cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in microarray 3D bioprinting for high-throughput spheroid and tissue culture and analysis

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture in vitro has proven to be more physiologically relevant than two-dimensional (2D) culture of cell monolayers, thus more predictive in assessing efficacy and toxicity of compounds. There have been several 3D cell culture techniques developed, which include spheroid and multicellular tissue cultures. Cell spheroids have been generated from single or multiple cell types cultured in ultralow attachment (ULA) well plates and hanging droplet plates. In general, cell spheroids are formed in a relatively short period of culture, in the absence of extracellular matrices (ECMs), via gravity-driven self-aggregation, thus having limited ability to self-organization in layered structure. On the other hand, multicellular tissue cultures including miniature tissues derived from pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells (a.k.a. 'organoids') and 3D bioprinted tissue constructs require biomimetic hydrogels or ECMs and show highly ordered structure due to spontaneous self-organization of cells during differentiation and maturation processes. In this short review article, we summarize traditional methods of spheroid and multicellular tissue cultures as well as their technical challenges, and introduce how droplet-based, miniature 3D bioprinting ('microarray 3D bioprinting') can be used to improve assay throughput and reproducibility for high-throughput, predictive screening of compounds. Several platforms including a micropillar chip and a 384-pillar plate developed to facilitate miniature spheroid and tissue cultures via microarray 3D bioprinting are introduced. We excluded microphysiological systems (MPSs) in this article although they are important tissue models to simulate multiorgan interactions.
Measurements of Metastable N2(A3Σu+,v) Molecules in Nonequilibrium Supersonic Flows

Nonintrusive laser diagnostics are used for the measurements of metastable nitrogen molecules in the lowest excited electronic state, N2(A3Σu+), in a nonequilibrium flow, blowdown supersonic wind t...
Racial disparity in taxane-induced neutropenia among cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Large interindividual variations have been reported in chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Little is known whether racial disparities exist in neutropenia associated with taxanes. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of primary cancer who underwent chemotherapy with taxanes were identified from Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Synthetic Derivative. Multinomial regression models were applied to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of neutropenia associated with race, with adjustments for demographic variables, baseline neutrophil count, chemotherapy-related information, prior treatments, and cancer site. RESULTS: A total of 3492 patients were included in the study. Compared with White patients, grade 2 or higher neutropenia was more frequently recorded among Black patients who received taxanes overall (42.2% vs. 32.7%, p < 0.001) or paclitaxel (43.0% vs. 36.7%, p < 0.001) but not among those who received docetaxel (32.0% vs. 30.2%, p = 0.821). After adjustments for multiple covariates, Black patients who received chemotherapy with any taxanes had significantly higher risk of grade 2 (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.09-2.14) and grade 3 (OR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.36-2.67) neutropenia but comparable risk of grade 4 neutropenia (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.79-1.79). Similar association patterns were observed for Black patients who specifically received paclitaxel, but a null association was found for those treated with docetaxel. CONCLUSION: Black cancer patients treated with taxanes for any cancer had a higher risk of neutropenia compared with their White counterparts, especially those who received paclitaxel. More research is needed to understand the mechanism(s) underlying this racial disparity in order to enhance the delivery of patient-centered oncology.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor Subtypes and Their Interaction with Steroid Receptor Coactivators

Thyroid hormone (TH) is required for normal growth, development, and metabolism in metazoans. To influence this broad range of physiologic actions, TH is necessarily involved in the regulation of a multitude of genes in virtually every tissue. The diversity of gene expression regulation in response to TH is mediated through specific intranuclear TH receptors (TRs) and other nuclear coregulators. This chapter reviews TRs and nuclear coregulators, specifically coactivators, based on in vivo data from knockout (KO) mouse models.
Vulvodynia, medical-biological perspective

Vulvodynia is a “symptom” literally meaning pain (dynia) in the vulvar region (vulvo). Patients and health-care providers should not consider the symptom vulvodynia as a diagnosis with universal treatments. Similar to the symptoms of chest pain or abdominal pain, there are no unique treatments for vulvodynia that apply to all vulvodynia patients. Therapies should be based on the cause or reason for vulvodynia. Patients with vulvodynia should thus undergo thorough multidisciplinary biopsychosocial assessments: sex therapy, physical therapy, and medical evaluations engaging hormonal, neurologic, and vulvoscopy assessments. Such a broad and engaging management strategy will determine specific biopsychosocial causes of the vulvodynia in a given patient. This should allow personalized psychologic, physical therapy, and medical management plans to maximize treatment efficacy. Keywords: sexual pain; vaginismus; vestibulectomy; vulvodynia; vulvoscopy
A novel approach to chance constrained optimal control problems

