cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pteroyl-γ-glutamate-cysteine synthesis and its application in folate receptor-mediated cancer cell targeting using folate-tethered liposomes

Cell membrane-associated folate receptors are selectively overexpressed in certain human tumors. The high affinity of folic acid for folate receptors provides a unique opportunity to use folic acid as a targeting ligand to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. Folate-tethered liposomes bearing pteroyl-gamma-glutamate-cysteine-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) as the targeting component are under investigation as mediators of drug and gene delivery to cancer cells that overexpress folate receptors. Pteroyl-gamma-glutamate-cysteine synthesis is one of the crucial starting steps in the preparation of pteroyl-gamma-glutamate-cysteine-PEG-DSPE. However, published methods for the synthesis of pteroyl-gamma-glutamate-cysteine provide low yields and are not easily reproducible. Therefore, we developed a modified synthetic method for the removal of the N(10)-trifluoroacetyl group after cleavage/deprotection that is reliable, is easily reproducible, and has high yield (38%) compared with an unreliable yield of 3-20% with the earlier methods. Folate-tethered liposomes containing calcein or doxorubicin were prepared using pteroyl-gamma-glutamate-cysteine-PEG-DSPE as the targeting component along with nontargeted liposomes with PEG-DSPE. The results of the uptake of calcein and cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in human cervical cancer HeLa-IU(1) cells and human colon cancer Caco-2 cells demonstrated that folate-tethered liposomes were efficient in selective delivery to cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors. The improvement in yield of the targeting component can significantly facilitate "scale up" of folate receptor-mediated liposomal cancer therapy to the preclinical and clinical levels of investigations.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection Induces Cyclin T1 Expression in Macrophages

The Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is essential for viral replication and activates RNA polymerase II transcriptional elongation through the association with a cellular protein kinase composed of Cdk9 and cyclin T1. Tat binds to this kinase complex through a direct protein-protein interaction with cyclin T1. Monocytes/macrophages are important targets of HIV-1 infection, and previous work has shown that cyclin T1 but not Cdk9 protein expression is low in monocytes isolated from blood. While Cdk9 expression is expressed at a high level during monocyte differentiation to macrophages in vitro, cyclin T1 expression is induced during the first few days of differentiation and is shut off after 1 to 2 weeks. We show here that the shutoff of cyclin T1 expression in late-differentiated macrophages involves proteasome-mediated proteolysis. We also show that cyclin T1 can be reinduced by a number of pathogen-associated molecular patterns that activate macrophages, indicating that up-regulation of cyclin T1 is part of an innate immune response. Furthermore, we found that HIV-1 infection early in macrophage differentiation results in sustained cyclin T1 expression, while infection at late times in differentiation results in the reinduction of cyclin T1. Expression of the viral Nef protein from an adenovirus vector suggests that Nef contributes to the HIV-1 induction of cyclin T1. These findings suggest that HIV-1 infection hijacks a component of the innate immune response in macrophages that results in enhancement rather than inhibition of viral replication.
Evidence for the involvement of ERβ and RGS9-2 in 17-β estradiol enhancement of amphetamine-induced place preference behavior

Abstract Estrogen enhances dopamine-mediated behaviors, which make women and female rats more sensitive to the effects of the psychostimulant drugs, cocaine and amphetamine. How cocaine and amphetamine elicit more robust behavioral responses in females remains unclear, but studies have shown that the Regulator of G-protein Signaling 9-2 (RGS9-2) protein is an important modulator of the behavioral responses to these drugs. Previously, we reported that 17-beta estradiol reduced RGS9-2 mRNA expression in the shell of the nucleus accumbens, but not the core. The present studies were designed to further evaluate the involvement of RGS9-2 in estradiol enhancement of amphetamine-induced place preference behavior and to examine which estrogen receptor subtype mediates the effect of estradiol. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated for 14 days with an inert vehicle or 17-beta estradiol (by Silastic implant or injection [80 μg/kg]). 17-β-Estradiol-treated female rats had enhanced amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference behavior compared to vehicle-treated, ovariectomized female rats. In situ hybridization histochemistry and Western blotting identified an inverse relationship between RGS9-2 protein expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and the hormonal enhancement of amphetamine-induced place preference behavior. A similar relationship was not found between place preference behavior and RGS9-2 expression in the accumbens core. Moreover, treatment of ovariectomized female rats with the selective estrogen receptor-beta agonist, diarylpropionitrile (1 mg/kg), for 2 weeks also facilitated amphetamine-induced place preference behavior and selectively reduced nucleus accumbens shell RGS9-2 protein expression. These data provide insight into a potential mechanism by which estrogen and/or sex modulate mesoaccumbal dopamine receptor signaling and possibly, addictive behaviors.
Chemical composition of hoarfrost, rime and snow during a winter inversion in Utah, U.S.A.

