cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A murine B cell lymphoma expressing human HER2 / neu undergoes spontaneous tumor regression and elicits antitumor immunity

In the present study we describe a novel murine tumor model in which the highly malignant murine B cell lymphoma 38C13 has been transduced with the cDNA encoding human tumor-associated antigen HER2/neu. This new cell line (38C13-HER2/neu) showed stable surface expression but not secretion of human HER2/neu. It also maintained expression of the idiotype (Id) of the surface immunoglobulin of 38C13, which serves as another tumor-associated antigen. Surprisingly, spontaneous tumor regression was observed following s.c. but not i.v. injection of 38C13-HER2/neu cells in immunocompetent syngeneic mice. Regression was more frequently observed with larger tumor cell challenges and was mediated through immunological mechanisms because it was not observed in syngeneic immunodeficient mice. Mice that showed complete tumor regression were immune to challenge with the parental cell line 38C13 and V1, a variant of 38C13 that does not express the Id. Immunity could be transferred with sera, suggesting that an antibody response mediated rejection and immunity. Continuously growing s.c. tumors as well as metastatic tumors obtained after the i.v. injection of 38C13-HER2/neu maintained expression of human HER2/neu, which can serve as a target for active immunotherapy. As spontaneous tumor regression has not been observed in other human murine models expressing human HER2/neu, our results illustrate the enormous differences that can exist among different murine tumors expressing the same antigen. The present model provides a useful tool for the study of the mechanisms of protective immunity to B cell lymphoma and for the evaluation of different therapeutic approaches based on the stimulation or suppression of the immune response.
Primary Aldosteronism: Diagnosis and Treatment

Recent studies have indicated a higher prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) than reported historically. Aldosterone excess induces sodium and fluid retention with consequential increases in blood pressure. Patients with PA are at an increased risk of developing left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic kidney disease, and endothelial dysfunction. Measurement of the plasma aldosterone/plasma renin activity ratio is an effective screening test for PA. The majority of patients with PA do not have a discernable aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), and the aldosterone excess is considered idiopathic in etiology and/or attributed to adrenal hyperplasia. Treatment of PA includes medical therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and adrenalectomy for patients with a unilateral APA. A reasonable treatment strategy is to attempt medical therapy in all patients with a high plasma aldosterone/PRA ratio and reserve the extensive workup needed to identify an APA for those patients whose hypertension or hypokalemia cannot be controlled medically.
Avoiding surgery in patients with colorectal polyps.

PURPOSE: Colonic polyps are sometimes difficult to remove endoscopically and are referred for surgical resection. This study was performed to determine how many polyps referred for surgery could actually be managed endoscopically. METHODS: An endoscopic database with data entered prospectively and consecutively was used to identify patients referred for surgery for a colonic polyp. Rectal polyps were excluded. All patients underwent colonoscopy before surgery to see if the polyp could be managed endoscopically. Cases were reviewed to see the method and outcome of treatment. RESULTS: The study population consists of 58 patients referred for surgical resection of a colorectal polyp. Endoscopic polypectomy was initially successful in 48. Five of the 48 needed surgery later for a final success rate of 43/58 avoiding surgery. There were no deaths, four complications of endoscopic polypectomy (three bleeds, one post-polypectomy syndrome) and two patients had complications of surgery (one splenic injury, one ventral hernia). Polyps ranged in size from 1.5 cm to 8.0 cm. Seven polyps contained invasive cancer (three needing surgical resection), eight contained intramucosal cancer (one operated) and 11 had severe dysplasia (three operated). Rate of persistent polyp was 16/37 at first follow up, 7/23 at second, 1/14 at third and 0/8 at fourth. CONCLUSION: Most polyps referred for surgical resection were successfully managed endoscopically. Patients with colonic polyps that are difficult or potentially dangerous to remove endoscopically should be sent for a second opinion before surgery is performed.
Selective use of adjuvant radiation therapy in resectable colorectal adenocarcinoma

Colorectal cancer recurs within the operative field in 10–20 per cent of patients undergoing potentially curative surgery. In certain subgroups, the recurrence rate is 20–50 per cent. There are some data to suggest either preoperative or postoperative radiation therapy as an adjuvant to potentially curative surgery can reduce the local operative failure rate. However, since radiation therapy has significant side effects, patient selection to maximize the therapeutic ratio is important. This report defines the criteria at the Massachusetts General Hospital for selection of patients with colorectal cancer for adjuvant radiation therapy, defines radiation therapy-surgery sequencing alternatives used, and deseribes techniques to reduce radiation side effects.
Developmental changes in the mongrel canine brain during postnatal life

