cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Select HIV protease inhibitors alter bone and fat metabolism ex vivo.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapies have been associated with alterations in fat metabolism and bone mineral density. This study examined the effects of HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) on bone resorption, bone formation, and adipocyte differentiation using ex vivo cultured osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and adipocytes, respectively. Osteoclast activity, measured using a rat neonatal calvaria assay, increased in the presence of nelfinavir (NFV; 47.2%, p = 0.001), indinavir (34.6%, p = 0.001), saquinavir (24.3%, p = 0.001), or ritonavir (18%, p 50%, p 40%, p < 0.01). Expression of diacylglycerol transferase, a marker of adipocyte differentiation, decreased in hMSCs treated with NFV. Amprenavir and indinavir did not affect adipogenesis or lipolysis. These results suggest that bone and fat formation in hMSCs of bone marrow may be coordinately down-regulated by some but not all PIs.
The ecology of energy use: using the POET model to analyze consumption and intensity across nations 1970–2000

Many structural factors influence energy regimes at the national and international level, including development/affluence, population size, and oil prices. In this study, we use Duncan’s ecological complex (aka “POET” model) to theorize about the many structural factors that shape national energy usage. Employing one of the largest samples ever used for this purpose (from 1970 to 2000/N = 98/2,263 case-years), coupled with fixed effects to hold constant both unique temporal events and country attributes (e.g., oil embargoes, land area, climate), our pooled time-series analysis suggests that population, social organization, the external social environment (i.e., globalization), and specific technologies are all important dimensions in how the nations of the world use their energy resources. More specifically, while we found that population size, automotive dependence, and global trade increase both total use and energy intensity, other factors such as development, large-scale urbanization, and global oil prices usually lead to (relative) energy savings. We conclude with implications for public policy and further academic study.
Subjective estimates of physiological responses and perceptual-motor performance in the heat.

A total of 31 male and 15 female subjects were selected for the present investigation. The subjects were all in excellent health and ranged in age between 18 and 40 years for the male group and 18 to 24 years for the female group. Four levels of temperature were used: 74 degrees , 90 degrees , 100 degrees and 110 degrees F Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (23.3 degrees , 32.2 degrees , 37.8 degrees and 43.3 degrees C WBGT respectively). The subjects performed four different perceptual-motor tasks. Results indicate that the subjective estimates of physiological responses to heat can be used as a good indicator of the actual changes occurring in physiological responses due to heat exposure. The subjects were more sensitive to changes occurring in body temperature than to changes occurring in the cardio vascular system. Under the extreme hot condition (110 degrees F (43.3 degrees C) WBGT) subjects underestimated the effect on their physiological responses. Perceptual-motor performance is poorly estimated by subjects during heat exposure.
Translocation and fate of 32P-labeled salmonella in mice.

SummaryThe translocation and fate of both 32P-labeled and unlabeled Salmonella enteritidis in mice fed, by gavage, 1 ml containing 108 cells of either an 18-hr or 36-hr-old culture was determined. Onset and duration of infection and the presence of viable cells of test culture in organs were confirmed by bacterial and radioisotope analyses. Mice fed 10832P-18-hr culture had low specific activity on 2nd hr PF (liver, 72; spleen, 61; and cecum, 1480 counts min-1 mg-1 of tissue) increasing to 147, 103, and 2110, respectively, on 6th hr. Mice infected with 32P-36-hr culture showed high specific activity (counts min-1 mg-1 of tissue) on 2nd hr postfeeding; liver, 328; spleen, 227; and cecum, 11,170 followed by a rapid decrease to 234, 216, and 4820 counts min-1 mg-1 of tissue on 6th hr, respectively. This radioisotope study indicated that the 18-hr-old culture was more invasive than the 36-hr culture. Ultrathin sections of duodenum, obtained from infected mice, and stained with fluorescent antibodies revealed ...
Glycoconjugate localization in larval and adult skin of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana: a lectin histochemical study.

This study investigates whether or not the distribution of specific glycoconjugates within the skin is related to the regulation of water balance in the aquatic larvae and semiaquatic adults of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. A lectin histochemical study was carried out on paraffin sections of dorsal and ventral skin from tadpoles in representative stages as well as from adult frogs. Sections were stained with the following horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated lectins, which bind to specific terminal sugar residues of glycoconjugates: UEA 1 for α-L-fucose, SBA for N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, WGA for N-acetyl-B-D-glucosamine, and PNA for β-galactose. Results indicate that lectins serve as markers for specific skin components (e.g., a second ground substance layer within the dermis was revealed by positive UEA 1 staining). Moreover, each lectin has a specific binding pattern that is similar in dorsal and ventral skin; the larval patterns change as the skin undergoes extensive histological and physiological remodeling during metamorphic climax. These findings enhance our understanding of glycoconjugates and their relationship to skin structure and function—in particular, to the regulation of water balance in R. catesbeiana. J. Morphol. 261:184–195, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Anterior Temporal Face Area Contains Invariant Representations of Face Identity That Can Persist Despite the Loss of Right FFA and OFA

