cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of anti-hepatitis Bc-positive grafts on the outcome of liver transplantation for HBV-related cirrhosis

Background. The present scarcity of organ donors requires consideration of grafts from sources not previously used. Several studies have addressed the use of grafts from donors who have antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc + ). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of anti-HBc + grafts in patients transplanted for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis. Methods. Recipients of first hepatic transplants from donors with antibodies to HBV were identified retrospectively. All patients who had serology suggestive of active HBV and were negative for hepatitis C and D were included in the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the actuarial recurrence-free survival on patients with graft survival longer than 1.5 months. The stepwise Cox regression model was used to identify independent predictors of HBV recurrence. Results. One thousand seven hundred seventeen first liver transplants were performed at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute from September 1, 1990, to December 31, 1999. HBV was the cause of cirrhosis in 112 patients (6.5%). Thirty-three patients had coexistent viral infection (23 HCV and 10 HDV). Fourteen donors (17.2%) were positive for HBV markers, with nine anti-HBc + and with five both anti-HBc + and anti-HB surface-positive; of these, 13 anti-HBc + organ recipients had long-term survival. Nine (69.2%) of these cases were reinfected versus 20 (35.7%) in the group that received grafts from HBV - donors (P<0.05, Fisher's exact test). The mean time to reinfection was shorter in the anti-HBc + group (2.9 yr vs. 6.4 yr, P<0.005). There were no statistical differences in graft or patient survival between the two groups. HBV prophylaxis with combined lamivudine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) significantly reduced the reinfection rate (P<0.03). Hepatitis Be (Hbe) antigen-positive recipients trended to faster reinfection (not significant). Cox regression analysis revealed that both anti-HBc graft donor status (RR, 2.796; P=0.020) and combination of lamivudine/HBIG (RR, 0.249; P=0.021) are independently associated with reinfection. Conclusions. The use of anti-HBc + liver grafts does not affect graft or patient survival. However, patients who receive these organs are 2.5 times more likely to develop HBV recurrence. Lamivudine and HBIG combination decreases HBV recurrence 4-fold.
Simulation of AC spacecraft power systems using a modular state variable approach

This paper presents a technique for the modeling and simulation of ac spacecraft power systems. Each component in the spacecraft power system is treated as a two-port network. A state model is written for each two-port network with the port voltages as the inputs. The state model for each component is solved using its state transition matrix. For this calculation, the inputs to each component are assumed constant. The inputs to all components are then calculated using network analysis principles.
Synthesis and structures of layered metal sulfonate salts

Abstract A series of divalent transition metal benzenesulfonates, M(C6H5SO3)2·6H2O where MMn, Co, Ni and Zn, have been prepared from reactions of metal salts and sodium benzenesulfonate in aqueous solution. The products have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques (monoclinic, space group P21, Z=2, (MCo) a=7.017(2), b=6.324(2), c=22.468(4) A, β=93.70(3)°, V=995.0(4) A3, R(F)=0.052 for 1270 observations and 159 variables). These materials are isostructural and contain alternating layers of benzenesulfonate anions and [M(H2O)6]2+ cations. The reaction of sodium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate and nickel(II) chloride in aqueous solution yielded crystals of Ni(HOC6H4SO3)2·8H2O. This compound is also monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z=4, a=11.759(2), b=7.262(4), c=25.361(1) A, β=94.353(8)°, V=2159(1) A3, R(F)=0.043 for 2090 observations and 284 variables. The structure is similar to that of the unfunctionalized benzenesulfonates in that it contains layers of sulfonate anions and hexaaquanickel cations. There are also two non-coordinated water molecules of hydration associated with the aqua ions. The presence of the hydroxy groups on the phenyl rings allows for enhanced hydrogen bonding between the layers. The crystal structure of the starting sodium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, Na2(HOC6H4SO3)2·4H2O, has also been determined (monoclinic, space group P21/a,Z=4,a=8.029(4), b=10.086(3), c=23.185(2) A, β=94.07(2)°, V=1873(1) A3, R(F)=0.042 for 2198 observations and 254 variables) and it, too, has alternating layers of sulfonate ions and hydrated cations. In this structure, the sodium ions do coordinate directly to the sulfonate oxygen atoms. The crystal structures of these materials are discussed in relation to recently reported layered metal phosphonates.
AN IDENTIFICATION OF THE RADICAL GIVING RISE TO THE LIGHT‐INDUCED ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SIGNAL IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

