cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of immune injury in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for the involvement of T cells and heat-shock protein.

Evidence for the involvement of T cells, especially CD4+ T cells, in the pathogenesis of RA is substantial and includes 1) the correlation between prolonged CD4+ T-cell depletion and improvement in joint disease in the absence of observable changes in the levels of autoantibodies (rheumatoid factors) in the blood and joints, 2) the infiltration of the inflamed synovial tissues with T cells and, 3) the increased susceptibility of individuals to RA with certain HLA-DR haplotypes. The most direct evidence for the involvement of CD4+ T cells is provided by recent studies which demonstrate rapid improvement in the joint disease manifestations of RA following the infusion of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (Herzog et al. 1989, Walker et al. 1989). It is unlikely that T cells alone are responsible for the joint injury in RA. Autoantibodies (rheumatoid factors) in the joint which contribute to the release of complement breakdown products, and to the secretion of cytokines such as IL-1 by macrophages must also play an important role. Indeed, depletion of CD4+ cells after TLI or therapy with monoclonal antibody reduces, but does not eliminate, joint disease activity. The residual joint disease activity is probably influenced by the continued contribution of autoantibodies to joint injury. Production of these autoantibodies may not be dependent on help from CD4+ cells, since little change is observed in autoantibody levels after CD4+ cell depletion. The mechanisms by which T cells mediate to the joint disease in RA are not clear. Little or no direct evidence of cytotoxic effects of T cells on autologous joint cells has been reported. Considerable evidence suggests that at least some T-cell cytokines (i.e., TNF alpha, IL-6) can contribute to the proliferation of synovial lining cells which results in the marked build-up of inflammatory tissue (pannus) in the joints of patients with RA (Firestein et al. 1990). In addition, T cells may recruit other joint cells, such as macrophages, to secrete cytokines (i.e., IL-1) which both contribute to synovial cell proliferation, and cartilage and bone degeneration. The marked reduction in the spontaneous secretion of IL-1 by synovial biopsies, and improvement in disease activity after TLI support this notion. Interestingly, the CD4+ T-cell lymphokines, IL-2 and IFN-gamma, were not spontaneously secreted in detectable quantities by synovial biopsies. This suggests that the pattern of lymphokines secreted by T cells in the joint in RA are not typical of that in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
EA follow-up in the Ghanaian mining sector: Challenges and opportunities

Environmental assessment (EA) follow-up provides a means for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of environmental impact studies. It is integral to the success or failure of a project or program. In spite of its importance, very little attention is given to the need for follow-up programs in most jurisdictions in Africa. Using a case study in the Ghanaian mining sector, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities within the country's EA process for an effective follow-up program. The paper is based on informal interviews, content analysis of relevant publications, official EA documents, and internet searches. The authors suggest a standard EA follow-up program to be formalized as an integral part of Ghana's environmental assessment policy. They also propose a follow-up process that harnesses existing opportunities within the country's EA system. This approach can be replicated in other African countries.
Intestinal capacity of P-glycoprotein is higher in the juniper specialist, Neotoma stephensi, than the sympatric generalist, Neotoma albigula

Permeability-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a membrane-bound, ATP-dependent, transport protein that excludes many cytotoxic compounds including plant metabolites and pollutants from the barrier epithelia of many tissues including the small intestine. We hypothesized that intestinal Pgp capacity would be higher in Neotoma stephensi, a specialist on Juniperus monosperma known to be high in plant toxins, than the sympatric generalist, Neotoma albigula, which consumes juniper in the field, but is unable to tolerate a high juniper diet. We measured Pgp activity as the difference in accumulation of a known Pgp substrate, digoxin, between everted sections of small intestine exposed to ethanol vehicle control and a maximal level of a known competitive inhibitor of Pgp, cyclosporin A. We estimated intestinal capacity by averaging Pgp activity along the intestine and multiplying by total small intestine mass. These first measures of Pgp in wild mammals show a significant difference among species with the juniper specialist, N. stephensi, exhibiting a 2.4 fold higher capacity than the generalist, N. albigula. This result suggests that Pgp may play a role in the ability of N. stephensi to tolerate juniper.
Strengthening mechanisms of an Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy

Abstract As a step toward developing an Al-Mg-Sc-Zr alloy for use up to 200 °C, the mechanisms responsible for alloy strengthening were identified for Al-6Mg-2Sc-1Zr (wt%) (Al-6.7Mg-1.2Sc-0.3Zr (at%)). The current work quantifies the active strengthening mechanisms at room temperature and explicitly considers solid solution strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, and Al3(Sc,Zr) precipitate strengthening. Existing strengthening models, together with data from microstructural characterization were used to determine the magnitude of individual contributions. Strengthening due to the sub-micron grain size was the largest contribution to alloy strength, followed in decreasing order by precipitate strengthening and solid solution strengthening. Tensile yield strengths, 540–640 MPa (78–93 ksi), measured at room temperature agree well with predicted values. Model predictions showed that increasing the precipitate size from 7.5 nm to 20–25 nm and increasing the volume fraction of these particles from 0.015–0.025 up to 0.035 could produce a material with a yield strength of 865 MPa (125 ksi).
Detection of aromatic radical cation aggregates in pulse radiolysis in alkane solutions. Time-resolved fluorescence detected magnetic resonance

