cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 143: Role of Chronic Kidney Disease Promoted Caspase-1 Activation in Neointimal Hyperplasia

The major cause of vascular access failure is venous stenosis due to neointimal hyperplasia (NH) [62]. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are critical for the development of NH lesions, as they have the ability to modulate their phenotype from “contractile” to a “synthetic” in the presence of uremia, through the regulation of sensor genes for uremia danger signals and VSMC-specific differentiation genes. Recent research indicates that Caspase-1 (casp-1) activation plays an essential role in sensing metabolic danger signal-associated molecular patterns[4] and initiating vascular inflammation. Therefore, the goal of this project is to examine the role of CKD-driven casp-1 activation in VSMC and CKD-related NH. We have established a CKD mouse model and published CKD-associated vascular remodeling. We exposed wild type and caspase-1 knockout mice to our CKD model, analyzed and quantified the NH lesion formed. We also examined in vitro and ex-vivo changes in VSMC-specific differentiation genes when exposed to uremic serum and cLDL, in the presence or absence of casp-1 inhibitor. We found that CKD serum induces with casp-1 activation and phenotypic changes in VSMCs from a “contractile” to a “synthetic” phenotype, which are reversed with casp-1 inhibition. In an ex-vivo model using relative quantification we found that VSMC contractile markers α -Actin, Calponin, SM-22, and Smoothelin gene expression of CKD mouse carotid VSMC were higher in casp-1 knockout mice when compared to wild-type (1.40, 1.28, 1.22, 1.41 respectively). Also using an in-vivo model, relative quantification of α-actin decreased from 1.0 to 0.329 when VSMCs were exposed to uremic serum and increased back to 0.588 when casp-1 inhibitor is added. The relative quantification of Calponin also decreased from 1.0 to 0.394 when exposed to uremic serum and increased back to 0.601 with caspa-1 inhibitor. We also found that casp-1 deficiency significantly reversed CKD-related vascular remodeling by reducing NH volume from 1,440,023.70 in wild-type mice to 71,069.97 μm2 in casp-1 knockouts (p-value 0.002). Our results provide a novel insight over the therapeutic potential of casp-1 inhibitors for CKD induced NH.
Column-Chromatographic Studies of Isoamylases in Human Serum, Urine, and Milk

Pancreatic and salivary isoamylases not discerned by a chromatographic method previously described have been detected by a modification of that method. Detailed analysis of the nature of these isoamylases and their distribution showed that the pancreatic type (P-type) and salivary type (S-type) isoamylases in pancreatic extract and saliva appear in normal urine along with an isoamylase of unknown origin (X-type). Normal serum could not be similarly studied because of the low amylase activity in such serum. However, the X-type isoamylase fraction was found in three hyperamylasemic sera, including one from a patient with lung carcinoma who produced S-type amylase. Study of 25 samples of human milk revealed high amylase activity and no detectable P-type; S-type components were found along with the X-type component. Parallel patterns of variation were found in human milk in two patients studied for six months postpartum. Salivary amylase and the S-type amylase in milk and in the serum of the patient with lung carcinoma and marked hyperamylasemia appeared to be similar, and may be identical.
Visually guided microassembly using optical microscopes and active vision techniques

Robust micromanipulation strategies are needed in order to overcome a potential technology barrier to the commercial development of complex microelectromechanical devices. In this paper we present experimental results that investigate the use of high resolution optical systems with controllable intrinsic and extrinsic parameters for microassembly applications. Results of two active vision strategies, depth-from-defocus and visual servoing, using an optical microscope are presented. Depth-from-defocus results indicate a repeatability of 8 /spl mu/m (just one order of magnitude greater than the wavelength of light) is achievable. Visual servoing results demonstrate visually servoed motion over large scales of motion with submicron repeatability has been achieved. The ability to servo over large scales is made possible by the use of a unique formulation of the image Jacobian for an optical microscope.
Novel PCR Assays Complement Laser Biosensor-Based Method and Facilitate Listeria Species Detection from Food

The goal of this study was to develop the Listeria species-specific PCR assays based on a house-keeping gene (lmo1634) encoding alcohol acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (Aad), previously designated as Listeria adhesion protein (LAP), and compare results with a label-free light scattering sensor, BARDOT (bacterial rapid detection using optical scattering technology). PCR primer sets targeting the lap genes from the species of Listeria sensu stricto were designed and tested with 47 Listeria and 8 non-Listeria strains. The resulting PCR primer sets detected either all species of Listeria sensu stricto or individual L. innocua, L. ivanovii and L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, and L. marthii without producing any amplified products from other bacteria tested. The PCR assays with Listeria sensu stricto-specific primers also successfully detected all species of Listeria sensu stricto and/or Listeria innocua from mixed culture-inoculated food samples, and each bacterium in food was verified by using the light scattering sensor that generated unique scatter signature for each species of Listeria tested. The PCR assays based on the house-keeping gene aad (lap) can be used for detection of either all species of Listeria sensu stricto or certain individual Listeria species in a mixture from food with a detection limit of about 104 CFU/mL.
Terrestrial Habitat use by Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata) in the Sierra Foothills

Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata) are endemic to western North America and are found in a diversity of aquatic habitats. To date, few studies have examined the ecology of populations in ephemeral or intermittent ponds. Here, we studied the terrestrial habitat requirements of Western Pond Turtles in an intermittent pond that dries in years with below-average rainfall. We tracked terrestrial movements of Western Pond Turtles in an ephemeral pond at the San Joaquin Experimental Range in Madera County, California, USA, in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We used radiotelemetry in 2012-13 to record their terrestrial locations and timing of departure from, and return to, the pond. Also, we examined the terrestrial microhabitat turtles selected for aestivation and overwintering. Turtles began leaving the pond as it dried in the late spring and early summer, spending an average of 235 d out of water, and their return to the pond was correlated with increasing rainfall during late winter. The majority of terrestrial locations were concealed completely in litter or duff and 95% of terrestrial locations during the study occurred within 187 m of the pond edge. Turtles in our study generally exhibited terrestrial habitat use similar to that of populations in intermittent lotic systems such as the many snow-melt and rain-fed rivers in northern California. Our results reinforce the importance of terrestrial habitat in the life history of Western Pond Turtles and the context-dependence of their habitat needs.
Active sugar transport in renal cortex cells: The electrolyte requirement

Abstract The electrolyte requirement for the active transport of α-methyl- d -glucoside, d -galactose, 2-deoxy- d -glucose and 2-deoxy-α-methyl- d -galactose was investigated using slices of rabbit kidney cortex: 1. 1. As compared with values obtained at [ Na + ] 0 = 0 , the presence of external Na+ (128 mM) increased the apparent v max of d -galactose transport without affecting the transport K m . 2. 2. The Na+ requirement for the transport of α-methyl- d -glucoside and d -galactose was not saturated at 128 mM Na+. Within the range of [Na+]0 25–128 mM, indications of a single Na+ entering a rate-limiting event in α-methyl- d -glucoside transport were found. 3. 3. A significant fraction of the d -galactose transport was found to be Na+ independent and insensitive to 2 mM ouabain. 4. 4. As compared with values obtained at [ K + ] 0 = 0 , the presence of 0.5–7 mM K+ activated the transport of α-methyl- d -glucoside and d -galactose; this K+ stimulation was saturated at [K+]0 1 mM and affected the v max , rather than the K m , of sugar transport. No such effect of [K+]0 on the transport of both 2-deoxyhexoses was observed. 5. 5. The absence of external Cl− had no effect on the transport of the four sugars tested. 6. 6. The absence of saline Ca2+ markedly depressed both the influx and the steady-state accumulation level of all four sugars tested; the efflux of d -galactose and 2-deoxy- d -galactose was accelerated. This Ca2+ stimulation of the sugar transport was saturated at [Ca2+]0 0.5 mM and affected the v max rather than the K m of sugar transport. The Ca2+ effect was found to be fairly specific for this ion: whereas Sr2+, Ba2+ and, to some extent, Mn2+ could replace Ca2+ in its effect on the sugar transport, Mg2+ and La3+ wer ineffective. 7. 7. The above results are discussed in relation to hypotheses put forward to explain the mechanism of the Na+-dependent nonelectrolyte transport in some animal cells. It is concluded that: (a) In kidney cortex cells, the presence of Na+ (external and intracellular) is not mandatory to bring about an active transport of 2-deoxyhexoses and also a fraction of galactose; (b) the K+ stimulation of sugar transport is related to the Na+ requirement for sugar transport; (c) Ca2+ stimulates a common step in the transport of all sugars tested.
An efficient hybrid model and dynamic performance analysis for multihop wireless networks

Multihop wireless networks can be subjected to nonstationary phenomena due to a dynamic network topology and time varying traffic. However, the simulation techniques used to study multihop wireless networks focus on the steady-state performance even though transient or nonstationary periods will often occur. Moreover, the majority of the simulators suffer from poor scalability. In this paper, we develop an efficient performance modeling technique for analyzing the time varying queueing behavior of multihop wireless networks. The one-hop packet transmission (service) time is assumed to be deterministic, which could be achieved by contention-free transmission, or approximated in sparse or lightly loaded multihop wireless networks. Our model is a hybrid of time varying adjacency matrix and fluid flow based differential equations, which represent dynamic topology changes and nonstationary network queues, respectively. Numerical experiments show that the hybrid fluid based model can provide reasonably accurate results much more efficiently than standard simulators. Also an example application of the modeling technique is given showing the nonstationary network performance as a function of node mobility, traffic load and wireless link quality.
The dynamics of dumb-bell galaxies

Des modeles theoriques sont presentes pour une classe particuliere de galaxies binaires (galaxies halteres) dans lesquels les 2 composantes de meme dimension sont en revolution sur des orbites circulaires a l'interieur d'une enveloppe commune d'etendue ajustable. Une serie d'equilibres sont construits pour ces sytemes, ces equilibres sont bases sur des fonctions de distribution qui ne dependent que du Jacobien de l'energie. La stabilite dynamique de ces modeles est ensuite exploree au moyen de simulations n corps
A path to 300 mm hybrid silicon photonic integrated circuits

We describe recent advances in hybrid silicon components and photonic integrated circuits. We present a path towards scalable, ultralow cost photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on 300 mm silicon substrates.
Tethered Coulomb Structures: Prospects and Challenges

A Tethered Coulomb Structure (TCS) consists of discrete spacecraft components being joined through a 3D network of physical tethers. The individual components are electrostatically charged to produce repulsive forces between the units. These Coulomb forces assure that the tethers are in tension at all times, and thus maintain a desired large but lightweight spacecraft structure. Coulomb forces are a very recent and novel method of performing relative spacecraft motion control. The spacecraft charge is regulated by emitting electrons or ions, and results in an essentially propellantless force generation method suitable for long-duration missions. The TCS is a new hybrid concept which exploits Coulomb forces to create an inflationary force across the cluster, while the physical tethers control the final spacecraft separation distances. The Coulomb force fields must be large enough to compensate for differential gravitational accelerations and orbital perturbations. A study of expected charge and performance levels is presented. To deploy a TCS, the tethered physical components are first released, and then the Coulomb force fields are engaged to maintain tension. By carefully increasing the tether lengths the TCS size and shape is controlled over time. The TCS concept is discussed. A tether length control concept to stabilize in-plane orientation is discussed using a simple 3D TCS concept.
Roles and regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase-2 in cellular and pathological processes

Our understanding of the functions of ceramide signaling has advanced tremendously over the past decade. In this review, we focus on the roles and regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), an enzyme that generates the bioactive lipid ceramide through the hydrolysis of the membrane lipid sphingomyelin. A large body of work has now implicated nSMase2 in a diverse set of cellular functions, physiological processes, and disease pathologies. We discuss different aspects of this enzyme's regulation from transcriptional, post-translational, and biochemical. Furthermore, we highlight nSMase2 involvement in cellular processes including inflammatory signaling, exosome generation, cell growth, and apoptosis, which in turn play important roles in pathologies such as cancer metastasis, Alzheimer's disease, and other organ systems disorders. Lastly, we examine avenues where targeted nSMase2-inhibition may be clinically beneficial in disease scenarios.
Cleft palate classification

Abstract 1. The present system of classification is inadequate for the needs of the prosthodontist. 2. The suggested classification will cover the following points including the one point covered by the previous classifications: (1) the anteroposterior extent of the cleft, (2) the relative width of the cleft in the soft palate, (3) mobility of the lateral border tissues, and (4) lift of the lateral border tissues.
Perichondrial expression of Wdr5 regulates chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Wdr5 is developmentally expressed in osteoblasts and is required for osteoblast differentiation. Mice overexpressing Wdr5 under the control of the mouse α(1)I collagen promoter (Col I-Wdr5) display accelerated osteoblast differentiation as well as accelerated chondrocyte differentiation, suggesting that overexpression of Wdr5 in osteoblasts affects chondrocyte differentiation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which overexpression of Wdr5 in the perichondrium regulates chondrocyte differentiation, studies were undertaken using skeletal elements and cultured metatarsals isolated from wild-type and Col I-Wdr5 embryos. FGF18 mRNA levels were decreased in Col I-Wdr5 humeri. Furthermore, local delivery of FGF18 to the bone collar of ex vivo cultures of metatarsals attenuated the chondrocyte phenotype of the Col I-Wdr5 metatarsals. Impairing local FGF action in wild-type metatarsals resulted in a chondrocyte phenotype analogous to that of Col I-Wdr5 metatarsals implicating impaired FGF action as the cause of the phenotype observed. The expression of Twist-1, which regulates chondrocyte differentiation, was increased in Col I-Wdr5 humeri. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that Wdr5 is recruited to the Twist-1 promoter. These findings support a model in which overexpression of Wdr5 in the perichondrium promotes chondrocyte differentiation by modulating the expression of Twist-1 and FGF18.
Bounded Confidence Opinion Dynamics in a Social Network of Bayesian Decision Makers

Bounded confidence opinion dynamics model the propagation of information in social networks. However, in the existing literature, opinions are only viewed as abstract quantities without semantics rather than as part of a decision-making system. In this work, opinion dynamics are examined when agents are Bayesian decision makers that perform hypothesis testing or signal detection, and the dynamics are applied to prior probabilities of hypotheses. Bounded confidence is defined on prior probabilities through Bayes risk error divergence, the appropriate measure between priors in hypothesis testing. This definition contrasts with the measure used between opinions in standard models: absolute error. It is shown that the rapid convergence of prior probabilities to a small number of limiting values is similar to that seen in the standard Krause-Hegselmann model. The most interesting finding in this work is that the number of these limiting values and the time to convergence changes with the signal-to-noise ratio in the detection task. The number of final values or clusters is maximal at intermediate signal-to-noise ratios, suggesting that the most contentious issues lead to the largest number of factions. It is at these same intermediate signal-to-noise ratios at which the degradation in detection performance of the aggregate vote of the decision makers is greatest in comparison to the Bayes optimal detection performance. Real-world data from the United States Senate is examined in connection with the proposed model.
MR in the far field: From mode transformation and holography to quasi-optics

Fundamental properties of holography such as storage, recall and matched filtering, arising out of momentum matching considerations of the propagating excitation fields, have been experimentally demonstrated for the first time in MR. As the wavelength of the MR scanner becomes commensurate or smaller than the geometrical thickness of the sample, new phenomena common in quantum optics but hitherto unknown in MR. Far-field concept such as interference and diffraction, will become prevalent with the use of propagating excitation fields in MRI. This realization of holographic principles in MR can be fruitful in designing MR imaging and spectroscopic techniques such as phase conjugate imaging for correcting image distortions caused by field inhomogeneities, as well as new spatial encoding schemes based on a holographic grating encoding. In addition, it has potential to lead to new concepts for information storage and processing at MR frequencies. For example, the use of convolution operations opens the possibility of applying spectral filters directly to the hologram as part of the readout while holographic recording has the potential to increase resolution in MR limited only by the fringe spacing and T2 of the sample. Our analysis shows that for a Larmor frequency of 300 MHz in a 7.0 T whole-body scanner, traveling wave modes in dielectric samples within the range of biological tissues can be sufficient to support imaging of the body parts. The modes diversity depends on the tissue efficient diameter, relative permittivity, conductivity, and the Larmor frequency. The imaging contrast will depend on the particular modes that have been excited in the tissue. A more complicated case of heterogeneous axial symmetric dielectric can be also analyzed using effective permittivity with our approach of mode transformation.
The coupling of Marangoni and capillary instabilities in an annular thread of liquid

It is shown that the coupling of the Marangoni and capillary instabilities in an annular thread of liquid heated along its axis can give rise to traveling waves. It is also shown that the coupling of both instabilities is not able to stabilize capillary breakup. However, the capillary breakup can be stabilized by a temperature-dependent surface tension, with Ma(0) less than 0.
Career longevity: A survey of experienced professional music therapists

Abstract The research cites numerous reasons why music therapists leave the field. Few studies, however, examined reasons why music therapists persist in the field. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify knowledge and skills that experienced professionals perceived as important. Music therapists with a minimum of 5 years of professionals experience were selected randomly from the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) membership. Two hundred thirty-one music therapists with 10–15, 16–20, and 21 or more years of professionals experience participated in this study. They were asked to rate the importance the AMTA Professionals Competencies today as compared with when they entered the profession. Additionally, the respondents were asked to indicate reasons for remaining in the field, and the traits of a good music therapist. The results of the study indicated that taken collectively, there was no significant difference between today and at entry ratings of the competencies. However, individual questions were significant in a number of instances.
Custom-designed orthopedic implants evaluated using finite element analysis of patient-specific computed tomography data: femoral-component case study

Conventional knee and hip implant systems have been in use for many years with good success. However, the custom design of implant components based on patient-specific anatomy has been attempted to overcome existing shortcomings of current designs. The longevity of cementless implant components is highly dependent on the initial fit between the bone surface and the implant. The bone-implant interface design has historically been limited by the surgical tools and cutting guides available; and the cost of fabricating custom-designed implant components has been prohibitive. This paper describes an approach where the custom design is based on a Computed Tomography scan of the patient's joint. The proposed design will customize both the articulating surface and the bone-implant interface to address the most common problems found with conventional knee-implant components. Finite Element Analysis is used to evaluate and compare the proposed design of a custom femoral component with a conventional design. The proposed design shows a more even stress distribution on the bone-implant interface surface, which will reduce the uneven bone remodeling that can lead to premature loosening. The proposed custom femoral component design has the following advantages compared with a conventional femoral component. (i) Since the articulating surface closely mimics the shape of the distal femur, there is no need for resurfacing of the patella or gait change. (ii) Owing to the resulting stress distribution, bone remodeling is even and the risk of premature loosening might be reduced. (iii) Because the bone-implant interface can accommodate anatomical abnormalities at the distal femur, the need for surgical interventions and fitting of filler components is reduced. (iv) Given that the bone-implant interface is customized, about 40% less bone must be removed. The primary disadvantages are the time and cost required for the design and the possible need for a surgical robot to perform the bone resection. Some of these disadvantages may be eliminated by the use of rapid prototyping technologies, especially the use of Electron Beam Melting technology for quick and economical fabrication of custom implant components.
UNUSUAL MOTILITY OF TUBE‐DWELLING PENNATE DIATOMS1

SUMMARY Several species of tube-dwelling, pennate diatoms present in salt marshes adjoining Sapelo Island, Georgia, possessed previously undescribed types of motility. The tubes penetrated into the sediment, permitting the diatoms to retreat from the sediment surface in response to stimuli. Cells of Nitzschia ob-tusa withdrew down their lubes at 120 to 240 ^jsec. Colonies of Frustulia asymmetrica withdrew at 44 to 500 μ/sec, with the cells remaining motionless relative to the tube. Tubes containing colonies of Gyro-sigma scalproides var. eximia and a Navicula sp. moved slowly into or out of the sediment.
The long quest for neonatal screening for severe combined immunodeficiency

Early recognition of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a pediatric emergency because a diagnosis before live vaccines or nonirradiated blood products are given and before development of infections permits lifesaving unfractionated HLA-identical or T cell–depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy, or gene therapy. The need for newborn screening for this condition has been recognized for the past 15 years. However, implementation of screening required development of an assay for T-cell lymphopenia that could be performed on dried bloodspots routinely collected from newborn infants for the past 48 years. This was accomplished 6 years ago, and there have already been 7 successful pilot studies. A recommendation to add SCID to the routine newborn-screening panel was approved by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders of Newborns and Children in 2010 and was soon after approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It is important for allergists, immunologists, and other health care providers to take an active role in promoting newborn screening for SCID and other T-lymphocyte abnormalities in their states. Even more important will be their roles in establishing accurate diagnoses for infants with positive screen results and in ensuring that they are given the best possible treatment.
Approaches to the aging face in African American patients.

African American patients and other patients of color are seeking cosmetic surgery in increasing numbers. The surgeon’s understanding of the different nuances of the aging process and modified surgical approaches to this population will ensure the best results. This article discusses the author’s thoughts on facial rejuvenation in patients of color. The literature on medical and surgical approaches to the aging face in African American patients is scarce. This is because of several factors, including a perceived lack of interest in cosmetic procedures by this population, lack of personal experience and expertise by physicians, and the relatively few African American practitioners in the cosmetic field. These perceptions are fueled by the belief that most—if not all—African American patients develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. Despite this fact, recent trends demonstrate a growing interest in cosmetic procedures by African American men and women. The changing demographics of the United States supports the continued need for research and development in this area. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, by the year 2050 the majority of Americans will be people of color. It is therefore important that facial plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and dermatologists have a better understanding of the differences, similarities, and desires of this growing population of patients.
Analysis of twelve specially doped lithium niobate crystals

Twelve lithium niobate crystals doped with Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Rh, Tb, Fe:Ce, Fe:Cr, and Fe:Mn have been grown and tested. The transmission spectra and dark conductivity of the crystals are presented. Holograms have been written in each of the crystals with wavelengths from 457 nm to 671 nm. The quality and stability of the holograms vary dramatically among the crystals. The properties of the holograms and a comparison of sensitivities between the crystals are discussed.
A Comparison of Two Equipercentile Equating Methods for Common Item Equating

Two general procedures have been suggested for equating form X to form Y when an internal anchor test V with nonequivalent groups is used. In one method, X is equated to V by using equipercentile equating on one group of examinees. Then V is equated to Y by employing equipercentile equating on the other group of examinees. From these two equatings one can arrive at an equating of X to Y. This procedure is referred to in this paper as the Design V (Angoff, 1984) method. The second method is referred to as the frequency estimation method. The frequency estimation procedure requires consideration of the joint X, V frequency distribution for one examinee group and the joint Y, V frequency distribution for the other examinee group. The Design V method requires consideration of only the marginal distributions. Braun and Holland (1982, pp. 39-42) indicated that there are theoretical problems with the Design V method. However, the data requirements for the Design V method are many fewer than those for the frequen...
Verifying entanglement in the Hong-Ou-Mandel dip

The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference dip is caused by an entangled state, a delocalized biphoton state. We propose a method of detecting this entanglement by utilizing inverse Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, while taking into account vacuum and multiphoton contaminations, phase noise, and other imperfections. The method uses just linear optics and photodetectors, and for single-mode photodetectors we find a lower bound on the amount of entanglement.
Attenuation of astrocyte activation by TAT-mediated delivery of a peptide JNK inhibitor.

Abstract Astrocyte activation contributes to the brain's response to disease and injury. Activated astrocytes generate harmful radicals that exacerbate brain damage including nitric oxide, peroxides and superoxides. Furthermore, reactive astrocytes hinder regeneration of damaged neural circuits by secreting neuro-developmental inhibitors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which physically block growth cone extension. Therefore, targeted therapeutic strategies to limit astrocyte activation may enhance recovery from many neurodegenerative states. Previously, we demonstrated that the HIV-1 TAT cell-penetrating peptide, a short non-toxic peptide from the full-length TAT protein, delivered a protein cargo to astrocytes in a process dependent on cell-surface GAG. Since activated astrocytes produce GAG, in this study we tested whether TAT could transduce activated astrocytes, deliver a biologically active cargo, and produce a physiological effect. Astrocyte activation was induced by IL-1β, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ...
MATERNAL-FETAL TRANSMISSION OF HIV IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA: IMPACT OF PERINATAL ZIDOVUDINE (ZDV) USE. • 638

Objectives. To evaluate the rate of vertical transmission of HIV in southeastern Virginia for the past 7.5 years and to determine the impact of ZDV use as recommended by the CDC on the vertical transmission rate since July, 1994. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify demographic, diagnostic, and ZDV use information in mother/infant pairs treated at a regional multidisciplinary maternal-child HIV clinic. A case was defined as an infant born to a known HIV infected mother between 1/1/88 and 8/31/95. Study children were stratified by the timing of exposure to ZDV: during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and/or during the neonatal period. An infant was considered infected if one test detected HIV DNA by PCR after six weeks of age, and uninfected if there was one negative HIV DNA by PCR test after six weeks of age. Results. One hundred twenty-six children met study criteria. 54% were female and 46% were male. 86% were African American, 11% Caucasian, 2% Latino, and 1% American Indian. 18 of 24 (75%) infants born since July, 1994 received prophylactic treatment with ZDV as recommended. 3 of 18 (17%) were infected and 3 (17%) were indeterminant. 19 of 75 (25%) infants born with no perinatal ZDV exposure were infected (p =.13) and 3 (4%) were lost to follow-up. 2 of 20 (10%) infants with ZDV exposure only during pregnancy (p = 12); and 2 of 9 (22%) infants exposed at other times were infected. 15 of 43 (35%) infants were infected when the mothers' CD4 counts were 500 (p =.046).Conclusions. The HIV vertical transmission rate of 25% in our region was similar to the national experience. The vertical transmission rate of 17% despite prophylactic use of ZDV is higher than expected. Further study is needed to determine the impact of prophylactic ZDV on vertical transmission in HIV infected women with symptomatic HIV infection and to address problems with compliance in the treated population.
Absorption coefficients of sulfur dioxide microwave rotational lines

Abstract New calculations of the absorption coefficients of the rotational transitions of 32S16O2 are given for all energy levels up to J = 50 and frequencies less than 200 GHz. A spectrometer incorporating a semiconfocal Fabry-Perot resonant cavity and operating in the vicinity of 70 GHz is described. The calculated absorption coefficients are compared to measured values obtained with this spectrometer and to existing measurements over the frequency range 26–40 GHz. The results obtained are in general agreement to within 5–10%. A detailed knowledge of the absorption coefficient behavior as a function of frequency is of particular interest in the development of high-sensitivity SO2 monitors, and in investigations of the kinetics of fast chemical reactions.
A case study in the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies

Objective: To describe the assessment and treatment of an elderly woman with parkinsonism, progressive memory and cognitive deficits, and visual hallucinations. Method: The patient presented with a 10-year history of hand tremors, an 8-year history of short-term memory problems, and a 3–4-year history of visual hallucinations. Treatment with donepezil and rivastigmine (successively) did not produce the desired benefits. Then she was started on galantamine 4 mg b.i.d. (escalated to 8 mg b.i.d.). Results: The patient's social interaction improved and cognitive decline appeared to be stabilized; hallucinations and agitation were also better controlled. Conclusion: By current criteria, this subject would be labeled as having Parkinson's disease with dementia, although she exhibited the core features of dementia with Lewy body disease. As suggested in previous studies, cholinesterase inhibitors may be effective in treating psychotic symptoms; however, all currently available agents may not be equally effective.
A myeloid cell-binding adenovirus efficiently targets gene transfer to the lung and escapes liver tropism.

Specific and efficient gene delivery to the lung has been hampered by liver sequestration of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors. The complexity of Ad5 liver tropism has largely been unraveled, permitting improved efficacy of Ad5 gene delivery. However, Kupffer cell (KC) scavenging and elimination of Ad5 still represent major obstacles to lung gene delivery strategies. KC uptake substantially reduces bioavailability of Ad5 for target tissues and compensatory dose escalation leads to acute hepatotoxicity and a potent innate immune response. Here we report a novel lung-targeting strategy through redirection of Ad5 binding to the concentrated leukocyte pool within the pulmonary microvasculature. We demonstrate that this leukocyte-binding approach retargets Ad5 specifically to lung endothelial cells and prevents KC uptake and hepatocyte transduction, resulting in 165 000-fold enhanced lung-targeting, compared to Ad5. Additionally, myeloid cell-specific binding is preserved in single cell lung suspensions and only Ad.MBP-coated myeloid cells achieved efficient endothelial cell transduction ex vivo. These findings demonstrate that KC sequestration of Ad5 can be prevented through more efficient uptake of virions in target tissues and suggest endothelial transduction is achieved by leukocyte-mediated “hand-off” of Ad.
Improving Mill Energy Efficiency

