cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The absence of detectable fetal microchimerism in nontransgenic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) bearing transgenic offspring

Regulations for the disposal of genetically engineered animals are strict due to concern for their inappropriate introduction into the food chain, and of the possible public health and environmental impacts of these organisms. Nontransgenic animals that give birth to transgenic offspring are treated as if they are transgenic due to concern of fetal cells crossing the placental barrier and residing in the mother (fetal-maternal microchimerism). Determining whether or not fetal-fetal or fetal-maternal transfer of DNA or cells occurs during caprine gestation is critical to effectively protect the public without culling animals that pose no risk. Additionally, fetal-maternal transfer, should it exist in the goat, could contraindicate the rebreeding of nontransgenic dams due to the possible transfer of fetal cells from 1 pregnancy to the fetus of subsequent pregnancies. Fetal-maternal transfer in Capra hircus has not been reported in the literature, although it has been reported in another ruminant, Bos taurus. We examined blood from nontransgenic dams that carried transgenic offspring using a PCR method sensitive enough to detect the presence of a spider silk transgene to a 1:100,000 dilution. At this sensitivity, we did not detect the occurrence of fetal-maternal transfer in 5 nontransgenic dams. Likewise, fetal-fetal transfer was not observed from a transgenic to a nontransgenic twin in utero. To test tissue-specific expression of the silk transgene, proteins purified from standard necropsy tissue from a lactating transgenic dam were examined by Western blot analysis. Silk protein expression was only observed in mammary tissue consistent with the tissue specificity of the β-casein promoter used in the transgenic construct. We report evidence collected from a limited caprine breeding pool against transfer of transgenes in utero from fetus to dam and fetus to fetus. In addition, we show evidence that the β-casein promoter in our expression construct is not expressed ectopically as previously suggested. These results suggest that transgene transfer in utero does not occur, but further study is warranted with a larger sample group to confirm these results.
Single-Molecule Studies of Trapped Biomolecules in Solution with the ABEL Trap

Studies of single fluorescent molecules, proteins, or enzymes has provided a wealth of physical and chemical information on the nanoscale devoid of ensemble averaging. To study a single biomolecule in solution without surface attachment or confinement, the Anti-Brownian ELectrokinetic (ABEL) trap provides real-time suppression of Brownian motion, and provides time-averaged uniform pumping intensity for long-time observation without the use of laser tweezers (Cohen and Moerner, Opt. Express (2008)). In recent applications, we have explored the photodynamics of the antenna protein allophyocyanin (Goldsmith et al., Nature Chem. (2010)) and extracted ATP number distributions for single multi-subunit chaperonin enzymes (Jiang et al., PNAS (2011)). This device has also been used to follow electron transfer dynamics for individual nitrite reductase enzymes (Goldsmith et al., PNAS (2011)), providing a new window into light-driven photodynamics, cooperativity, and enzymatic mechanisms.
Intracranial stimulation of facial nerve in humans with the magnetic coil

Abstract Using ourselves as subjects, maximal compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) were evoked in ipsilateral nasal and orbicularis oculi muscles (onset latency 4.9–5.4 msec) by a magnetic coil (MC) tangentially oriented over parieto-occipital scalp. The facial nerve was also electrically stimulated sequentially at the posterior tragus near the stylomastoid foramen, anterior tragus and 3 cm more distally. Onset latency of the CMAP elicited at posterior tragus ranged from 1.0 to 1.3 msec less than that elicited by the MC over scalp. Because the measured distal facial nerve motor conduction velocity was 50–60 m/sec, the locus of impulse generation induced by magnetic coil stimulation was estimated to be approximately 6.5 cm proximal to the site of electrical stimulation at the posterior tragus, i.e., closer to the exit of the facial nerve from the brain-stem than to its entrance into the internal auditory meatus. This non-invasive technique should be useful in evaluating patients with peripheral facial nerve disorders including Bell's palsy.
Low-energy manifestations of a new interactions scale: Operator analysis

We list all dimension sixSU(3)×SU(2)×U(1) invariant operators which can be used in a phenomenological analysis of deviations from the standard model due to a new interaction scale. Specific attention is focused on modifications to the masses of theW andZ bosons.
The role of the medullary raphe nuclei in regulation of cholinergic outflow to the airways

In these studies we determined the role of the medullary midline nuclei on a cholinergic outflow to the airways by examining the response of tracheal tone and lung resistance to pharmacological stimulation. Studies were performed on alpha-chloralose-anesthesized, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated cats, and ferrets. L-glutamate microinjection into the medullary midline neurons significantly decreased tracheal tension, and reduced lung resistance. These effects were abolished by prior topical application of methysergide, a broad spectrum serotonin receptor antagonist. Stimulation of the medullary raphe nuclei was also associated with a significant increase in the phrenic nerve output, and a decrease in arterial blood pressure. The results indicate that the medullary midline neurons are involved in regulation of cholinergic outflow to the airways, and raise the possibility that alterations in the serotonergic pathways may cause airway dysfunction.
Outcome of liver transplantation in adult recipients: influence of neighborhood income, education, and insurance.