We present data on the chemical composition of hoarfrost, rime, and snow grains that accumulated during an eighteen-day long temperature inversion event in Salt Lake City, Utah in December 1985 and January 1986. Chemical analyses show that the precipitation formed during this inversion event was acidic (as low as pH 3.85) and had nitrate and sulfate contents up to 1680 and 1290 μeq · L−1, respectively. Ammonia, nitrate, and sulfate deposition of 361, 615, and 792 μeq · m−2, respectively, occurred in a six-day period due to the accumulation of snow grains during this inversion.
Ecdysone induces transcription and amplification in Sciara coprophila DNA puff II/9A

DNA replication is normally tightly regulated to ensure the production of only one copy of the genome per cell cycle. However, DNA puffs of the salivary gland giant polytene chromosomes of Sciara coprophila undergo DNA amplification during the normal course of development, overriding this control. This developmental strategy provides more template for the production of large amounts of protein needed for pupation. We have focused on DNA puff II/9A, which amplifies ∼17-fold over the rest of the genome. Evidence presented here suggests that DNA amplification at this locus is controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone, the master regulator of insect development. Explanted, pre-amplification stage salivary glands undergo premature amplification when incubated with ecdysone. Injection of ecdysone into pre-amplification stage larvae induces amplification. Ecdysone also induces transcription of the II/9A genes. We report the presence of a putative ecdysone response element directly adjacent to the origin recognition complex (ORC)-binding site in the II/9A origin and demonstrate that it is efficiently bound by the Sciara ecdysone receptor. These results implicate ecdysone in the regulation of DNA amplification in Sciara and suggest the ecdysone receptor may be the elusive amplification factor. This would be a new role for this transcription factor.
Unusually stable aqueous lyotropic gyroid phases from gemini dicarboxylate surfactants.

Aqueous lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) assemblies with bicontinuous cubic morphologies (Q-phases) have shown promise in applications ranging from selective chemical separations to ion transporting media, yet universal design criteria for amphiphiles that adopt these unique structures remain elusive. Recent reports have demonstrated that cationic gemini surfactants exhibit a tendency to form bicontinuous cubic LLCs as compared to single-tail amphiphiles; however, the universality of this surfactant design motif in stabilizing Q-phases remains untested. Herein, we report the modular synthesis of a new class of anionic gemini surfactants derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids and demonstrate their unexpectedly strong propensity to form gyroid LLC phases with unprecedented stability between 25 and 100 °C over amphiphile concentration windows up to 20 wt % wide. By systematically varying the alkyl spacer length and surfactant counterions (Na+, K+, and (CH3)4N+), we identify molecular motifs that favor formati...
W. H. Auden's IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH: Celebrating Makeshift Love

W. H. Auden's poem “In Sickness and in Health” celebrates marriage from a skeptical angle. It was written in 1940 and first published in The Collected Poetry (1945). The poem's dedication to a marr...
Mental Illness and Psychiatric Treatment Among Women: A Rejoinder to Johnson

In this reply to Johnson, it is suggested that her response to my paper is largely on ideological grounds. Johnson totally ignores the theoretical and empirical basis for the definition of mental illness that is used. She appears not to have read my paper carefully, for all the issues she raises have been dealt with in the paper. She does not seem to comprehend the problematic aspects of both feminist and traditional theory. Johnson does not appear to understand that traditional therapists do not blame the victim and that they also see the therapeutic process as resulting in maturation and growth. Her ideology also apparently makes her unable to see that she and I are in substantial agreement on many issues regarding the role of women.
Comparison of the dominant lethal effects of acrylonitrile and acrylamide in male Fischer 344 rats.

Acrylonitrile (ACN) and acrylamide (AA), structurally similar vinyl monomers, are both animal carcinogens. ACN is weakly mutagenic in bacteria and induces sister-chromatid exchange, unscheduled DNA synthesis and cell transformation in cells in culture. AA induces chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow, blood and germ cells in vivo, and dominant lethal mutations in the germ cells of male mice and rats. In the current study, the ability of AA and ACN to induce dominant lethal mutations in the germ cells of male Fischer 344 rats was compared. Three groups of 50 males were gavaged daily for 5 days with ACN (60 mg/kg in normal saline), AA (30 mg/kg in normal saline) or vehicle only; an additional group of 20 males received a single i.p. injection of 0.2 mg/kg triethylenemelamine (TEM) on the afternoon of day 5. Starting 1 day after exposure, each male was bred to one female per week for 4 weeks (TEM-exposed group) or 10 weeks (ACN, AA and control groups). Mating rates were reduced only during week 1 in the TEM-treated group; pregnancy rates were reduced only during week 2 in the AA-exposed group and week 4 in the TEM-treated group. Females were necropsied 13 days after the end of the appropriate mating week and the amount of pre- and post-implantation loss calculated. ACN treatment of male rats induced no increases in either pre- or post-implantation loss in females in any of the 10 weeks post-exposure examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Baryon-exchange forces in SU(4) symmetry

