cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signaling and transacting factors in the transcriptional inhibition of gonadotropin releasing hormone gene by human chorionic gonadotropin in immortalized hypothalamic GT1-7 neurons

We recently demonstrated that immortalized GT1-7 neurons co-express luteinizing hormone (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptor and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) genes. Treatment of GT1-7 neurons with LH/hCG resulted in a transcriptional inhibition of GnRH gene. In the present study, we investigated the signaling and transacting factors involved in the action of hCG. Eight-bromo-cyclic AMP can mimic the down-regulating action of hCG on GnRH mRNA levels. H-89, a protein kinase (PK) A inhibitor, but not bisindolylmaleimide, a PKC inhibitor, blocked the down- regulating actions of hCG as well as of 8-bromocyclic AMP. Treatment with the PKA inhibitor alone modestly decreased GnRH mRNA levels suggesting that PKA signaling also controls the basal expression of the GnRH gene. The direct measurement of PK activities revealed that hCG treatment of GT1-7 neurons increased the PKA but not the PKC activity. New protein synthesis is required for the down-regulating action of hCG on GnRH mRNA levels. Since some of the new proteins could be nuclear transcription or transacting factors, we investigated the effects of hCG on cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), c-Fos and c-Jun protein levels. Treatment of GT1-7 neurons with hCG resulted in an increase of 43 kDa phosphorylated CREB, 50 kDa c-Fos and 40 kDa c-Jun proteins compared to the corresponding controls. The kinetics of increases were different and in all cases the increases of the proteins preceded the decrease of GnRH mRNA levels. In summary, PKA signaling and transacting factors such as CREB, Fos and Jun are probably involved in transcriptional inhibition of GnRH gene by hCG in GT1-7 neurons.
Intussusception After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Intussusception after open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP) is a rare complication. We present a retrospective review of three cases of antegrade intussusception occurring after laparoscopic RYGBP. To our knowledge, these are the first documented cases of intussusception after laparoscopic RYGBP. We describe the clinical presentation and our management of these three cases. Furthermore, we believe that the initial clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and management of these patients may be different than those patients who have undergone an open RYGBP. With increasing popularity of laparoscopic RYGBP, we are likely to see more of this entity.
Numerical modeling of a multiphase water–oil–CO2 system using a water–CO2 system: Application to the far field of a U.S. Gulf Coast reservoir

Abstract Active oil and gas reservoirs and connected saline aquifers are among the immediate candidates for CO2 sequestration, owing to their proven sealing capabilities and good characterization. If CO2 sequestration is implemented in the connected saline aquifer, the active hydrocarbon reservoir will act as a varying boundary condition to the system. The two-step methodology presented in this paper deals with changes that must be made to reservoir-model input files of a numerical code for replacing hydrocarbons with brine above the water–oil contact (WOC) while maintaining identical boundary conditions for carbon-sequestration sites below the WOC. Advantages of this approach include faster compositional simulations with fewer components, simulating the geological storage (GS) domain below WOC without considering the oil phase and production specifics updip, and not having to depend on detailed oil-production data, which may not be available. We show that simulating a water–oil–CO2 system using a simpler water–CO2 system provided some straightforward modifications could be accomplished in two steps: (1) modification of the permeability field above WOC to ensure identical pressure-propagation speed in the reservoir and (2) adjustment of production rates above the WOC to ensure correct reproduction of actual bottom-hole pressure at producers. Validation is achieved by comparing two different modes: (1) an oil-production mode, in which we model the three phases that act as the truth, and (2) an equivalent brine-production mode, in which no oil is present in the model. Numerical simulations show that, in the far field, estimated pressure values in both modes differ only by 2% or less.
Methodological process ethics in international theory

In this review essay, I identify a commonality between Patrick Thaddeus Jackson�s The Conduct of Inquiry and Daniel J. Levine�s Recovering International Relations: an ethical methodological process to organize international theories in ways that promote a plurality of visions. Jackson�s ideal-typification of the various methodological approaches in international relations encourages a pluralistic science. Likewise, Levine�s constellation method demands a multiplicity of theoretical perspectives, in order to sustain the critical elements intrinsic to each. As I argue, this shared methodological process ethic not only advances theoretical pluralism but, in so doing, actively opens thinking space for constructing alternative political realities.
A comparison of the chronic effects of human pharmaceuticals on two cladocerans, Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia

Scientific researchers and regulators are focusing attention on trace quantities of pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluents and surface waters, resulting in an increased level of concern regarding the potential environmental impact of these compounds. The current European regulatory guideline requires evaluation of the chronic effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients on Daphnia magna. Based on the life cycle of D. magna, chronic studies to establish survival and reproductive endpoints require a 21 d exposure period. A similar organism, Ceriodaphnia dubia, has a shorter life cycle and therefore survival and reproductive endpoints may be established following 7 d of exposure. No observed effect concentrations and lowest observed effect concentrations for survival and reproduction were obtained for D. magna and C. dubia following exposure to six human pharmaceuticals and two metabolites (i.e. celecoxib, linezolid, varenicline, sunitinib, Compound A, ziprasidone and the M1 and M4 metabolites of torcetrapib). These data were evaluated to determine whether one organism may be considered more sensitive. Survival and reproduction data obtained from the C. dubia study provide similar outcomes to D. magna when determining the predicted environmental concentration/predicted no effect concentration (PEC/PNEC) ratios for surface water. Based on these data, C. dubia may be used as a cost-effective alternative and representative invertebrate species when assessing the potential risk of human pharmaceuticals.
Lung abscess : percutaneous catheter therapy

Lung abscess was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage in 5 of 6 patients. Complete abscess resolution occurred in 4 patients, partial resolution in one, and no response in one. The durat...
An apoptosis-independent role of SMAC in tumor suppression

Reduced expression of the pro-apoptotic protein SMAC (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase) has been reported to correlate with cancer progression, while its significance and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of SMAC in intestinal tumorigenesis using both human samples and animal models. Decreased SMAC expression was found to correlate with increased cIAP2 expression and higher grades of human colon cancer. In mice, SMAC deficiency significantly increased the incidence and size of colon tumors induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS), and highly enriched β-catenin hot spot mutations. SMAC deficiency also significantly increased the incidence of spontaneous intestinal polyps in APCMin/+ mice. Loss of SMAC in mice led to elevated levels of cIAP1 and cIAP2, increased proliferation and activation of the NF-κB p65 subunit in normal and tumor tissues. Unexpectedly, SMAC deficiency had little effect on the incidence of precursor lesions, or apoptosis induced by AOM or DSS, or in established tumors in mice. Furthermore, SMAC knockout enhanced TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation via cIAP2 in HCT 116 colon cancer cells. These results demonstrate an essential and apoptosis-independent function of SMAC in tumor suppression and provide new insights into the biology and targeting of colon cancer.
Small cell carcinoma of the kidney: A clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study

Three cases of primary small cell carcinoma of the kidney with light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic findings are reported. Two patients died of disseminated disease 8 months and 1 year, respectively, after the diagnosis and the third was free of tumor after 18 months. Immunohistochemical studies revealed keratin immunostaining of tumor cells in two cases and staining for neuronspecific enolase in the third. The third case also showed a few dense neurosecretory granules at the ultrastructural level. Although no strong conclusions regarding histogenesis can be drawn, this study indicates that small cell carcinoma of the kidney exists and does not necessarily exhibit a neuroendocrine differentiation. Small cell carcinoma of the kidney must be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant renal tumor, especially in cases in which a large necrotic tumor is present. Based on the few cases presented in this study and on the one previously reported case, small cell carcinoma of the kidney appears to be an aggressive tumor. Cancer 60:1809-1814, 1987. LTHOUGH MOST small cell carcinomas arise in the A tracheobronchial tree,' they are now increasingly reported in such extrapulmonary sites as the esophagus,2 ~ervix,~ pr~state,~ parotid gland,' endometrium,6 unnary bladder,' gallbladder,8 skin,' pancreas, lo and other more unusual sites." Capella et all2 reported the only case of small cell carcinoma primary in the kidney. The tumor was large and already metastatic to regional lymph nodes at diagnosis. The patient died immediately from postoperative complications, and therefore the natural history of the tumor could not be assessed. We report three more cases of small cell carcinoma arising in the kidney. Clinical follow-up was available and immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were performed in all three cases.
Aggregation of existing geographic regions to diminish spurious variability of disease rates

The availability of large data sets together with the growth in power and storage capabilities of computers have made the analysis of the spatial distribution of disease rates an increasingly important tool in public health research. Use of existing geographic divisions or groupings tends to result either in unstable estimates of disease rates if the corresponding populations are small or in loss of spatial resolution if the areas are unnecessarily large. This paper describes a computer algorithm for combining existing geographic areas into regions with populations large enough to diminish spurious variability in disease rates while limiting the loss in resolution. The method is demonstrated using Medicare hospital admissions data for pneumonia and central nervous system cancer. Disease rates were calculated for both predefined regions and those generated by the algorithm and their frequency distributions were compared. The algorithm produces more stable rates over a variety of diseases and provides substantially more flexibility than the use of predefined aggregations.
Senile scleral plaques: a histopathologic study using energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis.

