’s Imaging 3.0 strategic initiative through the concept of the imaging value chain. This vision was in response to the complex and uncertain changes afoot in health care policy, delivery, and reimbursement. A fundamental tenet of health care reform is the move from a transactional fee-for-service model to one that is value driven and focused on patient outcomes—the “volumeto-value” paradigm. In response, the health care profession has yet to fully understand, grasp, and reengineer its workflow, but Imaging 3.0 serves as a roadmap for radiologists to gear their businesses toward delivering better value. Addressing each link of the value chain, this series has offered radiologists practical ideas and solutions to reengineer their workflow toward the emerging value-based delivery systems. In this final article, we discuss metrics and data necessary to monitor performance in the new outcomeand value-driven domain and outline how such business intelligence can inform strategy, design, and implementation of Imaging 3.0. IT is fundamental to driving this agenda, and the advent of big data and future trends are explored. In the current fee-for-service environment, performance metrics focus mainly on processes and inputs, which are financial (eg, revenue, expenses, days in accounts receivable), productivity-based (eg, examination
Evaluation of Boundary Layer Thickness in Electrolytic Systems from Decay of Anode Concentration Polarization

Evaluation of Boundary Layer Thickness in Electrolytic Systems from Decay of Anode Concentration Polarization
Preserving local topological relationships

Topological relationships between objects in space are of great importance in many disciplines. Recently, topological relationships have been defined for complex spatial objects. However, this definition only expresses topological relationships between complex spatial objects as a whole (global view); therefore,topological information between the individual components (local view)that compose the objects is lost. In this paper we propose a novel, hybrid model of topological relationships for composite regions that provides access to the global topological relationships as well as the local topological relationships that exist between the simple regions that are the components of the composite regions involved.
Effects of Electron Deficient β-Diketiminate and Formazan Supporting Ligands on Copper(I)-Mediated Dioxygen Activation

Copper(I) complexes of a diketiminate featuring CF3 groups on the backbone and dimethylphenyl substituents (4) and a nitroformazan (5) were synthesized and shown by spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and theory to contain copper(I) sites electron-deficient relative to those supported by previously studied diketiminate complexes comprising alkyl or aryl backbone substituents. Despite their electron-poor nature, oxygenation of LCu(CH3CN) (L = 4 or 5) at room temperature yielded bis(hydroxo)dicopper(II) compounds and at −80 °C yielded bis(μ-oxo)dicopper complexes that were identified on the basis of UV−vis and resonance Raman spectroscopy, spectrophotometric titration results (2:1 Cu/O2 ratio), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (silent), and density functional theory calculations. The bis(μ-oxo)dicopper complex supported by 5 exhibited unusual spectroscopic properties and decayed via a novel intermediate proposed to be a metallaverdazyl radical complex, findings that highligh...
Addition of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to beta-blockers has a distinct effect on hispanics compared with african americans and whites with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: A propensity score-matching study

Abstract Background There are currently no data on the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) in Hispanic patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We aimed to investigate the effect of adding ACEis to beta-blockers on mortality and hospitalization for HF exacerbation in patients with HFrEF stratified by race/ethnicity. Methods and Results From Montefiore Medical Center's 3 large hospitals, 618 consecutive patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] P = .14; and 8.1% vs 9.5%, HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.44–1.60; P = .6; respectively). After stratifying patients based on race/ethnicity, ACEi demonstrated a lower 2-year mortality compared with no-ACEi in Hispanics (9.8% vs 28.4%, HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.87; P = .018) but not in African Americans (17.0% vs 11.8%, HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.34–2.65; P = .91) or Whites (9.2% vs 10.3%, HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.29–2.74; P = .83). Two-year hospitalization was not different between ACEi and no-ACEi in Hispanics, African Americans, or Whites (all P = NS). In multivariate analysis, ACEi therapy was an independent predictor of lower 2-year mortality (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.89; P = .028) in Hispanics only. Conclusions In this retrospective propensity-matched study of patients with HFrEF who were on a beta-blocker, ACEi therapy was associated with greater mortality reduction in Hispanic patients compared with African Americans and Whites. These findings need to be confirmed in large national studies that include a significant fraction of Hispanic patients.
The association of normal-pressure hydrocephalus with obstructive sleep apnea.

