cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Donor-specific transfusion and donor bone marrow infusion in renal transplantation tolerance: A review of efficacy and mechanisms

The ultimate goal in transplantation is modulation of the immune response to produce tolerance without immunosuppression. To date only a state of pseudotolerance for the allograft has been achieved through the use of potent pharmacologic and biologic manipulations. Despite these manipulations to prevent acute rejection, chronic rejection eventually results in graft failure. Thus, different strategies have been sought to induce tolerance and prevent acute and chronic rejection. Historically, donor-specific transfusion (DST) was one such strategy attempted. Donor-specific transfusion has been used primarily in living donor organ transplantation. With the concern that DST may sensitize patients, thereby preventing transplantation and introduction of cyclosporine, the use of DST was curtailed. More recently, donor bone marrow (DBM) infusion at the time of cadaveric transplantation has been used to facilitate development of microchimerism and tolerance to abrogate acute and chronic rejection. However, DBM infusion may predispose the recipient to graft-versus-host disease and is not easily accomplished in living donor organ transplantation. The potentially immunomodulating and tolerizing mechanisms of DST and DBM infusion are similar and include induction of anergy, stimulation of anti-anti-HLA antibodies, provision of soluble HLA antigen, suppressor cell and/or veto cell activity, clonal deletion, regulation of cell surface molecules, regulation of cytokines, promotion of microchimerism, or a combination of these. Of these mechanisms, microchimerism with the concomitant persistence of soluble donor HLA antigen is felt by many to be the most important. Although microchimerism is detectable in many patients who are tolerant of their grafts, there is no clear evidence that chimerism is responsible for the induction or maintenance of tolerance.
Potential confounds to an assay of cross-generational fitness benefits of mating and male seminal fluid

In [Priest et al . (2008 a )][1], it was reported that lifetime reproductive success of female Drosophila melanogaster was increased by 28 per cent if their mothers had been housed under high remating conditions. As this gain could be due to mothers ‘trading up’ by remating with males with
A Monte Carlo simulation for the precursor model of adsorption on a spatially homogeneous surface

Abstract The kinetics for the non-dissociative adsorption of gas phase molecules on a spatially homogeneous square lattice was simulated using a Monte Carlo method which accounts for the existence of an extrinsic precursor state. We find the sticking coefficients obtained using our simulations to be lower than those calculated using the equation derived by Kisluik, and show that islanding of the adsorbates on the surface and site revisiting in the precursor state account for the observed discrepancies.
Desipramine-induced increase in efflux of endogenous dopamine from rat hypothalamus in vitro: mechanism and specificity.

Abstract In ritro exposure of minced rat hypothalamus to desipramine (DMI) resulted in a significant elevation of the net efflux of endogenous norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) at a drug concentration as low as 10 nM. The net efflux of epinephrine was increased only by a 1000-fold greater concentration of desipramine. The increase in efflux of DA was not secondary to changes in the efflux of NE. since nisoxetine elevated the efflux of NE but not of DA and the removal of calcium from the incubation medium blocked the effect of desipramine on the efflux of DA but not of NE. Elimination of calcium did not alter the “spontaneous” hypothalamic efflux of catecholamine. In contrast, desipramine did not affect the net efflux of either DA or NE from the olfactory tubercle or striatum at concentrations of less than 100 μm. At this concentration, the efflux of DA was significantly increased only in the striatum, while the efflux of NE was reduced in the striatum but increased in the olfactory tubercle. Again, in contrast to the hypothalmus, the removal of calcium from the medium markedly reduced “spontaneous” efflux of catecholamine and the desipramine induced efflux of NE. but not the increase in striatal DA efflux produced by desipramine. The results indicate that marked regional differences exist in brain in the ability of desipramine or calcium removal to alter the efflux of both endogenous DA and NE. and suggest that hypothalamic DA and NE neurons are uniquely sensitive to the effects of desipramine.
Dopaminergic and noradrenergic modulation of amphetamine-induced changes in auditory gating

Dopaminergic and noradrenergic mediation of central sensory gating were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats using a condition-test paradigm in which auditory evoked potentials were recorded. In this paradigm, unmedicated rats 'gate', i.e. suppress the response to the second of a pair of clicks delivered at a 0.5 s interval. Amphetamine-treated rats fail to gate; in this respect, they resemble schizophrenic humans. Previous studies had indicated noradrenergic involvement in the mediation of auditory gating in rats. In this study, we used selective antagonists to assess the contribution of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, and dopamine D1- and D2-receptors, to amphetamine-induced alterations in gating. Both the alpha-antagonist, phentolamine, and the beta-antagonist, timolol, normalized gating by potentiating amphetamine-induced decreases in the amplitude of the test response. SCH 23390, a D1-receptor antagonist, also normalized gating, but by elevating the amphetamine-reduced amplitude of the conditioning response. Sulpiride did not significantly alter amphetamine-induced changes in gating. Thus, both noradrenergic alpha- and beta-receptors and dopamine D1-receptors appear to modulate gating. However, their dissimilar means of normalizing gating suggests that noradrenergic and dopaminergic drugs act via different mechanisms and possibly different neuroanatomical loci.
Economics, Social Science and Development