Abstract The investigators reviewed the pathologic findings of 21 senile scleral plaques in 17 enucleated globes. Eyes were fixed in formalin and routinely processed for light microscopic examination. Two representative calcified scleral plaques were subjected to energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Plaques were located in the sclera just anterior to the insertion of the horizontal rectus muscles. Microspic examination of the involved scleral disclosed a spectrum of histopathologic changes involving increased hematoxylinophilia of the scleral collagen, decreased stromal cellularity, the presence of scleral fibers with a unique corkscrew appearance, and calcium deposition. The calcified plaques contained calcium phosphate as indicated by histochemical methods and energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Conjunctival elastosis was present in 12 of the 14 eyes in which sufficient conjunctiva was present for histologic evaluation. Accumulated actinic damage from solar irradiation may play a role in the pathogenesis of senile scleral plaques.
Comparison of mammalian, chicken and Xenopus brain-derived neurotrophic factor coding sequences

We have used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and clone coding sequences of the mature region of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from monkey, rat, chicken and Xenopus genomic DNA. Consistent with previous reports, the predicted amino acid sequences obtained in this manner from monkey and rat were identical to other mammalian BDNF sequences. The chicken and Xenopus BDNF sequences are also highly conserved, but contain 7 and 8 amino, acid substitutions, respectively, compared to mammalian BDNF. Comparison of these sequences with the homologous NGF and NT3 coding regions provides further insight into amino acid residues that may be responsible for the different receptor specificities of these factors.
Molecular structures and magnetic resonance spectroscopic investigations of highly distorted six-coordinate low-spin iron(III) porphyrinate complexes.

Three bis-axially ligated complexes of iron(III) octaethyltetraphenylporphyrin, (OETPP)FeIII, have been prepared, which are low-spin complexes, each with two axial nitrogen-donor ligands (N-methylimidazole (N-MeIm), 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (4-NMe2Py), and 2-methylimidazole (2-MeImH)). The crystal and molecular structure of the bis-(2-MeImH) complex shows the macrocycle to be in a saddled conformation, with the ligands in perpendicular planes aligned at 14° to the porphyrin nitrogens so as to relieve the steric interaction between the 2-methyl groups and the porphyrin. The Fe−N(por) bond lengths are typical of nonplanar six-coordinate low-spin FeIII complexes, while the axial Fe−N(ax) bond lengths are substantially longer than those of [(TPP)Fe(2-MeImH)2]+ (2.09(2) A as compared to 2.015(4) and 2.010(4) A). The crystal and molecular structure of the bis-(4-NMe2Py) complex also shows the macrocycle to be in a mainly saddled conformation, but with a significant ruffled component. As a result, the average F...
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibits the development of autoimmune-mediated vasculitis in mice

Objective. Many different genes or mediators have been implicated in promoting the development of vasculitis, although little is known regarding the mechanisms that normally act to suppress lesion formation. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been shown to inhibit vascular inflammation in many different model systems, but its roles in the pathogenesis of vasculitis have not been elucidated. This study was undertaken to determine the functions of eNOS in the initiation and progression of vasculitic lesion formation. Methods. MRL/MpJ-Fas lpr mice lacking the gene for eNOS (Nos3 / ) were generated and comprehen
Examination of recovery in vitro and in vivo of nonculturable Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (strains ATCC 43895 and FO46) became nonculturable in sterile, distilled, deionized water or after exposure to chlorine. Recovery of nonculturable E. coli O157:H7 was examined by in vitro and in vivo methods. The decline in culturability of starved E. coli O157:H7 was measured by plate count on rich medium. Recovery in vitro of nonculturable cells was conducted with media amended with catalase or sodium pyruvate; however, there was no apparent increase over culturable cell counts on amended versus nonamended media. Although nonculturable E. coli O157:H7 did not recover under in vitro conditions, a mouse model was used to determine if in vivo conditions would provide sufficient conditions for recovery of nonculturable E. coli O157:H7. In separate studies, mice were orally challenged with starvation-induced nonculturable cells (FO46) or chlorine-induced nonculturable cells (43895 and FO46). Passage through the mouse gastrointestinal tract had no effect on recovery of nonculturable (starvation or chlorine induced) E. coli O157:H7 (43895 or FO46), based on analysis of fecal samples. Mouse kidneys were assayed for the presence of Shiga toxin using the Vero cell assay. Differences in cytotoxicity towards Vero cells from kidney samples of mice receiving nonculturable cells and control mice were not significant, suggesting a loss of virulence.
Age and cataract-related changes in the heavy molecular weight proteins and gamma crystallin composition of the mouse lens.

