cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of endothelin converting enzyme-1 in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

Abstract Endothelins (ETs), potent vasoactive peptides, are present in many ocular tissues including the ciliary epithelium where active ET-1 is produced from the precursor Big ET-1 by a membrane-bound metalloprotease, endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Although the role of ocular ET's are uncertain, they are elevated in the aqueous humor of normal as well as glaucomatous eyes and have been shown to lower the intraocular pressure for prolonged periods of time. In the current study, an endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) has been identified and its activity has been studied in SV-40 transformed human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (HNPE) cells. Western blotting using polyclonal antibodies against ECE-1, detected a 124 kDa protein in the plasma membrane but not in the cytosol. Further characterization of the enzymatic activity of ECE-1 (conversion of Big ET-1 to ET-1) using the plasma membrane fraction of HNPE cells was performed by a novel assay involving 125 I-Big ET-1 (substrate; 80 fmoles mg −1 protein) and polyclonal antibodies specific for Big ET-1. Mean ECE-1 activity (expressed as fmoles 125 I-ET-1 produced mg protein −1 time −1 ) increased linearly with time and was similar to that observed in rat lung tissue. ECE-1 activity was enhanced with increasing concentrations of substrate ( 125 I-Big ET-1; 30–200 fmoles mg protein −1 180 min −1 ) as well as with increasing concentrations of protein (5–20 μg proteins at the substrate concentration of 80 fmoles mg protein −1 180 min −1 ). Treatments with CGS-26303 (100 μ m ), an inhibitor of ECE-1 and thiorphan (2 m m ; a metalloprotease inhibitor), significantly decreased ECE-1 activity. Furthermore, both, acidification of the reaction buffer (from pH 7.4 to 6.4) and the addition of a metal chelator, EGTA (2 m m ) decreased ECE-1 activity by nearly 60%. These results suggest that the ECE-1 localized in HNPE cells, is a neutral pH-sensitive metalloprotease which is similar in its activity to that observed in lung tissue and is essential for the production of ET-1 in HNPE cells. The physiological importance of the unusual proteolytic processing by ECE-1 in ocular tissue may reflect on how ET regulates intraocular pressure.
Dynamic changes of cell-surface glycoconjugates in human palmar epidermis following friction-blisters.

Damage and repair of cell-surface glycoconjugates were examined in human palmar skin following friction-blister injury, using biotinylated lectins and the avidinbiotin complex method. In normal skin, concanavalin A, Ricinus communis, and Triticum vulgaris bound to the surface of cells from the basal layer to the granular layer. After injury, binding of concanavalin A was absent in the plasma membrane, but appeared in the cytoplasm at perinuclear sites. The surface reaction was recovered in basal and spinous cells, but not in granular cells, when cell maturation began at 5 days after injury. In contrast, binding of Ricinus communis and Triticum vulgaris was, in general, much more resistant to tissue damage. Even in some cells, where the surface staining became obscure at an early period, a normal staining pattern reappeared by 6 h after injury. Staining of Ulex europeus I and Glycine max, detected on the surface of upper spinous and granular cells in normal skin, disappeared immediately after the injury, but recovered quickly on the surfaces of the differentiated cells. These findings suggest that at least 2 oligosaccharide sequences, one binding with concanavalin A, and the other with Ricinus communis and Triticum vulgaris, may exist on epidermal cells. Addition of terminal carbohydrates, detectable with binding of Ulex europeus I and Glycine max, appears to occur on the Ricinus communis I and Triticum vulgaris-bound oligosaccharide chain.
Near-real-time GPS integer ambiguity resolution

Real-time decimeter accuracy GPS positioning can be achieved using carrier phase measurements. This requires fast and reliable on-the-fly integer ambiguity resolution. However, in GPS challenged areas (e.g. Urban canyons, tunnels, thick canopy etc.) the GPS receiver may not be able to track a sufficient number of satellites to resolve the integer ambiguities within one epoch. In this paper, we would like to find the optimal solution by combining the measurements from several epochs. In this paper, we present the theoretical derivation for a fast and efficient method for GPS integer ambiguity resolution with multiple GPS epoch measurements. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Simulation of cyclic operation of a gas panel device

This paper presents a numerical simulation model for the operation of a gas panel discharge cell with a neon-argon mixture. The model is based on a Townsend avalanche or direct ionization mechanism and secondary emission, as well as Penning collisions or indirect ionization. Charges on the dielectric walls are included, but space-charge field distortion is neglected. Cyclic operation of the cell is studied in detail and the effects of geometric and electrical parameters (e.g., gap and pulse widths) on the operating characteristics of the cell (e.g., write, sustain and erase voltages) have been obtained. The results are in good agreement with experimental data where available.
Beryllium-7 in Ocean Water