This report describes a 70-year-old man with obstructive sleep apnea who deteriorated rapidly when nasal continuous positive airway pressure was begun. The patient was found to have normal-pressure hydrocephalus, which was possibly exacerbated by the nasal continuous positive airway pressure. A review of the literature indicates several significant associations between apnea, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, and increased intracranial pressure and suggests that the association of obstructive sleep apnea and hydrocephalus might not be rare. Implications for diagnosis and treatment are discussed. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:238–240).
Egg mass in an asynchronously hatching parrot: does variation offset constraints imposed by laying order?

Life history theory predicts phenotypic trade-offs between the number and quality of offspring produced. Intraspecific variation in egg mass is common in birds and increased egg size can have positive effects on offspring fitness. However, evidence of a trade-off with clutch size is limited. We analyzed variation in mass of 5,743 Green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) eggs laid over 15 years to evaluate the potential for facultative adjustment of egg mass and factors governing variation. Heavier eggs had an increased probability of both hatching and fledging but egg mass did not affect postfledging recruitment. Offspring egg mass differed between populations and the potential for seasonal adjustment to egg mass may be related to environmental factors such as seed density. Egg mass was moderately heritable (h2=0.42) which accounts for some of the individual variation detected, and these results are likely attributable to strong maternal effects. We found an effect of female age on egg mass, but no effects of previous reproductive experience. Finally, egg mass was strongly governed by position within the laying sequence, independent of clutch size, and such adjustment may facilitate brood reduction under some conditions in this highly asynchronous species.
Effect of Solids Loading on Resonant Mixed Al-Bi2O3 Nanothermite Powders

Sensitive nanoenergetic powders, such as nanothermites, have traditionally been processed by ultrasonic mixing of very low solids loaded suspensions in organic solvents, which has restricted their use and application due to high solvent content and associated handling issues. In this work, we report on the performance and mixing quality of nanothermite mixtures prepared in a LabRAM resonant mixer at high solids loadings as compared to ultrasonic mixing. Specifically, the aluminum-bismuth(III) oxide (Al/Bi2O3) system processed in the polar solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated. It was found that the performance and overall quality of mixing was strongly correlated to the volumetric solids loading during processing; increasing volumetric solids loading decreases separation of particles, leading to more particle interaction and more intimate mixing. The measured performance of this system processed at 30 vol-% was similar to traditionally ultrasonicated mixtures. Increasing the solids loading above 30 vol-% yielded diminishing returns in performance and may introduce additional safety concerns since dry powders are very sensitive to electrostatic discharge. This mixing approach uses significantly less solvent than traditional ultrasonic mixing, results in a higher density final material, and is amenable to scaling. In addition, solvent wetted nanothermite mixed at 30 vol-% solids loading can be mixed and deposited from a single applicator and was observed to be over five orders of magnitude less sensitive to electrostatic discharge than dry powders. This relative insensitivity enables the safe deposition of high density nanothermite ink onto devices.
Some water vapor effects during the oxidation of alloys that are α-Al2O3 formers

Oxidation studies were performed at 1100 °C in dry air and air containing fixed partial pressures of water vapor on a number of alloys and coatings that form α-Al2O3 scales under oxidizing conditions. The alloys investigated included RENE N5, PWA 1484, diffusion aluminide coatings (with and without Pt modification) on RENE N5, and a Ni-8 wt pct Cr-6 wt pct Al model alloy. The water vapor affected the oxidation of the alloys in three important ways: (1) The scales spalled more profusely during cyclic oxidation in wet air than in dry air, particularly for those alloys with alumina scales, which are only moderately adherent under dry conditions. The results were consistent with the mechanism previously proposed (Reference 1), whereby the water molecules decrease the fracture toughness of the alumina/alloy interface. (2) Thicker oxides are formed during oxidation in wet air than dry air. This effect comes primarily from accelerated transient oxidation during exposure in wet air. (3) Spinel was found to form on top of the alumina scales during long-term exposure. This phenomenon occurred in all atmospheres but was much more pronounced for exposures in wet atmospheres. Mechanisms for the preceding observations are proposed.
Bone mineral density reference standards in adult baboons (Papio hamadryas) by sex and age

