cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD28 Supports Normal Plasma Cell Survival and Interactions with Microenvironment

The long term generation of protective antibodies (Abs) requires the continuous survival of long-lived plasma cells that are maintained within specialized bone marrow niches by complex interactions that remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies have shown that the T cell costimulatory receptor CD28 is expressed on normal and transformed (murine plasmacytoma, human multiple myeloma) plasma cells – however, its role in the B cell lineage remained unclear. We have recently shown that CD28 expressed on transformed human plasma cells (multiple myeloma cells) directly delivers pro-survival signals to the myeloma cells and protects them against intrinsically and extrinsically induced death (Bahlis et al, 2007). Furthermore, myeloma cells directly interact with dendritic cells (DC, both in vitro and in patient bone marrow biopsies), and the DC provide the ligands (i.e. CD80 and CD86) for myeloma-CD28. Others studies utilizing competitive bone marrow reconstitution have indirectly suggest a role for CD28 in the function and/or survival of normal murine plasma cells (Delogu et al, 2006). These observations led us to directly investigate the role of CD28 in normal plasma cell survival as well as cell-cell interactions with CD80/CD86+ bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC). In vitro serum starvation experiments, direct activation of CD28 by an agonistic anti-CD28 mAb increased survival of serum-starved PC by 63% (p
The diagnosis and management of brain injury in premature infants

Brain injury is the main reason of long-term neurological disabilities and poor outcomes in premature infants.The diagnosis of brain injury in premature infants mainly depends on brain imaging findings and/or brain function monitoring results,because of its atypical clinical manifestations,non-specific symptoms and unobvious clinical symptoms.This paper aims to introduce the high-risk factors,clinical manifestations,brain ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging and brain function monitoring findings,as well as its prevention,diagnosis and treatment strategies,all of which provide references to clinical application in neonatal field. Key words: Brain injury; Premature infants
Biocides and Novel Antimicrobial Agents for the Mitigation of Coronaviruses

In December, 2019, a highly infectious and rapidly spreading new pneumonia of unknown cause was reported to the Chinese WHO Country Office. A cluster of these cases had appeared in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei Province of China. These infections were found to be caused by a new coronavirus which was given the name “2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-nCoV). It was later renamed “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,” or SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses on February 11, 2020. It was named SARS-CoV-2 due to its close genetic similarity to the coronavirus which caused the SARS outbreak in 2002 (SARS-CoV-1). The aim of this review is to provide information, primarily to the food industry, regarding a range of biocides effective in eliminating or reducing the presence of coronaviruses from fomites, skin, oral/nasal mucosa, air, and food contact surfaces. As several EPA approved sanitizers against SARS-CoV-2 are commonly used by food processors, these compounds are primarily discussed as much of the industry already has them on site and is familiar with their application and use. Specifically, we focused on the effects of alcohols, povidone iodine, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), peroxyacetic acid (PAA), chlorine dioxide, ozone, ultraviolet light, metals, and plant-based antimicrobials. This review highlights the differences in the resistance or susceptibility of different strains of coronaviruses, or similar viruses, to these antimicrobial agents.
On the universality of intrusive resumption: Evidence from Chamorro and Palauan

The literature on resumptive pronouns (RPs) has given rise to a rich taxonomy of the phenomenon. Despite the fact that RPs invariably have the morphosyntactic form of ordinary pronouns, they vary widely in distribution and function. In some languages, RPs are grammatically licensed; depending on the language and the syntactic context, they might or might not realize traces, compete with gaps, exhibit reconstruction effects, and so on. In other languages, notably English, RPs are ‘intrusive’ (Sells 1984). Kroch (1981), Asudeh (2004), Morgan and Wagers (2018), and others have proposed that intrusive RPs in English are ungrammatical products of the performance system—productions that satisfy local well-formedness but not global well-formedness. This account predicts that in every language, regardless of whether it has grammatically licensed RPs, intrusive RPs could also be found. Here we test this prediction against evidence from Chamorro and Palauan. Previous accounts have maintained that Chamorro does not have RPs and Palauan has only RPs. On the basis of corpus and elicited production data from Chamorro, and a re-examination of the Palauan evidence, we argue that both languages have grammatically licensed RPs, as well as intrusive RPs. Their grammatically licensed RPs differ in form and distribution. At least in Chamorro, the distribution of intrusive RPs produced is similar to that in English.
Computational biology and in silico toxicodynamics

