cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a genetically engineered biomimetic vector for targeted gene transfer to breast cancer cells.

A biomimetic vector was genetically engineered to contain at precise locations (a) an adenovirus μ peptide to condense pDNA into nanosize particles, (b) a synthetic cyclic peptide to target breast cancer cells and enhance internalization of nanoparticles, (c) a pH-responsive synthetic fusogenic peptide to disrupt endosome membranes and facilitate escape of the nanoparticles into the cytosol, and (d) a nuclear localization signal from human immunodeficiency virus for microtubule mediated transfer of genetic material to the nucleus. The vector was characterized using physicochemical and biological assays to demonstrate the functionality of each motif in the vector backbone. The results demonstrated that the vector is able to condense plasmid DNA into nanosize particles (<100 nm), protect pDNA from serum endonucleases, target ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells and internalize, efficiently disrupt endosome membranes, exploit microtubules to reach nucleus and mediate gene expression. The therapeutic potential of the ...
Induction of cultured bovine adrenocortical zona glomerulosa cell 17-hydroxylase activity by ACTH.

The induction of steroid 17-hydroxylase activity was examined in primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical zona glomerular cells. 17-Hydroxylase activity was determined by assaying the metabolism of [3H]pregnenolone to [3H]17-hydroxypregnenolone by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Conversion of [3H]pregnenolone to [3H] progesterone and [3H]17-hydroxypregnenolone to [3H]17-hydroxyprogesterone was prevented by the addition of cyanoketone, an inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. ACTH increased adrenal zona glomerulosa 17-hydroxylase activity 55-fold to 1750 pmoles/10(4) cells/2 h, an activity equivalent to that of ACTH-treated zona fasciculata cells. Maximal induction was seen after 4 days exposure to ACTH. The dose of ACTH which gave half-maximal induction was 0.25 nM. Previously, ACTH had been demonstrated to suppress bovine glomerulosa conversion of deoxycorticosterone to aldosterone by a steroid-induced oxygen-derived free radical process that was prevented by antioxidants. This process resulted in loss of the terminal cytochrome P-450 enzyme involved in aldosterone biosynthesis. However, induction of 17-hydroxylase activity is not affected by antioxidants or the addition of steroids, e.g. cortisol. ACTH-mediated induction of bovine zone glomerulosa 17-hydroxylase activity and suppression of glomerulosa aldosterone production results in effective conversion of functional glomerulosa cells to functional fasciculata cells. The actions of ACTH on glomerulosa 17-hydroxylase activity support the hypothesis of a steroid-induced functional zonation of the adrenal cortex.
Egg yolk environment differentially influences physiological and morphological development of broiler and layer chicken embryos

SUMMARY Maternal effects are important in epigenetic determination of offspring phenotypes during all life stages. In the chicken ( Gallus gallus domesticus ), transgenerational transfer of egg yolk factors may set the stage for morphological and physiological phenotypic differences observed among breeds. To investigate the effect of breed-specific yolk composition on embryonic broiler and layer chicken phenotypes, we employed an ex ovo , xenobiotic technique that allowed the transfer of broiler and layer chicken embryos from their natural yolks to novel yolk environments. Embryonic day two broiler embryos developing on broiler yolk culture medium (YCM) had significantly higher heart rates than layer embryos developing on layer YCM (176±7 beats min –1 and 147±7 beats min –1 , respectively). Broiler embryos developing on layer YCM exhibited heart rates typical of layer embryos developing normally on layer YCM. However, layer embryo heart rates were not affected by development on broiler YCM. Unlike O 2 consumption, development rate and body mass of embryos were significantly affected by exposure to different yolk types, with both broiler and layer embryos displaying traits that reflected yolk source rather than embryo genotype. Analysis of hormone concentrations of broiler and layer egg yolks revealed that testosterone concentrations were higher in broiler yolk (4.63±2.02 pg mg –1 vs 3.32±1.92 pg mg –1 ), whereas triiodothyronine concentrations were higher in layer yolk (1.05±0.18 pg mg –1 vs 0.46±0.22 pg mg –1 ). Thus, a complex synergistic effect of breed-specific genotype and yolk environment exists early in chicken development, with yolk thyroid hormone and yolk testosterone as potential mediators of the physiological and morphological effects.
Towards a Repository of Innovative Products to Enhance Engineering Creativity Education

Innovative products are the holy grail for consumer product manufacturers. The essence of what makes a product innovative and in-demand by consumers is a nebulous subject. The research presented in this paper charts the initial steps toward computer-directed innovation in product design. A method for identifying the innovative subsystems in a product and archiving that information is formulated. The innovation information, if archived in a design repository, can support automatic concept generation that is biased toward innovative concepts. Products featured in published lists of innovative products were reverse engineered to expose the component and functional relationships and to analyze where the innovation of the product was most prevalent. A function subtraction method based on difference rewards is used to isolate innovation functions and components in order to populate a Repository of Innovative Products (RIP). The goal behind this research is to develop a method to analyze innovative products such that they may aid in the innovation of future ideas outputted by the Design Repository. This methodology will be used in undergraduate design classes to teach how to factor in creativity and innovation in the early stages of engineering concept design.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Isotope fractionation in silicate melts

Arising from G. Dominguez, G. Wilkins & M. H. Thiemens , 70–73 (2011)10.1038/nature09911
Diffusive transport across unconfined hollow fiber membranes

The mass transfer characteristics of gas permeable, hollow fiber membranes in a liquid jet mixed reactor are studied. A membrane module, operated in the sealed-end mode, was pressurized with oxygen at the base of the fibers and centered within a submerged jet discharge. Unlike conventional membrane module designs, this configuration did not have the hollow fibers enclosed within a tubular shell. The membranes were unconfined and free to move within the generated flow field. This design is especially well suited for use in waters containing high solid concentrations. The membranes have a greater degree of freedom for movement and are therefore less likely to become fouled due to solids being lodged within the fiber bundle. Mass transfer rates were measured over a practical range of physical and process parameters. A mass transfer correlation for the unconfined configuration is presented and the transfer performance of this configuration is compared with conventional membrane contactor designs.
The C. elegans SYS-1 Protein Is a Bona Fide β-Catenin

C. elegans SYS-1 has key functional characteristics of a canonical beta-catenin, but no significant sequence similarity. Here, we report the SYS-1 crystal structure, both on its own and in a complex with POP-1, the C. elegans TCF homolog. The two structures possess signature features of canonical beta-catenin and the beta-catenin/TCF complex that could not be predicted by sequence. Most importantly, SYS-1 bears 12 armadillo repeats and the SYS-1/POP-1 interface is anchored by a conserved salt-bridge, the "charged button." We also modeled structures for three other C. elegans beta-catenins to predict the molecular basis of their distinct binding properties. Finally, we generated a phylogenetic tree, using the region of highest structural similarity between SYS-1 and beta-catenin, and found that SYS-1 clusters robustly within the beta-catenin clade. We conclude that the SYS-1 protein belongs to the beta-catenin family and suggest that additional divergent beta-catenins await discovery.
Sociosexuality and everyday social interaction

This study examined whether sociosexuality, a variable measuring unrestrictedness of sexual attitudes and behaviors, relates to the everyday social interactions of individuals. Sociosexuality was measured using Simpson and Gangestad's (1991a) Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI). Seventy-one participants completed daily interaction records assessing various aspects of each interaction they had over a 7-day period. The number of interactions in which they engaged, as well as the number of partners with whom they interacted, were correlated with scores on the SOL In addition, a multilevel data analytic approach was used to examine whether sociosexuality related to perceived Closeness, Quality, Negativity, and Sexual Interest during these interactions. Results were somewhat mixed. Women higher in sociosexuality reported both more extensive social networks and greater numbers of interactions, particularly with men, than women lower in sociosexuality. A marginally significant trend indicated that individuals higher in sociosexuality reported that interactions with their romantic partners contained greater Negativity than individuals lower in sociosexuality. In addition, both men and women higher in sociosexuality reported that interactions with their best friends were of poorer quality.
Pubertal development of sex differences in circadian function: an animal model.

UNLABELLED The development of adult circadian function, particularly sexual dimorphism of function, has been well studied only in rapidly developed rodents. In such species development is complete by weaning. Data from adolescent humans suggest that significant development occurs during the pubertal period. We hypothesized that a more slowly developing rodent might better mimic the changes in circadian function around puberty in humans and allow us to determine the underlying neural changes. Entrained and free-running circadian rhythms were analyzed and correlated with pubertal development in male and female Octodon degus (degu) that remained gonadally intact or were gonadectomized at weaning. Brains were collected during development to measure androgen and estrogen receptors in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) Adult circadian period does not develop until 10-12 months of age in degus, long after the onset of gonadal maturation (3-5 months). The timing of circadian period maturation correlates with the appearance of steroid receptors in the SCN. Changes in free-running rhythms only occurred in gonadally intact degus. Adult phase angles of activity onset develop between 2 and 3 months of age (comparing results of two experiments), soon after the onset of pubertal changes. CONCLUSION The development of sexually dimorphic adult circadian period occurs after gonadal puberty is complete and requires the presence of gonadal steroids. The delay in development until after gonadal puberty is likely due to the delayed appearance of steroid receptors in the SCN. Phase is not sexually dimorphic and changes in the absence of steroid hormones.
Using histamine (H1) antagonists, in particular atypical antipsychotics, to treat anemia of chronic disease via interleukin-6 suppression

