cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of E-cadherin in the Motility and Invasion of Implantation Site Intermediate Trophoblast

During early pregnancy, intermediate (extravillous) trophoblast infiltrates the basal plate and invades the spiral arteries, a physiological process required to establish the maternal-fetal circulation. Immunostaining studies have shown that differentiation of trophoblast into this invasive subpopulation is associated with down-regulation of E-cadherin expression. To study the function of E-cadherin in trophoblast in vitro, we restored E-cadherin expression in an E-cadherin negative human implantation site intermediate trophoblastic cell line, IST-1, using a recombinant adenovirus, E-cad/Ad5 which constitutively expresses E-cadherin. In contrast to the control IST-1 cells which were individual and pleomorphic in shape, E-cad/Ad5 transduced cells were cohesive, uniform, and round. The motility and invasiveness of E-cad/Ad5 transduced IST-1 cells, as compared with the control cells, was significantly reduced. These effects were contact-dependent and were attenuated by a function-perturbing anti-E-cadherin antibody. In conclusion, our results indicate that expression of E-cadherin in IST-1 cells results in a contact-mediated inhibition of motility and invasion and suggest an important role for E-cadherin down-regulation in the intermediate trophoblast during implantation.
Foot drop in head and neck cancer.

Abstract Objective Common peroneal nerve (CPN) paresis or paralysis presents with weakness of the toe extensors as well as of the ankle dorsiflexors and evertors, causing foot drop and hypesthesia or paresthesia in the CPN distribution. Previous studies have shown associations with weight loss and leg crossing. Although CPN neuropathy has been described in cancer patients, it has not been described in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients specifically. Our objective was to describe a series of patients who developed CPN neuropathy during the course of their disease. Materials and methods A retrospective review of the charts of patients with HNC and CPN neuropathy who were seen at our institution between 1995 and 2004 was performed. Results Four HNC patients with CPN neuropathy were identified. All had significant weight loss. One patient became symptomatic before treatment, 2 patients became symptomatic during treatment, and 1 patient developed foot drop 4 years after treatment when his free jejunal flap developed a stricture. Two patients had electrodiagnostic study findings that revealed conduction block at the fibular head and denervation of peroneal innervated muscles. Imaging studies revealed no evidence of metastatic disease in the lumbosacral region. All 4 patients improved after weight gain. Conclusions Common peroneal nerve neuropathy may be seen in HNC patients. The CPN may be susceptible in weight loss because of the associated loss of subcutaneous tissue, which cushions the nerve from the fibular head. Consideration should be given to prevention, appropriate neurologic consultation, and patient counseling.
Subjective reports of xerostomia and objective measures of salivary gland performance

This study involves collecting saliva under unstimulated and stimulated conditions and asking standardized questions of 100 patients with xerostomia. The study examines which questions are useful in identifying and predicting current major salivary gland output deficiency or dysfunction.
System/360 and beyond

The evolution of modern large-scale computer architecture within IBM is described, starting with the announcement of System/360 in 1964 and covering the latest extensions to System/370. Emphasis is placed on key attributes and on the motivation for providing them, and an assessment is made of the experience gained in the implementation and use of the architecture. The main approaches are discussed for obtaining implementations at widely differing performance levels, and a number of significant implementation parameters for all processors are listed.
Testing of strain-gauge pressure transducers up to 3.5 MPa at cryogenic temperatures and in magnetic fields up to 6 T

Abstract The characteristics of four commercial strain-gauge pressure transducers suitable for measurements in a temperature range from 4.2 to 293 K were determined in the presence of magnetic fields up to 6 T. The highest pressure measured was 3.5 MPa. Tests showed that if the transducers are used in these conditions and no corrections are made, uncertainties up to 19% of the transducer full scale may be inherent in measurements. When such high error levels are unacceptable, the transducers must be individually calibrated under the working conditions: in this way the uncertainties in pressure measurements can usually be kept below 1 % of the transducer full scale.
A new numerical technique for the analysis of parametrically excited nonlinear systems

