cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD80 expression in an HLA‐A2‐positive human non‐small cell lung cancer cell line enhances tumor‐specific cytotoxicity of HLA‐A2‐positive T cells derived from a normal donor and a patient with non‐small cell lung cancer

To generate non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-reactive lymphocytes, we transfected an HLA-A2-expressing human NSCLC line (1355) with the cDNA encoding the lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecule CD80. Following selection in G418, 1355.7 demonstrated stable cell-surface expression of CD80. Allogeneic mixed lymphocyte tumor cell cultures (MLTCs) were established in 600 IU/ml IL-2 using HLA-A2+ normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with 1355-P (parental), 1355.7 or IL-2 alone. In 7 of 9 MLTCs, those stimulated with 1355.7 demonstrated enhanced growth after 30 to 45 days of culture. The predominant lymphocyte to grow in all MLTCs was a CD3+alphabeta+CD4+ T cell. In one case, lymphocytes stimulated with 1355.7 (MLTC 2389.7) exhibited preferential lysis of 1355. MLTC 2389.7 was cloned by limiting dilution, and 2 resultant cloids were shown to be NSCLC-reactive and dependent on both MHC class 1 and CD3 in their recognition of tumor cells. Additionally, allogeneic MLTCs were established using three HLA-A2+ NSCLC patients' PBMC. The predominant lymphocyte to grow in these MLTCs was a CD3+ alphabeta+CD8+ T cell. In cytotoxicity studies, MLTC-UKY25.7 demonstrated preferential lysis of 1355-P, 1355.7 and an HLA-A2+ NSCLC cell line, 1650. Lymphocytes from this MLTC did not lyse K562, Daudi or an HLA-A2- NSCLC cell line, 647. Our data suggest that CD80-expressing NSCLC tumor cells may enhance the generation of specific CTLs in vitro. These CTLs could be important reagents for use in cellular immunotherapy and/or in isolating tumor antigens for potential tumor vaccine development.
Induction of Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 through the Down-regulation of Telomerase *

The maintenance of telomere length is required for continued cell proliferation, and ∼85–90% of human cancers, including ovarian epithelial cancers (OCa), show high activity of telomerase. In the present study we report that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 VD)3induces OCa cell apoptosis by down-regulating telomerase. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis shows that 1,25(OH)2VD3 decreases the level of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA, the catalytic subunit of telomerase. The decrease is not due to transcriptional repression through the putative vitamin D response element present in the 5′ regulatory region of hTERT gene. Instead, 1,25(OH)2 VD3 decreases the stability of the hTERT mRNA. Stable expression of hTERT in OCa cells decreases their response to 1,25(OH)2VD3-induced growth suppression. Although the cell cycle progression of these clones stably expressing hTERT is inhibited by 1,25(OH)2VD3 to a similar degree as that of the parental cells, these clones are more resistant to apoptosis induced by 1,25(OH)2VD3 .In contrast to parental cells, which lose proliferation potential after the 1,25(OH)2VD3 treatment, hTERT-expressing clones resume rapid growth after withdrawal of 1,25(OH)2VD3. Overall, the study suggests that the down-regulation of telomerase activity by 1,25(OH)2VD3 and the resulting cell death are important components of the response of OCa cells to 1,25(OH)2VD3-induced growth suppression.
Antigenic similarity of humanα1-antitrypsin to a corresponding protein in the serum of non-human primates

Mit der Methode der Prazipitationshemmung nachHerzenberg et al.6 wurde die Kreuzreaktion von Seren subhumaner Primaten mit einem Antiserum gegen menschlichesα1-Antitrypsin gemessen. Die Ergebnisse stimmen mit der geltenden Taxonomie gut uberein.α1-Antitrypsin hat sich wahrend der Evolution offenbar weniger konservativ verhalten als Serumalbumin.
Propagating the New Zealand ideal

Abstract From 1829 to the 1860s, Edward Gibbon Wakefield applied domestic ideas of reform to the British Empire and successfully mobilized public opinion in favor of continued British imperial endeavors. Through a widespread dissemination of literature, Wakefield and his New Zealand Company reshaped British imperial ideas. The success of the Company's organized public and political campaign encouraged settlers to travel to New Zealand and mobilized public opinion in favor of the colonization of New Zealand. The Company's renewed propaganda in the mid-1840s saved their own efforts, and also changed the public and political discourse of imperialism. By the late 1840s, newspapers, journals, and Parliamentary Debates were no longer discussing if colonization should occur, but rather what British colonial practice should include.
Multiple sclerosis: MS treatment adherence—how to keep patients on medication?