Abstract Time-resolved fluorescence detected magnetic resonance (FDMR) was used to examine the geminate ion recombination events of aromatic hydrocarbons in alkane solutions. The FDMR linewidth was found to be dependent on aromatic hydrocarbon concentration. In addition, the recombination kinetics were observed to be dependent on the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbon, viscosity of solvent, temperature and the monitored fluorescence wavelength. The formation of dimer-multimer cations explains the observed data. The dimer-multimer radical cation role in excimer formation is demonstrated.
Longitudinal epiphyseal bracket

Longitudinal epiphyseal bracket or bracket epiphysis is an uncommon disorder of growth. Alternatively known as a delta phalanx, it is due to an anomalous secondary ossification center that extends longitudinally along the diaphysis. Although rare, longitudinal epiphyseal bracket most commonly manifests in the hands as clinodactyly and in the feet as hallux varus. Previously, longitudinal epiphyseal bracket has been treated with angular osteotomy, but we recommend early surgical physiolysis. We describe this uncommon disorder, our current recommendation for treatment, and present three illustrative cases.
Anisotropic Deformation and Damage in Aluminium 2198 T8 Sheets

The deformation and damage mechanisms of sheets aluminium alloy 2198 are investigated experimentally and numerically. Mechanical tests in three different orientations are carried out on smooth and U-notched flat specimens. The material's microstructure is characterized to obtain the second phase area content, the morphology of particles and the void volume fraction. The fracture surfaces of the different specimens are examined using scanning electron microscopy. Smooth specimens loaded in the longitudinal and transversal orientation exhibit a slanted fracture surface, which has an angle of about 458 with respect to the loading direction. Samples loaded in 458-orientation fail in a flat manner. Notched specimens show a V-shaped fracture surface. Failure initiates here at the notch root. It is shown that primary voids are first initiated at intermetallic particles. Void growth is promoted and rupture is caused by shear failure between regions of cavities. Finite element calculations are performed to simulate the orientation-dependent deforma- tion and damage behavior. A phenomenological yield criterion combined with a porosity-based isotropic damage model allows for the quantitative prediction of specimen's failure for different triaxialities. An interaction of deformation and damage evolution can be demonstrated. The deficit of the von Mises yield criterion for this kind of metallic materials becomes evident.
On the horizon: pathways for drug development in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs memory, cognition, activities of daily living, and behavior. With the increase in the older population, the number of Alzheimer’s sufferers will nearly triple by the middle of this century [1] unless treatments are found that can prevent or substantially delay the course of the disease. Pathologically, AD is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), decreased synaptic density, and neuronal loss. Neuronal loss is further hastened by inflammatory processes, free radical oxidation, and excitotoxicity. At a neurochemical level, deficits of cholinergic transmission are seen as neuronal loss occurs in the septal and basal forebrain nuclei, which project to the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Deficits of other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, also occur. Current AD therapy is targeted at treating the symptoms of AD, mainly by working on the biochemical imbalances that are present. The mainstay of AD treatment for the past 10 years has been cholinesterase inhibition. Four agents are currently available for use in the United States: tacrine (Cognex, Parke-Davis, Morris Plains, New Jersey), donepezil (Aricept, Pfizer, New York, New York), rivastigmine (Exelon, Novartis, East Hanover, New Jersey), and galantamine (Reminyl, Janssen, Titusville, New Jersey). All four have been shown to produce modest but temporary improvements in cognition, global functioning, activities of daily living, and behavior. Their common mode of action is to increase the available amount of synaptic acetylcholine (ACh) through inhibition of the cholinesterases that hydrolyze ACh. Some recent reports have suggested that cholinesterase inhibitors may have slight disease-delaying effects [2,3]; however, more definitive therapies are needed. The goal of current research is to find disease-modifying treatments for AD by focusing on the underlying pathologic processes.
Automatic continuous monitoring of enzymic activity in column effluent

Abstract A procedure has been deseribed using the flow system of analysis for continuous monitoring of enzymic activities in column effluents. The system exhibits a high degree of sensitivity. Greater than 90% of the enzyme in the effuent can be recovered for further use.
Thromboembolic events before esophagectomy for esophageal cancer do not result in worse outcomes.

