cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte Antigen-related Deficiency Enhances Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Promotes Neointima Formation in Response to Vascular Injury

Abstract Increase in the expression of leukocyte antigen-related (LAR) protein causes insulin resistance, an important contributor to atherosclerosis. However, the function of LAR in atherosclerosis is not known. To address whether LAR is important in the response of vascular cells to atherogenic stimuli, we investigated cell proliferation, migration, and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling in wild-type and LAR-/- mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) treated with IGF-1. Absence of LAR significantly enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMC compared with wild-type cells after IGF-1 treatment. U0126 and LY249002, specific inhibitors of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase, respectively, inhibited IGF-1-induced DNA synthesis and migration in both wild-type and LAR-/- VSMC. IGF-1 markedly enhanced IGF-1R phosphorylation in both wild-type and LAR-/- VSMC, but the phosphorylation was 90% higher in knock-out cells compared with wild-type cells. Absence of LAR enhanced phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and insulin receptor substrate-1-associated phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity in VSMC treated with IGF-1. IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 also increased significantly in LAR-/- VSMC compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, LAR directly binds to IGF-1R in glutathione S-transferase-LAR pull-down and IGF-1R immunoprecipitation experiments and recombinant LAR dephosphorylates IGF-1R in vitro. Neointima formation in response to arterial injury and IGF-1R phosphorylation in neointima increased significantly in LAR-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. A significant decrease in body weight, fasting insulin, and IGF-1 levels were observed in LAR-/- mice compared with wild-type mice. Together, these data indicate that LAR regulates IGF-1R signaling in VSMC and dysregulation of this phosphatase may lead to VSMC hyperplasia.
Developing budget models, communication strategies, and relationships to mitigate the pain of tough economic times

The final chapter provides a quick and easy reference of some of this volume's most salient points.
Right ventricular effects of intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in an animal model of pressure overload heart failure.

Abstract In a rat model of left ventricular pressure overload hypertrophy with biventricular failure, we studied the effects of intracoronary delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MCS) upon right ventricular hemodynamic performance, profiles of local inflammation and apoptosis, and determinants of extracellular matrix remodeling. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography. After a decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening of 25% from the baseline (relative 50% reduction), animals were randomized to an intracoronary injection of MSC (n = 28) or PBS (n = 20). Right ventricular hemodynamic assessment and measurement of local inflammatory markers, proapoptotic factors, and determinants of extracellular matrix remodeling were performed on post-transplantation day 7, 14, 21 or 28. MSC injection improved right ventricular systolic function in the MSC group compared to the control group (mean ± SD, max dP/dt 772 ± 272 mmHg/s vs. 392 ± 132 at 28 days, P
Depression in diabetes and obesity: racial/ethnic/gender issues in older adults.

Abstract Objectives: This study focuses on the comorbidity between depression and diabetes, as well as depression and obesity, in a biracial community sample of older adults. Methods: The data are drawn from a cross-sectional survey of five counties in North Carolina, USA, part of a longitudinal study of morbidity and mortality among elders in the urban and rural south. During the first wave of the survey, 4162 persons 65+ years of age participated in an interview at their homes. During this interview, data were collected to assess demographics, functional status, cognitive status, depression and self-report of diabetes. In addition, subjects were asked to estimate their height and weight for the interviewers, from which data body mass index (BMI) was estimated. Results: In both uncontrolled and controlled analyses, female gender, lower education, functional impairment and cognitive impairment were associated with comorbid depression/diabetes and depression/high BMI. Age was not associated with comorbid depression/diabetes but younger age was associated with depression/cognitive impairment. African American race was strongly associated with depression/diabetes but not with depression/high BMI. Conclusions: More studies of comorbidity in the general population should be implemented to determine the relationship between these comorbid conditions and risk factors. Longitudinal studies are especially needed.
On flame-front instability at elevated pressures

Abstract Effects of pressure up to 3 atm on flame-front instability were numerically investigated for both linear and nonlinear growth stages at sub-unity and unity Lewis numbers. A sixth-order compact scheme and non-reflecting boundary conditions were used to capture the evolution of the flame front. Results show that in the linear instability growth stage, elevated pressure can extend the unstable range of flame-fronts and generate the fine flame cell structure. This effect can be qualitatively predicted by the theories when Le = 1.0; however the theories diverge at sub-unity Lewis numbers (e.g. Le = 0.7). In the nonlinear growth stage, the critical wave number (kc) from the linear dispersion relation can be used as a reference length scale for the evolution of the flame cell structure. Since elevated pressure increases the critical wave number, small flame cells appear over large flame cells (deep folds) at high ambient pressures. Furthermore, flame-front hydrodynamic instability is excited when the lateral domain is enlarged.
Systematic study of high-frequency ultrasonic transducer design for laser-scanning photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy

Photoacoustic ophthalmoscopy (PAOM) is a high-resolution in vivo imaging modality that is capable of providing specific optical absorption information for the retina. A high-frequency ultrasonic transducer is one of the key components in PAOM, which is in contact with the eyelid through coupling gel during imaging. The ultrasonic transducer plays a crucial role in determining the image quality affected by parameters such as spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and field of view. In this paper, we present the results of a systematic study on a high-frequency ultrasonic transducer design for PAOM. The design includes piezoelectric material selection, frequency selection, and the fabrication process. Transducers of various designs were successfully applied for capturing images of biological samples in vivo. The performances of these designs are compared and evaluated.
Simulation of tomosynthesis images based on an anthropomorphic software breast tissue phantom

The aim of this work is to provide a simulation framework for generation of synthetic tomosynthesis images to be used for evaluation of future developments in the field of tomosynthesis. An anthropomorphic software tissue phantom was previously used in a number of applications for evaluation of acquisition modalities and image post-processing algorithms for mammograms. This software phantom has been extended for similar use with tomosynthesis. The new features of the simulation framework include a finite element deformation model to obtain realistic mammographic deformation and projection simulation for a variety of tomosynthesis geometries. The resulting projections are provided in DICOM format to be applicable for clinically applied reconstruction algorithms. Examples of simulations using parameters of a currently applied clinical setup are presented. The overall simulation model is generic, allowing multiple degrees of freedom to cover anatomical variety in the amount of glandular tissue, degrees of compression, material models for breast tissues, and tomosynthesis geometries.
A hypervariable region at the D19S11 locus.

The polymorphic locus D19S11 consists of four closely linked RFLPs: α, β, δ and γ on chromosome 19p13.2→19cen, revealed by subclones p13-1-82 and p13-2-21 from cosmid 1–13. Here, we report that p13-1-25, an additional subclone of c1-13, reveals three insertion/deletion RFLPs, α, e, and ϕ, at the D19S11 locus. In situ hybridization of p13-1-25 to metaphase chromosomes from a carrier of a 19/X translocation with a breakpoint near the centromere confirms localization of D19S11 to 19p. Studies with hydatidiform moles have generated assignments of specific restriction fragments to these three loci, and genotypic studies in three-generation families have indicated that they are closely linked. Loci α (also detected by p13-1-82) and ϕ each have but two common alleles, whereas e has at least 33 alleles, including a null allele. Fifty unrelated individuals tested displayed unique fragment patterns on Taq I blots probed with p13-1-25. Applications of this probe include monitoring loss of chromosome 19 during tumorigenesis, monitoring engraftment of donor bone marrow after transplantation, testing for paternity, and mapping disease genes on chromosome 19.
Time-domain theory of resonant Rayleigh scattering by quantum wells: Early-time evolution

A polariton-based theory of resonant Rayleigh scattering in quantum wells, i.e., the linear elastic scattering of light, near an excitonic resonance is developed to establish the connection between disorder associated with interface defects and the angular dependence of the temporally scattered light under sub-ps resonant excitation of the quantum well. The disorder model is motivated by the development of islands during epitaxial growth of heterostructures. The interplay of the length scales describing the island size and the spatial correlation between islands leads to nontrivial dynamics in the angular dependence of the temporal rise of the resonantly scattered light. It is found that the spatial correlations between defects scatter a substantial part of the photogenerated excitons to large-wave-vector nonradiative surface-polariton states. Hence scattering into these states is not directly observable using the usual far-field optical techniques, but rather contributes to the long-time behavior of the light emitted in time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Enhancing the Prebiotic Relevance of a Set of Covalently Self-Assembling, Autorecombining RNAs Through In Vitro Selection

An in vitro form of the self-splicing group-I intron interrupting the Azoarcus tRNAIle was shortened by ~10% with the removal of helix P6a. This deletion reduced the reverse-splicing activity of the ribozyme about 10-fold. Through in vitro selection, this activity was restored in several low-error mutants. A number of mutations were found that improved reverse-splicing activity through both increased k obs and better folding. The deletion mutant could be fragmented into as many as three discrete pieces, which, when incubated together, were capable of covalent self-assembly through energy-neutral transesterification reactions, a process called autorecombination. A subset of the mutations identified through in vitro selection for reverse-splicing were exaptations in that they were also shown to augment the autorecombination reactions, leading to higher yields of covalently self-assembled products, making this the smallest such system yet discovered.
Follicular contact dermatitis revisited: A review emphasizing neomycin-associated follicular contact dermatitis

