cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network and co-expression analysis of airway smooth muscle cell transcriptome delineates potential gene signatures in asthma

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is known for its role in asthma exacerbations characterized by acute bronchoconstriction and remodeling. The molecular mechanisms underlying multiple gene interactions regulating gene expression in asthma remain elusive. Herein, we explored the regulatory relationship between ASM genes to uncover the putative mechanism underlying asthma in humans. To this end, the gene expression from human ASM was measured with RNA-Seq in non-asthmatic and asthmatic groups. The gene network for the asthmatic and non-asthmatic group was constructed by prioritizing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (121) and transcription factors (TFs) (116). Furthermore, we identified differentially connected or co-expressed genes in each group. The asthmatic group showed a loss of gene connectivity due to the rewiring of major regulators. Notably, TFs such as ZNF792, SMAD1, and SMAD7 were differentially correlated in the asthmatic ASM. Additionally, the DEGs, TFs, and differentially connected genes over-represented in the pathways involved with herpes simplex virus infection, Hippo and TGF-β signaling, adherens junctions, gap junctions, and ferroptosis. The rewiring of major regulators unveiled in this study likely modulates the expression of gene-targets as an adaptive response to asthma. These multiple gene interactions pointed out novel targets and pathways for asthma exacerbations.
On simulating the dynamics of electronic populations and coherences via quantum master equations based on treating off-diagonal electronic coupling terms as a small perturbation.

Quantum master equations provide a general framework for describing the dynamics of electronic observables within a complex molecular system. One particular family of such equations is based on treating the off-diagonal coupling terms between electronic states as a small perturbation within the framework of second-order perturbation theory. In this paper, we show how different choices of projection operators, as well as whether one starts out with the time-convolution or the time-convolutionless forms of the generalized quantum master equation, give rise to four different types of such off-diagonal quantum master equations (OD-QMEs), namely, time-convolution and time-convolutionless versions of a Pauli-type OD-QME for only the electronic populations and an OD-QME for the full electronic density matrix (including both electronic populations and coherences). The fact that those OD-QMEs are given in terms of the interaction picture makes it non-trivial to obtain Schrodinger picture electronic coherences from them. To address this, we also extend a procedure for extracting Schrodinger picture electronic coherences from interaction picture populations recently introduced by Trushechkin in the context of time-convolutionless Pauli-type OD-QME to the other three types of OD-QMEs. The performance of the aforementioned four types of OD-QMEs is explored in the context of the Garg–Onuchic–Ambegaokar benchmark model for charge transfer in the condensed phase across a relatively wide parameter range. The results show that time-convolution OD-QMEs can be significantly more accurate than their time-convolutionless counterparts, particularly in the case of Pauli-type OD-QMEs, and that rather accurate Schrodinger picture coherences can be obtained from interaction picture electronic inputs.
A masing [Fe XI] line

I draw attention to a maser which occurs within the ground term of Fe +10 . In many photoionized environments, infrared fine-structure lines and the [O I] λ6300 line become optically thick but maser amplification of ionic fine-structure lines is unusual. During the course of development of a code designed to simulate gas under radiative-collisional equilibrium, the radiative transfer of roughly 500 ionic/atomic emission lines has been treated using escape probabilities. Nearly all forbidden lines can become optically thick under extreme conditions, but the 3 Pj = 1,0 [Fe XI] 6.08 μm transition is the only line which routinely mases and can reach optical depths smaller than − 5
The Combined Space Method for Composite Layers: by Matrix Inversion

To treat an atomic layer with more than one atom per unit cell (a composite layer) one may use a matrix inversion formalism, expressed in angular momentum space, applied to the subplanes constituting that composite layer [12], generalized [13] to include incidence of the plane waves k g ± for all beams g.
Relationships between toughness and microstructure of reaction bonded Si3N4

Fracture toughnesses of nominally identical batches of reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) differed significantly (about 2.0 and about 2.7 MPa sq rt m). Detailed fractographic and microstructural characterizations investigated underlying factors. Subtile differences between high and low toughness RBSN and between constituent Si powders have been revealed through SEM/FEG, TEM, BET, Hg-porosimetry, and XRD. The results illustrate the need for behavioral models to guide microstructural design and to interpret properties of brittle materials with intermediate levels of porosity.
A Multi-site Subcellular Localizer for Fungal Proteins

In this work, we build a decision tree to predict fungal protein localization based on physiochemical properties of proteins calculable from their primary sequences. Although there is clear evidence of presence of the same protein in more than one sub-cellular compartment, almost all existing automated systems restrict their predictions to single-site localization. We address this issue by predicting as many localization sites as possible. When localizing among 17 sub-cellular compartments, in 64% of the cases our system successfully predicts at least one of the experimentally reported localizations. Moreover, all reported localizations are correctly predicted in 49% of the cases. We also report 76 fungal protein features expected to be implicated in localization, based on the constructed decision tree.
The quadratic sieve factoring algorithm