A new computational scheme using Chebyshev polynomials is proposed for the numerical solution of parametrically excited nonlinear systems. The state vector and the periodic coefficients are expanded in Chebyshev polynomials and an integral equation suitable for a Picard-type iteration is formulated. A Chebyshev collocation is applied to the integral with the nonlinearities reducing the problem to the solution of a set of linear algebraic equations in each iteration. The method is equally applicable for nonlinear systems which are represented in state-space form or by a set of second-order differential equations. The proposed technique is found to duplicate the periodic, multi-periodic and chaotic solutions of a parametrically excited system obtained previously using the conventional numerical integration schemes with comparable CPU times. The technique does not require the inversion of the mass matrix in the case of multi degree-of-freedom systems. The present method is also shown to offer significant computational conveniences over the conventional numerical integration routines when used in a scheme for the direct determination of periodic solutions. Of course, the technique is also applicable to non-parametrically excited nonlinear systems as well.
Structure and formation of egg membranes in Aedes aegypti. (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract An ultrastructural study of mosquito ovarioles reveals that both the vitelline membrane and the endochorion are secreted by the follicular epithelium. The presecretory phase is characterized by the hypertrophy of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex in the follicle cells. Synthesis of vitelline membrane precursors begins immediately after yolk protein uptake by micropinocytosis. Secretory droplets are budded off Golgi cisternae and released into the follicle cell-oocyte interface by exocytosis. The vitelline membrane first appears as dense plaques which eventually fuse to form a single homogeneous layer. Two types of secretory material are identified in the follicle cells prior to the formation of the endochorion. Golgi cisternae bud off small droplets similar in size and appearance to the precursors of the vitelline membrane. These migrate to the apical surface and accumulate between surface folds in the plasma membrane. The second type is a fibrous material formed in endoplasmic reticulum. When fully secreted, the endochorion is a 2-layered structure. The lower layer is comprised of pillar-like structures alternating with fibrous mesh-like areas. The pillars are formed by the coalescence of droplets released from Golgi, while the mesh-like areas presumably arise from the fibrous material. The outer layer is also fibrous. The follicle cells degenerate once the endochorion is laid down.
Anti-metastatic activity of the recombinant disintegrin, r-mojastin 1, from the Mohave rattlesnake

Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cell, which may spread to other parts of the body. The interaction of cancer cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for metastasis, which is the principal cause of death in cancer patients. Disintegrins are naturally occurring low molecular weight peptides found in the venoms of many snakes. Disintegrins were first used to inhibit platelet aggregation, but more recently have been used to inhibit cancer cell growth, adhesion, migration, invasion and/or angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-tumor properties of recombinant mojastin 1 (r-mojastin 1) and r-mojastin-GST, cloned from the venom glands of the Mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus). Human urinary bladder carcinoma (T24), human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080), human skin melanoma (SK-ML-28) and murine skin melanoma (B16F10) cell lines were used. r-Mojastin 1 inhibited SK-MEL-28 cell adhesion to fibronectin, but was not able to inhibit T24 cell adhesion to fibronectin. However, r-Mojastin-GST inhibited SK-MEL-28 and T24 cells adhesion to fibronectin. r-Mojastin-GST and r-mojastin 1 decreased the ability of SK-MEL-28 cells to migrate after 24 h of incubation but were not able to inhibit T24 cell migration. r-Mojastin 1 and r-mojastin-GST inhibited invasion of T24 and SK-MEL-28 cancer cells in vitro, and r-Mojastin 1 inhibited lung tumor colonization of B16F10 cells in mice in vivo. In conclusion, our studies suggest that r-mojastin could be a useful tool to develop novel anti-tumor agents by virtue of its ability to inhibit tumor cell adhesion, migration and invasion.
MO‐A‐BRA‐01: Overview of Proton Therapy Technology

The technology that is used for the production and delivery of therapeuticproton beams is reviewed. Increased interest in this treatment modality has inspired a new generation of technology development and research into methods that will make proton treatment facilities more widely available (less expensive) and more efficient. Proton beam therapy has been in use for over 40 years; it remains a treatment modality of interest because it provides a highly conformal dose distribution to a wide variety of disease sites and the potential for improving clinical outcomes. Charged particle accelerators are used to energize the protons needed for desired therapeutic penetration. A variety of accelerator techniques are used including the standard implementations of cyclotrons and synchrotrons, as well as more modern concepts. Recent advances in beam scanning technology may represent the ultimate in external beam radiotherapydose conformality and treatment delivery efficiency. We describe how this new technology can be integrated into a proton therapy facility. All technologies introduce the possibility of errors and tolerances that must be considered for therapy and are added to the considerations which will be described in the companion talks of this session. Learning Objectives: 1. Familiarization with the types of technologies used to accelerate Protons for therapy. 2. Learn some of the methods used to deliver the proton beam. 3. Identify some of the differences between proton and photon therapy beam delivery.
New Pyrazolopyrimidine Inhibitors of Protein Kinase D as Potent Anticancer Agents for Prostate Cancer Cells

