cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planetary waves near the mesospheric easterly jet

Analysis of temperatures retrieved from satellite limb radiance measurements of the stratosphere and mesosphere during January-February 1979 reveals 3 prominent waves: wave number 3 with period 2.1 days, wave number 4 with period 1.8 days, and wave number 1 with period approximately 9 days. Each of these has maximum amplitude in the equatorward shear zone of the summer mesospheric easterly jet and propagates westward. Characteristics of the 1.8 day wave number 4 mode indicate that it arises from instability of the jet. The set of three waves may comprise an interacting triad.
Rapid risk assessment using probability of fracture nomographs

Traditional risk-based design process involves designing the structure based on risk estimates obtained during several iterations of an optimization routine. This approach is computationally expensive for large-scale aircraft structural systems. Therefore, this paper introduces the concept of risk-based design plots that can be used for both structural sizing and risk assessment for fracture strength when maximum allowable crack length is available. In situations when crack length is defined as a probability distribution the presented approach can only be applied for various percentiles of crack lengths. These plots are obtained using normalized probability density models of load and material properties and are applicable for any arbitrary load and strength values. Risk-based design plots serve as a tool for failure probability assessment given geometry and applied load or they can determine geometric constraints to be used in sizing given allowable failure probability. This approach would transform a reliability-based optimization problem into a deterministic optimization problem with geometric constraints that implicitly incorporate risk into the design. In this paper, cracked flat plate and stiffened plate are used to demonstrate the methodology and its applicability.
Inactivation of pig heart alanine aminotransferase by β-chloroalanine☆

Abstract The substrate analog β-chloro- l -alanine rapidly inactivates the pig heart alanine aminotransferase. Inactivation is dependent upon formation of an intermediate. The substrate alanine protects the enzyme by competing with the inhibitor for the formation of this intermediate. Halide and carboxylate anions accelerated the rate of inactivation once the enzyme-inhibitor complex was formed. This acceleration appears to mimic the action with the substrate, for the rate of exchange transamination between unlabeled alanine and labeled pyruvate is similarly accelerated. When labeled inhibitor was used, the inactive enzyme became labeled. The spectral changes which occur resemble, in many respects, those which occur with aspartate aminotransferase when its active-site lysine undergoes alkylation by β-chloroalanine. We conclude that chloroalanine fulfills the criteria for a “suicide substrate.”
Memoirs of a Year and Two Months: June 1966 to August 1967

In my opinion, the eruption of the Great Cultural Revolution was not coincidental. It was the inevitable outcome of the development of "leftist" mistakes after the founding of the People's Republic and the outcome, in particular, of the extreme "leftist" line that began in 1953, the shape of which was fixed in 1962. Any event could have triggered it.
DHT-based peer-to-peer search system using pseudo-candidate key indexing

In service in the ubiquitous networking environment, it is expected that flexible interaction between the user and the things (resource) in the real world will become important. In order to realize such an interaction, there must be a system in which the resource to be utilized can be searched for with its attribute information as keys. Consequently, this paper proposes a DHT (distributed hash table)-based P2P search system using a new indexing method called pseudo-candidate key indexing. A problem of the conventional DHT-based P2P search system is that a large amount of communication is needed in the search process. The proposed system attempts to deal with the problem by preparing an index for all search conditions which are useful to the user, thus reducing the amount of communication in the search. A simulation verifies that the proposed system is scalable. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(11): 81–94, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20317
Chloride Intracellular Channel 4 Is Critical for the Epithelial Morphogenesis of RPE Cells and Retinal Attachment

Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition. The molecular mechanism underlying the adhesion between the RPE and photoreceptors is poorly understood because the intimate interactions between these two cell types are impossible to model and study in vitro. In this article, we show that chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is enriched at apical RPE microvilli, which are interdigitated with the photoreceptor outer segment. We used a novel plasmid-based transfection method to cell-autonomously suppress CLIC4 in RPE in situ. CLIC4 silenced RPE cells exhibited a significant loss of apical microvilli and basal infoldings, reduced retinal adhesion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Ectopically expressing ezrin failed to rescue the morphological changes exerted by CLIC4 silencing. Neural retinas adjacent to the CLIC4-suppressed RPE cells display severe dysplasia. Finally, a high level of aquaporin 1 unexpectedly appeared at the apical surfaces of CLIC4-suppressed RPE cells, together with a concomitant loss of basal surface expression of monocarboxylate transporter MCT3. Our results suggested that CLIC4 plays an important role in RPE-photoreceptor adhesion, perhaps by modulating the activity of cell surface channels/transporters. We propose that these changes may be attributable to subretinal fluid accumulation in our novel retinal detachment animal model.
Transcriptional profiling of TLR-4/7/8-stimulated guinea pig splenocytes and whole blood by bDNA assay

