cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1616 B-LYMPHOCYTE DIFFERENTIATION IN NEPHROTIC SYNDROME (NS)

Abnormal T-lymphocyte modulation of B-lymphocyte (B-Ly) response has been suggested as a cause for decreased IgG synthesis in NS. The purpose of our study was to assess B-Ly differentiation and Ig synthesis driven by stimuli which were T-cell independent (Epstein Barr Virus-EBV), T-cell dependent (Pokeweed Mitogen-PWM) and partially T-cell dependent (S.aureus, Cowan 1 strain-SAC). Twenty determinations were performed in 13 nephrotic children (8 with minimal change NS). Immunoglobulin secreting cells (ISC) generated in the patients' peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures after exposure to EBV, PWM or SAC were quantified in reverse hemolytic plaque assays. The results, expressed as mean ± SEM number of ISC/106 lymphocytes, demonstrated a marked overall decrease of B-Ly differentiation in nephrotic patients compared to normal controls (p< .005). Three of the children were retested after 2 mos, 3 mos and 14 mos remission. Respective ISC expressed as percent of normal were: EBV 56% 34%, 46%; PWM 31%, 12%, 104%; SAC 46%, 34%, 121%. We conclude: 1) NS is associated with diminished Ig synthesis. 2) Both T-cell independent and T-cell dependent B-Ly differentiation is markedly decreased. 3) These abnormalities may persist after remission.
Molecular characterization of four genes involved in sulfur metabolism in Porphyra purpurea (Roth) C. Agardh

Sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenans and agars) are among the most important products of red algae that are used as food additives as well as in molecular biology research. The quality and value of the product is greatly dependent on the levels and sites of sulfation of the polysaccharides. Little information is currently available on the molecular details of sulfur metabolism in red algae. Considering the economic importance of sulfated polysaccharide, elucidating the molecular details of sulfur metabolism in these organisms could help in future endeavors to improve algal commercial value, e.g., through genetic engineering. A cDNA library from the red alga Porphyra purpurea (Roth) C. Agardh was used to isolate four cDNAs with homology to genes encoding known sulfur assimilation enzymes: sulfate adenyltransferase (ATP sulfurylase), adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK), sulfite reductase, and cysteine synthase. These cDNAs were characterized with respect to their molecular properties and a cDNA with homology to APSK was used to functionally complement an Escherichia coli auxotroph APSK− mutant. The other cDNAs are being similarly characterized with respect to their ability to produce functional enzymes. Elucidation of the regulation of expression of these genes will aid in future research to determine the biochemical and genetic details of the sulfate assimilation pathway as well as its genetic manipulation in red algae.
Oxidative enzyme activities in rat brain subcellular fractions. The effect of deoxycholate, freeze-thaw, and water.

SUMMARY (1) The distributions of four oxidative enzymes were studied in crude brain fractions. (2) Freeze-thaw cycle treatment and frozen storage of homogenate fractions gave apparent enhancement of cytochrome oxidase and NADH cytochrome c reductase activities. (3) Deoxycholate released cytochrome oxidase and NADH cytochrome c reductase activities from low-speed precipitates. The NADH diaphorase was enhanced to a small degree while NADPH cytochrome c reductase was not affected by deoxycholate. (4) Distilled water coupled with a single homogenization released trapped soluble enzymes and mitochondria and gave nearly maximal cytochrome oxidase activity as judged by deoxycholate treatment. The total distilled water activity of NADH cytochrome c reductase was much less than that of deoxycholate-stimulated fractions. The activities of other enzymes were not markedly affected by distilled water although their distribution was changed.
Administration of recombinant activated factor VII in the intensive care unit after complex cardiovascular surgery: clinical and economic outcomes.

Objective Refractory bleeding after complex cardiovascular surgery often leads to increased length of stay, cost, morbidity, and mortality. Recombinant activated factor VII administered in the intensive care unit can reduce bleeding, transfusion, and surgical re-exploration. We retrospectively compared factor VII administration in the intensive care unit with reoperation for refractory bleeding after complex cardiovascular surgery. Methods From 1501 patients who underwent cardiovascular procedures between December 2003 and September 2007, 415 high-risk patients were identified. From this cohort, 24 patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they either received factor VII in the intensive care unit (n = 12) or underwent reoperation (n = 12) for refractory bleeding. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected to compare efficacy, safety, and economic outcomes. Results In-hospital survival for both groups was 100%. Factor VII was comparable with reoperation in achieving hemostasis, with both groups demonstrating decreases in chest tube output and need for blood products. Freedom from reoperation was achieved in 75% of patients receiving factor VII, whereas reoperation was effective in achieving hemostasis alone in 83.3% of patients. Prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, and median operating room time were significantly less ( P Conclusions Factor VII administration in the intensive care unit appears comparable with reoperation for refractory bleeding after complex cardiovascular surgical procedures and might represent an alternative to reoperation in selected patients. Future prospective, randomized controlled trials might further define its role.
Anteroventral third ventricle lesions attenuate pressor responses to serotonin in anesthetized rats.

