cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systemic administration of cellular interleukin-10 can exacerbate cardiac allograft rejection in mice.

Cellular interleukin-10 (cIL-10) has been shown to inhibit cytokine production by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells by blocking antigen presenting cell function. This activity has suggested that IL-10 might be useful in the treatment of transplant rejection. Stimulatory effects of IL-10 however, have also been observed both on T and B cell differentiation. In this study, we examined the influence of recombinant (r) mouse (m) IL-10 on heterotopic vascularized heart allograft survival in the B10(H2 b )→C3H(H2 k ) strain combination that crosses both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC-histocompatibility antigen (non-MHC-HA) barriers. The influence of IL-10 was also examined in the B10.BR (H2 k )-C3H combination with disparity at only non-MHC-HA loci. Postoperative intraperitoneal administration of IL-10 (100 μg/d, days 0-6) significantly accelerated heart graft rejection both in the B10→C3H (mean survival time [MST] 7.8±0.2 days; control MST 10.6±0.6 days; P<0.05) and the B10→BR-C3H combination (MST 14.3±0.5 days; control MST 77.7±14.4 days). Ex vivo IL-10 perfusion of donor hearts for either 15 min or 2 hr did not affect subsequent graft survival. Immunologic monitoring of transplanted mice revealed that IL-10 treatment (100 μg/d, i.p., days 0-6) increased both the circulating complement-dependent cytotoxic (CDC) antibody titer and splenic anti-donor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity measured up to 3 weeks posttransplant. These findings indicate that post transplant systemic administration of cIL-10 can promote vascularized allograft rejection, and that this may reflect stimulation both of B and T cell alloimmune responses.
Ion optics of multipole devices. I. Theory of the dodecapole

Abstract Properties are established for an ion-optical device consisting of twelve parallel rods placed equidistantly on a circle. In comparison with conventional devices, this dodecapole features improved deflection and quadrupole focusing of ion beams, two-directional focusing, correction of second- and third-order aberrations, and the simultaneous application of combinations of these properties.
A channel repertoire for TVRO satellite viewers

In a survey of 227 viewers with television‐receive‐only satellite systems, the authors learned that most limited their viewing to a repertoire of fewer than eight channels. Although the majority of channel choices were satellite transponders, more than half of the respondents watched local television during the week. Transponders chosen came primarily from two satellites. The authors conclude that these choices may be a function of hardware limitations rather than channel loyalty.
Demonstration of virus particles within immune complexes by electron microscopy

Abstract A method has been developed to detect virus particles within immune complexes by electron microscopy (VICEM test). Radioiodinated or unlabeled adenovirus type 2 immune complexes (IC) in human serum were used to determine the optimal conditions. Best results were obtained when the immune complexes were precipitated with 5% polyethylene glycol 6000, adsorbed with 0.5% of protein A-containing Staphylococcus aureus (Cowan 1) and eluted. with brief sonication, in 2 M propionic acid. When the eluate was examined by the pseudoreplica method of electron microscopy, morphologically intact viruses, concentrated over five-fold and free from background serum proteins, were readily demonstrated. The method is applicable to virus IC with a wide range of antigen-to-antibody ratios and requires a minimum of 10 4 –10 5 virus particles. This method should be useful for the characterization of IC in clinical specimens obtained from patients with viral infections and for the possible demonstration of viral agents in immune complex diseases of unknown etiology. A modification of the technique can also be used for the rapid serological identification of viruses by electron microscopy, as exemplified by studies using adeno- and herpes simplex viruses.
Radiation technique for production of localized myocardial necrosis in the intact dog.

SummaryThe radiation effects of 2,500 to 20,000 roentgens on the canine myocardium have been studied. A collimated x-ray beam, 2.54 cm in diameter, was delivered to the heart of 12 dogs at a rate of 210 roentgens per minute. A localized area of myocardial necrosis was evident by the 7th to 10th post-irradiation day in the hearts which received a dose of 20,000 roentgens. Evolution of the myocardial lesion was documented electrocardiographically, and by pathologic examination. Microscopically, the cardiac necrosis was strikingly similar to vascular infarction in the human myocardium. The use of this radiation technique for experimental production of localized myocardial necrosis is discussed.
Targeting metastatic prostate cancer with radiolabeled monoclonal antibody J591 to the extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We performed an interim analysis of imaging data collected in 2 phase I radioimmunotherapy trials to determine the ability of monoclonal antibody (mAb) J591 directed to the extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to target sites of known metastatic prostate cancer accurately.Materials and Methods: Patients with progressing hormone independent prostate cancer were entered in 2 phase I dose finding trials with radiolabeled mAb J591. J591 is the first mAb targeting the extracellular domain of PSMA as well as the first de-immunized (humanized) mAb to PSMA to be tested in humans. These trials were primarily designed to assess dose limiting toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics and organ dosimetry. Planar gamma camera imaging studies obtained on the first 53 patients were reviewed and compared to sites of metastatic prostate cancer visualized on conventional imaging studies including bone scan, computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. In ...
FANCD2 Hurdles the DNA Interstrand Crosslink

Left unrepaired, DNA interstrand crosslinks represent impassable hurdles for DNA replication, and their removal is a complicated stepwise process involving a variety of enzymes. In a recent paper in Science, Knipscheer et al. (2009) demonstrate that the Fanconi Anemia protein FANCD2 promotes multiple steps of the crosslink repair process.
Comparison of Teen Driver Fatality Rates by Vehicle Type in the United States

Objectives: To compare national fatality rates for teen drivers by vehicle type. Methods: Fatality rates were calculated for 16- to 19-year-old drivers by vehicle type using data from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (1999–2003) and estimates of miles driven from the National Household Transportation Survey (2001). Relative fatality risks for teen drivers of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups were calculated using passenger cars as a reference. Results: Per vehicle mile driven, the fatality risk for both male and female teens driving SUVs was decreased relative to passenger car drivers (male teens: relative risk [RR], 0.33 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29 to 0.37]; female teens: RR, 0.45 [95% CI = 0.34 to 0.59]). Fatality rates for male teens driving pickups were also lower per mile driven compared with male passenger car drivers (RR, 0.55 [95% CI = 0.51 to 0.60]). Fatality rates for female teens driving pickups and passenger cars were not statistically different but appear potentially higher for pickups (RR, 1.19 [95% CI = 0.98 to 1.44]). Both SUVs and pickups demonstrated significantly higher rates of fatal rollovers than passenger cars. Female adolescent drivers of SUVs and pickups were at particularly high risk for fatal rollovers per vehicle mile driven compared with passenger cars (SUV: RR, 1.88 [95% CI = 1.19 to 2.96]; pickup: RR, 3.42 [95% CI = 2.29 to 5.10]). Conclusions: Fatality rates for teen drivers vary significantly by vehicle type. From 1999 to 2003 in the United States, fatal rollovers were significantly more likely per mile driven for teen drivers of both SUVs and pickups compared with passenger cars. However, overall fatality rates (i.e., all crash types) for teen drivers of SUVs and male drivers of pickups were lower per mile driven than for teen drivers of passenger cars. The results of this ecological analysis cannot predict the individual-level fatality risk for teens driving different vehicle types. However, the significant variability in fatality rates among SUVs, pickups, and passenger cars seen at a population level suggests that vehicle choice should be further explored as a potentially modifiable risk factor in interventions to address teen driver safety. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2007; 14:850–855 a 2007 by the Society for Academic Emergency
Nominal exchange rate volatility, relative price volatility, and the real exchange rate

Abstract We model real exchange rate, nominal exchange rate, and relative price volatility using real and nominal factors. We analyze these volatility measures across developing and industrialized countries. We find that the inclusion of nominal factors achieves a sizable reduction in the real exchange rate volatility spread between developing and industrialized countries. In addition, we find that nominal factors matter to real exchange rate volatility in the short run and the long run, and that for developing countries, a higher share of real exchange rate volatility stems from relative price volatility.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by over-the-top repair combined with popliteus tendon plasty

We used the MacIntosh over-the-top repair combined with a popliteal tendon plasty in 273 athletically active patients with chronic incapacitating functional instability due to anterior cruciate ligament rupture; 244 were reviewed at three to nine years after operation. We describe the technique and its results, with functional evaluation by the Tegner and Lysholm system. Excellent or good results were obtained in 71%; most of the 29% fair or poor results were due to extensive meniscal and degenerative changes. In a group of 11 patients with excellent results arthroscopic and histological findings were encouraging, showing good incorporation of the graft.
Protecting research subjects under the waiver of informed consent for emergency research: experiences with efforts to inform the community.

Abstract Study objectives: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Health and Human Services created a method for obtaining a waiver of informed consent to permit research in emergency settings when patients are not competent. One of the requirements to obtain a waiver is public disclosure about the research. We describe approaches used to meet the public disclosure requirement. Methods: We performed a qualitative content analysis of the FDA's repository for mandatory documentation of public disclosure efforts as of November 1999. Data from 4 studies were analyzed: 2 multi-institutional trials involving trauma and 2 smaller trials involving cardiac arrest. These efforts included both 1-way communications, such as announcements, and 2-way communications, such as focus groups and public meetings. Participation in and common concerns expressed during 2-way communications were noted, as was evidence of mechanisms of advance refusal and the collection of quantitative data on public opinion. Results: One-way communications were the predominant method of disclosure. Many 2-way communications were not directed toward lay persons. Those that were often involved fewer than 15 participants. Concerns regarding inability to refuse study participation, racial biases affecting study design and execution, and ambiguity with regard to how community input would be used in study decisionmaking were raised in several 2-way communications. A minority of participating hospitals announced mechanisms of advance refusal or collected quantitative data on public opinion concerning proposed research. Conclusion: Initial experience with obtaining a waiver of informed consent for emergency research suggests that community involvement and specific public concerns should be carefully considered in future applications for such a waiver. [ Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:72-78.]
Turning breakdowns into opportunities for creativity

Abstract Design is a creative activity. Computational artifacts change the way people design. The author's research in design and design support systems has been firmly rooted in a cooperative problem solving approach that tries to amplify the creativity of designers by the use of domain-oriented design environments. Evolving design artifacts represented within the environment are able to ‘talk back’ to both system builders and future users, and act as representations for mutual understanding between various stakeholders. The domain orientation allows design activities to be conversations with the materials of the design situation. However, in many situations, artifacts do not speak for themselves. To address this problem, the environments were augmented with computational agents that identified breakdowns which might have remained unnoticed without them. These breakdowns provide opportunities for enhancing the creativity of designers by giving them support in reframing problems, attempting alternative design solutions, and exploring relevant unknown background knowledge.
Structure and regulation of a nuclear gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that specifies MRP7, a protein of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome

Abstract MRP13 is defined by biochemical criteria as a 35-kilodalton small subunit protein of the yeast mitochondrial ribosome. The MRP13 gene was identified by immunological screening of a yeast genomic library in lambda gt11 and a functional copy of the gene has been cloned on a 2.2-kilobase BglII fragment. Sequencing of this fragment showed that the MRP13 coding region specifies a 324-amino-acid basic protein with a calculated Mr of 37,366. Computer searches failed to reveal any significant sequence similarity to previously identified ribosomal proteins or to the sequences in the current National Biomedical Research Foundation data base. Cells carrying disrupted copies of MRP13 lacked the MRP13 protein but were not impaired in either mitochondrial protein synthesis or assembly of 37S ribosomal subunits, indicating that, like L29 and L30 in Escherichia coli (M. Lotti, E. R. Dabbs, R. Hasenbank, M. Stoffler-Meilicke, and G. Stoffler, Mol. Gen. Genet. 192:295-300, 1983), MRP13 is not essential for ribosome synthesis or function. Analysis of the sequence in the MRP13 5'-flanking region revealed the closely linked gene for the cytoplasmic ribosomal protein rp39A. The rp39A coding region began at nucleotide -846 and ended at -325 with respect to the MRP13 translational start. The steady-state levels of the MRP13 mRNA were determined in response to carbon catabolite repression, variation in the mitochondrial genetic background, and increased gene dosage of MRP13. In [rho+] cells, transcript levels were repressed severalfold by growth in glucose compared with growth in either galactose or nonfermentable carbon sources. In respiratory-deficient strains ([rho0], [mit-]), however, transcription appeared to be largely derepressed even in the presence of high concentrations of glucose. Despite high levels of the MRP13 transcripts in [rho0] cells, the MRP13 protein did not accumulate, suggesting that the protein is relatively unstable in the absence of ribosome assembly. Cells carrying the MRP13 gene on a multiple-copy plasmid overproduced the mRNA in rough proportion to the gene dosage and the protein in a significant but lesser amount. The results indicate that MRP13 expression is regulated predominantly at the transcriptional level in response to catabolite repression and the cellular capacity for respiration and, in addition, that protein levels appear to be modulated posttranscriptionally by degradation of free copies of the MRP13 protein.
Fine limestone additions to regulate setting in high volume fly ash mixtures

Abstract High volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete mixtures are being considered more frequently due to their cost and sustainability advantages. While the long term performance of these HVFA concretes typically meets or exceeds that of conventional concretes, their early age performance is often characterized by excessive retardation of the hydration reactions, delayed setting times, and low strengths. Extending an HVFA mixture to a ternary blend that incorporates a fine limestone powder may provide a viable solution to these deficiencies, particularly the hydration retardation and setting issues. In this paper, a nano-limestone powder and two other limestone fillers of increasing median particle size (4.4 μm and 16.4 μm) are investigated for their propensity to accelerate early age reactions and reduce setting times in a Class C fly ash/cement blend. The fineness of the limestone has measurable effects on its efficacy in accelerating hydration and decreasing setting times. Companion specimens prepared with a fine silica powder suggest that the fine limestone may act favorably through both a physical and a chemical mechanism. Isothermal calorimetry and Vicat needle penetration measurements on pastes are accompanied by strength measurements on mortars, to verify that the limestone powder substitutions are not negatively impacting strength development. A linear relationship with a reasonable correlation is found to exist between 1 d and 7 d compressive strengths of mortars and their accompanying cumulative heat release values as determined using isothermal calorimetry.
Cerebral energy metabolism during experimental status epilepticus.