The quadratic sieve algorithm is currently the method of choice to factor very large composite numbers with no small factors. In the hands of the Sandia National Laboratories team of James Davis and Diane Holdridge, it has held the record for the largest hard number factore since mid-1983. As of this writing, the largest number it has crackd is the 71 digit number (1071−1)/9, taking 9.5 hours on the Cray XMP computer at Los Alamos, New Mexico. In this paper I shall give some of the history of the algorithm and also describe some of the improvements that habe been suggested for it
Two applications of a theorem of Dvoretsky, Wald, and Wolfovitz to cake division

In this note, we show that a partition of a cake is Pareto optimal if and only if it maximizes some convex combination of the measures used by those who receive the resulting pieces of cake. Also, given any sequence of positive real numbers that sum to one (which may be thought of as representing the players' relative entitlements), we show that there exists a partition in which each player receives either more than, less than, or exactly his or her entitlement (according to his or her measure), in any desired combination, provided that the measures are not all equal.
Aminoglycoside resistance in gram-negative bacilli during increased amikacin use: Comparison of experience in 14 United States hospitals with experience in the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center

Resistance to amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin was surveyed prospectively during controlled aminoglycoside usage in 14 hospitals. Following an initial baseline period (minimum, three months) during which gentamicin use predominated, gentamicin and tobramycin were placed on restrictive control, establishing amikacin as the aminoglycoside of general use (86 percent of total aminoglycoside usage). During an average of 35 months' restriction of gentamicin and tobramycin, significant reductions in gram-negative resistance to gentamicin (8.4 to 7.0 percent, p less than 0.001) and tobramycin (6.0 to 5.3 percent, p less than 0.01) were observed. The most significant decreases in resistance to gentamicin and tobramycin (p less than 0.001) were found for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, Serratia species, and Proteus species. Amikacin resistance among gram-negative bacilli was observed to increase marginally from 1.4 to 1.7 percent (p less than 0.05) during the surveillance period, primarily due to a significant increase in resistance among P. aeruginosa (3.0 to 3.9 percent, p = 0.05). These data were compared with data from a similar surveillance program at the 700-bed Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center. Over a period of 54 months, both gentamicin and tobramycin resistance decreased significantly when amikacin was used (p less than 0.001), then increased with reintroduction of gentamicin (p less than 0.05), and decreased significantly with reintroduction of amikacin (p less than 0.001). Despite predominant amikacin use for a total of 38 months, amikacin resistance did not increase and actually decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in the last 12 months.
Real-Time Hybrid Simulation with Online Model Updating: Methodology and Implementation

AbstractHybrid simulations have shown great potential for economic and reliable assessment of structural seismic performance by combining physical experimentation on part of the structural system and numerical simulation of the remaining structural components. Current hybrid simulation practices often use a fixed numerical model without considering the possible availability of a more-accurate model obtained during hybrid simulation through an online model updating technique. To address this limitation and improve the reliability of numerical models in hybrid simulations, this paper presents a method and an implementation procedure of conducting real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) with online model updating. The Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) was adopted as the parameter identification algorithm applied to the Bouc-Wen model that defines the hysteresis of the experimental substructure. The identified parameters are then used to update the models of the numerical substructures during RTHS. A parametric study ...
Outcomes After Post-Traumatic AKI Requiring RRT in United States Military Service Members

Background and objectives Mortality and CKD risk have not been described in military casualties with post-traumatic AKI requiring RRT suffered in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This is a retrospective case series of post-traumatic AKI requiring RRT in 51 military health care beneficiaries (October 7, 2001–December 1, 2013), evacuated to the National Capital Region, documenting in-hospital mortality and subsequent CKD. Participants were identified using electronic medical and procedure records. Results Age at injury was 26±6 years; of the participants, 50 were men, 16% were black, 67% were white, and 88% of injuries were caused by blast or projectiles. Presumed AKI cause was acute tubular necrosis in 98%, with rhabdomyolysis in 72%. Sixty-day all-cause mortality was 22% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 12% to 35%), significantly less than the 50% predicted historical mortality ( P n =49). Of these, nine died (mortality, 18%; 95% CI, 10% to 32%), with predicted risks significantly miscalibrated ( P P =0.27). Of the 40 survivors, one had ESRD caused by cortical necrosis. Of the remaining 39, median time to last follow-up serum creatinine was 1158 days (range, 99–3316 days), serum creatinine was 0.85±0.24 mg/dl, and eGFR was 118±23 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . No eGFR was 2 , but it may be overestimated because of large/medium amputations in 54%. Twenty-five percent ( n =36) had proteinuria; one was diagnosed with CKD stage 2. Conclusions Despite severe injuries, participants had better in-hospital survival than predicted historically and by AKI integer score. No patient who recovered renal function had an eGFR 2 at last follow-up, but 23% had proteinuria, suggesting CKD burden.
Ultra-Wideband Impulse Electromagnetic Scattering Laboratory