Poor socioeconomic status (SES) may be associated with lower survival after liver transplantation. In a previous study, we showed that African-American race was an independent predictor of poor survival, and one of the major criticisms of our study was that we had not adjusted the survival for SES as a confounding variable. The objective of the present study was to determine the posttransplant outcome of adult liver transplant recipients based on neighborhood income, education, and insurance using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database from 1987 to 2001. Patients (n = 29,481) were divided into 5 groups based on median income as determined by zip code: 60,000 dollars). Patients (n = 14,814) were divided into 4 groups based on level of education: higher than bachelor's degree; college attendance or technical school; high school education (grades 9-12); less than high school education. Insurance payer status (n = 23,440) was divided into Medicaid, Medicare, government agency, HMO/PPO, and private. Cox regression analysis was used to adjust the survival for other known independent predictors such as age, race, UNOS status, diagnosis, and creatinine. Results showed that neighborhood income had no effect on graft or patient survival either in the entire cohort or within different racial groups. Education had only marginal influence on the outcome; survival was lower in those with a high school education than in those with graduate education. Patients with Medicaid and Medicare had lower survival when compared to those with private insurance. African-Americans had a lower 5-year survival when compared to white Americans after adjusting for SES and other confounding variables. In conclusion, neighborhood income does not influence the outcome of liver transplantation. Education had minimal influence, but patients with Medicare and Medicaid had lower survival compared to those with private insurance.
Dietary Juniperis virginiensis seed oil decreased pentobarbital-associated mortalities among DBA/1 mice treated with collagen-adjuvant emulsions.

Abstract The propensity of the fatty acid 5,11,14 eicosatrienoic acid (5,11,14-ETA) to replace arachidonic acid in cell membranes, and its inability to be converted to bioactive eicosanoids, suggest that it may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Previously, dietary application of oils extracted from 5,11,14-ETA-rich Platycladus orientalis delayed the onset of autoimmune disease in New Zealand Black mice. To gain more knowledge of the efficacy of this fatty acid toward alleviating immunological disorders, a similar oil was used to examine its effects on collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice, a model characterized by synovial proliferation and joint infiltration by inflammatory cells. Mice were fed AIN76A diet supplemented with 4% ( w w ) of either an oil extracted from the seeds of Juniperis virginiensis (0.4% 5,11,14-ETA); a control oil consisting of equal parts olive, linseed and safflower oils; fish oil (90% fish oil and 10% safflower oil); or safflower oil. Mice were immunized with three injections of collagen-adjuvant emulsions, the first injection was intradermal, and the two subsequent injections were intraperitoneal. Mortalities were recorded following a secondary pentobarbital administration intraperitoneally. Mice from the J. virginiensis group had the lowest mortalities (25%) while safflower oil-fed mice had the highest (59%v; p J. virginiensis group had the lowest mean CD4 CD8 T lymphocyte ratio, the fish oil group had the highest. These observations suggest that manipulation of eicosanoid production by different dietary lipids had different effects on immune responses, possibly through alterations in T lymphocyte subsets. Hypothetically, a downregulation of prostaglandin E2 release could increase the ratio of T helper 1 to T helper 2 lymphocytes and thereby modulate anaphylactic responses. Also, lowered pro-oxidant status may decrease CD4 CD8 T cell ratios and modify immune function.
Inhibition of neural nitric oxide synthase attenuates the chloride secretory response to stroking in human jejunum.

Background. Stroking of human jejunal mucosa induces serotonin release and a rise in short-circuit current (ΔIsc). Nitric oxide is known to function as a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitter in response to neural serotonin receptor activation in the rat. We hypothesize that neural nitrergic mechanisms mediate the chloride secretory response to mucosal stroking in human jejunum. Methods. Segments of normal proximal jejunum were obtained from patients having gastric bypass surgery for obesity. Muscle-stripped segments of jejunum were mounted in Ussing chambers under short-circuit conditions. The neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-thiocitrulline, was added to experimental tissues. Mucosal stroking of control and experimental segments was then performed. Results. Pretreatment with l-thiocitrulline attenuated the short circuit rise seen after stroking in the experimental group when compared with the control (5.4 ± 1.5 μA/cm2 vs 8.0 ± 1.6 μA/cm2; P <.05, Student t test, paired data, n = 11), but did not affect baseline Isc before stroking. Serotonin released by stroking was not different in experimental versus control tissue. Conclusions. The significantly reduced ΔIsc in the group pretreated with the neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitor suggests that nitric oxide liberated from enteric neurons participates in the chloride secretory response to stroking in human jejunum in vitro. (Surgery 2003;134:255-9.)
An Assessment of Musculoskeletal Knowledge in Graduating Medical and Physician Assistant Students and Implications for Musculoskeletal Care Providers