Abstract Development economics nowadays is mainstream economics applied to poor countries. An examination of the core principles of mainstream economics reveals tremendous strengths, but also tremendous weaknesses. Other disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology and political science, have complementary strengths that suggest a role for them as equal partners in development studies and policy. The argument for a partnership of disciplines is logical and strong. But cross-disciplinarity is not easy in practice. It is best achieved through concrete exercises which demonstrate exactly how “two disciplines are better than one” when analyzing specific policy issues in development.
Experimental investigation of optimum end supports for a vibrating beam: Purpose of investigation is to predict response amplitudes and optimum values of system parameters and to verify experimentally this theory

The problem investigated was whether or not the response of a beam, near its resonant condition, to a concentrated harmonic force, could be limited in a predictable manner by applying vibration absorbers to the ends of the beam.
Phase-locking of vortex lattices interacting with periodic pinning

We examine Shapiro steps for vortex lattices interacting with periodic pinning arrays driven by ac and dc currents. The vortex flow occurs by the motion of the interstitial vortices through the periodic potential generated by the vortices that remain pinned at the pinning sites. Shapiro steps are observed for fields ${B}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}lBl{2.25B}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ with the most pronounced steps occurring for fields where the interstitial vortex lattice has a high degree of symmetry. The widths of the phase-locked current steps as a function of the magnitude of the ac driving are found to follow a Bessel function in agreement with theory.
An expanded typology of suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia

The present article proposes an expanded typology of suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia in doctor-patient relations. Three dimensions are distinguished: the active-passive nature of the act, the degree of doctor involvement, and the reaction of the doctor to the patient's wishes. Thirteen distinct categories emerge, each of which may be active or passive. Among these categories are: solitary suicide, disapproved suicide, observed suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia, non-voluntary euthanasia, and involuntary euthanasia. Within the observed suicide, assisted suicide, and voluntary euthanasia categories, the patient's wish to die can either be discussed, accepted, or encouraged. This article provides clinical examples of many of these categories and discusses their legal status and implications.
Attorney and lay beliefs about factors affecting jurors' perceptions of juvenile offender culpability

We surveyed attorneys and college students to learn what factors they believe influence jurors' perceptions of juvenile offender culpability and then varied two of these factors in a simulated case...
The influence of atropine and cromolyn on human bronchial hyperreactivity to aerosolized prostaglandin F12α

The mechanism of prostaglandin F2 alpha(PGF2alpha)-induced airway constriction was explored by determining the influence of atropine and cromolyn on the bronchoconstrictive properties of PGF2alpha. Increasing doses of aerosolized PGF2alpha were given (150, 300, 600, 1200 microgram) and the response of subjects was determined by measurements of spirometry, specific airway conductance (SGaw), and closing volumes. In normal subjects, PGF2alpha induced small but significant decreases of SGaw and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1), whereas there was no effect on the closing volumes. In contrast, in asthmatics, PGF2 alpha induced large decreases of SGaw and spirometric parameters. Asthmatics experienced severe and prolonged shortness of breath and wheezing, whereas normal controls experienced neither. Neither atropine nor atropine plus cromolyn was capable of preventing or substantially reversing the PGF2alpha-induced symptoms and airway constriction. The data suggest that reflex bronchoconstriction via irritant receptors is not a major mechanism of PGF2alpha-induced airway constriction. Although a minor vagally mediated reflex component may participate in the PGF2alpha-induced bronchoconstriction, it is masked by an overwhelming non-reflex mechanism that is probably a direct constricting effect of airways smooth muscle that is exquisitely sensitive to PGF2alpha.
SLUG/SNAI2 and tumor necrosis factor generate breast cells with CD44+/CD24- phenotype.

Breast cancer cells with CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker expression profile are proposed as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Normal breast epithelial cells that are CD44+/CD24- express higher levels of stem/progenitor cell associated genes. We, amongst others, have shown that cancer cells that have undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) display the CD44+/CD24- phenotype. However, whether all genes that induce EMT confer the CD44+/CD24- phenotype is unknown. We hypothesized that only a subset of genes associated with EMT generates CD44+/CD24- cells. MCF-10A breast epithelial cells, a subpopulation of which spontaneously acquire the CD44+/CD24- phenotype, were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in CD44+/CD24- and CD44-/CD24+ cells. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed to identify signaling networks that linked differentially expressed genes. Two EMT-associated genes elevated in CD44+/CD24- cells, SLUG and Gli-2, were overexpressed in the CD44-/CD24+ subpopulation of MCF-10A cells and MCF-7 cells, which are CD44-/CD24+. Flow cytometry and mammosphere assays were used to assess cell surface markers and stem cell-like properties, respectively. Two thousand thirty five genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.001, fold change ≥ 2) between the CD44+/CD24- and CD44-/CD24+ subpopulations of MCF-10A. Thirty-two EMT-associated genes including SLUG, Gli-2, ZEB-1, and ZEB-2 were expressed at higher levels in CD44+/CD24- cells. These EMT-associated genes participate in signaling networks comprising TGFβ, NF-κB, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which induces NF-κB and represses E-cadherin, or overexpression of SLUG in CD44-/CD24+ MCF-10A cells, gave rise to a subpopulation of CD44+/CD24- cells. Overexpression of constitutively active p65 subunit of NF-κB in MCF-10A resulted in a dramatic shift to the CD44+/CD24+ phenotype. SLUG overexpression in MCF-7 cells generated CD44+/CD24+ cells with enhanced mammosphere forming ability. In contrast, Gli-2 failed to alter CD44 and CD24 expression. EMT-mediated generation of CD44+/CD24- or CD44+/CD24+ cells depends on the genes that induce or are associated with EMT. Our studies reveal a role for TNF in altering the phenotype of breast CSC. Additionally, the CD44+/CD24+ phenotype, in the context of SLUG overexpression, can be associated with breast CSC "stemness" behavior based on mammosphere forming ability.
Transience of diffusions on Heisenberg and Grushin distributions