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are currently being examined as adjuvants for vaccines, with several lead candidates now in licensed products or in late-stage clinical development. Guinea pigs are widely used for preclinical testing of drugs and vaccines; however, evaluation of TLR agonists in this model is hindered by the limited availability of immunological tools and reagents. In this study, we validated the use of a branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assay known as the QuantiGene Plex 2.0 Reagent System for measuring innate cytokine and chemokine mRNA levels following TLR stimulation of guinea pig cells. Gene expression for T-helper-1 (Th1) polarizing cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL2) was upregulated following ex vivo stimulation of guinea pig splenocytes and whole blood with TLR-4 or TLR-7/8 agonists. These data confirm the utility of the QuantiGene system both as an alternative to RT-PCR for measuring transcript levels and as a high-throughput screening tool for dissecting the immunological response to TLR stimulation in guinea pigs. Overall, the QuantiGene platform is reliable, reproducible, and sensitive. These agonists have the potential to be used as adjuvant components in vaccines against various pathogens.
A Comparative Assessment of TRU Waste Forms and Immobilization Processes

Six alternative TRU waste forms and seven waste immobilization processes are comparatively assessed on the basis of both product properties and process costs and risks. The waste forms are characterized for their leachability, mechanical strength, and thermal and radiation stability. The processes are evaluated in terms of costs (for processing, transportation, and repository disposal) and in terms of occupational exposure, industrial hazard, and quality assurance. Cast cement is recommended for immobilization of defense TRU wastes. A glass system, either borosilicate or aluminosilicate, is recommended for immobilization of commercial TRU wastes.
Quality of Survey Informants' Reports about Death: Verification of Dates through a Record Check.

To determine whether relatives and others can provide valid information about the dates of survey respondents' deaths, informants' reports were compared with death certificates for 328 deceased respondents from the MESA study of older adults. About two-thirds (64.6%) of the informants accurately reported the complete date of death. A somewhat larger percentage (70.4%) correctly reported the day of death, whereas 86.9% and 89.6% remembered the year and month, respectively. The percentage of correct reports varies by the relationship between informant and respondent. Also, the findings suggest that women are more accurate reporters than are men, and that the percentage of accurate reports is greater for longer-term relationships.
Principally normal matrices

Abstract Normal matrices in which all principal submatrices are normal are said to be principally normal. Various characterizations of irreducible matrices in this class of are given. Notably, it is shown that an irreducible matrix is principally normal if and only if it is normal and all of its eigenvalues lie on a line in the complex plane. Such matrices provide a generalization of the Cauchy interlacing theorem.
Gabor representation of generalized functions

This paper deals with Gabor representation of (generalized) functions. By this we mean that a given function is to be expanded in a series involving Gabor functions that are located in the points of a given lattice in the time-frequency plane. We shall mainly consider lattices in which the area of the elementary cells of the lattice equals 1. In 1946, Gabor used these expansions for the simultaneous analysis of signals in time and frequency (cf. 181). Gabor stated that the above mentioned expansions exist for every reasonable signal, and that the coefficients in the expansion are uniquely determined by the signal. This statement is true when interpreted carefully, and the aim of this paper is to find out what kind of (generalized) functions are sufficiently well-behaved to allow a development in a Gabor series. We shall also consider the question of the uniqueness of the coefficients in the expansions, as well as questions concerning convergence. It turns out that the uniqueness questions can be handled with the aid of the main results of [IO] (in particular 2.12 and 2.13); the questions on the existence of expansions are harder to answer, and require special care depending on the particular function. We consider Lpfunctions (1 <p < 2) in detail, and show existence of Gabor representation for tempered distribution in general.
Treatment of acute traumatic stress reactions.

SUMMARY This paper calls for a broadening of the context within which we study responses to traumatic stress, the course of recovery, components of effective interventions, and assessments of outcome. Acute stress reactions to trauma as a spectrum include anxiety, dissociative, and depressive symptoms. The course of these symptoms may vary, with fluctuations between intrusion (“positive”) and avoidance/ numbing/dissociative (“negative”) symptoms that may complicate assessment, treatment-seeking, and course of recovery. Components of effective treatments including affect management, cognitive restructuring, and social integration are discussed. Finally, a broader view of outcome assessment in such research is called for, including not just reduction in psychopathological symptoms but attention to coping styles, affect management, resilience, social reorganization, and sensitivity to subsequent trauma.
Public Self-Consciousness and Physique Stereotyping

Previous research in the body stereotyping literature employing personality trait ratings of endomorphs, mesomorphs, and ectomorphs had failed to find evidence of an interaction between rater personality and physique stereotyping. Using an individual difference construct that has direct relevance for the norms involved in body stereotyping, the present study found support for the role played by public self-consciousness in mediating college students' attributions of a variety of personality traits to endomorphs and mesomorphs. Consistent with predictions, subjects high in public self-consciousness attributed more favorable traits to mesomorphs and more unfavorable traits to endomorphs than subjects low in public self-consciousness. Differential personality evaluations of ectomorphs by subjects who varied in public self-consciousness were not found, possibly because the stereotype of ectomorphs is currently in transition.
Phosphorus Mobility Through Soil Increased with Organic Acid-Bonded Phosphorus Fertilizer (Carbond® P)