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate musculoskeletal knowledge among graduating medical students and physician assistant students with use of a National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in scores between the two groups. In addition, we looked for relationships between examination scores and both the student-reported musculoskeletal experiences and the school-reported musculoskeletal curriculum. Methods: One hundred and forty-four students from three medical schools and ninety-one students from four physician assistant schools were included in the present study; both groups were graduating students in the final semester of education. The National Board of Medical Examiners Musculoskeletal Subject Examination (NBME MSK) was utilized to assess musculoskeletal knowledge. Results: The mean examination score (and standard deviation) was 73.8% ± 9.7% for medical students and 62.3% ± 11% for physician assistant students (95% confidence interval [CI], −13.8 to 0.00; p < 0.05). Medical students with an interest in orthopaedics as a career scored significantly higher than those without an expressed orthopaedic interest, and medical students without an expressed career interest in orthopaedics scored significantly higher than physician assistant students (p < 0.05). Among medical students, a longer duration of a clinical rotation in orthopaedics was associated with a higher examination score (p < 0.05). The average number of hours of preclinical musculoskeletal education in the first two years of school was significantly higher for medical schools (122.1 ± 25.1 hours) than for physician assistant schools (89.8 ± 74.8 hours) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Graduating medical students scored significantly higher than graduating physician assistant students on the NBME MSK. This may be related to multiple factors, and further studies are necessary to evaluate the overall musculoskeletal clinical competence of both groups of students.
Electron transmission study of the formaldehyde electron affinity

Abstract We have employed electron transmission spectroscopy to detect sharp variations in the total scattering cross section of electron from formaldehyde resulting from temporary negative ion formation. A progression of peaks is observed which we identify with vibrational levels of the H 2 CO − ( 2 B 1 ) ground state. The adiabatic electron affinity of H 2 CO is found to be −0.65 ± 0.05 eV.
Biology of Oberea schaumii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Trembling Aspen, Populus tremuloides

The biology of Oberea schaumii LeConte in trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michaux, was studied in Upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The life cycle was determined through periodic collections of the insects from suckers and large trees, and from field rearings. Various aspects of adult behavior were learned from extended observations of adults in field cages. Eggs were usually laid on stems and twigs 5–15 mm diameter and 1–6 years old. They were deposited singly (usually) in elongate, rectangular egg niches gnawed in the bark by the female. Egg niches occurred on all aspects of vertical stems but only on the upper sides of leaning stems or side branches. The egg hatched in 14–15 days and the larva bored into the wood and then downward from the egg niche, parallel to the axis of the twig or stem. The larva widened and lengthened this tunnel throughout its development, ejecting borings to the outside through 3 ejection ports. When completed, the gallery averaged 17 cm long and 4 mm diameter. Most (77.5%) individuals required 3 yrs to complete development. Eggs were laid from late June to early August and the larvae fed for 3 summers, overwintering in the gallery. Pupation occurred from mid-May to early June of the 4th calendar year, and adults emerged during the last 3 weeks of June, 3 years after eggs were laid. Five percent emerged in 2 years and 17.5% emerged 4 years after eggs were laid. Adults fed during the day along the midribs on the under sides of leaves and on the outer bark of new shoots and older twigs. Mating was observed during the day; males and females mated more than once even on the same day. Economic loss caused by O. schaumii in natural stands was negligible.
The Socialist Construction of Philately in the Early Soviet Era

The term totalitarian has often been used by scholars to characterize the Soviet Union's system of government, and in many studies the emphasis has fallen on assessing the degree of effectiveness of the ruling apparatus in exercising its total control over society. Whatever the actual condition of public life in the Soviet Union (USSR), a desire to use the totalitarian system undeniably existed; and regardless of the degree to which people were able to retain an autonomous private sphere, their lives were shaped by this urge to total control. The best examples of this come not from the realm of high politics but of mundane personal practices such as the pursuit of hobbies. During the period from 1921 to 1939, the Soviet government redefined the hobby of stamp collecting, socially reconstructing it in terms of the regime's values. In the process, the Soviet regime demonstrated its totalitarian goal in ways that had ramifications in everyday life, as can be seen in the state's relations with the philatelists and in the realm of hobbies. The fact that the government strictly controlled and circumscribed something as seemingly innocuous and insignificant as stamp collecting reveals how strongly the state aspired to have total control of society. More important, this urge sprang not from the top of the Soviet apparatus but, rather, from mid-level officials.
Verdins: new photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.

