cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bortezomib is active as a single agent against multidrug resistant (MDR) leukemia in vitro but does not synergize with cytarabine (Ara-C), daunorubicin (DNR), doxorubicin (Dox) or Idarubicin (Ida).

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5416 The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib has been approved for single-agent treatment of multiple myeloma and is being evaluated in other malignancies. Two prominent effects of bortezomib are inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa-B activation and stabilization of p53, both of which may affect the cellular response to cytotoxic drugs. The purpose of the present study was to assess efficacy of bortezomib in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by determining its activity as a single agent in AML cell lines with wt (ML-1) and inactive (HL60) p53 and against cells overexpressing MDR proteins prevalent in AML, including P-glycoprotein (Pgp), multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and lung resistance protein (LRP). In addition, interactions between bortezomib and chemotherapy drugs with activity in AML were studied. Cells were cultured for four days in 96-well microculture assays with bortezomib and the chemotherapy drugs Ara-C, DNR, Dox or Ida individually, simultaneously and sequentially with reciprocal sequences, and cell survival was measured by the WST-1 assay. Drug interactions at various constant drug concentration ratios were evaluated by isobologram analysis. All cell lines, regardless of p53 status or overexpression of MDR proteins, were highly sensitive to bortezomib as a single agent, with nanomolar IC50’s, compared to micromolar IC50’s for Ara-C, DNR, Dox and Ida. Simultaneous combination of bortezomib with Ara-C, DNR, Dox or Ida was antagonistic over the full dose-response range (IC10, IC25, IC50, IC75, IC90) at five different constant ratios. Pre-incubation of cells with bortezomib (dose range 2-10 nM) for 24 hours did not sensitize to Ara-C, DNR or Dox, nor did adding bortezomib 24 hours into Ara-C, DNR or Dox exposure. Furthermore, pre-incubation of cells with non-cytotoxic concentrations of Ara-C, DNR or Dox did not sensitize to bortezomib, nor did adding non-cytotoxic concentrations of Ara-C, DNR or Dox 24 hours into bortezomib exposure. Thus bortezomib is highly effective in AML as a single agent and overcomes resistance mechanisms prevalent in AML, but in vitro does not have synergistic drug interactions with standard chemotherapy drugs used in AML. These data do not rule out additive or synergistic drug interactions in vivo , but suggest that benefits of these drug combinations would likely be due to mutually exclusive drug targets leading to additive interactions or altered host/target cell interactions that may lead to synergistic interactions. The antagonistic drug interactions observed in vitro should be taken into account in the design of clinical trials.
In Memoriam – Monroe L. Inker: 1925-2006

When Monroe Inker died suddenly on April 15, 2006, not only did Massachusetts lose its most distinguished family-law practitioner, but the nation lost a major trial lawyer. Called "the father of Massachusetts fami ly law," Monroe was responsible for convincing the state's legislators to bring the state's divorce laws in conformity with the basic principles of the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act. Through his practice, he witnessed first-hand the inequities that the old divorce law had imposed on women and he tried to right the balance. Because of his concern for providing divorcing women with a fair shake, he became known as a "woman's lawyer." Although the label had some merit, it tended to cloud the fact that he was truly interested in protecting the rights of all participants in a divorce. He had a special affection for children. To him, children of divorce were more vulnerable than women and needed special protection. Monroe's concern for the vulnerable in the divorce process was an out growth of his concern for the downtrodden in society. For years before he became famous as a divorce lawyer, Monroe represented defendants in criminal cases (by court appointment), who could not afford to pay private attorneys. Because of his reputation as a first-rate trial lawyer, he was sought after by more affluent clients who could pay and the fees he secured from those defendants helped to support his pro bono work. It was during the years that he handled criminal cases that he sharpened his liti gation skills and became a master of the rules of evidence. Few lawyers could match Monroe's skill during a cross-examination, and it was for
Indian Water and the Federal Trust: Some Proposals for Federal Action

Indian tribal reserved rights to water constitute trust assets under the protection of the federal government. Nonetheless, the federal government's duty of protection, and remedies against the government if it fails in that duty, are seldom recognized by law. Congress could protect tribal water rights through enactment of comprehensive regulatory legislation, but such legislation would run counter to the modern trend of recognizing increasing tribal control over natural resources and would interfere with tribes' authority to manage their water. There are, however, a number of steps that Congress and the Department of the Interior could take in fulfillment of the federal trust responsibility for Indian water rights. These proposals, briefly outlined here, would assist tribes with the development and management of their water resources and remove obstacles that presently exist in federal law to the assertion of tribal authority over water.
Measuring Dependence Between Activities: Input-Output Application to the Sudan

In this chapter we illustrate how to deal with dependence among the elements of the same level of a hierarchy (inner dependence) with an application we made in the design of the Transportation System for the Sudan (see [2]). The outcome of this analysis was an input-output table which parallels the work of econometricians. This application was done a few years after the Sudan Transport Study was finished.
Halo orbits around Saturn

