cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Genotype: Association with Depression during Interferon-α Treatment

Depression has been associated with inflammation, and inflammation may both influence and interact with growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Both the functional Val66Met BDNF polymorphism (rs6265) and BDNF levels have been associated with depression. It is thus plausible that decreased BDNF could mediate and/or moderate cytokine-induced depression. We therefore prospectively employed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in 124 initially euthymic patients during treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-α), assessing serum BDNF and rs6265. Using mixed-effect repeated measures, lower pretreatment BDNF was associated with higher depression symptoms during IFN-α treatment (F144,17.2=6.8; P<0.0001). However, although the Met allele was associated with lower BDNF levels (F1,83.0=5.0; P=0.03), it was only associated with increased MADRS scores (F4,8.9=20.3; P<0.001), and not the BDI-II or HADS. An exploratory comparison of individual BDI-II items indicated that the Met allele was associated with suicidal ideation, sadness, and worthlessness, but not neurovegetative symptoms. Conversely, the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) short allele was associated with neurovegetative symptoms such as insomnia, poor appetite and fatigue, but not sadness, worthlessness, or suicidal ideation. IFN-α therapy further lowered BDNF serum levels (F4,37.7=5.0; P=0.003), but this decrease occurred regardless of depression development. The findings thus do not support the hypothesis that decreasing BDNF is the primary pathway by which IFN-α worsens depression. Nonetheless, the results support the hypothesis that BDNF levels influence resiliency against developing inflammatory cytokine-associated depression, and specifically to a subset of symptoms distinct from those influenced by 5-HTTLPR.
Guidelines for resident training in veterinary clinical pathology. I. Clinical chemistry.

Background: The Education Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology identified a need for improved structure and guidance of clinical pathology resident training in clinical chemistry. Objectives: The committee's goal was to develop learning objectives and competencies in knowledge, abilities, and skills in clinical chemistry; provide options and ideas for training activities; and identify clinical chemistry resources useful for clinical pathology faculty, training program coordinators, and residents. Methods: Guidelines were developed and written with the input of Education Committee members and peer experts. Results: The primary objectives of clinical chemistry training are: 1) to accrue a thorough, extensive, and relevant knowledge base of the types, principles, and properties of clinical chemistry tests and concepts of pathophysiology in animals; 2) to develop abilities to reason, think critically, and exercise judgment in clinical chemistry data interpretation, investigative problem-solving, and hypothesis-driven research; and 3) to acquire technical and statistical skills important in clinical chemistry and laboratory operations. Conclusions: These guidelines define expected competencies that will help ensure proficiency, leadership, and the advancement of knowledge in veterinary clinical chemistry and provide a useful framework for didactic and clinical activities in resident training programs. The learning objectives can readily be adapted to institutional and individual needs, interests, goals, and resources.
Idiopathic Hyperammonemia following an Unrelated Cord Blood Transplant for Mucopolysaccharidosis I

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been shown to reverse or stabilize some manifestations of mucopolysaccharidosis I (Hurler syndrome). Idiopathic hyperammonemia (IHA) is a rare complication of solid organ and BMT that is characterized by elevated serum ammonia, normal liver enzymes, and abrupt onset of neurologic deterioration. We present the case of a 14-month-old male patient with Hurler syndrome who developed fatal IHA (ammonia = 2297 micromol/L) 31 days after a cord blood transplant. A complete autopsy was performed, with examination of both frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues using a variety of special stains and electron microscopy. Hyperammonemia was documented by analysis of antemortem serum and postmortem cerebrospinal and vitreous fluid. Other causes of hyperammonemia, including Reye syndrome, were excluded. Histologic changes included centrilobular microvesicular steatosis of the liver and storage product present in multiple organs. The highly water-soluble mucopolysaccharide (MPS) storage product was best identified by colloidal iron staining of FFPE and unfixed air-dried fresh frozen liver sections. Alcian blue stains failed to convincingly demonstrate MPS in any of the liver sections. This is the first published report, to our knowledge, of IHA in a posttransplant patient younger than 18 years old or following transplantation for Hurler syndrome. Demonstration of the hepatic centrilobular microvesicular steatosis characteristic of IHA was complicated by the diffuse storage of MPS within the liver. MPS storage can be best detected in the liver using colloidal iron staining. Oil-red-O staining may be useful to document microvesicular steatosis in cases with a clinical history of hyperammonemia following solid organ or BMT. Determining if certain subsets of children are at increased risk for IHA requires further study.
Does postural assessment contribute to patient care