Abstract New approach methodologies (NAMs) refer to any non-animal technology, methodology, approach, or combination thereof that can be used to provide information on chemical hazard and risk assessment that avoids the use of intact animals. A spectrum of in silico models is needed for the integrated analysis of various domains in toxicology to improve predictivity and reduce animal testing. This review focuses on in silico approaches, computer models, and computational intelligence for developmental and reproductive toxicity (predictive DART), providing a means to measure toxicodynamics in simulated systems for quantitative prediction of adverse outcomes phenotypes.
A high-throughput metabolic microarray assay reveals antibacterial effects of black and red raspberries and blackberries against Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is an important bacterial pathogen that causes chronic infection of the human stomach, leading to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics can eliminate H. pylori infection and reduce the risk for severe disease outcomes. However, since H. pylori is becoming increasingly resistant to standard antibiotic regimens, novel treatment strategies are needed. Previous studies have demonstrated that black and red berries may have antibacterial properties. Therefore, we analyzed organic extracts and powders from black and red raspberries and blackberries and determined their antibacterial effects on multiple H. pylori strains. We used high-performance liquid chromatography to measure berry anthocyanins, which are considered the major active ingredients. To monitor antibiotic effects of the berry preparations on H. pylori, we developed a high-throughput metabolic growth assay based on the OmniLog™ system. All berry preparations tested had significant bactericidal effects in vitro, with MIC90 values ranging from 0.49 to 4.17%. We next used human gastric epithelial organoids to evaluate biocompatibility of the berry preparations and showed that black raspberry extract, which had the strongest antimicrobial activity, was non-toxic at the concentration required for complete bacterial growth inhibition. To determine whether dietary black raspberry application could eliminate H. pylori infection in vivo, mice were infected with H. pylori and then were placed on a diet containing 10% black raspberry powder. However, this treatment did not significantly impact bacterial infection rates or gastric pathology. In summary, our data indicate that black and red raspberry and blackberry products have potential applications in the treatment and prevention of H. pylori infection, because of their antibacterial effects and good biocompatibility. However, delivery and formulation of berry compounds needs to be optimized to achieve significant antibacterial effects in vivo.
Macroeconomic Effects of Social Security Totalization Agreements

The United States has signed international social security totalization agreements with 30 countries. For persons working in a foreign country during part of their careers, these agreements reduce double taxation on social security burdens and reduce the risk of not qualifying for social security benefits. In this report, we consider the potential of international social security totalization agreements to affect macroeconomic outcomes. We find that these agreements are associated with higher levels of foreign direct investment. The theoretical framework indicates that these treaties can affect firms’ decisions to relocate their activities across borders, but the magnitude and direction of this effect depends on the characteristics of the countries involved. The effects of these agreements are larger when the share of foreign-controlled production is smaller in the host country.
The effect of oral bisphosphonate therapy on vertebral morphometry and fractures in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis with vertebral fractures is frequent in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study, we evaluated the effects of oral bisphosphonate (BP) therapy on the prevalence and severity of vertebral fractures by vertebral morphometry assessment. METHODS We reviewed the records and radiographs of patients with DMD who had been treated with oral BP (weekly alendronate) and had undergone routine spine radiographic monitoring for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 2010 and 2017. Study outcomes were thoracic and lumbar vertebral fracture prevalence and severity, assessed by Genant semiquantitative grading of vertebral morphometry, for up to 5 years of treatment. RESULTS Fifty-two patients (median age, 11.8 years; 88% prepubertal; 31% nonambulatory) had been treated with long-term glucocorticoids (median duration, 4.7 years at BP start). Most patients (75%) had mild vertebral height loss or fractures (Genant grade = 0 or 1) at baseline. The prevalence of vertebral fractures at each year of treatment was not statistically different from that at baseline (P = .08-1.00). Serial radiographs showed no longitudinal change in severity by Genant grade in most vertebrae (64%-80%). Improvement in vertebral fracture grade was observed in some patients. DISCUSSION We observed stable prevalence of vertebral fractures and no change in severity by Genant grade in most vertebrae for up to 5 years of treatment. Oral BP may mitigate development or progression of vertebral fractures and be beneficial for secondary prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in this population.
Applied Developmental Science

The chapter focuses on promising directions in applied developmental science in the next decade by charting the recent contributions and future potential for new ways of thinking about how we conceptualize and optimize development across the life course, the role of applied developmental science in public and private institutions, and obligations to promote a social justice agenda that contributes to social policies sensitive to diverse developmental challenges and inclusive in its offering of opportunities for individuals from different cultural, economic, and social positions. It brings together theoretical concepts and frameworks, methodological advances, and emerging themes and controversies that are redefining applied developmental science, highlighting areas that warrant further exploration and focusing attention on critical issues that should be addressed in future. Keywords: applied developmental science; translational research; social justice; health disparities; youth civic engagement; lifespan theory and methods; school-based interventions; selective optimization and compensation; aging; genetic research; adult develop; aggression; life span; prevention; developmental asset; racism; ethnic minority
Metaphysics, History, And Rational Justification

