cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron microscopic study of the "X-cells" in septal cysts of the human placenta.

Abstract The “X-cells” of the human placental septa, though the subject of numerous investigations, are of disputed origin and unknown function. These distinctive, large, mononuclear cells have given confusing results when examined by histochemical methods and have not yet been shown to elaborate endocrines but they do contain female sex chromatin. Ours is the first electron microscopic study of “X-cells” to be reported. We find that they produce abundant amounts of glycogen and probably a mucinous material, have a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, display microvilli, and contain abundant intracytoplasmic fine fibrils. By comparing them with cells of fetal and maternal origin, both in the present investigation and in the published literature, we have concluded that the ultrastructural features of “X-cells” are more consistent with derivation from maternal tissues than from trophoblast.
El Melodrama como un pasado se nos cuela en el presente

Ya no es nuestra epoca, ya no es nuestro tiepo,porque nuestro tiempo no es ni mucho menos de pasados y de nostalgias; nuestro tiempo nunca vuelve sobre si mismo, sino que avanza y avanza dejando atras todo aquello que no logre ese mismo ritmo.
Factors Affecting the Level of Alanine Racemase in Escherichia coli

Alanine racemase occupies a key position in the alanine branch of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. The level of this enzyme in Escherichia coli W is a function of the carbon source. For example, growth on l-alanine causes a 25-fold higher level of alanine racemase when compared with growth on glucose. When potential inducers of this enzyme are added to either a glucose or succinate medium, a low specificity is observed with those compounds that cause higher levels of enzyme. Growth of E. coli W on either pyruvate, d-alanine, or l-alanine resulted in lower levels of l- and d-alanine in the internal pool. With each of these carbon sources, the level of alanine racemase was markedly elevated when compared to glucose-grown cells; thus, with single carbon sources, the concentration of alanine in the pool is inversely related to the specific activity of alanine racemase. These observations support derepression as a possible mechanism that gives rise to higher levels of alanine racemase. Since multiple forms of the alanine racemase were not detected in extracts from E. coli W grown on various carbon sources, it would appear that this type of heterogeneity is not a consideration in interpreting the above results.
Altered NEP2 Expression and Activity in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

Neprilysin-2 (NEP2), a close homolog of neprilysin (NEP), degrades amyloid-β (Aβ) and serves an important role in clearing Aβ in vivo. We measured NEP2 and NEP mRNA levels from nonimpaired (NI), mild cognitive impaired (MCI), and clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) subjects in the mid-temporal gyrus, mid-frontal gyrus, caudate, and cerebellum. NEP2 activity levels were also determined. Our results indicate that NEP2 and NEP mRNA expression is altered in MCI subjects relative to NI subjects in AD-susceptible regions. NEP2 enzymatic activity was lowered in association with MCI and AD and was positively associated with level of cognitive function, independent of diagnostic category. Our finding that NEP2 expression and activity are altered in MCI is significant as these changes may potentially serve as preclinical markers for AD and reduced NEP2 activity may be associated with the development of AD.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Temperature-Sensitive Mutants in Ten Loci That Affect Cell Membrane Synthesis in Escherichia coli: Isolation and Genetic Sorting

Four hundred temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants were isolated by the 3H-glycerol-3-phosphate membrane suicide procedure of Cronan, Ray, and Vagelos and were sorted into 13 groups by the rapid mapping procedures of Low. Recombination and complementation studies on representative members of each group suggested that the ts mutations of all 13 groups are present in genetically different complementation groups. Biochemical studies suggested that 10 of these ts mutations affected cell membrane synthesis. In this paper, the genetic data are presented in detail so that the limits of the Low rapid mapping procedures can be assessed, and in an accompanying paper the partial biochemical characterization of the ts mutations is described.
Supporting Scholarship: Thoughts on the Role of the Academic Librarian

Discussing the role of the law library in legal education is necessary and essential, both because of the demands libraries place on increasingly tight law school budgets and space, and the challenges that libraries face as the information they collect and organize has moved largely from print to digital formats. This paper explores the roles of academic law librarians in supporting faculty scholarship within the context of the forces affecting libraries, librarians, and legal education in the (still early) twenty-first century. Although it has been more than 30 years since the widespread adoption of the legal research databases in the 1970s, the legal information environment continues to be seen as changing and uncertain, roiled by such new developments as working paper services providing pre-publication looks at new articles, growing interest in blogs and other varieties of short form legal scholarship, and the potential for open access publishing to reduce or eliminate reliance on printed law journals. As these developments continue to affect the processes of legal research and scholarly communications in law, what implications do they have for the role of law librarians in those processes?
N-methyl-d-aspartate and non-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonism reduces fos-like immunoreactivity in central trigeminal neurons after corneal stimulation in the rat

