cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood and Later Life Stressors and Increased Inflammatory Gene Expression at Older Ages

Adverse experiences in early life have the ability to "get under the skin" and affect future health. This study examined the relative influence of adversities during childhood and adulthood in accounting for individual differences in pro-inflammatory gene expression in late life. Using a pilot-sample from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 114) aged from 51 to 95, OLS regression models were run to determine the association between a composite score from three proinflammatory gene expression levels (PTGS2, ILIB, and IL8) and 1) childhood trauma, 2) childhood SES, 3) childhood health, 4) adult traumas, and 5) low SES in adulthood. Our results showed that only childhood trauma was found to be associated with increased inflammatory transcription in late life. Furthermore, examination of interaction effects showed that childhood trauma exacerbated the influence of low SES in adulthood on elevated levels of inflammatory gene expression-signifying that having low SES in adulthood was most damaging for persons who had experienced traumatic events during their childhood. Overall our study suggests that traumas experienced during childhood may alter the stress response, leading to more sensitive reactivity throughout the lifespan. As a result, individuals who experienced greater adversity in early life may be at higher risk of late life health outcomes, particularly if adulthood adversity related to SES persists.
A mobility-based clustering approach to support mobility management and multicast routing in mobile ad-hoc wireless networks

In our proposed structure, mobile nodes are organized into nonoverlapping clusters which have adaptive variable-sizes according to their respective mobility. The mobility-based clustering (MBC) approach we are proposing uses a combination of both physical and logical partitions of the network (i.e. geographic proximity and functional relation between nodes, such as mobility pattern etc.)
Enhancement of systemic delivery of peptide drugs via ocular route with surfactants

The enhancement of systemic delivery of peptide drugs by absorption enhancers via ocular route was studied in the rabbits. The systemic absorption of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) was enhanced by 0.5% polyoxyethylene 9-lauryl ether (BL-9) and 0.5% polyoxyethylene 20-stearyl ether (Brij-78) for 11 fold and 10 fold, respectively. The enhancement of systemic delivery of somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by BL-9 (5.1 fold, 4.0 fold, and 5.3 fold, respectively) and Brij-78 (6.4 fold, 5.2 fold, and 5.8 fold, respectively) was about half of those of α-MSH. In all cases, the blood concentration of peptides reached the peak faster with BL-9 (in 5–20 min after drug instillation) than with Brij-78 (in 10–60 min after drug instillation). It is concluded that peptide drugs can be delivered systemically through the ocular route particularly when permeation enhancers are added to reduce the costs of the peptide drugs. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulation of apoA-I gene expression: mechanism of action of estrogen and genistein.

We have previously shown that 17-β-estradiol (E 2 ) and genistein increase the expression of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major protein component of HDL, in Hep G2 cells. To elucidate the mechanism mediating the increase in apoA-I gene expression by these compounds, plasmid constructs containing serial deletions of the apoA-I promoter region were generated. The smallest region maintaining response to E 2 and genistein spanned the -220 to -148 sequence, and the estrogen antagonist ICI182,780 completely inhibited the E 2 and genistein effect. Nuclear extracts from cells treated with E 2 and genistein showed increased binding to site B oligonucleotide (-169 to -146), and nuclear extracts from genistein-treated cells showed increased binding to an early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1) oligonucleotide compared to control cells. An increase in the concentrations of Egr-1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β was observed in nuclear extracts of cells treated with both compounds compared to control cells. Treatment with a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, but not with other inhibitors, abolished the stimulation of apoA-I gene expression by E2 and genistein. These results indicate that the MAP kinase pathway is involved in the regulation of apoA-I gene expression by genistein and E 2 , possibly through downstream regulation of transcription factors binding to the promoter region.
Subjects' initial therapeutic expectancies and subjects' awareness of therapeutic goals in systematic desensitization: A review

Analogue studies on systematic desensitization which manipulate subjects' therapeutic expectancies and subjects' awareness of therapeutic goals are reviewed. Studies on subjects' initial therapeutic expectancies are difficult to interpret because they do not independently assess the effects of their instructional manipulations on subjects' actual expectancies. Studies which manipulate subjects' awareness of therapeutic goals tend to consistently reveal significant instructional effects on behavioral and self-report measures of fear change. Alternative hypotheses to account for these findings are discussed. It is suggested that therapy set may interact with other method factors to facilitate exposure and/or habituation to the relevant CS (Conditioned Stimulus).
Alteration of CsAlSiO4 in hydrothermal fluids

Abstract CsAlSiO 4 , one of the hosts for the immobilization of Cs from nuclear wastes, altered extensively in solutions of low and high cationic activity under mild hydrothermal conditions which may be expected in a radwaste repository. For example, the CsAlSi0 4 phase changed to pollucite and chlorite in deionized water and 3 n MgCl 2 brine, respectively, releasing 1.3% to 98.6% of its Cs into solution at temperatures of 100–300 °C for 4 weeks under a confining pressure of 300 bar. These and earlier results indicate that under radwaste repository conditions pollucite is a stable phase but not the CsAlSiO 4 phase and, therefore, CsAlSiO 4 is not a good host for the immobilization of Cs from nuclear wastes.
CCMarketplace: a marketplace model for a hybrid cloud

