cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soup or Sparks: The History of Drugs and Synapses

The 130 years between Claude Bernard's demonstration that curare blocks neuromuscular transmission, but not nerve conduction or muscular contraction, and the cloning of receptor that binds the drug saw the emergence of neuropharmacology. Propelled by the staggering economic growth of the 19th Century and public support, the number of scientists and scientific institutions expanded enormously. It became clear that excitable cells interact though one-way junctions without cytoplasmic continuity: synapses. Drugs were discovered that block transmission at specific synapses or mimic the effects of nerve stimulation. Some thought that drugs bound to specific receptor sites, perhaps on arms of the huge molecule then believed to make up the protoplasm. The crucial step in elucidating the mechanism of transmission and revealing how the drugs act was Loewi's demonstration, in 1921, that stimulated nerves release a chemical that acts on the effector like nerve stimulation. Many concluded that synaptic transmission is chemical. Others argued that this could not be because transmission is so fast—it must be electrical. The argument was finally resolved in the 1950's when it was shown that the potential changes produced by presynaptic nerve stimulation reverse in sign at a set level of postsynaptic potential, demonstrating that the released transmitters open ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane. Transmission is fast because the transmitters bind, open an ion channel, and then are promptly released so the channel closes. These receptors are operated by the high local concentrations of transmitter produced by quanta1 release. Understanding how drugs work at synapses led to new drugs and advances in health care—a stunning record of achievement. Keywords: ion channels; synaptic vesicles; adrenergic transmitters; amino acid transmitters; curare; neurons; chemical transmission
Enabling performance tradeoffs through dynamic configuration of advanced network services

Configuration capabilities are important for modern advanced network services. Network conditions and user populations have been significantly diversified after decades of evolution of the Internet. Configuration capabilities allow network services to be adapted to spatial, temporal, and managerial variations in application requirements and service operation conditions. Network service providers need to decide on the best configuration. Ideally, a network service should have all of its components optimally configured to most effectively deliver the functionality for which it was designed. The "optimal" configuration, however, is always a compromise between different metrics. To decide on an optimal configuration, the prominent performance and cost metrics must be identified, modeled, and quantified. Optimization objective functions and constraints that combine these metrics should be formulated and optimization techniques should be developed. More important, in the scenarios where the application requirements and system conditions change over time, the service configuration needs to be dynamically adjusted and strategies that guide the reconfiguration decisions need to be developed. Because the actual process of configuring a network service incurs configuration costs, an optimal reconfiguration strategy should be one that achieves a tradeoff between the (re)configuration costs and static optimization objectives. Furthermore, such tradeoffs must be based on the consideration of long-term benefits instead of short-term interest. This thesis focuses on understanding the strategies for dynamic (re)configuration of advanced network services positioned above the Transport Layer. Specifically, this thesis investigates the configuration and more important dynamic reconfiguration strategies for two types of advanced network services: Service Overlay Networks, and Content Resiliency Service Networks. Unlike those network services whose configuration involves mainly arrangement of hard-wired components, these network services have the ability to change service configuration in small time scales. This makes the modeling of application requirements and system condition dynamics not only possible but also meaningful and potentially useful. Our goal is to develop modeling and optimization techniques for network service configuration and dynamic reconfiguration policies. We also seek to understand how effective techniques can improve the performance or reduce the cost of these advanced network services, thus demonstrating the advantage of allowing configurability in these advanced network services.
The subchromatic number of a graph

The subchromatic number X S ( G ) of a graph G = ( V, E ) is the smallest order k of a partition {V 1 , V 2 , …, V k } of the vertices V ( G ) such that the subgraph ( V i ) induced by each subset V i consists of a disjoint union of complete subgraphs. By definition, X s ( G ) ⩽ ( G ), the chromatic number of G . This paper develops properties of this lower bound for the chromatic number.
Current research trends in internet servers

The proceedings of PAWS-2000 included an article “Scalable Internet Servers: Issues and Challenges” [1] wherein we identified eleven different research areas in the Internet Server space that require significant work (available at http://kkant.ccwebhost.com/PAWS2000). The main motivation was to spur more interest and research into the Internet server. In this article we add to this list by mentioning a number of research issues on the two new topics encompassed by PAWS-2001, namely, wireless Internet access and peer to peer computing. On the latter topic, we also describe some of our recent work. We also revisit some of the content and load management issues mentioned in [1] and briefly describe some of the work that we have accomplished in these areas.
Environmental Allergen Analyses

Environmental specimens (dust) from indoor home, school, and work-place environments can be evaluated for the content of aeroallergens produced by dust mite, cat, dog, cockroach, and molds, as a means of determining exposure risk and facilitating avoidance therapy. This article examines the variables that influence the levels of these allergens in indoor environments, methods for sampling, clinical laboratory assays used for testing, and interpretation of aeroallergen results for making decisions about remediation.
Spatially weighted mutual information (SWMI) for registration of digitally reconstructed ex vivo whole mount histology and in vivo prostate MRI