The SU(4) -invariant trilinear Yukawa-type interaction Lagrangian is derived in terms of the mixing parameter. The SU(4) crossing matrix is given; the single-baryon--exchange forces classified according to exact SU(4) irreducible representations are calculated, discussed, and compared with the SU(3) baryon-exchange forces; and the value of the mixing parameter is evaluated by the reciprocal bootstrap method. The preliminary results indicate that an SU(4) bootstrap model may yield a better mass spectrum for the charmless resonances than is obtained with SU(3) bootstrap models. (AIP)
Development of the Berry Impact Recording Device sensing system: Software

Abstract This paper reports a complete impact data acquisition, processing, and analyzing software system that applies on the hardware platform of the Berry Impact Recording Device (BIRD). The software has three major sections that correspond to the hardware: The BIRD sensor program, the interface box program, and the computer software i-BIRD. The sensor program samples acceleration data from three axes and records them as single impacts with a maximum sampling rate of 3.0 kHz. Users can configure the sensor via the i-BIRD computer software, with different options of sampling frequencies (682–3050 Hz) and thresholds (0–205 g , where g is the gravitational acceleration). The data recorded can be downloaded, processed and graphically displayed on the computer. A real time clock was created using the interrupt service routine provided by the microcontroller. The accuracy of the sensor’s clock was calibrated with an error of 0.073%, which was adequate to record impact data in this application. The shape of impact curves recorded by the BIRD sensor at three sampling frequencies (682, 998, and 1480 Hz) matched well with the curves recorded by a high frequency (10 kHz) data logger with the maximum root mean squared error of 4.4 g. The velocity change had a relative error less than 5%. With confirmation of all those performances, the software system enabled the BIRD to be a useful tool to collect impact data during small fruit (such as blueberry) mechanical harvest.
Evaluation of Practical Bluegill Diets with Varying Protein and Energy Levels

Abstract Because bluegills Lepomis macrochirus are considered important both as a source of forage for largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and as a sport fish, there is strong demand for juveniles and subadults for stocking purposes. Although spawning and extensive culture techniques are well established, there is a need to intensify culture systems to make juvenile production more cost effective. To move toward a more intensive culture system, we must establish basic parameters for the selection of commercial feeds. An 11-week feeding trial was conducted with juvenile bluegills (1.76 g) to evaluate the effect of dietary protein and lipid level on growth, feed efficiency, and survival. Six practical diets were formulated, with varying levels of protein (32–44%) and lipid (6–12%). Final weight (9.4–12.1 g), feed intake (12.6–14.4 g), and feed efficiency values (60.6–72.1%) increased with increasing levels of dietary protein. Increasing the lipid content by 4% in the 32%-protein diet (to 10% lipid) or the...
Large cell carcinoma with calcitonin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-associated Verner-Morrison syndrome

Verner-Morrison syndrome, characterized by diarrhea, hypokalemia, and hypochlorhydria, is caused most commonly by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide–secreting islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Verner-Morrison syndrome has not been described as a paraneoplastic syndrome in non–small cell lung cancer. We describe a 38-year-old man with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer of large cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation who presented with bone metastasis and intractable secretory diarrhea that was unresponsive to pharmacological treatment, including octreotide. Laboratory evaluation indicated elevated serum calcitonin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels. Chemotherapy resulted in a transient response in the patient's diarrhea and neuroendocrine markers. The patient did not respond to further therapy and died 5 months after onset of back pain. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of large cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation associated with treatmentresponsive paraneoplastic Verner-Morrison syndrome.
On ‘redundant’ constraints in Stafford's MILP model for the flowshop problem

This paper investigates a claim that the 1988 Stafford mixed-integer linear programming model for the flowshop with permutation schedules contained a set of redundant constraints that could be eliminated without loss of model feasibility. This claim is shown to be incorrect mathematically and through the use of a counterexample problem. Eight additional problems were solved to confirm these findings.
Using click chemistry toward novel 1,2,3-triazole-linked dopamine D3 receptor ligands

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is a target of pharmacotherapeutic interest in a variety of neurological disorders including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, and drug addiction. A common molecular template used in the development of D3R-selective antagonists and partial agonists incorporates a butylamide linker between two pharmacophores, a phenylpiperazine moiety and an extended aryl ring system. The series of compounds described herein incorporates a change to that chemical template, replacing the amide functional group in the linker chain with a 1,2,3-triazole group. Although the amide linker in the 4-phenylpiperazine class of D3R ligands has been previously deemed critical for high D3R affinity and selectivity, the 1,2,3-triazole moiety serves as a suitable bioisosteric replacement and maintains desired D3R-binding functionality of the compounds. Additionally, using mouse liver microsomes to evaluate CYP450-mediated phase I metabolism, we determined that novel 1,2,3-triazole-containing compounds modestly improves metabolic stability compared to amide-containing analogues. The 1,2,3-triazole moiety allows for the modular attachment of chemical subunit libraries using copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry, increasing the range of chemical entities that can be designed, synthesized, and developed toward D3R-selective therapeutic agents.
Nitrate reductase in agrostemma githago comparison of the inductive effects of nitrate and cytokinin

