cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distinct Redox Profiles of Selected Human Prostate Carcinoma Cell Lines: Implications for Rational Design of Redox Therapy

The effects of several cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation are mediated, at least in part, by oxidative stress. To better understand this process, we analyzed certain biochemical properties affecting reduction-oxidation (redox) balance in normal prostate epithelial cells and several prostate cancer cell lines. Highly aggressive androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cells demonstrated significantly higher levels of total antioxidant capacity (AC) and intra- and extracellular glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratios when compared with normal prostate epithelial PrEC cells. WPE1-NB26 cells, a prostate cancer cell line derived from immortalized RWPE1 human prostate epithelial cells, demonstrated significantly higher levels of total AC and intra- and extracellular GSH/GSSG ratios, but lower levels of intracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation compared with RWPE1 cells. LNCaP-C4-2 cells, a more aggressive prostate cancer derived from less aggressive androgen-responsive LNCaP cells, exhibited higher levels of AC and extracellular GSH/GSSG ratio when compared to LNCaP cells. Specific cell types showed distinct cytotoxic responses to redox-modulating compounds. WPE1-NB26 cells were more sensitive to phenethyl isothiocyanate and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) than RWPE1 cells, while PC3 cells were more sensitive to TNF than PrEC cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that cancer cell redox state may modulate responses to redox-modulating therapeutic regimens.
Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Attrition During the Post-partum Hospitalization. 955

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with early formula feeding in infants whose mothers intend to breastfeed. DESIGN: Demographic and infant feeding data for all inborns were collected prospectively at a military tertiary care facility. Our sample was limited to liveborns who received exclusively Level I nursery care. Feeding intention was noted prior to delivery and feeding practice was documented at discharge. Intentions and practices were ranked on a 1 to 5 scale defining a spectrum from exclusive formula feeding to exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding-intended infants were defined as attritted if the practice at discharge was at least 50% formula feeding. Multiple logistic regression identified factors (demographic and medical) related to breastfeeding attrition. RESULTS: During a 10 month period 1038 infants were analyzed. 69.3% were intended to breastfeed; however, only 46.7% were exclusively breastfed and 12.5% were predominately breastfeeding at hospital discharge (p < 0.0001). 17.8% of infants were exposed to breastfeeding attrition. An initial regression analysis found two factors related to attrition: multiple gestation and maternal pregnancy weight gain. Factors found unrelated included mode of delivery, epidural anesthesia, and socioeconomic factors. A second analysis identified birth weight and pre-eclampsia as related to attrition; however, infant hypoglycemia and maternal diabetes were not. Hospitalization days also became significant.CONCLUSIONS: A substantial breastfeeding attrition occurs during the immediate post-partum hospitalization; this attrition contributes to a failure to achieve Healthy People 2000 goals for breastfeeding in our population (goal: 75% breastfeeding at hospital discharge). The low incidences of multiple gestation and pre-eclampsia in this healthy term population result in a negligible consequence for the larger population. Mothers with pre-eclampsia may have difficulty feeding their newborns. Extended hospital stay in this population is reflective of a maternal or neonatal complication. The identification of increased birth weight as a risk factor is not readily explained, but could be due to subtle mechanical or endocrine hindrances. These factors identify a sub-population of infants at higher risk for breastfeeding attrition.
RT-11 FORTRAN subroutines for on-line control

This paper outlines a package of 11 FORTRANcallable subroutines designed to enable on-line laboratory control for a wide range of psychological experiments. These routines closely parallel those reported previously for use with OS/8 BASIC on a PDP-8/e computer. They include general utilities for timing delays or displaying verbal material on a CRT terminal (Howard, 1979), as well as special-purpose routines for presenting graphic information on a Tektronix 4006 or equivalent terminal (Howard, 1981).1 The software described here, however, is coded for use with RT-Il FORTRAN IV on the popular PDP-II laboratory computer, rather than for the older PDP-8. Only a minimal RT-11 FORTRAN system is required. We have used both a floppy-disk-based PDP-11/03 and a larger, hard-disk-based PDP-l 1/23 in our laboratory. The routines use standard MACRO 11 and FORTRAN IV conventions for passing arguments (Digital Equipment
Postmortem in situ micro-CT evaluation of coronary stent fracture.