The Transient Electromagnetic Scattering Laboratory (TESL) employs a unique dual-channel impulsive illuminating source whose instantaneous frequency spans 1– 12 GHz. Impulse scattering from scale model targets are performed in a shielded anechoic chamber. The TESL has facilitated research into the control of scattering mechanisms and radar target identification using natural resonances1,2. Both of these applications are demanding on accuracy and dynamic range; improvement in the fidelity of measured scattering signatures has been an ongoing theme in the TESL’s evolution since 1980.
DARPA MMW System Programs and How They Drive Can Compound Semiconductor Technology Needs

DARPA has been investing in the development of compound semiconductors significantly since the MMIC program was initiated in the 1980's. This has resulted in the maturation of MMW systems for use in both commercial and military enterprises. Subsequently, Silicon technologies have matured significantly and are supplanting them in a variety of uses, such as automotive radar and indoor communications. This plenary presentation will discuss several DARPA programs that are dependent upon extending the performance of compound semiconductors beyond what Silicon appears to be able to achieve.
Caryophyllales: a key group for understanding wood anatomy character states and their evolution.

Definitions of character states in woods are softer than generally assumed, and more complex for workers to interpret. Only by a constant effort to transcend the limitations of glossaries can a more than partial understanding of wood anatomy and its evolution be achieved. The need for such an effort is most evident in a major group with sufficient wood diversity to demonstrate numerous problems in wood anatomical features. Caryophyllales s.l., with approximately 12 000 species, are such a group. Paradoxically, Caryophyllales offer many more interpretive problems than other ‘typically woody’ eudicot clades of comparable size: a wider range of wood structural patterns is represented in the order. An account of character expression diversity is presented for major wood characters of Caryophyllales. These characters include successive cambia (more extensively represented in Caryophyllales than elsewhere in angiosperms); vessel element perforation plates (non-bordered and bordered, with and without constrictions); lateral wall pitting of vessels (notably pseudoscalariform patterns); vesturing and sculpturing on vessel walls; grouping of vessels; nature of tracheids and fibre-tracheids, storying in libriform fibres, types of axial parenchyma, ray anatomy and shifts in ray ontogeny; juvenilism in rays; raylessness; occurrence of idioblasts; occurrence of a new cell type (ancistrocladan cells); correlations of raylessness with scattered bundle occurrence and other anatomical discoveries newly described and/or understood through the use of scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. This study goes beyond summarizing or reportage and attempts interpretations in terms of shifts in degrees of juvenilism, diversification in habit, ecological occupancy strategies (with special attention to succulence) and phylogenetic change. Phylogenetic change in wood anatomy is held to be best interpreted when accompanied by an understanding of wood ontogeny, species ecology, species habit and taxonomic context. Wood anatomy of Caryophyllales demonstrates problems inherent in binary character definitions, mapping of morphological characters onto DNA-based trees and attempts to analyse wood structure without taking into account ecological and habital features. The difficulties of bridging wood anatomy with physiology and ecology are briefly reviewed. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 164, 342–393.
Efficacy of combination treatment modalities for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: intra-arterial therapies, sorafenib and novel small molecules

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a growing epidemic with a high mortality rate and clear need for improved therapies. In patients with Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B and C, treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been the gold standard in therapy as it delays progression; however, recurrence proves common. In the US, transarterial bead embolization (TABE) has uniformly replaced TACE. With this limited armamentarium, there is need for a shift to novel strategies combining different modalities to further improve patient outcomes. Historically, HCC drug discovery concentrated on common features of HCC including its highly vascular nature and dependence on growth factors (GFs). The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib acts on angiogenesis via modulation of vascular endothelial GF expression and was the first step toward systemic targeted therapy against HCC. Sorafenib has provided clinicians with a tool to modestly improve survival by 2-6 months or longer. Despite the progress in survival provided by TACE, TABE and sorafenib independently, rigorous combination clinical trials do not consistently show significant improvement over TACE/TABE monotherapy. Other novel small molecules targeting angiogenesis such as brivanib, linifanib and everolimus have failed or are in development. Anti-HCV treatment became more feasible with the novel direct-acting antiviral agents; with the much higher and more durable treatment responses that they provide, the risk of HCC progression may be reduced. The most effective strategies in developing combination therapies are hampered by the complexities of FDA testing along with intellectual property and economic issues. To achieve significant progress, more basic science studies are necessary to help understand which novel molecules demonstrate the greatest synergy. Individual patient genomic profiling and biomarkers may help guide therapy and improve the clinician's ability to tailor treatment and to know when it could be appropriate to combine systemic therapy with transarterial embolization. Most importantly, partnerships that facilitate testing of novel therapies in intelligently designed trials based on preclinical pharmacokinetics must be established.
Statistical approach to the geometric structure of thermodynamics.

We show how both the contact structure and the metric structure of the thermodynamic phase space arise in a natural way from a generalized canonical probability distribution \ensuremath{\rho}. In particular, the metric form and the contact form are found to be derived from the microscopic entropy s=-ln\ensuremath{\rho}. Thus the first law and the second law of thermodynamics can be given the geometric interpretation that a thermodynamic system must possess both a contact and a compatible metric structure. We proceed to construct explicitly a new nondegenerate bilinear form on the thermodynamic phase space, whose restriction to state space yields the Weinhold-Ruppeiner metric, and whose restriction to Gibbs space can serve as an alternative to the metric proposed by Gilmore.
A thin-film capacitive bolometer.

A thin-film capacitive bolometer is described, which depends on a temperature sensitivity derived from electron trapping effects in thin amorphous dielectric films containing an ionic space charge. The theory of this process is summarized and shown to be in good agreement with results obtained from anodized Nb2O5 capacitors. The capacitive elements can be formed on thin-film supporting structures to achieve large thermal detectivities D*. An analysis given for an optimized detector indicates that it is possible to reach the theoretical maximum D* at room temperature. Experimental detectors are described which were fabricated from anodized Nb2O5 and evaporated Al2O–TiO2 capacitors. Their performance at room temperature indicates responsivities of at least 2 mV/μW, effective time constants of about 0.05 sec, and D*’s in excess of 109.
Identification of FTIR Bands Due to Internal Water Molecules around the Quinone Binding Sites in the Reaction Center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The bacterial reaction center (RC) is a membrane protein complex that performs photosynthetic electron transfer from a bacteriochlorophyll dimer to quinone acceptors QA and QB. QB accepts electrons...
Small marker chromosome identification in metaphase and interphase using centromeric multiplex FISH (CM-FISH)

Multicolor karyotyping procedures, such as multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH), spectral karyotyping, or color-changing karyotyping, can be used to detect chromosomal rearrangements and marker chromosomes in prenatal diagnosis, peripheral blood cultures, leukemia, and solid tumors, especially in cases where G-banding is not sufficient. A regular M-FISH analysis requires relatively large amounts of labeled DNA (microgram quantities), is not informative in interphase nuclei, hybridization can take up to 2 to 3 days, and unlabeled human chromosome-painting probes are not available commercially. Unique probes (plasmids, PAC), specific for centromeric or subtelomeric chromosomal regions, can replace the painting probes in M-FISH to address specific issues, such as the identification of marker chromosomes and aneuploidies. A set of plasmid probes carrying repetitive sequences specific for the alpha-satellite region of all human chromosomes were combined in a metaphase assay and an interphase assay, allowing identification of aneuploidies in one hybridization step, on a single cytogenetic slide. The fluorophore-dUTP and the labeled antibodies required to label and detect the DNA probes can be prepared in any laboratory. All DNA probes can be easily isolated and labeled using common molecular cytogenetic procedures. Because of the repetitive nature of the probes, hybridization time is short, usually less than 1 hour, and the analysis can be performed with nonspecialized image-processing software.
Analysis of an encapsulated whispering gallery mode micro-optical sensor

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) based micro-optical sensors are known to have higher sensitivity than fiber Bragg grating, Fabry–Perot, and microbend sensors. WGM sensors are created by optical coupling of a dielectric microparticle with an optical fiber. The combination of a microparticle and an optical-fiber to create the sensor requires encapsulating them in a suitable material so that the sensor can be used in practical applications. The sensitivity of the encapsulated sensors needs to be calibrated before they can be used. The present study conducts a parametric study to understand the effect of variables such as particle size and particle–fiber distance on the sensitivity of the encapsulated WGM sensors. Solid and hollow microparticle based sensors are studied. In the case of hollow particles, their wall thickness effects are also characterized. Results show that despite small strain, change in the index of refraction of the particle material due to the applied force contributes significantly in determining the sensitivity of these sensors.
Estimation of health effects due to elevated radiation exposure levels in structures

Uranium mill tailings were used as landfill for many years in the United States before the health risk associated with such use was recognized. Occupants of buildings erected on or adjacent to contaminated landfills may experience radiation exposures sufficient to warrant remedial action. Estimates of the cost-effectiveness of the remedial measures may be provided using a combination of occupancy data, appropriate risk coefficients and projected costs. This effort is in support of decisions by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct remedial action at such locations. The methods used in this project, with examples of their application, will be presented in this paper.
Team-managed rest breaks during computer-supported cooperative work