Normal values for changes in brain growth, chemical composition and morphologic features of the mongrel dog between birth and maturity were established in studies of 43 puppies between birth and 6 months of age and 3 adult dogs. Brain weight in puppies increased as the sodium, potassium and chloride contents of brain decreased between birth and 60 days; values similar to the adult were observed in puppies at 3 to 6 months of age. The concentrations of sodium and chloride decreased while the concentration of potassium increased in brain water between birth and 60 days, but the sum of sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations in brain water, an index of brain osmolality, did not change during postnatal development. Total protein (mg/g dry brain) did not change, but DNA (mg/g dry brain) decreased with age; ratios of total protein:DNA increased from birth and were maximal at 90 days. Morphologic changes in the canine brain were characterized by an extensive, densely cellular subependymal germinal zone at birth which, although diminished and focally discontinuous, was present at 30 days and had disappeared by 60 days of age. The gross appearance and histologic changes observed in the mongrel canine brain observed between 1 and 60 days of age are similar to changes described for the human brain between 28 and 40 weeks gestation. We conclude that the mongrel canine brain is a suitable model for studying mechanisms of injury to the neonatal human brain.
Interaction between auditory and somatosensory systems: a study of evoked potentials in the inferior colliculus.

Abstract It is known that some neurons in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICX) receive both auditory and somatosensory input. In recordings of evoked potentials from the ICX in the rat we show evidence that somatosensory activation can modify the auditory response to click stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the median nerve affects the click-evoked response that is recorded from the surface of the ICX and different compoents of the response were affected differently. The magnitude of the changes was dependent on the time interval between electrical stimulation of the median nerve and presentation of the click stimulation. The amplitude of the two earliest peaks in the click-evoked ICX response increased slightly (16% and 20%, respectively; average of recordings in 10 animals) as a result of stimulation of the median nerve, while the amplitudes of two later peaks decreased as a result of stimulation of the median nerve (the average decrease in amplitude of these two peaks in recordings in 10 animals was 18 and 26%, respectively). The latencies of the 3 peaks we studied were only slightly affected, and the maximal change was 0.07 and 0.25 msec, respectively, for the 2 earliest peaks. The decrease in the amplitude of specific peaks of the ICX response confirms that some neurons of the extralemniscal system receive both auditory and somatosensory input, and that such somatosensory input is mainly inhibitory on these neurons. We interpret the increase in the amplitude of the early peak to be a result of median nerve stimulation caused by a decreased centrifugal inhibitory influence on superior olivary neurons.
Plasma Pinch Research on University Pulsed-Power Generators in the United States

This paper covers ongoing research on pulsed-power-produced plasmas using wire arrays and foil loads at four universities in the U.S. It is directed toward prospective and current students, as well as program managers at government agencies, and others who have a general interest in applications of pulsed power. This paper presents several pinch configurations (Z-pinches, X-pinches, planar wire arrays, radial, and suspended foils), specific physics issues (e.g., wire ablation), applications (plasma jets, X-ray hohlraums), diagnostics (e.g., ultraviolet laser probing), and modeling. The areas covered are not meant to be comprehensive, but rather, the discussion demonstrates the breadth and vibrancy of the activities at these institutions and collates extensive references on this work over primarily the past six years.
Anti-carbohydrate antibodies elicited by polyvalent display on a viral scaffold.

Tetra- and hexasaccharides were arrayed on the exterior surface of cowpea mosaic virus by using a copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Inoculation of chickens with these virus conjugates gave rise to large quantities of polyclonal anti-glycan IgY antibodies that displayed excellent avidity and specificity on analysis with printed glycan microarrays. Avian IgY antibodies are produced in significantly higher yield than is possible for mouse or rabbit IgG, and exhibit reduced cross reactivity with native mammalian proteins. For a tri-LacNAc antigen, affinity purification against immobilized mono-LacNAc was necessary to provide a set of antibodies with specific binding properties. Comparable performance was observed for the virus-based polyclonal versus a commercial monoclonal antibody raised against the globo-H tetrasaccharide; this highlights the utility of the glycan microarray for both quality control and rapid in-depth analysis. Virus–carbohydrate conjugates are promising candidates for development in diagnostic and immunotherapeutic applications.
Experimental investigation of plasma heating by a high-frequency electric field near the electron cyclotron resonance in the FM-1 spherator

Plasma heating due to a high-frequency electric field near the electron cyclotron resonance is investigated in a toroidal plasma confinement device, the FM-1 spherator. It is observed that electrons and ions are heated "anomalously" when the incident high-frequency field exceeds a threshold value. Above the same threshold the parametric decay instability of upper and lower hybrid waves takes place. We investigate the effect of the decay instability and plasma heating on the confinement time.
An electrophoretic study of inter- and intrapopulation genetic variation within the Northern fence swift, Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus.