The in vivo cytotoxic effect of verdins was determined by histological methods, using the FANFT-induced urothelial tumor line (AY-27). The results indicate that the verdins may be good alternatives to hematoporphyrin derivative for photodynamic therapy.
Noncanonical Vα24JαQ T cells with conservative α chain CDR3 region amino acid substitutions are restricted by CD1d

Abstract Human NKRP-1A (CD161)+ T cells include members of a family of CD4+ or CD4-/CD8- lymphocytes that utilize an invariant α chain in the T-cell receptor (TCR). The α chain consists of the Vα24 segment joined to Jα18 (JαQ) (TCRAV24/AJ18). These families of T cells rapidly produce both interleukin-4 and interferon-γ upon TCR cross-linking, and are restricted by CD1d. To determine the spectrum of allowable V/J rearrangements in the Vα24+ CD4-/CD8- family, TCR Vα24 chain transcripts derived from the total CD4-/CD8- population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sequenced. A second invariant rearrangement, Vα24Jα45, was found in two donors. In addition, a subset of 15 clones with single amino acid substitutions in the CDR3 were identified and used to define CD1d restriction. All 15 variant clones were indistinguishable from invariant clones on the basis of surface phenotype and response to CD3 cross-linking. However, CD1d was the restriction element only for those clones with the conservative substitution of threonine or asparagine for serine at the V/J junction. Thus, the family of human CD161+ T cells can be extended to include a subset of Vα24-JαQ rearrangements with a single amino acid substitution that defines a Vα24 CDR3 residue critical for CD1d restriction.
Simultaneous Detection of Salmonella Strains and Escherichia coli O157:H7 with Fluorogenic PCR and Single-Enrichment-Broth Culture

A multiplex fluorogenic PCR assay for simultaneous detection of pathogenic Salmonella strains and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was developed and evaluated for use in detecting very low levels of these pathogens in meat and feces. Two sets of primers were used to amplify a junctional segment of virulence genes sipB and sipC of Salmonella and an intragenic segment of gene eae of E. coli O157:H7. Fluorogenic reporter probes were included in the PCR assay for automated and specific detection of amplified products. The assay could detect <10 CFU of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium or E. coli O157:H7 per g of meat or feces artificially inoculated with these pathogens and cultured for 6 to 18 h in a single enrichment broth. Detection of amplification products could be completed in </=4 h after enrichment.
Relaxor behavior and energy storage performance of ferroelectric PLZT thin films with different Zr/Ti ratios

Abstract Ferroelectric lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films with 8 mol% lanthanum and different Zr/Ti ratios (70/30, 65/35, 58/42, 52/48, 45/55, and 40/60) have been grown on platinized silicon substrates by chemical solution deposition. The effects of the Zr/Ti ratios on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties were investigated for high-power energy storage applications. These films exhibited relaxor behavior and slim polarization–electric field hysteresis loops, and the degree of phase transition diffuseness decreased with increasing Ti. The PLZT films with Zr/Ti=52/48 had a high spontaneous polarization of ≈51.2 μC/cm 2 , a low remanent polarization of ≈9.1 μC/cm 2 , and a low coercive electric field of ≈25.9 kV/cm, leading to a recoverable energy density of ≈30 J/cm 3 and a charge–discharge efficiency of ≈78% at room temperature. The high energy density and high efficiency indicate that relaxor PLZT with La/Zr/Ti=8/52/48 is a promising candidate for high-power film capacitors.
Abstract C47: Assessing the role of Wnt secretion in prostate cancer skeletal metastasis

Aberrant Wnt signaling is associated with prostate cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and bone metastasis. Bone metastasis is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced prostate cancer. No curative treatment currently exists for patients with bone metastasis. Wnt signaling plays an integral role in the bone-tumor environment during prostate cancer bone metastasis, particularly osteoblastic lesion formation, but the cell type that secretes Wnt ligands in this process is unknown. This knowledge would result in improved targeting strategies for chemotherapeutics. We hypothesize that Wnt ligand secretion by prostate tumor cells is necessary to establish and/or mediate progression of prostate tumor growth and associated bone formation within the skeleton. We targeted two proteins that are essential for Wnt secretion. Porcupine (Porcn) is an acyltransferase responsible for adding fatty acids to Wnt ligands, which precedes their interaction with the chaperone protein Wntless (Wls). Both Porcn and Wls are essential for Wnt ligand secretion. Without secretion, Wnt ligands are retained inside Wnt-producing cells, and therefore cannot activate Wnt receptors in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Using shRNA, we created stable Wls knockdown C42B4 prostate cancer cell lines and confirmed knockdown via quantitative PCR. We saw that when Wls is knocked down by approximately 95%, the Wnt target gene Axin2 decreased in expression by approximately 50%. This indicates that autocrine signaling is occurring in these cells, supporting our hypothesis. We have also generated three xenograft models in immune-deficient Nod-Scid-ILR2gamma-deficient (NSG) mice and are currently assessing the ability of Wls-deficient cells to metastasize and establish tumors in bone. In addition, we will treat mice injected with prostate cancer cells with a chemical Porcn inhibitor to determine the therapeutic value of such inhibitors in treating advanced prostate cancer. Given that Porcn inhibitors are in early stage human clinical trials for other cancers, our work could provide support for using said inhibitors for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. Citation Format: Kenneth C. Valkenburg, Bart O. Williams. Assessing the role of Wnt secretion in prostate cancer skeletal metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C47.
Utilization and Costs of Injury-related Acute Care Services Among Children and Adolescents in a State Medicaid Program

