cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of persistent modulation of intestinal microbiota on SIV/HIV vaccination in rhesus macaques.

An effective vaccine to prevent HIV transmission has not yet been achieved. Modulation of the microbiome via probiotic therapy has been suggested to result in enhanced mucosal immunity. Here, we evaluated whether probiotic therapy could improve the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of SIV/HIV vaccination. Rhesus macaques were co-immunized with an SIV/HIV DNA vaccine via particle-mediated epidermal delivery and an HIV protein vaccine administered intramuscularly with Adjuplex™ adjuvant, while receiving daily oral Visbiome® probiotics. Probiotic therapy alone led to reduced frequencies of colonic CCR5+ and CCR6+ CD4+ T cells. Probiotics with SIV/HIV vaccination led to similar reductions in colonic CCR5+ CD4+ T cell frequencies. SIV/HIV-specific T cell and antibody responses were readily detected in the periphery of vaccinated animals but were not enhanced with probiotic treatment. Combination probiotics and vaccination did not impact rectal SIV/HIV target populations or reduce the rate of heterologous SHIV acquisition during the intrarectal challenge. Finally, post-infection viral kinetics were similar between all groups. Thus, although probiotics were well-tolerated when administered with SIV/HIV vaccination, vaccine-specific responses were not significantly enhanced. Additional work will be necessary to develop more effective strategies of microbiome modulation in order to enhance mucosal vaccine immunogenicity and improve protective immune responses.
Feline adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells induce effector phenotype and enhance cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells

Background Feline adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) engage with a variety of immune cells and have been used in several clinical trials for the treatment of inflammatory and immune-dysregulated diseases in cats, but the impact they exert on the functional characteristics on T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, remains to be elucidated. Methods Modified mixed leukocyte reaction was performed between feline ASCs and PBMCs. Changes of cell cycle stages, phenotype and cellular senescence were determined through flow cytometry and gene expression analysis. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to evaluate CD8+ T cell effector function. Results Feline ASCs induce cell cycle arrest on CD8+ T cells in a contact-dependent manner, downregulate CD8 surface expression, and shift their phenotype toward terminally differentiated effector cells (CD57+, CD45R+, CD62L-). CD8 T cells interacted with feline ASCs also upregulated granzyme B, IL-2 and KLRG-1 expression and have enhanced cytotoxic potential, evident by the increased percentage of lysis on target cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that feline ASCs (1) alter CD8+ T cells toward terminally differentiated, proinflammatory effector phenotype with limited proliferative capacity, and (2) enhance their cytotoxic potential through granzyme B upregulation. These cytotoxic CD8+ T cells could aid in disease cure in cases caused by an underlying, unresolved viral infection.
The Use of Cytokines, Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes, and Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: The UCLA Experience

The approach to disseminated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has evolved significantly in the past decade, largely due to availability and efficacy of biologic therapy. Since Rosenberg first reported the use of Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and lymphokine activated killer cells (LAK) in advanced RCC1, numerous combinations of cytokines and lymphoid cells have been used in treatment of RCC with varying success. Currently, high dose IL-2 remains the only FDA approved agent for biologic therapy of RCC. However, most renal cell carcinoma patients fail to benefit from IL-2 and toxicity when administered in high dose bolus fashion is considerable. In an effort to improve response rate and decrease toxicity, we have employed the use of combination low dose IL-2 and IFNα with and without ex vivo expanded tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). We are also investigating the potential utility of gene therapy for development of a tumor vaccine, as well as target directed cytokine delivery. This chapter summarizes some or our experiences with cytokine therapy, adoptive immune therapy with TIL, and gene therapy.
Cyclical changes of electrolytes in endometrial tissue

Abstract Data are presented showing statistically significant cyclical variation of endometrial sodium, chloride, and potassium content. No significant cyclical variation in water content is noted. The histologically noted secretory phase stromal edema is considered in the light of these data, and speculation made as to its true nature.
Parallel techniques for Virtual Cell

The Virtual Cell is a simulation package created by the National Resource for Cell Analysis and Modeling (NRCAM). It enables users to model cell biological processes [J.C. Schaff et al. (2001)]. The core of the Virtual Cell is solving a system of PDEs. Sequential runs of the Virtual Cell can take large amounts of time and hence parallelization is needed. In this paper we present a parallel implementation of a model that is inspired by the one-dimensional version of the Virtual Cell. Our experimental results show that this parallelization is quite effective. In particular, the speedups we obtain are good implying that the parallel techniques employed could improve the performance of the Virtual Cell.
A novel method to estimate DOC concentrations from CDOM absorption coefficients in coastal waters