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is a condition of decreased red cell mass secondary to some other chronic inflammatory condition. In ACD total body iron stores are normal, though serum iron is typically low secondary to iron sequestration by macrophages, and often iron supplementation is not an effective treatment for ACD for the same reason. The pathogenesis of ACD had been poorly understood, but recently there has been important progress: upregulation of interleukin-6 (Il-6) secondary to the underlying chronic inflammatory disease upregulates expression of the protein hepcidin. Upregulation of hepcidin causes anemia by a number of mechanisms: decreased intestinal absorption of iron from the duodenum, increased sequestration of iron by macrophages. Thus, downregulation of Il-6 may represent a most important treatment avenue for ACD. Anti-Il-6 antibodies might be a way to lower Il-6 levels, but such antibodies besides being expensive would have to be given intravenously or intramuscularly, and such large immunogenic molecules may not be appropriate in patients already with a chronic inflammatory condition. Here, we note that an immediately available and potentially effective treatment for ACD is to decrease Il-6 levels by histamine (H1) receptor antagonism, given that histamine acting through the H1 receptor is known to be a potent positive regulator of Il-6. Among the classes of medications that are H1 antagonists we point out that atypical antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine and quetiapine are among the most potent H1 antagonists, and can have simple daily dosing schedules and thus may be particularly useful in ACD.
Diffuse reflectance‐factor measurements of rose petals

The diffuse reflectance factor for different colored rose petals is measured as a function of wavelength using a high resolution optical spectrometer. The tristimulus values, the CIE chromaticity coordinates, the dominant wavelength and purity, the CIE whiteness index, the tint index, the CIE 1976 LAB coordinates, as well as CIELAB hue-angle and chroma are reported. The data on diffuse reflectance factor are presented in the 390−800 nm range at intervals of 10 nm. Using the data, one can generate the perceived color of the roses and the color coordinates in different illuminating light sources and environments. The present data will be useful for the color characterization of flowers, realistic rendering of flowers in computer graphics, color photography, and in the development of filters for color photography. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Reflexive Democracy: Political Equality and the Welfare State

Reflexive Democracy: Political Equality and the Welfare State. By Kevin Olson. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2006. 288p. $35.00.Recent work on the welfare state has largely focused on the role of welfare programs in state economies—their redistributive functions and their role in managing incentives for work. Reflexive Democracy marks a much-needed shift in focus, offering an analysis and then a reconstruction of the relationship between welfare programs and citizen participation.
Biopsy-proven resolution of immune complex-mediated crescentic glomerulonephritis with mycophenolate mofetil therapy in an allograft

Abstract We report biopsy-proven resolution of immune-complex–mediated crescentic glomerulonephritis (ICMCGn) using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Therapy with steroids and cyclophosphamide failed twice in a 39-year-old white man who developed ICMCGn in his native kidneys, and subsequently in a human lymphocyte antigen–identical renal allograft. When he developed ICMCGn in a second, now cadaver, allograft, he was treated with steroids and MMF instead. His serum creatinine (Cr) improved from 4.4 mg/dL to 2.1 mg/dL. A biopsy 21 months later showed him to be free of glomerular disease. MMF is known to be an effective immunosuppressant. In our patient, ICMCGn, a notoriously difficult entity to treat effectively, seemingly resolved with MMF therapy. We suggest that MMF may be effective in the treatment of immunologically mediated pre-end–stage renal disease (ESRD). It should be considered in any posttransplantation setting where the original cause of organ failure is known to be immunologically mediated and likely to recur.
Treatment Acceptability, Stigma, and Legal Concerns of Medical Marijuana Are Affected by Method of Administration

The current study examined whether attitudes toward the acceptability and stigma of medical marijuana are affected by its method of administration and the severity of illness being treated. Participants (200 men, 409 women, 2 omitted) were assigned to experimental conditions differing according to illness severity, and rated the acceptability, stigma, legal concerns, and willingness to use medical marijuana administered through 10 different administration methods. Marijuana administered in ways resembling traditional medication (e.g., pills) was judged the most acceptable, and had the least stigma. Conversely, marijuana administered in ways resembling recreational use (e.g., cigarettes/joints) received high stigma and low acceptability ratings. Stigma and legal concerns were lower, and acceptability was higher when treating more serious conditions. Results are discussed in terms of why an understanding of the social connotations accompanying different administration methods and reasons for marijuana use i...
Modulation of third-harmonic generation conversion in the presence of a rotational wave packet

We report a modulation of third-harmonic generation (THG) owing to a rotational coherence in CO2. The variation in conversion efficiency is mostly attributed to the dependence of χ(3)(τ) on the molecular alignment. THG via type I processes mainly depends on χ(3)(τ), while type II processes are influenced by the wave packet owing to both χ(3)(τ) and Δk(τ). Observation of the generated third harmonic also shows significant changes of the polarization state owing to the birefringence induced by the rotational wave packet. Numerical modeling shows good qualitative agreement with the experimental data.
Keratotic melanocytic nevus: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study.

