cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of long-term hormone replacement and of tibolone on choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase activities in the brains of ovariectomized, cynomologous monkeys

We examined long-term effects of low and high doses of tibolone, conjugated equine estrogens, and conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase activities within different regions of the brain in cynomologous monkeys. All treatments were administered for 2 years. None of the treatments produced significant increases in either choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase in any of eight brain regions analyzed. In contrast, treatment with conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate, but not conjugated equine estrogens alone, produced significant reductions in both choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca compared with untreated controls. Treatment with tibolone also resulted in significant reductions in both choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca, and this effect was dose-related. These findings are the first to report the effects of long-term therapies used by postmenopausal women on cholinergic measures in the primate brain. The findings are consistent with recent reports in rats, and suggest that any positive effects of long-term estrogen or hormone replacement therapy on cognitive processes are probably not due to significant effects on choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase activities.
Synthesis and viscoelastic characterization of novel hydrogels generated via photopolymerization of 1,2-epoxy-5-hexene modified poly(vinyl alcohol) for use in tissue replacement

Hydrogels have been proposed as candidates for tissue replacement; however, current systems are often highly susceptible to hydrolytic degradation and have not been shown to mimic the viscoelastic behavior of the native tissue when subjected to dynamic loading conditions. In the present work, 1,2-epoxy-5-hexene modified poly(vinyl alcohol) was crosslinked via photopolymerization to generate non-degradable hydrogels with mechanical properties and network characteristics that could be modulated through variation in the type and percentage of a monomeric additive. Complex shear moduli obtained from dynamic frequency sweeps in torsional shear were used to exemplify the differences in the viscoelastic behavior of the materials, and the corresponding changes in crosslink density were determined by rubber elasticity theory. Hydrolysis resistance was assessed by monitoring variations in the moduli of hydrogels submerged in Hank's balanced salt solution for progressively longer periods of time. Over the time-frame of the experiment, no change in the viscoelastic behavior was observed. Direct contact assays and elution tests were used to demonstrate that the system was non-cytotoxic. This study represents a successful attempt to generate a non-degradable hydrogel system with viscoelastic behavior that can be readily modulated to match that of soft biological tissues for use in tissue replacement.
Congenital internal carotid-internal jugular fistula.

Summary A 7-year-old Mexican boy with a congenital internal carotid artery-internal jugular vein fistula is presented. The child was in good health until one month prior to admission when he developed right-sided motor seizures. Three days following admission he suddenly died following an apneic spell. To our knowledge this congenital vascular anomaly has not been previously described.
The emptying time of the normal human stomach after the administration of a bile preparation

The average normal gastric emptying time was determined fluoroscopically in four healthy young adults. The test meal consisted essentially of 15 grams of Quaker Farina cooked in water to a constant volume of 200 cc. Fifty grams of barium sulfate were added so the position of the meal could be determined. Four determinations were made on each subject and the average figure used for the norm.
Chemical shift mapping of shikimate-3-phosphate binding to the isolated N-terminal domain of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase

To facilitate evaluation of enzyme–ligand complexes in solution, we have isolated the 26-kDa N-terminal domain of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase for analysis by NMR spectroscopy. The isolated domain is capable of binding the substrate shikimate-3-phosphate (S3P), and this letter reports the localization of the S3P binding site using chemical shift mapping. Based on the NMR data, we propose that Ser23, Arg27, Ser197, and Tyr200 are directly involved in S3P binding. We also describe changes in the observed nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) that are consistent with a partial conformational change in the N-terminal domain upon S3P binding.
The activity of glutaminase in the human placenta.

Abstract Homogenates and extracts of human placenta are able to desamidate glutamine by means of an enzyme which has the properties of glutaminase. Placental glutaminase is activated by phosphate. Its pH optimum lies at 9.0. A method for its assay in placental homogenate is described. It was found that the glutaminase activity decreases toward the end of pregnancy. At this time, the activity, expressed as QNH3 (N), amounts to 23.7 ± 6.7. Some quantitative aspects of glutaminase activity in the human placenta and kidney are discussed.
Correlation of offshore seismic profiles with onshore New Jersey Miocene sediments