This article addresses Franklin Gamwell's critique of Alasdair MacIntyre's account of the nature of rational justification. I argue that MacIntyreans have good reasons to take seriously Gamwell's critique, and thus to reformulate MacIntyre's position to make clear that that position does not rest on a denial of all a priori claims. The author outlines such a reformulation, drawing heavily on MacIntyre's account (in his 1990 Aquinas Lecture) of the place of a priori claims within the development of rational traditions of inquiry. When thus rethought, MacIntyre's position grounds a twofold response to Gamwell's critique.
Functional role of miR-10b in tamoxifen resistance of ER-positive breast cancer cells through down-regulation of HDAC4

For breast cancer patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors, treatment with tamoxifen is the gold standard. A significant number of patients, however, develop resistance to tamoxifen, and management of such tamoxifen-resistant patients is a major clinical challenge. With an eye to identify novel targets for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant tumors, we observed that tamoxifen-resistant cells derived from ER-positive MCF-7 cells (MCF7TR) exhibit an increased expression of microRNA-10b (miR-10b). A role of miR-10b in drug-resistance of breast cancer cells has never been investigated, although its is very well known to influence invasion and metastasis. To dileneate a role of miR-10b in tamoxifen-resistance, we over-expressed miR-10b in MCF-7 cells and down-regulated its levels in MCF7TR cells. The mechanistic role of HDAC4 in miR-10b-mediated tamoxifen resistance was studied using HDAC4 cDNA and HDAC4-specific siRNA in appropriate models. Over-expression of miR-10b in ER-positive MCF-7 and T47D cells led to increased resistance to tamoxifen and an attenuation of tamoxifen-mediated inhibition of migration, whereas down-regulation of miR-10b in MCF7TR cells resulted in increased sensitivity to tamoxifen. Luciferase assays identified HDAC4 as a direct target of miR-10b. In MCF7TR cells, we observed down-regulation of HDAC4 by miR-10b. HDAC4-specific siRNA-mediated inactivation of HDAC4 in MCF-7 cells led to acquisition of tamoxifen resistance, and, moreover, reduction of HDAC4 in MCF7TR cells by HDAC4-specific siRNA transfection resulted in further enhancement of tamoxifen-resistance. We propose miR-10b-HDAC4 nexus as one of the molecular mechanism of tamoxifen resistance which can potentially be expolited as a novel targeted therapeutic approach for the clinical management of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers.
Effects of training on a spatial memory task on high affinity choline uptake in hippocampus and cortex in young adult and aged rats

The relation of forebrain cholinergic function to learning and memory was explored by identification and characterization of a training- induced change in high-affinity choline uptake (HACU), an index of cholinergic activity. Young adult rats were trained to find an invisible escape platform in a water tank using environmental cues. After 4 d of this place-training (16 trials), hippocampal HACU was significantly reduced relative to that observed in rats trained to find a visible platform (cue-training), even when cue- and place-trained rats were yoked for swim time. These place- but not cue-trained rats showed significantly lower hippocampal HACU than did naive rats, and no effect of training was noted after only 1 d of training. Similar results were obtained in parietal cortex. These differential training effects on HACU correspond to previous reports that muscarinic blockade impairs place, but not cue, learning. A further experiment revealed that the decrease in HACU in hippocampus, but not in parietal cortex, occurred only during the acquisition phase of learning and was related to the rate of acquisition for individual animals. Hippocampal HACU in naive young and aged (24–27 months) rats did not differ, but the response of the septohippocampal cholinergic system to training was diminished in the aged rats. Old rats displayed impaired place learning and a corresponding dampening of the training-induced change in HACU. These results suggest that there is a task-specific engagement of cholinergic function in young animals that does not occur in behaviorally impaired aged animals, a finding that is consistent with a role for cholinergic dysfunction in memory impairments associated with aging.
Make or Buy New Technology – a CEO Compensation Contract’s Role in a Firm’s Route to Innovation

Firms obtain new technology either through internal R&D or through acquisitions. These two approaches are usually labeled as “make” and “buy” strategies. In this paper, I examine the relation between a firm’s choice of “make” or “buy” and the performance measures used in the firm’s CEO compensation contract. I focus on the two major differences between “make” and “buy” strategies: the risk levels and accounting treatments. I then examine the differential implications of accounting-based and stock-based performance measures on managers’ incentive in choosing between the two strategies. Using data from US high tech industries, I find that, firms relying on “buy” approach to obtain technology tend to depend more on the accounting-based performance measures, while those firms who innovate through R&D activities skew toward stock-based pay especially stock options.
The challenge of the visual: making medieval seals accessible in the digital age

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present and evaluate an innovative classification system for medieval seals that was created as part of the Seals in Medieval Wales (SiMeW) project, funded by the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The classification system developed in response to the cataloguing challenges associated with rapidly gathering sigillographic information on about 2,500 medieval seals from a number of collections in several UK repositories. Design/methodology/approach – This paper outlines the challenges involved in recording and classifying medieval seals from the British Isles, and describes existing systems for organizing sigillographic information. The SiMeW system is explained as a response to the limitations of existing systems. Findings – Designers of systems for recording seals need to take into account the physical characteristics of seal impressions, matrices, and casts, the strength and limitations of digital media, as well as the need of cataloguers and user...
Book Review: Health, Healing and the Church’s Mission

