cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle distributions in jets

Abstract I extend a model of energy flow in hadronic jets to discuss pion production. I fix the parameter ϱ≈2 GeV of the jet model in terms of the height of the rapidity plateau and the typical transverse energy of pions in e+e− jets. I find a relation between the jet shape and the fragmentation function for a quark into pions. I relate the height of the rapidity plateau to the power (1 − xp) that appears in the fragmentation function.
Kinetic Studies of the Uracil Phosphoribosyltransferase Reaction Catalyzed by the Bacillus subtilis Pyrimidine Attenuation Regulatory Protein PyrR

The PyrR protein from Bacillus subtilis and many other bacteria is a bifunctional protein. Its primary function is the regulation of expression of pyrimidine biosynthetic (pyr) genes by binding to specific sites on pyr mRNA in a uridine nucleotide-dependent manner and altering the folding of downstream RNA to promote termination of transcription. PyrR also catalyzes the uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRTase) reaction even though it bears little amino acid sequence similarity to other bacterial UPRTases. The PyrR-catalyzed UPRTase reaction obeyed a Ping Pong steady state kinetic pattern under all conditions examined, but no catalysis of [(14)C]uracil-UMP and [(32)P]PP(i)-phosphoribosylpyrophosphate exchange reactions could be detected. Steady state equations for Ordered Bi Bi mechanisms for PyrR that include a kinetically irreversible conformational change after binding of PRPP but before uracil binding were shown to account for the Ping Pong pattern of the enzyme. This mechanism was supported by the following experimental observations. The reverse reaction was extremely slow with a catalytic rate constant 3300 times smaller than for the forward reaction. Patterns of product inhibition of the forward reaction were consistent with a version of the irreversible conformational change model in which PyrR returns to the unliganded conformation before dissociation of UMP and were inconsistent with several other kinetic mechanisms. UMP and phosphoribosylpyrophosphate were shown by equilibrium dialysis to bind to free PyrR (dissociation constants of 27 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 2 microm, respectively), but uracil and PP(i) did not bind at equilibrium concentrations up to 750 microm. We propose that the conformational change kinetic model developed for PyrR can also account for numerous other reports of Ping Pong kinetics for various phosphoribosyltransferases that do not form the phosphoribosyl-enzyme intermediate predicted by classic Ping Pong kinetics.
Gas—liquid chromatographic determination of nitrate esters, stabilizers and plasticizers in nitrocellulose-base propellants

Abstract A gas—liquid chromatographic method has been developed for determining nitrate esters as well as stabilizers and plasticizers in a wide variety of nitrocellulose-base propellants. Separation are performed on short columns containing light loadings of OV-101, -210, and -225. Retention data obtained for twenty-four components permit the selection of columns and identification of the components in unknown propellants. The precision and accuracy of determinations were evaluated by statistical procedures using HEN-12 double-base propellant and a simulated composite-modified double-base propellant. Semimicro calibration and extraction procedures substantially reduced analysis time. A special study was made of experimental factors that influence the reliability of nitrate ester determination.
Loss of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from kidneys of mercury poisoned rats

Abstract Mercurials at low concentrations suppress oxidative phosphorylation in isolated rat kidney mitochondria. The kidneys of rats administered toxic doses of HgCl2 have been found to accumulate mercury selectively compared e.g. to liver. Mitochondria isolated from such kidneys are defective in coupled ATP synthesis. Providing the time subsequent to the injection of a toxic dose of HgCl2 does not exceed a critical time, the defect in the mitochondria isolated from the kidneys of such poisoned rats is correctable by addition of Mg++ to the assay medium. Acute mercury toxicity in rats appears to be referable to the impairment of kidney function in turn caused by impairment of mitochondrial function.
Surgical implantation of a bioengineered internal anal sphincter

Purpose Fecal incontinence is a common disorder that can have devastating social and psychologic consequences. However, there are no long-term ideal solutions for such patients. Although loss of continence is multifactorial, the integrity of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) has particular significance. We previously described the development of 3-dimensional bioengineered constructs using isolated smooth muscle tissue from donor C57BL/6 IAS. We hypothesized that the bioengineered ring constructs would retain cellular viability and promote neovascularization upon implantation into a recipient mouse.
Malaria model with periodic mosquito birth and death rates

In this paper, we introduce a model of malaria, a disease that involves a complex life cycle of parasites, requiring both human and mosquito hosts. The novelty of the model is the introduction of periodic coefficients into the system of one-dimensional equations, which account for the seasonal variations (wet and dry seasons) in the mosquito birth and death rates. We define a basic reproduction number R 0 that depends on the periodic coefficients and prove that if R 0 1 then the disease is endemic and may even be periodic.
SPECTRA OF THE INTERNALLY SCATTERED RADIATION FROM LARGE CO60 SOURCES USED IN TELETHERAPY.

