cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2'-modified-2-thiothymidine oligonucleotides

[reaction: see text] Oligonucleotides with novel modifications, 2'-O-[2-(methoxy)ethyl]-2-thiothymidine and 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2-thiothymidine, have been synthesized. These modified oligonucleotides exhibited very high thermal stability when hybridized with complementary RNA. 2-O-(2-Methoxy)ethyl-2-thiothymidine modified oligonucleotide phosphodiesters showed enhanced resistance toward nucleases (t(1/2) > 24 h), but 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2-thiothymidine modified oligonucleotide phosphodiesters showed limited stability to nucleotytic degradation.
Numerical solutions of the Van der Pol equation

Die Amplitude und Periode der periodischen Losungen der van der Polschen Gleichung sind fur sehr kleine und fur sehr grosse Werte des Parameters μ durch asymptotische Entwicklungen annahernd bekannt. Fur endliche Werte von μ werden die Resultate von numerischen Integrationsmethoden mitgeteilt, und der Anschluss an die asymptotischen Werte wird diskutiert. Ausserdem werden Storungen der Differentiagleichung betrachtet.
D10S1423 identifies a susceptibility locus for Alzheimer's disease in a prospective, longitudinal, double-blind study of asymptomatic individuals.

D10S1423 identifies a susceptibility locus for Alzheimer's disease in a prospective, longitudinal, double-blind study of asymptomatic individuals
Internal Jugular Venous Oxygen Tension as an Index of Cerebral Blood Flow During Carotid Endarterectomy

From published data which related cerebral blood flow (CBF) to arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pacoco2) and related CBF to internal jugular venous oxygen tension (Pvoo2), the relationship Pvoo2=1.20 Pacoco2-4.9 was derived. This relationship was based on the documented changes in CBF induced by alterations in Pacoco2 in normal man anesthetized with halothane. The validity of using Pvoo2 as a measure of CBF in clinical situations was tested in 29 anesthetized patients from whom 90 paired values of Pacoco2 and Pvoo2 were obtained during reconstructive carotid artery surgery. A significant relationship, Pvoo2=1.08 Pacoco2+3.6 was obtained over a wide range of Pacoco2 values, indicating that Pvoo2 was a reliable measure of CBF under these circumstances. No significant differences were found to result from the various anesthetic agents used, the age of patients, and the period of sampling. Samples obtained during the use of a temporary internal carotid artery shunt indicate that the shunt provides blood flow ...
Visualization technique for uncertainty budgets: Onion charts

A concise graphical depiction, the “onion” chart, is described for presenting uncertainty budgets for any measurand, y, having a set of component variances, $$u_i^2 (y)$$ . The onion chart consists of a concentric series of rings. Each ring is constructed from the set of fractional contributions, $$u_i^2 (y)\, / \sum {u_i^2 (y)}$$ . The outer ring includes all $$u_i^2 (y)$$ and depicts the combined standard uncertainty, u c (y), where u c 2(y) ≡ ∑u i 2(y). Moving inward, each successive ring deletes the largest remaining $$u_i^2 (y)$$ . A “reduced” $$\sum {u_i^2 (y)}$$ is calculated for that ring from the remaining set of $$u_i^2 (y)$$ , with the fractional contributions calculated using the “reduced” $$\sum {u_i^2 (y)}$$ . This format facilitates rapid visual comparison of the importance of each component, with minor components becoming visible as the larger components are successively deleted. An example is presented using data from pH metrology, including the physical interpretation of the resulting diagram.
Detection and differentiation of re-emerging fowlpox virus (FWPV) strains carrying integrated reticuloendotheliosis virus (FWPV-REV) by real-time PCR.

Current strains of fowlpox virus (FWPV) carrying circulating reticuloendotheliosis virus (FWPV-REV) sequence are becoming more pathogenic to poultry. This is evidenced by the fact that vaccination with current available FWPV vaccines provides limited protection against them. To characterize REV insertions in a collection of both older and more recent field isolates, we developed three different types of adjacent oligoprobes and primer sets from specific genomic locations of FWPV and REV: REV-ENV (accession no. K02537, 1382–2260), FWPV-REV integration site (accession no. AF006064, 86–1328), FWPV (accession no. AF198100, 232461–232670), and REV-LTR (accession no. V01204, 305–496). The data indicated that the primers from the REV-ENV region and the TaqMan probes specifically targeted REV-ENV sequences of FWPV-REV strains. Furthermore, the strains were differentiated based on quantitative melting temperature (Tm) of their amplified products using FRET-based probes. The amplified products were further characterized by sequencing and multiple sequence alignment analysis. The results suggest that integrated REV-ENV sequences are both common and mostly conserved in field isolates. However, the minor variations found within the short-targeted ENV sequence from FWPV-REV strains suggest that these strains could have either undergone periodic point mutational changes or integration with different REV-ENV subtypes.
A new protecting group for the exocyclic amino groups of nucleosides

A new protecting group has been developed for the exocyclic amino groups of nucleosides that occur in DNA. 3-Phenyl-[{N-(2-trimethylsilyl-ethoxycarbonyl)-2-amino}]-propanoic acid used as the protective agent.
Cost-effectiveness of elective cesarean delivery after one prior low transverse cesarean.