Abstract The effect of nitrate and cytokinin on the induction of nitrate reductase (NADH-nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.1) in embryos of Agrostemma githago was compared. Increased enzyme levels in response to treatment with the cytokinin benzyladenine were not correlated with a general stimulation of protein synthesis or a general reduction of protein breakdown. Actinomycin D did not inhibit the formation of nitrate reductase in response to nitrate or the cytokinin. Cycloheximide and puromycin inhibited the induction by the hormone to the same extent as, or even more than, the incorporation of [14C]leucine into protein. Induction of nitrate reductase by nitrate was much less susceptible to inhibition by cycloheximide and puromycin than induction of the enzyme by benzyladenine. When induction of nitrate reductase was carried out in the presence of 2H2O, isopycnic equilibrium centrifugation in CsCl showed that incorporation of 2H into the enzyme had occured. The increase in the buoyant density of nitrate reductase was the same whether the enzyme was induced by nitrate or by benzyladenine, indicating that at least part of the nitrate reductase molecule was newly synthesized in both instances.
Mucins secreted by cell lines derived from colorectal mucinous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma

Mucinous (colloid) carcinoma and well- to moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon differ in the pattern and the amount of mucin secretion and perhaps in their behaviour and clinical outcome. To ascertain why these differences exist and to elucidate the mechanisms of tumour progression, we examined two model human cell lines derived from colorectal mucinous carcinoma (C1a) and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (HM3) which show typical pathological and mucin staining patterns of the respective type of carcinomas to nude mouse tumour xenografts. Specifically, we sought to determine if there were quantitative and qualitative differences in mucin synthesis, in mucin gene expression and in biological properties between the two model cell lines. Northern blot analysis showed that MUC2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in C1a cells compared with HM3 cells, while those of MUC3, -5 and -6 mRNA were lower. C1a cells secreted approximately five times more radiolabelled apomucin and 1.5 times more glycosylated apomucin than HM3 cells. When the carbohydrate side-chain length of secreted mucins by these cell lines were examined by beta-elimination followed by P4 column chromatography, C1a mucins had mostly short carbohydrate side-chains, while HM3 cells had predominantly longer side-chains. Western blot analysis of the cell homogenate showed higher expression of MUC2 apomucin and mucin-associated carbohydrate antigens, such as T, Tn and sialyl Tn, with decreased sialyl Le(x) expression in C1a cells compared with HM3. Immunohistochemical analysis of 35 colorectal adenocarcinoma and 25 mucinous colorectal carcinoma tissues also demonstrated increased MUC2 apomucin, T, Tn and sialyl Tn antigens in the mucinous cancer specimens. Examination of the biological properties of these cell lines showed that C1a cells had significantly higher in vitro invasive activity in assays of invasion and collagenase activity and significantly lower E-selectin binding and liver colonisation activities in nude mice. These results indicate that colorectal mucinous carcinoma cells differ considerably from colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in the pattern of mucin gene expression and in the synthesis and secretion of mucin. In addition, biological studies showed that mucinous carcinoma cells have a greater degree of invasiveness, but less liver colonising activity. These results suggest that the biological and mucin characteristics of mucinous carcinoma cells contribute to extensive local invasion through tissue stroma as the predominant mechanism of tumour progression, while the biological and mucin characteristics of well- to moderately-differentiated colorectal adenocarcinoma contribute to progression via distant metastasis formation.
The convex hull property and topology of hypersurfaces with nonnegative curvature

Abstract We prove that, in Euclidean space, any nonnegatively curved, compact, smoothly immersed hypersurface lies outside the convex hull of its boundary, provided the boundary satisfies certain required conditions. This gives a convex hull property, dual to the classical one for surfaces with nonpositive curvature. A version of this result in the nonsmooth category is obtained as well. We show that our boundary conditions determine the topology of the surface up to at most two choices. The proof is based on uniform estimates for radii of convexity of these surfaces under a clipping procedure, a noncollapsing convergence theorem, and a gluing procedure.
Separation of selected transition metal ions and divalent metal ions by HPLC using UV-vis detection

Abstract The use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, disodium salt, (pH 3-5) has been investigated as an eluant for the separation and detection of nanogram levels of selected divalent and trivalent metal ions. The effect of pH and eluant concentration upon the retention times and resolution of the system are given and the ability to alter the eluant characteristics to optimize the chromatographic results in different situations will be discussed. The method is less complicated than the method frequently used for transition metal ion determinations which uses a post-column derivitization reagent. This method is applicable to a wider range of metal ions and provides detection limits which are generally within two orders of magnitude of the post-column derivitization method.
Effects of in vitro incubation on a zona binding site found on murine spermatozoa

