cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Older Populations at a Disadvantage? County-Level Analysis of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Urban and Rural America.

OBJECTIVES This study examines how areas with different older population compositions are affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and whether urban and rural counties face different challenges. METHODS Applying negative binomial regression to a data set of U.S. counties (N = 3,042), we estimated the relationship between older population ratios and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and how this relationship changes over time in urban and rural counties, respectively. RESULTS Although low-ratio counties show the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic, confirmed cases in high-ratio counties (>25% of the total population is aged 65 and older) increase exponentially with time in urban areas. High-ratio rural counties hit their peak later and recover more slowly compared to low- and medium-ratio rural counties. DISCUSSION Both urban and rural counties with larger older populations are more vulnerable and their disadvantages in COVID-19 infections are more rapidly exacerbated over time in urban areas. This underscores the importance of early action in those counties for effective intervention and prevention.
Comparison of DCE-MRI of murine model cancers with a low dose and high dose of contrast agent

Abstract There are increasing concerns regarding intracellular accumulation of gadolinium (Gd) after multiple dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI scans. We investigated whether a low dose (LD) of Gd-based contrast agent is as effective as a high dose (HD) for quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI data, and evaluated the use of a split dose protocol to obtain new diagnostic parameters. Female C3H mice (n = 6) were injected with mammary carcinoma cells in the hind leg. MRI experiments were performed on 9.4 T scanner. DCE-MRI data were acquired with 1.5 s temporal resolution before and after a LD (0.04 mmol/kg), then again after 30 min followed by a HD (0.2 mmol/kg) bolus injection of Omniscan. The standard Tofts model was used to extract physiological parameters (Ktrans and ve) with the arterial input function derived from muscle reference tissue. In addition, an empirical mathematical model was used to characterize maximum contrast agent uptake (A), contrast agent uptake rate (α) and washout rate (β and γ). There were moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.69–0.97, p
The actual and the rational: Hegel and objective spirit: by Jean-François Kervégan, translated by Daniela Ginsburg and Martin Shuster, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2018, pp. xxxiii + 384, $55.00 (hb), ISBN: 9780226023809

Jean-Francois Kervegan’s The Actual and the Rational is a detailed study of the bulk of Hegel’s social and political philosophy, as we find it in the published text of the Philosophy of Right, the ...
Thai transgender women in Europe: Migration, gender and binational relationships:

The article identifies subtle structural and socio-political issues behind kathoeys’ (Thai male-to-female transgender) migration decisions and categorizes the structural aspirations of their migrat...
Effect of a Trace Mineral Injection on Performance and Trace Mineral Status of Beef Cows and Calves

The objective was to determine the effects of an injectable trace mineral (TMI; Multimin 90) containing copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) on trace mineral status and the resulting impacts on reproduction of beef cows and the growth of their calves. Beef cows (n = 200) were assigned to receive TMI or no injection (CON) prior to calving and breeding over two consecutive years. Calves born to cows receiving TMI also received TMI at birth in both years and at 49 ± 1.3 days of age in year 1. The TMI increased (p = 0.01) liver Zn and tended (p = 0.06) to increase liver Cu concentrations. Short-lived effects of TMI on Se were observed. Liver Cu and Zn would have been considered adequate and Se marginal in the CON. Pregnancy due to artificial insemination and overall pregnancy rate did not differ (p ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Use of TMI did not increase calf pre-weaning gain. These data indicate that TMI does not improve the reproductive performance of beef cows with adequate trace mineral status or the pre-weaning performance of their calves.
Effect of antifibrotic therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis undergoing lung transplant in the peri and post-operative period.

Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease with high mortality. Lung transplant remains a cornerstone of treatment despite the advent of antifibrotic therapy. In light of the increasing number of patients on antifibrotic therapy prior to lung transplantation it is paramount to demonstrate these medications do not augment postoperative complications following transplant. Research Question Does antifibrotic therapy increase perioperative complications and mortality in lung transplant recipients? Study Design and Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients actively listed for lung transplant at Temple University Hospital from June 2014 to April 2017 with a listing diagnosis of IPF. Subjects who received treatment with antifibrotic therapy (either pirfenidone or nintedanib) up until the time of lung transplantation were compared to subjects not on therapy. Data was collected regarding baseline demographics, pulmonary function tests, IPF exacerbations, perioperative bleeding and cardiac events, and outcomes in the postoperative period. Results A total of 94 subjects were included in the study: 42 subjects on antifibrotic therapy (28 pirfenidone, 14 nintedanib) and 52 subjects not on therapy in the pre-transplant period. Baseline characteristics were similar between study groups. Subjects treated with antifibrotic therapy pre-transplant were noted to have less FVC decline, fewer hospitalizations, and greater weight loss while on the transplant waiting list. No difference in post-transplant airway anastomosis complications, bleeding or mortality was observed between study groups. Interpretation Subjects with IPF on antifibrotic therapy prior to lung transplantation had better preservation of lung function in the pre-transplant period, and similar outcomes in the postoperative period compared to those not on antifibrotic therapy before lung transplant.
Construction of Mediated National Identity Through Sports Journalists Twitter Feed

