cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role of Human Basophil Biology in Health and Disease

Basophils have emerged in recent years as a small but potent subpopulation of leukocytes capable of bridging innate and adaptive immunity. They can be activated through IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mechanisms to release preformed mediators and to produce Th2 cytokines. In addition to their role in protective immunity to helminths, basophils are major participants in allergic reactions as diverse as anaphylaxis and immediate hypersensitivity reactions, late-phase hypersensitivity reactions, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Additionally, basophils have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the modulation of immune responses to bacterial infections, as well as being a feature of myelogenous leukemias. Distinct signals for activation, degranulation, transendothelial migration, and immune regulation are being defined, and demonstrate the important role of basophils in promoting a Th2 microenvironment. These mechanistic insights are driving innovative approaches for diagnostic testing and therapeutic targeting of basophils.
Combination immunotherapy with prostatic acid phosphatase pulsed antigen-presenting cells (provenge) plus bevacizumab in patients with serologic progression of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy

BACKGROUND APC8015 (sipuleucel-T) is a cellular prostate cancer vaccine containing autologous antigen-presenting cells (APC) loaded with PA2024, a recombinant prostatic acid phosphatase/granulocyte-macrophage–colony-stimulating factor fusion protein, as the immunogen. Bevacizumab is a recombinant antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, a proangiogenic protein with inhibitory effects on APC. A clinical trial was conducted to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and immunomodulatory effects of this combination immunotherapy. METHODS Patients with androgen-dependent prostate cancer who had received prior definitive therapy with nonmetastatic, recurrent disease as manifested by a rising PSA of between 0.4 ng/mL and 6.0 ng/mL were enrolled. APC8015 was given intravenously(i.v.) on Weeks 0, 2, and 4. Bevacizumab was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg i.v. on Weeks 0, 2, 4, and every 2 weeks thereafter until toxicity or disease progression. PSA changes were recorded and the PSA doubling time (PSADT) was calculated. Immune response versus PA2024 was measured at baseline and after treatment by T-cell proliferation and interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were treated. One patient achieved a ≥50% decrease in PSA. Nine patients exhibited some decrease in PSA from baseline, ranging from 6% to 72%, with the PSA of 3 patients decreasing at least 25%. The median pretreatment PSADT for the 20 evaluable patients was 6.9 months and the median posttreatment PSADT was 12.7 months (P = .01). All patients demonstrated induction of an immune response against PA2024. CONCLUSIONS The combination of APC8015 and bevacizumab induces an immune response and modulates PSA in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Correlation between Local and Long-Range Structure in Compressible Supercritical Lennard-Jones Fluids: State-Point Dependence

Evaluation of local-density-specific radial distribution functions in a two-dimensional supercritical Lennard-Jones fluid has enabled us to elucidate how the correlations between a solvent particle...
Dual arm estimation for coordinated bimanual manipulation

This paper develops an estimation framework for sensor-guided dual-arm manipulation of a rigid object. Using an unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), the approach combines both visual and kinesthetic information to track both the manipulators and object. From visual updates of the object and manipulators, and tactile updates, the method estimates both the robot's internal state and the object's pose. Nonlinear constraints are incorporated into the framework to deal with the an additional arm and ensure the state is consistent. Two frameworks are compared in which the first framework run two single arm filters in parallel and the second consists of the augment dual arm filter with nonlinear constraints. Experiments on a wheel changing task are demonstrated using the DARPA ARM-S system, consisting of dual Barrett- WAM manipulators.
Histamine mediation of nicotine effects on postganglionic sympathetic neuroeffector junctions.

Abstract The sympathomimetic action of nicotine was investigated using preparations of the rat pineal gland and the rabbit pulmonary artery. Nicotine (0.01–1 mM) did not stimulate N-acetyltransferase activity in pineal glands which contained functional sympathetic nerve endings. In the pulmonary artery preparation the previously described contractile effects of nicotine were antagonized by the antihistaminic compound chlorpheniramine. It is therefore postulated that histamine is involved in the sympathomimetic effects of nicotine on the pulmonary artery.
Invariants for smooth conjugacy of hyperbolic dynamical systems II

We give a characterization of Anosov diffeomorphisms smoothly conjugated to a toral automorphism in dimension two in term of the Lyapunov exponents of periodic points. We also give necessary and sufficient conditions for the regularity of solutions of the vector cohomology equations associated to an Anosov flow in three dimensions. This allows us to prove a corresponding conjugation theorem.
Generation of anti-peptide antibodies against serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors

Anti-peptide antibodies were generated against several 13-17 amino acid regions of rat serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. Peptides containing terminal cysteine residues were conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) with the cross-linking reagent sulfo-SMCC (sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate). Both the carrier protein and the number of peptide molecules per carrier molecule were changed during the immunization schedule. For the early immunizations, immunogens were BSA-peptides at ratios of 8-27 mol peptide per mol BSA. For the later boosts, immunogens were OVA-peptides at ratios of 1-2 mol peptide per mol OVA. The peptide constructs were used to immunize rabbits and chickens. Anti-peptide antibodies were purified from sera (rabbits) or egg yolks (hens) using peptide matrices. Cell lines expressing similar densities of rat 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors were used to monitor the specificity of purified antibodies on immunoblots and in immunocytochemistry. A total of five out of the six rabbit antibodies were positive on immunoblots (three anti-5-HT2A and two anti-5-HT2C) and four were also positive in immunocytochemistry (three anti-5-HT2A and one anti-5-HT2C). None of the anti-peptide chicken antibodies were useful on immunoblots or in immunocytochemistry. Since there is a paucity of high affinity reagents selective for 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors, these rabbit antibodies will be useful tools. The methods used to generate site-directed antibodies specific for 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors should be applicable to other proteins.
Properties of a low-frequency approximation balancing method of model reduction

This correspondence describes a balancing technique of model reduction which is characterized by exactness at zero frequency. Various interesting properties and error bounds of the reduced-order model are derived in a rigorous manner. A critical comparison is made to Moore's reduced model (1981) obtained by direct truncation. An illustrative numerical example is included. >
Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation Among Young Injection vs. Noninjection Drug Users

The objective of this study was to identify correlates of suicidal ideation and to examine the hypothesis that injection drug users (IDUs) were more likely to report suicidal ideation than noninjection drug users (NIDUs). Participants included IDUs (n = 244) and NIDUs (n = 73) from Baltimore, Maryland, aged 15-30 who began snorting or smoking heroin or cocaine/crack (NIDUs) or injecting drugs (IDUs) within the past 5 years who were recruited between August 2000 and March 2002. Among the 317 participants, 42% were female, 59% were white, and median age was 24. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 27%. IDUs were more likely to report suicidal ideation than NIDUs (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.003). Adjusting for age, gender, and race, IDUs were 2.4 times more likely than NIDUs to report suicidal ideation [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.1-5.2]. However, on further adjustment for homelessness, depressive symptoms, and gay/lesbian/bisexual identity, IDU status was no longer independently associated with suicidal ideation. These results suggest that factors associated with injection drug users' lifestyles and mental health status may account for the higher prevalence of suicidal ideation in IDUs vs. NIDUs. Further study into these associations is warranted in identifying avenues for suicide prevention among these populations.
Analysis of computationally demanding models with continuous and categorical inputs

Abstract The analysis of many physical and engineering problems involves running complex computational models (e.g., simulation models and computer codes). With problems of this type, it is important to understand the relationships between the input (whose values are often imprecisely known) and the output variables, and to characterize the uncertainty in the output. Often, some of the input variables are categorical in nature (e.g., pointer variables to alternative models or different types of material, etc.). A computational model that sufficiently represents reality is often very costly in terms of run time. When the models are computationally demanding, meta-model approaches to their analysis have been shown to be very useful. However, the most popular meta-models for computational computer models do not explicitly allow for categorical input variables. In this case, categorical inputs are simply ordered in some way and treated as continuous variables in the estimation of a meta-model. In many cases, this can lead to undesirable and misleading results. In this paper, two meta-models based on functional ANOVA decomposition are presented that explicitly allow for an appropriate treatment of categorical inputs. The effectiveness of the presented meta-models in the analysis of models with continuous and categorical inputs is illustrated with several test cases and also with results from a real analysis.
Developing multi-agent systems with automatic agent generation and dynamic task allocation mechanisms

Multi-Agent System (MAS) is a suitable programming paradigm for distributed information systems and applications. We have been working on a set of technologies and mechanisms to ease and formalize the development of MAS, and to increase its reliability and reuse-ability too. We aim to cover the analysis and modeling, design and implementation phases. The first goal is to separate concerns. We have proposed a three-layered development process to separate the multiple issues in a multi-agent system, while some of them are application-dependent, others are not; some of them are platform-dependent and others are not. We have also aimed to separate the domain knowledge and the intelligent problem-solving capabilities. We adapt a role-based modeling approach, conceptual roles are defined with the domain related knowledge, such as goals, permissions, organizational relationship, and interaction protocols, etc; where agent is a concrete entity equipped with motivations, resources and problem-solving capabilities.
Plasmodium chabaudi: host lymphocyte-macrophage interaction in vitro.

