cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of pleiotrophin, an important regulator of cell migration, is inhibited in intestinal epithelial cells by treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used drugs for the suppression of inflammation and pain. However, the analgesic properties of NSAIDs are also associated with significant negative side effects, most notably in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Increasingly, evidence indicates that the ulcerogenic properties of some NSAIDs are not exclusively the result of inhibition of cyclooxygenase isoforms in the GI tract, and other mechanisms, including inhibition of cell migration and epithelial restitution, are being explored. Recently, microarray analysis was used to identify potential novel targets of NSAID activity in intestinal epithelial cells. Treated cells exhibited significant reductions in the gene expression of pleiotrophin (PTN), a cytokine and growth factor known to participate in angiogenesis and bone growth. This report aimed to confirm the microarray results reported previously, and to measure protein expression of PTN in intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, we also examined the effects of exogenous PTN on cell migration in the presence and absence of either NSAIDs with variable ulcerogenic potential or PTN-specific siRNA. Our results demonstrated that indomethacin and NS-398, two NSAIDs with ulcerogenic potential significantly decrease both gene and protein expressions of PTN in IEC-6 cells and protein expression in IEC-6-Cdx2 cells. Additionally, cell migration experiments with PTN siRNA showed that PTN is an important mediator of IEC-6 cell migration, and addition of exogenous PTN partially restores the deficits in cell migration caused by treatment with indomethacin and NS-398. Finally, measurement of PTN protein expression in the GI tract of horses treated with phenylbutazone showed that PTN expression is reduced by NSAIDs in vivo. Our results show that PTN is an important mediator of cell migration in IEC-6 cells, and PTN is a potential target through which NSAIDs may inhibit cell migration, epithelial restitution, and wound healing in the GI tract.
Immunological reactions carried out at a liquid-solid interface.

Des γ-globulines humaines et des polysccharides de pneumocoques de types III et VIII («antigenes») adsorbes en couches minces de 5 a 30 A d'epaisseur sur des plaques metallisees par du chrome, sont capables d'adsorber specifiquement des couches d'anticorps pouvant aller jusqu'a plusieurs centaines d'A d'epaisseur. Les vitesses d'adsorption d'anticorps homologues par les couches de globulines ou de polysaccharides deposees sur les plaques furent mesurees avec un ellipsometre enregistreur. Avec des plaques non recouvertes prealablement d'antigene, les couches adsorbees apres immersion des plaques dans l'antiserum etaient extremement minces, d'environ 12 A, ce qui montre bien que les adsorptions observees en presence d'antigene ont un caractere specifique. De tres grandes differences dans les vitesses d'adsorption sont observees selon que les plaques sont respectivement seches ou mouillees au moment de l'immersion. Les plaques mouillees adsorbent les anticorps plus rapidement et en une couche plus epaisse que les plaques seches pourvu que la densite d'antigene present sur la plaque soit suffisamment elevee. Cette condition etait realisee par l'emploi de solutions d'antigene de 10−3 g/ml pour revetir les plaques d'une couche d'antigene. Cette difference dans la vitesse d'adsorption peut s'expliquer si l'on formule l'hypothese qu'il y a cooperation entre les molecules d'antigene lorsqu'elles sont suffisamment voisines, ce qui permet une interaction a grande distance favorisant la diffusion des molecules d'anticorps a travers le film d'eau adherant a la plaque, au detriment des globulines non specifiques du serum. Lorsqu'un faible courant electrique (300 μA) est utilise pour l'adsorption des antigenes et des anticorps, de tres faibles concentrations d'antigene descendant jusqu'a 10−14 g/ml et parfois jusqu'a 10−15 g/ml peuvent etre decelees. Ces resultats ne sont obtenus qu'avec des plaques revelant par diffraction d'electrons la presence de cristallites de chrome partiellement orientes, d'au moins 50 A de diametre, ce qui confirme l'hypothese que des phenomenes de cooperation entrent en jeu dans ces reactions immunologiques a une interphase liquide-solide.
Finite-element methods for analysis of the dynamics and control of Czochralski Crystal Growth

Numerical methods are presented for solution of the complex moving-boundary problem described by a thermal-capillary model for Czochralski crystal growth, which accounts for conduction through melt, crystal, and crucible and radiation between diffuse-gray body surfaces. Transients are included that are caused by energy transport, by changes in the shapes of the melt-crystal, melt-ambient phase boundaries and the moving crystal, and by the batchwise decrease of the melt volume in the crucible. Finite-element discretizations are used to approximate the moving boundaries and the energy equation in each phase. A two-level, implicit integration algorithm is presented for transient calculations. The temperature fields and moving boundaries are advanced in time by a trapezoid rule approximation with modified Newton's iterations to solve algebraic systems for effective ambient temperatures computed with diffuse-gray radiation. The implicit coupling between radiative exchange, interface shapes, and the temperature field is necessary for preserving the second-order accuracy of the integration method and is achieved by successive iterations between the radiation calculation and solution of the thermal capillary model. Analysis of a quasi-steady-state model (QSSM) demonstrates the inherent stability of the CZ process. Including either diffuse-gray radiation among crystal, melt, and crucible or a simple controller for maintaining constant radius can lead to oscillations in the crystal radius. The effects of these oscillations on batchwise crystal growth are addressed.
On the achievable accuracy of structural system parameter estimates