Background and objective Injuries are a leading cause of death, significant disability, and utilization of acute medical care. This study describes patterns of acute care services use related to injury and associated costs among children and adolescents in a state Medicaid population. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used to analyze 2003 West Virginia Medicaid fee-for-service computerized claims for acute care medical services with a primary diagnosis of injury or complication due to injury for recipients below 21 years of age. Medical services utilization rates were calculated and stratified by demographic categories as well as by type of injury. Costs associated with the claims were from the perspective of Medicaid. Results There were 33,599 children who were hospitalized or visited the emergency department for injury or complication due to injury at a rate of 227.2 per 1,000. Children who were white, male, and 15–20 years of age had the highest rate of acute care use by demographic groups. Medicaid paid approximately $7.4 million for injury-related acute care visits. Acute care was mostly delivered in the emergency department, although hospitalizations contributed to one-third of the total costs. The average length of hospital stay for any type of injury or complication due to injury was 4 days. Overall, a diagnosis of traumatic complication was the most frequently occurring, followed by open wounds, contusions, sprains and strains, and fractures. E-codes were not readily recorded. Conclusion The use of injury-related acute medical care varied by demographic variables and diagnosis. Findings from this study can be used as a baseline for further surveillance, and to guide the development of interventions to contain preventable injuries and associated treatment costs.
Aromatase and other inhibitors in breast and prostatic cancer.

Estrogens have an important role in the growth of breast and other hormone-sensitive cancers. We have shown that 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (4-OHA) selectively blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting aromatase activity in ovarian and peripheral tissues and reduces plasma estrogen levels in rat and non-human primate species. In postmenopausal men and women, estrogens are mainly of peripheral origin. When postmenopausal breast cancer patients were administered either by daily oral or parenteral weekly treatment with 4-OHA, plasma estrogen concentrations were significantly reduced. Complete or partial response to treatment occurred in 34% of 100 patients with advanced breast cancer, while the disease was stabilized in 12%. We recently studied the effects of 4-OHA and other aromatase inhibitors, 10-propargylestr-4-ene-3,17-dione (PED) and imidazo[1,5-α]3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrin-6-yl-(4-benzonitrile) (CGS 16949A) as well as 5α-reductase inhibitors, N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androstane-17β-carboxyamide (4-MA) and 17β-hydroxy-4-aza-4-methyl-19norandrost-5-en-3-one (L651190) in prostatic tissue from 11 patients with prostatic cancer and six patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and from normal men at autopsy. We attempted to measure aromatase activity in tissue incubation by quantitating 3H2O released during aromatization of androstenedione or testosterone labeled at the C-1 position. The amount of 3H2O released from all samples was at least twice that of the heat inactivated tissue samples. The 3H2O release was significantly inhibited by 4-OHA and 4-MA, but not by the other aromatase inhibitors. However, when HPLC and TLC were used to isolate steroid products, no estrone or estradiol was detected in the incubates. Furthermore, no aromatase mRNA was detected following amplification by PCR. The 4-OHA was found to inhibit 5α-reductase in both BPH and cancer tissue, although to a lesser extent than 4-MA. The other aromatase inhibitors were without effect. Although a mechanism involving intraprostatic aromatase is not likely, inhibitors may act to reduce peripherally-formed estrogens. In postmenopausal breast cancer, the results indicate that 4-OHA is of significant benefit.
Information Technology Investment Strategies Under Declining Technology Cost

Investments in information technology (IT) have become crucial for firms to improve the quality of their products and services. Typically, IT cost for the same performance level declines over time. In a competitive market, a decline in IT cost over time provides a cost advantage to the later entrant, making the early entrant's investment decision problem challenging. In this paper, we study the problem of strategic IT investments in the declining cost scenario using a sequential duopoly model. Our results show that declining IT cost intensifies or relaxes competition between firms depending on whether they are serving quality- or price-sensitive markets. In both cases, the average price per unit quality decreases when the IT cost declines, which benefits consumers. We also show that if the first entrant is uncertain about the extent of its cost disadvantage, the first entrant overinvests (underinvests) in a price-sensitive (quality-sensitive) market as the degree of uncertainty increases.
Effects of Anoxia at Birth on Central Nervous System of the Guinea Pig

SummaryAnoxia induced at birth invariably produced symptoms of neural damage. Transient shock, tremors, ataxia, and incoordination were not usually associated with impaired behavior or brain pathology. More than 8 min of anoxia lead to such symptoms as decerebrate states, marked ataxia, convulsions, paralysis, hyper- and hypoesthesia and somnolence, correlated in some cases with behavioral changes. Highly variable nonspecific devastation of brain and cord tissues, occasional hemorrhages, gliosis and generalized atrophy were encountered.All experiments were controlled with healthy litter-mates and permit the conclusion that neonatal asphyxia (asphyxia pallida) may induce irreparable fortuitous destruction of large or small regions of the brain.
Coactivators in PPAR-Regulated Gene Expression

