cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary cytology in lung transplant recipients: recent trends in laboratory utilization.

The value of bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of rejection and opportunistic injection in lung transplant recipients is controversial. We review our experience with pulmonary cytology obtained from 10 lung transplant recipients during the first 15 mos of the transplantation program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and compare the efficacy of pulmonary cytology for the diagnosis of opportunistic infectious agents with that of histology and microbiology. Our study encompasses 1,465 post-transplant days during which 70 bronchoscopies were performed yielding 94 cytologic specimens (44 bronchial washes, 25 bronchial brushings, and 25 bronchoalveolar lavages) and 55 transbronchial biopsies. The major advantages of cytology in this setting are short turn around time and high specificity for nonbacterial agents. All of the patients experienced episodes of bacterial pneumonia as well as fungal and viral infections. None developed Pneumocystis carinii infection during the study period. Simultaneous and concurrent infections were diagnosed. The initial diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia and herpes simplex virus preceded the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus; the former infections tended to persist and/or recur. Cytology was more effective than histology in establishing the diagnosis of Candida sp. and herpes simplex virus, while histology was more effective in establishing the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus. Increased numbers of polymorphonuclear cells did not constitute a consistent finding in cytologic or histologic samples during episodes of bacterial infection; cultures were most sensitive for detection of bacterial infection. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains as well as in situ hybridization studies confirmed diagnoses rendered on routine Papanicolaou and hematoxylin and eosin stained material but did not provide additional diagnoses. No lymphocytosis was observed in bronchoalveolar lavages or bronchial washes that accompanied the 14 transbronchial biopsies diagnosed as mild rejection.
The Cosmic-Ray Intensity Above the Atmosphere at the Geomagnetic Equator

By means of G-M counter telescopes in an Aerobee sounding rocket fired from the USS Norton Sound, total charged particle cosmic-ray intensity above the atmosphere has been measured at the geomagnetic equator. An empirical zenith angle ($\ensuremath{\theta}$) dependence of directional intensity, averaged over all azimuths, is found to be $j(\ensuremath{\theta})=0.028(1+0.6sin\ensuremath{\theta})$, in which $j(\ensuremath{\theta})$ is in absolute units ${(\mathrm{s}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{c}.\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{n})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The deduced vertical intensity 0.028/sec./${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/steradian is thought to be most nearly free of atmospheric albedo and, therefore, to be our best estimate of an upper limit for the primary intensity of charged particles of energy greater than 14 Bev (for protons). A comparison is made with previous results at geomagnetic latitude 41\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}N.
Fabrication of 80 mm diameter-sized solid oxide fuel cells using a water-based NiO–YSZ slurry

Abstract Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are very attractive for their high energy conversion efficiency and low emissions. Generally, a supported layer of SOFCs is fabricated by tape casting, using an organic solvent. Recently, a slurry based on water instead of an organic solvent has been sought in order to avoid environmental pollution. In this study, the anode of SOFCs was fabricated by aqueous tape casting, and the electrolyte and the cathode were deposited by screen printing. The I–V characteristics of the cell thus obtained were evaluated. As a result, an 80 mm diameter-sized cell with a power density of 0.33 W/cm 2 at 800 °C was successfully fabricated by controlling sintering conditions.
Binding of Recombinant but Not Endogenous Prion Protein to DNA Causes DNA Internalization and Expression in Mammalian Cells

Recombinant prion protein, rPrP, binds DNA. Both the KKRPK motif and the octapeptide repeat region of rPrP are essential for maximal binding. rPrP with pathogenic insertional mutations binds more DNA than wild-type rPrP. DNA promotes the aggregation of rPrP and protects its N terminus from proteinase K digestion. When rPrP is mixed with an expression plasmid and Ca2+, the rPrP·DNA complex is taken up by mammalian cells leading to gene expression. In the presence of Ca2+, rPrP by itself is also taken up by cells in a temperature- and pinocytosis-dependent manner. Cells do not take up rPrPΔKKRPK, which lacks the KKRPK motif. Thus, rPrP is the carrier for DNA and the KKRPK motif is essential for its uptake. When mixed with DNA, a pentapeptide KKRPK, but not KKKKK, is sufficient for DNA internalization and expression. In contrast, whereas the normal cellular prion protein, PrPC, on the cell surface can also internalize DNA, the imported DNA is not expressed. These findings may have relevance to the normal functions of PrPC and the pathogenic mechanisms of human prion disease.
Age of onset and effect size in genome-wide association studies.

BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many susceptibility loci for complex traits, but have not identified the majority of the genetic contribution to common diseases. We explored whether the magnitude of associations detected in GWAS and, therefore, the likelihood of detecting a significant association for a given sample size, is generally greater for childhood-onset traits (e.g., birth defects) than for traits with onset in adulthood. METHODS Data were obtained from the National Human Genome Research Institute Catalog of Published GWAS. Traits were categorized as having an average age of onset in childhood (<18 years, n = 15 traits), early adulthood (18–54 years, n = 32 traits), or late adulthood (≥55 years, n = 31 traits). The relationship between age of onset category and the magnitude of significant associations detected by GWAS was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Associations characterized by an odds ratio (OR) ≥ 1.5 were significantly more common for GWAS of childhood traits than for late adulthood-onset traits after adjustment for several covariates (adjusted OR, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–4.73). Results in subgroup analyses using more stringent inclusion criteria (based on sample size, effect size, p value threshold for inclusion, and novel variant-trait associations) were similar. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that, on average, marker-trait associations detected in GWAS for traits with young onset may have a larger magnitude of effect than those for traits with adult onset. Therefore, GWAS for young-onset traits, such as birth defects, may be more likely than those for adult-onset traits to identify major genetic risk factors. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Reorganization of the Presynaptic Dopaminergic Terminal in Parkinsonism

Whether dopamine (DA) release is compensated during the presymptomatic phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) is controversial. Here we use in vivo voltammetry in the parkinsonian rat and an electrical stimulation protocol established to fatigue nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons to investigate the plasticity of DA-release mechanisms. Amplitudes of evoked voltammetric signals recorded in intact rat striata decreased with repetitive, high-frequency stimulation (60 Hz, every 5 min/60 min). Strikingly, DA levels were maintained during an identical "fatiguing" protocol in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned ( 55% denervation) also appeared to sustain DA release, however, this was demonstrated in the presence of enhanced synthesis. Sustained release was replicated in intact animals after irreversible blockade of the dopamine transporter (DAT) via RTI-76, implicating neuronal uptake as a trigger. We further demonstrate through kinetic analysis that lesions and compromised uptake target a "long-term" (time constant of minutes) presynaptic depression, which underlies the maintenance of release. Taken together, our findings identify a denervation-induced maintenance of DA release that was independent of activated synthesis and driven by altered uptake. This novel neuroadaptation may contribute to early preclinical normalization of function and help resolve discrepant findings regarding compensatory changes in DA release during progression of the parkinsonian state.
Consideration of Uncertainties in Compact Cross-Flow Heat Exchanger Design for Gas Turbine Engine Application

Recent experimental work characterized the performance of a unique cross-flow heat exchanger design for application of cooling compressor bleed air using liquid jet fuel before it is consumed in the gas turbine combustor. The proposed design has micro-channels for liquid fuel and cools air flowing in passages created using rows of intermittent fins. The design appears well suited for aircraft applications because it is compact and light-weight. A theoretical model is reported to be in good agreement with experimental measurements using air and water, thus providing a design tool to evaluate variations in the heat exchanger dimensions. This paper presents an evaluation of the heat exchanger performance with consideration of uncertainties in both model parameters and predicted results. The evaluation of the design is proposed to be reproduced by students in a thermal-fluids design class. The heat exchanger performance is reevaluated using the effectiveness–NTU approach and shown to be consistent with the method reported in the original papers. Results show that the effectiveness is low and in the range of 20 to 30% as well as the NTU which ranges from 0.25 to 0.50 when the heat capacity ratio is near unity. The thermal resistance is dominated by the hot gas convective resistance. The uncertainties attributed to fluid properties, physical dimensions, gas pressure, and cold fluid flow rate are less significant when compared to uncertainties associated with hot fluid flow rate, hot fluid inlet temperature, cold fluid inlet temperature, and convective correlation for gas over a finned surface. The model shows which heat transfer mechanisms are most important in the performance of the heat exchanger.© 2013 ASME
A selective report on topics at Pittcon 2015

Abstract Pittcon 2015 , held in New Orleans, LA, USA, 8–12 March 2015, covered the field of analytical chemistry and its applications broadly and deeply. This review covers only a very small portion of the program. It focuses on the interests of the authors.
ANTLR: a predicated- LL(k) parser generator

SUMMARY Despite the parsing power of LR=LALR algorithms, e.g. YACC, programmers often choose to write recursive-descent parsers by hand to obtain increased flexibility, better error handling, and ease of debugging. We introduce ANTLR, a public-domain parser generator that combines the flexibility of hand-coded parsing with the convenience of a parser generator, which is a component of PCCTS. ANTLR has many features that make it easier to use than other language tools. Most important, ANTLR provides predicates which let the programmer systematically direct the parse via arbitrary expressions using semantic and syntactic context; in practice, the use of predicates eliminates the need to hand-tweak the ANTLR output, even for difficult parsing problems. ANTLR also integrates the description of lexical and syntactic analysis, accepts LL(k) grammars for k> 1with extended BNF notation, and can automatically generate
Methods of channeling simulation

Abstract Many computer simulation programs have been used to interpret experiments almost since the first channeling measurements were made. Certain aspects of these programs are important in how accurately they simulate ions in crystals; among these are the manner in which the structure of the crystal is incorporated, how any quantity of interest is computed, what ion-atom potential is used, how deflections are computed from the potential, incorporation of thermal vibrations of the lattice atoms, correlations of thermal vibrations and form of stopping power. Other aspects of the programs are included to improve the speed; among these are table lookup, importance sampling and the multiparameter method. It is desirable for programs to facilitate incorporation of special features of interest in special situations; examples are relaxations and enhanced vibrations of surface atoms, easy substitution of an alternate potential for comparison, change of row directions from layer to layer in strained-layer lattices and different vibration amplitudes for substitutional solute or impurity atoms. Ways of implementing all of these aspects and features and the consequences of them are discussed.
Non-Fickian Water Vapor Sorption Dynamics by Nafion Membranes

Dynamics of water absorption from a saturated vapor and water desorption into dry air for Nafion 1100 EW ionomers have been measured for film thicknesses between 51 and 606 μm and at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 °C. Water absorption and desorption exhibit two distinct non-Fickian characteristics: (1) desorption is 10 times faster than absorption and (2) the normalized mass change does not collapse to a single master curve when plotted against time normalized by membrane thickness squared, t/&#x1d4c1; 2, for either absorption or desorption. Water desorption data were fit well by a model in which diffusion is rapid and interfacial mass transport resistance is the rate-limiting process for water loss. Water absorption is described by a two-stage process. At early times, interfacial mass transport controls water absorption, and at longer times, water absorption is controlled by the dynamics of polymer swelling and relaxation.
An update on cyclooxygenase-2 expression and metabolites in the kidney.

Purpose of reviewThis review highlights recent studies examining the expression and function of cyclooxygenase-2 and its metabolites in the kidney.Recent findingsExpression of cyclooxygenase-2 is regulated by both physiologic and pathophysiologic perturbations, with volume depletion upregulating mac
Investigating the Path of Plastid Genome Degradation in an Early-Transitional Clade of Heterotrophic Orchids, and Implications for Heterotrophic Angiosperms

Parasitic organisms exemplify morphological and genomic reduction. Some heterotrophic, parasitic plants harbor drastically reduced and degraded plastid genomes resulting from relaxed selective pressure on photosynthetic function. However, few studies have addressed the initial stages of plastome degradation in groups containing both photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic species. Corallorhiza is a genus of leafless, heterotrophic orchids that contains both green, photosynthetic species and nongreen, putatively nonphotosynthetic species, and represents an ideal system in which to assess the beginning of the transition to a "minimal plastome." Complete plastomes were generated for nine taxa of Corallorhiza using Illumina paired-end sequencing of genomic DNA to assess the degree of degradation among taxa, and for comparison with a general model of degradation among angiosperms. Quantification of total chlorophyll suggests that nongreen Corallorhiza still produce chlorophyll, but at 10-fold lower concentrations than green congeners. Complete plastomes and partial nuclear rDNA cistrons yielded a fully resolved tree for Corallorhiza, with at least two independent losses of photosynthesis, evidenced by gene deletions and pseudogenes in Co. striata and nongreen Co. maculata. All Corallorhiza show some evidence of degradation in genes of the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex. Among genes with open reading frames, photosynthesis-related genes displayed evidence of neutral evolution in nongreen Corallorhiza, whereas genes of the ATP synthase complex displayed some evidence of positive selection in these same groups, though for reasons unknown. Corallorhiza spans the early stages of a general model of plastome degradation and has added critical insight for understanding the process of plastome evolution in heterotrophic angiosperms.
Alteration of proteolytic processing of c-Myb as a consequence of its truncation in murine myeloid leukemia.

Alteration of proteolytic processing of c-Myb as a consequence of its truncation in murine myeloid leukemia
Instrumentation for the Measurement of Sound Speed near the Ocean Surface

Abstract Air bubbles entrained by breaking waves in the ocean surface layer can dramatically alter the velocity and attenuation of acoustic waves. The development of an effective technique for directly measuring the sound speed near the ocean surface is reported. The method makes use of the travel time of short acoustic pulses between a transmitter and a receiver separated by 40 cm. Phase distortions caused by acoustic reflections from the surface or from nearby buoy structural elements are separated in time from the direct path signal. A DSP-based data processing system was implemented to cross correlate the transmitted and received acoustic pulses and thus yield sound-speed measurements in real time. Perhaps the most significant novelty of the present measurement technique is its ability to make simultaneous measurements of the sound speed at several depths, starting as close as 0.5 m to the surface, at frequencies down to 5 kHz, and at a sample rate of 4 Hz per channel. Furthermore, the technique is di...
Facing the challenges of the year 2000: Learning to manage multidimensional workers

