cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early hepatic stellate cell activation predicts severe hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation

Only a subset of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients develop progressive hepatic fibrosis after liver transplantation (LT). Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a pivotal step in hepatic fibrosis and precedes clinically apparent fibrosis. We determined whether early HSC activation, measured in 4-month protocol post-LT biopsies, is predictive of subsequent development of more histologically severe recurrence of HCV. Early (4 month) post-LT HSC activation, as measured by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining, was determined in liver biopsies from recipients with severe (fibrosis score ≥ 2, n = 13) and with mild (fibrosis score of 0, n = 13) recurrence of HCV at one-year post-LT. Immunohistochemical staining for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was used to generate HSC activation scores (regional and total). Total HSC activation scores at 4 months were similar in patients with severe and mild HCV recurrence (3.9 ± 2.0 vs. 2.7 ± 2.2, P = 0.2). Regional HSC activation, assessed as parenchymal (zones 1, 2, and 3) or mesenchymal (portal tracts and fibrous septa), was different between the study groups, with higher mesenchymal scores predictive of progression. No patients in the mild recurrence group had detectable mesenchymal α-SMA staining vs. 46% (6/13) of patients with severe recurrence (P < 0.01). Mesenchymal activation of HSC had a specificity and positive predictive value of 100% for development of progressive fibrosis in liver allografts of patients with hepatitis C. In conclusion, early activation of mesenchymal HSCs is a marker for progressive fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C post-LT and may help select patients who would benefit from HCV or HSC-targeted therapy. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1207–1213.)
The Superior Paraolivary Nucleus of the Rat Is a GABAergic Nucleus

The presence of the inhibitory neurotransmitters glycine and GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) and GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase), the synthesizing enzyme for GABA, was examined by immunocytochemistry in the superior paraolivary nucleus (SPON) of the rat. Only rarely were SPON neurons observed to be glycine-immunoreactive, but the majority were GABA-immunoreactive. Using unbiased stereological counting methods, we estimated that this nucleus contains approximately 2500 neurons. Moreover, 90% of SPON neurons were immunolabeled by antisera directed against either the 65- or 67-kD isoform of GAD, or a third antiserum that recognizes both GAD isoforms. Morphometric analysis of GAD-immunolabeled neurons indicated that SPON neurons possess cell bodies and dendritic arbors that are elongated rostrocaudally and relatively flattened parasagittally. Abundant glycine-, GABA-, and GAD-immunoreactive punctate profiles-presumed to represent, for the most part, presynaptic axon terminals-were observed in apposition to SPON neurons. We conclude that the rat SPON contains a homogeneous population of multipolar GABAergic neurons that receive abundant GABAergic and glycinergic innervation. The vast majority of glycinergic inputs to SPON are presumed to originate in the ipsilateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, but the source(s) of its GABAergic innervation remains to be determined.
Relative influences of bioturbation and physical mixing on degradation of bloom-derived particulate organic matter: Clue from microcosm experiments

Chloropigment profiles observed in coastal marine sediments imply that the fate of bloom-derived organic matter is simultaneously affected by physical and biological mixing processes, but these influences are poorly differentiated by field measurements. To test relative influences of biological versus physical mixing processes on organic matter degradation, we conducted a series of microcosm experiments in three simulated mixing regimes: bioturbated, episodically physically mixed, and unmixed. Algal materials (uniformly 13C and 15N-labeled) were added on the surface of homogenized (pre-sieved) sediment cores as a simulation of natural deposition of bloom-derived organic matter (with an increase of 30–40 nmol chlorophyll-a in 1 g of dry sediment). Biological mixing was initiated by adding a group of macrofauna or individual species into the sediment cores while physical mixing was manipulated by mechanically stirring the surface sediment at variable frequency. We followed the time-dependent and depth-dependent variations of algal organic matter (13C-POC and 15N-PON) and chloropigments in simulated mixing regimes over 1-month incubations. The analytical results showed that algal organic matter and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) degraded coincidentally but the degradation rates varied in different mixing regimes, which was likely related to variable redox conditions created by different mixing processes. In general, physical mixing immediately transported the fresh particulate organic matter from the oxic surface to the deep anoxic sediments, where 13C-POC, 15N-PON and Chl-a degraded at a 3–5× slower rate than those in the unmixed and bioturbated sediments. No matter how frequently the sediments were stirred, similar amounts of 13C-POC, 15N-PON, and Chl-a remained in all physically mixed cores after 1 month. On the other hand, biological mixing created an oscillating oxic/anoxic environment for degradation of algal organic matter through irrigation to deepen dissolved oxygen penetration and via reworking to mix particles between oxic and anoxic sediments. However, the influences of biological mixing on organic matter degradation varied with macrofaunal species and their behaviors. In the unmixed regime, 13C-POC, 15N-PON, and Chl-a from the added algal materials degraded under continuous oxic conditions on the sediment–water interface at similar rates to those in the bioturbated sediments.
Environmental Health Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations: Anticipating Hazards—Searching for Solutions

