cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data on the Relationships of Signal-To-Cutoff Ratios of Elecsys HIV Antigen/Antibody and Elecsys Syphilis Assays to Subsequent Confirmatory Testing at an Academic Medical Center

Immunoassays are widely used as screening tests for HIV and syphilis in clinical, public health, and research settings. For syphilis, immunoassays are used in 'reverse syphilis algorithms' that start with treponemal tests such as syphilis IgG or syphilis total antibodies for the initial screen. Many screening immunoassays for HIV and syphilis use signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) values for determining positivity, with a cutoff value such as 1.0 differentiating positive from negative. Published literature indicates that the S/CO value often correlates with the likelihood of subsequent confirmation of HIV and syphilis infections, with low S/CO values barely exceeding the cutoff more likely to represent false positive screens. The data in this article present results from the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys HIV combi PT Assay and the Elecsys Syphilis Assay. The data include 19,368 syphilis total antibody screening results on 15,764 unique patients and 28,952 HIV screening results on 24,556 unique patients, S/CO values, clinical area where testing was ordered, sex, and age. For samples with positive syphilis total antibody screens, the data also include results of RPR (the immediate next step in the reverse algorithm), Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA; for those samples in which RPR was non-reactive in the testing cascade), and clinical information and other testing related to diagnosis of syphilis. For positive HIV screens, the data also include HIV antibody differentiation results, HIV-1 PCR or HIV-2 results results (if performed), and clinical information related to diagnosis of HIV. The distributions of S/CO values relative to confirmation status were analyzed.
Binary phase correctors cannot improve laser beam quality

Numerous publications have proposed using binary phase correctors to convert the near-field beams from higher-order-mode lasers or anti-phased laser arrays into far-field beams with a single strong on-axis lobe, and the use of phased arrays in general to obtain high power beams with good far-field properties. The counter-intuitive fact is, however, that within a broad range of reasonable assumptions binary phase correctors cannot improve the beam quality of laser beams at all-at least not the quality factor M/sup 2/ as usually defined based on second-order moments. Even from a "power in the bucket" viewpoint the output beam from an optimally phased or phase-corrected laser array may have substantially worse far-field beam properties than one would initially expect. >
Tryptophan Synthetase β2 Subunit APPLICATION OF GENETIC ANALYSIS TO THE STUDY OF PRIMARY STRUCTURE

Abstract The amino acid substitution caused by the inactivating point mutation, trpB244, in tryptophan synthetase β2 subunit (Escherichia coli K-12) was found to be Lys → Asn. This alteration was characterized in the tryptic, chymotryptic, and cyanogen bromide fragments containing the substitution. When the sequence of the 35-residue cyanogen bromide fragment was obtained, this proved to comprise the COOH terminus of the protein.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Binds to Extracellular Matrix Deposited by Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE. To measure the effect of extracellular matrix substrate, pH, and O 2 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa binding. METHODS. Extracellular matrix substrates were prepared from human corneal epithelial cells cultured in 2% or 20% O 2 . P. aeruginosa strains ATCC 19660 or PAO1 (suspended in pH 7.0 or 7.5 buffer) were cultured on extracellular matrix substrates in 2% or 20% O 2 . The mean number of adherent bacteria per counted per field ± SEM (n = 15) was determined for combinations of bacteria, extracellular matrix substrate, pH, and O 2 . Binding in the presence of antibodies directed against laminin-5 was also measured. RESULTS. Extracellular matrix substrates produced by cells cultured in 20% O 2 , combined with an environment of pH 7.0, provided the least favorable conditions for binding of strain 19660. In contrast, extracellular matrix substrates produced by cells cultured in 2%, O 2 , combined with an environment of pH 7.0, provided the most favorable conditions for binding of strain 19660. Binding of PAO1, however, as a function of extracellular matrix substrate and pH, did not similarly compare with binding of strain 19660. Antibodies against laminin-5 chains served to increase the number of strain 19660 bacteria bound to extracellular matrix substrates compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS. The extracellular matrix secreted by hypoxic corneal epithelial cells is a substrate for binding of P. aeruginosa. Results in previous studies have shown that hypoxic extracellular matrix contains less laminin-5 protein than normoxic matrix. The antibody studies in this report suggest that the decrease in laminin-5 content in hypoxic matrix, relative to matrix secreted by normoxic corneal epithelium, may be responsible for increased bacterial adhesion.
Archimedean spiral antenna with an integrated dual bandstop response

An ultra-wideband Archimedean spiral antenna with an integrated notch filter response at 3.4 GHz and 5.5 GHz is presented. Two pairs of resonant parallel structures are implemented on a generic Archimedean spiral antenna to induce dual bandstop characteristics. Measured results on a fabricated antenna prototype experimentally confirm simulation results.
Echocardiographic predictors of the need for infundibular wedge resection in infants with aortic arch obstruction, ventricular septal defect and subaortic stenosis

