cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurovascular development: The beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Neurovascular development in the central nervous system has a rich history and compelling significance. The developing central nervous system (CNS) does not produce vascular progenitor cells, and so ingression of blood vessels is required for continued CNS development and function. Classic studies provide elegant descriptions of formation of the vascular plexus that surrounds the embryonic brain and spinal cord, and the subsequent ingression of blood vessels into the neural tissue. Recent work has focused on the molecular pathways responsible for neurovascular cross-talk and development of the blood-brain barrier. Here we review neurovascular development in the central nervous system, with emphasis on the spinal cord. We discuss the historical work, the current status of our knowledge, and unanswered questions. The importance of neurovascular development to diseases of the cerebral vasculature and the neural stem cell niche are discussed.
Sizing up allometric scaling theory.

Metabolic rate, heart rate, lifespan, and many other physiological properties vary with body mass in systematic and interrelated ways. Present empirical data suggest that these scaling relationships take the form of power laws with exponents that are simple multiples of one quarter. A compelling explanation of this observation was put forward a decade ago by West, Brown, and Enquist (WBE). Their framework elucidates the link between metabolic rate and body mass by focusing on the dynamics and structure of resource distribution networks—the cardiovascular system in the case of mammals. Within this framework the WBE model is based on eight assumptions from which it derives the well-known observed scaling exponent of 3/4. In this paper we clarify that this result only holds in the limit of infinite network size (body mass) and that the actual exponent predicted by the model depends on the sizes of the organisms being studied. Failure to clarify and to explore the nature of this approximation has led to debates about the WBE model that were at cross purposes. We compute analytical expressions for the finite-size corrections to the 3/4 exponent, resulting in a spectrum of scaling exponents as a function of absolute network size. When accounting for these corrections over a size range spanning the eight orders of magnitude observed in mammals, the WBE model predicts a scaling exponent of 0.81, seemingly at odds with data. We then proceed to study the sensitivity of the scaling exponent with respect to variations in several assumptions that underlie the WBE model, always in the context of finite-size corrections. Here too, the trends we derive from the model seem at odds with trends detectable in empirical data. Our work illustrates the utility of the WBE framework in reasoning about allometric scaling, while at the same time suggesting that the current canonical model may need amendments to bring its predictions fully in line with available datasets.
Experiments Concerning Tones Produced By An Axisymmetric Choked Jet Impinging On Flat Plates

An experimental investigation of the sound produced by an axisymmetric supersonic jet impinging on plates with variable size and nozzle-to-plate spacings was performed. Spectral analysis and schlieren photography were used to determine the sound characteristics and the nature of the flow disturbances associated with the production of discrete tones. Two classes of tones, associated with small and large plates, existed for pressure ratios above p0 /pa = 2·70 (where p0 was the reservoir pressure and pa the ambient pressure). For lower pressure ratios, however, only large plate tones occurred for all plate sizes, with chocked jet screech appearing at the largest nozzle-to-plate spacings. Over the majority of spacings investigated, the large plate data fell along three parallel lines on a log-log plot. The occurrence of multiple tones appeared to be the rule rather than the exception, so the phenomenon is more complex than originally thought. Reflector tests indicated that the feedback loop for both classes of tones involved the nozzle. While the jet flow instabilities are excited at the nozzle in both cases, it now appears that the large oscillations of the shock waves in the small plate case may be an essential element in the production of the tones, while in the case of the large plate tones, these oscillations may be incidental. Schlieren photography revealed both symmetric and asymmetric disturbances in the large plate jet flows, which corresponded to symmetrical and helical modes of oscillation in the acoustic cross-spectrum studies. In addition to this, both symmetric and asymmetric oscillations of the shock waves occurred in the large plate case, while only symmetric oscillations of the stand-off shock waves occurred in the small plate case.
Atomistic simulation of the structure and elastic properties of gold nanowires