When administered intravenously, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) evokes a triphasic blood pressure response, consisting of the Bezold-Jarisch-associated depressor response, a pressor action, and long-lasting depressor response. Because the pressor response may, in part, be caused by central nervous system (CNS) activation by 5-HT, we predicted that destruction of the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region, an area rich in 5-HT receptors, would attenuate increases in blood pressure to intravenous 5-HT. In anesthetized sham-lesioned and AV3V-lesioned Sprague-Dawley rats. we measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) to increasing bolus doses of intravenous 5-HT (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25 microg/kg), before and after blockade of bradycardia using methylatropine (200 microg/kg). In all rats, bolus injections of 5-HT elicited bradycardia accompanied by a fall in lumbar SNA and an initial hypotension followed by a pressor response and a longer lasting hypotensive response. The bradycardia, reduction in lumbar SNA, and both depressor responses were equivalent in sham-lesioned and AV3V-lesioned groups. Importantly, AV3V lesions attenuated pressor responses to increasing doses of 5-HT (3 +/- 1, 6 +/- 4, 6 +/- 4, 17 +/- 4, 35 +/- 3 mmHg) compared to sham-lesioned controls (6 +/- 3, 16 +/- 7, 33 +/- 5, 54 +/- 4, 51 +/- 6 mmHg; P < 0.0001). This attenuation was conserved following blockade of bradycardia with methylatropine (P < 0.01). In summary, pressor responses to intravenous 5-HT are diminished by AV3V lesions. These data indicate that the pressor component of the blood pressure response to intravenous 5-HT is partly dependent upon interaction with the CNS.
Relative Efficiency of Selection for Performance of Birds Housed in Colony Cages Based on Production in Single Bird Cages

Abstract Relative efficiency of selection based on sire families housed in individual versus colony cages was determined from the genetic correlation of production traits observed in the two cage environments. Two separate experiments, using a sample from the North Central Randombred White Leghorn Population, were conducted simultaneously to compare production in single cages with that in 4-bird and 9-bird colony cages, while initially holding density constant in the colony cages (413 cm2/bird). In each experiment, sire families were split between single and colony cages in a replicated manner. Records were obtained from 20 to 72 weeks of age on eggs per hen-day (EHD), egg weight (EW), days survival (DS), egg mass (EM), and eggs per hen housed (EHH). The mechanisms operating to reduce production in colony cages were shown to be cumulative in nature. Reductions of EHH and EM in 4-bird cages were due to a decline in EHD per bird. Further reductions of EHH and EM in 9-bird cages were due to increased mortality (DS). The only genetic correlation significantly (P
Tolerance to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in a progressive ratio paradigm

This experiment used rats to test whether a regimen of chronic cocaine would produce tolerance to cocaine i.v. self-administration under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Under this PR schedule, an increasing number of responses was required to complete the ratio for each subsequent cocaine injection, and failure to complete the required ratio for the next injection within 1 h of the previous cocaine injection terminated the session. The number of injections taken in the session was termed the breaking point and used as the dependent variable. Rats were trained under this schedule until breaking point values were stable, after which cocaine dose-effect data were obtained: the breaking point increased as the dose of cocaine increased. Subsequently, rats were assigned to one of two groups for 7 days of chronic treatment: one group was infused with cocaine (18 mg/kg, given over 20 min once every 8 h) and the other group received 0.9% saline. Following termination of chronic treatment, cocaine dose-effect data were redetermined in both groups. Chronic cocaine treatment significantly decreased breaking point values across the entire dose-effect curve, although the effect was observed in only four of seven subjects. In contrast, chronic saline treatment produced no significant effect on the breaking point measures. Following a further 5 days of recovery from chronic treatment, cocaine dose-effect data were redetermined in both groups; these curves were essentially identical to those obtained before chronic treatments. These data support the hypothesis that tolerance occurs to the reinforcing effects of cocaine, as measured by a decrease in the breaking point, at least for a subset of animals.
Serological analysis of 17 baculoviruses from subgroups A and B using protein blot immunoassay.

Abstract We used the protein blot radioimmunoassay technique (Smith and Summers, 1981) to evaluate the immunoreactivity of antisera made against SDS-disrupted baculovirus structural proteins. Eight antisera (six for NPVs and two for GVs) were tested against eleven nuclear polyhedrosis (NPV) and six granulosis viruses (GV). Homologous reactions revealed that SDS-disrupted baculovirus antigens elicited antibodies which reacted with several of the virus proteins. Heterologous reactions of each viral antiserum were determined with a total of 17 baculoviruses. Using these data and that of Smith and Summers (1981) , we were able to detect a number of shared antigenic determinants which revealed some specific serological relationships among some of the 17 viruses tested. The MNPVs showing distinct serological relatedness included those of Autographa californica, Rachiplusia ou, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Choristoneura fumiferana, and Orgyia pseudotsugata. Heliothis armiger MNPV and Heliothis zea SNPV shared cross-reacting antigenic determinants as did Trichoplusia ni SNPV, Pseudoplusia includens SNPV, and Heliothis zea SNPV. The GVs. of T. ni, H. armiger , and Spodoptera frugiperda were also serologically related. Also reactions were detected which indicated the presence of common antigenic determinants among different baculovirus subgroups in addition to those originally detected in our earlier study (Smith and Summers, 1981) . Because of the large number of structural proteins in baculoviruses and the lack of information concerning their structural or functional roles in the virus group specific antigenic determinants could not be identified. However, protein blot RIA allows specific identification of baculoviruses and the number and molecular weight of homologous and heterologous proteins sharing antigenic determinants.
Equivalence of two theories of beam tilt