Abstract The physical interaction between splenic lymphocytes from mice made immune to Plasmodium chabaudi and syngeneic peritoneal macrophages which had digested P. chabaudi -infected red cells in vitro was studied in an in vitro system. Specific antigen-mediated binding of these sensitized lymphocytes to macrophage membranes was demonstrated, the interaction possibly being an expression of a role for T cells in immunity in rodent malaria.
Optimizing Rolling Patterns for Chip Seals Using Laboratory Aggregate Loss Performance Tests on Field Fabricated Samples

This paper presents a study to determine the optimal rolling patterns for chip seals based on aggregate retention performance. Chip seal sections composed of single seals of granite 78M and CRS-2 emulsion are constructed using five different rolling patterns with two or three rollers. Both pneumatic tire and combination rollers are used in developing these patterns. Chip seal samples are obtained from the sections for laboratory testing. The aggregate retention performance is evaluated using the flip-over test, Vialit test, and the third-scale model mobile loading simulator. It is found that the time delay between aggregate spreading and rolling is an important parameter for the aggregate retention performance. The laboratory aggregate retention test results are used along with typical roller speeds and the maximum allowable time delay between aggregate spreading and rolling to develop optimal rolling patterns for two and three rollers.
Advertisement Disclaimer Speed and Corporate Social Responsibility: “Costs” to Consumer Comprehension and Effects on Brand Trust and Purchase Intention

It is not uncommon for advertisers to present required product disclaimers quickly at the end of advertisements. We show that fast disclaimers greatly reduce consumer comprehension of product risks and benefits, creating implications for social responsibility. In addition, across two studies, we found that disclaimer speed and brand familiarity interact to predict brand trust and purchase intention, and that brand trust mediated the interactive effect of brand familiarity and disclaimer speed on purchase intention. Our results indicate that fast disclaimers actually reduce brand trust and purchase intention for unfamiliar brands, suggesting that there are both economic and social responsibility reasons to use less rapid disclaimers for unfamiliar brands. Conversely, disclaimer speed had no negative effects on brand trust and purchase intention for highly familiar brands, presenting ethical tensions between economic interests (e.g., an efficient use of advertisement time) and social responsibility. We discuss the implications of our framework for advertising ethics, for corporate social performance, and for corporate social responsibility.
Assessments of group influence, subjective political competence, and interest group membership

This research examines the relationship between citizens' assessments of how much influence the group they identify with is able to exercise in American politics and their subjective political competence and political participation. Appraisals of group influence have a powerful effect on subjective political competence, fulfilling theoretical expectations outlined by Leon Festinger many years ago. Moreover, assessments of group influence affect individuals' decision concerning membership in an interest group that promotes the interest of one's reference group. The work reported here is an improvement over past efforts in that it explicitly defines and assesses the causal importance of a concept that has been featured in prior research.
Modeling the water exchanges between the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea

A hydrodynamic model of the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea has been developed in order to study the exchanges at the inlets of the Venice Lagoon, a complex morphological area connecting the sea and the lagoon. The model solves the shallow water equations on a spatial domain discretized by a staggered finite element grid. The grid represents the Adriatic Sea and the Venice Lagoon with different spatial resolutions varying from 30 m for the smallest channels of the lagoon to 30 km for the inner areas of the central Adriatic Sea. Data from more than ten tide gauges displaced in the Adriatic Sea have been used in the calibration of the simulated water levels. After the calibration, the tidal wave propagation in the North Adriatic and in the Venice Lagoon is well reproduced by the model. To validate the model results, empirical flux data measured by acoustic Doppler current profiler probes installed inside the inlets of Lido and Malamocco have been used and the exchanges through the three inlets of the Venice Lagoon have been analyzed. The comparison between modeled and measured fluxes at the inlets outlines the efficiency of the model to reproduce both tide- and wind-induced water exchanges between the sea and the lagoon. Even in complex areas, where highly varying resolution is needed, the model is suitable for the simulation of the dominating physical processes.
Behavioral and Emotional Disturbances in the Offspring of Depressed Parents with Anger Attacks

Background: To examine the emotional and behavioral characteristics of the offspring of depressed parents with and without anger attacks. Methods: Forty-three par
A short note a small virtually-addressed control blocks

Being able to access task and thread control blocks in the virtual address space has some structuring and performance advantages, but using one page per control block is too expensive in some cases. This paper describes how to emulate smaller kernel pages though still using the hardware MMU.
Measurement of Social Communication Skills of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders During Interactions With Typical Peers

The Social-Communication Assessment Tool (S-CAT) Was created as a direct observation instrument to quantify specific social and communication deficits of children With autism spectrum disorders (AS...
Instabilities in Space and Laboratory Plasmas

