cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 176: DDR2-depleted mesenchymal stem cells attenuate the tumor-promoting effect of breast cancer cell engulfment

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited to the tumor microenvironment and promote tumor progression. We have demonstrated that MSC expressing DDR2, a collagen receptor, mediates stromal-breast cancer direct interactions and promotes metastatic growth. Tumor microenvironment studies have shown that transfer of cellular constituents from stromal cells to cancer cells stimulate malignant behavior but the mechanisms need further study. Pathologists have noticed that metastatic carcinoma cells in tissues display cell “cannibalism”, and MDA-MB-231 cells were recently found to cannibalize MSC, but the in vivo consequences and mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesize that breast cancer cells engulf MSC which enables metastatic dissemination, and that DDR2 inhibition in MSC may block this effect. Methods: We used GFP labeled breast cancer cells (BCC) of high metastatic potential (MDA-MB-231 and -436), non-metastatic (MCF7), and non-tumorigenic (HME and MCF10A), and Ds-RED labeled MSC controls (MSC-shC) and with DDR2 shRNA knockdown (MSC-shDDR2). 3D-Co-culturing MSC-Ds-Red and BCC-GFP and Image Stream flow cytometry single cell system were used to quantify cell engulfing. Live Imaging Delta Vision was used to visualize engulfing. We developed a microfluidic high-throughput cell paring and retrieval platform to study BCC-MSC-shC and shDDR2 engulfing clones which allowed selective retrieval of single cells. RNA sequencing of engulfing MSC-shC or MSC-shDDR2 BCCs clones was compared to non-engulfing BCCs. The in vitro and in vivo relevance of engulfment of MSC-shC or MSC-shDDR2 by BCCs was assessed by WB, invasion, migration, mammosphere assays, and xenografts. Results: Subpopulations of metastatic MDA-MB-231 and -436 cells engulf MSCs. MSC engulfment was not detected in non-metastatic and non-tumorigenic breast cells. Using our high-throughput cellular pairing platform we visualized MSC engulfment, and retrieved engulfing and non-engulfing BCCs. RNA sequencing revealed a 7-gene engulfing signature by comparing BCC engulfing MSC-shC, and BCC engulfing MSC-shDDR2, BCC non-engulfing. Functionally, MSC engulfment enhances EMT, mammospheres, migration and invasion of BCCs. Conclusions: We developed a high-throughput cellular pairing platform to study MSC engulfment by BCC, and demonstrated that engulfment of MSC by BCC is a key mechanism enabling tumor progression. Our study suggests that DDR2 knockdown in MSC reduces their ability to enhance tumorigenic functions after engulfment by BCC. We identify an MSC engulfment gene signature with potential for developing of new tissue-based biomarkers of metastasis. Citation Format: Maria E. Gonzalez, Yu-Chi Chen, Celina G. kleer. DDR2-depleted mesenchymal stem cells attenuate the tumor-promoting effect of breast cancer cell engulfment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 176.
Estimating the initial-formation temperature and flowing-temperature gradient with transient-temperature analysis: Applications in gas reservoirs

Abstract The formation temperature constitutes one of the essential factors that affect the wellbore fluid temperature behavior in production mode. The amount and direction of the radial heat transfer between the surrounding formation and the wellbore depend on the temperature differential and thermal properties of the media. Traditional studies probing geothermal gradients depended principally on extrapolating the transient bottomhole temperature to infinite shut-in time for obtaining the undisturbed formation temperature. After that, a straight line from the surface to the bottomhole condition constituted the geothermal gradient. Of course, the implicit assumption in this approach is that a linear geothermal gradient exists in light of unavailability of depth-wise temperature measurements. This study presents a new transient-temperature analysis approach to determine the undisturbed formation temperature. Specifically, we show the application of the line-source solution that has roots in the temperature-diffusivity equation. Secondly, using the distributed temperature measurements associated with transient-pressure testing, we proved that the bottomhole or static temperature is time-dependent, leading to alteration of the geothermal gradient in a well's proximity. Finally, the lowering of the temperature-derivative plateau with increasing depth during well shut-in periods indicated an increase in thermal conductivity, resulting in a nonlinear geothermal gradient.
Specificity of cholera toxin and mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase activity in cultured myoblasts

KemptIde (Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly), is a good substrate for cholera toxin in comparison with the angiotensin peptides. Because kemptide contains two potential ADP-ribosylation sites and, is also a good substrate for cAHP-dependent protein kinase, it was possible to gain some insight into factors influencing the specificity of cholera toxin and to study the relationship between phosphorylation and ADP-ribosylation. The ADPribosylated products of kemptide were purified by highperformance liquid chromatography and characterized by peptide sequence analysis, trypsin digestion, and fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The major product is mono(ADP-ribosyl)ated preferentially on the first arginyl residue and some mono(ADP-ribosyl)atlon was observed to occur on the second arginine. The minor product is di(ADPribosyl)ated. The Km and Vmax for mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation of kemptide are approximately 7.7 ± 2.1 mM and 38.1 ± 5.5 nmoles min" mg~ , respectively. Phosphorylated seryl residue of kemptide almost completely blocks ADPribosylation of the arginyl residues by cholera toxin. Mono(ADP-ribosyl)ated kemptide is a poor substrate for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase in comparison with kemptide.
Casein kinase 1α decreases β-catenin levels at adherens junctions to facilitate wound closure in Drosophila larvae.

Skin wound repair is essential to restore barrier function and prevent infection after tissue damage. Wound-edge epidermal cells migrate as a sheet to close the wound. However, it is still unclear how cell-cell junctions are regulated during wound closure (WC). To study this, we examined adherens junctions during WC in Drosophila larvae. β-Catenin is reduced at the lateral cell-cell junctions of wound-edge epidermal cells in the early healing stages. Destruction complex components, including Ck1α, GSK3β and β-TrCP, suppress β-catenin levels in the larval epidermis. Tissue-specific RNAi targeting these genes also caused severe WC defects. The Ck1αRNAi -induced WC defect is related to adherens junctions because loss of either β-catenin or E-cadherin significantly rescued this WC defect. In contrast, TCFRNAi does not rescue the Ck1αRNAi -induced WC defect, suggesting that Wnt signaling is not related to this defect. Direct overexpression of β-catenin recapitulates most of the features of Ck1α reduction during wounding. Finally, loss of Ck1α also blocked junctional E-cadherin reduction around the wound. Our results suggest that Ck1α and the destruction complex locally regulate cell adhesion to facilitate efficient wound repair.
Malate Content in Wild Vitis spp. Demonstrates a Range of Behaviors during Berry Maturation

Wild Vitis spp. and their interspecific hybrids are known to have high malate concentrations at sugar maturity as compared to domesticated Vitis vinifera, but it is unknown if differences in malate at harvest among species arise from differences in malate accumulation or degradation. Over two years, fruit from Vitis riparia and Vitis cinerea accessions along with commercial V. vinifera and interspecific hybrid cultivars were collected at multiple time points. In contrast to the well-known biphasic behavior of malate in V. vinifera (preveraison accumulation, postveraison degradation), we observed a range of behaviors for malate in wild species. On average, V. riparia accessions had malate per berry comparable to V. vinifera just prior to veraison, but degraded malate to a much lesser extent. V. cinerea accessions had lower malate prior to veraison than other species but showed an increase in malate from pre- to postveraison. Variation in postveraison malate behavior appears related to diminished malate degradation in the mesocarp of wild Vitis spp. Our results indicate that studies of malate behavior in Vitis spp. and their hybrids should include both pre- and postveraison time points.
Analyzing Wikipedia Deletion Debates with a Group Decision-Making Forecast Model

In this work we show that machine learning with natural language processing can accurately forecast the outcomes of group decision-making in online discussions. Specifically, we study Articles for Deletion, a Wikipedia forum for determining which content should be included on the site. Applying this model, we replicate several findings from prior work on the factors that predict debate outcomes; we then extend this prior work and present new avenues for study, particularly in the use of policy citation during discussion. Alongside these findings, we introduce a structured corpus and source code for analyzing over 400,000 deletion debates spanning Wikipedia's history, enabling future large-scale studies of group decision-making discourse
Canonical solutions for unsteady flow fields

The initial value problem of one-dimensional gas-dynamics involving discontinuous, nonuniform initial data is discussed. Canonical solutions which are valid in a small x, t region aroung a discontinuity, and which include the first order effects of nonuniformities in the data, are derived explicitly. The theory is derived by considering a group of elementary piston problems. Solutions with a shock or with a centered expansion wave are worked out individually in order to relate initial flow properties and their gradients to the speed and acceleration of the discontinuity waves. They are then combined to represent the solution of a general initial value problem by regarding the piston path as a contact line. In addition, problems with chemical reaction are discussed in terms of elementary piston problems which involve strong detonation waves, Chapman-Jouguet detonation waves, and deflagration waves.
Social systems and community development: Cooperstown, New York, and its imitators

This article explores a distinction between two types of community and economic development: System-Oriented Development (SOD) and Project-Oriented Development (POD). SOD is understood as the devel...
The Variable Nature of the Gender Gap in Political Knowledge

Previous research demonstrates that long-standing gender gaps in political knowledge are often a function of measurement artifacts. This article examines two potential measurement issues – question...
The theology of liberalism: political philosophy and the justice of god: by Eric Nelson, Harvard University Press, 2019, 232 pp., $29.95 (hardback), ISBN 9780674240940

Liberalism's theology, according to Eric Nelson, is Pelagian Christianity – or at least it was before John Rawls. With Rawls, Nelson argues, liberal political philosophy took an anti-Pelagian turn ...
Failure Analysis of Gas Spray Atomization Crucible Materials