— A reaction-center fraction isolated from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides chromatophores exhibits light-induced changes in its optical and electron spin-resonance (ESR) spectra. In particular, a bleaching at 870nm (P870) has been found to be closely correlated with the appearance of an ESR signal with a g factor of 2.0025 and a peak-to-peak line width of 10 G. The ESR signal is indistinguishable from light-induced signals found in chromatophores or whole cells. A careful measurement of the spin concentration showed that the ratio of the light-induced spins to bleached P870 molecules is 1.1 ± 0.1. In addition the formation and decay kinetics are identical within experimental error under a variety of experimental conditions. Previous work has shown that P870 is a bacteriochlorophyll molecule in a specialized environment and that the bleaching signifies oxidation. The present work provides strong evidence that the photo-bleaching of P870 produces the radical cation of bacteriochlorophyll, P870+, and that this radical is the source of the ESR signal in whole cells. The quantum yield for the bleaching of P870 in reaction centers has been measured, using actinic light of wavelengths 880, 800, 760 and 680 nm. For light absorbed at 880 or 800 nm the efficiency is close to 100 per cent. In a coupled reaction, the oxidation of mammalian cytochrome c by P870+ proceeds with nearly the same efficiency. The above results place definite limits on the possibilities for the identity of the primary acceptor. These possibilities are discussed.
A Comparison of Analytical and Experimental Local Heat Fluxes in Liquid-Propellant Rocket Thrust Chambers

Experimental data are presented showing heat-flux distributions measured calorimetrically with several liquid-propellant rocket thrust-chamber configurations. Thrust levels of the experimental chambers were from 300 to 5000 lb. Enzian-type and axial-stream showerhead propellant injectors were utilized with hydrazine (N2 H4 ) and nitrogen tetroxide (N2 O4 ) propellants. Nozzle-contraction-area ratios of 8 to 1, 4 to 1, and 1.64 to 1 were tested, each having a 5-in. inlet diameter. Characteristic chamber lengths ranged from 16.95 to 62.8 in. The comparison between the experimental heat flux and the analytical heat flux using the method of Bartz [1] was found to be closest in the nozzle-expansion region. The experimental heat-flux measurements ranged between 80 per cent above and 45 per cent below the analytical estimates at the nozzle throat, however. These differences were dependent upon thrust-chamber configuration, injector type, and chamber pressure, and apparently resulted from nonideal combustion and flow characteristics. It is concluded that a priori determination of heat-flux distribution along the thrust-chamber length was possible only to a first approximation for the conditions of these tests.
High resolution DNA content measurements of mammalian sperm.

The high condensation and flat shape of the mammalian sperm nucleus present unique difficulties to flow cytometric measurement of DNA content. Chromatin compactness makes quantitative fluorescent staining for DNA difficult and causes a high index of refraction. The refractive index makes optical measurements sensitive to sperm head orientation. We demonstrate that the optical problems can be overcome using the commercial ICP22 epiillumination flow cytometer (Ortho Instruments, Westwood, MA) or a specially built cell orientating flow cytometer (OFCM). The design and operation of the OFCM are described. Measurements of the angular dependence of fluorescence from acriflavine stained rabbit sperm show that it is capable of orienting flat sperm with a tolerance of +-7/sup 0/. Differences in the angular dependence for the similarly shaped bull and rabbit sperm allow discrimination of these cells. We show that DNA staining with 4-6 diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) or an ethidium bromide mithramycin combination allows resolution of the X and Y populations in mouse sperm. They have also been successful with sperm from the bull, ram, rabbit, and boar. Reliable results with human sperm are not obtained. The accuracy of the staining and measurement techniques are verified by the correct determination of the relative content of these twomore » populations in sperm from normal mice and those with the Cattanach (7 to X) translocation. Among the potential uses of these techniques are measurement of DNA content errors induced in sperm due to mutagen exposure, and assessment of the fractions of X and Y sperm in semen that may have one population artifically enriched.« less
Diacylglycerol Kinases: Regulated Controllers of T Cell Activation, Function, and Development

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a diverse family of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG), a crucial second messenger of receptor-mediated signaling, to phosphatidic acid (PA). Both DAG and PA are bioactive molecules that regulate a wide set of intracellular signaling proteins involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Clear evidence points to a critical role for DGKs in modulating T cell activation, function, and development. More recently, studies have elucidated factors that control DGK function, suggesting an added complexity to how DGKs act during signaling. This review summarizes the available knowledge of the function and regulation of DGK isoforms in signal transduction with a particular focus on T lymphocytes.
Pancreatic polypeptide‐secreting islet cell tumor. A follow‐up report

A case of documented pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-secreting islet cell tumor was followed for 3 years and 8 months until death due to multiple metastases. The patient initially presented with extremely high serum PP levels without clinical symptoms. After resection of the PP-secreting islet cell tumor, serum PP levels gradually decreased to normal levels. Serum PP levels started to elevate 10 months after the surgery, when liver metastases were verified by open biopsy. The patient was treated with streptozotocin (STZ), and normal serum PP levels returned. However, multiple liver and bone metastases were detected 32 months after resection of the tumor, which led to death. The recurrent tumor obtained at autopsy contained very little immunoreactive PP. The effect of STZ on PP secretion by the islet cell tumor is discussed.
Ligand degradation and phosphorus scavenging in the reaction between 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppbz) and Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)17: Synthesis and X-ray structure of the edge-bridged square-pyramidal cluster HRu6(μ5-C)(μ3-P)(CO)14(dppbz)

Abstract Thermolysis or Me3NO activation of the hexaruthenium cluster Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)17 in the presence of the diphosphine ligand 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppbz) does not furnish the expected dppbz-substituted cluster Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)15(dppbz) but rather HRu6(μ5-C)(μ3-P)(CO)14(dppbz), whose edge-bridged square-pyramidal structure has been established by X-ray crystallography. Accompanying the opening of the original closo Ru6 polyhedron is the dephosphination of a second dppbz ligand through three rapid P–C bond cleavages, leading to the capture of the phosphorus atom as a face-capping phosphido ligand. This unprecedented reactivity between Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)17 and the dppbz ligand is discussed relative to other diphosphine ligands.
Interactions of thioglucoside glucohydrolase and epithiospecifier protein of cruciferous plants to form 1-cyanoepithioalkanes

Allylglucosinolate is converted to 1-cyano-2,3-epithiopropane by interaction of the thioglucoside glucohydrolase and epithiospecifier protein from several genera: Brassica, Crambe, Armoracia and Sinapis. The interactions occur across genetic lines, indicating non-specific requirements for epithiospecifier protein and thioglucoside glucohydrolase.
Pharmacological inhibition of VIP signaling enhances antiviral immunity and improves survival in murine cytomegalovirus-infected allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following allogeneic bone marrow transplant (allo-BMT) is controlled by donor-derived cellular immunity. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) suppresses Th1 immunity. We hypothesized that blocking VIP-signaling would enhance anti-CMV immunity in murine recipients of allo-BMT. Recipients were transplanted with bone marrow (BM) and T-cells from major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–mismatched VIP-knockout (KO) or wild-type donors, and treated with 7 daily subcutaneous injections of VIPhyb (peptidic VIP-antagonist) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Genetic and pharmacological blockade of VIP-signaling protected allo-BMT recipients from lethal murine CMV (mCMV) infection, improving survival without increasing graft-versus-host disease. Mice treated with VIPhyb or transplanted with VIP-KO allografts had significantly lower viral loads, increased numbers of mCMV-M45-peptide-MHC-tetramer+ CD8+ T-cells, with lower PD-1 expression, and enhanced primary and secondary cellular immune responses after mCMV infection than did PBS-treated mice. These results demonstrate that administration of a VIP antagonist after allo-BMT is a promising safely therapeutic approach to enhance antiviral cellular immunity.
Polarized Pump-Probe Spectroscopy of Photosystem I Antenna Excitation Transport

Electronic excitation transport (EET) is currently being widely studied in photosystem I light-harvesting and core antennae of green plants. In this work, we have extended our earlier ultrafast pump-probe experiments on PSI-60 particles [1] to PSI-200 particles (Chl/P700 ∼ 200) from spinach chloroplasts. Our magic-angle Chl a Qy photobleaching decays parallel the multiexponential fluorescence decays reported elsewhere for particles of similar size [2–4]. The depolarization lifetimes in the corresponding anisotropic decays show marked wavelength dependence between 660 and 681 nm.
GENOME-WIDE CHARACTERIZATION OF A VIRAL CYTOTOXIC T LYMPHOCYTE EPITOPE REPERTOIRE

A genome-wide search using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I binding and proteosome cleavage site algorithms identified 101 influenza A PR8 virus-derived peptides as potential epitopes for CD8+ T cell recognition in the H-2b mouse. Cytokine-based flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte assays reveal that 16 are recognized by CD8+ T cells recovered directly ex vivo from infected animals, accounting for greater than 70% of CD8+ T cells recruited to lung after primary infection. Only six of the 22 highest affinity MHC class I binding peptides comprise cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes. The remaining non-immunogenic peptides have equivalent MHC affinity and MHC-peptide complex half-lives, eliciting T cell responses when given in adjuvant and with T cell receptor-ligand avidity comparable with their immunogenic counterparts. As revealed by a novel high sensitivity nanospray tandem mass spectrometry methodology, failure to process those predicted epitopes may contribute significantly to the absent response. These results have important implications for rationale design of CD8+ T cell vaccines.
A Neopluralist Perspective on Research on Organized Interests

We modestly challenge Baumgartner and Leech’s (1998) very pessimistic assessment of the state of interest group research by arguing that there has been a rich collaboration of theory and data during the 1990s, which at least points toward a new and more coherent theoretical perspective on interest representation, and one largely indigenous to political science. With some trepidation given its checkered history, we label this perspective as a neopluralist view. We explore this developing approach in three steps. We first provide a broad outline of three distinct approaches to the study of interest representation, identifying how each has understood the various stages on which organized interests have attracted the attention of scholars. We then identify six attributes of the emerging neopluralist approach that distinguish it from prior work on interest representation. Finally, we consider the appropriateness of our proposed neopluralist label and what must be done to further develop the neopluralist perspe...
Lumbar intramedullary spinal schistosomiasis presenting as progressive paraparesis: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Blood fluke infection or schistosomiasis affects up to 300 million people worldwide. Although infection of the hepatic and urogenital systems commonly occurs, central nervous system involvement is rare. When presenting in the spinal cord, schistosomiasis can be difficult to diagnose because it can present as mass lesion or transverse myelitis. We describe a patient with lumbar intramedullary spinal schistosomiasis who presented to a tertiary medical center in the United States and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 25-year-old Brazilian man presented with progressive, subacute, bilateral lower extremity motor and sensory deficits and disturbances in bladder function. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffusely enhancing mass expanding the region of the conus medullaris. INTERVENTION Laboratory investigation disclosed serum and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia. Ultimately, cerebrospinal fluid serology demonstrated the presence of Schistosoma mansoni. The patient was treated with praziquantel and steroids and made a marked recovery. CONCLUSION The clinical and radiographic manifestations of spinal schistosomiasis can mimic those of intra-axial spinal tumors and transverse myelitis. To avoid unnecessary surgery or delay in treatment, the clinician must have knowledge of this type of presentation. The increasing volume of international travel and high prevalence of the disease worldwide increases the possibility that the practicing neurosurgeon in the United States may encounter this rare but treatable disease.
A 4, 2, and 1 stepping algorithm for quick and accurate estimation of cutaneous sensation threshold

In quantitative sensory testing, certain methods may lead to incorrect estimates of vibratory (VDT), cool (CDT), or warm (WDT) detection thresholds. We have shown that the specific forced-choice algorithm of testing employed in our Computer-Assisted Sensory Examination (CASE IV) system, when compared with other tests of nerve dysfunction, provides accurate and reproducible estimates of these thresholds. Because this forced-choice algorithm is time consuming and performance might be made worse by drowsiness or boredom, we explored other algorithms that might provide estimates of threshold similar to those obtained with the forced-choice algorithm, but more quickly. In a trial of 25 healthy subjects and 25 patients with neuropathy, the 4, 2, and 1 stepping algorithm with null stimuli, based in part on comparative data from computer simulation and insights from patient decision making, provides an accurate estimate of threshold. On average, the time needed for forced-choice testing was 12.8 +/- 2.9 minutes (mean +/- SD). For 4, 2, and 1 stepping testing, it was 2.7 +/- 2.5 minutes--a large saving of time. Since null stimuli were employed in the 4, 2, and 1 stepping algorithm, it was possible to monitor for spurious responses and repeat the test if they occurred at an excessive rate. The algorithm appears to be sufficiently robust to be recommended for clinical use and for some controlled clinical and epidemiologic trials.
Do investors value REITs and Non-REITs differently?

Abstract This study compares the valuation of REITs and non-REITs, using firm-level return and accounting data of 168 REITs and 3,215 industrial companies and the methodology of Vuolteenaho (2002) that separates variances driven by cash flow news and expected return news. The evidence shows that, relative to industrial firms, REITs are driven more by cash flow risk. However, the difference in cash flow risk is insignificant after controlling for leverage. Furthermore, in poor market conditions the valuation of REITs is closer to that of non-REITs, a result we interpret as evidence of a leverage effect. These results point to leverage as an important driver of cash flow risk. In addition, cash flow risk of small firms is found to be on average lower than that of larger ones.
Rubidium-strontium age of the bosumtwi crater area, ghana, compared with the age of the ivory coast tektites.

Age of Bosumtwi crater area, Ghana, determined by mass spectrometry of rubidium, strontium and strontium isotopic composition, compared to Ivory Coast tektite age
Systemic Leadership and the Emergence of Ethical Responsiveness

The author of this paper argues that the responsibility to nurture and encourage a relationally responsive ethical attitude among the members of an organizational system is shared by all who participate in it. In the dynamic environment of a complex adaptive organizational system where it is impossible to anticipate and legislate for every potential circumstantial contingency, creating and sustaining relationships of trust has to be a systemic capacity of the entire organization. Leadership is socially constructed, as the need for it arises within the complex interactions between individuals and groups within organizations, and can therefore not be described as a set of traits or behaviors possessed by only certain individuals who occupy positions of authority. If the sharing of this kind of relational responsiveness to the everyday realities of organizational life is to be properly understood, it is important to consider it in its concrete institutional manifestations. The last section of this paper therefore explores how an organization, in which leadership is understood in relational terms and is shared by all, looks and functions.
Parabolic systems with competitive interactions and control on initial conditions

Abstract We consider a two-dimensional parabolic system with general competitive interactions as a two-player game with conflicting objectives. The controls are on the initial conditions. We demonstrate the existence of an optimal solution of the game as the saddle point for a suitably defined objective functional. The saddle point is the solution to an optimality system solved by a constructive convergence scheme.
Analytical Solution for Steady-State and Transient Temperature Fields in Vertically Stacked 3-D Integrated Circuits