Concentration of the radio nuclide beryllium-7, produced by cosmic rays, was measured in waters collected from both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This short-lived nuclide is well suited as a tracer for interactions at the air-sea interface and for the measurement of rapid mixing processes in the surface layer of the ocean.
Diagnosis of pseudoprogression using MRI perfusion in patients with glioblastoma multiforme may predict improved survival

SUMMARY Aims: This retrospective study determined the survival of glioblastoma patients with or without pseudoprogression. Methods: A total of 68 patients were included. Overall survival was compared between patients showing pseudoprogression (in most cases diagnosed using perfusion MRI with ferumoxytol) and in patients without pseudoprogession. MGMT methylation status was also analyzed in the pseudoprogression cases. Results: Median survival in 24 (35.3%) patients with pseudoprogression was 34.7 months (95% CI: 20.3–54.1), and 13.4 months (95% CI: 11.1–19.5) in 44 (64.7%) patients without pseudoprogression (p < 0.0001). The longest survival was a median of 54.1 months in patients with combination of pseudoprogression and (MGMT) promoter methylation. Conclusion: Pseudoprogression is associated with better outcome, especially if concurring with MGMT promoter methylation. Patients never diagnosed with pseudoprogression had poor survival. This study emphasizes the importance of differentiating tumor progres...
Plug-in vehicles car park photovoltatic farm construction for cost and emission reductions

In this paper, a photovoltatic (PV) farm construction plan for charging plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in a workplace parking lot is proposed. The system involves a developed smart power charging controller, an under construction PV farm and a DC distribution bus connected to the AC utility grid. In order to produce enough energy for the daily consumption of a certain number of PEVs at the same time limit the construction cost of the PV farm, the scale of the PV farm should be optimized. A stochastic model of PEVs daily energy consumption is used together with the historical solar irradiance data in this area to find the best scale of the PV farm through genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. Since the output power from the PV farm varies in different environmental situations, energy forecasting and distribution is achieved by using the smart power flow controller. One day period simulation of the hybrid PEVs charging system is done to demonstrate that the proposed plan can effectively support enough power for a certain number of PEVs with the maximum utilization of renewable energy and minimum grid impact.
Optical distortion parameter of KCl laser windows at 10.6 μm

Abstract Thermal lensing in [111]-oriented KCl laser windows for CO 2 lasers is re-examined in the light of new measurements of the temperature coefficient of refractive index; it is concluded that the effective optical distortion parameter should be close to 8.5 × 10 −6 K −1 .
A conjecture of Segre on diophantine approximation

In 1945,B. Segre proved the following classical theorem: Every irrational ξ has an infinity of rational approximationsp/q such that $$\frac{{ - 1}}{{q^2 \sqrt {1 + 4\tau } }}< \frac{p}{q} - \xi< \frac{\tau }{{q^2 \sqrt {1 + 4\tau } }},$$ (0) where τ is any given non-negative real number.
Comment on ‘A point source solution for unidirectional flow of a viscoelastic fluid’ [Phys. Lett. A 372 (2008) 4041]

Abstract Through analytical and numerical approximations of the unidirectional point source solution of a viscoelastic second-grade fluid, the author of Phys. Lett. A 372 (2008) 4041 inferred that the fluid sustains superdiffusion for D t ≪ 1 and classical diffusion for D t ≫ 1 , where t is time and D is the ratio of the kinematic viscosity by the viscoelasticity. We disprove the first claim by performing an exact computation of the second moments of the solution: we explicitly construct a compound Poisson process ( X t ) t ⩾ 0 with Laplace-distributed jump sizes which has the above-mentioned point solution as its probability density function. Then, we establish that 〈 X t 2 〉 = 2 D t for all t ⩾ 0 . Furthermore, an exact computation of the kurtosis of the solution yields Kurt ( X t ) = 6 / ( D t ) . Therefore, in comparison to a normal distribution, the solution has a fatter tail. This explains why the author of the commented article severely underestimated the second moment for D t ≪ 1 . In light of our statistical analysis of the point source solution, we indicate how to numerically approximate the second moment for D t ≪ 1 . It is shown that one has to use an integral with moving boundaries in order to account for the size of the tail. Another payoff of our statistical analysis of the point source solution is that we found a formula for the average relaxation time τ: τ = 1 / D .
Statistical analysis of multiple significance test methods for differential proteomics

Background In current proteomics research, a big challenge is to differentiate the correlative proteins for a given biological function from all existing proteins, and if it does, how strong is the relationship between the proteins and function. Statistical significance testing can be used to address this question. However, every traditional statistical test method may suffer from the inability to identify important differentially expressed proteins if the biological samples do not completely meet the assumptions of each test method [1]. To detect the regulated proteins for differential proteomics, we analyze multiple significance test methods and discover some significance proteins.
Interface tension in an SU(N) gauge theory at high temperature.

