cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C/VEGF-2) Promotes Angiogenesis in the Setting of Tissue Ischemia

Recently, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C or VEGF-2) was described as a specific ligand for the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. In vivo data, limited to constitutive overexpression in transgenic mice, have been interpreted as evidence that the growth-promoting effects of VEGF-C are restricted to development of the lymphatic vasculature. The current studies were designed to test the hypothesis that constitutive expression of VEGF-C in adult animals promotes angiogenesis. In vitro, VEGF-C exhibited a dose-dependent mitogenic and chemotactic effect on endothelial cells, particularly for microvascular endothelial cells (72% and 95% potency, respectively, compared with VEGF-A/VEGF-1). VEGF-C stimulated release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and increased vascular permeability in the Miles assay; the latter effect was attenuated by pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors were shown to be expressed in human saphenous vein and internal mammary artery. The potential for VEGF-C to promote angiogenesis in vivo was then tested in a rabbit ischemic hindlimb model. Ten days after ligation of the external iliac artery, VEGF-C was administered as naked plasmid DNA (pcVEGF-C; 500 microg) from the polymer coating of an angioplasty balloon (n = 8 each) or as recombinant human protein (rhVEGF-C; 500 microg) by direct intra-arterial infusion. Physiological and anatomical assessments of angiogenesis 30 days later showed evidence of therapeutic angiogenesis for both pcVEGF-C and rhVEGF-C. Hindlimb blood pressure ratio (ischemic/normal) after pcVEGF-C increased to 0.83 +/- 0.03 after pcVEGF-C versus 0.59 +/- 0.04 (P < 0.005) in pGSVLacZ controls and to 0.76 +/- 0.04 after rhVEGF-C versus 0.58 +/- 0.03 (P < 0.01) in control rabbits receiving rabbit serum albumin. Doppler-derived iliac flow reserve was 2.7 +/- 0.1 versus 2.0 +/- 0.2 (P < 0.05) for pcVEGF-C versus LacZ controls and 2.9 +/- 0.3 versus 2.1 +/- 0.2 (P < 0.05) for rhVEGF-C versus albumin controls. Neovascularity was documented by angiography in vivo (angiographic scores: 0.85 +/- 0.05 versus 0.51 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.001) for plasmid DNA and 0.74 +/- 0.08 versus 0.53 +/- 0.03 (P < 0.05) for protein), and capillary density (per mm2) was measured at necropsy (252 +/- 12 versus 183 +/- 10 (P < 0.005) for plasmid DNA and 229 +/- 20 versus 164 +/- 20 (P < 0.05) for protein). In contrast to the results of gene targeting experiments, constitutive expression of VEGF-C in adult animals promotes angiogenesis in the setting of limb ischemia. VEGF-C and its receptors thus constitute an apparently redundant pathway for postnatal angiogenesis and may represent an alternative to VEGF-A for strategies of therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with limb and/or myocardial ischemia.
Effect of momentum transport on conversion in adiabatic catalytic tubular reactors

Abstract Neglecting the effect of velocity change on conversion in a gaseous plug flow solid catalysed reactor can lead to an overestimation of conversion by a factor of 3 or underestimation of reactor size for a given conversion by factors of 2 or more in highly exothermic adiabatic cases. Diffusion control, reaction control, and combined domination of rate situations are considered. For many practical situations in monoliths at subsonic velocity the effects of friction and momentum convection on velocity change can be neglected. The direct relationship between velocity and gas temperature in these situations can be accurately derived by assuming isobaric flow. In packed bed reactors reducing particle size below critical limits can appreciably reduce conversion (with increased pressure drop) compared with values estimated by neglecting the effect of friction. An adaptive variable order finite difference method has operated successfully in all cases studied for values of solids Peclet number, Pe s
Magnetospectroscopy of Acceptors in “Blue” Diamonds

The Zeeman effect of the ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ $[1s({p}_{3/2}):{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1s({p}_{1/2}):{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}]$ Raman line of boron acceptors in diamond exhibits the predicted eight components and four transitions within the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}$ multiplet, discovered under diverse polarization configurations with high resolution Fabry-P\'erot interferometry. A theory in terms of the pronounced hole mass anisotropy explains the observed level ordering, polarizations, and the sign and magnitude of the intrinsic $g$ factor of the hole. A striking mutual exclusion of Stokes and anti-Stokes features occurs in specific circular polarization configurations.
Unequal Treaty 1898-1997: China, Great Britain, and Hong Kong's New Territories

This text describes the history and development of the Convention of Peking 1898 and the lease of the New Territories to Great Britain by China. This resulted in this area becoming part of the British colony of Hong Kong. The expiry date of the agreement was 1 July 1997, and now the date has passed, Hong Kong and the leased territories have returned to China. Since this date, various classified British government records and files have become available which shed new light on some aspects of the history of the Convention, and it is this information that has been incorporated into this edition. In addition, the author outlines the Joint Declaration and the events leading up to the expiry of the lease.
Aqueous Cobalt(II) ion as a Nitrogen-14 Chemical Shift Reagent and Its Application to the Determination of Betaine, Glycerophosphorylcholine and Ammonium Ion

