cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2466: RON receptor tyrosine kinase as a targeting moiety for pancreatic cancer stem-like cells by antibody directed immunoliposomes for enhanced cytotoxicity

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a malignant disease characterized by metastasis and chemo-resistance. Accumulated evidence has suggested that PAC malignancies arise due to functional presence of cancer stem cells that have high potential for self renewal, differentiation, and resistance to cytotoxic agents. Currently, therapeutics targeting PAC stem cells are not available. The study in this project describes a novel strategy and potential therapeutics targeting PAC stem cells for enhanced cytotoxicity. PAC stem like cells (PSLC) were obtained from human L3.6pl pancreatic cancer line under stem cell culture conditions. These cells show a typical sphere-like morphology in suspension and re-differentiate into epithelial appearance when subjected to serum inclusive adherent conditions. PSLC express transcription factor Bmi-1, a unique self-renewal marker, Aldh-1a, a metabolic enzyme expressed in stem-like cells, and cell-surface markers including CD24, CD44, and ESA as evidenced by Western blot and flow cytometry analyses. PSLC also displayed a phenotype characterized as epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Analysis of a panel of receptor tyrosine kinases has revealed that expression of EGFR, VEGFR, and MET was significantly reduced in PSLC. In contrast, RON receptor tyrosine kinase expression was sustained, which provides the molecular basis for antibody-directed approach for targeting PSLC. To achieve this goal, Zt/c9 monoclonal antibody was post-inserted onto doxorubicin liposomes to form anti-RON immunoliposomes (Zt/c9-Dox-IL). In vitro analysis indicated that; a) Zt/c9 was highly effective in inducing receptor internalization, which facilitates intracellular delivery of chemoagents; b) Zt/c9-Dox-IL was effective in killing Panc 0327 and L3.6pl PAC cells. An average of 7 fold decrease in IC50 value was obtained compared to control Dox-IL inserted with mouse IgG (mIgG-Dox-IL); and c) Zt/c9-Dox-IL displayed increased cytotoxicity against PSLC with the IC50 at 8 µM compared to 69 µM for mIgG-Dox-IL. In conclusion, PSLC enriched from L3.6pl cells display a phenotype similar to cancer stem cells with properties of increased self renewal and EMT. RON expression was maintained in PSLC, which was used as the drug delivery moiety for enhanced cytotoxicity. Increased PSLC cytotoxicity by Zt/c9-Dox-IL suggests that antibody-directed RON targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents is a rational approach for targeting PSLC to achieve enhanced cytotoxicity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2466. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2466
Growth depensation and aggression in laboratory reared coho salmon: the effect of food distribution and ration size

Groups of recently emerged coho salmon fry Oncorhynchus kisutch were reared for 3 months on food that appeared either asynchronously at a single location (localized) or synchronously and spatially dispersed (dispersed). Groups were further subdivided into those receiving low (1%) or high (3% body weight per day) rations, with five replicate groups for each treatment combination. At low ration there was greater growth depensation, i.e. growth variation, in groups receiving localized as compared to dispersed food. At high ration there was no difference. There was no effect of food distribution upon mean fish weight, but groups receiving high rations had greater mean fish weights than groups receiving low rations. There was no overall difference in the frequency of chasing between any of the treatment combinations. However, in localized food groups, dominants defended positions close to where food entered the tank, giving them greater access than subordinates. In dispersed food groups, while dominants also defended particular areas, this did not result in greater access to food. These results demonstrate that although feeding methodology may not directly influence the frequency of aggressive interactions, feeding methods which facilitate food monopolization by dominants can accelerate the growth of these individuals at the expense of subordinates. In aquacultural applications where greater size is desirable, or otherwise selected for, this may result in the unintentional selection for increased aggressiveness.
Common variable immunodeficiency.

Common variable immunodeficiency is the most prevalent clinically significant antibody deficiency at all ages. The disorder is defined principally by characteristic infection susceptibility with hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired-specific antibody response. Several recent large registry-based studies have defined distinct phenotypic subtypes. Several studies have also correlated specific immunologic markers with these phenotypes. The biochemical or genetic abnormality in the majority of patients remains unknown. Recently, several molecular genetic lesions have been defined. Among these, mutations of inducible costimulator, and CD19, appear to be disease causing by themselves. These account for about 1% of cases. Other mutations or polymorphisms, such as in the human homolog of Escherichia coli MutS 5 (MSH5), and transmembrane activator and calcium mobilizing ligand interactor, seem to be disease associated in 5–10% of patients, but may require additional immunologic abnormalities for full expression of the phenotype, as unaffected heterozygotes have also been described.
Changes in Muslim Nations' Centrality Mined from Open-Source World Jihad News: A Comparison of Networks in Late 2010, Early 2011, and Post-Bin Laden

