cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-B right-handed DNA conformations of homopurine.homopyrimidine sequences in the murine immunoglobulin C alpha switch region.

The switch region of IgA immunoglobulin in mice cloned into a recombinant plasmid contains a supercoil-dependent S1 nuclease hypersensitive site, indicative of a non-B-DNA secondary structure. This site maps to the (AGGAG)28 direct repeat (DR2) of the alpha switch region and appears at a negative superhelical density of greater than 0.02. Studies with P1 nuclease and bromoacetaldehyde indicate that this structure is also present at neutral pH. S1 nuclease sensitivity is retained for the shorter repeat (AGGAG)6GA in a recombinant plasmid but is not seen for the repeat (CTGAG)6, corresponding to the DR1 repeat of the alpha switch region, or in a sequence corresponding to a portion of the consensus sequence which contains a short stretch of alternating pyrine-pyrimidine residues. Fine mapping of the (AGGAG)6GA and flanking sequences with dimethyl sulfate, bromoacetaldehyde, osmium tetroxide, and diethyl pyrocarbonate reveals an asymmetric pattern of modification dependent on both pH and supercoiling. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis at low pH shows the relaxation of 3 superhelical turns on formation of this structure by the (AGGAG)6GA repeat. These results are most consistent with the formation of an intramolecular triple-strand.
Narratives from the Online Frontier: A K-12 Student's Experience in an Online Learning Environment

Despite a large increase in the number of students enrolled in online courses, published research on student experiences in these environments is minimal. This article reports the narrative analysis of a series of interviews conducted with a female student at a brick-and-mortar school enrolled in a single virtual school course. Her narratives describe a student who often struggled with the content in her online course and was reluctant to interact with her online teacher. When she interacted with people online, it was using text, because she was shy and the hardware often did not work. Darlene’s experiences, likely typical of many K-12 online students, highlight a system in need of better strategies for the
Analysis of Numerical Simulation Database for Pressure Fluctuations Induced by High-Speed Turbulent Boundary Layers

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of Mach 6 turbulent boundary layer with nominal freestream Mach number of 6 and Reynolds number of Re(sub T) approximately 460 are conducted at two wall temperatures (Tw/Tr = 0.25, 0.76) to investigate the generated pressure fluctuations and their dependence on wall temperature. Simulations indicate that the influence of wall temperature on pressure fluctuations is largely limited to the near-wall region, with the characteristics of wall-pressure fluctuations showing a strong temperature dependence. Wall temperature has little influence on the propagation speed of the freestream pressure signal. The freestream radiation intensity compares well between wall-temperature cases when normalized by the local wall shear; the propagation speed of the freestream pressure signal and the orientation of the radiation wave front show little dependence on the wall temperature.
Statistical modeling of site-specific indoor channels in wireless communications

Based on a rigorous and validated full-wave method, we presented the extraction of statistical parameter (i.e. K-factor) for an indoor site-specific environment. These extracted statistics were subsequently used to compute the bit error rate (BER), useful for providing guidelines to network throughput. In this paper, we also provided useful information pertaining to site-planning via BER over our analyzed fading channel at different transmitting locations. It was further conjectured that an optimum transmitting position exists for different propagation channels. Finally, we verified that propagation paths obstructed with chairs resulted in a Rayleigh fading channel whereas line-of-sight channels could be modeled by Ricean distributions.
Predicting Colonoscopy Completion Among African American and Latino/a Participants in a Patient Navigation Program

Patient navigation (PN) effectively increases screening colonoscopy (SC) rates, a key to reducing deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC). Ethnic minority populations have disproportionately low SC rates and high CRC mortality rates and, therefore, especially stand to benefit from PN. Adapting the Health Belief Model as an explanatory model, the current analysis examined predictors of SC rates in two randomized studies that used PN to increase SC among 411 African American and 461 Latino/a patients at a large urban medical center. Speaking Spanish but not English (odds ratio (OR), 2.192; p < 0.005), having a higher income (OR, 1.218; p < 0.005), and scoring higher on the Pros of Colonoscopy scale (OR, 1.535; p = 0.023) independently predicted colonoscopy completion. Health education and PN programs that increase awareness of the benefits of getting a colonoscopy may encourage colonoscopy completion. In the context of language-appropriate PN programs for African American and Latino/a individuals, those with lower incomes and English speakers may require additional education and counseling to support their decision-making around colonoscopy.
How illness affects family members: a qualitative interview survey.

