cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune adjuvant activity of Barrogen, a novel immunomodulatory protein

3883 The recombinant immunomodulatory Eimeria antigen (EA) protein (Barrogen) has demonstrated remarkable immunotherapeutic activity against experimental transplantable tumors and appears to be a potent stimulator of the innate immune system (Rosenberg et. al., Int. J. Cancer 114:756-765, 2005). Nearly 100% cure rates are observed in mice treated with ng doses of Barrogen immediately following tumor transplantation. In addition, elevated systemic levels of IL-12p70 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with Barrogen treatment both in vivo and in vitro. The cellular mechanism of action of Barrogen is thought to be mediated through the activation of dendritic cells, which are central to the induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. To examine the activity of Barrogen in the induction of adaptive immune responses in vivo we examined the effect of Barrogen treatment in conjunction with a tumor vaccine prior to the transplantation of a lethal dose of tumor (S180) cells. Male Balb/c mice were treated as follows: (1) Sham injected with vehicle controls; (2) Injected (ip) with an S180 tumor vaccine in the form of a whole tumor cell homogenate (TuAg) 19 days prior to S180 tumor cell transplantation; (3) Injected (ip) with Barrogen alone (10ng per mouse) 19, 16, 12 and 9 days prior to S180 tumor cell transplantation; (4) Injected with both TuAg 19 days prior to and Barrogen (10 ng per mouse) 19, 16, 12 and 9 days prior to S180 tumor cell transplantation. Survival rates were observed for 90 days following tumor cell transplantation. Sham injected mice or mice treated with Barrogen alone had 0% survival. 25% of the mice treated with the TuAg alone survived. However, 75% of the mice treated with both TuAg and Barrogen survived suggesting that Barrogen in conjunction with a tumor vaccine can result in effective protection against a lethal tumor challenge by enhancement of the adaptive immune system. There was a 2-fold increase in spleen weights in mice treated with both TuAg and Barrogen when compared with mice treated with TuAg or Barrogen alone. In a separate experiment, large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) were isolated from the spleens of mice treated as described above. LGLs were co-cultured with S180 tumor cells in an in vitro assay to assess cell-mediated cytotoxicity against S180 cells. A significant increase in the number and percentage of S180-specific cytolytic lymphocytes was observed in LGLs isolated from the spleens of mice treated with the combination of Barrogen and TuAg compared with mice treated with TuAg or Barrogen alone. These results indicated that in addition to previous reports describing Barrogen-induced activation of the innate immune system, Barrogen can also stimulate adaptive immune responses, suggesting that Barrogen may be useful as an effective adjuvant to stimulate adaptive immune responses against cancer cells.
The role of titin and nebulin in myofibril assembly in cultured embryonic chick muscle cells

To examine the time course of organization of titin during myofibrillogenesis in skeletal muscle, a series of double-label immunofluorescence localization studies was done to localize simultaneously titin and myosin or titin and actin in embryonic chick myogenic cell cultures. Titin was localized by indirect immunofluorescence using polyclonal rabbit antibodies prepared against purified adult chicken breast muscle titin and rhodamine-conjugated goat anti-rabbit second antibody. Actin was localized using either NBDphallacidin or indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal anti-actin antibodies and fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-mouse second antibody. Myosin was localized by indirect immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody specific for muscle myosin isoforms. During myogenesis, titin organization progressed from a diffuse pattern in mononucleated myoblasts to a filamentous organization along actin-containing stressfiber-like-structures (SFLS) in myoblasts and early myotubes. Titin organization in later myotubes progressed first to a punctate pattern and finally to a myofibril-like banding pattern in more mature myotubes. Organization of titin into a myofibril-like arrangement occurred before the organization of actin into discreet I bands. Titin organization appeared to occur simultaneously with the organization of myosin into A bands. These results demonstrate that titin and myosin are organized concurrently into myofibrils along SPLS before the final organization of actin. The relative time course of titin, myosin, and actin assembly into myofibrils was confirmed by labeling of cultures recovering from
Soy isoflavones interact with calcium and contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

Estrogens and calcium regulate vascular health but caused adverse cardiovascular events in randomized trials. Whether phytoestrogenic soy isoflavones modulate the physiological effects of calcium on blood pressure was explored. A double-blind, randomized study assigned 99 premenopausal women to 136.6 mg isoflavones (as aglycone equivalents) and 98 to placebo for 5 days per week for up to 2 years. Blood pressure, serum calcium and urinary excretion of daidzein (DE) and genistein (GE) were measured repeatedly before and during treatment. Isoflavones did not affect blood pressure per intake dose assignment (i.e. intention-to-treat, n = 197), but significantly affected blood pressure per measured urinary excretion of isoflavones (i.e. per protocol analysis, n = 166). Isoflavones inversely moderated calcium effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (interaction term β-estimates: − 3.1 for DE, − 12.86 for GE, all P < 0.05), and decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (β-estimates: − 0.84 for DE, − 2.82 for GE, all P < 0.05) after controlling for calcium. The net intervention effects between the maximum and no isoflavone excretion were − 17.7 and + 13.8 mmHg changes of SBP, respectively, at serum calcium of 10.61 and 8.0 mg/dL, and about 2.6 mmHg decrease of DBP. Moderation by isoflavones of the physiological effect of calcium tends to normalize SBP, and this effect is most significant when calcium concentrations are at the upper and lower limits of the physiological norm. Isoflavones decrease DBP independent of calcium levels. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of this novel micronutrient effect on blood pressure homeostasis and cardiovascular health. www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00204490.
Analysis of musculoskeletal radiology fellowship websites.