Abstract Infants with aortic arch obstruction and outlet ventricular septal defect can have posterior displacement of the infundibular septum into the left ventricular outflow tract causing varying degrees of subaortic stenosis. 1–3 Because of the large ventricular septal defect, left ventricular outflow tract velocities are frequently normal. For this reason, Doppler peak gradients are often not helpful for assessing the severity of the outflow tract narrowing preoperatively. Preoperative evaluation of the degree of subaortic obstruction and, thus, the need for surgical intervention is usually based on qualitative assessment of the anatomic 2-dimensional echocardiographic image. 2–6 This study defines 2-dimensional echocardiographic predictors of the need for subaortic resection in infants with aortic arch obstruction, outlet ventricular septal defect and posterior deviation of the infundibular septum.
Shifting of the d-amphetamine dose-response curve in rats with frontal cortical ablations.

Rats trained to bar-press on a FI 15 sec schedule for water reinforcement were administered various doses of d-amphetamine (0.25–4.0 mg/kg) both before and 6–8 weeks after bilateral ablation of frontal cortex. Preoperatively, low doses (e.g. 0.25–0.5 mg/kg) of (d-amphetamine increased responding and high doses (e.g. 2.0–4.0 mg/kg) of d-amphetamine depressed responding. Postoperatively, frontal rats showed larger facilitatory effects in response to low doses of d-amphet-amine but lesser depressant effects in response to high doses of d-amphetamine; the whole dose-response curve was generally shifted higher by the frontal lesions. These results indicate that frontal lesions differentially influence mechanisms mediating two different actions of d-amphetamine.
Improved Testing for Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer Using a Simplified 3-Marker Assay

Background In colorectal cancer (CRC), microsatellite instability (MSI) is a valuable marker of defective DNA mismatch repair that identifies cancers with distinct phenotypic properties, including favorable survival. However, the optimal assay for MSI status is unknown. We have evaluated a simplified 3-marker assay for MSI and compared it with the 5-marker (NCI) assay to see if technical variations in MSI testing are important.
Induction Curing of Thiol–Acrylate and Thiol–Ene Composite Systems

Induction curing is demonstrated as a novel type of in situ radiation curing that maintains most of the advantages of photocuring while eliminating the restriction of light accessibility. Induction curing is utilized to polymerize opaque composites comprised of thiol–acrylate and thiol–ene resins, nanoscale magnetic particles, and carbon nanotubes. Nanoscale magnetic particles are dispersed in the resin, and upon exposure to the magnetic field, these particles lead to induction heating that rapidly initiates the polymerization. Heat transfer profiles and reaction kinetics of the samples are modeled during the reactions with varying induction heater power, species concentration, species type, and sample thickness, and the model is compared with the experimental results. Thiol–ene polymerizations achieved full conversion between 1.5 min and 1 h, depending on the field intensity and the composition, with the maximum reaction temperature decreasing from 146 to 87 °C when the induction heater power was decreas...
Characteristics of choline acetyltransferase and cholinesterases in two types of cultured cells from embryonic chick brain.

Cells that were mechanically dissociated from the brains of 7-day-old chick embryos were grown in culture for 7–8 days. Two major cell populations were observed: (1) cells that aggregated and sent out processes, (2) flat cells that proliferated rapidly and formed a confluent layer by day 4 of culture. Many of the cells of the first type had the morphological, histochemical and biochemical attributes of neurons. They possessed choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) and acetylcholinesterase (AChEs) activities. The flat cells possessed neither of the activities, but did have butyrylcholinesterase (BuChEs) activity and a choline independent acetylase activity (CIA) that may be carnitine acetyltransferase. The activities of ChAc and AChEs in the cultured neurons increased approximately 9-fold and 5-fold, respectively, over an 8-day period. The patterns of change of these enzymes were not unlike those seen in vivo in intact developing chick brain. The addition of thyroxine (10−6 M) to these cultures increased the activities of neuronal AChEs and flat cell BuChEs by 30–70%.
PACT, a protein activator of the interferon‐induced protein kinase, PKR

PKR, a latent protein kinase, mediates the antiviral actions of interferon. It is also involved in cellular signal transduction, apoptosis, growth regulation and differentiation. Although in virus-infected cells, viral double-stranded (ds) RNA can serve as a PKR activator, cellular activators have remained obscure. Here, we report the cloning of PACT, a cellular protein activator of PKR. PACT heterodimerized with PKR and activated it in vitro in the absence of dsRNA. In mammalian cells, overexpression of PACT caused PKR activation and, in yeast, co-expression of PACT enhanced the anti-growth effect of PKR. Thus, PACT has the hallmarks of a direct activator of PKR.
Impact of a telephone-based physical activity intervention upon exercise behaviors and fitness in cancer survivors enrolled in a cooperative group setting