For an SU({ital N}) gauge theory without dynamical fermions, at temperatures above the deconfining transition there are Z({ital N}) degenerate vacua. The interface tension between distinct Z({ital N}) vacua is computed in weak coupling by semiclassical techniques.
Gunshot residue determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Abstract A procedure for the detection of gunshot residue via the organic constituent diphenylamine is described. The method incorporates high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.
Using badges for shaping interactions in online learning environments

In this paper, we describe an online course management system (titled Adventures in Emerging Media) designed to allow students to choose their own pathways through learning content (a choose-your-own-adventure online course). In addition to providing students with additional agency and narrative prompts, we also used badges, or achievements, to promote specific types of student behaviors. This study provides data collected from approximately 200 students enrolled in this online digital media course in which badges were used to incentivize targeted student behaviors, such as taking an exam within a certain timeframe or responding to student work with especially helpful feedback. In addition to a brief analysis of relevant achievement assessment data, we also describe our approach to the mechanics of achievement design and show some of the elements of design and layout used to incorporate the achievements into a learning management system. Achievements, Badges, online learning, web design
ROBOT SELF-LOCATION BASED ON CORNER DETECTION

This paper presents a decision theoretic method of establishing the position of a mobile robot in a known environment. Boundaries of regions of varying light intensities may be extracted from visual data gathered by the rotation of a camera about the robot position. Some of these boundaries will represent corners of the region. The identification of these corners may further be enhanced using range data. The methods in this paper rely on the probability of viewing corners and on the probability density functions of the measured view angle of corners or the separation angle between corners. View angles are used when compass knowledge is available otherwise corner separation angles are used. The probability density functions of these corner angles are derived from the region geometry and prior knowledge (if any) of the robot position. The known environment is decomposed into visibility regions for sets of corners. The probability of viewing a set of corners depends on the likelihood of the robot being positioned in one of these visibility regions. An optimal decision procedure is established to identify the corner set (or visibility region) based on visual data from a circular scan about the robot position. With this information a least squares estimate of the robot position is derived.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Meta-Analysis of Social Skill Interventions for Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

Many programs designed for children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) include a social skill training component. Using quantitative methods of meta-analysis, the findings from 35 studies investigating the effects of social skill interventions for students with EBD were synthesized. The pooled mean effect size (ES) was 0.199, from which the average student with EBD would be expected to gain a modest eight percentile ranks on outcome measures after participating in a social skill training program. Studies were further grouped and analyzed according to different variables (e.g., similarities of the intervention, participants, and assessment procedures). Slightly greater ESs were found for interventions that focused on teaching and measuring specific social skills (e.g., cooperating, or social problem solving) compared to more global interventions. Several pertinent issues for reviewing the results of this research synthesis are addressed.
Aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles for the collection and detection of multiple cancer cells.

We have extended the use the aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles for the collection and detection of multiple cancer cells. The aptamers were selected using a cell-based SELEX strategy in our laboratory for cancer cells that, when utilized in this method, allow for the selective recognition of the cells from complex mixtures including fetal bovine serum samples. Aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles were used for the selective targeting cell extraction, and aptamer-conjugated fluorescent nanoparticles were employed for sensitive cellular detection. Employing both types of nanoparticles allows for selective and sensitive detection not possible by using the particles separately. Fluorescent nanoparticles amplify the signal intensity versus a single fluorophore label resulting in improved sensitivity. In addition, aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles allow for extraction and enrichment of target cells not possible with other separation methods. Fluorescent imaging and a microplate reader were used for ...
Regional variation in perceptions about climate change

A 2007 survey covering rural areas in nine US states provides data on perceived local impacts of climate change. Perceptions vary from region to region, with a pattern suggesting links to real climate—specifically to winter warming in snow country. A multivariate analysis using mixed-effects ordered logit regression confirms a significant perception-temperature relationship, net of individual background and ideological characteristics, and of regional variations. These findings invite more detailed research. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Complications of iodide therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Forty-seven of 55 patients receiving long-term daily iodile therapy as part of the therapeutic regimen for cystic fibrosis of the pancreas developed goiters. Goiters usually appeared 2 to 3 years after onset of therapy, with a range of 3 months to 12 years. Fourteen patients receiving iodides had laboratory or clinical evidence of hypothyroidism; 2 of these 14 did not have a goiter. No goiters were observed among 55 patients with cystic fibrosis not receiving iodides. Fourteen of 55 children receiving iodide therapy developed nasal polyposis whereas no polyps were seen in 40 patients not receiving iodide. This may be due to the age distribution of patients studied, since most children in the 5 to 15 year age range received iodide therapy.
Electric Field-Induced Functional Reductions in the K+ Channels Mainly Resulted from Supramembrane Potential-Mediated Electroconformational Changes