This research analyzes the changes in Muslim nation (MN) networks and semantic networks associated with Jihad linked with three recent periods: 1) the late 2010 period, the early 2011 Muslim Middle East and North Africa uprisings and 3) the takedown of Osama Bin Laden. Mined were transcripts of web sites, broadcasts, newspapers, and other content captured for 46 Muslim nations. Results show that Somalia made the largest move upward across the three periods, increasing 21 times in network centrality. Iran is consistently in the top 2 positions. The network increased in link strength and in degree but became less structured in the early uprising period, and continued the decline in structure in the post-Bin Laden period, results consistent with crisis effects. Words paired with 'jihad' that increased and decreased in the early uprising and post-Bin Laden periods revealed messages that reflected major changes in substantive content in the three periods. The results appear to have face validity, and demonstrate how mining open-sources for inter-nation networks and for semantic networks about a topic of interest, in this case: 'jihad, " can provide quantitative evidence with statistical tests that have intelligence and security implications.
Deviations of Exchange Rates from Purchasing Power Parity: A Story Featuring Two Monetary Unions

We examine the mean-reverting properties of real exchange rates, by comparing the unit root properties of a group of international real exchange rates with two groups of intra-national real exchange rates. Strikingly, we find that while the international real rates taken as a group are mean-reverting, the intra-national rates are not. This is consistent with the view that while monetary shocks may be mean-reverting over the medium-term, underlying real factors do generate long-term trends in real exchange rates.
High Frequency Partial Liquid Ventilation in Lung Injury: Dose Response Data † 190

Objective: High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) may allow aggressive lung recruitment while minimizing ventilator induced lung injury. Perflubron (perfluoro-octyl bromide, LiquiVentO, Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp., SanDiego, CA) (PFC) may attenuate lung inflammation and has salutory effects on pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange. We explored PFC dose response relationships during high frequency partial liquid ventiation(HFO-PLV).
Cross-Level Effects of Team Task Interdependence on the Relationship Between Learning Goal Orientation and Feedback-Seeking Behaviors

The primary goal of this study was to examine the cross-level impact of team task interdependence (TTI) on employees’ feedback-seeking behaviors. To achieve this goal, this study empirically tested the multilevel effect of TTI on an individual-level motivator—learning goal orientation (LGO)—of feedback-seeking behaviors. A set of multilevel data was analyzed through hierarchical linear modeling. Through the analysis, this study could prove the significant roles of LGO and TTI.
A review of geophysical methods used in archaeology

Geophysical methods have been used with increasing frequency in archaeology since 1946; aerial photography has been used since 1919. The geophysical methods that are most commonly used at present are electrical resistivity, magnetics, and ground-probing radar. Magnetic detectors, particularly when used in a gradient mode or with a continuously recording base station, are used at almost all sites where any geophysical methods are used. Portable, noncontacting electromagnetic soil-conductivity systems are also being increasingly used because of their very high rate of data acquisition. Less commonly used methods include self-potential (sometimes called spontaneous potential), microgravity, radiometric, thermal infrared imagery, and sonic or seismic techniques. Recent developments in image processing and graphic representation have contributed substantially to the archaeologist's ability to do “rescue archaeology,” that is, to carry out high-speed, nondestructive reconnaissance surveys for ancient human cultural evidence in advance of modern industrial development.
DIFFERENT MEDIA FOR ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION: PERCEPTIONS OF QUALITY AND SATISFACTION

We examined the satisfaction in and perceived quality of information about one’s job, business unit, and company, as well as perceived quality of urgent news (i.e., news about changes in business and generally considered legally sensitive material), communicated via different media. Results from 598 fulltime employees revealed that rich media (e.g., face-to-face) was most related to satisfaction in information about one’s job and business unit and in perceived quality of information from the supervisor; lean media (e.g., company newsletter) was most related to satisfaction in and quality of information from top management, while moderate media (e.g., e-mail) was only significantly related to perceived quality of urgent news. Trust in top management was positively related to satisfaction in and quality of information shared by management. Lean media most strongly related to quality of urgent news, over and above rich communication.
Visible excimer bands of the K-noble-gas and Na-noble-gas molecules: Comparison of experiment with theory

The visible emission bands from $\mathrm{K}(5S)\mathrm{Xe}$, $\mathrm{K}(5S)\mathrm{Kr}$, $\mathrm{Na}(4S)\mathrm{Xe}$, and $\mathrm{Na}(4S)\mathrm{Kr}$ excimers have been observed experimentally, the potassium excimers being produced by a violet ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{+}$ laser excitation and the sodium excimers by a discharge. These observed profiles are compared with calculated profiles based on Gallagher's quasistatic theory and Pascale's molecular potentials and oscillator strengths. Qualitative conclusions are drawn concerning the shapes and depths of the molecular-potential curves and the accuracies of the computed oscillator strengths. The theoretical emission profile is approximated by an analytical form, and the emission linewidth is predicted to vary as ${T}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, where $T$ is the absolute temperature. This is verified experimentally for KXe in a limited temperature range.
Today's approach to esophageal cancer. What is the role of the primary care physician?

