cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRIF Modulates TLR5-dependent Responses by Inducing Proteolytic Degradation of TLR5

Proteolytic modification of pattern recognition receptors and their signaling adaptor molecules has recently emerged as an essential cellular event to regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Here we show that the TIR domain containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), an adaptor molecule mediating TLR3 signaling and MyD88-independent signaling of TLR4, plays an inhibitory role in TLR5-elicited responses by inducing proteolytic degradation of TLR5. TRIF overexpression in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human colonic epithelial (NCM460) cells abolishes the cellular protein level of TLR5, whereas it does not alter TLR5 mRNA level. Thus, TRIF overexpression dramatically suppresses flagellin/TLR5-deriven NFκB activation in NCM460 cells. TRIF-induced TLR5 protein degradation is completely inhibited in the presence of pan-caspase inhibitor (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone), whereas several specific inhibitors against cathepsin B, reactive oxygen species, or ubiquitin-mediated proteasome activity fail to suppress this degradation. These results indicate that TRIF-induced caspase activity causes TLR5 protein degradation. In addition, we identify that the C terminus of TRIF and extracellular domain of TLR5 are required for TRIF-induced TLR5 degradation. Furthermore, TRIF-induced proteolytic degradation is extended to TLR3, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, and TLR10, whereas the cellular level of TLR1, TLR2, and TLR4 is not affected by TRIF overexpression. These results suggest that, in addition to mediating TLR3- or TLR4-induced signaling as an adaptor molecule, TRIF can participate in proteolytic modification of certain members of TLRs to modulate the functionality of TLRs at post-translational level. Collectively, our findings propose a potential inhibitory role of TRIF at least in regulating host-microbial communication via TLR5 in colonic epithelial cells.
Ionized magnesium in the homeostasis of cells: intracellular threshold for Mg2+ in human platelets

The role of extracellular magnesium ions in the homeostasis of intracellular ionized magnesium ([Mg(2+)](i)) in human platelets was studied. For media containing 0.00 to 0.60 mmol/l of extracellular ionized magnesium ([Mg(2+)](o)), the mean [Mg(2+)](i) fluctuated between 533 and 760 micromol/l. As the [Mg(2+)](o) was increased to 1.5 mmol/l, the [Mg(2+)](i) increased proportionately and peaked at 1470.1 micromol/l. Additional increase in the [Mg(2+)](o) from 1.50 to 6.00 mmol/l resulted in decreased [Mg(2+)](i) until it equilibrated between 739 and 776 micromol/l. The influx of Mg(2+) at [Mg(2+)](o) of 0.60 and 1.50 mmol/l was studied using verapamil, a calcium channel inhibitor, and ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na/K pump, respectively. The verapamil (25 mmol/l) blocking experiments resulted in a 92.4% inhibition of the Mg(2+) influx into the platelet at a [Mg(2+)](o) of 1.50 mmol/l. Ouabain (0.5 and 2.5 mmol/l) showed an enhancement effect on the influx of Mg(2+) at [Mg(2+)](o) of 0.60 mmol/l and no effect at 1.50 mmol/l. The effect of verapamil indicates that ion channels that are homologous to calcium ion channels may be involved in the influx of Mg(2+) into the platelets. The inhibition of Mg(2+) influx for [Mg(2+)](o) greater than 1.50 mmol/l may illustrate a protective mechanism that attempts to maintain the viability of platelets at abnormally high [Mg(2+)](o). These results suggest that there is an intracellular Mg(2+) threshold of 1500 micromol/l, above which an active mechanism prevents further influx of Mg(2+).
Validity results for g from an expanded test base

Abstract When vocational aptitude batteries are expanded by adding new tests, the most common way to measure validity gains is to regress various criteria onto the subtest scores from the old and new batteries and contrast the results. A rarely tried approach that may be of equal value, however, is to examine “accidental” validity gains for a recalculated general intelligence (or g) score based on the new battery, because many psychologists have argued that the majority of test validity comes from g rather than specific abilities. In this article, we examine validity differences for a g score calculated on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) alone versus the ASVAB plus nine diverse experimental tests selected for their potential importance and uniqueness from the ASVAB. Although no validity gain for expanded g was observed for final school grade criteria, a 6% validity gain was obtained for hands-on performance measures. A gain of this size is of practical importance in the armed forces.
Vorticity waves in a shallow basin

Abstract Observed oscillatory current patterns in the southern basin of Lake Michigan, with a distinctive peak in the energy spectrum at a period of about 90 h, are simulated using a linear potential vorticity conservation model. Solutions of the forced vorticity equation in a paraboloidal basin show rotational, oscillatory motions tuned to the low-frequency topographic modes that are very similar to the observed flow patterns. Topography-controlled vorticity waves are excited most effectively by wind episodes with frequency nearly in resonance with the topographic modes. Bottom resistance has no significant effect on the frequency equation; it simply decays the waves slowly in the open lake and more quickly near the coast. Flow patterns of both the gravest free vorticity wave and the corresponding forced wave consist of two opposite circulation cells separated by a null streamline through the center of the basin and rotating cyclonically near the free wave and atmospheric forcing frequencies, respectively. Interactions between the forced and free waves result in an apparent rotational pattern with a frequency the median of the two. A combination of elliptic—paraboloidal basin and shorter period forced modes can approximate the observed Lake Michigan response. Doppler shift, due to the persistence of cyclonic vorticity in the flow field, is also determined to be a factor in shifting the elliptical basin mode to a higher frequency.
Effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on chick heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

