cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Tolerance to DNA Polymerization by HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase on N6 Adenine C10R and C10S Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol 9,10-Epoxide-adducted Templates

To determine the effect of various stereoisomers of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol 9,10-epoxide (BPDE) on translesion bypass by human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase and its α-helix H mutants, six 33-mer templates were constructed bearing site- and stereospecific adducts. This in vitro model system was chosen to understand the structure-function relationships between the polymerase and damaged DNA during replication. Comparison of the replication pattern between wild type human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase and its mutants, using primers which were 3′ to the lesion, revealed essentially similar patterns. While these primers terminated with all three of the C10R and two of the C10S BPDE-adducted templates 1 base 5′ and 1 base 3′ to the damaged site respectively, (+)-anti-trans-(C10S) BPDE-adducted DNA alone permitted the formation of full-length products. Utilization of a primer with its 3′-hydroxyl 1 base beyond the lesion resulted in full-length products with all the C10S BPDE-adducted templates and the (−)-syn-trans-(C10R)-BPDE-adducted template, following replication with either the wild type or mutant enzymes. However, the other two C10R BPDE-adducted templates failed to allow any primer extension, even with the wild type enzyme. Although T·;P depletion studies further confirmed the differential primer extension abilities using the C10R and C10S adducted templates, their binding affinities were similar, yet distinct from the unadducted template.
Human mast cells express multiple EP receptors for prostaglandin E2 that differentially modulate activation responses

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) blocks mast-cell (MC)-dependent allergic responses in humans but activates MCs in vitro. We assessed the functions of the EP receptors for PGE2 on cultured human MCs (hMCs). hMCs expressed the EP3, EP2, and EP4 receptors. PGE2 stimulated the accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and suppressed both Fc epsilonRI-mediated eicosanoid production and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) generation. PGE2 also caused phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), exocytosis, and production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), as well as leukotriene C4 (LTC4) when protein kinase A (PKA) was inhibited. An EP3 receptor-selective agonist, AE-248, mimicked PGE2-mediated ERK phosphorylation, exocytosis, and eicosanoid formation. Selective agonists of both EP2 and EP4 receptors (AE1-259-01 and AE-329, respectively) stimulated cAMP accumulation. No selective agonist, alone or in combination, was as effective as PGE2. AE-248, AE1-259-01, and AE-329 all inhibited Fc epsilonRI-mediated TNF-alpha generation, while AE1-259-01 blocked eicosanoid production. PGE2 caused the expression of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) by a pathway involving PKA and ERK. Thus, while PGE2 activates MCs through EP3 receptors, it also counteracts Fc epsilonRI-mediated eicosanoid production through EP2 receptors and PKA, and blocks cytokine transcription. These functions explain the potency of PGE2 as a suppressor of early- and late-phase allergic responses.
Hollow adsorption on zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes: repulsive first-neighbor interactions.

This article completes the study of adsorption at the centers of the hexagons (hollows) making up zigzag (M, 0) single-walled carbon nanotubes, with first- and second-neighbor adsorbate−adsorbate interactions, using our established transfer matrix method. We have previously determined that the low temperature energy phase diagrams for attractive first-neighbors are the same for all M. We now show that this is not the case for repulsive first-neighbors. Therefore, our model predicts whether first-neighbors are repulsive or attractive, based solely on whether or not experimental results are M-dependent. The numerical computations are carried out for values of M ≤ 18. The progressions with increasing M of the structures of the occupational configurations of the phases, and of the low temperature phase diagrams, are compared with the results known in the infinite-M limit. They strongly suggest six families of low temperature phase diagrams with M = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, modulo 12. This can be experimentall...
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive behavior by covert sensitization and covert reinforcement: A case report

Abstract In a 27-year-old female, a multiplicity of obsessive-compulsive behaviors were eliminated in eight 2-hr sessions by covert sensitization and covert reinforcement. Covert sensitization was used to condition an aversive response to the performance of the obsessive-compulsive behaviors; covert reinforcement to reinforce other responses in place of these behaviors.
Effects of riboflavin and folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in healthy subjects.