Abstract Objective: This analysis was undertaken to better understand the costs and health consequences of a trial of labor after cesarean when compared with a policy of routine elective repeat cesarean delivery. Methods: A decision-tree model incorporating a Markov analysis was used to examine the reproductive life of a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women whose only prior pregnancy was delivered through a low transverse cesarean incision. Using this model, the policy of performing routine elective cesarean delivery was compared with a policy of allowing a trial of labor. Main outcome measures were maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, total costs to the health care system, and cost per major neonatal complication avoided (death or permanent neurologic sequelae). Results: The consequences of routine elective cesarean delivery for a second birth are significant, with an additional 117,748 cesarean deliveries, 5500 maternal morbid events, and $179 million incurred during the reproductive life of 100,000 women. The prevention of one major adverse neonatal outcome requires 1591 cesarean deliveries and $2.4 million. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the analysis. Conclusion: Routine elective cesarean for a second delivery for women with a prior low transverse cesarean incision results in an excess of maternal morbidity and mortality and a high cost to the medical system.
Congruence extension, Hamiltonian and Abelian properties in locally finite varieties

We prove that in a locally finite variety with the congruence extension property, locally solvable congruences are central and locally solvable algebras are Hamiltonian. Also, we prove that a maximal subuniverse of a finite algebra in an Abelian variety is identical with an equivalence class of some congruence.
MBE growth of antiphase GaAs films using GaAs/Ge/GaAs heteroepitaxy

Semiconductor films with periodic crystal orientation modulation have nonlinear properties useful for optical wave-mixing devices. We have developed an all-epitaxial technique for preparing orientation-patterned GaAs templates by GaAs/Ge/GaAs epitaxy and have used these to grow laterally orientation-patterned films. We have investigated the effects of substrate misorientation, substrate temperature, and prelayer to find conditions which will allow controlled MBE growth of antiphase GaAs using thin Ge interlayers. After fabricating templates from these films using lithography and etching techniques, we have regrown GaAs films with antiphase crystal orientation modulation in the plane of the film. The template-induced antiphase boundaries were observed to propagate vertically under all conditions examined.
The extracellular proteolytic enzymes of the mosquito-parasitizing fungus Lagenidium giganteum

Lagenidium giganteum produces extracellular proteases when grown in peptone-yeast extract-glucose medium. The production of the enzymes required a suitable inducer such as protein, and was repressed by glucose. The total filtrate proteases had a pH optimum of 8.4, and were heat denatured t 60°C. The use of specific substrates and inhibitors demonstrated the presence of collagenase, trypsin-like protease, and a weak elastase. Trypsin-like activity was present in the medium after 38 h of growth, whereas collagenase appeared in 43 h. The roles of these enzymes in pathogenesis were discussed.
Regulation of concentrations of glycolytic enzymes and creatine-phosphate kinase in "fast-twitch" and "slow-twitch" skeletal muscles of the chicken.

Abstract The distinctive contractile and metabolic characteristics of different skeletal muscle fiber types are associated with different protein populations in these cells. In the present work, we investigate the regulation of concentrations of three glycolytic enzymes (aldolase, enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and creatine-phosphate kinase in “fast-twitch” (breast) and “slow-twitch” (lateral adductor) muscles of the chicken. Results of short-term amino acid incorporation experiments conducted both in vivo and with muscle explants in vitro showed that these enzymes turnover at different rates and that aldolase turns over 2 to 3 times faster than the other three enzymes. However, these differences in turnover rates were difficult to detect in long-term double-isotope incorporation experiments, presumably because extensive reutilization of labeled amino acids occurred during these long-term experiments. Mature muscle fibers synthesize these four cytosolic enzymes at very high rates. For example, 11 to 14% of the total labeled leucine incorporated into protein by breast muscle fibers was found in the enzyme aldolase. Results of short-term amino acid incorporation experiments also showed that the relative rates of synthesis of the three glycolytic enzymes were about fourfold higher in mature “fast-twitch” muscle fibers than in mature “slow-twitch” ones while the relative rates of synthesis of creatine-phosphate kinase were similar in the two fiber types. The relative rates of synthesis of these four enzymes and cytosolic proteins in general were found to be very similar in immature muscles of both types. More profound changes in the relative rates of synthesis of major cytosolic proteins, including the glycolytic enzymes, occurred during postembryonic maturation of fast-twitch fibers than occurred during maturation of slow-twitch fibers. Our work demonstrates that (1) the synthesis of creatine-phosphate is independently regulated with respect to the synthesis of the glycolytic enzymes in muscle fibers; and (2) the approximate fourfold higher steady-state concentrations of glycolytic enzymes in fast-twitch muscle fibers as compared with slow-twitch fibers are determined predominantly by regulatory mechanisms operating at the level of protein synthesis rather than protein degradation. Our demonstration that more profound changes in the relative rates of synthesis of major cytosolic proteins occur during maturation of fast-twitch fibers as compared with slow-twitch fibers is discussed in terms of the mode(s) of fiber-type differentiation proposed by others.
The Realignment of 1964