Abstract The New Jersey passive continental margin records the interaction of sequences and sea-level, although previous studies linking seismically defined sequences, borehole control, and global δ18O records were hindered by a seismic data gap on the inner-shelf. We describe new seismic data from the innermost New Jersey shelf that tie offshore seismic stratigraphy directly to onshore boreholes. These data link the onshore boreholes to existing seismic grids across the outer margin and to boreholes on the continental slope. Surfaces defined by age; facies, and log signature in the onshore boreholes at the base of sequences Kw2b, Kw2a, Kw1c, and Kw0 are now tied to seismic sequence boundaries m5s, m5.2s, m5.4s, and m6s, respectively, defined beneath the inner shelf. Sequence boundaries recognized in onshore boreholes and inner shelf seismic profiles apparently correlate with reflections m5, m5.2, m5.4, and m6, respectively, that were dated at slope boreholes during ODP Leg 150. We now recognize an additional sequence boundary beneath the shelf that we name m5.5s and correlate to the base of the onshore sequence Kw1b. The new seismic data image prograding Oligocene clinoforms beneath the inner shelf, consistent with the results from onshore boreholes. A land-based seismic profile crossing the Island Beach borehole reveals reflector geometries that we tie to Lower Miocene litho- and bio-facies in this borehole. These land-based seismic profiles image well-defined sequence boundaries, onlap and downlap truncations that correlate to Transgressive Systems Tracts (TST) and Highstand Systems Tracts (HST) identified in boreholes. Preliminary analysis of CH0698 data continues these system tract delineations across the inner shelf. The CH0698 seismic profiles tie seismically defined sequence boundaries with sequences identified by lithiologic and paleontologic criteria. Both can now be related to global δ18O increases and attendant glacioeustatic lowerings. This integration of core, log, and seismic character of mid-Tertiary sediments across the width of the New Jersey margin is a major step in the long-standing effort to evaluate the impact of glacioeustasy on siliciclastic sediments of a passive continental margin.
Ieee 802.11ad: introduction and performance evaluation of the first multi-gbps wifi technology

Multi-Gbps communication is the next frontier in high-speed local and personal wireless technologies, which will offer the necessary foundation for a new wave of applications such as wireless display, high-speed device synchronization, and the evolution of Wi-Fi. The wide harmonized spectrum in the unlicensed millimeter-wave (60 GHz) band is considered the most prominent candidate to support the evolution towards multi-Gbps data rates. As such, the industry is in the process of defining new 60 GHz PHY and MAC technologies that can serve a wide variety of applications and usages, as to avoid the proliferation of non-coexistent devices operating in this unoccupied spectrum. The most promising activity is taking place under the auspices of the IEEE 802.11ad task group, which is defining amendments to the 802.11 standard for operation in the 60GHz band. In this paper we describe the main components of the MAC and PHY amendments included in the current IEEE 802.11ad draft standard and that enable multi-Gbps data rates. We also provide a comprehensive set of simulation results for typical use cases, and argue that 802.11ad is poised to be the standard that will enable mass market adoption of multi-Gbps wireless communication in the 60 GHz spectrum band.
Failure of LCP condylar plate fixation in the distal part of the femur. A report of six cases.

The treatment of comminuted, intra-articular distal femoral fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] classification1 33-C3) is challenging. Many of these injuries are the result of high-energy trauma, which generates severe soft-tissue damage and articular and metaphyseal comminution. Bone loss resulting from open fracture and poor bone quality may decrease the stability of fixation. Traditional devices for internal fixation have included the 95° condylar blade-plate, the dynamic condylar screw with a 95° side-plate, and intramedullary nails. However, coronal fractures or extensive distal comminution may preclude the use of these devices. In such cases, a lateral buttress or neutralization plate may be used. The condylar buttress plate was the first implant designed to serve this function. Unfortunately, when this device is applied in the presence of medial comminution or bone loss, failure of fixation and varus collapse may eventually result2,3. Recent advances in technology for the treatment of distal femoral fractures include the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS; Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) and the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) condylar plate (Synthes)4-15. Each of these implants offers multiple points of fixed-angle contact between the plate and screws in the distal part of the femur, theoretically reducing the tendency for varus collapse that is seen with traditional lateral plates. The LISS differs from the LCP condylar plate in composition, shape, and placement. Early clinical studies of the LISS have demonstrated a high frequency of fracture union with low rates of malalignment7-9,15. Few cases of failure of the LISS have been reported11,12,16. To our knowledge, there have been no published studies focusing specifically on the LCP condylar plate and no reported cases of failure of this implant in the distal part of the femur. The purposes …
Adult Work Commitment, Financial Stability, and Social Environment as Related to Trajectories of Marijuana Use Beginning in Adolescence

ABSTRACT. Background: The objective of this study is to examine trajectories of marijuana use among African Americans and Puerto Ricans from adolescence to adulthood, with attention paid to work commitment, financial stability, drug use, and violence. Methods: Participants (N = 816) completed in-class questionnaires as students in the East Harlem area of New York City at the first wave and provided follow-up data at 4 additional points in time (mean ages = 14, 19, 24, 29, and 32 years). Among 816 participants, there were 60% females, 52% African American, and 48% Puerto Ricans. Results: The chronic marijuana user trajectory group compared with the none or low, increasing, and/or moderate marijuana user trajectory group was associated with negative aspects of work commitment, financial stability, and the social environment. The chronic marijuana user group was similar to the increasing marijuana user group on work commitment and financial stability. Conclusions: These results suggest that treating marijua...
Health insurer market power and primary care consolidation