Phosphorus fertilizer is critical to crop production but inefficiently absorbed and consequently linked to surface water pollution. Phosphorus mobility was measured on three soils using 0.18 m soil columns treated with Carbond® P (CBP, 7-24-0), ammonium polyphosphate (APP, 10-34-0) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP, 11-52-0) applied either by mixing thoroughly or in concentrated bands at rates of 20 and 30 kg P ha−1. Mobility of P was measured in leachate collected 24, 48, 110 and 365 d after fertilization (daf). Carbond® P produced the highest total P leachate values over 365 d study period compared to MAP or APP for both mixed and band applications. On individual days, CBP generally allowed more soluble P leachate than MAP or APP up until 110 daf (one exception) but not at 365 daf. Higher solubility of P with CBP explains higher P uptake by plants from soils and could reduce total P applications to crops.
Nitric Oxide and Oxygen Regulate Truncated Hemoglobin Gene Expression in Frankia Strain CcI3

The Frankia genome contains two truncated hemoglobin genes (hboN and hboO) whose functions remain to be determined. Nitric oxide (NO) generated by the addition of 400 μM SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine) caused a 10-fold increase in hboN gene expression but had no effect on hboO expression. The addition of the NO scavenger, carboxy-PT10, reduced the effect of SNAP. hboO gene expression increased under low-oxygen conditions, while hboN expression was unaffected. These results suggest that HboN may function in protection from nitrosative stress and that HboO may act as an oxygen transport molecule for increased respiration in hypoxic environments.
Neuroanatomical bases of spatial memory

Although many brain areas have been implicated in spatial memory processes, recent investigations have focused on the hippocampal formation. The present experiment was designed to determine the relative importance of the hippocampal system as compared to the amygdala, the caudate nucleus, or the frontal cortex. Groups of rats were trained to perform on an eight-arm radial maze and then given lesions in one of these brain areas. The post-operative performance of rats with lesions in the fimbria-fornix was never significantly greater than that expected by chance. In contrast, the performance of rats with lesions in the amygdala, the caudate nucleus or the sucal frontal cortex was not significantly different from that of controls. The performance of rats with lesions in the medial frontal cortex was substantially impaired relative to that of the controls during the first few post-operative test sessions, but improved so that by the end of testing the rats were performing as well as were controls. The recovery of function by the rats with lesions in the medial frontal cortex was a function of experience testing on the maze and not simply the passage of time following surgery. Thus, only rats with functional hippocampal systems were able to perform the maze task accurately while thos rats with lesions in the hippocampal system were not.
MAP-TEXT COORDINATION IN GEOGRAPHIC WRITING

Conventional practices in positioning maps within books and journals and in referencing illustrations from the text tend to discourage the reader's careful examination of supporting graphics. By actively pursuing a close coordination of maps and text, both author and editor can improve the communication of geographic facts and ideas. Future developments in computer-assisted cartography will aslo promote this coordination. The professional press should reconsider dysfunctional stylistic guidelines that might inhibit authors from more completely directing the attention of their readers.
1019-26 Reduced Feasibility of Mitral Repair and Greater Risk of Failed Repair in Anterior Leaflet Prolapse or Flail

Mitral valve repair and replacement (MVR) are effective treatments for mitral regurgitation (MR) from prolapse (MVP) and/or flail. Mitral repair preserves LV function and avoids anticoagulation but is not always feasible. To assess whether the location of mitral leaflet prolapse orflail impacts the feasibility of mitral repair, we examined pre- and postop (4-10 days) transthoracic echoes (TTE) on 203 consecutive surgical pts (mean age 60 ± 14 years, 64 women). Pts were separated by which leaflet had prolapse or flail (anterior, posterior, or bileaflet). No pt with bileaflet involvement had anterior flail. Age, gender, preop LV and LA dimensions were not significantly different among the three groups. All pts (3%) with immediate failure of repair had a 2nd pump run for further surgery. Anterior leaflet n = 39 Posterior n = 103 Bileaflet n = 61 Total n = 203 % Flail 49 85 57 72 % Repair 59 * 89 * 87 * 83 % 2nd pump 7.5 1.9 0 2.5 * p l 0.005 The 3 groups (or repair vs MVR) did not differ in reduction in LV (62.7 ± 8.5 to 53 ± 13 mm, p l 0.001) and LA size (54 ± 11 to 46 ± 13 mm, p l 0.001) after surgery. Any flail (vs no flail) increases repair feasibility (85% vs 71%, p = 0.01). Conclusion The feasibility of repair is higher for bileaflet (87%) or posterior (90%) than anterior leaflet prolapse or flail (59%), p l 0.005*; and is higher in flail than prolapsing leaflets. 2. Anterior leaflet flail or prolapse has higher risk of immediate failure after attempted mitral repair.
Development of a chronic sublethal bioassay for evaluating contaminated sediment with the marine polychaete worm Nereis (Neanthes) arenaceodentata

