cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4617: Targeting interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1: a novel strategy to treat inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that accounts for about 1 to 5% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. IBC is characterized by absence of a discrete mass, coupled with very rapid progression and dermal lymphatic invasion, which makes it the most lethal of the breast cancers. IBC is currently treated by a multimodal approach involving systemic chemotherapy, surgery, followed by radiation therapy; however, this strategy has yielded a 5-year survival outcome of only 20 to 30%. There is an urgent need to better understand the molecular mechanism that contributes to the development of IBC and to use that knowledge to identify novel targets that can be manipulated to enhance treatment options for IBC patients. In the present study, we have examined the role of human interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) in the proliferation and invasion of inflammatory breast cancer. IFITM1 is a member of the interferon-inducible transmembrane protein family, which is involved in many cellular functions, including the transduction of antiproliferative and homotypic adhesion signals in lymphocytes, inhibition of viral replication, and promotion of cell invasion. At present, however, very little is known about the function of IFITM1 in inflammatory breast cancer. Our in vitro studies were performed in human inflammatory breast cancer cell lines; SUM149, SUM190, MDA-IBC-3, and non-inflammatory MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We found that IFITM1 mRNA and protein levels were constitutively overexpressed in SUM149 and MDA-IBC-3 cell lines but not expressed in non-inflammatory MCF-7 cells. Functional analysis of IFITM1 by silencing of its expression with small-interfering RNA showed that the loss of IFITM1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasiveness of SUM149 and MDA-IBC-3 cells and it completely blocked the ability of these cells to form colonies in soft agar assays. Interestingly, we found that interferon (IFN-α) significantly induced IFITM1 expression in all three of the IBC cell lines; however, IFN-α treatment inhibited the proliferation and invasiveness of the IBC cells. Our data also showed that several other interferon-regulated genes, including STAT1, PLSCR1, and STAT6 were elevated in inflammatory SUM149, MDA-IBC-3, and SUM190 cells but not in non-inflammatory MCF-7 cells. Overall, these results demonstrate that IFITM1 plays an important role in the proliferation and invasiveness of IBC cells and they suggest that targeting IFITM1 might be a novel strategy to treat inflammatory breast cancer. Citation Format: Joshua W. Ogony, Joan Lewis-Wambi. Targeting interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1: a novel strategy to treat inflammatory breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4617. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4617
Depression and Law Violation: Gendered Responses to Gendered Stresses:

This article unites arguments from the sociology of mental health, criminology, and the sociology of gender to explore the role of gender in the stress process. The author proposes that gender acts upon the stress process in three ways. First, males and females may report exposure to different types of stresses. Second, males and females may be vulnerable to different types of stresses. Third, males and females may respond to stress in different ways—law violation versus depression. Arguments are tested about the relative importance of differential exposure versus differential vulnerability to various stresses for understanding the gender gaps in law violation and depression using the National Youth Survey, OLS regression, and Kessler's method for decomposing differences in exposure and vulnerability to stress. The results provide limited support for these arguments, suggesting that females report more exposure than do males to some communal stresses, whereas males report more exposure than do females to ...
The facts about “encounter groups: First facts”

The book, Encounter groups: First facts, by Lieberman, Yalom and Miles (1973), probably the most extensive research done on groups, concluded, among other things, that encounter groups are hazardous and ineffective. A reanalysis of the data found that these groups were unrepresentative of encouinter groups because over one-third of the leaders had little or no previous experience in leading encounter groups, and only one-fifth of the leaders were high in emotional stimulation, the major characteristic of encounter group leaders. Also, both “caring” and “emotional stimulation,” or “group intensity,” which is an encounter group characteristic, are beneficial elements in psychotherapy and encounter groups. This reanalysis supported either no difference between encounter and therapy groups, or a slightly greater effectiveness of encounter group methods.
Visual attention in 3D video games

Visual attention has long been an important topic in psychology and cognitive science. Recently, results from visual attention research (Haber et al. 2001; Myszkowski et al. 2001) are being adopted by computer graphics research. Due to speed limitations, there has been a movement to use a perception-based rendering approach where the rendering process itself takes into account where the user is most likely looking (Haber et al. 2001). Examples include trying to achieve real-time global illumination by concentrating the global illumination calculation only in parts of the scene that are salient (Myszkowski 2002). Video games have achieved a high degree of popularity because of such advances in computer graphics. These techniques are also important because they have enabled game environments to be used in applications such as health therapy and training.
Effect of dexfenfluramine on taste preferences and aversions in rats

Administration of D-fenfluramine immediately following ingestion of a distinctively flavored solid or liquid diet led to subsequent rejection of that flavor when offered in a two-flavor choice test. This effect occurred with both solid and liquid diets.
Direct CP Violation Searches at Focus

We report on searches for direct CP violation in the hadronic decays of charmed mesons. Results for the decay modes D0→K+ K-, D0→π+π- and D+→K+K-π+ are presented as are preliminary results for the decays and .
Overview of new QCD analyses at DØ