Abstract We performed atomistic simulations to study the effect of free surfaces on the structure and elastic properties of gold nanowires aligned in the 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 1〉 crystallographic directions. Computationally, we formed a nanowire by assembling gold atoms into a long wire with free sides by putting them in their bulk fcc lattice positions. We then performed a static relaxation on the assemblage. The tensile surface stresses on the sides of the wire cause the wire to contract along the length with respect to the original fcc lattice, and we characterize this deformation in terms of an equilibrium strain versus the cross-sectional area. While the surface stress causes wires of both orientations and all sizes to increasingly contract with decreasing cross-sectional area, when the cross-sectional area of a 〈1 0 0〉 nanowire is less than 1.83 nm ×1.83 nm , the wire undergoes a phase transformation from fcc to bct, and the equilibrium strain increases by an order of magnitude. We then applied a uniform uniaxial strain incrementally to 1.2% to the relaxed nanowires in a molecular statics framework. From the simulation results we computed the effective axial Young's modulus and Poisson's ratios of the nanowire as a function of cross-sectional area. We used two approaches to compute the effective elastic moduli, one based on a definition in terms of the strain derivative of the total energy and another in terms of the virial stress often used in atomistic simulations. Both give quantitatively similar results, showing an increase in Young's modulus with a decrease of cross-sectional area in the nanowires that do not undergo a phase transformation. Those that undergo a phase transformation experience an increase of about a factor of three of Young's modulus. The Poisson's ratio of the 〈1 0 0〉 wires that do not undergo a phase transformation show little change with the cross-sectional area. Those wires that undergo a phase transformation experience an increase of about 10% in Poisson's ratio. The 〈1 1 1〉 wires show, with a decrease of cross-sectional area, an increase in one of Poisson's ratios and small change in the other.
2,3,7,8-TCDD induces cytochrome P450 enzyme activity but not proliferation or phenotypical changes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes☆

In contrast to the well documented immunosuppressive effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in experimental animals, the impact of dioxin on the human immune system remains controversial, although adverse health effects have been reported in humans accidentally or occupationally exposed to dioxin. More recently, a dose-dependent decrease of specific subpopulations of mitogen-activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), including helper-inducer/memory cells (CD4+CD29+) and B cells (CD20+), was reported after in vitro treatment with dioxin concentrations as low as 10(-12)-10(-14) M TCDD [1]. Therefore, the direct effects of dioxin on human PBL subpopulations have been studied in more detail, in order to assess the availability of a sensitive indicator system for human dioxin exposure. PBL from healthy volunteers were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (OKT3) and treated with 10(-7)-10(-14) M TCDD for 3-4 days. Cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1) enzyme induction was determined by the ethoxy-resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay. Percentages of the different lymphocytes subsets, including CD2 (T cells), CD4, CD45 RA (suppressor-inducer/ virgin T cells), CD4, CD29, CD8, CD19 (B cells), as well as interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor (CD25) and class II antigen (human leukocyte antigen HLA-DR) expression, were analyzed by flow cytometry. The proliferative activity was determined by 3H-thymidine uptake after 3-4 days of culture. In the present study, all stimulated lymphocyte cultures showed a significant increase of CYP1A1 activity at dioxin concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-9) M. In contrast, alterations in surface antigen expression or suppression of proliferative responses did not occur in the mitogen-activated PBL over the whole concentration range of TCDD. These results clearly demonstrate that lymphoproliferation, as well as phenotypes of human PBL, are not affected by dioxin treatment and thus are not useful as sensitive biomarkers in human exposure studies.
Computer modeling and analysis of thermal link performance for an optical refrigerator

We have used the thermal modeling tool in COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate factors that affect the thermal performance of the optical refrigerator. Assuming an ideal cooling element and a non-absorptive dielectric trapping mirror, the three dominant heating factors are blackbody radiation from the surrounding environment, conductive heat transfer through mechanical supports, and the absorption of fluoresced photons transmitted through the thermal link. Laboratory experimentation coupled with computer modeling using Code V optical software have resulted in link designs capable of reducing the transmission to 0.04% of the fluoresced photons emitted toward the thermal link. The ideal thermal link will have minimal surface area, provide complete optical isolation for the load, and possess high thermal conductivity. Modeling results imply that a 1cm 3 load can be chilled to 102 K with currently available cooling efficiencies using a 100 W pump laser on a YB:ZBLANP system, and using an ideal link that has minimal surface area and no optical transmission. We review the simulated steady-state cooling temperatures reached by the heat load for several link designs and system configurations as a comparative measure of how well particular configurations perform.
Determining mask effects in low k1 lithography

With optical lithography driving device-manufacturing capability to subwavelength dimensions, new effects that were once safely ignored are playing a crucial role in determining process quality. One such critical effect results from the consideration of mask topography. The use of advanced photomasks is far from straightforward, especially when confronted with a low k1 process. In this challenging regime, any image model must take into account the effects of the mask topography on the wavefront: any scattering of the light can cause a resultant loss in the already low process tolerance we have. This paper will discuss results we have achieved with the use of atomic force microscopy to characterise the topography of an alternating aperture phase-shift mask. Electromagnetic field simulation combined with conventional lithography simulation will be used to estimate the effects in the resultant aerial and photoresist images. We will discuss some observed effects upon process depth of focus and image placement from the phase and image intensities resulting from the physical topography of the mask pattern.
Design and use of a flat structure in a multiproject research organization