Fuel and power costs are continuously increasing, and virtually all manufacturing facilities are looking for relief. This article describes a retrofit project in a 1980 vintage market pulp mill, the purpose of which was to improve mill energy efficiency at a minimum cost without disrupting or modifying the existing operations. Many pulp and paper mills, particularly in the southeastern united states, can produce significant and sometimes even excess steam. This steam is used for the process needs and area heating and, particularly in mills constructed before the mid 1980s, to power mechanical drive turbines for large variable-speed loads. The advent of reliable and competitively priced electric adjustable frequency drives (AFDs) has provided an alternative to turbine drives and thus presents a choice for new mill designers as well as for personnel involved in optimization of existing, somewhat older, facilities.
The early history of B cells

The separate development of functionally intertwined lineages of lymphocytes known as B cells and T cells is now recognized as a fundamental organizing principle of the adaptive immune system in all vertebrates. Immunologists strive to define the different sublineages of the clonally diverse B cells and T cells, how they interact with each other and how they interact with innate lymphoid cells and other elements of the innate immune system to counter infections, cancer and the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. On the 50th anniversary of the recognition of B cells as a discrete cell lineage, this Timeline article recounts some of the milestones marking the development of the concept that B cells are a functionally and developmentally distinct arm of the adaptive immune system.
Synthesis, structure and solid state polymerization of diaquabis(propynoato)magnesium

Abstract Upon irradiation with X-rays or 60Co γ-rays, diaquabis(propynoato)magnesium (5) is converted to the corresponding deep brown polypropynoate. The crystal structure of 5 contains an infinite set of short contacts (3.698 A) between nearly parallel acetylene moieties; the presence of such a chain is a requirement for a propynoate material to be sensitive to ionizing radiation. Crystals of 5, Mg(O2CCCH)2(OH2)2, belong to the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca, a=6.901(2), b=16.134(3), c=7.391(2) A, Z=4. Full-matrix least-squares refinement of positional and displacement parameters for all atoms, using 888 data for which |Fo|⩽3.92σ|Fo| led to R=0.035; Rw=0.049.
Elastic surface registration by parameterization optimization in spectral space

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a novel method to register 3D surfaces. Given two surface meshes, we formulate the registration as a problem of optimizing the parameterization of one mesh for the other. The optimal parameterization of the mesh is achieved in two steps. First, we find an initial solution close to the optimal solution. Second, we elastically modify the parameterization to minimize the cost function. The modification of the parameterization is expressed as a linear combination of a relatively small number of low-frequency eigenvectors of an appropriate mesh Laplacian. The minimization of the cost function uses a standard nonlinear op timization procedure that determines the coefficients of the linear combination. Constraints are added so that the parame terization validity is preserved during the optimization. The proposed method extends parametric regist ration of 2D images to the domain of 3D surfaces. This method is generic and capable of elastically registering surfaces wi th arbitrary geometry. It is also very efficient and can be fully automatic. We believe that this paper for the first time introduces eigenvectors of mesh Laplacians into the problem of surface registration. We have conducte d experiments using real meshes that represen t human cortical surfaces and the results are promising. Keywords: Surface registration, surface parameterization, 3D mesh, mesh Laplacian, optimization, cortical surface, spectral space
HEPARIN-BINDING EGF-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR PROMOTES EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION IN HUMAN KERATINOCYTES

We have shown that autocrine proliferation of human keratinocytes (KCs) is strongly dependent upon amphiregulin (AREG), whereas blockade of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) inhibits KC migration in scratch wound assays. Here we demonstrate that expression of soluble HB-EGF (sHB-EGF) or full-length transmembrane HB-EGF (proHB-EGF), but not proAREG, results in profound increases in KC migration and invasiveness in monolayer culture. Coincident with these changes, HB-EGF significantly decreases mRNA expression of several epithelial markers including keratins 1, 5, 10, and 14 while increasing expression of markers of cellular motility including SNAI1, ZEB1, COX-2, and MMP1. Immunostaining revealed HB-EGF-induced expression of the mesenchymal protein vimentin and decreased expression of E-cadherin, as well as nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Suggestive of a trade-off between KC motility and proliferation, overexpression of HB-EGF also reduced KC growth by >90%. We also show that HB-EGF is strongly induced in regenerating epidermis after partial-thickness wounding of human skin. Taken together, our data suggest that expression of HB-EGF in human KCs triggers a migratory and invasive phenotype with many features of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may be beneficial in the context of cutaneous wound healing.
Cooperation and Conflict in South Asia