We present results taken from 14 pb −1 of data accumulated by the DO experiment during its first Tevatron run. The nearly 4π calorimetry and trigger acceptance allow DO to make QCD measurements which are new to hadron colliders. We present our first collider measurement of α s determined from the jet multiplicity of W production. We also discuss our adaption of the Durham jet-finding algorithm for the hadron collider environment and its implications for further measurements of α s and its running through measuring jet rates. Finally we present evidence for colorless exchange using the fraction of two jet events with rapidity gaps.
The rise of atmospheric oxygen

Clues from ancient rocks are helping to produce a coherent picture of how Earth's atmosphere changed from one that was almost devoid of oxygen to one that is one-fifth oxygen.
Visual Attention in Children With Normal Hearing, Children With Hearing Aids, and Children With Cochlear Implants

Previous studies have reported both positive and negative effects of deafness on visual attention. The purpose of this study was to replicate and expand findings of previous studies by examining vi...
Randomized Trial of Telegenetics vs. In-Person Cancer Genetic Counseling: Cost, Patient Satisfaction and Attendance

Telegenetics—genetic counseling via live videoconferencing—can improve access to cancer genetic counseling (CGC) in underserved areas, but studies on cancer telegenetics have not applied randomized methodology or assessed cost. We report cost, patient satisfaction and CGC attendance from a randomized trial comparing telegenetics with in-person CGC among individuals referred to CGC in four rural oncology clinics. Participants (n = 162) were randomized to receive CGC at their local oncology clinic in-person or via telegenetics. Cost analyses included telegenetics system; mileage; and personnel costs for genetic counselor, IT specialist, and clinic personnel. CGC attendance was tracked via study database. Patient satisfaction was assessed 1 week post-CGC via telephone survey using validated scales. Total costs were $106 per telegenetics patient and $244 per in-person patient. Patient satisfaction did not differ by group on either satisfaction scale. In-person patients were significantly more likely to attend CGC than telegenetics patients (89 vs. 79 %, p = 0.03), with bivariate analyses showing an association between lesser computer comfort and lower attendance rate (Chi-square = 5.49, p = 0.02). Our randomized trial of telegenetics vs. in-person counseling found that telegenetics cost less than in-person counseling, with high satisfaction among those who attended. This study provides support for future randomized trials comparing multiple service delivery models on longer-term psychosocial and behavioral outcomes.
Effects of erythropoietin therapy on the lipid profile in end-stage renal failure

Effects of erythropoietin therapy on the lipid profile in end-stage renal failure. To evaluate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy on the lipid profile in end-stage renal failure, we undertook a prospective study in patients on both hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). One hundred and twelve patients (81 HD, 31 CAPD) were enrolled into the study. Lipid parameters [that is, total cholesterol and the LDL and HDL subfractions, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), apoproteins A and B], full blood count, iron studies, B12, folate, blood urea, aluminium and serum parathyroid hormone were measured prior to commencement of EPO therapy. Ninety-five patients were reassessed 5.2 ± 0.3 (mean ± SEM ) months later and 53 patients underwent a further assessment 13.1 ± 0.6 months after the commencement of EPO, giving an overall follow-up of 10.0 ± 0.6 months in 95 patients. As expected, EPO treatment was associated with an increase in hemoglobin (7.7 ± 0.1 vs. 9.9 ± 0.2 g/dl; P
Influence of cAMP and calcium on epinephrine-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract 1. The role of cAMP and of calcium in mediating epinephrine-stimulated glycogenolysis was studied by incubating rainbow trout liver in vitro . 2. Epinephrine significantly stimulates glucose release from liver pieces incubated in either calciumcontaining or calcium-free medium. However, the development of the glycogenolytic profile occurred more rapidly in the presence of calcium. 3. The β-antagonist, propranolol, inhibited epinephrine-stimulated glucose release from liver pieces incubated in either calcium-containing or calcium-free medium. 4. Calcium ionophore, A3187, stimulated glucose release from liver pieces incubated in calciumcontaining medium. Verapamil, a putative calcium channel blocker, had no effect on A23187-stimulated glycogenolysis. However, verapamil completely inhibited epinephrine-stimulated glycogenolysis. 5. Dibutyryl cAMP and IBMX, singly or together, stimulated glucose release from liver pieces. cAMP-mediated glycogenolysis was more pronounced in liver pieces incubated in calcium-containing medium. 6. These results indicate that epinephrine-stimulated hepatic glycogenolysis in rainbow trout proceeds through the activation of β-adrenergic receptors and that both cAMP and calcium are involved in the post-receptor signal transduction process.
Characterization of isoperoxidase activity in Arachis hypogaea cultivars