Vertical integration for microelectronics poses significant challenges related to dissipation of heat generated in multiple device planes. Thermal management of 3-D integrated circuits (3-D ICs) is recognized to be one of the foremost technological and research challenges currently blocking the widespread adoption of this promising technology. The computation of steady-state and transient temperature fields in a 3-D IC is critical for determining the thermal characteristics of a 3-D IC and for evaluating any candidate thermal management technology. This paper presents an analytical solution for the 3-D temperature field in a 3-D IC based on the solution of the governing energy equations using Fourier series expansion for steady-state temperature fields. In addition, this approach is combined with Laplace transforms to determine transient temperature fields. Comparison of the temperature fields predicted by the proposed models with finite-element simulations shows excellent agreement. The model is used to compute the temperature field in a representative 3-D IC, and it is shown that by utilizing a thermal-friendly floorplanning approach, the maximum temperature of the 3-D IC is reduced substantially.
Etchings of Wenceslaus Hollar in the Collections of the Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library holds more than 2,000 examples of the etchings of the seventeenth-century Bohemian artist Wenceslaus Hollar, who was born in Prague but spent most of his adult life in England. The strengths of the Folger Library's Hollar collection are described with emphasis on Hollar's copies of artworks in the Arundel collection; his book illustrations, particularly those he produced for the publisher John Ogilby and the antiquary Sir William Dugdale; his maps and topographical views, most notably his views of London made before the Great Fire of 1666; and his detailed studies of English and European women's costume.
Towards better technology policies for the Indian coal-power sector

Coal is projected to be a mainstay of the Indian power sector in the decades to come, given the availability of significant domestic resources and the limited availability of other options that could make major contributions to the growing power needs of the country. However, further capacity addition in coal-power generation needs to be based on a careful consideration of not only the country’s near-term growth and security needs but also present and emerging environmental challenges, including local pollution control and mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions. This paper assesses the suitability of current and emerging advanced power generation technologies for the Indian context and presents some technology policy implications of this assessment and analysis to help the Indian coal-power sector meet the country’s energy needs in a sustainable manner.
Stability analysis of p-adic string solitons

Abstract An effective field theory built on the tachyonic vacuum of the p -adic bosonic string was shown by Brekke et al. to possess soliton solutions of positive energy in a shifted lower-energy vacuum. It is shown here that such solitons should be interpreted not as real-mass particles but as vacuum decay to yet a third vacuum of unboundedly low energy.
Positional Uncertainties and Detection Limits of ROSAT X-Ray Sources

This study addresses, primarily, positional uncertainties of sources imaged by the X-ray cameras on the Rontgensatellit (ROSAT). Monte Carlo simulations are exploited to estimate the precision of centroiding point-source "photon clouds" in ROSAT event lists. Measurements of bright coronal stars demonstrate that the design specification 6'' accuracy of a ROSAT pointing center was achieved in practice. Furthermore, the accuracy often can be improved to 2'' or better by matching serendipitous X-ray sources to an optical catalog like the US Naval Observatory A2. Even a low signal-to-noise detection usually can be localized well enough to obtain a unique identification with a cataloged object or to establish that no bright optical counterpart is present. Secondarily, and in a more general context, the study addresses detection significance and flux limits in the sparse counting regime. Building on previous work by Gehrels and Kraft, Burrows, & Nousek, scaling laws are developed to estimate detection thresholds and lower and upper bounds on possible source fluxes. Although the specific application of ROSAT was in mind, the flux limit approximations apply to other situations governed by Poisson statistics; including ultraviolet and X-ray spectra with low source counts and nonnegligible backgrounds.
Estimating the Imputed Social Cost of Errors of Measurement.

If a loss function is available specifying the social cost of an error of measurement in the score on a unidimensional test, an asymptotic method, based on item response theory, is developed for optimal test design for a specified target population of examinees. Since in the real world such loss functions are not available, it is more useful to reverse this process; thus a method is developed for finding the loss function for which a given test is an optimally designed test for the target population. An illustrative application is presented for one operational test.
Colon motility in opiate addiction and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal

More than half of those who use opiates suffer from constipation, and withdrawal from opiates produces abdominal cramps and diarrhea in 70% to 85%. These withdrawal symptoms may influence the number of opioid-dependent patients who attempt abstinence and the number who relapse. To characterize the motility correlates of these gastrointestinal symptoms of withdrawal, six patients from a drug treatment program were studied while on maintenance doses of methadone (average of 57.5 mg/d) and during acute naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Motility was recorded via open-tipped catheters at 30 cm and 15 cm from the anal verge during a 15-minute baseline period and for 15 minutes during mechanical distention of the rectosigmoid colon with a balloon. This sequence was repeated during withdrawal. Subjective symptoms and objective signs of withdrawal assessed at 15-minute intervals showed that all six patients experienced withdrawal. Sigmoid and rectal motility were also assessed in 18 opiate-free control subjects. Long-term methadone use was associated with normal sigmoid and rectal motility under baseline conditions, but methadone users did not show the inhibition in sigmoid motility that normal subjects exhibited following baloon distention. When withdrawal was precipitated by naloxone, methadone users showed significant increases in rectosigmoid motility in association with signs and symptoms of withdrawal.
Adaptive Indexing in Very Large Databases

