cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemo-immunotherapy and chemo-adoptive immunotherapy of cancer

The chemo-immunotherapy (CIT) and chemo-adoptive immunotherapy (CAIT) regimens tested in the past decade are summarized. From them we have learned a great deal about the interactions between various chemotherapeutic agents, immune modulating agents and effector cells. The most commonly reported result in multi-modality experiments with CAIT has been a synergistic enhancement in antitumor activity. Clinical trials usually demonstrated improvement in patient quality of life, an extension of survival time, and occasional complete regression of tumor. In many animal models, this enhancement often meant the complete regression and apparent cure of tumor in the animal. One mechanism by which this synergistic enhancement takes place appears to be a suppression of tumor-associated suppressor T cell activity by the chemotherapeutic agents, thereby inducing enhanced cytolytic activity against tumor by the adoptively transferred, activated effector cells. In CAIT the most commonly used drug has been cyclophosphamide. In CIT a wide variety of chemotherapy agents have been used but none of the clinical trials made use of cyclophosphamide. Thus, direct comparisons are not possible. Suggestive of the intricate regulatory processes involved, many CIT studies indicate a synergy only when specific doses of chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents are given, and in a specific sequence. CIT has become less toxic, is being handled on a cost-effective outpatient basis, while maintaining similar objective response rates to earlier inpatient treatments. In the future, CAIT and CIT will probably have an increasing role in the management of patients with specific cancers.
Improving Adolescent Judgment and Decision Making.

Human judgment and decision making (JDM) has substantial room for improvement, especially among adolescents. Increased technological and social complexity “ups the ante” for developing impactful JDM interventions and aids. Current explanatory advances in this field emphasize dual processing models that incorporate both experiential and analytic processing systems. According to these models, judgment and decisions based on the experiential system are rapid and stem from automatic reference to previously stored episodes. Those based on the analytic system are viewed as slower and consciously developed. These models also hypothesize that metacognitive (self-monitoring) activities embedded in the analytic system influence how and when the two systems are used. What is not included in these models is the development of an intersection between the two systems. Because such an intersection is strongly suggested by memory and educational research as the basis of wisdom/expertise, the present paper describes an Integrated Judgment and Decision-Making Model (IJDM) that incorporates this component. Wisdom/expertise is hypothesized to contain a collection of schematic structures that can emerge from the accumulation of similar episodes or repeated analytic practice. As will be argued, in comparisons to dual system models, the addition of this component provides a broader basis for selecting and designing interventions to improve adolescent JDM. Its development also has implications for generally enhancing cognitive interventions by adopting principles from athletic training to create automated, expert behaviors.
An intramolecular linkage involving isodityrosine in extensin

We isolated isodityrosine, a diphenyl ether linked amino acid, from cell wall hydrolysates and from two tryptic peptides of extensin. Determination of the molecular weights, net charges and composition of the peptides indicated that isodityrosine (IDT) can form a short intramolecular linkage in sequences consisting of:
Product or Waste? Importation and End-of-Life Processing of Computers in Peru

This paper considers the importation of used personal computers (PCs) in Peru and domestic practices in their production, reuse, and end-of-life processing. The empirical pillars of this study are analysis of government data describing trade in used and new computers and surveys and interviews of computer sellers, refurbishers, and recyclers. The United States is the primary source of used PCs imported to Peru. Analysis of shipment value (as measured by trade statistics) shows that 87−88% of imported used computers had a price higher than the ideal recycle value of constituent materials. The official trade in end-of-life computers is thus driven by reuse as opposed to recycling. The domestic reverse supply chain of PCs is well developed with extensive collection, reuse, and recycling. Environmental problems identified include open burning of copper-bearing wires to remove insulation and landfilling of CRT glass. Distinct from informal recycling in China and India, printed circuit boards are usually not re...
The space of peace-maintenance

Abstract Since receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1988, United Nations peacekeeping operations have expanded, changed in many ways and encountered new, unexpected and difficult problems. This detailed analysis reviews the history, changing nature and current problems of UN peace-making and peace-maintaining activities, using a number of examples. It emphasizes the complex and ever-changing ideas and manoeuvering within the UN, particularly the Security Council and the Secretariat, during three distinct eras of peacekeeping, peace-enforcement and peace-maintenance, distinguished by their diplomatic, military or political character, respectively. UN operations in the Congo, Namibia, Cambodia and Somalia receive special attention, and UN objectives and methods are contrasted with those of Russia in its ‘near abroad’. The article concludes with specific recommendations for UN action and a warning that political operations must receive widespread and concrete support from the international community.
Master formula approach to broken chiral U ( 3 ) × U ( 3 ) symmetry