An attempted induction melt for gas spray atomization of a Pd alloy at Savannah River National Laboratory experienced a series of faulty thermocouple readings leading to failure of multiple alumina ceramic components and the loss of the metal charge. The spherical powders are used in the research and development efforts for hydrogen storage applications. The failure of the thermocouples led to high operating temperatures exceeding the expected operating temperatures. Estimated temperatures of the liquid metal were established by the comparison of the radio frequency power output and multiple temperature readings and determined to have exceeded the functional temperature range of the alumina components. Failure analyses of the event included characterization of the components using visual observation and X-ray computed tomography of the frozen ingot.
A Digital Green Thumb: Neural Networks to Monitor Hydroponic Plant Growth

Hydroponics systems present an extraordinary opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of agriculture and increase access to fresh produce. Automated hydroponics systems contain many sensors to monitor plant growth and health, but recovering information about plant status is a non-trivial task; most methods require specialized camera hardware or extensive manually-annotated data. A common alternative is to simply take a photograph of plants using an ordinary digital camera and calculate the percentage of the image that is green, since previous research links this percentage very closely to plant biomass; however, this approach fails with anthocyanin-producing (purple) plants or night-vision (greyscale) imagery.We developed a data-driven approach with no requirement of manual annotation. For each of 20 distinct time series of green plant images, we calculated which pixels were green, a proxy for labeling which pixels were occupied by plant matter. We then converted all images to greyscale and trained convolutional neural networks, inspired by state-of-the-art object detection and image segmentation literature, to take a greyscale image and classify which pixels were originally green. We systematically compared several network architectures, including Unet, Linknet, FPN, and PSPNet, using a 34-layer ResNet architecture for the encoder and evaluated model performance by ten-fold cross-validation, training on 18 series and leaving out two per fold.We calculated cross-validated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each model and achieved a maximum validation-set area under the curve (AUC) over 0.92, after only ten epochs of training from randomly-initialized weights. Time series plots of the average per-pixel predicted probability (predicted percent greenness of an image) followed the true percentages quite closely but displayed much smoother and more interpretable trends, even when the true label was very noisy. The resulting plant growth index retains the power of the simpler percent-green metric, but by design generalizes to difficult images where green is completely absent. We have therefore developed a robust and deployable monitoring system for the growth of diverse plant species in automated hydroponics systems.
Assessing text mining algorithm outcomes

There is a surge in the development of decision-oriented analysis tools intended to extract actionable information from text. These tools integrate various text-mining methods that were performance...
The Sport of Kingmakers: Horse Racing in Late Stuart England

This essay sketches the general outlines of an argument that locates the rise of horse racing as a national sport in England in the context of national political change. In brief, the argument migh...
Structural changes during crystallization and vitrification of dilute FCC-based binary alloys

Abstract Structural mechanisms causing local coordination changes during crystallization and vitrification in dilute face-centered-cubic (FCC) alloys was investigated using model Al-Sm, which also serves as prototype for lightweight Al-rare earth (RE) structural alloys. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the solidification behavior of Al-1at.%Sm and Al-5at.%Sm at 1010, 1011 and 1012 K/s cooling rates. Two structural features were identified from these simulations, which are related to the molten state and the glass transition (Tg). In case of Al-1at.%Sm, we learn that, near the melting point, liquid phase manifested pockets of unique transitional structures comprising triangular arrangements in near-parallel layers that encapsulated a FCC-HCP coordinated core. We defined such a structure as the pre-critical nucleus, which is contained within an otherwise predominantly uncoordinated amorphous liquid phase. However, within the range of cooling rates employed, Al-5at.%Sm manifested only amorphous structure after solidification. The liquid structure in the transitional state contained temperature dependent icosahedron clusters that manifested as double-peak in the radial distribution function. Near the Tg Al-5at.%Sm achieves additional local ordering via the formation of inter-penetrating icosahedral frameworks. Combined, the structural mechanisms identified in Al-1at.%Sm and Al-5at.%Sm opens new alloy design pathways by (i) stabilizing pockets of pre-critical nucleus to form refined solidification microstructure, and (ii) tuning Tg in the solid amorphous phase, respectively.
Was Albert Einstein Wrong on Quantum Physics

Albert Einstein is considered by many physicists as the father of quantum physics in some sense. Yet there is an unshakable view that he was wrong on quantum physics. Although it may be a subject of considerable debate, the core of his allegedly wrong demurral was the insistence on finding an objective reality underlying the manifestly bizarre behavior of quantum objects. The uncanny wave-particle duality of a quantum particle is a prime example. In view of the latest developments, particularly in quantum field theory, the objections of Einstein are substantially corroborated. Careful investigation suggests that a travelling quantum particle is a holistic wave packet consisting of an assemblage of irregular disturbances in quantum fields. It acts as a particle because only the totality of all the disturbances in the wave packet yields the energy-momentum with the mass of a particle, along with its other conserved quantities such as charge and spin. Thus the wave function representing a particle is not just a fictitious mathematical construct but embodies a reality of nature as asserted by Einstein. Quanta 2015; 4: 35–42.
Understanding tolerance to cell wall–active antibiotics