Abstract Heavy molecular weight (HMW) proteins were detected in normal and cataractous mouse lenses. The HMW aggregates increased with the age of the lens in normal mouse. Alpha and β-crystallins were detected by immunodiffusion in the HMW fractions from normal and Nakano mice. No γ-crystallin could be detected in these aggregates by immunodiffusion; however, a slight amount of this crystallin was detected using the radioimmunoassay. The polypeptide composition of the HMW proteins was different in the Nakano mouse from the normal. By SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a polypeptide of 27 000 mol. wt. was evident in the Nakano HMW material that was not present in the normal HMW protein, but a 15 000 mol. wt. band was absent in the Nakano. Two other differences were seen with the Nakano lens. First, the water insoluble lens protein was extremely high. By 90 days, about two thirds of the protein was insoluble in these lenses. Secondly, the sharp drop in γ-crystallin at the time of complete opacification of the lens was in part a result of the leakage of this protein into the anterior chamber of these mice. By radioimmunoassay, the level of γ-crystallin in the Nakano aqueous humor at the time of the cataract was greater than 100 ng per microliter. These data demonstrate that crystallins are converted to the insoluble proteins and some diffuse out of the lens during cataract formation.
Human Performance Modeling for Operational Command, Control and Communication:

The challenges facing the military due to adversaries, new battlegrounds, and everchanging technology requires innovative, fast, and efficient means to conduct and support research. The Army Research Laboratory has developed a modeling environment, C3TRACE (Command, Control, and Communication — Techniques for Reliable Assessment of Concept Execution), that aids in the evaluation of different personnel architectures and information technology on system and human performance. This modeling environment, which was originally designed to address tactical command issues, has been applied to a higher level organizational command and control environment within the Joint Forces Command. Specifically, it was applied to an urban operations exercise to evaluate the effect of various personnel structures and communication means on awareness, flow of information, and decision-making.
Modal propagation angles in ducts with soft walls and their connection with suppressor performance

The angles of propagation of the wave fronts associated with duct modes are derived for a cylindrical duct with soft walls (acoustic suppressors) and a uniform steady flow. The angle of propagation with respect to the radial coordinate (angle of incidence on the wall) is shown to be a better correlating parameter for the optimum wall impedance of spinning modes than the previously used mode cutoff ratio. Both the angle of incidence upon the duct wall and the propagation angle with respect to the duct axis are required to describe the attenuation of a propagating mode. Using the modal propagation angles, a geometric acoustics approach to suppressor acoustic performance was developed. Results from this approximate method were compared to exact modal propagation calculations to check the accuracy of the approximate method. The results are favorable except in the immediate vicinity of the modal optimum impedance where the approximate method yields about one-half of the exact maximum attenuation.
Determination of the average shape of flagellar bends: A gradient curvature model

Data obtained by manual digitization of photographs of flagellar bending waves have been analyzed by determining size parameters for the bends by least-squares fitting of a model waveform. These parameters were then used to normalize the data so that the average shape of the bends could be determined. Best fits were obtained with a model waveform derived from the constant curvature waveforms used previously but with provision for a linear change in curvature across the central region of the bend–the gradient curvature model (GCM). The central regions of the GCM bending waves are separated by transition regions with length determined by a parameter called the truncation factor (FT). Fitting the GCM to sine-generated bending waves give optimal fit when FT = 0.34. Fitting the GCM to four different samples of flagellar bending waves gave best fits with values of FT ranging from 0.17 for ATP-reactivated Lytechinus spermatozoa beating at approximately 10 Hz to 0.32 for live spermatozoa of Arbacia. The difference between the Arbacia waveforms and a sine-generated waveform is therefore very small, but a sine-generated waveform lacks the degree of freedom represented by FT that is required to fit other waveforms optimally. The residual differences between the waveform data and optimal GCM waveforms were averaged and found to be small. In most cases, the curvature in the central region of the optimal GCM decreased in magnitude towards the tip of the flagellum; however, this slope was highly variable and sometimes positive. Significant variations in both this slope and FT were found in individual bends as they propagated along a flagellum.
A convenient continuous-rate spectrophotometric method for determination of amino acid substrate specificity of aminotransferases: application to isoenzymes of aspartate aminotransferase.

Abstract A continuous-rate spectrophotometric procedure is presented for determination of the amino acid substrate specificity of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent aminotransferases. The reaction utilizes a glutamate dehydrogenase- and diaphorase-coupled enzyme system; the rate of formazan dye produced is related to enzyme activity at 500 nm. Of 20 amino acids examined with this assay, only l -aspartate and l -glutamate were found to be substrates for human and porcine cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1). l -Tyrosine was found to be a significant substrate for the human liver mitochondrial enzyme.
MEASUREMENT OF STRESSES IN FIXED-BRIDGE RESTORATIONS USING A BRITTLE COATING TECHNIQUE.

