cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micromagnetic modeling of the magnetization dynamics in a circularly exchange-biased and exchange-coupled ferromagnetic multilayer

The magnetization dynamics of a magnetically coupled multilayer structure have been studied by analytical and numerical methods. The simulated multilayer is disk-shaped and consists of a circularly exchange-biased ferromagnetic permalloy (Py) layer coupled to an unbiased Py layer, each in a magnetic vortex configuration, separated by a thin nonmagnetic spacer. The sign and strength of the interlayer exchange coupling was varied, leading to either parallel or antiparallel vortex chiralities in the two Py layers. The magnetization dynamics after the application of an external magnetic field pulse normal to the plane of the disks were investigated. Both analytical and numerical models show two branches of frequency response of circularly symmetric eigenmodes for both parallel and antiparallel configurations. However, the upper branch mode in the antiparallel configuration is severely damped in the numerical simulations due to coupling with short-wavelength spin waves. The frequency of the modes can be tuned independently with interlayer exchange coupling strength and exchange-bias strength. The good agreement between the mode frequencies obtained from the analytical and numerical models confirms that the main driving forces for the eigenmodes are the magnetostatic field from the radial motion of the magnetization, and also the interlayer exchange coupling field. In addition, themore » vortex cores, which are neglected in the analytical model, are found to play no significant role in the dynamic response.« less
Hydrodesulfurization of coker feed

This article presents data on the hydrodesulfurization of heavy coker gasoils, a distillate from the tar obtained in the thermal cracking of resid, heavy vacuum gasoil (350-520/sup 0/C), and blends of these stocks in various ratios. A single-pass flow unit was used with a fixed bed of commercial alumina-cobaltmolybdenum catalyst. Hydrodesulfurization of the gasoils was studied at temperatures of 360-400/sup 0/C, feedstock space velocities of 0.7-1.5h/sup -1/, a pressure of 5 MPa, and a hydrogen circulation ratio of 800 m/sup 3//m/sup 3/. The heavy gasoils obtained in destruction processes were hydrodesulfurized in blends with heavy vacuum gasoil (350-520/sup 0/C) in weight ratios of 70:30 and 50:50. It is determined that dilution with the heavy vacuum gasoil (350-520/sup 0/C) has very little effect on the conditions for hydrodesulfurization of a feedstock of secondary origin. The degree of hydrodesulfurization shows a slight increase only when the distillate from the cracked tar is diluted in a 50:50 weight ratio. When the coker gasoil is diluted with a light vacuum gasoil (350-478/sup 0/C), the same degree of desulfurization is achieved with a 70:30 dilution ratio and a hydrotreating temperature of 380/sup 0/C. The primary coke-forming components in the examined feedstocks are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsmore » and resins. Includes 3 tables.« less
Hyperacute T-wave criteria using computer ECG analysis

Hyperacute T waves (HATWs) have been described as tall-amplitude, primary T-wave abnormalities sometimes seen in the early phases of transmural myocardial infarction. Despite numerous human and animal studies addressing the presence and significance of HATWs, there are no widely held, reliable ECG criteria for their accurate identification. Using a specially designed computer program on a Hewlett-Packard Realm ECG analysis system, we screened 13,393 adult ECGs to identify those having T-wave amplitudes greater than accepted standards (limb leads, greater than 0.5 mV; precordial leads, greater than 1.0 mV). Patients with other known causes of primary and secondary tall T waves were excluded from the study sample. Patients with tall-amplitude T-waves who then developed clinically verifiable myocardial infarction were labeled the HATW group. The HATW group (21) represented 4.1% of the tall T wave group (513) and 0.16% of the entire sample. The remaining patients, who did not meet HATW criteria, were called the early repolarization variant (ERV) group (51). Both groups underwent comparative computer morphology analysis. Nine parameters were statistically significant in discriminating HATWs from early repolarization variants. A combination of J-point position/T-wave amplitude of more than 25%, T-wave amplitude/QRS amplitude of more than 75%, J-point position of more than 0.30 mV, and age of more than 45 years predicted HATWs from a control group with a specificity of 98.0% and a sensitivity of 61.9% and with positive and negative predictive values of 92.9% and 86.2%, respectively. We conclude that HATWs have characterizable discriminating ECG morphology as determined by computer ECG analysis compared with a control group.
Thiyl radicals and induction of protein degradation

Thiyl radicals are important intermediates in the redox biology and chemistry of thiols. These radicals can react via hydrogen transfer with various C-H bonds in peptides and proteins, leading to the generation of carbon-centered radicals, and, potentially, to irreversible protein damage. This review summarizes quantitative information on reaction kinetics and product formation, and discusses the significance of these reactions for protein degradation induced by thiyl radical formation.
ODE-based obstacle avoidance and trajectory planning for unmanned surface vessels