Abstract Aqueous cobalt(II) ion is shown to be an effective chemical shift reagent for nitrogen-14 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Addition of an 8 fold excess of cobalt (II) ion to a mixture of betaine, glycerophosphorylcholine and ammonium ion results in baseline resolution of the three components. The chemical shift of each component is a function of cobalt concentration up to a molar ratio of about 4:1 after which, the shifts
1006. Effect on Expression of Including Binding Sites for the ELAV-Like Proteins HuD and HuR in Transgene Cassettes

ELAV-like (embryonic lethal abnormal vision) proteins are RNA- binding proteins first described in Drosophila. ELAV proteins are necessary for neuronal differentiation and maintenance. The human ELAV-like family includes HuB, HuC, Hel-N1, HuD and HuR and consists of three RNA-recognition motifs through which they bind with high affinity and specificity to target mRNAs with AU-rich elements. HuR is expressed in all cells, while HuD is considered neural specific. To optimize vectors for clinical application, we initially evaluated the expression patterns of several viral and mammalian promoters (Zheng and Baum, Mol. Ther., 2005). Since ELAV-like proteins can regulate mRNA stability and/or translation, we hypothesized that inclusion of binding sites for some ELAV-like proteins in expression cassettes could improve transgene expression. To test this, we selected two such binding sites (from p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) for HuR, and seven binding sites for HuD (from c-fos, IL-3, c-myc-1, c-myc-2, tau, adenovirus IVa2 and growth-associated protein 43 [GAP-43]). Binding sites were inserted into the pACEF1a-luc-bGH expression plasmid, which includes the human elongation factor 1a (EF1a) promoter, luciferase cDNA (luc) and the bovine growth hormone poly A (bGH) in the expression cassette, between the luciferase cDNA and bGH poly A. The 293 and A5 (rat epithelial) cell lines were transfected with plasmids in vitro with LipofectamineTM 2000. We compared expression from these plasmids to that from expression plasmids containing the common SV40 poly A and either the EF1a or cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (pACEF1a-luc and pACCMV-luc; i.e., without any ELAV-like protein binding sites). In 293 cells, 24 or 48 hours post-transfection, pACCMV-luc resulted in 3 - 4 fold higher expression than pACEF1a-luc-bGH without ELAV-like protein binding sites. Addition of the p53 binding site to pACEF1a-luc-bGH increased luciferase expression 20 - 30% in 293 cells. The other ELAV-like protein binding sites either had no effect or decreased luciferase expression in 293 cells. In A5 cells, however, pACEF1a- luc-bGH containing the p53 binding site had the highest luciferase activity 24 or 48 hours post-transfection, markedly higher (2 - 3 fold) than that seen with either pACCMV-luc or pACEF1a-luc. pACEF1a-luc-bGH with binding sites from c-myc-2, VEGF and IL-3 also led to increased luciferase expression (45 - 120%) in A5 cells 48 hours post-transfection. These data support our hypothesis, especially in the A5 rat epithelial cell line. The pACEF1a-luc-bGH plasmids containing p53, c-myc-2, VEGF and IL-3 binding sites will next be tested to see if their beneficial effects are realized in vivo.
A SOCIAL LEARNING THERAPY PROGRAMME WITH AN AUTISTIC CHILD.

Abstract Undergraduates were trained in a predominantly operant conditioning therapy aimed at acquiring a measure of control over the behaviour of an autistic child in the setting of a day-care centre. Objective measures of therapist-control prior to therapy showed that the workers initially had no influence whatever on the child. Post-measures indicated that both therapists had achieved a markedly greater degree of control. Controls for mere familiarity and for generalization to workers other than the therapists led to the conclusion that, during the programme, the child had become significantly more responsive to adults in general. The case study material, gleaned from the daily reports by means of which the author monitored the treatment, demonstrated many specific instances of behaviour-change, including the apparent desensitization of various fears. In view of the fact that the treatment setting was far from ideal for this approach, the positive results were regarded as strong support for the suitability of operant conditioning techniques for manipulating psychotic behaviour in children.
Neutron Diffraction Structure Analysis of a Triply-Bridged Binuclear Cobalt Hydride Complex, [(eta(5)-Cp)Co](2)H(3).