Author Shirley A. Sahrmann explores whether the examination of posture is just a tradition of physical therapy practice or if the information gathered from this assessment useful for diagnosis and treatment. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2002;32(8):376–379. doi:10.2519/jospt.2002.32.8.376
Red blood cell choline. I: Choline in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Seventeen drug-free patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 15 normal elderly controls of which 13 age- and sex-matched pairs were included, participated in a study of red blood cell (RBC) and plasma choline. Mean values for RBC choline, plasma choline, and the ratio of RBC/plasma choline did not differ between the AD and control groups. Degree of dementia did not correlate with any blood choline measure. A correlation was found between age and RBC choline ( r = 0.57; p ⩽ 0.01) and the RBC/plasma choline ration ( r = 0.56; p ⩽ 0.03) in normals, but not in AD patients. RBC choline correlated with plasma choline in AD patients only ( r = 0.46; p ⩽ 0.03). These results do not support the use of RBC and plasma choline concentrations as either a diagnostic tool to identify AD patients or an antermortem index of the cholinergic deficit in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor-3 is co-localized to the nucleoli and centrosomes with PP1γ1 and PP1α, respectively

In this study, we show that protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) inhibitor-3 (Inh3) is localized to the nucleoli and centrosomes in interphase HEK 293 cells. Inh3 exhibited a specific co-localization to the nucleoli with PP1gamma1, and to the centrosomes with PP1alpha. These findings indicate that Inh3 may act as a modulator of PP1 functions in the processes of cytokinesis, as well as of nucleolar events. The specificity of the interaction of Inh3 with the PP1 isoforms was also demonstrated in vitro, where Inh3 co-immunoprecipitated with PP1alpha and PP1gamma1, but not with PP1beta. The nuclear localization signal of Inh3 was identified as a N-terminal basic cluster (33RKRK36), while nucleolar localization was shown to be dependent on a C-terminal basic cluster (94HRKGRRR100). The importance of the individual basic residues was quantitatively assessed by site-directed mutagenesis and a novel use of laser scanning cytometry.
A New Legeriomyces (Harpellales) with Variable Trichospore Size

ABSTRACTLegeriomyces aenigmaticus, a new species of a previously monotypic genus, produces trichospores which fall into three class sizes. It is known only from one stream in northwestern Montana, ...
Morphological changes in aging brain structures are differentially affected by time-linked environmental influences despite strong genetic stability

This longitudinal study used the full twin model to estimate change and stability of genetic contributions to morphology of two brain structures, the corpus callosum and lateral ventricles. The 142 subjects were 34 monozygotic (MZ) and 37 dizygotic (DZ) elderly male twin pairs from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Twin Study who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging twice, separated by a 4-year interval. Genetic factors accounted for a substantial portion of individual differences in the size of the corpus callosum and its substructures and of lateral ventricular size. Longitudinal genetic analyses revealed no significant change in the heritability of these structures and no evidence for new genetic variance at Time 2 not present at Time 1. However, both the callosal and ventricular measures showed evidence for new environmental variance at Time 2 not present at Time 1. Confirming a previously posed hypothesis, the phenotypic correlation between absolute change in height of the corpus callosum and absolute change in ventricular volume was significant. Bivariate genetic analysis estimated a significant genetic correlation between the changes in these two structures and the genetic variance in the change of callosal height was entirely due to genes involved in the expansion of ventricles. Genetic stability was present even in old age when brain and other morphological changes can be rapid and highly variable across individuals, inconsistent with an hypothesis that random DNA damage is the cause of aging.
Male versus female influences on mating-site determination in a coral reef fish

Abstract Theory in behavioural ecology suggests that female movements and activities ultimately determine mating system structure. However, it is also possible that males may take a much more active role in determining when and where to mate. In the bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum , large males in the terminal colour phase defend breeding sites to which females migrate daily. To estimate the relative roles of males and females in determining the location of these sites, all terminal-phase males or all females were replaced in local isolated populations and subsequent site use was monitored. When males were replaced in three different experiments, the mating system was essentially unaffected: only two of 24 sites ceased to be used, and no new sites were used. In contrast, when females were replaced in three experiments, 11 sites were lost and 10 new sites came into use, and these continued to be used for at least a year after the manipulations. This occurred even though large males initially continued to defend and display over the original sites. This is strong evidence for the importance of female choice in the bluehead breeding system, and suggests that males simply respond to female site preferences.
Small adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction: Association with intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia

Small adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction: association with intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia
Factors affecting glucose uptake by the ruminal bacterium Bacteroides ruminicola

Glucose uptake by whole cells of Bacteroides ruminicola B14 is constitutive. Potassium concentrations between 10 and 150 mm stimulated uptake over fourfold, while sodium had little effect on uptake. The involvement of potassium in glucose uptake by B. ruminicola was supported by strong inhibition of uptake by the ionophores valinomycin, lasalocid, and monensin. The electron transport inhibitor antimycin A had little effect on uptake, but menadione and acriflavine inhibited uptake by 30 and 48%, respectively. Potent inhibitors of uptake included oxygen, p-chloromercuribenzoate, HgCl2, and o-phenanthroline. Sodium arsenate decreased uptake by 40%, suggesting that a high-energy phosphate compound and possibly a binding protein may be involved in glucose uptake. The protonophores carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and 2,4-dinitrophenol inhibited glucose uptake by 37 and 22%, respectively. Little change in uptake activity was observed at extracellular pH values between 4.0 and 8.0. Excess (10 mm) cellobiose, maltose, and sucrose inhibited glucose uptake less than 15%. High levels (0.15% w/v) of p-coumaric acid and vanillin decreased uptake by 32 and 37%, respectively, while 0.15% ferulic acid decreased uptake by 15%.
On the cusp of a validation wall