Most prior research states that the 1964 presidential election was a critical realignment among a majority of southern white voters in the Deep South states. The thesis of this research is that an undetected long-range secular realignment may have been at work in these five states. Past research has been based almost exclusively on survey data. While survey data is invaluable, it is limited to the questions asked of respondents. Using county-level data, this article analyzes the 1960 and 1964 presidential elections in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. While this type of data has its limitations, it can give an indication of whether Republican voting was taking place in the Deep South before 1964. The findings of this research suggest that widespread Republican voting in Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina was present before 1964, while Alabama and Georgia were more characteristic of a rapid, critical realignment.
Effects of changing body position on oxygenation and arterial blood pressures in foals anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine

Abstract Objective To investigate the impact of a change in body position on blood gases and arterial blood pressures in foals anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine. Study design Prospective, randomized experimental study. Animals Twelve Quarter Horse foals, age of 5.4 ±0.9 months and weighing 222 ± 48 kg. Methods Foals were anesthetized with guaifenesin, ketamine, and xylazine for 40 minutes in lateral recumbency and then assigned to a change in lateral recumbency after hoisting (Group 1, n = 6), or no change (Group 2, n = 6). Oxygen 15 L minute−1 was insufflated into the endotracheal tube throughout anesthesia. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate (fR), inspired fraction of oxygen (F i O2), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (P e’ CO2) were measured every 5 minutes. Arterial pH and blood gases [arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)] were measured at 10, 30, and 40 minutes after induction, and 5 minutes after hoisting. Alveolar dead space ventilation and PaO2/F i O2 were calculated. Two repeated measures models were used. All hypothesis tests were two-sided and significance level was α = 0.05. All values are presented as least square means ± SE. Results Values at time-matched points from the two groups were not significantly different so they were combined. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen decreased significantly from 149 ± 14.4 mmHg before hoisting to 92 ± 11.6 mmHg after hoisting (p=0.0013). The PaO2/F i O2 ratio decreased from 275 ± 30 to 175 ± 24 (p=0.0055). End-tidal carbon dioxide decreased significantly from 48.7 ± 1.6 to 44.5 ± 1.2 mmHg (p=0.021). Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, blood pressures and heart rates measured 5 minutes after hoisting were not different from measurements obtained before hoisting. Conclusion and clinical relevance Hoisting decreased PaO2 in anesthetized healthy foals. Administration of supplemental oxygen is recommended to counter the decrease in oxygenation and PaO2 measurement is necessary to detect early changes.
The forecasting significance of anticyclonic eddies on the isentropic chart

The fundamentals of isentropic analysis of flow-patterns within the atmosphere were set forth last year in a paper presented before the meteorological section of the American Geophysical Union by C.-G. Rossby [see 1 of “References” at end of paper]. Since that time a considerable amount of research has been directed to the application of these charts for use in helping to explain certain weather-phenomena and to develop new tools for use in weather-forecasting. While the technique of constructing these analyses has been appreciably improved within the past year, the underlying procedure and suggestions made by Rossby have been found to be substantially most effective, and for this reason they are being carried out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
South Asian Feminisms

ANIA LOOMBA and RITTY A. LUKOSE. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2012. 422 pp. US$99.95, hardcover; US$27.95, paper Addressing some of the key challenges facing South Asian feminisms at t...
Using Health Belief Model to Reduce Obesity Amongst African American and Hispanic Populations

Abstract Many health problems such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are associated with unhealthy lifestyles, and drastically higher for low income minority populations. The Health Belief Model (HBM) assists practitioners in explaining and predicting health behaviors within its clients. 209 faith-based participants from 15 churches participated in a 16-week program, Village HeartBEAT, which integrated the HBM through one-on-one Health Coaching (HC) sessions. 16 individuals participated in the HC aspect of the program, averaging 2 sessions within the 16-week program. HC participants lost 3.60% of total weight, compared to 1.57% of those who did not attend HC, averaging 7lbs lost vs. 4lbs of non-HC participants. Total program participation of all programs for those who participated in HC averaged 15 per person, vs. 5 of non-HC participants. The findings suggest that the HBM needs to be integrated in preventive health programming to ensure adherence and success of the participants.
10-Ketomorphinan and 3-Substituted-3-desoxymorphinan Analogues as Mixed κ and μ Opioid Ligands: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Their Binding Affinity at Opioid Receptors

