cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The novel coactivator C1 (HCF) coordinates multiprotein enhancer formation and mediates transcription activation by GABP.

Transcription of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV–1) immediate early (IE) genes is determined by multiprotein enhancer complexes. The core enhancer assembly requires the interactions of the POU-homeodomain protein Oct–1, the viral transactivator αTIF and the cellular factor C1 (HCF). In this context, the C1 factor interacts with each protein to assemble the stable enhancer complex. In addition, the IE enhancer cores contain adjacent binding sites for other cellular transcription factors such as Sp1 and GA-binding protein (GABP). In this study, a direct interaction of the C1 factor with GABP is demonstrated, defining the C1 factor as the critical coordinator of the enhancer complex assembly. In addition, mutations that reduce the GABP transactivation potential also impair the C1–GABP interaction, indicating that the C1 factor functions as a novel coactivator of GABP-mediated transcription. The interaction and coordinated assembly of the enhancer proteins by the C1 factor may be critical for the regulation of the HSV lytic–latent cycle.
Sensitivity analysis in connectionist modeling

The application of sensitivity analysis methodology to connectionist modeling is discussed. Sensitivity analysis examines the functional relationship of parameters in dynamic systems to specify the interactions of parameters and the boundary conditions of dynamic system models. Sensitivity analysis is contrasted with parameter estimation. Reasons to favor sensitivity analysis in connectionist modeling are discussed. Six steps for sensitivity analysis are detailed with examples from the modeling of short- and long-term memory retrieval.
Spectroscopic and kinetic properties of the transient intermediate acceptor in reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides.

Abstract The photoreductive trapping of the transient, intermediate acceptor, I−, in purified reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R-26 was investigated for different external conditions. The optical spectrum of I− was found to be similar to that reported for other systems by Shuvalov and Klimov ((1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 440, 587–599) and Tiede et al. (P.M. Tiede, R.C. Prince, G.H. Reed and P.L. Dutton (1976) FEBS Lett. 65, 301–304). The optical changes of I− showed characteristics of both bacteriopheophytin (e.g. bleaching at 762, 542 nm and red shift at 400 nm) and bacteriochlorophyll (bleaching at 802 and 590 nm). Two types of EPR signals of I− were observed: one was a narrow singlet at g = 2.0035, ΔH = 13.5 G, the other a doublet with a splitting of 60 G centered around g = 2.00, which was only seen after short illumination times in reaction centers reconstituted with menaquinone. The optical and EPR kinetics of I− on illumination in the presence of reduced cytochrome c and dithionite strongly support the following three-step scheme in which the doublet EPR signal is due to the unstable state DI−Q−Fe2+ and the singlet EPR signal is due to DI−Q2−Fe2+. where D is the primary donor (BChl)+2. The above model was supported by the following observations: 1. (1) During the first illumination, sigmoidal kinetics of the formation of I− was observed. This is a direct consequence of the three-sequential reactions. 2. (2) During the second and subsequent illuminations first-order (exponential) kinetics were observed for the formation of I−. This is due to the dark decay, k4, to the state DIQ2−Fe2+ formed after the first illumination. 3. (3) Removal of the quinone resulted in first-order kinetics. In this case, only the first step, k1, is operative. 4. (4) The observation of the doublet signal in reaction centers containing menaquinone but not ubiquinone is explained by the longer lifetime of the doublet species I−(Q−Fe2+) in reaction centers containing menaquinone. The value of τ2 was determined from kinetic measurements to be 0.01 s for ubiquinone and 4 s for menaquinone (T = 20°C). The temperature and pH dependence of the dark electron transfer reaction I−(Q−Fe2+) → I(Q2−Fe2+) was studied in detail. The activation energy for this process was found to be 0.42 eV for reaction centers containing ubiquinone and 0.67 eV for reaction centers with menaquinone. The activation energy and the doublet splitting were used to calculate the rate of electron transfer from I− to MQ−Fe2+ using Hopfield's theory for thermally activated electron tunneling. The calculated rate agrees well with the experimentally determined rate which provides support for electron tunneling as the mechanism for electron transfer in this reaction. Using the EPR doublet splitting and the activation energy for electron transfer, the tunneling matrix element was calculated to be 10−3 eV. From this value the distance between I− and MQ− was estimated to be 7.5–10 A.
Voice Handicap Index Results for Older Patients with Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) adversely affects a speaker's ability to effectively communicate. For many individuals suffering with ADSD, botulinum toxin (Botox) is the chosen treatment to remediate the symptoms. Although Botox's effects on symptom remediation have been examined before, patient perception of improvement post-Botox has been examined less frequently. Further, no studies have addressed the symptomatic changes in older adults that occur after Botox treatment. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was used as the instrument to assess older patient's (>65 years) perception of how ADSD impacts certain areas of their life pre- and post-Botox injection. The outcome of the VHI was related to a clinical judgment of voice severity. Participants also completed the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) to examine overall stress level, and the outcome of the SRRS was correlated to postinjection VHI scores. Results indicated no significant correlation between VHI scores and voice severity or SRRS ratings. The current study suggests further study of voice outcomes with older adults with ADSD is needed.
Characterization and Functional Analysis of the Promoter of RAGE, the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products

The receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules differentially expressed on a range of cell types. Ligation of RAGE perturbs homeostatic mechanisms and, potentially, provides a basis for cellular dysfunction in pathologic situations in which its ligands accumulate. To understand factors underlying RAGE expression, we cloned the 5′-flanking region of the RAGE gene and characterized putative regulatory motifs. Analysis of the putative promoter region revealed the presence of three potential NF-κB-like and two SP1 binding sites. Transient transfection of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells using chimeric 5′-deletion constructs linked to luciferase reporter revealed that the region −1543/−587 contributed importantly to both basal and stimulated expression of the RAGE gene. This region of the RAGE gene contained three putative NF-κB-like binding sites and was responsible for increased luciferase activity observed when endothelial or smooth muscle cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. DNase I footprinting assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that two of the three NF-κB-like binding sites (1 and 2) were likely functional and responsive to stimuli. Upon simultaneous mutation of NF-κB-like sites 1 and 2, both basal promoter expression and response to stimulation with LPS, as measured by relative luciferase activity, were significantly diminished. These results point to NF-κB-dependent mechanisms regulating cellular expression of RAGE and suggest a means of linking RAGE to the inflammatory response.
Measurements and statistics of mixture fraction and scalar dissipation rates in turbulent non-premixed jet flames

Abstract The present study adds to the limited database of mixture fraction and scalar dissipation rate measurements within turbulent flames. One noteworthy aspect is that the current measurements are two-dimensional images, which provide the physical structure of the scalar dissipation rate field. Two turbulent carbon monoxide flames are studied at two different jet-exit velocities, where the latter flame is near blowoff. The effects of increasing levels of local extinction (by increasing the jet velocities) on the structure and statistics of the mixture fraction fluctuation and scalar dissipation rate fields are investigated in detail. In general, the topology of the scalar dissipation rate layers is similar to that found previously in turbulent non-reacting flows, with some notable exceptions. For the lower jet-velocity case, the dissipation layers were somewhat smooth, isolated, and preferentially aligned in the axial direction, while for the higher jet-velocity case (near global extinction), the scalar dissipation rate field was characterized by an increased number of shorter, thinner, and highly wrinkled dissipation layers. It appears that as the flame nears blowoff, the scalar dissipation rate field exhibits an increasing level of isotropy, resembling turbulent non-reacting flows. In addition to providing new insights on the physical nature of the dissipation fields, the two-dimensional statistics of the mixture fraction and scalar dissipation rate are examined in detail, in the form of conditional averaging and through the construction of probability density functions. It is found, that although the two flames have apparent differences in physical structure, the corresponding statistical properties of the scalar dissipation rate were similar. Probability density functions (pdfs) of the scalar dissipation rate exhibited large departures from strict log-normality and the pdfs of the scalar dissipation rate were found to be significantly different if only the values of the scalar dissipation conditioned on the stoichiometric contour were considered compared to the entire flowfield. This has implications for modeling assumptions that seek to describe the entire turbulent flowfield by a single pdf. The nature of the scalar dissipation rate in the current lower-Reynolds number turbulent flames, as revealed through the statistics, is compared to previous, well-known data sets obtained in the Sandia series of piloted jet flames as well as other piloted non-premixed jet flames at higher Reynolds numbers. The present flame conditions are significantly different from previous work, yet the general structure, statistical trends, and general effects of increasing levels of local extinction agree favorably with the previous experimental data.
The Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in Pennsylvania Tributary Streams of Lake Erie

Abstract The round goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ) has successfully colonized the Great Lakes, where it appears to be out-competing and possibly displacing native fish species. Movement of the round goby into tributary streams of Lake Erie could further jeopardize native species. Sampling was done by electrofishing in six Pennsylvania tributary streams of Lake Erie from June 2000 through October 2001. Round gobies were collected from four of the six streams sampled: Elk Creek, Walnut Creek, Twentymile Creek, and Sixteenmile Creek. The most extensive colonization has occurred in Elk Creek where round gobies comprised 17.1% of the total number of fish where they were present, and occurred as far as 2.25 stream km upstream from the mouth of the creek. Round gobies fed almost exclusively on aquatic insects, and the most important insects in the diet were chironomid larvae. Female round gobies matured at 1+ years old. Individual fecundity ranged from 86 to 591 eggs, and increased with fish length. The plasticity of the diet, high fecundity, and aggressiveness of the round goby may make it a threat to native species in Pennsylvania tributary streams.
Unipolar bronchial electrocardiographic exploration of the heart in man; a preliminary report.

