cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing therapeutic HPV DNA vaccine potency through depletion of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells.

Therapeutic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines targeting E6 and/or E7 antigens represent an opportunity to control HPV-associated lesions. We have previously generated several therapeutic DNA vaccines targeting HPV-16 E7 antigen and generated significant antitumor effects. Since regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in suppressing immune responses against tumors by immunotherapy, such as DNA vaccines, we tested if the therapeutic effects of a DNA vaccine encoding E7 linked to heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) can be improved by a strategy to deplete Tregs using a anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (PC61) in vaccinated mice. We found that administration of PC61 prior to vaccination with E7/Hsp70 DNA was capable of generating higher levels of E7-specific CD8+ T cells compared to the control antibody, leading to significantly improved therapeutic and long-term protective antitumor effects against an E7-expressing tumor, TC-1. Thus, a strategy to deplete CD4+CD25+ Tregs in conjunction with therapeutic tumor antigen-specific DNA vaccine may represent a potentially promising approach to control tumor. The clinical implications of our study are discussed.
Phospholipid Fatty Acid Composition and Distribution Patterns of Prostaglandins in Malpighian Tubules of the Yellow Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Fatty acid compositions were determined for four phospholipid fractions (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine-phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin extracted from Malpighian tubules of laboratory and feral populations of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor . These compositions were compared with each other and to the fatty acid composition of standard diet used for the laboratory population. The insect lipids, but not the dietary ones, showed multiple positional isomers for the monoenoic acids, and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Among the four phospholipid classes there were distinct relative abundance differences, and for all classes except phosphatidylserine-phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin, the feral population contained greater proportions of unsaturated fatty acids (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids) than did the laboratory population. These results indicate selective fatty acid incorporation into individual Malpighian tubule phospholipid classes. Studies with radioactive arachidonic acid using the laboratory population similarly indicate selective absorption of arachidonic acid into Malpighian tubule phospholipid classes. Under our conditions, 1.2% of total radioactivity was incorporated into the Malpighian tubule phospholipids. Within phospholipids, most of the radioactivity was associated with phosphatidylcholine (76.9%), and less with phosphatidylethanolamine (9.5%) and phosphatidyserine-phosphatidylinositol (11.9%). Very little radioactivity was recovered in cardiolipin (1.8%). Finally, immunohistochemical studies with intact Malpighian tubules of T. molitor larvae demonstrated distinctive distribution patterns for the prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2α, which are two major cyclooxygenase products from phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids suspected to be involved in T. molitor renal functions.
Preliminary Analysis of Early Outcomes of a Prospective, Randomized Trial of Complete Steroid Avoidance in Liver Transplantation

Steroids are a mainstay in liver transplantation for induction and maintenance immunosuppression but are associated with significant adverse effects. While prior studies have successfully limited the use of steroids, whether complete steroid avoidance will improve outcomes remains unclear. To further evaluate the need for steroids, consenting patients who underwent liver transplantation between June 2002 and May 2004 were entered into a prospective, randomized trial to receive either standard therapy (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, steroid induction/maintenance) or complete steroid avoidance (standard therapy without steroid induction/maintenance). Clinically suspected rejection was confirmed by biopsy and treated with pulse steroid therapy. Outcomes were compared on an intention to treat basis. Of the 72 patients enrolled, 36 (50%) were randomized to the steroid avoidance group with a mean follow up of 412 ± 41 days. Donor and recipient characteristics were similar between groups. The steroid avoidance group was more likely to have significant infections (52% vs 28%, P = .03). There was a trend toward an increased rate of acute rejection (25% vs 14%, P = .23). Twelve of 36 recipients (33%) enrolled in the steroid avoidance group later received steroids. The incidence of recurrent hepatitis C was similar between groups. The 1-year patient (90% vs 83%, P = .44) and graft survivals (90% vs 81%, P = .27) were similar between groups. These data suggest complete steroid avoidance in liver transplantation results in acceptable patient and graft survival. However, the potential long-term benefits of steroid avoidance, including a decrease in severity of recurrent hepatitis C, remain under investigation.
Perceived orientation, motion, and configuration of the body during viewing of an off-vertical, rotating surface.

