cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiangiogenic radioimmunotherapy of human solid tumors in SCID mice using 125I‐labeled anti‐endoglin monoclonal antibodies

Endoglin (CD105), which is a component of the TGF-β receptor complex, is highly expressed at the surface of proliferating human endothelial cells such as those of tumor vessels. In the present study, we tested the antitumor efficacy of 125I-labeled anti-endoglin monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), SN6f and SN6j, against s.c. tumors of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in SCID mice by i.v. administration. SN6f and SN6j cross-react weakly with mouse endothelial cells, but show no significant reactivity with MCF-7 tumor cells. These MAbs are effectively internalized into the cells after binding to the cell surface antigen of endothelial cells. Four groups of SCID mice (n = 10 or 9 in each group) inoculated s.c. with 8 × 106 MCF-7 cells were treated with 125I-SN6f (10 μCi), 125I-SN6j (10 μCi), a 125I-labeled isotype-matched control IgG (10 μCi) or PBS. The systemic therapy was performed in 2 series, i.e., on days 3, 5, 7 and days 58, 60, 62. Both 125I-SN6f and 125I-SN6j showed significant growth suppression of the tumors, whereas the 125I-labeled control IgG did not show any significant antitumor efficacy. No significant toxicity or weight loss was observed in mice treated with either 125I-SN6f or 125I-SN6j. After 100 days of observation, autopsies revealed no significant organ damage. Our results show the possible usefulness of antiangiogenic radioimmunotherapy using 125I-labeled anti-endoglin MAbs. Int. J. Cancer 82:737–742, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Localization and measurement of neurotransmitter receptors in rat and human brain by quantitative autoradiography

Receptors for neurotransmitters can be visualized and characterized using in vitro tissue slice binding techniques and quantitative autoradiography. In this article, the general methods used in studies of this type are outlined and specific application to the study of catecholamine and neuropeptide receptors in rat and human brain tissue are described. Receptor autoradiography is used to examine regulation of dopamine receptor density in response to denervation and replacement of dopamine using brain transplants. Morphological and pharmacological aspects of vasopressin receptor ontogeny in the rat brain are examined. Finally, autoradiographic data on catecholamine receptor localization and characterization in the human hypothalamus, locus coeruleus, and frontal cortex are presented and discussed with reference to their applications in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
Influence of diet on adiposal lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activities in the developing pullet (Gallus domesticus).

Abstract 1. 1. Lipoprotein lipase activity of the abdominal fat pad and hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activity were determined at 2, 7.5, 9, 12.5 and 20 weeks of age. 2. 2. Specific activity of lipoprotein lipase in fat pad was constant at 2–9 weeks, decreasing until 20 weeks. Hepatic triacylglyceride synthetase activity decreased from 2 to 12.5 weeks, increasing by 20 weeks. 3. 3. Lipoprotein lipase activity was higher throughout 20 weeks and triacylglyceride synthetase activity was higher at 7.5 weeks with energy restricted diet. 4. 4. An inverse relationship existed between fat pad weight and specific activity of lipoprotein lipase; higher activity in adipose tissue of energy restricted pullets may have been a function of smaller fat pad size.
Young female offenders: Increasingly visible yet poorly understood

Until recently, delinquency among young females has not been recognized as a serious problem. Over the past decade, however, although absolute numbers remain small, the relative increase in the number of arrests of adolescent females has surpassed males and older females in almost all offense categories. Heretofore, there has been a fragmented approach to developing an empirical base for understanding the unique and diverse developmental pathways to delinquency among young girls as well as effective gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies. In addition, research findings over the past decade indicate high prevalence rates of co-existing mental health and substance abuse disorders in this population. Implications of these findings for future research, policy and practice in the area of adolescent female delinquency are discussed.
Predicting the Dynamic Elastic Modulus of Mixed Gelatin‐Egg White Gels

The storage shear modulus (G′) of mixed gelatin-egg white protein gels was modeled using a modified Takayanagi approach. Ternary phase diagrams for two gelatin-egg white protein-aqueous solvent systems are presented. The composite modulus, G′c, of mixed gels was found to be determined by the elastic properties of the individual gellants, their thermodynamic compatibility in a common solvent and their mutual reactivity. Rheological data suggested the occurrence of an interpenetrating network morphology, in single phase gels. Gelatin and egg white proteins were more compatible in water than in 0.6M NaCl-0.2 M NaH2PO4 buffer (pH 6.0).
Scale-based filtering of medical images