The method for exploring cardiac potentials through the bronchial tree is described in detail. It consists of obtaining unipolar bronchial leads by inserting a thin No. 4 French catheter into the secondary branches of the bronchial tree as near as possible to the surface of the heart. By this method, electrocardiograms can be obtained on the right side which resemble right auricular endocardiograms. On the left side, left ventricular epicardial and cavity potentials are recorded and these are similar to direct left ventricular surface leads, left intraventricular cavity potentials and esophageal leads at the same level. No arrhythmias or serious reactions occurred during or after this procedure. Preliminary findings in 8 cases are discussed in detail.
Defective thyrotropin receptor G-protein cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling mechanism in the FTC human follicular thyroid cancer cell line.

Abstract Background. Several studies report the effect of thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) on weakly (FTC-133) and aggressively invasive (FTC-238) clones of a human follicular thyroid cancer cell line. Specifically, TSH induces fibronectin secretion by FTC-133, possibly as a result of increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), yet induces in vitro invasion through a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism. In normal thyrocytes, TSH activates cAMP through a stimulatory G-protein (Gs)-linked pathway. In the FTC model we studied the effect of TSH on adenylate cyclase activation. Methods. TSH receptor (TSH-R) mRNA was studied by reverse transciptase polymerase chain reaction. Fibronectin transcription was analyzed by Northern blot and densitometry. cAMP levels were determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Gsα. expression was determined by Western blot and a possible activating mutation at position 201 in Gsα sought by direct sequencing. Results. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of TSH-R mRNA in FTC-133 and FTC-238. TSH did not increase transcription of fibronectin mRNA. FTC-133 cells exhibited higher cAMP levels than did FTC-238 cells: 30.4 ± 8.0 versus 13.0 ± 3.5 femtomoles/104 cells (mean ± SD; p Conclusions. Prototypical TSH-Gs-cAMP signal transduction is not functional in FTC-133 or FTC-238. Our findings implicate perturbation in TSH-R.
Knockdown of RON receptor kinase delays but does not prevent tumor progression while enhancing HGF/MET signaling in pancreatic cancer cell lines

In this study, the role of RON (receptor originated from nantes) in tumor progression was further investigated in context with MET expression and activity. RON and MET expressions were not detected in an immortalized normal human pancreas cell line (HPNE), but were co-expressed in five of seven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines (PANC-1, BxPC-3, Capan-2, CFPAC-1 and AsPC-1). RON expression was knocked down by an shRNA approach in two PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1) that co-express MET. Knockdown of RON significantly inhibited cell growth, clonogenicity and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), RON ligand induced invasion by in vitro assays and significantly inhibited tumor growth (P<0.001) and metastasis (P<0.009) in an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model at week 7. However, by week 9, the mice implanted with RON knockdown cells had developed similar size primary tumors and metastases compared with that seen in the control group at week 7. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that MET remains highly expressed in cells and tumor tissues where RON was knocked down. Moreover, knockdown of RON did not prevent hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulated invasion in in vitro Matrigel assays. Treating cells with MSP induced the transphosphorylation of MET, suggesting that signaling may be modulated by relative levels of RON and MET receptors and their corresponding ligands. To this point, HGF treatment of RON knockdown cells caused an increase in intensity and duration of MET signaling, suggesting that MET signaling may compensate for loss of RON signaling. Treatment of cells with an MET inhibitor, PHA-665752, had minimal effects on inhibiting cell growth but significantly inhibited cell invasion induce by ligands for either MET or RON. These results suggest that HGF/MET signaling may have a more important role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis rather than in tumor cell proliferation. This study indicates that specific inhibition of RON delays but does not prevent progression of PDAC. Moreover, specific signaling may be modulated by the interaction of RON and MET receptors. This dynamic interaction of RON and MET in pancreatic cancer cells suggests that dual targeting of both RON and MET will be preferable to inhibition of either target alone.
A Novel Method for Inhalation Control of Workplace Anthropogenic Pollutant Particles

This in vitro study investigated electrically charging effect on the deposition of inhaled workplace anthropogenic pollutant particles (APP) in a hollow throat cast model. Many occupational lung diseases are associated with exposure to workplace dust particles and other pollutants. Since the human throat is an effective filter, this study devised a novel idea of charging particles, and studying their deposition in the throat. Simulated workplace aerosol particles were generated from a commercially available nebulizer, and charged by a corona charger. Charged and uncharged particles were allowed to pass through a polyester resin cast of cadaver based throat, a replicate of a human oropharyngeal region. The aerosol particles' size and charge distribution were characterized by an Electronic Single Particle Aerodynamic Relaxation Time (ESPART) analyzer before and after passing the throat cast. The ESPART operates on the principle of Laser Doppler Velocimetry to measure simultaneously aerodynamic diameter and electrostatic charge on a single particle basis and in real time. The study results revealed that electrically charging increased agglomeration of smaller particles and increased deposition. Deposition of charged particles increased with increasing particle size which can be explained as the effect of inertial impaction.
Evaluation of therapeutic methods in high altitude pulmonary edema

