cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of race/ethnicity on molecular pathways in human cancer.

Understanding the molecular circuitry of the cancer cell is within the grasp of the basic scientist; however, harnessing this knowledge to predict cancer risk requires integration of molecular and population sciences. But, what role, if any, does race/ethnicity have in cancer research and, more specifically, in the nature of genetic and epigenetic alterations that programme the malignant behaviour of the cancer cell?
Vascularized bone transplant chimerism mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and osteogenesis in bone allotransplants. We aim to determine whether bone remodeling in VEGF-treated bone allotransplants results from repopulation with circulation-derived autogenous cells or survival of allogenic transplant-derived cells. Methods Vascularized femoral bone transplants were transplanted from female Dark Agouti rats (DA;RT1a) to male Piebald Viral Glaxo (PVG;RT1c). Arteriovenous bundle implantation and short-term immunosuppression were used to maintain cellular viability. VEGF was encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres and delivered intramedullary in the experimental group (n = 22). In the control group (n = 22), no VEGF was delivered. Rats were sacrificed at 4 or 18 weeks. Laser capture microdissection of bone remodeling areas was performed at the inner and outer cortex. Sex-mismatched genes were quantified with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to determine the amount of male cells to total cells, defined as the relative expression ratio (rER). Results At 4 weeks, rER was significantly higher at the inner cortex in VEGF-treated transplants as compared to untreated transplants (0.622 ± 0.225 vs. 0.362 ± 0.081, P = 0.043). At 4 weeks, the outer cortex in the control group had a significantly higher rER (P = 0.038), whereas in the VEGF group, the inner cortex had a higher rER (P = 0.015). Over time, in the outer cortex the rER significantly increased to 0.634 ± 0.106 at 18 weeks in VEGF-treated rats (P = 0.049). At 18 weeks, the rER was >0.5 at all cortical areas in both groups. Conclusions These in vivo findings suggest a chemotactic effect of intramedullary applied VEGF on recipient-derived bone and could imply that more rapid angiogenesis of vascularized allotransplants can be established with microencapsulated VEGF. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:45–51, 2015.
Improving public education about stroke

Stroke is a common and serious disease. Most studies have shown that basic public knowledge about what a stroke is, symptoms of a stroke, and the proper reaction to a stroke is quite deficient. The fact that a stroke affects cognitive, communicative, and motor functions may partially explain the poor reaction to acute stroke symptoms. Several educational studies, using diverse formats and messaging paradigms, have been shown to positively affect public knowledge of stroke symptoms. Such efforts have often used mass media public education campaigns with an emphasis on recognizing symptoms of an acute stroke. Some have been able to demonstrate an increase in the chance of patients (or by-standers) calling 911 and seeking emergency care. However, many programs were of brief duration, and their long-term benefits are uncertain. Continual educational efforts will be needed to improve stroke knowledge and increase the percentage of patients who seek emergency care.
Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Cultured as Spheroids are Self-activated to Produce Prostaglandin E2 that Directs Stimulated Macrophages into an Anti-inflammatory Phenotype†‡§

Culturing cells in three dimension (3D) provides an insight into their characteristics in vivo. We previously reported that human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) cultured as 3D spheroids acquire enhanced anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we explored the effects of hMSC spheroids on macrophages that are critical cells in the regulation of inflammation. Conditioned medium (CM) from hMSC spheroids inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages from secreting proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, CXCL2, IL6, IL12p40, and IL23. CM also increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and IL1ra by the stimulated macrophages, and augmented expression of CD206, a marker of alternatively activated M2 macrophages. The principal anti-inflammatory activity in CM had a small molecular weight, and microarray data suggested that it was prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This was confirmed by the observations that PGE2 levels were markedly elevated in hMSC spheroid-CM, and that the anti-inflammatory activity was abolished by an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a silencing RNA for COX-2, and an antibody to PGE2. The anti-inflammatory effects of the PGE2 on stimulated macrophages were mediated by the EP4 receptor. Spheroids formed by human adult dermal fibroblasts produced low levels of PGE2 and displayed negligible anti-inflammatory effects on stimulated macrophages, suggesting the features as unique to hMSCs. Moreover, production of PGE2 by hMSC spheroids was dependent on the activity of caspases and NFκB activation in the hMSCs. The results indicated that hMSCs in 3D-spheroid cultures are self-activated, in part by intracellular stress responses, to produce PGE2 that can change stimulated macrophages from a primarily proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a more anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.
A New Family Symmetry: Discrete Quaternion Group

