cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic oxygen-17 MRI with adaptive temporal resolution using golden-means-based 3D radial sampling.

Purpose The aim of this study was to develop a high-resolution 3D oxygen-17 (17 O) MRI method to delineate the kinetics of 17 O-enriched water (H2 17 O) across the entire mouse brain after a bolus injection via the tail vein. Methods The dynamic 17 O signal was acquired with a golden-means-based 3D radial sampling scheme. To achieve adequate temporal resolution with preserved spatial resolution, a k-space-weighted view sharing strategy was used in image reconstruction with an adaptive window size tailored to the kinetics of the 17 O signal. Simulation studies were performed to determine the adequate image reconstruction parameters. The established method was applied to delineating the kinetics of intravenously injected H2 17 O in vivo in the post-stroke mouse brain. Results The proposed dynamic 17 O-MRI method achieved an isotropic resolution of 1.21 mm (0.77 mm nominal) in mouse brain at 9.4T, with the temporal resolution increased gradually from 3 s at the initial phase of rapid signal increase to 15 s at the steady-state. The high spatial resolution enabled the delineation of the heterogeneous H2 17 O uptake and washout kinetics in stroke-affected mouse brain. Conclusion The current study demonstrated a 3D 17 O-MRI method for dynamic monitoring of 17 O signal changes with high spatial and temporal resolution. The method can be utilized to quantify physiological parameters such as cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier permeability by tracking injected H2 17 O. It can also be used to measure oxygen consumption rate in 17 O-oxygen inhalation studies.
Dampening the warm glow of a visible brand logo: how positive affect influences the perceived value of status goods

High status is conducive to many pleasant outcomes in life, and people often desire status goods for the attention and respect that are given to those who have them. This research shows that positi...
Landing biomechanics deficits in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients can be assessed in a non‐laboratory setting

Landing biomechanics provide important information pertaining to second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in patients following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). While traditional motion analysis technologies are often impractical for use in non-laboratory settings, methods to assess landing biomechanics which are inexpensive, portable, and user-friendly have recently been developed and validated. The purpose of this study was to compare landing kinematics and kinetics between ACLR patients and uninjured controls in a non-laboratory setting. Sixteen ACLR patients (7 male/9 female, 6-12 months post-ACLR) and 16 gender-matched controls completed seven bilateral drop vertical jumps and seven unilateral drop landings on each limb. Plantar force was measured bilaterally using force sensing insoles and frontal and sagittal-plane knee kinematics were measured using two tablets, six reflective markers, and automated point tracking software. Plantar force impulse normalized symmetry index (NSI) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) range of motion were computed during bilateral landing, and knee flexion range of motion NSI was computed during unilateral landing and compared between groups using independent samples t tests. ACLR patients had larger NSIs (reflecting less symmetry) for plantar force impulse during bilateral landing (p < 0.001) and knee flexion range of motion during unilateral landing (p = 0.004). No between-group differences were observed for knee FPPA range of motion (p = 0.111). This study is an important step towards assessing landing biomechanics in non-research settings with the goal of providing quantitative injury risk metrics in a clinical setting that can be used for return to sport decision making.
Fast Hosting Capacity Analysis for Thermal Loading Constraint Using Sensitivity-based Decomposition Method

High solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration can cause reverse power flows that exceed the thermal loading limits of distribution transformers, lines, and other equipment. PV hosting capacity refers to the amount of solar PV that a feeder location can accommodate without adverse power quality, reliability, or safety impacts. Previous work has established that the nodal voltage magnitude has a quasi-linear relationship with the feeder load and PV power injections. However, the analysis of circuit thermal limits in hosting capacity is more difficult due to the nonlinear nature of the line current magnitude. This paper uses a decomposition method that combines real and reactive power flow manifolds to accurately estimate the branch current magnitude and consequently, the thermal hosting capacity. The method requires solving only a small number of nonlinear AC power flows and has the potential to significantly speed up PV hosting capacity analysis. The accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated on the IEEE 123 bus test circuit.
Effectiveness of Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage plus Meditation in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome on Upper Trapezius

Abstract Introduction Court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) is the most common treatment for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), especially in Thailand. Although discussed in numerous studies, the effect of CTTM with or without meditation among patients with MPS on the upper trapezius is still unknown. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of CTTM combined with meditation on pain and substance p (SP) levels in patients with MPS on the upper trapezius. Methods The participants in this randomized controlled trial study were outpatients at the Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, who have been suffering from MPS for more than 6 months and have at least one trigger point in the trapezius muscles diagnosed by orthopedic specialist. A total of 64 participants, were equally divided into two groups, and each group received CTTM with or without meditation. The visual analog scale (VAS) and SP level were recorded before and immediately after the treatment period. Results The VAS pain score was significantly different in both the CTTM plus meditation and the CTTM only groups (P 0.05). Conclusions Both CTTM with or without meditation significantly relieved pain in the MPS patients, and the CTTM with meditation group experienced a greater reduction in SP levels within the first week of treatment. This result suggests that CTTM with or without meditation are good ways for treating MPS patients.
Lactate monooxygenase. I. Expression of the mycobacterial gene in Escherichia coli and site-directed mutagenesis of lysine 266.

Lactate monooxygenase utilizes oxygen in the conversion of L-lactate to acetate, CO2, and water. The gene for the enzyme from Mycobacterium smegmatis had been cloned into Escherichia coli (Giegel, D. A., Williams, C. H., Jr., and Massey, V. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 6626-6632) and the derived amino acid sequence compared to glycolate oxidase and flavocytochrome b2, enzymes of known three-dimensional structure (Lindqvist, Y., and Branden, C. I. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 3624-3628; Xia, Z. X., and Mathews, S. F. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 212, 837-863). There is strong homology, especially around residues in the active site. The mechanism proposed for lactate monooxygenase involves an intermediate having a negative charge at the N(1)-position of the FMN. Based on the homology, lysine 266 is the residue suggested to neutralize that charge. Wild type enzyme and several forms of the enzyme altered at active site residues by site-directed mutagenesis have been expressed in E. coli and purification procedures developed. The properties determined for the recombinant wild type enzyme were, in every case, the same as those previously determined for the enzyme isolated from M. smegmatis. Mutation of lysine 266 to a methionine created K266M. The semiquinone showed spectral features different from those found in the wild type enzyme and was no longer thermodynamically stable. This indicates a redox potential for the enzyme-bound semiquinone/reduced flavin couple that is higher than the midpoint potential for the oxidized flavin/semiquinone couple. The two-electron redox potential was determined to be -180 mV at 25 degrees C, pH 7.0. In wild type enzyme, attack of the flavin ring by sulfite creates a negative charge at the FMN N(1)-position. In K266M, the stabilization of the sulfite adduct was 17,000-fold weaker (Kd approximately 10(-3) M) than in the wild type enzyme, with a rate of association that is lowered by 10,000-fold (kon = 1.2 M-1 s-1). The rate of reduction with L-lactate is significantly decreased in K266M. Unexpectedly, binding of substrate and inhibitors is significantly weaker in K266M than in the wild type enzyme. In all properties involving a negative charge at position N(1) of the FMN, K266M is distinctly different from wild type enzyme. This makes it quite likely that lysine 266 serves the postulated role of interacting with this negative charge.
Masked Failure Data: Competing Risks

The competing-risks model considers a setting when a system is exposed to multiple risks and a system failure can be caused by one of the multiple risks. The case of masked causes arises when the causes of failure for some of the systems are not completely identified but are narrowed down to a subset of the potential risks. This article provides a selective review of statistical models and methods for analysis of competing-risks data with or without masking in the context of reliability applications. Latent failure times and cause-specific hazards provide two parallel approaches to competing-risks models; identifiability issues in these models in both nonparametric and parametric settings are discussed. For the case of masked data, recent developments in both likelihood-based and Bayesian approaches are reviewed. A special emphasis is given to the treatment and models for the masking probabilities. The article concludes with a review of different reliability applications. Keywords: Bayesian; cause specific; identifiability; latent model; masking probability
Skin resurfacing of facial rhytides and scars with the 90-microsecond short pulse CO2 laser. Comparison to the 900-microsecond dwell time CO2 lasers and clinical experience.

Background Carbon dioxide lasers that produce either short pulses or scanned continuous beams have been used for skin resurfacing to improve wrinkles or scars. Using a high peak power, short pulse CO2 laser can produce clinically effective results with minimal thermal damage. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of skin resurfacing using the 90-microsecond pulse duration CO2 laser compared to other laser systems. Erythema, healing time, complications, and histological measurement of the depth of ablation and thermal damage per pass with this system were also assessed. Methods Forty-one patients with facial rhytides and scars underwent resurfacing with a 90 microseconds pulse duration CO2 laser. Using patient survey, patients were evaluated for effectiveness of therapy, healing time, and complication rates. Comparisons of histologic and clinical findings were made with different short pulse CO2 lasers. Results Healing time, duration of erythema, and post-operative pain were less with the 90 microseconds pulse CO2 laser than with the 900-microsecond dwell time and 950-microsecond pulse duration lasers, while effectiveness was comparable. Complications were few with the 90-microsecond pulse laser, including three patients (9.1%) developing hyperpigmentation. One pass with the 90-microsecond pulse duration CO2 laser produced 100 microns of ablation with 17 microns of thermal damage. Ablation and damage were additive so that, by six passes, ablation depth was 350 microns and depth of thermal damage was 63 microns. This thermal damage is less than that reported with lasers having a longer pulse duration or dwell time with comparable depths of vaporization. Conclusion Treatment with the 90-microsecond pulse duration laser results in a more rapid healing time and shorter duration erythema. The clinical improvements in wrinkles and sun damage were comparable. The 90-microsecond pulse duration laser provides an effective, predictable, and safe means of improving facial rhytides and scars.
The unique liquid chromatographic properties of Group 11 transition metals for the separation of unsaturated organic compounds

Silver(I) and copper(I) are known to form reversible complexes with π bonds, which have been exploited in LC for separating unsaturated organic compounds. Prominent examples include the use of AgNO3-impregnated silica gel in LC, and the use of copper(I) salts for selective extraction of alkenes from hydrocarbon mixtures. The Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model is often invoked to explain the interaction between Ag(I) and Cu(I) and π bonds. However, it is unclear if such a reversible interaction is directly related to their d(10) outer electronic configurations. Particularly, Au(I) has not been reported to separate olefins with different numbers of double bonds in LC. Also, there has not been a systematic comparison of the liquid chromatographic properties of other d(10) transition metal salts (e.g., Zn(II), Cd(II)), making it difficult to fully understand the observed reversible interactions of Ag(I) and Cu(I) with π bonds. We demonstrate for the first time that silica gel impregnated with all three Group 11 transition metals with 1+ oxidation state strongly and similarly retain olefin compounds in LC, while transition metals from Groups 10 and 12 do not. We also tested a range of functionalized silica gels to improve the stability of Cu(I) and Au(I) ions on the surface of the silica.
Increased intracranial pressure as a presentation of Lyme disease in children: A case series. (P1.310)

Objective: To assess findings on history, physical exam, imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in patients presenting with Pseudotumor Cerebri and Lyme disease. Background: Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome (PTC) has been reported as a clinical presentation of Lyme disease. Patients may present without history of classic rash. In areas where Lyme disease is endemic, it is important to include it in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of PTC as management of these patients will differ from patients with idiopathic PTC. Methods: We reviewed cases of children presenting to a tertiary center with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. We included patients who met the revised diagnostic criteria for PTC by Friedman et al, published in Neurology 2013. All patients had headache and bilateral papilledema. Space-occupying lesion was ruled out and documented Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure greater than 28 cm H2O. We then selected all patients in this group with a positive Enzyme - linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA) for Lyme. The clinical presentation, ophthalmological, neuro-radiological findings and CSF results as well as treatment and clinical outcomes were described. Results: Five patients met the inclusion criteria; mean age was 10.6 years; 60[percnt] of patients were males. Average body mass index (BMI) was 20.7 Kg/m2. Sixty percent of patients had fever at presentation. Only 60[percnt] had a history of rash suggestive of Lyme. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed enhancement of at least one cranial nerve in 60[percnt] of the cases. CSF analysis showed lymphocytosis in 80[percnt] and elevated protein in 60[percnt] of the patients. Conclusion: The presence of fever, rash, cranial nerve enhancement on MRI, and lymphocytosis on CSF analysis is helpful in distinguishing between idiopathic PTC and PTC secondary to Lyme. Absence of rash does not exclude Lyme and remains a diagnostic consideration in Lyme endemic areas. Disclosure: Dr. Obeid has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramgopal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cleves has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nowak has nothing to disclose.
Occupational mobility and trust: Reconsidering mobility effects

Abstract This paper hypothesizes that a hierarchy of types of mobility and immobility may be used as an interaction term to determine whether there is evidence of mobility effects beyond those contributed by origin and destination. The dependent variable is a trust scale constructed from responses to three questions that have repeatedly appeared on the General Social Survey. The analysis of data from the GSS, 1972–1994, reveals that some categories of the mobility dummy variable are significant for the 1970s and 1980s, but not for the 1990s. Although the dummy variables for occupational mobility contribute to a model constructed to explain the respondents’ trust of others, father's occupation and respondent's current occupation generally do not. The discussion considers the limitations of a reliance on census occupational categories to study the effects of occupational mobility, and suggests the potential benefits of examining occupational mobility within industries.
A computer graphics curriculum to meet the european bologna requirements

Computer graphics programmes in Europe have been working to address the requirements of the Bologna education process. This poster presents the results of a workshop held in Vienna, Austria in September 2006 that developed an outline for computer graphics curricula to meet those requirements.
Development of Plodia interpunctella (Hb.) (Lepidoptera, Phycitidae) on different varieties of corn at two levels of moisture

Abstract There were large differences in the number of Plodia interpunctella completing the life cycle from egg to adult on nine hybrid varieties of corn (maize) conditioned to 13·5 and 15·7 per cent m/c and held at 70 and 80 per cent r.h., respectively. These differences were significant statistically at the 1 per cent level, the poorest survival being only 12 per cent at 70 per cent r.h. and the highest 74·5 per cent. The mean developmental periods also varied significantly, from about 31 to 35 days at 70 per cent r.h. The percentage survival and the developmental period were negatively correlated. These differences were removed by milling the corn and supplying it as meal. Differences of size and fecundity of moths emerging from different corn varieties were not then significant. More moths emerged in a shorter period at the higher m/c on every variety. As a rule males tended to predominate but not to a significant extent.
Cryoablation of Renal Tumors

The number of small ( Goals of therapy include cure of disease, decreased tumor burden, palliation of symptoms, and increased time to disease progression. Common side effects and possible complications include pain, bleeding, infection, thermal skin injury, and hypothermia. Clinical management of these patients is complex and requires collaboration between the patient's primary care provider, diagnostic radiology, anesthesia, the admitting hospital service, and nursing staff. This multidisciplinary effort creates a unique opportunity for the radiological nurse to manage care and provide education. Cryoablation is a novel and rapidly growing area. This presentation provided information about patients treated with cryoablation. Important issues affecting the nurses' role from the initial screening process through discharge and follow-up were discussed to serve as a basis for safe and effective care.
Design and development of a novel genetic probe for the analysis of repressor–operator interactions

Abstract While the native diphtheria tox promoter/operator ( toxPO )- lacZ transcriptional fusion has allowed initial isolation and characterization of the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR), the low level of reporter gene expression has limited the detection and analysis of mutations affecting subtle changes in repressor–operator binding. In order to overcome this difficulty, we have constructed a novel hybrid promoter/operator- lacZ transcriptional fusion in which the “−35” and spacing of the tac promoter was fused to the “−10” and interrupted palindromic sequence of toxO . We show that the hybrid tacPtoxO is regulated by the transition metal ion-dependent DtxR and that lacZ expression is increased approximately 70-fold in the reporter strain Escherichia coli DH5α/λRS45- tacPtoxO-lacZ relative to DH5α/λRS45- toxPO-lacZ . In addition, we have constructed a transcriptional fusion between tacPtoxO and luc , pJL1. We have used pJL1 to program S30 extracts of E. coli in order to direct in vitro the coupled transcription and translation of luciferase. We demonstrate the utility of this in vitro system in providing a direct functional link between in vivo and in vitro observations with DtxR and mutants of DtxR, which display subtle changes in activity in a manner not previously possible.
Some 2-Substituted Derivatives of 2-Dimethylamino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene

The synthesis and pharmacological examination of several 2-dimethylamino-l,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene 2-alcohols, 2-esters, and 2-ketones is described.
CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF CHLAMYDIAL PNEUMONIA IN INFANCY

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) pneumonia in infancy is considered by many to have distinctive clinical and laboratory features. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Ct infections can be distinguished from other respiratory infections by history, physical examination, chest radiographs, and blood count. From March 1985 to June 1986, we studied prospectively 55 infants 2 to 12 weeks old with cough, coryza, or congestion. Nasopharyngeal washings were obtained for virus culture, RSV antigen tests (RSV season only), chlamydia culture and direct immunofluorescent microscopy, and pertussis culture and direct microscopy. The mean age of the children was 6.5 weeks and 16% were prematures ( 500/cu mm) were seen no more often in Ct infection than in viral infection or pertussis. Only a history of venereal disease in the mother helped to identify infants with Ct (55% vs 29%, p<0.05 Chi sq.). We conclude that Ct pneumonia in infancy cannot be distinguished clinically from viral respiratory infections and pertussis. A careful history for venereal disease in the mother should always be taken when evaluating a child with possible Ct pneumonia.
The international monetary scene today and tomorrow

(1970). The international monetary scene today and tomorrow. Lo Spettatore Internazionale: Vol. 5, No. 3-4, pp. 375-390.
Diffusion-based model of pulse oximetry: in vitro and in vivo comparisons.

A model of pulse oximetry is developed based on the three-dimensional photon diffusion theory. To test the applicability of the model, an in vitro assay was developed. Three different scattering levels and six different relative dye concentrations were analyzed. Average percent errors of 13.9% were obtained over the full range of the study. An in vivo clinical study of two pulse oximeter probes with different spectral characteristics was compared with results estimated by the model. The model correctly predicted the changes in pulse oximeter response resulting from the wavelength changes. A χ2 test gave a probability of 20% that the model fit the data. These results demonstrated the utility of the photon diffusion theory for the modeling of tissue optics.
Exploring and Describing Search Expertise

We present work in progress on an exploratory longitudinal study of the search behavior of students as they worked on assignments for a semester-long course on expert search. Our goals were to observe students as they acquired search skills, and to describe behavior associated with the skills learned. Nine MLIS graduate students completed the remote study, providing detailed logs of searches conducted during coursework. In this poster, we focus on assignments completed using Dialog Classic. We briefly review motivations for the study, related work, and our method. We then discuss our analysis approach, and conclude with an example from our data.
Development of TGF-β resistance during malignant progression

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the prototypical multifunctional cytokine, participating in the regulation of vital cellular activities activities such as proliferation and differentiation as well as a number of basic physiological functions. The effects of TGF-β are critically dependent on the expression and distribution of a family of TGF-β receptors, the TGF-β types I, II, and III. It is now know that a wide variety of human pathology can be caused by aberrant expression and function of these receptors. The coding sequence of the type II receptor (RII) appears to render it uniquely, susceptible to DNA, replication errors in the course of normal cell division. By virtue of its key role in the regulation of cell proliferation, TGF-β RII should be considered as a tumor suppressor gene. High levels of mutation in the TGF-β RII gene have been observed in a wide range of primarily epithelial malignancies, including colon and gastric cancer. It appears likely that mutation of the TGF-β RII gene may be a very critical step in the pathway of carcinogenesis.
The current state of network simulation in project management theory and practice

Abstract Schonberger [ Interfaces 11(5), 66–70 (1981)] has demonstrated the advantages of Monte-Carlo simulation of activity networks over the more traditional PERT/CPM techniques. He concluded however, that simulations were too expensive and required too extensive a background in probability for most project managers. This paper highlights the problems with PERT/CPM and reviews the approaches researchers and practitioners have taken to network simulation since Schonberger's article. It then offers suggestions for future work and reevaluates Schonberger's conclusions in light of current technology.
Intimacy, Imitation and Language Learning: Spanish Diminutives in Mother-Child Conversation

This paper explores how Spanish-speaking Peruvian mothers and their children use diminutives in everyday conversations, seeking to characterize the discourse forms and functions of diminutive imitation and to explore potential differences across speaker groups. More generally, we investigate how and why the use of diminutives may play an important role in facilitating conversational interaction and language learning. Findings illustrate the importance of examining languagelearning processes among non-English-speaking populations, as well as the role of cross-linguistic, cross-cultural analysis in understanding interactional and language socialization processes.
Thermodynamic equilibrium states in laser-induced plasmas: From the general case to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy plasmas

Abstract Applications, present and potential, of laser-induced plasmas are today widespread in a large range of fields and continue to extend each day because of the advancement of laser science and technology. These circumstances call for a better knowledge and characterization of physical and chemical processes occurring in a plasma. The spectrum of the radiation emitted by the plasmas is a mine of information about the plasma state and therefore spectroscopy remains one of the key techniques for its investigation. The interpretation of emission spectra, however, requires a deep knowledge of the elementary processes determining the atomic state population and the fractional ion densities, and of their balance. The transient character of laser-induced plasmas and the presence of spatial gradients introduce time-dependent and non-local effects in the energy level population, and thus increase the complexity of the plasma modeling. The thermodynamic approach, describing the atomic and ionic state population by statistical distributions, is the easiest and the most widely used way to model the plasma state but does not account for non-local and non-steady-state effects. It is therefore in many cases unfit for this purpose. As a consequence, kinetic modeling of the plasma is often needed, which must be in many cases integrated by hydrodynamic modeling of plasma expansion and appropriate equations describing the transport of radiation and charged particles into the plasma. In this complex framework, this paper aims at giving a concise description of theoretical issues, redirecting to the key literature for more details, and to delineate possible scenarios occurring in the wide range of laser-induced plasmas. Examples of different classes of laser-induced plasmas are reported, including some experimental results for completeness. Special attention is devoted to the case of ‘cold’ or thermal plasmas, in particular those produced in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The occurrence of local thermodynamic equilibrium is, in that case, discussed as well as the relevance of phenomena leading the system out of equilibrium, such as radiative, transient and diffusive processes. The most important directions for future work, in particular regarding non-stationary and diffusive effects, are also suggested.
Lymphocyte proliferation assays may underestimate antigen responsiveness in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships among lymphocyte proliferation, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, and apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HIV-1-infected patients and controls. PBMC were prepared from 19 HIV-1-infected patients and 16 healthy controls. Using tetanus toxoid (TT) as a recall antigen, we assessed lymphocyte proliferation using [3H]thymidine incorporation after 2, 4, 6, and 7 days' culture and IFN-γ production in 48-h culture supernatants by ELISA. Apoptosis was measured using TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. Median stimulation indices (SIs) in HIV-1-infected patients were 2.8 and 3.7 as opposed to 24.9 and 25.1 in healthy controls after 6 and 7 days' culture, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the controls, peak proliferation was seen after 7 days in culture whereas in patients, SIs peaked at 4 days and fell progressively by days 6 and 7. At 2 and 4 days of stimulation with tetanus, patients' T cells showed increased apoptosis (19 and 25%) vs 12 and 15% apoptosis seen in controls' cells, P < 0.05. Interferon-γ in 48-h supernatants of TT-stimulated PBMC was comparable among patients and controls. Whereas in our system, 6 and 7 day assays of lymphocyte proliferation provide increasing responses to TT among healthy controls, these durations of culture may underestimate antigen responsiveness in HIV-1 infection. Cell death due to apoptosis may account for this phenomenon. Whether shorter term or longer term assays of lymphocyte responsiveness more accurately reflect in vivo immune competence is unknown. Nonetheless, shorter duration assays may provide a more realistic estimate of the frequency of antigen-reactive cells in persons with HIV-1 infection.
Abstract P6-11-04: Targeting the tumor microenvironment: tetrathiomolybdate decreases circulating endothelial progenitor cells in women with breast cancer at high risk of relapse.

Background: Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) constitute an important part of the tumor microenvironment and are critical for metastatic progression in preclinical models and breast cancer patients (Jain et al, Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2012). Tetrathiomolybdate (TM), a copper-depleting compound inhibits angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. This study explores the effect of TM on EPCs in patients at high risk for breast cancer recurrence. Methods: This phase II study enrolled stage 3, 4 without evidence of disease (NED), and any node-positive triple negative breast cancer patient. Only concomitant hormone therapy was allowed. Patients received induction TM 180 mg daily at baseline followed by an equal or lower daily dose (median 100 mg, range 0–140) to maintain ceruloplasmin (Cp) level Results: 50 patients (33 adjuvant, 17 Stage 4 NED, and 22 triple negative) were enrolled. In the first 40 patients enrolled who had received at least 24 months of TM, EPC and Cp data were available for analysis. Of these 40 patients, 1 patient did not take TM due to patient preference, and 736 cycles of TM (average 18.9 per patient) were administered. Median age was 50 years (range 29–66). Median number of tumor size and positive lymph nodes among adjuvant patients were 3.5 cm (range 1.2–7) and 9 (range 0–42), respectively. Of the patients receiving hormone therapy, 11 patients were on tamoxifen and 16 patients were on an aromatase inhibitor. Median baseline Cp level was 30 mg/dL (range 20–47). 71% patients adequately copper depleted at month 1 to a mean Cp of 14.8 mg/dL. A larger proportion of triple negative patients copper depleted (82%) compared to hormone receptor positive subtypes (47%) and HER2/neu positive subtypes (67%). Median EPCs/ml decreased from baseline to last dose by 16 in patients that achieved the copper depletion target, p = 0.014. Conversely, in patients that did not copper deplete, median EPCs/ml increased by 136, p = 0.005. Of the 50 patients on study, 7 patients relapsed in which a significant increase in EPCs preceded an objective clinical relapse and a tumor marker rise by a median of 1 month. Only grade 3/4 toxicity was hematologic, occurred in 49 cycles (6.7%), and resolved in 5–13 days with TM held and resumed at a lower dose. Conclusions: TM is a well-tolerated oral copper chelator that may contribute to maintaining EPCs below baseline in copper-depleted patients. Molecular subtype may impact on the ability to copper deplete. EPCs may have potential as a surrogate marker for early relapse and as a therapeutic target for interrupting the metastatic progression. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-04.
Electron transport and photophosphorylation in chloroplasts as a function of the electron acceptor. III. A dibromothymoquinone-insensitive phosphorylation reaction associated with Photosystem II

Abstract Dibromothymoquinone (2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone) is reputed to be a plastoquinone antagonist which prevents the photoreduction of hydrophilic oxidants such as ferredoxin-NADP+. However, we have found that dibromothymoquinone inhibits only a small part of the photoreduction of lipophilic oxidants such as oxidized p-phenylenediamine. Dibromothymoquinone-resistant photoreduction reactions are coupled to phosphorylation, about 0.4 molecules of ATP consistently being formed for every pair of electrons transported. Dibromothymoquinone itself is a lipophilic oxidant which can be photoreduced by chloroplasts, then reoxidized by ferricyanide or oxygen. The electron transport thus catalysed also supports phosphorylation and the P e 2 ratio is again 0.4. It is concluded that there is a site of phosphorylation before the dibromothymoquinone block and another site of phosphorylation after the block. The former site must be associated with electron transfer reactions near Photosystem II, while the latter site is presumably associated with the transfer of electrons from plastoquinone to cytochrome f.
Light quark masses

Abstract We apply the daughter sum rule technique of Shifman et al. to V - A spectral functions to obtain the masses of the up- and the down-quark.
Use of CuO in obtaining approximate depolarization ratios of colorless solids

We have developed a new method by which approximate depolarization ratios may be determined for colorless compounds in the solid state. Through the addition of CuO or carbon black, we were able to obtain reasonable values for vibrational modes of K2SO4, Na[Ag(CN)2], W(CO)6, and benzophenone. The function of these colored additives appears to be that of reducing the depth of penetration of the laser beam and consequently attenuating the amount of reflected or refracted radiation which will have been scrambled with respect to polarization.
Small-molecule 3D structure prediction using open crystallography data.

Predicting the 3D structures of small molecules is a common problem in chemoinformatics. Even the best methods are inaccurate for complex molecules, and there is a large gap in accuracy between proprietary and free algorithms. Previous work presented COSMOS, a novel data-driven algorithm that uses knowledge of known structures from the Cambridge Structural Database and demonstrates performance that was competitive with proprietary algorithms. However, dependence on the Cambridge Structural Database prevented its widespread use. Here, we present an updated version of the COSMOS structure predictor, complete with a free structure library derived from open data sources. We demonstrate that COSMOS performs better than other freely available methods, with a mean RMSD of 1.16 and 1.68 A for organic and metal-organic structures, respectively, and a mean prediction time of 60 ms per molecule. This is a 17% and 20% reduction, respectively, in RMSD compared to the free predictor provided by Open Babel, and it is 10 times faster. The ChemDB Web portal provides a COSMOS prediction Web server, as well as downloadable copies of the COSMOS executable and library of molecular substructures.
HPLC Determination of Cyclosporine in Whole Blood

Abstract A rapid sensitive method for measuring cyclosporine concentration in whole blood by HPLC has been developed. The pre-chromatography isolation steps are convenient and rapid and are based on salting out acetonitrile with simultaneous extraction of cyclosporine from the blood. A reversed phase column is used with detection by absorbance at 200 nm.
Rapid Underwater Ocean Measurements Using Brillouin Scattering

A method is proposed to measure the speed of sound in the sea as a function of depth using a laser. A pulsed laser beam will be projected into the sea and the Brillouin scattered returning radiation will be analysed. The depths will be determined by the time delay between the outgoing and return light, and the speed of sound by the wavelength spread between the components of the Brillouin scattered light. These measurements can be made with great rapidity and accuracy.
New method for searching for massive, stable, charged elementary particles

I describe a new method of searching for electrically charged and stable elementary particles with masses larger than about 10{sup 13}GeV/c{sup 2}. This method is based on measuring the terminal velocity of uniform radius liquid drops falling in air. The range of this search method and concomitant imponderables are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Influence of adeno-associated satellite virus on adenovirus-induced tumours in hamsters.

ADENO-ASSOCIATED satellite viruses (ASV)1,2, like other members of the parvovirus group, contain single-stranded DNA3. However, satellite viruses are unique in that each capsid contains either a plus or a minus strand of nucleic acid4,5. Although adeno-associated satellite viruses are extreme in their defectiveness and they do not appear to replicate unless viable adenoviruses6,7 or herpes viruses8–10 are present in the system, they do apparently code for their own protein coats which are antigenically distinct from those of the helper adenoviruses11,12. Adeno satellite viruses interfere with the growth of helper adenoviruses13 and also with each other14.
Piezoelectric polymer actuators for active vibration isolation in space applications

Abstract A lightweight actuator for active vibration isolation in space applications is being developed to replace the heavy electromagnetic systems now in use. The actuator has a low effective spring constant that provides for passive vibration damping down to sub-Hertz frequencies while allowing the isolated experiment to follow the near-dc bias motion of the spacecraft. The actuator is currently optimized for the vibration level of the Space Shuttle and assembled from a pair of bimorphs in a leaf-spring configuration. Changing the size and number of sheets used in construction can vary electromechanical properties. Passive damping has been demonstrated in one and two-dimensional tests. For large (greater than a few kilograms) suspended masses, the system is underdamped and relative velocity feedback must be used to remove the resonance. Real-time control of the resonance frequency is achieved by controlling the voltage applied to the actuator with feedback from a displacement sensor. A folded pendulum ...
Is dihydrolipoic acid among the reductive activators of parasite CysHis proteases

Activities of mature CysHis proteases depend upon relative rates of oxidations vs. reductions of catalytic sulfur by multiple enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions. CysHis peptidolysis is inhibited by Fe3+ but not Fe2+. Others report the paradox that malarial parasites require exogenous free lipoic acid (LA) from human host, although the apicoplast organelle produces it. Extra-cellular LA disulfide can be taken up and reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) by reductases of any cell type. Here, the opposing effects of DHLA vs. Fe3+ on the falcipain-2 hemoglobinase were investigated employing Z-Phe-Arg-AMC substrate. Despite limited solubility, non-regenerated DHLA (10 microM, threshold 2 microM) was found to be the most potent activator of the air-inactivated (sulfoxygenated) protease discovered thus far. Activation was preemptively opposed by Fe3+, but not Fe2+. However, cruzain from T. cruzi, and cathepsin B from mammal were indistinguishable in their responsiveness to DHLA and Fe redox. Thus, DHLA activation vs. Fe3+ inhibition is not unique to falcipain-2 or apicomplexans but is rather a primordial feature of CysHis peptidolysis. Free LA and/or unassociated lipoylated enzyme subunits could be among multiple pathways shuttling reducing equivalents to reduction of proteins, including CysHis proteases. It is discussed that opposing DHLA-Fe3+ modification of plasmodial proteolysis might be a specialized adaptation to intra-erythrocytic growth.
Modern Homesteading in America: Negotiating Religion, Nature, and Modernity

This article explores the spiritual dimensions of modern back-to-the-land (or homesteading) practices in contemporary American culture. Drawing on historical and ethnographic research, it examines the ways in which nature is sacralised and everyday life is ritualised by those who have chosen to lead lives of partial self-sufficiency in rural locales. Through an examination of oral and literary source material, and several case studies, this study demonstrates the ways in which nature is constructed as a source of meaning and authority for those who are disaffected from traditional religious institutions. This article also seeks to unfold the complexities involved in living `close to nature', such as the dangers in seeing 'natural living' as the only standard for the moral life and the tendency for 'back to the land' practices to be advocated by those whose class location is a privileged one. The analysis offered here is intended as a point of access into broader tensions in American culture: between traditional and alternative forms of religious practice, between the idealisation of rural life and the realities of rural living, and between the desire for freedom and the desire for self-imposed constraint in the face of modernity.
Praising Civil Service but Not Bureaucracy A Brief Against Tenure in the U.S. Civil Service

Public administration writers contend that because career executives have greater competence, the U.S. federal executive has too many political appointees. The author argues that opposition to more political appointees is based on misconceptions about both the political and career personnel systems of the modern federal civil service. The increased controversy of government policies since the 1960s and the concordant growth of the politics industry in Washington have increased demands for relatively high-risk political work in the executive branch. Furthermore, the state of the merit system does not suggest that extending that system to higher level positions would lead to a more effective or efficient civil service.
First Total Synthesis of the Potent Anticancer Natural Product Dideoxypetrosynol A: Preparation of the “Skipped” (Z)‐Enediyne Moiety by Oxidative Coupling of Homopropargylphosphonium Ylide

Dideoxypetrosynol A is a C30 polyacetylenic alcohol with C2 symmetry. The first total synthesis of both enantiomers of the potent anti-cancer natural product (+)- and (–)-dideoxypetrosynol A is reported. The key step is an oxidative coupling of a homopropargylphosphonium ylide to prepare the “skipped” (Z)-enediyne moiety. The natural dideoxypetrosynol A was isolated as a racemic mixture as shown in structure 1. The absolute configurations of the chiral centers are established for the (+)- and (–)-enantiomers using Burgess' enzymatic resolution procedure with Pseudomonas AK lipase. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Faraday effect for transverse waves in superfluid3He-B

Abstract Low-frequency ( ω ≪ Δ(T)) transverse sound in superfluid3He becomes overdamped at temperatures near Tc. However, at low temperatures ( T≲0.3 Tc) the off-resonant coupling to the J=2-, M=±1 modes stabilizes a propagating transverse current mode with a large phase velocity and low damping for frequencies above that of the J=2- mode. A magnetic field with→ H|→ qlifts the degeneracy of right- and left-circularly polarized waves giving rise to the analog of circular dichroism and birefringence of electromagnetic waves. These features suggest that transverse waves may be more easily detected in the B-phase than in normal3He. Below we give a brief summary of results on transverse waves in3He-B [1].
Using the Golden Triangle to optimize clearance and oral absorption.

The Golden Triangle is a visualization tool developed from in vitro permeability, in vitro clearance and computational data designed to aid medicinal chemists in achieving metabolically stable, permeable and potent drug candidates. Classifying compounds as permeable and stable and plotting molecular weight (MW) versus octanol:buffer (pH 7.4) distribution coefficients (log D) or estimated octanol:buffer (pH 7.4) distribution coefficients (elog D) reveals useful trends. Analysis of at least two orthogonal trends, such as permeability and clearance, can be extremely effective in balancing and optimizing multiple properties. In addition, molecular weight and log D impact potency-efficiency calculations, allowing potency, clearance and permeability to be optimized simultaneously.
Peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study†‡

Si la perte de substance n'est pas importante, le nerf se regenere dans une greffe veineuse et devient histologiquement et electriquement normal. Les resultats sont aussi bons qu'avec les greffes
A method for separating antarctic postglacial rebound and ice mass balance using future ICESat Geoscience Laser Altimeter System, Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, and GPS satellite data

5.3 and 19.9 mm yr � 1 for postglacial rebound and ice mass trend, respectively, when smoothed over 250 km scales. The largest source of error in the combined signals is the effect of the unknown time-variable accumulation on the density of the ice column. To estimate this contribution and so obtain better estimates of ice mass trend and postglacial rebound, we add Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of vertical velocities as additional constraints. Using an empirical relation between the errors in postglacial rebound and ice mass trend that result from the unknown density variation within the ice column, we are able to solve for all three unknowns in the problem: ice mass trend, postglacial rebound, and the snow compaction trend. The addition of a plausible distribution of GPS measurements reduces the errors in estimates of postglacial rebound and ice mass trend to 3.4 and 15.9 mm yr � 1 , respectively. INDEX TERMS: 1863 Hydrology: