cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phagosomes are fully competent antigen-processing organelles that mediate the formation of peptide:class II MHC complexes.

During the processing of particulate Ags, it is unclear whether peptide:class II MHC (MHC-II) complexes are formed within phagosomes or within endocytic compartments that receive Ag fragments from phagosomes. Murine macrophages were pulsed with latex beads conjugated with OVA. Flow or Western blot analysis of isolated phagosomes showed extensive acquisition of MHC-II, H-2M, and invariant chain within 30 min, with concurrent degradation of OVA. T hybridoma responses to isolated subcellular fractions demonstrated OVA(323–339):I-A d complexes in phagosomes and plasma membrane but not within dense late endocytic compartments. Furthermore, when two physically separable sets of phagosomes were present within the same cells, OVA(323–339):I-A d complexes were demonstrated in latex-OVA phagosomes but not in phagosomes containing latex beads conjugated with another protein. This implies that these complexes were formed specifically within phagosomes and were not formed elsewhere and subsequently transported to phagosomes. In addition, peptide:MHC-II complexes were shown to traffic from phagosomes to the cell surface. In conclusion, phagosomes are fully competent to process Ags and generate peptide:MHC-II complexes that are transported to the cell surface and presented to T cells.
Comparison of Integer Programming (IP) Solvers for Automated Test Assembly (ATA)

At the heart of van der Linden's approach to automated test assembly (ATA) is a linear programming/integer programming (LP/IP) problem. A variety of IP solvers are available, ranging in cost from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this paper, I compare several approaches to solving the underlying IP problem. These approaches range from traditional computer programming, through LP/IP-specific modeling languages, to plug-ins for common software such as Excel. The features of several of the major IP solvers are briefly reviewed, describing which of the features are more or less useful in the context of ATA. The appendices include a list of resources that I have found particularly useful.
Eight Arabic Block Prints from the Collection of Aziz S. Atiya

This article describes a group of medieval Arabic block prints from the collection of Aziz S. Atiya preserved (with one exception) at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah. It provides transcriptions of the texts, translations and notes, and discusses some aspects of the history of block-printing in the Middle East. This article also considers the place of block-printed amulets within the larger Islamic magical tradition, and examines parallels in a variety of sources.
Segmented spin-echo pulses to increase fMRI signal: repeated intrinsic diffusional enhancement.

Since its inception, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has seen rapid progress in the application to neuroscience. Common gradient-recalled acquisition methods are susceptible to static field inhomogeneities, resulting in signal loss at the medial temporal area important for memory function or at the basal ganglia area for motor control. In addition, they are susceptible to the contaminating signals of large vein origin, such as the signals from its surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leading to false-positive activation. Spin echoes overcome these drawbacks. However, they are less sensitive to blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) susceptibility changes because of their refocusing mechanism. A method is presented here to enhance the spin-echo fMRI signal by recruiting more spins to participate in the dynamic BOLD process. This method divided a conventional T2 weighting period into several segments separated by blocks of extra free diffusion time. Before the extra diffusion time spins are restored to the longitudinal axis preventing rapid transverse relaxation. This process allows more spin access to the regions that experience the BOLD field gradient. Because of the increased spin population that is modulated by the capillary BOLD field gradient, the functional signal is increased. Spin-echo echo-planar imaging (EPI) with this enhancement may be a useful technique for fMRI studies at inhomogeneous areas such as the air/tissue interface. Magn Reson Med 42:631‐635, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hydromorphone efficacy and treatment protocol impact on tolerance and μ-opioid receptor regulation

This study examined the antinociceptive (analgesic) efficacy of hydromorphone and hydromorphone-induced tolerance and regulation of mu-opioid receptor density. Initially s.c. hydromorphone's time of peak analgesic (tail-flick) effect (45 min) and ED50 using standard and cumulative dosing protocols (0.22 mg/kg, 0.37 mg/kg, respectively) were determined. The apparent analgesic efficacy (tau) of hydromorphone was then estimated using the operational model of agonism and the irreversible mu-opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox. Mice were injected with clocinnamox (0.32-25.6 mg/kg, i.p.) and 24 h later, the analgesic potency of hydromorphone was determined. The tau value for hydromorphone was 35, which suggested that hydromorphone is a lower analgesic efficacy opioid agonist. To examine hydromorphone-induced tolerance, mice were continuously infused s.c. with hydromorphone (2.1-31.5 mg/kg/day) for 7 days and then morphine cumulative dose response studies were performed. Other groups of mice were injected with hydromorphone (2.2-22 mg/kg/day) once, or intermittently every 24 h for 7 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, mice were tested using morphine cumulative dosing studies. There was more tolerance with infusion treatments compared to intermittent treatment. When compared to higher analgesic efficacy opioids, hydromorphone infusions induced substantially more tolerance. Finally, the effect of chronic infusion (31.5 mg/kg/day) and 7 day intermittent (22 mg/kg/day) hydromorphone treatment on spinal cord mu-opioid receptor density was determined. Hydromorphone did not produce any change in mu-opioid receptor density following either treatment. These results support suggestions that analgesic efficacy is correlated with tolerance magnitude and regulation of mu-opioid receptors when opioid agonists are continuously administered. Taken together, these studies indicate that analgesic efficacy and treatment protocol are important in determining tolerance and regulation of mu-opioid receptors.
Fabrication of ITO Nanofibers as Gas Sensor

This paper presents the fabrication of ITO nanofibers as gas sensor. ITO nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning process. Sensors based on ITO nanofibers were prepared on Si substrate and silver paste was used as electrode. The morphology and crystal structure of ITO nanofibers were studied by SEM and XRD, respectively. The optimal working temperature and sensitivity of ITO nanofiber sensors were investigated. The sensitivity of ITO nanofiber sensor has been found to increase to a peak of 9.8 at 160°C for 50 ppm NO2 , which suggests that ITO nanofibers sensor provides significantly better sensitivity for NO2 at lower temperature.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A new technique for intraoral maxillary distraction: a case report.