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition involving structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to skeletal fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures due to low bone mass and high rates of bone turnover. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) serves as the most reliable predictor of susceptibility to osteoporotic fracture. The development of animal models, including Old World Monkeys, has been essential to studies of bone mineral density. These animals, including the baboon, exhibit many biological similarities with our own species relevant to the variation in age-related changes and pathology in bone that may make them an excellent model for studies of skeletal structure and maintenance in humans. The baboon has been shown to exhibit extensive biological similarities to humans regarding skeletal biology, but little is known about the range of normal variation in skeletal traits, such as bone mineral density, in this species. Our data, collected on baboons (Papio hamadryas) that are part of a large breeding colony at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and the Southwest National Primate Research Center (San Antonio, TX), involve 466 females and 210 males, ranging in age from 5.5 to 30 years. Student's t tests, bivariate correlations, and likelihood ratio tests show sex and age effects at all spinal sites. Age effects are minimal or absent in the forearm sites. This study is the first to characterize normal variation in aBMD in baboons, to assess the effect of age and sex on this variation, and to compare this variation to those data currently available from experimental control animals. As such, it provides much-needed reference standards that will allow researchers to evaluate the status of their animals in cross-sectional studies and more fully assess the meaning of aBMD changes in longitudinal studies.
Somatic mutations of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene in sporadic follicular thyroid tumors.

The PTEN (MMAC1/TEP1) tumor suppressor gene was recently isolated and mapped to human chromosome band 10q23. Homozygous deletions and mutations of PTEN were observed in cell lines and sporadic cancers of the breast, kidney, and central nervous system. Germline mutations in PTEN were recently found in Cowden disease, an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome, previously mapped to chromosome bands 10q22–23. This disease is associated with a wide variety of malignancies and hamartomas of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal origin. The most common neoplasms in Cowden disease patients arise in the breast, skin, and thyroid (follicular subtype). To determine the involvement of PTEN in sporadic follicular thyroid tumors, we first analyzed sporadic follicular adenomas and carcinomas for deletions of the PTEN gene. Loss of heterozygosity was found in 7/26 (27%) follicular carcinomas and 2/27 (7%) follicular adenomas, one of which was a small hemizygous deletion (∼3 cm). Sequence analysis of the entire PTEN coding region revealed two mutations in carcinomas with 10q loss. Our findings suggest that the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is occasionally inactivated in sporadic follicular thyroid tumors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 23:239–243, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Area-Selective ALD of Titanium Dioxide Using Lithographically Defined Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films

© 2006 The Electrochemical Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Except as provided under U.S. copyright law, this work may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, or modified without the express permission of The Electrochemical Society (ECS).
Patenting Life Forms: Issues Surrounding the Plant Variety Protection Act