Observational studies demonstrate an association between physical activity and improved outcomes in breast and colon cancer survivors. To test these observations with a large, randomized clinical trial, an intervention that significantly impacts physical activity in these patients is needed. The Active After Cancer Trial (AACT) was a multicenter pilot study evaluating the feasibility of a telephone-based exercise intervention in a cooperative group setting. Sedentary (engaging in <60 min of recreational activity/week) breast and colorectal cancer survivors were randomized to a telephone-based exercise intervention or usual care control group. The intervention was delivered through the University of California at San Diego; participants received ten phone calls over the course of the 16-week intervention. All participants underwent assessment of physical activity, fitness, physical functioning, fatigue and exercise self-efficacy at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. One hundred and twenty-one patients were enrolled through ten Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) institutions; 100 patients had breast cancer and 21 had colorectal cancer. Participants randomized to the exercise group increased physical activity by more than 100 versus 22% in controls (54.5 vs. 14.6 min, P = 0.13), and experienced significant increases in fitness (increased 6-min walk test distance by 186.9 vs. 81.9 feet, P = 0.006) and physical functioning (7.1 vs. 2.6, P = 0.04) as compared to the control group. Breast and colorectal cancer survivors enrolled in a multicenter, telephone-based physical activity intervention increased physical activity and experienced significant improvements in fitness and physical functioning. Lifestyle intervention research is feasible in a cooperative group setting.
Chemical sources of haze formation in Titan's atmosphere

Abstract A prominent feature of Titan's atmosphere is a thick haze region that acts as the end product of hydrocarbon and nitrile chemistry. Using a one-dimensional photochemical model, an investigation into the chemical mechanisms responsible for the formation of this haze region is conducted. The model derives profiles for Titan's atmospheric constituents that are consistent with observations. Included is an updated benzene profile that matches more closely with—recent ISO observations (Icarus 161 (2003) 383), replacing the profile given in the benzene study of Wilson et al. (J. Geophys. Res. 108 (2003) 5014). Using these profiles, pathways from polyynes, aromatics, and nitriles are considered, as well as possible copolymerization among the pathways. The model demonstrates that the growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons throughout the lower stratosphere plays an important role in furnishing the main haze layer, with nitriles playing a secondary role. The peak chemical production of haze layer ranges from 140 to 300 km peaking at an altitude of 220 km , with a production rate of 3.2×10 −14 g cm −2 s −1 . Possible mechanisms for polymerization and copolymerization and suggestions for further kinetic study are discussed, along with the implications for the distribution of haze in Titan's atmosphere.
Abstract 3667: Reduction of in vivo tumor growth and angiogenesis by a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody to SEMA4D

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D; CD100) has been implicated in several key mechanisms of tumor progression, including neovascularization, tumor invasion, and metastasis. SEMA4D binding to its receptor plexin-B1 (PLXNB1) on endothelial cells transactivates MET and promotes formation of new blood vessels and tumor growth in vivo. SEMA4D is over-expressed in a wide array of tumor types, and is also produced by recruited inflammatory cells present in the tumor microenvironment. Several recent papers have shown that in an environment lacking SEMA4D, the ability of mouse cancer cells to originate tumor masses and metastases is severely impaired. Furthermore, SEMA4D produced by tumor-associated macrophages has been shown to support tumor angiogenesis and growth. In addition to its effects on endothelial cells, SEMA4D has a direct effect on tumor invasive growth and migration. A recent clinical study in soft tissue sarcomas correlates strong SEMA4D expression in tumors with a higher mitotic count and poor prognosis. SEMA4D binding to PLXNB1 on tumor cells results in MET transactivation and migration of tumor cells. It has been further reported that overexpression of PLXNB1 and MET in breast and ovarian cancers is a negative prognostic factor. Tumors co-expressing PLXNB1 and MET were characterized as having a higher grade and an increased frequency of metastases. Collectively, these results suggest that expression of SEMA4D, either by tumor cells or by tumor associated inflammatory cells, functions as a crucial factor in tumor neovascularization, and that expression of the SEMA4D and/ or its high affinity receptor in tumors may further induce tumor growth rate and metastatic potential. Antibody neutralization of SEMA4D thus may represent a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. We selected a humanized IgG4 antibody that binds with high affinity to rat, mouse, primate, and human SEMA4D, and utilized several in vitro functional assays to demonstrate that this antibody blocks SEMA4D – PLXNB1 interactions. Using syngeneic, xenograft and orthotopic tumor models we demonstrated that antibody mediated neutralization of SEMA4D in vivo inhibits tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis. This humanized antibody has successfully completed IND-enabling toxicology testing and we anticipate the initiation of human clinical trials in early 2011. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3667. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3667
The Dilemmas and Contradictions of Economic Development for Blacks and Latinos in the United States

