cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternate Estrogen Receptors Promote Invasion of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells via Non-Genomic Signaling

Although Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and an aggressive type of locally advanced breast cancer with a generally worst prognosis, little work has been done in identifying the status of non-genomic signaling in the invasiveness of IBC. The present study was performed to explore the status of non-genomic signaling as affected by various estrogenic and anti-estrogenic agents in IBC cell lines SUM149 and SUM190. We have identified the presence of estrogen receptor α (ERα) variant, ERα36 in SUM149 and SUM190 cells. This variant as well as ERβ was present in a substantial concentration in IBC cells. The treatment with estradiol (E2), anti-estrogenic agents 4-hydroxytamoxifen and ICI 182780, ERβ specific ligand DPN and GPR30 agonist G1 led to a rapid activation of p-ERK1/2, suggesting the involvement of ERα36, ERβ and GPR30 in the non-genomic signaling pathway in these cells. We also found a substantial increase in the cell migration and invasiveness of SUM149 cells upon the treatment with these ligands. Both basal and ligand-induced migration and invasiveness of SUM149 cells were drastically reduced in the presence of MEK inhibitor U0126, implicating that the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by MEK is involved in the observed motility and invasiveness of IBC cells. We also provide evidence for the upregulation of p-ERK1/2 through immunostaining in IBC patient samples. These findings suggest a role of non-genomic signaling through the activation of p-ERK1/2 in the hormonal dependence of IBC by a combination of estrogen receptors. These findings only explain the failure of traditional anti-estrogen therapies in ER-positive IBC which induces the non-genomic signaling, but also opens newer avenues for design of modified therapies targeting these estrogen receptors.
Compact airborne staring FPA sensor with microscanning

As staring focal plane array (FPA) detectors become more readily available, imaging IR sensors can be constructed in more compact packages that are lighter and consume less power than first or second generation scanning IR sensor packages. However, FPA detector-based imagers typically demonstrate reduced resolution when compared to scanning systems with similar instantaneous-field-of-view. This resolution limitation is created by a the active pixel size and the spatially synchronous scene sampling native to staring FPA systems. A technique called microscanning can be used to improve the resolution of staring systems by over-sampling the scene; moving the image of the scene on the detector in a controlled fashion. This paper presents a compact MWIR staring FPA airborne forward looking infrared sensor design using microscanning for resolution improvement.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Relationship Quality and Buyer–Seller Interactions in Channels of Distribution

Abstract This study considers how relationship marketing is manifest in actual interactions between buyers and sellers involved in on-going relationships with varying degrees of relationship quality. Seven buyer–seller, interaction encounters were observed, audiotaped, and analyzed. Before observing the encounters, however, in-depth interviews were conducted with the buyers to determine their perceived quality of the relationships within which the interactions would occur. Qualitative and empirically based evidence suggest systematic, behavioral differences across the interactions. Specifically, the results suggest that relatively higher-quality relationships tend to exhibit more friendliness, less question asking, disagreement, and compliance behavior as compared with lower-quality relationships. Buyers in lower-quality relationships tend to dominate the interaction by disagreeing and talking a larger percentage of the time relative to buyers in higher-quality relationships. As the quality of the relationship increases, however, buyers disagree less and allow sellers more latitude in time spent talking.
Prognosis and treatment in minimal breast cancer

Of 176 patients with minimal breast cancer, 138 had intraductal carcinoma in situ, 21 minimally invasive carcinoma, and 17 lobular carcinoma in situ. Various modalities of treatment were used including radical, modified radical, and simple mastectomy with and without radiation therapy. Long-term postoperative follow-up was available in all but five patients and ranged from one year to twenty-one years. Actuarial analysis projected a twenty year survival of 93.2 per cent for the entire group. Analysis of survival figures based on each of the several treatment modalities showed no definite advantage of one form of treatment over another. The data suggest that minimal breast cancer is a prognostically favorable diagnosis, provided invasive carcinoma is not present or does not develop in the opposite breast. It is also indicated that breast cancer is potentially a bilateral disease and that follow-up and treatment of the opposite breast must be of major concern in the care of these patients.
Transitioning biomarkers into the clinic.