Abstract In early 1986, the organization of the Management Systems Laboratories of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA, was changed from a standard matrix organization to a flat organization. The flat organization created more negative influences on the organization and its goals than positive influences. One year later, the flat organization was changed to a standard hierarchy, and most of the negative influences were overcome. Before, during and after the flat organization, MSL experienced significant growth in funding and in its resource needs. The paper is an account of an experience with a type of flat organization, why that organization was changed to, what worked and what did not, why the organization was changed away from, what was learned from the experience, and what the authors recommend for research organizations considering flat organizations.
Loss of Solvent from a Molecular Crystal Solvate. Phenylazotribenzoylmethane Hemietherate

Abstract In a study(1) of the rearrangement in the solid state of phenylazotribenzoylmethane (I) it was discovered that this compound crystallizes from diethyl ether as an etherate (II) with the approximate composition (C6H5CO)3CN[dbnd]NC6H5 · ½[(C2H5)2O]; the ether was lost when the crystals stood for long periods at room temperature. Although many molecules of intermediate size crystallize with the incorporation of solvent molecules,(2) little is known about the loss of solvent from such solvates or the structure remaining after the solvent loss. Since the “de-etherated etherate” remaining after the loss of ether from II might show unusual chemical behavior an investigation of the structure of the etherate and the mechanism of loss of ether from single crystals has been undertaken.
A Hierarchical Model of Functional Performance in Rehabilitation Medicine The Tufts Assessment of Motor Performance

This article describes the development of the Tufts Assessment of Motor Performance (TAMP). The TAMP measures fine and gross motor performance status across multiple classifications of functional s...
Metabolism by Remote Control

Drosophila melanogaster produce insulin-like peptides in specialized neuroendocrine cells to regulate growth, metabolism, aging, and reproduction. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Geminard et al. (2009) describe how secretion of insulin-like peptides is remotely controlled by the fat body (an adipose, liver-like tissue) in response to dietary amino acids.
Magnesium and Its Therapeutic Uses: A Review

Magnesium has been reported as an effective medical therapy in an expanding array of conditions. Evidence investigating magnesium's use is presented, with a number of studies suggesting it should be seriously considered in such conditions as ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and asthma. Magnesium balance and metabolism are briefly reviewed, and then various hypotheses are presented that may explain magnesium's physiologic mechanisms of action, most likely involving calcium and potassium flux across cellular membranes in smooth muscle. In a number of the conditions to be discussed, it has been uncertain whether magnesium administration serves the purpose of merely correcting an underlying deficiency state or of utilizing a specific pharmacologic effect of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is a relatively common condition, and predisposing factors as well as recent methods for assessing total body stores of magnesium are discussed. Physicians should be familiar with the numerous conditions and therapeutics that are risk factors for an underlying magnesium deficiency and in which empiric magnesium replacement should be considered. Guidelines for administration of parenteral magnesium are presented with specific focus on the low risk of adverse effects, as suggested by the large and rapid dosing regimens used in many of the clinical studies discussed here.
Gradient-recalled echo sequences in direct shoulder MR arthrography for evaluating the labrum

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of fat-suppressed gradient-recalled echo (GRE) compared with conventional spin echo T1-weighted (T1W) sequences in direct shoulder MR arthrography for evaluating labral tears. Three musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed MR arthrograms performed over a 12-month period for which surgical correlation was available. Of 180 serial arthrograms, 31 patients had surgery with a mean of 48 days following imaging. Paired coronal oblique and axial T1W or GRE sequences were analyzed by consensus for labral tear (coronal oblique two-dimensional multi-echo data image combination, 2D MEDIC; and axial three-dimensional double-echo steady-state, 3D DESS; Siemens MAGNETOM Sonata 1.5-T MR system). Interpretations were correlated with operative reports. Of 31 shoulders, 25 had labral tears at surgery. The GRE sequences depicted labral tears in 22, while T1W images depicted tears in 16 (sensitivity 88% versus 64%; p 0.7). Specificities were somewhat lower for GRE. Thin section GRE sequences are more sensitive than T1W for the detection of anterior and posterior labral tears. As the specificity of GRE was lower, it should be considered as an adjunctive imaging sequence that may improve depiction of labral tears, particularly smaller tears, in routine MR arthrography protocols.
Enviro‐management as a profit center

