cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decrease in CD4+CD25-/CD4+CD25+ Treg ratio in thoracic lymph nodes in early stage of lung carcinogenesis: reversal by α-Tocopheryl succinate in vitro and implications for lung cancer Immunotherapy

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 223 There are many reports indicating the role of local and systemic immunodeficiency in the promotion and progression of different human cancers. These include the diminishing function of tumor-specific T cells concurrent with tumor progression and infiltration of suppressor T-cell during the early stage of tumorigenesis in the tumor microenvironment. α-Tocopheryl succinate (α-TS) is a semisynthetic ester analog of vitamin E derived by substituting the hydroxyl group of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) with a succinyl group. Tocopheryl succinate and not vitamin E has been shown to kill lung cancer cells and many other kinds of cancer cells, but not normal cells. α-TS has also immunomodulatory properties and has shown promising results as novel adjuvant to augment the effectiveness of DC-based vaccines. In this study we used the A/J mouse model of lung cancer to study the different ratio of T cell subsets in different regional lymph nodes and assess their ratio in relation to tumor progression. We further studied the effect of α-TS on peripheral T cell proliferation and assessed its toxicity on different T cell subsets in vitro . Our in vivo results showed the diminished ratio of CD4+CD25-/CD4+CD25+ (Treg) in thoracic lymph nodes as compared to purified cells from spleen and peripheral lymph nodes of tumor burdened mice ( p<0.01 ). This was also associated with diminished CD4+/CD8+ ratio in a similar pattern (p<0.0002). Our in vitro experiments showed that α-TS even at 40 μM (IC50 dose) had no toxic, apoptotic or adverse effects on the proliferation or the activation of T cells. Interestingly we found that dose response effect of α-TS treatment in vitro was associated with reversal of CD4+CD25-/CD4+CD25+ (Treg) ratio and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (p<0.01). Further ongoing studies will fully characterize the role of this compound in combination chemotherapy with other chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro and in vivo which will help to design novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the prevention of T-cell immunosuppression in cancer patients. [Supported in part by grants from: American Cancer Society: ACS-PF-06-005-01-CCE, NIH-NCI-CA112652, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation]
Nature-of-Science Literacy in Benchmarks and Standards: Post-Modern/Relativist or Modern/Realist?

The complexity of science is described in the two major science education reform documents in the US: Benchmarks for Science Literacy (1993) and National Science Education Standards (1996). Some have seen them as too ‘postmodern’ while others have charged they are too ‘modern’ in their descriptions of the nature of science. An analysis of the documents shows how each charge might arise. Science’s complexity requires one to say that’ scientific knowledge is tentative or subject to change’ and’ scientific knowledge is stable’; that ‘change is a persistent feature of science’ and ‘continuity is a persistent feature of science’; that ‘it is normal for scientists to differ with one another’ and’ scientists work toward consensus’. Both Benchmarks and Standards describe science in terms that sometimes seem to emphasize tentative, local knowledge while at other times emphasizing stable, universal knowledge. Although the overall picture of science presented by each document appears to be one of modern realism, it is not difficult to see how the postmodern relativist could select statements that paint science as epistemically equivalent to the social sciences or even the arts and humanities. Implications for science education are discussed.
Orchestrating Bulk Data Movement in Grid Environments

Data Grids provide a convenient environment for researchers to manage and access massively distributed bulk data by addressing several system and transfer challenges inherent to these environments. This work addresses issues involved in the efficient selection and access of replicated data in Grid environments in the context of the Globus Toolkit{trademark}, building middleware that (1) selects datasets in highly replicated environments, enabling efficient scheduling of data transfer requests; (2) predicts transfer times of bulk wide-area data transfers using extensive statistical analysis; and (3) co-allocates bulk data transfer requests, enabling parallel downloads from mirrored sites. These efforts have demonstrated a decentralized data scheduling architecture, a set of forecasting tools that predict bandwidth availability within 15% error and co-allocation architecture, and heuristics that expedites data downloads by up to 2 times.
Complete Surgical Resection of a Leiomyosarcoma Arising from the Inferior Vena Cava

A 76-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital with chief complaint of right hypochondoralgia. Abdominal ultrasound showed a retroperitoneal tumor in the suprarenal region of the right kidney. Computed tomography revealed an enhanced lobular tumor with irregular, circumscribed, and indistinct border. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed. The tumor consisted of spindle-shaped cells with a giant nucleus and multinuclear cells. The diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma by immunohistochemical staining. The patient underwent surgery accessed by a right eighth intercostal thoracoabdominal incision. The tumor was completely resected, accompanied by removal of the posterosuperior segment of the right hepatic lobe, right adrenal gland, and a portion of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The histopathologic diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma arising from the IVC. We present a rare case of a successfully managed leiomyosarcoma of the IVC. This case suggests the importance of curative surgical resection of the tumor due to low efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for leiomyosarcoma.
Natural Killer T Cells