Abstract In the absence of a general theory of diffusions on non-integrable distributions, an important role is played by the investigation of some particular examples. This paper deals with a couple of these type of examples. The first one is the Heisenberg diffusion, which is a degenerate diffusion with non-holonomic constraints living on the horizontal distribution of the Heisenberg group. The paper proves the transience property of the Heisenberg diffusion for small balls. The second example is the Grushin diffusion, also a degenerate diffusion, which moves in the plane along the Grushin distribution. We prove the transience property of this diffusion.
The effects of perceptual condition on proofreading for misspellings.

In two experiments, subjects proofread text in which misspelled words were created by replacing a single letter with another one. The following perceptual conditions were included: clear-cut photocopies of typewritten text, clear-cut text presented on a CRT screen, ditto copies that varied in legibility, and text that included extraneous noise characters superimposed on some letters. In all conditions, subjects adopted a hierarchical feature test that gave first priority to resolving letter envelope and second priority to discriminating other letter features. When clear-cut text with no extraneous noise was proofread, subjects used a sophisticated-guessing decision rule that tolerated misspellings involving missing letter features (as when c replaced e) but not added ones (as when e replaced c). This asymmetrical rule was modified, however, when subjects were exposed to text that included extraneous noise that was confusable with the letter features. In those circumstances, subjects adopted a decision rule that tolerated misspellings involving missing features or any added features that resembled the noise.
An equilibration scheme for the traffic assignment problem with elastic demands

Abstract This note presents an algorithm for the solution of the traffic assignment problem with elastic demands. The algorithm is based on the concept of “equilibration operator” introduced by Dafermos and Sparrow (1969) for the solution of the traffic assignment problem with fixed demands. Computational experience is provided for linear and nonlinear problems for both the algorithm proposed here and the Dafermos-Sparrow algorithm applied to the “excess-demand” reformulations of the problems.
Flexible system model reduction and control system design based upon actuator and sensor influence functions

A model reduction technique based on aggregation with respect to sensor and actuator influence functions rather than modes is presented for large systems of coupled second-order differential equations. Perturbation expressions which can predict the effects of spillover on both the reduced-order plant model and the neglected plant model are derived. For the special case of collocated actuators and sensors, these expressions lead to the derivation of constraints on the controller gains that are, given the validity of the perturbation technique, sufficient to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system. A case study demonstrates the derivation of stabilizing controllers based on the present technique. The use of control and observation synthesis in modifying the dimension of the reduced-order plant model is also discussed. A numerical example is provided for illustration.
Acid Requirement for pH Modification of Processed Foods

A bench-top procedure was developed and tested for estimating the acid requirement for modifying the pH of low acid foods. Acid amounts needed to achieve desired equilibrium pH in finished products depended on total solids, protein and ash contents of foods, and on buffering capacities of acidulants and foods. Acid requirements to modify pH were calculated from titration curves. Specified equilibrium pH values were achieved within 0.08 pH unit. Effective gluconic acid diffusion (Deff) into a buffered model food was 8.3 × 10−10±1.5 × 10−10 m2sec-1.
Heat index flow monitoring in capillaries with interferometric backscatter detection

Independent control of fluid is important for small volume fluid applications including separation science techniques and analytical microchip devices. To effectively control fluid, a monitoring system is necessary to ensure proper response to the control input. Proof of principle for a new online technique for flow monitoring is demonstrated here. It offers near real-time measurements of small-volume flows in a noninvasive, simple, and robust design. The measurement is accomplished by the introduction of a plug of heat into the fluid and detection of the time of its appearance a short distance downstream. Using heat indexing and laser induced interferometric backscatter as the detector, flow monitoring is demonstrated in 184-μm diameter capillary tubing over a range of 2−25 cm/s (500 nL/s to 7 mL/s.).
Electrochemical method for the preparation nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and chromium oxides for oxygen electrodes

An electrochemical method for the preparation of nanostructured composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and chromium oxide is proposed. The method involves electrodeposition of chromium oxides from a solution of hexavalent chromium oxide in sulfuric acid on carbon nanotubes. By varying the electrolysis conditions one can obtain deposited—catalyst particles of different size and vary the amount of catalyst. Oxygen electrodes have been made from the materials obtained for fuel cells with alkaline electrolyte, which showed good electrocatalytic properties.
Astrophysical aspects of Weyl gravity.