Follicular contact dermatitis clinically presents as individual papules that include a central hair follicle. Pathologic features involve the follicle and the surrounding dermis: spongiosis and vesicle formation of the follicular epithelium associated with perifollicular and perivascular lymphocytic inflammation. Using the PubMed database, an extensive literature search was performed on follicular contact dermatitis and neomycin. Relevant papers were reviewed and the clinical and pathologic features, the associated chemicals (including a more detailed description of neomycin), the hypothesized pathogenesis, and the management of follicular contact dermatitis were described. Several agents-either as allergens or irritants-have been reported to elicit follicular contact dermatitis. Several hypotheses have been suggested for the selective involvement of the follicles in follicular contact dermatitis: patient allergenicity, characteristics of the agent, vehicle containing the agent, application of the agent, and external factors. The differential diagnosis of follicular contact dermatitis includes not only recurrent infundibulofolliculitis, but also drug eruption, mite infestation, viral infection, and dermatoses that affect hair follicles. The primary therapeutic intervention for follicular contact dermatitis is withdrawal of the causative agent; treatment with a topical corticosteroid preparation may also promote resolution of the dermatitis. In conclusion, follicular contact dermatitis may be secondary to allergens or irritants; topical antibiotics, including neomycin, may cause this condition. Several factors may account for the selective involvement of the hair follicle in this condition. Treatment of the dermatitis requires withdrawal of the associated topical agent; in addition, topical corticosteroids may be helpful to promote resolution of lesions.
Ellipsometry of unsupported and embedded thin films

Methode explicite nouvelle de determination simultanee de l'indice complexe et de l'epaisseur des couches minces absorbantes sans support par ellipsometrie de reflexion et transmission. Cas d'une lame d'or
Further behind the Scenes of Intervention Research.

Developing, conducting, and sharing the results of a good intervention study is a challenging task, requiring considerable effort and expertise. I offer my reflections on this enterprise, commenting on the need for studying complex interventions, using multiple methodologies. I also argue that such research should be theoretically grounded and, more frequently than is currently the case, should test theoretical propositions. Finally, I comment on conducting research with limited funding, the importance of veracity when sharing research findings, and the need for more intense and extended preparation for new intervention researchers.
Alterations in myocardial thallium-201 distribution in patients with chronic systemic hypertension undergoing single-photon emission computed tomography

To characterize thallium-201 distribution in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cardiac images and polar bullseye maps, 100 patients with chronic systemic hypertension due to end-stage renal disease were studied and the results compared with those in 35 normotensive control subjects. Thallium-201 SPECT was performed after exercise in all control subjects and 70 hypertensive patients, and after intravenous dipyridamole in 30 patients. A frequent finding in hypertensive patients was a fixed decrease in the normal lateral-to-septal count density ratio in immediate thallium-201 SPECT images (1.02 +/- 0.10 vs 1.17 +/- 0.08 in control subjects, p less than 0.00001) and in 3-hour delayed images (1.02 +/- 0.11 vs 1.11 +/- 0.08 in control subjects, p less than 0.00001). No significant difference in count density ratio was present in patients undergoing treadmill versus diypridamole intervention. In 35 patients the count density ratio was greater than 2.0 standard deviations below the normal mean, creating the false impression of a fixed lateral defect (i.e., myocardial infarction). In 12 patients, myocardial wall thickness was measured at end-diastole by 2-dimensional echocardiography. Wall thickness was increased (greater than 11 mm) in all patients. The mean lateral-to-septal wall thickness ratio was 1.08 +/- 1.11; in no patient was the ratio less than 0.76 to indicate selective septal hypertrophy. The lateral-to-septal wall thickness and lateral-to-septal thallium-201 count density ratios correlated poorly (r = 0.43).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Racial differences in type of surgical procedure performed for proximal humerus fractures

Proximal humeral fracture constitutes a medical emergency on most occasions in which the decision to perform either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or hemiarthroplasty is determined by the operating surgeon. Hemiarthroplasty is a more expensive and technically challenging procedure that requires compliance with rigorous and prolonged rehabilitation postsurgically. We assessed whether racial differences exist in utilization of hemiarthroplasty versus ORIF in patients with proximal humeral fracture. Patients with primary diagnosis of closed proximal humeral fracture undergoing either hemiarthroplasty or ORIF were selected from Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases for 1990–2000 (n = 10,306). Among white patients with proximal humeral fracture, 35.3% underwent hemiarthroplasty when compared with 17.2% of black and 26.9% of Hispanic patients (P < 0.001). Results of multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, hospital volume, year, and site of fracture on proximal humerus confirmed that black patients were less likely to undergo hemiarthroplasty when compared with white patients (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.54, 1.08). Our findings are consistent with studies documenting racial differences in utilization of elective orthopedic procedures. Given that humeral fracture is an emergency on most occasions, and our data suggest that differences in utilization more likely reflect surgeons’ operative decisions than patient preferences. We cannot ascertain whether differential procedure utilization is clinically justified. Further studies are needed to confirm whether surgeons’ operative decisions are a factor in the differential utilization of arthroplasty procedures by race and to understand outcomes and indications for ORIF and hemiarthroplasty, especially in black patients.
Spontaneous growth hormone secretion in healthy prepubertal children of normal stature.

