cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of the immune mechanisms of preeclampsia and the potential of immune modulating therapy

Successful pregnancy relies on maternal immunologic tolerance mechanisms limit maladaptive immune responses against the semi-allogeneic fetus and placenta and support fetal growth. Preeclampsia is a common disorder of pregnancy that affects 4-10% of pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia clinically manifests as maternal hypertension, proteinuria, and progressive multi-organ injury likely triggered by hypoxic injury to the placenta, resulting in local and systemic anti-angiogenic and inflammatory factor production. Despite the steady rising rates of preeclampsia in the United States, effective treatment options are limited to delivery, which improves maternal status often at the cost of prematurity in the newborn. Preeclampsia also increases the lifelong risk of cardiovascular disease for both mother and infant. Thus, identifying new therapeutic targets is a high priority area to improve maternal, fetal, and infant health outcomes. Immune abnormalities in the placenta and in the maternal circulation have been reported to precede the clinical onset of disease. In particular, excessive systemic and placental complement activation and impaired adaptive T cell tolerance with Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg imbalance has been reported in humans and in animal models of preeclampsia. In this review, we focus on the evidence for the immune origins of preeclampsia, discuss the promise of immune modulating therapy for prevention or treatment, and highlight key areas for future research.
Methyl-Cyclohexane Methanol (MCHM) Isomer-Dependent Binding on Amorphous Carbon Surfaces.

In January 2014, over 10,000 gallons of methyl-cyclohexane methanol (MCHM) leaked into the Elk River in West Virginia, in a chemical spill incident that contaminated a large portion of the state’s water supply and left over 300,000 residents without clean water for many days and weeks. Initial efforts to remove MCHM at the treatment plant centered on the use of granulated activated carbon (GAC), which removed some of the chemical from the water, but MCHM levels were not lowered to a “non-detect” status until well after the chemical plume had moved downstream of the intake. Months later, MCHM was again detected at the outflow (but not the inflow) at the water treatment facility, necessitating the full and costly replacement of all GAC in the facility. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that preferential absorbance of one of the two MCHM isomers, coupled with seasonal variations in water temperature, explain this contrary observation. Calculated intermolecular potentials between ovalene (a large planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) and the MCHM isomers were compared to physisorption potentials of MCHM onto an amorphous carbon model. While a molecular mechanics (MM) force field predicts no difference in the average interaction potentials between the cis- and trans-MCHM with the planar ovalene structure, MM predicts that the trans isomer binds stronger than the cis isomer to the amorphous carbon surface. Semi-empirical and density functional theory also predict stronger binding of trans-MCHM on both the planar and amorphous surfaces. The differences in the isomer binding strengths on amorphous carbon imply preferential absorbance of the trans isomer onto activated charcoal filter media. Considering seasonal water temperatures, simple Arrhenius kinetics arguments based on these predicted binding energies help explain the environmental observations of MCHM leeching from the GAC filters months after the spill. Overall, this work shows the important implications that can arise from detailed interfacial chemistry investigations.
Effect of Incoming Boundary-Layer Characteristics on Performance of a Distributed Propulsion System

An experimental study is conducted to advance the understanding of flow physics associated with a boundary-layer ingesting, distributed propulsion system. The influence of incoming boundary-layer t...
Paths to proton stability in grand unification

We explore scenarios within grand unification in which proton decay can be suppressed and possibly eliminated due to novel embeddings of the Standard Model matter fields into irreducible representations of the grand unified group and residual symmetries. The scenarios are based on an $SU(7)$ gauge group, in which the matter fields are embedded within an anomaly-free set of fields that can be realized as a natural subgroup of the fundamental spinor representation of an $SO(14)$ gauge symmetry. Depending on the embedding, proton decay can either be forbidden at tree level and generated via one-loop diagrams, or the proton can be made stable by forcing it to decay channels that must have an even number of leptons, independently of the bosonic content of the theory. We describe the theoretical and phenomenological implications of such scenarios, including their implications for dark matter and neutrino masses.
Antifungal design: The toxicity-resistance yin-yang.

A modified amphotericin antifungal that is less toxic to human cells, owing to its increased preference for its fungal ergosterol target versus human cholesterol, can still evade the evolution of resistance.
Effects of crosstalk noise on H-tree clock distribution networks

With the transition to deep submicron technologies the density of on-chip interconnect lines has increased, together with the switching rate of the signals propagating along these lines, resulting in increased on-chip interconnect noise. The effects of crosstalk noise on the clock signal propagation along an H-tree clock distribution network are investigated in this paper. Different scenarios of capacitive coupling along different spatial locations of an H-tree are considered. The effects of coupling on the propagation delay, the transition time, and the waveform shape of the clock signal are investigated.
Purification of antibodies. I. Dextranase purification of antibody precipitated from type II antipneumococcal rabbit serum by dextran: Introductory report☆