Abstract 1. 1. Electrophoretic analysis of proteins was conducted for seven populations of Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus and one population of S. u. garmani. 2. 2. Populations of S. u. hyacinthinus from the western portion of the subspecies range were significantly more variable than those from the eastern-central portion. 3. 3. Genetic similarity coefficients indicates that the S. u. garmani population is as similar to most S. u. hyacinthinus populations as they are to each other.
The Fiber Composite With Nonlinear Interface—Part I: Axial Tension

This paper treats the effective axial tension response of a composite consisting of fibers that debond from the matrix according to nonlinear Needleman-type cohesive zones. A second, related paper (Part II) treats effective antiplane shear response. The composite cylinders representation of a representative volume element (RVE) is employed throughout. For axial tension loading a simple rotationally symmetric boundary value problem for a single composite cylinder is solved. Bounds on the total potential energy and the total complementary energy are shown to coincide and an exact solution for axial extension and Poisson contraction of an RVE of the composite is obtained. Nonlinear interfacial debonding, however, is shown to have a negligible effect on extensional response and only a small, though potentially destabilizing, effect on Poisson contraction response.
Relating movement control at 9 upper extremity segments to loss of hand function in people with chronic hemiparesis.

Background and Objective . Loss of hand function in people with hemiparesis is a major contributor to disability poststroke. To use the hand for functional activities, a person may need control of the more proximal upper extremity segments to position and orient the hand with respect to the environment and may need control of the fingers to manipulate objects within the environment. The purpose of this project was to investigate how movement control at proximal, middle, and distal upper extremity segments contributed to loss of hand function in people with chronic hemiparesis. Methods. 32 patients with hemiparesis (avg 21.4 months postlesion) were studied making isolated movements of shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, forearm pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, and individual finger flexion using 3D kinematic techniques. For each segment, 3 variables were obtained: how far a segment could move (active range of motion [AROM]), how well a segment could move by itself (individuation index), and how ...
REFERENTIAL AND QUANTIFICATIONAL INDEFINITES

The formal semantics that we have proposed for definite and indefinite descriptions analyzes them both as variable-binding operators and as referring terms. It is the referential analysis which makes it possible to account for the facts outlined in Section 2, e.g. for the purely ‘instrumental’ role of the descriptive content; for the appearance of unusually wide scope readings relative to other quantifiers, higher predicates, and island boundaries; for the fact that the island-escaping readings are always equivalent to maximally wide scope quantifiers; and for the appearance of violations of the identity conditions on variables in deleted constituents. We would emphasize that this is not a random collection of observations. They cohere naturally with each other, and with facts about other phrases that are unambigously referential. We conceded at the outset of this paper that the referential use of an indefinite noun phrase does not, by itself, motivate the postulation of a referential interpretation. Our argument has been that the behavior of indefinites in complex sentences cannot be economically described, and certainly cannot be explained, unless a referential interpretation is assumed. It could be accounted for in pragmatic terms only if the whole theory of scope relations and of conditions on deletion could be eliminated from the semantics and incorporated into a purely pragmatic theory. But this seems unlikely.
Prostaglandin E2 induces apoptosis in immature normal and malignant B lymphocytes

Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major product of macrophages which can kill certain murine B cell lymphomas, induces death by a necrotic mechanism or by an alternate pathway called apoptosis. CH31 is a phenotypically “immature” B cell lymphoma which resembles immature neonatal B cells in its susceptibility to killing by reagents which cross-link surface immunoglobulin (sIg). In the present study we first show that PGE2, but not the closely related prostanoid, PGF2α, kills CH31 lymphoma cells. In contrast, CH12, a phenotypically “mature” lymphoma which is not negatively affected by sIg cross-linking, is not induced to die after exposure to PGE2. Agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the DNA of PGE2-treated CH31, but not CH12 cells, is cleaved into characteristic 200 base pair oligonucleosomal fragments indicative of an apoptotic mechanism of death. However, a necrotic form of death, indicated by random DNA cleavage which produces a smear following electrophoresis, could be induced by treatment of CH12 or CH31 with anti-class II MHC antibodies and complement. The apoptotic mechanism of CH31 cell killing by PGE2 was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy which demonstrated the unique membrane blebbing and bubbling pathognomonic of this form of death. Finally, using a recently devised flow cytometric method to study apoptosis in heterogeneous cell populations, we compared the ability of anti-IgM, PGE2, or PGF2α to induce apoptosis in B lymphocytes from neonatal or adult mice. Anti-IgM, and to a lesser extent PGE2, but not PGF2α, induces apoptosis in a fraction of neonatal B cells. None of these treatments induced cell death in B lymphocytes from mature mice. Overall, these observations suggest that PGE-secreting cells such as macrophages, which inhabit the B cell microenvironments of lymphoid organs, may eliminate a subset of immature B lymphocytes and may be important in controlling the spread of PGE-sensitive malignant B lymphoma cells.
Rhabdomyolysis and hypoxia associated with prolonged propofol infusion in children