The structure of the complex [(η5-Cp*)Co]2H3, a compound once believed to have an unsupported CoCo double bond, has been accurately determined with single-crystal neutron diffraction techniques. The arrangement of three hydrogen atoms in an equilateral triangle bridging the cobalt−cobalt bond, first revealed in an X-ray analysis, has been confirmed in this neutron study. Average molecular parameters are as follows: Co−H = 1.641(6) A, Co−Co = 2.253(9) A, H···H = 2.068(7) A; Co−H−Co = 86.8(3)°, H−Co−H = 78.1(3)°. Rw(F) = 4.3% for 1407 reflections.
Epigenetic Antagonism between Polycomb and SWI/SNF Complexes during Oncogenic Transformation

Epigenetic alterations have been increasingly implicated in oncogenesis. Analysis of Drosophila mutants suggests that Polycomb and SWI/SNF complexes can serve antagonistic developmental roles. However, the relevance of this relationship to human disease is unclear. Here, we have investigated functional relationships between these epigenetic regulators in oncogenic transformation. Mechanistically, we show that loss of the SNF5 tumor suppressor leads to elevated expression of the Polycomb gene EZH2 and that Polycomb targets are broadly H3K27-trimethylated and repressed in SNF5-deficient fibroblasts and cancers. Further, we show antagonism between SNF5 and EZH2 in the regulation of stem cell-associated programs and that Snf5 loss activates those programs. Finally, using conditional mouse models, we show that inactivation of Ezh2 blocks tumor formation driven by Snf5 loss.
LOSS OF ACTH ACTIVITY FOLLOWING INCUBATION OF PITUITARY TISSUE: INHIBITIONBY GLUCAGON AND BY PITRESSIN1

ACTH activity rapidly disappears from homogenates of anterior lobes of the rat pituitary incubated at 37° C in plasma or in water. Activity disappears relatively slowly from intact anterior lobes incubated in plasma at 37° C. The loss of ACTH activity is probably due to the action of a proteolytic enzyme or enzymes. Destructionis markedly slowed at 5° and at 100° C; the optimum pH for the destructive system is approximately pH 9. Addition of glucagon or Pitressin to the incubates inhibitsdestruction of ACTH. Plasma proteins and casein appear to have no or negligible protective effect. It has been pointed out that substances added to the medium of incubated pituitaries may increase the quantity of ACTH in the medium by inhibition of ACTH destruction as well as by stimulation of release from adenohypophyseal cells. ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC hormone (ACTH) activity disappears rapidly from neutral aqueous extracts of pituitary and from neutral aqueous solutions of crude preparations of ACTH whenthey are allowed to ...
Role of interventional radiology in the management of posthepatectomy collections

Purpose To evaluate the role of image-guided percutaneous drainage in the management of post-hepatectomy perihepatic fluid collections. Materials and Methods An institutional database was used to retrospectively identify patients who underwent drainage for a post-hepatectomy peri-hepatic collection between 2007 and 2011. Medical records were reviewed to determine patient demographics, indications for surgery, imaging documentation of fluid collection(s), drainage procedure and follow-up. Technical success was defined as the successful placement of a drainage catheter within the fluid collection. Primary clinical success was defined as resolution of fluid collection by placement of drainage catheter. Secondary clinical success was defined as resolution of the peri-hepatic fluid collection after secondary manipulation of drainage catheter not requiring surgery. Results Between 2007 and 2011, 20 patients (M:F=12:8) with a mean age of 67 years (range: 49-80 years), underwent drainage of a post-hepatectomy peri-hepatic fluid collection. Sixteen patients (80%) underwent computed tomography guided drainage and 4 (20%) underwent ultrasound guided drainage. The mean collection size was 8.3 cm (range 2.2 cm -18 cm) and mean duration of catheter drainage was 26.5 days, (range 25- 89 days). Technical success was 100%, primary clinical success rate was 75 % (15/20) and the secondary clinical success rate was 20% (4/20) with an overall clinical success rate of 95%. One patient required surgical management of the collection for continuous high biliary output following successful catheter placement. None of the patients had procedure related complications. Conclusion Image-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of post-hepatectomy fluid collections is safe and effective procedure that is associated with high clinical success. Percutaneous drainage should be considered for the management of post-hepatectomy peri-hepatic collections.
The Wireless City

In this article, we explore the evolution of wireless broadband networks in cities. We examine the technological alternatives for city-wide implementation, and the governance arrangements for such implementation. Several wireless infrastructure technologies, such as Wi-Fi, WiMax, and Mesh networks have quickly evolved during this century. In terms of governance, we identify different models of ownership and deployment of wireless networks. Although the municipal provision of wireless broadband is controversial, we argue that the municipalities have a crucial role to provide such network infrastructure.
Healing Through Heredity

Exploring the roots of medical genetics, Comfort illuminates neglected connections between eugenics and medicine during the first half of the 20th century.
Ballistics for physicians: myths about wound ballistics and gunshot injuries.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Wound ballistics is a difficult subject. The behavior of all bullets is unpredictable but the specific effect of high velocity projectiles has been a particular source of confusion in the literature. This confusion has resulted in the likely incorrect conclusion that all high velocity wounds require massive debridement. We reviewed the entirety of the literature on this subject and concluded that high velocity weapons do not reliably create massive wounds, and judicious debridement and staged explorations may be the best treatment method for these patients.Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE search and retrieval were done of all pertinent references from 1966 to May 2003 concerning the field of wound ballistics. Articles initially missed in this search were obtained from the bibliography of retrieved studies. More than 70 articles and book chapters were reviewed.Results: Five common myths about the tissue effects of gunshot wounds were reviewed as well as the data that dispel these myths. In...
AAEM Minimonograph #13: H reflexes and F waves: physiology and clinical indications.

