cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic efficacy of a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B (AmBisome) against murine blastomycosis

The efficacy of a liposomal amphotericin B preparation (AmBisome) and a deoxycholate suspension (Fungizone) were compared in a pulmonary model of murine blastomycosis. Male, four-week-old CD-1 mice were infected intranasally with 19,400 or 27,450 cfu of viable Blastomyces dermatitidis yeasts and intravenous therapy begun 4 days later. Groups of ten mice were given various dosages of Fungizone or AmBisome or were untreated. All treatments were given 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Deaths were recorded over 49 days and the number of viable yeasts in the lungs of survivors quantitated by viable counting. Therapy with 1.0 mg/kg/dose of Fungizone or 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.5 or 20.0 mg/kg/dose of AmBisome were equivalent and prolonged survival over controls and lower dosages of each drug. No acute or chronic toxicities were observed with any regimen. Quantitation of residual numbers of yeasts in the lung showed that 70-100% of mice given 7.5 mg/kg or greater of AmBisome were free of infection and were superior to other regimens. At equivalent 1.0 mg/kg dosages Fungizone was superior to AmBisome. Although AmBisome was three-fold less active than Fungizone on a dosage basis, higher curative doses could be given that were not toxic. These data indicate that AmBisome should be further tested in other models and in clinical trials.
Pressure-sensitive and -insensitive coupling in γ-aminobutyric acida receptors

Rationale: Previous behavioral and biochemical studies suggest that allosteric coupling processes initiated by benzodiazepines, barbiturates and neuroactive steroids can be sub-categorized on the basis of their sensitivities to antagonism by increased atmospheric pressure. However, biochemical evidence supporting this hypothesis was limited to single concentration studies in long sleep (LS) mice. Objective: The present paper addresses these issues by extending biochemical investigation of pressure effects on allosteric modulators across a range of concentrations that allosterically enhance γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor function and alter behavior using two mouse genotypes. In addition, the effects of pressure on ligand binding were explored to further investigate the mechanism of pressure antagonism of allosteric modulation. Methods: The effects of 12 times normal atmospheric pressure (ATA) of helium-oxygen gas (heliox) on allosteric modulation of GABAA receptor function and [3H]flunitrazepam binding was tested in LS and C57BL mouse brain membranes (microsacs) using chloride flux and high-affinity binding assays. Results: In both genotypes, exposure to 12 ATA heliox antagonized the allosteric enhancement of GABAA receptor function by flunitrazepam (0.1–10 µM) and pentobarbital (0.1–50 µM) but did not affect allosteric modulation by 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (0.1–1 µM). Pressure did not affect benzodiazepine receptor affinity (Kd) or the number of benzodiazepine receptors (Bmax). Conclusions: The results: (1) confirm that there are differences in sensitivity to pressure antagonism of allosteric coupling among GABAA allosteric modulators; (2) demonstrate that these differences are not concentration or genotype dependent; (3) add evidence that pressure antagonizes allosteric modulation by uncoupling the receptor and (4) support the hypothesis that allosteric modulation of receptor function can be sub-categorized on the basis of sensitivity to pressure antagonism.
A method of improving position resolution obtained from delay-line readouts of MWPC

Abstract The nearly linear dependence of pulse height and rise time on the distance a pulse travels along delay-line readouts of multiwire proportional chambers is shown to be useful for improving the position resolution obtainable from such chambers.
Tonsils and adenoids: Why the dilemma?

Abstract Enlarged tonsils and adenoids have been implicated in dentofacial development and in the developing facial configuration. The growth pattern and the role of these lymphoid tissues are controversial, as are the benefits to be gained by their surgical removal. The diagnosis of enlarged tonsils and adenoids and of mouth breathing is not based on well-defined criteria.
Mining navigation history for recommendation

Although a user's navigation history contains a lot of hidden information about the relationship between web pages and between users, this information is usually not exploited. The information hidden in the history can be an invaluable source of knowledge in assisting a user to better surf the Web. We presented a system which actively monitors and tracks a user's navigation. Once a user's navigation history is captured, we apply data mining techniques to discover the hidden knowledge contained in the history. The knowledge is then used to suggest potentially interesting web pages to users.
Variability Common to Global Sea Surface Temperatures and Runoff in the Conterminous United States

AbstractSingular value decomposition (SVD) is used to identify the variability common to global sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and water-balance-modeled water-year (WY) runoff in the conterminous United States (CONUS) for the 1900–2012 period. Two modes were identified from the SVD analysis; the two modes explain 25% of the variability in WY runoff and 33% of the variability in WY SSTs. The first SVD mode reflects the variability of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the SST data and the hydroclimatic effects of ENSO on WY runoff in the CONUS. The second SVD mode is related to variability of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). An interesting aspect of these results is that both ENSO and AMO appear to have nearly equivalent effects on runoff variability in the CONUS. However, the relatively small amount of variance explained by the SVD analysis indicates that there is little covariation between runoff and SSTs, suggesting that SSTs may not be a viable predictor of runoff variability for m...
Selfish Stem Cells Compete with Each Other

Stem cell interactions with their niche have been well documented; however, the influences of stem cells on one another are rarely addressed. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Jin et al. (2008) demonstrate that stem cells compete for niche occupancy, ultimately leading to the domination of one stem cell population over time.
Structural studies of a novel exopolysaccharide produced by a mutant of Rhizobium meliloti strain Rm1021.