—The concentration of ATP, ADP, AMP, phosphocreatine and of 5 intermediates of carbohydrate metabolism were determined in rodent brain after single and repeated seizures induced by either electroshock (ES), flurothyl or pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). In paralysed-ventilated rats, one ES produced a 4–5 fold increase in cortical glycolytic flux (estimated from changes in glucose and lactate), and associated increases in pyruvate and in the lactate/pyruvate ratio. Total high energy phosphates declined during the seizure; a decrease was also calculated in cortical tissue pH and in the cytoplasmic [NAD+]/[NADH] ratio. Similar changes in brain were observed in ventilated mice after ES, but in paralysed animals, no decrease in high energy phosphates occurred during the first seizure. More vigorous and prolonged chemically-induced seizures in both rats and mice elicited a decrease in the cerebral energy reserves with a rise in lactate and in the lactate/pyruvate ratio. At all times during the seizures the cerebral venous blood had a higher oxygen tension than that of control animals (rats) or was visibly reddened (mice), implying that oxygen availability to brain exceeded metabolic demands. It is proposed that the development of‘non-hypoxic’cerebral lactacidosis during seizures is part of the overall metabolic response of the brain to an abrupt increase in energy consumption. The response constitutes a homeostatic influence which promotes cerebral vasodilatation, thereby increasing blood flow and the delivery of substrates. With repeated seizures, delivered 2 min apart, glycogen declined progressively, but concentrations of the adenine nucleotides appeared to plateau, suggesting that a new energy balance had been established. However, after 20–25 seizures, the attacks became self-generating and there was a further reduction in the tissue high energy phosphate stores, a fall in brain glucose and in the brain/blood glucose ratio. It is concluded that the brain possesses a limited capacity to adjust its metabolism to meet the increased energy requirements of single or repeated seizures, but that this mechanism ultimately fails during status epilepticus unless the abnormal electrical discharges, themselves, are brought under control.
Comparison of Indirect and Direct Methods of Distance Sampling for Estimating Density of White-Tailed Deer

Although wildlife biologists need reliable estimates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density to facilitate management, few studies have examined distance sampling as a density estimation technique for this species. We compared direct (i.e., spotlighting from road transects) and indirect (i.e., counting pellets on randomly placed transects) distance-sampling techniques for estimating deer densities in east-central Illinois, southern Illinois, and northern Michigan (USA) during 2007–2008. Density estimates (95% CI) from indirect distance sampling for northern Michigan, east-central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 6.1–12.7 deer/km2, 11.2–15.8 deer/km2, and 15.4 deer/km2, respectively. Density estimates from direct distance sampling for northern Michigan, east-central Illinois, and southern Illinois were 18.3–25.2 deer/km2, 14.4–18.1 deer/km2, and 19.0 deer/km2, respectively. Although density estimates did not differ between techniques in east-central Illinois and southern Illinois, density estimates derived by direct sampling were slightly higher than those derived by indirect sampling. Estimates of density from direct distance sampling were higher than indirect distance sampling in northern Michigan. The difference in estimates among study areas may be due to landscape-specific differences in the behavioral response of deer to roads and the representativeness of road transects. In landscapes containing more agriculture, roads tend to be systematically distributed and forest edges are independent of road placement, which may explain why both distance-sampling methods provided similar results in Illinois. However, in more forested landscapes such as Michigan, roads tend to follow streams and may provide forest edges that are relatively scarce on the landscape. Deer in forested landscapes may be attracted to roadsides, resulting in higher density estimates not indicative of surrounding forested areas. Therefore, use of road transects for direct distance sampling may be more applicable in non-forested landscapes. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Rationale and results of the Stanford modification of the David V reimplantation technique for valve-sparing aortic root replacement

Even though the concept of valve-sparing aortic root replacement was introduced 35 years ago, confusion still exists about the strengths and weaknesses of the different surgical procedures used when relatively normal aortic cusps call for replacing the aortic root and preserving the regurgitant aortic valve rather than replacing the valve with a composite valve graft. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement operations are subdivided into 2 general families: (1) the Yacoub ‘‘remodeling’’ technique used since 1979 and (2) the David ‘‘reimplantation’’ technique performed since 1988. Innumerable individual modifications of the David reimplantation procedure have been described, but many surgeons are still unclear about the rationale behind these different approaches and what they strive to accomplish. At the base, all reimplantation methods firmly anchor the aortic graft proximally at theventriculoaortic junction below the leaflets in the left ventricular outflow tract with the commissures sewn inside the polyester fabric graft. This is unphysiologic because it abolishes the pronounced 3-dimensional dynamicmotion of the normal aortic annulus, but the annulus cannot dilate postoperatively, causing recurrent aortic regurgitation (AR). To Tirone David’s chagrin, in 2003 I attempted to track the evolution of his personal surgical valve-sparing techniques. The ‘‘David I’’ is the original reimplantation procedure, which uses a 26to 30-mm cylindrical tube graft. The ‘‘David II’’ and ‘‘David III’’ are variations of Yacoub’s remodeling procedure (the David III incorporated a strip of polytetrafluoroethylene felt externally across the base of the noncoronary sinus from trigone to trigone of themitral valve tominimize subsequent annular
Small-angle neutron scattering studies of charged carboxyl-terminated dendrimers in solutions.