In this work, we present a scheme for the registration of digitally reconstructed whole mount histology (WMH) to pre-operative in vivo multiprotocol prostate MR imagery (T2w and DCE) using spatially weighted mutual information (SWMI). Spatial alignment of ex vivo histological sections to pre-operative in vivo MRI for prostate cancer (CaP) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy is a necessary first step in the discovery of quantitative multiprotocol MRI signatures for CaP. This may be done by spatially mapping delineated extent of disease on ex vivo histopathology onto pre-operative in vivo MRI via image registration. Apart from the challenges in spatially registering multi-modal data (histology and MRI) on account of (a) modality specific differences, (b) deformation due to the endorectal coil and tissue loss on histology, another complication is that the ex vivo histological sections, in the lab, are usually obtained as quadrants. This means they need to be reconstituted as a pseudo-whole mount histologic section (WMHS) prior to registration with MRI. An additional challenge is that most registration techniques rely on availability of the pre-segmented prostate capsule on T2w MRI. The novel contribution of this paper is that it leverages a spatially weighted mutual information (SWMI) scheme to automatically register and map CaP extent from WMHS onto pre-operative, multiprotocol MRI. The SWMI scheme obviates the need for pre-segmentation of the prostate capsule on MRI. Additionally, we leverage a program developed by our group, Histostitcher©, for interactive stitching of individual histology quadrants to digitally reconstruct the pseudo WMHS. Our registration methodology comprises the following main steps, (1) affine registration of T2w and DCE MRI, (2) affine registration of stitched WMHS to multiprotocol T2w and DCE MRI, and (3) multimodal image registration of WMHS to multiprotocol T2w and DCE MRI using SWMI. We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated all aspects of our methodology in the multimodal registration of a total of 7 corresponding histology and MRI sections from 2 different patients. For the 7 studies, we obtained an average Hausdorff distance of 1.85 mm, mean absolute distance of 0.99 mm, RMS of 1.65 mm, and DICE of 0.83, when comparing the capsular alignment on MRI to histology.
Fecal NIRS: detection of tick infestations in cattle and horses.

Abstract Anti-tick treatments are often applied concurrent to routine livestock management practices with little regard to actual infestation levels. Prescription treatments against ticks on grazing cattle would be facilitated by non-invasive detection methods. One such method is fecal near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Four studies utilizing cattle ( Bos spp.) and one with horses ( Equus caballus ) fed varying diets and infested with either Amblyomma americanum , A. maculatum , A. cajennense or Dermacentor albipictus were conducted to determine the ability of fecal NIRS to identify samples from animals with (High stress) and without (Low stress) a tick burden. Discriminant analysis of each individual trial resulted in R 2 > 0.80. Similar analyses utilizing all combinations of four studies, predicting group membership in the remaining study, yielded R 2 > 0.80, but correct determinations for Low and High tick stress samples of only 53.4 and 60.1%, respectively. All five trials were combined and a random 10 or 25% of the samples were removed from the calibration. As in the previous calibrations, a high degree of discrimination was achieved ( R 2 > 0.89). The validation samples were correctly identified at 91.7% for Low stress and 96.3% for High stress, respectively. Difficulties in detecting differences in fecal samples due to confounding effects of trial were overcome by combining calibration sets. Overall, differences in fecal NIR spectra apparently due to tick stress were accurately detected across diet, host species, and tick species.
Gaseous TCE and PCE removal by an activated carbon biofilter

Gaseous trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) are emitted in the treatment of contaminated groundwaters with air stripping and/or the remediation of contaminated soils using vapor extraction techniques. This study investigated the application of biofiltration using cometabolic process to remediate gaseous TCE and PCE that are highly recalcitrant to biodegradation. The investigation was conducted using two specially built stainless steel columns, one for TCE and the other for PCE, packed with granular activated carbon (GAC) coated with phenol-oxidizing microorganisms at residence times of 1.5–7 min. Two activated carbon biofilters were fed with phenol at a specific concentration along with a nutrient solution to optimize the various catalyzed biochemical reactions.
The Role of Social Relationships in the Association between Adolescents' Depressive Symptoms and Academic Achievement.