Antibiotic tolerance-the ability of bacteria to survive for an extended time in the presence of bactericidal antibiotics-is an understudied contributor to antibiotic treatment failure. Herein, I review the manifestations, mechanisms, and clinical relevance of tolerance to cell wall-active (CWA) antibiotics, one of the most important groups of antibiotics at the forefront of clinical use. I discuss definitions of tolerance and assays for tolerance detection, comprehensively discuss the mechanism of action of β-lactams and other CWA antibiotics, and then provide an overview of how cells mitigate the potentially lethal effects of CWA antibiotic-induced cell damage to become tolerant. Lastly, I discuss evidence for a role of CWA antibiotic tolerance in clinical antibiotic treatment failure.
Genomic insights advance the fight against black rot of crucifers

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, the causal agent of black rot of crucifers, was one of the first bacterial plant pathogens ever identified. Over 130 years later, black rot remains a threat to cabbage, cauliflower, and other Brassica crops around the world. Recent genomic and genetic data are informing our understanding of X. campestris taxonomy, dissemination, inoculum sources, and virulence factors. This new knowledge promises to positively impact resistance breeding of Brassica varieties and management of inoculum sources.
A portable debugger for parallel and distributed programs

We describe the design and implementation of a portable debugger for parallel and distributed programs. The design incorporates a client server model in order to isolate nonportable debugger code from the user interface. The precise definition of a protocol for client server interaction facilitates a high degree of client portability. Replication of server components permits the implementation of a debugger for distributed computations. Portability across message passing implementations is achieved with a protocol that specifies the interaction between a message passing library and the debugger. This permits the same debugger to be used both on PVM and MPI programs. The process abstractions used for debugging message passing programs can be adapted to debug HPF programs at the source level. This permits the meaningful display of information obscured in tool generated code.
Idealizing a Chinese Style

The National Central Museum in Nanjing (1935–48) was co-designed by the most distinguished architectural historian in twentieth-century China—Liang Sicheng. It has long been regarded, however, as a representative work of “conservative revivalism” in modern Chinese architectural history. Idealizing a Chinese Style: Rethinking Early Writings on Chinese Architecture and the Design of the National Central Museum in Nanjing attempts to demonstrate the creativity of the design process, Lin Huiyin, and the architects’ ideal for a Chinese-style modern architecture. This ideal, Delin Lai argues, is profoundly rooted in the expectation of Chinese intellectuals for a “Chinese renaissance,” for which the Chinese architectural past was studied, evaluated, and more importantly, redefined through a dialogue with the contemporary architectural discourses and historiography formed in the West. The National Central Museum epitomizes this search for an ideal.
Microstructural characterization of abnormal grain growth behavior of Al-doped ZnO in thin film solar cells

The microstructure of abnormal grains in Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films using a seed layer was examined with the aim of enhancing the performance of transparent conducting oxides in thin film solar cells. The AZO films were prepared by DC-pulsed magnetron sputtering using a two-step process. The seed layer was deposited on a glass substrate under an Ar/O2 atmosphere with a gas flow ratio of 24/1, and the bulk layer was formed on the seed layer in pure Ar. The microstructural properties of the AZO films were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fast Fourier transform simulation, and strain analysis with high-resolution TEM images. The TEM revealed peculiar microstructures on the AZO film showing abnormal grains and a rough surface. The AZO seed layer was formed at a thickness of 50 nm, and two types of grains with columnar and hillock structures were formed on the seed layer. Elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray measurement showed that the abnormal grains contained more metallic elements (Al and Zn) than the normal region with columnar structure in the AZO film. The analysis of fast Fourier transform images of each region showed that the crystal structures of the normal and abnormal grains were the same, whereas the abnormal grain had a different growth orientation from that of the normal region. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1‐p‐Tolylcyclopropanol

1-p-Tolylcyclopropanol product: 1-p-Tolylcyclopropanol Keywords: annulation, carbocyclic-[3]; cyclization, condensation; Grignard and related reactions; apparatus, for transfer of grignard reagents
Polymyxin B inhibits stimulation of glucose transport in muscle by hypoxia or contractions

Glucose transport can be stimulated via two separate pathways in muscle. One is activated by insulin, the other by contractile activity and hypoxia. Polymyxin B, a cationic antibiotic that displaces Ca2+ from anionic phospholipids, is reported to selectively inhibit the stimulation of glucose transport by insulin in muscle. A purpose of the present study was to determine whether the inhibition by polymyxin B is actually restricted to insulin. We found that polymyxin B (250 micrograms/ml) significantly inhibited the stimulation of glucose transport in rat skeletal muscles not only by insulin and vanadate but also by hypoxia, electrical stimulation, and K+. Polymyxin B also decreased the tension developed in response to electrical stimulation or K+. Although polymyxin B inhibited the increase in sugar transport activity induced by insulin and hypoxia, it had no inhibitory effect on sugar transport after it had been stimulated by these agents. These results show that the inhibitory effect of polymyxin B on the stimulation of glucose transport is not specific for insulin action. They suggest that polymyxin B inhibits a step that is common to the two pathways for stimulating glucose transport in skeletal muscle.
Improved Potential Energy Surface of Ozone Constructed Using the Fitting by Permutationally Invariant Polynomial Function