Abstract The structure of a novel expolysaccharide obtained from a mutant of Rhizobium meliloti strain Rm1021 was elucidated by a combination of enzymic, chemical, and spectroscopic methods. The polysaccharide is composed of a disaccharide repeating-unit, β- d -Glc p -(1→3)-α- d -Gal p -(1→3), having a 6- O -acetyl group attached to most d -glucose residues and a 4,6- O -(1-carboxyethylidene) group attached to every d -galactose residue.
A Computer Program for Clustering Large Matrices.

A FORTRAN V computer program was derived for the Univac 1100 Series Computer for clustering into hierarchical structures large matrices, up to 1000 × 1000 and larger, of interassociations between objects.A description of the method, input medium and format, program options, output, and program size is provided. Estimating run time parameters are elaborated using test matrices of various sizes.
The Effects of Mathematics Background on Student Learning in Principles of Economics

Abstract Data from two sections of principles of economics at the University of South Carolina during the Spring semester of 1995 were employed to test conflicting results in the literature regarding the effect of math background on learning. Two measures of math background and an expanded list of explanatory variables were used. After controlling for SAT scores and GPA, among other variables, we found no significant effects of math background on learning in principles of economics.
Morphology and three-dimensional structure of ferrite formed below the bay in an Fe–C–W alloy

Abstract Degenerate ferrite grown below the bay in an Fe–C–W alloy was serially sectioned and reconstructed in a computer to examine its 3D structure. The 3D reconstruction revealed the true shape, orientation and connectivity of ferrite subunits, highlighting the misleading appearance that 2D sections can sometimes give.
Thermodynamic roles of basic amino acids in statherin recognition of hydroxyapatite

Salivary statherin is a highly acidic, 43 amino acid residue protein that functions as an inhibitor of primary and secondary crystallization of the biomineral hydroxyapatite. The acidic domain at the N-terminus was previously shown to be important in the binding of statherin to hydroxyapatite surfaces. This acidic segment is followed by a basic segment whose role is unclear. In this study, the role of the basic amino acids in the hydroxyapatite adsorption thermodynamics has been determined using isothermal titration calorimetry and equilibrium adsorption isotherm analysis. Single point mutations of the basic side chains to alanine lowered the binding affinity to the surface but did not perturb the maximal surface coverage and the adsorption enthalpy. The structural and dynamic properties of the single point mutants as characterized by solid-state NMR techniques were not altered either. Simultaneous replacement of all four basic amino acids with alanine lowered the adsorption equilibrium constant by 5-fold and the maximal surface coverage by nearly 2-fold. The initial exothermic phase of adsorption exhibited by native statherin is preserved in this mutant, along with the alpha-helical structure and the dynamic properties of the N-terminal domain. These results help to refine the two binding site model of statherin adsorption proposed earlier in our study of wild-type statherin (Goobes, R., Goobes, G., Campbell, C.T., and Stayton, P.S. (2006) Biochemistry 45, 5576-5586). The basic charges function to reduce protein-protein charge repulsion on the HAP surface, and in their absence, there is a considerable decrease in statherin packing density on the surface at binding saturation.
IL-10 signaling blockade controls murine West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne single-stranded RNA flavivirus, can cause significant human morbidity and mortality. Our data show that interleukin-10 (IL-10) is dramatically elevated both in vitro and in vivo following WNV infection. Consistent with an etiologic role of IL-10 in WNV pathogenesis, we find that WNV infection is markedly diminished in IL-10 deficient (IL-10−/−) mice, and pharmacologic blockade of IL-10 signaling by IL-10 neutralizing antibody increases survival of WNV-infected mice. Increased production of antiviral cytokines in IL-10−/− mice is associated with more efficient control of WNV infection. Moreover, CD4+ T cells produce copious amounts of IL-10, and may be an important cellular source of IL-10 during WNV infection in vivo. In conclusion, IL-10 signaling plays a negative role in immunity against WNV infection, and blockade of IL-10 signaling by genetic or pharmacologic means helps to control viral infection, suggesting a novel anti-WNV therapeutic strategy.
Partial control and learned helplessness in rats: Control over shock intensity prevents interference with subsequent escape

The effect upon subsequent escape acquisition of control over shock intensity in the absence of control over other shock characteristics was examined. Pretreatment involved random shocks of 1.6 and .75 mA at a density of about 10/min. The experimental group could avoid the higher shock intensity if they leverpressed at least once every 15 sec. Yoked and no-shock rats completed the triadic design. Experimental and yoked animals received all scheduled shocks. Triads were later tested for FR 2 shuttlebox escape at either the .75 mA (low) or 1.6 mA (high) intensity. During testing, avoidance rats performed as well as no-shock rats at the low intensity and escaped even more rapidly at the high intensity. Yoked rats showed interference at both intensities, with interference very marked, including many failures to escape, at the low intensity. These findings indicate that control over shock intensity, by itself, is sufficient to prevent learned helplessness and suggest that control over any salient characteristic of shock may be sufficient for immunization.
Energy levels in even actinide isotopes from (t,p) reactions