Disease-modifying therapies can positively influence the progression of multiple sclerosis, but how many patients continue to take their medications? A new study shows that the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis stop treatment. Research should focus on ways to improve adherence to disease-modifying therapies.
Temperature and the Compton Effect

The intensity of x-rays diffusely scattered by crystals should increase with the temperature according to Debye. It is to be expected that these scattered rays of Debye would be unmodified. Hence the ratio of modified to unmodified rays may decrease with the temperature. Debye's argument applies to powdered crystals and therefore to so-called amorphous substances. The effect of temperature on this ratio has therefore been examined. Using DeFoe's method an aluminum absorbing sheet was transferred from the primary to the scattered beam and the ratio of the two ionization currents found at temperatures of -140\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, 25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 565\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Wave-lengths ranging from 0.32A to 0.62A were scattered by carbon at angles of 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 75\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Also x-rays were scattered from aluminum and copper at angles of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 130\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. In each case the difference between the ratios at the different temperatures was not greater than the probable error, implying that there is no effect of temperature on the ratio of modified to unmodified rays in the Compton effect.
Some Aspects of Cloud and Precipitation Features Associated with a Mid-Latitude Cyclone

Abstract A multi-level diagnostic model is used to study the physical and dynamical mechanisms that produce low-level clouds and light precipitation within the cold air sector on the west side of a Midwest cyclone. Computational results show frictional effects to be the primary mechanism in the absence of secondary upper level trough mechanisms or intense heating from the underlying surface. Also, this study shows that the vertical motion field may be substantially modified by secondary effects when the usually dominant contributions by vorticity and thermal effects are weak.
Wavelength-tolerant WDM networks

We describe a novel approach for implementing WDM networks that does not rely on fixed wavelength channels. Rather than tuning to a preassigned fixed wavelength channel any two nodes that require a link select a currently unused portion of the spectrum. Rather than tying to make trnamitters and receivers tune to fixed wavelength channels, the medium access control unit determines the approximate channel wavelength to be used for a given link. The receiver then dynamically locks onto this channel.
A Correlation between Radiation Tolerance and Nuclear Surface Area

FROM results of morphological investigations it was concluded1 that the Feulgen-stained material in somatic cell nuclei is distributed peripherally and it was suggested that this peripheral zone consists of two concentric zones in close proximity. Sparrow and Miksche's data2 on a correlation of nuclear volume and DNA content with higher plant tolerance to chronic radiation seem to offer evidence that such distribution of nuclear DNA is also found in the living somatic plant cell.
The Na-K-ATPase α1β1 heterodimer as a cell adhesion molecule in epithelia

The ion gradients generated by the Na-K-ATPase play a critical role in epithelia by driving transepithelial transport of various solutes. The efficiency of this Na-K-ATPase-driven vectorial transpo...
A preliminary investigation of remotely piloted vehicles for airframe noise research

Aircraft noise encountered in the community is caused predominantly by the aircraft engines. However, expected advances in engine noise technology combined with recent experimental evidence indicate that airframe (nonpropulsive) noise, may be a significant aircraft noise component in the future. Thus, methods for research into control of this type of noise are being evaluated and a technique based on the remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) concept appears to overcome some of the difficulties encountered with other test techniques. In particular, this paper presents sample experimental data, gathered during a preliminary RPV experiment, which illustrate the high signal-to-noise ratio attainable with this technique. Further, since the data are recorded as transients or nonstationary signals, a method of measurement and analysis is presented which increases statistical confidence in the results.
Yes you can: offer a comprehensive set of technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

The wide array of educational technologies available today has evolved substantially in the past few years. Tools which had been released just a few years back, are now more feature rich, easier to use, are able to integrate into campus portals. More importantly the systems have become more affordable -- in that most are now hosted in the cloud, not needing developers and technical staff to maintain; thereby allowing instructional designers, media and content specialists to concentrate their work on assisting faculty to use these technologies. UMass Boston has over the past 4 years, has taken advantage of these developments and is able to offer the community a wide variety of options for engaging students. The presentation will show how a public university like UMass Boston has been able to offer a wide variety of systems, extended hours support, Wiki's, Blogs, classroom capture systems, iTunes U, personal response systems and other services with a small staff and limited budgets. Offering wide choices allows faculty to teach with tools that suit their teaching styles, but more importantly allows students who become aware of these tools to demand that their faculty adopt them, because the way students learn today has changed dramatically. It is our obligation to meet their learning needs.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, the primary regulator of fibrinolysis, in normal human cerebrospinal fluid.

The occurrence of type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not previously been reported. As a member of the serpin superfamily of serine protease inhibitors and an acute phase response component, PAI-1 has powerful potential roles in nervous system homeostasis. We have detected this serpin antigen using a polyclonal anti-PAI-1 antibody in normal human CSF. In Western blotting, PAI-1 in several CSF samples appears as a two-band antigen of Mr = 54 and 35 kDa, presumably the intact and proteolytic fragment, respectively. In vitro complex formation studies confirm that the 54 kDa form of PAI-1 interacts with 125I-urokinase after activation with SDS, but the 35 kDa form does not. Quantification of total PAI-1 antigen in 18 normal human CSF samples by ELISA reveals a mean value of 1.0 ± 0.07 (SEM) μg/dL, indicating that a relatively low concentration of the inhibitor occurs in normal human CSF. This information should now allow comparison of PAI-1 levels and activity in various neurologic disorders. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hydrocarbons and fatty acids of ferns

