cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase-mediated oligomerization of the fibrin(ogen) αC domains promotes integrin-dependent cell adhesion and signaling

Interactions of endothelial cells with fibrin(ogen) are implicated in inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Cross-linking of the fibrinogen αC domains with factor XIIIa generates ordered αC oligomers mimicking polymeric arrangement of the αC domains in fibrin. These oligomers and those prepared with tissue transglutaminase were used to establish a mechanism of the αC domain–mediated interaction of fibrin with endothelial cells. Cell adhesion and chemical cross-linking experiments revealed that oligomerization of the αC domains by both transglutaminases significantly increases their RGD (arginyl–glycyl–aspartate)–dependent interaction with endothelial αVβ3 and to a lesser extent with αVβ5 and α5β1 integrins. The oligomerization promotes integrin clustering, thereby increasing cell adhesion, spreading, formation of prominent peripheral focal contacts, and integrin-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. The enhanced integrin clustering is likely caused by ordered juxtaposition of RGD-containing integrin-binding sites upon oligomerization of the αC domains and increased affinity of these domains for integrins. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of the αC domain–mediated interaction of endothelial cells with fibrin and imply its potential involvement in cell migration. They also suggest a new role for transglutaminases in regulation of integrin-mediated adhesion and signaling via covalent modification of integrin ligands.
Monkey Business in Union Square: A Cultural Analysis of the Klein's-Ohrbach's Strikes of 1934–5

This study examines the simultaneous strikes at Klein's and Ohrbach's department stores in New York City's Union Square during the Great Depression. It argues that a cultural analysis of strikes can provide for greater understanding of the cultural and social environment in which the strikes take place. In particular, the study suggests that a cultural reading of these two strikes provides information about the label "white-collar worker" as a form of working-class identity, about Union Square as a contested space during the mid-1930s, about downscale stores as contested spaces during this same era, and about communism and communist understandings of female gender roles in the period just before the Popular Front.
Induction and Postremission Strategies in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Future Directions

Although the past decade has brought improvements in the treatment of AML, particularly for younger individuals, most patients succumb to the disease. With current induction therapy, most patients achieve remission, but the optimal strategy for post-remission therapy is unclear. Refinements to risk classification systems that incorporate additional molecular markers may better guide physicians in recommendations for postremission therapy. The prognosis for older patients with AML remains uniformly poor, because only a minority can benefit from intensive chemotherapy and novel HCT strategies. Despite active investigation, no standard of care has emerged for patients who are not suitable candidates for standard induction therapy. The development of less toxic, more effective therapies for this population is sorely needed. Advances in molecular genetics, immunology, and the biology of normal and malignant hematopoiesis pathogenesis have led to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of AML and to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Until a greater proportion of individuals with AML attain long-term survival, patients should routinely be referred to cancer centers and enrolled in investigational studies.
Fibrous Long-Spacing Collagen in Bacillary Angiomatosis

Fibrous long-spacing (FLS) collagen is a distinct ultrastructural form of collagen present in normal tissue, various tumors, and tissues degraded by bacterial collagenases in vivo and in vitro. An association between FLS collagen and bacillary angiomatosis has not been previously described. Six cases of bacillary angiomatosis, including one autopsy case with disseminated disease, were examined ultrastructurally. In addition, Kaposi sarcoma (3), pyogenic granuloma (3), capillary hemangioma (3), and cavernous hemangioma (2) were examined for comparison. A vascular proliferation in a lymph node from a patient with AIDS (1) and a case of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (1), also in an AIDS patient, were studied. Abundant FLS collagen was identified in 4 of 6 cases of bacillary angiomatosis, in close association with the organisms. FLS collagen was not seen beyond the immediate vicinity of the organisms. The FLS collagen in bacillary angiomatosis was seen in skin biopsies and in lung and skeletal muscle in...
3D Technology for intelligent trackers

At Super-LHC luminosity it is expected that the standard suite of level 1 triggers for CMS will saturate. Information from the tracker will be needed to reduce trigger rates to satisfy the level 1 bandwidth. Tracking trigger modules which correlate information from closely-spaced sensor layers to form an on-detector momentum filter are being developed by several groups. We report on a trigger module design which utilizes three dimensional integrated circuit technology incorporating chips which are connected both to the top and bottom sensor, providing the ability to filter information locally. A demonstration chip, the VICTR, has been submitted to the Chartered/Tezzaron two-tier 3D run coordinated by Fermilab. We report on the 3D design concept, the status of the VICTR chip and associated sensor integration utilizing oxide bonding.
Tree-like branching fins: Performance and natural convective heat transfer behavior