Macaque neurophysiology found image-invariant representations of face identity in a face-selective patch in anterior temporal cortex. A face-selective area in human anterior temporal lobe (fATL) has been reported, but has not been reliably identified, and its function and relationship with posterior face areas is poorly understood. Here, we used fMRI adaptation and neuropsychology to ask whether fATL contains image-invariant representations of face identity, and if so, whether these representations require normal functioning of fusiform face area (FFA) and occipital face area (OFA). We first used a dynamic localizer to demonstrate that 14 of 16 normal subjects exhibit a highly selective right fATL. Next, we found evidence that this area subserves image-invariant representation of identity: Right fATL showed repetition suppression to the same identity acrossdifferentimages,whileotherareasdidnot.Finally,toexaminefATL’srelationshipwithposteriorareas,weusedthesame procedures with Galen, an acquired prosopagnosic who lost right FFA and OFA. Despite the absence of posterior face areas, Galen’s right fATL preserved its face selectivity and showed repetition suppression comparable to that in controls. Our findings suggest that right fATL contains image-invariant face representationsthat can persist despite the absence of right FFA and OFA, but these representations are not sufficient for normal face recognition.
Sequence analysis of the ROB-1 ß-lactamase gene from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The ROB-1 beta-lactamase gene from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was cloned and sequenced. The structural gene encodes a 305 amino acid polypeptide. The ROB-1 beta-lactamase gene sequence is identical to that derived from Pasteurella haemolytica and only one amino acid different from that of Haemophilus influenzae, suggesting that they are derived from the same ancestor, and transformed from one to another.
A Null mutation in the rhodopsin gene causes rod photoreceptor dysfunction and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

Mutations within the rhodopsin gene are known to give rise to autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a common hereditary form of retinal degeneration. We now describe a patient with autosomal recessive RP who is homozygous for a nonsense mutation at codon 249 within exon 4 of the rhodopsin gene. This null mutation, the first gene defect identified in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, should result in a functionally inactive rhodopsin protein that is missing the sixth and seventh transmembrane domains including the 11-cis-retinal attachment site. We also found a different null mutation carried heterozygously by an unrelated unaffected individual. Heterozygous carriers of either mutation had normal ophthalmologic examinations but their electroretinograms revealed an abnormality in rod photoreceptor function.
Interfacial Dushman-like Chemistry in Hydrated KIO3 Layers Grown on KI

Ozone is known to readily oxidize the heavier alkali halides in the form of sea salt aerosols, and this chemistry is thought to be a probable candidate for the formation of reactive gas-phase halogens in the troposphere. Water that becomes adsorbed at the interface following the oxidation process is believed to play a vital role in the mechanisms that release these gas-phase halogens. We have carried out studies that utilize X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to follow the surface chemistry and topography of KIO3 films as they are exposed to water vapor at room temperature. The KIO3 films were grown under dry conditions by the heterogeneous reaction of ozone with a model low defect density KI(100) single crystal. As the water vapor pressure is increased above the surface dissolution point, the KIO3 layer becomes solvated and ionic mobility at the surface increases. This mobility results in a ripening process that creates large crystallites of KIO3. The inhomogeneous KIO3 layer co...
Location on the chromosome of Salmonella typhinurium of genes governing pyrimidine metabolism

The remaining unmapped genes encoding known functions of the pyrimidine salvage pathways have been located on the chromosome of Salmonella typhimurium. The gene, cod, encoding cytosine deaminase, udk, encoding uridine kinase and tdk, encoding thymidine kinase were located at 108, 69, and 53 min respectively. The following gene orders were established: serA-metC-argE-cod-strA; cdd-metG-udk-his; and pyrF-cysB-trp-tdk-his. The gene tdk lies in that region of the S. typhimurium chromosome which is inverted with respect to E. coli; its mapping further defines the limits of the inverted segment.
Prostate cancer: Postprostatectomy inguinal hernia: does surgical method matter?