Procedures to compute the statistical accuracy achievable in estimating the natural frequency and damping parameters of randomly excited structural systems are demonstrated. Particular worked examples yield quantitative and qualitative results. A regularly sampled stationary randomly excited n degree-of-freedom differential equation model and the corresponding mixed autoregressive-moving average (AR-MA) time series of order 2n that is known to represent the sample sequence are assumed. The elements of the Fisher information matrix, the mixed second partial derivatives of the log-likelihood functional of the maximum likelihood estimates of the AR-MA parameters, are computed from those AR-MA parameters. The matrix inverse of the information matrix, asymptotically the Cramer-Rao lower bound on the covariance matrix of the errors in the AR-MA parameter estimates, and the result that the n damping and n natural frequency parameters can be expressed in terms of the 2n AR parameters yield the achievable accuracy results on the parameters of the assumed differential equation model system. It is demonstrated that cf and cξ, respectively the coefficient of variation (the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean) of natural frequency and damping parameters, can be of the order of 0·01 and 0·2 for N=1000 regularly sampled vibration observations and that the theoretically achievable values of cf and cξ have the following properties: (a) cf and cξ are inversely proportional to N ; (b) cf and cξ are essentially identical for displacement velocity and acceleration data taken at the same observation point; (c) cf and cξ are quite insensitive to the presence of additive noise in the observations when the maximum likelihood parameter estimation procedure is used; (d) cf and cξ are essentially independent of the intensity and correlation structure of the random excitation; (e) cf and cξ are inversely proportional to Ts, the data sampling interval; (f) cf and cξ for a fixed Ts, for any particular mode in a system, are quite insensitive to the number of modes in that system; (g) cf varies directly and cξ varies inversely with an increase in ξ.
Oxidative cyclization of 5,6-dihydroxyalkenes promoted by Cr(VI) oxo species: A novel cis-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran synthesis

Abstract Oxidative cyclization of isomeric 5,6-dihydroxyalkenes of type 1 derived from neryl and geranyl acetates with Cr(VI) oxo species afford cis-THF diols of type 2 (syn addition across the double bond) with >99.5% stereospecificity.
Synchronization of mammalian cells by Lovastatin

Lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary coenzyme A reductase activity, is used to treat hypercholesteremia by inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonate. We report here, that Lovastatin can also be used in vitro to arrest mammalian cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Lovastatin provides a simple method for obtaining large quantities of synchronous cells in most mammalian cells examined to date with minimal overall metabolic perturbations. Further-more, Lovastatin can be used for synchronizing normal as well as tumor cells at a specific phase of the cell cycle reversibly and without causing cytotoxicity. Cells arrested by Lovastatin can be released to enter the cell cycle synchronously by the addition of mevalonate. In some cell types synchrony can be followed for multiple cycles allowing the study of events that occur in mid to late cycles.
Influence of Cholesterol Feeding on Phospholipid Metabolism of Connective Tissue

Subcutaneous injection of carrageenan, a sulfated polygalactose extracted from the red algae Chondrus crispus , stimulated the production of fibrous connective tissue in the rabbit. Animals fed cholesterol for 3 and 5 weeks had significantly higher phospholipid concentrations in this connective tissue than did control rabbits, but no alteration in phospholipid specific activity. These results are similar to those obtained in preliminary studies of connective tissue cultured by the sponge implantation technic. Significant increases occurred in cephalin, lecithin, and sphingomyelin concentrations in tissue proliferated after cearrageenan injection. The cholesterol content of connective tissue was increased 7- to 8-fold. Histologically, the tissue taken after 3 weeks of cholesterol feeding could not be distinguished from that of control animals. At 5 weeks, connective tissue from cholesterol-fed rabbits contained mature fat cells and macrophages resembling foam cells, in addition to the fibroblasts and collagen present in control tissue. Development of collagenous fibers and alterations in lipids were not found to be directly related. It is suggested that the elaboration of collagen and the accumulation of phospholipid, both of which occur in experimental atheromatosis, represent independent processes of connective tissue cells.
Reducing sexual victimization among adolescent girls: a randomized controlled pilot trial of my voice, my choice.