Three principal methods used to study stresses in materials are photoelastic stress analysis, brittle lacquer-coating techniques, and electronic strain gauges. A number of studies have been conducted using models and the photoelastic method' to examine stress patterns in oneand two-surface inlays, complete dentures, teeth and supporting bone, and rests used in partial dentures. Strain gauges4 9-13 have been used in the evaluations of stresses of mastication, but brittle lacquer coatings have not been used to any extent in the measurement of stresses in dental restorations.4 Brittle lacquers have been used in the study of stresses in the human mandible and other bones under static and dynamic loading.14' The brittle lacquer coatings are particularly useful in detecting and measuring strains at the surface of the structure as well as indicating the direction and sequence of the tensile strains. Although the method is not as accurate as strain gauges, it is an excellent means of obtaining an over-all picture of the pattern of the stress distribution." The information obtained using brittle lacquers may be used, therefore, as a basis for more detailed studies with strain gauges. It was the purpose of this investigation to study the general stress patterns in typical fixedbridge restorations using various static loading conditions and a brittle lacquer-coating technique.
Simultaneous determination of alfentanil and midazolam in human plasma using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

A fast, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of alfentanil and midazolam in human plasma has been developed and validated. Alfentanil and midazolam were extracted from plasma using a mixed-mode cation exchange solid phase extraction method, with recoveries of both compounds greater than 80% at 3 different concentrations (1, 10 and 100ng/ml). Compounds were analyzed on a C(18) column with a water and methanol mobile phase gradient with acetic acid as an additive, at a flow rate of 0.3ml/min. The working assay range was linear from 0.25 to 100ng/ml for each compound. The signal to noise ratio was 80 and 40 for alfentanil and midazolam, respectively, at the lowest concentration calibration standard, with less than 10% matrix suppression by human plasma at this concentration. Alfentanil and midazolam were stable in human plasma during storage at -80°C, processing, and analysis. The procedure was validated and applied to the analysis of plasma samples from healthy human subjects administered oral and intravenous alfentanil and midazolam.
41Ca in iron falls, Grant and Estherville: production rates and related exposure age calculations

Results are presented of the first phase of a Ca-41 cosmogenic studies program aimed at establishing baseline concentrations and trends in selected meteorites and the use of Ca-41 in estimating exposure ages and preatmospheric meteorite radii. The average Ca-41 saturation activity recorded in four small iron falls is 24 +/-1 dpm/kg. This finding, together with measurements at the center and surface of the large iron Grant, indicates that production of Ca-41 from spallation on iron is weakly dependent on shielding to depths as large as 250 g/sq cm. The (K-41)-Ca-41 exposure age of Grant is estimated at 330 +/-50 My, and an upper limit to its terrestrial age of 43 +/-15 ky. A comparison of the Ca-41 contents of stony and metallic material separated from the mesosiderite Estherville identifies low-energy neutron capture on native Ca as a second important channel of production. It is found that the Ca-41 signal in the stone phase from three meteorites correlates with their size, and that the inferred low-energy neutron fluxes vary by a factor of at least 20.
Capacity-Based Parameter Optimization of Bit-Interleaved Coded CPM With Differential Detection

The design of bit-interleaved coded continuous phase modulation (CPM) is characterized by the code rate, alphabet size, modulation index, and pulse shape. This paper outlines a methodology for determining the optimal values of these parameters under bandwidth and receiver complexity constraints. The cost function that is used to drive the optimization is the information theoretic minimum epsivb/No, which is found by evaluating the constrained channel capacity. The capacity can be estimated using Monte Carlo integration. A search for optimal parameters is conducted over a range of coded CPM parameters, bandwidth efficiencies, and channels. To limit complexity and allow any modulation index to be considered, the receiver is constrained to use a soft-output differential phase detector. Bit error rate curves using a binary turbo code confirm that the constrained capacity is a very good indicator of the performance of the complete system.
Steerable Importance Sampling

We present an algorithm for efficient stratified importance sampling of environment maps that generates samples in the positive hemisphere defined by local orientation of arbitrary surfaces while accounting for cosine weighting. The importance function is dynamically adjusted according to the surface normal using steerable basis functions. The algorithm is easy to implement and requires no user-defined parameters. As a preprocessing step, we approximate the incident illumination from an environment map as a continuous piecewise linear function on P2 and represent this as a triangulated height field. The product of this approximation and a dynamically orientable steering function, viz. the cosine lobe, serves as an importance sampling function. Our method allows the importance function to be sampled with an asymptotic cost of O(logn) per sample where n is the number of triangles. The most novel aspect of the algorithm is its ability to dynamically compute normalization factors which are integrals of the illumination over the positive hemispheres defined by the local surface normals during shading. The key to this feature is that the weight variation of each triangle due to the clamped cosine steering function can be well approximated by a small number of spherical harmonic coefficients which can be accumulated over any collection of triangles, in any orientation, without introducing higher-order terms. Consequently, the weighted integral of the entire steerable piecewise-linear approximation is no more costly to compute than that of a single triangle, which makes re-weighting and re-normalizing with respect to any surface orientation a trivial constant-time operation. The choice of spherical harmonics as the set of basis functions for our steerable importance function allows for easy rotation between coordinate systems. Another novel element of our algorithm is an analytic parametrization for generating stratified samples with linearly-varying density over a triangular support.
Exposure to L-cycloserine incurs survival costs and behavioral alterations in Aedes aegypti females.