The goal of this study is to distinguish the supramembrane potential difference-induced electroconformational changes from the huge transmembrane current-induced thermal damages in the delayed rectifier K+ channels. A double Vaseline-gap voltage clamp was used to deliver shock pulses and to monitor the channel currents. Three pairs of 4-ms shock pulses were used to mimic the electric shock by a power-line frequency electric field. Each pair consists of two pulses with the same magnitude, starting from 350 to 500 mV, but with opposite polarities. The shock pulse-generated transmembrane ion flux and the responding electric energy, the Joule heating, consumed in the cell membrane, as well as the effects on the K+ channel currents, were obtained. Results showed that huge transmembrane currents are not necessary to cause damages in the K+ channel proteins. In contrast, reductions in the K+ channel currents are directly related to the field-induced supramembrane potential differences. By a comparison with the shock field-induced Joule heating effects on cell membranes, the field-induced supramembrane potential difference plays a dominant role in damaging the K+ channels, resulting in electroconformational changes in the membrane proteins. In contrast, the shock field-induced huge transmembrane currents, therefore the thermal effects, play a secondary, trivial role.
The arg2 gene of Trichoderma virens: cloning and development of a homologous transformation system.

Abstract The arg2 gene which encodes the small subunit of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase for Trichoderma virens has been cloned and used to develop a homologous transformation system. A genomic clone containing the arg2 gene was isolated from a cosmid library of T. virens based on complementation of an arginine auxotrophic mutant of this fungus. The predicted amino acid sequence of the arg2 gene shows 56–82% identity with homologous polypeptides from other fungi. It also contains an upstream open reading frame which encodes 24 amino acids. As is observed with other gene sequences encoding this polypeptide in filamentous fungi, the N-terminus of the predicted polypeptide showed characteristic features of a mitochondrial signal sequence. The arg2 gene was used for genetic transformation of T. virens in frequencies of up to 370 transformants/μg of DNA. Heat-shock treatment of T. virens protoplasts increased the transformation frequency by fivefold, but more than 85% of the transformants were abortive. Both single-copy, homologous integration events and ectopic, non-homologous integration events were detected by Southern analyses of genomic DNA from transformed strains.
Electronic structures of crystalline Ni3P and amorphous Ni75P25

Abstract A structural model for amorphous Ni75P25 containing 100 atoms with periodic boundaries was constructed using the Monte Carlo method. This model in which the atoms have a short range order similar to tetragonal c-N3P has satisfactory radial distributional function. The electronic structures of c-Ni3P and a-Ni75P25 were calculated by a first-principles method. the density of states for both phases are similar and are in good agreement with XPS measurements. At the Fermi level (Ef) which is located at the edge of the Ni d-band, the states are mainly composed of d-orbitals of those Ni atoms which have two P neighbors, and the positions of the Ni d-band relative to Ef depend sensitively on the number of nearest P neighbors. For Ni atoms with no P atom as nearest neighbors, the d-band can be located above Ef. A localization index calculation from the wave functions indicates that these states are relatively localized. Effective charge calculations show that the metalloid atoms gain about half an electron each through charge transfer.
Cell Death Discrimination with Raman Spectroscopy and Support Vector Machines

In the present study, Raman spectroscopy is employed to assess the potential toxicity of chemical substances. Having several advantages compared to other traditional methods, Raman spectroscopy is an ideal solution for investigating cells in their natural environment. In the present work, we combine the power of spectral resolution of Raman with one of the most widely used machine learning techniques. Support vector machines (SVMs) are used in the context of classification on a well established database. The database is constructed on three different classes: healthy cells, Triton X-100 (necrotic death), and etoposide (apoptotic death). SVM classifiers successfully assess the potential effect of the test toxins (Triton X-100, etoposide). The cells that are exposed to heat (45 °C) are tested using the classification rules obtained. It is shown that the heat effect results in apoptotic death, which is in agreement with existing literature.
Accuracy of un-supervised versus provider-supervised self-administered HIV testing in Uganda: A randomized implementation trial.

Unsupervised HIV self-testing (HST) has potential to increase knowledge of HIV status; however, its accuracy is unknown. To estimate the accuracy of unsupervised HST in field settings in Uganda, we performed a non-blinded, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial of unsupervised compared with supervised HST among selected high HIV risk fisherfolk (22.1 % HIV Prevalence) in three fishing villages in Uganda between July and September 2013. The study enrolled 246 participants and randomized them in a 1:1 ratio to unsupervised HST or provider-supervised HST. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the HST sensitivity was 90 % in the unsupervised arm and 100 % among the provider-supervised, yielding a difference 0f −10 % (90 % CI −21, 1 %); non-inferiority was not shown. In a per protocol analysis, the difference in sensitivity was −5.6 % (90 % CI −14.4, 3.3 %) and did show non-inferiority. We conclude that unsupervised HST is feasible in rural Africa and may be non-inferior to provider-supervised HST.
Cysts and other masses about the knee: identifying and treating common and rare lesions.

