cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation between ZAP-70, phospho-ZAP-70, and phospho-Syk expression in leukemic cells from patients with CLL.

For patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), expression of ZAP-70 in the leukemic cells is an indicator of poor prognosis. However, the mechanism that accounts for this effect is not known. ZAP-70 expression has previously been associated with increased B cell antigen receptor signaling upon surface immunoglobulin ligation in vitro as shown by ZAP-70 and Syk phosphorylation. This finding has led to the suggestion that a more aggressive clinical course is correlated with B cell antigen receptor signaling. Using high resolution immunophenotyping to analyze CLL cells ex vivo (without stimulation in vitro), we have demonstrated CLL cells from all patients express some ZAP-70 and that increased expression of ZAP-70 is correlated with decreased levels of phosphorylated ZAP-70 and phosphorylated Syk measured directly ex vivo. Conversely, high levels of phosphorylated ZAP-70 and phosphorylated Syk are found only in samples with low levels of ZAP-70 expression, and Syk and ZAP-70 phosphorylation appear to be mostly independent of each other. Additionally, Syk phosphorylation is directly correlated with levels of p21cip1, a cell cycle inhibitor and a p53 target. Together these findings suggest that lower levels of p21cip1 and/or a defect in p53 activity may account in part for the more aggressive disease course in patients with high levels of ZAP-70 rather than enhanced B cell antigen receptor signaling as has been previously hypothesized. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society
Substrate−Ligand Interactions in Geobacillus stearothermophilus Nitric Oxide Synthase†

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) generates NO via a sequential two-step reaction [l-arginine (l-Arg) → N-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA) → l-citrulline + NO]. Each step of the reaction follows a distinct mechanism defined by the chemical environment introduced by each substrate bound to the heme active site. The dioxygen complex of the NOS enzyme from a thermophilic bacterium, Geobacillus stearothermophilus (gsNOS), is unusually stable; hence, it provides a unique model for the studies of the mechanistic differences between the two steps of the NOS reaction. By using CO as a structural probe, we found that gsNOS exhibits two conformations in the absence of substrate, as indicated by the presence of two sets of νFe−CO/νC−O modes in the resonance Raman spectra. In the νFe−CO versus νC−O inverse correlation plot, one set of data falls on the correlation line characterized by mammalian NOSs (mNOS), whereas the other set of data lies on a new correlation line defined by a bacterial NOS from Bacillus subtilis (bsNOS), ref...
Effects of accent, ethnicity, and lecture topic on undergraduates' perceptions of nonnative English-speaking teaching assistants

Abstract The most common response to perceived lack of English language proficiency among nonnative English speaking teaching assistants (NNSTAs), has been to set up workshops to remediate their linguistic and instructional skills. However, many factors other than low levels of communication competence may contribute to negative perceptions of NNSTAs. Some of these factors may be more germane to North American undergraduates' stereotypical attitudes than to NNSTAs' classroom talk. A matched guise study of undergraduates' comprehension and attitudes toward NNSTAs revealed that 40% of undergraduates avoid NNSTA instructed classes. However, measured outcomes manifested few direct effects of actual accentedness in NNSTA speech. Instead, factors like instructor ethnicity and lecture topic, extraneous to actual NNSTA speaking proficiency, tended to be more potent determinants of undergraduate attitudes and comprehension. On the other hand, when students perceived — whether rightly or wrongly—high levels of foreign accentedness, they judged speakers to be poor teachers. Results warrant collective “university community” training programs that focus on undergraduate attitudes and listening skills as well as on NNSTA competence.
IA3, an aspartic proteinase inhibitor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is intrinsically unstructured in solution.

IA3 is a highly specific and potent 68-amino acid endogenous inhibitor of yeast proteinase A (YprA), and X-ray crystallographic studies have shown that IA3 binds to YprA as an α-helix [Li, M., Phyl...
Strength of Tobacco Control in Rural Communities

Largely as a result of socioeconomic disparities, rural populations are at increased risk for smoking and resultant poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts.1,2 Adults living in rural communities are generally more likely to smoke cigarettes compared to those in urban areas.1,3–5 Furthermore, those living in rural communities are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke than those living in urban areas.6 Despite the fact that smoke-free and other tobacco control laws are gaining popularity in the United States and globally, rural communities have fewer smoke-free laws and voluntary restrictions than do their urban counterparts.6,7 Further, smaller towns are less likely than larger ones to enact smoke-free policies.8,9 As efforts to enact smoke-free laws and other tobacco control policies increase, assessing local efforts, capacity and resources for tobacco control grows more important, especially in rural, underserved communities that may be late in adopting these laws. Mobilizing local communities to enact tobacco control policies is recommended in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) community-based model for tobacco control.10 The premise of the model, currently implemented in several states, is to promote policy development at both local and state levels to change social norms related to tobacco control. The Strength of Tobacco Control (SoTC) instrument was initially developed to evaluate the effectiveness of state-level efforts related to tobacco control. The SoTC, developed by the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST), measured state-level tobacco control efforts and indirectly assessed the effectiveness of the ASSIST program.11 The overall objective of ASSIST was to effect change in tobacco use through policy promotion and alterations in the social-political environment related to tobacco use.12 Although the SoTC measure has been tested only at the state level, it may have utility as a measure of strength of tobacco control at the local level.
Convulsant/depressant site of action at the allosteric benzodiazepine-gaba receptor-ionophore complex