Despite extensive efforts to develop and implement programs to prevent sexual violence, few programs have empirically-demonstrated efficacy. The primary exceptions are programs that emphasize risk-reduction skills; yet even these programs are not consistently effective. This study seeks to add to the literature by evaluating the effects of My Voice, My Choice (MVMC), a 90-minute assertive resistance training program that emphasizes skill practice in an immersive virtual environment (IVE). We hypothesized that MVMC would reduce male-to-female sexual victimization among adolescent girls over a 3-month follow-up period. We also examined whether these results would generalize to other forms of male-to-female relationship violence and to girls' psychological distress. Eighty-three female students from an urban public high school were randomized to MVMC (n=47) or to a wait-list control condition (n=36); 78 provided data over the 3-month follow-up period. Participants assigned to MVMC were less likely than control participants to report sexual victimization during the follow-up period. Our results also suggest that MVMC reduced risk for psychological victimization and for psychological distress among participants with greater prior victimization at baseline. The promising results of this pilot trial suggest that MVMC may help girls evade male-to-female relationship violence. Language: en
A rinsing and incubation chamber used for immunocytochemistry of vibratome sections

This paper describes the construction and use of a washing/incubation chamber that may be used for peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemistry of vibratome sections. The advantages of the chamber include: all sections are processed simultaneously with exception of exposure to the primary antiserum; the exposure of the sections to DAB substrate can be precisely controlled; and also the sections are not directly manipulated during the procedure resulting in a much greater integrity of the tissue. Use of the chamber reduces the amount of labor normally required to wash the sections thorughout the procedure. Application of this system to the development and standardization of quantitative immunocytochemical techniques is also discussed.
Implementation and comparison of reconstruction algorithms for 2D optoacoustic tomography using a linear array

ABSTRACT Thegoalofthispaperistocompare andcontrastvariousimagereconstructionalgorithmsfortomography (OAT)assuminga nitelinearapertureofthekindthatariseswhenusingalinear-arraytransducer. Becausesuchtransducersgenerallyhavetall, narrow elements, they are essentially insensitive to out of plane acoustic waves, and the usually 3D OAT problem re-ducestoa2Dproblem. Algorithmsdevelopedforthe3Dproblemmaynotperformoptimallyin2D.Wehaveimplementedand evaluated a number of previously described OAT algorithms, including an exact (in 3D) Fourier-based algorithm anda synthetic aperture based algorithm. We have also implemented a 2D algorithm developed by Norton for re ection modetomography that has not, to the best of our knowledge, been applied to OAT before. Our simulation studies of resolution,contrast, noise properties and signal detectability measures suggest that Nortons approach based algorithm has the bestcontrast, resolution and signal detectability.Keywords: Optoacoustic tomography, photoacoustic tomography, thermoacoustic tomography, image reconstruction
Sea ice kinematics and surface properties from RADARSAT synthetic aperture radar during the SHEBA drift

[1] Satellite data are important for providing the large-scale context of the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) station and for characterizing the spatial variability of the sea ice in its vicinity. The Canadian RADARSAT satellite collected 195 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the SHEBA site over the course of the 1 year drift. The RADARSAT Geophysical Processor System (RGPS) used these images to compute the spatial pattern of ice motion within 100 km of the SHEBA station by tracking features in sequential images. From the ice motion data the divergence and shear of the pack ice are estimated. The divergence is large from November to January, followed by a gradual convergence from February through July. The character of the ice motion changes at the end of July, from piecewise rigid motion to free drift. The ice motion reverts to its winterlike character in late September. Thus the “kinematic” summer runs from late July to late September. The radar backscatter also goes through seasonal transitions, capturing the abrupt onset of melt (29 May) and freeze-up (15 August). The concentration of multiyear ice is about 94% in the fall, and its backscatter signature remains stable through spring. Multiyear and first-year ice cannot be distinguished during the summer melt season, when the mean backscatter is negatively correlated with the surface air temperature. The “thermodynamic” summer runs from late May to mid-August. INDEX TERMS: 4207 Oceanography: General: Arctic and Antarctic oceanography; 4275 Oceanography: General: Remote sensing and electromagnetic processes (0689); 4540 Oceanography: Physical: Ice mechanics and air/sea/ ice exchange processes; KEYWORDS: sea ice; synthetic aperture radar (SAR); SHEBA
Valuing information technology infrastructures: a growth options approach

Decisions to invest in information technology (IT) infrastructure are often made based on an assessment of its immediate value to the organization. However, an important source of value comes from the fact that such technologies have the potential to be leveraged in the development of future applications. From a real options perspective, IT infrastructure investments create growth options that can be exercised if and when an organization decides to develop systems to provide new or enhanced IT capabilities. We present an analytical model based on real options that shows the process by which this potential is converted into business value, and discuss middleware as an example technology in this context. We derive managerial implications for the evaluation of IT infrastructure investments, and the main findings are: (1) the flexibility provided by IT infrastructure investment is more valuable when uncertainty is higher; (2) the cost advantage that IT infrastructure investment brings about is amplified by demand volatility for IT-supported products and services; (3) in duopoly competition, the value of IT infrastructure flexibility increases with the level of product or service substitutability; and (4) when demand volatility is high, inter-firm competition has a lower impact on the value of IT infrastructure.
Taking Terrorism and ROE Seriously