The effect of treatment with bed rest alone was evaluated in 16 patients with high altitude pulmonary edema of mild to moderate severity at an altitude of 3,750 meters in the central Peruvian Andes. The results were compared with those in 20 patients who received conventional therapy including the continuous administration of oxygen and bed rest. A system of grading the severity of high altitude pulmonary edema based on clinical symptoms and signs, radiologic findings and heart rate and respiratory rate was developed. The severity of pulmonary edema as evaluated with the grading system was similar in the two groups of patients. Treatment with bed rest alone resulted in complete recovery in all patients over a mean period of 60 hours. No treatment failure occurred. Similar results were obtained with oxygen therapy combined with bed rest, except that the relief of symptoms was more rapid, the decrease in heart rate and respiratory rate was greater and the recovery period was slightly shorter. High altitude pulmonary edema of mild to moderate severity can be treated successfully with bed rest alone without the administration of oxygen and without moving the patient to a lower altitude. Oxygen therapy is more effective and when available should be used in all cases of high altitude pulmonary edema.
Disability, home care and the care‐taking role in family life

This exploratory study examines the dynamics of keeping a disabled adult in the home. In interviews with 30 families, major foci emerged which spanned the interaction between family members and one member, the disabled adult. These foci were: the initial weighing process in the decision to keep the disabled at home, the therapeutic process which evolved among members, the interactional system which served the social unit, and the social context and adaptation that the family made to perceived misfortune.
Characterization of carrier-envelope phase noise from grating-based stretcher/compressors for chirped-pulse amplification

We investigate carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stability of femtosecond pulses propagating through a grating based stretcher/compressor (SC) (Thomann, E, et al., 2004), We do not find CEP noise intrinsic to the SC. Preliminary results on CEP stabilized amplified pulses are presented.
Neuromuscular strategies for lumbopelvic control during frontal and sagittal plane movement challenges differ between people with and without low back pain

Observation-based assessments of movement are a standard component in clinical assessment of patients with non-specific low back pain. While aberrant motion patterns can be detected visually, clinicians are unable to assess underlying neuromuscular strategies during these tests. The purpose of this study was to compare coordination of the trunk and hip muscles during 2 commonly used assessments for lumbopelvic control in people with low back pain (LBP) and matched control subjects. Electromyography was recorded from hip and trunk muscles of 34 participants (17 with LBP) during performance of the Active Hip Abduction (AHAbd) and Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) tests. Relative muscle timing was calculated using cross-correlation. Participants with LBP demonstrated a variable strategy, while control subjects used a consistent proximal to distal activation strategy during both frontal and sagittal plane movements. Findings from this study provide insight into underlying neuromuscular control during commonly used assessment tests for patients with LBP that may help to guide targeted intervention approaches.
Prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in college students

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders are the fastest growing source of disability in the US workplace (1,2), affecting workers of all ages, including those less than 25 years old (3). Computer work for 4 or more hours per day doubles the risk of these disorders (4). The association of upper extremity disorders with prolonged computer work and their emergence in younger workers (3) suggest that college students may also be at risk.
A New and Simple Technique to Normalize the HG Phase Function for Conserving Scattered Energy and Asymmetry Factor

A new, yet simple, technique is formulated for normalizing the Henyey-Greenstein (HG) phase function by ensuring conservation of both scattered energy and asymmetry factor simultaneously, and is analyzed for use in determining accurate radiative transfer predictions in strongly anisotropic scattering media using the discrete ordinates method (DOM). Two recently published simple normalization techniques are able to conserve either scattered energy or asymmetry factor after discretization solely by normalization of the forward-scattering HG phase-function value. However, normalization of only the forward-scattering term cannot conserve two quantities simultaneously. The present technique normalizes both the forward-scattering and backward-scattering terms in order to conserve both scattered energy and asymmetry factor simultaneously and maintain most of the phase-function shape while retaining simplicity and efficiency. Analysis of radiative transfer predictions shows that results generated using the presen...
On surface waves with zero contact angle

The linear, inviscid reflection of a straight-crested surface wave from a vertical wall is determined on the hypothesis that the contact angle of the meniscus vanishes. The reflection coefficient is a function of the parameter γ ≡ k0l, where k0 is the wavenumber of the incident wave and l is the capillary length, and is approximated by R = exp (−4iγ2) for a gravity–capillary wave for which γ [Lt ] 1. The solution of this reflection problem is used to obtain matched-asymptotic approximations for standing waves in channels and circular cylinders. The meniscus-induced, fractional reduction of the frequency of the dominant mode in a deep circular cylinder is 0.77 γ2 (which exceeds the increase of ½γ2 associated with the capillary energy of the free surface). This decrement is within 2 mHz of the value inferred from the measurements of Cocciaro et al. (1991) after allowing for the reduction in frequency induced by the viscous boundary layers at the walls, but there are residual uncertainties (in this comparison) associated with the wetting process at the moving contact line and possible surface contamination.
Uptake and translocation of plutonium in two plant species using hydroponics.