PREVIEWPrimary care physicians are often the first to evaluate patients presenting with what may be esophageal cancer. Therefore, they serve an essential role in diagnosis, initial staging, and referral to appropriate sub- specialists. In addition, they are likely to contribute to supportive care during therapy and to provide palliation for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. In this article, the authors summarize what family physicians and internists need to know to fulfill this important role.
Occipital lobe hemorrhages; clinical-computed tomographic correlations

Eighteen patients with occipital hematomas are analyzed. Six patients with medial occipital hematomas presented with headache and visual blurring and examination showed homonymous hemianopsia. Three of these six patients were normotensive; three others were hypertensive with chronic vascular changes. Three patients with lateral occipital hematomas presented with headache but had no neurological deficit. All were hypertensive and had evidence of chronic hypertensive vascular changes. Nine patients with larger occipital hematomas which extended into the temporal and parietal region with intraventricular and tentorial extension had an underlying etiology defined by laboratory studies (excessive anticoagulation, coagulation disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus, bacterial endocarditis). None of these patients were hypertensive. The clinical outcome was good in patients with medial and occipital hematomas; however with the larger and more extensive occipital hematomas, clinical outcome was dependent upon the underlying etiology. None of these 18 patients had recurrent stroke.
Finite deformation analysis of crack-tip opening in elastic-plastic materials and implications for fracture

Abstract A nalyses of the stress and strain fields around smoothly-blunting crack tips in both non-hardening and hardening elastic-plastic materials, under contained plane-strain yielding and subject to mode I opening loads, have been carried out by use of a finite element method suitably formulated to admit large geometry changes. The results include the crack-tip shape and near-tip deformation field, and the crack-tip opening displacement has been related to a parameter of the applied load, the J -integral. The hydrostatic stresses near the crack tip are limited due to the lack of constraint on the blunted tip, limiting achievable stress levels except in a very small region around the crack tip in power-law hardening materials. The J -integral is found to be path-independent except very close to the crack tip in the region affected by the blunted tip. Models for fracture are discussed in the light of these results including one based on the growth of voids. The rate of void-growth near the tip in hardening materials seems to be little different from the rate in non-hardening ones when measured in terms of crack-tip opening displacement, which leads to a prediction of higher toughness in hardening materials. It is suggested that improvement of this model would follow from better understanding of void-void and void-crack coalescence and void nucleation, and some criteria and models for these effects are discussed. The implications of the finite element results for fracture criteria based on critical stress or strain, or both, is discussed with respect to transition of fracture mode and the angle of initial crack-growth. Localization of flow is discussed as a possible fracture model and as a model for void-crack coalescence.
Diploid and tetraploid grey treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor) have similar metabolic rates.

Abstract 1. 1. We measured oxygen consumption of the diploid frog Hyla chrysoscelis and its recently evolved tetraploid cryptic species Hyla versicolor at rest and during forced locomotory exercise. 2. 2. We also measured whole-body lactic acid concentrations of individuals of the two species at rest and following 4 min of exercise. 3. 3. Contrary to predictions based on tissue-culture experiments, rates of organismal metabolism are not different in this diplopid/tetraploid species pair: the diploid and tetraploid species did not differ in rates of oxygen consumption at rest or during exercise. 4. 4. Furthermore, whole-body lactate concentrations of frogs at rest and following forced locomotion were the same in the diploid and tetraploid species. 5. 5. For these species, polyploidy does not appear to be associated with lower maintenance costs at the level of the organism. However, polyploidy also does not appear to have metabolic consequences that would limit the behavioral or ecological repertoire of an anuran.
Inlet sampling efficiency of bioaerosol samplers

Abstract The inlet sampling efficiencies of several commercial bioaerosol samplers have been calculated by use of available and newly-developed equations. Under certain sampling conditions, the bioaerosol concentration was found to be significantly over- or underestimated.
THE SWINE LUNGWORM AS A RESERVOIR AND INTERMEDIATE HOST FOR SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS II. THE TRANSMISSION OF SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS BY THE SWINE LUNGWORM