Scott Waldman is currently the Chairman of the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and the Director of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology. He is the Samuel MV Professor, Department of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Waldman’s research interests focus on molecular pathways underlying early intestinal tumorigenesis and their utility as novel targeted agents for managing patients with colorectal cancer. Waldman obtained his BSc degree in Biology from the University at Albany, his PhD degree in Anatomy from Thomas Jefferson University and his MD degree from Stanford University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia and Stanford University in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology. He has received numerous honors and awards. He currently has 20 awarded patents and 30 patents pending related to novel diagnostic, therapeutic and immunological targets for gastrointestinal malignancies. He is a member of several editorial boards and scientific peer-...
Fatty acid content of eggs determines antipredator performance of fish larvae

Abstract Recent work has suggested that provisioning of eggs with certain critical nutrients could be a more meaningful measure of maternal investment and correlate of offspring fitness than traditional measures of egg size. The aim of our study was to assess variability in egg quality and larva quality and to identify connections between them and the implications for larval survival. Egg size, proximate composition, and fatty acid composition were measured for 40 batches of eggs from 8 captive pairs of red drum (Osteichthyes: Sciaenops ocellatus ). We reared larvae from these batches of eggs to a common size (10 mm total length, 2–3 weeks posthatching) and assessed routine activity and escape response performance of 671 individuals. Egg fatty acid composition varied more than egg size or proximate composition. Concentrations of certain long chain, highly unsaturated essential fatty acids (e.g., arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) were the only egg traits that were significantly related to larva quality (measured as escape performance). Reduced escape performance of larvae from eggs with low fatty acid concentrations was not compensated by 3 weeks of feeding on a diet enriched with fatty acids, suggesting irreversible developmental effects. Since fatty acids in eggs originate from the maternal diet, offspring survival may be determined in part by availability of nutrient-rich prey to pre-spawning adults. Migrations, regime shifts, and exploitation of marine communities could operate through this mechanism to influence recruitment in fish populations. Our findings underscore the importance of non-genetic maternal contributions to egg quality and the linkage between environmental conditions experienced by adult females and offspring fitness.
On the information content of graphs: Compound symbols; Different states for each point

The idea of assigning an information content to a graph is extended to include the following two situations: (a) Combinations of sets of topologically equivalent points are used as symbols; (b) Points of the graph may exist in different states.
Electron spin resonance of Dy and Er in Ir

Abstract The electron spin resonance of Er and Dy in Ir is reported. The exchange interaction between the localized moment and the conduction electrons is separated into f-d and f-s character, and estimates are given for its component magnitudes.
Capacitance of a hyperabrupt tuning varactor diode

The voltage variable capacitor has been used in tuning circuits for some time. The hyperabrupt varactor diode is fabricated to yield an especially steep capacitance-voltage characteristic under reverse bias conditions. An analysis of this diode yields an analytical expression for capacitance versus applied reverse bias which agrees remarkably well with the experimentally determined C-V curves.
role of crack tip shielding in the initiation and growth of long and small fatigue cracks in composite microstructures

The role of crack tip shielding in retarding the initiation and growth of fatigue cracks has been examined in metallic composite microstructures (consisting of hard and soft phases), with the objective of achieving maximum resistance to fatigue. Specifically, duplex ferritic-martensitic structures have been developed in AISI 1008 and 1015 mild steels to promote shielding without loss in strength. The shielding is developed primarily from crack deflection and resultant crack closure, such that unusually high long crack propagation resistance is obtained. It is found that the fatigue threshold ΔK TH in AISI 1008 can be increased by more than 100 Pct to over 20 MPa Vm, without sacrifice in strength, representing the highest ambient temperature threshold reported for a metallic alloy to date. Similar but smaller increases are found in AISI 1015. The effect of the dual-phase microstructures on crack initiation and small crack (10 to 1000 ώm) growth, however, is markedly different, characteristic of behavior influenced by the mutual comPctition of intrinsic and extrinsic (shielding) “toughening” mechanisms. Accordingly, the composite microstructures which appear to show the highest resistance to the growth of long cracks, show the lowest resistance to crack initiation and small crack growth. In general, dual-phase steels are found to display remarkable fatigue properties, with fatigue limits as high as 58 Pct of the tensile strengths and fatigue thresholds in the range of 13 to 20 MPaVm.
Valuation of project portfolios: An endogenously discounted method

Abstract Real options analysis (ROA) has been developed to value assets in which managerial flexibilities create significant value. The methodology is ideal for the valuation of projects in which frequent adjustments (e.g. investment deferral, project scope changes, etc) are necessary in response to the realization of market and technological uncertainties. However, ROA has no practical application when valuing portfolios of multiple concurrent projects sharing resources, as the size of the problem grows exponentially with the number of projects and the length of the time horizon. In this paper an extension of ROA suitable for the valuation of project portfolios with substantial technological uncertainty (e.g. R&D portfolios) is proposed. The method exploits the distributed decision making strategy encountered in most organizations to decompose the portfolio valuation problem into a decision-making sub-problem and a set of single project valuation sub-problems that can be sequentially solved. Discrete event simulation is used for the first sub-problem, while a tailored ROA based strategy is used for the set of valuation sub-problems. A case study from the pharmaceutical industry is used to compare the decision tree analysis (DTA) method and the proposed method.
Polyvinylchloride membranes in immunosensor design