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate lymphocytes whose functions are regulated by self and foreign glycolipid antigens presented by the antigen-presenting, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-like molecule CD1d. Activation of NKT cells in vivo results in rapid release of copious amounts of effector cytokines and chemokines with which they regulate innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens, certain types of cancers and self antigens. Hence, CD1d and NKT cells are potential targets in vaccine concoctions and for immunotherapies against autoimmune diseases. Keywords: CD1d molecules; NKT cells; Glycosphingolipids; α-galactosylceramide; α-galacturonosylceramide
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Titration Curves of Histidine Ring Protons V. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CYTOCHROME c FROM THREE SPECIES AND THE ASSIGNMENT OF INDIVIDUAL PROTON RESONANCES

Abstract A single histidine C-2 proton resonance is seen to shift with change in pH in the NMR spectra of horse ferrocytochrome c, as previously found for horse ferricytochrome c (Cohen, J. S., Fisher, W. R., and Schechter, A. N. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 1113–1118). The pKa value (6.5) of this histidine residue in the reduced form is almost the same as that (6.4) in the oxidized form, and only a small upfield shift is observed in the reduced form, indicating a slightly more electronically shielded environment in this case. No titrating resonance is observed in the NMR spectra of tuna ferriand ferrocytochrome c in the pH range 5 to 8. Since histidine residue 33 in horse cytochrome c is replaced by a tryptophan residue in the analogous position in tuna cytochrome c, it can be concluded that the titrating resonance observed for the horse protein can be assigned to histidine residue 33. A sharp resonance appears in the spectra of tuna ferricytochrome c in the region of absorption of histidine ring C-2 protons when the pH is adjusted below pH 3.5. This resonance can be assigned to histidine residue 26, the only unliganded histidine residue present (histidine 18 is liganded to the iron atom and does not absorb in this region). A similar resonance is observed under the same conditions in spectra of horse ferricytochrome c. Its attribution to histidine residue 26 enables a consistent assignment of the 2 observed histidine ring C2 proton resonances to the 2 unliganded histidine residues in the horse protein. The imidazole side chain of histidine 26 is believed to be hydrogen-bonded to the peptide bond carbonyl oxygen atom of proline 44 (Dickerson, R. E., et al. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 1511–1533). Presumably, the protonation of this imidazole side chain, leading to the breakage of this hydrogen bond, is one of the first steps in the acid-induced conformational transition of cytochrome c, which has a midpoint at pH 2.5. A comparative study of the pH-dependent chemical shifts of resonances in the spectra of yeast ferricytochrome c enables the three C-2 proton resonances observed to be assigned to the 3 unliganded histidine residues present in this case (26, 33, 39). The similarity of the pH-induced chemical shifts of the analogous histidine C-2 proton resonances in tuna, horse, and yeast cytochrome c indicates a similarity in the environments of the histidine residues in these cytochromes from widely divergent species.
Antibiotics and Drugs: Drug–Nutrient Interactions

A patient's response to a medication can vary dramatically based on numerous dietary factors. Similarly, a drug can alter a patient's nutritional status. The composition of patients' diet and their overall nutritional state can markedly impact the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a drug. Both macro- and micronutrients affect a medication's biotransformation and disposition, by impacting blood flow, gastrointestinal motility, and enzymatic activity. These effects are variable and patient-specific and confounded by numerous factors that are often unpredictable. In times of increased caloric demands, there is a greater likelihood for drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. Not considering these factors can result in serious consequences such as treatment failure, as when the absorption of an orally administered antibiotic is taken with food. Similarly, toxicities can occur if a nutrient inhibits the enzymes in the gut that detoxify a medication. The practitioner must consider the potential for such interactions that may occur between nutritional status, disease state, and drug action when developing a therapeutic plan. This article will discuss how drug therapy can impact a patient's nutritional state and how nutrition can impact drug response with a particular emphasis on anti-infective agents.
Polymer-chain adsorption transition at a cylindrical boundary.