This paper analyzes how health insurance market concentration impacts the market structure of primary care physicians. In more concentrated insurance markets, physicians are found to work in larger practices and their practices are more likely to have a hospital with an ownership interest. Physicians are also less likely to report being in a competitive physician market, consistent with practice consolidation. Our results suggest that consolidation in insurance markets impacts the competitive structure of physician markets.
Notch expression patterns in the retina: An eye on receptor–ligand distribution during angiogenesis

The critical contribution of the Notch signaling pathway to vascular morphogenesis has been underscored by loss-of-function studies in mouse and zebrafish. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding as to how this signaling system influences the formation of blood vessels at the cellular and molecular level is far from reached. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the distribution of active Notch1 in relation to its DSL (Delta, Serrate, Lag2) ligands, Jagged1, Delta-like1, and Delta-like4, during progressive stages of vascular morphogenesis and maturation. Important differences in the cellular distribution of Notch ligands were found. Jagged1 (Jag1) was detected in "stalk cells" of the leading vasculature and at arterial branch points, a site where Delta-like4 (Dll4) was clearly absent. Dll4 was the only ligand expressed in "tip cells" at the end of the growing vascular sprouts. It was also present in stalk cells, capillaries, arterial endothelium, and in mural cells of mature arteries in a homogenous manner. Delta-like1 (Dll1) was observed in both arteries and veins of the developing network, but was also excluded from mature arterial branch points. These findings support alternative and distinct roles for Notch ligands during the angiogenic process.
Introduction of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid into soil with solvents and resulting implications for bioavailability to microorganisms

Slow equilibration of introduced chemicals through tortuous pore space limits uniform substrate distribution in soil biodegradation studies. The necessity of introducing poorly soluble xenobiotics via organic solvents, the volume of which is minimized to limit toxicity, likely also affects xenobiotic distribution. Our objective was to investigate relative effects of carrier solvent choice and volume on xenobiotic distribution, apparent solvent toxicity, and soil degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid. Incubations using four carrier solvents ranging in properties showed that the fraction of 2,4-D mineralized was a hyperbolic function of solvent volume used (0.02–10 μl g−1), attributed to compensating effects of herbicide bioavailability and solvent toxicity. Substrate concentration influenced mineralization of herbicide introduced with organic carriers, but not water. Fraction of material readily desorbed increased when water was the carrier. Results suggest that solvent toxicity should be balanced with uniformity of substrate distribution when using organic carriers in soils. Substrate bioavailability is a ubiquitous issue in terrestrial microbiology research, thus limitations observed herein broadly apply to microbiology questions about introduced substances in soil. We advocate the development of tools to characterize variable conditions among soil compartments, estimates of substrate bioavailability, and linkage of this information to microbial data.
111Indium-labeled human alveolar macrophages and monocytes: Function and ultrastructure

Abstract Human alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were labeled with indium-111 ( 111 In)-oxine in ethanol. The efficiency of labeling averaged 84% for macrophages and 74% for mononuclear cell preparations. Phagocytosis by macrophages, the release of colony stimulating factor activity (CSF) by macrophages, and chemotaxis by monocytes in response to human C5-derived chemotactic factor (C5 fr ) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-MLP), were indistinguishable between labeled and unlebeled cells. Microscopically, lebeled cells looked similar to control cells. Radioautography demonstrated 111 In throughout the labeled cells, but there was a disproportionately high quantity over nuclei. These findings add to the growing literature indicating that 111 In labels cells efficiently and that cells can retain function after being labeled with 111 In.
Influence of an energetically heterogeneous surface on the second gas-solid virial coefficient

Abstract A new equation is derived for the second gas-solid virial coefficient on a heterogeneous surface characterized by a gamma distribution of adsorption energies. Analysis of this equation shows that the influence of the adsorbent energetic heterogeneity on the second virial coefficient is significant, especially in the region of low temperatures.
Gait variability and disability in multiple sclerosis

Gait variability is clinically relevant in some populations, but there is limited documentation of gait variability in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This investigation examined average and variability of spatiotemporal gait parameters in persons with MS and healthy controls and subsequent associations with disability status. 88 individuals with MS (age 52.4±11.1) and 20 healthy controls (age 50.9±8.7) performed two self-paced walking trials on a 7.9-m electronic walkway to determine gait parameters. Disability was indexed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and ranged between 2.5 and 6.5. Gait variability was indexed by standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV=SD/mean) of step time, step length, and step width. Average gait parameters were significantly correlated with EDSS (ρ=0.756-0.609) and were significantly different in individuals with MS compared to controls (p≤0.002). Also, step length (p<0.001) and step time (p<0.001) variability were both significantly greater in MS compared to controls. EDSS was positively correlated with step length variability and individuals with MS who used assistive devices to walk had significantly greater step length variability than those who walked independently (p's<.05). EDSS was correlated with step time and length variability even when age was taken into account. Additionally, Fisher's z test of partial correlations revealed that average gait parameters were more closely related to disability status than gait variability in individuals with MS. This suggests that focusing on average gait parameters may be more important than variability in therapeutic interventions in MS.
Biochemical responses of Xanthium leaves to ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation reduced levels of cytochrome oxidase and oxygen uptake in Xanthium leaves, but both were higher in the newly regenerated leaves. Protein content and total chlorophylls of the UV-irradiated leaves decreased markedly when leaves were irradiated at 20°C, less at 10°C, and still less at 0°C. Total amino acids increased in response to UV irradiation, considerably at 10 and 20°C, but not at 0°C. It appears that the deleterious effects of UV light are minimized at lower temperature.
Enthalpy of uranium-plutonium carbide from 298 K to the melting point☆

Abstract An induction-heated drop-calorimetric system was used to measure the enthalpy of (U0.8Pu0.2)C from 1039 to 2421 K. By combining the measured enthalpy values with previously estimated low-temperature enthalpy data (900 K and below), an equation was derived that is applicable over the temperature range from 298 to 2548 K. Thermodynamic functions of (U0.8Pu0.2)C as a function of temperature are also given.
Assessing the Jihadist Terrorist Threat to America and American Interests

Al Qaeda and allied groups continue to pose a threat to the United States. Although it is less severe than the catastrophic proportions of a 9/11-like attack, the threat today is more complex and more diverse than at any time over the past nine years. Al Qaeda or its allies continue to have the capacity to kill dozens, or even hundreds, of Americans in a single attack. A key shift in the past couple of years is the increasingly prominent role in planning and operations that U.S. citizens and residents have played in the leadership of Al Qaeda and aligned groups, and the higher numbers of Americans attaching themselves to these groups. Another development is the increasing diversification of the types of U.S.-based jihadist militants, and the groups with which those militants have affiliated. Indeed, these jihadists do not fit any particular ethnic, economic, educational, or social profile. Al Qaeda's ideological influence on other jihadist groups is on the rise in South Asia and has continued to extend in...
The grief of soldiers: Vietnam combat veterans' self-help movement.

While the government has claimed few “psychiatric casualties” among Vietnam war veterans, most symptoms are delayed in onset, due to emotional anesthesia brought on by a combination of combat trauma and the military's counter-guerrilla training, which discourages grief and intimacy. This paper describes the symptoms reported by veterans, and their efforts in launching a self-help movement of group sessions and other activities, outside the auspices of a Veterans Administration that they find unresponsive to their needs. The involvement in the veterans' movement of mental health professionals is described, and the inadequacy of the traditional therapist-patient relationship is discussed.
Stratigraphic and regional variation of the petrographic and chemical properties of the Tradewater Formation coals and surrounding rocks in western Kentucky

Abstract The stratigraphic and regional variation of petrographic and chemical properties within the coals of the Upper Carboniferous Tradewater Formation and surrounding rocks in the Western Kentucky coal field were analyzed with the intent of constructing a depositional model for the occurrence of these low sulfur coals. Cores were megascopically described, and coal samples were analyzed for maceral, ash, and sulfur contents. These data were then analyzed to determine regional variation within the study area, as well as vertical variation within single coal columns. Sedimentological data from core logs indicate that the majority of the Tradewater rocks consist of irregularly distributed, coarsening-upward, fine-grained detrital material that was deposited in shallow bodies of water. Fossiliferous shales and limestones indicate a marine influence. Less common coarse-grained, fining-upward sequences appear to represent deposits of meandering or braided channels. Like the detrital rocks, the coal seams are irregularly distributed and exhibit substantial variation in petrographic and chemical properties which reflect changes in the Eh and pH of the coal swamp waters. These individual swamps were relatively limited in extent and probably occupied a low-lying coastal area. The relatively high vitrinite content of most of the coals suggests a reasonable degree of preservation of decaying plant materials. The study of benched samples from surface mines suggests a distinct dichotomy between swamps that were in more or less continuous contact with sulfate-rich marine or brackish water and those in which peat accumulated in a dominantly fresh-water setting. Most of the latter show a pattern of upward increasing sulfur content and decreasing vitrinite content, indicating increasing influences of oxygenated water that would encourage microbial action and which would degrade the peat and increase the tendency for sulfide precipitation. The high sulfur coals do not display this variability. The high rates of lateral variability encountered in the data suggest that future study should concentrate on smaller areas where variation can be completely documented.
Scenarios and Regional Strategic Transportation Planning

The use of scenarios for regional strategic transportation planning is studied. Scenario methodology is related to central issues identified in three contexts that define the environment in which the development of scenarios for transportation systems is likely to take place: strategic planning, regional transportation, and public-private partnerships. Limitations and concerns that are common to many regional transportation plans and strategic-planning activities are presented. The concept of scenarios is introduced. Several functions that scenario planning can perform in the context of regional transportation are discussed. The way in which scenarios address the identified shortcomings in transportation and general planning are highlighted. The province of Mendoza, Argentina, is introduced, and a scenario exercise for its transportation system is outlined. The primary conclusion is that the scenario methodology is an approach that is responsive to the needs and characteristics of modern regional strategi...
Oxidized lipoproteins and infectious agents: are they in collusion to accelerate atherogenesis?