Background: Epidermal hyperplasia in melanocytic nevi is a common but little-investigated phenomenon. Methods: We prospectively examined all melanocytic nevi diagnosed in our department over an 8-month period, for the criteria of keratotic melanocytic nevus (KMN), namely the presence of marked epidermal hyperplasia with or without horn pseudocyst formation, hyperkeratosis, and papillomatosis. In addition to routine histologic review, we studied 12 representative cases with immunohistochemistry to examine expression of Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Bcl-2, and Bax. Results: From a total of 1527 melanocytic nevi, 95 were KMN (prevalence 6%). The average age was 34 years, with a male:female ratio of 1:2. The predominant location was the trunk (76%), followed by head and neck (20%), and extremities (4%). Clinical diagnoses were atypical nevus (44%), nevus not otherwise specified (43%), and others including seborrheic keratosis, acrochordon, and basal cell carcinoma. Two KMN were junctional, 44 compound, and 49 intradermal. Twenty-three KMN (24%) had histologic features suggesting congenital onset, and 15 (16%) had mild to moderate dysplastic features. Two cases demonstrated induction of sebaceous glands. Significantly increased Ki-67 expression was detected in the hyperplastic epidermis, particularly in deeper areas related to keratinous cysts and hair follicles. Bcl-2 and Bax (anti- and pro-apoptosis proteins, respectively) and EGFR were expressed similarly in both normal and hyperplastic epidermis overlying the KMN. Conclusions: KMN are commonly biopsied skin lesions, mostly located on the trunk. Many such lesions are clinically considered atypical, in contrast to their benign histologic appearance. The epidermal hyperplasia on top of KMN demonstrates increased cellular proliferation, in the context of adequately regulated apoptosis and EGFR expression. The cellular proliferation seems to commence in hair follicles.
Steroid Trimethylsilyl Ethers. Derivative Formation for Compounds with Highly Hindered Hydroxyl Groups

Abstract Highly hindered hydroxyl groups in steroids (17α-ol groups in steroids with a 17α, 20α, 21- or 17α,20β,21-triol structure) maybe converted to TMSi ether groups by reaction with N-trimethylsilylimidazole, alone or in combination with bis-trimethylsilylacetamide and with or without trimethylchlorosilane as a catalyst. At or above 150°C, the rates of catalyzed and non-catalyzed silylation reactions with these reagents are s imilar. This method may be used to prepare fully silylated MO-TMSi and TMSi derivatives of human steroid metabolites; the derivatives are stable, have good GC properties and show no adsorption (trailing) on column packings.
Modelo para regular la movilidad laboral: instrumento para el logro de equidad y estabilidad económica

En este trabajo se hace un ejercicio de aplicacion de una politica de regulacion de movilidad laboral mediante decisiones de caracter administrativo como instrumento para alcanzar objetivos de politica economica. Para ello, se propone un modelo deterministico con base en un marco teorico heterodoxo, que permite regular la movilidad laboral de inclusion-exclusion en las nominas del sector publico y cuyos efectos se traducen en mayor estabilidad, en variables como el crecimiento de la economia y el desempleo. Ademas, se presentan evidencias de simulacion con datos de la economia colombiana que permiten concluir que el instrumento disenado puede ser util para moderar sistematicamente los ciclos economicos de coyuntura.
Antagonistic activities of Suppressor of Hairless and Hairless control alternative cell fates in the Drosophila adult epidermis.

Successive alternative cell fate choices in the imaginal disc epithelium lead to the differentiation of a relatively invariant pattern of multicellular adult sensory organs in Drosophila. We show here that the activity of Suppressor of Hairless is required for both the sensory organ precursor (SOP) versus epidermal cell fate decision, and for the trichogen (shaft) versus tormogen (socket) cell fate choice. Complete loss of Suppressor of Hairless function causes most proneural cluster cells to accumulate high levels of the achaete and Delta proteins and to adopt the SOP fate. Late or partial reduction in Suppressor of Hairless activity leads to the apparent transformation of the tormogen (socket) cell into a second trichogen (shaft) cell, producing a ‘double shaft’ phenotype. We find that overexpression of Suppressor of Hairless has the opposite phenotypic effects. SOP determination is prevented by an early excess of Suppressor of Hairless activity, while at a later stage, the trichogen (shaft) cell is transformed into a second tormogen (socket) cell, resulting in ‘double socket’ bristles. We conclude that, for two different cell fate decisions in adult sensory organ development, decreasing or increasing the level of Suppressor of Hairless function confers mutant phenotypes that closely resemble those associated with gain and loss of Hairless activity, respectively. These results, along with the intermediate SOP phenotype observed in Suppressor of Hairless; Hairless double mutant imaginal discs, suggest that the two genes act antagonistically to commit imaginal disc cells stably to alternative fates.
Event-Triggered Electrical Control of Urinary Continence

Individuals with spinal cord injury or neurological disorders may develop involuntary bladder contraction at low volumes (bladder hyper-reflexia), which can lead to significant health problems. Current devices can eliminate nascent contractions through continuous stimulation, but do not have a means to detect the onset of bladder contraction to stimulate conditionally. The pudendal nerve trunk (PNT) electroneurogram (ENG) has been shown that the ENG could be used as to detect bladder contractions and as an input to a control system to trigger conditional electrical stimulation. The objective of this study is to determine whether event-triggered electrical control of urinary continence allows the bladder to fill to greater volume than continuous control, PNT ENG was the input to the control system and served as a trigger for inhibitory stimulation to maintain continence. Conditional inhibitory stimulation controlled by the PNT ENG allowed the bladder to fill to at least the same volume as continuous stimulation before continence was lost. However, the event-triggered control system had a 65% reduction in stimulation time as compared to continuous stimulation. These results support the use of an event-triggered control system to maintain urinary continence
A dominant activating mutation in the effector region of RAS abolishes IRA2 sensitivity.

