cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CALGRID using two different ozone episodes and comparison to UAM results

Abstract Air quality models serve as the foundation for policy decisions regarding programs designed to improve air quality. The California Air Resources Board Airshed Model (CALGRID) is one of the latest photochemical air quality models developed for assessing ozone control strategies. CALGRID was modified to include the lates CBIV chemical mechanism in place of the original SAPRC mechanism. After modification, a detailed evaluation of CALGRID was carried out using two different ozone episodes. The first evaluation used data obtained during the Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS). The second evaluation used data obtained for the September, 1984 SCCCAMP episodes in the South Central Coast Air Basin (SCCAB). Model results were compared against observations of O3, NO, NO2, and different organic compounds. For the SCCAB episode, the results were also compared with those obtained from the Urban Airshed Model (UAM). Similar to other studies, the ozone predictions from the SCAQS application were biased low, as were various ROG components. The reason for this can be linked to the under-representation of ROG and CO in the emissions inventory. For the SCCAB episode, both the UAM and CALGRID models significantly underestimated NO and NO2 concentrations. The two models slightly underestimated ozone concentrations above approximately 9 pphm on the third and last day of the simulation. Sensitivity experiments were performed for both the studies. It was found that both CALGRID and UAM are strongly sensitive to the boundary conditions and moderately sensitive to the emissions for the episodes modeled.
Evolution of Young’s modulus of air plasma sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia in thermally cycled thermal barrier coatings

Abstract The Young’s modulus of yttria-stabilized zirconia top coats was measured after the thermal barrier coatings were exposed to thermal cycling. The modulus decreased from a value of 2300 MPa before the thermal cycling, with increasing thermal exposure until 700 cycles, and then remained unchanged at 720 MPa until 1300 cycles.
Exact inference in the inequality constrained normal linear regression model

Inference in the inequality constrained normal linear regression model is approached as a problem in Bayesian inference, using a prior that is the product of a conventional uninformative distribution and an indicator function representing the inequality constraints. The posterior distribution is calculated using Monte Carlo numerical integration, which leads directly to the evaluation of expected values of functions of interest. This approach is compared with others that have been proposed. Three empirical examples illustrate the utility of the proposed methods using an inexpensive 32-bit microcomputer.
Additive effects of copolymer-1 and interferon β-1b on the immune response to myelin basic protein

Abstract Copolymer-1 (Cop-1) inhibits the T cell response to myelin basic protein (MBP), suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in many animal species, and was recently shown to be effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon beta-1b (IFN-β), an immune modulator with no antigenic specificity, is already approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. We investigated the combined effect of these two agents on the cellular immune response to MBP. Antigen-specific Th1-like cell lines were generated from two healthy individuals with different MHC phenotypes. Cop-1 inhibited the proliferation of all MBP-specific lines but had no suppressive effect on tuberculin (PPD) or tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific T cell lines from either donor, while IFN-β non-specifically reduced proliferation of all T cell lines. When combined in vitro, Cop-1 and IFN-β had additive suppressive effects on proliferation of MBP-specific T cell lines, with 70–100% inhibition depending on the concentration of antigen. Synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 and IFN-γ by MBP-specific lines was also inhibited additively (up to 100%). When antigen-presenting cells (APC) were pretreated with Cop-1, IFN-β or both, T cell proliferation was inhibited in the same additive pattern, even though the inhibitors were not present in culture, indicating that they acted primarily through modulation of APC function. Additive effects were not found with PPD- or TT-specific cell lines. Pretreatment of APC with IFN-β resulted in dose-dependent reduction in HLA-DR and HLA-DQ expression, which paralleled inhibition of T cell proliferation. Pretreatment of APC with Cop-1 had no effect on MHC class II expression. Reductions in proliferation and MHC class II expression were not the result of toxicity, as viability of T cell lines and APC was not altered by exposure to Cop-1 or IFN-β. These results suggest that inhibition of proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production by MBP-specific T cell lines may be mediated through complementary effects on antigen presentation, with IFN-β down-regulating the expression of MHC class II molecules on APC, and Cop-1 competing with MBP for antigen binding sites on the remaining MHC molecules.
Effect of stimulation of the reproductive organs of the cow on the release of an oxytocin-like substance.

FOR many years it has been lecognized that there is a close association between the reproductive system and the mammary gland, however the physiological connection between the two has not been well denned. Several reports in the literature suggest that the ejection or “let-down” of milk in the mammary gland can be caused by the stimulation of the reproductive organs. This is not entirely a neural connection since there can be an ejection of milk even when the efferent nerves to the mammary gland have been cut (Ingelbrecht, 1935; Ely and Petersen, 1941; Espe, 1947). Generally it is accepted that the principal cause of milk ejection in the intact animal is the action of oxytocin on the mammary gland. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stimulation of the reproductive organs of the cow by artificial insemination techniques and natural mating on the release of oxytocin as measured by increased intramammary pressure.
Estimating the incidence of road traffic fatalities and injuries in Sri Lanka using multiple data sources

