cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of high-dose methotrexate serum concentration requirement for discharge.

e19204Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is used in high doses for the treatment of ALL, lymphoma, and metastatic breast cancer with CNS involvement. To avoid drug accumulation and mitigate toxicities ...
Valuation Effects of REIT Mergers and the Role of Diversification

The merger of two real estate investment trusts (REITs) consolidates two real estate portfolios. We classify equity REIT mergers according to whether they maintain portfolio focus, increase focus or are diversifying with respect to the predominant property type and the geography of the underlying real estate. We then examine the abnormal returns to the acquirers, the targets, and the combined partners around the merger announcement to ascertain how portfolio changes affect value. The results show no abnormal returns for the 126 mergers in the sample. However, target REITs earn positive abnormal returns no matter the diversification impacts and acquiring REITs show positive abnormal returns for mergers that maintain geographic focus and diversify across property types. Acquirers also show negative abnormal returns for mergers that maintain property type focus and diversify geographically. The results lend further insight to understanding the diversification effects for equity REITs and highlight the importance to REIT managers, when contemplating a merger, of considering the valuation impacts associated with changes to the REIT’s underlying portfolio.
Engineering coherent spin and orbital transitions of diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers using a mechanical resonator

I will describe our experiments to drive spin and orbital resonance of single diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers using the gigahertz-frequency strain oscillations produced within a diamond acoustic resonator. Strain-based coupling between a resonator and a defect center takes advantage of intrinsic and reproducible coupling mechanisms while maintaining compatibility with conventional magnetic and optical techniques, thus providing new functionality for quantum-enhanced sensing and quantum information processing. Using a spin-strain interaction at room temperature, we demonstrate coherent spin control and spin coherence protection. At cryogenic temperatures, we use orbital-strain interactions driven by a diamond acoustic resonator to study multi-phonon orbital resonance of a single NV center. Additionally, I’ll describe our efforts to enhance electron-phonon coupling by engineering mechanical resonators with small modal volumes based a semi-confocal acoustic cavity.
MicroRNA-7 Protects Against Neurodegeneration Induced by α-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils in the Mouse Brain.

α-Synuclein is a key protein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease as it accumulates in fibrillar form in affected brain regions. Misfolded α-synuclein seeds recruit monomeric α-synuclein to form aggregates, which can spread to anatomically connected brain regions, a phenomenon that correlates with clinical disease progression. Thus, downregulating α-synuclein levels could reduce seeding and inhibit aggregate formation and propagation. We previously reported that microRNA-7 (miR-7) protects neuronal cells by downregulating α-synuclein expression through its effect on the 3′-untranslated region of SNCA mRNA; however, whether miR-7 blocks α-synuclein seeding and propagation in vivo remains unknown. Here, we induced miR-7 overexpression in the mouse striatum unilaterally by infusing adeno-associated virus 1 (AAV-miR-7) followed by inoculation with recombinant α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFF) a month later. Compared with control mice injected with non-targeting AAV-miR-NT followed by PFF, AAV-miR-7 pre-injected mice exhibited lower levels of monomeric and high-molecular-weight α-synuclein species in the striatum, and reduced amount of phosphorylated α-synuclein in the striatum and in nigral dopamine neurons. Accordingly, AAV-miR-7-injected mice had less pronounced degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway and better behavioral performance. The neuroinflammatory reaction to α-synuclein PFF inoculation was also significantly attenuated. These data suggest that miR-7 inhibits the formation and propagation of pathological α-synuclein and protects against neurodegeneration induced by PFF. Collectively, these findings support the potential of miR-7 as a disease modifying biologic agent for Parkinson’s disease and related α-synucleinopathies.
A Survey of Collectives

Due to the increasing sophistication and miniaturization of computational components, complex, distributed systems of interacting agents are becoming ubiquitous. Such systems, where each agent aims to optimize its own performance, but there is a well-defined set of system-level performance criteria, are called collectives. The fundamental problem in analyzing and designing such systems is in determining how the combined actions of a large number of agents lead to “coordinated” behavior on the global scale. Examples of artificial systems that exhibit such behavior include packet routing across a data network, control of an array of communication satellites, coordination of multiple rovers, and dynamic job scheduling across a distributed computer grid. Examples of natural systems include ecosystems, economies, and the organelles within a living cell.
Er3+–photon interaction

Abstract Er3+ is an important optical constituent due to its sharp emission line at 1.55 μm. Coupling Er3+ ions with light presents a challenging problem since its emission originates from an internal f-shell transition. We studied Er3+ in Si/SiO2 microcavities in order to increase the light–matter interaction. Two different structures were studied differing by their degree of light confinement and Er3+ concentration. In a weak light confining microcavity, we find a large enhancement of the luminescence. In the case of a strong light confining Si/SiO2 microcavity we observed a spectral splitting of 0.1THz around the Er3+ emission frequency.
Plannable test selection criteria for FSMs extracted from operational specifications