This review essay examines four books representing some of the main positions and proposed solutions regarding African American and Latino underdevelopment in the United States today. It summarizes and contrasts the various, often contending views, present in the books. The author argues that the debate reflects deep contradictions in American society and that the differing positions largely represent the views of the groups and interests in contention. While identifying weaknesses and possible research areas, the author introduces some of the elements for a progressive agenda emanating from the analysis. He insists that analyses that do not integrate class, gender, race/nationality, and socioeconomic system cannot grasp the complexity of minority underdevelopment in the United States. Finally, the essay emphasizes the need to add the variable of restructuring in an effort to understand the new dimensions of the problem and to develop solutions that respond to a globalizing economy and society.
Toward Electronic Work Design

The dynamic behavior of a musculoskeletal link system in manual lifting is simulated by a mathematical model which contains a non-linear objective function and a set of linear, as well as non-linear constraints. The model was developed based upon the hypothesis that an individual performs the lifting motion following the principle of minimizing mechanical work done. The simulation model demonstrated that the associated differences between the predicted motion and the measured motion is biomechanically feasible and the accuracy is adequate enough with an average U statistics ranging from 0.012 to 0.2 09.
Allocation strategies for Ada tasks on hypercube multi-processors

An important aspect of the efficient use of a hypercube computer to solve a given problem is the assignment of subtasks to processors in such a way that communication overhead is low. Without such strategies the gains in parallelism are negated by the increased communication costs. This paper presents strategies to assign tasks to subcubes of the Hypercube to decrease the communication distance between cooperating tasks of a hypercube computer running the Ada runtime system. Such allocation was not feasible previously because of the limitations imposed by the termination method employed. This paper (1) presents a new, more efficient termination method to solve this problem, (2) a static and (3) a dynamic method to allocate tasks to nodes of the hypercube.
Palmar fasciitis and arthritis with malignant neoplasms: A paraneoplastic syndrome

VARIETY of musculoskeletal syndromes have been associated with malignancy.’ Among these, hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy, dermatomyositis, and carcinomatous polyarthritis are the most frequently recognized.‘** Shoulder-hand syndrome, a variant of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is another rheumatic disorder that has occasionally been associated with malignant neoplasms.3-‘5 Although brain and lung malignancies are the tumors most frequently associated with this syndrome,6*7,9-‘3 carcinoma of the bladder,8*14 uterus,15 breast,‘*” and esophagus, ‘*I4 have also been reported. Recently, a syndrome that has been termed “palmar fasciitis and arthritis” has been reported to occur in association with ovarian adenocarcinoma.3 This disorder differs from the usual case of shoulder-hand syndrome in that the progression and extent of rheumatic disease are much more dramatic. Specifically, the fasciitis is more severe, the arthritis more inflammatory, and both are more rapidly progressive than generally seen in shoulder-hand syndrome. Com
Frequency of promotional strategies and attention elements in children's food commercials during children's programming blocks on US broadcast networks

Purpose – The purpose of the current study is to identify the extent to which promotional strategies and attention elements appear in a sample of children's food commercials.Design/methodology/approach – The research was a content analysis study of 147 commercials that examined 20 separate promotional strategies and 20 different attention elements. The sample of commercials included those appearing on five US broadcast networks during children's programming blocks.Findings – Findings show that the most frequently used promotional strategies were the use of jingles/slogans, showing children with the food, and the use of product identification characters. The use of animation, “real children,” and animal characters were the most used attention elements in the commercials.Research limitations/implications – The sample of commercials used in this analysis was obtained from broadcast networks and did not include cable network programming; however, the commercials represent commercials from a wide variety of fo...
LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATIONS AS A BASIS FOR IMPROVING ASPHALT COMPOSITION-PHYSICAL PROPERTY CORRELATIONS

ABSTRACT It is widely known that asphalts yielding similar results in standard tests like penetration may in fact exhibit significantly different performance with respect to product manufacturing, application, or durability. Thus, a need exists for more definitive testing, especially with respect to defining the chemical composition of asphalt. Direct spectroscopic analysis of asphalt is difficult because of its compositional complexity, high degree of association between compounds present, and high, overall average molecular weight/boiling range. Hence, prior liquid chromatographic separation into compound classes or types can greatly enhance the level of information obtainable from spectroscopic methods, as well as provide information on types and quantities of compounds present. The scheme discussed involves initial separation into acid, base, and neutral types using development of routine test methods to significantly higher levels of sophistication than those currently available.
Parametric Scaling Model for Nongeosynchronous Communications Satellites