Abstract Energy levels in 232, 234 Th, 236, 238, 240 U and in 250 Cm have been measured using the (t, p) reaction. Angular distributions were obtained for the 234, 238 U targets and evidence for second order effects in the direct reaction mechanism was found.
Optimization of real conjunctive queries

The optimization problem for conjunctive queries has been studied extensively. Unfortunately, this research almost invariably assumes set-theoretic semantics (i.e., duplicates are eliminated). In contrast, SQL queries have bag-theoretic semantics (i.e., in general duplicates are not eliminated). In this paper we study the optimization problems for conjunct ive queries under bagtheoretic semantics. We show that optimization techniques from the set-theoretic setting do not carry over to the bag-theoretic setting.
Microstructural failure modes in three-phase glass syntactic foams

Samples of syntactic foam containing hollow glass microspheres of 0.108 and 0.253 g/cm3 tap densities, some with a silane surface treatment, were subjected to different stress states and examined for failure modes. All foams contained the same volume fraction of APO-BMI, a bismaleimide resin binder. The samples were tested in compression and in three-point bend, and mechanical properties were compared between the various foams. Microsphere strength had a strong effect on overall uniaxial compressive strength with interface strength playing a secondary, yet significant role. In three-point bending, the role of the interface was much more critical. Cross sections of the compression test samples were examined by optical microscopy, and fracture surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
Why is there an "inert" metal center in the active site of nitrile hydratase? Reactivity and ligand dissociation from a five-coordinate Co(III) nitrile hydratase model.

To determine how a substitutionally inert metal can play a catalytic role in the metalloenzyme nitrile hydratase (NHase), a reactive five-coordinate Co III thiolate complex ((Co III (S2 Me2 N3(Pr,Pr)))(PF6 )( 1)) that resembles the active site of cobalt containing nitrile hydratase (Co NHase) was prepared. This was screened for reactivity, by using low-temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy, toward a number of biologically relevant "substrates". It was determined 1 will react with azide, thiocyanate, and ammonia, but is unreactive toward nitriles, NO, and butyrate. Substrate-bound 1 has similar spectroscopic and structural properties as (Co III (ADIT2))(PF6 )( 2). Complex 2 is a six-coordinate Co III complex containing cis-thiolates and imine nitrogens, and has properties similar to the cobalt center of Co NHase. Substrate binding to 1 is reversible and temperature- dependent, allowing for the determination of the thermodynamic parameters of azide and thiocyanate binding and the rates of ligand dissociation. Azide and thiocyanate bind trans to a thiolate, and with similar entropies and enthalpies (thiocyanate: ¢H )- 7.5 ( 1.1 kcal/mol, ¢S )- 17.2 ( 3.2 eu; azide: ¢H )- 6.5 ( 1.0 kcal/mol, ¢S )- 12.6 ( 2.4 eu). The rates of azide and thiocyanate displacement from the metal center are also comparable to one another (kd ) (7.22 ( 0.04) 10 -1 s -1 for thiocyanate and kd ) (2.14 ( 0.50) 10 -2 s -1 for azide), and are considerably faster than one would expect for a low-spin d 6 six-coordinate Co III complex. These rates are comparable to those of an analogous Fe(III) complex, demonstrating that Co(III) and Fe(III) react at comparable rates when in this ligand environment. This study therefore indicates that ligand displacement from a low-spin Co III center in a ligand environment that resembles NHase is not prohibitivly slow so as to disallow catalytic action in nonredox active cobalt metalloenzymes.
Cloning and characterization of a gene encoding an actin-related protein in Chlamydomonas.

Abstract The genomic sequence of an actin-related gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of this gene shares a 63.9% identity with that of a recently reported conventional actin-encoding gene in C. reinhardtii. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the product of this actin-related gene does not fit into conventional actin or any major actin-related protein categories. The actin-related gene in C. reinhardtii contains seven introns in the coding region and, as described for the conventional actin gene, it contains several sequences similar to the `tub box' sequence motif in its 5′-upstream region. Southern blot analysis of the gene shows a hybridization pattern different from that of the conventional actin gene, indicating that these genes are distinct from one another. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA shows the messages of the two genes to be very similar in size, yet the message level of the actin-related gene is significantly lower than that of the conventional actin gene.
Do medical homes reduce disparities in receipt of preventive services between children living in immigrant and non-immigrant families?

The patient-centered medical home model has the potential to reduce healthcare disparities among immigrant children. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between medical home (MH) participation and receipt of preventive services among immigrant children age 0–17. The study employed extant data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, 2007 (NSCH). Logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between receipt of preventive services and MH status among immigrant and non-immigrant children. Due to primarily the lack of family-centered care, only 40% of immigrant children met the medical home criteria versus approximately 62% of non-immigrant children. Immigrant children have decreased odds of receiving preventive care despite MH status. Improving the family-centered care aspect of the MH is necessary to increasing medical home access to immigrant children and the receipt of preventive services for immigrant children who meet the MH criteria.
Iron(II)/hydroperoxide (fenton reagent)-induced activation of dioxygen for (A) the direct ketonization of methylenic carbon and (B) the dioxygenation of cis-stilbene