This interesting book is an up to date writing of current thoughts, trends and ideas in the broader issues the title suggests of health, healing and the church’s mission and also the biblical and moral perspectives related to these words, themes and ideas.
Matrix-weighted Besov spaces

Nazarov, Treil and Volberg defined matrix Ap weights and extended the theory of weighted norm inequalities on L P to the case of vector-valued functions. We develop some aspects of Littlewood-Paley function space theory in the matrix weight setting. In particular, we introduce matrix-weighted homogeneous Besov spaces B αq p (W) and matrix-weighted sequence Besov spaces b αq p (W), as well as b αq p ({A Q }), where the A Q are reducing operators for W. Under any of three different conditions on the weight W, we prove the norm equivalences ∥f∥ B αq p(W) ∥{s Q } Q ∥b αq p (W) ∥{s Q } Q ∥b αq p ({A Q }), where {s Q } Q is the vector-valued sequence of φ-transform coefficients of f. In the process, we note and use an alternate, more explicit characterization of the matrix Ap class. Furthermore, we introduce a weighted version of almost diagonality and prove that an almost diagonal matrix is bounded on b αq p (W) if W is doubling. We also obtain the boundedness of almost diagonal operators on B αq p (W) under any of the three conditions on W. This leads to the boundedness of convolution and non-convolution type Calderon-Zygmund operators (CZOs) on B αq p (W), in particular, the Hilbert transform. We apply these results to wavelets to show that the above norm equivalence holds if the φ-transform coefficients are replaced by the wavelet coefficients. Finally, we construct inhomogeneous matrix-weighted Besov spaces B αq p (W) and show that results corresponding to those above are true also for the inhomogeneous case.
Echocardiographic measures of ventricular function and pulmonary artery size: prognostic markers of congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

To compare echocardiographic measures of biventricular function and pulmonary artery size in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and normal controls, and examine their correlation, if any, with outcomes in CDH. We included consecutive neonates (<1 month old) with CDH and term controls without structural heart defects. Clinical and outcomes data were recorded and echocardiograms evaluated for right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial performance index (MPI), cardiac output index (CI) and McGoon index, among others. Statistical analyses (SPSS version 17, SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) included between-group comparisons, using analysis of variance and χ2-test and binary regression, with significance set at P<0.05. Infants with CDH (n=34) were comparable with controls (n=35) in their age, weight, gestational age and gender. CDH was left sided in 24 (70%) neonates. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was required in 15 (45%) neonates; 18 (53%) infants survived. MPIs, CI and eccentricity index in systole were significantly worse in the CDH group, compared with controls and among CDH infants who died, compared with survivors. Infants with CDH who died or needed ECMO had significantly impaired MPIs and CI than survivors. On regression analyses, LV CI and MPIs were independently associated with mortality. Infants with CDH had significantly impaired ventricular function and pulmonary hypertension, compared with controls. In the CDH group, LV dysfunction was associated with death and adverse outcomes. Further studies incorporating echocardiographic indices as prognostic markers of CDH are warranted.
Distribution of the number of joins between colored points on a lattice

Tables are presented showing the number of configurationsmij of arrays of points (l×m×n) on a regular lattice, such thati points are black and (l m n−i) are white, and such that there arej pairs (joins) of neighboring points of different colors, for the arrays (4×4×1), (5×5×1), (6×6×1), and (3×3×3).
Hair from Paracas Indian mummies

During his visit to Peru in 1941 Dr. T. D. Stewart examined a small series of Paracas Indian mummies collected by Dr. Julio C. Tello in 1925.l These mummies are preserved in the Museo de Antropologia at Magdalena Vieja, a suburb of Lima, and are identified as yet only by the collector’s numbers. In connection with his examination Doctor Stewart secured pieces of scalp from ten of the mummies. These hair samples form the basis of the present report. Examination of hair from mummies is not a new field of study. Peter Browne (1853) who first suggested a correlation between race and the shape of the cross section of hair may have included hair from mummies among his material. In a contribution made later (1860) to a collective study on the American Indian, Browne examined hair from ten individuals of whom six were mummies. Woodbury and Woodbnry (’32) studied differences between certain of the North American Indian tribes; of these, two were prehistoric tribes, vie;, the Basket Maker and Mesa Verde Indians. The present series is comprised of two females (234 and 310-77) and eight males; one individual in each group had been classified as “young” (38 and 310-77) and there was some evidence that the others were old since the sample in each case was interspersed with very light yellow hairs which may be assumed to have been white. In general, the color was a rusty brown and gave the appearance of having faded.
What Causes Civil Conflicts? Back to “Grievance vs. Greed”

Inequality, Grievances, and Civil War. By Lars-Erik Cederman, Kristian Skrede Gleditsch, Halvard Buhaug. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013. 259 pp., $29.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-1-107-60304-2). Does the presence of grievances or does simple greed cause civil wars? While a standard answer to this question has for some time been “yes, both do” (for example, Berdal 2005), much of the quantitative research in the field has only indirectly incorporated grievances through demographic proxies for ethnic, linguistic, and/or religious diversity. The result has been a series of findings that fit well under the “greed” (now “feasibility”) approach, but few robust findings on grievances. Moreover, the demographic findings have led to a relatively unproductive debate over the presumed dangers of diversity. The authors of this volume seek to reopen the original greed-vs.-grievance debate, moving beyond demographic proxies and providing quantitative evidence consistent with hypotheses loosely drawn from the literature on grievances. Most chapters are based on previously published manuscripts, but the book reads as a seamless whole. Its intended audience of civil war scholars will find its arguments essential to address. The book plays an important role in the literature on civil wars. By 2008, there were at least 40 quantitative studies that at least estimated the effect of diversity (ethnic, linguistic, and/or religious fractionalization or heterogeneity), with widely varying results (Dixon 2009). At the same time, there were precisely zero quantitative studies of horizontal inequality among such groups, whether political (some groups have more access to power …
Defects of monocyte interleukin 12 production and humoral immunity in Whipple's disease

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Whipple's disease (WD) is a systemic infection in which the causative bacteria typically accumulate within macrophages. The aim of this study was to test whether this macrophage dysfunction is the cause or result of previously shown T-cell defects. METHODS: In vitro production of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) from purified monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cytokine expression on duodenal biopsy specimens, and serum cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were tested in 9 patients with WD. RESULTS: Reduced monocyte IL-12 production and decreased IFN-gamma secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro were found, as well as reduced immunohistological staining for IL- 12 and IFN-gamma, but no decrease in other cytokines in patients with WD. A similar but less severe defect in 2 relatives with WD argued for a genetic basis of this abnormality. Serum IgG2, an IFN-gamma-dependent Ig subclass, and serum TGF-beta levels were reduced in patients with WD. CONCLUSIONS: The described monocyte defects in WD may result in a secondary reduction of IFN-gamma production and IgG2 serum levels. This provides a rationale for additive immunotherapy in patients with antibiotic-refractory WD. (Gastroenterology 1997 Aug;113(2):442-8)
A study of the relationship of caregiving appraisal to depressive symptomatology and home care utilization

This study' assessed the relationship of caregiving appraisal to depressive symptomatology and utilization of home health care. One-hundred family caregivers to functionally impaired older adults were interviewed in their homes about depressive symptoms, dimensions of caregiving appraisal, and use of home care. Satisfaction, impact, and mastery significantly predicted depressive symptomatology. These dimensions of caregiving appraisal were not significantly different between those caregivers with and without home health care. Nursing needs to plan interventions to maximize the appraisal of caregiving.
Tumor necrosis factor disrupts claudin-5 endothelial tight junction barriers in two distinct NF-κB-dependent phases.

Capillary leak in severe sepsis involves disruption of endothelial cell tight junctions. We modeled this process by TNF treatment of cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) monolayers, which unlike human umbilical vein endothelial cells form claudin-5-dependent tight junctions and a high-resistance permeability barrier. Continuous monitoring with electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing revealed that TNF disrupts tight junction-dependent HDMEC barriers in discrete steps: an ~5% increase in transendothelial electrical resistance over 40 minutes; a decrease to ~10% below basal levels over 2 hours (phase 1 leak); an interphase plateau of 1 hour; and a major fall in transendothelial electrical resistance to < 70% of basal levels by 8–10 hours (phase 2 leak), with EC50 values of TNF for phase 1 and 2 leak of ~30 and ~150 pg/ml, respectively. TNF leak is reversible and independent of cell death. Leak correlates with disruption of continuous claudin-5 immunofluorescence staining, myosin light chain phosphorylation and loss of claudin-5 co-localization with cortical actin. All these responses require NF-κB signaling, shown by inhibition with Bay 11 or overexpression of IκB super-repressor, and are blocked by H-1152 or Y-27632, selective inhibitors of Rho-associated kinase that do not block other NF-κB-dependent responses. siRNA combined knockdown of Rho-associated kinase-1 and -2 also prevents myosin light chain phosphorylation, loss of claudin-5/actin co-localization, claudin-5 reorganization and reduces phase 1 leak. However, unlike H-1152 and Y-27632, combined Rho-associated kinase-1/2 siRNA knockdown does not reduce the magnitude of phase 2 leak, suggesting that H-1152 and Y-27632 have targets beyond Rho-associated kinases that regulate endothelial barrier function. We conclude that TNF disrupts TJs in HDMECs in two distinct NF-κB-dependent steps, the first involving Rho-associated kinase and the second likely to involve an as yet unidentified but structurally related protein kinase(s).
Neurohumoral regulation of body weight gain