Nomenclature g = acceleration caused by gravity, m/s2 Isp = specific impulse, s Mdry = spacecraft dry mass, kg MPL = payload mass, kg Mpp = primary power mass, kg Mprop = propellant mass, kg Mwet = spacecraft wet mass, kg M0 = premaneuver spacecraft mass, kg N = number of data points Pbol = total power at beginning of life, W Peol = total power at end of life, W PPL = payload power, W Tlife = system design lifetime, years Vsat = satellite volume, m3 V = velocity increment, m/s σ = rms deviation
Demographic and sexual characteristics of nonresponders to sexual experience items in a national survey

Given the heavy reliance on self‐report measures, volunteer bias due to patterns of nonresponse is an important issue in sex research. In the present study, rates of nonresponse to self‐administered sexual experience questions posed to individuals in a national probability sample (NORC data; Davis & Smith, 1990) of English‐speaking adult households (N = 3,646) were analyzed as a function of demographic characteristics. Differences between responders and nonresponders in reported sexual experience on other items were also investigated. In general, rates of response to most of the sexuality items were quite high. With regard to three of the four sexual experience questions considered, men were more likely than women to respond. Among both men and women, nonresponders to each of the four sexuality items were generally older and reported less income and educational attainment than did responders. There were no differences in likelihood of responding to the sexuality items as a function of religious affiliatio...
Differential pulse voltammetric oxidation of polyriboxanthylic acid at the pyrolytic graphite electrode and a method for detection and determination of traces of xanthine and xanthosine-5'- monophosphate in polyxanthylic acid

Abstract Poly(X) (polyriboxanthylic acid) gives up to two differential pulse voltammetric oxidation peaks (peaks I and II) at the PGE. Xanthine, which appears to be a trace contaminant of commercial poly(X) samples, exhibits a differential pulse voltammetric oxidation peak at more negative potentials than the peaks of poly(X). Xanthosine-5'-monophosphate also gives up to two differential pulse voltammetric oxidation peaks at the PGE. An analytical method has been developed to determine trace amounts of xanthine and xanthosine-5'-monophosphate in poly(X) samples based on differential pulse voltammetry.
The value of newborn urinary proteome analysis in the evaluation and management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a cost-effectiveness study

The cornerstone of management in newborns with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is serial imaging over time. Surgery is undertaken for disease progression. A marker of disease progression would select out those likely to progress for early surgery and diminish the intensity of imaging and follow-up in the remainder. Recently, urinary proteome analysis in the newborn has been reported to fulfill this aim. The objective of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the effect of this matrix of protein biomarkers on the overall cost-effectiveness (C-E) of UPJO evaluation and management. A Markov process decision tree model (Tree Age Pro software, Boston, MA) is created to compare the current strategy (watchful waiting) to one incorporating a urine proteome analysis at birth as a marker of disease progression. The analysis includes the costs of surgery, imaging and office visits based on hospital charge data. We analyze a total of 53 variables. The incorporation of this marker of progression results on the average, in an incremental C-E gain of $8,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) per patient compared to the current strategy of watchful waiting. The results are not sensitive to variation of any of the probabilities including costs and quality of life parameters used for the base-case analysis. The incorporation of urinary proteome analysis in the initial evaluation of UPJO significantly reduces costs and increases the QALYs in this patient population. The test increases the odds of detecting UPJO progression from 1:3 to 1:1, while improving the overall C-E. These findings justify continued research in this area which in addition may have important applications in evaluating treatment outcomes.
SERTII1979-1981 Tests: Ion Thruster Performance and Durability

The Space Electric Rocket Test-II (SERT II) spacecraft, launched in 1970 for a 1-yr mission as a test bed for an ion thruster system, continued to function as a working spacecraft through May 1981. As a result, an opportunity existed to obtain extensive thrust system test data over a period of more than a decade. Ion thruster testing continued until the last mercury propellant tank was empty in April 1981. This paper presents the thruster system efficiency, lifetime, and restart capability demonstrated over the last 2/2 years of the flight period. The operation characteristics of thruster system components, such as hollow cathodes, electrical insulators, and propellant tanks, are also described.
Effect of melt temperature on some properties of Fe80.5B15Si4C0.5 and Fe40Ni40B20 amorphous alloys

Abstract Increasing the melt temperature Tm of Fe80.5B15Si4C0.5 and Fe40Ni40B20 liquid alloys increases the width and decreases the thickness of melt-spun ribbons, as predicted by a solidification model based on the propagation of a thermal boundary layer. Increasing Tm is shown (1) to decreases the as-cast ribbon coercivity, (2) to increase the relative induction but (3) does not affect the Curie temperature. After annealing, these magnetic properties are independent of Tm. It is concluded that the dependence of the as-cast ribbon properties on Tm is due to decreasing residual stress in the ribbon with increasing Tm. As Tm increases, the ribbon stress relaxation decreases, as does the temperature required to embrittle the amorphous alloy. These trends in the properties of amorphous ribbons suggest that there is a unique atomic structure in the amorphous ribbon which corresponds to a given liquid alloy Tm value.
The production of cell aggregates in vitro by polycarbonate substrates.