Coronary stent fracture has been postulated as an important mechanism for in-stent restenosis and late-stent thrombosis. We have developed a nondestructive microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) technique to image en bloc stented arterial segments. Case Report: A 43-year-old man died of sepsis 5 months following placement of a paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) in the left circumflex coronary artery to treat in-stent restenosis of a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). Micro-CT three-dimensional images of the overlapping stents were notable for numerous connecting element fractures along the length of the SES. No fractures were observed in the PES. The greatest area of luminal narrowing is related to the region of most extensive stent fracture. Micro-CT of en bloc specimens provides high resolution (16 μm), three-dimensional images allowing for visualization of the stented arterial segment in a nondestructive manner. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The DBO database system

We demonstrate our prototype of the DBO database system. DBO is designed to facilitate scalable analytic processing over large data archives. DBO's analytic processing performance is competitive with other database systems; however, unlike any other existing research or industrial system, DBO maintains a statistically meaningful guess to the final answer to a query from start to finish during query processing. This guess may be quite accurate after only a few seconds or minutes, while answering a query exactly may take hours. This can result in significant savings in both user and computer time, since a user can abort a query as soon as he or she is happy with the guess' accuracy.
The Influence of Tocopherols and Cod-Liver Oil on Milk and Fat Production

Summary Feeding 1 g. of natural mixed tocopherols daily to dairy cows during both winter and pasture feeding for periods of 4 to 5 weeks had no significant influence on milk or fat production. However, feeding 5 oz. of cod-liver oil daily to cows during winter feeding decreased the butterfat percentage approximately 14 per cent, but increased the total milk production 6 per cent. Tocopherol supplementation did not counteract the butterfat depressing effect of cod-liver oil. The tocopherol content of the milk fat and blood plasma was increased by feeding tocopherols, but was decreased by feeding cod-liver oil. Cod-liver oil had a depressing effect on the carotene content of the milk fat and blood plasma, but this was counteracted somewhat by feeding tocopherols with the cod-liver oil. The vitamin A content of the milk fat and blood plasma was increased by feeding cod-liver oil.
How Does Multilevel Regression and Poststratification Perform with Conventional National Surveys

Multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) is a method to estimate public opinion across geographic units from individual-level survey data. If it works with samples the size of typical national surveys, then MRP offers the possibility of analyzing many political phenomena previously believed to be outside the bounds of systematic empirical inquiry. Initial investigations of its performance with conventional national samples produce generally optimistic assessments. This article examines a larger number of cases and a greater range of opinions than in previous studies and finds substantial variation in MRP performance. Through empirical and Monte Carlo analyses, we develop an explanation for this variation. The findings suggest that the conditions necessary for MRP to perform well will not always be met. Thus, we draw a less optimistic conclusion than previous studies do regarding the use of MRP with samples of the size found in typical national surveys. © The Author 2013Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Political Methodology. All rights reserved.
Stabilized four‐node tetrahedron with nonlocal pressure for modeling hyperelastic materials

SUMMARY Non-linear hyperelastic response of reinforced elastomers is modeled using a novel three-dimensional mixed finite element method with a nonlocal pressure field. The element is unconditionally convergent and free of spurious pressure modes. Nonlocal pressure is obtained by an implicit gradient technique and obeys the Helmholtz equation. Physical motivation for this nonlocality is shown. An implicit finite element scheme with consistent linearization is presented. Finally, several hyperelastic examples are solved to demonstrate the computational algorithm including the inf–sup and verifications tests. Copyright q 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural theology: Theism or antitheism?

I propose that reasons advanced in support of theism serve just as well, or can be modified to serve just as well, as reasons for believing that there exists a wholly evil supreme being (‘antitheism’). Accordingly, I suggest that attempts to justify theism are futile, since all would-be success is neutralized by the corresponding support that is thereby provided for antitheism.
Digital Light Processing for high-brightness, high-resolution applications

Electronic projection display technology for high-brightness applications had its origins in the Gretag Eidophor, an oil film-based projection system developed in the early 1940s. A number of solid state technologies have challenged the Eidophor, including CRT-addressed LCD light valves and active-matrix-addressed LCD panels. More recently, in response to various limitations of the LCD technologies, high-brightness systems have been developed based on Digital Light Processing technology. At the heart of the DLP projection display is the Digital Micromirror Device, a semiconductor-based array of fast, reflective digital light switches that precisely control a light source using a binary pulsewidth modulation technique. This paper describes the design, operation, performance, and advantages of DLP- based projection systems for high-brightness, high- resolution applications. It also presents the current status of high-brightness products that will soon be on the market.
Critical and multicritical behavior in a triangular-lattice-gas Ising model: Repulsive nearest-neighbor and attractive next-nearest-neighbor coupling

Monte Carlo simulations have been used to study a triangular lattice-gas (Ising) model with repulsive nearest-neighbor interactions and attractive next-nearest-neighbor coupling. We find two ordered ($\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$) phases (one with $\frac{1}{3}$ of the sites occupied and one with $\frac{2}{3}$ of the sites filled). These ordered phases are separated from the disordered state by a phase boundary which is second order at high temperatures and which has tricritical points and first-order transitions at low temperatures. The critical and tricritical exponents are consistent with those predicted for the three-state Potts model. At 50% coverage we find a low-temperature ordered phase which is separated from the disordered state by an $\mathrm{XY}$-like line of critical points which exist between upper and lower temperatures ${T}_{1}$ and ${T}_{2}$, respectively. Along this line between ${T}_{1}$ and ${T}_{2}$ we find nonuniversal critical behavior and identify topological (vortexlike) excitations.
The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Violence