Abstract Several iron complexes [Fe II (PA) 2 (PA = picolinate), Fe II (bpy) 2 2+ , Fe II (OPPh 3 ) 4 2+ , Fe II (MeCN) 4 2+ , (Cl 8 TPP)Fe II (py) 2 (Cl 8 TPP = tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin), and Fe III Cl 3 ] in combination with R′OOH (R′=H, t -Bu) catalytically acuvate O 2 to oxygenate hydrocarbons “e.g., c -C 6 H 12 → c C 6 H 10 (O) [9 O 2 turnovers per Fe II (PA) 2 or Fe II (bpy) 2 2+ , and 13 per (Cl 8 TPP)-Fe II (py) 2 ]; PhCH 2 CH 3 →PhC(O)CH 3 (up to 25 O 2 turnovers per Fe II L x ); c -C 6 H 10 → c -C 6 H 8 (O) (up to 9 O 2 turnovers per Fe II L x ); PhCH(Me) 2 →PhC(O)Me, Ph(Me) 2 COH, and Ph(Me)C=CH 2 (up to 5 O 2 turnovers per Fe II L x ); and cis -PhCH=CHPh→2PhCH(O) (up to 2 O 2 turnovers per FeL x )”. With large R:OOH/FeL x ratios spontaneous decomposition occurs to give free O 2 that is incorporated into the substrates. The product profiles for the various Fe II L x /R′OOH, O 2 /RH systems and their electrochemical characterization during steady-state turnover confirm that the first-formed intermediate is a one-to-one R′OOH/Fe II L x , adduct “e.g., [(PA) 2 -Fe II OOR′ + pyH + ] ( 1 )” (Fenton reagent), which reacts with (a) excess Fe II (PA) 2 to give (PA) 2 Fe III OR′, (b) excess cis -C 6 H 12 to give ( c -C 6 H 11 py “kinetic isotope effect, [KIE] = k c -C 6 H 12 / k c C 6 D 12 , 4.6 with t -BuOOH and 1.7 with HOOH”, (c) excess R′OOH to give [(PA) 2 Fe IV (OH)(OOR′)] ( 3 ), then [(PA) 2 Fe IV (O 2 )] ( 7 ) and O 2 , and (d) O 2 to form an adduct, [(PA) 2 -Fe III (O 2 )(OOR′) + pyH + ] ( 5 ), that reacts with c -C 6 H 12 to form c -C 6 H 10 (O), [ K ] = 8.2 ( t -BuOOH) and 2.1 (HOOH). When PhCH 2 CH 3 or c -C 6 H 10 are the substrates (RH), 5 reacts to form [(PA) 2 Fe IV (OH)(OOR)] ( 6 ), which in turn reacts with RH and O 2 in a catalytic cycle to give PhC(O)Me or c -C 6 H 8 (O) [up to 7 O 2 turnovers per iron with Fe III (OPPh 3 ) 4 2+ ]. Species 7 reacts with cis -PhCH=CHPh to give PhCH(O).
Residential segregation by race in Mississippi, 1980

Recent censuses have revealed consistently a high degree of black‐white residential segregation in larger cities and suburbs, but data deficiencies have limited similar studies in smaller communities. An opportunity to correct this shortcoming for Mississippi occurred in 1980. We present indexes of residential segregation for each community in the state with at least 250 households, and analyze patterns of relation between degree of residential segregation and other characteristics of the communities, including proportion black, total population size, region within the state, and a ratio of black to white income. Results reveal a high degree of segregation across Mississippi, with the magnitude somewhat greater in the Delta and the Piney Woods and somewhat lower on the Gulf Coast. Segregation is particularly sensitive to black‐white income differences; it is greater where the income gap between the races is wider.
Abstract A26: Aromatase over‐expression results in the development of ductal growth abnormalities in the mammary gland of a conditional transgenic mouse model

Estrogens are required for the development of the normal mammary gland; however, studies suggest that estrogen and its metabolites may have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential in the mammary gland. Aromatase is key to estrogen biosynthesis, but its over‐expression may play a role in the development of breast cancer by increasing mitotic activity in breast epithelial cells. Therefore, it is highly valuable to have mouse models with increased local estrogen production to use to develop optimal therapeutic and chemopreventive strategies to treat these lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if increased local estrogen production led to the development of mammary gland preneoplasia. To test our hypothesis we developed a conditional transgenic mouse model to control the spatial and temporal aromatase expression in the mammary gland. Mammary glands were collected at 4 and 12 months of age for morphological, histological, gene and protein expression studies in both MMTV‐rtTA/tet‐op‐Aromatase and wild‐type mice. RT‐PCR analysis of aromatase mRNA confirmed that the gene was conditionally expressed in the mammary gland as compared to control mice. Aromatase activity assays confirmed a significantly higher enzyme activity in the mammary glands of MMTV‐rtTA/tet‐op‐Aromatase compared to wild‐type. Mammary glands were evaluated for morphological changes using confocal microscopy, whole‐mount and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Aromatase over‐expression resulted in a higher incidence of morphological and histological abnormalities such as hyperplastic alveolar nodules, ductal dysplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, and the unexpected persistence of terminal end buds at 12 months of age. These changes were associated with ERK1/2 and AKT activation. In summary, we generated a novel transgenic mouse system to investigate the role of aromatase over‐expression in mammary epithelial cells during mammary gland development. Increased aromatase activity resulted in the development of ductal growth abnormalities and increased ductal density. This model represents a valuable tool to investigate the effect of estrogen over‐production in the mammary gland microenvironment at specific times during development. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A26.
Pre-college and college predictors of longitudinal changes in multiracial college students’ self-reported race