Abstract Polycarbonate film, both perforated and unperforated, raw or surfactant-treated, produced cell aggregation in more than 1000 cell cultures. No cells formed a monolayer in any culture system having a polycarbonate film or filter. In multiple analyses involving 6 cell lines, 4 types of media, a small pH range, (6.8–8.2) several types of serum, the presence and absence of glutamine and all the available types of polycarbonate filters and films, no factor changed the outcome. The cell aggregates largely contained viable cells which, when disaggregated and replated in the absence of polycarbonates, formed normal monolayers. That process could be continually repeated for at least 2 weeks. The cause of this phenomenon has not been identified.
Peru 1957–1977: How time and place influenced John Turner's ideas on housing policy

Abstract John F.C. Turner worked in Peru for several periods between 1957 and 1965, and he developed many of his ideas on aided self-help housing on the basis of his Peruvian experiences. His most famous publications on housing policy, several of them co-authored with the American anthropologist William Mangin who also worked in Peru in the 1950s and 1960s, make extensive use of Peruvian examples. This paper describes Peru in the periods when Turner was there, and in the succeeding decade, pointing out distinctive characteristics of the country and its housing, and outlining the major housing policy debates which raged among Peruvians. Publishing in English in major international journals, Turner was able to draw on abundant Peruvian research, ideas and expertise, and to graphically present Peru's urban squatter settlements (barriadas) to a global audience. The contrasting ideas of Fernando Belaunde, Pedro Beltran and Carlos Delgado were particularly influential, leading to innovative government programs. Turner drew on all three of them to some degree, but found his own distinctive middle ground.
Orthotopic Kidney Retransplantation in Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney Transplant Patients With Renal Failure

Traditionally transplant nephrectomy was required as a separate procedure prior to retransplantation in simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant patients. An alternative approach combining both procedures is described, during which the rejected kidney is removed and replaced orthotopically by the new allograft.
Identification of the Tobacco Blue Mold Pathogen, Peronospora tabacina, by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Tobacco blue mold, caused by the oomycete pathogen Peronospora tabacina, is a highly destructive pathogen of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seed beds, transplants, and production fields in the United States. The pathogen also causes systemic infection in transplants. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the primers ITS4 and ITS5, sequencing, and restriction digestion to differentiate P. tabacina from other important tobacco pathogens, including Alternaria alternata, Cercospora nicotianae, Phytophthora glovera, P. parasitica, Pythium aphanidermatum, P. dissotocum, P. myriotylum, P. ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotium rolfsii, Thielaviopsis basicola, and related Peronospora spp. A specific PCR primer, called PTAB, was developed and used with ITS4 to amplify a 764-bp region of DNA that was diagnostic for P. tabacina. The PTAB/ITS4 primers did not amplify host DNA or the other tobacco pathogens and were specific for P. tabacina on tobacco. DNA was detected to levels of 0.0125 ng. The PTAB primer was useful for detection of the pathogen in fresh, air-dried, and cured tobacco leaves. This primer will be useful for disease diagnosis, epidemiology, and regulatory work to reduce disease spread among fields.
Random neural network recognition of shaped objects in strong clutter

Detecting objects in images containing strong clutter is an important issue in a variety of applications such as medical imaging and automatic target recognition. Artificial neural networks are used as non-parametric pattern recognizers to cope with different problems due to their inherent ability to learn from training data. In this paper we propose a neural approach based on the Random Neural Network model (Gelenbe 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993), to detect shaped targets with the help of multiple neural networks whose outputs are combined for making decisions.
Multiple ganglion cysts of the knee

Abstract Only solitary ganglion cysts within the knee have been reported. Multiple ganglion cysts within the same knee have not been reported. The author describes a patient with 2 ganglion cysts, one in the anterior cruciate ligament and one in the lateral meniscus of the same knee. Surgery was performed because of recurrent pain and functional disability. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 8 (October), 2002: pp E42
Modeling park development through regional land use change simulation.