The “organization man” of the 1950s was characterized by an all-encompassing commitment to the work organization. Today, workers are multidimensional and seek a balance between work and nonwork commitments. Research to date has addressed the capacity for multiple commitments simplistically by examining two simultaneously held commitments, such as work organization--family, work organization--union, and work organization--church. Research is needed that examines people's simultaneous and multiple commitments to all of the relevant organizations in their lives. We have proceeded from the one-dimensional “organization man” to the dually-committed person; we now need to consider the person with multiple commitments. A model of multiple organizational commitment is presented, and implications and research directions are discussed.
Independent Studies Using Deep Sequencing Resolve the Same Set of Core Bacterial Species Dominating Gut Communities of Honey Bees

Starting in 2003, numerous studies using culture-independent methodologies to characterize the gut microbiota of honey bees have retrieved a consistent and distinctive set of eight bacterial species, based on near identity of the 16S rRNA gene sequences. A recent study [Mattila HR, Rios D, Walker-Sperling VE, Roeselers G, Newton ILG (2012) Characterization of the active microbiotas associated with honey bees reveals healthier and broader communities when colonies are genetically diverse. PLoS ONE 7(3): e32962], using pyrosequencing of the V1–V2 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene, reported finding entirely novel bacterial species in honey bee guts, and used taxonomic assignments from these reads to predict metabolic activities based on known metabolisms of cultivable species. To better understand this discrepancy, we analyzed the Mattila et al. pyrotag dataset. In contrast to the conclusions of Mattila et al., we found that the large majority of pyrotag sequences belonged to clusters for which representative sequences were identical to sequences from previously identified core species of the bee microbiota. On average, they represent 95% of the bacteria in each worker bee in the Mattila et al. dataset, a slightly lower value than that found in other studies. Some colonies contain small proportions of other bacteria, mostly species of Enterobacteriaceae. Reanalysis of the Mattila et al. dataset also did not support a relationship between abundances of Bifidobacterium and of putative pathogens or a significant difference in gut communities between colonies from queens that were singly or multiply mated. Additionally, consistent with previous studies, the dataset supports the occurrence of considerable strain variation within core species, even within single colonies. The roles of these bacteria within bees, or the implications of the strain variation, are not yet clear.
Impact of TOU rates on distribution load shapes in a smart grid with PHEV penetration

A smart grid introduces new opportunities and challenges to electric power grids especially at the distribution level. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and information portals enable customers to have access to real-time electricity pricing information, thus facilitating customer participation in demand response. The objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates on customer behaviors in a residential community. Research findings indicate that the TOU rate can be properly designed to reduce the peak demand even when PHEVs are present. This result is insensitive to seasons, PHEV penetration levels and PHEV charging strategies. It is expected that this paper can give policy makers, electric utilities and other relevant stakeholders an insight into the impacts of various TOU pricing schemes on distribution load shapes in a smart grid with PHEV penetration.
A Simplified Baculovirus-AAV Expression Vector System Coupled With One-step Affinity Purification Yields High-titer rAAV Stocks From Insect Cells

Scalable methods of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) production have gained much recent interest as the field of rAAV-mediated gene therapy approaches the clinic. In particular, the production of rAAV vectors in insect cells via the use of recombinant baculovirus technology has proven to be an efficient and scalable means of rAAV production. Here, we describe a method for the production of rAAV serotypes 1 and 2 in insect cells using a simplified baculovirus-AAV expression vector system coupled with particle purification via affinity chromatography. The number of separate baculovirus constructs required for rAAV production was reduced by genetically modifying the AAV rep gene to allow expression of the AAV-encoded replication enzymes, Rep78 and Rep52, from a single mRNA species and combining the modified rep gene with an AAV cap gene expression cassette in a single baculovirus construct. Additionally, we describe lysis, binding, and elution conditions compatible with a commercially available affinity medium (AVB Sepharose High Performance) used to purify rAAV particles to near homogeneity in a single chromatography step. Using the described method, we obtained an average yield of 7 × 104 purified rAAV particles per cell (range: 3.7 × 104 to 9.6 × 104) from suspension cultures of recombinant baculovirus–infected insect cells.
Novel methods for storage stability and release of Bacillus spores

Bacillus subtilis spores were immobilized in activated charcoal and tapioca and filled with acacia gum. These formulations were tested for spore stability during storage at temperatures ranging from 40°C to 90°C and for bacterial release. Thermodynamic analysis showed that immobilization of spores in acacia gum significantly increased their viability compared with unprotected spores. The viability was further increased when suspensions of spores in acacia gum were added to granules of charcoal and tapioca. The number of the spores released after storage was also increased when spores were treated with acacia gum prior to immobilization in tapioca and charcoal. Formulations of Bacillus spores with acacia gum and porous carriers (charcoal and tapioca) prolong the anticipated shelf-life of spores even under ambient temperature and provide slow and steady bacterial release consistent with their high viability.
Age Differences in Affective Well-Being: Context Matters

The study of emotion across the adult lifespan requires an understanding of how life circumstances change with age. With this knowledge, we can predict when age is related to increases in affective well-being and when age no longer confers such benefits. In the current paper, we review research that finds age-related stability and even increases in affective well-being, as well as age-related strengths in several emotion regulation strategies. We introduce the theory of Strength and Vulnerability Integration to predict age-related patterns in emotional experience across the adult lifespan, and to identify situations when age will no longer be related to improved emotion-related outcomes. We suggest that only by understanding the context of daily life can we predict when and how age is related to affective well-being.
Heteromation and its (dis)contents: The invisible division of labor between humans and machines

The division of labor between humans and computer systems has changed along both technical and human dimensions. Technically, there has been a shift from technologies of automation, the aim of which was to disallow human intervention at nearly all points in the system, to technologies of “heteromation” that push critical tasks to end users as indispensable mediators. As this has happened, the large population of human beings who have been driven out by the first type of technology are drawn back into the computational fold by the second type. Turning artificial intelligence on its head, one technology fills the gap created by the other, but with a vengeance that unsettles established mechanisms of reward, fulfillment, and compensation. In this fashion, replacement of human beings and their irrelevance to technological systems has given way to new “modes of engagement” with remarkable social, economic, and ethical implications. In this paper we provide a historical backdrop for heteromation and explore and explicate some of these displacements through analysis of a number of cases, including Mechanical Turk, the video games FoldIt and League of Legends, and social media.
Differential expression of the mouse α1-acid glycoprotein genes (AGP-1 and AGP-2) during inflammation and aging

In this study we investigated the expression of the Balb/c mouse α 1 -acid glycoprotein genes. Mice, like humans, have two distinct α 1 -acid glycoprotein mRNAs. As in humans and rats, mouse α 1 -acid glycoprotein is a strong acute-phase reactant and its expression can be induced by acute-phase stimulatory agents such as bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Southern analysis and partial sequencing of different α 1 -acid glycoprotein genomic clones indicated the existence of three distinct α 1 -acid glycoprotein genes in the Balb/c genome. Using oligonucleotide hybridization, we showed that two of the three genes were expressed while the third gene was either not expressed or expressed at extremely low levels. The mRNA levels for the two expressed genes, α 1 -acid glycoprotein-1 and α 1 -acid glycoprotein-2, were both induced during the acute-phase response. However, α 1 -acid glycoprotein-2 mRNA was present in at least 10-fold higher levels in both induced and uninduced mice. There were also differences in the developmental patterns of the two mRNAs in that the constitutive α 1 -acid glycoprotein-1 mRNA levels increased 20-fold between 2 and 7 months, while α 1 -acid glycoprotein-2 mRNA pools remained constant. During the acute-phase response in aged animals, there was an increase in the time required for both mRNAs to respond, and the maximum induced level of both mRNAs decreased. These studies set the stage for future experiments to determine the mechanisms by which the different α 1 -acid glycoprotein genes are regulated during the acute-phase response and how aging affects these regulatory processes.
Representation sets for integral binary quadratic forms over the rationals

Abstract Let f be an integral binary form of discriminant d which represents n integrally. Two rational representations (r, s) and (r′, s′), with denominators prime to n, of n by f are called semiequivalent with respect to f if there is a rational automorph of f with determinant 1 and denominator m which takes (r, s) into (r′, s′) where (m, n) = 1 and m contains no factors p of d such that d p 2 is a discriminant. The number of such equivalence classes for a given f and n is sometimes finite. This number is obtained for forms with negative discriminants which have one class in each primitive genus.
Physiological Functions of Glucocorticoids in Stress and Their Relation to Pharmacological Actions

Introduction and Background Modern glucocorticoid endocrinology is a colorful, richly varied, but formless discipline—a profusion of cellular, physiological and pharmacological effects, seemingly unrelated through any central hormonal function. A current list of glucocorticoid effects might include such disparate items as stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis, inhibition of glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, suppression of inflammation, enhanced excretion of a water load, induction in various cells of tryptophan oxygenase and glutamine synthetase, suppression of numerous immune reactions, inhibition of secretion of several hormones and neuropeptides, and inhibition of activity of plasminogen activator and other neutral proteinases. Judging from recent writings on glucocorticoid physiology, an item that might be low on the list or missing altogether is “increased resistance to stress”.
Acute renal and hepatic toxicity of 2-haloanilines in fischer 344 rats

