cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymodal Nociception in Drosophila Requires Alternative Splicing of TrpA1

Summary Transcripts of noxious stimulus-detecting TrpA1 channels are alternatively spliced. Despite the importance of nociception for survival, the in vivo significance of expressing different TrpA1 isoforms is largely unknown. Here, we develop a novel genetic approach to generate Drosophila knockin strains expressing single TrpA1 isoforms. Drosophila TrpA1 mediates heat and UVC-triggered nociception. We show that TrpA1-C and TrpA1-D, two alternative isoforms, are co-expressed in nociceptors. When examined in heterologous cells, both TrpA1-C and TrpA1-D are activated by heat and UVC. By contrast, analysis of knockin flies reveals the striking functional specificity; TrpA1-C mediates UVC-nociception, whereas TrpA1-D mediates heat-nociception. Therefore, in vivo functions of TrpA1-C and TrpA1-D are different from each other and are different from their in vitro properties. Our results indicate that a given sensory stimulus preferentially activates a single TrpA1 isoform in vivo and that polymodal nociception requires co-expression of TrpA1 isoforms, providing novel insights of how alternative splicing regulates nociception.
Bendamustine With Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Systemic Light-Chain Amyloidosis: Results of a Phase II Study.

PURPOSENo established treatments exist for relapsed/refractory systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Bendamustine has shown potential in the treatment of multiple myeloma. We conducted a phase II,...
Psychiatry Resident Attitudes Toward Practice Habit Data

This descriptive study queries the attitudes of psychiatry residents regarding provision of practice habit data to trainees by residency programs, as required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Identifying trainee perspectives may assist program directors in tailoring practice habit data reporting to better engage residents and to increase resident-reported adherence to the ACGME requirement. Residents at a large, hospital-based adult psychiatry training program completed an anonymous survey of attitudes regarding practice habit data, including perceptions of the residency program’s current reporting, preferences toward mechanisms of delivering this data, and perceived relative utility of five hypothetical domains of practice habit data. Of 61 eligible residents, 52 (85%) completed surveys. Only 29 (56%) recalled receiving prior-year individual practice habit data, and only 10 (19%) recalled receiving team-based data. Seventy-five percent desired more practice habit data. Out of five hypothetical thematic domains for practice habit reporting, residents preferred patient-oriented domains as opposed to process-oriented domains. Resident concerns about dissemination of these data included confidentiality, effect on evaluations, and difficulty translating data to changes in clinical practice. Residents generally desire increased dissemination of practice habit data that focuses on patient-oriented measures such as adherence to disease-specific guidelines and is both individual and team-based. Residency programs may benefit their trainees and improve resident-reported adherence to the ACGME requirement both by taking resident preferences into account and by addressing concerns about confidentiality when providing practice habit data.
Abstract A59: Targeting the glutamine dependent hexosamine biosynthesis pathway sensitizes pancreatic tumors to anti-PD1 therapy

Background: Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat owing to its late detection, metastasis and increased therapeutic resistance, leading to a 5-year survival rate of 9%. Immune evasive microenvironment further contributes to challenges in developing viable therapy options. As a result, anti-PD-1 therapy that has shown promising results in various cancers like melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer and kidney cancer is ineffective against pancreatic cancer patients. Hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), a glutamine-dependent metabolic shunt pathway responsible for producing UDP-GlcNAc and thus glycosylation, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Our study shows that targeting HBP by a glutamine analog DON in pancreatic cancer can sensitize it to anti-PD1 immune therapy. Methods: All experiments were done using primary cells isolated from spontaneous pancreatic cancer mice, KrasLSL.G12D/+; p53R172H/+; PdxCretg/+ (KPC), which are the epithelial cancer cells and the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from the same mice. 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) was used as an inhibitor of GFAT, the rate-limiting enzyme of HBP. DON was used at a dose of 1mg/kg alone or 0.5mg/kg in combination with PD1 (100 microgm). Results: Our study showed mice orthotopically implanted with KPC and CAF cells at a ratio of 1:9 showed a marked decrease in tumor volume when treated with DON. In addition to a decrease in tumor volume, these mice also had a profound decrease in their circulating tumor cells and a significant reduction in the collagen content in the tumor while the stromal content remained unaffected. Mice treated with low-dose DON in combination with low-dose anti-PD1 therapy showed a pronounced decrease in tumor volume as compared to either treatments alone. As expected, mice treated with the DON+PD1 combination had an increased infiltration of CD4 and CD8 cells. Conclusion: Our study highlights for the first time an impressive response to PD1 therapy in pancreatic cancer when given in combination with DON, a glutamine analog. Since PDL1 depends on the HBP pathway for its glycosylation, inhibition by DON and the subsequent internalization of PDL1 leads to an increased immune response against pancreatic cancer that can be targeted therapeutically. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Nikita S. Sharma, Vineet K. Gupta, Roey Hadad, Bhuwan Giri, Anthony Ferrantella, Vikas Dudeja, Ashok K. Saluja, Sulagna Banerjee. Targeting the glutamine dependent hexosamine biosynthesis pathway sensitizes pancreatic tumors to anti-PD1 therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A59.
Fibroproliferation in chronic lung allograft dysfunction: Association of mesenchymal cells in bronchoalveolar lavage with phenotypes and survival.