Recent epidemiological studies have documented an increased incidence of some forms of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who have chronic infections and inflammatory disorders. Chlamydia pneumonia 1 2 3 and herpes viruses4 5 6 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD on the basis of their detection in human atherosclerotic plaques and epidemiological evidence of a higher incidence of CAD in patients infected with these agents. In this regard, many investigative reports have focused on the proatherosclerotic effects of infectious agents on vascular cells in tissue culture and how they may affect the biology of the arterial wall. The panoply of changes induced include those that increase the thrombotic potential of the vessel wall,7 increase expression of macrophage scavenger receptors with subsequent enhanced uptake of cholesterol through oxidized lipoproteins,8 increase expression of adhesion molecules9 and inflammatory cytokines,10 and increase smooth muscle cell migration11 and proliferation. Moreover, products of certain pathogens can exert proatherosclerotic effects directly in the macrophage, thereby promoting transformation of macrophages into atherosclerotic foam cells and stimulating them to express cytokines that contribute to plaque instability and even rupture. Indeed, many of these pathological features fall within the rubric of an inflammatory response. Interestingly, evidence is now mounting that the acute-phase response (APR) is …
Intraocular lenses, axial length, and retinal detachment.

A large series of patients with intraocular lens implants had an overall 0.98% incidence of retinal detachment (eight detachments in 819 eyes). Within this group, patients with axial lengths of more than 25 mm had a statistically significantly higher incidence of retinal detachment (P = .054).
Nutrition Risk Classification: A Reproducible and Valid Tool for Nurses

Background:Incorporating the nursing staff to assist with the screening process on admission will allow patients who are at nutritional risk to be assessed by registered dietitians earlier in their hospital stay. The goal of this study was to develop an objective, valid, reproducible nutrition screen for use by registered nurses (RNs) to allow for nutrition classifications of hospitalized patients.Methods:The current nursing admission assessment form was modified to contain questions on weight loss history, percentage of ideal body weight, and alterations in dietary intake and gastrointestinal function. Assessments were completed within 48 hours of admission. On the basis of the answers to these questions, patients were classified as “at nutritional risk” or “low nutritional risk.” In phase 1, to assess reproducibility of the form, a prospective study between staff RNs and a nutritionist was undertaken on 186 consecutive adult admissions. Nutrition screening and classification was done independently by bo...
Optical Processor For The Very Large Array (VLA) Radiotelescope: Aberration Analysis

It is shown that an optical Fourier transform processor can convert VLA telescope visibility data at its input to a high accuracy ski-brightness map at its output. A particularly attractive Fourier transform processor that minimized the number of lens elements and hence potential background scattering sources is one for which the input is placed after the Fourier transform lens. This lens in its simplest form illuminates the input signal with a converging spherical wave. Such a system does not produce a perfect Fourier transform, but rather produces an aberrated one. The aberration is effectively analyzed as an error term within a Fourier transform integral. Error reduction techniques for the output map are described and numerical results from digital simulations are presented for the VLA A-array aperture.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Zeolite-filled microporous mixed matrix (ZeoTIPS) membranes: Prediction of gas separation performance

This paper introduces the concept of zeolite-filled microporous mixed matrix membranes, referred to herein as ZeoTIPS membranes, and discusses their potential use for gas separations. ZeoTIPS membranes, which are formed using the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process, consist of zeolite particles supported in a microporous polymer matrix. ZeoTIPS membranes are designed to improve upon the performance of dense mixed matrix membranes for gas and liquid separations and to approach the performance of zeolite membranes while avoiding their drawbacks. In addition to discussing the preparation of ZeoTIPS membranes and their structure, the paper presents a model that can be used to demonstrate the potential of these membranes in gas separation applications. The model presented herein depends on the zeolite loading and the ratio of void volume to polymer volume in the membrane. The permeation characteristics inherent in each of the three membrane components are also taken into account. Predicted permeation results for oxygen/nitrogen separation using ZeoTIPS membranes formed with poly(vinyl acetate) and 4A zeolite are presented and are shown to improve significantly upon predicted dense mixed matrix membrane performance.
Mechanisms of lifetime degradation in Si/ARC samples patterned by laser lift-off