The forces of cooperation are overshadowed by those of conflict in south Asia mainly because of the tenor of domestic politics of the region. The central argument of the study is that regimes in South Asia respond to political challenges both domestic and external in a fashion not conducive to the growth of regionalism.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Although many advances have been achieved in the understanding of ITP, critical issues regarding the pathophysiology and biology of the disease remain to be elucidated. The recent characterization of the human genome along with new sophisticated molecular biology techniques will allow basic researchers to study genes that may affect the presentation and clinical course of the disease. Different patterns of gene expression in this population can be studied, leading to the identification of subsets of patients with ITP at higher risk of bleeding. The multigene patterns of expression might also provide clues about regulatory mechanisms and broader cellular functions. In order to answer essential clinical questions, like the incidence of ICH in relation to drug treatment or observation alone, clinical trials should be appropriately designed. More studies are necessary to better define the optimal treatment approach for each child with ITP. Even though the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage cannot be used as the primary outcome measure because of its rarity, numerous other outcomes, such as rate of rise in platelet count, cost and side effects of therapy, health related quality of life of the patient and family, and severity of hemorrhage can be measured and compared between treatment groups. Future investigators should find it attractive to conduct trials in children with this common hematological disease so that decision making can be based more on scientific evidence than on anecdote and opinion.
The school boundary stability problem over time

Abstract Declining funding for school construction and maintenance, surging student enrollment, school district mandated facilities requirements, and mandated reductions in class sizes have combined to create a classroom space deficit nationwide. In California alone, it is estimated that school capacity falls short of need by more than $17 billion. The School District Planning Problem (SDPP) may be defined as how to manipulate school capacities and attendance boundaries into feasible alternatives to optimally manage school district resources over the long term. Researchers have worked for more than 30 years on one component of the SDPP involving models that minimize a student allocation cost function (usually travel distance) subject to school capacity and racial balance constraints. Such models have been classified by Schoepfle and Church as generic districting problems. While these models do generate optimal alternatives, their results are often infeasible for implementation and rarely consider long term effects. We present an alternative formulation in this paper called the School Boundary Stability Problem Over Time (SBS) which minimizes the impact of change on the students while including the traditional distance objective to encourage compact boundaries. By minimizing student change, the model has the effect of maximizing the stability of the district’s attendance areas over time.
Mortality, morbidity, and injury of children living with single parents

statements on radiation therapy of prostate cancer: guidelines for prostate re-biopsy after radiation and for radiation therapy with rising prostate-specific antigen levels after radical prostatectomy. J Clin Oncol 1999; 17: 1155. 5 Bidart JM, Thuillier F, Augereau C, et al. Kinetics of serum tumor marker concentrations and usefulness in clinical monitoring. Clin Chem 1999; 45: 1695–707. 2 Stastny P, Perlick D, Zeavin L, Empfield M, Mayer M. Early parental absence as an indicator of course and outcome in chronic schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry 1984; 141: 294–96. 3 Perlick D, Stastny P, Mattis S, Teresi J. Contributions of family, cognitive and clinical dimensions to long term outcome in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 1992; 6: 257–65.
The transactions demand for money in a two-currency economy: A note

Abstract This note modifies transactions demands for monies, derived in a recent article in this Journal by Poloz (1984) , by imposing a non-negativity constraint on balances of the superior currency. Imposition of this constraint alters the asset demand functions for the case where currency substitution is not profitable but bond transactions are. Currencies are held in a bundle, proportionate to transactions needs, and substitution occurs between bonds and the currency bundle based on the rate of return on bonds relative to the currency bundle. In contrast to Poloz, the relevant rate of return variable is independent of whether exchange rate appreciation or depreciation is expected.
CORRELATIONS AMONG FACTORS IN JUDO CONTEST PERFORMANCE

To examine the interrelations among foot and hip reaction times, body weight, age, height, experience (1 to 12 yr. practice of Judo), belt rank, and indices of performance in a judo contest, measur...
Fifty years of plant hormone research.

Plant physiology as a whole, of course, has developed enormously in 50 years, and most of its journals have been born in that time. But perhaps the growth has been greater in the hormone field than in any other because the 50 years have seen not only the growth of knowledge but a change in outlook. The enthusiasm with which people have flung themselves into the field, after a long lag in the early years, is like that with which people crowded into the field of DNA and molecular genetics, and perhaps the reasons are much the same, viz. that in both fields we are dealing with the control system. When we can manipulate the controls we feel we are close to the heart of the organism's secrets. Also, applications are often rather direct. The hormone field has reached its present level of understanding from somewhat confused beginnings and through many twists and turns. A historian of science inevitably tends to give a picture of an orderly linear development of experiments and ideas, but such a picture would be quite misleading here.
Soil Formation and Vegetation on Hydrothermally Altered Rock Material in Utah

In the south-central part of Utah near Marysvale, exposed cross sections of ancient hot springs support vegetation strikingly different from the surrounding semi-desert plant communities. A similar situation in Nevada has been studied by Billings (1950), and chemical and biological investigations of the hot-spring material in Utah have been described earlier (Salisbury 1954). The present paper bears on the ecology of the hotspring areas, especially in relation to soil formation on the material derived from hydrothermally altered rock.