cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective inhibition by NPT 15392 of lymphocyte cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase

Abstract Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases were measured in mouse spleen and thymus lymphocyte membranes and soluble fractions and in extracts of canine tracheal smooth muscle. The immunostimulant erythro-9(2-hydroxy,3-nonyl) hypoxanthine (NPT 15392) was found to be a potent and relatively selective inhibitor of mouse lymphocyte cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, with IC 50 values 15–180 times greater for cyclic AMP than cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases. The greatest inhibition by NPT 15392 was found using 10 μM substrate, and inhibition was greater in membrane than soluble forms of phosphodiesterase. Spleen soluble enzymes were separated by DEAE Bio-Gel A column into six peaks. A major form of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase was inhibited effectively by NPT 15392 in a competitive manner ( K i = 50 μ M). Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity in the same fraction, but representing only a fifth of the total activity, was also inhibited ( K i = 70 μ M). Other soluble enzymes were not affected significantly. Membrane bound enzymes were solubilized and separated into three peaks. One with high affinity for cyclic GMP was strongly inhibited ( K i = 10 μ M) by NPT 15392. Inosine and isoprinosine were one-tenth to one-hundredth as effective as NPT 15392 as cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Incubation of mouse splenic lymphocytes with NPT 15392 for 48 hr resulted in enzymes with altered responsiveness to the drug in broken cell assays: inhibition of cyclic GMP hydrolysis was enhanced while that of cyclic AMP hydrolysis was decreased. Among three separated and characterized forms of tracheal smooth muscle phosphodiesterase, NPT 15392 inhibited the low K m cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase 6–10 times more effectively than the other enzymes. These data suggest that the immunopharmacologic activities of NPT 15392 may include specific cyclic GMP phospho-diesterase inhibition as one of several possible mechanisms.
Aberrations in saw-tooth refractive lenses in short focal length x-ray focusing

Saw-tooth refractive lenses (SRL) provide a comparatively attractive option for X-ray focusing for various reasons, including their simple, continuous tunability in energy and focal length. Optimal focusing of a conventional SRL at short focal lengths is limited by the SRL’s length in relation to the focal length. Three approaches to overcome this limitation are described. Analytical solutions verified with ray-tracing are presented. These are bending, variation of the saw-tooth tip angles, and variation of the period.
Low level currents in insulated gate field effect transistors

Abstract A theory for low-level current operation in Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistors is developed. Using the depletion approximation for the semiconductor surface potential, an analytical expression is obtained which is accurate for gate voltages corresponding to surface operation from depletion to the onset of strong inversion. Numerical calculations that avoid the limitations on gate voltage have shown the theory to hold as well for surface potentials corresponding to strong inversion.
Pre-endoscopic use of oral simethicone

As demonstrated by this randomized, double-blind study, having the patient swallow a simethicone solution before peroral endoscopy is a simple, effective, and inexpensive means of eliminating foam and bubbles that often obscure the visual field.
Bonding along a linear B...N...B triad.

The synthesis of tris(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)amine diborate, 4, is reported. This compound contains a linear B···N···B array for which a symmetrical three-center two-electron (3c-2e) bond is possible. The X-ray crystal structure of 4 shows that 3c-2e bonding is, in fact, absent. Rather, the B−N−B array of 4 is unsymmetrical, having a 2c-2e B−N dative bond with the remaining boron pyramidalized outward and bonded to the oxygen of THF, i.e., 4·THF. In THF solution, 4 displays temperature-dependent 13C NMR spectra from which a ΔG⧧ of 11.6 kcal/mol at 262 K may be calculated. The dynamic process observed in solution corresponds to a bond-switching equilibrium in which the B−N bond oscillates between the two borons (“bell clapper”). Ab initio calculations indicate that the most likely pathway for the bond switch does not involve a 3c-2e B···N···B bond, but rather occurs by nucleophilic attack of THF on the datively bonded boron to generate 4·(THF)2, lacking any B−N interactions, followed by loss of one THF. The B...
Writing to unidentified readers

Engineers confront an especially trying problem when they attempt to adapt their writing to unknown readers. This paper provides some practical solutions to that dilemma. The paper first identifiers four faulty assumptions often made about unknown readers — Instant Recall, Interest and Concern, Objectivity and Reason, and Mutual Vocabulary. Then the paper describes five adaptive strategies, strategies that are both alternatives to the faulty assumptions and ways of adapting to unidentified readers — Identify the Message and the Sender, Motivate the Reader, State Conclusions and Actions, Offer Necessary Background Information, and Write Carefully, Write Well. By avoiding the faulty assumptions and by implementing the suggested strategies, engineers can send forth communiques with a high degree of assurance that the messages are suited to the readers.
The use of hepatitis C-infected grafts in liver transplantation