A series of 10-ketomorphinan analogues were synthesized, and their binding affinity at all three opioid receptors was investigated. In most cases, high affinity at μ and κ receptors, and lower affinity at δ receptor was observed, resulting in good selectivity for μ and κ receptors. A wide range of substituents can be accommodated on the nitrogen position. The N-(S)-tetrahydrofurfuryl analogue 11 displayed the highest affinity at all three receptors. The N-cyclobutylmethyl analogue 13 gave both high affinity and selectivity at κ receptor, and N-2-phenylethyl analogue 18 exhibited good affinity and selectivity at μ receptor. Further modifications of the 3-substituent indicated that one H-bond donor was an essential requirement for good affinity at μ and κ receptors. Similar modifications were investigated at the 3-OH group of morphinans: levorphanol (2a), cyclorphan (2b), and MCL-101 (2c) lacking the 10-keto group. The 3-amino bioisosteric analogues (40 and 41) displayed reasonably good affinity at μ and κ...
Extrusion as a thermo-mechanical pre-treatment for lignocellulosic ethanol

Abstract Two physical pre-treatment methods, particle size reduction by grinding and thermo-mechanical extrusion, were evaluated as alternatives to traditional biomass pretreatments for lignocellulosic ethanol. Commonly available agricultural co-products wheat bran and soybean hull were the model substrates. Extrusion led to higher reducing sugar yields as compared to grinding for wheat bran, but not in the case of soybean hulls. The best combination of extrusion screw speed and maximum barrel temperature were 7 Hz/150 °C and 3.7 Hz/110 °C. The use of a solvent mixture (sodium hydroxide, urea, and thiourea) and calcium chloride solution in combination with extrusion treatment did not lead to improvement in reducing sugar yield. However, extensive washing to get rid of solvents and enzymatic inhibitors improved the conversion efficiency substantially, resulting in total reducing sugar yields of 60–73% and 25–36%, respectively, for wheat bran and soybean hull.
Inhomogeneous infinity Laplace equation

Abstract We present the theory of the viscosity solutions of the inhomogeneous infinity Laplace equation ∂ x i u ∂ x j u ∂ x i x j 2 u = f in domains in R n . We show existence and uniqueness of a viscosity solution of the Dirichlet problem under the intrinsic condition f does not change its sign. We also discover a characteristic property, which we call the comparison with standard functions property, of the viscosity sub- and super-solutions of the equation with constant right-hand side. Applying these results and properties, we prove the stability of the inhomogeneous infinity Laplace equation with nonvanishing right-hand side, which states the uniform convergence of the viscosity solutions of the perturbed equations to that of the original inhomogeneous equation when both the right-hand side and boundary data are perturbed. In the end, we prove the stability of the well-known homogeneous infinity Laplace equation ∂ x i u ∂ x j u ∂ x i x j 2 u = 0 , which states the viscosity solutions of the perturbed equations converge uniformly to the unique viscosity solution of the homogeneous equation when its right-hand side and boundary data are perturbed simultaneously.
Levels of Hypothalamic Neurotransmitters in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

AbstractHypothalamic neurotransmitter levels were compared between groups of Zucker rats. Animals were grouped by gender, phenotype and preference for dietary fat. Before sacrifice all animals consumed a standard rat chow diet and were fasted overnight. Five rats from each of eight groups were assayed. Hypothalamic regions (lateral, LH; ventromedial, VMH; paraventricular, PVN) and the raphe were isolated and analyzed for dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. A factorial analysis of variance was used to compare the concentrations of these biogenic amines in the four regions across phenotypic, gender and fat preference profiles. No differences were demonstrated between groups based upon fat food preference. Epinephrine and 5-HIAA content varied between lean and obese animals but there were no differences in the content of serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the obese animal eats more because it releases less of...
The use of database management systems and artificial intelligence in automating the planning of optical navigation pictures

The use of database management systems (DBMS) and AI to minimize human involvement in the planning of optical navigation pictures for interplanetary space probes is discussed, with application to the Galileo mission. Parameters characterizing the desirability of candidate pictures, and the program generating them, are described. How these parameters automatically build picture records in a database, and the definition of the database structure, are then discussed. The various rules, priorities, and constraints used in selecting pictures are also described. An example is provided of an expert system, written in Prolog, for automatically performing the selection process.
Androgen and gonadotropin dynamics in testicular feminization syndrome.

Four adult siblings with the complete form of testicular feminization (TFS) were studied before and after gonadectomy. The mean preoperative LH level of 34.8 ± 8.4 (se) mIU/ml was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the levels observed in normal males. The mean FSH level was in the normal male range. The meanplasma testosterone level of 1.06 ± 0.13 μg/100 ml was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than male controls. Testosterone production rates were normal. However, the testosterone metabolic clearance rates per meter2 (392 ± 8.4 L/24 hr) were significantly lower than normal men (P < 0.02), and significantly higher than normal women (P < 0.001). The decreased clearance in spite of male testosterone production rates demonstrated that the usual relationship of testosterone production to its own clearance rate did not exist in these patients. The mean androstenedione production rate and plasma concentration were significantly higher than male and female controls. The drostenedione metabolic clearance rates w...
Abstract LB-261: Maintenance of aerobic glycolysis provides selective protection from apoptosis upon loss of growth signals or inhibition of BCR-Abl through suppression of p53 activation