ABSTRACT Background Observational studies have shown an inverse relationship between vitamin B 2 status and total homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that intervention with riboflavin will lower total homocysteine levels. The total homocysteine lowering by the three genotypes (CC, CT, TT) of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (677C→T) was also studied. Methods The decrease in total homocysteine levels after supplementation with riboflavin (10 mg/d) or folic acid (1 mg/d) for 3 weeks was compared in two groups of healthy subjects (17 per group, matched by age and gender) (Phase 1). Then, both groups received supplementation with folic acid and riboflavin for an additional 3 weeks (Phase 2). Results During Phase 1, total homocysteine levels were lowered by 2% or 4% after supplementation with riboflavin or fatty acid, respectively, although neither decrease was statistically significant ( P = 0.50 and 0.19). Compared to subjects of CC genotype, total homocysteine lowering in subjects of CT genotype was approaching significance ( P = 0.059) for the folic acid group, but not for the riboflavin group. After Phase 2, total homocysteine levels were not lowered significantly in either the folic acid (1%) or the riboflavin (2%) group. However, in the folic acid–riboflavin combined group, total homocysteine lowering in subjects of TT type was larger when compared to subjects of CC and CT types ( P = 0.007). Conclusions Riboflavin supplementation did not lower total homocysteine levels in healthy subjects with CC type of C677T polymorphism. However, supplementation with folic acid or with both folic acid and riboflavin may be important for CT and TT subjects in optimizing their homocysteine metabolism. These findings are relevant in characterizing the factors controlling the high total homocysteine levels for subjects of CT and TT genotypes.
Trends in functional rhinoplasty.

The evolution of the rhinoplastic surgery has spanned several centuries, with the last few decades focused on the development and refinement of techniques that address the nasal airway specifically. This increased focus on functional rhinoplasty has led to significant improvements in our ability to preserve and augment the nasal airway. Techniques are generally categorized by their effects on the external and/or internal nasal valves. Limitations exist, however, in our ability to critically interpret and apply these techniques due to a dearth of validated and reliable outcomes measures as well as confusion regarding the nomenclature of the nasal valves. This chapter will present a brief introduction to the history of functional rhinoplasty, means of evaluating the nose, outcomes, and surgical treatment of the nasal airway during functional rhinoplasty.
Bile cast nephropathy

A 55-year-old man with a history of colorectal cancer, status-post wedge resection of liver 3 weeks prior, was admitted with jaundice, ascites, and acute kidney injury. On presentation, he was icteric with a soft distended abdomen and mild ascites. Laboratory data revealed a creatinine level of 2.72 mg/dl (baseline 1 mg/dl). Total and direct bilirubin levels on admission were 42.5 mg/dl (up from 1.6 mg/dl) and 25 mg/dl, respectively. Numerous dark casts were seen in the urine (Figure 1, red arrow), worrisome for bile casts, and an incidental leucine crystal (black arrow). Kidney biopsy confirmed the presence of intratubular bile casts as in Figure 2 (black arrow).
Incidental Finding of Malpositioned Pacing Lead in the Left Ventricle in a Patient With Subacute Subdural Hematoma

Malposition of the right ventricular lead into the left ventricle is an unusual complication of challenging management. We report a case of an elderly woman with a dual chamber permanent pacemaker implanted 2 months before admission because of high grade AV block, who presented to our institution with sub acute subdural hematoma along the left fronto-parietal area. Incidental ventricular pacemaker lead in the left ventricle was found on chest CT scan. The patient was not candidate for anticoagulation due to her recent subdural hematoma, hence a discussion about the risks of explantation of the pacemaker lead led to patient’s lead extraction without any complication. Cardiol Res. 2012;3(4):187-188 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr192w
Early eradication of persistent Salmonella infection primes antibody-mediated protective immunity to recurrent infection.

Typhoid fever is a systemic, persistent infection caused by host-specific strains of Salmonella. Although the use of antibiotics has reduced the complications associated with primary infection, recurrent infection remains an important cause of ongoing human morbidity and mortality. Herein, we investigated the impacts of antibiotic eradication of primary infection on protection against secondary recurrent infection. Using a murine model of persistent Salmonella infection, we demonstrate protection against recurrent infection is sustained despite early eradication of primary infection. In this model, protection is not mediated by CD4+ or CD8+ T cells because depletion of these cells either alone or in combination prior to rechallenge does not abrogate protection. Instead, infection followed by antibiotic-mediated clearance primes robust levels of Salmonella-specific antibody that can adoptively transfer protection to naive mice. Thus, eradication of persistent Salmonella infection primes antibody-mediated protective immunity to recurrent infection.
Muslim Alienation in the United States: Studies in Ambiguity—A Review Essay

Since September 11, 2001, despite the lack of a major act of Muslim terrorism in the United States, the question remains as to whether there is a significant base of anti-American radicalism among ...
Primary Care Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to Reduce Exacerbations and Their Consequences