Small-angle neutron scattering was used to characterize the solution behavior of charged carboxylic acid terminated “cascade” dendrimers (Z-Cascade/methane [4]/3-oxo-6-oxa-2-azaheptylidyne/3-oxo-2-azaheptylidyne/propanoic acids) of third (G3) and fifth (G5) generations as a function of dendrimer concentration, pH, and ionic strength. An increase in dendrimer concentration leads to a single broad peak in the scattering profile arising from interdendrimer interaction. The dissociation of terminal carboxylate groups also gives rise to an interdendrimer interaction peak, which could be suppressed by the addition of excess salt. The results of contrast matching measurements indicate the accumulation of an excess concentration of tetramethylammonium counterions around the surface of these highly charged particles, and the thickness of these counterions lies somewhere between 4 and 6 A. This conclusion is consistent with our previous potentiometric titration (Zhang, H.; et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 1997, 101, 3494) a...
Mutual information in coupled multi-shape model for medical image segmentation

This paper presents extensions which improve the performance of the shape-based deformable active contour model presented earlier in [IEEE Conf. Comput. Vision Pattern Recog. 1 (2001) 463] for medical image segmentation. In contrast to that previous work, the segmentation framework that we present in this paper allows multiple shapes to be segmented simultaneously in a seamless fashion. To achieve this, multiple signed distance functions are employed as the implicit representations of the multiple shape classes within the image. A parametric model for this new representation is derived by applying principal component analysis to the collection of these multiple signed distance functions. By deriving a parametric model in this manner, we obtain a coupling between the multiple shapes within the image and hence effectively capture the co-variations among the different shapes. The parameters of the multi-shape model are then calculated to minimize a single mutual information-based cost criterion for image segmentation. The use of a single cost criterion further enhances the coupling between the multiple shapes as the deformation of any given shape depends, at all times, upon every other shape, regardless of their proximity. We found that this resulting algorithm is able to effectively utilize the co-dependencies among the different shapes to aid in the segmentation process. It is able to capture a wide range of shape variability despite being a parametric shape-model. And finally, the algorithm is robust to large amounts of additive noise. We demonstrate the utility of this segmentation framework by applying it to a medical application: the segmentation of the prostate gland, the rectum, and the internal obturator muscles for MR-guided prostate brachytherapy.
“Everywhere we go, We are in danger”: Ti Manno and the emergence of a Haitian transnational identity

During the second week of May 1985, the news spread rapidly among Haitians in New York that Ti Manno, a popular Haitian musician, had died. The rumors were put to rest when Ti Manno, sobbing, telephoned a Haitian radio program to say he was alive but sick; he asked for people's prayers. A number of prominent Haitian personalities responded by forming a movement of support for Ti Manno called Operasyon Men Kontre (Operation Clasped Hands), which had as its immediate goal raising money to pay Ti Manno's hospital bills. Ti Manno had not requested the money and did not need it. From collection boxes placed at Haitian businesses and centers around New York City and from contributions sent by individuals in Haiti, $10,000 was collected over the course of a month. To raise even more money, a concert was held that brought together some of the best-known Haitian musicians in New York. But the day after the concert, word spread that Ti Manno had died, and this time the rumor was true. The story made banner headlines in the Haitian newspapers in New York, which also announced the arrangements for public viewing of the body and the plans for the funeral and burial. It was rumored that Ti Manno had requested on his deathbed that his body be prevented from falling into the hands of the Duvalier government. To respect his wishes, his body would be buried in New York until the overthrow of Duvalier. Ti Manno's remains would then be returned to Haiti for permanent inhumation. At the public viewing of Ti Manno's body, police barricades had to be set up to control the crowds, as more than 5000 people filed past his casket, many weeping openly. On the day of the funeral, mourners filled the church hours before the funeral service was to begin. More than 1000 people attended the ceremony, while several hundred more waited outside. The following week, the death of Ti Manno was the hottest topic of conversation among Haitians in New York. Haitian newspapers published Ti Manno's life story and the eulogy presented by his brother, a Catholic priest who had traveled from Haiti to officiate at his funeral. The newspapers printed messages of condolence sent by a broad spectrum of the Haitian population in the United States, ranging from leaders and prominent businessmen to ordinary citizens. The extensive press coverage in the weeks after Ti Manno's death ignored the newest round of rumors, the whispered stories that Ti Manno had died of AIDS. Through his music, Ti Manno, The lyrics of Ti Manno, a popular Haitian singer, and the short-lived Ti Manno movement are examined in order to elucidate the factors that shape the multiple and overlapping identities of Haitian immigrants. It is argued that, as black immigrants, Haitians tend to be "transnationals" who form identities that allow them to accommodate to and resist realities of race and class in both Haiti and the United States. [transnationalism, ethnic identity, race, immigration, Haiti, nationalism, class] III I III I I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II II~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nucleotide Variation in the tinman and bagpipe Homeobox Genes of Drosophila melanogaster

