cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of Stat1 in CD11c+ Cells Alters Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Improves Metabolic Dysfunctions in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

CD11c+ macrophages/dendritic cells (MDCs) are increased and display the classically activated M1-like phenotype in obese adipose tissue (AT) and may contribute to AT inflammation and insulin resistance. Stat1 is a key transcription factor for MDC polarization into the M1-like phenotype. Here, we examined the role of Stat1 in obesity-induced AT MDC polarization and inflammation and insulin resistance using mice with specific knockout of Stat1 in MDCs (cKO). Stat1 was upregulated and phosphorylated, indicating activation, early and persistently in AT and AT MDCs of wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Compared with littermate controls, cKO mice fed an HFD (16 weeks) had reductions in MDC (mainly CD11c+ macrophage) M1-like polarization and interferon-γ-expressing T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells but increases in interleukin 5-expressing Th2 cells and eosinophils in perigonadal and inguinal AT, and enhanced inguinal AT browning, with increased energy expenditure. cKO mice compared with controls also had significant reductions in triglyceride content in the liver and skeletal muscle and exhibited improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Stat1 in MDCs plays an important role in obesity-induced MDC M1-like polarization and AT inflammation and contributes to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunctions in obese mice.
Improving policing through better analysis: an empirical assessment of a crime analysis training and enhancement project within an urban police department

The ability to conduct sound crime analysis has become a necessity in contemporary policing. This is due to the central role that analysis plays in modern police practices, as well as improved tech...
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Attention

All natural environments have an inherent spatial and temporal organization. Spatial experience can be mapped onto a Cartesian coordinate system. Furthermore, there is a natural temporal order to all physical events and human experience. Though these tenets are intuitively evident and seem obvious today, the basis for people’s experience of space and time has been one of the enduring problems for philosophers and scientists throughout the ages.
Using Aerial Imagery to Determine the Effects of Sea-Level Rise on Fluvial Marshes at the Mouth of the Pascagoula River (Mississippi, USA)

Waldron, M.C.B.; Carter, G.A., and Biber, P.D., 2021. Using aerial imagery to determine the effects of sea-level rise on fluvial marshes at the mouth of the Pascagoula River (Mississippi, USA). Journal of Coastal Research, 37(2), 389–407. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Coastal marshes provide valuable ecosystem services yet are increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR).To facilitate a better understanding of how fluvial marshes along the Gulf of Mexico coast are responding to regional SLR of around 3.7 mm per year, this study used aerial imagery to map land cover at the mouth of the Pascagoula River at 20-year intervals, beginning in 1955 and ending in 2014. High-resolution land cover maps were created for each image date based on a maximum likelihood classification scheme using spectral and textural image features. This marsh ecosystem, at the mouth of the largest free-flowing river by volume in the contiguous United States, should be more resilient to sea level rise than other Gulf Coast marshes, with little restriction to sediment supply and relatively low subsidence rates measured nearby. However, the results of this study show that marsh area declined by 1073 ha (17.5%) and rates of marsh conversion to open water increased over the studied time period. Although modeling studies indicate that coastal marshes worldwide may persist under accelerated SLR, these observations suggest that marsh extent in the sediment-rich Pascagoula River Estuary will continue to decline, signifying vulnerability among other marsh ecosystems along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast.
A methodology to develop a geospatial transportation typology

Abstract We introduce a methodology to develop a geo-typology (geotype) that categorizes each location in the United States in terms of their main drivers of transportation demand and supply. We develop the first comprehensive set of geotypes for both urban and rural areas across the entire United States. This typology is designed to facilitate national level modeling of multi-modal transportation system's response to alternative investment strategies differentiated across different types of locations. We develop a two-stage clustering procedure to systematically and quantitatively characterize the ways in which locations across the nation are similar or different with respect to their potential response to investment strategies of interest. First, we cluster all 73,057 census tracts, using factor analysis and the CLARA clustering algorithm into “microtypes” based on their street network and economic characteristics. Then we cluster regions (core-basic statistical areas and counties) into “geotypes” using PAM clustering according to their commute configurations, polycentricity and density. The resulting set captures both local and regional variation. These microtypes and geotypes are comparable across all locations, enabling a national level perspective, while maintaining sufficient heterogeneity to support a variety of transportation analyses capturing critical geographic variation.
Site-Specific Small Molecule Labeling of an Internal Loop in JC Polyomavirus Pentamers Using the π-Clamp-Mediated Cysteine Conjugation

The major capsid protein VP1 of JC Polyomavirus assembles into pentamers that serve as a model for studying viral entry of this potentially severe human pathogen. Previously, labeling of viral proteins utilized large fusion proteins or non-specific amine- or cysteine-functionalization with fluorescent dyes. Imaging of these sterically hindered fusion proteins or heterogeneously labeled virions limits reproducibility and could prevent the detection of subtle trafficking phenomena. Here we advance the π-clamp-mediated cysteine conjugation for site-selective fluorescent labeling of VP1-pentamers. We demonstrate a one-step synthesis of a probe consisting of a bio-orthogonal click chemistry handle bridged to a perfluoro-biphenyl π-clamp reactive electrophile by a polyethylene glycol linker. We expand the scope of the π-clamp conjugation by demonstrating selective labeling of an internal, surface exposed loop in VP1. Thus, the π-clamp conjugation offers a general method to selectively bioconjugate tags-of-interest to viral proteins without impeding their ability to bind and enter cells.
How Should Clinicians Address a Patient's Experience of Transgenerational Trauma?