Abstract Provision of recreational open space is a major factor in determining resident quality of life in cities. However, urban growth and land use change models typically omit park location and allocation issues when simulating changing urban environments. This paper introduces a method for exploring the spatial allocation of urban parks (public, recreational open spaces) given differing municipal and county investment decisions. Park planning literature has established level of service metrics as rough indicators of provision of public park amenities that are useful guides for future park investment decisions within a given jurisdiction. In this study, we create a dynamic-demand location model that simulates political feedback from population growth and LOS metrics to allocate new parklands (∼0.5 ha ≤ neighborhood parks ≤ ∼4 ha) in multi-jurisdictional urbanizing regions. We frame parks as a new development type that augments residential development currently driving a version of the Regional Urban Growth (RUG) urban simulation model, an open source, raster-based simulation platform. Our approach allows planners and researchers to explore urban patterns and distributive outcomes associated with different local open space requirements and investment choices. We illustrate this approach under scenarios for the rapidly growing, three-county Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill region of North Carolina, USA. We test varying delays in park planning, purchase, and construction, varying maximum park sizes, and the effects of increased investment levels in two jurisdictions within our study area. This model suggests that the most important aspect of successful park planning is the length of the lag time between residential and park development. Perhaps the most successful park planning strategy is to plan parks along with residential areas.
Surgery for colorectal liver metastases: The evolution of determining prognosis

Despite improvements in the multi-modality treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), survival after resection remains varied. Determining prognosis after surgical resection has historically been predicated on preoperative clinicopathological factors such as primary tumor stage, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, number of liver metastases, presence of extrahepatic disease, as well as other factors. While scoring systems have been developed by combining certain preoperative factors, these have been inconsistent in accurately determining prognosis. There has been increasing interest in the use of biologic and molecular markers to predict prognosis following CRLM. The role of markers such as KRAS, BRAF, p53, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, thymidylate synthase, Ki-67, and hypoxia inducible factor-1α and their correlation with accurately predicting survival after surgical resection have been supported by several studies. Furthermore, other elements such as pathological response to chemotherapy and the presence of circulating tumor cells have shown promise in accurately determining prognosis after resection for colorectal liver metastasis. We herein review past, present, and possible future markers of prognosis among colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis undergoing resection with curative intent.
Annual Mass Balance of Blue Glacier, USA: 1955–97

Mass changes of Blue Glacier, USA are calculated from topographic maps made from vertical aerial photography in late summer of 1939, 1952, 1957, and 1987, along with laser altimetry flown in June 1996. Changes in elevation between maps were adjusted for seasonal variations in the snow cover, and to account for the ablation between the date of photography and 1 October. Topography obtained from the laser altimetry was adjusted for snow thickness and glacier motion to estimate topography of 1 October 1995. The mass of Blue Glacier has changed less than 7 m (water equivalent) during this 56 year period which is minor compared with other glaciers in the region and elsewhere in the world. Glacier-average annual mass balances, beginning in 1956, have been calculated either from stake measurements and probing of late-season snow, or from a regression analysis using late-season measurements of the equilibrium line altitude. A comparison with the changes derived from surface maps shows values obtained from field measurements are too positive by about 0.4 m a−1 , indicating that considerable caution is needed when interpreting time series of mass balance. Two alternative time series of mass balance consistent with the long-term mass changes are created by making simple adjustments: (1) a single constant is subtracted from each value so that the series is consistent with the 1957–95 mass change; (2) one constant is subtracted from each value over 1957–87 and another is subtracted from each value over 1987-95 so that the series is consistent with both the 1957–87 and 1987–95 mass changes. The mass balance of Blue Glacier was generally positive until the mid-1970s and negative since. The fluctuations of mass balance closely resemble those of snowfall on the glacier as estimated from the joint distribution of temperature and precipitation. The climate in western Washington was cooler and wetter during the decade before the mid-1970s, but the trend since has been towards warmer and drier conditions.
Systematic trends and atomic oscillator strengths

Abstract A number of newly established or significantly improved systematic trends of atomic oscillator strengths in isoelectronic sequences and spectral series are presented. For most of these trends, beam-foil experiments have played a prominent role in supplying critically needed points. Of particular interest are the changes in several transitions of the Be and C sequences brought about by improved beam-foil results and more refined theoretical calculations. Also of significance are newly detected trends in the Li and Al isoelectronic sequences. An example will be given where the analysis of the ƒ- value dependence along a sequence, coupled with an understanding of the changes in the energy level structure, points out areas where future beam-foil experiments would be desirable in clearing up discrepancies. The n ∗3 dependence of oscillator strengths for perturbed series will be illustrated with another interesting example.
MRI of great vessel morphology and function in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether large arteries in subjects with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV (EDS IV) exhibit altered morphological and functional characteristics that might indicate the risk of complications. Subjects with EDS IV, an inherited disorder of type III collagen, have a significant lifetime risk of arterial rupture. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the aorta and carotid artery was used to measure diameter, wall thickness, pulse propagation velocity, and spin-spin relaxation time constant (T(2)) of the artery walls. These measurements were made and compared by a two-sided t-test in 17 subjects with EDS IV and in eight age and gender matched sibling controls. Additionally, Spearman correlation was computed between measurements and the average longevity of affected relatives. Comparing controls to 15 subjects with no known prior aortic complications, we found no differences in the diameters of the descending thoracic and abdominal aortas, but did find ascending aorta dilatation in two subjects (13%). We also found a trend in EDS IV subjects toward higher wall thicknesses after normalizing by body surface area for both the abdominal aorta (P=0.05) and the common carotid artery (P=0.07). Finally, we found a significant negative correlation (R= -0.82, P=0.02) between age-adjusted pulse propagation velocity and familial longevity. In conclusion, preliminary evidence suggests that elevated pulse propagation velocity, which indicates reduced vessel distensibility, may be a risk factor for complications of EDS IV. Ascending aorta dilatation and increased vessel wall thickness were also found in subjects with EDS IV and represent potential risk factors for future study.
5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine inhibition of Dictyostelium discoideum differentiation and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity.