The emergence of protein kinase D (PKD) as a potential therapeutic target for several diseases including cancer has triggered the search for potent, selective, and cell-permeable small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we describe the identification, in vitro characterization, structure-activity analysis, and biological evaluation of a novel PKD inhibitory scaffold exemplified by 1-naphthyl PP1 (1-NA-PP1). 1-NA-PP1 and IKK-16 were identified as pan-PKD inhibitors in a small-scale targeted kinase inhibitor library assay. Both screening hits inhibited PKD isoforms at about 100 nM and were ATP-competitive inhibitors. Analysis of several related kinases indicated that 1-NA-PP1 was highly selective for PKD as compared to IKK-16. SAR analysis showed that 1-NA-PP1 was considerably more potent and showed distinct substituent effects at the pyrazolopyrimidine core. 1-NA-PP1 was cell-active, and potently blocked prostate cancer cell proliferation by inducing G2/M arrest. It also potently blocked the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, demonstrating promising anticancer activities on multiple fronts. Overexpression of PKD1 or PKD3 almost completely reversed the growth arrest and the inhibition of tumor cell invasion caused by 1-NA-PP1, indicating that its anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities were mediated through the inhibition of PKD. Interestingly, a 12-fold increase in sensitivity to 1-NA-PP1 could be achieved by engineering a gatekeeper mutation in the active site of PKD1, suggesting that 1-NA-PP1 could be paired with the analog-sensitive PKD1M659G for dissecting PKD-specific functions and signaling pathways in various biological systems.
Potential application of waste neem leaves for bleaching of low-quality crude palm oil

Conversion of crude palm oil to refined edible oil involves removal of the products of hydrolysis and oxidation, the color and the flavor. The refining routes of palm oil are quite identical. There are two routes are taken to process crude oil into refined oil, which are chemical (basic) refining and physical refining. The methods differ basically in the way the fatty acids are removed from the oil. In practice, palm oil bleaching is accomplished by heating the oil in the presence of bleaching agent at certain time until the desired color is reached. The improvement in color is as a result of the removal of organic compounds such as β-carotene, xanthophylls, chlorophyll, etc.[1] Even the acid-activated clays (bleaching earth) are efficient and effective adsorbent for bleaching of crude edible oils,[2–4] some attention had been directed to the use of renewable resources such as agro waste materials.[1,5] In this paper, an alternative adsorbent, neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves powder, was used for bleaching of low-quality crude palm oil. The advantages of using neem leaves powder for bleaching purpose are environmental friendly and have similar adsorption capacity to activated bleaching earth. In order to enhance the adsorption capacity of the neem leaves powder, the surface modification using acid was conducted. Adsorption mechanism of β-carotene onto active functional group surface of neem leave powder was also proposed.
Remote sensing of foliar chemistry of inundated rice with imaging spectrometry

The applicability of imaging spectrometry to the measurement of foliar chemistry of herbaceous wetland vegetation was assessed for cultivated rice. Multiple samples were obtained from five California rice fields for analyses of nitrogen and lignin concentrations, and Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) images were obtained in August 1992. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to develop calibration equations for nitrogen and lignin based on AVIRIS reflectance (R) spectra transformed as the first difference of absorbance [log(1/R)]. Transformed AVIRIS absorbances were not as well correlated to lignin (rsu2 = 0.44) as to nitrogen (r2 = 0.74); the relative standard error of calibration (SEC) for nitrogen was 11%. To further test the predictive ability of this technique with respect to nitrogen concentration, four new calibration equations were derived based on each possible set of three fields. With each new subset of the data, MLR selected different wavelengths for the nitrogen calibration equation. Coefficients of multiple determination (r2) ranged from 0.69 to 0.85, with relative standard SECs ranging from 8.4% to 11.4%. Each of these equations was then used to predict the nitrogen concentration of samples in the omitted field, resulting in relative standard errors of prediction (SEP) ranging up to 37%. Results from this study suggest that calibration equations derived from multiple linear regression of AVIRIS spectra can be used to predict the nitrogen concentration of rice in the field. It was not possible to derive a general equation for the detection of nitrogen concentration with AVIRIS because the calibration equations developed with MLR were based on a different set of wavelengths for each subset of the data.
Identification of renal neuroeffector junctions by electron microscopy of reembedded light microscopic autoradiograms of semithin sections.

A method is described for the identification of renal neuroeffector junctions using electron microscopy of reembedded autoradiograms of semithin sections. Tritiated norepinephrine is used to identify renal monoaminergic nerves. Although this study focused on the relatively infrequent neuroeffector junctions with the tubules, junctions with arteriolar cells were also investigated. Autoradiograms containing accumulations of grains associated with tubules or arterioles were first photographed with the light microscope, then reembedded, ultrathin sectioned, and examined with the electron microscope. Electron microscopy consistently disclosed nerves at those sites where accumulations of grains were observed by light microscopy. Neuroeffector junctions and nerve proximity to renal tubules (proximal and ATLH) could be predicted with considerable accuracy at the light microscope level by the degree to which the autoradiographic grains overlapped the tubular- walls. This criterion was also applicable to neuroeffector junctions with the arterioles. This method may be useful for the electron microscopic study of structures that can be autoradiographically labeled but which are infrequent or too small for light microscopic analysis. Other potential uses of this procedure are suggested.
Rapid, regiospecific syntheses of deuterium substituted 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine (α,α‐D2; β,β‐D2 and α,α,β,β‐D4) for mechanistic studies with positron emission tomography

Doubly labeled (18F and deuterium) 6-fluorodopamine (6-FDA) isotopomers were prepared to probe the contribution of metabolism by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) on the kinetics of 6-[18F]FDA in baboon heart. Specifically deuterated 6-[18F]FDA-α,α-D2 and 6-[18F]FDA-β,β-D2 were prepared by a six-step synthesis starting from nucleophilic aromatic substitution with NCA [18F]fluoride on 6-nitropiperonal or 6-nitropiperonal-D in a decay corrected radiochemical yield of 3-10% (EOB). 6-[18F]FDA-α,α,β,β-D4 was prepared in 4 steps in a radiochemical yield of 16-20% (EOB) and specific activity 2-5 Ci/μmol (EOB). The regiospecificity of deuterium substitution in the synthesis of 6-[18F]FDA-α,α,β,β-D4 was verified using piperonal as a substrate.
Variations in Disparate Regions of the Murine Coronavirus Spike Protein Impact the Initiation of Membrane Fusion

The prototype JHM strain of murine hepatitis virus (MHV) is an enveloped, RNA-containing coronavirus that has been selected in vivo for extreme neurovirulence. This virus encodes spike (S) glycoproteins that are extraordinarily effective mediators of intercellular membrane fusion, unique in their ability to initiate fusion even without prior interaction with the primary MHV receptor, a murine carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM). In considering the possible role of this hyperactive membrane fusion activity in neurovirulence, we discovered that the growth of JHM in tissue culture selected for variants that had lost murine CEACAM-independent fusion activity. Among the collection of variants, mutations were identified in regions encoding both the receptor-binding (S1) and fusion-inducing (S2) subunits of the spike protein. Each mutation was separately introduced into cDNA encoding the prototype JHM spike, and the set of cDNAs was expressed using vaccinia virus vectors. The variant spikes were similar to that of JHM in their assembly into oligomers, their proteolysis into S1 and S2 cleavage products, their transport to cell surfaces, and their affinity for a soluble form of murine CEACAM. However, these tissue culture-adapted spikes were significantly stabilized as S1-S2 heteromers, and their entirely CEACAM-dependent fusion activity was delayed or reduced relative to prototype JHM spikes. The mutations that we have identified therefore point to regions of the S protein that specifically regulate the membrane fusion reaction. We suggest that cultured cells, unlike certain in vivo environments, select for S proteins with delayed, CEACAM-dependent fusion activities that may increase the likelihood of virus internalization prior to the irreversible uncoating process.
Drawbeads in Sheet Metal Forming

Drawbeads are used to control the flow of sheet metal into the die cavity during stretch-draw forming of large panels. They prevent wrinkling in formed panels, reduce the blankholder force, and minimize the blank size needed to make a part. Drawbead restraining forces (pulling forces) and failure locations in the formed sheets are usually evaluated by using drawbead simulation tooling. In this article, a drawbead simulation apparatus is used to assess the influence of variation in material, bead penetration, and fric-tion conditions on the drawbead restraining force. Results from the test can be used as input for sheet metal forming simulation programs.
“What does this have to do with us?”: Pursuing Transformative Possibilities and Cultural Relevancy in a Social Foundations Teacher Education Course

Abstract In this article, I examine my teaching within a social foundations teacher educations course. Using the tenets of culturally relevant teaching and the concept of the teacher as transformative intellectual as both conceptual frame and instructional guide, this self-study delineates my attempt to match my beliefs about socially just forms of pedagogy with my practices. Throughout the course of the self-study, I argue that teacher educators have a responsibility to attempt to enact the forms of practice they hope future teachers will utilize. Because teacher educators traditionally have little control over the kinds of pedagogy experienced by pre-service teachers in field placements, the college classroom is the most viable site for practicing culturally relevant/transformative practices. Thus, if we want future teachers to create classrooms oriented around critical thinking skills, social justice, and civic action, these students must have at least some experience in such a classroom.
Ion Trap Electric Field Characterization Using Slab Coupled Optical Fiber Sensors

This paper presents a method for characterizing electric field profiles of radio frequency (rf) quadrupole ion trap structures using sensors based on slab coupled optical-fiber sensor (SCOS) technology. The all-dielectric and virtually optical fiber-sized SCOS fits within the compact environment required for ion traps and is able to distinguish electric field orientation and amplitude with minimal perturbation. Measurement of the fields offers insight into the functionality of traps, which may not be obtainable solely by performing simulations. The SCOS accurately mapped the well-known field profiles within a commercially available three-dimensional quadrupole ion trap (Paul trap). The results of this test allowed the SCOS to map the more complicated fields within the coaxial ion trap with a high degree of confidence as to the accuracy of the measurement.
Modeling of Glow Radiation in the Rarefied Flow About an Orbiting Spacecraft

