cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potency analysis of cellular therapies: the emerging role of molecular assays

Potency testing is an important part of the evaluation of cellular therapy products. Potency assays are quantitative measures of a product-specific biological activity that is linked to a relevant biological property and, ideally, a product's in vivo mechanism of action. Both in vivo and in vitro assays can be used for potency testing. Since there is often a limited period of time between the completion of production and the release from the laboratory for administration to the patient, in vitro assays such are flow cytometry, ELISA, and cytotoxicity are typically used. Better potency assays are needed to assess the complex and multiple functions of cellular therapy products, some of which are not well understood. Gene expression profiling using microarray technology has been widely and effectively used to assess changes of cells in response to stimuli and to classify cancers. Preliminary studies have shown that the expression of noncoding microRNA which play an important role in cellular development, differentiation, metabolism and signal transduction can distinguish different types of stem cells and leukocytes. Both gene and microRNA expression profiling have the potential to be important tools for testing the potency of cellular therapies. Potency testing, the complexities associated with potency testing of cellular therapies, and the potential role of gene and microRNA expression microarrays in potency testing of cellular therapies is discussed.
Induction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in peritoneal mesothelial and endometrial cells by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis.

Abstract Objective: To elucidate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis on monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) production by peritoneal mesothelial cells and endometrial cells. Design: In vitro study. Setting: University medical center. Patient(s): Five women undergoing surgery for pelvic pain, infertility, or endometriosis; five women without endometriosis who were undergoing tubal ligation were the controls. Intervention(s): Mesothelial cells and endometrial cells in culture were treated with oxidized LDL and peritoneal fluid from control and endometriosis patients, then MCP-1 levels were measured. Main Outcome Measure(s): ELISA was used to measure MCP-1 in the culture supernatants exposed to oxidized LDL and peritoneal fluid from control and endometriosis patients. Cellular MCP-1 messenger RNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Result(s): Treatment with oxidized LDL caused an increase in accumulation of immunoreactive MCP-1 in the medium of cultured mesothelial and endometrial cells (primary endometrial stromal cells and endometrial cell line EM42). The mesothelial cells secreted more MCP-1 than did endometrial cells under the culture condition. The EM42 cells cultured in the presence of peritoneal fluid from endometriosis patients secreted more MCP-1 than those cultured with peritoneal fluid from normal women. However, no differences were found in MCP-1 levels in the supernatant of endometrial stromal cells cultured with peritoneal fluid. Conclusion(s): This is the first report of MCP-1 expression in mesothelial cells induced by oxidized LDL, and provides direct evidence of inflammatory action of peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.
Ethics and Power: Implications for the Principal's Leadership

The guiding principles for leadership are transactional, not coer cive or charismatic, according to this writer, who explores on these pages the ethical use of power in the principalship.
Anterior tibial compartment syndrome following use of MAST suit

A case of anterior tibial compartment syndrome following the use of the military antishock trousers (MAST) suit is reported. Early recognition of this complication is necessary to ensure a good outcome. Monitoring of the MAST pressure and use of the lowest pressure that is effective may decrease the likelihood of this complication.
Novel cationic amphiphiles as delivery agents for antisense oligonucleotides

There has been great interest recently in therapeutic use of nucleic acids including genes, ribozymes and antisense oligonucleotides. Despite recent improvements in delivering antisense oligonucleotides to cells in culture, nucleic acid-based therapy is still often limited by the poor penetration of the nucleic acid into the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. In this report we describe nucleic acid delivery to cells using a series of novel cationic amphiphiles containing cholic acid moieties linked via alkylamino side chains. We term these agents 'molecular umbrellas' since the cationic alkylamino chains provide a 'handle' for binding of nucleic acids, while the cholic acid moieties are likely to interact with the lipid bilayer allowing the highly charged nucleic acid backbone to traverse across the cell membrane. Optimal gene and oligonucleotide delivery to cells was afforded by a derivative (amphiphile 5) containing four cholic acid moieties. With this amphiphile used as a constituent in cationic liposomes, a 4-5 log increase in reporter gene delivery was measured. This amphiphile used alone provided a 250-fold enhancement of oligo-nucleotide association with cells as observed by flow cytometry. A substantial fraction of cells exposed to complexes of amphiphile 5 and fluorescent oligo-nucleotide showed nuclear accumulation of the fluorophore. Enhanced pharmacological effectiveness of antisense oligonucleotides complexed with amphiphile 5 was observed using an antisense splicing correction assay that activates a Luciferase reporter. Intracellular delivery, nuclear localization and pharmacological effectiveness of oligonucleotides using amphiphile 5 were similar to those afforded by commercial cytofectins. However, in contrast to most commercial cytofectins, the umbrella amphiphile showed substantial delivery activity even in the presence of high concentrations of serum.
Clinical trials with antiemetic agents in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Abstract: Vomiting accompanied by nausea is a serious acute toxicity which occurs after chemotherapy with virtually every class of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The inability to adequately alleviate this toxicity may lead to serious complications such as general malaise, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. We have reviewed 34 studies in which more than 2200 cancer patients were administered 25 different antiemetics for treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting. All patients received a variety of cancer chemotherapeutic agents given either as single agents or in combination. The antiemetic agents included phenothiazines, antihistamines, anticholinergics, benzoquinolizines, barbiturates, butyrophenones, procainamides, cannabinoids, steroids, and benzodiazepines. It is apparent from these studies that the use of conventional antiemetic agents for treating cancer chemotherapy-induced vomiting is of marginal value, and the use of investigational antiemetic agents show conflicting results as to efficacy. More quantitative measures for evaluating emesis need to be defined, and the implications that a particular antiemetic therapy may be efficacious for some but not all classes of cancer chemotherapeutic agents need to be evaluated.
Germinated and Nongerminated Conidial Suspensions for Testing of Susceptibilities of Aspergillus spp. to Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Posaconazole, Ravuconazole, and Voriconazole