Due to the relative lack of standardization in the fellowship application processes for musculoskeletal radiology, program websites are of paramount importance as application resources. This study evaluates the comprehensiveness of these websites and the potential effects of program ACGME accreditation, region, and size on website comprehensiveness. The websites of musculoskeletal fellowship programs listed on the Society of Skeletal Radiology website were assigned a validated comprehensiveness score based on the presence of 19 specific informative components pertaining to the program’s characteristics. The correlations of comprehensiveness scores with program ACGME accreditation, region, and size were evaluated. A total of 90 musculoskeletal radiology fellowship program websites were reviewed, yielding a mean comprehensiveness score of 55.1% (10.5 out of 19 criteria). Only 3 of the 19 criteria—application information (88.9%), stand-alone webpage (87.8%), and affiliated hospital information (84.4%)—were present in more than 80% of all websites. Eleven criteria, most notably away rotation information (6.7% presence) and case log (0.0% presence), were absent from at least 50% of all websites. Program ACGME accreditation was correlated with significantly higher website comprehensiveness scores compared with non-accreditation (p = 0.087). There is lack of sufficient, useful information and standardization on the websites of MSK fellowship programs throughout the country. According to our review and analysis, addition of specific information regarding each fellowship program and implementing some type of standardization may optimize fellowship matching for both applicants and the programs.
P135 The SPORKS for Kids: A Preschool Nutrition Education Program to Increase Children's Willingness to Try New Foods

Objective To assess the impact of an experiential nutrition education program, The SPORKS for Kids program, on preschoolers’ willingness to try a novel vegetable. Use of Theory or Research Intervention approaches which integrate repeated taste exposure, sensory learning, and nutrition education to provide repeated exposures to novel foods in fun, positive environments (positive valence) have been successful at increasing willingness to try new foods. These approaches were coupled with Social Cognitive Theory constructs to develop The SPORKS activities. Target Audience Preschool-aged children from 2 rural Colorado communities. Program Description The 6-week program was conducted in evenings as a complementary component to parent workshops. Children attended weekly 90-minute sessions focused on taste exposure and sensory learning via nutrition-related activities and imaginary trips/musical journeys. The SPORKS family consists of Sally Spoon (mom), Frankie Fork (dad); Buddy and Bubbles (preschoolers) and Junior and Freckles (older siblings). The SPORKS characters were embedded into activities and materials to facilitate experiential learning and build children's familiarity with the target vegetable (cauliflower). At tasting activities, 3 pieces of cauliflower were provided to each child and children were encouraged to try the food in a group setting. Evaluation Methods Observers recorded whether each child tried the cauliflower provided during the sessions. Results Sixteen children participated in the program across 2 sites. During week 1, 50% of children tried cauliflower and tries steadily increased (58%, 80%, 73%, 85%, weeks 2-5, respectively), and by week 6 this number rose to 100%. Once children tried cauliflower, they continued to try it across subsequent weeks (100%). Half of the children requested ‘seconds’ beginning in week 3. Conclusions While half of the children tried the food at the start of The SPORKS program, repeated exposure with positive valence resulted in the remaining children's willingness to try a target vegetable.
Evolving considerations and empirical approaches to construct validity in communication science

For social sciences such as communication studies, in which key variables are often indirectly measured using myriad operationalizations, issues of construct validity are critical to the veracity o...
Transhumanism, Posthumanism, and the Human in Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis

In his analysis of Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy, Jenkins addresses an issue that the scholarship on the trilogy has tended to overlook—Butler’s distinction between transhumanism and posthumanism. For Jenkins, Xenogenesis not only explains the differences between transhumanism and posthumanism, between the discourses of being a better human and being more than human, but also makes an argument for why we should embrace transhumanism and reject posthumanism. As Jenkins sees it, the trilogy’s support of transhumanism emphasizes the fact that there are multiple ways of being human, while its rejection of posthumanism represents a rejection of what Alexander Weheliye refers to as “Man,” modern Western culture’s version of the human.
Abstract 13606: Cardiac Fibroblast Derived Matrix-educated Macrophages Express VEGF and IL-6, and Recruit Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Introduction: Polarizing monocytes into macrophages that possess anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties could be cardio-reparative following myocardial infarction. Co-culturing cardiac fibrobl...
A Tale of Two Twins