Establishing trust is essential to a healthy patient-surgeon relationship. Respecting patient autonomy while seeking to understand patients’ unique perspectives can strengthen trust. This article discusses cultural mistrust
CEO Facial Traits and CEO Compensation

In this study, we examine whether CEO facial traits influence their compensation and then investigate what factors may affect the traits – compensation relation. We combine archival data of companies and survey data related to their CEOs. Our surveys involve 799 participants who evaluated 294 photos of S&P 500 CEOs’ faces along key facial traits dimensions, e.g., attractiveness, competence, intelligence, and babyfacedness. We hypothesize and find that CEOs perceived as more competent or attractive receive a higher salary pay but not bonus pay. These findings support the notion that facial traits can affect CEO salary decisions, but are not correlated with CEO actual performance and thus do not influence CEO bonus pay. The findings also show that a competence salary premium exists for externally (but not internally) hired CEOs, suggesting that first impressions play an important role in determining CEO salary compensation. In addition, results of partitioned sample analyses show that CEO salary is significantly associated with perceived competence for firms with greater visibility to both investors and customers. Finally, we hypothesize and find that the competence premium exists only in small (versus large) and less diversified (versus more diversified) companies.
Why Did Small Business Fintech Lending Dry Up During March 2020

With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in March 2020, small business lending through fintech lenders collapsed. We explore the reasons for the market shutdown using detailed data about loan applications, offers, and take-up from a major small business fintech credit platform. We document that while the number of loan applications increased sharply early in March 2020, the supply of credit collapsed as online lenders dropped from the platform and the likelihood of applicants receiving loan offers fell precipitously. Our analysis shows that the drying up of the loan supply is most consistent with fintech lenders becoming financially constrained and losing their ability to fund new loans.
Differentiated Caco-2 Cell Monolayers Exhibit Differential Adaptation to Chronic Exposure of Green Tea and Grape Seed Extracts Rich in Flavan-3-ols

Though low oral bioavailability limits potential flavan-3-ol benefits, evidence suggests bioavailability may be increased through chronic dosing. To model gut-specific alterations occurring due to ...
Thin Film Thermometer with Small Magnetoresistance

A zirconium nitride(Zr-N) thin film for cryogenic thermometer was fabricated by using a reactive rf-sputtering equipment. The Zr-N was deposited on a sapphire or a glass substrate. The composition ratio ofthe film could be changed by changing the sputtering condition such as partial pressure of N2. The Zr-N film, which had excess nitrogen(N>Zr), showed negative TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) and was classified into three groups by its RR (R4.2K/R300K) and MR (magnetoresistance). The group I (RR<3) showed negative MR and indicated logarithmic temperature dependence of the conductance. The group II (RR<IO) showed positive MR and its conductance was proportional to \(\sqrt{T}\) He temperatures. For the intermediate group (RR~5), the conductivity altered as \(\sqrt{T}+\ln(T)\). The MR changed once from negative to positive and finally became negative again with increasing magnetic field. In a magnetic field of 6 T, the temperature error at 4.2 K was less than 10 mK. These behavior of MR and conductance can be explained by the localization theory.
Compact Representation in Real Quadratic Congruence Function Fields

A real quadratic congruence function field \(K = \mathbb{F}_q \left( x \right)\left( {\sqrt D } \right)\)typically contains many elements α of large height \(H(\alpha ) = \max \left\{ {|\alpha |,|\bar \alpha |} \right\}\)and small norm (in absolute value) \(|N(\alpha )| = |\alpha \bar \alpha |\). A prominent example for this kind of behavior is the fundamental unit ηκ whose norm has absolute value 1, but whose height is often exponential in ¦D¦. Hence it requires exponential time to even write down ηκ, let alone perform computations on ηκ In this paper, we present a shorter representation for elements α in any quadratic order \(\mathcal{O} = \mathbb{F}_q \left[ x \right]\left[ {\sqrt \Delta } \right]\)of K. This representation is analogous to the one for quadratic integers developed by Buchmann, Thiel, and Williams, and is polynomially bounded in log ¦N(α)¦, log deg H(α), and. log¦Δ¦. For the fundamental unit ηκ of K, such a representation requires O((log ¦D¦)2) bits of storage. We show how to perform arithmetic with compact representations and prove that the problems of principal ideal testing, ideal equivalence, and the discrete logarithm problem for ideal classes belong to the complexity class NP.
The Photographs of Mia Gröndahl

Photographer Mia Grondahl takes as her subject the people caught in the struggles and seismic changes taking place in countries and sites of tension, such as Egypt and Palestine. In ways markedly distinct from typical photojournalism, Grondahl’s images show her to be a particularly empathetic documenter of the visual manifestations of struggle, resistance, and change, revealing both the humanity and tenacity of her subjects. Grondahl has produced fascinating visual documents that emphatically avoid the simple dichotomies beloved of the mainstream media, frequently enabling, or compelling, us to look again at the powerful medium of graffiti and how, in cities such as Cairo, the graffiti artist articulates and documents social upheaval. To engage with Grondahl’s photographs is to begin to engage with the complexities of the Arab Spring and the ways in which Cairo’s graffiti artists have learned so much from the graffiti of the Palestinian struggle.
Developmentally appropriate LOGO computer programming with young children

The Iowa Early Childhood Papert Partnership (IECPP), a partnership among two public school systems, a private university school of education, a Head Start agency, a state area educational support agency, and renown technology theorist Seymour Papert, explored ways that LOGO computer programming can be used in developmentally appropriate ways with young children. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), defined developmentally appropriate practice as (a) age appropriateness, (b) individual appropriateness, and (c) sociocultural appropriateness. Each of these factors are considered, with particular attention being devoted to the developmental theories of Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Howard Gardner, and Lev Vygotsky. It is found that although Piaget is the theorist most commonly cited with reference to young children's work with computers, LOGO programming by young children is also (perhaps even more strongly) supported by the theories of Erikson, Gardner, and Vygotsky. Implications for practice are discussed in detail, drawing on the experience of those who have introduced the Reggio Emilia approach in their early childhood programs. Implications for curriculum design, pedagogy, family involvement, research, and development are all discussed.
Landscape response to Pleistocene‐Holocene precipitation change in the Western Cordillera, Peru: 10Be concentrations in modern sediments and terrace fills

[1] The landscape response to climate change is frequently investigated with models because natural experiments on geologic timescales are rare. In Quebrada Veladera, in the western Andes Mountains, the formation of alluvial terraces during periods of high precipitation presents opportunities for such an experiment. We compare drainage-average erosion rates during Pleistocene terrace deposition with Holocene rates, using cosmogenic 10Be samples for seven pairs of quartz sand taken from the trunk and tributaries of Quebrada Veladera and adjacent terraces. Each pair consists of sediment collected from the modern channel and excavated from an adjacent fill terrace. The terrace fill was deposited at ~16 ka and preserved an isotopic record of paleoerosion rates in the Late Pleistocene. Modern sands yield 10Be concentrations between 1.68 × 105 and 2.28 × 105 atoms/g, corresponding to Holocene erosion rates between 43 ± 3 and 58 ± 4 mm/kyr. The 10Be concentrations in terrace sands range from 9.46 × 104 to 3.73 × 105 atoms/g, corresponding to paleoerosion rates from 27 ± 2 to 103 ± 8 mm/kyr. Smaller, upstream tributaries show a substantial decline in erosion rate following the transition from a wet to dry climate, but larger drainage areas show no change. We interpret this trend to indicate that the wetter climate drove landscape dissection, which ceased with the return to dry conditions. As channel heads propagated upslope, erosion accelerated in low-order drainages before higher-order ones. This contrast disappeared when the drainage network ceased to expand; at that point, erosion rates became spatially uniform, consistent with the uniformity of modern hillslope gradients.
Zinc-dependent protein folding

Studies of classic zinc-finger peptides over the past 15 years have offered insights into the coupled processes of metal binding and protein folding. Within the past two years, this insight has been used to increase our understanding of the importance of first and second shell contributions (i.e. contributions from direct and indirect metal ligands) to metal binding and protein-folding stability, and led to advances in de novo protein design and protein redesign.
The solid + vapor phase equilibrium and the interaction second virial coefficients for argon +, nitrogen +, methane +, and helium + neopentane II. Analysis of results

Abstract Our previously published interaction second virial coefficients B 12 for Ar + C(CH 3 ) 4 , N 2 + C(CH 3 ) 4 , CH 4 + C(CH 3 ) 4 , and He + C(CH 3 ) 4 are used to evaluate several mixing rules for energy and volume parameters for molecules differing greatly in size.
Caga-positive strains of Helicobacter pylori may protect against Barrett’s esophagus