Aniline and its halogenated derivatives are widely used as chemical intermediates. The purpose of this study was to determine the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential of the 2-haloanilines. Male Fischer 344 rats (n > or = 4) were injected (i.p.) with 1.0 or 1.25 mmol/kg of: aniline (A), 2-fluoroaniline (2-FA), 2-chloroaniline (2-ClA), 2-bromoaniline (2-BrA), 2-iodoaniline (2-IA) or vehicle (0.9% saline, 2.5 ml/kg). All compounds were injected as hydrochloride salts. Renal and hepatic function was monitored 24 h after treatment. All of the 2-haloanilines induced oliguria, diminished kidney weight, tubular casts and decreased renal cortical slice accumulation of organic anions. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were increased (P < 0.05) by treatment with 1.0 or 1.25 mmol/kg of 2-FA, 2-ClA or 2-BrA. Hepatic alterations were also observed and characterized by elevated plasma ALT/GPT activity and altered morphology in the centrilobular region. The nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials were similar among the 2-haloanilines but aniline was less toxic than its 2-halo derivatives. These results demonstrated that halogen substitution at the 2-position of aniline increased hepatic and renal toxicity. However, the severity of toxicity was not influenced by the nature of the halogen substituent.
Linking oxidative events to inflammatory and adaptive gene expression induced by exposure to an organic particulate matter component.

Background: Toxicological studies have correlated inflammatory effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) with its organic constituents, such as the organic electrophile 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ). Objective: To elucidate the mechanisms involved in 1,2-NQ–induced inflammatory responses, we examined the role of oxidant stress in 1,2-NQ–induced expression of inflammatory and adaptive genes in a human airway epithelial cell line. Methods: We measured cytosolic redox status and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in living cells using the genetically encoded green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based fluorescent indicators roGFP2 and HyPer, respectively. Expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA was measured in BEAS-2B cells exposed to 1,2-NQ for 1–4 hr. Catalase overexpression and metabolic inhibitors were used to determine the role of redox changes and H2O2 in 1,2-NQ–induced gene expression. Results: Cells expressing roGFP2 and HyPer showed a rapid loss of redox potential and an increase in H2O2 of mitochondrial origin following exposure to 1,2-NQ. Overexpression of catalase diminished the H2O2-dependent signal but not the 1,2-NQ–induced loss of reducing potential. Catalase overexpression and inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration diminished elevations in IL-8 and COX-2 induced by exposure to 1,2-NQ, but potentiated HO-1 mRNA levels in BEAS cells. Conclusion: These data show that 1,2-NQ exposure induces mitochondrial production of H2O2 that mediates the expression of inflammatory genes, but not the concurrent loss of reducing redox potential in BEAS cells. 1,2-NQ exposure also causes marked expression of HO-1 that appears to be enhanced by suppression of H2O2. These findings shed light into the oxidant-dependent events that underlie cellular responses to environmental electrophiles.
Brief, four-session group CBT reduces binge eating behaviors among bariatric surgery candidates

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, 4-session cognitive behavioral, group psychotherapy for binge eating among bariatric surgery candidates at an academic medical center. Binge eating behaviors have been linked to poorer outcomes among bariatric surgery patients, and binge eating disorder have be considered a contraindication in surgery programs, some of which have mandated preoperative binge eating treatment. However, no previous studies have examined whether a preoperative binge eating intervention could successfully reduce binge eating behaviors among severely obese bariatric surgery candidates. Methods A total of 243 bariatric surgery candidates completed a brief cognitive behavioral group treatment for binge eating behaviors and were administered the Binge Eating Scale and reported the number of weekly binge eating episodes at the initial psychological evaluation and again after the group sessions. The study used a pre–post intervention design. Results The results suggested significant reductions in both binge eating behaviors and cognitions and binge eating episodes after the group intervention. The intervention's effectiveness did not differ according to gender or ethnicity (black versus white). Conclusion A brief cognitive behavioral intervention can reduce binge eating behaviors among bariatric surgery candidates. Given the potential influence of binge eating on outcomes, bariatric surgery programs could benefit by treating binge eating before surgery.
Automated filter optimization using simulated annealing in the frequency domain

The Fourier transforming properties of coherent imaging systems are well known and thoroughly developed. Optical spatial filtering techniques for coherent imaging systems are also a well developed field of study. Most of the advances in spatial filtering techniques were developed for systems with a known set of input characteristics. Once these filters were developed, they were static and unable to change wih a new set of inputs exhibiting a different set of characteristics. This paper will present the theoretical basis and desiy of an adaptive coherent imaging system using a two-dimensional spatial light modulator (5124) in the frequency plane. A computer controller is used as a feedback loop from the output plane back to the 5124. The filter implemented by the SLM is developed by simulated annealing. This iterative process enables the filter to adapt to a variety of inputs and automatically optimize given sufficient iterations. This paper will also present feasible applications of this technique in image processing and pattern recognition.
Purification and properties of an endonuclease from Chlamydomonas.

