cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic reprogramming towards mesenchymal-epithelial transition in ovarian cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells drives metastasis

Ovarian cancer develops early intra-peritoneal metastasis establishing a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) through reprogramming normal mesenchymal stem cells into carcinoma-associated mesenchymal stem cells (CA-MSCs). CA-MSCs are the stromal stem cell of the TME, supporting cancer growth, increasing desmoplasia, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. We demonstrate epigenetic reprogramming drives CA-MSC formation via enhancer enriched DNA hypermethylation, altered chromatin accessibility and differential histone modifications inducing a partial mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) increasing adhesion to tumor cells. Direct CA-MSC:tumor cell interactions, confirmed in patient ascites, facilitate ovarian cancer metastasis through co-migration. WT1, a developmental mediator of MET, and EZH2, mediate CA-MSC epigenetic reprogramming. WT1 overexpression induces CA-MSC conversion while WT1 knock-down, along with EZH2 inhibition, blocks CA-MSC formation. EZH2 inhibition subsequently decreases intra-abdominal metastasis. This work presents a new paradigm of stromal reprogramming involving a partial mesenchymal to epithelial transition. Rather than a classic tumor cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis relies on epigenetic rewiring of a CA-MSC allowing enhanced tumor cell binding and co-migration with tumor cells to form metastasis. Indeed, CA-MSCs in complex with tumor cells are abundant in patient ascites. Reversion of CA-MSCs to normal MSCs is observed in patients achieving complete response with neoadjuvant therapy. Identification of WT1 and EZH2 as mediators of the epigenetic reprogramming of CA-MSCs present potential targets to block the formation of CA-MSCs thus disrupting the TME and limiting ovarian cancer metastasis.
Field-plated Ga 2 O 3 Trench Schottky Barrier Diodes with a Record High Figure-of-merit of 0.78 GW/cm 2

The availability of melt-growth techniques for high quality substrates and the high critical electric field of 6–8 MV/ cm makes $\beta$ -Ga 2 O 3 an attractive material for power electronic devices [1]. To enable high field operation in Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) without incurring excessive leakage current, reduced surface field (RESURF) techniques are generally needed [2]. With the adoption of the trench Schottky barrier diode structure, we have demonstrated an effective reduction of the leakage current in Ga 2 O 3 trench SBDs and a high breakdown voltage (BV) of 2.44 kV [3]. While the BV in the devices with large fin channel widths can be limited by the field crowding at trench corners [3], devices with a $1-\mu \mathrm{m}$ fin width appear to be limited by the field crowding at the device edge [4]. In this work, we employed field plating in the Ga 2 O 3 trench SBDs to reduce the edge field crowding. The field plate (FP) boosts the BV of the trench SBDs, which show a record high Baliga's figure-of-merit of 0.78 GW/cm2from pulsed measurements.
Screening and Brief Intervention in the Management of Early Problem Drinkers

Despite the public health importance of alcohol misuse by early problem drinkers, treatment efforts for those with alcohol problems have focused largely on individuals with already established alcohol dependence. This article discusses screening tools commonly used to identify a variety of early problem drinkers, biological markers of heavy drinking and a framework by which to approach alcohol misuse. The results of 4 meta-analyses of brief intervention are also summarised. While all meta-analyses showed that some type of brief intervention decreased alcohol consumption for all, or a subset of, early problem drinkers, it is yet to be agreed as to what type of drinker can benefit from what type of brief intervention.
Impaired lipid metabolism in astrocytes underlies degeneration of cortical projection neurons in hereditary spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are caused by a length-dependent axonopathy of long corticospinal neurons, but how axons of these cortical projection neurons (PNs) degenerate remains elusive. We generated isogenic human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines for two ATL1 missense mutations associated with SPG3A, the most common early-onset autosomal dominant HSP. In hPSC-derived cortical PNs, ATL1 mutations resulted in reduced axonal outgrowth, impaired axonal transport, and accumulated axonal swellings, recapitulating disease-specific phenotypes. Importantly, ATL1 mutations dysregulated proteolipid gene expression, reduced lipid droplet size in astrocytes, and unexpectedly disrupted cholesterol transfer from glia to neurons, leading to cholesterol deficiency in SPG3A cortical PNs. Applying cholesterol or conditioned medium from control astrocytes, a major source of cholesterol in the brain, rescued aberrant axonal transport and swellings in SPG3A cortical PNs. Furthermore, treatment with the NR1H2 agonist GW3965 corrected lipid droplet defects in SPG3A astrocytes and promoted cholesterol efflux from astrocytes, leading to restoration of cholesterol levels and rescue of axonal degeneration in SPG3A cortical PNs. These results reveal a non-cell autonomous mechanism underlying axonal degeneration of cortical PNs mediated by impaired cholesterol homeostasis in glia.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Community Dwelling Older Adults: Impact of Covid-19