Background Esophageal cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation are all associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events (TEE). Development of a TEE during neoadjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer can alter the treatment course, as surgery may be delayed or cancelled because patients require anticoagulation therapy. We evaluated the incidence of preoperative TEE among esophageal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and the impact on morbidity, mortality, and timing of surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of 1,057 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between January 1999 and May 2010. Of these patients, 534 were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Results Preoperative thromboembolic events occurred in 75 of 534 patients (14.0%). The only preoperative factor associated with increased risk of TEE was increased preoperative weight ( p = 0.02). Fluorouracil significantly increased the risk of TEE ( p = 0.028, odds ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 4.26), whereas there was no difference in patients receiving cisplatin ( p = 0.299). There was a trend toward an association between infectious complications during neoadjuvant therapy and TEE development ( p = 0.076). Patients with TEEs had a delay from neoadjuvant therapy to surgery ( p = 0.0004). The TEE group had a trend toward the increased onset of postoperative atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.0688, odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 3.27). There was no difference in respiratory complications ( p = 0.934), overall complications ( p = 0.859), 30-day mortality ( p = 0.899), or overall survival ( p = 0.790). Conclusions Thromboembolic events in the preoperative period delay the time to surgery for patients with esophageal cancer. Despite this delay, there is no demonstrable effect on postoperative complications or mortality.
Analysis of the pH Dependence of the Neonatal Fc Receptor/Immunoglobulin G Interaction Using Antibody and Receptor Variants

The neonatal Fe receptor (FcRn) binds maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) from ingested milk in the gut (pH 6.0-6.5) and delivers it to the bloodstream of the newborn (pH 7.0-7.5). A soluble version of FcRn reproduces the physiological pH-dependent interaction with IgG, showing high-affinity binding at pH 6.0-6.5 but weak or no binding at pH 7.0-7.5. We have studied the pH dependence of the FcRn/IgG interaction using a surface plasmon resonance assay to measure kinetic and equilibrium constants. We show that the affinity of FcRn for IgG is reduced about 2 orders of magnitude as the pH is raised from 6.0 to 7.0. A Hill plot analysis suggests that several titrating residues participate in the pH-dependent affinity transition. Histidine side chains are likely candidates for residues that titrate between pH 6.0 and 7.0, and previous biochemical and structural work identified several histidines on the Fe portion of IgG that are located at the FcRn binding site. Using mutant IgG molecules and IgG subtype variants that differ in the number of histidines at the IgG/FcRn interface, we demonstrate that IgG histidines located at the junction between the CH2 and CH3 domains (residues 310 and 433) contribute to the pH-dependent affinity transition. Experiments with a mutant FcRn molecule show that two histidines on the FcRn heavy chain (residues 250 and 251) also contribute to the pH dependence of the FcRn/IgG interaction. These results are interpreted using the crystal structures of FcRn and an FcRn/Fc complex.
Cutaneous stimulation of the digits and lips evokes responses with different adaptation patterns in primary somatosensory cortex.

Neuromagnetic evoked fields were recorded to compare the adaptation of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) response to tactile stimuli delivered to the glabrous skin at the fingertips of the first three digits (condition 1) and between midline upper and lower lips (condition 2). The stimulation paradigm allowed to characterize the response adaptation in the presence of functional integration of tactile stimuli from adjacent skin areas in each condition. At each stimulation site, cutaneous stimuli (50 ms duration) were delivered in three runs, using trains of 6 pulses with regular stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). The pulses were separated by SOAs of 500 ms, 250 ms or 125 ms in each run, respectively, while the inter-train interval was fixed (5 s) across runs. The evoked activity in SI (contralateral to the stimulated hand, and bilaterally for lips stimulation) was characterized from the best-fit dipoles of the response component peaking around 70 ms for the hand stimulation, and 8 ms earlier (on average) for the lips stimulation. The SOA-dependent long-term adaptation effects were assessed from the change in the amplitude of the responses to the first stimulus in each train. The short-term adaptation was characterized by the lifetime of an exponentially saturating model function fitted to the set of suppression ratios of the second relative to the first SI response in each train. Our results indicate: 1) the presence of a rate-dependent long-term adaptation effect induced only by the tactile stimulation of the digits; and 2) shorter recovery lifetimes for the digits compared with the lips stimulation.
Correlates of Classroom Behavior Problems among Learning Disabled and Nondisabled Children in Mainstream Classes.

A multiple-regression design was used to identify predictors of behavior problems among learning disabled (LD) and non-learning disabled (non-LD) children. The correlates of classroom behavior for groups of 40 LD and 40 non-LD students were identified from among various personality indicators including self-concept, temperament, and locus of control. Only 10 of 66 correlations for the LD group were significant; 30 correlations were significant for the non-LD group. One personality variable —reactivity—predicted total problem behavior for the LD group, yielding an R-square of .19. For the non-LD group, a two-variable model, including reactivity and social flexibility, predicted variance in total problem behavior, yielding an R-square of .60. Implications of the results are discussed stressing the need for additional research on correlates of problem behaviors in mainstream classes.
Viscoelasticity of dilute chain‐molecule solutions: Evaluation of hydrodynamic interaction