New global potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of ozone is constructed at the complete basis set level of the multireference configuration interaction theory. A method of fitting the data points by analytical permutationally invariant polynomial function is adopted. A small set of 500 points is preoptimized using the old surface of ozone. In this procedure the positions of points in the configuration space are chosen such that the RMS deviation of the fit is minimized. New ab initio calculations are carried out at these points and are used to build new surface. Additional points are added to the vicinity of the minimum energy path in order to improve accuracy of the fit, particularly in the region where the surface of ozone exhibits a shallow van der Waals well. New surface can be used to study formation of ozone at thermal energies and its spectroscopy near the dissociation threshold.
Independent Calibration of 1H Spin-Diffusion Coefficients in Amorphous Polymers by Intramolecular Polarization Transfer

We report a general method, based on intramolecular spin diffusion, for the measurement and calculation of spin-diffusion coefficients in amorphous polymers and their blends using only NMR data. The basic structural unit that defines 1H polarization density in polymers is the monomer unit. Using appropriately selected internal reference distances calculated from energy-minimized chain dimension simulations, time scales for the redistribution of 1H polarization within amorphous homopolymers may be used to independently calculate maximum values of the spin-diffusion coefficients D. This strategy represents an attractive alternative to current methods employed for domain size measurements in polymer blends, which require calibration of spin-diffusion coefficients based on comparisons of similar NMR data obtained on model compounds analyzed previously using scattering or microscopy techniques. In this way, many more polymer systems become amenable to study by NMR spin-diffusion methods, since X-ray scattering...
‘Sport for Grown Children’: American Political Cartoons, 1790–1850

This article explores the emergence of sporting-themed political cartoons in early nineteenth-century America. By using material culture and archaeological methodologies, rather than a traditional visual culture approach, it both explains the genre's development in terms of context (a changing electoral system) and also situates the cartoons within a wider range of sources revealing sport's broader function in that context. In the end, the ‘sporting political cartoon’ appears as an efficient and persuasive symbol, but just one part, of a larger project involving the application of a contentious white masculine sporting culture to party politics.
Preventing Obesity through Schools

This paper describes highlights from the Weight of the Nation 2012 Schools Track. Included is a summary of 16 presentations. Presenters shared key actions for obesity prevention through schools. The information provided at the Weight of the Nation can help school health practitioners access tools, apply evidence-based strategies, and model real-world examples to successfully start obesity prevention initiatives in their jurisdiction.
The role of the antennae and maxillary palps in mediating food preference by larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

The role of antennae and maxillary palps in mediating food preferences by Manduca sexta (Johan.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) was examined. Fifth-instar larvae, having different chemosensory organs remaining after microsurgery, were tested in two-choice feeding assays using three solanaceous host species Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill.), Datura innoxia (Mill.), and Solanum pseudocapsicum (L.), an acceptable non-host Raphanus sativus (L.) (Cruciferae), and an unacceptable non-host Pelargonium hortorum (L.H. Bailey) (Geraniaceae). Larvae had a choice between leaf discs of two plant species or between one species and moist filter paper discs (water). The antennae are fully competent in mediating normal (unimpaired) food preferences for S. pseudocapsicum vs. water and P. hortorum vs. water. Thus, the antennae alone can mediate both acceptance and rejection behaviour. The latter is the first report of such a function in M. sexta. The antennae are partly competent (reduced preference) for S. pseudocapsicum vs. P. hortorum. No antennal competence could be demonstrated using the other plant species tested. The antennae alone are either partly needed (R. sativus vs. water) or not necessary to elicit normal food preferences for the plant species tested. The maxillary palps are fully competent in mediating normal food preference for S. pseudocapsicum vs. water, and D. innoxia vs. water. The palps are partly competent for S. pseudocapsicum vs. P. hortorum and incompetent for the other plant species tested. Thus, the maxillary palps alone could only mediate acceptance behaviour in this study. The need of the maxillary palps in normal food preferences could not be demonstrated. Interestingly, the maxillary palps alone can mediate food preferences for two normally rejected plants, R. sativus and P. hortorum. Similar results are reported for two other non-host plant species, Vigna unguiculata (Walp.) (Leguminosae) and Vinca rosea (L.) (Apocynaceae). Perhaps, the maxillary palps inform M. sexta mostly about feeding stimulatory chemicals common to most plant species.
Trichinella spiralis: Immunologic response to infection in mice

Abstract Serum IgG 1 , IgG 2 , IgM, and IgA levels were measured by radial immunodiffusion in C57B1 mice after infection with 200 Trichinella larvae . IgG 1 concentrations increased 2- to 5-fold during the second week of infection; IgA and IgG 2 levels showed little consistent change; IgM concentrations increased from the second week through the fourth week of infection. Similar changes in serum immunoglobulin levels, with the exception of IgM, were found in ICR mice infected with Trichinella . An increase in IgG 1 -containing cells relative to cells containing immunoglobulins of other classes was observed in the immunocyte populations of the spleens, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches of mice hyperinfected with Trichinella . The immunocyte population of the intestinal mucosa showed a relative increase in IgM- and IgG 1 -containing cells during the second week after primary infection. Antibody in the four immunoglobulin classes was measured by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique using frozen sections of muscle larvae as antigens. By day 15 of infection antibody was detected in all immunoglobulin classes. Antibodies in IgG 1 and IgG 2 exhibited specificity for the stichosome cells and cuticle; antibodies in IgA and IgM showed specificity principally for membranes of the larvae. Antibody in the content of the small intestine was detected during the second week of infection. These antibodies were predominantly in IgA. Antigen ( Trichinella extract)-sensitive cells in spleen, mesenteric lymph node and Peyer's patches of Trichinella -infected mice were detected by incorporation of tritiated thymidine in cell cultures. The cells were detected in the spleen during the first week of infection and by the second week in the other lymphoid tissues. Transfer of spleen cells or lymph node cells from Trichinella -infected C57B1 mice to uninfected C57B1 mice induced an accelerated, humoral antibody response to Trichinella antigens in the recipient mice after inoculation of the mice with infective Trichinella larvae.
Effect of increasing heart rate on left ventricular performance in patients with normal cardiac function

The influence of an increase in heart rate on left ventricular (LV) contractile performance was assessed in patients with normal LV function. In 19 patients (3 men, 16 women) ages 55 +/- 9 years (mean +/- standard deviation) with normal global and segmental LV function and normal coronary arteries, LV dP/dt max was measured at baseline heart rate and during atrial pacing at baseline +5, baseline +25 and baseline +45 beats/min. In 10 of the patients, intravascular volume was not altered during pacing and, as a result, echocardiographically measured LV end-diastolic dimension decreased (5.4 +/- 0.4 at baseline vs 4.9 +/- 0.5 cm at baseline +45 beats/min, p less than 0.05). In these patients, LV dP/dt max increased modestly (1,571 +/- 237 at baseline vs 1,760 +/- 199 mm Hg/s at baseline +45 beats/min, p less than 0.05). In the other 9 patients, intravascular volume was expanded rapidly (by saline infusion) during pacing and, as a result, LV end-diastolic dimension was held constant (5.2 +/- 0.6 at baseline vs 5.1 +/- 0.6 cm at baseline +45 beats/min, difference not significant). In these patients, LV dP/dt max increased substantially with pacing (1,505 +/- 228 at baseline vs 2,050 +/- 258 mm Hg/s at baseline +45 beats/min, p less than 0.05). Thus, an increase in heart rate induces a modest increase in LV dP/dt max in patients in whom LV preload (as reflected by end-diastolic dimension) is allowed to decrease; in contrast, it causes a marked increase in LV dP/dt max in those in whom LV preload is maintained constant.
Stability of Mushy State in Magnetic Field During Electrical Conductivity Measurements Using Rotational Technique

The preliminary results of the mathematical modeling of the stability of a mushy state in magnetic field are presented. The problem is applied to the electrical conductivity measurements on liquid metals using rotational technique.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A novel three-dimensional in vitro system to study trophoblast-endothelium cell interactions.

Introduction Pregnancy complications have been linked to improper trophoblast migration and failure of spiral artery transformation. Endothelial cells play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although by an unknown mechanism. We describe a novel in vitro model to evaluate endothelial–trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three-dimensional system. Method of study Immortalized human endometrial endothelial cell line and first trimester trophoblast cells were co-cultured. Endothelial transformation into vessel-like structures occurred in MatrigelTM OpenLab Image Analysis software was used to monitor labeled trophoblast migration and endothelium transformation. Cytokine/chemokine production was determined using Multiplex. Results Trophoblast migrates toward endothelial cells in Matrigel, aligns on top of the endothelium within 4–8 hr and achieves complete replacement of the endothelium by 72–96 hr. Lipopolysaccharide treatment damages the endothelium and disrupts endothelium–trophoblast interaction. Conclusion We report a novel three-dimensional in vitro and in vivo system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction. Significant changes in endothelial cells’ phenotype are observed upon differentiation in Matrigel. These changes may be necessary for endothelium to direct trophoblast migration and transformation.
Independence of Age-Related Influences on Cognitive Abilities across the Life Span.