Plasma instability research is a well-established branch of both space physics and astrophysics, yet there exist very few comprehensive books on the subject. Thus any new text that address microinstabilities in space plasmas has the promise of filling a long-standing gap in the bookshelves of space plasma physicists. I am pleased to report that Instabilities in Space and Laboratory Plasmas is a strong contender to fill this gap. Although the book has its limitations, which I will address below, I find that is is very well written, offers excellent physical insights, and represents the best contemporary overview for the theory of velocity-driven instabilities in collisionless plasmas.
Testing of Mitral Valve Competence Following Combined Mitral Valve Repair and Aortic Valve Replacement

A simple, effective technique for testing the results of repair and reconstructive procedures on the mitral valve apparatus is described. This technique can be used in the operative setting of combined aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair where other reported techniques for testing the valve apparatus are rendered unfeasible.
Verapamil crystalloid cardioplegia: an experimental evaluation of dose-response relationships.

Abstract Calcium channel blockers have been advocated as agents which enhance myocardial protection during ischemia and reperfusion. Unfortunately, while cellular integrity is preserved, myocardial function is depressed as a result of the negative inotropic effects of these agents. In order to assess the efficacy of verapamil cardioplegia, 25 isolated perfused rabbit hearts were studied. A model of normothermic ischemic arrest was utilized, employing either verapamil-free crystalloid cardioplegia or cardioplegia containing verapamil in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/liter. All three verapamil-treated groups demonstrated increased postischemic left ventricular developed pressure and improved postischemic compliance when compared with the untreated group (P
Different Daughters: A History of the Daughters of Bilitis and the Rise of the Lesbian Rights Movement

When the Gittings-Lahusen Gay Book Collection opened at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst library, I found myself amidst a rare collection of old copies of The Ladder, a lesbian journal publi...
Smart Transportation: Synergizing Electrified Vehicles and Mobile Information Systems

For the typical American household, the single most environmentally impactful choice that can be made is to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle. 1 In 2008, the average American household spent $2715 ...
Arthroscopic contact Nd:YAG laser meniscectomy: surgical technique and clinical follow-up

Fifteen patients were studied prospectively as a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the contact Neodynium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in performing arthroscopic meniscal resection in a saline medium, (Surgical Laser Technologies; Malverne, PA). All fifteen patients were rated as having clinically excellent results based on pain relief, wound healing, and post-operative swelling. Although there was increased time involved with setting up and calibrating the laser, there was not an increase in time for meniscal resection. In addition, the decreased need for secondary trimming and increased accessibility to the posterior horns of the menisci represent advantages over conventional instruments. Based on the findings, arthroscopic contact Nd:YAG laser surgery is a safe and effective clinical tool for meniscal resection which may, with increased technological advancements and cost reduction, replace standard instrumentation.
Cyclic voltammetry of platinum single crystal electrodes in solutions containing urea

The classification of electrochemical adsorption processes on platinum-type metals [1,2] includes, as a distinctive group, the reversible adsorption of saturated carboxylic acids and urea [3,4]. An extension of this classification to single crystal electrodes has not yet been attempted. However, voltammetry and adsorption characteristics of acetic acid on Pttll 1) electrodes have been reported 151. In view of the similar behavior of acetic acid and urea on polycrystalline platinum [2-41, one might expect similar “anomalous” [6] voltammetric behavior of these two molecules on Pt(ll1). The data that we report below confirm, on the one hand, the validity of this assumption and, on the other, add more evidence in favor of high-energy (subsurface) hydrogen formation on the (111) plane of platinum [6,7]. We have also carried out the investigations of urea surface electrochemistry with some other platinum surfaces, including Pt(lOO), Pt(ll0) and polycrystalline Pt. The interaction of urea with Pt(100) is remarkable and calls for a dedicated theoretical approach that underlines the significance of phase transitions in surface chemistry of single crystal electrodes [8-161. Our preliminary data and corresponding formalisms are presented below. A continuation of this work promises even better insight into the organization and structure of ordered monocrystal/ solution interfaces.
Gastrin and epidermal growth factor induction of ornithine decarboxylase in rat colonic explants.

Abstract An organ culture system was utilized to examine the effect of gastrin (G-17-I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on colonic mucosal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, and the expression of the ODC gene. Exposure of colonic mucosal explants to either gastrin or EGF (50–500 ng/ml) for only 4 h resulted in a profound stimulation (150–600%) in ODC activity over the basal level. These increases were essentially abolished by difluoromethylornithine (DFMO; 2 nmol/ml) or CaCl2 (2 umol/ml). Gastrin also activated the ODC gene in the colonic mucosa as evidenced by increased steady-state ODC mRNA levels in the colonic mucosal explants after 4 h exposure to the hormone, when compared with the controls. It is concluded that colonic mucosal ODC is responsive to both gastrin and EGF.
Paucity of dendritic cells in pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background. The number of dendritic cells (DC) in the local tumor environment correlates with patient survival in numerous tumors. The relationship of DC infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and prognosis was examined in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods. Forty-seven pancreatectomy specimens with a diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified retrospectively and analyzed with the dendritic cell markers S-100 and CD1a. Patient survival was correlated with these markers and with p53, CD3, CD20, CD68, Ki-67. Results. Significant numbers (>3 per high-powered field) of tumor-associated S100+ or CD1a+ cells were found in only 2/47 patients (4%). When present, dendritic cells were located outside the margin of the tumor. CD3, CD68, and CD20 positive cells were rare or absent in 96%, 92%, and 93% of the specimens. A correlation with survival and numbers of immune cells could not be made secondary to their rarity. The median survival was 18.9 months. No other indices measured correlated with survival. Conclusions. In patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, there is a paucity of immune cells within the tumor. (Surgery 2002;131:135-8.)
The Analytic Hierarchy Process: A New Approach to Deal with Fuzziness in Architecture

A degree of “fuzziness” accompanies complex architectural problems. The concept of fuzziness can be compared to the hierarchy of the nervous system. Three types of fuzziness can be isolated: instantaneous, ongoing and long term. In this paper, the need for the development of a conceptually simple framework to analyse hierarchical complexity is recognised. Before such a framework can be developed, one should be aware of some of the associated problems, for example, that deductive thinking is not innate but learnt. This article proposes that the Analytic Hierarchy Process (A.H.P.) provides a satisfactory means of generating a framework for hierarchical complexity of fuzziness as it can simultaneously cope with the intuitive, rational and irrational. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is outlined and an example of its possible application supplied.
Biserial Weights: A New Approach to Test Item Option Weighting

Option weighting is an alternative to increasing test length as a means of improving the reliability of a test. The effects on test reliability of option weighting procedures, including two procedu...
Subsurface recirculation and larval retention in the lee of a small headland: A variation on the upwelling shadow theme

[1] The interaction of alongshore coastal currents with large headlands has been shown to increase the retention of planktonic organisms through the formation of headland eddies or upwelling shadows in their lee. This study investigates the circulation within Bodega Bay (in the lee of a small headland), in an upwelling region, and the potential for retention of plankton. During the upwelling season of 2004, time series of temperature and velocity were recorded throughout Bodega Bay, conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) surveys were conducted, and surface drifters were released during upwelling, downwelling, and relaxation conditions. Postlarval settlement was monitored daily over two periods coinciding with CTD surveys. Under strong upwelling favorable conditions, wind-driven surface currents were equatorward both offshore and throughout the bay. However, there was significant current shear along the eastern shore of the bay where cold bottom waters move poleward, counter to the direction of the wind-driven surface flow. During downwelling and relaxation conditions, flow was poleward throughout the water column along the eastern shore of the bay. Postlarvae settled during all wind conditions, but greatest settlement was observed at the onset of upwelling favorable conditions. While no “typical” upwelling shadow is evident in the lee of the Bodega headland, subsurface recirculation driven by the alongshore flow past Bodega Head may facilitate the retention of plankton in the bay. Previous studies have generally focused on large headlands; however, it is likely that other small embayments in the lee of small headlands may also provide retention opportunities for planktonic organisms in upwelling regions.
Gravitational mass of magnetostatic field

Maxwell's displacement current equation is interpreted in the light of recent work to show that static magnetic field in free space should have a colocated and contemporaneous mass that is neither embodied in, nor can be anticipated from, the mass-energy relation. Thus magnetostatic field in the universe represents an ‘invisible’ mass. Some consequences are discussed.
Fix IT-business relationships through better decision rights

"The perils of screwing up (with technology) are greater every year, making the stakes for effective communication even higher."---Stan Lepeak, VP of technology research services at MetaGroup.
Food Habits of Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon and Adult Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Missouri River Downstream of Fort Randall Dam, South Dakota

ABSTRACT We examined the seasonal food habits and diet overlap of juvenile pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and adult shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) in the Missouri River downstream of Fort Randall Dam, South Dakota. Seasonal trends were found for both sturgeon species as chironomids were consumed in the greatest numbers and dry weights during early summer, ephemeropterans dominated during late summer, and trichopterans were most abundant in early spring and late fall diets. However, diet overlap between juvenile pallid sturgeon and adult shovelnose sturgeon was low based on a Schoener index value of 0.53 in 2003 and 0.21 in 2004. Juvenile pallid sturgeon consumed a greater proportion of fish in 2003 and Ephemeroptera in 2004 compared to shovelnose sturgeon. Shovelnose sturgeon consumed a greater proportion of Chironomidae in both years compared to juvenile pallid sturgeon. These results illustrate that shovelnose sturgeon is not an acceptable surrogate for the endangered pallid sturgeon base...
“Bust enhancing” herbal products

"Bust enhancing" herbal products are widely advertised. No clinical trials have been published. These products contain a variety of ingredients, including grains, hops, saw palmetto, dong quai, chaste-tree berry, wild yam, kava, fennel, black cohosh, and fenugreek. Several of these herbs are hormonally active; for example, hops contain 8-prenylnaringenin, a phytoestrogen that is more potent than other dietary phytoestrogens. Many bust-enhancing dietary supplements contain substrates for Fusarium, a fungus that produces zearalenone, a potent estrogen that has been associated with breast enlargement in humans and other species. The use of bust-enhancing products should be discouraged because of lack of evidence for efficacy and long-term safety concerns.
On the enhanced drag force induced by permeation through a filtration membrane

Abstract Permeation drag is the predominant cause for particle deposition onto filtration membranes, and it is known that at close approach to the membrane surface this force may greatly exceed the Stokes drag in an unbounded fluid. Herein, the hydrodynamic interaction between a sphere and a permeable wall is re-visited within the framework of the lubrication approximation with the goal of deriving an analytical solution. A closed-form analytical solution is found, based on a perturbation expansion in terms of the scaled permeability, which is considered a small parameter. Numerical calculations of the drag force on the sphere agree perfectly with numerical results available in the literature, as do analytical model results within a range of validity which is affected by the particle size and membrane permeability. Specifically, the presented calculations have been framed in the context of the low permeabilities and colloidal particle sizes representative of commercial membrane separations in current use. Results illustrate that for reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes, the hydrodynamic interaction is practically identical to that of an impermeable wall, while for ultrafiltration membranes the drag is substantially reduced; an analogous trend is observed for increasing particle sizes. The approximate solution derived herein offers a simple and direct means of performing hydrodynamic force calculations in particle–membrane systems.
Properties of multilayered thin films for thermal ink-jet printing devices

The material properties of sputtered HfB 2 , Al alloy, and Ta thin films have been studied to understand their behavior in the thin film heater stack used in ink-jet printing devices. The electrical resistivity of the HfB 2 heater film was found to increase with increasing working pressure, reflecting the dominant effect of grain boundary scattering on the conduction electrons. Also the stress variations in the HfB 2 and Ta samples are described during the thermal cycling, respectively. The HfB 2 (∼ 0.1.μm) stress can be repeatedly controlled from tension (+3 x 10 9 dyn/cm 2 , 100°C) to compression (-3.5X10 9 dyn/cm 2 , 400°C). However, the compressive stress of the sputtered Ta film (∼ 0.6 μm) was observed to increase after each thermal cycle until film cracking. Auger examinations indicate that the stress-temperature behavior of Ta is due to the incorporation of oxygen impurities resulting from the poor atmosphere seal of the quartz annealing chamber.
Strain-specific activation of the NF-κB pathway by GRA15, a novel Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein

NF-κB is an integral component of the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii. Although evidence exists that T. gondii can directly modulate the NF-κB pathway, the parasite-derived effectors involved are unknown. We determined that type II strains of T. gondii activate more NF-κB than type I or type III strains, and using forward genetics we found that this difference is a result of the polymorphic protein GRA15, a novel dense granule protein which T. gondii secretes into the host cell upon invasion. A GRA15-deficient type II strain has a severe defect in both NF-κB nuclear translocation and NF-κB-mediated transcription. Furthermore, human cells expressing type II GRA15 also activate NF-κB, demonstrating that GRA15 alone is sufficient for NF-κB activation. Along with the rhoptry protein ROP16, GRA15 is responsible for a large part of the strain differences in the induction of IL-12 secretion by infected mouse macrophages. In vivo bioluminescent imaging showed that a GRA15-deficient type II strain grows faster compared with wild-type, most likely through its reduced induction of IFN-γ. These results show for the first time that a dense granule protein can modulate host signaling pathways, and dense granule proteins can therefore join rhoptry proteins in T. gondii's host cell-modifying arsenal.
Innate immune properties of the immortalized macrophage cell line I-9.5.

A colony stimulating factor-1-dependent macrophage cell line, I-9.5, originally derived from a BALB/c splenic macrophage colony, was maintained in culture and examined for the expression of certain properties key to its innate immune function. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide release were assessed in this cell line and compared to either freshly isolated elicited murine peritoneal or splenic macrophages from BALB/c mice. Three separate experiments indicated that I-9.5 displayed comparable phagocytosis of14C-radio-labeledStaphylococus aureus and similar levels of superoxide release in response to opsonized zymosan. I-9.5, however, demonstrated impaired chemotaxis toward the chemoattractant, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and displayed impaired random migration in response to a balanced salt solution. This observation suggests that I-9.5 may serve as an important model for elucidating the structural and molecular correlates of chemotaxis.
Characterization of an Ultra Thin Dense Hafnium Oxide Compact Layer with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Application

The performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is limited by the back-reaction of photogenerated electrons from the photoelectrode back into the electrolyte solution. An atomic layer deposited (ALD) hafnium oxide (HfO2) ultra thin, a few nanometers, compact layer was grown on the surface of the transparent conducting oxide (TCO) and its effects on the performance of DSSCs were studied with dark and illuminated current-voltage and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Further, the theory of electron recombination at the TCO/electrolyte interface was developed and used to explain the improved DSSC performance with an ALD HfO2 compact layer.
Alterations in platelet serotonin transporter binding in women with postpartum onset major depression.

There is considerable debate as to whether postpartum depression (PPD) is biologically distinct from other depressive syndromes. Although abnormalities in serotonergic neural systems have repeatedly been reported in depression, few such studies have been conducted in PPD. In the present study, platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) binding was assessed using [ 3 H]paroxetine in 14 depressed pregnant women, 31 normal healthy pregnant women, 39 depressed postpartum women, and 27 normal healthy postpartum women; all of the subjects were drug-free. Significant differences were detected among the 4 groups with respect to the dissociation constant (Kd) of platelet binding sites for [ 3 H]paroxetine with the highest Kd values among those with PPD. The density (Bmax) of platelet binding sites for [ 3 H]paroxetine did not differ between the study groups. These data suggest that PPD may be associated with unique alterations in serotonergic function that are specific to the puerperium.
Observation of sum-frequency-generation-induced cascaded four-wave mixing using two crossing femtosecond laser pulses in a 0.1 mm beta-barium-borate crystal

We demonstrate the simultaneous generation of multicolor femtosecond laser pulses spanning the wavelength range from UV to near IR in a 0.1 mm Type I beta-barium borate crystal from 800 nm fundamental and weak IR super-continuum white light (SCWL) pulses. The multicolor broadband laser pulses observed are attributed to two concomitant cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) processes as corroborated by calculation: (1) directly from the two incident laser pulses; (2) by the sum-frequency generation (SFG) induced CFWM process (SFGFWM). The latter signal arises from the interaction between the frequency-doubled fundamental pulse (400 nm) and the SFG pulse generated in between the fundamental and IR-SCWL pulses. The versatility and simplicity of this spatially dispersed multicolor self-compressed laser pulse generation offer compact and attractive methods to conduct femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy and time-resolved multicolor spectroscopy.
Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The Development of a Clinical Risk Algorithm from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry

Background— Bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospitalization, and cost. We identified baseline clinical characteristics associated with bleeding complications after PCI and developed a simplified, clinically useful algorithm to predict patient risk. Methods and Results— Data were analyzed from 302 152 PCI procedures performed at 440 US centers participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. As defined by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry, bleeding required transfusion, prolonged hospital stay, and/or a drop in hemoglobin >3.0 g/dL from any location, including percutaneous entry site, retroperitoneal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and other/unknown location. Bleeding complications occurred in 2.4% of patients. From the best-fitting model consisting of 15 clinical elements associated with post-PCI bleeding in a random 80% training cohort, we developed a parsimonious risk algorithm. Pre...
Comparison of azithromycin leukocyte disposition in healthy volunteers and volunteers with AIDS.

Abstract Azithromycin, has been proved to be effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of a wide variety of infections. While the penetration of azithromycin into a number of types of mammalian cells has been well characterized, the influence of HIV infection on the intracellular disposition of this agent has not been studied. We therefore studied the disposition of azithromycin in polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MONO) leukocytes from six healthy volunteers and six volunteers with AIDS. After oral administration of a single 1200-mg dose of azithromycin (two 600-mg tablets), blood samples were collected over 6 days and intracellular azithromycin concentrations in MONOs and PMNs were measured. Analysis of the intracellular pharmacokinetics revealed an apparent difference in the MONO and PMN profile; this profile was similar for both groups. Intracellular concentrations of azithromycin remained high throughout the study period. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in the intracellular area under the curve (11 309±2543 vs. 16 650±6254 for PMN; 14 180±3802 vs. 21 211±10 001 for MONO) were observed between the healthy and AIDS populations, respectively. Our data confirm the extensive uptake of azithromycin by white blood cells both in healthy volunteers and in AIDS patients.
Size effects in modeling diffusivity of hardened mortar

A critical parameter for evaluating the resistance of concrete against chloride diffusion is effective diffusivity. While it can be obtained experimentally, this paper concerns computer simulations to estimate diffusivity of mortars as influenced by paste, aggregate, and interfacial effects. However, when performing such simulations, the size of the mortar sample modeled must be large enough to reliably characterize these randomly distributed effects, while remaining small enough for computational efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to report the influence of sample size on computed results and to recommend the smallest specimen size needed to obtain reliable estimates of diffusivity.
Clinical non-invasive measurement of effective pulmonary capillary blood flow

Since traditional pulmonary function testing is centered on measurements of air flow and lung volume, a method to assess the pulmonary circulation might improve our ability to evaluate diseases that impact upon pulmonary hemodynamics. We have developed a PC based application that rapidly calculates pulmonary blood flow. Subjects rebreath a mixture of 10% argon and 3.5% freon for 20 seconds. Gas concentrations at the mouth are monitored by a clinical mass spectrometer and signals are acquired and processed with off-the-shelf hardware. To test the accuracy and reproducibility of this technique, patients with pulmonary artery catheters were assessed by standard thermodilution methods and the rebreathing test. Measurements using this non-invasive technology closely corelate with invasive thermodilution methods (r = 0.980) and show equivalent reproducibility (average standard error = 2.5%). This application of signal processing technology can extend the role of pulmonary function testing to include routine evaluation of the pulmonary circulation.
Imaging motor imagery: Methodological issues related to expertise

Mental imagery (MI) is the mental rehearsal of movements without overt execution. Brain imaging techniques have made it possible to identify the brain regions that are activated during MI and, for voluntary motor tasks involving hand and finger movements, to make direct comparison with those areas activated during actual movement. However, the fact that brain activation differs for different types of imagery (visual or kinetic) and depends on the skill level of the individual (e.g., novice or elite athlete) raises a number of important methodological issues for the design of brain imaging protocols to study MI. These include instructing the subject concerning the type of imagery to use, objective measurement of skill level, the design of motor tasks sufficiently difficult to produce a range of skill levels, the effect of different environments on skill level (including the imaging device), and so on. It is suggested that MI is more about the neurobiology of the development of motor skills that have already been learned, but not perfected, than it is about learning motor skills de novo.
Fossil Evidence for Early Hominid Tool Use

Although several Plio-Pleistocene hominids are found in association with stone and bone tools, it has been generally assumed that at any one time the hominid with the largest brain was the toolmaker. Fossils recovered over the last decade suggest that early hominids subsequent to 2.5 million years ago all might have used tools and occupied "cultural" niches. A test for humanlike precision grasping (the enhanced ability to manipulate tools) is proposed and applied to australopithecines and early Homo. The results indicate that tools were likely to have been used by all early hominids at around 2.0 million years ago. The earliest australopithecines, which predate the appearance of stone tools in the archaeological record, do not show signs of advanced precision grasping.
Carrier screening in Gaucher disease: reproductive decision-making in couples with mixed heritage

Mutational analysis provides accurate assessment of Gaucher risk for reproductive decision-making in Eastern European Ashkenazi Jews as a small number of mutations account for most of the mutant alleles. More than 30% of the GD allcles correspond to a variety of rare mutations in other populations. Carriers of known GD mutations who had a non-Jewish partner were ascertained through a screening program at New York University Medical Center. Each couple was recalled for counseling, results were reviewed and testing offered to the non-Jewish partner. Options included carrier testing by mutation analysis and/or enzymatic analysis and prenatal diagnosis. We report the choices of the first twelve couples with a mixed heritage after learning that the Jewish partner was a Gaucher carrier. They included 3% of the total couples screened during the last year. Eleven of those couples were in a pregnancy; seven of the non-Jewish partners were male and five were female; five non-Jewish partners had both DNA and enzyme analysis; two chose enzyme analysis alone and another one had DNA screening only; finally, one couple had no additional testing; three couples elected prenatal Gaucher disease determination by amniocentesis with enzyme analysis; none of the non-Jewish partners were determined to be carriers; all of these pregnancies are ongoing but outcomes will be monitored for any affected infant. This study concludes that screening for Gaucher disease in couples with a mixed heritage is feasible. Guidelines for screening couples with mixed heritage need to be established. Both DNA and enzyme analysis should be performed on non-Jewish partners. Prenatal diagnosis should be offered for a definitive diagnosis.