cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of somatostatin and captopril on glomerular prostaglandin E2 production in normal and diabetic rats.

Abstract Somatostatin (SRIH) has recently been shown to be effective in reversing many of the early changes of diabetic nephropathy. It is unknown whether SRIH exerts its protective effects via its ability to suppress growth hormone (GH) or via other direct renal effects. Since changes in glomerular prostaglandin (PG) E 2 production are thought to be an important part of the underlying pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy, we sought to determine if SRIH altered glomerular PG E 2 production in the rat. Whole glomeruli isolated from streptozotocin-diabetic rats and from controls were incubated with either saline, captopril, or varying concentrations of SRIH, and PG E 2 production was determined by direct radioimmunoassay of media. Incubation with captopril (10 −4 M) resulted in equivalent increases in PG E 2 production in glomeruli from both control and diabetic rats (140.8±12.8% and 150.2±18.9% respectively). Incubation with high concentrations of SRIH (10 −6 M) also resulted in significant increases in glomerular PG E 2 production in both diabetic and control rats. However, at low SRIH concentrations (10 −10 M), glomerular PG E 2 production was increased only in the diabetic rats (167.0±11.4% vs 95.3±9.2% in normals). We conclude that SRIH increases glomerular PG E 2 production, and that glomeruli from diabetic rats appear to be more sensitive to lower concentrations of SRIH when compared to normal rats. It is possible that this effect on PG E 2 production may underlie the favorable effects of SRIH on the glomerulus in diabetes.
Landscape Influences on Ecosystem Function: Local and Routing Control of Oxygen Dynamics in a Floodplain Aquifer

Perspectives addressing either “local” or “routing” control over ecological form and function alternatively emphasize ambient conditions or recognize that form and processes at one location may be heavily influenced by other points in space. In their natural state, floodplains of montane gravel-bed rivers are organized laterally into parafluvial zones, where scour occurs annually, and orthofluvial environments, within which active (that is, early successional) and passive (that is, late successional) zones differ in regard to flooding influences. Vertically, these rivers interact with extensive alluvial aquifers throughout the length of their floodplains. We addressed how local and routing controls organize riverscape structure and function by investigating seasonal dynamics of interstitial dissolved oxygen (DO) vertically within the alluvial aquifer, longitudinally along flowpaths, and laterally across active and passive orthofluvial (PO) zones in the Nyack floodplain, Middle Fork Flathead River, MT. Groundwater DO was positively correlated to pH and negatively correlated electrical conductivity (EC) across all seasons. In some wells (7 of 19), DO was significantly lower and EC greater at shallow depths, and the magnitudes of vertical zonation were related to dissolved organic carbon concentrations. Longitudinal declines in DO were always and exclusively observed along flowpaths of the PO zone. At the same time, persistent hypoxic patches within the active orthofluvial environment suggest metabolic hotspots that contribute to local control of physicochemistry. In ecosystems heavily influenced by material transport, local and routing controls may be manifested simultaneously as distinct patterns of organization, which are expressed at different spatial and temporal scales.
Heterogeneous azeotropic distillation: Experimental and simulation results

Experimental measurements for an industrial azeotropic distillation tower that dehydrates secondary butyl alcohol (SBA) show erratic operation that only approaches a steady state. These are explained with steady-state simulations which show that slight variations in the aqueous reflux rate cause many trays to shift from homogeneous to heterogeneous operation, accompanied by significant changes in the SBA purity, with water or entrainer contaminating the bottoms product. When other methods failed, an arc-length homotopy-continuation method made small adjustments in the reflux ratios to obtain close agreement with the measurements.
A comparison of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, 5‐fluorouracil (CAF) and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5‐fluorouracil, vincristine, prednisone (CMFVP) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A southeastern cancer study group project

In an ongoing prospective randomized study, 113 evaluable patients have received either a three-drug combination that included cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) or a five-drug combination including cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine and prednisone (CMFVP) given intermittently 1 week out of 4. Responses (64%), median duration of response (32 weeks), and median duration of disease control (32 weeks) achieved with CAF were superior to those achieved with CMFVP (37%, 22 weeks, 17 weeks, respectively). Morbidity secondary to CAF was significant, with nausea and vomiting, malaise, total alopecia, and granulocytopenia being the main features. Cancer 40:625–632, 1977.
Changes in the Phosphoproteins of the Yolk During the Development of the Chick Embryo

Abstract INTRODUCTION INVESTIGATIONS on the yolk proteins of the developing chick embryo comparable to the published work on fresh yolk proteins of nonfertile eggs are not available. Although the changes in the nitrogen, phosphorus, lipid carbohydrate, and amino acid contents of the yolk during embryonic development have been reported (Needham, 1942, 1954; Romanoff and Romanoff, 1949; Williams et al., 1954), only a few scattered reports concerning any variations of definite proteins in the embryonic yolk have been cited and Schenck (1932), and later Needham (1954) in reviewing the situation considered these few scattered reports to be inconclusive. In the subsequent discussion the changes occurring in the electrophoretic components of the yolk during the incubation period are reported. METHODS Fertile eggs used in this investigation were obtained from hens fed 0.2 mc. of P32 per day, for six days before the eggs were collected for incubation. The fertile eggs were subsequently incubated . . .
EXPERIENTIAL CORRELATES OF PEAK INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE

Experiential correlates of superior intellectual functioning were examined, using a peak performance paradigm. The construct, “peak performance,” is identifiable and measurable and refers to a superior level of functioning, irrespective of type of activity. A tentative topology of peak intellectual performance was based partially on the retrospective self-reports of 21 adult respondents and a factor structure of peak performance reported by 120 adults. These respondents identified spontaneity, clear focus on self, an identifiable recognition of self, peak experience, and fascination as key discriminators of the peak intellectual performance. Similarities and significant differences between peak intellectual performance and other optimal functioning were examined. Implications for teaching and learning were considered.
Teachers' views of forgiveness for the resolution of conflicts between students in school

This study investigated teachers' views of forgiveness and institutional pardon for conflict resolution at schools. We asked, "Should teachers endorse student resolution of interpersonal conflicts at school by asking for forgiveness and forgiving?" "Considering that students' conflict led to behaviours that violated norms in the school, should schools pardon students' misconduct if students effectively used forgiveness for interpersonal conflict resolution?" Finally, "Is an internal and autonomous orientation for forgiveness related to social harmony or interpersonal ethics of care?" Fifty-three participants answered a background information questionnaire and two dilemmas. Findings showed that teachers endorse forgiveness as social expectation, a humanitarian, moral response to conflicts at conventional levels. Teachers do not endorse institutional pardon because they do not perceive forgiveness as being related to resolving social issues. Opposition to forgiveness and pardon was supported by authoritaria...
Dynamic Evolution of Events Accompanying the Low-Voltage Discharges Employed in EDM

Experimental studies of the evolution of events accompanying a transient, low-voltage sparkover-initiated discharge between closely-spaced electrodes in a liquid dielectric are described. The discharge parameters and the electrode configuration are similar to those found in electrical discharge machining (EDM) applications. High-speed photomicrographic records of the dynamic evolution of the discharge column and the gas bubble created by the discharge are presented. Additional photographic evidence of the details of electrode metal erosion dynamics is given. The photo-micrographs suggest that metal erosion takes place at the beginning of the discharge current pulse and after the termination of the discharge current pulse.
Rhenium-linked multiporphyrin assemblies: Synthesis and properties

Re(CO)5Cl readily reacts with pyridine-derivatized porphyrins to give molecular squares or planar dimers featuring fac-Re(CO)3(Cl) corners. Chelating ligands, in sequential combination with pyridine-derivatized porphyrins, can be used to obtain related cofacial porphyrin assemblies. Films and membranes displaying molecular-scale porosity can be generated from squares by: (1) van der Waals aggregation, (2) layer-bylayer assembly chemistry based on zirconium-phosphonate links, or (3) polymerization at liquid–liquid interfaces. In addition to molecular sieving, films, membranes, and free assemblies have been used for chemical sensing, oxidative catalysis, and light-to-electrical energy conversion. The assemblies have also been used to investigate fundamental aspects of light-induced energy and electron transfer.
A Faster Carrier Pilot Relay System

Carrier pilot relaying has been regarded by many as the nearest approach to a perfect protective relay system; however, it has not been adopted generally because of its high cost. With the intention of making still further improvements and reducing the cost of carrier pilot systems, a careful investigation has been made. The results of the investigation are presented in this paper, and a new carrier pilot system, designed in accordance with these findings, is described.
The Assay of Vitamins K1 and K2

Summary1. The potency of Vitamin K1 is approximately 1000 of our units per milligram; K2 approximately 660. 2. The 18-hour assay procedure gives satisfactory results. 3. In a slightly modified Almquist 7-day curative method, 80 micrograms per kilo of diet of K1 and 160 micrograms per kilo of diet of K2 are adequate.
Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta in octogenarians.

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of thoracic endografting in the octogenarian population. Methods: Between February 2000 and August 2005, 249 patients with a mean age of 69 12.3 years (range 23—91) underwent thoracic endografting. Forty-four patients (27 males and 17 females) were octogenarians with a mean age of 84 2.7 years. Indications for intervention included: atherosclerotic aneurysms (26/44, 59%), acute and chronic dissections (9/44, 20.5%), penetrating aortic ulcers (6/44, 14%) and contained rupture (3/44, 7%). Results: Endovascular repair was achieved in all octogenarian patients (44/44, 100%). Mean length of stay was 4.7 3.6 days. Two cardiac-related deaths and 1 retrograde dissection death occurred (3/44, 7%). Complications included hemiparesis (n = 2) with full recovery at discharge, groin hematoma (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 2) and stroke (n = 1) [6/44, 11%]. Endoleaks were diagnosed in 3 patients [3/44, 7%] (2 type I, 1 type II) at 30-day followup. Two patients developed an endoleak beyond 30 days [2/44, 5%] (1 type I, 1 type II). Two re-interventions were necessary at 30 days (1 type I, 1 type II).Mean follow-up was22 monthsand there wereno devicemigrationsor aorticruptures.No statistical differences inoverallmortality were noted between octogenarians and non-octogenarians at 30 days (7% vs 6%, p = NS), 12 months (18% vs 13%, p = NS) and 24 months (27% vs 15%, p = NS). However, at 5 years post-procedure, octogenarians had a significantly higher overall mortality than non-octogenarians (32% vs 17%, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Advanced age is not a contraindication to thoracic endografting with favorable short and mid-term outcomes compared to non-octogenarians. # 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
PADD: Power Aware Domain Distribution