The effect of germinated and nongerminated conidia of Aspergillus spp. on the fungistatic (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M38-P) and fungicidal activities (MICs and minimal fungicidal concentrations [MFCs] respectively) of amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconazole (SCH56592), ravuconazole (BMS-207147), and voriconazole was evaluated. MFCs were the lowest drug dilutions that showed fewer than three colonies (99.9% killing). Overall, the MICs (0.12 to 4 microg/ml) and MFCs (0.5 to >8 microg/ml) of all of the agents tested with both inocula were the same or within 2 dilutions for the 72 isolates. Therefore, MICs and MFCs can be obtained with convenient and standardized nongerminated conidia.
Altered expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and estrogen receptor in MCF-7 cells after single and repeated radiation exposures

Abstract Purpose : Studies on radiation-induced changes in gene expression are likely to be very important in developing a better understanding of cellular responses to ionizing radiation. While there is some information on the activation of cellular signal transduction pathways after radiation, few late reacting target genes have been identified. This study focuses on the characterization of expression modulation of two critical growth regulatory genes, estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor-receptor in malignant mammary epithelial cells in response to single and repeated ionizing radiation exposures. Methods and Materials : MCF-7 cells were used for single radiation exposure (2–50 Gy) experiments and MCFIR-3 cells, generated by exposure to cumulative doses of 60 Gy in 2 Gy fractions, respectively, were used to study the effects of repeated exposures. Steady-state messenger ribonucleic acid levels for estrogen receptor, epidermal growth factor-receptor, and transforming growth factor-α were determined by ribonucleic acid protection experiments. Estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor-receptor protein expression was quantitated by competitive binding studies with 3H-estradiol and 125I-EGF. Results : MCF-IR-3 cells showed a permanent three-fold down-regulation of the estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein, while epidermal growth factor-receptor was upregulated about nine-fold. Epidermal growth factor-receptor was substantially up-regulated in MCF-7 cells, at both the mRNA and protein levels, within 24 h of a single 2 Gy exposures, while there was a two-fold concomitant increase in transforming growth factor-α messenger ribonucleic acid expression. A decrease in estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein was suggested only after higher doses of single radiation exposures. Conclusion : Single and repeated radiation exposures modulate the expression of two critical growth promoting genes, estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor-receptor, in MCF-7 cells. The inverse expression of estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor-receptor established for estrogen receptor-positive malignant mammary epithelial cells is maintained in MCF-7 cells after single and repeated exposures suggesting that radiation acts through common regulatory circuits and may modulate the cellular phenotype.
THE UNEASY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEMOCRACY AND CAPITAL

The basic question I want to ask is: can the exercise of private property rights abridge fundamental norms of democratic decision-making? And, under what conditions can it do so? To the extent that we view democratic decision making as required by justice, the issue is whether there is a deep tension between certain ways of exercising the rights of private property and that part of social justice that is characterized by democracy. To the extent that this tension holds, I will argue that commitment to democratic norms implies that private capitalist firms must cooperate with a democratic assembly and government in the pursuit of the aims of a democratic assembly even when this implies some diminution of the profits of the firms. The cooperation I have in mind goes beyond the norm of faithful compliance with the law. To be sure, there are limits to this requirement as we will see in the later part of the paper. To the extent that private capitalist firms fail to do this and partially undermine the pursuit of the aims of a democratic assembly, they act in a way that is incompatible with fundamental norms of democratic governance.
Cascade equivalence of linear systems