[1] A novel method to accurately retrieve DOC concentrations (±4%) from CDOM absorption coefficients, ag(λ), at λ = 275 and 295 nm is presented. By using these two wavelengths, the method exploits useful information about the ratio of ag(λ) to [DOC] contained in the 275–295 nm spectral slope coefficient, S275−295. This approach was developed using data (n = 222) collected on a seasonal basis in surface waters of the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The approach is demonstrated to accurately and consistently estimate [DOC] for all seasons and for a broad [DOC] range of 63–611 μM. Application to coastal waters of the Beaufort Sea (n = 33) demonstrated that similar performance can be expected in other river-influenced ocean margins after parameterization using local data. Applicability to other marine environments remains to be tested but such assessment can be pursued immediately where appropriate data have already been collected.
Prolonging paracervical block anesthesia: Addition of dextran to 2-chloroprocaine

Abstract Forty parturient women received paracervical block (PCB) anesthetics during labor with 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP) and epinephrine in either normal saline or dextran. Thirty-six patients were thought to have adequate anesthesia. Nineteen patients who received 2-CP in saline had a mean duration of anesthesia lasting 55.4 min; one fetus developed post-PCB bradycardia. Seventeen patients who received 2-CP in dextran had a mean duration of anesthesia lasting 72.7 min; no fetal bradycardia was observed following PCB. Neonatal depression, expressed by 1 and 5 min Apgar scores below seven, was not observed in either group. The addition of dextran to 2-CP significantly prolongs the duration of PCB anesthesia and does not appear to compromise the fetus. The pain relief provided by a single PCB with 2-CP in dextran is still relatively short and would not persist throughout the active phase of labor in most parturient women.
Quantifying Stomach Contents Using Immunoassays: A Critique

Immunological techniques have a long history of use in the qualitative examination of invertebrate diets, especially for insects (Calver, 1984). Typical dietary questions asked in the ecological application of serological methods include: does predator A ingest prey X, Y, and Z ?; what proportion of the predator population eats a particular prey organism ?; how long is a meal detectable ?; does selective predation occur (that is, does the predator eat prey X but not Y or Z) ? After using antisera to answer similar questions in marine food webs (Feller et al., 1979), it has become apparent that ecologists will never be satisfied with answers to such qualitative questions alone.
Nitrogen Source Regulation of Growth and Photosynthesis in Beta vulgaris L.

Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L. cv F58-554H1) were grown hydroponically in a 16-h light, 8-h dark period at a photosynthetic photon flux density of 0.5 mmol m-2 s-1 for 4 weeks in half-Hoagland culture solution containing only nitrate-nitrogen. Half of the plants were then transferred to half-Hoagland solution with ammonium-nitrogen (7.35mM), while the other half continued on 7.5 mM nitrate. Growth analysis was carried out by sampling the plants at 3-d intervals over a period of 21 d. Compared to plants supplied with nitrate, ammonium initially slowed the growth of shoots more than roots. Ammonium reduced both the area expansion of individual leaves and the relative water content of these leaves, but increased the amount of dry matter/area. The increase in specific leaf weight in ammonium-grown leaves was associated with a doubling of chloroplast volume, as much as a 62% rise in chlorophyll content, and a 4.3-fold higher accumulation of soluble protein. Ammonium nutrition substantially decreased the rate of expansion of photosynthetic (leaf) surface but did not decrease the rate of photosynthesis per area; in fact, net photosynthetic CO2 exchange rates were slightly higher than in nitrate plants, due to the build-up in stromal enzymes of the Calvin cycle, several of which increased in total extractable activity on a leaf area basis, e.g. ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase oxygenase, sedoheptulose-1,7-biphosphatase. Nitrogen source had no effect on stomatal conductance. Rates of photosynthesis per chlorophyll were decreased slightly in ammonium-grown leaves, possibly due to an increased CO2-diffusion resistance associated with the enlarged chloroplasts.
Sampling Design for Some Trace Elemental Distributions in New York Bight Sediments

The paper outlines a model to describe the spatial distribution of selected trace elements (chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc) in New York Bight sediments. Empirical tests of the fit of existing data by means of cumulative probability plots on log-normal probability paper and goodness-of-fit tests demonstrate conformity to the log-normal distribution predicted by the model. An adaptive sampling strategy for describing the spatial distribution of the trace elements is developed, based on a knowledge of the sampling distributions of the elements. The spatial distribution of the sampling stations conforms to the expected nonuniformity of the trace metal concentrations of interest, providing for a more efficient allocation of sampling effort.
Thermochemistry of Lanthana- and Yttria- Doped Thoria