This longitudinal study of 1101 multiracial college students from 105 US institutions reveals the dynamic racial designation choices of participants as freshmen and as seniors, as 56% of the sample gave inconsistent responses about their race over time. Logistic regressions predicting a multiracial designation choice as seniors reveal the pre-college and college factors associated with developing or maintaining this choice over the span of college. Experiences such as living on campus, joining a racial or ethnic student organization, taking an ethnic studies course, participating in a racial awareness workshop, and discussing issues of political or personal importance were each significant predictors of the racial identification patterns examined in this study. The results of this study offer evidence of the need to consider longitudinal changes in students’ race and the ways in which students’ racial identification preferences change between the time they enter and leave college.
Ca2+-accumulation in experimental spinal cord trauma.

Quantitative measurements of the time course of calcium levels in experimental spinal cord trauma have been made. The injury was produced in rats by dropping a 10 g weight from 30 cm upon exposed dura-invested spinal cord. Lumbar sections of traumatized spinal cord and internal controls from remote cervical cord were excised and analyzed for calcium using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Total calcium levels in the lesioned cord were significantly elevated over control values within 45 min post-trauma (P < 0.005), with maximal increase at 8 h. The increased levels of calcium in the lesion tissue confirm the previous morphologic finding of calcium deposits within axons in the lesion.
Isocitrate lyase from Pseudomonas indigofera II. Activation, inhibition and stabilization

Abstract The relationship of the requirement for ethylenediaminetetraacetate or glutathione for catalysis by crystalline isocitrate lyase (D s -isocitrate glyoxalate-lyase, EC 4.1.3.1) has been examined. Fresh isocitrate lyase is in a virtually “active” state, i.e. , ethylenediaminetetraacetate may replace glutathione in the assay. However, it becomes inactive, i.e. , ethylenediaminetetraacetate cannot replace glutathione, gradually during storage at −20°. Aged or “inactive” preparation can be converted to the “active” state by short incubation with glutathione. Fresh or “active” enzyme can be inactivated by brief incubation with oxidized glutathione. The component of activity for which ethylenediaminetetraacetate may be substituted for glutathione, i.e. , the “active” fraction, is quite sensitive to inhibition by sulfhydryl reagents such as p -hydroxymercuribenzoate and N -ethylmaleimide; indeed sensitivity to N -ethylmaleimide parallels the extent of activation. An equilibration between “active” and “inactive” states coupled with glutathione oxidized glutathione interconversion is proposed. The effect of various metallic ions upon catalysis by crystalline isocitrate lyase was also examined. The enzyme exhibited a moderately specific requirement for Mg 2 . When permitted to compete with Mg 2+ a variety of cations (mostly bivalent) were inhibitory. Complete protection against inactivation at 45° was afforded by 0.01 M Mg 2+ and a number of other bivalent cations.
Ultralow-Power Four-Wave Mixing with Rb in a Hollow-Core Photonic Bandgap Fiber

We demonstrate extremely efficient four-wave mixing with gain >100 and frequency conversion efficiency as high as 58% at microwatt pump powers in Rb vapor confined to a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber.
A case of acute renal failure caused by bilateral, multifocal malacoplakia lesions of the bladder and ureters

This article describes the case of a 51-year-old woman with acute renal failure. Bylund and Pais detail the investigations that the patient underwent, the discovery of bilateral, multifocal malacoplakia lesions of the bladder and ureters, and the patient's management with medical therapy and surgery. This case emphasizes that upper urinary tract malacoplakia can present as an aggressive disease, but that renal preservation can be achieved. Background A 51-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and a 5-year history of recurrent perimenopausal Escherichia coli urinary tract infections presented with fatigue. She had a history of occasional urinary frequency, but denied gross hematuria, flank pain, abdominal pain, immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Investigations Basic metabolic profile, ultrasonography, cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography, pathologic evaluation of resected lesions from the bladder, ureteroscopy, pathologic evaluation of resected lesions from the ureters, and MRI. Diagnosis Acute renal failure caused by bilateral, multifocal malacoplakia lesions of the bladder and ureters. Management Endoscopic resection and laser ablation, ureteral stent placement, and medical treatment with fluoroquinolones, vitamin C and bethanechol.
Comment on "Serial Binary-to-Decimal and Decimal-to-Binary Conversion"

In the above article1Rhyne describes a technique for serial binary to BCD (and BCD to binary) conversion using a single clock pulse per bit, as opposed to the two clock per bit method described earlier by Couleur [1]. Although Rhyne may be correct that his method has not been published in the official "scientific engineering" literature, it turns out that this same method has been published several times previously in the "trade" literature [2], [3]. One difference is that previous articles have implemented the technique with "D" flip-flops, as opposed to the "J-K" flip-flops used in the Rhyne article.
On the foundations of linear and integer linear programming I