Development of a chronic sublethal sediment bioassay with the polychaete Nereis (Neanthes) arenaceodentata is described. The sublethal test end point was estimated individual somatic growth rate (milligrams dry weight per day). The test was initiated with two- to three-week-old post-emergent juvenile worms and continued for 28 d. The potential bias due to selected nontreatment factors on polychaete survival and growth was evaluated. For example, grain size had no significant effect, whereas the number of worms placed in each exposure vessel was critical. Direct transfer from 30%0 seawater to salinites ≤15%0 had a highly significant and adverse effect on survival and growth. Both survival and growth of juvenile worms may be adversely affected if test conditions involve exposures to ≥ 0.7 mg/L un-ionized ammonia or ≥ 5 mg/L hydrogen sulfide. Survival of juvenile worms to concentrations of the reference toxicant, cadmium chloride, approximating the 96-h LC50 (5 mg/L) was used as a quality control measure. Results are expressed in control chart format analogous to methods used in analytical chemistry.
Is “cold calling” unethical research?

The following discussion comes from the Medical College of Wisconsin Bioethics Discussion Forum on the Internet, by kind permission of the authors. To get information on how to join the forum, send a message to mcw-bioethics-request@jits.mcw.edu.
Dual personality of memory T cells.

Abstract The generation of protective immunological memory is the basis of effective vaccination. Two distinct types of CD4 + and CD8 + memory T cells have been identified recently: central memory cells present in secondary lymphoid tissues and effector memory cells residing in nonlymphoid tissues. How these subtypes arise and whether they represent distinct lineages are major outstanding questions. Recent reports suggest that cytokines might influence the decision-making process of central versus effector memory, and these data are discussed in the light of our current knowledge.
Improvement of sensitivity of acousto-optical imaging using a powerful long pulse laser

Acousto-optical imaging is based on the detection of strongly scattered light which is in part modulated by its interaction with an ultrasonic wave. This method benefits from the acoustic uniformity (low acoustic scattering and absorption) of an optically diffusive medium and the spectrally selective absorption of photons. In this work, we consider the use a pulsed single-frequency laser to increase the instantaneous optical power applied to the diffusive medium while maintaining the average power below the maximum permissible exposure. Such a laser source concentrates the illumination of the diffusive medium during the transit time of the ultrasonic toneburst. This allows collecting more ultrasound-modulated photons for a given ultrasonic wave amplitude. We found, however, that a pulsed laser of this kind generates additional noise which limits the sensitivity gain expected from its high peak power. Progress toward sensitive imaging was achieved by developing methods to reduce the impact of this additional noise. Results obtained with differential detection, laser beam spatio-temporal homogenization and variable delay synchronization are presented. With such measures, the use of a pulsed laser appears a promising solution for enhancing the sensitivity in acousto-optical imaging.
Voltage stability analysis of multi-infeed HVDC systems using small-signal stability assessment

This paper presents an analysis of multi-infeed HVDC systems voltage stability using small-signal analysis techniques (eigen-structure analysis). A correlation ratio relating to voltage stability is put forward. A small test system with two HVDC infeeds is built to study the voltage stability of the multi-infeed HVDC system. Then the detailed dynamic models of the HVDC system including DC system control model, the generator, the induction motor load and the ac network are investigated. The case studies presented in this paper indicate that the voltage stability correlation ratio (VSCR) can effectively identify the critical elements which strongly correlate with voltage stability in multi-infeed HVDC systems.
Hyalinosis cutis et mucosae

Abstract Hyalinosis cutis et mucosae is an uncommon genetic disease characterized by accumulation of glycoproteinaceous material not only at mucocutaneous sites but also in salivary glands, central and peripheral nervous systems, eyes, and other organs and tissues. The course of the disease is protracted, and it is not likely to regress, either spontaneously or with therapy. Although it does not usually result in decreased longevity, the disorder may produce considerable disfigurement and functional impairment. This article documents the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented with vocal weakness, misarticulations, and hoarseness; hypopigmented scarring of the arms and pubis; fibrotic thickenings of the oral and laryngeal mucosa; and serous otitis media. A tongue biopsy revealed diffuse hyaline deposits throughout the connective tissue and in a lamellar pattern about blood vessels. A diagnosis of hyalinosis cutis et mucosae was made.
THE EFFECT OF OXYGEN ON SECONDARY DEFECT FORMATION IN MEV SELF-IMPLANTED SILICON

Abstract The effects of ion fluence and oxygen concentration on secondary defect formation in MeV self-implanted silicon has been studied for Czochralski (Cz) and float zone (FZ) wafers by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy with bevel polishing/chemical etching. We found that the density, distribution and number of extended defects is strongly dependent upon the oxygen concentration. The dislocation density was found to be up to one order of magnitude lower in FZ wafers. At high ion fluences (∼ 10 15 cm −2 ), secondary defects form in a well-defined band near the ion projected range, R p . At lower ion fluences, dislocations extend from the defect band to increasingly large depths. For ion fluences approaching the threshold for secondary defect formation (∼ 10 14 cm −2 ), defects are observed from the surface to depths of ⋍ 10 μm, i.e., five times R p .
Effects of spinal transection in neonatal and weanling rats: survival of function.