Abstract Chicks were raised for 3 to 4 weeks either on a normal (vitamin D supplemented) or a rachitogenic diet. The Ca2+ content of the serum, heart tissue and heart mitochondria was significantly decreased in chicks raised on a rachitogenic diet. In mitochondria isolated from calcium deficient hearts, the rate of ADP induced state 3 respiration and 2,4-DNP uncoupled respiration were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the ATP content of heart tissue was significantly decreased in calcium deficient hearts. These data suggest that an overall deficiency in energy production via oxidative phosphorylation exists in chronic calcium deficiency secondary to vitamin D deficiency. When vitamin D deficient chicks were orally dosed with vitamin D3, serum calcium level and state 3 respiration rate returned to normal indicating that the above changes are reversible. Although previous studies have indicated that excess Ca2+ has deleterious effects on mitochondria, the results of the present study suggest that optimal mitochondrial function is dependent upon vitamin D dependent phenomena, including maintenance of calcium concentration within a relatively narrow range.
How DID Police Officers View the Rodney King Incident

Police officers (n = 64) who supported the police in the Rodney King incident in 1992 were more likely to abuse suspects and to become officers for the power and excitement involved.
Pituitary Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptorsduring Gonadotropin Surges in Ovariectomized-Estradiol-Treated Rats*

In intact cycling rats, the number of pituitary GnRH receptors varies markedly during the estrous cycle. Concentrations are maximal on diestrus and early proestrus, before falling rapidly for a brief period immediately before the preovulatory gonadotropin surge. In this study we investigated whether dynamic changes in ovarian steroids, pituitary hormones, and GnRH itself, all of which are changing at the time of the surge, play a role in the acute transient down-regulation of the pituitary GnRH receptors. We used the ovariectomized-estradiol-treated female rat as a model, as these animals exhibit daily gonadotropin surges at a predictable time of the day and also allow studies in a situation where concentrations of ovarian steroids are stable. The pituitary GnRH binding capacity (GnRH-BC) was measured using the analog D-Ala6des Gly10-GnRH ethylamide as ligand. GnRH-BC was stable between 0900–1530 h [range, 288 ± 29 to 262 ± 33 fmol protein (mean ± SE)] and fell abruptly to 123 ± 17 fmol/mg at 1630 h, befo...
Habitat selection in a clonal plant

Rhizomatous growth may permit the nonrandom placement of ramets into different environments, but whether clonal plants are able to use this means to exercise adaptive habitat choice is not known. Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) plants are shown to preferentially colonize nonsaline soil over saline soil patches, and clones with the strongest preference for nonsaline soil are those least able to grow when restricted to saline conditions. In clonal plant species, nonrandom associations of genotypes with specific environments may thus reflect habitat selection by plants as well as selective mortality imposed by different habitat patches.
Biosynthetic potential of sesquiterpene synthases: alternative products of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase.

Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) 5-epi-aristolochene synthase (TEAS) serves as an useful model for understanding the enzyme mechanisms of sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Despite extensive bio-chemical and structural characterization of TEAS, a more detailed analysis of the reaction product spectrum is lacking. This study reports the discovery and quantification of several alternative sesquiterpene products generated by recombinant TEAS in the single-vial GC–MS assay. The combined use of chiral and non-polar stationary phases for gas chromatography separations proved critical for resolving the numerous sesquiterpene products of TEAS for mass spectral analysis and identification. Co-injection studies with available authentic standards from both synthetic and natural sources further corroborated the assignment of several compounds, resulting in an annotated reaction mechanism accounting for their biosynthesis. Moreover, a previously undocumented farnesyl trans–cis isomerization pathway was observed.
Aquí No Se Habla Español: Stories of Linguistic Repression in Southwest Schools