In this paper we consider the question: how does the flow algorithm and the simplex algorithm work? The usual answer has two parts: first a description of the "improvement process", and second a proof that if no further improvement can be made by this process, an optimal vector has been found. This second part is usually based on duality a technique not available in the case of an arbitrary integer programming problem. We wish to give a general description of "improvement processes" which will include both the simplex and flow algorithms, which will be applicable to arbitrary integer programming problems, and which will in themselves assure convergence to a solution. Geometrically both the simplex algorithm and the flow algorithm may be described as follows. At the i th stage, we have a vertex (or feasible flow) to which is associated a finite set of vectors, namely the set of edges leaving that vertex (or the set of unsaturated paths). The algorithm proceeds by searching among this special set for a vector along which the gain function is increasing. If such a vector is found, the algorithm continues by moving along this vector as far as is possible while still remaining feasible. The search is then repeated at this new feasible point. We give a precise definition for sets of vectors, called test sets, which will include those sets described above arising in the simplex and flow algorithms. We will then prove that any "improvement process" which searches through a test set at each stage converges to an optimal point in a finite nmnber of steps. We also construct specific test sets which are the natural extensions of the test sets employed by the flow algorithm to arbitrary linear and integer linear programming problems.
Analysis of the data from Compton X-ray polarimeters which measure the azimuthal and polar scattering angles

Abstract X-ray polarimetry has the potential to make key-contributions to our understanding of galactic compact objects like binary black hole systems and neutron stars, and extragalactic objects like active galactic nuclei, blazars, and Gamma-Ray Bursts. Furthermore, several particle astrophysics topics can be addressed including uniquely sensitive tests of Lorentz invariance. In the energy range from 10 keV to several MeV, Compton polarimeters achieve the best performance. In this paper we evaluate the benefit that comes from using the azimuthal and polar angles of the Compton scattered photons in the analysis, rather than using the azimuthal scattering angles alone. We study the case of an ideal Compton polarimeter and show that a Maximum Likelihood analysis which uses the two scattering angles lowers the Minimum Detectable Polarization (MDP) by ≈20% compared to a standard analysis based on the azimuthal scattering angles alone. The accuracies with which the polarization fraction and the polarization direction can be measured improve by a similar amount. We conclude by discussing potential applications of Maximum Likelihood analysis methods for various polarimeter experiments.
Abstract 2053: Differential regulation of hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α by hypoxia

The hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF)-1α and -2α are the key transcription factors regulating the expression of hypoxia-induced genes critical for a wide range of tumor cell functions from survival to clonal selection to metastasis. Elevated HIF-α expression correlates with poor patient survival in a large number of cancers. Recent evidence suggests that HIF-2α appears to be preferentially expressed in neuronal tumor cells that exhibit cancer stem cell characteristics. Furthermore, elevated HIF-2α expression is co-localized in vivo with expression of neural crest progenitor markers, suggesting a preferential association of HIF-2α expression with the immature stem cell-like neuroblastoma cells. These observations suggest that expression of HIF-1α and -2α is differentially regulated in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully investigated. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional regulation HIF-1α and -2α under different hypoxic conditions. In addition to conventional hypoxia treatment, we developed an adaptive chronic hypoxia approach by preconditioning tumor cells at 5% O2 before reducing pO2 to hypoxia levels (below 2% O2) to mimic in vivo tumor hypoxia. We found that transcription of HIF-2α was consistently increased by hypoxia in a panel of neuroblastoma cell lines, whereas transcription of HIF-1α showed variable levels of repression. Mechanistically, differential regulation of HIF-α transcription involved hypoxia-induced changes in actetylation of core histones H3 and H4 associated with the proximal promoters of the HIF-1α or HIF-2α gene. We also found that, although highly stable under acute hypoxia, HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins become destabilized under chronic hypoxia. Our results have thus provided new mechanistic insights into the differential expression and localization of HIF-1α and -2α proteins within the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. These findings further underscore the importance of HIF-2α in the regulation of tumor progression, especially in the regulation of the stem cell-like tumor cell population as observed in neuronal tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2053. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2053
Successful treatment of resistant Paget's disease of bone with pamidronate.

• Several agents are available for treatment of Paget's disease of bone, but their long-term use may be limited by resistance or adverse effects. I have treated two patients with exceptionally severe polyostotic Paget's disease (serum alkaline phosphatase values 25- to 30-fold above normal), in whom salmon calcitonin, sodium etidronate, and plicamycin each had become ineffective or could not be used. Pamidronate (3-amino-1 -hydroxypropylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate) decreased serum alkaline phosphatase to normal or near-normal values and almost completely relieved symptoms, without recognizable adverse effects, except for transient mild hypocalcemia. The symptomatic and biochemical responses were maintained through 2 years of treatment and for more than 6 months after the treatment was discontinued. Thus, pamidronate can be very effective in severe, resistant cases of Paget's disease. Further study of this potent agent is needed to define the optimum regimen for maximum effectiveness and minimal long-term toxicity. (Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:2765-2767)
Food utilization and metabolic efficiency in larval and adult house crickets

