cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monocyte and Macrophage Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with profound effects on multiple organ systems. In patients with SLE, the immune system is subverted to target numerous self antigens and the ensuing inflammatory response elicits a vicious cycle of immune-cell activation and tissue damage. Both genetic and environmental factors are essential for the development of this debilitating condition, although the exact cause remains unclear. Early studies on the pathogenesis of lupus centered on the adaptive immune system as lymphocyte abnormalities were thought to be the primary cause of autoimmunity. In the past decade, however, this paradigm has shifted with rapid advances in the field of innate immunity. These developments have yielded important insights into how the autoimmune response in SLE is initiated and maintained. Monocytes and macrophages are an essential arm of the innate immune system with a multitude of immunological functions, including antigen presentation, phagocytosis, and cytokine production. Aberrations of monocyte/macrophage phenotype and function are increasingly recognized in SLE and animal models of the disease. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of monocyte/macrophage abnormalities in human SLE and discuss their implications for understanding the pathogenesis of lupus.
Mathieu hypospadias repair: experience in 202 patients.

Purpose: The complication rate after Mathieu hypospadias repair was recently reported to be 3.6% in unstented cases. We reviewed our experience and results of the Mathieu repair performed at our institution during the last 5 years. Materials and Methods: We performed 197 primary and 5 secondary repairs in 202 patients. Reconstruction of the neourethra was done with a 2-layer anastomosis using optical magnification. Urethral stents were placed for postoperative drainage in all but 1 patient. Followup was up to 54 months. Results: There were no incidences of stent migration or symptomatic urinary tract infection while the stent was in place and all patients voided spontaneously after stent removal. Excellent cosmetic results were obtained in 201 cases. In 1 patient meatal retraction required subsequent meatoplasty with meatal advancement. In 2 patients pinpoint urethrocutaneous fistulas were successfully repaired. The total rate of reoperation was 1.5% in our series. There was no report of urethral stricture during followup. Conclusions: The well established Mathieu repair provides excellent cosmetic and functional results. The overall complication rate is minimal and compares favorably with stentless repair. A 2-layer neourethral anastomosis performed under sufficient optical magnification produces a watertight closure with minimal risk of fistula formation. Postoperative urethral stenting decreases this risk even further, while adding only minimal morbidity. We believe that in the era of newly reported techniques the well established Mathieu procedure should be the standard by which distal repair is judged.
The highly conserved Glu149 and Tyr190 residues contribute to peroxynitrite-mediated nitrotyrosine formation and the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2B1.

Tyr190 in cytochrome P450 2B1 has previously been shown to be a prime target for nitration by peroxynitrite (PN) resulting in nitrotyrosine formation and the inactivation of this enzyme. Modeling s...
Asymptotic relation for the quantum entropy of momentum in energy eigenstates

Abstract An asymptotic formula S ( p ) Q ∼ S ( p ) C +constant relating the quantum entropy of momentum S ( p ) Q to its classical counterpart S ( p ) C is derived. The class of potentials considered is that which supports an infinite number of bound states. The approach makes use of very recent results in momentum-space WKB theory for energy eigenfunctions.
Networks of history and memory Creating a nexus of social identities in Woodland period mounds on the lower St Johns River, Florida

Many Archaic and Woodland period monuments in south-eastern North America were civic and ceremonial gathering centers. The built landscapes that emphasized these features are likely to have incorpo...
Robust Detection of Plasmon Coupling in Core-Satellite Nanoassemblies Linked by DNA

Plasmon coupling is investigated in aqueous phase nanoassemblies composed of 13 nm gold “satellite” particles tethered by duplex DNA to a 50 nm gold “core” particle. The structures are comprised of a large core nanoparticle and small satellite particles such that formation of core-satellite assemblies can be detected through measurement of scattering spectra, even when an excess of unbound satellite particles are present. Rayleigh scattering spectra collected from bulk samples reveal enhanced scattering and/or red shifting of the plasmon resonance upon formation of assemblies, with the extent and character of the response determined by the number of base pairs in the duplex DNA tether. Distance-dependence of the coupling is investigated also through simulation using structural models based upon observed satellite coverage and prior measurements of interparticle separation in DNA-linked nanoparticle materials. Spectral differences between scattering from linked and unlinked assemblies are found to differ s...
Strategies for increasing rice production in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is one of the more important rice-producing and consuming countries in West Africa. Sierra Leone was an exporter of rice in the early 1950's. Since 1955 the agricultural sector has not been able to meet domestic needs; Imports from 1960 to 1970 averaged $2.7 million annually (USDA 1968, p. 18). The need to import rice has continued in spite of governmental efforts to increase domestic production through a price-support program, fertilizer subsidization, land clearing, a heavily subsidized mechanical-plowing scheme, and the development of the Rice Corporation, which is legally responsible for controlling imports, providing for adequate distribution of rice throughout the country, establishing centers for collection, purchase, storage, and sale of rice, and setting the price for imported rice. Self-sufficiency in rice production has become the central focus of the national agricultural policy as established by the Government of Sierra Leone. With this as a policy framework, this paper first summarizes recent research related to the economics of rice production in Sierra Leone. Second, it outlines four possible strategies to increase rice output, in the context of both micro and macro costs. The four strategies examined include (1) improved extensive cultivation with existing levels of capital inputs, especially tools and equipment; (2) extensive cultivation based upon the broader development of rice lands suitable for partial mechanical cultivation; (3) intensive cultivation of inland-valley swamps developed primarily with family labor; and (4) intensive cultivation of mangrove and associated swamps requiring external expenditures for land development.
age constraints on neogene sedimentary beds, Upper Ramparts, half-way Pillar and Canyon village sites, Porcupine river, east-central Alaska

