cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β–Amino Ester Polymers Facilitate in Vivo DNA Transfection and Adjuvant Plasmid DNA Immunization

Increased in vivo expression of intramuscularly delivered plasmid DNA will be essential for clinical success in gene therapy and plasmid DNA vaccination. We screened polymers from a library of beta-amino esters for their ability to augment transgene expression as measured by beta-galactosidase activity and cellular immune responses. Among the candidates identified in this screen, poly[(1,6-di(acryloxyethoxy)hexane)-co-(4-aminobutanol)] enhanced plasmid DNA transgene expression by sevenfold (P=0.0001) and its immunogenicity by 70% (P=0.03). We found that polymers with moderately hydrophobic backbones and terminal alcohol groups facilitated transfection most effectively in vivo. We also observed a log-linear correlation (R2=0.93) between peak cellular immune responses and transgene activity in all evaluated polymer-plasmid DNA formulations, clarifying the relationship between immunogenicity and the quantity of expressed antigen.
The Splanchnic Circulation and Postural Hypotension in Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy

Postural hypotension results from sympathetic failure to cause superior peripheral vasoconstriction. The importance of the splanchnic circulation was studied by measuring mesenteric artery blood flow with duplex Doppler scanning. Nine normal and 9 Type 1 diabetic controls were compared to 8 Type 1 patients with autonomic neuropathy whose pressure fell 40-113 mmHg (range) on tilting. Measurements were made supine and after vertical tilt, fasting without insulin and after a 550 kcal meal. Superior mesenteric artery diameter decreased on tilting in normal controls but not in diabetic control or neuropathy groups (supine vs tilted: controls. 6.3 +/- 0.9 to 5 +/- 0.9 mm, p = 0.004, diabetic controls: 6.0 +/- 0.6 to 6.0 +/- 1.0 mm, and neuropathy group: 6.4 +/- 0.9 to 5.6 +/- 0.9 mm), but proportional blood flow changes were similar in all subjects (controls: 407 +/- 154 to 255 +/- 67 ml min-1 (-31%, p = 0.03), diabetic controls: 379 +/- 140 to 306 +/- 149 ml min-1 (-8%, p = 0.28), neuropathy group: 639 +/- 371 to 435 +/- 142 ml min-1 (-23%, p = 0.10). Postprandially supine superior mesenteric artery flow increased in all subjects but this did not affect the degree of systolic blood pressure drop on tilting (fasting vs postprandial blood flow: controls: 407 +/- 154 to 775 +/- 400 ml min-1 (p = 0.04), diabetic controls: 379 +/- 140 to 691 +/- 262 ml min-1 (p = 0.01), neuropathy group: 639 +/- 371 to 943 +/- 468 ml min-1 (p < 0.06)). The similarity of superior mesenteric artery responses to tilting in the three groups, and the lack of exacerbation of postural hypotension in the presence of postprandial hyperaemia indicates that control of splanchnic blood flow is less important in the aetiology of diabetic autonomic postural hypotension than previously thought.
Automated Assessment of Ventricular Volume and Function by Echocardiography: Validation of Automated Border Detection

To determine the utility of a new on-line echocardiography automated border detection (ABD) algorithm in assessing ventricular volume and ejection fraction, an optimal model was studied. This open-chest canine model allowed continuous measurement of actual left ventricular volume. In four dogs, true end-systolic and end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction were compared with those obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography with an automated method calculated from a border detection algorithm to define left ventricular endocardium and the single-plane Simpson method to calculate volume. Left ventricular volumes that used manual, off-line tracings of the left ventricle by two-dimensional echocardiograms and the single-plane Simpson method were compared. The automated echocardiography volumes correlated with true volumes ( y = 0.7 x + 8.9; standard error of the estimate=13.5 cc; r = 0.81). A significant mean underestimation of 11 ± 15 cc was noted ( p y = 0.89 x + 4; standard error of the estimate=6.7 cc; r = 0.96). However, the 3 ± 7 underestimation was significantly lower than the error of the ABD method ( p = 0.00005). Both on-line ABD and off-line ejection fractions correlated well with true ejection fractions ( r = 0.94 and 0.96, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean errors of the ABD or manually derived ejection fractions. In the setting of optimal left ventricular imaging, the on-line and rapid features of this automated method make it potentially useful for quickly obtaining left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction.
Management of Dyslipidemia in Adults With Diabetes

Subjects with diabetes have a greatly increased risk of CHD, which is only partially related to their elevated glucose. Other factors such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia are likely to be important. The type of dyslipidemia that is most characteristic of type 2 diabetic subjects is elevated triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol levels, although all lipoproteins have compositional abnormalities. Surprisingly few good prospective studies of lipoprotein levels in relation to CHD have been done in diabetic subjects. Available studies suggest that low HDL cholesterol may be the most important risk factor for CHD in observational studies. In studies in which total cholesterol and triglyceride were done, cholesterol and triglycerides were risk factors for CHD, although triglycerides were often a stronger predictor. However, the strength of triglyceride as a risk factor for CHD may depend partially on its association with other variables (e.g., hypertension, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1], etc.). In clinical trials in diabetic subjects, LDL reduction with statins has led to significant reductions in CHD incidence. In addition, overall mortality was reduced with statin therapy, although the results were not statistically significant. Gemfibrozil has led to reductions in CHD incidence in diabetic subjects, although the results were not statistically significant perhaps because of low sample size. Regarding lipoproteins and CHD risk in diabetic patients, the very positive results of statin trials point to LDL cholesterol being more important than previous realized. Apparently, having a borderline high LDL cholesterol (between 130 and 160 mg/dl) in a diabetic patient is equivalent to a much higher LDL cholesterol in terms of CHD risk for a nondiabetic subject. Therefore, the primary target of therapy in diabetic patients is lowering LDL cholesterol (or possibly, non-HDL cholesterol). Statins are the preferred pharmacological agent in this situation. Once LDL cholesterol levels have been lowered, attention can be given to treatment of residual hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL. The goal here is weight reduction and increased exercise. However, for selected patients, combining a fibric acid (or low-dose nicotinic acid) with a statin also can be considered. Reduction of LDL levels should take priority over reduction of triglycerides in combined hyperlipidemia because of the proven safety of the statin class of drugs as well as greater reduction in CHD incidence.
Neurosarcoidosis presenting as an anterior horn syndrome

We report a 43 year old man who developed progressive weakness of all extremities with fasciculation over four months. Neurological examination was consistent with an anterior horn syndrome. CSF examination showed elevated opening pressure and a lymphocytic pleocytosis. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed by muscle and lacrimal gland biopsies. He was treated with the combination of corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin with almost complete resolution of his symptoms a few weeks after discharge. We hypothesize that meningeal granulomatous inflammation compressed the exiting anterior roots which resulted in motor dysfunction with preservation of peripheral sensory fibers.
Comparison of Frontal and Mastoid Bone-Conduction Thresholds in Various Conductive Lesions

Unoccluded and occluded bone conduction (BC) and Sensorineural Acuity Level (SAL) thresholds at the frontal bone and the mastoid process were compared on 60 subjects with conductive hearing loss. T...
d-Dimers in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

The aim of this study was to determine if the absence of circulating d-dimers, as determined by latex agglutination assays, can correctly exclude the presence of pulmonary embolism using pulmonary angiography as the diagnostic endpoint. Blood samples were obtained prospectively at the time of angiography for suspicion of acute pulmonary embolism. Plasma was assayed for d-dimer by five different latex agglutination assays. Angiographic evidence of pulmonary emboli was found in 34% (35/ 103) of patients. The latex agglutination assays had sensitivities of 97 to 100% and specificities of 19 to 29%. The negative predictive value was 94 to 100%. However, a negative d-dimer was rare in patients with recent surgery, malignancy, or total bilirubin > 34 μ mol/L ( > 2 mg/dl). In 31 patients suspected of pulmonary emboli but without these confounding factors, the five d-dimer assays were negative in 46 to 55% of patients with normal pulmonary angiograms. The negative predictive value in these patients was 100% by al...
Primary extrauterine endometrial stromal cell sarcoma: a case and review.

Background Extrauterine endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare neoplasm. Little is known about its pathophysiology or best treatment approach.
Study of Voltage Regulator noise characterization, coupling scheme and simulation method

Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) issues caused by on-board Voltage Regulator (VR) interfering always leads to system reliability problem. Prediction of this VR noise is very difficult due to its complexity. This paper addresses a twostep simulation method associated with this issue by identifying radiation source and coupling path. A typical PCB routing is studied and result is correlated with measurement.
Performance of a hydroxypropyl cellulose film former in normal and ulcerated oral mucosa

Although oral ulcers are commonly encountered in clinical dental and medical practice, current therapeutic options with respect to pain relief are limited. This study evaluated the mucosal binding characteristics and the pain relief and protection properties of Zilactin, a hydroxypropyl cellulose film former. In 12 healthy volunteers, the mean duration of mucosal adherence of Zilactin was 3.92 hours, which was significantly longer than that of a widely available topical preparation (1.38 hours, p = 0.0001). When evaluated in 20 subjects with recurrent aphthous ulcerations, Zilactin demonstrated the ability to significantly decrease ulcer pain over a 4-hour period when compared with the subjects' individual standardized level of initial discomfort, which was used as an internal control for all subsequent steps. Challenge with an irritating citrus beverage was made before and after application of the medication. A significant difference in premedication and postmedication sensitivity was shown (p = 0.0001), indicating that the film provides protection, as well as pain relief. As a result of its unique and tenacious film-forming characteristics, this agent is exceptionally effective in the treatment of oral mucosal ulcerations. Greater awareness on the part of physicians and dentists may lead to the development of additional applications.
Complexity-class-encoding sets