We investigate the effects of planetary oblateness, quadrupole magnetic field, and solar radiation pressure on nonequatorial dust grain orbits about Saturn. Radiation pressure is found to be a strong perturber for small (≈ 100 nm) positively charged conducting grains
Laboratory‐developed contact models controlling instability on frictional faults

Laboratory experiments were performed on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-PMMA frictional interface in a direct shear apparatus in order to gain understanding of fault dynamics leading to gross rupture. Actual asperity sizes and locations along the interface were characterized using a pressure-sensitive film. Slow aseismic slip accumulated nonuniformly along the fault and showed dependency on the applied normal force—increased normal force resulted in higher slip gradients. The slow slip front propagated from the trailing (pushed) edge into a region of more densely distributed asperities at rates between 1 and 9.5 mm/s. Foreshocks were detected and displayed impulsive signals with source radii ranging between 0.21 and 1.09 mm; measurements made using the pressure-sensitive film were between 0.05 and 1.2 mm. The spatiotemporal clustering of foreshocks and their relation to the elastodynamic energy released was dependent on the normal force. In the region where foreshocks occurred, qualitative optical measurements of the asperities along the interface were used to visualize dynamic changes occurring during the slow slip phase. To better understand the nucleation process, a quasi-static asperity finite element (FE) model was developed and focused in the region where foreshocks clustered. The FE model consisted of 172 asperities, located and sized based on pressure-sensitive film measurements. The numerical model provides a plausible explanation as to why foreshocks cluster in space and observed a normal force dependency and lend credence to Ohnaka's nucleation model.
High speed packet logging on a budget

Creating high quality network trace files is a difficult task to accomplish on a limited budget. High network speeds may overburden an individual system running packet logging software such as tcpdump, resulting in trace files with missing information and making analysis difficult or incomplete. High end specialized systems may perform the job well, but may be out of reach due to financial constraints. To the end we developed the Cheap Logger (CLog) system which utilizes inexpensive COTS hardware to create a high quality, complete network trace files. A scalable distributed storage system enables the CLog system to expand and continue to create high quality, complete network data trace files even at extremely high data rates.
A muscle-derived factor(s) induces expression of a catecholamine phenotype in neurons of cultured rat cerebral cortex

We sought to determine the source of the signal(s) that promotes expression of the catecholamine (CA) enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in cultured neurons of embryonic rat cerebral cortex, a tissue which is not thought to contain CA cells in vivo. Cortical neurons were cultured with their non-neuronal constituents and 48 hr later immunostained for TH. Fibroblasts or glia had no effects, however, blood vessels increased the numbers of TH neurons nearly 4-fold. Coculture with either perinatal aorta, skeletal or cardiac muscle, clonal muscle cell lines 1440 (smooth) and L6 (skeletal), conditioned media from L6 cells, or a soluble extract of L6 cells increased the number of TH neurons up to 20-fold. The induction of TH by muscle extract was (1) dose dependent; (2) paralleled by a proportional increase in the steady-state levels of TH mRNA; (3) greatly reduced by the RNA synthesis inhibitor alpha-amanitin or the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide; and (4) unassociated with change in the survival of neurons in culture. The response was not replicated by treatment with other established neurotrophic substances, including NGF, EGF, FGF, PDGF, neuroleukin, insulin, pyruvate, KCI, adenosine, or inosine. We conclude that muscle contains a potentially novel substance, muscle-derived differentiation factor (MDF) that promotes differentiation but not survival of neurons of cerebral cortex by de novo synthesis of TH mRNA and TH protein. Thus, neurons of the CNS, as in periphery, may undergo phenotypic interconversion in response to biologically derived molecules in their environment.
Discovery of the transposable element mariner.

THERE is nothing like looking, if you want to find “something,” said the enormously important dwarf, Thorin Oakenshield, to the young dwarves, “You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after” ([Tolkien 1937][1]). So with this
Voice-based communication: a V*IP architecture and its revolutionary implications for business

A promising application on the next-generation Internet is packet voice and packet video. While experiments on packet voice and video performed in the early seventies satisfied the curiosity of researchers it is only recently that technology has progressed to make this a commercial viability thereby creating in entirely new industry with very promising applications. As users spend more time on the Internet for browsing and shopping, it is natural for them to want the desktop personal computer and portable devices to be their primary communications vehicle for all media including voice, video and data. While Voice over IP (VoIP) is a strong market driver today, we speculate that over time, virtually any useful information media will traverse over IP-based networks, hence the name V*IP. In this paper, we address the basic issues of how, why, when and what of V*IP. We describe the essential elements of such a V*IP architecture, its operation, standards and policy related issues and discuss the future and business implications of this promising communications technology.
Infrared detection of hydrogen-generated free carriers in polycrystalline ZnO thin films

