cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppression by arsenic: a comparison of cathepsin L inhibition and apoptosis.

Arsenicals are toxicants and carcinogens to which large numbers of people risk exposure by contaminated water, air pollution or industrial contact. Several animal studies have determined that inorganic arsenicals are immunotoxic, but the mechanism of immune suppression is not clear. In this study, we show that trivalent arsenic inhibits enzymatic activity of the lysosomal protease cathepsin L (CathL) in the murine antigen-presenting B cell line TA3. CathL plays an important role in antigen processing, the mechanism by which antigen-presenting cells cleave foreign protein antigens to peptides for stimulating a T cell response. Deficient proteolysis may lead to diminished immune responses. Arsenite suppressed enzymatic activity within TA3 cells after 4 h exposure without affecting cell viability. Kinetic analyses revealed that the chemical was a reversible, partially noncompetitive inhibitor of CathL with a Ki of 120 μM. However, an 18 h arsenite exposure triggered massive cell death at concentrations that were substantially lower than those required for enzymatic inhibition. Morphological analysis and annexin V staining showed that arsenite-exposed TA3 cells underwent apoptosis within 18 h, and early stages of apoptosis began by 4 h. These findings suggest that apoptosis may be an important mechanism for arsenic-induced immunosuppression.
Antiretroviral therapy and immunomodulators in patients with AIDS

A number of studies have illustrated the effectiveness of hematopoietic growth factors in managing treatment-related cytopenias in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. One of these factors, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, has been shown to restore absolute neutrophil counts in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Kaposi's sarcoma receiving a combination of zidovudine (AZT) and interferon alfa. A combination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin has also been demonstrated to alleviate both neutropenia and anemia in patients with advanced AIDS or AIDS-related complex receiving zidovudine. Hematopoietic growth factors, in combination with each other and with antiretroviral agents, thus have an important supportive role to play in the treatment of patients with HIV disease.
Beyond outcomes monitoring: measurement feedback systems in child and adolescent clinical practice.

Summary Investment in the development of measurement feedback systems is needed to enhance clinical judgment and increase effectiveness of treatment. Clinical utility and consumer appeal need to be key considerations for measures intended to be used in everyday clinical practice. Most importantly, we must harness the power of technology and advances in measurement to provide clinicians with the tools to use effectively the systematic data provided through frequent measurement with measurement feedback systems.
An Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Public Health

Objectives. To develop and implement an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) that would increase students' awareness of, acceptance of, and ability to apply public health concepts in pharma...
School District Lines Stratify Educational Opportunity by Race and Poverty

School segregation has serious consequences for educational opportunity and success. Across the nation, school segregation by race and poverty is deepening and varies by state. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data, this study explores the relationship between fragmentation—the degree to which metropolitan areas are split into many separate school districts—and segregation. Three measures of segregation—exposure, concentration, and evenness—are employed to analyze state- and metropolitan-level data between 1989 and 2010 in four states with different school district structures. Findings in this exploratory study indicate that states and metropolitan areas with more fragmented district structures are associated with higher levels of segregation. In comparison with the less fragmented states of North Carolina and Virginia, in the highly fragmented states of New York and New Jersey, the typical black and Latino student are exposed to smaller shares of white students, the typical white student is more isolated with other white peers, there are greater disparities in exposure to low-income students by race, the share of non-white segregated schools is substantially larger, and levels of multiracial unevenness are higher. (These states were selected from a set of in-depth state studies by the Civil Rights Project of the states from Maine to North Carolina; comparable data are not available for many other states.) Highly fragmented states and metropolitan areas with numerous small school districts cannot confront segregation by exclusively focusing their efforts within districts; in these areas, segregation is fundamentally occurring among districts rather than within districts. Instead, highly fragmented areas could use regional strategies, such as interdistrict transfer programs, regional magnet schools, and district consolidation, to make progress in desegregating their schools across school district lines.
Development and assessment of a general theory of cervical carcinogenesis utilizing a severe combined immunodeficiency murine-human xenograft model

Abstract Objective. Currently, we lack a theoretical explanation for why squamous cell cervical cancer develops predominantly in specific sites (i.e., along the squamocolumnar junction). We therefore implanted human cervical tissues containing the transformation zone in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and studied morphology, steroid effects, gene expression, and human papillomavirus (HPV) factors. Methods. Normal and dysplastic human cervical tissues (3 × 2 mm) were placed subcutaneously in SCID- beige mice and later assessed by in situ hybridization for HPV 16/18 DNA and by immunohistochemistry for expression of CD31, keratin, proliferating-cell nuclear antigen, HPV 16 E6, p53, and Notch-1 (a binary cell fate determination protein). Some normal tissues were implanted with either a 90-day release 1.7-mg 17β-estradiol pellet or a 5-mg tamoxifen pellet; others were infected prior to implantation with human recombinant adenovirus 5 vector containing a human cytomegalovirus promoter-driven β-galactosidase gene and later assessed by X-gal staining. Results. Murine and human vessels formed anastomoses by 3 weeks. For at least 11 weeks, normal tissue retained the transformation zone and normal cell-type-specific keratin expression and exhibited normal proliferation; Notch-1 was present only in the basal cell layer. Dysplastic tissues exhibited koilocytosis, increased levels of cellular proliferation, and aberrant keratin, p53, and Notch-1 expression; HPV 16/18 DNA and HPV 16 E6 protein were detected for at least 6 weeks. Squamous metaplasia of normal cervical epithelium resulted from estrogen exposure, and a predominant columnar differentiation pattern was associated with tamoxifen administration. Through stable adenovirus infection, β-galactosidase was expressed for at least 6 weeks. Conclusions. This small manipulatable xenograft model maintains normal and dysplastic human cervical epithelium through neovascularization. Neoplastic tissue retains HPV 16/18 DNA and a premalignant phenotype, including elevated levels of cellular proliferation and aberrant keratin, p53, and Notch-1 expression. These attributes constitute essential features of a biologic model through which one may study HPV-mediated human disease and may be superior to cell culture and transgenic murine systems. Furthermore, this may serve as a model for gene therapy. Finally, we suggest that the normal cervical epithelium is maintained through putative interactions between the Notch locus and cell cycle growth regulators such as p53 and pRb. Neoplastic cervical epithelium may arise through disruption of this pathway. This theory may be testable in our animal model.
The Bush administration's health care plan.

The genesis of the debate over the nation's health care system lies in a paradox: on the one hand, more dollars are being spent on health care in the United States than in any other country; on the other hand, some 15 percent of our citizens do not have health insurance. As a society, Americans spent over $666 billion on health care in 1990 (the latest year for which figures are available) — or 12.2 percent of our gross national product. This compares with a bit more than 7 percent in 1970 and a little over 9 percent in 1980. . . .
Alcohol expectancies among adolescents with conduct disorder: prediction and mediation of drinking.

Among adolescents with conduct disorder, alcohol expectancies were examined for both predictive utility and mediation of other predictors of alcohol use (i.e., delinquency, family history, demographic and psychopathology variables). Data were collected from 260 adolescents with conduct disorder 11–18 years of age, who had been in either mental health residential facilities or community-based special education programs for adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. Zero-order correlations and structural path models assessed relationships between expectancies, alcohol use. and other predictors of alcohol use. Results indicated: (a) expectancies of enhanced social and cognitive behavior were significant (p <. 05) univariate predictors of drinking, (b) among all of the selected predictors, expectancies of enhanced social behavior (i.e., Subscale 2 of the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire — Adolescent Form; AEQ-A) had the strongest association with alcohol use (r = .54) and mediated between 31% to 44% of the drinking variance associated with other significant predictors (p < .01). Results were discussed as supporting similar expectancy-drinking relationships among CD and nonclinical youth.
Chemical shift and zone-folding effects on the energy gaps of GaAs-AlAs (001) superlattices.

The chemical shift and zone-folding effects obtained from quasiparticle calculations for ultrathin GaAs-AlAs superlattices are incorporated within a Kronig-Penny model for superlattices of the arbitrary lattice period. We determine that superlattices with lattice periods in the range of 3{times}3 to 9{times}9 have an {ital X}-derived pseudodirect gap. This result explains both the results from first-principles calculations for ultrathin superlattices and those from experiments for a broader lattice period.
Structure of the As Vacancies on GaAs(110) Surfaces

We report a comprehensive study of the As vacancies ( ${V}_{\mathrm{As}}$) in the GaAs(110) surface via ab initio total energy minimization. Previous scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of the ${V}_{\mathrm{As}}$ in $p$-type GaAs(110) were interpreted with a structure with outward movement of the Ga next to the vacancy. While our simulation of the STM images, using ab initio wave functions, agrees with experiment, our total energy minimization suggests, however, inward movement of Ga. We explain this apparent conflict as a charge induced band bending effect. As a consequence, we predicted that the STM images will depend on the applied bias voltage. We show that the atomic geometry of the surface ${V}_{\mathrm{As}}(q)$ depends critically on the charge state $q$ in sharp contrast with bulk vacancy.
Timing in Eyeblink Classical Conditioning and Timed-Interval Tapping

The cerebellum is implicated in interval timing for diverse tasks including eyeblink classical conditioning (EBCC) and repetitive tapping. We examined performance on both tasks across identical intervals ranging from 325 to 550 ms. In five weekly sessions, 23 participants used a different interval each week, both as the target for tapping and as the delay interval in EBCC. Changes in variability as a function of the tapping or delay interval were assessed using regression analyses. The slope for repetitive tapping was comparable to two measures of temporal acuity in EBCC, onset and peak latency of the conditioned response. Each of 80 additional participants was assessed in one session at one of four tapping and delay intervals. Results were similar to those observed in the repeated measures group. These findings provide further evidence that EBCC and repetitive tapping utilize common mechanisms for representing temporal information.
Enhancement source-coupled logic for mixed-mode VLSI circuits

Low-noise enhancement source-coupled logic (ESCL) is proposed for applications in high-precision mixed-mode integrated circuits (ICs). The differential ESCL topology offers potential low-power supply noise advantages over conventional CMOS logic for mixed-mode ICs by steering a constant current to perform the logic operation and it requires a smaller logic swing ( Delta V/sub L/ >
Communication media, memory, and social‐political change in Eric Havelock

The classicist Eric Havelock is often viewed as one of the strongest proponents of the so‐called orality‐literacy theses. His work is foundational to the idea of media ecology. His most noteworthy contribution to the theory of media ecology, it is argued, is the manner in which he makes moral codes and communication codes inseparable through a theory of memory (echoing). That inseparability allows the linking of the psychological and social lifeworlds, i.e., the creation of social identity, and explains Plato's need to destroy traditional rhetoric and poetic.
A specific progesterone receptor in the hamster uterus: physiologic properties and regulation during the estrous cycle.

Our previous studies indicated the presence of an estrogen-dependent, progesteronebinding system in the hamster uterus. A progesterone- binding component has now been characterized in the uterine cytosol fraction by density gradient centrifugation (6–7S sedimentation coefficient in sucrose-glycerol gradients), binding equilibrium measurements (KA = 1.7 ± 0.08 × 109) M−1) and competition assays. The hormone specificity of the progesterone-binding component was indicated by the relative binding activity of progesterone (100), deoxycorticosterone (64) and 5α-pregnanedione (20). Other hormonal steroids tested or progesterone metabolites did not compete effectively for :3H-progesterone-binding sites. The concentration of progesterone-binding sites in uterine cytosol was calculated from Scatchard plot analysis of data obtained by a dextran-charcoal adsorption method. During the estrous cycle, fluctuations in the concentration of progesteronebinding sites on a wet weight, cytosol protein or DNA basis were correl...
Effect of natural organic matter on the aggregation kinetics of CeO2 nanoparticles in KCl and CaCl2 solutions: measurements and modeling.

Abstract To characterize the environmental transport and quantify the risk of nanoparticles (NPs), it is important to fundamentally understand the aggregation of NPs and to describe this process quantitatively. This study investigates the aggregation kinetics of CeO2 NPs in the presence of KCl, CaCl2 and humic acid (HA) using time-resolved dynamic light scattering. In KCl solutions, regardless of their concentration, HA drastically reduces the aggregation kinetics of CeO2 NPs. However, the effect of HA was more complicated in CaCl2 solutions. At low CaCl2 concentrations, HA inhibited NP aggregation, whereas at high CaCl2 concentrations, HA promoted aggregation. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) in KCl in the absence of HA is approximately 36.5 mM. In presence of both 1 ppm and 10 ppm HA in KCl solutions, extremely low aggregation kinetics were observed even at very high KCl concentrations (500 mM), implying KCl–CCCs in presence of HA were larger than 500 mM. The CCCs under conditions of no HA, 1 ppm HA and 10 ppm HA in CaCl2 solutions are approximately 9.5, 8.0 and 12.0 mM, respectively. These observations were analyzed in the framework of extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (EDLVO) theory. Moreover, a kinetic model was used to predict the aggregation kinetics of CeO2 NPs. The model predictions are in close agreement with experimental observations. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to model quantitatively the aggregation of NPs in the presence of natural organic matter.
Descriptions of two new species of Culex (Lophoceraomyia) with notes on three other species from the Papuan subregion (Diptera: Culicidae).

Two new species, Culex (Lophoceraomyia) submarginalis and C. (L.) castaneus from New Guinea, are described; the record of C. cubitatus Colless is confirmed; a new record of C.solomonis (Edwards) from the Mollucas is given and C.caeruleus King & Hoogstraal is synonymized with C. digoelensis Brug.
Duplicated urethra communicating with the seminal vesicle

This article describes the first case of a duplicated urethra in which the accessory urethra drained the seminal vesicle, and suggests a possible embryologic basis for the anomaly.
Isotopic evidence for Plio-Pleistocene environmental change at Gona, Ethiopia

Abstract A 4.5 Ma record of fluvial and lacustrine deposits is well exposed at Gona, in the Afar Depression of Ethiopia. We use isotopic values of pedogenic carbonate and fossil teeth to reconstruct Plio–Pleistocene environmental change at Gona. An increase in δ13C values of pedogenic carbonates since 4.5 Ma points to a shift from woodlands to grassy woodlands in the early Pliocene, −10.4 to −3.9‰ (VPDB), to more open but still mixed environments in the late Pleistocene, −3.0 to −1.4‰ (VPDB). This pattern is also seen in isotopic records elsewhere in East Africa. However, at 1.5 Ma the higher proportion of C4 grasses at Gona is largely a result of a local facies shift to more water-limited environments. The wide range of δ13C values of pedogenic carbonate within single stratigraphic levels indicates a mosaic of vegetation for all time intervals at Gona that depends on depositional environment. Elements of this mosaic are reflected in δ13C values of both modern plants and soil organic matter and Plio–Pleistocene soil carbonate, indicating higher amounts of C4 grasses with greater distance from a river channel in both the modern and ancient Awash River systems. δ18O values of pedogenic carbonates increase up-section from −11.9‰ in the early Pliocene to −6.4‰ (VPDB) in the late Pleistocene. The wide range of δ18O values in paleovertisol carbonates from all stratigraphic levels probably reflects short-term climate changes and periods of strong evaporation throughout the record. Based on the comparison between δ18O values of Plio–Pleistocene pedogenic carbonates and modern waters, we estimate that there has been a 6.5‰ increase in mean annual δ18O values of meteoric water since 4.5 Ma. δ18O values of pedogenic carbonate from other East African records indicate a similar shift. Increasing aridity and fluctuations in the timing and source of rainfall are likely responsible for the changes in δ18O values of East African pedogenic carbonates through the Plio–Pleistocene.
Selectivity ratios of cation-sensitive glass electrodes in ethanol-water mixtures

The response of cation-sensitive glass electrodes to univalent cations in ethanol-water mixtures shows increasing e.m.f. values with increasing fractions of ethanol for Na+, K+, Cs+, Rb+, Li+, and NH4+, but anomalous behavior for H+. The calculated selectivity of the glass electrode for metal ions over the hydrogen ion thus increases sharply over the range of 10–70 weight % ethanol. It is suggested that sodium rather than hydrogen ion may be adopted as the reference ion for the definition of selectivity ratios in mixed solvents.
TH-C-217BCD-02: Ultrasound Texture Analysis of Radiation-Induced Parotid-Gland Injury in Post-Radiotherapy Head-And-Neck Patients: Feasibility Study

Purpose: Xerostomia (dry mouth), resulting from radiation damage to the parotid glands, is one of the most common and distressing side effects of head‐and‐neck cancerradiotherapy. We have developed a family of sonographic texture features to evaluate the morphologic and microstructural integrity of the parotid glands, and investigate the feasibility of quantitative evaluation of radiotherapy‐induced parotid‐gland injury. Methods: In this pilot study, 12 post‐radiotherapy head‐and‐neck cancer patients and 7 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Each participant underwent one ultrasound study, and longitudinal (vertical) ultrasound scans were performed of the bilateral parotids. The averaged follow‐up time for the post‐radiotherapy patients was 17.2 months and the median radiationdose was 32.3 Gy. Eight grey level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) features were derived from the B‐mode images. The associated parameters for texture features can be summarized as follows: 1. Inverse differential moment (IDM): local homogeneity; 2. Contrast: difference of gray‐scale through continuous pixels of the image; 3. Angular second moment (ASM): homogenous texture; 4. Entropy: disorder of the image. 5. Variance: heterogeneity; 6. Correlation: linear relationship between the gray‐scale of pixel pairs; 7. Cluster shade and 8. Cluster prominence: the perceptual concepts of uniformity and proximity. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in 8 sonographic features, between normal and irradiated parotid glands. IDM value decreased from 7.88±1.14E‐2 (normal) to 6.93±1.54E‐2 (irradiated); Contrast value increased from 3.41±1.11E+2 to 8.45±3.46E+2; ASM value decreased from 6.06±1.72E‐4 to 3.02±0.87E‐4; Entropy value increased from 7.66±0.34 to 8.47±0.23; Variance value increased from 2.84±1.01E+2 to 9.30±3.53E+2; Correlation value decreased from 1.35±0.45E‐3 to 6.22±2.09E‐4; Cluster shade value increased from 1.20±1.24E+4 to 1.51±1.27E+5; Cluster prominence value increased from 3.11±2.50E+6 to 3.74±3.11E+7. Conclusions: This work has demonstrated the feasibility of ultrasonic texture evaluations of the parotid glands, and the sonographic features may serve as imaging signatures to assess radiation‐induced parotid damage.
Tuning high-performance scientific codes: the use of performance models to control resource usage during data migration and I/O

Large-scale parallel simulations are a popular tool for investigating phenomena ranging from nuclear explosions to protein folding. These codes produce copious output that must be moved to the workstation where it will be visualized. Scientists have a variety of tools to help them with this data movement, and often have several different platforms available to them for their runs. Thus questions arise such as, which data migration approach is best for a particular code and platform? Which will provide the best end-to-end response time, or lowest cost? Scientists also control how much data is output, and how often. From a scientific perspective, the more output the better; but from a cost and response time perspective, how much output is too much? To answer these questions, we built performance models for data migration approaches and verified them on parallel and sequential platforms. We use a 3D hydrodynamics code to show how scientists can use the models to predict performance and tune the I/O aspects of their codes.
Screening for Tay-Sachs disease in utero using amniotic fluid.