An approach for modeling visible glow radiation about a spacecraft in low Earth orbit has been examined. A new technique for simulation of surface chemical reactions based on the direct simulation Monte Carlo method is used. The study focuses on the sensitivity of glow radiation to the gas-phase reaction model and surface reaction cross sections in the altitude range from 140 to 200 km. Comparison of predictions for different gas reaction cross sections and surface parameters is given with the Atmospheric Explorer data. It is shown that although the radiance is increased by a factor of two when a quasi-classical model is used, the altitude dependence of the predicted radiation is the same as that obtained using the total collisional energy model. Furthermore, it is found that the ine uence of the freestream NO concentration on the total radiation is small for altitudes up to 200 km. The main contribution is the formation of NO in bow-shock gas-phase reactions. Nomenclature A = preexponential factor in the Arrhenius expression B = temperature exponent in the Arrhenius expression Ea = activation energy Fnum = ratio of molecules to simulated particles fi = number e ux of the ith species Hs = heat of absorption I = radiation intensity k = Boltzmann constant, chemical rate constant kb = desorption rate M = chemical species Ni = number of collisions of species i with species j n = number density nT = total number of surface sites P = probability S = vacant surface site So = sticking coefe cient T = temperature v = relative velocity, gas velocity Wk = weighting factor of the kth species Zij = collision frequency of species i with j D t = time step r f 3, f 4 = cross sections for glow production r T = total collision cross section s l = radiation lifetime Subscript S = surface adsorbed species Superscript ¤ = electronically excited state
Mechanism of the tertiary amine-catalyzed dicyandiamide cure of epoxy resins

Infrared and NMR data on tertiary amine-catalyzed, dicyandiamide—epoxy resin (and model compound) systems have been utilized to elucidate the mechanism of the curing process. The early exothermic curing reaction is shown to be ring opening of the resin epoxy groups by dicyandiamide imino and amino anionic species, giving rise to N-alkyl cyanoguanidines; a minor amount of polyether formation also occurs at this time. After the exothermic reaction is essentially complete at <90°C., a slow, high temperature (110–200°C.) addition of hydroxyl hydrogen across the nitrile triple bond occurs, giving rise to an imino ether which then rearranges to the guanyl urea.
Is construct validity a problem of measurement or theoretical generalization? A reply to Malhotra

Abstract In this rejoinder, we respond to the criticisms offered by Naresh Malhotra concerning our article on the construct validity of Intrinsic Sources of Personal Relevance. We present our view of construct validity as a conceptual or theoretical problem involving the creation of scientific meaning (hypothetical constructs) and the generalization of that construct meaning. Then, we discuss 4 methodological issues raised by Malhotra, focusing on their relevance for making inferences about the meaning and generalizability of a hypothetical construct. We conclude by contrasting the measurement and theoretical generalizability views of construct validity, and we discuss the implications of each approach for conducting scientific research.
Environmental Education Programs for Preschool Children

Abstract Ongoing environmental education programs for preschoolers are scarce. Those that do exist tend to be affiliated with either early childhood education settings or environmental education settings. A study was done to locate ongoing environmental education programs for preschool children and to identify the nature and characteristics of such programs. A total of 12 programs were identified; 9 were included in this study. Two different approaches were used for data collection: site visits and a written survey. Findings suggest that ongoing early childhood environmental education (ECEE) programs, regardless of setting, tend to share many common characteristics. They also tend to serve primarily children from White, middleclass backgrounds.
A review of the use of ethyl glucuronide as a marker for ethanol consumption in forensic and clinical medicine

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a direct phase-II metabolite of ethanol formed through the UDP-glucuronosyl transferase catalyzed conjugation of ethanol with glucuronic acid. It has been detected in many antemortem and postmortem biological matrices using a variety of analytical methods. Due to its long urinary elimination time, detectability in hair, specificity for ethanol exposure, and low detection limits of assays, the use of EtG has been proposed as a marker of recent ethanol intake in a variety of clinical and legal settings, including medical monitoring for relapse, emergency department patient evaluation, postmortem assessments, and transportation accident investigation. However, challenges associated with factors such as establishing appropriate cut-off levels capable of distinguishing between drinking and nonbeverage sources of ethanol exposure, nonuniform laboratory reporting limits, sample stability, and microbial activity substantially complicate accurate interpretation of results. The following review briefly explores the history, utility, and limitations of EtG in contemporary medical and forensic practice.
Engineering anatomically shaped human bone grafts