Background and Hypothesis: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in adults age 65 and older. Numerous factors impact the mental health of older adults including changes in overall health, isolation, and financial stress. Emotional support reduces the risk of mental illness. 12.2% of adults 65 and older “rarely” or “never” receive the social and emotional support they need. We hypothesize that the Covid-19 pandemic and associated shelter in place orders will increase symptoms of anxiety and depression in community dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected pre and post Covid-19 from a sample in Indiana from the Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening Trial (COADS) and a national sample from the Understanding America Study (UAS). 1,299 and 2,465 adults age 65 and older from Indiana and a nationwide sample, respectively, answered the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). The PHQ-4 is a validated 4-item screening tool for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mean PHQ-4 scores were compared pre and post Covid-19 for both samples to explore the impact of Covid-19 on symptoms of anxiety and depression in this population. Results: No significant change in PHQ-4 scores pre and post Covid-19 were observed between the Indiana (1.23, 1.13, p-value=0.474) or the national samples (1.38, 1.35, p-value=0.793). An increase was observed in national depression scores, determined by a PHQ-4 subset score, post Covid-19 compared to pre Covid-19, but not statistically significantly higher (0.54, 0.56, p-value=0.679). Conclusions and Implications: In a sample of 3,764 participants, the mental health of adults age 65 and older nationwide remained steady despite unprecedented pandemic and social isolation. The mental health of older adults is known to be an important topic and the potential for the pandemic to exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or depression makes this a critical issue for both clinicians and researchers.
Impact of carfilzomib-based desensitization on heart transplantation of sensitized candidates.

Background Allosensitization in heart transplant candidates is associated with longer transplant wait times and post-transplant complications. We summarize our experience with desensitization using carfilzomib , an irreversible proteasome inhibitor that causes plasma cell apoptosis . Methods One cycle of desensitization consisted of plasmapheresis and carfilzomib 20 mg/m 2 on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 with intravenous immune globulin 2 g/kg after carfilzomib on day 16. Patients underwent repeat cycles as indicated. We compare calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA) for neat combined Class I and II IgG and C1q pre- and post-treatment using a cutoff for cPRA entry of ≥ 4000 and 500 MFI, respectively. Results From June 2013 to October 2019, 9 patients underwent 20 cycles of carfilzomib-based desensitization. Each cycle resulted in an average cPRA decrease of 24% (95% CI: 6-42) for IgG and 36% (95% CI: 17-55) for C1q. From treatment start to finish, mean cPRA fell from 76% to 40% (p = 0.01) for IgG and 56% to 4% (p = 0.017) for C1q. Six of 9 patients have been transplanted with 5 of the transplanted hearts crossing preoperative donor-specific antibodies. During a median follow-up of 35.1 months, all transplanted patients have survived with only 1 occurrence of treated rejection. Side effects of desensitization included acute kidney injury (67%) and thrombocytopenia (33%) with all episodes self-resolving. Conclusions A carfilzomib-based desensitization strategy among heart transplant candidates reduces the level of HLA antibodies and complement binding , facilitates successful transplantation, and is associated with excellent outcomes at 3 years.
The Ultraviolet Structure of Quantum Field Theories. Part 2: What is Quantum Field Theory?.

This paper proposes a general framework for nonperturbatively defining continuum quantum field theories. Unlike most such frameworks, the one offered here is finitary: continuum theories are defined by reducing large but finite quantum systems to subsystems with conserved entanglement patterns at short distances. This makes it possible to start from a lattice theory and use rather elementary mathematics to isolate the entire algebraic structure of the corresponding low-energy continuum theory. The first half of this paper illustrates this approach through a persnickety study of (1 + 1)D continuum theories that emerge from the $\mathbb{Z}_K$ clock model at large $K$. This leads to a direct lattice derivation of many known continuum results, such as the operator product expansion of vertex operators in the free scalar CFT. Many new results are obtained too. For example, self-consistency of the lattice-continuum correspondence leads to a rich, novel proposal for the symmetry breaking structure of the clock model at weak coupling, deep in the BKT regime. This also makes precise what one means by "continuous" when saying that continuous symmetries cannot be broken in (1+1)D. The second half of this paper is devoted to path integrals for continuum theories of bosons and fermions defined in this finitary formalism. The path integrals constructed here have both nonperturbative lattice definitions and manifest continuum properties, such as symmetries under infinitesimal rotations or dilatations. Remarkably, this setup also makes it possible to generalize Noether's theorem to discrete symmetries.
Princess Power: Longitudinal Associations Between Engagement With Princess Culture in Preschool and Gender Stereotypical Behavior, Body Esteem, and Hegemonic Masculinity in Early Adolescence.