Murine cauda epididymal sperm possess a site, the acceptor, on the plasma membrane over the apical cap region of the acrosome which recognizes both a proteinase inhibitor of seminal vesicle origin and homologous zonae. The acceptor site may participate in both capacitation and zona binding. This presentation explores the effect of in vitro incubation in a medium known to induce capacitation on the binding capabilities of this site. Approximately 80% of fresh cauda epididymal sperm will bind the seminal inhibitor in vitro. Incubating sperm, pretreated with inhibitor for 2 hr in a medium (M199-M) known to support capacitation, reduces by 60% the number of sperm showing evidence of the inhibitor. No such decrease is seen when sperm are incubated in a medium (M199) that does not support capacitation. During the 2-hr incubation in either medium, 60–70% of the sperm retain two diverse components on the plasma membrane over the acrosome: a receptor for the Fc portion of IgG and an epitope recognized by a monoclonal antibody to the acceptor site. These observations suggest that the plasma membrane in the acrosome region of the cell remains structurally intact during incubation. Furthermore, sperm retain the ability to bind the seminal inhibitor during incubation. After a 2-hr incubation in M199-M, sperm pretreated with heat-solubilized zonae no longer bind the inhibitor. These sperm, however, retain the plasma membrane over the acrosomal cap region. When the sperm are incubated in M199, no decrease in inhibitor binding due to zona treatment is noted. The data suggest that the incubation in M199-M modifies the sperm such that they are able to bind solubilized zona.
Ecology of creeping macrophytes with special reference to Ludwigia peploides (H.B.K.) Raven

Abstract Growth strategies are described of five emergent macrophytes, Ludwigia peploides (H.B.K.) Raven, Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vellozo) Verdcourt, Nasturtium officinale R. Br., Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb., and Oenanthe sarmentosa Presl, which commonly occur in nutrient rich pools, sloughs, and irrigation and drainage canals throughout central and southern California. Because of their creeping mode of growth, the term ‘creeping emergents’ is suggested. These plants are characterized by rapid growth, high nutrogen accumulation, allocation of most biomass and nitrogen into aboveground plant parts, and rapid decomposition. Experiments on L. peploides showed it to be capable of producing up to 50 g dry weight m−2 day−1. In natural stands its average biomass is usually in the range 500–700 g dry weight m−2. In cultivation, with an artificial stem support, it attained a positive growth rate even at high densities, and a biomass corresponding to 1900 g dry weight m−2. It grew well in a broad range of nitrogen concentrations, its biomass production staying approximately the same through the range 20–140 mg l−1 of nitrate-nitrogen in water. Whole plant nitrogen content reached a maximum of 4.5%, leaf nitrogen 6.8%. The rate of photosynthesis decreased in leaves with nitrogen concentrations > 5.5%. L. peploides regenerated well after 95% of the stem length was removed, regaining 67% of biomass of the uncut control in 45 days. Creeping emergents have good potential for use in waste water treatment.
The emergency department social work intervention for mild traumatic brain injury (SWIFT-Acute): A pilot study

AbstractObjective: To determine acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Emergency Department (ED) Social Work Intervention for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (SWIFT-Acute) on alcohol use, community functioning, depression, anxiety, post-concussive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder and service use.Methods: This study enrolled 64 patients who received head CT after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and were discharged <24 hours from a Level 1 trauma centre ED. The cohort study compared outcomes for SWIFT-Acute (n = 32) and Usual Care (n = 32) 3 months post-injury. SWIFT-Acute includes education about symptoms and decreasing alcohol use, coping strategies, reassurance and education about recovery process and follow-up guidelines and resources.Measures: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, PTSD Checklist-Civilian, acceptability and service use surveys.Results: ...
Optoelectronic region of interest detection in monolayer cervical smear slides

An optoelectronic detection system using two electrically addressed spatial light modulators in an optical correlator has been constructed to find regions of interest in cervical smear slides using the hit/miss transform algorithm. The purpose of the detector is to locate abnormal cells in the cervical smear and mark the region of interest for further classification by a second stage to the overall system. In addition, an image database of characteristic monolayer cervical smear images has been constructed for testing the system. The optoelectronic processing of cytological specimens can in theory provide both an improvement in the speed of scanning a slide for a region of interest and also a decrease in current manual screening errors. Results of the optoelectronic correlator and corresponding computer simulations will be discussed as well as further means of improving the system. Conclusions about further steps in the implementation of a complete medical diagnostic system including classification of regions of interest and improvements for automation will also be addressed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Video-assisted evacuation of empyema is the preferred procedure for management of pleural space infections.