Abstract Isoperoxidases (both anodic and cathodic) from individual seeds of several peanut cultivars ( Arachis hypogaea ), after ammonium sulfate precipitation of the major storage protein, arachin, from the extracts were characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with respect to seed development, maturity and germination and the geographic areas where grown. All cultivars had a major cathodic isozyme near the origin of the gels. Much anodic intra- and inter-varietal isozyme polymorphism was observed in mature seeds collected from different geographic areas. These polymorphic isozymes were consistently present during the earlier stages of seed development (the activities decreased quantitatively and became variable during the later stages of maturation), and most were observed in each peanut upon germination, the latter showing quantitative increases in activity.
Geophysical models for the tectonic framework of the Lake Vostok region, East Antarctica

Abstract Aerogeophysical and seismological data from a geophysical survey in the interior of East Antarctica were used to develop a conceptual tectonic model for the Lake Vostok region. The model is constrained using three independent data sets: magnetic, seismic, and gravimetric. A distinct change in the aeromagnetic anomaly character across Lake Vostok defines a crustal boundary. Depth to magnetic basement estimates image a 400-km-wide and more than 10-km-deep sedimentary basin west of the lake. Analysis of teleseismic earthquakes suggests a relatively thin crust beneath Lake Vostok consistent with predictions from kinematic and flexural gravity modelling. Magnetic, gravity, and subglacial topography data reveal a tectonic boundary within East Antarctica. Based on our kinematic and flexural gravity modelling, this tectonic boundary appears to be the result of thrust sheet emplacement onto an earlier passive continental margin. No data presently exist to date directly either the timing of passive margin formation or the subsequent shortening phase. The preserved thrust sheet thickness is related to the thickness of the passive margin crust. Because a significant amount of time is required to erode the thrust sheet topography, we suggest that these tectonic events are Proterozoic in age. Minor normal reactivation of the thrust sheet offers a simple mechanism to explain the formation of the Lake Vostok Basin. A low level of seismicity exists in the vicinity of this tectonic boundary. The existence of a crustal boundary in the Antarctic interior provides new constraints on the Proterozoic architecture of the East Antarctic craton.
A comparison of numerical models for calculating dispersion from accidental releases of pollutants

Abstract A modular, data-based system approach has been developed to facilitate computational simulation of multi-dimensional pollutant dispersion in atmospheric, stream, estuary, and groundwater applications. This system is used to assess effects of accidental releases of pollutants to the environment. Model sophistication ranges from simple statistical to complex three-dimensional numerical methods. The system used specifies desired degree of model sophistication from a terminal. The model used depends on the particular type of problem being solved, and on a basis of merit related to computer cost. The results of prediction for several model problems are presented.
Is the Molecular Composition of KATPChannels more Complex than Originally Thought

Abstract ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels are abundantly expressed in the heart and may be involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. These channels are heteromultimeric, consisting of four pore-forming subunits (Kir6.1, Kir6.2) and four sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits in an octameric assembly. Conventionally, the molecular composition of K ATP channels in cardiomyocytes and pancreatic β -cells is thought to include the Kir6.2 subunit and either the SUR2A or SUR1 subunits, respectively. However, Kir6.1 mRNA is abundantly expressed in the heart, suggesting that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits may co-assemble to form functional heteromeric channel complexes. Here we provide two independent lines of evidence that heteromultimerization between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits is possible in the presence of SUR2A. We generated dominant negative Kir6 subunits by mutating the GFG residues in the channel pore to a series of alanine residues. The Kir6.1-AAA pore mutant subunit suppressed both wt-Kir6.1/SUR2A and wt-Kir6.2/SUR2A currents in transfected HEK293 cells. Similarly, the dominant negative action of Kir6.2-AAA does not discriminate between either of the wild-type subunits, suggesting an interaction between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits within the same channel complex. Biochemical data support this concept: immunoprecipitation with Kir6.1 antibodies also co-precipitates Kir6.2 subunits and conversely, immunoprecipitation with Kir6.2 antibodies co-precipitates Kir6.1 subunits. Collectively, our data provide direct electrophysiological and biochemical evidence for heteromultimeric assembly between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. This paradigm has profound implications for understanding the properties of native K ATP channels in the heart and other tissues.
Calculation of the diffusion curvature related avalanche breakdown in high-voltage planar p-n junctions

Avalanche multiplication calculations are performed in high-voltage planar p-n junctions to determine breakdown voltage limitations imposed by curvature effects. The issue of choice of ionization coefficient for avalanche multiplication is discussed. From the calculations, a series of design curves and equations are generated which relate the breakdown voltage and peak electric field to those of an ideal junction of the same doping profile, the critical parameters being the substrate doping concentration, the diffusion profile, and the ratio of the radius of curvature to the substrate depletion width for the ideal one-dimensional case. With appropriate distance normalization, these curves and equations can be reduced to a single curve and a single equation. The agreement between theory and experiment is consistently good provided the correct ionization coefficients are used in the theory.
The visibility of terminal pitch contour.