The changes in the free-carrier concentration in polycrystalline ZnO films during exposure to H2 and O2 plasmas were studied using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The carrier concentration and mobility were extracted from the free-carrier absorption in the infrared using a model for the dielectric function. The electron density in polycrystalline zinc oxide films may be significantly increased by >1019cm−3 by brief exposures to hydrogen plasma at room temperature and decreased by exposure to O2 plasmas. Room-temperature oxygen plasma removes a fraction of the H at donor sites but both elevated temperatures (∼225°C) and O2 plasma were required to remove the rest. We demonstrate that combinations of O2 and H2 plasma treatments can be used to manipulate the carrier density in ZnO films. However, we also show the existence of significant drifts (∼15%) in the carrier concentrations over very long time scales (hours). Possible sites for H incorporation in polycrystalline films and reasons for the observed carrier-concentration changes are proposed.
A benthic environmental telemetry station

A remote sensing unit has been developed to continuously monitor the benthic environment in selected kelp beds in the Santa Barbara Channel area. To characterize their environment, light distribution, temperature and water motion are monitored. Light distribution is determined by a six channel spectral irradiance photometer. Temperature is sensed using a thermistor in a linearizing constant voltage bridge over a range of 8 to 22 degrees Celsius with a resolution of 0.2\deg C. A capacitive transducer, immune to fouling by debris has been developed to supply wave height data. Bidirectional benthic surge currents are sensed by a silcon strain gauge bridge. The information is multiplexed at a sample rate of 250ms per channel, FM encoded and transmitted to shore about one kilometer along a line of sight. The system has been designed using low power circuitry enabling unattended operation for up to one month on standard 12 volt marine batteries.
WE‐G‐211‐01: Cross‐Sectional Imaging ‐ Computed Tomography

The introduction of new cross-sectional imaging techniques in the 1970's and 1980's led to great improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In this symposium, we will chronicle the development of three of these Methods: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonic imaging (US). Computed Tomography Early attempts to obtain trans-axial radiographs employed unconventional mechanical motions of the x-ray tube and screen-film image receptor that produced images of limited utility. The introduction of the EMI Mk I computerized axial tomography (CAT) unit revolutionized imaging by providing electronic trans-axial images of the brain that allowed clear separation of various tissues with very similar attenuation coefficients. The great success of this imaging process led to the Nobel Prize for Hounsfield and Cormack in 1979. Examples from the evolution of the x-ray computed tomography technique, introduced initially by a large number of manufacturers over several "generations" of CT scanners will be presented. The changes include improvements in x-ray detectors and detector arrays, image reconstruction algorithms, and body bolus/filters, as well as the introduction of slip ring technology. These upgrades led to shorter scanning and reconstruction times, greater body coverage per rotation, and reduced artifacts, along with increased spatial resolution and improved low contrast performance. A very brief overview of additional cross sectional x-ray imaging devices and techniques that have been developed in recent years will conclude this section of the symposium.
Effect of continuous infusions of dexfenfluramine on food intake, body weight and brain amines in rats

Abstract The present experiments describe the effects of continuous SC infusion, via osmotic minipump, of dexfenfluramine on food intake and body weight of male and female rats. It was found that the food intake of male rats was reduced by infusions of both 3 and 6 mg/kg/day although tolerance developed within 2–4 days at the lower dose. Further, these rats showed tolerance to an acute anorectic test dose of dexfenfluramine. Body weight loss was sustained by both groups. In older (6–8 mo old) female rats, some of which had previously nursed three litters, the anorectic effects of dexfenfluramine (3 and 6 mg/kg/day) were sustained throughout the 6 day infusion, and weight loss was substantial. The effects did not differ between bred and virgin rats of comparable age. The lower dose of dexfenfluramine produced no depletion of brain serotonin (5HT), although 5HIAA was reduced. Both compounds were depleted by the higher dose. The 3 mg/kg/day dose, in select rat populations, may be a close model for the mode of dexfenfluramine administration to humans.
Stopped in the Name of the Law: Administrative Burden and its Implications for Cash Transfer Program Effectiveness

Summary Cash transfer programs have achieved wide-ranging success in reducing poverty, yet there is little empirical research on how program rules and administrative capacity might limit program effectiveness. We examine administrative burden and quantify its implications for grant access and impacts in the South African Child Support Grant (CSG) program, as the age of eligibility and application requirements changed over time. We find that approximately 60% of the sampled children experienced an interruption or disconnection in cash transfer receipt, and that both timing and “dosage” loss are associated with adolescent engagement in risky behaviors, and for females, lower educational attainment.
Safety of allergen immunotherapy: a review of premedication and dose adjustment