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach. However, the role of H. pylori strain variation in complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially Barrett’s esophagus, is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of colonization by cagA + and cagA − H. pylori strains in the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including Barrett’s esophagus. METHODS: A total of 251 patients undergoing endoscopy were categorized into four groups: controls, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease alone, and patients with short- and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus. All patients underwent upper endoscopies with biopsies and serum collections. H. pylori and degree of mucosal inflammation in gastric biopsies were assessed and serological assessment made for H. pylori and cagA status. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of H. pylori colonization in the study population was 35% (95% confidence interval = 29.5–41.4%) which did not differ significantly among the groups. However, colonization by cagA + H. pylori strains was significantly more prevalent among controls (11/25; 44%) and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (13/36; 36%) than in patients with short-segment (2/10; 20%) or long-segment Barrett’s esophagus (0/18; 0%). Patients with Barrett’s esophagus were less likely to be colonized by cagA + H. pylori strains than reflux patients without Barrett’s esophagus (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.67, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Colonization by cagA + H. pylori strains may be protective against the formation of short- and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus and its malignant complications.
Kinetics and Inhibition of Nicotinamidase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Nicotinamidase/pyrazinamidase (PncA) is involved in the NAD+ salvage pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other bacteria. In addition to hydrolyzing nicotinamide into nicotinic acid, PncA also hydrolyzes the prodrug pyrazinamide to generate the active form of the drug, pyrazinoic acid, which is an essential component of the multidrug treatment of TB. A coupled enzymatic activity assay has been developed for PncA that allows for the spectroscopic observation of enzyme activity. The enzyme activity was essentially pH-independent under the conditions tested; however, the measurement of the pH dependence of iodoacetamide alkylation revealed a pK value of 6.6 for the active site cysteine. Solvent deuterium kinetic isotope effects revealed an inverse value for kcat of 0.64, reconfirming the involvement of a thiol group in the mechanism. A mechanism is proposed for PncA catalysis that is similar to the mechanisms proposed for members of the nitrilase superfamily, in which nucleophilic attack by the active site cysteine generates a tetrahedral intermediate that collapses with the loss of ammonia and subsequent hydrolysis of the thioester bond by water completes the cycle. An inhibitor screen identified the competitive inhibitor 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde with a Ki of 290 nM. Additionally, pyrazinecarbonitrile was found to be an irreversible inactivator of PncA, with a kinact/KI of 975 M(−1) s(−1).
Efficiency enhancement in cyclotron autoresonance maser amplifiers by magnetic field tapering.

The efficiency of cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) amplifiers withpiecewise linear tapering of the magnetic field is analyzed. In the low-currentlimit, we find that increasing the magnetic field substantially enhances theefficiency if an effective detuning parameter is positive, while decreasing themagnetic field is advantageous when the detuning parameter is negative. Forhigh-current, high-gain, CARM operation the efficacy of tapering is found to bereduced in a parameter regime where the saturation wave amplitude becomes ofthe order of an effective detuning parameter.
Gas–solid two-phase flow in a triple bifurcation lung airway model

Abstract Laminar oscillatory flow as well as micron-particle transport and wall deposition in a triple bifurcation airway model have been simulated using a validated finite-volume code with user-enhanced programs. Three realistic breathing patterns, i.e., resting, light activity and moderate exercise, were considered. Transient air flow, particle transport, and wall deposition results are shown and summarized in terms of regional particle deposition efficiencies (DEs). The effects of skewed inlet profiles on the flow field and particle deposition were recorded as well. Particle deposition may increase under cyclic flow conditions, i.e., DE-values are typically larger for cyclic flow than for steady flow evaluated at the mean flow rate of a given inhalation or exhalation pulse. While particles deposit mainly around the carinal ridges, i.e., flow dividers, during inspiratory flow due to direct impaction, they deposit on the tubular surfaces during exhalation because of strong secondary flows. Moreover, particle deposition during exhalation is much lower than for inhalation at the same local Stokes number. The comparisons of DEs among different lung generations or bifurcation areas for both cyclic inhalation and exhalation show that DEs in the third bifurcation region may be quite different from those at previous bifurcations due to upstream geometry and flow effects.
Cross-talk among Rho GTPases acting downstream of PI 3-kinase induces mesenchymal transformation of corneal endothelial cells mediated by FGF-2.

PURPOSE. Endothelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT), in which the contact-inhibited corneal endothelial cells (CECs) become multilayers of spindle-shaped cells containing protrusive processes, is mediated by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. The involvement in EMT of cross-talk among Rho GTPases mediated by FGF-2 was also investigated. METHODS. GTP pull-down assays were performed to identify the activated Rho GTPases. Transfection of CECs with either constitutively active (ca) or dominant negative (dn) Rho GTPase vectors was performed. Protein–protein interaction was investigated by coimmunoprecipitation and a yeast two-hybrid assay. RESULTS. The alteration of morphology and actin cytoskeleton caused by FGF-2 was mediated by active Rac and inactive Rho. Prolonged treatment of CECs with FGF-2 induced formation of protrusive processes through activated Cdc42. All FGF-2 actions were blocked by the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. Cells transfected with caRacG12V acquired elongated morphology; the actin cytoskeleton was reorganized to the cortex. Formation of protrusive processes was observed in the elongated cells expressing caCdc42G12V or dominant negative (dn)RhoT19N, whereas polygonal cells expressing dnRacT17N, caRhoG14V, or dnCdc42T17N had stress fibers. Further analysis demonstrated that Rac was associated with Cdc42 or Rho through a 32- or 30-kDa Dbl homology/ pleckstrin homology– containing protein. CONCLUSIONS. These findings suggest that alteration of cell shape and actin cytoskeleton are closely linked to the sequential activation of Rho GTPases through PI 3-kinase in response to FGF-2 stimulation. Cortical actin is formed via active Rac and inactive Rho followed by formation of protrusive processes mediated by active Cdc42 and inactive Rho. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:2358 –2368) DOI:10.1167/iovs.05-1490
Runx2/Cbfa1-genetically engineered skeletal myoblasts mineralize collagen scaffolds in vitro.