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha, beta (also known as delta), and gamma function as sensors for fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives and control important metabolic pathways involved in the maintenance of energy balance. PPARs also regulate other diverse biological processes such as development, differentiation, inflammation, and neoplasia. In the nucleus, PPARs exist as heterodimers with retinoid X receptor-alpha bound to DNA with corepressor molecules. Upon ligand activation, PPARs undergo conformational changes that facilitate the dissociation of corepressor molecules and invoke a spatiotemporally orchestrated recruitment of transcription cofactors including coactivators and coactivator-associated proteins. While a given nuclear receptor regulates the expression of a prescribed set of target genes, coactivators are likely to influence the functioning of many regulators and thus affect the transcription of many genes. Evidence suggests that some of the coactivators such as PPAR-binding protein (PBP/PPARBP), thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein 220 (TRAP220), and mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) may exert a broader influence on the functions of several nuclear receptors and their target genes. Investigations into the role of coactivators in the function of PPARs should strengthen our understanding of the complexities of metabolic diseases associated with energy metabolism.
Stochastic Cloud Clearing of Infrared Radiances Observed by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)

A stochastic data-trained method is presented that estimates and compensates for cloud perturbations of hyperspectral IR radiances. The RMS accuracy is ~0.2-0.4K for ~60 selected channels, and the algorithm is computationally efficient.
Chest Pain Relief by Nitroglycerin Does Not Predict Active Coronary Artery Disease

Contrary to common belief, relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin did not predict active coronary artery disease in patients admitted for acute chest pain.
Human chorionic gonadotropin-like immunoreactivity in schistosomes and Fasciola

Many hormones formerly considered to be restricted to mammals have been identified in a variety of invertebrates. Some of these chemical regulators are neurosecretory in nature. The evolution of these substances and the relationships between vertebrate and invertebrate neuropeptides have been reviewed by Remy (1982). In platyhelminths in general and trematodes in particular, there have been few studies on hormones and neurosecretory cells, whose nature and function remain largely unknown (Basch 1986a). The hormonal actions of ecdysteroids in arthropods are well understood. A variety of steroids are found in other phyla, including flatworms, cnidarians, mollusks, and echinoderms. For example, ecdysteroid-like immunoreactivity (IR) has been identified in sporocysts, cercariae, and adults of Sehistosoma mansoni (Basch 1986b). Although it is often difficult to determine their precise physiologic functions in these groups, Sandor (1981) has shown that steroids may act as native messengers in invertebrates. In addition to their own endogenous chemical messengers, parasites are exposed to many physiologically active substances produced by their hosts. Briggs (1972) and Knopf (1982) have suggested that sexual maturation of schistosomes is influenced by mammalian host hormones. We therefore undertook a study to determine the presence of host hormone-like substances in schistosomes and other trematodes. The most direct means for visualizing such substances is by immunocytochemical techniques. We report the results of an immunocytochemical study of the distribution of several steroids and a glycoprotein hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG) in six species of trematode para-
Calculations of coincident ionization plus excitation

Abstract For Li- and Be-like ions, K X-ray yields, together with detection that the ionic charge has increased, give the cross section for ionization plus excitation (IE), a process which can exhibit electron-electron correlations. Measurements of IE for 14Si11+ + He stimulated our coupled-channels calculations in the independent-Fermi-particle model (IFPM), which includes Pauli correlations. We discuss how the IFPM expressions, generalized here to include an open shell, differ from those for distinguishable electrons. The sensitivity of σIE to correlations is shown. Recent additional measurements and future ones giving excitation functions for resolved configurations and complementary Auger data will provide even more sensitive tests of collisional correlation theory.
Risk factors and treatment of childhood and adolescent Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia

Summary Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia is the most common (40%) form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs in children and adolescents. The prognosis of advanced (disseminated) Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia in children and adolescents three decades ago had a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) of <40%, and required combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy over a 1–2 year period. Currently, the prognosis for the same advanced stage has a 5-year EFS of 85–90% with <6 months of chemotherapy only. Radiation therapy has been eliminated for children and adolescents with Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia except in emergencies, such as superior vena cava syndrome and acute neurological impairment or in patients with relapse/progression. Current risk factors in the prognosis of childhood and adolescent Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia include: lactate dehydrogenase level ≥ 2× the upper normal limit at diagnosis, bone marrow and central nervous system involvement, poor response to cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone reduction therapy and poor risk cytogenetics. New and novel therapeutic approaches include monoclonal antibody (anti-CD20) therapy, targeted cellular immune therapy and small molecule inhibitors. Future strategies should include improved staging and risk classification, reduction of cytotoxic chemotherapy, the investigation of targeted therapy, an increased understanding of the underlying biology of Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia, strategies for prevention and approaches to reduce acute and chronic toxicities.
ECTOPIC PRODUCTION OF HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT CALCITONIN AND CORTICOTROPIN BY HUMAN SMALL CELL CARCINOMA CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE: EVIDENCE FOR SEPARATE PRECURSORS