The master formula approach to chiral symmetry breaking proposed by Yamagishi and Zahed is extended to the U_R(3)xU_L(3) group, in which effects of the U_A(1) anomaly and the flavor symmetry breaking m_u \not= m_d \not= m_s are properly contained. New identities for the gluon topological susceptibility and pi^0, eta, eta' -> gamma^(*) gamma^(*) decays are derived, which exactly embody the consequence from broken chiral symmetry in QCD without relying on any unphysical limit.
Defining the epidemiology of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: prior work and current challenges.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is an adverse effect of bisphosphonate use with a poorly described epidemiology in osteoporosis patients. We examined the literature and two new cohorts for BONJ. The literature suggests an incidence rate of 0.028 % to 4.3 %. Our cohort studies found an incidence of 0.02 % (95 % CI 0.004 %–0.11 %). We examined the epidemiology of BONJ associated with osteoporosis dosing of bisphosphonates. First, we systematically searched the literature about osteoporosis BONJ. Identified studies were abstracted by two authors. Second, we attempted to estimate the relative risk of BONJ among bisphosphonate users with osteoporosis. Two different large insurance databases, one from 2005–2007 and another from 2007–2010, combined with medical record review, were searched. The older dataset did not include the International Classification of Diagnoses (ICD) diagnosis code for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ; ICD 733.45). Incidence rates and relative risks were estimated using Cox regression. The literature review produced nine studies of varying quality. The incidence rates for BONJ among osteoporosis patients varied from 0.028 % to 4.3 %. Two prior studies estimated the relative risk of ONJ related to bisphosphonates and found odds ratios of 7.2 and 9.2. Our attempts to estimate the incidence rate of BONJ encompassed 41,957 in the dataset from 2005–2007 and 466,645 in a separate dataset from 2007–2010. From the older dataset, we found 51 potential cases of BONJ using a broad definition of possible ONJ. One case was confirmed by a dentist for a prevalence of 0.02 % (95 % CI 0.004 %–0.11 %) among bisphosphonate users. From the newer dataset, we found 13 possible cases, but none could be confirmed. Most subjects with the ONJ diagnosis code appeared to have had an osteoporosis-related fracture and not ONJ. The literature suggests a broad range of possible values for the prevalence of BONJ; our estimate fell within the range from prior literature.
Graded α-adrenoceptor activation of arteries involves recruitment of smooth muscle cells to produce ‘all or none’ Ca2+signals

Abstract Confocal laser scanning microscopy and Fluo-4 were used to visualize Ca 2+ transients within individual smooth muscle cells (SMC) of rat resistance arteries during α 1 -adrenoceptor activation. The typical spatio-temporal pattern of [Ca 2+ ] in an artery after exposure to a maximally effective concentration of phenylephrine (PE, 10.0 μM) was a large, brief, relatively homogeneous Ca 2+ transient, followed by Ca 2+ waves, which then declined in frequency over the course of 5 min and which were asynchronous in different SMC. Concentration–Effect (CE) curves relating the concentration of PE (range: 0.1 μM to 10.0 μM) to the effects (fraction of cells producing at least one Ca 2+ wave, and number of Ca 2+ waves during 5 min) had EC 50 values of ∼0.5 μM and ∼1.0 μM respectively. The initial Ca 2+ transient and the subsequent Ca 2+ waves were abolished in the presence of caffeine (10.0 μM). A repeated exposure to PE, 1.5 min after the first had ended, elicited fewer Ca 2+ waves in fewer cells than did the initial exposure. Caffeine-sensitive Ca 2+ stores were not depleted at this time, however, as caffeine alone was capable of inducing a large release of Ca 2+ 1.5 min after PE. In summary, the mechanism of a graded response to graded α 1 -adrenoceptor activation is the progressive ‘recruitment’ of individual SMC, which then respond in ‘all or none’ fashion ( viz . asynchronous Ca 2+ waves). Ca 2+ signaling continues in the arterial wall throughout the time-course (at least 5 min) of activation of α 1 -adrenoceptors. The fact that the Ca 2+ waves are asynchronous accounts for the previously reported fall in 'arterial wall [Ca 2+ ]' (i.e. spatial average [Ca 2+ ] over all cells).
Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for various psychiatric conditions, and it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of refractory depression. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration also approved vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent depression. Although electrical stimulation is used for both ECT and vagus nerve stimulation, the mechanisms of their action are very different. The American Psychiatric Association task force identifies no absolute contraindications to the use of ECT. The authors present 2 interesting cases of successful ECT in combination with vagus nerve stimulator.
Children’s Compliance with American Academy of Pediatrics’ Well-Child Care Visit Guidelines and the Early Detection of Autism

This study estimated compliance with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for well-child care and the association between compliance and age at diagnosis in a national sample of Medicaid-enrolled children with autism (N = 1,475). Mixed effects linear regression was used to assess the relationship between compliance and age at diagnosis. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.4 (SD 8.4) months, and mean compliance was 55 % (SD 33 %). Children whose care was compliant with AAP guidelines were diagnosed 1.6 months earlier than children who received no well-child care. Findings support that the timely receipt of well-child care may contribute to earlier detection. Additional research on the contribution of compliance, well-child visit components and provider characteristics on the timely diagnosis of autism is needed.
A virtual environment for steered molecular dynamics