Given terrorism and the rise of military 'peace' operations, I argue for a pragmatic approach to justice and war. My argument results in three amendments to the received view of the war and justice model. I claim that Rules of Engagement (ROE) concerning self-defense for deploying forces in counter-terrorism or peace operations should be at least consistent with self-defense ROE employed by law enforcement officials operating domestically. Policymakers in determining deployments in support of such operations must therefore deliberately decide, as part of their own ad bellum procedure, whether or not military ROE will be consistent with such a law enforcement baseline. I also argue that peace and counter-terrorism operations require an explicit acknowledgment of both the commanders' moral responsibility for force protection and the military members' moral justification to defend themselves fully. The method I employ in making my case is a detailed analysis of moral principle operative within three US realm...
Americans with disabilities act as amended: Principles and practice

As a result of the amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act and its parallel revisions to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, plaintiffs are more likely to clear the disability hurdle; therefore, we can expect to see much more litigation in the future focused on complex ADA issues regarding reasonable accommodations and undue hardship.
The role of external technical support in the innovation performance of scientific instruments firms: empirical evidence from New York State

Abstract This paper examines the role of external technical support in the innovation performance of New York State (NYS) manufacturing firms. Survey data from a sample of 81 companies in the scientific instruments sector are presented. The results suggest that innovation performance (successful product development) varies considerably across the state's major regions. Part of this variability can be traced to the uneven geographic distribution of external technological resources. The implications of these patterns for the commercial prospects of NYS manufacturing firms are explored. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the broader implications of the research findings for other industrial nations.
Function of the Notch/Delta Pathway in Ophthalmic Trigeminal Placode Development

FUNCTION OF THE NOTCH/DELTA PATHWAY IN OPHTHALMIC TRIGEMINAL PLACODE DEVELOPMENT Matthew K. Ball Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology Master of Science The ophthalmic trigeminal placode (opV) is the birth place of one cell type of sensory neurons contributing to the trigeminal ganglion. Signals from the neural tube induce placodal identity within the surface ectoderm. Specified opV placode cells then upregulate neuron differentiation markers and migrate to the ganglion. Several molecular pathways have been shown to act in opV placode cell development. Despite this, signals that specify individual neurons from within the opV placode remain unknown. However, it is known that components of the Notch signaling pathway are expressed in the opV placode. I tested the role of Notch signaling in opV placode development by separately inhibiting and over-activating the pathway. Using DAPT, an inhibitor of gammasecretase, I inhibited Notch signaling in 13-15 somite stage chick embryo heads. Attenuated Notch signaling caused increased neuronal differentiation of opV cells at 1315 somites. I also observed an increase in migratory opV placode (Pax3+) cells in the mesenchyme and expression of neuronal marker Islet1 in the ectoderm. Further, I activated Notch signaling by misexpressing the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) by in ovo electroporation of 10-12 somite stage chick embryos. This resulted in Pax3+ targeted cells failing to differentiate and remain instead in the ectoderm. Thus, Notch/Delta signaling plays an important role in selecting ophthalmic trigeminal cells to differentiate and migrate to the trigeminal ganglion.
Sequence and expression of Drosophila Antigen 5-related 2, a new member of the CAP gene family

A cDNA synthesized and cloned from Drosophila melanogaster mRNA was shown to encode a protein with significant identity to the protein encoded by the Drosophila Antigen 5-related (Agr) gene. Because of its similarity to Agr, this novel cDNA was termed Antigen 5-related 2 (Agr2). The proteins encoded by Agr and Agr2 both belong to the CAP family of proteins, which include the mammalian Cysteine-rich secretory proteins, wasp venom Antigen 5 proteins, and plant group 1 Pathogenesis-related proteins. CAP family proteins share a common core sequence, and most appear to function extracellularly. Agr2 encodes a protein that is 254 amino acids in length. The cDNA contains a short 5' untranslated region (UTR) 36bp in length, and a 3' UTR of 46bp. The protein encoded by Agr2 has 48% identity and 61% similarity to that encoded by Agr. The Agr2 gene was localized to region 12F of the X chromosome and probably lies near the Agr gene. Agr2 RNA was approx. 950nt in length and was most abundant during the larval period, although transcripts could also be detected at other developmental stages. Transcription of Agr2 is initiated in the embryo within the midgut epithelium near the site where the third midgut constriction will form. As embryogenesis proceeds, Agr2 expression expands to form a domain located just posterior to the third midgut constriction. This domain corresponds to a single loop of the midgut in late-stage embryos. Based on its expression pattern and its similarity to other CAP family proteins, the Agr2 protein is hypothesized to function either as a novel type of protease inhibitor or as an antimicrobial protein.
Olefination and group transfer reactions of an electron deficient tantalum methylidene complex