ernment intervention when an activity is characA patent, simply stated, is the awarding of ex- terized by the described marginal benefit-cost reclusive ownership of a new invention, enabling lationship. More to the point, the government the developer to obtain whatever rewards that intervention encourages such activities. Patent might accrue from the invention. A govern- protection, then, is a means to achieve this ment-granted patent confers certain rights and end-by temporarily raising the private marginal privileges on its owner and is considered private value product to induce the private sector to unproperty. Patents are thus a means of providing dertake the desired activity. The PVPA serves to incentive to engage in creative activity, illustrate the costs and benefits of government Patent protection and a competitive market intervention in the form of patent protection. structure have coexisted as basic tenets of soci- The PVPA (P.L. 91-577) was enacted into law ety in the United States for nearly 200 years. Yet, on December 24, 1970. Its enactment was motithe inherent characteristics of patent protection vated by a desire to increase the return on private seem in conflict with conditions necessary for the research investment through enabling patents to efficient functioning of a competitive market be obtained for sexually reproduced plant varistructure. Patents may be barriers to market en- eties.I Amendments to the original act were protry. The number of buyers and sellers may be posed in 1979 to extend the life of the patents and determined by the patent holder through licens- to broaden the list of plants eligible for patenting. ing or contractual arrangements. Patents may When the amendments, bills H.R. 999 and S. 23, impede the flow of information and the mobility were first considered by the House and Senate of factors of production. By definition, the inven- Agriculture Committees, the opposition became tion is distinct and unique; this implies the ab- so intense that the hearings were postponed sence of existing comparable products, eroding ("Opposition to Seed Law Mounts," 1979). It the assumption of homogenous goods. Further, was nearly one year later, June 4, 1980, before the patent holder has been granted exclusive the House Agriculture Committee passed the power to negotiate contractual arrangements re- amendments in a roll call vote of 35 to 2. The garding the use of the product, thus enabling an amendments were passed by the Congress in Deinfluence over price.
Molecular chaperones enhance the degradation of expanded polyglutamine repeat androgen receptor in a cellular model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is one of a growing number of neurodegenerative diseases caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion, and is caused by an expansion within exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The family of polyglutamine diseases is characterized by the presence of ubiquitinated, intranuclear inclusions associated with molecular chaperones and 26S proteasome components, although the role of these inclusions in the pathogenesis of polyglutamine diseases remains unclear. The over-expression of molecular chaperones of the Hsp70 and Hsp40 families has been shown to modulate inclusion frequency and cellular toxicity. We developed a cell culture system which enables the quantitative analysis of the effects of molecular chaperones on the biochemical properties of an expanded repeat AR. Using this approach, we demonstrate that Hsp70 and its co-chaperone Hsp40 not only increase expanded repeat AR solubility, but function to enhance the degradation of expanded repeat AR through the proteasome. Furthermore, our studies indicate that these molecular chaperones significantly decrease the half-life of an expanded repeat AR. Molecular chaperone enhancement of protein degradation points to the modulation of molecular chaperones as a potential therapeutic target for polyglutamine diseases.
Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Targeted Mode to Identify Activators of Class IA PI3K in Cancer

Phosphatiditylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) is activated in some cancers by direct mutation, but it is activated 7 more commonly in cancer by mutation of upstream acting receptor tyrosine kinases (TK). At present, there is no 8 systematic method to determine which TK signaling cascades activate PI3K in certain cancers, despite the likely 9 utility of such information to help guide selection of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) drug strategies for 10 personalized therapy. Here, we present a quantitative tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) approach that 11 identifies upstream activators of PI3K both in vitro and in vivo. Using non–small cell lung carcinoma to illustrate 12 this approach, we show a correct identification of the mechanism of PI3K activation in several models, thereby 13 identifying the most appropriate TKI to downregulate PI3K signaling. This approach also determined the 14 molecular mechanisms and adaptors required for PI3K activation following inhibition of the mTOR kinase 15 TORC1. We further validated the approach in breast cancer cells with mutational activation of PIK3CA, where 16 tandem mass spectrometry detected and quantitatively measured the abundance of a helical domain mutant 17 (E545K) of PIK3CA connected to PI3K activation. Overall, our findings establish a mass spectrometric approach 18 to identify functional interactions that govern PI3K regulation in cancer cells. Using this technique to define the 19 pathways which activate PI3K signaling in a given tumor could help inform clinical decision making by helping 20 guide personalized therapeutic strategies for different patients. Cancer Res; 71(00); 1–11. � 2011 AACR.
Biophysical and biochemical characterization of the intrinsic fluorescence from neurofibrillary tangles