Abstract Team management of frequent, discretionary rest breaks was tested as an alternative to forced rest breaks. Two-person work teams ( N = 30) performed a cooperative computer-mediated task for 46 min under laboratory conditions. Teams were instructed to take 1 min of discretionary break time for every 10 min of work. Forced breaks were administered whenever discretionary breaks were insufficient. In the parallel condition, both team members received feedback about their discretionary break behavior. In the serial condition, only one team member received feedback. In the control condition, neither team member received feedback. Team measures of break management, work performance, user acceptance, musculoskeletal discomfort, mood, and psychophysiological response were collected. As expected, teams that received feedback in the parallel and serial conditions managed discretionary breaks better than controls. While teams reported more comfortable working relationships in the serial condition than in the parallel condition (strong trend), they also showed trends for increased impatience and lower productivity. Musculoskeletal discomfort and psychophysiological responses were unaffected. These results indicate that computer-generated feedback information can help two-person work teams manage discretionary test break behavior. Trends suggest that the parallel mode of rest break management can benefit productivity and lower impatience but may increase the demand for work coordination. Relevance to industry Frequent rest breaks during intensive computer-mediated work can benefit performance and wellbeing but may seriously disrupt computer-supported cooperative work. The laboratory results reported here show that using computer resources to support team management of discretionary rest breaks is a viable alternative to administering forced rest breaks on a rigid schedule.
VLA-4/CD49d downregulated on primed T lymphocytes during interferon-β therapy in multiple sclerosis

Effects on adhesion molecules of immune cells might contribute to the mode of action of interferon-beta (IFN-beta) in multiple sclerosis (MS). We have serially monitored the cell surface expression of integrins CD49d (VLA-4) and CD11a (LFA-1) on fresh T lymphocyte subpopulations from 5 MS patients monthly for 2 months prior to treatment and for 3 months on treatment with IFN-beta1b. In parallel, we assessed inflammatory disease activity by monthly contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). IFN-beta treatment specifically downregulated CD49d expression on CD8+ and CD4+/CD45RO+ 'memory' T lymphocytes and differentially modulated the proportion of CD4+, CD8+ and CD27+ T cells. These effects may play an important role in the reduction of central nervous system cell trafficking and inflammation in MS.
Soil Water Dynamics Using Multisensor Capacitance Probes in Nontraffic Interrows of Corn

Water is often the primary factor limiting plant growth, and it is the primary agent for moving plant nutrients and pesticides to streams and groundwater. This study was conducted to assess the capabilities of recently developed multisensor capacitance probes and monitoring systems to measure the dynamics of soil water content under long-term field-scale conditions, and to quantify in real time the spatial variation of soil water content under plow-tillage (PT) and no-tillage (NT) corn (Zea mays L). Probes were placed at eight nontraffic interrow locations, with cable lengths ranging from 25 to 125 m, on a 0.5-ha field site. The capacitance sensors were centered at four soil depths and readings were taken every 10 min by the data-logging system. Real-time dynamics of soil water change following 82 mm of rainfall in the spring were used to identify the apparent water-holding capacity within the sensor depths (5–55 cm) under NT as 171 mm and 155 mm under PT. Rates of soil water loss with a full canopy of corn were 90% of high evapotranspiration (ET) demand. Breaking points were observed and calculated between high and low rates of soil water loss, under full canopy and high ET demand. Changes from high to low rates of soil water loss were more evident in PT plots (62% reduction) than in NT plots (46% reduction). At the end of three drying cycles during the growing season, there was an average of 37 mm more water (5–55-cm soil depth) under NT than PT. The multisensor capacitance probes proved to be highly sensitive and robust for field-scale, real-time, soil water research.
SU-FF-J-49: Reducting of Motion Artifacts in Cone Beam CT Using a Patient Specific Respiratory Motion Model

Purpose: Respiratory motion degrades the quality of cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images in the thorax and abdomen and limits its localization accuracy. We describe a method of reducing motion‐induced artifacts in CBCTimages in the thorax using a patient‐specific model to estimate 3‐dimensional respiration‐induced motion. Method and Materials: The patient‐specific model is derived from, and applied to, the same CBCT data, thus avoiding inconsistencies caused by changes in patient's breathing pattern when using different image sets. The CBCT scan uses a 1‐minute gantry rotation while recording patient respiration with an external monitor. The projection images are sorted into 4 to 6 phase bins according to the respiratory signal. Each phase bin is reconstructed to produce a series of 3D images. Nonrigid image registration calculates a series of deformation fields that maps each 3D image to a reference image at end expiration. A principle component analysis (PCA) reduces noise and redundancy in the deformation fields. The resultant deformation fields correct each 3D image by morphing it to the reference motion state. The corrected 3D images are combined to obtain a high‐resolution CBCTimage. We evaluate the model by comparing CBCTimages before and after motion correction, in patients receiving radiation treatment for lungcancer.Results: Motion‐corrected CBCTimages show less respiration‐induced blurring and streaking artifacts compared to standard CBCT. Fine‐detailed features in lungtumor and airways become visible, and the liver boundary is more discernable. Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that the proposed method is a potentially useful tool for improving CBCTimage quality and localization accuracy in the thorax. Repeating the process at other phase bins can yield a high quality respiration‐correlated (4D) CBCTimage set for evaluating respiration‐induced motion.
Evaluation of functional Analogs of CC-1065 and the Duocarmycins incorporating the cross-linking 9a-chloromethyl-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (C2BI) alkylation subunit