A cloud computing platform focuses on provisioning and agility of computing resources to reduce cost and time. Cloud-based technologies can be used to facilitate the creation of a cloud computing marketplace where players can easily trade computing resources with comparatively less effort and cost than otherwise conducted in traditional marketplace. In this paper, we are describing one of such marketplaces, coined as CCMarketplace (Cloud Computing Marketplace). The focus will be on the contextual description, high-level constructs and negotiation models supported by this marketplace.
ANTIBODIES TO WHOLE-CELL OR RECOMBINANT ANTIGENS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI, ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM, AND BABESIA MICROTI IN WHITE-FOOTED MICE

Serum samples were obtained from white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in tick-infested areas of Connecticut during the period 2001 through 2003 and analyzed for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. Emphasis was placed on the evaluations of highly specific recombinant VlsE or protein (p) 44 antigens of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, respectively, in a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as testing sera with whole-cell antigens by conventional ELISA or indirect fluorescent antibody staining methods. Of the 414 mouse sera analyzed, 310 (75%) had antibodies to whole-cell B. burgdorferi, whereas 157 (38%) were positive to the VlsE antigen. The latter nearly equaled the overall antibody prevalence rate (37%) computed when sera were tested separately with the p44 antigen. Mice were exposed to these pathogens and B. microti (antibody prevalence = 25%) in extreme northern Connecticut as well as the southern coastal areas of the...
Fabrication of five-level ultraplanar micromirror arrays by flip-chip assembly

This paper reports a detailed study of the fabrication of various piston, torsion, and cantilever style micromirror arrays using a novel, simple, and inexpensive flip-chip assembly technique. Several rectangular and polar arrays were commercially prefabricated in the MUMPs process and then flip-chip bonded to form advanced micromirror arrays where adverse effects typically associated with surface micromachining were removed. These arrays were bonded by directly fusing the MUMPs gold layers with no complex preprocessing. The modules were assembled using a computer-controlled, custom-built flip-chip bonding machine. Topographically opposed bond pads were designed to correct for slight misalignment errors during bonding and typically result in less than 2 micrometers of lateral alignment error. Although flip-chip micromirror performance is briefly discussed, the means used to create these arrays is the focus of the paper. A detailed study of flip-chip process yield is presented which describes the primary failure mechanisms for flip-chip bonding. Studies of alignment tolerance, bonding force, stress concentration, module planarity, bonding machine calibration techniques, prefabrication errors, and release procedures are presented in relation to specific observations in process yield. Ultimately, the standard thermo-compression flip-chip assembly process remains a viable technique to develop highly complex prototypes of advanced micromirror arrays.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A class of universally optimal binary block designs

Abstract Consider block designs with block size of one less than the number of treatments. It is shown that a universally optimal design over the binary class always exists. The construction of these designs is simple. Optimality properties of these designs over the global class are discussed.
Logistic analysis of veterans' eligibility-status changes

Currently, the US Department of Veterans Affairs provides medical care to more than four million veterans across the nation. Given the limited resources and increasing demand, the US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration (VA) is required by law to ensure that veterans with similar economic status and eligibility priority have similar access to VA health care, regardless of where they reside. This study, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression techniques, examines the factors that affect veterans' eligibility-status changes. This study found that veterans' demographics are correlated with the likelihood of eligibility-status conversion. More importantly, this study concludes that eligibility-status changes have a geographic pattern. These findings are important and useful in planning workload, as well as improving equal access of health care.
Changing chromatin from the inside

Two new biophysical analyses of the folding behavior of model oligonucleosomal arrays have provided interesting new insights into how a histone mutation that mimics a chromatin remodeling activity and the incorporation of a histone variant into chromatin alter chromatin structure and function.
The Mesozoic and Cenozoic paleodrainage of South America: a natural history

Abstract The drainage history of South America, since its breakup and separation from Africa about 100 Ma, shows an exceptionally compelling and pervasive tectonic control that should be true of all the continents, disruption by continental ice sheets excluded. Virtually all of South America's present major drainage developed after its separation from Africa. First, broad domes and aulacogens affected rivers such as the lower Amazon, the Sao Francisco, Uruguay, Rio de la Plata and their tributaries, and the Colorado and Negro in Argentina. Later the Mid-Miocene uplift of the Andes greatly enlarged the Amazon system and also created the present Magdalena and Paraguay Rivers and most of the Orinoco System. Of all these the Amazon is unique in that its “Andean event” can be dated both at its headwaters and offshore. Of all the major South American rivers, the Parana seems to have the most perfect adjustment to structure, and probably developed after outpouring of the Serra Geral basalts in the late Cretaceous. Examination of the offshore record of South America's passive margin contributed significantly to this analysis, although megashears, plate convergence and impinging oceanic currents have destroyed the offshore record of many rivers. In this era of global geology the ages and paleodrainage of entire continents deserve far more attention from the geologic community than they have received.
Thermodynamic strength of the glassy state and the maximum enthalpy stored in the propylene glycol-D2O system