Abstract 40 Ar 39 Ar ages of volcanic rocks are used to provide numerical constraints on the age of middle and upper Miocene sedimentary strata collected along the Porcupine River. Intercalated sedimentary rocks north of latitude 67°10′N in the Porcupine terrane of east-central Alaska contain a rich record of plant fossils. The fossils are valuable indicators of this interior region's paleoclimate during the time of their deposition. Integration of the 40 Ar 39 Ar results with paleomagnetic and sedimentological data allows for refinements in estimating the timing of deposition and duration of selected sedimentary intervals. 40 Ar 39 Ar plateau age spectra, from whole rock basalt samples, collected along the Upper Ramparts and near Half-way Pillar on the Porcupine River, range from 15.7 ± 0.1 Ma at site 90-6 to 14.4 ± 0.1 Ma at site 90-2. With exception of the youngest basalt flow at site 90-2, all of the samples are of reversed magnetic polarity, and all 40 Ar 39 Ar age spectrum results are consistent with the deposition of the entire stratigraphic section during a single interval of reversed magnetic polarity. The youngest flow at site 90-2 was emplaced during an interval of normal polarity. With age, paleomagnetic and sedimentological data, the ages of the Middle Miocene sedimentary rocks between the basalt flows at sites 90-1 and 90-2 can be assigned to an interval within the limits of analytical precision of 15.2 ± 0.1 Ma; thus, the sediments were deposited during the peak of the Middle Miocene thermal maximum. Sediments in the upper parts of sites 90-1 and 90-2 were probably deposited during cooling from the Middle Miocene thermal maximum. 40 Ar 39 Ar results of plagioclase and biotite from a single tephra, collected at sites 90-7 and 90-8 along the Canyon Village section of the Porcupine River, indicate an age of 6.57 ± 0.02 Ma for its time of eruption and deposition. These results, together with sedimentological and paleomagnetic data, suggest that all of the Upper Miocene lacustrine sedimentary rocks at these sites were deposited during a single interval of reversed magnetic polarity and may represent a duration of only about 40,000 years. The age of this tephra corresponds with a late late Miocene warm climatic interval. The results from the Upper Ramparts and Half-way Pillar sites are used to estimate a minimum interval of continental flood basalt activity of 1.1–1.5 million years, and to set limits for the timing and duration of Tertiary extensional tectonic activity in the Porcupine terrane. Our data indicate that the oroclinal flexure that formed before the deposition of the basalts at the eastern end of the Brooks Range was created prior to 15.7 ± 0.1 Ma.
Genes in the dopaminergic system and delinquent behaviors across the life course: the role of social controls and risks

This paper examines the interaction between social control and social risk mechanisms and genes within the dopaminergic system (DAT1 and DRD2) as related to serious and violent forms of delinquent behavior among adolescents and young adults. We use nine waves of data from the National Youth Survey Family Study to examine the relevance of protective or risky social factors at four social levels including school, neighborhood, friends, and family within the gene-environment interaction framework. We extend previous work in this area by providing a testable typology of gene-environment interactions derived from current theories in this area. We find consistent evidence that the associations between putatively risky genotypes and delinquent behavior are suppressed within protective social environments. We also provide some evidence that supports the differential susceptibility hypothesis for these outcomes. Our findings largely confirm the conclusions of previous work and continue to highlight the critical role of the social environment within candidate gene studies of complex behaviors.
New Class of Ultrathin, Highly Cell-Adhesion-Resistant Polyelectrolyte Multilayers with Micropatterning Capabilities

Hydrogen-bonded multilayers comprised of polyacrylamide (PAAm) and a weak polyelectrolyte, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), were investigated for their surface-cell interactions. The assembled films were lightly cross-linked thermally or photochemically in order to render them stable in a physiological environment. Both PAA/PAAm and PMA/PAAm multilayers were found to exhibit a high resistance to the adhesion (cytophobicity) of mammalian fibroblasts, even with only a single bilayer coating. Protein adsorption to the multilayers, as revealed by surface plasmon resonance measurements, was greatly reduced for fibronectin and serum-containing medium. In situ swelling experiments indicate that the H-bonded multilayers are hydrogellike coatings capable of a high level of swelling in buffered solution. Utilizing the H-bonding nature of these multilayers, we were able to micropattern the films to create more complex cell-resistant/-adhesive surfaces. The long-term stability of the cell-resistant multilayers was found to be exceptionally good even under conditions (pH 7.4, buffered solution) where a high degree of swelling takes place. No degradation of the micropatterned films was observed over a period of a month, during which time the multilayer coatings remained highly resistant to cell-adhesion.
From heterogeneous probe rotation to the hydrodynamic limit