Model-based test generation (MBTG) is becoming an area of active research. Several MBTG approaches extract a finite state machine (FSM) from a given model, and use structural (mostly transition) coverage of the extracted FSM as a test selection criteria. In this paper, we demonstrate inadequacy of structural coverage criteria, and propose a set of test selection criteria for extracted FSMs. Our models are described in terms of operations provided by the system under test (SUT). Each operation is specified as a set of possible results each with a guard condition and a set of update actions on its parameters and the system state. The proposed test selection criteria are based on (1) mutations of guard conditions and update actions, (2) concept of a session, which targets errors of SUT not committing the updated system state to persistent storage, and (3) 2-way coverage of independent operations available in a given FSM state. We describe an AI planning based algorithm for finding a sequence of operation invocations to satisfy our proposed test selection criteria. We illustrate our test selection criteria, and report results of a case study which compares fault detection capability of our proposed test selection criteria with that of structural criteria.
Fatigue Crack Growth and Life Predictions in Man-Ten Steel Subjected to Single and Intermittent Tensile Overloads

Fatigue crack growth behavior was investigated in Man-Ten steel under conditions of constant load amplitude, single tensile overloads followed by constant load amplitude and intermittent single tensile overloads. Constant-amplitude ratios, R l = P l m i n /P l m a x , were + ½, 0, -½, -1 and -2. The single overload test program excluded R l = +½, and the intermittent overload program was for R l = 0 only. A new simplified mathematical model was introduced which assumes that fatigue crack growth retardation is primarily a function of the overload ratio and the load ratio. The model predicted intermittent tensile overload life within 57 to 112 percent of the experimental life. The average prediction was 77 percent of experimental life. For Man-Ten steel, constant-amplitude crack growth rate versus positive ΔK fell within a reasonable scatter band for R l = ½ to - 1. However, substantial decrease in life occurred with R 1 = -2. Negative values of R 1 following a single tensile overload substantially reduced retardation life. Thus compressive stress, either large or small, cannot be neglected in spectrum loading fatigue crack growth life predictions.
Evidence‐Informed Practice

The process and philosophy of evidence -informed practice are described as well as the origins of evidence-based decision making. Hallmarks and implications of this philosophy and process are described, including honoring ethical obligations to clients and moving away from authoritarian practices and policies. Educational implications are noted as well as obstacles. Lastly, choices that lie ahead in terms of the particular view of evidence-based practice favored are suggested. Keywords: evidenced-based practice; decision making; knowledge dissemination; ethical obligations
Truss Performance and Packaging Metrics

In the present paper a set of performance metrics are derived from first principals to assess the efficiency of competing space truss structural concepts in terms of mass, stiffness, and strength, for designs that are constrained by packaging. The use of these performance metrics provides unique insight into the primary drivers for lowering structural mass and packaging volume as well as enabling quantitative concept performance evaluation and comparison. To demonstrate the use of these performance metrics, data for existing structural concepts are plotted and discussed. Structural performance data is presented for various mechanical deployable concepts, for erectable structures, and for rigidizable structures.
Turbidimetric method for the assay of antiviral antibodies.

A rapid, simple assay method has been developed for antiviral antibodies. The technique has been applied to antisera, immune gamma-globulins, and immunospecifically purified antibody for two strains of influenza virus, Asian 305 and PR8, and to antisera to tobacco mosaic virus. Turbidity changes due to the specific interaction of a virus with its antibody were measured by the increase in optical density in a sensitive wavelength region, e.g., 436 nm. Successful application of the method required that nonspecific effects which give rise to turbidity changes be eliminated. This was accomplished by proper choice of ionic strength (0.3 m) and pH (5.5), and by the addition of normal serum or serum albumin to the virus before contact with the antibody. Sensitivity of the method allowed quantitation of antibody down to the level of 10 mug of antibody protein per ml. The specificity of the reaction causing the turbidity change was established by experiments which showed that precipitation of virus-antibody complexes removed the reactive component in the serum, and by the absence of turbidity changes for nonspecific pairs (virus plus unrelated antisera).
Resistance to Antigen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness Requires Endogenous Production of IL-12