Abstract Previously described mutations in RAS genes that cause a dominant activated phenotype affect the intrinsic biochemical properties of RAS proteins, either decreasing the intrinsic GTPase or reducing the affinity for guanine nucleotides. In this report, we describe a novel activating mutation in the RAS2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that does not alter intrinsic biochemical properties of the mutant RAS2 protein. Rather, this mutation, RAS2-P41S (proline 41 to serine), which lies in the effector region of RAS, is shown to abolish the ability of the IRA2 protein to stimulate the GTPase activity of the mutant RAS protein. This mutation also modestly reduced the ability of the mutant protein to stimulate the target adenylate cyclase in an in vitro assay, although in vivo the phenotypes it induced suggest that it retains potency in stimulation of adenylate cyclase. Our results demonstrate that although the effector region of RAS appears to be important for interaction with both target effector and negative regulators of RAS, it is possible to eliminate negative regulator responsiveness and retain potency in effector stimulation.
Factorial Learning and the EM Algorithm

Many real world learning problems are best characterized by an interaction of multiple independent causes or factors. Discovering such causal structure from the data is the focus of this paper. Based on Zemel and Hinton's cooperative vector quantizer (CVQ) architecture, an unsupervised learning algorithm is derived from the Expectation-Maximization (EM) framework. Due to the combinatorial nature of the data generation process, the exact E-step is computationally intractable. Two alternative methods for computing the E-step are proposed: Gibbs sampling and mean-field approximation, and some promising empirical results are presented.
Particle Swarm Optimization for next generation Smart Grid outage analyses

Smart Grid realization has been an ultimate goal for the power research community. The goal makes it necessary to incorporate the advanced algorithm and new technologies to make the power system more robust and secure. In order to reduce system-wide blackouts, high order contingency has to be analyzed and extensive work has been performed on N-k contingency studies. This paper proposes to use the Artificial Intelligence algorithm Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in solving cascading power outage failure problems, identifying potential risk, quantifying fitness results, and providing important guidance for system operators and business owners to make informed decisions.
Early Phylogenetic Divergence of Gynodioecious Species Warrants the Recognition of Subseries in Styrax Series Valvatae

Abstract In Styrax (Ericales: Styracaceae), gynodioecy is known or likely in ten species. A previous morphological analysis of the genus placed these species into a single highly derived clade within S. series Valvatae. In contrast, DNA sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region yielded two distinct gynodioecious clades within the series, one (South American species) as sister to the rest of S. series Valvatae, the other (S. obtusifolius only; Cuba) as phylogenetically nested within a clade of otherwise hermaphroditic species. Here we test these contrasting phylogenetic placements with analyses that include the plastid ndhF-rpl32-trnL, trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG, and trnV-ndhC genic regions in addition to ITS. Results strongly corroborate the phylogenetic positions of the two gynodioecious clades based on ITS data alone. Clade-specific ITS-plastid phylogenetic discordance provides evidence for hybridization and suggests a pattern of reticulate evolution among some of the s...
Apo-transferrin is internalized and routed differently from Fe-transferrin by caco-2 cells: a confocal microscopy study of vesicular transport in intestinal cells.

Caco-2 cells grown as monolayers on porous membranes in bicameral chambers have been used to study the transport of Fe from the apical (lumenal) chamber to the basal (serosal) chamber. The transport of Fe is stimulated by the presence of either apo-transferrin (apo-Tf) or ferri-transferrin (Fe-Tf) in the basal chamber with the stimulation occurring at much lower concentrations of apo-Tf than Fe-Tf. To further explore the involvement of Tf in Fe transport across the basal surface, laser scanning confocal microscopy with 3-dimensional reconstruction of the confocal images was used to visualize the internalization of Texas Red–labeled apo-Tf and Bodipy-labeled Fe-Tf from the basal chamber. These studies show that apo-Tf was readily internalized and routed preferentially to a perinuclear region of the Caco-2 cells while internalized Fe-Tf stayed preferentially below the nuclei. These findings suggest that intestinal cells have a specialized mechanism to recognize and sort apo-Tf.
Precipitation of soluble fibrin monomer complexes by lysosomal protein fraction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

SummaryA lysosomal protein fraction (LPF) isolated from rabbit PMN leukocytes is able to interact with soluble fibrin monomer complexes to form a precipitate. The reaction seems to be nonenzymatic and similar to that induced by polycationic protamine sulfate and polyanionic polyanethol sulfonate (Liquoid). The fibrin precipitating activity of LPF is thermostable and destroyed by proteolysis. The reaction between LPF and soluble fibrin monomer complexes is inhibited by 1 M urea. Heparin in a concentration of 100 U/ml has no effect on precipitate formation. The fibrin precipitating activity of LPF suggests that this material may be important in producing intravascular fibrin deposition in those situations in which there is destruction of PMN leukocytes and a concurrent rise of soluble fibrin monomer complexes in the circulation.
Relationship of transmural electrical parameters to the luminal Na concentration in the colon of the fowl (Gallus domesticus).

