cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of mild cognitive impairment in World Trade Center disaster responders.

Introduction Recent research has found that World Trade Center (WTC) responders in their mid-50s have an elevated prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that is associated with neural degeneration and subcortical thinning. This article extends our understanding of the molecular complexity of MCI through gene expression profiling of blood. Methods The transcriptomics of 40 male WTC responders were profiled across two cohorts (discovery: nine MCI and nine controls; replication: 11 MCI and 11 controls) using CITE-Seq at single-cell resolution in blood. Results Comparing the transcriptomic signatures across seven major cell subpopulations, the largest differences were observed in monocytes in which 226 genes were differentially expressed. Pathway analysis on the genes unique to monocytes identified processes associated with cerebral immune response. Discussion Our findings suggested monocytes may constitute a key cell type to target in blood-based biomarker studies for early detection of risk of MCI and development of new interventions.
Coparenting Quality Mediates the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Child Behavior Problems in Low-income, Racial and Ethnic Minority Families

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the family context has detrimental effects for children’s physical health and psychological adjustment. The current study examined the direct links between IPV and children’s externalizing and internalizing behavior problems and the indirect effect of coparenting quality as reported by a sample of 79 (80% African American, 11% Latina, and 9% Multiracial/Other), low-income mothers of children aged 2–12 years, the majority of whom were not in a romantic relationship (61%) or cohabitating with their child’s biological father (64%). Results indicated that IPV history was directly associated with higher rates of internalizing behaviors, but not with externalizing behaviors. Coparenting quality mediated the association between IPV and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, when controlling for parent relationship status, such that IPV history was associated with lower levels of coparenting quality, which was associated with higher rates of child behavior problems. Findings highlight the importance of culturally appropriate self-report measures of coparenting and implications of IPV in racially and ethnically diverse low-income families on child adjustment.
Motivating Game-Based Learning Efforts in Higher Education

Though there is considerable research to support using Game-Based Learning GBL in higher education, its implementation is lagging behind K-12 education by an order of magnitude. By considering the current state of GBL from leadership, primary consumer, academic and technical perspectives, the authors frame the main issues involved with successfully implementing these efforts. These issues involve obtaining the resources required to make mature serious games that are similar in presentation, functionality and effectiveness to the commercial-based products so widely used today, while ensuring that they are imbued with academic content worthy of college curricula. After motivating a compelling case for GBL, despite a number of constraints and difficulties, the authors present two higher education efforts that are designed to augment the core curriculum for undergraduate and graduate level courses associated with the field of Trauma-a field enhanced by virtual efforts due to its challenging subject matter.
Theory in Science

As an example, consider “molecular theory.” This theory explains the various individual gas laws. Molecular theory states that all matter is made of tiny particles and these particles bump into each other more frequently when the temperature increases. We know that the volume of a gas increases when the temperature increases. This relationship of temperature and volume is called a law.
Acute kidney injury in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Acute kidney injury is common after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant with a reported incidence of 21-55% in the first 3 mo after transplant. Acute kidney injury is associated with decreased survival and the development of chronic kidney disease in this patient population. In this review, current definitions of acute kidney injury are discussed. The epidemiology and risk factors for acute kidney injury in this patient population are described, and current hypotheses on the pathophysiology are reviewed. Current and emerging ideas about changes to management strategies to mitigate acute kidney injury are presented, and areas for further research are proposed.
The SIERRA Framework for Developing Advanced Parallel Mechanics Applications

SIERRA is an object-oriented computational fram ework currently under intense development at Sandia National Laboratories. The SIERRA framework is a set of software services and parallel data structures upon which many mechanics applications can be written. The main goal is to bring together distributed mesh management, field management (i.e., the variables), and mechanics algorithm support services to facilitate rapid code development and code reuse. The motivation behind SIERRA is that designing and implementing modern applications in a multiphysics, parallel environment is very difficult, and involves advanced computer science as well as engineering mechanics. By providing the common, mostly computer science related services in a framework, they can be developed once and then used by many different mechanics codes. Although SIERRA is written in C++, the mechanics codes using SIERRA can be written in any language such as Fortran or C.
An Anaylsis Of Recent Rates Of Return And Of The Secondary Market For Public Real Estate Limited Partnerships

This study analyzes the rates of return of 53 Real Estate Limited Partnerships (RELPs). The authors utilize market-derived figures for terminal values, thus providing more realistic computations of IRRs than have appeared in other studies. The authors also examine the effect of holding period on RELP returns. RELP IRRs were found to be significantly different from those reported in other studies. RELP IRRs were also found to be highly correlated to holding period. The authors also provide an extensive introduction to the relatively new and evolving secondary market for RELPs called the National Partnership Exchange (NAPEX).
Drugs that target pathogen public goods are robust against evolved drug resistance