Abstract The DNA alkylation properties and in vitro cytotoxic activity of a series of analogs of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins incorporating the 9a-chloromethyl-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[ c ]benz[ e ]inol-4-one (C 2 BI) alkylation subunit are detailed. The C 2 BI-based agents have been shown to alkylate DNA within the minor groove in a fashion analogous to CC-1065 or duocarmycin. The stereoelectronically-controlled adenine N3 addition to the least substituted cyclopropane carbon occurs with a selectivity that represents a composite of the two enantiomers of the corresponding CBI-based agents. Additional high affinity alkylation sites were detected which were not prominent alkylation sites for either enantiomer of the CBI-based agents. Such sites may represent induced high affinity alkylation sites resulting from DNA cross-linking following complementary strand alkylation at a high affinity alkylation site and each such site detected proved consistent with predicted models of an adenine-adenine cross-linking event. Further, consistent with this interpretation, the C 2 BI agents were shown to constitute efficient cross-linking agents with DNA cross-linking being observed at the same concentrations as DNA alkylation. In comparison to the parent CBI-based agents, the C 2 BI-based agents proved to be approximately 100–10.000x less effective at DNA alkylation and 100–10,000x less potent in cytotoxic assays. This is suggested to be the consequence of a significant steric deceleration of the adenine N3 alkylation reaction attributable to the additional 9a-chloromethyl substituent. Consistent with this interpretation, the noncovalent binding constant of C 2 BICDPI 2 for poly[dA]-poly[dT] proved nearly identical to that of CDPI 3 under kinetic binding conditions, and prolonged incubation of C 2 BICDPI 2 with poly[dA]-poly[dT] (72 h, 25°C) provided covalent complexes with a helix stabilization comparable to that observed with (+)- or (−)-CPI-CDPI 2 indicating that the size of the C 2 BI subunit inhibits but does not preclude productive DNA alkylation.
The olive on end: a useful variant of the "shoulder" sign in the barium X-ray diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

We describe a radiographic sign of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. This sign, elicited during firm compression of the barium-coated pyloric region, is a round or ovoid filling defect caused by the hypertrophied pyloric muscle protrudingen face into the gastric lumen. This filling defect typically reveals a barium-containing central depression or stellate indentation, representing the proximal end of the obstructed pyloric channel. This sign, like the closely related “shoulder sign”, appears to establish the diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis without need for filling of the pyloric channel or for additional radiographic maneuvers.
Effect of Increasing the Bulk Content of the Diet on the Rat Parotid Gland and Saliva

Parotid gland enlargement was induced in rats by incorporating non-nutritive bulk into the stock diet. The magnitude of gland enlargement was directly correlated to the percentage of bulk in the diet. The protein concentration of parotid saliva was increased, but the composition of secretory proteins was not noticeably affected.
The Proregion of Cathepsin L Is Required for Proper Folding, Stability, and ER Exit

Abstract To investigate the role of the proregion in the biosynthesis and trafficking of mouse cathepsin L, cathepsin L cDNAs encoding proteins with altered proregions were constructed and their expression in COS cells was examined, As in transformed cells, normal mouse cathepsin L was secreted by COS-cells. In contrast, two altered proregion cathepsin L proteins, one in which the proregion was deleted and a second in which the proregion was replaced with that of a homologous protein (aleurain), were retained within the cell and degraded over a period of 2-6 h. Immunofluorescence localization and the lack. of effect of NH4Cl and brefeldin A on the turnover of the altered cathepsin L proteins indicated that their degradation occurred in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). By using brefeldin A to induce colocalization of the UDPGlcNAc: lysosomal enzyme N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase with the cathepsin L proteins in the ER, it was shown that the altered proteins were not susceptible to mannose phosphorylation as they exist in the ER. Trypsin sensitivity assays indicated that altered proregion proteins synthesized in COS cells or in vitro are misfolded. Taken together, these results indicate that the proregion plays an essential role in proper folding of cathepsin L. ER retention, decreased stability, and lack of mannose phosphorylation of the altered proteins are most likely secondary effects resulting from improper folding.
Campylobacter rectus mediates growth restriction in pregnant mice.