The reactivity of an electronically unsaturated tantalum methylidene complex [TolC(NSiMe3)2]2Ta(CH2)CH3 (1) supported by [TolC(NSiMe3)2] amidinate ligands is described. Electrophilic addition and olefination reactions of the TaCH2 functionality are reported. Alkylidene 1 participates in group-transfer reactions not observed in sterically similar, but electronically saturated, analogues. Reactions with substrates containing unsaturated C–X (X = C, N, O) bonds yield [Ta]X compounds and vinylated organic products; carbon–sulfur cleavage reactions to produce tantalum thioformaldehyde and tantalum sulfido complexes.
Model-based design of an automotive-scale, metal hydride hydrogen storage system

Abstract Sandia and General Motors have successfully designed, fabricated, and experimentally operated a vehicle-scale hydrogen storage demonstration system using sodium alanates. The demonstration system module design and the system control strategies were enabled by experiment-based, computational simulations that included heat and mass transfer coupled with chemical kinetics. Module heat exchange systems were optimized using multi-dimensional models of coupled fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Chemical kinetics models were coupled with both heat and mass transfer calculations to design the sodium alanate vessels. Fluid flow distribution was a key aspect of the design for the hydrogen storage modules and computational simulations were used to balance heat transfer with fluid pressure requirements. An overview of the hydrogen storage system will be given, and examples of these models and simulation results will be described and related to component design. In addition, comparisons of demonstration system experimental results to model predictions will be reported.
Idealized atomic coordinates of yeast phenylalanine transfer RNA.

Abstract The atomic coordinates are given for yeast phenylalanine transfer RNA in the orthorhombic crystal form. The structure has been refined by fitting to successively improved electron density maps at 2.7 A resolution. The model fitting has been accomplished by using an interactive computer graphics system to minimize the errors inherent in manual model building and coordinate measurements, using an optical comparator. The atomic coordinates have then been “idealized” to make bond distances, bond angles, steric conformation and non-bonded contacts close to standard values, while constraining the model to fit the electron density maps.
Effects of human peripheral blood monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and spleen mononuclear phagocytes on Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract In vitro effects of human peripheral blood monocytes, peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages, and spleen mononuclear phagocytes on Toxoplasma gondii were studied. In almost all instances, over 80% of human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages infected with Toxoplasma in vitro destroyed the organism. Degeneration of intracellular Toxoplasma was not due to decreased viability of organisms in the challenge inoculum. Human monocytes did not elaborate into the culture medium substances which altered the capacity of Toxoplasma to survive and replicate within mouse macrophages. The early reduction in intracellular Toxoplasma was not affected by inhibitors of various intracellular processes or by diseases associated with altered cellular immunity (sarcoidosis, infectious mononucleosis, or lymphoma.) The Toxoplasma that remained after 6 hr within human monocytes and macrophages multiplied. This multiplication was observed both microscopically and in a radioassay which detects uptake of [ 3 H]uracil or [ 3 H]deoxyuridine into nucleic acids of intracellular Toxoplasma . Intracellular Toxoplasma in monocytes cultured with poly(I:C) or in monocyte-derived macrophages cultured with lymphokines showed decreased uptake of radiolabeled precursors into nucleic acids of intracellular Toxoplasma . Treatment of monocytes with endotoxin did not alter nucleic acid synthesis of surviving intracellular Toxoplasma . These results suggest that human mononuclear phagocytes in peripheral blood and in tissue (spleen) have the capacity to eliminate a large percentage of the Toxoplasma that they ingest or that invade them. The inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis of remaining Toxoplasma by exposure of monocyte-derived macrophages to lymphokines suggests that lymphocyte products may be important for elimination of the Toxoplasma that remain and multiply within a small proportion of mononuclear phagocytes.
Numerical Simulation of Steady Flow in a Two-Dimensional Total Artificial Heart Model

In this paper, a numerical simulation of steady laminar and turbulent flow in a two-dimensional model for the total artificial heart is presented. A trileaflet polyurethane valve was simulated at the outflow orifice while the inflow orifice had a trileaflet or a flap valve. The finite analytic numerical method was employed to obtain solutions to the governing equations in the Cartesian coordinates. The closure for turbulence model was achieved by employing the k-epsilon-E model. The SIMPLER algorithm was used to solve the problem in primitive variables. The numerical solutions of the simulated model show that regions of relative stasis and trapped vortices were smaller within the ventricular chamber with the flap valve at the inflow orifice than that with the trileaflet valve. The predicted Reynolds stresses distal to the inflow valve within the ventricular chamber were also found to be smaller with the flap valve than with the trileaflet valve. These results also suggest a correlation between high turbulent stresses and the presence of thrombus in the vicinity of the valves in the total artificial hearts. The computed velocity vectors and turbulent stresses were comparable with previously reported in vitro measurements in artificial heart chambers. Analysis of the numerical solutions suggests that geometries similar to the flap valve (or a tilting disk valve) results in a better flow dynamics within the total artificial heart chamber compared to a trileaflet valve.
Vectorial analysis of the equilibrium of forces transmitted to TMJ and occlusal biteplane splints.