This study analyzed how Pakistani and Indian national identity was portrayed in selected Pakistani and Indian journalists’ tweets about the 2017 International Cricket Council (ICC) champions trophy...
Overview of /spl mu//sup +//spl mu//sup -/ collider options

Two dedicated workshops have been held in California on /spl mu//sup +//spl mu//sup $/colliders: Napa in 1992 and Sausalito in 1994. As a result of this and a new round of simulations, as well as /spl mu//sup /spl plusmn// cooling experimental plans, it is possible to consider the feasibility of constructing a /spl mu//sup +//spl mu//sup -/ collider. However, the energy range and required luminosity must be specified by the particle physics goals before proceeding. Also, the unique features of the physics potential vs. LHC must be shown. We will describe the status of this field and the key problems that must be solved before a definite proposal can be made.
Towards a Method for Peripheral Nervous System Axonal Stiffness Measurements with MEMS-based Microgrippers

We present a novel method for measuring axonal axial stiffness in genetically and metabolically challenged peripheral nerve axons using MEMS-based microgrippers. Using microgrippers with an out of plane stiffness of 122 Newtons/meter, we propose to apply up to 1830 muNewtons of force on axons growing in 50 ng/ml 7s nerve growth factor (NGF) for 4-6 days, then replated on untreated 60 mm tissue culture dishes in 7s NGF media at a strain rate of ~0.01s-1. From this we propose to determine the relative stiffness and growth contributions of both the actin cytoskeleton and the microtubule-dynenin-kinesin cytoskeleton components
Sharing in Networks of Strategic Agents

In social, economic and engineering networks, connected agents need to cooperate by repeatedly sharing information and/or goods. Typically, sharing is costly and there are no immediate benefits for agents who share. Hence, agents who strategically aim to maximize their own individual utilities will “free-ride” because they lack incentives to cooperate/share, thereby leading to inefficient operation or even collapse of networks. To incentivize the strategic agents to cooperate with each other, we design distributed rating protocols which exploit the ongoing nature of the agents' interactions to assign ratings and through them, determine future rewards and punishments: agents that have behaved as directed enjoy high ratings-and hence greater future access to the information/goods of others; agents that have not behaved as directed enjoy low ratings-and hence less future access to the information/goods of others. Unlike existing rating protocols, the proposed protocol operates in a distributed manner and takes into consideration the underlying interconnectivity of agents as well as their heterogeneity. We prove that in many networks, the price of anarchy (PoA) obtained by adopting the proposed rating protocols is 1, that is, the optimal social welfare is attained. In networks where PoA is larger than 1, we show that the proposed rating protocol significantly outperforms existing incentive mechanisms. Last but not least, the proposed rating protocols can also operate efficiently in dynamic networks, where new agents enter the network over time.
Intermediate altitude rocket exhaust plumes

A numerical method has been developed for calculating the flow in intermediate altitude rocket exhaust plumes. The method used is a modification of the Lagrangian finite-difference technique developed by Boynton and Thomson for calculating the flow in high-altitude rocket exhaust plumes. Their technique has been extended to intermediate altitude rocket exhaust plumes by incorporating chemical nonequilibrium and turbulent transport capabilities into the analysis. Using this new technique, the flow in a Thor exhaust plume at an intermediate altitude of 150,000 ft is calculated. The results are compared with those obtained through the application of an in viscid, nonreacting method of characteristics calculation.
A Theory of Partnerships

We compare the costs an benefits of partnerships relative to the corporate form of organization. We show that organizing as a partnership can be esirable in human-capital intensive in ustries where pro uct quality is har to observe. The theory explains the relative scarcity of partnerships outsi e of professional service in ustries such as law, accounting, me icine, investment banking, architecture, a vertising, an consulting. It also explains features of partnerships such as up-or-out promotion systems, the use of non-compete clauses, motives for profit sharing as well as recent tren s in professional service in ustries.
How Active Sites Communicate in Thiamine Enzymes

Thiamine enzymes require thiamine in its diphosphate form as a cofactor. In his Perspective, [Jordan][1] discusses a new study that highlights how the active sites of thiamine enzymes communicate ([ Frank et al .][2]). [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/306/5697/818 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/306/5697/872
Rifampicin and isoniazid prophylactic chemotherapy for tuberculosis