Pathogen drug resistance is a central problem in medicine and public health. It arises through somatic evolution, by mutation and selection among pathogen cells within a host. Here, we examine the hypothesis that evolution of drug resistance could be reduced by developing drugs that target the secreted metabolites produced by pathogen cells instead of directly targeting the cells themselves. Using an agent-based computational model of an evolving population of pathogen cells, we test this hypothesis and find support for it. We also use our model to explain this effect within the framework of standard evolutionary theory. We find that in our model, the drugs most robust against evolved drug resistance are those that target the most widely shared external products, or ‘public goods’, of pathogen cells. We also show that these drugs exert a weak selective pressure for resistance because they create only a weak correlation between drug resistance and cell fitness. The same principles apply to design of vaccines that are robust against vaccine escape. Because our theoretical results have crucial practical implications, they should be tested by empirical experiments.
An Introduction to the Gilgamesh PIM Architecture

Throughout the history of computer implementation, the technologies employed for logic to build ALUs and the technologies employed to realize high speed and high-density storage for main memory have been disparate, requiring different fabrication techniques. This was certainly true at the beginning of the era of electronic digital computers where logic was constructed from vacuum tubes and main memory was produced by wired arrays of magnetic cores. But it is also true with today’s conventional computing systems. Yes, both logic and memory are now fabricated with semiconductors. But the fabrication processes are quite different as they are optimized for very different functionality. CMOS logic pushes speed of active components while DRAM storage maximizes densityof passive capacitive bit cells. As a consequence of this technology disparity between the means of achieving distinct capabilities of memory and logic, computer architecture has been constrained by the separation of logical units and main memory units. The von Neumann bottleneck is the communication’s channel choke point between CPUs and main memory resulting from the separation imposed by these distinct device types. Much of modern microprocessor architecture is driven by the resulting data transfer throughput and latency of access due to this separation as well as the very different clock speeds involved. More subtle but of equal importance are the limitations imposed on the diversity of possible structures that might be explored and achieved were it feasible to bridge this gap and intertwine memory and logic.
Cross sections for excitation of the B^3II_g, C^3II_u and E^3Σ_g^+ states of N_2 by low-energy electron impact in thedistorted-wave approximation

Distorted-wave cross sections are reported for the excitation of the B^3II_g, C^3II_u and E^3Σ_g^+ states of N_2 by low-energy electron impact. We use a discrete-basis-set method to obtain the electron-molecule continuum wavefunctions. Differential and integrated cross sections are presented from near threshold up to 50 eV electron impact energy. Comparison is made with available experimental data and with other calculations.
The Effects of Filler Volume Fraction and Film Thickness on Resistivity of Conductive Adhesives

Conductive adhesives are widely used in electronic packaging applications such as die attachment and solderless interconnections, component repair, display interconnections, and heat dissipation. This research intends to provide an understanding of the effects of film thickness as functions of filler volume fraction, conductive filler size, shape, as well as uncured base adhesive viscosity on the electrical conduction behavior of such adhesives. Epoxy-based adhesives were filled with particles of different size, shape, and types, including Ni powder, flakes, and filaments, Ag powder, and Cu powder. The filaments were 20 µm in diameter, and 160 or 260 µm in length. Acid solutions including HCL, H3 PO4 , and HF were used to etch and remove the surface oxide layers. The plane resistance of filled adhesive films was measured using the four-point method. In general, the addition of micron-sized metal fillers to the conductive mixture resulted in distinct thickness thresholds for transition from three-dimensional conductivity to one-dimensional conductivity with considerable increases in plane resistivity when the film thicknesses were smaller than these threshold values. The relationships between the conductive film resistivities and the filler volume fractions were derived mathematically, based on the experimental data. The effects of surface treatment of filler particles, the type, size, shape of fillers, and the uncured epoxy viscosity were also included in this formulation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
CD8 T Cells Inhibit Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine-Enhanced Disease

Vaccination of children with a formalin-inactivated (FI) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine led to exacerbated disease including pulmonary eosinophilia following a natural RSV infection. Immunization of BALB/c mice with FI-RSV or a recombinant vaccinia virus (vv) expressing the RSV attachment (G) protein (vvG) results in a pulmonary Th2 response and eosinophilia after RSV challenge that closely mimics the RSV vaccine-enhanced disease observed in humans. The underlying causes of RSV vaccine-enhanced disease remain poorly understood. We demonstrate here that RSV M2-specific CD8 T cells reduce the Th2-mediated pathology induced by vvG-immunization and RSV challenge in an IFN-γ-independent manner. We also demonstrate that FI-RSV immunization does not induce a measurable RSV-specific CD8 T cell response and that priming FI-RSV-immunized mice for a potent memory RSV-specific CD8 T cell response abrogates pulmonary eosinophilia after subsequent RSV challenge. Our results suggest that the failure of the FI-RSV vaccine to induce a CD8 T cell response may have contributed to the development of pulmonary eosinophilia and augmented disease that occurred in vaccinated individuals.
Basura y tesoros en el relleno sanitario de Río azul: Una nueva mirada a la «Suiza de América Central»

Se explora la relacion entre Unica mirando al mar, de Fernando Contreras y la realidad costarricense.
High-dose therapy and blood or marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma with central nervous system involvement.

