cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sublimating film gas bearing

Abstract The mechanism by which a block of dry ice can be supported upon a flat surface on a film of gas formed by its own sublimation, is put forward as the basis for the design of a new family of gas bearings. A general criterion for the design of such bearings is established and a number of arrangements for both journal and thrust bearings are suggested. A half-journal bearing of this type is modelled theoretically and its operating characteristics obtained. These indicate that such a bearing could operate in a stable condition in the manner envisaged. Calculations at specific operating conditions with carbon dioxide as the working medium indicate that bearings of this type could be usefully applied in cryogenic systems especially where their negligible friction, low pressure gas supply requirements would be advantageous.
Subtilin-Antibiotic Produced by Bacillus subtilis. V. Effect on Streptococcus pyogenes Infections in Mice.

ConclusionsSubtilin has been shown to a pomerful irz klo action on the course experimental Streptococcus pyogenes infections in mice. Animals given subtilin 9 after being infected were in such an stage of the disease at the time waq started that recovery was almost unbelievable. The antibiotic exhibited apparent toxic reaction in the mice.
Molecular cross-talk between the TRAIL and interferon signaling pathways.

TRAIL/APO-2L induces apoptosis in a variety of transformed cells and has potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic. The physiologic role of TRAIL is presumably more complex than merely activating caspase-mediated cell death. To shed light into TRAIL-mediated signaling, we used DNA microarrays to profile gene expression mediated by TRAIL in breast carcinoma cells. Primary response genes induced by TRAIL included a number of known NF-κB-dependent genes such as cIAP2, A20, and E-selectin. Remarkably, global transcriptome analysis revealed that TRAIL also induced a cohort of genes related to the interferon-signaling pathway. Assessing interferon-induced gene expression suggested various points of interaction with the TRAIL signaling pathway. Interestingly, while we observed interferon-mediated up-regulation of TRAIL, we also demonstrated a concomitant TRAIL-mediated induction of interferon-β. Combining TRAIL and interferon in vitro, synergistically induced apoptosis and caspase activation in breast cancer cells. Together, these data indicate multiple levels of molecular cross-talk between the two diverse cytokines with anti-tumor properties.
Interpersonal reactions to assertive and unassertive styles when handling social conflict situations.

Abstract Determining how persons perceive and evaluate social assertiveness is a particularly important topic, since assertive training is primarily intended to alter the behavior of individuals in the context of social interactions. In the present study, college students observed videotapes which showed a model handling several social conflict situations in either an assertive or an unassertive manner. Because race of the individual may also influence the way assertiveness is viewed, both black and white models were used. Subjects then completed a 26-item adjective checklist to evaluate the personality of the model they observed. Results indicated that while assertive models were viewed as skilled and able in their handling of the portrayed social conflict situations, they were rated much less favorably than unassertive models on 14 adjectives assessing likeability. Race of model did not differentially affect this pattern. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Method for Isolation of MMP-7-Ase Isoenzymes from Rat Muscle Tissue Extract

Two MMP-7-ase isoenzymes were purified 100-fold from rat muscle extract to apparent homogeneity, with an overall yield of 10%, using homogenization, ultracentrifugation, high-performance aqueous size-exclusion and high-performance anion exchange chromatography methods. When using a TSK G-2000SW column, the separation resulted in a 6-fold purification and 30% recovery of isoenzymes B and C. This concentrated enzyme extract was then passed through a TSK-DEAE-2SW column, using salt gradient at pH 7.5, with an additional 25-fold purification and 90% recovery of the isoenzymes. Two symmetrical enzyme peaks, representing isoenzymes B and C, were detected when performing purity tests of the active enzymes on the anion exchanger and reversed-phase HPLC columns. The procedures involved are extraction, ultracentrifugation, chromatographies and enzyme assays and require less than five hours.
Past loss as a symptom formation factor in depression

We examined the relationship between past loss and endogenous subtyping of depressed patients. In a sample of 124 female depressed inpatients there was no association between past loss and RDC endogenous or DSM-III melancholic subtyping. We thus failed to replicate Brown and colleagues' finding that past loss is a symptom formation factor.
The role of simulation training in obstetrics: a healthcare training strategy dedicated to performance improvement

Purpose of reviewIn this review, the role of simulation as a strategy for training and performance improvement is reviewed. The review is timely, as providing safe and high-quality healthcare is the goal of every healthcare system and soon reimbursement will be tied to quality measures. Simulation h
Origin and timing of the metasomatic silicification of an early archean komatiite sequence, barberton mountain land, South Africa

Abstract Stratiform units of pervasively silicified early Archean ultramafic rocks occur near the boundary between the Onverwacht and Fig Tree groups in the Barberton Mountain Land, Republic of South Africa. The origin of these units has been variously ascribed to early Archean subaerial weathering or submarine alteration, to cataclastic metamorphism, and to the alteration of silicic tuffs. An exceptionally well-exposed example of such an alteration sequence along the Skokohla River valley in the central Barberton Mountain Land was studied to determine the nature of the precursor rocks and the timing and nature of the alteration processes. Well-preserved ghosts of spinifex- and culmulate-textured olivines and pyroxenes establish the komatiitic ancestry of the Skokohla rocks. Rock units of several distinctive lithofacies can be correlated over the entire 1.5 km strike of the sequence and were derived from the metasomatic conversion of a series of ultramafic flow units to rocks dominated by quartz, dioctohedral mica, and chlorite. The original ultramafics have been strongly enriched in Si, K, Rb, and Ba, and depleted in Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, Sr, Zn, and Ni. The elements Al, Ti, P, Cr, Zr, Y, and Nb were immobile. Alteration apparently occurred soon after extrusive activity and before any significant tectonic deformation. It is most probable that alteration resulted from the dynamic, hydrothermal upwelling of fluids through original fracture porosity in the ultramafic flows.
Development of food composition databases for food frequency questionnaires (FFQ)

The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is the most commonly used dietary assessment instrument for large epidemiological studies because it collects “usual” diet information at a low cost to researchers, and imposes a low burden to survey participants. The FFQ consists of a list of foods with little descriptive detail, and the respondent answers questions about the frequency of each food on the list. A FFQ food composition database links each food in the list to its associated food component values. The steps required to develop a food composition database for a FFQ are to define the purpose of the study, identify the source(s) of data, create a food list, make decisions about the need for portion size information, and incorporate the food component values into the database. The sources of data most often used in the United States are the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database for Standard Reference or the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Rather than develop a new FFQ for a study or survey, researchers may evaluate current, validated FFQs to determine if they can be used.
Perturbation solutions for particle acceleration by electrostatic waves

Abstract Perturbation techniques are used to solve for the motion of a charged particle in a strong magnetic field with a superposed electrostatic wave whose wavelength decreases with increasing position. The equation of motion has the form d 2 x d t 2 = ϵ ∗ cos [k 0 x(1 + χχ) -1 − Ωt + φ] , where x is the dir is the initial wave number, Ω is the wave frequency, t is the time, φ is the phase angle, α is a small number of dimension L−1 and ϵ∗ is the coefficient in the force law. The solutions found are in terms of trigonometric functions and Jacobian elliptic functions. In the region where the particle velocity ẍ ⪢ Vφ, the increasing wave phase velocity, the perturbation solution shows that the particle will oscillate about its initial velocity with growing amplitude and decreasing frequency. When particles are placed near the wave velocity, some will be carried with the wave and oscillate with large and growing amplitude about the increasing wave velocity; others, depending on initial conditions, will pass through the wave and not be accelerated at all. An upper bound of ( ϵ ∗ απ ) 2 3 ( k 0 Ω ) 1 3 can be placed on the maximum velocity that the former particles can reach. After they drop off the wave, the velocity once again oscillates with high frequency about a constant velocity, (in this case, the velocity at which they left the wave).
Experimental investigation of electric drag on satellites.

Effect of interaction between satellite charge and ambient ions /electric drag/ on satellites, considering ionized surface collisions and plasma sheath
Total Quality Management (TQM) of Teaching and Learning.

The industrial model of TQM is modified to fit the teaching and learning environment. Emphasis is given to transforming teaching and learning functions into collaborative and holistic management activities.
Background noise differentially effects temporal coding by tonic units in the mouse inferior colliculus.

In natural environments, temporally complex signals often occur in a background of noise. The neural mechanisms underlying the preservation of temporal sensitivity in background noise are poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the ability of inferior colliculus (IC) units with primary-like and sustained response patterns ('tonic units') to encode silent gaps in quiet and in background noise. Minimum gap thresholds (MGTs), the shortest silent gap in a noise burst evoking a neural response, were measured in quiet and background noise for 34 IC units. Units were classified as background noise resistant (BNR; MGT did not change in background noise) or background noise sensitive (BNS; MGTs became elevated in background noise). In quiet, the MGTs of BNR and BNS units were comparable and both types of units encoded the gap by a cessation of activity during the gap. The addition of background noise had little effect on the response rate of BNR units either during or after the gap stimulus. In contrast, for BNS units, background noise reduced the response rate during the gap stimulus while increasing the response rate after the gap stimulus. Background noise also altered the first spike latency of BNS units. For BNS units, the mean first spike latency was no longer inversely related to BF, but this relationship was maintained in BNR units. These results suggest that the response of BNS units to background noise obliterates their response to the gap stimulus.
Growth factors as probes of cell aging

Abstract We present examples of four types of alterations which contribute to the senescence phenotype of WI-38 cells: a) in senescent cells there is an increased lability of the tyrosine autophosphorylation capacity of detergent isolated EGF receptor; b) following serum stimulation, the calmodulin protein level fails to increase in senescent cells, although the calmodulin mRNA level increases as expected; c) following heat shock at 43°C, senescent cells produce both less RNA and less protein for the HSP70 and HSP90 genes; d) we find that membranes isolated in basic buffer from senescent or young cells increase the EGF proliferative response of senescing cells, in contrast to the finding by others that membranes isolated in neutral buffer inhibit cell proliferation (Pereira-Smith et al. , Senescent and quiescent cell inhibitors of DNA synthesis Exp. Cell Res. 160 , 297–306, 1985; Stein and Atkins, Membrane-associated inhibition of DNA synthesis in senescent human diploid fibroblasts: Characterization and comparison to quiescent cell inhibitor. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83 9030–9034, 1986). We conclude that senescence alterations are complex and occur at many levels, and that senescence changes are not identical to quiescence features.
Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Iowa Women's Health Study

Objective Vitamin D is a potent regulator of calcium homeostasis and may have immunomodulatory effects. The influence of vitamin D on human autoimmune disease has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) incidence. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of 29,368 women of ages 55-69 years without a history of RA at study baseline in 1986. Diet was ascertained using a self-administered, 127-item validated food frequency questionnaire that included supplemental vitamin D use. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Through 11 years of followup, 152 cases of RA were validated against medical records. Greater intake (highest versus lowest tertile) of vitamin D was inversely associated with risk of RA (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.44-1.00, P for trend = 0.05). Inverse associations were apparent for both dietary (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.46-1.14, P for trend = 0.16) and supplemental (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.43-1.00, P for trend = 0.03) vitamin D. No individual food item high in vitamin D content and/or calcium was strongly associated with RA risk, but a composite measure of milk products was suggestive of an inverse association with risk of RA (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.42-1.01, P for trend = 0.06). Conclusion Greater intake of vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of RA in older women, although this finding is hypothesis generating.
Fouling Characteristics and Electrochemical Recovery of Carbon Nanotube Membranes

The fouling behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes is investigated for large protein biomolecules and a wide variety of small molecules. The CNT membranes are largely fouling resistant, even to untreated river water, due to size exclusion and an inert graphitic core that supports fast fluid flow. However, it is found that bovine serum albumin (BSA) and naphthalene significantly foul membranes due to solution coagulation and π–π stacking, respectively. Small single-walled (SW) CNTs (<1.5 nm i.d.) are difficult to foul with BSA when precipitation is prevented, showing that size exclusion at SWCNT tips can prevent fouling. Electrochemical oxidation, bubble generation and ionic pumping are shown to recover membrane performance. Electrochemical oxidation at greater than +1.4 V is seen to oxidize CNTs as well as biofoulants, but H2 bubble generation at –2 V lifts foulants without damage to the membrane allowing for repeated cycles. Ionic pumping using large cations is seen to remove small molecule foulants adsorbed to the CNT core. The relatively narrow class of foulants and three complementary methods of membrane defouling make the CNT membrane platform a potentially robust system for a wide variety of chemical separations and environmental water treatments.
The ontogeny of the feature-positive effect in young chicks

The wide generality of the feature-positive effect (FPE) has caused speculation that the FPE may represent innate biases in the stimulus control of discriminative responding. There is little experimental evidence to date ragarding this possibility. In the present study, 1- or 4-day-old chicks were trained on a feature-positive (FP) or feature-negative (FN) discrimination with heat reinforcement. After the acquisition phase, these subjects received extinction training followed by a reacquisition phase. The FP performance was superior to the FN performance in both age groups. Extinction resulted in improved discrimination performance in both the FP and FN conditions. Unmasking of FN learning by the extinction treatment suggests that the FPE represents a deficit in performance, rather than an inability to learn the FN task. These data demonstrate that adult-like performance on feature discriminations is evident as early as the first day post-hatch.
Novel acid labile COL1 trityl-linked difluoronucleoside immunoconjugates: synthesis, characterization, and biological activity.

LY207702 (1) is a difluorinated purine nucleoside that exhibits impressive antitumor activity in preclinical models. This agent, however, also possesses cardiotoxicity which limits the potential cl...
An evaluation of touch-screen input for a HyperCard-based digit-span task

The touch screen appears to be an ideal input device for human subjects in many research applications in psychology. Nonetheless, the research on relative merits of input devices is inconclusive. The present experiments were carried out to compare touch-screen, mouse, and voice responses on a HyperCard-based digit-span task. The results indicated that touch-screen input has no advantage in comparison to the use of a mouse, but that it produces better performance than voice response does. The latter finding, however, may be an artifact of visual cues embedded in this implementation of the digit-span task.
Detection of resting myocardial perfusion defects by SonoVue myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Background: SonoVue is a new microbubble contrast agent containing sulfur hexafluoride. We assessed the efficacy of SonoVue myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to detect resting perfusion abnormalities. Methods: Nineteen adult patients with a wall motion abnormality in a screening echocardiogram were studied. Each patient received up to four bolus injections of 2.0 mL SonoVue (Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.) during echocardiographic examination using either B-mode (n = 12) or power Doppler (n = 7) imaging. Each patient also had SPECT nuclear perfusion imaging performed. Segmental assessment of myocardial perfusion from SonoVue MCE images were compared with corresponding SPECT nuclear images. Results: Using B-mode imaging, the mean number of views obtained with a single SonoVue injection ranged from 1.4 to 1.9, with 2 or 3 injections required for a complete examination. Ninety-four percent of segments were scored as diagnostic. Agreement between B-mode and SPECT images was 72% for segments with a perfusion defect, 86% for normal perfusion, and 80% for segments with either perfusion defect or normal perfusion (all views combined). Using power Doppler imaging, the mean number of views obtained with a single SonoVue injection ranged from 1.0 to 1.3, with 2 to 4 injections required for a complete examination. Sixtyeight percent of segments were scored as diagnostic. Agreement between power Doppler and SPECT images was 67% for perfusion defects, 53% for segments with normal perfusion, and 59% for segments with either perfusion defect or normal perfusion (all views combined). Conclusions: SonoVue MCE has the potential to assess myocardial perfusion at rest. B-mode imaging was more accurate than power Doppler imaging when compared with SPECT nuclear imaging. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, August 2003) SonoVue, myocardial perfusion, myocardial contrast echocardiography Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) using newer microbubbles has shown promise in the clinical setting to delineate normal and abnormal myocardial perfusion. It has also been demonstrated that high mechanical index (MI) triggered MCE using can be used to detect perfusion defects in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 1 SonoVue (BR1; Bracco Diagnostics, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA) is a new microbubble contrast agent currently being evaluated for cardiac and other
ErbB2, but not ErbB1, reinitiates proliferation and induces luminal repopulation in epithelial acini

Both ErbB1 and ErbB2 are overexpressed or amplified in breast tumours. To examine the effects of activating ErbB receptors in a context that mimics polarized epithelial cells in vivo, we activated ErbB1 and ErbB2 homodimers in preformed, growth-arrested mammary acini cultured in three-dimensional basement membrane gels. Activation of ErbB2, but not that of ErbB1, led to a reinitiation of cell proliferation and altered the properties of mammary acinar structures. These altered structures share several properties with early-stage tumours, including a loss of proliferative suppression, an absence of lumen, retention of the basement membrane and a lack of invasive properties. ErbB2 activation also disrupted tight junctions and the cell polarity of polarized epithelia, whereas ErbB1 activation did not have any effect. Our results indicate that ErbB receptors differ in their ability to induce early stages of mammary carcinogenesis in vitro and this three-dimensional model system can reveal biological activities of oncogenes that cannot be examined in vitro in standard transformation assays.
Role of nonfeminizing estrogen analogues in neuroprotection of rat retinal ganglion cells against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity.

Glaucoma is a family of eye disorders whose ultimate cause of vision loss is apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. Although several etiologies of glaucoma exist, oxidative stress is thought to be a key mechanism by which ganglion cells die. From this perspective, the work presented here was designed to examine the efficacy of 17beta-estradiol and three synthetic estrogen analogues (ZYC-1, ZYC-3, ZYC-10) as retinal ganglion cell neuroprotectants. Compound ZYC-1 and its enantiomer ZYC-10, containing an additional double bond in the steroid C ring of 17beta-estradiol, had similar (ZYC-1) or modestly reduced (ZYC-10) affinity for estrogen receptors compared to the parent estrogen. In the case of ZYC-3, the addition of an adamantyl group to the C2 position of the A ring of estrone abolished its binding to the estrogen receptors. RGC-5 cells (an established clonal rat retinal ganglion cell line) and rat retinas were shown to predominantly express estrogen receptor alpha, with minimal detectable levels of estrogen receptor beta. The affinity of the synthetic compounds for estrogen receptors was as follows: ZYC-3 ZYC-1 > ZYC-10. EC(50) values for inhibition of TBARS levels were as follows: ZYC-3 > ZYC-10 > ZYC-1. Furthermore, these compounds worked independent of estrogen receptors, as inclusion of 100 nM ICI 182,780 did not reverse their neuroprotective properties against glutamate insult. These compounds seem to affect neuroprotection via pathways independent of the classical estrogen receptors. The data support the hypothesis that estrogen analogues may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells in ocular pathologies such as glaucoma.
Drosophila Rtf1 functions in histone methylation, gene expression, and Notch signaling

The Rtf1 subunit of the Paf1 complex is required for proper monoubiquitination of histone H2B and methylation of histone H3 on lysines 4 (H3K4) and 79 in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using RNAi, we examined the role of Rtf1 in histone methylation and gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. We show that Drosophila Rtf1 (dRtf1) is required for proper gene expression and development. Furthermore, we show that RNAi-mediated reduction of dRtf1 results in a reduction in histone H3K4 trimethylation levels on bulk histones and chromosomes in vivo, indicating that the histone modification pathway via Rtf1 is conserved among yeast, Drosophila, and human. Recently, it was demonstrated that histone H3K4 methylation mediated via the E3 ligase Bre1 is critical for transcription of Notch target genes in Drosophila. Here we demonstrate that the dRtf1 component of the Paf1 complex functions in Notch signaling.
Effect of age and caloric restriction on circadian adrenal steroid rhythms in rhesus macaques

Abstract Dietary caloric restriction (CR) slows aging, extends lifespan, and reduces the occurrence of age-related diseases in short-lived species. However, it is unclear whether CR can exert similar beneficial effects in long-lived species, like primates. Our objective was to determine if CR could attenuate purported age-related changes in the 24-h release of adrenal steroids. To this end, we examined 24-h plasma profiles of cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in young and old, male and female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) subjected to either ad libitum (AL)-feeding or CR (70% of AL) for 2–4 years. Hormone profiles from young monkeys showed pronounced 24-h rhythms. Cortisol concentrations were higher in old males but not females, whereas DHEAS rhythms were dampened with age in both sexes. The cortisol rhythms of old CR males resembled those of young control males. However, CR failed to prevent age-related declines in DHEAS and further dampened DHEAS rhythms in both sexes. Apart from the partial attenuation of the age-related cortisol elevation in the old males, 24-h adrenal steroid rhythms did not benefit from late-onset CR.
Primary and bacterial production in lakes: are they coupled over depth?

The coupling of prlmary and bacterial production over depth was examined in three lakes which differed greatly in vertical patterns of primary productivity. We measured bacterial production, chlorophyll and light, and estimated primary production in Paul Lake (Gogebic County, Michigan) and Crystal and Trout lakes (Vilas County, Wisconsin) during the summer strat~fication period (May-September 1991). Bacterial productivity was measured using the ('Hlleucine incorporation method and primary productivity estimated from measured photosynthesis-irradiance relationships. Three distinct vertical patterns were observed. In Paul Lake, bacterial production was highest at the interface between the aerobic and anaerobic layers, well below the depth of maximum primary production. In Crystal Lake, bacterial production was uniform with depth, although primary b 4-' gaductivity was highest in the hypolimnion. In the largest lake, Trout Lake, primary and bacterial production tended to co-vary with maximum rates of both processes occurring in the metalimnion. Overall, bacterial productivity was poorly related to contemporaneous primary production in the three lakes, suggesting that other factors, such as nutrient recycling, phytoplankton loss rates and allocthonous loading, determine patterns in the depth distribution of bacterial productivity.
Superdeformed bands in 80Sr and the evolution of deformation in Sr isotopes

Four superdeformed bands are reported in Sr-80, extending known superdeformation in the Sr-38 series down to N = 42. The characteristics of these bands are discussed. Residual Doppler shifts were measured and average transition quadrupole moments (Q(t)) inferred for these new bands, These Q(t) values are compared to Q(t) values obtained for previously identified superdeformed bands in Sr81-83. The low Q(t) of 2.7(-0.6)(+0.7) eb obtained for the yrast band in Sr-80 indicates a reduction in the deformation of yrast superdeformed bands in the series Sr80-83 with decreasing N, and possibly the onset of triaxiality in superdeformed shapes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
The role of cytokines in mediating the bystander effect using HSV-TK xenogeneic cells

We have previously demonstrated that genetically modified syngeneic murine tumor cells (KBALB) expressing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (HSV-STK) can kill nearby unmodified tumor cells in the presence of ganciclovir (GCV). The killing was mediated by a 'bystander effect' as evidenced by the prolonged animal survival when syngeneic HSV-TK gene-modified tumor cells were inoculated into mice with an intraperitoneal tumor. In this study we investigated whether irradiated xenogeneic HSV-TK gene-modified tumor cells, a human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT) transfected with the HSV-TK gene, can mediate the 'bystander effect' when used in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments indicate that irradiated HSV-TK gene-modified xenogeneic cells (HCT) can mediate a bystander effect on the adjacent cells when the tumor population consisted of as few as 10% of the HSV-TK expressing HCT tumor cells. In vivo, animal survival experiments demonstrate that the xenogeneic gene-modified tumor cells could generate the 'bystander effect' in mice with intraperitoneal tumors as evidenced by prolonged animal survival. In addition, histologic examination of the tumors from experimental animals showed extensive tumor necrosis 3 days post HSV-TK/GCV treatment in comparison to control animals. To evaluate the cause of necrosis in vivo, we assayed for cytokines, which may be involved in mediating this process, by performing RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry on tumor RNA and tumor cells, respectively. Production of IL-1 alpha and IL-6 mRNA within the experimental tumors was observed by RT-PCR. However, mRNA expression for other cytokines including IFN-gamma, IL-2 and IL-4 was not present. Immunohistochemical analysis for IL-1 alpha protein showed reactivity within the infiltrating mononuclear cells indicating the release of this soluble factor. These results indicate that the bystander effect can be generated using irradiated xenogeneic cells both, in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, this process is mediated by the release of cytokines such as IL-1 alpha, IL-6 which enhances the bystander effect in vivo by immunostimulation.
Long-term effectiveness of localization studies and intraoperative parathormone monitoring in patients undergoing reoperative parathyroidectomy for persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Background Reoperative parathyroidectomy (RPTX) for persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism is associated with a high rate of operative failure. The long-term effectiveness of RPTX using localization studies and intraoperative parathormone monitoring (IPM) was examined. Methods Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients undergoing targeted RPTX with IPM for persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism was performed. Persistent hyperparathyroidism was defined as elevated calcium and parathormone (PTH) levels above normal range less than 6 months after parathyroidectomy. Recurrent hyperparathyroidism was defined as elevated calcium and PTH levels greater than 6 months after successful parathyroidectomy. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for sestamibi, surgeon-performed ultrasound, intraoperative PTH dynamics, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Results Of the 1,064 patients, 69 patients underwent 72 RPTXs with localizing studies and IPM. Sestamibi (n = 69) had a sensitivity of 74% and a PPV of 83%, whereas surgeon-performed ultrasound (n = 38) had a sensitivity of 55% and a PPV of 76%. IPM had a sensitivity of 100% and a PPV of 98%. An intraoperative PTH drop greater than or equal to 50% was predictive of operative success (P Conclusion RPTX can be performed in a targeted approach using preoperative localization studies and IPM, leading to a low rate of complications and a high rate of long-term operative success.
THE MISSING LINK-WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS

. The need for trained manpower in the wastewater treatment field has become critical, especially at the Operator level. Each year for the next five years, an estimated 4,500 new operators will need to be trained and an estimated 7,300 present operators will need skill-improvement training. During 1969–70, the Federal Water Quality Administration (FWQA) initiated a new type of Operator Training Program in collaboration with the Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW); 1,200 operators were successfully trained in 20 states. Approximately 900 were trained under the Cooperative Area Manpower Planning System (CAMPS). During 1970–71, under the joint auspices of the FWQA, DOL, HEW and Department of Defense (DOD), approximately 2,600 operators will be trained in four different programs-in addition to a possible 900 trained under CAMPS. Also important is the human element: motivation of the operator; career-ladders with increased salaries; certification; enhancing the public image of the operator.
Analysis of tamoxifen-DNA adducts by high-performance liquid chromatography using postcolumn online photochemical activation.

Abstract Tamoxifen, a widely used nonsteroidal antiestrogen in the treatment of breast cancer, forms several metabolites. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHTam), a metabolite found in the bloodstream, has much higher affinity for the estrogen receptor than tamoxifen itself. Oxidative activation of 4-OHTam induces DNA damage. DNA isolated from HL-60 cells exposed to 10 μM 4-OHTam in the presence of 1 μM hydrogen peroxide was digested enzymatically to release both normal and modified nucleosides. The modified nucleosides were enriched by butanol extraction. Using UV detection, HPLC analysis of the butanol extract from 200 μg DNA digest detected ∼4 4-OHTam-dG adducts per 10 7 nucleotides ( n = 3). Online postcolumn UV irradiation in HPLC and fluorescence detection improved the detection sensitivity by 3 × 10 2 times. Using 4-OHTam as an example, this report demonstrated for the first time the power of the technique to assay tamoxifen-DNA adducts directly in the DNA digest without relying on postlabeling.
A new method for measuring the thermodynamic properties of undercooled liquid and amorphous Cu–Zr alloys

Abstract A new method for the experimental determination of the temperature-dependent heat capacity is presented here. The value of this new method lies principally in its applicability to unstable systems, where time-dependent relaxation processes limit the utility of conventional stepwise methods that employ a series of isothermal holding periods. The method is demonstrated for two glass-forming alloys (Cu50Zr50 and Cu64.5Zr35.5), using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements over a (low) temperature regime including stable, metastable and unstable states (crystalline, glass and undercooled liquid). For this specific analysis, the glassy material is heated using several different rates, each resulting in a different transformation temperature. After characterization of the final states, analysis of the DSC traces yields the requisite transition enthalpies, enabling determination of the heat capacities, based on common reference states.
Hospice Experience and Perceptions in Nursing Homes

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and perceptions of hospice nurses caring for residents in long-term care facilities. The study used a fax-back survey to gather data from 69 hospice nursing and nurse managers in 24 hospices across one Midwestern state. Respondents reported negative experiences with pain management and care coordination in the nursing home setting. Although hospice is thought to be a benefit to residents, hospice staff report frustration in caring for nursing home patients, especially in trying to control pain. The study identifies opportunities for improvement in hospice and nursing home staff relationships.
Zonal and topographical differences in articular cartilage gene expression

Abstract Articular cartilage is composed of phenotypically different zones. In young articular cartilage, there are only two distinct zones: superficial and growth. The zones have different mechanical properties and play specific roles within functional cartilage tissue. In small animal models, it is difficult to separate the zones quickly and efficiently using only a dissecting microscope. Surface abrasion is a method that has been developed to harvest cells from articular cartilage to produce highly purified samples in a simple, reproducible process. Using this harvesting technique, the superficial zone has been separated from the underlying growth zone. Superficial cells comprised approximately 4% of the total cells obtained. Superficial and growth zone chondrocytes from articular cartilage were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Expressed superficial zone protein was 3-fold greater in the superficial zone population than in the growth zone population (p
Nonstructural Proteins 1 and 2 of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Suppress Maturation of Human Dendritic Cells

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important agent of serious pediatric respiratory tract disease worldwide. One of the main characteristics of RSV is that it readily reinfects and causes disease throughout life without the need for significant antigenic change. The virus encodes nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and NS2, which are known to suppress type I interferon (IFN) production and signaling. In the present study, we monitored the maturation of human monocyte-derived myeloid dendritic cells (DC) following inoculation with recombinant RSVs bearing deletions of the NS1 and/or NS2 proteins and expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein. Deletion of the NS1 protein resulted in increased expression of cell surface markers of DC maturation and an increase in the expression of multiple cytokines and chemokines. This effect was enhanced somewhat by further deletion of the NS2 protein, although deletion of NS2 alone did not have a significant effect. The upregulation was largely inhibited by pretreatment with a blocking antibody against the type I IFN receptor, suggesting that suppression of DC maturation by NS1/2 is, at least in part, a result of IFN antagonism mediated by these proteins. Therefore, this study identified another effect of the NS1 and NS2 proteins. The observed suppression of DC maturation may result in decreased antigen presentation and T-lymphocyte activation, leading to incomplete and/or weak immune responses that might contribute to RSV reinfection.
Polyethylene-polycarbonate blends: Interface modification, phase morphology and measurement of orientation development during cast film and tubular extrusion by infrared dichroism

The phase morphology and polymer chain orientation in polyethylene-polycarbonte blends is investigated. A blend with a dispersed polyethylene phase was found to exhibit phase growth under quiescent conditions. Addition of a styrene-(ethylene/butene) block copolymer controls the phase morphology and prevents phase growth. Melt spun tapes and tubular film have been prepared from polyethylene-polycarbonate blends. Orientation of the crystallo-graphic axes of the polyethylene and the chain axis of the polycarbonate were determined by infrared dichroism. The addition of polycarbonate to polyethylene is found to decrease chain orientation at the same drawdown stress.
Review Essay: Daniel Morgan, Late Godard and the Possibilities of Cinema

A review of Daniel Morgan, Late Godard and the Possibilities of Cinema (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2013).
The rotational spectrum of the acetylene–carbonyl sulfide trimer: HCCH–(OCS)2

Abstract The rotational spectrum of the HCCH–OCS–OCS trimer has been assigned. The rotational constants and dipole moment components are consistent with a non-planar, barrel-like structure which aligns the three monomer axes in an almost parallel fashion. In this structure, the OCS dimer portion of the trimer has the two OCS molecules aligned in a parallel-like arrangement rather than the antiparallel geometry found in the OCS dimer. This conformation gives good agreement with rotational constants and dipole moment components predicted from a semi-empirical model and with isotopic shifts observed for two other isotopomers.
Re-Evaluation of the Taxonomy of Daphnia Longiremis Sars, 1862 (Cladocera): Description of a New Morph From Alaska

[Die Beschreibung von Daphnia longiremis Sars, 1862 von Brooks (1957) wurde anhand neueren zoogeographischen Studien in Alaska uberpruft. Zwei deutlich unterschiedliche morphologische Formen wurden gefunden: forma typica, die der Beschreibung von Brooks der D. longiremis entspricht, und forma cephala, die sich in vielen wichtigen Punkten von der ersten Form unterscheidet. Die D. longiremis f. cephala hat (1) einen grossen, breiten, runden Kopf, (2) an der Ruderantenne eine Borste, die aus dem Fuss des zweiten Gelenkes entspringt und bis uber das Ende des Endopoditen reicht, (3) eine Korperlange (Kopf und Karapax) von 1.4 bis 2.2 mm, und (4) eine veranderliche Anzahl der Steissdorne, von 10 bis 13. Im Kontrast dazu hat f. typica einen kleineren dreieckigen Kopf, die erwahnte Borste nie langer als der Endopodit, eine Korperlange von 0.6-1.3 mm und normalerweise 8 bis 11 Steissdorne., Die Beschreibung von Daphnia longiremis Sars, 1862 von Brooks (1957) wurde anhand neueren zoogeographischen Studien in Alaska uberpruft. Zwei deutlich unterschiedliche morphologische Formen wurden gefunden: forma typica, die der Beschreibung von Brooks der D. longiremis entspricht, und forma cephala, die sich in vielen wichtigen Punkten von der ersten Form unterscheidet. Die D. longiremis f. cephala hat (1) einen grossen, breiten, runden Kopf, (2) an der Ruderantenne eine Borste, die aus dem Fuss des zweiten Gelenkes entspringt und bis uber das Ende des Endopoditen reicht, (3) eine Korperlange (Kopf und Karapax) von 1.4 bis 2.2 mm, und (4) eine veranderliche Anzahl der Steissdorne, von 10 bis 13. Im Kontrast dazu hat f. typica einen kleineren dreieckigen Kopf, die erwahnte Borste nie langer als der Endopodit, eine Korperlange von 0.6-1.3 mm und normalerweise 8 bis 11 Steissdorne.]
Topological analysis of structural roles of proteins in interactome networks

The systematic analysis of protein-protein interactions is one of the most fundamental challenges to understand cellular organizations, processes and functions. The interaction between two proteins provides significant insight into their functional association. Recent high-throughput experiments have determined protein-protein interactions in the genome scale, called interactome. A wide range of graph theoretic, computational approaches have been presented to characterize protein functions from the interactome networks. In this work, we quantitatively analyze topological features of interactome networks. Our topological model is based on hierarchical modularity in the scale-free nature. First, we use connectivity and betweenness centrality to measure the likelihood of bridging two clusters for each node and edge. Next, we propose an efficient algorithm to detect clusters by collapsing the bridging nodes and edges. To assess the measurement of bridges, we compute the clustering coefficients of the networks which are built from successive deletion of bridging nodes. The alteration pattern of the clustering coefficients approximates the amount of bridging nodes in a network. We also investigate the biological importance of bridging nodes based on protein lethality information. The modularization results show that our approach accurately identifies functional modules in the interactome network of S. cerevisiae. We finally apply our approach to predicting biological functions of uncharacterized proteins in S. cerevisiae.
Occurrence of renal fanconi syndrome in children on valproic acid therapy

Two children taking valproic acid (VPA) developed renal Fanconi syndrome, a clinically subtle and potentially dangerous disorder. Discontinuation of VPA was associated with complete recovery of renal tubular function in 1 patient. A study of 100 children taking VPA did not identify another youngster with this complication, suggesting the maximum risk is less than 3%. Children who suffered perinatal anoxia and those taking VPA as opposed to divalproex sodium may be at increased risk. We recommend screening children receiving VPA for this potentially reversible renal tubulopathy.
Risk factors for body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls: a longitudinal investigation.

Because few prospective studies have examined predictors of body dissatisfaction—an established risk factor for eating disorders—the authors tested whether a set of sociocultural, biological, interpersonal, and affective factors predicted increases in body dissatisfaction using longitudinal data from adolescent girls (N 496). Elevated adiposity, perceived pressure to be thin, thin-ideal internalization, and social support deficits predicted increases in body dissatisfaction, but early menarche, weight-related teasing, and depression did not. There was evidence of 2 distinct pathways to body dissatisfaction—1 involving pressure to be thin and 1 involving adiposity. Results support the contention that certain sociocultural, biological, and interpersonal factors increase the risk for body dissatisfaction, but suggest that other
Randomized Phase II Evaluation of 6 g/m2 of Ifosfamide Plus Doxorubicin and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Compared With 12 g/m2 of Ifosfamide Plus Doxorubicin and G-CSF in the Treatment of Poor-Prognosis Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Purpose The relative value of increasing ifosfamide dose in combination chemotherapy for patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of doxorubicin with high-dose (HD) ifosfamide or standard-dose (SD) ifosfamide in patients with STS. Patients and Methods Chemotherapy-naive patients with STS were randomly assigned to receive doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and either SD ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2/d, days 1 through 4) or HD ifosfamide (3.0 g/m2, days 1 through 4) every 21 days. Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of metastatic disease. End points were overall survival (OS), 1-year disease-free survival (DFS), and toxicity. Results The study group consisted of 79 patients (52 patients with localized disease and 27 patients with metastases). Both groups were well-balanced with respect to known prognostic factors. There was no significant difference in 1-year DFS comparing SD ifosfamide with HD ifosfamide (55% v 52%; P = .81). For SD ifo...
Different mechanisms underlie phenotypic plasticity and interspecific variation for a reproductive character in drosophilids (Insecta: Diptera).

The insect ovary is a modular structure, the functional unit of which is the ovariole. Ovariole number is positively correlated with potential reproductive output. Among drosophilids (Insecta: Diptera), ovariole number shows both phenotypic plasticity and substantial interspecific and interpopulational variation. Here we examine the mech- anistic connection between phenotypic plasticity and genetically fixed variation in ovariole number within the me- lanogaster species group. When a laboratory population of Drosophila melanogasterwas reared under reduced food conditions, differences in ovariole number were entirely due to alterations in cell differentiation during the wandering stage at the very end of larval development. Cell growth and cell death were not affected. When these same flies were reared under a variety of temperatures, ovariole number differences arose during the latter half of the third (final) larval instar. Cell differentiation was affected, although cell number was not, and ovariole number differences were established before metamorphosis. In contrast, genetically fixed, interspecific and interpopulational variability in ovariole number was caused by alterations in the dynamics of cell differentiation and by cell number differences. Furthermore, the stages affected were different in different species and populations in the melanogaster species group, ranging from the first (D. sechellia) through the middle of the third (D. simulans and D. mauritiana) larval stage. Therefore, the mechanistic bases for plasticity-based variability are largely distinct from the mechanistic bases for interspecific and interpopulational variability. Our results suggest that phenotypic plasticity indicates evolutionary flexibility in underlying ontogenetic processes.