Dynamic patterns of activity from multiple receptor systems, as well as efferent signals associated with voluntary movements, influence perceived body motion. The experiment to be described explored how these factors interrelate in influencing apparent body motion. It involved exposing stationary, reclining subjects to a patterned surface which rotated around a vertical or an off-vertical axis. We were able to create situations in which the combined patterns of visual, otolithic, somatosensory, and semicircular canal stimulation actually present were not consistent with body motion in a terrestrial environment. Nevertheless, all of our subjects experienced self-rotation and displacement around a vertical axis. A variety of changes in apparent body orientation, body configuration, and slant of the visual surface occurred concurrently with the elicitation of apparent body rotation. These perceptual remappings were such as to be consistent both with the rotary visual stimulation present and with the absence of changes in otolithic and somatosensory inputs. They were achieved through a reinterpretation of the static otolithic, somatosensory, and proprioceptive signals present. Our findings demonstrate that perceived body motion also depends on representations of what combinations of sensory input are possible in a terrestrial environment.
The Streets of Laredo: Mercurian Rhetoric and the Obama Campaign

This essay documents one small but intense episode in the historic presidential election of 2008—the primary campaign waged in Hispanic South Texas between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Told from the perspectives of out-of-state volunteer and rhetorically trained participant-observer, it depicts rhetorical scenes on the ground, partly created by the author, and worked out through embodied, Anglo-Hispano interaction. Beyond documenting the campaign at its grassroots, the essay is also a performative criticism of the coproduced rhetorical dramas, an exercise in rhetorical hermeneutics, and a contribution to interpretive rhetorical theory. It introduces the concept of “Mercurian rhetoric” as a category for mobile border-crossers and translators, and uses it as an interpretive pathway for charting the Obama campaign and resistances to it on the ground. Building from Michael McGee and Thomas Benson, the essay links criticism, fieldwork, and rhetorical production, and makes a case for embodied, neo-sophisti...
Radiation-enhanced oxidation of PAN-based carbon fibres

Abstract Strengths of carbon fibres can be degraded by radiation-enhanced oxidation for air temperatures as low as 75°C, but fibres are strengthened by neutron irradiation in an inert environment.
The “Hawaiian Cultural Revolution”: Some Political and Economic Considerations

Acculturation, culture fatigue, and cultural evolution have all been offered as explanations of the Hawaiian Cultural Revolution. All of these are concerned with cultural processes. The relevant historical and ethnographic data on this unique event are summarized here, and a different interpretation of them is offered. This interpretation is that the events that precipitated the so-called Cultural Revolution can also be regarded as political responses deliberately made by the legitimate government of Hawaii to alleviate a severe political and economic crisis.
Paramedic intubation training in a pediatric operating room.

Abstract The authors conducted a prospective study to assess the performance of paramedics with prior adult endotracheal intubation experience in pediatric intubation in the operating room of a teaching hospital. Nineteen paramedic studients were observed attempting endotracheal intubation on a total of 57 anesthetized pediatric patients undergoing scheduled surgical procedures. The average age of patients was 5.1 years (range, 6 months to 15.2 years). Average duration of intubation attempts was 22.7 ± 10.7 seconds, with a success rate on first attempt of 74%. Only minor complications occurred, and were limited to intubation attempts of greater than 45 seconds duration in four cases (6%), and patient oxygen saturation
Synthesis of transcobalamin II by cultured human hepatocytes

Cultured HepG2 cells, derived from a human hepatoma synthesized and released unsaturated, immunoreactive transcobalamin II. Synthesis was confirmed by the blocking with inhibitors of protein synthesis and by incorporation of tritiated leucine into transcobalamin II.
Dispersal process associated with the L1 family of interspersed repetitive DNA sequences

Abstract We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence for five members of the L1Md repetitive family from the beta-globin gene region of the BALB/c mouse. The five repeats are different lengths, each terminating at the 5′ end at different points with respect to one another. We have analyzed the nucleotides around the endpoints of the five repeats for clues as to the mechanisms involved with the dispersal and 5′ truncation of this repeat family. Each L1 member is flanked by a pair of short direct repeats. Since these direct repeats differ in length and sequence in each of the five cases, the dispersal mechanism does not involve a sequence targeted process. The sequence at the 3′ end is conserved and its organization resembles the 3′ end of a polyadenylated RNA, suggesting that transcripts of the repeat are involved in the dispersal process either directly or as intermediates in the generation of complementary DNA copies of the sequence. One of the L1 repeats is a recent insertion, since it is found in the Hbb d chromosome, but not in the Hbb s chromosome. This suggests a dispersal process that has been active as recently as 4 million years ago.
The Role of Geographic Location in the Financial and Innovation Performance of Publicly Traded Pharmaceutical Companies: Empirical Evidence from the Untied States

In this paper we examine the role of geographic location in the financial and innovation performance of publicly traded companies in the US pharmaceutical industry. Regional production clusters are...
Eliminating Inappropriate Classroom Behavior Using a Dro Schedule: A Preliminary Study

The purpose of this study was to eliminate out-of-seat behavior of a 14-yr.-old boy with learning disabilities using a single-subject design. Based on functional analysis, a Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior interval schedule was used to eliminate an inappropriate behavior. During baseline, an average of 15 out-of-seat behavior problems were recorded. After 4 wk. of intervention, the inappropriate out-of-seat behavior was eliminated and on-task behavior improved.
Effect of riboflavin status on nitrogen retention during energy restriction and repletion in the rat