The environment is the source of many discussions in America’s board rooms. Most of the conversations probably center around cost containment, dealing with new regulations or reacting to unexpected problems. Some conversations may even revolve around how to “cash in” on the public’s concern for the environment. All of these discussions are normal, but also are increasingly becoming outdated. Companies that see the environment as a cost rather than a chance to gain a competitive advantage are perhaps missing the best opportunity of the 1990s. In the 1980s, quality was the vehicle that delivered greater profits and market share, but many businesses were late to recognize the fact that quality is a profit issue, not a cost issue. It was only the success of the Japanese and consumer pressure that created the quality revolution. Today, it is the environment that holds enormous potential for business, but until recently business was in a reactive not proactive mode. In order to be able to use the environment as a competitive weapon, business needs to begin where it should always begin, its customers.
A biased push-pull technique to achieve fractional volt half-wave voltage of Mach-Zehnder modulators

In this paper, we report a novel technique that combines push-pull Mach-Zehnder modulator structure with dc bias to achieve fractional volt half-wave voltage in intensity modulation. The technique is accomplished by simultaneously applying a common mode operation voltage and a differential dc bias voltage on the two arms of a Mach-Zehnder modulator. The modulators are tested for half-wave voltage at different temperatures while applying different push-pull biases. The results are compared with a push-pull EO polymer modulator that has identical dimensions and the same materials, and which is fabricated and poled with conventional method. It is found that our new approach reduces the half-wave voltage by a factor of more than five.
The establishment of the nuisance cyanobacteria Lyngbya wollei in Lake St. Clair and its potential to harbor fecal indicator bacteria

Abstract Lyngbya wollei is a filamentous cyanobacterium which forms large nuisance mats and has infested eastern and southeastern U.S. Lakes and reservoirs for over 100 years. Lyngbya was recently identified in the Great Lakes system in the St. Lawrence River, and Western Lake Erie. Here we report on large deposits of L. wollei washing onshore at a popular recreational beach in Lake Saint Clair, part of the Great Lakes system. The amount of L. wollei deposited on shore was quantified and evaluated for the presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). High concentrations of Escherichia coli , enterococci and Clostridium perfringens were found in the L. wollei in nearshore waters. The densities of E. coli (MPN), enterococci (MPN) and C. perfringens (CFU) attached to L. wollei averaged 3.5, 3.2 and 3.2 log/g, respectively. In contrast, nearshore waters contained nearly 10 times less FIB, averaging 2.6, 2.4 and 2.6 log/100 ml of E. coli (MPN), enterococci (MPN) and C. perfringens (CFU), respectively. DNA fingerprint analysis was used to examine the population structure of E. coli isolates obtained from L. wollei mats. The L. wollei -borne E. coli strains were genetically diverse, suggesting a causal relationship between E. coli and L. wollei . Results from this study indicate that in addition to the macroalga such as Cladophora , cyanobacteria like L. wollei also harbor FIB, potentially impacting water quality and human health in the Great Lakes.
New values for some 4 He I 1snl energy levels, ionization energies, and Lamb shifts

Recent experimental determinations of energy separations within the $1snl$ term system ($n=2\ensuremath{-}6$) have been used to reevaluate 35 levels. Most of the levels have estimated errors less than 0.001 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ relative to the $2 ^{3}P$ levels. Addition of accurate theoretical term values (ionization energies) available for several $1snl$ levels to the corresponding experimental level values gives generally consistent values for the principal ionization energy (${E}_{I}$). The theoretical energies are further confirmed by the agreement of the weighted average of seven of these ${E}_{I}$ values with a value obtained by fitting Ritz formulas to three accurately determined $1snl$ series; the suggested new ${E}_{I}$ is 198 310.7745(40) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ on an energy scale fixed by the value 171 135.0000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for $2 ^{1}P$. Lamb shifts are derived for the $2$, $3$, $4 ^{3}S_{1}$, $2 ^{1}S_{0}$, $2 ^{3}P_{1}$, and $2 ^{1}P_{1}$ levels as differences between experimental term values obtained with the new ${E}_{I}$ and corresponding calculated term values not including Lamb shifts. The experimental and calculated values for the ${1s}^{2} ^{1}S_{0}$ ground level relative to the present $1snl$ excited-level system are 0.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15 and 0.073\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.009 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively, so that a \ensuremath{\sim}20-fold increase in the experimental accuracy would be required to test the calculated ground-level Lamb shift.
Under two flags: Symbolic voting in the State of Mississippi *

Participants in a specialelection held in the State of Mississippion April 17, 2001, voted overwhelminglyagainst changing the design of the state'sflag, which incorporates a symbol of theConfederacy. The determinants of voting onthe flag are analyzed and turnout rates inApril 2001 are compared with those forrecent gubernatorial and presidentialelections. We find that the flag votedivided Mississippians sharply along linesof race, class and political ideology. Akey empirical implication is that voterpositions in issue space tend to be morepolarized when political choices haveexpressive as opposed to instrumentalconsequences.
Replication and Benchmarking of Hedge Funds