The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Violence is a welcome addition to the burgeoning scholarly literature on the relationship between religion and violence. Part I, ‘Overview of Religious Tradition...
Investing in people: Schooling in low income countries

Abstract The author, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics for his pioneering research in the economics of education and human resources, surveys research on the role of schooling and human capital in fostering productivity and economic growth. The author argues that the returns to human capital are extremely large — certainly larger than the returns to most types of physical capital. He argues in favor of increased grants by international donors for investment in primary schooling in less-developed countries, and that innovations in institutional requirements for investment in schooling — should receive high priority. — The Editor.
Most Efficient Cocaine Hydrolase Designed by Virtual Screening of Transition States

Cocaine is recognized as the most reinforcing of all drugs of abuse. There is no anticocaine medication available. The disastrous medical and social consequences of cocaine addiction have made the development of an anticocaine medication a high priority. It has been recognized that an ideal anticocaine medication is one that accelerates cocaine metabolism producing biologically inactive metabolites via a route similar to the primary cocaine-metabolizing pathway, i.e., cocaine hydrolysis catalyzed by plasma enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). However, wild-type BChE has a low catalytic efficiency against the abused cocaine. Design of a high-activity enzyme mutant is extremely challenging, particularly when the chemical reaction process is rate-determining for the enzymatic reaction. Here we report the design and discovery of a high-activity mutant of human BChE by using a novel, systematic computational design approach based on transition-state simulations and activation energy calculations. The novel com...
In vivo Temperature Sensitivity of the Calcium Affinity of fluo-5F and mag-fluo4

The role of calcium ion (Ca2+) in diverse cellular signaling pathways has been identified and investigated principally by using fluorescent chelators as indicators. Using the biophysical characteristics of a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator allows investigators to convert measured fluorescence intensity into values of free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]). Troublingly, the characteristics of Ca2+-indicators are dependent on numerous environmental factors. Determining the behavior of each indicator in vivo under comparable experimental conditions is necessary for quantitative measurements. Temperature is one environmental factor that strongly affects Ca2+ indicator behavior. A change in temperature can change the intrinsic physical characteristics of the indicator (e.g., Ca2+ affinity, quantum efficiency, and fluorescence lifetime), as well as change the cellular processes that affect indicator performance (e.g., extrusion by transporters, cellular pH). Therefore, experiments were designed to estimate the disassociation constants (KD) of the Ca2+ indicators fluo-5F and mag-fluo4 (loaded into the cytosol and sarcoplasmic reticulum, respectively) at room and physiological temperatures in murine ventricular myocytes. Ca2+ access to cytosolic compartment was established using a Ca2+ ionophore, while sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) access was established by sarcolemma permeabilization with saponin in the presence of caffeine. Once access was established, buffers with known [Ca2+] were rapidly applied using a micro-perfusion system with temperature feedback control. We observed that, increasing from room temperature to 36°C caused a modest decrease in the KD of both fluo-5F and mag-fluo4. Both indicators also displayed a decrease in dynamic range when heated. Additionally, temperature-dependent extrusion was observed for indicators loaded into the cytosol, but not those loaded into the SR. These findings are important in enabling quantitative interpretation of measurements in living cells under physiological conditions.
Planning based on postneedle volume with early dosimetric assessment is beneficial for Cesium-131 permanent prostate seed implantation.

Abstract Purpose This study reports on prostate edema after prostate brachytherapy using Cesium-131 ( 131 Cs) and describes our method to compensate. Methods and materials Thirty-one patients underwent brachytherapy using an afterloading technique. Volume measurements of the prostate were taken at various time intervals relative to the date of implant. Real-time operating room dosimetry was used for seed placement on the postneedle prostate volume. The prostate volumes at the various time points were used to determine the effect of prostate edema on dosimetry. Results Increase in prostate volume occurred immediately after needle placement, as measured by both ultrasound (mean increase of 17.7% (0–75.0%) from 36.8 to 46.9 cc) and Day 0 CT (mean increase of 15.3% (0–54.8%) to 45.9 cc). Day 0 assessment of dosimetry revealed a median D 90 of 102.7% (86.7–133.4%), median V 100 of 91.8% (75.9–98.4%), median V 150 of 44.4% (23.8–81.3%), and median V 200 of 16.3% (7.8–36.9%). This edema dissipated over the next 4 weeks, with resultant changes in dosimetric parameters. By 4 weeks, prostate volume had returned to the preimplant volume (37.7 cc) with increased D 90 (118.2%), V 100 (95.6%), V 150 (63.9%), and V 200 (28.4%). Conclusions There is significant immediate edema with prostate brachytherapy. This affects the dosimetry of the implant substantially. Because of this edema, our planning for brachytherapy is done on the postneedle implant volume. Quality assurance studies should be done on the same day as the implant to avoid substantial overestimation of dosimetric parameters.
Rainfall retention probabilities computed for different cropping-tillage systems