Abstract This study presents determinations of the uptake and translocation of Pu in Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea ) and sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) from Pu contaminated solution media. The initial activity levels of Pu were 18.50 and 37.00 Bq ml −1 for Pu-nitrate [ 239 Pu(NO 3 ) 4 ] and for Pu-citrate [ 239 Pu(C 6 H 5 O 7 ) + ] in nutrient solution. Plutonium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA; [ 239 Pu-C 14 H 23 O 10 N 3 ] solution was prepared by adding 0, 5, 10, and 50 μg of DTPA ml −1 with 239 Pu(NO 3 ) 4 in nutrient solution. Concentration ratios (CR, Pu concentration in dry plant material/Pu concentration in nutrient solution) and transport indices (TI, Pu content in the shoot/Pu content in the whole plant) were calculated to evaluate Pu uptake and translocation. All experiments were conducted in hydroponic solution in an environmental growth chamber. Plutonium concentration in the plant tissue was increased with increased Pu contamination. Plant tissue Pu concentration for Pu-nitrate and Pu-citrate application was not correlated and may be dependent on plant species. For plants receiving Pu-DTPA, the Pu concentration was increased in the shoots but decreased in the roots resulting in a negative correlation between the Pu concentrations in the plant shoots and roots. The Pu concentration in shoots of Indian mustard was increased for application rates up to 10 μg DTPA ml −1 and up to 5 μg DTPA ml −1 for sunflower. Similar trends were observed for the CR of plants compared to the Pu concentration in the shoots and roots, whereas the TI was increased with increasing DTPA concentration. Plutonium in shoots of Indian mustard was up to 10 times higher than that in shoots of sunflower. The Pu concentration in the apparent free space (AFS) of plant root tissue of sunflower was more affected by concentration of DTPA than that of Indian mustard.
Differential expression of three key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in a color-changing flower, Viola cornuta cv. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Abstract The natural floral color change in Viola cornuta cv. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (YTT) provides an opportunity to examine the expression of genes along the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in response to known environmental triggers during ontogeny. We have cloned and sequenced gene fragments from three anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, chalcone synthase ( CHS ), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase ( DFR ) and anthocyanidin synthase ( ANS ). Using quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) we have determined that CHS and DFR are highly expressed in Stage I white YTT flowers and undergo only moderate increases in expression (25 and 56%, respectively) during the transition to Stage II lavender and Stage III purple flowers. In contrast, ANS is expressed at low levels in Stage I flowers and undergoes a dramatic increase (302%) in expression over ontogeny. Interestingly, expression of all three genes is significantly lower in the absence of two environmental triggers, pollination and light, both of which are necessary for floral color change in V. cornuta . Our results demonstrate the presence of at least two regulated steps in V. cornuta anthocyanin biosynthesis: an early step influenced by pollination and light induces expression of earlier genes ( CHS and DFR ) in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway, and is necessary but insufficient for floral color change, followed by a second step that affects floral color change by inducing expression of later genes ( ANS ). We have thus identified important environmental cues and developed molecular tools that establish V. cornuta as a new model system for the study of the regulation of natural floral color change.
Altered trafficking of cells during acute pulmonary allergic and viral inflammatory stimuli in rats with the chronic postbronchiolitis asthma-like phenotype

and Viral Inflammatory Stimuli in Rats With the Chronic Postbronchiolitis Asthma-Like Phenotype R. L. SORKNESS1, L. A. ROSENTHAL2, T. PIER2, S. P. AMINEVA2, R. J. SZAKALY2, R. F. LEMANSKE, Jr.3; 1Sch of pharmacy, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, Madison, WI, 2Medicine, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, Madison, WI, 3Pediatrics, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, Madison, WI. RATIONALE: Airway inflammation in asthma may be due to enhanced vulnerability of airways to common inflammatory stimuli. We hypothesized that rats with chronic airway dysfunction would differ from normals in their acute pulmonary inflammatory responses. METHODS: Normal BN rats were compared with asthma-like BN rats that were >10wks post early age bronchiolitis. Acute allergic inflammation was induced by a single exposure to aerosolized ragweed pollen extract 2wks after sensitization, and evaluated at 1 or 7 days; viral inflammation was induced with a tracheal insufflation of attenuated mengovirus, and evaluated in 3 days. Airspace infiltrates were quantified with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and airway wall eosinophils (eos) with staining of major basic protein (MBP) in lung sections. RESULTS: Unchallenged normal and asthma-like rats did not differ significantly with regard to BAL eos or airway MBP. However, the asthmalike rats had significantly greater airway wall MBP (p=0.001) and fewer BAL eos (p=0.02) 1 day after allergen challenge, and fewer BAL eos (p=0.04) with similar airway MBP 7 days after allergen. During viral infection a similar pattern occurred, the asthma-like rats having few eos and neutrophils in BAL (p<0.04), but present in lung sections. BAL viral titers were similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: During acute inflammation the asthma-like rats have fewer eos present in the airspace, but equal or greater numbers in airway walls, compared with normals. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that asthmatic airways exhibit different patterns of inflammatory cell trafficking that result in greater vulnerability of the airways to allergic or viral insults. J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL Abstracts S47 VOLUME 115, NUMBER 2
TU-C-T-617-03: A Geometrical Method for Lesion Placement in Functional Radiosurgery