The tinman (tin) and bagpipe (bap) genes are members of the NK homeobox gene family of Drosophila, so that tin occupies a higher position than bap in the regulatory hierarchy. Little is known about the level and pattern of genetic polymorphism in homeobox genes. We have analyzed nucleotide polymorphism in 27 strains of Drosophila melanogaster and one each of D. simulans and D. sechellia, within two closely linked regions encompassing a partial sequence of tin and the complete sequence of bap. The two genes exhibit different levels and patterns of nucleotide diversity. Two sets of sharply divergent sequence types are detected for tin. The haplotype structure of bap is more complex: about half of the sequences are identical (or virtually so), while the rest are fairly heterogeneous. The level of silent nucleotide variability is 0.0063 for tin but significantly higher, 0.0141, for bap, a level of polymorphism comparable to the most polymorphic structural genes of D. melanogaster. Recombination rate and gene conversion are also higher for bap than for tin. There is strong linkage disequilibrium, with the highest values in the introns of both genes and exon II of bap. The patterns of polymorphism in tin and bap are not compatible with an equilibrium model of selective neutrality. We suggest that negative selection and demographic history are the major factors shaping the pattern of nucleotide polymorphism in the tin and bap genes; moreover, there are clear indications of positive selection in the bap gene.
Monoclonal Antibody Interactions With Micro- and Nanoparticles: Adsorption, Aggregation, and Accelerated Stress Studies

Therapeutic proteins are exposed to various wetted surfaces that could shed subvisible particles. In this work we measured the adsorption of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to various microparticles, characterized the adsorbed mAb secondary structure, and determined the reversibility of adsorption. We also developed and used a front-face fluorescence quenching method to determine that the mAb tertiary structure was near-native when adsorbed to glass, cellulose, and silica. Initial adsorption to each of the materials tested was rapid. During incubation studies, exposure to the air–water interface was a significant cause of aggregation but acted independently of the effects of microparticles. Incubations with glass, cellulose, stainless steel, or Fe2O3 microparticles gave very different results. Cellulose preferentially adsorbed aggregates from solution. Glass and Fe2O3 adsorbed the mAb but did not cause aggregation. Adsorption to stainless steel microparticles was irreversible, and caused appearance of soluble aggregates upon incubation. The secondary structure of mAb adsorbed to glass and cellulose was near-native. We suggest that the protocol described in this work could be a useful preformulation stress screening tool to determine the sensitivity of a therapeutic protein to exposure to common surfaces encountered during processing and storage. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3218–3238, 2009
Influence of simulated snow cover on the cold tolerance and freezing injury of yellow‐cedar seedlings

It has been hypothesized that yellow-cedar [Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spachl decline may result from root freezing injury following climate change-induced reductions in protective snow cover. To test this hypothesis, we measured the freezing tolerance and injury expression of yellow-cedar seedlings in three treatments that differed in the insulative protection they provided to soils during winter and spring: (1) full exposure to ambient temperatures (exposed treatment), (2) continuous protection from ambient temperatures via addition of perlite over pots (full protection), and (3) perlite protection only during winter and exposure to ambient temperatures during spring (partial protection). Foliage from all treatments was cold tolerant enough to prevent foliar freezing injury throughout the study period. However, on all sample dates, roots of seedlings from all treatments were only tolerant to about -5 "C - a level considerably warmer than the reported maximum cold tolerance for the species and well above the soil temperature recorded in the exposed treatment. As a result of this limited root cold tolerance, visibly uninjured roots of seedlings from the exposed treatment had significantly higher relative electrolyte leakage (REL) throughout the winter and early spring than seedlings in soil protection treatments. Seedlings from the exposed treatment also had significantly higher foliar REL values and greater visual foliar injury than seedlings from the other treatments starting in early spring. For both roots and foliage, REL measurements consistently detected tissue damage before visual injury was evident. Patterns of injury from both REL and visual injury assessments showed the same pattern: damage began with freezing injury to roots and subsequently became evident as foliar browning after spring temperatures increased. All seedlings in the exposed treatment eventually had 100% fine root damage and died. This progression of initial root damage followed by foliar browning and mortality after the onset of warming conditions is consistent with reports of yellow-cedar decline symptom development in the field.
Low cost multiple beam phased antenna array using microstrip Rotman lens at Ku band

The design presented in this research has a wider scanning angle up to ± 45°, compared to that of reported in the literature at this frequency. The side lobe level, however, is slightly worse than expected; this remains the focus of the ongoing research. Additionally, efforts are also underway to extend this research for fabricating a full planar array covering both azimuth and elevation covering up to +/− 45 degrees.
GENDER‐BASED RISK AVERSION AND RETIREMENT ASSET ALLOCATION