8. Cohen D, Granda-Ricart MC: Giant cell reparative granuloma of the base of the skull in a 4-month-old infant-CT findings. Pediatr Radiol 23:319, 1993 9. Nemoto Y, Inoue Y, Tashiro T, et al: Central giant cell granuloma of the temporal bone. Am J Neuroradiol 16:982, 1995 0. Maruno M, Yoshimine T, Kubo T, et al: A case giant cell reparative granuloma of the petrous bone. Demonstration of the proliferative component. Surg Neurol 48:64, 1997 1. Knoduei I, Rowley H, Farrel M, et al: An unusual cause for tinnitus. Ir Med J 94:312, 2001 2. Lin J, Zhong DR, Liu LF, et al: Giant cell reparative granuloma of the temporal bone. Acta Otolaryngol 121:523, 2001
ENHANCED T CELL RESPONSES TO ANTIGENIC PEPTIDES TARGETED TO B CELL SURFACE Ig, Ia,OR CLASS I MOLECULES

The helper T cell recognition of soluble globular protein antigens requires that the proteins be processed by an APC, releasing a peptide that is transported to and held on the APC surface where it is recognized by the specific T cell in conjunction with Ia. When cellular processing functions are blocked, APC lose their ability to present native antigens while retaining the capacity to activate T cells when provided with a cognate peptide fragment that contains the T cell antigenic determinant. In this report, we show that a peptide fragment of the soluble globular protein antigen tobacco hornworm moth cytochrome c, residues 92-103 containing an additional NH2-terminal cysteine residue (THMcCys92-103), is effectively presented by B cells to an I-Ek-restricted, THMc-specific T cell hybrid when covalently coupled to antibodies specific for B cell surface Ig, Ia (Ak), or class I (Kk). Maximal activation of the T cells to the THMcCys92-103-antibody conjugates is achieved with 1/100-1/1,000th of the peptide required using unconjugated THMcCys92-103 or THMcCys92-103 coupled to nonspecific antibody. The T cell response to the peptide antibody conjugates is MHC restricted, but unlike native cytochrome c-antibody conjugates, THMcCys92-103-antibody conjugates do not require processing and can be presented by paraformaldehyde-fixed B cells. The THMcCys92-103-antibody conjugate are nearly as effective when incubated with B cells, and the unbound conjugates washed away before addition of T cells as when continuously present in culture with T cells and B cells, indicating that the active peptide antibody conjugate is associated at the B cell surface. The presentation of THMcCys92-103 coupled to monovalent Fab fragments of rabbit anti-Ig antibodies is less effective than that of the peptide coupled to bivalent antibody when either live or fixed B cells are APC, indicating that the avidity for the APC surface afforded by bivalent binding may be important in the conjugate's antigenicity. The results presented here indicate that a T cell-antigenic peptide, covalently coupled to a larger antibody molecule, can be readily recognized by an Ia-restricted helper T cell in the absence of processing. Moreover, the ability of the peptide to bind to B cell surfaces greatly augments the peptide's antigenicity, even when the binding is to structures distinct from the Ia molecule required for T cell activation.
Immunobiology of natural killer cells and bone marrow transplantation: merging of basic and preclinical studies

Natural killer (NK) cells mediate acute rejection of bone marrow, but not solid tissue, allografts in lethally irradiated mice. Precisely how and why this rejection occurs is still unclear. In allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), a spectrum of results is possible; one result can be marrow graft failure due to host rejection of the graft by NK and T cells and, at the opposite spectrum, the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Donor NK cells, however, appear capable of improving donor engraftment without giving rise to GVHD and thus may be of use as an immunotherapy following BMT. As NK-cell inhibitory receptors play a role in bone marrow cell rejection, these same inhibitory receptors may also affect NK responses towards tumor cells. It has been demonstrated that blocking the interaction of inhibitory receptors with MHC determinants on tumor cells can result in greater antitumor effects. Thus, NK cells are capable of mediating both positive and negative effects during BMT depending on whether they are of host versus donor origin and their state of activation. Understanding their role in BMT provides insights as to their physiological roles and points the way to potential clinical uses.
The adductor muscle myoglobins of the bivalve mollusc Mercenaria mercenaria L.