This paper discusses the astrophysical implications and applications of Weyl gravity, which is the theory resulting from the unique action allowed under the principle of local scale invariance in Einstein gravity. These applications include galactic dynamics, the mass-radius relation, the cosmological constant, and the 'Modified Newtonian Dynamics' proposed by Milgrom (1983). The relation of Weyl gravity to other scale-invariant theories is addressed.
Tolerability and effects on quality of life of twice-daily extended-release carbamazepine in adults with seizure disorders: an open-label, 12- to 36-month continuation study.

Abstract Background: An earlier 6-month, multicenter, open-label study in patients with complex partial seizures found that a switch from multiple daily doses of conventional carbamazepine (CBZ) to twice-daily CBZ extended-release capsules (CBZ-ERC) was well tolerated, with maintenance of seizure control over the study period and significant improvements in quality of life ( P Objective: The goal of the present study was to assess the tolerability and effects on quality of life of twice-daily CBZ-ERC over the longer term in patients with seizure disorders. Methods: This was a multicenter, open-label assessment of the long-term (12–36 months) tolerability and quality-of-life effects of twice-daily CBZ-ERC given at a daily dose equivalent to the daily dose of CBZ taken before study entry. The regimen could be adjusted as clinically indicated up to a daily dose of 1600 mg. Patients could receive up to 2 other antiepileptic drugs during the study. Results: One hundred eighteen patients were enrolled. In patients completing ≥12 months of study therapy, a significant decrease in the highest mean 2-day
Reduction of Bi2O3MoO3 catalyst during the ammoxidation of propylene in the absence of gaseous oxygen

Abstract The reduction of a P 2 O 5 Bi 2 O 3 z.sbnd;MoO 3 SiO 2 catalyst (a catalyst for the acrylonitrile process), consisting of Bi2O3z.sbnd;MoO3 + BiPO4 + amorphous SiO2, during the ammoxidation of propylene to acrylonitrile in the absence of gaseous oxygen was studied quantitatively by X-ray diffraction techniques and by catalytic activity measurements. Amorphous SiO2 and BiPO4 are not affected in synthesis. The overall reduction of catalytically active Bi2O3 · 3MoO3 to metallic Bi and MoO2 proceeds according to the following two consecutive reactions, where Bi2O2 · MoO3 (koechlinite) is an intermediate: B i 2 O 3 ·3 M o O → ( C 3 H 6 , NH 3 ) B i 2 O 3 · M o O 3 +2 M o O 2 + O 2 B i 2 O 3 ·3 M o O → ( C 3 H 6 , NH 3 )2 B i+ M o O 2 +2 O 2 The catalytic activity decreases rapidly with the increasing reduction of the catalyst. The phase changes of the catalyst and the product formation in synthesis correspond quantitatively to the depletion of lattice oxygen from the catalyst. In the absence of gaseous oxygen, the optimum activity for acrylonitrile of silica supported Bi2O3z.sbnd;MoO3 catalysts is at a Bi:Mo atomic ratio of about 1. For the catalytic ammoxidation of propylene to acrylonitrile on Bi2O3z.sbnd;MoO3 based catalysts, a steady state mechanism involving simultaneous reduction and reoxidation of the catalyst surface with gaseous oxygen is suggested.
SPG20 protein spartin is recruited to midbodies by ESCRT-III protein Ist1 and participates in cytokinesis

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs, SPG1-46) are inherited neurological disorders characterized by lower extremity spastic weakness. Loss-of-function SPG20 gene mutations cause an autosomal recessive HSP known as Troyer syndrome. The SPG20 protein spartin localizes to lipid droplets and endosomes, and it interacts with tail interacting protein 47 (TIP47) as well as the ubiquitin E3 ligases atrophin-1-interacting protein (AIP)4 and AIP5. Spartin harbors a domain contained within microtubule-interacting and trafficking molecules (MIT) at its N-terminus, and most proteins with MIT domains interact with specific ESCRT-III proteins. Using yeast two-hybrid and in vitro surface plasmon resonance assays, we demonstrate that the spartin MIT domain binds with micromolar affinity to the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III protein increased sodium tolerance (Ist)1 but not to ESCRT-III proteins charged multivesicular body proteins 1-7. Spartin colocalizes with Ist1 at the midbody, and depletion of Ist1 in cells by small interfering RNA significantly decreases the number of cells where spartin is present at midbodies. Depletion of spartin does not affect Ist1 localization to midbodies but markedly impairs cytokinesis. A structure-based amino acid substitution in the spartin MIT domain (F24D) blocks the spartin-Ist1 interaction. Spartin F24D does not localize to the midbody and acts in a dominant-negative manner to impair cytokinesis. These data suggest that Ist1 interaction is important for spartin recruitment to the midbody and that spartin participates in cytokinesis.
Oxidation behavior of WC-Co