This research examines whether women have higher risk aversion than men as demonstrated by their retirement asset allocation. The analysis is extended to investigate how retirement asset investment decisions are made in married households. Initial results suggest controlling for demographic, income, and wealth differences lead to no significant difference in the proportion of retirement assets held in stocks between women and male faculty. For married households with joint investment decision making, results indicate that gender differences are a significant factor in explaining individual retirement asset allocation. Our estimates imply that women faculty are more risk averse than their male spouse. (JEL J16, G11, D10)
(4R)‐2,2‐Dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐carboxaldehyde

[15186-48-8] C6H10O3 (MW 130.14) InChI = 1S/C6H10O3/c1-6(2)8-4-5(3-7)9-6/h3,5H,4H2,1-2H3/t5-/m0/s1 InChIKey = YSGPYVWACGYQDJ-YFKPBYRVSA-N (a fully oxygenated three-carbon chiral electrophile employed for a variety of uses: as a stereochemical probe in nucleophilic additions; as a chiral starting material in total synthesis of sugars and nucleosides, β-lactams, and numerous complex natural products; as a starting material for other chiral building blocks) Alternate Name: (R)-glyceraldehyde acetonide, d-glyceraldehyde acetonide, 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-glyceraldehyde. Physical Data: bp 72–74 °C/30 mmHg; [α]D + 80.1 (c 1.5, benzene)2 Solubility: freely soluble in organic solvents; forms a readily soluble hydrate in water, readily soluble in alcohols as the corresponding hemiacetal. Analysis of Reagent Purity: analytical methods for determination of enantiomeric purity have been reported.6 Preparative Methods: prepared in two steps from d-mannitol via bis-ketalization to 1,2:5,6-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-d-mannitol, followed by oxidative cleavage with Sodium Periodate in dichloromethane.2 Classically obtained from d-mannitol by bis-ketalization and oxidative cleavage with lead tetraacetate.3 Bis-ketalization has been accomplished under a range of conditions;4 a comparative study of the most commonly employed methods has appeared.5 Purification: distilled under reduced pressure immediately prior to use. Partially polymerized material may be cracked by distillation under reduced pressure at 100 °C.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: to help prevent polymerization, anhydrous material is best stored dry at refrigerator or freezer temperatures and distilled immediately prior to use. Incompatible with acids, strong bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents.
Characterization of Proteomic and Metabolomic Responses to Dietary Factors and Supplements

Over the past decade there has been a renewed interest in research and development of both dietary and nutritional supplements. Significant advancements have been made in the scientific assessment of the quality, safety, and efficacy of these products because of the strong interest in and financial support of these projects. As research in both fields continues to advance, opportunities to use new and innovative research technologies and methodologies, such as proteomics and metabolomics, are critical for the future progress of the science. The purpose of the symposium was to begin the process of communicating new innovative proteomic and metabolomic methodologies that may be applied by researchers in both the nutrition and the natural product communities. This symposium highlighted 2 proteomic approaches, protein fingerprinting in complex mixtures with peptoid microarrays and top-down mass spectrometry for annotation of gene products. Likewise, an overview of the methodologies used in metabolomic profiling of natural products was presented, and an illustration of an integrated metabolomics approach in nutrition research was highlighted.
Impact of Treatment End Point Definitions on Perceived Differences in Long-Term Outcome With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose Different definitions of progression-free survival (PFS) and event-free survival (EFS) may result in perceived differences in outcomes with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Patients and Methods We analyzed the outcome of 435 patients with early chronic-phase, Philadelphia chromosome–positive CML treated with imatinib (n = 281), nilotinib (n = 78), and dasatinib (n = 76) using definitions of PFS and EFS used in the International Randomized Study of Interferon Versus STI571 (IRIS), Evaluating Nilotinib Efficacy and Safety in Clinical Trials–Newly Diagnosed Patients (ENEST-nd), Dasatinib Versus Imatinib Study in Treatment-Naive CML Patients (DASISION), and MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) trials. Definitions for EFS-IRIS, time without progression in ENEST-nd, PFS-DASISION, and EFS-MDACC were as previously reported. The EFS-MDACC considered an event any instance of toxicity or death from any cause on or off therapy (if not counted before death as progre...
Unresolved pulmonary embolism leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary artery sarcoma

Pulmonary artery sarcomas (PAS) are rare tumors with a poor prognosis. They are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism (PE) leading to futile anticoagulation treatment and delay in proper diagnosis. We present a case of a patient who was initially misdiagnosed and anticoagulated for presumed pulmonary embolism. Progressive symptoms and additional imaging led to the diagnosis of intimal pulmonary artery sarcoma for which he underwent surgical resection. This case serves as a reminder to consider pulmonary artery sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of patients with dyspnea and filling defects on CT pulmonary angiogram offering the potential for resection prior to metastasis.
Education as Aesthetic Experience Interactions of Reciprocal Transformation