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Healthy cells require input from growth factor signaling pathways to maintain cell metabolism and survival. In contrast, cancer cells can maintain growth factor-independent glycolysis and survival through expression of oncogenic kinases, such as BCR-Abl. While disruption of these growth signals through targeted kinase inhibition can promote cancer cell death, therapeutic resistance frequently develops, and further mechanistic understanding is needed. Cell metabolism may play a central role in this cell death pathway, as we have shown that growth factor deprivation leads to decreased glycolysis that promotes apoptosis via p53 activation and induction of the pro-apoptotic protein Puma. However, it has remained unclear how cell metabolism regulates p53 activation. To investigate this, we have utilized a system in which stable overexpression of the glucose transporter Glut1 and hexokinase 1 in hematopoietic cells drives growth factor-independent glycolysis. This system allows us to examine the effects of altered glucose metabolism in the absence of other signaling events activated downstream of growth factor receptors or oncogenic kinases. Here, we extend our findings to demonstrate that elevated glucose metabolism, characteristic of cancer cells, can suppress Protein Kinase C delta-dependent p53 activation to maintain cell survival after growth factor withdrawal. In contrast, DNA damage-induced p53 activation was independent of Protein Kinase C delta and was not metabolically sensitive. Both stresses required phosphorylation of p53 at serine 18 for maximal activity, but each led to a unique pattern of p53 target gene expression, demonstrating distinct activation and response pathways for p53 that were differentially regulated by metabolism. Consistent with oncogenic kinases acting to replace growth factors, treatment of BCR-Abl-expressing cells with the kinase inhibitor imatinib led to reduced glycolysis and p53- and Puma-dependent cell death. Accordingly, maintenance of glucose metabolism inhibited p53 activation and promoted imatinib resistance. Furthermore, inhibition of glycolysis enhanced imatinib sensitivity in BCR-Abl-positive cells expressing wild type p53 but had little effect on p53-null cells. These data demonstrate that distinct pathways regulate p53 after DNA damage and metabolic stress and that inhibition of glucose metabolism may enhance the efficacy of and overcome resistance to targeted molecular cancer therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-261. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-261
Age- but not caste-related regulation of abdominal mechanisms underlying the sting reflex of the honey bee, Apis mellifera

Stinging behavior has been extensively studied in honey bees at the level of the individual, that is, in terms of stimuli that release stinging in adult bees, and in terms of integration of individual behavior into colony defense. Yet very little is known about the physiological basis for this behavior. Using an isolated abdominal preparation factors that influence peripheral control of the sting extension response are analyzed. Results show that:
Effect of Testosterone Propionate upon the Incorporation of Labelled Glycine into Homogenates of Mouse Kidney

IT was shown recently1 that the rate of incorporation of glycine-l-14C into kidney slice protein of A/Jax mice treated with testosterone propionate was significantly higher than into slices from untreated animals. The maximum increase (35–80 per cent) appeared 48 hr. after beginning daily injections of 1 mgm. testosterone propionate, after which the difference between the treated and control series gradually disappeared. A study of some of the characteristics of this response revealed that the difference in incorporation-rates was greatest at low glycine concentrations, and diminished when the glycine concentration of the incubation medium was raised to 4–8 mM. It was postulated that under these conditions the effect of this steroid was to facilitate the intracellular accumulation of glycine from a relatively glycine-deficient environment.
Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway–Targeted Therapy in Patients With Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

The development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm in the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) based on the nearly universal expression of this protein, the negative prognostic associations with expression, and robust preclinical data. Clinical trials to date have demonstrated modest activity of these drugs as single agents with reproducible major response rates of 5% to 15% in SCCHN depending on agent, dose, and schedule. The biology of responsiveness to these agents remains unclear, although an association of development of cutaneous toxicity with positive outcome has been reported repeatedly. Nevertheless, molecular markers of response or resistance have yet to be fully delineated. In the near future, phase III clinical trials will elucidate the role of these agents in second-line recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease, the combination of EGFR inhibitors with other therapeutic strategies will be broadly advanced, an...
In vivo adjuvant activity of the RNA component of the Sm/RNP lupus autoantigen