Genetic engineering of progenitor and stem cells is an attractive approach to address cell sourcing limitations associated with tissue engineering applications. Bone tissue engineering represents a promising strategy to repair large bone defects, but has been limited in part by the availability of a sustained, mineralizing cell source. This study examined the in vitro mineralization potential of primary skeletal myoblasts genetically engineered to overexpress Runx2/Cbfa1, an osteoblastic transcriptional regulator essential to bone formation. These cells were viable at the periphery of 3D fibrous collagen scaffolds for 6 weeks of static culture. Exogenous Runx2 expression induced osteogenic differentiation and repressed myogenesis in these constructs relative to controls. Runx2-modified cells deposited significant amounts of mineralized matrix and hydroxyapatite, as determined by microcomputed tomography, histological analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas scaffolds seeded with control cells exhibited no mineralized regions. Although mineralization by Runx2-engineered cells was confined to the periphery of the construct, colocalizing with cell viability, it was sufficient to increase the compressive modulus of constructs 30-fold relative to controls. This work demonstrates that Runx2 overexpression in skeletal myoblasts may address current obstacles of bone tissue engineering by providing a potent cell source for in vitro mineralization and construct maturation. Additionally, the use of genetic engineering methods to express downstream control factors and transcriptional regulators, in contrast to soluble signaling molecules, represents a robust strategy to enhance cellular activities for tissue engineering applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multilayer optical coatings based on half-wave-layer pairs

Highly reflective coatings and polarizing beam splitters are generally designed with alternating layers of high and low index of refraction materials, with the thickness of each layer corresponding to an optical path length of a quarter of a wavelength. We present numerical results suggesting that the most important constraint is that the optical path length of a pair of layers should sum to one half of a wavelength, but within that constraint there is a fair amount of latitude to vary the proportions of the two layers without significantly affecting the coating's optical properties. Specifically, we suggest that in a hafnia/silica highly reflective coating, it may be possible to reduce the hafnia component significantly (by 20%) without compromising the reflectivity. Such a reduction could prove beneficial for damage thresholds since hafnia seems to be the primary source of seeds for nodule defects and hafnia's lower thermal conductivity increases the likelihood of thermal damage.
Effect of laundering on the barrier properties of reusable surgical gown fabrics

Abstract Background: Relationships between selected fabric characteristics and the barrier effectiveness of surgical gown fabrics to bacterial transmission were examined. The effect of laundering on these characteristics was determined. Methods: Five commercially available reusable surgical gowns were evaluated in this study. Four of the gowns were produced from woven fabrics. One gown was produced from a 3-layer composite that contained a microporous membrane between a woven and knit fabric. By using standard test methods, the following characteristics were evaluated: thickness, weight, pore size, and oil and water repellency. Gowns were laundered 25 and 50 times by a commercial laundry service that specialized in cleaning surgical gowns. Gown fabrics were sterilized only before laboratory evaluation and not after each laundering cycle. Resistance of the fabrics to the transmission of microorganism suspensions under a hydrostatic pressure was determined. Staphylococcus aureus was the microorganism used in this study. Conclusions: A combination of several fabric characteristics were associated with the barrier properties of the surgical gown fabrics studied. Repellency and pore size contributed to gown performance. Laundering reduced the ability of the fabric to prevent the transmission of bacteria through the fabrics. Only 1 fabric showed no transmission of bacteria after laundering. This fabric retained the greatest degree of repellency and had the greatest thickness. Higher repellency ratings generally corresponded with higher barrier properties. Two fabrics showed no significant increase in the amount of bacteria that transmitted through the fabric after laundering. Both of these gowns were reinforced with a second fabric layer. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1998;26:495-501)
Surgical Resection of Isolated Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Recurrence of Renal Cell Carcinoma Following Nephrectomy

Purpose: Durable survival has been reported following the resection of solitary metachronous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma at sites including the lung, bone and adrenal. We report our experience with resection of isolated retroperitoneal lymph node recurrence.Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent surgical resection of isolated metachronous recurrence of renal cell carcinoma in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes following radical nephrectomy for pTanyNanyM0 tumors were identified (group 1). Progression-free and cancer specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared to survival in patients who had pTanyN+M0 disease at nephrectomy (group 2) and in patients who underwent complete resection of a solitary metachronous metastasis at other sites (group 3).Results: A total of 15 patients underwent resection of isolated retroperitoneal lymph node recurrence of renal cell carcinoma. Median time from nephrectomy to resection was 10.3 months (range 3 to 159). No patient received s...
From doing to saying

