cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of slow potential responses in the Necturus retina.

Abstract Electrical responses to retinal illumination were recorded from structures in the Necturus retina, using capillary microelectrodes filled with Trypan Blue. After recording a given response the structure was electrophoretically stained and subsequently identified during microscopic examination of histologically prepared sections. After recording slow potential responses similar to the S-potentials recorded from fish retinae, the stain was found to be localized in the inner segments of photoreceptor cells. It is concluded that this slow potential response is generated by photoreceptor cells, and it is therefore referred to as a photoreceptor potential. Responses recorded from bipolar and ganglion cells consist of depolarizations and hyperpolarizations which are associated respectively with the initiation and inhibition of spike potentials.
Simulation study of reaction fronts.

Using random walkers on a square lattice we have simulated a diffusion-reaction process A+B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}C; initially, the reactants are segregated on either side of a straight boundary. Quantities studied include the position and width of the reaction front and the position-dependent reaction rates and densities of the reactants. Our results agree with the scaling theory of G\'alfi and R\'acz for the long-time behavior of the system indicating that the scaling assumption is valid and that the neglect in the scaling theory of concentration fluctuations and of the discrete (particle) nature of the reactants is not important. Furthermore, although the scaling theory is not explicitly constructed for the case of unequal diffusion coefficients of the two initial species, our results indicate that it is correct in this regime as well.
Soil organic matter dynamics and land use change at a grassland/forest ecotone

Abstract In the grassland/forest ecotone of North America, many areas are experiencing afforestation and subsequent shifts in ecosystem carbon (C) stocks. Ecosystem scientists commonly employ a suite of techniques to examine how such land use changes can impact soil organic matter (SOM) forms and dynamics. This study employs four such techniques to compare SOM in grassland (Bromus inermis) and recently forested (∼35 year, Ulmus spp. and Quercus spp.) sites with similar soil types and long-term histories in Kansas, USA. The work examines C and nitrogen (N) parameters in labile and recalcitrant SOM fractions isolated via size and density fractionation, acid hydrolysis, and long-term incubations. Size fractionation highlighted differences between grassland and forested areas. N concentration of forested soils’ 63–212 μm fraction was higher than corresponding grassland soils’ values (3.0±0.3 vs. 2.3±0.3 mg gfraction−1, P
Effect of nonsphericity of scattering centers on light transport in turbid media

The scattering centers in cells are not spheres, however, in most modeling of light transport, the scattering centers are assumed to be spherical. For example, in Monte Carlo simulations a Mie or Henyey-Greenstein phase function is often used. It is known that an elliptical particle will have a different phase function than a spherical particle. In particular there are differences in the phase functions for scattering polarized light. To examine how these changes in phase function affect light transport in tissue, we have developed a Monte Carlo code for light transport that uses elliptical scatterers. The phase functions are calculated using a T-matrix code and the propagation of polarized photons is performed in a manner analagous to that used by Bartel and Hielscher. Our initial results indicate that for narrow particle distributions the difference in shape can cause large differences in the intensity and polarization properties of the diffusely reflected light. For a mixture of particle sizes, however, there is a much smaller difference in the properties of the diffusely scattered light. Results are presented for both narrow and broad distributions of scatter sizes relevant to tissue.
Scintillating Fiber Tracking for the SSC Using Visible Light Photon Counters

Abstract Scintillating fiber tracking is being developed for the SSC laboratory as a part of the detector subsystem research and development program. For this research, photons produced in polystyrene based scintillating fibers are detected by visible light photon counters (VLPCs). The VLPCs are silicon impurity band conduction solid state devices [1] with quantum efficiencies near 85%. They provide a fast avalanche gain greater than 104 and a count rate capability above 107 mm−2s−1. We report here some of the performance characteristics of these solid state devices and some experimental results obtained using 0.83 mm diameter 3HF+PTP doped polystyrene scintillating fibers. Recent experiments done at UCLA show that an average minimum number of four photons are detected at the end of 4 m of scintillating fiber plus 3 m of clear fiber guide that transmits the photons to the VLPCs.
Black power in Berkeley: Postmodern constructions in the rhetoric of Stokely Carmichael

In the speech at Berkeley, Carmichael revealed a potential in discourse that enabled him to develop, from out of the confines of a tactical rhetoric, a strategic rhetoric of blackness. Close analysis of Carmichael's speech, grounded in Burke's paradox of purity, illuminates the internal logic of Black Power, as well as Carmichael's use of reflexivity, reversal, deconstruction and re‐construction of dialectical terms and relationships. Contemporary discursive practices addressing issues of civil rights and race are then examined in light of the principles and purposes developed by Carmichael. The results challenge rhetorical scholars and critics to disrupt reliance on dialectical constructions within discourses of race.
Evidence for a Genetic and Physical Interaction between Nonstructural Proteins NS1 and NS4B That Modulates Replication of West Nile Virus

Flavivirus NS1 is a nonstructural glycoprotein that is expressed on the cell surface and secreted into the extracellular space. Despite its transit through the secretory pathway, NS1 is an essential gene linked to early viral RNA replication. How this occurs has remained a mystery given the disparate localization of NS1 and the viral RNA replication complex, as the latter is present on the cytosolic face of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We recently identified an N-terminal di-amino acid motif in NS1 that modulates protein targeting and affected viral replication. Exchange of two amino acids at positions 10 and 11 from dengue virus (DENV) into West Nile virus (WNV) NS1 (RQ10NK) changed its relative surface expression and secretion and attenuated infectivity. However, the phenotype of WNV containing NS1 RQ10NK was unstable, as within two passages heterogeneous plaque variants were observed. Here, using a mutant WNV encoding the NS1 RQ10NK mutation, we identified a suppressor mutation (F86C) in NS4B, a virally encoded transmembrane protein with loops on both the luminal and cytoplasmic sides of the ER membrane. Introduction of NS4B F86C specifically rescued RNA replication of mutant WNV but did not affect the wild-type virus. Mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation studies established a novel physical interaction between NS1 and NS4B, suggesting a mechanism for how luminal NS1 conveys signals to the cytoplasm to regulate RNA replication.
Enzymatic degradation of corneal and cartilaginous keratosulfates.

Summary An enzyme apparently specific for the degradation of keratosulfates was partially purified from extracts of a Coccobacillus . The products of digestion in a yield of approximately 60% were oligosaccharides of varying chain length in addition to enzyme resistant peptido-oligosaccharides which contain up to 80% of the mannose of the polysaccharides. The remaining oligosaccharides were sulfated to varying degrees and varied in composition and chain length. One of the major fractions was characterized as a tet-rasaccharide composed of two equivalents each of N-acetylglucosamine and galactose and three equivalents of SO4. Since Gal was at the reducing end, the main enzyme probably is an endo-β-galactosidase.
Posttranslational N-myristoylation of BID as a molecular switch for targeting mitochondria and apoptosis

Many apoptotic molecules relocate subcellularly in cells undergoing apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic protein BID underwent posttranslational (rather than classic cotranslational) N-myristoylation when cleavage by caspase 8 caused exposure of a glycine residue. N-myristoylation enabled the targeting of a complex of p7 and myristoylated p15 fragments of BID to artificial membranes bearing the lipid composition of mitochondria, as well as to intact mitochondria. This post-proteolytic N-myristoylation serves as an activating switch, enhancing BID-induced release of cytochrome c and cell death.
Profane Illuminations: The Gendered Problematics of Critical Carceral Visualities

women now living and dying in cells exceeds 200,000 (United States Dept. of Justice). They are without access to proper health care, with out the children that many of them will lose permanently: they are without. These are stark details, obscene in their materiality. They are facts, but they are not the picture. The picture is impossible. In deed, the picture is the problem. The image-making acts of writers and readers of incarcerated women's experiences are troubled in ways that go beyond the spec tacularly racialized and sexualized logics that dictate images of women's incarceration in popular culture and that compel our artis tic, theoretical, and activist struggles with these images. To be sure, there already exist invaluable analytics that depart from the question of "good" versus "bad" representations, frameworks that produc tively highlight the women's prison as a site of language crises and narrative failures, not just as an institution whose invisible realities sustain graphic stereotypes. The nature of the violences that women undergo while incarcerated make full articulation impossible. Still, those concerned with rendering the atrocities of the prison must and do make articulating gestures. We must and do paint pictures of the prison?in art, activism, and scholarship?as well as in the narra tives we construct about this art, activism, and scholarship. My own articulating gestures have recently concentrated on co editing a multidisciplinary volume subtitled The Experiences of In carcerated Women in the United States (Solinger, Reynolds, Johnson, Raimon, and Tapia). The book will fail its title?substantially?and this is of critical importance. Publishing personal, academic, and artistic testimonies about the tools and intricacies of the prison ma chine is essential to dismantling it, but it is also essential to theorize what we cannot know. When it comes to representing the experi ences of women who have been institutionally erased from the cat egory human, we have to know that failures are certain, and we have
A Mammalian Homolog of Drosophila schnurri, KRC, Regulates TNF Receptor-Driven Responses and Interacts with TRAF2

Abstract The cytokine TNFα launches cascades of gene activation that control inflammation and apoptosis through NFκB and JNK/SAPK signal transduction pathways. Here we describe a function for the zinc finger transcription factor kappa recognition component (KRC) in regulating patterns of gene activation in response to proinflammatory stimuli. We demonstrate that KRC overexpression inhibits while antisense or dominant-negative KRC enhances NFκB-dependent transactivation and JNK phosphorylation and consequently, apoptosis and cytokine gene expression. The effect of KRC is mediated through its interaction with the adaptor protein TRAF2, which intersects both pathways. KRC is a hitherto unrecognized participant in the signal transduction pathway leading from the TNF receptor to gene activation and may play a critical role in inflammatory and apoptotic responses.
The effect of communication change on long-term reductions in child exposure to conflict: impact of the promoting strong African American families (ProSAAF) program.

African American couples (n = 331) with children, 89% of whom were married, were assigned to either (a) a culturally sensitive couple- and parenting-enhancement program (ProSAAF) or (b) an information-only control condition in which couples received self-help materials. Husbands averaged 41 years of age and wives averaged 39 years. We found significant effects of program participation in the short term on couple communication, which was targeted by the intervention, as well as over the long term, on self-reported arguing in front of children. Long-term parenting outcomes were fully mediated by changes in communication for wives, but not for husbands. For husbands, positive change depended on amount of wife reported change. We conclude that wives' changes in communication from baseline to posttest may be more pivotal for the couples' long-term experience of decreased arguing in front of children than are husbands' changes, with wives' changes leading to changes in both partners' reports of arguments in front of children.
Toward an understanding of the stabilization mechanisms of lifted turbulent jet flames: Experiments

This review discusses recent progress in understanding turbulent, lifted hydrocarbon jet flames and the conditions under which they stabilize. The viewpoint is from that of the empiricist, focusing on experimental results and the physically based theories that have emerged from their interpretations, as well as from the theoretically founded notions that have been supported. Pertinent concepts from laminar lifted flame stabilization studies are introduced at the onset. Classification in broad categories of the types of turbulent lifted flame theories is then presented. Experiments are discussed which support the importance of a variety of effects, including partial premixing, edge-flames, local extinction, streamline divergence and large-scale structures. This discussion details which of the categories of theories are supported by particular experiments, comments on the experimental results themselves and their salient contributions. Overall conclusions on the state of the field are drawn and future directions for research are also discussed.
Effects of social organization on gene flow in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta

A CONTROVERSIAL model of speciation proposes that the development of alternative social organizations within populations of group-living animals may drive the inception of reproductive isolation1–3. The alternative social behaviours, which are selectively favoured in some social or ecological contexts, may be correlated with distinctive reproductive traits such that significant barriers to interbreeding emerge between coexisting social variants. Evidence for this mode of speciation is almost nonexistent3–8, but it provides one of the most compelling mechanisms for sympatric speciation3,8 and could conceivably explain many species origins. Here we examine variation in mito-chondrial DNA and two unique nuclear genes to demonstrate that gene flow between sympatric social forms of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta is restricted to only one of four possible routes. The loss of the other routes results from incompatibilities in the social systems of the two forms, demonstrating the potential for social selection to generate significant barriers to gene flow and to initiate reproductive isolation.
Swallowing dysfunction after prolonged intubation: analysis of risk factors in trauma patients.

Abstract Background The clinical significance of post-extubation swallowing dysfunction (PSD) is profound, resulting in both increased morbidity and mortality. Specific risk factors have not been described in an injured patient cohort. The purpose of this pilot study was to elucidate independent factors that predict PSD in this population. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 150 consecutive trauma patients intubated for more than 48 hours. Assessment of swallowing function after extubation was performed by a simple bedside speech pathology evaluation. Patients then were divided into 2 groups: those with and those without PSD. Backwards stepwise logistic regression analysis then was used to determine independent predictors of PSD after controlling for important injury characteristics and patient demographics. Results The incidence of PSD in our study cohort was 41%. Patients with PSD, although older than non-PSD patients (48 vs 37.5 y; P = .001), were similar with respect to admission Glasgow coma score (GCS) and injury severity score. Regression analysis revealed that age older than 55 years (odds ratio, 2.60; P = .037; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–6.4) and ventilator days (odds ratio, 1.14; P = .001; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.2) were significant independent risk factors for PSD. Interpretation of these odds ratios revealed that those patients older than age 55 had more than a 2.5-fold greater risk of PSD. The risk increased by 14% for every day a patient required intubation. There was no significant association between PSD and injury severity score, GCS, presence of medical comorbidities, or development of nosocomial pneumonia. Conclusions PSD is a common occurrence in trauma patients. Age older than 55 years and ventilator days are independent risk factors for PSD. Injury severity, altered GCS upon arrival, comorbidities, and nosocomial pneumonia were not independent risk factors for PSD in our cohort. These results suggest that older patients with extended intensive care unit stays and ventilator requirements may benefit from early swallowing evaluation.
Effects of splenectomy and neonatal thymectomy on acquired immunity to the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana☆

Abstract Splenectomy of adult mice had no effect upon natural or acquired immunity to Hymenolepis nana. Neonatal thymectomy was also without effect upon natural resistance to this parasite but thymectomized mice did not develop acquired immunity as rapidly as controls.
Energy consistent algorithms for frictional contact problems

In this paper, the energy and momentum conserving algorithmic paradigm is extended to encompass a phenomenon featuring physical dissipation: dynamic frictional contact. Whereas in other works dealing with conservative systems the chief aim is often the maintenance of numerical stability in the non-linear regime, in this investigation we seek to achieve not only this benefit but also the accurate algorithmic production of physical dissipation associated with frictional processes. The approach here features a product formula algorithm for the evolution of local frictional conditions, with the associated operator split guided by an a priori energy estimate. The resulting algorithm is characterized by exact conservation of energy during stick friction, and positive dissipation consistent with the frictional model used during slip. Effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by a series of finite element simulations involving large deformations and frictional slip, complete with appropriate comparisons to more traditional schemes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Requirements for the development of IL-4-producing T cells during intestinal nematode infections: what it takes to make a Th2 cell in vivo.