A scientific conference and workshop was held March 2004 in Iowa City, Iowa, that brought together environmental scientists from North America and Europe to address major environmental health issues associated with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in large, industrialized livestock production facilities. After one and a half days of plenary sessions, five expert workgroups convened to consider the most relevant research areas, including respiratory health effects, modeling and monitoring of air toxics, water quality issues, influenza pandemics and antibiotic resistance, and community health and socioeconomic issues. The workgroup reports that follow outline the state of the science and public health concerns relating to livestock production as they apply to each workgroup topic. The reports also identify areas in which further research is needed and suggest opportunities to translate science to policy initiatives that would effect improvements in public and environmental health. Viable solutions to some of the current environmental health problems associated with CAFOs are outlined. In addition, these reports bring to light several major concerns, including air and water contamination, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock, and the specter of influenza outbreaks arising from siting industrialized poultry and swine production in proximity to each other and to humans.
Use of L-cysteine in bread baking--results of a multi-generation feeding experiment with breeding rats.

A multi-generation feeding test with growing and breeding rats has been conducted to determine the effect of the cysteine-treatment of flour (compared with control flour)used in preparing the bread included in their diets at the level of 77%. Neither 10 times nor 100 times the optimum usage rate of cysteine markedly affected growth, breeding characteristics or post mortem findings in the rats, apart from a slightly greater rate of decline in weaning liveweight from generation to generation at the highest cysteine level, leading to lower liver and kidney weights in male weanling rats of the fifth and sixth generations. Histological evidence from breeding rats of the fifth generation showed no lesions atypical in normal rats and therefore supported the contention that the consumption by rats of bread baked with cysteine- treated flour is without harmful effect over several generations.
Warp-speed causal connectivity

A possible consequence of a limiting proper acceleration relative to the vacuum is warp-speed causal connectivity near the Planck scale of spatial separation between two devices measuring the field, or at much larger separations when the relative speed of the two measuring devices is near the standard speed of light in vacuum. The modified quantum field is Lorentz invariant, and causal connectivity backward in time remains impossible.
INFLUENCE STRUCTURE OF "JULIUS CAESAR"

Previous studies have shown that the application of mathematical techniques can be useful for clarifying emotional involvements in drama. Using a mathematical technique, Taylor's a, this study eval...
Electronic origin of pyridinyl N as a better hydrogen-bonding acceptor than carbonyl O

A diarylamine compound, 2-(phenylamino)nicotinic acid, can form either the carboxyl acid–acid dimer or acid–pyridine chain in its polymorphic structures. Quantum mechanical calculations indicate that the hydrogen-bonding strength of the heterosynthon is stronger. Conceptual density functional theory is then used to understand the fundamental cause of pyridine N being a better hydrogen-bonding acceptor.
Structure and orientation of lung surfactant SP-C and L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine in aqueous monolayers

SP-C, a pulmonary surfactant-specific protein, aids the spreading of the main surfactant phospholipid L-alpha-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) across air/water interfaces, a process that has possible implications for in vivo function. To understand the molecular mechanism of this process, we have used external infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) to determine DPPC acyl chain conformation and orientation as well as SP-C secondary structure and helix tilt angle in mixed DPPC/SP-C monolayers in situ at the air/water interface. The SP-C helix tilt angle changed from approximately 24 degrees to the interface normal in lipid bilayers to approximately 70 degrees in the mixed monolayer films, whereas the acyl chain tilt angle of DPPC decreased from approximately 26 degrees in pure lipid monolayers (comparable to bilayers) to approximately 10 degrees in the mixed monolayer films. The protein acts as a "hydrophobic lever" by maximizing its interactions with the lipid acyl chains while simultaneously permitting the lipids to remain conformationally ordered. In addition to providing a reasonable molecular mechanism for protein-aided spreading of ordered lipids, these measurements constitute the first quantitative determination of SP-C orientation in Langmuir films, a paradigm widely used to simulate processes at the air/alveolar interface.
A chemically modified preparation of alpha2-macroglobulin binds beta-amyloid peptide with increased affinity and inhibits Abeta cytotoxicity.