Abstract A molecular dynamics simulation approximates the motion of atoms in a system of molecules over short intervals of simulated time, typically in the order of picoseconds to nanoseconds. Such simulations may run for days or weeks on a computer when used to investigate the dynamic behavior of small proteins in biological systems. By adding additional restraints, a simulation may be steered to observe the possibility of particular behaviors or to eliminate others over shorter timescales. We have developed the steered molecular dynamics (SMD) system to interactively place and observe the effects of restraints in a running dynamics simulation. In this article, we describe an application of SMD to the extraction of small ligands from proteins, and an immersive virtual 3D environment through which the SMD system can be operated. The virtual environment is constructed using the protein interactive theater (PIT) system, a head-tracked stereo workspace for two users.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mediates murine colon adenocarcinoma invasion

Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) modulates cell–cell adhesion and is a receptor for cognate ligands on leukocytes. Upregulation of ICAM-1 has been demonstrated in malignant transformation of adenomas and is associated with poor prognosis for many malignancies. ICAM-1 is upregulated on the invasive front of pancreatic metastases and melanomas. These data suggest that the upregulated ICAM-1 expression promotes malignant progression. We hypothesize that the downregulation of ICAM-1 will mitigate tumor progression.
Handedness: evaluation of binomial distribution hypothesis in children and adults.

7 timed, unilateral-hand function tasks were administered to 240 adults and 378 children. Discrepancies between right- and left-hand time scores were used to classify Ss into right-, left-, or “mixed-”handed categories. Only partial fit was observed between obtained frequencies of handedness and frequencies predicted from the assumption of a binomial distribution of handedness. Using a performance-defined criteria for handedness, more children than adults showed faster performance with their left hands and more adults than children showed equivalent time scores for both hands.
Intestinal peptide hydrolases differences between brush border and cytoplasmic enzymes.

Abstract Enzymes catalyzing hydrolysis of L -phenylalanylglycine (Phe-Gly) and glycyl- L -phenylalanine (Gly-Phe) were demonstrated in both cytoplasmic and brush border fractions of rat intestinal mucosa. The particulate fractions of mucosa comprised 61% of Phe-Gly hydrolase but only 3% of the total Gly-Phe hydrolase activity. In the presence of 0.1 mM p -hydroxymercuribenzoate (PHMB), both cytoplasmic activities were inhibited more than 95% but brush border hydrolases were unaffected. Heating for 1 h at 55 °C destroyed more than 95% of the soluble dipeptide hydrolase activities but decreased brush border activities less than 15%. In addition, Michaelis-Menten constants for both brush border enzymes were significantly greater than for the corresponding cytoplasmic activities. Brush border and supernatant enzymes had similar pH optima. Brush border hydirolases solubilized with Triton X-100, like the enzymes of intact bruch borders, were heat stable and not inhibited by PHMB. Assays of isolated epithelial cells confirmed the presence of dipeptide hydrolase activity in the cytoplasm of the enterocyte. Following ligation of the common pancreatico-biliary duct, neither cytoplasmic nor particulate peptide hydrolase decreased sufficiently to suggest that pancreatic enzymes contribute significantly to mucosal Phe-Gly or Gly-Phe hydrolase activities. The present observations strongly suggest that different enzymes are involved in the hydrolysis of dipeptides by brush border and cytoplasmic fractions of intestinal epithelial cells. It remains to be determined whether brush border or cytoplasmic enzymes, or both, are responsible for hydrolysis of peptides derived from intraluminal proteins.
The Effect of Chronic Cannabinoids on Broadband EEG Neural Oscillations in Humans

Animal and cellular work has shown that central cannabinoid-1 receptors modulate neural oscillations in the gamma range (40 Hz), which may be important for normal perceptual and cognitive processes. In order to assess the effect of cannabinoids on broadband-frequency neural oscillations in humans, the current study examined the effect of chronic cannabis use on auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) utilizing electroencephalography (EEG). Passive ASSRs were assessed using varying rates of binaural stimulation (auditory click-trains; 10–50 Hz in increments of 5 Hz; 80 dB SPL) in carefully screened cannabis users and controls. Chronic cannabis users (n=22; 12 h abstinence before study; positive 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol urine levels) and cannabis naive controls (n=24) were evaluated. Time X frequency analyses on EEG data were performed using Fourier-based mean trial power (MTP) and phase-locking (inter-trial coherence; ITC). Transient ERPs to stimulus onset (auditory N100 components) were also evaluated. As predicted, a decrease in spectral power (MTP) at 40 Hz was observed in the cannabis group (p<0.018). No effects on phase-locking (ITC) or the N100 were observed. Further, within the cannabis group, lower 40 Hz power correlated with an earlier age of onset of cannabis use (p<0.04). These data suggest that chronic exposure to exogenous cannabinoids can alter the ability to generate neural oscillations, particularly in the gamma range. This is consistent with preclinical animal and cellular data, which may have implications for understanding the short- and long-term psychopharmacological effects of cannabis.
An analysis of mechanical micromachining