We examine the structure of the quaternion group $Q_8$ and its possible application to the physics of flavor. We find that a $Q_8$ family symmetry is suitable to explain the difference between quark and lepton mixing patterns. Distinctive phenomenological predictions are derived for the neutrino sector and the electroweak Higgs sector. We also show how the $Q_8$ symmetry suppresses the effective operators which mediate proton decay.
A Phase II study of adjuvant therapy with anti-B4-blocked ricin after autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This Phase II trial was undertaken to determine the safety, toxicity, and potential efficacy of the B-cell restricted immunotoxin anti-B4-blocked ricin (Anti-B4-bR) when administered as adjuvant therapy to patients in complete remission (CR) after autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) for B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Forty-nine patients with B-cell NHL in CR 46–202 days (median, 112 days) post-ABMT received Anti-B4-bR at a dose of 30 μg/kg lean body weight/day for 7 days by continuous i.v. infusion. Patients were eligible for up to two additional courses of therapy at 14-day intervals. A total of 83 courses of Anti-B4-bR were administered, with 31 patients receiving two or more courses of therapy. The mean serum level on day 7 of the first course was 0.77 ± 0.41 nm. Reversible toxicities included hepatic transaminase elevations, thrombocytopenia, myalgias, fatigue, nausea, hypoalbuminemia, and dyspnea. Human antimouse antibody (HAMA) and/or human antiricin antibody (HARA) responses occurred in 23 patients at a median of 22 days from the initiation of Anti-B4-bR therapy (range, 11–100 days). The 4-year disease-free survival and overall survival are estimated at 56 and 72%, respectively. Twenty-six patients remain in CR after a median follow-up of 54.5 months. This study demonstrates that Anti-B4-bR can be administered safely to patients as adjuvant therapy early after ABMT for B-cell NHL. The toxicities are tolerable and reversible. Although the early estimate of disease-free survival was very encouraging in this single-armed trial, the 4-year follow-up data demonstrate continued relapse.
A software engineering approach to designing trustworthy software

Some specific formal techniques that have proven useful in the SMMS design are examined. Attention is given to a simplified example derived from experience with the actual design. The formal techniques examined incorporate the use of a formal security model, formal specifications of module interfaces, and proofs of correspondence between the two. The use of a proof-driven design approach ensured that: (1) security design proceeded in an orderly fashion; (2) the system has high security assurance; (3) security flaws were exposed early in the design; (4) the system is more amenable to change; and (5) specific security responsibilities are traceable to individual components of the system. >
Directional antennas MAC protocol for energy-efficient wireless sensor networks with mobile sink

Summary Using mobile sink with directional antennas (DAs) is one of the major efforts in the literature to improve energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, there are three important concerns that have remained unresolved when utilizing this method: namely, (i) packets may be lost because of the continuous motion of the mobile sink; (ii) energy may be wasted when the mobile sink is transiting from one point to another; and (iii) the antennas may not completely scan the entire vicinity of the mobile sink because of continuous directional motion. Our research for this paper targeted these three concerns. For this purpose, a novel semi-Markov decision process-based model is constructed for energy-efficient WSNs with a mobile sink using DAs. Optimal results in terms of the average optimal value of the sum of expected total discounted energy consumption is achieved. Through this optimal analysis, the conclusion is reached that packet loss due to the continuous directional motion of the mobile sink will be eliminated, energy will be preserved, and the mobile sink will completely scan its vicinity using the four DAs. Our results may provide guidelines for using mobile sinks with DAs to further improve energy efficiency in WSNs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analytical approach for the determination of the luminosity distance in a flat universe with dark energy

Recent cosmological observations indicate that the present universe is flat and dark energy dominated. In such a universe, the calculation of the luminosity distance, d L , involves repeated numerical calculations. In this paper, it is shown that a quite efficient approximate analytical expression, having very small uncertainties, can be obtained for d L . The analytical calculation is shown to be exceedingly efficient, as compared to the traditional numerical methods, and is potentially useful for Monte Carlo simulations involving luminosity distances.
The Epstein-Barr virus immediate-early promoter BRLF1 can be activated by the cellular Sp1 transcription factor.

Abstract Disruption of viral latency in Epstein-Barr virus-infected cells is mediated through the activation of the BZLF1 (Z) immediate-early gene product. The Z protein can be derived from either of two promoters: the BZLF1 promoter, which directs transcription of a 1.0-kb mRNA encoding the Z gene product alone, or the upstream BRLF1 promoter, which directs transcription of a 2.8-kb bicistronic mRNA encoding the BRLF1 and BZLF1 immediate-early proteins. In this study we have examined the regulation of the BRLF1 promoter by viral and cellular factors. We found that the BRLF1 promoter is autoregulated by the BRLF1 transactivator through a nonbinding mechanism. We show that the BRLF1 (but not the BZLF1) promoter is highly responsive to the Sp1 transcription factor. Sp1 activation of the BRLF1 promoter is mediated through a consensus Sp1-binding site located from -39 to -44 (relative to the mRNA start site). We demonstrate that the BRLF1 promoter has high constitutive activity in C-33 cells (an epithelial cell line) and that the proximal Sp1-binding site is required for this activity. Despite the ubiquitous presence of Sp1 in many cell types, we found that the BRLF1 promoter has essentially no activity in lymphoid cell lines, suggesting that factors other than Sp1 may negatively regulate the BRLF1 promoter in these cells. Our findings demonstrate that the two potential promoters directing BZLF1 transcription are differentially regulated and that Sp1 can activate the BRLF1 promoter but not the BZLF1 promoter.
252Cf-source-correlated transmission measurements for uranyl fluoride deposit in a 24-in-OD process pipe