Abstract The performance of tree-like fins with varying bifurcation angle, scale, material, width-to-thickness ratio, and heat flux was examined. Overall system performance was examined computationally. The computational results have been validated, verified, and cast in terms of commonly defined dimensionless parameters. Tree-like fins were found to be more effective and had lower base temperatures than the rectangular fins. Fin effectiveness was found to increase with increasing bifurcation angle while fin efficiency and base temperatures were found to decrease with increasing bifurcation angle. Base temperatures were highest for the largest width-to-thickness ratios and smallest for materials with relatively higher thermal conductivities. The microscale tree-like fin studied had the highest effectiveness and efficiency as well as the lowest base temperatures when compared to the mesoscale and macroscale fins of the same geometry.
Remote balance for accurate weighing in high radiation environment

Abstract This balance is used at Experimental Breeder Reactor II to weigh radioactive fuel pieces. The weighing and handling must be done in a shielded cave by remote control. A commercial balance was modified for this use and outfitted with electronic controls and digital readout. The beam balance has a poise weight positioned by a precision screw which is driven by a stepping motor. The remote readout is coupled to a mechanical counter driven by another stepping motor which operates synchronously with the balance motor. The balance is accurate to ± 2 g over a range from 100 to 18000 g and has been in operation for over a year at gamma radiation levels as high as 106 R/h.
The genealogy of civilization

Building on insights from Freud, Nietzsche, and Norbert Elias, the author addresses the question of the construction of guilt in Judeo-Christian civilization. The author begins with a consideration of biological versus cultural reproduction, as these are figured in the Torah and in the Christian Bible, and in tha moves on to some social-structural, historical, and psychodynamic considerations of how and why civilization manages to sustain itself.
Multilevel, hierarchical world modeling

Abstract This paper attempts to critique several important aspects of the theory and methodology used in construction of the world system model of the Mesarovic-Pestel team. The emphasis of this paper is upon the logic, concepts and implementation of theoretical insights provided by hierarchical, multilevel systems theory. In this respect, the paper implicitly criticizes the theory of hierarchical multilevel systems itself, as well as arguing that its use is insufficient to the taskset for the Mesarovic-Pestel effort. The discussion further attempts to show that the theory of hierarchical, multilevel systems as employed in the MP model is actually an elaboration of input/output (black-box) simulation.
Proximal contribution to a linear static model of accommodation and vergence

To determine the influence of target proximity on accommodation and vergence under both open- (OL) and closed-loop (CL) viewing conditions, a static interactive feedback model, which included proximal accommodation (PA) and proximal vergence (PV) inputs, was developed and analysed quantitatively. It was based on an earlier static dual-interactive feedback model of accommodation and vergence. The proximal inputs were added to both the accommodative and vergence loops at the output of the respective controllers. The values of the PA and PV gains were obtained from experimental dual-OL data. The model equations were analysed over a stimulus range of 1 to 6 D (or MA). It was found that under the dual-OL condition, the contribution of PA to the overall accommodative output ranged from 42.5 to 81.6%, whereas the contribution of PV to the overall vergence output ranged from 56.1 to 88.5%. In contrast, under all other stimulus conditions, with the exception of the PA contribution to the accommodative output under the Aol, Vcl condition (26.5-41.0%), the relative contributions were much smaller, ranging from 0.04 to approximately 7.0%. In particular, under the dual-CL condition, representing the normal binocular visual feedback condition, the relative contributions were only 4.0 and 0.04% for PA and PV, respectively. Thus, although the relative contributions of PA and PV were large under the dual-OL condition, they were generally very small under the various CL conditions that simulated more naturalistic viewing situations. Nevertheless, proximity may still play an important role by providing cues for attaining coordinated and harmonious motor responses under specific viewing conditions.
Influence of the Acoustic Reflex on Vowel Recognition

Computer synthesized vowels of 50- and 300-ms duration were presented to normal-hearing listeners at a moderate and high sound pressure level (SPL). Presentation at the high SPL resulted in poor re...
Atoms with shadows–an area-based algorithm for cast shadows on space-filling molecular models

Abstract An area-based algorithm for space-filling molecular models, which computes the visible regions of each atom sphere at floating-point precision, has been used to produce hard-edged shadows. The algorithm is repeated from the point of view of the light source in the YZ plane, and the visible regions are then transformed into the illuminated regions in the final view. The cost of the visibility calculations is independent of the resolution of the raster.
COMMENTS ON NIJMAN'S ‘A STUDY OF SPACE IN MUMBAI'S SLUMS’

This commentary on Nijman's presentation at the 100th anniversary celebration of TESG underlines how his study of the Mumbai slum reconciles the multiple dualisms that lie at the core of the study of economic and social geography. The dualisms that are identified are located in the personal impressions of the urban landscape, the supposed homogeneity of the informal settlements, and the assumed barriers between the informal and the formal economy. The paper argues the importance of adding a personal reflection on doing research in a slum environment.
Mechanism of action of metformin in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: authors' reply

authors’ reply SIRS, Mascitelli and colleagues speculate that metformin acts by reducing iron overload causing decreases in serum ferritin and improved insulin resistance. Current evidence suggests that metformin leads to improvement in insulin resistance not by altering iron metabolism but by activating the LKB1 receptor in liver leading to upregulation of AMP kinase, a master regulator of glucose metabolism. There is scant evidence to suggest that metformin reduces iron absorption or hepatic iron content. Persons with insulin resistance and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis often have high serum ferritin levels, 4 but this association does not prove causality. REFERENCES
Current status and needs of Chinese e‐government users

Purpose – This article seeks to investigate unequal access of Chinese citizens to Chinese e‐government. The study promotes wide access to declassified and uncensored Chinese government information and services published on Chinese government web sites for Chinese citizens.Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews relevant literature and independent surveys as well as government survey reports in consecutive years. It investigates the current status and needs of the Chinese e‐government users – who they are, who are not and why not, as well as what they need to use and benefit from Chinese e‐government.Findings – This article finds that the current Chinese e‐government is still at an immature stage and serves too few people. There is a need for Chinese e‐government information and services, but the awareness and usage of e‐government is very low among the Chinese people. People need all kinds of education and assistance, from general computer and internet literacy to specialized government informa...
A Charge-Coupled Device Image Processor For Smart Sensor Applications

This paper describes the development and performance demonstration of two charge-coupled device (CCD) chips for image processing. The aim of the work is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing custom CCD architectures that will enable the time-consuming, low-level processing functions (such as feature extraction) to be performed in real time. We describe the circuit concepts and device layout for six commonly used algorithms and include photographs of the raw and processed imagery.
Capacitor placement and control experiment for Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control laboratory

The Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control (RDAC) laboratory provides students and researchers with a unique opportunity - to participate in a hands-on approach to the study of power distribution, one which employs physical experimentation as well as simulation and theoretical analysis. In this paper, the authors discuss the development of a capacitor placement and real power loss minimization assignment for the RDAC Laboratory. The capacitor placement problem consists of determining the location, type, and size of capacitors to be installed at various buses within a radial distribution system such that economic benefits associated with peak power and energy loss reduction outweigh the cost of hardware installation and operating voltages remain within acceptable limits. For students as well as researchers with interest in power distribution, an understanding of capacitor placement and relevant decision algorithms is essential.
Children's Acceptance of a Child Wearing a Knee Brace: Does Having an Injury Make a Difference?

Information about children's acceptance of peers who are injured is lacking. This study assessed factors related to children's acceptance of a child wearing a knee brace. Participants viewed a line drawing of a child wearing a knee brace presented with a medical script or the control script (described the child; n=248). Others (n=62) viewed a child without a knee brace presented with the control script. Children responded to questions assessing their acceptance of the child in the line drawing. Children did not provide lower acceptance ratings for the child wearing a knee brace compared to the typically developing child. Children who had met someone with a knee injury provided higher acceptance ratings for playing tag with a child wearing a knee brace. Older children with high social desirability scores provided lower ratings for wanting to play tag with the child wearing a knee brace. Future research should compare children's acceptance of peers with different types of injuries as well as examine their interactions with these children.
Dynamic Model Verification Process for a Rotating, Elastic In-Space Tether

MXER-type tether systems are envisioned to transfer payloads from low-energy orbits to higher-energy orbits using propellant-free thrust. This paper deals with the process of dynamic model verification of these MXER-type tether system. The dynamics is solved using two different formulations. Four different test cases are considered for comparision. These different cases attempt to isolate and observe some component of tether dynamic response.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
MgO nanocomposites as new antibacterial materials for orthopedic tissue engineering applications

Regeneration of orthopedic soft and hard tissues, such as ligaments, bone, and the tendon-to-bone insertion site (TBI), is problematic due to a lack of suitable biomaterials which possess appropriate mechanical properties capable of promoting cellular functions in these tissues with limited regenerative capacity. Additionally, surgically implanted biomaterials are susceptible to bacterial infection, which can lead to implant failure, as well as further complications such as wide-spread infection. To address these issues, the current study investigated magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as novel materials to improve orthopedic tissue regeneration and reduce bacterial infection. Poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) was mineralized with MgO nanoparticles and tested for its mechanical properties, bactericidal efficacy, and its ability to support the growth of fibroblasts and osteoblasts. These MgO nanocomposites were compared to PLLA mineralized with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (HA), which have been shown to promote bone tissue growth and have been widely used as materials for bone tissue engineering. Results indicated for the first time that MgO nanoparticles increased the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts and fibroblasts compared to plain PLLA and PLLA-HA nanocomposites. Furthermore, MgO nanocomposites showed excellent bactericidal efficacy, killing nearly all of the bacteria seeded onto them, whereas HA nanocomposites showed increased bacterial growth compared to plain PLLA. Mechanical tensile testing revealed that the addition of a secondary nano-phase to plain PLLA increased the material elastic modulus and reduced material elasticity. Moreover, the mechanical properties could be tuned to match those of bone or ligament tissue by varying nanoparticle size and concentration within the composite.
Healthcare provider attitudes, practices, and recommendations for enhancing routine HIV testing and linkage to care in the Mississippi Delta region.

Abstract The Mississippi Delta region is one of the communities most heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS in the United States. To understand local provider attitudes and practices regarding HIV testing and care, we conducted 25 in-depth qualitative interviews with local primary care providers and infectious disease specialists. Interviews explored attitudes and practices regarding HIV testing and linkage to care. Most providers did not routinely offer HIV testing, noting financial barriers, financial disincentives to offer routine screening, misperceptions about local informed consent laws, perceived stigma among patients, and belief that HIV testing was the responsibility of the health department. Barriers to enhancing treatment and care included stigma, long distances, lack of transportation, and paucity of local infectious disease specialists. Opportunities for enhancing HIV testing and care included provider education programs regarding billing, local HIV testing guidelines, and informed consent, as well as ...
The effects of thymine and of phosphate deprivation on enzyme synthesis in Escherichia coli

Abstract The ability of a thymine-requiring mutant of Escherichia coli to form the inducible enzyme β-galactosidase in media of different composition and at different stages of thymine starvation was investigated. The differential rate of synthesis of this enzyme in a medium containing casamino acids but no readily utilizable energy source, is the same whether or not protein synthesis is restricted by the omission of inorganic phosphate. Addition of a readily utilizable energy source, glycerol, reduces the differential rate of synthesis of the enzyme slightly when phosphate is present, but greatly when phosphate is absent. Apparently, catabolites derived from glycerol accumulate in the cell when the rate of protein synthesis is restricted by the lack of phosphate and repress the formation of enzymes sensitive to catabolite repression. The lack of thymine is initially without effect on the synthesis of β-galactosidase. When thymine starvation is sufficiently prolonged to cause the death of the cell, the rate of protein synthesis is reduced and glycerol almost completely represses the synthesis of β-galactosidase. The extensive thymine starvation reduces the cell's capacity to form the enzyme β-galactosidase in the absence of glycerol somewhat more than its capacity to synthesize proteins.
Recognition of far-field electrograms during entrainment mapping of ventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to assess entrainment for distinguishing far-field potentials (FFP) due to depolarization of tissue at a distance from the mapping catheter from the local potential (LP) due to depolarization of tissue at the catheter electrode during mapping of ventricular tachycardia (VT). BACKGROUND Electrograms with multiple peaks commonly complicate mapping and identification of catheter ablation targets in infarcts. METHODS Retrospective analysis of catheter mapping data from eight patients with prior infarction was performed to evaluate multipotential electrograms at sites where pacing entrained VT. Potentials that were visible and not altered during pacing were defined as FFP. Potentials obscured by the pacing stimulus were designated possible LPs. The criteria for FFP were then assessed in a second cohort of five patients. RESULTS At 32 of 39 (82%) sites with multiple potentials, entrainment identified one of the potentials as an FFP. Radiofrequency ablation, assessed at 15 sites, reduced the amplitude of LPs by 62%, without significant effect on FFP amplitude. At 56% of sites with multiple potentials, measuring the postpacing interval to an FFP would lead to erroneous classification of the site location relative to the reentry circuit. In prospective evaluation, double potentials were identified at 77 sites in infarcts; entrainment demonstrated an FFP at 66 (86%) sites. CONCLUSIONS Far-field potentials are common during mapping in infarcts. Many can be distinguished from local potentials by entrainment, improving the accuracy of mapping.
Bending-torsion response of open-section beams actuated by skewed piezoelements

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to give a detailed insight into the behavior of an open-section beamactuated by skewed piezoelements. It is shown that significant changes in torsional and bending displacements occur even for free, not directly in contact with the actuator, portions of the beam. The effect of those phenomena on the correlation between results obtained using currently available theoretical models and experimental results is demonstrated. Methods to improve the currently usedmodels are outlined.Keywords: smart structures, bending-torsional actuators, finite element modeling. NOTATIONROMAN LETTERS [A] extensional stiffness matrix of plate segment of beam b width {BJ coupling stiffness matrix of plate segment of beam [D] bending stiffness matrix of plate segment of beam I second area moment [K] beam stiffness matrix I length {M} moment resultants of plate segment of beam n normal coordinate of plate segment of beam {N}0 stress resultants of plate segment of beam origin
Growth of prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii) and tall fescue × perennial ryegrass (Festuca arundinacea×Lolium perenne) on the Appalachian Plateau of southern West Virginia, USA

The productivity and persistence of prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth) cv. Grasslands Matua were compared with a similarly managed endophyte-free tall fescue × perennial ryegrass hybrid (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ×Lolium perenne L.) cv. Johnstone. A field study was conducted on the Appalachian Plateau of southern West Virginia, USA (81°W, longitude; 38°N, latitude; 850m above sea level) for three consecutive years. Nitrogen totalling 0, 168, and 336 kg N ha−1 year−1 was applied to stands managed as hay. Annual herbage yields were similar for both species in year 1 (1989), but by year 3 (1991) Matua sown-grass yield was about 35% of first-year yields. Total herbage yield for Matua plots in the third year was similar to first-year yields owing to encroachment by non-seeded grasses and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Matua was susceptible to powdery mildew [Blumeria graminis (DC) E. O. Speer] in this environment, and was similar in productivity (first year only) and nutritive quality to tall fescue × perennial ryegrass hybrid. Matua use may be limited to areas where low-temperature stress and resultant winter damage is unlikely to occur.
Short- and long-time behavior of eddy-viscosity models