Princess culture is criticized for contributing to gender stereotypes and poor body esteem, however, there is little longitudinal research examining these claims. This study examines associations between engagement with princess culture during early childhood and gender stereotypes, body esteem, and adherence to hegemonic masculinity in early adolescence. Participants included 307 children (51% female, Mage = 4.83 years, 87% White) who completed questionnaires at two time points, 5 years apart. The results indicated that early engagement with princess culture was not associated with later adherence to female gender stereotypes. However, princess engagement was associated with lower adherence to norms of hegemonic masculinity and higher body esteem. Socioeconomic status and gender moderated the results. Effect sizes were small to moderate. The changing nature of Disney princesses is discussed in the context of gender development across childhood.
Cruzando Fronteras: Addressing Trauma and Grief in Children Impacted by the Violence in the US-Mexico Border

The focus of paper is to provide an overview of the Cruzando Fronteras project. The aim of the project was to provide assistance to school-age children who have been impacted by the violence in the US-Mexico Border. The target population for this project was130 children grades 4 th and 5 th from a southwestern United States elementary school. Children participated in an 8-week program that combined elements of social emotional learning (SEL) and narrative therapy. A detailed description of the program will be provided. Lessons learned and recommendations for future implementations will be also addressed.
Control and Coordination of Multiple Mobile Robots in Manipulation and Material Handling Tasks

We describe a framework and control algorithms for coordinating multiple mobile robots with manipulators focusing on tasks that require grasping, manipulation, and transporting large and possibly flexible objects without special purpose fixtures. Because each robot has an independent controller and is autonomous, the coordination and synergy are realized through sensing and communication. The robots can cooperatively transport objects and march in a tightly controlled formation, while also having the capability to navigate autonomously. We describe the key aspects of the overall hierarchy and the basic algorithms, with specific applications to our experimental testbed consisting of three robots.
Mathematical modelling of fluidized bed reactors—III: Axial dispersion model

Abstract An axial dispersion model has been developed for a continuous fluidized bed catalytic reactor with a cocurrent flow of the emulsion phase gas and the catalyst particles. The influence of some parameters on multiplicity of steady states has been reported. Several examples illustrating the transient behavior of the system are presented. In cases where three steady states are possible it appears that the intermediate steady state is unstable, while the lower and the upper steady states are locally stable. It was noted that the initial temperature of the emulsion phase is a predominant factor in determining which steady state will be approached.
THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF OH AND CN RADICALS IN THE COMA OF COMET ENCKE

Multiple potential parent species have been proposed to explain CN abundances in comet comae, but the parent has not been definitively identified for all comets. This study examines the spatial distribution of CN radicals in the coma of comet Encke and determines the likelihood that CN is a photodissociative daughter of HCN in the coma. Comet Encke is the shortest orbital period (3.3 years) comet known and also has a low dust-to-gas ratio based on optical observations. Observations of CN were obtained from 2003 October 22 to 24, using the 2.7 m telescope at McDonald Observatory. To determine the parent of CN, the classical vectorial model was modified by using a cone shape in order to reproduce Encke's highly aspherical and asymmetric coma. To test the robustness of the modified model, the spatial distribution of OH was also modeled. This also allowed us to obtain CN/OH ratios in the coma. Overall, we find the CN/OH ratio to be 0.009 {+-} 0.004. The results are consistent with HCN being the photodissociative parent of CN, but we cannot completely rule out other possible parents such as CH{sub 3}CN and HC{sub 3}N. We also found that the fan-like feature spans {approx}90 Degree-Sign ,more » consistent with the results of Woodney et al..« less
Generalized relativistic Fock space

We consider a generalized Fock space obtained by eliminating the restriction to symmetric components for bosons or antisymmetric ones for fermions. In this space we can extend the many times formalism of relativistic quantum mechanics to quantum field theory, in which each particle has a time parameter that has to be included in any exchange of variables. Physical states in which all particle times, or all antiparticle times, are equal, still have the right symmetry. We define creation and annihilation operators for numbered particles in this space, and relate them to the usual operators.
Heterogeneous Distribution of Left Ventricular Contractile Injury in Chronic Aortic Insufficiency

Background Global systolic strain has been described previously in patients with chronic aortic insufficiency (AI). This study explored regional differences in contractile injury. Methods Tagged magnetic resonance images of the left ventricle (LV) were acquired and analyzed to calculate systolic strain in 42 patients with chronic AI. Multiparametric systolic strain analysis was applied to relate cardiac function in AI patients to a normal strain database (N = 60). AI patients were classified as having normal or poor function based on their results. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied to analyze regional differences in injury. Results The mean and standard deviation of raw strain values (circumferential strain, longitudinal strain, and minimum principal strain angle) are presented over the entire LV in our normal strain database. Of the 42 patients with AI, 15 could be defined as having poor function by multiparametric systolic strain analysis. In AI patients with poor function, statistical analysis showed significant differences in injury between standard LV regions ( F 3.69,44.33 = 3.47, p = 0.017) and levels ( F 1.49,17.88 = 4.41, p = 0.037) of the LV, whereas no significant differences were seen in the group with normal cardiac function. Conclusions Patients with poor function, as defined by multiparametric systolic strain z scores, exhibit a consistent, heterogeneous pattern of contractile injury in which the septum and posterior regions at the base are most injured.
Characteristic and Model Analysizes of Steady-State Harmonic Source for DC Charger