We used data from multiple sources to estimate the incidence of fatal and non-fatal road traffic injuries in Sri Lanka in 2005. We validated the accuracy of the data from the national traffic police by comparing with estimates based on national death registration. For estimating the incidence and patterns of non-fatal injuries, we used a nationally represented health survey (World Health Survey), and data on hospital admissions from a rural setting (Galle district). We estimate that in the year 2005, approximately 2300 people died in Sri Lanka due to road traffic crashes, approximately 300,000 were injured in non-fatal crashes and approximately 140,000 received care for their injuries at hospitals. While the road traffic death rate in Sri Lanka is low compared with other low-income countries, it has been steadily rising for several years. Although young adults are at high risk in non-fatal crashes, the elderly have the highest death rate. Pedestrians and bicyclists account for more than half of all road t...
Using Amide 1H and 15N Transverse Relaxation To Detect Millisecond Time-Scale Motions in Perdeuterated Proteins: Application to HIV-1 Protease

Measurements of proton transverse relaxation rates, R2 and R1ρ, have not been commonly performed for proteins because cross correlations among the numerous 1H−1H dipolar interactions complicate analysis of the data. In addition, these interactions make large contributions to the relaxation of the amide protons, making it difficult to detect if an exchange of chemical shifts also makes a contribution, Rex, to relaxation. To overcome these problems, we have investigated proton relaxation of a perdeuterated protein, HIV-1 protease, bound to a small protonated inhibitor DMP323. Perdeuteration significantly reduces the contributions of 1H−1H dipolar interactions to the relaxation of the amide protons. The ROESY R1ρ experiment further reduces the overall relaxation rate as compared with the usual R1ρ experiment because the protons relax as unlike spins, with rate R1ρ,unlike, in the former experiment but as like spins, with rate R1ρ, in the latter. These reductions of the proton transverse-relaxation rate facili...
Real-time Experiment Interface for biological control applications

The Real-time Experiment Interface (RTXI) is a fast and versatile real-time biological experimentation system based on Real-Time Linux. RTXI is open source and free, can be used with an extensive range of experimentation hardware, and can be run on Linux or Windows computers (when using the Live CD). RTXI is currently used extensively for two experiment types: dynamic patch clamp and closed-loop stimulation pattern control in neural and cardiac single cell electrophysiology. RTXI includes standard plug-ins for implementing commonly used electrophysiology protocols with synchronized stimulation, event detection, and online analysis. These and other user-contributed plug-ins can be found on the website (http://www.rtxi.org).
A maturase-encoding group IIA intron of yeast mitochondria self-splices in vitro.

Abstract Intron 1 of the coxI gene of yeast mitochondrial DNA (aI1) is a group IIA intron that encodes a maturase function required for its splicing in vivo. It is shown here to self-splice in vitro under some reaction conditions reported earlier to yield efficient self-splicing of group IIB introns of yeast mtDNA that do not encode maturase functions. Unlike the group IIB introns, aI1 is inactive in 10 mM Mg2+ (including spermidine) and requires much higher levels of Mg2+ and added salts (1M NH4Cl or KCl or 2M (NH4)2SO4) for ready detection of splicing activity. In KCl-stimulated reactions, splicing occurs with little normal branch formation; a post-splicing reaction of linear excised intron RNA that forms shorter lariat RNAs with branches at cryptic sites was evident in those samples. At low levels of added NH4Cl or KCl, the precursor RNA carries out the first reaction step but appears blocked in the splicing step. AI1 RNA is most reactive at 37-42 degrees C, as compared with 45 degrees C for the group IIB introns; and it lacks the KCl- or NH4Cl-dependent spliced-exon reopening reaction that is evident for the self-splicing group IIB introns of yeast mitochondria. Like the group IIB intron aI5 gamma, the domain 4 of aI1 can be largely deleted in cis, without blocking splicing; also, trans-splicing of half molecules interrupted in domain 4 occurs. This is the first report of a maturase-encoding intron of either group I or group II that self-splices in vitro.
Interfacial fracture mechanics for anisotropic bimaterials

This paper focuses on aspects of fracture mechanics of interface cracks in anisotropic bimaterials. In this case there is a coupling of all three crack-tip fracture modes in the natural interface-crack coordinate system, whereas in the isotropic case, mode 3 is decoupled from modes 1 and 2. This paper intends to shed light on how to interpret the crack-tip fields which are given explicitly along the interface in terms of two (real 3x3) bimaterial matrices W and D . A matric function Y is defined in terms of W and D which determines the coupling and oscillations in the cracktip fields. Explicit expressions for the crack-tip fields and the associated stress intensity factors are given as well as for the energy release rate. The finite (Griffith) interface crack is considered in detail.
Determinants of differential doxorubicin sensitivity between SCLC and NSCLC