Macromolecules that bind β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and neutralize Aβ cytotoxicity offer a promising new approach for treating Alzheimer's disease. When the plasma protein, α2-macroglobulin (α2M), is treated with methylamine (α2M-MA), it undergoes conformational change and acquires Aβ-binding activity. In this study, we demonstrate that a chemically stabilized preparation of human α2M conformational intermediates (α2M-cis-Pt/MA) binds Aβ with greatly increased affinity, compared with α2M-MA. α2M-cis-Pt/MA was generated by reacting α2M with the protein cross-linking reagent, cis-Pt, followed by methylamine. Increased Aβ-binding to α2M-cis-Pt/MA was demonstrated by co-migration of radio-iodinated proteins in non-denaturing PAGE, chemical cross-linking, and co-immunoprecipitation. The apparent KD for Aβ-binding to α2M-cis-Pt/MA was decreased 10-fold, compared with α2M-MA, to 29 nm. Native α2M demonstrated negligible Aβ-binding, as anticipated. α2M-cis-Pt/MA markedly counteracted Aβ-induced C6 cell apoptosis. Essentially complete inhibition of apoptosis was observed even when the Aβ was present at fourfold molar excess to α2M-cis-Pt/MA. Under equivalent conditions, α2M-MA inhibited apoptosis by 25 ± 6%. When Aβ and α2M-cis-Pt/MA were added to human plasma in vitro, significant binding was detected. No binding was observed when an equivalent concentration of native α2M or α2M-MA was added to plasma. We propose that α2M-cis-Pt/MA is a novel alternative to Aβ-specific antibodies, for studying the efficacy of Aβ-binding agents in vitro and in vivo.
Ponasterone A: A new ecdysteroid from the embyros and serum of brachyuran crustaceans

The apolar ecdysteroid present in the developing embryo of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, is tentatively identified as ponasterone A (2 beta, 14 alpha, 20,22-pentahydroxy-5, beta-cholest-7-en-6-one) on the basis of chromatographic, immunological, and mass spectral evidence. The apolar ecdysteroid present in the serum of land crabs, Gecarcinus lateralis, in the late premolt stages of the intermolt cycle is also tentatively identified as ponasterone A on the basis of chromatographic and immunological evidence.
Survey of integrated statistical computer packages

The statistical features and general characteristics of seven integrated packages were surveyed. SPSS, DATA-TEXT, and OSIRIS emerged as the most comprehensive. OSIRIS in particular offered the most extensive multivariate analysis capabilities. The only category of statistical analysis neglected in all of the packages was nonparametric procedures related to ordinal data. Information on availability and user’s manuals is provided.
Relational listening: A grounded theoretical model

This research seeks to examine, and provide a theoretical grounding for, those dimensions that prospectively characterize the construct of relational listening. First, a rationale for examining relational listening is provided. Second, an account analysis utilizing data from 123 relational dyads was conducted to examine the relational nature of listening. Third, a grounded theoretical model of relational listening is introduced. Finally, implications from introducing a grounded theoretical model of relational listening are discussed. Assessing relational listening provides communication scholars the opportunity to identify those implicit, taken‐for‐granted, assumptions that prospectively govern everyday relational interaction.
Hyperfine fields in the itinerant ferromagnet ZrZn2

Abstract Upper limits of 25, 60, and 30 kOe, respectively, are placed on the magnitudes of hyperfine fields at the sites of Zn, Zr and Nb in activated ZrZn 2 , determined from γ-ray asymmetries with cryogenically aligned isotopes. The extent of s-d hybridization of conduction electrons is thus small.
Diffusion-controlled decohesion using a Cu-Sn alloy as a model system

This research deals with a mode of brittle intergranular fracture in which a surface-adsorbed embrittling element is driven into a grain boundary as a result of the application of a tensile stress across the boundary. A Cu-8%Sn alloy has been employed to explore this phenomenon, since tin is a surface-active element, and this alloy is known to suffer intergranular weakness at elevated temperatures. Intergranular cracking occurred by brittle, discontinuous crack advance at 265°C in vacuum with an average rate of 0.1μm/sec. This behavior is analogous to sulfur-induced stress-relief cracking in steels and several cases of liquid-metal embrittlement, suggesting that this phenomenon has a generic nature.
Purification and Characterization of Vitellin from the Palo Verde Beetle, Derobracus Geminatus

Isolation of vitellin from mature eggs of the palo verde beetle, Derobracus geminatus, was achieved by a combination of gel permeation and anion-exchange chromatography. It is a phosphoglycolipoprotein (Mr ~250, 000) that contains 8% lipids, 4% carbohydrates and 0.2% protein-bound phosphorus. The vitellin is composed of three apoproteins designated I(Mr ~160, 000), II (Mr ~140, 000) and in (Mr ~50, 000). The carbohydrate moiety is composed exclusively of mannose and N-acetylglucosamine. All three apoproteins are glycosylated as shown by flourescein isothiocyanate-conjugated concanavalin A and periodate-Schiff (PAS) staining suggesting the presence of a high mannose structure. Further evidence for the high mannose structure was obtained by the ability of endo-s-N-acetylglucosaminidase H treatment to remove the carbohydrate moieties on the apoproteins.
Are school counselors an effective education input

We exploit within-school variation in counselors and find that one additional counselor reduces student misbehavior and increases boys’ academic achievement by over one percentile point. These effects compare favorably with those of increased teacher quality and smaller class sizes.
Effects of cations and polyamines on the aggregation and fusion of phosphatidylserine membranes