The growth in the hedge fund industry during the last two decades has been accompanied by a general decline in the performance of hedge funds. Academic research on hedge funds has led to the development of a number of replication strategies that in some cases can explain a significant portion of returns generated by various hedge fund strategies. This article presents a replication methodology that is particularly suited for performance evaluation. The methodology develops two replicating portfolios such that the distribution properties of the target are matched. The first portfolio delivers the statistical properties at the lowest possible cost while the other is more expensive but delivers the same set of properties as the target. The portfolios are used to evaluate a set of managers reporting to the CISDM Database.
Computer-Aided Geometric Design: A bibliography with Keywords and Classified Index

Computer-aided geometric design is a subject which involves the representation, specification, design, manipulation, display, and analysis of free-form curves and surfaces. This eclectic field draws on techniques and principles from numerical analysis, approximation theory, computer graphics, interactive computer systems, mechanical and geometric design, and many other areas. Nevertheless, computer-aided geometric design is an endeavor with a character, emphasis, and purpose of its own, combining techniques and principles from other fields with unique approaches that are often somewhat enigmatic and confusing to the novice. Many things sound and seem familiar, yet the directions and motivations are distinct to this discipline. This decade is proving to be an era of intense interest in computer-aided geometric design, an activity attracting people from many sectors including computing and manufacturing. As the discipline more firmly establishes valid principles and standard techniques, it will undoubtedly be of increasing importance in computer-aided manufacturing and a wide range of other applications.
Distribution and relative abundance of Pseudocalanus moultoni and P. newmani (Copepoda: Calanoida) on Georges Bank using molecular identification of sibling species

The sibling species, Pseudocalanus moultoni (Frost, 1989) and P. newmani (Frost, 1989), occur sympatrically on Georges Bank. Taxonomic discrimination of the species relies on subtle morphological characteristics, making routine identification of the species very difficult. DNA sequence variation of two mitochondrial genes, 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI), reliably discriminated P. moultoni and P.␣newmani. Levels of DNA sequence variation for both genes were consistent with those between species of calanoid copepods. A molecular systematic protocol (based on allele-specific PCR amplification) was designed from the COI sequences and used to discriminate females of the two species. The distributions and relative abundances of the two species were mapped for April 1996 based on samples of 15 to 30 females from 12 collections across Georges Bank. The results of this study indicated that P. moultoni females predominated along the northern flank of Georges Bank, while P. newmani females were common on the southern flank, deeper than the 60-m isobath.
Immunological comparison of proline-rich proteins from human and primate parotid secretion☆

Antisera raised in response to proline-rich proteins purified from parotid secretions of man and the primate Macaca fascicularis were employed to investigate the interrelationships of these proteins by immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis and the combined use of disc gel acrylamide electrophoresis with radial immunodiffusion. The major human proline-rich proteins, PRP I, PRP II, PRP III and PRP IV as well as several minor proline-rich proteins cross-react with antiserum to PRP I or PRP III. Similarly primate parotid saliva contains several components cross-reacting with antiserum directed against a purified primate proline-rich protein, MPRP. Antiserum to PRP I or PRP III cross-reacted with MPRP and primate parotid saliva protein, whereas antiserum to MPRP cross-reacted only with human parotid saliva protein and not with the isolated human proline-rich proteins. The immunological relationships of these salivary proline-rich proteins within and between species suggest their origin from a common precursor molecule.
Managerial Resources and Rents

This article analyzes the role of top management as a key resource in obtaining sustained, competitive advantage for thefirm. The nature of managerial skills is examined and linked to isolating mechanisms and firm rents. The article aims to refocus attention on the importance of managerial expertise as a rent-generating firm resource and implies greater alignment of top management-shareholder interests than in many applications of agency theory to the firm.
Sentinel node biopsy for melanocytic tumors in children.

Sentinel node biopsy is as pivotal for the staging of pediatric melanoma patients as it is for adults. However, pediatric patients frequently present the clinician with pigmented lesions—such as atypical Spitz tumors or Spitzoid melanomas—that are not easy to classify as benign or malignant, and often fall into a diagnostic gray area when assessed with light microscopy alone. For these lesions, the performance of sentinel node biopsy can contribute to an understanding of the lesion's biology. We present a strategy for incorporating sentinel node biopsy into the overall management approach to children with atypical pigmented lesions with features suspicious for melanoma. With the inclusion of additional adjunctive techniques such as comparative genomic hybridization, this algorithm may lend more diagnostic precision to difficult-to-classify lesions.
Outcome after allogeneic bone marrow transplant for leukemia in older adults.

Objective. —To determine whether age over 40 years is associated with adverse outcome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for leukemia. Design. —A retrospective analysis of outcome after bone marrow transplants for leukemia reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (IBMTR) among recipients 30 through 39 years, 40 through 44 years, 45 through 49 years, and 50 years of age and older. Setting. —Transplantations performed in 138 institutions worldwide and reported to the IBMTR. Patients. —A total of 2180 recipients of HLA-identical sibling bone marrow transplants for leukemia, divided into four cohorts based on age: 30 through 39 years (n=1282), 40 through 44 years (n=527), 45 through 49 years (n=291), and 50 years and older (n=80). Main Outcome Measures and Results. —Incidence of leukemia-free survival, graft-vs-host disease, and relapse was comparable among the four age cohorts. Patients with advanced leukemia aged 45 years or older had a slightly higher risk of treatment-related mortality, and the 45- through 49-year-old cohort had a higher risk of interstitial pneumonia. Conclusions. —These data indicate that among leukemia patients over 30 years of age at the time of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, increasing age into the fifth decade does not adversely affect outcome after transplants from HLA-identical siblings. ( JAMA . 1993;270:57-60)
SWI/SNF nucleosome remodellers and cancer

SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complexes use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel nucleosomes and to modulate transcription. Growing evidence indicates that these complexes have a widespread role in tumour suppression, as inactivating mutations in several SWI/SNF subunits have recently been identified at a high frequency in a variety of cancers. However, the mechanisms by which mutations in these complexes drive tumorigenesis are unclear. In this Review we discuss the contributions of SWI/SNF mutations to cancer formation, examine their normal functions and discuss opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions for SWI/SNF-mutant cancers.
Responses of channel catfish (Ictaluris punctatus) fed iron-deficient and replete diets to Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge

Abstract Juvenile channel catfish were fed egg-white-based diets with or without 20 mg supplemental iron/kg from iron methionine for 13 weeks. Subsequently, fish from each treatment were divided into two groups and fed either the iron-deficient or replete diets for another 4 weeks. Growth response, hematological values, serum iron level, nonspecific immune response and mortality after Edwardsiella ictaluri challenge were determined. At the end of week 13, fish fed the iron-deficient diet had significantly lower weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, hematocrit, total cell count, and serum iron and transferrin saturation than those fed the replete diet. These values remained consistently low or decreased for the groups that continued to receive, or were switched to the iron-deficient diet, but were improved for those fed the replete diet. The differences, however, were not always significant. Chemotactic response of peritoneal macrophages to E. ictaluri exoantigen was suppressed for fish fed the iron-deficient diet, but the abnormality was reversed by feeding the iron-replete diet. However, the challenge study showed that dietary iron did not protect channel catfish against mortality from E. ictaluri, but the onset of mortality was earlier for fish fed the iron-deficient diet, probably due to the combined effect of iron deficiency and infection.
Assessing the value of transgenic crops

In the current controversy about the value of transgenic crops, matters open to empirical inquiry are centrally at issue. One such matter is a key premise in a common argument (that I summarize) that transgenic crops should be considered to have universal value. The premise is that there are no alternative forms of agriculture available to enable the production of sufficient food to feed the world. The proponents of agroecology challenge it, claiming that agroecology provides an alternative, and they deny the claim that it is well founded on empirical evidence. It is, therefore, a matter of both social and scientific importance that this premise and the criticisms of it be investigated rigorously and empirically, so that the benefits and disadvantages of transgenic-intensive agriculture and agroecology can be compared in a reliable way. Conducting adequate investigation about the potential contribution of agroecology requires that the cultural conditions of its practice (and, thus, of the practices and movements of small-scale farmers in the "third world") be strengthened--and this puts the interests of investigation into tension with the socio-economic interests driving the development of transgenics. General issues about relationship between ethical argument and empirical (scientific) investigation are raised throughout the article.
Cardiac surgery in African Americans