Doxorubicin (DOX) transport activity of Ral-interacting protein (RLIP76) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is approximately twice that of in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Since protein-kinase-C (PKC)alpha mediated phosphorylation of RLIP76 causes doubling of the specific activity of RLIP76, and NSCLC cells are known to have greater PKCalpha activity, we examined the contribution of PKC mediated phosphorylation of RLIP76 towards intrinsic DOX-resistance in human NSCLC. Expression of a deletion mutant RLIP76(delPKCalpha-sites) followed by depletion of the wild-type RLIP76 using a siRNA targeted at one of the deleted regions resulted in generation of cells expressing only the mutant protein, which could not be phosphorylated by PKCalpha. DOX-transport activity of the mutant RLIP76 purified from NSCLC and SCLC was similar and comparable to that of RLIP76 purified from the wild-type SCLC. However, this activity was significantly lower than that of RLIP76 purified from the wild-type NSCLC. After siRNA mediated depletion of PKCalpha, DOX-transport activities of RLIP76 purified from SCLC and NSCLC were indistinguishable. Depletion of PKCalpha inhibited the growth of NSCLC more than SCLC cells (70+/-3% vs. 43+/-5%, respectively). PKCalpha-depletion lowered the IC(50) of NSCLC cell lines for DOX to the same level as that observed for SCLC. RLIP76(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were significantly more sensitive to DOX as compared with RLIP76(+/+) MEFs (IC(50) 25 vs. 125nM, respectively). However, PKCalpha-depletion did not affect DOX-cytotoxicity towards RLIP76(-/-) MEFs, as opposed to RLIP76(+/+) MEFs which were sensitized by 2.2-fold. These results demonstrate that RLIP76 is a primary determinant of DOX-resistance, and that PKCalpha mediated accumulation defect and DOX-resistance in NSCLC is primarily due to differential phosphorylation of RLIP76 in SCLC and NSCLC.
Yield and forage quality of smooth brome in a black walnut alley-cropping practice

In the central plains of the United States, there is a growing interest in establishing smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) as an alley crop. Field experiments were conducted near Manhattan, Kansas over a period of 18 years. Walnut (Juglans nigra L.) trees were originally planted in rows 12.2 m apart. During the first 15 years of the study, smooth brome yield averaged 5,800 kg/ha. Sixteen to eighteen years after establishment, forage yields average 286 g/m2 under tree canopies (2.4 from tree row) and 346 g/m2 in the center between the rows on a north to south orientation compared to 497 g/m2 in the open. Forage heights ranged from 39 to 120 cm depending on year and followed the same trends by location as dry matter yields. Although no differences were found in forage quality among locations, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber averaged 20.4, 31.3, and 57.1 %, respectively, for forages harvested in May 2012 and July 2011, compared to 13.9, 19.2, and 36.4 % respectively, for forages harvested in October 2010.
Toxicity-metabolism relationship of the photoisomers of cyclodiene insecticides in freshwater animals

The onset of toxic symptoms of photoaldrin and photodieldrin is 3–5 times faster than aldrin and dieldrin in crayfish, bluegills and minnows and 1.3–2.2 times in other animals. Photoisodrin is 3–5 times slower than isodrin in its toxic action against other animals tested. The increased toxicity of photoaldrin and photodieldrin is apparently related to the rate ofin vivo formation of more toxic ketones as observed with photodieldrin.
Effect of Leflunomide, Cidofovir and Ciprofloxacin on replication of BKPyV in a salivary gland in vitro culture system

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a known kidney tropic virus that has been detected at high levels in HIV-associated salivary gland disease (HIV-SGD), one of the most important AIDS associated oral lesions. BKPyV has been detected in HIV-SGD patient saliva and replicates in salivary gland cells in vitro. BKPyV antivirals are currently in wide use to guard against BKPyV mediated organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients. The goal of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of three such antiviral agents, Ciprofloxacin, Cidofovir, and Leflunomide in BKPyV infected salivary gland cells. Human salivary gland cells, and Vero cells, were infected with BKPyV, treated with antiviral drugs and assessed for BKPyV gene expression and viral replication for up to 5 days post infection. The kinetics of BKPyV replication were different in salivary gland cells compared to kidney cells. Ciprofloxacin and Cidofovir had minimal effect on metabolic activity and host cell DNA replication, however, cell toxicity was detected at the protein level with Leflunomide treatment. Ciprofloxacin decreased BKV T Ag and VP1 mRNA expression by at least 50% in both cell types, and decreased T Ag protein expression at days 3 and 4 post infection. A 2.5-4 log decrease in intracellular DNA replication and a 2-3 log decrease in progeny release were detected with Ciprofloxacin treatment. Cidofovir and Leflunomide also inhibited BKPyV gene expression and DNA replication. The three drugs diminished progeny release by 30-90% and 2- to 6-fold decreases in infectious virus were detected post drug treatment by fluorescence focus assay. Additionally, three clinical BKPyV isolates were assessed for their responses to these agents in vitro. Cidofovir and Leflunomide, but not Ciprofloxacin treatment resulted in statistically significant inhibition of BKPyV progeny release from salivary gland cells infected with HIVSGD BKPyV isolates. All three drugs decreased progeny release from cells infected with a transplant derived viral isolate. In conclusion, treatment of human salivary gland cells with each of the three drugs produced modest decreases in BKPyV genome replication. These data highlight the need for continued studies to discover more effective and less toxic drugs that inhibit BKPyV replication in salivary gland cells.
A procedure for calculating laminar, transitional and/or turbulent three-dimensional boundary layers including surface curvature effects about arbitrary blunt-nosed bodies

The governing equations for laminar, transitional and/or turbulent, incompressible, three-dimensional boundary layers are solved numerically. The equations are developed in terms of an orthogonal surface coordinate system and include surface curvature effects. The coordinates are generated numerically, while the inviscid flow is obtained from a general potential flow procedure. The only restrictions on body geometry are that it possess a blunt nose and a plane of symmetry. The boundary-layer equations, after being transformed into similarity type variables, are solved using the implicit finite-difference Krause scheme. Various test cases are presented to establish the accuracy of the resulting computer program.
BUYING OUT PROPERTY RIGHTS TO THE ECONOMY FROM THE RULING STRATUM: THE CASE OF SOVIET-TYPE STATES

An American economist of an institutionalist persuasion, Steve N. S. Cheung, in assessing the prospects of transforming the Chinese economy into a capitalist system, observed (too optimistically, in this author’s opinion) that “all the officials who would otherwise resist the adoption of private enterprise could perhaps be compensated and put into comfortable retirement with plenty of social gain left over.“’ However, he regarded the negotiation, enforcement, and other costs as prohibitively high. In this author’s view, the proposal is worth pursuing somewhat further. To begin with, two assumptions should be formulated. The first assumption involves the existence of a system-specific mode of rentseeking, which makes two segments of the ruling statum-party apparatchiks and bureaucrats-particularly interested in maintaining a patently inefficient economic system. It is they who benefit most from being appointed to the nomenklaturaapproved, best-paid managerial jobs and from the flow of under-priced goods and services to the ruling stratum. Since apparatchiks and bureaucrats are invariably entrusted with implementing economic reforms, aborting these reforms is made all the easier by their dominant role in economic management. The second assumption concerns the relationship between the rent extracted from the economy by the parasitic ruling stratum by means of this typical systemspecific mode and the aggregate economic losses imposed by the maintenance of the system itself. The present writer assumes that the rent extracted is of a much smaller order of magnitude. In the circumstances, property rights theory suggests that to lower the transaction costs of changing the system, compensation should be offered to those who both are in a position effectively to resist change and have a vested interest in maintaining the present system. On the above assumptions-plus an implied one about the irreversibility of the decline of the Soviet system-Cheung’s proposal seems to be a step in the right direction, that is, a step facilitating change. What follows is an exercise in systematized thinking on the subject.
Numerical investigation of propellant leak methods in large-caliber cannons for blast overpressure attenuation

In this study, we numerically investigate a novel means to reduce blast overpressure to the rear of a muzzle-loaded cannon. Reduction in blast overpressure, and thus peak overpressure, leads to an increase in the number of allowed rounds that can be fired over a given period of time for the crew manning the system. New propellant leak methods are studied using numerical simulations, where the propellant gas is intentionally allowed to leak in front of the projectile into the precursor region (while the projectile is still in the bore). This is done through the addition of a bulge or leak channels in the tube. The focus of this work is on a large-caliber muzzle-loaded cannon at $$80^{\circ }$$ (1,422 angular mils) elevation and with firing done at the max zone with the round and charge conditioned to ambient. We employ a hydrocode (ALE3D) to predict the blast overpressure for three types of geometries comprising five geometric configurations in total. These include one baseline configuration (i.e., with no modification) as well as four additional configurations with bulges and channels to allow propellant leak. The leaking of propellant gas into the precursor region leads to changes in the flow field associated with the precursor. In the case of channels, propellant leak results in a significantly reduced exit pressure ratio during projectile separation, and thereby, leading to a weaker primary blast wave. This in turn attenuates the peak overpressure to the rear of the muzzle without the aid of a muzzle device. For the channel leak method, at one monitored location, with the largest peak overpressure, a reduction of about 38 % was observed in peak overpressure as compared to the baseline case.
A simplified approach to predict the heat of melting for organic compounds

Abstract In this study, a simple and widely applicable approach for predicting the heat of melting (∆Hm) of organic compounds is described. The model uses only three simple molecular descriptors: rotational symmetry, flexibility, and eccentricity numbers plus measured melting points to predict the heat of melting with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.77 KJ/Mol.
Experimental demonstration of Airy-Bessel 3D linear light bullets

We demonstrate for the first time a versatile class of Airy-Bessel linear light bullets. The main lobe of the Airy-Bessel wave packet was sustained for many dispersion and diffraction lengths of propagation.
Career roles, psychological success, and job attitudes.

Abstract D. T. Hall's ( Careers in organizations . Pacific Palisades, Calif.: Goodyear Pub., 1976 ) psychological success-based model of career development was investigated using path analyses across three faculty member roles and several performance indices. The model received moderate support for each role. While alternative paths from performance to job involvement and satisfaction with promotional opportunities were observed, they did not contradict the portions of the psychological success model studied.
Effects of Chick Age and Ingestion of Ascorbic Acid by the Dam on Plasma Cholesterol Levels

Abstract Chicks were hatched from S.C.W.L. hens fed either a control ration or one supplemented with 1333 p.p.m. ascorbic acid. Chicks from each maternal ration were allotted to either a control ration or one supplemented with 500 p.p.m. ascorbic acid. Plasma total and free cholesterol were determined on blood obtained from 1, 7, 14 and 21 day-old chicks on each treatment. Day-old chicks from hens fed ascorbic acid had significantly higher (P
Are bacterial proteases important virulence factors

The contribution of bacterial proteases to virulence has been relatively understudied. It is a simple matter to argue that bacterial proteases have the potential to destroy the structural and functional proteins that constitute host tissues as well as to destroy proteins important in host defense. Systematically demonstrating that such interactions occur during disease pathogenesis is more difficult, although a few studies have suggested that the ability of a pathogen to use proteases to cross proteinaceous barriers within the host contributes to bacterial virulence. This manuscript reviews concepts of bacterial virulence. Next, it describes how the host regulates the activities of its own proteases to maintain a state of health, and examines evidence suggesting that dysregulation of host proteases results in disease. Finally, evidence supporting a role for endogenous microbial proteases or acquisition of host proteases by microbes as virulence determinants is discussed as are suggestions for future directions for research in this area.
Crystal Structure of a Free κB DNA: Insights into DNA Recognition by Transcription Factor NF-κB

The dimeric NF-κB transcription factors regulate gene expression by recognizing specific DNA sequences located within the promoters of target genes. The DNA sequences, referred to as κB DNA, are divided into two broad classes. Class I κB DNA binds optimally to p50 and p52 NF-κB subunits, while class II κB DNAs are recognized specifically by the NF-κB subunits c-Rel and p65. We determined the X-ray crystal structure of a class II κB DNA sequence at 1.60 A resolution. This structure provides a detailed picture of κB DNA hydration, counter ion binding, and conformation in the absence of NF-κB binding partner. X-ray structures of both class I and class II κB DNA bound to NF-κB dimers were determined previously. Additionally, the NMR solution structure of a class I κB DNA is known. Comparison of the protein-bound and unbound κB DNA structures reveals that the free form of both classes approximates ideal B-form DNA more closely. Local geometries about specific DNA bases differ significantly upon binding to NF-κB. This is particularly evident at the 5′-GG/CC base-pairs; a signature of NF-κB specific DNA binding sequences. Differential phosphate group conformations, minor groove widths, buckle, twist, and tilt angles are observed between bound and unbound κB DNA. We observe that the presence of an extra G:C base-pair, 5′- to the GGA sequence in class I κB DNA, alters the geometry of the two internal G:C base-pairs within the GGGA tetranucleotide, which explains, at least in part, the structural basis for distinct NF-κB dimer recruitment by the two different classes of κB DNA. Together, these observations suggest that NF-κB dimers recognize specific structural features of κB DNA in order to make sequence-specific complexes.
Word-association latency in normal children during development and the relation of brain electrical activity.

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded in a group of 37 normal boys aged 92–206 months during performance of a word-association task. Ss were instructed to say the first word that came to mind, as quickly as possible, following presentation of each of 18 stimulus words that were familiar to young children. Word-association latency, or the associative reaction time (RT), was analyzed only for trials in which a stimulus word evoked the same response word. Younger children were found to have significantly longer associative RTs than older children, with associative RT decreasing with increasing age according to a reciprocal power-law function. Comparison of this function with similar functions relating simple and disjunctive RT to age, suggested that the longer word-association latencies of children could not be attributed merely to developmental differences in non-verbal processes or processes concerned primarily with speed of responding. Sufficient EEG data for analysis were available for only 5 of the stimulus-response word combinations, and for these data, average EEG period from the left hemisphere was significantly different from (longer than) EEG period from the right hemisphere. Results of a partial-correlation analysis showed that left-hemisphere differences in EEG period between Ss can account, in part, for the relationship between associative RT and age, while right-hemisphere differences in EEG period cannot. Although this suggested a hypothesis which ascribes the long word-association latencies of young children to age-associated differences in EEG period of the left hemisphere, evidence was inconclusive.
Surfactant Activated Dip-Pen Nanolithography

Direct nanoscale patterning of maleimide-linked biotin on mercaptosilane-functionalized glass substrates using dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) was facilitated by the addition of a small amount of the biocompatible nonionic surfactant Tween-20. A correlation was found between activated biotin transfer from the AFM tip with surfactant included in the ink and an increase in the wettability of the partially hydrophobic silanized substrate. Surfactant concentration represents a new control variable for DPN that complements relative humidity, tip−substrate contact force, scan speed, and temperature. Using surfactants systematically as ink additives may expand the possible ink−substrate combinations that can be used for patterning biotin and other biomolecules, including proteins.
IL-22–Induced Regulatory CD11b+ APCs Suppress Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

We have previously reported that IL-17(+) interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) 161-180-specific T cells have a strong pathogenic effect in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced in B10RIII mice; however, this pathogenic activity is not solely attributable to the major cytokine, IL-17, produced by these cells. To determine whether other cytokines produced by Th17 cells show a stronger association with their pathogenic activity, we studied the role of IL-22 in EAU. IL-22 is one of the major cytokines produced by these cells. Our results showed that administration of small doses of IL-22 to EAU-susceptible mice significantly reduced the severity of EAU. In addition, mice treated with IL-22 generated decreased numbers of IFN-γ(+) and IL-17(+) uveitogenic T cells, but increased numbers of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. Mechanistic studies showed that the effect of the injected IL-22 was on CD11b(+) APCs, which expressed increased levels of IL-22R during induction of disease following immunization with uveitogenic Ag. In vitro IL-22 treatment of CD11b(+) APCs collected from Ag-primed mice resulted in increased expression of programmed death ligand-1 and the production of increased amounts of IL-10 and TGF-β. Moreover, IL-22-treated CD11b(+) APCs caused IRBP161-180-specific T cells to lose their uveitogenic activity and acquire immunosuppressive activity, which suppressed the induction of EAU by additional pathogenic IRBP161-180-specific effector T cells.
Astrocytes infected with replication-defective adenovirus containing a secreted form of CNTF or NT3 show enhanced support of neuronal populations in vitro

Neurotrophic factors have been shown to ameliorate neuronal death in several in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease. However, delivery of polypeptide growth factors to compromised neurons in the CNS is problematic as the blood-brain barrier prevents systemic delivery, and chronic in-dwelling cannulae are required for intraparenchymal delivery. To circumvent these problems and specifically target neurotrophic factors to the environment surrounding degenerating neurons in the CNS, we have generated replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors that contain a secretable form of ciliary neurotrophic factor (sCNTF) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). In this study, we demonstrate that sCNTF/Ad and NT-3/Ad can efficiently infect primary astrocytes, resulting in gene transcription and the production of functional protein. Using Northern blot analysis, dose-dependent expression of sCNTF or NT-3 mRNA was detected 7 days after infection. The levels of mRNA expressed in transgenic astrocytes was dependent on virus titer and increased with increasing virus concentration. sCNTF or NT-3 protein was also detected in astrocyte supernatants by immunoblot analysis and 2-site ELISA. ELISA indicated that astrocytes infected with sCNTF/Ad or NT-3/Ad secreted neurotrophic factors at a rate of approximately 120 pg/10(6) cells/h and 350 pg/10(6) cells/h, respectively. To test for secretion of bioactive sCNTF or NT-3 protein, E8 chick ciliary ganglion or nodose ganglion neurons were grown in medium conditioned by control astrocytes or astrocytes treated with sCNTF/Ad or NT-3/Ad, showing a robust and dose-dependent increase in neuronal survival when compared to control supernatant. In addition, motor neurons plated onto astrocyte monolayers pretreated with sCNTF/Ad showed a two- to fourfold increase in ChAT activity when compared to those grown on astrocytes pretreated with Lac-Z/Ad. This study demonstrates that, using replication-defective adenovirus, primary astrocytes can be efficiently engineered to secrete bioactive sCNTF or NT-3, resulting in enhanced survival of responsive peripheral and central neuronal populations.
Family medicine in the research revolution

National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding has contributed to improvements in the health of the nation, but the pace of progress, particularly in the war on cancer, has been frustratingly slow. Departments of family medicine receive less NIH funding than all other specialties. Although numerous factors contribute to low family medicine funding levels, persistent undervaluing of primary care plays a paramount role. Fueled by the harsh reality that our nation's health is unconscionably poor, we are entering a new era in our nation's research enterprise, a virtual research revolution. The 3 components of this revolution are the NIH roadmap, personalized medicine, and the Clinical and Translational Science Awards. Each of these elements will contribute to a growing emphasis on translational research. Translational research demands formation of innovative structures in academic health centers (AHCs) to enable them to address questions of vital relevance to improving public health. Service research, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and foundations, defines a new approach to research with high potential to improve the health of communities. To be a part of the research revolution, departments must rely on senior researchers to secure funding and provide mentorship for junior investigators. Junior investigators must relentlessly pursue answers to questions of direct relevance to improving health. Finally, department chairs have the obligation to identify research mentors, find ways to fund research gaps, and create a culture of scholarship and investigation. Advocating for AHCs to commit to improving the health of the regions they serve can have a substantial impact on the types of questions that centers choose to study and, ultimately, on the health of the communities they serve.
The Query Complexity of Scoring Rules

Proper scoring rules are crucial tools to elicit truthful information from experts. A scoring rule maps X, an expert-provided distribution over the set of all possible states of the world, and ω, a realized state of the world, to a real number representing the expert’s reward for his provided information. To compute this reward, a scoring rule queries the distribution X at various states. The number of these queries is thus a natural measure of the complexity of the scoring rule.We prove that any bounded and strictly proper scoring rule that is deterministic must make a number of queries to its input distribution that is a quarter of the number of states of the world. When the state space is very large, this makes the computation of such scoring rules impractical. We also show a new stochastic scoring rule that is bounded, strictly proper, and which makes only two queries to its input distribution. Thus, using randomness allows us to have significant savings when computing scoring rules.
Exchange coupling optimization on CoPtCrO perpendicular media

CoPtCrO is an ideal system to study the influence of exchange on the performance of granular perpendicular media. By changing the oxygen ratio during the deposition process, loop shape and thus inter-granular exchange can be controlled. Noise measurements show there is an optimum exchange coupling which reduces the total media noise in the system. Numerical simulations using the experimental media parameters were found to reproduce the measured loop shapes and noise behavior. The optimization of exchange coupling was found to be a key factor in the design of low noise CoPtCrO perpendicular media.
Quantification of thermal spread and burst pressure after endoscopic vessel harvesting: A comparison of 2 commercially available devices

Objective Endoscopic vein harvesting systems have grown in popularity and are becoming the gold standard for coronary artery bypass grafting. Although a consensus is present that endoscopic vessel harvesting minimizes wound complications, long-term graft patency remains a concern. It has been proposed that endoscopic vessel harvesting affects graft patency because of irreversible trauma to the endothelium. This study was performed to examine the extent of thermal injury caused by 2 commercially available endoscopic vessel harvesting systems in a porcine model. Methods Superficial epigastric veins and saphenous arteries were exposed in 10 anesthetized swine. All vessel samples (conduits) were harvested randomly with either a VirtuoSaph (Terumo Cardiovascular, Ann Arbor, Mich) or VASOVIEW 6 (MAQUET, Inc, Wayne, NJ) endoscopic vessel harvesting system. Conduits were harvested and saved for either histologic analysis or burst-pressure test. Statistical differences were analyzed by using a Wilcoxon rank sum test in SAS 9.2 software (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC) for thermal spread and a 2-tailed t test with equal variance for burst pressure. Results The average thermal spreads for saphenous artery and superficial epigastric vein conduits were significantly shorter in the VirtuoSaph group (0.42 ± 0.08 and 0.49 ± 0.05 mm, respectively) than in the VASOVIEW 6 group (1.05 ± .04 and 0.94 ± 0.19 mm, respectively). No significant differences were observed in burst pressure. Conclusions The length of thermal spread is short in arterial and venous conduits (0.4–1.1 mm) and depends on the endoscopic vessel harvesting system. Clinical protocols should include a minimal length of the cauterized branch to ensure that thermal spread does not reach the main vessel. The results of this study suggest that at least 1 mm is sufficient.
Why Won't You Change Your Mind? Knowledge of Operational Patterns Hinders Learning and Performance on Equations

This study examined whether knowledge of arithmetic contributes to difficulties with equations. In Experiment 1, children (ages 7–11) completed tasks to assess their adherence to 3 operational patterns prevalent in arithmetic: (a) the strategy of performing all given operations on all given numbers, (b) the ‘‘operations 5answer’’ problem structure, and (c) the concept that the equal sign means ‘‘the total.’’ Next, children received a lesson on equations; then, they solved a set of equations. There was a negative relationship between adherence to the operational patterns and learning. In Experiment 2, undergraduates’ knowledge of the operational patterns was activated or not. Students whose knowledge was activated did not perform as well on equations. Results suggest that early-learned patterns constrain future learning and performance. A central issue in the study of cognitive development is how change occurs (Siegler, 2000). Research addressing this issue has yielded beautifully detailed accounts of the path, rate, breadth, and variability of cognitive change (e.g., Adolph, 1997; Dixon & Bangert, 2002; Gershkoff-Stowe, 2002; Siegler, 1989; Siegler & Stern, 1998). However, some ways of thinking resist change, even after substantial amounts of training or instruction. Indeed, some domains of knowledge (e.g., mathematics, science, foreign language) are so difficult to learn that many people fail to achieve basic competence, even after years of schooling. Consequently, any theory of learning must explain not only how people change, but also why people resist change. We examined change resistance in the domain of mathematics, focusing on children’s difficulties learning about mathematical equations. An equation is any mathematical statement that uses the equal sign to indicate that two mathematical expressions are (or are defined to be) equivalent.
Mixing of the immiscible: hydrocarbons in water-ice near the ice crystallization temperature.

Structural changes in hydrocarbon-doped water-ice during amorphous to crystalline phase conversion are investigated using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as probes. We show that aggregation of impurity molecules occurs due to the amorphous–crystalline transition in ice, especially when they are hydrophobic molecules such as PAHs. Using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), and laser-induced-fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopic techniques, we show that, although ice infrared absorption features change from a broad structureless band corresponding to amorphous ice to a sharp structured crystalline ice bands, simultaneously, sharper isolated PAH UV absorption features measured in the amorphous ice host turn broad upon ice crystallization. A simultaneous decrease in the monomer fluorescence and increase in the excimer emission band is observed, a clear indication for the formation of PAH molecular aggregates when amorphous ice is converted to crystalline ice at higher temperatures. Similar to the irreversible amorphous–crystalline phase transitions, the UV, fluorescence, and excimer emissions indicate that PAHs undergo irreversible aggregation. Our studies suggest that organic impurities exist as aggregates rather than monomers trapped in crystalline water-ice when cycled through temperatures that convert amorphous ice to crystalline ice, rendering a better insight into phenomena such as the formation of cometary crust. This aggregate formation also may significantly change the secondary reaction pathways and rates in impurity-doped ices in the lab, on Earth, in the solar system, and in the interstellar medium.
Comparative Effects of Inhaled Beta2 Receptor Agonists

Beta (β) receptor agonists have enjoyed a historically significant role in the treatment of asthma. More recently, some clinicians and investigators have questioned their future role. Adverse reactions with these agents are generally low, but emerging data suggest a possible increase in mortality in patients receiving these agents. There is need for comprehensive re-evaluation of the benefits and risks to using these agents. Meanwhile, health care professionals should be aware of the possible adverse reactions with these agents prior to use in patient care.
Simian Models of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A Review

Reports of the unprecedented occurrence of Kaposi’s sarcoma and fatal Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in previously healthy homosexual men in New York and California in 198 1 heralded the onset of the current human epidemic known as the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Since those initial reports, the incidence and spread of this disease have increased dramatically. Individuals affected with AIDS develop a prodrome of generalized lymphadenopathy, referred to as lymphadenopathy syndrome, frequently culminating in a selective and profound depression of cellmediated immunity that thus far appears irreversible. Typically, this immunodeficiency is characterized by a reversal of the ratio of T4 + (helper-inducer) to T8 + (suppressor-cytotoxic) subsets of lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation, impairment of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity and decreased responsiveness of T-lymphocytes to in vitro mitogen stimulation. Patients with AIDS frequently develop life-threatening infections with one or more of the following opportunistic pathogens: Pneumocystis carinii, Cryptococcus neoformans, Toxoplasma gondii, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium aviumintracellulare, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpesvirus hominis (simplex), adenoviruses and papovaviruses. In addition, Kaposi’s sarcoma and Burkitt’s-like lymphoma occur with much greater frequency in AIDS patients than in the general population. Although initially confined to certain high-risk groups that included promiscuous male homosexuals, intravenous drug-abusers, Haitians, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion receipients, AIDS is being increasingly recognized in patients that do not belong to any of these groups. It is now well established that the disease can be transmitted through both homosexual and heterosexual contact through use of contaminated hypodermic needles and blood products, and from infected mothers to their newborn children. Early epidemiologic evidence strongly suggested that AIDS was caused by a transmissible agent. In 1983, a retrovirus variously termed lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), human T-lymphotropic virus type I11 (HTLV111) or AIDS-associated retrovirus (ARV) was isolated and shown to be the cause of AIDS.2,39,45 This agent will be referred to as HTLV-III/LAV in this review. Interestingly, HTLV-III/LAV has been shown to have a number of biological characteristics in common with several viruses of ungulates classified in the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruse~.~~~ ~~ These agents include maedi-visna virus (MVV), caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). Recently, HTLV-III/LAV has been shown to be neuropathic and associated with dementia and a characteristic granulomatous encephalitis in adult as well as pediatric patients.
Impact of preexisting tumor necrosis on the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of brain metastases in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second most common source of brain metastasis. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be an effective treatment for some patients with brain metastasis (BM). Necrosis is a common feature of many brain tumors, including BM; however, the influence of tumor necrosis on treatment efficacy of SRS in women with breast cancer metastatic to the brain is unknown. METHODS: A cohort of 147 women with breast cancer and BM treated consecutively with SRS over 10 years were studied. Of these, 80 (54.4%) had necrosis identified on pretreatment magnetic resonance images and 67 (46.4%) did not. Survival times were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests were used to compare groups with respect to survival times, Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses, and chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare clinicopathologic covariates. RESULTS: Neurological survival (NS) and survival after SRS were decreased in BM patients with necrosis at the time of SRS compared with patients without necrosis by 32% and 27%, respectively (NS median survival, 25 vs 17 months [log-rank test, P = .006]; SRS median survival, 15 vs 11 months [log-rank test, P = .045]). On multivariate analysis, HER2 amplification status and necrosis influenced NS and SRS after adjusting for standard clinical features, including BM number, size, and volume as well as Karnofsky performance status. CONCLUSION: Neuroimaging evidence of necrosis at the time of SRS significantly diminished the efficacy of therapy and was a potent prognostic marker. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.