Properties of sets which are complex because they encode complexity classes areexplored. It is shown that not all sets with inherent complexity are of this type, although this is the only type of set for which well-developed techniques exist for proving inherent complexity. Possibilities for the complexity of encoding sets are discussed, first with referenceto an ''almost everywhere'' vs. ''infinitely many arguments'' classification, and later with reference to the density of the set of arguments on which the problem is complex. It is shown that relative complexity relationships among sets of this type are highlystructured, in contrast to the wide variation possible among arbitrary recursive sets.
Generation and annealing characteristics of paramagnetic centers in oxidized 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies show that defects are activated in oxidized 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC by heat-treatments at temperatures greater than 800°C in dry (<1 ppm H2O) N2 or O2 ambients. Annealing in forming gas (7% H2, 93% N2) at 700°C completely passivates the centers induced by the dry heat-treatment. By contrasting the generation and annealing kinetics for these centers with the well studied Si dangling bond, we suggest that the centers in the oxidized SiC are C dangling bonds created by hydrogen effusion during the dry heat-treatment.
Second Quantization and Representation Theory

The formalism of the second quantization is developed entirely within the framework of the Dirac-Jordan representation theory. The equivalence of this formalism and the methods of ordinary coordinate-spin space is shown, and the equations of "connection" are fully developed. It is shown that the "creation" and "annihilation" operators, and indeed all operators which do not commute with the quantized Hamiltonian and hence whose representatives cannot be explicitly given in a configuration space of a fixed number of dimensions are easily treated in terms of the general representation theory and arise quite naturally. Both types of statistics are considered, and the Fock-Dirac density matrix and self-consistent field are treated as a simple illustration.
Proliferation of highly purified T cells in response to signaling via surface receptors requires cell-cell contact.

Lymphocyte proliferation is associated with cell-cell aggregation. In order to assess the importance of cell-cell contact in T-cell proliferation we examined the effect of disruption of cellular aggregation by anti LFA-14 mAb on T-cell proliferation. Monocyte-dependent T-cell proliferation induced by anti-CD3 mAb, pairs of anti-CD2 mAbs, or PHA was inhibited by anti-LFA-1 mAb. Monocyte-independent proliferation of highly purified T cells to anti-CD3 mAb plus PMA or plus IL-2 and to PHA plus IL-2 was, surprisingly, also inhibited by anti-LFA-1 mAb. Anti-LFA-1 mAb caused the partial inhibition of both low-affinity and high-affinity IL-2 receptor and the complete inhibition of IL-2 synthesis. In contrast to the above, the proliferation of highly purified T cells to PMA plus ionomycin was not inhibited by anti-LFA-1 mAb. These results suggest that optimal activation of highly purified T cells via cell surface receptors requires LFA-1-dependent cell-to-cell contact between proliferating T cells as well as between T cells and accessory cells. Such contact appears to be crucial for initiating IL-2 production and for optimal action of IL-2 through its receptor.
Heat Capacities of the S = 1/2 Two-Dimensional Heisenberg Antiferromagnet Bis(2-amino-5-chloropyridinium) Tetrabromocuprate(II) [(5CAP)2CuBr4] and Its Diamagnetic Analogue [(5CAP)2ZnBr4]‖

Heat capacities of the spin quantum number S = 1/2 two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet bis(2-amino-5-chloropyridinium) tetrabromocuprate(II) [(5CAP)2CuBr4] crystal and its nonmagnetic analog...
Androgen deficiency in the aging male: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment alternatives.

Androgen deficiency in the aging male is associated with negative effects on mood and cognition, diminished sexual function, and osteoporosis. The aging of our population, combined with an increased acceptance of medical technol-ogy, has focused greater attention on optimizing health during the “golden years.” Androgen replacement therapy may remedy many of the deleterious consequences of hypogo-nadism. This communication reviews the clinical manifest-ations and diagnosis of androgen deficiency, the inherent risks and benefits of androgen replacement, and the options of testosterone replacement currently available.
Wallerian degeneration of the corticospinal tracts

A 35-year-old woman experienced acute onset of neck pain with dysarthria and left-sided weakness. Neurologic examination revealed a right-sided Horner’s syndrome, left facial palsy, and left hemiparesis. The diagnostic evaluation disclosed a spontaneous cervicocephalic dissection of the right internal carotid artery with infarction of the anterior division of the right middle cerebral …
Genetic deletion of COX-2 diminishes VEGF production in mouse retinal Müller cells.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit COX activity, reduce the production of retinal VEGF and neovascularization in relevant models of ocular disease. We hypothesized that COX-2 mediates VEGF production in retinal Muller cells, one of its primary sources in retinal neovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of COX-2 and its products in VEGF expression and secretion. These studies have more clearly defined the role of COX-2 and COX-2-derived prostanoids in retinal angiogenesis. Muller cells derived from wild-type and COX-2 null mice were exposed to hypoxia for 0-24 h. COX-2 protein and activity were assessed by western blot analysis and GC-MS, respectively. VEGF production was assessed by ELISA. Wild-type mouse Muller cells were treated with vehicle (0.1% DMSO), 10 microM PGE(2), or PGE(2) + 5 microM H-89 (a PKA inhibitor), for 12 h. VEGF production was assessed by ELISA. Hypoxia significantly increased COX-2 protein (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.05), and VEGF production (p < 0.0003). COX-2 null Muller cells produced significantly less VEGF in response to hypoxia (p < 0.05). Of the prostanoids, PGE(2) was significantly increased by hypoxia (p < 0.02). Exogenous PGE(2) significantly increased VEGF production by Muller cells (p < 0.0039), and this effect was inhibited by H-89 (p < 0.055). These data demonstrate that hypoxia induces COX-2, prostanoid production, and VEGF synthesis in Muller cells, and that VEGF production is at least partially COX-2-dependent. Our study suggests that PGE(2), signaling through the EP(2) and/or EP(4) receptor and PKA, mediates the VEGF response of Muller cells.
Redefining Iconicity: A Five-Year Study of Visual Themes of Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was a natural disaster of cataclysmic proportions. The images of such devastation were unprecedented and unforgettable. Using both content analysis and survey data, the current research takes a longitudinal approach to understanding the most memorable images of Hurricane Katrina in order to determine iconicity. We conclude that media technology has complicated the formation of a visual collective consciousness and thus the scholarly study of iconic images. With this finding, we propose a redefinition of the tenets of iconicity.
Effects of river discharge on abundance and instantaneous growth of age‐0 carpsuckers in the Oconee River, Georgia, USA

The Oconee River in middle Georgia, U.S.A., has been regulated by the Sinclair Dam since 1953. Since then, the habitat of the lower Oconee River has been altered and the river has become more incised. The altered environmental conditions of the Oconee River may limit the success of various fish populations. Some obligate riverine fishes may be good indicator species for assessing river system integrity because they are intolerant to unfavourable conditions. For example, many sucker species require clean gravel for feeding and reproduction. Further, age-0 fishes are more vulnerable than adults to flow alterations because of their limited ability to react to such conditions. In this study, we investigated the relationship between abundance and growth of age-0 carpsuckers to river discharge in the Oconee River. A beach seine was used to collect age-0 carpsuckers (Carpiodes spp.) from littoral zones of the lower Oconee River from May through July of 1995 to 2001. Regression models were used to assess whether 12 river discharge categories (e.g. peak, low, seasonal flows) influenced age-0 carpsucker abundance or instantaneous growth. Our analysis indicated that abundance of age-0 carpsuckers was significantly negatively related to number of days river discharge was >85 m3 s−1(r2 = 0.61, p = 0.04). Estimates of instantaneous growth ranged from 0.10 to 0.90. Instantaneous growth rates were significantly positively related to summer river discharge (r2 = 0.95, p <0.01). These results suggest that (1) moderate flows during spawning and rearing are important for producing strong-year classes of carpsuckers, and (2) river discharge is variable among years, with suitable flows for strong year-classes of carpsuckers occurring every few years. River management should attempt to regulate river discharge to simulate historic flows typical for the region when possible. Such an approach is best achieved when regional climatic conditions are considered. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebellar Gliomatosis in a Toddler: Case Report of a Challenging Condition and Review of the Literature

Gliomatosis confined to the cerebellum is most unusual. We report such a case in a 20-month-old male who presented with unsteadiness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffuse area of abnormal signal intensity within both cerebellar hemispheres, which did not enhance after contrast administration. The patient underwent a biopsy, which revealed a diffuse glioma infiltrating the cerebellum. Overall, the tumor cells had oligodendroglioma-like features and exhibited only focal vimentin immunoreactivity. They were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, synaptophysin, βIII-tubulin, and neurofilament protein. Immunofluorescence, performed on primary biopsy explants maintained in cell culture without exposure to growth factors or differentiation-promoting agents, revealed widespread nestin immunoreactivity and immunolabeling of occasional cells with antibodies to platelet-derived growth factor-α and O1/O4, markers of oligodendrocyte precursor-cells and immature oligodendrocytes, respectively. Fluorescent in situ hybridization performed on explants, touch preparations, and paraffin sections failed to reveal loss of heterozygosity for either 1p36 or 19q13. The patient was treated with temozolomide and remains stable, albeit with residual quiescent tumor, more than 3 years after surgery. This report calls attention to an unusual presentation of gliomatosis confined to the cerebellum of a toddler and addresses salient aspects of clinical and radiological differential diagnosis, as well as therapeutic challenges encountered.
Oral Administration of Calcium Salts for Treatment of Hypocalcemia in Cattle

Milk fever is usually treated by i.v. administration of 8 to 10 g of Ca. Oral Ca salts have been suggested as an alternate treatment for milk fever. In our studies, plasma Ca concentration changes effected by various oral Ca preparations were compared. Solutions were administered by oral drenching of cows, and blood was obtained hourly. Calcium chloride increased plasma Ca better than Ca propionate, which increased plasma Ca better than Ca carbonate. A CaCl2 gel formulation increased plasma Ca better than Ca carbonate, but not as well as did Ca propionate. Concentrated solutions of Ca as CaCl2 increased plasma Ca better than diluted solutions. Rumen bypass of Ca salts increased plasma Ca concentration more than when Ca salts were placed into the rumen. Oral administration of 50 g of Ca as CaCl2 raised plasma Ca concentrations to the same extent as 4 g of Ca as CaCl2 given i.v. We also examined effects of oral Ca salts on plasma Ca concentrations of hypocalcemic periparturient cows and found that oral Ca treatment could treat mild cases of hypocalcemia. We also caution that CaCl2 use must be limited because excessive amounts cause severe metabolic acidosis.
On the kinetic roughening of vicinal surfaces.