The objective of this paper is to present the system construction and operational principle for a DC charger of electric vehicle. By means of analyzing AC and DC sides for the chargers, a reason was derived theoretically for producing specified harmonic current while absorbing fundamental wave of electric power system. The modeling and measuring procedures of multi-harmonic source for single and multiple chargers were proposed. The summation effect of harmonics for charge/exchange station which was regard as a public coupling circuit (PCC) of the electric power system. The simulation and measuring results indicate that as a new type of nonlinear load, the charger represented a characteristic of steady-state harmonic source.
Empirical Equation for Estimating the Area of a Maxillary Edentulous Jaw

An empirical equation to calculate the surface area of the maxillary edentulous jaw was formulated. The values obtained by use of the equation were compared with the values determined by two methods of area measurements. Regression analysis and correlation coefficient computation showed good agreement between the calculated and the experimental values.
Spontaneous development of toroidal magnetic field during formation of field-reversed theta pinch

The formation of an FRC (Field-Reversed Configuration) is considered by using a hybrid simulation model that treats the electrons as a zero-inertia thermal fluid and the ions either kinetically or as a simple fluid. The unexpected spontaneous generation of a substantial toroidal magnetic field Bθ near magnetic reconnection points requires explanation. Although ion kinetic effects are responsible for some of the internal reconnection, simulations with a fluid ion representation also show similar self-generation of the toroidal field. Further investigation reveals that the origin of the toroidal field can be found in some of the terms that arise from retention of the Hall term – an automatic feature of the two-component model. Conceptually, the phenomena can be understood by noting that, if the magnetic field is 'frozen into the electron fluid', a sheared toroidal electron flow will stretch the poloidal field to make the toroidal field.
The Effects of Load and Speed on Lumbar Vertebral Kinematics during Lifting Motions: A More Detailed Look

In this work, we investigated the effects of load weight and movement speed on lumbar vertebral kinematics during lifting task performance, while exploring the feasibility of non-invasive in vivo measurement of vertebral movements. An experiment was conducted in which subjects performed two-handed sagittally-symmetric lifting tasks with the load weight and movement speed systematically varied. Spherical skin-surface markers were strategically placed over subjects' spinous processes and other landmarks representing major body joints. An opto-electronic motion capture system was employed to measure the lifting motions, and a novel method was developed to derive, from the acquired data, the centers of rotation (COR) and angle profiles for individual vertebrae. The angle profiles, quantifying vertebral movement patterns, were characterized by a mathematical function with kinematically meaningful parameters. Statistical analyses were then conducted to examine whether the load and speed exerted significant effe...
A systematic comparison of operating reserve methodologies

Operating reserve requirements are a key component of modern power systems, and they contribute to maintaining reliable operations with minimum economic impact. No universal method exists for determining reserve requirements, thus there is a need for a thorough study and performance comparison of the different existing methodologies. Increasing penetrations of variable generation (VG) on electric power systems are posed to increase system uncertainty and variability, thus the need for additional reserve also increases. This paper presents background information on operating reserve and its relationship to VG. A consistent comparison of three methodologies to calculate regulating and flexibility reserve in systems with VG is performed.
Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of the Flow in a Centrifugal Compressor Volute

Volute scroll, conic diffuser and sudden expansion discharge loss account for 4–6 points of efficiency decrement in a typical centrifugal compressor stage. The flow in a volute is highly comlex. It is strongly believed that understanding of the detailed flow structure in a volute will provide insights on minimizing the losses by isolating the mechanisms that contributes to entropy generation. The result will be more efficient centrifugal compressor product for customers at higher profitability levels for manufacturers. Results of an experimental and theoretical analysis of the flow inside in a single stage centrifugal compressor volute are presented. Experiments were performed at three speeds and eight mass flow rates per speed. Static pressure distributions were mapped on the vaneless diffuser and volute casings. This data gave a good understanding of the flow structure in the volute. A meanline analysis was performed using the experimental results in order to obtain the absolute velocity and flow angle leaving the impeller. The combination of the two data sets was used as boundary conditions for a theoretical analysis. Theoretical results showed the detail flow structures inside the vaneless diffuser and volute with good agreement to the experiment.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 promotes B cell localization in the splenic marginal zone

The factors directing marginal zone B cells to the splenic marginal zone are not well understood. Here we report that FTY720, a drug that targets sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, induced marginal zone B cell migration into follicles. Marginal zone B cells expressed S1P receptors 1 and 3 (S1P(1) and S1P(3), respectively). Using gene-targeted mice, we show that S1P(1) but not S1P(3) was required for localization in the marginal zone. In mice lacking the chemokine CXCL13, S1P(1)-deficient marginal zone B cells reacquired a marginal zone distribution. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide or antigen caused marginal zone B cells to downregulate S1P(1) and S1P(3) and to migrate into the splenic white pulp. These data suggest that marginal zone B cell localization to the marginal zone depends on responsiveness to the blood lysophospholipid S1P, with S1P(1) signaling overcoming the recruiting activity of CXCL13.
Burnout: Recognize and Reverse.

Physician burnout may be underrecognized and can cause significant detrimental effects on personal health and job satisfaction. Burnout has been associated with medical errors, alcohol and drug abu...
Long-range intermolecular coupling in concentrated poly-n-butyl methacrylate solutions and its dependence on temperature and concentration

Abstract The real (J′) and imaginary (J″) components of the complex compliance have been measured between 0.05 and 1.3 cycles/sec. for four solutions of a fraction of poly-n-butyl methacrylate with molecular weight 3.05 × 106 in diethyl phthalate. The concentrations ranged from 30 % to 60 % polymer by weight. The creep compliance, J(t), was measured over periods of time up to 105 sec. The dynamic measurements could be reduced to single composite functions by a modified method of reduced variables which includes a temperature-dependent spacing between long-range coupling points, as shown by earlier measurements at higher frequencies. The parameters for the WLF equation and the apparent heat of dissociation of coupling points, determined from the earlier measurements, were confirmed. The creep data ould not be so reduced because the dissociation of coupling points affects the plateau and terminal zones differently. The creep compliance at long times J(t) could be expressed as the sum of three terms: a network compliance JA, an Andrade creep contribution βt 1 3 , and a flow contribution t/η. The dependence of β and η on temperature agreed with predictions made by combining the temperature dependences of the monomeric friction coefficient and the average spacing between coupling points. Similar agreement was obtained for the concentration dependence of β as well as qualitatively for the concentration dependence of η, which is approximately proportional to the 14.4 power of polymer concentration. The spacing between coupling points calculated from JA was in reasonable agreement with calculations from the maximum in J″ by the theory of Marvin. There are evidently several types of long-range intermolecular coupling in polymer systems which differ from the entanglement coupling described by Bueche.
Pulsed corona and dielectric-barrier discharge processing of trichloroethylene

Summary form only given, as follows. This paper presents experimental results on the plasma assisted decomposition of dilute concentrations (100-200 ppm) of trichloroethylene (TCE) in atmospheric-pressure dry air streams by pulsed corona and dielectric-barrier discharge processing. The experiments were performed at gas temperatures up to 300 A1C. One of the objectives in these experiments is to study the effect of gas temperature on the removal chemistry and product formation. The data on the gas temperature dependence provide a good basis for elucidating the chemical kinetics of TCE decomposition in the plasma. Under identical gas conditions (i.e. gas composition and gas temperature), the type of electrical discharge reactor does not affect the electrical energy requirements for decomposing the same amount of TCE; the reactor type also does not affect the product formation. For input energy densities up to 300 Joules per liter, we observe that carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/) are only minor products in the decomposition of TCE. The main organic products are phosgene and dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC), as inferred from the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Processing at higher gas temperatures (around 300 A1C) increases the electrical energy required to remove the same amount of TCE; however, the CO and CO/sub 2/ yields increase substantially and higher amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCl) are formed. These trends suggest increased competition from decomposition of DCAC and/or phosgene at high temperatures. In all cases, pulsed corona or dielectric-barrier discharge processing produces CO preferentially over CO/sub 2/.
A compact fast ionization gauge for in situ measurement of high-density neutral flow dynamics