Spillover effects of illness on family members can be substantial. The objective of this study was to identify the domains of family members’ health and well-being that are affected when a relative has a chronic health condition. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in February 2012 with 49 individuals whose relatives had any of five chronic health conditions (arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, cerebral palsy, and depression), purposively sampled to include different relationships with the ill relative (parent, child, spouse). Subjects were queried on whether and how having an ill relative affected their health and well-being; they were also asked about their caregiving responsibilities and the relative’s health. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Family members in our sample reported experiencing psychological and non-health effects from having an ill relative, and secondarily somatic effects. Effects on emotional health were most commonly reported as psychological spillover; non-health effects frequently included changes in daily activities and provision of caregiving. Spouses of patients reported the broadest range of spillover domains affected and adolescents of ill parents the fewest. Family members reported experiencing effects that were perceived as both positive and negative. Spillover of illness onto family members encompasses a wide range of domains of health and well-being, extending beyond those included in many existing health-related quality of life measures. Outcomes measurement efforts should be expanded to adequately capture these health and well-being outcomes for analysis, to ensure that the benefits of interventions are accurately estimated and conclusions are valid.
Fatty acid composition of the oil of winged beans, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC

The fatty acid composition of the oils of five varieties of winged beans,Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC, was determined and found to be similar to peanut oil. The total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 53.8% to 68.5% (mean, 62.0%). Oleic acid and linoleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids. The major saturated fatty acids were behenic, palmitic and stearic acids. Parinaric acid, a toxic fatty acid, previously reported to occur in winged beans, was not present in the oil of the winged beans analyzed.
Managers As Partners in Business Decision Research

Recent results of experimental studies in decision-making cast doubt on the validity of interpreting business behavior using nonbusinessmen subjects, indicating the need to involve managers in busi...
High-Q micromachined resonant cavities in a K-band diplexer configuration

Microwave diplexers are often used in transmit/receive systems to isolate a power transmit stage from a sensitive receive stage sharing a common antenna. For efficient bandwidth usage and optimum antenna performance, the transmit/receive frequencies are typically placed close together in the frequency spectrum. With today's requirements for high performance, small-size wireless devices, diplexers exhibiting close channel spacing, low insertion loss and small channel bandwidths are increasingly necessary. Utilising two high-Q micromachined silicon cavity resonators, a planar K-band diplexer has been designed, fabricated and tested. This diplexer shows transmit/receive bandwidths of 1.11 and 1.53% and insertion losses of 1.4 and 1.0 dB, respectively. Channel centre frequencies of 18.64 and 20.47 GHz provide a channel separation of approximately 9%, and channel-to-channel isolation greater than 26 dB over the entire measured frequency range. The diplexer can be accessed via microstrip lines and can be easily integrated with other planar circuits and structures, such as mixers, amplifiers, oscillators and patch antennas. The proposed design is the first step towards a more mature multi-pole diplexer with enhanced overall performance.
Reconstitution of the KRAB-KAP-1 repressor complex: a model system for defining the molecular anatomy of RING-B box-coiled-coil domain-mediated protein-protein interactions.

The KRAB domain is a 75 amino acid residue transcriptional repression module commonly found in eukaryotic zinc-finger proteins. KRAB-mediated gene silencing requires binding to the corepressor KAP-1. The KRAB:KAP-1 interaction requires the RING-B box-coiled coil (RBCC) domain of KAP-1, which is a widely distributed motif, hypothesized to be a protein-protein interface. Little is known about RBCC-mediated ligand binding and the role of the individual sub-domains in recognition and specificity. We have addressed these issues by reconstituting and characterizing the KRAB:KAP-1-RBCC interaction using purified components. Our results show that KRAB binding to KAP-1 is direct and specific, as the related RBCC domains from TIF1alpha and MID1 do not bind the KRAB domain. A combination of gel filtration, analytical ultracentrifugation, chemical cross-linking, non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, and site-directed mutagenesis techniques has revealed that the KAP-1-RBCC must oligomerize likely as a homo-trimer in order to bind the KRAB domain. The RING finger, B2 box, and coiled-coil region are required for oligomerization of KAP-1-RBCC and KRAB binding, as mutations in these domains concomitantly abolished these functions. KRAB domain binding stabilized the homo-oligomeric state of the KAP-1-RBCC as detected by chemical cross-linking and velocity sedimentation studies. Mutant KAP-1-RBCC molecules hetero-oligomerize with the wild-type KAP-1, but these complexes were inactive for KRAB binding, suggesting a potential dominant negative activity. Substitution of the coiled-coil region with heterologous dimerization, trimerization, or tetramerization domains failed to recapitulate KRAB domain binding. Chimeric KAP-1-RBCC proteins containing either the RING, RING-B box, or coiled-coil regions from MID1 also failed to bind the KRAB domain. The KAP-1-RBCC mediates a highly specific, direct interaction with the KRAB domain, and it appears to function as an integrated, possibly cooperative structural unit wherein each sub-domain contributes to oligomerization and/or ligand recognition. These observations provide the first principles for RBCC domain-mediated protein-protein interaction and have implications for identifying new ligands for RBCC domain proteins.
NEURAL PLASTICITY IN CEREBELLAR CULTURES

Cerebellar granule cells and oligodendrocytes are destroyed and astrocytes are functionally compromised by exposure of organotypic cerebellar cultures derived from newborn mice to cytosine arabinoside for the first 5 days in vitro. Consequently, myelin does not form and Purkinje cells survive in increased numbers, but without astrocytic ensheathment. In the absence of glial sheaths, Purkinje cells have altered membrane properties and reduced input resistance. Their inhibitory recurrent axon collaterals sprout enormously and hyperinnervate the unensheathed somata of other Purkinje cells and form heterotypical synapses with Purkinje cell dendritic spines normally occupied by homotypical excitatory parallel fiber (granule cell axon) terminals. This reorganization of the cortical circuitry, in which recurrent axon collaterals are the dominant inhibitory elements, allows retention of some inhibition in the absence of parallel fiber excitation of the inhibitory interneurons. In the absence of neuronal activity, the full complement of inhibitory synapses is not developed and the cultures exhibit sustained cortical hyperactivity after recovery from the blockade. If granule cells and glia are replaced, a second round of reorganization ensues, in the direction of restoration of the normal cortical circuitry. The cultures are myelinated and the number of recurrent axon collaterals is reduced. Astrocytes ensheath Purkinje cell somata and strip excess axosomatic synapses, as well as eliminate some of the heterotypical synapses in the cortical neuropil. Parallel fibers synapse with already present Purkinje cell dendritic spines and with newly proliferated spines, the latter induced by an astrocyte secreted factor. As homotypical synapses develop and heterotypical synapses decline, Purkinje cells undergo apoptosis and their population is reduced to control levels. With the restoration of parallel fiber excitation, recurrent axon collaterals are no longer the dominant cortical inhibitory elements. If neuronal activity is blocked as the granule cells and glia are replaced, there is incomplete formation of inhibitory synapses, and cortical discharges are hyperactive after recovery from activity blockade. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Distribution of glycoconjugates during cochlea development. A histochemical study.

Specific occurrence and distribution of glycoconjugates in the developing mouse cochlea was investigated using Alcian blue/PAS staining. The AB/PAS positive staining occurred intracellularly, extra...
Experimental alterations in cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations in the cat basilar artery

Levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the basilar artery and in circulating blood of cats were determined after the production of spasm by topical application of blood to the vessel and following treatment with agents known to alter cyclic AMP. Isoproterenol, known to stimulate adenyl cyclase, and aminophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, were studied alone and in combination. Cyclic AMP of the basilar artery fell from a mean control value of 43 to 26 pmoles per milligram of protein following the production of vasospasm. Intravenous administration of isoproterenol alone and in combination with aminophylline produced dilatation of the basilar artery, which was associated with a marked rise in the cyclic AMP concentration in the vessel. The finding that cerebral vasospasm is associated with a fall and vasodilatation with a rise in cyclic AMP concentration supports the hypothesis of an active role for cyclic nucleotides in the regulation of cerebrovascular smooth muscle tone.
Scheduling Jobs with a Common Due Date via Cooperative Game Theory

Efficient values from Game Theory are used, in order to find out a fair allocation for a scheduling game associated with the problem of scheduling jobs with a common due date. A four person game illustrates the basic ideas and the computational difficulties.
Cardiac Transplant Biopsies

The endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing the status of the transplanted heart. It is the most consistently reliable method for the diagnosis and grading of acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection. Recognition of specimen artifacts and other biopsy findings such as ischemic injury, Quilty effect, infection, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is important for accurate biopsy interpretation and differentiation from rejection. The endomyocardial biopsy provides important diagnostic information essential for optimal management of cardiac transplant recipients.
A multivariate model of parent-adolescent relationship variables in early adolescence.

Given the importance of predicting outcomes for early adolescents, this study examines a multivariate model of parent–adolescent relationship variables, including parenting, family environment, and conflict. Participants, who completed measures assessing these variables, included 710 culturally diverse 11–14-year-olds who were attending a middle school in a Southeastern state. The parents of a subset of these adolescents (i.e., 487 mother–father pairs) participated in this study as well. Correlational analyses indicate that authoritative and authoritarian parenting, family cohesion and adaptability, and conflict are significant predictors of early adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems. Structural equation modeling analyses indicate that fathers’ parenting may not predict directly externalizing problems in male and female adolescents but instead may act through conflict. More direct relationships exist when examining mothers’ parenting. The impact of parenting, family environment, and conflict on early adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems and the importance of both gender and cross-informant ratings are emphasized.
Party Appointed Expert Witnesses in International Arbitration: A Protocol at Last

Reforms in the common law world with respect to the procedures surrounding party appointed expert witnesses are now filtering through to the world of international arbitration with the creation of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ Protocol for the Use of Party Appointed Expert Witnesses in International Arbitration. This Protocol is an attempt to harness the strengths of developments in common law litigation with a view towards enhancing the independence of party appointed experts in arbitration. Key elements of the Protocol are identified and contrasted particularly with the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Commercial Arbitration, which focuses more heavily on tribunal appointed expert witnesses. These elements include the much needed statement of independence for party appointed experts that clarifies the duty of experts to the tribunal, necessary to maintain expert independence. Further strategies to limit the differences between party appointed experts are explored in the context of this new Protocol, including joint conferences and exchanging draft reports, along with methods of giving evidence such as hot tubbing.
Evolution in the finitely repeated prisoner's dilemma