Applications for laser patterning in Si photovoltaics include (i) patterning SiO 2 or SiN layers with openings for local contacts and (ii) laser-doped selective emitter (LDSE) processes, in which the contact open is accompanied by the diffusion of dopants into a locally melted Si area. While contact open processes are best performed with UV wavelengths that can be strongly absorbed by the SiN or SiO 2 (allowing layer ablation with a minimum of Si heating), the Si melt depth required by LDSE requires irradiation at longer laser wavelengths where these antireflection coatings (ARCs) no longer absorb well. An optimized LDSE process must thus produce Si melting as well as the least amount of Si vaporization sufficient to lift off the overlying ARC. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms for lifetime degradation in Si(p-type, 100-oriented)/ARC samples resulting from 20 ns pulsed laser irradiation at 532 nm at fluences near the threshold for ARC removal. To differentiate between lifetime degradation induced by changes in the passivation layer vs. changes in the Si itself, samples were lifetime mapped after patterned laser irradiation and then again after a wet ARC strip and repassivation. Samples with ARCs of thermal SiO 2 and PECVD SiN typically showed some residual Si damage after irradiation at fluences sufficient for contact open. Interestingly, irradiation of the SiO 2 samples at lower fluences, between the threshold for Si melting and ARC removal, showed damage to the SiO 2 passivation, but no residual Si damage. Explanations for these observations and related results will be discussed.
Abstract 4745: Quantitative single-cell functional characterization of CD19-specific CAR+ T Cells for immunotherapy.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells rendered specific for CD19 have demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects in patients with CD19+ chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that were considered untreatable, including the use of stem-cell transplantation. In spite of the clinical promise of ACT in achieving complete responses, their efficacy remains unpredictable and new approaches are needed to address a priori define the therapeutic potential of T-cell based therapies. In our current work, we characterize the in vitro functionality of CD19-specific (CD19RCD28) CAR+ T cells propagated using artificial antigen presenting cells expressing membrane bound IL-21, by employing a novel methodology single-cell nanowell screening that determines their cytotoxic ability and cytokine secretion capability at single-cell resolution. We show that CAR+ T cells exert specific cytotoxicity against NALM6 cells (31 ± 8 %) when co-incubated at a 1:1 ratio in nanowell containers. Furthermore, single CAR+ T cells were capable of engaging and killing multiple targets; 17 ± 8% of T cells killed two target cells and 9 ± 3% killed three target cells within the 6 hour window of observation. In parallel, microengraving was used to determine the cytokine secretion profile of these same cells. Hierarchical clustering of the two functions indicated that interferon-gamma (IFNγ) secretion is not correlated to cytotoxicity or the ability of T cells to kill multiple target cells. Simultaneously, monitoring apoptosis on CAR+ T cells allowed us to quantify their activation-induced cell death (AICD). CAR+ T cells that secreted IFNγ upon target ligation did not undergo AICD whereas T cells that engaged in repeated killing showed an increased propensity to undergo AICD (p = 0.04). Finally, automated time-lapse microscopy of hundreds of these effector target interactions allowed us to quantify the kinetics of effector mediated lysis and effector cell velocity profiles before and after lysis. These analyses demonstrate that individual CAR+ T cells demonstrate vastly different individual killing profiles, at least in vitro. In summary, our SNS based methodology allows the deep functional characterization of clinical grade CAR+ T cells and can be used to determine in vitro functions of CAR+ T cells that correlate with clinical efficacy. Citation Format: Navin Varadarajan, Ivan Liadi, Gabrielle Romain, Harjeet Singh, Laurence J.N. Cooper. Quantitative single-cell functional characterization of CD19-specific CAR+ T Cells for immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4745. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4745
Rhodopsin exhibits a preference for solvation by polyunsaturated docosohexaenoic acid.

An all-atom molecular dynamics simulation of rhodopsin in a membrane environment has been carried out with lipid composition similar to that of the retinal membrane. The initial conformation of the protein was taken from the X-ray crystallographic structure (1F88), while those of the lipids came from a previous molecular dynamics simulation. During the course of the 12.5 ns simulation, the initially randomly placed lipids adopt an anisotropic solvation structure around the protein. The lipids, having one saturated stearic acid chain and one polyunsaturated docosohexaenoic acid chain with a zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine headgroup, arrange themselves to maximize contact between the polyunsaturated chain and the protein surface. This organization is driven by energetically favorable interactions between the transmembrance helices and the docosohexaenoyl chains that are largely of the van der Waals type. These observations are consistent with various experimental studies on rhodopsin and other G-protein co...
Energy efficient architecture for matrix multiplication on FPGAs