Modern data centers usually have computing resources sized to handle expected peak demand, but average demand is generally much lower than peak. This means that the systems in the data center usually operate at very low utilization rates. Past techniques have exploited this fact to achieve significant power savings, but they generally focus on centrally managed, throughput-oriented systems that process a single fine-grained request stream. We propose a more general solution — a technique to save power by dynamically migrating virtual machines and packing them onto fewer physical machines when possible. We call our scheme Power-Aware Domain Distribution (PADD). In this paper, we report on simulation results for PADD and demonstrate that the power and performance changes from using PADD are primarily dependent on how much buffering or reserve capacity it maintains. Our adaptive buffering scheme achieves energy savings within 7% of the idealized system that has no performance penalty. Our results also show that we can achieve an energy savings up to 70% with fewer than 1% of the requests violating their service level agreements.
Evaluation and refinement of a field-portable drinking water toxicity sensor utilizing electric cell–substrate impedance sensing and a fluidic biochip

Abstract : The US Army's need for a reliable and field-portable drinking water toxicity sensor was the catalyst for the development and evaluation of an electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) device. Water testing technologies currently available to soldiers in the field are analyte-specific and have limited capabilities to detect broad-based water toxicity. The ECIS sensor described here uses rainbow trout gill (RTgill-W1) cells seeded on fluidic biochips to measure changes in impedance for the detection of possible chemical contamination of drinking water supplies. Chemicals selected for testing were chosen as representatives of a broad spectrum of toxic industrial compounds. Results of a US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)-sponsored evaluation of the field portable device were similar to previously published Army testing results of a laboratory-based version of the same technology. Twelve out of the eighteen chemicals tested following USEPA Technology Testing and Evaluation Program (TTEP) procedures were detected by the ECIS sensor within 1 h at USEPA-derived human lethal concentrations. To further simplify field-testing methods, elimination of a procedural step that acclimated cells to serum-free media streamlined the test process with only a slight loss of chemical sensitivity. For field use, the ECIS sensor will be used in conjunction with an enzyme-based sensor that is responsive to carbamate and organophosphorus pesticides.
Severe weakness complicating status asthmaticus despite minimal duration of neuromuscular paralysis

Mechanically ventilated patients with status asthmaticus who undergo prolonged paralysis are at risk for severe weakness due to myopathy. In the mid-1990s, we changed our usual method of achieving tolerance of ventilatory support in asthmatic patients from continuous paralysis to deep sedation. This study examines the impact of this change in practice on the development of clinically significant weakness in status asthmaticus. Retrospective cohort study in university-affiliated county hospital. Mechanically ventilated asthmatic patients seen before (n = 96) and after (n = 74) a clinical practice change in 1995 that markedly restricted use of paralytics. The duration of neuromuscular paralysis declined sharply after 1995 (23.7 ± 42.2 vs. 1.8 ± 4.0 h, P < 0.001), but this was not associated with a significant difference in the incidence of weakness (21 vs. 14%, P = 0.23). Within the post-1995 cohort, there was no significant difference in the duration of paralysis for weak and non-weak patients (3.5 ± 6.2 vs. 1.5 ± 3.5 h, P = 0.10). However, weak patients had a much longer duration of mechanical ventilation than did patients without weakness (11.9 ± 3.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.8 days, P < 0.001). Mechanically ventilated patients with status asthmaticus who are immobilized for prolonged periods of time by deep sedation remain at risk for clinically significant weakness.
Mining Health Claims Data for Assessing Patient Risk