Components of the type 2 immune response may mediate host protection against both helminthic parasites and harmful allergic responses. A central player in this response is the T-helper 2 (Th2) effector cell, which produces interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and other Th2 cytokines during the primary and memory response. Specific aspects of the parasite that trigger Th2-cell differentiation are not yet defined. Furthermore, the cell types and cell surface and secreted molecules that provide the immune milieu required for the development of Th2 effector cells and also Th2 memory cells are not well understood. They will probably vary with the particular helminth or other antigen inducing the Th2 response. We have used third stage larvae of intestinal nematode parasites as adjuvants to promote naive nonparasite antigen-specific T cells to differentiate into Th2 cells. This model system avoids possible parasite antigen-specific T-cell clones or cross-reactive memory T cells that may preferentially differentiate into Th2 effector cells during the course of infection and confound the stereotypical components of parasite-induced Th2 cell differentiation. We have found that these parasites have a potent adjuvant effect and have used our model system to begin to investigate the events that lead to the development of polarized Th2 cells in vivo.
Experimental infection of inbred mouse strains with Spironucleus muris

Four inbred mouse strains: BALB/c ByJ, 129/J, C3H/HeJ, and DBA/lJ, differing in major histocompatibility type, were orally inoculated with 2 x 10(5) infectious cysts of Spironucleus muris. Fecal samples were collected for fecal cyst output prior to infection, and on days 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 after infection. Following necropsy, formalin-fixed intestinal sections were examined for the presence of trophozoites. On post-inoculation days 6 and 8, mice of the 129/J strain shed significantly (p<0.05) fewer cysts than other strains. This pilot study suggests that major histocompatibility haplotype may influence susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to S. muris.
A Method for Obtaining a Pure Culture of Balantidium coli

Balantidium coli, the ciliate of the large bowel of the pig, and not infrequently reported from man, the monkey and the guinea pig, has been grown in vitro by Walker,1 Barrett and Yarbrough2 and Rees.3 The latter investigator was able to isolate single individuals and start a pure line of the organism obtained from the guinea pig. In all of these attempts, however, the medium was contaminated by various fecal bacteria and no efforts appear to have been made to develop pure cultures, although the need for such a procedure is evident.Opportunity to attempt the sterilizing of balantidia against fecal bacteria was presented to the writer during the summer of 1929, when all of 12 individuals of Macacus rhesus, which had been under observation by Dr. C. C. Bass for a non-protozoan infection, were found to be passing cysts and trophozoites of Balantidium coli in their stools. Rectal specimens from those individuals which gave the richest yields of trophozoites were washed and concentrated in a modified Ringer's ...
Partial characterization of a novel endogenous opioid in human cerebrospinal fluid.

Human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contains many uncharacterized endogenous opioids, in addition to the known enkephalins, endorphins, and dynorphins. These opioids may be separated by gel filtration chromatography and identified by radioreceptor assay for opioid activity. One region of the chromatographic elution profile, designated Peak B has previously been shown to be related to the pain status of chronic pain patients. The authors now report that human Peak B isolated from the CSF of pain-free elective surgery patients is present at a typical concentration equivalent in activity to 1.4 pmol of morphine sulfate per ml of CSF measured by radioreceptor assay. At a dose of 0.06 and 0.12 pmol morphine sulfate equivalents of CSF (MSE), injected into the cerebroventricular system of the mouse, Peak B produced an antinociceptive effect, the intensity and duration of which was dose-dependent and which was antagonized by naloxone. The mouse vas deferens (MVD) preparation was inhibited by Peak B in a manner that was sensitive to antagonism by naloxone only at low ( 6.0 ..mu..M) concentrations of the antagonist. Peak B activity in the MVD assay was unaffected by treatment with trypsin or ..cap alpha..-chymotrypsin. 32 references, 4 figures, 1more » table.« less
Analysis of reliability of flip-flops under transistor aging effects in nano-scale CMOS technology

The effect of aging has become an important reliability concern in modern CMOS technology. NBTI and PBTI are known to bring about an increase in threshold voltage of the PMOS and NMOS respectively. This paper studies the effect of NBTI and PBTI on different flip-flop circuits with key parameters such as setup time, hold time, clock to output delay and data to output delay. The results in a predictive 32 nm technology show an increase of 0.43 to 1.23 pico-seconds in data-to-output delay depending on the Flip-Flop type. Moreover, we propose a method to use dual threshold voltage assignment to mitigate the effect of transistor aging on pulse triggered Flip-Flops. Dual V th results show lower delay as well as 30% reduction in delay aging using the proposed dual threshold voltage method.
The demand for consumer health information

Using data from an evaluation of a community-wide informational intervention, we modeled the demand for medical reference books, telephone advice nurses, and computers for health information. Data were gathered from random household surveys in Boise, ID (experimental site), Billings, MT, and Eugene, OR (control sites). Conditional difference-in-differences show that the intervention increased the use of medical reference books, advice nurses, and computers for health information by approximately 15, 6, and 4%. respectively. The results also suggest that the intervention was associated with a decreased reliance on health professionals for information.
Djungarian hamsters exhibit reproductive responses to changes in daylength at extreme photoperiods.

In seasonally breeding species, an animal's photoperiodic history (the daylength or photoperiod previously experienced) influences the reproductive response to new photoperiods. However, this has only been examined over a relativelyx narrow range of photoperiods. We assessed whether Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) respond to daylength changes at extremely long and extremely short photoperiods. To determine the extent and temporal sequence of reproductive responses to photoperiod changes, ultrasonography was employed to determine serial changes in testis weight in individual animals; serial changes in body weight and pelage color were also assessed. Male animals (60-day-old) shifted from 6 h of light/day (6L) to 10L showed partial testicular recrudescence and darkening of the coat. In control animals remaining in 6L, testes remained small, and coat color continued to lighten. Animals shifted from 20L to 16L showed partial and transient testicular regression, whereas testes remained large in control...
Automated transportation transfer detection using GPS enabled smartphones

Understanding the mobility of a traveller from mobile sensor data is an important area of work in context aware and ubiquitous computing. Given a multimodal GPS trace, we will identify where in the GPS trace the traveller changed transportation modes. For example, where in the GPS trace the traveller alight a bus and boards a train, or where did the client stop running and start walking. Using data mining schemes to understand mobility data, in conjunction with real world observations, we propose an algorithm to identify mobility transfer points automatically. We compared the proposed algorithm against the state of the art that is used in the previously proposed work. Evaluation on real world data collected from GPS enabled mobile phones indicate that the proposed algorithm is accurate, has a good coverage, and a good asymptotic run time complexity.
Coordinating California's efforts to promote waste to alcohol production.

Alcohol fuels produced from biomass can improve air quality, enhance energy security, create employment opportunities, and reduce waste disposal problems. Opportunities in California exist to produce alcohols from waste streams from various sectors of the economy. Government agencies have promoted waste-to-alcohol activities, but efforts have been inconsistent and intermittent. Often these efforts have been hindered by contradictory but mandate-driven policies.
Impact on Geologic Repository Usage from Limited Actinide Recycle in Pressurized Light Water Reactors

A project has been conducted as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative to evaluate the impact of limited actinide recycling in light water reactors on the utilization of a geologic repository where loading of the repository is constrained by the decay heat of the emplaced materials. In this study, it was assumed that spent PWR fuel was processed, removing the uranium, plutonium, americium, and neptunium, along with the fission products cesium and strontium. Previous work had demonstrated that these elements were responsible for limiting loading in the repository based on thermal constraints. The plutonium, americium, and neptunium were recycled in a PWR, with process waste and spent recycled fuel being sent to the repository. The cesium and strontium were placed in separate storage for 100–300 years to allow for decay prior to disposal. The study examined the effect of single and mutliple recycles of the recovered plutonium, americium, and neptunium, as well as different proc...
Interaction of spinach leaf adenosine diphosphate glucose α-1, 4-glucan α-4-glucosyl transferase and α-1, 4-glucan α-1, 4-glucan-6-glycosyl transferase in synthesis of branched α-glucan

Abstract Chromatography of spinach leaf extracts on DEAE-cellulose resolves α-1,4-glucan, α-1,4-glucan 6-glycosyl transferase (branching enzyme) into two fractions. Branching enzyme fraction I which contains 10–20% of the total activity recovered from the DEAE-cellulose column is associated with the ADP-glucose α-1,4-glucan α-4-glucosyl transferase (α-glucan synthetase) fraction III. Separation of the branching enzyme I activity from the α-glucan synthetase III activity was achieved only by chromatography on an ADP-hexanolamine-Sepharose 4B column. The properties of the two branching enzyme fractions were very similar with respect to their activities toward potato amylose, amylopectin, and amyloses prepared with either rabbit muscle phosphorylase or spinach leaf α-glucan synthetase. Incubation of potato amylose with branching enzyme or incubation of phosphorylase or α-glucan synthetase with branching enzyme resulted in formation of glucan products resistant to complete hydrolysis by β-amylase (37–50%) and α-amylase (20–31%) but still quantitatively hydrolyzed by the combined action of pullulanase plus β-amylase. The only significant difference noted between the two branching enzyme activities is that fraction II has higher activity in citrate buffer than in other buffers in the pH range of 5.5–6.5 while fraction I has higher activity in bicine and phosphate buffers than with citrate buffer. Both branching enzyme fractions stimulate the previously described “unprimed activity” catalyzed by α-glucan synthetase fraction III about 11- to 14-fold. However, branching enzyme did not stimulate the primed activity. It was previously shown that the “unprimed reaction” was highly dependent on the presence of citrate and other anions. However, the K m of amylopectin and glycogen for α-glucan synthetase III which was found to be 0.53 mg/ml and 2.94 mg/ml, respectively, are decreased to 1.9 μ/ml and 0.86 μ/ml, respectively, in the presence of 0.5 m citrate. The levels at which primer are effective in the presence of 0.5 m citrate suggest that the “unprimed” synthetic activity previously reported may be due to the ability of the endogenous glucan associated with the α-glucan synthetase fraction to act as a primer when citrate or other anions are present. The stimulation of the “unprimed” activity by branching enzyme may then be explained by its catalysis of formation of an increased number of nonreducing chain ends in the growing glucan that are able to accept glucosyl residues from ADPglucose.
Noise performance studies of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) as a function of kV, mA and exposure level: Impact on radiation dose reduction and image quality

The significance of understanding the noise properties of clinical CT systems is twofold: First, as the diagnostic performance (particularly for the detection of low contrast lesions) is strongly limited by noise, a thorough study of the dependence of image noise on scanning and reconstruction parameters would enable the desired image quality to be achieved with the least amount of radiation dose; Second, a clear understanding of the noise properties of CT systems would allow the limitations in existing CT systems to be identified and improved. The recent introduction of the model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) method has introduced strong nonlinearity to clinical CT systems and violated the classical relationship between CT noise properties and CT system parameters, therefore it is necessary to perform a comprehensive study on the noise properties of MBIR. The purpose of this study was to systematically study the dependence of the noise magnitude and noise texture of MBIR on x-ray tube potential (kV), tube current (mA), and radiation dose level. It has been found that the noise variance σ2 of MBIR has relaxed dependence on kV and mA, which can be described as power-law relationships as σ2 ∝kV−1 and σ2 ∝ mA−0.4, respectively. The shape of the noise power spectrum (NPS) demonstrated a strong dependence on kV and mA, but it remained constant as long as the radiation dose level was the same. These semi-empirical relationships can be potentially used to guide the optimal selection of kV and mA when prescribing CT scans with the maximal dose reduction.
Barriers to cervical cancer screening among lesbians.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate cervical cancer screening practices and barriers to screening in a sample of lesbians. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 225 self-identified lesbians who completed an online questionnaire. Results: Of the respondents, 71% reported receiving a Pap screening test in the past 24 months (routine screeners), and 29% reported receiving a Pap screening test >24 months ago or never (nonroutine screeners). Routine screeners were more likely to be older (p < 0.01), white (p = 0.04), and college graduates (p < 0.01) than nonroutine screeners. Nonroutine screeners were more likely to delay seeking healthcare because of fear of discrimination (p < 0.01) and were less likely than routine screeners to disclose orientation to their primary care physician (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, race, and education, nonroutine screeners perceived fewer benefits from (p < 0.01) and more barriers (p < 0.01) to Pap screening tests and were less knowledgeable about screening ...
Abstract 3834: JKA97, a novel anti-cancer candidate, induces G1 arrest via up-regulation of p21 in a p53-independent manner

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Natural product-oriented synthetic derivatives have played an important role in cancer drug discovery. JKA97, a benzylidene analog of harmine, is a novel anti-cancer candidate. The initial studies have shown its inhibitory effects on tumor growth in experimental models. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we determined the anti-cancer effects of JKA97 on human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Our data showed that, in a dose-dependent manner, JKA97 efficiently inhibited the growth and proliferation of human breast cancer cells with different p53 status, including MCF7 (p53 wild-type), MCF7 (p53 knockdown) and MDA-MB-468 (p53 mutant) cells. We also found that JKA97 induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells independent of p53 and that JKA97 treatment resulted in G1 phase arrest in all the three breast cancer cell lines. In vivo, JKA97 significantly suppressed the growth of both breast cancer MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, JKA97 modulated the levels of various cell-cycle regulators involved in G1 to S phase progression, such as p21, p27, cyclinE, and cyclinD1. Our results indicated that p21 and p27were up-regulated while cyclinE and cyclinD1 were down-regulated by JKA97 treatment. Using quantitative PCR and luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated that the major mechanism for G1 phase arrest by JKA97 was induction of p21 at the transcriptional level, independent of p53. We further confirmed the role of p21 in JKA97-induced G1 phase arrest by using HCT116 cells with or without p21 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that JKA97 inhibits human breast cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest through up-regulation of p21, regardless of p53 status. Considering that more than 50% human cancers have no or mutant p53 expression, our results provide a basis for further development of this compound as potential drug for breast cancer therapy. (This work was supported in part by NIH/NCI grants R01 CA112029 and R01 CA121211, R15 CA100102 and a grant (BCTR070731) from Susan G Komen for the Cure.) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3834. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3834
A simple and more cost-effective antibiotic regimen for perforated appendicitis