Effects of various metal cations and polyamines on aggregation and fusion of phosphatidylserine vesicles and their associated physicochemical properties (such as surface tension and vesicle electrophoretic mobility) have been studied. It was found that metal polycations and hydrogen ion caused an increase in the surface tension of a phosphatidylserine monolayer, whereas the polyamines and other monovalent cations did not increase the surface tension of the membrane appreciably. All cations used affected the vesicle mobility roughly in the order of the number of their valencies and linearly with respect to the logarithm of their concentrations of ions; vesicle surface charge densities are reduced by adsorption and screening of the counter ions depending on their valencies and concentrations. The degree of aggregation of lipid vesicles parallels somewhat that of the reduction of vesicle electrophoretic mobilities. However, the degree of membrane fusion induced by these cations parallels that of the increase in surface tension of the membranes induced by these cations.
Thermal Stability of Vaccines

Worldwide vaccination programs against infectious diseases and toxins are estimated to save approximately 3 million lives yearly. Tragically, however, another 3 million individuals (primarily children) die of vaccine-preventable diseases. A significant portion of this problem results from the thermal instability of many of the currently used vaccines. This review argues that modern methods of physical and chemical analysis permit for the first time characterization of the degradative pathways of thermally labile vaccines. A rigorous description of these pathways permit a more rational and systematic approach to the stabilization of vaccines. A direct result of the replacement of currently employed, primarily empirical, approaches to vaccine stabilization with a more molecular-based methodology should be the development of more universally available vaccinations against life-threatening diseases. This has the potential to have a dramatic impact on world health.
Instructional systems development in the next decade

As the 1970's come to a close, a reflective mood emerges and causes periods of summative review and of future predictions. This reflectiveness was perhaps the source of two recent articles in the Journal of Instructional Development, Fall, 1978 entitled "The Future of Instructional Development-Through the Looking Glass Darkly" by Kent Gustafson and "Instructional Development: Deliverance" by Kenneth Silber. The authors took diametrically opposed positions of the future of instructional development. Their papers originally were presented for the 1978 Association for Educational Communications and Technology Convention in Kansas City. The authors were asked to take opposing points of view concerning the future of instructional development: Silber positive and Gustafson negative. The articles were admittedly one-sided, and it should be noted that the authors could have switched sides in the debate. Their purpose was to generate professional dialogue, and thus this article and their success.
Variability of natural and bomb-produced radionuclide distributions in abyssal red clay sediments

The nature of sedimentation and mixing are examined in abyssal red clay sediments from the North Central Pacific using three types of indicators: 23°Th/232Th, organic 14C, and 137Cs and 239'24°pu. 23°Th/232Th analysed revealed that the clay sedimentation rate in three box cores collected within a 50 km radius was less than 1.0 ram/10 3 yr. However, analyses of the organic carbon in thin layers of sediment revealed that radiocarbon was present much deeper in the cores (down to 20 cm) than was expected from the 23°Th/232Th distribution. In addition, both the stratigraphy and inventory of radiocarbon was significantly different between box cores. The distributions and inventories of 137Cs and 239"24°pu were similar to that found for radiocarbon, further illustrating the spatial variability of radionuclides in oligotrophic North Pacific red clays. These data suggest that bioturbational processes are important for transporting organic carbon down into the sediment column.
Mycosis fungoides presenting as areas of hypopigmentation

In three patients with histologically documented mycosis fungoides, all or most of the lesions were hypopigmented. Unsuspected microscopic foci of mycosis fungoides were found in a purely macular hypopigmented area in one of these patients who had been treated for vitiligo 15 years earlier. Two of the patients were black, and one was Latin American. Repigmentation in all patients followed treatment with carmustine (BCNU) and mechlorethamine.
Integrating participatory sensing and informal science education

In light of the declining number of new students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, informal science educators have adopted public participation in scientific research as a tool to produce gains in engagement. Following their lead, we propose to use a form of public participation in scientific research known as participatory sensing to increase engagement in these academic areas. Participatory sensing involves volunteers using mobile phones and the embedded sensing capabilities to collect data, and is well suited for the task as it provides the students with a familiar tool for conducting complex scientific research. To accomplish this goal, we have developed two components: a toolkit for defining, creating, and managing a participatory sensing campaign, including automated generation of mobile applications; and a curriculum designed around the toolkit, where students conduct scientific research with mobile phones as their primary data collection tools. Thus far, the results of this work have shown the potential for participatory sensing as an informal education tool to increase engagement and interest in pursuing careers in science and technology.
Ways and Means of Science in Medieval Spain: Erasmus Lecture given at the Toledo General Meeting of the Academia Europaea 2007

The concept of tolerance initially advanced by the Arabs in both the East and the Iberian peninsula, an ideal later continued at the time of the Reconquest by Spanish Christians, was the key to the transmission of Greek science to the West. This paper examines the far-reaching and peculiar ways in which both Christians and Muslims fostered on Spanish soil a thriving intellectual life in the low Middle Ages. Particular attention is given to the rich personality and precociously modern achievements of King Alfonso X, with his vast project of cultural empowerment on behalf of his subjects.
MicroRNAs and Cardiovascular Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to their targets and promoting RNA degradation and/or inhibiting protein translation. In recent years, miRNAs have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulatory networks, providing new prospective tools to manage disease. Atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of disability and death in the US and in other western populations and pose an enormous burden on our healthcare system. Altered lipid homeostasis in liver or in the artery wall, and disruption of endothelial and smooth muscle cell function have been shown to contribute to the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. This review focuses on recent advances in the field of vascular biology- and lipid metabolism-related miRNomics.
Microbiological water purification without the use of chemical disinfection.