Abstract For some Americans, the growing number of heritage language speakers in the United States signals a threat to the cultural fabric of U.S. society. For these individuals, English is the only language that is appropriate for the indoctrination of youth into our nation's social order. Recent events in the United States' political landscape, such as the passage of California's Proposition 227 and Arizona's Proposition 203, attest to the notion that schools remain one of the most ardent battlegrounds for the English language policy debate. Nonetheless, school-based language policy decisions have been made too hastily, often relying on rash assessments of public opinion or personal biases. What school language policymakers have failed to consider are the potential long-term consequences to the social, academic, or linguistic development of heritage language speakers these policies affect. In the present paper, several accounts of Spanish speakers whose heritage language clashed on school grounds are pr...
Clinical presentation and survival of Asian and non-Asian patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asians; however, it is often overlooked due to the high prevalence of hepatitis B virus in Asians. This study examines HCV-related HCC in Asians. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 792 consecutive Asian (n = 220) and non-Asian (n = 572) patients with HCV-related HCC identified at Stanford University Medical Center using International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnosis between July 1996 and June 2012. Asian patients were much older [66 (38–88) vs. 56 (31–87) years, P < 0.0001] and more likely to be female (33 vs. 19 %, P < 0.0001). A larger proportion of Asians were diagnosed with HCC within 2 years of HCV diagnosis (35 vs. 20 %, P = 0.001). Asian patients were more likely to undergo palliative therapy (46 vs. 28 %) and less likely to be listed for liver transplantation (20 vs. 48 %, P < 0.001), despite similar rates of meeting Milan criteria (52 vs. 58 %, P = 0.16). Overall, there was a trend for higher median survival rates in Asians (30 vs. 21 months, P = 0.091). Asians had higher long-term survival with palliative therapy only (5-year survival: 28 vs. 10 %, P < 0.0001); however, survival was similar among patients listed for liver transplantation. There were distinct differences in clinical presentations of Asian and non-Asian patients with HCV-related HCC. Asians with HCV-related HCC are less likely to undergo liver transplantation and more likely to have delayed HCV diagnosis. Improved strategies in HCV screening in Asians are needed, as it may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection and possible prevention of HCC development.
Inhibitory effects of tunacamycin on procollagen biosynthesis and secretion

Abstract Chick embryo cells were briefly exposed to the antibiotic, tunicamycin. Pre-exposed cells, compared to control cultures, showed a severe, progressive inhibition of the incorporation of glucosamine and mannose into total cellular macromolecules. Inhibition of the incorporation of glycine, leucine and proline was also progressive but not as marked as for the carbohydrates. Cellular secretion of all macromolecules was severely impaired, while comparison of the procollagens showed no difference in their subunit size or in their degree of glycosylation; the intracellular content of procollagen polypeptides was similar for both types of cells. In vitro studies showed that tunicamycin selectively inhibited glucosamine, but not mannose, incorporation into macromolecules. The composite results indicate that tunicamycin effectively inhibits protein synthesis, protein glycosylation and protein secretion in chick embryo cells.
Monitoring the tobacco use epidemic IV. The vector: Tobacco industry data sources and recommendations for research and evaluation

Abstract Objective This Vector paper (IV of V on monitoring the tobacco use epidemic) presents the data sources and methods that can be used to monitor tobacco marketing and makes recommendations for creating a national surveillance system. Methods In 2002, the Vector Work Group of the National Tobacco Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Workshop identified priority indicators of tobacco marketing: tobacco brand pricing strategies, retail environment advertising and promotional allowances, gray market or smuggling activities, lobbying, direct mail marketing, tobacco brand placements in films, Internet promotions, and sponsorship at bars and events. This paper reviews and identifies data sources and gaps for these priority indicators and for 12 other indicators of interest. Results There are 38 commercial data sites and Internet sources, as well as individual research efforts that address the priority indicators. These sources are not integrated, often costly, and limited in standardization. Conclusions Tobacco marketing could be more effectively monitored with the development of a national research network. Surveillance of the tobacco industry's methods to push tobacco and pull consumers can help the public health community identify new markets and campaigns, justify and tailor effective tobacco control strategies, and evaluate existing counter-marketing efforts.
Quantitative phase measurements using a quadrature tomographic microscope

The Quadrature Tomographic Microscope measures the amplitude and phase of an image. This information allows the user to see contrast features not available in other microscopes, and is critical to any three-dimensional reconstruction. We report on development and use of test objects to measure the accuracy and repeatability of phase measurements. A simple binary phase grating, a series of glass beads, and preimplantation mouse embryos were used in these experiments. The gratings were fabricated on high-quality fused-silica substrates whose transmission phase error was determined to be less than one-tenth wave error across their 25 mm diameter before fabrication. The phase step of the binary phase grating was measured using both the optical quadrature technique and the usual fringe-counting techniques applied to the raw data. Phase unwrapping techniques were validated by measuring the diameter of glass beads of a known size. Results are presented showing that the phase measurements agree with each other, with the known data, and with the spatial resolution in preimplantation mouse embryos. More complicated objects will be fabricated in the future to validate 3-D imaging techniques.
Phase transition in the multifractal spectrum of diffusion-limited aggregation.

Based on a novel "exact enumeration" approach, we find evidence suggesting the existence of a phase transition in the multifractal spectrum of diffusion-limited aggregation. Above a critical point ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$, the moment expansion shows an infinite hierarchy of phases, while below ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$ we find a single phase. At ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$ we find fluctuations of all energy scales and singular behavior of the energy and specific heat. We also find that the maximum energy scales with system size $L$ as ${E}_{max}(L)\mathbf{\ensuremath{\propto}}\frac{{L}^{2}}{\mathrm{In}L}$. Consequently, for $\ensuremath{\beta}l{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{c}$ the partition function does not scale with $L$, which implies that the conventional moment expansion must break down.
CORRECTION OF POLYRIBOSOME DISTRIBUTIONS AS OBSERVED IN CELL SECTIONS BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Clusters of ribosomes observed by electron microscopy in thin sections of rabbit reticulocytes are of the same order of size as the section thickness of 600 A. Many of the observed clusters must therefore have been transected by the section surfaces and observed as clusters containing fewer ribosomes. A probability method of correcting for this effect is given. Comparison of the results with grid observations of ribosome distributions indicates sufficiently good agreement for application to cell section observations.
A 17-amino acid insert changes UDP-N-acetylhexosamine pyrophosphorylase specificity from UDP-GalNAc to UDP-GlcNAc.