Rainfall and runoff event data from several different cropping and tillage systems on three field-sized watersheds in the Southern Piedmont of the U.S.A. are used to estimate empirical probability distributions of the USDA Soil Conservation Service runoff curve number. Long-term rainfall records from a nearby gauge are also employed to obtain probabilities for rainfall event occurrence and depth. These probability distributions of runoff curve number and rainfall occurrence and depth are incorporated in a recursive computer procedure to compute estimated probability distributions of annual rainfall retention for the different cropping-tillage systems. Comparison of these estimated rainfall retention probability distributions shows a reduction in the risk for low rainfall retention with the installation of conservation tillage systems.
Influence of Orally Administered Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone on Plasma Growth Hormone, Thyroid Hormones, Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Organ Weights of Broiler Chickens

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was administered continuously or intermittently in the drinking water of male broiler chickens from 2 to 21 days of age. Intermittent administration of TRH was accomplished by giving birds access to the solution for 2 hr, then removing it for 2 hr, with six repetitions of this procedure each 24 hr. The TRH concentration was such that the birds each would ingest 10 to 20 micrograms of the material during each 2-hr period that it was available. Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels were elevated within 30 min after an episode of TRH administration at 2, 7, and 14 days of age but not at 21 days. Continuous administration of TRH had no effect on GH in plasma at any age. Thyroxine concentrations in plasma were increased within 30 min of first exposure to TRH at 2 days of age, but they were unaffected by intermittent episodes of TRH at 7, 14, and 21 days of age. Triiodothyronine concentrations in plasma were unaffected by TRH at any age. Even though intermittent TRH administration elicited significant elevation in plasma GH for at least 14 days of the experiment, it had no effect on body weight, feed consumption, or weight of the gastrocnemius muscle, the pectoralis major muscle, liver, tibia, or abdominal fat pad.
Complexes of copper(I) and silver(I) with acetonitrile in water, the lower alcohols, acetone, and nitroethane

Abstract The effect of solvent on the stability of acetonitrile complexes of copper(I) and silver(I) has been investigated. Small non-correlatable differences in stability are evident. Because of no major differences in the compatibility of the ligand, acetonitrile and the solvents, and the nearly identical potentials for the copper(I), copper(Hg) and for the silver(I), silver couples in the solvents examined, the general similarity of the stability constants of the copper(I) complexes and of the silver(I) complexes in the solvents used is not completely unexpected.
The Reality of High-Resistance Grounding

In recognition of the successful applications of high-resistance grounding of industrial power systems primarily in the continuous process industries, an attempt is made to identify the broad application areas as well as to offer qualifications regarding the application of the high-resistance grounding concept. High-resistance grounding (arranged to alarm only) has proven to be a viable grounding mode for 600-V and S-kV systems with an inherent total system charging current to ground (3 Ico) of about 5.5 A or less. Beyond this current limit and in applications at 13.8 kV, high-resistance grounding appears to require direct tripping to prevent fault escalation prior to fault locating and removal. The original objective-avoidance of unscheduled shutdowns- could not be realized. The subsequent solution of direct tripping, rather than alarming only, is shown to result in a grounding scheme which is considered to be subordinate to the low-resistance (about 400 A) grounding scheme. In discussing the probable failure mode of motor windings, it is suggested that a ground fault in a motor winding, operating on a high-resistance grounded system, may be caused by an escalated turn-to-turn insulation failure. An indefinite prolongation of the resultant ground fault is likely to result in a further escalation to a phase-to-phase fault which increases the probability of unscheduled shutdowns and excessive motor damage. A precautionary note is included regarding the effect of static conversion equipment on high-resistance grounding.
Copolymerization kinetics of a model siloxane system

Using 29Si NMR, we monitor the copolymerization of trimethylethoxysilane and dimethyldiethoxysilane (model compounds for more complex sol-gel copolymer systems) in a batch reactor. Under the chosen conditions, the extents of self- and cross-condensation reactions are readily determined. Using a nonideal polycondensation kinetic model, we show that the copolymerization rate coefficient for a pair of sites of differing functionality is bounded by their homopolymerization rate coefficients, lying closer to the larger one. This reactivity pattern generates a heterogeneous monomer distribution in the copolymerization products. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1293–1302, 1997
Optical polarization tractography revealed significant fiber disarray in skeletal muscles of a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Optical polarization tractography (OPT) was recently developed to visualize tissue fiber architecture with cellular-level resolution and accuracy. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using OPT to study muscle disease in the mdx4cv mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The freshly dissected tibialis anterior muscles of mdx4cv and normal mice were imaged. A “fiber disarray index” (FDI) was developed to quantify the myofiber disorganization. In necrotic muscle regions of the mdx4cv mice, the FDI was significantly elevated and can be used to segment the 3D necrotic regions for assessing the overall muscle damage. These results demonstrated the OPT’s capability for imaging microscopic fiber alternations in muscle research.
Know your role: Black college students, racial identity, and performance