Abstract While research has established that depression interferes with academic achievement, less is understood about the processes by which social relationships may buffer the relationship between depression and academic outcomes. In this study we examined the role of positive relationships in the school, family and peer contexts in the association between depressive symptoms and academic achievement among 894 adolescents aged 12–17 years living in Santiago, Chile. Depressive symptoms were associated with lower levels of academic achievement; parental monitoring, school belonging, positive mother relationships, and having academically inclined peers moderated this relationship, though some interactions differed by sex and age. Implications for promoting the academic success of adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms are discussed.
Proteinuria in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

The kidney is a target organ in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but the pattern of proteinuria has been poorly described. We retrospectively analyzed proteinuria in all 59 patients with a diagnosis of TTP on their discharge summary from 2000 to 2009. Urinalysis was obtained in 89% of cases; in these, proteinuria was detected by urine dipstick in 85%. In patients with dipstick proteinuria, quantification (grams per day or grams per gram creatinine) was performed in only 34% and ranged from 0.16 grams to 8.0 grams. Patients with larger amounts of proteinuria had more severe acute renal failure, were more likely to receive a renal biopsy, and were more likely to undergo dialysis. When analysis was restricted to patients with highly depressed activity levels of the metalloprotease ADAMST13, proteinuria tended to be low-grade and transient, and renal insufficiency was mild. Proteinuria is common in thrombotic microangiopathies and may be nephroticrange, but TTP with depressed ADAMST13 activity is ch...
The carboxyl terminus of TIRAP is critical to MyD88-dependent TLR-4 signaling

Abstract Introduction: The protein TIRAP (Toll-Interleukin Receptor Adapter Protein) interacts with Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and MyD88 (Myeloid Differentiation protein 88). Since Toll-like receptors produce varying transcriptional responses via MyD88, TIRAP may provide specificity to TLR-4 signaling. The carboxyl portion of TIRAP has been implicated as the region which may modulate TLR-4 signaling. The precise molecular mechanism has not been delineated. We sought to identify the domain critical to TLR-4 signaling using a series of TIRAP deletion mutants. Methods: Multiple mutant DNA sequences were created by progressively shortening the carboxyl terminus of TIRAP. Mutants not containing the critical signaling region were expected to abrogate TLR-4 signaling by competitively inhibiting endogenous TIRAP. Mutant sequences were ligated into the pIRES2-EGFP vector and transfected into RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cells were co-transfected with a luciferase reporter vector containing the tumor necrosis factor-alpha promoter region and a Rinella luciferase vector to normalize for transfection variability. Cells were stimulated with endotoxin and assayed for luciferase production. Results: Macrophages transfected with the TIRAP sequence displayed a potent response to endotoxin stimulation (10.78 normalized luciferase units). All mutants of TIRAP demonstrated an abrogated response to endotoxin stimulation (5.55 − 6.82 NLU; p Conclusions: The terminal region of TIRAP appears critical to TLR-4 signaling. Mutants missing the carboxyl terminus cannot induce a full response to endotoxin. These results help to identify the domain of TIRAP which may provide specificity to MyD88-dependent TLR-4 signaling.
Fabrication and proprerties of PSZT antiferroelectric rainbow actuators

Abstract A new type of high-displacement actuator called Rainbow (Reduced And INternally Biased Oxide Wafer) was recently developed, and it shows promising characteristics in a variety of potential applications. The fabrication and propertites of Rainbow actuators from PSZT antiferroelectric ceramic with compositions near the antiferroelectric-ferroelectric (AFE-FE) phase boundary were investigated.It was found that the chemical reduction reaction proceeded much more rapidly in PSZT than in PLZT ceramics. The optimum conditions for the processing of PSZT Rainbows were determined to be 850°C for 2–3 hours. Large axial displacements ranging from 102 to 273 μm were obtained from the PSZT Rainbow samples by application of electrif fields greater than the AFE-to-FE phase switching levels. The characteristics of the field-induced displacements of the Rainbow samples were dependent on the manner of applying mechanical load on the samples. At room temperature, the antiferroelectric PSZT Rainbows exhibited a conca...
A kinetic analysis of competitive reaction in intrazeolitic media

Competitive reaction in intrazeolitic media is illustrated by the hydroisomerization of hexane isomers over Pt—Mordenite, in the presence of an aromatic cofeed (benzene). The aromatic cofeed significantly inhibits the paraffin reaction, changes the relative reactivities of the different hexane isomers, and modifies the isomer product distributions. The results yield evidence of a coreactant-induced selectivity that acts in conjunction with zeolite structure. The kinetics of the hexane isomerization network are modelled using reaction network analysis developed by Li (1985, Chem. Engng Sci.40, 939–949) and Wei and Prater (1962, Adv. Catal.13, 203–392). A framework of reaction and diffusion in the pores of the zeolite is proposed to justify the observed modifications of reaction rates and isomer selectivities.
Appreciative and consumptive lodging attributes: Conceptualization and measurement