Motivated by the perturbative dynamic renormalization-group analysis of Wolf [Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 1783 (1991)], who recently examined Villain's anisotropic generalization of the noisy Burgers equation appropriate to the kinetic roughening of vicinal surfaces [J. Phys. (Paris) I 1, 19 (1991)], we have performed extensive numerical simulations of this stochastic partial differential equation in an attempt to investigate Wolf's claim of logarithmic, rather than algebraic, roughness. Our work provides direct confirmation of his dramatic predictions, complementing the evidence provided by simulations of various microscopic growth models.
The ALCTS Networked Resources and Metadata Committee: setting course in a sea of change

This article describes the work of the Networked Resources and Metadata Committee (NRMC), a committee within ALA’s Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS). The article discusses NRMC’s history, initiatives, and program highlights, gleaned from an interview held with the present and past chairs of the committee. Numerous details about NRMC’s role within the larger metadata community are shared, as are future directions for the committee.
Uptake of exogenous norepinephrine from corpus callosum by neurons of the cingulate cortex

Abstract The distribution of norepinephrine applied directly into the corpus callosum of anesthetized rats of various ages has been followed by fluorescence microscopy after treatment of frozen-dried tissues with formaldehyde vapors. The exogenous norepinephrine spread laterally and medially along callosal fibers and also through the corpus callosum, rostral, and caudal to the injection site. Total average rostralcaudal spread was 1.77 mm. When interhemispheric, lateral-medial spread of norepinephrine reached a point adjacent to the cingulate cortex, uptake of norepinephrine by cingulate neurons was noted. Although spread of intracallosal norepinephrine appeared to involve both intracellular and extracellular pathways, its uptake by cingulate neurons appeared to be most adequately explained by a mechanism involving intra-axonal transport through the corpus callosum.
Use of diffusion for automated nitrogen-15 analysis of soil extracts

Abstract Studies to evaluate the use of diffusion for automated 15N analysis of inorganic N in soil extracts showed that serious error can arise from use of the Devarda's alloy recommended for steam distillations and that the error can be avoided by using a commercial product of higher purity. These studies showed that serious error can also arise when NO3 ‐‐N is diffused following NH4 +‐N and that separate diffusions should be performed for NH4 +‐N and (NH4 + + NO3‐)‐N. Other work demonstrated that the plastic specimen containers employed for diffusion can be reused if acid‐washed, that diffusions can be performed using either light or heavy MgO without ignition to decompose carbonate, and that labeled NO2‐is completely removed from soil extracts by treatment with sulfamic acid before diffusion. A comparison of 15N analyses by steam distillation and diffusion using extracts from two soils revealed better agreement for the soil having a lower content of organic matter. Substantial differences in analyses ...
The Effect of US Troop Deployment on Host States’ Foreign Policy

Major powers often deploy troops abroad with the consent of host states. The stated aim of these deployments is often both to protect the host state and to foster stability in the region. Drawing from an extension of Palmer and Morgan’s two-good theory of foreign policy, the authors explore some of the (perhaps unintended) effects of troop deployments abroad on the foreign policies of the host states. In particular, the authors focus on the effects of US deployments. The authors argue that as the number of US troops deployed to a host state increases, we should expect the host state to reduce its own troop levels, be more likely to initiate militarized interstate disputes, and be less likely to be the target of interstate disputes. The authors test these hypotheses using data on US troop deployments abroad from 1950 to 2005 and discuss implications that their findings may have for US foreign policy.
Kinetics and Mechanism of RNA Binding by Triplex Tethered Oligonucleotide Probes

We have described a series of tethered oligonucleotide probes (triplex TOPs) that recognize one single-stranded and one double-stranded region of an RNA simultaneously through the formation of Watson−Crick and Hoogsteen base pairs, respectively. Here we describe studies on the kinetics and mechanism of triplex TOP·RREAU association and dissociation. Because triplex TOP·RREAU complexes cannot be observed by direct electrophoretic methods, kinetics was monitored by use of a competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assay that quantified the effect of a triplex TOP on the association and dissociation rates of an electrophoretically stable TOP·RREAU complex. Association and dissociation rate constants of triplex TOP·RREAU complexes were extracted from the experimental data by numerical integration. Triplex TOP·RREAU association reactions at 25 °C were characterized by rate constants between (7.8 ± 2.0) × 103 and (16 ± 3) × 103 M-1 s-1, while dissociation reactions were characterized by rate constants between...
Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol in thyroid disease.