In a recent paper [S. Boettcher and M. Moshe, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 2410 (1995)], a simple method was proposed to generate solvable models that predict the critical properties of statistical systems in hyperspherical geometries. To that end, it was shown how to reduce a random walk in {ital D} dimensions to an anisotropic one-dimensional random walk on concentric hyperspheres. Here I construct such a random walk to model the adsorption-desorption transition of polymer chains growing near an attractive cylindrical boundary such as that of a cell membrane. I find that the fraction of adsorbed monomers on the boundary vanishes exponentially when the adsorption energy decreases towards its critical value. When the adsorption energy rises beyond a certain value above the critical point whose scale is set by the radius of the cell, the adsorption fraction exhibits a crossover to a linear increase characteristic of polymers growing near planar boundaries.
Mineralogy and Petrology of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, Northeastern New Mexico

The late Cenozoic lavas of the Raton-Clayton region of New Mexico can be divided into five groups: (1) the Raton-Clayton lavas, widespread alkali olivine basalts; (2) the hornblende andesites and dacites of the Red Mountain lavas; (3) a separate group of pyroxene andesite from Sierra Grande volcano; (4) a feldspathoidal group of basanites and olivine nephelinites; and (5) the Capulin-type basaltic lavas, which are characterized by abundant “cloudy” plagioclase phenocrysts. The olivines of the feldspathoidal rocks zone toward calcium enrichment rather than iron enrichment as in more silicic rocks. This trend can be related to the silica activity of the magma and to changes in pressure during crystallization. The pyroxenes in the lavas of this suite are rich in alumina, and those of the feldspathoidal rocks show strong sector zoning. Ilmenite from one basanite contains over 40 mole percent of the geikelite (MgTiO 3 ) component, and other oxides also have high contents of MgO. The distribution of Mg between oxide phases and olivine follows predictions from thermodynamic data, but does not agree with experimental results. The Fe-Ti distribution in coexisting oxide phases indicates oxygen fugacities near FMQ for the Raton-Clayton and Capulin basaltic rocks, and higher values for the feldspathoidal, andesitic, and dacitic rocks. Estimates of partial pressures of water based on the Kudo-Weill feldspar geothermometer range from 5 kb for a basanite, 2 to 3 kb for the andesites and dacites, to near 1 kb for the Capulin magmas. Fractional crystallization and crustal contamination do not appear to have been significant processes in the origin of these lavas. Partial melting in the lower crust (Red Mountain lavas) and upper mantle under different physical conditions seems to be a more likely explanation of the diversity of rock types displayed in this suite. High water pressures, in particular, may have played a significant role in the genesis of the feldspathoidal and Sierra Grande andesitic rocks.
Relationship of ultraviolet light-induced DNA-protein cross-linkage to chromatin structure

The production of banding patterns in metaphase chromosomes by restriction enzymes is inhibited by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Irradiation of fixed chromatin produces a 15-fold decrease in DNA extraction by restriction enzymes in comparison with that observed by irradiation before fixation. Alcohol-acid fixation of chromatin produces two major changes, the extraction of histones and dehydration. The effect of UV light is probably the result of a net increase in the yield of DNA-protein cross-links at comparable fluences of UV light and of the stabilization of the structural changes in the fixed chromatin fibril induced by the photoadducts. The X-irradiation of cells before fixation, as well as the rehydration of fixed chromatin, increases the extraction of DNA from fixed chromatin irradiated with UV light to levels similar to or even higher than those obtained with living cells. The effect of UV light before and after fixation on the extraction of DNA by restriction enzymes and proteinase K can be related to changes in chromatin structure and DNA conformation.
A Multistate Comparison of Patient Characteristics, Outcomes, and Treatment Practices in Acute Myocardial Infarction

The primary purpose of this study was to examine variations in patient characteristics, outcomes, and treatment practices in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) across 11 states. Data from 11 states were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Dataset. Patients who had a primary diagnosis of AMI (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, code 410.x1) from 11 states were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 1999 dataset. Bivariate comparisons were conducted to examine the characteristics, treatment practices, and outcomes of patients who had AMI. Multivariate regression models were used to examine the association between geographic location (and other factors) and the likelihood of in-hospital mortality, undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Results revealed considerable variations across states in practice patterns and treatment outcomes. New York had the highest average length of stay (8.2 days, p <0.01), rate of patients who had AMI being transferred (20.7%, p <0.01), and in-hospital case fatality rate (10.7%, p <0.01) and the lowest rate of alive discharges being routine (65.6%, p <0.01). PCI was performed 2 times as often as CABG for patients who had AMI (23.9% vs 11.3%, p <0.01), with patients who underwent CABG being transferred more often. Multivariate analyses showed that state of residence, age, female gender, transfer status, and number of co-morbidities were predictors of in-hospital mortality and the likelihood of undergoing CABG or PCI. In conclusion, large differences in practice patterns and treatment outcomes exist across states.
Advanced lithium ion battery modeling and power stage integration technique

This paper focuses on the system modeling aspect of energy storage, power conversion and digital power control involved in non-renewable power systems. Lithium based batteries, the energy storage devices were modeled at different state of charges (SOC) using Electro chemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). EIS based impedance measurements were fitted to a standard electrochemical battery model. The AC impedance model of the battery was integrated to the power supply control loop. The battery impedance changes with SOC of the battery and its effect on the control loop was observed. Based on the battery impedance based control loop performance, a dynamic compensation technique was proposed to optimally stabilize different control loops in the battery charging cycle. The system model and design aspects were verified using a synchronous buck based charging system.
Characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei Strains Using a Murine Intraperitoneal Infection Model and In Vitro Macrophage Assays