Objective Many lupus autoantigens contain small, highly structured RNAs, and studies have shown that the RNA components of lupus autoantigens activate production of type I interferon by dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro via the Toll-like receptor (TLR)–myeloid differentiation factor 88 pathway. This study was undertaken to examine whether U1 RNA possesses adjuvant activity in vivo. Methods U1 RNA was affinity purified from K562 cells. C57BL/6 or OT-II mice were immunized with 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP)–conjugated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NP-KLH) or ovalbumin323–337 peptide, using either U1 RNA or aluminum hydroxide (alum) as the adjuvant. Activation of DCs and lymphocytes was measured using flow cytometry. NP-specific antibody responses were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antigen-specific T cell proliferation was determined using 3H-thymidine incorporation. Results Similar to the results with the standard adjuvant, alum, U1 RNA coadministered with NP-KLH enhanced production of NP-specific IgM and IgG (on days 8 and 16 postinjection, respectively). Moreover, proliferation of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells was enhanced to comparable levels in the mice immunized with either U1 RNA or alum. Injection of U1 RNA into the footpad of mice resulted in DC recruitment to draining lymph nodes and induction of DC maturation. U1 RNA, at 24 hours' postinjection, also increased expression of the early activation marker CD69 in both B and T lymphocytes. Pretreatment of U1 RNA with RNase or coadministration with a TLR-7 antagonist inhibited the effects of this adjuvant. Conclusion A small RNA of cellular origin can drive DC maturation, B and T cell activation/proliferation, and antibody responses to exogenous antigens. These results support the idea that U1 RNA is an endogenous adjuvant, helping to explain the striking predilection of lupus autoantibodies for RNA–protein complexes such as Sm/RNP.
Flow dynamics in a stenosed carotid bifurcation model--Part I: Basic velocity measurements.

Abstract A model of the human carotid artery bifurcation has been constructed and tested under mean physio-logic flow conditions (fluid viscosity = 0.035 poise; mean ReInlet = 400; unconstricted flow split = 70:30, internal carotid artery:external carotid artery). Smooth, axisymmetric constrictor plugs with 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% diameter reduction are placed in the simulated proximal internal carotid artery to provide a range of flow conditions similar to those found clinically. Axial velocity measurements are made at sites ±0.625 radius within the lumen of the tube at distances of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 diameters downstream of the constrictor throat using H2 bubble markers and a 7.5 MHz ultrasound pulse Doppler. Measurement of mean, mode −3 dB down high and low and −9 dB down high and low velocities are made from selected fast-Fourier transform (FFT) spectra. The flow field downstream of the 0% diameter reduction is entirely laminar, exhibiting a peak skewed toward the flow divider along the entire 10 diameters downstream and having a consistently narrow bandwidth. Obstruction of the flow channel produces increased axial velocity at the constrictor (20%), an oscillatory jet extending ∼ 5 diameters downstream (40%), a transitional jet extending ∼ 5 diameters downstream (60%) and a turbulent jet extending 43 diameters downstream (80%). Velocity bandwidth (both −3 dB and −9 dB) increases with degree of constriction and low velocity flow patterns exist between the center line and both tube walls. Presence of constriction produces characteristic downstream flow patterns which are distinctive for each degree of diameter reduction.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of stage I non–small cell lung cancer in high-risk patients

Objective Surgical resection is the standard of care for patients with stage I non–small cell lung cancer. For high-risk patients, however, stereotactic radiosurgery may offer an alternative. We report our initial experience with stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of stage I non–small cell lung cancer by a team of thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists. Methods Patients medically ineligible for operation were offered stereotactic radiosurgery. Thoracic surgeons evaluated all patients, placed fiducials, and performed treatment planning in collaboration with radiation oncologists. Median dose of 20 Gy to 80% isodose line was administered as single fraction (range 20–60 Gy,1–3 fractions). Initial response rate, progression, and survival were monitored. Results Twenty-one patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery in 3 years. Fiducial placement resulted in pneumothorax requiring a pigtail catheter in 10 of 21 patients (47%). Disease showed initial response in 12 of 21 patients (57%), was stable in 5 (24%), progressed in 3 (14%), and was not evaluable in 1 (5%). Procedure-related mortality was zero. With mean 24-month follow-up, estimated 1-year survival probability was 81% (68% confidence interval 0.73–0.90). Median survival was 26.4 months (confidence interval 19.6 months–not reached). Local progression occurred in 9 patients (42%). Median time to local progression was 12.3 months (confidence interval 12 months–not reached). Conclusion Preliminary experience indicates that stereotactic radiosurgery (median dose 20 Gy) is safe in this high-risk group; however, it was associated with significant local progression. Further prospective studies with multiple fractions are needed to evaluate its efficacy in this population.
ConceVE: Conceptual modeling and formal validation for everyone

In this article, we present ConceVE, an approach for designing and validating models before they are implemented in a computer simulation. The approach relies on (1) domain-specific languages for model specification, (2) the Alloy Specification Language and its constraint solving analysis capabilities for exploring the state space of the model dynamically, and (3) supporting visualization tools to relay the results of the analysis to the user. We show that our approach is applicable with generic languages such as the Web Ontology Language as well as special XML-based languages such as the Coalition Battle Management Language.
VLA Observations of the X-Ray Bright Hyades M-Dwarfs

The nine M-dwarfs in the Hyades Cluster which were detected as X-ray sources by the EINSTEIN Observatory have been observed with the VLA at 6 cm; only upper limits to the microwave emission were obtained (~0.1–0.2 mJy). However, a recent rotational velocity study of these stars using the MMT and an argument that cool, dark regions must necessarily exist on these stars, enables us to compare these Hyades M-dwarfs to other radio and X-ray active M-dwarfs.
Identifying Barriers Associated With Enrollment of Patients With Lung Cancer into Clinical Trials