Abstract 1. 1. The adductor muscle myoglobin of Mercenaria mercenaria has an apparent molecular weight of 17,400. 2. 2. The myoglobin consists of two major components designated Mb-1 and Mb-2 which are separable by ion exchange chromatography and disc gel electrophoresis.
Characterization of a Cytosolic Estrogen-Binding Protein in Lung Tissue of Fetal Rats

An estrogen-binding macromolecule was identified in cytosolic fractions prepared from fetal rat lung tissue. This component sedimented at 4.5S on sucrose gradients and was heat labile and proteinaceous in nature. This estrogenbinding protein bound 17β-estradiol (Ka = 108 M-1) and estrone but had little or no affinity for estriol. Diethylstilbestrol bound to the cytosolic estrogen binding protein, but with lower affinity than for 17β-estradiol or estrone. The estrogen binding capacity of the cytosolic fraction of rat fetal lung tissue was high during late gestation (10–12 pmol/mg protein) but declined after birth (0.6 pmol/mg protein on day 5). Since fetal rat plasma contains a-fetoprotein, a substance that binds 17β-estradiol with relatively high affinity, the characteristics of the lung cytosolic estrogen binding protein were compared to those of fetal rat plasma, employing various physicochemical criteria. The affinities of fetal rat lung and plasma estrogen binding proteins for 17β-estradiol were simil...
Fast, eastward-moving disturbances in the surface winds of the equatorial Pacific

A fast, eastward signal in the surface zonal winds of the equatorial Pacific ocean is identifiedin ERS-1 data that coincide with an intraseasonal tropical oscillation during the intensiveobserving period of TOGA COARE. The fast eastward event is compared with observationsfor the same time period from the TAO moorings at the equator. Similar events are identifiedin longer records of the ERS-1 and TAO data. A composite event is constructed and a lagcorrelationanalysis is used to infer basin-scale propagation speed. The fast eastward events inthe ERS-1 data are consistent with signals in station surface pressure and station profile dataquantified by Milliff and Madden and connected with first-baroclinic mode equatorial Kelvinwave propagation. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1998.00003.x
A remark on the generalized effects of assortative mating.

Sufficient conditions for a matrix of cross-sib genotypic covariances due to assortative mating to be of rank one are obtained. These conditions represent an expansion of a result reported by Eaveset al. [(1984).Behav. Genet. 14:371–376]. It is also demonstrated that a necessary condition for the unit rank of this matrix is “proportional similarity” between sexes of the regressions of specific variables on the variable on which mate choice is based.
The effect of maternal employment on teenage childbearing

This paper estimates the effect of a mother’s employment on her teenage daughter’s likelihood of birth. Using data from the United States, the National Education Longitudinal Survey of 1988, the author finds that teenagers with working mothers who attend relatively wealthy schools are more likely (77%) to have a birth compared to teens who attend similar schools but have non-working mothers. In contrast, teenagers with working mothers who attend relatively poor schools are less likely (18%) to have a birth compared to teens who attend similar schools but have non-working mothers.
Technical note: improved implementation of Doppler broadening in MCNP5.

Purpose: Incoherent scattering has a substantial effect on spectroscopic measurements and simulations. Many general-purpose Monte Carlo codes include models that account for the effects of bound electrons on incoherent scattering, including Doppler broadening (DB). This work investigates the DB model used in the Monte Carlo N-particle transport code (MCNP5). Methods: Simulations were run with three versions of MCNP5: v1.51, v1.60, and a modified form of v1.60 (v1.60m). All simulations used the MCPLIB04 photon data library, which presents the electron subshell data for incoherent scattering in the form of a probability density function. In v1.60m, the source code was altered to sample the electron subshell from a cumulative density function instead. Each version of the code was tested using an identical set of simulations that investigated DB in a slab of silicon at scattering angles of 15°, 30°, and 45°. For each angle, simulations were run for multiple energies between 200 keV and 800 keV. The spectrum of singly-scattered photons at the exit of the slab was scored. Spectra were analytically calculated for comparison. Results: In v1.51, DB was modeled for incident photon energies below 760 keV, 384 keV, and 260 keV at scattering angles of 15°, 30°, and 45°, respectively. Above these energy thresholds, v1.51 did not model DB. The spectra calculated using v1.60 and v1.60m exhibited DB for all energy-angle combinations; however, v1.60m, exhibited more energy broadening than did v1.60. The spectra calculated with v1.60m agreed with the analytical calculations. Conclusions: MCNP5 v1.51 and v1.60 model partial broadening when used with the MCPLIB04 data library. MCNP5 v1.60m models DB more accurately due to the form of the electron subshell data. In response to these results, Los Alamos National Laboratory has released a new photon data library, MCPLIB84, that presents the electron subshell data in cumulative distribution form. MCNP5 v1.60 should be used with this library when incoherent scattering has a significant impact on simulation results.
A Pulmonary Artery Clamp Model for Inducing Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (Ascites) in Broilers

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that a primary increase in pulmonary vascular resistance can initiate a pathophysiological progression leading to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS, ascites). Pulmonary vascular resistance was increased by surgically clamping the left pulmonary artery when male broiler chicks were 15 to 19 d of age, resulting in a 90% incidence of PHS in Experiment 1, and a 68% incidence of PHS in Experiment 2. The incidence of PHS was 8% for control or sham-operated broilers in Experiment 1, whereas in Experiment 2 no (0%) PHS occurred in sham-operated broilers or in individuals with a pulmonary artery that only was partially occluded. Broilers with a fully occluded left pulmonary artery developed pulmonary hypertension, as demonstrated by increased right:total ventricular weight ratios (right ventricular hypertrophy) and by increased electrocardiogram lead II R-S wave amplitudes (generalized ventricular dilation and hypertrophy). Forcing the entire cardiac output through the right lung resulted in a lower percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen and an elevated hematocrit, reflecting generalized systemic hypoxemia. Pulmonary hypertension and hypoxemia also were specifically characteristic of all birds that developed ascites, regardless of treatment group. These observations demonstrate for the first time that PHS (ascites) can be directly induced by a primary increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. The observed changes in percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen suggest that the lungs of broilers may be unable to efficiently oxygenate the blood when forced to receive an increased cardiac output at an elevated pulmonary arterial pressure.
Inflammation, aging, and cancer: tumoricidal versus tumorigenesis of immunity: a common denominator mapping chronic diseases.

Acute inflammation is a highly regulated defense mechanism of immune system possessing two well-balanced and biologically opposing arms termed apoptosis (‘Yin’) and wound healing (‘Yang’) processes. Unresolved or chronic inflammation (oxidative stress) is perhaps the loss of balance between ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ that would induce co-expression of exaggerated or ‘mismatched’ apoptotic and wound healing factors in the microenvironment of tissues (‘immune meltdown’). Unresolved inflammation could initiate the genesis of many age-associated chronic illnesses such as autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases or tumors/cancers. In this perspective ‘birds’ eye’ view of major interrelated co-morbidity risk factors that participate in biological shifts of growth-arresting (‘tumoricidal’) or growth-promoting (‘tumorigenic’) properties of immune cells and the genesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer will be discussed. Persistent inflammation is perhaps a common denominator in the genesis of nearly all age-associated health problems or cancer. Future challenging opportunities for diagnosis, prevention, and/or therapy of chronic illnesses will require an integrated understanding and identification of developmental phases of inflammation-induced immune dysfunction and age-associated hormonal and physiological readjustments of organ systems. Designing suitable cohort studies to establish the oxido-redox status of adults may prove to be an effective strategy in assessing individual’s health toward developing personal medicine for healthy aging.
Colorimetric and vibrational spectroscopic characterization of weathered surfaces of wood and rigid polyvinyl chloride–wood flour composite lumber

Rigid polyvinyl chloride–wood flour composite lumber containing either pine or maple wood flour and pine and maple lumber was subjected to accelerated weathering according to the ASTM Standard G 53 protocol. Non-weathered and weathered surfaces of all specimens were analyzed using colorimetric methods, reflectance infrared Fourier transform and Raman spectroscopic techniques. In the FT-IR spectra, conjugated ketones (1,744 cm−1) of lignin as evidenced by their skeletal vibrations (1,560–1,500 cm−1) and stretching (1,440–1,500 cm−1) were reduced in weathered specimens. Cellulose was largely unaffected by weathering. C–O bending vibrations at 1,040 cm−1 from holocellulose in pine specimens and intensity bands at 1,125–1,090 and 1,360 cm−1 (C–O stretching and O–H bending from cellulose) in the maple and wood–plastic composite (WPC)-maple specimens were unaffected. A band at 1,650 cm−1 became prominent after weathering of both pine and maple WPC specimens which is due to C=C–C=C stretching vibration of weathered PVC portion of the specimen. Raman shifts at 530 and 840–900 cm−1 are attributed to C–O and C–C–O stretching in cellulose (remain unchanged). The role of extractives in weathering of pine is shown by the disappearance of Raman shifts at 392 and 434 cm−1 (C=C deformations in pine extractives) in weathered pine. One-Way ANOVA, between-group designs showed significant effect on brightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) for all treatments.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: Autoimmunity to anchoring fibril collagen

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare and acquired autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of skin and mucosa. EBA includes various distinct clinical manifestations resembling genetic dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), Bullous pemphigus, Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid, or cicatricial pemphigoid. These patients have autoantibodies against type VII collagen (C7), an integral component of anchoring fibrils (AFs), which are responsible for attaching the dermis to the epidermis. Destruction or perturbation of the normal functioning AFs clinically results in skin fragility, blisters, erosions, scars, milia, and nail loss, all features reminiscent of genetic dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. These anti-C7 antibodies are "pathogenic" because when injected into a mouse, the mouse develops an EBA-like blistering disease. Currently, treatment is often unsatisfactory; however, some success has been achieved with colchicine, dapsone, photopheresis, plasmapheresis, infliximab, rituximab, and IVIG.
Estimating Dose Equivalence for New Routes of Drug Administration

For patient's convenience, dose administration of insulin via oral inhalation is often considered as an alternative to subcutaneous administration. An important statistical problem is to estimate dose equivalence, which is the amount of drug needed to be delivered by inhalation to generate an equivalent pharmacokinetic (PK) response produced by a therapeutic dose of subcutaneous insulin. Because of high intersubject variability, a crossover design clinical trial is typically used where data from both routes of administration are obtained from the same subject. A linear mixed effects model is proposed to describe the relationship between AK response and insulin dose for the two routes of administration. Estimation of dose equivalence in this setting has not been discussed in the statistical literature. Several competing methods for estimating dose equivalence are proposed and contrasted. A formula for calculating an approximate sample size necessary to estimate dose equivalence with a desired precision for the new route of administration is also provided.
Production of factors with immunosuppressive activity by a murine lymphoblastoid tumor cell line.