Abstract This paper examines some aspects of ‘evolutionary’ dynamic behavior in the finitely repeated prisoner's dilemma. The ‘fitness’ of cooperation found in the best known simulation of this type, that by Robert Axelrod, stems from strategy set restrictions: The game used for the simulation has a continuum of pure cooperation equilibria and no pure defection equilibrium. Some new simulations are presented here for the finitely repeated game. Although cooperation is ultimately exploited and extinguished, dynamic paths can ‘pseudo converge’ in ways that allow partial cooperation to flourish for extended periods of time.
Selection and molecular characterization of cellulolytic–xylanolytic fungi from surface soil-biomass mixtures from Black Belt sites

Abstract Plant biomass is an abundant renewable natural resource that can be transformed into chemical feedstocks. Enzymes used in saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass are a major part of biofuel production costs. A cocktail of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes are required for optimal saccharification of biomass. Accordingly, thirty-two fungal pure cultures were obtained from surface soil-biomass mixtures collected from Black Belt sites in Alabama by culturing on lignocellulosic biomass medium. The fungal strains were screened for the coproduction of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. Strains that displayed promising levels of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes were characterized by molecular analysis of DNA sequences from the large subunit and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of their ribosomal RNA gene. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that two most promising isolates FS22A and FS5A were most similar to Penicillium janthinellum and Trichoderma virens . Production dynamics of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes from these two strains were explored in submerged fermentation. Volumetric productivity after 120 h incubation was 121.08 units/L/h and 348 units/L/h for the filter paper cellulase and xylanase of strain FS22A, and 90.83 units/L/h and 359 units/L/h, respectively for strain FS5A. Assays with 10 times dilution of enzymes revealed that the activities were much higher than that observed in the crude culture supernatant. Additionally, both FS22A and FS5A also produced amylase in lignocellulose medium. The enzyme profiles of these strains and their activities suggest potential applications in cost effective biomass conversion and biodegradation.
Interleukin-10 provides direct trophic support to neurons

Interleukin (IL)-10, a prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to provide beneficial effects in neuronal injury in vivo but the full range of actions has not been established. In order to understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying IL-10-mediated neuroprotection, we examined the effect of IL-10 on primary neurons in culture. We found that IL-10 exerted a direct trophic influence on spinal cord neurons, and that activation of the neuronal IL-10 receptor provided trophic support and survival cues to overcome the neurotoxic effects of glutamate in vitro. IL-10 treatment resulted in activation of janus-associated kinases/signal transducers and transcription factors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT pathways in neurons to enhance expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L); under stress conditions IL-10 blocks cytochrome c release and caspase cleavage. IL-10 activation of the canonical nuclear factor kappaB pathway enhanced translocation of p50 and p65 and enhanced their binding to kappaB DNA sequences, with p50 playing a more prominent role in neuronal survival. These data indicate that in addition to known anti-inflammatory effects through astroglia in other inflammatory cells, IL-10 has direct neuronal effects with important implications for development and neuroprotection.
Modeling of Grain‐Size‐Dependent Microfracture‐Controlled Sliding Wear in Polycrystalline Alumina

To quantify grain-size-dependent sliding wear of polycrystalline alumina induced by grain-boundary microfracture, an attempt is made to extend and combine Cho et al.'s fracture mechanics analysis and Fu and Evans' simple microcracking theory. An analytical equation is derived to relate wear with microstructural parameters. Wear by intergranular microfracture occurs, provided that the combined stresses are greater than a threshold value. The critical sliding time to the wear transition decreases with increasing grain size, and the wear rate after the threshold is proportional to the grain size. The theoretical predictions are correlated with the lubricated sliding wear data of aluminas with different grain sizes reported by Cho et al.
Rilling of hillslopes reclaimed before 1977 surface mining law, Dave Johnston Mine, Wyoming

The erosion of hillslopes reclaimed following the surface-mining of coal is an important geomorphologic concern. However, progress in the design of post-mining topography and its hydrologic response has been hampered by the paucity of research focusing on the propensity of rill formation on these disturbed surfaces. This investigation is intended to partially rectify this situation through the development of regression equations for the prediction of rill frequency and magnitude based upon site characteristics. Rill width can be estimated using soil bulk density, hillslope age, and hillslope length with a standard error of 0.152 log10 units at this location. Rill depth can be estimated using soil shear strength, hillslope length, and hillslope age with a standard error of 0.114 log10 units. Rill length can be estimated using hillslope length, percent silt in the soil, hillslope age, Bouyoucos Clay Ratio, and soil bulk density with a standard error of 3.515 m. Rill frequency can be estimated using soil bulk density, Bouyoucos Clay Ratio, soil compaction, soil reaction (pH), and hillslope age with a standard error of 0.241 rills/m. The cross-product of rill width times depth can be estimated using soil shear strength, hillslope length, hillslope age, and soil bulk density with a standard error of 0.260 log10 units. These results must be tested further under various environmental conditions. Nevertheless, prediction of rill formation seems to be a problem capable of solution.
Variation among alfalfa somaclones in copy number of repeated DNA sequences.