Propofol, a new anesthetic, is now used more commonly to sedate patients in the intensive care unit. Propofol's rapid elimination has popularized its use to induce and maintain hypnosis in patients with refractory status epilepticus. It is also associated with occasional severe metabolic acidosis and hypoxia of indeterminate cause in children. We report a child and an adolescent who developed severe metabolic acidosis, progressive hypoxia, and rhabdomyolysis during maintenance infusion of propofol for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus. We suggest that propofol should not be used for prolonged sedation in children until its safety can be ensured.
James Madison and Popular Government: The Neglected Case of the “Memorial”

James Madison has long been seen as a liberal thinker and in many respects an elitist one. More recently, a few efforts have been made to understand him as a consistent and even “fervent” democrat, at least after 1790. This article re-examines a classic source for Madison's early liberalism, the “Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments” (1785), to establish Madison's pre-1790 analysis of—and genuine commitment to—the popular element of popular government. As a result, the article challenges elitist, conservative interpretations of a “Hamiltonian” Madison as well as those who chart a major philosophical shift in the 1790s.
Ascorbic acid levels in aqueous and vitreous humors of the rabbit: Effects of inflammation and ceruloplasmin

A HPLC method for determination of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in plasma and aqueous and vitreous humors of rabbits is described. Values for total ascorbic acid concentration found in this study are in agreement with those of previous investigators. Endotoxin-induced ocular inflammation caused a decrease in the concentration of ascorbic acid in the aqueous humor and an increase in the vitreous humor. The additional lack of correlation between levels of ascorbic acid in normal aqueous and vitreous humors from the same uninflamed eye indicates that the aqueous humor is not the source of vitreal ascorbic acid. The copper concentration of the aqueous humor is increased during ocular inflammation, most likely due to the influx of ceruloplasmin from plasma when the blood-aqueous barrier is disrupted. Ceruloplasmin caused a decrease in the amount of ascorbic acid in the aqueous humor in vitro and the vitreous humor in vivo. The presence of ceruloplasmin in the aqueous humor during inflammation thus may contribute to the decreased concentration of ascorbic acid in this fluid.
Prognosis for Survival After an Initial Stroke

Background and Purpose We studied prognosis for survival after an initial stroke in 662 patients who survived at least 30 days after onset while taking into account age, sex, the number of neurological deficits from the initial stroke, stroke type, and five selected medical conditions: hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, and history of transient ischemic attacks. Methods All patients were enrolled between July 1, 1987, and August 1, 1989, and were followed regularly at about 6-month intervals until death or the end of the study (mean of 24 months). Results At 6 months, 90.8% of the 30-day stroke survivors were still alive. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, the cumulative survival rates were 86.9%, 78.7%, 73.2%, and 72.0%, respectively. Older age and the number of neurological deficits at onset of initial stroke increased risk of death. Compared with patients of the same age, sex, number of neurological deficits, and comorbidities, increased risk of death is present among tho...
HotPatch: A Statistical A pproach to Finding Biologically Relevant Features on Protein Surfaces

We describe a fully automated algorithm for finding functional sites on protein structures. Our method finds surface patches of unusual physicochemical properties on protein structures, and estimates the patches' probability of overlapping functional sites. Other methods for predicting the locations of specific types of functional sites exist, but in previous analyses, it has been difficult to compare methods when they are applied to different types of sites. Thus, we introduce a new statistical framework that enables rigorous comparisons of the usefulness of different physicochemical properties for predicting virtually any kind of functional site. The program's statistical models were trained for 11 individual properties (electrostatics, concavity, hydrophobicity, etc.) and for 15 neural network combination properties, all optimized and tested on 15 diverse protein functions. To simulate what to expect if the program were run on proteins of unknown function, as might arise from structural genomics, we tested it on 618 proteins of diverse mixed functions. In the higher-scoring top half of all predictions, a functional residue could typically be found within the first 1.7 residues chosen at random. The program may or may not use partial information about the protein's function type as an input, depending on which statistical model the user chooses to employ. If function type is used as an additional constraint, prediction accuracy usually increases, and is particularly good for enzymes, DNA-interacting sites, and oligomeric interfaces. The program can be accessed online (at http://hotpatch.mbi.ucla.edu).
Inside the Rabelaisian Sileni Box

Professor David M. Boje is the agent provocateur of the postmodern era. Famed as a scholar, one of those precious few scholars who can actually make postmodernism accessible and meaningful, David provokes us through the gift of perspective. David’s work moves us by giving us insight into the unseen and by helping us to engage the mystery that lies just beyond our regular comprehension. And if we consider perspective gaining for a moment, we find that is exactly what our scholarly work is about: We give the gift of perspective, for with newperspectives our students, and indeed all of us, move forward. As you read David’s address, you will find yourself provoked through a story of Bakhtin and dialogue, murals and McDonald’s. David moves us to realize the power we scholars have through our gifts of language and knowledge to create perspective, to enable, and to move forward.
Deep-sea trawling must be banned