Abstract We previously reported the purification of a UDP-N-acetylhexosamine (UDP-HexNAc) pyrophosphorylase from pig liver that catalyzed the synthesis of both UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc from UTP and the appropriate HexNAc-1-P (Szumilo, T., Zeng, Y., Pastuszak, I., Drake, R., Szumilo, H., and Elbein, A. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 13147–13154). Both sugar nucleotides were synthesized at nearly the same rate, although theK m for GalNAc-1-P was about 3 times higher than for GlcNAc-1-P. Based on native gels and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the enzyme appeared to be a dimer of 120 kDa composed of two subunits of about 57 and 64 kDa. Three peptides sequenced from the 64-kDa protein and two from the 57-kDa protein showed 100% identity to AGX1, a 57-kDa protein of unknown function from human sperm. An isoform called AGX2 is identical in sequence to AGX1 except that it has a 17-amino acid insert near the carboxyl terminus. We expressed the AGX1 and AGX2 genes inEscherichia coli. The protein isolated from theAGX1 clone comigrated on SDS gels with the liver 57-kDa pyrophosphorylase subunit and was 2–3 times more active with GalNAc-1-P than with GlcNAc-1-P. On the other hand, the protein from the AGX2 clone migrated with the liver 64-kDa pyrophosphorylase subunit and had 8-fold better activity with GlcNAc-1-P than with GalNAc-1-P. These results indicate that insertion of the 17-amino acid peptide modifies the specificity of the pyrophosphorylase from synthesis of UDP-GalNAc to synthesis of UDP-GlcNAc.
A simulation toolkit to investigate the effects of grid characteristics on workflow completion time

Advances in technology and the increasing number and scale of compute resources have enabled larger computational science experiments and given researchers many choices of where and how to store data and perform computation. Analyzing the time to completion of their experiments is important for scientists to make the best use of both human and computational resources, but it is difficult to do in a comprehensive fashion because it involves experiment, system and user variables and their interactions with each configuration of systems. We present a simulation toolkit for analysis of computational science experiments and estimation of their time to completion. Our approach uses a minimal description of the experiment's workflow, and separate information about the systems being evaluated.We evaluate our approach using synthetic experiments that reflect actual workflow patterns, executed on systems from the NSF TeraGrid. Our evaluation focuses on ranking the available systems in order of expected experiment completion time. We show that with sufficient system information, the model can help investigate alternative systems and evaluate workflow bottlenecks. We also discuss the challenges posed by volatile queue wait time behavior, and suggest some methods to improve the accuracy of simulation for near-term workflow executions. We evaluate the impact of advance notice of predictable spikes in queue wait time due to down-time and reservations. We show that given advance notice, the probability of a correct ranking for a sample of synthetic workflows could increase from 59% to 74% or even 79%.
TLR4 Activation and IL-6-Mediated Cross Talk between Adipocytes and Mononuclear Cells Synergistically Stimulate MMP-1 Expression

Obesity is associated with increased monocyte infiltration into adipose tissue and hence increased interaction between adipocytes and monocytes. Although it has been shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a critical role in adipose tissue development, the effect of adipocyte and monocyte interaction on MMP production remains largely unknown. Furthermore, although it has been shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a receptor mediating innate immune response, plays an important role in the obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance, the effect of TLR4 activation in coculture of adipocytes and monocytes on MMP production has not been investigated. In this study, we cocultured adipocytes with U937 mononuclear cells in a Transwell coculture system and activated TLR4 with lipopolysaccharide or palmitic acid. We found that TLR4 activation and the coculture had a synergistic effect on MMP-1 production. In our further investigation on the underlying mechanisms, it was indicated that adipocyte-derived IL-6 and TLR4 activation acted in concert to synergistically stimulate MMP-1 expression by U937 cells. Taken together, this study has uncovered a novel mechanism potentially involved in MMP-1 up-regulation in adipose tissue, which may facilitate adipose tissue development and obesity.
Laser photoluminescence spectra of the M+S2− species in solid argon at 12K