The analysis of the high-speed mechanical micro milling process is described in this paper. The present work not only compares various computational approaches to the solution of shear plane and tool face temperatures, but also explains why there is a difference when calculating temperatures generated during the micromachining process. The analysis shows that the computed temperature of the shear plane never exceeds 35°C when micro milling at spindle speeds in excess of 250,000 revolutions per minute. Machining AISI 1020 steel at significantly high speeds presents significant challenges to prevent the accelerated wear of the cutting tool that is caused by the frictional interactions between chip and tool and the nature of the intermittent contact. The analysis also shows the effect of coating at reducing the interface temperatures between chip and tool and concludes that each coating has very little effect at reducing temperature at the tool face and at the primary shear zone.
Structure of 6Li from high-energy proton scattering

Abstract The elastic and inelastic (2.189 MeV level) scattering of 1 GeV protons from 6 Li is predicted using Glauber multiple-scattering theory in conjunction with an α-d cluster model capable of fitting quantitatively a large number of measured form factors, in particular the most recent high-momentum-transfer electron scattering data. The predictions, especially in the inelastic channel, are quite sensitive to the parameters of the model. A valuable opportunity is thus provided via experiments well within the capabilities of LAMPF for comparison of structure information obtained from proton scattering with that from other sources in the case of a “test” nucleus whose properties are relatively well determined and unambiguous. Moreover, proton scattering goes beyond electron scattering in possibly providing information about the effective real part of the proton-deuteron cluster amplitude, and thus indirectly about D-state effects in the deuteron cluster.
Coping with client death: Using a case study to discuss the effects of accidental, undetermined, and suicidal deaths on therapists.

Over one-quarter of psychologists and psychiatrists will lose a client to suicide, and the impact of suicide on therapists is profound. Therapists report both personal (e.g., emotional) and professional (e.g., fears of litigation, doubts about competency) reactions to client suicide, and these reactions are thought to be pronounced for therapists-in-training. However, little is known about the effect of nonsuicidal client deaths on therapists, especially how the experience of a client suicide might compare with other forms of unanticipated client death, such as accidental injuries (e.g., car accidents) or deaths of undetermined intent. The current article reviews family members’ bereavement responses based on differential death classification, as well as therapist reactions to suicidal deaths. A case study of undetermined death will be described in light of the extant literature on therapists’ coping responses to suicide, including reflections on emotional and professional implications to a nonsuicidal death. A recent social psychological model of adaptation to emotional experiences (Wilson & Gilbert, 2008) will be used as a theoretical framework to discuss how death by suicide may be construed in comparison to undifferentiated and/or accidental deaths, with a focus on informing sorely needed future research in this area.
Eternal annihilations of light photinos.

In a class of low-energy supersymmetry models the photino is a natural dark-matter candidate. We investigate the effects of post-freeze-out photino annihilations that generate electromagnetic cascades and lead to photodestruction of {sup 4}He and subsequent overproduction of D and {sup 3}He. We also generalize our analysis of electromagnetic showers to include those from a generic dark-matter component whose relic abundance is {ital not} determined by the self-annihilation cross section. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Monoplane stereoscopic imaging method for inverse geometry x-ray fluoroscopy

Scanning Beam Digital X-ray (SBDX) is a low-dose inverse geometry fluoroscopic system for cardiac interventional procedures. The system performs x-ray tomosynthesis at multiple planes in each frame period and combines the tomosynthetic images into a projection-like composite image for fluoroscopic display. We present a novel method of stereoscopic imaging using SBDX, in which two slightly offset projection-like images are reconstructed from the same scan data by utilizing raw data from two different detector regions. To confirm the accuracy of the 3D information contained in the stereoscopic projections, a phantom of known geometry containing high contrast steel spheres was imaged, and the spheres were localized in 3D using a previously described stereoscopic localization method. After registering the localized spheres to the phantom geometry, the 3D residual RMS errors were between 0.81 and 1.93 mm, depending on the stereoscopic geometry. To demonstrate visualization capabilities, a cardiac RF ablation catheter was imaged with the tip oriented towards the detector. When viewed as a stereoscopic red/cyan anaglyph, the true orientation (towards vs. away) could be resolved, whereas the device orientation was ambiguous in conventional 2D projection images. This stereoscopic imaging method could be implemented in real time to provide live 3D visualization and device guidance for cardiovascular interventions using a single gantry and data acquired through normal, low-dose SBDX imaging.
Suvs and the greening of Ford : Reimagining industrial ecology as an environmental corporate strategy in action