Traditionally, universities teach how to make or build things but not so much how to "break" things or find, patch, or prevent breaks. However, much of industry validation hinges on the latter skills. Validation is something that does not get noticed when done well, but everyone notices when something goes wrong - such as the infamous Pentium floating-point division bug. Major semiconductor companies experience postsilicon validation turning into a very expensive, time-consuming proposition, yet very few college graduates are formally trained in the area. Validation is the activity of ensuring a product satisfies its reference specifications, runs with relevant software and hardware, and meets user expectations. Here, I discuss some of the key challenges to successful validation and show why a radical transformation is necessary if validation is to be effective in the near future.
A general mechanism for helium blistering involving displaced atom transport

Abstract A mechanism developed to account for formation of vertically elongated blisters in high displacement environments produced by 252 Cf alpha particles and fission fragments has been extended to formation of dome-shaped blisters in the low displacement environments produced by simple helium ion beams. In this mechanism, transport of displaced atoms to relieve compressive stresses in the helium-implanted layer allows interconnections of small, subsurface bubbles to form the blister cavity.The same transport may cause thickening of the blister caps at low implantation energies. The transition from dome-shaped to vertically elongated blistering occurs between the 300 and 3000 displacements per helium atom produced by simple helium ions and 252 Cf radiations, respectively.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Görtler Instability in Hypersonic Boundary Layers

In this paper, Gortler instability for hypersonic flow over a concave surface is investigated using two approaches: Linear Stability Theory(LST) and Direct Numerical Simulation(DNS). Initial forcing disturbances are obtained from the LST, and subsequent linear and nonlinear development is simulated using NavierStokes equations. We investigate linear and nonlinear growth of Gortler vortices in hypersonic boundary layers.
C‐Reactive protein: Current status and future perspectives

This review encompasses all aspects of recent C-Reactive protein studies. Emphasis has been in the areas of (1) the physical, chemical, and potential functions of C-Reactive protein; and (2) the pass and recent procedures of C-Reactive protein analysis relative to simplicity and sensitivity. The responses of C-Reactive protein in various diseases and its future prospects are also discussed in this review.
On extensions of k-means clustering for automated gating of flow cytometry data.

RECENT advances in high-throughput flow cytometry (FCM) technology require the theoretical development and the efficient computational implementation of new methods for automated identification of cell populations. Compared with manual gating methods, the current de facto gold standard, these automated methods are expected not only to be faster, but also to increase the reproducibility of data analysis pipe
Kelvin probe measurements of p-type GaN

We have studied the surface photovoltage (SPV) for band-to-band illumination on a variety of p-type (Mg-doped) GaN samples. In particular, differences in the steady-state and transient SPV have been investigated in air and vacuum for samples grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) or metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The SPV spectra for both samples behave in a similar manner, but larger SPVs are generated for HVPE vs. MOCVD samples under identical illumination conditions. Interestingly, we have found that p-type GaN can be sensitive to the illumination geometry, where illumination of the electrical contacts results in an anomalous "offset" of the SPV signal. Regardless of illumination geometry, such offsets always appear in the case of MOCVD samples, whereas they do not appear for HVPE samples when the contacts are not illuminated. Since we have never observed such behavior for n-type samples, it appears that the stability of p-type samples under illumination may be an issue.
Cognitive and EEG fluctuation in benign childhood epilepsy with central-temporal spikes: A case series

Aware of parental reports of academic variability, we investigated month-to-month fluctuations in cognitive abilities and EEG status by repeated measures testing in six children with benign epilepsy with central-temporal spikes (BECTS). All showed greater than normal test-retest variability. Daytime EEG abnormalities were also variable. Short-term fluctuations in cognitive function appear common in children with BECTS, potentially impacting academic performance.
Aggregating diophantine equations

Mathews [1897] has given a theorem for aggregating two diophantine equations with positive integer coefficients into a single equation that has the same solution set as its parents over the nonnegative integers. Building on this result,Elmaghraby andWig [1970] show how to shrink the inequality constraints of a bounded variable integer program to a single constraint equation. However, such applications are limited, as we show, by a greater than exponential growth in coefficient size as successive constraints are aggregated into one. To mitigate this situation, we give new theorems and implementation procedures that provide exponential order reductions in the coefficient growth attending the aggregation process.
Analysis and Design of Strake-Wing Configurations