Abstract Matrix reactions of alkali metal atoms with S 2 Cl 2 and photolyzed H 2 S samples have been examined by laser excitation at 457.9 nm. The strong photoluminescence spectrum from 12 300 to 18 300 cm −1 exhibited vibrational spacings near 550 cm −1 . Observation of the same ZPL spectrum with two different precursors identified the carrier as Na + S 2 − . The vibrational numbering was made possible by the Na + 32 S 34 S − species in natural abundance and from a 33% 34 S-enriched sample of S 2 Cl 2 . The spectroscopic constants ν 00 = 19 990 ± 10 cm − , ω 0 ″ = 586 ± 2 cm −1 and ω 0 x 0 ″ = 2.8 ± 0.2 cm −1 are in excellent agreement with those reported for S 2 − in alkali halide crystals at low temperature.
Introduction: The Scope of Religious Influences on Personal and Societal Well-Being

That religious belief and behavior have far-reaching influences on personal and social life, in both beneficial and deleterious ways, is self-evident. The purpose of the present volume is to examine religious influences on a variety of aspects of well-being, broadly defined to include both personal and societal levels of analysis. Religion and well-being are both multifaceted constructs, and the empirical relationships between them prove to be highly complex. The authors in this volume examine these relationships across a diverse sampling of conceptualizations of well-being (coping, mental health, physical health, and substance abuse and recovery), social issues and problems (religion-related and ritualistic child abuse, prejudice and right-wing authoritarianism, and HIV infection), and special populations (adolescents and the elderly).
Study of variables affecting extraction of organic solvents from solid sorbent sampling media using supercritical carbon dioxide

The extraction of four solvents from three sorbents, using supercritical carbon dioxide was studied. Toluene and isooctane were extracted from Anasorb 747®, a synthetic carbon; 1-butanol from silica gel; and 2-nitropropane from Anasorb 727®, a porous organic polymer. Preliminary experiments indicated that dynamic extraction was required; these experiments also fixed the duration of extraction of the analytes. All extractions were performed at 1.0 mL min−1. The temperature and density of the supercritical extraction fluid were then varied, according to a fractional factorial statistical design. The amounts remaining on the sorbent were determined via solvent desorption of the analytes and gas chromatography of the eluents. The fraction extracted data were modeled as a function of temperature and density according to a thermodynamic approach that permitted computation of constant-density enthalpies of desorption. This study indicates a significant temperature- and density-dependence for quantitative extraction of isooctane and toluene from Anasorb 747® and 1-butanol from silica gel, with no measurable temperature-or density-dependence for extraction of 2-nitropropane from Anasorb 727®. The extracted analytes were also collected via cryotrapping; only higher level masses of 1-butanol were quantitatively recovered. The dependence of the extraction efficiency on the thimble volumes passed over the matrix is discussed.
Fighting Words and Challenging Stories in Couples Work: Using Constructionist Conflict Theory to Understand Marital Conflict

ABSTRACT Ideas about the nature of marital conflict and approaches to its treatment are conceived within existing clinical theories. As a result, marital conflict is defined in accord with the epistemological assumptions of the clinical framework rather than more far reaching assumptions about the nature of power and conflict. Without a formulation of marital conflict that is derived from a comprehensive theory of conflict, important aspects of marital conflict may be overlooked and vital linkages to other forms of conflict might be underestimated. Both the systemic and postmodern paradigms have been criticized for their inability to deal with essential aspects of conflict as it applies to marriage and the family. However, for a comprehensive theory of conflict to be useful in addressing such limitations, its assumptions must also be congruent with the clinical paradigm to which it is applied. A linguistic theory of conflict is proposed for postmodern practice and its treatment of marital conflict. Implic...
Design, optimization and initial performance of a toroidal rf ion trap mass spectrometer

Abstract The design, optimization, and initial performance of a novel ion trap mass analyzer is reported. This analyzer geometry is based on the edge rotation of an ion trap cross-section into the shape of a torus. The advantages of this design are that for a given device analyzer radius (r0), significantly higher ion storage capacity than that obtained with a traditional three-dimensional quadrupole ion trap may be possible. Initial performance of this device was poor however, due to the significant contribution of additional nonlinear fields introduced by the rotation of the symmetrical ion trap cross-section. These nonlinear fields contributed to poor mass resolution and sensitivity as well as erratic ion ejection behavior. Using field analysis and ion trajectory simulation computer programs to guide the optimization, the geometry of this toroidal rf ion trap analyzer was modified in an attempt to correct for these nonlinear fields. These programs revealed that the original, symmetric toroid analyzer trapping field had a significant, sublinear component. Increasing the endcap separation and intentionally skewing the cross-sectional symmetry of the device minimized the field faults. Ion trajectory simulations indicated that the mass resolution and sensitivity of this asymmetric analyzer should be dramatically improved. Based on these results, an asymmetric version of the toroidal rf ion trap analyzer was constructed and this device has demonstrated unit mass resolution performance.
Cellulosic Biofuels: Importance, Recalcitrance, and Pretreatment