Objectives Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems are self-contained units that can be used by recreational enthusiasts who normally obtain drinking water from untreated sources (ie, rivers, lakes, etc). Microbiological water purifier units are capable of removing all waterborne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technology (Structured Matrix) capable of micro-biologically purifying the water without the use of chemical disinfectants or an external power requirement. Methods Each of 3 identical portable water filtration units were evaluated for their ability to remove Klebsiella terrigena , poliovirus type 1, rotavirus SA-11, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Units were operated according to the manufacturer's instructions to process 378 L of water. Each unit was challenged with test organisms after 0, 94, 190, 227, 284, 340, and 378 L had passed through it. For the 227-L and 284-L challenges, a "worst-case" water quality (4°C, pH 9, and turbidity 30 NTU) was used that contained 1500mg/L dissolved solids and 10mg/L humid acid. At 340-L and 378-L challenges, worst-case water quality was adjusted to pH 5.0. Units were tested after stagnation for 48 hours following passage of 190, 340, and 378 L of water. Results The geometric average removal exceeded 99.9999% for bacteria, 99.99% for viruses, and 99.9% for Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Conclusion These units comply with the criteria guidelines for microbial removal under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's "Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers."
Integrating the Maxwell equations, generalized functions, and nonlocal boundary conditions

The equivalence of the combined interior and exterior scattering problems with the Maxwell equations and boundary equations has been demonstrated [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. B68, 602– 610 ( 1978)]. The expressions for the fields inside and outside the medium were coupled through certain nonlocal boundary conditions that were shown to be generalizations of the Ewald–Oseen extinction theorem. I consider the Maxwell equations in the sense of generalized functions and obtain, without the use of potentials, expressions for the regional fields. These expressions involve four unknown surface-vector fields. Two nonlocal vector-boundary conditions are obtained directly from the regional field expressions. Two other local vector-boundary conditions emerge if we consider generalized functions acting on a certain space of test functions whose properties are described.
A comparison of arc-based and static mini-multileaf collimator-based radiosurgery treatment plans.

Abstract Background : The purpose of this study is to compare arc-based and mini-multileaf collimator (mMLC)-based radiosurgery treatment plans using isodose distributions and dose-volume histograms. Methods : Of 11 patients who underwent conventional arc-based radiosurgery for intracranial malignancies, four were treated with one isocenter, four were treated with two isocenters and three were treated with three isocenters. The same cases were re-planned using a test version of mMLC-based radiosurgery software for multiple static non-coplanar fields. Results and conclusion : For non-spherical targets, treatment planning is relatively intuitive with mMLC-based radiosurgery, reducing the amount of time required for planning. Moreover, a lower dose of radiation is delivered to normal tissue with mMLC-based radiosurgery than with arc-based radiosurgery, which theoretically should lead to a reduced risk of complications.
Inhibition of Multidrug Resistance by SV40 Pseudovirion Delivery of an Antigene Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) in Cultured Cells

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is known to bind with extraordinarily high affinity and sequence-specificity to complementary nucleic acid sequences and can be used to suppress gene expression. However, effective delivery into cells is a major obstacle to the development of PNA for gene therapy applications. Here, we present a novel method for the in vitro delivery of antigene PNA to cells. By using a nucleocapsid protein derived from Simian virus 40, we have been able to package PNA into pseudovirions, facilitating the delivery of the packaged PNA into cells. We demonstrate that this system can be used effectively to suppress gene expression associated with multidrug resistance in cancer cells, as shown by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and cell viability under chemotherapy. The combination of PNA with the SV40-based delivery system is a method for suppressing a gene of interest that could be broadly applied to numerous targets.
Induction of neonatal tolerance to Mlsa antigens by CD8+ T cells

Antigen-specific tolerance of T cells to minor lymphocyte stimulatory (Mls) antigens can be induced in mice by neonatal injection of foreign lymphohematopoietic cells. Although immune responses to Mlsa antigens are controlled by B cells, CD8+ T cells were the most effective cell type for induction of Mlsa tolerance. Tolerance was evident in both thymus and lymph nodes and could be induced by as few as 2 x 10(4) CD8+ T cells; these cells were 50 to 100 times as potent as CD4+ cells or B cells in causing functional tolerance and deletion of V beta 6+ T cells. Thus, intrathymic contact with antigens expressed on CD8+ T cells may play an important role in controlling the normal development of tolerance.
Effect of Various Conditions on the Formation of Oligosaccharides in Milk Treated with β-Galactosidase

Abstract Fresh pasteurized milk was inoculated with β -galactosidase from two different microbial sources at three levels and analyzed for oligosaccharides by high performance liquid chromatography. Five oligosaccharides were observed in the course of hydrolysis. However, only two of these showed measurable increases in concentration. Rate of oligosaccharide formation during hydrolysis was influenced by source and amount of enzymes, reaction time, and temperature. Maximum concentrations of the two oligosaccharides occurred between .5 and 3 d at 7°C and between 1 and 3 d at 1°C, depending on the level of the enzyme used. The higher level of enzyme formed a higher concentration of oligosaccharides than the low level, except at 37°C. After maximum concentration was reached, the two oligosaccharides decreased following hydrolysis, but rate of decrease was dependent upon time, temperature, and enzyme concentration. Hydrolysis of the oligosaccharide was faster at 7°C and at the higher enzyme concentration. Maximum concentration of oligosaccharides was .374 g/100g milk but was negligible after 7 d, except when the low level of enzyme was used. The total concentration of the oligosaccharides formed in enzyme-treated milk was insignificant.
Categorical vowel perception enhances the effectiveness and generalization of auditory feedback in human-machine-interfaces.

Human-machine interface (HMI) designs offer the possibility of improving quality of life for patient populations as well as augmenting normal user function. Despite pragmatic benefits, utilizing auditory feedback for HMI control remains underutilized, in part due to observed limitations in effectiveness. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which categorical speech perception could be used to improve an auditory HMI. Using surface electromyography, 24 healthy speakers of American English participated in 4 sessions to learn to control an HMI using auditory feedback (provided via vowel synthesis). Participants trained on 3 targets in sessions 1–3 and were tested on 3 novel targets in session 4. An “established categories with text cues” group of eight participants were trained and tested on auditory targets corresponding to standard American English vowels using auditory and text target cues. An “established categories without text cues” group of eight participants were trained and tested on the same targets using only auditory cuing of target vowel identity. A “new categories” group of eight participants were trained and tested on targets that corresponded to vowel-like sounds not part of American English. Analyses of user performance revealed significant effects of session and group (established categories groups and the new categories group), and a trend for an interaction between session and group. Results suggest that auditory feedback can be effectively used for HMI operation when paired with established categorical (native vowel) targets with an unambiguous cue.
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in detecting and staging prostatic cancer

Thirteen patients were examined for grade, stage, and extent of their prostatic cancer, utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical workup for metastases. Of these 13 patients, 12 had known prostatic cancer proved by needle biopsy or by pathologic examination of transurethral prostatectomy tissue. Five of these patients underwent radical surgery allowing further correlation of clinical findings and MRI data with the surgical pathologic findings. MRI of the prostate was found to be a sensitive modality in detecting prostatic carcinoma and showing extension of disease in some cases. Also, in some cases it was not always possible to differentiate between prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia with MRI.
Investment allocation: A comparison of the reform experiences of Hungary and Yugoslavia☆

Abstract Both Yugoslavia and Hungary, despite reform efforts, have continued to exhibit investment cycles. An analysis is presented of why the Yugoslav and Hungarian experiences have been so similar despite major institutional differences. An examination of three different capital allocation systems in Yugoslavia identifies both institutional and behavioral factors that undermine reform efforts and reproduce investment cycles not only in Yugoslavia, but also in Hungary and other socialist economies.
Neurotoxicity of the anticoagulant-selective E149A-activated protein C variant after focal ischemic stroke in mice

Wild type (WT) activated protein C (APC) and cytoprotective-selective APC variants such as 3K3A-APC ( 3-fold increased anticoagulant activity but defective cytoprotective activities) to those of the cytoprotective-selective 5A-APC variant (<10% anticoagulant activity). After transient distal middle cerebral artery occlusion, mice received a vehicle, E149A-APC or 5A-APC at 0.2mg/kg at 4h after stroke. Treatment with 5A-APC was neuroprotective, as it improved performance on forelimb use asymmetry test and foot fault test (P<0.05), reduced by 48% and 50% the infarct and edema volumes, respectively (P<0.05), and was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding as indicated by normal hemoglobin levels in the ischemic brain at day 7. In contrast, E149A-APC treatment worsened neurological outcome determined by foot fault tests and forelimb use asymmetry tests, and increased significantly by 44% and 60% infarct and edema volume, respectively (P<0.05). At 7days after treatment, E149A-APC compared to vehicle or 5A-APC notably increased by ~5-fold the hemoglobin level in the ischemic hemisphere suggesting it provoked significant intracerebral bleeding. Thus, the enhanced anticoagulant activity of E149A-APC increased post-ischemic accumulation of neurotoxic erythrocyte-derived hemoglobin which likely worsened the neurological and neuropathological outcomes after stroke. Our data emphasize that APC's cytoprotective activities, but not its anticoagulant activity, are key for APC neuroprotection after transient ischemic stroke.
A Simplified Method of Preparation of Di-Ammine-Silver Hydroxide for Reticulum Impregnation; Comments on the Nature of the So-Called Sensitization Before Impregnation