Repeated DNA sequences of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) somaclonal variants were analyzed to determine if changes in copy number had occurred during tissue culture. DNA clones containing highly repeated nuclear sequences from the diploid line HG2 (2x = 16) were slot blotted and probed with labeled DNAs from HG2 and several somaclones of HG2. Two DNA clones that differed visually in hybridization intensity among the plant DNAs and one clone that had constant hybridization intensity were selected and used as probes on Southern blots and slot blots containing equal quantities of DNAs from HG2 and 15 regenerants. Statistically significant differences were detected in the copy number of two anonymous DNA sequences initially selected as variable and in the copy number of sequences homologous to pea ribosomal DNA. Based on Southern blot analysis, these sequences appeared to be arranged as tandem repeats. The cloned sequence initially selected as stable did not vary significantly in copy number and it appeared to ...
Membrane Curvature Induced by Aggregates of LH2s and Monomeric LH1s

The photosynthetic apparatus of purple bacteria is contained within organelles called chromatophores, which form as extensions of the cytoplasmic membrane. The shape of these chromatophores can be spherical (as in Rhodobacter sphaeroides), lamellar (as in Rhodopseudomonas acidophila and Phaeospirillum molischianum), or tubular (as in certain Rb. sphaeroides mutants). Chromatophore shape is thought to be influenced by the integral membrane proteins Light Harvesting Complexes I and II (LH1 and LH2), which pack tightly together in the chromatophore. It has been suggested that the shape of LH2, together with its close packing in the membrane, induces membrane curvature. The mechanism of LH2-induced curvature is explored via molecular dynamics simulations of multiple LH2 complexes in a membrane patch. LH2s from three species—Rb. sphaeroides, Rps. acidophila, and Phsp. molischianum—were simulated in different packing arrangements. In each case, the LH2s pack together and tilt with respect to neighboring LH2s in a way that produces an overall curvature. This curvature appears to be driven by a combination of LH2's shape and electrostatic forces that are modulated by the presence of well-conserved cytoplasmic charged residues, the removal of which inhibits LH2 curvature. The interaction of LH2s and an LH1 monomer is also explored, and it suggests that curvature is diminished by the presence of LH1 monomers. The implications of our results for chromatophore shape are discussed.
Conformational Analysis of 2, 3, 3-Trimethylhexane

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra were obtained for 2, 3, 3-trimethylhexane and were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate calculations. It was concluded that this compound exists in three molecular conformations, but a fourth conformer may exist. Vibrational assignments were made for the three conformers.
Abstract 1421: Down-regulation of neuronal repressor gene REST inhibits tumor growth in Ewing's sarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Ewing's sarcoma is a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET). The abnormal differentiation of neuronal stem cells may relate to tumorigenesis of Ewing's sarcoma. The RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is a neuronal repressor gene which regulates neuronal stem cell differentiation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of REST in Ewing's sarcoma. Our results demonstrated that three human Ewing's sarcoma cell lines TC71, A4573 and SK-ES expressed high levels of REST. Six of seven tumor samples from patients with Ewing's sarcoma were shown REST positive. Transfection of EWS-FLI-1 into mesenchymal stem cells up-regulated REST expression. Down-regulation of EWS-FLI-1 using si-RNA inhibited REST expression in TC71 cells, suggesting EWS-FLI-1 fusion protein regulates REST expression in Ewing's sarcoma. The siRNA-REST stable transfected cell line was established to down-regulate REST expression in TC71 Ewing's sarcoma cells. In vivo experiments indicated that Ewing's sarcoma tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the mice injected with si-REST-TC71 cells compared to the mice injected with si-control cells. Down-regulation of REST inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in TC71 tumors. The immunohistochemical staining indicated that the tumor vessels and pericyte marker expression were reduced in si-REST tumor tissues. Inhibition of REST decreased the early neural differentiation marker MSX-1 expression and up-regulated the terminal neural differentiation marker β-Tubulin III (Tuj) expression. These data suggesting that neuronal repressor gene REST plays an important role in tumor development of Ewing's sarcoma. Inhibition of REST suppressed tumor growth and altered neuronal differentiation marker expression in Ewing's sarcoma. REST is a potential target for treatment of Ewing's sarcoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1421. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1421
Correlations of selectivity of protein excretion in childhood nephrotic syndrome

Selectivity of proteinuria as measured by clearance ratios of transferrin and IgG were performed in 28 children with nephrotic syndrome. Selectivity correlated with response to steroid therapy, histology when available (16 patients) and was not related to degree of proteinuria or altered by therapy.
Translational anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation and far-infrared emission by galactic dust clouds