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis, is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium. This bacterium is endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia and can infect humans and animals by several routes. It has also been estimated to present a considerable risk as a potential biothreat agent. There are currently no effective vaccines for B. pseudomallei, and antibiotic treatment can be hampered by nonspecific symptomology, the high incidence of naturally occurring antibiotic resistant strains, and disease chronicity. Accordingly, there is a concerted effort to better characterize B. pseudomallei and its associated disease. Before novel vaccines and therapeutics can be tested in vivo, a well characterized animal model is essential. Previous work has indicated that mice may be a useful animal model. In order to develop standardized animal models of melioidosis, different strains of bacteria must be isolated, propagated, and characterized. Using a murine intraperitoneal (IP) infection model, we tested the virulence of 11 B. pseudomallei strains. The IP route offers a reproducible way to rank virulence that can be readily reproduced by other laboratories. This infection route is also useful in distinguishing significant differences in strain virulence that may be masked by the exquisite susceptibility associated with other routes of infection (e.g., inhalational). Additionally, there were several pathologic lesions observed in mice following IP infection. These included varisized abscesses in the spleen, liver, and haired skin. This model indicated that commonly used laboratory strains of B. pseudomallei (i.e., K96243 and 1026b) were significantly less virulent as compared to more recently acquired clinical isolates. Additionally, we characterized in vitro strain-associated differences in virulence for macrophages and described a potential inverse relationship between virulence in the IP mouse model of some strains and in the macrophage phagocytosis assay. Strains which were more virulent for mice (e.g., HBPU10304a) were often less virulent in the macrophage assays, as determined by several parameters such as intracellular bacterial replication and host cell cytotoxicity.
Transient Renal Medullary Hyperechoic Foci in the Neonate: Normal Variation Found in the First Few Days of Life

Transient Renal Medullary Hyperechoic Foci in the Neonate: Normal Variation Found in the First Few Days of Life
Nonclassical Transformation in Special Relativity

The "nonclassical" complex Lorentz transformation, recently introduced as a mathematical convenience by Reulos, is related to the unique factoring of any 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 orthogonal transformation. This factoring also shows, in 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4 form, the well known possibility of introducing a 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 complex spin space, in which unimodular transformations are isomorphic to the proper future-preserving Lorentz group.
Densities and Viscosities of Binary Mixtures of Isoamyl Acetate, Ethyl Caproate, Ethyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Butyrate, Ethyl Phenylacetate, and Ethyl Caprylate with Ethanol at T = (288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K

Densities and viscosities for binary mixtures of six flavor esters (isoamyl acetate, ethyl caproate, ethyl benzoate, isoamyl butyrate, ethyl phenylacetate, and ethyl caprylate) with ethanol over the whole composition range were measured at four different temperatures (288.15, 298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Densities were determined using a vibrating-tube density meter. Viscosities were measured with an automatic Ubbelohde capillary viscometer. Excess molar volumes (V E) and deviations in the viscosity from mole fraction average (Δη) were derived from experimental data. The binary data of V E and Δη were correlated as a function of the mole fraction by using the Redlich−Kister equation.
Colonization, abundance, and geographic range size of gravestone lichens

Abstract Macroecological studies often find that species with large geographic range sizes are also locally abundant. Superior colonization ability of species with large ranges is a possible/plausible explanation for this pattern, yet direct measures of colonization ability are difficult, and thus the relationship between colonization ability and range size is rarely investigated directly. Using a data set of gravestone lichens spanning more than 300 years, we investigated relationships among colonization ability, abundance, and geographic range size. Pairwise correlations were used to compare colonization ability and local abundance with area of occupancy (a measure of range size) and spore size within England, Scotland, and Wales on two different types of gravestones. Indices of colonization ability and abundance were positively correlated with area of occupancy. Colonization ability was significantly positively correlated with local abundance, but it was not at all related to propagule size. When lichen species were grouped categorically by colonization ability, the strongest area-occupancy relationships were observed within the subset of species that were the best colonizers. Significant differences among genera were found in spore size but not for other variables. Lichen species that occupy the largest geographic area were the best colonizers: they were the first species present on newly erected stones. These results complement the more commonly observed macroecological pattern that widespread species are also locally abundant.
Reteplase in the treatment of thrombosed hemodialysis grafts.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of reteplase with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of thrombosed polytetrafluoroethylene hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two patients were entered into the study. Sixty-two procedures in 43 grafts were performed. One unit of reteplase and 4,000 units of heparin were administered into the AVGs. Routine venography and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was then performed. Patients were transferred for hemodialysis immediately after the procedure. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 92% of the cases. Four cases involved intentional repeat thrombosis because of poor outflow and/or need for a new graft site. Minor complications occurred in 6.5% of the cases. No major complications occurred. The mean procedure time for experienced versus less-experienced interventionalists was significantly shorter ( P CONCLUSION Reteplase in conjunction with heparin and PTA is a safe and effective means of thrombolysis of AVGs. Its efficacy is comparable to that of other available thrombolytic drugs.
Microwave processing of ceramics