Abstract The role of glutamate receptors in processing noxious sensory input from the cornea was assessed in barbiturate-anesthetized rats. Animals were treated with selective antagonists for N -methyl- d -aspartate or non- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor subtypes prior to application of mustard oil to the corneal surface. Neural activation was estimated from the number of neurons that produced Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene, c- fos , as detected by immunocytochemistry. Fos-positive neurons were found at two distinct regions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus: the subnucleus interpolaris/caudalis transition and the subnucleus caudalis/upper cervical cord transition. The number of Fos-positive neurons was reduced dose-dependently by the competitive N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, 3-[(±)-2carboxypiperazin-4-yl]-propyl-l-phosphonic acid (0.08–8 nmol, i.c.v.), or by the non- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (2.5–250 nmol, i.c.v.). The greatest reduction in Fos-positive cells was seen at the subnucleus caudalis/upper cervical cord transition after blockade of either receptor subtype. Combined blockade of N -methyl- d -aspartate and non- N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors did not cause a further reduction in the number of Fos-positive neurons than was seen after the highest dose of either antagonist alone. Peripheral or central administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester, had no effect on the number of Fos-positive neurons after corneal stimulation. These results suggest that corneal input to neurons at the subnucleus caudalis/upper cervical cord transition, and to a lesser extent, at the subnucleus interpolaris/subnucleus caudalis transition depends on excitatory amino acid transmission. Both N -methyl- d -aspartate and non- N -methyl- d -aspartate glutamate receptor subtypes, but not the formation of nitric oxide, contribute to the processing of acute corneal stimuli by central trigeminal neurons.
Review article: the role of pH monitoring in extraoesophageal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Summary Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is associated with several extraoesophageal disease states including laryngitis, asthma, chronic cough and non-cardiac chest pain. Currently, the exact role reflux of gastric contents play in the pathogenesis of extraoesophageal symptoms remain controversial. Twenty-four hours pH monitoring is often considered the ‘gold standard’ in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and is increasingly utilized in patients with extraoesophageal symptoms. The use of this test is aimed at improving the association between patients’ extraoesophageal symptoms and oesophageal or hypopharyngeal acid reflux events. However, the clinical utility of pH monitoring in this patient population remains controversial. Important clinical questions in this area include: does the presence of abnormal oesophageal acid reflux suggest a causal association between patients’ extraoesophageal symptoms and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease? Conversely, does the absence of abnormal acid exposure in the oesophagus suggest lack of such an association? Should the test be performed on or off therapy and does it matter? In this study, the role of pH monitoring in laryngitis, asthma, chronic cough and non-cardiac chest pain is examined and answers to the above questions are addressed based on current data.
Radiation grafting to polyesters, cotton and their blends to impart flame retardancy

Abstract The grafting of 2, 3, dibromopropylacrylate (DBPA) to polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) and cotton fabrics and their 50-50 blend was carried out using 60 Co λ-radiation. Bis (2, chloroethyl) vinyl phosphonate (Fyrol Bis Beta) was grafted to polyester fabric only. The mutual, peroxide and pre-irradiation methods were used. The addition of 10% styrene to DPBA was found to be necessary to avoid rapid and complete homopolymerization. The mutual method, even with the mixture, was found to lead to stringy “nodules” of surface grafted and crosslinked polymer leading to low and erratic oxygen index (OI) results. The peroxide method successfully avoided this problem and higher and more consistent OI results were obtained. By adjusting the swelling conditions by adding water and methylene chloride to the monomers cotton, PET and their blend could be all grafted to satisfactory amounts. The pre-irradiation method gave poor yields with Fyrol Bis Beta to polyester but the addition of more than 10% methacrylic acid gave good grafting yields and excellent OI values. The high doses and long reaction times needed for the polyester makes the method impractical for commercial flame proofing in spite of the high oxygen indices obtained. Methods of sensitizing polyester to high energy radiation are needed to overcome this problem.
Intracranial contrast-enhancing masses in infants with capillary haemangioma of the head and neck: intracranial capillary haemangioma?

Contrast-enhancing intracranial masses are rarely found in infants with extracranial capillary haemangiomas (CH). We aimed to assess their nature and progression in three patients undergoing CT and/or MRI. The changes in size of both extra- and intracranial lesions were recorded. In a fourth case, a single examination was obtained. All patients harboured one or two enhancing intracranial nodular, meningeal-based lesions. Diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement of the cerebellar surface was also seen in one, which disappeared at follow-up. In all but one of the cases, the intracranial lesions were on the same side as the extracranial CH. These lesions and the extracranial CH demonstrated parallel changes in size (suggesting that both represent CH) during follow-up of 1–2 years: the size of intracranial lesions and the extracranial CH decreased in two cases, whereas it was unchanged in the third. One patient had a persistent trigeminal artery, while another had cerebellar atrophy with high signal in the cortex on T2-weighted images. In some cases, extracranial CH are part of PHACE syndrome; the association with intracranial CH might represent a peculiar phenotype of this rare vascular phakomatosis. As extracranial CH are known to regress spontaneously in the majority of cases, a conservative approach is recommended also for presumed intracranial CH; surgery should be avoided unless follow-up studies demonstrate growth.
INTRAVENOUS NPY (27-36)-D DECREASES CARDIAC OUTPUT IN CONSCIOUS SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