To evaluate the dynamics of growth hormone (GH) secretion in healthy prepubertal children of normal stature, we determined spontaneous GH secretion by measuring GH every 30 min in 21 Japanese subjects, age: 5.4±2.3 (1.6-10.6) years; height:-1.4±1.1 (-1.98-1.77) SD.The 24-h mean GH concentration was 4.8±1.5 ng/ml. The 24-h mean GH was similar in boys and girls (mean±SD: 4.8±1.7 vs 4.7±1.1 ng/ml). No correlation was found between chronological age and the 24-h mean GH. The 24-h mean GH was closely correlated with GH pulse amplitude (r=0.94; P<0.001), but not with the number of GH pulses. The 24-h mean GH was also highly correlated with 3-h mean GH after sleep and 3-h peak GH after sleep (r=0.86; P<0.001 and r=0.72; P<0.001, respectively).Our data suggest that in healthy prepubertal children of normal stature, (1) spontaneous GH secretion is independent of sex and age.(2) the amount of spontaneous GH secretion is controlled by pulse amplitude, not by number of pulses.(3) 3-h mean GH and 3-h peak GH after sleep might represent 24-h total spontaneous GH secretion.
FMRFamide‐like peptides encoded on the flp‐18 precursor gene activate two isoforms of the orphan Caenorhabditis elegans G‐protein‐coupled receptor Y58G8A.4 heterologously expressed in mammalian cells

Two alternatively spliced variants of an orphan Caenorhabditis elegans G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs; Y58G8A.4a and Y58G8A.4b) were cloned and functionally expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The Y58G8A.4a and Y58G8A.4b proteins (397 and 433 amino acid residues, respectively) differ both in amino acid sequence and length of the C-terminal tail of the receptor. A calcium mobilization assay was used as a read-out for receptor function. Both receptors were activated, with nanomolar potencies, by putative peptides encoded by the flp-18 precursor gene, leading to their designation as FLP-18R1a (Y58G8A.4a) and FLP-18R1b (Y58G8A.4b). Three Ascaris suum neuropeptides AF3, AF4, and AF20 all sharing the same FLP-18 C-terminal signature, -PGVLRF-NH(2), were also potent agonists. In contrast to other previously reported C. elegans GPCRs expressed in mammalian cells, both FLP-18R1 variants were fully functional at 37 degrees C. However, a 37 to 28 degrees C temperature shift improved their activity, an effect that was more pronounced for FLP-18R1a. Despite differences in the C-terminus, the region implicated in distinct G-protein recognition for many other GPCRs, the same signaling pathways were observed for both Y58G8A.4 isoforms expressed in CHO cells. Gq protein coupling seems to be the main but not the exclusive signaling pathway, because pretreatment of cells with U-73122, a phospholipase inhibitor, attenuated but did not completely abolish the Ca(2+) signal. A weak Gs-mediated receptor activation was also detected as reflected in an agonist-triggered concentration-dependent cAMP increase. The matching of the FLP-18 peptides with their receptor(s) allows for the evaluation of the pharmacology of this system in the worm in vivo.
Winthrop-University Hospital Infectious Disease Division's swine influenza (H1N1) pneumonia diagnostic weighted point score system for hospitalized adults with influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and negative rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).

Background In spring 2009, a novel strain of influenza A originating in Veracruz, Mexico, quickly spread to the United States and throughout the world. This influenza A virus was the product of gene reassortment of 4 different genetic elements: human influenza, swine influenza, avian influenza, and Eurasian swine influenza. In the United States, New York was the epicenter of the swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic. Hospital emergency departments (EDs) were inundated with patients with influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) requesting screening for H1N1. Our ED screening, as well as many others, used a rapid screening test for influenza A (QuickVue A/B) because H1N1 was a variant of influenza A. The definitive laboratory test i.e., RT-PCR for H1N1 was developed by the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta, GA) and subsequently distributed to health departments. Because of the extraordinary volume of test requests, health authorities restricted reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Hence most EDs, including our own, were dependent on rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) for swine influenza. A positive rapid influenza A test was usually predictive of RT-PCR H1N1 positivity, but the rapid influenza A screening test (QuickVue A/B) was associated with 30% false negatives. The inability to rely on RIDTs for H1N1 diagnosis resulted in underdiagnosing H1N1. Confronted with adults admitted with ILIs, negative RIDTs, and restricted RT-PCR testing, there was a critical need to develop clinical criteria to diagnose probable swine influenza H1N1 pneumonia. Methods During the pandemic, the Infectious Disease Division at Winthrop-University Hospital developed clinical criteria for adult admitted patients with ILIs and negative RIDTs. Similar to the one developed for the clinical diagnosis of legionnaire's disease. The Winthrop-University Hospital Infectious Disease Division's diagnostic weighted point score system for swine influenza H1N1 pneumonia is based on key clinical and laboratory features. Results During the "herald" wave of the swine influenza H1N1 pandemic, the diagnostic weighted point score system accurately identified probable swine influenza H1N1 pneumonia and accurately differentiated swine influenza H1N1 pneumonia from ILIs and other viral and bacterial community-acquired pneumonias. Conclusion In hospitalized adults with ILIs and negative RIDTs, the diagnostic weighted diagnostic point score system, may be used to make a presumptive clinical diagnosis of swine influenza H1N1 pneumonia.
Synchronous pumping of two dye lasers using a single uv excitation source

Abstract The synchronous pumping is reported of two cavity dumped cw dye lasers operating in the wavelength range of 405–555 nm using a single mode-locked uv pump source. The pulses obtained from each dye laser are described quantitatively using the noise burst model. The cross correlation between the two laser pulse trains indicates that the relative temporal stability is approximately one pulsewidth.
Privacy policies compliance across digital identity management systems

An emerging approach for protecting identities of individuals, while at the same time enhancing user convenience, is represented by federated identity management systems. In this paper we develop an approach to support privacy controlled sharing of identity attributes in federated environments. We present a wide range of strategies that enable users to trace their personal information across the federation and verify whether it has been managed according to their privacy preferences. Users can employ one or more of these strategies according to their goals and priorities. Additionally, we analyze the challenging issue of data, privacy policy, and preference updates in a federated system. Our algorithm allows users and federated service providers to control whether new versions of data and users' privacy references have been used, and detect possible inconsistencies.
Subchondral lucencies and synovial disease: A case report and discussion

The case of a young female with hip pain and acetabular subchondral lucencies on conventional radiographs is presented. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated subchondral lucencies in the femoral head as well, and an arthrogram revealed synovial irregularities. The differential diagnosis is discussed with an approach to subchondral lucencies. A synovectomy was performed on this patient with pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Cosmic-Ray Experiments and the Scaling Hypothesis

Angular distributions obtained in cosmic-ray experiments are examined with a view to test the scaling hypothesis. Using appropriately scaled parametrizations of accelerator production data, we critically analyze the experimental results obtained at the Echo Lake facility in the range of 150-300 GeV. We find that the scaling hypothesis accounts for the main features of the data. However, both uncertainties in the scaled parametrizations used and the many experimental biases that need to be corrected preclude a critical test. We conclude that direct measurements at the new accelerators are necessary for a definitive test of scaling.
Comparing codeswitching and borrowing

An issue regarding codeswitching discourse is the extent to which material from a donor language (the Embedded Language or EL) appearing in a recipient language (the Matrix Language or ML) shows internal differentiation. Three questions are relevant: (1) Are all singly‐occurring EL lexemes in such discourse borrowed forms, or are some codeswitched forms (CS forms)? (2) If some are CS forms, how are they differentiated from borrowings? (3) What is the relationship of either established borrowings or singly‐occurring CS forms to multiword stretches of codeswitching? Working within a model of the structural constraints on codeswitching (the Matrix Language Frame Model), this paper argues that while some important differences do exist among the various forms of EL material appearing in codeswitching discourse, in general the forms arise from related processes. Therefore, any model of the structural aspects of codeswitching must provide a unified account for all EL material in codeswitching utterances.
The Patterns of Failure Between Pelvic Versus Para-aortic Lymph Node Positive Endometrial Cancer: Implications for Therapeutic Optimization

ControlNumber: 35 Category: Endometrial Dose Variation in Gynecological High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Due to Small Range Motions Silvia Pella, PhD, Mikko Hyvarin, BS, Nicolae Dumitru, BS, Samanthia Long, BS. Radiation Oncology, South Florida Radiation Oncology, Boca Raton, FL, USA; Physics, Medical Physics Program, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA; Medical Physics, Advanced Radiation Physics Inc., Boca Raton, FL, USA; Physics, Medical Physics Program, University of Bucharest, Bucharest-Magurele,
Protamine, polybrene and the antithrombin action of heparin

Abstract The antithrombin actions of heparin and normal plasma antithrombin are quite separate effects. The antiheparins do not interfere with the progressive action of normal plasma antithrombin but neutralise the ability of heparin in conjunction with the plasma heparin cofactor to inactivate thrombin. Protamine and polybrene have the capacity to reverse the process of inactivation of thrombin by heparin and cofactor with the consequent release of thrombin activity. However reversal does not follow the pattern of neutralisation of heparin in that not all the inactivated thrombin is released by antiheparin at levels exceeding the neutralisation point. The heparin cofactor complex provides an immediate and non-progressive inactivation of thrombin and the action of heparin antagonists in reversing this effect produces an immediate and non-progressive liberation of thrombin activity, Heparin and cofactor, therefore, merely inactivate thrombin without disposing of it. However, normal plasma antithrombin continues to degrade the thrombin held inactive by the complex so that the thrombin is eventually completely eliminated. Chromatographic evidence for the existence of a heparin-cofactor-thrombin complex was provided by gel filtration studies using Sephadex G-150. The implications of all these findings are discussed in relation to the function of heparinised intravascular prostheses.
Protein synthesis in isolated rat brain mitochondria

Abstract Protein synthesis in a rat brain mitochondrial preparation purified by centrifugation through a ficoll gradient is inhibited by chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline but not by cycloheximide. This establishes that rat brain mitochondrial protein synthesis is similar to liver mitochondria in its sensitivity to these antibiotics. The possible nature of the cyclo-heximide-sensitive protein synthesis found with other brain mitochondrial preparations is discussed.
Simulation of distributed algorithms using OCCAM