I demonstrate the equivalence of two different problems of beam tilt or angle of arrival. One approach employs the optical analog of the Ehrenfest theorem from quantum physics to derive the angle of arrival for a beam wave. The other approach models the tilt based on the average angle of arrival over a telescope aperture.
Effects of Prepartum Feeding Level and Body Condition on the Postpartum Performance of Dairy Cows

Abstract Holstein cows were subjected to a low, medium, or high plane of nutrition during the dry periods. Thin, medium, or fat body condition was designated after calving. All cows had limited free access to concentrates and corn silage or alfalfa hay for 12 weeks postpartum. Concentrate, forage, and total digestible nutrient intakes were not affected by level of either prepartum feeding or body condition. Fat-corrected milk yield did not differ (P>0.10) among prepartum feeding treatments, was significantly greater (P 0.10) between medium and thin or fat conditions. Postpartum weight losses were greater following high versus low and medium prepartum feeding (P 0.05, respectively), but did not differ (P>0.10) between low and medium. Weight losses were greater (P 0.10) between medium and thin or fat conditions. Intakes of total digestible nutrients as corn silage were lower (P 0.10) between forage treatments.
The Prospects for Mechanical Ratcheting of Bulk Metallic Glasses

The major mechanical shortcoming of metallic glasses is their limited ductility at room temperature. Monolithic metallic glasses sustain only a few percent plastic strain when subjected to uniaxial compression and essentially no plastic strain under tension. Here we describe a room temperature deformation process that may have the potential to overcome the limited ductility of monolithic metallic glasses and achieve large plastic strains. By subjecting a metallic glass sample to cyclic torsion, the glass is brought to the yield surface; the superposition of a small uniaxial stress (much smaller than the yield stress) should then produce increments in plastic strain along the tensile axis. This accumulation of strain during cyclic loading, commonly known as ratcheting, has been extensively investigated in stainless and carbon steel alloys, but has not been previously studied in metallic glasses. We have successfully demonstrated the application of this ratcheting technique of cyclic torsion with superimposed tension for polycrystalline Ti-6Al-4V. Our stability analyses indicate that the plastic deformation of materials exhibiting elastic--perfectly plastic constitutive behavior such as metallic glasses should be stable under cyclic torsion, however, results obtained thus far are inconclusive.
Thy-1 multimerization is correlated with neurite outgrowth.

Abstract Thy-1 is abundantly expressed in the vertebrate nervous system. Perturbation studies in vitro suggest that Thy-1 inhibits neurite outgrowth and stabilizes neuronal processes ( N. K. Mahanthappa and P. H. Patterson. (1992) . Thy-1 involvement in neurite outgrowth: Perturbation by antibodies, phospholipase C, and mutation. Dev. Biol.150, 47–59). We here report that Thy-1 participates in several types of homophilic interactions, each with differential sensitivity to reduction and boiling. The relative abundance of the multimeric forms of Thy-1 vary with the cell's ability to sprout neurites. Gel filtration chromatography of sympathetic neuron and PC12 cell lysates reveals that Thy-1 immunoreactivity appears in 25-, 45-, and 150-kDa forms. In neurons, Thy-1 immunoreactivity is distributed equally in all three forms, whereas in PC12 cells, the majority of Thy-1 immunoreactivity is found in the higher molecular weight forms. When PC12 cells are induced to sprout neurites with NGF, the Thy-1 size distribution becomes identical to that of neurons. The three forms of Thy-1 immunoreactivity are likely to be homomultimers of Thy-1 because immunoaffinity-purified, soluble Thy-1 also forms complexes similar in size to those found in neuronal extracts. To test whether Thy-1 multimerization may occur through interactions like those between immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, synthetic peptides corresponding to candidate sites for such associations in Thy-1 were tested for their effects on multimerization and neurite outgrowth. One peptide increases the amount of monomeric Thy-1 relative to total Thy-1, and promotes outgrowth. These results suggest that multimeric forms of Thy-1 inhibit process outgrowth and neurite sprouting by stabilizing the surface membrane and/or underlying cytoskeleton.
Cytolytic Pathways Used by Effector Cells Derived from Recipient Naive and Memory T Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Resistance to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