Abstract The application of polyvinylchloride materials in sensor systems has been studied previously. A new method of protein immobilisation has been developed, in which the topochemistry of the antigen–antibody reaction is located in the porous structure of a PVC membrane This allows an improvement in the sensitivity of the proposed sensor system. The device is based on a bioaffinity polymeric membrane (with immobilised antibody [Ab]) which is able to change its ion permeability during an immunochemical reaction. The electrical conductivity of the system with the Ab-bound membrane increases in the presence of the antigen (Ag) allowing the determination of its concentration. Comparable sensitivity (5 ng ml−1) and reduced response time (5–6 min) with regard to the established ELISA method were achieved. The transmembrane potential of the membranes studied was measured and a possible mechanism for the sensor response formation is proposed.
Right upper lobe collapse following uneventful endotracheal intubation.

NESTHESIOLOGISTS, intensivists, pulmoA nologists, and surgeons are aware that right mainstem intubation may precipitate leftsided pulmonary atelectasis and collapse.’ Less frequently, right mainstem intubation initiates a seemingly paradoxical collapse of a portion of the lung on the right side, the right upper lobe (RUL).2 Two cases of right upper lobe collapse are presented herein. These were unusual in their presentation because there was no suggestion of right mainstem intubation or of abnormal RUL bronchial anatomy in either case to account for the RUL collapse. cm H,O. At this time the patient had a heart rate of 80 beats/min and a blcod pressure of 140/80 mm Hg. The endotracheal tube was withdrawn 2 cm and a suction catheter was passed through it several times. The tube was not obstructed and there were few secretions. An arterial blood gas analysis, obtained while the patient was receiving an F,O, of 1.0, showed a pH of 7.43, PaCO, of 33 mm Hg, and PaO, of 364 mm Hg, with an oxygen saturation of 99.8%. A chest x-ray showed collapse of the RUL and partial collapse of the right middle lobe (RML). There was a reduction in the right lung volume and a shift of the mediastinum to the right. The esophageal stethoscope was in the proper position and the endotracheal (ET) tube was well above the carina on the x-ray (Fig 1).
Interaction between the hepatitis C virus and the immune system.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a wide spectrum of liver diseases ranging from symptomatic or asymptomatic acute infection with self-limited disease to persistent infection with chronic active hepatitis and an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The outcome of HCV infection (i.e., viral clearance or persistence) and the manifestation and degree of liver disease is the result of complicated interactions between the virus and the immune response of the host. Remarkably, most de novo HCV infections are clinically inapparent and characterized by a high incidence (70%) of chronically evolving hepatitis, which suggests that HCV may have evolved strategies to not induce, overcome, or evade efficient immune responses of the host. This may be a multifactorial process, influenced by viral tissue tropism, replication, sequence variation and by functional alteration of infected cells. The interaction between HCV and the specific humoral and cellular immune response of the host, the role of the liver as the primary site of viral replication, the target of the host's immune response, and potential mechanisms of viral escape are discussed.
Definition and classification of renal osteodystrophy

One of the major complications that arise as a result of chronic kidney disease is that of ‘renal osteodystrophy.’ It is believed to be a multifactorial disorder of altered bone modeling. Bone biopsy occupies a central role in the differentiation of the various kinds of renal osteodystrophy based on histological findings. However, due to its limitations of being a rather invasive and costly procedure, it is performed rather infrequently. Therefore, scientists started to focus on alternative measures of classifying the various types, e.g., the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH has been used as an indicator of bone turnover, thereby dividing the diseases into those of high turnover and low turnover. To further our understanding of this particular disease entity, a unified definition and classification was formulated and adopted by well-renowned experts from both local and international scenes, and this is presented in some detail in this chapter. It is hoped, that such unification will enhance communication, facilitate clinical decision making, and promote the evolution of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines worldwide. (2)
An FDA phase I clinical trial of quinacrine sterilization (QS).

Objective: To review the significance of a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Phase I clinical trial of a new use for an old drug, quinacrine. To discover whether ultrasound may have utility in quinacrine sterilization (QS). Method: This clinical trial began on 16 September 2000 at the Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) in Buffalo, New York. Ten patients volunteered to have QS. These subjects were carefully followed with regularly scheduled examinations, including extensive laboratory blood tests. In addition, each patient had a trans-abdominal ultrasound examination six weeks or later past the date of the second insertion of quinacrine. The trial was completed on 30 April 2003. Results: Laboratory results fell within normal limits, thus providing additional evidence to affirm the lack of toxic effects of QS. With ultrasound, we were able to see scars in both oviducts on all of our patients. One patient with a small scar as seen on ultrasound became pregnant. Conclusion: QS was found to be safe and effective. Ultrasound holds the promise of reducing the failure rate.
High-grade renal injuries in children—is conservative management possible?

Abstract Objectives To review our experience with the management of high-grade (grade IV and V) renal injuries to clarify the role of conservative management. Methods From 1991 to 2003, 79 consecutive patients (age range 2 to 14 years) with renal injuries were treated in an urban level I pediatric trauma center. Twenty children were identified as having high-grade renal injury (grade IV, 10 children and grade V, 10 children). The mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in 17 patients (85%) and penetrating trauma in 3 (15%). Results Of the 10 patients with grade IV injury, 8 (80%) were successfully treated conservatively with bedrest and catheter drainage. Two patients with persistent urine leaks required ureteral stenting, and one subsequently required open operative repair. The initial radiographic findings in both patients demonstrated complete renal fracture with retained vasculature to both renal segments. All 10 patients with grade V injury required open operative management and only 3 (30%) achieved long-term renal salvage. Conclusions Most children with grade IV renal injury can be treated conservatively. Patients with complete renal fracture or significant urinary extravasation on initial radiographic imaging may be less likely to undergo spontaneous resolution. Patients with a persistent urinary leak can be successfully treated with internal drainage. Grade V injuries are associated with an increased risk of requiring open operative intervention, and the renal preservation rates are low.
An Integrated Multipurpose Lesion-making Electrode

PURPOSE: Although excellent results are reported from centers using microelectrode mapping during stereotactic pallidotomy, the recording methods used are time-consuming and technically cumbersome. We sought to develop a new electrode concept that may, when eventually applied in clinical practice, improve the efficiency and safety of microelectrode-guided functional neurosurgical procedures. CONCEPT: The scout electrode uses a recently developed research technique for simultaneously obtaining multiple microelectrode recordings along the shaft of a macroelectrode. RATIONALE: By positioning recording sites on either side of a lesion-making contact, it is possible to functionally scout the brain tissue surrounding the proposed lesion site, thus eliminating the need for serial movements and electrode interchanges. DISCUSSION: The feasibility of the scout electrode concept was tested using prototypes placed into cat medial geniculate nucleus. High-quality unit recordings were simultaneously obtained from different regions within the medial geniculate nucleus. This ability to physiologically map sites above and below the lesion-making contact facilitated precise placement of radiofrequency lesions in the center of the medial geniculate nucleus. These results suggest that it may be possible to develop clinically useful devices based on this novel concept.
J Integral measurements of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene

Fracture of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) contributes to damage modes occurring on the articulating surfaces of total joint replacement components. To minimize damage through the optimization of component design requires an understanding of the fracture behavior of UHMWPE. A fracture/mechanics approach was taken in which J integral tests were performed on three-point bend specimens of two thicknesses. JIC was determined to be 99.5 kJ/m2 and was independent of specimen thickness. The fracture surfaces for both specimen thicknesses showed extensive orientation and failure through multiple layers of material, suggesting that UHMWPE experiences plane stress conditions at the crack tip, regardless of thickness.
Non-LTE profiles of the Al I autoionization lines

A non-LTE formulation is given for the transfer of radiation in the autoionizing lines of neutral aluminum at λ1932 and λ1936 through both the Bilderberg and Harvard-Smithsonian model atmospheres. Numerical solutions for the common source function of these lines and their theoretical line profiles are calculated and compared with the corresponding LTE profiles. Our results show that the non-LTE profiles provide a better match with the observations. They also indicate that the continuous opacity of the standard solar models should be increased in this wavelength region if the center-limb variations of observed and theoretical profiles of these lines are to be in reasonable agreement.
Correlation Between Healthcare Workers' Knowledge of Influenza Vaccine and Vaccine Receipt

Objective: Influenza vaccine receipt by healthcare workers (HCWs) is important because HCWs are at risk for occupational exposure to influenza and may act as vectors in the nosocomial transmission of influenza. HCWs were surveyed to determine whether belief in commonly held influenza vaccine misconceptions was associated with influenza vaccine acceptance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A large urban teaching hospital. Method: A self-administered survey was used to assess nursing and physician staff influenza vaccine knowledge, current vaccination status, and potential reasons for vaccine declination. Results: Two hundred twelve of 215 surveys were completed. The overall influenza vaccination rate was 73%. Physician staff were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated compared with nursing staff (82% vs 62%, respectively; P = .0009). HCWs answering the 5 influenza vaccine basic knowledge questions correctly were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated than those responding incorrectly to any question (84% vs 64%, respectively; P = .002). This association was present in the nursing group where 80% of those answering the knowledge questions correctly were vaccinated, but only 49% of those answering incorrectly were vaccinated (P = .000005). However, in the physician group, there was no significant difference in the influenza vaccination rates between those answering correctly and those answering incorrectly (P = .459). Conclusion: Belief in commonly held influenza vaccine misconceptions was significantly associated with influenza vaccine declination among nursing staff and may act as a barrier to greater rates of influenza vaccination. Reasons for influenza vaccine nonreceipt may differ between nursing and physician staff.
Glutathione dependent control of protein disulfide-sulfhydryl content by subcellular fractions of hepatic tissue

Abstract The disulfide-sulfhydryl (SS/SH) ratios of subcellular fractions of rat hepatic tissues were found to vary diurnally with the ratio lowest in the early morning and highest in the early evening. These changes were found in the nuclear, microsomal and cytosol fractions. The primary reaction is the reversible formation of mixed disulfides of glutathione with proteins. This formation is controlled by the activity of thiol transferase and the level of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) as substrate. Several enzymes including mitochondrial and microsomal oxidases, glutathione reductase and peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found to control the levels of GSSG. An NADPH-dependent microsomal oxidase system, inhibited by GSSG, was found to produce activated oxygen which served as substrate for glutathione peroxidase. Evidence is presented for the concept that the formation of mixed disulfides of proteins with glutathione is a mechanism for maintenance of a disulfide-sulfhydryl ratio such that the integrity of particulate membranes is maintained during oxidative and reductive stresses on the hepatic cells.
Dietary fat: at the heart of the matter.

The role of dietary fat in the causation of coronary heart disease (CHD) has long been a topic of interest and dispute. In his News Focus article, Gary Taubes discusses what he calls “The soft science of dietary fat” (30 Mar., p. [2536][1]). He reviews the history of the diet-heart issue and
Development of a homologous radioimmunoassay for mouse growth hormone receptor.

A RIA for mouse GH receptor (mGHR) was developed. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the carboxyl-terminal 14 amino acids of the mGHR (GHR-2 peptide) was used as the antigen for antiserum production. The synthetic peptide was also used as the standard and radioligand in the RIA. The ability of the antiserum to recognize the mGHR was demonstrated by quantitating receptor concentrations in liver and mammary gland from virgin and 15-day-pregnant mice. Serial dilutions of these samples yielded displacement curves parallel to the synthetic peptide. No significant cross-reactivity was seen with serum from virgin or 15-day-pregnant mice, mGH, recombinant mGH-binding protein (mGHBP), a synthetic peptide identical to the hydrophilic tail of mGHBP, or a 14-amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 338–351 of mGHR (GHR-1 peptide). The concentration range of the mGHR RIA was 0.5–200 nm, and the intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively. The concentration of liv...
Immunogens of rotaviruses

Rotaviruses cause gastroenteritis in neonates of many animal species including cattle, swine, horses, dogs, cats, chickens and turkeys. Rotavirions are nonenveloped, are about 75 nm in diameter, have a double capsid, and contain 11 double-stranded RNA segments as their genome. Several antigenically distinct groups of rotaviruses have been identified and have been alphabetically designated as A through G. Group A rotaviruses were the first group of rotaviruses isolated and are the most commonly detected rotaviruses in diarrheic animals. Group A rotaviruses have two surface proteins, VP4 and VP7, both of which are important in serotype determination and in inducing neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity. Multiple serotypes of group A rotavirus based on glycoprotein VP7 (designated as G types) and based on VP4 (P types) have been identified. The immune response to rotaviruses is essentially serotype specific, however, cross-reactive or heterotypic epitopes have also been identified. Currently acceptable methods for immunogen quantitation include the induction of neutralizing antibody in host or laboratory animals. The in vivo efficacy of vaccines against rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis remains the standard method against which in vitro methods must be compared. Several animal models have been developed which could potentially be used in evaluating the efficacy of candidate vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies to rotavirus immunogens are also currently available and serve as valuable reagents for in vitro quantitation of rotaviral immunogens.
Distal radius fractures: Therapy practice patterns

Identifying practice patterns for therapy interventions following distal radius fractures (DRFs) is necessary to define the most frequently used examination and intervention techniques. The purpose of this study was to identify preferred practice patterns and physical and functional outcome measures used during DRF management. Two hundred forty-two therapists (PTs, OTs, and CHTs) were surveyed by questionnaire at an annual hand therapy meeting. A descriptive analysis of data was performed. Preferred practice patterns during the immobilization and the post-immobilization periods were identified. More than 75% of the surveyed therapists used upper extremity range-of-motion exercises and compressive wrap with retrograde massage during the immobilization phase. More than 90% of therapists included range-of-motion exercises and heat/cold modalities in the post-immobilization treatment plans. Physical impairment measures of outcome were used much more frequently than functional outcome questionnaires in assessing progress during treatment. This study advances the evidence-based practice of therapy by establishing a foundation for future research.
Salary distribution and team performance in Major League Baseball

Abstract This paper presents evidence that payroll inequality within a team is negatively related to on field performance, in terms of team winning percentages in Major League Baseball. This relationship is increasing over time during the sample period and robust to changes in the relationship between payroll and winning. We find strong evidence that, in levels, total team payroll and team specific Gini coefficients are nonstationary. The results also indicate that there exists a structural break in the relationship between payroll, inequality, and winning percent following the strike of 1994–1995.
Developmental changes in the modulation of respiratory rhythm generation by extracellular K+ in the isolated bullfrog brainstem

This study tested the hypothesis that voltage-dependent, respiratory-related activity in vitro, inferred from changes in [K+]o, changes during development in the amphibian brainstem. Respiratory-related neural activity was recorded from cranial nerve roots in isolated brainstem–spinal cord preparations from 7 premetamorphic tadpoles and 10 adults. Changes in fictive gill/lung activity in tadpoles and buccal/lung activity in adults were examined during superfusion with artificial CSF (aCSF) with [K+]o ranging from 1 to 12 mM (4 mM control). In tadpoles, both fictive gill burst frequency (fgill) and lung burst frequency (flung) were significantly dependent upon [K+]o (r2 > 0.75; p 0.2), and there was no significant correlation between fbuccal and flung. These data suggest that the neural networks driving gill and lung burst activity in tadpoles may be strongly voltage modulated. In adults, buccal activity, the proposed remnant of gill ventilation in adults, also appears to be voltage dependent, but is not correlated with lung burst activity. These results suggest that lung burst activity in amphibians may shift from a “voltage-dependent” state to a “voltage-independent” state during development. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the fundamental mechanisms generating respiratory rhythm in the amphibian brainstem change during development. We hypothesize that lung respiratory rhythm generation in amphibians undergoes a developmental change from a pacemaker to network-driven process. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 55: 278–287, 2003
Proton magnetic resonance study of the equilibria between lanthanide (3+) ions and amino acids and the nature of the induced shifts

Abstract The equilibria between Pr 3+ , Ho 3+ , and Yb 3+ and the ligands acetate, 4-aminobutyric acid (4-ABA), 3-aminobutyric acid (3-ABA), and l -valine were investigated at pH values near 6.0 over a wide range of ligand/Ln 3+ ratios. All ligands except l -valine were found to form 2:1 ligand/Ln 3+ complexes at high ligand/Ln 3+ ratios. From intramolecular shift ratios induced by a number of Ln 3+ ions covering the entire rare earth series, it was concluded that the complexes of 4-ABA with Ce 3+ , Pr 3+ , and Nd 3+ possess near-axial symmetry. Intramolecular shift ratios also indicate that Eu 3+ may produce significant contact contributions in the α-proton shifts of 3-ABA and l -valine. Unequal shifts of the α protons of 3-ABA were observed in the presence of Pr 3+ and Eu 3+ . The non-equivalence of the α protons appears to be due to a preferred orientation in certain rotamers of the carboxylate group with respect to the amino group.
TU‐B‐BRA‐01: Total Body Irradiation (TBI): Looking from Differrent Angles

Purpose: To explore the new degree of freedom of VMAT to design a novel technique for TBI, in which patient is positioned supine/prone on the floor and an arc field is delivered with variable dose rate and/or dynamic collimators.Method and Materials: A formalism of designing an arc field with variable dose rate and/or dynamic jaw/MLC to deliver an arbitrary one‐dimensional dose profile is developed. The dose rate and/or jaw/MLC position are obtained by minimizing the difference between prescribed and calculated dose at each spatial point. The formalism is applied to design TBI treatment plan to achieve (1) a uniform dose over the entire body, and (2) a reduced dose in the lung region. MATLab codes were developed to solve the optimization problem using gradient decent method. Three types of treatment plans were generated: (1) variable dose rate (VDR) only, (2) VDR with dynamic MLC (DMLC), and (3) DMLC only. The optimized treatment plans were converted into DICOM‐RT format and delivered in a Varian 21‐EX machine capable of Rapidarc in DICOM‐RT mode. Measurements with farmer chamber in air with buildup cap were performed and compared with the optimization results. Results: For a patient with 200cm height placed at 100cm below the linac iso‐center, the differences between measured profile from plans with VDR only for uniform/lung sparing case are (−1.4±1.9)% and (−0.2±2.4)%, respectively. They improved to (−0.4±1.0)% and (−0.5±2.2)% with VDR+DMLC. The latter also had 40% higher efficiency. The results for DMLC only were less desirable with reduced range of (−85cm, 85cm) and slightly higher discrepancies. Conclusion: It is feasible to deliver TBI using VMAT, thereby eliminating the need for large treatment room size or hand‐made compensators. Regular linac operating in arc therapy with dynamic MLC alone can be also used, although with less efficiency.
Chronology of peat growth in Canada