Abstract Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—acute worsenings of dyspnea, cough and/or sputum production beyond daily symptom variations, necessitating a change in treatment—account for most COPD-related morbidity, care burden and direct costs. Frequent exacerbations (especially those requiring emergency, inpatient or intensive care) reduce physical activity, accelerate lung function decline and increase mortality. This review profiles exacerbation diagnosis, treatment and reduction measures for primary care physicians. Chronic maintenance pharmacotherapy is important to reduce exacerbations. Tiotropium, a long-acting anticholinergic, and salmeterol/fluticasone, a long-acting β -agonist/inhaled corticosteroid combination, are Food and Drug Administration–approved maintenance therapies to reduce exacerbations of COPD. Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations reduce infectious triggers; pulmonary rehabilitation reduces exacerbation recurrence. Acute exacerbation treatment (short-acting bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids and/or antibiotics) should be complemented by long-term COPD maintenance therapy to reduce future exacerbations. Recognition of a COPD exacerbation signals primary care physicians to establish long-term COPD management to reduce morbidity, disability and mortality.
The Reasonableness of Agnosticism

Agnostics often hold that, since there is not a clear preponderance of evidence either in favour of theistic belief or against it, their position of suspended belief is more rational than either theism or atheism. I would like to examine an objection raised recently by Clement Dore against the agnostic's reasoning on this matter.1 Dore begins with a distinction between two kinds of rationality, which he calls 'epistemic rationality' and 'prudential rationality'. To say that it is epistemically rational for Jones to believe that p is to say that belief that p is favoured (in the appropriate ways and to the appropriate extent) over the alternatives (including nonbelief) by the evidence available toJones. To say that it is prudentially rational for Jones to believe that p, on the other hand, is to say that belief that p is in Jones's interest. William James's defence of religious belief in 'The will to believe' is unsatisfactory, according to Dore, because it at best makes a case for the prudential rationality of belief in the existence of God from an epistemic point of view it leaves the agnostic's rationale for agnosticism standing. I want to point out, before getting to Dore's case against agnosticism, that James's intention, at least, in writing 'The will to believe' was not merely to give us prudential grounds for belief in the existence of God. As is well known, in the context of James's epistemology the epistemic and the prudential come together, at least with respect to certain kinds of questions. This is part of the point of 'The will to believe', and it figures in the frequent references in almost all ofJames's works, epistemological and otherwise, to the doctrine of 'The will to believe'.2 The extent to which James means to identify the epistemic and the prudential is one of the central problems in the interpretation of his philosophy; and the extent to which they may justifiably be identified is one of the central questions for its evaluation. But, at least as a matter of interpretation, it should be noted that the intent of 'The will to believe' is to show that religious belief may be epistemically as well as prudentially rational.
Multimodal Sparse Reconstruction in Lamb Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring

Lamb waves are utilized extensively for structural health monitoring of thin structures, such as plates and shells. Normal practice involves fixing a network of piezoelectric transducers to the structural plate member for generating and receiving Lamb waves. Using the transducers in pitch-catch pairs, the scattered signals from defects in the plate can be recorded. In this paper, we propose an l 1 -norm minimization approach for localizing defects in thin plates, which inverts a multimodal Lamb wave based model through exploitation of the sparseness of the defects. We consider both symmetric and anti-symmetric fundamental propagating Lamb modes. We construct model-based dictionaries for each mode, taking into account the associated dispersion and attenuation through the medium. Reconstruction of the area being interrogated is then performed jointly across the two modes using the group sparsity constraint. Performance validation of the proposed defect localization scheme is provided using simulated data for an aluminum plate.
Probing Mechanisms of Bacterial Infection through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria that thrive and proliferate in the living host causing infection. Inside the living tissue, the bacterial biofilms interact with the host cells through chemicals known as signaling factors. The signaling factors are relatively small polypeptides that have profound effects on the cellular activities of the host. The less understood, complex signaling process determines the survival of either the biofilm or the host cells. This proceeding details the process and preliminary results of the computational study of the translocation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor signaling factors across a model cell membrane.
Production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic exposure to mixtures of TCDD and its congeners.

In this study the induction of oxidative stress in the hepatic and brain tissues of rats after subchronic exposure to various mixtures of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and two of its congeners, namely 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) was investigated. Four mixtures of TCDD and its congeners, corresponding to 10, 22, 46 and 100 ng of toxic equivalence (TEQ) kg(-1) day(-1), were administered to groups of rats for 13 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the exposure period and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs), were determined in the hepatic and brain tissues. All mixtures caused dose-dependent increases in the production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA SSBs in both tissues, with significantly higher damage in the hepatic compared with the brain tissues. The 22 ng TEQ dose level (TEQ = 22) contains TCDD, PeCDF and PCB 126 at levels that correspond to 7.3, 14.5 and 73.3 ng kg(-1) day(-1), respectively, and it produced effects that correspond to ca. 50% of the maximal production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation and DNA SSBs in the hepatic and brain tissues of those animals. Relative to the doses that are required to produce 50% of the maximal production of the biomarkers of oxidative stress by the individual congeners in hepatic and brain tissues of rats, the concentrations of the congeners in TEQ = 22 did result in significant interactivity, probably in the form of additive effects in the hepatic but not in brain tissues.
Development of a PZT MEMS Switch Architecture for Low-Power Digital Applications