The ability to engineer anatomically correct pieces of viable and functional human bone would have tremendous potential for bone reconstructions after congenital defects, cancer resections, and trauma. We report that clinically sized, anatomically shaped, viable human bone grafts can be engineered by using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and a “biomimetic” scaffold-bioreactor system. We selected the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar bone as our tissue model, because of its clinical importance and the challenges associated with its complex shape. Anatomically shaped scaffolds were generated from fully decellularized trabecular bone by using digitized clinical images, seeded with hMSCs, and cultured with interstitial flow of culture medium. A bioreactor with a chamber in the exact shape of a human TMJ was designed for controllable perfusion throughout the engineered construct. By 5 weeks of cultivation, tissue growth was evidenced by the formation of confluent layers of lamellar bone (by scanning electron microscopy), markedly increased volume of mineralized matrix (by quantitative microcomputer tomography), and the formation of osteoids (histologically). Within bone grafts of this size and complexity cells were fully viable at a physiologic density, likely an important factor of graft function. Moreover, the density and architecture of bone matrix correlated with the intensity and pattern of the interstitial flow, as determined in experimental and modeling studies. This approach has potential to overcome a critical hurdle—in vitro cultivation of viable bone grafts of complex geometries—to provide patient-specific bone grafts for craniofacial and orthopedic reconstructions.
Designing Clinical Trials in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have significantly evolved over the last decade. New outcome measures have been developed that have reduced the sample size requirement as compared with survival studies. There has been increasing recognition that dose-ranging studies are crucial to full evaluation of experimental agents. While the requirements of late stage trials have not changed, many new designs have been suggested for earlier phase development. While no design achieves the perfect balance of sensitivity and efficiency, clinical trialists continue to work toward the goals of smaller and shorter trials so that more compounds can be studied concurrently.
Femtosecond Studies of the Initial Events in the Photocycle of Photoactive Yellow Protein (PYP)

Primary photoinduced chemical events in the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a photoreceptor from the eubacterium Ectothiorhodospira halophila, have been probed by femtosecond pump-probe and anisotropy measurements. A transient absorption signal that relaxes with a bi-exponential decay ( T ~ = 760 fs and ‘t2 = 2.8 ps) has been observed for the first time (400 nm pump and probe), the anisotropy of which remains constant over more than 10 ps. Kinetic modeling of the pump-probe data suggests an inhomogeneous population in the ground and initial photoexcited states. Complementary molecular dynamics simulations have highlighted the importance of hydrogene bond dynamics in the primary isomerization event of the chromophore.
A Proposed Definition for the Thermal Efficiency of Glass‐Melting Furnaces

An unambiguous definition is proposed for the thermal efficiency of a fuel-fired, ohmically heated, or combination furnace melting a glass of any com- position.
Evidence of altered calmodulin immunoreactivity in areas 9 and 32 of schizophrenic prefrontal cortex

Abstract Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder. Previous studies have implicated the prefrontal cortex (PFC) [Harrison PJ. The neuropathology of schizophrenia a critical review of the data and their interpretation. Brain 1999;122:593–624; Jones LB. Recent cytoarchitectonic changes in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics. Frontiers of Bioscience 2001;6:E148–53]. Recent immunocytochemical studies have shown a dramatic decrease in MAP2 and neurogranin [Jones L, Johnson N, Byne W. Alterations in MAP2 staining in area 9 and 32 of schizophrenic prefrontal cortex. Psychiatry Research 2002;114:137–48; Broadbelt K, Pamprasaud A, Jones LB. Evidence of altered neurogranin immunoreactivity in areas 9 and 32 of schizophrenic prefrontal cortex. Schizophrenia Research 2006;87:6–14] a loss of either is suggestive of dendritic lesions [Li GL, Farooque M, Lewen A., Lennmyr F, Holtz A., Olsson Y. MAP2 and neurogranin as markers for dendritic lesions in cns injury an immunohistochemical study in the rat. APMIS 2002;108:98–106.]. Neurogranin is an upstream regulator of calcium and calmodulin [Prichard L, Deloulmes JC, Storm DR. Interactions between Neurogranin and Calmodulin in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry 1999;274:7689–94]. A direct action of this pathway is the phosphorylation of MAP2, which is required for microtubule stabilization. Because of the above findings as well as moropholigical alterations [Broadbelt K, Byne W, Jones LB. Evidence for a decrease in primary and secondary basilar dendrites on pyramidal cells in area 32 of schizophrenic prefrontal cortex. Schizophrenia Research 2002;58:75–81] we examined the expression of the active form of calmodulin in layers III and V of areas 9 and 32 in six controls and six schizophrenics matched for age, sex, and postmortem interval. Using area fraction analysis we quantified immunostaining and counted the number of immunopositive pyramidal cells and interneurons as well as immunonegative pyramidal cells. Area fraction analysis showed a significant decrease in immunostaining in area nine layers III (58%) and V (44%), area 32 layers III (51%) and V (32%). We found a significant reduction in the density of immunopositive pyramidal cells in area 9 (11%) layer III, (20%) layer V, area 32 (16%) layer III and (17%) layer V with no difference in immunopositive interneurons. These data suggest a loss of the active form of calmodulin with pyramidal cells being preferentially affected suggesting that the calcium calmodulin dependent pathway may be altered in the pyramidal cells in the PFC.
System-Level Energy Optimization for Error-Tolerant Image Compression

Based on the natural error tolerance of image and multimedia processing, aggressive voltage scaling has been considered for energy savings by trading off accuracy. However, aggressive voltage scaling in image compression may not reduce overall system energy consumption because of the reduction in the compression ratio. Based on the system-level analysis, we present an adaptive pixel and coefficient truncation technique to successfully reduce error rates so that we can achieve great energy savings without significant quality degradation. Our experimental results show that average energy savings of up to 40% can be realized at a trivial implementation cost.
A short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase from Vibrio vulnificus with both blue fluorescence and oxidoreductase activity