Abstract Characterization of a hydrated uranyl fluoride (UO2F2·nH2O) deposit in a 17 ft long, 24 in OD process pipe at the former Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant was successfully performed using 252Cf-source-correlated time-of-flight (TOF) transmission measurements. These measurements of neutrons and gamma rays through the pipe from an external 252Cf fission source were used to measure the deposit profile and its distribution along the pipe, the hydration (or H/U), and the total uranium mass. The measurements were performed with a source in an ionization chamber on one side of the pipe and detectors on the other. Scanning the pipe vertically and horizontally produced a spatial and time-dependent radiograph of the deposit in which transmitted gamma rays and neutrons were separated in time. The cross-correlation function between the source and the detector was measured with the Nuclear Weapons Identification System. After correcting for pipe effects, the deposit thickness was determined from the transmitted neutrons and H/U from the gamma rays. Results were consistent with a later intrusive observation of the shape and the color of the deposit; i.e., the deposit was annular and was on the top of the pipe at some locations, demonstrating the usefulness of this method for deposit characterization.
Potential management of red tide blooms. Treatment with concentrated, frozen gomphosphaeria aponina cultures

Abstract The potential management of red tide blooms through inoculation with concentrated, frozen cultures of the blue‐green alga Gomphosphaeria aponina is considered. G. aponina has been shown to elaborate a natural product termed “aponin,” cytolytic toward laboratory cultures of the red tide organism Ptychodiscus brevis, Davis (Steidinger)1. Large cultures of G. aponina (18–20 liter) can be concentrated by centrifugation (1010 cells/ml) and stored frozen at ‐30°C. Studies show that viable, aponin‐producing cultures can be regenerated after being frozen up to 6 weeks. These observations suggest the potential use of stored G. aponina cells in management of P. brevis blooms.
Computing Needs of the Superconducting Super Collider

Following a brief description of the SSC, the computing needs are discussed for both the accelerator design and the experimentation. The computing power required is considerably beyond that being used at present facilities, and parallel processing is expected to play an important role in supplying these needs.
Shelly Receives 2008 Keiiti Aki Young Scientist Award

David R. Shelly received the 2008 Keiiti Aki Young Scientist Award at the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held 17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes the scientific accomplishments of a junior scientist who makes outstanding contributions to the advancement of seismology.
The turbulent mixing layer: geometry of large vortices

Several means for visualizing large-scale vortex structure in a turbulent mixing layer are proposed. Most of the observations are recorded along the low-speed side of the mixing layer, external to the rotational portion of the flow. Conventional correlation measurements in both the streamwise and spanwise directions indicate that the vortex structure becomes independent of the downstream coordinate in a non-dimensional distance of order λx/θi = 300–400, where is the speed ratio and θi is the initial integral thickness. Simultaneous hot-wire measurements at 12 spanwise positions allow computer reconstruction of the velocity field as a function of span and time. These visualizations show the vortex structures to be primarily aligned across the span of the flow, but to contain irregularities. Spanwise correlation lengths are of the order of 3–5δω (δω is the local vorticity thickness). However, the large vortices typically have lengths of order 20δω when the irregularities along the span are ignored.
Steady-state multiplicity of lumped-parameter systems in which two consecutive or two parallel irreversible first-order reactions occur

Abstract This work examines and classifies the steady-state multiplicity features of lumped-parameter systems in which either two consecutive or two parallel, irreversible, first-order reactions are carried out. Several new and surprising features were discovered such as the occurrence of steady-state multiplicity for all Damkohler numbers in certain cases. The multiplicity may occur only if at least one of the reactions is exothermic. Simple criteria are presented for a priori prediction of the conditions which guarantee steady-state uniqueness or multiplicity.
A capacitively coupled polymeric internal antenna

A capacitively-coupled polymeric internal antenna is introduced for Bluetooth or GPS applications. Such an antenna can be easily fabricated on a flexible film substrate and attached to the inside surface of the plastic housing of a portable wireless device, such as a PDA. The proposed antenna saves critical space on the printed circuit board (PCB) and eliminates the need for a vertical contact feed. Thus manufacturing is also simplified and cost is reduced. The antenna system requires a small coupling plate (as small as 4/spl times/4 mm/sup 2/) that can be easily surface mounted on a PCB. The solution proposed provides wideband operation satisfying Bluetooth functionality with good radiation pattern and gain.
The Effect of a Variety of Nutrition Label Format Alignments on Recognition, Application and Total Comprehension Scores of Consumers