Background: It was previously demonstrated that alanine aminotransferase (ALAT, EC 2.6.1.2) participates in maintaining the alanine-proline cycle between flight muscles and fat body during Aedes aegypti flight. ALAT is also actively involved in the metabolism of ammonia in A. aegypti. Here, we investigated the survival and behavioral costs of ALAT inhibition in A. aegypti females to better understand the role of ALAT in blood-fed mosquitoes. Methods: We analyzed how A. aegypti female mosquitoes respond to blood meals supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mM L-cycloserine, a well-known inhibitor of ALAT in animals. Mosquitoes were also exposed to blood meals supplemented with L-cycloserine and different concentrations of glucose (0, 10 and 100 mM). Additionally, the effects of ALAT inhibitor and glucose in mosquitoes starved for 24 or 48 h were investigated. Survival and behavioral phenotypes were analyzed during a time course (1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after feeding). Results: L-cycloserine at 10 mM resulted in high mortality relative to control, with an acute effect during the first 6 h after treatment. A significant decrease in the number of active mosquitoes coinciding with an increase in futile wing fanning during the first 24 h was observed at all inhibitor concentrations. A high occurrence of knockdown phenotype was also recorded at this time for both 5 and 10 mM L-cycloserine. The supplementation of glucose in the blood meal amplified the effects of the ALAT inhibitor. In particular, we observed a higher mortality rate concomitant with an increase in the knockdown phenotype. Starvation prior to blood feeding also increased the effects of L-cycloserine with a rapid increase in mortality. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that exposure of high doses of L-cycloserine during A. aegypti blood feeding affects mosquito survival and motor activity, suggesting an interference with carbohydrate and ammonia metabolism in a time-dependent manner.
Hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.

1. Bryon J. Lauer, MD* 2. Nancy D. Spector, MD† 1. *Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA. 2. †Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. List the risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinemia. 2. Distinguish between physiologic jaundice and pathologic jaundice of the newborn. 3. Recognize the clinical manifestations of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and the permanent clinical sequelae of kernicterus. 4. Describe the evaluation of hyperbilirubinemia from birth through 3 months of age. 5. Manage neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, including referral to the neonatal intensive care unit for exchange transfusion. For centuries, neonatal jaundice (icterus neonatorum) has been observed in newborns. As early as 1724, Juncker, in the Conspectus Medicinae Theoreticopraticae , began distinguishing between “true jaundice” and “the icteric tinge which may be observed in infants, immediately after birth.” In 1875, Orth noticed during autopsies the presence of bilirubin in the basal ganglia of infants who had severe jaundice, which was labeled kernicterus by Schmorl in 1903. (1) In 1958, however, a nurse in the nursery of the General Hospital in Rothford, Essex, Great Britain, reported “an apparent fading away of the yellow pigmentation in the skin of the jaundiced babies when they had been a short time in sunlight.” (2) Icterus neonatorum occurs in approximately two thirds of all newborns in the first postnatal week. Jaundice results from bilirubin deposition in the skin and mucous membranes. For most newborns, such deposition is of little consequence, but the potential remains for kernicterus from high bilirubin concentrations or lower bilirubin concentrations in preterm infants. (3) Although rare, kernicterus is a preventable cause of cerebral palsy. Hyperbilirubinemia was treated aggressively in the 1950s to 1970s because of a high rate of Rh hemolytic disease and kernicterus. However, data from the 1980s and 1990s …
Characterization of a strain of Eimeria meleagridis from the turkey.

Abstract An isolate of Eimeria meleagridis Tyzzer, 1927 was obtained by harvesting oocysts from the ceca of a turkey from northwest Arkansas and a pure line was established by infecting birds with a single oocyst. Oocysts were first produced in the ceca of infected birds from 102 to 108 hr after inoculation and were of similar size (mean length × width, 24.9 × 17.0 μm) to those of Eimeria adenoeides Moore and Brown, 1951 and Eimeria gallopavonis Hawkins, 1952. The line was identified as E. meleagridis based upon the development of large schizonts in the midintestine, and small schizonts in the ceca. Two generations of large schizonts were found 48 and 72 hr after infection, and at least two generations of small schizonts were found from 60 to 108 hr after infection. An inoculum of 2 × 105 oocysts was found to cause a significant reduction in weight gain from days 0–3 and 0–6 after infection, suggesting that the significance of this species of Eimeria as a pathogen of turkeys should be reassessed.
Mutation of the priA Gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Affects DNA Transformation and DNA Repair