1. The swine lungworm can serve as intermediate host in transmitting swine influenza virus to swine. The virus is present in a masked non-infective form in the lungworm, however, and, to induce infection, must be rendered active by the application of a provocative stimulus to the swine it infests. Multiple intramuscular injections of H. influenzae suis furnish a means of provoking infection. Swine influenza infections can be provoked in properly prepared swine during the autumn, winter, and spring, but not during the summer. The phenomenon, while not regularly reproducible, occurs in well over half the experiments conducted outside the refractory period of summer. No explanation for the failures is apparent. 2. The virus can persist in its lungworm intermediate host for at least 2 years. 3. Swine infected with swine influenza virus by way of the lungworm intermediate host exhibit a more pronounced pneumonia of the posterior lobes of the lung than do animals infected intranasally with virus. The situation of the worms providing the virus will account for this. 4. Occasional swine infested with lungworms carrying influenza virus fail to become clinically ill after provocation but instead become immune. In these it is believed that lungworms containing the virus are localized outside the respiratory tract at the time of provocation. 5. It is believed that the experiments described furnish an explanation for the findings recorded in the preceding paper, in which swine influenza virus infections were induced in apparently normal swine by multiple injections of H. influenzae suis. 6. In a single experiment swine lungworms failed to transmit hog cholera virus.
Strengthening Evaluation Strategies for Divorcing Family Support Services: Perspectives of Parent Educators, Mediators, Attorneys, and Judges*

Mediation and parent education are increasingly common support services provided to divorcing families. Although there is accumulating evaluation evidence, important questions remain. In this study we surveyed mediators, parent educators, attorneys, and judges in one state to identify the types of evidence that may be useful in further evaluation efforts and to obtain their professional judgements regarding the effectiveness of these programs. Most programs only obtain minimal evaluation, but professionals had helpful ideas about types of evidence that would be helpful. Judges, parent educators and mediators perceived the programs as more useful and effective than attorneys. Results are discussed in terms of ways to strengthen evaluation efforts of mediation and parent education programs for divorcing families.
Implanted cerebral ganglia produce supernumerary eyes and tentacles in host snails

In the pulmonate snail Melampus bidentatus, cerebral ganglia from adult donors implanted into the hemocoel of adult host snails form connections with the host nervous system and periphery. In addition, approximately 50% of the implanted ganglia develop an eye on the surface of the ganglion, and approximately 25% of the host snails develop a supernumerary tentacle above the site where the implanted ganglion lies. The morphology of these sensory structures was examined by light and electron microscopy. Comparison of implant eyes with adult control eyes and regenerated eyes indicates that the same elements are present (cornea, lens, microvillar layer, pigment layer and cell layer), although implant eyes at four months and regenerated eyes at two months do not have pigment and microvillar layers as thick as the controls. The receptor cell structure is similar in all cases. The surface of the supernumerary tentacles is not as convoluted as that of control tentacles, but sensory cells and a neural link to the implant ganglion are present. An eye is often produced in the skin at the base of the supernumerary tentacle.
Single-Atom Ligand Changes Affect Breathing in an Extended Metal–Organic Framework

2-Phenylpyridine-5,4′-dicarboxylic acid (1, dcppy), a derivative of 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic (2, bpdc) was used as the organic linking component for several metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The pyridine component of 1 does not interfere with the solvothermal synthetic procedure, and hence both 1 and 2 form similar isoreticular MOFs. Zr4+-based UiO-67-dcppy, Al3+-based DUT-5-dcppy, Zn2+-based DMOF-1-dcppy, and interpenetrated Zn2+-based BMOF-1-dcppy were readily synthesized from 1. Similarly, isostructural frameworks from 2 were prepared (UiO-67, DUT-5, DMOF-1-bpdc, and interpenetrated BMOF-1-bpdc). The structures and physical properties of these frameworks were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), single X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gas sorption analysis. Generally, frameworks prepared from 1 or 2 displayed similar properties; however, gas sorption data showed that BMOF-1-dcppy displayed a very large hysteresis with N2 and CO2 suggestive of possible framewor...
Family structure and the course of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome

The number of children in nontraditional families is growing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of family structure on the course of childhood steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Sixteen children, 2–15 years of age, with SSNS were enrolled in the study. The effects of family structure (traditional versus nontraditional) on the number of hospitalizations and outpatient visits for the previous 2 years and disease relapses for the preceding year were evaluated. Behavior differences were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Of the 16 families, 9 were traditional and 7 nontraditional. Hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and behavior were not different between family groups. However, children from nontraditional homes relapsed 3 times more than children from traditional homes (P=0.003). We conclude that children with SSNS from nontraditional homes may be at risk for more relapses compared with children from traditional families. Heightened support and monitoring is necessary for these children.
Synchronization and superovulation of mature cycling gilts for the collection of pronuclear stage embryos

Abstract An efficient protocol was developed to synchronize and superovulate mature pigs for the collection of pronuclear stage embryos suitable for DNA microinjection. A timed and coordinated regimen of Lutalyse ® , PG600 ® and Chorulon ® along with daily checking for estrus allowed synchronization of groups of gilts having estrous cycles at regular intervals. Pigs 10–16 days after the beginning of standing estrus have been successfully synchronized into estrus using this protocol. A standard dose of each drug was used independent of size or age of the animal. One protocol averaged 38.9 ovulations and 31.1 one-cell embryos recovered per animal.
The elderly population and community engagement in the Republic of Korea: The role of community storytelling network