The purpose of this study was to test the visibility of one suprasegmental morphemic structure—terminal pitch contour. Twenty-one college students viewed three speakers who had been recorded on vid...
Optical studies of the crystallization of trans 1,4-polybutadiene in stretched networks

The stress-induced crystallization of trans 1,4-polybutadiene was studied by observing changes in birefringence, stress, x-ray diffraction, and low angle light scattering during the course of crystallization. From these data, the degree of crystallinity was determined as a function of time, temperature, and elongation. Data were fitted to the Avrami equation, leading to an exponent of the order of unity. Light-scattering patterns suggested the simultaneous existence of two stretched forms: a rod-like structure oriented preferentially parallel to the stretching direction and a deformed spherulitelike growth with its greatest extension perpendicular to the stretching direction.
Mouse models for infectious diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus – a commensal of the human skin, nares and gastrointestinal tract – is also a leading cause of bacterial skin and soft tissue infection (SSTIs), bacteremia, sepsis, peritonitis, pneumonia and endocarditis. Antibiotic-resistant strains, designated MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), are common and represent a therapeutic challenge. Current research and development efforts seek to address the challenge of MRSA infections through vaccines and immune therapeutics. Mice have been used as experimental models for S. aureus SSTI, bacteremia, sepsis, peritonitis and endocarditis. This work led to the identification of key virulence factors, candidate vaccine antigens or immune-therapeutics that still require human clinical testing to establish efficacy. Past failures of human clinical trials raised skepticism whether the mouse is an appropriate model for S. aureus disease in humans. S. aureus causes chronic-persistent infections that, even with antibiotic or surgical intervention, reoccur in humans and in mice. Determinants of S. aureus evasion from human innate and adaptive immune responses have been identified, however only some of these are relevant in mice. Future research must integrate these insights and refine the experimental mouse models for specific S. aureus diseases to accurately predict the failure or success for candidate vaccines and immune-therapeutics.
Answering the Call for Prosocial Behavior

Abstract Prosocial behavior toward strangers was investigated via responses to wrong-number messages on telephone answering machines. Two hundred forty anonymous participants were randomly selected from the telephone directory of a midsized, midwestern community. Each participant received a message that was intended for someone else. The importance and urgency of the message were varied—low, medium, high, and high with a prod (a direct request for help). Overall, the findings revealed a higher than anticipated prosocial response. The number of return calls increased as a function of the urgency and importance of the misdirected message.
Lanthanide ion nuclear magnetic resonance probe studies of benzoic acids. The agreement with an axially symmetric model

Abstract The lanthanide-induced shift ratios measured in the presence of various lanthanide (3+) ions and the spin-lattice relaxation rates induced by Gd3+ were determined for benzoate, o-toluate, and p-toluate at pH 6.0. The data indicate that the shifts originate primarily from a pseudocontact mechanism with axial or near-axial symmetry. The shift ratios for given sets of protons were found to be consistent with this interpretation but suggest that the binding of the lighter Ln3+ ions differ slightly from that of the heavier members of the series. The best agreement between observed and predicted shift ratios for the lighter ions that could be obtained with a bidentate, axially symmetric model was one in which the principal symmetry axis lies in the plane of the carboxylate group and bisects the OCO bond angle. The proton T1 ratios for Gd3+ complexes of o-toluate and p-toluate are consistent with the appropriate distance relationships with one exception. The relaxation time for the ortho proton relative to the ortho methyl proton of o-toluate is shorter than expected and suggests that either the Gd3+ ion is preferentially binding to the carboxylate oxygen nearer the ortho proton or the internal rotation of the methyl group is affecting the correlation time for the ortho methyl proton.
Isolation and partial characterization of manganin, a new manganoprotein from peanut seeds.

Abstract Manganin, a new manganoprotein, has been isolated from the seeds of Virginia-type peanuts. The preparation was homogeneous by ultracentrifugal analysis and cellulose polyacetate strip electrophoresis. A minimum molecular weight of 56,300 for manganin was found based on the Mn content. The molecular weight, obtained using the methods of ultracentrifugal analysis of Yphantis and Ehrenberg, was found to be 57,900 and 56,800, respectively. The close correlation between the minimum molecular weight based on the Mn content and the molecular weights obtained from ultracentrifugal analysis indicates that manganin contains one atom of Mn per molecule. The amino acid composition of manganin is distinctly different from that reported for arachin and conarachin, the major globulins of peanut seeds.
Complex dynamics of chaperone-protein interactions under cellular stress.