Abstract The analysis of hydrocarbons and fatty acids in ten fern species indicate unique differences from plants in a higher phylogenetic order. Significant concentrations of fatty acids above C 20 are present. Distributions of hydrocarbons range from C 15 –C 33 with a trend towards two maxima at C 17 and C 29 . Homologous series of n -alkenes are present in all species. Pristane and phytane are large components representing up to 27% of the alkanes. Distinct alkane and fatty acid differences between fern families are observed while species variations within families are slight.
Reliability, Brittleness, Covert Understrength Factors, and Fringe Formulas in Concrete Design Codes

The paper analyzes the reliability consequences of the fact that the current design codes for concrete structure contain covert (or hidden) understrength (or capacity reduction) factors. This prevents distinguishing between different combinations of separate risks due to the statistical scatter of material properties, the error of the design formula, and the degree of brittleness of failure mode, and also makes any prediction of structural reliability (or survival probability) impossible. The covert formula error factor is implied by the fact that the design formula was calibrated to pass not through the mean but through the fringe (or periphery, margin) of the supporting experimental data. The covert material randomness factor is the ratio of the reduced concrete strength required for design to the mean of the strength tests. As a remedy, the covert understrength factor of design formula should be made overt, its coefficient of variation (based on the supporting test data) should be specified, and the type of probability distribution (e.g., Gaussian or Weibull) indicated (which then also implies the probability cutoff). Alternatively, the code could give the mean formula, specify its coefficient of variation and type of distribution, and either prescribe the probability cutoff or overtly declare the understrength factor. The mean of strength tests required for quality control should be figured out from the required design strength on the basis of a specified probability cutoff and the coefficient of variation of these tests. Furthermore, it is proposed that the currently used empirical understrength factor, which accounts mainly for the risks of structural brittleness (or lack of ductility), should be based on the expected maximum kinetic energy that could be imparted to the structure. The reliability integral taking into account the randomness of both the load and structural resistance is generalized for the case of multiple (statistically independent) understrength factors. Finally, it is pointed out that the currently assumed proportionality of the tensile and shear strengths to the square root of compressive strength of concrete is realistic only for the mean, but grossly underestimates the scatter of tensile and shear strengths.
Wave Instability of Mixed Convection Flow Along a Vertical Flat Plate

Abstract An analysis is performed to investigate the linear wave instability of laminar mixed convection flow over an isothermal vertical flat plate, in which the buoyancy force arises solely from the temperature gradients in the fluid. In the stability analysis, the main flow and thermal fields are treated as nonparallel, and are obtained by the local nonsimilarity solution method The eigenvalue problem consisting of the linearized system of coupled differential equations for the velocity and temperature disturbances are solved by a direct Runge-Kutta numerical integration scheme along with a filtering technique to remove the “parasitic errors” inherent in the numerical integration of the disturbance equations. Neutral stability curves and critical Reynolds numbers are presented for a range of buoyancy parameters covering both assisting and opposing flow situations for two representative Prandtl numbers of 0.7 and 7. It is found that the flow becomes more stable as the buoyancy force increases for assist...
Availability of IMP-7 and IMP-8 data for the IMS period

The relation of IMP-7 and IMP-8 data to the International Magnetospheric Study is discussed. Relevant spacecraft and experiment characteristics, and the nature and accessibility of data from each experiment, are identified. Finally the potential value of IMP data in IMS studies is illustrated with a few citations from the IMP Bibliography and with figures from a recent multiple-data-set magnetotail plasma sheet study.
UNDERSTANDING THE KAUFFMAN BRACKET SKEIN MODULE

The Kauffman bracket skein module K(M) of a 3-manifold M is defined over formal power series in the variable h by letting A = eh/4. For a compact oriented surface F, it is shown that K(F×I) is a quantization of the -characters of the fundamental group of F corresponding to a geometrically defined Poisson bracket. Finite type invariants for unoriented knots and links are defined and obtained from topologically free Kauffman bracket modules. A structure theorem for K(M) is given in terms of the affine -characters of π1(M). It follows for compact M that K(M) can be generated as a module by cables on a finite set of knots. Moreover, if M contains no incompressible surfaces, the module is topologically finitely generated.
Neonatal rabbit juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule acidification