Very large databases contain large amounts of interrelated information. This information is often stored in relational databases with hundreds of tables and thousands of rows per table. Clustering is an effective way to reduce the information-overhead associated with finding information among these tables, allowing the user to browse through the clusters as well as the individual tables. In this paper, we compare the use of two adaptive algorithms (genetic algorithms, and neural networks) in clustering the tables of a very large database. These clusters allow the user to index into this overwhelming number of tables and find the needed information quickly. We cluster the tables based on the userâ€™s queries and not on the content of the tables, thus the clustering reflects the unique relationships each user sees among the tables. The original database remains untouched, however each user will now have a personalized index into this database.
Laminin 5 Deposition Promotes Keratinocyte Motility

Abstract We examined the role of individual integrins in promoting human keratinocyte migration. In short-term assays on collagen type I- or fibronectin-coated substrates, migration was blocked by antibody to the α2 integrin and the α5 integrin, respectively. Unexpectedly, antibodies to integrin α3 also significantly inhibited cell locomotion on both ligands. Time-course immunofluorescence staining revealed that keratinocyte migration was accompanied by deposition of endogenous laminin 5. Since α3β1 is a known receptor for this ligand, this observation suggested that migrating keratinocytes use freshly deposited laminin 5 in locomotion. Indeed, further investigation showed that anti-laminin 5 blocking antibodies effectively inhibited keratinocyte motility on both collagen and fibronectin substrates. Furthermore, cell migration on laminin 5-coated substrates was blocked by both anti-α3 and anti-laminin 5 antibodies. Laminin 5 did not appear important in the initial attachment of keratinocytes, since adhesion of cells to collagen type I- or fibronectin-coated surfaces was not blocked by antibody to α3 integrin or to laminin 5, but could be inhibited by antibody to α2 or α5, respectively. Using an in vitro wound assay, blocking antibodies to α3 integrin and to laminin 5 also blocked reepithelization of the denuded monolayer. These results show that α3β1 integrin plays an important role in the migration of keratinocytes via their interaction with laminin 5. Furthermore, they suggest that cell migration is dependent not only on exogenous ligands but, importantly, on endogenously secreted laminin 5. Finally, the data are consistent with our earlier finding that laminin 5 is the first extracellular matrix component to be expressed and deposited by migrating keratinocytes during wound healing in vivo [1].
Qweak, N → Δ, and physics beyond the standard model

The data-taking phase of the Qweak experiment ended in May of 2012 at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Qweak aims to measure the weak charge of the proton, Q{sub W}{sup p}, via parity-violating elastic electron-proton scattering. The expected value of Q{sub W}{sup p} is fortuitously suppressed, which leads to an increased sensitivity to physics beyond the Standard Model.
Metabolic pathway confirmation and discovery through (13)C-labeling of proteinogenic amino acids

Microbes have complex metabolic pathways that can be investigated using biochemistry and functional genomics methods. One important technique to examine cell central metabolism and discover new enzymes is 13C-assisted metabolism analysis 1. This technique is based on isotopic labeling, whereby microbes are fed with a 13C labeled substrates. By tracing the atom transition paths between metabolites in the biochemical network, we can determine functional pathways and discover new enzymes. As a complementary method to transcriptomics and proteomics, approaches for isotopomer-assisted analysis of metabolic pathways contain three major steps 2. First, we grow cells with 13C labeled substrates. In this step, the composition of the medium and the selection of labeled substrates are two key factors. To avoid measurement noises from non-labeled carbon in nutrient supplements, a minimal medium with a sole carbon source is required. Further, the choice of a labeled substrate is based on how effectively it will elucidate the pathway being analyzed. Because novel enzymes often involve different reaction stereochemistry or intermediate products, in general, singly labeled carbon substrates are more informative for detection of novel pathways than uniformly labeled ones for detection of novel pathways3, 4. Second, we analyze amino acid labeling patterns using GC-MS. Amino acids are abundant in protein and thus can be obtained from biomass hydrolysis. Amino acids can be derivatized by N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide (TBDMS) before GC separation. TBDMS derivatized amino acids can be fragmented by MS and result in different arrays of fragments. Based on the mass to charge (m/z) ratio of fragmented and unfragmented amino acids, we can deduce the possible labeled patterns of the central metabolites that are precursors of the amino acids. Third, we trace 13C carbon transitions in the proposed pathways and, based on the isotopomer data, confirm whether these pathways are active 2. Measurement of amino acids provides isotopic labeling information about eight crucial precursor metabolites in the central metabolism. These metabolic key nodes can reflect the functions of associated central pathways. 13C-assisted metabolism analysis via proteinogenic amino acids can be widely used for functional characterization of poorly-characterized microbial metabolism1. In this protocol, we will use Cyanothece 51142 as the model strain to demonstrate the use of labeled carbon substrates for discovering new enzymatic functions.
Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation after Novel Myeloablative Conditioning Using FluBu4/TLI