The viscoelastic properties of chain molecules varying in flexibility and length have been calculated by use of the bead-spring model theory of Zimm. In the evaluation of the hydrodynamic interaction parameter, the number of springs in the bead-spring model, N, has been selected from the range in which the properties predicted by the theory are insensitive to the value of N. The results for limiting viscosity number agree with those predicted by the Yamakawa–Fujii theory of the limiting viscosity number of wormlike chains. The theory also fits the experimental data of Johnson on a sample of polystyrene of molecular weight 860,000 in theta solvents at infinite dilution. The viscoelastic properties of some moderate molecular weight deoxyribonucleic acid solutions are predicted to deviate from the non-free-draining behavior toward the free-draining behavior.
The validity of item bias techniques with math word problems

Item bias research has compared methods empiri cally using both computer simulation with known amounts of bias and real data with unknown amounts of bias. This study extends previous research by "planting" biased items in the realistic context of math word problems. "Biased" items are those in which the reading level is too high for a group of stu dents so that the items are unable to assess the stu dents' math knowledge. Of the three methods assessed (Angoff's transformed difficulty, Camilli's full chi- square, and Linn and Harnisch's item response theory, IRT, approach), only the IRT approach performed well. Removing the biased items had a minor effect on the validity for the minority group.
On-Chip Woodpile Photonic Crystal for Light Localization and 3-D Integrated Optics

Simple fabrication method, which consists of two lithography and two etching processes, is utilized to construct woodpile photonic crystals in GaAs wafers. The developed resonator and waveguide designs enable 3-D optical integration in semiconductor wafer.
Why do the knownleft-handed fermions have weak isospin 12? A possible lattice gauge theory explanation

Abstract We suggest a possible explanation, based on properties of the (zero-temperature) chiral transition in lattice gauge-Higgs theories, for why the known left-handed fermions have weak isospin 1 2 .
Intramedullary Rod and Cement Static Spacer Construct in Chronically Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

Two-stage reimplantation, with interval antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer, is the preferred treatment of prosthetic knee joint infections. In medically compromised hosts with prior failed surgeries, the outcomes are poor. Articulating spacers in such patients render the knee unstable; static spacers have risks of dislocation and extensor mechanism injury. We examined 58 infected total knee arthroplasties with extensive bone and soft tissue loss, treated with resection arthroplasty and intramedullary tibiofemoral rod and antibiotic-laden cement spacer. Thirty-seven patients underwent delayed reimplantation. Most patients (83.8%) were free from recurrent infection at mean follow-up of 29.4 months. Reinfection occurred in 16.2%, which required debridement. Twenty-one patients with poor operative risks remained with the spacer for 11.4 months. All patients, during spacer phase, had brace-free ambulation with simulated tibiofemoral fusion, without bone loss or loss of limb length.
Mathematical Modeling of Encapsulated Buffer Performance in Sand Columns

A one-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate pH control using an encapsulated phosphate buffer during denitrification in a sand column. The parameters required for the model were obtained from direct physical measurement, from a tracer study to characterize the dispersion coefficient in the column, and from batch experiments designed to obtain an empirical expression describing the variation of the first-order rate constant for the encapsulated buffer core release with pH. First-order kinetic constants describing the rates of denitrification and ethanol biodegradation were obtained by fitting the model to column runs without the encapsulated buffer. With these parameters, the model was subsequently used to predict the performance of column runs containing the encapsulated buffer. Since denitrification was essentially complete in the sand columns, an increase in the effluent pH was observed. This pH increase was counteracted by the controlled release of the acidic core of the encapsulated buffers added in the columns. The model reasonably predicted the release of the encapsulated buffer core and the performance of the encapsulated buffer for controlling pH in the column.
The effects of hydropattern and predator communities on amphibian occupancy

Complex, interactive ecological constraints regulate species distributions, and understanding these factors is crucial for predicting species persistence. We used occupancy analysis, which corrects for imperfect detection, to test the importance of abiotic and biotic habitat and landscape factors on probability of occupancy by Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata (Agassiz, 1850)) tadpoles. We hypothesized that hydropattern and predators are primarily important because they affect desiccation and predation risk and can interact in ways difficult to predict. We surveyed 62 wetland sites across an elevational gradient in Colorado, USA, and modeled patterns in P. maculata occupancy. Tadpoles were most frequently present in intermediate-length hydropattern systems with lower desiccation risk and no predatory fish because of occasional drying. Pseudacris maculata occupancy had a strong negative relationship with fish presence, while tadpoles, odonate larvae, and Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium Baird, 1850) frequently co-occurred. Dry seasonal conditions will likely result in fewer intermediate-length hydropattern ponds available for amphibian breeding. We hypothesize that this will force P. maculata to breed in habitats with fish. As habitats shrink, predators that co-occur with P. maculata are expected to concentrate in the remaining habitat and increase predation risk for developing tadpoles (assuming predators are similarly constricted in their habitat use as amphibians are).
The Civil Service Under Clinton: The Institutional Consequences of Disaggregation

With the failed attempt at comprehensive reform of the civil service system in 1995, the Clinton administration encouraged individual agencies to seek their own personnel flexibilities. That strategy met with some success with the granting by Congress of special authorities to units with a total of approximately 200,000 employees. However, the disaggregation of the federal personnel system this approach portends holds profound and potentially adverse consequences for the institution of the civil service, for the values of merit and equity that have been traditionally associated with the civil service, and for the public service ethos that provides the civil service a constitutive role in our system of governance.
Comparison of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure measurement using circumferential vs unidirectional transducers.