The regulation of body weight is a complex process which relies on a balance between supply of nutrients and demand on these nutrients in the form of energy expenditure. Various central and peripheral mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining this balance. While various neuropeptides in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the hypothalamus, maintain the necessary harmony between hyperphagia and anorexia, peripheral signals arising from the gastrointestinal tract (cholecystokinin-8 [CCK-8], amylin), pancreas (insulin) and adipose tissue (leptin) provide the necessary stimuli or a feedback inhibition for the synthesis and secretion of these hypothalamic neuropeptides. Various metabolites of the carbohydrate and fat metabolism are also involved in regulating the neuronal activity in the hypothalamus which ultimately leads to a release of key neuropeptides. In addition to the central mechanisms, peripheral mechanisms that regulate energy expenditure, particularly in the brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, are critical in maintaining the overall balance. Insight into these mechanisms sets the stage for developing novel strategies in the treatment of emerging childhood diseases such as obesity, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. Further, delineation of these processes in the fetus and newborn sets the stage for investigating their role in molding the adult phenotype due to intrauterine adaptations.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia: A review

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder with an initially chronic course lasting for 3–5 years. It eventually transforms into accelerated and blastic phases, which are generally fatal. CML was one of the first diseases in which a specific chromosomal abnormality was identified, a t(9;22)(q34;q11) or Philadelphia chromosome. CML had been traditionally treated with conventional chemotherapy with hydroxyurea or busulfan. Although these agents can achieve hematologic remissions in most patients, no evidence of sustained disappearance of the chromosomal abnormality was evident. Interferon alpha (IFN-α) has been able to achieve hematologic and cytogenetic remissions in a significant number of patients, and recent studies show a survival advantage for patients treated with IFN-α compared with those treated with conventional chemotherapy. The results of these studies are discussed, and the reasons for discordance among different investigators analyzed in this review. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) may be curative in some patients with CML. The benefits and limitations of this approach in the treatment of CML are also discussed and the results of different alternatives compared. Other alternatives of therapy, including newer chemotherapeutic agents, combinations of IFN-α with other agents, and autologous BMT, are presented. The availability of very sensitive techniques for detection of the Philadelphia chromosome at the molecular level has allowed the detection of minimal residual disease. The information available on these measurements is also analyzed. Finally, we discuss the alternatives for patients with accelerated and blastic phase CML, as well as the clinical characteristics and prognosis for patients with Philadelphia-chromosome-negative
Fuzzy sets, fuzzy relations, and fuzzy groups: some interrelations

Abstract We define closure operator on the set of fuzzy relations on S and show that the closed hull of a fuzzy relation (S, μ) is given by Γ(S, μ) = (S, μσμ). We define strong fuzzy relation and derive some results to investigate the relationship between closed, strong, and symmetric fuzzy relations. We give a counterexample to show that the composition of two closed fuzzy relations need not be a closed fuzzy relation. We also give a much simpler proof of Theorem 4.2 of Bhattacharya and Mukherjee and provide counterexamples to show that their Lemma 3.4 and Theorem 3.1 of Das do not always remain true.
Toxaphene Insecticide: A Complex Biodegradable Mixture

Adsorption and gas-liquid chromatography separate toxaphene into at least 175 polychlorinated 10-carbon compounds including Cl(6), Cl(7), Cl(8), Cl(9), and Cl(10) derivatives. One toxic component is 2,2,5-endo,6-exo,8,9,10-heptachlorobornane. Rats metabolically dechlorinate toxaphene, removing about half of the chlorine from the technical insecticide and from each of seven subfractions of varying composition and toxicity.
Black hole physics and Liouville theory

Abstract Hamiltonian path integral quantization of the SO(2, 1)/SO(2) and SO(2, 1)/SO(1, 1) gauged WZW models is considered. The SO(2, 1)/SO(2) model yields the Liouville theory coupled to a free scalar field theory after eliminating the group coordinates in favor of their conjugate momenta. The SO(2, 1)/SO(1, 1) model, recently argued to be a two-dimensional black-hole solution to string theory, can also be studied in momentum space. The resulting negative-metric Liouville-like theory has indefinite cosmological constant, is coupled to a positive-metric free scalar field, and lives on a Minkowski world sheet. The scaling variable |μ| of Liouville theory is related to the mass of the black hole. The connection to Liouville theory should provide the exact solution for correlation functions in the euclidean black-hole geometry using matrix models and Liouville theory; for the Lorentz-signature Schwarzschild geometry it gives us a tool to investigate the properties of singularities in string theory.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer compared with fallopian tube cancer

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and survival between patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer and fallopian tube cancer. Study Design We identified women with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer and fallopian tube cancer who underwent treatment from 2000-2010. Correlation between categoric variables was assessed with χ 2 test. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to generate overall survival data. Factors predictive of outcome were compared with the use of the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Results The study group consisted of 385 women with epithelial ovarian cancer and 43 women with fallopian tube cancer. Patients with fallopian tube cancer had a higher rate of stage IA disease (65% vs 48%; P = .02) and grade 3 tumors (60.4% vs 30.9%; P P P P = .02). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 100% in women with fallopian tube cancer and 93% in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer ( P = .04). The 5-year overall survival rates were 100% and 95% for fallopian tube cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer, respectively ( P = .7). Conclusion We found a higher rate of stage IA, grade 3, and serous carcinoma in fallopian tube cancer. Women with fallopian tube cancer had a higher rate of breast cancer. There was no difference in overall survival between the groups.
A novel K+ channel beta-subunit (hKv beta 1.3) is produced via alternative mRNA splicing

Voltage-gated K+ channels can form multimeric complexes with accessory beta-subunits. We report here a novel K+ channel beta-subunit cloned from human heart, hKv beta 1.3, that has 74-83% overall identity with previously cloned beta-subunits. Comparison of hKv beta 1.3 with the previously cloned hKv beta 3 and rKv beta 1 proteins indicates that the carboxyl-terminal 328 amino acids are identical, while unique variable length amino termini exist. Analysis of human beta-subunit cDNA and genomic nucleotide sequences confirm that these three beta-subunits are alternatively spliced from a common beta-subunit gene. Co-expression of hKv beta 1.3 in Xenopus oocytes with the delayed rectifier hKv1.5 indicated that hKv beta 1.3 has unique functional effects. This novel beta-subunit induced a time-dependent inactivation during membrane voltage steps to positive potentials, induced a 13-mV hyperpolarizing shift in the activation curve, and slowed deactivation (tau = 13 +/- 0.5 ms versus 35 +/- 1.7 ms at -40 mV). Most notably, hKv beta 1.3 converted the Kv1.5 outwardly rectifying current voltage relationship to one showing strong inward rectification. These data suggest that Kv channel current diversity may arise from association with alternatively spliced Kv beta-subunits. A simplified nomenclature for the K+ channel beta-subunit subfamilies is suggested.
Nanowatt threshold, alumina sensitized neodymium laser integrated on silicon.

Low threshold lasers based on rare-earth elements have enabled numerous scientific discoveries and innovations in industry. However, pushing the threshold into the sub-microwatt regime has been stymied by a fundamental material phenomenon. Specifically, rare earth dopants form clusters which quench emission and reduce efficiency. Here, we fabricate resonant cavity lasers from neodymium-doped silica films containing alumina. The alumina prevents the clustering of the Neodymium, enabling the lasers to achieve thresholds of 530nanoWatts at room temperature.
Verification of Musculoskeletal FDG-PET-CT Findings Performed for Melanoma Staging

Background The purpose of this study is to establish the validity of F-18-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) scan staging for cutaneous melanoma when a musculoskeletal image abnormality is detected.
Pulmonary function changes in Chinese hamsters exposed six months to diesel exhaust

Chinese hamsters were exposed for eight hours per day to automotive diesel exhaust emissions which were diluted with air (18 to 1) and had a particulate level of 6.4 mg/m3. Pulmonary function measurements were made after six months exposure. Body weight (BW), lung weight (LW), vital capacity (VC), residual volume by water displacement (RVw) and by gas dilution (RVD), alveolar volume (VA), and carbon monoxide transfer factor (DLCO) were measured. LW showed a significant increase in the diesel exposed animals (P < 0.01) while VC, RVW, and DLCO showed decreases (P < 0.01). Static deflation volume-pressure curves showed depressed deflation volumes for diesel exposed animals when volumes were corrected for body weight and even greater depressed volumes when volumes were corrected for lung weight. However, when volumes were expressed as percent vital capacity, the diesel exposed animals had higher lung volumes at 0 and 5 cm H2O. Results of the pathological examination of the lung tissue will be necessary for final analysis of our findings. However, preliminary interpretation indicates possible emphysematous changes which are compatible with the observed decrease in DLCO.
Artesunate for the treatment of severe falciparum malaria.

A 35-year-old man presents with a febrile illness after travel in West Africa, and severe malaria is diagnosed. Treatment with artesunate is recommended. Artesunate is a member of a class of antimalarial agents called artemisinins, and it is at least as effective against severe malaria as quinine, with fewer side effects. The drug is available in the United States only by special request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Determination of the vanadium content of protein solutions by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract A rapid and precise method of determining the vanadium content of protein solutions by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is reported The method is based on the linear relationship between the signal intensity of the first-derivative electron paramagnetic resonance signal and the concentration of the VO(H 2 O) 5 2+ species formed in acid solution. Six different proteins were investigated in the concentration range 10 −3 -10 −5 m . A precision of ±1%, an accuracy of ±3%, and a detection limit of 25ppb for vanadium was obtained. This analytical method was developed to aid in investigations of metal binding sites in proteins by vanadyl ion (VO 2+ ) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The kinetics of two-dimensional TCR and pMHC interactions determine T-cell responsiveness

The T-cell receptor (TCR) interacts with peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHC) to discriminate pathogens from self-antigens and trigger adaptive immune responses. Direct physical contact is required between the T cell and the antigen-presenting cell for cross-junctional binding where the TCR and pMHC are anchored on two-dimensional (2D) membranes of the apposing cells. Despite their 2D nature, TCR-pMHC binding kinetics have only been analysed three-dimensionally (3D) with a varying degree of correlation with the T-cell responsiveness. Here we use two mechanical assays to show high 2D affinities between a TCR and its antigenic pMHC driven by rapid on-rates. Compared to their 3D counterparts, 2D affinities and on-rates of the TCR for a panel of pMHC ligands possess far broader dynamic ranges that match that of their corresponding T-cell responses. The best 3D predictor of response is the off-rate, with agonist pMHC dissociating the slowest. In contrast, 2D off-rates are up to 8,300-fold faster, with the agonist pMHC dissociating the fastest. Our 2D data suggest rapid antigen sampling by T cells and serial engagement of a few agonist pMHCs by TCRs in a large self pMHC background. Thus, the cellular environment amplifies the intrinsic TCR-pMHC binding to generate broad affinities and rapid kinetics that determine T-cell responsiveness.
Implementation of Single and Coupled Resonator Filters Using Ultimate Miniaturized Silicon Microdisk Resonators

Resonator-based filters using silicon microdisks scaled to ultimate miniaturization (radius~1.5-2 micron) close to radiation limit are demonstrated. High-Q (~150,000) and single-mode operation in each microdisk enables low insertion-loss and large free-spectral-range filters.
Substituent Effects of Porphyrin on Singlet Oxygen Generation Quantum Yields

The singlet oxygen photosensitizing efficiencies of the ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted free-base and zinc (II) tetraarylporphyrins have been investigated on the basis of the heavy atom effect, electronegativity, and spatial orbital overlap. Both the endocyclic and exocyclic heavy atom effects have been exploited to induce various degrees of spin-orbit coupling. The ground state and the lowest singlet excited electronic state of the porphyrins have been studied using optical absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopic techniques. The experimental data suggest that implementation of the halogen substituent effect to enhance the photosensitizing properties of a chromophore from the excited triplet state should be done cautiously, as it may have negative implications.
Prevention and management of ischemic complications of vein harvest incisions in cardiac surgery--case reports.

Leg wound complications following saphenous vein harvest for coronary re vascularization are uncommon. We have encountered five patients in whom unrecognized arterial occlusive disease contributed to wound necrosis. All re quired vascular reconstruction in addition to local wound care to achieve heal ing. Careful preoperative attention to symptoms of arterial insufficiency is recommended and appropriate modification of lower extremity incisions may reduce the frequency of this complication. Prompt recognition and appropriate arterial revascularization should avoid prolonged morbidity if ischemic necrosis of leg wounds does occur. If arterial reconstruction is required, PTFE is an acceptable graft material if the remaining saphenous vein is inadequate for use.
Social Power and Forms of Change: Implications for Psychopolitical Validity.

Prilleltensky's notion of psychopolitical validity elevates power as a key phenomenon of interest within community psychology. Importantly, two types of psychopolitical validity are articulated: epistemic—the explicit study of power, and transformative—understanding the role of power in social change. In this article, the author develops the concepts of epistemic and transformative power by presenting a framework for understanding their application to community phenomena. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Power-efficient nonuniform 2-D fourier analysis using compressive sensing in WSNs

Nonuniform Discrete Fourier Transform (NDFT) has been well-investigated for performing fast computation of the frequency content of nonequispaced data samples. This nonuniform formulation is also well-suited for Fourier analysis of data samples collected in randomly deployed wireless sensors. However, most of the existing NDFT formulations employ global communication patterns and thus are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and execution time for in-network realization of NDFT. In this paper, we investigate NDFT implementation that leverages compressive sensing (CS) to reduce the amount of data and global communication, thus allowing the use of a few random measurements to adequately represent sparse signal. Our main idea is to organize 2D random deployment of sensors into a hierarchy of clusters. A local interpolation step is performed in the clusters at the lowest level to convert a nonuniform grid into a uniform grid. The global 2D Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is then implemented using a multiresolution data aggregation architecture and exploiting CS to reduce data transmission. Using theoretical analysis as well as SIDnet-SWANS based simulations, we demonstrate significant advantages of the proposed method over existing state of the art, in terms of execution time, transmission energy efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio and communication overhead.