Abstract A nuclease has been purified 4000-fold from the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardi . The enzyme is sugar nonspecific, a 3′-phosphate former, and an endonuclease. The enzyme has a pH optimum of about 8.8 in Tris-Cl buffer and is activated by Ca 2+ and, to a somewhat lesser extent by Cu 2+ . Both RNase and DNase activities are selectively inhibited by 0.01 m NaCl, 0.01 m KC1 having little effect. Denatured DNA is hydrolyzed 200–300 times faster than native DNA. The name Chlamydomonas endonuclease A is suggested for this enzyme.
Influenza basic polymerase 2 peptides are recognized by influenza nucleoprotein-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) play an important role in limiting viral infections and in eradicating virus from host tissues. Recent progress in understanding the processing and presentation of viral antigens to CTL indicates that the CTL antigen receptor recognizes peptides derived from viral proteins that are bound to an antigen binding groove present in class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In understanding CTL anti-viral responses and in creating vaccines designed to elicit CTL responses, it is critical to identify the portions of viral proteins that bind class I molecules and are recognized by T cell receptors. Previous findings have indicated that a significant portion of the CTL response of H-2d mice to influenza virus is specific for one of the viral polymerases (PB2). To identify the region of PB2 naturally processed and presented by influenza virusinfected mouse cells to CTL, 31 PB2 peptides of 9–16 residues in length were chosen and chemically synthesized. Two peptides, PB2, residues 146–159 and 187–195, were found to sensitize histocompatible target cells for recognition by influenza virus-specific CTL. When CTL were generated to individual viral proteins using influenza-vaccinia recombinant viruses, we found, to our surprise, that PB2-specific CTL failed to recognize cells sensitized with PB2 peptides 146–159 and 187–195. Further analysis showed that these PB2 peptides were, in fact, recognized by nucleoprotein (NP)-specific CTL generated by NP-vac virus priming and influenza A virus stimulation, or NP peptide stimulation in vitro of NP-vac or influenza A-primed CTL. These results demonstrate that while screening peptide libraries one cannot assume that positive peptides necessarily identify the viral protein to which the CTL response is directed.
Carcinogenic Activity of Dichloroacetic Acid and Trichloroacetic Acid in the Liver of Female B6C3F1 Mice

The concentration-response relationships for the hepatocarcinogenic activity of dichloroacetic acid2 (DCA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), two contaminants of finished drinking water, were determined in female B6C3F1 mice. Dicholoracetic acid or trichloroacetic acid at 2.0, 6.67, or 20.0 mmol/liter was administered to the mice in the drinking water starting at 7 to 8 weeks of age and until sacrifice after 360 or 576 days of exposure. The relationships of the yield of foci of altered hepatocytes, hepatocellular adenomas, and hepatocellular carcinomas to the concentration of DCA and TCA in the water were best described by second-order and linear regressions, respectively. The liver-to-body weight ratio increased linearly for both DCA and TCA, as did the vacuolization of the liver induced by DCA. The foci of altered hepatocytes and tumors in the animals treated with DCA were predominantly eosinophilic and contained glutathione S-transferase-pi (GST-pi, over 80% of the lesions), while the tumors induced by TCA were predominantly basophilic and lacked GST-pi, including all 11 hepatocellular carcinomas. Therefore, the carcinogenic activity of DCA AND TCA appeared to differ both with respect to their dose- response relationship and to the characteristics of precancerous lesions and tumors.
Location and Agricultural Practices Influence Spring use of Harvested Cornfields by Cranes and Geese in Nebraska

ABSTRACT Millions of ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis; hereafter cranes) stop in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) of Nebraska to store nutrients for migration and reproduction by consuming corn remaining in fields after harvest. We examined factors that influence use of cornfields by cranes and geese (all mid-continent species combined; e.g., Anser, Chen, and Branta spp.) because it is a key step to efficient conservation planning aimed at ensuring that adequate food resources are available to migratory birds stopping in the CPRV. Distance to night-time roost site, segment of the CPRV (west to east), and agricultural practices (post-harvest treatment of cornfields: idle, grazed, mulched, mulched and grazed, and tilled) were the most important and influential variables in our models for geese and cranes. Probability of cornfield use by geese and cranes decreased with increasing distance from the closest potential roosting site. The use of cornfields by geese increased with the densi...
A Model for Predicting Damage in Graphite/Epoxy Laminated Composites Resulting from Low-Velocity Point Impact