Abstract The role of autologous or allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) remains undefined in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement by lymphoma. The records of all adult and pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients receiving BMT at Johns Hopkins from 1980 to 2003 were reviewed, and 37 patients were identified who had CNS involvement that was treated into remission by the time of BMT. The chief histologies were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia. Twenty-four percent received intrathecal chemotherapy alone, and 70% received intrathecal chemotherapy and CNS irradiation before BMT. The main preparative regimens were cyclophosphamide/total body irradiation and busulfan/cyclophosphamide. Forty-one percent received an allogeneic transplant. Lymphoma relapsed after BMT in 14 patients (38%), and at least 5 had documented or suspected CNS relapse. In multivariate models, age ≥18 years at diagnosis, resistant systemic disease, busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning, and lack of intrathecal consolidation after BMT were statistically significant predictors of inferior survival. The 5-year actuarial event-free survival was 36%, and overall survival was 39%. After BMT, long-term survival is thus achievable in a subset of patients with a history of treated CNS involvement by non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The survival rates are not dissimilar to those typically seen in other high-risk lymphoma patients undergoing BMT. These data suggest that patients with lymphomatous involvement of the CNS who achieve CNS remission should be offered BMT if it is otherwise indicated.
Representation of HF atmospheric noise as a spherically invariant random process

As is commonly known, the optimal detector for any waveform in Gaussian background noise is a matched filter. However, HF atmospheric noise is non-Gaussian, necessitating alternate detector designs. The industry standard CCIR 322 model for HF atmospheric noise is a graphical, empirical model based on observations of HF atmospheric noise taken over the course of many years at numerous worldwide receive sites. In this work, it is shown that the CCIR 322 noise model may be approximated by a random process which is a member of the class of non-Gaussian random processes known as spherically-invariant random processes (SIRPs). This analytical, empirical SIRP representation is then shown to be identical to the Hall model of impulsive phenomena. In a departure from the optimal, parametric, coherent detector derived by Hall, a locally optimal, parametric, non-coherent detector is presented. In addition, a means to estimate the parameters of the Hall model is provided and is used as the basis for an adaptive, locally optimum, parametric, non- coherent detector design. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate detector performance, and comparisons are made with two common, sub-optimal, non-parametric detectors.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interaction of amiloride with α-adrenoreceptors: evidence from radioligand binding studies

We investigated the effect of amiloride on alpha-adrenoreceptors (alpha 1 and alpha 2) using radioligand binding techniques. Amiloride inhibited [3H]yohimbine and [3H]prazosin binding to alpha 2- and alpha 1-adrenoreceptors, respectively, from various tissues in a concentration-dependent manner. Amiloride was approximately 9-12 times more potent in inhibiting [3H]yohimbine binding to alpha 2-adrenoreceptors from rat tissues than from other mammalian tissues. However, it had almost the same potency in inhibiting [3H]prazosin binding to alpha 1-adrenoreceptors from rat as well as other mammalian tissues. Further, in rat tissues, amiloride was approximately 10 times more potent in inhibiting [3H]yohimbine than [3H]prazosin binding. Amiloride inhibited [3H]yohimbine binding noncompetitively and [3H]prazosin binding competitively. The inhibition of [3H]yohimbine and [3H]prazosin binding by amiloride was reversible. Since amiloride has been shown to be an inhibitor of Na+-H+ exchanger protein, we believe that it regulates the alpha 2-adrenoreceptors by binding to Na+ -H+ exchanger protein. Triamterene, a compound similar to amiloride in regard to diuretic effect, had very little effect on [3H]yohimbine and [3H]prazosin binding to rat kidney membranes, suggesting that the alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonistic properties of amiloride are not related to its antikaliuretic effect. The results of the present study suggest that some of the pharmacological actions of amiloride (antihypertensive and diuretic effects) can be explained in part by its regulatory effect on both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.
Systems Thinking: An Analysis of Key Factors and Relationships

Abstract Today's work environment presents engineers with complex challenges that demand holistic approaches. Systems thinking provides ways to think about a problem and its solutions using “whole system” perspectives. There have been multiple studies that identify the key elements that comprise systems thinking. These studies have resulted in the identification of sets of individual systems thinking traits, elements, and characteristics. In this paper, the authors further explore and analyze individual systems thinking elements as well as the relationships between the various elements. The authors will present and discuss a model that illustrates the relationships between the elements related to individual systems thinking.
Electric field strengths, ion energy distributions, and ion density decay for low-pressure, moderate-current nitrogen discharges