From the first allergen immunotherapy proposed in the early 1900s to the present day, numerous studies have proven the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma and stinging insect hypersensitivity. The major risk, however small, with allergen immunotherapy is anaphylaxis. There has been considerable interest and debate regarding risk factors for immunotherapy reactions (local and systemic) and interventions to reduce the occurrence of these reactions. One of these interventions that is especially debated regards dose adjustment for various reasons, but in particular for local reactions. In this review, we discuss the safety of immunotherapy and provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding immunotherapy schedules and doses.
Development of the Argonne positron source APosS

Abstract In this paper we discuss the progress at Argonne National Laboratory with the APosS. We outline possible improvements that can increase the flux of positrons by increasing the electron current on target or by modification of the positron converter. We discuss some new techniques that could increase moderation efficiency and thus further increase positron flux two to three orders of magnitude by making use of modern accelerator techniques.
Temporally Incongruent Counterparts

Despite its first page this paper is not yet another piece on Kant! Rather, the paper is a contribution to the literature on incongruent counterparts. Specifically, it concerns the question of whether we can construct a temporal version of the puzzle of incongruent counterparts—a question which (as far as 1 can tell) has been thoroughly neglected. I maintain that we can construct such a version of the puzzle, and that this temporal variant on the phenomenon has something to teach us about popular arguments for the possibility (or even actuality) of four-dimensional space.
Architectures for wavelet transforms: A survey

Wavelet transforms have proven to be useful tools for several applications, including signal analysis, signal compression and numerical analysis. This paper surveys the VLSI architectures that have been proposed for computing the Discrete and Continuous Wavelet Transforms for 1-D and 2-D signals. The architectures are based upon on-line versions of the wavelet transform algorithms. These architectures support single chip implementations and are optimal with respect to both area and time under the word-serial model.
Telomerase Prolongs the Lifespan of Normal Human Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells Without Inducing Neoplastic Phenotype

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) on the lifespan, growth characteristics, and tumorigenicity of normal human ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells. METHODS Low-passage primary cultures of normal human OSE cells were transfected with hTERT and the resulting cell lines were characterized. RESULTS The ectopic expression of hTERT stabilized the telomeres of the OSE cultures above 8 kb. The hTERT-transfected OSE cell lines grew beyond the normal lifespan seen in OSE cells and propagated in culture for more than 40 passages before senescing. Moreover, the hTERT-transfected cells demonstrated extensive proliferative capacity as evidenced by their ability to continuously grow even when seeded at low dilutions. The morphologic features and normal differentiation patterns seen in normal OSE cells were likewise retained by the hTERT-transfected cells. In addition, the cultures remained responsive to physiologic concentrations of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta. Changes associated with neoplastic transformation like anchorage-independent growth, tumorigencity and karyotypic instability were not observed. CONCLUSIONS We were able to show that the ectopic expression of hTERT in normal human OSE: 1) resulted in cultures with greater growth potential and longer lifespan and 2) did not induce a transformed phenotype previously seen in viral oncogene-transfected OSE cells. The established cell lines would not only provide sufficient material for comprehensive studies to investigate the normal physiology of OSE cells, but could also help in the understanding of the early steps of ovarian carcinogenesis.
Structural and immunologic cross-reactivity among filarial and mite tropomyosin: Implications for the hygiene hypothesis

Background The hygiene hypothesis suggests that parasitic infection modulates host immune responses and decreases atopy. Other data suggest parasitic infections may induce allergic responsiveness. Objective To assess the structural and immunologic relationships between the known Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 10) tropomyosin allergen and filarial tropomyosin of Onchocerca volvulus (OvTrop). Methods The molecular, structural, and immunologic relationships between OvTrop and Der p 10 were compared. Levels of OvTrop-specific and Der p 10–specific IgE, IgG, and IgG 4 in sera of filaria-infected and filarial-uninfected D pteronyssinus –atopic individuals were compared, as were the responses in nonhuman primates infected with the filarial parasite Loa loa . Cross-reactivity was compared by antigen-mediated depletion assays and functionality by passive basophil sensitization. Results Filarial and mite tropomyosins were very similar, with 72% identity at the amino acid level, and overlapping predicted 3-dimensional structures. The prevalence of IgE and IgG to Der p 10 was increased in filaria-infected individuals compared with uninfected subjects. There was a strong correlation between serum levels of Ov- and Der p 10–tropomyosin—specific IgE, IgG, and IgG 4 ( P r > 0.79). Preincubation of sera from anti–Der p 10—positive subjects with OvTrop completely depleted IgE, IgG, and IgG 4 anti–Der p 10. Basophils sensitized with sera from individuals allergic to Der p 10 released histamine similarly when triggered with OvTrop or Der p 10. Primates experimentally infected with L loa developed IgE that cross-reacted with Der p 10. Conclusion Filarial infection induces strong cross-reactive antitropomyosin antibody responses that may affect sensitization and regulation of allergic reactivity.
Cancer cachexia syndrome in head and neck cancer patients: part I. Diagnosis, impact on quality of life and survival, and treatment.