Exclamations, manners of speaking, performative verbs, and vocal gestures such as laughter frequently cannot be "translated" into propositional language without losing their identity as actions in some way. But not all exclamations, performatives, and vocal gestures are alike in this respect. Some can be translated, and some lie somewhere in between on a "sublimation trajectory" from doing to saying. Intermediate points on this trajectory correspond to attested stages of child language acquisition, and may also correspond to stages in the phylogenetic evolution of language.
Adenovirus-Mediated Transfer of BAX Driven by the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promoter Induces Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells

Apoptosis induction is a promising approach for cancer gene therapy. Bax is a death-promoting member of the Bcl2 family of genes that are intimately involved in apoptosis. Overexpression of BAX protein can accelerate cell death by homodimers that promote apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effect of BAX was evaluated in vitro by a recombinant adenovirus system expressing the human BAX gene under control of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoter element (AdVEGFBAX). Overexpression of BAX in human lung carcinoma cells resulted in apoptosis induction, caspase activation, and cell growth suppression, none of which were observed in BEAS-2B normal human bronchial epithelial cells that do not overexpress VEGF under normoxic conditions. To examine the hypoxia responsiveness of the VEGF promoter, lung cancer cells were transiently exposed to hypoxia; this treatment increased enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression after AdVEGFEGFP infection in both normal and cancer cell lines, and enhanced apoptosis and decreased the number of surviving cancer cells compared with the Ad/BAX plus Ad/Cre binary adenoviral system. These results suggest a possible therapeutic application of cancer-specific expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene driven by the VEGF promoter.
Morphology and Biology of Trichogrammatoidea bactrae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), Imported from Australia as a Parasitoid of Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Eggs

Morphological and selected biological studies are described for Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja, recently imported into the United States from Australia as an egg parasitoid of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). Females maintained at 24°C averaged 23.2 ± 6.3 (SD) eggs per ovary. Unlike many Trichogramma species that apparently have four larval instars, T. bactrae develops through only two instars. Larvae also lack well-defined primary segmentation, which suggests that they are relatively immobile. The characteristic blackening of the vitelline membrane of the host egg occurs during the prepupal stage. Measurements and scanning electron micrographs of all T. bactrae immature stages are described. T. bactrae development, mortality, and adult fecundity and longevity were examined at several constant temperatures in the laboratory. Host age suitability studies were done at 25°C. Across all temperatures tested (15-32.5°C), the majority (ݲ = 83.7%) of T. bactrae emerged between 0700-1000 hours, and the sex ratio (progeny from mated females) was predominately female (ݲ = 64.9%). Virgin females exclusively produced males. Immature mortality ranged from 10.6 to 34.6% between 15 and 30°C; however, at 32.5°C mortality was 73%. T. bactrae preferred to oviposit in white eggs (<24 h old) versus older eggs and produced an average of 20.72 immatures/female (95% CI = 17.7 to 23.7). Regardless of rearing temperature, T. bactrae females completed oviposition within the first day of emergence and usually died within 1.18 ± 0.048 (ݲ ± SE) days. Males never lived longer than one day. Potential for T. bactrae to become established in cotton in the southwestern United States is discussed.
TH‐E‐224C‐03: Implementation of Monte Carlo Code VMC++ for Photon Beam Treatment Planning

Purpose: To implement the VMC++ Monte Carlo code for radiotherapytreatment planning of photon beams. The implementation includes the sampling of particles from a multiple‐source model, modeling of accessories, and commissioning of the model based on beam data measurements. Method and Materials: In this work, the radiation output from a linear accelerator was modeled using a multiple‐source model with separate sub‐sources for primary radiation, extra‐focal radiation and electron contamination. This approach enables the commissioning of an individual accelerator using a previously developed procedure, which determines the model parameters by minimizing deviations between measurements and superposition dose calculations. The same source model was used both for the superposition and for the Monte Carlo based dose calculation method. Physical wedges,MLCs, blocks and compensators were modeled by transporting particles sampled from the source model through a detailed geometrical model of the specific accessory. The MLC model accounts for tongue‐and‐groove, divergent leaf alignment, air cavities between adjacent leaves, and rounded leaf tips. Results: The accuracy of the developed algorithm was studied by comparing calculations to measurements for open fields, wedged fields, and irregular MLC apertures for 6 MV and 18 MV beam energies. The agreement between measurements and calculations was within statistical uncertainties for all of the studied cases. The calculation of a typical treatment plan takes from minutes to few hours, depending on the required statistical accuracy. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that VMC++ with an optimized multiple‐source model and particle transport through accessories results in accurate dose distributions in a wide range of conditions. The developed algorithm has acceptable calculation speed, and has large potential for improving dose calculation accuracy in complex situations and heterogeneous cases compared to traditional dose calculation algorithms. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Varian Medical Systems Inc.
Equalization of Darlington type-C load to give Chebyshev or elliptic transducer power-gain characteristics