Results from a Swedish study have suggested that the risk of inguinal hernia following prostatectomy is higher in men undergoing open surgery than in those treated via a robot-assisted laparoscopic technique. Patients should be made aware of this risk during the informed consent process.
Beta cell nuclear musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MafA) is deficient in type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis The beta cell transcriptional factor musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MafA) regulates genes important for beta cell function. Loss of nuclear MafA has been implicated in beta cell dysfunction in animal models of type 2 diabetes. We sought to establish if nuclear MafA is less abundant in beta cell nuclei in humans with type 2 diabetes.
Cell cycle inhibition therapy that targets stathmin in in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer

Stathmin is the founding member of a family of microtubule-destabilizing proteins that have a critical role in the regulation of mitosis. Stathmin is expressed at high levels in breast cancer and its overexpression is linked to disease progression. Although there is a large body of evidence to support a role for stathmin in breast cancer progression, the validity of stathmin as a viable therapeutic target for breast cancer has not been investigated. Here, we used a bicistronic adenoviral vector that co-expresses green fluorescent protein and a ribozyme that targets stathmin messenger RNA in preclinical breast cancer models with different estrogen receptor (ER) status. We examined the effects of anti-stathmin ribozyme on the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells in vitro and in xenograft models in vivo both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of anti-stathmin ribozyme resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation and clonogenicity associated with a G2/M arrest and increase in apoptosis in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cell lines. This inhibition was markedly enhanced when stathmin-inhibited breast cancer cells were exposed to low concentrations of taxol, which resulted in virtually complete loss of the malignant phenotype. Interestingly, breast cancer xenografts treated with low doses of anti-stathmin therapy and taxol showed regression in a majority of tumors, while some tumors stopped growing completely. In contrast, combination of anti-stathmin ribozyme and adriamycin resulted in only a modest inhibition of growth in vitro and in breast cancer xenografts in vivo. Although inhibition of tumor growth was observed in both the combination treatment groups compared with groups treated with single agent alone, combination of anti-stathmin therapy and taxol had a more profound inhibition of tumorigenicity, as both agents target the microtubule pathway. Clinically, these findings are highly relevant because taxol is one of the most active chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer. These studies provide the proof-of-principle that stathmin provides an attractive molecular target, which could serve as a primary focus of novel approaches to breast cancer.
P5-S6.08 STD surveillance and control: do STD and family planning clinics matter?

Background Information on the potential impact of the presence of an STD and/or family planning (FP) clinic on STD surveillance and control is scant. In the study, we examine the impact of STD and/or publicly funded Title V, X, and XX FP clinics on county-level surveillance and control of three reportable STDs (chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (GC) and primary and secondary syphilis (P&S)) in Texas during 2000 and 2007. Specifically, we examined the following two questions: (1) Are the counties with STD/FP clinics reporting relatively more cases of STDs? (2) Does having STD service(s) (the presence of an STD/FP clinic) in a county matter? Methods We used spatial regression to analyse the impact of STD/FP clinics on county-level STD morbidity using surveillance data on CT, GC, and P&S. the impact of STD/FP clinics on STD control was examined using a backward stepwise regression on the changes in incidence rates between 2000 and 2007. Dummy variables represented the presence of STD/FP clinic(s). Incidence rates were transformed into natural logs. County-level demographics for 2000 and 2007 were used as control variables. Results The coefficients on the dummy variables representing the presence of STD/FP clinics were: 0.11 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.16, p Conclusion The results from this ecological study are consistent with (but do not establish) a causal relationship between having an STD/FP clinic and improved surveillance and/or reduction in STDs at the county-level in Texas. However, the results suggest that STD/FP clinics play an important role in STD surveillance and control. Finer level analyses (such as census block or cities) may be able to establish a strong causal relationship.
Chemically modified titanium oxide nanostructures for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract We report a simple and yet powerful method to improve the performance of TiO 2 -based N3 dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by hydrogen-treatment of TiO 2 nanostructures as photoelectrodes. The solar conversion efficiency of DSSC based on TiO 2 rutile nanowires was increased from 0.28% to 0.45% after the nanowire electrode was annealed at 350 °C in a pure hydrogen atmosphere. The enhanced conversion efficiency was attributed to improved charge transport as a result of increased electron density by three orders of magnitude upon hydrogenation. While the conversion efficiency was improved by 61%, the overall efficiency was still low, possibly due to the limited loading of N3 dye molecules on TiO 2 nanowires. To improve dye loading, a similar study of hydrogen-treated Degussa P25 nanoparticles (H-P25) electrodes was conducted in which the conversion efficiency was enhanced by 13% compared to untreated P25. The DSSC based on H-P25 achieved a very high photocurrent, 20.81 mA/cm 2 , and solar conversion efficiency, 9.30%, under 1 sun illumination. The donor density of H-P25 was found to increase by 1.5 times compared to P25, consistent with the relatively small enhancement in overall conversion efficiency. To gain new physical insight into the dye sensitization process, ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy was applied to probe the excited dynamics of N3 dye in ethanol solution as well as adsorbed on H-P25, P25 and ZrO 2 . The TA spectrum of H-P25 and P25 was dominated by N3 + generated following electron injection, which occurs in + provided further insight into the origin of TA spectra as well as the related dynamic processes. The results demonstrate that hydrogenation of TiO 2 electrodes can be a low cost and effective way to enhance performance of DSSC by rationally introducing bandgap states that enhanced the donor density and thereby charge transport.
Fourier-motzkin elimination and its dual