As all countries struggle with rising medical costs and increased demand for services, there is enormous need and opportunity for mining claims and encounter data to predict risk. This chapter discusses the important topic, to health systems and other payers, of the identification and modeling of health risk. We begin with a definition of health risk that focuses on the frequency and severity of the events that cause patients to use healthcare services. The distribution of risk among members of a population is highly skewed, with a few members using disproportionate amounts of resources, and the large majority using more moderate resources. An important modeling challenge to health analysts and actuaries is the prediction of those members of the population whose experience will place them in the tail of the distribution with low frequency but high severity. Actuaries have traditionally modeled risk using age and sex, and other factors (such as geography and employer industry) to predict resource use. We review typical actuarial models and then evaluate the potential for increasing the relevance and accuracy of risk prediction using medical condition-based models. We discuss the types of data frequently available to analysts in health systems which generate medical and drug claims, and their interpretation. We also develop a simple grouper model to illustrate the principle of “grouping” of diagnosis codes for analysis. We examine in more depth the process of developing algorithms to identify the medical condition(s) present in a population as the basis for predicting risk, and conclude with a discussion of some of the commercially-available grouper models used for this purpose in the U.S. and other countries.
Dendritic Spines Lost during Glutamate Receptor Activation Reemerge at Original Sites of Synaptic Contact

During cerebral ischemia, neurons undergo rapid alterations in dendritic structure consisting of focal swelling and spine loss. We used time-lapse microscopy to determine the fate of dendritic spines that disappeared after brief, sublethal hypoxic or excitotoxic exposures. Dendrite and spine morphology were assessed in cultured cortical neurons expressing yellow fluorescent protein or labeled with the fluorescent membrane tracer, DiI. Neurons exposed to NMDA, kainate, or oxygen–glucose deprivation underwent segmental dendritic beading and loss of approximately one-half of dendritic spines. Most spine loss was observed in regions of local dendritic swelling. Despite widespread loss, spines recovered within 2 hr after termination of agonist exposure or oxygen–glucose deprivation and remained stable over the subsequent 24 hr. Recovery was slower after NMDA than AMPA/kainate receptor activation. Time-lapse fluorescence imaging showed that the vast majority of spines reemerged in the same location from which they disappeared. In addition to spine recovery, elaboration of dendritic filopodia was observed in new locations along the dendritic shaft after dendrite recovery. Spine recovery did not depend on actin polymerization because it was not blocked by application of latrunculin-A, which eliminated filamentous actin staining in spines and blocked spine motility. Throughout spine loss and recovery, presynaptic and postsynaptic elements remained in physical proximity. These results suggest that elimination of dendritic spines is not necessarily associated with loss of synaptic contacts. Rapid reestablishment of dendritic spine synapses in surviving neurons may be a substrate for functional recovery after transient cerebral ischemia.
Objective quantification of physical activity in bariatric surgery candidates and normal-weight controls

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is an important component of weight loss programs and should be encouraged for severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. However, few studies have determined the amount and intensity of activities undertaken preoperatively by bariatric surgery patients using objective measures. Methods Using RT3 tri-axial accelerometers, the present study compared 38 bariatric surgery candidates and 20 normal weight controls on activity counts/hr; the number of minutes daily spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and vigorous intensity PA; and the level of compliance with national recommendations to accumulate 150 min/wk of MVPA in bouts of ≥10 minutes. Results Surgery candidates, compared with controls, recorded significantly ( P Conclusion The results of our study have shown that bariatric surgery candidates have low PA levels and rarely engage in PA bouts of sufficient duration and intensity to maintain and improve health. Additional research is needed to determine how best to increase PA in bariatric surgery candidates.
Informal Support Systems in a Planned Retirement Community Availability, Proximity, and Willingness to Utilize

This study evaluates retirement community norms in terms of the hierarchical-compensatory versus the task-specific models of exchange. Data collected in a sample survey indicate that residents form...
Computing approximate bayes-nash equilibria in tree-games of incomplete information

We provide efficient algorithms for finding approximate Bayes-Nash equilibria (BNE) in graphical, specifically tree, games of incomplete information. In such games an agent's payoff depends on its private type as well as on the actions of the agents in its local neighborhood in the graph. We consider two classes of such games: (1) arbitrary tree-games with discrete types, and (2) tree-games with continuous types but with constraints on the effect of type on payoffs. For each class we present a message passing on the game-tree algorithm that computes an e-BNE in time polynomial in the number of agents and the approximation parameter 1\e.
Fast Totem-Pole Grid-Catch Mod-Anode Modulator for the Indiana University "LENS" Klystron RF Amplifier System

This paper provides the electrical design and test results of the newly designed mod-anode modulators for the Indiana University Low Energy Neutron Source (LENS) klystron RF amplifier system. The design is based on totem-pole connected floating-deck vacuum tube amplifier systems, the "on-deck" turns on the klystron (via the mod-anode), the "off-deck" turns off the klystron. Via feedback techniques, the klystron mod-anode voltage tracks the klystron cathode voltage at a predetermined set-point. The compensated mod-anode to cathode tracking provides for a stable klystron RF amplitude characteristic as it provides a constant klystron beam current. This constant klystron beam current is provided even as the klystron cathode voltage slumps from the (-100 kV) capacitive energy store. All klystrons operate from a common capacitor bank and power supply system. The on-deck uses a magnetron injection gun switch tube (an Injectron) as a switching and regulating element that has a pentode-like characteristic curve. The klystron mod-anode set point is determined by a voltage divider that provides a voltage reference to the on-deck modulator. The output of the on-deck connects to the klystron mod-anode. Also connected to the klystron mod-anode and on-deck is the off-deck. The off-deck uses a H.V. planar triode as a simple switch in a cascode circuit configuration, a MOSFET is in series with the tube cathode as the on-off control element. Timing signals to the on and off decks is via fiber optics.
Neurotransmitter Control of Sinoatrial Pacemaker Frequency in Isolated Rat Atria and in Intact Rabbits