The paper provides practical means for selecting the optimum parameters for the design of a lossless coupling network that equalizes the Darlington type-C load to a resistive generator and to achieve the nth-order Chebyshev or elliptic transducer power-gain characteristic. Fundamental gain-bandwidth limitation and other restrictions are established in their full generality. Detailed illustrative examples are given.
Small-scale modular wind turbine

This study reports the design, fabrication, and implementation of a horizontal-axis, small-scale modular wind turbine termed as "small-scale wind energy portable turbine (SWEPT)". Portability, efficient operation at low wind speeds, and cost-effectiveness were the primary goals of SWEPT. The fabrication and component design for SWEPT are provided along with the modifications that can provide improvement in performance. A comparative analysis is presented with the prototype reported in literature. The results show that current version of SWEPT leads to 150% increase in output power. It was found that SWEPT can generate 160 mW power at rated wind speed of 7 mph and 500mW power at wind speeds above 10 mph with a cut-in wind speed of 3.8 mph. Furthermore, the prototype was subjected to field testing in which the average output was measured to be 40 mW despite the average wind distribution being centered around 3 mph.
WE-C-AUD-01: Differences in Predicted Beam Range, Lateral Scatter and Absolute Dose Between Proton Monte Carlo and Pencil-Beam Dose Calculation Considering Single Fields and Full Plans for Head and Neck Tumors

Introduction:Monte Carlo based dose calculation is considered to be more accurate than analytical methods. We were interested in the potential impact of the clinical use of protonMonte Carlo dose calculation in particular in areas of frequent tissue interfaces and density variations, i.e. in the head and neck region. Methods: The Monte Carlo code Geant4 was used to simulate the treatment head geometry, patient geometry based on CT as well as treatment room setup and treatment plan parameters. Ten patient plans (para‐spinal tumors and tumoprs in the nasopharynx and para‐nasal sinus area) were analyzed in terms of dose distributions and dose‐volume histograms. Analysis was done considering individual fields and total plans. Results: In general, the Monte Carlo and the pencil‐beam algorithm agree very well in soft tissue in terms of the beam range and the lateral fall‐off. The 80%–20% fall‐off and the position of the respective isodose lines are typically within 1 mm. However, the agreement in range is not as good in the presence of large density variations in the beam path. Differences are pronounced if the end of range is within bony structure and downstream of thick bony inhomogeneities. Further, clinically significant discrepancies in range prediction are visible if density variations are parallel to the beam direction. By interpreting the results one has to take into account that the pencil‐beam algorithm reports dose‐to‐water while the Monte Carlo calculates dose‐to‐tissue. Further, our planning system only specifies relative doses while the Monte Carlo dose distribution is in absolute values. Conclusion: The pencil‐beam algorithm is less sensitive to geometrical complexities and frequent density variations, i.e. bone‐soft tissue, bone‐air or air‐soft tissue interfaces. Significant discrepancies can be seen in the case of inhomogeneities that are tangential to the beam.
Coordination indices between lifting kinematics and kinetics

Abstract During a lifting task the movement of the trunk can account for the majority of the external moment about the ankle. Though the angle of trunk flexion and the external moment about the ankles are roughly correlated, this correlation can be reduced by various segmental dynamics and momentums with the upper/lower extremities. Two methods are proposed in this technical note for describing the relationship between the kinematics and the kinetics of a lifting motion. The first relies on the phase plane analysis technique and explores the relative phase angle between the kinematic characteristics of lifting motion (i.e., trunk motion in the sagittal plane) and the kinetic characteristics of lifting motion (i.e., the net external moment). The second technique employs the moving correlation technique that assesses the level of coordination between the net external moment and the angle of the torso in the sagittal plane. In this paper, these methods are applied to a dataset of lifting motions of obese and normal weight participants to explore the utility of these modeling approaches on the assessment of potential risk in the lifting task due to obesity. Relevance to industry Quantifying the coordination between the movement of the trunk and the net external moment can be helpful in understanding the lifting techniques that may place the lifter at higher risk of developing a low back injury.
THE METABOLISM OF NORTRIPTYLINE-N-METHYL-14C IN RATS.