A lead zirconate titanate (PZT) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) digital switch was designed as a low-power low-frequency control system intended to create energy-efficient microcontrollers, control higher voltage systems, and provide integrated control over other MEMS platforms. In addition, the technology is inherently insensitive to high energy radiation and has been shown to operate over a wide range of temperatures. Initial devices were fabricated with three design variables of interest-actuator length, width, and contact metallurgy (Au/Pt, Au/Ru, and Au/Au). To assess the impact of each variable on device performance, device wafers were measured using a SUSS semiautomated probe station and associated control hardware and software. Devices were evaluated based on contact resistance, actuation voltage, minimum actuation voltage using a voltage bias, propagation delay, dynamic power, and static power consumption. The measurements were then analyzed to determine the optimal switch geometry and contact material combination for digital applications. With the data collected, a software model was developed for accurate simulation of higher complexity circuits composed of these switches.
Veto Points, Veto Players, and International Trade Policy

Much of the literature on foreign economic policy focuses on the preferences of societal groups to explain policy decisions. Here, however, the author emphasizes the effects of domestic political i...
Sources of occupational stress among nurses in five countries

Abstract Content analysis on nurses’ perception about the nature of occupational stress was performed in this study to identify emic and etic experiences of occupational stress. Nurses from Hungary, Israel, Italy, U.K., and the U.S., gave their responses in writing to the question: “What causes you the most stress or anxiety on your job?” in the dominant tongue of their country. Results indicate both etic and emic sources of job-related stress. ‘Performing certain tasks’ and ‘type of patients’ were invariant sources of stress across all five nations. Furthermore, nurses in the U.K. reported ‘skillset of staff’ as a source of stress and Hungarian nurses indicated ‘low salary’ and ‘lack of resources’ as sources of job stress more frequently than nurses in the other nations of this study.
Rigidification of the autolysis loop enhances Na+ binding to thrombin

Abstract Binding of Na+ to thrombin ensures high activity toward physiological substrates and optimizes the procoagulant and prothrombotic roles of the enzyme in vivo. Under physiological conditions of pH and temperature, the binding affinity of Na+ is weak due to large heat capacity and enthalpy changes associated with binding, and the Kd = 80 mM ensures only 64% saturation of the site at the concentration of Na+ in the blood (140 mM). Residues controlling Na+ binding and activation have been identified. Yet, attempts to improve the interaction of Na+ with thrombin and possibly increase catalytic activity under physiological conditions have so far been unsuccessful. Here we report how replacement of the flexible autolysis loop of human thrombin with the homologous rigid domain of the murine enzyme results in a drastic (up to 10-fold) increase in Na+ affinity and a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Rigidification of the autolysis loop abolishes the heat capacity change associated with Na+ binding observed in the wild-type and also increases the stability of thrombin. These findings have general relevance to protein engineering studies of clotting proteases and trypsin-like enzymes.
Experimental Gonococcal Infection in Male Volunteers: Cumulative Experience with Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains FA1090 and MS11mkC

Experimental infection of male volunteers with Neisseria gonorrhoeae is safe and reproduces the clinical features of naturally acquired gonococcal urethritis. Human inoculation studies have helped define the natural history of experimental infection with two well-characterized strains of N. gonorrhoeae, FA1090 and MS11mkC. The human model has proved useful for testing the importance of putative gonococcal virulence factors for urethral infection in men. Studies with isogenic mutants have improved our understanding of the requirements for gonococcal LOS structures, pili, opacity proteins, IgA1 protease, and the ability of infecting organisms to obtain iron from human transferrin and lactoferrin during uncomplicated urethritis. The model also presents opportunities to examine innate host immune responses that may be exploited or improved in development and testing of gonococcal vaccines. Here we review results to date with human experimental gonorrhea.
Biology and ecology of Nezumia liolepis and N. stelgidolepis from the west coast of North America