This article is a report of a critical constructivist study of racial identity and performance among 13 Black, traditional-age students enrolled at three different colleges, two historically Black and one predominantly White. The study’s approach understood identity to be socially constructed and reliant upon community affirmation and validation. The findings highlight (1) the role of internal community pressure, (2) the ways in which racial performance dominated the students’ discussions of their racial identities, and (3) the intersection of internalized racism and sexism. The overarching conclusion points to the need for promoting acceptance of racial heterogeneity within communities of Black young adults. Implications of these findings for research and practice recommend that college administrators and educators pay more attention to the influence of campus student communities on racial identity as by-products of cultural production.
Cellular mechanism of action of loop diuretics: Implications for drug effectiveness and adverse effects

The loop diuretics inhibit a transport system that moves sodium, potassium and chloride across cell membranes of many tissues, including the thick ascending loop of Henle. This inhibitory effect is responsible for their natriuretic effect. Of the agents available for clinical use, bumetanide is the most powerful; it has an in vitro transport inhibitory potency and an in vivo natriuretic effectiveness that is approximately 50-fold that of furosemide. This increased potency and the consequent decreased dose requirement give bumetanide the potential for increased effectiveness and decreased incidence of adverse effects.
Regulation of upper airway maintaining muscles during progressive asphyxia.

Summary: The electromyographic activity of an upper airway muscle (genioglossus, GG) and the diaphragm were studied in 10 adult and three young anesthetized rabbits during progressive asphyxia induced by airway occlusion. Results were similar for both age groups. Peak inspiratory activity of GG muscle increased more than that of the diaphragm during both the hyperpnea and gasping (P < 0.05). The increase in GG activity during gasping was not significantly different from that during hyperpnea even though an important stimulus, arousal, was absent during gasping. During end stage asphyxia, as the strength of gasps grew weaker, the rate of loss of GG muscle activity was greater than that of the diaphragm. However, GG activity remained greater than that of the diaphragm at the time of the last spontaneous gasp. As asphyxia progressed, inspiratory duration and the inspiratory contour of integrated electromyogram activity of both muscles changed. These data indicate differences in the control mechanism of the genioglossus and diaphragm during acute severe asphyxia. Increased upper airway muscle activity seen during gasping should help preserve upper airway patency and facilitate autoresuscitation by gasping. These observations of coordinated changes in timing and activity of two functionally different respiratory muscles support the concept that gasping is a highly organized function of the respiratory centers.
Femoral interference screw placement through the tibial tunnel: A radiographic evaluation of interference screw divergence angles after endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract Fifty patients who underwent single-incision arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone—patellar tendon—bone autograft were reviewed. All procedures were performed using a technique for placement of the femoral interference screw that reduced the divergence between the femoral interference screw and the femoral bone plug. This technique includes securing the femoral interference screw by placing the screw driver through the tibial tunnel, anterior to the tibial bone plug. Using this technique, 8% of our patients had significant femoral bone plug and interference screw divergence: however, no patients had a divergence angle of greater than 15° in either the anteroposterior or lateral planes. None of our patients were noted to have divergence angles consistent with decreased pullout strength. We had no complications caused by screw driver placement, and we did not experience any graft injury. We believe that adequate femoral bone plug and interference screw alignment can be achieved by using this technique during single-incision endoscopic ACL reconstruction.
Mathematical models of complex dose‐response relationships: Implications for experimental design in psychopharmacologic research

We develop a mathematical model to account for the complex relationship between drug dose and clinical response in psychopharmacologic research. The model specifies relationships among drug dose, drug bioavailability, pharmacokinetic factors, course moderators, clinical response and the heterogeneity of the disorder, and allows for the derivation of results that have implications for experimental design in psychopharmacologic research. These results form the basis for computer simulations which indicate that random assignment to two fixed doses is more powerful and less sensitive to heterogeneity than assignment to clinically determined doses. Fixed dose designs, however, tend to overestimate the magnitude of drug bioavailability-clinical response relationships. Clinically determined dose designs are useful in some experimental situations; their effectiveness is enhanced by systematically reducing the clinically determined dose. Larger dose reductions improve the ability to detect bioavailability-clinical response relationships.
Natural killer cells and regulatory T cells in early pregnancy loss