Abstract The spinal cord of neonatal rats and weanling rats was transected midthoracically. The recovery and maturation of responses in the hind quarters were followed and compared with response development in normal rats. In rats transected as neonates, the hind limbs supported the hind quarters, the tail was dorsiflexed, and the hind limbs stepped during locomotion. When a hind limb fell through a grid, struggling movements, replacement, and a response similar to tactile placing were observed. Rapid extension often bounced the hind quarters off a grid when the foot pads contacted a grid bar. Pinching elicited clonic flexion and wriggling of the hind quarters with a prolonged afterdischarge. In animals transected as weanlings, the hind limbs and tail were passively extended and did not participate in locomotion. The hind limbs also hung passively through a grid and struggling was brief. Clonic flexion and wriggling to pinch lacked an afterdischarge. Choreoathetoidlike movements and spasms were common in the weanling group. In a number of respects including temporal correspondence in the appearance of certain responses, the response maturation of the neonatally transected animal resembled the ontogeny of responses in the normal animal. These data indicate that the local development of the spinal cord continues in the absence of supraspinal control. Hence it appears that the presence or absence of supraspinal control during development is the basis for the differences in the survival of responses from the isolated spinal cords of the neonatal group when compared to the weanling animals. This “survival of function” effect may help to explain the sparing of function often found after lesions in the developing nervous system.
Long-term changes in the density and structure of the human hip and spine after long-duration spaceflight

Abstract To determine the long-term effects of long-duration spaceflight, we measured bone mineral density and bone geometry of International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) before launch, immediately upon their return, one year after return, and 2–4.5 years after return from the ISS. Eight crew members (7 male, 1 female, mean age 45±4 years at start of mission) who spent an average of 181 days (range 161–196 days) aboard the ISS took part in the study. Integral bone mineral density (iBMD), trabecular BMD (tBMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured in the lumbar spine, and iBMD, tBMD, cortical BMD (cBMD), BMC, CSA, volume, and femoral neck section modulus were measured in the hip. Spine iBMD was 95% of the average preflight value upon return from the ISS and reached its preflight value over the next 2–4.5 years. Spine tBMD was 97% of the average preflight value upon return from the ISS and tended to decrease throughout the course of the study. Vertebral CSA remained essentially unchanged throughout the study. Hip iBMD was 91% of the preflight value upon return from the ISS and was 95% of the preflight value after 2–4.5 years of recovery. Hip tBMD was 88% of the preflight value upon return and recovered to only 93% of the preflight value after 1 year. At the 2- to 4.5-year time point, average tBMD was 88% of the preflight value. During the recovery period the total volume and cortical bone volume in the hip reached values of 114% and 110% of their preflight values, respectively. The combination of age-related bone loss, long-duration spaceflight, and re-adaptation to the 1-g terrestrial environment presumably produced these changes. These long-term data suggest that skeletal changes that occur during long-duration spaceflight persist even after multiple years of recovery. These changes have important implications for the skeletal health of crew members, especially those who make repeat trips to space.
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) induced patterning of micro beads in microfluidic channels

Micro beads were patterned in microfluidic channels by using standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW). The SSAW were formed through two parallel interdigital transducers (IDTs) on a LiNbO3 substrate. A PDMS microchannel was aligned with the IDTs and bonded with the substrate. A solution of fluorescent polystyrene beads (diameter: 1.9 mum) was injected into the channel through a pressure driven flow. When a 25 dBm AC signal (frequency: 23.9 MHz) was applied to the IDTs, the beads were patterned into two straight lines (~5 mum in width) along the pressure nodes inside the channel.
San Andreas fault zone head waves near Parkfield, California