Abstract Intravenous (IV) administration of NPY (27–36)- d , a substituted carboxyterminal fragment of neuropeptide Y (NPY), decreases mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normo- and hypertensive rats by a mechanism partially involving histamine receptors. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the cardiovascular effects of NPY (27–36)- d . NPY (27–36)- d dose-dependently decreased MAP, cardiac output, and stroke volume without significantly altering peripheral resistance. Myocardial contractility diminished by 151.2 ± 31.8, 529.6 ± 182.5, and 495.4 ± 66.7 mmHg/s 2 in rats treated with 300, 500, and 750 nmol/kg NPY (27–36)- d , respectively. Therefore, NPY (27–36)- d modifies MAP, in part, by a reversible negative inotropic effect on the heart.
Spectral theory of Schrödinger operators of many-body systems with permutation and rotation symmetries

Abstract We investigate the spectra of many-body Schrodinger operators with permutation and rotation symmetry on subspaces of a given symmetry. For relatively compact two-body interactions the essential spectrum is a half line starting at the lowest two-body threshold with compatible symmetry. For dilatation analytic interactions the singular continuous spectrum is empty, and the eigenvalues accumulate at most at thresholds with compatible symmetries. For systems of atomic type there is an infinite sequence of discrete eigenvalues of each symmetry type.
Exact Faddeev solutions for neutron-deuteron scattering with realistic local two-nucleon potentials:n-d elastic cross section at 14.6 MeV

Exact solutions of the Faddeev equations are generated using the local Reid soft-core potential acting in the1S0,3S1-3D1 partial waves at the neutron laboratory energy of 14.6 MeV. The neutron-deuteron elastic cross section as well as the neutron asymmetryAy are calculated.
Attitudes towards specific uses of the computers quantitative, decision-making and record-keeping applications

Abstract A survey of 203 undergraduates indicated that there are three clusters of computer applications about which respondents hold similar attitudes: quantitative applications (e.g. processing bills), decisionmaking applications (e.g. diagnosing medical problems) and record-keeping applications (e.g. storing information about criminals). Respondents were favourable towards quantitative and record-keeping applications but rejected decisionmaking applications, especially those involving decisions traditionally made by psychologists. Experience with computers and perceptions of the computer as efficient, humanizing and enjoyable were correlated significantly with attitudes towards specific applications. Locus of control and interpersonal trust were not related to attitudes. Interpretations of potentially dehumanizing effects of computers were discussed, along with implications of attitudes towards specific applications for decisions about how computers ought to be used.
Investigation of contact resistance evolution of Ir, Pt, W, Ni, Cr, Ti, Cu and Al over repeated hot-contact switching for NEMS switches

This article reports on the evolution of contact resistance (Rc) of metal contacts over 100,000 cycles. A contact-mode atomic force microscope connected to a current versus voltage (I-V) measurement system was used and successive I-V measurements between a Cr-coated AFM conducting tip and Ir, Pt, W, Ni, Cr, Ti, Cu or Al thin-film metals on silicon nitride coated silicon in a nitrogen ambient were carried out. Adhesion forces between the samples and the conducting AFM tip was also measured. The best cyclic I-V performers were Ir, Pt, W & Ti. The trend in changing Rc seen in Ir, Pt and W are similar and can be attributed to factors such as their high Young's modulus, high melting temperatures and high density and low adhesion forces. Ti yeilded the best I-V behavior where contact resistance improved slightly as a function of cycling. A relationship between adhesion forces and defect generation in the contact region is observed and the results of both sets of experiments are detailed here.
Tomatine and parasitic wasps: potential incompatibility of plant antibiosis with biological control

alpha-Tomatine, an alkaloid in tomato plants, is toxic to an endoparasite of a major lepidopterous pest of tomatoes. The parasite acquires the alkaloid from its host after the host ingests the alkaloid. This form of interaction creates a potential dilemma to controlling herbivorous pests through chemical antibiosis in plants.
Structure and expression of fibrillin-2, a novel microfibrillar component preferentially located in elastic matrices

During the previous cloning of the fibrillin gene (FBN1), we isolated a partial cDNA coding for a fibrillin-like peptide and mapped the corresponding gene (FBN2) to human chromosome 5. (Lee, B., M. Godfrey, E. Vitale, H. Hori, M. G. Mattei, M. Sarfarazi, P. Tsipouras, F. Ramirez, and D. W. Hollister. 1991. Nature [Lond.]. 352:330-334). The study left, however, unresolved whether or not the FBN2 gene product is an extracellular component structurally related to fibrillin. Work presented in this report clarifies this important point. Determination of the entire primary structure of the FBN2 gene product demonstrated that this polypeptide is highly homologous to fibrillin. Immunoelectron microscopy localized both fibrillin proteins to elastin-associated extracellular microfibrils. Finally, immunohistochemistry revealed that the fibrillins co-distribute in elastic and non-elastic connective tissues of the developing embryo, with preferential accumulation of the FBN2 gene product in elastic fiber-rich matrices. These results support the original hypothesis that the fibrillins may have distinct but related functions in the formation and maintenance of extracellular microfibrils. Accordingly, we propose to classify the FBN1 and FBN2 gene products as a new family of extracellular proteins and to name its members fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2, respectively.
GaAs Optical Parametric Oscillator with a Circularly Polarized Pump