Abstract Nitrogen balances and tissue nitrogen levels of riboflavin deficient and supplemented male Sprague Dawley Crl:Cd rats were compared during successive changes in energy intake while the intakes of protein and other essential nutrients remained constant. The riboflavin deficient diet was fed for three weeks before and continued during four weeks of energy restriction and the subsequent two weeks of energy repletion. Body and organ weights, nitrogen balances, and liver and gastrocnemius nitrogen were unaffected by riboflavin intake except during energy repletion, when the riboflavin deficient rats gained significantly less weight (32.9±5.0 vs 55.8±5.0 g) and retained less nitrogen (91.6±7.5 vs 125.3±7.4 mg/24 h) than their controls restricted to the same level of energy intake. The effect of riboflavin status on nitrogen retention appeared to be secondary to its effects on food consumption and energy utilization.
Strychnine- and Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Changes of Excitability in Aplysia Neurons

In Aplysia neurons isolated from their synaptic input strychnine induces doublet discharges associated in voltage clamp with a decrease in the threshold for the inward current and a reduction and delayed onset of the outward current. Pentylenetetrazol causes oscillations and bursting behavior in normally silent cells together with an increased inactivation of the delayed outward current and induced or enhanced anomalous rectification.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) and its derivatives induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent upregulation of DR5

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), ring-substituted DIMs and 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-substitutedphenyl)methanes (C-DIMs) inhibit growth of Panc-1 and Panc-28 pancreatic cancer cells. Although DIMs (diarylmethanes) and selected C-DIMs (triarylmethanes), such as the p-t-butyl derivative (DIM-C-pPhtBu), activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, respectively, this study shows that both DIM and DIM-C-pPhtBu induce common receptor-independent pathways. Both DIM and DIM-C-pPhtBu increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) staining and ER calcium release in Panc-1 cells, and this was accompanied by increased expression of glucose related protein 78 and C/EBP homologous transcription factor (CHOP/GADD153) proteins. Similar results were observed after treatment with thapsigargin (Tg), a prototypical inducer of ER stress. The subsequent downstream effects of DIM/DIM-C-pPhtBu- and Tg-induced ER stress included CHOP-dependent induction of death receptor DR5 and subsequent cleavage of caspase 8, caspase 3, Bid and PARP. Activation of both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent (ER stress) pathways by DIM and DIM-C-pPhtBu in pancreatic cancer cells enhances the efficacy and potential clinical importance of these compounds for cancer chemotherapeutic applications.
Two-dimensional band structure and self-energy of Bi(111) near the Γ̄ point

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation was used to map the Fermi surface and the dispersion of the associated bands of Bi(111) near the $\overline{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ point. Using variable photon energies we prove the two-dimensional nature of these bands. From fits of the spectral function $A(\ensuremath{\omega},k)$ to momentum distribution curves of the hole band we determined the imaginary part of the electron self-energy $\mathrm{Im}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega}).$ The small energy dependence of $\mathrm{Im}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ near the Fermi level, which can be explained by electron-phonon interactions, indicates nonquasiparticle behavior. By means of a Hilbert transform of $\mathrm{Im}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ we extract the energy dependence of $\mathrm{Re}\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega}).$ Based on the bulk Debye phonon model we determine the electron-phonon coupling constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$
Maternal mortality in developing countries: applicability of Amartya Sen's theoretical perspectives

Maternal mortality is a serious problem faced by developing countries and has been identified as a key millennium development goal. This paper empirically tested the efficacy of Amartya Sen's human development perspectives to combat maternal mortality. Path analysis was used to test the empirical model. Test results found full support of the theoretical model. The findings have significant implications for reducing maternal mortality through social development efforts that improve reproductive capability.
Future of instrumentation? Accuracy! reliability! performance! security?

The paper puts forward the idea of a wider inclusion of security issues in an instrumentation agenda. We argue that the instrumentation professional community has gained the needed experience and expertise that could be employed in addressing and solving numerous security problems in modern instrumentation and computer systems. The paper presents the development concept of the instrumentation quality evaluation and assurance methodology that should include security metrics along with accuracy, metrology, performance and reliability. The system's design and the metrics compilation are discussed. Case studies illustrating the main features of this implementation are provided.
Analysis of Reduction in Effective Capacities of High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes Related to Traffic Behavior

Previous research efforts have quantified the capacity of non-barrier-separated, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. However, the majority of these efforts have focused on HOV lanes that usually operate well below capacity. In contrast, the I-85 HOV lanes in Atlanta, Georgia, usually operate under constrained flow conditions during morning and afternoon peak periods. This provides an opportunity to assess the relative performance of the HOV lane to the adjacent general-purpose (GP) lanes, which also undergo constrained flow conditions. This paper considers the relationship between the performance of the HOV and GP lanes by examining speed differential effects as a function of congestion on GP lanes. The research provides evidence of a sympathetic reduction in vehicle speeds in the HOV lane. This is likely explained by the safety concerns of the HOV drivers associated with the potential for vehicles using the congested GP lanes to enter the HOV lane, as well as the safety concerns of HOV drivers looking fo...
Parental Sanctions and Delinquent Behavior:: Toward Clarification of Braithwaite's Theory of Reintegrative Shaming