Abstract Background Enrollment of patients with lung cancer into clinical trials is required to accelerate the pace of new therapy development and contribute to a better understanding of the biological characteristics of cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients seen by the thoracic medical oncology team at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) from November 2005 to November 2008 to determine the barriers associated with patient enrollment in to clinical trials. Results One thousand forty-three patient charts were audited: 32% of patients were eligible for enrollment, and 14% enrolled in a study. There were no significant differences in protocol availability or eligibility by sex, smoking status, or age. Patients living further from the cancer center were significantly less likely to have a study protocol available ( P = .009), but if a protocol was available they were more likely to be eligible for enrollment ( P P P P = .031). The most common reasons for patients not being eligible for enrollment were poor performance status (32%) and presence of comorbid disease (27%). The most common reasons for potentially eligible patients not enrolling in a study included preference for treatment closer to home (49%) and patient refusal (43%). Conclusion Additional strategies are required to increase accrual of patients into lung cancer trials, including development of protocols for early-stage disease and modifying eligibility and performance status criteria for this unique patient population.
Effect of manganese on tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase activity in PC12 cells

Recent studies in our laboratory have revealed that Mn2+ is capable of promoting cell spreading and neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, a process which is dependent on Mn2+ stimulation of the interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) components and their corresponding integrin receptors. Since the major ECM proteins implicated in the Mn2+-induced morphogenesis, fibronectin and vitronectin, are both tyrosine sulfated, it was of interest to determine whether Mn2+ can regulate the activity of the enzyme responsible for tyrosine sulfation, tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST). Results of the present studies demonstrated that Mn2+ can suppress TPST activity in PC12 cells in both a time and concentration-dependent manner at concentrations of Mn2+ (0.1 to 1 mM) that promote morphological changes in PC12 cells. Since uptake of Mn2+ may occur via the Ca2+ channel, LaCl3, an inhibitor of Ca2+ transport, was examined and found not to prevent the suppression of TPST activity induced by Mn2+, suggesting that Mn2+ may function at an extracellular site. Suppression of TPST activity occurred with cells plated in serum-free medium on a substrata consisting of either serum or polylysine, suggesting that attachment to extracellular matrix was not an absolute requirement for regulation of activity. Consistent with this is the fact that an RGD-containing pentapeptide did not prevent suppression of TPST activity. Results from the present study demonstrated that Mn2+ is capable of promoting the suppression of TPST activity in PC12 cells at concentrations that have been shown to induce cell spreading and neurite outgrowth. However, unlike the Mn2+-induced morphological changes, the presence of ECM proteins is not an absolute requirement for suppression of TPST activity.
Lines in space

Looks at the following problem: given four lines, K L, M and N, find a fifth line V that intersects all four. This problem was originally solved, and solved well, by Seth Teller and Michael Hohmeyer in their 1999 article that appeared in Journal of Graphics Tools. Teller and Hohmeyer solved the problem purely numerically using singular value decomposition. SVD is one of the more reliable numerical techniques, so their solution is probably the best one to find actual numerical answers. The author's series of articles has been working toward a more symbolic solution, both in the hopes of generating greater geometric intuition on the different typs of solutions possible, and as a springboard for various digressions on the general topic of relating algebra and geometry. In exploring this relations one can either work from geometry to algebra (picking geometric relationships and trying to find algebra to geometry (picking algebraic relationships and trying to find the geometry they represent). The author does the latter.
An intensive design investigation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing of claustrophobia

Two claustrophobic subjects were treated with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a new treatment for induced anxiety disorders. Both subjects were interviewed to construct detailed images of fear-related events before treatment. The treatment followed a within-series phase-change design to examine the effects of eye movement added to the general treatment protocol. Both subjects' verbal reports of fear changed substantially when eye movements were added to the general treatment protocol. It was concluded that the addition of eye movement was necessary to reduce the aversiveness of some phobic imagery. No change in heart rate was observed for either subject. These results are discussed within the framework of the growing number of EMDR outcome studies.
Protostelids from boreal forest and tundra ecosystems in Alaska

Six species of protostelids were recovered from litter samples collected from four study sites in Alaska. No protostelids were isolated from aerial litter (dead but still attached plant parts) collected in two boreal forest study sites, but four species were isolat- ed from ground litter collected in these same sites. Two tundra study sites yielded all of the species re- corded for forest study sites plus two additional spe- cies. At one of the boreal forest sites, substrate colo- nization rates for protostelids were obtained on ster- ile wheat straws in the two different litter microhab- itats. Straws from aerial litter yielded four species of protostelids, whereas straws from ground litter yield- ed six species. In general, species richness of protos- telids appears to be lower in high-latitude ecosystems than in the temperate forests and grasslands thus far examined.
Structural and Photoelectrochemical Properties of BiVO4 Thin Films

Monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 thin films have been successfully prepared by a chemical solution approach of polymer-assisted deposition. The films are transparent yellow with granular morphology and show a strong absorption in the visible light region. The band gap of BiVO4 films is estimated to be 2.54 eV. The photoresponse of the films on conducting oxide electrode substrates is observed, and the photocurrent increases with the higher energy absorption bands.
Botolinum Toxin for the Treatment of Dysthyrolod Ocular Myopathy

Eight consecutive patients with acquired deviations due to dysthyroid ocular myopathy were injected with botulinum A toxin for relief of their diplopia. Seven patients were acute in the onset of symptoms and one was chronic. All showed improvement in motility and experienced a reduction if not total relief of their symptoms. Six patients required reinjection. Complications were limited to transient ptosis, transient involvement of adjacent muscles and transient but prolonged paralysis that eventually resolved. No systemic complications were noted. We conclude that chemodenervation with botulinum A toxin may have a role in the management of dysthyroid ocular myopathy not amenable to prism treatment and may act as an adjunct to or eliminate the need for surgical correction in some patients.
Elementary pinning force for a superconducting vortex.

The elementary pinning force ${\mathrm{f}}_{\mathrm{p}}$ has been measured for a single vortex trapped in one of the superconducting layers of a cross-strip Josephson junction. At temperatures close to the transition temperature the vortex can be pushed across the junction by a transport current. The vortex is found to move in a small number of discrete steps before it exits the junction. The pinning force for each site is found to be asymmetric and to have a value of about ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ N/m at the reduced temperature, t=T/${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$=0.95. As a function of temperature, ${\mathrm{f}}_{\mathrm{p}}$ is found to vary approximately as (1-t${)}^{3/2}$. .AE
The influence of student knowledgeability on student ratings’ of instruction

Student knowledgeability, a measure of a student's background knowledge and interest in an area of study, was found to significantly influence student ratings of instructors and courses. The higher the level of student knowledge‐ ability, the higher that student rated courses and instructors, regardless of how a particular course/instructor was actually ranked when compared to all other courses/instructors used in the study. This was interpreted as reflecting the highly knowledgeable students’ greater sensitivity to and appreciation of good teaching as well as their ability to minimize the consequences of poor teaching for themselves.
Determination of Biphenyl in Citrus Fruits by Quantitative Thin-Layer Chromatography

Abstract Residues of the fungicide biphenyl in citrus fruits have been determined by direct scanning of spots on phosphor-impregnated high performance silica gel TLC plates under UV light. Biphenyl was separated from fruit tissue by steam liquid-liquid extraction. Recoveries from spiked samples ranged from 92–99% at 100, 50, and 10 ppm levels. The precision of the TLC determination and overall procedure are shown to be adequate for residue analysis.
In vitro quantification of specific microRNA using molecular beacons

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have become a major focus of molecular biology research because of their diverse genomic origin and ability to regulate an array of cellular processes. Although the biological functions of miRNA are yet to be fully understood, tissue levels of specific miRNAs have been shown to correlate with pathological development of disease. Here, we demonstrate that molecular beacons can readily distinguish mature- and pre-miRNAs, and reliably quantify miRNA expression. We found that molecular beacons with DNA, RNA and combined locked nucleic acid (LNA)-DNA backbones can all detect miRNAs of low (<1 nM) concentrations in vitro, with RNA beacons having the highest detection sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that molecular beacons have the potential to distinguish miRNAs that have slight variations in their nucleotide sequence. These results suggest that the molecular beacon-based approach to assess miRNA expression and distinguish mature and precursor miRNA species is quite robust, and has the promise for assessing miRNA levels in biological samples.
Determination of Caloric and Nitrogen Content of Excreta Voided by Birds

Abstract INTRODUCTION IN ORDER to determine the amount of energy metabolized by caged birds under various conditions as has been carried out at the University of Illinois for several years, the caloric value of the extreta voided is subtracted from the caloric value of the food consumed during periods of usually three days. The caloric values are obtained by oven-drying and then combusting samples in an adiabatic bomb calorimeter. Recently, a source of error involving a loss of energy with drying was seemingly demonstrated for the excreta of White Leghorn hens (Manoukas et al., 1964). These workers obtained highly variable but considerably lower caloric values after drying than of fresh specimens (1.2 to 20.3% less), and also found a loss of nitrogen with drying (−7.1 to 15.2%). The present report is of an investigation of this problem with wild birds. The nitrogen content of wet and dry fecal samples was determined . . .
Long distance dispersal of reef corals by rafting

Settlement of larvae on floating objects and subsequent rafting of colonies provides a mechanism by which corals can bridge immense geographic distances. Reproductively mature colonies, several years in age, have been found attached to material that drifted into Hawaiian waters. During their lifetime, these corals may have traversed a total distance of from 20,000 to 40,000 km and could have completed several circuits of the tropical and subtropical Pacific basin. The ability of coral larvae to drift across vast stretches of open ocean probably does not determine the ultimate range limitation for zoogeographic dispersal of corals.