We have demonstrated previously that susceptibility of murine strains to the development of allergic airway responses is associated with a type 2 cytokine pattern. In the present study, we examine the in vivo role of IL-12 in the immune response to allergen exposure in susceptible (A/J) and resistant (C3H/HeJ, C3H) strains of mice. OVA sensitization and challenge induced significant increases in airway reactivity in A/J mice as compared with their PBS-challenged controls, while no increases in airway reactivity were observed in OVA-challenged C3H mice. OVA exposure of A/J mice resulted in marked increases in the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas increases in IFN-gamma were observed in C3H mice. Strikingly, anti-IL-12 mAb (1 mg/mouse) treatment resulted in threefold increases in airway reactivity in OVA-challenged resistant C3H mice, concomitant with significant increases in bronchoalveolar lavage levels of Th2 cytokines and decreases in IFN-gamma. IL-12 depletion of C3H mice also suppressed OVA-specific serum IgG2a levels and increased both serum OVA-specific IgG1 and IgE levels. Blockade of endogenous IL-12 levels in susceptible A/J mice resulted in further augmentation of type 2 immune responses. These results demonstrate that endogenous production of IL-12 is essential for resistance to Ag-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, and furthermore, that dysregulation of IL-12 production may lead to the development of deleterious type 2 immune responses to inhaled allergens.
Trends in the Carbonyl Core (C 1S, O 1S) → π*C=O Transition in the Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectra of Organic Molecules

Carbonyl core (C 1s, O 1s) → π*CO transitions are distinctive in the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of species containing carbonyl groups. These features are used for the chemical microanalysis of organic materials using X-ray microscopy. We have explored the chemical sensitivity of these features in C 1s and O 1s NEXAFS spectra for a series of polymers containing the carbonyl group in a range of different bonding environments. Ab initio calculations are used to explain the origin of the observed trends and to explore the effect that orbital interactions have on the energy of these core (C 1s, O 1s) → π*CO features. The differences between the experimental and the calculated carbonyl core (C 1s, O 1s) → π*CO transition energies are systematic and can be used to develop a semiempirical method for predicting the absolute (experimental) transition energies from the calculated transition energies. This relationship is applied to a large body of calculated transition energy data to ...
Solution structure of a trans-opened (10S)-dA adduct of (+)-(7S,8R,9S,10R)-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene in a fully complementary DNA duplex: evidence for a major syn conformation.

Two-dimensional NMR was used to determine the solution structure of an undecanucleotide duplex, d(CGGTCACGAGG).d(CCTCGTGACCG), in which (+)-(7S,8R,9S,10R)-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene is covalently bonded to the exocyclic N(6)() amino group of the central deoxyadenosine, dA(6), through trans addition at C10 of the epoxide (to give a 10S adduct). The present study represents the first NMR structure of a benzo[a]pyrene (10S)-dA adduct in DNA with a complementary T opposite the modified dA. Exchangeable and nonexchangeable protons of the modified duplex were assigned by the use of TOCSY (in D(2)O) and NOESY spectra (in H(2)O and D(2)O). Sequential NOEs expected for a B-type DNA conformation with typical Watson-Crick base pairing are observed along the duplex, except at the lesion site. We observed a strong intraresidue NOE cross-peak between H1' and H8 of the modified dA(6). The sugar H2' and H2' ' of dC(5) lacked NOE cross-peaks with H8 of dA(6) but showed weak interactions with H2 of dA(6) instead. In addition, the chemical shift of the H8 proton (7.51 ppm) of dA(6) appears at a higher field than that of H2 (8.48 ppm). These NOE and chemical shift data for the dA(6) base protons are typical of a syn glycosidic bond at the modified base. Restrained molecular dynamics/energy minimization calculations show that the hydrocarbon is intercalated from the major groove on the 3'-side of the modified base between base pairs A(6)-T(17) and C(7)-G(16) and confirm the syn glycosidic angle (58 degrees ) of the modified dA(6). In the syn structure, a weak A-T hydrogen bond is possible between the N3-H proton of T(17) and N7 of dA(6) (at a distance of 3.11 A), whereas N1, the usual hydrogen bonding partner for N3-H of T when dA is in the anti conformation, is 6.31 A away from this proton. The 10(S)-dA modified DNA duplex remains in a right-handed helix, which bends in the direction of the aliphatic ring of BaP at about 42 degrees from the helical axis. ROESY experiments provided evidence for interconversion between the major, syn conformer and a minor, possibly anti, conformer.
Selective solvation in aqueous N-methylacetamide: an NMR study of specific ion effects

Abstract Selective solvation in aqueous N-methylacetamide solutions of AlCl3, Al(ClO4)3, Al(NO3)3, Th(NO3)4, Mg(ClO4)2 and LiClO4 has been studied using nuclear magnetic resonance. The effect of changes in solvent composition and electrolyte concentration on the solvating properties of water and N-methylacetamide in these solutions was investigated. Separate bulk and bound resonance signals were obtained for N-methylacetamide in the solutions containing the aluminum salts. The relative degree of solvation of the cations by water and N-methylacetamide was found to be A1+3 > Th+4 > Mg+2 > Li+1 while the order obtained for the anions studied was Cl−1 > NO3−1 > ClO4−1.
Effects of Quinidine on Repolarization in Canine Epicardium, Midmyocardium, and Endocardium II. In Vivo Study