Nezumia liolepis and Nezumia stelgidolepis were collected during a National Marine Fisheries Service 1997 groundfish survey along the Pacific coast of North America. Bottom trawling was conducted from 188 to 1260 m depths. Nezumia liolepis were collected from 581 to 1247 m (3·4–5·7°C) and N. stelgidolepis from 285 to 555 m (6·0–8·4°C). The two species had distinct depth and temperature distributions and the majority of the specimens for each species came from narrow depth ranges. Nezumia stelgidolepis attains a larger pre-anal fin length (117 mm) than N. liolepis (83 mm), and age estimates from otolith ring counts indicate ages from 3 to 9 years for N. liolepis and 7 and 13 years for N. stelgidolepis from specimens collected. The gonads of N. liolepis were not reproductively active, and a single N. stelgidolepis possessed eggs of various sizes suggesting batch spawning. N. liolepis and N. stelgidolepis fed benthically, primarily on crustaceans such as amphipods, shrimp, mysids and polychaete worms. Although diet overlap was high, these two species appear to limit competition for resources by habitat separation.
Second virial coefficient for a Lennard-Jones (2n−n) system in d dimensions and confined to a nanotube surface

Abstract This Letter compares the second virial coefficient for an imperfect gas subject to a 2 n − n interparticle potential in any dimension d between 1 and 2 with that for a gas confined to the surface of a nanotube.
The ALMA Photonic Local Oscillator system

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) Central Local Oscillator (LO) system generates and distributes all of the LO and timing references for ALMA. These are used by the Front End and Back End Systems at the antenna, and by the Correlator in the central building. Due to the unprecedented combination of high sky frequencies (up to 950 GHz) and long baseline lengths of up to 15 kilometers, the ALMA 1st LO requirement is particularly stringent, with extremely precise timing and synchronization needed down to ∼10 femtosecond level. The unique requirements, design, and implementation of the ALMA LO system is reviewed and presented. Further, detailed design and performance data are given on the 1st LO reference, also called the “ALMA Photonic LO System.” The challenging phase coherence and drift requirements of the Photonic LO affected the design of all of its modules and subassemblies. The final system thus includes many novel and state-of-the-art optoelectronics and photonics modules. The system has been installed and is now in routine use supporting the ALMA Commissioning Science and Verification phase of the project.
Delayed ischemic stroke following spontaneous thrombosis of an arteriovenous malformation

Spontaneous obliteration of an arteriovenous malformation (SOAVM) is a rare event that is not completely understood. Less than 100 cases of SOAVMs have been reported in the literature. We present a unique case of a middle-aged patient with spontaneous obliteration of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) who developed an ischemic stroke due to thrombosis of the stagnant proximal segment of the inferior branch of the middle cerebral artery feeder. Although the pathophysiology is not well understood, the arterial feeder hemodynamic changes post SOAVM may behave similarly to what occurs in rare cases after surgical resection of AVMs. Our case raises the hypothesis that stagnation of flow in spontaneous AVM obliteration may lead to delayed ischemic stroke in the territory of the feeding artery.
A construct of internal multiples from surface data only: the concept of virtual seismic events

SUMMARY We here describe one way of constructing internal multiples from surface seismic data only. The key feature of our construct of internal multiples is the introduction of the concept of virtual seismic events. Virtual events here are events, which are not directly recorded in standard seismic data acquisition, but their existence allows us to construct internal multiples with scattering points at the sea surface; the standard construct of internal multiples does not include any scattering points at the sea surface. The mathematical and computational operations invoked in our construction of virtual events and internal multiples are similar to those encountered in the construction of free-surface multiples based on the Kirchhoff or Born scattering theory. For instance, our construct operates on one temporal frequency at a time, just like free-surface demultiple algorithms; other internal multiple constructs tend to require all frequencies for the computation of an internal multiple at a given frequency. It does not require any knowledge of the subsurface nor an explicit knowledge of specific interfaces that are responsible for the generation of internal multiples in seismic data. However, our construct requires that the data be divided into two, three or four windows to avoid generating primaries. This segmentation of the data also allows us to select a range of periods of internal multiples that one wishes to construct because, in the context of the attenuation of internal multiples, it is important to avoid generating short-period internal multiples that may constructively average to form primaries at the seismic scale.
Illness as subjective experience.

This is a patient's autobiographical account of her illness while hospitalized at the place of her employment. She discusses her emotional reactions to her illness experience–her anxiety and depression over seizure activity and concomitant debilitation, her frustration over her failure to communicate with the staff, her request for psychiatric consultation, and her eventual rehabilitation. She raises such issues as the reluctance of physicians to recommend psychiatric consultation, the obstacles to effective communication and patient care posed by medical territorialism, and the complications that arise when a health worker must assume the role of patient, cared for by fellow staff members.
Local asymptotic powers of nonparametric and semiparametric tests for fractional integration

The paper concerns testing long memory for fractionally integrated nonlinear processes. We show that the exact local asymptotic power is of order O[(logn) 1 ] for four popular nonparametric tests and is O(m 1/2 ), where m is the bandwidth which is allowed to grow as fast as n , 2 (0,2/3), for the semiparametric Lagrange multiplier (LM) test proposed by Lobato and Robinson [I. Lobato, P.M. Robinson,
Transcription profiling associated with life cycle of Anopheles gambiae.

Complex biological events occur during the developmental process of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae (Giles). Using cDNA expression microarrays, the expression patterns of 13,440 clones representing 8,664 unique transcripts were revealed from six different developmental stages: early larvae (late third instar/early fourth instar), late larvae (late fourth instar), early pupae (<30 min after pupation), late pupae (after tanning), and adult female and male mosquitoes (24 h postemergence). After microarray analysis, 560 unique transcripts were identified to show at least a fourfold up- or down-regulation in at least one developmental stage. Based on the expression patterns, these gene products were clustered into 13 groups. In total, eight genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to validate microarray results. Among 560 unique transcripts, 446 contigs were assigned to respective genes from the An. gambiae genome. The expression patterns and annotations of the genes in the 13 groups are discussed in the context of development including metabolism, transport, protein synthesis and degradation, cellular processes, cellular communication, intra- or extra-cellular architecture maintenance, response to stress or immune-related defense, and spermatogenesis.
Multiple aspects of condition influence a heritable sexual trait: a synthesis of the evidence for capture of genetic variance in red junglefowl

A long-standing question in the study of sexual selection is: if an attractive male trait signals heritable aspects of quality, how does genetic variation associated with that trait persist in the face of directional selection? It has been proposed that sensitivity to condition in general could allow a sexual signal to show heritable variation even under persistent directional selection. The multitude of genes underlying components of condition present a large target for mutation, and so genetic variance in condition may not be readily exhausted by selection. Insights gained in studies of the red junglefowl are relevant to this hypothesis, and provide a model for research in other systems. The fleshy comb of male red junglefowl is among the best-studied sexual signals. Multiple components of condition, such as health, immune function, testosterone, and social status, influence comb growth, and, in the present study, we provide the first comprehensive integration of this large body of evidence to lay out the compelling case for condition-dependence of the junglefowl comb. Variation in comb size is heritable and, most important to this issue, is genetically correlated with heritable variation in a body condition index. Although understanding of the red junglefowl's comb is far from complete, it exceeds our understanding of many other sexual signals and provides an empirical model for the study of condition-dependent signals in general. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 92, 651–660.
Spectral Integration in the Inferior Colliculus of the Mustached Bat

Acoustic behaviors including orientation and social communication depend on neural integration of information across the sound spectrum. In many species, spectral integration is performed by combination-sensitive neurons, responding best when distinct spectral elements in sounds are combined. These are generally considered a feature of information processing in the auditory forebrain. In the mustached bat9s inferior colliculus (IC), they are common in frequency representations associated with sonar signals but have not been reported elsewhere in this bat9s IC or the IC of other species. We examined the presence of combination-sensitive neurons in frequency representations of the mustached bat9s IC not associated with biosonar. Seventy-five single-unit responses were recorded with the best frequencies in 10–23 or 32–47 kHz bands. Twenty-six displayed single excitatory tuning curves in one band with no additional responsiveness to a second signal in another band. The remaining 49 responded to sounds in both 10–23 and 32–47 kHz bands, but response types varied. Sounds in the higher band were usually excitatory, whereas sounds in the lower band either facilitated or inhibited responses to the higher frequency signal. Interactions were usually strongest when the higher and lower frequency stimuli were presented simultaneously, but the strength of interactions varied. Over one-third of the neurons formed a distinct subset; they responded most sensitively to bandpass noise, and all were combination sensitive. We suggest that these combination-sensitive interactions are activated by elements of mustached bat social vocalizations. If so, neuronal integration characterizing analysis of social vocalizations in many species occurs in the IC.
Effect of metabolic inhibition on couplon behavior in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

We investigated the effect of combined inhibition of oxidative and glycolytic metabolism on L-type Ca2+ channels (LCCs) and Ca2+ spikes in isolated patch-clamped rabbit ventricular myocytes. Metabolic inhibition (MI) reduced LCC open probability, increased null probability, increased first latency, and decreased open time but left conductance unchanged. These results explain the reduction in macroscopic Ca2+ current observed during MI. MI also produced a gradual reduction in action potential duration at 90% repolarization (APD90), a clear decline in spike probability, and an increase in spike latency and variance. These effects are consistent with the changes we observed in LCC activity. MI had no effect on the amplitude or time to peak of Ca2+ spikes until APD90 reached 10% of control, suggesting preserved sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores and ryanodine receptor (RyR) conductance in those couplons that remained functioning. Ca2+ spikes disappeared completely when APD90 reached <2% of control, although in two cells, spikes were reactivated in a highly synchronized fashion by very short action potentials. This reactivation is probably due to the increased driving force for Ca2+ entry through a reduced number of LCCs that remain open during early repolarization. The enlarged single channel flux produced by rapid repolarization is apparently sufficient to trigger RyRs whose Ca2+ sensitivity is likely reduced by MI. We suggest that loss of coupling fidelity during MI is explained by loss of LCC activity (possibly mediated by Ca2+-calmodulin kinase II activity). In addition, the results are consistent with loss of RyR activity, which can be mitigated under conditions likely to enlarge the trigger.
Beyond end user content to collaborative knowledge mapping: interrelations among community social tools

Most studies of social tools examine usage of each tool in isolation. Instead, we explore how online communities (a) combine multiple social tools, and (b) use social tools together with external tools. Based on interviews with community leaders and quantitative analysis of 128 online community spaces, we explored the combined use of six social software tools--wikis, blogs, forums, social bookmarks, social file repositories, and task-management tools. We contribute a detailed characterization of how enterprise online communities combine multiple social tools, adding to our understanding of community behaviors: Communities combine social tools to curate and organize complex information spaces. When combined, each tool is used for limited "core" functions; thus 'social' features are not always leveraged for every tool. Leaders and members divide labor by tool boundaries. Our results suggest that an important overlooked aspect of social media concerns how different tools can be effectively combined. While most prior work on communities emphasizes end user content, we identify additional important design activities where community participants curate and organize pre-existing content from multiple tools to serve their community needs.
Changes in peritoneal myeloid populations and their proinflammatory cytokine expression during infection with Listeria monocytogenes are altered in the absence of γ/δ T cells

Evidence that / T cells play a broad, immunoregulatory role has been accumulating steadily. We show here that myeloid cells are dis- regulated after peritoneal infection with Listeria monocytogenes in mice lacking / T cells. Inflam- matory populations of neutrophils and monocytes recruited to the site of infection remained longer. Intracellular cytokine analysis showed that fre- quencies of myeloid cells producing interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor were higher and re- mained elevated longer after infection in mice ge- netically deficient in / T cells. In vivo dye-track- ing studies indicated that the majority of inflamma- tory monocytes differentiated into resident tissue macrophages in situ. In vitro experiments con- firmed that monocytes harvested from mice lack- ing / T cells were defective in their maturation process. This evidence suggests that / T cells promote differentiation in the monocyte/macro- phage lineage. These cells are important for bac- tericidal activity, inflammatory cytokine produc- tion, clearance of inflammatory neutrophils, and ultimately, antigen presentation to T cells. Regula- tion of monocyte/macrophage differentiation may underlie a broad segment of the phenotypic alter- ations that have been reported in mice lacking / T cells. J. Leukoc. Biol. 76: 104-115; 2004.
Transforming growth factor-β1 expression in endangered age-0 shortnose suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris) from Upper Klamath Lake, OR relative to histopathology, meristic, spatial, and temporal data.

During July–September of 2008, 2009, and 2010 endangered age-0 juvenile shortnose suckers were sampled from Upper Klamath Lake, OR in a health evaluation that included the measurement of transforming growth factor – beta (TGF-β) expression in spleen in combination with a histopathology assessment. This analysis was performed to determine if the expression of this immuno-regulator could be used as a component of a larger health evaluation intended to identify potential risk-factors that may help to explain why very few of these fish survive to age-1. Potential associations between TGF-β1 expression, histopathological findings, meristic data as well as temporal and spatial data were evaluated using analysis-of-variance. In this analysis, the absence or presence of opercula deformity and hepatic cell necrosis were identified as significant factors in accounting for the variance in TGF-β1 expression observed in age-0 shortnose suckers (n = 122, squared multiple R = 0.989). Location of sample collection and the absence or presence of anchor worms (Lernaea spp.) were identified as significant cofactors. The actual mechanisms involved with these relationships have yet to be determined. The strength, however, of our findings support the concept of using TGF-β1 expression as part of a broader fish health assessment and suggests the potential for using additional immunologic measures in future studies. Specifically, our results indicate that the measure of TGF-β1 expression in age-0 shortnose sucker health assessments can facilitate the process of identifying disease risks that are associated with the documented lack of recruitment into the adult population.
Dynamic Transition in Proteins and DNA: Role of the Solvent

Hydrated proteins and DNA demonstrate a dynamic transition at temperatures T D ∼200–230K. Sharp slowing down of protein functions (rate of biochemical reactions) was observed at the same temperature range. These results suggest a direct relationship between the dynamic transition and onset of biochemical activities of proteins. However, the microscopic nature of the dynamic transition in biomolecules remains poorly understood. This contribution presents an overview of neutron scattering and simulations data analyzing dynamics of proteins and DNA. We show that the dynamic transition is related to a “slow” relaxation process that appears in the experimental frequency window at temperatures above T D . Moreover, we show that the dynamic crossover in the solvents controls the activation of the slow process in biological macromolecules. Microscopic details of the slow process and of the dynamic transition are discussed.
Formation of carbon-carbon bonds using aminal radicals.