The Ford Motor Company is a transnational automobile manufacturer and a contemporary cultural icon with immense and far-reaching effects on economy, ecology, and society. As it has been throughout ...
Language-education policies and international institutions: The World Bank’s vs. UNESCO’s global framework

One of the grand claims of neoliberalism is that the free-market world is an ‘actor-free’ process, in which no one is in charge. The aim of this article is to problematize this claim by examining the agency of two international institutions, the World Bank and UNESCO, and the ways in which they shape global language-education policies. In light of the latest reports released by the two institutions, the findings of this study suggest that both institutions are key players in the realm of global policies. Their differences, however, recline in their orientations, motives, and power. Whereas the World Bank is a finance institution with ‘economic prosperity’ as its motto, and neoliberalism as the basis of its policies, UNESCO is an intellectual institution with peace as its mantra, and universal consensus and social inclusion as the basis of its policies. The impact of such differences is notable on the type of policies each institution advocates. Whereas the World Bank’s policies call for an alliance between language, education and economy as a means to eradicate poverty and achieve development, UNESCO’s policies call for multiculturalism, multilingualism, and pluralism in education as a means to promote intercultural and international dialogues as a strategy to safeguard peace. The former model is currently in vogue in education sectors worldwide. Its global domination, however, cannot be explained without taking into account the financial supremacy of the World Bank, the economic dependency of many world’s nations on the World Bank’s long-term developmental loans, and the many conditions set by the Bank for its loan distributions, which includes, among others, the implementation of its neoliberal-driven educational and linguistic policies.
Sensitivity study of CO2 storage in saline aquifers in the presence of a gas cap

Abstract A closed-boundary, generic reservoir model was used to simulate CO 2 injection in saline formations typical of the Gulf Coast area located near a hydrocarbon-rich region. Reservoir properties characteristic of two formations (a shallow reservoir and a deep reservoir) were used to evaluate the impact of a gas cap on CO 2 plume behavior under different reservoir conditions. The initial amount of native gas in the hydrocarbon area greatly impacts the plume maximum lateral extent in both instances. As the initial gas-cap volume increases and injector-gas-cap distance decreases, the CO 2 plume reaches farther. Compressibility was calculated for different gas-cap compositions, showing that the mix of injected CO 2 with native gas (CH 4 ) is affected by pressure variations within the formation, causing compressibility values to be different for each case considered. This difference in turn impacts the plume lateral extent. Residual-gas-saturation conditions in the depleted gas cap are not expected to affect plume extent as much as in cases where water is residual. Reservoir simulations and compressibility calculations were performed by means of CMG-GEM and CMG-Winprop, respectively.
Interface phenomena in correlated electron systems

Abstract We present theoretical studies of heterostructures comprised of a Mott insulator and a band insulator. A model calculation based on the Hartree–Fock approximation on LaTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 -type heterostructure is performed. It is found that spin and orbital ordering patterns in thin heterostructures differ from those in bulk LaTiO 3 , and that LaTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 interface region, about three unit cell wide, is always metallic. We further discuss strong correlation effects on the physical properties using dynamical-mean-field theory. It is shown that metallic behavior is supported by heavy quasiparticle bands centered at the interfaces.
Investment regionalism in Asia: new directions in law and policy?

Although Asian regionalism has commanded much attention from academics and policymakers, it has largely been restricted to the trade and financial realms. This paper focuses specifically on the scope and limits of ‘investment regionalism’ involving Asia. A combination of regional foreign direct investment (FDI) stakes and international socialization patterns has led Asian actors to mark investments as a key issue in their regionalism strategy overall. As elsewhere, they too have moved toward a mode of governance favoring the formal legalization of investments in terms of the precision, obligation, and delegation of rules. Already the endeavors of both the middle and dominant economies in the region have shifted from just concluding Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and investment-related chapters in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to designing region-wide investment agreements and initiatives by-and-for Asian countries. Although the legal effectiveness of this rule-making change will play out in the long run in and across Asian societies, the more immediate policy implication relates to its potential impact on the evolution of Asian regionalism as a whole.
Immunogenicity of a multi-component recombinant human acrosomal protein vaccine in female Macaca fascicularis

A vaccine formula comprised of five recombinant human intra-acrosomal sperm proteins was innoculated into female monkeys to test whether specific antibodies to each component immunogen could be elicited in sera and whether antibodies elicited by the vaccine affected in vitro fertilization. Acrosomal proteins, ESP, SLLP-1, SAMP 32, SP-10 and SAMP 14, were expressed with his-tags, purified by nickel affinity chromatography and adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide. Five female cynomolgus monkeys were inoculated intramuscularly three times at monthly intervals. All five monkeys developed both IgG and IgA serum responses to each recombinant immunogen on Western blots. Each serum stained the acrosome of human sperm and bound to the cognate native protein on Western blots of human sperm extracts. By ELISA, all monkeys developed IgG to each immunogen, with the highest average absorbance values to ESP, SAMP 32 and SP-10, followed by lower values for SLLP-1 and SAMP 14. IgA was also generated to each component immunogen with the highest average absorbance values to SLLP-1 and SP-10. For antigens that induced an IgA response, the duration of the IgA response was longer than the IgG response to the same antigens. This study supports the concept that a multivalent contraceptive vaccine may be administered to female primates evoking both peripheral (IgG) and mucosal (IgA) responses to each component immunogen following an intramuscular route of inoculation with a mild adjuvant, aluminum hydroxide, approved for human use.
Minicomputer-based health sciences instruction (summary report)