Abstract Background: Empyema remains a cause of morbidity and mortality. Thoracoscopy has proved its versatility in the management of pleural space disorders. The suitability of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for decortication in the management of the fibrotic stage of empyema is unclear. Methods: VATS evacuation of empyema and decortication was performed on seventeen patients presenting with pleural space infections. A retrospective review was performed and constitutes the basis of this report. Results: VATS evacuation of empyema and decortication was successfully performed in 13 of 17 patients. Blood loss was 325 ± 331 cc. Mean hospital stay was 18 ± 10 days. Postoperative hospitalization was 11 ± 7 days. Chest tubes remained in place for 7 ± 3 days. There were no operative mortalities. Conclusions: Video-assisted evacuation of empyema and decortication is an effective modality in the management of the exudative and fibrinopurulent stages of empyema. An organized empyema should be approached thoracoscopically, but may require open decortication.
An Analysis of Supervisor Support of Policies on Workplace Flexibility

ABSTRACT Workplace flexibility policies provide workers with an opportunity to attain a healthy work–life balance. This study utilized a secondary data set of 658 supervisors from a study that was commissioned by the work–life office of a major university in the Southern United States to get a better understanding of the implementation of flexibility policies at this university. The purpose of examining this secondary data set was to determine whether supervisors who have caregiving responsibilities are more likely to be supportive of workplace flexibility policies than those with no caregiving responsibilities. The findings indicate that supervisors who have caregiving responsibilities are no more likely to be supportive of workplace flexibility than those with no caregiving responsibilities. This finding is important to those who have a vested interest in understanding factors that may promote or undermine workplace policies that have direct impact on workers and their families. Future research and reco...
Radiation-damaged tyrosinase molecules are inactive

Target analysis of radiation inactivation of mushroom tyrosinase yields different target sizes for diphenoloxidase and monophenoloxidase activities, which correspond to the subunits H and HL2 (or HL), respectively. After gel electrophoresis of irradiated samples, all diphenoloxidase activity is observed at the same position as seen in the original material. Radiolytic fragments contain no detectable activity, consistent with a fundamental assumption of target theory.
Conserved noether currents and path intergrals for dynamical groups

Abstract We consider path integrals for the dynamical group SU(1,1) based on its associated coherent states. For relevant systems the classical dynamics is oscillator-like in a curved phase space. The classical lagrangian exhibits an “internal” symmetry whose conserved Noether currents are in the SU(1,1) Lie algebra.
Teacher Design Using Online Learning Resources: A Comparative Case Study of Science and Mathematics Teachers

Using a comparative case study design, this paper explores the impacts of a technology-related professional development (TTPD) design aimed at helping science and mathematics teachers design classroom activities using the wealth of resources available on the Internet. Using the lens of curricular adaption and the notion of teachers’ varying pedagogical design capacity, we analyzed the experiences of four teachers in terms of the kinds of instructional activities teachers designed, how these were supported with online resources, and teachers’ perceptions of impacts on student learning. Findings suggested that participants used a variety of personally relevant design strategies when applying TTPD concepts to their contexts. In particular, the teachers discussed how they tailored instruction to fit their students’ needs and interests, and how they incorporated instructional games, simulations, and interactive resources to enhance motivation and provide self-paced instruction.
Local Influences of Community College Baccalaureate Legislation on Nursing and Teaching Degree Production in Florida

This study examines the impact of the community college baccalaureate policy across Florida. In 2001, the state legislature granted St. Petersburg College authorization to offer a limited number of baccalaureate degrees in approved program. Since that time, 18 community colleges across the state have offered 111 degree programs. This study examines whether offering the baccalaureate degree at community colleges increases degree production in two key areas—nursing and teaching. We employ two separate quasiexperimental approaches—fixed effects modeling and difference in differences—to examine whether changes in degree production in these two disciplines is attributable to the adoption of the policy. In nursing, there appears to be an impact within the early adopting regions, but the difference in differences analysis suggests those changes are not attributable to the policy. In teacher education, the analyses are consistent that the policy has not resulted in an increased production of new teachers. Policym...
The Masses of 51Ca and 47Ar

Transfer reactions with beams of 14C on a target of 48Ca were used to measure the masses of 51Ca and 47Ar. A natural Ca target was used to estimate the background due to impurities in the 48Ca target. In the case of 47Ar this is the first reported measurement, but in the case of 51Ca the results do not corroborate a previous experiment.
A competitive 2-server algorithm

Abstract The K-server problem is the problem of planning the motion of K mobile servers in a metric space. We give an on-line algorithm for the 2-server problem in any metric space. The total cost of this algorithm on any sequence of requests is bounded by ten times the cost of the optimal off-line algorithm on that sequence. The rule is a modified version of the balance algorithm; it sends the server that minimizes the quality: (total distance traversed so far by that server + twice the distance of that server to the next request). This is the first provable competitive rule that can be evaluated in a constant number of arithmetic operations per request with only one variable. This contrasts with the 2-competitive 2-server algorithm in [5] which requires maintaining O(t) memory locations and O(t) time to decide which server to send, where t is the minimum of the number of points in the metric space and the number of requests. Our rule naturally generalizes to more than two servers, and we conjecture that it is also competitive in this case.
2 Neurofibromin-Deficient Schwann Cells Have Increased Lysophosphatidic Acid Dependent Survival and Migration – Implications for Increased Neurofibroma Formation and Growth During Pregnancy.