Introduction- Siblings of a physically abused child are known to be at high risk of abuse with twins at even higher risk than non-twin contacts. Early detection of abuse is crucial as abuse often escalates over time. Despite this, there are variable rates and screening protocols of siblings, even among child abuse pediatricians. Here we describe a case of twin infants in which the index twin remained protected by continued hospitalization; however, the sibling twin met an untimely end despite undergoing screening for abuse. Case Description- A 3 month old …
Surfactant Protein A and Microbiome Composition in Patients With Atraumatic Intraoral Lesions

Abstract Oral ulcers are lesions are that occur due to disruption of epithelial integrity of the mucosa of the oral cavity. Intraoral ulcers are often associated with pain, redness, symptoms of discomfort and blood hemorrhage. The etiology for many oral ulcers is local trauma, systemic health conditions or medication; for other ulcers the cause is less clear. This pilot study aims to evaluate the salivary components and microbiome in patients with atraumatic pre-ulcerous and ulcerous oral lesions compared to control individuals, while considering three common risk factors for atraumatic ulcers, smoking, stress, and gender. This study uses matched age, sex, and ethnicity samples from healthy and oral lesion patients to investigate the changes in salivary surfactant protein A (SP-A) and examines the prevalence and diversity of the salivary oral microflora. The goal is to determine if there are factors in saliva that have the potential to be used as biomarkers for risk of developing atraumatic oral ulcers. Our data show that the average level of SP-A is significantly reduced in female smokers compared to non-smoker healthy females. The average level of SP-A in female oral lesion patients is reduced compared to controls. The microbiome composition is significantly affected by smoking and the level of SP-A. Comparing the control participants and oral lesion patients, there are 27 species of bacteria that are significantly different, and 25 of these bacteria are also significantly affected by smoking and SP-A. Lefse analysis identified five bacteria that may represent potential biomarkers. This preliminary study demonstrates the potential of the oral microbiome to act as a biomarker for oral ulcer risk and infers potential mechanistic links between risk factors and alterations in innate immune mechanisms such as SP-A levels.
Federal Rulemaking: Problems and Possibilities

In the 1979 Annual Report on the State of the Judiciary Chief Justice Burger called for a fresh look at the entire federal rulemaking process. Following the Chief Justice's lead, the Federal Judicial Center responded with a report by Winifred R. Brown entitled Federal Rulemaking: Problems and Possibilities. In a forward to that report Professor A. Leo Levin, the Federal Judicial Center's director, discouraged any attempt to initiate "a thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses of the process," and advised the author instead to focus "on those aspects of the process that had been singled out for criticism and that might benefit from change." Thus, the stated purpose of this "catalog of criticism" was "to ensure that all views of even potential merit are brought to the attention of policymakers." Unfortunately, the ensuing report only partially completes its defined mission. Nonetheless, policymakers are likely to give the report serious consideration despite several crucial omissions in the report's discussion of federal rulemaking. Moreover, because improvements, or at least changes, in federal rulemaking are likely to be forthcoming, this Review outlines some of the deficiencies in the Judicial Center's report in the hope of prompting policymakers to consider a wider catalog of criticisms.
VO-SMOG: A VERSATILE, SMOOTH SEGMENT-BASED GROUND FILTER FOR POINT CLOUDS VIA MULTI-SCALE VOXELIZATION

Abstract. Point clouds acquired by light detection and ranging (lidar) and photogrammetry technology (e.g., structure from motion/multi-view stereo-SfM/MVS) are widely used for various applications such topographic mapping due to their high resolution and accuracy. To generate a digital elevation model (DEM) or extract other features in the data, the ground points and non-ground points usually need to be separated first. This process, called ground filtering, can be tedious and time consuming as it requires substantial manual effort for high quality results. Although many have developed automated ground filtering algorithms, very few have the versatility to process data acquired from different scenes and systems. In this paper, we propose a versatile ground filter based on multi-scale voxelization and smooth segments, named Vo-SmoG. The proposed method introduces a novel voxelization approach, followed by isolated voxel filtering, lowest point filtering, local smooth filtering, and ground clustering. The result of the Vo-SmoG ground filtering is a classified point cloud. The effectiveness and efficiency of our method are demonstrated qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative evaluation consists of both point-wise and grid-wise comparisons. The recall, precision, and F1-score are over 97% in terms of classification while the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the DEM is within 0.1 m, which is on par with the reported vertical accuracy of the tested data. We further demonstrate the versatility of the Vo-SmoG via large-scale, real-world datasets collected from different environments with mobile laser scanning, airborne laser scanning, terrestrial laser scanning, uncrewed aircraft system (UAS)-SfM, and UAS-lidar.
Effects of Social-Emotional Skills Training Through Computer-Assisted Instruction for Young Adults with Intellectual Disability