Background: Recent studies have suggested that subclinical infection may be an important cause of low birth weight. Campylobacters are important human pathogens, causing septicemia and occasionally abortion, premature labor, or severe perinatal infection. The potential role of oral species of Campylobacter in mediating adverse pregnancy outcomes in animal models has not yet been determined. Our objective was to determine the effects of Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus) infection on pregnancy outcomes in a mouse model. Methods: On embryonic day (E) 7.5, pregnant mice received a subcutaneous, intra-chamber challenge with live C. rectus at concentrations of 0, 107 or 109 colony forming units (CFU)/ml. They were sacrificed on E 16.5 and fetuses were evaluated for stage of development, weight, and crown-rump length. Results: Dams receiving C. rectus had more fetal resorptions after challenge with 107 or 109 CFU/ml (24.1% and 30.1%, respectively) than controls (9%). Higher numbers of growth-restricted fetuses we...
Saints, Witches and Go-betweens: The Depiction of Women in Missionary Accounts from the Northern Frontier of New Spain

Ana Castillo's acclaimed novel So Far from God (1993) begins with a funeral procession, during which the deceased, an infant named la Loca, suddenly rises from the dead and flies up to the roof of ...
Theoretical performance of wurtzite and zincblende InGaN/GaN quantum well lasers

The theoretical gain, radiative and Auger recombination rates, and threshold current densities of ideal wurtzite (WZ) and zincblende (ZB) 20 A In0.2Ga0.8N/70 A GaN multiple quantum well laser diodes are compared. We obtain upper bounds on device performance, which are based on reliable calculations for both band structure and recombination dependent features and show (1) that the performance of present devices having the ZB and WZ structures are within 20% of each other in InGaN/GaN, and (2) that present performance of the best currently available devices is only a factor of 3–4 below the theoretical limit. Radiative recombination is far more important than Auger processes. The calculations are performed using a superlattice K⋅p formalism and density functional theory within the local-density approximation. The latter yields bulk zone-center energies, wave functions, and directly calculated momentum matrix elements.
Multi-hump pulses in systems with reflection and phase invariance

Abstract We investigate the existence and stability of standing and travelling multi-hump waves in partial differential equations with reflection and phase symmetries. We focus on 2- and 3-pulse solutions that arise near bi-foci and apply our results to the complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg–Landau equation.
Effects of Prenatal Cocaine on Hearing, Vision, Growth, and Behaviora.

The illicit use of cocaine has increased dramatically over the last 10-12 years. There has been a corresponding increase in cocaine abuse among obstetric patients and in the number of "cocaine babies." According to some estimates, these children make up more than half of the drug-associated births. This problem is therefore a major public health concern. Consequently, our laboratory investigated the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on hearing, vision, growth, and exploratory/stress behavior. This chapter summarizes the literature on animals and humans on these topics and presents new observations from our laboratory. In terms of maternal toxicity, prenatal cocaine exposure causes hypertension, placental abruption, spontaneous abortion, poor pregnancy weight gain, and undernutrition secondary to appetite suppression. Some offspring effects include in utero growth retardation, cephalic hemorrhage, fetal edema, altered body composition, congenital malformations, and even pre- and postnatal death. The offspring can also exhibit a variety of behavioral, visual, hearing, and language disorders. Differential effects of animal strain and late gestational cocaine exposure are discussed. Comparisons are made between prenatal cocaine, the fetal alcohol syndrome, and the effects of prenatal undernutrition. Recommendations for clinical assessment and intervention are made.
Evaluation of soft x-ray yield of Al from 27.557-MeV neutral particles

Extreme ultraviolet (XUV) emission from Al bombarded by 50-MeV H{sup 0} particles has been reported by James, Sauers, and Arakawa. However, the contribution to the observed signal from scattered electrons has not been evaluated, and the origin of XUV light was not determined since only broadband filters were used. We have therefore measured the XUV emission for 15 keV electrons incident on an Al target using a grazing incidence spectrometer. We find the emission is composed primarily of Al {ital L}{sub 23} soft x rays and determine a yield of 0.021 photons/electron. This value is large compared with previous work with high-{ital Z} materials, and our yield values are 100 times higher than standard theories which do not consider secondary electrons. We show that {ital L}-shell emission in low-{ital Z} materials is due primarily to ionizations from secondary electrons created near the surface. Since the number of secondary electrons created by an energetic particle is roughly proportional to the energy deposited by the particle, relative x-ray yields from energetic protons and electrons can be determined from a knowledge of stopping powers. Using stopping power calculations, we estimate that the Al {ital L}{sub 23} soft x-ray yield from 27.542-MeV proton bombardmentmore » is 0.027 photons/proton. A 27.557-MeV H{sup 0} particle is essentially equivalent to a 27.542-MeV proton and a 15-keV electron; thus, the yield of Al {ital L}{sub 23} soft x rays from 27.557-MeV H{sup 0} particle bombardment is 0.048 photons/particle.« less
Breathing Room for Early Animals

Did an increase in atmospheric oxygen concentration some time during the Neoproterozoic era, 1,000 to 543 million years ago, make possible the diversification of multicellular animals?
Present Distribution and Affinities of Mexican Mammals