The technology is still evolving for improving the transonic maneuver capability of strake-wing configurations. Much of the work to date has been of an experimental nature; whereas, the theories that are available to handle vortex-flow aerodynamics have mostly treated wings of constant sweep. Hence, two efforts were undertaken: 1) to extend one method—the suction analogy—to more general configurations and evaluate it by using selected critical planforms; and 2) to develop a procedure for strake planform shaping and test the resulting shape in conjunction with a wing-body. The conclusions from this study are that 1) some improvement has been made in estimating high angle-of-attack longitudinal aerodynamics, and 2) the gothic strake designed with the developed procedure does produce a stable vortex system in the presence of a wing body and flat postmaximum lift characteristics.
Emission spectroscopy analysis for the non-destructive evaluation of the health of thermal barrier coatings

Lithium oxide was selected as an emission spectroscopic marker in yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The spectral response of excited lithium atoms from dip-coated YSZ containing 5, 3, 1, and 0.3 wt.% lithium oxide and plasma-sprayed YSZ containing 1 wt% lithium oxide was examined under an oxy-acetylene flame. Results showed that the intensity of lithium emission spectrum is a function of the concentration of lithium oxide in the YSZ, the flame temperature, and the degree of TBC degradation. It indicates that an emission spectroscopy can be used to monitor the degradation of TBCs.
Prospective assessment of outcome of surgery for perianal Crohns disease

Purpose: Perianal CD has been poorly evaluated prospectively, this study evaluates short-term outcome and quality of life for patients having surgery for this condition.
Carbon monoxide desorption from platinum chemically modified by sulfur

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) desorption energetics from clean polycrystalline platinum [Pt(Poly)] and polycrystalline platinum with sulfur (S) pre-coverage [S/Pt(Poly)] have been studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) over a wide range of CO and S coverages. The results for low CO coverages strongly indicate that sulfur modifies the binding strength of platinum for CO in addition to blocking favorable CO adsorption sites. From clean, well-annealed (1200 K) Pt(Poly), CO desorbs in two broad peaks that have been attributed to CO from three adsorption states: defect sites, strongly bound to (111) sites, and weakly bound to (111) sites. With increasing S coverage, CO desorption energies for CO continuously decrease even for dilute CO coverages (less than 1.5% of saturation). The desorption energy for dilute CO coverages from clean Pt(Poly) is 143 kJ/mol. On a S/Pt(Poly) surface with a decreased adsorption capacity of 60% of the saturation CO coverage, the CO desorption energy remains the same. The CO desorption energy decreases to 130 kJ/mol on a S/Pt(Poly) surface with a larger S coverage which has 43% of the saturation CO adsorption capacity. From a S/Pt(Poly) surface with 28% of the saturation CO adsorption capacity, the CO desorption energy is decreased further to 115 kJ/mol. Thus, sulfur not only acts as a site blocker, but also has long-range effects that decrease the binding strength of Pt(Poly) for CO.
Acellular Flexor Tendon Allografts: A New Horizon for Tendon Reconstruction

Flexor tendon injuries continue to pose a significant challenge to the hand surgeon. In particular, chronic tendon ruptures with adhesions of the tendons and sheath, damage or loss of the intrasynovial flexor tendons in zone II, and combined soft tissue and bone injuries present especially difficult problems for restoring satisfactory digital function. This challenge in flexor tendon reconstruction has motivated hand surgeons to explore and develop novel solutions for nearly a century. Recent advances and techniques in processing and decellularizing allograft human flexor tendon constructs may prove to be a new horizon for tendon reconstruction.
Roles of the Structural Symbiosis Polysaccharide (syp) Genes in Host Colonization, Biofilm Formation, and Polysaccharide Biosynthesis in Vibrio fischeri

The symbiosis polysaccharide locus, syp, is required for Vibrio fischeri to form a symbiotic association with the squid Euprymna scolopes. It is also required for biofilm formation induced by the unlinked regulator RscS. The syp locus includes 18 genes that can be classified into four groups based on putative function: 4 genes encode putative regulators, 6 encode glycosyltransferases, 2 encode export proteins, and the remaining 6 encode proteins with other functions, including polysaccharide modification. To understand the roles of each of the 14 structural syp genes in colonization and biofilm formation, we generated nonpolar in-frame deletions of each gene. All of the deletion mutants exhibited defects in their ability to colonize juvenile squid, although the impact of the loss of SypB or SypI was modest. Consistent with their requirement for colonization, most of the structural genes were also required for RscS-induced biofilm formation. In particular, the production of wrinkled colonies, pellicles, and the matrix on the colony surface was eliminated or severely decreased in all mutants except for the sypB and sypI mutants; in contrast, only a subset of genes appeared to play a role in attachment to glass. Finally, immunoblotting data suggested that the structural Syp proteins are involved in polysaccharide production and/or export. These results provide important insights into the requirements for the syp genes under different environmental conditions and thus lay the groundwork for a more complete understanding of the matrix produced by V. fischeri to enhance cell-cell interactions and promote symbiotic colonization.
An automated algorithm for analysis of 2-D echocardiographic short-axis images: a brief overview