A compact ionization gauge has been developed to carry out in situ measurements of high density (1020–1022 m−3) neutral gas flow dynamics with high temporal and spatial resolution. Key design aspects are discussed including gauge sensitivity and time response scaling with decreased probe dimensions, high-pressure operation, improved driver circuit bandwidth, and techniques for constructing a miniaturized probe head. Gas adsorption was discovered to significantly alter emission current and gauge sensitivity over timescales of several seconds. This effect must be taken into consideration when making time-resolved, high-density measurements. Over short timescales gauge response was predicted by scaling the sensitivity of a nominal Bayard-Alpert gauge to account for variations in probe dimensions and species-dependent ionization cross-section. Time-resolved neutral density profiles have been acquired in the Magnetized Shock Experiment at Los Alamos National Laboratory, providing data on the initial conditions of the ionization, plasmoid formation, and translation processes. It is shown that the desired density profiles can be achieved using a dynamic gas fill and that density can be scaled independently of the spatial profile.
Unique clinical and psychological correlates of fibromyalgia tender points and joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. We investigated the relationship of fibromyalgia (FM) tender points to other manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Sixty-seven RA patients completed questionnaires at study entry and described symptoms, emotionally significant events, and mood every evening for 75 days. Joint and tender point examinations were conducted every 2 weeks. Results. Controlling for joint tenderness, the tender point count correlated with the degree of daily stress. Depression was not significantly related when daily stress was controlled for. Conclusion. We conclude that FM tender point counts correlate uniquely with RA patients' reports of daily stress.
Stress intensity factors in a hollow cylinder containing a radial crack

An exact formulation of the plane elasticity problem for a hollow cylinder or a disk containing a radial crack is given. The crack may be an external edge crack, an internal edge crack, or an embedded crack. It is assumed that on the crack surfaces the shear traction is zero and the normal traction is an arbitrary function of r. For various crack geometries and radius ratios, the numerical results are obtained for a uniform crack surface pressure, for a uniform pressure acting on the inside wall of the cylinder, and for a rotating disk.
Selected Ion Flow Tube Studies of S+(4S) Reactions with Small Oxygenated and Sulfurated Organic Molecules

The reactions of ground-state S+(4S) with CH3OH, CH3SH, C2H5OH, C2H5SH, CH3OCH3, CH3SCH3, CH2O, CH3CHO, C2H5CHO, CH3C(O)CH3, C2H5C(O)CH3, HCO2H, CH3CO2H, C2H5CO2H, HCO2CH3, HCO2C2H5, CH3CO2CH3, CH3CO2C2H5, C2H5CO2CH3, and C2H5CO2C2H5 have been studied with a selected ion flow tube (SIFT) at 296 ± 4 K. All of these reactions proceed rapidly, with binary rate coefficients ≥2/3kth(2), where kth(2) is the theoretical binary collisional rate coefficient. A strong correlation between the exothermicity of charge (i.e., electron) transfer and the prominence of the charge-transfer channel is observed. Extensive branching into numerous product channels occurs in many of these reactions, with channels such as charge transfer, hydride (H-) abstraction, hydroxide (OH-) abstraction, and insertion being common, although several other modes of reaction are observed. The overall reactivity of S+(4S) is similar in many respects to that of SO+(2Πr), a closely related ion that is abundant in interstellar molecular clouds (IS...
Analysis of beam steering tolerances and divergence for various long range FSO communication links

Through the use of recent technological developments, it is now feasible to establish free-space optical (FSO) communication links over ultra-long distances. Recent research has shown that FSO systems could be deployed to establish high-rate data links to deep space. This study analyzes beam steering tolerances, beam divergence, and geometric loss for different distance ranges of interest for FSO communication links based on a mechanical gimbaled beam steering mechanism. The tolerance, divergence and geometric loss calculations are performed to evaluate the feasibility of establishing FSO links between the Earth and satellites, the Earth and aircraft, aircraft and satellites, the Earth and moon, the Earth and Mars, and the Earth and the edge of the solar system. The analysis and calculations performed take into consideration the availability of new technology such as low noise photon-counting detectors and fiber lasers and amplifiers. The beam steering tolerance and divergence calculations provide beneficial information for determining the extent to which future FSO systems could be deployed for both commercial, military and space exploration applications. Recommendations on the suitability of an FSO communication link for various applications are then made based on the beam steering tolerance and divergence calculations.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Satellite and Skin Layer Effects on the Accuracy of Sea Surface Temperature Measurements from the GOES Satellites

The latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) have facilitated significant improvements in our ability to measure sea surface temperature (SST) from geostationary satellites. Nonetheless, difficulties associated with sensor calibration and oceanic near-surface temperature gradients affect the accuracy of the measurements and our ability to estimate and interpret the diurnal cycle of the bulk SST. Overall, measurements of SST from the GOES Imagers on the GOES 8-10 satellites are shown to have very small bias (less than 0.02 K) and rms differences of between 0.6 and 0.9 K relative to buoy observations. Separate consideration of individual measurement times, however, demonstrates systematic bias variations of over 0.6 K with measurement hour. These bias variations significantly affect both the amplitude and shape of estimates of the diurnal SST cycle. Modeled estimates of the temperature difference across the oceanic cool skin and diurnal thermocline show that bias variations up to 0.3 K can result from variability in the near-surface layer. Oceanic near-surface layer and known "satellite midnight" calibration effects, however, explain only a portion of the observed bias variations, suggesting other possible calibration concerns. Methods of explicitly incorporating skin layer and diurnal thermocline effects in satellite bulk SST measurements were explored in an effort to further improve the measurement accuracy. While the approaches contain more complete physics, they do not yet significantly improve the accuracy of bulk SST measurements due to remaining uncertainties in the temperature difference across the near-surface layer.
Wnt Meeting 1996