The predicted emission spectrum of galactic dust at about 10 K is compared with the spectrum of 2.8-K universal blackbody radiation and with the spectrum of the anisotropy expected in the 2.8-K radiation due to motion of earth with respect to the coordinate system in which the radiation was last scattered. The extremely anisotropic galactic-dust emission spectrum may contribute a significant background to anisotropy measurements which scan through the galactic plane. The contamination would appear in an 8-mm scan around the celestial equator, for example, as a spurious 200 km/s velocity toward declination 0 deg, right ascension 19 hr, if predictions are correct. The predicted spectrum of dust emission in the galactic plane at longitudes not exceeding about 30 deg falls below the total 2.8-K cosmic background intensity at wavelengths of at least 1 mm.
Microscale liquid-based mechanical elements for multifunctional integration

We report a novel strategy that exploits the unique mechanical characteristics of microscale liquid elements to enable versatile multifunctional integration of brittle components into load-bearing structures. The preliminary feasibility of this integration strategy is demonstrated experimentally using chemically patterned 500 -µm-thick silicon chips to emulate brittle functional components. A systematic study of the mechanical characteristics of microscale liquid bridges, including the force-gap relations under axial loading and the control of rupture distances, is discussed to help guide the systematic design of liquid-based mechanical elements for multifunctional integration.
The epidural test dose in obstetric anesthesia: it is not obsolete

Many anesthesiologists have called for the abandonment of the epidural test dose in the obstetric patient, citing its lack of sensitivity and specificity. A test dose of lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000, in combination with aspiration, is highly effective in detecting incorrect placement of an epidural catheter. If the catheter is intrathecal, it requires approximately 2 minutes to obtain a sensory level. For the detection of an intravascular catheter, a positive test dose would result in a sudden increase in the maternal heart rate of 10 beats per minute within 1 minute after injection. It should not be administered during uterine contraction, as labor pain may trigger a tachycardic response. This test dose has been extensively studied and is safe both for both mother and fetus.
Reduced thrombomodulin in human peripheral nerve microvasculature.

Thrombomodulin (TM), a vascular endothelial receptor, terminates the actions of thrombin and accelerates activated protein C formation. TM is ubiquitous throughout the systemic microcirculation but is reduced in brain regions predisposed to lacunar infarction. We investigated whether TM is present within human nerve and differentially expressed according to vessel caliber and proximity to the blood-nerve barrier. Vascular endothelial TM was detected on sural nerve biopsies with immunohistochemistry. The proportion of TM-positive microvessels was expressed relative to total von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive vessels. Although vWF was detectable in all microvessels, TM expression was absent from the perineurial vessels. TM was detected in 47% (15-80%, 95% confidence level) of larger epineurial arterioles, in 43% (30-61%) of smaller epineurial vessels, and in 30% (19-47%) of endoneurial vessels. These findings demonstrate that TM is present in human nerve microvasculature but is regionally deficient in proximity to the blood-nerve barrier, which may predispose nerve to microvascular ischemia in inflammatory/prothrombotic conditions.
Laser diagnostics applied to combustion systems

Laser-diagnostic techniques have been successfully applied to combustion systems. Optical-penetration problems occur with heavy particulate loadings unless lasers at long wavelengths (5 μm) are employed. We present summary tables showing laser techniques that have been or may be applied for measurements of population temperatures, mean hydrostatic pressure, partial densities in gas mixtures, species concentrations, density gradients, velocity components, particle sizes, flow visualization, and velocity-density correlations.
Oxidation kinetics of plasmonic Ag particles in SiO2 nanofilms: Interlinking particle size to atmosphere–film–substrate system properties

Abstract A quantitative real-time assessment of the oxidation kinetics of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in nano-thin SiO2 films deposited on soda-lime glass has been carried out by a process-selective refinement of in situ optical microspectroscopy under ambient conditions. The temperature dependence of Ag NPs oxidation in the nanocomposite films was studied during thermal processing in air in the 673–773 K temperature range. An Arrhenius-type analysis of the exponential decay of the peak intensity of the surface plasmon resonance of the NPs allowed for estimating the activation energy of the process at 4.54 (±0.53)×104 J mol−1. Transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry are further employed in an effort to discuss the real-time optical spectroscopy information in a broader context regarding the possible physico-chemical multistep interactions in the air–nanofilm–substrate system as a whole.
Creation of Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes using diffractive optics

Diffractive optics are used to create low- and high-order Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams from the output of a diode laser. We examine the mode purities, conversion efficiencies, extinction ratios, and propagation characteristics. We present detailed analyses of the beam profiles for one low-order $({\mathrm{LG}}_{0}^{1})$ and one high-order $({\mathrm{LG}}_{1}^{2})$ Laguerre-Gaussian mode. Modeling the ${\mathrm{LG}}_{1}^{2}$ beam as a superposition of LG modes, we find $(99.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9%)$ of the laser intensity in the ${\mathrm{LG}}_{1}^{2}$ mode, a mode purity greater than for LG beams created by other methods external to the laser cavity. The high mode purity may be useful in making atom traps for precision measurements and for Bose-Einstein condensation.
Visualization of Turbulent Flame Fronts with Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence

This report concerns the quantitative time-resolved visualization of reaction zones in laminar, transitional, and turbulent nonpremixed flames. Two-dimensional OH molecular concentrations were measured with planar laser-induced fluorescence excited by a sheet of light (formed from a single tunable ultraviolet laser pulse) and detected with a two-dimensional, image-intensified photodiode array camera. From the resulting data details of instantaneous flame front structures (including positions, shapes, and widths) were obtained.
Comparison of ground and on-orbit spatial responsivity calibrations for the SPIRIT III Fourier transform spectrometer

The Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University (SDL/USU) designed, built, and calibrated the Midcourse Space Experiment’s (MSX) spatial IR imaging telescope (SPIRIT III) spectrometer and radiometer as part of the MSX program. During calibration, one of the parameters characterized was the spectrometer’s spatial responsivity, which determines the relative object-space detector positions, maps the detector field of view, and computes the effective field-of-view solid angle. SDL/USU performed this calibration both on the ground and onorbit. The two calibration efforts produced similar results, although detector position shifted about 264 mrad on-orbit. The methods and results from these two calibration efforts are compared and the various approaches to determine a sensor’s spatial responsivity are discussed.
Movements, home range, and territories of male sea otters off central California

Sixty male sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were tagged on the rear flippers with colored tags. Of these, 46 (77%) were resighted. Movements of 127 km were documented for adults and 187 km for subadults. Adults maintained breeding territories that averaged 40.3 ha (n= 10, SE = 4.0). They returned to the same territory seasonally for up to seven consecutive years. Territorial males moved from areas of high male abundance to areas of high female abundance on a seasonal basis. During the winter, 74% of adult males left breeding areas and joined concentrations of males located near the ends of the range. Thirty percent of the subadult males were observed in male groups near the extremities of the range. During the summer and fall, the density of adult males (15/1,000 ha) and adult male to independent otter (non-pup) ratio (1:5) in female areas was highest. The number of adult males in areas of female abundance was inversely related to the number of dependent pups, perhaps because when pup numbers are low (late summer and fall) the number of estrous females is high. Subadult males may remain in female areas on a year round basis until their second or third year. However, they were not generally associated with adult females.
Immunochemical characterization of human antibodies to lymphobiastoid interferon

Antibodies produced in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) patients treated with lymphoblastoid interferon (lyIFN) may neutralize antiviral activity or may only bind to lyIFN. These antibodies were characterized for immunoglobulin class, IgG subclass, and light chain type by an indirect immunoassay. Serum dilutions were incubated on lyIFN-coated plates and the presence of antibody detected using peroxidase-conjugated goat antibodies to each human immunoglobulin class and light chain isotype, or using MoAbs to each human IgG subclass. Neutralizing activity was measured as the inhibition of lyIFN antiviral activity for Vervet monkey cells challenged with Semliki Forest Virus. Among antibody-positive patients, 12% produced IgM coincident with IgG, and 25% produced IgA coincident with IgG. Thus, antibody responses in patients treated with lyIFN are not exclusively of IgG class. The predominant lyIFN-specific subclasses were IgG1 and IgG3, which occurred in 70% and 83% of patients, respectively. An IgG4 response was detected in two patients who also had antibody of other isotypes; no IgG2 antibody was detected in any patient. Antibodies were not IgG subclass-restricted, a trend which was more pronounced in patients having neutralizing antibody than non-neutralizing antibody. Light chain molecules of lyIFN-specific antibody were of both kappa and lambda isotypes, with kappa chains occurring most frequently. Among patients having non-neutralizing antibodies, monotypic light chains occurred in 65% of the patients, whereas no patient with neutralizing antibody had monotypic light chain antibody. Sera from 599 normal human volunteers were assayed for antibody, and seven were found to be immunoreactive to lyIFN. Only one serum of the seven was positive for neutralizing activity.
Locally limited inhibition of bone resorption and orthodontic relapse by recombinant osteoprotegerin protein.