This paper presents a new unified framework based on the split-Bernstein approximation and the Legendre-Gauss-Radau (LGR) collocation method for solving optimal control problem under chance constraints. First, the LGR collocation method is employed to transcribe the chance constrained optimal control problem into a nonlinear chance constrained program. Then, the split-Bernstein approximation along with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is employed to approximate the chance constraints using a near-optimal deterministic upper bound, transforming the problem into a deterministic nonlinear program (NLP). Finally, the NLP is solved using standard solvers such as SNOPT©. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the new framework.
Effect of 1-phenylpentanol on release of secretin and exocrine pancreatic secretion in dogs and humans

Abstract 1-Phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane is a synthetic derivative of an ingredient of Curcuma longa that is used as a condiment and dye. The effects of 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-N-pentane on release of secretin, gastrin, and pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate and protein were studied in both dogs and humans. In fasting dogs with gastric fistulas and modified Herrera's pancreatic fistulas, intraduodenal administration of 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane (pH 6.7) in three different doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in both plasma secretin concentration and bicarbonate output. The increases in the two variables were dose related. The bicarbonate output and plasma secretin concentration produced by the doses of 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane correlated well. No significant change occurred in either protein output or plasma gastrin concentration. The effect of intragastric 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane on release of secretin and pancreatic secretion was also studied in the digestive state. While gastric pH was maintained at 5.5 by intragastric titration with 1 N NaOH after intragastric administration of 5% liver extract solution, intragastric administration of 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane (100 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in both plasma secretin concentrations and pancreatic bicarbonate output. In the same experiment, the plasma gastrin concentration did not change significantly, whereas gastric acid secretion decreased significantly after the 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane administration. In 6 human volunteers, both plasma secretin concentration and pancreatic bicarbonate output significantly increased when 2% 1-phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane solution, 30 ml/30 min, was infused in the upper jejunum. Again, no increase in the protein output was apparent. These studies indicate that endogenous secretin is released by an agent other than acid and suggest strongly that the increased pancreatic bicarbonate secretion is attributed to the increased plasma concentration of secretin. 1-Phenyl-1-hydroxy- N -pentane may be a useful agent for release of secretin in subjects with achlorhydria, severe hyposecretory state, or total gastrectomy.
Provider Preferences and Experiences With a Countywide Centralized Collaborative Reminder/Recall for Childhood Immunizations

Abstract Objective To assess among providers in 7 Colorado counties where a collaborative centralized reminder/recall (CC-R/R) using the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) was performed: 1) preferences about CC-R/R conducted by the public health department (PHD); 2) preferences for future CC-R/R for different vaccines with and without practice names; and 3) experiences with including their name on CC-R/R notices. Methods A mailed survey was sent to all primary care sites where CC-R/R had been previously conducted. Respondents self-identified as the "the person in charge of immunization policy within the practice." Results Overall response rate was 69.9% (160 of 229). Twenty-one were removed because they did not provide immunizations to children. Among respondents, 65.0% were from family medicine and 26.3% from pediatric practices; 32.1% physicians or midlevel providers; 34.3% nurses or medical assistants; and 33.6% office managers. Taking into account all issues, 57.6% were "okay" with either the PHD or their practice conducting recall; 27.3% preferred the PHD; and 14.4% preferred their practice conduct R/R. Fifty-six percent of active CIIS practices (n = 95) included their practice's name on CC-R/R notices. Interest in future CC-R/R for different ages and vaccines was strongly related to whether reminders included the practice name: 77.8% for routine immunizations in 4- to 6-year-olds; 74.8% for immunizations for 0- to 3-year-olds; 73.3% for vaccines administered to adolescents; and 59.7% for influenza ( P Conclusions Most practices are accepting of the PHD centrally conducting R/R, but most prefer collaboration that includes their name. Given the success and support of this method, it should be more widely adopted.
Improved dimensional stability of asymmetric structures for media applications

A simple dimensional stability model is used to identify the relevant material, geometric and environmental parameters critical for warpage of high-density optical media structures. Asymmetry in the system disk geometry gives rise to a transient dimensional stability, i.e. curvature in the cover layer is induced by changes in the surrounding environment. Humidity and temperature changes will induce curvature into the total asymmetric structure, and hence the cover layer, every time the assembled asymmetric disk is moved from one environment to another. The goal of this work is to examine the material properties, the assembled disk geometry, and environmental parameters on the resulting environmentally induced tilt. Using the validated model, the material property/geometry parameter space was defined to minimize the dynamic tilt and equilibrium tilt of the assembled disk.
A deterministic model for influenza infection with multiple strains and antigenic drift

We describe a multiple strain Susceptible Infected Recovered deterministic model for the spread of an influenza subtype within a population. The model incorporates appearance of new strains due to antigenic drift, and partial immunity to reinfection with related circulating strains. It also includes optional seasonal forcing of the transmission rate of the virus, which allows for comparison between temperate zones and the tropics. Our model is capable of reproducing observed qualitative patterns such as the overall annual outbreaks in the temperate region, a reduced magnitude and an increased frequency of outbreaks in the tropics, and the herald wave phenomenon. Our approach to modelling antigenic drift is novel and further modifications of this model may help improve the understanding of complex influenza dynamics.
Effect of a chlorhexidine-containing adhesive on dentin bond strength stability.