1. Liver grafts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected deceased donors can be used safely in HCV-infected recipients. 2. Histological assessment of the graft before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is advised. 3. Recipients of these grafts should give consent accordingly. 4. The course of HCV disease after OLT parallels that in patients who received noninfected organs.
Cognitive styles and reading performance

The cognitive style-reading connection appears to represent a case of promises not yet fulfilled. Further, it is dubious whether fulfillment is just around the corner. Certainly, one can question the one-cognitive-style-at-a-time approach that has been dominant thus far. The time may have come to think about cognitive styles along with other cognitive measures in combination. Multiple-regression and other multivariate techniques are clearly called for. Without any doubt, the Cronbach-Snow (1977) ATI approach deserves further consideration, not only in the sense of matching styles with instructional treatments in reading — what is called the capitalization approach — but also in the sense of devising methods that can serve a prosthetic function to overcome styles that are maladaptive for reading — a compensatory approach, in other words.
Phytohormone Dynamics Associated with Gall Insects, and their Potential Role in the Evolution of the Gall-Inducing Habit

While plant galls can be induced by a variety of organisms, insects produce the most diverse and complex galls found in nature; yet, how these galls are formed is unknown. Phytohormones have long been hypothesized to play a key role in gall production, but their exact role, and how they influence galls, has been unclear. Research in the past decade has provided better insight into the role of plant hormones in gall growth and plant defenses. We review and synthesize recent literature on auxin, cytokinins, and abscisic, jasmonic, and salicylic acids to provide a broader understanding of how these phytohormones might effect gall production, help plants defend against galls, and/or allow insects to overcome host-plant defenses. After reviewing these topics, we consider the potential for phytohormones to have facilitated the evolution of insect galls. More specialized research is needed to provide a mechanistic understanding of how phytohormones operate in gall-insect-plant interactions, but current evidence strongly supports phytohormones as key factors determining the success and failure of insect galls.
Thermoelectric power of silver-containing glasses

Abstract Thermoelectric power measurements were made on both silver oxide-containing glasses and a silver iodide-containing glass. The latter is known to be a superionic conductor. The value of the heat of transport deduced from the temperature dependence of the thermoelectric power was zero for the former glasses while for the latter glass it was non-zero, 3.9 kcal/mol, which is nearly equal to the activation energy for d.c. conduction, 4.2 kcal/mol. These results were discussed in terms of the conduction mechanism.
Hysterical paralysis in the upper extremity of chronic pain patients.

Abstract The patient with chronic pain who develops the conversion symptom of hysterical paralysis in the upper extremity can be treated successfully by rehabilitation medicine services, using a shaping behavioral program. Four case reports illustrate the management of this condition and the basic ingredients for such a program are outlined. The approach is based upon learning principles and experience with conversion reactions affecting gait. Treatment outcome often is related directly to the care and skill with which psychological assessment is performed and to the coordinated effort of the various team members.
Weak convergence of a random walk in a random environment

Let π i (x),i=1,...,d,x∈Z d , satisfy π i (x)≧α>0, and π1(x)+...+π d (x)=1. Define a Markov chain onZ d by specifying that a particle atx takes a jump of +1 in thei th direction with probability 1/2π i (x) and a jump of −1 in thei th direction with probability 1/2π i (x). If the π i (x) are chosen from a stationary, ergodic distribution, then for almost all π the corresponding chain converges weakly to a Brownian motion.
Identification of a novel high molecular weight protein preferentially expressed by sinusoidal endothelial cells in normal human tissues

Mouse mAb MS-1, raised against human spleen, detects an endothelial cell antigen abundantly expressed by the sinusoidal endothelia of spleen, lymph node, liver, and adrenal cortex, but absent from nonsinusoidal continuous endothelia in these organs. Immunoelectron microscopy of splenic tissue demonstrates that the MS-1 antigen is predominantly deposited at zones of intercellular contact between adjacent sinusoidal endothelial cells. mAb MS-1 also reacts with a variable proportion of high endothelial venules in tonsil, but not in other lymphoid tissues, and with an interstitial dendritic cell population most abundant in placenta. mAb MS-1 does not react with cultured resting or mediator- activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells, dermal fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or the cell lines U937, HL-60, K562 or Mo7E; it does react with the primitive myeloid cell line KG-1. mAb MS-1 immunoprecipitates a major protein of 215 kD and minor proteins of 320 and 120 kD from splenic extracts as analyzed by SDS-PAGE with reduction. These proteins are soluble in aqueous buffers. Immunoprecipitation from KG-1 cell lysates detects four proteins of 280, 300, 205, and 120 kD; the 300-, 205-, and 120-kD species, presumably corresponding to the 320-, 215-, and 120-kD species in spleen, respectively, are secreted into the media. Under nonreducing conditions, immunoprecipitates from KG-1 cell lysates or conditioned media contain one predominant 300-kD species; upon isolation and reduction, this 300-kD species separates into the previously observed 300-, 205-, and 120-kD species. Pulse-chase experiments and limited proteolysis peptide mapping suggest that the 280-kD species is a precursor of the mature 300-kD species which may be subsequently cleaved to yield the 205- and 120-kD species. Because of its size, solubility and expression pattern, the antigen recognized by mAb MS-1 is likely to be an extracellular matrix protein utilized by endothelial cells of contorted, large caliber, or leaky microvessels that lack a well-formed basement membrane.
DESIGNING HOLOGRAPHIC OPTICAL ELEMENTS