A satisfactory di-ammine-silver hydroxide solution may be repeatedly and consistently prepared by adding 9 or 10 volumes of 10% silver nitrate solution to 1 volume of 28% ammonia water, running in the first 6 or 7 volumes rapidly and proceeding cautiously from then on, shaking until clear after each addition, until a faint permanent turbidity is reached.The essential nature of Gomori's iron alum treatment and of Wilder's uranyl nitrate step following the Weigert permanganate-oxalic-acid sequence appears to be an oxidation, since the same results may be achieved with chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium iodate and elemental iodine, and since this step is better omitted on previously chromated material.
Functional materials for microscale genomic and proteomic analyses

Abstract The design of functional materials for genomic and proteomic analyses in microscale systems has begun to mature, from materials designed for capillary-based electrophoresis systems to those tailored for microfluidic-based or ‘chip-based’ platforms. In particular, recent research has focused on evaluating different polymer chemistries for microchannel surface passivation and improved DNA separation matrix performance. Additionally, novel bioconjugate materials designed specifically for electrophoretic separations in microscale channels are facilitating new separation modalities.
INTERSEXUALITY WITH ASSOCIATED MAMMARY GLAND STIMULATION IN THE RAT.

Spontaneous intersexuality in an adult rat, thought to be genetically male, has beendescribed. Both male and female primordia developed concurrently and most components ofeach were retained with normal adult characteristics. Gonadal and hypophyseal hormones in this specimen stimulated ductal and lobulo-alveolar proliferation simulating that of the mammary gland during lactation.
Language barriers as a reported cause of prehospital care delay in Minnesota.

Objective. Although anecdotal reports exist, the frequency of language barriers encountered between EMS providers andpatients/families in the prehospital environment remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of EMS provider-reported perceived delays in care due to language barrier andto characterize the nature of calls involved.Methods. Retrospective analysis of the Minnesota State Ambulance Reporting system (MNSTAR) database, a mandated statewide EMS data collection tool. All EMS run reports submitted between January 1, 2004, andJune 30, 2005, were reviewed to identify instances of reported treatment delay secondary to a language barrier.Results. During the 18-month study period, 629,738 patient encounter reports were submitted to MNSTAR, of which 2,052 identified treatment delays secondary to language. The rate of language barrier care delays in the state of Minnesota is 3.3 per 1,000 prehospital patient encounters.Conclusion. EMS responses troubled by delays in care seco...
Variational approaches to the natural frequencies of a clamped uniform beam-column

Abstract The transverse flexibility of heavily loaded structural elements may be increased significantly by beam-column effects, particularly when the structures are subjected to large longitudinal accelerations. The determination of the affected vibration and stability characteristics is then of concern to the designers of space-vehicle components and of payload elements, since these may be flexible enough to have critical accelerations in the neighborhood of those attained by modern rockets. For as simple a structural element as the uniform beam subjected to a longitudinal acceleration, the determination of the natural frequencies presents difficulties because the governing differential equation contains variable coefficients. Exact solutions are impossible to obtain. In the present study, bounds for the natural frequencies of a clamped beam carrying a linearly varying compressive load and a constant end load are obtained by three methods based on a variational characterization of the eigenvalues. Upper bounds are calculated using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Lower bounds are obtained by the method of Kato and by the Bazley-Fox second projection method. The results show that the Rayleigh-Ritz method coupled with the Bazley-Fox second projection method yields excellent bracketing of the eigenvalues, since the ratio of the gap between the bounds over their average is in most instances less than 1%, even for values of the loads close to those creating buckling. The method of Kato, for the trial functions chosen, yields less satisfactory results. The bounds for the natural frequencies are also compared to the approximations obtained by lumping the distributed load at each end. The errors in the determination of frequencies by this lumping process are found to be appreciable in some cases of interest to designers.
The stress-moderating effects of weeping and humor.