Abstract : Because of internal scattering and degradation of the 1.33 and 1.17 MeV quanta, the beam of radiation from a Co60 teletherapy unit includes a continuous spectrum extending well below 1 MeV. The form of this spectrum below l MeV and its intensity relative to the radiation above 1 MeV have been investigated for sources of various dimensions. The influence of the material around the source, the relative spectral contributions of different parts of the source, and the spectra from bare sources outside the teletherapy head have also been studied. Methods of designing source and head to minimize the radiation below 1 MeV may be inferred from the graphs. (Author)
Noninvasive glucose monitoring using saliva nano-biosensor

Abstract Millions of people worldwide live with diabetes and several millions die from it each year. A noninvasive, painless method of glucose testing would highly improve compliance and glucose control while reducing complications and overall disease management costs. To provide accurate, low cost, and continuous glucose monitoring, we have developed a unique, disposable saliva nano-biosensor. More than eight clinical trials on real-time noninvasive salivary glucose monitoring were carried out on two healthy individuals (a 2–3 h-period for each trial, including both regular food and standard glucose beverage intake with more than 35 saliva samples obtained). Excellent clinical accuracy was revealed as compared to the UV Spectrophotometer. By measuring subjects’ salivary glucose and blood glucose in parallel, we found the two generated profiles share the same fluctuation trend but the correlation between them is individual dependent. There is a time lag between the peak glucose values from blood and from saliva. However, the correlation between the two glucose values at fasting is constant for each person enabling noninvasive diagnosis of diabetes through saliva instead of blood. Furthermore, a good correlation of glucose levels in saliva and in blood before and 2 h after glucose intake was observed. Glucose monitoring before and 2 h after meals is usually prescribed by doctors for diabetic patients. Thus, this disposable biosensor will be an alternative for real-time salivary glucose tracking at any time.
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIATION IN ALKALOID LEVELS IN Achnatherum robustum, A NATIVE GRASS INFECTED WITH THE ENDOPHYTE Neotyphodium

The native North American perennial grass Achnatherum robustum (Vasey) Barkworth [= Stipa robusta (Vasey) Scribn.] or sleepygrass is toxic and narcotic to livestock. The causative agents are alkaloidal mycotoxins produced from infections by a systemic and asexual Neotyphodium endophyte. Recent studies suggest that toxicity is limited across the range of sleepygrass in the Southwest USA. We sampled 17 populations of sleepygrass with varying distance from one focal population known for its high toxicity levels near Cloudcroft, NM, USA. For some, we sampled individual plants twice within the same growing season and over successive years (2001-2004). We also determined infection levels in each population. In general, all populations were highly infected, but infection levels were more variable near the focal population. Only infected plants within populations near the Cloudcroft area produced alkaloids. The ergot alkaloid, ergonovine, comprised the bulk of the alkaloids, with lesser amounts of lysergic and isolysergic acid amides and ergonovinine alkaloids. Levels of all alkaloids were positively correlated among individual plants within and between growing seasons. Infected plants that produced no alkaloids in 1 yr did not produce any alkaloids within the same growing season or in other years. Levels of alkaloids in sleepygrass populations declined with distance from the Cloudcroft population, although infection levels increased. Infected plants in populations in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado produced no alkaloids at all despite 100% infectivity. Our results suggest that only specific Neotyphodium haplotypes or specific Neotyphodium-grass combinations produce ergot alkaloids in sleepygrass. The Neotyphodium haplotype or host-endophyte combination that produces toxic levels of alkaloids appears restricted to one locality across the range of sleepygrass. Because of the wide variation in alkaloid levels among populations, interactions between the endophyte and host, and consequences for herbivores, competitors, and pathogens and other components of the community, are likely to vary widely across the geographic range of this native grass.
Analysis of multiple jets in the Schwarz melt-blowing die using computational fluid dynamics

Melt-blowing dies are used industrially to fabricate fine polymer fibers. The Schwarz die is a type of melt-blowing die that uses multiple columns of polymer orifices and associated air jets. This arrangement contrasts with the single column of orifices that is used in the slot, or Exxon, die. The experimental measurements of the air flow field from a Schwarz die can be reproduced using a k-e turbulence model. Six different multihole die geometries were simulated in 3D with this model. In comparison with the flow field of a single jet, the velocity maximums occurred closer to the die face for an array of jets. The spreading rates for the center jets of the multihole dies were similar to each other, and close to 0.5, while the spreading rate of a single annular jet has been observed to be close to twice this value. In addition, the differences in the air fields of the multihole geometries lead to observations concerning multiple jet interactions. The distance required for the inside column of jets to affec...
Mothers' jiggling and the burst—pause pattern in neonatal feeding