BACKGROUND Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), the primary cause of poor outcome after lung transplantation, arises from fibrotic remodeling of the allograft and presents as diverse clinical phenotypes with variable courses. Here, we investigate whether bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) mesenchymal cell activity at CLAD onset can inform regarding disease phenotype, progression, and survival. METHODS Mesenchymal cell colony-forming units (CFUs) were measured in BAL obtained at CLAD onset (n = 77) and CLAD-free time post-transplant matched controls (n = 77). CFU counts were compared using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Cox proportional hazards and restricted means models were utilized to investigate post-CLAD survival. RESULTS Higher mesenchymal CFU counts were noted in BAL at the time of CLAD onset than in CLAD-free controls. Patients with restrictive allograft syndrome had higher BAL mesenchymal CFU count at CLAD onset than patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (p = 0.011). Patients with high mesenchymal CFU counts (≥10) at CLAD onset had worse outcomes than those with low ( CONCLUSIONS Fulminant fibroproliferation with higher mesenchymal CFU counts in BAL is noted in restrictive allograft syndrome and is independently associated with poor survival after CLAD onset.
Optimal Ranges and Thresholds of Grape Berry Solar Radiation for Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Warm Climates.

In commercial wine grape production, canopy management practices are applied to control the source-sink balance and improve the cluster microclimate to enhance berry composition. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal ranges of berry solar radiation exposure (exposure) for upregulation of flavonoid biosynthesis and thresholds for their degradation, to evaluate how canopy management practices such as leaf removal, shoot thinning and a combination of both affect the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) yield components, berry composition and flavonoid profile. Three experiments were conducted in Oakville, CA U.S.A. First experiment assessed changes in the grape flavonoid content driven by four degrees of exposure. In the second experiment, individual grape berries subjected to different exposures were collected from two cultivars (Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot). The third experiment consisted of an experiment with three canopy management treatments i) LR (removal of 5 to 6 basal leaves), ii) ST (thinned to 24 shoots per vine) and iii) LRST (a combination of LR and ST) and an untreated control (UNT). Berry composition, flavonoid content and profiles and 3-isobutyl 2-methoxypyrazine were monitored during berry ripening. Although increasing canopy porosity through canopy management practices can be helpful for other purposes, this may not be the case of flavonoid compounds when a certain proportion of kaempferol was achieved. Our results revealed different sensitivities to degradation within the flavonoid groups, flavonols being the only monitored group that was upregulated by solar radiation. Within different canopy management practices, the main effects were due to the ST. Under environmental conditions given in this trial, ST and LRST hastened fruit maturity; however, a clear improvement of the flavonoid compounds (i.e. greater anthocyanin) was not observed at harvest. Methoxypyrazine berry content decreased with canopy management practices studied. Although some berry traits were improved (i.e. 2.5o Brix increase in berry total soluble solids) due to canopy management practices (ST), this resulted in a four-fold increase in labor operations cost, two-fold decrease in yield with a 10-fold increase in anthocyanin production cost per hectare that should be assessed together.
How Does Black History Help Doctors? Addressing Cultural Competency through Cinemeducation at a Diverse Medical School.

Abstract Racial minorities will account for >50% of the United States population by 2045, yet race and ethnicity persist as leading predictors of morbidity. Although minorities achieve better outcomes when treated by racially concordant providers, the number of minority physicians is disproportionately low compared with the rapidly growing minority population. This imbalance creates a cultural gap between many minority patients and their healthcare providers. Research suggests that educational initiatives addressing health inequity through a historical lens can help providers better understand the root causes of disparities; however, extensive clinical demands severely limit the time providers can dedicate to non-medical learning. Objectives To address this gap, the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital System developed and piloted a short film about the history of Black people in South Florida, highlighting significant events that shaped the health-seeking behaviors of this population. Methods A 20-minute documentary exploring the sociocultural history of Black communities in Miami-Dade County was presented to 188 first-year postgraduate residents in June 2017. Residents completed pre-post surveys to measure changes in knowledge and care delivery intentions. Results Analyses performed between March and July 2018 revealed moderate improvements in the knowledge and awareness of the socioeconomic history of Miami's Black communities. Before watching the video, a majority indicated that increasing awareness of the sociocultural history of their patient population was a valuable learning activity. Conclusions These findings suggest that brief videos focused on the history of culturally distinct populations may be a successful pedagogical strategy to introduce physicians to the communities they serve and improve provider knowledge.
A Unified Theory of the Completeness of Q-Matrices for the DINA Model