Purpose: To develop a rigorous mathematical method enabling precise navigation through stereotactic space to functional radiosurgery targets not visualized by any imaging modality. Method and Materials: In radiosurgery for functional disorders, Schaltenbrand‐Wahren scaling formulas are often used to identify the appropriate target relative to imagedbrainanatomies. Stereotactic frame alignment relative to internal brainanatomy is therefore critical, and, consequently, the success of the treatment can be limited by frame misalignments. A mathematical method through which one can define directions in the brain was developed. Such a method enables accurate navigation to appropriate targets based on visible anatomic landmarks regardless of frame positions. The procedure was tested for GammaKnife thalamotomy, where the target is the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus. Small simulated targets were placed between three consecutive slices of a head phantom to provide CT‐visible anatomy consistent with the Schaltenbrand‐Wahren brain atlas. Scaling formulas were then used to navigate from the anterior and posterior commissures to the ventrolateral nucleus, where an additional marker was placed. Other markers were placed along the brain's midplane. A stereotactic headframe was then attached to the phantom four separate times: once with optimal alignment based on external anatomical markings, and 3 times with varying misalignments. The phantom was CT‐scanned (1 mm slice thickness) with each frame attachment. Results: Over all image sets, the average distance between the predicted ventrolateral nucleus and its imaged location was 0.64 mm (maximum of 0.95 mm with greatest frame misalignment), consistent with imaging uncertainty. Conclusion: It is difficult to align a stereotactic frame to internal anatomy based on external landmarks. A mathematical method independent of frame placement has the potential to improve the accuracy of functional radiosurgery and to lessen the importance of ideal frame placement. Furthermore, this method can be used to confirm lesion placement in functional radiosurgery.
Reinforcement of surgical adhesive strips.

Surgical adhesive strips are often used for closure of some wounds or to minimize tension on sutures after closures. The package insert of the type most commonly used (Steri-Strip), indicates that the application of compound tincture of benzoin, U.S.P. (CTB) increases strip adhesion. The increase in adhesive power by CTB was compared with a preparation containing gum mastic (Mastisol). The study clearly demonstrated that the latter preparation provided a markedly more adhesive strength than that obtained with CTB.
Exploring apparel purchase issues with plus-size female teens

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore apparel-related issues experienced by plus-size female teens around the functional, expressive, and aesthetic consumer needs model. The goal was to uncover any issues which have interfered with or restricted apparel purchases. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods research design was employed to collect body measurements with the use of a 3D body scanner and conduct in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 30 plus-size females aged 12-17 years and their families. Findings – The current US sizing system does not fully meet the measurement needs of this study group. Functional fit requirements often dictate the apparel purchased by plus-size female teens. Expressive and aesthetic desires often go unfulfilled by the apparel that satisfied their functional needs. Confusion over apparel size designations interfered with brand and store loyalty and resulted in fewer purchases from both physical and online stores. Practical implications – Plus-siz...
SU-E-T-89: Comprehensive Quality Assurance Phantom for the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform

Purpose: Use of Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) systems for conducting state-of-the-art image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) research on small animals has become more common over the past years. The purpose of this work is to develop and test the suitability and performance of a comprehensive quality assurance (QA) phantom for the SARRP. Methods: A QA phantom was developed for carrying out daily, monthly and annual QA tasks including imaging, dosimetry and treatment planning system (TPS) performance evaluation of the SARRP. The QA phantom consists of nine (60×60×5 mm3) KV-energy tissue equivalent solid water slabs that can be employed for annual dosimetry QA with film. Three of the top slabs are replaceable with ones incorporating Mosfets or OSLDs arranged in a quincunx pattern, or a slab drilled to accommodate an ion chamber insert. These top slabs are designed to facilitate routine daily and monthly QA tasks such as output constancy, isocenter congruency test, treatment planning system (TPS) QA, etc. One slab is designed with inserts for image QA. A prototype of the phantom was applied to test the performance of the imaging, planning and treatment delivery systems. Results: Output constancy test results showed daily variations within 3%. For isocenter congruency test, the phantom could be used to detect 0.3 mm deviations of the CBCT isocenter from the radiation isocenter. Using the Mosfet in phantom as target, the difference between TPS calculations and measurements was within 5%. Image-quality parameters could also be assessed in terms of geometric accuracy, CT number accuracy, linearity, noise and image uniformity, etc. Conclusion: The developed phantom can be employed as a simple tool for comprehensive performance evaluation of the SARRP. The study provides a reference for development of a comprehensive quality assurance program for the SARRP, with proposed tolerances and frequency of required tests.
Chapter 1: Redefining Short-Cycle Higher Education Across Europe: The Challenges of Bologna:

This essay examines the impact of the Bologna Process on the development of short-cycle higher education in Europe, noting that the integration of short-cycle qualifications within the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area, combined with the critical place allotted to those programs in national lifelong learning frameworks, has charged short-cycle programs and qualifications with a dual responsibility: to train graduates for employment as well as prepare them for future studies. The challenges faced by European countries in creating programs and qualifications that meet this dual responsibility are discussed.
Assays of retinoid dehydrogenases by phase partition.

Abstract Two modifications of an extraction assay for retinoid dehydrogenases are described. The first method involves the transfer of tritium from carbon-15 of [15- 3 H]-retinol or [15- 3 H]retinaldehyde to NAD, whereas in the second method, tritium from [ 3 H]NADPH is transferred to all- trans -retinaldehyde. Since both versions of the assay involve the interconversion of water-soluble and-insoluble tritium-labeled compounds, a simple phase partition is sufficient to separate labeled products from labeled reactants. The assays are shown to provide reliable estimations of the reaction progress for three retinoid dehydrogenases of the visual system when compared to HPLC analysis of retinoid products or gel filtration analysis of pyridine nucleotide. The assays will be useful in studying retinoid dehydrogenases from other tissues and in principle can be modified for other dehydrogenase reactions with water-insoluble substrates.
Meaning, Grammar, and Indeterminacy

Summary It is a mistake to think that Quine's thesis of the indeterminacy of translation reduces to the claim that theories are under-determined by evidence. The theory of meaning is subject to an indeterminacy that is qualitatively different from the under-determination of scientific theories. However, there is no reason to believe that the indeterminacy thesis extends beyond translation and meaning, and hence no construal of the thesis prevents one from being a realist about grammars, construed as partial theories of mind. Resume C'est une erreur de croire que la these quineenne de ľindetermination de la traduction se borne a affirmer que les theories sont sous-determinees par ľexperience. La theorie de la signification est sujette a une indetermination qui est qualitativement differente de la sous-determination des theories scientifiques. Il n'y a cependant, pas de raison de croire que la these de ľindetermination s'etend au-dela de la traduction et de la signification, et par consequent aucune interpretation de cette these n'empeche ? etre realiste quant aux grammaires en tant que theories partielles de ľesprit. Zusammenfassung Es ist ein Fehler zu denken, dass Quines These der Unbestimmtheit der Ubersetzung auf die Behauptung, dass Theorien durch empirische Belege unterbestimmt sind, reduziert werden kann. Die Bedeutungstheorie ist einer Unbestimmtheit unterworfen, die sich qualitativ von der Unterbestimmtheit wissenschaftlicher Theorien unterscheidet. Es gibt jedoch keinen Grund anzuneh-men, dass die These der Indeterminiertheit sich uber die Ubersetzung und die Bedeutung hinaus erstreckt, und deshalb hindert uns keine Interpretation der These an einer realistischen Auffassung der Grammatik als einer partiellen Theorie des Geistes.
Canine electrocardiographic and cardiac electrophysiologic changes induced by procainamide.

Microelectrode technics were used to study the effects of procainamide (PA) on electrophysiologic properties of canine Purkinje fibers (PF) perfused in an extra-corporeal circuit with arterial blood of donor dogs. Donor electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) and electrophysiologic properties of the isolated PF were simultaneously monitored. PA, 25 mg/kg, was administered as a single intravenous injection and plasma PA concentrations (PPAC) were determined spectrophotometrically. A decrease in PF automaticity was noted within 5-10 min of PA injection. Within 20 min, when PPAC was 10 µg/ml, amplitude and maximal rate of rise of phase 0 of the AP and conduction velocity (CV) decreased and alterations in AP duration and refractoriness were noted. BP and ECG rate were unchanged but the QRS complex had widened. At PPAC = 10-20 µg/ml (induced by further PA infusion) the aforementioned changes were accentuated. At PPAC > 20 µg/ml membrane responsiveness was significantly depressed. These experiments suggest that therapeutic PA levels rapidly decrease PF automaticity. Slowing of conduction commences later, simultaneously with changes in QRS duration. Within the same time span and range of plasma levels there are alterations in AP duration and refractoriness. Membrane responsiveness is not significantly depressed until PPAC is well into the clinically toxic range.
The Nuclear Hat1p/Hat2p Complex: A Molecular Link between Type B Histone Acetyltransferases and Chromatin Assembly