Clinical Relevance A novel chlorhexidine-containing adhesive may offer comparable dentin-resin bond stability to the use of 2.0% chlorhexidine digluconate applied as a therapeutic primer while also...
Numerical model of a building with transparent insulation

An explicit finite difference simulation model is developed to study the thermal performance of an outdoor test-room with one transparently insulated (TI) wall. The thermal behavior of the room is examined under different control strategies for the shading device and for air flow through the TI wall to the room. Simulation results indicate significant energy savings with practically no auxiliary heating required on cold sunny days in Montreal. However, appropriate control strategies are required to prevent overheating of the room and discomfort. Air flow through the TI wall and then into the room succeeds in lowering its room surface temperature to less than 31°C and reducing to zero the auxiliary heating required on any clear day. Blind control is based on several criteria, including outside temperature, room-facing surface temperature of TI wall (not to exceed 29°C) and room air temperature not to exceed a certain maximum.
Characteristics of an Adjustable Speed Polyphase Induction Machine

Variable frequency stepped-voltage wav eforms generated by an SCR bridge-inverter are used to drive a 3-phase induction motor. The system coefficient matrix associated with the volt- ampere differential equations of a polyphase induction machine is cyclic symmetric about its major diagonal axis. A basic property of this type of matrix is that it can be diagonalized by a transformation of variables by use of the well-known symmetrical component transformation. Here mutual cross-coupling terms give rise to speed- sensitive coefficients in the solution equations. Hence, the contribution presented in this paper is in the formulation of the solution of high-order complex systems in closed form. Solutions are obtained for phase currents and line and phase voltages on a per mode basis, where a mode is defined as one sixth of a cycle. Two cases arise as a result of both speed and slip conditions of the load. In one case conduction takes place over each entire mode and in the other case conduction ceases at some intermode time ?p. The latter case requires two sets of solution equations per mode. Torque equations are derived and typical response curves are plotted. Experimental testing of a prototype system corroborates derived analytical solutions.
The Issue of Monotony and Low Workload in Spaceflight: Considerations for the Mission to Mars

The future mission to Mars will present a number of challenges regarding habitability and performance for spaceflight crewmembers. One aspect that needs to be considered is the potential impact of extended periods of low workload relating to monotony and boredom. The following provides an overview of the challenges associated with long duration spaceflight, and specifies the characteristics of interplanetary exploration. Focus is put on these challenges in space and provides possible approaches in mitigating the potential consequences regarding low workload in the high-risk environment. Discussion points are provided regarding possible applications for implementation in future interplanetary expeditions.
Using Participatory Methods to Further the Democratic Goals of Children's Organizations

This chapter describes and evaluates participatory methods that were developed to enable children in Nepal to document and reflect on the democratic functioning of their own organizations. It concludes with an assessment of the potentials of participatory methods for self-monitoring by democratic organizations of young people.
Review Article: Spanish-English and Portuguese-English Interlanguage Phonology.

This review article evaluates the intersection of the content of two recent anthologies in second language (L2) phonology. One of the books lays out both the methodological context and theoretical underpinnings of the field, whereas the other volume reports 11 empirical studies on the L2 acquisition of several aspects of pronunciation by adult learners of English whose native language is either Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese. The criteria applied for the evaluation lead to the conclusion that, for the most part, the studies are successful in presenting an interesting array of second-language pronunciation patterns, and that such an intersection of domains is a fruitful way to advance the field of interphonology.
On maximal functions for Mikhlin–Hörmander multipliers

Given Mikhlin?Hormander multipliers , with uniform estimates we prove an optimal bound in Lp for the maximal function and related bounds for maximal functions generated by dilations. These improve the results in [M. Christ, L. Grafakos, P. Honzik, A. Seeger, Maximal functions associated with multipliers of Mikhlin?Hormander type, Math. Z. 249 (2005) 223?240].
Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Concurrent Analysis of Sucrose Polyester, Vitamin A Palmitate, and β-Carotene in Margarine