Almost a decade ago, John Braithwaite (1989) put forth an innovative theory of crime causation in Crime, Shame and Reintegration. In his theory of reintegrative shaming, Braithwaite locates the source of crime control in reactions to deviance that simultaneously evoke remorse from offenders for the rules they have violated and reinforce the individual's membership in the community of law-abiding citizens. In the period since its publication, the theory has influenced both the fields of criminal justice and academic criminology. However, apparent interest in the theory has not been translated into empirical tests of it. This article argues that the scarcity of empirical tests stems in large part from the lack of theoretical clarity in Braithwaite's statement of the theory. In general, definitions of key concepts and strategies for their measurement are provided at a minimum level and at times the theory omits necessary considerations. The purpose of this article is to correct these errors and demonstrate h...
THE EFFECTS OF VELOCITY CORRELATION TIMES ON THE TURBULENT AMPLIFICATION OF MAGNETIC ENERGY

This paper extends the quasilinear theory of Kulsrud & Anderson to assess the effects of realistically long velocity correlation times on the turbulent amplification of a very weak magnetic field. A computer simulation is presented that tracks the growth of the magnetic energy in a turbulent plasma at a single point moving with the turbulent flow. The velocities are assumed to conform to the ideas of Kraichnan concerning Lagrangian correlation times, and are modeled as a set of randomly generated pulses chosen to reproduce the correct two-time Lagrangian correlation tensor. The model is simple computationally and can be used to calculate the growth rate of the magnetic energy for arbitrarily high magnetic Reynolds numbers. The simulations show that the magnetic energy grows roughly half as fast as predicted in the short correlation time approximation of Kulsrud & Anderson's quasilinear theory. In a separate analysis, the effects of nonzero correlation times are considered using an analytic method developed by van Kampen. The growth rate is expanded, roughly speaking, in powers of the correlation time divided by the time required for the energy to exponentiate once. The first two terms in the series are calculated. In themselves, these two terms do not exactly determine the growth rate, but they are consistent with the numerical results. The analytic treatment is included mostly for completeness and because it offers some physical understanding of the problem. The main conclusion of the paper is that velocity correlation times do not play an important role in the growth of the magnetic energy. As a result, Kulsrud & Anderson's short correlation time analysis of the spectrum of amplified small-scale fields should be approximately correct.
Help-seeking behaviors of men sexual assault survivors.

Men sexual assault is a serious public health issue that is mostly underreported and unrecognized. Despite serious deleterious effects of sexual assault, most men victims do not seek professional h...
Quantifying microstructurally small fatigue crack growth in an aluminum alloy using a silicon-rubber replica method

Abstract A variation of the replica method is presented for quantifying microstructurally small fatigue crack growth rates in a rolled aluminum alloy. Repliset®, a two-part silicon-rubber compound, was employed to make surface impressions on notched specimens subjected to interrupted cyclic loading. Employing the high resolution capability of the scanning electron microscope, this replication method characterized fatigue crack growth rates of the 7075-T651 aluminum alloy for cracks as small as 10 μm in length.
Cognitive behavioral treatment of a veteran population with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

We compared cognitive behavioral treatment with a symptom monitoring control condition for a sample of veterans with (Stages II and III) rheumatoid arthritis. After baseline pain and sleep monitoring, physical therapist and self-report assessment ratings, patients were randomly assigned to active treatment (progressive relaxation training, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive pain management strategies), or symptom monitoring only. Posttreatment comparisons showed that the active therapy group improved, relative to the symptom monitoring controls on their perceptions of pain on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), rated themselves as coping better with pain, reduced their pain diary ratings, and reported less difficulty with functional tasks. Treated patients also improved more on range of motion indices. No differences were found on standardized psychological tests or sleep measures. However, after 18 months, follow-up data from half of the sample showed no lasting differences between the treated and control groups.
Purification and Characterization of Class μ Glutathione S-Transferase Isozymes from Rabbit Hepatic Tissue