Abstract The glassy state of several concentrations of propylene glycol in D 2 O is presently characterized by enthalpy relaxation experiments. The existence of a lowest glass transition temperature T s has defined an utmost excess enthalpy that can be stored by the glass during cooling. Similar to the thermal behavior of the shear viscosity for liquids, these T s values are maximum for the binary system with compositions in the range 78–82% ( w / w ) propylene glycol in D 2 O, suggesting that these concentrations correspond to the strongest glasses, and provide a higher thermodynamic strength for these glasses. These glasses correspond also to the maximum excess enthalpy that can be stored by the glassy state during cooling. These concentrations present, however, an apparent minimum threshold stress to induce fracture nucleation in the glasses with the definition of a maximum mechanical fragility. The present results underline a problem in the definition of the thermodynamic and mechanical strength of the glassy state as an extension of the fragility definition for liquids.
Volatilization and Biodegradation of VOCs in Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)

Volatilization and biodegradation are major competitive volatile organic compound (VOC) removal mechanisms in biological wastewater treatment process, which depend on compound specific properties and system design/operational parameters. In this study, a mathematical model was used to determine major removal pathways at various organic loading rates (OLR), solids residence time (SRT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in a biological process for vinyl acetate. Model results showed that biological treatment process should be designed with long SRT, high OLR and low DO concentrations to maximize biodegradation and minimize volatilization of VOCs. Unless a VOC is toxic to microorganisms under the given conditions, low VOC emission rates are an inherent advantage of MBRs, which operate at higher OLR and longer SRT compared to conventional activated sludge process. A lab scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) was operated at varying OLR to investigate the relative volatilization and biodegradation rates for acetaldehyde, butyraldehyde and vinyl acetate. Synthetic wastewater containing three VOCs was introduced to the MBR. The DO concentration and SRT was maintained at 2.0 mg L− 1 and 100 days, respectively. The overall VOC removal rate was more than 99.7% for three VOCs at all the OLR. For vinyl acetate, the biodegradation rate increased from 93.87 to 99.40% and the volatilization removal rate decreased from 6.09 to 0.59% as OLR was increased from 1.1 to 2.0 kg COD m− 3 d− 1. It was confirmed that a MBR can be a promising solution to reduce VOC emissions from wastewater.
Analysis of chromosomal proteins of fractionated chromatin from rat liver and transplantable hepatocellular carcinomas.

The chromosomal proteins from a number of transplantable hepatocellular carcinomas (THC) induced by a single carcinogen or its derivatives and varying greatly in their growth rates were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Before extraction and analysis of proteins, chromatin from hepatomas, as well as from normal and regenerating liver was fractionated into rapidly and slowly sedimenting gradient components. Ten non-histone chromosomal proteins (NHCP) present in the tumors and ranging in molecular weight from 220,000 to 55,000, were absent from normal liver. Further, each rapidly growing tumor possessed more non-histone protein bands in the most rapidly sedimenting chromatin fractions than did corresponding, slowly growing tumor fractions. A number of single protein occurrences common only to normal liver and/or rapidly or slowly growing tumors were also found. In contrast, NHCP banding patterns of rapidly growing 70% hepatectomized rat liver were identical to those of non-dividing liver. Of particular interest was the finding that the prototypic “minimal deviation tumor” 9618A varied more in its NHCP-banding pattern when compared to liver than did those tumors which were rapidly growing and poorly differentiated. These studies represent an initial attempt at seeking NHCP which might be uniquely related to the malignant process.
Vanadate enhancement of the oxidation of NADH by O2-: effects of phosphate and chelating agents.

Abstract Vanadate markedly stimulates the oxidation of NADH by O 2 − . Both phosphate and Tris are inhibitory, but phosphate diminishes the greater inhibitory effect of Tris and thus gives the appearance of stimulating when added to Tris-buffered reaction mixtures. Chelating agents moderately increased the oxidation of NADH but eliminated the much greater catalytic effect of vanadate. Desferal was the most effective of the chelating agents, and could be used to titrate vanadate spectrophotometrically or in terms of the diminution of its catalytic activity. This permitted the demonstration that metavanadate or orthovanadate could form 1:1 complexes with desferal and that orthovanadate was the catalytically active species.
Ryanodine action at calcium release channels. 1. importance of hydroxyl substituents.

Ryanodine (1) and dehydroryanodine (2) have a polar face formed by cis-hydroxyls at C-2, C-4, C-6, and C-12. The importance of the hydroxyls to the action of 1 and 2 at the ryanodine receptor (ryr)...
Reduction of conjugated dienes in lung transplantation: effect of BN 52021.