Abstract This study uses an appreciative-consumptive (A-C) approach in the conceptualization and measurement of lodging attributes. While the A-C framework has been effectively utilized in related fields like recreation and tourism, it remains undeveloped in the context of lodging. The purpose of this study is to elucidate a conceptual application of the A-C framework to the lodging sector, develop a scale that can be used to measure A-C constructs in the context of lodging for leisure travelers, and demonstrate the research and practical utility of this scale via use in a structural model and cluster analysis. The instrument developed in this study is dubbed the Appreciative-Consumptive Lodging Attribute Scale (A-CLAS). The A-CLAS is envisaged to represent a means for novel research into the study of lodging attributes, and a compelling new platform from which to envision the design, management, and maintenance of the lodging experience.
A water-soluble polythiophene for organic field-effect transistors

Synthesis of a non-ionic, water-soluble poly(thiophene) (PT) derivative, poly(3-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)methylthiophene) (P3TEGT) with a hydrophilic tri-ethylene glycol side group, is reported and thin films of the polymer suitable for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are characterized by combining analysis techniques that include UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. After thermal annealing, P3TEGT films exhibit a well-organized nanofibrillar lamellar nanostructure that originates from the strong π–π stacking of the thiophene backbones. P-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with hole mobilities of 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1 were fabricated from this water-soluble poly(thiophene) derivative, demonstrating the possibility that environmentally friendly solvents may be promising alternatives for the low-cost, green solvent processed organic electronic device manufacturing of OFETs, organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and biosensors.
Implicit and Explicit Occupational Gender Stereotypes

This study was designed to compare implicit and explicit occupational gender stereotypes for three occupations (engineer, accountant, and elementary school teacher). These occupations represented the end points and middle of a masculine–feminine continuum of explicit occupational gender stereotypes. Implicit stereotypes were assessed using the Implicit Association Test (IAT), which is believed to minimize self-presentational biases common with explicit measures of occupational gender stereotypes. IAT results for the most gender stereotyped occupations, engineer (masculine) and elementary school teacher (feminine), were comparable to explicit ratings. There was less agreement with less stereotyped comparisons. Results indicated that accounting was implicitly perceived as more masculine than explicit measures indicate, which calls into question reports of diminishing gender stereotyping for such occupations.
An efficient technique to select logic nodes for single event transient pulse-width reduction

Abstract An efficient method has been developed to identify logic nodes most likely to generate single-event transients due to p-hits or n-hits. This is weighed against the logical masking effect of gates. Selected gates are hardened by increasing widths of only the restoring devices to reduce single-event error rate.
Over-representation of species-specific vocalizations in the awake mouse inferior colliculus

Social vocalizations are particularly important stimuli in an animal's auditory environment. Because of their importance, vocalizations should be strongly represented in auditory pathways. Mice commonly emit ultrasonic vocalizations with spectral content between 45 and 100 kHz. However, there is limited representation of these ultra-high frequencies (particularly those greater than 60 kHz) throughout the ascending auditory system. Here, we show that neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of mice respond strongly to conspecific vocalizations even though the energy in the vocalizations is above the neurons' frequency tuning curves. This results in an over-representation of species-specific vocalizations in the IC. In addition, neurons in mouse IC show selectivity among different vocalizations. Many vocalization-responsive neurons do not respond to the individual ultrasonic frequencies contained within the vocalizations, but they do respond to combinations of ultrasonic tones if the difference between the tones is within the excitatory frequency tuning curve. The combinations of tones that elicit responses are the quadratic and/or cubic intermodulation distortion components that are generated by the cochlea. Thus, the intermodulation distortions in the cochlea may provide a previously overlooked mechanism for auditory processing of complex stimuli such as vocalizations. The implication of these findings is that nonlinear interactions of frequencies, possibly caused by distortions in the system, may be used to enhance the sensitivity to behaviorally important stimuli.
Transient natural convection for vertical elements for time dependent internal energy generation—appreciable thermal capacity

Abstract Temperature response has been determined for natural convection transients involving an element of finite thermal capacity (in an extensive fluid) subject to a linear increase in input thermal energy to an asymptotic value. Response characteristics were obtained by numerically integrating the differential equations which resulted from a modified integral analysis of such transients. The calculations indicate the nature of transient response and indicate the conditions under which such transients may be accurately treated as quasi-static processes.
Making room for rules

Kantian moral theories must explain how their most basic moral values of dignity and autonomy should be interpreted and applied to human conditions. One place Kantians should look for inspiration is, surprisingly, the utilitarian tradition and its emphasis on generally accepted, informally enforced, publicly known moral rules of the sort that help us give assurances, coordinate our behavior, and overcome weak wills. Kantians have tended to ignore utilitarian discussions of such rules mostly because they regard basic moral principles as a priori requirements that cannot be tailored to human foibles and limitations. I argue that Kantian moral theories should incorporate public moral rules as mid-level moral requirements for embodied and socially embedded human agents. I explain how certain specific moral judgments about how we ought to act are justified by public moral rules, which are themselves justified by more fundamental moral requirements.
Application of Capacitors in Low Frequency and Long Time Constant Circuits