The yeast Hat1p/Hat2p type B histone acetyltransferase complex is localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. We isolate the nuclear form of the Hat1p/Hat2p complex and find that it copurifies with the product of the uncharacterized open reading frame YLL022C (named Hif1p). The functional significance of the association of Hif1p with the Hat1p/Hat2p complex is confirmed by the observation that hif1Delta and hat1Delta strains display similar defects in telomeric silencing and DNA double-strand break repair. Hif1p is a histone chaperone that selectively interacts with histones H3 and H4. Hif1p is also a chromatin assembly factor, promoting the deposition of histones in the presence of a yeast cytosolic extract. In vivo, the nuclear Hat1p/Hat2p/Hif1p complex is bound to acetylated histone H4, as well as histone H3. The association of Hif1p with acetylated H4 requires Hat1p and Hat2p providing a link between type B histone acetyltransferases and chromatin assembly.
Modeling the electromechanical and strain response of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites

Over the last few decades, carbon nanotube (CNT)-based thin films or nanocomposites have been widely investigated as a multifunctional material. The proposed applications extend beyond sensing, ultra-strong coatings, biomedical grafts, and energy harvesting, among others. In particular, thin films characterized by a percolated and random distribution of CNTs within a flexible polymeric matrix have been shown to change its electrical properties in response to applied strains. While a plethora of experimental work has been conducted, modeling their electromechanical response remains challenging. Furthermore, their design and optimization require the derivation of accurate electromechanical models that could predict thin film response to applied strains. Thus, the objective of this study is to implement a percolation-based piezoresistive model that could explain the underlying mechanisms for strain sensing. First, a percolation-based model with randomly distributed, straight CNTs was developed in MATLAB. Second, the number of CNTs within a unit area was varied to explore its influence on percolation probability. Then, to understand how the film’s electrical properties respond to strain, two different models were implemented. Both models calculated the geometrical response of the film and CNTs due to applied uniaxial strains. The first model considered the fact that the electrical resistance of individual CNTs changed depending solely on its length between junctions. The other model further explored the idea of incorporating strain sensitivity of individual CNTs. The electromechanical responses and the strain sensitivities of the two models were compared by calculating how their bulk resistance varied due to applied tensile and compressive strains. The numerical model results were then qualitatively compared to experimental results reported in the literature.
TU-E-BRB-02: Performance Based Quality Assurance: TG-142 - Medical Accelerator QA

The task group (TG) for quality assurance of medical accelerators was constituted by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine's Science Council, under the direction of the Radiation Therapy Committee and the Quality Assurance and Outcome Improvement Subcommittee. The task group (TG ♯142) had two main charges. First to update, as needed, recommendations of Table II of the AAPM TG‐40 Report on Quality Assurance, and second, to add recommendations for Asymmetric Jaws, Multileaf Collimation(MLC), and Dynamic/Virtual Wedges. The TG accomplished the update to TG‐40, specifying new test and tolerances, and has added recommendations for not only the new ancillary delivery technologies, but also for imaging devices that are part of the linear accelerator. The imaging devices include x‐ray imaging,photon portal imaging, and cone‐beam CT. The TG report was designed to account for the types of treatments delivered with the particular machine. For example, machines that are used for radiosurgery treatments, or intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) require different tests and/or tolerances. There are specific recommendations for MLCquality assurance for machines performing IMRT. There are specific tables according to daily, monthly, and annual reviews, along with unique tables for wedge systems, MLC, and imaging checks. The report is geared to be flexible for the physicist to customize the QA program depending on clinical utility. This is consistent with the philosophy of TG‐100, “Method for Evaluating QA Needs in Radiation Therapy.” The report also gives recommendations as to action levels for the physicists to implement particular actions, whether they are inspection, scheduled action, or immediate and corrective action. The report also gives specific implementation recommendations regarding setup of a QA program by the physicist, such as; building a QA team, establishing procedures, training of personnel, documentation, and end‐to‐end system checks. The tabulated items of this report have been considerably expanded as compared with the original TG 40 report and the recommended tolerances accommodate differences of the intended functionality (i.e., non‐IMRT, IMRT, or Stereotactic Delivery). Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the updates to TG‐40 in the new TG‐142 report. 2. To understand the recommend QA tests for wedge, MLC, and imaging systems as they pertain to accelerator type and procedures performed (i.e. IMRT). 3. To understand the implementation plan and action level and response recommendations.