The sinoatrial node is under the control of both parasympathetic and sympathetic influences. To study the interaction between these opposing influences, the response of the frequency of contraction of a spontaneously contracting rat right atrium to combinations of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and acetylcholine was observed. Norepinephrine in concentrations of 1 x 10-7M, 1 x 10-6M, and 1 x 10-5M, which by themselves increased atrial frequency by averages of 30%, 51% and 82%, respectively, and acetylcholine in concentrations of 1 x 10-5M, 1 x l0-4M, and 1 x 10-3M, which by themselves decreased atrial frequency by averages of 17%, 52%, and 97%, respectively, were added in all combinations to the atrial preparations. The response was not an algebraic sum of the effects of each of the agents; rather, the bradycrotic influence of acetylcholine predominated in all cases. This action of acetylcholine was blocked by atropine. To evaluate this interaction under more physiologic circumstances, the response of heart rate of anesthetized rabbits to isoproterenol, a potent beta-receptor stimulant, and to asphyxia, a stimulus which produces a marked parasympathetic discharge, was studied. Asphyxia alone induced a marked bradycardia that could be abolished by vagotomy. However, this bradycardia was not prevented by isoproterenol. It is concluded that the predominance of the parasympathetic nervous system on the sinoatrial frequency is a result of the interaction of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and acetylcholine on the sinoatrial node. In this interaction the presence of acetylcholine appears to prevent the action of norepinephrine.
Global unitary fixing and matrix-valued correlations in matrix models

Abstract We consider the partition function for a matrix model with a global unitary invariant energy function. We show that the averages over the partition function of global unitary invariant trace polynomials of the matrix variables are the same when calculated with any choice of a global unitary fixing, while averages of such polynomials without a trace define matrix-valued correlation functions, that depend on the choice of unitary fixing. The unitary fixing is formulated within the standard Faddeev–Popov framework, in which the squared Vandermonde determinant emerges as a factor of the complete Faddeev–Popov determinant. We give the ghost representation for the FP determinant, and the corresponding BRST invariance of the unitary-fixed partition function. The formalism is relevant for deriving Ward identities obeyed by matrix-valued correlation functions.
Investigating the inheritance of prolapsed nictitating membrane glands in a large canine pedigree

Objective To investigate the inheritance of prolapsed nictitating membrane glands (PNMG) in a large pedigree of purpose-bred mongrel dogs. Animals studied Two lines of purpose-bred mongrel dogs kept at a research facility with controlled environment were analyzed for frequent occurrences of PNMG. The first line (GS line) consisted of 201 dogs, derived from one German shorthaired pointer and seven mongrel dogs. The second line (M line) was established from one mongrel dog and three miniature longhaired dachshund (MLHD) dogs followed by closed breeding practice (n = 50). The two canine lines were connected by a female dog, which contributed genetically to both lines. Procedures Medical records of all dogs were reviewed retrospectively for signalment, parental data, and the presence of PNMG. Pedigrees were constructed to facilitate assessment of inheritance. Results The overall prevalence of PNMG in the GS line was 4.0% (8/201) over a 12-year period. The prevalence in the M line was 10.0% (5/50) over 6 years, which increased to 23.1% (3/13) when only dogs aged 2 years or older were considered. Analysis of the pedigrees ruled out simple modes of Mendelian inheritance in both canine lines. Conclusion The high prevalence of PNMG in two canine lines bred and maintained under a strictly controlled environment supported the involvement of genetic risk factors. The mode of inheritance remains to be determined, but it appears to be complex and potentially multigenic.
Zoster in Children with Cancer: Radioimmune Precipitation Profiles of Sera Before and After Illness

Sera collected from children with cancer before and for extended periods after the onset of zoster were analyzed by radioimmune precipitation techniques. The percent recovery of both [3H]fucose- and [35S]methionine-labeled varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific antigens increased severalfold immediately after zoster and declined slowly during convalescence; however, within two years serum panels from two patients exhibited serologic evidence of subclinical reactivation of VZV. After electrophoretic fractionation of the immunoprecipitates, the polypeptide profile after zoster closely resembled that described for high titer xenoantisera to VZV and contained at least 16 constituents ranging in molecular weight from 32 to 174,000. In contrast, sera obtained before zoster were easily distinguished because they precipitated poorly, if at all, two major VZV glycoproteins (gp62 and gp98) and several nonglycosylated polypeptides. The emergence of zoster, therefore, was associated with the appearance of previously undetectable antibodies to VZV-specific proteins.
Selective Phosphorylation of the Dlg1AB Variant Is Critical for TCR-Induced p38 Activation and Induction of Proinflammatory Cytokines in CD8+ T Cells

CD8+ T cells respond to TCR stimulation by producing proinflammatory cytokines, and destroying infected or malignant cells through the production and release of cytotoxic granules. Scaffold protein Discs large homolog 1 (Dlg1) specifies TCR-dependent functions by channeling proximal signals toward the activation of p38-dependent proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and/or p38-independent cytotoxic granule release. Two Dlg1 variants are expressed in CD8+ T cells via alternative splicing, Dlg1AB and Dlg1B, which have differing abilities coordinate TCR-dependent functions. Although both variants facilitate p38-independent cytotoxicity, only Dlg1AB coordinates p38-dependent proinflammatory cytokine expression. In this study, we identify TCR-induced Dlg1 tyrosine phosphorylation as a key regulatory step required for Dlg1AB-mediated p38-dependent functions, including proinflammatory cytokine expression. We find that Dlg1AB but not Dlg1B is tyrosine phosphorylated by proximal tyrosine kinase Lck in response to TCR stimulation. Furthermore, we identify Dlg1 tyrosine 222 (Y222) as a major site of Dlg1 phosphorylation required for TCR-triggered p38 activation and NFAT-dependent expression of proinflammatory cytokines, but not for p38-independent cytotoxicity. Taken together, our data support a model where TCR-induced phosphorylation of Dlg1 Y222 is a key point of control that endows Dlg1AB with the ability to coordinate p38 activation and proinflammatory cytokine production. We propose blocking Dlg1AB phosphorylation as a novel therapeutic target to specifically block proinflammatory cytokine production but not cytotoxicity.
Profitable services in an uncertain world

In a service-oriented, utility-computing, Grid-like world, service providers will execute jobs on behalf of their clients on systems rented from resource providers. This poses many challenges to the service provider, such as choosing which jobs to admit, when to run them, whether to execute them on one system or many, and how many resources to rent. To complicate matters, the service provider may experience resource uncertainty an inability to get the resources it needs or expects. The result will be sub-optimal choices of which jobs to accept and when to run them, and the service provider may have to pay penalties to its clients. Using an economics-based approach, we have developed scheduling policies that systematically address these problems. We show that the new policies deliver significantly more profit (or added value) than ones oblivious to such concerns.
Modifying Areal Interpolation Techniques for Analysis of Data on Food Assistance Benefits

Analyses aimed at identifying food deserts—defined as areas with limited access to healthy food—have garnered much recent attention from the news media, policy makers, and non-profit groups. Much of this research relies on the proximity of large grocery stores as a measure of food access. These studies have been limited by poor data quality, boundary effects, and scale dependence. Drawing on data from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), we suggest an alternative approach that incorporates the distribution and redemption of food assistance benefits in low-income neighborhoods. This data is publically available, but at the zip code level, limiting its usefulness for neighborhood analysis. We use a three-class areal interpolation method to develop three disaggregation techniques that increase the usability of this data. These utilize several external data sources to weight the distribution of this data, including the U.S. Census, U.S. Geological Survey satellite imagery, and existing cadastral data. Our analysis, focused on the Twin Cities metropolitan region for federal fiscal year 2010, thus allows for a more accurate depiction of how residents actually access the food system.
Measuring individual disaster recovery: a socioecological framework.

BackgroundDisaster recovery is a complex phenomenon. Too often, recovery is measured in singular fashion, such as quantifying rebuilt infrastructure or lifelines, without taking in to account the affected population's individual and community recovery. A comprehensive framework is needed that encomp
Gpr17 in AgRP Neurons Regulates Feeding And Sensitivity To Insulin And Leptin

Hypothalamic neurons expressing agouti-related peptide (AgRP) regulate eating and glucose metabolism. Ablation of FOXO1 in AgRP neurons of mice results in reduced food intake, leanness, improved glucose homeostasis, and increased sensitivity to insulin and leptin. We tentatively identified G-protein–coupled receptor Gpr17 as an effector of FOXO1 orexigenic signals in AgRP neurons. In this study, we generated and characterized AgRP neuron–specific Gpr17 knockout mice (Agrp-Gpr17−/−) to test the hypothesis that Gpr17 regulates appetite, energy expenditure, and metabolism. Agrp-Gpr17−/− mice show reduced food intake, increased relative energy expenditure, and increased satiety, resulting in leanness and reduced body fat. They also show increased central nervous system sensitivity to insulin and leptin and reduced plasma glucose excursions following the administration of glucose or pyruvate. In summary, AgRP neuron–specific Gpr17 knockouts phenocopy FOXO1 knockouts in the same cell type, thus supporting our original hypothesis and providing further impetus to develop Gpr17 antagonists for the treatment of obesity.
Search for the Decay of Non-Compact Geometries