Abstract 1.1. Dextran precipitated sensitizing and precipitating antibodies from Type II antipneumococcal rabbit serum. All detectable antidextran precipitins were precipitated by dextran in the zone of hapten excess. 2.2. Dextran elicited anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs that had been sensitized passively with Type II antipneumococcal rabbit serum. 3.3. Dextranase denatured dextran in saline and in protein solutions and in insoluble complexes with precipitated antibody. 4.4. Dextranase eluted all readily detectable dextran from dextran-antidextran precipitates. The resulting "purified" antibody precipitated with and passively sensitized guinea pigs against dextran. 5.5. Antibody which had been purified three times still sensitized against and precipitated with dextran. 6.6. Purified antibody solutions still exhibited the phenomenon of dominant and recessive haptens. 9
Conjugated polymer/nanostructured oxide semiconductor composite photovoltaic devices

Organic semiconductor-based photovoltaic devices offer the promise of low cost photovoltaic technology that can be manufactured via large-scale, roll-to-roll printing techniques. Existing organic photovoltaic devices are currently limited to solar power conversion efficiencies of 3-5%. The reasons for this include poor overlap between the absorption spectrum of the organic chromophores and the solar spectrum, non-ideal band alignment between the donor and acceptor species, and low charge carrier mobilities resulting from the disordered nature of organic semiconductors. To address the latter issues, we are investigating the development of nanostructured oxide / conjugated polymer composite photovoltaic (PV) devices. These composites can take advantage of the high electron mobilities attainable in oxide semiconductors and can be fabricated using low-temperature solution-based growth techniques. Additionally, the morphology of the composite can be controlled in a systematic way through control of the nanostructured oxide growth. For both ZnO and TiO/sub 2/, nanostructures that are vertically aligned with respect to the substrate can be grown. Here we discuss the fabrication of such nanostructures and present preliminary results from ZnO nanocarpet/poly(3-hexylthiophene) composite PV devices.
Identification of memory B cells using a novel transgenic mouse model.

Memory B cells help to protect the host from invading pathogens by maintaining persistent levels of Ag-specific serum Ab and generating rapid Ab responses upon re-exposure to Ag. Unambiguous identification of memory B cells has been a major obstacle to furthering our knowledge concerning both the development of B cell memory and secondary Ab responses due to an absence of specific cell surface markers. Germinal centers (GCs) are thought to be the major site of Ig hypermutation and Ag-driven selection of memory B cells. To develop a model that would identify GC-derived memory B cells, we generated transgenic mice that expressed cre recombinase in a GC-specific fashion. Interbreeding these mice with the cre-reporter strain, ROSA26R, produced progeny in which β-galactosidase (β-gal) was permanently expressed in B cells of the GC-memory pathway. Analysis following immunization with (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl coupled to chicken γ globulin showed that long-lived β-gal + B cells exclusively contained somatically mutated λ 1 V regions and were capable of producing Ag-specific Ab-forming cell (AFC) responses that were >100-fold higher than those afforded by β-gal − B cells following adoptive transfer to naive hosts. Secondary challenge of immune mice showed that only ∼20% of secondary AFCs expressed β-gal. Interestingly, we found that somatic hypermutation of rearranged λ 1 V regions within secondary AFCs showed a strong correlation with β-gal expression, suggesting that nonmutated B cells contribute significantly to secondary Ab responses. This model should provide useful insights into memory B cell development, maintenance, and differentiation following immunization or pathogenic infection.
Virtualization of engineering laboratory experiments: Opportunities and limitations

New opportunities to virtualize engineering laboratory experiments have arisen due to the proliferation of low-cost video recording devices, the widespread availability of free video hosting, and rising student preferences for “always available” learning activities. In years past, such virtualization required bulky, expensive, and complex video equipment, and was limited by inconvenient analog editing tools and the physical distribution of the finished product. At the present, by contrast, instructors wishing to prepare instructional video recordings often have the requisite video recording, editing, and publishing tools already built into their smartphones, and easy video hosting from YouTube, Vimeo, and university-owned networks. Therefore, students can access recordings moments after they are posted, at any distance from campus, using a myriad of electronic devices such as PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. An in-person, hands-on laboratory experience may be pedagogically superior in such cases as the fir...
The molecular biology of mammary intraepithelial neoplasia outgrowths