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined apical membrane Na+/H+ antiporter and basolateral membrane Na(HCO3)3 symporter activity in newborn and adult juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules. Proton fluxes were determined from the initial rate of change of intracellular pH after a change in the luminal or bathing solution, buffer capacity, and tubular volume of newborn and adult tubules. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured fluorometrically using the pH-sensitive dye (2',7')-bis (carboxyethyl)-(5,6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Apical Na+/H+ antiporter proton flux, assayed by the effect of sodium removal (147----0 meq/liter) on pHi, was one-third the adult level for the first 2 wk and doubled in the 3rd wk of life. Adult levels were achieved by 6 wk of age. Na+/H+ antiporter activity was not detected on the basolateral membrane of 1-wk-old newborns, indicating that polarity of this transporter was already present. Basolateral membrane Na(HCO3)3 proton flux, assayed by the effect of a bath bicarbonate change (25----5 meq/liter) and by a bath sodium change (147----0 meq/liter) on pHi, was 50-60% of adult values in 1-wk-old newborns. Basolateral membrane Na(HCO3)3 proton flux assayed by a bath bicarbonate change (25----5 meq/liter) remained at 50-60% of adult values for the 1st mo of life and increased to adult levels by 6 wk of age. This transporter not only plays a role in net acidification, but is an important determinant of cell pH in newborn juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubules.
Efficient sampling for simulation-based optimization under uncertainty

We address the efficiency issue for simulation-based optimization under uncertainty. In such a case, there are several design alternatives to simulate and each simulation has its own uncertainty to manage or reduce. We present a very efficient sampling approach to manage the overall uncertainty so that the total simulation time can be minimized. We also compare other allocation procedures, including a popular two-stage procedure in simulation literature. Numerical testing shows that our approach is much more efficient than all compared methods. Comparisons with other procedures show that our approach can achieve a speedup factor of 3~4 for a 10-design example. The speedup factor is even higher with the problems having a larger number of designs
Agronomic evaluation of tissue-culture-derived soybean plants

Genetic alterations of regenerated plants based on the tissue culture process (somaclonal variation) have become common for many plant species including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The objective of this study was to test for the presence of tissue-culture-derived genetic variation in eight agronomic traits in homozygous progeny regenerated by organogenesis using the commercially important cultivar Asgrow ‘A3127.’ A total of 86 lines derived by repeated self-pollination of nine regenerated plants was grown in two locations for 2 years. When compared to the unregenerated parent, statistically significant variation (P<0.05) was found for maturity, lodging, height, seed protein and oil, but not for seed quality, seed weight, or seed yield. All of the variation noted was beneficial and did not involve decreased yield. Since the differences were not large, the results indicate that the tissue culture process is not necessarily detrimental to plant performance, which is an important consideration since tissue culture techniques are used in many genetic engineering methods.
Conservation of neuronal number and size in the entorhinal cortex of behaviorally characterized aged rats.

Despite abundant evidence of behavioral and electrophysiological dysfunction of the rodent hippocampal formation with aging, the structural basis of age-related cognitive decline remains unclear. Recently, unbiased stereological studies of the mammalian hippocampus have found little evidence to support the dogma that cellular loss accompanies hippocampal aging, thereby supporting an alternative hypothesis that aging is marked by widespread conservation of neuronal number. However, to date, the effects of aging have not been reported in another key component of memory systems in the rodent brain, the entorhinal cortex. In the present study, we stereologically estimated total neuronal number and size (cross-sectional area and cell volume) in the subdivisions and cellular layers of the rat entorhinal cortex, using the optical fractionator and nucleator, respectively. Comparisons were made among Fischer 344 rats that were young, aged-impaired, and aged-unimpaired (based on functional analysis in the Morris water maze). No significant differences in cell number or size were observed in any of the entorhinal subdivisions or laminae examined in each group. Thus, aging is associated with widespread conservation of neuronal number, despite varying degrees of cognitive decline, in all memory-related systems examined to date. These data suggest that mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline are to be found in parameters other than neuronal number or size in the cortex of the mammalian brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 438:445‐ 456, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genome-wide scan for prostate cancer susceptibility genes using families from the University of Michigan prostate cancer genetics project finds evidence for linkage on chromosome 17 near BRCA1.

BACKGROUND Previous linkage studies have suggested prostate cancer susceptibility genes located on chromosomes 1, 20, and X. Several putative prostate cancer candidate genes have also been identified including RNASEL, MSR1, and ELAC2. Presently, these linkage regions and candidate genes appear to explain only a small proportion of hereditary prostate cancer cases suggesting the need for additional whole genome analyses. METHODS A genome-wide mode-of-inheritance-free linkage scan, using 405 genetic markers, was conducted on 175 pedigrees, the majority containing three or more affected individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stratified linkage analyses were performed based on previously established criteria. RESULTS Results based on the entire set of 175 pedigrees showed strong suggestive evidence for linkage on chromosome 17q (LOD = 2.36), with strongest evidence coming from the subset of pedigrees with four or more affected individuals (LOD = 3.27). Race specific analyses revealed strong suggestive evidence for linkage in our African-American pedigrees on chromosome 22q (LOD = 2.35). CONCLUSIONS Genome-wide analysis of a large set of prostate cancer families indicates new areas of the genome that may harbor prostate cancer susceptibility genes. Specifically, our linkage results suggest that there is a prostate cancer susceptibility gene on chromosome 17 that is independent of ELAC2. Further research including combined analyses of independent genome-wide scan data may clarify the most important regions for future investigation. Prostate 57: 326–334, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Influence of Twentieth-Century Biomedical Thought on the Origins of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy

I wish first to thank the organizers of this symposium for inviting me to speak on the origins of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) drug discovery during the twentieth century. My own involvement with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease began in January 1936 [2]. My first patient, a severely malnourished woman of 40 gravely ill with ulcerative colitis, weighed a mere 85 lb. Treatment with the available ­nutritional supplements, subcutaneous fluids and small blood transfusions, was inadequate and the patient soon died – an experience that stimulated my interest in IBD and in the importance of nutritional support therapy. Between 1880 and 1900, 21 microorganisms had been identified as the specific causes of human disease; more pathogens were recognized early in the twentieth century [3]. So, during the 1930s, we searched unsuccessfully for pathogenic organisms in the stools of ­ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We also were impressed with the emotional ­difficulties of IBD patients and yielded to prevailing psychosomatic concepts of disease and endorsed psychotherapy, which, though helpful for some patients, was ineffective. The discovery of sulphanilamide in 1938 [3], the availability of penicillin in the 1940s, and the subsequent sulphonamides and antibiotics were major ­accomplishments; but for IBD, initial optimism soon ended in disappointment. In the autumn of 1950, the clinical effects of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and the adrenal corticosteroids in rheumatoid arthritis, in IBD, and in other diseases were even more dramatic and suggested the soon-disproved possibility of a hormonal deficiency. Patients with UC improved within 48 h, but recurrences soon followed. Fifty years later, we recognize steroids as useful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, but not as long-term therapy. Immunological ­mechanisms now were being proposed for a variety of diseases, and their implication in IBD soon followed, especially as we became aware of the gut mucosal immune system – you have learned more of this concept from the experts on the earlier program.
Quantitative sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation, a method for analyzing co-occupancy of proteins at genomic regions in vivo

Sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation (SeqChIP) is a procedure in which formaldehyde-crosslinked, protein-DNA complexes from living cells are subjected to two sequential immunoprecipitations with antibodies of different specificity. SeqChIP has been used to address, in a qualitative manner, whether two proteins can simultaneously co-occupy a stretch of DNA in vivo. Here, we expand on our earlier work and describe theoretical and practical considerations for performing and interpreting SeqChIP experiments in a quantitative manner. We provide a detailed experimental procedure for designing and performing SeqChIP experiments as well as experimental examples of the three possible outcomes: full co-occupancy, no co-occupancy and partial co-occupancy. In some cases of partial co-occupancy, the order of immunoprecipitations in SeqChIP can strongly influence the outcome. We experimentally confirm a quantitative parameter that provides a measure of co-occupancy of two proteins on a given region of DNA and provide information on how to interpret the results of SeqChIP experiments. Our quantitative treatment of SeqChIP data substantially expands the usefulness of the technique for elucidating molecular mechanisms in vivo.
Choosing Preferences by Constructing Institutions: A Cultural Theory of Preference Formation

Preferences come from the most ubiquitous human activity: living with other people. Support for and opposition to different ways of life, the shared values legitimating social relations (here called cultures) are the generators of diverse preferences. After discussing why it is not helpful to conceive of interests as preferences or to dismiss preference formation as external to organized social life, I explain how people are able to develop many preferences from few clues by using their social relations to interrogate their environment. The social filter is the source of preferences. I then argue that culture is a more powerful construct than conceptual rivals: heuristics, schemas, ideologies. Two initial applications—to the ideology of the left-right distinctions and to perceptions of danger—test the claim that this theory of how individuals use political cultures to develop their preferences outperforms the alternatives.
Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor–Mediated Inhibition of NaCl Absorption Is Blunted in Thick Ascending Limbs From Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

NO reduces NaCl absorption by thick ascending limbs (TALs) by inhibiting the Na/K/2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2). We have shown that NO-induced inhibition of Na transport is reduced in Dahl salt-sensitive rat (SS) TALs. Angiotensin II increases NO production in TALs via angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT 2 R). It is unknown whether AT 2 Rs regulate TAL NaCl absorption and whether this effect is reduced in SS rats. We hypothesized that AT 2 R activation decreases TAL Na transport via NO, and this effect is blunted in SS rats. In the presence of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan, AT 2 R activation with angiotensin II inhibited NKCC2 activity by 32±7% ( P 2 R antagonist PD-123319 abolished the effect of angiotensin II. Activation with the AT 2 R-selective agonist CGP42112A (10 nmol/L) decreased NKCC2 activity by 29±6% ( P N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. In Dahl salt-resistant rat TALs, 1 nmol/L of CGP42112A decreased NKCC2 activity by 23±4% ( P 2 R mRNA did not differ in SS versus salt-resistant rats. We conclude the following: (1) TAL AT 2 R activation decreases Na absorption; (2) this effect is mediated by AT 2 R-induced stimulation of NO; (3) AT 2 R-induced reduction of NKCC2 activity is blunted in SS rats; and (4) defects in AT 2 R/NO signaling rather than decreased AT 2 R expression likely account for the blunted effect in SS TALs. Impaired AT 2 R-mediated signaling in TALs could contribute to the Na retention associated with salt-sensitive hypertension.
Framing the Professional Development of Members of the Science Teacher Education Community