During the past decade, 2 major cytolytic pathays used by natural killer (NK) and T cells have been horoughly described. Both the perforin/granzyme nd death receptor (ie, fas/fas ligand [fasL]) pathways ltimately result in apoptosis of the targeted populaion [1]. Studies have been preformed using mutant nd knockout strains to investigate NK and T-cell mpairment in viral and tumor immune responses, as ell as in transplantation models, to investigate the ontribution of these pathways in resistance to allogeeic cell engraftment [2-9]. Several early studies ielded interesting results with regard to cytolytic deciencies and so-called allograft resistance. For examle, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–hetrozygous recipients were observed to reject donor arental marrow despite granzyme B deficiency [4]. dditionally, lethally conditioned MHC-disparate reipients deficient in perforin or expressing defective asL were also able to reject allogeneic hematopoietic rafts after a standard dose of bone marrow (BM) was ransplanted [2]. By using a different approach in which diphtheria oxin was transgenically expressed under a granzyme B romoter to broadly eliminate cytolytic barrier cell opulations, results were obtained that were similar to hose described previously: no detection was reported f diminution in NK resistance to hematopoietic stem t
Some Microphallids collected in Kenya

African representatives in the family Microphallidae (Trematoda) are recorded, and descriptions of five new species are given. Collections made on the Kenya coast showed: (Aves) Crocethia alba infected with Microphallus kenyensis sp.nov.; Encocotyle africanus sp.nov., and Maritrema sethsmithi sp.nov.; Tringa hypoleucos and Numenius phaeopus infected with Diacetabulum curvicolon Belopolskaia, 1952; (Reptilia, Scincidae) Ablepharus boutonii africanus infected with Levinseniella heardi sp.nov., Maritrema sethsmithi sp.nov. and Maritreminoides ablephari sp.nov. Patti Hirst and Alma Smith assisted with preparation of the plates. R. W. Heard III and S. Deblock loaned material and made helpful comments on the reproductive structures in the genus Levenseniella.
The Martian hydrologic cycle: Effects of CO2 mass flux on global water distribution

The Martian CO2 cycle, which includes the seasonal condensation and subsequent sublimation of up to 30 percent of the planet's atmosphere, produces meridional winds due to the consequent mass flux of CO2. These winds currently display strong seasonal and hemispheric asymmetries due to the large asymmetries in the distribution of insolation on Mars. It is proposed that asymmetric meridional advection of water vapor on the planet due to these CO2 condensation winds is capable of explaining the observed dessication of Mars' south polar region at the current time. A simple model for water vapor transport is used to verify this hypothesis and to speculate on the effects of changes in orbital parameters on the seasonal water cycle.
THE AORIST INFINITIVES IN -EEIN IN EARLY GREEK HEXAMETER POETRY

This paper examines the distribution of thematic infinitive endings in early Greek epic in the context of the long-standing debate about the transmission and development of Homeric epic diction. There are no aorist infinitives in -έμeν in Homer which would scan as ◡◡ – before a consonant or caesura (for example *βαλέμeν): instead we find unexplained forms in -έeιν (for example βαλέeιν). It is argued that this artificially ‘distended’ ending -έeιν should be viewed as an actual analogical innovation of the poetic language, resulting from a proportional analogy to the ‘liquid’ futures. The total absence of aoristic -έeιν in Hesiod is unlikely to be coincidental: the analogical form must have been the product of a specifically East Ionic Kunstsprache , and so could have been simply unknown in some other Ionian school of epic poetry where Hesiod was trained. Finally, the striking avoidance of anapaestic aorist infinitives in -έeιν is argued to be explained better under the ‘diffusionist’ approach to the Aeolic elements in Homeric diction than under the ‘Aeolic phase’ theory.
Comparison of the Baird–Parker agar and 3MTMPetrifilmTMrapid S. aureus count plate methods for detection and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract This study compared Baird–Parker (B–P) agar plating with the 3M TM Petrifilm TM rapid S. aureus count plate method (PFRSA) for detection and enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus . Sampling of deli-sliced meats ( n =11) and cheeses ( n =39), meat sandwiches ( n =7) and raw bovine milk ( n =14) revealed B–P to be insufficiently selective. Even with narrow identification criteria for presumptive S. aureus , 73% of 84 isolates from B–P were not S. aureus. None of the meat, cheese or sandwich samples tested positive using the PFRSA method. All 14 raw bovine milk samples tested positive for S. aureus using the PFRSA method and confirmed S. aureus isolates were recovered from 12 samples on B–P plates. Results of two storage studies using inoculated Swiss and mozzarella cheeses showed that the two enumeration methods were essentially equivalent and that increases in S. aureus numbers of more than 2 log cfu are unlikely on Swiss and mozzarella cheeses stored at ≤25°C for ≤20 h. Despite a high-temperature incubation step that prevented isolate confirmation, the PFRSA method was found to be a suitable alternative to B–P for detecting and enumerating S. aureus. Because of the relative speed of the PFRSA method, analysts may consider using it as an initial screen with positive samples re-tested using the B–P method, with subsequent testing, e.g. coagulase, of isolates.
Separation of univalent fragments from the bivalent rabbit antibody molecule by reduction of disulfide bonds.