ABSTRACT. The plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were reduced in 16 hyperthyroid female patients compared to 37 euthyroid women (33.5 ± 8 vs. 51.5 ± 13 mg⁄dl (mean ± SD); P < 0.001), When 5 patients were restudied after restoration of the euthyroid state, plasma HDL-C increased from 29 ± 5 to 43 ± 11.5 mg⁄dl (P < 0.05). In addition, in 22 hypothyroid women, HDL-C levels were also diminished com-pared to the euthyroid group (43.4 ± 15.5 vs. 51.5 ± 13 mg⁄dl; P < 0.05). Nine patients were restudiedafter L-T4 replacement therapy; their levels of HDL-Cincreased but not toa statistically significant degree. The daily administration of 0.3 mg (L-T)4to eight normal male volunteers for 1 month did not significantly affect HDL-C levels. (JClin Endocrinol Metab 49: 726, 1979)
Internet Infidelity: A Case of Intimacy With Detachment:

Internet infidelity provides a new challenge to couples seeking to establish and maintain both emotional and physical intimacy. The selected case demonstrates one male marital partner's struggle with intimacy and emotional expression as well as his exploration into the world of cybersex and infidelity. Implications for therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Explorations in the nonclassical ion area

Abstract Intensive investigations over the pat twenty-five years have failed to provide confirmation for the proposal that σ-bridges in aliphatic and alicycli cations play an important role in the chemistry and stability of such cations.
Grouping HLA-B locus serologie specificities according to shared structural motifs suggests that different peptide-anchoring pockets may have contrasting influences on the course of HIV-1 infection

Abstract Two different groups of HLA-B specificities were associated with two contrasting outcomes of HIV-1 infection. HLA-B45, -B49, and -B50 were each found at a moderately increased frequency among individuals responding to HIV-1 infection with a marked circulating and infiltrative CD8 T-cell lymphocytosis, a slow rate of CD4 T-cell decline, very low frequency of opportunistic infections, and low viral strain heterogeneity. In contrast, among HIV-infected individuals with more rapid progression to opportunistic infections, HLA-B35 was found to be increased in frequency and to act as a dominant marker for this adverse outcome. HLA-B45, -B49, and -B50 contain identical peptide-anchoring “B” and “C-terminal” pocket structures, which differ greatly from those present in HLA-B35, implying that different immunogenic peptides are likely to be bound by these two groups of alleles. Placing HLA-B45, -B49, and -B50 into one structurally defined group revealed a much stronger and statistically significant association with the CDS lymphocytosis syndrome (OR = 5.3, p = 0.0005). The B pocket structure in these alleles contains an easily accessible lysine residue at position 45, suggesting that the P2 or P3 anchor residue of a bound peptide is negatively charged. Additionally, by observing the effect on the ORs of adding structures containing amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal pocket of HLA-B45, -B49, and -B50, this region was also shown to influence susceptibility to this host response. These results suggest that, when analyzing HLA disease susceptibility and resistance associations, grouping HLA specificities according to regions of shared structure and resistance associations, grouping HLA specificities according to regions of shared structure and peptide-binding function may provide insight into disease mechanisms involving binding of immunogenic peptides. Moreover, they suggest the possibility that various peptide-anchoring structures present in MHC class I molecules may contribute to different outcomes of HIV-1 infection, possibly by initiating qualitatively different host immune responses.
HLA Genes associated with rheumatoid Arthritis. Identification of susceptibility alleles using specific oligonucleotide probes

We examined the association of individual HLA genes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using oligonucleotide probes that identified both DR4-associated and non-DR4-associated genes. Two distinct HLA-DR beta alleles (Dw4 and Dw14) were found in DR4+ RA patients compared with controls (Dw4 50% versus 17%; Dw14 35% versus 5%; total DR4 73% versus 30%), indicating that these 2 alleles are independent susceptibility genes. Remarkably, the majority of the DR4- RA patients also demonstrated a linear DNA sequence, apparently "shuffled" between different susceptibility alleles, identified with an oligonucleotide probe to a key portion of the Dw14 gene.
Aging and Enhancement Effects on Quality Characteristics of Beef Strip Steaks

: Strip loins were removed 48 h postmortem from beef sides (n = 20 pairs) to assess the effects of enhancement before or after aging on quality attributes of beef strip steaks. Strip loins were enhanced to 108% of original weight to contain 0.4% alkaline phosphate, 0.3% salt, 0.1% natural flavoring (on a final weight basis), and added water for comparison with non-enhanced samples. Regardless of when enhancement occurred relative to aging, enhanced samples were more tender, juicy, and salty than their non-enhanced counterparts. Enhanced samples were lighter, less red and less yellow, and had lowerL*, a*, and b* values than non-enhanced samples; however, they generally had lower hue angles indicating that their color was closer to the true red axis of the color scale. Samples enhanced before aging achieved maximum tenderness after 14 d, whereas those enhanced after aging experienced no tenderness changes. Warner- Bratzler shear values were lower and pH values were higher in enhanced steaks than in controls.
Explicit Forecasts of Winter Precipitation Using an Improved Bulk Microphysics Scheme. Part II: Implementation of a New Snow Parameterization