Abstract : Research on linear inequalities systems prior to 1947 consisted of isolated efforts by a few investigators. A case in point is the elimination technique for reducing the number of variables in the system. A description of the method can be found in Motzkin's 1936 Ph.D. thesis. It differs from its analog for systems of equations in that (unfortunately) each step in the elimination can greatly increase the number of inequalities in the remaining variables. For years the method was referred to as the Motzkin Elimination Method. However, because of the odd grave-digging custom of looking for artifacts in long forgotten papers, it is now known as the Fourier-Motzkin Elimination Method. In the paper the author reviews the elimination scheme and shows that a dual form of the method is a technique for reducing the number of equations in a system of equations in non-negative variables. Some comments regarding its applicability to integer programs also made.
Density maxima in high-pressure supercooled water and liquid silicon dioxide.

With glass capillary pressure vessels it has been possible to study the effect of pressure on the temperature of maximum density (TMD) and on the "sharpness" of the density maximum in liquid H2O and D2O in the important but little-studied supercooled regime. A pressure of 1200 bars produces a 33°C depression of the TMD in these liquids and a considerable reduction in sharpness. Comparison with the rather flat density maximum for liquid SiO2 supports the notion that the presence or absence of density anomalies in "tetrahedral" liquids depends on the average bridge-bond angle, which is evidently unusually large in water at normal pressure.
Composite tissue transplantation: what does the future look like?

Achievements in clinical composite tissue transplantation have motivated investigation for more widespread clinical application. The first successes with facial allotransplantation and hand allografts have been reported in the past few years. The advances that have made recent clinical landmarks attainable have been based on technical understanding and expertise with complicated vascular anatomy of the tissue allografts, whereas the immunologic therapies with these grafts have mirrored standard immunosuppressive regimens and have resulted in comparable challenges with rejection and graft loss. Although life-saving solid organ transplantation offers survival advantage even when graft life is measured in years, transplants of composite tissue facial or limb allografts ideally need to achieve reliable long-term or permanent graft survival. The additional risks of lifelong standard immunosuppression including malignancy, infection, and renal failure also necessitate strategies toward drug minimization and/or tolerance. Research is necessary to develop alternate immunologic approaches unique to composite tissue allografts achieving improved graft survival and reduced lifelong exposure to immunosuppression. The fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery, and burn surgery all have clinical demands that could be met by a successful and durable immunologic approach for composite tissue allotransplantation. The future of composite tissue transplantation will be dependent on the development of specialized clinical centers with expertise in transplant and reconstructive surgery, transplant coordinators, and immunologists investigating strategies for minimized immunosuppression and tolerance strategies.
Density functional theory investigation of the Si2H2 nonclassical and tetrahedron distorted structures

Abstract A density functional theory and a Gaussian ab initio computational study were performed with target to explore the Si 2 H 2 potential energy surface. Stationary points for various structural parameters of Si 2 H 2 were located and their physical and chemical properties were completed. It was determined that the density functional methods overestimate the stabilization energy for the H 2 SiSi isomer, but otherwise correctly describe the Si 2 H 2 potential energy surface. Structure, energetic, vibrational, and rotational properties computed with the density functional theory methods are in good agreement with the experimental data for those isomers.
Long-distance flux mapping using low-cost collimated pyranometers

Abstract Concentrating solar thermal power tower plants with capacities of 100 MWe or greater require large heliostat fields with heliostats over 1500 m (nearly a mile) away from the tower. The accuracy and performance of these heliostats must be evaluated and understood as new heliostat designs emerge to reduce costs. Conventional beam characterization systems that use photographs of the reflected beam on a tower-mounted target are typically not large enough to capture the beam at long distances, and the magnitude of the irradiance for long-distance heliostats is quite low (only a fraction of a sun), which can make the beam image difficult to discern from the ambient lighting on the target. The Long-Range Heliostat Target (LRHT) implements a technique for mapping low density flux images from heliostats and reflectors at slant ranges up to approximately 1700 m. The LRHT is a vertical array of collimated pyranometers deployed to a test site via flat-bed trailer and quickly erected on an aluminum truss tower. Once the sensors have been aimed at the heliostat, the heliostat beam is swept azimuthally across the array whereupon the data is stitched into a flux map indicating horizontal and vertical beam dimensions and flux intensities. The LRHT was used to evaluate and compare beam shape, peak flux, and total power of heliostats and single facet reflectors at distances from 300 to 1700 m. Results were compared to theoretically rendered flux maps created by computational ray tracing algorithms, and to photographs taken on the beam characterization system (BCS) at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia National Laboratories.
Why do All the Study Abroad Students Look Alike? Applying an Integrated Student Choice Model to Explore Differences in the Factors that Influence White and Minority Students’ Intent to Study Abroad