Survival of the allogeneic embryo in the uterus depends on the maintenance of immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. The pregnant uterus is replete with activated maternal immune cells. How this immune tolerance is acquired and maintained has been a topic of intense investigation. The key immune cells that predominantly populate the pregnant uterus are natural killer (NK) cells. In normal pregnancy, these cells are not killers, but rather provide a microenvironment that is pregnancy compatible and supports healthy placentation. In placental mammals, an array of highly orchestrated immune elements to support successful pregnancy outcome has been incorporated. This includes active cooperation between maternal immune cells, particularly NK cells, and trophoblast cells. This intricate process is required for placentation, immune regulation and to remodel the blood supply to the fetus. During the past decade, various types of maternal immune cells have been thought to be involved in cross-talk with trophoblasts and in programming immune tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have attracted a great deal of attention in promoting implantation and immune tolerance beyond implantation. However, what has not been fully addressed is how this immune-trophoblast axis breaks down during adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly early pregnancy loss, and in response to unscheduled inflammation. Intense research efforts have begun to shed light on the roles of NK cells and Tregs in early pregnancy loss, although much remains to be unraveled in order to fully characterize the mechanisms underlying their detrimental activity. An increased understanding of host-environment interactions that lead to the cytotoxic phenotype of these otherwise pregnancy compatible maternal immune cells is important for prediction, prevention and treatment of pregnancy maladies, particularly recurrent pregnancy loss. In this review, we discuss relevant information from experimental and human models that may explain the pregnancy disrupting roles of these pivotal sentinel cells at the maternal-fetal interface.
Synthesis and characterization of calcium complexes containing η2-pyrazolato ligands

Treatment of calcium bromide with 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolatopotassium (2 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran afforded Ca(tBu2pz)2(THF)2 (69%). The reaction of this compound with pyridine (3 equiv), tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA, 1 equiv), N,N,N‘,N‘,N‘ ‘-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA, 1 equiv), triglyme (1 equiv), and tetraglyme (1 equiv) yielded Ca(tBu2pz)2(py)3 (51%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(TMEDA) (74%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(PMDETA) (50%), Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme) (73%), and Ca(tBu2pz)2(tetraglyme) (57%), respectively. Treatment of the tetrahydrofuran adduct of Ca(Me2pz)2, generated in situ, with PMDETA (1 equiv), triglyme (1 equiv), and tetraglyme (1 equiv) afforded Ca(Me2pz)2(PMDETA) (65%), Ca(Me2pz)2(triglyme) (54%), and Ca(Me2pz)2(tetraglyme) (40%), respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of Ca(tBu2pz)2(py)3, Ca(tBu2pz)2(TMEDA), Ca(tBu2pz)2(PMDETA), Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme), and Ca(Me2pz)2(PMDETA) revealed six-, seven-, or eight-coordinate calcium centers with η2-pyrazolato ligands. Ca(tBu2pz)2(triglyme) sublimes at 160...
An investigation of the effects of light on basidiocarp formation of Coprinus domesticus

Coprinus domesticus, grown on a synthetic agar medium, failed to produce primordia and basidiocarps unless exposed to light. Lightdark cycles are not required for maturation of basidiocarps. Short exposure to white light induced primordia, but a longer exposure was necessary for primordia to develop into basidiocarps. The length of exposure to light was related inversely to the length the stipe finally attained. Young basidiocarps were phototropic, growing towards the light. The mycelium of cultures were dark brown following exposure to white and blue light, but the mycelium was light yellow in cultures grown in darkness. The blue end of the visible spectrum at intensities ranging from 1.5–3 × 104 ergs/cm2/sec induced mature basidiocarps, whereas green, red and far red failed to induce basidiocarps and primordia.
Negative dependence and the Simes inequality

It is shown that the Simes inequality is reversed for a broad class of negatively dependent distributions.
Evaluation of the water environments in deoxygenated sickle cells by longitudinal and transverse water proton relaxation rates

Abstract The longitudinal and transverse water proton relaxation rates of oxygenated and deoxygenated erythrocytes from both normal adults and individuals with sickle cell disease were measured as a function of temperature at two different frequencies. The simplest model which fits all of the data consists of three different environments for water molecules. The majority of the water (98%) has a correlation time indistinguishable from bulk water (3 × 10−11 sec). Secondly, there is a small amount of water (1.3–1.5%) present which has a correlation time of 2–4 × 10 −9 sec and is apparently independent of the erythrocyte sample studied. Presumably this water is the hydration sphere around the hemoglobin molecules and its correlation time is significantly slower than bulk water. The third environment contains approximately 0.2% of the water present and has a correlation time≥ 10−7 sec. This third environment is considered tightly bound to the hemoglobin because the water proton correlation time is very similar to the expected rotational correlation time for the hemoglobin molecules. The value of the transverse relaxation rate, fb(T2b)−1, for the tightly bound water fraction decreases in oxy ( S S ), deoxy ( A A ), and oxy ( A A ) erythrocyte samples as the temperature is increased as expected for a rotational correlation time process. In dramatic contrast,fb (T2b)−1 increases almost linearly as the temperature is increased over the whole 4 ° to 37 °C temperature range in samples of deoxy ( S S ) erythrocytes. The observation suggests a continual increase in the formation of deoxyhemoglobulin S polymers rather than a sudden transition from a homogeneous solution of deoxyhemoglobin S molecules to a solid gel.
Increased Superoxide Generation by Normal Granulocytes Incubated In Sera from Patients with Psoriasis

Sera from patients with untreated psoriasis were found to induce increased superoxide anion ( O 2 ˙ − ) generation when incubated with normal granulocytes (PMNs) and zymosan. Sent from patients receiving systemic chemotherapy induced O 2 ˙ − generation which was similar to that of normal sera and significantly lower than sera from the untreated patients. O 2 ˙ − production was measured by superoxide dismutase inhibitable ferricytochrome C reduction and was dependent on the presence of both zymosan and a heat labile serum factor. Serum C3c and C5 levels were elevated in both treated and untreated groups of psoriasis patients while C4 was elevated only in untreated patients. Serum ceruloplasmin, a O 2 ˙ − scavenger, was not decreased in patients with psoriasis, and consequently does not account for the increased O 2 ˙ − generation. These data suggest that sera from patients with psoriasis have an increased capacity to activate PMNs. Activation of PMNs in cutaneous and joint lesions may play a pathogenic role in psoriasis.
Biological and physical dynamics of a Georgia tidal creek

The physical and biological characteristics of five stations in and near a tidal creek were studied for 18 months. Tidal creeks and tidal rivers are differentiated and defined. Diel fluctuations of dissolved oxygen and temperature were greatest and tidal-induced salinity oscillations the least at the headwaters of the creek. Small salinity oscillations promoted a high overall diversity of fishes at the head-waters of the creek, even though few fish species maintained permanent populations there. Juvenile fishes were abundant in the summer and fall. Extreme temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels prompted a migration of fishes from these areas in late summer. Permanent fish populations were found at the mouth of the creek and in an adjacent tidal river.
Cooperative specific adsorption phenomena in biology

The importance of cooperative specific adsorption for the interpretation of biological processes is pointed out by the agreement of experimental data with a cooperative specific adsorption isotherm which has been derived on the basis of statistical mechanics as well as stochastically. An approach is described to account for physiological excitation on the basis of cooperative specific adsorption of potassium and sodium after a switch in the adsorption preference of the sites for those ions. To derive the accompanying bioelectric phenomena, the vacant negative adsorbing sites and the changes of occupancy of the interstitial sites have to be taken into account. This leads to the kinetics of cooperative phenomena in which each state variable can assume at least three values. For this purpose a masterequation has to be solved or a Monte Carlo method used. It is suggested that the calcium concentration be considered as a control variable when catastrophe theory is applied.
Assult support team

Summary Individuals who have been assaulted and have participated in the support program feel enthusiasm, commitment, and relief. One person expressed that the team is the "best thing to happen" to handle such situations. The opportunity for support has become a healthy alternative to the past response of dealing with the event and the resulting issues by oneself.
A Novel Technique of Exposure During Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Purpose: We describe a novel technique of enhanced exposure during radical retropubic prostatectomy in cases with significant cartilage overgrowth at the junction of the symphysis pubis.Materials and Methods: At our institution 74 radical retropubic prostatectomies were performed between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999. In 9 cases (12%) exposure was limited by overgrowth of cartilage at the posterior aspect of the pubic symphysis. Electrovaporization of this cartilaginous outgrowth was performed using an extended Bovie tip on cut settings of approximately 250 W. using the Bard System 5000, Birtcher 5000 and 6400 series (Valley Lab, Boulder, Colorado). The cartilage was vaporized until flush with the pubic bone.Results: This technique provided optimal exposure for direct visualization during the most critical part of the procedure. Added operative time was only 1 to 3 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were associated with this technique.Conclusions: We recommend this technique of vap...
Words for the Taking: The Hunt for a Plagiarist. By Neal Bowers

Words for the Taking: The Hunt for a Plagiarist. By Neal Bowers. Carbondale: Southern Illinois Univ. Press, [1997] 2007. Pp. xvii+152. $14.95 paper. Neal Bowers, a well-published poet and tenured university professor, is living the good life in Ames, Iowa. Or at least he is, until he learns that several of his poems have been plagiarized, meaning stolen and published nearly word for word under a name other than his own. This startling news rocks his life, setting him off on a search for the perpetrator that fundamentally alters his orientation to his life's work. For the most part, this is a book of enormous disappointment and disillusionment. How could someone steal his work so brazenly? He is also disappointed in his friends and colleagues. Why do they not understand the enormity of this violation? Why are they not more sympathetic to his plight? Many of them cannot understand why he continues to be so concerned with the case, particularly once the plagiarist has been identified. Bowers cannot understand why they are not. In addition, Bowers is disappointed with the law. Why is it so ineffectual? After discussing his case with several uninterested attorneys, he hires a local lawyer and a private detective who never quite manage to live up to Bowers's expectations despite succeeding in tracking down and extracting a letter of apology from the plagiarist, David Jones, complete with a token check for $100 in compensation for trouble caused. Jones appears "judgmentproof," having earned a grand total of $650 in the previous calendar year. For this, Bowers accrues more than $4,000 in attorney's fees (some of which he contests as unfair charges). Rather than experiencing the expected exhilaration at having finally caught up with the perpetrator, what he finds is a troublingly manipulative and rather pathetic compulsive liar who cannot seem to hold down a job teaching elementary school. When he is unsatisfied with this result, his attorney asks him what he wants from the law and Bowers somewhat sheepishly notes that what he desires is justice, or "mak[ing] him give back what he took from me" (p. 75). The damage already having been done, Bowers realizes that this is impossible. The confessional nature of Bowers's poems seems to exacerbate his feelings of violation, as the stolen poems focus on unresolved feelings surrounding the death of Bowers's father. In a 1998 interview, Bowers commented that the poems "have the stench of David Jones about them. ... In an unexpected and bizarre way, Jones has invaded not just my poetry but also my private past. Almost every thought of my father evokes thoughts of Jones. That's the thing for which I can never forgive Jones" (The Cortland Review 1998: n.p.). This perhaps explains why he continues to pursue more information about Jones. …
Cryogenic characterization of lateral DMOS transistors for lunar applications

The characterization and device physics study of a lateral DMOS transistor in the cryogenic regime (∼ + 20 °C to − 180 °C) is presented in this paper. Normally, the characteristics of lateral MOSFETs improve with decreasing temperature. However, the asymmetrical nature of LDMOS devices, owing to the presence of a lightly doped drift region, causes the behavior to deviate from the expected characteristics at deep cryo temperatures. The output current is expected to increase with decreasing temperature, but our observations indicate that the current initially increases and then starts decreasing after a certain transition temperature. This is attributed to the carrier freeze-out phenomenon occurring in the drift region due to lower ionization energies available to the carriers. The paper will report results on the transfer and output characteristics of the JPL LDMOS devices as temperature decreases and attempt to explain the observation with physical reasoning.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 secretion from cultured rat sertoli cells: dual regulation by follicle stimulating hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are found in extracellular fluids bound to carrier proteins which influence the biological activity of the IGFs. Three structurally different binding proteins (BPs) have been isolated and cloned; each has distinct tissue specific expression and unique properties. We report here that testicular cells synthesize a specific subset of these binding proteins. Ligand blot analysis and RNA blot hybridization indicates that cultured peritubular cells synthesize primarily IGFBP-2. In contrast, as determined by ligand blot, RNA blot hybridization and N-linked deglycosylated studies, IGFBP-3 is predominantly synthesized by the Sertoli cell. In a dose dependent fashion, FSH markedly reduces the levels of IGFBP-3 in Sertoli cell conditioned medium. Similarly, isoproterenol, (Bu)2cAMP and cholera toxin also markedly reduce the abundance of IGFBP-3 in conditioned media. In contrast, IGFI increases the concentrations of IGFBP-3 with the concentration required for half-maximal stimul...
Mid-infrared thermomechanical sensitivity of microcantilevers for application to infrared spectroscopy

We report the use of bimaterial microcantilever sensors for sensing narrow-band infrared (IR) radiation generated by a monochromator and its application to IR spectroscopy of polymer films. We selected microcantilever sensors of either silicon or silicon nitride and having a thin metal film coating. To assess the IR measurement capability of these cantilevers, the IR sensitivity to noise ratio (SNR), was measured in the mid-IR fingerprint spectral region (5 – 10 µm or 1000 – 2000 cm−1). The measured SNR was in the range of 8 – 90. We further demonstrated the utility of these sensors by using them to collect an IR absorbance spectrum of 1 µm thick polycarbonate film. The characteristic IR peaks for this film could be seen, and compare well with conventional Fourier Transform IR (FT-IR) data. The spectral resolution of the cantilever sensors determined to be in the range 32 – 64 cm−1.
Short-wavelength infrared (1.3–2.6 μm) observations of the nucleus of Comet 19P/Borrelly

Abstract During the last two minutes before closest approach of Deep Space 1 to Comet 19P/Borrelly, a long exposure was made with the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) imaging spectrometer. The observation yielded 46 spectra covering 1.3–2.6 μm; the footprint of each spectrum was ∼160 m × width of the nucleus. Borrelly's highly variegated and extremely dark 8-km-long nucleus exhibits a strong red slope in its short-wavelength infrared reflection spectrum. This slope is equivalent to J–K and H–K colors of ∼0.82 and ∼0.43, respectively. Between 2.3–2.6 μm thermal emission is clearly detectable in most of the spectra. These data show the nucleus surface to be hot and dry; no trace of H2O ice was detected. The surface temperature ranged continuously across the nucleus from ⩽300 K near the terminator to a maximum of ∼340 K, the expected sub-solar equilibrium temperature for a slowly rotating body. A single absorption band at ∼2.39 μm is quite evident in all of the spectra and resembles features seen in nitrogen-bearing organic molecules that are reasonable candidates for compositional components of cometary nuclei. However as of yet the source of this band is unknown.