We conducted a pilot study evaluating double umbilical cord blood transplantation (dCBT) after myeloablative (MA) conditioning with Fludarabine/Busulfan 3.2mg/kg IV × 4, followed by Total Lymphoid Irradiation at 400cGy (FluBu4/TLI) for any indicated hematological disorder without a suitable donor. Twenty patients with predominantly high-risk disease underwent dCBT according to protocol. The regimen was well tolerated, with mucositis as the primary observed toxicity (n=19). The cumulative incidence of neutrophil engraftment was 89% (95% C.I., 64-97%), with a median time to recovery of 16 days (range: 12-31 days). All evaluable patients with neutrophil engraftment achieved complete donor chimerism by day 40. The cumulative incidence of grade III/IV acute GVHD at day 100 was 10% (95% C.I., 2-27%), and the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 35% (95% C.I. 16-55%) by the end of the study. At one year, the cumulative incidence of treatment related mortality (TRM) was 35% (95% C.I. 16-55%). The leading cause of non-relapse mortality was acute GVHD (n=4), followed by graft failure (n=2), and chronic GVHD (n=1). Treatment-related mortality was significantly associated with a pre-transplant HCT-CI score ≥3 (p=0.005). At one year, disease relapse occurred in six patients, and overall survival was 40% (95% C.I. 19-60%). We conclude that MA FluBu4/TLI is an adequate preparative regiment prior to dCBT, providing high engraftment rates, and relatively early neutrophil recovery. The best survival outcomes were seen in patients without significant comorbidities pre-transplant, and are comparable to previously published dCBT studies.
Pressure and volume changes of the left ventricle in acute pericardial tamponade.

Abstract The changes produced by acute pericardial tamponade in classic hemodynamics and left ventricular volume measurements were examined in 8 dogs. Tamponade produced the expected hemodynamic alterations, namely, depression in cardiac output, elevation of left ventricular end-diastolic, right atrial and pericardial pressures. Heart rate was not significantly altered. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume also behaved in the expected manner and was found to be significantly reduced. The phasic pattern of left ventricular diastolic filling was not altered although the rate of early diastolic filling was reduced. Left ventricular end-systolic volume was not significantly changed. Left ventricular function was shown to be depressed by significant falls in ejection fraction and mean systolic ejection rate. The relation of these parameters in this situation to myocardial contractility was examined and found to be inconclusive.
Akt kinase targets association of CBP with SMAD 3 to regulate TGFβ‐induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1

Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) controls expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), which regulates degradation of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrotic diseases. The TGFβ receptor-specific Smad 3 has been implicated in the PAI-1 expression. The mechanism by which non-Smad signaling contributes to this process is not known. We studied the cross-talk between Smad 3 and PI 3 kinase/Akt signaling in TGFβ-induced PAI-1 expression in renal mesangial cells. Inhibition of PI 3 kinase and Akt kinase blocked TGFβ- and Smad 3-mediated expression of PAI-1. In contrast, constitutively active PI 3 kinase and Akt kinase increased PAI-1 expression, similar to TGFβ. Inhibition of PI 3 kinase and Akt kinase had no effect on TGFβ-induced Smad 3 phosphorylation and its translocation to the nucleus. Notably, inhibition of PI 3 kinase-dependent Akt kinase abrogated TGFβ-induced PAI-1 transcription, without affecting binding of Smad 3 to the PAI-1 Smad binding DNA element. However, PI 3 kinase inhibition and dominant negative Akt kinase antagonized the association of the transcriptional coactivator CBP with Smad 3 in response to TGFβ, resulting in inhibition of Smad 3 acetylation. Together our findings identify TGFβ-induced PI 3 kinase/Akt signaling as a critical regulator of Smad 3-CBP interaction and Smad 3 acetylation, which cause increased PAI-1 expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 513–527, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Materials for thin-film wear sensors

This paper addresses the problems of material selection and fabrication of sensors for steel bearings and reports test results for sliding ring and block tests (ASTM-G77). A thin-film wear sensor has been constructed to monitor the wear of a bearing surface while in contact with a shaft or flat counterface. The sensor consists of electrically conductive films separated from the bearing with insulating films. It monitors the regression of the surface due to wear in fractions of a micrometer over a small area. The effect of the materials and fabrication on the properties of the sensor are presented as they affect the electrical response and wear characteristics. The most critical properties of the insulating film are adhesion, low conductivity, strength, and hardness. Sputtered films of aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, and borosilicate glass on 304 stainless steel substrates were evaluated. It was found that conductive films of copper and aluminum smeared excessively, but that films of platinum and tantalum could be used successfully for thin-film wear sensors as well as insulators of alumina and tantalum oxide.
Congenital maltase-glucoamylase deficiency associated with lactase and sucrase deficiencies