UNLABELLED Average values from unidirectional (UND) transducers have traditionally been used in standard manometric evaluation of lower oesophageal sphincter pressures (LOSPs). A single circumferential (CMF) transducer has recently become popular. Our aim was to compare LOSP measurements made using the two techniques. Ten healthy volunteers were intubated with a Konigsberg manometry catheter containing five solid-state transducers (four unidirectional at 90 degrees angles radially and 2.5-cm intervals and one circumferential, 3 cm distal). LOSP was measured using the station pull-through technique in the supine and upright positions with Synectics Polygram software for computerized analysis. Mean UND pressures were plotted against CMF pressures and a linear regression and correlation analysis was performed. A similar analysis was done for LOS length. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was found between mean (+/- SE) supine and upright LOSPs for both mean UND (20.21 +/- 1.36 vs 15.56 +/- 1.28 mmHg) and CMF (20.41 +/- 1.96 vs 16.17 +/- 1.61 mmHg); however no difference was shown between supine and upright lengths. There was a high degree of correlation between LOSP (r = 0.83) and a weaker correlation (r = 0.65) between LOS lengths when measured by CMF and UND transducers. CONCLUSION UND and CMF transducers provide identical measurements when evaluating the LOS.
A quantitative study of parameters obtained by a bedside mechanographic method in valvular lesions

Abstract The time derivative of the carotid pulse (dCdt) and of the apical impulse (dAdt) was recorded in 137 cases with one-valve disease using a simple bedside method. The results were compared to those obtained from 103 normal persons. The aim of the work was to evaluate quantitatively the deflection changes in valvular heart disease and estimate their diagnostic efficiency. A magnet and a coil separated by an air-filled balloon were use to obtain dCdt and dAdt. The potential differences generated in the coil were recorded on a common electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder either photographically at a 75 mm./sec. speed together with the phonocardiogram or at a 50 mm./sec. paper speed together with the patient's ECG on the same channel. The beginning of the QRS (Q), the beginning of the upstroke (dC 1 ), and the nadir (dC 2 ) of the dCdt tracing were easily identified. The intervals Q-dC 1 and dC 1 -dC 2 were found as expected from their analogy to the preejection and ejection intervals, respectively. The amplitude of the waves a (atrial), b (ventricular contraction), e (ventricular relaxation), f (rapid filling), and c (a negative continuation of the positive b wave) were measured from the isoelectric line on dAdt. In order to evaluate the amplitude of the dAdt waves, they were expressed as fractions of the sum b + e. Fraction a(b + e) was higher than normally expected for the patient's age in mitral regurgitation (MR, 23 cases), aortic stenosis (AS, 28 cases), aortic regurgitation (AR, 22 cases), and double aortic lesion (ARS, 14 cases). Fraction b(b + e) was lower than expected for heart rate in MR, AR, and ARS. Fraction c(b + e) was higher than expected for heart rate in mitral stenosis (MS, 34 cases) and lower than expected in AS and ARS. Fraction f(b + e) was higher than expected for age in MR, double mitral lesion (MRS, 16 cases), and AR. Finally, the fraction (a + f)(b + e) was higher than expected for age in MR, MRS, AS, AR, and ARS. Parameters with a fair diagnostic efficiency (0.81 to 0.91) were: Q-dC 1 for AS, dC 1 -dC 2 for MR and ARS, a(b + e) for AS, c(b + e) for MS, f(b + e) for MR, and (a + f)(b + e) for AR. Fraction c(b + e) was a highly sensitive parameter affected by ARS but with a poor specificity. It is concluded that the method may help in the diagnosis of a valvular lesion, especially when an easily applicable, bedside, non-invasive technique is needed.
Recombinant Paramyxovirus Type 1-Avian Influenza-H7 Virus as a Vaccine for Protection of Chickens Against Influenza and Newcastle Disease

Current vaccines to prevent avian influenza rely upon labor-intensive parenteral injection. A more advantageous vaccine would be capable of administration by mass immunization methods such as spray or water vaccination. A recombinant vaccine (rNDV-AIV-H7) was constructed by using a lentogenic paramyxovirus type 1 vector (Newcastle disease virus [NDV] B1 strain) with insertion of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene from avian influenza virus (AIV) A/chicken/NY/13142-5/94 (H7N2). The recombinant virus had stable insertion and expression of the H7 AIV HA gene as evident by detection of HA expression via immunofluorescence in infected Vero cells. The rNDV-AIV-H7 replicated in 9-10 day embryonating chicken eggs and exhibited hemagglutinating activity from both NDV and AI proteins that was inhibited by antisera against both NDV and AIV H7. Groups of 2-week-old white Leghorn chickens were vaccinated with transfectant NDV vector (tNDV), rNDV-AIV-H7, or sterile allantoic fluid and were challenged 2 weeks later with viscerotropic velogenic NDV (vvNDV) or highly pathogenic (HP) AIV. The sham-vaccinated birds were not protected from vvNDV or HP AIV challenge. The transfectant NDV vaccine provided 70% protection for NDV challenge but did not protect against AIV challenge. The rNDV-AIV-H7 vaccine provided partial protection (40%) from vvNDV and HP AIV challenge. The serologic response was examined in chickens that received one or two immunizations of the rNDV-AIV-H7 vaccine. Based on hemagglutination inhibition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, chickens that received a vaccine boost seroconverted to AIV H7, but the serologic response was weak in birds that received only one vaccination. This demonstrates the potential for NDV for use as a vaccine vector in expressing AIV proteins.
Estimating the PDF of the SIC-MMSE equalizer output and its applications in designing LDPC codes with turbo equalization

We consider the analysis and design of low-density parity check (LDPC) codes for intersymbol interference (ISI) channels when used with soft interference cancellation plus linear minimum mean-square error filtering (SIC-MMSE) turbo equalization. We discuss techniques to compute the probability density function (pdf) of the extrinsic information at the output of the SIC-MMSE equalizer as a function of pdf of the input extrinsic information, channel impulse response, and the signal-to-noise ratio. For static ISI channels, we show that the output pdf can be modeled as symmetric Gaussian, and show that the mean can be evaluated without simulating the equalizer. For channels with long memory, we propose to use the unscented transform technique to compute the mean, which significantly reduces the computation required. Finally, for fading channels, we model the pdf by a mixture of symmetric Gaussian densities. Using these techniques, we are able to fairly accurately compute the thresholds for LDPC codes and design good irregular LDPC codes. Simulation results are in good agreement with the computed thresholds and the designed irregular LDPC codes outperform regular ones significantly.
Legacy Software Modernization

Software modernization converts legacy systems into component-based systems. The process involves program understanding, business rules extraction, and software transformation. In this paper, we will present a semi-automated program slicing technique for business rules extraction from legacy code and convert the reusable code into a component conforming to the protocols of a component interconnection model. The component interconnection model was developed to standardize the development of the components so they can communicate with each other seamlessly in a heterogeneous computing environment. We adopted CORBA as an underlying communicating infrastructure in the model.
Regulation of excitation by GABA(A) receptor internalization.

Neuronal inhibition is of paramount importance in maintaining the delicate and dynamic balance between excitatory and inhibitory influences in the central nervous system. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain, exerts its fast inhibitory effects through ubiquitously expressed GABAA receptors. Activation of these heteropentameric receptors by GABA results in the gating of an integral chloride channel leading to membrane hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition. To participate in neurotransmission, the receptor must reside on the cell surface. The trafficking of nascent receptors to the cell surface involves posttranslational modification and the interaction of the receptor with proteins that reside within the secretory pathway. The subsequent insertion of the receptor into specialized regions of the plasma membrane is dictated by receptor composition and other factors that guide insertion at synaptic or perisynaptic/extrasynaptic sites, where phasic and tonic inhibition are mediated, respectively. Once at the cell surface, the receptor is laterally mobile and subject to both constitutive and regulated endocytosis. Following endocytosis the receptor undergoes either recycling to the plasma membrane or degradation. These dynamic processes profoundly affect the strength of GABAergic signaling, neuronal inhibition, and presumably synaptic plasticity. Heritable channelopathies that affect receptor trafficking have been recently recognized and compelling evidence exists that mechanisms underlying acquired epilepsy involve GABAA receptor internalization. Additionally, GABAA receptor endocytosis has been identified as an early event in the ischemic response that leads to excitotoxicity and cell death. This chapter summarizes what is known regarding the regulation of receptor trafficking and cell surface expression and its impact on nervous system function from both cell biology and disease perspectives.
Long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and gastroduodenal injury: The role of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastroduodenal ulceration and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients chronically ingesting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a population-based study was performed. Residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, and surrounding counties, 40 years of age and over with active rheumatoid arthritis taking therapeutic doses of NSAIDs daily for 6 months or more were evaluated (n = 50). An endoscopic score from 0 to 5 was assigned and independently confirmed. Biopsies were obtained from the antrum and gastric body for the presence of H. pylori . A symptom score based on the frequency and severity of dyspeptic symptoms was calculated. Substantial mucosal injury (≥ grade 2) was observed at endoscopy in 33 patients (66%); 14 (28%) had chronic ulcers. Eleven of the community patients with rheumatoid arthritis (22%) were H. pylori positive; adjusting for age, the prevalence of H. pylori was not significantly different to that in 67 healthy controls (25%). One or more upper gastrointestinal symptoms were reported by 19 of the community patients (38%). Adjusting for age, community rheumatoid arthritis patients with H. pylori were not more likely to have visible mucosal damage or dyspepsia, but were significantly more likely to have histological gastritis ( P H. pylori infection is not related to the severity of visible mucosal injury.
Patterns of cognitive appraisal in emotion