A new method for real-time obstacle avoidance and trajectory planning of underactuated unmanned surface vessels is presented. In this method, ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are used to define transitional trajectories that can avoid obstacles and reach a final desired target trajectory using a robust tracking control law. The obstacles are approximated and enclosed by elliptical shapes. A transitional trajectory is then defined by a set of ordinary differential equations whose solution is a stable elliptical limit cycle defining the nearest obstacle on the vessel's path to the target. When no obstacle blocks the vessel's path to its target, the transitional trajectory is defined by exponentially stable ODE whose solution is the target trajectory. The planned trajectories are tracked by the vessel through a sliding mode control law that is robust to environmental disturbances and modeling uncertainties and can be computed in real time. The method is illustrated using a complex simulation example with a moving target and multiple moving and rotating obstacles and a simpler experimental example with stationary obstacles.
How I do it: platelet support for refractory patients

All of us have encountered patients for whom platelet (PLT) transfusions fail to result in an adequate increment. These patients can be difficult to support and the best approach to their care is not clear—nor is any single strategy preferred. 1 This summary, which would more properly be entitled how “we” do it (for this is surely a collaborative effort), describes the approach taken at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Our blood transfusion service has it own donor program and an in-house HLA laboratory, but also relies heavily on the support of the American Red Cross, Northeast Region, which maintains a database of HLA-typed donors.
Myocardial Remodeling: Cellular and Extracellular Events and Targets

The focus of this review is on translational studies utilizing large-animal models and clinical studies that provide fundamental insight into cellular and extracellular pathways contributing to post–myocardial infarction (MI) left ventricle (LV) remodeling. Specifically, both large-animal and clinical studies have examined the potential role of endogenous and exogenous stem cells to alter the course of LV remodeling. Interestingly, there have been alterations in LV remodeling with stem cell treatment despite a lack of long-term cell engraftment. The translation of the full potential of stem cell treatments to clinical studies has yet to be realized. The modulation of proteolytic pathways that contribute to the post-MI remodeling process has also been examined. On the basis of recent large-animal studies, there appears to be a relationship between stem cell treatment post-MI and the modification of proteolytic pathways, generating the hypothesis that stem cells leave an echo effect that moderates LV remodeling.
Chemotherapeutic approaches for newly diagnosed hepatoblastoma: Past, present, and future strategies

Surgical resection is the foundation of therapy in hepatoblastoma (HB), yet most patients have unresectable tumors at diagnosis. Patients with resectable tumors have event-free survival (EFS) of 80-90% and can be cured with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and vincristine. Patients whose tumors are unresectable but without overt metastases at diagnosis have EFS of 60-70%, and many can be rendered resectable without doxorubicin. Children with metastatic disease have fared poorly with 20-50% EFS, and new approaches for these patients remain desperately needed. Dose intensification of cisplatin and doxorubicin appears beneficial in high-risk patients. Future treatment strategies, which may be useful, include increasing intensity and/or duration of therapy, developing a maintenance regimen (oral irinotecan), using liver transplantation more often for patients to undergo complete resection, and identifying and incorporating novel agents. A better understanding of the biologic and pathologic factors is critical for predicting tumor behavior and developing more logical risk-based treatments.
Imaging Intracranial Plasma Extravasation in a Migraine Patient: A Case Report

Despite recent research advances, the origin of nociception in migraine headaches remains unclear and continues to be a topic of intense examination. Experiments using animal models of dural neurogenic plasma extravasation (DNPE) as an index of meningeal inflammation provided the basis for the meningeal inflammation hypothesis of migraine pain. Objective. We explore the possibility that DNPE can be detected in humans during a migraine attack. Methods. DNPE single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with an intravenous injection of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) human serum albumin (HSA) has been used in a 46-year-old migraine symptomatic patient who met the International Headache Society criteria for episodic migraine. The patient was injected with 10 mCi HSA and imaged by SPECT. A second (delayed) SPECT was done 3 hours later. After 3 days, following complete resolution of her migraine headache, the patient returned for the control SPECT. Results. All SPECT images were compared with the patient's self-recorded pictorial description of her migraine head pain epicenter. Tc-99m HSA extravasation appeared on the same side and approximately in the same region as the epicenter of the patient's head pain. Conclusion. This observation suggests the occurrence of intracranial plasma extravasation during migraine attacks. Activity on SPECT scans suggests that tracer extravasation and not hyperemia is responsible for the positive finding.
Influence of herbivores on a perennial plant: variation with life history stage and herbivore species