The current study examined how Korean elders' use of local media, connections to local organizations, communication with neighbors, length of residence, and homeownership contribute to the development of neighborhood belonging, collective efficacy, and volunteering behaviors in the community. A self-administered paper survey was conducted among the Korean elderly in Daegu, a metropolitan city in Korea. A total of 255 valid responses were collected for analysis. Results found that Korean elders who used media frequently, connected with local organizations, and had conversations with neighbors often were actively involved in neighborhood activities and volunteering. Length of residence was positively related to neighborhood belonging. Homeownership was a positive predictor of collective efficacy. The results suggest that frequent communication with neighbors, media, or members in local organizations may offer Korean elders an opportunity to live active community lives.
Glycine N-methyltransferases: a comparison of the crystal structures and kinetic properties of recombinant human, mouse and rat enzymes.

Glycine N-methyltransferases (GNMTs) from three mammalian sources were compared with respect to their crystal structures and kinetic parameters. The crystal structure for the rat enzyme was published previously. Human and mouse GNMT were expressed in Escherichia coli in order to determine their crystal structures. Mouse GNMT was crystallized in two crystal forms, a monoclinic form and a tetragonal form. Comparison of the three structures reveals subtle differences, which may relate to the different kinetic properties of the enzymes. The flexible character of several loops surrounding the active site, along with an analysis of the active site boundaries, indicates that the observed conformations of human and mouse GNMTs are more open than that of the rat enzyme. There is an increase in kcat when going from rat to mouse to human, suggesting a correlation with the increased flexibility of some structural elements of the respective enzymes.Proteins 2004, © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Point to face shortest paths in simple polytopes with applications in structural proteomics

We study the following problem. Given a simple polytope S in R3, with a total of n edges, and a query point s on S, find a shortest path from s to the boundary of the convex hull, CH(S), of S, that does not go through the interior of S. The problem appears in structural proteomics in the computation of shape descriptors for measuring the depth of a point on a surface. We present an algorithm with running time O(n3(lambda(n) log(n/epsiv)/epsiv4 + log(np) log(n log p))), that can find a path from s to the boundary of CH(S) that has length at most (1 + epsiv) times the length of a shortest path from s to the boundary of CH(S).
Ageing and immortality

The concept of the force of natural selection was developed to explain the evolution of ageing. After ageing, however, comes a period in which mortality rates plateau and some individual organisms could, in theory, live forever. This late-life immortality has no presently agreed upon explanation. Two main theories have been offered. The first is heterogeneity within ageing cohorts, such that only extremely robust individuals survive ageing. This theory can be tested by comparisons of more and less robust cohorts. It can also be tested by fitting survival data to its models. The second theory is that late-life plateaus in mortality reflect the inevitable late-life plateau in the force of natural selection. This theory can be tested by changing the force of natural selection in evolving laboratory populations, particularly the age at which the force plateaus. This area of research has great potential for elucidating the overall structure of life-history evolution, particularly the interrelationship between the three life-history phases of development, ageing and immortality.
Plasmonic nanoloop array antenna

In this Letter, we create an optical nanoantenna array composed of parasitic plasmonic loops that can enhance radiation characteristics and direct the optical energy successfully. Three metallic loops inspired by the concept of the Yagi-Uda antenna are optimized around the region where they feature high scattering performance to control the radiation beam. The loop geometry, when compared to the dipole configuration, has the benefit of using the available aperture in an effective way to provide higher directivity. The angular emission of the nanoloop array antenna is highly directive, and a directivity of 8.2dB for upward radiation is established.
Predicting Spoken Language Level in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Thirty-five children who received an autism spectrum diagnosis at the age of 2 years (24 with autism, 11 with PDD-NOS) were re-evaluated 2 years later to examine factors related to the development of spoken language. Child variables (play level, motor imitation ability and joint attention) and environmental variables (socioeconomic status and hours of speech/language therapy between ages 2 and 3) were used to predict an aggregate measure of language outcome at age 4. After controlling for age 2 language skills, the only significant predictors were motor imitation and number of hours of speech/language therapy. Implications of these results for understanding the early developmental course of autism spectrum disorders and the effects of intervention are discussed.
A Comparative Analysis of Anti-Malware Software, Patch Management, and Host-Based Firewalls in Preventing Malware Infections on Client Computers

This purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis of three methods used by organizations to prevent malware on client computers. These methods include anti-malware software, patch management, and host-based firewalls. Each method will be briefly described and then compared based on an evaluation of administrative and operational features. This comparative analysis may serve as a useful guide for organizations with limited security budgets and resources looking to invest in a malware prevention solution.
Recovery of Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.) Following Experimental Harvests