Background The antiarrhythmic action of quinidine is associated with a slowing of conduction and prolongation of repolarization. The latter effect has no consistent correlation with quinidine actions on action potential duration (APD) in isolated tissue experiments. To enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of quinidine action, we studied its effect on APD in canine epicardial, midmyocardial, and endocardial tissues. Methods and Results Standard microelectrode techniques were used to study the effects of quinidine 2.5 to 20 μmol/L on APD in ventricular epicardial, endocardial, and transmural (M-cell) slabs at cycle lengths (CLs) from 300 to 4000 ms. Qualitatively different time courses of actions and concentration- and rate-dependent effects were seen in M cells compared with the others. In endocardium and epicardium, quinidine induced monotonic and concentration-dependent APD prolongation at all CLs. In contrast, the effects of quinidine in M cells varied from prolongation to shortening, depending o...
Recidivism among Former Recipients who Remain Unemployed: The Vicious Circle Created by Welfare Reform:

This study investigated factors affecting the return to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs by former participants who left welfare unemployed. Event history analysis was applied...
The neighborhood effects of foreclosure

Neighborhood quality is an important attribute of housing yet its value is rarely known to researchers. We argue that changes in nearby foreclosures reveal changes in neighborhood quality. Thus estimates of the hedonic price of nearby foreclosures provide a glimpse of values that people hold for local neighborhood quality. The empirical models include controls for both spatial dependence in housing prices and in the errors. The estimates indicate that nearby foreclosures produce externalities that are capitalized into home prices—an additional foreclosure within 250 feet of a sale negatively impacts selling price by approximately $1,666, ceteris paribus.
The Survivor-Analyst as Analysand: An Autobiographical Account of an Analytic Treatment of Complex Trauma

An autobiographical account of an analytic treatment of complex trauma is presented. The analyst/patient is conceptualized as living at the interface between treatment and theory, and is seen as especially qualified to assess the value of psychoanalytic treatment. I describe my traumatic history of early surgeries and chronic parental neglect and the onset of dissociative symptoms. I share my view that specific aspects of my analyst's relativistic stance and empathic listening, as well as her history of trauma, intersubjective approach, and use of non-interpretative measures facilitated the growth of a relationship that served to mitigate these symptoms by providing a relational home for traumatically dissociated feelings. My process of re-embedding experiences in their appropriate contexts has commenced a process of reintegration of dissociated/disowned parts of myself
Combine High-Resolution Optical Tweezer Data with Protein Crystal Structure to Derive Energy, Kinetics, and Structure of Conformational States Along Protein Folding Pathway

Single-molecule optical tweezer (OT) experiments are an important tool in the study of protein folding dynamics. In OT, two ends of a protein are attached to beads in optical traps using DNA handles. A pulling force is exerted on the protein by controlling the distance between the two optical traps. Under sufficient force, the protein will spontaneously fold and unfold. Energies of these conformational states and kinetics of accompanying folding pathways can be determined by measuring time-dependent changes in the distance between the two beads, provided that the relationship between inter-bead distance and folding reaction coordinate is known. In protein folding experiments, a suitable reaction coordinate is the contour length of the unfolded part of the protein polypeptide. A key step in conventional data analysis methods is to approximate contour length with the measured inter-bead distance, neglecting any contributions from the structure and orientation of the folded part of the protein. This approximation can, however, lead to errors significantly greater than present in the data acquisition of high-resolution OT experiments. Here, we present an improved method in determining the reaction coordinate by dividing the inter-bead distance into contributions from the DNA handle, the unfolded polypeptide, and the folded part of the protein. For each reaction coordinate, we used the protein crystal structure to calculate the contribution of the folded part of the protein to the inter-bead distance. This contribution proved to be significant in improving the accuracy of the reconstructed energy landscape, as we were able to demonstrate on high-resolution OT data from a neuronal SNARE complex. Our work constitutes an elegant and cost-effective method to significantly improve the accuracy of data analysis in high-resolution optical tweezer experiments.
Delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from photoresponsive hydrogel scaffolds.

Abstract Exogenous growth factor therapy has shown a notable promise in accelerating the healing of acute and chronic wounds. However, their susceptibility to enzymatic degradation and short contact time with the wound bed warrant the use of sophisticated delivery vehicles that stabilize the encapsulated peptides and control their rate of release. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a nitrocinnamate-derived polyethylene glycol (PEG-NC) hydrogel system and study the release kinetics of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as a function of hydrogel properties. Long-wave ultraviolet irradiation (365 nm) was used to alter the physical properties of the gel scaffold (i.e. degree of swelling) and consequently control the release rates of the encapsulated bFGF. The degree of swelling (DS) decreased from 10.7 to 8 as the length of irradiation increased from 5 to 30 min. Similarly, the DS decreased from 17.5 to 11.5 by increasing the initial PEG-NC concentration from 10 to 30 w/v% while keeping the crosslinking irradiation at 10 min. Radiolabeled I 125 studies were used to monitor the release of bFGF from PEG-NC hydrogels with variable swellabilities. By increasing the length of irradiation from 2 to 10 min the rate of bFGF release from PEG-NC gel scaffolds was decreased by 29% due to the enhanced crosslinking density. The bFGF-releasing PEG-NC hydrogels were not cytotoxic to human neonatal fibroblast cells and the released growth factor maintained its activity and induced fibroblast proliferation and collagen production in vitro. The addition of heparin within the gel scaffolds further increased the growth factor's activity.
The effect of pyridoxal on potassium fluxes in the Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell.