Aminal radicals were generated by radical translocation processes. For the first time, it is shown that they participate in carbon–carbon bond forming reactions. Either stannane or silane hydrogen atom donors are suitable for the reaction. More than 30 substrate combinations are reported, and chemical yields are as high as 91%.
A quantitative comparison of efficiency between a stone axe and a steel axe

A comparison of the efficiency of a stone axe and steel axe showed that the stone axe takes over six times as long and requires over five times as much energy to accomplish the same work as does the steel axe.
Resonance-Fluorescence Studies. I. 45 Sc, 69 Ga, and 71 Ga

Resonant scattering of bremsstrahlung was used to measure $\frac{g\overline{W}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ for 13 transitions in $^{45}\mathrm{Sc}$ and 18 transitions in $^{69,71}\mathrm{Ga}$ below 2.5 MeV. New level widths were measured by direct comparison of resonant scattering from levels of known width. Where branching ratios are known, radiative widths to the ground state ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$ are deduced. Comparisons are made between level widths measured in this work and in other measurements. The transition strengths in $^{69}\mathrm{Ga}$ are compared with the most recent nuclear model.
Why Regimes? Ideas, Incentives, and Policies in American Political Orders

John H. Aldrich, Why Parties? The Origin and Transformation of Political Parties in America (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1995). John J. Coleman, Party Decline in America: Policy, Politics, and the Fiscal State (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1996). David Plotke, Building a Democratic Political Order: Reshaping American Liberalism in the 1930s and 1940s (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996).
Chronic subglottic stenosis

Severe subglottic stenosis or stenosis that persists after a number of repairs have failed can be treated by an operation to widen the entire cricoid. This is accomplished by splitting the cricoid arch anteriorly and the posterior cricoid lamina posteriorly, both in the vertical midline. These vertical splits are held apart by using thyroid laminae cartilage grafts with periosteum intact on both sides. The posterior cricoid lamina split is covered by using muscle fascia or buccal mucous membrane. The subglottis is stented with a silicone conforming laryngeal stent or a silicone tracheal T tube.
Tetracycline absorption in elderly patients with achlorhydria

Five elderly achlorhydric patients and five controls took 250 mg tetracycline as a capsule or as an oral solution. Venous blood samples drawn during the 12-hr period following administration and urine collected for 72 hr post-dosing were assayed fluorometrically for tetracycline. There were no differences between the two groups in either rate or extent of tetracycline absorption. The mean apparent first-order rate constant (ka) for absorption of drug from capsules was 0.58 +/- 0.17 hr-1 for patients and 0.65 +/- 0.21 hr-1 for controls. The mean extent of absorption for capsule dosage forms relative to an oral solution was 1.0 +/- 0.20 for patients and 1.0 +/- 0.24 for controls. Concurrent administration of 2 gm of sodium bicarbonate to 2 of the normal subjects resulted in no impairment of either the rate or extent of tetracycline absorption from capsules, suggesting that the effect of elevated gastric pH on tetracycline bioavailability may relate to formulation.
Contraception and the Demographic Transition

Inspired by the historical English experience, we modify the Beckerian paradigm of fertility by incorporating costly, societal influence on contraception. Heterogeneous, generationally-linked households choose between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ contraception. The modern has a higher fixed but lower variable cost of averting childbirths. Initially the rich adopt the modern, which unleashes society-wide diffusion. Eventually everyone switches, lowering fertility further and across households. Hastening the switch is falling child mortality. Quantitative experiments suggest contraception was a vital link between the historical mortality and fertility transitions, though not the latter's proximate cause. Implications for more recent transitions are discussed.
Serial survey shows community intervention may contribute to increase in knowledge of Tuberculosis in 30 districts of India.

Background Correct knowledge about Tuberculosis (TB) is essential for appropriate healthcare seeking behaviour and to accessing diagnosis and treatment services timely. There are several factors influencing knowledge about TB. The present study was conducted to assess the change in community knowledge of Tuberculosis (TB) and its association with respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics in two serial knowledge-attitude-practice surveys.