Background. Cancer cachexia is a debilitating, wasting condition that affects many cancer patients, including those with head and neck cancer. The overall incidence of can- cer cachexia is quite high for some types of cancer, and cachexia will be the main cause of death for more than 20% of all cancer patients. This syndrome uniquely challenges patients with head and neck cancer. This article outlines the diagnosis of cancer cachexia, reviews its impact on patient quality of life (QOL) and survival, and updates the reader on potential thera-
Architectures For A Continuous Level Neural Network Based On Alternating Orthogonal Projections

Optical processor architectures for various forms of the alternating projection neural network (APNN) are considered. Required iteration is performed by passive optical feedback using only free space and guided propagation. No electronics or slow optics (e.g. phase conjugators) are used. The processor can be taught a new training vector by viewing it only once.
999-117 Computerization of the Application of Parametric Multivariable Risk Factor Analyses to Estimate the Risk of Events After Cardiac Transplantation

The consideration of multivariable analysis derived risk factors for post transplant events in the evaluation of potential cardiac transplant recipients and donors may serve to improve mortality and morbidity after cardiac transplantation. However, the application of this information is elusive due to the difficulty of applying all identified recipient and donor related risk factors, expressed as dichotomous and continuous variables, in the assessment of the risk of post transplant events for a single patient. The CTRD has reported multivariable risk factor analyses in the hazard function domain for post cardiac transplant events from all primary transplants from 30 transplant centers with 4.5 year follow-up. Variables analyzed in theses reports included multiple recipient and donor demographic information, recipient and donor mismatch variables, pre-transplant recipient and donor clinical variables, hemodynamic variables, surgical variables, initial immunosuppression variables, and post transplant event variables. Specific risk factors for post transplant events were identified and multivariable equations were derived and have been published. In order to facilitate the application of this information, a computer program was developed to allow the calculation of the estimated time-related risk of post transplant events including death, time to first infection, time to first rejection, and number of rejections in the first year. One enters the values for specified variables into the program. The program then calculates (utilizing solutions to the multivariable equations) and then displays the time-related actuarial and hazard function curves, with standard errors, for each event in graphical and tabular formats. Patient data may be stored, and data output may be printed. Different patients or clinical situations for the same patient may be compared on screen. The program is written in Microsoft C, version 6, and runs in PC-DOS. Computer requirements include 640 kb RAM, VGA graphics, and a floating point processor. Summary Utilizing this software package, a clinician may compute and print an individual patient's time related risk profiles for post transplant death, infection, and allograft rejection. This information may be used for pre-transplant recipient education and selection, and donor-recipient matching prior to transplantation.
Learning an Aesthetic Photo Cropping Cascade

Cropping is one of the most fundamental and common operations in image processing for improving the aesthetic quality of photographs. Instead of manually designing rules for cropping, in this paper, we propose a generative model that learns an aesthetic photo cropping cascade from a large database of well-composed images and a dataset containing images with crops generated by expert photographers. Specifically, this model includes cropping priori, intuitive likelihood, compositional likelihood and change likelihood. Our learning exploits a spatial pyramid saliency feature and a multi-level foreground segmentation. The inference is done by efficient sub window search (ESS) [10] which is benefited from the bound at conditional distribution in the cascade. Additionally, for extracting attentional subjects and capturing scene composition, we design an iterative saliency method to model the saliency moving paths, which is beyond the typical saliency model predicting a single attentional region. Experiments show that our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art cropping methods by a large margin.
Nonequilibrium potential function of chemically driven single macromolecules via Jarzynski-type Log-Mean-Exponential Heat.

Applying the method from recently developed fluctuation theorems to the stochastic dynamics of single macromolecules in ambient fluid at constant temperature, we establish two Jarzynski-type equali...
Mist/Steam Cooling in a Heated Horizontal Tube—Part 2: Results and Modeling

Experimental studies on mist/steam cooling in a heated horizontal tube have been performed. Wall temperature distributions have been measured under various main steam flow rates, droplet mass ratios, and wall heat fluxes. Generally, the heat transfer performance of steam can be significantly improved by adding mist into the main flow. An average enhancement of 100 percent with the highest local heat transfer enhancement of 200 percent is achieved with 5 percent mist. When the test section is mildly heated, an interesting wall temperature distribution is observed: The wall temperature increases first, then decreases, and finally increases again. A three-stage heat transfer model with transition boiling, unstable liquid fragment evaporation, and dry-wall mist cooling has been proposed and has shown some success in predicting the wall temperature of the mist/steam flow. The PDPA measurements have facilitated better understanding and interpreting of the droplet dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, this study has shed light on how to generate appropriate droplet sizes to achieve effective droplet transportation, and has shown that it is promising to extend present results to a higher temperature and higher pressure environment.
Comparison of dobutamine and exercise using technetium-99m sestamibi imaging for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.