Distributed algorithms often cannot be analyzed to give an accurate estimate of performance. ELECTOR, a program written in OCCAM™(a parallel pro gramming language) has been developed to simulate a ...
Transfer map approach to and optical effects of energy degraders in fragment separators

A second order analytical and an arbitrary order numerical procedure is developed for the computation of transfer maps of energy degraders. The incorporation of the wedges into the optics of fragment separators for next-generation exotic beam facilities, their optical effects, and the optimization of their performance is studied in detail. It is shown how to place and shape the degraders in the system such that aberrations are minimized and resolving powers are maximized.
Composites of PZT and Epoxy for Hydrostatic Transducer Applications

Composites with 3–1 connectivity for transducer applications were made by embedding extruded PZT rods in an epoxy matrix. The effects of rod diameter, volume fraction of PZT, and composite thickness on the hydrostatic properties of the composites were determined. Due to decoupling of the d33 and d31 coefficients in a composite with 3–1 connectivity, the dn may be enhanced, even in composites of low volume fractions of PZT. Such composites alsojiave a low dielectric permittivity. The combination of high dn values and low ɛ33 value results in a greatly enhanced ḡn. Composites with 10 vol% PZT were made with values of dh and ḡh which are, respectively, two times (>80×10 −12 C/N) and 25 times (>70×10−3 (V·m/N) the solid PZT values.
Compact High-Order Finite Differences for Interface Problems in One Dimension

On construit et on analyse les approximations aux differences finies compactes du probleme modele de source lineaire -(pu')'+qu=f ou les fonctions p, q et f peuvent avoir des discontinuites de sauts en un nombre fini de points. On presente les erreurs de troncature et de discretisation et les resultats numeriques
Actions of interferon in tissue cultures harboring mouse leukemia virus.

Das Virus der vesikularen Stomatitis verursacht Zellverschmelzung und Syncytienbildung in mit Mause-Leukamie-Virus infizierten Gewebskulturen. Interferon konnte diese Zellzerstorung in der Kultur nicht verhindern.
Preservation of spleen and brain function in children with sickle cell anemia treated with hydroxyurea

Introduction Chronic organ damage is an insidious process in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Although hydroxyurea prevents acute vaso-occlusive events, its effects on the preservation of organ function remain undefined. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed our single institution experience with children with SCA treated with hydroxyurea for clinical disease severity, who had optional radionuclide liver-spleen (LS) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/with angiography (MRA) performed before and during therapy. Studies were reviewed by pediatric radiologists blinded to treatment status. Demographic and laboratory predictors were modeled using logistic regression. Results A total of 43 children had spleen function measured both at baseline and on therapy. After a median of 2.6 years (range, 0.2–8.6 years) of hydroxyurea at maximum tolerated dose (MTD), six patients (14%) completely recovered splenic function and two (5%) had preserved splenic function. These eight children had a greater hemoglobin (Hb) concentration on hydroxyurea therapy than those without splenic function (9.1 vs. 8.6 gm/dl, P = 0.01). Of 25 children with brain MRI/MRA studies performed before initiating hydroxyurea and on therapy, 24 (96%) had no change in brain ischemic lesions compared with pre-treatment studies, after a median of 2.9 years of treatment. Conclusion These retrospective data suggest that hydroxyurea at MTD possibly preserves spleen and brain function in children with SCA, and can even result in recovery of splenic function. Higher final Hb concentration during therapy is a significant laboratory predictor of improved splenic function. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:293–297. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Activated carbon for mercury control: Implications for fly ash management

Abstract As more utilities begin to use activated carbon injection (ACI) for mercury control, the potential for the presence of elevated concentrations of mercury, other air toxic elements, and activated carbon to impact fly ash management needs to be evaluated. Several Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) projects have allowed the collection of comparative baseline fly ash samples and associated fly ash–activated carbon (AC) samples from full-scale demonstrations of ACI for mercury emission control. These samples were evaluated for mercury and air toxic element content and mobility and for performance criteria to facilitate a better understanding of the impact of these components to specific utilization applications, including use as a mineral admixture in concrete. These data are compared with published data from samples collected at similar large-scale mercury emission control tests. The data presented are in agreement with previous results from the EERC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and elsewhere that mercury associated with fly ash is stable and unlikely to be released under most management conditions. Additionally, this paper will discuss the potential for fly ash–AC samples to be used as a mineral admixture in concrete and other large-volume use applications.
World Conference on Hospitality, Tourism, &, Event Research and International Convention & Expo Summit Bangkok, Thailand May 25-28, 2013

Meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) industry executives and researchers from around the world gathered from May 25 to 28 along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the specta...
Flagellar waveform reversal in Euglena.