Structured Abstract Objectives To determine minimal dose levels required for local inhibition of orthodontic relapse by recombinant OPG protein (OPG-Fc), while also determining effects of injected OPG-Fc on alveolar bone and long bone. Setting and Sample Population The Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Eighteen male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials & Methods Maxillary molars were moved with nickel–titanium springs and then allowed to relapse in Sprague Dawley rats. Upon appliance removal, animals were injected with a single dose of 1.0 mg/kg OPG-Fc, 0.1 mg/kg OPG-Fc, or phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle) just distal to the molar teeth. Tooth movement measurements were made from stone casts, which were scanned and digitally measured. Alveolar tissues were examined by histology. Micro-computed tomography was used to quantify changes in alveolar and femur bone. Results Local injection of OPG-Fc inhibited molar but not incisor relapse, when compared to vehicle-injected animals. No significant differences in alveolar or femur bone were seen between the three treatment groups after 24 days of relapse. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that a single local injection of OPG-Fc effectively inhibits orthodontic relapse, with minimal systemic bone metabolic effects. Our results also show that a single injection of OPG-Fc will influence tooth movement only in teeth close to the injection site. These findings indicate that OPG-Fc has potential as a safe and effective pharmacological means to locally control osteoclasts, for uses such as maintaining anchorage during orthodontic tooth movement and preventing orthodontic relapse in humans.
Use of dispersion relations in hard exclusive processes and the partonic interpretation of deeply virtual Compton scattering

Recently dispersion relations have been applied to hard exclusive processes such as deeply virtual Compton scattering, and a holographic principle was proposed that maps out the generalized parton distributions entering the soft matrix elements for the processes from their values on a given kinematical ridge. We examine possible pitfalls associated with the implicit, direct identification in this approach of the physical hadronic states with colored partons, and suggest an improved treatment of this assumption.
Screening of thyroid nodules by ultrasound elastography using diastolic strain variation

The diagnosis for thyroid nodules is currently made via an FNA biopsy. It is estimated that somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 thyroid FNA biopsies are performed in the United States annually. However, a large percentage (approximately 70%) of these biopsies turn out to be benign. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether ultrasound elastography can be used as a screening tool to reduce the number of FNA procedures on benign thyroid nodules. Ultrasound data previously acquired from 34 thyroid nodules in 31 FNA-bound patients were used. Pulsation from the carotid artery was used to compress the thyroid nodules, and the strain was calculated off-line. A metric, called diastolic strain variation index (DSVI), was computed for each nodule during diastole as the standard deviation of strain within a thyroid nodule. Based on the derived DSVI value, thyroid nodules were retrospectively classified into 2 types: I) no FNA (observation-only) and II) FNA. The DSVI value of benign nodules (n = 3D22) was significantly higher than that of malignant nodules (n = 3D12) (p = 3D0.0000016). Using an DSVI cut-off value of 0.019%, 18 nodules were classified as type I, all of which were benign, while 16 nodules were classified as type II, 12 malignant and 4 benign. This suggests that ultrasound elastography could have screened out 18 type-I nodules, reducing the number of FNAs by 53%. Because aggressive FNA management of thyroid nodules is costly, thyroid elastography could be employed in the future for more appropriate utilization of healthcare resources in handling thyroid nodules.
Rate coefficient for the reaction: Br+Br2O→Br2+BrO

The room temperature rate coefficient for the reaction Br+Br2OBr2+BrO (3) has been measured using the technique of pulse-laser photolysis with long-path transient absorption detection of the BrO reaction product. A value of k3=(2.0±0.5)×10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was determined. The photolysis products of Br2O at 308 nm were also examined. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 571–576, 1998
Moisture assisted perovskite film growth for high performance solar cells

Moisture is assumed to be detrimental to organometal trihalide perovskite, as excess water can damage the crystallinity of the perovskite structure. Here, we report a growth mode for via thermal annealing of the perovskite precursor film in a humid environment (e.g., ambient air) to greatly improve the film quality, grain size, carrier mobility, and lifetime. Our method produces devices with maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.1% and a fill factor of 80%, revealing a promising route to achieve high quality perovskite polycrystalline films with superior optoelectronic properties that can pave the way towards efficient photovoltaic conversion.
Outcome of pregnancies in women with uterine duplication anomalies

Purpose This study was conducted to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine duplication anomalies with outcomes in women with normal uteri. Methods We studied 22 women with uterine duplication anomalies in whom first-trimester sonography demonstrated a live fetus and compared pregnancy outcomes in these patients with outcomes in 66 women with normal-appearing uteri (controls). The 2 groups were matched for gestational age at the time of first-trimester sonography. Results Uterine duplication anomalies were associated with a higher miscarriage rate than were normal-appearing uteri (23% versus 6%, p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). Deliveries resulting in liveborn infants occurred earlier in women with anomalous uteri. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.0 weeks for women with duplication anomalies versus 38.8 weeks for controls (p < 0.05, Student's t-test), and a higher percentage of duplication anomaly patients delivered before 34 weeks' gestation (29% versus 3%, p < 0.01, Fisher's exact test). Neonates born from anomalous uteri had lower mean birth-weight percentiles than did neonates in the control group (51st versus 68th percentile, p < 0.05, t-test). There was no difference in Apgar scores between the 2 groups at 1 and 5 minutes. Conclusions Women with duplication anomalies of the uterus have a higher miscarriage rate, deliver earlier, and have infants with lower birth-weight percentiles than do women with normal-appearing uteri. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound26: 3–6, 1998.