We demonstrated an optical parametric oscillator based on GaAs with a circularly polarized pump. The threshold was lower and conversion efficiency was higher than with a [001]-linearly polarized pump, which is consistent with GaAs symmetry.
2-p-Toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate, a fluorescent reporter group for L-isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract The binding of 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate to L-isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase is associated with a strong increase of fluorescence intensity and a concomitant shift in the wavelength of maximum emission. Binding of the fluorophore does not interfere with substrate binding nor the ATP-32PPi exchange activity of the enzyme. The formation of binary and ternary enzymesubstrate complexes is indicated by a significant quenching of the fluorescence. Dissociation constants were determined from the degree of quenching as a function of the substrate concentration. Evaluation of spectrofluorometric data suggest that substrate binding is associated with a conformation change in which tryptophan side chains of the protein are involved.
Efficient simulation experiments for comparing communication network routing algorithms

In this paper, we propose efficient statistical designs of simulation experiments and statistical methods for systematically comparing communica tion network routing algorithms via simulation. The design of experiments technique establishes the minimum number of observations or simulation runs without losing much information needed to gain insight into the real world system. Statistical models use this efficient set of observations in providing (1) insight into the intrinsic behavior of the algorithm (i.e., sensitivity of the algorithm to changes in factors), (2) a statistical basis for com paring alternate algorithms that perform common functions, and (3) predictor equations that can be used to predict algorithm performance for the user- specified values of influencing factors. The empha sis in the paper is on the use of statistical testing and comparison methods in a simulation setting and not on the nature of algorithms themselves. These methods should pave the way for perform ance analysis of other al...
Membrane lipid interactions in intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced Injury

Ischemia, lack of blood flow, and reperfusion, return of blood flow, are a common phenomenon affecting millions of Americans each year. Roughly 30,000 Americans per year experience intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR), which is associated with a high mortality rate. Previous studies of the intestine established a role for neutrophils, eicosanoids, the complement system and naturally occurring antibodies in IR-induced pathology. Furthermore, data indicate involvement of a lipid or lipid-like moiety in mediating IR-induced damage. It has been proposed that antibodies recognize exposure of neo-antigens, triggering action of the complement cascade. While it is evident that the pathophysiology of IR-induced injury is complex and multi-factorial, we focus this review on the involvement of eicosanoids, phospholipids and neo-antigens in the early pathogenesis. Lipid changes occurring in response to IR, neo-antigens exposed and the role of a phospholipid transporter, phospholipid scramblase 1 will be discussed.
Vascular complications and microvascular free flap salvage: the role of thrombolytic agents.

Background: Vascular thrombosis with flap loss is the most dreaded complication of microvascular free tissue transfer. Thrombolytic agents such as tissue plasminogen activator have been used clinically for free flap salvage in cases of pedicle thrombosis. Yet, there is a paucity of data in the literature validating the benefit of their use. Methods: A retrospective review of the breast reconstruction free flap database was performed at a single institution between the years of 1991–2010. The incidence of vascular complications (arterial and/or venous thrombosis) was examined to determine the role of adjuvant thrombolytic therapy in flap salvage. Pathologic examination was used to determine the incidence of fat necrosis after secondary revision procedures. Results: Seventy-four cases were identified during the study period. In 41 cases, revision of the anastamoses was performed alone without thrombolytics with 38 cases of successful flap salvage (92.7%). In 33 cases, anastamotic revision was performed with adjuvant thrombolytic therapy, and successful flap salvage occurred in 28of these cases (84.8%). Thrombolysis did not appear to significantly affect flap salvage. Interestingly, only two of the salvaged flaps that had received thrombolysis developed fat necrosis, whereas 11 of the nonthrombolysed flaps developed some amount fat necrosis (7.1% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The decreased incidence of fat necrosis may be attributable to dissolution of thrombi in the microvasculature with the administration of thrombolytics. Although the use of adjuvant thrombolytic therapy does not appear to impact the rate of flap salvage, their use may have secondary benefits on overall flap outcomes. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2011.
Simultaneous Approximation and Quasi-Interpolants

It is shown that the shift-invariant spaceS(?) generated by??Wm2(Rs) provides simultaneous approximation orderk, withkm, iffS(D??) provides approximation orderk?min theL2(Rs)-norm to all functions inD?Wk2(Rs) for each |?|=m. Without appealing to the argument of polynomial reproduction, an explicit formula is presented for construction of quasi-interpolant of semi-discrete convolution type that achieves the approximation order provided byS(?). The traditional condition that the symbol ???Zs?(?)e?does not vanish on ????]sis reduced to that it does not vanish on a neighborhood of the origin.
Particles in silicon deposition discharges