The short-time behavior of the turbulent viscosity is inferred from the immediate response of the Reynolds stress deduced by Crow [1] for the problem of isotropic turbulence subjected to a mean strain at time t=0. The turbulent viscosity v is defined for t → 0 by the relation T ij =−2vS ij , where T ij is the Reynolds stress and S ij is the mean rate of strain. It follows that the viscosity is v=O(t) for t → 0. Matching the short- and long-time behaviors, we propose an analytic expression for the effective viscosity valid for all time. Using the proposed viscosity, the K − E model for homogeneously sheared turbulence is reformulate to be valid in both the short- and long-time limits. Previously, the K − E model has been used with the long-time form of the effective viscosity for all time. Comparison of theoretical predictions with the results of physical and numerical experiments is presented. Implications of the short-time response for large-eddy simulations and spectral-space closure theories are discussed.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Systolic Arrays-From Concept to Implementation

Systolic arrays are the result of advances in semiconductor technology and of applications that require extensive throughput. Their realization requires human ingenuity combined with techniques and tools for algorithm development, architecture design, and hardware implementation. Invariably, the first reaction of people who are exposed to the systolic-array concept is one of admiration for the concept's elegance and for its potential for high performance. However, those who next attempt to implement a systolic array for a specific application soon realize that a wealth of subsumed concepts and engineering solutions must be mastered and understood. This special issue attempts to provide insights into the implementation process and to illustrate the different techniques and theories that contribute to the design of systolic arrays.
Combustion of flame retardants

Combustion of 2,4,6-tribromoaniline as such, in the presence of antimony trioxide and two solvents, was carried out in a tubular furnace in the presence of a natural gas/oxygen flame. The effect of temperature, residence time, and level of oxygen on the yields of different toxic products formed was studied.
Risk factors for postoperative urinary retention after laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy for benign indications

Objective To estimate the occurrence of postoperative urinary retention after traditional laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy. Methods We performed a chart review of all patients who underwent total or supracervical hysterectomy using a laparoscopic (n=253) or robotic approach (n=281) from March 2001 until June 2010 for benign indications at the division for minimally invasive surgery. Urinary retention was defined as the inability to spontaneously void or as incomplete voiding requiring either self-catheterization or Foley catheter replacement in the first postoperative week. Results Urinary retention occurred in 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2-9.8%) of women and was more than twice as common among women who underwent robotic hysterectomy compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy (10.3%, 95% CI 7.0-14.5% compared with 4.0%, 95% CI 1.9-7.1%, P=.005). No statistically significant differences in those with and without urinary retention were seen in age, body mass index, smoking status, number of prior cesarean deliveries, operative time, presence of severe adhesions, or findings of endometriosis. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, only the robotic approach relative to traditional laparoscopic approach was found to be significantly associated with urinary retention (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.6). Postoperative urinary retention was associated with a higher incidence of lower urinary tract infection, occurring in 15.4% (95% CI 5.9-30.5%) of cases compared with 4.0% (95% CI 2.5-6.2%) of those without urinary retention (P=.008). Conclusion Transient urinary retention is relatively more common after robotic hysterectomy when compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy. We postulate that more aggressive bladder dissection performed with robot assistance may be associated with an increased risk of urinary retention.
Endothelial CD47 interaction with SIRPγ is required for human T-cell transendothelial migration under shear flow conditions in vitro

Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) is a critical event during inflammation. CD47 has been implicated in myeloid cell migration across endothelium and epithelium. CD47 binds to signal regulatory protein (SIRP), SIRPα and SIRPγ. So far, little is known about the role of endothelial CD47 in T-cell TEM in vivo or under flow conditions in vitro. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and biochemical analysis show that CD3+ T cells express SIRPγ but not SIRPα, and fluorescence microscopy showed that CD47 was enriched at endothelial junctions. These expression patterns suggested that CD47 plays a role in T-cell TEM through binding interactions with SIRPγ. We tested, therefore, whether CD47-SIRPγ interactions affect T-cell transmigration using blocking mAb against CD47 or SIRPγ in an in vitro flow model. These antibodies inhibited T-cell TEM by 70% plus or minus 6% and 82% plus or minus 1%, respectively, but had no effect on adhesion. In agreement with human mAb studies, transmigration of murine wild-type T helper type 1 cells across TNF-α–activated murine CD47−/− endothelium was reduced by 75% plus or minus 2% even though murine T cells appear to lack SIRPγ. Nonetheless, these findings suggest endothelial cell CD47 interacting with T-cell ligands, such as SIRPγ, play an important role in T-cell transendothelial migration.
Modified bovine serum albumin. VII. Studies on the role of free carboxyl groups of the protein in the interaction with its antibodies.