Simplicity, ease of access, reliability, and frequent freedom from communication charges and difficulties, make the use of low-cost minicomputers attractive. Although their cost per computation is relatively high, in certain situations minicomputers may cost less than the use of a large time-shared computer and communication lines. Minicomputers are currently handicapped by small memory size and inadequate high speed bulk storage. Therefore, they frequently lack sophisticated languages and operating systems, and are limited in performing extensive computation and handling large amounts of data. As minicomputer technology advances, these problems should be alleviated.
Structure and mass transport in constrained polymer crystals via molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract To study the plastic deformation of polymer crystals, the structure and molecular motion in surface-constrained polymethylene crystals containing 192 C50H100 chains were followed using molecular dynamics simulations. Total energy, temperature and density were evaluated as a function of time up to 100 ps. Structure changes, longitudinal and transverse mass transport, changes in setting angle of the zigzag chains and the concentration and distribution of gauche conformations were noted. Selected chains were followed during the plastic deformation by tracing their centre-of-mass coordinates and end-to-end distances. The plastic deformation involves affine expansion and contraction, development of crystallographic fault lines (slip planes), edge dislocations, curved lattice planes and longitudinal diffusion of chains out of the crystal. The time-scale for all these motions is in the picosecond range. The actual chain motion reaches about 10% of the speed of sound.
No evidence for β cell neogenesis in murine adult pancreas

Whether facultative β cell progenitors exist in the adult pancreas is a major unsolved question. To date, lineage-tracing studies have provided conflicting results. To track β cell neogenesis in vivo, we generated transgenic mice that transiently coexpress mTomato and GFP in a time-sensitive, nonconditional Cre-mediated manner, so that insulin-producing cells express GFP under control of the insulin promoter, while all other cells express mTomato (INSCremTmG mice). Newly differentiated β cells were detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, taking advantage of their transient coexpression of GFP and mTomato fluorescent proteins. We found that β cell neogenesis predominantly occurs during embryogenesis, decreases dramatically shortly after birth, and is completely absent in adults across various models of β cell loss, β cell growth and regeneration, and inflammation. Moreover, we demonstrated upregulation of neurogenin 3 (NGN3) in both proliferating ducts and preexisting β cells in the ligated pancreatic tail after pancreatic ductal ligation. These results are consistent with some recent reports, but argue against the widely held belief that NGN3 marks cells undergoing endocrine neogenesis in the pancreas. Our data suggest that β cell neogenesis in the adult pancreas occurs rarely, if ever, under either normal or pathological conditions.
Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein function in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

All eukaryotic cells examined to date exhibit an array of cytosolic polypeptides that have the ability to catalyze the energy-independent transfer of lipids and/or phospholipids between membrane bilayers in vitro (Wirtz, 1991; Bankaitis et al., 1996). These phospholipid transfer proteins (PLTPs) are classified as a function of their lipid headgroup specificities in the in vitro transfer reaction, and phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) represent a class of oligospecific PLTPs. PITPs effect efficient transfer of PI or the zwitterionic phospholipid phosphatidylcholine (PC), and a distinct preference is exhibited towards PI as transfer substrate. While the physiological functions of PITPs, and PLTPs in general, have presented a long-standing mystery for reasons reviewed elsewhere (Wirtz, 1991; Bankaitis et al., 1996), much progress has been made in the past several years on this problem. The discovery that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEC14 gene product (Secl4p) is the yeast PITP has provided the first opportunity to dissect the in vivo function of a PITP (Bankaitis et al., 1990). Immediate insights were forthcoming on this issue as genetic and biochemical analyses had identified Secl4p as a cytosolic factor that is essential for viability of the yeast cell because it is required for the biogenesis of secretory vesicles dedicated to the transport of secretory glycoproteins from a late Golgi compartment (Novick et al., 1980; Bankaitis et al., 1989; Cleves et al., 1991). The outstanding questions that remain include the following: (i) what is the mechanism of Secl4p function in the stimulation of protein export from the yeast Golgi complex?, and (ii) how does Secl4p harness its PI and PC transfer activities to biological function? In this manuscript, we will discuss the recent progress we have made on these issues.
Using computer-mediated conferencing to facilitate group projects in an educational psychology course

A course design is presented as a model for incorporating computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) in support of administering, organizing, and evaluating group projects in a psychology course. Students in an educational psychology course use e-mail and an electronic bulletin board system to communicate within and between student groups as well as with the instructor. Critical elements for the implementation of CMC are discussed, and suggestions for ways to avoid problems are offered.
Interactions of photoperiod, testosterone, and naloxone on GnRH and LH pulse parameters in the male sheep.