On office walls, we used to display photos and posters with the aid of yellow gummy stuff or with special squares of poster mounting tape found during raids of the office supply cabinet. The assemblage of pictures and a few clippings on the walls looked okay – for a college dormitory. More recently, we have had the need to remove items from an office wall (either for a new coat of paint or for a move to a new space), and in the process discovered that a more enduring display of materials improves the overall look of an office wall. Specifically, framing a photo from the High Sierras or the picture of a loved one not only frees us from the need for that yellow gum, but also gives a new perspective and brings a new importance to the image. The frame improves the image and sets it apart from the background wall, distinguishing it clearly from the pieces on the wall.
Disseminated Phaeohyphomycosis: Review of an Emerging Mycosis

Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis is an uncommon infection caused by dematiaceous fungi, although the number of case reports about this infection has been increasing in recent years. A total of 72 cases are reviewed. Scedosporium prolificans is by far the most common cause. The presence of melanin in their cell walls may be a virulence factor for these fungi. The primary risk factor is decreased host immunity, although cases in apparently immunocompetent patients have been reported. Eosinophilia was seen in 11% of cases. Endocarditis is mostly reported on bioprosthetic valves, particularly those of porcine origin. The outcome of antifungal therapy remains poor, with an overall mortality rate of 79%. Special precautions taken for immunocompromised patients may help prevent exposure to fungi during the patients' period of greatest risk. The development of newer antifungal agents and combination therapy may hold promise in improving the management of these devastating infections in the future.
Improving response time in cluster-based Web servers through coscheduling

Summary form only given. We investigate the feasibility of minimizing the response time of a Web server by exploiting the advantages of both user-level communication and coscheduling. We, thus, propose a coscheduled server model, based on the PRESS design where the remote cache accesses can be coscheduled on different nodes to reduce the response time. We experiment this concept using two known coscheduling techniques, called dynamic coscheduling (DCS) and DCS with immediate blocking. Extensive simulation of four server models (PRESS over TCP/IP, PRESS over VIA, coscheduled PRESS model with DCS, and with DCS and blocking) using 16-node and 32-node cluster configurations indicates that the average response time of a distributed server can be minimized significantly by coscheduling the communicating processes. The use of the DCS scheme reduced the average latency up to 80%, on an average 40%, compared to the PRESS over VIA model that uses only user-level communication, and by order of magnitude compared to the TCP/IP model. The throughput of the three user-level communication models is at least 25% better compared to the PRESS over TCP/IP model. Experiments with varying file size and cache size also confirmed the advantage of using a coscheduling mechanism for improving the response time behavior.
Canopy Lichens with Blue‐Green Algae: A Nitrogen Source in a Colombian Rain Forest

Lichens containing blue-green algae are abundant (13,600/ha; total biomass 5.7 kg/ha) in a Colombian montane rain forest. These noncrustose lichens grow mainly on 3-12 cm diam twigs and small branches, 12-25 m high at the top of the crowns of canopy and subcanopy trees. They are rare below 4 m. Eighty-six % of the lichens contain Nostoc and, based on published laboratory nitrogen-fixation studies of lichenized Nostoc, these lichens fix an estimated 1.5-8 kg N/ha- yr, equivalent to the estimated range of total nitrogen input in precipitation. This lichen phenomenon is probably widespread in rain forests of the American tropics. These results reemphasize the importance of the epiphyte community in the canopy layer of the rain forest ecosystem.
Space-Charge Waves in an Accelerated Electron Stream for Amplification of Microwave Signals

Space-charge waves in an accelerated or decelerated electron stream are studied in this paper using a one-dimensional small-signal approximation. Exact solutions are given for an idealized stream of infinite extent, accelerated or decelerated uniformly through a space where dc space-charge effects are assumed to be neutralized by positive ions. It is argued that the results obtained can be applied to streams of small diameter by use of an appropriate reduction factor on plasma frequency even in the absence of positive ions. The solution obtained indicates that space-charge waves on a decelerated stream grow in amplitude, and can thus provide a method for amplifying microwave signals. The amplifying mechanism which is discussed is one involving an electron stream which has a single value of velocity in any transverse plane, but which is decelerated and accelerated alternately by a set of properly spaced parallel electrodes. Three amplifiers of this type have been constructed and tested and the theoretical gain expression has been verified.
Genetic Counseling: The Sorrow and the Policy

Book reviewed in this article: Coping with Genetic Disorders. By John C. Fletcher. Genetics, Ethics and Parenthood. Edited by Karen Lebacqz. Screening and Counseling for Genetic Conditions: The Ethical, Social, and Legal Implications of Genetic Screening, Counseling, and Education Programs. A report of the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research.
Interpersonal Transgressions and Interest in Spiritual Activities: The Role of Narcissism