Abstract The effect of esterification (methylation) of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the interaction with its antibodies was studied. Decrease in the number of free carboxyl groups of the antigen by methylation resulted in a parallel decrease in the precipitin reaction. A derivative in which over 50 % of the carboxyl groups were modified did not precipitate at all with certain anti-BSA sera, but did react with these antibodies to give soluble complexes, as was shown by complement fixation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests. When methylated BSA was de-esterified by incubation in alkaline media and reacted with anti-BSA, it was found that the precipitin reaction reappeared to the extent of 60% of the homologous reaction. It would thus appear that the free carboxyl groups of BSA may not be critically involved in the primary reaction with its antibodies, but are essential for the precipitation reaction.
Expanded-size bases in naturally sized DNA: evaluation of steric effects in Watson-Crick pairing.

We describe physicochemical properties in DNA of altered-size nucleobases that retain Watson−Crick analogous hydrogen-bonding ability. Size-expanded analogues of adenine and thymine (xA and xT, respectively, which are expanded by benzo-fusion) were incorporated into natural DNA oligonucleotides, and their effects on helix stability were measured. Base stacking studies revealed that the two stretched analogues stack much more strongly than do their naturally sized counterparts. In contrast to this, pairing studies showed that single substitutions of the new bases are destabilizing to the natural helix as compared to A or T in standard A−T pairs in the same context, unless multiple adjacent substitutions are used. Interestingly, the size-expanded bases displayed selective recognition of the hydrogen-bonding complementary partners, suggesting that Watson−Crick analogous pairs were still formed despite local backbone strain. In an attempt to compensate for the added size of the expanded adenine, we tested a f...
616 SERUM LEVELS OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN BREASTFED VS BOTTLEFED INFANTS: A POSSIBLE ROLE OF BREAST MILK IN PROTECTING INFANTS AGAINST OXYGEN TOXICITY

Vitamin E (E) and beta-carotene (C) are 2 naturally occurring antioxidants and we have previously shown that C is 100x more potent an antioxidant than E (Ped. Res. 14:1013, 1980). In this study, we measured spectrophotometrically, the levels of E (mgs/dl) and C (ug/dl) in paired cord blood samples and maternal sera, in human breast milk and formula, and in 4 breast and 4 bottlefed infants. RESULTS: There is a direct correlation (r=0.44, p<0.01) between maternal serum and cord blood levels of C, but not of E. Maternal serum is signif. (p<0.001) higher than cord blood in levels of C (125.2±46.6 vs 15.7±4.8) and E (0.94±0.17 vs 0.30±0.08). Likewise, the fullterm infant, as compared to the premature, has a higher level of C (17.4±4.2 vs 13.3±4.5, p<0.005), but not of E (0.31±0.09 vs 0.29±0.08). When compared to formula, breast milk, particularly first day colostrum, has very high levels of C (251±163 vs 4.2±0.5) and E (2.81±1.71 vs 1.03±0.06). Thus, breastfed infants show increasing serum conc. of C (Cord=15.9±4.4, Day 3=30.0±11.1, Day 6=66.2±29.0) and E (Cord=0.30±0.06, Day 3=0.61±0.29, Day 6=1.06±0.4) to levels that almost approximate those of the adult. In bottle fed infants, there was a rise in the serum level of E (Cord=0.30±0.06, Day 3=0.57±0.07) but not of C (Cord=14.0±4, 1, Day 3=13.3±5.3). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that (1) breastmilk, particularly colostrum, is very rich in its content of antioxidants, particularly C, (2) the levels of C and E in the infant, particularly the premature, is very low compared to the adult. However, (3) breastfed infants attain levels of C and E that almost approach adult levels within 6 days of feeding. We therefore speculate whether, teleologically, Nature has intended to provide the infant through the breast milk with a rich supply of antioxidants (both vit. E and beta-carotene) to protect the infant from oxygen toxicity during its exposure after birth to an oxygen enriched environment?
Nerve of origin, tumor size, hearing preservation, and facial nerve outcomes in 359 vestibular schwannoma resections at a tertiary care academic center.