Class mu glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important in the detoxication of epoxides generated by oxidative metabolism. Phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, and pyridine have failed to enhance the expression of class mu GST isozymes in rabbit hepatic tissue (T. Primiano, S. G. Kim, and R. F. Novak, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 113, 64-73, 1992). Two class mu GST isozymes have been isolated from rabbit hepatic cytosol and purified to homogeneity using S-hexylglutathione-agarose, CM-Sepharose, and PBE94 chromatofocusing chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses showed that both isozymes possessed M(r) values of approximately 25,500 and cross-reacted with class mu-specific GST IgG. Gel filtration analysis revealed that these isozymes were dimers with molecular weights of approximately 45 kDa. The class mu GST isozymes had pIs of 7.8 and 7.2 as determined by nonequilibrium pH gel electrophoresis. The class mu GST 7.8 and 7.2 isozymes exhibited different metabolic activities toward the substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, bromosulfophthalein, 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane, trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, p-nitrobenzyl chloride, and 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene. Metabolic activity of the two GSTs toward the substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was inhibited by Cibacron blue, triethyltin bromide, S-hexylglutathione, bromosulfophthalein, and indomethacin. The amino acid composition of GST mu 7.8 and 7.2 was determined and found to be very similar to those of purified rat class mu GST isozymes. N-terminal analysis of the first 21 residues of the pI 7.8 class mu GST isozyme revealed that it had 71 and 81% sequence identity with the Yb1 and Yb2 subunits, respectively. Similarly, N-terminal analysis of the first 21 residues of the pI 7.2 class mu GST isozyme revealed a 75% sequence identity with either the rat Yb1 or Yb2 subunit. Examination of class mu GST expression in rabbit hepatic cytosol following treatment with a series of known inducers including phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, isosafrole, pyrazine, trans-stilbene oxide, butylated hydroxyanisole, and tert-butylhydroquinone was accomplished. The data show that these agents not only failed to enhance class mu GST expression, but that 3-methylcholanthrene and isosafrole caused suppression of class mu GSTs. These results provide evidence for the existence of two closely related class mu GST isozymes in rabbit hepatic tissue and suggest that the molecular mechanisms regulating GST expression differ between rat and rabbit in response to these xenobiotics.
Linear theory of equatorial spread F

A fluid dispersion relation for the drift and interchange (Rayleigh-Taylor) modes in a collisional plasma forms the basis for a linear theory of equatorial spread F. The collisional-drift-mode growth rate will exceed the growth rate of the Rayleigh-Taylor mode at short perpendicular wavelengths and density-gradient scale lengths. The drift mode can grow on the top-side as well as the bottom-side density gradients. It is concluded that below the F peak where spread F predominates, both the drift and Rayleigh-Taylor modes contribute to the total spread F spectrum, with the Rayleigh-Taylor mode dominating at long and the drift mode at short perpendicular wavelengths above the ion Larmor radius.
Vitamin K5 as an antimicrobial medicament and preservative.

Vitamin K 5 (2-methyl-4-amino-1-naphthol hydrochloride) is a strong antimicrobial agent: a number of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, as well as saprophytic bacterial, yeast, and fungal despoilers of foods, beverages, and other products are markedly inhibited or killed by concentrations of K 5 ranging from 10 to 300 parts per million, depending on the organism. The low toxicity of K 5 suggests its use not only for topical treatment of dermatophytic infections but as a preservative for pharmaceuticals, foods, and beverages. Upon oxidation the compound is subject to discoloration and, in aqueous solution, forms a flocculent precipitate, but this can be obviated by use of appropriate solvents and reducing agents. Vitamin K 5 of high purity can be prepared in almost quantitative yields from vitamin K 3 (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) which, in turn, is obtained by direct oxidation of 2-methyl-naphthalene.
Streptolysin O and adherence synergistically modulate proinflammatory responses of keratinocytes to group A streptococci

In contrast to a mutant adhesin-deficient Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), its isogenic parental strain binds to human keratinocytes and promotes a vigorous proinflammatory response, characterized by enhanced expression of several cytokines, a more rapid release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and damage to keratinocyte membranes. However, adherence alone is not sufficient to induce these responses. In this study, we have begun to examine the contribution of other streptococcal products in interactions with keratinocytes by the construction and evaluation of mutants deficient in expression of the secreted pore-forming haemolysin, streptolysin O (SLO). Inactivation of SLO did not prevent the streptococci from adhering to cultured HaCaT keratinocytes or from expressing an unrelated second streptococcal haemolysin, streptolysin S, during infection of keratinocytes. As measured by a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, inactivation of SLO also did not have a marked effect on the expression of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) during infection. However, the lack of the ability to produce SLO was associated with a considerable reduction in expression of IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 by infected keratinocytes. Measurement of the release of PGE2 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the SLO-deficient mutants were also not capable of promoting the rapid high level of PGE2 release characteristic of the adherent SLO-producing parental strain. Finally, analyses using the fluorescent probe ethidium homodimer-1 and measurements of release of keratinocyte lactate dehydrogenase indicated that the failure of the SLO-deficient mutants to induce responses was associated with the failure of these mutants to damage the integrity of the keratinocyte membrane. These data implicate SLO as a factor that acts synergistically with an adhesin to modulate the signalling responses of keratinocytes during infection.
Clara cell surface of the rat: scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.

In normal young rats, groups of Clara cells in the bronchioles showed the formation of many cytoplasmic blebs on their cytoplasmic domes. Detached blebs rested on the bronchiolar epithelial cells. The scanning (SEM) and transmision electron microscope (TEM) studies suggest localized changes of Clare cell surface activities by increased formation of cytoplasmic blebs which may represent the apocrine type of secretion.
A test of sex-ratio biasing in the White-throated Magpie-Jay, a cooperative breeder with female helpers

Abstract Recent studies suggest that many bird species are able to vary the sex ratio of their young. Among cooperative breeders, in which adult helpers aid the genetic parents in the rearing of young, two models have been invoked to explain this variation. According to the local resource competition hypothesis, parents should bias offspring sex ratios toward the dispersing sex in order to minimize competition for local resources. In contrast, the local resource enhancement (or “production of helpers”) hypothesis states that parents should overproduce the nondispersing sex if the presence of relatives enhances reproductive success. I examined these models in a Costa Rican population of White-throated Magpie-Jays (Calocitta formosa), a cooperatively breeding corvid with female helpers. Using DNA microsatellite analysis, I sexed 135 offspring from 38 broods and 14 groups over 3 years. I tested for variation in offspring sex ratio at the population level and as a function of social group, helper number, bree...
Apparent continuity between the messenger transport organizer and late RNA localization pathways during oogenesis in Xenopus

The localization of RNAs at the vegetal cortex in Xenopus oocytes is a complex process, involving at least two different pathways. The early, or messenger transport organizer (METRO), pathway, localizes RNAs such as Xlsirts, Xcat2 and Xwnt11 during stages 1 and 2 of oogenesis, while the late pathway localizes RNAs such as Vg1 during stages 2–4. We demonstrate that the onset of Vg1 localization is characterized by its microtubule-independent binding to a subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The formation of this unique ER structure is intimately associated with the movement of the mitochondrial cloud toward the vegetal cortex. In addition, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial cloud contains a γ-tubulin-positive structure that may function as a microtubule organizing center for establishing microtubule tracks for Vg1 localization. These data, support, although they do not prove, a model in which the development of the late pathway machinery relies upon the prior functioning of the early pathway.
A "Monochromatic" Radio Frequency Accelerator Cavity

In circular accelerators and storage rings it is important that any device placed in the beam line be relatively free of spurious resonances. Accelerating RF cavities inherently have an infinite number of spurious modes. The cavity to be described in this paper makes use of certain geometric construction configurations that eliminate all the spurious modes. A cavity was constructed with an accelerating TMolo mode of 90 MHz. Measurements showed that the TMolo mode was essentially unchanged from a conventional cavity but all modes up to 3 GHz were either completely eliminated or reduced by at least 30 db.
Visualizing exploration targets through carbonate sequence stratigraphy

In the past decade, sequence stratigraphy has practically revolutionized the way in which many geologists think about, describe, and interpret stratigraphic successions. It has also been popularized and touted as a predictive tool for exploration and production. In fact, many oil companies have embraced the concepts and methodology of sequence stratigraphy by integrating them into their exploration and production programs.
The Monterrey Elite and the Mexican State, 1880-1940

Introduction 1. Commerce and Capital: The Economic Roots of the Monterrey Elite 2. The Making of an Industrial Elite: The Political Economy of Monterrey, 1890-1910 3. El patriotismo verdadero: The Social Foundations of the Monterrey Elite 4. The Survival of a Porfirian Elite: Monterrey and the Mexican Revolution, 1910-1918 5. The Redefinition of Power: The Monterrey Elite and the New Mexican State, 1920-1928 6. Elite and Society in the Postrevolutionary Era 7. A Fateful Time: The Monterrey Elite and the Mexican State, 1929-1931 8. Confrontation: The Monterrey Elite and Cardenismo, 1934-1940 9. Epilogue as Preface to a New Era: The Monterrey Elite and the Elections of 1940 Notes Selected Bibliography Index
Monte Carlo variance minimization for the Dirac equation

The minimization of the relativistic total energy with respect to the linear and nonlinear parameters in the wave function is a notoriously cumbersome task due to the phenomenon usually referred to as ``variational collapse.'' This property of the Dirac matrix equation is generally attributed to the fact that the Dirac operator is not bounded from below. Several methods have been developed to avoid these unphysical solutions. Here we examine the possibility of finding the solutions to the Dirac equation by minimizing the variance of the energy. Monte Carlo integration techniques are used to evaluate the variance functional. The results are very encouraging. No spurious roots are found for any of the basis sets used in the calculations. However, the solutions are not strictly variational and hence are not upper bounds to the energy.
Note on how Hilbert Modular domains become increasingly complicated

Abstract The purpose of the present note is to justify in quantitative terms a qualitative observation made from recent computations [4] on the fundamental domains of the Hilbert Modular groups, namely, that “almost all” such domains are “very complicated” from the topological point of view.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of sertraline for postpartum depression

Rationale Postpartum depression (PMD) occurs in roughly 10 % of postpartum women and negatively impacts the mother and her offspring, but there are few placebo-controlled studies of antidepressant treatment in this population.
Nanotechnology Summer Undergraduate Research Intern Program: Comprehensive Introduction to Life as a Researcher

We have implemented a summer undergraduate research intern (SURI) program, the purpose of which is to give the undergraduates as real a picture as possible of what it is like to be a research scientist and what will be encountered in graduate school. Our first SURI class, the summer of 2003, consisted of a diverse group of 18 students from 9 different universities. Each student joined an ongoing cross-disciplinary research project team comprised of faculty and graduate students who have been working on research projects throughout the year. Coordinated with the students' research project was a technical writing/presentation course. The SURIs also participated in professional development activities, short courses, and a molecular conduction workshop. The culmination of the students' research and the technical writing/presentation course was a one-day conference at the end of their program in which all the SURIs presented the results of their summer research.
Bulging glands? Blame it on B cells.

Gross lymph node morphologic changes often accompany infections. In this issue of Blood, Kumar and colleagues show that B cells contribute to lymphoid remodeling via LTs following viral insults.1
Anesthesia considerations for pediatric cancer

The multidisciplinary approach to the care of children with cancer demands an understanding of all aspects of its treatment. Recognition of potential anatomic and physiologic derangements which may result from specific types of malignancy allows optimal preoperative preparation. Understanding the anesthetic implications of cancer chemotherapy, irradiation and surgery, and the medical complications which result, is essential. The anesthesiologist is involved in critical perioper-ative issues during surgical resection in the operating room, but just as importantly plays a crucial role in a variety of procedures performed in remote locations. An awareness of special problems related to cancer and its treatment allows optimal anesthesia care while dealing with such issues as radical surgery, organ system failure, acute and chronic pain, and terminal illness.
Variation in susceptibility of a human lymphoid cell line to immune lysis during the cell cycle. Lack of correlation with antigen density and complement binding.

Cultured human lymphoid cells RPMI 8866 at different stages of their growth cycle vary in their susceptibility to lysis by rabbit, human, and guinea pig complement activated by HL-A antibodies or heterologous antibodies directed to membrane antigens; cells in G1 phase are the least sensitive to lysis. To investigate the cause of differential susceptibility of cells RPMI 8866 to lysis, the expression of HL-A determinants and the ability of cells to react with complement were investigated. No change was detected in the density of HL-A antigens on RPMI 8866 cells in synchronous growth as determined by quantitative microabsorption assays, isotopic antiglobulin tests and yields of soluble HL-A antigens. Cells did not vary during the growth cycle in their ability to interact with complement components and in their capacity to activate the complement system through the classical or alternate pathway. These data suggest that variability in lytic susceptibility is due to changes in the structure of the cell membrane or in its ability to repair complement induced damage at certain intervals during the cell cycle. Therefore, this cell line constitutes a useful model to investigate the final steps of the cytolytic reaction.
TA-LTL: Specifying Adaptation Timing Properties in Autonomic Systems

Increasingly, computer software must adapt dynamically to changing conditions. The correctness of adaptation cannot be properly addressed without precisely specifying the requirements for adaptation. In many situation, these requirements involve absolute time, in addition to a logical ordering of events. This paper introduces an approach to formally specifying such timing requirements for adaptive software. We introduce TA-LTL, a timed adaptation-based extension to linear temporal logic, and use this logic to specify three timing properties associated with the adaptation process: safety, liveness, and stability. A dynamic adaptation of interactive audio streaming software is used to illustrate timed temporal logic.
Role of risk sharing and transaction costs in contract choice: Theory and evidence from groundwater contracts

Empirical modeling of contract choice has been problematic because routine large-scale surveys do not contain sufficient information on matched partners and on contractual terms. This paper is based on a primary level survey of groundwater contracts in India. We discuss several different measures for riskiness and transaction costs and use them to test for alternative theories of contract choice. Although the risk sharing explanation has been most popular in the theoretical literature, it is not found to be significant. The data are more consistent with a double-sided incentive model, where the need for giving proper incentives to the buyer and the seller determines contract choice.
On the normalization of RNA equilibrium free energy to the length of the sequence.

There is no universal definition of stability for RNA secondary structures. Here we present an approach that is based on normalization of the equilibrium free energy to the length of the sequence: a segment of RNA is said to be stable if the ratio of the equilibrium free energy to the length of the segment is greater than a certain threshold value. Discarding the segments whose normalized equilibrium free energies are smaller than the threshold allows us to view the secondary structure at different levels of stability. Confined to only highly stable structures, the algorithm for secondary structure prediction admits a number of simplifications that make it computationally tractable for large sequences and advantageous over most other methods on a genome-wide scale. This method was applied to the Caenorhabditis elegans genome to localize the regions that encode stable secondary structures. In particular, 36 of 56 previously reported micro-RNAs were localized to 4% of the genome. A fraction of long (>or=400 nt) stable inverted repeats in the genomic sequence of C.elegans was found. Their distribution is very uneven, and skewed towards the ends of chromosomes. This method can be used for genome-wide detection of transcription termination signals, putative micro-RNAs, and other regulatory elements that involve stable RNA secondary structures.
Estradiol Suppresses Phosphorylation of Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) in the Pituitary: Evidence for Indirect Action via Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Estradiol acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to modulate the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins. We recently reported that GnRH-induced transcription of the human gonadotropin alpha-gene promoter is increased markedly in transfected pituitary cells derived from animals treated with estradiol. Because the cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of this promoter and is highly regulated by posttranslational phosphorylation, we hypothesized that it might serve as a target for estradiol-induced sensitivity to GnRH. In this study, we assessed the roles of estradiol and GnRH in the regulation of CREB phosphorylation in the rat pituitary. Using an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), we found that the pituitary content of pCREB was inversely related to the level of estradiol during the estrous cycle. Ovariectomy increased the level of pCREB, and treatment with estradiol for 10 days decreased the content of pCREB dramatically (93% inhibition). A similar reduction of pCREB was seen when ovariectomized rats were treated with a GnRH receptor antagonist for 10 days. This result indicates that the ovariectomy-induced increase in pCREB is GnRH-dependent. In alphaT3 gonadotrope cells, estradiol had no direct effect on CREB phosphorylation, whereas GnRH increased CREB phosphorylation 4- to 5-fold within 5 min. We conclude that estradiol inhibits CREB phosphorylation in the gonadotrope, probably by inhibiting GnRH production. The estradiol-induced decrease in CREB phosphorylation is proposed to lower basal alpha-promoter activity and increase its responsiveness to GnRH.
In situ analysis of a variant surface glycoprotein expression-site promoter region in Trypanosoma brucei

In Trypanosoma brucei, the active variant surface glycoprotein genes (vsg) are located at telomeric expression sites (ES), whose expression is highly regulated during the life cycle. In the procyclic form, all ESs are repressed. In the bloodstream form, where antigenic variation occurs, only one of approximately 20 ESs is active at a given time. We have investigated chromatin structure and DNA sequence around the ES promoter to identify cis-acting regulatory regions. A marker gene, inserted 1 kb downstream of the ES promoter, was used as a specific probe to map the position of nuclease hypersensitive sites. A prominent hypersensitive site was detected within the core promoter. This site was present in both active and inactive ES promoters, suggesting that a protein complex is bound to the promoter irrespective of its transcriptional state. However, none of the regions showed differential nuclease sensitivity between active and inactive transcriptional states. A systematic deletion analysis of the sequences surrounding the active ES promoter in situ confirmed the absence of cis-regulatory elements. We find that only 70 bp within the ES promoter are necessary to support ES regulation. Analysis of the reporter activities in an inactive bloodstream-form ES revealed the existence of an intermediate promoter activity in some clones, but we never observed full activation of more than one ES. The vsg mRNA from this intermediate ES was expressed less efficiently.
On the constructibility of a negatively curved complete surface of constant mean curvature in H3 determined by a prescribed Hopf differential

The role that a prescribed holomorphic Hopf (Quadratic) differential A(z) dz dz plays in the construction of a negatively curved immersed simply connected complete surface ∑0 of prescribed constant mean curvature c ∈ (−1, 1)in the hyperbolic 3-Space H 3 is investigated in this work. When a holomorphic function A(z), which is the coefficient function of the Hopf differential, is prescribed on a unit disk ¦z¦ < 1,it is shown that the unit disk ¦z¦ < 1can be immersed in the hyperbolic 3-Space H 3 as a negatively curved complete surface of constant mean curvature c ∈ (−1, 1),provided that ¦A(z)¦ satisfies a certain growth condition. Moreover, it is shown that the unit disk ¦z¦ < 1can be uniquely embedded in H 3 when the holomorphic function A(z) has a certain admissible structure.
Consistent, inconsistent and undecided career preferences and personality

Abstract This study explored the differences on personality variables between freshmen students who made congruent, incongruent and undecided college major choices. The personality variables were operationally defined by the Omnibus Personality Inventory. Congruent, incongruent and undecided college major choice groups were defined operationally using the Vocational Preference Inventory. The analysis of variance revealed the main effect of groups (congruent, incongruent and undecided) to be significant for four personality variables. The test for the main effect of sex was found to be significant for four personality variables. The test for interaction was found to be significant for three personality variables. Findings suggest that subjects in the congruent male group tend to have more stable college major choices, better maintenance of personal stability and greater satisfaction than subjects in the undecided and incongruent male groups.