Herbivores have diverse impacts on their host plants, potentially altering survival, growth, fecundity, and other aspects of plant performance. Especially for longer-lived plant species, the effects of a single herbivore species can vary markedly throughout the life of the host plant. In addition, the effects of herbivory during any given life history stage of a host plant may also vary considerably with different types of herbivores. To investigate the effects of herbivory by black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and snails (Helminthoglypta arrosa and Helix aspersa) on a nitrogen-fixing shrub, Lupinus chamissonis, we established three exclosure experiments in a sand dune system on the coast of northern California. These experiments documented that deer browsing significantly reduced the volume and growth rate of lupines in the seedling and juvenile life stages. Since plant volume was strongly correlated with aboveground dry biomass for lupines, such herbivore-induced reductions in volume should translate into losses of aboveground biomass. Deer browsing also significantly altered the likelihood of attack by and density of a leaf-galling cecidomyid fly (Dasineura lupinorum), suggesting that a vertebrate herbivore indirectly affected an invertebrate herbivore in this system. Although deer did not significantly affect the survival of lupine seedlings and juveniles, individuals protected from deer had consistently greater survival in the two separate experiments. Our results revealed that snails did not have a significant effect on the survival or growth of juvenile plants, despite being common on and around lupines. An exclosure experiment revealed that herbivory by deer significantly reduced the shoot lengths of mature shrubs, but led only to a minimal reduction in growth rates. In addition, we found that browsed shrubs had significantly greater inflorescence production, but also produced individual seeds with significantly reduced mass. Collectively, these data indicate that deer and snails have widely differing effects on their shared host plant; browsing by deer indirectly affects insect herbivores, and the impacts of deer change markedly with the life history stage of their host plant.
Forecasting volatility: A reality check based on option pricing, utility function, value-at-risk, and predictive likelihood

Abstract We analyze the predictive performance of various volatility models for stock returns. To compare their performance, we choose loss functions for which volatility estimation is of paramount importance. We deal with two economic loss functions (an option pricing function and an utility function) and two statistical loss functions (a goodness-of-fit measure for a value-at-risk (VaR) calculation and a predictive likelihood function). We implement the tests for superior predictive ability of White [Econometrica 68 (5) (2000) 1097] and Hansen [Hansen, P. R. (2001). An unbiased and powerful test for superior predictive ability. Brown University]. We find that, for option pricing, simple models like the Riskmetrics exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) or a simple moving average, which do not require estimation, perform as well as other more sophisticated specifications. For a utility-based loss function, an asymmetric quadratic GARCH seems to dominate, and this result is robust to different degrees of risk aversion. For a VaR-based loss function, a stochastic volatility model is preferred. Interestingly, the Riskmetrics EWMA model, proposed to calculate VaR, seems to be the worst performer. For the predictive likelihood-based loss function, modeling the conditional standard deviation instead of the variance seems to be a dominant modeling strategy.
Learning about creativity from an artificial artist

Creativity is a nebulous, albeit vital part of every society. Regardless of whether or not a computer program can actually be creative, much can be learned in an attempt to emulate creativity. We outline an original computer system designed to produce artefacts that are perceived as creative, and do so through arguably creative processes. We show how the computer system, called DARCI (Digital ARtist Communicating Intention), can augment the study of human creativity while assisting in the field of artificial intelligence.
Pediatric code drugs: A table for simplifying calculations

Presented are two tables that allow rapid calculation of pediatric code drug dosage, drips, estimation of weight in kilograms, endotracheal tube size, and blood pressure.
Independent space variables for small-signal electron beam analyses

This paper gives a systematic account of three systems of independent space variables useful in small signal electron beam analyses--the familiar Eulerian, polarization, and hose systems. The continuity, dynamical, and power exchange equations are given for each of the three sets of variables, and the relative merits of each system are discussed. The inapplicability of the Lagrangian system to small signal beam problems is also indicated.
Metal-Catalyzed Oxidation of Extracellular Matrix Proteins Disrupts Integrin-Mediated Adhesion of Mesangial Cells

We undertook the present study to determine whether oxidation of extracellular matrix could alter RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid)-integrin interaction in mesangial cells. Mesangial cells demonstrated significantly less adhesion to matrix oxidized using a metal-catalyzed oxidation system and lost their typical spindle-shaped morphology. N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone reversed in part both oxidation and impaired adhesion to matrix. Mesangial cells adhered to plates coated with GRGDSP but demonstrated impaired adhesion to oxidized GRGDSP. Oxidation of this peptide was demonstrated using immunoblot analysis with an antibody to dinitrophenylhydrazine bound to carbonyl groups on oxidized amino acid residues. This represents the first report demonstrating that oxidative modification of extracellular matrix impairs integrin-mediated adhesion and suggests that the mechanism may be oxidative modification of one or more amino acids in the RGD sequence. These data suggest a new mechanism by which cell-matrix interaction may be altered in disease states characterized by enhanced oxidative stress.
Anesthesiologist Direction and Patient Outcomes

BackgroundAnesthesia services for surgical procedures may or may not be personally performed or medically directed by anesthesiologists. This study compares the outcomes of surgical patients whose anesthesia care was personally performed or medically directed by an anesthesiologist with the outcomes
In-plane mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of a satin fabric carbon/epoxy composite

The objective of this study was to determine the in-plane mechanical, viscoelastic and thermal properties of a satin fabric composite. This study was performed on a composite laminate material consisting of a satin weave carbon fabric impregnated with an amine cured epoxy resin. The in-plane quasi-static behavior including the failure modes under tension, compression and shear was analyzed and all mechanical properties including elastic moduli and strengths were determined. The viscoelastic properties including the glass transition temperature were determined as well as the coefficients of thermal expansion. These measured properties for the fabric composites were also correlated with their corresponding ones for the unidirectional composite with the same fiber and matrix.
TPO/Mpl Studies in Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia

Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) is one of the Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative disorder and is diagnosed by hyperplasia of atypical megakaryocytes, hepatosplenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis and bone marrow fibrosis. Fibrosis is considered to be a secondary consequence of enhanced levels of fibrogenic growth factors such as TGF β1, bFGF and PDGF produced by enhanced numbers of megakaryocytes, while the primary cause is considered to be the enhanced proliferation of a defective stem cell. We have previously reported that thrombopoietin (TPO) is elevated in patients with AMM. Others have reported that Mpl protein is decreased in these patients. Since TPO is essential for the development of megakaryocytes, and Mpl protein is the receptor for TPO, we extended the study of TPO/Mpl to in vitro and in vivo cell culture systems to better understand the mechanism that leads to reduced Mpl protein in AMM patients. Plasma TPO levels were significantly elevated and Mpl protein levels were significantly reduced in AMM patients in concordance with previous studies. Platelet Mpl transcripts in AMM were however similar to those in controls. We also cloned Mpl cDNA from AMM patients and tested for their ability to make functional proteins in vitro and in the in vivo system of 293 T human embryonic kidney cells. Their expression including the glycosylated forms was similar to those from the controls. We also measured the level of translation initiation factor, eIF4E and found it to be increased in patients with AMM demonstrating that the reduced Mpl protein may not be due to translation defects. Our studies using the in vitro and in vivo systems further confirm that reduced Mpl protein levels are not due to defects in its transcription/translation. Reduced Mpl protein could be due to its increased internalisation owing to enhanced plasma TPO or in vivo intrinsic defects in patients with AMM.
Gigascale System Design of Sensor Networks for Active Volcanoes

In this paper, an intelligent surveillance system using sensor networks for monitoring active volcanoes has been presented. The authors combine sensor network system engineering with systems-on-chip implementation to develop a gigascale integrated surveillance system called sensor networks for active volcanoes (SNAV). The paper reports SNAV specific science-related requirements and system-level operations for this surveillance system. The paper also presents the SNAV system-on-chip implementation. The success of this work enables low-power, low-cost sensor networks for the intelligent surveillance systems
Cardiac and Lung Transplantation

Pulmonary hypertension and right heart dysfunction commonly accompanies advanced left sided cardiac failure, and has important implications for prognosis and management. A consistent, stepwise approach to the interpretation and modulation of hemodynamics is necessary in order to optimize decision making and outcome in patients being considered for cardiac transplantation. For patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who are being considered for lung or heart-lung transplantation, multiple critical factors relating to timing of transplantation, optimal perioperative management, and the particular lung allocation scheme in a given country, must be carefully considered in order to optimize outcome for these patients.
Cultural Revolution - Just What Multinational Companies Need: A Case of GE

This paper discusses the role that Cultural Revolution can play in the success of most multinational companies using General Electric as a case study. GE commits vast resources each year to the grooming and preparation of potential leaders through what many consider a fiercely competitive program of training as a means to weed out those who may not possess the skills necessary to lead (Kesler, 2002). The executives are comprised of the next generation of GE leaders. For more than 30 years, GE has been extending its global reach through the use of emerging technologies in developing markets. The message is clear - in order to be successful in a global environment, those in leadership positions must have the tools and support to make firm decisions. A continuous internal management succession plan allowed the company to transfer leadership from the former CEO, Jack Welch, to the current CEO, Jeffery Immelt
A large-format imaging optics system for fast neutron radiography

As part of the ongoing development of fast neutron imaging technology for national security applications at LLNL, a large-format imaging optics system is being designed and built. The system will be used to acquire radiographic images of heavily-shielded low-Z objects irradiated by ~10 MeV neutrons and is expected to have an ultimate spatial resolution ~1 mm (FWHM). It is comprised of a 65 cm times 65 cm plastic scintillator (e.g. BC-408), an aluminized front-surface turning mirror and a fast (~f/1.25) optical lens coupled to a CCD camera body with a cryo-cooled, back-illuminated 4096 times 4096 (15 mum) pixel sensor. The lens and camera were developed and purchased from vendors and system integration is being done at LLNL. A description of the overall system and its projected performance characteristics shall be presented.
Interactions between heterologous FtsA and FtsZ proteins at the FtsZ ring.

FtsZ and FtsA are essential for cell division in Escherichia coli and colocalize to the septal ring. One approach to determine what regions of FtsA and FtsZ are important for their interaction is to identify in vivo interactions between FtsA and FtsZ from different species. As a first step, the ftsA genes of Rhizobium meliloti and Agrobacterium tumefaciens were isolated and characterized. In addition, an FtsZ homolog that shared the unusual C-terminal extension of R. meliloti FtsZ1 was found in A. tumefaciens. In order to visualize their localization in cells, we tagged these proteins with green fluorescent protein (GFP). When R. meliloti FtsZ1GFP or A. tumefaciens FtsZ-GFP was expressed at low levels in E. coli, they specifically localized only to the E. coli FtsZ ring, possibly by coassembly. When A. tumefaciens FtsA-GFP or R. meliloti FtsA-GFP was expressed in E. coli, they failed to localize detectably to the E. coli FtsZ ring. However, when R. meliloti FtsZ1 was coexpressed with them, fluorescence localized to a band at the midcell division site, strongly suggesting that FtsA from either A. tumefaciens or R. meliloti can bind directly to its cognate FtsZ. As expected, GFP-tagged FtsZ1 and FtsA from either R. meliloti or A. tumefaciens localized to the division site in A. tumefaciens cells. Therefore, the 61 amino acid changes between A. tumefaciens FtsA and R. meliloti FtsA do not prevent their direct interaction with FtsZ1 from either species, suggesting that those residues are not essential for proteinprotein contacts. Moreover, the failure of the two non-E. coli FtsA derivatives to interact strongly with E. coli FtsZ in this in vivo system unless their cognate FtsZ was also present suggests that FtsA-FtsZ interactions have coevolved and that the residues which differ between the E. coli proteins and those of the two other species may be important for specific interactions.
Writing for Publication: It’s Not a Term Paper

The author discusses the difference between term paper writing and professional (for publication) writing. The author also discusses the course she teaches, called "Publication for Librarians," that prepares students for professional writing and publication. She also outlines a few resources writers might consult with help regarding publication.
Tissue distribution, accumulation and elimination of the isomers of benzene hexachloride.

Summary1. The alpha, beta, gamma and delta isomers of benzene hexachloride are preferentially stored in the adipose tissue of rats and dogs. 2. Some storage of benzene hexachloride is found in kidn...
Toward a More Complete Understanding of the Role of Financial Aid in Promoting College Enrollment: The Importance of Context

Through a review of prior research, this chapter argues that knowledge about how student financial aid programs can best promote college enrollment is incomplete in part because existing research does not devote sufficient attention to the “context” in which these programs operate or the ways that context mediates the effects of aid. The chapter begins by explaining the need to increase educational attainment, the ways inadequate finances limit educational attainment, and the role of financial aid in addressing financial barriers. Then the characteristics of student financial aid programs are described and what is known from existing research about the effects of financial aid on college-related behaviors is summarized. A conceptual model for understanding the ways “context” may influence the relationship between financial aid and college enrollment is proposed. Building on this framework, the chapter concludes by offering questions to guide future research, as well as recommendations for fruitful research strategies.
178-P: SBT AND RSSO FAIL TO DETECT HETEROZYGOUS HLA LOCI IN TWO AML PATIENTS

Aim We present the cases of two AML patients HLA typed by rSSO and SBT as homozygous, and subsequently typed as heterozygous by SSP. Methods Potential bone marrow transplant recipients were typed for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, -DQ by low resolution rSSO (LabType, One Lambda) and high resolution SBT (SeCore, Life Technologies), using DNA extracted (Qiagen EZ, 20 ng/μl) from EDTA anticoagulated peripheral blood. SSP (Olerup) was used as a secondary method for clarification. Results Patient #1, a 71y.o. female caucasian in AML blast crisis (86% blasts in peripheral blood), was typed by rSSO and SBT. Results at the A locus were discrepant, DR-DQ association was uncommon, and a possible homozygous B ∗ 44:27 warranted confirmation. Further SSP testing to investigate the discrepancy revealed a full heterozygous HLA typing. Buccal cell DNA typed by SBT confirmed heterozygous DQB1 ∗ 05:02 and ∗ 06:04 [ Table 1 ]. Patient #2, a 68 y.o. female diagnosed with AML, was typed by rSSO and SBT. Discrepancies were detected at A and B loci, and the C locus appeared homozygous. SSP method revealed a heterozygous HLA-A, -B, -C typing [ Table 2 ]. Conclusions These two cases reinforce the importance of close scrutiny when reviewing HLA molecular typing results. HLA heterozygous patients may present as homozygous from peripheral blood with large proportions of leukemic cells. We suggest using multiple methods and/or DNA from sources other than peripheral blood to confirm homozygous HLA loci in this patient population.
Gene expression analysis for Listeria monocytogenes following exposure to pulsed light and continuous ultraviolet light treatments

Abstract Pulsed Light (PL) is effective for inactivation of bacteria in food and non-food systems, yet the mechanisms of inactivation are not fully understood. In this work, the response of Listeria monocytogenes to PL and continuous ultraviolet light (UV) was investigated using whole genome DNA microarray analysis. Suspensions of L. monocytogenes were treated with 3.20 J/cm 2 of PL and 33 mJ/cm 2 of UV, respectively, which yielded comparable levels of inactivation. In a separate experiment, cells were exposed to 3.20 J/cm 2 of full spectrum PL and UV-blocked PL. Whole genome microarray analysis of L. monocytogenes was performed to identify differential gene expression after the treatments, using a 1.5 fold change cutoff and adjusted P
Nucleoside Transport Protein: Properties and Regulation

Membrane-bound purinergic receptors mediate several physiological responses of adenine nucleotides and nucleosides. These receptors are located on the external side of the plasma membranes. For example, adenosine receptor activation and subsequent signal transduction is determined by the concentration of the ligand in the vicinity of the receptor. Therefore, adenosine transport (release and uptake) via nucleoside transporters, phosphorylation by adenosine kinase and deamination play a significant role in the degree by which adenosine receptors are activated. Extracellular ATP activates purinegic receptors (P2) while ATP uptake (1,2) and dephosphorylation by ecto-nucleotidases result in termination of receptor activation. On the other hand, nucleosides produced inside the cell during ischemic and hypoxic stress must be removed from the intracellular domain either by a transport mechanism or by incorporation into the salvage pathway of nucleotides inside cells. Therefore, a bidirectional nucleoside transporter is necessary for regulation of nucleoside uptake and release during normal and pathophysiologic conditions. This Chapter will cover the historical aspects of the discovery and characterization of adenine nucleoside transporters in different cell models in general and in cardiac muscle in particular.
A Course on Programming and Problem Solving

At its core, Computer Science is the study of algorithmic problem solving. Although it is necessary to teach programming, data structures, computer organization, etc., students should ultimately learn to use these things to solve problems, understand what is good and bad about their solutions, and share their solutions with others.This paper describes a course that focuses on the four steps of the problem solving process: algorithmic thinking, implementation, analysis, and communication.This course, based on Knuth's popular seminar at Stanford, has been extremely successful at the authors' three institutions.In addition to discussing the course's objectives and methodology, we present sample problems, summarize the outcomes and feedback from students, and give advice to other educators looking to create a similar course.
Large Area Thin Films of Highly Uniform Thickness Vacuum Deposited in a Stationary System

A vacuum system for the deposition of uniform thin films from a single, small area source without moving parts has been developed. By interposing a stationary tube and baffle of appro-priate dimensions and temperature between the source and substrate, it is possible to deposit films that have thickness uniformities over large substrate areas which heretofore have only been achieved through use of multiple sources and/or moving parts. Thin films of aluminum, copper and gold have been deposited with this system and thickness uniformities of better than ±2% over 14 cm at a source to substrate distance of 25 cm have been observed to date. There are indications that further improvements are possible through optimizations of tube parameters.
Vision, eye disease, and art: 2015 Keeler Lecture

The purpose of this study was to examine normal vision and eye disease in relation to art. Ophthalmology cannot explain art, but vision is a tool for artists and its normal and abnormal characteristics may influence what an artist can do. The retina codes for contrast, and the impact of this is evident throughout art history from Asian brush painting, to Renaissance chiaroscuro, to Op Art. Art exists, and can portray day or night, only because of the way retina adjusts to light. Color processing is complex, but artists have exploited it to create shimmer (Seurat, Op Art), or to disconnect color from form (fauvists, expressionists, Andy Warhol). It is hazardous to diagnose eye disease from an artist's work, because artists have license to create as they wish. El Greco was not astigmatic; Monet was not myopic; Turner did not have cataracts. But when eye disease is documented, the effects can be analyzed. Color-blind artists limit their palette to ambers and blues, and avoid greens. Dense brown cataracts destroy color distinctions, and Monet's late canvases (before surgery) showed strange and intense uses of color. Degas had failing vision for 40 years, and his pastels grew coarser and coarser. He may have continued working because his blurred vision smoothed over the rough work. This paper can barely touch upon the complexity of either vision or art. However, it demonstrates some ways in which understanding vision and eye disease give insight into art, and thereby an appreciation of both art and ophthalmology.
Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport and Cl- secretion evoked by heat-stable enterotoxin is microfilament dependent in T84 cells

We previously reported that adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-mediated stimulation of Cl- secretion in the human intestinal epithelial cell line T84 is accompanied by significant remodeling of F-actin and that both the secretory and cytoskeletal responses may be inhibited by phalloidin derivatives, agents that polymerize actin and prevent dynamic reorganization of microfilaments. In contrast, the carbachol-elicited Cl- secretory response (Ca2+ mediated) was not attenuated by phalloidin (J. Clin. Invest. 87: 1903-1909, 1991). In the present study, we examine the effect of phalloidin on the Cl- secretory response elicited by the heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (STa), which induces elevations in intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. We find that apical administration of 1 microM STa results in a regionally restricted redistribution of F-actin confined to the basal pole of the cells. In monolayers pretreated with phalloidin, the Cl- secretory response to STa was inhibited by > 60%. Sequential treatment of phalloidin-loaded monolayers with STa followed by carbachol resulted in a synergistic secretory response that was not different from control (unloaded) monolayers. Examination of efflux/uptake through specific membrane transport pathways involved in STa-stimulated Cl- secretion indicated normal activation of apical Cl- and basolateral K+ channels under phalloidin-loaded conditions. The ability of STa-treated monolayers to pump Na+ in an absorptive direction was also unaffected by phalloidin. der phalloidin-loaded conditions, STa-stimulated Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl- cotransporter activity was reduced by approximately 60%, sufficient to account for the observed inhibition of net Cl- secretory response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Effects of Subconjunctival Verapamil on Filtering Blebs in Rabbits

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Verapamil is a calcium antagonist that has been shown to modulate wound healing through multiple mechanisms. The wound modulating effects of verapamil were studied in a rabbit model of filtering surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty New Zealand albino rabbits underwent a fistulizing procedure, with either verapamil or saline injected subconjunctivally daily for 6 days following surgery. The animals were sacrificed at 20 days after the fistulizing procedure. The effectiveness of verapamil in modulating wound healing was evaluated by bleb patency testing, histology, measurement of scar thickness, and counts of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells at the sclerostomy site. RESULTS The group treated with verapamil had a 44 percent patency rate compared with 10 percent in the control group (P < .05), a mean scar thickness of 195.96 +/- 68 mu m compared with 313.55 +/- 110.4 mu m in the control group (P < .02), and a mean BrdU-labeled cell count of 15.5 +/- 14.7 compared with 26.3 +/- 17.0 in the control group (P < .002). CONCLUSION Verapamil was effective in reducing scar formation at the sclerostomy site. At the doses administered, verapamil appeared to modulate wound healing in filtering blebs in the rabbit model. Further studies are needed to determine the dose-response and the efficacy of the drug in nonhuman primates.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic progressive cholestatic liver disease that primarily targets middle-aged women. The pathogenesis is unknown, but several lines of evidence suggest genetic and environmental factors initiate an autoimmune process. Routine laboratory testing has led to the earlier detection of disease, so patients are often asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Initial symptoms are usually fatigue and pruritus. Signs of decompensated liver disease may eventually develop. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the only recommended treatment and may improve survival in selected patients. Prognostic models help predict natural history of the disease. Liver transplantation is the only definitive therapy once end-stage liver disease occurs.
Sunlight, Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer Epidemiology

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the status of vitamin D in prostate cancer epidemiology. Interpretation of this literature requires an appreciation of methodological issues in epidemiologic studies as well as issues pertinent to the natural history of prostate cancer. The vitamin D hypothesis has stimulated extensive investigations in prostate cancer, ranging from the laboratory to the clinic and to healthy populations. Epidemiologic evidence that vitamin D and sunlight exert protective effects on the risk of prostate cancer in populations is less clear. A north–south gradient in prostate cancer mortality in the USA is well established. However, studies of serum 25(OH)D on the risk of prostate cancer in individuals do not support a protective role for higher levels of 25(OH)D. However, an increased risk in the presence of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in conjunction with polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR), is supported by several studies. The evidence for a protective role of vitamin D in prostate cancer is stronger for Epidemiologic studies of sunlight exposure, many of which demonstrate that lifetime solar exposure is protective. The differences in the results of these studies may be explicable, at least in part, by methodological differences in study design and by uncertainty about the time period when exposure to vitamin D is most important for protection.
Changes in rural trauma prehospital times following the Rural Trauma Team Development Course training

Abstract Background The majority of the US population live in urban areas, yet more than half of all trauma deaths occur in rural areas. The Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) is developed to improve the outcomes of rural trauma and we aimed to study its effect on patient transfer. Methods Trauma referrals 2 years before the RTTDC training were compared with referrals 2 years after the course. Results Of the 276 studied patients, 97 were referred before the RTTDC training and 179 patients were referred after the course. Transfer acceptance time was significantly shorter after the RTTDC training (139.2 ± 87.1 vs 110 ± 66.3 min, P = .003). The overall transfer time was also significantly reduced following the RTTDC training (257.4 ± 110.8 vs 219.2 ± 86.5 min, P = .002). Patients receiving pretransfer imaging had a significantly higher transfer time both before and after RTTDC training (all P s Conclusion The RTTDC training was associated with reduced transfer acceptance time and reduced transfer time.
A Mechanism for the Response of the Zonally Asymmetric Subtropical Hydrologic Cycle to Global Warming

AbstractTime-mean, zonally asymmetric circulations (hereafter referred to as stationary circulations) maintain intense hydrologic contrasts in Earth’s subtropics in the present climate, especially between monsoon regions and deserts during local summer. Such zonal contrasts in hydrology generally increase in comprehensive GCM simulations of a warming climate, yet a full understanding of stationary circulations and their contribution to the hydrologic cycle in present and future climates is lacking. This study uses an idealized moist GCM to investigate the response of subtropical stationary circulations to global warming. Stationary circulations are forced by a prescribed subtropical surface heat source, and atmospheric infrared opacity is varied to produce a wide range of climates with global-mean surface temperatures between 267 and 319 K. The strength of stationary circulations varies nonmonotonically with global mean temperature in these simulations. Zonal asymmetries in precipitation increase with tem...
Desconstrução do exílio nos contos “Paris não é uma festa” e “London, London ou ajax, brush and rubbish”, de Caio Fernando Abreu * Desconstrucción del exilio en los cuentos “Paris não é uma festa” y “London, London ou ajax, brush and rubbish”, de Caio Fernando Abreu

Nos contos “London London ou Ajax, Brush and Rubbish” e “Paris nao e uma festa” (ambos publicados no livro Pedra de Calcuta , 1977), Caio Fernando Abreu transcria a experiencia do seu exilio voluntario na Europa durante os anos 1970. O exilio e a anistia nao figuram na narrativa como fins em si mesmos, e sim como ponte para novos problemas: a por vezes dificil insercao no mercado de trabalho, as dificuldades de sobrevivencia no estrangeiro, o sentimento de exclusao e nao-pertencimento depois do retorno a patria. A proposta desse ensaio e analisar a desconstrucao da ideia idilica em torno do exilado e da vivencia do exilio operada por ambos os textos; alem disso, refletir sobre a importância desses textos frente ao atual debate em torno da articulacao das memorias do exilio brasileiro das decadas de 1960, 1970 e 1980.
Abstract #1070: Targeting cancer stem cells and vasculatures by a novel anti-dll4 antibody inhibits pancreatic tumor growth and delays tumor recurrence

Clinical management of pancreatic cancer is very challenging and this disease remains the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. It has been suggested that cancer stem cells drive tumor growth and progression and are preferentially resistant to current therapies. Delta-like 4 ligand (DLL4) is an important component of Notch-mediated stem cell self-renewal and vascular development. We hypothesized that targeting cancer stem cells and the tumor vasculature by interfering with the DLL4/Notch pathway will improve treatment outcome. We developed anti-DLL4 antibodies with potent binding and blocking activities that recognize either human or murine DLL4 to investigate the role of DLL4 in pancreatic cancer. In vivo studies using primary pancreatic xenograft tumor models showed that anti-DLL4 was efficacious as a single agent and in combination with gemcitabine against both high and low grade pancreatic tumors. Gene expression analysis showed that anti-DLL4 affected vascular-related genes in the stroma and Notch target genes in the tumor and stroma. Histologic analysis indicated that the anti-DLL4-mediated anti-tumor effects were associated with a decrease in cell proliferation and an increase in vascular density, hypoxia, apoptosis and differentiation. These effects were further enhanced by the combination treatment with gemcitabine. Furthermore, inclusion of anti-DLL4 delayed pancreatic tumor recurrence following termination of gemcitabine. A tumorigenicity study indicated that treatment with anti-DLL4 decreased cancer stem cell frequency as measured by in vivo limiting dilution assay, whereas gemcitabine alone was ineffective. The combination of anti-DLL4 and gemcitabine further decreased cancer stem cell frequency compared to single agents. Our findings provide a rationale for targeting cancer stem cells and the vasculature through interference with the DLL4/Notch pathway as a therapeutic approach in cancer treatment. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 1070.
Detailed characterization of neutron-proton equilibration in dynamically deformed nuclear systems

We study neutron-proton equilibration in dynamically deformed nuclear systems by investigating the correlations between the two largest fragments produced in collisions of $^{70}\mathrm{Zn}+^{70}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{64}\mathrm{Zn}+^{64}\mathrm{Zn}$, $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}+^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ and $^{64}\mathrm{Zn}+^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ at $35\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ per nucleon. The extent of equilibration is investigated using the rotation angle as a clock for the equilibration. The initially dissimilar fragments converge exponentially with consistent rate constants across a wide variety of reaction partners and systems, indicating that the equilibration follows first-order kinetics.
Regulatory control and impulsivity relate to resting frontal activity.

Gray's Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) asserts three core personality systems: the behavioral approach system (BAS), the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS) and the revised behavioral inhibition system (r-BIS). Past models of frontal activity link greater relative left frontal activity with Carver and White's (1994) BAS scale and trait impulsivity and greater relative right frontal activity with Carver and White's (1994) BIS scale. However, the original BIS scale assesses both FFFS and r-BIS. Past work linking the BIS scale and right frontal activity does not indicate which system is related to right frontal activity. The current study (n = 182) examined frontal asymmetric activity with personality traits associated with approach (BAS), withdrawal (FFFS-Fear), behavioral inhibition (BIS-Anxiety) and impulsivity (UPPS-P). Resting frontal cortical activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), and the traditional alpha band was examined. Greater BIS-Anxiety related to greater relative right frontal activity. Impulsivity related to less relative right frontal activity. BAS and FFFS-Fear (approach and withdrawal motivation) did not relate to asymmetric frontal activity. Regulatory control processes associated with r-BIS and impulsivity, rather than withdrawal motivation associated with FFFS, may be more closely related to right frontal activity.
Locus of Control: An Important Student Variable in the College Learning Center?

(1979). Locus of Control: An Important Student Variable in the College Learning Center? Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Western College Reading Association: Vol. 12, Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Conference of the WCRA, pp. 48-55.