Electrical parameters: PD, resistance,Isc and amiloride-sensitive-Isc across the fowl colon (in vitro) change in response to the Na content of the diet. On a low-Na diet these changes appear to reflect increases in ion transport, especially amiloride-inhibitable Na transport. In vitro the magnitudes of the changes are related to the Na concentration in the luminal (mucosal) fluid and in birds on a low-Na diet peak at a concentration of about 12.5 mM. Such Na concentrations are similar to those in the colonic fluid of Na-deprived birds. Typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics do not appear to apply, possibly reflecting a local adaptation of the ion transport process in response to its external Na concentration.
Growth of CoSi2/Si Multilayer Structures

Growth techniques for very thin CoSi2 and Si layers for multilayer applications have been studied. CoSi2 layers without observable pinholes are grown by atechnique utilizing the room-temperature codeposition of Co and Si in stoichiometric ratio with a Si cap, followed by annealing. The crystallinity of the resulting CoSI2 layers annealed at various temperatures was studied byin-situ Rutherford backscattering channeling spectroscopy. The channeling minimum yield decreases with increasing annealing temperature, and drops sharply at ~ 570oC. Si overgrowth was studied on CoSi2 by a Si template technique, which utilizes the deposition of a thin amorphous Si layer followed by annealing prior to the growth of the bulk of the Si layer. The effect of Si thickness and annealing temperature on Islanding of the Si overlayer was studied by Auger electron spectroscopy. Critical temperatures for a numberof Si thicknesses were identified, above which islanding of these layers occurs.
Effect of sodium alkyl sulfate on peptic activity of gastric contents in man and in vitro.

ConclusionSodium alkyl sulfate decreases the peptic activity of the gastric contents in man when administered in adequate doses in conjunction with a diet low in lipids. The pepsin-inactivating action of sodium alkyl sulfate is inhibited in vitro by cream, butter, lecithin, glycerin, and esters of fatty acids with carbon chains of varying length. Lard, mineral oil and olive oil are practically ineffective in this respect.
A stochastic frame based approach to RFID tag searching

This paper addresses the fundamental problem of RFID tag searching: given a set of known tag IDs and a population of RFID tags with unknown IDs, where the tags may be passive or active, we want to know which tag IDs are in the tag population. RFID tag searching has many applications such as product recall, inventory balancing, and stock verification. Previous RFID tag searching protocols cannot achieve arbitrarily high accuracy and are not C1G2 compliant. In this paper, we propose a protocol called RTSP, which satisfies the four requirements of C1G2 compliance, arbitrary accuracy, privacy preserving, and multiple-reader capability. RTSP is easy to deploy because it is implemented on readers as a software module and does not require any implementation on tags. Furthermore, it does not require any modifications either to tags or to the communication protocol between tags and readers and works with the commercially available off-the-shelf RFID tags. We implemented RTSP along with the fastest tag identification protocol and compared them side-by-side. Our experimental results show that RTSP always achieves the required accuracy and is 22.73% faster than the fastest RFID identification protocol.
Modern Acting: A Conscious Approach

Chapter 3 provides a concise introduction to the Modern acting techniques described by: Josephine Dillon and Sophie Rosenstein, authors of manuals on Modern acting; Roman Bohnen, Morris Carnovsky, Phoebe Brand, and other members of the Actors’ Laboratory in Hollywood; and Stella Adler, another member of the Group Theatre, who began to combine work as an acting teacher with her career as an actor in the 1930s. The Modern acting techniques that these teachers focused on concern the challenges of building characterizations and developing the requisite concentration and physical and vocal ability to embody those characterizations. Their shared interest in addressing a range of acting problems contrasts with the Method’s more singular emphasis on breaking down inhibitions that seem to block actors’ expression of personal feeling.
Relationship between negative social reactions to sexual assault disclosure and mental health outcomes of Black and White Female survivors

OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effect of race on the relationship between negative reactions to sexual assault disclosure and the psychological sequelae such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and problem drinking in female sexual assault survivors. METHOD Using hierarchical regression in an ethnically diverse community sample of 622 female adult sexual assault victims, we assessed for sexual assault; negative reactions to sexual assault disclosure; and symptom severity for PTSD, depression, and problem drinking. RESULTS Negative social reactions to sexual assault disclosures were significantly associated with negative mental health outcomes across race. Race moderated the influence of negative disclosure reactions on psychological symptoms; however, the moderation was not similar across racial groups and psychological outcome measures. Although Black and White survivors evidenced distress through depression, PTSD, and substance use, Black women who received low to moderate negative reactions to their disclosures of assault were more likely to show increases in PTSD and depression whereas high negative reactions to disclosure were related to higher PTSD and depression similarly for both Black and White women. In addition, Black and White women who experienced more negative social reactions had greater substance abuse, with no difference by race. CONCLUSION The results provide further support for detrimental effects of negative reactions on Black and White survivors and highlight the importance of educating people in the community about sexual assault and how to respond in more supportive ways. (PsycINFO Database Record
Techniques for the provocation, localization, and ablation of non-pulmonary vein triggers for atrial fibrillation.