The purpose of this report is to present a brief overview of a computer-based method designed to automatically approximate the epicardial and endocardial borders of the heart for echocardiographic images acquired from the parasternal transthoracic short-axis view. The only user input required is the end diastolic (ED) and end systolic (ES) frame numbers. The method was tested off-line on a developmental database acquired retrospectively from 55 patient studies (2 cycles/patient). The measurements provided by the computer-based method were comparable to those made by 3 expert observers.
Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys in Belize

Habitat selection by translocated black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) was studied in Belize, Central America. Ranging patterns of two recently translocated groups were contrasted with those of two groups in the same area with established home ranges, on a yearly and monthly basis. All groups concentrated their activities along stream beds at elevations below 200 m. Newly translocated groups increased the percentage of their monthly ranges in riverine areas (within 100 m of a water source) over the year of the study (with the exception of the last month) while established groups did not. Areas used more than five times by the monkeys contained larger trees and a greater relative coverage of major food species than low-use areas even though they had a lower overall species richness and diversity. These monkeys may be selecting habitat within the forest based upon vegetative differences and ranging patterns may be affected by patterns of food availability.
Composite homogenization via the equivalent poly-inclusion approach

Abstract For the efficient use and development of advanced materials it is necessary to develop simple yet accurate analytic relationships linking their average physical response to as large a set as possible of microstructural quantifiers. With this objective in mind, the theory of the effective elastic response of biphase composite materials, with arbitrary second-phase geometry, concentration, and orientation distribution, is examined here. A formulation is presented, which employs an equivalent poly-inclusion methodology, in the sense that its governing variable is the average inclusion strain concentrator for an entirely uniform body undergoing a uniform eigenstrain in a non-dilute family of morphologically identical internal regions (inclusions). Admissibility criteria for approximate inclusion strain concentrators are formulated. The relation of the present approach with the traditional one, based on the inhomogenity average strain concentrator, is investigated, and some deficiencies of current methods based on the latter approach are discussed. A family of fully admissible poly-inclusion concentrators is proposed, which differs by a single scalar-valued function of the volume fraction—the so-called “interaction function”. A specific interaction function is finally identified, which satisfies all admissibility criteria, is consistent with the known analytic solutions for biphase composites, and reproduces literature data to within experimental error.
Coating of Fine‐Grained Silicon Nitride Whiskers on Fiber‐like Silicon Nitride

Fine-grained silicon nitride (Si3N4) whiskers were coated on Si3N4 fibers through a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism under the following process. After the oxide glass of a Si-Al-Y-O system was coated on seed Si3N4 fibers, the coated fibers were heated at 1490°C and 700° in the vapor of the Si-N system which was generated by decomposition of amorphous Si3N4. The resulting specimens looked just like rose twigs. The Si3N4 whiskers were precipitated by nucleation in a liquid phase generated by melting of the oxide glass layers on the Si3N4 fibers.
Air between forums On proving the null hypothesis

Jonathan Cole, provost at Columbia University, contends that we are uncertain about the basic principles of higher education, its organizational presuppositions, and the choices we must make. One of the "dilemmas" of higher education, he writes, is the use we make of the null hypothesis in social research. Like other social scientists, Cole employed the null hypothesis to initiate a study of fairness to women in science. He now sees the issue as a question of ownership and control; he asks, "Who owns the null?" (Daedalus, Fall 1993). Some of us who have taught statistics will wonder if Cole is not being facetious. The null hypothesis, with which we are familiar, is merely a way of eliminating the possibility that chance alone can account for the observations we have recorded and analyzed. We teach our students that the null hypothesis is a formality that leads to other hypotheses of greater interest, significance, and meaning. We often say it is merely an acceptable way of "backing into a conclusion."
Immunoregulation of encephalitogenic MBP-NAc1-11-reactive T cells by CD4+ TCR-specific T cells involves IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ

The generation of TCR transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a BV8S2 (Vbeta8 subfamily 2) chain specific for the encephalitogenic NAc1-11 region of MBP provides a unique system for evaluating the mechanisms involved in anti-TCR immunoregulation of EAE. In a previous study, we showed that vaccination with BV8S2 protein induced specific T cells that inhibited proliferation responses and encephalitogenic activity of MBP-reactive T cells in vitro, and resulted in a skewed production of Th2 cytokines by the MBP-reactive T cells. These data suggested that regulation of the encephalitogenic T cells was mediated by inhibitory cytokines rather than through a deletional mechanism. In the current study, we have employed the BV8S2 Tg mouse model to address the issue of which cytokines produced by anti-TCR-reactive T cells can regulate the function of encephalitogenic Th1 cells. Utilizing neutralizing anti-cytokine antibodies to reverse inhibitory effects of supernatants from BV8S2-specific T cells, we found that IL-4, IL-10, and to a lesser extent, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta, were the major regulatory cytokines responsible for inhibiting encephalitogenic activity, proliferation, and IFN-gamma secretion of MBP-NAc1-11-reactive Th1 cells. These results indicate that cytokine regulation is the major mechanism through which TCR specific CD4+ T cells regulate encephalitogenic and potentially other bystander Th1 cells.
Nongenetic variation, genetic-environmental interactions and altered gene expression. III. Prosttranslational modifications