Masses about the knee are most commonly benign cysts. The diagnosis can often be made with a history and physical exam, but radiographs and MRI are sometimes required, and histologic evaluation is occasionally necessary. Popliteal (Baker's) cysts are of ten indicative of arthritis; treatment for the underlying pathology may reduce swelling and permit resorption. Meniscal cysts indicate an underlying tear; treatment is resection and cyst excision. Symptomatic ganglion cysts generally require surgical excision. Treatment for bursitis is conservative. The less-common synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial sarcoma, and lesions of the proximal tibiofibular joint generally require referral and surgery.
A Temperature Calibration Procedure for the Sunset Laboratory Carbon Aerosol Analysis Lab Instrument

The Sunset Laboratory Carbon Aerosol Analysis Lab Instrument is widely used for thermal-optical analysis (TOA) of ambient particulate matter samples to measure total carbon (TC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC), and often thermal sub-fractions of OC and EC. TOA operating protocols include a series of plateau temperatures at which the thermal sub-fractions evolve. The temperatures have conventionally been measured by a sensor located in the sample oven but away from the filter sample. However, the TOA protocol used by the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network and recently adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Speciation Trends Network (STN) and Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) specify temperatures to be achieved at the filter. Our goal was to develop a simple calibration method to obtain the target filter temperatures in a Sunset Instrument. This method showed good agreement with the IMPROVE/STN/CSN method and has the advantages of not...
Children's anticipation of and response to colposcopic examination

Just prior to and following general physical and colposcopic anogenital exams, 43 mothers and daughters (3-15 years), referred because of allegations of sexual abuse, were interviewed separately to determine their knowledge of and feelings about the exam. Children were not retraumatized by the examination of their anogenital anatomy. Although poorly prepared for it, children reported medical staff touch to their genitals, anus, and buttocks at a higher rate than touch to all other body locations, 84.5% versus 16%, but did not rate that touch as more painful. Children were significantly less distressed after the exam; mothers were not.
Multichannel least-squares linear regression provides a fast, accurate, unbiased and robust estimation of Granger causality for neurophysiological data

The most common method for calculating Granger causality requires the fitting of a system of autoregressive equations to multiple interrelated signals. Historically, the Levinson, Wiggins, Robinson (LWR) algorithm and the least-squares linear regression (LSLR) approach are the most widely used methods for fitting these autoregressive equations. In this manuscript we compare these algorithms head-to-head. LSLR, as implemented using the Dynamic Autoregressive Neuromagnetic Causal Imaging (DANCI) method, was faster, and produced better residual error, normality, independence, and autocorrelation functions when analyzing real magnetoencephalography signals. Simulations demonstrated that the accuracy of LSLR was much higher than the LWR method and that the LSLR method, at least as implemented by DANCI, could accurately resolve the causal connectivity of 50 interrelated signals. We conclude that the multichannel LSLR method, as implemented by DANCI, can accurately calculate the interdependencies among multiple signals and has the potential to accurately calculate Granger causality for large-scale neurophysiological networks.
On the Road to Social Justice: Assessing Cairo

Book reviews: Asoka Bandarage, Women, Population and Global Crisis: Political-economic Analysis (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Sonia Correa in collaboration with Rebecca Reichmann, Population and Reproductive Rights: Feminist Perspectives from the South (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Paul Demeny and Geoffrey McNicoll (eds), Population and Development (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Rosaling P. Petchesky and Karen Judd for the International Reproductive Rights Researh Action Group, Negotiating Reporductive Rights: Women's Perspectives Across Countries and Cultures (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Betsy Hartmann, Reproductive Rights and Wrongs: The Global Politics of Population Control (rev.) (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Louise Lassonde, Coping with Population Challenges (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Jane Stein, Empowerment and Women's Health (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt); Jyoti Shankar Singh, Creating a New Consensus on Population (reviewed by Wendy Harcourt)
Prolonged graft survival in older recipient mice is determined by impaired effector T-cell but intact regulatory T-cell responses

Elderly organ transplant recipients represent a fast growing segment of patients on the waiting list. We examined age-dependent CD4+ T-cell functions in a wild-type (WT) and a transgenic mouse transplant model and analyzed the suppressive function of old regulatory T-cells. We found that splenocytes of naive old B6 mice contained significantly higher frequencies of T-cells with an effector/memory phenotype (CD4+CD44highCD62Llow). However, in-vitro proliferation (MLR) and IFNγ-production (ELISPOT) were markedly reduced with increasing age. Likewise, skin graft rejection was significantly delayed in older recipients and fewer graft infiltrating CD4+T-cells were observed. Old CD4+ T-cells demonstrated a significant impaired responsiveness as indicated by diminished proliferation and activation. In contrast, old alloantigen-specific CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-cells demonstrated a dose-dependent well-preserved suppressor function. Next, we examined characteristics of 18-month old alloreactive T-cells in a transgenic adoptive transfer model. Adoptively transferred old T-cells proliferated significantly less in response to antigen. Skin graft rejection was significantly delayed in older recipients, and graft infiltrating cells were reduced. In summary, advanced recipient age was associated with delayed acute rejection and impaired CD4+ T-cell function and proliferation while CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-cells (Tregs) showed a well-preserved function.
Yield of continuous fiber composites under axisymmetric loading