Summary form only given. We have investigated sintering, both with and without a plasma, reaction bonding of silicon nitride (RBSN), and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) synthesis of ceramic matrix composites using microwave heating. The sintering rate of alumina in a plasma excited either by microwaves or induction coupling (5 MHz) is significantly greater than with conventional heating. The enhancement is believed to be caused by the creation of excess point defects by the plasma. Both microwave CVI and RBSN seek to take advantage of the temperature gradients inherent in volumetric heating so the reaction or deposition of matrix can take place from the center to the surface, thus enabling a greater degree of reaction than can be obtained by isothermal processing. Experimental and modeling results of these two processes are presented.
Improved Closed-Form Approximation for Dutch Roll

An improved Dutch-roll approximation that includes the effects of roll as well as those of sideslip and yaw is presented. This new approximation is based on a Taylor series expansion in one over the roll-damping derivative. The eigenvalues obtained from this solution are identical to those obtained from the traditional Dutch-roll approximationwhen the roll-damping derivative approaches in nity. From the new closed-form approximation, the Dutch-roll frequency is shown to be a function of a dimensionless parameter, which the author has called the Dutch-roll stability ratio. In addition, this new solution shows that there are three distinct components to the Dutch-roll damping.The  rst is the conventionalyaw damping term, but the present solution points out two other contributions to the Dutch-roll damping. These are called the Dutch-roll coupling and phase damping. In most cases, the yaw damping is the largest of these three components. However, both the coupling and the phase damping can degrade the total Dutch-roll damping and, under certain conditions, could cause the Dutch-roll motion to become divergent.
Visual figural after-effects and field dependence

Visual figural after-effects are shown to be related to measures of field dependence (as assessed by the Rod and Frame Test). Field independent Ss exhibited such after-effects while field dependent Ss failed to demonstrate these effects on a specific perceptual task. Since measures of field dependence have been previously found to relate to broader personality and behavior variables, the present evidence suggests then that such complex behavior variables might in turn be related to elemental cortical traces of a type involved in the generation of figurai after-effects.
Migration, foraging, and residency patterns for Northern Gulf loggerheads: implications of local threats and international movements.

Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) loggerheads (Caretta caretta) make up one of the smallest subpopulations of this threatened species and have declining nest numbers. We used satellite telemetry and a switching state-space model to identify distinct foraging areas used by 59 NGoM loggerheads tagged during 2010–2013. We tagged turtles after nesting at three sites, 1 in Alabama (Gulf Shores; n = 37) and 2 in Florida (St. Joseph Peninsula; n = 20 and Eglin Air Force Base; n = 2). Peak migration time was 22 July to 9 August during which >40% of turtles were in migration mode; the mean post-nesting migration period was 23.0 d (±13.8 d SD). After displacement from nesting beaches, 44 turtles traveled to foraging sites where they remained resident throughout tracking durations. Selected foraging locations were variable distances from tagging sites, and in 5 geographic regions; no turtles selected foraging sites outside the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Foraging sites delineated using 50% kernel density estimation were located a mean distance of 47.6 km from land and in water with mean depth of −32.5 m; other foraging sites, delineated using minimum convex polygons, were located a mean distance of 43.0 km from land and in water with a mean depth of −24.9 m. Foraging sites overlapped with known trawling activities, oil and gas extraction activities, and the footprint of surface oiling during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (n = 10). Our results highlight the year-round use of habitats in the GoM by loggerheads that nest in the NGoM. Our findings indicate that protection of females in this subpopulation requires both international collaborations and management of threats that spatially overlap with distinct foraging habitats.
CT demonstration of asymptomatic pulmonary emboli after bone marrow transplantation: case report

Asymptomatic pulmonary emboli producing microcalcifications were observed 200 days after bone marrow transplantation on a routine surveillance CT in a child. The findings consisted of peripheral hazy, nodular infiltrates in the lower lung fields. To our knowledge this has not been recorded in the radiologic literature.
Quasi-static evolution of coronal magnetic fields