The use of protein electrophoretic data for determining the relationships among species or populations is widespread and generally accepted. However, posttranslational modifications have been discovered in many of the commonly analyzed proteins and enzymes. Posttranslational modifications often alter the electrophoretic mobility of the modified enzyme or protein. Because posttranslational modifications may affect only a fraction of the total enzyme or protein, an additional staining band often appears on gels as a result, and this may confound interpretations. Deamidation, acteylation, proteolytic modification, and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups are modifications that often result in an electrophoretic mobility shift. Sialic acid-induced heterogeneity has been documented for many enzymes, but neuraminidase treatment can often remove sialic acids and produce gel patterns that are easier to interpret. In some cases, ontogenetic and tissue-specific expression may be due to posttranslational modifications rather than gene control and restricted expression, respectively. Methods of preventing, detecting and eliminating posttranslational modifications are discussed. Some posttranslational modifications may be useful for detecting cryptic genetic polymorphisms.
Subsonic compressible flow in two-sided lid-driven cavity. Part II: Unequal walls temperatures

This paper presents a numerical study of the laminar, viscous, subsonic compressible flow in a two-dimensional, two-sided, lid-driven cavity using a multi-domain spectral element method. The flow is driven by steadily moving two opposite walls vertically in opposite directions. All the bounding walls have equal temperatures. The results of the simulations are used to investigate the effects of the cavity aspect ratio, the Reynolds number and the Mach number on the flow. At lower Reynolds numbers, the flow pattern consists of two separate co-rotating vortices contiguous to the moving walls. For higher Reynolds numbers, initially a two-vortex flow is formed, which eventually turns into a single elliptical vortex occupying most of the cavity. For a higher aspect ratio, the flow patterns are dissimilar in that the streamlines become more and more elliptic. For aspect ratios as high as 2.5, at high Reynolds numbers, a three-vortex stage is formed. It is found that the compressibility effects are not very significant for Mach numbers less than 0.4. Dissipation of kinetic energy into internal energy changes the temperature field especially near the boundaries. Boundary layer studies suggest that the velocity and temperature boundary layer thicknesses are lower for higher Reynolds numbers. For engineering purposes, these thicknesses can be approximated by the existing flat-plate solutions.
Acoustic microscopy applied to ceramic pressure vessels and associated components

Alumina ceramic is being used extensively for external pressure vessels in naval applications. The material is also used in valves and other components, where reliability, immunity from corrosion, and high temperatures are required. This report presents a technique for the nondestructive evaluation of alumina ceramic components. The cracks were produced by CO 2 laser radiation. Since there is a need for the detection of very fine cracks, scanning acoustic microscopy was found to be superior to optical methods for imaging surface and subsurface cracks. We address the issue of crack initiation with the use of postirradiation analysis. This article reports our results on the evaluation of the surface and interior cracks with optical, scanning laser, scanning electron, and scanning acoustic microscopy. We present images of surface and subsurface microcracks generated at different power levels of a high power CO 2 laser system. The spatial variation of the Rayleigh wave velocity is measured by the V(z) curve technique. These preliminary data suggest that, with some improvement, the V(z) technique may detect residual stress with high spatial resolution.
Effect of austenitic stainless steel composition on low-energy, high-flux, nitrogen ion beam processing

Abstract A collection of 16 metals with the face-centered-cubic (fcc) crystal structure, including stainless steels, Fe–Ni alloys and pure Ni, have been subjected to the same nitrogen ion beam processing conditions to examine the role of alloy composition in the surface modification behavior. A low-energy (700 eV), high-flux (2 mA cm −2 ) beam of ions was used with each sample held at 400 °C during a 15 min treatment. The near surface regions have been characterized by conventional and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy, and microhardness measurements. There is a clear distinction in the modifications depending on whether the alloys are Fe-rich or Ni-rich. Fe-rich samples all yield relatively thick (2.5–3.5 μm) layers with high N content in solid solution. The large lattice expansions lead to ferromagnetism in these surfaces. A novel double-layer structure has been induced in all the Fe-rich alloys, corresponding to two rather well-defined N contents: high (20–26 at%) in the surface layer, and medium (4–10 at%) in the subsurface layer. It is suggested that this substructure is caused by stress-assisted diffusion. The Ni-rich alloys have much thinner N-containing layers (≤1 μm) and a much lower amount of N retained in the (111) planes oriented parallel to the surface compared to those in the Fe-rich alloys.
Explicit monodromy of Moore?Read wavefunctions on a torus

We construct the wavefunctions for the Moore–Read ν = 5/2 quantum Hall state on a torus in the presence of two quasiholes. These explicit wavefunctions allow us to compute the monodromy matrix that describes the effect of quasihole motion on the space of degenerate ground states. The result agrees with the recent discussion by Oshikawa et al (Ann. Phys. at press). Our calculation provides a conformal field theory explanation of why certain transitions between ground states are forbidden. It is because taking a quasihole around a generator of the torus can change the fusion channel of the two quasiholes, and this requires a change of parity of the electron number in some of the ground states.
Unintentional parathyroidectomy and hypoparathyroidism in secondary central compartment surgery for thyroid cancer.