The present work documents the critical axisymmetric stress states to yield continuous fiber composites, as a function of the elastic properties and volume fractions of the components. In the results presented here, the surfaces correspond to yield of the entire matrix. Some other analyses have based surfaces on the initial matrix yield. The yield surfaces produced here are nearly elliptical and can be characterized by three quantities: the lengths of the major and minor axes and the orientation angle of the ellipse. Although yield surfaces of specific fiber composites have been reported previously, this study addresses axisymmetric yield behavior over a wide range of component properties and volume fractions, in an effort to provide useful yield design criteria. Where appropriate, comparison will be made to estimates of yield of fiber composites based on finite element and self-consistent approaches, as well as particulate composite models based on upper bound approaches in the limit of rigid spherical particles, spherical cavities, and elongated cavities.
KMeD: a knowledge-based multimedia medical distributed database system

Abstract The objectives of the Knowledge-Based Multimedia Medical Distributed Database System (KMeD) are to: query medical multimedia distributed databases by both image content and alphanumeric content; model the temporal, spatial, and evolutionary nature of medical objects; formulate queries using conceptual and imprecise medical terms and support cooperative processing; develop a domain-independent, high-level query language and a medical domain user interface to support KMeD functionality; and provide analysis and presentation methods for visualization of knowledge and data models. Using rules derived from application and domain knowledge, approximate and conceptual queries may be answered. These concepts are validated in a testbed linked with radiology image databases. The joint research between the UCLA Computer Science Department and the School of Medicine assures that the prototype system is of direct interest to medical research and practice. The results of this research are extensible to other multimedia database applications.
Developing osteoblasts as an endpoint for the mouse embryonic stem cell test

The mouse Embryonic Stem cell Test (EST) using cardiomyocyte differentiation is a promising in vitro assay for detecting potential embryotoxicity; however, the addition of another differentiation endpoint, such as osteoblasts, may improve the predictive value of the test. A number of variables such as culture conditions and starting cell number were investigated. A 14 day direct plating method of D3 mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) was used to test the predictivity of osteoblast differentiation as an endpoint in the EST. Twelve compounds were tested using the prediction model developed in the ECVAM validation study. Eight of the compounds selected from the EST validation study served as model compounds; four additional compounds known to produce skeletal defects were also tested. Our results indicate comparable chemical classification between the validated cardiomyocyte endpoint and the osteoblast endpoint. These results suggest that differentiation to osteoblasts may provide confirmatory information in predicting embryotoxicity.
The concept of a θ-refinable embedding

Abstract In this paper we prove a theorem concerning θ -refinable embeddings which unifies numerous results concerning θ -refinability principally by clarifying connections between spaces defined by sequences of open covers satisfying monotone type conditions and spaces defined by sequences of open covers satisfying finite intersection type conditions. We make numerous applications to spaces such as p-spaces and wΔ-spaces. Of particular interest are theorems concerning the distinction between monotone types of completeness and Cech-type completeness. A corollary of these is a characterization of complete Moore spaces as the semicomplete Moore spaces which are θ -refinably embedded in their Wallman compactifications. Some results on embeddings in H-extensions are given which elucidate the nature of Cech completeness.
Sequence generators, graphs, and formal languages*†

A sequence generator is a finite graph, more general than, but akin to, the usual state diagram associated with a finite automaton. The nodes of a sequence generator represent complete states, and each node is labeled with an input and an output state. An element of the behavior of a sequence generator is obtained by taking the input and output states along an infinite path of the graph. Sequence generators may be associated with formulas of the monadic predicate calculus, in which the individual variables range over the times 0, 1, 2, 3, ···, and the predicate variables represent complete states, input states, and output states. An unrestricted singulary recursion is a formula in which the complete state at time τ + 1 is expressed as a truth-function of the complete state at time τ and the input states from times τ + 1 to τ + h . Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a formula derived from a sequence generator being equivalent to an unrestricted singulary recursion.
American nurses on safari: an illustration of coping with cultural complexity.

The authors analyzed qualitative field data collected during a clinical study tour of Kenya. The straight description method of analysis was used. A conceptual framework drawn from anthropology, including notions of world view, holism, culture, cultural relativism, and ethnocentrism, offers a basis for the interpretation of observational and experiential data. The study's significance is its contribution to the growing body of cross-cultural nursing knowledge requred for a future in which a worldwide prespective will be essential to the solution of health care problems.
On the steady-state particle size distributions during coarsening

For conservation of solute, the unique asymptotic particle size distribution for coarsening corresponds to a value of the parameter γ equal to 6.75. It is suggested that the previously obtained and apparently contradictory simulation results are due to the numerical procedure employed
Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: a clinicopathologic review and report of three cases.