Genetically engineered mice have been used extensively to model human breast cancer. Yet few have been developed and characterized to model the progression from hyperplasia to cancer. We have developed a transplantable model for mammary hyperplasia that progresses to invasive carcinoma, effectively mimicking human ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). As such, this provides a unique model for chemoprevention trials for high-risk premalignant breast lesions. These transplantable lines, also known as mammary intraepihelial neoplasia outgrowths (MIN-Os), were developed by our group and are derived from the mammary hyperplasia of mouse mammary tumor virus-polyomavirus middle T (mT) transgenic mice. The polyomavirus transgene provides an attractive model for human mammary carcinoma, as it is capable of transforming cells by triggering signal transduction pathways that have been implicated to be activated by erbB2, through interactions between its mT gene product and key cellular signaling proteins–such as c-Src, Shc, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, which have all been implicated as important in human breast cancer. These transplanted lines are heterogeneous; however, within a line, through multiple generations, the MIN-Os show consistent growth rate, histopathology, and latency to tumor formation. The lines and the tumors that arise from them maintain their defining characteristics in 'tests by transplantation'. Histopathologically, the MIN-Os resemble human DCIS, and the resulting mammary invasive carcinoma resembles human invasive ductal carcinoma. With gene expression studies, we have found dysregulated genes and pathways that have been shown to be similarly altered in human DCIS, suggesting that our model is related to DCIS not only at a histopathological level, but also at a molecular level. These gene expression studies suggest the importance of stromal–epithelial interactions, the extracellular matrix proteoglycan-mediated regulation of cell proliferation signaling, actin cytoskeleton organization, and the insulin-like growth factors and their effectors in the transition from hyperplasia to transformed invasive carcinoma. We have begun using this human DCIS model for developing chemoprevention strategies for high-risk breast lesions. With in vitro assays, we have ranked inhibitors for effectiveness and inclusion in in vivo studies. We have demonstrated that inhibitors to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and related downstream mediators are effective in inhibiting growth. This mouse model provides an attractive platform that is amenable to interventional studies and chemoprevention preclinical trials, with easily measurable end-points for testing effectiveness of agents while providing tissue for correlative molecular studies.
The Japanese Operation for Biliary Atresia: Remedy or Mischief?

A case illustration is given of an infant with biliary atresia who had the Kasai operation more than 1½ years ago and is now, by all biochemical and histiological criteria, cured. The early results with this operation in 14 patients are similar to those reported by the Japanese, that is, 25% have had sustained postoperative bile drainage. Success has never been achieved in infants older than 4 months. A long-held notion in this country to withhold operation in infants with jaundice until after 4 months has thus far militated against a critical and impartial evaluation of the Kasai operation. A plea is made to complete diagnostic work-up for jaundice during the first months of life so that the operation, if elected, may have a genuine chance for legitimate long-term analysis.
A microprocessor-based switching power converter test bed

A test bed which allows convenient experiments and demonstrations of a wide range of switching converters is introduced. It is based on an isolated switch matrix, and controls the frequency, phase, and duty ratio of the switching functions. Almost any topology is accessible. Converter control methods for a broad range of possible circuits can be tested at practical power levels with this system. The system lends itself to automation, and should be of value in streamlining early stages of design and testing. Basic converter control methods are embedded in the hardware. The feedback network supports several differential inputs with dynamic range. Device ratings of 15 A and 400 V make converters possible at levels up to more than 1 kW. In addition, the processor system can be overridden or supplemented. >
Spontaneous emulsification of oil drops containing surfactants and medium-chain alcohols

Spontaneous emulsification of mixtures of n-hexadecane, n-octanol, and the pure nonionic surfactant C12E6 brought into contact with water was observed using videomicroscopy. Relevant aspects of equilibrium phase behavior in this system were determined, and information on emulsion drop size and stability was obtained by turbidity measurements. It was found that small, uniform oil droplets and the most stable emulsions occurred when the entire original oil drop was converted to another phase — in this case a microemulsion — which subsequently became supersaturated in oil owing to diffusion of octanol into the aqueous phase. Spontaneous emulsification was also studied for mixtures of n-decane, n-heptanol, and tetradecyldimethylamine oxide contacting water. In this case, small droplets were formed when both the microemulsion and an intermediate lamellar liquid crystalline phase became supersaturated with oil.
Influence of structure on the abrasion resistance of a 1040 steel

Abstract The resistance to sliding abrasion was determined for a 1040 steel. Specimens were either hardened and tempered or cooled to produce various ferrite-pearlite structures. For the hardened and tempered condition the abrasion resistance follows a Hall-Petch relation with the cementite particle spacing. For the ferrite-pearlite structures the abrasion resistance is proportional to the volume fraction of pearlite present. It is shown that the bulk hardness, the microhardness of the abraded surface and the abrasion resistance all are interrelated via the material's stress-strain curve. The strain corresponding to abrasion was found to be 4.8 and the portion of the cutting work which is directly involved in the chip formation to be 18.5%.
STUDIES ON ANTIBODY PRODUCTION XII. INHIBITION OF PRIMING BY DRUGS