Abstract Nortriptyline, labeled with radiocarbon in the N-methyl group, has been prepared and its metabolism, distribution, and excretion studied in the rat. About 25% of an administered dose undergoes N-demethylation in the whole animal. Another 40% of the dose is excreted in urine as conjugates of the cis and trans isomers of 10-hydroxy-nortriptyline. Distribution studies demonstrate that the drug undergoes wide distribution, with the highest levels found in lung and liver. Nortriptyline was identified in the brain, showing that it does pass the blood-brain barrier; it also was found to be slowly, but efficiently, absorbed from the intestinal tract.
Response to the valsalva maneuver after the fontan procedure for tricuspid valve atresia, single ventricle or pulmonic valve atresia

The Valsalva maneuver was performed during cardiac catheterization in 9 patients who had undergone a Fontan operation (Fontan group) and in 10 control subjects. The Fontan group had higher right atrial (RA) pressure (16 f 1 vs 4 f 0.5 mm Hg, p <O.OOi), lower cardiac index (2.5 f 0.1 vs 3.7 f 0.2 liters/min/m*, p <0.05), lower stroke index (32 f 2 vs 44 f 2 ml/beat/m*, p <0.05), and higher systemic vascular resistance (31 f 1 vs 24 f 1 units, p <0.05) than the control group. Four patients in the Fontan group had a normal 4-phase Valsalva response, and 5 did not (p <0.05). RA pressure was similar in those who responded normally and those who did not (16 f 0.5 vs 17 f 1 mm Hg), whe in those who responded normally cardiac index higher (2.9 f 0.2 vs 2.2 rf: 0.1 liters/min/m <0.05), stroke index was higher (36 f 1 vs 28 rt 1 ml/beat/m*, p <0.05), and systemic vascu sistance was lower (28 f 1 vs 31 f 1, p <0 is concluded that cardiac output is a better pr of a normal response to the Valsalva maneuver than RA pressure in patients after the Fontan procedure. A normal response to the supine Valsalva neuver suggests a cardiac index greater 2.4 liters/min/m* and stroke index greater tha ml/beat/m*. (Am J Cardiol 1985;56:905
Solution of an open region problem as a limiting case of a closed region problem

Starting from the solution of the bifurcated parallel plate waveguide, the paper derives the solution of an open ended parallel plate waveguide radiating into space. This is achieved by approaching the limit as the transverse dimension of the large guide becomes indefinitely large. It is shown that the expression for the reflection coefficient in the parallel plate waveguide obtained in this manner is the same as that derived by Marcuvitz, Noble, etc., who use the Wiener-Hopf technique. Application of this procedure to other problems, such as surface wave launching on a dielectric or plasma slab, is suggested.
Diffusion coefficients of single bile salt and bile salt-mixed lipid micelles in aqueous solution measured by quasielastic laser light scattering.

Abstract Diffusion coefficients of single bile salt micelles and mixed binary micelles consisting of single bile salts and phosphatidylcholine in the molar ratio 3 : 1 have been measured using quasielastic laser light scattering spectroscopy. Among single systems, marked concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient was observed only in those containing sodium taurodeoxycholate. Micellar size correlates with bile salt molecular structure in a manner similar to thaobserved by earlier workers with some minor differences towards a more consistent ordering. Phosphatidylcholine produces small increases in micellar size in most systems depending on bile salt structure, and seems most plausibly interpreted as simple swelling of the single species micelles. In some systems, when phosphatidylcholine is added, size or shape changes are indicated. Diffusion coefficients were also studied in the ternary systems bile saltphosphatidylcholine-cholesterol which were saturated and metastably supersaturated with respect to cholesterol. The Stokes radii in both systems were the same within experimental error, 35 A. Our results indicate that intermicellar interactions significantly contributed to the measured diffusion coefficients in the ternary systems as well as in the single sodium taurodeoxycholate and binary sodium taurodeoxycholate-phosphatidylcholine systems in the concentration range studied.
Arteriovenous malformation of the hand with involvement of bone

A case of arteriovenous malformation of the hand involving bone is presented. Changes in the involved bone may be characteristic but are usually not diagnostic. The value of arteriography in the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation is emphasized, since biopsy may be hazardous and even misleading.
Performance of an Angular Flange Aeroelastic Wind Energy Converter

ALL conventional wind turbines operate on the principles of turbomachinaries, with wind being made to flow over a set of rotating vanes. Recently, a new concept for wind energy conversion based on aeroelastic instability was introduced. It is well known that couplings between the vibration of an elastic structure and fluid stream may lead to aeroelastic instability. Energy then is transferred from the airstream into the elastic structure, which results in a destructive monotonic increase of the vibration amplitude of the structure. The failure of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is one of the well-known examples of such a disaster. The use of an aeroelastic instability (or flutter) mechanism for constructing a wind energy converter was suggested. The theory for a torsional wind energy converter and the results of some model tests were also presented. Recently, some studies on similar types of wind energy converters using oscillating airfoils were reported. In the present study an angular flange H-section model of a torsional aeroelastic wind energy converter is constructed, and its performances under various conditions are investigated. The effects of the variations of the flange angle and the flange width on the performance of the model are studied. The weight of themore » pendulum is also varied, and its effects on the power coefficient of the model are investigated. It is observed that the efficiency of energy conversion decreases with an increase in wind speed. A method for possible improvement of the theoretical prediction is suggested and discussed.« less