Industry interests should not be allowed to derail a European Union vote on whether to prohibit a destructive fishing technique, says Les Watling.
A Professional Development Course for the Clinical Clerkships: Developing a Student-Centered Curriculum

Introduction Although professional development is addressed throughout the medical school curriculum, it is particularly salient to third-year students as they become integral members of health care teams.
Accelerating write by exploiting PCM asymmetries

To improve the write performance of PCM, this paper proposes a new write scheme, called two-stage-write, which leverages the speed and power difference between writing a zero bit and writing a one bit. Writing a one takes longer time but less electrical current than writing a zero. We propose to divide a write into stages: in the write-0 stage all zeros are written at an accelerated speed, and in the write-1 stage stage, all ones are written with increased parallelism, without violating power constraints. We also present a new coding scheme to improve the speed of the write-1 stage by further increasing the number of bits that can be written to PCM in parallel. Based on simulation experiments of a multi-core processor under various SPEC CPU 2006 workloads, our proposed techniques can reduce the memory latency of standard PCM by 68.3% and improve the system performance by 33.9% on average. In addition, the proposed two-stage-write shows 16.5% latency reduction and 9.2% performance improvement over Flip-N-Write.
Fractured Families and Communities: Effects of Immigration Reform in Texas, Mexico, and El Salvador

The enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) in 1996 represented a major shift in post World War II immigration policies. IIRIRA facilitated a large-scale removal of legal resident immigrants, increased the income-requirements to sponsor an immigrant, reduced the discretionary power of immigration judges, and increased the resources for border enforcement. In this study, effects of IIRIRA on communities and immigrant families are examined through fieldwork and interviews of social service agencies, community organizations, and households in Texas, Mexico and El Salvador. The findings indicate that IIRIRA has had major effects on communities and families in all three settings. IIRIRA has produced fear and stress among families and the communities in which they live. The law also has mobilized governmental and non-governmental agency involvement both for and against immigrants. Finally, the exclusionary aspects of the law have raised issues of social identity among migrants in the United States and abroad.
Insulin-like growth factor I receptor gene is concordant with c-Fes protooncogene and mouse chromosome 7 in somatic cell hybrids.

The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) mediates the actions of pituitary growth hormone in a variety of tissues. Its receptor (IGF1R) displays considerable structural similarity to the insulin receptor. In humans, the IGF1Rgene has been mapped near FES,the cellular counterpart of the feline sarcoma virus transforming gene v-fes,at the q25–q26 region of human chromosome 15 (HSA15). Here, we report the mapping of mouse Igf1rto mouse chromosome 7 (MMU7) by somatic cell hybrid analysis. This result, along with the prior assignment of the loci for mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase and FESto human chromosome 15 and mouse chromosome 7, suggest a conserved autosomal synteny group on the distal long arm of HSA15 and in the center of MMU7.
A Model for Learning to Understand and Communicate the Philosophy of Chiropractic: Using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

ABSTRACT Background From the beginning, communicating the philosophy of chiropractic has created turmoil within the profession, caused debate over its practicality, and sometimes been discarded as useless. A search began for a model to create avenues of understanding and communication. Other professionals have used Covey's 7 Habits as a model for success in communicating their principles and we felt that the chiropractic profession could make similar attempts. We selected Steven R. Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for its concepts and applied them to strategies for use by chiropractic educators or philosophy instructors. Discussion This paper describes a new model of communication by synthesizing the 7 Habits of Covey with the works of Stephenson in the Chiropractic Textbook. This model uses principled perceptions to illustrate a philosophical value for clinical practice and educational experience, so it can be more easily heard and understood by a wider audience. Conclusion The authors believe that the philosophy of chiropractic is as vital to the profession as is the science and the art. The authors suggest that using Covey's 7 Habits as a model is useful, practical, and worthy for doctors of chiropractic to consider as another avenue for dialogue, advancing the philosophy of chiropractic, and serving as a platform for learning to better understand and communicate the philosophy of chiropractic.
The clinical implications of first-pass metabolism: treatment strategies for the 1990s

The first-pass effect is real. It may pose obstacles to the treatment of disease, and strategies need to be developed to address the problem that first pass can cause. First we have to look at identifying the problem, and this symposium has helped to further emphasize that the problem exists and awareness is increasing. The first-pass effect has been a basic tenant of pharmacology but an area not receiving active research interest and one that is often overlooked in the clinical arena. Avoiding drug interactions is a consideration, and that is a major challenge to the field of clinical pharmacology. Clinicians need to be aware of the problem, aware of the danger areas with drugs, and first pass. Another alternative is to turn to chemical modification of a drug that avoids needing to take first pass into consideration.
CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β Regulates Aromatase Expression via Multiple and Novel Cis-Regulatory Sequences in Uterine Leiomyoma