Steady-state and time-dependent electric fields, ion densities, and ion velocity distributions are measured in the positive column of pulsed discharges in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ for conditions of moderate energy input per molecule, i.e., 0.1 eV/molecule. A nonintrusive laser absorption technique is used to determine axial velocity distributions of ${\mathit{N}}_{2}^{+}$ ions and the time dependence of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$ density from the shape and magnitude of absorption profiles of lines of the A $^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathrm{u}}$\ensuremath{\leftarrow}X $^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{g}}^{+}$ Meinel band of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$. The discharges were operated at pressures from 0.3 to 1 Torr, electric field to gas density ratios E/n from 130 to 75 Td, pulse lengths of 10 to 20 \ensuremath{\mu}s, peak currents of about 1.5 A, and ion densities of 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ ions/${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$. Here 1 Td=${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}21}$V ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ and 1 Torr=133 Pa. The line profiles were found to be consistent with the convolution of a theoretical, high field velocity distribution appropriate to charge transfer collisions and an above-thermal Maxwellian distribution. The electric field strength to gas density ratios E/n determined from the ion drift velocities are significantly lower than the predictions of the theory for a cold gas and suggest high ionization rates resulting from vibrationally excited ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$. The ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$ density decay following the pulsed discharge is consistent with ion loss by electron-ion recombination and ambipolar diffusion for electrons heated by the vibrationally excited ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ at a calculated vibrational temperature of about 1900 K. The discharge conditions are briefly discussed so as to indicate the dominant processes and data needed for detailed models.
Web site customer orientations, Web site quality, and purchase intentions: The role of Web site personality

Abstract This research extends the concept of salesperson customer orientation to Internet marketing by conceptualizing and studying the effects of Web site customer orientation on perceived Web site quality and consumer behavior. This research also adapts the concept of brand/store personality to Internet marketing by investigating the effects of Web site personality on perceived Web site quality and consumer purchase intention. The model is tested on apparel Web sites using data from multiple sources. Implications of managing Web site personality and Web site customer orientation are discussed.
Mine ventilation expert system

A growing trend in the area of artificial intelligence is the development of software that simulates the decision-making process of human experts. The purpose of this paper is to advance the use of available tools from the area of artificial intelligence, and in particular expert systems, into the field of mine ventilation management. The authors have developed an expert system (i.e., a smart manager) that controls the operation of a mine ventilation network. The expert system is rule based and hence can be (independently) enhanced in an incremental fashion. It serves as a smart interface between the monitoring and control components of a mine ventilation system.
Cracking Resistance in a 4.5-Inch (114-mm) Plate of 7075-T7351 Aluminum Alloy.

Abstract : After an anodizing treatment, peculiarities were observed in the appearance of structural components for the Space Shuttle, thought to be indicative of flaws in the Al-7075-T7351 material. Consequently, work was undertaken to explore structural integrity aspects of this material as well as the nature of any material defects. The material contains a number of macro- and microstructural inhomogeneities which could be classed as defects or potential crack-like defects. viz. stringers of brittle constituent particles, shrinkage cavities, and in one instance, a long line of sponge-like porosity. Nonetheless, uniaxial strength level was found to exceed design requirements. Similarly, results for cracking resistance- in terms of fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth rates (DA/DN) and rotating-beam fatigue life (S/N), appear to meet or exceed handbook levels. However, the very largest defects are so infrequently observed that their presence in the crack-tip process zone of an individual fracture mechanics specimen is something less than likely. The unusual macroappearance of anodized components may be attributable to entrapment of anodizing solution by microshrinkage cavities and/or microcracks along constituent particle stringer interfaces, with subsequent seepage and staining adjacent to these and/or other flaws.
Barriers Preventing Latina Immigrants from Seeking Advocacy Services for Domestic Violence Victims: A Qualitative Analysis

Domestic violence is a national public health problem resulting in numerous deaths, physical injuries, and mental and emotional disorders (Malley-Morrison and Hines 2007). While domestic violence influences communities of all races, socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, and geographical settings (Hass, Dutton, and Orloff 2000), some groups, such as Latina immigrants, are especially vulnerable as they face additional challenges. The purpose of this study is to document, analyze, and report the voices of Latina immigrants in Central Iowa as they share their experiences with outreach services. Through semi-structured individual interviews and a focus group with undocumented Latinas, we examine the multiple challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Our findings reveal that intersecting structural and institutional conditions make it more complicated for Latina victims to respond to partner abuse. Some of the most salient barriers include: unstable residency status, experiences of institutional discrimination, and economic inequality. Policy recommendations and implications are also discussed.
Dephosphorylation-Dependent Sorting of SR Splicing Factors during mRNP Maturation