The causes of particle growth in silane discharges, and of their escape to growing devices, are discussed. The relation between particle densities, sizes, and escape to the electrodes in an experimental reactor versus those expected (versus location) in large device-production reactors are explained. Available particle growth, density, and escape data is briefly reviewed and explained. In particular, the important distinction between particles drifting with the gas flow and those trapped at the downstream edge of the plasma is clarified. The very important role of thermophoretic forces is discussed, particularly its influence on the size of particles that incorporate into devices. Methods are suggested to mitigate particle incorporation into devices, and to prevent major particle buildup at the downstream end of a reactor.
Are All Floating Structures Vessels? An Analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court's Holding in Stewart v. Dutra Construction Company

On February 22, 2005, the U.S Supreme Court, in Stewart v. Dutra Construction Company, held that a dredge is a "vessel" under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). While the dredge in question had only limited means of self-propulsion, the Supreme Court found that it was "practically capable of maritime transportation." The Court's new test for determining vessel status expands the range of floating structures that can be considered vessels under the LHWCA and the Jones Act. This paper will discuss the impact of the Supreme Court's decision and subsequent lower court rulings on offshore operations.
Representation without taxation: what makes GUI good

In the proposed work, research in cognitive science and display-based HCI is synthesized and brought to bear on the question of "what makes GUI good?". A two-phase approach is outlined. The empirical phase will build upon a foundation laid by display-based HCI research. The computational modeling phase will be informed by the empirical phase and previous modeling efforts. The primary goal is to be able to explicate conditions under which a user will rely on external display components vs. internal knowledge structures to control task performance.
Stress intensity factor calculation for a modified round bend bar by 3-D finite element analysis

Stress intensity factors were calculated for a modified round bend bar (MRBB) using 3-D finite element analysis. The results were compared with published solutions for a rectangular and round bend bars. The stress intensity values for the MRBB are between those for the two other geometries as expected. The stress intensity solutions were non-dimensionalized utilizing limit solution for short and long cracks.
Cancer incidence among residents of the Three Mile Island accident area: 1982-1995.

Abstract Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health established a registry of the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant accident in 1979. Over 93% of the population present on the day of the accident within a 5-mile radius was enrolled and interviewed. We used the registry to investigate the potential cancer risk from low-dose radiation exposure among the TMI population. Methods Cancer incidence data among the TMI cohort were available from 1982 to 1995. Because more than 97% of the population were white and few cancer cases were reported for those younger than 18 years of age, we included whites of age 18 years and older (10,446 men and 11,048 women) for further analyses. Cox regression models were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) per 0.1 m Sv and 95% confident interval (CI) of cancer by radiation-related exposures. The cancers of interest were all malignant neoplasms, cancer of bronchus, trachea, and lung, cancer of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues, leukemia, and female breast. Results Among men and women, there was no evidence of an increased risk for all malignant neoplasms among the TMI cohort exposed to higher maximum and likely γ radiation (RR=1.00, 95% CI=0.97, 1.01 and RR=0.99, 95% CI=0.94, 1.03, respectively) after adjusting for age, gender, education, smoking, and background radiation. Elevation in risk was noted for cancer of the bronchus, trachea, and lung in relation to higher background radiation exposure (RR=1.45, 95% CI=1.02–2.05 at 8.0–8.8 μR/h compared to 5.2–7.2 μR/h). An increased risk of leukemia was found among men exposed to higher maximum and likely γ radiation related to TMI exposure during the ten days following the accident (RR=1.15, 95% CI=1.04, 1.29 and RR=1.36, 95% CI=1.08, 1.71, respectively). This relationship was not found in women. Conclusion Increased cancer risks from low-level radiation exposure within the TMI cohort were small and mostly statistically non-significant. However, additional follow-up on this population is warranted, especially to explore the increased risk of leukemia found in men.
Integrated Origin–Destination Synthesis Model for Freight with Commodity-Based and Empty Trip Models

Origin-destination (O-D) synthesis techniques offer the potential of producing estimates of freight O-D matrices by using secondary sources such as traffic counts, bypassing the need for expensive data collection efforts. In the case described in this paper, this promise is particularly important because of the significant cost associated with conducting surveys to obtain O-D patterns of freight movements and because of the reluctance of freight providers to provide information they consider commercially sensitive. The paper proposes an integrated O-D synthesis model that combines a commodity-based model to estimate loaded truck trips with a complementary model of empty trips. This integration is important because explicit modeling of empty trips—which account for 30% to 40% of total truck trips—is required to avoid significant errors in the estimation of directional traffic. The proposed model is applied to a case study for which both the actual O-D matrix and traffic counts are known. Two objective func...
Interleukin-4-induced STAT6 recognizes and activates a target site in the promoter of the interleukin-4 receptor gene.

This study addresses the function of STAT6 in interleukin-4-stimulated gene expression. A specific STAT6 DNA-binding target site has been identified in the promoter of the interleukin-4 receptor gene, and STAT6 is shown to be involved in mediating activation of gene expression via this site. STAT6 can mediate transcription of a heterologous reporter gene construct containing the interleukin-4 receptor STAT6 binding site. In addition, evidence is provided that demonstrates a distinct effect of STAT6 DNA binding specificity on transcriptional regulation since transcription was not stimulated from a competent but different DNA binding site. To confirm the role of STAT6 in gene activation, STAT6 mutant proteins were generated and analyzed for their ability to function in interleukin-4-induced transcription. Although the interleukin-2 γ chain receptor subunit has been demonstrated to be a component of the interleukin-4 receptor, it is not required for specific gene activation.
Nonlinear dynamical systems in geomorphology: revolution or evolution?

Abstract Geomorphic systems typically exhibit complex, apparently random behaviors and patterns in both spatial and temporal domains. This complexity can arise from the cumulative impacts of individual process-response mechanisms which are far too numerous to be accounted for in individual detail, or due to multiple controls over process-response relationships which operate over a range of spatial and temporal scales (stochastic complexity). Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) theory—which includes specific techniques and concepts such as chaos, dissipative structures, bifurcation and catastrophe theory, and fractals—shows that extreme complexity can also arise due to the nonlinear dynamics and couplings of relatively simple systems represented by relatively small equation systems (deterministic complexity). While emphasis in earth science has been largely on stochastic complexity, geomorphologists have long recognized the presence of deterministic complexity as well. Recent developments in the study of nonlinear dynamical systems have implications for the ability to make reliable long-term predictions and therefore applications of NDS in geomorphology may be revolutionary to some extent. However, virtually all the basic conceptual underpinnings of NDS theory can be mapped onto existing and even traditional theoretical concepts in geomorphology. In this sense, the use of NDS concepts in understanding earth surface processes and landforms is evolutionary. The link between traditional and NDS-based concepts is illustrated by analyzing a generalized geomorphic mass-flux system. It is shown that the system is in most cases unstable (consistent with chaos or deterministic complexity). However, the three attractor states of the system correspond exactly to the states of aggradation, degradation, and steady state.
A Tool for Interactive Disease Outbreak Visualization, Detection, and Forecasting

We develop an interactive tool for disease outbreak detection, visualization, and forecasting. The tool is based on the R statistical environment and the shiny package and therefore the code is written entirely in R, but deployment is in HTML. In addition, the choice of the R statistical environment provides access the plethora of R packages and scripts built for disease detection and forecasting. A demonstration tool is created using a 2010 measles outbreak in Zimbabwe.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Health-Related Quality-of-Life (HR-QOL) After Proton Radiation Therapy for a Pediatric CNS Cohort

Hippocampi (ipsi/contralateral) (N Z 8) 0.17/0.049 0.13/0.051 +28.0 (P Z .08)/ 4.9 (P Z .78) 2590.7/ 705.56 2191.94/ 1309.91 + 18.2 (P Z .31)/ 46.14 (P Z .09) Optic nerves (ipsi/contralateral) (N Z 8) 2552.85/ 1999.81 2914.35/ 2110.11 12.4 (P Z .21)/ 5.2 (P Z .70) Chiasm (N Z 10) 2510.31 2659.55 5.6 (P Z .31) Cochleae (ipsi/contralateral) (N Z 8) 2441.59/ 666.3 2929.95/ 1454.65 16.7 (P Z .25) 54.2 (P Z .015) 1582/ 422.33 2115.4/ 1011.08 25.2 (P Z .14)/ 58.2 (P Z .03)
Experimental investigation of an astronaut maneuvering scheme

A new concept for astronaut maneuvering in space is proposed, and an experimental study undertaken to test this concept is described. The series of experiments performed appear to promise advantages over previously proposed schemes in terms of propellant economy, system weight, reliability, and safety. The simulation tests established the feasibility of the proposed maneuvering concept by showing that test subjects were able to place their bodies sufficiently near the reference position to avoid excessive angular momentum build-up; no difficulties were encountered in selecting self-rotation maneuvers suitable for effecting desired changes in orientation; and the execution of these maneuvers produced predicted reorientations without tiring the test subject significantly.
Adjuvant effect of a Flt3 Ligand (FL) gene-transduced xenogeneic cell line in a murine colon cancer model

Background. Flt3 Ligand (FL) has been shown to elicit antitumor responses induced by tumor antigen stimulation. Allogeneic and xenogeneic cell lines transduced with cytokine genes may be used to augment the antitumor efficacy of tumor antigens. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the augmentation of tumor lysate-induced immunity by a more clinically applicable FL gene-transduced xenogeneic cell line in combination with interleukin-2 (IL-2) in a CC-36 murine colon cancer model. Methods. Human 143B osteosarcoma tumor cells were transduced with full-length FL cDNA (143B-FL). Secretion of FL from 143B-FL was analyzed in vivo in normal BALB/c mice transplanted with 143B-FL, and expansion of dendritic cells (DC) was also analyzed in the same mice by flow cytometry. Eight-week-old, male BALB/c mice were used in a prophylactic vaccination protocol utilizing tumor lysate (CLy), 143B-FL, and soluble IL-2. Prophylactic group designations (n = 10/group) were as follows: ten million 143B-FL cells (alone, with tumor lysate, or with tumor lysate and IL-2), IL-2 with tumor lysate, IL-2 alone, or a no treatment control. The tumor lysate (200 μg of protein) and IL-2 (100,000 IU) injections were administered intraperitoneally. Mice were challenged subcutaneously with 103 CC-36 tumor cells. Tumor protection and tumor burden (TB), as mean tumor diameter, were determined. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from the 143B-FL + IL-2 + tumor lysate vaccinated group were analyzed for cytolytic activity in 4-h chromium release assays. In addition, plasma cytokine concentrations of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were assessed by ELISA. Student's t tests were used for all statistical comparisons. Results. In vivo expression of FL was observed 24 h following the inoculation of 143B-FL, and a four fold increase in DCs was observed in the peripheral blood of these mice. Mice immunized with a combination of 143B-FL, tumor lysate and IL-2 showed statistically significant protection against tumor development (10%) for 100 days after tumor challenge; incidences in other groups ranged from 40 to 100% (P < 0.05). Moreover, this immunization protocol produced the lowest TB at 3- and 6-week time points (0, 1.6 mm) when compared to all other groups (TB between 7.2 and 15.9 mm) (P < 0.05). In addition, PBLs from vaccinated mice showed increased cytolytic activity against CC-36 target cells. This corresponded to increased levels of IL-12 and IFN-g in the plasma of mice following vaccination. Conclusion. These data suggest that FL gene-transduced xenogeneic tumor cells may augment the immunity induced by tumor antigens and systemic IL-2 through the activation of dendritic cells and T-cell-mediated mechanisms.
Progesterone Suppression of LH-Releasing Hormone-Induced Stimulation of LH Release in Rats

Effects of progesterone on LH release in cycling rats were studied. Doses of 25 mg of progesterone were injected sc into intact adult female rats. Forty-eight hr after the injection, the rats were anesthetized with urethane and a preparation of highly purified LH-RH was injected into the common carotid artery or infused into the pituitary. Control serum LH concentrations in these rats were undetectable both in oil-injected control and progesteronetreated rats. Intracarotid injection of 10 and 50 ng LH-RH into the untreated rats raised serum LH concentrations by 1.5 and 3.6 ng/ml, respectively, 15 min after the injection. The same materials in the progesterone-treated animals increased serum LH by 0.5 and 1.6 ng/ml, respectively. Fifteen min after intrapituitary infusion of saline, 2 ng LH-RH and 10 ng LH-RH, serum LH levels were, respectively, 0.1, 7.6 and 12.5 ng/ml in the control rats and 0, 3.8 and 6.1 ng⁄ml in progesterone-pretreated rats. Factorial analysis of variance indicated that progesterone sig...
Modeling spray/puddle dissolution processes for DUV acid-hardened resists

An investigative study of the dissolution behavior of acid hardened resists (AHR) was undertaken for spray and spray-puddle development processes. A unique tool, the Site Services DSM-100 End-point detection system, is used to measure both spray and puddle dissolution data for a commercially available deep ultra-violet AHR resist, Shipley SNR-248. The DSM allows in- situ measurement of dissolution rate on the wafer chuck and hence allows parameter extraction for modeling spray and puddle processes. The dissolution data for spray and puddle processes was collected across a range of exposure dose and PEB temperature. The development recipe was varied to decouple the contribution of the spray and puddle modes to the overall dissolution characteristics. The mechanisms involved in spray versus puddle dissolution and their impact on process performance metrics have been investigated. The PARMEX photoresist modeling program is used to determine parameters for the spray and for the puddle process. A lumped parameter AHR model developed at Intel was used in iPHOTO for simulation studies.
Feature Analysis For Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Target Identification

Feature analysis and classifier design toward real-time FLIR target identification are presented. After target candidates of military vehicles are segmented in a low resolution FLIR scenario, 1 a set of 17 features is extracted from these target areas in a single pass. These features consist of two optical intensity features, nine geometry features as well as six texture features. Five types of target candidates are examined in this study. They are tanks, APC's, jeeps, burning hulks, and other nontargets such as noise regions. A simple tree classifier is designed that is based on the manual interpretation of feature distribution among target categories at each nonterminal node of the tree classifier. The approach of feature extraction and classifier design has been applied to FLIR imagery provided by the U.S. Army Night Vision Laboratory and has shown promising results.
Glucose down-regulation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I expression in vascular smooth muscle cells involves NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species