Background: During pregnancy, neurofibromas often enlarge or develop for the first time in females with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a prototypic lysophospholipid that has been implicated in tumor progression. LPA modulates cell migration and survival of Schwann cells (SCs), and interestingly, LPA is made in increasing concentrations throughout pregnancy. SCs are the tumorigenic cells in the development of neurofibromas in NF1. Given the temporal nature of LPA production and neurofibroma formation during pregnancy, we hypothesized that LPA may be a candidate molecule that promotes Schwann cell (SC) migration and survival and potentially plays a role in the increase in neurofibroma formation during pregnancy. Purpose: To define the potential role of LPA on the biochemical and cellular functions of Nf1−/− SCs. Methods: Murine SCs were isolated from WT and Nf1−/− dorsal root ganglia at embryonic day 13.5 and cultured in media containing glial growth factor. To measure SC motility, confluent SC monolayers were wounded and wound closure was monitored by time lapse microscopy following LPA stimulation. Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to quantitate the relative amount of filamentous actin per SC after LPA stimulation. LPA-dependent survival was measured by FACS using Annexin V/PI staining, and PI-3K activity was assessed by measuring Akt phosphorylation. Ras and small RhoGTPase effectors were evaluated by Western blot. Results: LPA preferentially promoted Ras-mediated Nf1−/− SC survival, migration, and F-actin reorganization and polymerization in Nf1−/− SCs as compared with WT SCs. LPA induced hyperactivation of Ras and its downstream effectors, Akt and Rac1. Addition of LY0294002, a potent PI-3K inhibitor, significantly reduced SC survival and migration in both WT and Nf1−/− cultures. Conclusions: We demonstrate that there is a gain in functions of LPA-mediated migration and survival of Nf1−/− SCs, which is dependent on the Ras/PI-3K signaling axis. As Ras is an intractable molecular target, inhibition of the PI-3K pathway may be a potential therapy for neurofibroma development and progression in NF1 patients. Furthermore, LPA is a candidate phospholipid that modulates excessive cell survival and invasiveness of Nf1−/− Schwann cells that potentially may contribute to neurofibroma development and progression in pregnant women with NF1.
The feasibility of psychosocial screening for adolescent and young adult brain tumor survivors: the value of self-report.

Psychosocial screening is increasingly applied to childhood cancer survivors generally, but less so with pediatric brain tumor survivors despite their psychosocial risks. This study examined the utility and acceptability of psychological screening in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Eighty-four adolescents (age 12–18) completed the Beck Youth Inventory-II and 79 young adults (age 19–30) completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. Their scores were compared to clinician ratings on the global assessment of functioning following clinical interviews. Eighty-four percent of participants completed measures in <30 min, 90 % reported no associated distress, and 98 % found measures easy to understand. Using established cut-off scores, 14 adolescents (17 %) and 21 young adults (27 %) were identified as clinical cases by self-report. Agreement with clinician report was generally low (kappa = .19, p = .077, adolescents; kappa = .34, p = .003, young adults), with clinicians tending to rate a higher proportion of both groups as having significant distress (24 % in adolescents; 32 % in young adults). Low self-concept scores in adolescents and deficits in social and vocational functioning in young adults contributed significantly to the discrepancies between self-report and clinician ratings. Pediatric brain tumor survivors are capable of completing self-report psychological measures without distress or burden. Self-report can be a valuable tool in the assessment of pediatric brain tumor survivors, particularly in adolescents, who may provide information not revealed in a clinical interview. However, self-report, should not be used as a “stand-alone” assessment because important areas of functioning may be minimized in survivors’ reports. Utilizing self-report for psychosocial screening of adolescent and young adult brain tumor survivors may enhance clinical care and allow for better identification of survivors in need of psychological services.
Quantitative radiography using Ag X-rays

We have used an electron microprobe or scanning electron microscope to analyze the Ag produced by exposure of Ilford nuclear emulsions to ^(151)Sm beta particles. The low beam currents of the SEM yielded satisfactory results while the higher current density of the microprobe produced variable amounts of volatilization of the organic constituents of the emulsion. Nonlinearities in Ag counting rate vs. exposure time curves were found at both high and low Ag concentrations. Two different types (mechanisms?) of emulsion fading were observed, one operating on an hour, the other on a day, time scale. The low-Ag nonlinearities are perhaps explained by either dose-dependent short time scale fading or by the requirement of multiple hits to render some AgBr grains developable.
Symmetric Euler and Navier–Stokes shocks in stationary barotropic flow on a bounded domain