Abstract 5-Iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IdUrd), at a concentration of 0.25 mM, had little or no effect on the growth of Dictyostelium discoideum for at least four doubling times. However, when these cells were allowed to differentiate, the number of fruiting bodies obtained was only about half of that obtained from cells grown in normal medium, and a great majority of them were about 1 4 to 1 8 the size of normal fruiting bodies. The inhibition of differentiation could be reversed if the cells were washed free of IdUrd and grown in normal medium for two generations before differentiation. If the IdUrd-grown cells were mixed with only 15 per cent as many normal cells just prior to differentiation, there was no inhibition of differentiation. Since it is known that, as a thymidine analogue, IdUrd can be incorporated into DNA, the induction patterns of several enzymes during growth and differentiation were compared in normal and IdUrd-treated cells. There was a continuous increase in the treated relative to untreated cells in the activities of the enzymes N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, α-mannosidase, β-glucosidase and acid and alkaline phosphatases during growth. There was also an increase in activity relative to control cells for all of these enzymes except alkaline phosphatase during the differentiation of cells previously grown in medium containing IdUrd. The reverse, however, was found for 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase. There was a decrease caused by IdUrd in both the extracellular and cellular phosphodiesterase activity during development. In contrast, during growth, although IdUrd treatment also reduced the extracellular phosphodiesterase activity, the cellular phosphodiesterase activity remained unchanged from control.
Antigen-presenting cells in adoptively transferred and spontaneous autoimmune diabetes

Histological techniques were used to identify antigen-presenting cells (APC) in adoptively transferred diabetes in NOD mice and Ins-HA transgenic mice, and in spontaneously diabetic NOD mice. In adoptively transferred disease, CD4+ T cells and F4/80+ macrophages dominated early infiltrates. By contrast, in spontaneously developing diabetes in NOD mice, lymphocytic infiltrates appeared to be well organized around a network of VCAM-1+ NLDC-145+ ICAM-1+ dendritic cells. Thus, the primary APC spontaneous autoimmune disease appears to be the strongly stimulatory dendritic cell rather than the normally resident macrophage. Next, we used chimeric animals to demonstrate that insulitis and diabetes could occur even when responding T cells were unable to recognize islet-specific antigen directly on beta cells. Altogether, the results demonstrate that immune-mediated damage does not require direct contact between CD4+ T cells and beta cells. Moreover, despite the induction of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and class II on vascular endothelium near islet infiltrates, these experiments show that recruitment of lymphocytes occurs even when antigen presentation is not possible on vascular endothelium.
Feminine Knowledge and Skill Reconsidered: Women and Flaked Stone Tools

ABSTRACT Archaeologists continue to describe Stone Age women as home bound and their lithic technologies as unskilled, expedient, and of low quality. However, today a group of Konso women make, use, and discard flaked stone tools to process hides, offering us an alternative to the man-the-toolmaker model and redefining Western “naturalized” gender roles. These Konso women are skilled knappers who develop their expertise through long-term practice and apprenticeship. Their lithic technology demonstrates that an individual's level of skill and age are visible in stone assemblages. Most importantly, they illustrate that women procure high-quality stone from long distances, produce formal tools with skill, and use their tools efficiently. I suggest in this article that archaeologists should consider women the producers of Paleolithic stone scrapers, engaged in bipolar technology, and as such perhaps responsible for some of the earliest-known lithic technologies.
Control of calcium current in rat sympathetic neurons by norepinephrine.

Abstract Inward voltage-dependent calcium currents were recorded from clamped rat sympathetic ganglion cells using either one or two microelectrodes. Suppression of potassium current was achieved by applying tetraethylammonium (TEA) externally and TEA plus cesium internally. Peak I Ca was observed at 0 mV. I Ca was abolished by perfusing cadmium or low calcium medium. I Ca was reduced by adding norepinephrine (1–50 μM). This effect was not accompanied by any major change in the voltage sensitivity or time course of the residual calcium current. It is suggested that norepinephrine acts by reducing the number of available calcium channels.