Background and Objectives We operated on three patients with leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. Methods Complete excision was possible in all three patients. Results One patient developed widespread metastasis at 23 months, one patient is alive with no evidence of disease at 70 months, and one patient is alive at 15 months. The third patient had subcutaneous and pulmonary metastases at the time of presentation, which are radiologically nondetectable at present following postoperative chemotherapy. Conclusions The clinicopathologic features, prognostic factors, and treatment of 130 cases found in a comprehensive literature search and our three cases are reported. J. Surg. Oncol. 1997;65:205–217. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Odorless Chemistry: A Gentle Reductionist Companion to Experiment

Computational quantum chemistry has advanced over the past two decades to the point of recognition as a valuable co-laborer with experiment. Several examples demonstrate this point. For each of the next 40 years, we predict that an additional 1% of chemical research will shift from experiment to computation. Thus by the year 2036 we foresee a picture of chemical research in which 50% of the effort is computational in nature.
The effect of local anesthesia with vasoconstrictor on gingival blood flow during Le Fort I osteotomy

Abstract Purpose: In earlier studies, it has been documented that maxillary gingival blood flow (GBF) decreased significantly during the intraoperative course of a Le Fort I osteotomy. It was not clear, however, whether the observed decrease in GBF was caused by the osteotomy or by the use of local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor (LA + V). The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of LA + V on GBF during Le Fort I osteotomy using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Patients and Methods: Using a randomized clinical trial study design, patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy were assigned to either a treatment (group 1, LA + V used) or a control group (group 2, LA + V not used). The predictor variable was group assignment (LV + V used or not used). The outcome variable was mean maxillary GBF. Maxillary GBF was recorded at predetermined times during the operation. Other study variables included age, sex, single- or double-jaw surgery, estimated blood loss, direction and magnitude of maxillary movements, temperature, pulse, mean blood pressure, O2 saturation, and duration of operation. Results: There were 19 patients in group 1 (LA + V used) and 15 patients in group 2 (LA + V not used). In both groups, mean maxillary GBF decreased significantly during the operation (group 1, 33.3 ± 13.1 to 16.9 ± 16.1 mL/ min/100 g tissue, P = .015; and group 2, 48.2 ± 17.1 to 15.5 ± 7.6 mL/min/ 100 g tissue, P = .001). The decrease in GBF occurred much earlier in group 1. By an average of 2.3 hours into the operation, the mean GBF was equivalent in both study groups (group 1, 10.6 ± 8.6, and group 2, 13.1 ± 9.4 mL/min/ 100 g tissue, P = .44). Conclusions: The results of this study confirm earlier findings that mean maxillary GBF decreases significantly during the intraoperative course of a Le Fort I osteotomy. In addition, LA + V significantly affects GBF during the early phase of the operation. Its effect, however, dissipates between the time of soft tissue dissection and maxillary downfracture.
Comparison of papillomavirus and immunodeficiency virus evolutionary patterns in the context of a papillomavirus vaccine

In contemplating a vaccine for human papillomaviruses (HPVs), it is important to consider the evolutionary context in which such a vaccine would be deployed. The human immunodeficiency virus, having been the subject of even more extensive study than HPV, shares certain salient features with regards to phylogenetic structure, and may serve as a model for contemplation of possible difficulties with HPV vaccination. However, there are also striking differences in the evolutionary potentials and histories of the viruses that permit an optimistic outlook for HPV. These similarities and differences, as well as their implications for vaccination studies, are reviewed.
A Case of Short Rib Polydactyly

A patient with neonatal dwarfism had many characteristics of the Majewski syndrome, except for a cleft lip and abnormalities of internal organs. Absence of these anomalies and presence of more severe pathological changes in bone suggest either a wider spectrum for this disorder or a separate entity.
Assembly of Fine-Pitch Carbon Nanotube Bundles for Electrical Interconnect Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed as electrical interconnects, due to their excellent properties. However, the current nanotube growth techniques suffer from several drawbacks. One of the main challenges for applying CNTs to the circuitry is the high growth temperature (>600°C). Such temperatures are incompatible with microelectronic processes. The other issue is the poor adhesion between CNTs and the substrates, which will result in long term reliability issues and high contact resistance. To overcome these disadvantages, we have successfully demonstrated a methodology that we term “CNT transfer technology”. The distinctive CNT-transfer-technology features are separation of CNT growth and CNT device assembly at solder reflow temperature. In this paper, we combined our expertise in growth of well-aligned open-ended CNT bundles with the CNT transfer process to assemble CNT bundles for fine-pitch interconnects applications. To demonstrate the feasibility of transfer process to assemble the fine-pitch CNT bundles, the CNT bundles with diameter, aspect-ratio and pitch of 25 μm, 4, and 80 μm, respectively, were assembled on the copper substrates. The measured resistivity of the long CNTs is ∼2.3×10−4 Ω-cm. The CNT-solder alloy interfaces were observed by the SEM. The results indicated that molten SnPb solder form strong mechanical bonding with open-ended CNTs, suggesting the superior CNT/solder interfacial properties by solder reflow process.
Multi-color raman nanotags for tumor cell biomarker detection