The DMS-79 continuous line of human small cell lung carcinoma cells, which produces immunoreactive (IR)-corticotropin ( ACTH ), -lipotropin ( LPH ), and -β-endorphin (βEND), was found to produce IR-calcitonin (CT). Two major high molecular weight (HMW) forms of IR-CT were observed after gel exclusion chromatography under denaturing conditions ( mol. wt. ~7,000 and ~14,000), as well as a minor HMW IR-CT component (mol. wt. ~70,000). None of these IR-CT materials was extracted from DMS-79 medium by affinity chromatography using an ACTH antibody covalently bound to agarose. These results demonstrate ectopic production of HMW forms of CT and ACTH/LPH/βEND by human lung tumor cells in tissue culture, but do not support the existence of a common CT/ACTH/LPH/βEND precursor molecule.
THE ALLOMETRY OF PLANT REPRODUCTIVE BIOMASS AND STEM DIAMETER

species, however, were M = 0.46D46 (r2 = 0.99, N = 41), M = 0.07D32 (r2 = 0.91, N = 65), M = 0.56D22 (r2 = 0.92, N = 85), and M = 0.44D1 8 (r2 = 0.97, N = 21), respectively, indicating that the proportionality M oc D--30 recedes with finer taxonomic resolution. The data for Cooksonia were found to comply with the allometry of Polytrichum when the regression curve of this moss was extrapolated into the size range of the fossil species. Analyses showed that intraspecific allometric scaling factors a were dependent upon the manner in which plant stems taper. Species or portions of branching systems with a > 4.0 had essentially untapered stems (e.g., Polytrichum commune, Psilotum nudum, twigs of Larix decidua); species with a < 2.2 had tapered stems resulting from secondary growth in most cases. The evolution of tapered primary stems and secondary growth was interpreted to alter reproductive allometry. This paper provides intra- and interspecific allometric descriptions of the relation between reproductive biomass and stem diameter for a total of 12 extant moss, pteridophyte, and gymnosperm species. Comparable descriptions are provided for the fossil remains of the early Paleozoic vascular plant remains of the rhyniophyte Cooksonia pertoni and the trimerophyte Psilophyton princeps. Quantitative descriptions of the relation between biomass and plant size provide useful rules to estimate the allocation of resources to reproductive, mechanical, and other functions. General allometric relations for this purpose are available for species of angiosperm trees (Murray, 1927; Whittaker and Woodwell, 1968; Mc
Apparent transfer function for partially coherent optical information processing

In this paper, the general formulations of the apparent transfer function for the partially coherent optical processor will be derived. Although these formulas show that the apparent transfer function is dependent upon the degree of spatial and temporal coherence, there is actually more variability in the spatial coherence. We note that the obtained formulas may also be used as a criterion in the selection of source size and spectral bandwidth of an incoherent light source. Thus a specific optical information processing operation can be carried out with an incoherent source.
Niccolò Machiavelli and the Origins of Mechanism Design

In matters of public policy, economists often design incentives and constraints so that economic actors with unrestricted preferences (including the self-interested motivations of homo economicus) will implement socially desired allocations. This paradigm, which dates to Machiavelli, contrasts sharply with an earlier approach, initiated by Aristotle, in which good governance entailed the cultivation of good citizens. Modern mechanism design, contract theory, and behavioral economics provide a critical perspective on the Machiavellian paradigm, and suggest a reformulation along more Aristotelian lines.
Shape Memory Particles Capable of Controlled Geometric and Chemical Asymmetry made from Aliphatic Polyesters

A novel method for producing monodisperse micro- and nanosized shape memory particles from various shape memory polymers (SMPs) is reported. This method uses a polydimethylsiloxane mold to uniformly deform particles from complex shapes to other well-defined shapes, harvest them without aggressive solvents or heat, and then return them to their original shapes upon heating above a preselected trigger temperature. By manipulating the material properties of both the mold and SMP, monodisperse asymmetric particles are easily achieved. This method is demonstrated with traditional SMPs and polymers with varying degrees of reactive functionality, crystallinity, and transition temperature. This additional reactivity and the robustness of this system allow easy tailoring of the surface with click chemistry to achieve chemical asymmetry.
Application of sample pre-oxidation of arsenite in human urine prior to speciation via on-line photo-oxidation with membrane hydride generation and ICP-MS detection.