Studies using dobutamine thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging have suggested a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of coronary artery disease. However, few data are available comparing dobutamine with exercise stress for the detection and localization of perfusion defects. This study compared the effects of dobutamine and exercise stress using technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging in the same patients in a prospective crossover trial. Twenty-four patients with a high likelihood of coronary artery disease underwent tomographic myocardial imaging at rest, after symptom-limited treadmill exercise, and after intravenous dobutamine (maximum 30 μg/kg/min). Tomograms of the left ventricle were divided into 20 segments and were interpreted without knowledge of patient identity or stress protocol. Dobutamine was well tolerated by all patients. Segment-by-segment concordance between exercise and dobutamine images was highly significant (kappa = 0.56, p < 0.0001). Global first-order agreement (normal vs abnormal) between exercise and dobutamine studies was 96% (kappa = 0.65, p = 0.02); global second-order agreement (normal vs fixed vs ischemic defect) was 88% (kappa = 0.45, p = 0.02). Regional first-and second-order agreement were 96 and 93%, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Twenty patients underwent coronary angiography. Comparisons between exercise and angiography and between dobutamine and angiography were similar for both global agreement (95 vs 100%, p = NS) and regional agreement (77 vs 72%, p = NS). In conclusion, technetium-99m sestamibi tomograms obtained after exercise and dobutamine stress in the same patients with a high likelihood of coronary artery disease show very similar results with regard to the identification, localization and reversibility of perfusion defects.
Quantification of urinary 8-iso-PGF2α using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and association with elevated troponin levels

Abstract Objectives: Increased lipid peroxidation (i.e. “oxidative stress”) has been identified as a central mechanism in the development of atherosclerosis and inflammatory vascular damage. Measurement of 8- iso -PGF 2α has demonstrated to be a reliable indicator of in vivo oxidative stress levels. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific LC-MS/MS method for detection of urinary 8- iso -PGF 2α , establish reference intervals, and correlate isoprostane levels with cardiac troponin I. Design and methods: Urinary 8- iso -PGF 2α was detected after direct injection onto a C18 silica column and monitored in the MRM mode using m / z transitions of 353.2 > 193.25 (8- iso -PGF 2α ) and 357.2 > 197.25 (8- iso -PGF 2α -d 4 ). The LC-MS/MS method was also compared to an ELISA kit. Reference interval studies were evaluated against a separate population of patients presenting with chest pain that had positive cTnI values. Results: Elution of 8- iso -PGF 2α was achieved after 7 min, with a total run time of 10 min. Inter-assay CVs were 13.8–20.0% and intra-assay CVs were 10.9–17.0%. Linearity ranged from 100 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. Deming regression of ELISA and LC-MS/MS methods for 8- iso -PGF 2α levels yielded poor correlation, with a slope of 0.0265, y-intercept of 0.255 ng/mL, and R 2 value of 0.0434. Urine 8- iso -PGF 2α concentrations in samples obtained from healthy individuals ( n = 34) ranged from 57 to 390 ng/g creatinine with a mean of 221 ng/g creatinine. 8- iso -PGF 2α levels were statistically significant in troponin-positive ( n = 35) versus troponin-negative ( n = 36) patients ( p Conclusions: This LC-MS/MS method provides a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to other methods for detection of 8- iso -PGF 2α in urine. 8- iso -PGF 2α has potential to be a great prognostic risk indicator in individuals with a high probability for future coronary events.
The US tourism industry's view of EC'92.

Abstract The single internal market initiatives of the European Community, due to be completed by 31 December 1992, reduce internal barriers to the free movement of people, services and capital. Interviews with executives of US tourism firms and government officials of tourism—related agencies indicate that US industry expects EC'92 to only marginally affect their operations in international aviation, airline computer reservation systems, tour packaging, and US hotel development in Europe. EC'92 is anticipated to foster a mild increase in the flows and activities that have characterized US—European tourism demand and supply patterns over the last several decades, rather than to be a dramatic break with the past. However, much is yet to be resolved regarding how the European Community will treat US tourism businesses and visitor flows over the next five to ten years.
SWAS observations of water vapor in the Venus mesosphere