This paper discusses the low frequency (less than 1 cps) and long time constant applications and testing of capacitors as used in analog control systems. Emphasis is placed on tantalum electrolyric types, as they provide the necessary volume efficiency for airborne systems. The effective capacitance is always larger at the low frequencies than at normal capacitance bridge measuring frequencies. The amount and predictability of the change varies with the rate of charge, the dielectric material and, in the case of tantalums, with the electrolytic system. The polar characteristics of tantalum capacitors introduce other problems, such as doubling the effective capacitance during the first cycle of applied voltage, and hybrid charging curves as voltage levels change. The cause of the increase in charge or discharge time with low rates of change applied is not known. It is apparently allied with the characteristic of dielectric absorption (voltage recovery after shorting the electrodes) in that those capacitors exhibiting the least dielectric absorption also show the least low-frequency sensitivitye Polarization of molecules or molecular chains in the dielectric and/or electrolyte is the probable cause.
Abstract 2591: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) suppresses melanoma tumor growth by inhibiting AKT/XIAP pathway

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The incidence of melanoma is constantly on the rise indicating that current available therapies are not very effective. Moreover, melanoma is highly metastatic and resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. Our previous studies have demonstrated that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) suppress the growth of melanoma cells and induce ROS generation. However, the exact mechanism of the growth suppressive effects of CAPE was not clear. Here we determined the potential mechanism of CAPE against melanoma in vitro and in vivo. In a concentration and time-dependent study, CAPE treatment suppressed the activating phosphorylation of PI3K at Tyr-458, PDK1 at Ser-241, mTOR at Ser-2448 and AKT at Ser-473 in B16F0 and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Furthermore, the expression of XIAP, survivin and BCl2 were down-regulated by CAPE treatment in both the cell lines. Significant apoptosis was observed in both the cell lines by CAPE treatment as indicated by cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP. AKT kinase activity was inhibited by CAPE in a concentration-dependent manner. Since Akt regulates XIAP, their interaction was examined by immunoprecipitation studies. Our results show that CAPE treatment decreased the interaction of AKT with XIAP. To establish the involvement of Akt in the apoptosis-inducing effects of CAPE, cells were transfected with Akt. Our results reveal that AKT over-expression attenuated the decrease in XIAP and significantly blocked CAPE-mediated apoptosis. Similarly, over-expression of XIAP further decreased CAPE-induced apoptosis. To confirm the involvement of ROS in the inhibition of AKT/XIAP pathway, cells were treated with antioxidant NAC prior to CAPE treatment. Our results indicate that NAC blocked CAPE mediated AKT/XIAP inhibition and protected the cells from apoptosis. In addition, oral administration of 10mg/kg/day CAPE substantially suppressed the growth of B16F0 tumor xenografts in C57BL/6 mice. Tumors from CAPE treated mice showed reduced phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR and protein level of XIAP and enhanced the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP. Taken together, our results suggest that CAPE suppresses AKT/XIAP pathway leading to apoptosis in melanoma tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. [Supported in part by R01 grant CA129038 (to S.K.S) awarded by the National Cancer Institute]. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2591. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2591
Use and Verification of Digital Image Correlation for Automated 3-D Surface Characterization in the Scanning Electron Microscope

In this article a technique for automatically characterizing the three-dimensional geometry of fracture surfaces is presented. The technique described utilizes digital image correlation (DIC) to provide an accurate and fast method of digitally reconstructing fracture surfaces from stereo pairs produced in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Accuracy of photogrammetric relationships, based on the geometry of image formation in the SEM, and errors due to scan distortions are quantified. The technique is used to measure features of known geometry and then applied to a turbine blade, for surface roughness measurement, and a fatigue fracture surface for profile analysis.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy of Magnetite Nanocrystal Diffusion

We have measured the hydrodynamic radii of magnetite nanocrystals (NCs) with an 11 nm core by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). We found that the sizes determined from particle diffusion varied by as much as an order of magnitude for the same magnetite NC sample due to the presence of a small number of larger and brighter aggregates, which bias the fluorescence autocorrelation. By analyzing the fluorescence intensity distributions and applying a magnetic field we were able to gain insight into the size distribution of the magnetite NCs and estimate the percentage of larger aggregates present. Size-selective separation of aggregates larger than about 60 nm in diameter was achieved by applying a magnetic field of 0.24 T.
Osteoarthritis year in review 2013: biology