Abstract The high temperature oxidation behavior of WC-Co samples has been investigated. The oxidation rate of WC-Co was found to increase rapidly with temperature above 600 °C and with the oxygen content of the atmosphere. Increasing the Co content led to an improvement in the oxidation behavior. In all cases, only WO3 and CoWO4 phases were present in the oxide. Although the morphology of the two oxide phases depended on the oxidation conditions, their volume fractions were determined solely by the Co content of the sample. The WO3 formed during the initial stages of oxidation, changed from a strong {{001}} texture at 600 °C to a weak {{200}} texture at 800 °C. As the flow rate of the oxidizing gas was increased, the oxidation rate of WC-Co increased at lower flow rates due to an increase in the oxygen supply to the oxide/sample interface. However, at higher flow rates, the oxidation rates decreased with increasing flow rate.
Measurements and modeling of throughfall variability for five forest communities in the southeastern US

Abstract The temporal variability of interception losses was measured for contrasting forest communities in the southeastern United States. Throughfall was measured simultaneously at Fort Benning in western Georgia for the five forest communities that are characteristic of the region. The measured interception losses over the study period were 22.3, 18.6, 17.7, 17.6, and 17.4% of the total precipitation in the pine, mixed forest, lowland hardwood, pine plantation, and upland hardwood forests, respectively. The Gash model with a wet canopy Penman–Monteith evaporation, using annual average canopy cover values, predicted interception losses with an agreement of −8.1–10.5% on an annual basis. The model improved accuracy for all forest communities when seasonal changes in canopy cover were included. The Gash model's assumption of a constant canopy storage capacity was examined for pine and lowland hardwood plots with varying densities and found to have good agreement for mature pine forests having 64, 44, and 29% canopy cover. However, riparian wetland forest predictions required corrections for species composition and understory vegetation.
Copper redox-dependent activation of 2-tert-butyl(1,4)hydroquinone: formation of reactive oxygen species and induction of oxidative DNA damage in isolated DNA and cultured rat hepatocytes

The biotransformation of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a possible carcinogenic food antioxidant, includes o-demethylation to 2-tert-butyl(1,4)hydroquinone (TBHQ) which can subsequently be oxidized to 2-tert-butyl(1,4)paraquinone (TBQ). In this study, we have examined the capacity of Cu, a nuclei- and DNA-associated transition metal, to mediate the oxidation of TBHQ. In phosphate buffered saline (PBS), autooxidation of TBHQ to TBQ was not detectable, while Cu(II) at micromolar concentrations strongly catalyzed the oxidation of TBHQ to TBQ. Oxidation of TBHQ by Cu(II) was accompanied by the utilization of O(2) and the concomitant generation of H(2)O(2). Using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, it was observed that Cu(II) mediated the one electron oxidation of TBHQ to a semiquinone anion radical. The formation of a semiquinone anion radical, the utilization of O(2) and the generation of H(2)O(2) and TBQ could be completely blocked by bathocuproinedisulfonic acid (BCS) and reduced glutathione (GSH), two Cu(I)-chelators. 4-Pyridyl-1-oxide-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN)-spin trapping experiments showed that the reaction of TBHQ with Cu(II) resulted in the generation of POBN-CH(3) and POBN-CH(OH)CH(3) adducts in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol, respectively, suggesting the formation of hydroxyl radical or a similar reactive intermediate. The formation of POBN-CH(3) adduct from the TBHQ/Cu(II)+DMSO could be completely inhibited by catalase, GSH or BCS, indicating that the hydroxyl radical or its equivalent is generated from the interaction of H(2)O(2) with Cu(I). Incubation of supercoiled phiX-174 plasmid DNA with the TBHQ/Cu(II) resulted in extensive DNA strand breaks, which could be prevented by catalase or BCS. Incubation of rat hepatocytes with TBHQ in PBS led to increased formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in nuclear DNA. The TBHQ-induced formation of 8-OHdG was markedly reduced in the presence of cell permeable Cu(I)-specific chelator, bathocuproine or neocuproine, suggesting that a Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox mechanism may also be involved in the induction of oxidative DNA damage by TBHQ in hepatocytes. Taken together, the above results conclusively demonstrate that the activation of TBHQ by Cu(II) results in the formation of TBQ, semiquinone anion radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that the ROS formed may participate in oxidative DNA damage in both isolated DNA and intact cells. These reactions may contribute to the carcinogenicity as well as other biochemical activities observed with BHA in animals. To our knowledge this study provides the first evidence that endogenous cellular Cu may be capable of bioactivating TBHQ, leading to oxidative DNA damage in cultured cells.
Performance limits of high-rate space-to-ground optical communications through the turbulent atmospheric channel

Atmospheric turbulence corrupts both the amplitude and phase of an optical field propagating from space to an earth-based receiver. While aperture averaging can mitigate amplitude scintillation effects, the performance of single spatial-mode receiver systems such as coherent detection or preamplified direction detection can be significantly degraded by the corrupted phase when the ratio of aperture diameter D to atmospheric coherence length r0 exceeds unity. Although adaptive optics may be employed to correct the wavefront, in practice the correction is imperfect and the residual phase errors induce a communications performance loss. That loss is quantified here by Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Single-mode-receiver fade statistics for imperfect phase correction are calculated in terms of the atmospheric Greenwood frequency fg, the adaptive optic servo loop cutoff frequency fc, and the ratio D/r0. From these statistics, link bit-error rate (BER) performance is calculated. The results reveal that conventional performance measures such as Strehl ratio or mean signal-to- noise ratio loss can significantly underestimate receiver BER losses. Only when the ratio fg/fc is 0.1 or less will communications losses be small (about 0.5 dB) over a wide range of D/r0.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MAP kinases and the adaptive response to hypertonicity: functional preservation from yeast to mammals

The adaptation to hypertonicity in mammalian cells is driven by multiple signaling pathways that include p38 kinase, Fyn, the catalytic subunit of PKA, ATM, and JNK2. In addition to the well-characterized tonicity enhancer (TonE)-TonE binding protein interaction, other transcription factors (and their respective cis elements) can potentially respond to hypertonicity. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the signaling pathways that regulate the adaptive response to osmotic stress and discusses new insights from yeast that could be relevant to the osmostress response in mammals.
A transgenomic cytogenetic sorghum (Sorghum propinquum) bacterial artificial chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization map of maize (Zea mays L.) pachytene chromosome 9, evidence for regions of genome hyperexpansion.

A cytogenetic FISH map of maize pachytene-stage chromosome 9 was produced with 32 maize marker-selected sorghum BACs as probes. The genetically mapped markers used are distributed along the linkage maps at an average spacing of 5 cM. Each locus was mapped by means of multicolor direct FISH with a fluorescently labeled probe mix containing a whole-chromosome paint, a single sorghum BAC clone, and the centromeric sequence, CentC. A maize-chromosome-addition line of oat was used for bright unambiguous identification of the maize 9 fiber within pachytene chromosome spreads. The locations of the sorghum BAC–FISH signals were determined, and each new cytogenetic locus was assigned a centiMcClintock position on the short (9S) or long (9L) arm. Nearly all of the markers appeared in the same order on linkage and cytogenetic maps but at different relative positions on the two. The CentC FISH signal was localized between cdo17 (at 9L.03) and tda66 (at 9S.03). Several regions of genome hyperexpansion on maize chromosome 9 were found by comparative analysis of relative marker spacing in maize and sorghum. This transgenomic cytogenetic FISH map creates anchors between various maps of maize and sorghum and creates additional tools and information for understanding the structure and evolution of the maize genome.
Predictable Restorative Work Flow for Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacture-Fabricated Ceramic Veneers Utilizing a Virtual Smile Design Principle

The purpose of this case report was to present the use of a contemporary digital photograph-assisted virtual smile design principle, an intraoral digital impression, and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture-fabricated lithium disilicate ceramic veneers to treat a patient with esthetic needs in the maxillary anterior region. By using the proposed digital restorative work flow, this case report demonstrated an effective communication pathway between the patient, clinician, and dental laboratory technician. Effective communication can help to achieve a more predictable and satisfactory esthetic outcome.
Peptide‐bond modification for metal coordination: Peptides containing two hydroxamate groups

Peptide-bond modification via N-hydroxylation has been explored as a strategy for metal coordination to induce conformational rigidity and orient side chains for specific molecular recognition. N-Hydroxyamides were prepared by reacting N-benzyloxyamino acid esters or amides with Fmoc-AA-Cl/AgCN (Fmoc: 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl; AA: amino acid) in toluene or Fmoc-AA/HATU/DIEA in DMF (HATU: O-(7-azabenzotriazol-lyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate; DIEA: N,N-diisopropylethylamine; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide), followed by deblocking of benzyl protecting groups. Novel linear and cyclic N,N'-dihydroxypeptides were efficiently assembled using Fmoc chemistry in solution and/or on a solid support. As screened by electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), high iron-binding selectivity and affinity were attainable. Compounds having a spacer of two alpha-amino acids between the amino acids bearing the two hydroxamates, i.e., a spacer of 8 atoms, generated 1:1 iron complex species in the gas phase. Moreover, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), uv/vis, and (1)H-NMR analyses provided direct evidence for complex formations in solution. Significantly, the representative compound cyclo(Leu-Psi[CON(OH)]-Phe-Ala-Pro)(2) (P8) may serve as a robust metal-binding scaffold in construction of a metal-binding library for versatile metal-mediated molecular recognition.
Finite-Dimensional Bounds on ${\BBZ}_m$ and Binary LDPC Codes With Belief Propagation Decoders

This paper focuses on finite-dimensional upper and lower bounds on decodable thresholds of Zopfm and binary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, assuming belief propagation decoding on memoryless channels. A concrete framework is presented, admitting systematic searches for new bounds. Two noise measures are considered: the Bhattacharyya noise parameter and the soft bit value for a maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) decoder on the uncoded channel. For Zopf m LDPC codes, an iterative m-dimensional bound is derived for m-ary-input/symmetric-output channels, which gives a sufficient stability condition for Zopfm LDPC codes and is complemented by a matched necessary stability condition introduced herein. Applications to coded modulation and to codes with nonequiprobably distributed codewords are also discussed. For binary codes, two new lower bounds are provided for symmetric channels, including a two-dimensional iterative bound and a one-dimensional noniterative bound, the latter of which is the best known bound that is tight for binary-symmetric channels (BSCs), and is a strict improvement over the existing bound derived by the channel degradation argument. By adopting the reverse channel perspective, upper and lower bounds on the decodable Bhattacharyya noise parameter are derived for nonsymmetric channels, which coincides with the existing bound for symmetric channels
A Prospective Evaluation of the Utility of Laparoscopic Doppler Technology During Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy

Objective To evaluate the objective benefits of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound (LDU) during robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). LDU has demonstrated subjective benefits for the evaluation of vascular structures during minimally invasive renal surgery. Material and Methods An institutional review board–approved, prospective protocol was developed to compare hilar dissection time with and without LDU during RALPN. Primary endpoints included hilar dissection time and whether use of LDU changed operative management. The presence of accessory vessels (AV) on LDU and surgical dissection were recorded and compared with preoperative imaging. Results Fifty-three consecutive patients underwent RALPN (27 + LDU, 26 –LDU). There were no significant differences in demographic or disease factors. Total time for hilar dissection in the LDU arm (LDU + dissection) was significantly less than time for hilar dissection alone in the non-LDU arm (7.2 vs 11.0 minutes, P Conclusions LDU reduced time for hilar dissection, improved sensitivity for hilar vessel detection, and changed operative management based on findings. This evidence supports the use of LDU during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.
A Comparison of Oral Dexamethasone With Oral Prednisone in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations Treated in the Emergency Department

The aim of this study was to determine if 2 doses of oral dexamethasone are as effective as a 5-day course of oral prednisone in preventing relapse for pediatric asthma exacerbations. Patients presenting to the emergency department with an asthma exacerbation were randomized to receive 0.6 mg/kg of dexamethasone or 2 mg/kg of prednisone in a prospective, double-blind study. The primary outcome was relapse within 10 days, and the secondary outcome was vomiting in the emergency department. Eighty-nine patients completed the study: 38 in the prednisone group and 51 in the dexamethasone group. In all, 3 patients in the prednisone group (8%) and 8 patients in the dexamethasone group (16%) required an unscheduled follow-up visit (P = .27). In all, 7 patients in the prednisone group (18%) and 5 patients in the dexamethasone group (10%) had vomiting ( P = .24). No difference was found in the relapse rate or incidence of vomiting between patients given prednisone and dexamethasone for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
SRC: automatic extraction of SST/macro skeleton models

The utilization of large scale parallel event simulators such as SST/macro requires that skeleton models of underlying software systems and architectures be created. Implementing such models by abstracting the designs of large scale parallel applications requires a substantial manual effort and introduces the hazards of human errors. We outline an approach for the automatic extraction of SST/macro skeleton models from large scale parallel applications. Our methodology for deriving SST/macro skeleton models is based on the use of extensible and open-source ROSE compiler infrastructure. The SST/macro skeleton models are then combined with appropriate models of the network and hardware configurations.
Measuring Importance and Query Relevance in Topic-focused Multi-document Summarization

The increasing complexity of summarization systems makes it difficult to analyze exactly which modules make a difference in performance. We carried out a principled comparison between the two most commonly used schemes for assigning importance to words in the context of query focused multi-document summarization: raw frequency (word probability) and log-likelihood ratio. We demonstrate that the advantages of log-likelihood ratio come from its known distributional properties which allow for the identification of a set of words that in its entirety defines the aboutness of the input. We also find that LLR is more suitable for query-focused summarization since, unlike raw frequency, it is more sensitive to the integration of the information need defined by the user.
THE INFLUENCE OF LAW IN THE SUPREME COURT'S SEARCH-AND-SEIZURE JURISPRUDENCE

In this research note/replication, we apply the construct of jurisprudential regimes as described in our recent article to the jurisprudential area of search and seizure. Given the centrality of this area of Supreme Court decision making in the core studies supporting the attitudinal model, replicating our analysis of the jurisprudential regime construct in this area provides an important test of the concept. Our results produce strong support for the proposition that post-Mapp decision making can be separated into distinct regimes, with a set of important cases decided in 1983-1984 demarcating the regimes. The predictors of decisions in the two periods are consistent with the types of changes one would expect the regime shift to produce. Our findings challenge the attitudinalists’ proposition that there is at best negligible statistical evidence that law influences Supreme Court decision making.
STUDY OF 17-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE-4-C14 IN MAN*

The peripheral metabolism of 17-hydroxyprogesterone-4-C14 was studied in a normal subject and a patient with untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia, to examine the influence of small and large endogenous production of this hormone on the fate of the tracer. The excretion of radioactivity was slow in both subjects. Pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol and 3α,17α-dihydroxypregnane-20-one were the major metabolites, whereas their epimers accounted for only a small percentage of the total radioactivity. Formation of androsterone and etiocholanolone occurred to a limited extent; this metabolic transformation in the patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia was found to be double that in the normal subject.
Phenotypic subtyping of foodborne pathogens.

Abstract: This chapter discusses the various phenotyping methods that are currently used to characterize foodborne pathogens. The methods that are predominantly used and described in this chapter include serotyping, phage typing, biotyping, antibiotyping and multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis. In this chapter, the principles of each of these methods, technical aspects, applications, interpretation of findings, strengths and weaknesses are described. Further reading on less common phenotypic methods is included as a concluding remark.
Estimating the Counterfactual Impact of Conservation Programs on Land Cover Outcomes: The Role of Matching and Panel Regression Techniques.

Deforestation and conversion of native habitats continues to be the leading driver of biodiversity and ecosystem service loss. A number of conservation policies and programs are implemented—from protected areas to payments for ecosystem services (PES)—to deter these losses. Currently, empirical evidence on whether these approaches stop or slow land cover change is lacking, but there is increasing interest in conducting rigorous, counterfactual impact evaluations, especially for many new conservation approaches, such as PES and REDD, which emphasize additionality. In addition, several new, globally available and free high-resolution remote sensing datasets have increased the ease of carrying out an impact evaluation on land cover change outcomes. While the number of conservation evaluations utilizing ‘matching’ to construct a valid control group is increasing, the majority of these studies use simple differences in means or linear cross-sectional regression to estimate the impact of the conservation program using this matched sample, with relatively few utilizing fixed effects panel methods—an alternative estimation method that relies on temporal variation in the data. In this paper we compare the advantages and limitations of (1) matching to construct the control group combined with differences in means and cross-sectional regression, which control for observable forms of bias in program evaluation, to (2) fixed effects panel methods, which control for observable and time-invariant unobservable forms of bias, with and without matching to create the control group. We then use these four approaches to estimate forest cover outcomes for two conservation programs: a PES program in Northeastern Ecuador and strict protected areas in European Russia. In the Russia case we find statistically significant differences across estimators—due to the presence of unobservable bias—that lead to differences in conclusions about effectiveness. The Ecuador case illustrates that if time-invariant unobservables are not present, matching combined with differences in means or cross-sectional regression leads to similar estimates of program effectiveness as matching combined with fixed effects panel regression. These results highlight the importance of considering observable and unobservable forms of bias and the methodological assumptions across estimators when designing an impact evaluation of conservation programs.
Crystallization and thermoreversible gelation of poly(butylene terephthalate)–epoxy mixtures

The thermoreversible gelation of solutions of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and a liquid diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy has been investigated. The morphology of the gels and the conditions under which they form have been characterized by optical microscopy, thermal analysis, and x-ray scattering. Gels were found to form under two different conditions and with different morphologies. Gels formed after a considerable delay when homogenous PBT-epoxy solutions were cooled to slightly below the dissolution temperature of crystalline PBT. These gels contained large, irregular PBT spherulites and smaller birefringent interspherulitic matter. The melting of these gels and the onset of macroscopic flow coincided with the melting of the interspherulitic matter, and occurred before the melting of the large spherulites. Thermoreversible gels formed very quickly when PBT-epoxy solutions were self-nucleated by heating a dispersion of crystalline PBT in epoxy slightly and briefly above the dissolution temperature and then cooling. These gels displayed only a weak background birefringence and were molten when the weak birefringence disappeared. In both cases, gelation occurred by the formation of a three-dimensional PBT network in the epoxy liquid, and the nodes of the network were crystalline PBT particles. $ 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of a novel microRNA cluster miR-193b-365 in Multiple Myeloma

There is accumulating evidence that the patterns of altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) correlate with distinct types of hematological malignancies. There is also emerging evidence for such miRNAs expression in multiple myeloma (MM), but the identity of the miRNAs that are abnormally expressed in this disease has not been elucidated. In the current study, we examined the miRNAs perturbed in CD138 positive MM cell lines and CD138 positive primary MM cells, using microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR. The expression levels in these cells were compared with the expression levels in CD138 positive plasma cells isolated from bone marrows of healthy donors. Our data demonstrate that multiple new miRNAs are commonly up-regulated and down-regulated including a new miRNA cluster, miR-193b-365, composed of two paralogs that were significantly up-regulated in MM. The organization and the sequences of the new miR-193b-365 cluster are highly conserved among vertebrates. Given that dysregulation of miR-193b-365 cluster has not been identified in other hematological malignancies examined to date, our findings suggest that miR-193b-365 cluster is part of the unique miRNA signature in MM.