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that the effects of the opiate antagonist naloxone on GnRH (and LH) secretion is affected by photoperiod length and testosterone (T) concentrations. The effect of infusing naloxone on GnRH and LH pulse patterns was determined in four groups of orchidectomized sheep: long day (LD) photoperiod treated with T, LD without T (LDC), short day photoperiod (SD) with T, SDC ( n = 5–7/group). Hypophyseal-portal and jugular blood samples were collected at 10 min intervals for 4 h before and 4 h during naloxone infusion (1 mg/kg/h). Neither photoperiod nor T affected either mean GnRH or LH whereas naloxone (P
Identifying Churches for Community-Based Mammography Promotion: Lessons From the LAMP Study

There is great potential in public health and faith communities partnering to promote health education and research. This article describes lessons learned from the design and implementation of such a partnership, the Los Angeles Mammography Promotion in Churches Program (LAMP). It is feasible, although challenging, to enumerate and survey churches in a geographically defined urban population, using data compiled from telephone directories, religious sources (e.g., denominational networks), chambers of commerce, and newspapers. Among those sources, telephone directories provided the broadest coverage, whereas religious sources yielded the highest recruitment rate. For collecting survey data from churches, telephone methods are superior to mail methods. For church-based health education programs that seek comprehensive coverage and have adequate resources, it is recommended that telephone directories be combined with religious sources to identify target churches. For programs with limited resources and less emphasis on comprehensive coverage, using religious sources alone is recommended.
Horizon-free universe

We have studied a theory of gravity, consistent with all astronomical observations, which is an extension of general relativity generated by a gravitational field Lagrangian proportional to $R+A{R}^{2}$ (where $R$ is the scalar curvature and $A$ is a new dimensional constant). We find cosmological solutions without a particle horizon for any value of $A$, compatible with cosmological observations if $A$ is negative and small enough. It is pointed out that while alleviating the problem of the large-scale physical uniformity of the universe, the theory may also alleviate the problem of the development of smaller-scale structures from an initially isotropic state, and possibly the problem of "hidden mass."
Full-waveform based complete moment tensor inversion and source parameter estimation from downhole microseismic data for hydrofracture monitoring

Downhole microseismic monitoring is a valuable tool in understanding the efficacy of hydraulic fracturing. Inverting for the moment tensor has gained increasing popularity in recent years as a way to understand the fracturing process. Previous studies utilize only part of the information in the waveforms, such as direct P- and S-wave amplitudes, and make far-field assumptions to determine the source mechanisms. The method is hindered in downhole monitoring, when only limited azimuthal coverage is available. In this study, we develop an approach to invert for complete moment tensor using full-waveform data recorded at a vertical borehole. We use the discrete wavenumber integration method to calculate full wavefields in the layered medium. By using synthetic data, we find that, at the near-field range, a stable, complete moment tensor can be retrieved by matching the waveforms without additional constraints. At the far-field range, we discover that the off-plane moment tensor component is poorly constrained...
Mechanistic population modeling of diabetes disease progression in Goto-Kakizaki rat muscle

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a lipid status responsive gene involved in muscle fuel selection. Evidence is mounting in support of the therapeutic potential of PDK4 inhibitors to treat diabetes. Factors that regulate PDK4 mRNA expression include plasma corticosterone, insulin and free fatty acids. Our objective was to determine the impact of those plasma factors on PDK4 mRNA and to develop and validate a population mathematical model to differentiate aging, diet and disease effects on muscle PDK4 expression. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a polygenic non-obese model of type 2 diabetes, was used as the diabetic animal model. We examined muscle PDK4 mRNA expression by real-time QRTPCR. Groups of GK rats along with controls fed with either a normal or high fat diet were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age. Plasma corticosterone, insulin and free fatty acid were measured. The proposed mechanism-based model successfully described the age, disease and diet effects and the relative contribution of these plasma regulators on PDK4 mRNA expression. Muscle growth reduced the PDK4 mRNA production rate by 14% per gram increase. High fat diet increased the initial production rate constant in GK rats by 2.19-fold. The model indicated that corticosterone had a moderate effect and PDK4 was more sensitive to free fatty acid than insulin fluxes, which was in good agreement with the literature data.
Waves on a phase change boundary

Abstract Waves on the interface between two phases of the same fluid are investigated. The phase change is assumed to be in thermodynamic equilibrium so that the interface lies on the Clapeyron curve. It is found that a phase change wave, driven by the density difference between the phases, can propagate along the interface. The effects of heat release and thermal conductivity on the wave are examined.
High-throughput T7 LIC vector for introducing C-terminal poly-histidine tags with variable lengths without extra sequences