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a contributor to independence, productivity, and societal inclusion for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). This study examined the effects of social emotional skills training through computer assisted instruction (CAI) to teach participants to identify emotions in themselves, recognize emotions of others and respond to emotions.
Covalent Surface Modification of Ti3C2Tx MXene with Chemically Active Polymeric Ligands Producing Highly Conductive and Ordered Microstructure Films

As interest continues to grow in Ti3C2Tx and other related MXenes, advancement in methods of manipulation of their surface functional groups beyond synthesis-based surface terminations (Tx: −F, −OH...
A comparison of spectral models used in developing non-Kolmogorov Wave Structure Functions

We compare the Wave Structure Function (WSF) resulting from various models for refractive index fluctuation spectra in non-Kolmogorov turbulence. Closed form, analytical expressions for the WSF based on the generalized Kolomogorov, von Karman, analytical, and exponential models are presented and compared. We find that the generalized von Karman model is essentially identical to the WSF resulting from numerical integration of the Analytic spectrum at separations larger than the inner scale. In addition, we demonstrate that certain approximations to the Analytic model introduce significant inaccuracies at separations as small as a hundredth of the outer scale size. Asymptotic expressions for the WSF and phase variance in non-Kolmogorov turbulence with a finite outer scale are also presented.
DTI Analyses and Clinical Applications in Alzheimer's Disease

DTI is one of the most effective MR tools for the investigation of the brain anatomy. In addition to the gray matter, histopathological studies indicate that white matter is also a good target for both the early diagnosis of AD and for monitoring disease progression, which motivates us to use DTI to study AD patients in vivo. There are already a large amount of studies reporting significant differences between AD patients and controls, as well as to predict progression of disease in symptomatic non-demented individuals. Application of these findings in clinical practice remains to be demonstrated.
Surface phenomena at metal-carbon nanotube interfaces

Recent advances in the synthesis techniques of metallic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for use as quantum wires and interconnects have facilitated the need for proper characterization of these devices. In this paper we compare the variety of different configurations that may be suitable for future on-chip interconnect applications. We study various mechanisms of electron transport in traditional metal and metal-CNT systems that give rise to contact resistance (R/sub C/). We also examine results of recent studies of DC characteristics exhibiting varying values for CNT conductance, and discuss surface phenomena that may explain these different behaviors.
Protein Nitrogen Determination

The protein content of foods can be determined by numerous methods. The Kjeldahl method and the nitrogen combustion (Dumas) method for protein analysis are based on nitrogen determination. Both methods are official for the purposes of nutrition labeling of foods. While the Kjeldahl method has been used widely for over a hundred years, the recent availability of automated instrumentation for the Dumas method in many cases is replacing use of the Kjeldahl method.
Micromotor operation in a liquid environment

The authors present the first account of successful electrical operation of electrostatic microactuators in a liquid environment. Successful operation of both the Range and center-pin harmonic (wobble) and salient-pole sidedrive micromotors in deionised water and silicone lubricating oil is achieved. In comparison with a gas environment, the minimum operating voltages are typically higher for operation in the liquids studied, while the maximum motor speeds possible are significantly lower. The motive torque is increased by the relative dielectric constant of the liquid, while the viscous drag torque is increased due to the high viscosity of the liquid. In contrast to operation in a gas environment, in a liquid, the gear ratio of the wobble micromotors is dependent on the excitation speed. >
On the People’s Terms: A reply to five critiques

My five commentators do me a great service in exploring different aspects of the position maintained and exposing it to thoughtful challenges. In this reply, I do the very best to keep up the neo-r...
Effects of Steady-State Noise on Verbal Working Memory in Young Adults

Purpose We set out to examine the impact of perceptual, linguistic, and capacity demands on performance of verbal working-memory tasks. The Ease of Language Understanding model (Ronnberg et al., 2013) provides a framework for testing the dynamics of these interactions within the auditory-cognitive system. Methods Adult native speakers of English (n = 45) participated in verbal working-memory tasks requiring processing and storage of words involving different linguistic demands (closed/open set). Capacity demand ranged from 2 to 7 words per trial. Participants performed the tasks in quiet and in speech-spectrum-shaped noise. Separate groups of participants were tested at different signal-to-noise ratios. Word-recognition measures were obtained to determine effects of noise on intelligibility. Results Contrary to predictions, steady-state noise did not have an adverse effect on working-memory performance in every situation. Noise negatively influenced performance for the task with high linguistic demand. Of...
Micropore membrane inlet mass spectrometer probes suitable for measurement of tissue surface gas tensions

New membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) probes are described that feature a micropore in a flat metal surface filled with a polymer membrane (Krytox high-vacuum fluorinated grease). In vitro assessment of spatial resolution, time response, stirring effect and calibration are reported. The small membrane area for this MIMS results in spatial resolution of about 30 μm, adequate for measuring gas tensions at an exposed tissue surface in experimental studies of tissue oxygenation and tissue gas exchange. These probes offer a unique combination of minimal stirring effect and rapid response speed for measurements of gas partial pressures in the per cent range in aqueous solutions. Several gases, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, sulfur hexafluoride and argon, permeate the polymer membrane to give a detectable signal, and the membrane is highly impermeable to water. Membrane dimensions were calculated from time response characteristics and the measured gas sample rate for argon. The membrane area was independently confirmed by direct assessment of spatial resolution. This MIMS is highly linear, has an excellent signal-to-noise ratio and offers practical advantages over electrode approaches to the measurement of gas tensions in aqueous solution.
Laminar linear weak-link mechanisms with sub-centimeter travel range and sub-nanometer positioning resolution

A 2-D linear flexure stage system is designed with high structure stiffness using the laminar over-constrained weak-link mechanism presented in this paper. This design is a new development in the application of redundantly constrained laminar structures as weak-link mechanisms. The novelty of this new mechanical design is its fishbone-shaped multiple-parallelogram structure, which performs the function of a high-stiffness, high-precision linear motion guider with subcentimeter travel range and sub-nanometer positioning resolution. Potential applications of this new stage system include advanced development of ultra-precision positioning stages for the scanning x-ray nanoprobes, long-range scanning atomic force microscopes, and equipment for nanotechnology and semiconductor industries.
Silicon photomultipliers for the CMS hadron calorimeter

We present a plan for upgrading the CMS HCAL photodetectors with Silicon Photomultipliers (SIPM).
Interaction of ethanol and allosteric modulators with GABAA-activated currents in adult medial septum/diagonal band neurons

Behavioral and electrophysiological studies suggest that neurons in the medial septum may express ethanol sensitive GABAA receptors. In the present study, patch-clamp recordings of whole-cell currents were used to directly characterize the ethanol sensitivity of GABAA receptors on acutely dissociated neurons, isolated from the medial septum/nucleus of the diagonal band (MS/nDB) of the adult rat brains. MS/nDB neurons displayed inward currents in response to GABA applied rapidly with a large-bore dual pipette system. The currents were mediated by the activation of GABAA receptors, since they reversed near the calculated reversal potential for chloride and were completely blocked by bicuculline. GABA responses were concentration dependent with an EC50 of 8.7 microM GABA and a slope of 1.35 suggesting cooperativity. Pharmacologically relevant concentrations of ethanol (3-300 mM) neither significantly increased nor decreased mean responses to GABA in neurons from Sprague Dawley or High Alcohol Sensitivity (HAS) rats. Mean GABA currents were significantly increased by 300 mM ethanol in neurons from 'ethanol sensitive' Fischer 344, ACI and Wistar Kyoto inbred rats. In subsets of neurons, 12.5 to 57.1% of those tested from these 5 rats strains, ethanol (30-300 mM) significantly increased GABA currents by > or = 20%. An additional, 10 percent of cells from Sprague Dawley rats showed ethanol-induced inhibition of GABA-activated current by < or = 20%. Allosteric modulators pentobarbital (10 microM), midazolam (1 microM) and lanthanum (300 microM), enhanced, while zinc (30 microM) decreased GABA-activated currents in all neurons, consistent with the well-known actions of these agents. These results suggest that GABAA receptors on MS/dDB neurons are pharmacologically similar to those on other neurons with respect to regulation by allosteric modulators. On the other hand, ethanol sensitivity of GABAA receptors varies considerably from cell to cell ranging from significant enhancement to inhibition of GABA-activated current.
Relative Abundance of Native and Invasive Amphipods in Western Lake Erie in Relation to Dreissenid Mussel Encrustation and Algal Cover

ABSTRACT The invasive amphipod, Echinogammarus ischnus, has displaced the native amphipod, Gammarus fasciatus, at some locations within the Great Lakes. We examined the relationship between amphipod community structure and habitat characteristics in the field. Amphipod and algal samples were collected from four sites in western Lake Erie, during July, August, and September, 2004. Three distinct patterns in amphipod communities were observed. At a site dominated by invasive Dreissena mussels, only E. ischnus was present; however, at sites with rich filamentous or macrocolonial green algal communities, either both amphipods co-existed or only G. fasciatus was present. A strong correlation existed between G. fasciatus relative abundance and filamentous and macrocolonial green algal relative abundance. G. fasciatus appears to be better equipped to inhabit filamentous algae, whereas E. ischnus seems better adapted for areas dominated by Dreissena spp. Habitat characteristics, combined with niche differentiatio...
Compounds Responsible for the Color of Black “Ripe” Olives

SUMMARY Isolation and purification is reported of a polyphenol that contributes to the color formation in the processed dark olive, known in commerce as the California ripe olive. This compound (probably oleuropein as described by Cruess) was purified by counter-current distribution. Acid hydrolysis yielded glucose and a second unreported sugar, arabinose. Additional evidence indicates that the compound is not a double ester of glucose, as previously reported.
Identification of Space Curves from Two-Dimensional Perspective Views