Diagnostic classification models in educational measurement describe ability in a knowledge domain as a composite of specific binary skills called “cognitive attributes,” each of which an examinee may or may not have mastered. Attribute Hierarchy Models (AHMs) account for the possibility that attributes are dependent by imposing a hierarchical structure such that mastery of one or more attributes is a prerequisite of mastering one or more other attributes. Thus, the number of meaningfully defined attribute combinations is reduced, so that constructing a complete Q-matrix may be challenging. (The Q-matrix of a cognitively diagnostic test documents which attributes are required for solving which item; the Q-matrix is said to be complete if it guarantees the identifiability of all realizable proficiency classes among examinees.) For structured Q-matrices (i.e., the item attribute profiles are restricted to reflect the hierarchy postulated to underlie the attributes), the conditions of completeness have been established. However, sometimes, a structured Q-matrix cannot be assembled because the items of the test in question have attribute profiles that do not conform to the prerequisite structure imposed by the postulated attribute hierarchy. A Q-matrix composed of such items is called “unstructured.” In this article, the completeness conditions of unstructured Q-matrices for the DINA model are presented. Specifically, there exists an entire range of Q-matrices that are all complete for DINA-AHMs. Thus, the theoretical results presented here can be combined with extant insights about Q-completeness for models without attribute hierarchies into a unified framework on the completeness of Q-matrices for the DINA model.
Association of chronic use of proton pump inhibitors with an increased risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis in renal cell carcinoma.

e16550Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become standard of care in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) but are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including i...
Morphologic studies of the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex and its functional significance in sheep and goat

The carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex of sheep and goat (adult and feti) was investigated. Intra-vascular injection materials (Latex, Batson's #17 and Decopour) were employed to describe the blood vessels of this structure. Further, paraffin embedded sections were stained with Harris' hematoxylin and eosin. Van Gieson's, Gomori one-step trichrome and Weigert. After maceration, some injected vessels were used to study the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex with scanning electron micro­ scope (SEM). In addition, aldehyde fixed, cryofractured complexes were studied with the SEM. The complex was sectioned with the cryostat and several laboratory procedures were performed to detect the presence of alkaline phosphatase (A.P.), 5~-nucleotidase (5"-N) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATP-ase) enzymes. Gross study revealed that the carotid rete was supplied with blood by one caudal rete branch, and two to four rostral rete branches which were normally found. The extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery was postnatally absent in both sheep and goat specimens. Light microscopic examination showed that the carotid rete branches were mediumsized, muscular arteries. These arterial branches shared a common tunica adventitia with the cavernous sinus. The carotid body cells were observed in an aberrant position (intracranially in the wall of the internal carotid artery) due to regression of the extracranial portion of the in­ ternal carotid artery after birth. The cavernous sinus, on the other hand, showed variations in thickness of the wall from region to region. In
Miller's magical numbers are relevant to neural networks

G.A. Miller (1956) analyzed psychological evidence that quantifies human capability to discriminate sensory signal inputs and to perform short-term recall given symbolic inputs. He found that both types of experiment were characterized by a small memory capacity on the order of seven. The authors reexamine Miller's paper and data from an artificial neural network perspective to gain insight into discrimination capacity as a function of input signal space capacity. It is concluded that the key to robust discrimination capability in humans does not rely on either high numerical precision or complex mappings of input states to output states, two common characteristics of many artificial neural networks. The capability does rely on large numbers of neurons, again at variance with common practice. >
Analysis and control of a double conveyor system with a take-up loop

This paper is concerned with the control and analysis of a double conveyor system with a take-up loop. The analysis involves modelling the system from first principles and system identification using recursive least squares. To control the system a Ricatti equation based self-tuning digital controller is designed. The controller minimizes the tracking error. This allows the final position error of the stock on the conveyor to be minimized even in situations where the plant may be slowly time varying and/or uncertain. >
Pelvic Floor Anatomy

Pelvic floor architectural defects are related to parity, aging, hysterectomy, and chronic straining. The muscles and the supportive connective tissue can be torn, stretched, or denervated. Basic understanding of pelvic floor anatomy is essential to understanding 2D, 3D, and 4D anatomy as visualized by pelvic floor ultrasonography. The goal of the current chapter is to use the suspension bridge analogy and simple representative drawings to communicate to readers complex pelvic floor anatomy and function.
Higher-order decision surfaces in neural nets

Several recent advances are described that use neural-network methods to produce the higher-order decision surface required for difficult pattern recognition discrimination problems. Work at Carnegie Mellon University is emphasized and includes new hyperspherical Ho-Kashyap neural nets and new piecewise quadratic neural nets. Also addressed are Fourier neural-net interconnections to handle multiple objects and achieve morphological, image processing, and enhancement functions. >
Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfonated‐ Fluorinated, Hydrophilic‐Hydrophobic Multiblock Copolymers for Proton Exchange Membranes