As levels of narcissism rise among Americans, it is important to understand how being narcissistic affects individuals’ day-to-day lives. One domain in which narcissism may have particularly interesting effects is individuals’ spirituality. When interpersonal expectations have been violated, individuals experience a variety of emotions. Chief among these emotions is guilt, which is linked both thematically and empirically to many aspects of Western religion. Given narcissism’s complex relationship with guilt, it is important to investigate how narcissists may react to failings in the interpersonal domain, particularly in a spiritual context. The current study investigated the effects of a simulated interpersonal failing on narcissists’ interest in a variety of spiritual behaviors, including prayer, seeking spiritual guidance, and participating in spiritual activities aimed at self-enhancement. After reading a scenario designed to induce feelings associated with interpersonal failings, participants reported their interest in a variety of religious activities, including prayer. Results indicated that the manipulation tended to decrease interest in a variety of spiritual activities across the sample, but that these effects were only robust among participants high in narcissism.
Generalizations of Sturmian Theory

This chapter is devoted to a brief survey of certain areas to which the Sturmian theory has been extended, and which are intimately related to the subject matter of the preceding chapters. Briefly stated, we shall mention related problems for integro-differential systems, a type of generalized differential equation that in major instances is equivalent to a Riemann-Stieltjes integral equation, quadratic functional theory in Hilbert space due to Hestenes, interrelations with the Weinstein theory of intermediate problems, oscillation theory in the context of a B*-algebra and the topological interpretation of the Sturm theorems in terms of intersection numbers and deformation cycles that has emanated from the 1956 paper of R. Bott [1].
NOTES ON BOLETES. XIV

Since Peck described this species in 1888, its status has been uncertain. There are records of its collection at least twice in Wisconsin, and we have occasionally in the Northeast come across what we thought was probably this species. The first of these, collected at Deerhead, N. Y., in 1932, appeared to fit Peck's description and to match the type material. We have been a little less certain with regard to a few other collections from the middle western and northeastern states, but a single specimen obtained in Sandwich, N. H., in 1959 is the second with regard to which we entertain no doubts. Consequently, we are restoring B. glabellus Peck to good standing and placing it in the Section Luridi because of its small pores.
Isaac De la Peyrere, A Precursor of Eighteenth-Century Critical Deists

In the study of the origins and development of French eighteenth century thought, the importance of Isaac de la Peyrere has been strangely overlooked. I say “strangely ”advisedly since not only was La Peyrere a person of some prominence in his day, but through his works, was one of the first to disseminate certain critical arguments which were to prove popular with deists in both France and England, and which find their highest degree of success in Voltaire's Essai sur les mœurs, La Bible enfin expliquee, and the Dictionnaire philosophique. Accordingly it is the purpose of this article to investigate La Peyrere's place among his contemporaries, the subsequent fortune of his ideas, and to attempt to evaluate his importance in the formation and development of critical deism in both France and England.
Regulating for Outcomes as a Systems Response to the Problem of Drug-Related Morbidity

Objective To describe the evidence that preventable adverse outcomes of drug therapy are prevalent in the United States and Europe, to describe the causes of this problem, to outline a systems response that would correct or improve the problem, to discuss pharmacy's contribution to that solution, and to propose a strategy for implementation. Summary The causes of the widespread problem of preventable drug-related morbidity (PDRM) that have been identified in the literature constitute system failure. Health professionals can understand an individual patient's care system if they organize their thinking about systems as efficiently as they organize their thinking about medical or pharmaceutical problems. Six essential system characteristics are proposed, based on the PDRM literature. Regulations should mandate regular patient and system performance assessments-specifically, that health professionals (1) identify, resolve, and document specific pharmacotherapy problems; (2) assess system performance and identify recurring root causes of problems; and (3) document assessments, problems found, actions taken, and follow-up. These regulations would, in essence, mandate individual quality improvement (QI) programs. QI and pharmaceutical care require similar processes of decisions and actions, one from a practice (multipatient) perspective and the other from a patient perspective. Conclusion Health care accreditation agencies are moving toward regulation for outcomes. Pharmacy managers should embrace and regulatory boards should participate in this movement. Such regulations would clarify pharmacy's role in support of safe and effective pharmacotherapy and would constitute a commitment to pharmaceutical care as public service. A widely adopted system of measuring and improving the quality of medication use and outcomes could eventually lead to quality benchmarks in the community pharmacy setting, which would more firmly establish the value of the pharmacist in pharmacotherapy.
Stickstoffbilanz und Stickstoffverlust

1. Abgeschnittene Blatter, welche mit den Stielen oder der Blattbasis im Wasser stehen, geben nur geringe, bilanzmasig unbedeutende Stickstoffmengen an die Flussigkeit ab. 2. N-Defizite in hoheren und niederen Pflanzen beruhen, sofern das Entweichen von gasformigem, gebundenen Stickstoff (NH3, Stickoxyde) verhindert wird, auf der Entbindung von molekularem Stickstoff. 3. Diese Reaktion setzt voraus: Nitrit, aminischen Stickstoff und eine hohe Aziditat. Sie erfolgt nach dem Schema HNO2+RNH2=N2+ROH+H2O. 4. Im Zuge der Nitratreduktion spielt bei gesunden hoheren Pflanzen diese N2-Entbindung keine erhebliche Rolle, da offenbar die Nitritstufe zu schnell durchschritten wird. 5. In Pressaften und in Pilzkulturen fuhrt Nitratgabe jedoch zu erheblichen N-Verlusten, ein indirekter Beweis der intermediaren Bildung von Nitrit. 6. Bei Hefe deutet die Rolle von Sulfhydrilkorpern darauf hin, das diese die Nitratreduktion fordern konnen. 7. Eine Entbindung von Stickstoff auf Kosten von reduziertem Stickstoff war nie zu beobachten. Die Rolle der nitrifizierenden Bakterien ist vorerst einzigartig. 8. So unokonomisch die N2-Entbindung auch erscheint, kann sie im Leben der Pflanze doch eine Bedeutung gewinnen durch das Entfernen von Nitrit, einem starken Zellgift. DieEntbindung wird somit zu einer Entgiftungsreaktion.
Influence of Protein Structures on Mechanical Response

In biological nanocomposites such as bones, teeth and seashells, proteins play an important role in their mechanical response. Proteins in nacre, the inner layer of seashells have been shown to have exceptional mechanical properties. The secondary structures, β-sheets of protein when present close to each other in multiple numbers could take the shape of a planar β-sheath like structure or a β-barrel to form a domain. In natural proteins both these types of structures are commonly found. Effort has been made through this work to study the mechanical response of these β-planar sheath and s-barrel structures when subjected to external loads. Comparative study of the stress-deformation characteristics of these two types of structures has been made. The influence of shear force on the conformation of planar and barrel structure is investigated. Both these structures with almost similar number of amino acids have been extracted from one single spinach protein, Ferredoxin Reductase (1FNR). Steered molecular dynamics has been used to conduct these studies. The paper deals with the separation of the two domains from the main protein, simulation details and results comparing the responses.
HIV and AIDS: Have we been misled?

For a decade, there has been increasing concern about ‘AIDS’ and a virus called ‘HIV’ which is said to cause ‘AIDS’. Having named this virus ‘HIV’ — Human Immunodeficiency Virus — contributes to making people accept that ‘HIV is the cause of AIDS’. However, to an extent which undermines classical standards of science, some purported scientific results concerning ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’ have been handled by press releases, by disinformation, by low quality studies, and by some suppression of information, manipulating the media and people at large. I am not here concerned with intent, but with scientific standards, especially the ability to tell the difference between a fact, an opinion, a hypothesis, and a hole in the ground. As we shall see shortly, there does not even exist a single proper definition of ‘AIDS’ on which discourse can reliably be based. One difficulty of which most people are not aware, lies in faulty terminology and different impressions by different people of what ‘AIDS’ means. Thus a morass about HIV and AIDS has been created.
EKLF/KLF1-regulated cell cycle exit is essential for erythroblast enucleation.

Abstract The mechanisms regulating the sequential steps of terminal erythroid differentiation remain largely undefined, yet are relevant to human anemias that are characterized by ineffective red cell production. Erythroid Kruppel-like Factor (EKLF/KLF1) is a master transcriptional regulator of erythropoiesis that is mutated in a subset of these anemias. Although EKLF's function during early erythropoiesis is well studied, its role during terminal differentiation has been difficult to functionally investigate due to the impaired expression of relevant cell surface markers in Eklf(-/-) erythroid cells. We have circumvented this problem by an innovative use of imaging flow cytometry to investigate the role of EKLF in vivo and have performed functional studies using an ex vivo culture system that enriches for terminally differentiating cells. We precisely define a previously undescribed block during late terminal differentiation at the orthochromatic erythroblast stage for Eklf(-/-) cells that proceed beyond the initial stall at the progenitor stage. These cells efficiently decrease cell size, condense their nucleus, and undergo nuclear polarization; however, they display a near absence of enucleation. These late-stage Eklf(-/-) cells continue to cycle due to low-level expression of p18 and p27, a new direct target of EKLF. Surprisingly, both cell cycle and enucleation deficits are rescued by epistatic reintroduction of either of these 2 EKLF target cell cycle inhibitors. We conclude that the cell cycle as regulated by EKLF during late stages of differentiation is inherently critical for enucleation of erythroid precursors, thereby demonstrating a direct functional relationship between cell cycle exit and nuclear expulsion.
Identifying multi-stage nanocrystal growth using in situ TEM video data

The in situ transmission electron microscopy technique is receiving considerable attention in material science research, as its in situ nature makes possible discoveries that ex situ instruments ar...