Lanthanide-doped thoria is relevant both to nuclear energy and to solid oxide fuel cell technology. It is also a simple model system in which oxygen vacancy concentration is directly proportional to doping with no complication from oxidation–reduction reactions, ordered phases, or phase transitions in the tetravalent oxide. Despite this relevance, only few thermodynamic data are available for such systems. In the present study, La xTh1-xO2-0.5x (0< x <0.50) and Yx Th1-x O2-0.5x (0 < x < 0.18) have been synthesized, characterized, and systematically studied for the first time using high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. Two competing effects contribute to the energetics: endothermic deviation from ideality related to cation size difference and partial stabilization of the system due to the exothermic formation of defect clusters. The former can be described by endothermic regular solution interaction parameters of 119.3 ± 11.4 kJ/mol for the yttria system and 27.8 ± 4.1 kJ/mol for the lanthana system. The latter can be described by exothermic vacancy clustering or defect association energies of –116.3 ± 23.3 kJ/mol for yttria-doped thoria and –98.6 ± 19.7 kJ/mol for lanthana-doped thoria.
Effect of Facility Geometry on RFID Localization Accuracy

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a promising technology for localization in various industrial applications. In RFID localization, accuracy is the top performance concern, and it is affected by multiple factors. In this paper, we investigate how the facility geometry impacts the expected localization accuracy in the entire region where the target is uniformly distributed. Three groups of geometries, namely, rectangles with various length-to-width ratios, circle, and regular polygons with 3–10 edges, are chosen for this study. A hybrid multilateration approach, which combines linearization and nonlinear optimization, is used to estimate the target location. Since the layout of landmarks significantly affects localization performance, we evaluate the expected accuracy in a facility obtained under the optimal landmark layout for the facility. The optimal landmark layout for each type of facility geometry is obtained, and then the effect of geometry is studied by comparing the expected accuracies of these layouts. It is discovered that (1) the optimal layouts follow several simple empirical deployment principles, (2) for all geometries, the expected accuracy improves and tends to reach the expected Cramer-Rao lower bound as more landmarks are used, and (3) if the same numbers of landmarks are used, the expected accuracies for circular and regular polygonal geometries are close. However, the expected accuracy for a rectangular geometry decreases as the length-to-width ratio increases.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Gender differences in attitudes toward science.

Analysis of nationwide surveys taken from 1972 through 1990 showed that, at all education levels and in all age groups from 20 to 79 years, females had less confidence in science than males. Greater percentages of females than males agreed with statements that, “science breaks down people's ideas of right and wrong” and “science pries into things.” The relationships between gender differences in attitudes toward science and theories about biological differences in cognitive abilities between the sexes, traditional societal roles of women, and the impediments to participation of women in historically male-dominated science are discussed.
Time-based operators for relational algebra query languages

We present a new approach for historical relational algebra languages based upon generalized logic for Boolean and comparison operators and a temporal modification of the standard relational algebra operators. Historical versions of standard (snapshot) relational algebra operators based upon this generalized logic are presented. The temporal modification employs a logic that operates on sets of value/time-interval pairs and which can be applied to snapshot as well as historical databases. Our emphasis is that the generalized operators can be used to enrich existing historical query languages and to provide an easier and more natural time-based interface. Using the generalized operators, users can express their queries more naturally, succinctly and elegantly. Examples are presented which illustrate that the modified operators offer a good degree of flexibility in expressing different temporal requirements.
Plastic zone characterization by recrystallization

Description des essais de calibrage qui determinent la correlation entre la grosseur des grains recristallises et la deformation. Ceci necessite l'analyse de la distribution de deformation dans les zones de plasticite a l'extremite de fissures
Crystallization and oligomeric structure of rat liver arginase.

Rat liver arginase, a manganese-metalloenzyme, has been crystallized from polyethylene glycol 8000 in N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (Bicine) buffer at pH 8.5. Crystals form as either cubes or pyramids and belong to space group P31 (or P32) with hexagonal unit cell dimensions a = b = 88·9 A, c = 114·8 A, or a = b = 88·5 A, c = 104·5 A; the variation along the c axis does not correlate with the external crystal morphology of cube or pyramidshaped. X-ray diffraction data are measured to a limiting resolution of 2·4 A. Given the volume constraints of the unit cell it is likely that rat liver arginase is a trimer, with three 35,000 Da monomers in the asymmetric unit. This resolves a persistent ambiguity regarding the oligomeric structure of this enzyme.
Comic Books in Libraries, Archives and Media Centers

The ubiquitousness and relatively low cost of comic books, combined with their proven socio-historical, recreational, and educational value, render them a highly desirable commodity in libraries, archives, and classroom collections. The article offers practical guidelines for the evaluation and acquisition of these materials. A concise history of the field and many useful appendices (e.g., bestseller lists, a bibliography, a breakdown of currently issued titles) have been included.
The 2010 Schubmehl-Prein Essay Competition: what should individual privacy rights be with respect to services such as street view?