Abstract Oxygen-derived free radicals have been identified as the mediators of tissue injury during reperfusion in organ transplantation. Lipid peroxidation of cell membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids, generating conjugated dienes (CD), is a toxicity of oxygen-derived free radicals. The CD structure in fatty acyl moieties was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography in samples of inferior pulmonary venous blood and pulmonary tissue to assess reperfusion injury and oxygen-derived free radicalmediated damage in a canine model of left lung allotransplantation. The cold ischemic preservation interval was 6 hours and the posttransplantation monitoring period was 6 hours. Twenty-eight size- and weight-matched adult male dogs underwent left lung allotransplantation and were randomized to receive pulmonary artery flush of modified Euro-Coilins (EC) (40 mL/kg) or university of Wisconsin (UW) (40 mL/kg) solutions alone or with the addition of the platelet-activating factor antagonist BN 52021 (10 mg/kg). When employed, BN 52021 was administered to donors 30 minutes before harvest and recipients 30 minutes before reperfusion. Left and right inferior pulmonary venous blood samples were obtained at baseline before transplantation and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after transplantation; tissue samples were obtained after euthanasia. Serum and tissue CD levels are expressed as mean fraction of the total hydroperoxide sample ± standard error of the mean. At 6 hours after transplantation, the EC group's (n = 7) CD fraction was 0.28 ± 0.03, whereas that of the EC + BN 52021 group (n = 7) was 0.12 ± 0.03 ( p p p p
Inhibitors of N-linked oligosaccharide processing glucosidases interfere with oligodendrocyte differentiation in culture.

Previous studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of glycoprotein processing glucosidases interfere with the development of oligodendrocyte properties in primary cultures of embryonic rat brain cells (Bhat, J Neurosci Res 20:158–164, 1988). The present study examines the effect of castanospermine, an inhibitor of the processing glucosidases, on the development and differentiation of isolated oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Treatment of oligodendrocyte progenitors with castanospermine did not affect the developmental progression of the precursors to become committed oligodendrocytes as revealed by comparable increases in the percentages of cells positive for galactocerebroside (a surface marker for terminally differentiated oligodendrocytes) in control and drugtreated cultures. On the other hand, there was an impairment of the expression of differentiated properties of oligodendrocytes [i.e., sulfolipid synthesis, myelin basic protein (MBP)] and 2′3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase in the drug-treated cultures. Immunocytochemical analysis with anti-MBP antibodies revealed a reduced number of MBP-positive cells in inhibitor-treated cultures. Furthermore, a majority of MBP-positive cells in such cultures displayed immunoreactive MBP in their cell body and not the processes, unlike in control cultures where both cell body and the processes of oligodendrocytes stained intensely for MBP. The strong inhibitory effect of castanospermine on the expression of oligodendrocyte-specific activities was contrasted with a relatively smaller effect of swainsonine, a mannosidase inhibitor on oligodendrocyte differentiation. Both castanospermine and swainsonine, however, effectively blocked the formation of complex-type oligosaccharides, suggesting thereby a lack of correlation between the inhibition of the formation of complex-type oligosaccharides and oligodendrocyte differentiation. It is suggested, therefore, that early trimming reactions involving the removal of glucose residues from the high mannose oligosaccharides in the endoplasmic reticulum may be essential for the cell surface localization and function of glycoproteins critically involved in surface interactions of oligodendrocytes with each other and/or with the substratum. Copyright © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Three-dimensional flow calculation by the method of characteristics.

Characteristic method computer program for calculating three-dimensional supersonic flow around blunt and pointed bodies of revolution in reasonable time
Carolina Bay geoarchaeology and Holocene landscape evolution on the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina

Surface water on the mainly dry, upland interfluves of the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina occurs currently as a sporadic distribution of shallow ponds held within Carolina bays and other small, isolated basins. At seven bays on the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site on the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina, we investigated Holocene changes in bay morphology, ecology, and prehistoric human activity. At Flamingo Bay, we employed archaeological survey and testing, shovel and auger testing, sediment analysis, and ground-penetrating radar to document stratigraphy and chronology of the sand rim on the eastern side of the bay. Artifact assemblage indicate changes in intensity of human use of the bay. Radiocarbon dates from a sediment core establish time scales for depositional processes at the center of the basin. Ground-penetrating radar data from the other bays indicate that the stratigraphy of all seven bays is broadly similar. We conclude that: (1) Significant modification of the bays, including rim development and basin infilling, occurred during the Holocene; (2) ponds on the early Holocene landscape were larger and more permanent than at present; (3) early Holocene climate, as indicated by both depositional processes and human activity, was not characterized by prolonged periods of extremely dry conditions; and (4) fluvial-centric models of terminal Pleistocene—early Holocene human adaptations require revision to include intensive use of isolated upland ponds. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Extracorporeal liver support: Cell-based therapy for the failing liver