Abstract Retrospective and prospective randomized studies that provide information on the influence of race on the morbidity and mortality of cardiac surgical procedures are reviewed. We intentionally focus our attention on the specific outcomes of these procedures in African Americans because African Americans have a high incidence of all-cause cardiovascular mortality and a high prevalence of a number of risk factors associated with cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, numerous studies have confirmed that blacks, as a function of race, lack equal access to diagnostic and therapeutic invasive cardiac procedures. Here we use the terms "black" and "African American" interchangeably. In this context we interpret both terms to refer to Americans of African descent. Similarly, we use the term "white" or "Caucasian" interchangeably to refer to Americans of European descent.
Uranium and radium mobility in groundwaters and brines within the delaware basin, Southeastern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Concentrations of naturally occurring isotopes of U and Ra were measured in fresh waters, groundwaters and in sodium chloride brines within and near the Delaware Basin of southeastern New Mexico. We sought to determine the effect of high chloride concentrations in a wide range of redox conditions on the mobility of U and Ra in natural waters. Two important features of radionuclide mobility are evident from our results: (1) There is a slight tendency for U and Ra concentrations to correlate with the chloride content of the water samples. Thermodynamic speciation calculations suggest that this may result from complexation of these elements by Cl −1 ions. (2) Much more dramatic than the correlation with Cl − concentration is the effect of the redox state of the waters on U and Ra concentrations. Chemically reducing groundwaters contained much lower U concentrations and much higher Ra concentrations than were measured in oxic and su☐ic samples. The low U values are consistent with the expected reduction of U (VI) to insoluble U (IV). We suggest that the increased Ra concentrations result from mobilization of Mn which eliminates the strongest adsorption sites for Ra thereby greatly enhancing its concentration in the anoxic waters.
Determination of chlorophyll and dissolved organic carbon from reflectance data for Colorado reservoirs

Abstract Relationships between phytoplankton abundance, concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and reflectance spectra were investigated in eight reservoirs of the Colorado Front Range. The purposes of the study were:(1)to determine the degree to which chlorophyll and DOC could be determined from spectral data of the type that can be acquired through remote sensing; and(2)to determine whether equations developed for other waters are applicable to Colorado reservoirs. Supplementary information was obtained from water selectively enriched in dissolved organic carbon (Georgia blackwater lakes) and in phytoplankton (phytoplankton cultures). Reflectance for the lakes ranged from 1 to 5 per cent across the spectrum. All lakes showed a peak of reflectance near 570 nm (green range) corresponding to the minimum absorption for chlorophyll. For both the reservoirs and the phytoplankton cultures, a peak near the red-infrared boundary (ca 700 nm) increased in size and shifted toward longer wavelengths with in...
The race for rutherfordium.

Mitch Andre Garcia considers the disputed discovery of element 104 and takes a look at how the chemistry of this synthetic element is developing.
Hypomethylation-induced expression of S100A4 in endometrial carcinoma

Expression of various S100 genes has been associated with clinically aggressive subtypes in a variety of different cancers. We hypothesized that S100A4 would be overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma compared to benign endometrium. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA level of S100A4 in benign endometrium (n=19), endometrioid adenocarcinoma (n=87), and non-endometrioid tumors (n=21). Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the results of qRT-PCR and to assess protein localization. Possible mechanisms of S100A4 gene regulation were also examined. S100A4 was overexpressed in the grade 3 endometrioid tumors, uterine papillary serous carcinoma, and uterine malignant mixed mullerian tumor. Expression in grade 1 and grade 2 endometrioid tumors was comparable to that of normal endometrium, which was quite low. Expression was significantly higher in stage III and IV tumors compared with stage I. By immunohistochemistry, S100A4 was expressed in the tumor cell cytoplasm of poorly differentiated tumors, but was not detected in normal endometrial glandular epithelium. In benign endometrium, S100A4 expression was confined to stromal cells. S100A4 was not regulated by estrogen or progesterone, and its expression in tumors was not significantly correlated to estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor content. However, methylation of the S100A4 gene was detected in benign endometrium and grade 1 tumors with low S100A4 expression. In contrast, grade 3 endometrioid tumors with high S100A4 mRNA and protein expression showed no methylation of the gene. These methylation results were verified in endometrial cancer cell lines with differential baseline levels of S100A4 protein. These results suggest that hypomethylation is an important mechanism of regulating the expression of the S100A4 gene. These results support the emerging concept that hypomethylation may play a role in the upregulation of genes during later stages of tumorigenesis.
Use of Intravenous immune globulin in Critically Ill Patients

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) preparations have been suggested for many years for the treatment of various conditions. It is apparent, through in vitro and in vivo studies, that IVIG exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanism of action remains mostly unknown. The following article reviews the current literature and summarizes what is known about the mechanism of action of IVIG and the use of IVIG to treat certain conditions. Specifically, the use of IVIG for treatment of critically ill patients is outlined.
Definitions of “Knowing”: Comparison of Verbal Report versus Performance of Children's Songs

This study explored variations in the definition of “knowing” by comparing third-graders' (n = 31) and adults' (n = 31) verbal recognition of song titles with their ability to sing the same songs. Data consisted of number of song titles recognized and number of songs actually sung, as well as subjects' pitch accuracy, word accuracy, and starting pitches. Results indicated a moderate positive correlation between titles circled and songs sung. Adults attempted to sing significantly more songs than did children, and word and pitch accuracy were not significantly related for either group. No significant differences were found on number of titles circled, on pitch accuracy, or on word accuracy. Adults' operant starting pitches were significantly lower than those of children, and both children and adults discriminated among songs when choosing a starting pitch.
New image features for discriminating targets from clutter