The 2010 competition was the sixth year of the Schubmehl-Prein contest for the Best Essay on Social Impact of Computing. The topic for this year turned was one that turned out to be in the news even more than anticipated -- What Should Individual Privacy Rights Be With Respect To Services Such As "Street View? The topic was originally envisioned primarily as one that would lead students to consider the different concepts of privacy that various countries have enforced in dealing with Street View. But the anticipated scope expanded when Street View hit the news for having intercepted and saved some unsecured wireless traffic during data acquisition. In any case, this year's topic was clearly one that students were able to have fun working on.
AN INHOMOGENEOUS ANISOTROPIC MODEL OF THE HUMAN TORSO FOR ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDIES

A method which can account for body tissue resistivity and anisotropy in studies of the heart-lead relation has long been desired. This paper describes a twice-life-size analogue model which mimics the resistive properties of heart muscle, heart-blood cavities, great vessels, lung, liver, fat, anisotropic skeletal muscle, ribs and spine. Although designed for electrocardiographic studies, its use for impedance plethysmographic investigation is equally suitable. The exterior boundary can be employed with or without the internal analogue structure to emphasize effects specifically associated with the inhomogeneities and anisotropies of the thoracic tissues. The technique for model construction combines two established methods of field investigation; the electrolytic tank and the resistive network. A matrix of interlocking plastic rods immersed in the conducting fluid constrains the current flow so as to create the desired resistor network within the electrolytic tank. The electrical instrumentation, which consists of a pulsed bridge with a storage-oscilloscope null detector, has several advantages over conventional measurement techniques and is also described in the paper.
Fixed-Time Classification and Detection Plans for Alfalfa Snout Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Practical scouting plans are described that categorize the economic status of the alfalfa snout beetle, Otiorhynchus ligustici (L.), from direct visual counts of adults during 30-min field inspections. Plans were derived by fixing field-sampling time requirements as a linear function of beetle density and computing with the t statistic the probability that true mean beetle density μ differs from the economic injury level, given estimated mean beetle density (x) from field scouting. Consequences of classification errors are stated as probability of financial gains and losses to dairy farmers. Worst-case yield loss scenarios are presented as a simple decision aid that dairy farmers can consult to minimize the probability of catastrophic losses. Survey and detection plans are derived from a geometric series for Poisson frequencies of beetle occurrence; plans can be used by regulatory personnel to identify the probability of detecting beetle infestations when field inspection is restricted to arbitrary time limits. General guidelines for implementing both sampling plans are discussed. Concurrent studies of alfalfa snout beetle population dispersion detected aggregation among soilborne larvae as well as among beetles emerging from soil overwintering sites. In contrast, dispersion of beetles on the soil surface following spring emergence was random.
Nitrate levels in shallow groundwater of upstate New York, USA

This paper summarizes research evaluating nitrate levels in shallow groundwater of upstate New York, USA. Water from abandoned dug wells in six different land-use categories was analyzed for nitrate. Findings indicate that regardless of overlying land-use, shallow groundwater is susceptible to high levels of nitrate. Over 60 percent of the water samples tested, including at least one sample from each land-use category, had nitrate levels in excess of the United States drinking water standard of 10 mg 1−1. Due to the potential threat of elevated nitrate levels, efforts should be made to eliminate abandoned dug wells in shallow groundwater as a source of water supply.
Membrane protein alterations during the early stages of sporulation of Bacillus subtilis.

Membrane protein alterations during the early stages of sporuloation were examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Solubilized samples of the vegetative cell membrane (VCM), sporulation membrane fraction (SMF), and inner forespore membranes (IFM) were compared with respect to their protein compositions. The VCM contained 39 protein components, distinguishable as separate bands on gel electrophoresis, and these ranged in molecular weight from 16,000 to greater than 100,000. During the first 5 hr of sporulation, 6 of these 39 protein bands disappeared, 8 increased and 12 decreased in concentration, and 13 showed no discernible change. In addition, 15 new protein components were identified in the SMF during the fireist 5 hr. The new components consisted of 7 protein bands that were transiently associated with the SMF, and 8 proteins that persisted in the SMF from their time of appearance until at least T5 of sporulation. Comparison of the protein composition of the IFM with those of the VCM and SMF revealed that membrane protein alterations occur during sporulation. The turnover of H3-tryptophan-labeleld membrane protein was followed during growth and sporulation. During the 30 min of growth following a simple chase with excess unlabeled tryptophan, membrane protein appeared stable, whereas 5–10% of the nonmembrane protein turned over to acid-soluble material. However, manipulation of the cells by dilution ito fresh medium, or centrifugation, as part of the chase procedure, resulted in elution of membrane protein to the cytoplasm. In contrast, proteins labeled during vegetative growth were always eluted to the cytoplasm during the first 2 hr of sporulation, and this was followed by a period of reassociation with the membrane fraction. The results are discussed with respect to membrane differentiation as it relates to spore development.
The effects of differential acquisition-stage emphasis and auto-instructions upon verbal mediating responses