To determine the extent of coupling between the transport of potassium and the transport of amino acids by the Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell, we have investigated the effect of pyridoxal on potassium fluxes. We have chosen a low concentration of pyridoxal (1 mM) known to increase the cell to medium ratios for glycine. It was found that pyridoxal reduced potassium efflux and influx in the steady-state without significant change in oxygen consumption. At normal levels of cell potassium and in the steady-state, glycine and pyridoxal together had no effect on potassium fluxes. However, when a net gain of potassium occurred as in a transfer of cells from low temperature to room temperature, glycine and pyridoxal together reduced influx, efflux, and net flux of the ion. In addition, glycine alone reduced potassium influx significantly in contrast to its stimulatory effect in the steady-state. It is suggested that the steady-state fluxes for potassium are a balance between an active influx and a passive mediated efflux. The active influx may be reduced in the presence of glycine while pyridoxal may exert its predominant effect on the passive efflux. To explain the stimulation of the influx and efflux of potassium by glycine in the steady-state, it is hypothesized that the ion makes use of an exchange system for potassium under circumstances where glycine prevents the use of the pathway of active influx.
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SULFONIUM CHLORIDES BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY AND THE DEGRADATION OF 2-CHLOROETHYL SULFIDE DERIVATIVES

Abstract Three aqueous samples containing sulfonium chloride salts of both mustard gas (2,2′-dichlorodiethyl sulfide) and its simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide have been characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These salts decompose thermally to the corresponding 2-chloroethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl sulfides, therefore GC/MS analysis is not indicative of the true composition of these solutions. Small amounts of dithioethers characteristic of the decomposition of the dimeric salts were also detected. Electron Impact (EI) ionization produces a more intense molecular ion than methane chemical ionization (CI) for the dithioethers because of the ease of formation of sulfonium ions during chemical ionization. The decomposition products of four aged samples of 2-chloroethyl sulfides (RSCH2CH2,Cl where R = methyl, ethyl, phenyl and benzyl groups) were also characterized by GC/MS, which indicated that decomposition of these compounds may proceed via dimeric sulfonium ions. Mustard gas was dete...
A Study of Acetaldehyde Adsorption on Activated Carbons

Three samples of activated carbons of various origins were used in this study. The initial samples were oxidized with nitric acid to introduce oxygen-containing groups. The surface of sorbents was characterized using sorption of nitrogen, Boehm and potentiometric titrations, DRIFTS, and thermal analysis. Then adsorption of acetaldehyde was studied by means of inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution. From the retention volumes the heats of acetaldehyde adsorption were calculated. The results showed that the heats differ depending on the pore structure and surface chemistry of materials. On materials with very small pores and surface groups incorporated into the carbon matrix, interactions of acetaldehyde are strongest. This is due to the contribution of hydrogen bonding to dispersive interactions of hydrocarbon moiety with the activated carbon pore walls. After oxidation, for the carbons with unaltered or decreased surface area the isosteric heat of acetaldehyde adsorption decreased due to an increase in the density of oxygen-containing groups resulting in a decrease in dispersive interactions and blocking of the pore entrances. Oxidation of carbon surfaces results also in an increase in the amount of acetaldehyde adsorbed under saturation conditions.
Air Dehydration Membranes for Nonaqueous Lithium–Air Batteries

In this paper, several types of new membranes were innovated and used as an O2-selective and H2O barrier films attached onto the cathode of non-aqueous Li-air batteries for continuous supplying of dry air into the batteries from ambient air. The membranes were prepared by depositing an O2/H2O selective coating layer on the exterior surface of a newly-invented thin porous Ni substrate sheet at thickness of ~50µm. The coatings tried include hydrophobic silicalite type zeolite and Teflon (PTFE) materials. The melted PTFE-membrane on the porous Ni sheet at 360°C enabled the Li-air batteries with Ketjen black carbon air electrodes to operate in ambient air (with 20% RH) for 21 days with a specific capacity of 1022 mAh/g carbon and a specific energy of 2792 Wh/kg carbon. Its performance is much better than the battery assembled with the same battery material but by use of a commercial, porous PTFE diffusion membranes as the moisture barrier layer on the cathode, which only had a discharge time of five and half days corresponding to a specific capacity of 267 mAh/g carbon and a specific energy of 704Wh/kg carbon. The Li-air battery with the present selective membrane barrier layer even showed better performance in ambientmore » air operation (20% RH) than the reference battery tested in the dry air box (< 1% RH).« less
Retinoic acid regulates gene expression of retinoic acid receptors α,β and γ in F9 mouse teratocarcinoma cells

Abstract The regulatory effects of retinoic acid (RA) on retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α, β and γ mRNA were examined in the F9 mouse teratocarcinoma cells. Northern blot hybridization showed that RA regulated all three types of RAR gene expression. The different transcripts for each RAR α and β were differentially regulated by RA. The maximum induction of the 2.8 kb RAR α and 3.3 kb RAR β transcript levels by RA took longer than the induction of the 3.8 kb RAR α and 3.5 kb RAR β transcript levels. The data suggest that these transcripts originated from different promoters. Short term treatment (≤24 hours) of RA induced both 3.1 and 3.3 kb RAR γ transcripts. Long term treatment (> 24 hours) of RA resulted in the inhibition of 3.1 kb mRNA, whereas the 3.3 kb mRNA remained elevated. In addition, a new RAR γ transcript of 2.9 kb was induced. In contrast to RAR α and β, the effect on RAR γ gene expression was irreversible. Cycloheximide did not prevent the effect of RA on RAR gene expression, whereas actinomycin D totally abolished the RA effect on the expression of all three receptor genes. The data suggest that the biological effects of RA may be constrained or augmented by differential regulation of its own receptor gene expression.
Major histocompatibility complex haplotype studies in Ashkenazi Jewish patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Abstract Of 26 Ashkenazi Jewish patients with pemphigus vulgaris, 24 (92.3%) carried the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II alleles HLA-DR4, DQw3, of which all were of the subtype DR4, DQw8. From studies of the patients and their families, haplotypes were defined. It was found that, of the patients who carried HLA-DR4, DQw8, 75% carried one or the other (and in one case, both) of two haplotypes [HLA-B38, SC21, DR4] or HLA-B35, SC31, DR4. The former is a known extended haplotype among normal Jews, with a frequency of 0.102, and the latter may also be an extended haplotype in this ethnic group, with a frequency of 0.017 among normal haplotypes from Jews. Of the remaining DR4-positive patients, all but one had a presumed D-region segment (defined as SC21, DR4, DQw8 or SC31, DR4, DQw8 with variable HLA-B) of these haplotypes. Only one patient had DR4, DQw8 without any other markers of the extended haplotypes. The number of homozygotes and heterozygotes for DR4, DQw8 was consistent with dominant but not recessive (P less than 0.01) inheritance of a class II or a class II-linked susceptibility gene for the disease. Since the disease is entirely attributable to the presence of an antibody to an intraepidermal intercellular cement substance, it is likely that the class II susceptibility gene (on [HLA-B38, SC21, DR4, DQw8], HLA-B35, SC31, DR4, DQw8, or their segments, in Jewish patients) controls the production of the antibody as a dominantly expressed immune response gene.
Molecular imaging applications in nanomedicine.

The purpose of this article is to explore how molecular imaging techniques can be used as useful adjunts in the development of “nanomedicine” and in personalizing treatment of patients. The discussion focuses on in vivo applications at the whole organism level even though imaging can also play an important role in research at the cellular and subcellular level.
Assessment of the psoriatic transcriptome in a large sample: additional regulated genes and comparisons with in vitro models.

To further elucidate molecular alterations in psoriasis, we performed a gene expression study of 58 paired lesional and uninvolved psoriatic and 64 control skin samples. Comparison of involved psoriatic (PP) and normal (NN) skin identified 1,326 differentially regulated transcripts encoding 918 unique genes (549 up- and 369 downregulated), of which over 600 are to our knowledge previously unreported, including S100A7A, THRSP, and ELOVL3. Strongly upregulated genes included SERPINB4, PI3, DEFB4, and several S100-family members. Strongly downregulated genes included Wnt-inhibitory factor-1 (WIF1), β-cellulin (BTC), and CCL27. Enriched gene ontology categories included immune response, defense response, and keratinocyte differentiation. Biological processes regulating fatty acid and lipid metabolism were enriched in the down-regulated gene set. Comparison of the psoriatic transcriptome to the transcriptomes of cytokine-stimulated cultured keratinocytes (IL-17, IL-22, IL-1α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and OSM) showed surprisingly little overlap, with the cytokine-stimulated keratinocyte expression representing only 2.5, 0.7, 1.5, 5.6, 5.0, and 1.9% of the lesional psoriatic dysregulated transcriptome, respectively. This comprehensive analysis of differentially regulated transcripts in psoriasis provides additional insight into the pathogenic mechanisms involved and emphasizes the need for more complex yet tractable experimental models of psoriasis.
Submissive postures during shock-elicited aggression

Abstract Shocked laboratory rats responded by showing aggressive and defensive postures similar to those shown during social encounters. Three postures (upright boxing, aggressive threat and submissive crouch) predominated with the oppressive threat posture decreasing and submissive crouch increasing with additional shock trials. Paired rats developed dominance status and exhibited a rolling response having sexual components. The results were discussed in terms of pain-elicited and intraspecific aggression.
Transcription from unique and redundant DNA sequences in sea urchin embryos

Summary Heterogeneous nuclear RNA is transcribed from both unique and moderately redundant DNA sequences in blastula stage sea urchins. Extremely rapidly reassociating DNA sequences are apparently not transcribed. In contrast, messenger RNA is transcribed almost entirely from unique DNA sequences. These differences may reflect the selective processing of mRNA in the nucleus or selective transport of mRNA molecules.
Modeling and analysis of distributed electromagnetic oscillators for broadband vibration attenuation and concurrent energy harvesting

Abstract Many energy harvesting devices employ dynamics ascribed to the classical vibration absorber. Conventional models suggest that when host structural motion excites the harvesters at resonance, maximum electrical power output is achieved. As the harvesters become inertially substantial relative to the structure, this condition no longer holds since the electro-elastic response of the harvester is coupled to the structural vibration. In this regime, the devices become true vibration absorbers that alter the structural oscillations which may consequently affect energy harvesting capability. Distributions of point oscillators have been considered as broadband vibration control treatments making it natural to consider the potential for energy harvesting devices to serve this end. This paper presents an analysis of distributed single- and two-degree-of-freedom, linear electromagnetic oscillators attached to a harmonically excited panel. The coupled Euler–Lagrange equations of motion are solved and the simultaneous goals of vibration attenuation of the host panel and harvested electrical power are computed for several scenarios. It is found that design parameters optimizing the individual goals occur in relative proximity such that small compromises need to be made in order to achieve both ends reasonably well, particularly in regards to the overall mass added to the structure.
Strengthening families in Head Start: the impact of a parent education programme on the emotional well‐being of Latino families

This study explores the impact of a Head Start add‐on programme, a matrix of services for parents which provides educational and vocational supports, on maternal depression and children’s behaviour in Latino families. We hypothesise that after having completed training, parents who participated in the add‐on programme would have lower levels of reported depression than parents receiving Head Start services alone. It was also hypothesised that decreased levels of reported depression would be related to increases in children’s social skills and reductions in their behaviour problems. Fifty Latino children from a local Head Start programme and their primary caregivers participated in the study. Results indicate that intervention group mothers had significantly lower levels of reported depression when compared to mothers who received regular services. Children’s social skills appeared to increase and their behaviour problems decrease, regardless of whether their parents were involved in self‐sufficiency promo...
Eligibility, Assessment, and Educational Placement Issues for Students Classified with Emotional Disturbance: Federal and State-Level Analyses

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of how state education authorities conceptualize and utilize the construct of emotional disturbance (ED) within the special education system. Specifically, this study examined variability across state definitions of ED and the extent to which such differences in definition are associated with ED identification and educational placement rates. Relevant literature and publicly disseminated documentation at the federal and state levels were reviewed. Results indicated that most state definitions of ED did not differ from the federal definition, although 20% of states broadened the federal ED definition to make it more inclusive. States with broader definitions did classify more students with ED, relative to states using either the federal or a more narrow definition, although rates of restrictive and mainstream placements did not differ as a function of definition. Results also suggest that use of a “social maladjustment” exclusion criterion contributes to variation not only in state-level definitions of ED, but also in students’ access to mental health and special education services. Recommendations for future research are provided.
N-particle kinetic equation for a classical gas

Abstract Starting with the exact N-particle kinetic equation for a classical gas with central-force interactions, previously obtained from the Liouville equation by projection-operator methods, and applying to it approximations previously required in the derivation of the Boltzmann equation, we obtain an approximate N-particle equation whose properties are described. It is not restricted as is the Boltzmann equation to the case of low density. According to this equation the N-particle probability density in the Γ-phase space approaches a stationary state which is described by a canonical ensemble in the hamiltonian of the gas omitting the potential energy of intermolecular forces, or by a microcanonical ensemble in the total hamiltonian including this energy.
FEDERALISM, REGIONALISM, AND ASSOCIATION

This article reviews recent trends in the theory and practice of federalism as well as in the closely related field of regionalism. The second part of the article is devoted to a discussion of the novel concept of associated membership in federations.
155. Correlation of elevated MIF and tyrosine plasma levels in pregnancy

A cross-sectional, correlational pilot study evaluating macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in plasma samples collected at early second trimester from 40 healthy pregnant women found a positive correlation between plasma MIF (ELISA) and plasma tyrosine (HPLC) (r = 0.43, p
Effect of Lye Peeling Conditions on Phenolic Destruction, Starch Hydrolysis, and Carotene Loss in Sweet Potatoes

‘Jewel’ sweet potatoes were peeled in a boiling, 10% NaOH solution using the following treatments: (1) 6-min peel (6P); (2) 20-min pre-soak in water (55°C) followed by a 6-min peel (20S); (3) 30-min pre-soak in water (80°C) followed by a 6-min peel (30S); (4) 15-min peel (15P). Tissue from the heat-affected area was excised and analyzed for o-dihydroxyphenols (DP) and carotene destruction and sugar formation. The data showed that roots peeled by 6P or 20S treatments could discolor as a result of the PPO-DP reaction. Discoloration would not be found in 15P and 30S because both treatments are vigorous enough to inactivate the PPO system. Amylolytic enzymes are inactivated by all treatments except 6P. No carotenoid destruction was detected.
Cylindrical Splitt and Quadrupole Magnetic Field in Application to Continuous-Flow Magnetic Cell Sorting

The quadrupole magnetic field has been used for quadrupole mass spectroscopy and for industrial and mining dry separations. We propose to use it for rapid, continuous-flow cell sorting in biomedical and biotechnological applications. We set out to investigate the performance of such a sorter using the theoretical methods of split-flow thin channel separation (SPLITT). Comparison of theoretical results and preliminary experimental data, using a model system of human peripheral lymphocytes labeled with immunomagnetic colloid, led us to the identification of the most important parameters of the system.
Interplay of crystal field effects and spin fluctuations in CeCu2Si2 and related alloys

Abstract Measurements of the electrical resistivity have been performed on the alloy system Ce(Cu, Au) 2 Si 2 and on CeCu 2 Si 2 under pressures up to 17 kbar. The evolution of crystal field-derived structures in the resistivity, with Au-concentration and pressure, is discussed.
Consumer Preferences in Literature, Motion Pictures, and Television Programs:

This study examined the relationship between five motives—sensory arousal, cognitive arousal, escapism, mastery-control, and emotional involvement—and preferences for different types of content in three cultural media—television programs, motion pictures, and books. The findings both confirmed and extended prior theorization and found some intriguing differences in content preferences between women and men.
Diffuse Uveal Melanoma in a 5-Year-Old Child

A 5-year-old white boy developed a gray-tan discoloration with nodular thickening of the iris stroma in his left eye six weeks earlier. Ophthalmologic examination demonstrated keratic precipitates, peripheral anterior synechiae, and several pale-tan choroidal infiltrates in the involved eye. Cytologic examination of the aqueous humor and results of iris biopsy were interpreted as malignant melanoma of the iris, predominantly of the epithelioid cell type. The globe was enucleated one week later. Histopathologic examination disclosed a diffuse malignant melanoma of the uvea, mixed cell type, with multiple cysts of the ciliary epithelium. Study by electron microscopy indicated bizarre neoplastic melanocytes containing numerous immature melanosomes in various stages of melanogenesis, as well as fully melanized mature melanosomes. Eight months after enucleation the patient developed metastasis to the nasopharynx and base of the skull.
A Review of Interventions for Substance Use Among Homeless Youth

This review summarizes existing evidence on interventions to address substance use problems among homeless youth. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria of the review. The quality of included s...
Immune Effector Mechanisms Required for Protection to Rabies Virus

Genetically engineered mice with targeted mutations in genes encoding immunologically relevant molecules were used to elucidate the role of different immune effector mechanisms in protection against a rabies virus (RV) infection. In vaccinated animals challenged with a highly virulent strain of RV, antibodies were crucial in protection. In naive mice challenged with an attenuated strain of the virus that does not cause disease in adult fully immunocompetent mice but kills RAG mice that lack functionally active T and B cells, different immune effector mechanisms were shown to suffice for protection.
SFC/MS in drug discovery at Pfizer, La Jolla

Abstract We report the use of supercritical fluid chromatography/mass spectrometry (SFC/MS) for numerous applications in drug discovery at Pfizer, La Jolla. Namely, SFC/MS has been heavily relied upon for analysis and purification of a diverse set of compounds from the in-house chemical library. Supporting high-speed SFC/MS quality control of the purified compounds is made possible at high flow rate SFC along with time-of-flight mass detection. The flexibility of SFC/MS systems has been extended with the integration of an atmospheric pressure photoionization source (APPI) for use with more non-polar compounds and enhancements in signal to noise. Further SFC/MS applications of note include chiral analysis for purification and assessment of enantiomers and SFC/MS analysis of difficult to separate hydrophobic peptides.
Operation of a deformable mirror device as a Fourier plane phase modulating filter

The operation of a deformable mirror device (DMD) as a Fourier plane phase modulating filter is described. An analysis of the optical characteristics of the DMD elements as phase modulators is summarized. Analytical and experimental results indicating the existence of a quasi-phase-only operational mode are presented. These results are used to specify the mirror deflection required to implement a binary phase-only image correlation operation. An optical correlator system is implemented using the DMD Fourier plane filter and experimental results from this system are compared with computer simulations of the correlator operation.