Abstract Objective Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency in children. When perforation is encountered, postoperative management is grounded upon the use of intravenous antibiotics. The 3-drug regimen of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin has long been the accepted standard by pediatric surgeons. Although effective and seemingly inexpensive, this regimen produces a cumbersome dosing schedule, which has inspired the search for a simpler regimen that does not compromise efficacy or expense. To this end, we have introduced a 2-drug regimen of ceftriaxone and Flagyl (Pharmacia Corporation, Chicago, Ill) with once-a-day dosing. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of the most recent 250 patients treated at our institution with perforated appendicitis. Patients treated since the implementation of this 2-drug regimen were compared with the recent historical cohort treated with triple antibiotic coverage. Parameters analyzed between the 2 groups included temperature curves for the first 5 postoperative days, abscess rate, length of hospitalization, length of intravenous antibiotic treatment, and medication charges. Results The 2-drug regimen was used in 57 patients (group 1) compared with 193 patients treated with triple antibiotic coverage (group 2). Maximum recorded temperature between the 2 groups was similar upon admission, but the mean maximum temperature in group 1 became significantly lower than group 2 from postoperative day 1 onward ( P P = .37). Mean length of stay was 6.8 days in group 1 and 7.8 days in group 2 ( P = .03). Medication charges to the patient were $81.32 per day in group 1 compared with $318.53 per day in group 2, translating to $1186.05 savings for 5 days. Conclusions Once-a-day dosing with ceftriaxone and Flagyl provides adequate antibiotic coverage for the postoperative management of perforated appendicitis in children. This regimen allows patients to more rapidly defervesce compared with traditional triple antibiotic coverage; moreover, this simple regimen provides substantial advantages for administration and expense.
lacZ as a genetic reporter for real-time MRI

Molecular imaging based on MRI is currently hampered by the lack of genetic reporters for in vivo imaging. We determined that the commercially available substrate S-Gal can be used to detect genetically engineered beta-galactosidase expressing cells by MRI. The effect and specificity of the reaction between beta-galactosidase and S-Gal on MRI contrast were determined both in vitro and in vivo. beta-galactosidase activity in the presence of S-Gal resulted in enhanced T(2) and T*(2) MR-contrast, which was amplified with increasing magnetic field strengths (4.7-17.6 T) in phantom studies. Using both lacZ(+) transgenic animals and lacZ(+) tissue transplants, we were able to detect labeled cells in live animals in real time. Similar to phantom studies, detection of the labeled cells/tissues in vivo was enhanced at high magnetic fields. These results demonstrate that the genetic reporter, lacZ, can be used as an in vivo marker gene using high-field-strength MRI.
Laser excitation and dispersed fluorescence spectra of the Ne·OH Ã-X̃ electronic transition

Abstract We report both laser-induced fluorescence and dispersed emission spectra for the Ne·OH complex. The present experiments significantly extend previous observations and lead to new results for dissociation limits and potential surface anisotropy parameters for the complex.
210 Pb in surface air at Enewetak and the Asian dust flux to the Pacific

As part of the SEAREX programme, an air filter system and a precipitation collector were deployed at Enewetak (11°20′ N, 162°20′ E). A description of the air filter system and initial results on the chemical composition of the collected aerosols1 and on the organic components2 have been reported elsewhere. As part of the same programme we have measured 210Pb (and 210Po) in air filter and integrated monthly precipitation samples collected during 1979 to estimate the 210Pb flux (0.15±0.02 d.p.m. cm−2 yr−1) and the Asian dust flux (38±20 µg cm−2 yr−1) at this location in the Pacific.
Comparison of accuracy of two different methods to determine ankle-brachial index to predict peripheral arterial disease severity confirmed by angiography.

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is conventionally derived as the ratio of higher of the 2 systolic ankle blood pressures to the higher brachial pressure (HABI method). Alternatively, ABI may be derived using the lower of the 2 systolic ankle pressures (LABI method). The objective of this study was to assess the utility and difference between 2 techniques in predicting peripheral artery disease (PAD). Participants who underwent both ABI measurement and arteriography from July 2005 to June 2010 were reviewed. Angiographic disease burden was scored semiquantitatively (0 = 75% stenosis of any lower extremity arterial segment), and PAD by angiography was defined as >50% stenosis of any 1 lower extremity arterial segment. A combined PAD disease score was calculated for each leg. A total of 130 patients were enrolled (260 limbs). The ABI was
Adequacy of energy intake among breast-fed infants in the DARLING study: Relationships to growth velocity, morbidity, and activity levels

Breast-fed infants grow less rapidly after the first 2 to 3 months of age than current standards. The DARLING study (Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant Nutrition and Growth) was designed to evaluate whether this pattern should be considered "faltering" or is a normal outcome even under optimal conditions. Data on intake, growth, morbidity, activity, and motor development were collected longitudinally from infants who were breast fed for at least 12 months. Gross energy intake, calculated from 4-day records of milk and food intake at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, averaged 91.4, 84.1, 86.7, and 91.8 kcal/kg per day, respectively, well below recommended amounts of metabolizable energy. Nevertheless, infants usually left some food unconsumed. Growth velocity was also below current reference data and was weakly correlated with energy intake. There were no significant negative associations between energy intake at any time and incidence, prevalence, or duration of any category of morbidity during the subsequent 3 months. There were no consistent associations between energy intake and activity level, time spent sleeping, or achievement of key developmental milestones. Similarly, infants with slower growth velocity were just as active and were ill no more often in subsequent months than infants who were growing more rapidly. Thus the deviation from current recommendations for energy intake and growth can be considered a normal pattern with no apparent deleterious consequences in our population of breast-fed infants.
Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, Seventh Edition. Randall C. Baselt. Foster City, CA: Biomedical Publications, 2004, 1250 pp., $139.50, hardcover. ISBN 09626523-6-9.

Just as mention of “Tietz” is sufficient shorthand for the venerable comprehensive clinical chemistry text, toxicologists immediately recognize “Baselt” as a definitive source of information for drugs and chemicals encountered as toxins. This seventh edition appears only 2 years after the previous edition, and it continues the pattern of inclusion of new chemicals (139 in this case), including herbal medicines, animal toxins, pesticides, and drugs. The increase of only 100 pages from the previous edition is accomplished by a slight decrease …
A cohesive model for fatigue failure of polymers

Abstract A cohesive failure model is proposed to simulate fatigue crack propagation in polymeric materials. The model relies on the combination of a bi-linear cohesive failure law used for fracture simulations under monotonic loading and an evolution law relating the cohesive stiffness, the rate of crack opening displacement and the number of cycles since the onset of failure. The fatigue component of the cohesive model involves two parameters that can be readily calibrated based on the classical log–log Paris failure curve between the crack advance per cycle and the range of applied stress intensity factor. The paper also summarizes a semi-implicit implementation of the cohesive model into a cohesive-volumetric finite element framework, allowing for the simulation of a wide range of fatigue fracture problems.
Small Molecular Inhibitor of Transforming Growth Factor-β Protects Against Development of Radiation-Induced Lung Injury

Purpose To determine whether an anti-transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) type 1 receptor inhibitor (SM16) can prevent radiation-induced lung injury. Methods and Materials One fraction of 28 Gy or sham radiotherapy (RT) was administered to the right hemithorax of Sprague-Dawley rats. SM16 was administered in the rat chow (0.07 g/kg or 0.15 g/kg) beginning 7 days before RT. The rats were divided into eight groups: group 1, control chow; group 2, SM16, 0.07 g/kg; group 3, SM16, 0.15 g/kg; group 4, RT plus control chow; group 5, RT plus SM16, 0.07 g/kg; group 6, RT plus SM16, 0.15 g/kg; group 7, RT plus 3 weeks of SM16 0.07 g/kg followed by control chow; and group 8, RT plus 3 weeks of SM16 0.15 g/kg followed by control chow. The breathing frequencies, presence of inflammation/fibrosis, activation of macrophages, and expression/activation of TGF-β were assessed. Results The breathing frequencies in the RT plus SM16 0.15 g/kg were significantly lower than the RT plus control chow from Weeks 10–22 ( p p = 0.016), inflammatory response ( p = 0.006), and TGF-β1 activity ( p = 0.011). No significant reduction was found in these measures of lung injury in the group that received SM16 0.7g/kg nor for the short-course (3 weeks) SM16 at either dose level. Conclusion SM16 at a dose of 0.15 g/kg reduced functional lung damage, morphologic changes, inflammatory response, and activation of TGF-β at 26 weeks after RT. The data suggest a dose response and also suggest the superiority of long-term vs. short-term dosing.
On the statistical mechanics of non-Hamiltonian systems: the generalized Liouville equation, entropy, and time-dependent metrics

Several questions in the statistical mechanics of non-Hamiltonian systems are discussed. The theory of differential forms on the phase space manifold is applied to provide a fully covariant formulation of the generalized Liouville equation. The properties of invariant volume elements are considered, and the nonexistence in general of smooth invariant measures noted. The time evolution of the generalized Gibbs entropy associated with a given choice of volume form is studied, and conditions under which the entropy is constant are discussed. For non-Hamiltonian systems on manifolds with a metric tensor compatible with the flow, it is shown that the associated metric factor is in general a time-dependent solution of the generalized Liouville equation.