There has long been interest in describing emotional experience in terms of underlying dimensions, but traditionally only two dimensions, pleasantness and arousal, have been reliably found. The reasons for these findings are reviewed, and integrating this review with two recent theories of emotions (Roseman, 1984; Scherer, 1982), we propose eight cognitive appraisal dimensions to differentiate emotional experience. In an investigation of this model, subjects recalled past experiences associated with each of 15 emotions, and rated them along the proposed dimensions. Six orthogonal dimensions, pleasantness, anticipated effort, certainty, attentional activity, self-other responsibility/control, and situational control, were recovered, and the emotions varied systematically along each of these dimensions, indicating a strong relation between the appraisal of one's circumstances and one's emotional state. The patterns of appraisal for the different emotions, and the role of each of the dimensions in differentiati ng emotional experience are discussed. Most people think of emotions in categorical terms: "I was scared," or "I was sad," or "I was frustrated." In complicated situations they may say, "I felt sad and frustrated." The idea that there is a small set of fundamentally different emotions, has a long and illustrious history in science as well, dating back at least to Aristotle and reemerging in the theory of the four humors, in the works of eighteenthcentury philosophers, and in Darwin (1872/ 1965). In recent years the categorical approach to the study of emotions has become prominent in psychology, stimulated by the monumental work of Sylvan Tomkins (1962, 1963, 1982; Ekman & Friesen, 1971; hard, 1971, 1972, 1977; Izard & Buechler, 1980). This view of emotional experience admirably captures our intuition that happiness, anger, and fear are basic feeling-states, easily recognizable, and fundamentally different from each other.
Pediatric Aerodigestive Foreign Body Injuries Are Complications Related to Timeliness of Diagnosis

Foreign body (FB) injury from aspiration or ingestion is a common pediatric health problem. Diagnosis relies on clinical judgment plus medical history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. A multi-institutional review of 1269 FB events revealed that 85% were correctly diagnosed following a single physician encounter. However, 15% of the children had an elusive diagnosis (>1 week), despite previous evaluation. Delays in diagnosis were seven times more likely to occur in aspirations than in ingestions. Secondary injuries (e.g., pneumonia and atelectasis) occurred in 13% of airway FBs but in only 1.7% of esophageal FBs. Plain radiographs were used in 82% of children, and special studies (e.g., fluoroscopy) in only 7%. We conclude that diagnosis of FB injury in children is frequently achieved at the initial evaluation but that continued surveillance by follow-up visits to health care facilities from parents and other caretakers is important, to reduce pulmonary injuries.
Predicting hematopoietic stem cell mobilization failure in patients with multiple myeloma: a simple method using day 1 CD34+ cell yield.

Early and reliable prediction of the likelihood of achieving adequate stem cell collection for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) would improve collection efficiency, prevent unnecessary aphereses, and permit appropriate treatment alterations. No previous study has reported a threshold CD34+ cell collection quantity on Day 1 or 2 of leukapheresis that could predict successful stem cell collection. We performed a retrospective analysis of all MM patients undergoing first attempt of stem cell collection at our institution from 2001 through 2008. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to identify Day 1 or Day 1+2 CD34+ collection quantity that predicted failure to reach target ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg within five days of collection. Totally, 172 patients were included in the analysis. Patients underwent mobilization with G-CSF or G-CSF+ chemotherapy. 23 of 172 patients (13.4%) failed to collect sufficient (≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg) CD34+ cells after five days of apheresis: 22 of 29 who collected ≤0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg and 1 of 143 who collected >0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (75.9% vs. 0.7%, P 1.54 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (76.7% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) on Days 1 + 2. Day 1 CD34+ cell collection quantity identifies patients unlikely to achieve adequate collection for ASCT. Patients who collect ≤0.70 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg on day 1 could be considered for treatment modifications to improve CD34+ collection, such as early administration of plerixafor or large volume apheresis. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multiple Trait Genomic Selection Methods Increase Genetic Value Prediction Accuracy

Genetic correlations between quantitative traits measured in many breeding programs are pervasive. These correlations indicate that measurements of one trait carry information on other traits. Current single-trait (univariate) genomic selection does not take advantage of this information. Multivariate genomic selection on multiple traits could accomplish this but has been little explored and tested in practical breeding programs. In this study, three multivariate linear models (i.e., GBLUP, BayesA, and BayesCπ) were presented and compared to univariate models using simulated and real quantitative traits controlled by different genetic architectures. We also extended BayesA with fixed hyperparameters to a full hierarchical model that estimated hyperparameters and BayesCπ to impute missing phenotypes. We found that optimal marker-effect variance priors depended on the genetic architecture of the trait so that estimating them was beneficial. We showed that the prediction accuracy for a low-heritability trait could be significantly increased by multivariate genomic selection when a correlated high-heritability trait was available. Further, multiple-trait genomic selection had higher prediction accuracy than single-trait genomic selection when phenotypes are not available on all individuals and traits. Additional factors affecting the performance of multiple-trait genomic selection were explored.
PRODUCTIVITY AND THE SPATIAL IMPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FOR SIMON'S MODEL