In Escherichia coli, PriA is central to the restart of chromosomal replication when replication fork progression is disrupted and is also involved in homologous recombination and DNA repair. To investigate the role of PriA in recombination and repair in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, we identified, cloned, and insertionally inactivated the gonococcal priA homologue. The priA mutant showed a growth deficiency and decreased DNA repair capability and was completely for deficient in DNA transformation compared to the isogenic parental strain. The priA mutant was also more sensitive to the oxidative damaging agents H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide compared to the parental strain. These phenotypes were complemented by supplying a functional copy of priA elsewhere in the chromosome. The N. gonorrhoeae priA mutant showed no alteration in the frequency of pilin antigenic variation. We conclude that PriA participates in DNA repair and DNA transformation processes but not in pilin antigenic variation.
The High-Power X-Band Planetary RADAR at Goldstone: Design, Development, and Early Results

Selected critical microwave components for a 400-kW very-long-pulse (several hours) X-band RADAR system are discussed from theoretical and practical viewpoints. Included are the special-sized waveguide and flanges, hybrid power combiner, couplers, switches, polarizer, rotary joints, feedhorn, and radome. The system is installed on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Jet Propulsion Laboratory 64-m-diam reflector antenna at Goldstone, CA.
Dependence of bubble size and peak rarefractional pressure on maximum bubble response during therapeutic ultrasound histotripsy

Medical ultrasound has shown great potential as a minimally invasive therapy technique. It can be used in areas such as histotripsy, thermal ablation, and administering medication. The success of these therapies is improved by the cavitation of microbubbles. This study evaluated the effect of varying the pressure amplitude on cavitation resonance frequency and the corresponding bubble size at therapeutic field levels. Other research indicated that the resonance size depends on pressure amplitude; however, that investigation only considered pressure amplitudes up to 1 MPa [MacDonald et al. (2004)]. Our study was conducted by simulating the response of air bubbles in water to linearly propagating sine waves using the Gilmore-Akulichev formulation to solve for the bubble response. The frequency of the sine wave varied from 0.5 to 5 MHz while the amplitude of the sine wave varied from 0.0001 to 5 MPa. The optimal seed size for a particular frequency of excitation and amplitude, which is normally only established for stable cavitation, was defined in our study as the initial bubble size that resulted in the maximum bubble expansion prior to bubble radius dropping below its initial radius. The simulations demonstrated a downshift in resonance size with increasing pressure amplitude. Therefore, at therapeutic levels, smaller bubbles can have a more dramatic response to ultrasound than larger bubbles.
Occupational Therapists Whose Primary Area of Practice Is Hand Therapy

Hand therapists perform hand-intensive work and engage in tasks that require movements and postures cited in the literature to be risk factors for the development of cumulative trauma disorders. This study was conducted to determine the incidence, prevalence, and types of work-related cumulative trauma disorders of the hand, wrist, and elbow experienced by occupational therapists whose primary area of practice is hand therapy. A survey was sent to a national random sample of 289 occupational therapists, 227 of whom responded. A total of 328 upper-extremity injuries/syndromes were reported by 165 (79 %) of the respondents; 62 % of those injuries occurred as a result of cumulative work trauma. This study identified hand therapy as another occupation where cumulative trauma disorders are common. It is crucial that hand therapists become cognizant of their occupational risks and limitations so that such painful and disabling conditions can be prevented.
Novel enhancement techniques for ultra-high-performance conformal wireless sensors and "smart skins" utilizing inkjet-printed graphene

We introduce various novel techniques for the performance enhancement of nanotechnology-enabled wireless platforms utilizing inkjet-printed graphene thin films, especially for gas sensing applications in this paper. Compared to previously reported results (6% sensitivity after exposure to 500 ppm NH3), we have improved the performance by nearly a factor of 10, increasing the sensitivity to 4.8% at 60 ppm. Key advancements to the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin film include: (i) drastically reduced (micron to nm) film thickness via surface modification techniques, specifically enhancing charge transport properties, and (ii) increased porosity obtained via a unique in-house developed nano-patterning process. The proposed graphene-based thin film approach could set the foundation for a plethora of novel wireless sensing and gas-reconfigurable communication platforms.
Sensor Network Connectivity and Security Analysis Using a Single Per-node Random Key

Wireless sensor networks comprise individual sensor nodes with limited storage and computational power. These restrictions can cause difficulty when establishing secure communication links between nodes. Expensive encryption schemes, such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange, simply cannot be effectively implemented. As a consequence, alternative methods are necessary to provide adequate security. One such technique involves randomly distributing several encryption keys and then requiring nodes to discover neighbors that share a subset of these assigned keys. Once compatible neighbors are located, communication is secured through the use of symmetric encryption. Though the requirements for this scheme are less than complex asymmetrical algorithms, each sensor node is still required to store several keys and node-to-key associations. In this paper, we advocate a simplistic approach that reduces key storage while limiting a network's susceptibility to being compromised. The approach is based on assigning a single randomly-selected key to each node. The paper presents a detailed analysis of the resilience of the proposed scheme to the collusion attacks and studies the implications on the network connectivity.
A Computational Approach to Solve Optimal Control Problems Using Differential Transformation

A computational approach based on differential transformation is proposed to solve optimal control problems of dynamical systems. The optimal control law is constructed by solving a two-point-boundary value problem or a Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equation. Using differential transformation, ordinary or partial differential equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. By using the inverse transformation, the optimal solution is computed in the form of a finite series of a chosen basis system. The differential transformation approach has been shown to be simple for implementation, flexible in handling optimal control problems with various types of dynamics, and computationally efficient. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated through numerical examples.
Forward hadron production in high energy pA collisions: From RHIC to LHC

Abstract We present a calculation of inclusive π , D and B mesons production at RHIC and LHC energies based upon the KKT model of gluon saturation. We discuss dependence of the nuclear modification factor on rapidity, centrality and transverse momentum.
Locally recurrent breast cancer after conservation therapy

Abstract Background Today, the majority of small invasive and noninvasive breast cancers are treated with breast conservation therapy (BCT). The incidence of local-regional recurrence (LRR) after BCT for stage 0, I, and II patients ranges between 5% and 22%. Methods A literature search for BCT, local recurrence, and regional recurrence was performed. Data from over 50 articles pertaining to the characteristics, risk factors, detection, management, and prognosis of these patients with LRR after BCT were collected and analyzed. Results Positive margins, high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), young age, and the absence of radiation therapy after BCT increase the risk for LRR. Prognosis at LRR is impacted by invasive versus noninvasive histology, size and stage, method of detection, and involvement of skin and/or axillary lymph nodes. The standard treatment is salvage mastectomy. Conclusions The prognosis for LRR after BCT is favorable compared with patients with postmastectomy chest wall recurrence.
Spectral elements and field separation for an acoustic fluid subject to cavitation

Spectral elements based on Legendre polynomials are used to improve an existing finite-element method for simulating a highly nonlinear field phenomenon: fluid cavitation in an underwater-shock environment. Further improvement is provided by separation of the total field into its equilibrium, incident, and scattered components. These enhancements promise to make the finite-element method suitable for practical, three-dimensional engineering computations.
Primacy of Affiliativeness in Ratings of Group Climate

Relationships among the 12 items of MacKenzie's (1983) short Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S) were examined from two perspectives. All 25 members of four small groups and 9 nonparticipant observers separately supplied 75 GCQ-S protocols for varied group sessions that were compared for items' correlations and mean differences. Similarities overshadowed the differences between ratings by members and observers although members consistently rated group sessions more favorably than observers. Both data sets featured positively intralinked but negatively interlinked quintets of items designated Affiliative and Disaffiliative This 10-item Affiliativeness composite fully coincided with the main findings of prior studies by Slough and Hurley and Brooks. Superseding MacKenzie's Avoiding, Conflict, and Engaged GCQ-S miniscales, Affiliativeness parallels the affiliation/evaluation factor central to mote comprehensive group-climate inventories and also closely resembles the interpersonal domain's prepotent affiliat...
An assessment of the public reaction to behavior modification

Abstract The media have frequently depicted behavior modification negatively. As there are not enough data about reactions to the procedure, this study was undertaken. Over 600 college students who had not taken a college psychology course were asked to indicate if they agreed or disagreed with each of 15 items concerning behavior modification. The results showed that it is not viewed as threatening, nor is it viewed as “good”. It was viewed as appropriate to use with certain populations (prisoners and the retarded) but not with others (individuals with marital problems, homosexuals and normal children).
Suppression of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling and Alteration of Multiple Ion Currents in Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome

Many drugs, including some commonly used medications, can cause abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death, as manifest by a prolonged QT interval in the electrocardiogram. Cardiac arrhythmias caused by drug-induced long QT syndrome are thought to result mainly from reductions in the delayed rectifier potassium ion (K+) current IKr. Here, we report a mechanism for drug-induced QT prolongation that involves changes in multiple ion currents caused by a decrease in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Treatment of canine cardiac myocytes with inhibitors of tyrosine kinases or PI3Ks caused an increase in action potential duration that was reversed by intracellular infusion of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. The inhibitors decreased the delayed rectifier K+ currents IKr and IKs, the L-type calcium ion (Ca2+) current ICa,L, and the peak sodium ion (Na+) current INa and increased the persistent Na+ current INaP. Computer modeling of the canine ventricular action potential showed that the drug-induced change in any one current accounted for less than 50% of the increase in action potential duration. Mouse hearts lacking the PI3K p110α catalytic subunit exhibited a prolonged action potential and QT interval that were at least partly a result of an increase in INaP. These results indicate that down-regulation of PI3K signaling directly or indirectly via tyrosine kinase inhibition prolongs the QT interval by affecting multiple ion channels. This mechanism may explain why some tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical use are associated with increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.