Abstract A liquid chromatographic method is described for the concurrent analysis of sucrose polyester (SPE), vitamin A and β-carotene in margarine. The SPE and vitamins are separated from the acylglycerol by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The GPC system is equipped with a refractive index and ultraviolet (UV) detector (313 nm) to monitor the peak elution. Following collection, the vitamins and SPE are analyzed by C-18 reverse phase chromatography. A ternary gradient of acetonitrile, methylene chloride and isopropanol with evaporative light scattering detection is used for SPE analysis. Vitamin A and s-carotene are quantitated after isocratic elution with acetonitrile/methylene chloride/methanol (700/300/2, v/v/v) as mobile phase and detection at 313 nm and 436 nm, respectively. Well resolved, interference free chromatograms were obtained for each analyte.
Ordered silicon nanocavity arrays in surface-assisted desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

We report here a simple method to generate ordered nanocavity arrays on a Si wafer and use it in surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). A close-packed SiO2 nanosphere array was first deposited on a low-resistivity Si wafer using a convective self-assembly method. The nanoparticle array was then used as a mask in a reactive ion etching (RIE) process to selectively remove portions of the Si surface. Subsequent sonication removed those physically adsorbed SiO2 nanoparticles and exposed an ordered nanocavity array underneath. The importance of this approach is its capability of systematically varying surface geometries to achieve desired features, which makes detailed studies of the impacts of surface features on the desorption/ionization mechanism feasible. We demonstrated that the in-plane width and out-of-plane depth of the cavities were adjustable by varying etching times, and the intercavity spacing was controllable by varying the number of particle layers deposited. M...
A Condensation Type Porometer for Field Use

A double cup transpiration porometer is described which simultaneously measures the resistance to water vapor diffusion from the upper and lower epidermises of a leaf. In use the cups are dried, the porometer is clamped on the leaf, and the transit time required for water vapor to condense on a cold (0 C) reflective surface in each cup is recorded. Since the sensing element remains at constant temperature, only transit time and leaf temperature are required to calculate leaf resistance.
Calendar time trends of the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus mortality in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania

This study applied a Cox proportional hazard model to investigate the calendar time trends of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) mortality. The study population was the IDDM patients who were diagnosed in the period 1965-1979, less than or equal to 19 years of age at diagnosis, and were residents of Allegheny County, PA. The mortality follow-up for each individual was recorded from the diagnosis of IDDM and till 31 December 1990. There were 999 individuals in this study, and 68 deaths (6.8%) occurred during this 26-year investigation period. Overall, for the patients with the same IDDM duration, non-whites were 1.7 times more likely to die than white group; female IDDM patients had a higher risk of death than male IDDM patients (1.27:1); and the risk of mortality increased as the age at diagnosis increased. When controlling for the gender, ethnic groups and age at onset effect, the risk of dying in different calendar years appeared to be a quadratic form. The highest mortality appeared in the late 60's, and the lowest was in the period of 1975-1979. Disappointingly the mortality has begun to rise again in the latest time frame.
Genetic analysis of the gravitropic set-point angle in lateral roots of Arabidopsis

Research on gravity responses in plants has mostly focused on primary roots and shoots, which typically orient to a vertical orientation. However, the distribution of lateral organs and their characteristically non-vertical growth orientation are critical for the determination of plant form. For example, in Arabidopsis, when lateral roots emerge from the primary root, they grow at a nearly horizontal orientation. As they elongate, the roots slowly curve until they eventually reach a vertical orientation. The regulation of this lateral root orientation is an important component affecting overall root system architecture. We found that this change in orientation is not simply due to the onset of gravitropic competence, as non-vertical lateral roots are capable of both positive and negative gravitropism. Thus, the horizontal growth of new lateral roots appears to be determined by what is called the gravitropic set-point angle (GSA). This developmental control of the GSA of lateral roots in Arabidopsis provides a useful system for investigating the components involved in regulating gravitropic responses. Using this system, we have identified several Arabidopsis mutants that have altered lateral root orientations but maintain normal primary root orientation. c2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The viscoelastic responses of the human cervical spine in torsion: Experimental limitations of quasi-linear theory, and a method for reducing these effects

Abstract The dynamic torsional viscoelastic responses of the human cadaver cervical spine were measured in vitro. The quasi-linear formulation of time dependent behavior was used to describe and predict the resultant torque as a function of applied angular deflection and time. The performance of the quasi-linear model was good, reaching correlation at the 99% confidence level; however, it tended to underestimate hysteresis energy (mean relative deviation = − 19.1%) and observed stiffness. This was in part due to difficulties in establishing the physical constants of the quasi-linear model from finite rate relaxation testing. An extrapolation deconvolution technique to enhance the experimentally derived constants was developed, to reduce the detrimental effects of finite rate testing. The quasi-linear model based on this enhanced derivation showed improved predictive ability and hysteresis energy determination.
Precociously germinating rapeseed embryos retain characteristics of embryogeny