Recently, we developed a novel fluorescent method named intrinsic fluorescence induction that allows direct visualization of neurofibrillary pathology without introducing exogenous chromogens. In the present study, we further characterized the properties of this novel red fluorescence biophysically, biochemically, and neuropathologically. In vitro spectrofluorometry and in situ emission scan show that the intrinsic fluorescence of neurofibrillary tangles has a long emission wavelength peak at 620 nm and a large Stoke's shift of 70 nm. Dephosphorylation of Alzheimer's disease brain sections with alkaline phosphatase or denaturation with guanidine only causes a subtle reduction in the induced fluorescence of neurofibrillary tangles, while hydrofluoric acid or formic acid completely eliminates the fluorescence. Chemical modification of residue serine, but not tyrosine or tryptophan, reduced the intensity of induced fluorescence significantly. The induced fluorophore, thus, has unique properties, and its generation likely depends on the particular conformation of paired helical filaments, which may in turn depend on tau hyperphosphorylation.
Pulmonary Diseases Service Rehabilitation Program of a Veterans Administration Hospital

A rehabilitation plan such as this can be adopted for use in tuberculosis institutions other than those in the Veterans Administration. Modifications could be in the form of increased use of municipal and state rehabilitation and educational facilities. Volunteer instructors have been helpful and their contributions could be increased in hospitals having no large rehabilitation staff. The results of such an integrated program have already been demonstrated in the reduction of emotional tensions and the lowering of irregular discharges. We believe that the patients who have completed this regimen of integrated economic and medical rehabilitation are so well adjusted and have their future life so well planned that few of them return to the institution.
Kinetics of the in vitro inhibition of transcription by actinomycin.

Abstract The kinetics of the in vitro transcription of DNA to RNA by RNA polymerase in the absence and presence of actinomycin D have been studied. In the kinetics experiments, the total amount of RNA synthesized is measured by incorporation of a radioactive label, and the average RNA chain length as a function of time is measured by sedimentation analysis. Thus the number of growing chains can be calculated. Membrane filter retention experiments show that if RNA polymerase is added to T7 DNA in a low salt medium in the presence of ATP and GTP (2 × 10 −4 m ) and the medium then adjusted to 0.4 m -(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , a sufficient amount of the polymerase remains attached to the DNA so that the DNA is retained by the filter. If ATP and GTP are absent, most of the polymerase dissociates in the high salt medium, and the DNA is not retained. The membrane filter experiments in conjunction with the kinetics experiments suggest that when RNA polymerase, DNA and the purine triphosphates are mixed in a low salt medium, an initiation complex is formed at a specific site on T7 DNA and that the complex does not dissociate at high salt. The formation of the initiation complex is not significantly inhibited by actinomycin. For the kinetics of transcription studies, the initiation complex was formed by mixing T7 DNA, RNA polymerase, ATP, GTP, and UTP in the low salt medium, then adjusting to 0.4 m -(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , adding actinomycin if desired, and starting propagation by adding CTP. Under these conditions, there is one RNA molecule synthesized per T7 DNA molecule. Thus, the conditions of initiation are quite specific, and there is no reinitiation. The main effect of actinomycin is to inhibit the rate of chain growth; it may have a small effect on termination. The effects of concentration of the four nucleoside triphosphate substrates on the rate of chain growth conform to Michaelis-Menten kinetics; the reciprocal of the rate of chain growth is a linear function of the reciprocal substrate concentrations. Actinomycin inhibits propagation by affecting the rate terms for both GTP and CTP, but not for ATP and UTP. This result shows that the drug is interacting in a special way with G·C base pairs; several plausible models for the mode of action are eliminated by these kinetics results.
Cumulative irritancy in the guinea Pig from low grade irritant vehicles and the angry skin syndrome

A 4-week open cumulative irritancy test in guinea pigs discriminated between two low grade irritant vehicles, nonionic base (anhydrous) and hydrophilic ointment. The procedure might be useful as a predictive test for low grade irritants. The angry skin syndrome was established in the guinea pigs by one Freunds complete adjuvant intradermal injection on day 0, or by daily open applications of 10% sodium lauryl sulfate in petrolatum to the neck area of the animals.
A network entry protocol and an OFDMA symbol allocation scheme for non-transparent relay stations in IEEE 802.16j MMR networks