The two most profound societal transformations in history have been spawned by radical shifts in humankind’s use of natural resources. The agricultural revolution, which spanned about two millennia beginning around 4000 BC, saw hunter-gatherer societies subsisting on wild plants and animals being largely displaced by those cultivating the land to produce crops and domesticated livestock. The industrial revolution followed, beginning around 1700 and lasting roughly two hundred years, during which time preindustrial agricultural societies gave way to those harnessing precious metals and fossil energy to develop sophisticated economies centered around machinery and factories. Now, with ever-increasing indications that resource use is exceeding the world’s sustainable capacity, it is clear that a third revolution – the sustainability revolution – must begin soon and must be completed in decades, not centuries [1]. A few centuries hence, we think it is quite likely that people will look at those of us alive today, observe that “It was pretty obvious at the start of the third millennium that humanity needed to rapidly shift from resource capital to resource income,” and evaluate us largely on our success at meeting this defining challenge of our time.
Lack of suppression of circulating free fatty acids and hypercholesterolemia during weight loss on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet

Background: Little is known about the comparative effect of weight-loss diets on metabolic profiles during dieting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a low-carbohydrate diet (≤20 g/d) with a high-carbohydrate diet (55% of total energy intake) on fasting and hourly metabolic variables during active weight loss. Design: Healthy, obese adults (n = 32; 22 women, 10 men) were randomly assigned to receive either a carbohydrate-restricted diet [High Fat; mean ± SD body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 35.8 ± 2.9] or a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet (High Carb; BMI: 36.7 ± 4.6) for 6 wk. A 24-h in-patient feeding study was performed at baseline and after 6 wk. Glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFAs), and triglycerides were measured hourly during meals, at regimented times. Remnant lipoprotein cholesterol was measured every 4 h. Results: Patients lost a similar amount of weight in both groups (P = 0.57). There was an absence of any diet treatment effect between groups on fasting triglycerides or on remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, which was the main outcome. Fasting insulin decreased (P = 0.03), and both fasting (P = 0.040) and 24-h FFAs (P < 0.0001) increased within the High Fat group. Twenty-four-hour insulin decreased (P < 0.05 for both groups). Fasting LDL cholesterol decreased in the High Carb group only (P = 0.003). In both groups, the differences in fasting and 24-h FFAs at 6 wk were significantly correlated with the change in LDL cholesterol (fasting FFA: r = 0.41, P = 0.02; 24-h FFA: r = 0.52, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Weight loss was similar between diets, but only the high-fat diet increased LDL-cholesterol concentrations. This effect was related to the lack of suppression of both fasting and 24-h FFAs.
Clustering of Adolescent Dating Violence, Peer Violence, and Suicidal Behavior

To understand the co-occurrence of multiple types of violence, the authors developed a behavioral typology based on self-reports of suicidal behaviors, physical violence, and psychological abuse. Using a sample of dating adolescents from a high-risk school district, they identified five clusters of behaviors among the 1,653 students who reported being abusive or violent in the past year. Victimization and perpetration with same-sex peers and dating partners clustered together among the students who reported the highest levels of abusive (n = 357) or violent behavior (n = 146). These students also reported high levels of suicidal behavior. There were few significant demographic differences across clusters. The implications of the results for the need to design and evaluate efforts to prevent multiple types of violence are discussed.
Improving the relationship between coronary artery calcium score and coronary plaque burden: Addition of regional measures of coronary artery calcium distribution

Abstract Background : The Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score predicts cardiovascular events through its association with overall burden of coronary atherosclerosis. It is unclear whether adding regional measures of CAC distribution to the Agatston score improves this association. Methods : We studied 920 consecutive patients (mean age 57 ± 12, 53% female), referred for 64-slice Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) who had concomitant CAC scoring. Total atherosclerosis burden was quantified as the segment involvement score (SIS), which describes the number of coronary segments with plaque on CCTA. We studied the heterogeneity between CAC group (0, 1–100, 101–400, >400) and the number of vessels with CAC (0–4), and related this to SIS on CCTA. In patients with multi-vessel disease, we examined the relationship of concentrated vs. diffuse CAC (> or ≤75% total CAC in one vessel) with SIS. Results : When CAC was intermediate (1–400), considerable heterogeneity was noted between CAC group and the number of vessels with CAC (CAC 1–100: 53% 1-vessel, 29% 2-vessel, 16% 3-vessel, 2% 4-vessel; CAC 101–400: 9% 1-vessel, 28% 2-vessel, 43% 3-vessel, 20% 4-vessel). Within each CAC group, increase in the number of vessels with CAC was significantly associated with increased SIS. In multi-vessel disease, a higher SIS was associated with diffuse versus concentrated CAC (CAC 1–100: 3.8 vs. 2.8, CAC 101–400: 5.5 vs. 4.3 [both p p Conclusion : Addition of measures of regional CAC distribution improves the association of the Agatston CAC score with total plaque burden.
Wide-area external multi-camera calibration using vision graphs and virtual calibration object