Energy efficiency has emerged as one of the key performance metrics. In this work, we first implement a baseline architecture for matrix multiplication, parameterized with the number of processing elements and the types of storage memory. We map this architecture onto a state-of-the-art Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). A design space is generated to demonstrate the effect of these parameters on the energy efficiency (defined as number of operations per Joule). We determine that on-chip memory constitutes the largest amount of power consumption among all the components. To improve energy performance, we propose a memory activation schedule. Using this scheme, the proposed optimized design achieves 2.2x and 1.33x improvement with respect to Energy×Area×Time (EAT) and energy efficiency, respectively, compared with the state-of-the-art matrix multiplication core.
The lipids of the common house cricket,Acheta domesticus L. I. Lipid classes and fatty acid distribution

The lipids of the common house cricket,Acheta domesticus L., have been examined with the following results. The fatty acids associated with the lipid extracts do not change significantly from the third through the eleventh week of the crickets' postembryonic life. The major fatty acids are linoleic (30–40%), oleic (23–27%), palmitic (24–30%), and stearic acids (7–11%). There are smaller amounts of palmitoleic (3–4%), myristic (∼1%), and linolenic acids (<1%). The fatty acid composition of the cricket lipids reflects but is not identical to the fatty acids of the dietary lipids: linoleic (53%), oleic (24%), palmitic (15%), stearic (3%), myristic (2%), and linolenic acid (2%).
Detection of Parvoviruses in Wolf Feces by Electron Microscopy

One hundred fifteen wolf (Canis lupus) feces were collected between 1980 and 1984 from northeastern Minnesota and were examined for canine parvovirus by negative contrast electron microscopy. Of these, seven (6%) samples revealed the presence of parvovirus. Some of these viruses were able to grow in cell cultures forming intranuclear inclusion bodies and giant cells.
Combustion of novel chemical mixtures for hydrogen generation

Novel chemical compositions for combustion-based generation of hydrogen, which can be used to feed fuel cells for emergency power supplies and portable electronics, are reported. Combustion heat release from the proposed gas-generating compositions can be converted to electricity. The proposed sodium borohydride/aluminum/water mixtures are combustible and exhibit high hydrogen yield. Mixtures with 50-70 wt% of Al are promising to obtain simultaneously high H{sub 2} yield and stable self-sustained combustion.
Isolation of viable rat kidney tubules

Abstract A method has been devised for the isolation of viable tubules from the rat renal cortex. More than 70% of the preparation consisted of fragments of proximal tubules which respired in calcium- and glucose-free buffer solution. The addition of glucose or succinate to the medium enhanced the oxygen uptake and allowed for a linear respiration for periods up to 120 min. The addition of calcium ion in the presence of substrate significantly enhanced the respiration. Disruption of the tubules with consequent fragmentation of the kidney cells markedly decreased the oxygen uptake. In the presence of glucose the respiration of the tubules was enhanced by the addition of insulin to the medium. This increase was approximately the same for alloxan-treated as for control preparations.
Effects of nutrients on arsenic accumulation by arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L.

Abstract This research investigated the effects of various nutrients on arsenic (As) removal by arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. in a Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS). The treatments included different concentrations of Ca and K in 20% strength of HNS, different strengths of HNS (10, 20 and 30%), different strengths of HNS (10 and 20%) with and without CaCO3, and different concentrations of Ca, K, NO3, NH4, and P in 20% strength of HNS. The plants were grown in nutrient solution containing 1 mg As L−1 for 4 weeks except the Ca/K experiment where the plants were grown in nutrient solution containing 10 or 50 mg As L−1 for 1 week. Adding up to 4 mM Ca or 3 mM K to 20% strength HNS significantly (P
ALTERED SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF THE B875 LIGHT‐HARVESTING PIGMENT‐PROTEIN COMPLEX IN A Rhodobacter sphaeroides MUTANT LACKING pufX

— Mutants of Rhodobacler sphac, roicies lacking the pufX gene are unable to grow photosynthetically and have been reported to show impaired cyclic electron flow and elevated B875 levels when grown at low oxygen tension. An examination of the low-temperature optical properties of chromatophores from a pufx- strain, obtained by complementation of a pufLMX mutant in trans with pufQBALM, encoding polypeptides of the B875 antenna and reaction center complexes, revealed that the absorption and fluorescence emission maxima and the fluorescence polarization rise over the B875-Qy band were shifted to lower energies. These results suggest that the pufX gene product may limit the aggregation state of the B875 complex, assuring the proper functional arrangement of antenna and reaction ccntcr components within the cores of the photosynthetic units.
Observational studies of atmospheric aerosols over Bozeman, Montana, using a two-color lidar, a water vapor DIAL, a solar radiometer, and a ground-based nephelometer over a 24-h period