Nanophase separated ionic-hydrophobic block copolymers may be more suitable as proton exchange membranes than random copolymers. A series of multiblock copolymers, composed of alternating segments of fully disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) and highly fluorinated poly(arylene ether sulfone), were synthesized from hydrophilic and hydrophobic telechelic oligomers having a variation of molecular weights. The high reactivity of the fluorinated oligomers made unnecessary the use of high reaction temperatures, and thus the coupling reactions may be free of ether-ether interchange side reactions. The copolymers were characterized with regard to proton conductivity, water uptake and self-diffusion coefficient of water, and the results were compared to those of Nafion and a partially disulfonated BPSH-35 random copolymer.
Inductive learning using generalized distance measures

This paper briefly reviews the two currently dominant paradigms in machine learning--the connectionist network (CN) models and symbol processing (SP) systems; argues for the centrality of knowledge representation frameworks in learning; examines a range of representations in increasing order of complexity and measures of similarity or distance that are appropriate for each of them; introduces the notion of a generalized distance measure (GDM) and presents a class of GDM-based inductive learning algorithms (GDML). GDML are motivated by the need for an integration of symbol processing (SP) and connectionist network (CN) approaches to machine learning. GDM offer a natural generalization of the notion of distance or measure of mismatch used in a variety of pattern recognition techniques (e.g., k-nearest neighbor classifiers, neural networks using radial basis functions, and so on) to a range of structured representations such strings, trees, pyramids, association nets, conceptual graphs, etc. which include those used in computer vision and syntactic approaches to pattern recognition. GDML are a natural extension of generative or constructive learning algorithms for neural networks that enable an adaptive and parsimonious determination of the network topology as well as the desired weights as a function of learning Applications of GDML include tasks such as planning, concept learning, and 2- and 3-dimensional object recognition. GDML offer a basis for a natural integration of SP and CN approaches to the construction of intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and act.
Effects of reminiscence on life satisfaction of elderly female nursing home residents.

The author investigated the efficacy of a reminiscence group in increasing life satisfaction in elderly female nursing home residents. E. Erikson's (1982) developmental theory and R.N. Butler's (1981) theory of reminiscing provided the theoretical framework for the study. It was hypothesized that reminiscing would increase life satisfaction when measured by the Life Satisfaction Index A (Neugarten et al., 1961). The design was experimental, using pretest and posttest data collection. Thirty-six female nursing home residents over 65 years of age were randomly assigned to a reminiscing group or a control group. A statistically significant difference (p = .03) was found between the reminiscing group and the control group on the dependent variable, life satisfaction, when data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Online Assessment and Evaluation

This discussion on assessment and evaluation in the online environment includes the use of different forms of rubrics.
Tissue and Life Stage Specificity of Glutathione S-Transferase Expression in the Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor: Implications for Resistance to Host Allelochemicals

Two new Delta and Sigma glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), were characterized and transcription profiles described. The deduced amino acid sequences for the two M. destructor Delta GSTs (MdesGST-1 and MdesGST-3) showed high similarity with other insect Delta GSTs including the conserved catalytic serine residue. The deduced amino acid sequence for the M. destructor Sigma GST (MdesGST-2) showed high similarity with other insect Sigma GSTs including the conserved glutathione and substrate binding sites. Quantitative tissue expression analysis showed that mRNA levels for MdesGST-1 were predominant in fat body, whereas for MdesGST-2 and MdesGST-3 expression was predominant in the midgut. Temporal expression during development showed peak mRNA levels for MdesGST-1 during larval development, but in the pupal stage for MdesGST-2. MdesGST-3 showed a constitutive expression pattern throughout development. M. destructor feeds on wheat, and expression analysis after feeding indicated that mRNA levels for MdesGST-1 were significantly higher in incompatible interactions in which larvae fed on resistant wheat, while MdesGST-3 was significantly higher in compatible interactions when larvae fed on susceptible wheat. MdesGST-2 showed an equivalent expression pattern during both interactions. These results suggest that the M. destructor Delta GSTs are important in detoxifying wheat allelochemicals during feeding, while Sigma GST participates in metabolism of endogenous substrates.
Synthesis of β-Galactose-Conjugated Chlorins Derived by Enyne Metathesis as Galectin-Specific Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy

A first report on the synthesis and biological evaluation of the β-galactose-conjugated purpurinimides (a class of chlorins containing a six-membered fused imide ring system) as Gal-1 (galectin-1) recognized photosensitizers, prepared from purpurin-N-propargylimide via enyne metathesis, is discussed. On the basis of examination of the available crystal structure of the galectin-1 N-acetyllactose amine complex, it was considered that the chlorin-based photosensitizers could be introduced into a carbohydrate skeleton to expand the repertoire of the galectin-1-specific ligands. Preliminary molecular modeling analysis utilizing the modeled photosensitizers and the available crystal structures of galectin−carbohydrate complexes indicated that addition of the photosensitizer to the carbohydrate moiety at an appropriate position does not interfere with the galectin-carbohydrate recognition. Under similar drug and light doses, compared to the free purpurinimide analogue, the purpurinimides conjugated either with ...
Neurochemical correlates of behaviour--content of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, tyrosine, dopamine and norepinephrine in four brain parts of the pigeon during behavioural depression following an injection of tryptophan.