A general thin lens analogy between a holographic optical element (HOE) and a conventional optical element (COE) is discussed. The third order aberration theory of a HOE is given. The generalized aplanatic condition of the HOE is derived and shows that the bending of the HOE makes the aplanatic condition possible.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On Nash equilibria in duopolistic power markets subject to make-whole uplift

We consider a duopolistic power market in which firms bid their offer functions while abiding by capacity constraints. Minimal cost allocation decisions and marginal cost prices are determined through the solution of two optimization problems, the first a mixed-integer linear program (the unit commitment problem) and the second a related linear program (the economic dispatch problem) that has constraints derived from the solution of the commitmemt problem. Traditional marginal-cost pricing mechanisms have relied on using the dual variables associated with the supply-demand constraints from the dispatch problem. Unfortunately, such mechanisms fail to cover the cost of start-up and energy costs faced by dispatched generators. In existing markets, one attempt at a remedy is by providing every dispatched generator with an expost out of market settlement called a make-whole uplift. Given the presence of such an uplift mechanism, this paper seeks to characterize the nature of equilibria in duopolistic settings. The two main conclusions of our analysis are: 1) Pure Nash equilibria are identified when one firm can supply the entire demand; 2) Otherwise, it is shown that mixed-strategy Nash equilibria exist, and these equilibria can be characterized by two coupled differential equations. These results provide a framework for further analysis of electricity markets, and in particular the true value of make-whole uplift payments in a strategic setting.
Functionally distinct subsites on a class II major histocompatibility complex molecule

Mature T lymphocytes are activated by recognition of the combination of foreign protein antigen and membrane products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Studies of peptide antigen binding to detergent-solubilized class II MHC molecules (Ia) have established that peptide-Ia interaction occurs in the absence of the T-cell receptor and varies according to allele-specific features of Ia molecules. The residues of immunogenic peptides thus contribute to two largely independent functions--the control of association with Ia molecules and the determination of the specificity of T-cell receptor binding. Two analogous and potentially independent functional sites have been postulated for Ia molecules--a region that controls binding to peptides and a region that interacts with T-cell receptors. Here we present evidence from functional analysis of recombinant class II molecules that these two postulated functional regions of Ia molecules do exist and can be independently manipulated, consistent with our recent demonstration of the segmental nature of Ia molecule structure-function relationships.
Between Motion and Action: The Dialectical Role of Affective Identification in Kenneth Burke

Taking seriously Kenneth Burke's claim that identification follows property's logic discloses identification's rootedness not only in nonsymbolic motion but also in attitudinal sensation, that midway realm between sheer motion and symbolic action. Burke's key distinction is among three terms, not two—implying consubstantial (not antithetical) relations between pure persuasion and identification. Thus understood, these relations have implications for the New Rhetoric, in particular for how it frames the question of justice.
Globalization and African Ethnoscapes: contrasting Nigerien Hausa and Nigerian Igbo migratory orders in the U.S.

This short essay, which is a preface to two full length articles by Reynolds and by Youngstedt, also in this volume, highlights important contrasts between two African migratory orders in cities in the United States, especially by examining economic conditions under which the two communities use global information technologies as tools of community cohesion and formation in diaspora. The central contrast is that Nigerien Hausa experiences rest at the margins of the formal economy or at their engagement within informal economies, while Nigerian Igbo peoples' experiences as brain drain professionals means that they are by nature of their migratory order integrated into the hegemonic core of global capital. Ultimately, our ethnographically-based evidence poses two queries: how does space-time compression operate differentially in the creation of new “global” communities, and secondly, how are significant groups of global actors emerging as the various strands of globalizing economies take new root within and across old ethnic and national and religious imaginaries of community?
Effect of pH on In Vitro Activity of Carbenicillin against Proteus mirabilis

The influence of pH on activity of carbenicillin against a clinical isolate of Proteus mirabilis was studied. Cylinder-plate assays showed greatest activity at pH 7.2, and least activity at pH 5.0. Bactericidal curves for carbenicillin-treated cultures of P. mirabilis also showed least activity at pH 5.0 and greatest at pH 7.2. Similar findings were observed with scanning electron microscopy of bacterial cells. Bizarre morphologic forms, consistent with spheroplasts, were observed after exposure of P. mirabilis to carbenicillin at more neutral pH (6.0, 7.2, 8.0), whereas only minor morphologic defects were noted at pH 5.0. However, standard tubedilution methods for determinations of minimal inhibitory concentrations for P. mirabilis showed no significant differences at pH 5.0, 6.0, 7.2, and 8.0. The results suggest that the effect of pH on carbenicillin activity may involve complex interactions and alterations of drug and bacteria.
An Experimental Analysis of the Nature of Reversal Errors in Children with Severe Learning Disabilities.

Reversal errors in letter identification are frequently used as diagnostic evidence of neurological dysfunction. An alternative explanation for reversals is that they represent learned behaviors susceptible to training. The pur- pose of the present study was to provide evidence bearing on this issue. Five severely learning disabled students from grades three through five were presented with the task of naming lower-case letters b, d, p, and q in 30-second trials and un- timed, respectively. A multiple-baseline design across subjects was used ex- perimentally to determine the extent to which changes in the incentive conditions would have any clear and immediate affect on the students' reversal errors. The results, in general, showed that reversal errors decreased abruptly when incentives were introduced and, in some instances, did not increase when incentives were removed. The findings provide a basis for viewing reversals optimistically as behaviors which may be changed through training rather than pessimistically as signs of neurological or perceptual defects.
Multidimensional analysis of autonomous aerial observation systems (AAOS) for scientific, civil, and defense applications

Better knowledge of the atmosphere, ocean and land are needed by a wide range of users spanning the scientific, civil and defense communities. Observations to provide this knowledge will require aerial systems with greater operational flexibility and lower life-cycle costs than are currently available. Persistent monitoring of severe storms, sampling and measurements of the Earth’s carbon cycle, wildfire monitoring/management, crop assessments, ozone and polar ice changes, and natural disaster response (communications and surveillance) are but a few applications where autonomous aerial observations can effectively augment existing measurement systems. User driven capabilities include high altitude, long range, long-loiter (days/weeks), smaller deployable sensor-ships for in-situ sampling, and sensors providing data with spectral bandwidth and high temporal and three-dimensional spatial resolution. Starting with user needs and considering all elements and activities required to acquire the needed observations leads to the definition of autonomous aerial observation systems (AAOS) that can significantly complement and extend the current Earth observation capability. In this approach, UAVs are viewed as only one, albeit important, element in a mission system and overall cost and performance for the user are the critical success factors. To better understand and meet the challenges of developing such AAOSs, a systems oriented multi-dimensional analysis has been performed that illuminates the enabling and high payoff investments that best address the needs of scientific, civil, and defense users of Earth observations. The analysis further identifies technology gaps and serves to illustrate how investments in a range of mission subsystems together can enable a new class of Earth observations.
Criteria for environmentally associated autoimmune diseases

Increasing evidence supports a role for the environment in the development of autoimmune diseases, as reviewed in the accompanying three papers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Expert Panel Workshop. An important unresolved issue, however, is the development of criteria for identifying autoimmune disease phenotypes for which the environment plays a causative role, herein referred to as environmentally associated autoimmune diseases. There are several different areas in which such criteria need to be developed, including: 1) identifying the necessary and sufficient data to define environmental risk factors for autoimmune diseases meeting current classification criteria; 2) establishing the existence of and criteria for new environmentally associated autoimmune disorders that do not meet current disease classification criteria; and 3) identifying in clinical practice specific environmental agents that induce autoimmune disease in individual patients. Here we discuss approaches that could be useful for developing criteria in these three areas, as well as factors that should be considered in evaluating the evidence for criteria that can distinguish individuals with such disorders from individuals without such disorders with high sensitivity and specificity. Current studies suggest that multiple lines of complementary evidence will be important and that in many cases there will be clinical, serologic, genetic, epigenetic, and/or other laboratory features that could be incorporated as criteria for environmentally associated autoimmune diseases to improve diagnosis and treatment and possibly allow for preventative strategies in the future.
Atmospheric PCB congeners across Chicago

Abstract We have measured PCBs in 184 air samples collected at 37 sites in the city of Chicago using an innovative system of high-volume air samplers mounted on two health clinic vans. Here we describe results of sampling conducted from November 2006 to November 2007. The samples were analyzed for all 209 PCB congeners using a gas chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The ΣPCBs (sum of 169 peaks) in Chicago ranged from 75 pg m −3 to 5500 pg m −3 and primarily varied as a function of temperature. The congener patterns are surprisingly similar throughout the city even though the temperature-corrected concentrations vary by more than an order of magnitude. The average profile resembles a mixture of Aroclor 1242 and Aroclor 1254, and includes many congeners that have been identified as being aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists (dioxin-like) and/or neurotoxins. The toxic equivalence (TEQ) and neurotoxic equivalence (NEQ) in air were calculated and investigated for their spatial distribution throughout the urban-industrial complex of Chicago. The NEQ concentrations are linearly correlated with ΣPCBs while the TEQ concentrations are not predictable. The findings of this study suggest that airborne PCBs in Chicago are widely present and elevated in residential communities; there are multiple sources rather than one or a few locations of very high emissions; the emission includes congeners associated with dioxin-like or neurotoxic effects and congeners associated with unidentified sources.
Leisure-time physical activity and self-perceived fitness of hospital employees.

For 58 hospital employees, an r of .40 was obtained for self-reported time spent engaged in regular physical activity and was the only significant independent predictor of self-perceived fitness.
Renal glomerular size in infants with congenital heart disease and in cases of sudden infant death syndrome

Recurrent apnoea and chronic hypoventilation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and markers of chronic hypoxaemia have been reported in such infants at post mortem examination. Markers of chronic hypoxaemia are common in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Glomerular enlargement in congenital heart disease is said to be related to hypoxaemia although the precise mechanism whereby this occurs is not clear. We have established a normal range of glomerular size for the postperinatal period and confirmed glomerular enlargement to be a common finding in children with congenital heart disease of similar age. In contrast glomerular size in SIDS is not different from controls. The results question the role of significant chronic hypoxaemia being involved in these deaths.
ULTRASONIC CHARACTERIZATIONS OF GAS HOLDUP IN A BUBBLE COLUMN REACTOR

An indirect method of measuring gas holdup in gas-liquid bubble column reactors has been developed. This technique is based on the analysis of the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the two-phase flow. Gas holdup measurements have been made on water-nitrogen bubble system at ambient conditions. The data clearly show that the attenuation of the sound is a well-defined function of the gas holdup in the bubble column for homogeneous flow regime only (i.e., the superficial gas velocity is 4 cm/sec or less).
Bi-directional pump configuration for increasing thermal modal instabilities threshold in high power fiber amplifiers

We present a time dependent computer model for modal instabilities (MI) in high power fiber amplifiers based on beam propagation method. Three regimes of temporal dynamics that are characteristic of the transfer of energy between the fundamental mode and higher order mode are captured and applied to predicting the threshold of these instabilities in absence of any frequency offset between the interfering modes. Simulation results show an increase of the instabilities threshold by a factor of approximately %30 in the case of bi-directional pump scheme with respect to the forward pump configuration. Furthermore, we estimated the MI threshold applying a coupled-mode model of thermally induced instabilities which also takes account of gain saturation to its first order approximation, and obtained reasonably good agreement with respect to our beam propagation simulation results.
Heat shock protein 70 is not increased in women with severe preeclampsia.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70), a marker of cellular stress, is elevated in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia. Methods: Maternal blood was collected from women with severe preeclampsia (n=47) matched for delivery gestational age to normotensive pregnant controls (n=51). Hsp 70 concentrations were measured by standard ELISA techniques. Data were analyzed with the Student's t-test and chi-square test. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measured was Hsp 70 concentrations. Our hypothesis prior to data collection was that HSP 70 would be increased in women with severe preeclampsia. Results: Compared with normotensive women, those with severe preeclampsia had similar maternal age, parity, delivery gestational age, maternal weight, and ethnicity. There was no difference in mean concentrations of Hsp 70 between women with severe preeclampsia and controls (35.4±96.7 vs. 30.1±11.5, p=0.80). Similar numbers of women with severe preeclampsia...
Student Experiences in Creating and Launching a Student-Led Physical Therapy Pro Bono Clinic: A Qualitative Investigation

Background The physical therapy profession has called for the provision of pro bono services. Little is known about the impact on students involved in sustainable pro bono leadership. One physical therapy program established a pro bono physical therapy clinic under the direct leadership of a board of students. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of the inaugural members of the Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic Student Board in creating and launching the student-led pro bono physical therapy clinic. Methods A purposive sample of the 18 members participated in semistructured interviews. Content analysis was conducted using a commercially available software program. Trustworthiness was enhanced with credibility, transferability, and confirmability. Results The emergent categories were: (1) leadership skill development, (2) competency in hands-on clinical and administrative skills, and (3) commitment to both the community and the clinic. Pride emerged as a strong and overarching theme throughout the experience. Conclusions The student-led pro bono clinic meets several Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education criteria in a sustainable manner and serves as a means for measuring and meeting program mission and goals. Participation in the program was a meaningful experience and developed ownership, leadership skills, and pride among the students. There are also possibilities for expanding aspects of the program so that all physical therapist students can benefit from pro bono service opportunities.
The etiology of swine dysentery. II. Effect of a known microbial flora, weaning and diet on disease production in gnotobiotic and conventional swine.

Germ-free and conventional swine were used to study the influence of a milk diet on the development of swine dysentery in germ-free swine; the effect of a known microbial flora in gnotobiotic swine followed by conventionalization and weaning to a corn-soybean ration; and the effect of an oral inoculation of spirochete B-78 on conventional swine. Typical signs and lesions of swine dysentery were produced in germ-free swine on the milk diet when inoculated with colonic scrapings from pigs with experimental swine dysentery. Dysentery did not occur, however, in gnotobiotic swine when they were inoculated orally with Escherichia coli, lactobacillus, Vibrio coli, and clostridium in combination with the spirochete B-78, neither did it occur after the conventionalization and weaning of these animals to a corn-soybean ration. Signs and lesions of dysentery, however, developed in conventional swine after oral inoculation of the spirochete (B-78). Swine dysentery is probably a mixed infection caused by the interacti...
Gene Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis

Theoretically, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene replacement during the neonatal period can decrease morbidity and mortality from cystic fibrosis (CF). In vivo gene transfers have been accomplished in CF patients. Choice of vector, mode of delivery to airways, translocation of genetic information, and sufficient expression level of the normalized CFTR gene are issues that currently are being addressed in the field. The advantages and limitations of viral vectors are a function of the parent virus. Viral vectors used in this setting include adenovirus (Ad) and adeno-associated virus (AAV). Initial studies with Ad vectors resulted in a vector that was efficient for gene transfer with dose-limiting inflammatory effects due to the large amount of viral protein delivered. The next generation of Ad vectors, with more viral coding sequence deletions, has a longer duration of activity and elicits a lesser degree of cell-mediated immunity in mice. A more recent generation of Ad vectors has no viral genes remaining. Despite these changes, the problem of humoral immunity remains with Ad vectors. A variety of strategies such as vector systems requiring single, or widely spaced, administrations, pharmacologic immunosuppression at administration, creation of a stealth vector, modification of immunogenic epitopes, or tolerance induction are being considered to circumvent humoral immunity. AAV vectors have been studied in animal and human models. They do not appear to induce inflammatory changes over a wide range of doses. The level of CFTR messenger RNA expression is difficult to ascertain with AAV vectors since the small size of the vector relative to the CFTR gene leaves no space for vector-specific sequences on which to base assays to distinguish endogenous from vector-expressed messenger RNA. In general, AAV vectors appear to be safe and have superior duration profiles. Cationic liposomes are lipid-DNA complexes. These vectors generally have been less efficient than viral vectors but do not stimulate inflammatory and immunologic responses. Another challenge to the development of clinically feasible gene therapy is delivery mode. Early pulmonary delivery systems relied on the direct instillation of aerosolized vectors, which can result in the induction of adverse reactions because vector is delivered into the lung parenchyma. More recent studies have examined the potential for using spray technologies to target aerosolized AAV vectors to the larger central airways, thereby avoiding alveolar exposure and adverse effects. Comparisons of lung deposition with nebulized delivery of aerosol and spray delivery indicate that spraying results in a more localized deposition pattern (predominantly in the proximal airways) and significantly higher deposition fractions than nebulization. These findings could lead to more efficient and targeted lung delivery of aerosolized gene vectors in the future.
Species-specific responses of developing anurans to coal combustion wastes.

Field surveys and field experiments have previously documented adverse effects of solid byproducts from coal incineration (coal combustion wastes (CCW)) on larval amphibians inhabiting aquatic habitats. However, a definitive link between CCW-exposure and developmental abnormalities has not been established because no studies have addressed the direct effects of prolonged exposure to CCW on larval amphibian development under controlled laboratory conditions. In the laboratory we exposed green frog (Rana clamitans) and wood frog (Rana sylvatica) larvae to either clean sand or CCW-contaminated sediment to investigate the direct effects of CCW exposure on trace element accumulation, growth, developmental rate, malformations, survival, and metamorphic success. While both species accumulated significant (P 50 million t are discharged annually to surface impoundments in the US, which are often used by breeding amphibians.
Renal ultrasonographic evaluation in children at risk of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Background To date, there are no criteria for diagnosing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in at-risk children 15 years or younger. Study Design Longitudinal (retrospective cohort study). Setting & Participants 420 children (mean age, 8.3 ± 4.2 years) with a family history of ADPKD were studied. Measurements Renal ultrasonography was performed for cyst detection. Urine protein was measured using two 24-hour urine collections. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Schwartz formula. Blood pressure measurements were performed in the arm with the highest blood pressure, using an appropriate cuff size. Standard 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was performed for measuring left ventricular mass index. Predictors None. Outcome Presence of renal cysts. Results Renal cysts were detected in 193 children and no cysts were detected in 227 children. In children with renal cysts, 150 had bilateral and 43 had unilateral cysts. Children with bilateral cysts had larger kidneys and more hypertension than children with unilateral or no cysts. Follow-up in 77 children 15 years or younger showed bilateral cysts in 14 and unilateral cysts in 4 of the children who had no detectable renal cysts using ultrasonography at baseline. Similar follow-up of 26 children 15 years or younger with unilateral cysts detected at baseline showed bilateral cysts in 17 children using ultrasonography. By 15 years of age, 181 patients in the total group of 420 showed bilateral cysts. Overall, 193 of 304 children (63.4%) who had follow-up at any age developed bilateral cysts detected using ultrasonography. Limitations Follow-up unavailable for all participants. Conclusion The present results in 420 at-risk children with ADPKD 15 years or younger detected bilateral renal cysts using ultrasonography in 181 of the children who had a family history of this genetic disease.
Wanting Sex and Wanting to Wait: Young Adults' Accounts of Sexual Messages from First Significant Dating Partners

This study provided a qualitative analysis of 79 young adults descriptions of sexual and relational messages they received from their first significant dating partner. For both men and women the most frequent theme concerned the negotiation of first sexual intercourse with that partner; other themes differed by gender. Women reported receiving messages from male partners that indicated a high interest in sexual activity as well as pressure to engage in sexual activity. Womens responses to these messages often involved giving in to unwanted sexual activity. Men reported receiving messages from female partners concerning setting sexual boundaries; they responded to these messages with both acceptance and frustration. Accounts of first significant dating relationships also included discussions of having learned from these relationships suggesting that experiences with first significant dating partners may have lasting sexual and relational influences. These results suggest the presence of complementary gendered messages that contribute to the reproduction of compulsory heterosexuality gendered power imbalances and sexual coercion. (authors)
Tribal Governance and Public Administration

This article examines tribal governance and its relationship with the U.S. government through the lens of laws and treaties. There are more than 550 American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the United States. Tribes are sovereigns having their own governance structures, with rich cultures that are intertwined with the founding of our nation. This calls for a renewed awareness of tribes by the field of public administration, requiring careful consideration and respect of tribal cultural, historic, and social values, which are an integral part of tribal governance.
The impact of obesity on oesophageal acid exposure time on and off proton pump inhibitor therapy

Summary Background Obesity is associated with increased oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER), and may decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Aim To evaluate the effects of increased body mass on the ability of PPI therapy to decrease AET in patients with reflux symptoms. Methods Acid exposure time profiles collected from adult patients using wireless pH-metry while on or off PPI therapy was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were separated into five body mass index (BMI) categories as defined by the World Health Organization. A multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between abnormal AET and BMI groups while controlling for age, gender and pH capsule placement methods. Results The study group comprised 968 patients with 336 (34.7%) studied on a PPI and 632 (65.3%) studied off PPI therapy. AET (total greater than 5.3%) was found more frequently in the overweight (67%) and obese classes (74–80%) compared to those who were normal weight (40%) while off acid-suppressing medications (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between these groups when studied on acid-suppressing medications, and the proportion of patients with abnormal AET across BMI classes was similar regardless of taking a PPI either once or twice daily. Conclusions This is the largest study to report on the relationship between BMI and oesophageal acid exposure time in patients with GER on and off PPI therapy. We conclude that obesity is related to increased acid exposure time, but with no significant difference in acid exposure time among different weight-based groups when taking a once or twice-daily PPI.
Duality and bounds for the matrix Riccati equation

Recently, Bellman [2] and Aoki [l] h ave p resented methods for determining upper and lower bounds for the solution of the matrix Riccati equation. Their methods are based on guessing certain matrices and solving associated linear equations. In this paper, a duality relationship for a class of linear regulator problems in optimal control theory is defined. It turns out that the duality relationship, in the context of optimal control, makes quite clear the meaning of Bellman and Aoki’s results. Finally a comment is made regarding improvement of the bounds. As indicated, the interpretations are made in an optimal control context; however, analogous interpretations can be given in the context of optimal linear filtering.
A temporal study of gene expression in rat lung following fixed-volume hemorrhage

Previous studies have indicated that hemorrhage may predispose the lung to respiratory distress syndrome. Gene expression profiling with oligonucleotide microarrays was used to evaluate the genetic...
Hierarchical Assembly of Complex Block Copolymer Nanoparticles into Multicompartment Superstructures through Tunable Interparticle Associations

A challenging aim in both materials physics and chemistry is the construction of complex and functional superstructures from designed nanoscale building units. Block copolymer nanoparticles with morphological variety and compositional complexity have been made with solution-based assembly. However, routine ability to build hierarchical superstructures by inter-nanoparticle association is not yet possible. A hierarchical assembly strategy of organizing pre-formed spherical block copolymer nanoparticles into superstructures, including linear, circular, and close-packed arrays, via tunable interparticle interactions is presented. Solution-state mixtures are made of two amphiphilic diblock copolymers, poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PAA-b-PMMA) and poly(acrylic acid)-block-polybutadiene (PAA-b-PB) with additional crown ether functionalities grafted onto 40 mol% of the AA repeat units on the PAA-b-PMMA diblock copolymer. Through kinetic control of the solution assembly process in aqueous/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) mixtures (4:1 water:DMF), spherical nanoparticles with compositional complexity confined in both the core and shell are obtained. Benefiting from host-guest chemistry, interparticle association is triggered and tuned by the addition of di-functional organoamines due to amine-crown ether complexation. The resultant multiparticle superstructures contain well-defined multicompartments within individual, constituent nanoparticles due to the local separation of unlike PB and PMMA hydrophobic blocks within the cores of the individual particles. Through competitive complexation with potassium ions, the superstructures are disassembled into individual multicomparment nanoparticles.
The Impact of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Mortality

fromcirculatorydiseaseandseveralcancers in subjects with active HCV infection. The mortality rates of subjects who were only HCV antibody positive were similar to the rates of those without markers of HCV. This is one of several studies in which the effect of chronic HCV infection on overall and specific causes of mortality was examined. However, in this study recruiting a cohort from the community minimized selection bias. In addition, subjects with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HIV coinfections were excluded in order to estimate the specific effect of chronic HCV on mortality. The strong causative effect of chronic HCV infection on mortality from chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been observed in several investigations since the virus was identified [2–11]. Liver diseases have contributed substantially to the overall increased mortality in patients with chronic HCV infections. However, the increased mortality among persons with chronic HCV infections also may be related to several underlying
Adaptive immune responses

The main protection against virus-induced disease is the immune system. This chapter provides a brief overview of the adaptive immune response and discusses its relevance to picornavirus infection. The immune response can be classified in several ways, but it may be most logical to do so by antigen specificity. Thus, immune responses may be termed non-antigen-specific or antigen-specific responses. A small subset of T cells expresses a different T-cell receptor (TCR), with one γ and one δ chain; the function and target antigens of these γ δ T cells are less well defined but studies, described later in this chapter, suggest that these cells may regulate picornavirus pathogenesis. Memory B cells probably do not secrete antibody; instead, they maintain cell surface expression of their immunoglobulin receptors so that they can recognize their specific antigen. The benefits of antiviral antibodies in almost all viral infections (and antiviral vaccines) are abundantly clear. High levels of neutralizing antibody can protect animals from infection and disease, and in certain instances (e.g., rabies virus, hepatitis B virus, and Junin virus infections) postexposure antibody therapy is often recommended and is efficacious. The chapter summarizes the events that follow virus infection in naive and immune hosts.
Quantum key distribution with single photons

We are implementing a quantum key distribution system, suitable for long distances and high key bit rates, which can be used either with weak coherent pulses or real single photon sources as for example quantum dots.
CHORANGIOMA AND RELATED VASCULAR LESIONS OF THE PLACENTA — A REVIEW

Chorangioma has been referred to as a hamartoma-like, or a hyperplastic capillary lesion, rather than a true neoplasm. Its incidence is 1 in 100 placentas. In chorangiomas larger than 4 cm, there can be significant effects on the hemodynamic and circulatory processes of the fetus, leading to grave clinical consequences, such as polyhydramnios and fetal heart failure. Chorangiomas can show various histopathologic pictures, ranging from vascular to cellular, and can undergo degenerative changes. They can be diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound, color Doppler imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Chorangioma must be differentiated from other villous capillary lesions, namely, chorangiomatosis and chorangiosis. They have overlapping similarities with chorangioma, and have clinical implications. Chorangiomatosis has been associated with negative fetal outcomes such as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and preeclampsia. Chorangiosis is associated with maternal diabetes mellitus. Another rarer differ...