Abstract This paper concerns the characterization of a linear system with respect to output feedback as well as to slightly more general transformations (called cascade transformations). With a transfer function T(s)we associate a finite tuplee of numbers that is invariant under cascade transformation.
Endoscopic ligation in the treatment of variceal bleeding

Bleeding from esophageal varices is a common complication of cirrhosis associated with significant mortality. Endoscopic screening is recommended in selected patients with selected risk factors. Over the last 20 years, EVL using the described technique has evolved into a readily available, effective and safe treatment for esophageal varices. Once varices are confirmed, prophylactic therapy with EVL, medical therapy, or both is warranted, which may reduce both bleeding and mortality. In the setting of acute hemorrhage, EVL has a similar and sometimes complementary role to ES. EVL has been shown to stop variceal bleeding effectively but has minimal or no impact on long-term survival. For secondary prophylaxis, EVL effectively prevents rebleeding and obliterates varices with a favorable safety profile, thus replacing ES as the endoscopic treatment of choice. Adverse events following EVL are uncommon but may contribute to morbidity in patients with severe liver disease or preexisting portal gastropathy. Gastric varices remain a therapeutic challenge since large, prospective studies are lacking and patients generally have severe liver disease unaffected by endoscopic interventions.
The relationship of age, gender, health and economic status to the psychological benefits older persons report from participation in leisure activities

Abstract The psychological benefits derived from participation in 18 commonly chosen leisure activities by 1,449 persons in the 55‐to‐75 age range were measured using the Paragraphs About Leisure—Form E (PAL‐E). The data were related to the morale, physical health, economic status, age, and gender of the respondents using canonical analysis. Three canonical variates were obtained which reflected the psychological benefits of companionship, recognition, and power. The characteristics of older persons seeking each of these benefits were discussed.
The Lockean Thesis and the Logic of Belief

Foley goes on to suggest that rational belief may be just rational degree of confidence above some threshold level that the agent deems sufficient for belief. He finds hints of this view in Locke’s discussion of probability and degrees of assent, so he calls it the Lockean Thesis.1 The Lockean Thesis has important implications for the logic of belief. Most prominently, it implies that even a logically ideal agent whose degrees of confidence satisfy the axioms of probability theory may quite rationally believe each of a large body of propositions that are jointly inconsistent. For example, an agent may legitimately believe that on each given occasion her well-maintained car will start, but nevertheless believe that she will eventually encounter a dead battery.2 Some epistemologists have strongly resisted the idea that such beliefs can be jointly rationally coherent. They maintain that rationality, as a normative standard, demands consistency among all of the agent’s beliefs – that upon finding such an inconsistency, the rational agent must modify her beliefs. The advocates of consistent belief
Continuous ASL (CASL) perfusion MRI with an array coil and parallel imaging at 3T.

The purpose of this work was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using an array coil and parallel imaging in continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) perfusion MRI. An 8-channel receive-only array head coil was used in conjunction with a surrounding detunable volume transmit coil. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), temporal stability, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and perfusion image coverage were measured from steady state CASL scans using: a standard volume coil, array coil, and array coil with 2- and 3-fold accelerated parallel imaging. Compared to the standard volume coil, the array coil provided 3 times the average SNR increase and higher temporal stability for the perfusion weighted images, even with threefold acceleration. Although perfusion images of the array coil were affected by the inhomogeneous coil sensitivities, this effect was invisible in the quantitative CBF images, which showed highly reproducible perfusion values compared to the standard volume coil. The unfolding distortions of parallel imaging were suppressed in the perfusion images by pairwise subtraction, though they sharply degraded the raw EPI images. Moreover, parallel imaging provided the potential of acquiring more slices due to the shortened acquisition time and improved coverage in brain regions with high static field inhomogeneity. Such results highlight the potential utility of array coils and parallel imaging in ASL perfusion MRI. Magn Reson Med 54:732–737, 2005. © 2005 Wiley
Reconstructing the upper water column thermal structure in the Atlantic Ocean

[1] The thermal structure of the upper ocean (0‐1000m) is set by surface heat fluxes, shallow wind-driven circulation, and the deeper thermohaline circulation. Its long-term variability can be reconstructed using deep-dwelling planktonic foraminifera that record subsurface conditions. Here we used six species (Neogloboquadrina dutertrei,Globorotalia tumida, Globorotalia inflata, Globorotalia truncatulinoides, Globorotalia hirsuta, and Globorotalia crassaformis) from 66 core tops along a meridional transect spanning the mid-Atlantic (42°N to 25°S) to develop a method for reconstructing past thermocline conditions. We estimated the calcification depths from ! 18 O measurements and the Mg/Ca-temperature relationships for each species. This systematic strategy over this large latitudinal section reveals distinct populations with different Mg/Ca-temperature relationships for G. inflata, G. truncatulinoides, and G. hirsuta in different areas. The calcification depths do not differ among the different populations, except for G. hirsuta, where the northern population calcifies much shallower than the southern population. N. dutertrei and G. tumida show a remarkably constant calcification depth independent of oceanographic conditions. The deepest dweller, G. crassaformis, apparently calcifies in the oxygen-depleted zone, where it may find refuge from predators and abundant aggregated matter to feed on. We found a good match between its calcification depth and the 3.2ml/l oxygen level. The results of this multispecies, multiproxy study can now be applied down-core to facilitate the reconstruction of open-ocean thermocline changes in the past.
Cities and Growth: Knowledge Spillovers in the Adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

This paper examines the presence of knowledge spillovers that affect the adoption of advanced technologies in the Canadian manufacturing sector. It examines whether plants that adopt advanced technologies are more likely to do so when there are other nearby plants that do so within a model of technology adoption.
Exploring Interdisciplinary Themes in Introductory Psychology.

We describe a method for helping introductory psychology students identify interdisciplinary connections among 5 social science disciplines. Pre- and posttest data assessed 359 undergraduates’ understanding of psychology's relation to other fields. Results indicate the method is effective and provides one way for individual instructors to address interdisciplinary themes in their courses.
Modeling and characterization of gate oxide reliability

A technique of predicting the lifetime of an oxide to different voltages, different oxide areas, and different temperatures is presented. Using the defect density model in which defects are modeled as effective oxide thinning, many reliability parameters such as yield, failure rate, and screen time/screen yield can be predicted. This modeling procedure is applicable to both wafer-level and long-term reliability tests. Process improvements including defect gettering and alternative dielectrics such as chemical-vapor-deposited oxides are evaluated in the format of defect density as a function of effective oxide thinning. >
Obesity Increases Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults

Background and Purpose—Body mass index has been associated with ischemic stroke in older populations, but its association with stroke in younger populations is not known. In light of the current obesity epidemic in the United States, the potential impact of obesity on stroke risk in young adults deserves attention. Methods—A population-based case–control study design with 1201 cases and 1154 controls was used to investigate the relationship of obesity and young onset ischemic stroke. Stroke cases were between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between body mass index and ischemic stroke with and without adjustment for comorbid conditions associated with stroke. Results—In analyses adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity, obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) was associated with an increased stroke risk (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–1.94) although this increased risk was highly attenuated and not statistically significant after adjus...
A heuristic force-height equation for molten axisymmetric solder joints

A heuristic equation is developed which relates the height of a molten joint to its surface tension, geometric constraints, and the applied force. In its present state, the equation is valid only for heights varying up to 10% from the zero-load shape, although a method is suggested to extend this range. The equation agrees well with published data derived from an exact solution, and with the data from a small laboratory experiment. The equation is intended as a practical tool for packaging engineers and designers who do not have access to the software needed to obtain the exact solution. >
A coordinate‐transformation method for the numerical solution of nonlinear minimum‐time control problems

A new method is presented for the numerical solution of nonlinear minimum-time control problems where at least one of the state variables is monotone. A coordinate transformation converts the problem with fixed end point and free end time to one of free end point and fixed end time. The transformed problem can be solved efficiently by the use of the gradient method with penalty functions to force the system to achieve target values of state variables. Application of the method is illustrated by the synthesis of a minimum-time temperature path for the thermally initiated bulk polymerization of styrene.
The sample complexity of worst-case identification of FIR linear systems

We consider the problem of identification of linear systems in the presence of measurement noise which is unknown but bounded in magnitude by some /spl delta/>0. We focus on the case of linear systems with a finite impulse response (FIR). It is known that the optimal identification error is related (within a factor of 2) to the diameter of a so-called uncertainty set and that the latter diameter is upper-bounded by 2/spl delta/, if a sufficiently long identification experiment is performed. If the identification error is measured with respect to the l/sub 1/ norm, we establish that, for any K/spl ges/1, the minimal length of an identification experiment that is guaranteed to lead to a diameter bounded by 2K/spl delta/ behaves like 2/sup Nf(1/K)/, when N is large, where N is the length of the impulse response and f is a positive function known in closed form. We contrast this with identification in H/sub /spl infin//, where an experiment of length O(N/sup 3/) suffices. While the framework is entirely deterministic, our results are proved using probabilistic tools. >
A Republican Myth of Racial Harmony: Race and Patriotism in Colombia, 1810-1812

I. I he power and endurance or this nationalist notion is apparent in the ways in which Latin-American intellectuals and politicians adapted European and U.S. racist ideas. Even during the height of scientific racism in the mid-nineteenth century, Latin-American intellectuals refrained from wholeheartedly endorsing European racial concepts. They hoped their nations would progressively lighten through racial mixing between white immigrants and local blacks. Perhaps more importantly, these modified racist notions failed to affect a political discourse which continued to emphasize racial unity and equality attractive to black voters. For Latin-American intellectual ideas about race, see Richard Graham ed., The Idea of Race in Latin America, 1870-1940 , (Austin, 1990). For a careful analysis of the relationship between racial discourse and Afro-Cuban political participation, see Alejandro de La Fuente, A Nation for All: Race , Inequality , and Politics in Twentieth-Century Cuba (Chapel Hill, 2001).
Development of a Retrofit Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit for Truck Idle Reduction

In the last five years, there have been multiple demonstrations of fuel cell auxiliary power units (APUs) which provide power in lieu of idling of the main vehicle engine. The Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California Davis has designed and evaluated a retrofitted, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell APU for powering accessories in heavy-duty truck cabs. The performance objectives for the system were determined based on truck driver feedback and industry design guidelines. The final FC APU system was developed to run for 3 days between refueling at a power output of 1.8 kW. The primary goals were to utilize exclusively commercially available components and to minimize costs. This paper discusses the performance targets, design tradeoffs, and evaluation of the developed system.
Ammonia and nitrite oxidation in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific

Nitrification plays a key role in the marine nitrogen (N) cycle, including in oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), which are hot spots for denitrification and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox). Recent evidence suggests that nitrification links the source (remineralized organic matter) and sink (denitrification and anammox) of fixed N directly in the steep oxycline in the OMZs. We performed shipboard incubations with 15N tracers to characterize the depth distribution of nitrification in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP). Additional experiments were conducted to investigate photoinhibition. Allylthiourea (ATU) was used to distinguish the contribution of archaeal and bacterial ammonia oxidation. The abundance of archaeal and β-proteobacterial ammonia monooxygenase gene subunit A (amoA) was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The rates of ammonia and nitrite oxidation showed distinct subsurface maxima, with the latter slightly deeper than the former. The ammonia oxidation maximum coincided with the primary nitrite concentration maximum, archaeal amoA gene maximum, and the subsurface nitrous oxide maximum. Negligible rates of ammonia oxidation were found at anoxic depths, where high rates of nitrite oxidation were measured. Archaeal amoA gene abundance was generally 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than bacterial amoA gene abundance, and inhibition of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria with 10 μM ATU did not affect ammonia oxidation rates, indicating the dominance of archaea in ammonia oxidation. These results depict highly dynamic activities of ammonia and nitrite oxidation in the oxycline of the ETNP OMZ.
Chronic Sorrow: The Experiences of Bereaved Individuals

This study investigated the occurrence of chronic sorrow among individuals who experienced the death of a loved one. In-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen parents who had experienced the death of a child, ten people who had suffered the death of their spouses, and ten individuals who had had a family member die. Interviews were transcribed and data were sorted into categories, with recurring themes identified. Thirty-three (97 percent) of those interviewed evidenced chronic sorrow. Confronting disparity with social norms and situations that brought memories to mind most frequently triggered recurrence of grief-related feelings. Subjects used action-oriented, cognitive, and interpersonal coping strategies to deal with these episodes of grief. These findings bring into question the expectation inherent in traditional grief theories that emotional closure is a necessary outcome of the grieving process.
Aquaporins: Water Channel Proteins in the Tonoplast of Plant Cells

The functional characterization of numerous transport systems across the vacuolar membrane (tonoplast) has provided a better understanding of the versatile role played by the vacuole in plant cells. The tonoplast H+-ATPase and the H+-pyrophosphatase pump protons into the vacuole making this organelle inside positive and acidic (Hedrich et al., 1989; Taiz, 1992). Maintaining an electrochemical gradient of protons, in addition to its role in cytoplasmic pH regulation, energizes various transport processes across the tonoplast. Several types of ions channels have been identified by the patch clamp technique, but the selectivity of most of them and hence their physiological role remain elusive (Hedrich and Schroeder, 1989). They probably represent major transport pathways for ions such as K+ and Cl-, the main determinants of cell turgor, and NO3- which can be stored in and mobilized from the vacuole. Calcium-permeable channels as well as a Ca++/H+ antiporter occur in plant vacuoles (Alexandre et al., 1990; Blackfordet al., 1990). They reflect the role that the vacuole as a major calcium store plays in signal transduction in plants. The tonoplast also carries Na+/H+ exchangers and Cd+ transporters that can account for the detoxifying role of the vacuole during saline and heavy metal stress, respectively (Taiz, 1992).
Secondary allergic T cell responses are regulated by dendritic cell-derived thrombospondin-1 in the setting of allergic eye disease.

Allergic eye disease, as in most forms of atopy, ranges in severity among individuals from immediate hypersensitivity to a severe and debilitating chronic disease. Dendritic cells play a key role in stimulating pathogenic T cells in allergen re-exposure, or secondary responses. However, molecular cues by dendritic cells underpinning allergic T cell response levels and the impact that this control has on consequent severity of allergic disease are poorly understood. Here, we show that a deficiency in thrombospondin-1, a matricellular protein known to affect immune function, has subsequent effects on downstream T cell responses during allergy, as revealed in an established mouse model of allergic eye disease. More specifically, we demonstrate that a thrombospondin-1 deficiency specific to dendritic cells leads to heightened secondary T cell responses and consequent clinical disease. Interestingly, whereas thrombospondin-1-deficient dendritic cells augmented activity of allergen-primed T cells, this increase was not recapitulated with naive T cells in vitro. The role of dendritic cell-derived thrombospondin-1 in regulating secondary allergic T cell responses was confirmed in vivo, as local transfer of thrombospondin-1-sufficient dendritic cells to the ocular mucosa of thrombospondin-1 null hosts prevented the development of augmented secondary T cell responses and heightened allergic eye disease clinical responses. Finally, we demonstrate that topical instillation of thrombospondin-1-derived peptide reduces T cell activity and clinical progression of allergic eye disease. Taken together, this study reveals an important modulatory role of dendritic cell-derived thrombospondin-1 on secondary allergic T cell responses and suggests the possible dysregulation of dendritic cell-derived thrombospondin-1 expression as a factor in allergic eye disease severity.
Aerial imaging study of the mask-induced line-width roughness of EUV lithography masks

EUV lithography uses reflective photomasks to print features on a wafer through the formation of an aerial image. The aerial image is influenced by the mask’s substrate and pattern roughness and by photon shot noise, which collectively affect the line-width on wafer prints, with an impact on local critical dimension uniformity (LCDU). We have used SHARP, an actinic mask-imaging microscope, to study line-width roughness (LWR) in aerial images at sub-nanometer resolution. We studied the impact of photon density and the illumination partial coherence on recorded images, and found that at low coherence settings, the line-width roughness is dominated by photon noise, while at high coherence setting, the effect of speckle becomes more prominent, dominating photon noise for exposure levels of 4 photons/nm2 at threshold on the mask size.
Effect of certain amines on the blood pressure of normotensive and hypertensive rats.

SummaryThe pressor response of various amines in anesthetized normotensive and hypertensive rats have been studied. The two groups of animals responded differently to different amines. Whereas phenethylamine and tyramine elicited the same degree of elevation of blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats, arterenol and epinephrine caused greater responses and isoamylamine effected much smaller responses in the hypertensive animals.
Psychological effects of sudden complete hemianopia.

One of the usual and almost invariable sequelae of anterior temporal lobectomy undertaken for the treatment of epilepsy is an upper homonymous hemianopia (Falconer & Wilson, 1958). This affects the visual fields contralateral to the side of operation and is supposed to be caused by the interference, through resection, with the lowermost fibres of the optic (geniculocalcarine) radiation loop. The extent of the defect varies but usually is small, rarely exceeding a quadrant. In this report the IQ test results are presented of a number of patients who, exceptionally, showed a complete homonymous hemianopia as a side effect of the operation. Form I of the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale (Wechsler, 1946) was administered just prior to operation, Form I1 1 mo, after the operation and again Form I 1 yr. later. Visual field perimetry was also done on the same dates. Table 1 shows the scores. TABLE 1 WECHSLER-BELLEVUE IQS BEFORE AND AFTER TEMPORAL LOBECTOMY
Characterization of messenger-like ribonucleic acid from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the use of chromatography on methylated albumin–kieselguhr

Abstract Chromatography on methylated albumin–kieselguhr of RNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to separate stable RNA from a tenaciously bound DNA-like RNA fraction. The tenaciously bound RNA, which was eluted with a dilute solution of sodium dodecyl sulphate, was characterized as messenger-like RNA by its sedimentation behaviour, nucleotide composition, lack of methylated bases and labelling kinetics. Chromatography of purified ribosomal RNA indicated a minor contamination of the tenaciously bound fraction with ribosomal RNA. On the other hand, a large portion of pulse-labelled polyribosomal RNA from protoplasts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tenaciously bound to the columns. The `chase' of isotopic label from the messenger-like RNA was found to be retarded during inhibition of protein synthesis both by cycloheximide and by starvation for a carbon source.
An opportunistic study evaluating pharmacokinetics of sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in infants.

An opportunistic study evaluating pharmacokinetics of sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in infants
On-line Analysis System of Value Regulated Lead Acid Batteries Capability

The computer on-line monitoring system of value regulated lead acid batteries(VRLA) capability is designed using the method based on operating current discharge in accordance with charge/discharge characteristics of VRLA.The system could show the linear instructions of residual capacity of VRLA while discharging in the measurement process.Also the system can detect the single voltage of VRLA,and find out the batteries with degenerate performance to rule out the hidden trouble of failed VRLA batteries.The system can measure internal resistance of battery on floating condition,and find changes of performance of VRLA on condition of non-discharge.The automation of monitoring and early warning of VRLA is achieved,through online monitoring various parameters of VRLA using computers.
Women and Familiarismo: The Civic Discourse of the Homemaker Associations

Like the other family associations, the Asociaciones de Amas de Casa (AAC) generated a public or semi-public conversation in which “everyone was talking” about their goals and their role in the lives of their members as well as the larger society.2 Through articles in local newspapers, associational bulletins, correspondence between local and national officials, and local, regional, and national conferences, participants in the AAC movement constituted their own discursive site in which ideas about female collective participation in public life could be aired and debated. While in some ways the homemaker association discourse can be viewed as a subset of the “general” family association discourse, it was also an explicitly female space, defined by the limits and opportunities of the gender difference model which generated it.
Substance use for restaurant servers: Causes and effects

Abstract Restaurant industry employees have historically exhibited a high tendency toward substance use. To address this phenomenon, this study aimed to assess if a restaurant front-of-house server’s work stress contributes to alcohol and illicit substance use. Specifically, it was hypothesized that a server’s role stress (conflict and ambiguity) would stimulate substance use. Also, this study tested the impact of substance use on job and life satisfaction, and the moderating effect of self-control on the relationship between role stress and substance use. The results demonstrated that role ambiguity had a positive influence on substance use. Servers’ drug use had a positive influence on job satisfaction, but no significant influence was found for alcohol use. As hypothesized, job satisfaction significantly increased life satisfaction. Lastly, self-control moderated the relationship between role stress and substance use. Detailed results and implications of the findings are provided in the main body of this paper.
Paul Halmos: In His Own Words

Paul Halmos died on October 2, 2006, at the age of 90. After his death, many people wrote about his career and praised both his mathematical and his expository skills. Paul would have complained about that: He often said he could smell great mathematicians, and he himself was not one of them.
Prognosis of Midlife Stroke.

Objective To characterize stroke outcomes in a midlife population-based stroke cohort, and to describe comorbidities, quality of care, and risk of recurrence in this age group. Materials and Methods Ischemic strokes (ISs) were identified from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project (2000-2012). Data were from medical records and patient interviews. Ninety-day outcomes (functional, neurologic, cognitive, quality of life [QOL]), prevalence of comorbidities, quality of care, and 1-year recurrence were estimated for those aged 45-64 (midlife) and compared with those aged ≥65 using sex and race-ethnicity adjusted regression models. Results Of 4858 ISs, 33% occurred in midlife. On average, the midlife group reported some difficulty with function, favorable neurologic and cognitive outcomes, and moderate QOL scores at 90 days. All outcomes except QOL were better in the midlife group. Prevalent comorbidities in midlife were hypertension (74%), diabetes (51%), hyperlipidemia (34%), heart disease (26%), prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (23%), smoking 37%, excess alcohol 10%, and atrial fibrillation 4%. Median body mass index (BMI) was 30 (interquartile range: 26-35). Diabetes, smoking, and alcohol were more prevalent and BMI higher in the midlife group. Quality of stroke care did not differ by age. One-year recurrence in midlife was 8% (95% confidence interval: 6%-9%) and did not differ by age. Conclusion While 90-day outcomes were more favorable than in the elderly, midlife stroke survivors faced some disability and did not experience better QOL despite better outcomes. Additional research should identify targets to optimize secondary stroke prevention and improve outcomes in midlife stroke survivors—an understudied group with great potential disability and economic impact.
A major locus for resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidea in Prunus

Species in the fungal family Botryosphaeriaceae are significant pathogens of peach. The climatic conditions in the Southeastern USA are conducive to the development of peach fungal gummosis (PFG) with an estimated yield reduction of up to 40% in severe cases. Genotypes with resistance to this PFG were identified in interspecific crosses and segregating backcross populations generated using Kansu peach (Prunus kansuensis Rehder), almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb], and peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. Hybrids were evaluated for four consecutive years in field conditions. Data generated was validated in different environments using clonal replicates of the hybrids. The F1 and BC1F1 segregation population data suggest a dominant allele for PFG resistance originating from almond. Segregation and mapping analysis located the PFG resistance locus on a chimeric linkage groups 6–8 near the leaf color locus. The molecular markers identified will facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) and introgression of this resistance trait into commercial peach germplasm.
Comments on “The Toehold Acquisition Doctrine”

Toehold (or foothold) acquisitions in potential competition antitrust cases represent an area “on the frontiers of antitrust law.”1 The Carey paper discusses several toehold mergers in the industrial area; my comments include some actual examples of toeholds in the entry-regulated sector of banking in which the Antitrust Division has filed a substantial number of suits.
Use of Bone Cell Hormone Response Systems to Investigate Bioelectromagnetic Effects on Membranes in Vitro

In a number of clinical studies (1–3) the usefulness of induced electromagnetic fields in stimulating healing of chronic fracture non-unions has been demonstrated. These fields stimulate a number of activities including the synthesis of new matrix by osteoblasts (4), transcription of genetic information by bone cells (5) and other processes associated with fracture healing. In addition, DC voltage applied to bones by invasive techniques has been reported to stimulate both localized osteolysis (in areas near the anode), and localized osteogenesis (in areas near the cathode), presumably by alteration of the activity of endogenous bone forming and/or bone resorbing cells (6). Externally induced electromagnetic fields used for treatment of fractures produce tissue current densities of less than 1 microampere/cm2 and associated electric gradients of about 1 mV/cm (2). As yet there is limited understanding of the possible mechanisms by which fields of this low magnitude (relative to tissue transmembrane potentials and cellular impedances) could bring about such significant changes in the activity of bone cells in situ.
‘Announcement’ trailers and the inter-temporality of Hollywood blockbusters:

This article examines the blockbuster ‘announcement’ trailer. As teasers-for-the-teaser-trailer, these ephemeral texts invite audiences to look forward to an upcoming film while also calling on the...
Tullock and the welfare costs of corruption: there is a “political Coase Theorem”

Gordon Tullock developed an approach to understanding dynamic processes of political change and policy outcomes. The key insight is the notion that political insiders have a comparative advantage—because they face lower transaction costs—in manipulating rules. The result is that political actors can collect revenues from threatening to restrict, or offering to loosen, access to valuable permissions, permits, or services. To the extent that the ability to pay for such favorable treatment is a consequence of private activities that produce greater social value, there is a “political Coase theorem”: corruption makes bad systems more efficient. But the dynamic consequences are extremely negative, because of the inability to institute reforms resulting from application of Tullock’s “transitional gains trap.”
Effects of Priming on Online Discussion Behavior

Online disinhibition effect describes the phenomenon where people feel less restrained in an online environment.People are therefore more likely to express thoughts and opinions that they normally ...
Moral Rights: The Anti-Rebellion Graffiti Heritage of 5Pointz

This essay proceeds in four sections. The journey begins with the site’s story. The first three sections explore in detail the history and development of 5Pointz and the contours of the moral rights litigation, which demolition of the buildings provoked. That is followed by a detailed review of the unsuccessful effort of the artists to obtain injunctive relief barring destruction of 5Pointz and an appraisal of the damages trial that occurred after the demolition. The final section presents a first effort to work through the propriety of various limitations on moral rights in the United States that affect graffiti and the best way to balance the interests of artists and building owners in the quickly changing world of street art.
Disintegrating the Dullest Miracle on Earth? The Greek Crisis, Instrumentalism and European Identity

The economic crisis in Greece, and the reaction to it by key European institutions, gives scholars a unique opportunity to test the instrumentalist model for explaining the dynamics of political identity. This study seeks to do that, marshalling both quantitative and qualitative indicators of European identity in Greece, and examining how this identity has changed over the past decade under conditions of crisis and external pressure. Do Greeks now self-identify less as European than they used to because the utility of such an identity has diminished? The evidence presented in this analysis suggests that that is the case.
Basics and Beyond in Clinical and Diagnostic Interviewing

The ability to conduct an efficient and effective clinical and diagnostic interview is arguably one of the most valued skills among mental health professionals. It is during the interview that the clinician learns about the difficulties and challenges experienced by the client and begins to form the foundations of a healing professional therapeutic relationship. Although the metaphor is not a novel one, the job of the interviewer may be likened to that of a detective trying to collect enough data and organize the clues to “solve the mystery,” in this example, the presenting problem and diagnosis of the client. The most important aspect of this detective metaphor is that effective interviewers (detectives) are served well by their natural curiosity (truly wanting to understand all aspects of the client’s experiences, no matter how painful or uncomfortable) and the thoughtfulness of their approach (being guided by strategies and principles for gathering data while also forming an emotional connection with the client).
Preparing for Serious Illness: A Model for Better Conversations over the Continuum of Care

How can we ensure that our seriously ill patients routinely get the right care without relying on individual sacrifice and luck?