cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pardoner's Promises: Preachingand Policing Indulgences in the Fourteenth‐Century English Church

(2006). The Pardoner's Promises: Preachingand Policing Indulgences in the Fourteenth‐Century English Church. The Historian: Vol. 68, No. 1, pp. 49-65.
Beyond technology dependence

Technology and globalization have the potential to make higher education more affordable and accessible. In practice, however, rising costs limit educational access, and competition threatens the sustainability of many colleges and universities (Grummon, 2009). With the relevance of traditional curricula in question and the demand for alternate delivery methods expanding, many higher learning institutions face a challenge to reinvent themselves (Barnatt, 2008; Grummon, 2009; Lee, Brennan, & Green, 2009). We asked four higher education leaders from demographically and structurally diverse institutions to address the question, “How will colleges and universities serve the global knowledge economy in the coming decades?” Our respondents represent perspectives from multiple educational paradigms—public and private, local and international, for-profit and nonprofit, brick-and-mortar and online. George Mihel, president of Sauk Valley Community College in Illinois, offers a position paper on the need to transform some of higher education’s deep-rooted institutional traditions. George Miller, chancellor of American InterContinental University, teams with Caroline Molina-Ray, a University of Phoenix faculty member, to address how higher education can foster both technological competency and critically reflexive thinking. Naana J. S. Opoku-Agyemang, vice chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, offers insight into the unique challenges and accomplishments of higher education in Africa. Finally, Vicki T. Purslow, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Southern Oregon University, and Christine Cook Florence, a higher education marketing consultant, present a commentary synthesizing the symposium contributions and issuing a call to action for higher education leaders. Together, these diverse perspectives offer a glimpse into the higher education of the future.
Thermal and Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Patients with Unilateral Shoulder Pain: Comparison of Involved and Uninvolved Sides

Study Design Cross-sectional. Background In the examination of patients with unilateral shoulder pain, pain provocation testing to compare the involved and uninvolved sides has been considered useful. However, side-to-side comparisons of experimental pain sensitivity in patients with unilateral shoulder pain are not widely reported in the literature. Objectives To compare experimental pain sensitivity between the involved and uninvolved sides in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Methods In consecutive patients seeking operative treatment for shoulder pain, sensitivity measures of bilateral pressure pain threshold at the shoulder and forearm, and thermal pain threshold, tolerance, and temporal summation at the forearm, were examined. Pressure sensitivity was tested with a Fischer pressure algometer, and thermal sensitivity with a computer-controlled Medoc neurosensory analyzer. The involved and uninvolved sides were compared with an analysis of variance. Influence of sex and location of testing were ...
Four-dimensional photon cavities

The question "What is a photon?" motivates an analysis of the interface between quantum field theory and non-relativistic quantum mechanics (QM). Despite the predictive success of quantum field theory, it retains many non-relativistic concepts while throwing out the one aspect of QM that might give a spatially-well-defined answer to the original question. A novel approach to quantizing relativistic wavefunctions is then discussed, leading to an identification of the electromagnetic vector potential as a possible single-photon wavefunction. The key missing ingredient is a relativistically-correct measurement theory, in which a photon can be partially constrained/measured everywhere along a closed 3-D hypersurface in 4-D space-time.
Sympathectomy for truncal hyperhydrosis after traumatic paraplegic injury

Upper thoracic (T2-T3 or T2-T4) sympathectomy with preservation of the stellate ganglion is routinely used for treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhydrosis and also for relief of advanced cutaneous vasoconstriction of the fingers and hand in patients with Raynaud disease. Thoracic sympathectomy has also been advocated and used as a last resort for patients with refractory angina pectoris and those with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias that are not responsive to more standard medical and surgical therapy. To our surprise, an extensive MEDLINE search of the world literature from 1966 to date showed no published data on the use of extended thoracic sympathectomy for treatment of hyperhydrosis of the torso, particularly for patients with spinal cord injuries. In this communication we describe the surgical outcome of bilateral extended thoracic (T2-T6) sympathectomy in a man with paraplegia and hyperhydrosis of the torso.
Limits on improving the positive predictive value of the Welch Allyn SureSight for preschool vision screening.

Purpose To describe our experience using the Welch Allyn SureSight (Welch Allyn, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, NY) when vision screening a large population of preschool children. Additionally, we explore the usefulness of altering referral criteria to create high specificity for remote field screening in instances in which over-referral is costly. Methods Preschool children were screened for amblyogenic factors with the SureSight. Referred children received a gold standard examination with American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Vision Screening Committee–established failure criteria. Referral criteria were made increasingly more stringent to lower the rate of referral, and the effect on positive predictive value (PPV) was determined. Results A total of 15,749 children were screened, with reliable screening obtained in >99%. Rowatt-modified Vision in Preschoolers Study referral criteria produced a referral rate of 7.3% and a PPV of 48.2%. The PPV was >70% for children with unreliable screenings and with estimated refractive errors exceeding the instrument's range. Altering referral criteria improved PPV until referral rate reached 4% (PPV ∼64%); further refinement past this level did not increase PPV and, hence, inappropriately limited sensitivity. Conclusions A good test instrument should have high PPV and a referral rate approaching the population disease. Although altering referral criteria to decrease referral rate also decreases sensitivity, it should improve PPV. The presence of an asymptotic limit to PPV means additional improvement in PPV cannot be obtained with this technology. Thus, SureSight's usefulness for high-specificity screening is limited; however, the current referral criteria are sufficient for large screening programs and provide an acceptable referral rate and PPV.
New Species of Enantiornithes (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Qiaotou Formation in Northern Hebei, China

: We report on a new species of enantiornithine bird from the Lower Cretaceous Qiaotou Formation of northern Hebei, China. The new taxon, Shenqiornis mengi gen. et sp. nov., possesses several enantiornithine synapomorphies but is unique from other known species. The specimen has a well-preserved skull that reveals new information about enantiornithine cranial morphology. The new taxon possesses a large postorbital with a long tapering jugal process indicating that some enantiornithines may have had a fully diapsid skull, as in Confuciusornis. The tooth morphology of the specimen is unique and likely represents a previously unknown trophic specialization within Enantiornithes.
Rapid and Accurate Contact Determination between Spline Models using ShellTrees

In this paper, we present an efficient algorithm for contact determination between spline models. We make use of a new hierarchy, called ShellTree, that comprises of spherical shells and oriented bounding boxes. Each spherical shell corresponds to a portion of the volume between two concentric spheres. Given large spline models, our algorithm decomposes each surface into Bezier patches as part of pre-processing. At runtime it dynamically computes a tight fitting axis-aligned bounding box across each Bezier patch and efficiently checks all such boxes for overlap. Using off-line and on-line techniques for tree construction, our algorithm computes ShellTrees for Bezier patches and performs fast overlap tests between them to detect collisions. The overall approach can trade off runtime performance for reduced memory requirements. We have implemented the algorithm and tested it on large models, each composed of hundred of patches. Its performance varies with the configurations of the objects. For many complex models composed of hundreds of patches, it can accurately compute the contacts in a few milliseconds.
Regulation of expression of calmodulin and calmodulin-related genes by environmental stimuli in plants

Plants are very sensitive to environmental stimuli and have evolved the ability to adapt to many environmental stresses by altering development. In particular, mechanical stimuli such as touch or wind, result in growth changes that result in plants with greater resistance to such mechanical stimuli. We have initiated a molecular dissection of the pathways that enable perception of and responses to these environmental stimuli in plants. We have discovered five genes--termed the TCH genes--whose expression levels are strongly and rapidly increased in response to stimuli such as touch, wind, rain, wounding and darkness. Three of the TCH genes encode proteins related to calmodulin thereby implicating roles for calcium ions and calmodulin in the transduction of signals from the environment.
The impact of migration on food consumption patterns: The case of Vietnam

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between migration and consumption patterns using panel data from the 2004 and 2006 Vietnam Household Living Standards Surveys. Employing an instrumental variable approach to control for the endogeneity of migration, our results indicate that short-term migration has a positive effect on overall per capita food expenditures, per capita calorie consumption and food diversity. Long-term migration also appears to be positively related to consumption, but impacts are often insignificant and of a lesser magnitude than short-term migration. The results provide no evidence of negative effects of migration, and support the view that short-term migration is a mechanism by which households maintain food security. The results suggest that to improve food security the Vietnamese government should enact policies that facilitate short-term migration flows as well as the transferring of remittances.
Metabolites of radioactive L-thyroxine and L-triiodothyronine.

L-THYROXINE and L-triiodothyronine are subject to transformation in the animal by several different enzyme systems. The most active deiodinating system for these substances is found in the liver; but the kidney shows some deiodinating activity (1). Kidney slices can deiodinate thyroxine (T42) to triiodothyronine (T32) by a deiodinating system which is conditioned by the level of T4 available in the tissues (2). An enzyme system which conjugates glucuronide is present in the liver, and in much smaller amounts, also in the kidney. It can transfer glucuronic acid to various phenols (3, 4), including thyroxine (5). This system probably is responsible for the synthesis of thyroxine glucuronide by the perfused liver (6) and also for the synthesis of triiodothyronine glucuronide. (7). Oxidative deamination of T4 and T3 by other enzyme systems could lead to the formation of tetraiodothyropyruvic acid and triiodothyropyruvic acid, and these substances have been found in the bile and urine of the rat (8).
Multiple Boundary Condition Tests (MBCT) for verification of large space structures

The Multiple Boundary Condition Tests (MBCT) approach is evaluated and recent modifications are described. For the application of MBCT, 12 different boundary conditions are selected and the results of applying MBCT in conjunction with a nonlinear formulation are indicated schematically. It is concluded that the nonlinear formulation enhances the ability to implement the MBCT test approach on large space structures which cannot be ground tested without the artificial boundary conditions incorporated in MBCT. In addition, it leads to significant improvements in the convergence to the correct solution.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF LEUKEMIC CELLS SENSITIVE AND RESISTANT TO CYTOSINE ARABINOSIDE.

Abstract A clone of L5178Y cells, resistant to growth inhibition caused by 1-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (cytosine arabinoside), has been isolated. Suspensions of the drug-resistant cells had an impaired capacity to form phosphorylated derivatives of cytosine arabinoside. The enzymatic capacity of extracts of the resistant cells was correspondingly defective in the conversion of cytosine arabinoside and deoxycytidine to the corresponding 5′-phosphate esters. It is proposed that a phosphorylated form of cytosine arabinoside is the active inhibitor of an enzyme involved in the conversion of cytidine (as the 5′-diphosphate) to the corresponding derivative of deoxycytidine.
Survival and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh-Cut Apple Slices and Its Interaction with Glomerella cingulata and Penicillium expansum

The food-borne human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes survived and its populations increased on cv. Delicious apple slices at 10 or 20°C in air or controlled atmosphere of 0.5% O2 and 15% CO2, but did not grow at 5°C. Controlled atmosphere had no significant effect on the survival or growth of L. monocytogenes. The pathogen populations declined over time when grown in various concentrations of apple juice and the decline was greater as the concentration of the juice decreased. Populations of L. monocytogenes inoculated into decayed apple tissue continually increased on fruit decayed by Glomerella cingulata but did not survive after 5 days on fruit decayed by Penicillium expansum. The pH of the decayed area declined from pH 4.7 to 3.7 in the case of P. expansum, but in the case of G. cingulata the pH increased from pH 4.7 to 7.0. This pH modification may be responsible for affecting the growth of the food-borne pathogen. Storage temperature, as well as the absence of postharvest pathogens such as G. cingulata, is important for maintaining the safety of fresh-cut apples.
Tai Chi—Lessons from 10 years of practice

Abstract The author describes his experience and lessons from ten years of Tai Chi practice.
Tau Epitopes are Incorporated into a Range of Lesions in Alzheimer's Disease

The neuronal microtubule-associated phosphoprotein, tau, has been identified as a major antigenic component of paired helical filaments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The extent and distribution of altered tau antigens in AD brain, other than those found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and senile plaque (SP) neurites, has not been widely discussed. We have examined tau immunoreactivity in AD using the monoclonal antibody (MAb), 5E2, raised against human fetal tau. Four types of abnormalities were recognized by MAb 5E2, each having some counterpart in Bielschowsky silver impregnations: 1) NFT; 2) thickened neurites in SP; 3) diffuse perikaryal staining seen in some neurons apparently lacking NFT; and 4) a dispersed network of randomly oriented thickened neurites not clustered into discrete plaques but found in NFT- and SP-rich cerebral cortex. These four alterations could also be recognized using three different polyclonal antibodies which had strong tau immunoreactivity but were optimally shown by MAb 5E2. Our findings demonstrate the complexity of altered tau-immunoreactive neuronal elements and emphasize the widespread abnormality of microtubule-associated proteins in AD cortex.
Lateral dynamics of major histocompatibility complex Class II molecules bound with agonist peptide or altered peptide ligands

We examined the lateral diffusion of I-Ad on A20 cells following the binding of ovalbumin-derived peptides. The peptides were OVA323–339 and OVA325–335 and a related peptide OVA325–335S substituted H331Q. Only OVA323–339 and OVA325–335 were effectively presented by A20 cells to DO-11.10/S4.4 T cells as assessed by IL-2 production. Fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR) measurements showed anti-I-Ad to have a lateral diffusion coefficient on untreated A20 cells of 1.8 ± 1.0 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 at 25°C with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching greater than 50%. After 24 h incubation of A20 cells with OVA323–339 or OVA325–335, a subpopulation of A20 cells appeared that were approximately half the size of untreated A20 cells. Culture of A20 with OVA325–355S did not stimulate DO-11.10 cells or induce a size change in A20 cells. Class II molecules were laterally immobile on these small cells with fluorescence recoveries after photobleaching of less than 20%. The relative number of small cells in the A20 cell population was correlated with the immunogenicity of the peptides. These results suggest that immobilization of surface I-Ad may be an important event in antigen presentation.
Isolation and characterization of dimerum acid from Verticillium dahliae

Abstract Dimerum acid has been isolated and characterized from Verticillium dahliae cultures grown in iron deficient minimal media. Efforts to isolate dimerum acid, or related siderophores from cotton plants infected by Verticillium dahliae have thus far “been unsuccessful, although distinct changes can be seen in the extraction products from infected plants. Similarly, in spite of diligent efforts, a known individual siderophore has not yet been isolated from soil. It is concluded that the steady state concentration of siderophores in soil may be substantially lower than the values found by biological assays, which tend to be nonspecific.
Effects of ibotenic acid-induced loss of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats on behavioral vigilance: Evidence for executive dysfunction

Rats were trained in a previously validated task for the assessment of sustained attention, or vigilance. This task required the animals to discriminate between signals of variable lengths and non-signal events by making an appropriate lever press. The performance of sham-lesioned animals in this task was characterized by a signal-length dependent number of hits. Also, approximately 70 percent of the non-signals were correctly rejected. Ibotenic acid-induced lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex decreased the relative number of hits and correct rejections and, in essence, resulted in random lever selection. The lesion did not affect the number of omissions or side bias. Furthermore, the performance of lesioned animals was insensitive to the detrimental effects of distractors. The effects of the lesions do not support an interpretation in terms of sustained attention. Rather, the pattern of the lesioned animals' performance is speculated to reveal a fundamental disruption of decisional processes, reminiscent of the executive dysfunctions observed in patients with damage to ventromedial prefrontal areas or with schizophrenia.
Competitiveness of U.S. Food Processing: Benefits from Primary Agriculture

High-value agricultural products such as processed foods are becoming increasingly important for both the production and trade of the United States. Efficiency gains in primary agriculture may be transferred to the processed food sector in the form of cheaper inputs because price declines and productivity growth have been coincidental in agriculture. In turn, efficiency gains in the processed food sector are transferred, in part, back to primary agriculture by increasing the derived demand and, thus, mitigating the decline in the latter's price. Efficiency gains are relatively more important in primary agriculture than in food processing. Policies which encourage productivity growth that lowers the production costs can increase the competitiveness of both sectors. The ultimate beneficiaries of the price declines in primary agriculture and food processing are consumers.
Direct tungsten on silicon dioxide formed by RF plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

RF plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has been used to deposit blanket tungsten on silicon dioxide for MOS gate formation. A range of deposition conditions are investigated. A postdeposition high-temperature anneal is necessary to reduce the resistivity and improve the adhesion of the film. Capacitors fabricated with the tungsten gate show good electrical properties with no apparent detrimental effects caused by the presence of either the plasma or fluorine during the deposition. >
Low resistive aluminum doped nanocrystalline zinc oxide for reducing gas sensor application via sol–gel process

Abstract Aluminum doped zinc oxide films were prepared by a sol–gel process using two different precursors. Zinc acetate and zinc nitrate were used as the starting precursor materials for sol–gel mixtures. The effects of the starting materials on the microstructure, surface morphology, electrical conductivity and gas sensor performance of ZnO were investigated as a function of Al concentration. The results indicated that the crystallite size decreased with the increase of Al dopant concentration from 0 to 5.0 at%. The films prepared by zinc acetate exhibited a skeletal wrinkle structure, which influenced the properties of ZnO films significantly. The gas sensing properties of Al-doped ZnO films prepared by two precursors were investigated for different concentrations of hydrogen in the air. The sensor response, as well as the response and recovery times of ZnO sensors, was analyzed to understand the effect of starting materials on the film quality. It was found that 3.0 at% Al-doped zinc oxide films had optimum properties, such as high electrical conductivity, crystallinity, higher response and faster gas response. Also, the films prepared with the zinc acetate-based precursor exhibited a better performance of gas sensor than those prepared with zinc nitrate-based sol–gel mixtures. Advantages of Al-doped ZnO over undoped ZnO in gas sensors appeared to be (i) low resistive devices, which do not require high impedance peripheral circuits and systems, (ii) tunability of selectivity based on response time constant, and (iii) low operation temperature.
Comparison of staples and sutures for cardiorrhaphy in traumatic puncture wounds of the heart

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the traditional method for repair of cardiac lacerations using sutures and pledgets (S/P) with repair using a skin stapling device (SSD) performed by emergency medicine residents. In a prospective, randomized, non-blinded animal study, 20 anesthetized mongrel dogs were instrumented and underwent left lateral thoracotomy, pericardiotomy, and cardiac exposure. In set 1, a standardized 8-mm right ventricular stab wound was made with a #10 scalpel; emergency medicine residents then immediately performed emergent cardiorrhaphy by either S/P ( n = 5) or SSD ( n = 5) technique. In set 2, 10 dogs received standardized 8-mm right ventricular stab wounds followed by repair and then received a second stab wound to the same right ventricle that was subsequently repaired by the same operator using the alternate technique. All dogs were observed for 60 min for gross blood loss, hemodynamic instability, and integrity of repair. The results demonstrate that SSD cardiorrhaphy was significantly faster (29 ± 11 sec in set 1; 14 ± 6 sec in set 2) than S/P repair (201 ± 10 sec in set 1; 196 ± 59 sec in set 2). No appreciable differences in blood loss or repair integrity were noted in either group. Two operators in the S/P group suffered needle puncture injuries. In conclusion, cardiorrhaphy by SSD is faster to perform, has similar repair integrity, and has less risk of accidental contaminated needle injury than does traditional S/P repair when performed by emergency medicine residents.
The effects of pollution and the need for long-term monitoring

The general deterioration of coastal water quality and physical despoilation of habitats along the eastern United States coastline has had a major impact on estuarine and coastal fisheries. To understand the full extent of these effects, and to provide data on the rate at which they are spreading geographically, a new monitoring program called Ocean Pulse has been implemented. Ambient levels of contaminants in waters and sediments of the coastal zone are documented, and biological effects are monitored in habitats over the continental shelf as far seaward as high levels of contaminants can be measured. Samples and experimental measurements are taken at contaminated and uncontaminated sites between the Canadian boundary and Cape Hatteras. The primary aim of the Ocean Pulse program is to use changes in physiological/biochemical responses as indicators of biological change due to contaminant loading. Physiological, behavioral, ecological and other responses are measured so as to relate, ultimately, change in community structure, population responses and pathology to variation in the quality of habitat.
Net Nitrate Uptake by Red Maple Is a Function of Root‐Zone Temperature

Abstract Previous studies show that nutrient acquisition increases with root‐zone temperature to an optimum, but the response may be unique to the nutrient and species combination investigated. The objective was to determine the influence of root‐zone temperature on the kinetics of net nitrate uptake by using solution‐grown “Autumn Flame” and “Franksred” (Red Sunset®) ramets as representatives of red maple (Acer rubrum L.). Red maple was exposed to root‐zone temperatures of 14, 24, or 34°C for 3, 4, or 6 weeks during three experiments. Standard solution‐depletion techniques were then used to assess nitrate uptake for 14 h. Averaged over both cultivars and all experiments, means for root‐surface area were 0.129, 0.141, 0.120 m2 (SE 0.0080 m2) for root zones at 14, 24, and 34°C, respectively. Means for uptake differed by cultivar only in experiment 1. A linear, concentration‐independent estimate of I max dominated net uptake below 540 µM. Averaged over both cultivars in all experiments, apparent I max estim...
Alterations in ribosome biogenesis cause specific defects in C. elegans hermaphrodite gonadogenesis.

Abstract Ribosome biogenesis is a cell-essential process that influences cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. How ribosome biogenesis impacts development, however, is poorly understood. Here, we establish a link between ribosome biogenesis and gonadogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans that affects germline proliferation and patterning. Previously, we determined that pro-1(+) activity is required in the soma – specifically, the sheath/spermatheca sublineage – to promote normal proliferation and prevent germline tumor formation. Here, we report that PRO-1, like its yeast ortholog IPI3, influences rRNA processing. pro-1 tumors are suppressed by mutations in ncl-1 or lin-35/Rb, both of which elevate pre-rRNA levels. Thus, in this context, lin-35/Rb acts as a soma-autonomous germline tumor promoter. We further report the characterization of two additional genes identified for their germline tumor phenotype, pro-2 and pro-3, and find that they, too, encode orthologs of proteins involved in ribosome biogenesis in yeast (NOC2 and SDA1, respectively). Finally, we demonstrate that depletion of additional C. elegans orthologs of yeast ribosome biogenesis factors display phenotypes similar to depletion of pro genes. We conclude that the C. elegans distal sheath is particularly sensitive to alterations in ribosome biogenesis and that ribosome biogenesis defects in one tissue can non-autonomously influence proliferation in an adjacent tissue.
Abstract 2466: Elafin, a serine protease inhibitor, is deregulated during breast cancer progression

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Deregulated protease activity promotes diverse aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Elafin is an endogenous inhibitor of the serine protease, Neutrophil Elastase (NE). Imbalance between NE and its inhibitors is implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases. We hypothesize that elafin is deregulated during breast cancer progression, resulting in increased NE activity, accelerated tumor progression, and overall poor patient outcome. To test this hypothesis, we examined elafin expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal breast tissue from reduction mammoplasty, pre-malignant Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), and invasive breast carcinoma (n>1000, using Tissue Microarray [TMA]). We observed that elafin is intracellularly (predominate nuclear localization) expressed in normal breast tissue. In the majority (>80%) of DCIS cases, intracellular elafin is expressed in a manner consistent with normal breast tissue. However, in cases of invasive breast cancer, intracellular elafin is largely downregulated (>80% of cases) suggesting elafin loss may have a role in progression to invasive carcinoma. Interestingly, examination of elafin expression in invasive breast cancer also revealed a subset (10-20%) of tumors with robust cytoplasmic overexpression of elafin, correlating with poor outcome. Similar results were seen in TMAs of high-grade ovarian carcinoma (n>200). Examination of publically available microarray data (TCGA) demonstrates that elafin measured at the mRNA level is correlates with poor outcome in ovarian cancer, consistent with our IHC results, and good outcome in breast cancer, incompatible with our IHC results. To further investigate the expression of elafin in breast cancer we examined by IHC a patient cohort (>200 patients) for whom full sections (not TMA) were available. Using these patient samples we found a unique subset of breast cancer patients that demonstrate high-level secretion of elafin into the tumor stroma, significantly correlating with increased survival especially in ER negative patients. Collectively, these data suggest that the prognostic role of extracellular elafin is related to the well-characterized ability of elafin to modulate inflammation and immunity. 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 2466. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2466
Lymphocyte responses to purified ragweed allergens in vitro: I. Proliferative responses in normal, newborn, agammaglobulinemic, and atopic subjects

To evaluate cell-mediated immune responsiveness to pollen allergens in atopic subjects, we studied the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthetic responses of their cultured lymphocytes to purified ragweek antigens E, K, and Ra-3. Since lymphocytes from some highly ragweed-sensitive subjects gave poor proliferative responses when harvested on day 6, we undertook a series of dose-response and time-course studies in atopic and control subjects. Surprisingly, vigorous DNA synthetic responses to antigen E occurred with lymphocytes from all 45 subjects, including 19 highly ragweed-sensitive atopic and control subjects. Surprisingly, vigorous DNA synthetic responses to antigen E occurred with lymphocytes from all 45 subjects, including 19 highly ragweed-sensitive atop adults (8 immunotherapy treated, 11 untreated); 13 nonatopic controls; 4 newborns, and 9 agammaglobulinemic patients. The geometric mean of peak response counts per minute in all 45 subjects was 21,163 and in unstimulated cultures was 2,416 (p = less than 0.0001). The mean day on which the maximal responses occurred was 8.7, and the mean dose eliciting the maximum responses was 59 mug/ml. Statistical comparisons of the stimulated culture data revealed no significant intergroup differences. The finding of vigorous responsiveness to these purified pollen allergens by lymphocytes from nonatopic normal, newborn, and agammaglobulinemic subjects suggests that ragweed pollen antigens are either ubiquitous and lead to cell-mediated responsiveness in all subjects with intact cell-mediated inmunity, or that they may have miogenic properties in addition to their known antigenic properties.
Quantitative Mapping of Interactions in the Voltage-Sensor Pore Interface of the Shaker Potassium Channel

Changes in the membrane potential of an excitable cell induce movement of voltage-sensing units within voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs). The energy associated with this movement is transmitted to the channel gate, ultimately promoting its opening. Numerous proposals have been made as to how this signal is relayed from the voltage-sensors to the channel gate, such as side chain interactions and backbone movement; however, it has been difficult to ascertain the precise molecular mechanisms underlying energy transduction. Recently, it was shown that median voltage estimates from the charge-voltage relationship of VGICs can be used to derive the net free energy change (ΔGnet) associated with their voltage-dependent activation. By combining this approach with mutant cycle analysis, it is possible to identify residues that are energetically coupled and contribute to the activation process. Here, we have undertaken a systematic analysis of contact pairs at the interface between the voltage-sensor and pore domains of Shaker potassium channel in order to gain insight into how an initial signal can propagate from one region of the channel to another and trigger the opening of the channel gate. Our results will be discussed in the context of overall molecular mechanism of electromechanical coupling in voltage-gated ion channels.
Maximum entropy Eddington factors and flux limited diffusion theory

Abstract The relationship between the maximum entropy Eddington factor and flux limited diffusion theory is established. Although these two approaches to radiative transfer are philosophically very different (one treats an ensemble, while the other treats a specific system), the resulting variable Eddington factors are in semiquantitative agreement. It is shown that a simple Pade approximant to the maximum entropy angular distribution yields precisely the same angular distribution extant in a recently reported flux limited diffusion theory.
Progesterone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein in luteinized granulosa cells of rhesus monkeys are regulated in vitro by gonadotropins and steroids.

Previous studies in our laboratory indicated that the midcycle gonadotropin surge stimulates progesterone receptor (PR) expression in granulosa cells of the macaque preovulatory follicle. The current experiments were designed to determine whether gonadotropin or steroids continue to regulate PR in luteinized granulosa cells that contain these receptors after the LH surge. Luteinizing granulosa cells obtained from gonadotropin-treated rhesus macaques were cultured in chemically defined medium in the presence of low density lipoprotein (LDL ; 100 μg/ml) with or without hCG (100 ng/ml) for up to 4 days. Cells were also cultured with various concentrations (0.25-250 ng/ml) of the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) inhibitor trilostane to reduce progesterone (P) production in vitro. P and estradiol (E) in the media were assayed by RIA ; PR mRNA was assessed by RNase protection assay, and cells expressing PR were identified by immunocytochemistry. Whereas hCG stimulated cellular P production through 4 days of culture, trilostane reduced hCG-stimulated P production in a dose-dependent fashion, with P levels decreasing more than 90% during incubation with 250 ng/ml trilostane (p < 0.05). When trilostane was removed from the media, P production returned to hCG-stimulated levels, indicating that trilostane action was reversible and nontoxic. Treatment with hCG increased (p < 0.05) PR mRNA levels in luteinized granulosa cells, whereas trilostane (250 ng/ml) alone did not alter levels compared to those in controls. Before culture, 68 ± 11% of luteinizing granulosa cells expressed PR ; intense nuclear staining was typically observed. After 2 days of culture, 78 ± 3% of cells remained PR-positive, but nuclear staining was more heterogeneous. Incubation with hCG did not alter the percentage of luteinized granulosa cells staining positive for PR but increased the intensity of PR staining. Trilostane treatment (25 ng/ml) in combination with hCG significantly reduced the percentage of PR-positive cells (54 ± 9%) when compared with hCG treatment (83 ± 2%, p < 0.05). These in vitro data suggest that macaque luteinized granulosa cells retain some PR expression in the absence of luteotropic hormones, but that gonadotropin stimulates PR mRNA levels and enhances PR expression as assessed by intensity of nuclear PR staining. In the presence of gonadotropin, trilostane effectively inhibited P production and reduced the number of PR-positive cells, suggesting that P or a metabolite modulates PR expression in primate luteinized granulosa cells.
Accounting for leases: telling it how it is

– The purpose of this paper is to express a viewpoint in respect of proposed changes to accounting for leases. It aims to present a summary of accounting principles and behaviours in the property leasing markets., – The paper reflects analysis by the author conducted as part of an MBA project (which, in its entirety, dealt with the lease versus own decision) and is summarised as follows: in the definitions of SSAP 21, a lease is “a contract between a lessor and a lessee … ” and a distinction is drawn between an operating lease and a finance lease. The almost arbitrary treatment of leases has never been satisfactory but dealing with the shortcomings has proven awkward to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)., – The value of reflecting leases on the balance sheet can be determined by close analysis of the work of Lasfer and other proponents of the advice that leasing real estate is better than owning it. The purpose of financial reporting is to show an accurate picture of the trading and health of the business in question. If significant parts of the picture are missing, perhaps it is not surprising that markets struggle to comprehend the true nature of assets and liabilities. Leasing is an activity whereby the use of an asset is separated from the ownership of that asset. The Accounting Standards Board, in its Statement of Principle, defines assets as “rights or other access to future economic benefits controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events”. Liabilities are defined as “obligations to transfer benefits as a result of past transactions or events”. Ownership of property would appear to fall into the category of asset; any borrowings against that asset would be categorised as a liability. A lease would appear to fall into both liability and asset categories., – It may not be comfortable for occupiers to adjust to the new accounting regime. It is, in the author's judgement, in the best interests of all stakeholders and, since it will require more active management, of the business itself.
Calpain Mediates Proteolysis of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel α-Subunit

Alterations in the expression, molecular composition, and localization of voltage-gated sodium channels play major roles in a broad range of neurological disorders. Recent evidence identifies sodium channel proteolysis as a key early event after ischemia and traumatic brain injury, further expanding the role of the sodium channel in neurological diseases. In this study, we investigate the protease responsible for proteolytic cleavage of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaChs). NaCh proteolysis occurs after protease activation in rat brain homogenates, pharmacological disruption of ionic homeostasis in cortical cultures, and mechanical injury using an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury. Proteolysis requires Ca2+ and calpain activation but is not influenced by caspase-3 or cathepsin inhibition. Proteolysis results in loss of the full-length α-subunits, and the creation of fragments comprising all domains of the channel that retain interaction even after proteolysis. Cell surface biotinylation after mechanical injury indicates that proteolyzed NaChs remain in the membrane before noticeable evidence of neuronal death, providing a mechanism for altered action potential initiation, propagation, and downstream signaling events after Ca2+ elevation.
Improving Risk Assessment in Family Medicine Through the Family History

The family history is used as a screening tool to identify persons who may be at risk for a heritable disorder. Primary care providers sometimes do not thoroughly gather and document the family history. This pilot study was undertaken to determine whether having a genetic counselor on site at our family medicine clinic 2 days a week for 3 months would improve the quality of the family history field in patient records. We compared 7 elements in the family history field for patients seen before and after the genetic counselor was on site. Documentation of 1 of the 7 elements (major disease) improved significantly after the intervention period (P = .02). Changing provider behavior with regard to gathering and documenting family history of major disease may be facilitated by tools to help collect the family history and by using the increasing number of available genetic tests.
Patterned Surfaces Combining Polymer Brushes and Conducting Polymer via Colloidal Template Electropolymerization

Recently, there has been a signifi cant interest in the fabrication of patterned polymer surfaces because of potential applications in surface-based technologies such as microfl uidic devices, chemical/biosensors, platforms for tissue engineering, etc. [ 1 ] To date, polymer brushes are widely used in patterning surfaces due to their robustness, broad range of chemical and mechanical properties, and ability to modify surface properties, [ 2 ] and thus an ideal surrogate for self-assembled monolayers (SAM)s. Despite the numerous applications of patterned polymer surfaces, there have been a limited number of strategies reported toward the formation of laterally well-defi ned binary composition patterned brushes. [ 3 ] Most of the methods used involve expensive, tedious and complex lithographic techniques, [ 4 ]
The multiple uses of fluorescent proteins to visualize cancer in vivo

Naturally fluorescent proteins have revolutionized biology by enabling what was formerly invisible to be seen clearly. These proteins have allowed us to visualize, in real time, important aspects of cancer in living animals, including tumour cell mobility, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. These multicoloured proteins have allowed the colour-coding of cancer cells growing in vivo and enabled the distinction of host from tumour with single-cell resolution. Visualization of many aspects of cancer initiation and progression in vivo should be possible with fluorescent proteins.
A model for the estimation of the concentrations and spatial extent of suspended sediment plumes

Abstract A simple model is presented for the spatial structure of suspended sediment plumes produced by over-board pipeline disposal of dredge spoil in shallow waters. The model is based on a solution to the advection-diffusion equation for a continuous vertical line source. It provides information on the variation of both centerline concentration and the second moment of the lateral distribution with distance from the source. The structure of the plume is described by only two parameters: one proportional to the settling velocity of the suspended material and the other equal to the ratio of a diffusion velocity to the advective velocity of the ambient flow. The model has been applied to represent the structure of observed suspended sediment plumes at three separate shallow water sites.
Elevated admission systolic blood pressure after blunt trauma predicts delayed pneumonia and mortality

Background Although avoiding hypotension is a primary focus after trauma, elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is frequently disregarded. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between elevated admission SBP and delayed outcomes after trauma. Methods The Los Angeles County Trauma System Database was queried for all patients between 2003 and 2008 with blunt injuries who survived for at least 2 days after admission. Demographics and outcomes (pneumonia and mortality) were compared at various admission SBP subgroups (≥160 mm Hg, ≥170 mm Hg, ≥180 mm Hg, ≥190 mm Hg, ≥200 mm Hg, ≥210 mm Hg, and ≥220 mm Hg). Patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), defined as head Abbreviated Injury Score ≥3, were then identified and compared with those without using multivariable logistic regression. Results Data accessed from 14,382 blunt trauma admissions identified 2,601 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI (TBI group) and 11,781 without moderate-to-severe TBI (non-TBI group) who were hospitalized ≥2 days. Overall mortality was 2.9%, 7.1% for TBI patients, and 1.9% for non-TBI patients. Overall pneumonia was 4.6%, 9.5% for TBI patients, and 3.6% for non-TBI patients. Regression modeling determined SBP ≥160 mm Hg was a significant predictor of mortality in TBI patients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.29; p = 0.03) and non-TBI patients (AOR, 1.47; CI, 1.14-1.90; p = 0.003). Similarly, SBP ≥160 mm Hg was a significant predictor for increased pneumonia in TBI patients (AOR, 1.79; CI, 1.30-2.46; p = 0.0004), compared with non-TBI patients (AOR, 1.28; CI, 0.97-1.69; p = 0.08). Conclusions In blunt trauma patients with or without TBI, elevated admission SBP was associated with worse delayed outcomes. Prospective research is necessary to determine whether algorithms that manage elevated blood pressure after trauma, especially after TBI, affect mortality or pneumonia.
Vaginal cornification in persistent-estrous mice.

Persistent estrus was induced in A/Crgl mice by injections of estrogen daily for 5 days, starting on the 1st postnatal day. Ovariectomy, ovariectomy plus adrenalectomy, and ovariectomy plus hypophysectomy did not prevent the continuous cornification of vaginae in these persistent-estrous mice. Intraperitoneal or intravaginal administration of histamine and/or serotonin did not induce vaginal cornification in ovariectomized normal mice, and antihistamine had no influence on the vaginal cornification in ovariectomized persistent-estrous mice. Transplantation of the persistent-estrous vagina into ovariectomized persistent-estrous and into ovariectomized normal mice did not suppress cornification in 50–60 % of the vaginal transplants. Injection of large amounts of steroid hormones (progesterone, cortisol, deoxycorticosterone, testosterone) prevented vaginal cornification in 20–40 % of the ovariectomized persistent-estrous mice. On the other hand, 20–40% of the ovariectomized persistentestrous mice treated wit...
Performance assessments insights on the use of cements in waste management

The use of cementitious materials has been proposed in a variety of waste management systems because these materials can have a variety of desirable performance characteristics: hydraulic isolation, chemical isolation, structural stability. Cementitious barriers are commonly engineered with a goal of achieving the highest quality material possible (e.g. minimizing hydraulic conductivity, porosity, tortuosity, diffusivity). However, a single performance goal may not be optimum when practical considerations of designs and performance characteristics are considered simultaneously. In addition, laboratory-scale optimized designs may have field-scale characteristics that are less than ideal.
On-Line Processing of Data from Large Scale Experiments at PPPL

DAS-1800, a data acquisition system built around an IBM-1800 computer, has been installed and is being used in conjunction with the larger experimental machines at PPPL. An enumeration of the purchased equipment and the rationale for choosing it are given, as well as the overall philosophy and some details of peripheral equipment designed and fabricated in house. Software, including IBM-supplied monitors, locally written systems programs, and the experimenters' user programs, is discussed. Finally, a summary is given of DAS-1800 applications to the experiments on the PPPL machines.