A pre-oxidation procedure which converts arsenite [As(III)] into arsenate [As(V)] was investigated in urinary arsenic speciation prior to on-line photo-oxidation hydride generation with ICP-MS detection. This sample pre-oxidation method eliminates As(III) and As(V) preservation concerns and simplifies the chromatographic separation. Four oxidants, Cl2, MnO2, H2O2 and I3−, were investigated. Chlorine (ClO−aq) and MnO2 selectively converted As(III) into As(V) in pure water samples, but the conversion was inefficient in the complex urine matrix. Oxidation of As(III) by H2O2 was least affected by the urine matrix, but the removal of excess H2O2 at pH 10 proved difficult. The most appropriate oxidant for the selective conversion of As(III) into As(V) with minimal interference from the urine matrix is I3− at pH 7. Unlike H2O2, excess oxidant can be easily removed by the addition of S2O32−. The I3−–S2O32 − treatment on a fortified sample of reconstituted NIST SRM 2670 freeze dried urine indicated that arsenobetaine (AsB), dimethlyarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and As(V) were not chemically degraded with recoveries ranging from 95 to 102% for all arsenicals. Sample clean-up involved pH adjustment prior to C18 filtration in order to achieve efficient As(III) conversion and quantitative recoveries of AsB and DMA. The concentrations determined in NIST SRM 2670 freeze dried urine were AsB 17.2 ± 0.5, DMA 56 ± 4 and MMA 10.3 ± 0.3 with a combined total of 83 ± 5 μg L−1 (±2ς).
Platelet and endothelial adhesion on fluorosurfactant polymers designed for vascular graft modification.

A prominent failure mechanism of small diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts is platelet-mediated thrombosis. We have designed a surface modification for ePTFE consisting of a self-assembling fluorosurfactant polymer (FSP) bearing biologically active ligands, including adhesive peptides and polysaccharide moieties. The goal of this biomimetic construct is to improve graft hemocompatibility by promoting rapid surface endothelialization, whereas minimizing platelet adhesion. Here we present a direct comparison of platelet and endothelial cell (EC) adhesion to FSPs containing one of three cell-adhesion peptides: cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Glu (cRGD), cyclic *Cys-Arg-Arg-Glu-Thr-Ala-Trp-Ala-Cys* (cRRE, *denotes disulfide bond cyclization), linear Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Ala (RGD), or a polysaccharide moiety: oligomaltose (M-7), later designed to prevent nonspecific protein adhesion. Measurements of soluble peptide-integrin binding indicated that cRRE exhibits very low affinity for the αIIbβ3 platelet fibrinogen receptor. Static and dynamic adhesion of washed, activated platelets on FSP-modified surfaces revealed that M-7 and cRRE promote significantly less platelet adhesion compared to RGD and cRGD FSPs, whereas EC adhesion was similar on all peptide FSPs and minimal on M-7 FSP. These results illustrate the potential for ligands presented in a FSP surface modification to selectively adhere ECs with limited platelet attachment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2009
Wind load resistance of modified bituminous roofing systems

Abstract Wind effects on roofing systems are dynamic, because of wind's fluctuation in time and space. Therefore a dynamic means of evaluating roofing systems is beneficial for identifying the component in a roofing system that has the weakest resistance against wind uplift forces. The Special Interest Group for Dynamic Evaluation of Roofing Systems (SIGDERS) commissioned a unique North American roofing facility, which has been used to evaluate a mechanically fastened modified bituminous membrane roof system under three different test methods: the Factory Mutual FM-4470 static test standard, the UEAtc (European Union of Agreement) procedure, and the SIGDERS-developed dynamic load cycle. Comparison of the results of these tests shows that UEAtc and SIGDERS tests produce failure modes similar to those observed in the field. The SIGDERS load cycle was completed in much less time than the UEAtc procedure.
Acceptance corrections and extreme-independent models in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Kopeliovich's suggestion [Phys. Rev. C 68, 044906 (2003)] to perform nuclear geometry (Glauber) calculations using different cross sections according to the experimental configuration is quite different from the standard practice of the last 20 years, and leads to a different nuclear geometry definition for each experiment. The standard procedure for experimentalists is to perform the nuclear geometry calculation using the total inelastic $N\text{\ensuremath{-}}N$ cross section, which results in a common nuclear geometry definition for all experiments. The incomplete acceptance of individual experiments is taken into account by correcting the detector response for the probability of measuring zero for an inelastic collision, which can often be determined experimentally. This clearly separates experimental issues such as different acceptances from theoretical issues which should apply in general to all experiments. Extreme-independent models are used to illustrate the conditions for which the two methods give consistent or inconsistent results.
When the Going Gets Weird: An Invitation to Gonzo Sociology

This paper serves as a call to reinvigorate the practice of “gonzo sociology,” an immersive, reflexive methodology which eschews rigidity and formulaic design in favor of innovative and imaginative research on places and peoples ignored by the academy. Employing an autoethnographic account of the author’s experiences researching the reconstruction of the Iraqi police force, this paper serves as both an invitation and a rough how-to guide for gonzo research projects. While a variety of factors—ranging from funding sources to time constraints to anxiety to institutional review concerns—make this type of unorthodox research difficult, it is argued this is exactly what makes it both a necessary corrective to the staid formalism of the field as well as an avenue for incorporating the voices of those least represented in the academy.