Microearthquake seismograms from the borehole seismic network on the San Andreas fault near Parkfield, California, provide three lines of evidence that first P arrivals are "head" waves refracted along the cross-fault material contrast. First, the travel time difference between these arrivals and secondary phases identified as direct P waves scales linearly with the source-receiver distance. Second, these arrivals have the emergent wave character associated in theory and practice with refracted head waves instead of the sharp first breaks associated with direct P arrivals. Third, the first motion polarities of the emergent arrivals are reversed from those of the direct P waves as predicted by the theory of fault zone head waves for slip on the San Andreas fault. The presence of fault zone head waves in local seismic network data may help account for scatter in earthquake locations and source mechanisms. The fault zone head waves indicate that the velocity contrast across the San Andreas fault near Parkfield is approximately 4 percent. Further studies of these waves may provide a way of assessing changes in the physical state of the fault system.
Correlation between chemical suppression of natural killer cell activity in mice and susceptibility to cytomegalovirus: rationale for applying murine cytomegalovirus as a host resistance model and for interpreting immunotoxicity testing in terms of risk of disease.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between chemical suppression of natural killer (NK) cell activity in mice and chemical effects on susceptibility to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection. The goal was to provide a rational basis for applying MCMV as a host resistance model for immunotoxicity testing and to provide risk assessors some guidance in relating suppression of NK cell activity to enhanced risk of disease. Data from studies with eight chemicals administered in various doses and by various routes were evaluated, and a significant correlation was observed between chemical suppression of virus-augmented NK cell activity and increased mortality due to MCMV infection. In contrast, effects of the same chemical treatments on spontaneous NK cell activity (i.e., basal activity in uninfected mice) did not correlate with effects of these chemicals on mortality due to MCMV. Although chemicals that suppressed spontaneous NK cell activity enhanced infection, the converse was not always true--that is, increased susceptibility to infection and suppression of virus-augmented NK cell activity were observed on three occasions when spontaneous NK cell activity was unaffected. This latter phenomenon plus the fact that for two chemicals spontaneous NK was suppressed at concentrations twofold below that which affected mortality appear to account for the poor statistical correlation. Nevertheless, the data indicate that MCMV is a useful host resistance model to be applied in immunotoxicity testing when suppression of NK cell activity has been demonstrated. However, virus-augmented activity may be a better indicator than spontaneous activity. The data also indicated that suppression of NK cell activity is predictive of increased susceptibility to infection and hence provides qualitative guidance (hazard identification) to risk assessors.
A new technique for bandwidth improvement and size reduction of helical antennas

Novel modifications on axial-mode wire helical antennas are introduced by replacing the wire with a tapered strip and using a doubly tapered impedance matching section.These modifications increase the bandwidth by 8% and reduce the helix height buy more than 0.6 wavelength. Simulation and measurement results are presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2990-2994, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26427
Acceleration of Wound Healing by -gal Nanoparticles Interacting with the Natural Anti-Gal Antibody

Application of α-gal nanoparticles to wounds and burns induces accelerated healing by harnessing the natural anti-Gal antibody which constitutes ~1% of human immunoglobulins. α-gal nanoparticles present multiple α-gal epitopes (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R), the carbohydrate ligand of anti-Gal. Studied α-gal nanoparticles were comprised of glycolipids with α-gal epitopes, phospholipids, and cholesterol. Binding of anti-Gal to α-gal nanoparticles in wounds activates the complement cascade, resulting in formation of chemotactic complement cleavage peptides that induce rapid recruitment of many macrophages. The Fc/Fcγ receptors interaction between anti-Gal coating α-gal nanoparticles and the recruited macrophages activates macrophages to produce cytokines/growth factors that promote wound healing and recruit stem cells. Studies of wound healing by α-gal nanoparticles were feasible in α1,3galactosyltransferase knockout mice and pigs. In contrast to other nonprimate mammals, these mice and pigs lack the α-gal epitope, and thus they are not immunotolerant to it and produce anti-Gal. Treatment of skin wounds and burns with α-gal nanoparticles resulted in 40–60% decrease in healing time in comparison with control wounds treated with saline. This accelerated healing is associated with increased recruitment of macrophages and extensive angiogenesis in wounds, faster regrowth of epidermis, and regeneration of the dermis. The accelerated healing further decreases and may completely eliminate fibrosis and scar formation in wounds. Since healing of internal injuries is mediated by mechanisms similar to those in external wound healing, it is suggested that α-gal nanoparticles treatment may also improve regeneration and restoration of biological function following internal injuries such as surgical incisions, myocardial ischemia following infarction, and nerve injuries.
d-Cycloserine administration does not affect neurocognition in concurrent cocaine- and nicotine-dependent volunteers☆