Abstract Since European colonization and subsequent commercialization of Appalachian medicinal and edible plants, millions of kilograms of plant material have been extracted from our forests, with little effort to manage these species as natural resources. Roots and rhizomes of black cohosh, a native Appalachian forest herb, are extensively harvested for treatment of menopausal symptoms. As nearly all cohosh sold commercially is collected from natural populations, the potential for harvest impacts is considerable. To better understand wild-harvest impacts and the likelihood of post-harvest recovery, we studied the effects of 2 to 4 y of experimental harvest on natural black cohosh populations in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest in southwest Virginia. After 2 to 3 y of intense harvest (66% plant removal), we found significant reductions in foliage area, stem production, and mean and maximum plant height. The effects of moderately intense harvest (33%) were less clear, producing growth measur...
Properties of Mycoplasma hominis 4330

Abstract Mycoplasma strain 4330, one of the earliest strains of pleuropneumonia-like organisms to be isolated from man in the United States, has been found to resemble M. hominis type 1 by serological methods (the growth inhibition and latex agglutination tests). The results of earlier serological studies indicated a similarity between the Campo and 4330 strains which was not detected by use of the cultures currently available. Strain 4330 differs from strains of Mycoplasma recently isolated from man by producing acid from a variety of carbohydrates. This acquisition of biochemical properties may be the result of hundreds of transfers on artificial media during a period of more than a quarter of a century. Identification of the strain was deemed advisable, since two different cultures and a mixed culture existed under the designation “4330.” The extraneous organisms were found to be closely related to M. laidlawii by their biological and serological properties.
Marjolin’s Ulcer Arising at the Elbow: A Case Report and Literature Review

Marjolin’s ulcer is a squamous cell carcinoma that develops in posttraumatic scars and chronic wounds. It was first noted to be associated with chronic osteomyelitis in 1835 and is usually described occurring in lower extremity wounds. Suspicion of such lesions should be raised in chronic wounds demonstrating characteristic changes. Impaired immunologic activity in chronic wounds has also been shown to contribute to the pathologic process. Definitive treatment in the past has been amputation proximal to the tumor, however; recently, wide resection and radiation therapy have been used. According to Lifeso et al., wide local excision is unreliable and they recommend amputation in grade II or III disease and wide local excision in very small lesions that can be radically excised or in grade I lesions. We report a case of a Marjolin ulcer that developed at the elbow. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion in chronic wounds that are recalcitrant to therapy and should remember to biopsy all suspected lesions. Early recognition and definitive treatment are the mainstays ensuring the best prognosis.
Regenerative heart failure therapy headed for optimization

This editorial refers to ‘Autologous CD133+ bone marrow cells and bypass grafting for regeneration of ischaemic myocardium: the Cardio133 Trial’[†][1], by B.A. Nasseri et al. , on page 1263 The heart failure epidemic, accelerated by global ageing, is a rampant contributor to worldwide morbidity and mortality, underscoring the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases. In the context of a growing prevalence in ischaemic heart disease, advances in the acute management of myocardial infarction with rapid percutaneous revascularization have reduced premature death but have resulted in a high incidence of chronic heart failure overloading healthcare systems.1 The malignant nature of the disease associated with poor outcomes reflects a shortcoming of current therapies, largely ineffective against infarction-triggered tissue destruction. Established therapies target afterload reduction and mineralocorticoid dysregulation to limit myocardial remodelling without, however, treating parenchymal loss that underlies disease. Loss of ventricular mass, compounded by maladaptive remodelling, leads to progressive organ deterioration necessitating recurrent hospitalizations and life-extending measures. Yet, left ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation are complex and costly procedures, available to a limited patient population. In the USA alone, ∼2500 heart transplants are performed annually. Due to donor paucity, >100 000 additional patients are left without hope for such a life-saving intervention. A pressing need thus exists for institution of innovative therapies that would reach beyond existing standards of care. The emergence of the science-powered regenerative toolkit offers such a prospect, signalling a potential for radical transformation of future practices.2 Curative options are viewed as being paramount in addressing the evolving patho-demographic landscape. Applied to cardiovascular diseases, regenerative technologies—exemplified by stem cell-based protocols—aim at restoring normative structure and function. By seeking definitive solutions, regenerative approaches are predicted to offer a cost-effective outlook. To this end, translation of a growing body of knowledge underlying repair strategies necessitates deployment of robust regenerative … [1]: #fn-2
Resolving WPA limitations in SOHO and open public wireless networks

Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) is currently the most commonly used mechanism for protecting users of wireless networks. Protection is afforded by authenticating users of the network and encrypting communication which travels through the wireless medium. However, WPA is limited in the amount protection offered in networks which use a pre-shared key (WPA-PSK) for authentication, as anyone holding the PSK may eavesdrop on other authorized users. We present a lightweight enhancement to the WPA four-way handshake which removes this limitation, providing confidentiality even in a shared-key environment. In addition, we apply the enhancement to a non-authenticated open public WLAN environment thereby providing protection from sniffing attacks without requiring additional configuration or setup modifications to be made by the user
Self-Regulation and Task Engagement as Predictors of Emergent Language and Literacy Skills.