Context: Control of aromatase expression in uterine leiomyoma has significant clinical implications because aromatase inhibitors reduce tumor growth and associated irregular uterine bleeding. The mechanisms that regulate aromatase expression in leiomyoma are unknown. Objectives: We previously demonstrated that the cAMP-responsive proximal promoters I.3 and II regulate aromatase expression in vivo in uterine leiomyoma tissue. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for promoter I.3/II usage. Results: In smooth muscle cells isolated from leiomyoma (LSMCs), dibutyryl cAMP significantly induced aromatase mRNA and enzyme activity. Reporter constructs of promoter I.3/II deletion and site-directed mutants with selective disruption of cis-regulatory elements in the −517/−16 bp region revealed that five out of seven elements, including three CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) binding sites and two cAMP response elements, were essential for cAMP-induced promoter activity. EMSAs d...
Thiosulfate accumulation by rat renal cortex slices

Abstract S 2 O 3 2− excretion in the dog has been well documented, and its sensitivity to certain hormones has been reported. For example, pretreatment of the female dog with cortisone promotes renal tubular secretion of S 2 O 3 2− . This study was designed to establish the parameters for S 2 O 3 2− transport by isolated rat renal tissue prior to investigating the hormone effects. Standard renal slice procedures were employed with incubations performed in modified Krebs-Ringer phosphate solutions. Rat cortex slices accumulate 35 SSO 3 2− to steady-state distribution ratios (concentration in cell water/concentration in bathing solution) of about 3.0 in 90–120 min. Steady-state distribution ratios were depressed as the concentration of S 2 O 3 2− in the bathing solution was increased. No metabolic substrates were found to increase accumulation. Specifically, glucose had no effect, while a large number of organic acid intermediates ( e.g. acetate, succinate) reduced accumulation. The uptake was energy dependent, i.e. it was reduced by metabolic inhibitors. S 2 O 3 2− accumulation was influenced by the K + concentration of the bathing solution, and perhaps to a slight extent by the N + concentration. Specific activity measurements and high-voltage electrophoresis analyses indicated that 35 SSO 3 2− was neither metabolized by this slice system nor bound significantly to macromolecules. However, a small amount of trichloroacetic acid-insoluble label was detected.
Model reference adaptive control and identification via the modified output error method

A modified output error method (MOEM) for model reference adaptive control (MRAC) and identification (MRAI) is introduced. The regressors are properly chosen so that the open-loop system can be compactly expressed as a stable system with an input linear with respect to the unknown plant parameters. The output error satisfies a constructible stable filtered equation. The method does not require any strictly positive real or arbitrary stable filterings, and the uncertainty on the magnitude of the high-frequency gain of the plant does not result in an overparameterization of the identifier. Sufficient conditions on the reference input under which the parameter and output errors converge exponentially to zero are also given. >
The Isle of the Cross and Poems: Lost Melville Books and the Indefinite Afterlife of Error

Reviewers of Hershel Parker9s Herman Melville: A Biography , 1851––1891 in the New York Times and other influential papers expressed disbelief that The Isle of the Cross and Poems (1860) had ever existed. In fact, Melville scholars had known much about The Isle of the Cross (but not the name) for decades and since 1922 had known almost everything about Poems . Like these reviewers, many other modern critics no longer perform archival research themselves and fail to acknowledge decades of basic documentary work done on Melville. It is as if critics believe nothing new could have been discovered after 1921, the year of Raymond Weaver9s biography of Melville. The consequence of this ignorance, manifest in much literary criticism, is a pernicious distortion of the trajectory of Melville9s whole literary career.
Sputtering as a possible mechanism for increase of ionization in the vicinity of low-altitude satellites

Abstract It is suggested that for altitudes below 200 km there may be sufficient sputtering produced by ion, atomic, and molecular impact on the vehicle surface to lead to some increase in ionization above ambient at distances of one mean path or less from the vehicle. The sputtering process injects into the enviroment atoms of metallic elements whose ionization potentials are 1 2 to 1 3 those of the ambient species. Collision energies in the centre of mass system vary from ionization thresholds (Ei) to 2 to 3 times Ei. The resulting ionization in the surroundings may then be calculated if values for β, the probability of any collision leading to ionization, is known. On the basis of the crude model presented, β should be greater than or equal to 10−6 for this mechanism to be of interest.
Evaluation of Drug Interferences in the Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric Analysis of Plasma Theophylline