Objective: To determine nerve of origin, tumor size, hearing preservation rates, and facial nerve outcomes in a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing translabyrinthine (TL), middle cranial fossa (MCF), and retrosigmoid/suboccipital (SO) approaches to vestibular schwannomas (VS). Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: Chart review. Results: Patient charts from 231 TL, 70 MCF, 53 SO, and 5 combined TL/SO procedures for VS were evaluated in 356 patients. The inferior vestibular nerve (IVN) was the nerve of origin in 84 of 359 cases (23.3%), while the superior vestibular nerve (SVN) was the nerve of origin in 36 patients (10%). In 239 of 359 cases (66.6%), the nerve of origin was not identified. Forty patients undergoing hearing preservation surgery had hearing results and nerve of origin data available for review. Functional hearing ( 50% speech discrimination) was preserved in 10 of 15 patients (75%) with SVN tumors, while only 7 of 25 patients (28%) with IVN tumors retained functional hearing. Facial nerve outcomes and nerve of origin were recorded simultaneously in 109 patients. Seventy-one of 74 patients (95%) patients with IVN tumors achieved a House-Brackmann (HB) grade I–III, while 35 of 35 patients (100%) with SVN tumors retained HB I–III facial function. Looking at tumor size versus hearing preservation, functional hearing was preserved in 22 of 49 patients (45%) with <1-cm tumors, and 4 of 20 patients (20%) with 1- to 1.5-cm tumors. For all cases with documented facial nerve function, HB I–III were achieved in 96% of SO, 94% of MCF, and 88% of TL procedures. Conclusions: Our retrospective data indicated that IVN tumors were twice as common as SVN tumors. The nerve of origin did not affect facial nerve outcomes but did impact hearing preservation rates. Patients with tumors 90% achieving HB 1 to 3 function at final follow-up.
Correlation of clayey gouge in a surface exposure of serpentinite in the San Andreas Fault with gouge from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD)

Abstract Magnesium-rich clayey gouge similar to that comprising the two actively creeping strands of the San Andreas Fault in drill core from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) has been identified in a nearby outcrop of serpentinite within the fault zone at Nelson Creek. Each occurrence of the gouge consists of porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rocks dispersed in a fine-grained, foliated matrix of Mg-rich smectitic clays. The clay minerals in all three gouges are interpreted to be the product of fluid-assisted, shear-enhanced reactions between quartzofeldspathic wall rocks and serpentinite that was tectonically entrained in the fault from a source in the Coast Range Ophiolite. We infer that the gouge at Nelson Creek connects to one or both of the gouge zones in the SAFOD core, and that similar gouge may occur at depths in between. The special significance of the outcrop is that it preserves the early stages of mineral reactions that are greatly advanced at depth, and it confirms the involvement of serpentinite and the Mg-rich phyllosilicate minerals that replace it in promoting creep along the central San Andreas Fault.
Advances in optical biopsy for cancer diagnosis.

The section of April issue of TCRT, devoted to Optical Spectroscopy, focuses on advances made in the Optical Biopsy field. Scientists from around the world sub mitted articles on their recent research in this field. The promise of diagnosis in real time utilizing Optical Biopsy methods became close to clinical use as a results of multiple studies. Optical Biopsy currently is the only method that gives diagnostic information on cancer without removing tissue from body. The papers encompasses several different spectral and imaging technologies extending from the macro- to the micro-scale using fluorescence, Raman scattering, elas tic light scattering and vibrational spectoscopies, and biophotonic approaches to detect cancer. The papers highlight the potential of Optical Biopsy techniques to offer solutions in many different areas of clinical interest in in vivo diagnosis in the operating room and continuous monitoring during recovery. A number of papers on Stokes Shift Spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis have shown potential not only by in vivo examination of specimens but also using urine and blood samples. In particular, the area of native fluorescence spectroscopy was used to evaluate chemothera peutic effect on a malignant cells by means of mathematical Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm (1); models using optical methods for cancer diagnostics by reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy were evaluated for their potential to aid cancer detection in a quantitative, minimally invasive manner (2); the spectral changes of micro-metastases and individual metastatic cells of lymph mode tissues associated with cancer were summarized (3); the detection of cancer by optical analysis of body fluids using Stokes shift spectroscopy was evaluated for detection of cancer in the body from blood plasma and urine (4); the diagnostic potential of Stokes shift spectroscopy for breast and prostate cancerous tissues was presented as a new spectroscopic method, which combines both absorption and emission (5); and in vivo real time diagnosis of esophageal cancer using Raman endoscopy and biomolecular modelling is presented for clinical examination (6).
Detecting Logic Vulnerabilities in E-commerce Applications.

E-commerce has become a thriving business model. With easy access to various tools and third-party cashiers, it is straightforward to create and launch e-commerce web applications. However, it remains difficult to create secure ones. While third-party cashiers help bridge the gap of trustiness between merchants and customers, the involvement of cashiers as a new party complicates logic flows of checkout processes. Even a small loophole in a checkout process may lead to financial loss of merchants, thus logic vulnerabilities pose serious threats to the security of e-commerce applications. Performing manual code reviews is challenging because of the diversity of logic flows and the sophistication of checkout processes. Consequently, it is important to develop automated detection techniques. This paper proposes the first static detection of logic vulnerabilities in e-commerce web applications. The main difficulty of automated detection is the lack of a general and precise notion of correct payment logic. Our key insight is that secure checkout processes share a common invariant: A checkout process is secure when it guarantees the integrity and authenticity of critical payment status (order ID, order total, merchant ID and currency). Our approach combines symbolic execution and taint analysis to detect violations of the invariant by tracking tainted payment status and analyzing critical logic flows among merchants, cashiers and users. We have implemented a symbolic execution framework for PHP. In our evaluation of 22 unique payment modules, our tool detected 12 logic vulnerabilities, 11 of which are new. We have also performed successful proof-ofconcept experiments on live websites to confirm our findings.
Fermentanomics: monitoring mammalian cell cultures with NMR spectroscopy.