Abstract A meeting on Wnt genes was held at Stanford University, August 9 and 10, organized by Harold Varmus (NIH) and Roel Nusse (HHMI-Stanford). This meeting was the first formal version of a series of informal Wnt gatherings held over the past years at various locations. The previous meetings were always inspired by the importance of Wnt genes in animal development and tumorigenesis, but also frustrated by the lack of understanding of the molecular aspects of signaling by these secreted proteins. Much to the delight of the attendants, the 1996 meeting brought together a surprising number of novel findings on various aspects of Wnt signaling. Only half a year ago, very little was known about the Wnt signal transduction pathway, but recently, specific receptors and various intracellular components have been discovered and many of these novel findings were reported at the meeting. It seems that the power of Drosophila and C. elegans genetics, combined with in vitro assays for Wnt signaling and rapid biological assays in Xenopus will lead to rapid progress in understanding how Wnt molecules bring about their interesting biological effects.
Transition from pediatric to adult care in sickle cell disease: perspectives on the family role

Transition from pediatric to adult care poses challenges for adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study explored the transition perspectives of adolescents with SCD, their siblings, and caregivers. Focus groups were conducted with 12 African American families. Adolescents, siblings, and caregivers demonstrated awareness of transition and need for disease management responsibility. Siblings' and caregivers' concerns included adolescent medication adherence. Family concerns included leaving the pediatric environment and adult providers' lack of knowledge. Families recommended more transition preparation opportunities. Family members' perspectives are valuable in informing transition planning. Family-focused interventions designed to prepare and support families during transition are necessary.
Statin therapy is associated with reduced neuropathologic changes of Alzheimer disease

We are interested in the report by Li et al. concerning autopsy findings in brains with Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology from patients who had been users of statins compared to brains with AD pathology from nonusers of statins.1 The statin users were defined as those who had received at least three prescriptions (>15 pills per prescription) for simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, or atorvastatin during the period of the study. They report that statin users exhibited a lower burden of both neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques compared with nonusers. However, …
Mouse brain protein composition during postnatal development: an electrophoretic analysis.

— Changes in the concentrations of mouse brain proteins during postnatal maturation were characterized by a combination of subcellular fractionation and electrophoresis. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis revealed changing protein concentrations in fractions enriched in nuclei, mitochondria plus synaptic endings, microsomes and cytosol. Postnatal maturational changes in protein concentrations were most pronounced in fractions of purified myelin membranes. The use of exponential gradient gels resulted in increased resolution of low molecular weight myelin proteins. Nuclei treated with Triton X-100 exhibited no change in relative histone concentrations during brain maturation. Nonnuclear contamination of untreated nuclear fractions was shown to be a potential source of erroneous interpretations. These findings are discussed in terms of genetic products and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolution.
Hierarchical clustering to measure connectivity in fMRI resting-state data.

Low frequency oscillations, which are temporally correlated in functionally related brain regions, characterize the mammalian brain, even when no explicit cognitive tasks are performed. Functional connectivity MR imaging is used to map regions of the resting brain showing synchronous, regional and slow fluctuations in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. In this study, we use a hierarchical clustering method to detect similarities of low-frequency fluctuations. We describe one measure of correlations in the low frequency range for classification of resting-state fMRI data. Furthermore, we investigate the contribution of motion and hardware instabilities to resting-state correlations and provide a method to reduce artifacts. For all cortical regions studied and clusters obtained, we quantify the degree of contamination of functional connectivity maps by the respiratory and cardiac cycle. Results indicate that patterns of functional connectivity can be obtained with hierarchical clustering that resemble known neuronal connections. The corresponding voxel time series do not show significant correlations in the respiratory or cardiac frequency band.
Zinc, iron, copper, selenium, lactoferrin, and ferritin in human pus.