We present a model of a generalizable but minimalistic network based on the properties of interactions between proteins, molecular chaperones (e.g., Hsp 70, BiP) and ATP inside cells and subcellular components such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The dynamics of chaperone-dependent protein folding and misfolding in the cell can be modeled mathematically as a “predator-prey” problem, which can then be used to analyze the behavior of the system under conditions simulating stress (e.g., cardiac ischemia). We have tested this model under normal physiological and diseased conditions (e.g., ischemia as simulated by ATP depletion) and analyzed the effects of induction of chaperones (e.g., heat shock, tunicamycin) and inhibition of the degradative pathway (e.g., proteasome inhibition) on this model. Simulation gave the following results: (1) Under normal physiological conditions (basal levels of ATP, chaperone, and initially misfolded proteins), as expected, the model predicts the stable production of correctly folded proteins. (2) A threshold of ATP levels exists below which the system tends toward increasing degrees of complex behavior. When ATP levels are just above this threshold, the system is highly vulnerable to sudden, brief drops in ATP levels such as may occur in the setting of acute ischemia: bursts of oscillations continue even when ATP levels revert to the threshold. However, if ATP levels are rapidly increased to levels considerably above the threshold, the system becomes stable again. (3) Up to 10-fold increases in chaperone levels, such as those that occur under conditions of prior heat shock or (in the case of ER chaperones) tunicamycin treatment, did not affect the behavior of the system under basal conditions, nor did it affect the tendency to complex behavior in the setting of ATP depletion. It did, however, shorten the recovery period of the system after chaotic-type oscillations were induced by acute ATP depletion. (4) Blocking the degradative pathway for misfolded proteins (e.g., proteasome inhibition) predisposes the system toward instability in the setting of ATP depletion by changing the ATP threshold at which bursts of oscillations occur. These results support the hypothesis that there are distinct thresholds for ATP, chaperones, and degradative activity, outside which cellular protein folding dynamics become unstable. They also suggest that an important mechanism by which chaperone induction protects cells from subsequent stress is by limiting the tendency to instability after an insult (e.g., acute myocardial ischemia or acute tubular injury to the kidney). Thus, the model may be useful for understanding cell and tissue tolerance to stress and injury.
A Lymphoma Growth Inhibitor Blocks Some but Not All Prolactin-stimulated Signaling Pathways

Cytokines and hormones activate a network of intracellular signaling pathways to regulate cell division, survival and differentiation. In parallel, a series of growth inhibitory mechanisms critically restrict cell population sizes. For example, mitogens can be opposed in crowded cell cultures through contact-inhibition or by autocrine release of antiproliferative substances. Here, we characterize a small, heat-stable growth inhibitor secreted by a rat T lymphoma line when cultured at high cell density. Short term incubation (
Effects of triphenyltin compounds on the adenosine triphophatase activity of beef heart submitochondrial particles

Abstract Low concentrations of several TPT compounds inhibit the ATPase activity of ETPH. Higher concentrations of these compounds cause a partial release of the inhibition and a concomitant loss of rutamycin sensitivity. Inhibition produced by low levels of TPT chloride is noncompetitive and the inhibitor constant is 2.8 × 10 −8 M. Several sulfur compounds are capable of partially protecting the ATPase from inhibition by low levels of TPT chloride. Heat treatment destroys the sensitivity of the ATPase to inhibition by TPT chloride and rutamycin.
THE RELATIVE REACTION WITHIN LIVING MAMMALIAN TISSUES IX. ON THE TISSUE REACTION AS INFLUENCED BY INHALATIONS OF CO2 AND BY OVERBREATHING.

Breathing an atmosphere that contains the normal amount of oxygen but a large excess of carbon dioxide results in a tissue acidosis as well as one of the blood. The extravascular changes in reaction take place with far greater speed than when acidosis is induced with hydrochloric acid, and they do not persist as in the case of this latter but swiftly disappear when the animal breathes ordinary air once again. The changes parallel closely in magnitude and time those occurring in the blood. The same matrix tissues are rendered acidotic is when hydrochloric acid is administered. The blood alkalosis that results from a blowing off of carbon dioxide is accompanied by an extravascular alkalosis. Under the circumstances of our experiments the connective tissue became more alkaline than ordinary but no change was noted in the cartilage, a fact to be explained by the slight degree of the alkalosis and its brief duration.
SUBSTORM DYNAMICS IN THE MAGNETOTAIL

The large-scale dynamic evolution of the magnetotail in relation to substorms is most commonly understood and described in terms of magnetic reconnection, neutral line formation, and plasmoid ejection into the distant tail, as well as current disruption and diversion in the inner tail. Recent magnetohydrodynamic simulations have shown that the two aspects, which are often considered as alternative models, may well be part of one unstable process. We review the most recent update of this model. A new element, which has been strongly emphasized recently by observations as well as simulations, is the formation of a thin current sheet in the inner tail during the late substorm growth phase. This presumably eases the onset of instability, although the actual mechanism has not been clearly identified. The basic concept of a large-scale instability, involving the local breakdown of ideal MHD, has not changed significantly. However, recent MHD simulations as well as test particle investigations have put more emphasis on the role of the near tail region in providing current diversion ("disruption") and particle acceleration.
Enthalpy of Mixing for a Glassy Polymer Blend from CO2 Sorption and Dilation Measurements

Carbon dioxide sorption and dilation data were fitted with the glassy polymer lattice sorption model (GPLSM) to obtain segment−segment interaction parameters for poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), polystyrene (PS), and two PPO/PS miscible blends. These interaction parameters were then used to calculate the enthalpy of mixing for the two polymers. The resulting enthalpies were −0.2 and −1.1 cal/cm3 for PPO/PS blends of 50/50 and 75/25 by weight, respectively, which compare favorably to those determined from measured heats of solution and from calorimetry with low molecular weight analogs.
"Monstruosa Belleza": el mestizaje metamórfico en Terra nostra de Carlos Fuentes

Ironicamente, fue en el coloquio estructuralista “Los lenguajes criticos y las ciencias del hombre” que tuvo lugar en la Universidad de Johns Hopkins en 1966, donde Jacques Derrida inicio a los Estados Unidos por primera vez en el posestructuralismo.1 Al fi nal de su ponencia “La estructura, el signo y el juego en el discurso de las ciencias humanas”, la cual ya exigia en el posestructuralismo como una rectifi cacion de las teorias estructuralistas, esbozo su teoria de desconstruccion como la gestacion de un monstruo a punto de saltar al mundo desprevenido:
An asymptotic solution of the governing equation for the natural frequencies of a cantilevered, coupled beam model

Abstract An asymptotic solution is presented for the natural frequencies, mode shapes of a cantilevered, coupled beam model. A three-term expansion is obtained for the frequency, which shows good agreement with exact values over a wide range of the stiffness parameter α. The first three mode shapes are also presented for large α, and show good agreement for the first and second modes. Agreement for the third mode improves as α gets larger. The modeled structure behaves essentially as a shear beam except in the immediate neighborhood of the ends.
Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections—Incidence, Modes of Inheritance, and Phenotypic Patterns

Background We examined the genetic nature and phenotypic features of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and dissections in a large cohort of patients. Methods Interviews were conducted with 520 patients with TAAs and their pedigrees were compiled to identify family members with aneurysms. Study patients were divided into three groups: 101 non-Marfan patients, in 88 pedigrees, had a family pattern for TAA (familial group), 369 had no family pattern (sporadic group), and 50 had Marfan syndrome (MFS). We determined incidence of familial clustering, age at presentation, rate of aneurysm growth, incidence of hypertension, correlation of aneurysm sites among kindred, and pedigree inheritance patterns. Results An inherited pattern for TAA was present in 21.5% of non-MFS patients. The predominant inheritance pattern was autosomal dominant (76.9%), with varying degrees of penetrance and expressivity. The familial TAA group was significantly younger than the sporadic group (p Conclusions TAAs are frequently familial diseases. The predominant mode of inheritance is autosomal dominant. Familial TAAs have a relatively early age of onset. Aneurysms in relatives may be seen in the thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta, or the cerebral circulation. Screening of first-order relatives of probands with TAA is essential. Familial TAAs tend to grow at a higher rate, exemplifying a more aggressive clinical entity.
Reinforcing effects of methylphenidate: influence of dose and behavioral demands following drug administration

Rationale The reinforcing effects of stimulant drugs such as d-amphetamine, caffeine, and cocaine are modulated by behavioral demands following drug administration.
Perilipin A Increases Triacylglycerol Storage by Decreasing the Rate of Triacylglycerol Hydrolysis

Abstract The perilipins are the most abundant proteins at the surfaces of lipid droplets in adipocytes and are also found in steroidogenic cells. To investigate perilipin function, perilipin A, the predominant isoform, was ectopically expressed in fibroblastic 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes that normally lack the perilipins. In control cells, fluorescent staining of neutral lipids with Bodipy 493/503 showed a few minute and widely dispersed lipid droplets, while in cells stably expressing perilipin A, the lipid droplets were more numerous and tightly clustered in one or two regions of the cytoplasm. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the ectopic perilipin A localized to the surfaces of the tiny clustered lipid droplets; subcellular fractionation of the cells using sucrose gradients confirmed that the perilipin A localized exclusively to lipid droplets. Cells expressing perilipin A stored 6–30-fold more triacylglycerol than control cells due to reduced lipolysis of triacylglycerol stores. The lipolysis of stored triacylglycerol was 5 times slower in lipid-loaded cells expressing perilipin A than in lipid-loaded control cells, when triacylglycerol synthesis was blocked with 6 μm triacsin C. This stabilization of triacylglycerol was not due to the suppression of triacylglycerol lipase activity by the expression of perilipin A. We conclude that perilipin A increases the triacylglycerol content of cells by forming a barrier that reduces the access of soluble lipases to stored lipids, thus inhibiting triacylglycerol hydrolysis. These studies suggest that perilipin A plays a major role in the regulation of triacylglycerol storage and lipolysis in adipocytes.
Fire dynamics simulation of a turbulent buoyant flame using a mixture-fraction-based combustion model

Fire dynamics simulations of a 7.1-cm buoyant turbulent diffusion flame were performed using a mixture-fraction-based combustion model. In our previous work, good agreement between the measured and the calculated fire flow field was achieved with carefully selected domain and grid sizes using a Lagrangian thermal-element combustion model. The Lagrangian thermal-element model exhibits qualitative as well as quantitative differences in the measured and calculated temperature profiles in the flame zone. The number of Lagrangian thermal elements must be carefully selected and the model is not designed to provide insights into the species distributions in the fire. To address these issues, a mixture-fraction-based combustion model was used in the present work. The domain and grid size dependence using this model are documented. Comparisons between the measured and the calculated velocities, mixture fractions and temperatures show that the mixture-fraction-based combustion model captures the qualitative and quantitative fire behavior very well.
The Effect of Intertemporal Speculation on the Outcomes in Seller Posted Offer Auction Markets

This paper extends the experimental examination of posted offer auction markets to a market with intertemporal speculators. Previous experimental results demonstrate that posted offer markets induce inefficiencies, and also an income distribution that works to the disadvantage of those facing posted prices. The results of this paper suggest that these properties of the posted offer institution hold in the presence of intertemporal speculation.
Streamflow and Water Well Responses to Earthquakes

Earthquake-induced crustal deformation and ground shaking can alter stream flow and water levels in wells through consolidation of surficial deposits, fracturing of solid rocks, aquifer deformation, and the clearing of fracture-filling material. Although local conditions affect the type and amplitude of response, a compilation of reported observations of hydrological response to earthquakes indicates that the maximum distance to which changes in stream flow and water levels in wells have been reported is related to earthquake magnitude. Detectable streamflow changes occur in areas within tens to hundreds of kilometers of the epicenter, whereas changes in groundwater levels in wells can occur hundreds to thousands of kilometers from earthquake epicenters.
Analysis of decision feedback detection for MIMO Rayleigh-fading channels and the optimization of power and rate allocations

For an uncoded, K-transmit, N-receive antenna coherent narrow-band communication system employing a decorrelating decision feedback detector (D-DFD), the exact average (over channel realizations) joint error probability (JEP) as well as the average per-symbol error probabilities (SEPs) are derived without making any simplifying assumptions on error propagation. It is proved that the diversity orders of the JEP and the SEP (of every symbol) is limited by error propagation to N-K+1. Based on our exact error probability analysis, however, we suggest an optimization of JEP over nonnegative quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellation sizes (rates) and average powers across transmitters which yield significant improvements over the usual equal power and equal rate assignment. In fact, the JEP of such an optimized design has the much improved diversity order of N (which is also the diversity order obtained through the optimum maximum-likelihood (ML) detector). Moreover, it is seen that these simple optimized designs can achieve a significant fraction of the /spl epsi/-outage capacity even without outer codes. It is also known-but only through simulations-that when the symbols are detected in certain channel realization-dependent orders it is possible to improve substantially over fixed-order detection in the case of the equal rate and equal power assignment. We provide an analysis for a recently proposed channel-dependent ordering rule and show that it does not provide an improvement of the diversity order of the JEP beyond N-K+1. Another ordering rule that was proposed earlier to maximize the worst case post-detection signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) under the perfect feedback assumption is shown to be optimal under a more compelling criterion that does not involve that simplifying assumption. While efficiently computable, this ordering rule is seen to perform almost as well as the optimal channel-dependent ordering rule that minimizes the conditional JEP (and hence the JEP). Nevertheless, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system with an optimized rate and power allocation and a fixed order of detection is not only less complex but also has a significantly lower JEP than that of the equal-power, equal-rate system, where transmitters are detected in a channel-dependent order, optimal or otherwise.
Integrated term weighting, visualization, and user interface development for bioinformation retrieval

This project implements an integrated biological information website that classifies technical documents, learns about users' interests, and offers intuitive interactive visualization to navigate vast information spaces. The effective use of modern software engineering principles, system environments, and development approaches is demonstrated. Straightforward yet powerful document characterization strategies are illustrated, helpful visualization for effective knowledge transfer is shown, and current user interface methodologies are applied. A specific success of note is the collaboration of disparately skilled specialists to deliver a flexible integrated prototype in a rapid manner that meets user acceptance and performance goals. The domain chosen for the demonstration is breast cancer, using a corpus of abstracts from publications obtained online from Medline. The terms in the abstracts are extracted by word stemming and a stop list, and are encoded in vectors. A TF-IDF technique is implemented to calculate similarity scores between a set of documents and a query. Polysemy and synonyms are explicitly addressed. Groups of related and useful documents are identified using interactive visual displays such as a spiral graph that represents of the overall similarity of documents. K-means clustering of the similarities among a document set is used to display a 3-D relationship map. User identities are established and updated by observing the patterns of terms used in their queries, and from login site locations. Explicit considerations of changing user category profiles, site stakeholders, information modeling, and networked technologies are pointed out.
Metabolic Thermal Sensitivity Optimizes Sea Krait Amphibious Physiology

Abstract Yellow-lipped Sea Kraits (Laticauda colubrina) are tropical amphibious snakes that divide their time between land and sea. When moving between habitats, the kraits experience rapid and sometimes extreme shifts in body temperature that can have profound metabolic effects. We quantified cutaneous and pulmonary oxygen uptake in sea kraits from Hoga Island, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, at temperatures commonly encountered in aquatic (27.6°C) and aerial (35.2°C) habitats. Total oxygen uptake rate was 49.14 mL Kg−1 h−1 at 27.6°C and 115.27 mL Kg−1 h−1 at 35.2°C. Pulmonary and cutaneous uptake rates were 44.58 and 104.70, and 4.56 and 10.57 mL Kg−1 h−1, at 27.6 and 35.2°C, respectively. Sea kraits had a temperature coefficient (Q10) of approximately 3, suggesting that metabolic rates triple with every 10°C temperature increase. High Q10 values may minimize time on land by increasing digestion and nutrient absorption rates as well as promoting faster healing and injury recovery times. Cooler reef tempe...
Novel interaction of cortactin with endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase

Abstract Inflammatory mediators such as thrombin evoke increases in vascular permeability through activation of endothelial contractile mechanisms which involve increased levels of MLC phosphorylation catalyzed by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). We previously noted that the high molecular weight endothelial MLCK isoform (EC MLCK) is stably associated with a complex containing p60src and 80 kDa cortactin, an actin-binding protein and known p60src target. In this study we have utilized in vitro binding assays to confirm specific interaction between EC MLCK and cortactin. Tyrosine phosphorylation of either EC MLCK (Y464, Y471) or cortactin (Y421, Y466, and Y482) by p60src significantly increased this direct association. Site-specific antibody and peptide studies subsequently confirmed EC MLCK AA #972–979 and 1019–1025 as sites of cortactin interaction. EC MLCK–cortactin interaction in vitro failed to modulate MLCK enzymatic activity but appeared to inhibit EC MLCK binding to F-actin, while EC MLCK abolished cortactin-mediated augmentation of Arp2/3-stimulated actin polymerization. These data suggest that cortactin–EC MLCK interaction may be a novel determinant of endothelial cortical actin-based cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Preventive Cardiology by Lifestyle Intervention: Opportunity and/or Challenge? Presidential Address at the 2005 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions

In our lifetimes, we have witnessed extraordinary advances in our ability to prevent cardiovascular diseases. These gains have been based on the basic, clinical, and population science that all of you in this broad international audience have produced. We have an unprecedented arsenal of weapons, including many potent medications. However, this power is not enough, and, in fact, in some cases, it has led us to ignore some very simple, effective, and human measures. We live in a toxic metabolic environment that sabotages our patients’ health. Millions of people around the world suffer from cardiovascular diseases as a result. This harsh reality challenges the American Heart Association and each of us to respond. We have only to open our eyes and look around our neighborhoods, our schools, and certainly our hospitals, almost wherever in the world we live, to see people suffering from unhealthy lifestyles. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are producing increasing obesity, increasing diabetes, and, inevitably, cardiovascular disease. In many parts of the world, we are seeing a decrease in the quality and an increase in the quantity of our diets. When this nutritional pattern is linked to a less active lifestyle, it is of no surprise that there are more overweight and obese school children than ever before. We cannot simply rely on technological advances and medications to defeat cardiovascular disease. Unhealthy lifestyles threaten to undo all the progress we have made. What can we do? My goal is for all of us who care for patients to have a greater commitment to conveying to them the importance of lifestyle. There are roles for all of us—in the basic or clinical laboratory, in population studies, in health services and health policy research, and in advocating for the health of the next generation. Let’s begin by …
An introduction to simulation and visualization of biological systems at multiple scales: a summer training program for interdisciplinary research.

Advances in biomedical research require a new generation of researchers having a strong background in both the life and physical sciences and a knowledge of computational, mathematical, and engineering tools for tackling biological problems. The NIH-NSF Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institute at the University of Pittsburgh (BBSI @ Pitt; www.ccbb.pitt.edu/bbsi) is a multi-institutional 10-week summer program hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, and Carnegie Mellon University, and is one of nine Institutes throughout the nation currently participating in the NIH-NSF program. Each BBSI focuses on a different area; the BBSI @ Pitt, entitled “Simulation and Computer Visualization of Biological Systems at Multiple Scales”, focuses on computational and mathematical approaches to understanding the complex machinery of molecular-to-cellular systems at three levels, namely, molecular, subcellular (microphysiological), and cellular. We present here an overview of the BBSI @ Pitt, the objectives and focus of the program, and a description of the didactic training activities that distinguish it from other traditional summer research programs. Furthermore, we also report several challenges that have been identified in implementing such an interdisciplinary program that brings together students from diverse academic programs for a limited period of time. These challenges notwithstanding, presenting an integrative view of molecular-to-system analytical models has introduced these students to the field of computational biology and has allowed them to make an informed decision regarding their future career prospects.