Abstract Neurocognitive impairment is a well‐documented consequence of long‐term, repeated cocaine exposure and has been identified as an important target of treatment. Thus, this study sought to determine whether the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) partial agonist, d‐ cycloserine could improve neurocognitive performance in a sample of 27 long‐term, high dose cocaine dependent individuals who were not seeking treatment at the time of enrollment in the study. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated whether a single dose of 0 or 50 mg of d ‐cycloserine would enhance performance on measures of attention/information processing speed, episodic memory, and executive/frontal lobe functioning relative to test performance at baseline. The results revealed that d ‐cycloserine did not modulate neurocognition in this cohort, though there are a number of factors that may have mitigated the effects of d ‐cycloserine in this particular study. The negative findings notwithstanding, the current study serves as a springboard for future investigations that will examine whether other medications that can modulate neurocognition in cocaine-dependent study participants.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type-1 and Spinobulbar Muscular Atrophy Gene Products Interact with Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Spinocerebellar ataxia type1 (SCA1) is one of several neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansions of translated CAG trinucleotide repeats which code for polyglutamine in the respective proteins. Most hypotheses about the molecular defect in these disorders suggest a gain of function, which may involve interactions with other proteins via the expanded polyglutamine tract. In this study we used ataxin-1, the SCA1 gene product, as a bait in the yeast two-hybrid system and identified the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as an ataxin-1 interacting protein. In addition, the yeast two hybrid data demonstrate that wild type and mutant ataxin-1 form homo and heterodimers. Physical interaction between GAPDH and ataxin-1 was also demonstrated in vitro. To investigate if GAPDH might interact with other glutamine repeat-containing proteins involved in neurodegenerative disorders, we tested its binding to the androgen receptor which is mutated in spinobulbar muscular atrophy. The androgen receptor interacts with GAPDH both in the yeast two-hybrid system and in vitro. The binding of both ataxin-1 and the androgen receptor to GAPDH does not vary with the length of the polyglutamine tract. While provocative, these findings do not address the selective neuronal loss in each of these disorders in light of the wide expression patterns of GAPDH and the respective polyglutamine containing proteins. Nonetheless, such interactions may increase the susceptibility of specific neurons to a variety of insults and initiate degeneration.
Age at menarche in athletes and their mothers and sisters

SummaryRetrospective ages at menarche were obtained from 109 university athletes and their mothers, and from 77 sisters of the athletes. The athletes were participants in seven sports. Mean age (±SD) at menarche of the 109 athletes was identical with that of the total sample of 338 athletes from which they were drawn, 13·8 ± 1·5 years. Mean age at menarche in the mothers was 13·4 ± 1·7 years. When mothers were grouped as having been athletes (n = 52) or non-athletes (n = 57), menarcheal ages were, respectively, 13·7 ± 1·8 years and 13·2 ± 1·5 years. The mother-daughter correlation for age at menarche was 0·25. Corresponding correlations between athletes and mothers who were athletes and between athletes and mothers who were not athletes were 0·24 and 0·22, respectively. Ages at menarche in athletes who had sisters (n = 62) and their sisters (n = 77) were 14·0 ± 1·4 and 13·6 ± 1·6 years, respectively. The intraclass sister-sister correlation was 0·44. Familial resemblance in age at menarche in athletes, th...
Retinal optical coherence tomography manifestations of intraocular lymphoma

Purpose Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare disease. The index report describes a patient with intraocular lymphoma secondary to recurrent PCNSL and corresponding retinal findings on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
Arginase Is Inoperative in Developing Soybean Embryos

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) transcript level and activity were measured in soybean ( Glycine max L.) embryos from the reserve deposition stage to postgermination. Using a cDNA probe for a small soybean arginase gene family, no transcript was detected in developing embryos. However, arginase transcripts increased sharply on germination, reaching a maximum at 3 to 5 d after germination. There was low but measurable in vitro arginase specific activity in developing embryos (less than 6% of seedling maximum). During germination arginase specific activity increased in parallel with the sharply increasing arginase transcript level. Seedling arginase activity was largely localized in cotyledons. Arginase activity was assayed in vivo by measuring urea accumulation in a urease-deficient mutant. No urea was detected in developing embryos, whereas accumulated urea paralleled arginase specific activity and transcript level in germinating seedlings. As in planta embryos, cultured cotyledons did not accumulate urea when arginine (Arg) was provided with other amino acids in a “mock” seed-coat exudate. Arg as the sole nitrogen source was converted to urea but did not support cotyledon growth. There appeared to be a lack of recruitment of the low-level arginase activity to hydrolyze free Arg in developing embryos, thus avoiding a futile urea cycle.
Ecological implications of projected climate change scenarios in forest ecosystems of central North America

Climate change scenarios in central North America were projected for selected weather stations using a stochastic daily weather simulation model. The projections were conditioned on changes in seasonal temperature and precipitation as predicted by several global climate models. The impacts of these projected changes on temperate forest ecosystems were evaluated through projected changes in such variables as average annual temperature, average growing season temperature, and the ratio of potential evaporation to precipitation during July and August. Even the mildest climate change scenario examined indicated that ecologically significant changes could occur in the composition and productivity of these forests. The possibility also exists that climatically induced regional decline episodes for a number of important commercial species could occur in the northern temperate forests of central North America.
Dynamics and stability of hysteretic and multiphoton optical resonances of a single slightly relativistic cyclotron electron

The stability of hysteretic cyclotron resonance, subharmonic optical excitation, and biharmonic optical cyclo-Raman resonances of a single electron is analyzed. A simple criterion of small-perturbation stability is derived whereby for the main resonance and subharmonic resonances those states are stable for which the derivative of the electron energy with respect to driving intensity is positive and vice versa. For the cyclo-Raman resonances in the absence of isolated states (the so-called isolas) the stability criterion is the same, whereas in the presence of the isolas it is reversed above the point of self-crossing in each isola. We also explored the behavior of the system in-large, using phase portraits and demonstrated existence of corridors of attraction as well as phase multistability in subharmonics and higher-order cyclo-Raman excitation.
Hendra virus V protein inhibits interferon signaling by preventing STAT1 and STAT2 nuclear accumulation