A formalism is developed to describe the purely quasi-static part of the evolution of a coronal loop driven by its footpoints. This is accomplished under assumptions of a long, thin loop. The quasi-static equations reveal the possibility for sudden 'loss of equilibrium' at which time the system evolves dynamically rather than quasi-statically. Such quasi-static crises produce high-frequency Alfven waves and, in conjunction with Alfven wave dissipation models, form a viable coronal heating mechanism. Furthermore, an approximate solution to the quasi-static equations by perturbation method verifies the development of small-scale spatial current structure.
Effect of Core Reactivity on the Molecular Weight, Polydispersity, and Degree of Branching of Hyperbranched Poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s

Synthesis of hyperbranched poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s, HB PAEPOs, from bis(4-fluorophenyl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)phosphine oxide, 1a, in the presence of a series of core molecules with systematically altered reactivity of the aryl fluoride groups provides polymers with molecular weights, MWs, controlled by the concentration of the core molecule, and narrow polydispersity indices, PDIs. Polymers with number-average molecular weights ranging from 3270 to 8100 Da, and PDIs as low as 1.25 have been prepared. The core molecules utilized in this work consist of a series of fluorinated triarylphosphine oxides, tris(4-fluorophenyl)phosphine oxide, tris(3,4-difluorophenyl)phosphine oxide, and tris(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)phosphine oxide, 2a, 2b, and 2c, respectively. The most highly activated core, 2c, provides the best control over the final MW and the lowest PDIs. The degree of branching, DB, for the HB PAEPOs decreases from 0.57 with no core to below 0.40 at higher concentrations of 2b and 2c.
Volume-localized two-dimensional correlated magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human breast cancer

A localized 2D correlation spectroscopic sequence (L-COSY) was implemented and applied in human breast cancer in vivo to evaluate the water to fat (both saturated and unsaturated) ratios and also to identify choline. Being in agreement with the conventional 1D magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) results, elevated water to lipids ratios were found in breast cancers and choline was observed only in a few cancer patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:181–186. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Planarity takes over in the CxHxP6−x (x = 0–6) series at x = 4

In this work we examine a structural transition from non-planar three-dimensional structures to planar benzene-like structures in the C(x)H(x)P(6-x) (x = 0-6) series. The global minima of P(6), CHP(5), and C(2)H(2)P(4) species are benzvalene-like structures. The benzvalene and benzene-like structures of C(3)H(3)P(3) are close in energy with the former being slightly more stable at our best level of theory. The transition occurs at x = 4 (C(4)H(4)P(2)), where the benzene-like structures become significantly more stable than the benzvalene-like structures. We show that the pseudo Jahn-Teller effect, which is responsible for the deformation of planar P(6), CHP(5), and C(2)H(2)P(4) structures, is completely suppressed at x = 3 (benzene-like structures of C(3)H(3)P(3)). We present NICS(zz) values of all the benzene-like isomers in the series.
High density lipoproteins and the growth of vascular endothelial cells in serum-free medium.

Low density bovine vascular endothelial cell cultures maintained on dishes coated with an extracellular matrix can be grown in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and transferrin. Such cultures do not require insulin. Early passage cultures exposed to HDL and transferrin grew as well as cultures exposed to optimal serum concentrations and could be passaged repeatedly in total absence of serum. A requirement for fibroblast growth factor to ensure an optimal growth could be observed only with late-passage cultures. The present results suggest strongly that HDL is involved in supporting the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in vitro. This may be important for our understanding of the biological role of HDL "in vivo."
Electrochemical performance of lithium/sulfur cells with three different polymer electrolytes

Abstract Charge and discharge characteristics of lithium/polymer electrolyte/sulfur cells are presented. Three different electrolytes were studied, and cells were operated at temperatures ranging from ambient to about 100°C. The effects of the sulfur electrode composition and cycling regimen on both the potential profiles and the capacity fade rate were investigated. Cells prepared with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and operated at 90–100°C could be discharged to nearly the full theoretical 1672 mA h/g active material but with a high rate of capacity fade. Reducing the depth of discharge to 30% or less increased the cell lifetime. Room-temperature cells with poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether could be discharged to about 45% utilization of the sulfur and showed a much lower capacity fade rate after the second cycle. Several possible explanations for the high rate of capacity fade and the effect of the depth of discharge on this rate are presented.
ESCA - a new took for surface research

Abstract When two non-gaseous phases interact, only a small volume of each participates at a given time. A method that can furnish information — even if only semiquantitative — about the composition and the chemical state of such participating volumes in spite of their minute extension is therefore of considerable interest. Electron spectroscopy in its various forms, particularly that generally known under the name of ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis), has recently become available and furnishes new information in fields involving surfaces or interfaces such as those in adhesion, in adsorption, in catalysis and in corrosion. In this paper methods, instruments, results and the limitations of electron spectroscopic surface analysis will be reviewed and summarized.
Mutations in the Spacer Region of Drosophila Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase Affect DNA Binding, Processivity, and the Balance between Pol and Exo Function