Prophylaxis of tuberculosis in children with four month (n = 53) and three month regimens (n = 213) of rifampicin and isoniazid from 1987 to 1996 were tolerated without any toxicity. The reduction in the proportion of paediatric tuberculosis, which was seen after the introduction of chemoprophylaxis with longer regimens in 1981, was maintained with the shorter duration regimens. Altered immigration patterns and a fall in the proportion of infectious tuberculosis, as defined by sputum culture positivity, have been excluded as factors in the reduced paediatric proportion of tuberculosis. The data show such regimens have little toxicity and provide indirect evidence that three months chemoprophylaxis may be as effective as longer regimens.
UV-Assisted Graft Polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone onto Poly(ether sulfone) Ultrafiltration Membranes: Comparison of Dip versus Immersion Modification Techniques

Two different techniques were used to photochemically modify 50 kDa poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes with the monomer N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) to increase surface wettability and decrease adsorptive fouling during the constant volume diafiltration of 0.1 wt % bovine serum albumin (BSA). The filtration performance of the modified membranes was compared to that of a commercially available PES membrane and a regenerated cellulose membrane. Both the dip and immersion modification techniques produced membranes with essentially the same wettability as regenerated cellulose, a wettability increase of 30% over the base PES membrane. There was a substantial decrease in the irreversible adsorptive fouling of the base membrane as measured by the permanent flux drop after water cleaning with respect to the initial buffer flux using either modification (from 0.42 to 0−0.09). The immersion-modified membrane with the best performance exhibited no adsorptive fouling, similar permeability, and higher rejection tha...
Effect of atabrine on x-irradiation-induced leucopenia in chick, rat and mouse.

Summary1. Supplementation of the diets of chicks with atabrine tends to reduce markedly the severity of post-irradiation leucopenia. 2. Atabrine administration to rats and mice may alter the post-irradiation leucopenia slightly.
Realtime Assessment of Nuclear Materials

Our group at Livermore Lab specializes in nuclear materials measurements and assessments. We have built detectors that we have taken from breadboard to fieldable. We have even commercialized some detectors for rugged non-expert use, such as the Fission Meter - a thermal neutron multiplicity counter and the Detective - a mechanically-cooled germanium spectrometer. We are currently developing instrumentation and analysis algorithms that rely on fast neutron and gamma scintillator detectors. Our systems merge data from dozens of detectors at rates of a million events per second. Fast neutron and gamma arrival times and energy can be used to assay fissioning materials and estimate moderation and shielding, as well as make 3-D images. The underlying hardware and software to operate these detection systems represent a jump in complexity from the previous systems and are similar to subsystems of high energy and particle physics. We will describe the challenges to convert these scintillator detection systems from expert-user laboratory instruments to non-expert field use, including automating pulse-analysis, data-cuts, data-calibration, data-compression, and especially real-time analysis and assessment.
Epitomizing the "other" in ethnic eatertainment experiences.

Research on authenticity of eatertainment experiences from both supply and demand perspectives is meagre. This paper attempts to fill the gap by scrutinizing how ethnic-themed restaurant owners/managers use authenticating markers to create genuineness in their food offerings in the virtual cyber world and restaurant settings and how patrons share perceived authenticity of their experiences on a popular online review site (Yelp). The results indicate that patrons continue to seek experience of the “other” in objectively authentic eatertainment settings but in a negotiated manner so that it relates to their comfort and lifestyle. Suppliers, to a great extent, continue to cater to this need by offering negotiated “othered” cuisine experiences, although markers promoted to authenticate such experiences might differ.
The effects of cortisol upon glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the thymus of the immature mouse.

Abstract Thymuses of sexually immature female DDS strain mice contain the enzyme glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(SN-glycerol-3-phosphate: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8). The activity of this enzyme (GPDH) varied in a circadian fashion with a maximum about 12:00 noon. When determined at 8:00 a.m., total GPDH activity was about 0.49 units/thymus or about 0.05 units/mg protein. Based upon kinetic, Chromatographic, and thermostability properties, it is concluded that the thymus contains predominantly the “adult” form of GPDH. The “fetal” form of the enzyme could not be detected. Total GPDH activity increased in the thymus of the cortisol-treated mouse. Twenty-four h after a single injection of 2 mg Cortisol, total GPDH activity was doubled (0.96 units/thymus). Total GPDH increased to 1.29 units/thymus by 48 h after cortisol injection. During this period thymic weight decreased by about 75% such that the specific activity of GPDH increased about 10 fold (0.53 units/mg protein). GPDH has been extracted and partially characterized from cortisol-treated thymuses. The kinetic, Chromatographic, and thermstability properties of the enzyme from cortisol-treated thymuses resembled that from control thymuses. Cortisol had no detectable effect on hepatic GPDH. Thymuses were disaggregated by mechanical and enzymatic techniques and lymphoid cells were resolved from thymic stroma. Depending upon the technique employed, 10–80% of the activity was recovered in the stroma while 1–30% of the activity was recovered with thymocytes. In all cases, GPDH activity was higher in stromal elements. Enzymatic activity in both stroma and isolated thymocytes increased under the influence of cortisol, but the cortisol-mediated increase in total thymic GPDH undoubtedly results from changes in stromal enzyme activity.
Volumetric applications for spiral CT in the thorax