The V protein of the recently emerged paramyxovirus, Nipah virus, has been shown to inhibit interferon (IFN) signal transduction through cytoplasmic sequestration of cellular STAT1 and STAT2 in high-molecular-weight complexes. Here we demonstrate that the closely related Hendra virus V protein also inhibits cellular responses to IFN through binding and cytoplasmic sequestration of both STAT1 and STAT2, but not STAT3. These findings demonstrate a V protein-mediated IFN signal evasion mechanism that is a general property of the known Henipavirus species.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: a systematic review

Greater fish oil consumption has been associated with reduced CVD risk, although the mechanisms are unclear. Plant-source oil omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) have also been studied regarding their cardiovascular effect. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of consumption of fish oil and ALA on commonly measured serum CVD risk factors, performing meta-analyses when appropriate. Combining 21 trials evaluating lipid outcomes, fish oil consumption resulted in a summary net change in triglycerides of -27 (95% CI -33, -20)mg/dL, in HDL cholesterol of +1.6 (95% CI +0.8, +2.3)mg/dL, and in LDL cholesterol of +6 (95% CI +3, +8)mg/dL. There was no effect of fish oil on total cholesterol. Across studies, higher fish oil dose and higher baseline levels were associated with greater reductions in serum triglycerides. Overall, the 27 fish oil trials evaluating Hgb A(1c) or FBS found small non-significant net increases compared to control oils. Five studies of ALA were inconsistent in their effects on lipids, Hgb A(1c) or FBS. Four studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on hs-CRP were also inconsistent and non-significant. The evidence supports a dose-dependent beneficial effect of fish oil on serum triglycerides, particularly among people with more elevated levels. Fish oil consumption also modestly improves HDL cholesterol, increases LDL cholesterol levels, but does not appear to adversely affect glucose homeostasis. The evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on hs-CRP is inconclusive, as are data on ALA.
Prototype capacitor produced by freeze tape-casting

In previous research freeze casting was used to construct ceramic-polymer composites in which the two phases are arranged in an electrically parallel configuration. By doing so, the composites exhibit dielectric constant (K) up to two orders of magnitude higher than that of composites with ceramic particles randomly dispersed in a polymer matrix. This technique has been successful with both an aqueous and camphene based ceramic slurry that is frozen uni-directionally to form a template such that ceramic aggregates are aligned in the temperature gradient direction. This technique has also been modified to process the slurry at room temperature using a tape caster. This alleviates the need for liquid nitrogen and a freeze-dryer. Transitioning the directional freezing technique to use a tape caster was successful and 20 vol.% BaTiO 3 X7R ceramic plates were produced from camphene based tapes fired at 1300 °C for 2hrs. A 10 layer prototype capacitor was produced with a capacitance of 1.4 nF (K ∼ 490) and low loss. This work shows that it is viable to scale the freezing technology up for future high K composite capacitor production.
Eptifibatide vs abciximab as adjunctive therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes among patients receiving eptifibatide or abciximab during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (MI) with ST elevation or new left bundle branch block. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 1999 through January 2004, 576 patients underwent primary PCI and received adjunctive glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Propensity scores were used to adjust for baseline differences between groups. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards were used to model the association between choice of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist and adverse events. RESULTS Abciximab was given to 327 patients (57%) and eptifibatide to 249 (43%). Observed rates of in-hospital death or MI did not differ between groups (eptifibatide, 6%; abciximab, 5%; P=.95). This result persisted with adjustment for various patient characteristics (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-2.65; P=.95). Kaplan-Meier estimated rates of death, MI, or target vessel revascularization at 1-year follow-up were 20.9% with eptifibatide and 22.3% with abciximab. The adjusted hazard ratio for the composite end point during a median follow-up of 12 months was 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.89-2.07; P=.16). CONCLUSION In this observational analysis, outcomes were similar with use of either abciximab or eptifibatide among patients undergoing primary PCI for acute MI. Additional comparative research is warranted to confirm these results.
Wavelength scanning digital interference holography for variable tomographic scanning

We present a novel technique of variable tomographic scanning capable of reconstructing tomographic images of an object volume along any arbitrarily tilted plane. The method is based on wavelength scanning digital interference holography, using a series of holograms generated with a range of scanned wavelengths. From each hologram, the object field is reconstructed in a number of selected tilted planes. The desired tomographic images are then reconstructed from the numerical superposition of the object fields. Thus the tomographic images can be generated along variable planes without the need for physically repeating the scanning and recording processes. Experimental results are presented to verify the proposed concept.