Abstract We present the first detections of the ground-state H216O ( 1 10 – 1 01 ) rotational transition (at 556.9 GHz) and the 13CO (5–4) rotational transition from the atmosphere of Venus, measured with the Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS). The observed spectral features of these submillimeter transitions originate primarily from the 70–100 km altitude range, within the Venus mesosphere. Observations were obtained in December 2002, and January, March, and July 2004, coarsely sampling one Venus diurnal period as seen from Earth. The measured water vapor absorption line depth shows large variability among the four observing periods, with strong detections of the line in December 2002 and July 2004, and no detections in January and March 2004. Retrieval of atmospheric parameters was performed using a multi-transition inversion algorithm, combining simultaneous retrievals of temperature, carbon monoxide, and water profiles under imposed constraints. Analysis of the SWAS spectra resulted in measurements or upper limits for the globally averaged mesospheric water vapor abundance for each of the four observation periods, finding variability over at least two orders of magnitude. The results are consistent with both temporal and diurnal variability, but with short-term fluctuations clearly dominating. These results are fully consistent with the long-term study of mesospheric water vapor from millimeter and submillimeter observations of HDO [Sandor, B.J., Clancy, R.T., 2005. Icarus 177, 129–143]. The December 2002 observations detected very rapid change in the mesospheric water abundance. Over five days, a deep water absorption feature consistent with a water vapor abundance of 4.5 ± 1.5 parts per million suddenly gave way to a significantly shallower absorption, implying a decrease in the water vapor abundance by a factor of nearly 50 in less that 48 h. In 2004, similar changes in the water vapor abundance were measured between the March and July SWAS observing periods, but variability on time scales of less than a week was not detected. The mesospheric water vapor is expected to be in equilibrium with aerosol particles, primarily composed of concentrated sulfuric acid, in the upper haze layers of the Venus atmosphere. If true, moderate amplitude (10–15 K) variability in mesospheric temperature, previously noted in millimeter spectroscopy observations of Venus, can explain the rapid water vapor variability detected by SWAS.
Growth factors in inflammatory bowel disease. The actions and interactions of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I

Multiple growth hormones (GHs) and factors are relevant to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their trophic effects on epithelial cells to promote mucosal integrity, renewal, and repair, on mesenchymal cells to promote wound healing, and on intestinal immune cells to modulate inflammation. The anabolic effects of GHs and factors outside the intestine are relevant to minimizing nutritional insufficiency, catabolic state, and the inability to maintain body weight due to inflammation-induced malabsorption. GHs and factors can, however, have a dual role, whereby trophic effects can be beneficial but, if excessive, can promote complications including the increased risk of intestinal tumors/adenocarcinoma and fibrosis. This review focuses on GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), for which evidence suggests such a dual role may exist. The actions of GH and IGF-I on the healthy intestine are compared with effects during intestinal inflammation or associated complications. Interactions between these growth factors and others relevant to IBD are considered. The role of the newly discovered suppressors of cytokine signaling proteins, which may dictate the balance between beneficial and excessive actions of GH and IGF-I, is also addressed.
Wetlands for wastewater treatment: Just another threat — Or an opportunity?

The use of wetlands to dispose of wastewater is not a new phenomenon. There are a number of sites where wastewater discharges have been made to wetlands since the 1920’s. But the purposeful use of wetlands in the, treatment process began in the early 1960’s and it has been give impetus by the need to develop low energy-consuming, low-cost treatment facilities. Although they are commonly called wetland systems, these alternative wastewater treatment systems are varied in character. Some of the natural wetlands used for wastewater treatment and disposal are cypress domes (in Florida), peat bogs and cattail marshes (in the upper Midwest), and both riverine and lacustrine marshes (in Canada). Artificial wetland systems are as varied as man’s ingenuity; typically troughs or ponds are planted with reeds, rushes, cattails, water hyacinths, or a combination of emergent and floating plants. What is the likelihood of this particular interest in wetlands continuing?
Electromyographic Analysis of Embouchure Muscle Function in Trumpet Playing

A review of the pedagogical brasswind literature revealed that the varying and contradictory opinions concerning embouchure function are based primarily on theory or conjecture. The physical and physiological functions involved have received very limited attention from researchers. This experimental study investigated the possible effects of register, intensity, and subjects' proficiency level on electromyographic potentials (a measurement of muscle activity) from four facial muscles of 18 trumpeters. Electromyograms were made simultaneously of the muscles of the upper and lower lips and the levator and depressor of the mouth corner using Basmajian's indwelling, fine-wire electrodes during 51 trumpet performance tasks. Statistical analyses of the data revealed several interesting differences between advanced and beginning trumpeters concerning muscle activity preceding and following the tone, between upper and lower lips, between in-the-lips and out-cf-thelips muscles and during the playing of several musical or technical passages.
Effects of β-ecdysone on RNA metabolism of imaginal disks of Drosophila melanogaster☆

Abstract Imaginal disks of Drosophila melanogaster were isolated en masse or individually by dissection, and exposed to β -ecdysone in Robb's or Schneider's tissue culture medium. β -Ecdysone stimulates an increased incorporation of precursors into RNA in disks. This stimulation varies with the log concentration of β -ecdysone, the maximal rate of incorporation being achieved between 1–10 μg/ml of hormone. When disks are first introduced into in vitro culture the rate of precursor incorporation into RNA is higher than that found when disks have remained in culture for several hours. β -Ecdysone restores the original rate of precursor incorporation, and it is possible that the original high rate results from an in situ exposure of the disks to ecdysone. RNA metabolism in disks in the presence and absence of β -ecdysone was examined. The rate of precursor incorporation into RNA is increased by β -ecdysone. The rate of breakdown of newly synthesized RNA, measured in the presence of actinomycin d , is only slightly increased when the RNA is synthesized in the presence of β -ecdysone than in its absence. There is an increase in the uptake of 3 H-guanosine into discs during exposure to hormone. The relative increase in uptake is not as large, however, as the increase in incorporation of 3 H-guanosine into RNA. Thus it is possible that the β -ecdysone-induced increase in incorporation of precursors into RNA results in part from an increase in RNA synthesis.
The effect of vapor pressure on stomatal control of gas exchange in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) saplings

Increasing leaf to air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) caused reductions in stomatal conductance of both current year and previous season needles of Pseudotsuga menziesii saplings. The stomata of current year needles were found to be more responsive to changes in VPD than those of previous season needles. The reductions in stomatal conductance of current year needles were not associated with decreases in xylem pressure potential. In fact, the reductions in stomatal conductance of current year needles were sometimes sufficient to reduce transpiration and thus raise xylem pressure potential even though VPD was increasing. There was a decline in stomatal responsiveness to VPD in current year needles between early and late summer. Pressure-volume curves determined for different age needles at different times of the year suggested that differences and changes in stomatal responsiveness to VPD may have been caused in part by differences and changes in needle water potential components. Hexane washes of current year needles during the late summer succeeded in partially restoring their VPD sensitivity, suggesting that changes in the water permeability of the external cuticle during needle maturation may also have played a role in causing the summer decline in VPD responsiveness.
Phylogeny and Classification of the Trapdoor Spider Genus Myrmekiaphila: An Integrative Approach to Evaluating Taxonomic Hypotheses

Background Revised by Bond and Platnick in 2007, the trapdoor spider genus Myrmekiaphila comprises 11 species. Species delimitation and placement within one of three species groups was based on modifications of the male copulatory device. Because a phylogeny of the group was not available these species groups might not represent monophyletic lineages; species definitions likewise were untested hypotheses. The purpose of this study is to reconstruct the phylogeny of Myrmekiaphila species using molecular data to formally test the delimitation of species and species-groups. We seek to refine a set of established systematic hypotheses by integrating across molecular and morphological data sets. Methods and Findings Phylogenetic analyses comprising Bayesian searches were conducted for a mtDNA matrix composed of contiguous 12S rRNA, tRNA-val, and 16S rRNA genes and a nuclear DNA matrix comprising the glutamyl and prolyl tRNA synthetase gene each consisting of 1348 and 481 bp, respectively. Separate analyses of the mitochondrial and nuclear genome data and a concatenated data set yield M. torreya and M. millerae paraphyletic with respect to M. coreyi and M. howelli and polyphyletic fluviatilis and foliata species groups. Conclusions Despite the perception that molecular data present a solution to a crisis in taxonomy, studies like this demonstrate the efficacy of an approach that considers data from multiple sources. A DNA barcoding approach during the species discovery process would fail to recognize at least two species (M. coreyi and M. howelli) whereas a combined approach more accurately assesses species diversity and illuminates speciation pattern and process. Concomitantly these data also demonstrate that morphological characters likewise fail in their ability to recover monophyletic species groups and result in an unnatural classification. Optimizations of these characters demonstrate a pattern of “Dollo evolution” wherein a complex character evolves only once but is lost multiple times throughout the group's history.
Recent Ethnographies of Jews and Urbanism: A Review Essay

Joelle Bahloul. The Architecture of Memory:. Jewish–Muslim Household in Colonial Algeria, 1937-1962. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996 Jonathan Boyarin. Polish Jews in Paris: The Ethnography of Memory.Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1991. Jack Kugelmass. The Miracle of Intervale Avenue: The Story of. Jewish Congregation in the South Bronx. New York: Columbia University Press, Expanded Edition, 1996. Fran Markowitz. A Community in Spite of Itself. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993.
Measurement of distance between fluorescent amino acid residues and metal ion binding sites. Quantitation of energy transfer between tryptophan and terbium(III) or europium(III) in thermolysin.

Summary Quantitation of the sensitized visible emission of Tb(III) arising from a Forster-type dipole-dipole nonradiative energy transfer between Trp-186 and a Tb(III) ion bound at calcium site S(1) of thermolysin yields a measured energy transfer efficiency of 1.54×10 −3 . Using an R o estimate of 3.37 A for the Trp → Tb(III) donor-acceptor pair yields an estimated separation of 9.9 A, in good agreement with the 9.1 A distance estimated from x-ray structural results. The much greater Trp → Eu(III) energy transfer efficiency of 0.42, obtained from the quenching of protein fluorescence, arises from the charge-transfer nature of the acceptor transition, which also accounts for the lack of significant sensitized emission from Eu(III).