We report the synthesis and characterization of multi-color gold nanoparticle based tags (Raman Nanotags) for molecular imaging. The multi-color Raman Nanotags are PEGylated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) encapsulating a Raman reporter dyes which can be functionalized with any ligand of interest for targeted molecular imaging. The Raman Nanotags synthesized with 65 nm gold nanoparticles exhibit the largest surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal. Results are presented quantify the measured SERS signal, dynamic range, reproducibility, and stability of Raman Nanotags. In vitro cell culture experiments for targeted biomarker detection using functionalized Raman Nanotags are also presented.
Selective changes in laminin adhesion and alpha 6 beta 4 integrin regulation are associated with the initial steps in keratinocyte maturation

In skin, the distribution of integrins is compartmentalized. Whereas the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin complex is polarized to the basal portion of proliferating cells in the basal layer juxtaposed to the basement membrane, alpha 3 beta 1 integrin receptors are localized on the cell surface surrounding basal and suprabasal cells, suggesting beta 1 integrins mediate both cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. As initiation of maturation in skin is associated with the detachment of cells from the basement membrane, the early loss of alpha 6 beta 4, but not alpha 3 beta 1, integrin expression could be a determining factor in the transition from the proliferating to a differentiating keratinocyte. We have studied the regulation of adhesion potential and integrin expression during differentiation of mouse basal keratinocytes culture in 0.05 mM Ca2+ medium and induced to differentiate in 0.12 mM Ca2+ medium. Within 12-24 h after elevation of Ca2+, a selective loss of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin complex is associated with the induction of the spinous cell marker keratin 1. This early differentiation phenotype coincides with loss of cell attachment mediated by alpha 6 beta 4 to laminins 1 and 5 but not a fibronectin or collagen IV. Selective loss of attachment to laminin is also detected in spinous cells isolated from newborn epidermis in vivo. The loss of alpha 6 and beta 4 protein expression is a consequence of transcriptional and posttranscriptional events, including reduction in mRNA transcripts, reduced synthesis of the alpha 6 protein, and enhanced processing of the alpha 6 and beta 4 chains as determined by Western blots and pulse-chase experiments in metabolically labeled keratinocytes. Selective processing of the beta 4 intracellular domain is detected before loss of beta 4 from the cell surface in basal keratinocytes, and this process is accelerated during differentiation. Whereas early keratinocyte maturation is linked to the selective loss of the alpha 6 beta 4 complex, loss of both beta 1 and beta 4 integrin mRNA and protein occurs as cells proceed to later stages in the differentiation program as induced by 0.5 mM Ca2+ or suspension culture. These conditions are characterized by accelerated expression of transglutaminase; reduced keratin 1 protein; loss of adhesion to fibronectin, laminin 1, laminin 5, and collagen IV; and rapid cell death. Contributing to the down-regulation of beta 1 integrins during terminal differentiation is a selective sensitivity of alpha 3 beta 1 but not alpha 6 beta 4 to down-regulation by transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2, factors that are also expressed differentially in normal skin. This study indicates that down-regulation of the alpha 6 beta 4 but not beta 1 integrins occurs during the initial steps of keratinocyte differentiation and is associated with detachment from the laminin matrix. Such changes could contribute an important signal to initiate the process of terminal keratinocyte differentiation.
Sub-Wavelength Elliptical Patch Antenna Loaded With $\mu$ -Negative Metamaterials

Following our recent findings on the possibility of squeezing the resonant dimensions of circular patch antennas by using negative-permeability loadings, here we theoretically and numerically analyze sub-wavelength elliptical patch antennas partially loaded with magnetic metamaterials. First, we formulate a general theory for inhomogeneously loaded subwavelength elliptical patch antennas, deriving a closed-form solution for the modes supported by this geometry in the long wavelength limit. Our theory proves that their resonant size may be in principle squeezed to any arbitrarily small dimension, provided that the properties of the loading metamaterial are properly tailored. Then, we highlight several advantages offered by the elliptical shape: two orthogonal modes may be independently excited within a subwavelength volume, providing large flexibility in the design, and more degrees of freedom compared to the circular geometry. In particular, the odd mode is shown to provide better gain than the circular case, due to larger aperture efficiency. Full-wave simulations, considering a finite ground plane, realistic feed and the influence of metamaterial loss, prove that the elliptical geometry presents great potentials for a variety of electrically small low-profile antenna applications.