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: A growing emphasis in the literature on children’s self-regulation signals the need for increased understanding of the ways in which young children become active players in the acquisition of knowledge. In particular, self-regulation may be linked to subsequent academic achievement through greater engagement with the learning tasks and activities made available in the preschool classroom. This study tested preschoolers’ (N = 603) observed task engagement in the classroom as mediating the relations between directly assessed self-regulation and changes in their language and literacy outcomes during the preschool year. Findings indicate that self-regulation is directly related to observed task engagement as well as changes in a host of language and literacy skills. Engagement with tasks and activities in the classroom also partially mediates the association between self-regulation and changes in expressive vocabulary. Mediation through task engagement was not found for receptive la...
Remote sensing from the space shuttle and space station

Abstract During the past few years, we have prepared and flown telescopes and spectrographs on five Shuttle flights with considerable success. We believe that the attributes of the Shuttle and Space Station should be re-examined by the segment of the scientific community that uses remote sensing instrumentation as a research tool. These space platforms could play a greater role in future remote sensing research than presently envisioned. We have developed an interface to the Shuttle system that allows us to fly new instruments cheaper, faster, and better than the classical rocket approach.
Two subpopulations of Crocosphaera watsonii have distinct distributions in the North and South Pacific

Crocosphaera watsonii is a unicellular nitrogen (N2)-fixing cyanobacterium with ecological importance in oligotrophic oceans. In cultivated strains there are two phenotypes of C. watsonii (large and small cells) with differences that could differentially impact biogeochemical processes. Recent work has shown the phenotypes diverged through loss or addition of type-specific genes in a fraction of their genomes, whereas the rest of the genomes were maintained at 99-100% DNA identity. Previous molecular assays for C. watsonii abundances targeted the conserved regions and therefore could not differentiate between phenotypes, so their relative distributions in natural communities were unknown. To determine phenotype distributions, this study developed and applied type-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to samples from the North and South Pacific. Abundances of both Crocosphaera types declined sharply with depth between 45 and 75 m in both sites. In surface water small cells were 10-100 times more abundant than large cells in the N. Pacific, whereas in the S. Pacific the two phenotypes were nearly equal. Evidence for large cell aggregation was only found in N. Pacific samples. The differences in C. watsonii sub-populations in the North and South Pacific have direct implications for biogeochemistry and carbon export in oligotrophic gyres.
HLA class I molecules associated with microvesicles in sera of patients with cancer induce apoptosis of activated T cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 5308 The presence of apoptosis-inducing membraneous microvesicles (MV) in sera of patients with cancer has been linked to death of immune cells. We and others have shown that MV-mediated T-cell apoptosis involves the Fas/FasL pathway. However, among 27 MV initially isolated from sera of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), 7 did not express FasL in Western blots, yet all induced DNA fragmentation in activated T lymphocytes and in Fas-resistant Jurkat cells. In Western blots, these MV were found to contain various levels of HLA class I molecules (HLA-I), and their biologic activity was blocked by anti-HLA-I mAbs, TP25.99 and W6/32. MV obtained from other HNC patients’ sera and co-incubated with activated T cells induced DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 cleavage, which were completely blocked by anti-Fas and anti-HLA-I Abs but only partially (e.g., 40-50%) by TP25.99 Ab alone. Thus, MV-associated FasL and/or HLA-I antigens mediated apoptosis of T cells. We have reported that CD8+ effector T cells are especially sensitive to MV-mediated apoptosis in patients with cancer. Pre-incubation of activated T cells with Abs to the CD8 molecule inhibited MV-induced apoptosis, while Abs to TcR did not. This finding implicates the CD8 complex signaling in MV-mediated apoptosis, possibly through mechanisms involving an interaction of MV-associated HLA-I antigens with CD8. We consider this molecular mechanism to be particularly relevant to tumor escape from immune cells in patients with cancer.
Bounded next-event estimation and Monte Carlo forward-adjoint correlated coupling

Bounded next-event estimation coupling of forward and adjoint Monte Carlo histories is possible by biasing the track-length selection of either the forward or adjoint calculation such that the 1/r{sup 2} term is eliminated from the estimator. This method is analytic, involving only elementary functions and minimal computer resources. A first-adjoint-collision response distribution from the detector can be created from the general forward-adjoint coupling procedure for use with the standard forward next-event point estimator with no 1/r{sup 2} term. This estimation is applicable for both a point detector or a point sampled from a finite detector volume. The truncated, first-adjoint-collision version of the general coupling method requires no actual adjoint calculation, but adjoint scattering probabilities must be made available in the forward estimation procedure. Various aspects of the estimator are investigated, and some simple calculational comparisons with standard methods are presented.
Cyclopropenimine Superbases: Competitive Initiation Processes in Lactide Polymerization.

Cyclopropenimine superbases were employed to catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of lactide. Polymerization occurred readily in the presence and absence of alcohol initiators. Polymerizations in the absence of alcohol initiators revealed a competitive initiation mechanism involving deprotonation of lactide by the cyclopropenimine to generate an enolate. NMR and MALDI-TOF analysis of the poly(lactides) generated from cyclopropenimines in the absence of alcohol initiators showed acylated lactide and hydroxyl end groups. Model studies and comparative experiments with guanidine and phosphazene catalysts revealed the subtle influence of the nature of the superbase on competitive initiation processes.
Pricing and Policy for Carbon Capture and Sequestration with Learning by Doing

This paper derives the efficient tax-subsidy policy in an energy-economy-environment growth model with carbon emission externalities, and a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) sector with learning by doing (LBD) externalities. First we derive the socially optimum pricing, quantities, cashflows, and valuation. Then we derive the government tax-subsidy policies for carbon emissions and CCS that support socially efficient economic behavior with a competitive CCS industry. The Social Accounting Matrix for supporting institutional structure is derived. We analyze the qualitative dynamics of the time paths of emissions and CCS and of pricing for atmospheric carbon, sequestration capacity, and LBD.
Determination of creatine, creatinine, and related compounds in urine by means of paper chromatography.

SummaryA procedure for the identification and determination of creatine, creatinine, glycocyamidine and glycocyamine is presented. Following resolution by paper chromatography, the developed chromatograms are heated to 100°C for one hour to dehydrate creatine and glycocyamine in situ to creatinine and glycocyamidine respectively. The latter compounds and others of similar structure give an orange color on treatment with the Jaffe reagent (alkaline picrate).The Voges-Proskauer reaction (alkaline diacetyl) for creatine was also investigated and found suitable but less precise.RF values for creatine, creatinine, glycocyamine, and glycocyamidine are given for water-saturated solutions of butanol, phenol, and lutidine-collidine (50-50).The chromatographic method possesses the advantage that creatine and creatinine can be determined independently and directly rather than by a differential procedure as in the conventional methods.
A novel nonvolatile memory cell for programmable logic

A novel, simple and bipolar-injection based nonvolatile field-effect memory cell is demonstrated in silicon-on-insulator CMOS technology. Programming time down to 8 ns are achieved together with erase times of a milli-second. The characteristics, compactness and compatibility with CMOS processes suggest suitability of the structure for embedded programmable and reprogrammable applications, and extensible to 3D applications. This extended abstract summarizes the technology and experimental characteristics of the device.
Spontaneous bilateral intrasphenoidal lateral encephaloceles: CT and MRI findings

Lateral intrasphenoidal encephaloceles are rare anomalies. We describe a unique case in which spontaneous bilateral intrasphenoidal lateral encephaloceles were discovered in a 53-year-old man during a work-up for cerebrospinal fluid leak. We discuss our clinical findings and the results of preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Use of a Cholesterol Recognition Amino Acid Consensus Peptide To Inhibit Binding of a Bacterial Toxin to Cholesterol.

Recognition of and binding to cholesterol on the host cell membrane is an initial step in the mechanism of numerous pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and bacterial toxins; however, a viable method of inhibiting this interaction has not yet been uncovered. Here, we describe the mechanism by which a cholesterol recognition amino acid consensus peptide interacts with cholesterol and inhibits the activity of a cholesterol-binding bacterial leukotoxin (LtxA). Using a series of biophysical techniques, we have shown that the peptide recognizes the hydroxyl group of cholesterol with nanomolar affinity and does not disrupt membrane packing, suggesting that it sits primarily near the membrane surface. As a result, LtxA is unable to bind to cholesterol or subsequently become internalized in host cells. Additionally, because cholesterol is not being removed from the cell membrane, the peptide-treated target cells remain viable over extended periods of time. We have demonstrated the use of this peptide in the in...
Spectral Occupancy and Interference Studies in support of Cognitive Radio Technology Deployment

This paper describes the high value of cognitive radio technology and characterizes the opportunity space in four distinct classes. A Chicago-based spectrum occupancy study illustrates the opportunity showing that 82.6% of the spectral capacity is unused. A set of spectral signatures is presented for common devices in the unlicensed frequency band with the view that this technique can be widely deployed across the spectrum. The limitations of current network simulation tools in an interference environment are identified. Finally, the paper briefly discusses several of the non-technology related issues that impact the deployment of cognitive radio techniques.
Second-Order Logic and Fagin’s Theorem

Second-order logic consists of first-order logic plus the power to quantify over relations on the universe. We prove Fagin’s theorem which says that the queries computable in NP are exactly the second-order existential queries. A corollary due to Stockmeyer says that the second-order queries are exactly those computable in the polynomial-time hierarchy.