The purpose of this review was to present highlights from the published literature on the topic of the biology of osteoarthritis (OA). A PubMed search was conducted in order to locate original research manuscripts published since the last OARSI meeting in 2012. From review of the published literature, common themes emerged as active areas of research over the past year including studies in the areas of epigenetics, Wnt signaling, the role of inflammatory pathways in OA, lubricin, fibroblast growth factor signaling, and studies on OA biology in bone. Key findings in these areas were summarized and implications for future therapies were discussed.
Determinants of dropout in a longitudinal, cohort study of urologic disease in community-based men

Purpose To determine factors associated with dropout in a 12-year community-based, prospective cohort study of urologic disease in men. Methods During 1989 to 1991, 2115 randomly selected Caucasian men from Olmsted County, Minnesota, age 40 to 79 years, were enrolled in a study of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and followed with questionnaires biennially; 332 men were added in follow-up. A subset of men (∼25%) received a urologic examination. Associations were evaluated between dropout as of the seventh biennial follow-up. Baseline characteristics included age, BPH (urinary symptoms and flow rate), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease), and socioeconomic factors (marital status, education level). Results Of the 2447 men who began the study, 195 died between contacts and 682 did not participate in 2002. After excluding those who died, age was a dropout factor, with men 70 years of age or older at baseline being less likely to participate than men in the 40- to 49-year age group (odds ratio OR = 2.65; 95% confidence interval CI = 1.93, 3.63). Men who had suffered a stroke at baseline had the highest dropout, compared with men who had not suffered a stroke (age-adjusted OR = 3.07; CI = 1.49, 6.33); however, this represented a small percentage of the cohort, with 22 men who suffered a stroke at baseline dropping out. Presence of at least one BPH symptom was not a dropout factor (age-adjusted OR = 1.12; CI = 0.93, 1.36). Furthermore, individuals without a high school education were more likely to drop out than those with at least a high school education (age-adjusted OR = 2.50; CI = 1.80, 3.47). Conclusion These results provide some assurances that dropout was not related to primary study outcomes; however, factors such as comorbidities, age, and education level seem to play a role.
Trif-dependent induction of Th17 immunity by lung dendritic cells

Allergic asthma is thought to stem largely from maladaptive T helper 2 (Th2) responses to inhaled allergens, which in turn lead to airway eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). However, many individuals with asthma have airway inflammation that is predominantly neutrophilic and resistant to treatment with inhaled glucocorticoids. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of this form of asthma might lead to improved strategies for its treatment. Here, we identify novel roles of the adaptor protein, TRIF (TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β), in neutrophilic responses to inhaled allergens. In different mouse models of asthma, Trif-deficient animals had marked reductions in interleukin (IL)-17, airway neutrophils, and AHR compared with wild-type (WT) mice, whereas airway eosinophils were generally similar in these two strains. Compared with lung dendritic cells (DCs) from WT mice, lung DCs from Trif-deficient mice displayed impaired lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced migration to regional lymph nodes, lower levels of the costimulatory molecule, CD40, and produced smaller amounts of the T helper 17 (Th17)-promoting cytokines, IL-6, and IL-1β. When cultured with allergen-specific, naive T cells, Trif-deficient lung DCs stimulated robust Th2 cell differentiation but very weak Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation. Together, these findings reveal a TRIF-CD40-Th17 axis in the development of IL-17-associated neutrophilic asthma.
Adoptive immunotherapy for cancer: harnessing the T cell response

Immunotherapy based on the adoptive transfer of naturally occurring or gene-engineered T cells can mediate tumour regression in patients with metastatic cancer. Here, we discuss progress in the use of adoptively transferred T cells, focusing on how they can mediate tumour cell eradication. Recent advances include more accurate targeting of antigens expressed by tumours and the associated vasculature, and the successful use of gene engineering to re-target T cells before their transfer into the patient. We also describe how new research has helped to identify the particular T cell subsets that can most effectively promote tumour eradication.
Currents in the Aleutian Basin and subarctic North Pacific near the dateline in summer 1993

[1] The currents in the Aleutian Basin of the Bering Sea and in the subarctic North Pacific near the dateline in summer 1993 are described, based on Shipboard Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and Lowered Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler velocity measurements and on conductivity-temperature-depth profiles. The strongest flow is the Alaskan Stream with velocities up to 90 cm s−1 and with a subsurface core as narrow as 30 km at about 150 m depth. Velocity at the bottom below the Alaskan Stream could not be distinguished from zero. The inflow of the Alaskan Stream through Amchitka Pass accounted for about 70% of the Aleutian North Slope Current in the Aleutian Basin. Two anticyclonic eddies occupied most of the Aleutian Basin along the cruise track. Both eddies extended to the bottom.
Mitotic kinase Aurora-A phosphorylates RASSF1A and modulates RASSF1A-mediated microtubule interaction and M-phase cell cycle regulation