Abstract The most rapid growth of the fat body, ovaries and residual body occurred only at the time of maximal feeding, which was the time of highest metabolic rate. Larvae ceased feeding before the next moult and lost weight. Adult females did not cease feeding and never lost weight. Mated females maintained a high feeding rate that corresponded to a constant oviposition rate with no gonotrophic cycles. Virgin females maintained a lower feeding rate and maintained fully mature eggs in a viable state for life. Growth during the last larval stadium was entirely somatic and characterized by a great accumulation of a lipid rich (65%) fat body. Net growth during the first 10 days of adult life was entirely gonodal, because the small amount of residual body growth was matched by the amount of fat body loss. However, since the residual body was 60% protein and the fat body was 60% lipid, some of the somatic protein growth had to come from the diet and some of the fat body lipid went for ovarial growth. The 20% dietary protein was more than sufficient for all somatic and ovarial growth, and some protein was catabolized for energy. The amount of uric acid in larval faeces accounted for almost all protein catabolism, but in adult females half of the catabolized protein nitrogen did not appear in the faeces. With only 5% dietary lipid both larvae and adults had to synthesize additional lipids from carbohydrates to supplement absorbed lipids for growth demands. Almost all absorbed and synthesized lipids were used for somatic growth in the larvae and for ovarial growth in the adults, because the per cent of food calories used for growth greatly exceeded the per cent dry weight of food used for growth. Based on the calories and dry weight of available fuel, almost all energy production was based on carbohydrate oxidation. Some carbohydrate was used for lipid synthesis but very little was used for growth. Probably the absorption efficiency (72%) and growth efficiency (28%) was the same for both the last instar larvae and virgin females because they ate exactly the same food. However, the larval metabolic efficiency (42%) was higher than that of females (37%), which indicated that more of the absorbed food was converted to tissue during larval growth (somatic) than during adult growth (ovarial). Of the dry weight of food eaten during the last larval stadium, 30% was egested, 32% was oxidized, 28% appeared as growth, and 10% was condensed to lipid and became part of the 28% growth. Of the dry weight of food eaten during the first 10 days of adult life, 27% was egested, 41% was oxidized, 25% appeared as growth, and 6% was condensed to lipid.
Avian response to urbanization in the arid riparian context of Reno, USA

Abstract The difference between the urban and non-urban environment in arid landscapes can be quite distinct because of the large water and nutrient (along with many other) subsidies provided by human development. With these subsidies comes the potential to increase vertical structure and vegetation diversity over the natural landscape, creating artificial habitats. We assessed how birds were responding to urbanization in Reno, Nevada, USA (pop ∼200,000), located in a semi-arid, “cold desert” climate. Despite a heavily developed core, we found that native richness increased as urbanization increased. Our analysis suggests that this pattern is driven by the Truckee River that flows through the city. Remnant riparian patches could combine with urban landscaping to effectively extend riparian habitat into the city. The role of urban riparian habitats for native bird conservation needs to be assessed as urbanization continues in arid regions.
OTDM packet networking devices at 100 Gbit/s and beyond

We demonstrate OTDM devices capable of operating above 100 Gbit/s single channel rates for packet synchronization, header address processing, optical routing, and optical pulse regeneration in third generation network packet switching applications.
mRNA EXPRESSION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-α AND THE EGF RECEPTOR FOLLOWING NEPHROTOXIC RENAL INJURY

We studied gene expression for transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, epidermal growth factor (EGF), heparin binding (HB) EGF, and the EGF receptor following acute renal failure induced by mercuric chloride administration to gain insight into potential mechanisms of renal repair. Twenty four hours after HgCl2, 2 mg/kg, creatinine increased from 0.3 ± 0.01 mg/dl in controls to 2.2 ± 0.26 mg/dl in injured rats (n = 5, p < 0.01). Similar changes were observed after 3 days. Messenger RNA expression for EGF was decreased at 24 hours in HgCl2 treated rats and remained depressed for at least 3 days. On the other hand steady state mRNA for TGF-α increased nearly 2 fold at day 3 in HgCl2 treated rats 4 mg/kg. Heparin binding EGF was increased early, by day one in injured kidneys and gene expression for the EGF receptor was increased as well. Immunohistochemistry documented an increase in expression of TGF-α in injured kidneys at distal nephron sites. These studies suggest that TGF-α along with HB EGF may be important...
Kynurenine aminotransferase and glutamine transaminase K of Escherichia coli: identity with aspartate aminotransferase.

The present study describes the isolation of a protein from Escherichia coli possessing kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) activity and its identification as aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT). KAT catalyses the transamination of kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine to kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid respectively, and the enzyme activity can be easily detected in E. coli cells. Separation of the E. coli protein possessing KAT activity through various chromatographic steps led to the isolation of the enzyme. N-terminal sequencing of the purified protein determined its first 10 N-terminal amino acid residues, which were identical with those of the E. coli AspAT. Recombinant AspAT (R-AspAT), homologously expressed in an E. coli/pET22b expression system, was capable of catalysing the transamination of both l-kynurenine (K(m)=3 mM; V(max)=7.9 micromol.min(-1).mg(-1)) and 3-hydroxy-dl-kynurenine (K(m)=3.7 mM; V(max)=1.25 micromol.min(-1).mg(-1)) in the presence of pyruvate as an amino acceptor, and exhibited its maximum activity at temperatures between 50-60 degrees C and at a pH of approx. 7.0. Like mammalian KATs, R-AspAT also displayed high glutamine transaminase K activity when l-phenylalanine was used as an amino donor (K(m)=8 mM; V(max)=20.6 micromol.min(-1).mg(-1)). The exact match of the first ten N-terminal amino acid residues of the KAT-active protein with that of AspAT, in conjunction with the high KAT activity of R-AspAT, provides convincing evidence that the identity of the E. coli protein is AspAT.
Edge partitioning in external-memory graph search