— Pigeons working on a multiple lixed-ratio 50, fixed interval 10 schedule of food reinforcement were injected with l-tryptophan (300mg/kg; I.M.) and killed at various times before, during and after the period of behavioural depression following the administration of this amino acid (0, 25, 50, 90, 170 and 230 min). The levels of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, tyrosine, dopamine and norepinephrine were concurrently measured in 4 specific areas of the brain (telencephalon, diencephalon plus mesencephalon, pons plus medulla-oblongata and cerebellum). The course of the increases in the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the telencephalon, and subsequent return to pre-injection levels, was temporally related to the onset of the decreased responding and gradual return to normal rates of responding. Changes in dopamine and norepinephrine were not correlated with the onset of and recovery from the decreased response rates. The data in this paper are discussed in terms of (a) the previously reported work with 5-hydroxytryptophan and (b) the importance of the telencephalic serotonergic system in certain types of behavioural depression.
Electrical properties of diamond surfaces functionalized with molecular monolayers

Recent studies have shown that semiconductor surfaces such as silicon and diamond can be functionalized with organic monolayers, and that these monolayer films can be used to tether biomolecules such as DNA to the surfaces. Electrical measurements of these interfaces show a change in response to DNA hybridization and other biological binding processes, but the fundamental nature of the electrical signal transduction has remained unclear. We have explored the electrical impedance of polycrystalline and single-crystal diamond surfaces modified with an organic monolayer produced by photochemical reaction of diamond with 1-dodecene. Our results show that, by measuring the impedance as a function of frequency and potential, it is possible to dissect the complex interfacial structure into frequency ranges where the total impedance is controlled by the molecular monolayer, by the diamond space-charge region, and by the electrolyte. The results have implications for understanding the ability to use molecularly modified semiconductor surfaces for applications such as chemical and biological sensing.
Multilayer coating of 10X projection optics for extreme ultraviolet lithography

Two new sets of projection optics for our prototype 10X reduction EUV lithography system were coated with Mo/Si multilayers. The coating thickness was graded across the optics by using shadow masks to ensure maximum throughput at all incidence angles in the camera. The overall deviation of the wavelength response across the clear aperture of each mirror is below 0.01 percent RMS. However, the wavelength mismatch between two optics coated in different runs is up to 0.07 nm. Nevertheless, this is till within the allowed tolerances, and the predicted optical throughput loss in the camera due to such wavelength mismatch is about 4 percent. EUV reflectances of 63-65 percent were measured around 13.40 nm for the secondary optics, which is in good agreement with the expected reflectance based on the substrate finish as measured with AFM.
An integration path for the carbon-oxygen reaction with internal reaction

An analytical extension of the Thiele analysis for reaction in a porous particle relates the variation of density and diameter during reaction by the power index equation: σ/σ o =( d/d o ) α . This provides specification of a path that permits integration of the inexact DE for combustion of a particle when there is also internal reaction. Re-formulation of the particle rate equation along the σ- d path for a given α leads to a new “Extended Resistance” Equation (ERE) that combines the processes of boundary layer diffusion, adsorption, desorption, and internal diffusion. This is proposed as an alternative to the commonly used but empirical “ n -th” order kinetic equation. The integration also introduces a second factor: e=1+α/3. This factor is shown to be a divisor for the experimental reaction rates to calculate “intrinsic” rates. Values of e can be very sensitive to temperature. At flame temperatures the values are typically 2 or 3 and the diameter varies substantially with burn-off. At low temperatures, however, the values can be as high as 10 4 or 10 5 and the diameter is essentially constant through the whole of burn-out.
An analysis of implied tax rates on long-term taxable and tax-exempt bonds

Abstract We examine the impact of differences in interest rate volatility, the taxation of capital gains and losses, callability, the Tax Reform Act of 1986, corporate and personal tax rates, and the value of the tax-timing option on the quilibrium yield relationship between long-term tax-exempt and taxable bonds. Tax consequences of each of these factors for investors potentially influence the implied tax rate associated with tax-exempt and taxable bonds. Using monthly data from 1957 through 1988 we estimate time series regression equations that relate the ratio of par yields on 20-year and 30-year tax-exempt and Treasury securities to these tax and volatility factors. The empirical results indicate that (1) increased volatility of municipal yields had a strong, positive impact on the equilibrium yield ratio, (2) changes in marginal personal income tax rates negatively affected the yield ratio; and (3) changes in the Treasury yield curve slope negatively influenced the yield ratio. None of these factors affected the yield ratio differently after 1986.
Solid silver particle production by spray pyrolysis