SUMMARY A mechanical model (link quadrilateral bell crank) is used to demonstrate the equilibrium of normal force vectors transmitted to the masticatory system and maxillary occlusal biteplane splints with different designs. Occlusal contacts were imposed on the proposed models under the action of a masticatory force vector with an arbitrary value of 40 kgf. The consequence of this force action created different responses within the joint and at the level of the dentition. When compared to the intercuspal position in centric occlusion, intra-oral appliances with either smooth contacting surfaces or indentations, both with increased vertical dimension, forced the mandible to assume an anterior position with a con- current increase of joint forces. The bite-splint that produced the least amount of joint force was the stabilization type with minimal increase of vertical dimension.
Allergic airway disease in mice alters T and B cell responses during an acute respiratory poxvirus infection.

Pulmonary viral infections can exacerbate or trigger the development of allergic airway diseases via multiple mechanisms depending upon the infectious agent. Respiratory vaccinia virus transmission is well established, yet the effects of allergic airway disease on the host response to intra-pulmonary vaccinia virus infection remain poorly defined. As shown here BALB/c mice with preexisting airway disease infected with vaccinia virus developed more severe pulmonary inflammation, higher lung virus titers and greater weight loss compared with mice inoculated with virus alone. This enhanced viremia was observed despite increased pulmonary recruitment of CD8+ T effectors, greater IFNγ production in the lung, and high serum levels of anti-viral antibodies. Notably, flow cytometric analyses of lung CD8+ T cells revealed a shift in the hierarchy of immunodominant viral epitopes in virus inoculated mice with allergic airway disease compared to mice treated with virus only. Pulmonary IL-10 production by T cells and antigen presenting cells was detected following virus inoculation of animals and increased dramatically in allergic mice exposed to virus. IL-10 modulation of host responses to this respiratory virus infection was greatly influenced by the localized pulmonary microenvironment. Thus, blocking IL-10 signaling in virus-infected mice with allergic airway disease enhanced pulmonary CD4+ T cell production of IFNγ and increased serum anti-viral IgG1 levels. In contrast, pulmonary IFNγ and virus-specific IgG1 levels were reduced in vaccinia virus-treated mice with IL-10 receptor blockade. These observations demonstrate that pre-existing allergic lung disease alters the quality and magnitude of immune responses to respiratory poxviruses through an IL-10-dependent mechanism.
“Teach Me, and I Will Be Silent; Make Me Understand How I Have Erred.” (Job 6:24)

I would find him sitting in my examination room doing book after book of crossword puzzles. There he would be, a tall black man hunched over a difficult clue, gripping a dirty pencil with the nib w...
Surveillance and data link communication performance analysis for NextGen

This study investigates the effects of two technical enablers, Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) and digital data link communication, of the Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) under two separation assurance (SA) system architectures, ground-based SA and airborne SA, on overall separation assurance performance. Data link performance such as successful reception probability in both surveillance and communication messages, and surveillance accuracy are examined in various operational conditions. Required SA performance is evaluated as a function of subsystem performance, using availability, continuity, and integrity metrics to establish overall required separation assurance performance, under normal and off-nominal conditions. A Monte Carlo simulation was developed with data link performance attributes, i.e., availability, continuity, and integrity to evaluate tradeoffs of the separation assurance performance.
Failed percutaneous balloon dilation for renal access: Incidence and risk factors

Objectives. To present our experience using balloon dilation and discuss secondary techniques to establish a percutaneous tract when balloon dilation fails. Balloon dilation is a safe and effective method to achieve percutaneous renal access, but it is not uniformly successful. Also, the failure rate and risk factors have not been well documented. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our last 99 consecutive percutaneous renal procedures using a balloon system as our initial dilation modality. In all cases, the urologist achieved needle access. We determined the balloon failure rate, relationship to prior renal surgery and other patient-related factors, and success rate using secondary techniques of tract dilation. Results. The balloon did not adequately dilate a tract in 17 (17% failure rate) of 99 cases. The risk factors for failure included a history of prior ipsilateral renal surgery (25% failure rate versus 8% without surgery) and subcostal compared with supracostal puncture (18% versus 9% failure rate). The failure rate was not increased when stratified by laterality, stone composition, stone size and location, or history of ipsilateral renal infection. Amplatz dilators were used in 16 refractory cases and were successful in 15. Metal Alken dilators were successfully used in 2 patients. Conclusions. The balloon dilation system is commonly used as the primary modality to establish percutaneous renal access. Although safe and effective (83%), the success rate drops dramatically in patients with prior ipsilateral renal surgery. Knowledge and skill with alternative dilation systems, such as Amplatz or metal Alken dilators, are necessary to successfully gain entry into all renal collecting systems. UROLOGY 66: 29‐32, 2005. © 2005 Elsevier Inc.
A fast-neutron detector used in verification of the INF Treaty