Reduced levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) in vasculature have been shown to contribute to diabetic vascular dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this report, using primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMC), we investigated the mechanisms of glucose-mediated regulation of PKG-I expression. Our data showed that high glucose (30 mM glucose) exposure significantly reduced PKG-I production (protein and mRNA levels) as well as PKG-I activity in cultured VSMC. Glucose-mediated decreases in PKG-I levels were inhibited by a superoxide scavenger (tempol) or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors (diphenylene iodonium or apocynin). High glucose exposure time-dependently increased superoxide production in VSMC, which was abolished by tempol or apocynin treatment, but not by other inhibitors of superoxide-producing enzymes (L-NAME, rotenone, or oxypurinol). Total protein levels and phosphorylated levels of p47phox (an NADPH oxidase subunit) were increased in VSMC after high glucose exposure. Transfection of cells with siRNA-p47phox abolished glucose-induced superoxide production and restored PKG-I protein levels in VSMC. Treatment of cells with PKC inhibitor prevented glucose-induced p47phox expression/phosphorylation and superoxide production and restored the PKG-I levels. Decreased PKG-I protein levels were also found in femoral arteries from diabetic mice, which were associated with the decreased DEA-NONOate-induced vasorelaxation. Taken together, the present results suggest that glucose-mediated down-regulation of PKG-I expression in VSMC occurs through PKC-dependent activation of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide production, contributing to diabetes-associated vessel dysfunctions.
Determination of the D 2 parameter for (d,t) reactions

Measurements of the tensor analyzing powers have been obtained for (d,t) reactions on /sup 91/Zr, /sup 118/Sn, /sup 119/Sn, and /sup 208/Pb for deuteron energies both above and below the Coulomb barrier. The measurements are sensitive to the presence of D-state components in the triton wave function and allow the determination of a parameter D/sub 2/. This parameter is a measure of the importance of triton wave function components in which one neutron moves with orbital angular momentum L = 2 relative to the deuteron center of mass. Values of D/sub 2/ are extracted from the tensor analyzing power measurements by making use of distorted-wave Born approximation calculations. Analysis of the sub-Coulomb measurements leads to D/sub 2/ = -0.279 +- 0.012 fm/sup 2/, which is somewhat larger in magnitude than recent theoretical predictions.
Modification of silver-enhanced sodium transport across toad skin

Abstract 1. 1. Silver stimulated short-circuit current and transepithelial potential difference. 2. 2. Cysteine inhibited the silver-induced short-circuit current. 3. 3. There was a dose-response inhibition of silver-induced short-circuit current by cysteine. 4. 4. The silver-induced short-circuit current is carried by a net active sodium transfer from the outside to the inside bathing solution.
INDUCTION OF PROLACTIN SECRETION BY IMPLANTS OF ESTROGEN INTO THE HYPOTHALAMO-HYPOPHYSIAL REGION OF FEMALE RATS.

Implants of estradiol or estradiol diluted with cholesterol were located in the hypothalamo-hypophysial region or other areas of the central nervous system of normal female rats. Estradiol implants in either the median eminence region or the anterior lobe of the pituitary induced constant diestrus and evoked lobuloalveolar development of the mammae. The corpora lutea from these animals were enlarged and the vaginas were mucified. The anterior lobes were enlarged and contained slightly or markedly increased stores of prolactin. Control implants of estradiol in the globus pallidus or preoptic region had little or no effect. Furthermore, the implantation of blank tubes, or tubes containing only cholesterol, into the median eminence region did not evoke any changes. It is concluded that estradiol implanted in either median eminence or anterior lobe can evoke an increased release and synthesis of prolactin by the adenohypophysis. It is postulated that estrogen exerts a stimulatory effect on prolactin secretion...
Modulation of pulmonary p-nitroanisole O-demethylase by intratracheally instilled heavy metal salts.

Abstract Isolated, ventilated, and perfused rat lung preparations were used to investigate the acute effects of intratracheally applied heavy metal salts on the O -demethylation of p -nitroanisole (NA). The NA O -demethylase activity of the lung was characterized by induction (104%) following pretreatment of rats with β-naphthoflavone (BNF, 80 mg/kg), and by inhibition with SKF-525A (50 μ m ), metyrapone (0.1 m m ), or ventilation of the lungs with CO. Pretreatment of rats with indomethacin (25 mg/kg × 3 days, po) or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (1 g/kg, ip) did not alter this activity. The NA O -demethylase was, therefore, suggested to be mixed function oxidase (MFO). Intratracheal instillation of NiCl 2 (0.1 or 1.0 μmol/lung) inhibited the O -demethylase activity (30 or 54%, respectively). The apparent K m of the reaction (0.138 m m ) was doubled by NiCl 2 treatment (0.252 m m ), and the V max was decreased from 26.8 to 20.9 nmol p -nitrophenol/min/g. Cadmium chloride (1.0 μmol/lung) increased the activity by 80%, but the K m was unchanged. No effect was observed at a dose of 0.1 μmol CdCl 2 /lung. At doses of 0.1 or 1.0 μmol/lung, CoCl 2 was without measurable effect on this activity. These data suggest that heavy metals present in the atmosphere can interact with pulmonary MFO in low concentrations to alter the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds.