cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Serum-Mediated Endothelial Injury in Scleroderma: Identification of a Granular Enzyme in Scleroderma Skin and Sera

Circulating endothelial cell growth-inhibitory factor with a molecular weight of 40-60 kDa was described in scleroderma (SSc) sera and shown to have a proteolytic action. In view of the recent demonstration of cellular immune activation in SSc, and because of the description of novel serine proteases in the granules of activated cytolytic T cells (granzymes), we hypothesized that granzymes represent the endothelial inhibitory principal in SSc sera. Granular enzymes were isolated from IL-2-activated nonadherent normal lymphocytes, and a 60-kDa granzyme was isolated using benzamidine-affinity column and molecular sieve column. A polyclonal antiserum was generated by immunizing rabbits with the isolated granzyme. Anti-granzyme antibody abolished SSc serum-mediated EC growth inhibition. Furthermore, a circulating protein similar to isolated granzyme was identified as a 60-kDa band on Western blots of benzamidine column-purified SSc sera. Immunofluorescence studies of SSc skin biopsies using anti-granzyme antibody demonstrated the presence of granzyme reactivity, while healthy control tissues were negative. Moreover, granzyme A gene expression was identified in SSc skin biopsies by a PCR method. The data suggest cytolytic mechanism involvement in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.
Human memory T cells: generation, compartmentalization and homeostasis

Memory T cells constitute the most abundant lymphocyte population in the body for the majority of a person's lifetime; however, our understanding of memory T cell generation, function and maintenance mainly derives from mouse studies, which cannot recapitulate the exposure to multiple pathogens that occurs over many decades in humans. In this Review, we discuss studies focused on human memory T cells that reveal key properties of these cells, including subset heterogeneity and diverse tissue residence in multiple mucosal and lymphoid tissue sites. We also review how the function and the adaptability of human memory T cells depend on spatial and temporal compartmentalization.
Phonon-limited resonant two-phonon relaxation process: Concentration dependence forCe3+inLa2Mg3(NO3)12· 24H2O at 4.2 K

The concentration dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time has been measured by saturation-recovery techniques at 8.7 GHz for ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{3+}$ in ${({\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ce}}_{x})}_{2}{\mathrm{Mg}}_{3}{({\mathrm{NO}}_{3})}_{12}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}24{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$\char22{}hereafter LMN: Ce\char22{}for concentrations $x$ ranging from 2.0 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ to 1.0, for the magnetic field perpendicular to the crystal $c$ axis, and at 4.2 K, where the resonant two-phonon process dominates and is phonon limited. The concentration dependence of these data agrees reasonably well with a model recently advanced by Gill. At the lowest concentrations, an unbottlenecked relaxation time of 0.144 \ensuremath{\mu}sec is observed which agrees with the ${T}_{2}$ determined from linewidth data by Cristea and Stapleton and gives added confirmation of the theoretical result, ${T}_{1}={T}_{2}$, for the two-phonon resonant process in LMN: Ce for fields perpendicular to the symmetry axis. The ratio of the bottleneck factor $Q$ to the concentration is 3.2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{3}$, which implies a phonon-bath relaxation time of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ sec, and indicates that the mechanism for the relaxation of phonons of 25 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 4.2 K is not a surface effect, but a property of the bulk crystal. An analysis of data reported in other experiments on LMN: Ce at temperatures near 2.5 K leads to shorter phonon relaxation times than those assumed by Gill in a similar analysis. The successes and the limitations of the current theory of phonon-limited two-phonon relaxation processes are summarized.
Thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism

The primary therapy for acute pulmonary embolism is anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin to prevent additional thromboembolism. Traditional teaching relegates the use of thrombolysis to the ra...
A three-axis high-resolution capacitive tactile imager system based on floating comb electrodes

We present the design, fabrication and testing of a high-resolution 169-sensing cell capacitive flexible tactile imager (FTI) for normal and shear stress measurement as an auxiliary sensor for robotic grippers and gait analysis. The FTI consists of a flexible high-density array of normal stress and two-dimensional shear stress sensors fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) techniques. The drive/sense lines of the FTI are realized using FPCB whereas the floating electrodes (Au) are patterned on a compressible PDMS layer spin coated on the FPCB layer. The use of unconnected floating electrodes significantly improves the reliability of traditional quad-electrode contact sensing devices by eliminating the need for patterning electrical wiring on PDMS. When placed at the heel of a boot, this FTI senses the position and motion of the line of contact with the ground. Normal stress readouts are obtained from the net capacitance of the cell and the shear-sense direction is determined by the amount of asymmetric overlap of the floating combs with respect to the bottom electrodes. The FTI is characterized using a high-speed switched-capacitor circuit with a 12-bit resolution at full frame rates of 100 Hz (~0.8 Mb s−1) capable of resolving a displacement as low as 60 µm. The FTI and the readout circuitry contribute to a noise/interference level of 5 mV and the sensitivity of normal and shear stress for the FTI is 0.38 MPa−1 and 79.5 GPa−1 respectively.
Changing concepts in diverticulosis of the colon

The records of 300 patients with diverticula of the colon have been reviewed. Clinical diagnosis of diverticulosis requires roentgenographic confirmation. Diverticulitis is suggested by the presence of localized pain and tenderness, a palpable mass which changes in size, inflammation, bloody stools with otherwise negative findings, and recurrence of episodes. Medical management of uncomplicated diverticulosis is advocated. Definitive indications for surgical intervention in complicated cases have been outlined; these include true complications, possibly malignant lesions, and localized, recurrent, and persistent diverticulitis in carefully selected cases. Prophylactic operation is not generally favored but may be justified in well-selected cases in view of the morbidity associated with complicated surgical procedures.
SU‐E‐T‐642: A Patient Population Based Approach for Disease Site Specific Intensity‐Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Treatment Planning

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a population based planning scheme for disease site specific IMRT treatment planning. Methods: A database of previously treated locally advanced head and neck patients from our institution was retrospectively used for this study. The treatment targets involved primary tumor, high risk and low risk nodal volumes. Organs‐at‐risk (OARs) included both parotids, oral cavity, brain stem and the spinal cord. Nine‐beam IMRT plans were generated using the Pinnacle3 planning system for 80% of patients. These plans served as the population basis. Thousands of apertures from these cases were extracted. From these apertures, prospective case‐specific apertures were either selected from the population basis or derived using machine learning for each of the remaining 20% of the patients. Aperture‐based 3D dose distributions were calculated in parallel using Monte Carlo‐based Kernel Superposition (MCKS) via a high throughput computing environment. Aperture weights of each case were optimized via an in‐house developed progressive dose optimization (PDO) approach. The PDO approach involved solving the DO problem by dividing the problem into sub‐problems, each of which was solved while maintaining a global view of the full problem. Our approach was compared with conventional IMRT and two‐arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Results: On average, the improvements achieved using population approach in parotid gland mean dose were 16% and 15%, in the maximum dose to the spinal cord were 21% and 28%, in mean oral cavity dose were 10% and 24% and in maximum brain stem dose were 6% and 15% compared with conventional IMRT and two‐arc VMAT. t‐test showed that these improvements were significant (p < 0.001). Dose homogeneity for all PTVs (tumor and nodes) was higher for population based approach as well. Conclusion: Population based planning approach resulted in superior plan quality compared with conventional IMRT and VMAT.
Effects of ampicillin, cefazolin and cefoperazone treatments on GLT-1 expressions in the mesocorticolimbic system and ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rats

Abstract Chronic ethanol consumption is known to downregulate expression of the major glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1), which increases extracellular glutamate concentrations in subregions of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway. While β-lactam antibiotics were initially identified as potent upregulators of GLT-1 expression, only ceftriaxone has been extensively studied in various drug addiction models. Therefore, in this study, adult male alcohol-preferring (P) rats exposed chronically to ethanol were treated with other β-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin, cefazolin or cefoperazone (100 mg/kg) once daily for five consecutive days to assess their effects on ethanol consumption. The results demonstrated that each compound significantly reduced ethanol intake compared to the saline-treated control group. Importantly, each compound significantly upregulated both GLT-1 and pAKT expressions in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex compared to saline-treated control group. In addition, only cefoperazone significantly inhibited hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 enzyme activity. Moreover, these β-lactams exerted only a transient effect on sucrose drinking, suggesting specificity for chronically inhibiting ethanol reward in adult male P rats. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of ampicillin, cefazolin or cefoperazone have been confirmed using high-performance liquid chromatography. These findings demonstrate that multiple β-lactam antibiotics demonstrate efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption and appear to be potential therapeutic compounds for treating alcohol abuse and/or dependence. In addition, these results suggest that pAKT may be an important player in this effect, possibly through increased transcription of GLT-1.
In-home respite intervention reduces plasma epinephrine in stressed Alzheimer caregivers.

OBJECTIVE Some excess morbidity and mortality in Alzheimer caregivers (CGs) may be related to chronic activation of the sympatho-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system. Authors tested the efficacy of an in-home respite intervention to reduce peripheral markers of SAM activation and psychological distress in spousal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease. METHODS Caregivers were classified as Vulnerable (n = 27) or Non-Vulnerable (n = 28). Vulnerable CGs were those with a severe mismatch between caregiving demand and help received in the preceding 6 months. CGs had plasma catecholamine levels sampled at rest and in response to a stressor (speech task) before and 1 month after a 2-week in-home respite intervention. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were also obtained. RESULTS ANOVA revealed a group × treatment interaction: At the 1-month follow-up, plasma epinephrine declined significantly in the vulnerable caregivers who received respite, but rose in those who were wait-listed. No effect was found for norepinephrine, heart rate, blood pressure, or psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that an in-home respite program may reduce SAM activation independent of psychological symptoms. To the extent that sympathetic activation mediates pathophysiological events, these results suggest an approach that may reduce morbidity and mortality in certain caregivers.
DXA Utilization Between 2006 and 2012 in Commercially Insured Younger Postmenopausal Women.

Abstract Reimbursement for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans in the outpatient setting has declined significantly since 2006. Research through 2011 has suggested reimbursement reductions for DXA scans have corresponded with an overall decreased utilization of DXA. This study updates utilization estimates for DXAs through 2012 in patients with commercial insurance and compares DXA rates before and after reimbursement changes. We evaluated DXA utilization for women aged 50–64 yr from Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounter database between January 2006 and December 2012 based on CPT codes. We estimated utilization rates per 1000 person years (PY). We also used segmented regression analysis of monthly rates to evaluate the change in utilization rates after a proposed reimbursement reduction in July 2009. In women aged 50–64 yr, 451,656 DXAs were performed in 2006, a rate of 144 DXAs per 1000 PY. This rate increased to 149 DXAs per 1000 PY in 2009 before decreasing to 110 DXAs per 1000 PY or 667,982 scans in 2012. DXA utilization increased by 2.24 per 1000 PY until July 2009 then declined by 12.98 DXAs per 1000 persons, resulting in 37.5 DXAs per PY fewer performed in 2012 compared with 2006. Since July 2009 a significant decline in DXA utilization occurred in a younger postmenopausal commercially insured population. This decline corresponds with a time period of reductions in Medicare DXA reimbursement.
Significance test with data dependency in speaker recognition evaluation

To evaluate the performance of speaker recognition systems, a detection cost function defined as a weighted sum of the probabilities of type I and type II errors is employed. The speaker datasets may have data dependency due to multiple uses of the same subjects. Using the standard errors of the detection cost function computed by means of the two-layer nonparametric two-sample bootstrap method, a significance test is performed to determine whether the difference between the measured performance levels of two speaker recognition algorithms is statistically significant. While conducting the significance test, the correlation coefficient between two systems’ detection cost functions is taken into account. Examples are provided.
Predicting hyperresponse among pacemaker-dependent nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients upgraded to cardiac resynchronization.

Resynchronizing Pacemaker-Dependent Patients. Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) pacing engenders left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and may diminish LV systolic function, promote adverse cardiac remodeling, and foster heart failure (HF). This process may be reversible in some pacemaker-dependent patients upgraded to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We examined the clinical characteristics of pacemaker-dependent patients who exhibit hyperresponse (i.e., normalization of LV function) with CRT upgrade. Methods and Results: We identified 51 chronically RV-paced patients with no coronary artery disease, LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35%, and severe HF symptoms who were upgraded to CRT-defibrillators (CRT-D). Echocardiograms were performed before and ≥6 months after CRT. Patients with follow-up LVEF ≥ 50% were deemed hyperresponders. Clinical outcomes of death, cardiac transplant, mechanical circulatory support, and HF hospitalizations were assessed. Fifteen patients were CRT hyperresponders; all demonstrated ≥15% relative LV end-systolic volume decrease. Hyperresponders had smaller baseline LV dimensions and shorter known cardiomyopathy duration than nonhyperresponders (P < 0.01). The best predictors of hyperresponse using receiver operating characteristic analysis were LV end-systolic dimension <48 mm (area under the curve [AUC] 0.92, P < 0.001), LV end-diastolic dimension <58 mm (AUC 0.86, P < 0.001), and cardiomyopathy duration <24 months (AUC 0.82, P < 0.001). No hyperresponders died, received a cardiac transplant, or required mechanical circulatory support during 42 ± 22 months follow-up, whereas 5 nonhyperresponders died, 2 underwent transplant, and 1 required an assist device (log rank P = 0.049). Conclusion: Among chronically RV paced patients who are upgraded to CRT-D, smaller baseline LV dimensions and shorter known cardiomyopathy duration predict hyperresponse. Hyperresponders have excellent long-term survival. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 905-911, August 2011)
Microstructural Characterization of CdTe(211)B/ZnTe/Si(211) Heterostructures Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Transmission electron microscopy and small-probe microanalysis have been used to investigate the microstructure and compositional profiles of CdTe(211)B/ZnTe/Si(211) heterostructures. Thin ZnTe buffer layers and subsequent thick CdTe layers were grown on Si(211) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. Many {111}-type stacking faults were found to be present throughout the entire ZnTe layer, terminating near the point of initiation of CdTe growth. A rotation angle of about 3.5° was observed between lattice planes of the Si substrate and the final CdTe epilayer. Local lattice parameter measurement and elemental profiles indicated that some intermixing of Zn and Cd had taken place. The average widths of the ZnTe layer and the (Cd,Zn)Te transition region were found to be roughly 6.5 nm and 3.5 nm, respectively.
The NCTM standards in light of the new math movement: A warning!