Abstract We construct stationary solutions to the barotropic, compressible Euler and Navier–Stokes equations in several space dimensions with spherical or cylindrical symmetry. For given Dirichlet data on a sphere or a cylinder we first construct smooth and radially symmetric solutions to the Euler equations in the exterior domain. On the other hand, stationary smooth solutions in the interior domain necessarily become sonic and cannot be continued beyond a critical inner radius. We then use these solutions to construct entropy-satisfying shocks for the Euler equations in the region between two concentric spheres or cylinders. Next we construct smooth Navier–Stokes solutions converging to the previously constructed Euler shocks in the small viscosity limit. In the process we introduce a new technique for constructing smooth solutions, which exhibit a fast transition in the interior, to a class of two-point boundary problems.
Fractal Geometry and the Pharmacometrics of Micafungin in Overweight, Obese, and Extremely Obese People

The majority of Americans are overweight, and the incidence of obesity continues to increase. This trend predisposes people to a number of deleterious consequences, including the metabolic syndrome and other conditions that lead to a greater number of hospital admissions. Invasive candidiasis is an important nosocomial infection that results from these admissions. Echinocandins such as micafungin are indicated for treatment. We have previously demonstrated that overweight patients exhibit higher micafungin systemic clearance (SCL) than leaner patients. We hypothesized that obese and extremely obese people would show even higher SCL than merely overweight patients. To test this, we performed a prospective study of 36 adult volunteers randomized to receive a single dose of either 100 mg or 300 mg of micafungin whose body mass index fell within one of the following categories: 40 kg/m(2). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The minimum weight was 43 kg, the median 97 kg, and the maximum weight 155 kg. A two-compartment model was examined using the maximum likelihood solution via the expectation-maximization algorithm. Men had a higher median SCL of 1.53 liters/h versus 1.29 liters/h (P = 0.01) in the Mann-Whitney U-test. The typical SCL was 1.04 liters/h but increased by a factor of (weight/66)(0.75) as weight increased above 66 kg. Thus, the relationship between micafungin SCL and weight in adults is best described by fractal-geometry-based laws. Furthermore, micafungin SCL continues to increase as weight increases, with no obvious plateau. This leads to a requirement for strategies to determine individualized dosing levels for obese and extremely obese patients.
Further observations on vagal influences on the heart during electroshock therapy for mental disease

Abstract Previous work by a number of authors has demonstrated the common occurrence of arrhythmias immediately after electroshock treatments for mental disease. 1–5 These cardiac irregularities for the most part are the consequence of vagal hyperactivity. 5 The present study is an attempt to analyze further the mechanisms responsible for these changes.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Mutations in λ PRM on Open Complex Formation at the Divergent PR Promoter

Abstract A detailed kinetic analysis demonstrates that, in vitro , mutations in the P RM promoter of bacteriophage λ can increase the rate of open complex formation at the divergent, lytic promoter P R in either of two ways. (1) P - RM mutations, typified by P RM KM11, indirectly stimulate P R by eliminating interference from RNA polymerase (RNAP) molecules bound at wild-type P RM . This effect can be observed only when P R is itself mutated because open complexes normally form so rapidly at wild-type P R that they are unaffected by P RM . It has been shown previously that P R and P RM can be occupied simultaneously by RNAP, suggesting that interference from P RM is medicated at a step subsequent to binding of RNAP to P R . This conclusion is supported by kinetic data, which indicate that inactivating P RM affects P R x3 by increasing k f , the rate of isomerization of closed to open complexes, four- to fivefold. (2) In addition to its indirect effect, the mutation P RM 116, which is located at -33 with respect to P RM and -50 with respect to P R , directly increases the intrinsic strength of P R . P RM 116 increases from 11 to 12 the number of A:T or T:A base-pairs in a 12 bp AT-rich sequence located between 47 and 58 bp upstream from P R ; we suggest that this upstream sequence contributes directly to P R promoter strength. We also show that the P R x3 mutation causes a 100-fold decrease in k f . This result indicates that the -35 consensus region plays a major role in the isomerization of closed to open complexes at P R .
Acute visual loss and other disorders of the eyes.

Neuro-ophthalmologic findings may serve as the cornerstone of neurologic diagnosis, especially in critically ill or obtunded patients for whom a detailed history and physical examination may be impossible. Subtle neuro-ophthalmologic findings may have exquisite localizing value and often provide the earliest clue of incipient neurologic catastrophe, such as acute hydrocephalus or impending transtentorial herniation. The initial portion of this chapter is devoted to the neuro-ophthalmologic signs and symptoms that are frequently encountered in the emergency setting; the latter part outlines specific entities in which neuro-ophthalmologic findings may play a prominent role in the diagnosis of neurologic emergencies.
Needle exchange programs and drug injection behavior

This study examines how drug injection and needle sharing propensities respond when a needle exchange program (NEP) is introduced into a city. I analyze 1989–1995 Drug Use Forecasting data on adult male arrestees from 24 large U.S. cities, in nine of which NEPs opened during the sample period. After controlling for cocaine and heroin prices, AIDS prevalence, fixed effects for cities and years and city-specific time trends, the model indicates that the presence of a NEP is associated with declines of 13 percent in drug injection and 20 percent in needle sharing among drug injectors. © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management