Abstract In order for a nutrition label to be effective, consumers must comprehend the format and find it visually appealing. FDA was frustrated in its attempt to find a format that consumers preferred and could comprehend. Our study evaluated five food label formats [tabular control, bar graph (Geiger, et al., 1991). highlighted bar graph, adjectival, and pie chart] to determine if there were any significant correlations between consumer preference and recognition, application and total comprehension scores. We hypothesized, by changing only the format and holding all other information and information load constant, that there should be significant correlations between preference scores (utilities) and comprehension scores, or at the very least, no significant differences (negative correlations). A shopping mall intercept study using a computer interactive interview was completed on 121 subjects in a major mall in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a component of a larger study. Formats were printed on Swanson's TV dinners. Each respondent answered a block of four comprehension questions for each format which assessed recognition, application and total comprehension. Order of labels and questions responses were randomized. Differences among comprehension of formats were determined by Friedman's nonparametric two-way ANOVA with an associated multiple comparison test. Preference scores were determined using adaptive conjoint analysis for each format after the comprehension questions were completed. Correlations were performed between utility scores for each format and the number of correct questions for recognition, application and total comprehension questions. Consumers significantly preferred (p
Preventing postpartum smoking relapse among diverse low-income women: a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Postpartum relapse rates are high among women who spontaneously quit smoking during pregnancy. This randomized clinical trial tested a Motivation and Problem-Solving (MAPS) treatment for reducing postpartum relapse among diverse low-income women who quit smoking during pregnancy (N = 251; 32% Black, 30% Latino, and 36% White; 55% <$30,000/year household income).
Learner‐centered leadership: a mentoring model for the professional development of school administrators

The Learner‐Centered Leadership program is a new initiative that provides professional development opportunities to school administrators through a mentoring model. The focus on learner‐centered leadership reflects renewed attention to the primary role of teaching and learning in the development of school leadership expertise. With a focus on learning, the need to create collaborative structures where trust, respect and communication are promoted among the participants has been critical. In its first year, the project goal has been to develop the capacity for mentoring across districts. To create this capacity, the project has focused on building relationships among participants using a threefold process: formal workshops that introduce the districts and participants; informal gatherings that break down barriers and establish opportunities for networking; and a series of problem‐solving initiatives called a team challenge that require participants work together, communicate and cooperate to solve the chal...
Oral caffeine pretreatment produced modest increases in smoked cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys

Several recent studies have shown that caffeine potentiates the reinforcing, discriminative stimulus, and motor activating effects of cocaine in rats. The present study was designed to determine whether oral caffeine pretreatment would enhance the reinforcing effects of cocaine in rhesus monkeys trained to self-administer smoked cocaine base. The effects of oral caffeine pre-treatment (0, 100, or 200 mg) and fixed-ratio (FR) value on cocaine-base smoking were evaluated in four male rhesus monkeys. Monkeys responded on a lever under a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule (FR 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, or 4096) and then made five inhalations on a smoking spout to gain access to volatilized cocaine base (0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg per delivery) during daily experimental sessions. Twenty pellets [20 non-caffeinated (0 mg caffeine), ten non-caffeinated+ten caffeinated (100 mg caffeine), or 20 caffeinated (200 mg caffeine) pellets] were administered 30 min prior to experimental sessions. The lever FR value was held constant within each experimental session, but was increased after 3 consecutive days of stable responding. Although the number of smoke deliveries that was self-administered significantly decreased from FR 128 to FR 4096, it did not change as a function of cocaine dose across the range of FR values tested. However, the interaction between cocaine dose and caffeine pretreatment was statistically significant. Compared to 0 mg caffeine, three of four monkeys pretreated with 200 mg caffeine responded for a greater number of smoke deliveries when they were maintained on a cocaine dose of 1.0 mg/kg per delivery, but not 0.25 mg/kg per delivery. Thus, caffeine pretreatment can produce small, but statistically significant increases in smoked cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys.
Matthew and the Community of the Dead Sea Scrolls

This article first surveys possible parallels between Matthew and the Dead Sea Scrolls. From the survey it argues that: (1) Matthew and the community of the DSS did not seem to have a close relationship, partly because the parallels do not concern the distinctive characteristics of the DSS, and partly because the Matthaean parallels seem redactional; and that (2) various possible parallels between Matthew and the DSS (for example, the revelatory function of Jesus and the Teacher of Righteousness, interpretation of the Hebrew prophets, strict interpretation of the Law, the presence of the scribal role, the open canon and so on) seem to point to a common apocalyptic background. It can be concluded that both Matthew and the community of the DSS probably belonged to a broadly apocalyptic stream of the Judasim of the time, although they did not have a close relationship with each other.
Fabrication of a carbon nanotube protruding electrode array for a retinal prosthesis