Despite substantial efforts across postsecondary education to increase minority participation in study abroad, the homogeneity of study abroad participants remains largely unchanged (Dessoff in Int Educ 15(2):20–27, 2006; Shih in http://diverseeducation.com/article/13193/study-abroad-participation-up-except-among-minority-students.html, 2009). This study applies an adaptation of an integrated student choice model (Perna in Higher education: Handbook of theory and research, 2006; Salisbury et al. in Research in Higher Education 50:119–143, 2009) to identify differences between white and minority (African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American) students across measures of human, financial, social, and cultural capital previously shown to influence aspirations to study abroad (Salisbury et al.). Analysis of data from 6,828 students at 53 institutions participating in the Wabash National Study on Liberal Arts Education suggests numerous differences between racial groups with considerable implications for institutions, scholars, and policymakers.
Five Lessons for Campus Leaders: Academic Freedom, Shared Governance, and Tenure at an Historically Black University

Over the past 25 years, eight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been censured by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) for violations of academic freedom ...
Reactivity of inbred mouse sera with antisera to the variable region of light chains.

The presence of common antigenic determinants in a panel of human and mouse Bence–Jones proteins and a human myeloma protein has facilitated a study of the genetic control of immunoglobulin synthesis in mice.
A Reexamination of Self-Monitoring and Judgments of Furniture Designs

Recent research has suggested that the personality trait of self-monitoring affects how people perceive the symbolic meanings of such products as clothes, furni ture, and other self-presentational props or possessions. In particular, Thompson and Davis (1988) found that high versus low self-monitors judged traditional fur niture styles as more aesthetically pleasing and contemporary furniture styles as more prestigious. However, several possible flaws in their design raise questions concerning the validity of their findings. A data set originally collected for a different purpose showed some promise of addressing these issues. The reanal ysis of these data produced results that generally support and reinforce those of Thompson and Davis. Specifically, as found by Thompson and Davis, self- monitoring was related to the evaluations and impressions of furniture. Further and more important, self-monitoring moderated the effects of differences in tra ditional versus contemporary styles in a manner that supported the relevance of this personality variable to judgments of furniture designs, thereby reinforcing its potential usefulness in practical applications.
Maffei 2 revealed: The infrared morphology of a hidden galaxy

We present near-infrared images in the J, H, and K bands of the starburst galaxy Maffei 2 taken with the NOAO Simultaneous Quad Infrared Imaging Device at Kitt Peak. These images reveal a morphology that is optically hidden by the ∼5 mag of visual extinction at its low galactic latitude (b=−0.3°). In the near-infrared, Maffei 2 can clearly be identified as a barred spiral of revised Hubble morphological type SBb(s) pec. The infrared extinction seen in the nucleus closely matches the known molecular morphology, indicating that such extinction can be a good tracer of molecular cloud complexes along density waves in galaxies
Roll-cell instabilities in rotating laminar and trubulent channel flows

The stability of laminar and turbulent channel flow is examined for cases where Coriolis forces are introduced by steady rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane of mean flow. Linearized equations of motion are derived for small disturbances of the Taylor type. Conditions for marginal stability in laminar Couette and Poiseuille flow correspond, in part, to the analogous solutions of buoyancy-driven convection instabilities in heated fluid layers, and to those of Taylor instabilities in the flow between rotating cylinders. In plane Poiseuille flow with rotation, the critical disturbance mode occurs at a Reynolds number of Rec = 88.53 and rotation number Ro = 0.5. At higher Reynolds numbers, unstable conditions canexist over the range of rotation numbers given by 0 < Ro < 3, provided the undisturbed flow remains laminar. A two-layer model is devised to investigate the onset of longitudinal instabilities in turbulent flow. The linear disturbance equations are solved essentially in their laminar form, whereby the velocity gradient of laminar flow is replaced by a numerically computed profile for the gradient of the turbulent mean velocity. The turbulent stress levels in the stable and unstable flow regions are represented by integrated averages of the eddy viscosity. Onset of instability for Reynolds numbers between 6000 and 35 000 is predicted to occur at Ro = 0.022, a value in remarkable agreement with the experimentally observed appearance of roll instabilities in rotating turbulent channel flow.
Increased hepatic oxygen consumption during alcohol withdrawal.

Catecholamines, which are elevated during alcohol withdrawal, can alter hepatic blood flow and increase hepatic oxygen consumption. We hypothesized that, in the withdrawal state, hepatic oxygen consumption and delivery could be altered in relation to an increased sympathetic activity. Thirteen chronic alcoholics were studied 34–72 h after withdrawal and 10 days later (control period) using conventional hemodynamic methods. As compared with the control period, splanchnic oxygen uptake was elevated at withdrawal (74.5 ± 27.1 vs 59.2 ± 16.8 ml/min, p < 0.025) and its variation was correlated with that of plasma epinephrine (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). The hepatic venous oxygen content was reduced at withdrawal (113 ± 22 vs 126 ± 21 ml/L, p < 0.025) and correlated inversely with plasma norepinephrine levels (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). We conclude that, during alcohol withdrawal in humans, hepatic energy expenditure may be elevated in relation to epinephrine secretion and that sympathetic overactivity may hinder the adaptive response in hepatic blood flow. The wide range in sympathetic nervous response to alcohol withdrawal could explain some differences in individual susceptibility to liver damage caused by alcohol.
Tracing mass and light in the Universe: where is the dark matter?