In this paper we address external calibration of distributed multi-camera system intended for tracking and observing. We present a robust and efficient method for wide area calibration using virtual calibration object created by two LED markers. Our algorithm does not require for all the cameras to share common volume; only pairwise overlap is required. We assume the cameras are internally calibrated prior to deployment. Calibration is performed by waiving the calibration bar over the camera coverage area. The initial pose of the cameras is calculated using essential matrix decompositions. Global calibration is solved by automatically constructing weighted vision graph and finding optimal transformation paths between the cameras. In the optimization process, we introduce novel parametrization for two-point calibration using direction normal. The results are increased accuracy and robustness of the method under the presence of noise. In the paper, we present experimental results on a synthetic and real camera setup. We have performed image noise analysis on a synthetic wide-area setup of 5 cameras. Finally, we present the results obtained on a real setup with 12 cameras. The results obtained on the real camera setup show that our approach compensates for error propagation when the path transformation includes two to three nodes. No significant difference in reprojection error was found between the cameras on non-direct and direct path of the vision graph. The mean reprojection error for the real cameras was below 0.4 pixels.
Matching performance of dielectric covered finite microstrip phased array antennas

The design of microstrip radiators is often complicated by the inability to predict the effects of dielectric covers required to protect the microstrip patches from environmental conditions or to match the array for wide-angle scanning. The effects of a dielectric cover on the wide-angle scan matching performance of a finite phased array of rectangular microstrip patches are examined. The approach used is to generate a spectral domain moment method formulation of a dielectric-covered finite phased array composed of rectangular microstrip patches, solve for the patch currents, and calculate the reflection coefficients. Graphs are included of reflection coefficient magnitudes versus E- and H-plane scan angle for a 7*7 patch array with a low dielectric constant substrate for various superstrate heights. >
Neuropeptide Hierarchies and the Activation of Sequential Motor Behaviors in the Hawkmoth, Manduca sexta

In insects, the shedding of the old cuticle at the end of a molt involves a stereotyped sequence of distinct behaviors. Our studies on the isolated nervous system of Manduca sexta show that the peptides ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) and crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) elicit the first two motor behaviors, the pre-ecdysis and ecdysis behaviors, respectively. Exposing isolated abdominal ganglia to ETH resulted in the generation of sustained pre-ecdysis bursts. By contrast, exposing the entire isolated CNS to ETH resulted in the sequential appearance of pre-ecdysis and ecdysis motor outputs. Previous research has shown that ETH activates neurons within the brain that then release eclosion hormone within the CNS. The latter elevates cGMP levels within and increases the excitability of a group of neurons containing CCAP. In our experiments, the ETH-induced onset of ecdysis bursts was always associated with a rise in intracellular cGMP within these CCAP neurons. We also found that CCAP immunoreactivity decreases centrally during normal ecdysis. Isolated, desheathed abdominal ganglia responded to CCAP by generating rhythmical ecdysis bursts. These ecdysis motor bursts persisted as long as CCAP was present and could be reinduced by successive application of the peptide. CCAP exposure also actively terminated pre-ecdysis bursts from the abdominal CNS, even in the continued presence of ETH. Thus, the sequential performance of the two behaviors arises from one modulator activating the first behavior and also initiating the release of the second modulator. The second modulator then turns off the first behavior while activating the second.
Who pays the price for loyalty? The role of self-consciousness

Purpose – This paper aims to study the role of self-consciousness from the point of view of firm loyalty. Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consumers will be willing to pay premium prices, however, contradicts consumers’ rational motivations to seek low prices. This research suggests that consumers’ self-consciousness and the nature of their loyalty toward a firm help resolve this apparent contradiction. The results show that when past purchases reflect an exclusive relationship with a retailer, participants with high public self-consciousness valued relatively low-price offers, whereas those with high private self-consciousness expressed high-value perceptions for higher priced offers. However, when past purchases were divided between retail partners, self-consciousness showed no impact on value perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – Firms increasingly vie to gain, and then maintain, loyal consumers. A firm’s assumption that such consume...
DIETARY FIBER, LIGNOCELLULOSE AND HEMICELLULOSE CONTENTS OF SELECTED FOODS DETERMINED BY MODIFIED AND UNMODIFIED VAN SOEST PROCEDURES

Neutral detergent residues (NDR) of 6 vegetables, 3 fruits, and 3 grain products were determined by the unmodified Van Soest ND procedure and by modifications which incorporated starch-or protein-hydrolyzing enzymes. Modification of the procedure significantly lowered NDR weights of several foods, with the greatest effect on grain products and high starch vegetables. Incubation with B. subtilis amylase and pancreatin (1 hr) yielded NDR which generally were not different from those incubated with hog amylase (18 hr). Modification of the procedure had little effect on lignocellulose values, determined by treating NDR with acid detergent solution, and more effect on hemicellulose values. Results suggest that amylase treatment, but not a long incubation, may be necessary for some foods.
Dopaminergic Modulation of Sodium Current in Hippocampal Neurons via cAMP-Dependent Phosphorylation of Specific Sites in the Sodium Channel α Subunit

Phosphorylation of brain Na+ channel alpha subunits by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) decreases peak Na+ current in cultured brain neurons and in mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned brain Na+ channels. We have studied PKA regulation of Na+ channel function by activation of D1-like dopamine receptors in acutely isolated hippocampal neurons using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording techniques. The D1 agonist SKF 81297 reversibly reduced peak Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner. No changes in the voltage dependence or kinetics of activation or inactivation were observed. This effect was mediated by PKA, as it was mimicked by application of the PKA activator Sp-5, 6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole-3', 5'-monophosphorothioate(cBIMPS) and was inhibited by the specific PKA inhibitor peptide PKAI5-24. cBIMPS had similar effects on type IIA brain Na+ channel alpha subunits expressed in tsA-201 cells, but no effect was observed on a mutant Na+ channel alpha subunit in which serine residues in five PKA phosphorylation sites in the intracellular loop connecting domains I and II (LI-II) had been replaced by alanine. A single mutation, S573A, similarly eliminated cBIMPS modulation. Thus, activation of D1-like dopamine receptors results in PKA-dependent phosphorylation of specific sites in LI-II of the Na+ channel alpha subunit, causing a reduction in Na+ current. Such modulation is expected to exert a profound influence on overall neuronal excitability. Dopaminergic input to the hippocampus from the mesocorticolimbic system may exert this influence in vivo.
Computer-Aided Compensation Design for Discrete Data Systems

A method is advanced for compensation design of discrete data systems which enables realization of both transient and steady-state requirements. The technique is carried out with the aid of a digital computer and extends to specification of more than two roots. Practical examples illustrate application of the method.
Does Blood Flow Through Holmium:YAG Transmyocardial Laser Channels?

Background. Early reports indicate that transmyocardial laser revascularization improves symptoms in patients with refractory angina. However, there is little experimental evidence of whether blood flow through channels is the mechanism of action. Methods. Endocardial channels were made in the distribution of the left anterior descending coronary artery in canine hearts (n = 5) using a holmium:yttrium-aluminum garnet laser. Hearts were excised acutely while perfused in a retrograde fashion from a second dog so that the aortic valve always remained closed. The proximal left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. To measure direct transmyocardial blood flow, colored microspheres were injected into the left ventricular chamber. Results. The number of spheres per gram of tissue in the channel region was significantly higher than in the control region (low load, 302.5 ± 169.0 versus 41.8 ± 59.4; high load, 208.4 ± 138.3 versus 5.8 ± 11.7; both, p −1 · min −1 ). In the chronic setting (n = 4) (2-week survival), no flow was detected through the channels, and the endocardial entry points were closed. Conclusions. Transmyocardial blood flow does not appear to occur through channels made with the holmium: yttrium-aluminum garnet laser. It remains to be determined whether this is the case with other types of lasers.
The costs and benefits of a vocal signal: the nest-associated ‘Chit’ of the female red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus

Abstract Understanding the function of behaviour requires analysis of fitness costs and benefits, but this is difficult because methods of assessment are usually lacking. In this paper the results of an experimental analysis of costs and benefits of a vocal signal, the nest-associated calls during arrival and departure from their nests, and while on their nests. The intersexual ‘Chit’ was the call most often given in these contexts, and was frequently given in answer to the songs of mates. To assess the potential cost of nest-associated calling, mock nests containing plaster eggs were placed at suitable nest sites. Nests accompanied by playback of tape-recorded Chit calls were depredated at higher rates than nests without playback. Mock nests were also used to assess the potential benefit of nest-associated calling. Nests accompanied by playback were more strongly defended against a simulated predator by male red-winged blackbirds than nests without playback. To estimate the net benefit of nest-associated calling, the vocal behaviour of successful (produced at least one fledgling) and unsuccessful (nest depredated) females was compared. Reproductively successful females answered the songs of their mates with Chit calls from the nest more often than unsuccessful females. Nest-associated Chits thus appear to confer a net benefit on female red-winged blackbirds by maintaining the vigilance of males against nest predators.
Localization of the Binding Site on Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-3 (ICAM-3) for Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen 1 (LFA-1)*

Intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3; CD50) is the predominant counter-receptor on resting T cells and monocytes for the leukocyte integrin, lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18), and may play an important role in the initial stages of the T cell-dependent immune response. Deletion of individual immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) domains of ICAM-3 and ICAM-3 IgSF domain chimeras with CD21 showed there is a single LFA-1 binding site in ICAM-3 and that IgSF domain 1 is necessary and sufficient for LFA-1 binding. Epitope mapping and functional studies performed with 17 anti-ICAM-3 monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that only some monoclonal antibodies, with epitopes wholly within domain 1 of ICAM-3, were able to block binding of ICAM-3 bearing cells to purified LFA-1, in agreement with the data obtained from the domain deletion mutants and CD21 chimeras. Analysis of a panel of 45 point mutants of domain 1 of ICAM-3 identified five residues that may contact LFA-1 as part of the binding site, Asn23, Ser25, Glu37, Phe54, and Gln75. These five residues are predicted by molecular modeling, based on the structure of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), to cluster in two distinct locations on domain 1 of ICAM-3 on the BED face (Asn23 and Ser25) and on the C strand or CD loop (E37), the E strand (F54), and the FG loop (Q75). The residues, Asn23 and Ser25, comprise a consensus N-linked glycosylation site.