This article examines the characteristics marking human beings engaged in aesthetic experience as envisioned by John Dewey. Of interest is the interaction between self and other distinguished by emotional self-investment, intellectual hospitality, vulnerability to loss, and existential responsibility. Such interaction opens spaces where human beings experience and provide opportunities for transformation. In this sense, aesthetic experience is a continual source of reciprocal transformations and thus a ceaseless unfolding of growth. If one conceptualizes education as aesthetic experience, it becomes manifest in human interaction as opposed to passive reception. Education becomes an existential constant instead of a solitary school-based activity. A classroom narrative is offered as exemplifying such an educational conception and then analyzed for the marking characteristics of aesthetic experience. Readers arrive at a conception of education that counters current educational policies alienating human bein...
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Systems Engineering Training and Education in the Department of Defense

Abstract : While current systems engineering certification courses within the Department of Defense appear to do a pretty good job of training and educating the workforce improvements can be made. The use of more problem-based methods of learning would equip the students with better problem identification and reasoning skills needed to solve the complex problems they encounter on the job. Learning outcomes in some of these courses could be rewritten to target the analyze evaluate, and create levels of Bloom's Taxonomy, thereby improving student critical thinking skills and ultimately improving far-transfer of learning to the job. Also learning assessment methods in a few of the courses could be changed to focus more on the assessment of conceptual understanding, vice rote memorization, in order to promote deep learning. Recommendations are also presented for additional research into a more effective systems engineering andragogy.
Influence of wind, wave, and water level dynamics on walleye eggs in a north temperate lake

Walleye (Sander vitreus) populations are cyclic because of biotic and abiotic factors, and wind activity, wave energy, and water levels may be influential given walleye spawn close to shore. We installed an anemometer and tridirectional velocimeter on a spawning reef in Big Crooked Lake, Wisconsin, in 2005 to determine wind–wave relationships and wave energy exceedance of critical velocities of both egg (affecting transport) and substrates (affecting abrasion or burial). To evaluate egg movement, we delineated egg locations at adhesive, postspawn, and black-eyed stages and surveyed on-shore for stranded eggs. We monitored water level with a staff gauge. Wind and wave velocities were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated, and wave velocities were significantly higher (p < 0.01) nearshore (2.0 m) than further from shore (4.6 m). Mean nearshore wave velocities were often sufficient to initiate movement of nonadhesive eggs (45% of records) and fine sand (39%) during egg incubation. Surveys indicated waves moved...
Topological Symmetry Groups of Complete Graphs in the 3-Sphere

The orientation preserving topological symmetry group of a graph embedded in the 3-sphere is the subgroup of the automorphism group of the graph consisting of those automorphisms which can be induced by an orientation preserving homeomorphism of the ambient space. We characterize all possible orientation preserving topological symmetry groups of embeddings of complete graphs in the 3-sphere.
Viral Exploitation of Host SOCS Protein Functions

Over the past decade, a family of host proteins known as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) have emerged as frequent targets of viral exploitation. Under physiologic circumstances, SOCS proteins negatively regulate inflammatory signaling pathways by facilitating ubiquitination and proteosomal degradation of pathway machinery. Their expression is tightly regulated to prevent excessive inflammation while maintaining protective antipathogenic responses. Numerous viruses, however, have developed mechanisms to induce robust host SOCS protein expression following infection, essentially "hijacking" SOCS function to promote virus survival. To date, SOCS proteins have been shown to inhibit protective antiviral signaling pathways, allowing viruses to evade the host immune response, and to ubiquitinate viral proteins, facilitating intracellular viral trafficking and progeny virus assembly. Importantly, manipulation of SOCS proteins not only facilitates progression of the viral life cycle but also powerfully shapes the presentation of viral disease. SOCS proteins can define host susceptibility to infection, contribute to peripheral disease manifestations such as immune dysfunction and cancer, and even modify the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Looking toward the future, it is clear that a better understanding of the role of SOCS proteins in viral diseases will be essential in our struggle to modulate and even eliminate the pathogenic effects of viruses on the host.
Ozone Destruction in Continental Stratus Clouds: An Aircraft Case Study

Abstract Apparent depletion of ozone in a cold (∼0°C), continental stratus cloud system was observed during in situ data collection on 30 April 1994 at the Department of Energy Clouds and Radiation Test Bed site in northern Oklahoma. Analyses of the aircraft data show a significant negative correlation between ozone concentration and liquid water content (LWC) in this cloud. Although droplets of pure water should not significantly affect ozone concentrations, water clouds can potentially perturb ozone through a number of processes, including radiative effects and aqueous-phase reactions in impure cloud droplets. A simple diagnostic model that takes account of cloud effects on the vertical ozone distribution in the boundary layer was constructed to interpret the field data. The results of multifactor regression analysis indicate that aqueous-phase chemistry contributes predominantly to the negative correlation. A depletion of ozone as a function of LWC of about −6.1 ppbv (g m−3)−1 was found in this particu...