Background. Unintentional parathyroidectomy is a complication of thyroid surgery. To our knowledge, no study has specifically examined the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy exclusively in patients undergoing secondary central compartment surgery for recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer. Methods. The records of 40 patients who underwent 42 secondary central compartment surgeries for thyroid cancer were reviewed to determine the incidence of inadvertent parathyroidectomy. Results. Parathyroid tissue was present on permanent pathology in 31% of SCCSs. Unintentional parathyroidectomy did not have an effect on hypoparathyroidism. Concomitant lateral neck dissection did not have an effect on the incidence of hypoparathyroidism, but did have a statistically significant effect on inadvertent parathyroidectomy. Conclusion. Accidental resection of parathyroid tissue is relatively common in secondary central compartment surgery compared with primary thyroid surgery, but does not appear to correlate with postoperative hypoparathyroidism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
The effect of concrete target diameter on projectile deceleration and penetration depth

Abstract We conducted sets of experiments with three diameters of concrete targets that had an average compressive strength of 23 MPa (3.3 ksi) and 76.2-mm-diameter, 3.0 caliber-radius-head, 13-kg projectiles. The three target diameters were D = 1.83 , 1.37, and 0.91, so the ratios of the target diameters to the projectile diameter were D / d = 24 , 18, and 12. The ogive-nose projectiles were machined from 4340 Rc45 steel and designed to contain a single-channel acceleration data recorder. Thus, we recorded acceleration during launch and deceleration during penetration. An 83-mm-diameter powder gun launched the 13-kg projectiles to striking velocities between 160 and 340 m/s. Measured penetration depths and deceleration-time data were analyzed with a previously published model. We measured negligible changes in penetration depth and only small decreases in deceleration magnitude as the targets’ diameters were reduced.
Effects of ciprofloxacin on salt marsh sediment microbial communities

Fluoroquinolones, a widely used class of antibiotics, are frequently detected in sediments and surface waters. Given their antimicrobial properties, the presence of these compounds may alter the composition of microbial communities and promote antibiotic resistance in the environment. The purpose of this study was to measure sorption, and effects of ciprofloxacin on microbial community composition, in sediment samples from three California salt marshes. Sediments were exposed to a ciprofloxacin concentration gradient (0–200 μg ml−1 ciprofloxacin) and microbial community composition characterized using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Sorption coefficients, expressed as log Kd, were calculated from fits using the Freundlich isotherm model. Ciprofloxacin strongly sorbed to all sediments and had log Kd values, ranging from 2.9 to 4.3. Clay content was positively (r2=0.98) and pH negatively (r2=0.99) correlated to Kd values. Biomass, PLFA richness, sulfate reducer and Gram-negative bacteria markers increased with ciprofloxacin concentrations, while the 17 cy/precursor and saturated/unsaturated biomarker ratios, indicators of starvation stress, decreased. The magnitude of the effect of ciprofloxacin on microbial communities was inversely correlated to the degree of sorption to the sediments. Despite the fact that ciprofloxacin is a wide-spectrum antibiotic, its impact on sediment microbial communities was selective and appeared to favor sulfate-reducing bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria.
Decadal predictability of soil water, vegetation, and wildfire frequency over North America

The potential decadal predictability of land hydrological and biogeochemical variables in North America is examined using a 900-year-long pre-industrial control simulation, conducted with the NCAR Community Earth System Model (CESM) version 1.0.3. The leading modes of simulated North American precipitation and soil water storage are characterized essentially by qualitatively similar meridional seesaw patterns associated with the activity of the westerly jet. Whereas the corresponding precipitation variability can be described as a white noise stochastic process, power spectra of vertically integrated soil water exhibit significant redness on timescales of years to decades, since the predictability of soil water storage arises mostly from the integration of precipitation variability. As a result, damped persistence hindcasts following a 1st order Markov process are skillful with lead times of up to several years. This potential multi-year skill estimate is consistent with ensemble hindcasts conducted with the CESM for various initial conditions. Our control simulation further suggests that decadal variations in soil water storage also affect vegetation and wildfire occurrences. The long-term potential predictability of soil water variations in combination with the slow regrowth of vegetation after major disruptions leads to enhanced predictability on decadal timescales for vegetation, terrestrial carbon stock, and fire frequency, in particular in the Southern United States (US)/Mexico region. By contrast, the prediction skill of fire frequency in the Northern US is limited to 1 year. Our results demonstrate that skillful decadal predictions of soil water storage, carbon stock, and fire frequency are feasible with proper initialization of soil conditions. Although the potential predictability in our idealized modeling framework would overestimate the real predictability of the coupled climate-land-vegetation system, the decadal climate prediction may become beneficial for water resource management, forestry, and agriculture.
Transient impaired vision, external ophthalmoplegia, and internal ophthalmoplegia after blepharoplasty under local anesthesia

Abstract Purpose To report a case of transient bilateral vision impairment with external ophthalmoplegia and internal ophthalmoplegia after blepharoplasty under local anesthesia. Design Interventional case report Methods A 70-year-old man underwent bilateral upper blepharoplasty under local anesthesia. During orbital fat removal additional anesthetic was injected into both medial fat pads for pain control. Results Immediate postoperative examination revealed bilateral decreased visual acuity and internal ophthalmoplegia in the right eye. An exotropia was present with marked limitation of right eye adduction. These findings resolved completely 3 hours postoperatively. Conclusions Local anesthesia during blepharoplasty can enervate the optic nerve, ciliary ganglion, and extraocular muscle nerves. Local anesthesia should be injected judiciously during orbital fat removal to avoid this reversible but alarming event.
Absolute determination of the nonlinear susceptibilityχ3 via two-beam nonlinear interferometry

Abstract A two-beam nonlinear interferometric technique is described whereby the amplitude and sign of both the real and imaginary parts of the nonlinear susceptibility χ 3 may be determined. Moreover, this technique permits an extremely precise determination of the electronic and molecular contributions to χ 3 . Hence, we ascertain the electronic fraction of the Kerr constants of CS 2 and C 6 H 6 to be 12.7 ± 1.1% and 19.8 ± 0.8%, respectively. These results provide a basis for the comparison of nonlinear refractivity and frequency-mixing measurements in these materials and an accurate means for the absolute calibration of a variety of measurements of χ 3 .
Authentic publication of XML document data

With XML becoming a major standard for the exchange and sharing of data, many applications now rely on XML to publish and utilize Web data. Data sources (data owners), however often do not have the means to provide high performance query mechanisms, serving hundreds of thousands of client queries per day. Furthermore, it is too costly for them to maintain a secure Web information system infrastructure preventing intruders from tampering with the integrity of the data. As a solution to this problem, data owners can distribute XML document data to data publishers who then handle queries from clients on behalf of the data owners. In this paper, we present a novel authentic publication scheme for XML document data that allows clients to efficiently verify query results from data publishers for correctness and completeness. For this, data owners simply provide summary signatures of their data to clients who then use the signatures in addition to verification objects provided by a publisher to authenticate query results. Our approach supports two of the most common forms of XML queries, path and selection queries. The approach is reliable where no trust from publishers is required, and is practical with a reasonably small overhead, both in terms of time and size of the storage.
Signaling firm value to active investors

Active investors provide risk-sharing and value-adding effort in form of advising, networking, monitoring, etc. This paper demonstrates a conflict between two key objectives for high-quality entrepreneurs: to elicit such investor effort and to signal the firm’s type by retaining shares. This conflict may give rise to stable (and economically meaningful) pooling equilibria for startup firms. More established firms, with access to multiple signals, can always realize both of these objectives but may still decide to forego investor effort if eliciting it would require them to deviate substantially from the cost-minimizing signal mix. In comparison with otherwise identical pure-exchange settings (with passive investors), we find that the potential for investors to be active always increases the signaling cost in case of noncontractible investor effort, whereas the effect is ambiguous if investor effort is contractible. At the same time, we identify conditions under which signaling is welfare-enhancing as it helps guide investors’ effort towards more promising ventures.
Mechanism of Growth Inhibition of Prostate Cancer Xenografts by Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been demonstrated to cause a marked decrease in proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) cells in vitro and a significant reduction in tumor volume in vivo. The goal of this study is to better understand the VPA-induced growth inhibition in vivo, by studying expression of various markers in PCa xenografts. Methods. For in vitro experiments, PCa cells were treated with 0, 0.6, and 1.2 mM VPA for 14 days. For in vivo models, experimental animals received 0.4% VPA in drinking water for 35 days. Tissue microarray was generated using cell pellets and excised xenografts. Results. VPA treatment causes cell cycle arrest in PCa cells in vivo, as determined by increase in p21 and p27 and decrease in cyclin D1 expression. Increased expression of cytokeratin18 was also seen in xenografts. LNCaP xenografts in treated animals had reduced androgen receptor (AR) expression. While decreased proliferation was found in vitro, increase in apoptosis was found to be the reason for decreased tumor growth in vivo. Also, an anti-angiogenic effect was observed after VPA treatment. Conclusion. VPA inhibits tumor growth by multiple mechanisms including cell cycle arrest, induction of differentiation, and inhibition of growth of tumor vasculature.