In this paper, we introduce a new set of image features for use in the discrimination algorithm of a baseline automatic target recognition (ATR) system. These new features are designed to capture the changes in spatial dispersion of the high-intensity pixels in the input image as the image is threshold at different intensity levels. We show that significantly better performance can be obtained when the new features are used in place of the baseline discrimination features. In particular, we demonstrate with a large set of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar imagery that, when the probability of detection is between 0.5 and 1.0, the false alarm density obtained using the new features is approximately 30 to 50 times lower than that obtained using the baseline features. For medium-resolution imagery, the false alarm density has been reduced by a factor of 3 to 5 using the new features.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Equivalent plate analysis of aircraft wing box structures with general planform geometry

A new equilvalent plate analysis formulation is described which is capable of modeling aircraft wing structures with a general planform such as cranked wing boxes. Multiple trapezoidal segments are used to represent such planforms. A Ritz solution technique is used in conjunction with global displacement functions which encompass all the segments. This Ritz solution procedure is implemented efficiently into a computer program so that it can be used by rigorous optimization algorithms for application in early preliminary design. A direct method to interface this structural analysis procedure with aerodynamic programs for use in aeroelastic calculations is described. This equivalent plate analysis procedure is used to calculate the static deflections and stresses and vibration frequencies and modes of an example wing configuration. The numerical results are compared with results from a finite element model of the same configuration to illustrate typical levels of accuracy and computation times resulting from use of this procedure.
Restructuring and the Contraction and Expansion of Environmental Rights in the United States

In this paper I examine the ways in which economic and political restructuring is impacting environmental rights as conceptualized and practised by environmental justice activists in California and the Southwestern USA. Using Iris Young's framework, I argue that the recent gains of the environmental justice movement have been based largely on procedural justice, which is insufficient to ensure universal environmental quality, a stated goal of the movement. The limits of procedural justice have become apparent through the processes of restructuring, internationalization, and immigration, all of which are creating a new landscape for activists. Activists in California find that their rights are being contracted, because of deregulation and capital flight, and at the same time are expanding to include residents of Mexico. Given these global realities, procedural justice must also be accompanied by efforts to address both uneven development and a lack of democracy over private production decisions.
Characterizing Stability Properties of Supported Bilayer Membranes on Nanoglassified Substrates Using Surface Plasmon Resonance

Supported bilayer membranes (SBMs) formed on solid substrates, in particular glass, provide an ideal cell mimicking model system that has been found to be highly useful for biosensing applications. Although the stability of the membrane structures is known to determine the applicability, the subject has not been extensively investigated, largely because of the lack of convenient methods to monitor changes of membrane properties on glass in real time. This work reports the evaluation of the stability properties of a series of SBMs against chemical and air damage by use of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and nanoglassified gold substrates. Seven SBMs composed of phosphatidylcholine and DOPC+, including single-component, mixed, protein-reinforced SBMs (rSBMs) and protein-tethered bilayer membranes (ptBLMs), are studied. The stability properties under various conditions, especially the effects of surfactants, organic solvents, and dehydration damage on the bilayers, are compared. PC membranes are found...
A model for determining initial dislocation-densities associated with martensitic transformations

A three-dimensional multiple-slip dislocation-density-based crystal plasticity formulation, and specialised finite element formulations were used to determine the initial dislocation-densities associated with martensitic transformations in steel alloys. The analysis is based on modelling the shear part from the phenomenological theory of martensitic transformation to obtain both the transformation mobile and immobile dislocation-densities. The model was validated with experiments related to the transformation of lath martensite in high-strength low-alloying steels.
Toward an Improved Hypersonic Engine Seal

High temperature, dynamic seals are required in advanced engines to seal the perimeters of movable engine ramps for efficient, safe operation in high heat flux environments at temperatures from 2000 to 2500 F. Current seal designs do not meet the demanding requirements for future engines, so NASA s Glenn Research Center (GRC) is developing advanced seals to overcome these shortfalls. Two seal designs and two types of seal preloading devices were evaluated in a series of compression tests at room temperature and 2000 F and flow tests at room temperature. Both seals lost resiliency with repeated load cycling at room temperature and 2000 F, but seals with braided cores were significantly more flexible than those with cores composed of uniaxial ceramic fibers. Flow rates for the seals with cores of uniaxial fibers were lower than those for the seals with braided cores. Canted coil springs and silicon nitride compression springs showed promise conceptually as potential seal preloading devices to help maintain seal resiliency.