Abstract A new bulk microphysical parameterization (BMP) has been developed for use with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model or other mesoscale models. As compared with earlier single-moment BMPs, the new scheme incorporates a large number of improvements to both physical processes and computer coding, and it employs many techniques found in far more sophisticated spectral/bin schemes using lookup tables. Unlike any other BMP, the assumed snow size distribution depends on both ice water content and temperature and is represented as a sum of exponential and gamma distributions. Furthermore, snow assumes a nonspherical shape with a bulk density that varies inversely with diameter as found in observations and in contrast to nearly all other BMPs that assume spherical snow with constant density. The new scheme’s snow category was readily modified to match previous research in sensitivity experiments designed to test the sphericity and distribution shape characteristics. From analysis of four idea...
A clotting artifact in isolated rat liver perfusions.

Abstract Rat blood cells (erythrocytes, platelets, lymphocytes and neutrophils) were washed and then suspended in Tyrode's solution containing 6% bovine albumin. When this mixture was passed through an isolated organ perfusion apparatus, but with no organ present, a clotting activity was generated that shortened the partial thrombo-plastin time of normal rat plasma. Further, assays of factors VI, VII, VIII, XI and XII suggested generation of these coagulation factors despite the absence of a liver or other organ. This artifact was abolished by carefully freeing the erythrocytes of the other blood cells. The artifact was directly traced to platelets, although the leukocytes may have made some contribution.
A Role for Dystroglycan in Basement Membrane Assembly

Basement membranes are composed of ordered arrays of characteristic extracellular matrix proteins, but little is known about the assembly of these structures in vivo. We have investigated the function of dystroglycan, a cell-surface laminin receptor expressed by cells contacting basement membranes in developing and adult tissues. We find that dystroglycan is required for the formation of a basement membrane in embryoid bodies. Our results further indicate that dystroglycanlaminin interactions are prerequisite for the deposition of other basement membrane proteins. Dystroglycan may exert its influence on basement membrane assembly by binding soluble laminin and organizing it on the cell surface. These data establish a role for dystroglycan in the assembly of basement membranes and suggest fundamental mechanisms underlying this process.
Combined steroid treatment for congenital heart surgery improves oxygen delivery and reduces postbypass inflammatory mediator expression.

Background— Steroid administration during cardiopulmonary bypass is thought to improve cardiopulmonary function by modulating bypass-related inflammation. This study was designed to compare preoperative and intraoperative methylprednisolone (MP) to intraoperative MP alone with respect to postbypass inflammation and clinical outcome. Methods and Results— Twenty-nine pediatric patients undergoing bypass procedures were randomly assigned to receive preoperative and intraoperative MP (30 mg/kg 4 hours before bypass and in bypass prime, n=14) or intraoperative MP only (30 mg/kg, n=15). Myocardial inflammatory mediator mRNA expression was determined in paired atrial biopsies (before and after bypass) by ribonuclease protection. Before and after bypass, serum IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Postoperative outcome was assessed by intubation time, CICU length of stay, fluid balance, arterio-venous O2 difference (ΔA−Vo2), and inotrope requirements. Compared with intraoperative MP alone, combined preoperative ...
Delivery Room Resuscitation Past, Present, and the Future

Delivery room resuscitation guidelines evolved in the late 1980s in the United States, based largely on clinical experience with some supportive experimental evidence. Subsequently over time, there has been an increasing emphasis toward the practice of evidence-based medicine. Despite difficulties in conducting research in the delivery room, several large randomized studies have been undertaken over the past two decades that have provided a scientific basis for some of the new guidelines.
Nano-wire dual layer polarization filter

A micropolarization array composed of a dual layer nano-wire polarization filters is presented. The nano-wire polarization filters are composed of 80nm wide aluminum wires with 160nm wire pitch. Two nano-wire polarization filters are separately patterned and etched with 6micron square structures. The two layers are offset by 45 degrees and merged together to form the final filter. The extinction ratios of the filter are experimentally measured to be 150 and 1000 in the blue and red spectrum respectively.
Involvement of ERKs, RSK2 and PKR in UVA-induced signal transduction toward phosphorylation of eIF2α (Ser51)

Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR) has been implicated in anti-viral (antitumor) and apoptotic responses. PKR is activated by extracellular stresses and phosphorylates the alpha subunit of protein synthesis initiation factor eIF2, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and impeding virus multiplication. Phosphorylation of eIF2alpha in mammalian cells has been shown to be increased after ultraviolet (UV) stress and to be required for UV-induced repression of protein translation. UVA is an important etiological factor in skin carcinogenesis and we observed that UVA induced phosphorylation of PKR (Thr(451)) and eIF2alpha (Ser(51)) in mouse skin epidermal JB6 Cl41 cells. The induction was suppressed by the MEK1 inhibitor, PD 98059. UVA stimulation of PKR and eIF2alpha phosphorylation was also inhibited by a dominant-negative mutant (DNM) of ERK2- or RSK2-deficient cells (RSK2(-)). An inhibitor of p38, SB 202190 or a DNM of p38alpha kinase (DNM-p38alpha) suppressed UVA-induced phosphorylation of eIF2alpha (Ser(51)) but had no effect on phosphorylation of PKR (Thr(451)). Our data indicated that phosphorylation of PKR at Thr(451) is mediated through ERK2 and RSK2, but not through p38 kinase, and is involved in the regulation of Ser(51) phosphorylation of eIF2alpha in UVA-irradiated JB6 cells. In vitro and in vivo kinase assays indicated that phosphorylation of eIF2alpha at Ser(51) occurred indirectly through ERK2, RSK2 or p38 kinase in the cellular response to UVA. These data may lead to the use of these signaling molecules as targets to develop more effective chemopreventive agents with fewer side effects to control UV-induced skin cancer.
Adiabatic shear instability based mechanism for particles/substrate bonding in the cold-gas dynamic-spray process

Particles/substrate interactions during the cold-gas dynamic-spray deposition process are studied using a dynamic axisymmetric thermo-mechanical finite element analysis. In addition, the particles/substrate bonding mechanism has been investigated using a one-dimensional thermo-mechanical model for adiabatic strain softening and the accompanying adiabatic shear localization. The results obtained show that the minimal impact particles velocity needed to produce shear localization at the particles/substrate interface correlates quite well with the critical velocity for particles deposition by the cold-gas dynamic-spray process in a number of metallic materials. This finding suggests that the onset of adiabatic shear instability in the particles/substrate interfacial region plays an important role in promoting particle/substrate adhesion and, thus, particles/substrate bonding during the cold-gas dynamic-spray process.
Effects of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on human red blood cell Ca2+-ATPase activity.

Erythrocyte Ca2+-ATPase activity was measured in membrane ghosts from hyperthyroid and hypothyroid patients and compared with that in normal subjects. Basal enzyme activity was significantly increased in the hyperthyroid group and decreased in the hypothyroid group. In vitro responsiveness of the enzyme to calmodulin, the activator protein for Ca2+- TPase, and to T4 was decreased in both hyper- and hypothyroid ghosts. Although the membrane content of endogenous calmodulin was low in hypothyroidism, this is an unlikely explanation for the low basal activity of Ca2+-ATPase. A limited number of patients from each group were restudied when they were euthyroid after 8 or more months of treatment. Basal, T4-stimulated, and calmodulin-stimulated Ca2+-ATPase activities returned to normal, with the exception of calmodulin responsiveness in the membranes from previously hypothyroid patients. This decreased responsiveness may have been a reflection of either increased patient age or underlying chronic (nonthyroidal)...
Virtual Computing Infrastructures for Nanoelectronics Simulation

The operational principles, components, and organization of a Grid-computing infrastructure called In-VIGO (standing for In Virtual Information Grid Organizations)are described. In-VIGO enables computational engineering and science in virtual information Grid organizations. Its distinctive feature is the extensive use of virtualization technologies to provide secure execution environments as needed by tools and users. This paper reviews and motivates the requirements of a cyber infrastructure for computational nanoelectronics. It then explains how such requirements are addressed by the In-VIGO middleware approach, which uses virtualized resources to build computational Grids. The architecture and key design aspects of its first deployed version-In-VIGO 1.0-are presented. It is operational and currently being used to enable the use of computational electronics tools over the Web. Aspects of the design and architecture of the next version of In-VIGO are also presented. It uses Web services standards and components, and lessons learned from In-VIGO 1.0.
Optimizing Genetic Circuits by Global Sensitivity Analysis

Artificial genetic circuits are becoming important tools for controlling cellular behavior and studying molecular biosystems. To genetically optimize the properties of complex circuits in a practically feasible fashion, it is necessary to identify the best genes and/or their regulatory components as mutation targets to avoid the mutation experiments being wasted on ineffective regions, but this goal is generally not achievable by current methods. The Random Sampling—High Dimensional Model Representation (RS-HDMR) algorithm is employed in this work as a global sensitivity analysis technique to estimate the sensitivities of the circuit properties with respect to the circuit model parameters, such as rate constants, without knowing the precise parameter values. The sensitivity information can then guide the selection of the optimal mutation targets and thereby reduce the laboratory effort. As a proof of principle, the in vivo effects of 16 pairwise mutations on the properties of a genetic inverter were compared against the RS-HDMR predictions, and the algorithm not only showed good consistency with laboratory results but also revealed useful information, such as different optimal mutation targets for optimizing different circuit properties, not available from previous experiments and modeling.
Applications of technology to distance education: communication within a virtual community

Despite our best attempts to use technology to foster interpersonal communication in distance-education classes, there are many opportunities for lapses and failures. Even the best-intentioned instructors and students can fall into traps brought about by technology and its misuse. Facilities designed to foster communication can be bewildering to those who do not understand them; rather than leading to improved communication, they can actually serve as barriers.