SR proteins are a family of sequence-specific RNA binding proteins originally discovered as essential factors for pre-mRNA splicing and recently implicated in mRNA transport, stability, and translation. Here, we used a genetic complementation system derived from conditional knockout mice to address the function and regulation of SR proteins in vivo. We demonstrate that ASF/SF2 and SC35 are each required for cell viability, but, surprisingly, the effector RS domain of ASF/SF2 is dispensable for cell survival in MEFs. Although shuttling SR proteins have been implicated in mRNA export, prevention of ASF/SF2 from shuttling had little impact on mRNA export. We found that shuttling and nonshuttling SR proteins are segregated in an orderly fashion during mRNP maturation, indicating distinct recycling pathways for different SR proteins. We further showed that this process is regulated by differential dephosphorylation of the RS domain, thus revealing a sorting mechanism for mRNP transition from splicing to export.
Synergistic activation of rat hepatocyte glycogen phosphorylase by A23187 and phorbol ester

Abstract The combination of 1.6 μM r β phorbol, 12β myristate, 13α acetate (PMA) and 1 μM A23187 produced a five-fold greater stimulation of rat hepatocyte glycogen phosphorylase activity than was seen with PMA alone. Vasopressin activation of glycogen phosphorylase was comparable to that seen with PMA plus A23187. Glycogen phosphorylase activity due to PMA plus A23187 was increased significantly after 30 sec, maximal at 120 and sustained at elevated levels for 240 sec. In contrast, activation due to vasopressin was maximal at 30 sec followed by a decrease. The addition of PMA 5 min prior to the A23187 abolished the synergism between these two agents. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that diacylglycerol and Ca 2+ synergistically increase glycogen phosphorylase activity in rat hepatocytes.
Fall Prevention in High-Risk Patients

In the oncology population, disease process and treatment factors place patients at risk for falls. Fall bundles provide a framework for developing comprehensive fall programs in oncology. Small sample size of interventional studies and focus on ambulatory and geriatric populations limit the applicability of results. Additional research is needed.
The Effects of Extended Perioperative Pentoxifylline on Random Skin Flap Survival

Abstract Purpose: This study was designed to determine the effects of long-term perioperative pentoxifylline administration on random skin flap survival in an appropriate animal model. A secondary objective was to document bioavailability of pentoxifylline in the animal model by measuring blood levels of parent compound and metabolites at regular intervals and comparing these to levels measured in humans. Materials and Methods: A randomized control study of the effects of oral pentoxifylline on the survival of “random” skin flaps was conducted at the animal care facility of an academic tertiary referral center on six randomly selected Yorkshire pigs. Oral pentoxifylline was administered daily to four pigs for 3 months, and two pigs received placebo. Pentoxifylline blood levels for each experimental animal were measured after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of daily dosing. Blood viscosity, fibrinogen, and hematocrit were measured for each of the six animals on day 1, day 30, day 60, and day 91. On day 91, 12 surgical random skin flaps were elevated on each of the six animals and immediately sewn back in the donor bed. Pentoxifylline dosing was continued for 2 weeks, and placebo was continued in control animals. On postoperative day 15, all animals were killed and all flaps were measured individually for area of viability. The outcome measure was the detection of statistically significant increase in survival area in skin flaps of those animals administered perioperative pentoxifylline. Results: No significant augmentation of flap survival was noted in experimental animals when compared with those in the control group; no significant difference was noted between or within groups of experimental animals. Pentoxifylline and metabolite blood levels in all experimental animals at every interval were noted to be comparable to those documented in human studies; metabolite concentrations conformed to expected patterns as observed in humans. No significant alterations of blood viscosity, fibrinogen, or hematocrit were measured in the experimental animals when compared with those in the control group. The only animal showing mean flap survival outside the 95% confidence interval was one in the control group. Conclusion: No augmentation of random skin flap survival could be shown in the pig model after a 3 month regimen of daily oral pentoxifylline. Blood levels of pentoxifylline in experimental animals were compared with those documented in humans. No alteration of blood viscosity, fibrinogen, or hematocrit was noted in any of the experimental animals when compared with each other or with those in the control group.
Staged hernia repair preceded by gastric bypass for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with complex ventral hernias

Background Obesity may be the most predominant risk factor for recurrence following ventral hernia repair. This is secondary to significantly increased intra-abdominal pressures, higher rates of wound complications, and the technical difficulties encountered due to obesity. Medically managed weight loss prior to surgery is difficult. One potential strategy is to provide a surgical means to correct patient weight prior to hernia repair.
Breast Cancer With Chest Wall Progression: Treatment With Photodynamic Therapy

Background: Chest wall progression of breast carcinoma affects up to 5% of breast cancer patients and is a major source of their pain. Treatment options are limited or may not be offered to these patients. Low-dose Photofrin-induced photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers an excellent clinical response with minimal morbidity. We report our continued experience with PDT in this setting.
“Click” Chemistry in Metal Coordination Spheres: Copper(I)-Catalyzed 3+2 Cycloadditions of Benzyl Azide and Platinum Polyynyl Complexes trans-(C6F5)(p-tol3P)2Pt(C≡C)nH (n = 2−6)