A dual function blue fluorescent protein from Vibrio vulnificus is also an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase, rendering it a useful tool for biophysical studies.
Selective and nonselective β‐blockade of the peripheral circulation

The effects of selective β1- as compared to nonselective β-adrenergic blocking drugs on the peripheral circulation have not been adequately investigated. Ten healthy subjects received placebo for 1 wk followed by 4 wk of either propranolol or metoprolol in equivalent but increasing doses each week. Subjects then crossed over to the other sequence of placebo and drug. Measurements of calf blood flow, mean blood pressure, and calculation of calf vascular resistance were obtained at rest, after three loads of supine exercise on a bicycle ergometer, and during isoproterenol infusion testing. At the doses chosen, both β-adrenergic blocking drugs induced equivalent decreases in exercise heart rate. Metoprolol lowered resting and exercise mean blood pressure at most doses, whereas propranolol had less of an effect on this variable. Neither drug altered resting or exercise calf blood flow or vascular resistance. More isoproterenol was required to increase the heart rate and decrease the vascular resistance during treatment with propranolol than with metoprolol. We conclude that in normotensive subjects metoprolol is somewhat more effective than propranolol in lowering mean arterial pressure during exercise when the drugs are given at doses equivalent in effects on exercise heart rate. Neither drug has a deleterious effect on calf blood flow or vascular resistance. Despite this, a marked separation between the vascular β2-adrenergie –blocking effects of these drugs can be demonstrated with an isoproterenol infusion indicating β2-adrenergic–receptor sparing by metoprolol. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1984) 35, 12–18; doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.2
Surface-Micromachined Dual Ka -Band Cavity Backed Patch Antenna

A dual Ka-band rectangular coaxial line fed cavity backed patch antenna fabricated by a sequential surface micromachining process with ten structural layers is presented in this letter. The antenna bandwidth is 4.1% around 36 GHz, with gain and radiation efficiency of 5.7 dBi and 95%, respectively. The lower band is characterized with 5.1% bandwidth around 28 GHz and a monopole-like radiation pattern with 5.1 dBi maximum gain. Analysis and design are conducted with a finite element code and good agreement with measurements is demonstrated.
Exercise, Neurotrophins, and Axon Regeneration in the PNS

Electrical stimulation and exercise are treatments to enhance recovery from peripheral nerve injuries. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and androgen receptor signaling are requirements for the effectiveness of these treatments. Increased neuronal activity is adequate to promote regeneration in injured nerves, but the dosing of activity and its relationship to neurotrophins and sex steroid hormones is less clear. Translation of these therapies will require principles associated with their cellular mechanisms.
TGF‐β1 and WISP‐1/CCN‐4 can regulate each other's activity to cooperatively control osteoblast function

Wnt-induced secreted protein – 1 (WISP-1), like other members of the CCN family, is expressed in skeletal tissues. Its mechanism of action remains unknown. Expression of WISP-1 was analyzed in human bone marrow stroma cells (BMSC) by RT-PCR. We identified two major transcripts corresponding to those of full length WISP-1, and of the splice variant WISP-1va which lacks a putative BMP/TGF-β binding site. To investigate the function of WISP-1 in bone, BMSC cultures were treated with recombinant human (rh)WISP-1 and analyzed for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. WISP-1 treatment increased both BrdU incorporation and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Considering the known functional synergy found between the TGF-β super-family and members of the CCN family, we next tested the effect of WISP-1 on TGF-β1 activity. We found that rhWISP-1 could reduce rhTGF-β1 induced BrdU incorporation. Similarly, rhTGF-β1 inhibited rhWISP-1 induction of AP activity. To explore functional differences between the WISP-1 variants, WISP-1 or WISP-1va were transfected into BMSC. Both variants could strongly induce BrdU incorporation. However, there were no effects of either variant on AP activity without an additional osteogenic stimulus such as TGF-β1. Taken together our results suggest a functional relationship between WISP-1 and TGF-β1. To further define this relationship we analyzed the effect of WISP-1 on TGF-β signaling. rhWISP-1 significantly reduced TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of smad-2. Our data indicates that full length WISP-1 and its variant WISP-1va are modulators of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and may be a novel regulators of TGF-β1 signaling in osteoblast-like cells.
Carcinogenicity of dietary dimethylnitrosomorpholine, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and dibromoethane in rainbow trout.