Spiral computed tomography (CT) is a new technique for rapidly acquiring volumetric data within the body. By combining a continuous gantry rotation and table feed, it is possible to image the entire thorax within a single breath-hold. This eliminates the ventilatory misregistration seen with conventional thoracic CT, which can result in small pulmonary lesions being undetected. An additional advantage of a continuous data set is that axial sections can be reconstructed at arbitrary intervals along the spiral path, resulting in the generation of overlapping sections which diminish partial volume effects resulting from lesions that straddle adjacent sections. The rapid acquisition of spiral CT enables up to a 50% reduction in the total iodinated contrast dose required for routine thoracic CT scanning. This can be very important for imaging patients with cardiac and renal diseases and could reduce the cost of thoracic CT scanning. Alternatively, by combining a high flow peripheral intravenous iodinated contrast injection with a spiral CT acquisition, it is possible to obtain images of the vasculature, which demonstrate pulmonary arterial thrombi, aortic aneurysms and dissections, and congenital vascular anomalies in detail previously unattainable without direct arterial access.
GATT, Preferential/Regional Trading Blocs and Agricultural Trade*

Agricultural trade impasses have again frustrated the GATT process. Interest in preferential/regional trading blocs is increasing. the paper probes the theoretical and empirical consequences of preferential arrangements instead of multilateral liberalization. It concludes that in a second-best world preferential arrangements could either improve or decrease global welfare. For agricultural trade, previous experience suggests that in regional groupings such as the EC trade diversion exceeded trade creation. This results from trade distorting domestic policies. Prospects for liberalization of agricultural trade under either GATT or preferential arrangements are limited. the consequences for small agricultural exporters are not positive.
A graduate course in computer integrated process operations

Computer-aided process operations management includes tasks such as process monitoring, regulatory control, data reconciliation, unit and plant-wide optimization, process fault diagnosis, supervisory control, planning and scheduling. Due to the inter-dependencies of these tasks, operations management involves coordination of these tasks in an integrated manner. The proliferation of disparate tools and techniques to carry out these different tasks imposes barriers to problem integration by fragmenting the system implementation and the solution process. Dealing with integration requires a careful choice of problem-solving paradigms, knowledge representation, search and reasoning techniques so as not to burden the individual tasks and at the same time providing a unified framework. In this course on computer integrated process operations, we addressed the nature of these operational tasks, the character of integration, the use of artificial intelligence, math programming and nonlinear modeling techniques that are necessary and inevitable for achieving this integration. This course brought state-of-the-art tools and techniques and industrial speakers and case studies to the class room to educate and prepare undergraduate and graduate students in current trends in computer-integrated manufacturing in the chemical process industries.
Notch strengthening and hardening behavior of conventional and highly crosslinked UHMWPE under applied tensile loading.

Abstract This study examined the engineering and true axial stress–strain behavior of smooth cylindrical and shallow and deep notched cylindrical test specimens, under applied axial tensile loading using non-contacting methods, of both conventional and highly crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs). The smooth specimens experienced a uniaxial stress state, while the notched specimens experienced a triaxial stress state in the vicinity of the notch. Materials were all prepared from a single batch of medical grade GUR 1050 resin (Ticona, Bayport, TX). The two conventional UHMWPEs were as-received (virgin) and gamma radiation sterilized at 30 kGy in a nitrogen atmosphere (radiation sterilized). The two highly crosslinked UHMWPEs were each irradiated at 100 kGy and then post-processed with one of either of the two thermal treatments: annealing, which was done below the melt transition temperature (Tm), at 110 °C for two hours (110 °C-annealed), and remelting, which was done above Tm, at 150 °C (150 °C-remelted). All of the materials showed notch strengthening; that is, a significant elevation of axial yield properties (both engineering and true) for the shallow and deep notched conditions. Axial ultimate properties (engineering and true) were significantly decreased for the notched conditions compared with the smooth condition. Hardening ratios (both true and engineering), which are defined in this work as the ratio of ultimate stress or strain to yield stress or strain, were also found to significantly decrease with notching. The extent of change was dependent on the UHMWPE material. The micromechanism of fracture differed between the smooth and notched conditions. This study suggests that notches inherent in the design of UHMWPE joint replacement components (posts, undercuts, grooves) will have different notch sensitivities depending on the UHMWPE formulation.
Hydrodynamics and protein hydration.

We have critically evaluated hydrodynamic data from 21 proteins whose molecular dimensions are known from X-ray crystallography. We present two useful equations relating the molecular weights and sedimentation coefficients of globular proteins. The hydrodynamic data combined with data for small molecules from the literature indicate that failure of the Stokes equation occurs only for molecular weights <850. Calculated hydration values for the 21 proteins have a mean value and standard deviation of 0.53 ± 0.26 g H2O/g protein. Furthermore, statistical arguments indicate that only 5.3% of the variance is due to experimental error. The mean value and especially the dispersion of values are in sharp contrast to the values 0.36 ± 0.04 obtained by others from nmr measurements on frozen protein solutions. Hydration values calculated from nmr measurements are closely correlated with the number of charged and polar amino acid residues. In contrast to this result, our analysis of the amino acid compositions of the four proteins with the lowest hydration and the four monomeric proteins with the highest shows that the range of values we observe cannot be accounted for on the basis of amino acid composition. In fact there appears to be a weak correlation between the number of apolar residues and hydrodynamic hydration. We therefore conclude that the dispersion must result from variations in fine details of the surface structures of individual proteins. We propose a model of hemispherical clathrate cages which if correct, would account for the differences in the data obtained by these two methods.
Fragmentation of carbohydrates in laser desorption, plasma desorption and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Abstract Laser desorption mass spectra of carbohydrates show abundant fragment ions which can be used for structure elucidation. Fragmentation occurs primarily as two-bond ring cleavages, in contrast to the glycosidic bond cleavages observed (often weakly) in fast atom bombardment and plasma desorption mass spectra. Laser desorption can thus provide an alternative to chemical derivatization procedures used to improve fragmentation in these two techniques. In addition, the combination of several ionization techniques can serve to provide a more complete structural picture.
All optical reconfiguration of optomechanical filters

Nanoscale optomechanical systems offer a route to using optical forces for a range of devices based on photonic structures. Deotare et al. present a reconfigurable optical filter based on coupled silicon photonic crystal nanobeam cavities that can overcome thermo-optic effects at high frequencies.
Image formation with arbitrary holographic type surfaces

Abstract Image formation achieved by reversing the direction of propagation of a diverging wave is studied. Surface sources capable of generating the field are found for arbitrary surfaces. The sources are compared with those used to generate the holographic field.
ALUMINUM-26 AS A PLANETOID HEAT SOURCE IN THE EARLY SOLAR SYSTEM

The results of thermal model calculations which assume Al-26 as a heat source are presented. The relation between Al-26 content, the maximum central temperature obtained, and the time interval after formation until central cooling commences is elucidated. Because of the heating times required, these results constrain maximum permissible planetoid dimensions more severely than do previous calculations which assume a high initial temperature.
Terahertz spectroscopy of illicit drugs: Experiment and theory

This presentation will discuss recent efforts in the complete first-principles modeling of the terahertz spectra of a variety of different solid-state materials, with a focus on illicit drugs.
Intestinal electrical stimulation and the promotion of fat excretion: a potential treatment for obesity?

“The similarities in possible mechanisms between IES and the well-established gastric bypass procedure suggest that IES may be a viable novel therapy.”
On-line analysis of reactive VOCs from urban lawn mowing.

We measured the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from lawn mowing during continuous ambient air measurements in July and August 1998 in the outskirts of Innsbruck, Austria. These measurements were made with a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry system, which allowed simultaneous, on-line monitoring of VOCs in the pptv range. We observed the emission of C6 wound compounds, including (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, hexenol plus hexanal, and acetaldehyde immediately following lawn mowing, and a rise in background levels of C6 wound compounds that lasted for several hours. Peak levels of biogenic VOCs following mowing were in the same concentration range (20−60 ppbv) as those originating from combustion engines of lawn mowers, and integrated biogenic emissions were much greater in the drying grass clippings. Additional emissions of acetone and other VOCs resulted from rainfall on these clippings. Since the estimated atmospheric chemical reactivity of VOCs resulting from lawn mowing ...
Liquid phase epitaxy of gallium arsenide on zinc selenide

Gallium arsenide has been grown upon (111), (111) and (110) surfaces of ZnSe by liquid phase epitaxy from Ga and Sn solutions. GaAs films grown from Ga solutions were usually characterized by rough junctions or solvent inclusions. These films were always degenerate n-type, with electron concentrations of about 1019/cm3. GaAs films grown from Sn solutions had smooth junctions free of gross defects, and uniformly thin films of GaAs up to 20 μm thick were obtained for (111) oriented substrates. Films grown from undoped Sn solutions were n-type with electron concentrations of about 1017/cm3. By adding Zn to the Sn solutions, p-type films with hole concentrations of 1019/cm3 were obtained.
Evaluation of Lycopene Loss and Colour Values in Convective Drying of Tomato by Surface Response Methodology

The increasing interest in the antioxidant activ- ity of lycopene has been to promote the consumption of tomato and tomato-based products. The aim of this work was to evaluate tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) drying in thin layer through response surface methodol- ogy. The independent variables investigated in this study were drying air temperature (60, 70 and 80°C) and wet sample thickness (3, 5 and 7 mm). The drying condition with the lower colour value (Hue angle) and higher lyco- pene content was 60°C and sample thickness of 3 mm. In this condition, the responses for the colour (Hue angle) and lycopene content values were 47.7 � 0.2° and 301.9 � 3.1 μ gg -1 , respectively. The lycopene loss was similar to that reported in the literature (30-50%) using more expensive methods of tomato drying such as freeze-drying and lyophilization.
Transforming Growth Factor β Suppresses Osteoblast Differentiation via the Vimentin Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) Axis

ATF4 is an osteoblast-enriched transcription factor of the leucine zipper family. We recently identified that vimentin, a leucine zipper-containing intermediate filament protein, suppresses ATF4-dependent osteocalcin (Ocn) transcription and osteoblast differentiation. Here we show that TGFβ inhibits ATF4-dependent activation of Ocn by up-regulation of vimentin expression. Osteoblasts lacking Atf4 (Atf4−/−) were less sensitive than wild-type (WT) cells to the inhibition by TGFβ on alkaline phosphatase activity, Ocn transcription and mineralization. Importantly, the anabolic effect of a monoclonal antibody neutralizing active TGFβ ligands on bone in WT mice was blunted in Atf4−/− mice. These data establish that ATF4 is required for TGFβ-related suppression of Ocn transcription and osteoblast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, TGFβ did not directly regulate the expression of ATF4; instead, it enhanced the expression of vimentin, a negative regulator of ATF4, at the post-transcriptional level. Accordingly, knockdown of endogenous vimentin in 2T3 osteoblasts abolished the inhibition of Ocn transcription by TGFβ, confirming an indirect mechanism by which TGFβ acts through vimentin to suppress ATF4-dependent Ocn activation. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, but not canonical Smad signaling, downstream of TGFβ, blocked TGFβ-induced synthesis of vimentin, and inhibited ATF4-dependent Ocn transcription in osteoblasts. Thus, our study identifies that TGFβ stimulates vimentin production via PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, which leads to suppression of ATF4-dependent Ocn transcription and osteoblast differentiation.
Cosmology of bifundamental fields

If a field theory contains gauged, non-Abelian, bifundamental fields, i.e. fields that are charged under two separate non-Abelian gauge groups, the transition from a deconfined phase to a hadronic phase may be frustrated. Similar frustration may occur in non-Abelian gauge models containing matter only in higher dimensional representations, e.g. models with pure glue, or if ordinary quarks are confined by two flux tubes, as implied in the triangular configuration of baryons within QCD. In a cosmological setting, such models can lead to the formation of a web of confining electric flux tubes that can potentially have observational signatures.
Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography of nucleosides in biological materials.

Abstract A rigorous, comprehensive, and reliable reversed-phase high-performance liqiud chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the analysis of ribonucleosides in urine (Ψ, m1A, m1I, m2G, A, m22G. An initial isolation of ribonucleosides with an affinity gel containing an immobilized phenylboronic acid was used to improve selectivity and sensitivity. Response for all nucleosides was linear from 0.1 to 50 nmoles injected and good quantitation was obtained for 25 μl or less of sample placed on the HPLC column. Excellent precision of analysis for urinary nucleosides was achieved on matrix dependent and independent samples, and the high resolution of the reversed-phase column allowed the complete separation of 9 nucleosides from other unidentified UV absorbing components at the 1-ng level. Supporting experimental data are presented on precision, recovery, chromatographic methods, minimum detection limit, retention time, relative molar response, sample clean-up, stability of nucleosides, boronate gel capacity, and application to analysis of urine from patients with leukemia and breast cancer. This method is now being used routinely for the determination of the concentration and ratios of nucleosides in urine from patients with different types of cancer and in chemotherapy response studies.
Polytetrafluoroethylene aorta—vena cava graft for hemodialysis: Report of a case

Abstract In children with chronic renal failure, vascular access for hemodialysis is difficult because of the small size of the vessels and the requirement for substantial blood flow through the fistula or graft. As the child grows older, the ease of constructing a satisfactory access usually increases as the vessels increase in size. Unfortunately, this increased case is often offset by the paucity of suitable access sites because the larger peripheral sites have already been used with only transient success. We report a child with chronic renal failure since 1 month of age with no peripheral sites available because of prior failed procedures who underwent placement of polytetrafluoroethylene limbs to the aorta and vena cava at the age of 6 years. He has continued on hemodialysis for the past 4½ years with this technique of vascular access. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:759-61.)
Outcomes of Ostomy Procedures in Patients Aged 70 Years and Older

Hypothesis Patients aged 70 years and older undergo proportionately more emergency and permanent fecal ostomy procedures than younger patients. Older patients have comparable short-term outcomes in morbidity and mortality, with adverse outcomes dependent on comorbid conditions and timing of the procedure rather than age alone. Older patients should be treated similarly to younger patients in terms of subsequent ostomy takedown, if an acceptable operative risk. Design A retrospective review of our facility's experience with fecal ostomies between 1992 and 2002 was performed to determine the effect of advanced age on surgical outcome measures. Setting A tertiary managed care medical center. Patients Three hundred eighty-three consecutive patients who underwent new fecal ostomy procedures between October 1, 1992, and October 1, 2002. One hundred three patients were aged 70 years or older (mean age, 76.4 years), and 280 patients were younger than 70 years (mean age, 49.6 years). There were 220 elective procedures and 163 emergency procedures. Outcome was analyzed between the 2 age groups. Main Outcome Measures Indications for ostomy, type of ostomy, preoperative comorbidity, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and subsequent ostomy takedown success. Results Three hundred eighty-three new fecal ostomies were created. The diagnosis leading to creation of the ostomy was more often malignancy in older patients (74.8%) compared with younger patients (45.0%). Both age groups underwent a similar proportion of emergency procedures (older vs younger patients, 43.7% vs 42.1%; P = .07), but more older patients were left with permanent stomas (59.2% vs 41.1%, P = .002). Older patients also had more preoperative comorbidities ( P = .001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ( P = .001), longer hospital stays ( P = .04), and more postoperative complications. Thirty-day mortality was 6.8% in the older group vs 0.4% in the younger group ( P = .001). Fewer older patients were eligible for ostomy reversal (41.1% vs 59.2%), and a smaller proportion of eligible older patients actually underwent the reversal procedure (78.7% vs 95.2%). The complication rate associated with ostomy reversal was not significantly different in the 2 age groups ( P = .002). Conclusions Patients aged 70 and older undergo proportionately more permanent fecal ostomy procedures than younger patients, with longer hospital stays, more postoperative complications, and higher mortality rates. However, surgical outcome measures in older patients following ostomy procedures remain within acceptable standards. Furthermore, older patients tolerate ostomy reversal with minimal morbidity and should not be denied consideration based on age alone if an eligible candidate.
Thigmomorphogenesis: Electrical Resistance and Mechanical Correlates of the Early Events of Growth Retardation due to Mechanical Stimulation in Beans

Summary The early effects of mechanical stimulation of stems have been examined in Phaseolus vulgaris . Auxanometry has revealed that within 3 minutes after stimulation, there is a brief but significant 33 % stimulation of growth which ceases by 6 minutes. After this, there is complete cessation of elongation which lasts from 15 to 30 minutes, after which growth resumes at a little more than half of the pre-stimulus rate. During the brief period of stimulated growth, the electrical resistance of the tissue decreases within seconds after stimulation. This effect can also be detected at the cut base of excised plants as a decrease of the resistance of the solution bathing them. The resistance of the stem tissue recovers during the period of zero growth. These and other data indicate that electrolyte efflux coupled with decreases in the electrical resistance of cell membranes, are among the very early events of thigmomorphogenesis.
The dynamics of interpersonal attitudinal influence: Some additional evidence

The process by which one individual or group of individuals influences the attitudes of another is an important area of concern for students of political behavior. A few years ago a major political science journal published an article pointing to the salience of “perceptual accuracy” and “issue salience” in this regard. Interpersonal affective relationships were also considered but dismissed as lacking independent causal significance.
THE ORIGIN OF PROTEIN AND FATTY YOLK IN RANA PIPIENS : II. Electron Microscopical and Cytochemical Observations of Young and Mature Oocytes

Electron microscope studies of young oocytes have demonstrated that the plate-like, hexagonally shaped yolk bodies previously observed in living cells are wholly within the substance of oocyte mitochondria and that they remain within these mitochondria while increasing in size. These bodies possess a crystalline structure consisting of what appear to be lines, with a spacing of 70 to 85 A, and appear very dense in the electron microscope. After formalin fixation such bodies give an intense positive test for protein, and when viewed in the electron microscope are only slightly less dense than after OsO4 fixation. Evidence is presented for the origin of these crystals within a single crista. The clusters of yolk globules previously studied in living cells are seen to consist of several types of bodies, but an irregular dense droplet predominates. This dense material is apparently secreted by small spherical bodies which, the evidence suggests, originate from the breaking up of filamentous mitochondria and which possess an outer double membrane and sometimes internal cristalike membranes. When thin sections of young oocytes are immersed in xylol the dense globules of the clusters are dissolved, but the hexagonal bodies are unaffected, indicating that the globules are of a predominantly fatty nature, while the hexagonal bodies are of a predominantly protein nature. Examination of mature or almost mature oocytes has revealed that the main body of the yolk platelets is crystalline in nature and is surrounded by a thick matrix which, in light microscope study, masks the fact that the face view of the main body of the platelets is often hexagonal. The spacing within the main body is found to be 70 to 85 A. The crystal laminae of this material can be resolved quite clearly into rows of particles. Dense globules of varying sizes are found in the cytoplasm between the platelets. When thin sections of these OsO4-fixed oocytes are immersed in xylol, the material of the globules is extracted and the crystalline material of the platelets remains unaffected, indicating the fatty nature of the globules and the protein nature of the platelets. The platelets of the mature egg resemble the hexagon bodies, previously described in young oocytes, in their protein nature, their crystalline spacing, and their hexagonal outline. This is given as strong evidence for the origin of the mature platelets by the growth of the intramitochondrial hexagon bodies. The biochemical implications of this study are discussed.
The Relationship of Goα Subunit Deamidation to the Tissue Distribution, Nucleotide Binding Properties, and βγ Dimer Interactions of Goα Subunit Isoforms

The distribution and properties in brain of the alpha subunits of the major bovine brain Go isoforms, GoA, GoB and GoC, were characterized. The alpha(o)A and alpha(o)B isoforms arise from alternative splicing of RNAs from a single alpha(o) gene, whereas alpha(o)C is a deamidated form of alpha(o)A. All three Go isoforms purify from brain with different populations of betagamma dimers. This variable subunit composition of Go heterotrimers is likely a consequence of their functional differences. This study examined the biochemical properties of the alpha(o) isoforms to see if these properties explain the variable betagamma composition of their heterotrimers. The brain distribution of alpha(o)B differed substantially from that of alpha(o)A and alpha(o)C, as did its guanine nucleotide binding properties. The unique subunit composition of GoB can be explained by its expression in different brain regions. The alpha(o)A and alpha(o)C showed slight differences in guanine nucleotide binding properties but no preference for particular betagamma dimers when reassociated with a heterogeneous betagamma pool. The alpha(o)C protein occurred in a constant ratio to alpha(o)A throughout the brain, but was a much larger percent of total brain alpha(o) than previously thought, approximately 35%. These results suggest that alpha(o)A is a precursor of alpha(o)C and that the association of G(o)alpha subunits with different betagamma dimers reflects the function of an adaptive, G-protein signaling mechanism in brain.
Preemptive DLI without withdrawal of immunosuppression to promote complete donor T-cell chimerism results in favorable outcomes for high-risk older recipients of alemtuzumab-containing reduced-intensity unrelated donor allogeneic transplant: a prospective phase II trial

Although pretransplant alemtuzumab can reduce GVHD following allogeneic transplantation, it may also increase the risk of mixed donor T-cell chimerism and infections. We hypothesized that the early use of DLI without withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs in patients with mixed T-cell chimerism would lower the risk of relapse without significantly increasing the risk of GVHD post DLI. Thirty-six patients (median age 59 years) were treated in this phase II trial using reduced-intensity conditioning including s.c. alemtuzumab (total dose 43 mg) and a PBSC graft from a matched unrelated donor (UD). DLI without withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs was administered to all 25 patients with <50% donor T-cell chimerism on day +60. The cumulative risks of acute and chronic GVHD were 42% and 59%, respectively. Estimated probabilities of non-relapse mortality (NRM) at day 100 and 1 year were 3% and 14%, respectively. With a median follow up 2.4 years, estimated survivals at day 100, 1 and 2 years were 97%, 71% and 57%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of acute GVHD was associated with an increased risk of mortality, whereas the occurrence of chronic GVHD had a protective effect, associated with decreased relapse and improved disease-free survival. Low-dose alemtuzumab and preemptive DLI provides favorable transplant outcomes including low NRM in an older patient population with high-risk malignancies undergoing UD transplantation.
A continuum model for momentum, heat and species transport in binary solid-liquid phase change systems. II: Application to solidification in a rectangular cavity

Abstract A newly developed continuum model has been used with a well-established control-volume-based, finite-difference scheme to investigate solidification of a binary, aqueous ammonium chloride solution in a rectangular cavity. Advective transport of water enriched interdendritic fluids across the permeable liquidus interface has been identified as the primary mechanism for macroscopic species redistribution. The extent of this penetration is governed by the relative strengths of solutally driven mushy region flows and thermally driven flows in the bulk liquid. Unstable and double-diffusive conditions which accompany the discharge of interdendritic fluids into the liquid core have been shown to result in localized growth rate variations, remelting, and fluctuating bulk fluid transport behavior.
Three dimensional fully polarimetric W-band ISAR imagery of scale-model tactical targets using a 1.56THz compact range

Using the high-frequency terahertz compact range developed recently for measurement of polarimetric return of scale modesl of tactical targets, we have developed several techniques to produce 3D data sets. Fully polarimetric 3D ISAR data has been collected on several 1/16th scale model tactical targets in free space at individual look angles. The 3D scattering coordinates are calculated by viewing the target through a 2D angular aperture in both azimuth and elevation while simultaneously performing a linear frequency chirp to measure the down-range coordinate. Due to the high frequency of W-band radar, this technique produces high-resolution cross-range images from relatively small (approximately 1 degree) angular integrations. Several techniques for calculation of the 3D coordinates have been developed. In addition to the technique described above, a new method utilizing the phase change of the scattering centers due to differentially small changes in angle will be described. Data collected using this technique can be processed to produce 3D scattering information similar to that obtained by monopulse systems. Results from this analysis will be shown.