The end point of current catheter-based ablation approaches for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the elimination of all the possible triggers with the least amount of ablation necessary. Once all the triggers have been eliminated, the incremental value of any additional lesion sets remains to be proven. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation approaches for eliminating AF triggers. However, up to 11% of patients demonstrate reproducible sustained AF initiation from non-PV foci. In these patients, triggers can typically be elicited using standardized induction protocols, which include cardioversion of spontaneous and/or induced AF and infusion of high-dose isoproterenol. Non-PV triggers typically arise from discrete anatomical structures that include the mitral and tricuspid periannular regions, the crista terminalis and Eustachian ridge, the interatrial septum, the left atrial (LA) posterior wall, the left atrial appendage (LAA), and other thoracic veins such as the superior vena cava, the coronary sinus, and the ligament of Marshall. Localization of non-PV foci involves a detailed analysis of specific intra-atrial activation sequences using multipolar catheters in standard atrial locations coupled with information from the surface electrocardiogram P wave when possible. Multipolar catheters positioned along the coronary sinus and crista terminalis/superior vena cava region together with direct recordings from the right and left PVs allow a quick localization of non-PV foci. Elimination of non-PV triggers by means of focal ablation at the site of origin or isolation of arrhythmogenic structures (eg, LA posterior wall or superior vena cava) has been associated with improved arrhythmia-free survival.
Prognostic implication of persistent HPV16 DNA detection in oral rinses for HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma.

6005 Background: Human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma (HPV-OPC) has a favorable prognosis; however, 10-25% of HPV-OPC cases recur. Oral HPV DNA detection is associated with HPV-OPC...
We were feminists once: from riot grrrl to covergirl, the buying and selling of a political movement

First things first: We Were Feminists Once is not a scholarly text. That’s not to say it isn’t smart, or lacks rigor. It’s a useful snapshot of a tumultuous moment in feminist media history by an i...
Trichomonas vaginalis Adhesin Proteins Display Molecular Mimicry to Metabolic Enzymes

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan responsible for trichomonosis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases. Women are mainly affected and have a broad range of symptomatology; minor irritation to severe inflammation of the vaginal epithelium, accompanied with discharge, itching and abdominal pain have been reported (Krieger et al., 1990). Because of these varied symptoms and the lack of a good clinical test, diagnosis is less than adequate with approximately 50% of women misdiagnosed.
Time-resolved study of vacuum Rabi oscillations in a semiconductor microcavity

Recent progress in vertical surface-emitting-laser-diode technology has raised considerable interest in cavity-QED effects in high-quality vertical semiconductor microcavities. When an excitonic transition and a single cavity mode are strongly coupled, the normal modes of the system are coupled modes split by the vacuum-Rabi frequency, corresponding in the time domain to an oscillation of the excitation between modes of exciton and photon character. Recently, the vacuum-Rabi splitting and preliminary observations of time-domain oscillation in semiconductor quantum microcavities have been reported.1,2 In this paper we investigate rigorously the time-domain vacuum-Rabi oscillation by femtosecond upconversion and pump-probe techniques.
Clinical aspects of the three major genetic forms of long QT syndrome (LQT1, LQT2, LQT3)

Background A comprehensive report on the clinical course of the three major genotypes of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) in a large U.S. patient cohort is lacking. Methods Our study consisted of 1,923 U.S. subjects from the Rochester-based LQTS Registry with genotype-positive LQT1 (n = 879), LQT2 (n = 807), and LQT3 (n = 237). We evaluated the risk of a first cardiac event (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death, whichever occurred first) from birth through age 50 years. Cox proportional hazards regression models incorporating clinical covariates were used to assess genotype-specific risk of cardiac events. Results For all three genotypes, the cumulative probability of a first cardiac event increased most markedly during adolescence. Multivariate analysis identified proband status and QTc > 500 ms as predictors of cardiac events in all three genotypes, and males 14 years as predictors of cardiac events in LQT1 and LQT2 only. Beta-blockers significantly reduced the risk of cardiac events in LQT1 (HR: 0.49, p = .002) and LQT2 patients (HR: 0.48, p = .001). A trend toward beta-blocker benefit in reducing cardiac events was found in LQT3 females (HR: 0.32, p = .078), but not in LQT3 males (HR: 1.37, p = .611). Conclusion Risk factors and outcomes in LQTS patients varied by genotype. In all three genotypes, proband status and prolonged QTc were risk factors for cardiac events. Younger males and older females experienced increased risk in LQT1 and LQT2 only. Beta-blockers were most effective in reducing cardiac events in LQT1 and LQT2, with a potential benefit in LQT3 females.
The Physics of Radiation Transport

The Boltzmann equation is an integrodifferential equation describing the behavior of a dilute assemblage of corpuscles. It was derived by Ludwig Boltzmann in 1872 to study the properties of gases. It applies equally to the description of the behavior of “radiation” which, for the purpose of this paper, will comprise nuclei, leptons, mesons, baryons, and energetic photons.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and bacterial biofilms.