The recognition of heterogeneous dynamics in single component supercooled liquids has greatly advanced our understanding of the dynamics in glass-forming materials. However, details such as persistence times and length scales associated with dynamically distinct domains remain to be resolved. The rotational correlation function of probe molecules in viscous liquids is used as a tool for exploring the rate exchange or the time a domain memorizes its initial relaxation rate. With high precision dielectric experiments, the dynamics of probe molecules is observed to slow down with increasing size of the guest relative to the host molecules. For the case of di-n-butylether in 3-methylpentane, the situation of purely exponential probe dynamics within dispersive host relaxation is achieved as a result of time averaging. The results suggest that rate exchange occurs on a time scale which is equal to the longest structural relaxation time of the system.
Structural Basis of Silencing: Sir3 BAH Domain in Complex with a Nucleosome at 3.0 Å Resolution

Gene silencing is essential for regulating cell fate in eukaryotes. Altered chromatin architectures contribute to maintaining the silenced state in a variety of species. The silent information regulator (Sir) proteins regulate mating type in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of these proteins, Sir3, interacts directly with the nucleosome to help generate silenced domains. We determined the crystal structure of a complex of the yeast Sir3 BAH (bromo-associated homology) domain and the nucleosome core particle at 3.0 angstrom resolution. We see multiple molecular interactions between the protein surfaces of the nucleosome and the BAH domain that explain numerous genetic mutations. These interactions are accompanied by structural rearrangements in both the nucleosome and the BAH domain. The structure explains how covalent modifications on H4K16 and H3K79 regulate formation of a silencing complex that contains the nucleosome as a central component.
The estimation of natural frequencies and damping ratios of offshore structures

This paper focuses on the estimation of natural frequencies and modal damping ratios from measured response spectra, with particular emphasis on the dynamic response of offshore structures to wind and wave excitation. At present, estimates of natural frequencies and damping ratios are computed from the location and half-power bandwidths of resonant peaks in a structure's ambient response power spectrum. While reliable natural frequency estimates are typically obtained in this manner, half-power bandwidth damping estimates are shown to be highly sensitive to the method employed in estimating the response spectrum. The lack of confidence bounds on natural frequency and damping estimates further restricts the utility of the estimates. An alternative method is developed based on a powerful method of spectral estimation known as the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM). The resulting technique yields estimates of natural frequencies and modal damping ratios as well as approximate statistics on the reliability of the estimates. Performance of this new method is explored through extensive Monte Carlo simulation of one and two degree-of-freedom systems. Conventional estimates are also simulated for comparison with the MEM parameter estimator. The use of the MEM parameter estimator is further illustrated with ambient response data from Shell Oil's South Pass 62C platform. The MEM parameter estimates show excellent agreement with natural frequency and damping estimates obtained during recent tests conducted using forced excitation.
Assessing self-management and spirituality practices among older women.

OBJECTIVE To understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. METHOD Self-management practices were selected from older women enrolled in a longitudinal study (N=492) whereas 24 of the enrolled participants were selected for an in-depth interview regarding the role of spirituality in their self-management practices. RESULTS Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on ethnicity. The qualitative analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. CONCLUSION Using multiple methodologies, this study elucidated the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.
Trends in childhood cancer incidence in the U.S. (1992-2004).

BACKGROUND. The etiology of most pediatric neoplasms remains elusive. Examination of population-based incidence data provides insight regarding etiology among various demographic groups and may result in new hypotheses. The objective of the current study was to present updated information regarding childhood cancer incidence and trends in the U.S. overall and among demographic subgroups, including Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, for whom to the authors' knowledge trends have not been previously examined. METHODS. Data obtained by 13 registries of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were evaluated to assess incidence and trends of common primary cancers diagnosed between 1992 and 2004 among children aged birth to 19 years. Frequencies, age-adjusted incidence rates, and joinpoint regression results, including annual percent change (APC) in incidence rates (and 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]), were calculated. RESULTS. Between 1992 and 2004, a modest, nonsignificant increase in the average annual incidence rate (APC, 0.4%; 95% CI, −0.1%–0.8%) was observed for all pediatric cancer diagnoses combined. There was a suggestion of an increase in leukemia (APC, 0.7%; 95% CI, −0.1%–1.5%), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in particular (APC, 0.8%; 95% CI, −0.4%–1.9%), whereas rates for central nervous system tumors overall were stable (APC, −0.1%; 95% CI, −1.1%–1.0%); 2 joinpoints were observed for astrocytoma. Rate increases were noted for hepatoblastoma (APC, 4.3%; 95% CI, 0.2%–8.7%) and melanoma (APC, 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.5%–5.1%). Differences by demographic group (sex, age, and race/ethnicity) are also described. CONCLUSIONS. The observed trends reinforce an ongoing need for population-based surveillance and further etiologic studies. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Voltage-gated calcium and sodium currents of starburst amacrine cells in the rabbit retina