Abstract We describe the design and calibration of the neutron-detection equipment used in support of the INF Treaty, and some measurements made on Soviet missiles. The fast-neutron detector, consisting of twelve 3He gas proportional tubes in a cadmium-covered polyethylene moderator, produces about 67 counts/s in a flux of neutrons from 252Cf equal to 1 neutron/cm2s. This detector is used to determine the spatial pattern of neutrons emitted from the nuclear warheads on the missiles.
Calcitonin-Negative Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Thyroid: A Distinct Clinical Entity

Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that arises from the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland which produces calcitonin (CT) and is, therefore, a serum and immunohistochemical biomarker of MTC. Here, we describe a patient with another form of NET arising with the thyroid gland. Patient findings This is a forty-year-old woman who underwent total thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule that had features of an NET on fine needle aspiration. Her serum CT and carcinoembryonic antigen were normal. Surgical pathology showed a well-differentiated NET with immunohistochemical stains positive for markers of follicular cells (thyroglobulin and synaptophysin), positive for neuroendocrine markers (neuron specific enolase and chromogranin A), but negative for CT, the defining marker of MTC. Conclusions We describe a rare case of a nonmedullary NET of the thyroid gland arising from thyroid follicular cells, not parafollicular cells. We suggest that calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid gland (CNNETT) may be an entity that has not been recognized in the literature. This distinction between MTC and CNNETT may be important, as the treatment and prognosis may differ.
Relay Protection of Generator Station Service Transformers

Generator station service transformers, also called unit auxiliary transformers, are subjected to very rigorous short circuit duty. These faults fall generally into three areas: Faults within the transformers themselves, low-side faults between the transformer and the low-side bank breakers, and faults on the station service supply buses. The purpose of this paper is to show how station service transformers should be protected, and why any protective scheme can only be effective if these transformers are properly specified for UAT service.
Time-resolved view on charge-resonance-enhanced ionization

We theoretically investigate the electronic dynamics in the hydrogen molecular ion at fixed intermediate internuclear distances in two-dimensional space for the electron in a linearly polarized laser field. Our results of numerical simulations confirm the predictions of multiple bursts of ionization within a half cycle of the laser field oscillation as recently reported for one-dimensional models. Based on the analysis of the Floquet states for a two-state model of the molecular ion, we discuss the relation of the multiple ionization bursts to the so-called charge-resonance-enhanced ionization phenomenon and the momentum gates.
Role of Inflammation and Its Mediators in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and other forms of ischemic brain injury. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory response is a double-edged sword, as it not only exacerbates secondary brain injury in the acute stage of stroke but also beneficially contributes to brain recovery after stroke. In this article, we provide an overview on the role of inflammation and its mediators in acute ischemic stroke. We discuss various pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in different phases after ischemic stroke and the possible reasons for their failures in clinical trials. Undoubtedly, there is still much to be done in order to translate promising pre-clinical findings into clinical practice. A better understanding of the dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses and identifying the discrepancies between pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may serve as a basis for designing effective therapies.
Congenital hypogammaglobulinemia preceding Hodgkin's disease: A case report and review of the literature

Summary An 11-year-old Caucasian boy developed Hodgkin's disease 7 1/2 years after a diagnosis of congenital hypogammaglobulinemia. Infections, particularly pulmonary, recurred throughout his life. It is suggested that these repeated infections may have resulted in the creation of cells with malignant potential which the patient's immune system was unable to recognize and reject. The lymphoid immune system appears to be critical in the individual's ability to destroy malignant cells.
Up-regulation of GABAB receptor mRNA and protein in the hippocampus of cocaine- and lidocaine-kindled rats

Abstract To evaluate the effect of GABA B receptor in drug-kindled seizures, the gene expression of GABA B receptor in cocaine- and lidocaine-kindled rats was examined in this study. Rats were injected (i.p.) daily with cocaine (55 mg/kg) or lidocaine (65 mg/kg) until they experienced a motor seizure (kindling). After kindling, rats received a 1-day, 10-day, or 30-day drug washout period. The rats in the 1-day washout group were killed after the washout. Those in the 10-day and 30-day groups were challenged either with drug or saline, and killed 24 h later. Control rats were injected and challenged with saline. GABA B R1a, 1b and R2 mRNAs in discrete regions of brain were detected by in situ hybridization; GABA B R1a protein level was measured by Western blotting. Ninety percent of the cocaine-treated rats and 100% of the lidocaine-treated rats were kindled by day 12. Those rats responded to the challenge cocaine or lidocaine with a motor seizure after the 10-day and 30-day washout. GABA B receptor mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus were significantly increased after the 1-day and 10-day washout, but not the 30-day washout. In addition, the levels in drug-treated and drug-challenged rats were significantly greater than those in drug-treated and saline-challenged rats after the 10-day washout. Those data suggest that changes of GABA B receptor gene expression could be a factor underlying the development of drug-kindled seizure, but not a necessary component for the maintenance of this phenomenon.
Integrated amplifying nanowire FET for surface and bulk sensing