As society changes, so Regional Science must devise new methods to analyze these changes, for technical change affects not merely society but also the social sciences. This claim is illustrated by an analysis and a test of Simon's (1947) model of productivity, economic structure, and spatial distribution of activities.
Residue hydroprocessing using ebullated-bed reactors

Abstract Residue from distillation of petroleum is difficult to hydroprocess, but many refiners have found attractive the hydroconversion of residue to high-quality products. High levels of hydroconversion are achieved commercially in the ebullated-bed reactor (EBR). Kinetic and hydrodynamic models have been developed to simulate the EBR and validated against various sources of laboratory and commercial data. Derivation and use of these models are described in this paper. Kinetics of residue hydroprocessing in the EBR have been successfully modelled by application of the law of mass action to hydrogenation in the reactor's back-mixed liquid phase. The model is essentially a single equation for estimation of frequency or pre-exponential factor which includes residue conversion and all reactor independent variables. Phase holdups and recycle streams are explicitly modelled. Frequency-factor relationships with catalyst age have been analyzed for three types of laboratory data: EBR with catalyst addition and withdrawal, EBR with fixed inventory of catalyst, and stirred-basket reactor. From these analyses further model correlations have been developed to include the effects of catalyst replacement rate, catalyst pore volume, and the, ratio of thermal to catalytic zones in the reactor. Scaleup of EBR resid hydroprocessing using the kinetic model was demonstrated for Athabasca bitumen, where a single set of kinetic constants was shown to generate the same frequency factor for stirred-basket, bench EBR, and full-scale reactors. Use of the model for monitoring of conversion performance in a commercial unit was illustrated.
The working life of homeless street addicts

An in-depth study of 31 male homeless street addicts found that a majority work to sustain an income. Although they participate in a range of jobs, work is limited and narrowly defined due to substance abuse. Additional barriers to employment include competency levels, work histories and patterns, and their larger environment. Throughout the study, the men assessed the meaning of work in their lives and their work experiences, providing insight to overcoming employment barriers.
An effect of physostigmine on the central nervous system of rabbits, related to brain levels of norepinephrine

The effect of physostigmine on EEG activity and on thalamocortical recruitment was evaluated in otherwise untreated rabbits in which brain levels of norepinephrine were lowered by either reserpine or α-methyl-p-tyrosme, and in animals in which tissue levels of norepinephrine were restored by the administration of pargyline and l-DOPA after initial depletion. Levels of norepinephrine in several brain parts were measured in the control animals and after the several pharmacological combinations. In control animals, physostigmine elicited a reversible desynchronization of the EEG and a reversible attenuation of the thalamocortical recruited potentials. Lowering of norepinephrine levels in the brain tissue by means of either reserpine or α-methyl-p-tyrosine did not alter the recruitment response but prevented block or attenuation of that response induced by the anticholinesterase. Restoration of catecholamine levels in brain tissue by the administration of pargyline followed by l-DOPA to the animals treated with reserpine or α-methyl-p-tyrosine reestablished the physostigmine blockade of recruitment. These results are discussed in terms of the central involvement between cholinergic and catecholaminergic systems; certain speculations as to the significance of antirecruitment and desynchronizing action of anticholinesterases (and acetylcholine) are also presented.
THE FORM AND STRUCTURE OF KINETOPLAST DNA OF CRITHIDIA

Cesium chloride centrifugation of each of the DNAs extracted from eight strains of Crithidia revealed a main band at ρ = 1.717 g/cm3 and a satellite band varying from ρ = 1.701 to 1.705 g/cm3 for the different strains By electron microscopy each DNA was shown to include circular molecules, 0.69–0.80 µ in mean contour length, and large, topologically two-dimensional masses of DNA in which the molecules appeared in the form of rosettes. DNA isolated from kinetoplast fractions of Crithidia acanthocephali was shown to consist of light satellite DNA and to be mainly in the form of large masses, 0.8 µ (mol wt = 1.54 x 106 daltons) circular molecules, and a few long, linear molecules. The results of experiments involving ultracentrifugation, heating, and quenching, sonication, and endodeoxyribonuclease digestion, combined with electron microscopy, are consistent with the following hypothesis. The large DNA masses are associations of 0.8 µ circles which are mainly covalently closed. The circles are held together in groups (the rosettes) of up to 46 by the topological interlocking of each circle with many other circles in the group. A group of circles is attached to an adjacent group by one or more circles, each interlocking with many circles of both groups. Each of the associations comprises, on the average, about 27,000 circles (total mol wt ≃ 41 x 109 daltons). A model is proposed for the in situ arrangement of the associations which takes into consideration their form and structure, and appearance in thin sections