It is perhaps self-evident to state that a liver support device is possible as long as the artificial organ provides liver function. This basic concept has received woefully little attention, mainly because "liver function" escapes precise definition. We have seen a variety of liver-assist devices that have little to do with liver function over the past 30 years. Recent work has focused on the liver as a biochemical reactor, rather than an excretory organ, and the paradigm has shifted away from blood purification and toward metabolic support. This new generation of devices includes viable liver cells, which provide the necessary biochemical function without needing to identify the numerous metabolic pathways necessary to support the patient with a failing liver. This approach is the most effective and least invasive method available with current technology, and it has yielded exciting data. Questions about the mass of cells required to provide adequate support, the timing and length of treatment, and the source of cellular material continue to be debated. Here we address theoretical and practical problems in developing an extracorporeal liver-assist device (ELAD) and suggest the future role of extracorporeal liver support in the management of liver failure.
Cyclic Nucleotide-Dependent Protein Kinases: Intracellular Receptors for cAMP and cGMP Action

Intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels are increased in response to a variety of hormonal and chemical stimuli; these nucleotides play key roles as second messenger signals in modulating myriad physiological processes. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cGMP-depen-dent protein kinase are major intracellular receptors for these nucleotides, and the actions of these enzymes account for much of the cellular responses to increased levels of cAMP or cGMP. This review summarizes many studies that have contributed significantly to an improved understanding of the catalytic, regulatory, and structural properties of these protein kinases. These accumulated findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which these enzymes produce their specific physiological effects and are helpful in considering the actions of other protein kinases as well.
Infrared detector requirements which drive cryogenic development

Abstract In recent years infrared detector technology has progressed from simple discrete detectors, which still represent the state-of-the-art at some infrared wavelengths, to large multiplexed two-dimensional arrays of detector pixels. This evolution has increased the heat load at the focal plane for the detector coolers. Also, there is an increasing move towards more electronics on the focal plane itself, and the cryogenic burden can be substantial. In this paper a number of different detector technologies aimed at various wavelength regimes will be discussed. Each of the devices has its own optimum operating temperature, and the heat load at that temperature is determined both by readout electronics and the infrared loading on the focal plane. In general, for lower noise readout operation using conventional FET first stage readouts, increasing the current (and therefore power) on the FET decreases the noise in the channel. For the lowest background observations this power is dominant. At higher infrared backgrounds FET noise is less important, but the optical power on the focal plane can become significant. Power and temperature requirements for a broad spectrum of detector types are surveyed and compared.
Origin of the piezoelectric effect in bone.

The piezoelectric effect was measured in samples of human bone and repeated with the same samples after either demineralization or decollagenation. The results indicate that at least part and possibly all of the piezoelectric effect found in whole bone arises from the organic component. The existence of two alternatives results from the unknown role of the collagen-mineral interface. In either case, bone mineral per se makes no contribution to the piezoelectric effect in bone.
Lateral diffusion of ganglioside GM1 in phospholipid bilayer membranes

The lateral diffusion coefficient of ganglioside GM1 incorporated into preformed dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles has been investigated under a variety of conditions using the technique of fluorescence photobleaching recovery. For these studies the fluorescent probe 5-(((2-Carbohydrazino)methyl)thio)acetyl) amino eosin was covalently attached to the periodate-oxidized sialic acid residue of ganglioside GM1. This labeled ganglioside exhibited a behavior similar to that of the intact ganglioside, and was able to bind cholera toxin. The lateral diffusion coefficient of the ganglioside was dependent upon the gel-liquid crystalline transition of DMPC. Above Tm the lateral diffusion coefficient of the ganglioside was 4.7 X 10(-9) cm2 s-1 (with greater than 80% fluorescence recovery). This diffusion coefficient is significantly slower than the one previously observed for phospholipids in DMPC bilayers. The addition of increasing amounts of ganglioside, up to a maximum of 10 mol %, did not have a significant effect on the lateral diffusion coefficient or in the percent recovery. At 30 degrees C, the lateral mobility of ganglioside GM1 was not affected by the presence of 5 mM Ca2+, suggesting that, at least above Tm, Ca2+ does not induce a major perturbation in the lateral organization of the ganglioside molecules. The addition of stoichiometric amounts of cholera toxin to samples containing either 1 or 10 mol % ganglioside GM1 produced only a small decrease in the measured diffusion coefficient. The fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments were complemented with excimer formation experiments using pyrene-phosphatidylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Five-year outcome of intraoperative conformal permanent I-125 interstitial implantation for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer

Purpose: To report the 5-year tumor control and toxicity outcomes for patients with localized prostate treated with I-125 permanent implantation using an intraoperative real-time conformal planning technique. Methods and Materials: Between January 1998 and June 2002, 367 patients with prostate cancer were treated with I-125 permanent interstitial implantation using a transrectal ultrasound-guided approach. Real-time intraoperative treatment planning which incorporated inverse planning optimization was used. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Results: The median V100 and D90 were 96% and 173 Gy, respectively. In 96% of cases a D90 of >140 Gy was achieved. The median urethral and rectal doses were 100% and 33% of the prescription doses, respectively. The 5-year PSA relapse-free survival outcomes for favorable and intermediate risk patients according to the ASTRO definition were 96% and 89%, respectively. In these patients no dosimetric parameter was identified which influenced the biochemical outcome. Of 38% who developed acute Grade 2 urinary symptoms, 63% had resolution of their symptoms within a median time of 6 months. The incidence of late rectal and urinary Grade 3 or higher toxicities were 1% and 4%, respectively. Seven percent ( n = 27) developed late rectal bleeding (Grade 2) and 19% experienced late Grade 2 urinary symptoms. Conclusion: Real-time intraoperative planning consistently achieved optimal coverage of the prostate with the prescription dose with concomitant low doses delivered to the urethra and rectum. Biochemical control outcomes were excellent at 5 years and late toxicity was unusual. These data demonstrate that real-time planning methods can consistently and reliably deliver the intended dose distribution to achieve an optimal therapeutic ratio between the target and normal tissue structures.
Lattice vibration of amorphous and disordered crystalline silicon

The disappearance of low-energy tunneling states in an amorphous solid discovered recently has shown that the amorphous structure is not their primary cause, as had previously been widely accepted. We have also found that the same tunneling states can be generated in crystalline silicon as the crystal structure is gradually disordered by Si+ and B+ ion implantation. Most strikingly, their number densities saturate at their characteristic level regardless whether the crystal amorphizes or not. It is concluded that the nature of the tunneling states, and the cause for their saturation density, should be explored in disordered crystals.
Neural activity and meal-associated drinking in rats

Rats were allowed to eat a meal (chow or cracker) of approximately normal spontaneous size either with or without water available. They were then sacrificed for measurement of either plasma renin activity (PRA) and gut contents at the end of the meal or Fos-immunoreactivity (FLI) in brain 1 h after the meal. PRA was doubled at the end of the meal relative to unfed controls, and this coincided with translocation of fluid into the gut. The supraoptic and magnocellular paraventricular nuclei showed meal-related FLI. The intensity of the FLI was related to meal size, and was less prominent in rats eating moist food. This study shows that normal-sized meals produce detectable changes in fluid parameters and activate brain locations known to be related to primary stimuli of drinking.
Fertility preservation in young women with epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of ovarian cancer consists of hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy. In young women, this results in the loss of reproductive function and estrogen deprivation. In the current study, the authors examined the safety of fertility-conserving surgery in premenopausal women with epithelial ovarian cancers. METHODS: Women aged ≤50 years with stage IA or IC epithelial ovarian cancer who were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were examined. Patients who underwent bilateral oophorectomy were compared with those who underwent ovarian conservation. A second analysis examined uterine conservation versus hysterectomy. Multivariate Poisson regression models were developed to describe predictors of fertility preservation. Survival was examined using Cox proportional hazards models and the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In total, 1186 women, including 754 women (64%) who underwent bilateral oophorectomy and 432 women (36%) who underwent ovarian preservation, were identified. Younger age, later year of diagnosis, and residence in the eastern or western United States were associated with ovarian preservation (P < .05 for all). Women with endometrioid and clear cell histologies and stage IC disease were less likely to have ovarian conservation (P < .05). In a Cox model, ovarian preservation had no effect on survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-1.20). Young age, later year of diagnosis, residence in the eastern or western United States, single women, mucinous tumors, and patients with stage IA disease were more likely to have uterine preservation (P < .05 for all). In a multivariate model, uterine preservation had no effect on survival (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.62-1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian and uterine-conserving surgery were safe in young women who had stage IA and IC epithelial ovarian cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Sequential stochastic core of a cooperative stochastic programming game

Abstract We introduce the concept of the sequential stochastic core of a cooperative stochastic programming game that strengthens the notion of the core of a cooperative deterministic game by requiring profit allocation to distribute actual profits, to maintain dynamic stable, and to distribute profits as earned. We also show that the optimal grand dual prices generate the profit allocations in the sequential stochastic core under regularity conditions.
Localization of the PIP2 Sensor of TRPV1 Ion Channels