SummaryA clone of L1210 cells has been shown to spontaneously release an MIF-like factor in vitro. Culture supernatant fluids containing such MIF activity are immunosuppressive when injected with or prior to an antigenic stimulus in syngeneic mice, and are also suppressive to a lesser degree when administered with antigen in a primary in vitro antibody response system. The secretion of immunosuppressive factors) by L1210 cells may represent yet another example of tumor cell associated mechanisms which alter host immune system function.
Effect of Conformational Constraints on Gated Electron Transfer Kinetics. 2. Copper(II/I) Complexes with Phenyl-Substituted [14]aneS(4) Ligands in Acetonitrile(1).

Kinetic studies have been conducted in acetonitrile on the electron-transfer reactions of five copper(II/I) complexes involving ligands in which either a benzene or a cyclohexane ring, or both, have been substituted into the ligand backbone of the 14-membered tetrathiamacrocycle [14]aneS4. The specific ligands utilized in this work include 2,3-benzo-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (bz-[14]aneS4), 2,3-trans-cyclohexano-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (trans-cyhx-[14]aneS4), 2,3-benzo-9,10-trans-cyclohexano-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (bz,trans-cyhx-[14]aneS4), 2,3-benzo-9,10-cis-cyclohexano-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (bz,cis-cyhx-[14]aneS4), and 2,3-cis-9,10-trans-dicyclohexano-1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (cis, trans-dicyhx-[14]aneS4). Each CuII/IL system has been reacted with three separate reducing agents and three separate oxidizing agents to examine the effect of driving force upon the kinetic parameters. The Marcus relationship has been applied to each cross-reaction rate c...
Thermodynamic driving forces governing assembly of disilicide nanowires

Abstract Driving forces are investigated for assembling low dimensional, metallic, erbium and dysprosium disilicide nanowires on Si(001), using both scanning probe microscopy and density functional theory. Side-by-side comparison between emulated and measured scanning tunneling microscopy images allows establishment of reliable atomic models for complex adatom surface reconstructions of Er/Si(001) and Dy/Si(001) that are precursors to high aspect ratio disilicide nanowires. Peculiar surface reconstructions and relaxation of Si bonds are identified as the key factors for nucleation of these disilicide nanowires in parallel arrays on vicinal Si(001). Stable nanowire widths and heights are calculated with predicted atomic models that are consistent with experimental observations. A clear understanding of the nanowire–substrate interface is determined by correlating adatom reconstruction patterns with nanowire formation that is imperative to the development of unique procedures for massive fabrication of monodisperse nanosystems.
A bacterial iron exporter for maintenance of iron homeostasis.

Nutritional iron acquisition by bacteria is well described, but almost nothing is known about bacterial iron export even though it is likely to be an important homeostatic mechanism. Here, we show that Bradyrhizobium japonicum MbfA (Blr7895) is an inner membrane protein expressed in cells specifically under high iron conditions. MbfA contains an N-terminal ferritin-like domain (FLD) and a C-terminal domain homologous to the eukaryotic vacuolar membrane Fe2+/Mn2+ transporter CCC1. An mbfA deletion mutant is severely defective in iron export activity, contains >2-fold more intracellular iron than the parent strain, and displays an aberrant iron-dependent gene expression phenotype. B. japonicum is highly resistant to iron and H2O2 stresses, and MbfA contributes substantially to this as determined by phenotypes of the mbfA mutant strain. The N-terminal FLD was localized to the cytoplasmic side of the inner membrane. Substitution mutations in the putative iron-binding amino acid residues E20A and E107A within the N-terminal FLD abrogate iron export activity and stress response function. Purified soluble FLD oxidizes ferrous iron (Fe2+) to incorporate ferric iron (Fe3+) in a 2:1 iron:protein ratio, which does not occur in the E20A/E107A mutant. The FLD fragment is a dimer in solution, implying that the MbfA exporter functions as a dimer. MbfA belongs to a protein family found in numerous prokaryotic genera. The findings strongly suggest that iron export plays an important role in bacterial iron homeostasis.
Factors incluencing Disappearances of Spartina Alterniflora From Litterbags

Marsh plant detritus is exported to nearby estuarine ecosystems by tides (Darnell 1967, Odum 1980). Characteristically, tidal marsh litter export and decomposition rates are determined by placing one set of litterbags into the field at study initiation to generate a single rate curve (Williams and Murdock 1972, de la Cruz and Gabriel 1974). These rates are controlled by many seasonal factors (Swift et al. 1979), among which are resource quality, tides, and faunal associations. Therefore a single data set may not entirely explain this important process of marsh energy flow. Recent studies in tidal creeks and estuaries have documented the importance of tides in the dynamics of estuarine particulate and dissolved organic matter fluxes (Heald 1971, Heinle and Flemer 1976, Settlemyre and Gardner 1977, Hackney and de la Cruz 1979). No work has elucidated the influence of tides on conversion of senescent plants to the particulate matter of the estuary. This study examines litter disappearance of Spartina alterniflora (Loisel.) to determine if loss of material varies according to the month of litterbag placement into the tidal marsh, and to determine the effect of tides on litter decomposition and disappearance.
A symbiotic relationship between epithelial and stromal stem cells

Most adult tissues contain a pool of tissue-specific stem cells responsible for maintaining homeostasis. Adult stem cells are generally responsible for replacing lost cells over time and mediating tissue-regeneration after injury. An important component in maintaining epithelial stem cells is an environment rich in inductive growth factors secreted from the neighboring stromal cells (1). Although it is to the benefit of the epithelial stem cell to ensure the survival of the stroma, little is known about how stromal cells are maintained long-term. In PNAS, Peng et al. (2) suggest that prostate stromal cell heterogeneity is maintained not by a single stem cell but by several distinct stromal stem cells. The authors describe a process whereby epithelial stem cells signal back toward stromal stem cells via Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. These unique findings suggest that epithelial and stromal stem cells in the mouse prostate exhibit reciprocal signaling and maintain a symbiotic relationship.
Cubane-type Fe4S4 clusters with chiral thiolate ligation: formation by ligand substitution, detection of intermediates by 1H NMR, and solid state structures including spontaneous resolution upon crystallization.

Cubane-type clusters [Fe4S4(SR*)4]2– containing chiral thiolate ligands with R* = CH(Me)Ph (1), CH2CH(Me)Et (2), and CH2CH(OH)CH2OH (3) have been prepared by ligand substitution in the reaction systems [Fe4S4(SEt)4]/R*SH (1–3, acetonitrile) and [Fe4S4Cl4]2–/NaSR*(3, Me2SO). Reactions with successive equivalents of thiol or thiolate generate the species [Fe4S4L4–n(SR*)n]2– (L = SEt, Cl) with n = 1–4. Clusters 1 and 2 were prepared with racemic thiols leading to the possible formation of one enantiomeric pair (n = 1) and seven diastereomers and their enantiomers (n = 2–4). Reactions were monitored by isotropically shifted 1H NMR spectra in acetonitrile or Me2SO. In systems affording 1 and 2 as final products, individual mixed-ligand species could not be detected. However, crystallization of (Et4N)2[1] afforded 1-[SS(RS)(RS)] in which two sites are disordered because of occupancy of R and S ligands. Similarly, (Et4N)2[2] led to 2-[SSSS], a consequence of spontaneous resolution upon crystallization. The clust...
Non-classical carbonyl complexes of zirconium: The syntheses, characterization, and reactivities of (η5-C5Me5)2Zr(η2-E2)(CO) (E S, Se, Te)

Abstract The non-classical zirconium carbonyl complexes Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - E 2 )( CO ) (E  S, Se, Te) have been prepared by the reactions of Cp 2 ∗ Zr(CO) 2 with the elemental chalcogens ( ca . two equivalents) at ca. 80°C. Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - E 2 )( CO ) are characterized by ν CO stretching frequencies of 2057 cm −1 (E  S), 2037 cm −1 (E  Se) and 2006 cm −1 (E  Te), and the ditellurido derivative Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - Te 2 )( CO ) has been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The dichalcogenido-carbonyl complexes Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - E 2 )( CO ) (E  S, Se, Te) react further with excess chalcogen to give the trichalcogenido complexes Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - E 2 ) , which have also been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The formation of the tritellurido complex Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - Te 3 ) is reversible, and addition of CO (1 atm) regenerates Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - Te )( CO ) . In the presence of pyridine, the dichalcogenido derivatives Cp 2 ∗ Zr(η 2 - E 2 )( CO ) react with Cp 2 ∗ Zr(CO) 2 to give the terminal chalcogenido complexes Cp 2 ∗ Zr ( E )( NC 5 H 5 ). Cp 2 ∗ Zr (η 2 - Te 2 )( CO ) exists in both triclinic and tetragonal modifications. Interestingly, the derived ZrCO bond lengths for the two structures were significantly different, while the CO bond lengths for each structure were similar. The origin of the discrepancy was determined to be crystallographic disorder in the tetragonal modification, and appropriate modelling allowed the derivation of a reasonable ZrCO bond length for the tetragonal form.
Closed Loop Control of Phase Angle Regulators Using a Programmable Controller

In order to provide positive control at all times on a 345-kV underground cable interface designed to transfer up to 1000-MW a Programmable Controller (PC) has been installed at PSE&G's Waldwick Switching Station. This PC will independently take corrective action by moving phase angle regulator transformer (PAR) load tap changers (LTC) upon recognition of local flows exceeding emergency ratings after a time delay of five minutes. The PC has undergone extensive testing to prove the correctness of its logic and has been in service for more than one year.
The Hox gene Ultrabithorax modulates the shape and size of the third leg of Drosophila by influencing diverse mechanisms.