Age-related increases in childhood and age-related decreases in adulthood have been reported for a wide variety of cognitive variables, but relatively little research has addressed the question of the independence of these influences. In this project, cross-sectional life span data (age 5 to 94 years) from the nationally representative sample used to establish the norms for the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (R. W. Woodcock & M. B. Johnson, 1989, 1990) were subjected to several types of analyses. The results indicated that the majority of age-related differences appear to be shared across different cognitive variables and are well predicted by individual differences in higher order factors. These findings suggest that the role of task-specific interpretations of developmental differences in cognition needs to be reevaluated to take into consideration the lack of independence of age-related influences on a variety of cognitive variables.
Pneumocystis carinii Serologic Study in Pediatric Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

• Pneumocystis carinii antigen and IgG antibody profiles were prepared on 17 pediatric patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with pneumonia who were examined by a variety of invasive methods for P carinii organisms. Overall, the accuracy of the antigen assay in invasively examined pediatric patients with AIDS with pneumonia was 94% (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 90%), as antigen and invasive test results agreed in 16 of 17 patients. No statistically significant differences in IgG titer were observed between controls and patients invasively examined for P carinii , whether the organism was observed in the specimen or not. Since 38% of all serum samples referred were derived from "blood-borne" cases of AIDS, including patients who contracted AIDS as a result of both transfusion and hemophilia A, this suggests that P carinii pneumonia or P carinii pneumonia—like pneumonias may be more common in these individuals. ( AJDC 1988;142:36-39)
Alkaline hydrolysis of homopolymers and copolymers of 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate

Homopolymers of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) were prepared in 1,4-dioxane. The reactivity ratios were determined to be rAA = 0.27 ± 0.04 and rHPMA = 2.2 ± 0.2. The alkaline hydrolysis by sodium hydroxide of the HPMA monomer and polymers showed that while the HPMA monomer hydrolyzed readily as expected for a low-molecular-weight carboxylic ester the HPMA homopolymer and water-soluble sodium acrylate (NaA) copolymers were extremely resistant to alkaline hydrolysis. The saponification reaction followed a second-order rate equation, being first order with respect to both HPMA and hydroxide ion concentration. The Arrhenius parameters, activation energy E and frequency factor A, for the alkaline hydrolysis of HPMA monomer in water were found to be E = 10.3 Kcal/mol and A = 1.5 × 108 L/mol min, and those for the NaA–HPMA copolymers in water were found to be E = 24 kcal/mol and A = 4 × 1012 L/mol min. The NaA–HPMA copolymers had a limiting extent of hydrolysis, ranging from 9–90% ester conversion. A sharp rate decrease at low conversion was noted during the HPMA homopolymer hydrolysis in 58/42 dimethyl sulfoxide/water, allowing the calculation of two distinct reaction rates. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mechanical properties of materials in fusion reactor first-wall and blanket systems

With respect to the effects of irradiation on mechanical properties, the most significant difference between fast fission and fusion reactor spectra is the relatively large amount of helium produced by (n, α) transmutations in the latter. Relevant information on the effects of large amounts of helium (with concomitant displacement damage) comes from irradiation of alloys containing nickel in mixed spectrum reactors. At helium levels of interest for fusion reactor development, properties are degraded to unacceptable levels above 0.5 Tm. Below this temperature, strength and ductility are retained and fractures remain transgranular. Importantly, the properties remain sensitive to composition and structure. A comparison of the response of bcc refractory alloys to that of stainless steel at equivalent damage levels shows the same general trends in properties with homologous temperature. The refractory alloys do offer potential for higher temperature applications because of their higher melting temperatures.
Drug-resistant Salmonella in the United States: an epidemiologic perspective

Salmonellosis poses a health problem of large proportions in the United States. Annually, it accounts for more than 40,000 reported cases, 500 deaths, and financial costs well in excess of $50 million. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing in Salmonella strains, a finding that has important public health implications. Although the chain of transmission of the bacteria is often complex, combined epidemiologic and laboratory studies with the use of new methods in molecular biology make it possible to trace antimicrobial-resistant salmonellae to their primary source--foods of animal origin. These studies suggest that the antimicrobial drugs to which food animals are exposed provide selective pressure that leads to the appearance and persistence of resistant strains.
New concepts in molecular and energy transport within carbon nanotubes: Thermopower waves and stochastically resonant ion channels

Our laboratory has been interested in how carbon nanotubes can be utilized to illustrate new concepts in molecular and energy transfer. In the first example, we predict and demonstrate the concept of thermopower waves for energy generation. Coupling an exothermic chemical reaction with a thermally conductive CNT creates a self-propagating reactive wave driven along its length. We realize such waves in multi-walled nanotubes (MWNT) and show that they produce concomitant electrical pulses of high specific power >7 kW/kg. Such waves of high power density may find uses as unique energy sources. In the second system, we fabricate and study single-walled nanotube (SWNT) ion channels for the first time and show that the longest, highest aspect ratio, and smallest diameter synthetic nanopore examined to date, a 500 µm SWNT, demonstrates oscillations in electro-osmotic current at specific ranges of electric field, that are the signatures of coherence resonance, yielding self-generated rhythmic and frequency-locked transport. The observed oscillations in the current occur due to a coupling between stochastic pore blocking and a diffusion limitation that develops at the pore mouth during proton transport.
Effects of Calcium Ascorbate and Ionizing Radiation on the Survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Product Quality of Fresh-cut ‘Gala’ Apples

The interactive effects of calcium ascorbate (CaA) and ionizing radiation on viability of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in solutions and on 'Gala' apple slices were investigated. The D10 values (radiation doses that inactivate 90% of bacterial population) for L. monocytogenes inoculated in water, 3.5%, and 7.0% CaA solutions were 0.32, 0.61, and 0.58 kGy, respectively. The D10 values of the pathogen on the surface of apple slices treated with water, 3.5%, and 7.0% CaA were 0.24, 0.32, and 0.32 kGy, respectively. To determine the impact of CaA and irradiation on quality of apple slices, apple slices treated with 0%, 3.5%, and 7.0% CaA were exposed to 1.6 kGy gamma radiation (a dose that produced a 5-log reduction of L. monocytogenes) and stored under modified atmosphere at 4 degrees C for 14 d. CaA at levels of both 3.5% and 7.0% prevented the browning of the apple slices. The apple aroma intensity, however, decreased as the concentration of CaA increased. Irradiation at 1.6 kGy did not significantly affect color, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, or apple aroma intensity. The only negative effect of irradiation on apple slices appeared to be a loss of firmness. Our results suggest that CaA, used as an antibrowning agent, protected L. monocytogenes from radiation both in solution and on apple slices, but radiation at doses sufficient to inactivate 5-log of the bacterium did not significantly influence product quality attributes except for the loss in firmness.
Morphometric analyses of elastic tissue fibers in dermatofibroma: clues to etiopathogenesis?

Background The etiopathogenesis of dermatofibroma (DF), a common benign fibrohistiocytic tumor, is debatable. The goal of this study was to ascertain the density of elastic tissue fibers in DF in an effort to investigate whether this provides an insight into its etiopathogenesis. Method Three groups comprising eight cellular DFs, eight paucicellular DFs and eight scars (control group) were stained with a modified Verhoeffs-van Gieson (without counterstain), and elastic fibers in three randomly selected fields within the lesional area/case semiquantitatively analyzed and examined in a blinded fashion. Result The mean density of elastic tissue fibers in cellular DF was 6.81 (1.38-15.89); in paucicellular DF, 2.46 (0.14-5.79) and in scar, 2.95 (0.97-10.69). Overall, significant differences in density of elastic tissue fibers were observed only between cellular DF and the other two groups (vs. paucicellular variant, p = 0.03 and vs. scar, p = 0.05). Morphological changes observed included thickness, clumping, elongation and waviness (cellular DF) and margination of elastic tissue fibers (paucicellular variant). Conclusion While the jury still appears to be out regarding the etiopathogenesis of DF, the reduction in density of elastic tissue fibers in the paucicellular variant compared with its cellular counterpart lends credence to the concept of evolutionary stages of DF.
Omnimagnet: An Omnidirectional Electromagnet for Controlled Dipole-Field Generation

An Omnimagnet is an omnidirectional electromagnet comprising a spherical ferromagnetic core inside of three orthogonal nested solenoids. It generates a magnetic dipole field with both a variable dipole-moment magnitude and orientation with no moving parts. The magnetic and physical properties (e.g., dipole moment, weight, resistance, and inductance) of any Omnimagnet are derived. These general relationships are used to design an optimal Omnimagnet subject to the constraints that it has the same dipole-moment per applied current in any direction, each solenoid has no quadrupole contribution to the magnetic field, and the spherical core size maximizes the strength of the resulting dipole field. This optimal design is analyzed using FEA tools and is verified to be dipole-like in nature. Finally, the optimal design is constructed and its utility is demonstrated by driving a helical capsule-endoscope mockup through a transparent lumen.
Comparison of laboratory-scale solute transport visualization experiments with numerical simulation using cross-bedded sandstone

Abstract Using a slab of Massillon Sandstone, laboratory-scale solute tracer experiments were carried out to test numerical simulations using the Advection–Dispersion Equation (ADE). While studies of a similar nature exist, our work differs in that we combine: (1) experimentation in naturally complex geologic media, (2) X-ray absorption imaging to visualize and quantify two-dimensional solute transport, (3) high resolution transport property characterization, with (4) numerical simulation. The simulations use permeability, porosity, and solute concentration measured to sub-centimeter resolution. While bulk breakthrough curve characteristics were adequately matched, large discrepancies exist between the experimental and simulated solute concentration fields. Investigation of potential experimental errors suggests that the failure to fit solute concentration fields may lie in loss of intricate connectivity within the cross-bedded sandstone occurring at scales finer than our property characterization measurements (i.e., sub-centimeter).