Although a large number of ion channels are now believed to be regulated by phosphoinositides, particularly phosphoinositide 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), the mechanisms involved in phosphoinositide regulation are unclear. For the TRP superfamily of ion channels, the role and mechanism of PIP2 modulation has been especially difficult to resolve. Outstanding questions include: is PIP2 the endogenous regulatory lipid; does PIP2 potentiate all TRPs or are some TRPs inhibited by PIP2; where does PIP2 interact with TRP channels; and is the mechanism of modulation conserved among disparate subfamilies? We first addressed whether the PIP2 sensor resides within the primary sequence of the channel itself, or, as recently proposed, within an accessory integral membrane protein called Pirt. Here we show that Pirt does not alter the phosphoinositide sensitivity of TRPV1 in HEK-293 cells, that there is no FRET between TRPV1 and Pirt, and that dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons from Pirt knock-out mice have an apparent affinity for PIP2 indistinguishable from that of their wild-type littermates. We followed by focusing on the role of the C terminus of TRPV1 in sensing PIP2. Here, we show that the distal C-terminal region is not required for PIP2 regulation, as PIP2 activation remains intact in channels in which the distal C-terminal has been truncated. Furthermore, we used a novel in vitro binding assay to demonstrate that the proximal C-terminal region of TRPV1 is sufficient for PIP2 binding. Together, our data suggest that the proximal C-terminal region of TRPV1 can interact directly with PIP2 and may play a key role in PIP2 regulation of the channel.
New Class of Cargo Protein in Tetrahymena thermophila Dense Core Secretory Granules

Regulated exocytosis of dense core secretory granules releases biologically active proteins in a stimulus-dependent fashion. The packaging of the cargo within newly forming granules involves a transition: soluble polypeptides condense to form water-insoluble aggregates that constitute the granule cores. Following exocytosis, the cores generally disassemble to diffuse in the cell environment. The ciliates Tetrahymena thermophila and Paramecium tetraurelia have been advanced as genetically manipulatable systems for studying exocytosis via dense core granules. However, all of the known granule proteins in these organisms condense to form the architectural units of lattices that are insoluble both before and after exocytosis. Using an approach designed to detect new granule proteins, we have now identified Igr1p (induced during granule regeneration). By structural criteria, it is unrelated to the previously characterized lattice-forming proteins. It is distinct in that it is capable of dissociating from the insoluble lattice following secretion and therefore represents the first diffusible protein identified in ciliate granules.
Strain and Texture in Al-Interconnect Wires Measured by X-Ray Microbeam Diffraction

The local strain and texture in Al interconnect wires have been investigated using white and monochromatic x-ray microbeams on the MHATTCAT undulator beam line at the Advanced Photon Source. Intergrain and intragrain orientations were obtained with ~0.01 degree sensitivity using white beam measurements on wide Al pads (~100 Mu-m) and thin (2 Mu-m) Al wires. Orientation changes of up to 1 degree were found within individual grains of the (111) textured Al interconnects. Deviatoric strain measurements indicate small intragranular strain variations, but intergranular strain variations were found to be quite large.
Importance of the route of administration for genetic differences in benzo[a]pyrene-induced in utero toxicity and teratogenicity.

C57BL/6N (Ahb/Ahb) mice have a high-affinity Ah receptor in tissues, whereas AKR/J and DBA/2N (Ahd/Ahd) mice have a poor-affinity Ah receptor. The cytochrome P1-450 induction response (enhanced benzo[a]pyrene metabolism) occurs much more readily in Ahb/Ahb and Ahb/Ahd than in Ahd/Ahd mice, at any given dose of the inducer benzo[a]pyrene. Embryos from the AKR/J × (C57BL/6N)(AKR/J)F1 and the reciprocal backcross were studied during benzo[a]pyrene feeding of the pregnant females. Oral benzo[a]pyrene (120 mg/kg/day) given to pregnant Ahd/Ahd mice between gestational day 2 and 10 produces more intrauterine toxicity and malformations in Ahd/Ahd than Ahb/Ahd embryos. This striking allelic difference is not seen in pregnant Ahb/Ahd mice receiving oral benzo[a]pyrene. Pharmacokinetics studies with [3H]benzo[a]pyrene in the diet and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism in vitro by the maternal intestine, liver, and ovary and the embryos of control and oral benzo[a]pyrene-treated pregnant females are consistent with “first-pass elimination” kinetics and differences in benzo[a]pyrene metabolism by the embryos and/or placentas versus maternal tissues. In the pregnant Ahd/Ahd mouse receiving oral benzo[a]pyrene, little induction of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism occurs in her intestine and liver; this leads to much larger amounts ofbenzo[a]pyrene reaching her embryos, and genetic differences in toxicity and teratogenesis are manifest. In the pregnant Ahb/Ahd mouse receiving oral benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene metabolism is greatly enhanced in her intestine and liver; this leads to less benzo[a]pyrene reaching her embryos, much less intrauterine toxicity and malformations, and no genetic differences are manifest. More toxic metabolites (especially benzo[a]pyrene 1,6- and 3,6-quinones) are shown to occur in Ahd/Ahd embryos than in Ahb/Ahd embryos. In additional studies, no prenatal or neonatal “imprinting” effect in C57BL/6N mice by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or Aroclor 1254 on benzo[a]pyrene metabolism later in life was detectable. These genetic differences in intrauterine toxicity and teratogenicity induced by oral benzo[a]pyrene are just opposite those induced by intraperitoneal benzo[a]pyrene (Shum et al., '79; Hoshino et al., '81). The data in the present report emphasize the importance of the route of administration when the teratogen induces its own metabolism.
Visualization of Displacement Fields Generated by Axisymmetric Sources on an Elastic Half-Space

