cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tandem mass spectrometry of heparan sulfate negative ions: sulfate loss patterns and chemical modification methods for improvement of product ion profiles.

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a polysaccharide modified with sulfation, acetylation, and epimerization that enable its binding with protein ligands and regulation of important biological processes. Tandem mass spectrometry has been employed to sequence linear biomolecules e.g., proteins and peptides. However, its application in structural characterization of HS is limited due to the neutral loss of sulfate (SO3) during collisional induced dissociation (CID). In this report, we studied the dissociation patterns of HS disaccharides and demonstrate that the N-sulfate (N–S) bond is especially facile during CID. We identified factors that influence the propensities of such losses from precursor ions and proposed a Free Proton Index (FPI) to help select ions that are able to produce meaningful backbone dissociations. We then investigated the thermodynamics and kinetics of SO3 loss from sulfates that are protonated, deprotonated, and metal-adducted using density functional theory computations. The calculations showed that sulfate loss from a protonated site was much more facile than that from a deprotonated or metal-adducted site. Further, the loss of SO3 from N-sulfate was energetically favored by 3–8 kcal/mol in transition states relative to O-sulfates, making it more prone to this process by a substantial factor. In order to reduce the FPI, representing the number of labile sulfates in HS native chains and oligosaccharides, we developed a series of chemical modifications to selectively replace the N-sulfates of the glucosamine with deuterated acetyl group. These modifications effectively reduced the sulfate density on the HS oligosaccharides and generated considerably more backbone dissociation using on-line LC/tandem MS.
Analysis and simulation of a Lorentz-type slotless, self-bearing motor

Abstract A slotless self-bearing motor design is analyzed. The proposed design eliminates the trade-off between motoring torque and bearing force with respect to PM thickness found in many recent designs. Expressions for torque and radial force production are derived, including both control-type forces and destabilizing side-pull forces. The feedback control algorithm and simulated results are also presented. The analysis indicates that: (1) independent torque and bearing force is achieved for a large number of PM pole pairs; (2) the magnitude of both torque and bearing force increases with PM thickness; and (3) the motor is capable of stable operation as long as the winding current phase shift with respect to the PM flux is small.
Chrome etch challenges for 45 nm and beyond

Requirements to meet the 45nm technology node place significant challenges on Mask makers. Resolution Enhancement Techniques (RET) employed to extend optical lithography in order to resolve sub-resolution features, have burdened mask processes margins. Also, Yield compromises loom with every nanometer of error incurred on the Mask and the Device platforms. RET techniques, such as Optical Proximity Correction (OPC), require the Mask Etcher to achieve exceptionally tight control of Critical Dimensions (CD). This ensures OPC feature integrity on the mask and resultant image fidelity of OPC structures, as well as, subsequently high and sustainable yields. This paper talks about 45 nm Chrome etch challenges and how Applied Materials Tetra II TM etcher provides solutions to these challenges.
Metabolic aspects of obesity

Abstract Ten obese children without diabetes were compared to six normal adolescents in terms of insulin, growth hormone, glucose, free fatty acid, and alpha-amino nitrogen responses to various stimuli. The degree of hyperinsulinemia in the obese subjects was a function of duration of obesity and this correlated with excess body fat. Diminished growth hormone responses in the obese subjects appear paradoxical in view of the advanced skeletal maturation and increased muscle mass of these individuals.
Thermal Sensitivity of Growth and Feeding in Manduca sexta Caterpillars

We explore how the thermal sensitivity of organismic performance emerges from the thermal sensitivity of the underlying component processes involved, using growth and feeding of Manduca sexta caterpillars as a model system. We measured thermal performance curves for the short-term rates of growth, consumption, protein (casein) digestion, amino acid (methionine) uptake, and respiration in fifth-instar caterpillars over a biologically realistic temperature range from 14 degrees to 42 degrees C. Growth and consumption rates increased between 14 degrees and 26 degrees C, reached a maximum value near 34 degrees C, and declined rapidly above 38 degrees C. In contrast, protein digestion rate and respiration rate increased monotonically over the entire temperature range, and amino acid uptake rate increased with temperatures up to 38 degrees C and then leveled off between 38 degrees and 42 degrees C. These results suggest that the shape and position of the thermal performance curve for growth rate--in particular the maximum at 34 degrees C and rapid decline above 38 degrees C--was most closely correlated with the thermal sensitivity of consumption rate; the declining growth performance above 38 degrees C was not associated with declines in digestion or uptake rates or with accelerated respiration rates at these temperatures.
Bacteria, Fungi and protozoa in signy Island Soils Compared with those from a Temperature Moorland