P HYSIOGRAPHICALLY, the land mass of Mexico consists of a mountain and plateau area and a low coastal area Each of these is occupied by a somewhat distinct mammalian fauna. There are certain mammal kinds that overlap these areas in their distributional patterns, but this is to be expected. The mountain and plateau area (including northern coastal areas) is inhabited principally by northern mammals. The other, tropical and subtropical, chiefly lowland and coastal, is occupied primarily by mammals with southern affinities. The areas are fairly well defined by the geographic ranges of the two genera-Citellus (ground squirrels), representing the northern element, and Marmosa (murine opossums), representing the southern group (Fig. 1). If we plot distributions, on the generic level, of the eighty-seven genera of non-flying land mammals known from Mexico, we find those of thirty-two genera falling within that outlined for Citellus and twenty-nine within that outlined for Marmosa. Twenty-six genera have geographic ranges that overlap and partially fill each of the two major areas, and are not confined within either one. These areas can be, and have been, further subdivided into fairly natural units. The northwest desert (Sonora and Baja California), the northeast coast, and the Yucatan peninsula, to mention the most obvious, are fairly distinct areas, but it is not the purpose in the present paper to go beyond the major divisions. I shall be concerned primarily with affinities in a broad sense-affinities with the mammalian faunas of the Americas. To review briefly the geological history of North, Central, and South America from early Tertiary times, we know that mammals reached South America probably in the pre-Tertiary. The northern and southern continents were then isolated until late Tertiary. During this period of isolation, South America developed its perculiar mammalian fauna. A quite different fauna was evolving in North America. When land connections were again established, there was an extension of geographic range of certain South American species northward over the isthmus and of certain North American species southward. It was not an exchange of faunas, but an addition to each by the other. During late Tertiary and early Quarternary, some of the South American elements gradually extended northward where habitats and other environmental conditions permitted. Subsequently, during glaciation, the northern faunas were pushed southward and undoubtedly some, or all, of the invaders from South America retreated again. The lemming vole
The results of radiation therapy for isolated local regional recurrence after mastectomy.

Abstract Between 1967 and 1988 128 patients with isolated local-regional recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy were treated with definitive radiation therapy. Recurrence was confined to a single site in 108 patients and multiple sites in 20. The chest wall was the most common location (86) and the supraclavicular region was the second most common (20). Surgical treatment for recurrence prior to irradiation consisted of excision of all gross disease in 78 patients and incisional biopsy in 49 patients. Irradiation was directed to the entire chest wall in 19% of patients with isolated chest wall recurrences and to the chest wall and regional nodes in 81%. In patients with isolated nodal failures, treatment was directed to the nodal site and chest wall in 87% and to the regional site alone in 13%. Patients with multiple sites received treatment to the chest wall and regional nodes in all cases. Electively treated sites usually received 4500–5000 cGy. Following excision of chest wall disease, the median dose was 6000 cGy. Gross disease on the chest wall received a median dose of 6100 cGy. Gross disease in nodal sites received a median dose of 5600 cGy; 66 patients received systemic therapy at recurrence. The 5-year actuarial local-regional control was 43%. In a multivariate analysis only the estrogen receptor status of the recurrence remained significant ( p = .002). The 5-year actuarial survival was 49% with a relapse-free survival of 24%. In a multivariate analysis for survival, the disease-free interval (p = .007 local regional control ( p = .006), and excisional biopsy for recurrence ( p = .03) remained significant. In a multivariate analysis for relapse-free survival, the disease-free interval ( p = .03), excisional biopsy ( p = .0001 and the extent of axillary nodal involvement ( p = .007) remained significant. In the subgroup of patients with a disease-free interval ≥ 24 months, excisional biopsy, and local regional control, the 5-year survival was 61% with a relapse-free survival of 59%. This subgroup represents 18% of the entire group and has a relatively good prognosis after recurrence.
Dosimetric evaluation of a specialized radiotherapy treatment technique for scleredema

Scleredema adultorum of Buschke is an unusual manifestation of diabetes mellitus that can result in painful indurations and thickening of the skin with associated limitation of motion, and has been previously reported to be responsive to radiotherapy. We report on the method employed to treat a severely affected patient by means of opposed photon fields and multiple electron fields encompassing his entire neck, arms, and thorax.
Heterogeneity of envelope polypeptides among strains of Venezuelan encephalitis virus

Abstract Comparative virion polypeptide analysis of 29 strains of purified Venezuelan encephalitis virus by electrophoresis side by side on discontinuous, slab polyacrylamide gels revealed heterogeneity in electrophoretic mobility and apparent numbers of polypeptides. All strains had two common proteins: a capsid protein of 36,000 molecular weight, and an envelope glycoprotein of 50,000–51,000 molecular weight. Another glycoprotein ranged in molecular weight between 51,000 and 55,000. Eight strains yielded an additional glycoprotein peak in the range of 56,000–58,000; two others showed a small glycoprotein peak at 45,000–46,000. These polypeptide patterns were not influenced by the cell species (chick, hamster, monkey) in which the virus was cultured.