The developmental mechanisms that regulate the relative size and shape of organs have remained obscure despite almost a century of interest in the problem and the fact that changes in relative size represent the dominant mode of evolutionary change. Here, I investigate how the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) instructs the legs on the third thoracic segment of Drosophila melanogaster to develop with a different size and shape from the legs on the second thoracic segment. Through loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments, I demonstrate that different segments of the leg, the femur and the first tarsal segment, and even different regions of the femur, regulate their size in response to Ubx expression through qualitatively different mechanisms. In some regions, Ubx acts autonomously to specify shape and size, whereas in other regions, Ubx influences size through nonautonomous mechanisms. Loss of Ubx autonomously reduces cell size in the T3 femur, but this reduction seems to be partially compensated by an increase in cell numbers, so that it is unclear what effect cell size and number directly have on femur size. Loss of Ubx has both autonomous and nonautonomous effects on cell number in different regions of the basitarsus, but again there is not a strong correlation between cell size or number and organ size. Total organ size appears to be regulated through mechanisms that operate at the level of the entire leg segment (femur or basitarsus) relatively independently of the behavior of individual subpopulations of cells within the segment.
Half-life of the shell-model intruder-state isomer 187mAu

The half-life of the 92− shell-model intruder-state isomer in 187Au has been measured by employing a technique in which each incoming event is tagged with a digital representation of time by means of a real-time clock. With this method we obtain a 2.3 ± 0.1 sec half-life for the h92 → d32 E3 isomeric transition resulting in a retardation of 50 relative to the Weisskopf single-particle estimate.
Monoclonal antibodies for brain tumour treatment.

Conventional treatment of brain tumours includes surgical, radiotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic modalities. Nonetheless, the outcome of patients with brain tumours, in particular glioblastoma, remains poor. Immunotherapy with armed or unarmed monoclonal antibodies targeting tumour-specific antigens has emerged in the last two decades as a novel potential adjuvant treatment for all types of neoplasia. Many challenges to its implementation as a safe and viable therapy for brain tumours still need to be addressed; nevertheless, results from ongoing Phase I/II clinical trials are encouraging, as disease stabilisation and patient survival prolongation have been observed. Advances in preclinical and clinical research indicate that treatment of brain tumours with monoclonal antibodies can be increasingly adjusted to the characteristics of the targeted tumour and its environment. This aspect relies on the careful selection of the target antigen and corresponding specific monoclonal antibody, and antibody format ...
Ion scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of copper overlayers vacuum deposited onto mercaptohexadecanoic acid self-assembled monolayers

Abstract Metal overlayers deposited in vacuum onto self-assembled monolayer (SAM) systems serve as models for more complex metalized polymers. Metals (M) deposited onto SAMs with different organic functional end groups exhibit a wide range of behavior, ranging from strong chemical interactions with the end group to complete penetration of the metal through the SAM. In this work, we have characterized the interactions of Cu with the COOH of mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA, HOOC(CH 2 ) 15 SH) SAMs self assembled on gold films by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to examine the chemical interactions, and a combination of XPS and ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) to deduce the growth mode and penetration rate of the deposited Cu. We found that submonolayer amounts of Cu react with HOOC, whereas the rest of the Cu remains metallic and penetrates beneath the SAM surface to the SAM ∣ Au interface. Considerable amounts of Cu (5 nm or more) will penetrate beneath the SAM layer, which is ca. 2.5 nm thick, despite the submonolayer presence of Cu at the SAM surface. The penetration rate depends strongly on the Cu deposition rate. Depositing copper onto MHA at 220 K or less, or using faster Cu deposition rates, results in slower or even completely suppressed penetration of the Cu through the SAM layer, whereas exposure to X-rays greatly enhances the penetration rate of large amounts of Cu through the SAM layer. The reacted copper is, based on the XPS 2p and LMM peaks, in the +2 oxidation state, but cannot be identified with a simple, stoichiometric oxide such as Cu 2 O, CuO, or Cu (OH) 2 .
Experimental study of the thermal performance of a large institutional building with mixed-mode cooling and hybrid ventilation

Abstract The paper explores mixed-mode cooling strategies in buildings with hybrid ventilation and high levels of exposed thermal mass and presents data collected over an extensive period of time using a full-scale experimental set-up in an occupied institutional building with motorized facade openings integrated with an atrium. Night cooling strategies for thermal mass pre-cooling, with variable low temperature setpoint for control of airflow through operation of motorized grilles or a possible variable speed fan, are evaluated. Results for the thermal conditions in the highly-glazed atrium zone and the wind and buoyancy-driven airflow rates show that free cooling covers a significant portion of the building's cooling requirements while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. The heat removal from concrete floor slabs is 2–5 times higher with the inlet air stream at an average temperature of 12 °C, compared to that with an air stream at 15 °C or 18 °C respectively. These findings provide insights for space conditioning using hybrid ventilation that can support the development of model-predictive control strategies.
Mitigation of hazardous comets and asteroids: edited by M. J. S. Belton, T. H. Morgan, N. Samarasinha, and D. K. Yeomans

Book Review: Mitigation of Hazardous Comets and Asteroids, M. J. S. Belton, T. H. Morgan, N. Samarasinha, D. K. Yeomans (Eds.). Cambridge University Press (2004).
Model-independent remarks on electron-quark parity-violating neutral-current couplings

Present experiments on atomic parity violation in bismuth and on polarization asymmetry in electron-nucleon deep-inelastic scattering should allow determination of three out of four of the phenomenological parity-violating Fermi couplings of electrons to up and down quarks. The fourth may be obtained via measurement of atomic parity violation in deuterium (but not hydrogen). We also examine the question of corrections to the parton model in the deep-inelastic asymmetry measurements and argue, from a model-independent starting point, that they should be small.
Carbon‐13 chemical shifts of 3‐substituted thietanes, thietane 1‐oxides and thietane 1,1‐dioxides