How is mass distributed in the Universe? How does it compare with the distribution of light and stars? We address these questions by examining the distribution of mass, determined from weak lensing observations, and starlight, around $>10^5$ SDSS MaxBCG groups and clusters as a function of environment and scale, from deep inside clusters to large cosmic scales of $22 h^{-1}$ Mpc. The observed cumulative mass-to-light profile, $M/L (< r)$, rises on small scales, reflecting the increasing $M/L$ of the central bright galaxy of the cluster, then flattens to a nearly constant ratio on scales above $\sim 300 h^{-1}$ kpc, where light follows mass on all scales and in all environments. A trend of slightly decreasing $M/L (r)$ with scale is shown to be consistent with the varying stellar population following the morphology-density relation. This suggests that stars trace mass remarkably well even though they represent only a few percent of the total mass. We determine the stellar mass fraction and find it to be nearly constant on all scales above $\sim 300 h^{-1}$ kpc, with $M_{*}/M_{tot} \simeq 1.0\pm0.4\%$. We further suggest that most of the dark matter in the Universe is located in the large halos of individual galaxies ($\sim 300$ kpc for $L^{*}$ galaxies); we show that the entire $M/L (r)$ profile -- from groups and clusters to large-scale structure -- can be accounted for by the aggregate masses of the individual galaxies (whose halos may be stripped off but still remain in the clusters), plus gas. We use the observed mass-to-light ratio on large scales to determine the mass density of the Universe: $\Omega_{m} = 0.24 \pm 0.02 \times b_{M/L}^{2} = 0.26 \pm 0.02.$
An Unpublished Specimen Days Manuscript Fragment

Prints an early draft of Whitman's "My Late Visit to Boston" (1881), a later version of which was published in Specimen Days as "A Week's Visit in Boston."
A highly effective preconditioner for solving the finite element-boundary integral matrix equation of 3-D scattering

A highly effective preconditioner is presented for solving the system of equations obtained from the application of the hybrid finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) method to three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic scattering problems. Different from widely used algebraic preconditioners, the proposed one is based on a physical approximation and is constructed from the finite element method (FEM) using an absorbing boundary condition (ABC) on the truncation boundary. It is shown that the large eigenvalues of the finite element (FE)-ABC system are similar to those of the FE-BI system. Hence, the preconditioned system has a spectrum distribution clustered around 1 in the complex plane. Consequently, when a Krylov subspace based method is employed to solve the preconditioned system, the convergence can be greatly accelerated. Numerical results show that the proposed preconditioner can improve the convergence of an iterative solution by approximately two orders of magnitude for large problems.
Electron Photodetachment from Ions and Elastic Collision Cross Sections for O, C, Cl, and F

Photodetachment cross sections for ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ have been computed in the energy range from threshold to 50 ev by the Klein-Brueckner method. Elastic cross sections for electron scattering from O, C, Cl, and F in the energy range 0-15 ev have also been computed. The method of calculation is described and the results compared with earlier theoretical and experimental work.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine as first line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or unresectable soft tissue sarcoma.

Objective: The availability of effective chemotherapy agents or regimens for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is limited. Response to available first line regimens is generally poor and response to second line regimens is rare. Considering the poor response of STS to available cytotoxic therapy, and the need to adequately evaluate the effectiveness of new agents, first line investigation of promising new agents is justified. Gemcitabine, a relatively new agent, has demonstrated effectiveness in several solid tumors. Limited clinical trials have suggested modest activity in STS. A multi-institutional study of gemcitabine in patients with STS, without prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease, was initiated in the Southwest Oncology Group May 1, 1998 and completed March 15, 1999. Materials and Methods: Patients were required to have metastatic or unresectable STS with no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcomas and stromal tumors were not eligible. Patients were required to have a performance status of 0–2, measurable disease, adequate renal, hepatic, and hematologic function. The patients were given Gemcitabine 1000 mg/M2 iv over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 57, 64, and 71. Dosage reduction was performed for cytopenias and/or other grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Results: Forty-eight patients were registered to the study. The median age was 62 years (range, 30–80) with 21 male and 25 female patients. Two patients were ineligible (1 GI stromal tumor and 1 nerve sheath tumor). Forty-six patients are evaluable for response, toxicity, and survival. There were 2 treatment-related deaths (1 renal failure and 1 hemolytic uremic syndrome). Six additional patients experienced grade 4 toxicity (3 neutropenia, 2 dyspnea, 1 vomiting, and 1 renal failure). Three of the 46 eligible patients had a partial response (7%: 95% confidence interval 1–18%) and 8 patients had stable disease (20%). Nine patients had inadequate assessments to define response. Forty-five patients have died with a median survival of 6 months (95% confidence interval 5–10 months). Conclusion: Gemcitabine has minimal activity as a single agent at this dose and schedule in advanced STS. The low response rate does not justify further investigation of gemcitabine as a single agent in STS.
Dopamine Adsorption at Surface Modified Carbon-Fiber Electrodes