Image acquisition techniques often suffer from low signal-to- noise ratio (SNR) and/or contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Although many acquisition techniques are available to minimize these, post acquisition filtering is a major off-line image processing technique commonly used to improve the SNR and CNR. A major drawback of filtering is that it often diffuses/blurs important structures along with noise. In this paper, we introduce two novel scale-based filtering methods that use local structure size or 'object scale' information to arrest smoothing around fine structures and across even low-gradient boundaries. The first of these methods uses a weighted average over a scale-dependent neighborhood while the other employs scale-dependent diffusion conductance to perform filtering. Both methods adaptively modify the degree of filtering at any image location depending on local object scale. Qualitative experiments based on both phantoms and patient MR images show significant improvements using the scale-based methods over the extant anisotropic diffusive filtering method in preserving fine details and sharpness of object boundaries. Quantitative analysis on phantoms generated under a range of conditions of blurring, noise, and background variation confirm the superiority of the new scale-based approaches.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structure of bryostatin 20: A symbiont-produced chemical defense for larvae of the host bryozoan, Bugula neritina

Larvae of the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina are defended against potential predators by high concentrations of bryostatins, which are produced by a bacterial symbiont of the bryozoan. From the larvae of B. neritina, three bryostatins, bryostatin 10 (1), the novel bryostatin 20 (2), and an as yet uncharacterized bryostatin, were isolated that were unpalatable to fish. These deterrent bryostatins represent the first example from the marine environment of a microbial symbiont producing an antipredator defense for its host. The structure of bryostatin 20 (2) was determined by spectral comparison with previously described bryostatins.
Fact, Fiction, and History in Philip Roth's "Eli, the Fanatic"

This essay uncovers the factual and historical foundation for the dramatic situation in Philip Roth’s short story “Eli, the Fanatic” (1959) and explores Roth’s manipulation of that historical foundation as he constructs the fictional world of his story. Roth’s use of historical facts in this early story is all the more interesting given that, over the course of his long and prolific career, Roth has grown increasingly and more explicitly preoccupied with the ambiguous boundary between fact and fiction. With the creation of his fictional alter ego Nathan Zuckerman, who first appeared as a primary character in The Ghost Writer (1979), Roth aroused readers’ curiosity about the border between autobiographical fact and fiction—a curiosity he subsequently complicated and exploited in works featuring a protagonist and first-person narrator named “Philip Roth” (such as Deception [1990], Operation Shylock [1993], and the alternative history The Plot against America [2004]). In these novels, Roth creates implicit meta-narratives in which the factual and the imaginary are each ironized in relation to the other. Operation Shylock begins with the author’s prefatory claim for the veracity of the narrative: “For legal reasons, I have had to alter a number of facts in this book. These are minor changes that . . . are of little significance to the overall story and its verisimilitude” (13). This disclaimer—a throwback to the eighteenthand nineteenth-century convention of novelists insisting on the authenticity of the subsequent narrative—is then given a postmodern twist in Roth’s postscript “Note to the Reader,” in which he now confesses, “This book is a work of fiction” and concludes with the final ambiguous statement, “This confession is false” (399). Which confession? The one comprising the body of the novel or the final “confession” he has just made, that the “book is a work of fiction”? The ambiguity is, of course, Roth’s postmodern joke, which he doggedly perpetuated in promoting the novel. Yet the seeds of the later Roth’s overt, postmodernist play with fact and fiction can be found in the covert manipulation of historical fact in his early story “Eli, the Fanatic.”
An Overview of the Tesseract OCR Engine

The Tesseract OCR engine, as was the HP Research Prototype in the UNLV Fourth Annual Test of OCR Accuracy, is described in a comprehensive overview. Emphasis is placed on aspects that are novel or at least unusual in an OCR engine, including in particular the line finding, features/classification methods, and the adaptive classifier.
Regulation of insulin receptor substrate-1 in liver and muscle of animal models of insulin resistance.

Insulin rapidly stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein of approximately 185 kD in most cell types. This protein, termed insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), has been implicated in insulin signal transmission based on studies with insulin receptor mutants. In the present study we have examined the levels of IRS-1 and the phosphorylation state of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in liver and muscle after insulin stimulation in vivo in two rat models of insulin resistance, i.e., insulinopenic diabetes and fasting, and a mouse model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (ob/ob) by immunoblotting with anti-peptide antibodies to IRS-1 and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. As previously described, there was an increase in insulin binding and a parallel increase in insulin-stimulated receptor phosphorylation in muscle of fasting and streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. There was also a modest increase in overall receptor phosphorylation in liver in these two models, but when normalized for the increase in binding, receptor phosphorylation was decreased, in liver and muscle of STZ diabetes and in liver of 72 h fasted rats. In the hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mouse there was a decrease in insulin binding and receptor phosphorylation in both liver and muscle. The tyrosyl phosphorylation of IRS-1 after insulin stimulation reflected an amplification of the receptor phosphorylation in liver and muscle of hypoinsulinemic animals (fasting and STZ diabetes) with a twofold increase, and showed a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in liver and muscle of ob/ob mouse. By contrast, the levels of IRS-1 protein showed a tissue specific regulation with a decreased level in muscle and an increased level in liver in hypoinsulinemic states of insulin resistance, and decreased levels in liver in the hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mouse. These data indicate that: (a) IRS-1 protein levels are differentially regulated in liver and muscle; (b) insulin levels may play a role in this differential regulation of IRS-1; (c) IRS-1 phosphorylation depends more on insulin receptor kinase activity than IRS-1 protein levels; and (d) reduced IRS-1 phosphorylation in liver and muscle may play a role in insulin-resistant states, especially of the ob/ob mice.
Facial Numbness: An Early Clinical Sign in Cerebral Mucormycosis (P01.254)