Forty-five commonly used drugs were evaluated for potential Interference in the widely employed ultraviolet spectrophotometric analysis of plasma theophylline (7,8). Eighteen compounds interfered__>+10% extracted from plasma at a concentration of 20 mg/liter and back-extracted into 0.1 N NaOH: group A--dicoumarol, gentamicin, methyclothlazide, nitrofurantoln, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, probenecid, and sulfisoxazole; group B--acetaminophen, 1,7-dimethylxanthine (caffeine metabolite), dyphylline, furosemide, sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, theobromine, thiopental, and warfarin. Theophylline could be measured free from Interference by the drugs in group A but not group B when back-extraction into 1 N HCI was performed. Of 1,750 theophylline analyses done in our laboratory by the Jatlow method (8) for 600 different patients during 1976 and 1977, 1.8% of analyses (3.7% of patients) showed interference from one or more of the drugs listed above: sulfamethoxazole (as Spectra | or Bactrim| 50% of cases, furosemide (Lasix| probenecid (Benemid| acetaminophen (Tylenolr gentamicln, and nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin|
Training System Design Engineers

System design engineers are in short supply and difficult to train. On-the-job training is the principal method used today, and the universities that seek to train system engineers make use of cooperative arrangements with industry to provide such experience. This paper suggests that training emphasis incorrectly has been placed on skills that are useful in system design work, rather than on the development of certain valuable qualities (talents or personality traits). On-the-job training is often pursued without due recognition of the importance of these qualities, and academic training today seems more attuned to the teaching of skills. It is hoped that discussion of these factors will help stimulate educators and engineering managers to search for ways to shorten the long training cycle.
Correlates of Hepatitis C virus infection in homeless men: a latent variable approach

Homeless individuals are at risk for numerous health problems including Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is primarily caused by sharing of equipment associated with injection drug use (IDU). In the current study, we assessed differences among HCV-negative and HCV-positive homeless men residing in Los Angeles (N = 198; about 50% HCV positive) on a number of risk factors and behaviors. Findings revealed several significant correlates of HCV-positive status. HCV-positivity was significantly and positively associated with a history of substance use (IDU and non-IDU), recent IDU-related behaviors including equipment sharing, other forms of sharing (e.g., toothbrushes, razors), homelessness severity, tattoos, sexually transmitted diseases, a jail/prison history, and greater age. Lifetime alcohol problems were not associated with HCV. Although associations of HCV with current IDU-related behaviors are not surprising, it is alarming that these behaviors were recent. Those who work among homeless populations should be aware not only of the high likelihood of HCV infection in this population but also of the transmission risk due to continued IDU sharing behaviors. Substance abuse treatment should be implemented to hinder the spread of HCV in this vulnerable population. Also, needle exchange and provision of clean ancillary IDU equipment should be encouraged in areas where homeless people are known to congregate.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Muscimol and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Against Pyridoxal Phosphate-Induced Epileptic Seizures

The intracerebroventricular injection of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP, 0.125-1.25 mumol/rat) causes epileptic seizures (4 min leads to 1 min) that are preventable or reversible by GABA (1 mumol/rat), by muscimol (0.025 mumol/rat), or by diazepam (1.75 mumol/rat). At the peak of PLP-induced convulsions, the activities of GAD and GABA-T in 14 regions of rat brain remained unaltered, whereas the concentrations of PLP remained elevated. The PLP-induced convulsion was blocked by DABA (10 mumol/rat) but was not altered by beta-alanine (50 mumol/rat). The previous in vitro studies have shown that PLP increases the uptake of [3H]GABA into synaptosomes and inhibits the binding of [3H]GABA to synaptic membranes. These data suggest that PLP-induced convulsion is due to reduced availability of GABA to its recognition sites, rather than to alteration in the activity of GABA metabolizing enzymes, or unavailability of PLP as a coenzyme for GAD and GABA-T. Since the duration of PLP-induced epileptic seizures is short and can be prevented by GABA agonists, PLP may be used as a tool to study the nature of GABA-mediated neuroinhibition and the properties of GABA receptor sites.
Exploring Agricultural Livelihood Transitions with an Agent-Based Virtual Laboratory: Global Forces to Local Decision-Making