Benzyl azide and the terminal polyynyl complexes trans-(C6F5)(p-tol3P)2Pt(C≡C)nH (n = 2−6) undergo 3+2 “click” cycloadditions in the presence of CuSO4/ascorbic acid to give the 1,2,3-triazoles trans-(C6F5)(p-tol3P)2Pt(C≡C)n−1C═CHN(CH2C6H5)N═N, four of which are structurally characterized.
Variation of food hoarding with the estrous cycle of Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Food hoarding was assessed in 16 adult female Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) across the stages of the estrous cycle. Results show that food hoarding is depressed on the day of behavioral estrus but does not vary among the other days of the cycle. Decreases in food hoarding appear to be correlated with high levels of estrogen and progesterone. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that food hoarding, food intake, and weight gain are controlled either by the same mechanism or by similar mechanisms in some female rodents.
Influence of growth hormone and thyroxine on thermotropic effects of respiration and 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence and on lipid composition of cardiac membranes

Abstract The effects of hypophysectomy and subsequent administration of growth hormone and/or L -thyroxine on thermotropic properties of State 3 respiration (ADP-induced), cholesterol, phospholipid and fatty acid composition of phospholipid fraction were examined in myocardial mitochondria of rats. Temperature-dependence of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence was determined in vesicles prepared from lipids of heart mitochondria. Transition temperature obtained from the Arrhenius plots of respiration occurred at 21 and 24°C for heart mitochondria of normal and hypophysectomized rats, respectively. Most notably, after hypophysectomy the rate of respiration was lower below 24°C, but was progressively higher above that temperature when compared to normal rats. The energy of activation was 148 and 36% larger below and above the transition temperature, respectively. Growth hormone restored almost completely the energy of activation and respiratory rates to normal levels. Administration of L -thyroxine, with or without growth hormone, did not significantly change the rate of respiration but decreased the transition temperature to 17.7–17.0°C. Lipid and phospholipid content, as well as percent distribution of phospholipids and their fatty acid composition were not statistically different among the different groups of rats. Only cholesterol content was increased after hypophysectomy. Administration of growth hormone and thyroxine did not significantly change the total unsaturation index of fatty acids, but growth hormone increased the content of arachidonic acid (20 : 4) by 70% but decreased the docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6) three times which may have a beneficial effect on mitochondrial membranes. These and other results suggest that hormones exert different effects on subcellular organelles in different tissues, like heart and liver.
Using Pearson Correlation to Improve Envelopes around the Distributions of Functions

Given two random variables whose dependency relationship is unknown, if a new random variable is defined whose samples are some function of samples of the given random variables, the distribution of this function is not fully determined. However, envelopes can be computed that bound the space through which its cumulative distribution function must pass. If those envelopes could be made to bound a smaller space, the cumulative distribution, while still not fully determined, would at least be more constrained. We show how information about the correlation between values of given random variables can lead to better envelopes around the cumulative distribution of a function of their values.
Repair of oxidative DNA damage: mechanisms and functions.

Cellular genomes suffer extensive damage from exogenous agents and reactive oxygen species formed during normal metabolism. The MutT homologs (MutT/MTH) remove oxidized nucleotide precursors so that they cannot be incorporated into DNA during replication. Among many repair pathways, the base excision repair (BER) pathway is the most important cellular protection mechanism responding to oxidative DNA damage. The 8-oxoG glycosylases (Fpg or MutM/OGG) and the MutY homologs (MutY/MYH) glycosylases along with MutT/MTH protect cells from the mutagenic effects of 8-oxoG, the most stable and deleterious product known caused by oxidative damage to DNA. The key enzymes in the BER process are DNA glycosylases, which remove different damaged bases by cleavage of the N-glycosylic bonds between the bases and the deoxyribose moieties of the nucleotide residues. Biochemical and structural studies have demonstrated the substrate recognition and reaction mechanism of BER enzymes. Cocrystal structures of strated the substrate recognition and reaction mechanism of BER enzymes. Cocrystal structures of several glycosylases show that the substrate base flips out of the sharply bent DNA helix and the minor groove is widened to be accessed by the glycosylases. To complete the repair after glycosylase action, the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site is further processed by an incision step, DNA synthesis, an excision step, and DNA ligation through two alternative pathways. The short-patch BER (1-nucleotide patch size) and long-patch BER (2–6-nucleotide patch size) pathways need AP endonuclease to generate a 3′ hydroxyl group but require different sets of enzymes for DNA synthesis and ligation. Protein-protein interactions have been reported among the enzymes involved in BER. It is possible that the successive players in the repair pathway are assembled in a complex to perform concerted actions. The BER pathways are proposed to protect cells and organisms from mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
Panhandle PCR: a technical advance to amplify MLL genomic translocation breakpoints