Abstract Films taken during experiments on the electrical control of flagellar motion in Euglena and of control by microinjection were analysed for the occurrence of the reversal reaction of the flagellar waveform. In all cases it was found that an induced decrease in flagellar frequency is accompanied by an increased fraction of the cells showing flagellar reversal. A plot of the flagellar frequency vs the percentage flagellar reversal shows that for all experimental methods of inducing a change the relation between flagellar frequency and reversal is identical. This indicates that flagellar frequency and waveform reversal in Euglena are controlled through one common intermediate.
Fine structure of rat locus coeruleus

Locus coeruleus of the rat was studied in material prepared by aldehyde-osmium fixation. Cell bodies of locus coeruleus neurons possess large nuclei with a prominent nucleolus, a homogeneous karyoplasm of moderate density, and occasional indentations of the nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm is rich in organelles, including an extensive network of endoplasmic reticulum which forms well organized Nissl bodies. The highly developed Golgi apparatus surrounds the nucleus and extends into large dendritic trunks. In coronal section, cell bodies appear elongated along an approximate dorso-ventral axis, and most dendrites as well as axons appear in cross-section. In parasagittal sections the cells are very elongate, with dendrites and axons in the neuropil mostly cut longitudinally. Thus, locus coeruleus neurons possess disc-shaped dendritic fields parallel to the anterior-posterior axis of the brainstem, with predominantly longitudinal axo-dendritic synaptic configurations. Presynaptic profiles in locus coeruleus neuropil were classified according to the characteristics of their vesicle populations and other features. The most frequently encountered synaptic ending was characterized by small, round, densely packed synaptic vesicles, and comprised approximately 41% of the total sample of 775 synapses. Another group having large, rounded synaptic vesicles, which could be traced in a number of instances to large myelinated axons, accounted for 20% of the sample. Synaptic endings having large, flattened vesicles were also numerous, comprising 23% of the total. Another category of presynaptic endings was identified as those possessing numerous, small, flattened vesicles and comprising about 11% of the sample. Presynaptic endings having many vesicles of mixed sizes accounted for 2% of the total, and another group of the same proportion having small, rounded synaptic vesicles but also an unusually large number of larger, dense-cored vesicles was also present. Two other categories of synaptic endings were encountered, each comprising less than 1% of the total. One of these was derived from small, unmyelinated axons and contained clusters of pleomorphic synaptic vesicles. The other consisted of dendro-dendritic synapses between locus coeruleus neurons and also displayed small clusters of pleomorphic synaptic vesicles near the zone of synaptic apposition. Quantitative analysis revealed that most afferents to the nucleus synapse onto dendrites ranging between 0.5 and 2.5 micrometers in diameter and onto spine-like appendages derived from somata and dendrites. There were no significant differences between different categories of afferent terminals and their spatial distribution onto various postsynaptic targets of locus coeruleus neurons.
Pegylated Interferon α-2b, ribavirin and amantadine for chronic hepatitis C

In an attempt to improve the efficacy of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C, a three-drug combination of pegylated interferon α-2b, ribavirin, and amantadine has been suggested. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the role of amantadine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C remains controversial. In a multi-center, open-label clinical trial, the potential efficacy and safety of this triple combination regimen were assessed. In this open-label pilot study, two separate patient populations with chronic hepatitis C and viremia were enrolled: treatment-naive and those who had failed a previous course of treatment. Patients were started on pegylated interferon α-2b at a dose of 1.5 μg/kg weekly with ribavirin, 1000–1200 mg/day, and amantadine, 200 mg/day, for 4 weeks, followed by pegylated interferon α-2b, 0.5 μg/kg weekly, ribavirin, 1000–1200 mg/day, and amantadine, 200 mg/day, for another 20 weeks. Patients with undetectable HCV RNA at week 24 continued this regimen for a total of 48 weeks and were followed for another 24 weeks. Patients with undetectable virus (< 50 IU/mL) after 24 weeks of follow-up were considered to have SVR. Health-related quality of life and safety data were also collected. Sixty-nine treatment-naive and 99 nonresponder patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in the study. Of all patients enrolled, 74% were male, aged 47.27 ± 5.76 years; their body mass index (BMI) was 28.87 ± 5.05 kg/m2, 79.4% were white, 85% had HCV genotypes 1 and 4, and 36% had cirrhosis. Their baseline HCV RNA was 689,242 ± 698,030 IU/mL, with a baseline ALT of 107.25 ± 79.08. Of the entire cohort, 35 (21%) discontinued early due to side effects or loss to follow-up. Significant anemia (hemoglobin, < 10 g/dL) occurred in 11% (19/168), while severe anemia (hemoglobin, < 8.5 g/dL) occurred in 0.6% (1/168). In the treatment-naive group, sustained virologic response (SVR) was 34.3%, versus 19.4% for the group who had previously failed to respond to a course of treatment (P = 0.01). For both groups combined, virologic response after 24 weeks of therapy was 40.5%, with an end-of-treatment virologic response of 35.7% and a SVR of 26.2%. Patients with genotypes 1 and 4 had lower response rates than those with genotypes 2 and 3 (SVR, 21 vs. 46%; P = 0.001). Patients with advanced fibrosis (Metavir stages 3 and 4) tended to have lower response rates than those with minimal or mild fibrosis (Metavir stages 0–2) (SVR, 10 vs. 30%; P = 0.08). African-American patients with HCV had lower response rates than Caucasians or other ethnic groups (SVR, 4 vs. 29 vs. 20%; P = 0.04). Age, gender, and BMI did not affect SVR. The addition of amantadine to pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin does not seem to increase the efficacy of this antiviral regimen.
Altered central nervous system signal during motor performance in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine whether brain activity of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients during voluntary motor actions differs from that of healthy individuals. Methods : Eight CFS patients and 8 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers performed isometric handgrip contractions at 50% maximal voluntary contraction level. They first performed 50 contractions with a 10 s rest between adjacent trials—‘Non-Fatigue' (NFT) task. Subsequently, the same number of contractions was performed with only a 5 s rest between trials—‘Fatigue' (FT) task. Fifty-eight channels of surface EEG were recorded simultaneously from the scalp. Spectrum analysis was performed to estimate power of EEG frequency in different tasks. Motor activity-related cortical potential (MRCP) was derived by triggered averaging of EEG signals associated with the muscle contractions. Results : Major findings include: (i) Motor performance of the CFS patients was poorer than the controls. (ii) Relative power of EEG theta frequency band (4–8 Hz) during performing the NFT and FT tasks was significantly greater in the CFS than control group ( P P P Conclusions : These results clearly show that CFS involves altered central nervous system signals in controlling voluntary muscle activities, especially when the activities induce fatigue. Significance : Physical activity-induced EEG signal changes may serve as physiological markers for more objective diagnosis of CFS.
Phenyl group rotation in polystyrene and the nature of twofold anisotropic internal rotation