Recent theoretical calculations have raised one of the most intriguing questions today in intermediate energy nuclear physics. This question concerns the formation of exotic shapes in nuclear matter. There have been many theorists, using a rich diversity of models to simulate nuclear dynamics, who have predicted the occurrence of such shapes.[1–5] The title “non-compact geometries” refers to the position-space distribution of the nucleons of a combined nuclear system shortly after a nucleus-nucleus collision, and implies short-lived configurations with novel shapes, e.g. toroids or bubbles. A solid sphere is the geometrical configuration with the minimum surface area for a given volume, i.e., the most compact shape. In this light, any shape other than a sphere can be called “non-compact.”
Network Physiology: Mapping Interactions Between Networks of Physiologic Networks

The human organism is an integrated network of interconnected and interacting organ systems, each representing a separate regulatory network. The behavior of one physiological system (network) may affect the dynamics of all other systems in the network of physiologic networks. Due to these interactions, failure of one system can trigger a cascade of failures throughout the entire network. We introduce a systematic method to identify a network of interactions between diverse physiologic organ systems, to quantify the hierarchical structure and dynamics of this network, and to track its evolution under different physiologic states. We find a robust relation between network structure and physiologic states: every state is characterized by specific network topology, node connectivity and links strength. Further, we find that transitions from one physiologic state to another trigger a markedly fast reorganization in the network of physiologic interactions on time scales of just a few minutes, indicating high network flexibility in response to perturbations. This reorganization in network topology occurs simultaneously and globally in the entire network as well as at the level of individual physiological systems, while preserving a hierarchical order in the strength of network links. Our findings highlight the need of an integrated network approach to understand physiologic function, since the framework we develop provides new information which can not be obtained by studying individual systems. The proposed system-wide integrative approach may facilitate the development of a new field, Network Physiology.
Do participants’ reports enhance conversation analytic claims? Explanations of one sort or another

In response to an article by Waring, Creider, Tarpey and Black (2012), the author argues that the nature of the analytic aims of a research project determines whether or not participants’ reported ...
The Formula of Faa Di Bruno

(1980). The Formula of Faa Di Bruno. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 10, pp. 805-809.
Über den Einfluß von Alpha-Chymotrypsin auf die Heilung von Endothelwunden

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde gezeigt, das Alpha-Chymotrypsin die Heilung experimentell gesetzter Endothelwunden bei jungen und alten Kaninchen nicht beeinflust.
DESIGN OF THE AUTOCONTROL SYSTEM IN ACID MINE DRAINAGE TREATMENT

This paper introduces the treatment technology of acid mine drainage in a coal mine.According to the characteristics of the technology,an autocontrol system for the process of acid mine drainage was integrated with SIEMENS PLC and IFIX configuration software.The functions of the system include data acquisition,automatic regulation,centralized control etc.
Investigation of bloodsucking midges in Daxing'anling Heilongjiang Province of China

Objective To investigate species distribution and ecological circumstance of bloodsucking midges in Daxing'anling Heilongjiang Province. Methods Bed curtains,light traps and insect nets were used to collect bloodsucking midges. Results A total of 11 166 bloodsucking midges were collected in Daxing'anling,which belonged to one genus 29 species. The dominant species were Culicoides punctatus( 56. 2%) and C. newsteadi( 24. 2%). The composition of bloodsucking midges species varied with habitats and places. The observation on numbers variation of C. punctatus showed two peaks,at one hour( 04 : 00) after sunrise and three hours( 17: 00) front sunset within 24 hours. Conclusion The investigation provides the referencing basis for studying on species distribution,ecological circumstance and control of bloodsucking midges in Daxing'anling Heilongjiang Province of China.
Checkliste – Vorbereitung für die globale Herausforderung

Bereiten Sie sich jetzt schon fur die nachste Aufgabe vor und prufen Sie es, wie Sie sich noch perfektionieren konnen.
Introduction: Engaging Doubt

When I was a boy of eight or nine my parents gave me a microscope. For several months I spent a good deal of time preparing and examining slides. Most of what I looked at was unremarkable: flattened mosquitoes, dog saliva, egg yolk, blood. But what amazed me — what I still remember vividly — is that as I adjusted my focus on a given slide, or shifted the level of magnification, I brought utterly different worlds into view. It was like passing through adjacent but unrelated galaxies. With time, of course, the amazement wore off: I took for granted what had begun as a revelation. But when I think about it now, it still strikes me as extraordinary that an apparently perspicuous surface can harbour astonishing depths — that it may hold in suspension wildly disparate phenomena.
A New Decision Procedure for Finite Sets and Cardinality Constraints in SMT

We consider the problem of deciding the theory of finite sets with cardinality constraints using a satisfiability modulo theories solver. Sets are a common high-level data structure used in programming; thus, such a theory is useful for modeling program constructs directly. More importantly, sets are a basic construct of mathematics and thus natural to use when formalizing the properties of computational systems. We develop a calculus describing a modular combination of a procedure for reasoning about membership constraints with a procedure for reasoning about cardinality constraints. Cardinality reasoning involves tracking how different sets overlap. For efficiency, we avoid considering Venn regions directly, as done previous work. Instead, we develop a novel technique wherein potentially overlapping regions are considered incrementally as needed. We use a graph to track the interaction among the different regions. Initial experimental results demonstrate that the new technique is competitive with previous techniques and scales much better on certain classes of problems.
Revisiting the Relationship Between Marketing Education and Marketing Career Success

In a replication of a classic article by Hunt, Chonko, and Wood, regression analysis was conducted using data from a sample of 864 marketing professionals. In contrast to Hunt, Chonko, and Wood, an...
Structural, Mechanistic, Spectroscopic, and Preparative Studies on the Lewis Base Catalyzed, Enantioselective Sulfenofunctionalization of Alkenes.

The full details of mechanistic investigation on enantioselective sulfenofunctionalization of alkenes under Lewis base catalysis are described. Solution spectroscopic identification of the catalytically active sulfenylating agent has been accomplished along with the spectroscopic identification of putative thiiranium ion intermediates generated in the enantiodetermining step. The structural insights gleaned from these studies informed the design of new catalyst architectures to improve enantioselectivity. In addition, structural modification of the sulfenylating agents had a significant and salutary effect on the enantioselectivity of sulfenofunctionalization which was demonstrated to be general for trans disubstituted alkenes. Whereas electronic modulation had little effect on the rate and selectivity, steric bulk on arylsulfenylphthalimides was very beneficial. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Hydrologic and water quality performance of regenerative stormwater conveyance installed to stabilize an eroded outfall

Abstract Conveying concentrated urban runoff to outfall locations frequently leads to stream bank erosion, channel incision, and the formation of headcuts. Installed in an incised eroded channel, regenerative stormwater conveyance (RSC) is a grade-control and treatment system that uses a series of pools and cascades with an underlying sand bed. As a recently developed practice, RSC performance evaluations are needed to improve the design and guide regulatory accreditation. An eroded channel with a 10% longitudinal slope was stabilized with a five-cell system and monitored for a 14-month period. A small capture volume (6-mm design event) and groundwater intrusion resulted in minimal hydrologic benefit. Hydrologic mitigation was attained only for storms less than 12.7 mm. The RSC converted a substantial 50% of inflow to media flow at the second cell; however, the media flow entirely reemerged as surface flow in the saturated downstream pools. Small but statistically significant reductions in event mean concentrations occurred: 17% total suspended sediment (TSS), 17% total phosphorus (TP), and 3% total nitrogen (TN). Water quality improvements occurred primarily between the upstream and second cell, indicating limited processing by the wetter downstream pools. Comparisons between inter-event outflow grab samples and storm event outflow concentrations show nitrogen export during inter-event periods (47% increase in TN concentration). Due to elevated inter-event concentrations, overall mass loading of nitrogen increased. Hydrologic and water quality benefits were garnered only in the first three cells where groundwater intrusion was minimal. Future implementations of RSC are encouraged to account for seasonal high water table elevations that interact with the RSC media and adequately size pool and sand layer capture volumes.
On a Constructive Proof of the Weierstrass Theorem With a Weight Function On Unbounded Intervals

This article presents a constructive proof for the Weierstrass approximation theorem in weighted spaces of continuous functions defined on $$[0, \infty )$$ or on $$(-\infty , \infty )$$ , using Chlodovsky’s generalization of Bernstein’s approximation operators.
A Preliminary Investigation with Twitter to Augment CVD Exposome Research

This project focuses on analyzing the sentiment of tweets in order to find a correspondence to health issues and to gain a new perspective in analyzing health data. Twitter social media is a huge source of information that can augment data about health in particular geographic locations. For this project, analyzing tweets is an attempt to find some relation between the sentiment of tweets and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in the counties along Interstate 20 (I-20) in Texas. Only geo-tagged tweets that are mapped to the counties of interest are used in the main analysis. The sentiment of the text of the Tweet is determined as being either positive or negative. Using the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), several classifiers are trained to determine the sentiment of the tweet. Each of the classifier's results are compared to measure the confidence of the sentiment declared. After all the tweets are classified, then the results are used to calculate the following for each county: Positive-to-Negative ratio, Positive-to-Population ratio, and Negative-to-Population ratio. This data is then separated into quintiles and compared to the Cardiovascular Disease map of I-20 in order to determine if a relationship may exist between CVD and the tweets. The preliminary results show that a correspondence exists between the low CVD rate in a county to the Positive-to-Negative ratio of that same county.
A simple method of short-term mechanical reliability prediction for ceramics in reactive environments

A method is demonstrated for prediction of ceramic reliability limited by fracture in reactive environments. The simplicity of the method relies on the ceramic displaying ideal indentation-strength behavior and on the applied loading leading to short-term power-law crack velocity behavior. Reactive failure strength measurements, treating flaw size as a variable and failure time as a constraint in a “pass-fail” test, enable reliability, including both intrinsic and contact flaws, to be predicted. Little to no computation is required.