Abstract Although many have assailed the failure of the New Math Movement of the 1950s and 60s and extolled the virtues of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards , little has been written from the perspectives of those most instrumental within each movement. It is the perspective of those who took part in each reform effort into which this paper investigated. Interviewees ably delineated the philosophical perspectives of their respective movements, reasons for its success or failure or both, and their prognosis for the future of mathematics education. The telephone interviews of some of the seminal people involved within the two movements were transcribed, coded, analyzed, and are here reported. Many of the results could not have been imagined by anyone outside of the inner circles within these reform efforts. This article offers many surprising opinions that have not been available anywhere else and which offer a stern warning to the NCTM.
Membrane Bending Modulus for Ternary Mixture Models of the Cell Plasma Membrane

Ternary mixtures of high-melting lipid, low-melting lipid, and cholesterol exhibit a region of liquid-ordered + liquid-disordered phase coexistence analogous to raft + non-raft behavior in cells. These coexisting phases manifest domain sizes that range from a few nanometers to many microns, depending strongly on the nature of the low-melting lipid. When POPC, which gives rise to nanodomains, is replaced by DOPC, which yields macrodomains, an intermediate region is observed of patterned, or modulated phases. This domain morphology can be explained as a competition between line tension and bending energies with patterns occurring when the two are nearly balanced. Necessary for testing this model are measurements of line tension, and bending moduli for both phases. Here we report the bending moduli of coexisting Lo and Ld phases from mixtures that produce domains ranging in size from nanoscopic to macroscopic. Measurements were made by shape analysis of giant unilamellar vesicles with both fluorescence and phase contrast microscopy. Vesicles of a single phase were made by the gentle hydration method to obtain a more narrow distribution of vesicle tensions than is obtained by electroformation. A transmembrane helical peptide, WALP23, strongly partitions to the liquid disordered phase, and changes the size of coexisting Lo + Ld domains. We are currently investigating the effects of WALP23 on membrane mechanical properties and line tension.
A short history of the Veterans Administration's influence on aphasia assessment tools

Background: The United States Veterans Administration (VA) has a long history of supporting medical developments, including those in the rehabilitation sciences. Its large patient population, numerous facilities, and funding of research, education, and training have resulted in many medical advances. Its positive influences also have extended to the profession of speech‐language pathology, particularly regarding the assessment and treatment of aphasia. Aims: This paper is a short review of how the VA has contributed significantly to the development of aphasia assessment tools. Beginning with the Minnesota Test for Differential Diagnosis of Aphasia in 1948, the VA has played an essential role in the creation of a number of well‐known, widely used aphasia tests. Methods & Procedures: Ten major aphasia assessment tools that had significant VA involvement are examined. The features of each test are described, as well as how the VA contributed to the test's development. Conclusions: VA's substantial support wa...
Far infrared spectra of nonlinear optical crystals

Far-infrared (FIR) transmission spectra have been measured for several nonlinear crystals. The results show that both GaP and ZnGeP2 have a fairly narrow Restrahlen band. After the Mid-infrared (MIR) cut off at wavelengths near 12 micrometers, the crystals begin transmitting again at wavelengths of 100 micrometers. The transmissivity is highly dependent on the conductivity of the samples as free carrier absorption will deleteriously affect transmission. These results indicate that these crystals may be used for generation of FIR radiation using difference frequency generation (DFG) from the Near-Infrared (NIR) or MIR. High resistivity GaAs and GaSe should have similar properties, but no high resistivity material was found. Other crystals such as LiNbO3, LiIO3, BBO and KTP may be used at longer wavelengths.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perceptually optimizing textures for layered surfaces

In this paper, we take a new look at the problem of texturing surfaces so that they can be displayed layered over each other but remain clearly visible. Finding optimal textures that solve this problem is complex because of the perceptual interactions between the visual effects of parameters controlling texture generation. Instead of using controlled experiments to investigate this problem, we use a genetic algorithm based human-in-the-loop parameter space search to build a large database of human-rated textures. This database is then analyzed with a varity of datamining techniques, including clustering, principle component analysis, neural networks, and histogram analysis. We detail this analysis, concluding with a set of guidelines for building strong layered surface textures, and a display of a number of example textures.
Perioperative assessment of aortic homograft, toronto stentless valve, and stented valve in the aortic position

We investigated aortic valve hemodynamic performance and perioperative left ventricular function in 50 patients (mean [± SD] age, 64 ± 9 years; 34 men, 16 women) undergoing elective aortic valve replacement, using an aortic homograft (n = 20), a Toronto stentless porcine valve (n = 20), or a stented bioprosthesis (n = 10), by transesophageal echocardiography combined with highfidelity cavity pressure recordings and thermodilution cardiac output measurements. Thirty-nine patients had aortic stenosis; 11 had predominant regurgitation. Thirteen patients with concomitant coronary artery stenosis underwent grafting. Left ventricular mass index in all patients was 280 ± 110 g/m 2 . The transvalvular pressure drop and energy consumption were significantly higher with stented than stentless valves (5 with aortic homograft and 11 with Toronto valve, with matched age and valve size; 20 ± 12 versus 3 ± 9 mm Hg; 21% ±13% versus 8% ± 8%, both p p > 0.05), although the Toronto valves (normalized to body surface area) were larger than the aortic homografts (14.4 ± 1.9 versus 12.6 ± 1.8 mm/m 2 , p
Site-selective QPASS for the isolation of large quadrupolar coupling environments

Abstract Spectral editing of high spinning rate quadrupolar powder patterns observed using the QPASS experiment was achieved through the coupling of QPASS with the selective π/2-RAPT enhancement sequence. The resulting π/2-RAPT-QPASS sequence yields spectra that are dominated by the powder patterns form sites with large quadrupolar couplings thus reducing the overlap of patterns from multiple sites of different symmetry in a material. The 93 Nb isotropic chemical shifts and quadrupolar coupling parameters were determined for the two niobium crystallographic sites in the layered KCa 2 Nb 3 O 10 . The asymmetric surface site in the structure was selectively enhanced and easily fit to second-order quadrupolar powder pattern with this method.
Analysis of the Late Steps of Exocytosis: Biochemical and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) Studies

1. Time with Julie in his laboratory at the NIH in the early 1970s is remembered. The experience led to a life-long interest in the regulation of catecholamine secretion. Here are summarized aspects of this work. 2. The relationship between ATP-dependent priming of exocytosis and the polyphosphoinositides is reviewed. In addition, studies are summarized in which total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM) was used to visualize secretory granule behavior before exocytosis and individual exocytotic events. 3. Quantitative optical analysis indicates that chromaffin granule motion is highly restricted but regulated. Granules can undergo significant motion in the 100 ms prior to fusion and interactions with the plasma membrane leading to fusion can occur within this time. The small motions may permit granules adjacent to the plasma membrane to repetitively sample microdomains of the plasma membrane, thereby increasing the probability of fruitful interactions that lead to fusion.
Failure of emergency diesel generators: a population analysis using empirical Bayes methods

Abstract This paper presents analysis of failure data from a large population of emergency diesel generators (EDGs) at nuclear power plants. Empirical Bayes methods are used to estimate the population distribution and the individual failure probabilities from EDG's failure to start and load-run data over 4 years for 195 EDGs at 63 plant sites. Each diesel failure probability is treated as being a sample value from an underlying population distribution. The statistical characteristics of the failure probability distributions (mean, variance, standard defiation and others) are estimated. The estimates of the failure probability distributions are useful for evaluation of EDG reliability and can be used as prior distributions and in uncertainty propagations in probabilistic risk assessments (PRAs).
The Security Problematic of the Third World

This article reviews some recently published volumes on the subject of Third World security and, in the light of the analyses presented in these books, attempts to discuss a series of major issues in the field of Third World security studies. These include (1) the applicability of the concept of security as traditionally defined in the Western literature on international relations to Third World contexts; (2) the domestic variables affecting the security of Third World states; (3) the impact of international systemic factors on Third World security; (4) the effect of late-twentieth-century weapons technology on the security of Third World states; and (5) the relationship between the security and developmental concerns of Third World states. The author concludes that while international and technological factors have important effects on the security of Third World states, the major variables determining the degree of security enjoyed by such states at both the intrastate and interstate levels are related to the twin processes of state making and nation building that are at work simultaneously within Third World polities.
INCREASING THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF SEPARATED, DIVORCED, AND WIDOWED WOMEN OVER AGE THIRTY

Data from the Continuous Longitudinal Manpower Survey and the Current Population Survey were used to estimate the effects of CETA, a governmental jobs program, on the economic well-being of separated, divorced, and widowed women over age thirty. After training, CETA participants had increases in earnings and tended to have higher earnings than comparable CPS respondents. Participants in on-the-job training and public service employment had greater increases than participants in the other CETA programs. CETA enrollees with a high school degree had greater increases in earnings than those who had not completed high school, while whites had greater increases in earnings than non-whites.
Plating of copper in tubular holes with rotating screw electrodes

Abstract Electrodeposition of copper into tubular electrodes using co-axial rotating screw counterelectrodes (RSEs) was investigated, and the results are compared with the periodic oscillatory technique commonly used in plating through-holes. Two length-to-diameter aspect ratios (ARs) of 4:1 and 8:1 and acid copper sulfate solutions with and without brightener were studied. The horizontal oscillatory mode (HOM) produced non-uniform deposits for both ARs, the additio0n of brigthener being effective in minimizing high end-to-center deposit thickness ratios. The RSE mode provides enhanced mass transfer and reduced ohmic resistance in the hole, resulting in excellent thickness uniformity, especially with solutions containing brightener. With 4:1 AR holes, uniform deposits were obtained with a current density of 40 mA cm -2 . However, a reduced current density of 10 mA cm -2 was required to produce the same uniformity in 8:1 AR holes with averaged end-to-center thickness ratios of 0.93:1.
Analysis of the specificity of natural human antibody reactive to Actinomyces

Abstract The specificity of a frequently-occurring precipitin response to soluble antigens from cell-walls and culture filtrates of A. viscosus ATCC 19246 was examined. After precipitation with isopropanol (50–75% v/v), antigen fractions of different charge and molecular weight were isolated by ion exchange and gel filtration. When heated in mineral acid or alkali above 0.15 M , each of the purified antigens lost precipitating activity, but now inhibited the precipitin reaction between serum and exogenous unheated antigen. The inhibitor was isolated over Biogel P30 and characterized as a peptide fragment (mol. wt about 2kd) containing approximately 50 moles of ornithine and 6–12 moles, respectively, of aspartate, serine, threonine, glutamate, glycine, alanine and histidine per 100 moles amino acids. The inhibitor was totally destroyed by heating for 1.0 hr in 2.0 M HC1. Variability in the number of fragments and differences in the non-antigenic portions probably accounted for the complexity of the antigens. Ornithine, putrescine, N -acetyl putrescine and various sugars had little or no effect on the precipitin reaction with intact antigen at high concentrations (200 m M ), whereas the fragment inhibited completely at 0.4 m M . This indicates that neither ornithine nor its side-chain amides are exclusively recognized by antibody. However, ornithine may be part of a larger sequence and/or important in forming the configuration recognized by the human antibodies.
Further evidence for positive control of the L-arabinose system by gene araC.

Abstract Complementation analysis with Fara indicates that the araC + (inducible) and araC c (constitutive) alleles are trans -dominant to the araC − (non-inducible) allele. In addition, the araC + allele is trans -dominant to two pleiotropic negative deletion mutations which encompass only the araC gene of the l -arabinose gene cluster. These observations strongly support a previous proposal that the l -arabinose system is under the positive control of an activator substance produced by gene araC . A series of cis -dominant, pleiotropic negative mutants that delete partially or completely the region between genes araB and araC have been isolated. These deletion mutations may define the previously proposed Initiator region, a region of the chromosome which acts in concert, with the activator to permit co-ordinate expression of the l -arabinose gene cluster.
Solvent Bridging Determines The Molecular Architecture Of The Unfolding Transition State Of A Protein

Protecting osmolytes are ubiquitous in nature, where they play a vital role stabilizing intracellular proteins against adverse environmental conditions. While the solution thermodynamics of protein/osmolyte mixtures has been well characterized, information is lacking on how osmolytes influence the transition state structure and dynamics of proteins. Here we demonstrate a combination of single molecule force-clamp spectroscopy and solvent substitution that directly identifies the role of protecting osmolytes in the unfolding transition state structure of a protein. We measure the effect of osmolyte substitution on the rate of forced unfolding the I27 titin module. From the force dependency of the unfolding rate for each osmolyte we determine ΔGU, the height of the activation energy barrier, and ΔxU, the distance to the transition state. For all protecting osmolytes we measure ΔGU increases, demonstrating that the I27 protein is stabilized. More striking is the measurement of ΔxU. Unfolding the I27 protein in water gives a ΔxU = 2.5 A, a distance similar to the size of a water molecule. Water molecules have been identified as integral components of the unfolding transition state of the I27 protein, forming a solvent bridge between two β-strands. By varying osmolyte molecule size we rigorous test this solvent bridging hypothesis. We find that ΔxU correlates with osmolyte size for molecules ranging in size from 2.5 A to 5.6 A. However, for larger molecules (> 5.6 A) ΔxU remains unchanged relative to the value measured in water, suggesting these osmolytes do not participate in solvent bridging in the transition state. These studies uniquely probe the length scales over which solvent molecules can modify the molecular architecture of the unfolding transition of a protein, an area which remains beyond the reach of other experimental techniques.
Hypertension and Renal Disease

Systemic hypertension is commonly associated with chronic renal failure in dogs and cats. Consequences of systemic hypertension are manifested by pathologic changes involving the eyes, heart, central nervous system, and/or kidneys. These changes may be prevented or reversed by diagnosing and treating systemic hypertension. Therefore, blood pressure determination and ophthalmic examination should be performed routinely in animals with chronic renal failure. Therapy for systemic hypertension associated with chronic renal failure should be initiated cautiously with the goal being to lower arterial pressure below values considered to be hypertensive. Therapy may involve nonpharmacologic strategies and/or hypertensive drugs. This article discusses pathophysiologic mechanisms, consequences, diagnosis, and treatment of systemic hypertension associated with chronic renal failure in dogs and cats.
A Signal Distribution Network for Sequential Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata Systems

The authors describe a signal distribution network for sequential systems constructed using the Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) computing paradigm. This network promises to enable the construction of arbitrarily complex QCA sequential systems in which all wire crossings are performed using nearest neighbor interactions, which will improve the thermal behavior of QCA systems as well as their resistance to stray charge and fabrication imperfections. The new sequential signal distribution network is demonstrated by the complete design and simulation of a two-bit counter, a three-bit counter, and a pattern detection circuit.
Follow-Up Findings of a Program for Motor Skill Achievement.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to investigate whether gross motor gain scores achieved during intensive intervention were maintained once intervention was withdrawn, and (b) to investigate whether fine motor skills which were not a focus of intervention had been affected by the gross motor intervention. Pre- to posttest gross motor gains failed to continue once the intensive program was withdrawn. However, quotient scores were maintained without significant declines during the testing period. There were no significant differences between pre- and posttest scores for fine motor quotients for either year. These findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies of therapy and motor skill instruction.
Metformin therapy in obese adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome and impaired glucose tolerance: amelioration of exaggerated adrenal response to adrenocorticotropin with reduction of insulinemia/insulin resistance.

Functional adrenal hyperandrogenism occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Insulin, similar to its ovarian effect, may impact the regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis by modulating the activity of P450c17α, the rate-limiting enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. We previously demonstrated that obese adolescents with PCOS are severely insulin resistant and are at heightened risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that metformin therapy in obese adolescents with PCOS will attenuate the adrenal steroidogenic response to ACTH, with reduction of insulin resistance/insulinemia. Fifteen adolescents with PCOS and impaired glucose tolerance received 3 months of metformin (850 mg, twice daily) therapy. Pre- and posttherapy they had oral glucose tolerance testing, ACTH stimulation test, a 3-h hyperinsulinemic (80 mU/m2·min)-euglycemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity and a hyperglycemic clamp to assess insulin secretion. After 3 months of ...
Program features and developmental experiences at a camp for youth with cancer

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this case study was to explore how the program features of a camp for young people with cancer supported participants' developmental experiences. Methods This case study examined a one-week residential camp program near a large southern city. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 22 campers aged 8–14, 19 adult staff members (camp administrators, activity specialists, medical staff, and counselors), four junior counselors aged 18–20 who had previously attended the camp as a camper because they had cancer, and from participant observations. Reliability and validity assurances were met in multiple ways. A constant comparison approach to data analysis indicated consistent themes that converged on the research questions. Results Positive developmental experiences reported at camp by campers and staff included a) increased positive attitudes (sociability, perseverance and confidence, and gratitude and appreciation) and b) respite (experiencing freedom, and finding a balance between “just being a kid” and managing difficult cancer issues). The camp supported the aforementioned developmental experiences through several key program features. The program features reflected the themes of full accommodation (integrated and accessible facilities and activities, and opportunities to be physically active) and intentional programming (“a habitat of fun,” proximity to similar others, engaging activities, caring relationships, and opportunities to maintain connection). Conclusions The camp contained features that supported developmental experiences, which is especially important because youth with cancer are especially at risk of negative outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. Findings from this case study illustrate how social support can enhance psychological and physical well-being through the provision of supports for the basic psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness and competence.
Effect of Betazole on Serum Group I Pepsinogen Levels: Relationship to Gastric Acid Output in Unoperated and Postoperative Patients

A significant association has previously been found between a betazole-induced decrease in serum group I pepsinogen (PG I) levels and a low peak acid output (PAO) in symptomatic patients with vagotomy and gastric resection or a drainage procedure. This study compares the effect of betazole on serum PG I levels and gastric acid output in 245 unoperated patients (115 duodenal ulcer, 25 prepyloric ulcer, 32 gastric ulcer, 73 nonulcer) and in 73 symptomatic postoperative patients (15 subtotal gastric resection, 28 vagotomy and gastric resection, 30 vagotomy and drainage). A negative serum PG I response (2-hr serum PG I level less than 92% of basal) occurred in 10 (4.1%) of the unoperated patients and in 31(42.5%) of the postoperative patients. Seven (70%) of the former and 29 (93.5%) of the latter patients had a PAO of less than 10 mEq per hr, indicating that a negative serum PG I response is associated with a low PAO in both unoperated and postoperative patients. The PAO was greater than 10 mEq per hr in 93.1% of the 277 patients with a 2-hr serum PG I level of more, than 92% of basal. Additional studies revealed that neither aspiration of gastric juice nor perfusion of the stomach with acid altered the serum PG I response. This suggests that topical acid does not modulate the effect of betazole on serum PG I levels. Finally, a negative serum PG I response has been shown to be paradoxical, in that gastric pepsin levels have been found to increase over basal concurrently with the decrease in serum PG I levels.
Breast cancer cells produce tenascin C as a metastatic niche component to colonize the lungs

Tenascin C is an extracellular matrix protein previously linked to breast cancer metastasis. Here the authors uncover how tenascin C promotes the fitness of metastasis-initiating cells by sustaining the stem and survival signaling pathways NOTCH and Wnt through specific regulation of Msi1 and Lgr5, respectively.
A neuron-benign microfluidic gradient generator for studying the response of mammalian neurons towards axon guidance factors

Investigation of biochemical cues in isolation or in combinations in cell culture systems is crucial for unraveling the mechanisms that govern neural development and repair. The most widely used experimental paradigms that elicit axon guidance in vitro utilize as the source of the gradient a pulsatile pipette, transfected cells, or a loaded gel, producing time-varying gradients of poor reproducibility which are not well suited for studying slow-growing mammalian cells. Although microfluidic device design have allowed for generating stable, complex gradients of diffusible molecules, the flow-induced shear forces in a microchannel has made it impossible to maintain viable mammalian neuronal cultures for sufficiently long times. In this paper, we describe axonal responses of mouse cortical neurons in a “neuron-benign” gradient-generator device based on an open chamber that can establish highly stable gradients of diffusible molecules for at least 6 h with negligible shear stress, and also allows the neurons to thrive for at least 2 weeks. Except for the period when the gradient is on, the cells in the gradient are under the same conditions as the cells on the control surfaces, which ensure a consistent set of micro-environmental variables. The gradient stability and uniformity over the cell culture surface achieved by the device, together with our software platform for acquiring, post-processing and quantitatively analyzing the large number of images allowed us to extract valuable information even from small datasets. We report a directed response of primary mammalian neurons (from E14 embryonic mice cortex) to a diffusible gradient of netrin in vitro. We infer from our studies that a large majority (∼73%) of the neurons that extend axons during the gradient application grow towards the netrin source, and our data analysis also indicates that netrin acts as a growth factor for this same population of neurons.
Intranasal vaccination with a secreted chlamydial protein enhances resolution of genital Chlamydia muridarum infection, protects against oviduct pathology, and is highly dependent upon endogenous gamma interferon production.

There is currently no licensed vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis, the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. Conventional vaccination attempts using surface-exposed chlamydial antigens have achieved only partial success. We have employed a novel vaccination strategy using a secreted protein, chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF), which has been shown to degrade host major histocompatibility complex transcription factors and keratin-8 and therefore may allow immune evasion and establishment of a productive infection. Intranasal immunization using recombinant CPAF (rCPAF) plus interleukin-12 (IL-12) (rCPAF+IL-12 immunization) was used to assess the protective immunity against genital Chlamydia muridarum infection in BALB/c mice. rCPAF+IL-12 immunization induced robust gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production and minimal IL-4 production by splenocytes upon in vitro recall with rCPAF. The total and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) anti-rCPAF antibody levels in serum were significantly elevated after rCPAF+IL-12 vaccination, as were the total antibody, IgG2a, and IgA levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and vaginal fluids when the animals were compared to animals that received rCPAF alone. rCPAF+IL-12-vaccinated mice displayed significantly reduced bacterial shedding upon chlamydial challenge and accelerated resolution of infection compared to mock-immunized (phosphate-buffered saline) animals. Moreover, rCPAF+IL-12-immunized animals exhibited protection against pathological consequences of chlamydial infection, including the development of hydrosalpinx and oviduct dilatation. This vaccination regimen also reduced the development of fibrosis and the influx of neutrophils into the upper genital tract when the animals were compared to mock-immunized (phosphate-buffered saline) animals after bacterial challenge. rCPAF+IL-12-mediated resolution of the bacterial infection and protection against Chlamydia-induced inflammatory disease were highly dependent on endogenous IFN-γ production. Together, these results demonstrate that secreted chlamydial antigens may be novel vaccine candidates to induce protective immunity.
Revised genomic structure of the human MAGP1 gene and identification of alternate transcripts in human and mouse tissues.

The human MAGP1 (or MFAP2) and mouse Magp1 genes code for the microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1 (MAGP-1), an extracellular matrix protein of microfibrillar structures. We report a revised 5′ genomic structure including the use of a single transcription start site that gives rise to a 32-bp 5′ exon spanning a segment of the previously described exon B. No evidence of heterogeneous 5′ ends from the use of alternative promoters was found in human tissues and cell lines. We located the genetic marker D1S170 to a position 3 kb downstream of the polyadenylation site. Large-scale comparison of the human and mouse genes revealed conservation of sequence outside the coding exons. Although the 5′ flanking regions were found to be divergent certain cis-elements for transcription factors are conserved, including Sp1, AP-2, AP-4, NF-κB, and c-ETS motifs. We identified a total of five splice variants in addition to the canonical MAGP1A/Magp1A form. These transcripts are species-specific and are generated by different processing mechanisms. The alternate forms MAGP1A′, MAGP1B, and MAGP1C are expressed in human tissues; and the two variants Magp1A′′ and Magp1D were found only in mouse. The alternatively spliced forms show restricted patterns of expression relative to the canonical isoform.