For over one decade, numerous research have been performed on field-effect transistor (FET) sensors with a quasi-onedimensional (1D) nanostructure channel demonstrating highly sensitive surface and bulk sensing. The high surface and bulk sensing sensitivity respectively arises from the inherently large surface area-to-volume ratio and tiny channel volume. The generic nanowire FET sensors, however, have limitations such as impractically low output current levels especially near the limit of detection (LOD) that would require downstream remote amplification with an appreciable amount of added noise. We have recently proposed and experimentally demonstrated an innovative amplifying nanowire FET sensor structure that seamlessly integrates therein a sensing nanowire and a nanowire FET amplifier. This novel sensor structure embraces the same geometrical advantage in quasi-1D nanostructure yet it offers unprecedented closeproximity signal amplification with the lowest possible added noise. In this paper, we review the device operating principle and amplification mechanism. We also present the prototype fabrication procedures, and surface and bulk sensing experimental results showing significantly enhanced output current level difference as predicted.
Identification, function and structure of the mycobacterial sulfotransferase that initiates sulfolipid-1 biosynthesis

Sulfolipid-1 (SL-1) is an abundant sulfated glycolipid and potential virulence factor found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. SL-1 consists of a trehalose-2-sulfate (T2S) disaccharide elaborated with four lipids. We identified and characterized a conserved mycobacterial sulfotransferase, Stf0, which generates the T2S moiety of SL-1. Biochemical studies demonstrated that the enzyme requires unmodified trehalose as substrate and is sensitive to small structural perturbations of the disaccharide. Disruption of stf0 in Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis resulted in the loss of T2S and SL-1 formation, respectively. The structure of Stf0 at a resolution of 2.6 A reveals the molecular basis of trehalose recognition and a unique dimer configuration that encloses the substrate into a bipartite active site. These data provide strong evidence that Stf0 carries out the first committed step in the biosynthesis of SL-1 and establish a system for probing the role of SL-1 in M. tuberculosis infection.
C3-C4 spondyloptosis without neurological deficit-a case report.

Abstract Background context Traumatic spondyloptosis of the cervical spine is usually associated with a complete, or rarely a partial, neurological deficit. Traumatic spondyloptosis with bipedicular fracture of the C3 vertebra is uncommon. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no report in the literature of bipedicular fracture of C3 with spondyloptosis of C3 over C4 with no neurological deficit. Literature is not clear about the role of preoperative traction in neurologically intact patients, and most authors advise both anterior and posterior fixation for cervical spondyloptosis. Purpose To report a case of C3–C4 spondyloptosis with C1 and C2 posterior arch fractures with no neurological deficit and its management strategy and underline the fact that closed reduction and limited anterior fusion can preserve the motion segment of cervical spine at other fractured levels and give a stable cervical column with good long-term results. Study design A case report with review of the literature. Methods A 35-year-old man fell from a height with hyperextension-compression injury to the cervical spine. The patient suffered fracture of the posterior elements of C1–C3 along with spondyloptosis of C3 over C4 without any neurological deficit. The patient was treated with an awake nasotracheal intubation with gradual cervical traction under fluoroscopic guidance to acceptable alignment followed by anterior cervical fusion at C3–C4. Results At 24 months' follow-up, the C3–C4 level fused completely with fracture healing at C1 and C2. The patient remained asymptomatic with normal neurological examination and near complete cervical motion. The patient returned to his preinjury job and recreational activities. Conclusions A case of C3–C4 spondyloptosis with associated C1–C2 posterior arch fracture is reported. The patient can present without neurological deficit if associated with a fracture of the posterior elements. Spondyloptosis without neurological deficit can be treated with gradual reduction under fluoroscopic guidance. A limited anterior-only fusion at the spondyloptosis level can provide good long-term results with preservation of other motion segments.
The role of adsorption of aniline trimers on the corrosion inhibition process: a ZINDO/1 study

Abstract The semi-empirical ZINDO/1 method is used to calculate the electronic structure and thermodynamic properties of aniline trimers adsorbed onto cluster models of the Al(100) and Fe(100) surfaces. The effects of progressive oxidation and protonation of the trimers on corrosion inhibition are interpreted in terms of these calculations.
Comparing outcomes from differential cooperative and individualistic learning methods

Performance and learning process factors were determined as a function of different cooperative and individualistic learning techniques. Ninety-six African-American college women completed a 40-item vocabulary test of unfamiliar words and then were randomly assigned to one of four 30-minute word-study conditions. These four conditions were either a cooperative or individualistic study arrangement coupled with a performance-contingent competitive or criterion (i.e. based on an absolute performance standard) incentive. Performance on an alternative form of the vocabulary test, and measures of study attitudes, perceived ability, and time on study task were then assessed. Second test performance was greater following cooperative than individualistic learning. This was principally due to the difference between these conditions when they were paired with competitive incentives. Cooperative learning also led to more positive attitudes towards the learning experience, greater perceived ability, and more time on study task. The generalizability of cooperative learning effects are discussed as is the effectiveness of the approach with African-American students.