Motoneurons can be activated both reflexly and antidromically following electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves. These H reflexes and F waves are clinically useful responses which interface at the level of the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. Because these responses are commonly employed in the electrodiagnostic evaluation of patients, an understanding of their physiology and clinical applications is important. These are reviewed. Reasoning from the physiology, both the value and limitations of H-reflex and F-wave studies are considered for disorders of peripheral nerves, roots, and the central nervous system. Theoretical concepts about the physiology and pathophysiology of the nervous system based on H-reflex and F-wave data are also discussed. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A brief video intervention to promote understanding of the neurobiological base of hazardous alcohol use and treatments

The majority (87.4%) of Americans who could benefit from specialty alcohol treatment reported they neither received nor perceived a need for treatment. Common reasons included not being ready to stop consuming alcohol, social stigma, pessimistic attitudes toward the effectiveness of treatment, and attitudinal factors such as minimizing the problem. Disseminating the neuroscience behind alcohol disorders to these at-risk individuals may reduce barriers to acceptance of referral to specialty alcohol treatment. A 20-minute DVD was developed for that purpose. The Transtheoretical Model served as the framework for this brief intervention with active ingredients of the brief intervention corresponding to one of the 10 processes of change. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of, and change in knowledge after the brief intervention. A sample (n=11) of professional firefighters was selected because a previous study among this population found more than half (56%) reported binge drinking (56%) and 14% reported hazardous drinking. A 10-item knowledge test was administered before and immediately after the brief intervention. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly (t=7.72, p < 0.001) from pre- to post-test (43% to 84%, respectively). Acceptability of the video was affirmed from positive comments and interactive discussion following the viewing. This brief alcohol intervention may help shift the current paradigm of shame and blame to one that is consistent with other chronic health disorders (i.e., biologically-based) and otherwise help diminish the stigma that prevents individuals from engaging in alcohol-specialty treatment. This brief intervention is ready to be tested among individuals who are eligible for referral to substance abuse treatment. Intended outcomes will include reduction in alcohol consumption, acceptance of referral to treatment, engagement in treatment, and completion of that specialty treatment.
Neural correlates of treatment response in depressed bipolar adolescents during emotion processing

Depressive mood in adolescents with bipolar disorder (BDd) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but we have limited information about neural correlates of depression and treatment response in BDd. Ten adolescents with BDd (8 females, mean age = 15.6 ± 0.9) completed two (fearful and happy) face gender labeling fMRI experiments at baseline and after 6-weeks of open treatment. Whole-brain analysis was used at baseline to compare their neural activity with those of 10 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). For comparisons of the neural activity at baseline and after treatment of youth with BDd, region of interest analysis for dorsal/ventral prefrontal, anterior cingulate, and amygdala activity, and significant regions identified by wholebrain analysis between BDd and HC were analyzed. There was significant improvement in depression scores (mean percentage change on the Child Depression Rating Scale-Revised 57 % ± 28). Neural activity after treatment was decreased in left occipital cortex in the intense fearful experiment, but increased in left insula, left cerebellum, and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex in the intense happy experiment. Greater improvement in depression was associated with baseline higher activity in ventral ACC to mild happy faces. Study sample size was relatively small for subgroup analysis and consisted of mainly female adolescents that were predominantly on psychotropic medications during scanning. Our results of reduced negative emotion processing versus increased positive emotion processing after treatment of depression (improvement of cognitive bias to negative and away from positive) are consistent with the improvement of depression according to Beck’s cognitive theory.
Modeling of glucose transport in skeletal muscle

Glucose cannot be properly regulated by insulin in type 2 diabetics. In skeletal muscle, glucose is carried into muscle mainly by glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is stimulated by insulin and exercise. This paper presents a mechanistic model of glucose transport in skeletal muscle. The model parameters are obtained by a deterministic optimization method called DIRECT.
The solubility of solids in compressed gases

Abstract The density series virial equation of state truncated at the third virial coefficient has been evaluated for describing the fluid nonideality of systems of pure solids in equilibrium with near-critical C0 2 including systems with cosolvents. The function [In ( z φ 1 )]/ ϱ is found to be linear with p for pressures up to 400 bar for 16 solutes, eleven of which also involved 8 different cosolvents for temperatures from 300 to 523 K. As required, when the virial series is applicable, the zero-density intercepts obtained from high-pressure data agree with those from low-pressure data. The method shows how cosolvent contributions via composition and density can be explicitly separated. Prediction of second cross virial coefficients along with fitting the third virial to a single data point on the isotherm can be at least as successful as other models. Sensitivity to variations in sublimation pressure, solid molar volume, and fluid density has been tested.
Fast and flexible proof checking for SMT

Fast and flexible proof checking can be implemented for SMT using the Edinburgh Logical Framework with Side Conditions (LFSC). LFSC provides a declarative format for describing proof systems as signatures. We describe several optimizations for LFSC proof checking, and report experiments on QF_IDL benchmarks showing proof-checking overhead of 32% of the solving time required by our clsat solver.
Modeling colloid attachment, straining, and exclusion in saturated porous media.