This paper describes a new method to be used for matching three-dimensional objects with curved surfaces to two-dimensional perspective views. The method requires for each three-dimensional object a stored model consisting of a closed space curve representing some characteristic connected curved edges of the object. The input is a two-dimensional perspective projection of one of the stored models represented by an ordered sequence of points. The input is converted to a spline representation which is sampled at equal intervals to derive a curvature function. The Fourier transform of the curvature function is used to represent the shape. The actual matching is reduced to a minimization problem which is handled by the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm [3].
Mislocalization of cell-cell adhesion complexes in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells with elevated c-Src tyrosine kinase activity.

Abstract c-Src activation has been implicated in metastasis of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer. Here we investigated how c-Src activity affects cell adhesion using a tamoxifen-resistant variant of MCF-7 cells (MTR-3) containing elevated c-Src activity. In MTR-3 cells, adhesion proteins β-catenin and E-cadherin are mislocalized, forming novel structures perpendicular to cell–cell junctions. c-Src is associated with β-catenin/E-cadherin complexes and β-catenin tyrosine phosphorylation is enhanced. Blocking c-Src tyrosine kinase activity decreased β-catenin tyrosine phosphorylation and restored localization of β-catenin and E-cadherin at cell–cell junctions. These findings suggest that inhibition of c-Src signaling may prevent metastasis of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
Mycoplasmas induce collagenase in BALB/c 3T3 cells

The turnover of collagen, the major protein of the body, is controlled by the rate of collagen synthesis and the activity of collagenase, a highly specific protease which initiates collagen degradation. Because collagen is largely resistant to other proteases, collagenase is believed to have an important regulatory role in such normal processes as tissue remodelling, wound healing and ageing. In addition, the regulation of the activity of collagenase may be altered in diseases of connective tissue, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, and in malignant invasion and metastasis. Collagenase is an extracellular enzyme, and thus it has been necessary to study its regulation in cells maintained in tissue culture, by measuring accumulation of the secreted protein in the culture medium. In this way, collagenases have been isolated from many tissues and cells1–7. Little is known about the modulation of collagenase synthesis and secretion, but various treatments have been reported that induce its secretion in mammalian cells in monolayer culture8–17, possibly by a mechanism involving membrane perturbation. We report here the production and secretion of collagenase by BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts. Their ability to synthesize collagen18,19 has been extensively studied, but there has been no previous report of their collagenolytic activity. During studies of collagenase activity in BALB/c 3T3 cells, we noted that certain cultures had greatly increased enzyme activity corresponding to cultures in which contamination with mycoplasmas had been detected during routine assay. Here we present evidence that infection of cultures of BALB/c 3T3 cells with mycoplasmas results in the accumulation of high levels of collagenase in the medium.
Thermal stability of a HAN-based liquid gun propellant

Experiments to determine the effect of surface area, head space, and containment on liquid gun propellant degradation at temperatures of 100 and 148°C were conducted. The conclusions from these tests are that an increased surface area in LP containment can significantly increase the rate of LP decomposition. The head space is not a significant factor in altering the rate of degradation, but if the gaseous products are allowed to escape, the degradation rate is significantly lowered.
Longterm complications of hand-assisted versus laparoscopic colectomy.

Background Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) requires a larger incision compared with standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS). Whether this leads to more longterm complications, such as incisional hernia (IH) and small bowel obstruction (SBO), has not been studied to date. This study compares the rates of SBO and IH after HALS and SLS in patients undergoing operations for colon and rectal diseases. Study Design From a colorectal database, 536 consecutive patients were identified who underwent bowel resection using HALS (n = 266) and SLS (n = 270) between 2001 to 2006. All medical records were reviewed, and all subjects were contacted by telephone for accurate followup. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests, where appropriate. Results Median followup was 27 months (range 1 to 72 months). Overall conversion rate was 2.2% (SLS, n=4; HALS, n=8). Median incision size in HALS (75 mm; range 60 to 140 mm) was larger than SLS (45 mm; range 30 to 130 mm; p Conclusions HALS does not lead to more longterm complications of IH and SBO when compared with SLS for resections of the colon and rectum.
Tissue-specific Transcriptional Regulation of Human Leukosialin (CD43) Gene Is Achieved by DNA Methylation

The expression of human leukosialin (CD43), a major sialoglycoprotein on the surface of hematopoietic cells, is regulated in cell lineage-specific as well as differentiation stage-specific manners. We have shown previously that transcription from the TATA-less promoter is mediated by the transcription factor Sp1, which binds to repeats of a GGGTGG motif in the 5′-flanking sequence. This regulatory region is ubiquitously functional in mammalian cells, providing a high transcriptional potential. No cis-acting element responsible for the specificity of this gene expression was revealed by extensive studies using transient as well as stable expression systems. Here, we demonstrate that DNA methylation plays a key role in leukosialin gene expression. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs from various human cell lines with methylation-sensitive and -insensitive restriction enzymes showed a tight correlation between gene activity and demethylation state of the 5′-region of the leukosialin gene. Consistent results were obtained from the same analysis of genomic DNAs from various human tissues. In addition, in vitro DNA methylation of the 5′-region drastically reduced transcriptional activity in a transient expression system. These results indicate that DNA methylation around the 5′-region of the leukosialin gene is required to shut off a high level of transcription. Thus, the tissue-specific expression of the leukosialin gene is constitutively achieved by alteration of DNA methylation.
Genetical aspects of kin selection: Effects of inbreeding

Hamilton's c/b < “r” rule is an important tool in sociobiological research and clearly functions as a “positive heuristic”, sensu Lakatos (1970). This paper examines the theoretical underpinnings of this rule in population genetics when inbreeding is taken into account. The model used is an extension of Charnov (1977) and assumes that the altruistic gene codes for a behavior between inbred individuals of a fixed genetic relationship. No consideration is given to the population or mating system processes which give rise to this relationship. It is shown that in inbred populations with weak selection the right-hand side of Hamilton's rule depends upon gene frequency and dominance as well as the degree of genetic relationship between the individuals involved. Because of this dependence, stable polymorphisms in altruistic and non-altruistic alleles are possible for certain ranges of c/b ratios. Another consequence is that the more dominant the altruistic gene, the easier it is for it to invade a population, but the harder it is for it to increase to high frequencies. In the special case when the individuals involved are inbred to the same extent and gene effects are additive, the RHS of the rule is independent of gene frequency and equals bYX and rYX: respectively Hamilton's regression coefficient of relatedness and Wright's correlation coefficient of relationship.
The Genetics of Evening Primroses and Mice

IN 1905, Dr. G. H. Shull, of Princeton, received from Dr. de Vries ten rosettes of Oenothera lamarckiana from the locality at Hilvershum, Holland, which had supplied the original material for the classic researches of de Vries many years before. In 1921, among the descendants of these plants appeared a colour-mutation which Shull calls old gold (vetaurea). The petals are flushed with apricot-colour, strong toward the base, fading out distally. In a very interesting and detailed paper (Genetics, May 1926, p. 201), Shull describes the behaviour of this mutant in a variety of crosses. It is recessive to the ordinary yellow flower. In order to test it further, Shull introduced into his cultures the very pale yellow mutant called ‘sulphur’ (sulphurea), and was surprised to find that-old-gold was complementary to sulphur, the two when crossed giving invariably plants with flowers of the normal yellow colour. Accordingly the normal yellow is expressed by the symbol SSVV (double dominant), the homozygous sulphur by ssVV, and the homozygous old-gold by SSvv. By suitable crosses the double recessive ssvv was obtained, and proved to be a pale flower, with the bases of the petals flushed with the apricot tint. Shull called it gold-centre (aurata). The amount of the reddish or old-gold colour is much less than in old gold.
Totally intracorporeal laparoscopic colorectal anastomosis using circular stapler

A number of surgical techniques for colorectal anastomosis have been described for laparoscopic left-sided colectomies. Due to the complexity of these procedures, open preparation of the proximal bowel for circular stapler anastomosis through a Pfannenstiel incision has become the gold standard. We report a new laparoscopic technique for totally intracorporeal colorectal circular anastomosis (TLCCA) using a circular stapler. Preliminary experience using TLCCA in three patients scheduled for laparoscopic left colectomies (two) and sigmoidectomy (one). Side-to-end colorectal anastomosis through TLCCA was feasible in all patients scheduled for preliminary experience. Median time from anvil insertion into abdominal cavity to anastomosis was 14 (11–17) minutes. No postoperative complications were recorded. Side-to-end anastomosis can be easily and safely performed using conventional circular stapler through TLCCA. TLCCA is performed using four laparoscopic ports without additional skin incision (except trocars incision) and allows the retrieval of surgical pieces through a specimen bag.
Phase behavior of diblock copolymers dilated with light alkanes: Influence of solvent compressibility on upper and lower ordering transitions

The phase behaviors of polystyrene-block-poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (P(S-b-nBMA)) and polystyrene-block-polyisoprene (P(S-b-I)) copolymers were studied in the presence of methane, ethane, propane, butane, and tetradecane. Sorption of the light alkanes induces phase segregation in P(S-b-nBMA), depressing the lower disorder-to-order transition (LDOT). The chain length of the solvent dictates the severity of the depression. At equivalent volume fractions, methane induces the most substantial shift of the LDOT, and as the length of the alkane chain is increased, the degree of the depression is diminished. In contrast to the influence of expanded solvents, dilution of the P(S-b-nBMA) melt with tetradecane slightly increases the miscibility of the segments. In all P(S-b-I)/alkane systems studied, solvent sorption increases the region of miscibility and depresses the upper order-to-disorder transition (UODT). This effect is independent of alkane chain length and depends only on the volume fraction of alkane sorb...
Current hysteresis in the intermediate state of thin-film superconductors

We have studied the current hysteresis at 4.2 K in the intermediate state of superconducting lead films using electrical resistance measurements and high-resolution magnetooptical observations of the magnetic flux structure. At low magnetic fields the liquidlike arrangement of the flux structure in the form of multiquanta flux tubes was found to persist following the application of a high electrical transport current with an average current density of 105–106 A/cm2. In this field range areduction of the resistive voltage was observed following the application of a high transport current. This inverse current hysteresis appears to be associated with a shift of the magnetic flux structure in the direction of the current-induced flux motion resulting in an extended fluxfree region along the sample edge where flux tubes enter the film during flux motion. At higher magnetic fields, where the laminar flux structure is the stable configuration, the usual resistive voltage enhancement has been observed following the application of a high transport current. In this regime the laminae rearrange themselves under the influence of a transport current resulting in a preferential orientation perpendicular to the current.
Violence, agrarian radicalism and electoral politics: Reflections on the Indian people's front

I am concerned here with the political responses of peasants on the social and economic margin and of agricultural labourers. The argument is that there is in India a vital and dynamic peasant activism happening at many levels of social and economic interest including among the rural poor. I want to understand these phenomena in Indian terms and in local terms, in other words, what is happening in the fields and villages where most Indians live. This raises the fundamental issue of the language or idiom in which agrarian politics, that is the politics of dissent, is expressed and the equally important question of who is listening and what is or is not being done in response. I develop these ideas around the experience of the Indian People's Front in the last decade, specifically in Bihar, while focussing on the arena of electoral politics which the IPF entered seriously in 1989.
Evaluation of Three Dry-Sterilized Hollow Fiber Artificial Kidneys

We investigated three new dry sterilized hollow fiber artificial kidneys (HFAK) (Cordis Dow CDAK 1.3, Travenol CF 1200, Extracorporeal Tri-Ex 1). Dry sterilization makes these dialyzers more economical by shortening set-up time. Dry sterilization also eliminates iatrogenic administration of residual sterilant. Water of imbibition can significantly increase the blood compartment volume of the dialyzer during dialysis. Consequently, a corrected blood volume for each dialyzer was established; these corrected volumes varied from 13-36% greater than the volume determined before dialysate flow. With low dose heparinization of these dialyzers there was between an 18 and 45% decrease in the post dialysis volume, presumably due to fiber clotting during dialysis. This volume added to the residual blood loss measured by a colori-metric technique accounted for a possible blood loss ranging between 26.9 and 53.9 ml per dialysis for these three dialyzers. Our results suggest that a relationship between dialyzer clottin...
Theoretical analysis of transient homomolecular exchange reaction of carbon monoxide on supported catalysts

The transient response of the homomolecular exchange reaction of carbon monoxide over supported catalysts in a batch reactor has been analyzed using an adsorption-desorption-surface reaction model. Results have revealed that the existing method of data analysis developed by E. R. S. Winter (J. Chem. Soc., 5781, 1964) based on a lumped homogeneous model is inadequate for determining the intrinsic exchange rate under most general experimental conditions, even though it has been widely used in the catalysis literature. In this study we have developed a more sound and general method of transient data analysis for the exchange reaction of carbon monoxide over supported catalysts with particular emphasis on Rh/Al2O3. In addition to identifying the intrinsic shortcomings of Winter's method, we have also discussed the important sources of kinetic disguises which must be eliminated or taken into proper consideration in the design and/or analysis of transient experiments.
Epstein-barr virus integration in human lymphomas and lymphoid cell lines

Background. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is maintained as an episome in most infected cells. The presence of fused terminal restriction enzyme fragments distinguishes the circular DNA form from the linear virion form. Methods. EBV genomic structure was analyzed in 8 lymphoid cell lines and 21 human lymphoma specimens by the Southern blot technique. Results. Evidence of viral integration into host chromosomal DNA was identified in four cell lines. In the Namalwa and BL30-B95.8 cell lines, integration occurred through the terminal repeat (TR) sequences. In the BL41-P3HR1 and BL41-B95.8 cell lines, there was loss of left-end viral genomic sequences, including ori-P sequences required for episome maintenance, implying that integration was required for viral genome persistence. Integration was not detected in four other cell lines (Raji, Daudi, B95.8, and BL30-P3MR1). In 21 EBV-containing human lymphomas, including 18 immunodeficiency-related lymphomas, fused TB sequences were identified without evidence of viral genomic integration. Conclusions. These findings suggest that, although viral integration is common in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines infected in vitro, integration is not common in human lymphomas that develop in vivo in normal or immunodeficient people.