Implantable retinal prosthetic devices consisting of microelectrode arrays are being built in attempts to restore vision. Current retinal prostheses use metal planar electrodes. We are developing a novel electro-neural interface using carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles as flexible, protruding microelectrodes. We have synthesized vertically self-assembled, multi-walled CNT bundles by thermal chemical vapor deposition. Using conventional silicon-based micro-fabrication processes, these CNT bundles were integrated onto pre-patterned circuits. CNT protruding electrodes have significant potentials in providing safer stimulation for retinal prostheses. They could also act as recording units to sense electrical and chemical activities in neural systems for fundamental neuroscience research.
Theoretical limits of component identification in a separable nonlinear least-squares problem

We provide theoretical insights into component identification in a separable nonlinear least-squares problem in which the model is a linear combination of nonlinear functions (called components in this paper). Within this research, we assume that the number of components is unknown. The objective of this paper is to understand the limits of component discovery under the assumed model. We focus on two aspects. One is sensitivity analysis referring to the ability of separating regression components from noise. The second is resolution analysis referring to the ability of de-mixing components that have similar location parameters. We use a wavelet transformation that allows to zoom in at different levels of details in the observed data. We further apply these theoretical insights to provide a road map on how to detect components in more realistic settings such as a two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiment for protein structure determination.
A Cluster to Remember

Based on a massive transcription factor location analysis within a single cell type, in this issue Yan et al. find that the great majority of occupancies occur within dense clusters of up to 100 factors that almost invariably contain cohesins. Retention of cohesins at cluster sites during mitosis raises the possibility that they contribute to transcriptional memory during the cell cycle.
New role for epoxyeicosatrienoic acids as anti-inflammatory mediators

.The epoxygenase pathway leads to theformation of four regioisomeric epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids (EETs), 14,15-EET,11,12-EET, 8,9-EET and 5,6-EET,which are released by endothelial cellsin response to receptor agonists such asacetylcholine or bradykinin and act as local, paracrine hormones that relaxvascular smooth muscle
Using positive photomasks to pattern SU-8 masking layers for fabricating inverse MEMS structures

This paper discusses a novel processing technique that uses a combination of negative and positive photoresists for use with positive photomasks, resulting in masking layers suitable for bulk micromachining in the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). MicroChem's negative photoresist Nano(TM) SU-8 and Clariant's image reversal photoresist AZ 5214E are utilized, along with a barrier layer, to effectively convert a positive photomask into a negative photomask. This technique allows for the use of positive photomasks with negative resists, which opens the door to the ability to create complementary mechanical structures without the fabrication delays and cost associated with having to obtain a negative photomask. Furthermore, the SU-8 mask created is robust enough to withstand the bulk micromachining and aggressive etch chemistries needed to create MEMS structures. This processing technique was successfully demonstrated by translating a positive photomask to an SU-8 layer that was then utilized as a mask to etch trenches and other features into a silicon substrate.
Feeling guilty to remain innocent: the moderating effect of sex on guilt responses to rule-violating behavior in adolescent legal socialization

Legal socialization researchers have ignored the role of emotions such as guilt to explain rule-violating behavior (RVB). The purpose of Study 1 was to determine if anticipated guilt or guilt proneness was a better predictor of RVB. Participants were 325 university students who completed an online questionnaire. Correlations indicated that both measures were related significantly to RVB; however, when both were entered into a multiple regression as predictors, only anticipated guilt was significant. This suggested that anticipated guilt was a stronger predictor of RVB than guilt proneness. The purpose of Study 2 was to investigate the effects of anticipated guilt on future RVB while controlling for the integrated legal socialization variables. Participants were 283 middle school and 187 high school students. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict students' future engagement in RVB. Anticipated guilt predicted RVB for middle school and high school students. However, sex moderated these effe...
Aging impairs the mobilization and homing of bone marrow-derived angiogenic cells to burn wounds

Impaired wound healing in the elderly represents a major clinical problem. Delineating the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which aging impairs wound healing may lead to the development of improved treatment strategies for elderly patients with non-healing wounds. Neovascularization is an essential step in wound healing, and bone marrow-derived angiogenic cells (BMDACs) play an important role in vascularization. Using a mouse full-thickness burn wound model, we demonstrate that perfusion and vascularization of burn wounds were impaired by aging and were associated with dramatically reduced mobilization of BMDACs bearing the cell surface molecules CXCR4 and Sca1. Expression of stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), the cytokine ligand for CXCR4, was significantly decreased in peripheral blood and burn wounds of old mice. Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α was detected in burn wounds from young (2-month-old), but not old (2-year-old), mice. When BMDACs from young donor mice were injected intravenously, homing to burn wound tissue was impaired in old recipient mice, whereas the age of the BMDAC donor mice had no effect on homing. Our results indicate that aging impairs burn wound vascularization by impairing the mobilization of BMDACs and their homing to burn wound tissue as a result of impaired HIF-1 induction and SDF-1 signaling.
A stochastic description of wall sources in a turbulent field. Part 3: Effect of gravitational settling on the concentration profiles

Abstract A stochastic method, which uses a modified Langevin equation to represent the fluid turbulence seen by the particles, is used to determine the fully-developed concentration profiles that exist for the turbulent flow of a dilute suspension of spheres in a horizontal channel. Particles with a wide range of inertial time constants and settling velocities are studied. The validity of using the Boussinesq approximation to represent turbulent mixing is explored.
Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of ceramic powders

Abstract We report herein for the first time, the use of microwave-hydrothermal processing in catalyzing the synthesis of crystalline unary oxides such as TiO 2 , ZrO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 and binary oxides, such as KNbO 3 and BaTiO 3 . While the combination of microwave and hydrothermal techniques has been used in the last few years to dissolve all kinds of powders (e.g. aluminosilicate rocks) rapidly for chemical analysis, we report here the use of this technique for synthesizing fine powders. A new layered alumina phase, which can be intercalated with ethylene glycol has also been synthesized. The effect of different parameters such as concentration of chemical species, time and temperature on the crystallization kinetics of the above phases has been investigated under microwave-hydrothermal conditions using microwaves of 2.45GHz frequency.
Molecular Dynamics of the Interaction of Some Alkaline-Earth Cations with Some Pentoses Undergoing 4C1 ⇌ 1C4 Isomerization

Ultrasonic relaxation spectra in the frequency range 0.08−400 MHz of the ions Ca2+ or Ba2+, interacting with the pentoses d-(−)-ribose, d-(−)-lyxose, and d-(−)-arabinose at concentrations of 0.5 M ...
REGULATION OF PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR EXPRESSION BY CELL CONTEXT OVERRIDES REGULATION BY CYTOKINES

Immunocytochemical data has indicated that platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta-subunit (PDGFR beta) expression by connective tissue cells is up-regulated in many disease states. To investigate potential causes of this up-regulation, we have evaluated conditions that regulate PDGF receptor transcript levels in cultured diploid human fibroblast model systems. We found combinations of soluble mediators and cell "context," which can regulate receptor transcripts (and receptor protein) over a 50-fold range, with cell context factors being far more potent regulators than soluble mediators. For cells grown under standard monolayer conditions on plastic, levels of both PDGFR beta and PDGFR alpha increase 10-fold as culture density increases. Cells grown in suspension or in three-dimensional gels express 10- to 20-fold higher transcript levels than cells plated on plastic at comparable density and serum concentration. The soluble mediators tested, including 14 cytokines and conditioned medium from activated lymphocytes, have only modest effects on transcript levels. Lymph decreases PDGFR beta transcript expression 4-fold, suggesting that a component of interstitial fluid contributes to maintenance of the low basal level of expression in normal tissues. The mitogenic responsiveness of cells cultured at different densities parallels the level of PDGFR beta expression. Blocking anti-PDGF receptor antibodies decrease receptor availability and mitogenic responsiveness in parallel. In both cases, the striking overlap between the PDGF-BB binding and mitogenesis dose-response curves suggests that the level of PDGF receptor expression can limit responsiveness to PDGF. Overall, these results suggest that the up-regulation of PDGF receptor expression seen under pathological conditions may be due to disruption of the cell's normal environment/context/cell shape/cell attachment and that this could serve to ensure that a proliferative response to PDGF would occur only under conditions in which there had been significant tissue damage.
Expression and nucleotide sequence analysis of the Legionella pneumophila recA gene

The nucleotide sequence of the L pneumophila recA gene was determined. The coding region was 1044 nucleotides (348 codons), specifying a 37,934 Da protein. Preceding the recA gene was a tandem set of transcription regulatory sequences and putative LexA binding sites. When expressed in E. coli, the cloned recA gene yield two proteins with molecular weights of approximately 38,000 and 35,500 Da. The larger of these two proteins shared 70.4% and 74.6% identity with the E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa RecA proteins, respectively. The 35,500 Da recA encoded protein was presumed to be the product of translation from Met26 which was preceded by an alternate ribosomal binding site.
Remote Sensing of the Geomagnetic Tail Current Sheet Topology Using Energetic Ions: Neutral Lines versus Weak Field Regions.

Individual flow bursts in a bursty bulk flow event observed by the AMPTE/IRM satellite at R = (-12, -3, 1)Re, have been modeled by following large numbers of single particle orbits in a model of the geomagnetic tail current sheet containing both Bz and By components and a near Earth neutral line. A flow burst modeled in the central plasma sheet, just after a substorm onset, implied there was a near-Earth neutral line 1 to 1/2 Re tailward of the satellite. An earlier flow burst at the plasma sheet edge, 1-2 minutes before the substorm onset, implied that at this earlier time the neutral line was already formed and closer to the satellite. To match the centroid of the observations, it was necessary that the source population was strongly earthward and duskward flowing, probably originating from the distant current sheet, and that there must have been a relatively large |By| component. With such a By component, it is interesting that a secondary feature of the observed distribution can also be explained qualitatively. During the time that we see the need for a strong earthward flow from a distant source, ground measurements indicate a significant increase in magnetospheric convection. A model with weak but non-reversing Bz reproduces some of the observed distribution function features, but not all of them, as well as the neutral line model. However, a secondary ridge seen in the observations implies a mixing of neutral line and weak field topologies, with such mixing occurring on a 1 minute time scale.
Synthesis and characterization of oligodeoxynucleotides containing N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene, the major DNA adduct formed by 1-nitropyrene in vivo, were synthesized in 10–20% yield by reacting N-hydroxy-1-aminopyrene with unmodified oligodeoxynucleotides in aqueous DMF. A remarkable feature of this straightforward synthesis is that the covalent adduction was primarily dependent on the existence of double stranded form of the oligonucleotides.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 glycoprotein gp120 reduces the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in vivo: potential implication for neuronal cell death

Neuronal loss has been observed in post mortem brains of patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Experimental evidence has implicated HIV-1-derived envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) in the neuronal cell death observed in these patients. However, the intrinsic mechanisms by which gp120 causes neurotoxicity are still unknown. We have recently shown that the neurotoxic effect of gp120 in vitro is reduced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We therefore tested the hypothesis that low levels of BDNF render neurons more sensitive to gp120. Gp120 was injected acutely into the striatum of BDNF heterozygous mice and wild-type littermates. BDNF heterozygous mice exhibited more apoptotic neurons in the striatum than wild-type mice, suggesting that BDNF is neuroprotective also in vivo. Because several neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by lack of trophic support, we tested the hypothesis that gp120 may cause apoptosis by reducing BDNF expression. Gp120 was injected acutely in the rat striatum and BDNF levels determined by a two-site immunoassay at various times after the injection. Gp120 elicited a dramatic decrease in BDNF protein levels by 24 h. Reduced BDNF levels were still present at 4 days. Cellular localization of BDNF immunoreactivity revealed that gp120 decreases BDNF immunoreactivity mainly in neuronal processes. This effect of gp120 precedes the peak of caspase-3 activation and neuronal cell death. We propose that one of the mechanisms whereby gp120 causes neurotoxicity is a reduction of the neurotrophic factor environment crucial for cell survival.
Device therapy: variation in the use of inferior vena cava filters for VTE.

Wide variation exists in the use of inferior vena cava filters for the treatment of venous thromboembolism, possibly because of a deficit of evidence on the efficacy of these devices, and a lack of consensus on their use. Future guidelines should be evidence-based and account for the development of novel anticoagulants.
Influence of storage time on toxicity of freshwater sediments to benthic macroinvertebrates.

Guidance concerning recommended storage times for sediments to be used in toxicity tests generally has not been based upon systematically collected experimental data. The objective of this study was to better define the effects of storage time on toxicity of a series of freshwater sediments. Sixteen sediments with varying types of contaminants were collected, homogenized and stored at 4°C in 1 liter aliquots, which were periodically tested for toxicity to the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus tentans after storage times of up to 101 weeks. The sediments ranged from non-toxic to extremely toxic (100% mortality) in 10-day assays, with several of the samples displaying an intermediate degree of toxicity (e.g. partial mortality, reduced growth). Biological responses in most of the samples did not vary with time relative to their statistical relationship to control values; samples identified initially as toxic (or non-toxic) tended to remain toxic (or non-toxic) regardless of when they were tested. The variations that were observed in biological responses over time generally were not systematic; that is, there were no apparent trends in samples becoming more (or less) toxic in the 10-day assays. This suggests that the source of at least some of the temporal changes in toxicity were due to inherent biological variability of the assays used to assess the sediments, rather than the effects of storage. In C. tentans tests with the least toxic sediments, among-replicate variability tended to be greater in initial assays than in tests with samples that had been stored for some period of time. This may have been due to the presence of indigenous competitive or predatory organisms that did not survive during prolonged storage.
Electrochemical reduction of substituted pyrimidines in acetonitrile

Abstract Polarographic studies of several substituted pyrimidines were reinforced by the results from cyclic voltammetry, controlled-potential electrolysis, and spectrophotometric examination of electrolyzed solutions, as well as by the examination of model compounds. Pyrimidines substituted with non-reducible groups (amino, methyl) are reduced in a single, one-electron (1e), diffusion-controlled process, very similar to that for pyrimidine itself. Pyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid exhibits three reduction waves: a very drawn-out acid-reduction wave with unusual properties and at more negative potential, an adsorption prewave and a wave corresponding to the 1e reduction of the pyrimidine moiety, 2-Chloro-and 2-bromopyrimidine each exhibit two polarographic waves; the first, corresponding to irreversible scission of the carbon-halogen bond, has electrochemical properties quite different from those normally expected; the second is due to reduction of the electro-generated pyrimidine. Results are compared with those for the reduction of bromobutane, bromobenene, and 2-bromopyridine.
CLONAL CHARACTER OF F1 HYBRID LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET RECOGNITION OF PARENTAL CELLS IN ONE-WAY MIXED LYMPHOCYTE CULTURES

Proliferation of F1 hybrid lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte cultures is stimulated by mitomycin-blocked parental cells. The demonstration of this phenomenon using F1 hybrids derived from congenic lines of mice establishes that the stimulation is controlled by genes in or closely linked to the major histocompatibility locus chromosome region. In agreement with the finding that tumor-bearing mice have an increased capacity for primary alloantigen recognition, it was observed that the F1 hybrid response to parent was also augmented by tumor bearing. Chromosomal analysis of dividing cells in one-way mixed cultures confirms that F1 cells, and not the blocked parental cells, enter mitosis. Stimulation of F1 cells by a soluble mediator liberated by the parental cells was not observed and mitomycin blocking of parental cells seems to be a completely effective blocking agent ensuring that parental cells can not enter DNA synthesis. The specificity and clonal nature of F1 recognition of parent was demonstrated using a 5-bromodeoxyuridine-suicide procedure. Distinct clones of lymphocytes in F1 spleen cell populations seem to recognize one or the other parent, but not both, in such experiments. These observations and others in tumor systems suggest that most or all heterozygous organisms may possess potentially self-reactive clones of lymphocytes.
On the Interpretation and Utility of Skill Information for Seasonal Climate Predictions

Abstract In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the emphasis on routine seasonal climate predictions and their potential for enhancing societal benefits and mitigating losses related to climate extremes. It is also suggested by the users, as well as by the producers of climate predictions, that for informed decision making, real-time seasonal climate predictions should be accompanied by a corresponding level of skill estimated from a sequence of the past history of forecasts. In this paper it is discussed whether conveying skill information to the user community can indeed deliver the promised benefits or whether issues inherent in the estimates of seasonal prediction skill may still lead to potential misinterpretation of the information content associated with seasonal predictions. Based on the analysis of atmospheric general circulation model simulations, certain well-known, but often underappreciated, issues inherent in the estimates of seasonal prediction skill from the past performance ...
On the optimal control of minimum film thickness

The present paper is concerned with the study of controlling the motion of a bearing so that the thin film of lubricant separating it from its container will have the largest possible thickness. Explicit equations are derived, and the control problem is solved explicitly in some simple cases.
International cooperation in assuring continuity of environmental satellite data

Abstract In the 25 years since the launch of the first weather satellite, meteorological observations from space have become an essential part of weather forecasting and global environmental monitoring. Beginning in the 1970s, constrained national budgets and the need for a coordinated approach to global satellite observing have caused satellite operators to pursue international cooperation to assure the continuity and compatibility of these systems. This article reviews current bilateral and multilateral cooperation and technical coordination in environmental satellite activities. It also explores the potential for alternative institutional arrangements for maintaining the continuity of environmental satellite data in the decades to come.
The analytics of monetary non-neutrality in the Sidrauski model

Abstract This note analytically characterizes the equilibrium dynamics of the Sidrauski model and reaches three conclusions regarding monetary policy: (i) it is typically not neutral, (ii) in some cases, it is not neutral even in the steady state, and (iii) a policy that has the nominal interest rate falling over time may sustain higher output and consumption forever.
Acceleration of DEM algorithm for quasistatic processes

The discrete element method (particle dynamics) is an invaluable tool for studying the complex behavior of granular matter. Its main shortcoming is its computational intensity, arising from the vast difference between the integration time scale and the observation time scale (similar to molecular dynamics). This problem is particularly acute for macroscopically quasistatic deformation processes. We first provide the proper definition of macroscopically quasistatic processes, on the basis of dimensional analysis, which reveals that the quasistatic nature of a process is size-dependent. This result sets bounds for application of commonly used method for computational acceleration, based on superficially increased mass of particles. Next, the dimensional analysis of the governing equations motivates the separation of time scales for the numerical integration of rotations and translations. We take advantage of the existence of fast and slow variables (rotations and translations) to develop a two-timescales algorithm based on the concept of inertial manifolds suggested by Gear and Kevrekidis. The algorithm is tested on a 2D problem with axial strain imposed by rigid plates and pressure on lateral boundaries. The benchmarking against the accurate short-time step results confirms the accuracy of the new algorithm for the optimal arrangement of short- and long-time steps. The algorithm provides moderate computational acceleration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.