A relay station (RS) in IEEE 802.16j mobile multi-hop relay (MMR) networks provides access links to far-off subscriber stations (SSs) and hidden subscriber stations. The RS also relays data from a base station and other RSs while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy subscriber stations in existing IEEE 802.16 networks. Much research is being performed to finalize the standard; however, how an RS in the MMR network is assigned OFDMA symbol resources as an MMR network is enlarged by adding more RSs is not certain. In this paper, we propose a new network entry protocol for non-transparent RSs to handle hidden SSs and far-off SSs. A new OFDMA symbol allocation scheme for RSs in the MMR network is investigated in the literature. We have also conducted a numerical analysis. The numerical analysis includes basic formulas and conditions to calculate not only the maximum number of OFDMA symbols the non-transparent RS can obtain but also the maximum hop count a base station can have.
A Compiler-Based Approach for Improving Intra-Iteration Data Reuse

Intra-iteration data reuse occurs when multiple array references exhibit data reuse in a single loop iteration. An optimizing compiler can exploit this reuse by clustering (in the loop body) array references with data reuse as much as possible. This reduces the number of intervening references between references to the same array and improves overall execution time and energy consumption. In this paper, we present a strategy where inter-statement and intra-statement optimizations are used in concert for optimizing intra-iteration data reuse. The objective is to cluster (within the loop body) the array references with spatial or temporal reuse. Using four array-intensive applications from image processing domain, we show that our approach improves the cache behavior of programs by 13.8% on the average.
Effects of Digitalis on the Exercise Electrocardiogram in Normal Adult Subjects

Controversy continues regarding the effects of administration of digitalis upon the exercise electrocardiogram. Thus, maximal treadmill exercise tests were performed before and two weeks after administration of 0.25 mg of digoxin daily in 15 normal subjects (documented by cardiac catheterization and coronary arteriographic studies). Administration of digitalis induced abnormal findings on exercise tests in all 14 subjects with serum levels of digoxin greater than or equal to 0.5 ng/ml; however, at workloads greater than 75 to 90 percent of maximal predicted heart rate, the changes in the ST segment reverted to a normal configuration in all subjects, thereby providing differentiation of digitalis-induced ST-segment alterations from those due to myocardial ischemia at maximal treadmill stress.
Unidirectional self-patterning of CaF 2 nanorod arrays using capillary pressure

Highly aligned microstrip patterns consisting of biaxial CaF2 nanorods have been successfully self-assembled by simply using capillary pressure. The alignment direction of the microstrips is perpendicular to the flux direction during nanorod growth. Aligning behavior and pattern width can be controlled by changing wetting time and surface tension of the liquid. Higher surface tension and longer wetting time result in wider pattern width and better alignment. Taller nanorod height also results in better pattern alignment. Simple and cost-effective self-aligned microstrip patterns can be potentially used as a template for various applications, such as superhydrophobic surfaces, tissue scaffolds, microchannels, and optical polarizers.
A comparison of dental treatment utilization and costs by HMO members living in fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas.

Objectives: To compare dental treatment experiences and costs in members of a health maintenance organization (HMO) in areas with and without community water fluoridation. Methods: HMO members with continuous dental eligibility (January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1995) who resided in Oregon and Washington were identified using administrative databases. Fluoridation status was determined by geocoding subscriber address. Measures were utilization of dental procedures, fluoride dispensings, and associated costs. Costs were based on nonmember fees, adjusted to 1995 dollar values. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance, controlling for age and interactions. Results: About 85 percent of eligible members (n = 51,683) were classified as residing either in a fluoridated (n = 12,194) or nonfluoridated (n = 39,489) area. Mean age was 40.0 years; 52.3 percent were women. More than 92 percent of members had one or more dental visits. Community water fluoridation was associated with reduced total and restorative costs among members with one or more visits, but the magnitude and direction of the effect varied with locale and age and the effects were generally small. In two locales, the cost of restorations was higher in nonfluoridated areas in young people ( age 58). In younger adults, the opposite effect was observed. The impact of fluoridation may be attenuated by higher use of preventive procedures, in particular supplemental fluorides, in the nonfluoridated areas. Conclusions: These results are particularly relevant to insured populations with established access to dental care. Differences in treatment costs (savings) associated with water fluoridation should be estimated and included in future cost-effectiveness analyses of community water fluoridation.
Development assistance for global tobacco control