Purpose of review Recently, there has been increased interest in bacterial biofilms as a major factor in chronic infections. Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic infections seen by physicians. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature available on chronic rhinosinusitis and biofilms. Recent findings Only very few articles are available about the relationship between biofilms and chronic rhinosinusitis. Three separate authors reported on finding biofilms in samples obtained from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. One article demonstrated biofilms on samples obtained from animals that were inoculated with bacteria. The major breakthrough was noted when the majority of samples from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis had biofilms in them but none were found on similar samples obtained on controls. Summary Even though only a few reports are available about the role of biofilms and chronic rhinosinusitis, the evidence seems to be convincing that such a role exists. We still have a long way to go, however, before we know the exact relationship of biofilms and chronic rhinosinusitis. Why do some patients form biofilms, what triggers biofilm formation and how can we prevent them from forming are questions that need to be answered.
Cortisol Predicts Antidepressant Treatment Outcome, Memory Improvement, and Brain Response to Negative Emotions: The Importance of Aging

Background: Studies testing the relationship between cortisol levels, depression, and antidepressant treatment response have yielded divergent results suggesting the possibility of moderators of a cortisol effect. Several studies indicate that age may moderate the relationship between cortisol and psychopathology. In patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), we studied the interactive effects of age and cortisol on predicting diagnostic status, improvement in mood and memory function with antidepressant treatment, and brain response to negative emotional stimuli. Methods: 66 unmedicated patients with MDD and 75 matched healthy controls had serum assayed at pre-treatment baseline for cortisol. Logistic regression was used to determine an association of age, cortisol and their interaction with MDD diagnosis. Thirty-four of the MDD participants (age range: 19-65 years; median: 36) underwent treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRl) for 8 weeks. Clinician and self-ratings of depression symptoms, as well as tests of verbal and visual delayed recall were obtained at baseline and post treatment. Moderation analyses determined the effect of age on the relationship between baseline cortisol and treatment outcome. A separate sample of 8 MDD participants prospectively underwent fMRI neuroimaging and cortisol collection while viewing negative emotional faces. Results: Age moderated the effects of cortisol on predicting MDD diagnosis (p<.05), treatment-associated reduction of depression symptoms (p<.001), improvement of delayed recall (p<.001), and baseline brain response to negative emotions (p<.05, whole brain corrected). Modeling the Age X Cortisol interaction suggested that for the participants below the median age of our sample, lower cortisol levels predicted a lower rate of MDD diagnosis, higher antidepressant effects and decreased brain reactivity in emotion regulation regions such as the anterior cingulate gyrus. On the contrary, in those above the median sample age, lower cortisol predicted a higher rate of MDD, less improvement in depression symptoms and memory performance, and more brain reactivity in the anterior cingulate. Conclusions: Our results indicate that age moderates the relationship between peripheral cortisol levels and (1) MDD diagnosis, (2) brain reactivity to emotional stimuli, and (3) antidepressant-associated improvement in depression and memory symptoms. These results indicate that previous disparities in the literature linking peripheral cortisol levels with depression characteristics and treatment response may critically relate, at least in part, to the age of the patients studied.
The Sierpinski Triangle: Deterministic versus Random Models

Recently a book on mathematics? Gleick's Chaos: Making a New Science (1987)?hit the best-seller lists and book club catalogs. Graphics displays on the sub ject have found their way into art galleries and magazines. The pretty pictures are undeniably exhil arating, but the real excitement for teachers of mathematics lies in the opportunity to travel with students down new avenues of genuine inquiry based on some simple ideas and questions and aided by correspondingly simple computer-programming techniques. Much of the field of dynamical systems has now been made more accessible and un derstandable because of current computer technology, but it is still necessarily far be yond the mathematical sophistication of most high school students. For the most part these students have not yet acquired strong backgrounds in the complex number system, linear algebra, or calculus, to name a few prerequisites for deeper understanding. However, at least two aspects of this field, which are accessible to many high school students, would motivate them and give them good preparation for further study: the concept of a fractal and the tech nique of iteration. A fractal is a set of points that is not zero-dimensional like a point, nor one-di mensional like a line, nor two-dimensional like a plane region, and so on. Rather, its dimension is better described by a number
Performance Times for the King-Devick Test in Children and Adolescents

Objective:To establish the King-Devick test (KD) performance values for children and adolescents.Design:Prospective cohort.Setting:Pediatric sports medicine clinics.Participants:Five hundred seven athletes presenting to a pediatric sports medicine clinic for non–concussion-related evaluations.Indepe