Eighteen-mo feeding trials of rainbow trout were used to test the carcinogenicity of 5 chemicals in this species. A single exposure level was used for each substance. The doses and chemicals tested...
Bacterial infection alters the kinetics and function of iNKT cell responses

CD1d-restricted Vα14 invariant NKT cells (iNKT) are innate-like, immunoregulatory lymphocytes that play critical roles in autoimmunity, tumor surveillance, and infectious disease. Although iNKT cells are activated during microbial infection, the impacts of infection on the function of iNKT cells have not been fully characterized. Using a Listeria monocytogenes (LM) infection model, we found that iNKT cells failed to expand after infection, resulting in prolonged loss in the spleen, in contrast to the typical expansion and contraction of conventional T cells. iNKT cells from LM-infected mice responded more rapidly to secondary LM infection; however, they became functionally hyporesponsive to antigenic challenge for at least 1 month. This infection-induced hyporesponsiveness was also induced by Mycobacteria infection and was more profound in LM-infected, thymectomized mice, suggesting that infection-primed iNKT cells might have altered functionality. Interestingly, activation with α-galactosylceramide-loaded dendritic cells was able to overcome infection-induced hyporesponsiveness of iNKT cells, suggesting a role for extrinsic factors in this functional deficit. Taken together, these findings suggest that infection affects iNKT cell responses quantitatively and qualitatively. As humans are under constant microbial insult, predictions of iNKT cell function based on naive animal models may not accurately reflect iNKT cell behavior in a clinical setting.
Interacting with steerable projected displays

When computer vision is combined with a steerable projector, any surface in an environment can be turned into an interactive interface, without having to modify or wire the surface. Steerable projected displays offer rich opportunities and pose new challenges for interaction based on gesture recognition. In this paper, we present real-time techniques for recognizing "touch" and "point" gestures on steerable projected displays produced by a new device called the Everywhere Displays projector (ED-projector). We demonstrate the viability of our approach through an experiment involving hundreds of users interacting with projected interfaces.
Formation of Identity in Wartime El Salvador: Protective and Harmful Factors

In a qualitative study of the effects of war on identity in rural postwar El Salvador, 11 interviews from data collected 3 years after the war were analyzed for social and individual identity factors. Subjects had been adolescents during the civil war. Prolonged war experiences, especially for those who became combatants at a very early age, had a negative impact on identity formation. Those who had the greatest identity problems felt a deep sense of betrayal, abandonment, and/or a general lack of trust. This included those who felt betrayed by their group, which in war consisted of an armed political one.
Role of Health Information Technologies in the Patient-Centered Medical Home

A national effort to reform primary care, known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), requires fulfillment of six standards determined by the National Committee for Quality Assurance to (1) enhance access and continuity, (2) identify and manage patient populations, (3) plan and manage care, (4) provide self-care and community support, (5) track and coordinate care, and (6) measure and improve performance. Information technologies play a vital role in the support of most, if not all, of these standards. However, given the newness of the PCMH, little is known on how health information technologies (HITs) have been employed to accomplish these objectives. This article will review the role of HITs, including electronic health records, web-based patient portals, telemedicine, and patient registries, with a focus on diabetes care, and how these technologies have been engaged in the establishment of the PCMH. In addition, we will discuss the benefits and potential risks and barriers to employing these technologies, including privacy and security concerns, as well as describe next steps for future work in this important area.
Statistical means for identifying hunter–gatherer residential features in a lithic landscape

Techniques are described for extracting circular rock features from landscapes dominated by clasts of the same type from which cultural features are composed, using as a test case a large stone circle residential site in western Wyoming, USA. Methods consist of point plotting all relevantly-sized culturally and naturally-deposited clasts in the field and identifying potential cultural features using point density analyses tools in ArcGIS. Potential rings are either accepted or rejected as cultural features by comparing clast frequency, density and distribution in internal, feature-ring, and external spatial buffers to ethnoarchaeological data recording stone circle size and morphology and to similar data generated from a control sample of off-site, naturally-occurring clasts. The results of the analysis are used to discuss group size, mobility type, and duration of site occupation and to explore problems of assessing such at surface archaeological sites resulting from palimpsest-type site formation processes.
Radiation balanced lasers

We present progress on a new approach to the problem of laser heating. The approach here is to design a quasi-three level laser system with minimal internal heat generation. This can be accomplished by reducing the excess power left behind during the absorption/emission processes needed for lasing.
Cosmetic Surgery: A Common and Accepted Form of Self-Improvement?1

The pursuit of beauty through alteration of physical appearance is a growing trend. Rates of cosmetic surgery have soared, suggesting that surgery is a common, acceptable solution to the desire for self-improvement. Despite indications that surgeries are increasing in frequency, there have been few empirical investigations about popular attitudes toward cosmetic surgery. In the present study, 302 female undergraduate students were surveyed. Approximately 3% of the sample had undergone cosmetic surgery themselves, and half knew at least 1 person among their friends and family who had undergone cosmetic surgery. As hypothesized, approval and reported future likelihood of cosmetic surgery were predicted by greater media exposure, greater vicarious experience of cosmetic surgery, and greater importance of appearance to self-worth. No significant differences among ethnic groups were found.