The voltage-gated calcium and sodium currents of starburst amacrine cells were examined in slices of the adult rabbit retina. ON-center starburst amacrine cells were targeted for whole-cell recording by prelabeling the retina with the nuclear dye 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole hydrochloride (DAPI). Calcium currents were isolated using an external Ringer that contained tetrodotoxin to block sodium currents and barium to block potassium channels. When starburst amacrine cells were stepped to holding potentials positive to -50 mV, a series of voltage-dependent calcium currents were activated. The calcium current peaked at -10 mV. The calcium currents kinetics were mainly sustained in nature, showing only a small amount of slow inactivation. Nickel (100 microM), a T-type channel blocker, had no effect on the calcium current. Application of the L-type channel agonist BAY K8644 (1-2.5 microM) had small variable effects on the calcium current while the L-type channel antagonist nifedipine (10 microM) had no effect. However, addition of a reported N-type calcium channel antagonist, omega-conotoxin G6A (1 microM), blocked a large portion of the calcium current, as did a more nonselective antagonist, omega-conotoxin M7C (200 nM). Agatoxin 4A (500 nM) reduced a smaller sustained calcium current component, implying a P/Q-type calcium channel was present on these neurons. In addition to the calcium currents, a fast voltage-gated sodium current was observed in many starburst cells. This current could be blocked by tetrodotoxin (200-500 nM). The differing kinetics and durations of the sodium and calcium currents could play important roles in the regulation of synaptic release and in the coordination of spiking by starburst amacrine cell dendrites during retinal development and in the encoding of motion across the retinal surface.
Preliminary observations on prolactin activity in human blood.

ABSTRACT Prolactin activity of human whole blood was concentrated by means of acid acetone extracts, using the Sulman method for the extraction of chromatophorotropic activity. These extracts were assayed by a single-injection local pigeon crop-weight technique. No prolactin activity was found in extracts obtained from the blood of children, of normal young men, and of normal young women in the first half of the menstrual cycle. On the other hand, extracts obtained from the blood (equivalent to 2.5 ml. whole blood) of young women in the second half of the menstrual cycle induced crop-weight responses of the same order of magnitude as induced by 0.05 I.U. of authentic prolactin, and activity greater than this was found in extracts obtained from the blood of lactating postpartum women. These observations constitute physiologic evidence that prolactin activity was measured, since prolactin activity was found only in those circumstances that would be expected on the basis of the known physiologic activity of ...
Exception from informed consent for pediatric resuscitation research: community consultation for a trial of brain cooling after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Objectives. When prospective informed consent is not feasible, clinical research that presents more than minimal risk can proceed only after a commu- nity consultation and public disclosure process and the granting of exception from informed consent from the federal government. The applicability of exception from informed consent to pediatric resuscitation research has not been described. The objectives of this study were 1) to perform a community consultation and public disclo- sure process specific to a trial of induced hypothermia immediately after pediatric cardiac arrest and 2) to deter- mine the applicability of exception from informed con- sent to randomized, controlled trials of emergency inter- ventions after resuscitation from inpatient pediatric cardiac arrest. Methods. Focus groups, information sheets with op- tions for written responses, posted notices, e-mails, and telephone conversations with parents of critically ill chil- dren and hospital staff were conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital. Data were stored, organized, and re- trieved using NVivo qualitative analysis software (QSR International). Results. In focus groups (n 8), parents (n 23) and hospital staff (n 33) concluded that prospective in- formed consent is not feasible for a trial of induced hypothermia after inpatient pediatric cardiac arrest. Fo- cus group participants endorsed exception from in- formed consent for a trial of induced hypothermia but only if study information is easily available prospec- tively and if all parents have an explicit opportunity to decline participation in a verbal conversation before study enrollment. Separate from and without knowledge of the focus group results, 7 (100%) of 7 parents of past or current patients and 21 (50%) of 42 hospital staff who provided written opinions endorsed exception from in- formed consent for this study. Five (12%) of 42 hospital staff opposed, and 16 (38%) of 42 were neutral. In tele- phone conversations, 14 (70%) of 20 parents of children who were previously resuscitated from cardiac arrest en- dorsed exception from informed consent for this study, 3 (15%) of 20 opposed, and 3 (15%) of 20 were unsure. Conclusions. Community consultation for inpatient resuscitation research can be conducted in a children's hospital, with hospital staff and parents of patients as the relevant community. Exception from informed consent is necessary and appropriate for a randomized trial of in- duced hypothermia begun within 30 minutes after pedi- atric cardiac arrest. A process in which families are in- formed prospectively and have a pre-enrollment option to decline participation will likely be acceptable to fam- ilies, health care providers, and the institution. Pediatrics 2004;114:776-781; cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ethics, informed consent, pediatric.
Clinical response of pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenopathy to a radiation boost in the definitive management of locally advanced cervical cancer.

Purpose Optimal treatment with radiation for metastatic lymphadenopathy in locally advanced cervical cancer remains controversial. We investigated the clinical dose response threshold for pelvic and para-aortic lymph node boost using radiographic imaging and clinical outcomes. Methods and Materials Between 2007 and 2011, 68 patients were treated for locally advanced cervical cancer; 40 patients had clinically involved pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes. Computed tomography (CT) or 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scans obtained pre- and postchemoradiation for 18 patients were reviewed to assess therapeutic radiographic response of individual lymph nodes. External beam boost doses to involved nodes were compared to treatment response, assessed by change in size of lymph nodes by short axis and change in standard uptake value (SUV). Patterns of failure, time to recurrence, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were determined. Results Sixty-four lymph nodes suspicious for metastatic involvement were identified. Radiation boost doses ranged from 0 to 15 Gy, with a mean total dose of 52.3 Gy. Pelvic lymph nodes were treated with a slightly higher dose than para-aortic lymph nodes: mean 55.3 Gy versus 51.7 Gy, respectively. There was no correlation between dose delivered and change in size of lymph nodes along the short axis. All lymph nodes underwent a decrease in SUV with a complete resolution of abnormal uptake observed in 68%. Decrease in SUV was significantly greater for lymph nodes treated with ≥54 Gy compared to those treated with P =.006). Median follow-up was 18.7 months. At 2 years, OS and DFS for the entire cohort were 78% and 50%, respectively. Locoregional control at 2 years was 84%. Conclusions A biologic response, as measured by the change in SUV for metastatic lymph nodes, was observed at a dose threshold of 54 Gy. We recommend that involved lymph nodes be treated to this minimum dose.
A dual role of the transcriptional regulator TstR provides insights into cyanide detoxification in Lactobacillus brevis

In this study we uncover two genes in Lactobacillus brevis ATCC367, tstT and tstR, encoding for a rhodanese and a transcriptional regulator involved in cyanide detoxification. TstT (LVIS_0852) belongs to a new class of thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferases. We found that TstR (LVIS_0853) modulates both the expression and the activity of the downstream-encoded tstT. The TstR binding site was identified at −1 to +33, from tstR transcriptional start site. EMSA revealed that sulfite, a product of the reaction catalyzed by TstT, improved the interaction between TstR:PtstR, while Fe(III) disrupted this interaction. Site-directed mutagenesis in TstR identified M64 as a key residue in sulfite recognition, while residues H136-H139-C167-M171 formed a pocket for ferric iron coordination. In addition to its role as a transcriptional repressor, TstR is also involved in regulating the thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferase activity of TstT. A 3-fold increase in TstT activity was observed in the presence of TstR, which was enhanced by the addition of Fe(III). Overexpression of the tstRT operon was found to increase the cyanide tolerance of L. brevis and Escherichia coli. The protein-protein interaction between TstR and TstT described herein represents a novel mechanism for regulation of enzymatic activity by a transcriptional regulator.
Determining the Robot-to-Robot Relative Pose Using Range-only Measurements

In this paper we address the problem of determining the relative pose of pairs robots that move on a plane while measuring the distance to each other. We show that the minimum number of distance measurements required for the 3 degrees of freedom robot-to-robot transformation to become locally observable is 3. Furthermore, we prove that the maximum number of possible solutions in this case is 6, while a minimum of 5 distance measurements is necessary in order to uniquely determine the robots' relative pose. Finally, we present efficient algorithms for computing all possible solutions and evaluate the validity of our theoretical results both in simulation and experimentally.
Thermal pulse damage thresholds in cadmium telluride

A model is presented for predicting the temperature rise in an opaque material during the absorption of a moderately short pulse of energy. Experimental verification of the model employing a pulsed ruby laser and a cadmium telluride plate is described. Two distinct damage thresholds were noted: (1) at modest energy levels plastic deformation occurred, and (2) the higher energies resulted in surface melting.
Assessment of concrete cracking at nuclear waste disposal facilities via fiber optic sensors

Fiber optic sensors offer a novel approach to monitoring of fractures in concrete waste disposal vaults and offer the possibility of determining the quantity, width and location of the cracks as they form. Fiber optics can directly detect cracks if they form within the path of a fiber optic as well as monitor secondary indicators of cracking such as temperature changes and strain. When cracks form in concrete waste disposal vaults they can fill with water which has a high heat capacity, this enables cracks to be observed by monitoring temperature variations near the crack. An analytical solution for heat transfer is applied to estimate the propagation of temperature waves around cracks. It is demonstrated that discharge rates through the concrete which are less than 10 -5 m 3 /m-s do not produce a meaningful temperature wave through the concrete. Fractures in the concrete must be larger than 0.07 cm to produce a measurable result and temperature sensors must be located within 0.5 meters of a crack to detect a change in temperature produced by seasonal groundwater flow through a crack. A distributed system of fiber optic sensors may be embedded in the concrete vault and used to monitor crack formation, temperature variations and strain.
SUMOylation Is Developmentally Regulated and Required for Cell Pairing during Conjugation in Tetrahymena thermophila

The covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to target proteins regulates numerous nuclear events in eukaryotes, including transcription, mitosis and meiosis, and DNA repair. Despite extensive interest in nuclear pathways within the field of ciliate molecular biology, there have been no investigations of the SUMO pathway in Tetrahymena. The developmental program of sexual reproduction of this organism includes cell pairing, micronuclear meiosis, and the formation of a new somatic macronucleus. We identified the Tetrahymena thermophila SMT3 (SUMO) and UBA2 (SUMO-activating enzyme) genes and demonstrated that the corresponding green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged gene products are found predominantly in the somatic macronucleus during vegetative growth. Use of an anti-Smt3p antibody to perform immunoblot assays with whole-cell lysates during conjugation revealed a large increase in SUMOylation that peaked during formation of the new macronucleus. Immunofluorescence using the same antibody showed that the increase was localized primarily within the new macronucleus. To initiate functional analysis of the SUMO pathway, we created germ line knockout cell lines for both the SMT3 and UBA2 genes and found both are essential for cell viability. Conditional Smt3p and Uba2p cell lines were constructed by incorporation of the cadmium-inducible metallothionein promoter. Withdrawal of cadmium resulted in reduced cell growth and increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. Interestingly, Smt3p and Uba2p conditional cell lines were unable to pair during sexual reproduction in the absence of cadmium, consistent with a function early in conjugation. Our studies are consistent with multiple roles for SUMOylation in Tetrahymena, including a dynamic regulation associated with the sexual life cycle.
Symbolization in language impaired children.

The nonlinguistic symbolic deficits of language impaired children may actually reflect resource allocation constraints and cross-modality deficits.
Effect of droplet vitrification on development competence, actin cytoskeletal integrity and gene expression in in vitro cultured mouse embryos.

Abstract The effect of modified droplet vitrification was assessed on cellular actin filament organization, apoptosis related gene expression and development competence in mouse embryos cultured in vitro. Mouse zygotes, 2-cell embryos and morulae were vitrified in ethylene glycol (VS-1) and ethylene glycol plus DMSO (VS-2) and thawed by directly placing the vitrified drop into 0.3 M sucrose solution at 37 °C. High recovery (93–99%) of morphologically normal embryos was evident following vitrification and thawing. No detectable actin filament disruption was observed in the embryos at any development stage following vitrification and thawing and/or in vitro culture. The expression pattern of Bax, Bcl2 and p53 genes was altered (P
Familial 10p trisomy resulting from a maternal pericentric inversion

We report a familial recombination of a pericentric inversion of chromosome 10 resulting in 2 affected relatives who had 10p trisomy and 10q monosomy with the karyotypic abnormality designated rec(10) dup p,inv(10) (p11.2q26). Both of these individuals had the typical characteristics of 10p trisomy, however, at birth the proposita had mild facial anomalies suggesting that the distinct facial characteristics may be of postnatal onset in some cases. In addition, the proposita had gastroesophageal reflux causing severe anemia. The phenotype of our patients is compared to 41 patients with 10p trisomy reported in the literature.
Fibrin Monomer Induces Binding of Endogenous Platelet von Willebrand Factor to the Glycocalicin Portion of Platelet Glycoprotein IB

This study demonstrates that when platelets are stimulated by thrombin in the presence of low concentrations of purified human fibrinogen (10 to 20 micrograms/mL, final concentration) binding of released platelet von Willebrand factor (plt-vWF) to the platelet membrane is enhanced. This effect appears to be mediated by fibrin monomer produced by the action of thrombin on the fibrinogen in the incubation suspension. When fibrin polymerization is inhibited, the binding of released plt-vWF to the platelets is markedly increased. This enhanced binding is dependent on platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) as shown by a decreased response with Bernard-Soulier platelets and inhibition by both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against glycocalicin. The binding of fibrin to thrombin-activated platelets preincubated with monoclonal antibody against GPIIb/IIIa is increased when the predominant form of fibrin is fibrin monomer. The fibrin binding is also decreased in the presence of antibody against glycocalicin. Our data demonstrate that fibrin monomer facilitates plt-vWF binding to the glycocalicin portion of platelet GPIb on thrombin-stimulated platelets and that binding of fibrin monomer to glycocalicin is necessary for this response to occur.
Utility of early phase PIB as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow measures (CBF)

246 Objectives To explore the potential for simplified measures of [11C]PIB uptake to serve as a surrogate for CBF measures, thereby, providing both pathological and functional information in the same scan. Methods Participants (N = 5), non-demented males, age 57 - 84 years, with a range of risk/protective factors associated with the development of cognitive impairment underwent quantitative [15O]water imaging and dynamic [11C]PIB imaging during a rest condition. Time-activity curves (TACs) were created for each participant’s regional [11C]PIB data (PNEURO PMOD) scaled in standardized uptake values (SUVs) (N=5 x 78 regions/participant=390 regions). The time frame in which the maximal uptake occurred for the mean of all regions was defined for each participant and the concentration (SUV units) for each region at that time was recorded (i.e., “peak”). In addition, the concentration for each region for each participant during the 3.5 to 4 minute time interval (latest time for these participants) was also recorded. In addition, the R1 (i.e., relative delivery using the cerebellum as the reference tissue) determined from the simplified reference tissue model 2 (SRTM2) as implemented by the kinetic modeling tool (PKIN PMOD) was determined for each region. The SUVs at the two times (individual peak and 3.5 to 4 minute interval) and the R1 were compared to the CBF global and regional values. Results Significant linear relationships were found for both SUV measures and global and regional CBF (in mL/min/100mL) that were stronger than the relationship between normalized CBF and R1. Conclusions Based on this small sample of subjects, the early PIB uptake has the potential to serve as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow measures. Further work involving additional subjects with possible model refinement utilizing demographic information is needed prior to clinical application of these techniques. Research Support NIA 1 R01 AG03417 A2, Moser (PI)
TTP/C - Multiplexed Communications for Fault-Tolerant Automotive Systems

The objective of this paper is to provide an introduction to the main features ot the Time Triggered Protocol (TTP/C) multiplexed communications protocol for fault-tolerant automotive systems. In future generations of vehicles there is a requirement for systems which provide highly dependable operation. Brake-by-wire and Steer-by -wire systems are being developed which have no mechanical/hydraulic back-up functionality in the event of an electrical system failure condition. These systems will be required to tolerate a system failure and continue to operate without catastrophic effects. The Time Triggered Protocol is a multiplexed serial communications protocol which has been developed over the past fifteen years to help meet the requirements of such systems. This paper will discuss the principles of TTP/C and explain the key elements which make it suitable for such applications. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD E102826.
Multistage Fuzzy Inference System for Decision Making and Fusion in Crack Detection of Aircraft Structures

Automated methods for detecting damage in structural components across a wide range of structures have been investigated and developed over at least the past decade. Although many successes and promising advances have been reported, none of the results to date have been accurate or reliable enough to motivate the US Air Force to remove, or even reduce, the reliance on human inspections. One approach to improving the performance of automated inspection methods is to fuse information gathered by multiple heterogeneous sources of sensors, and from decisions generated by multiple decision-making subsystems. This paper investigates the benefits provided by integrating decision making and decision fusion algorithms into structural health monitoring systems. Decisions made by fuzzy inference algorithms acting on local information extracted from multi-sensors data were combined using a decision fusion algorithm to arrive at a unified final decision regarding the status of monitored structures. The decision-making and decision-fusion software systems were integrated and tested on features extracted from experimental data to validate their performances. Development and implementation steps of the decision-making and decision-fusion algorithms are presented in this paper. Test results and evaluation of the developed integrated software system are reported and discussed at the end of the paper.
WAP--the foundation of the lead-in electronic commerce

According to the technique development trend of the lead-in electronic commerce, the paper inquiried into the technical conception, net constitution and the development of the website of WAP.
Differential effect of 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and antimyeloid monoclonal antibodies on T and natural killer cells during bone marrow purging

Autologous bone marrow (BM) transplantation after high dose therapy is widely used to treat acute leukemia, lymphoma, and selected solid tumors. In studies of BM purging with chemical agents, monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), or other agents, the emphasis has been on the efficacy of tumor cell removal and sparing of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Two commonly used methods of BM purging for patients with acute myeloid leukemia have been the drug 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4- HC) and (MoAbs) directed to myeloid antigens such as CD14, CD15, and CD33. Although both methods of BM purging have potent activity against leukemia cells, 4-HC is also quite toxic to normal hematopoietic progenitor cells in the same concentrations that are used to deplete leukemia cells. To further characterize the cellular composition of BM after purging, we examined the effects of MoAbs plus complement and 4- HC on cells of the lymphoid lineage in the BM. 4-HC exerted a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on clonogenic T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and lymphokine (interleukin-2)-activated killer (LAK) cells, whereas the anti-CD14 and anti-CD15 MoAbs had little effect. At a concentration of 4-HC commonly used for BM purging (60 micrograms/mL), there were 4 to 5 logs of T-cell depletion and almost complete elimination of NK- and LAK-cell activity. In contrast, 4-HC at low concentrations (eg, 3 micrograms/mL) spared the majority of lymphoid cells suggesting that low concentration 4-HC combined with MoAb purging may be a desirable alternative to higher concentration 4- HC. These data indicate that purging with antimyeloid MoAbs, but not with 4-HC, spares the function of mature graft lymphocytes. Infusion of viable lymphocytes may be important for the transfer of immune memory against microbial and neoplastic antigens and may hasten immune reconstitution. In addition, mature graft lymphocytes may also be selectively activated and expanded in conjunction with interleukin-2 administration after BM transplantation.
Pitfalls of Direct-to-Consumer Vascular Screening Tests

As concerned primary care physicians, we should take a more active role in educating the public and our patients about the risks of nonindicated screening tests before those purchases are made. Harms of downstream testing or treatment for a positive test result are real and significant.
Investigation of the fragmentation of an explosively driven cylinder

Explosively driven fragmentation is highly complex. To better understand the field detonation, different methodologies (Lagrangian (with a failure threshold in VisIt and element erosion), ALE and embedded grid) were simulated to provide a comparison to the experimental data through the utilization of fragment distributions and gross deformation metrics. Provided with the geometrical parameters and the results from the experimental data, the computer simulations were conducted after the successful writing of each input file. Mesh refinement – a scalar multiplier applied to the mesh to refine the results – was then studied. The objective was to find a value that parallels the experimental results as the mesh can be refine indefinitely, theoretically. Various mesh resolution scales were simulated and the results graphically compared, using the damage and failure variables from a statistical Johnson Cook failure model, the number of fragments over time as well as time required for each simulation to run and number of processors utilized. The desired result is a calculated method to quantify the comparison being performed.
The time-resolved transcriptome of C. elegans

We generated detailed RNA-seq data for the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans with high temporal resolution in the embryo as well as representative samples from post-embryonic stages across the life cycle. The data reveal that early and late embryogenesis is accompanied by large numbers of genes changing expression, whereas fewer genes are changing in mid-embryogenesis. This lull in genes changing expression correlates with a period during which histone mRNAs produce almost 40% of the RNA-seq reads. We find evidence for many more splice junctions than are annotated in WormBase, with many of these suggesting alternative splice forms, often with differential usage over the life cycle. We annotated internal promoter usage in operons using SL1 and SL2 data. We also uncovered correlated transcriptional programs that span >80 kb. These data provide detailed annotation of the C. elegans transcriptome.
Unlike Heparins Newer Oral Anticoagulants Do Not Interact with HIT Antibodies and Maybe Useful in the Longterm Anticoagulant Management of Heparin Compromised Patients

Abstract 2317 Introduction: Heparin and low molecular weight heparins such as enoxaparin and dlateparin are widely used in the management of thrombosis and cardiovascular disorders. However these anticoagulants are capable of producing the generation of HIT antibodies and their use is not recommended in patients with previous history of HIT. More recently several new oral anticoagulants have been approved around the world. These include the oral anti-Xa agents namely, Apixaban (Bristol-Myers Squibb), Rivaroxaban(Bayer Healthcare) and anti-IIa agents, dabigatran (Boehringer-Ingelheim). All of these represent synthetic low molecular weight compounds. Apixaban and Rivaroxaban are active agents where as Dabigatran requires endogenous activation. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relative effects of the newer anticoagulants and enoxaparin on HIT antibody mediated platelet aggregation and other interactions with platelets. Materials: Rivaroxaban was obtained in powdered form from Bayer Healthcare (Wuppertal, Germany) Apixaban and Dabigatran were of synthetic origin. Enoxaparin was obtained from Sanofi-Aventis (paris, France). All drugs were dissolved in appropriate solutions and a working solution of 100 ug/ml was prepared in buffered saline. Pooled HIT sera was prepared by pooling clinically symptomatic HIT patients with high titers of anti-heparin platelet factor 4 antibodies. Method: Whole blood samples drawn from normal healthy volunteers were supplemented with each of these agents at a graded concentration of 0–100 ug/ml for 60 minutes to determine the relative release of platelet factor 4. To test the interaction of HIT antibody with each of these agents 50 ul of PRP samples were mixed with 150 ul HIT positive heat inactivated sera/plasma or plasmapheresis fliud (collected from symptomatic HIT patients). Graded amounts of each of these new anticoagulants at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 ug/ml were added to test the platelet aggregation response at a period of 60 minutes. Results: In contrast to enoxaparin which produced an increase in the platelet factor 4 release upon 60 minute incubation 25.6+3.1 ng/ml), none of the new oral anticoagulants produced an increase in the PF4 Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that –enoxaparin the newer oral anticoagulant drugs do not interact with HIT antibody to mediate plarelet aggregation responses. Moreover, these newer agents do not promote platelet factor 4 release. Thus, these agents can be used in the long term anticoagulant management of heparin compromised patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.