Abstract Published and unpublished radiocarbon dates from immediately above the unconformable mineral bases of ombrogenous peat bogs are compared with the climatic history of Canada during the last 4,000 years. Most of the determinations group around a few periods of established climatic deterioration (such as 3,500 and 2,400 B.P.) which suggests that large tracts of Canadian peat originated almost simultaneously under the stimulus of climatic change.
Ecological stoichiometry and its implications for aquatic ecosystem sustainability

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly stressed not only by increased nutrient loads (eutrophication) but also by changing forms and proportions of nutrients. Nutrient enrichment, composition and stoichiometry interact with aquatic food web dynamics in complex ways. Both algal species composition and emergent properties within species change with changing nutrient composition, in turn affecting food webs at all levels. Consumers further regulate – and may even accelerate – discrepancies in nutrient stoichiometry by various feedbacks, release, and recycling pathways. Stoichiometric regulation of aquatic ecosystem structure also occurs at the sediment interface via altered biogeochemical processes and benthic food webs when nutrient composition changes. Thus, multiple feedbacks serve to alter food web structure when nutrient loads are altered. Such feedbacks may also lead to conditions conducive to invasive species and altered stable states as illustrated for the San Francisco Bay Delta and the Rhine River.
Second-Language Acquisition, Culture Shock, and Language Stress of Adult Female Latina Students in New York

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the educational, cultural, and linguistic adjustments and experiences encountered by Hispanic adult females in learning English as a second language (ESL) and the relation of these experiences to the variables of language, culture, and education of adult Hispanic females. Adult ESL learners face problems of controlling linguistic rules and of applications in various situations while attempting to deal with the shock of living in a new cultural environment.
A synchronized substrate‐gating mechanism revealed by cubic‐core structure of the bovine branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase complex

The dihydrolipoamide acyltransferase (E2b) component of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex forms a cubic scaffold that catalyzes acyltransfer from S-acyldihydrolipoamide to CoA to produce acyl-CoA. We have determined the first crystal structures of a mammalian (bovine) E2b core domain with and without a bound CoA or acyl-CoA. These structures reveal both hydrophobic and the previously unreported ionic interactions between two-fold-related trimers that build up the cubic core. The entrance of the dihydrolipoamide-binding site in a 30-Å long active-site channel is closed in the apo and acyl-CoA-bound structures. CoA binding to one entrance of the channel promotes a conformational change in the channel, resulting in the opening of the opposite dihydrolipoamide gate. Binding experiments show that the affinity of the E2b core for dihydrolipoamide is markedly increased in the presence of CoA. The result buttresses the model that CoA binding is responsible for the opening of the dihydrolipoamide gate. We suggest that this gating mechanism synchronizes the binding of the two substrates to the active-site channel, which serves as a feed-forward switch to coordinate the E2b-catalyzed acyltransfer reaction.
Side-view face authentication based on wavelet and random forest with subsets

This paper provides a novel side-view face authentication method based on discrete wavelet transform and random forest. A subset selection method that increases the number of training samples and allows subsets to preserve the global information is presented. The authentication method can be summarized to have the following steps: profile extraction, wavelet decomposition, subset splitting and random forest verification. The new method takes the advantage of wavelet's localization property in both frequency and spatial domains, while maintaining the generalized properties of random forest. The implementation of the proposed method is computationally feasible and the experimental results show that the performance is satisfactory. Future improvements are discussed in the paper.
Work Requirements and Income Transfers

Recent structural changes m the Aid of Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program brought about by the 1988 Family Support Act mandate work requirements and training for many income transfer recipients. The article uses a theoretical analysis that predicts changes in the level and composition of income transfers resulting from the introduction of these policy changes. The model incorporates the labor supply decision of potential income transfer recipients into a public choice model that describes the process by which the level of income transfer per recipient for each state is determined. The statistical analysis involved the pooling of data on labor force participation, wage rates, and other variables relevant to the labor supply model of potential income transfer recipients with the level of transfers, guarantees, donor and recipient characteristics, and information on the marginal cost of income redistribution from the public choice model. A panel data set of time series for each state was used to...
Plant Age Affects Root Infection and Development of Foliar Symptoms of Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome

Soybean sudden death syndrome is characterized by root rot followed by the development of foliar symptoms. However, it is not known how time of infection affects disease severity. Soybean plants were inoculated at 0, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after planting (DAP) by drenching potting media with conidia of Fusarium virguliforme, then incubating in growth chambers at 17°C for 7 days followed by 24°C for 31 days. Root rot and severity of foliar symptoms were assessed 18 and 38 days after inoculation (DAI). Root rot developed on plants inoculated at all ages but plants inoculated at seed stage (0 DAP) had the highest (P 90%). At 38 DAI, foliar symptoms were severe (>80%) on plants inoculated at 0 DAP but did not develop on plants inoculated at all other ages. Xylem colonization by F. virguliforme was more frequent in plants inoculated at 0 DAP than on plants inoculated at later stages. The results of this study suggest that soybean roots become less susceptible to xylem colonization and the subsequent development of foliar symptoms as plants mature. Therefore, practices aimed at protecting seed and seedling roots from infection may improve soybean sudden death management.
Cutting Edge: IL-7-Independent Regulation of IL-7 Receptor α Expression and Memory CD8 T Cell Development

Expression of IL-7Rα on a subset of Ag-specific effector CD8 T cells is believed to identify memory cell precursors. However, whether IL-7 regulates IL-7Rα expression in vivo and is responsible for selective survival of IL-7Rα+ effector cells is unknown. Our results show that in the absence of IL-7, IL-7Rα expression was extinguished on the majority of CD8 T cells responding to virus infection, sustained on a subset of effector cells transitioning to memory, and expressed at high levels by memory cells. Additionally, an IL-7-deficient environment was capable of supporting bcl-2 up-regulation and memory cell development in response to virus infection. Thus, IL-7Rα regulation occurs independently of IL-7 in responding CD8 T cells, indicating that CD8 memory T cell precursors are not selected by IL-7/IL-7Rα interactions.
Effects of the Two-Fission-Neutron Distributions in Reactivity Measurements with the 252Cf Source

Stochastic descriptors based on the first and second moments of the probability distribution of the neutrons in phase space \( \bar{\mu }{\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} = {\mkern 1mu} {\mkern 1mu} \left( {\bar{r},{\mkern 1mu} \bar{v}} \right) \) are extensively used in the nuclear industry for the non-intrusive measurement of nuclear parameters. One of these methods is based on the 252Cf source which has been used in an unprecedented range of situations and reactivities; the interpretation of this method is sensitive to the distribution of two neutrons coming from the same fission, \( \gamma \left( {\bar{v},{\mkern 1mu} \bar{v}'} \right) \). The few direct measurements of this n − n correlation have shown that γ depends on \( \cos \theta '' = \bar{v}.\bar{v}'|vv' \) and the neutron energies, the available experimental data was used to quantify the sensitivity of the 252Cf method to the anisotropies of the n − n correlation. It was found that it affects the interpretation of the reactivity measurement for low values of the multiplication constant.
Regulation of multi-organ inflammation in the regulatory T cell-deficient scurfy mice

Scurfy mice display the most severe form of multi-organ inflammation due to total lack of the CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) resulted from a mutation of the X-linked transcription factor Foxp3. A large repertoire of Treg-suppressible, inflammation-inducing T cells was demonstrated by adoptive transfer experiments using Rag1-/- mice as recipients and by prolongation of lifespan through breeding with Faslpr/lpr mutant. Inflammation in the ear, eyes, skin, tail, salivary glands, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, small intestine, colon, skeletal muscle, and accessory reproductive organs are identified. Genetic and cellular regulations of specific organ inflammation are described. Sf mice may be useful for the identification of organ-specific antigens and Treg capable of suppressing inflammation in an organ-specific manner. Sf mice are also useful to determine the important inflammation process at the checkpoint after Treg regulation using genetic analysis through breeding.
Maternal Recall of Pregnancy History: Accuracy and Bias in Schizophrenia Research

Most investigations that report a positive association between obstetric complications and schizophrenia have been case-control studies that are often based on long-term maternal recall of events during pregnancy. We tested the hypothesis that mothers of adult offspring with schizophrenia or other psychoses systematically overreport obstetric complications compared with mothers of unaffected offspring. Subjects were selected from the New England cohorts of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project, a large prospective cohort with well-documented records of pregnancy and delivery. Mothers of 39 offspring with psychosis and 39 control offspring were recontacted and completed a structured interview regarding their pregnancy history. Accuracy of maternal recall varied greatly in relation to the type of pregnancy event, and recall was inaccurate for many specific events. For the control sample only, maternal recall of the total number of complications corresponded closely to chart information. Contrary to the study hypothesis, mothers of offspring with psychosis report fewer complications than indicated in their obstetric records, with no evidence of positive recall bias. These results suggest that previous reports of a positive association between obstetric complications and schizophrenia are not likely to have resulted from biased maternal recall.