Abstract Nonprecipitating active fragments of rabbit antiovalbumin γ-globulin, having approximately the same sedimentation coefficient (3.5 S ) and inhibitory effect on the homologous precipitin reaction as the univalent fragments produced by papain, can be prepared by treatment with pepsin in the presence of a reagent capable of breaking disulfide bonds. The reaction can also be carried out by successive treatments with pepsin and one of several such reagents. Cysteine, 2-mercaptoethylamine, thioglycolate, and cyanide were effective. In the absence of enzyme, but under otherwise identical conditions, these compounds had no apparent effect on the antibody. The combining sites on fragments of an antihapten antibody produced by this method were found, by hapten-binding measurements, to be essentially intact, although the capacity to form specific precipitates was lost. This fact and the close similarity to the univalent fragments formed by the action of papain indicate that the active split products produced by pepsin under these conditions are univalent. Peptic digestion causes a decrease in sedimentation coefficient to about 5 S , but the capacity to form specific precipitates is largely retained, indicating that the 5 S fragment is bivalent. Further treatment with a disulfide-splitting reagent results in the formation of fragments with the properties of univalent antibody and s ≅ 3.5. The results indicate that the proteolytic enzyme splits off an inactive portion of the molecule; and that subsequent to this reaction the bivalent residue can be divided into two univalent fragments by breaking the disulfide bonds which hold them together. Because compounds which react with disulfide groups have always been used with papain, as activators of the enzyme, it appears that a similar mechanism may obtain in the digestion of rabbit antibody by that enzyme. Since Porter has shown that the two active fragments (3.5 S ) released by papain are nearly identical in molecular weight and amino acid composition, the possibility is suggested that the biosynthesis of rabbit antibody may include linkage of these two nearly identical univalent subunits through one or more disulfide bonds.
The role of wind in the near field and midfield of a river plume

The role of wind in the near-field and midfield regions of the Merrimack River plume is quantified using observations from surface drifters released near the river mouth during ebb tide in 2009, 2010, and 2011 under a range of wind and river discharge conditions. Comparison of momentum balance terms and analysis of plume trajectories suggests that the plume is sensitive to wind direction for wind speeds >4 m s−1 in all regions of the plume, including the near field, where wind influence has typically been considered second order. Intermediate ranges (4–12 km) were more strongly influenced by the wind than the near field (0–4 km). However, the influence of the instantaneous wind diminished farther from the mouth, presumably, due to the growing importance of longer time scale process (i.e., Ekman transport). The plume was less sensitive to cross-shore winds than alongshore winds, particularly near the river mouth, where momentum dominates.
Radiative Corrections to Elastic Electron-Proton Scattering for Polarized Electrons

We analyze the radiative correction to high energy elastic electron-proton scattering of polarized electrons. We show that if the approximations inherent in the calculations developed by Tsai and given in the work of Mo and Tsai, which have been used in the analysis of almost all experimental data pertain- ing to medium and high energy elastic electron scattering for the past three decades, are maintained, then the same radiative correction applies both in the case of initially polarized and unpolarized electrons. and longitudinal polarizations of the recoil protons were measured in order to obtain the ratio of the proton's elastic electromagnetic form factors, GEp /GMp . Given that radiative corrections to elastic electron-proton scattering are generally of the order of 20% - 30% for four-momentum transfer squared in the range considered in these experiments (0.5 to 3.5 (GeV/c) 2 ), the question arises as to whether the same radiative correction used in the case of unpolarized beams and targets can be applied in the case of polarized electron beams when the polarization of the recoil proton is measured. We show here that if the approxi- mations inherent in the calculations developed in (1) and given in (2) are maintained, then the same radiative correction applies both in the case of initially polarized and unpolarized electrons. In Sec. II we present the cross section for the scattering of polarized electrons from unpolarized protons in the absence of radiative corrections. In Sec. III we give each of the matrix elements associated with the radiative correction and discuss the significant approximations that are made in (1) to evaluate their contribution to the cross section. We then show that with these approximations the radiative corrections do not depend on the polarization of either the electron or the proton in the initial or final state.
Dopamine receptor blockade increases glandular kallikrein-like activity in the neurointermediate lobe of the rat pituitary.

Summary The effect of dopamine receptor blockers on glandular kallikrein-like activity in the neurointermediate lobe of the rat pituitary was examined. Male rats were given daily injections of haloperidol (2.5 mg/kg), perphenazine (5 mg/kg) or sulpiride (60 mg/kg) for 7 days. Homogenates of the neurointermediate lobe were prepared. Latent proteases were activated with trypsin and proteolytic activity was measured at 37°C, pH 8.0 using chromogenic peptide substrates. All three dopamine receptor blockers produced about a 100% increase in glandular kallikrein-like activity. The results suggest that glandular kallikrein-like activity in the neurointermediate lobe is under inhibitory control by dopaminergic mechanisms.
On the decoupling of dichotomic linear Hamiltonians: considerations on integrating symmetric differential Riccati equations

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to analyze some questions related to the decoupling of a class of linear Hamiltonian systems such as those of optimal control applications. We call these systems dichotomic Hamiltonian systems . We are thus led rather naturally to consider the numerical integration of symmmetric differential Riccati equations (SDREs). We first briefly consider general time-dependent transformation for linear Hamiltonians and then the SDRE: our goal is to understand which integration schemes are well suited for this equation. It is natural to suspect that so-called symplectic schemes should be good candidates. However — possibly contrary to intuition — we will see that the SDRE is not generally a Hamiltonian system. By looking at which properties an integration scheme for the SDRE should have, we realize that, among many of the known schemes, the best suited seems to be the simple backward Euler. Similar results are obtained for the integration of the symmetric Lyapunov equation. We also discuss the interpolation problem for the computed solution, and the solution procedure with Newton's method for the nonlinear discrete systems; we show that Newton's method is a fully symplectic algorithm for our problem, that is, it can be interpreted as a chain of symplectic transformations on a constant Hamiltonian matrix. Finally, we briefly discuss implementation aspects, other choices, and extensions of the results herein.
Arc Driver Operation for Either Efficient Energy Transfer or High-Current Generation

An investigation is made to establish predictable electric arcs along triggered paths for research purposes, the intended application being the heating of the driver gas of a 1 MJ electrically driven shock tube. Trigger conductors consisting of wires, open tubes, and tubes pressurized with different gases were investigated either on the axis of the arc chamber or spiraled along the chamber walls. Design criteria are presented for successful arc initiation with reproducible voltage-current characteristics. Results are compared with other facilities and several application areas are discussed.
Adoption and impact of concurrent chemoradiation therapy for vaginal cancer: A National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) study

Abstract Background Vaginal cancer is an uncommon entity for which concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) may be used based on small retrospective series and extrapolation from cervical cancer. We explored the adoption rate of CCRT and determined its impact on survival. Methods Patients entered into the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) diagnosed with vaginal cancer from 1998 to 2011 who received definitive radiation therapy were included. Univariate/multivariable exploratory analyses of factors associated with CCRT were performed. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards modeling identified the contribution of CCRT on survival. Results Of the 13,689 patients identified, 8222 (60.1%) received radiation therapy. Of these, 3932 (47.8%) received CCRT and its use increased from 20.8% to 59.1% (1998–2011). Of the 23 patient, disease, facility, and treatment factors, 13 were significantly associated with patient outcomes and were entered into a binary logistic regression model. This evaluation revealed that younger age, larger tumor size, later year of diagnosis, higher facility volume, squamous histology, and higher stage (in order of increasing association) are independently associated with CCRT use. Median overall survival is longer with CCRT compared to radiation alone (56.2 vs. 41.2months, p Conclusions Use of CCRT for patients with vaginal cancer has increased and is associated with a significant improvement in survival in this large, national cohort. CCRT should be integrated into treatment guidelines for vaginal cancer.
Inhibition of mitomycin C's aerobic toxicity by the seleno-organic antioxidant PZ-51.

Mitomycin C (MMC) is a bioreductive alkylating agent that is capable of generating oxygen radicals. Porfiromycin (PM) is an analog to MMC that generates oxygen radicals at a significantly lower level than the parent compound. Under aerobic conditions, the toxicity of MMC to EMT6 cells is 2.5-fold that of PM, whereas hypoxically the two are equitoxic. In the present studies, the protective effect of PZ-51 in combination with NAC was assessed against the dose-dependent toxicity of either MMC or PM under both aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Aerobically, the PZ-51 and NAC combination inhibited the toxicity of MMC at concentrations of between 0.25 and 2 μm but had no effect on PM toxicity. Under hypoxic conditions, the PZ-51 and NAC combination had no effect on either MMC or PM toxicity. These findings support a role for oxygen radical generation in the aerobic toxicity of MMC at clinically relevant doses.
The Becklin-Neugebauer Object as a Runaway B Star, Ejected 4000 Years Ago from the θ1 Orionis C System

We attempt to explain the properties of the Becklin-Neugebauer (BN) object as a runaway B star, as originally proposed by Plambeck et al. This is one of the best-studied bright infrared sources, located in the Orion Nebula Cluster—an important testing ground for massive star formation theories. From radio observations of the BN object's proper motion, we trace its trajectory back to Trapezium star θ1 Ori C, the most massive (45 M☉) in the cluster and a relatively tight (17 AU) visual binary with a B star secondary. This origin would be the most recent known runaway B star ejection event, occurring only ~4000 years ago and providing a unique test of ejection models. Although highly obscured, we can constrain the BN object's mass (7 M☉) from both its bolometric luminosity and the recoil of θ1 Ori C. Interaction of a runaway B star with dense ambient gas should produce a compact wind bow shock. We suggest that X-ray emission from this shocked gas may have been seen by Chandra: the offset from the radio position is 300 AU in the direction of the BN object's motion. Given this model, we constrain the ambient density, wind mass-loss rate, and wind velocity. The BN object made its closest approach to the massive protostar, source I, 500 years ago. This may have triggered enhanced accretion and thus outflow, consistent with previous interpretations of the outflow being a recent (~103 yr) explosive event.
Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for the obese patient: a subset analysis from a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

The clinical outcomes for patients randomized to either open or laparoscopic appendectomy are comparable. However, it is not known whether this is true in the subset of the adult population with higher body mass indexes (BMIs). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic appendectomy in the obese population. A subgroup analysis of a randomized, prospective, double-blind study was conducted at a county academic medical center. Of the 217 randomized patients, 37 had a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher. Open surgery was performed for 14 and laparoscopic surgery for 23 of these patients. The primary outcome measures were the postoperative complication rates. The secondary outcomes were operative time, length of hospital stay, time to resumption of diet, narcotic requirements, and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) quality-of-life data. No differences in complications between the open and laparoscopic groups were found. Also, no significant differences were seen in any of the secondary outcomes except for a longer operative time among the obese patients. In this study, laparoscopic appendectomy did not show a benefit over the open approach for obese patients with appendicitis.
Physical properties of thin‐film field emission cathodes with molybdenum cones

Field emission cathodes fabricated using thin-film techniques and electron beam microlithography are described, together with effects obtained by varying the fabrication parameters. The emission originates from the tip of molybdenum cones that are about 1.5 micron tall with a tip radius around 500 A. Such cathodes have been produced in closely packed arrays containing 100 and 5000 cones as well as singly. Maximum currents in the range 50-150 microamp per cone can be drawn. Life tests with the 100-cone arrays drawing 2 mA total emission (or 3 A per sq cm) have proceeded in excess of 7000 hr with about a 10% drop in emission current. Studies are presented of the emission characteristics and current fluctuation phenomena. It is tentatively concluded that the emission arises from only one or a few atomic sites on the cone tips.
Pulsed Hanle effect studies on CS2 vapor excited by a nitrogen laser

Abstract Hanle effect (magnetic depolarization of fluorescence) is observed with gas phase CS 2 fluorescence excited by a pulsed nitrogen laser. The theory of the pulsed Hanle effect is reviewed and intensity expressions derived for the time-resolved, time-delayed, and time-integrated Hanle signals. Time-integrated and time-delayed signals are observed. The laser excites the T 1 A 2 state and the Hanle effect is associated with the banded, short-lived component of the fluorescence. An effective g factor for the t + 3 vibrational level is determined from the signal width and the level's lifetime. No effect is observed for the apparently continuous component of the fluorescence; this emission may occur after a relaxation process which destroys excited state alignment.
Comparison of oxidized carbon nanotubes for Li-ion storage capacity

Oxidized carbon nanotubes, oxCNTs, were formed when multi-walled carbon nanotubes were treated by chemical oxidation with acidic potassium permanganate. The synthesis and characterization of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes of five diameter ranges for use as anode materials in lithium-ion battery applications is detailed herein. Thermogravimetric analysis and typical spectroscopic methods confirmed extensive oxidation, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy comparisons provided quantification of specific components. Images from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy indicated a change in structure associated with the oxidation as X-ray diffraction peaks indicated broadening interplanar spacing. This study confirmed that the oxidative process successfully led to oxCNTs, with a reversible capacity demonstratively higher than their parent multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Higher capacities were demonstrated in smaller-diameter oxCNTs, and associated with structural and compositional differences between the samples.
Application of a Self-Consistent Scheme Including Exchange and Correlation Effects to Atoms

Abstract : Self-consistent schemes including approximations to exchange and correlation proposed by Kohn and Sham are applied to computing atomic energies and densities. These quantities, with and without the correlation correction, are obtained and compared with the results of calculations using the Slater exchange hole or the Hartree-Fock method and with experimental values. The present method, without correlation, gives slightly better results for energies and substantially better results for densities than Slater's method. This was anticipated in the general theory. The correlation corrections of the present scheme are not very good, presumably due to the fact that the electronic density in atoms has too rapid a spatial variation. (Author)
From Colorblindness to Intercultural Sensitivity: Infusing Diversity Trainingin PETE Programs

In this paper, we advocate infusing diversity training across physical education teacher education (PETE) programs and curricula (DeSensi, 1995). Specifically, we call for PETE programs to provide curriculum content and professional socialization experiences that enhance intercultural sensitivity to better prepare novice teachers for working effectively with students of various cultures and ethnicities (DeSensi, 1995; Hodge, 2003). We discuss (a) changing demographics in society and schools with implications for preparing teachers, (b) moving from ethnocentricism to ethnorelativism of intercultural sensitivity, (c) implementing NCATE diversity initiatives, (d) infusing diversity training in PETE programs, and (e) understanding physical activity and sport participation patterns of a diversity of learners and athletes. We also provide some closing arguments for implementing diversity training in PETE programs.
Midkine is a NF-κB-inducible gene that supports prostate cancer cell survival

Midkine is a heparin-binding growth factor that is over-expressed in various human cancers and plays important roles in cell transformation, growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis. However, little is known about the upstream factors and signaling mechanisms that regulate midkine gene expression. Two prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC3 were studied for their expression of midkine. Induction of midkine expression in LNCaP cells by serum, growth factors and cytokines was determined by Western blot analysis and/or real-time quantitative reverse-transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cell viability was determined by the trypan blue exclusion assay when the LNCaP cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and/or recombinant midkine. When the LNCaP cells were treated with recombinant midkine, activation of intracellular signalling pathways was determined by Western blot analysis. Prostate tissue microarray slides containing 129 cases (18 normal prostate tissues, 40 early stage cancers, and 71 late stage cancers) were assessed for midkine expression by immunohistochemical staining. We identified that fetal bovine serum, some growth factors (epidermal growth factor, androgen, insulin-like growth factor-I, and hepatocyte growth factor) and cytokines (TNFα and interleukin-1beta) induced midkine expression in a human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP cells. TNFα also induced midkine expression in PC3 cells. TNFα was the strongest inducer of midkine expression via nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. Midkine partially inhibited TNFα-induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Knockdown of endogenous midkine expression by small interfering RNA enhanced TNFα-induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Midkine activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, midkine expression was significantly increased in late stage prostate cancer, which coincides with previously reported high serum levels of TNFα in advanced prostate cancer. These findings provide the first demonstration that midkine expression is induced by certain growth factors and cytokines, particularly TNFα, which offers new insight into understanding how midkine expression is increased in the late stage prostate cancer.
The Solution Precursor Plasma Spray Processing of Nanomaterials

Solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) synthesis is a simple, single-step, and rapid technique for synthesizing nano-ceramic materials from solution precursors. This innovative method uses molecularly mixed precursors as liquids, avoiding a separate processing method for the preparation of powders and enabling the synthesis of a wide range of metal oxide powders and coatings. Also, this technique is considered to be promising for the formation of non-equilibrium phases in multi-component oxide systems. This short review provides an insight into the important aspects of SPPS, the properties obtained in comparison to conventional plasma spray, and the potential applications of the SPPS process.
Experimental Inhibition of Prostaglandin-Like Inflammatory Response After Cryotherapy

To determine the effect of aspirin as an inhibitor of the prostaglandin-induced inflammatory reaction that follows cryotherapy, 12 rabbits were pretreated with aspirin and 12 were controls. The aspirin-pretreated animals showed less inflammatory reaction after cryotherapy and significantly less protein in the aqueous humor than did the control animals (P less than .01). We believe that the conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, and the increase in protein concentrations in the aqueous humor that follow cryotherapy, are prostaglandin-related, because pretreatment with aspirin inhibited these phenomena.
Hazardous buildings: Aspects of the los angeles earthquake problem

In recognition of the life-threatening dangers posed by many thousands of buildings completed prior to the requirement for provision of any specific earthquake resistance, in 1981 the City of Los Angeles adopted a seismic safety ordinance requiring the upgrading of these buildings to predetermined engineering standards. Various methods of modifying such structures, which are characteristically of unreinforced multi-storey masonry bearing wall configuration with interior wood framing, are summarized in this paper. In addition to presenting typical structural details, some of the socio-economic and financial aspects of the earthquake hazard mitigation programme are discussed.
Iatrogenic Esophageal Injuries: Evidence-Based Management for Diagnosis and Timing of Contrast Studies After Repair

Abstract Leakage from gastroesophageal repair is considered a major complication and is often associated with increased hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. Management of these patients is vari...
Comparison of vegetation water contents derived from shortwave-infrared and passive-microwave sensors over central Iowa

Retrieval of soil moisture content using the vertical and horizontal polarizations of multiple frequency bands on microwave sensors can provide an estimate of vegetation water content (VWC). Another approach is to use foliar-water indices based on the absorption at shortwave-infrared wavelengths by liquid water in the leaves to determine canopy water content, which is then related to VWC. An example of these indices is the normalized difference infrared index (NDII), which was found to be linearly related to canopy water content using various datasets, including data from the Soil Moisture Experiments 2002 and 2005 in central Iowa. Here we compared independent estimates of VWC from WindSat to Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDII over central Iowa from 2003 to 2005. Results showed that there was a linear relationship between the MODIS and WindSat estimates of VWC, although WindSat-retrieved VWC was greater than MODIS-retrieved VWC. WindSat and MODIS have different satellite overpass times and in most climates we expect VWC to vary over a day due to transpiration and plant water stress. However, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the diurnal variation of VWC should not have a significant effect on retrievals of VWC by either method. The results of this study indicated that soil moisture retrievals from microwave sensors may be improved using VWC from optical sensors determined by foliar-water indices and classifications of land cover type.