Rural populations are undergoing rapid changes in both their livelihoods and land uses, with associated impacts on ecosystems, global biogeochemistry, and climate change. A primary challenge is, thus, to explain these shifts in terms of the actors and processes operating within a variety of land systems in order to understand how land users might respond locally to future changes in broader-scale environmental and economic conditions. Using ‘induced intensification’ theory as a benchmark, we develop a generalized agent-based model to investigate mechanistic explanations of relationships between agricultural intensity and population density, environmental suitability, and market influence. Land-use and livelihood decisions modeled from basic micro-economic theories generated spatial and temporal patterns of agricultural intensification consistent with predictions of induced intensification theory. Further, agent actions in response to conditions beyond those described by induced intensification theory were explored, revealing that interactions among environmental constraints, population pressure, and market influence may produce transitions to multiple livelihood regimes of varying market integration. The result is new hypotheses that could modify and enrich understanding of the classic relationship between agricultural intensity and population density. The strength of this agent-based model and the experimental results is the generalized form of the decision-making processes underlying land-use and livelihood transitions, creating the prospect of a virtual laboratory for systematically generating hypotheses of how agent decisions and interactions relate to observed land-use and livelihood patterns across diverse land systems.
Kinetic Modeling of the Assembly, Dynamic Steady State, and Contraction of the FtsZ Ring in Prokaryotic Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis in prokaryotes involves the assembly of a polymeric ring composed of FtsZ protein monomeric units. The Z ring forms at the division plane and is attached to the membrane. After assembly, it maintains a stable yet dynamic steady state. Once induced, the ring contracts and the membrane constricts. In this work, we present a computational deterministic biochemical model exhibiting this behavior. The model is based on biochemical features of FtsZ known from in vitro studies, and it quantitatively reproduces relevant in vitro data. An essential part of the model is a consideration of interfacial reactions involving the cytosol volume, where monomeric FtsZ is dispersed, and the membrane surface in the cell's mid-zone where the ring is assembled. This approach allows the same chemical model to simulate either in vitro or in vivo conditions by adjusting only two geometrical parameters. The model includes minimal reactions, components, and assumptions, yet is able to reproduce sought-after in vivo behavior, including the rapid assembly of the ring via FtsZ-polymerization, the formation of a dynamic steady state in which GTP hydrolysis leads to the exchange of monomeric subunits between cytoplasm and the ring, and finally the induced contraction of the ring. The model gives a quantitative estimate for coupling between the rate of GTP hydrolysis and of FtsZ subunit turnover between the assembled ring and the cytoplasmic pool as observed. Membrane constriction is chemically driven by the strong tendency of GTP-bound FtsZ to self-assembly. The model suggests a possible mechanism of membrane contraction without a motor protein. The portion of the free energy of GTP hydrolysis released in cyclization is indirectly used in this energetically unfavorable process. The model provides a limit to the mechanistic complexity required to mimic ring behavior, and it highlights the importance of parallel in vitro and in vivo modeling.
Cross-Subsidization in Institutional Asset Management Firms

We identify strong and robust evidence of strategic performance allocation in the institutional money management industry, directed toward strong recent performers. The extent of strategic performance allocation varies with the product’s client power. Strategic performance allocation is particularly pronounced for young products. Studying variation in opportunities for strategic performance allocation (illiquidity of the products’ investment styles and cross-trading status of the firm) enables us to show that (at least part of) strategic performance allocation rests upon cross-subsidization. We also quantify, and assess the implications of, strategic performance allocation away from the products that likely cross-subsidize this performance.
Developmental profiles of infant EEG: Overlap with transient cortical circuits

Objective To quantify spectral power in frequency specific bands and commonly observed types of bursting activities in the EEG during early human development.
Intrinsic properties of a Burridge-Knopoff model of an earthquake fault

We present a detailed numerical study of certain fundamental aspects of a one-dimensional homogeneous, deterministic Burridge-Knopoff model. The model is described by a massive wave equation, in which the key nonlinearity is associated with the stick-slip velocity-weakening friction force at the interface between tectonic plates. In this paper, we present results for the statistical distribution of slipping events in the limit of a very long fault and infinitesimally slow driving rates. Typically, we find that the magnitude distribution of smaller events is consistent with the Gutenberg-Richter law, while the larger events occur in excess of this distribution. The crossover from smaller to larger events is identified with a correlation length describing the transition from localized to delocalized events. We also find that there is a sharp upper cutoff describing the maximum large event. We identify how the correlation length and this upper cutoff scale with the parameters in the model. We find that both are independent of system size, while both do depend on the spatial discretization. In addition to the magnitude distribution, we present a series of measurements of other seismologically relevant quantities, including the event duration, the size of the rupture zone, and the energy release, and discussmore » the relationship between our measurements and the corresponding empirical laws in seismology.« less
Functional abstraction driven design space exploration of heterogeneous programmable architectures

Rapid Design Space Exploration (DSE) of a programmable architecture is feasible using an automatic toolkit (compiler, simulator, assembler) generation methodology driven by an Architecture Description Language (ADL). While many contemporary ADLs can effectively capture one class of architecture, they are typically unable to capture a wide spectrum of processor and memory features present in DSP, VLIW, EPIC and Superscalar processors. The main bottleneck has been the lack of an abstraction underlying the ADL (covering a diverse set of architectural features) that permits reuse of the abstraction primitives to compose the heterogeneous architectures. We present in this paper the functional abstraction needed to capture such wide variety of programmable architectures. We illustrate the usefulness of this approach by specifying two very different architectures using functional abstraction. Our DSE results demonstrate the power of reuse in composing heterogeneous architectures using functional abstraction primitives allowing for a reduction in the time for specification and exploration by at least an order of magnitude.