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has become one of the most popular protein purification methods for recombinant proteins with a hexa-histidine tag (His-tag) placed at the C- or N-terminus of proteins. Nevertheless, there are always difficult proteins that show weak binding to the metal chelating resin and thus low purity. These difficulties are often overcome by increasing the His-tag to 8 or 10 histidines. Despite their success, there are only few expression vectors available to easily clone and test different His-tag lengths. Therefore, we have modified Escherichia coli T7 expression vector pET21a to accommodate ligation-independent cloning (LIC) that will allow easy and efficient parallel cloning of target genes with different His-tag lengths using a single insert. Unlike most LIC vectors available commercially, our vectors will not translate unwanted extra sequences by engineering the N-terminal linker to anneal before the open reading frame, and the C-terminal linker to anneal as a His-tag.
Synthesis of methods, rules, and issues of standardizing nursing intervention language mapping

TOPIC. Nursing language mapping. PURPOSE. To synthesize the methods, rules and issues described in two studies that mapped nonstandardized nursing orderslinterventions into the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). SOURCES. The methods and results of studies conducted by Moorhead & Delaney and Coenen et al. CONCLUSIONS. Results indicate that the NIC is an effective classification of mapping nursing orders/interventions to support across-site comparisons of nursing treatments. A set of decision rules to support mapping of interventions to the NIC is outlined.
Microscopic Satellitosis in Patients with Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: Implications for Nodal Basin Staging

Background Microscopic satellitosis in melanoma is uncommon. The role of regional basin staging/therapy in patients with this high-risk feature has not been well defined.
Retrograde Ventriculoatrial Conduction in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Temporary transvenous pacemakers were inserted in ten patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by atrioventricular (A-V) block. With return of sinus rhythm, the ventricular rate was intentionally increased above sinus rate by graded increases of the pacemaker rate and stimulus amplitude to a maximum of 120 beats/minute and to 12 milliamperes for each paced rate. Four patients had ventriculoatrial (V-A) conduction at paced rates greater than the sinus rate. Two of four had V-A conduction at slower rates (80–100 beats/minute), but A-V dissociation developed with more rapid rates (100–140). Three of six patients who had sinus rhythm with normal PR interval demonstrated V-A conduction while only one of four with first degree block showed retroconduction. The pattern of conduction was independent of stimulus amplitude. Retrograde V-A conduction occurs commonly in patients with acute myocardial infarction with slow ventricular rates (80–100 beats/minute) and less commonly with rapid rates.
An Emission-line Study of Supergiant Ionized Filaments in Irregular Galaxies*

We present low- and high-dispersion emission-line observations of kiloparsec-sized, low surface brightness filaments of ionized gas in four irregular galaxies. These four galaxies span a range in sizes and star formation rates. In Sextans A, deep Hα images show that the filaments are part of a complicated shell of radius 600 pc around the eastern HII complex. In NGC 2366 there are several filaments emanating from the supershell around the giant HII region NGC 2363, extending up to 1.3 kpc from its center. In NGC 1569 we examine the brightest filament which is 800 pc in length. In NGC 4449 several filaments in the outer part of the galaxy appear to form a coherent structure of radius 1.7 kpc. However, part of the filaments fall along the inner edge of a 2 kpc diameter H I supershell. At the base of this structure near the center of the galaxy ionized gas is expanding at 30 km s-1. A comparison with models for the formation of large shells suggests that the filament in NGC 1569 and the shell in Sextans A are fit reasonably with standard stellar-powered supershell models of order 10 Myr old. The filaments in NGC 2366, on the other hand, are sufficiently far from the giant H II region NGC 2363 that they would have to be older than the age of the massive stars in the H II region and so probably are the result of a previous star-forming event. In NGC 4449 we are probably seeing several supershell events, one being the H I supershell with the filaments as the ionized inner edge and the other seen only in Hα. The structures in NGC 4449 may be too large to be entirely in the plane of the galaxy. The FWHM of the velocity profiles of the filaments are surprisingly high and are similar to those seen in normal H II regions in the same galaxies. Emission-line ratios show that the shells and filaments of all size scales are primarily photoionized. Since the supergiant filaments are located large distances from concentrations of massive stars, this implies that ionizing photons are able to travel distances of order kiloparsecs or that a diffuse source of ionizing photons exists, even in the outer parts of galaxies. Large distance propagation of ionizing radiation can most readily occur in cases such as NGC 1569 where filaments are above the Galactic plane, but long path lengths are still required. The Hα luminosities imply that the percentage of photons that must escape H II regions is about 25%. The large velocity FWHM of the emission-line profiles of supergiant filaments are understood in a photoionization model as a result of the high velocity dispersion in the neutral gas. These data show that energy input from newly created massive stars plays an important role in modifying the ISM of small galaxies and that these effects include both organized gas flows and photoionization over kiloparsec-sized distances. This process is expected to be important in regulating star formation in small, low-mass irregular galaxies.