Objective: To describe a case of isolated facial numbness as the first symptom of cerebral mucormycosis. Background Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a relatively rare entity. It is classically seen in diabetics with ketoacidosis, as the fungi have a reductase that allows growth in high glucose and acidic conditions. The syndrome typically has a prodrome consisting of purulent nasal discharge, perinasal or periorbital cellulitis, and vision changes. A rare and late complication of the disease is invasion of the intracranial vessels (typically by local invasion of the cavernous sinus), which can lead to cerebral infarcts. The disease has a very high mortality and early recognition is imperative to prevent serious complications and death. Design/Methods: Case report. Results: The patient was a 64 year old male with uncontrolled diabetes and HIV who was admitted to a community hospital with complaints of severe lethargy and unilateral facial numbness. He was treated for diabetic ketoacidosis and urinary tract infection. Several days later he developed hemiparesis and was found to have acute anterior cerebral artery infarct. Following clinical deterioration and transfer to a tertiary stroke center, he was found to have multiple additional vascular territory infarcts. Post-mortem studies revealed extensive mucormycosis involving intracranial vessels. Conclusions: Unless recognized and treated early, cerebral mucormycosis is invariably fatal. The early clues to diagnosis in this case were presence of diabetic ketoacidosis, facial numbness, and sinusitis present on imaging. In this setting, ENT consultation for exploration of sinuses should be considered. Disclosure: Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kittner has nothing to disclose.
Centralized Goal Formation and Systemic Reform

This paper asks whether there are reasonable concerns about liberty raised by standards driven systemic reform. Part I explores three kinds of concerns, students' interests in autonomy and authenticity, academic freedom, and pluralism. Part II explores two ways of conceptualizing the balance between liberty and various public interests, neo-classical economics and contemporary conservative thought. The paper draws two major conclusions about standards driven systemic reform: (1) This picture of reform raises serious questions about liberty. It may be inconsistent with some liberty interests of students. It is likely to pose serious questions about academic freedom and about pluralism. These concerns should make us cautious about systemic reform and should motivate us to a broader discussion of its assumptions and consequences. (2) The best defense of public sector reform efforts against their market oriented competition is one that emphasizes the importance of political goods such as citizenship. However, standards driven reform needs to avoid linkage with any nationalistic form of communitarianism. In order to do this it needs to seek ways to balance the demands for centralized goals and an educational system with an equal concern for local democracy, pluralism and community. A view of standards and accountability that is narrowly focused on clear public interests is crucial. The paper concludes with an argument that we need to focus attention on the question of what makes for good educational communities, a discussion that is not abetted by debating issues of reform in a framework that poses choices between public sector and market approaches.
A new method for determining the reverse transit time in bipolar transistors

The reverse transmit time is an important parameter for determining the delay of bipolar transistors in saturation. A new method is proposed to extract the reverse transit time of bipolar transistors. The technique is based on AC short-circuit current gain measurements using a network analyzer. The method is very simple and is very useful for on-wafer measurements. >
Hopf bifurcations in competitive three-dimensional Lotka-Volterra Systems

We study the space of Lotka–Volterra systems modelling three mutually competing species, each of which, in isolation, would exhibit logistic growth. By a theorem of M. W. Hirsch, the compact limit sets of these systems are either fixed points or periodic orbits. We use a geometric analysis of the surfaces ẋ=0 of a system, to define a combinatorial equivalence relation on the space, in terms of simple inequalities on the parameters. We list the 33 stable equivalence classes, and show that in 25 of these classes all the compact limit sets are fixed points, so we can fully describe the dynamics. We study the remaining eight equivalence classes by finding simple algebraic criteria on the parameters, with which we are able to predict the occurrence of Hopf bifurcations and, consequently, isolated periodic orbits.
The Role of Antibiotics in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who present with localized peritonitis due to a microperforation bacterial overgrowth secondary to chronic strictures. They are essential adjuncts to drainage therapy for CD-associated abscesses and for complicated perineal disease. The lack of well-designed, placebo-controlled trials has led to much skepticism about the efficacy of antibiotics as primary therapy for CD. However, a careful review of the experience with antibiotics, including clinical observations and controlled trials, leads to the conclusion that antibiotics have a role as primary therapy in active uncomplicated CD. The efficacy of their response must be considered in well-defined subsets of patients. Ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, the two most widely studied antibiotics, are effective therapy for patients with active ileocolonic and colonic disease and have been shown to reduce recurrence rates after ileocolonic resection. The benefits of these drugs are less clear for patients with uncomplicated ileal disease. Additionally, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole may also serve as an adjunct to immunomodulator therapy. The role of antimycobacterial therapy in treatment of CD is an attractive alternative, and hopefully this therapy will be further clarified when results of ongoing trials become available. In toxic patients with fulminant ulcerative colitis (UC), with or without megacolon, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be a part of the treatment program. In less severely ill patients requiring hospitalization, antibiotics may be given to cover for the potential of a superimposed infection until the workup for infection, including Clostridium difficile is completed. There may be a subset of patients with severe nontoxic colitis with persistent fever and bandemia after steroid therapy who respond to antibiotics, but to date controlled trials have not shown efficacy in this group. Antibiotics should not be routinely used for mild to moderately ill patients with UC, although a trial of ciprofloxacin is not unreasonable prior to colectomy for otherwise refractory patients. The use of rifaximin in UC requires further evaluation in larger studies.
Characterization of starch from two ecotypes of andean achira roots (Canna edulis).

Starches from two ecotypes of achira roots (Canna edulis Ker-Gawler) were characterized and compared to commercial potato and corn starches. This included scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of starch granules and amylose content determination of starch. Starch solutions or gels were tested by rotational viscometry, Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), and texture analysis. Some starch samples were subjected to various treatments: pH reduction, autoclaving at high temperature, and high shear before testing by rotational viscometry. Achira starch showed some unusual properties, such as very large oblong granules (∼45−52 μm major axis and ∼33−34 μm minor axis) and relatively high amylose content (∼33−39%). The San Gaban achira ecotype formed high-consistency gels upon cooling, both in RVA study (5% starch) and in texture analysis (8% starch), compared to other starch gels and also exhibited higher thermal resistance to viscosity breakdown.
Identification of a population of amarcine cells rich in insulin receptors

Insulin receptor immunoreactivity in the developing chick retina was examined by immunocytochemistry. Insulin receptor immunoreactivity could be detected throughout the retina at all stages studied. Beginning at E12, a limited number of amacrine cells located in the inner level of the inner nuclear layer were strongly immunoreactive. By E19 there was a decrease in immunoreactivity throughout the retina, with the exception of the ganglion cell layer and a few amacrine cells and their process; this distribution was present in 3-day-old posthatched chick retina. The pattern of immunoreactivity of insulin receptors may indicate a unique role for insulin in the development and physiology of some amacrine cells.
Dynamic excitation: a noninvasive technique for initiating stiction repair in MEMS

Commercial applications of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) continue to be plagued by reliability issues encountered during fabrication and operation. One of the most prevalent problems is the adhesion between adjacent components since adhesive forces are known to promote wear and defect-related failures. In extreme circumstances, the adhesion is large enough to prevent separation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as stiction-failure. The objective of current work is to determine analytically whether dynamic excitation may be used to repair stiction-failed cantilevers. This is accomplished by relating the structural dynamic response to the de-cohesion of stiction-failed micro-cantilever beams under various loading conditions.
Phosphorus use-efficiency of agriculture and food system in the US

The rapid increase in human mobilization of phosphorus has raised concerns on both its supply security and its impact on the environment. Increasing the efficiency of phosphorus use is an approach to mitigate the adverse impacts associated with phosphorus consumption. This study estimates the life-cycle phosphorus use-efficiency of the US food system. A framework for accounting phosphorus stocks and flows is developed, and the account was populated with data. A map of phosphorus stocks and flows around the US food system is drawn and phosphorus use-efficiency was calculated. The results show that only 15% of the total phosphorus extracted from nature for the provision of food is eventually ingested by humans and the rest is lost to the environment. Major losses occur during the livestock, meat and dairy production and crop cultivation stage, where about 66% of the total phosphorus extracted is lost to the environment. The results also show that other losses of phosphorus including household food waste, mining waste, and fertilizer manufacturing waste are not negligible, which constitute about 19% of the total phosphorus extracted for food purpose. A data quality assessment and sensitivity analysis was performed to identify data quality hotspots and to envisage effective measures to improving phosphorus use-efficiency. Improving yields of livestock and crop cultivation without additional phosphorus input and reducing household food waste are shown to be effective measures to improve life-cycle phosphorus use-efficiency. The results highlight the need of a concerted effort by all entities along the life-cycle for efficient use of phosphorus.
Hormonal contraception and metabolic outcomes in women with or at risk for HIV infection.

Introduction The use of hormonal contraception (HC) is increasing in HIV-infected women. Both HC and HIV infection have been associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. We investigated the association of progestin-only and combined (estrogen/progestin) HC with disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism in HIV-infected and uninfected women.
Ontogogy: creatig a growth‐oriented learning environment

Learning organizations are one of many current buzz words used by persons concerned with the demands faced by all for change ‐ both radical and transformative change and incremental change. At the heart of any change process is the individual. We know from extensive studies in many fields what some of the essential requirements are for creating the conditions for adult learning, and an adult’s subsequent ability to adapt and change. One of the most critical and often overlooked requirements for adult learning is a learning context which is safe and supportive for and of the learned. Trust is also critical along with other essential requirements. Ontogogy is another appeal to examine the context of any learning required related to quality improvement, or any other change of innovation.
Thick-film electrochemical detectors for poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microchip capillary electrophoresis

A new poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) device, with a thick-film electrochemical detector, is described. The end-column design relies on screen-printing the amperometric carbon working electrode on the base plate of a PDMS microchip (opposite to the exit of the microchannel). Since the channel depth and electrode height are quite similar, this is a flow-onto/flow-by hybrid arrangement. The influence of relevant experimental variables, such as the separation and detection potentials, is reported along with the attractive analytical performance. Flat baselines and extremely low noise levels are observed even at high separation fields (approaching 700 V/cm), reflecting the effective electrical isolation of the detector. The resulting detection limits (150 nM for epinephrine and 280 nM for catechol) compare favorably with those obtained by other PDMS-based electrochemical detectors. Such coupling of low-cost and versatile PDMS chips and thick-film electrochemical detectors holds great promise for high-volume production of disposable microfluidic analytical devices.
A software tool for graphically assembling damage identification algorithms

At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), various algorithms for structural health monitoring problems have been explored in the last 5 to 6 years. The original DIAMOND (Damage Identification And MOdal aNalysis of Data) software was developed as a package of modal analysis tools with some frequency domain damage identification algorithms included. Since the conception of DIAMOND, the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) paradigm at LANL has been cast in the framework of statistical pattern recognition, promoting data driven damage detection approaches. To reflect this shift and to allow user-friendly analyses of data, a new piece of software, DIAMOND II is under development. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the DIAMOND II software is based on the idea of GLASS (Graphical Linking and Assembly of Syntax Structure) technology, which is currently being implemented at LANL. GLASS is a Java based GUI that allows drag and drop construction of algorithms from various categories of existing functions. In the platform of the underlying GLASS technology, DIAMOND II is simply a module specifically targeting damage identification applications. Users can assemble various routines, building their own algorithms or benchmark testing different damage identification approaches without writing a single line of code.
Aqueous-phase fructose dehydration using Brønsted acid zeolites: Catalytic activity of dissolved aluminosilicate species

Abstract We show that in the aqueous-phase dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) with zeolite catalysts, about 1–2 wt% of the zeolite dissolves, resulting in a solution of aluminosilicate species with Al 1.2–26.2 mg/L and Si up to 226 mg/L. The actual concentration of these species depends on the zeolite type used and on its Si/Al ratio. These species homogeneously catalyze side reactions of fructose and sequential reactions of HMF, but not glucose–fructose isomerization. This is in contrast to what has been observed using zeolites and several Al3+ salts. Fructose conversion to glucose, HMF, and levulinic acid was observed with several dissolved Al and Si salts (e.g., aluminum formate, Al(HCO2)3, aluminum lactate, Al(C3H5O3)3, and AlCl3). Detailed characterization using NMR, FTIR, DLS and XRD suggests that the active species dissolved from the zeolites are probably oligomeric aluminosilicate fragments in which the Al O Si and Si O Si connectivity is similar to that of amorphous aluminosilicate solids that do not catalyze hexose isomerization reactions.
Utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization in sub- classifying unclassified high-grade sarcomas: A study of 40 cases using break-apart probes of EWSR1, FOXO1A, SS18 and DDIT3 genes

Objectives: In an era of rapid advances in oncologic treatment, there is continuous emphasis for a definitive classification of undifferentiated sarcomas in order to select the most appropriate therapeutic regimens against these malignancies. EWSR1, FOXO1A, SS18 and DDIT3 gene break-aparts associated with chromosomal translocations are widely used as specific molecular markers in diagnosing the Ewing family of tumors, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma, respectively. However, the utility of these markers for definitive categorization of previously unclassified high-grade sarcomas has not been studied. Methods: We identified 40 sarcomas from 2003 to 2009, which on light microscopy exhibited a spindle cell or epithelioid morphology with marked nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate and necrosis. These sarcomas were high grade and poorly differentiated, and remained unclassified despite the use of immunohistochemical panels comprising neural, smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, melanocytic, epithelial, vascular and fibrohistiocytic markers. Results: Thirty five cases were resection specimens, and the rest were needle biopsies. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFEP) with break-apart probes for EWSR1, FOXO1A, SS18 and DDIT3 gene. In positive cases, RT-PCR was done to detect specific gene fusions associated with translocations. One of 40 cases was positive for DDIT3 gene break-apart, consistent with a dedifferentiated myxoid liposarcoma. Conclusions: Subsequent reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR demonstrated a FUS-DDIT3 fusion, supporting the FISH result. Another case was positive for the FOXO1A gene break-apart, consistent with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, even though RT-PCR failed to reveal specific gene fusion. Although with low frequency, FISH using a variety of probes can provide precise classification in a few otherwise unclassifiable high grade sarcomas. The findings also affirm the utility of FISH technology in FFPE tissues, including small biopsies.
A tetrachotomy for certain algebras containing the disc algebra

Let D denote the open unit disc in the complex plane, and let A(D) denote the disc algebra. The algebras A(D)[f, f] ∩ C(D), where f is in H ∞ (D), are characterized. This answers a question raised by Joseph Cima.
Physical interactions between D1 and NMDA receptors as a possible inhibitory mechanism to avoid excessive NMDA currents

Coactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and dopamine (DA) receptors generates a potentially feed-forward system that could lead to excessive NMDA currents [1]. Through second messenger systems, activation of NMDA receptors increases the presence of the D1 subtype of DA receptors in dendritic spines in striatum [2]. Likewise, activation of D1 receptors increases the number of NMDA receptors in synaptic regions in striatum [3,4]. Given the potential contribution of NMDA receptor activation to apoptosis, there must be some mechanism to limit the expression of NMDA currents. This mechanism is not yet currently known, however. Cepeda and Levine [1] have suggested that physical interactions may serve as a limiting mechanism to this positive feedback system. It is known that physical interactions between D1 and NMDA receptors may lead to formation of D1/NMDA complexes and may inhibit NMDA currents [5]. We use both dynamical systems and agent-based modeling techniques to investigate whether such physical interactions are sufficient to generate a stable fixed point for NMDA current levels or, more generally, to bound NMDA currents.
On-chip spectrometers for visible and infrared sensing applications

The potentials of integrated optical systems for implementing compact and low power consumption yet highly sensitive sensing systems have made them a viable candidate for integrated chemical and biological sensing applications. In these integrated optical sensing systems, spectrometers have a significant role as a building block that enables on-chip spectral analysis. Monitoring the spectral features of the signal using an on-chip spectrometer brings about a variety of new sensing mechanisms and architectures in an integrated platform. Monitoring absorption spectra, measuring Raman emission features, and tracking changes in spectral signatures as a result of environmental changes are some of the schemes made possible by such spectral analysis. In this work, we implement superprism-based photonic crystal devices in planar platforms as on-chip spectrometers. We use planar silicon platform in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers for the infrared wavelength range. A silicon-nitride (SiN) planar platform is used for the near infrared and visible wavelength ranges. In both SOI and SiN implementations, superprism-based spectrometers are experimentally demonstrated and compared with grating spectrometers made in the same platform. The potentials of the demonstrated spectrometers to meet the requirements of current and future applications in integrated optical sensing are briefly discussed.
The solution structure of mucous glycoproteins: Proton NMR studies of native and modified ovine submaxillary mucin

Abstract The solution structure of native and systematically modified ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM) has been probed by proton NMR spectroscopic methods. Most of the resonances in the spectra have been tentatively assigned to the peptide and O-linked disaccharide, α-N-acetylneuraminic acid 2 → 6 α-N-acetylgalactosamine protons. On the basis of the observed chemical shifts, spectral resolution, and behavior of the exchangeable protons it is concluded the mucin possesses internal segmental flexibility and exists in solution as a random coil peptide. No long-lived interresidue peptide or carbohydrate hydrogen bonds were detected. The removal of (i) the C8 and C9 carbons of the sialic acid residue, (ii) the entire sialic acid residue, and (iii) the complete disaccharide side chain resulted in no significant changes in peptide core conformation. A limited set of proton spin coupling constants and nuclear Overhauser enhancements has been obtained for the threonine glycopeptide side chains in native and modified mucin. The results are consistent with the previously reported conformations for the (1 → 6) linkage in oligosaccharides and the threonyl glycosidic linkage in glycopeptides. The OSM disaccharide may exist as a extended linear structure with rotational freedom about the GalNAc C5C6 bond, while the threonine glycosidic linkage appears to be sterically constrained, although multiple conformations about the threonine CβOγ bond may be allowed. The small chemical shift perturbations detected in the glycosylated threonine methyl protons and the GalNAc carbons upon removal of the terminal sialic acid residue are consistent with this model.
A Markov Decision Model for Selecting Optimal Credit Control Policies

The rapid growth of consumer credit has created a need for improved credit control policies which result in lower total credit costs. This paper investigates one approach for achieving that objective. The credit control problem is formulated as one of developing optimal policies for an infinite horizon Markov decision model. The model utilizes standard financial data; it also requires the measurement of the costs and returns from alternative credit control policies. The Markov model is transformed into an equivalent linear program. A sample problem is solved and the resulting policies analyzed.
Diode-Laser Measurements of N2-Broadening Coefficients in the ν3 Band of CH335Cl

Abstract N2-broadening coefficients have been measured for 33 lines of 12CH3D in the QP and QR branches of the ν3 band, using a tunable diode-laser spectrometer. The collisional widths obtained by fitting Rautian profiles to the measured shapes of the lines are significantly larger than those derived from Voigt profiles. Semiclassical calculations of the broadening coefficients have shown the importance of the nonelectrostatic contributions in the anisotropic intermolecular potential.
A Model to Evaluate the Cytotoxicity of the Fungal Volatile Organic Compound 1-octen-3-ol in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Microbial growth in damp indoor environments has been correlated with risks to human health. This study was aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of 1-octen-3-ol (“mushroom alcohol”), a major fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) associated with mushroom and mold odors. Using an airborne exposure technique, human embryonic stem cells were exposed for 1 h to different concentrations (0–1,000 ppm) of racemic 1-octen-3-ol and its enantiomers, (R)-(−)-1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol. Cytotoxicity was assayed using both the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay and the fluorescently tagged Calcein AM-mediated “live and dead” assay. Racemic 1-octen-3-ol and (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol exhibited greater cytotoxicity to the undifferentiated human cell line H1 than did (R)-(−)-1-octen-3-ol. The inhibition concentration 50 (IC50) values assessed by the MTS assay for racemic 1-octen-3-ol, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol and (R)-(−)-1-octen-3-ol were, respectively, 109, 98, and 258 ppm. These IC50 values were 40–80-fold lower than that of vapor phase toluene, an industrial chemical used as a positive control in this study. Our report pioneers the modeling of human embryonic stem cells as an in vitro approach to screen the potential toxicity of fungal VOCs. Human embryonic stem cells exposed to 1-octen-3-ol, and its enantiomers in the vapor phase showed more cytotoxicity than those exposed to toluene.
Mechanotransduction and auditory transduction in Drosophila

Insects are utterly reliant on sensory mechanotransduction, the process of converting physical stimuli into neuronal receptor potentials. The senses of proprioception, touch, and hearing are involved in almost every aspect of an adult insect’s complex behavioral repertoire and are mediated by a diverse array of specialized sensilla and sensory neurons. The physiology and morphology of several of these have been described in detail; genetic approaches in Drosophila, combining behavioral screens and sensory electrophysiology with forward and reverse genetic techniques, have now revealed specific proteins involved in their differentiation and operation. These include three different TRP superfamily ion channels that are required for transduction in tactile bristles, chordotonal stretch receptors, and polymodal nociceptors. Transduction also depends on the normal differentiation and mechanical integrity of the modified cilia that form the neuronal sensory endings, the accessory structures that transmit stimuli to them and, in bristles, a specialized receptor lymph and transepithelial potential. Flies hear near-field sounds with a vibration-sensitive, antennal chordotonal organ. Biomechanical analyses of wild-type antennae reveal non-linear, active mechanical properties that increase their sensitivity to weak stimuli. The effects of mechanosensory and ciliary mutations on antennal mechanics show that the sensory cilia are the active motor elements and indicate distinct roles for TRPN and TRPV channels in auditory transduction and amplification.
Observation of a Nonpropagating Hydrodynamic Soliton

Lorsqu'un resonateur a ange partiellement rempli d'eau est excite parametriquement a une frequence et une amplitude adequate des solitons d'onde de surface a comportement du type polaron sont crees. Description de leurs proprietes et interactions
Integrated on-line system for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis: From template to called bases

An integrated on-line prototype for coupling a microreactor to capillary electrophoresis for DNA sequencing has been demonstrated. A dye-labeled terminator cycle-sequencing reaction is performed in a fused-silica capillary. Subsequently, the sequencing ladder is directly injected into a size-exclusion chromatographic column operated at ∼95 °C for purification. On-line injection to a capillary for electrophoresis is accomplished at a junction set at ∼70 °C. High temperature at the purification column and injection junction prevents the renaturation of DNA fragments during on-line transfer without affecting the separation. The high solubility of DNA in and the relatively low ionic strength of 1× TE buffer permit both effective purification and electrokinetic injection of the DNA sample. The system is compatible with highly efficient separations by a replaceable poly(ethylene oxide) polymer solution in uncoated capillary tubes. Future automation and adaptation to a multiple-capillary array system should allo...
Heavy metal and organochlorine compound concentrations in tissues of raccoons from east-central Michigan

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides and related compounds and heavy metals are persistent contaminants in the environment. Bioconcentration and biomagnification are well reported for organochlorine compounds. These compounds have a great potential for causing wildlife mortality or serious behavioral, reproductive, carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects, along with specific organ toxicity. The pervasive nature of toxic substances in the environment necessitates some knowledge for potential exposure of wildlife species. Without baseline values of contaminant loads for selected indicator species it is impossible to determine when abnormal or pathological conditions exist in wild populations. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline values for selected environmental contaminants in the raccoon (Procyon lotor), a potential indicator species for wildlife and to see if heavy metal accumulation was related to age or sex.
Contact Hypersensitivity to Oxazolone Provokes Vulvar Mechanical Hyperalgesia in Mice

The interplay among pain, allergy and dysregulated inflammation promises to yield significant conceptual advances in immunology and chronic pain. Hapten-mediated contact hypersensitivity reactions are used to model skin allergies in rodents but have not been utilized to study associated changes in pain perception in the affected skin. Here we characterized changes in mechanical hyperalgesia in oxazolone-sensitized female mice challenged with single and repeated labiar skin exposure to oxazolone. Female mice were sensitized with topical oxazolone on their flanks and challenged 1-3 times on the labia. We then measured mechanical sensitivity of the vulvar region with an electronic pressure meter and evaluated expression of inflammatory genes, leukocyte influx and levels of innervation in the labiar tissue. Oxazolone-sensitized mice developed vulvar mechanical hyperalgesia after a single labiar oxazolone challenge. Hyperalgesia lasted up to 24 hours along with local influx of neutrophils, upregulation of inflammatory cytokine gene expression, and increased density of cutaneous labiar nerve fibers. Three daily oxazolone challenges produced vulvar mechanical hyperalgesic responses and increases in nerve density that were detectable up to 5 days post-challenge even after overt inflammation resolved. This persistent vulvar hyperalgesia is resonant with vulvodynia, an understudied chronic pain condition that is remarkably prevalent in 18-60 year-old women. An elevated risk for vulvodynia has been associated with a history of environmental allergies. Our pre-clinical model can be readily adapted to regimens of chronic exposures and long-term assessment of vulvar pain with and without concurrent inflammation to improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying subsets of vulvodynia and to develop new therapeutics for this condition.
Relationship between the density of states and the superconducting transition temperature in A -15 compounds

Data by Wiesmann et al. on the temperature coefficient of the upper critical field, $\frac{d{H}_{c2}(T)}{\mathrm{dT}}$, and the normal-state resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ near the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ are analyzed to estimate the bare density of states $N({E}_{F})$ as a function of structural disorder and ${T}_{c}$ in various $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle irradiated samples of $A$-15 ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Ge and ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Sn. By taking into account the change in the electron-phonon coupling strength with ${T}_{c}$ and the effect of mass enhancement arising from the electron-phonon interaction, the results of the new analysis indicate that (i) the drop in $N({E}_{F})$ for ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Ge is relatively small as ${T}_{c}$ changes from \ensuremath{\sim} 21 to \ensuremath{\sim} 4 K, in agreement with a recent low-temperature specific-heat measurement; (ii) the value of $N({E}_{F})$ in ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Sn decreases by a factor of \ensuremath{\sim} 4 as ${T}_{c}$ varies from \ensuremath{\sim} 18 to \ensuremath{\sim} 3 K. The implication of these findings is discussed in terms of the origin of high-${T}_{c}$ superconductivity in $A$-15 compounds.
Using an iterative linear solver in an interior-point method for generating support vector machines

This paper concerns the generation of support vector machine classifiers for solving the pattern recognition problem in machine learning. A method is proposed based on interior-point methods for convex quadratic programming. This interior-point method uses a linear preconditioned conjugate gradient method with a novel preconditioner to compute each iteration from the previous. An implementation is developed by adapting the object-oriented package OOQP to the problem structure. Numerical results are provided, and computational experience is discussed.
Antimicrobial selection in the treatment of pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a common clinical entity, although accurate data regarding the true prevalence of this infection are lacking. Acute pyelonephritis is associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. There are very few randomized controlled clinical trials that have addressed the optimal management strategies and antimicrobial therapy for this infection. Increasing resistance among uropathogens, especially Escherichia coli, has impacted recommendations for empiric antimicrobial therapy, and fluoroquinolones have emerged as the empiric therapy of choice for individuals managed as outpatients; more options are available for empiric parenteral therapy for those who require hospitalization. Further study of the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens and of alternative agents for the management of pyelonephritis is urgently needed.
Noninvasive diagnosis of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: Role of two dimensional echocardiography and radionuclide gated pool imaging

This report describes a case of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm diagnosed with two dimensional real time echocardiography. The two dimensional echocardiogram identified not only the pseudoaneurysmal sac but also the site of left ventricular rupture. When supplemented with radioisotope gated cardiac blood pool scanning, the noninvasive studies demonstrated combined true and false left ventricular aneurysms. Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm can be diagnosed using two dimensional echocardiography and nuclear imaging, permitting early operative intervention before fatal rupture.