Abstract Solid, spherical, micron-sized silver metal particles were produced by spray pyrolysis from a silver nitrate solution. The effects of reaction temperature, carrier gas type, solution concentration, and aerosol droplet size on the characteristics of the resultant silver particles were examined. Pure, dense, unagglomerated particles were produced with an ultrasonic generator at and above 600° C using N 2 carrier gas, and at and above 900°C using air as the carrier gas. Solid particle formation at temperatures below the melting point of silver (962°C) was attributed to sufficiently long residence times (3.5–54 s) which allowed aerosol-phase densification of the porous silver particles resulting from reaction of the precursor.
DISPLACEMENT CONTROL OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS USING A PASSIVITY BASED NONLINEAR CONTROLLER

To increase the efficiency of hydraulic systems by eliminating valve throttling losses, a direct displacement open circuit is proposed to control a single rod hydraulic actuator. The circuit provides three control inputs, including the displacement of a variable displacement pump, the opening area of a proportional valve, and the position of a directional valve. Pump control has a low bandwidth, but the efficiency is high due to the lack of throttling losses. Valve control has a high bandwidth, but the throttling loss is high. A novel approach has been proposed to distribute the control efforts between the pump and the proportional valve considering both control bandwidth balancing and throttling loss reduction. The proportional valve will follow a high frequency opening profile, while the nominal valve opening is large, and the pump output flow will follow a low frequency demand. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Inheritance of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in Newfoundlands.

concluded that the Newfoundland breedhad an increased risk for RCCL with an odds ratio of6.65. In contrast, the odds ratio was low for GoldenRetrievers (0.48), Doberman Pinschers (0.33), andGerman Shepherd Dogs (0.25). These findings, in addition to a history of low-loadtrauma (the effect of daily mechanical wear
A new integral equation based domain decomposition method for electromagnetic analysis of large multi-scale problems

We present a new integral equation based domain decomposition method (IEDDM), in which the original object is decomposed into a set of non-overlapping open-surfaced sub-domains. The required normal continuity of the solution current across the contour between adjacent sub-domains is enforced weakly through the application of the interior penalty (IP) Galerkin formulation. Unlike the previous IEDDM algorithm, the newly proposed IEDDM does away the need for artificial surfaces. As a consequence, the approach proposed herein greatly enhance the flexibility of surface integral equation methods for modeling EM scattering from complex targets with multi-scale features.
Optimization and application of riblets for turbulent drag reduction

Riblet surfaces have been tested in boundary layers having different upstream histories and at higher Reynolds numbers than previously reported. The drag reduction for the riblet surfaces was found to be dependent on the height and spacing of the riblets in law-of-the-wall variables regardless of the free-stream Reynolds number or upstream boundary-layer history. Micro-photographs of the actual riblet geometries are examined to determine the effect of rib details on the riblet drag-reduction performances. To further increase drag-reduction performance, riblet surfaces are combined with another drag-reduction concept, the large-eddy breakup device (LEBU). In addition, the yaw sensitivity of riblets is evaluated, as well as the characteristics of riblet surfaces manufactured out of a thin vinyl sheet.
Mapp v. Ohio: Guarding Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures – By Carolyn N. Long

Between 1925 and 1969, in perhaps the twentieth century's single most important development in American constitutional law, most of the provisions of the National Bill of Rights [1791] were made ap...
Surface functionalization of doxorubicin-loaded liposomes with octa-arginine for enhanced anticancer activity.

Doxorubicin-loaded PEGylated liposomes (commercially available as DOXIL® or Lipodox®) were surface functionalized with a cell-penetrating peptide, octa-arginine (R8). For this purpose, R8-peptide was conjugated to the polyethylene glycol–dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG–DOPE) amphiphilic co-polymer. The resultant R8–PEG–PE conjugate was introduced into the lipid bilayer of liposomes at 2 mol% of total lipid amount via spontaneous micelle-transfer technique. The liposomal modification did not alter the particle size distribution, as measured by Particle Size Analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, surface-associated cationic peptide increased zeta potential of the modified liposomes. R8-functionalized liposomes (R8-Dox-L) markedly increased the intracellular and intratumoral delivery of doxorubicin as measured by flow cytometry and visualizing by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) compared to unmodified Doxorubicin-loaded PEGylated liposomes (Dox-L). R8-Dox-L delivered loaded Doxorubicin to the nucleus, being released from the endosomes at higher efficiency compared to unmodified liposomes, which had marked entrapment in the endosomes at tested time point of 1 h. The significantly higher accumulation of loaded drug to its site of action for R8-Dox-L resulted in improved cytotoxic activity in vitro (cell viability of 58.5 ± 7% for R8-Dox-L compared to 90.6 ± 2% for Dox-L at Dox dose of 50 μg/mL for 4 h followed by 24 h incubation) and enhanced suppression of tumor growth (348 ± 53 mm3 for R8-Dox-L, compared to 504 ± 54 mm3 for Dox-L treatment) in vivo compared to Dox-L. R8-modification has the potential for broadening the therapeutic window of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin treatment, which could lead to lower non-specific toxicity.
Effect of thymic hormone treatment on several immune functions of nude mice

Abstract Studies of the effect of short-term, intense treatment with thymic hormone on mitogen response, cytotoxicity to EL-4 lymphoma and natural killer cell (NK) activity was investigated Balb/c nude mice (about 12–16-week-old) were treated 5 times per week for 3 weeks with: Facteur Thymic Serique (FTS) and Thymopentin (TP5, Thymopoietin 32–36) at 1 μg and 10 ng; TM4 1 ng (an enzyme resistant variant of FTS); Thymosin Fraction V (TF5), 10 and 1 μg; and 0.1 ml saline, and killed 2 days after the last treatment. The animals were monitored for changes in weight, hematocrit, peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) and spleen mitogen response. Additional groups of nude mice were immunized with 1 × 10 7 5000 R irradiated EL-4 cells 10 days before sacrifice and tested for the presence of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). The results show that weight and hematocrit were similar among the groups. Treatment with FTS significantly elevated the number of PBL. Spleen stimulation in mice treated with 1 μg TP5 was depressed to mitogen concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response was not different among the treatment groups. The PBL mitogen response to ConA and LPS was generally increased over saline control in the hormone treated groups but was not statistically significant. The PHA response was only slightly elevated. No CTL was generated in nude mice in any of the groups. However, there was a statistically significant general depression of NK activity in all of the hormone treated animals compared with saline. The results indicate that the basic differentiation defect of the T-cells of nude mice cannot be restored to full functional activity by short-term treatment.
LOWER WEIGHT GAIN AMONG SMOKERS EXPLAINS MOST OF THE EFFECT OF SMOKING ON BIRTHWEIGHT

There has been no reported systematic exploration of the hypothesis that the low birthweight of infants whose mothers smoke in pregnancy is mediated by depressed caloric intake. Using gestational weight gain as an index of energy balance, we have studied this question among 162 mothers and their liveborn singleton infants, in a poor, black, urban American community. Smoking mothers had lower mean weekly weight gain (.73 vs. .90 Ibs/w; t=2.63, p< .01), and a strong and highly significant gradient of decreasing weight gain with increased amount smoked (.017 fewer 1bs/ w. gained per additional cigarette/d; F=12.45, p< .005). Women who stopped smoking before delivery had higher weight gain than those who continued; the difference was not significant, but numbers were small. Regression analyses were performed in order to quantitate the unique and joint contributions of smoking and change in maternal weight to birthweight. With all analyses, at least half, and usually closer to three quarters of the effect of smoking on birthweight was jointly shared with weight change. Smoking is in all likelihood depressing fetal growth, in large part, by depression of caloric intake, as reflected in lower maternal weight gain. No other examined differences between smokers and non-smokers accounted for these differences.
Dynamic screening in a two-species asymmetric exclusion process.

The dynamic scaling properties of the one-dimensional Burgers equation are expected to change with the inclusion of additional conserved degrees of freedom. We study this by means of one-dimensional (1D) driven lattice gas models that conserve both mass and momentum. The most elementary version of this is the Arndt-Heinzel-Rittenberg (AHR) process, which is usually presented as a two-species diffusion process, with particles of opposite charge hopping in opposite directions and with a variable passing probability. From the hydrodynamics perspective this can be viewed as two coupled Burgers equations, with the number of positive and negative momentum quanta individually conserved. We determine the dynamic scaling dimension of the AHR process from the time evolution of the two-point correlation functions, and find numerically that the dynamic critical exponent is consistent with simple Kardar-Parisi-Zhang- (KPZ) type scaling. We establish that this is the result of perfect screening of fluctuations in the stationary state. The two-point correlations decay exponentially in our simulations and in such a manner that in terms of quasiparticles, fluctuations fully screen each other at coarse grained length scales. We prove this screening rigorously using the analytic matrix product structure of the stationary state. The proof suggests the existence of a topological invariant. The process remains in the KPZ universality class but only in the sense of a factorization, as $(\mathrm{KPZ}{)}^{2}$. The two Burgers equations decouple at large length scales due to the perfect screening.
Fabrication and characterization of a two-dimensional IPMC sensor

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have inherent sensing and actuation properties. An IPMC sensor typically consists of a thin ion-exchange membrane, chemically plated with electrodes on both surfaces. Such IPMC sensors respond to deflections in the beam-bending directions only and thus are considered one-dimensional. In this paper, a novel IPMC sensor capable of two-dimensional sensing is proposed by plating two pairs of electrodes on orthogonal surfaces of a Nafion beam that has comparable thickness and width. The fabrication method is reported along with the characterization of the fabricated sensor. Experimental results show that the proposed IPMC sensor can be used for 2D flow sensing with promising applications in artificial lateral line systems. In the fabrication process Nafion solution is first cast and solidified, and the resulting structure is then cut to form beams with square cross-sections. In particular, the sample we fabricated has cross section of 1mm by 1mm and length of 15mm. Platinum electrodes are then plated on four side surfaces of the Nafion beam, insulated from each other. The fabricated IPMC sensor is shown to respond to 2D mechanical stimuli, and separate sensor signals are collected from the two pairs of electrodes. The responses (short-circuit currents) of the fabricated IPMC sensor are characterized both in air and in water, to verify the 2D sensing capability and examine the correlation between the two sensor signals.
Reduced susceptibility to cholesterol gallstone formation in mice that do not produce apolipoprotein B48 in the intestine

It has been found that polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein (APO)-B gene are associated with cholesterol gallstones in humans. We hypothesized that APO-B plays a major regulatory role in the response of biliary cholesterol secretion to high dietary cholesterol and contributes to cholesterol gallstone formation. In the present study, we investigated whether lack of expression of intestinal Apob48 or Apob100 reduces susceptibility to cholesterol gallstones by decreasing intestinal absorption and biliary secretion of cholesterol in male mice homozygous for an "APO-B48 only" allele (Apob(48/48)), an "APO-B100 only" allele (Apob(100/100)), or a wild-type APO-B allele (Apob+/+) before and during an 8-week lithogenic diet. We found that cholesterol absorption was significantly decreased as a result of the APO-B48 deficiency in Apob(100/100) mice compared with wild-type and Apob(48/48) mice, regardless of whether chow or the lithogenic diet was administered. Consequently, hepatic cholesterol synthesis was significantly increased in Apob(100/100) mice compared with wild-type and Apob(48/48) mice. On chow, the APO-B100 deficiency in Apob(48/48) mice with reduced plasma levels of LDL/VLDL--but not HDL cholesterol--induced relative hyposecretion of biliary bile salts and phospholipids accompanying normal biliary cholesterol secretion. Compared with Apob(48/48) and wild-type mice, lithogenic diet-fed Apob(100/100) mice displayed significantly lower secretion rates of biliary cholesterol, but not phospholipid or bile salts, which results in significant decreases in prevalence rates, numbers, and sizes of gallstones. In conclusion, absence of expression of intestinal Apob48, but not Apob100, reduces biliary cholesterol secretion and cholelithogenesis, possibly by decreasing intestinal absorption and hepatic bioavailability.
Electrochemical activity of 6-aminoquinolyl urea derivatives of amino acids and peptides. Application to high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Abstract 6-Aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (6-AQC) is a reagent used to increase the detection-sensitivity of amino acids and peptides in high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In this paper, the electrochemical characteristics of the derivatives of 6-AQC are described. Electrochemical detection of 6-AQC amino acids and peptide derivatives following reverse-phase HPLC are also reported. The response linearity of the derivatives on an amperometric detector was studied in the range of 5 pmol (0.5 μM) to 2500 pmol (250 μM). Approximately 2.5 pmol of the amino acid derivatives could be detected. The quantitative results of amino acids in plasma and a bovine serum albumin hydrolysate agreed well with the values reported in the literature.
Beneficial effects of ibuprofen in pacing-induced myocardial ischemia.

Lysosomal membrane instability and platelet activation are both associated with acute myocardial ischemia. The effect of ibuprofen on cathepsin D as a marker of lysosomal membrane “leakiness” and thromboxane B 2 as a marker of platelet activation was evaluated in 44 patients with angina pectoris. Samples of blood analyzed for cathepsin D, thromboxane B 2 , and lactate were withdrawn from the coronary sinus and brachial artery before and after pacing to 140 beats/min for 4 minutes. Myocardial ischemia was assessed by determination of transmyocardial lactate extraction or production. Ibuprofen (800 mg) or placebo was administered orally 2 hours before cardiac catheterization. Patients were classified into 4 groups on the basis of administration of placebo or ibuprofen and the presence or absence of myocardial ischemia as determined by demonstration of lactate extraction or production after atrial pacing. In patients with lactate extraction, no significant efflux of cathepsin D or thromboxane B 2 occurred after pacing. In patients with lactate production given placebo, a 64 ± 25% increase in the thromboxane B 2 level and a 113 ± 37% increase in cathepsin D activities occurred in the coronary sinus effluent sampled after pacing. In contrast, in patients with comparable coronary artery disease and comparable lactate production who were given ibuprofen, no release of thromboxane B 2 (p = 0.05 compared with patients given placebo) or cathepsin D (p 2 in pacing-induced myocardial ischemia.