A conceptual model for colloid transport is developed that accounts for colloid attachment, straining, and exclusion. Colloid attachment and detachment is modeled using first-order rate expressions, whereas straining is described using an irreversible first-order straining term that is depth dependent. Exclusion is modeled by adjusting transport parameters for colloid-accessible pore space. Fitting attachment and detachment model parameters to colloid transport data provided a reasonable description of effluent concentration curves, but the spatial distribution of retained colloids at the column inlet was severely underestimated for systems that exhibited significant colloid mass removal. A more physically realistic description of the colloid transport data was obtained by simulating both colloid attachment and straining. Fitted straining coefficients were found to systematically increase with increasing colloid size and decreasing median grain size. A correlation was developed to predict the straining co...
Oxytocin stimulated release of PGF2α and its inhibition by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and an oxytocin receptor antagonist from equine endometrial cultures

Abstract Uterine inflammation results in a poor uterine environment and early embryonic loss in the mare due to an inhibition of maternal recognition of pregnancy caused from increased prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α). Oxytocin binds to endometrial cell receptors to activate prostaglandin synthesis. An oxytocin receptor antagonist (Atosiban) and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) both decrease PGF 2 α production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of Atosiban and indomethacin on equine uterine prostaglandin secretion. Equine endometrial explants were harvested on day two of behavioral estrus. Endometrial explant cultures were challenged with oxytocin (250nM) and PGF 2 α concentrations were measured over time. Explants were also cultured with Atosiban and indomethacin for 6h to determine the influence on PGF 2 α secretion. When endometrial explants were challenged with oxytocin, PGF 2 α concentrations were greater ( P P 2 α release in explants cultured with either Atosiban or indomethacin. These findings show equine endometrial explants can be stimulated with oxytocin to increase secretion of PGF 2 α and this secretion can be inhibited through an oxytocin receptor antagonist and a Cox inhibitor, suggesting that this response to oxytocin involves an oxytocin receptor mediated event that activates the prostaglandin synthesis cascade through cyclooxygenase. Furthermore, this data suggests a role for the use of these inhibitors in vivo to decrease uterine PGF 2 α secretion and prevent early luteal regression and embryonic loss.
Visualization and characterization of the infrared active amide I vibrations of proteins.

To facilitate the analysis of frequency−structure correlations in the amide I vibrational spectroscopy of proteins, we investigate visualization methods and spatial correlation functions that describe delocalized vibrations of proteins and protein secondary structures. To study those vibrational modes revealed in infrared spectroscopy, we characterize frequency-dependent bright states obtained from doorway mode analysis. Our visualization methods pictorially color code amplitude and phase of each oscillator within the structure to reveal spatially varying patterns characteristic of excitations within sheets and helices. Spatial correlation functions in the amplitude and phase of amide I oscillators quantitatively address the extent of delocalization and the α helical and β sheet character of these modes. Specifically, we investigate the vibrations of idealized antiparallel β sheets and α helices and perform case studies on three proteins: concanavalin A, myoglobin, and ubiquitin.
Hapten, carrier recognition and response by immunocytes of the primitive vertebrate, Notophthalmus viridescens.

Abstract These experiments were designed to test whether newt ( Notophthalmus viridescens ) immunocytes are able to recognize the hapten, 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP), separately from a heterologous erythrocyte (RBC) carrier. While a single priming injection with an erythrocyte species which is unrelated to the carrier of the TNP fails to stimulate amplification of the anti-TNP response, sequential (2×) priming provides about 50% as much amplification as a single priming injection of RBC homologous with the carrier. The anti-carrier response is not increased by sequential priming with the unrelated RBC. Moreover, sequential priming with RBC homologous with the carrier species initiates a suppression of the anti-hapten response without affecting anti-carrier activity levels. Thus the recognition and regulation of responses to a hapten and its carrier may be unlinked in this species.
Mapping the subunit interface of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) using photo cross-linking

Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the conversion of nucleoside 5'-diphosphates to deoxynucleoside 5'-diphosphates and is a 1:1 complex of two homodimeric subunits: alpha2 and beta2. As a first step towards mapping the subunit interface, beta2 (V365C) was labeled with [(14)C]-benzophenone (BP) iodoacetamide. The resulting [(14)C]-BP-beta2 (V365C) was complexed with alpha2 and irradiated at 365nm for 30min at 4 degrees C. The cross-linked mixture was purified by anion exchange chromatography and digested with trypsin. The peptides were purified by reverse phase chromatography, identified by scintillation counting and analyzed by Edman sequencing. Three [(14)C]-labeled peptides were identified: two contained a peptide in beta to which the BP was attached. The third contained the same beta peptide and a peptide in alpha found in its alphaD helix. These results provide direct support for the proposed docking model of alpha2beta2.
Oral care of patients irradiated for cancer of the head and neck.