SummaryThe amniotic fluid from 38 control and 5 heterozygote TSD mothers were analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and heat fractionation for the percent of hexosaminidase A activity. This study indicates that amniotic fluid, when analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis, can be used for the prenatal diagnosis of TSD.ADDENDUMSince this paper was submitted for publication, the amniotic fluids of 35 additional normal (non-Tay-Sachs) pregnant women, 3 pregnant Tay-Sachs mothers (predicted normal) and 2 pregnant Tay-Sachs mothers (predicted Tay-Sachs) were analyzed for total hexosaminidase and hexosaminidase A content with both the heat fractionation and acrylamide gel procedures. The results obtained extend and confirm the findings reported in this paper.
The Bacillus megaterium ribonucleotide reductase: evidence for a B 12 coenzyme requirement.

On the basis of the following evidence, it has been concluded that extracts ofBacillus megaterium KM contain a B12 coenzyme-dependent ribonucleotide reductase. The reduction of cytidine nucleotides to deoxycytidine nucleotides is enhanced by the addition of B12 coenzyme. In addition, the presence of hydroxyurea, a specific inhibitor of non-B12 coenzymedependent reductases, has only a slight effect on this reduction. Finally,B. megaterium extracts catalyze a transfer of tritium from 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin-5′-3H2 to water, a reaction specific for B12 coenzyme-dependent ribonucleotide reductases.
Spatial variations in the diurnal patterns of winter precipitation in India

The present study focuses on spatial patterns of diurnal variability in winter precipitation across the Indian subcontinent. Hourly precipitation data during the months of January and February from 1980 to 2002 were procured for 80 stations spread across the subcontinent. The methodology consisted of calculation of the first harmonics by harmonic analysis for three variables that included frequency, total amount, and intensity of precipitation events. There were substantial variations in the strength of the diurnal cycle prevailing over the subcontinent, with most of the peninsular region and eastern part of the northern Gangetic Plain showing relatively stronger diurnal cycles. The variance explained by the first harmonic was significant at the 90% confidence level for larger parts of the peninsular region and northern plains. The weakest patterns were observed in the interior of the continent over central India. The times of maximum for hourly frequency, total amount, and intensity of precipitation were predominantly during the latter half of the 24–hour period, during late evening hours to just before sunrise hours. This was due to the enhanced warm front lifting during the late night to early morning hours as a result of nighttime inversions in the warm sector. Further, along the foothills of the Himalayas, the times of maximum were observed during predawn hours just before sunrise, caused by the downslope movement of katabatic winds and their convergence with the cyclonic storms in the low-lying areas, leading to enhanced precipitation. Along the west coast, the times of maxima were also concentrated in the midnight to early-morning hours due to the convergence of inland moving seas breeze fronts with the northeast trades.
Vibrational spectroscopy of brucite: A molecular simulation investigation

We have modeled the vibrational spectrum of brucite, the common phase of magnesium hydroxide, at 1 bar (105 Pa) by two separate techniques: molecular dynamics simulation and vibrational mode analysis. Molecular dynamics simulation of a model supercell provides information (from the power spectrum of the atomic velocity autocorrelation function) about the frequencies and directions of atomic thermal motions, using a deÞ ned energy force Þ eld. Vibrational mode analysis gives complementary information about the frequencies, nature, and infrared and Raman activity of the computed modes of the same system. Using both methods we Þ nd (in addition to the spectroscopically active modes) inactive modes up to around 1000 cm–1 , corresponding to MOH bending (OH rotational) motions. We invoke these modes to explain the published inelastic neutron scattering data, and suggest that their relatively high frequency is an inevitable consequence of repulsive interactions between neighboring H atoms.
In-situ particle temperature, velocity, and size measurements in DC Arc plasma thermal sprays

Particle temperature, velocity, and size measurements in DC arc plasma thermal sprays are reported in this article. Experiments were performed using a conventional DC are argon-hydrogen plasma with two 7 wt % yttria-stabilized zirconia powders injected transversely into the plasma jet. Measurements were performed along the axis of the plasma jet as well as at a number of radial locations at several axial positions. It was found that transverse injection of the powder results in the aerodynamic size classification of the powder with the large particles penetrating further across the plasma jet than the smaller particles, which were more readily swept by the high momentum of the plasma jet. Consequently, the particle temperatures were influenced by their degree of penetration into the core of the plasma jet. Average particle temperatures showed a good degree of uniformity radially and decayed with increasing downstream distance. When nanoclustered particles were injected into the plasma, significant differences in particle velocities and temperatures were observed in comparison to the conventional powder under the same plasma operating and particle injection conditions. These differences were attributed to the penetration characteristics of the powder into the plasma jet and the consequent effects on the particle heat up. Hence, axial injection of powder into plasma jets may provide more uniform and axisymmetric particle property distributions compared to the transverse injection schemes.
Studies on cells rendered neoplastic by polyoma virus: the problem of the presence of virus-related materials.

Abstract The continued virus release in mouse or hamster embryo cultures, rendered in vitro neoplastic by polyoma (Py) virus, is due to a “virus-carrier” state. All its characteristics can be reproduced by infecting nonvirus-releasing clonal sublines with Py virus. Since Py-transformed cells do not require the presence of a multiplying, plaque-forming virus to maintain their neoplastic character, the presence of the virus in a deficient state in the cells was looked for. The possible states tested were: the presence of a transforming, but noncytocidal virus; the presence of an incomplete virus detectable by fluorescent antibody or by its serum-blocking power; the presence of an infectious viral nucleic acid; and the presence of a provirus, susceptible to the inducing conditions effective in lysogenic bacteria. All attempts to demonstrate the virus in any of the states mentioned, failed. It is therefore concluded that either the virus is present in the neoplastic cells in a highly integrated state or, the cells do not contain the viral genome.
Efficacy of camptothecin and polymer-conjugated camptothecin in tumor spheroids and solid tumors

Camptothecin (CPT) is an anti-cancer drug with low solubility in aqueous solutions, which limits its efficacy during chemotherapy. To bypass this problem, CPT was conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to make CPT more hydrophilic: CM-PEG-CPT (carboxylmethylpoly(ethlyene glycol)-camptothecin), CM-PEG-GLY-CPT (carboxylmethyl-poly(ethlyene glycol)-glycine-camptothecin) and CM-PEG-SAR-CPT (carboxylmethyl-poly(ethlyene glycol)-sarcosine camptothecin) were synthesized. These conjugates differed in the amino-acid linker, which altered the hydrolysis rate of CPT from CPT-PEG. We tested the hypothesis that CPT conjugates were more effective than unconjugated CPT in effectiveness upon direct delivery to solid tumors using two systems: in vitro tumor spheroids suspended in collagen gels and in vivo solid tumors in rats. CPT was effective in spheroids, but not in flank tumors. However, when CPT was conjugated, there was improvement in the treatment of spheroids and, to a lesser extent, tumors in rats. There was no difference in therapeutic effects among the various conjugates. We conclude that conjugation of CPT to PEG enhances CPT solubility and improves effectiveness of delivery to tumors.
Transient fields of a vertical electric dipole over a two‐layer nondispersive dielectric

The double‐integral expression for the time response of the vertical magnetic field due to a vertical electric dipole placed on a two‐layer dielectric medium has been reduced to a series of single integrals by asymptotic methods and explicit inversion approaches. The summation of the infinite series represents contributions arised from the multiple images due to the presence of the two interfaces. Causality of the solutions is shown to be preserved.
Important prognostic factors in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, managed surgically.

Background. The factors influencing outcome after resection of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are controversial. This analysis of a prospective surgical database identifies important prognostic factors. Methods. Tumors were staged by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group staging system, and patients were followed until death. Prognostic factors were analyzed by log rank and Cox regression, and were considered significant if p was less than 0.05. Results. From Oct 1983 to May 1998, 231 patients underwent thoracotomy, 115 had extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), and 59 pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). Among patients having EPP or P/D, 142 received adjuvant therapy. The median survival for stage I tumors was 29.9 months, for stage II 19 months, for stage III 10.4 months, and for stage IV 8 months. By multivariate analysis, stage, histology, gender, adjuvant therapy, but not the type of surgical resection, were significant. Conclusions. The better survival previously reported for P/D compared with EPP is not seen in a large database with long follow-up. Stages I and II have better survival rates than generally assumed for MPM. Locally advanced T and N status, and nonepithelial histology, identify poor prognosis patients who should be considered for novel treatment regimens.
A path independent integral for computing stress intensities for V-notched cracks in a bi-material

The complex potential method of England is used to formulate the eigenvalue problem for a V-notched crack in a bi-material. The reciprocal work contour integral method of Stern is then extended to yield stress intensities for that configuration. The algorithm was tested on two problems of known solution and was found to be computationally stable and insensitive to finite element idealization error.
In vitro assembled, recombinant infectious bronchitis viruses demonstrate that the 5a open reading frame is not essential for replication.

Molecular clones of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), derived from the Vero cell adapted Beaudette strain, were constructed, using an in vitro assembly method. In vitro transcribed RNA from a cDNA template that had been constructed from seven cDNA fragments, encompassing the entire genome of IBV, was electroporated into BHK-21 cells. The cells were overlaid onto the susceptible Vero cells and viable virus was recovered from the molecular clone. The molecularly cloned IBV (MIBV) demonstrated growth kinetics, and plaque size and morphology that resembled the parental Beaudette strain IBV. The recombinant virus was further manipulated to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) by replacing an open reading frame (ORF) of the group-specific gene, ORF 5a, with the EGFP ORF. The rescued recombinant virus, expressing EGFP (GIBV), replicated to lower viral titers and formed smaller plaques compared to the parental virus and the MIBV. After six passages of GIBV, a minority of plaques were observed that had reverted to the larger plaque size and virus from these plaques no longer expressed EGFP. Direct sequencing of RT-PCR products derived from cells infected with the plaque-purified virus, which had lost expression of EGFP, confirmed loss of the EGFP ORF. The loss of EGFP expression (Δ5a IBV) was also accompanied by reversion to growth kinetics resembling the standard virus and intact recombinant virus. This study demonstrates that the 5a ORF is not essential for viral multiplication in Vero cells.
Unity in multiplicity: searching for complexity of persona in HRI

This conceptual paper broaches possibilities and limits of establishing robot persona in HRI.
Control of action potential duration alternans in canine ventricular tissue

Cardiac action potential duration alternans is characterized by a beat-to-beat alternation in action potential waveform. Its presence has been putatively linked to the onset of lethal cardiac arrhythmias. Previous studies, which have been limited to cardiac Purkinje fibers, have shown that closed-loop alternans control techniques, which apply a succession of externally administered cycle perturbations, provide ineffectual spatial alternans elimination. A more complete understanding of alternans control in the more clinically relevant ventricular tissue is needed. Here, we study the spatial dynamics of alternans and alternans control in arterially perfused canine right ventricular preparations using optical mapping. We quantified the spatial efficacy of alternans control across 2.5 cm of tissue, focusing primarily on differences in spatial control within several sub-regions of tissue. Our results provide a basis for future investigations into multi-electrode-based control interventions of alternans in cardiac tissue.
A biosensor for estrogenic substances using the quartz crystal microbalance.

This article describes a biosensor that detects estrogenic substances using a quartz crystal microbalance with a genetically engineered construct of the hormone-binding domain of the α-estrogen receptor. The receptor was immobilized to a piezoelectric quartz crystal via a single exposed cysteine, forming a uniform orientation on the crystal surface. Our results illustrate that this sensor responds to a variety of ligands that are known to bind to the estrogen receptor. No response was observed for nonbinding substances such as testosterone and progesterone. The sensitive response of this biosensor to estrogenic substances results from changes in the structural rigidity of the immobilized receptor that occurs with ligand binding. Agonist and antagonist show different responses.
ENSO-related impacts on Antarctic sea ice: a synthesis of phenomenon and mechanisms

Many remote and local climate variabilities influence Antarctic sea ice at different time scales. The strongest sea ice teleconnection at the interannual time scale was found between El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events and a high latitude climate mode named the Antarctic Dipole. The Antarctic Dipole is characterized by an out-of-phase relationship between sea ice and surface temperature anomalies in the South Pacific and South Atlantic, manifesting itself and persisting 3-4 seasons after being triggered by the ENSO forcing. This study examines the life cycles of ENSO warm and cold events in the tropics and associated evolution of the ADP in high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. In evaluating the mechanisms that form the ADP, the study suggests a synthesized scheme that links these high latitude processes with ENSO teleconnection in both the Pacific and Atlantic basins. The synthesized scheme suggests that the two main mechanisms responsible for the formation/maintenance of the Antarctic Dipole are the heat flux due to the mean meridional circulation of the regional Ferrel Cell and regional anomalous circulation generated by stationary eddies. The changes in the Hadley Cell, the jet stream in the subtropics, and the Rossby Wave train associated with ENSO link the tropical forcing to these high latitude processes. Moreover, these two mechanisms operate in phase and are comparable in magnitude. The positive feedback between the jet stream and stationary eddies in the atmosphere, the positive feedback within the air-sea-ice system, and the seasonality all reinforce the anomalies, resulting in persistent Antarctic Dipole anomalies.
Effect of intensive care unit organizational model and structure on outcomes in patients with acute lung injury

Rationale: Prior studies supported an association between intensive care unit (ICU) organizational model or staffing patterns and outcome in critically ill patients. Objectives: To examine the association of closed versus open models with patient mortality across adult ICUs in King County (WA). Methods: Cohort study of patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Measurements and Main Results: ICU structure, organization, and patient care practices were assessed using self-administered mail questionnairescompletedbythemedicaldirectorandnursemanager. We defined closed ICUs as units that required patient transfer to ormandatorypatientcomanagementbyanintensivistandopenICUs as those relying on other organizational models. Outcomes were obtained from the King County Lung Injury Project, a populationbased cohort of patients with ALI. The main endpoint was hospital mortality. Of 24 eligible ICUs, 13 ICUs were designated closed and 11 open. Completesurvey datawere available for 23(96%)ICUs. Higher physician and nurse availability was reported in closed versus open ICUs. A total of684of1,075 (63%) ofpatientswith ALI werecared for inclosedICUs.Afteradjustingforpotentialconfounders,patientswith ALI cared for in closed ICUs had reduced hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.53, 0.89; P 5 0.004). ConsultationbyapulmonologistinopenICUswasnotassociatedwith improved mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.74, 1.20; P 5 0.62). These findings were robust for varying assumptions about the study population definition. Conclusions: Patients with ALI cared for in a closed-model ICU have reduced mortality. These data support recommendations to implement structured intensive care in the United States.
The Role of Innovation in the Provision of Local Public Goods

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of clubs model of how jurisdictions select the level of local public goods to include innovation in their production and delivery systems. The results of the analysis indicate that cost-sharing rules influence not only the levels of public goods provided and the size of the community, but also the incentives to innovation. Moreover, the objective function implied by the theory of clubs behavioral model calls for innovational choices which are not Pareto efficient.
Reflector spillover loss of an open-ended rectangular and circular waveguide feed