We compared the germination of Brassica napus L. embryos at three stages of development-mid-cotyledon, maturation and mature dry-to determine at which stage they acquired the capacity for normal germination and seedling development. Embryos were removed from the seed and cultured on hormone-free medium, allowing them to germinate. The transition from embryogeny to germination was monitored both morphologically and biochemically, using synthesis of 12 S storage protein as a marker of embryogeny. The mature embryos (dry seeds) set the standard for normal seedling development: radicle emergence, hypocotyl extension and cotyledon expansion occurred within 2 d and true leaves were formed within a week of germination. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis indicated that the storage proteins in seedlings from mature dry embryos were completely degraded within a week. In contrast, the midcotyledon-stage embryos appeared to germinate abnormally, retaining many embryonic characteristics. Although the roots emerged, the hypocotyls did not elongate and secondary cotyledons instead of leaves were formed at the shoot apex. Also, the seedlings continued to synthesize and accumulate storage proteins. The maturation-stage embryos did develop into normal-looking seedlings, but complete degradation of storage proteins required several weeks, presumably reflecting continued synthesis and turnover. We conclude that embryogenic and germination-specific processes can occur concurrently and that the capacity to develop as normal seedlings is acquired gradually during the maturation process.
The conflicts of postmodern and traditional epistemologies in curricular reform: A dialogue

A radical opponent of Western higher education asserts that its pedagogy and content depend on belief in objective truth and knowledge. This epistemology and education are attacked as exclusive and domineering toward women, minorities, and non-Westerners. The critic puts forward a pragmatist epistemology, leading to multi-cultural education aimed at social criticism and personal autonomy. The critic's dialogue with a defender of traditional epistemological ideas provides a critical introduction to the claims justifying many radical criticisms of Western curricula and pedagogy.
Components of Typical Undergraduate Software Engineering Courses: Results from a Survey

A survey of undergraduate software engineering courses was conducted. The survey covered the issues of course level, course content, course organization, project characteristics, and department demographics. The descriptive statistics show that the typical course focuses on the software development life cycle and includes a project intended for actual use. The project is carried out by teams of students, with student leaders. A factor analysis disclosed that three different sorts of courses are currently being offered. The most predominant course is the Later-Life Cycle course, which focuses on the later stages of the software life cycle. Detailed design, coding, testing, and maintenance receive in-depth coverage in this style of course, and the student's grades are heavily dependent upon the project. The Early-Life-Cycle course emphasizes requirements analysis, specification, and system design. Written reports are an important component of this course, and the project is again a large portion of the students' grades. The third style of course is the Theoretical-Issues course. Software metrics, project management, and legal and ethical issues are covered. The students are upper level, and they use journal articles as a source of materials. The issues of suitable textbooks and sources of materials and training for teaching user-interface design surfaced as problem areas.
Physicians' perceptions of minimum time that should be saved to move a surgical case from one operating room to another: internet-based survey of the membership of the Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors (AACD).

Abstract Study objective Moving the last case of the day from one operating room (OR) to another OR can increase OR efficiency. However, there is a penalty cost for moving a case. The goal of the study was to measure perceptions of the minimum time that needs to be saved for it to be worthwhile to move a case from a late-running OR to another OR. Design Internet-based survey of the Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors (AACD) and/or attendees at one of its courses. As subjects completed the computer-assisted survey, answers to test questions were checked immediately to ensure respondents understood the relevant concepts. Measurements Respondents were asked to complete the statement: “I would move the case if I would expect to save ____ hours of overutilized OR time.” Main results 234 E-mail invitations to complete the survey were transmitted. Of that number, 87 completed surveys were returned. Respondents were physicians, mostly from the United States. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of the penalty cost were 1.0 hour of overutilized OR time. The 95% confidence intervals were 0.5 to 1.0 hour for the 25th percentile, 1.0 to 1.0 hour for the 50th percentile, and 1.0 to 2.0 hours for the 75th percentile. There was no significant correlation between the penalty cost and the number of ORs at the respondent’s facility, number of times the survey was submitted until it was completed correctly, or total number of errors in responses. Conclusions Members of the AACD perceive the penalty cost for moving a case to be 1 hour.
Clinical Trial Designs for Prospective Validation of Biomarkers