During the past 100 years many papers have been published on Antarctic microbiology in general and that of the soil, snow and ice in particular. However, there are still contradictory statements in the recent literature concerning the scarcity or abundance of micro-organisms in Antarctic soil, the similarities and differences in the composition of the soil microflora and microfauna of Antarctic and temperate soils, and the extent to which the Antarctic micro-organisms are adapted to grow at low temperatures. Many of the microbiological studies of the Antarctic lack detailed information concerning the habitat and detailed comparisons with temperate soils. As a result of opportunities provided by the British Antarctic Survey, microbiological investigations have been made on Signy Island in the South Orkneys and on soil samples and cultures transported to England. The results of these studies are compared here with similar studies made on soils of the Moor House National Nature Reserve in northern England. The paper also draws on the considerable information available concerning the climate, vegetation and soils of the two areas. Three groups of heterotrophic micro-organisms, bacteria, fungi and testate amoebae, have been studied to obtain information on their species composition, distribution and abundance in the soils. An examination of the temperature tolerance of some of the isolates was also made. Full results of these studies have been published or are in preparation (Heal 1965; Bailey in prep.; Latter & Heal in prep.; Latter & Cragg 1967; Latter, Cragg & Heal 1967).
Binding of Rhizobium japonicum to cultured soybean root cells: Morphological evidence

Abstract Compatible soybean root cells in suspension culture make a filamentous extracellular material when placed together with Rhizobia. This material is absent in cultures not exposed to Rhizobia. The extracellular material can be removed by treatment with pectinase. The treatment also removes bacterial association with soybean root cells.
A Novel Method of Identifying the Internal Acoustic Canal in the Middle Fossa Approach in a Cadaveric Study—The Rule of 2s

Objective Multiple landmarks and anatomic relationships exist to identify internal acoustic canal (IAC) in middle fossa approach for removing intracanalicular schwannomas. We attempted to identify a reproducible, practical method to quickly identify the IAC that would be applicable when an expanded middle fossa approach is required. Design Middle fossa approach was performed on 10 cadavers (21 dissections). In the first head, temporal and suboccipital craniotomies were performed to identify landmarks and formulate a hypothesis. Porous acusticus (PA) was identified and IAC was circumferentially skeletonized into middle fossa. Orientation of IAC in the middle fossa was evaluated in relation to foramen spinosum (FS), foramen ovale (FO), petrous ridge, and petrous apex. Consistency of this relationship was tested in the remaining heads. Results The opening of PA (point A) was consistently found at a mean of 2.38 cm posterolateral to the petrous apex along the petrous ridge (range 2.1 to 2.8). A line was drawn from the FO to FS and extrapolated posteriorly. The IAC (point B) was found a mean distance of 2.39 cm from FS along the FS–FO line (range 2.1 to 2.8). The course of IAC was consistently found by connecting point A to point B. Conclusion A novel, practical, and reproducible method is described to identify the IAC via the expanded middle fossa approach.
Analysis of cost-benefit trade-offs of complex security systems

Essential to a systems approach to design of security systems is an analysis of the cost effectiveness of alternative designs. While the concept of analysis of cost and benefits is straightforward, implementation can be at the least tedious and, for complex designs and alternatives, can become nearly intractable without the help of structured analysis tools. CPA (cost and performance analysis) is a prototype integration of existing PC-based cost and performance tools: ACE and ASSESS. ACE is an existing DOD PC-based cost analysis tool that supports cost analysis over the full life-cycle of the system; that is, the cost to procure, operate, maintain and retire the system and all of its components. ASSESS is an existing DOE PC-based tool for analysis of performance of physical protection systems. These tools are integrated using C++ and Microsoft Excel macros. Cost and performance data are collected into Excel workbooks, making data readily available to analysts and decision makers in both tabular and graphical formats and at both the system and path element levels.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficient generation of far-infrared radiation in the vicinity of polariton resonance

We demonstrate efficient generation of far-infrared radiation at the center wavelength of 20.8 μm in lithium niobate in the vicinity of one of the polariton resonances.
F-16 retrofit application using a modular avionics system architecture and color active matrix liquid crystal displays

Battelle is under contract to design an improved Radar Electro-Optical Display Set for the F- 16A/B and F-16C/D aircraft. This new equipment consists of two units: the Electronics Unit (EU) and the Display Unit (DU). It is designed to be a form fit function replacement for the Indicator Unit and EU in the current F-16A/B aircraft and the Multi-Function Display and Programmable Display Generator in the F-16C/D aircraft. This paper will discuss the improved REO Display Set and specifically address the trade-offs that resulted in the selection of a ruggedized Commercial Off The Shelf LCD rather than a custom LCD for installation in the new DU.
Using Challenge Course Activities to Teach Organizational Ethics

Few learning experiences give students immediate feedback on ethical and unethical behaviors and provide opportunities to repeatedly practice effective behaviors. This article describes how the aut...
Exploration on the commonality of hierarchical clustering algorithms

Many clustering algorithms have been devised. The published account of each algorithm emphasizes how it is different from previous algorithms. However, similarities among agglomerative hierarchical algorithms are greater than commonly supposed. For example, several algorithms perform merging by the single link (SLINK, OPTICS) and some algorithms perform merging by the edge cut criterion (CHAMELEON, ROCK). Some algorithms use the square of the original adjacency matrix (OPTICS, ROCK). Our goals are to compose a not very long list of methods used by the various algorithms; to locate each algorithm in this space of methods; and to devise new algorithms that improve upon the previous methods.
Interpretation of Late Quaternary climate and landscape variability based upon buried soil macro- and micromorphology, geochemistry, and stable isotopes of soil organic matter, Owl Creek, central Texas, USA

Abstract Small-basin floodplain buried soils formed in association with low-order tributary streams are valuable archives of past climates, but have not been studied extensively in central Texas, USA. Four buried soils exposed along Owl Creek, within the larger Brazos River drainage basin, were examined using soil morphology and micromorphology, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, soil characterization, whole-soil geochemical and stable isotope analyses of soil organic matter and pedogenic carbonate. These buried soils provide a record of changes in paleoecological and paleo-alluvial conditions spanning ~ 14 ky. Morphological and geochemical differences between buried soils reflect changes in landscape attributable to climate, with a distinct 5‰ increase in δ 13 C values of soil organic matter corresponding to the Holocene onset and drier conditions. Paleoecological reconstructions coupled with depth to Bk suggest possible amounts of erosion of ~ 1 m for each of the buried soils. Compilation of the proxies presented shows evidence for a cooler and wetter late Pleistocene climate, followed by a warmer and drier climate dominating during the Holocene.
Novel Interaction of the 60S Ribosomal Subunit Export Adapter Nmd3 at the Nuclear Pore Complex

Nuclear export of the large (60S) ribosomal subunit depends on the adapter protein Nmd3 to provide a nuclear export signal (NES). The leucine-rich NES is recognized by the export receptor Crm1 to mediate export via interaction with the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Here, we show that certain mutant Nmd3 proteins that are impaired for binding to the 60S subunit accumulate at the nuclear envelope. These mutant proteins also show enhanced binding to Crm1, both in vivo and in vitro. Although their interaction with the NPC is dependent on recognition of the NES by Crm1, their interaction with Crm1 is not strictly dependent on RanGTP. Using a collection of GFP-tagged nucleoporin mutants, we identified several nucleoporins, including components of the Nup82 complex that copurified with the mutant Nmd3. The Nup82 complex is on the cytoplasmic face of the NPC and has previously been shown to be important as a terminal binding site for Crm1-mediated export. Mutations in the Nup82 complex led to accumulation of wild-type Nmd3 in the nucleoplasm, suggesting that the interaction of mutant Nmd3 with the Nup82 complex reflects a defect in the bona fide export pathway for the 60S subunit. These results suggest that in the absence of the ribosome, Nmd3 is not efficiently released from Crm1 at the NPC.
Study of nanoscale structures in hydrated biomaterials using small-angle neutron scattering

Abstract Distribution of water in three classes of biomedically relevant and degradable polymers was investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. In semicrystalline polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid), water was found to diffuse preferentially into the non-crystalline regions. In amorphous polymers, such as poly( d , l -lactic acid) and poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid), the scattering after 7 days of incubation was attributed to water in microvoids that form following the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer. In amorphous copolymers containing hydrophobic segments (desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine ethyl ester) and hydrophilic blocks (poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)), a sequence of distinct regimes of hydration were observed: homogeneous distribution (∼10 A length scales) at 50 wt.% PEG (>6 water per EG). Increasing the PEG content increased the number of these domains with only a small decrease in distance between the domains. These discrete domains appeared to coalesce to form submicron droplets at ∼60 °C, above the melting temperature of crystalline PEG. The significance of such observations on the evolution of micrometer-size channels that form during hydrolytic erosion is discussed.
An Evaluation of Canadian and U.S. Policies of Log and Lumber Markets

The recent lumber trade war between Canada and the United States deals with Canadian stumpage policies, Canada’s log export controls, and U.S. retaliatory duty. This study determines the appropriate level of U.S. countervailing duty (CVD) by employing a vertically interrelated log–lumber model. The theoretical results show that the U.S. CVD can be greater (will be less) than the Canadian subsidy for a vertically related log–lumber market (for lumber market only). Empirical results support the theoretical findings in that the U.S. CVD for the log–lumber market (lumber market alone) is 1.55 (0.91) times the Canadian subsidy.
Refinement in the ultrasonic velocity data and estimation of the critical parameters for molten uranium dioxide

Abstract Based on the previously reported internal pressure approach and by making use of recent and more accurate experimental measurements on the density, and heat capacity of liquid UO2 up to ∼8000 K, reliable data on the sound propagation velocity in molten uranium dioxide have been obtained. An equation of state for liquid urania has also been developed which predicts a critical temperature (Tc) ≈ 10 500 K, critical pressure (Pc) ≈ 219 MPa and critical density (ρc) ≈ 2510 kg m−3.
A self-verifying theorem prover

Programs have precise semantics, so we can use mathematical proof to establish their properties. These proofs are often too large to validate with the usual “social process” of mathematics, so instead we create and check them with theorem-proving software. This software must be advanced enough to make the proof process tractable, but this very sophistication casts doubt upon the whole enterprise: who verifies the verifier? We begin with a simple proof checker, Level 1, that only accepts proofs composed of the most primitive steps, like Instantiation and Cut. This program is so straightforward the ordinary, social process can establish its soundness and the consistency of the logical theory it implements (so we know theorems are “always true”). Next, we develop a series of increasingly capable proof checkers, Level 2, Level 3, etc. Each new proof checker accepts new kinds of proof steps which were not accepted in the previous levels. By taking advantage of these new proof steps, higher-level proofs can be written more concisely than lower-level proofs, and can take less time to construct and check. Our highest-level proof checker, Level 11, can be thought of as a simplified version of the ACL2 or NQTHM theorem provers. One contribution of this work is to show how such systems can be verified. To establish that the Level 11 proof checker can be trusted, we first use it, without trusting it, to prove the fidelity of every Level n to Level 1: whenever Level n accepts a proof of some p, there exists a Level 1 proof of p. We then mechanically translate the Level 11 proof for each Level n into a Level n − 1 proof—that is, we create a Level 1 proof of Level 2’s fidelity, a Level 2 proof of Level 3’s fidelity, and so on. This layering shows that each level can be trusted, and allows us to manage the sizes of these proofs. In this way, our system proves its own fidelity, and trusting Level 11 only requires us to trust Level 1.
Control of the freezing interface motion in two‐dimensional solidification processes using the adjoint method

The aim of this work is to calculate the optimum history of boundary cooling conditions that, in two-dimensional conduction driven solidification processes, results in a desired history of the freezing interface location/motion. The freezing front velocity and heat flux on the solid side of the front, define the obtained solidification microstructure that can be selected such that desired macroscopic mechanical properties and soundness of the final cast product are achieved. The so-called two-dimensional inverse Stefan design problem is formulated as an infinite-dimensional minimization problem. The adjoint method is developed in conjunction with the conjugate gradient method for the solution of this minimization problem
Causes and reduction of numerical artefacts in pseudo-spectral wavefield extrapolation

SUMMARY Artefacts and local instabilities are common in numerical solutions of seismic wave equations. Although many of these are already known, most are not well documented in an accessible form. One form of artefacts is a consequence of partial derivative operators that are non-local and are associated with the interaction between the propagating wavefield and the medium at discontinuities in material properties. When pseudo-spectral solutions are used, heterogeneous wave equations may be accurately solved in a wide dynamic range using even-based Fourier transforms on a staggered grid. Regardless of the implementation of a spatial differentiator, use of homogeneous wave equations or of standard (non-staggered) grids gives less accurate results. Synthetic examples include heterogeneous acoustic, elastic and poroelastic (Biot) equations.
Innovative and responsible governance of nanotechnology for societal development

Governance of nanotechnology is essen- tial for realizing economic growth and other societal benefits of the new technology, protecting public health and environment, and supporting global col- laboration and progress. The article outlines gover- nance principles and methods specific for this emerging field. Advances in the last 10 years, the current status and a vision for the next decade are presented based on an international study with input from over 35 countries.
Phase-shift-based time-delay estimators for proximity acoustic sensors

Time-delay estimation is important in a wide range of applications in oceanic engineering. In this paper, we present a novel time-delay estimation algorithm based on maximum likelihood theory for the case that the measurements are corrupted by colored or nonuniform zero-mean Gaussian noise. It turns out that the likelihood function associated with the problem is highly oscillatory, and we propose a computationally efficient technique to maximize this function. Our algorithm first obtains an initial estimate based on a smooth approximate cost function, and then refines this estimate based on the true cost function. Simulation results show that our estimator outperforms a traditional phaseshift based estimator, and that the estimation error approaches the Cramer-Rao bound when the SNR increases without bound.
Resveratrol Alters Proliferative Responses and Apoptosis in Human Activated B Lymphocytes in Vitro

We hypothesized that the phytochemicals resveratrol, quercetin, and kaempferol would modulate B lymphocyte proliferation, Ig synthesis, and apoptosis after activation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 12 healthy adult human volunteers and incubated with pokeweed mitogen plus 0, 2, 5, and 10 μmol/L resveratrol, quercetin, or kaempferol. After 6 d, CD19+ B cells were analyzed for proliferation, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, and activation of caspase-3 using flow cytometry. After 8 d, cell supernatants were collected and IgM and IgG were measured by ELISA. Resveratrol at a concentration of 5 μmol/L increased the percentage of CD19+ cells compared with mitogen only-stimulated cells (P < 0.01), and a trend for increased proliferation was observed for cells treated with 0, 2, and 5 μmol/L resveratrol (P-trend = 0.01). However, 10 μmol/L resveratrol inhibited proliferation of B lymphocytes (P < 0.01). Expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 activation increased in B cells treated with 10 μmol/L resveratrol compared with mitogen alone (P < 0.01), and trends for dose-responsive increases in Bcl-2 expression and caspase-3 activation were observed (P-trend < 0.0001). Differences in IgM and IgG production were not observed for PBMC treated with resveratrol. Kaempferol at 10 μmol/L slightly inhibited proliferative responses (P < 0.05) but did not affect B cell function or apoptosis. Quercetin did not alter B cell proliferation, function, or apoptosis. These data show that human B lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis are modified by physiological concentrations of resveratrol and suggest that exposure of human B cells to resveratrol may increase survival by upregulating Bcl-2.
No association between colorectal cancer worry and screening uptake in Appalachian Ohio.

Background Limited data are available on the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) worry and CRC screening uptake, particularly in rural
Sexually Dimorphic Regulation of Inhibin Beta B in Establishing Gonadal Vasculature in Mice

Sexually dimorphic differentiation of gonads is accomplished through balanced interactions between positive and negative regulators. One of the earliest features of gonadal differentiation is the divergent patterning of the vasculature. A male-specific coelomic vessel develops on the anterior to posterior of the XY gonad, whereas this vessel is absent in XX gonads. It is postulated that the testis-determining gene Sry controls formation of the coelomic vessel, but the exact molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here we reveal a novel role for inhibin beta B in establishing sex-specific gonad vasculature. In the testis, inhibin beta B contributes to proper formation of the coelomic vessel, a male-specific artery critical for testis development and, later in development, hormone transportation. On the other hand, in the ovary, inhibin beta B is repressed by WNT4 and its downstream target follistatin, leading to the absence of the coelomic vessel. When either Wnt4 or follistatin was inactivated, the coelomic vessel appeared ectopically in the XX ovary. However, when inhibin beta B was also removed in either the Wnt4-null or follistatin-null background, normal ovarian development was restored and no coelomic vessel was found. Our results indicate that the sex-specific formation of the coelomic vessel is established by positive components in the testis as well as an antagonizing pathway from the ovary. Inhibin beta B is strategically positioned at the intersection of these opposing pathways.
Vertical collapse of a cytolysin prepore moves its transmembrane β‐hairpins to the membrane

Perfringolysin O (PFO) is a prototype of the large family of pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs). A central enigma of the cytolytic mechanism of the CDCs is that their membrane-spanning β-hairpins (the transmembrane amphipathic β-hairpins (TMHs)) appear to be ∼40 A too far above the membrane surface to cross the bilayer and form the pore. We now present evidence, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), of a significant difference in the height by which the prepore and pore protrude from the membrane surface: 113±5 A for the prepore but only 73±5 A for the pore. Time-lapse AFM micrographs show this change in height in real time. Moreover, the monomers in both complexes exhibit nearly identical surface features and these results in combination with those of spectrofluorimetric analyses indicate that the monomers remain in a perpendicular orientation to the bilayer plane during this transition. Therefore, the PFO undergoes a vertical collapse that brings its TMHs to the membrane surface so that they can extend across the bilayer to form the β-barrel pore.
Early Appearance of Colonies of Brucella Spp. on Solid Media containing Erythritol

Summary. The incorporation of erythritol (1 μM/ml) in Morris medium caused the earlier appearance of colonies of virulent strains of Brucella abortus and B. melitensis. On Albimi agar erythritol accelerated the growth of B. melitensis but not that of B. abortus. There was no acceleration of the growth of a virulent strain of B. suis on either medium.
Evidence for the disproportionate mapping of olfactory airspace onto the main olfactory bulb of the hamster.

Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) project to the rodent main olfactory bulb (MOB) from spatially distinct air channels in the olfactory recesses of the nose. The relatively smooth central channels of the dorsal meatus map onto the dorsal MOB, whereas the highly convoluted peripheral channels of the ethmoid turbinates project to the ventral MOB. Medial and lateral components of each projection stream innervate the medial and lateral MOB, respectively. To ascertain whether such topography entails the disproportionate representation seen in other sensory maps, we used disector-based stereological techniques in hamsters to estimate the number of ORNs associated with each channel in the nose and the number of their targets (glomeruli and mitral and tufted cells) in corresponding divisions of the MOB. Each circumferential half of the MOB (dorsal/ventral, medial/lateral) contained about 50% of the 3,100 glomeruli and about 50% of the 160,000 mitral and tufted cells per bulb. We found equivalent numbers of ORNs with dendritic knobs in the medial and lateral channels (4.5 million each). However, the central channels had only 2 million knobbed ORNs, whereas the peripheral channels had 7 million. Thus, there is a disproportionate mapping of the central-peripheral axis of olfactory airspace onto the dorsal-ventral axis of the MOB, encompassing a greater than threefold variation in the average convergence of ORNs onto MOB secondary neurons. We hypothesize that the disproportionate projections help to optimize chemospecific processing by compensating, with differing sensitivity, for significant variation in the distribution and concentration of odorant molecules along the olfactory air channels during sniffing. J. Comp. Neurol. 476:186–201, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sex-specific signaling through Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 contributes to survival outcome of Coxsackievirus B3 infection in C57Bl/6 mice

Background Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induces myocarditis, an inflammatory heart disease, which affects men more than women. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has been shown to determine the severity of CVB3-induced myocarditis. No direct role for signaling through TLR2 had been shown in myocarditis although published studies show that cardiac myosin is an endogenous TLR2 ligand and stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by dendritic cells in vitro. The goal of this study is to determine which TLRs show differential expression in CVB3 infected mice corresponding to male susceptibility and female resistance in this disease.
An opportunity lost: HIV infections associated with lack of a national needle-exchange programme in the USA

Summary Background Our aim was to estimate the number of HIV infections that could have been prevented had needle-exchange programmes been implemented during the early stages of the AIDS epidemic in the USA. We also estimated the cost to the US health-care system to treat these preventable HIV infections. Methods The formula we used to calculate the annual number of preventable HIV infections accounted for the effectiveness and level of use of needle-exchange programmes, as well as sexual transmission to injection drug users (IDUs) and secondary transmission to their sexual partners and children. Data for the model were obtained from epidemiological and mathematical studies in peer-reviewed published research, government reports, and consultations with experts. Using data from Australia as a model, we calculated the number of HIV infections that could have been prevented by a national needle-exchange programme in the USA between 1987 and 1995. Cost calculations were based on the current US government estimate of the discounted lifetime cost of treating an HIV infection (US$55 640). Findings Our conservative calculation of the number of HIV infections that could have been prevented ranged from 4394 (15% incidence reduction due to needle exchanges) to 9666 (33% incidence reduction). The cost to the US health-care system of treating these preventable HIV infections is between US$ 244 million and US$ 538 million, respectively. If current US policies are not changed, we estimate that an additional 5150–11 329 preventable HIV infections could occur by the year 2000. Interpretation The failure of the federal government in the USA to implement a national needle-exchange programme, despite six government-funded reports in support of needle exchanges, may have led to HIV infection among thousands of IDUs, their sexual partners, and their children. Revoking the US government ban on funding for needle-exchange programmes and accelerating the growth of such programmes in the USA are urgent public-health priorities.
Gastrointestinal Motility, Part 1: Esophageal Transit and Gastric Emptying

Although not as well standardized as gastric emptying (GE) scintigraphy, esophageal transit scintigraphy, if performed in a comprehensive manner including both quantitative and qualitative analysis of single- and multiple-swallow studies, is clinically useful when expertise in esophageal manometry is not available or not tolerated and when esophageal manometry or barium videofluoroscopy results are equivocal or nondiagnostic. GE scintigraphy has undergone much-needed standardization. Both solid and liquid GE studies play an important role in assessing patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Because measurement of simple total GE is often not sufficient to explain patient symptoms, there is a need to expand the analysis of GE scintigraphy to include the separate roles of the fundus and antrum and to include the complex interactions the stomach has with other organ systems.
In Pursuit of the ‘Third Mission’: Strategic Focus on Regional Economic Development by a Business School in the USA

Academic institutions are being increasingly expected to play a significant role in economic development. This paper describes how a doctoral-granting business school at a state university in USA is achieving this by maintaining a strategic focus on aligning its activities with regional economic development.
The Life Cycle and Internal Structure of a Mesoscale Convective Complex

Abstract This paper describes the life cycle and precipitation structure of a Mesoscale Convective Complex (MCC) that passed through the data-collecting network of the Texas portion of the High Plains Cooperative Program (HIPLEX) on 8 June 1980. The MCC was the third in a sequence of five mesoscale convective systems that formed in association with a low-level frontal zone, short-wave perturbations in the 500 mb flow, outflow from previous convection, and upslope forcing. Quantitative radar data, together with surface, upper-air and satellite data, were used to determine the three-dimensional structure of the MCC. Isolated echoes formed over the Davis Mountains of far western Texas and merged as they moved eastward to form a mesoscale convective system with a lifetime of ∼24 h and a low-level precipitation pattern ∼500 km across. The leading edge of the low-level precipitation pattern was a north-south line of intense convective cells possessing the echo structure and low-level kinematic and thermodynamic...
Expression of Cancer-Related Genes in Human Cells Exposed to 60 Hz Magnetic Fields

Exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields (MFs) may be a risk factor for human cancer. One mechanism through which MFs could influence neoplastic development is through alterations in the expression of cancer-related genes. Previous molecular studies of the action of MFs have measured effects on a limited number of genes. In the present studies, arrays containing cDNAs for 588 cancer-related genes were used to approach the hypothesis that the biological activity of MFs is mediated by alterations in gene expression. Cultures of normal (HME) and transformed (HBL-100) human mammary epithelial cells and human promyelocytic leukemia (HL60) cells were exposed to MFs at field strengths of 0, 0.01 or 1.0 mT for 24 h. Several genes were identified in MF-exposed cells whose expression was increased by at least twofold or decreased by 50% or more. However, no gene was found to be differentially expressed in each of three independent exposures for any cell type, and no relationship between exposure intensity and differential gene expression was found. These studies failed to identify a plausible genetic target for the action of MFs in human cells, and they provide no support for the hypothesis that MF exposure alters the expression of genes that are involved in cancer development.
Vibronic Interactions in the Electronic Ground State: Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

A theory of Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) has been developed by the author and implemented at the ab initio self-consistent field (SCF) level of approximation. VCD spectra calculated from this theory for several small chiral organic molecules are in excellent overall agreement with experiment, when basis sets of adequate sophistication are used and when the ab initio SCF force fields are scaled following the procedure of Pulay and coworkers. VCD spectroscopy, together with a priori theoretical calculations, now affords a new technique for the study of the stereochemistry of chiral molecules.
War, Genocide, And Justice: Cambodian American Memory Work. By Cathy J. Schlund-Vials

Minneapolis, Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 2012. 264 pp. hardcover $67.50; softcover $22.50
Bringing Books to Africans: British Publishers and the Development of the East African Book Trade

Among British Colonial Development and Welfare schemes, the East African Literature Bureau is one example that demonstrates how British cultural forms were increasingly incorporated into development aims. In the context of the Cold War, literature represented a cheap and relatively permanent means of persuasion and enlightenment. The Bureau began in 1948 with the design of jumpstarting a publishing industry for the entire region. At its inception the project centered on British culture and the British expertise necessary to deliver it; however, with the approach of decolonization the Bureau recognized that its success hinged on incorporating Africans and African culture into its work.This paper examines the attitudes and agendas of the Bureau’s publishing experts as they struggled to define the genre of African literature. As a service of the East African High Commission, it will show how the Bureau balanced the literary needs of different territories, all the while seeking to identify specific African authors who would be committed to the development project. British cultural work was able to persist beyond independence through a broad distribution of agency among both British and African actors; however, this flexibility also allowed for new types of engagement that threatened the project’s entire purpose.
Detectable change of lung nodule volume with CT in a phantom study with high and low signal to background contrast

In previous work we developed a method for predicting the minimum detectable change (MDC) in nodule volume based on volumetric CT measurements. MDC was defined as the minimum increase/decrease in a nodule volume distinguishable from the baseline measurement at a specified level of detection performance, assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). In this work we derived volume estimates of a set of synthetic nodules and calculated the detection performance for distinguishing them from baseline measurements. Eight spherical objects of 100HU radio density ranging in diameter from 5.0mm to 5.75mm and 8.0mm to 8.75mm with 0.25mm increments were placed in an anthropomorphic phantom with either no background (high-contrast task) or gelatin background (low-contrast task). The baseline was defined as 5.0mm for the first set of nodules and 8.0mm for the second set. The phantom was scanned using varying exposures, and reconstructed with slice thickness of 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0mm and two reconstruction kernels (standard and smooth). Volume measurements were derived using a previously developed matched- filter approach. Results showed that nodule size, slice thickness, and nodule-to-background contrast affected detectable change in nodule volume when using our volume estimator and the acquisition settings from our study. We also compared our experimental results to the values estimated by our previously-developed MDC prediction method. We found that experimental data for the 8mm baseline nodules matched very well with our predicted values of MDC. These results support considering the use of this metric when standardizing imaging protocols for lung nodule size change assessment.
4556 Impact of biliary endoprostheses on endosonographic bile duct morphology in obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND: Some surgeons argue against preoperative stents for obstructive jaundice based on stent-induced inflammatory changes seen on biliary histology (Surgery 1992;111:562, J Am Coll Surg 1994;178:343). The purpose of this study was to test whether and how frequently endosonography (EUS) could demonstrate any changes in biliary morphology with the use of endoscopic biliary stents for obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Data were included from all patients undergoing upper EUS from 4/95 to 11/99 having non-stone associated obstructive jaundice from a distal common bile duct (CBD) lesion with no clinical evidence of cholangitis. Patients were divided into two groups, those having an EUS before any endoscopic stent was placed and those having EUS after a plastic stent had been placed for obstructive jaundice. Patient demographics, average CBD diameter and width and the presence of biliary sludge were ascertained in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were studied (see table) with 22 patients in the stented group. Endoprostheses were in place for an average of 3 weeks at the time of EUS. There were no significant differences in the age or sex distribution, but malignant obstruction was more frequent in the non-stented group. Patients with stents had smaller duct diameters; however, the average duct wall thickness was almost twice that seen in non-stented ducts. Stented patients had CBD sludge more frequently. CONCLUSION: Confirming previous pathologic reports, this study demonstrates that endosonographically evident duct wall thickening and CBD sludge is indeed a frequent finding after stent placement for obstructive jaundice. Whether these changes contribute to the poorer surgical outcomes reported by some groups with preoperative stenting (Arch Surg 1998;133:149)is still unclear.
Effects of reactive metabolites of oxygen and nitrogen on gelatinase A activity

The regulation of matrix metalloproteinase activity is crucial for maintaining the proper balance of tissue remodeling vs. injury. Metalloproteinase proenzymes are activated when the active site zinc is exposed via a cysteine switch mechanism. Peroxynitrite, the product generated from the interaction between nitric oxide and superoxide, has been shown to release zinc from zinc-thiolate groups, suggesting that it might alter metalloproteinase activity. This study examined the effects of nitric oxide and superoxide generators on gelatinase A activity. Results showed that nitric oxide alone had no effect on gelatinase A activity relative to control, whereas superoxide-derived metabolites increased activity. The simultaneous generation of both nitric oxide and superoxide caused an inhibition of gelatinase A activity. This inhibition was reversed by the addition of hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase, or sodium urate, suggesting that peroxynitrite and/or peroxynitrous acid caused the inhibition. Authentic peroxynitrite also inhibited gelatinase A activity. We postulate that the relative fluxes of nitric oxide and superoxide at sites of inflammation may modulate metalloproteinase activity and thus affect matrix protein metabolism.
Priapism Associated with Trazodone Therapy

Priapism associated with medication use is well known as one of the most difficult forms of priapism to treat. We report 2 cases of priapism and prolonged erection associated with trazodone therapy. The literature is reviewed and potential treatment options are discussed.
Evolutionary Medicine II. Use of the Comparative Method and The Animal Model

We can use animal models as proxies for human biology in scientific and medical research because the models share an evolutionary history with humans. Common ancestry means that traits found in animal models may be homologous with and directly comparable to similar traits in humans. In some cases traits that are unique to the animal model can also illuminate human biology.
Future Directions of Partial Hospitalization

The previous chapters in this book have considered a wide spectrum of issues related to partial hospitalization. Programmatic treatment approaches, special patient populations, research issues, and problem areas have been considered in detail. Individually and in combination these chapters highlight the significant conceptual, clinical, and research factors involved in partial hospitalization as it is generally utilized at the present time. In addition, the pragmatic and difficult question of funding has been explored.
Photoelectrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using a Nanoporous Ag Cathode

Solar fuel production from abundant sources using photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems is an attractive approach to address the challenges associated with the intermittence of solar energy. In comparison to electrochemical systems, PEC cells directly utilize solar energy as the energy input, and if necessary, then an additional external bias can be applied to drive the desired reaction. In this work, a PEC cell composing of a Ni-coated Si photoanode and a nanoporous Ag cathode was developed for CO2 conversion to CO. The thin Ni layer not only protected the Si wafer from photocorrosion but also served as the oxygen evolution catalyst. At an external bias of 2.0 V, the PEC cell delivered a current density of 10 mA cm–2 with a CO Faradaic efficiency of ∼70%. More importantly, a stable performance up to 3 h was achieved under photoelectrolysis conditions, which is among the best literature-reported performances for PEC CO2 reduction cells. The photovoltage of the PEC cell was estimated to be ∼0.4 V, which corre...
Keys That Jingle and Fold: Federal Student Aid and the Expansion of Educational Opportunity for Black Women

ABSTRACTSince the mid-20th century, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in Black women’s educational attainment. Given Black women’s status as “double minorities” and their disproportionate representation among low-income Americans, this trend has important implications for equal opportunity in the United States. While scholars recognize higher education as a central determinant of socioeconomic well-being and political engagement, we have yet to consider the role that federal higher education policies have played in expanding Black women’s access to college degrees. This article examines the extent to which student aid programs have supported Black women’s educational pursuits and influenced their educational attainment. I find that financial aid usage is associated with greater educational attainment and is perceived by Black women as significantly expanding educational opportunity.