The catalytic subunit (α) of mitochondrial DNA polymerase (pol γ) shares conserved DNA polymerase and 3′-5′ exonuclease active site motifs with Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I and bacteriophage T7 DNA polymerase. A major difference between the prokaryotic and mitochondrial proteins is the size and sequence of the region between the exonuclease and DNA polymerase domains, referred to as the spacer in pol γ-α. Four γ-specific conserved sequence elements are located within the spacer region of the catalytic subunit in eukaryotic species from yeast to humans. To elucidate the functional roles of the spacer region, we pursued deletion and site-directed mutagenesis of Drosophila pol γ. Mutant proteins were expressed from baculovirus constructs in insect cells, purified to near homogeneity, and analyzed biochemically. We find that mutations in three of the four conserved sequence elements within the spacer alter enzyme activity, processivity, and/or DNA binding affinity. In addition, several mutations affect differentially DNA polymerase and exonuclease activity and/or functional interactions with mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein. Based on these results and crystallographic evidence showing that the template-primer binds in a cleft between the exonuclease and DNA polymerase domains in family A DNA polymerases, we propose that conserved sequences within the spacer of pol γ may position the substrate with respect to the enzyme catalytic domains.
Transport by the (Na+, K+) ATPase: modulation by differentiation inducers and inhibition of protein synthesis in the MDCK kidney epithelial cell line

MDCK kidney epithelial cell cultures exposed to the differentiation inducer hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) for 24 hours exhibited a 50% decrease in transport activity per (Na+,K+)-ATPase molecule (turnover number) but an unchanged number of pump sites (Kennedy and Lever, 1984). Inhibition of protein synthesis by either 10 microM cycloheximide or 2 microM emetine blocked the inhibitory effects of HMBA on Na+/K+ pump efficiency assessed by measurements of [3H]-ouabain binding to intact cells, (Na+,K+) ATPase activity of detergent-activated cell extracts, and ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake. In the absence of inducer treatment, inhibition of protein synthesis increased Na+/K+ pump turnover number by twofold while maintaining Na+/K+ pump activity per cell at a constant level. Intracellular Na+ levels were decreased after cycloheximide treatment; therefore, pump stimulation was not due to substrate effects. Furthermore, cycloheximide effects of Rb+ uptake could be dissociated from effects on tight junctions. These observations suggest that the transport activity of the (Na+,K+) ATPase is tightly regulated by factors dependent on protein synthesis.
Generation of synthetic data and experimental designs in evaluating interactions for association studies.

Complex diseases, by definition, involve multiple factors, including gene–gene interactions and gene–environment interactions. Researchers commonly rely on simulated data to evaluate their approaches for detecting high-order interactions in disease gene mapping. A publicly available simulation program to generate samples involving complex genetic and environmental interactions is of great interest to the community. We have developed a software package named gs1.0, which has been widely used since its publication. In this article, we present an upgraded version gs2.0, which not only inherits its capacity to generate realistic genotype data but also provides great functionality and flexibility to simulate various interaction models. In addition to a standalone version, a user-friendly web server () has been set up to help users to build complex interaction models. Furthermore, by utilizing three three-locus models as an example, we have shown how realistic model parameters can be chosen in generating simulated data.
Post-prostatectomy incontinence: Part I. The urodynamic findings in 107 Men

A retrospective review of 107 men referred for evaluation of post-prostatectomy incontinence (71 post radical retropubic prostatectomy, 26 post transurethral resection of the prostate, and 10 post open prostatectomy) was conducted. After in-depth urodynamic studies, only 40 men (37%) were found to have sphincteric insufficiency alone, 36 men (34%) had sphincteric insufficiency combined with high pressure bladder dysfunction (detrusor instability and/or decreased compliance), and 21 men (20%) had bladder dysfunction alone as the sole cause of post-prostatectomy incontinence. Ten patients (9%) had normal urodynamic studies. The role of bladder dysfunction as a causative factor in post-prostatectomy incontinence is strongly emphasized. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vibrations with time-dependent internal conditions

This paper deals with extending an existing method that solves time-dependent boundary conditions to include time-dependent internal conditions. The solution derived is applicable to most vibration problems as well as to many other systems governed by linear differential equations. The solution is accomplished by treating internal points subjected to a time-dependent condition as internal “boundary” points. The method of solution is illustrated in this paper by considering the dynamic response of a Bernoulli-Euler beam.
A biopsychosocial model of metaphor therapy with holistic cultures