Carbon-13 chemical shifts of the α- and β-carbon atoms for 12 thietane 1,1-dixides, 9 thietane 1-oxides and 7 thietanes with a variety of 3-substituents [H, CH(CO2Et)2, SEt, Br, SPh, Ph, Cl, NMe2, OH, OSiMe3, OAc, OEt] are correlated according to the nature of the sulfur atom (Y=sulfone, sulfoxide, sulfide) and the nature of the 3-substituent (X) by the equations δα= aY+bX and δβ=aX+bY, where a and b are parameters characteristic of X and Y. One-bond coupling constants [J(CH)] are reported for 21 compounds. The chemical shifts for the α- and the β-carbon atoms of the sulfones show the ‘fore-membered ring sulfone effect’ (α-carbon unusually deshielded, β-carbon unusually shielded), but the α-carbon-hydrogen coupling constants are similar to those of the sulfoxides and sulfides; the β-carbon-hydrogen coupling constants are sensitive to the nature of the substituent (X) but no special β-effect is observed. Comparison of the chemical shifts of the α-methylene carbon atoms of 3-phenyl-, 3-(β-naphthyl)- and 3-(α-thienyl)-thietes with those of the coresponding sulfones also reveals the ‘four-membered ring sulfone effect’ cis- and trans-3-Substituted thietane 1-oxides may be distinguished by the greater downfield shift for the β-carbon atom in the trans-isomer.
Warfarin Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Sins of Omission or Commission?

Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation are increasingly common conditions. Recent estimates suggest that 6% to 8% of noninstitutionalized US adults have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (indicating CKD stage 3 or worse) and nearly 10% have albuminuria.1 Similarly, atrial fibrillation is estimated to have affected more than 2.7 million Americans in 2010.2 The prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation increases with the severity of CKD and, conversely, patients with atrial fibrillation are more likely to have CKD or develop progressive kidney dysfunction. It would therefore seem that aggressive treatment of atrial fibrillation, particularly with regard to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention, would be paramount in patients with CKD.
"SoC and Multi-Core Debug: Are Design for Debug (DFD) features that are put in reuse cores sufficient for Silicon Debug?"

With the advent of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and integration of multiple cores on a single die resulting in Multi-Core chips, complexity of integrated circuits has compounded. This has resulted in additional complexity in debugging Silicon after manufacturing. With some of the SoCs and MultiCores integrating analog cores, the task of debugging deeply embedded analog cores is becoming even more a difficult task. For faster time to market, SoCs and MultiCores instantiate reuse cores. Reuse cores could be soft-cores or hard-cores, sometimes developed internally within the same organization or cores procured externally from external vendors. Design for Debug needs to be planned right from the beginning while developing the reuse cores for ease of debug at the SoC as well as at the MultiCore level, in order to avoid challenges related to Silicon Debug. This panel will address the issue related to "Are these debug features that are incorporated in reuse cores sufficient for SoCs and MultiCores that are being designed today?"
Self‐freezing in an initially wet porous medium

Freeze-drying has received renewed interest in connection with biotechnology, food preservation and chemical industries. Freeze-drying under reduced pressure causes sublimation to occur. Simultaneous freezing of the moisture phase couples the two processes of freezing and sublimation and creates a self-driven process without need for any additional application of external energy other than that required to lower the surface temperature and pressure initially. A mathematical model consisting of coupled diffusion equations describing thermal and mass equilibrium in the solid-liquid and solid-vapour regions is solved analytically. The liquid-solid region is included with unknown freezing interfacial conditions. The effects of various parameters, such as conductivity ratio, latent heats, initial concentration, surface pressure and surface temperature, are examined with respect to the freezing and sublimation rates. The freezing rate is faster than the sublimation rate, though slower than the corresponding rate for constant freezing temperature. The freezing temperature is higher than the sublimation temperature for a constant composition ice pack.
Identifying mRNA, microRNA and protein profiles of melanoma exosomes.

Background Exosomes are small membranous vesicles secreted into body fluids by multiple cell types, including tumor cells, and in various disease conditions. Tumor exosomes contain intact and functional mRNAs, small RNAs (including miRNAs), and proteins that can alter the cellular environment to favor tumor growth. Molecular profiling may increase our understanding of the role of exosomes in melanoma progression and may lead to discovery of useful biomarkers. Methodology/Principal Findings In the present study, we used mRNA array profiling to identify thousands of exosomal mRNAs associated with melanoma progression and metastasis. Similarly, miRNA array profiling identified specific miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-31, -185, and -34b, involved in melanoma invasion. We also used proteomic analysis and discovered differentially expressed melanoma exosomal proteins, including HAPLN1, GRP78, syntenin-1, annexin A1, and annexin A2. Importantly, normal melanocytes acquired invasion ability through molecules transported in melanoma cell-derived exosomes. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that melanoma-derived exosomes have unique gene expression signatures, miRNA and proteomics profiles compared to exosomes from normal melanocytes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in-depth screening of the whole transcriptome/miRNome/proteome expression in melanoma exosomes. These results provide a starting point for future more in-depth studies of tumor-derived melanoma exosomes, which will aid our understanding of melanoma biogenesis and new drug-targets that may be translated into clinical applications, or as non-invasive biomarkers for melanoma.