Traditionally, anatomic staging systems have been used to determine predictions of individual patient outcome and, to a lesser extent, guide the choice of treatment in patients with cancer. With new targeted therapies, the role of biomarkers is increasingly promising, suggesting an integrated approach using the genetic make-up of the tumor and the genotype of the patient for treatment selection and patient management. Specifically, biomarkers can aid in patient stratification (risk assessment), treatment response identification (surrogate markers), or in differential diagnosis (identifying individuals who are likely to respond to specific drugs). To be clinically useful, a marker must favorably affect clinical outcomes such as decreased toxicity, increased overall and/or disease-free survival, or improved quality of life. This paper focuses on possible clinical trial designs for assessing the utility of a predictive marker(s) for toxicity or clinical efficacy. We consider the scenario of single and multiple markers as well as present alternative solutions based on the prevalence of a marker. Our designs rest on the assumption that the methods for assessment of the biomarker are established and the initial results show promise with regard to the predictive ability of a marker. Additional research is clearly warranted to achieve the goal of 'predictive oncology'.
The functional heterogeneity of murine-resident macrophages to a chemotactic signal and induction of C3b-receptor-mediated ingestion.

Abstract Peritoneal macrophages (MO) were derived from unstimulated Balb/c mice and separated into distinct subpopulations based on their buoyant densities on discontinuous gradients of Percoll. They were assayed for their relative capacities to migrate toward a chemotactic stimulant and to be induced, in vitro, to express C3b-receptor-mediated ingestion. Functional heterogeneity was demonstrated in both chemotactic responsiveness and in the induction of ingestion activity; two subpopulations representative of approximately 50% of the peritoneal MO were both quantitatively more responsive to a chemotactic stimulus and to the induction of ingestion activity. Upon cultivation of the MO for up to 4 days an initially unresponsive subpopulation (i.e. to the induction signal for ingestion) acquired the capacity to respond to the signal for the induction of C3b-coated erythrocytes, whereas a fourth subpopulation remained unresponsive. These findings suggest that among a population of unstimulated MO there may exist subpopulations in different states of differentiation.
Candidate Growth Regulating Genes in Late Gestation Fetal Rat Hepatocytes (FH): Identification by Subtractive Hybridization (SH)

Candidate Growth Regulating Genes in Late Gestation Fetal Rat Hepatocytes (FH): Identification by Subtractive Hybridization (SH)
Synthesis of a pyrrolone‐type polymer containing anthraquinone units in molten antimony trichloride

1,2,5,6-Tetraaminoanthraquinone and 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride react in molten antimony trichloride to give a soluble polypyrrolone structure with an inherent viscosity of 0.4–0.7. Polymers having the viscosity of 0.7 can be wetspun into fibers from molten antimony trichloride or from methanesulfonic acid; also the polymer can be reduced with sodium dithionite in alkaline aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide to give a viscous solution which can be spun into brittle fibers.
Social and emotional neuroscience.

Emotions and social behavior are intimately related: the former motivate the latter, and much of social communication overlaps with emotional expression, as Darwin already noted. The reviews in this issue highlight the fact that their neural substrates also show considerable overlap. While doing so, they raise a series of important questions than can serve to organize the diverse contributions in this issue, questions that spring from the diversity of species examined and methods.
Vacancy concentrations in the B2 intermetallic phase PdIn at 900°C

Abstract X-ray and bulk densities of PdIn were determined. These measurements were made at room temperature on samples annealed at 900°C and quenched in water/ice mixtures. On the basis of these measurements, the vacancy concentrations in this intermetallic phase were obtained. These data can be described quantitatively by a thermodynamic model derived from the existence of triple-defects in the lattice. The vacancy data show that the predominant point defects in PdIn are not of the Schottky type as reported in a recent publication. However, they are consistent with the triple-defect type which exists in many similar intermetallic phases such as NiAl.
New method for extending the diffraction pattern from protein crystals and preventing their radiation damage.

A CONSIDERABLE problem hampering the analysis of protein crystal structures has been the damage caused to the crystals by the X-ray beam. Another limiting factor has been the resolution in the diffraction pattern. To increase the useful life of a protein crystal in the X-ray beam1, single crystal monochromators and low temperatures have been used. We now report that styrene and other vinyl monomers can decrease the radiation damage of the crystal in the X-ray beam by a factor of as much as 10, and extend the diffraction pattern so that higher angle reflections can be measured.
The polylogarithm in algebraic number fields