Background By 2030, the tobacco epidemic will be responsible for over eight million deaths worldwide per year, with 80% of those deaths occurring in low-resource countries. Despite the magnitude of the problem, little is known about the funding for global tobacco control. Methods To estimate the amount of tobacco control funding, we created an integrated database based on information provided by tobacco control donors. We focus on resources available to low-income and middle-income countries provided as Development Assistance to Control Tobacco (DACT). Results Global DACT grew from US$1.2 million in 2000 to US$44.2 million in 2009, primarily due to contributions from private philanthropies. Average annual 2000–2009 funding amounted to about US$0.003 per adult (US$0.0003 per adult in 2000 and US$0.011 per adult in 2009). DACT has been supplemented by domestic public funding that reached US$0.009 per adult in 2008. 28% of emerging and developing countries received zero DACT and 15% of those countries reported no funding at all. Out of US$21.8 billion disbursed in 2007 for health-related development assistance, DACT represented only US$0.02 billion, or 0.09%. Conclusions Since the funding for both infectious and non-communicable diseases in low-resourced countries is inadequate, the solution for global tobacco control is not to shift resources from other public health priorities, but rather to generate additional tobacco control funding. Several mechanisms to achieve this goal are proposed.
A comparative life cycle assessment of hybrid osmotic dilution desalination and established seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation processes

The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative environmental impacts of coupled seawater desalination and water reclamation using a novel hybrid system that consist of an osmotically driven membrane process and established membrane desalination technologies. A comparative life cycle assessment methodology was used to differentiate between a novel hybrid process consisting of forward osmosis (FO) operated in osmotic dilution (ODN) mode and seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), and two other processes: a stand alone conventional SWRO desalination system, and a combined SWRO and dual barrier impaired water purification system consisting of nanofiltration followed by reverse osmosis. Each process was evaluated using ten baseline impact categories. It was demonstrated that from a life cycle perspective two hurdles exist to further development of the ODN-SWRO process: module design of FO membranes and cleaning intensity of the FO membranes. System optimization analysis revealed that doubling FO membrane packing density, tripling FO membrane permeability, and optimizing system operation, all of which are technically feasible at the time of this publication, could reduce the environmental impact of the hybrid ODN-SWRO process compared to SWRO by more than 25%; yet, novel hybrid nanofiltration-RO treatment of seawater and wastewater can achieve almost similar levels of environmental impact.
Melting the Kachinas: Agricultural Hegemony and Indigenous Incorporation at Zuni Pueblo in the Modern Era

An historical political ecology of Zuni Pueblo illustrates several processes that led to native agricultural decline in the region. Modern indigenous agriculture, and its associated techniques or practices, is marginalized within the literature. The reasons for the decline of traditional agricultural management at Zuni, as for much of the Southwestern United States, are complex. U.S. federal policies aimed at breaking indigenous theocractic rule, reforming land tenure, and modernizing reservation agriculture all contributed to this process at Zuni Pueblo. Underlying the material changes were also several conceptual or ideological processes that served the same purpose, and one that can be termed agricultural hegemony. The replacement of the Zuni kachinas, icons of discipline within traditional ceremonial roles, with those of modern agricultural sciences and practices were fundamental to the eventual outcome. Key words: Zuni Pueblo, agriculture, landscape, native policy, hegemony, historical political ecology.
Androgen Receptor Assay in Human Prostate Cancer

Because intracellular hormone receptors appear to be necessary for the hormonal dependence of target organs, theoretically steroid receptor measurements should be of value in predicting the response to endocrine therapy for tumors in these target tissues. With this generally accepted concept in mind, much effort has been spent to develop assay methods for steroid receptors in different human cancers. Breast cancer has been extensively studied for more than 10 years and a clear relationship has been demonstrated between the presence of cytosol estrogen receptors and response to endocrine manipulations.1 The clinical correlation can be improved by also taking into account the presence of progestin receptors and measurement of the nuclear compartment.2