Abstract Coordinated observational data of atmospheric aerosols were collected over a 24-h period between 2300 mountain daylight time (MDT) on 27 August 2009 and 2300 MDT on 28 August 2009 at Bozeman, Montana (45.66°N, 111.04°W, elevation 1530 m) using a collocated two-color lidar, a diode-laser-based water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL), a solar radiometer, and a ground-based nephelometer. The optical properties and spatial distribution of the atmospheric aerosols were inferred from the observational data collected using the collocated instruments as part of a closure experiment under dry conditions with a relative humidity below 60%. The aerosol lidar ratio and aerosol optical depth retrieved at 532 and 1064 nm using the two-color lidar and solar radiometer agreed with one another to within their individual uncertainties while the scattering component of the aerosol extinction measured using the nephelometer matched the scattering component of the aerosol extinction retrieved using the 532-n...
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention

Treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) was introduced in 1974 based on protocols used for treatment of toxoplasmic encephalitis of humans. The original regimen of a sulfonamide (sometimes with trimethoprim) plus pyrimethamine has continued, with minor alterations, to this day. Since 2000, the folate inhibitors sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine, the triazinetrione ponazuril, and the nitrothiazole nitazoxanide have all been licensed by the FDA for the treatment of EPM. A triazinedione drug, diclazuril, is pending approval. Dosage regimens for anti-EPM drugs have been determined by considerations of cost, convenience, in vitro potency against Sarcocystis neurona, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations, safety, and the results of clinical efficacy studies. Because of differences in techniques and experimental design among studies performed for each of these drugs, objective comparison of different treatments is not yet possible. On the basis of published results of clinical efficacy studies, it is reasonable to expect that about 60% of horses with moderate to severe EPM will improve after treatment with any of the approved medications, with 10% to 20% recovering completely.
bcl-2/Adenovirus E1B 19-kd interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) regulates hypoxia-induced neural precursor cell death.

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) may result in long-term neurological deficits. In addition to producing neuron death, HI causes death of neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the developing brain. To characterize the molecular pathways that regulate hypoxia-induced death of NPCs, we treated a mouse neural stem cell line (C17.2 cells) and fibroblastic growth factor-II-expanded primary NPCs derived from wild-type or gene-disrupted mice, with oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) or the hypoxia-mimetics desferrioxamine (DFO) or Cobalt chloride. NPCs undergoing hypoxia exhibited time- and concentration-dependent caspase-3 activation and cell death, which was significantly reduced by treatment with a broad caspase inhibitor or protein synthesis inhibition. Bax/Bak-deficient NPCs were protected from DFO-induced death and exhibited minimal caspase-3 activation. OGD or hypoxia-mimetic exposure also resulted in increased hypoxia inducible factor alpha and bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein-3 (BNIP3) expression. BNIP3 shRNA treatment failed to affect hypoxia-induced caspase-3 activation but inhibited cell death and nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor, indicating that BNIP3 is an important regulator of caspase-independent NPC death following hypoxia. These studies demonstrate that hypoxia activates both caspase-dependent and -independent NPC death pathways that are critically regulated by multiple Bcl-2 family members.
Machine Learning [Guest editor's introduction]

The guest editor discusses some recent advances in machine learning and their applications to exciting new problem areas.
The emergence of obstruents after high vowels

While a few cases of the emergence of obstruents after high vowels are found in the literature (Burling 1966, 1967, Blust 1994), no attempt has been made to comprehensively collect instances of this sound change or give them a unified explanation. This paper attempts to resolve this gap in the literature by introducing a post-vocalic obstruent emergence (POE) as a recurring sound change with a phonetic (aerodynamic) basis. Possible cases are identified in Tibeto-Burman, Austronesian, and Grassfields Bantu. Special attention is given to a novel case in the Tibeto-Burman language Huishu.
Molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding a crustacean hyperglycemic hormone from eyestalk ganglia of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus.

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH), a polypeptide with multiple physiological effects, was first identified in the X-organ/sinus gland neurosecretory system of the eyestalks. In studies reported here, we used a PCR-based cloning strategy (RT-PCR followed by 5′- and 3′-RACE) to clone from blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) eyestalk ganglia a cDNA (CsCHH-1) encoding a putative CHH preprohormone. Sequence analysis revealed the preprohormone included all structural features previously reported for CHH preprohormones: a signal peptide, a CHH precursor-related peptide (CPRP), the CHH polypeptide, and a C-terminal basic processing site. Further, the deduced amino acid sequence of the mature polypeptide included all signature domains previously reported for CHH. The primary structure of blue crab CHH is most closely related to CHH from other brachyurans. RT-PCR revealed the CsCHH-1 transcript was present in eyestalk ganglia, but was undetectable in other tissues tested. A transcript encoding a similar CHH-like preprohormone was detected in thoracic ganglion, ventral nerve cord, and brain, but was not detected in eyestalk ganglia.