Translocations involving a breakpoint cluster region of the MLL gene at chromosome band 11q23 are the most common molecular abnormalities in acute leukemias of infants and acute leukemias related to chemotherapy with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors. Molecular cloning of MLL genomic breakpoints by PCR has previously been difficult because MLL has many translocation partners and several breakpoints involve unknown partner genes. We review a new approach to MLL genomic breakpoint cloning called panhandle PCR. By adding an oligonucleotide sequence to the unknown 3' partner gene that is complementary to a known 5' MLL sequence, we have been able to generate a genomic template with an intrastrand loop for PCR schematically shaped like a pan with a handle. The intrastrand loop contains the translocation breakpoint and unknown partner DNA, while the handle contains the known 5' sequence from MLL and a complement to that sequence. Primers both derived from MLL are used to amplify the breakpoint by panhandle PCR. Panhandle PCR offers the advantage of having specificity for the strand of interest at both primer annealing sites without requiring specific primers for the many partner genes of MLL. Panhandle PCR is a straightforward method that represents a technical advance in MLL genomic breakpoint cloning.
HALF-LIVES AND GAMMA-RAY ABUNDANCES OF SEVERAL RARE-EARTH NUCLIDES.

New half-life values are given for $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$, $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$, $^{149}\mathrm{Eu}$, $^{151}\mathrm{Tb}$, $^{153}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{153}\mathrm{Tb}$, $^{153}\mathrm{Dy}$, $^{155}\mathrm{Tb}$, and $^{155}\mathrm{Dy}$. Absolute abundances are reported for prominent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays associated with the decay of $^{143}\mathrm{Pm}$, $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$, $^{149}\mathrm{Pm}$, $^{149}\mathrm{Eu}$, and $^{153}\mathrm{Dy}$.
IF YOU LET ME PLAY SPORTS: How Might Sport Participation Influence the Self-Esteem of Adolescent Females?

This study tests a model specifying that girls' precollege participation in sporting activities will foster positive body images, enhanced perceptions of physical competence, and more flexible gender identities, which, in turn, predict higher college self-esteem. A sample of 220 college females (mean age = 19.65 years) provided retrospective reports of their precollege sport involvement and contemporaneous assessments of body image, perceived physical competencies, gender identity, global self-esteem, and other psychosocial variables. Consistent with prior reports on male and mixed-gender samples, greater precollege sport participation predicted higher self-esteem in this exclusively female sample. Follow-up path analyses and tests for mediation revealed that the model's intervening variables totally mediated the sport participation/self-esteem relationship. The patterning of these data implies that participating in sports promotes females' self-worth by fostering physical competencies, favorable body ima...
Trivalent Lanthanide Chalcogenolates: Ln(SePh)3, Ln2(EPh)6, Ln4(SPh)12, and [Ln(EPh)3]n (E = S, Se). How Metal, Chalcogen, and Solvent Influence Structure

A series of trivalent lanthanide (Ln) benzenechalcogenolate (EPh, E = S, Se) complexes have been prepared and structurally characterized in an attempt to evaluate how metal size, chalcogen, and solvent influence structure and physical properties. The compounds [(py)3Ln(SPh)3]2 (Ln = Ho (1) and Tm (2)), [(py)2Sm(SPh)3]4 (3), [(THF)Sm(SPh)3]4n (4), (THF)3Ln(SePh)3 (Ln = Tm (5), Ho (6), Er (7)), [(py)3Sm(SePh)3]2 (8), and [(THF)4Ln3(SePh)9]n (Ln = Pr (9), Nd (10), and Sm (11)) were isolated and characterized by IR, NMR, and UV−visible spectroscopy. Compounds 2−4, 7, 8, and 10 have also been characterized by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Three trends in structure are clear. First, the tendency to form oligomeric structures is found to increase with the size of the lanthanide ion. Second, thiolates bridge metal ions to form polynuclear structures more effectively than selenolates. Finally, pyridine displaces bridging chalcogenolates to form less extended structures more effectively than THF...
Oxygen consumption and ouabain binding sites in cystic fibrosis nasal epithelium.