As the number of therapeutic proteins produced by mammalian cell cultures in the pharmaceutical industry continues to increase, the need to improve productivity and ensure consistent product quality during process development activities becomes more significant. Rational medium design is known to improve cell culture performance, but an understanding of nutrient consumption and metabolite accumulation within the medium is required. To this end, we have developed a technique for using 1D 1H NMR to quantitate nonprotein feed components and metabolites in mammalian cell cultures. We refer to the methodology as “Fermentanomics” to differentiate it from standard metabolomics. The method was found to generate spectra with excellent water suppression, signal-to-noise, and resolution. More importantly, nutrient consumption and metabolite accumulation was readily observed. In total, 50 media components have been identified and quantitated. The application of Fermentanomics to the optimization of a proprietary CHO ...
A microfluidic technique for monitoring bloodstream analytes indicative of C-peptide resistance in type 2 diabetes

A simple poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchip was employed to establish a relationship between red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant status and the ability of RBCs to interact with metal-activated C-peptide, a bio-active peptide reported to reduce some complications often associated with diabetes. It is known that the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) levels in the RBCs obtained from people with type 2 diabetes are lower in comparison to those RBCs obtained from healthy controls and accordingly, this correlation has the potential to implicate type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. A parallel channel microfluidic device for the quantification of GSH in age-based fractions, along with control and diabetic RBCs is described. Important to the fluorescence-based measurement is the simultaneous determination of the antioxidant without prior separation in either a six- or twelve-channel microchip. Here, we separated the RBCs using a density-based Percoll solution and quantitatively determined the concentration of GSH in younger, less dense RBCs to be increased more than 2-fold (336.7 ± 29.6 amol/RBC) than older, more dense RBCs (137.0 ± 25.3 amol/RBC). The ability of C-peptide to interact with the RBC membrane of the separated fractions was determined by immunoassay and it was found that the recovery of the C-peptide added to the younger RBCs increased by more than 40.6 ± 12.7% above basal levels while with the older cells C-peptide increased by only 9.18 ± 4.60%. These results suggest that GSH concentrations in the RBC may be useful in screening for resistance to C-peptidein vivo.
Sellars' Critical Direct Realism 1

In this paper, I attempt to demonstrate the structure of Sellars’ critical direct realism in the philosophy of perception. This position is original because it attempts to balance two claims that many have thought to be incompatible: (1) that perceptual knowledge is direct, i.e., not inferential, and (2) that perceptual knowledge is irreducibly conceptual. Even though perceptual episodes are not the result of inferences, they must still stand within the space of reasons if they are to be counted not only as knowledge, but also as thoughts directed at the world. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how Sellars elaborates and defends this position.
The formation of neuromuscular synapses

The formation of synapses requires a series of steps including the generation of neurons and their target cells, the guidance of axons to their targets, and the induction of a specialized presynaptic terminal and postsynaptic membrane. This review is primarily concerned with the inductive events that lead to postsynaptic differentiation. Because this phase of synapse formation begins only after motor neurons have navigated to their target muscle cells, the first section of this review summarizes our current understanding of the principles that govern the guidance of motor axons to skeletal muscle cells. The second section will review our current knowledge of signaling molecules and mechanisms that are critical for inducing postsynaptic differentiation. Although the principles and mechanisms of synapse formation are likely to be similar in the PNS and the CNS, much of our understanding about the mechanisms of synapse formation arises from studies of the vertebrate neuromuscular synapse.
Math lessons from Liberia

Over five years of ethnographic research in Monrovia, Liberia (1973—8), I was engaged in research in a mud-pathed alley at the edge of the commercial district, lined with 20 shacks, housing 100 Vai...
Capillary spacing around coronary venules suggests that diffusion distance is controlled by local tissue pO2

Abstract O 2 diffuses from venules (Davies and Bronk, Fed. Proc. 16, 689–692). To learn whether the O 2 diffusion field around venules influences adjacent precapillary sphincters we measured the mean distance from a venule to the first adjacent capillary in rat hearts beating in situ . This distance was 1.97 μm less than the distance from that capillary to the next capillary in the array ( P p O 2 . (b) The system which sets intercapillary distance is capable of very local short-range control.
QCD and the string model

Abstract Infinitisimal variations of the path-dependent phase factor P exp(i∫σAμdzμ) in gauge theory are studied. They are shown to satisfy differential equations which are equivalent to those for a quantized string if the gauge fields meet certain constraints.