Mothers tend to jiggle their newborn infants at the breast, or jiggle the bottle, during pauses in the newborn's sucking. What is the precise effect of jiggling on the infant's resumption of sucking, and how does this in turn affect subsequent jiggling? The authors observed 52 mothers feeding their infants at ages 2 days and 2 weeks. All feeding was natural and unconstrained. The effect of maternal jiggling was measured by the conditional probability of a burst of sucks as a function of time: (a) after a pause; (b) after the onset of jiggling; or (c) after the offset of jiggling. The cessation of jiggling proved to be a better elicitor of a resumption of sucking than the jiggling itself. An experiment in which bottles were jiggled according to a predetermined, controlled schedule showed that this phenomenon is due to a contingent response on the part of the infant rather than mothers' anticipation of the burst. Thus the feeding can appear to be an exchange of turns, in which the infant's pause is answered by the mother's jiggling and the end of jiggling is answered by the next burst. Mothers shorten their jiggling over the first 2 weeks. Infants' pauses also grow shorter, though their median pause length (jointly determined by mother and infant) is a somewhat reliable characteristic distinguishing dyads from one another.
A performance-driven analog-to-digital converter module generator

A performance-driven analog-to-digital converter (ADC) module generator, CADICS, which generates ADC netlists and layouts from a set of specifications is presented. The module generator consists of a circuit synthesis which is based on a hierarchical optimization approach and a layout synthesis which was implemented using a hierarchical layout procedure. At each level of performance, silicon area and power dissipation are optimized so that they are comparable with manual design. The synthesis is built around a one-bit-per-cycle algorithmic A/D converter architecture. Layouts of 6-b, 8-b, and 10-b ADCs generated by CADICS in a 2- mu m CMOS process are shown. >
United States Economic Aid and Repression: The Opportunity Cost Argument*

The United States explicitly ties its foreign economic aid to respect for human rights by recipient countries. The United States is also the world's largest aid donor. It is therefore surprising that no link has been established between U.S. economic aid and greater respect for human rights abroad. I change this by arguing that U.S. aid policies do affect human rights records but in an indirect way. Repressive leaders foregoing substantial amounts of U.S. aid because of their human rights policies are also the leaders most likely to increase their respect for human rights in the future. I calculate the opportunity costs of human rights abuse, in part, by estimating a two-stage model with selection that simultaneously assesses the decision to grant aid and the amount of aid disbursed to each country. By modeling the process this way, I am able to demonstrate that human rights concerns affect only the decision to grant aid; need determines the amount of aid given after recipients are selected. I then use pr...
A top-down built-in self-test design in VLSI testing

A top-down design of test generation and response analysis for built-in self-test (BIST) is proposed. The design procedure is computationally efficient for test generation, and produces test generation circuitry with low hardware overhead. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by detailed comparisons of the results with those obtained with existing techniques. For response analysis, a delay redundancy check is proposed to improve the failure rate of a vertical and horizontal redundancy check fault-detection scheme. In combination with the two-signature scheme, the frequency of aliasing is reduced to one in 2/sup 4n/ for an n-input, m-output circuit under test, where 2/sup n/>m. >
Meeting the computer competency expectations of the construction industry

A Microcomputer Applications in Construction course was developed to provide computer literacy for undergraduate construction students. The course topics and the results of construction industry computer literacy expectations research are presented. A critical issue was the question of the extent to which multimedia application development should be included in the course. It is recommended that there be continuous monitoring of computer courses and adaptation to change.
Non-parametric Bayesian mixture of sparse regressions with application towards feature selection for statistical downscaling

Abstract. Climate projections simulated by Global Climate Models (GCMs) are often used for assessing the impacts of climate change. However, the relatively coarse resolutions of GCM outputs often preclude their application to accurately assessing the effects of climate change on finer regional-scale phenomena. Downscaling of climate variables from coarser to finer regional scales using statistical methods is often performed for regional climate projections. Statistical downscaling (SD) is based on the understanding that the regional climate is influenced by two factors – the large-scale climatic state and the regional or local features. A transfer function approach of SD involves learning a regression model that relates these features (predictors) to a climatic variable of interest (predictand) based on the past observations. However, often a single regression model is not sufficient to describe complex dynamic relationships between the predictors and predictand. We focus on the covariate selection part of the transfer function approach and propose a nonparametric Bayesian mixture of sparse regression models based on Dirichlet process (DP) for simultaneous clustering and discovery of covariates within the clusters while automatically finding the number of clusters. Sparse linear models are parsimonious and hence more generalizable than non-sparse alternatives, and lend themselves to domain relevant interpretation. Applications to synthetic data demonstrate the value of the new approach and preliminary results related to feature selection for statistical downscaling show that our method can lead to new insights.
In Situ Stress Measurements During Al UPD onto (111)-Textured Au from AlCl3 – EMImCl Ionic Liquid