An important and frequently used parameter in the design of a feed for a reflector antenna is the spillover loss. A set of spillover curves is presented for several common feeds, namely circular waveguides with TE/sub 11/ or TE/sub 21/ excitations, rectangular guides for the monopulse application, etc. The difference between two common methods of normalizing the feed input power is also discussed. >
Journal Effect of a Liquid Phase on the Sintering of Heterogeneous YBa2Cu3O6+x Compacts

Dense, polycrystalline YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x} inclusions were incorporated into YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x} powder in order to investigate the effect of nondensifying inclusions on the sintering behavior of the matrix. The presence of these inclusions caused a significant reduction in the densification rate of the matrix, as well as some microstructural damage. However, when approximately 2.5 vol% of a liquid phase was present during sintering, there was some retardation of densification in the early stages, but this disappeared with time. Also, the final sintered microstructures were damage-free and essentially identical to those of samples containing no inclusions. In this paper possible roles for the liquid phase in correcting this microstructural damage are briefly discussed.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Valsartan Suppresses Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Leukocytes, Nuclear Factor-κB, in Mononuclear Cells of Normal Subjects: Evidence of an Antiinflammatory Action

In view of the pro-oxidant and proinflammatory effects of angiotensin II, we have tested the hypothesis that valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, may exert a suppressive action on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in mononuclear cells. Four groups of eight normal subjects were given 1) 160 mg daily of valsartan, 2) 80 mg daily of simvastatin, 3) 40 mg quinapril, or 4) no treatment. Fasting blood samples were obtained before treatment and at d 1, 8, and 14 (7 d after the cessation of the drug). After valsartan, ROS generation by polymorphonuclear cells and mononuclear cells fell significantly by more than 40% (P < 0.01). NF-κB binding activity and the expression of total cellular p65, a protein component of NF-κB, fell significantly (P < 0.01). The expression of inhibitor κB (IκB) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration fell significantly (P < 0.01). All indices, except IκB, reverted toward baseline, 7 d after the cessation ...
When Innovations Meet Institutions: Edison and the Design of the Electric Light:

This paper considers the role of design, as the emergent arrangement of concrete details that embodies a new idea, in mediating between innovations and established institutional fields as entrepren...
Cross-section for hyperon production by neutrinos

The cross-section, differential inq2, is calculated for hyperon production by neutrinos (or any other spin 1/2 to spin 1/2 reaction). All six form factors are included. A closed form for the total cross-section is given in the form of an expansion about the asymptotic value assuming aq2 dependence of the form factors like (1−q2/a2)−2.
An autonomous self-powered acoustic transmitter using radioactive thin films

We present a radioactively powered acoustic transmitter for application in wireless sensor nodes. The acoustic transmitter integrates a piezoelectric acoustic transducer with a self-reciprocating radioisotope powered piezoelectric micropower generator for long-life (tens of years) autonomous operation. The radiated /spl beta/-particles from the radioisotope are used to direct charge an air-gap capacitor structure, formed by the collector plate at the tip of a piezoelectric unimorph cantilever beam and the thin-film radioisotope source plate placed directly underneath the collector. The resulting electrostatic forces draw the collector plate towards the source. The collector plate eventually makes contact with the source discharging the air-gap capacitor and releasing the cantilever. The sudden release excites the unimorph mechanical impulse response, causing the cantilever to oscillate. The mechanical vibrations induce charges in the piezoelectric section of the monomorph, which are used to drive the acoustic transmitter. The stored mechanical energy is first converted into electrical energy by the piezoelectric unimorph and then into radiated acoustic energy in the external piezoelectric speaker. Eventually, the vibrations decay and a new cycle begins for the self-reciprocating actuator. At the end of every reciprocation cycle, acoustic transmission at the design frequency of 170 Hz can be sensed using a high sensitivity (-34 dB 1 V/1 Pa) microphone placed as far as 5 cm from the speaker.
The gut microbiota in human energy homeostasis and obesity

Numerous studies of rodents suggest that the gut microbiota populations are sensitive to genetic and environmental influences, and can produce or influence afferent signals that directly or indirectly impinge on energy homeostatic systems affecting both energy balance (weight gain or loss) and energy stores. Fecal transplants from obese and lean human, and from mouse donors to gnotobiotic mice, result in adoption of the donor somatotype by the formerly germ-free rodents. Thus, the microbiota is certainly implicated in the development of obesity, adiposity-related comorbidities, and the response to interventions designed to achieve sustained weight reduction in mice. More studies are needed to determine whether the microbiota plays a similarly potent role in human body-weight regulation and obesity.
Earnings management and firm valuation under asymmetric information

This paper seeks to provide an explanation for why corporate officers manage the disclosure of accounting information. We show that earnings management affects firm value when value-maximizing managers and investors are asymmetrically informed. In equilibrium, the strategic management of reported earnings influences investors' assessments of the market values of companies' shares.