RASSF1A (RAS-association domain family 1, isoform A) is a newer tumor suppressor that binds to and stabilizes microtubules as well as induces M-phase cell cycle arrest. Several other proteins that interact with and stabilize microtubules also undergo mitotic phase phosphorylation to regulate microtubule dynamics and M-phase cell cycle progression. Currently, however, there is a paucity of information regarding the phosphorylation status of RASSF1A and its regulation during mitosis. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate that Aurora-A is a RASSF1A kinase and, to the best of our knowledge, this is also the first study reporting the identification of a kinase for RASSF1A. We show that the mitotic kinase Aurora-A directly interacts with and phosphorylates RASSF1 and that RASSF1A is phosphorylated by Aurora-A during mitosis. These findings therefore link an important oncogenic mitotic kinase to regulate RASSF1A tumor suppressor. Aurora-A appears to phosphorylate RASSF1A at Threonine202 and/or Serine203 that reside within the known microtubule-binding domain of RASSF1A. Substitutions of these residues with glutamic acid at both positions, mimicking constitutive phosphorylation of RASSF1A, disrupt RASSF1A interactions with microtubules and abolish its ability to induce M-phase cell cycle arrest. Our results further demonstrate that Aurora-A overexpression also interferes with RASSF1A-mediated growth suppression. In view of our results, we propose that Aurora-A-mediated phosphorylation of RASSF1A is a novel mechanism that regulates the ability of this tumor suppressor to interact with microtubules and modulate M-phase cell cycle progression.
Serum requirements necessary for the opsonophagocytosis ofescherichia coli O73:K92:H1

TheEscherichia coli O73:K92:H1 serotype, which possesses a capsular antigen immunochemically similar to the capsule of the group C meningococcus, is demonstrated in this study to be resistant to phagocytosis by normal human PMNs and serum and to be dependent upon immune antibody and presumably the classical complement pathway for opsonization.
Long Timescale Simulations of Ligand Binding in Glutamate Receptors

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are ligand gated ion channels that mediate the majority of fast excitatory transmissions in the central nervous system. They transduce chemical information upon agonist binding into electrical information at synapses. In this study, we present long timescale simulations of both ligand binding association and dissociation events. Novel intermediate states and metastable interactions are identified using potential of mean force (PMF) calculations. Kinetics are inferred using a Markov state model (MSM).
New Feminist Television Studies: Queries Into Postfeminist Television

The articles appearing in this special issue of the journal all suggest how the production culture of television engages, constrains, and challenges postfeminism. What happens when postfeminism and...
Rail freight service productivity from the manager's perspective

Abstract To be beneficial to management, productivity concepts must be translated into terms that are meaningful to managers at all levels of the organization. Productivity per se is not nearly as important to these people as service quality and financial performance, especially since measured productivity can improve while profits or service levels decline. Productivity must, therefore, be related to an integrated set of performance measures that reflect costs, revenues, trip times and reliability, equipment availability and other matters of continuing concern to transportation companies. Planning and control are critical components of any program to improve productivity. The techniques required to measure and understand productivity are precisely those used in planning and in developing control systems. Furthermore, productivity is conceptually very close to cost analysis, which is a major focus of planning and control. Any transportation company has access to the data needed to develop a vast array of performance measures, including many productivity measures. This paper will illustrate the way that railroads can integrate productivity concepts within more global performance measurement systems. Specific attention will be given to terminal control systems, costing systems for origin-to-destination movements and life-cycle costing techniques for track maintenance planning.
The Fuzzy Expert Exploration Tool for the Delaware Basin: Development, testing and applications

The Delaware Fuzzy Expert Exploration Tool (FEE Tool) is an expert system designed to reduce exploration risk for the Lower Brushy Canyon formation of the Delaware Basin. The components of the Delaware FEE Tool include a knowledge base containing sets of rules developed through expert interviews, an answer base of numerical inputs to these rules, an inference engine that uses fuzzy logic to evaluate the rules with answer base or user-provided data, and a user interface where the user can work with input data and interpret the tool's results. For each of 60,478,40-acre locations in the New Mexico portion of the Delaware Basin, the FEE Tool output includes a scaled quality estimate in the set {0, 1}, with a value of 0.65 or greater, indicating a low risk prospect. In testing, the quality estimates were found to be significantly higher at locations where recent successful wells were located. The Delaware FEE Tool was also used as a reserve estimation tool by relating the FEE Tool estimate at a known producing well to its total expected production. Then the FEE Tool estimates at undrilled locations were used to calculate a reserve estimate. Using this approach, the probable regional reserves were estimated to fall between 278 and 432 millionbbls.
Correlation of the location of coronary arterial spasm with the lead distribution of ST segment elevation during variant angina.