A review of the experimental evidence for phenyl group rotation in various polystyrenes and improvements in the interpretation of spin relaxation data for dilute solutions of randomly coiled polymers led to a new calculation of the correlation time for phenyl group rotation from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Both 13C and 19F NMR data were reconsidered by using a model which includes motional modulation of the dipole–dipole interaction by overall rotatory diffusion, backbone rearrangements, and internal anisotropic rotation. The choice of a twofold potential to characterize local resistance to internal phenyl group rotation strongly influences the estimate of the rate of phenyl group rotation. The magnetic resonance data are found to be consistent with a correlation time for phenyl group rotation which is one to six times longer than the average correlation time for backbone rearrangement.
In situ vaccination: Cancer immunotherapy both personalized and off-the-shelf

As cancer immunotherapy continues to benefit from novel approaches which cut immune 'brake pedals' (e.g. anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies) and push immune cell gas pedals (e.g. IL2, and IFNα) there will be increasing need to develop immune 'steering wheels' such as vaccines to guide the immune system specifically toward tumor associated antigens. Two primary hurdles in cancer vaccines have been: identification of universal antigens to be used in 'off-the-shelf' vaccines for common cancers, and 2) logistical hurdles of ex vivo production of individualized whole tumor cell vaccines. Here we summarize approaches using 'in situ vaccination' in which intratumoral administration of off-the-shelf immunomodulators have been developed to specifically induce (or amplify) T cell responses to each patient's individual tumor. Clinical studies have confirmed the induction of systemic immune and clinical responses to such approaches and preclinical models have suggested ways to further potentiate the translation of in situ vaccine trials for our patients.
Fire Reinforces Structure of Pondcypress ( Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium ) Domes in a Wetland Landscape

Fire periodically affects wetland forests, particularly in landscapes with extensive fire-prone uplands. Rare occurrence and difficulty of access have limited efforts to understand impacts of wildfires fires in wetlands. Following a 2009 wildfire, we measured tree mortality and structural changes in wetland forest patches. Centers of these circular landscape features experienced lower fire severity, although no continuous patch-size or edge effect was evident. Initial survival of the dominant tree, pondcypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium), was high (>99%), but within one year of the fire approximately 23% of trees died. Delayed mortality was correlated with fire severity, but unrelated to other hypothesized factors such as patch size or edge distance. Tree diameter and soil elevation were important predictors of mortality, with smaller trees and those in areas with lower elevation more likely to die following severe fire. Depressional cypress forests typically exhibit increasing tree size towards their interiors, and differential mortality patterns were related to edge distance. These patterns result in the exaggeration of a dome-shaped profile. Our observations quantify roles of fire and hydrology in determining cypress mortality in these swamps, and imply the existence of feedbacks that maintain the characteristic shape of cypress domes.
Tiers of Intervention in Kindergarten Through Third Grade

This study measured the effects of increasing levels of intervention in reading for a cohort of children in Grades K through 3 to determine whether the severity of reading disability (RD) could be significantly reduced in the catchment schools. Tier 1 consisted of professional development for teachers of reading. The focus of this study is on additional instruction that was provided as early as kindergarten for children whose achievement fell below average. Tier 2 intervention consisted of small-group reading instruction 3 times per week, and Tier 3 of daily instruction delivered individually or in groups of two. A comparison of the reading achievement of third-grade children who were at risk in kindergarten showed moderate to large differences favoring children in the tiered interventions in decoding, word identification, fluency, and reading comprehension.