Abstract Based on Kummer's 2-variable functional equations for the second through fifth orders of the polylogarithm function, certain linear combinations, with rational coefficients, of polylogarithms of powers of an algebraic base were discovered to possess significant mathematical properties. These combinations are designated “ladders,” and it is here proved that the ladder structure is invariant with order when the order is decreased from its permissible maximum value for the corresponding ladder. In view of Wechsung's demonstration that the functions of sixth and higher orders possess no functional equations of Kummer's type, this analytical proof is currently limited to a maximum of the fifth order. The invariance property does not necessarily persist in reverse—increasing the order need not produce a valid ladder with rational coefficients. Nevertheless, quite a number of low-order ladders do lend themselves to such extension, with the needed additional rational coefficients being determined by numerical computation. With sufficient accuracy there is never any doubt as to the rational character of the numbers ensuing from this process. This method of extrapolation to higher orders has led to many quite new results; although at this time completely lacking any analytical proof. Even more astonishing, in view of Wechsung's theorem mentioned above, is the fact that in some cases the ladders can be validly extended beyond the fifth order. This has led to the first-ever results for polylogarithms of order six through nine. A meticulous attention to the finer points in the formulas was necessary to achieve these results; and a number of conjectural rules for extrapolating ladders in this way has emerged from this study. Although it is known that the polylogarithm does not possess any relations of a polynomial character with rational coefficients between the different orders, such relations do exist for some of the ladder structures. A number of examples are given, together with a representative sample of ladders of both the analytical and numerically-verified types. The significance of these new and striking results is not clear, but they strongly suggest that polylogarithmic functional equations, of a more far-reaching character than those currently known, await discovery; probably up to at least the ninth order.
Reachability analysis in large probabilistic biological networks

Extra-cellular molecules trigger a response inside the cell by initiating a signal at special membrane receptors (i.e., sources), which is then transmitted to reporters (i.e., targets) through various chains of interactions among proteins. Understanding whether such a signal can reach from membrane receptors to reporters is essential in studying the cell response to extra-cellular events. This problem is drastically complicated due to the unreliability of the interaction data. In this paper, we develop a novel method, called PReach (Probabilistic Reachability), that precisely computes the probability that a signal can reach from a given collection of receptors to a given collection of reporters when the underlying signaling network is uncertain. This is a very difficult computational problem with no known polynomial-time solution. PReach represents each uncertain interaction as a bi-variate polynomial. It transforms the reachability problem to a polynomial multiplication problem. We introduce novel polynomial collapsing operators that associate polynomial terms with possible paths between sources and targets as well as the cuts that separate sources from targets. These operators significantly shrink the number of polynomial terms and thus the running time. PReach has much better time complexity than the recent solutions for this problem. Our experimental results on real data sets demonstrate that this improvement leads to orders of magnitude of reduction in the running time over the most recent methods. Availability: All the data sets used, the software implemented and the alignments found in this paper are available at http://bioinformatics.cise.ufl.edu/PReach/.
The relation of HIV testing and treatment to identity formation in Zambia.

Why would many Zambians be reluctant to access lifesaving antiretroviral treatment? Does the process of accessing an HIV test in Zambia promote an identity that can change individuals' livelihood strategies? What happens to individuals when people access treatment? Voluntary testing and treatment centres and the HIV-prevention programmes that support them have come to embody explicit messages about ‘health,’ ‘progress,’ ‘civilisation’ and ‘modernity,’ and through this they compel individuals to take on a particular identity. In Zambia the pursuit of HIV testing and biomedical treatment forces individuals to locate themselves somewhat differently in relation to community support structures, placing their faith in the future on an uneasy foundation of a ‘modern’ identity. This is embodied in the deep-rooted suspicion that many Zambians have toward the international HIV/AIDS-response sector from which HIV and AIDS treatment programmes are derived. Drawing upon the notion of ‘therapeutic citizenship’ I examin...
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Transition from childhood to adulthood

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders caused by inborn errors of steroid metabolism. The most common form owing to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH-21OHD) is present in about 1:10,000–1:15,000 live births worldwide. In its classic salt-wasting form (∼66–75% of cases) patients may suffer potentially lethal adrenal insufficiency. Non-saltwasting forms of CAH-21OHD are recognized by genital ambiguity in affected females, and by signs of androgen excess in later childhood in males. Non-classic CAH-21OHD may be detected in up to 1–3% of certain populations, and is often mistaken for idiopathic precocious pubarche in children or polycystic ovary syndrome in young women. This chapter will address issues relating to transition of CAH care from the pediatric to the adult endocrinologist.
Glycogen utilization in isolated frog muscle: an effect of passive mechanical stretch.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of passive mechanical stretch on glycogen utilization and total protein maintenance in paired sartorii muscles from small male frogs has been investigated, in vitro. 2. 2. Glycogen content of stretched muscles decreased 72.6% over a 24-hr incubation period, compared to a 23.1% decline in unstretched control muscles. 3. 3. Stretched muscles retained 54.7% of their total protein content over a 24-hr period, compared to 38.4% in the unstretched control muscles. 4. 4. Unstretched muscles demonstrated a significant (11.1%) increase in wet weight following 24 hr of incubation, presumably due to increased water retention. There were no significant changes in the wet wts of stretched muscles.
Synthetic Strategies for Tailoring the Physicochemical and Magnetic Properties of Hydrophobic Magnetic Ionic Liquids

Magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) are a subclass of ionic liquids (ILs) containing paramagnetic components and are readily manipulated by an external magnetic field. Due to their hydrophilic nature, very few applications of MILs in aqueous systems have been reported. In this study, three general classes of hydrophobic MILs including monocationic, symmetrical/unsymmetrical dicationic, and symmetrical/unsymmetrical tricationic MILs were synthesized and characterized. By tuning the structure of the MIL, various physicochemical properties including water solubility, magnetic susceptibility, and melting point were regulated. MILs synthesized with the benzimidazolium cation were shown to exhibit lower water solubility (0.1% (w/v)) when compared to those containing imidazolium cations (0.25% (w/v)). By incorporating asymmetry into the cationic component of the MIL, the melting point of dicationic MILs was lowered while the effective magnetic moment (μeff) and hydrophobicity remained unchanged. Tricationic MILs paire...
The current threat to protective services and the child welfare system

Abstract This article describes the Personal Responsibility Act (HR 4) as passed by the United States House of Representatives and considered by the Senate. Unless HR 4 is radically altered the potential effects for child protection and the entire child welfare system could be catastrophic. The demands for child welfare services are predicated to increases, while, at the same time, the existing resources and service quality control mechanisms will be drastically diminished.
The economics of crowd out under mixed public/private health insurance

It is well known that public insurance sometimes crowds out private insurance. Yet, the economic theory of crowd out has remained unstudied. Here, I show that crowd out causes two countervailing effects: (a) the intensive margin effect-since high demanders are crowded out, the private market now has a larger proportion of low demanders on the intensive margin (The intensive margin are those who have already bought private insurance), and so will drop quality to lower the price to the low demanders’ liking; and (b) the extensive margin effect-before the public insurance expansion, the private sector had lowered quality to make insurance more affordable at the extensive margin (The extensive margin is the next group of people who would buy private insurance if the price decreased), but now that public insurance crowds out the extensive margin, quality can then be raised back up to the high demanders’ liking. If the extensive margin effect dominates, then a new phenomenon of push out occurs, in which crowd out causes the private sector to raise quality and to increase the number of uninsured low demanders not eligible for public insurance. If the intensive margin effect dominates, then crowd out will cause the private sector to lower quality, causing the phenomenon of crowd-in, in which the number of uninsured low demanders that take-up private insurance increases. These two countervailing effects have important implications for any government policy that desires to eradicate all uninsurance. First, if push out is dominant, then the private sector will respond to the public insurance by pushing out and leaving some people newly uninsured. If crowd-in is dominant, then all people can be insured and the government can do it at a lower-than-anticipated level of expansion due to the private sector crowding in.
TeamBox: an exploration of collaborative interoperability

Given that teams will tend to use a combination of generic groupware and individual applications, there is a need to address issues of interoperability. However, traditional system interoperability that focuses on making data and applications more accessible may not suffice. In collaborative work, the creating and acting on knowledge is inter-related. Collaborative interoperability should support the sharing and coordination of the knowledge represented by the relationships and context of the data. The requirements and dimensions of collaborative interoperability are outlined. The concept of a “collaborative transaction” is proposed as a knowledge representation and coordination scheme. The TeamBox design architecture is introduced. The feasibility of the architecture is illustrated by the description of a working prototype.
Acceleration effects in slow ion-atom collisions from a first-principles dynamics

Slow ion-atom collisions can be described within a first-principles molecular dynamics based on eikonol wave functions for the nuclei and the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) approximation for electrons that self-consistently couples the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom. By expanding the molecular orbitals in traveling atomic orbitals containing electron translation factors, it is possible to eliminate spurious couplings between same-center orbitals at asymptotic distances, and this generates a term in the density matrix equations proportional to the nuclear accelerations. The authors examine the effect of this acceleration term on Loewdin atomic populations for H{sup +} + H(1s) and He{sup 2+} + H(1s) collisions, for varying collision energies and impact parameters. They find significant increases in atomic populations for an intermediate range of energies going from several tens to several hundreds of electron volts, and for low impact parameters, in the case of the H{sup +} + H(1s) collision.
Exponential lower bounds to solutions of the Schrödinger equation: lower bounds for the spherical average

For a large class of generalizedN-body-Schrodinger operators,H, we show that ifE<Σ=infσess(H) and ψ is an eigenfunction ofH with eigenvalueE, then $$\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\lim } \\ {R \to \infty } \\ \end{array} R^{ - 1} \ln \left( {\int\limits_{S^{n - 1} } {|\psi (R\omega )|} ^2 d\omega } \right)^{1/2} = - \alpha _0 ,$$ with α 0 2 +E a threshold. Similar results are given forE≧Σ.