Abstract The lead distribution of ST segment elevation produced by severe “spasm” of major coronary arteries was correlated with the specific artery involved in a group of 110 cases of variant angina with single vessel coronary arterial spasm made up from eight cases personally observed and 102 cases abstracted from published literature. The most sensitive and specific lead for ST elevation during anterior descending (LAD) coronary arterial spasm was V 3 ; V 2 was almost as good. For spasm of either the right (RCA) or circumflex coronary artery (CMFX), Leads 3 and aV F showed ST elevation most frequently; electrocardiographically it was difficult to distinguish between spasm of these two vessels. ST elevation in Leads V 5 and V 6 was not specific, occurring in some cases of spasm of each of the three major coronary arteries. ST elevation in Lead V 1 occurred in either RCA or LAD spas, but never in CMFX spasm. ST elevation in Lead 1 was never seen with isolated RCA spasm. No single lead can detect all cases of transient ST elevation. Simultaneous monitoring of Leads 3 and V 3 would have detected 98.2% of 333 cases of ST elevation reviewed, and addition of Lead aV L would have detected most of the remainder. These findings should be considered in lead selection for monitoring to detect ST elevation, and in using the ECG to identify spastic coronary arteries.
Theory for measuring bivalent surface binding kinetics using total internal reflection with fluorescence photobleaching recovery.

Total internal reflection with fluorescence photobleaching recovery (TIR-FPR) is a method for experimentally examining coupled diffusion and reaction kinetics at surfaces. In a previous work (Thompson et al. 1981. Biophys. J. 33:435–454), a theoretical basis for interpreting TIR-FPR data was described for monovalent ligands that undergo a reversible reaction with monovalent surface sites in a single step. Here, the theory for TIR-FPR has been extended to two different surface binding mechanisms that involve sequential, bivalent surface attachment. Methods for obtaining the intrinsic surface association and dissociation kinetic rates from measured fluorescence photobleaching recovery curves are described. The new theory should be applicable to the association of bivalent protein ligands such as antibodies with supported planar model membranes.
Stimulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor in vivo by infusion of angiotensin II. Evidence of a potential interaction between the renin-angiotensin system and fibrinolytic function.

BACKGROUNDRecent clinical trial data indicate that the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors among patients with left ventricular dysfunction results in reduced rates of coronary th...
Full Brother-Sister Marriage in Roman Egypt: Another Look

All definitions of the incest taboo include the idea of a taboo against sexual intercourse between individuals related in certain degrees of kinship (Arens 1986:5). However, there is wide variation with regard to the range of prohibited real or putative kin, the strength and explicitness of the rule and its sanctions, the symbolism and meanings associated with it, and speculations about its origin and functions. Of course there are ever present differences about its cultural and biological status. The essential and most interesting aspect of exceptions is that, rather than proving or disproving a rule, they present the opportunity to enlarge our understanding of underlying processes. An interesting exception to the alleged universality of the nuclear family incest taboo is the normative and pervasive institutionalization of full brother-sister marriages in Roman Egypt during the first three centuries C.E. Although the evidence in the papyri is clear about the existence of this practice, there exists no direct evidence in the relevant literature of either its causal antecedents or its personal or social consequences. Aside from relatively unusual cases provided by royalty in a few different societies, explained by special religious and economic functions (Arens 1986), this is the only instance where full brother-sister marriages were socially acceptable and institutionalized in a relatively sizable sector of the nonroyal population and for a lengthy period of time. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to present circumstantial evidence that permits inferences regarding the conditions giving rise to this occurrence; second, to comment on its wider implications for understanding the relationship of a phylogenetically pervasive biopsychological phenomenon (that is, inbreeding avoidance) to a sociocultural one (that is, the incest taboo) (Parker 1995). The latter issue has engendered considerable controversy in the anthropological literature.
Influence of Desiccation on the Transport of Escherichia coli through Saturated Sand Packs

Bacterial cells that enter the groundwater system commonly experience desiccation stresses (i.e., bacterial cells are directly exposed to air) when traveling through the unsaturated layer of soil. Little is known about the effects of desiccation on the transport of bacterial cells in the groundwater system. In this research, we investigated the transport of desiccated and non-desiccated Escherichia coli K12 (ATCC 10798) cells through saturated sand packs using laboratory column transport experiments. Cell desiccation was performed at 25°C under relative humidity (RH) levels of 22%, 53%, 75%, and 97%, respectively, and the desiccation duration was 22 h. Our results showed that desiccation reduced the viability of E. coli cells under all RH levels and increased the transport of E. coli cells under ≥75% RH levels. The increase in the transport of the desiccated E. coli cells was not related to changes in cell size or cell zeta potential. Desiccation under high (i.e., ≥75%) RH levels, however, led to lower cell hydrophobicity, which was found to be positively correlated with cell transport.