ABSTRACT. Ion transport by the epithelium lining the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a raised transepithelial PD and an increased amiloride sensitivity (1). These properties could arise from normal sodium transport across an epithelium with decreased cell chloride permeability and limited chloride secretion. Alternatively, a higher than normal rate of sodium absorption could contribute to these abnormalities. We investigated the latter possibility by measuring oxygen consumption and specific ouabain binding of CF and atopic polyp epithelia and normal turbinate epithelium. Tissue from CF patients consumed oxygen at a rate that was two to three times that of non-CF tissues and had 60% more ouabain binding sites than non-CF epithelium. These results are not consistent with an isolated defect in chloride permeability but support recent findings that the sodium conductance of the apical cell membrane and net sodium absorption by CF nasal epithelium are greater than those of non-CF nasal epithelium.
Tyrosine and tryptophan modification monitored by ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract Nitration of tyrosine with tetranitormethane shifts the tyrosine absorption spectrum and abolishes its 200 nm-excited resonance Raman spectrum. There is no detectable resonance Raman contribution from either reactants or products. Likewise, modification of tryptophan with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide (HNBB) shifts its absorption spectrum and abolishes its 218 nm-excited resonance Raman spectrum. In this case resonance Raman bands due to HNBB are seen, but are readily distinguishable from the tryptophan spectrum, and can be computer-subtracted. When stellacyanin was treated with tetranitromethane the UV resonance Raman spectrum was greatly attenuated; quantitation of the 850 cm−1 tyrosine band intensity gave a value of 4.3 tyrosines modified out of the seven present in stellacyanin, in good agreement with an estimate of 4.7 from the absorption spectrum. For cytochrome c, the resonance Raman spectrum indicates that two out of the four tyrosines are modified by tetranitromethane treatment, consistent with the crystal structure, which shows two buried tyrosines and two at the protein surface. Treatment of stellacyanin with HNBB gave a reduction in the tryptophan spectrum, excited at 218 nm, consistent with one of the three tryptophans being modified. These modification procedures should be useful in distinguishing spectra of buried tyrosine and tryptophan residues from those at the surface.
SURVEY OF STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMPUTER–NETWORK SERVER AC/DC POWER SUPPLIES

Due to a continuously increasing power demand of computer–network server equipment, power supply manufacturers are faced with requirements for ac/dc server power supplies with significantly higher power densities. In this paper, circuit technologies and optimization techniques that are suitable for meeting these new power-density requirements are discussed. The focus of the paper is on single-phase, single-output ac/dc power supplies that are used to generate a dc-bus voltage in distributed power systems employed in high-end network servers and telecom systems.
The proestrous surge of prolactin enhances sexual receptivity in the rat.

The influence of the proestrous surge of prolactin (Prl) on expression of feminine sexual behavior (lordosis) has been investigated. In the first experiment, proestrous rats were treated with a dopamine agonist, bromocriptine (CB-154; 100 micrograms at 1200, 1300, and 1600 h), which blocked the proestrous surge of Prl without affecting the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone. Such animals displayed depressed lordosis quotients (LQs) when compared to control animals at 2000 h on proestrus. However, in CB-154-treated animals given ovine Prl (10 I.U.) at 1400 h on proestrus, LQs were restored to control levels. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB; 2 micrograms for 2 days) produced surges of Prl that were similar in timing to those of proestrous. Once again, CB-154 treatment blocked this Prl surge and significantly depressed the LQ, whereas replacement with ovine Prl returned the LQ to control values. These results suggest that the Prl surge facilitates the expression of lordosis. Ovariectomized/adrenalectomized (ADX) and OVX/sham ADX rats were treated with EB (2 micrograms for 2 days) and tested for lordosis on Day 3. Adrenalectomized rats responded with lower levels of lordosis than did sham controls. Administration of progesterone (P4) to ADX rats on Day 3 enhanced the LQ compared to sham ADX values. CB-154 was ineffective in reversing the enhanced LQ, indicating that Prl may be acting through stimulation of adrenal progestins. These data taken together suggest that the proestrous surge of Prl contributes to the normal expression of feminine sexual behavior on proestrus.
Polished vs rough femoral components in grade A and grade C-2 cement mantles.

The ideal surface for cemented femoral components remains controversial. Six polished stems were compared with 6 rough stems both with good cement mantle and also with poor cement mantles in a stair-climbing model. With good cement mantles, both the polished and the rough stems were loose by 6 million cycles. However, none were loose by radiographic criteria. With the poor cement mantle, both stems became loose earlier and developed more micromotion, the polished stems having significantly higher and earlier motion than the rough. Radiographic evidence of debonding was not visible until the stems had motion of more than 2000 μm. In the presence of a good cement mantle in this laboratory model there was no significant difference in the development of micromotion under fatigue stair-climbing conditions between a polished or grit-blasted femoral component. However, in the presence of a poor cement mantle, the polished components had earlier and higher micromotion. This study reinforces the importance of centralization and cement technique, particularly if using a polished surface finish.
Object-oriented application development in CAD: a graduate course

Abstract The programming languages typically offered by CAD systems for third-party application developers were procedural or functional. A major shift is currently occurring in that new versions of commercial CAD software will support object-oriented programming languages for application development. Developers who wish to take advantage of this new kind of environment must undergo a considerable cognitive “retooling” and adopt new software engineering strategies. We describe a graduate course that aims at introducing students to effective object-oriented development strategies, especially use case-driven development and the tools provided by the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Students gained experience with these tools by forming, together with the instructors, a single development team writing an application on top of MicroStation/J using JMDL as programming language. The paper describes the instructors' experience with this approach.