Mediated responding was studied as a function of the “emphasis” given to the acquisition-stage items. Mediated responding was evinced when Ss reported that they had attempted to consider the acquisition pairs while making their choice on the test trial. The greatest evidence of mediated facilitation was obtained when all stimulus items of the acquisition pairs and when the critical response term were emphasized during the acquisition stages.
Novel stereoids from cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate-initiated oxidative rearrangements of 16-dehydroprogesterone

Abstract Cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate initiates oxidative opening of the D-ring of 16-dehydroprogesterone in CH2Cl2. The novel steroids 3 and 4 have been isolated and characterized as the major products obtained from oxidative rearrangement of the steroid backbone. The X-ray crystal structure of the D-homosteroid 3 is provided, and a putative mechanism that invokes a benzilic acid rearrangement for formation of 3 is presented.
Femoral veno-arterial extracorporcal life support with minimal or no heparin

Abstract Recent technological advances in cardiopulmonary bypass circuits achieving surface bonding with heparin have permitted prolonged extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in experimental studies without the use of systemic anticoagulation. Excessive bleeding and the need for massive transfusions after extended ECLS with systemic heparinization have often led to the development of sepsis and multisystem organ failure. The Carmeda bioactive surface circuit, along with a Bio-Medicus centrifugal pump (Bio-Pump) and the femoral veno-arterial route, were used successfully in 3 patients requiring ECLS between April 1992 and December 1992. In 2 patients the need for ECLS was acute allograft dysfunction after orthotopic cardiac transplantation with no evidence of cellular rejection. Both patients were receiving multiple inotropes and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation; their condition continued to deteriorate rapidly before the initiation of ECLS. The third patient failed to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after myocardial rcvascularization for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Time on ECLS ranged from 57 to 128 hours. No systemic anticoagulation was used. One patient received no heparin, and the other 2 patients received intermittent heparin infusion to maintain an average activated clotting time of 195 and 214 seconds. Multisystem organ dysfunction present before initiation of ECLS was rapidly reversed, and all patients were weaned successfully without any immediate major complications. The ability to conduct prolonged ECLS without systemic anticoagulation and without repeat sternotomy opens new avenues for the use of this procedure in profound heart failure.
Posterior tibial tendon rupture in athletic people

We present our findings in six athletic patients with a ruptured or partially ruptured posterior tibial tendon. Pain in the midarch region, difficulty pushing off while running, and a pronated flattened longitudinal arch are the usual symptoms and physical findings of this injury. Surgical treatment, including reattachment of the rup tured posterior tibial tendon, is effective in restoring some but not all normal function. Nor will surgery restore the flattened longitudinal arch.
Preconception Healthcare: What Women Know and Believe

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine if women realize the importance of optimizing their health prior to a pregnancy, whether the pregnancy is planned or not; and to evaluate their knowledge level and beliefs about preconception healthcare. Additionally, we sought to understand how and when women wanted to receive information on preconception health. Methods: A survey study was performed using consecutive patients presenting to primary care practices for an annual well-woman exam. Patients were recruited based on appointment type and willingness to complete the survey at the time of their appointment, but prior to being seen by the physician. Results: A total of 499 women completed the survey. Nearly all women (98.6%) realized the importance of optimizing their health prior to a pregnancy, and realized the best time to receive information about preconception health is before conception. The vast majority of patients surveyed (95.3%) preferred to receive information about preconception health from their primary care physician. Only 39% of women could recall their physician ever discussing this topic. The population studied revealed some significant knowledge deficiencies about factors that may threaten the health of mother or fetus. Conclusions: A majority of women do understand the importance of optimizing their health prior to conception, and look to their Primary care physician as their preferred source for such information. Study participants demonstrated deficiencies in their knowledge of risk factors that impact maternal and fetal health suggesting that physicians are not addressing preconception healthcare during routine care.
Lighting the Way: Contrasting Arguments for the Arts in Education

This article explores the contrasting arguments for the place of the arts in education made by the two distinguished arts educators—the American Elliot Eisner and British dance and physical education theorist Graham McFee. Both scholars begin with the premise that the arts should be central to a liberal education and then diverge. McFee argues, from his success in seeing dance as part of the National Curriculum in the UK, that a conceptually precise and closely focused philosophical rationale is critical, whereas Eisner takes the opposite path—arguing for the inclusion of the arts because they embody the most profoundly central task of all education—the nuanced development of mind.
Absence of gastrointestinal infections in a cohort of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other acid hypersecretors receiving long-term acid suppression with lansoprazole.

Background The relationship between proton pump inhibitor therapy and other acid suppressing medications and the risk of gastrointestinal infections remains controversial.
Influence of nerve cell body and neurolemma cell on local axonal protein synthesis following neurotomy.