The effect of drugs upon the primary and the secondary antibody response to diphtheria toxoid in mice was studied using an experimental system previously described. Triethylenethiophosphoramide (thio-TEPA), chloramphenicol, 6-mercaptopurine, 8-azaguanine, and versenate were found to inhibit, partially or completely,"priming" for the secondary response. Thio-TEPA, chloramphenicol, and 6-mercaptopurine, in doses exceeding those effective in inhibiting priming, did not cause alteration of the secondary response when given only during the secondary response. However, when chloramphenicol and amethopterin were given for 5 days prior to and at least 5 days after the second antigen injection, slight suppression of peak secondary titers occurred. Therefore, drug dosages effective in suppressing priming had less effect on the secondary response. It thus appears that there is a real difference between "priming" and the induction of antibody synthesis.
Many-Particle Theory of Impurity States in Polar Crystals

An attempt is made to generalize to polar semiconductors, Kohn's many-particle approach to the theory of shallow impurity states in nonpolar crystals. Nuclear coordinates are included as dynamic variables. The impurity state is described as a linear combination of exact many-particle eigenfunctions that correspond to the motion of a polaron through the impurity-free crystal. The resulting effective dielectric constant is likewise identified as the usual static constant, by considering the interaction between an electron bound by an infinitesimal impurity charge and a small classical charge fixed at a large displacement from the impurity. Corrections to the resulting hydrogenic equation arise from the need to include real phonon states. These corrections are estimated for substances with weak electron-lattice coupling only. The corrections are found small for most III-V semiconductors. They are rather more serious for substances such as Cd${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ and CdS, that have somewhat stronger coupling, suggesting a limitation to the applicability of the theory. In an Appendix an interpretation of the new formal contribution to the effective dielectric constant is given in terms of the motion of the ion cores.
Simulations of electromagnetic wave plasma interactions

The interaction of electromagnetic waves with plasmas is a topic rich in nonlinear effects with applications ranging from laser fusion to space plasmas. Computer simulations are a powerful tool to help understand the growing number of experiments in this area. Here we discuss some simulations of the Raman and two-plasmon decay instabilities and the nonlinear evolution of ponderomotively driven ion acoustic waves. Some salient features are compared with experiments.
Another Kind of “Chilly Climate”

ABSTRACT This paper reports findings from a pilot study using semi-structured interviews to explore the ways self-identified bisexual women see their identity fitting in to the range of sexual identities provided in U.S. society, specifically how bisexual women fit (or don't fit) within the lesbian community. Previous research has documented that there is a “chilly climate” between lesbians and bisexual women, as well as general disbelief within the broader LBGT community in the existence of bisexuality. This paper outlines three themes that emerge pertaining to this chilly climate for bisexuals in the LBGT community: (1) Discrimination from the LBGT community (2) Bi invisibility and (3) Tensions with lesbians. Further, the ways in which bisexual women construct identity and community despite this chilly climate are explored.
First-order formulations for large-scale stochastic parameter estimation within the frameworks of steady state dynamics: the elastic and viscoelastic case

We consider the problem of large-scale stochastic parameter estimation in the context of a particular problem: determining the material properties of a region of interest given an ‘observed’ displacement field. Specifically, we derive first-order formulations for the characterization of elastic and viscoelastic properties within the frameworks of steady state dynamics. The formulations presented herein fall into two main classes: the L2 formulation and modified error in constitutive equation (MECE) formulation. The focus of this work is to rigorously study the performance of these formulations through a series of numerical studies and perceive if choosing the MECE formulation over the L2 formulation will result in better parameter estimates with less computational effort. Furthermore, we capture the uncertainty in the parameter estimates due to uncertainties in the data as well as the model. To quantify these uncertainties, we use a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate approach. We demonstrate the performance obtained when using first-order formulations in MAP Bayesian analysis for stochastic parameter estimation.
Models of the Membrane-Bound Cytochromes: Mössbauer Spectra of Crystalline Low-Spin Ferriheme Complexes Having Axial Ligand Plane Dihedral Angles Ranging from 0° to 90°

Crystalline samples of four low-spin Fe(III) octaalkyltetraphenylporphyrinate and two low-spin Fe(III) tetramesitylporphyrinate complexes, all of which are models of the bis-histidine-coordinated c...
The Kinetic Stability of Cytochrome c Oxidase: Effect of Bound Phospholipid and Dimerization

Thermally induced transitions of the 13-subunit integral membrane protein bovine cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroism (CD). Thermal denaturation of dodecyl maltoside solubilized CcO proceeds in two consecutive, irreversible, kinetically driven steps with the apparent transition temperatures at ∼ 51°C and ∼ 61°C (5μM CcO at scan rate of 1.5 K/min). The thermal denaturation data were analyzed according to the Lyubarev and Kurganov model of two consecutive irreversible steps. However, because of the limitation of the model to describe the complex mechanism of the thermal denaturation of CcO, the obtained results were utilized only for comparison purposes of kinetic stabilities of CcO under specific protein concentration (5μM) and scan rate (1.5 K/min). This enabled us to show that both the amphiphilic environment and the self-association state of CcO affect its kinetic stability. Kinetic stabilities of both steps are significantly decreased when all of the phospholipids are removed from CcO by phospholipase A2 (the half-life decreases at 37°C). Conversely, dimerization of CcO induced by sodium cholate significantly increases its kinetic stability of only the first step (the half-life increases at 37°C). Protein concentration-dependent nonspecific oligomerization also indicate mild stabilization of CcO. Both, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and SDS-PAGE subunit analysis reveal that the first step of thermal denaturation involves dissociation of subunits III, VIa, VIb, and VIIa, whereas the second step is less well defined and most likely involves global unfold and aggregation of the remaining subunits. Electron transport activity of CcO decreases in a sigmoidal manner during the first transition and this dependence is very well described by kinetic parameters for the first step of the thermal transition. Therefore, dissociation of subunit III and/or VIIa is responsible for temperature-induced inactivation of CcO because VIa and VIb can be removed from CcO without affecting the enzyme activity. These results demonstrate an important role of tightly bound phospholipids and oligomeric state (particularly the dimeric form) of CcO for kinetic stability of the protein.
Estimating the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions through case studies: implications for predictive cost-benefit analysis.

Abstract Problem Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) can help to justify an investment in ergonomics interventions. A predictive CBA model would allow practitioners to present a cost justification to management during the planning stages, but such a model requires reliable estimates of the benefits of ergonomics interventions. Method Through literature reviews and Internet searches, 250 case studies that reported the benefits of ergonomics programs and control measures were collected and summarized. Results Commonly reported benefits included reductions in the number of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) or their incidence rate, as well as related lost workdays, restricted workdays, and workers' compensation costs. Additional benefits reported were related to productivity, quality, turnover and absenteeism. Discussion Benefits reported were largely positive, and payback periods for ergonomics interventions were typically less than one year. Summary The results of this review could be used to develop predictive CBA models for ergonomics programs and individual control measures. Impact on Industry Cost-justifying ergonomics interventions prior to implementation may help to secure management support for proposed changes. Numbers used for the benefits side of a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) need to be based on “real world” data in order to be credible. The data presented in this paper may help in the development of simple cost-benefit models for ergonomics programs and control measures.
Blood sampling techniques for studying rapidly turning over metabolic fuels in mice.

Experiments were carried out in control and Ehrlich ascites carcinomatous mice to determine whether orbital venous sinus blood could be used to reflect blood in the systemic circulation (decapitation blood) in the case of a rapidly turning over metabolic fuel such as free fatty acids. The early time course of intravenously injected, labeled free fatty acids was measured using [9,10-3H]palmitic acid and [1-14C]linoleate complexed to mouse serum. No significant differences between decapitation and orbital sinus blood were found at early times in either group of mice. The orbital sinus clearly contains blood that is not stagnant and is replaced so rapidly that it is suitable for studying very rapidly turning over, circulating metabolites.
Influence of menstrual cycle phase on pulmonary function in asthmatic athletes.

The main aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between menstrual cycle phase and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in female athletes with mild atopic asthma. Seven eumenorrheic subjects with regular 28-day menstrual cycles were exercised to volitional exhaustion on day 5 [mid-follicular (FOL)] and day 21 [mid-luteal (LUT)] of their menstrual cycle. Pulmonary function tests were conducted pre- and post-exercise. The maximal percentage decline in post-exercise forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow from 25 to 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75%) was significantly greater (P<0.05) on day 21 (mid-LUT phase) (−17.35±2.32 and −26.28±6.04%, respectively), when salivary progesterone concentration was highest, compared to day 5 (mid-FOL phase) (−12.81±3.35 and −17.23±8.20%, respectively), when salivary progesterone concentration was lowest. The deterioration in the severity of EIB during the mid-LUT phase was accompanied by worsening asthma symptoms and increased bronchodilator use. There was a negative correlation between the percent change in pre- to post-exercise FEV1 and salivary progesterone concentration. However, no such correlation was found between salivary estradiol and the percentage change in pre- to post-exercise FEV1. This study has shown for the first time that menstrual cycle phase is an important determinant of the severity of EIB in female athletes with mild atopic asthma. Female asthmatic athletes may need to adjust their training and competition schedules to their menstrual cycle and to consider the potential negative effects of the LUT phase of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance.
Microglia in the Optic Nerve Head and the Region of Parapapillary Chorioretinal Atrophy in Glaucoma

Background Microglia, the macrophages and immune surveillance cells of the central nervous system, are quiescent normally but become activated in injured neural tissue. We have determined the distribution and potential participation of microglia in glaucomatous optic nerve degeneration. Methods Microglia were localized by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of age-matched normal and glaucomatous human eyes obtained within 24 hours after death. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that recognize specific epitopes on microglia and other cell types were localized by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence. Results Stellate cells with thin, ramified processes, positive for HLA-DR and CD45 but negative for glial fibrillary acid protein, were identified as quiescent microglia. These cells were found throughout the normal optic nerve head in the walls of large blood vessels and surrounding capillaries in glial columns and cribriform plates. In glaucomatous eyes with moderate and severe optic nerve head damage, microglia were present as clusters of large ameboid, activated cells in the compressed lamina cribrosa and as formations of concentric circles surrounding blood vessels. In the parapapillary chorioretinal region of glaucomatous optic nerve heads, large, activated microglia were present as single cells or clusters on the termination of the Bruch's membrane. In addition, along the optic nerve/choriocapillaris-scleral interface, activated microglia appeared to form linear arrays near the choriocapillaris vessels. These cells were parenchymal and not in close association with the vasculature. Conclusions In glaucoma, microglia in the optic nerve head become activated and redistributed. Enlarged, activated microglia appear in the parapapillary chorioretinal region, perhaps due to migration from the disorganized prelaminar and laminar tissue. Strategically positioned microglia may also serve a neuroprotective function in relation to a damaged blood-retinal barrier. The activity of microglia in the parapapillary chorioretinal region in glaucoma may be responsible for some of the biomicroscopic and histological changes that are associated with parapapillary chorioretinal atrophy.
Organismic and holistic concepts in the thought of L. J. Henderson

In the increasingly complex and specialized world of the twentieth century, the scholar who makes professional contributions to several different fields has become more and more of a rarity. The crossing of the lines which separate the traditional subjects of the academic curriculum requires a very special kind of man. Lawrence Joseph Henderson, who taught at Harvard from 1905 until his death in 1942, was such a man. At various times throughout his career, he took a professional interest in physical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, medicine, philosophy, sociology, and the history of science. In spite of this diversity of interests, his work exhibits in retrospect a fundamental unity. He himself felt in his later years "that there had been more interconnections between the things that I had done, even more unity in some sense in my thinking and my work than I was aware of or can now recover in my memory."1 There is a marked similarity in his approach to problems in these various fields. His early work seems to have impressed him with the need for studying the interaction between the variables of a system, and with the apparent orderliness of certain systems. His career was largely devoted to the study of the organization of the organism, the universe, and society. The emphasis in his work was always on the need to examine whole systems and to avoid the error of assuming that the whole was merely the sum of its parts. Of course, this apparent unity in his approach was not the result of some preconceived plan. He merely followed his own interests, and one study led to the next. It was during the course of his experimental researches that his methodology and philo-
Physical and mechanical properties of zinc polyacrylate dental cements

An investigation compared the physical and mechanical properties of five commercially available zinc polyacrylate dental cements. Physical and mechanical properties of five commercially available zinc polyacrylate dental cements were evaluated. Although the cements had similar values of 24-hour compressive strength (550 kg/cm 2 ), two distinct sets of values of 24-hour tensile strength (57 and 84 kg/cm 2 ) were observed. Evidence of sintering was observed in scanning electron photomicrographs of the cement powders.
IL-2 analogues: novel agents circumventing the expansion of T regulatory cells while promoting NK cell activation during IL-2 therapy

High dose (HD) IL-2 treatment is a potent form of immunotherapy that can induce durable complete responses in a fraction of metastatic melanoma patients. Its initial purpose was to activate the expansion and anti-tumor responses of NK cells. However, the efficacy of HD IL-2 in achieving this has been relatively limited due to two main reasons. First, IL-2 preferentially expands CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-regulatory cells (Tregs) constitutively expressing the high affinity IL-2R consisting of CD25 together with the IL-2Rβ and the common gamma chain rather than NK cells and effector T cells that are mostly CD25-negative and express mostly the IL-2Rβγ lower affinity receptor. In particular, we found that a highly suppressive CD25hi Treg subset expressing ICOS expands the most in response to IL-2. Second, HD IL-2 can be highly toxic by causing vascular leak syndrome due to a surge in pro-inflammatory cytokines and by its indirect activation of CD25 expressing endothelial cells facilitating NO release. Here, we characterized whether a mutant form of IL-2 (F42K) that preferentially binds to the lower affinity IL-2Rβγ complex can be an alternative to wild-type (WT) IL-2 therapy. We first tested the effects of equivalent concentrations of WT IL-2 on PBMC from healthy donors and melanoma patients for 6 or 14 days in vitro. F42K-treated PBMC produced much lower pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1α and IFN-γ, and VEGF than WT IL-2. Importantly, F42K selectively expanded NK cells with a decreased expansion of ICOS+ Tregs. In comparison to treatment with WT IL-2, F42K also induced increased NK cell activation by up-regulating the NK activation markers NKp30, NKp44 and TIM-3, but not NKG2D, CD226 and inhibitory KIR molecules such as CD158a and CD158b. F42K also enhanced survival of these highly activated NK cells and prevented apoptosis by inducing a higher expression of Bcl2 than WT IL-2. Furthermore, F42K increased NK cell cytotoxicity against breast cancer and melanoma cells than WT IL-2 associated with TRAIL and granulysin up-regulation in both CD56hi and cytotoxic CD16+CD56+ NK cell subsets. Using a hydrodynamic gene therapy (HGT) approach, C57BL/6 mice treated with plasmids encoding F42K had an earlier, more robust and persistent NK cell expansion in vivo with a dramatic reduction in the expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs than WT IL-2 plasmid therapy. Lastly, we found that F42K was equally able to expand TILs from melanoma patients as WT IL-2. Our results suggest that F42K has great potential as a non-toxic substitute for WT IL-2 as a cytokine therapy for cancer by potently activating NK cells without Treg expansion either as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies such as adoptive cell therapy.
Preferential flow in a sandy vadose zone: 2. Mechanism and implications

Abstract Field experiments conducted at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station during the 1987 growing season showed that preferential flow paths were the dominant flow pattern in the Central Sand Area of Wisconsin (CSAW). The observed preferential flow was different from other preferential flow patterns mentioned in the literature (e.g., “short circuiting” flow and “fingering” flow). This paper presents a detailed discussion of the mechanism of this preferential flow and its influence on groundwater contamination, soil solution sampling, and solute transport modeling. Four factors that will determine the occurrence of a funneled flow are: (A) conductivity of the upper finer layer, K; (B) slope of the inclined layer, sin (β); (C) retention potential of the upper finer layer, 2σ/r; and (D) ponding potential, ρ g L.
Psychosocial aspects of palliative care in advanced cancer

One hundred patients with advanced cancer referred to a palliative care service were evaluated for psychosocial distress using a standard questionnaire. A high incidence of emotional upset, financial distress, and home-care problems was found. Psychosocial distress is common among patients (and their families) with advanced cancer and may have a significant impact on provision of optimal care. Community services are often inadequate. A dedicated palliative care service employing a multidisciplinary approach can best provide care. We make specific recommendations about how to combat psychosocial distress using specific administrative and management techniques.
Effects of methyl bis (beta-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride on haploid and diploid embryos of Habrobracon.

X-RADIATION of the parasitic wasp, Habrobracon, has shown that haploids and diploids are differentially radiosensitive. During the larval, prepupal and pupal stages, diploids are more resistant than haploids1. During the cleavage stages of the embryo, however, haploids are more resistant than diploids, and immediately after cleavage, haploids and diploids are equally sensitive to X-rays2. Some of the mustard compounds are highly mutagenic and cause chromosome breakage3. We decided, therefore, to test the effects of the nitrogen mustard, methyl bis (beta-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride on haploid and diploid embryos of Habrobracon.
The polarization behavior of the anode in a microbial fuel cell

Abstract Microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems are unique electrochemical devices that employ the catalytic action of bacteria to drive the oxidation of organic compounds. These systems have been suggested as renewable energy sources for small remote devices; however, questions remain about how MFCs can be efficiently optimized for this purpose. Several electrochemical techniques have been employed in this study to elucidate the limiting factors in power production by MFCs. Impedance spectra were collected for the anode and cathode at their open-circuit potential (OCP) before and after all other electrochemical tests. Cell voltage–current curves were obtained using a potential sweep technique and used to determine the maximum power available from the system. Potentiodynamic polarization in two different potential regions was used to determine the exchange current for the reaction occurring at the anode at its OCP and to explore the polarization behavior of the anode and the cathode in a wide potential range. Cyclic voltammetry was used to evaluate the redox activity of the anode. These techniques used in combination showed that the microorganism Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is solely responsible for the observed decrease of the OCP of the anode, the increased rate of oxidation of lactate, the larger cell voltage and the increased maximum power output of the MFC.
Nanohertz gravitational wave searches with interferometric pulsar timing experiments.

We estimate the sensitivity to nano-Hertz gravitational waves of pulsar timing experiments in which two highly stable millisecond pulsars are tracked simultaneously with two neighboring radio telescopes that are referenced to the same timekeeping subsystem (i.e., ``the clock''). By taking the difference of the two time-of-arrival residual data streams we can exactly cancel the clock noise in the combined data set, thereby enhancing the sensitivity to gravitational waves. We estimate that, in the band $({10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8})\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{Hz}$, this ``interferometric'' pulsar timing technique can potentially improve the sensitivity to gravitational radiation by almost 2 orders of magnitude over that of single-telescopes. Interferometric pulsar timing experiments could be performed with neighboring pairs of antennas of the NASA's Deep Space Network and the forthcoming large arraying projects.
Breast metastases in children with rhabdomyosarcoma

Of 108 consecutively diagnosed patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, seven subsequently developed clinically evident metastatic tumors of the breast. These patients were unusual in that all had primary tumors located on an extremity or the buttock, and six of the seven tumors had alveolar histology. Sex distribution and age of the patients indicated that the physiologic state of the breast was an important determining factor in the development of such metastases.
EXAMINER Executive Function Battery and Neurologic Morbidity in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is blood disorder with a high risk for cerebral vascular morbidities that impact neurocognitive functioning. Specific cognitive abilities are known to be more sensitive to neurologic effects of SCD than IQ scores, yet there is little consensus about which measures to use to assess neurocognitive functioning. We evaluated the ability of the Executive Abilities: Methods and Instruments for Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Research (EXAMINER) Battery to detect neurologic effects in SCD. Thirty-two youth with SCD and sixty demographically-matched comparison youth completed the EXAMINER Battery and selected tests from the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability, 3rd edition (WJ-III). Neurologic severity was examined via clinical history for morbidities and midsagittal corpus callosum (CC) area. Results indicated cognitive performance decreased with increasing neurologic morbidity across all cognitive measures; two of four EXAMINER factors were related to CC area. The association with clinical history and midsagittal CC area appeared at least as large for the Examiner Battery scores as for the WJ-III measures. The Examiner Battery showed sensitivity to neurologic history and white matter effects in SCD; this new measure compares favorably to established measures of disease-related neurocognitive effects, but would benefit from further development. (JINS, 2014, 1, 1–12)
Optical communications study for the Next-Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), part of NASA's Origins program, is a follow on to the Hubble Space Telescope expected to provide timely new science along with answering fundamental questions. NGST is a large diameter, infrared optimized telescope with imaging and spectrographic detectors which will be used to help study the origin of galaxies. Due to the large data NGST will collect, Goddard Space Flight Center has considered the use of optical communications for data downlink. The Optical Communications Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has performed a study on optical communications systems for NGST. The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits gained through the use of optical communication technologies. Studies were performed for each of four proposed NGST orbits. The orbits considered were an elliptical orbit about the semi stable second Lagrangian point, a 1 by 3 AU elliptic orbit around the sun, a 1 AU drift orbit, and a 1 AU drift orbit at a 15 degree incline to the ecliptic plane. An appropriate optical communications system was determined for each orbit. Systems were evaluated in terms of mass, power consumption, size, and cost for each of the four proposed orbits.
RISK, RETURN AND THE COMPETITIVE STRUCTURE OF COMMERCIAL BANKING†

s of Doctoral Dissertations 939 strictly by the current status of state branch-banking laws, these results do not ap-
Measurement of cross talk in order-packed image fiber bundles

This paper describes a novel technique to quantitatively measure cross talk in order-packed image fiber bundles using a calibrated optical video system. At the input end of the fiber bundle, by carefully matching numerical aperture of the focusing lens, light is coupled into one single fiber. At the output end, a large area around the excited fiber is monitored using a video CCD array. The light intensity in integrated and the ratio between output light in adjacent fibers and output light from the excited fiber constitutes the percentage cross talk. Additionally, static modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements together with visual inspection was used to correlate the cross talk to the imaging properties of an optical fiber bundle. Comparison between different samples results in the following observations: typical cross talk varies between 1-15% for good versus bad imaging fiber bundles; image fiber bundles with less cross talk show higher static MTF at low spatial frequencies; different defects in the fiber bundle manifest themselves by specific signatures, both in the static MTF and the cross talk; when the cross talk is less 5%, the spatial cut-off frequency is not altered; cross talk decreases when reducing the numerical aperture of the coupling system.
The collection and analysis of human fallopian tubal fluid

Abstract A technique for the collection of Human Tubal Fluid (HTF) has been presented. It is a one-time procedure, coincident to other adominal surgery. The procedure has shown itself to be safe on 37 consecutive cases. The greatest quantity of HTF was obtained near the day of ovulation from patients with long fallopian tubes. A specimen with little or no turbidity usually could be withdrawn from the collection bag 24 hours after surgery. Electrophoresis of HTF in agarose resulted in patterns different from those found with the patient's serum. An altered albumin peak was noted in 2 cases, while in a third case, the HTF exhibited an increase in the s globulin fraction. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that many serum constituents are present in HTF. The immunoglobulin content presented a distribution similar to that which occurs in serum. Unlike other external secretions, γ G is the major immunoglobulin constituent present in HTF. The sodium, phosphorus and magnesium content of HTF was similar to that of serum. In comparison with patient's serum, the potassium and chlorides of HTF were augmented while there was a diminution of HTF calcium. Glucose in tubal fluid was usually a half to a third of the patient's serum level. Marked elevations of amylase and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were noted in HTF.