Background: Multiple enzyme deficiencies have been reported in some cases of congenital glucoamylase, sucrase, or lactase deficiency. Here we describe such a case and the investigations that we have made to determine the cause of this deficiency.Methods and Results: A 2.5 month-old infant, admitted with congenital lactase deficiency, failed to gain weight on a glucose oligomer formula (Nutramigen(R)). Jejunal mucosal biopsy at 4 and 12 months revealed normal histology with decreased maltase-glucoamylase, sucrase-isomaltase, and lactase-phlorizin hydrolase activities. Testing with a C-13-starch/breath (CO2)-C-13 loading test confirmed proximal starch malabsorption. Sequencing of maltase-glucoamylase cDNA revealed homozygosity for a nucleotide change (C1673T) in the infant, which causes an amino acid substitution (S542L) 12 amino acids after the N-terminal catalytic aspartic acid. The introduction of this mutation into "wildtype" N-terminus maltase-glucoamylase cDNA was not associated with obvious loss of maltase-glucoamylase enzyme activities when expressed in COS 1 cells and this amino-acid change was subsequently found in other people. Sequencing of the promoter region revealed no nucleotide changes. Maltase-glucoamylase, lactase, and sucrase-isomaltase were each normally synthesized and processed in organ culture.Conclusions: The lack of evidence for a causal nucleotide change in the maltase-glucoamylase gene in this patient, and the concomitant low levels of lactase and sucrase activity, suggest that the depletion of mucosal maltase-glucoamylase activity and starch digestion was caused by shared, pleiotropic regulatory factors.
THERMAL PHASES IN FINITE QUANTUM SYSTEMS

I will describe the behaviour of two different quantum-mechanical systems as a function of increasing temperature. While these systems are somewhat different, the questions addressed are very similar, namely, how does one describe transitions in phase of a finite many-body system; how does one recognise these transitions in practical calculations; and how may one obtain the order of the transition.
The binding to serum protein of acetic and propionic acid analogues of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

The binding of acetic and propionic acid analogues of thyroxine and triiodothyronine to serum proteins has been investigated by means of a dialysis procedure. Relative to thyroxine, only small quantities of its analogues were found to be in the free, non-protein-bound form. The same was true of the triiodothyronine analogues as compared with the unmodified compound. Addition of the analogues to serum containing labeled thyroxine did not cause an increase in free radiothyroxine indicating that the analogues are bound to other sites than is thyroxine. In keeping with these results it was found that the uptake of the labeled analogues by eiythrocytes was far lower than that of the corresponding iodothyronines.
Effective Advocacy in Rural Domains Applying an Ecological Model to Understanding Advocates’ Relationships

Past scholarship has explored the ecological model as it pertains to intimate partner violence from the victim’s perspective. Missing from this literature is the application of the ecological model to victim advocates, specifically rural victim advocates. This article explores the microsystem and exosystem levels of the ecological model to understand victim advocates’ relationships with their clients and criminal justice personnel. To investigate these relationships, we used a sample of rural advocates located within the Mississippi Delta Region. The findings from the interviews and focus group indicate that the density of rural relationships both help facilitate and create barriers to effective victim advocacy. Social capital specific to the rural domain is being generated by the advocates to benefit themselves and their clients.
Visual Diagnosis: 4-Month-Old Girl With Diffuse, Varied Dermatitis and Bullae

Pediatric autoimmune blistering disorders are exceedingly rare. Of these, childhood bullous pemphigoid (CBP) is the most common IgG-mediated subepidermal bullous disease in the pediatric population. Tense acral blisters, especially on the soles and palms, are characteristic of the infantile presentation. Patients with CBP present with varied dermatoses, making clinical diagnosis alone difficult. Definitive diagnosis is made with direct immunofluorescence revealing linear deposition of IgG and/or C3 at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) or indirect immunofluorescence revealing IgG antibodies reacting with the BMZ. First-line treatment is oral prednisolone dosed at 1 to 2 mg/kg and then tapered slowly to avoid rebound disease. The length of treatment depends on the rate of remission.
Public curation of a historic collection: a means for speaking safely in public

We showcase the Voices from the Rwanda Tribunal project and associated website that provides online public access to a set of historic video interviews with personnel from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The demonstration emphasizes the careful design process needed for a project of this sensitivity, including two technical features that democratize curation of the collection - (1) public suggestions for video highlights and (2) public contribution of keywords in Kinyarwanda, English or French.
Reframing the Debate on Health Care Reform by Replacing Our Metaphors

Metaphors matter, as our sterile debate on the fi-nancing of health insurance demonstrates so well. In that debate the traditional metaphor of American medicine, the military metaphor, was displaced by the market metaphor in public discourse. Metaphors, which entice us to understand and experience “one kind of thing in terms of another . . . play a central role in the construction of social and political reality.”1 The market metaphor proved virtually irresistible in the public arena and led Congress to defer to market forces to “reform” the financing of health insurance in the United States. We live in a . . .
International cooperation to develop intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS)

Summary form only given. The author discusses some aspects of advanced manufacturing and the advantages of international collaboration and suggests some areas for collaboration. He outlines the Japanese intelligent manufacturing system (IMS) proposal and enumerates its background. The IMS proposal includes the following elements: (1) the move away from manufacturing by the work force, (2) the appearance of isolated islands of automation, (3) globalization of manufacturing, (4) insufficient systemization for existing technology, (5) diversification of consumer needs, and (6) the hollowing-out of industry and the decline of production. >