The influence of the nerve cell body and neurolemma cell on selected aspects of local axonal protein synthesis as a consequence of neurotomy was studied in the hypoglossal nerve. The onset of the phase of rapid local protein synthesis in axons of the proximal stump, occurring 12–15 hr after transection, was not affected by decentralization at the time of neurotomy. This indicated that the perikaryon was not required to induce the rapid local synthesis response. Moreover, other experiments demonstrated that this response could be induced in intact nerve in regions subjected to gentle blunt dissection of the nerve away from surrounding tissue. Incorporation of [3H] leucine into axonal protein in proximal stumps, 18 hr after transection, occurred without apparent delay and proceeded at a linear rate through 2 hr in vitro. In addition, incubation in vitro with colchicine produced no significant effect on local synthesis of axonal protein. These findings were consistent with an intra-axonal site of protein synthesis and a local induction of the phase of rapid axonal protein synthesis.
Achieving a viable equilibrium: exploring the connections between human health and the world we inhabit

In recent decades, the Western medical establishment has become more cognizant of the connection between our environment and our health, a relationship Eastern medicine has respected for centuries. Throughout history, physicians, scientists, and scholars have postulated that the health of humans is dependent, at least in part, on the health of the planet. Objective data now exist that allow us to better understand this relationship so that we may work to continue to improve the health of individuals, communities, the human race, and the planet we inhabit.
Binding of site-directed monoclonal antibodies to an epitope located in the A/B region (amino acids 140–154) of human estrogen receptor-induced conformational changes in an epitope in the DNA-binding domain

Abstract The interactions of estrogen receptor (ER) with monoclonal antibody (Mab) F9, developed against a synthetic 30-mer hybrid oligopeptide, were determined in the presence or absence of Mab NMT-1, raised against 15-mer peptide from the N-terminal A/B region (amino acids 140–154) or Mab 213, raised to a peptide AT3 in the DNA-binding domain (amino acids 247–263). Mab F9 bound ER and formed a complex sedimenting at the ∼11S region of the gradients. Mabs 213 and NMT-1 bound ER and formed complexes sedimenting at ∼7S and 9S, respectively. Preincubation of ER with Mab 213, followed by reincubation with Mab F9, resulted in a complex sedimenting at the ∼11S region of the gradients. Similarly, preincubation of ER with Mab NMT-1 followed by reincubation with Mab F9 also produced an ∼11S complex on the gradients. These observations suggest that binding of Mab F9 to ER induced conformational changes causing the release of Mab 213 and Mab NMT-1 from ER. Furthermore, binding of Mab NMT-1 to the A/B region of ER also produced conformational changes causing the release of Mab 213 from its epitope in the DNA-binding region. These results indicate that binding of Mab F9 and Mab NMT-1, with epitopes located within amino acids 140–154 of the A/B region of ER, induced conformational changes in the DNA-binding domain, as determined by the inability of Mab 213 to remain bound to its epitope. These data further suggest that the DNA-binding region is sensitive to conformational changes induced in the native protein.
Application of infrared spectroscopy to the analysis of primary fatty amide mixtures

The composition of fatty amide mixtures, containing mostly simple primary amides, has been studied by means of an infrared method utilizing the Amide I carbonyl absorption band. In dilute chloroform solution the amides, CH3(CH2)nCONH2, absorb consistently at about 5.95 μ and do not display apparent association or enolization. The concentration of unsubstituted amides has been quantitatively related to the intensity of the Amide I band throughout the range from 1 to 100%. With the scale expansion the sensitivity of the method may be extended to 0.03% without difficulty. The influence of certain impurities on the intensity of the Amide I band is discussed. Carbonyl absorption from fatty acids, ketones, and esters constitutes an interference.N-monosubstituted amides also contribute to the absorption observed at 5.95 μ, but their presence is indicated by additional absorption at about 6.60 μ. The determination of small amounts of amides in amines may be accomplished by measuring the total Amide I absorption of a sample dissolved in tetrachloroethylene and relating this absorption to that of known mixtures run under identical conditions.
On the propagation of polarization sets for systems of real principal type

We define and study the polarization sets for vector-valued distributions. Systems of real principal type are defined, and we prove that for such systems of pseudodifferential operators we have a unique propagation of the polarization sets for the solutions.
Families of Gifted Children: The Next Ten Years.

This article addresses a number of issues that are important to families with gifted children. A central focus is on how the family is affected by “labeling.” Looking to the future, the author anticipates that issues focusing on giftedness will become a greater part of the family counseling and therapy field. I want to thank Editor Karen Williams for inviting me to participate in the Roeper Riview Tenth Anniversary issue. An “anniversary” issue puts one into a reflecive mode and I have been thinking about what major issues have characterized the field of gifted education since the 1978 publication.
A comparison of the remifentanil and fentanyl adverse effect profile in a multicenter phase IV study

Abstract Study objective To compare the frequency of adverse effects of remifentanil and fentanyl in a large and diverse patient population. Design Prospective, randomized, open-label study. Setting Multicenter study including academic and community hospitals. Patients 2,438 adult patients (1,496 outpatients and 942 inpatients) scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general endotracheal anesthesia of at least 30-minute duration. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous (IV) remifentanil (n = 1,229) 0.5 μg/kg/min for induction and tracheal intubation followed by an infusion rate of 0.25 μg/kg/min or fentanyl (n = 1,209) administered according to the anesthesiologist's usual practice. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and/or isoflurane (with or without nitrous oxide) titrated according to protocol. Transition analgesia with either morphine or fentanyl was administered in the remifentanil and, at the anesthesiologist's discretion, in the fentanyl group. Measurements The overall nonspecific and specific ( i.e ., opioid-related) adverse effects were recorded. Main results Remifentanil was associated with more intraoperative hypotension than fentanyl ( p i.e ., episodes of hypertension, bradycardia, respiratory depression, and apnea). Conclusions In the doses used, both remifentanil and fentanyl have a similar frequency of adverse effects except for the higher frequency of hypotension associated with the use of remifentanil.
Analyzing power in the reaction pp→dπ+ for beam momenta from 1.17 to 1.96 GeV/c☆

Abstract The analyzing power A y 0 in the reaction p↑p→dπ + has been measured using the polarized proton beam at Argonne National Laboratory's zero gradient synchrotron. Data were taken at beam momenta of 1.17, 1.47, 1.70, and 1.96 GeV/ c and for pion center of mass angles from 8° to 163°.
Localization of sound in the vertical plane with and without high-frequency spectral cues.

Binaural localization of 3.0-kHz high- and lowpass noise presented in the median vertical plane (MVP) and lateral vertical plane (LVP) was investigated. We anticipated superior performance when localizing the highpass noise by virtue of the availability of pinna cues. The viability of this supposition was strengthened by monaural localization tests in which performance proficiency for the highpass noise exceeded that for the lowpass noise (p less than .01). The main result showed that binaural localization of proficiency for highpass noise surpassed that for lowpass noise for all listening conditions (p less than .01). However, the importance of binaural temporal and level differences in vertical-plane localization was demonstrated by the highly respectable performances when the lowpass noise was presented in the LVP. Data from binaural localization in the MVP and monaural localization in the LVP suggested that the influence of pinna cues diminishes for source elevations above 45 degrees.
Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to habitat assessment and marine resource management

Abstract Marine scientists often assess habitats to understand the distribution and relative abundance of marine resources. Due to the spatial nature of habitats and associated temporal changes, however, assimilating data using traditional analytical methods is often difficult. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are proving to be effective tools to help address problems inherent in the analysis of spatial data, GIS can be used to effectively collate, archive, display, analyze, and model spatial and temporal data. Additionally, by combining dissimilar data types, such as socio-political boundaries, bottom types, and fish distributions, for example, resource managers can use GIS to make informed management decisions. In this way, GIS provides resource managers with a means to integrate scientific data with prevailing cultural values and traditions. We have developed a working GIS for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary that allows interpretation of many terrestrial and marine data sets, including inter-tidal monitoring data, permit locations, seabird strandings, fisheries catch data, habitat types, marine political boundaries, as well as land cover classification from satellite imagery, watersheds, streams, roads, and political boundaries. We have linked terrestrial and marine data to create a broad spatial and temporal database that will be used in a variety of ways such as evaluating natural processes, permitting and monitoring coastal development and assessing environmental impacts (e.g. oil spills).
Reducing iliotibial band contractures in patients with muscular dystrophy using custom dry floatation cushions

Abstract Objective: Custom dry floatation cushions were used to potentially reduce iliotibial band (ITB) contractures in long-term wheelchair users. Design: Time-series with repeated measures pretreatment and posttreatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Setting: Community wheelchair users seen in private office. Patients: A volunteer sample of nine subjects diagnosed with Duchenne's or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, nonambulatory at least 3 years, and able to lie prone were included. One subject dropped out owing to adverse effects, one for technical reasons. Seven subjects completed the study and were contacted 6 months later; two were evaluated 1 year later. The participants ranged in age from 9 to 69 years, were nonambulatory an average of 7 years, and spent 12 to 16 hours a day in their wheelchairs. Intervention: Subjects used custom dry floatation (ROHO) wheelchair cushions for 9 weeks. The cushions were designed with a sunken middle portion and separately inflated lateral portions, providing adduction to the thighs. Main Outcome Measures: ITB contractures were measured using goniometry every 3 weeks, twice before and three times after cushion delivery. Results: After 9 weeks, a 13° average decrease in ITB contracture was noted, representing a 34% change from baseline ( p t test). Conclusion: Using a custom dry floatation cushion for 9 weeks reduced ITB contractures in nonambulatory muscular dystrophy patients by an average 34%. Patients with large initial ITB contractures benefited the most. Such a cushion could be used to reduce ITB contractures in similar patient populations.
Junction Effect on Transport Properties of a Single Si Nanowire Metal–Semiconductor–Metal Device

We report measurements of electrical transport properties and impedance spectroscopy studies on a single Si nanowire (diameter ~ 50 nm) metal-semiconductor-metal device, fabricated using electron beam deposited Pt. The temperature-dependent four-probe resistivity of the nanowire exhibits freezing of carriers below 30 K, while at higher temperature, it resembles the temperature variation seen in bulk doped crystals. The device shows reproducible nonlinear and asymmetric current-voltage ( I-V) characteristics which were quantitatively analyzed and were found to arise from unequal Schottky-type barriers at the two ends which also showed temperature dependence. The measured contact resistance is bias as well as temperature dependent and reduces as the bias is increased.
Changing supply functions in input/state stable systems

We consider the problem of characterizing possible supply functions for a given dissipative nonlinear system and provide a result which allows some freedom in the modification of such functions. >
Paper chromatographic assay of [3H]norepinephrine and its five major metabolites

Abstract The technique described here offers several advantages over the currently available assays for [3H]norepinephrine and its metabolites. The technique is simpler and has fewer sources of potential error than most currently available techniques. It provides a complete separation of norepinephrine from its five major metabolites with virtually no cross-contamination between the fractions. It is unnecessary to correct for recovery, elution from the chromatograms, or efficiency of counting the chromatogram segments. Experiments reported here demonstrate that all five major metabolites of norepinephrine are formed by rabbit aorta. Most of the neutral metabolites and normetanephrine are found in the Krebs solution used for incubating the tissue, whereas most of the acid metabolites are found in the tissue.
lncRNA-dependent mechanisms of androgen-receptor-regulated gene activation programs

Although recent studies have indicated roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in physiological aspects of cell-type determination and tissue homeostasis, their potential involvement in regulated gene transcription programs remains rather poorly understood. The androgen receptor regulates a large repertoire of genes central to the identity and behaviour of prostate cancer cells, and functions in a ligand-independent fashion in many prostate cancers when they become hormone refractory after initial androgen deprivation therapy. Here we report that two lncRNAs highly overexpressed in aggressive prostate cancer, PRNCR1 (also known as PCAT8) and PCGEM1, bind successively to the androgen receptor and strongly enhance both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent androgen-receptor-mediated gene activation programs and proliferation in prostate cancer cells. Binding of PRNCR1 to the carboxy-terminally acetylated androgen receptor on enhancers and its association with DOT1L appear to be required for recruitment of the second lncRNA, PCGEM1, to the androgen receptor amino terminus that is methylated by DOT1L. Unexpectedly, recognition of specific protein marks by PCGEM1-recruited pygopus 2 PHD domain enhances selective looping of androgen-receptor-bound enhancers to target gene promoters in these cells. In 'resistant' prostate cancer cells, these overexpressed lncRNAs can interact with, and are required for, the robust activation of both truncated and full-length androgen receptor, causing ligand-independent activation of the androgen receptor transcriptional program and cell proliferation. Conditionally expressed short hairpin RNA targeting these lncRNAs in castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines strongly suppressed tumour xenograft growth in vivo. Together, these results indicate that these overexpressed lncRNAs can potentially serve as a required component of castration-resistance in prostatic tumours.
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: A paradigm for phenotypic variation

Most, if not all, inborn errors of metabolism manifest phenotypic heterogeneity in their clinical presentation. The term "penetrance" has been used to describe the degree to which a given genotype expresses itself in the phenotype of the individual. Although many explanations for this phenomenon have been put forward, the molecular bases for this have been difficult to define. The investigation of the disease familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has been used as a paradigm at many different levels. This condition, in which a wide variety of mutations in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene leads to elevated concentrations of LDL particles has a wide array of clinical manifestations that are variably expressed in both patients who are heterozygous and homozygous for mutations at the LDL receptor allele. Progress in understanding lipoprotein metabolism, atherogenesis, and the development of molecular biology and transgenic expression techniques converge to utilize homozygous FH as a paradigm for understanding the molecular basis of penetrance. Elucidation of the key factors in altering the clinical features expressed by patients with FH have theoretical implications in understanding the polygenic nature of atherosclerosis as well as practical ramifications in the treatment of patients with FH.
SHELL-MODEL COULOMB ENERGIES WITH DEFORMATION

Abstract A shell-model Coulomb energy equation which includes deformation effects has been obtained. It describes over 250 experimental Coulomb displacement energies with 4 20). The Coulomb interactions between valence-core and valence-valence protons are used as adjustable parameters while deformation parameters are derived from other experimental sources.
Transforming Growth Factor-β: Taking Control of T Cells' Life and Death

To determine how transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) controls T cell function, Marie et al. (2006) and Li et al. (2006a) created mice with T cells lacking TGF-beta signaling receptors. Both report that TGF-beta signaling by T cells is absolutely essential for tolerance and homeostasis.