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry at high repetition rates was used to characterize adsorptive properties of dopamine (DA) at native and modified carbon-fiber microelectrode surfaces. Disk electrodes were fabricated from Thornel P55 fibers, and cylindrical electrodes, from Thornel T650 fibers. Their surfaces were modified by physisorption of 2,6-anthraquinone disulfonic acid (2,6-AQDS) or chemisorption of 4-carboxyphenyl or catechols. Chemisorption was accomplished via electrochemical reduction of diazonium salts. The degree of DA adsorption and its oxidation kinetics were found to vary for the two types of native carbon fiber electrodes and with the different chemical overlayers on the carbon surfaces. 2,6-AQDS measurably increased DA adsorption and desorption kinetics at P55 disks without a significant change in the measurement sensitivity, the response exhibiting temporal characteristics similar to that for nonadsorbing species. 4-Carboxyphenyl modification accelerated the DA adsorption rate and sensitivity...
IC.NET — Incident Command “Net”: A system using EDXL-DE for intelligent message routing

Traditionally, during a disaster response, primary reliance is on voice over radio communication along with pen and paper notes for situational awareness. This paper explores our research regarding emergency data interoperability, seeks to connect decision makers, operators/responders, and additional stakeholders through the development and application of standardized data messaging formats. In addition, we have investigated ways to route and expose emergency message data in ways that are complimentary to the current business processes of emergency response. This paper will discuss the use and implementation of data interoperability standards in this system, focused primarily on the use of a single top-level loose coupler used for dynamic routing and exposure of operational level Emergency Services / First Responder. Our IC.NET prototype implements payloads that include data specific to Emergency Medical Services such as incident representation, unit tasking, and triage, treatment, and transport tracking of emergency patients.
Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Endometriosis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are fatty acids containing 2 or more double bonds, and they are classified by the location of the last double bond. Omega 3 (n-3) and omega 6 (n-6) PUFAs are obtained through food sources including fatty fish and seed/vegetable oils, respectively, and they are important to a number of physiologic processes including inflammation. Previous work demonstrates suppressive effects of n-3 PUFAs on endometriotic lesions in animal models and decreased risk of endometriosis among women with high n-3 PUFA intake. Thus, we sought to determine the relationship between circulating levels of PUFAs and endometriosis in women. To do this, we performed a cross-sectional study of serum PUFAs and clinical data from 205 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Serum PUFAs were measured using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectroscopy and included n-3 PUFAs such as α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid and n-6 PUFAs such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine relationships between specific and total serum PUFAs and patient history of endometriosis. Women with high serum EPA levels were 82% less likely to have endometriosis compared to women with low EPA levels (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.78).
Film-Screen Digital Radiography

The anticipated benefits of digitized projection radiographic data to medical imaging has generated much interest and activity. Numerous methods for capturing the radiographic image data prior to digitization are being evaluated. In this paper the excellent performance of the film-screen system as a receptor for projection radiographic data is discussed. An experimental system for obtaining high quality digital radiographic data by laser scanning radiographic films is described. This system is being used to evaluate the clinical utility of various digital image processing algorithms. Future plans include an investigation of quantitative analysis of projection radiographic data. Digital data obtained by film scanning can be used with digital image archiving and communications systems.
EVALUATION OF THE OBESE PATIENT: Practical Considerations

The evaluation process for obesity uses the same framework of a history, physical examination and interpretation of selected laboratory and diagnostic tests that are used for other chronic care patient encounters. What makes this evaluation process different is knowing how to take an obesity focused history, what to examine, and which tests to order. An assessment of risk status is then determined based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Other important aspects of the evaluation process include determining the patient's goals, expectations, and motivation for weight loss along with support systems and/or barriers to behavior change.
Multichromatic control of gene expression in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Light is a powerful tool for manipulating living cells because it can be applied with high resolution across space and over time. We previously constructed a red light-sensitive Escherichia coli transcription system based on a chimera between the red/far-red switchable cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 and the E. coli EnvZ/OmpR two-component signaling pathway. Here, we report the development of a green light-inducible transcription system in E. coli based on a recently discovered green/red photoswitchable two-component system from cyanobacteria. We demonstrate that the transcriptional output is proportional to the intensity of green light applied and that the green sensor is orthogonal to the red sensor at intensities of 532-nm light less than 0.01 W/m 2 . Expression of both sensors in a single cell allows two-color optical control of transcription both in batch culture and in patterns across a lawn of engineered cells. Because each sensor functions as a photoreversible switch, this system should allow the spatial and temporal control of the expression of multiple genes through different combinations of light wavelengths. This feature aids precision single-cell and population-level studies in systems and synthetic biology.
ACE2/ANG-(1–7)/Mas pathway in the brain: the axis of good

The last decade has seen the discovery of several new components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Among them, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and the Mas receptor have forced a reevaluation of the original cascade and led to the emergence of a new arm of the RAS: the ACE2/ANG-(1–7)/Mas axis. Accordingly, the new system is now seen as a balance between a provasoconstrictor, profibrotic, progrowth axis (ACE/ANG-II/AT1 receptor) and a provasodilatory, antifibrotic, antigrowth arm (ACE2/ANG-(1–7)/Mas receptor). Already, this simplistic vision is evolving and new components are branching out upstream [ANG-(1–12) and (pro)renin receptor] and downstream (angiotensin-IV and other angiotensin peptides) of the classical cascade. In this review, we will summarize the role of the ACE2/ANG-(1–7)/Mas receptor, focusing on the central nervous system with respect to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, chronic heart failure, and stroke, as well as neurological diseases. In addition, we will discuss the new pharmacological (antagonists, agonists, activators) and genomic (knockout and transgenic animals) tools that are currently available. Finally, we will review the latest data regarding the various signaling pathways downstream of the Mas receptor.
Sample Size Needed to Detect Gene-Gene Interactions using Association Designs

It is likely that many complex diseases result from interactions among several genes, as well as environmental factors. The presence of such interactions poses challenges to investigators in identifying susceptibility genes, understanding biologic pathways, and predicting and controlling disease risks. Recently, Gauderman (Am J Epidemiol 2002; 155:478-84) reported results from the first systematic analysis of the statistical power needed to detect gene-gene interactions in association studies. However, Gauderman used different statistical models to model disease risks for different study designs, and he assumed a very low disease prevalence to make different models more comparable. In this article, assuming a logistic model for disease risk for different study designs, the authors investigate the power of population-based and family-based association designs to detect gene-gene interactions for common diseases. The results indicate that population-based designs are more powerful than family-based designs for detecting gene-gene interactions when disease prevalence in the study population is moderate.
Query Classification and Storage Evaluation inWireless Sensor Networks

Recently, storage management has been a new focus of study in addition to traditional characteristics of wireless sensor networks. In this paper, five storage schemes that we categorize are evaluated in terms of query types that have different characteristics from one another. First, sensor network queries are classified by four criteria, and they are divided in more detail by the combination of elements in the criteria. Second, storage schemes are classified by considering where and how to store sensed data and what kind of routing protocols they use. Finally, storage schemes are evaluated for different query types in terms of metrics such as the number of transmissions, energy, delay, life span, and local storage capacity. Through the analysis and simulation, we show what kind of storage is suitable for which particular query characteristics.
Evaluation of asbestos exposures during firewood-harvesting simulations in Libby, MT, USA--preliminary data.

Research was conducted in order to assess potential exposure to asbestos while harvesting firewood from amphibole-contaminated trees near Libby, MT, USA. Three firewood-harvesting simulations took place in the summer and fall of 2006 in the Kootenai Forest inside the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted zone surrounding the former W.R. Grace vermiculite mine. Another simulation was conducted near Missoula, MT, USA, which served as the control. The work practices following each simulation were consistent throughout each trial. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) asbestos concentrations were measured by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Surface wipe samples of personal protective clothing were measured by TEM. The mean (n 5 12) PBZ PCM sample time-weighted average (TWA) concentration was 0.29 fibers per milliliter, standard deviation (SD 5 0.54). A substantial portion (more than five fibers per sample) of non-asbestos fibers (cellulose) was reported on all PBZ samples (excluding field blanks) when analyzed by TEM. The mean (n 5 12) PBZ TEM sample TWA concentration for amphibole fibers 5-mm long was 0.07 fibers per milliliter (SD 5 0.08). Substantial amphibole fiber concentrations were revealed on Tyvek clothing wipe samples. The mean concentration (n 5 12) was 29 826 fibers per square centimeter (SD 5 37 555), with 91% (27 192 fibers per square centimeter) comprised fibers <5-mm long. There were no significant differences in PBZ and wipe sample concentrations among the tasks performed by four investigators. Each of these three simulations were consistent in demonstrating that amphibole fibers are released from tree reservoirs during firewood-harvesting activities in asbestos-contaminated areas and that the potential for exposure exists during such activities.