Close cooperation between physician, dentist, and patient is essential when considering oral care of patients irradiated for cancer of the head and neck. Frequent dental examination, topical fluoride application, and meticulous oral hygiene at home can prevent loss of the teeth. Xerostomia, following radiation therapy, seems to be the major factor in decay development. Silver amalgam is at present the most practical material in restoring the cervical dental lesions seen most often after irradiation. Dental prostheses require frequent checks to eliminate irradiation and pressure which may precipitate osteoradionecrosis. Extractions after radiation therapy can be performed with a reasonable degree of safety, if done with little trauma and under antibiotic coverage. A prophylactic approach to the problem of radiation decay and periodontal breakdown keeps oral complications within controllable limits.
Interactions stabilizing DNA tertiary structure in the Escherichia coli chromosome investigated with ionizing radiation.

The structure of the bacterial chromosome was investigated after introducing breaks in the DNA with gamma irradiation. It is demonstrated that irradiation of the chromosome in the cell prior to isolation results in partial unfolding of the isolated condensed DNA, while irradiation of the chromosome after it is released from the cell has no demonstrable effect on DNA folding. The results indicate that RNA/DNA interactions which stabilize DNA folds are unstable when breaks are introduced in the DNA prior to isolation of the chromosome. It is suggested that the supercoiled state of the DNA is required for the initial stabilization of some of the critical RNA/DNA interaction in the isolated nucleoid. However, some of these interactions are not affected by irradiation of the cells. Remnant supercoiling in partially relaxed chromosomes containing a limited number of DNA breaks has the same superhelical density as the unirradiated chromosome. This suggests that restraints on rotation of the packaged DNA are formed prior to the physical unwinding which occurs at the sites of the radiation induced DNA breaks. — Analysis of the in vitro irradiated chromosomes shows that there are 100+-30 domains of supercoiling per genome equivalent of DNA. The introduction of up to 50 double-strand breaks per nucleoid does not influence rotor speed effects of the sedimentation coefficient of the chromosome.
MODA: automated test generation for database applications via mock objects

Software testing has been commonly used in assuring the quality of database applications. It is often prohibitively expensive to manually write quality tests for complex database applications. Automated test generation techniques, such as Dynamic Symbolic Execution (DSE), have been proposed to reduce human efforts in testing database applications. However, such techniques have two major limitations: (1) they assume that the database that the application under test interacts with is accessible, which may not always be true; and (2) they usually cannot create necessary database states as a part of the generated tests.To address the preceding limitations, we propose an approach that applies DSE to generate tests for a database application. Instead of using the actual database that the application interacts with, our approach produces and uses a mock database in test generation. A mock database mimics the behavior of an actual database by performing identical database operations on itself. We conducted two empirical evaluations on both a medical device and an open source software system to demonstrate that our approach can generate, without producing false warnings, tests with higher code coverage than conventional DSE-based techniques.
Architecture and operation of an adaptable communication substrate

This paper describes the internal architecture and operation of an adaptable communication component called the MetaSocket. MetaSockets are created using Adaptive Java, a reflective extension to Java that enables a component's internal architecture and behavior to be adapted at run time in response to external stimuli. This paper describes how adaptive behavior is implemented in MetaSockets, as well as how MetaSockets interact with other adaptive components, such as decision makers and event mediators. Results of experiments on a mobile computing testbed demonstrate how MetaSockets respond to dynamic wireless channel conditions in order to improve the quality of interactive audio streams delivered to iPAQ handheld computers.
Population dynamics of defensive symbionts in aphids

Vertically transmitted micro-organisms can increase in frequency in host populations by providing net benefits to hosts. While laboratory studies have identified diverse beneficial effects conferred by inherited symbionts of insects, they have not explicitly examined the population dynamics of mutualist symbiont infection within populations. In the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, the inherited facultative symbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, provides protection against parasitism by the wasp, Aphidius ervi. Despite a high fidelity of vertical transmission and direct benefits of infection accruing to parasitized aphids, Hamiltonella remains only at intermediate frequencies in natural populations. Here, we conducted population cage experiments to monitor the dynamics of Hamiltonella and of another common A. pisum symbiont, Serratia symbiotica, in the presence and absence of parasitism. We also conducted fitness assays of Hamiltonellainfected aphids to search for costs to infection in the absence of parasitism. In the population cages, we found that the frequency of A. pisum infected with Hamiltonella increased dramatically after repeated exposure to parasitism by A. ervi, indicating that selection pressures from natural enemies can lead to the increase of particular inherited symbionts in insect populations. In our laboratory fitness assays, we did not detect a cost to infection with Hamiltonella, but in the population cages not exposed to parasitism, we found a significant decline in the frequency of both Hamiltonella and Serratia. The declining frequencies of Hamiltonella-infected aphids in population cages in the absence of parasitism indicate a probable cost to infection and may explain why Hamiltonella remains at intermediate frequencies in natural populations.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug efflux regulator MexR uses an oxidation-sensing mechanism.

MexR is a MarR family protein that negatively regulates multidrug efflux systems in the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mechanism of MexR-regulated antibiotic resistance has never been elucidated in the past. We present here that two Cys residues in MexR are redox-active. They form intermonomer disulfide bonds in MexR dimer with a redox potential of −155 mV. This MexR oxidation leads to its dissociation from promoter DNA, derepression of the mexAB–oprM drug efflux operon, and increased antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa. We show computationally that the formation of disulfide bonds is consistent with a conformation change that prevents the oxidized MexR from binding to DNA. Collectively, the results reveal that MexR is a redox regulator that senses peroxide stress to mediate antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa.
Global Change, Environmental Security, and the Prisoner's Dilemma*

Environmental problems, including the recent concern with the `global change' problematique, now occupy a prominent position on international agendas and are recognized as a legitimate concern of peace research. Numerous scholars, policy-makers, and activists have proposed broadening use of the concept security beyond its traditional geopolitical and military focus to take into account environmental threats that seriously jeopardize human well-being. This article examines arguments that have been made both for and against use of the concept `environmental security'. To assess the utility of this approach, the core concept `security' is defined in terms of threats and vulnerabilities. Strategies for enhancing security are distinguished on the basis of whether they are designed (a) to reduce threats or vulnerabilities and (b) to be carried out unilaterally or collectively. Parallels are drawn between the options available to achieve military and environmental security with reference to the Prisoner's Dilemm...
The one-site model of human erythrocyte glucose transport: testing its predictions using network thermodynamic computer simulations

Abstract Network thermodynamic computer simulations were carried out using parameters experimentally derived by Lowe and Walmsley ((1987) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 903, 547–550) for two tests of the one-site model of human erythrocyte glucose transport. In the temperature-jump experiment, the simulations predicted the amplitude and relaxation time of accelerated uptake, but underestimated the net uptake due to an unexpectedly low measured basal rate. In the maltose-acceleration experiment, the dissociation constant of maltose was assessed at 0°C by measuring the inhibitory effects of maltose on both cytochalasin B binding and on 3-O-methylglucose uptake, and using this value (52 mM) to calculate the dissociation constant (2.9 mM). The simulated experiment then did show a transient acceleration in uptake comparable in magnitude to that observed experimentally, except that the relaxation time was more than 10-fold longer in the simulations. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the inhibition of cytochalasin B binding by maltose and 3-O-methylglucose indicated that apparent sugar affinity is sensitive to carrier orientation at low temperatures, whereas at more physiologic temperatures the intrinsic dissociation constant predominated.
Analysis and processing of pixel binning for color image sensor

Pixel binning refers to the concept of combining the electrical charges of neighboring pixels together to form a superpixel. The main benefit of this technique is that the combined charges would overcome the read noise at the sacrifice of spatial resolution. Binning in color image sensors results in superpixel Bayer pattern data, and subsequent demosaicking yields the final, lower resolution, less noisy image. It is common knowledge among the practitioners and camera manufacturers, however, that binning introduces severe artifacts. The in-depth analysis in this article proves that these artifacts are far worse than the ones stemming from loss of resolution or demosaicking, and therefore it cannot be eliminated simply by increasing the sensor resolution. By accurately characterizing the sensor data that has been binned, we propose a post-capture binning data processing solution that succeeds in suppressing noise and preserving image details. We verify experimentally that the proposed method outperforms the existing alternatives by a substantial margin.
Enhanced growth of small bowel in transgenic mice expressing human insulin-like growth factor I

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF- I) stimulate small bowel growth. The aim of this study was to analyze whether IGF-I mediates enterotrophic actions of growth hormone. METHODS: IGF-I transgenic mice that overexpress an IGF-I transgene driven by the mouse metallothionein I promoter and are growth hormone deficient were compared with wild-type littermates. Growth of small bowel, abundance and localization of messenger RNAs for the IGF-I transgene, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 were assayed. RESULTS: Small bowel length and mass were greater in IGF-I transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. Villus height, crypt depth, and crypt cell mitoses were greater in jejunum of transgenics than wild- type mice, but jejunal disacharidase activities were not increased. The transgene was expressed strongly in villus epithelial cells. Insulin- like growth factor-binding protein 3 messenger RNA was localized in the lamina propria. Regional expression of both correlated with the increase in mucosal mass. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of IGF-I overexpression on intestinal length and mucosal mass were similar to effects of growth hormone overexpression observed previously. Excess of IGF-I increased crypt cell proliferation, whereas excess of growth hormone did not increase crypt cell proliferation. IGF-I excess stimulated differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells less effectively than growth hormone excess. (Gastroenterology 1997 Feb;112(2):444-54)
Alleviating Poverty: A Macro/Micro Marketing Perspective:

The poor represent not only a disgraceful human condition but also a huge potential market if marketers can find ways to serve their needs. But the poor differ greatly from each other in their need...
Multi-modality model-based registration in the cardiac domain

Recent advances in CT technology have made possible the acquisition of high resolution images of the heart in which important anatomical features such as the coronary vessels are visible. The state of the art in MR Imaging techniques, on the other hand, typically provides lower resolution but can facilitate the differentiation of viable (healthy) cardiac tissue from infarcted (injured) tissue. The registration of CT and MR images of the same heart permit the association of anatomy with function. As an example, given an infarcted region, the coronary vessels responsible for irrigating that region may be isolated and targeted for treatment (e.g., coronary bypass). We demonstrate a software package, PROTEUS, which is capable of registering CT and MR images. Since the manifestation of cardiac tissue in the two modalities differs so greatly we rely on features to perform the matching. Specifically, we employ a model-based approach that relies on segmented contours delineating the inner and outer borders of the left ventricle (LV). Given these contours, our technique is completely automatic.
Closed-form approximations for the means of queue size buildups and depletions in a simple ATM system

Describes the means of queue size buildups and depletions, and their durations, in an ATM system with constant service time whose cell arrival stream is completely modulated by the temporal state transition mechanism in a M/M//spl infin/ system. >
Reducing service time at a busy fast food restaurant on campus

As part of an undergraduate engineering class project, a Tim Hortons restaurant on the University of Michigan campus was simulated to improve its efficiency. Using the standard simulation study steps, several service scenarios were modeled and evaluated based on customer system time. A detailed analysis of the simulation revealed that, in the current setup, the utilization of the cash registers is high (88%); consequently, several scenarios that decrease the load on the cash registers were explored. To reduce customer wait times and, therefore, serve more customers per hour, it is recommended that Tim Hortons operate with five servers. A five-person setup with three cashiers, a soup server, and a sandwich server could reduce customer system time by over two minutes per customer. As an alternative, transferring all food preparation to the secondary service location and adding a dual-purpose server could reduce customer system time by over one half.
Ontology-Driven Query Expansion Using Map/Reduce Framework to Facilitate Federated Queries

In view of the need for a highly distributed and federated architecture, a robust query expansion has great impact on the performance of information retrieval. We aim to determine ontology-driven query expansion terms using different weighting techniques. For this, we consider each individual ontology and user query keywords to determine the Basic Expansion Terms (BET) using a number of semantic measures including Betweenness Measure (BM) and Semantic Similarity Measure (SSM). We propose a Map/Reduce distributed algorithm for calculating all the shortest paths in ontology graph. Map/Reduce algorithm will improve considerably the efficiency of BET calculation for large ontologies.
A randomized controlled trial of treatments for co-occurring substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Background and aims Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among people with substance use disorders, and the comorbidity is associated with negative outcomes. We report on a randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) plus standard care, individual addiction counseling plus standard care and standard care alone on substance use and PTSD symptoms. Design Three-group, multi-site randomized controlled trial. Setting Seven addiction treatment programs in Vermont and New Hampshire, USA. Participants/cases Recruitment took place between December 2010 and January 2013. In this single-blind study, 221 participants were randomized to one of three conditions: ICBT plus standard care (SC) (n = 73), individual addiction counseling (IAC) plus SC (n = 75) or SC only (n = 73). One hundred and seventy-two patients were assessed at 6-month follow-up (58 ICBT; 61 IAC; 53 SC). Intervention and comparators: ICBT is a manual-guided therapy focused on PTSD and substance use symptom reduction with three main components: patient education, mindful relaxation and flexible thinking. IAC is a manual-guided therapy focused exclusively on substance use and recovery with modules organized in a stage-based approach: treatment initiation, early abstinence, maintaining abstinence and recovery. SC are intensive out-patient program services that include 9-12 hours of face-to-face contact per week over 2-4 days of group and individual therapies plus medication management. Measurements Primary outcomes were PTSD severity and substance use severity at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were therapy retention. Findings PTSD symptoms reduced in all conditions with no difference between them. In analyses of covariance, ICBT produced more favorable outcomes on toxicology than IAC or SC [comparison with IAC, parameter estimate: 1.10; confidence interval (CI) = 0.17-2.04; comparison with SC, parameter estimate: 1.13; CI = 0.18-2.08] and had a greater reduction in reported drug use than SC (parameter estimate: -9.92; CI = -18.14 to -1.70). ICBT patients had better therapy continuation versus IAC (P Conclusions Integrated cognitive behavioral therapy may improve drug-related outcomes in post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers with substance use disorder more than drug-focused counseling, but probably not by reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms to a greater extent.