For centuries western cultures have adopted a dualistic perspective toward people's health. The "self" has emerged as an independent entity from others as well from the body. Human distress has been psychologized and depression and anxiety have been attributed to intrapsychic structures and processes. Nevertheless, many nonwestern cultures still adopt holistic perspectives. Within these cultures, distress is manifested through physical rather than psychological complains. Therefore, psychological approaches, based on the independence of the self, may not be fitting for these societies. Instead, based on the assumption that nonwestern cultures are holistic and less psychologized and their problems are social rather than intrapsychic, a biopsychosocial approach is suggested. In addition, nonwesterners have a different concept of reality. For instance, within some communities fantasies and delusions are appreciated, constitute part of a normal life, and are considered to be the "real reality." Furthermore, complains are often described in metaphoric language. Accordingly, a biopsychosocial model of metaphoric therapy is proposed in which therapists would incorporate their clients' metaphoric imaginative culture. Metaphoric intervention also allow for changes in the biological, psychological, and sociocultural reality of the client.
An amino acid analysis of freeze-dried bovine and porcine blood used for In vitro rearing of Glossina palpalis palpalis (ROB.-DESV.)

Abstract 1. 1. A comparative analysis of freeze-dried bovine and porcine blood used for maintenance of tsetse fly colonies at the International Atomic Energy Agency revealed significant differences in several essential amino acids. 2. 2. Bovine blood had higher levels of lysine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine. 3. 3. Porcine blood had a higher level of isoleucine. 4. 4. Free amino acids in porcine blood were generally higher than in bovine blood. 5. 5. The freeze-drying process raised the pH level and deaminated certain amino acids.
Interoperability for simulation of sustainable manufacturing

Sustainability has become a very significant research topic, it impacts many different manufacturing industries. To achieve sustainable manufacturing, designing manufacturing systems that have less negative impact on the environment is critical. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is an essential ingredient for success of sustainable manufacturing through its ability to predict the effect of implementing certain facility, process, and product actions. M&S for sustainable manufacturing requires the exchange of information with a variety of manufacturing systems, applications, and databases. M&S also provides appropriate models and methods to tailor algorithms for performing accurate transformations of the data. This paper introduces a methodology to support interoperability among simulation tools and other manufacturing systems that support sustainability. The methodology describes how to collect and process the identified data in order to make it reusable for M&S studies to achieve sustainable manufacturing. Three potential case studies are identified and discussed as a scope for future work.
Unique Aspects of the Care of HIV-Positive Latino Patients Living in the United States

Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV, with a higher risk of infection and a delayed presentation to care as compared to non-Hispanic whites. Over the last decade many Latinos, especially foreign-born migrants, have settled in regions of the country with historically low Latino representation. Therefore, clinicians who care for HIV-infected patients are likely to encounter Latino patients, regardless of their practice location. Providing optimal care to this population may be especially challenging for clinicians practicing in areas of newer Latino expansion, where culturally appropriate services may be sparse. In this article, we argue that an understanding of the HIV epidemic among Latinos requires an appreciation of the diversity and heterogeneity of the Latino population in the United States. We also review unique clinical aspects of HIV care among Latinos, including manifestation of co-infections with pathogens endemic in Latin America but rare in the United States.
Transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with scrapie-like syndromes to mice.

THE transmission of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease of man, one of the subacute spongiform virus encephalopathies1, to guinea pigs2,3 and to hamsters4 has been reported from this laboratory; Brownell et al. have also claimed transmission of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease to mice5,6. Here we present evidence that mice are susceptible to this transmissible encephalopathy and that there are similarities between the clinical and pathological findings in experimental Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in mice, and those observed in the same host in experimental scrapie7–11.
Caloric restriction-mediated induction of lipid metabolism gene expression in liver is enhanced by Keap1-knockdown.

Purpose CR increases fatty acid oxidation to decrease tissue lipid content. The Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch like ECH associated Protein 1 (Keap1) pathway is an antioxidant gene regulatory pathway that has been previously investigated in weight gain. However, limited interaction of Nrf2/Keap1 and CR exists. The purpose of this study was to determine how Keap1 knockdown (Keap1-KD), which is known to increase Nrf2 activity, affects the CR response, such as weight loss, hepatic lipid decrease, and induction of fatty acid oxidation gene expression.
Beyond words: Comprehension and production of pragmatic prosody in adults and children

Abstract Prosody includes suprasegmental components of speech, such as intonation and rate, which add meaning beyond the words being spoken. Sensitivity to pragmatic prosody could improve communication within conversations. These studies investigated adults’ and preschoolers’ sensitivity to pragmatic prosody. Experiment 1 demonstrated that adults and children comprehend pragmatic prosody; they selected fast actions when descriptions were spoken fast versus when descriptions were spoken slowly. Experiment 2 demonstrated that adults and children spontaneously produce pragmatic prosody—their descriptions of fast actions were faster than their descriptions of slow actions—even when it was not necessary for the task. These studies conclude that children, like adults, are capable of using and producing pragmatic prosody; however, children are less sensitive than adults to subtle prosodic distinctions.