ABSTRACT Background Restriction of zinc and iron available for microbial growth in tissues are well-recognized host defense mechanisms. The present studies were performed to characterize some constituents of human pus that may affect these important host defenses. Methods Zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium in pus were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer; selenium was measured fluorometrically. Ferritin was measured with a fluorometric enzyme immunoassay, and lactoferrin was measured with a radial diffusion assay. The growth of Escherichia coli at 37°C was measured in pus supernate adjusted to pH 5.5 or 7.4, in boiled supernate, or in supernate adjusted with 1.3 mM iron or 0.9 mM zinc singly or together. Results Zinc and iron concentrations in pus exceeded normal serum. Calcium and magnesium levels were 2- to 3-fold lower and higher, respectively, than normal serum values. Lactoferrin concentrations of were 880 ± 48 μ g/mL and ferritin levels were 20,726 ± 2,667 ng/mL. Growth of an E coli strain was inhibited in pus at pH 5.5 but not at pH 7.4, and growth was enhanced by addition of iron or zinc to E coli suspended in pus at pH 6.7. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of the zinc, iron, copper, selenium, lactoferrin, and ferritin levels of human pus. These studies provide additional insight into host defense mechanisms mediated by the restriction of the bioavailability of zinc and iron in suppurative infection.
Suppression of the Pb (P1) component of the auditory middle latency response with contralateral masking

Abstract Objective In this study, the effects of contralateral noise or speech on middle latency response (MLR) components P a and P b ( P 1 or P50) were studied using high rates clicks in normal hearing awake adult subjects. Methods One standard (4.88Hz) and four jittered click sequences (24.4, 39.1, 58.6, 78.1Hz) at different mean rates were monaurally presented to ten subjects. The contralateral ears were stimulated with continuous pink noise, recorded speech or no stimulus for control. Overlapping MLR responses to jittered click stimuli were deconvolved using the frequency domain continuous loop averaging deconvolution (CLAD). Results The recordings show that contralateral noise or speech stimulation suppresses P b component greatly at rates around 40Hz while earlier components (ABR and P a ) are not significantly affected. The suppression of the P b component is about 50% with some latency reduction. Conclusions The results show that the P b component of the MLR is significantly affected by contralateral stimulus at resonance rates at around 40Hz. It appears that the contralateral noise obliterates the amplitude enlargement due to resonance effect. Significance These findings show that the P b is generated very differently from the P a component and strongly inhibited by the contralateral ear. These results also explain the previously observed masking of the 40Hz auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) with contralateral noise.
In Vivo Gene Delivery and Stable Transduction of Nondividing Cells by a Lentiviral Vector

A retroviral vector system based on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was developed that, in contrast to a murine leukemia virus-based counterpart, transduced heterologous sequences into HeLa cells and rat fibroblasts blocked in the cell cycle, as well as into human primary macrophages. Additionally, the HIV vector could mediate stable in vivo gene transfer into terminally differentiated neurons. The ability of HIV-based viral vectors to deliver genes in vivo into nondividing cells could increase the applicability of retroviral vectors in human gene therapy.
Novel Approaches to Studying the Genetic Basis of Cerebellar Development

The list of genes that when mutated cause disruptions in cerebellar development is rapidly increasing. The study of both spontaneous and engineered mouse mutants has been essential to this progress, as it has revealed much of our current understanding of the developmental processes required to construct the mature cerebellum. Improvements in brain imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the emergence of better classification schemes for human cerebellar malformations, have recently led to the identification of a number of genes which cause human cerebellar disorders. In this review we argue that synergistic approaches combining classical molecular techniques, genomics, and mouse models of human malformations will be essential to fuel additional discoveries of cerebellar developmental genes and mechanisms.
Using a mobile application to self-monitor diet and fluid intake among adults receiving hemodialysis

Hemodialysis patients have difficulty self-managing a complex dietary and fluid regimen. The purpose of this feasibility study was to pilot test an electronic self-monitoring intervention based on social cognitive theory. During a 6-week intervention, 24 participants self-monitored diet and fluid intake using the Dietary Intake Monitoring Application (DIMA), and 20 participants served as controls by monitoring their activity using the Daily Activity Monitor Application (DAMA). Results from this pilot study suggest the intervention is feasible and acceptable, although few significant effects on outcomes were found in this small sample. The DIMA has potential to facilitate dietary and fluid self-monitoring but requires additional refinement and further testing.
Dispersion of nanoclay into polypropylene with carbon dioxide in the presence of maleated polypropylene

The effect of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) on the mechanical and rheological properties of polypropylene (PP)–clay nanocomposites prepared with nanoclay expanded with CO2 and direct melt blending was studied. The results from the studies of the mechanical properties, rheological properties, and transmission electron microscopy show that when PP-g-MA was combined with the technique that used CO2, greater enhancements in the mechanical properties and degree of dispersion of nanoclay in PP were observed. Furthermore, yieldlike behavior in the viscosity and a tail in the low-frequency behavior of the elastic modulus was attributed to the reaction of PP-g-MA with the nanoclay surface and not exfoliation. A fairly well-dispersed morphology was observed for concentrations as high 6.8 wt % clay when the clay was expanded and mixed with CO2. At this concentration, mechanical properties such as yield strength and modulus increased by as much as 13 and 69%, respectively, relative to the pure PP. Furthermore, the modulus of the composite samples prepared with PP-g-MA and CO2 was some 15% higher than that of samples prepared by direct melt compounding (without the use of CO2). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008