An investigation was performed to study the impact damage of graphite/epoxy laminated composites caused by a low-velocity foreign object. The impact damage in terms of matrix cracking and delaminations resulting from a point-nose impac tor was the primary concern. A model was developed for predicting the initiation of the damage and the extent of the final damage as a function of material properties, laminate configuration and the impactor's mass. The model consists of a stress analysis and a failure analysis. A transient dynamic finite element analysis was adopted for calculating the stresses and strains inside the composites during impact resulting from a point-nose im pactor. Failure criteria were proposed for predicting the initial intraply matrix cracking and the size of the interface delaminations in the composites. Experiments were also per formed to verify the model and the computer simulations. The predictions agreed fairly well with the test data.
Influence of Caloric Restriction on Constitutive Expression of NF-κB in an Experimental Mouse Astrocytoma

Background Many of the current standard therapies employed for the management of primary malignant brain cancers are largely viewed as palliative, ultimately because these conventional strategies have been shown, in many instances, to decrease patient quality of life while only offering a modest increase in the length of survival. We propose that caloric restriction (CR) is an alternative metabolic therapy for brain cancer management that will not only improve survival but also reduce the morbidity associated with disease. Although we have shown that CR manages tumor growth and improves survival through multiple molecular and biochemical mechanisms, little information is known about the role that CR plays in modulating inflammation in brain tumor tissue. Methodology/Principal Findings Phosphorylation and activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) results in the transactivation of many genes including those encoding cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1), both of which are proteins that are primarily expressed by inflammatory and malignant cancer cells. COX-2 has been shown to enhance inflammation and promote tumor cell survival in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the current report, we demonstrate that the p65 subunit of NF-κB was expressed constitutively in the CT-2A tumor compared with contra-lateral normal brain tissue, and we also show that CR reduces (i) the phosphorylation and degree of transcriptional activation of the NF-κB-dependent genes COX-2 and AIF-1 in tumor tissue, as well as (ii) the expression of proinflammatory markers lying downstream of NF-κB in the CT-2A malignant mouse astrocytoma, [e.g. macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)]. On the whole, our date indicate that the NF-κB inflammatory pathway is constitutively activated in the CT-2A astrocytoma and that CR targets this pathway and inflammation. Conclusion CR could be effective in reducing malignant brain tumor growth in part by inhibiting inflammation in the primary brain tumor.
Attitudes toward the voluntary taking of life: An updated analysis of euthanasia correlates

Predictors of attitudes toward euthanasia and suicide options for the terminally ill from 1977 to 1985 are examined. Multiple regression analyses indicate that the importance of several predictor variables has changed over time; variables of an ideological nature, in particular, appear significant when used as predictors. Further inspection of the data suggests the importance of religious affiliation in explaining right‐to‐die attitudes. The overall analysis supports the necessity of taking into account ideological as well as demographi‐cal variables when conducting research concerning death attitudes. Results indicate that religious and secular ideologies will likely influence the social construction of institutional policies intended to cope with the voluntary taking of life.
Ultrasonic velocities in sands—revisited

Ultrasonic compressional and shear‐wave velocities of isotropic sands are shown to be dependent on their mineralogy, their porosity, their fluid content, and their state of consolidation, under fixed temperature and pressure conditions. This leads to a distinction between two broad classes of sands: those that are well consolidated, and those that are loosely consolidated. Changes in elastic velocities reflect changes in the ratio of bulk and shear moduli to density in response to lithologic variations. We decouple the two effects by examining changes in elastic moduli with respect to changes in lithology, and we observe three main points: (1) For consolidated sandstones, the effects of mineralogy and porosity can be approximated both empirically and theoretically by a modified isostrain theory: the dry bulk and shear moduli of the rock aggregate follow a “mixing law,” being linear combinations of the respective moduli of the individual constituents. The dry elastic moduli of families of clean sands and s...
Single-Mode Fiber Pseudo-Depolarizer

A technique for the pseudo-depolarization of a long-coherence length source is described, which is based on a simple polarization modulation scheme. Using a length of high birefringence fiber wound on a piezoelectric transducer, a simple all-fiber polarization scrambler can be constructed. Details of an electro-optic scrambler are also reported. The depolarization technique is shown to eliminate the effects of input-lead-birefringence induced polarization fading in interferometric sensors.
Simulation study of a field emission triode structure using carbon-nanotube emitters

The device level simulation analysis without considering nanometer geometry of the emissive material is carried out on a self-aligned gated field emission triode structure that can be used for low electric-field emissive materials such as carbon nanotubes. The electric properties of the device, such as electric-field distribution, pixel capacitance, and gate controllability, are simulated using a commercially available field solver based on the boundary-element method. The simulation results show that the depletion-mode operation can eliminate high electric field near the triple-junction regions and produce better uniform emission, comparing enhanced mode operation. The detail of the depletion mode operation is discussed. We also calculate the effect of the gate thickness on pixel emission current and suggest control of the variation of gate layer depostion within 3% in short distance and 20%-30% over the whole display area.