Abstract The moderating effects of emotional weeping and humor on the impact of negative life events were examined. Subjects who reported weeping frequently showed more mood disturbance at high levels of negative events and less to low levels of negative events than those who reported less frequent weeping. Humor-coping buffered stress in all groups except for males who reported frequent crying.
Impact of Surgical Clipping on Survival in Unruptured and Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms A Population-Based Study

Background and Purpose— The management of aneurysms is controversial because little is known about the impact of clipping on long-term outcome. This study was designed to evaluate long-term survival of patients with aneurysms undergoing clipping in a statewide population. Methods— We used a retrospective design using an administrative database to identify patients hospitalized with aneurysms (1987 to 2001). Time-to-event analysis was used to determine the risk of death from all causes and from neurological causes. Results— 4619 patients (mean age 54.7±15.3, 66.3% female) were hospitalized with cerebral aneurysms. Survival among patients with ruptures was significantly lower compared with patients with unruptured aneurysm (P<0.001) with adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of death after clipping 40% higher (HR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.7) in patients with rupture compared with those that were unruptured. Survival estimates for unruptured patients who underwent clipping were significantly higher than among those unruptur...
Perfusion and chemical monitoring of living cells on a microfluidic chip

A microfluidic device that incorporates continuous perfusion and an on-line electrophoresis immunoassay was developed, characterized, and applied to monitoring insulin secretion from single islets of Langerhans. In the device, a cell chamber was perfused with cell culture media or a balanced salt solution at 0.6 to 1.5 µL min−1. The flow was driven by gas pressure applied off-chip. Perfusate was continuously sampled at 2 nL min−1 by electroosmosis through a separate channel on the chip. The perfusate was mixed on-line with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled insulin (FITC-insulin) and monoclonal anti-insulin antibody and allowed to react for 60 s as the mixture traveled down a 4 cm long reaction channel. The cell chamber and reaction channel were maintained at 37 °C. The reaction mixture was injected onto a 1.5 cm separation channel as rapidly as every 6 s, and the free FITC-insulin and the FITC-insulin-antibody complex were separated under an electric field of 500 to 600 V cm−1. The immunoassay had a detection limit of 0.8 nM and a relative standard deviation of 6% during 2 h of continuous operation with standard solutions. Individual islets were monitored for up to 1 h while perfusing with different concentrations of glucose. The immunoassay allowed quantitative monitoring of classical biphasic and oscillatory insulin secretion with 6 s sampling frequency following step changes in glucose from 3 to 11 mM. The 2.5 cm × 7.6 cm microfluidic system allowed for monitoring islets in a highly automated fashion. The technique should be amenable to studies involving other tissues or cells that release chemicals.
Three-dimensional shoulder complex kinematics in individuals with upper extremity impairment from chronic stroke.

Purpose: To evaluate shoulder complex kinematics in persons with chronic upper extremity (UE) impairments due to stroke and determine if kinematics predicts motor function based on the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA). Methods: Sixteen stroke survivors with chronic UE impairments (age range = 46–80 years, male = 8, female = 8, mean (SD) 66 (40) months post-stroke) performed the UE portion of the FMA with the shoulder/elbow subscale (FM_se) documented. Three-dimensional kinematics of the shoulder complex was collected with the Motion Monitor™ (Innsport, Chicago, IL, USA). Participants performed three repetitions of arm elevation in the frontal, sagittal and self-selected planes. The third repetition was analyzed. Scapular and humeral kinematics were calculated in the self-selected plane. Scapulohumeral rhythm was analyzed at peak elevation. Backward stepwise regression analysis predicted kinematic contributions to the FM_se. Results: Mean (SD) FM_se score was 25.3 1(10.9). Peak humeral elevation ranged fr...
Microbiology and Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Infections in Children

Infections of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts remain a common surgical complication causing significant morbidity in children with hydrocephalus. As most of the literature regarding these infections includes only small cohorts from a single institution’s experience, there remain large knowledge gaps and little support for the prevailing management strategies. Regarding the microbiology of shunt infections, little has changed in the past 10 years, other than the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains of coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) and Staphylococcus aureus, which remain the two predominant etiologic agents. Molecular diagnostics such as multiplex PCR have been used to identify the complex microflora of shunt infections and in the future could prove a useful adjunct for early diagnosis and targeting of antimicrobial therapy. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters for use in external ventricular drains and CSF shunts have been adopted into clinical practice and appear to reduce the risk of shunt infection by susceptible organisms.
Nanoconfined Water in Magnesium-Rich 2:1 Phyllosilicates

Inelastic neutron scattering, density functional theory, ab initio molecular dynamics, and classical molecular dynamics were used to examine the behavior of nanoconfined water in palygorskite and sepiolite. These complementary methods provide a strong basis to illustrate and correlate the significant differences observed in the spectroscopic signatures of water in two unique clay minerals. Distortions of silicate tetrahedra in the smaller-pore palygorskite exhibit a limited number of hydrogen bonds having relatively short bond lengths. However, without the distorted silicate tetrahedra, an increased number of hydrogen bonds are observed in the larger-pore sepiolite with corresponding longer bond distances. Because there is more hydrogen bonding at the pore interface in sepiolite than in palygorskite, we expect librational modes to have higher overall frequencies (i.e., more restricted rotational motions); experimental neutron scattering data clearly illustrates this shift in spectroscopic signatures. It follows that distortions of the silicate tetrahedra in these minerals effectively disrupt hydrogen-bonding patterns at the silicate-water interface, and this has a greater impact on the dynamical behavior of nanoconfined water than the actual size of the pore or the presence of coordinatively unsaturated magnesium edge sites.