In situ stress measurements were made during Al underpotential deposition (upd) onto (111)-textured Au from Lewis acidic aluminum chloride, l-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AlCl 3 -EMImCl), using the wafer curvature method. The surface stress response consists of three distinct features. In the potential range of 1.2-0.6 V the surface stress moves in the tensile (positive) direction from a value arbitrarily chosen as zero. This likely involves the desorption of AlCl - 4 from the Au surface and is consistent with adsorbate-induced stress models that appear in the literature. At the start of Al upd, the surface stress moves in the compressive direction, in contrast to the tensile stress expected based on the positive lattice misfit. We attribute this compressive stress to the formation of Al-Au bonds which partially satisfy the bonding requirements of the Au surface atoms, thereby reducing the tensile surface stress inherent to the clean Au surface. In the latter stages of Al upd, the surface stress once again moves in the tensile direction, which we attribute to Al-Au alloying. The magnitude of the tensile stress change is close to that estimated from the elastic strain associated with the change in molar volume, using reaction kinetics reported for surface alloy formation in the upd region.
Effects of group therapy on chemically dependent women's self-efficacy.

Purpose: To determine effects of experiential and cognitive group therapy on self-efficacy of chemically dependent women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study indicated differences in the effects of cognitive and experiential group therapy on perceptions of general and social self-efficacy in 52 recovering chemically dependent women living in a Midwestern urban area of the United States. Two additional groups of women were recruited for control groups. One control group (n%34) consisted of chemically dependent women from the same sites who did not participate in the treatment programs. The second control group consisted of working women (n%35) who were matched to the chemically dependent women on age, race, and gender, and who self-reported not being chemically dependent and never having used illegal drugs. All participants completed the Self-Efficacy Scale, and both experimental groups (cognitive and experiential) participated in six 90-minute group therapy sessions. Results: A statistically significant difference was found for general self-efficacy among the four groups. The chemically dependent control group women had significantly lower scores on general self-efficacy than did the other three groups. The chemically dependent treatment groups had significantly higher levels of general self-efficacy than did the chemically dependent control group. Social self-efficacy did not differ among treatment and control groups. Conclusions: Strengthening chemically dependent women's self-efficacy beliefs to deal effectively with a variety of situations and tasks can increase their confidence that they can be productive and accomplish their goals.
Drug-organic electrolyte complexes as controlled release systems.

A water-insoluble complex between diltiazem HCl and Na deoxycholate was prepared to achieve sustained release dosage forms. Physicochemical characterization of the drug complex was carried out with differential scanning calorimetry, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These techniques showed that the characteristic peaks in both the drug and the complexing agent (protonated amine and carboxylate) disappeared and new peaks appeared upon formation of the ionic complex. The release of diltiazem from drug-complex tablets was sustained for a long period of time (>24 h) and was dependent on the pH of the dissolution medium. However, the dependence of drug release on pH was eliminated at pH 6–8 and minimized at pH 1.5 when drug-complex powders were incorporated in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) drug carriers. Unlike the release of diltiazem HCl from HPMC drug carriers, drug release from drug-complex/HPMC tablets was linear or near linear irrespective of the viscosity ...
Radar Polarimetric Observations Of A Tree Canopy

This paper introduces an effective technique for characterizing the propagation properties of a forest canopy. The technique requires the use of a polarimetric scatterometer, which is a calibrated radar capable of measuring the complete backscattering matrix (amplitude and phase) of the Scene it illuminates. A truck-mounted 1.6 GHz polarimetric scatterometer was used from a 19 m high platform to measure the backscattering from a dense canopy of pine trees at an incidence angle of 40". Two sets of measurements were made at each of many spatial locations, one set with and the other without a trihedral comer reflector present on the ground surface undemeath the canopy. From the two sets of polarimetric measurements, it was possible to determine the mean values and the statistical distributions of the canopy attenuation factors for horizontal and vertical polarizations. The mean values of the one-way attenuation factors were found to be 9.31 dB for horizontal polarization and 9.16 dB for vertical polarization.
Relationship between Skin Microbial Counts and Surgical Site Infection after Neurosurgery

A prospective study was performed to describe the density of bacterial counts on the skin of neurosurgical patients and examine the association between total colony-forming unit (cfu) counts of skin flora at the operative site and surgical site infection (SSI). Two skin cultures were obtained, immediately before and after skin preparation, from the operative sites of 609 neurosurgical patients. SSI surveillance that used Centers for Disease Control/National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance definitions was performed. Predictors for high bacterial counts and SSI among craniotomies were analyzed by means of logistic regression. Neither pre- nor postpreparation counts were associated with SSI. Other SSI risk factors were obesity (relative risk [RR], 2.5), duration of surgery (RR, 1.3 for every additional 30 minutes) and age (RR, 0.7 for each additional 10 years). Duration of skin preparation was not correlated with postpreparation cfu counts. We were unable to detect an association between preoperative bacterial skin counts and SSI.
Bacterial Associates of Two Caribbean Coral Species Reveal Species-Specific Distribution and Geographic Variability

ABSTRACT Scleractinian corals harbor microorganisms that form dynamic associations with the coral host and exhibit substantial genetic and ecological diversity. Microbial associates may provide defense against pathogens and serve as bioindicators of changing environmental conditions. Here we describe the bacterial assemblages associated with two of the most common and phylogenetically divergent reef-building corals in the Caribbean, Montastraea faveolata and Porites astreoides. Contrasting life history strategies and disease susceptibilities indicate potential differences in their microbiota and immune function that may in part drive changes in the composition of coral reef communities. The ribotype structure and diversity of coral-associated bacteria within the surface mucosal layer (SML) of healthy corals were assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting and 454 bar-coded pyrosequencing. Corals were sampled at disparate Caribbean locations representing various levels of anthropogenic impact. We demonstrate here that M. faveolata and P. astreoides harbor distinct, host-specific bacteria but that specificity varies by species and site. P. astreoides generally hosts a bacterial assemblage of low diversity that is largely dominated by one bacterial genus, Endozoicomonas, within the order Oceanospirillales. The bacterial assemblages associated with M. faveolata are significantly more diverse and exhibit higher specificity at the family level than P. astreoides assemblages. Both corals have more bacterial diversity and higher abundances of disease-related bacteria at sites closer to the mainland than at those furthest away. The most diverse bacterial taxa and highest relative abundance of disease-associated bacteria were seen for corals near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) (2.5 km from shore), and the least diverse taxa and lowest relative abundance were seen for corals near our most pristine site in Belize (20 km from shore). We conclude that the two coral species studied harbor distinct bacterial assemblages within the SML, but the degree to which each species maintains specific microbial associations varies both within each site and across large spatial scales. The taxonomic scale (i.e., phylum versus genus) at which scientists examine coral-microbe associations, in addition to host-elicited factors and environmental fluctuations, must be considered carefully in future studies of the coral holobiont.
Infrared and reflectron time-of-flight mass spectroscopic study on the synthesis of glycolaldehyde in methanol (CH3OH) and methanol-carbon monoxide (CH3OH-CO) ices exposed to ionization radiation.

We present conclusive evidence on the formation of glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO) synthesized within astrophysically relevant ices of methanol (CH3OH) and methanol–carbon monoxide (CH3OH–CO) upon exposure to ionizing radiation at 5.5 K. The radiation induced chemical processes of the ices were monitored on line and in situ via infrared spectroscopy which was complimented by temperature programmed desorption studies post irradiation, utilizing highly sensitive reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with single photon fragment free photoionization (ReTOF-PI) at 10.49 eV. Specifically, glycolaldehyde was observed via the ν14 band and further enhanced with the associated frequency shifts of the carbonyl stretching mode observed in irradiated isotopologue ice mixtures. Furthermore, experiments conducted with mixed isotopic ices of methanol–carbon monoxide (13CH3OH–CO, CH318OH–CO, CD3OD–13CO and CH3OH–C18O) provide solid evidence of at least three competing reaction pathways involved in the formation of glycolaldehyde via non-equilibrium chemistry, which were identified as follows: (i) radical–radical recombination of HCO and CH2OH formed via decomposition of methanol – the “two methanol pathway”; (ii) via the reaction of one methanol unit (CH2OH from the decomposition of CH3OH) with one carbon monoxide unit (HCO from the hydrogenation of CO) – the “one methanol, one carbon monoxide pathway”; and (iii) formation via hydrogenation of carbon monoxide resulting in radicals of HCO and CH2OH – the “two carbon monoxide pathway”. In addition, temperature programmed desorption studies revealed an increase in the amount of glycolaldehyde formed, suggesting further thermal chemistry of trapped radicals within the ice matrix. Sublimation of glycolaldehyde during the warm up was also monitored via ReTOF-PI and validated via the mutual agreement of the associated isotopic frequency shifts within the infrared band positions and the identical sublimation profiles obtained from the ReTOF spectra and infrared spectroscopy of the corresponding isotopes. In addition, an isomer of glycolaldehyde (ethene-1,2-diol) was tentatively assigned. Confirmation of the identified pathways based on infrared spectroscopy was also obtained from the observed ion signals corresponding to isotopomers of glycolaldehyde. These coupled techniques provide clear, concise evidence of the formation of a complex and astrobiologically important organic, glycolaldehyde, relevant to the icy mantles observed in the interstellar medium.
Best practice in the treatment of advanced squamous cell lung cancer

The management of advanced stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been altered by the recognition of histology-based treatment and the use of targeted therapy. Whilst outcomes have improved with adenocarcinoma, treatment options are still limited in advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer. With advances in the molecular characterization of squamous cell cancers (SCCs), new potential targets have been identified. In this review, we discuss the role of histology in the treatment of NSCLC, cytotoxic chemotherapy, existing targeted therapies, the new molecular subsets and novel inhibitors in squamous cell lung carcinoma, and the emerging role of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Based on the results of two recent studies, nivolumab, a programmed death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of squamous cell NSCLC in the second-line setting. Well-designed biomarker driven studies are needed to accelerate the development and approva...
Loss of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) expression in human ductal carcinoma correlates with disease stage and contributes to metastasis

New signaling pathways of the interleukin (IL) family, interferons (IFN) and interferon regulatory factors (IRF) have recently been found within tumor microenvironments and in metastatic sites. Some of these cytokines stimulate while others inhibit breast cancer proliferation and/or invasion. IRFs, a family of nine mammalian transcription factors, have multiple biologic functions that when dysregulated may contribute to tumorigenesis; most well-known are their roles in regulating/initiating host immunity. Some IRF family members have been implicated in tumorigenesis yet little is still known of their expression in primary human tumors or their role(s) in disease development/progression. IRF5 is one of the newer family members to be studied and has been shown to be a critical mediator of host immunity and the cellular response to DNA damage. Here, we examined the expression of IRF5 in primary breast tissue and determined how loss of expression may contribute to breast cancer development and/or progression. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival breast tissue specimens from patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) were examined for their expression of IRF1 and IRF5. Knockdown or overexpression of IRF5 in MCF-10A, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 mammary epithelial cell lines was used to examine the role of IRF5 in growth inhibition, invasion and tumorigenesis. Analysis of IRF expression in human breast tissues revealed the unique down-regulation of IRF5 in patients with different grades of DCIS and IDC as compared to IRF1; loss of IRF5 preceded that of IRF1 and correlated with increased invasiveness. Overexpression of IRF5 in breast cancer cells inhibited in vitro and in vivo cell growth and sensitized them to DNA damage. Complementary experiments with IRF5 siRNAs made normal mammary epithelial cells resistant to DNA damage. By 3-D culture, IRF5 overexpression reverted MDA-MB-231 to normal acini-like structures; cells overexpressing IRF5 had decreased CXCR4 expression and were insensitive to SDF-1/CXCL12-induced migration. These findings were confirmed by CXCR4 promoter reporter assays. IRF5 is an important tumor suppressor that regulates multiple cellular processes involved in the conversion of normal mammary epithelial cells to tumor epithelial cells with metastatic potential.
Building effective service delivery mechanisms for justice-involved individuals: an under-researched area

The Heath & Justice journal is devoted to addressing the unmet needs of those involved in or working in the justice system. With attention to both health and justice processes and outcomes, this journal is designed to provide a forum for scholarship and research that is usually dispersed across many different disciplines. In this article, we focus on the need for more service related research to broaden our understanding of how to improve system, program, and client level outcomes. A review of pertinent research in each area is provided to illustrate contemporary findings. Current research also makes the case for a focused discussion about processes, policies, and procedures that need further exploration. To better understand how to improve health and justice outcomes, research is needed in program fidelity, services, geographical and activity spaces, and other arenas that affect individual, program, and system level outcomes.
The expression and regulation of class II antigens in normal and inflammatory bowel disease peripheral blood monocytes and intestinal epithelium.

Elevated constitutive expression of major histocompatability (MHC) class II antigens occurs in the enterocytes of patients with IBD. It has been suggested that this aberrant expression of class II molecules may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD. We examined two possible reasons for such a finding. I) Heightened sensitivity of IBD enterocytes to endogenous γ interferon (γIFN) and 2) enhanced endogenous secretion of γ interferon by intestinal cells in close proximity to the enterocytes (lamina propria lymphocytes). Constitutive and γ interferon stimulated HLA-DR and DP density on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) from UC patients (IEC n = 13; PBM n = 20), CD patients (IEC n = 14; PBM n = 18) and non-IBD controls (IEC n = 12; PBM n = 20) were measured via flow cytometry (mean channel fluorescence). γIFN production by PHA stimulated and unstimulated lamina propria lymphocyte (LPL) cultures of UC patients (n = 11) CD patients (n = 8) and non-IBD controls (n = 11) was m...
An adaptive numerical scheme for high-speed reactive flow on overlapping grids

We describe a method for the numerical solution of high-speed reactive flow in complex geometries using overlapping grids and block-structured adaptive mesh refinement. We consider flows described by the reactive Euler equations with an ideal equation of state and various stiff reaction models. These equations are solved using a second-order accurate Godunov method for the convective fluxes and a Runge-Kutta time-stepping scheme for the source term modeling the chemical reactions. We describe an extension of the adaptive mesh refinement approach to curvilinear overlapping grids. Numerical results are presented showing the evolution to detonation in a quarter-plane provoked by a temperature gradient and the propagation of an overdriven detonation in an expanding channel. The first problem, which considers a one-step Arrhenius reaction model, is used primarily to validate the numerical method, while the second problem, which considers a three-step chain-branching reaction model, is used to illustrate mechanisms of detonation failure and rebirth for the channel geometry.
Prelysosomal acidic vacuoles in Dictyostelium discoideum.

We have examined the ameba Dictyostelium discoideum for evidence of a discrete, prelysosomal, acidic receiving compartment in endocytosis. We observed in the cytoplasm abundant round vacuoles with diameters up to 2 microns that concentrated acridine orange by a process inhibited by 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl). They were therefore taken to be acidic. The vacuoles were observed to fuse nearly quantitatively with primary phagosomes over 30 min and thereby to confer upon them the ability to accumulate acridine orange. The entry into lysosomes of phagocytic cargo occurred later. In the absence of phagocytosis, almost all of the acidic vacuoles rapidly accumulated fluorescent markers that had either been covalently coupled to the cell surface or fed as the soluble dextran conjugate. Therefore, these vacuoles also lie on the pathway of pinocytosis. A prominent subcellular ATPase activity inhibited by 25 microM NBD-Cl co-distributed on sucrose equilibrium density gradients with vacuoles capable of concentrating acridine orange in vitro. The peak was broad and more buoyant than that bearing lysosomal acid hydrolases, which contained only a minor amount of this ATPase. Also migrating in the buoyant peak were internalized plasma membrane markers; e.g., 3H-galactose had been covalently coupled to the surface of intact cells and allowed to enter pinosomes. We conclude that in D. discoideum an extensive prelysosomal vacuolar compartment provides the proton pumps that acidify both phagosomes and pinosomes.
Blood levels of organochlorine residues and risk of breast cancer.

Background Organochlorines such as DDT [2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane] and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which have been used extensively as insecticides and as fluid insulators of electrical components, respectively, are known to be persistent environmental contaminants and animal carcinogens. These agents have been found in human tissue due to their inefficient metabolism and their solubility in lipids, which lead to lifelong sequestration in adipose tissue. Their association with human cancer occurrence, however, has been explored only marginally, with most studies having 20 or fewer cases. Purpose This blinded study was designed to determine whether exposure to PCBs and to DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene], the major metabolite of DDT, is associated with breast cancer risk in women. Methods We analyzed sera from the stored blood specimens of 14,290 participants enrolled between 1985 and 1991 in the New York University Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort study of hormones, diet, and cancer. Cohort members who developed breast cancer were included as case patients in our nested case-control study. DDE and PCBs were measured by gas chromatography in the sera of 58 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer 1-6 months after they entered the cohort and in 171 matched control subjects from the same study population who did not develop cancer. Results Mean levels of DDE and PCBs were higher for breast cancer case patients than for control subjects, but paired differences were statistically significant only for DDE (P = .031). After adjustment for first-degree family history of breast cancer, lifetime lactation, and age at first full-term pregnancy, conditional logistic regression analysis showed a fourfold increase in relative risk of breast cancer for an elevation of serum DDE concentrations from 2.0 ng/mL (10th percentile) to 19.1 ng/mL (90th percentile). For PCBs, the relative risk for a change in serum levels from 3.9 ng/mL (10th percentile) to 10.6 ng/mL (90th percentile) was less than twofold, a nonsignificant association that was further reduced after adjustment for DDE. Conclusion In this population of New York City women, breast cancer was strongly associated with DDE in serum but not with PCBs. Implications These findings suggest that environmental chemical contamination with organochlorine residues may be an important etiologic factor in breast cancer. Given the widespread dissemination of organochlorine insecticides in the environment and the food chain, the implications are far-reaching for public health intervention worldwide.
Caloric restriction influences hydrogen peroxide generation in mitochondrial sub-populations from mouse liver.

Calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to decrease H2O2 production in liver mitochondria, although it is not known if this is due to uniform changes in all mitochondria or changes in particular mitochondrial sub-populations. To address this issue, liver mitochondria from control and CR mice were fractionated using differential centrifugation at 1,000 g, 3,000 g and 10,000 g into distinct populations labeled as M1, M3 and M10, respectively. Mitochondrial protein levels, respiration and H2O2 production were measured in each fraction. CR resulted in a decrease in total protein (mg) in each fraction, although this difference disappeared when adjusted for liver weight (mg protein/g liver weight). No differences in respiration (State 3 or 4) were observed between control and CR mice in any of the mitochondrial fractions. CR decreased H2O2 production in all fractions when mitochondria respired on succinate (Succ), succ+antimycin A (Succ+AA) or pyruvate/malate+rotenone (P/M+ROT). Thus, CR decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under conditions which stimulate mitochondrial complex I ROS production under both forward (P/M+ROT) and backward (Succ & Succ+AA) electron flow. The results indicate that CR decreases H2O2 production in all liver mitochondrial fractions due to a decrease in capacity for ROS production by complex I of the electron transport chain.
Biodiversity, Paleozoology, and Conservation Biology

A major concern in modern conservation biology is the loss of biodiversity. Such loss has, however, been common throughout the history of life. The source of the modern concern is that biodiversity loss is thought to be exacerbated by anthropogenic (human) causes in general, a top-down ecological process. But contrary to the ecologically noble savage notion, today is not different in kind from the past. Humans have depleted and extirpated populations and species for thousands of years. Climate change has also reduced biodiversity throughout history, such as when primary productivity is reduced by increased aridity in a bottom-up ecological process. The paleozoological record provides examples of normal background fluctuation in biodiversity and indicates bottom-up processes have been commonplace and top-down (particularly anthropogenic) causes can be distinguished from them in zooarchaeological collections. Both the loss and gain of species and of morphological variants can be tracked in the paleozoological record. Given that instances of biodiversity decrease on many continents at the end of the Pleistocene were coincident with climatic warming, the threat to modern biodiversity of modern global warming driven by anthropogenic processes is quite real.
“Segmental” spinal instability as related to the degenerative disc

Abstract Though the precise definition of "segmental spinal instability" is not agreed upon, its existence, as a potential cause of low back pain, is acknowledged. The pathophysiological changes that occur to the aging spine are known. The problem stems from a lack of understanding of the normal anatomic structural integrity of the functional spinal unit beyond which symptoms occur. The diagnosis, at present, hinges upon the detection of sometimes subtle radiographic findings (Table 1). Gross abnormalities in motion of the order of several millimeters, such as in anterior or retrolisthesis may be seen, representing the extreme, and perhaps obvious alterations, in the instability spectrum. The physical examination and the history remain too vague to be useful, or reliable, in the diagnosis. Better diagnostic acumen will depend on the evolution of more sensitive, hopefully noninvasive, imaging techniques. This is particularly important since a large percentage of low back pain is often attributed to "segmental spinal instability." Fusion with or without instrumentation is the surgical solution to most instabilities, assuming the diagnosis can be accurately made. The indications for fusion, as well as the success rates in treating the symptoms attributed to instability, require further studies and documentation.
Structure of the Optic Nerve

A good understanding of the structure of the optic nerve and topographic localization of the nerve fibers in it from the various parts of the retina is essential for comprehension of various aspects of ischemic optic neuropathy.
Agricultural Economics, Production Economics and the Field of Farm Management

SINCE the interwar period, the relationship between the fields of agricultural economics, production economics and farm management has been under discussion. Early giant's of agricultural economics such as Taylor,' Black and Spillman saw rather clearly that economics had a considerable contribution to make to farm management and explained the need for this contribution with vigor. Agricultural economists were easily convinced. Actually, it might even be said that agricultural economists, deans and directors were overconvinced-at least agricultural economics attained such an administrative triumph over farm management in the land grant system that there is, at the present time, no separate department in the land grant system whose function is that of doing teaching, research and extension solely in the field of farm management.
A top down approach to an introductory database systems course using web applications

This paper describes a top down approach to teaching an introductory database systems course. The content of the course is focused around multiple web applications that act as teaching instruments and provide discussion points during the semester. Web application program analysis and development are main components of the course, in addition to the traditional objectives of an introductory database course. The course also has a continued emphasis on security throughout. By the end of the semester, students are well versed in both database systems and web application development. Having these skill sets are beneficial to students for both employment and further studies.