Different analytical methods have been used to study the waves generated by transient sources of finite extent. Methods have included: high-frequency approximations, Fourier superposition, linear superposition of the fields from elementary sources, and finite difference and finite element methods. Bresse and Hutchins [1] reported an exact analytical solution to an axisymmetric source on an elastic half-space, which is more numerically efficient compared with the previous methods.
The Worth of Long-Range Lightning Observations on Overland Satellite Rainfall Estimation

Lightning is a physical phenomenon that was excessively deified and feared for centuries. Even in the progressive minds of the ancient Greek society lightning was considered as the inescapable wrath of Zeus, seeking to punish mankind. It was in the dawn of the 1750’s when Benjamin Franklin, the American philosopher and inventor, brought the lightning phenomenon to human proportions by relating it with atmospheric electricity. Years later, in the beginning of the 20
Predictive negative value of persistent low Epstein-Barr virus viral load after intestinal transplantation in children.

BACKGROUND The correlation between an elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load in the peripheral blood and the subsequent development of EBV-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is the basis for strategies using serial measurements of the EBV viral load to guide preemptive therapy (PT). Neither the frequency, duration of monitoring, nor the predictive negative value of viral load monitoring for asymptomatic patients with persistent low or nondetectable viral loads against the development of PTLD has been established. METHODS Since April 1994, children undergoing intestinal transplantation (ITx) underwent serial monitoring of the EBV viral load in their peripheral blood using a quantitative competitive EBV polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR). Samples were obtained every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then every 1-3 months depending on the patients clinical condition. EBV viral loads > or =40 (for patients who were EBV seronegative pre-ITx) and > or =200 (for those who were seropositive) genome copies/10(5) peripheral blood lymphocytes were felt to identify patients at increased risk for PTLD and generally prompted PT. RESULTS A total of 30 ITx recipients were compliant with our monitoring protocol; 23/30 are alive 6-59 months post-ITx. A total of 12/30 never had a viral load >40 and did not receive PT. In contrast, 18/30 had > or =1 high viral load (> or =200); the first high viral load was measured a median of 59 days post-ITx (range 1-440). A late rise (>6 months post-ITx) was seen in only 2/18 children. A total of 0/12 patients with persistently low viral loads received PT and none developed PTLD. In contrast, 5/18 with > or =1 one high viral load (including 2/14 who received and 3/4 who did not receive PT) developed PTLD. All five children with PTLD were EBV seropositive pre-ITx and experienced their first high EBV PCR within the first 3 months after ITx. CONCLUSIONS The predictive negative value of persistently low or nondetectable EBV viral loads was 100% in this study. Patients with nondetectable or low viral loads for the first 6 months after ITx did not develop PTLD regardless of their pretransplant EBV serological status. The frequency of viral load monitoring can be safely decreased for patients whose viral loads remain low for the first 6 months ITx.
End-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during procedural sedation.

Objective: To prospectively determine whether end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) monitors can detect respiratory depression (RD) and the level of sedation in emergency department (ED) patients undergoing procedural sedation (PS). Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in an urban county hospital of adult patients undergoing PS. Patients were monitored for vital signs, depth of sedation per the physician by the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (OAA/S), pulse oximetry, and nasal-sample ETCO 2 during PS. Respiratory depression was defined as an oxygen saturation 50 mm Hg, or an absent ETCO 2 waveform at any time during the procedure. The physician also determined whether protective airway reflexes were lost during the procedure and assisted ventilation was required, or whether there were any other complications. Rates of RD were compared with the physician assessment of airway loss and between agents using chi-square statistics. Spearman's rho analysis was used to determine whether there was a correlation between ETCO 2 and the OAA/S score. Results: Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study. Forty (54.1%) received metho-hexital, 21 (28.4%) received propofol, ten (13.5%) received fentanyl and midazolam, and three (4.1%) received etomidate. Respiratory depression was seen in 33 (44.6%) patients, including 47.5% of patients receiving methohexital, 19% receiving propofol (p = 0.008), 80% receiving fentanyl and midazolam, and 66.6% receiving etomidate. No correlation between OAA/S and ETCO 2 was detected. Eleven (14.9%) patients required assisted ventilation at some point during the procedure, all of whom met the criteria for RD. Pulse oximetry detected 11 of the 33 patients with RD. Post-hoc analysis revealed that all patients with RD had an ETCO 2 >50 mm Hg, an absent waveform, or an absolute change from baseline in ETCO 2 >10 mm Hg. Conclusions: There was no correlation between ETCO 2 and the OAA/S score. Using the criteria of an ETCO 2 >50 mm Hg, an absolute change >10 mm Hg, or an absent waveform may detect subclinical RD not detected by pulse oximetry alone. The ETCO 2 may add to the safety of PS by quickly detecting hypoventilation during PS in the ED.