Abstract Several classes of centrally acting convulsant, depressant, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic drugs modulate GABAergic transmission. The post-synaptic receptor with which these drugs interact in an allosteric complex with distinct binding sites for GABA, benzodiazepines, picrotoxinin and related compounds. Convulsants which inhibit GABA transmission (except bicuculline) inhibit competitively the binding of dihydropicrotoxinin (DHP) or t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPT) to the picrotoxinin site and prevent the allosteric enhancing effect of depressant drugs on GABA and benzodiazepine binding. Depressant drugs give a mixed inhibition of TBPT binding. The possible topography of the picrotoxinin site and its relationship to convulsant/depressant drug action at the benzodiazepine-GABA receptor-ionophore complex is discussed.
Resonance measurements of d-f-g-h splittings in highly excited states of sodium

Using two- and three-photon resonance techniques, we have observed $d\ensuremath{-}g$ and $d\ensuremath{-}h$ transitions in the $n=13 \mathrm{to} 17$ states of sodium. The results yield accurate values for the quantum defects of the $d$, $f$, $g$, and $h$ states as well as the fine-structure splitting of the levels. Although the $d (l=2)$ fine structure is inverted, for $lg2$ the fine structures are observed to be hydrogenic.
Tolerance issues in solid immersion lens systems

Analysis that includes physical optics with diffraction, polarization, and aberration, as well as geometrical optics is used to understand tolerancing of SIL systems. Irradiance distributions inside a simple substrate are explored as the distance between the objective lens and SIL and the radius of curvature of the SIL are varied. Gap-induced aberration is included in the analysis. Irradiance distributions inside a phase-change recording medium are explored versus air gap heights and the thickness of the recording layer in a magneto-optical medium.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Randomization methods and the analysis of multivariate ecological data

Data from ecological and biomonitoring studies are sometimes difficult to make inferences from owing to the high dimensionality of the data, the lack of normality and other problems. One approach for testing which has interested researchers is the randomization method. A general approach is based on replacing the multivariate data with distances between units, choosing a test statistic to summarize differences (due say to a treatment) and using a randomization test to assess the significance of the differences. This paper discusses a number of questions and concerns related to analysis and interpretation using this analytical approach. First, what can be said about the power of this test and how is the power related to the power of other tests under optimal conditions? Second, the variables (species) seem to get lost in the analysis. How important are they and should one be concerned about their importance to the power of the test? Finally, how important are assumptions about the data? These questions and others are discussed using examples from multispecies studies.
PTPμ-dependent growth cone rearrangement is regulated by Cdc42

PTP mu is expressed in the developing nervous system and promotes growth and guidance of chick retinal ganglion cells. Using a newly developed growth cone rearrangement assay, we examined whether the small G-proteins were involved in PTP mu-dependent signaling. The stimulation of retinal cultures with purified PTP mu resulted in a striking morphological change in the growth cone, which becomes dominated by filopodia within 5 min of addition. This rearrangement in response to PTP mu stimulation was mediated by homophilic binding. We perturbed GTPase signaling using Toxin B, which inhibits Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, as well as the toxin Exoenzyme C3 that inhibits Rho. The PTP mu-induced growth cone rearrangement was blocked by Toxin B, but not by Exoenzyme C3. This result suggests that either Cdc42 or Rac are required but not Rho. To determine which GTPase was involved in PTP mu signaling, we utilized dominant-negative mutants of Cdc42 and Rac. Dominant-negative Cdc42 blocked PTP mu-induced rearrangement, while wild-type Cdc42 and dominant-negative Rac did not. Together, these results suggest a molecular signaling cascade beginning with PTP mu homophilic binding at the plasma membrane and the activation of Cdc42, which acts on the actin cytoskeleton to result in rearrangement of the growth cone.
Counteracting oxidative phosphorylation-mediated resistance of melanomas to MAPK pathway inhibition

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) induces resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors in melanoma. However, therapeutic targeting of mitochondria is challenging. In a recent study, we showed that inhibition of mTOR kinase activity resensitized resistant melanomas by indirectly inhibiting OxPhos via a novel mechanism. Here, we discuss the implications of these findings.
Root development of bermudagrass and tall fescue as affected by cutting interval and growth regulators.

A study was conducted to characterize changes in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) root development over time and with depth, and to determine the effects of defoliation interval and chemical seedhead suppression on root and shoot growth. Field plots were established on a fine-silty, mixed mesic Typic Fragiudult soil in Fayetteville, AR, USA, and each plot contained three minirhizotrons (plexiglass observation tubes) to a depth of 40 cm. Images of roots in 10-cm depth increments were periodically videorecorded, and total root length (RL) and root length density (RLD) were measured with a computer-interfaced tracing probe. Treatments consisted of two cutting intervals, 3 and 6 weeks, and two plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments, an untreated control and either 300 g ha-1 mefluidide on tall fescue in early spring of both years or 10 g ha-1 each of metsulfuron methyl (MSM) and sulfometuron methyl (SMM) applied in late May of both post-establishment years. Data were analyzed separately for the establishment period (planting to the first date of PGR application) and the subsequent post-establishment period. Bermulagrass exhibited a two-stage root establishment pattern characterized first by minimal root development in conjunction with stolon proliferation and soil surface colonization, followed by accumulation of total RL over two subsequent forage production seasons. There was a net accumulation of root mass during the winter dormancy period of 1986–87. Total RL of tall fescue peaked one and a half years after planting. Cutting interval had no influence on RL and RLD. Application of a PGR did not affect RL but did alter RLD of both species. Application of mefluidide to tall fescue stimulated RLD 64 days after application, whereas bermudagrass RLD was retarded by MSM and SMM up to 50 days after application. Trends in root growth did not closely follow patterns of shoot growth.
Implementing and managing intrathecal pumps

The use of intrathecal therapy is associated with increase quality of analgesia and a decrease in side effects in patients who have not tolerated oral pharmacological therapy AND have had a successful epidural trial. Steps to achieve a high degree of success are delineated in this article, including ideal catheter tip position, indication and use of medications for the infusion, rate of infusion, etc. Moreover, recommendations to follow before and after a myelogram through the pump are given.
Estimation of surface air temperature over central and eastern Eurasia from MODIS land surface temperature

Surface air temperature (T(sub a)) is a critical variable in the energy and water cycle of the Earth.atmosphere system and is a key input element for hydrology and land surface models. This is a preliminary study to evaluate estimation of T(sub a) from satellite remotely sensed land surface temperature (T(sub s)) by using MODIS-Terra data over two Eurasia regions: northern China and fUSSR. High correlations are observed in both regions between station-measured T(sub a) and MODIS T(sub s). The relationships between the maximum T(sub a) and daytime T(sub s) depend significantly on land cover types, but the minimum T(sub a) and nighttime T(sub s) have little dependence on the land cover types. The largest difference between maximum T(sub a) and daytime T(sub s) appears over the barren and sparsely vegetated area during the summer time. Using a linear regression method, the daily maximum T(sub a) were estimated from 1 km resolution MODIS T(sub s) under clear-sky conditions with coefficients calculated based on land cover types, while the minimum T(sub a) were estimated without considering land cover types. The uncertainty, mean absolute error (MAE), of the estimated maximum T(sub a) varies from 2.4 C over closed shrublands to 3.2 C over grasslands, and the MAE of the estimated minimum Ta is about 3.0 C.
Percolation processes and wireless network resilience

We study the problem of wireless network resilience to node failures from a percolation-based perspective. In practical wireless networks, it is often the case that nodes with larger degrees (i.e., more neighbors) are more likely to fail. We model this phenomenon as a degree-dependent site percolation process on random geometric graphs. In particular, we obtain analytical conditions for the existence of phase transitions within this model. Furthermore, in networks carrying traffic load, the failure of one node can result in redistribution of the load onto other nearby nodes. If these nodes fail due to excessive load, then this process can result in cascading failure. We analyze this cascading failures problem in large-scale wireless networks, and show that it is equivalent to a degree-dependent site percolation on random geometric graphs. We obtain analytical conditions for cascades in this model.
Health-related quality of life of cancer and noncancer patients in Medicare managed care.

BACKGROUND. Data from the Health Care Financing Administration's (HCFA) Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) of patients enrolled in managed care services through Medicare were analyzed. The MHOS provided baseline estimates of quality of life of cancer survivors in comparison to a frequency age-matched cohort of noncancer patients. METHOD. In 1998, the MHOS was mailed to a random sample of 279,135 beneficiaries. Completed surveys were received from 167,096 respondents (60%). Some 22,747 respondents who had been diagnosed with cancer were frequency age matched to an equal number of noncancer patients. RESULTS. Cancer survivors had statistically significantly poorer scores than noncancer patients on all eight subscales as well as on the Physical Component and Mental Component summary measures of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36). Comparisons by type and number of cancers for which an individual was currently in treatment showed lowest quality of life for those in treatment for lung carcinoma, followed by those who were in treatment for more than one type of cancer. CONCLUSION. The data suggest that cancer shows negative effects on health-related quality of life that are not explainable by simple effects of age because frequency age-matched cancer survivors had statistically significantly lower scores on all 10 scores of the MOS SF-36. Effect sizes are evaluated to determine the clinical significance of these differences in health-related quality of life. The MHOS offers useful data for planning and improving cancer policy and programs.
Current Increase at Constant Amplification Factor in Steady Corona with Coaxial Cylindrical Geometry

It has long been known that above onset of steady positive wire corona with coaxial cylindrical geometry, Townsend's relation of 1914 relating current $i$ and over-voltage, $V\ensuremath{-}Vg$, of the form $V\ensuremath{-}Vg=\frac{\mathrm{Bi}}{V}$ applies over a considerable range. This law is deduced assuming a constant potential across a zone of limited constant ionizing radius. Such assumption implies a constant Townsend amplification factor for ionization by collision, a fact just recently experimentally established by Colli, Facchini, and Gatti. The corona current $i$ on this theory, however, increases many times despite constant amplification factor. It is shown that this occurs by slight temporary raising of the amplification factor producing a rapid proliferation of ionizing sequences over the anode surface, increasing current and space charge density, but maintaining essentially constant amplification factor. This action has a bearing on the spread of the normal glow discharge over the cathode.
Reproducibility of arrhythmia induction with intracardiac electrophysiologic testing: Patients with clinical sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias

In order to characterize the day to day reproducibility of arrhythmias provoked during electrophysiologic stimulation, 114 patients with documented sustained clinical ventricular tachyarrhythmias were studied. Two baseline electrophysiologic tests were performed in the drugfree state and within 6 to 24 hours of one another. There was a significant increment (p ≤ 0.02) in the induction of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias as the number of programmed extrastimuli increased from one (10% induction) to four (64% induction). Provoked arrhythmias were observed to be more frequently nonreproducible (as reflected in a major change in rate or duration, or both, of an induced ventricular arrhythmia between baseline tests) as the number of extrastimuli increased from one (7%) to four (27%). Nonreproducibility with three and four extrastimuli was not significantly greater than when two extrastimuli were utilized. Electrophysiology-directed drug trials should be interpreted in light of this observed variability in induced arrhythmias.
A Framework for Understanding Social Science Contributions to Ecosystem Management

We propose a framework for understanding the role that the social sciences should play in ecosystem management. Most of the ecosystem management literature as- sumes that scientific understanding of ecosystems is solely the purview of natural scientists. While the evolving principles of ecosystem management recognize that people play an important role, social considerations are usually limited to political and decision-making processes and to development of environmental education. This view is incomplete. The social science aspect of ecosystem management has two distinct components: one that concerns greater public involvement in the ecosystem management decision-making pro- cess, and one that concerns integrating social considerations into the science of under- standing ecosystems. Ecosystem management decisions based primarily on biophysical factors can polarize people, making policy processes more divisive than usual. Ecological data must be supplemented with scientific analysis of the key social factors relevant to a particular ecosystem. Objective social science analysis should be included on an equal basis with ecological science inquiry and with data from public involvement. A conceptual framework is presented to communicate to ecological scientists the potential array of social science contributions to ecosystem management.
First Report of Oidium sp. Powdery Mildew and Tomato spotted wilt virus on Melampodium divaricatum

Melampodium divaricatum (Rich. ex Pers.) DC. (=M. paludosum H.B.K.), a member of the family Asteraceae and native to South America, is a recent introduction for use as a summer bedding ornamental. In September 1999, melampodium plants in multiple Baton Rouge landscapes were observed with signs of powdery mildew and symptoms of a virus-like disease. Powdery mildew spread throughout one of the plantings by late November and infected flowers and leaves. An Oidium species sporulated on both leaf surfaces but was more common on the adaxial surface. Ellipsoid conidia were produced in chains, lacked fibrosin bodies, and averaged 31 × 19 µm. No sexual stage was observed. Eight of 63 plants (cv. Derby) in one of the plantings showed virus disease symptoms that included severe leaf mosaic, leaf malformation, and stunting. Leaves from infected plants were used to sap inoculate seedling plants of melampodium and Nicotiana benthamiana. Melampodium seedlings developed typical mosaic symptoms after 48 to 56 days. N. ben...
Beam Focusing by Periodic and Complementary Fields

Periodic magnetic or electrostatic fields are capable of focusing a long electron beam so that the performance normally yielded by a uniform magnetic field is attained. This is the case if a proper choice of the value of the period with respect to the rms value of the field is employed. For high-power traveling-wave tubes, however, the value of the period demanded by either periodic magnetic or electrostatic focusing field is so small that it is almost impossible to realize these fields. By the use of a proper combination of a varying magnetic and electric field, optimum performance is physically attainable for electron beams of high perveance. The general theory of focusing action in such combined or complementary fields is given and is applied to problems which arise in systems involving parallel electron beam flow. It is also shown that in the case of combined fields, the fields which may be employed are much less restricted and critical than is the case when they are used singly.
Applying Ethnography in Educational Change

Although educational anthropologists have been involved in researching and writing about most of the major educational debates of our times, it is difficult to find examples of ways in which anthropology has been applied directly to the solution of education-related problems. This article explores reasons for this dilemma by analyzing the bases from which educational anthropologists carry out their research. It then outlines three case examples in which ethnographic research in the Hispanic community of Hartford, Connecticut, has been utilized to bring about changes in education-related services to Hispanics. The article concludes with suggestions for using ethnographic research to bring about improved relations between education systems and the communities they serve.
Sparse non-negative generalized PCA with applications to metabolomics

Motivation: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used to study mixtures of metabolites in biological samples. This technology produces a spectrum for each sample depicting the chemical shifts at which an unknown number of latent metabolites resonate. The interpretation of this data with common multivariate exploratory methods such as principal components analysis (PCA) is limited due to high-dimensionality, non-negativity of the underlying spectra and dependencies at adjacent chemical shifts. Results: We develop a novel modification of PCA that is appropriate for analysis of NMR data, entitled Sparse Non-Negative Generalized PCA. This method yields interpretable principal components and loading vectors that select important features and directly account for both the non-negativity of the underlying spectra and dependencies at adjacent chemical shifts. Through the reanalysis of experimental NMR data on five purified neural cell types, we demonstrate the utility of our methods for dimension reduction, pattern recognition, sample exploration and feature selection. Our methods lead to the identification of novel metabolites that reflect the differences between these cell types. Availability: www.stat.rice.edu/~gallen/software.html Contact: [email protected] Supplementary Information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Examining the significance of fingerprint-based classifiers.

Background Experimental examinations of biofluids to measure concentrations of proteins or their fragments or metabolites are being explored as a means of early disease detection, distinguishing diseases with similar symptoms, and drug treatment efficacy. Many studies have produced classifiers with a high sensitivity and specificity, and it has been argued that accurate results necessarily imply some underlying biology-based features in the classifier. The simplest test of this conjecture is to examine datasets designed to contain no information with classifiers used in many published studies.
Response: What Works Best? Reflections on the Role of Theory in Planning

In this commentary, the author considers how theory helps one understand the development process and how it helps situate the role of planning as an agent of change in society. The problem is not that there is no theory of economic development but that there is too much and that there is little unity to this theory. Theory is also by construction about "what is, "whereas planning is about "what should be. "Planning is socially constituted and is, therefore, contingent on ideology, history, and politics. Similarly, planning initiatives reverberate through a region's historic, geographic, economic, social, and political fabric. It is the artificial separation of theory and planning that is at the heart of both "the problem with planning" and the "problem with theory."
The Children of Conquest in the New Age: Ethnicity and Change Among the Highland Maya

This article will examine ethnic relations in the countryside as a cause of rural/urban migration among the Maya Indians of western Guatemala and will question the inevitability of such migration by looking at a contrasting course of development among the Maya of southern Mexico. Comparison of Zinacantan in Mexico and Aguacatan in Guatemala suggests that rural development may be an alternative to migration to cities, but only if such development breaks the political and economic domination of non-Indians in rural communities.
Conjugated Polymer/Metal Nanowire Heterostructure Plasmonic Antennas

The spontaneous emission spectrum, polarization direction, and emission lifetime of monolithically coupled poly-(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, light-emitting nanostructures are modified by gold nanowire antennas. The P3HT nanostructure is integrated onto the end of the gold nanowire antenna, where localized, longitudinal surface plasmon mode fields are strongest. Comprehensive optical characterization and theoretical modeling are employed to demonstrate plasmonic nanoantenna-mediated light emission from P3HT.
Oxygen Barrier and Enthalpy of Melting of Multilayer EVOH Films After Pressure-Assisted Thermal Processing and During Storage

Pressure-assisted thermal processing (PATP) is an advanced thermal process involving applica- tion of elevated pressures above 600 MPa on a preheated food for a holding time of 3 to 5 min, causing the volumetric temperature of food to increase above 100 � C, to inactivate bacterial spores and enzymes. This study evaluated the influence of PATP on two state-of-the-art multilayer EVOH films. Flexible pouches containing water as the food simu- lant were made from the two films and processed at 680 MPa for 3 min at 105 � C and 680 MPa for 5 min at 100 � C. Each film was investigated for its oxygen transmission rates (OTRs), melting temperature (Tm), enthalpy of melting (DH), and overall crystallinity before (control) and after processing. The changes in OTRs and total DH of the two films were also analyzed during a storage period of 240 days in ambient conditions after processing. Results showed a significant (P 0.05) change in the Tm and DH of the two films. The overall crystallinity of film A decreased, but improved slightly for film B after PATP. A recovery in the OTRs of the two films occurred during storage. The films also showed changes in the total DH measured during the storage period, which was used to explain the changes in the oxygen barrier prop- erties. The OTR of both films remained below 2 cc/m 2 day, which is required in packaging applications for shelf-stable foods with a 1-year shelf life. This work demonstrates the advantages of using multilayer films containing EVOH as the barrier layer in PATP applications to produce shelf-sta- ble foods. This work also highlights the advantage of, DSC analysis for studying the physical ageing of polymers dur- ing storage. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1538-1545, 2011
SEKUNDARE BINDUNGEN ZWISCHEN HALOGENEN UND CHALKOGENEN ODER PNICOGENEN

Ein enger Zusammenhang zwischen Bindungsarten, die manchmal als elektronenreiche Dreizentren-, als hypervalente, als sekundare oder als Donor-Acceptor-Bindung beschrieben werden, besteht in Festkorperstrukturen, die quasilineare X-Q-X-Einheiten enthalten (X=Halogen, Q=Chalkogen oder Element der Stickstoffgruppe).
Age-related Changes in Mucins from Human Whole Saliva

The predominant mucins in human whole saliva, MG1 and MG2, serve to protect and to lubricate the oral cavity. In this study, both unstimulated and stimulated whole salivas were collected from two groups of subjects: young (18-35 years of age) and aged (65-83 years of age). The subjects were in apparent good health. Saliva samples from each subject were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The gels were stained with Stains-all, and both MG1 and MG2 were quantitated by video-image densitometry. The protocol gave reproducible values for each mucin. The stimulated and unstimulated salivas from aged subjects showed significant reductions in concentrations of both MG1 and MG2, as quantitated in mucin dye-binding units. Possible associations of these reductions with the aging process are discussed.
The effect of peanut and grain bar preloads on postmeal satiety, glycemia, and weight loss in healthy individuals: an acute and a chronic randomized intervention trial

Peanut consumption favorably influences satiety. This study examined the acute effect of peanut versus grain bar preloads on postmeal satiety and glycemia in healthy adults and the long-term effect of these meal preloads on body mass in healthy overweight adults. In the acute crossover trial (n = 15; 28.4 ± 2.9 y; 23.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2), the preload (isoenergetic peanut or grain bar with water, or water alone) was followed after 60 min with ingestion of a standardized glycemic test meal. Satiety and blood glucose were assessed immediately prior to the preload and to the test meal, and for two hours postmeal at 30-min intervals. In the parallel-arm, randomized trial (n = 44; 40.5 ± 1.6 y, 31.8 ± 0.9 kg/m2), the peanut or grain bar preload was consumed one hour prior to the evening meal for eight weeks. Body mass was measured at 2-week intervals, and secondary endpoints included blood hemoglobin A1c and energy intake as assessed by 3-d diet records collected at pre-trial and trial weeks 1 and 8. Satiety was elevated in the postprandial period following grain bar ingestion in comparison to peanut or water ingestion (p = 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA). Blood glucose was elevated one hour after ingestion of the grain bar as compared to the peanut or water treatments; yet, total glycemia did not vary between treatments in the two hour postprandial period. In the 8-week trial, body mass was reduced for the grain bar versus peanut groups after eight weeks (−1.3 ± 0.4 kg versus −0.2 ± 0.3 kg, p = 0.033, analysis of covariance). Energy intake was reduced by 458 kcal/d in the first week of the trial for the grain bar group as compared to the peanut group (p = 0.118). Hemoglobin A1c changed significantly between groups during the trial (−0.25 ± 0.07% and −0.18 ± 0.12% for the grain bar and peanut groups respectively, p = 0.001). Compared to an isoenergetic peanut preload, consumption of a grain bar preload one hour prior to a standardized meal significantly raised postmeal satiety. Moreover, consumption of the grain bar prior to the evening meal was associated with significant weight loss over time suggesting that glycemic carbohydrate ingestion prior to meals may be a weight management strategy.
A monoclonal antibody against lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 decreases HIV-1 replication by inducing the secretion of an antiviral soluble factor

Background: Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 (LFA-1) likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of against HIV-1 and is known to facilitate cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. A monoclonal antibody specific for LFA-1 (Cytolin W ) was evaluated as a potential therapeutic in pilot studies performed in the mid-1990s. These uncontrolled human studies suggested that administration of this anti-LFA-1 antibody to HIV-1 infected individuals could provide a modest benefit by decreasing circulating HIV-1 RNA and increasing CD4+ T cell counts. At the time, it was proposed that when bound to cytolytic T cells, the antibody inhibited lysis of activated CD4+ T cells. Given the renewed interest in monoclonal antibody therapy for HIV-1 infected individuals, we investigated possible mechanisms of action of this antibody in vitro. Methods: To assess whether this anti-LFA-1 antibody binds to HIV-1, a virus capture assay was performed. Binding of the antibody to cells was assessed using flow cytometry. Inhibition of HIV-1 replication was determined in culture by measuring the amount of p24 produced by ELISA. After co-culture of the antibody with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, supernatants were assayed for cytokines and chemokines using various immunoassays. Results: Our experiments demonstrate that anti-LFA-1 antibody binds to CCR5 and CXCR4 utilizing strains of HIV-1. It also binds to CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells. When bound to virus prior to infection, there is no decrease in HIV-1 replication, suggesting it does not directly inhibit viral replication via virus binding. When bound to cells, it does not inhibit lysis of CD4+ T cells, as was originally hypothesized. Binding to cells does appear to induce the production of a soluble factor that inhibits HIV-1 replication. We determined that this soluble factor was not any of the cytokines or chemokines with known anti-HIV-1 activity. Further, the antibody does not appear to induce any common immune modulating cytokines or chemokines. Conclusions: These results suggest that one possible mechanism of action of this anti-LFA-1 antibody is to inhibit HIV-1 replication via the production of a soluble antiviral factor that is induced upon binding to cells.
Transcription factor Sp1 induces ADAM17 and contributes to tumor cell invasiveness under hypoxia

Background: Expression of the Sp1 transcription factor is induced by hypoxia, and the ADAM17 promoter contains predicted Sp1 binding sites. ADAM17 contributes to hypoxic-induce invasiveness of glioma. In this study, we investigated whether Sp1 transcription factor induces ADAM17 and/or contributes to tumor cell invasiveness in hypoxia. Methods: Employing RT-PCR and Western blot, we examined the role of Sp1 in ADAM17 transcription/expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and whether it binds to the ADAM17 GC-rich promoter region using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Additionally, we tested the effect of Sp1 suppression in tumor cell invasion and migration, using Matrigel basement membrane invasion chambers, a scratch wound-healing assay, and small interfering RNA. Results: Here, we found that Sp1 binds to the ADAM17 promoter, and that Sp1 regulates ADAM17 expression under hypoxia. Furthermore, suppression of Sp1 decreases invasiveness and migration in U87 tumor cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the Sp1 transcription factor mediates ADAM17 expression under hypoxia, regulates glioma invasiveness, and thus, may be a target for anti-invasion therapies.
The Dynamic and Stochastic Knapsack Problem with Random Sized Items

A resource allocation problem, called the dynamic and stochastic knapsack problem (DSKP), is studied. A known quantity of resource is available, and demands for the resource arrive randomly over time. Each demand requires an amount of resource and has an associated reward. The resource requirements and rewards are unknown before arrival and become known at the time of the demand's arrival. Demands can be either accepted or rejected. If a demand is accepted, the associated reward is received; if a demand is rejected, a penalty is incurred. The problem can be stopped at any time, at which time a terminal value is received that depends on the quantity of resource remaining. A holding cost that depends on the amount of resource allocated is incurred until the process is stopped. The objective is to determine an optimal policy for accepting demands and for stopping that maximizes the expected value (rewards minus costs) accumulated. The DSKP is analyzed for both the infinite horizon and the finite horizon cases. It is shown that the DSKP has an optimal policy that consists of an easily computed threshold acceptance rule and an optimal stopping rule. A number of monotonicity and convexity properties are studied. This problem is motivated by the issues facing a manager of an LTL transportation operation regarding the acceptance of loads and the dispatching of a vehicle. It also has applications in many other areas, such as the scheduling of batch processors, the selling of assets, the selection of investment projects, and yield management.
Velocity variations and water content estimated from multi-offset, ground-penetrating radar

The common midpoint (CMP) processing technique has been shown to be effective in improving the results of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiling. When radar data are collected with the CMP multioffset geometry, stacking increases the signal-to-noise ratio of subsurface radar reflections and results in an improved subsurface image. An important aspect of CMP processing is normal-moveout velocity analysis. Our objectives are to show the effect of multiple velocity analyses on the stacked radar image and particularly, to demonstrate that this velocity information can also be used to determine subsurface water content. Most GPR surveys are very limited in spatial extent and assume that within the survey range, radar velocity structure in the shallow subsurface can be adequately approximated by a single velocity function in data processing. In this study, we show that variation in radar velocity can be quite significant and that the stacked profile improves as the number of velocity analysis locations is increased. Interval velocities can be calculated from the normal moveout velocities derived in the CMP velocity analysis. With some reasonable assumptions about subsurface conditions necessary for radar propagation, interval velocity can be converted to an estimate of volumetric water content. Therefore, by collecting GPR data in the multioffset CMP geometry, not only is the radar profile improved but it also allows for an interpretation of subsurface variation in water content. We show the application of these techniques to multioffset GPR data from the Chalk River test area operated by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
A generalization of the Lin-Zhao theorem

The theorem on loop formulas due to Fangzhen Lin and Yuting Zhao shows how to turn a logic program into a propositional formula that describes the program's stable models. In this paper we simplify and generalize the statement of this theorem. The simplification is achieved by modifying the definition of a loop in such a way that a program is turned into the corresponding propositional formula by adding loop formulas directly to the conjunction of its rules, without the intermediate step of forming the program's completion. The generalization makes the idea of a loop formula applicable to stable models in the sense of a very general definition that covers disjunctive programs, programs with nested expressions, and more.
Who's Doing What? Three Perspectives in Online Graduate Technical Communication Programs

Distance delivery of technical communication programs has been steadily growing in the past decade. At last count, over 22 U.S. colleges and universities now offer courses and undergraduate/graduate degrees in technical communication via some form of distance delivery [C. Cook et al., 2005]. Each of these colleges and universities has responded to the challenges of delivering online education differently. In this paper, the authors will discuss how three institutions, Mercer University, NJ Institute of Technology, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, have created and sustained successful online graduate technical communication programs using a variety of strategies to meet the needs of their students and the missions of their institutions.
Possible influence of variant of the P-glycoprotein gene (MDR1/ABCB1) on clinical response to guanfacine in children with pervasive developmental disorders and hyperactivity

Abstract Objective: Guanfacine has been shown to reduce hyperactive behaviors in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and possibly in children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and hyperactivity. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether gene variants encoding the multidrug resistance protein (MDR1 or ABCB1) , a drug transporter at the blood–brain barrier, are associated with variability in the efficacy of guanfacine in children with PDD and hyperactivity. Methods: Children with PDD who participated in an 8-week open-label trial of guanfacine were genotyped for the C3435T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant of the MDR1 gene, a variant reported to alter function of the transporter. The decrease from baseline to 8 weeks in parent-rated Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) hyperactivity and Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP) scores were analyzed by MDR1 genotype. Response was compared between subjects homozygous for the minor allele T of the C34535T MDR1...
Heterotopic Space and the Limits of Naturalist Discourse in Federico Gamboa's Santa

ABSTRACT Critics have claimed that Spanish-American naturalist novels such as Federico Gamboa's Santa (1903) simply echo Eurocentric narrative models. In this article, I qualify this assertion by focusing on Gamboa's use of space in Santa. Gamboa's construction of the brothel as a heterotopic space where social condemnation and the hope for spiritual salvation can coexist provides theoretical grounds to question the deterministic and positivist tenets of European naturalist narrative. I explore the consequences of this questioning for Latin American literary historiography, as I contend that Gamboa's use of space begs a reconsideration of his novel as an imitation of European models.
Changes in the Frequency of Extreme Warm-Season Surface Dewpoints in Northeastern Illinois: Implications for Cooling-System Design and Operation

Warm-season (1 May‐30 September) hourly dewpoint data were examined for temporal changes at two weather stations in northeastern Illinois during a 42-yr period (1959‐2000). This area has dense population (greater than 8 million), and shifts to more or less atmospheric moisture have major implications on cooling demands. The 42-yr period was analyzed as two separate arbitrarily chosen equally sized periods, the early (1959‐79) and the later (1980‐2000) periods. Analyses of data from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and the Greater Rockford Airport showed a statistically significant increase in the number of hours with dewpoints greater than or equal to 248C (an important cooling-plant threshold) in the latter period. Examination of heat-wave periods indicated that later (especially 1995 and after) heat waves contained many more extreme dewpoint values. These increases in extreme dewpoint characteristics in northeastern Illinois affect the operation of, and suggest shifts in design criteria for, air-conditioning systems and affect summer peak electrical loads.
Math Disabilities and Reading Disabilities : Can They Be Separated?

This article synthesizes some of the published literature that selectively compares the cognitive functioning of children with math disabilities (MDs) with average-achieving children and poor reade...
Short-Term Memory Encoding and Memory Search in the Word Recognition of Learning-Disabled Children:

Two aspects of the information processing involved in word recognition—encoding and memory search—were investigated in learning-disabled children. A short-term memory recognition paradigm was employed which allowed for the separation of reaction time into separate processing stages. Subjects were 16 learning-disabled children with particular deficiencies in word recognition and 16 control children equated for age, grade and intelligence. Input modalities of both stimulus array words to be encoded and stored in short-term memory, and target words for recognition were manipulated, resulting in three experimental conditions: (1) Visual/Visual, (2) Auditory/Auditory and (3) Auditory/Visual. Three hypotheses were tested each involving inferences about internal operations based en reaction time. While LD subjects did not differ from control subjects at the encoding stage of word recognition, LD subjects required significantly more processing time for memory search.