There is currently much interest in using external memory, such as disk storage, to scale up graph-search algorithms. Recent work shows that the local structure of a graph can be leveraged to substantially improve the efficiency of external-memory graph search. This paper introduces a technique, called edge partitioning, which exploits a form of local structure that has not been considered in previous work. The new technique improves the scalability of structured approaches to external-memory graph search, and also guarantees the applicability of these approaches to any graph-search problem. We show its effectiveness in an external-memory graph-search algorithm for domain-independent STRIPS planning.
A murine model of antimetabolite-based, submyeloablative conditioning for bone marrow transplantation: biologic insights and potential applications.

Objective Nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens for marrow transplantation are desirable in many settings. Because repeated doses of the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) decreases marrow long-term repopulating ability (LTRA) upon transplantation into lethally irradiated hosts, we hypothesized that mice given sequential doses of 5-FU (termed paired dose 5-FU ) may permit substantial syngeneic marrow engraftment. Methods C57Bl/6 or X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) mice were administered 5-FU (150 mg/kg) on days -5 and -1. Assessment of host marrow phenotype and repopulating ability occurred on day 0. Transplantation of syngeneic donor marrow occurred on day 0 or day +15. Results We confirmed that the number of Sca-1 + lin − cells and the LTRA of marrow from paired dose 5-FU–treated animals were diminished. C57Bl/6 hosts conditioned with paired doses of 5-FU followed by transplantation of 20 × 10 6 fresh B6.SJL marrow cells on day 0 displayed 44.9% ± 7.1% donor chimerism 2 months posttransplant, and 34.4% ± 8.6% donor chimerism 6 months posttransplant. In contrast, paired dose 5-FU–conditioned hosts transplanted with similar numbers of donor cells on day +15 exhibited only 3.4% ± 1.2% donor chimerism at 2 months. Paired dose 5-FU–conditioned X-CGD hosts transplanted with MSCV-m91Neo-transduced X-CGD marrow averaged 6.6% ± 2.3% (range, 4%–10%) NADPH oxidase-reconstituted neutrophils 12–16 months after transplant. Conclusion These findings support the concept that impairment of host stem cell competitiveness may be an important mechanism for permitting engraftment of donor cells, and suggest that only a brief period of modest host stem cell impairment may be necessary to achieve substantial donor cell engraftment.
SUPERSYMMETRIC MODELS WITH EXTENDED HIGGS SECTOR

The Higgs sector of supersymmetric models with an additional SU(2)×U(1)Y singlet or an additional pair of Higgs doublet superfields is investigated. It is shown that in the model with a Higgs singlet bounds on Higgs boson masses are considerably weaker than in the minimal supersymmetric model; in particular, all neutral scalars can be heavier than about 150 GeV or lighter than $M_Z/\sqrt{2}$, whereas the mass of the charged Higgs boson is essentially unconstrained. The four doublet model resembles the minimal model more closely; in particular, the bounds for the heaviest and lightest neutral scalar and the heaviest charged Higgs boson are unaltered. In this model, many relations between masses of different Higgs bosons can be found; 44 of the 66 possible decays of one Higgs boson into another Higgs boson plus a real W or Z boson are kinematically forbidden. It is also shown that in both models, the lightest neutral scalar becomes indistinguishable from the standard model Higgs boson if all other Higgs bos...
High density radiation hardened FeRAMs on a 130 nm CMOS/FRAM process

Using hardened-by-design techniques previously demonstrated on a 1-kbit prototype 0.35-micron ferroelectric semiconductor memory, an 8-kbit FeRAM memory segment has been designed for fabrication on a Texas Instruments 130nm commercial CMOS/FRAM process. The 8-kbit segment can be arrayed to provide radiation hardened ferroelectric memory densities up to 64 Mbit with reasonable chip sizes and radiation hardness vastly superior to that of flash memory. The 130nm CMOS/FRAM process is capable of wide signal margin, high endurance and long data retention, consistent with the demands of the space market. It is projected from radiation testing of the 1-kbit prototype FeRAM that TID radiation tolerance to greater than 1Mrad(Si) and SEL tolerance to greater than 75 LET can be obtained without the expense and complexity of SOI, and without the need for radiation shielding. A test chip for radiation evaluation has been designed that includes the 8-kbit memory segment, critical boost circuitry, I/O buffers and a number of discrete transistors and devices. The 100 by 300 micron 8-kbit memory segment incorporates a patented, rugged, shunted ferroelectric memory cell that uses a true and complement bit line architecture. The segment read access time is simulated to be 20ns, and read and write cycle times are simulated to be 45ns