cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling

This chapter discusses one's current knowledge of the properties of mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS), its role in signaling, as well as its role in the in vivo host response to infection with RNA viruses. MAVS was discovered independently by four different groups, and so it is also called IPS-1, VISA, and Cardif. Importantly, the mitochondrial localization of MAVS is critical for it to induce interferons I (IFN-I). The chapter provides a more detailed description of tumor receptor associated factor (TRAF) and their role in the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)/melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA-5) pathway. The mitochondrial localization of MAVS is crucial for antiviral signaling because removal of the C-terminal mitochondrial targeting domain (TM) of MAVS abolishes its ability to induce IFNs. The chapter summarizes the current knowledge of MAVS signaling, and points out some outstanding questions that demand further dissection. In summary, an outline that emerges from the recent studies is that MAVS activates IKB kinase (IKK) and TBK1 through TRAF proteins as well as several kinase adaptors. To date, two studies have examined the activation of adaptive immune parameters in MAVS-/- mice. It is now well established that MAVS serves as an essential signaling adaptor in the cytosolic antiviral signaling pathway.
Chronopharmacology in the Treatment of Hypertension with Diuretics

Chronopharmacology is the study of the effect of timing of drug treatment, in relation to a periodic function such as a circadian cycle, on drug action. In this paper, we will present some preliminary studies in the application of chronopharmacology to the treatment of hypertension.
A Review of Sildenafil in the Treatment of Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

This is a review article that discusses the role of sildenafil in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. The etiopathogenesis as well as prognosis for pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) differs from adults. The basic tenets of targeted management of PH however are similar. Sildenafil and other phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors play a very important role in PH management, especially because of the ease of administration, low adverse effect profile, better tolerability and relative cost effectiveness. This is especially vital in situations where inhaled nitric oxide is not easily available and fills an important therapeutic gap. Large double blinded and controlled studies studying the effects of sildenafil in pediatric PH are not available. Equally vital would be long term efficacy studies, which should be initiated through large multicenter trials, to study the beneficial as well as long term side effects of this medication in the pediatric age group.
“Adherent” versus Other Isolation Strategies for Expanding Purified, Potent, and Activated Human NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells have long been hypothesized to play a central role in the development of new immunotherapies to combat a variety of cancers due to their intrinsic ability to lyse tumor cells. For the past several decades, various isolation and expansion methods have been developed to harness the full antitumor potential of NK cells. These protocols have varied greatly between laboratories and several have been optimized for large-scale clinical use despite associated complexity and high cost. Here, we present a simple method of “adherent” enrichment and expansion of NK cells, developed using both healthy donors' and cancer patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and compare its effectiveness with various published protocols to highlight the pros and cons of their use in adoptive cell therapy. By building upon the concepts and data presented, future research can be adapted to provide simple, cost-effective, reproducible, and translatable procedures for personalized treatment with NK cells.
Diet and a developmental time constraint alter life‐history trade‐offs in a caddis fly (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

Environmental factors influence variation in life histories by affecting growth, development, and reproduction. We conducted an experiment in outdoor mesocosms to examine how diet and a time constraint on juvenile development (pond-drying) influence life-history trade-offs (growth, development, adult body mass) in the caddis fly Limnephilus externus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). We predicted that: (1) diet supplementation would accelerate larval growth and development, and enhance survival to adulthood; (2) pond-drying would accelerate development and increase larval mortality; and (3) the relationship between adult mass and age at maturity would be negative. Diet supplementation did lead to larger adult mass under nondrying conditions, but did not significantly alter growth or development rates. Contrary to predictions, pond-drying reduced growth rates and delayed development. The slope (positive or negative) of the female mass–age at maturity relationship depended on interactions with diet or pond-drying, but the male mass–age relationship was negative and independent of treatment. Our results suggest that pond-drying can have negative effects on the future fitness of individuals by increasing the risk of desiccation-induced, pre-reproductive mortality and decreasing adult body size at maturity. These negative effects on life history cannot be overcome with additional nutritional resources in this species. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95, 495–504.
Coherent Experiences: The New Missing Paradigm in Teacher Education

AbstractIn this essay, the authors contend that coherent experiences—experiences that build upon each other toward a consistent end and are intentional, continuous, unified, and clear—are the current missing paradigm in teacher education. A school-situated, cross-disciplinary approach to teacher preparation, in which teacher candidates are provided discipline-specific knowledge as well as high-quality discipline- and context-specific feedback, is discussed as a model for promoting coherent experiences.
The Szego curve, zero distribution and weighted approximation

In 1924, Szegő showed that the zeros of the normalized partial sums, sn(nz), of ez tended to what is now called the Szegő curve S, where S := { z ∈ C : |ze1−z| = 1 and |z| ≤ 1 } . Using modern methods of weighted potential theory, these zero distribution results of Szegő can be essentially recovered, along with an asymptotic formula for the weighted partial sums {esn(nz)}n=0. We show that G := Int S is the largest universal domain such that the weighted polynomials e−nzPn(z) are dense in the set of functions analytic in G. As an example of such results, it is shown that if f(z) is analytic in G and continuous on G with f(1) = 0, then there is a sequence of polynomials {Pn(z)}n=0, with degPn ≤ n, such that lim n→∞ ‖e−nzPn(z)− f(z)‖G = 0, where ‖·‖G denotes the supremum norm on G. Similar results are also derived for disks.
Kristallstruktur und Schwingungsspektrum von Tris‐trichlorophosphazeno‐carbenium‐hexachloroantimont [C(N PCl3)3]+SbCl6−

[C(NPCl3)3]SbCl6 kristallisiert triklin in der Raumgruppe P1 mit den Gitterkonstanten a = 903, b = 1046, c = 1307 pm und α = 94,8, β = 88,3, γ = 103, 8°. Die Kristallstrukter wurde mit Rontgenbeugungsdaten aufgeklart und bis zu einem Ubereinstimmungsindex von R = 2,7% verfeinert. Die Struktur besteht aus oktaedrischen SbCl6− -Ionen und [C(NPCl3)3]+ -Ionen, welche naherungsweise die Symmetrie C3h erfullen; die Atome C, N, P, sowie ein Cl pro PCl3- Gruppe liegen etwa in einer Ebene. Das IR- und Raman-Spektrum der Verbindung wurde registriert und zugeordnet. Crystal Structure and Vibrational Spectrum of Tris-trichlorophosphazeno-carbenium-hexachloroantimonate [C(NPCl3)3]+SbCl6− [C(NPCl3)3]SbCl6 crystallizes in the space group P1 with the lattice constants a = 903 b = 1046, c = 1307 pm and α = 94.8, β = 88.3, γ = 103.8°. Using X- ray diffraction data, the crystal structure was determined and refined to a residual index of 0.027. The structure consists of octahedral SbCl6− ions and [C(NPCl3)3]+ ions having approximately C3h symmetry; the atoms C, N, P, and one Cl per PCl3 group lie approximately in a plane. The i. R. and Raman spectrum was registered and assigned.
The Defective Glucocorticoid Receptor in Man and Nonhuman Primates

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the examples of end-organ resistance to cortisol in primates and discusses the pathophysiologic and evolutionary mechanisms involved, and their implications for the structure of receptors. It focuses on the following steroid hormone-receptor systems that appear to be altered in New World primates in the form of end-organ resistance: (1) glucocorticoid resistance, associated with high free plasma cortisol concentrations and low affinity glucocorticoid receptors, (2) aldosterone resistance, associated with high plasma aldosterone and low renal aldosterone receptor concentrations also characterized by diminished cross-reactivity for cortisol, (3) progesterone resistance, characterized by high levels of plasma progesterone and low concentrations of uterine cytosol progesterone receptors, (4) estrogen resistance, characterized by high levels of estradiol in plasma and low uterine cytosol estrogen receptors, (5) androgen resistance characterized by high free plasma testosterone concentrations and possible changes of the androgen receptors, and associated with low 5 α -reductase activity at the target tissues, and (6) vitamin D resistance characterized by high levels of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D and low concentrations of intestinal vitamin D receptors. As it is difficult to hypothesize a random simultaneous occurrence of six different mutations affecting all six steroid hormone-receptor-acceptor systems, it is believed that it is possible that the concurrent alterations of the glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, sex steroid, and vitamin D receptor systems reflect some fundamental change in the chromatin proteins or DNA sequences involved in steroidal regulation of gene transcription, putatively common to the different steroid hormones.
Nitric oxide as a mediator of nonadrenergic noncholinergic neurotransmission.

Part of the regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscles is provided by nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerves. Stimulation of these nerves, either by field stimulation or via neural refl...
Traits of successful technology managers

Summary form only given as follows. Successful technology managers face many challenges in order to be effective contributors in technology. The technical people they supervise often lack many of the resources available to technical managers for enhancing performance problems often cited by customers and managers. As a result, managers are often frustrated with marginally performing staff members while a few members stand out. Following are some of the common concerns about technical people from technical managers and customers of technical services. There is too much focus on technology implementation that is not necessarily in line with customer requirements. Client relations are not nurtured; therefore, technical team members do not always act as if they are working with clients toward a common goal. There is a lack of business indoctrination and too much emphasis is placed on technical ability and not enough emphasis on business core competencies. By listing some common complaints from managers and customers, the problems have been reviewed more closely and suggestions to correct the problems have been developed based on fifteen traits of top performers.
Role of Watershed Geomorphic Characteristics on Flooding in Indiana, United States

AbstractDespite the documented evidence of geomorphic characteristics on flooding, an understanding of the relative effects of the geomorphic characteristics on flooding remains elusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between flooding and geomorphic characteristics in Indiana, United States, by using data at 94 streamflow gauging stations. The flood magnitude as determined through the flash flood index is categorized into three groups, including moderate, extreme, and severe. The flood in each group is then related to geomorphic characteristics, including topography, morphometry, slope, land use, soil, channel network, and aspect through stepwise regression. Results show that extreme flooding is most affected by watershed morphometry, particularly watershed length, whereas severe flooding is most affected by watershed slope and land use type. The methodology used in this study also highlights that the stronger the severity of flooding, the more it is explained by geomorphic...
Transient dopamine withdrawal differentially potentiates thyrotropin releasing hormone-induced release of prolactin of various ages.

Transient removal of dopamine (DA) potentiates the prolactin (PRL) releasing action of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in cultured lactotrophs. We have determined if this potentiating action on PRL release is related to the intracellular processing of PRL by studying this phenomenon in cells in which PRL was pulse-labeled at varying times. Anterior pituitaries from ovariectomized estradiol-treated rats were dispersed and cultured on plastic coverslips. Cells were incubated for 24 h in media containing 500 nM DA. Cells were exposed to three consecutive 20-min incubation periods. During the first period all cells were maintained in 500 nM DA, during the second period half of the cells were removed from DA inhibition and during the third period DA inhibition was restored and the cells challenged with 100 nM TRH. In experiments involving labeling of PRL, cells were incubated in leucine-free media containing 100 µCi/ml [3H] leucine for 1 h prior to treatment, for 1 h starting 5 h prior to treatment or for 16 h starting 24 h prior to treatment. Total PRL (by radioimmunoassay) and radiolabeled PRL (by liquid scintillation after electrophoretic isolation) were determined both in media and cells. The withdrawal of DA alone resulted in a 2-fold stimulation of total PRL release. The efficacy of TRH to release total PRL was also increased 2- to 4-fold after transient DA withdrawal. Whereas release of 1-hour-old labeled PRL was not affected by DA withdrawal, 5-hour-old and 8- to 24-hour-old [3H] PRLs were stimulated 2.6- and 2-fold, respectively. TRH stimulation of 5-hour-old [3H] PRL release was potentiated 6-fold (from 150 to 900% over the basal) by transient removal of DA. On the other hand, TRH stimulation of 8- to 24-hour-old [3H] PRL release (180% over the basal) was not affected by the prior escape from the action of DA. TRH did not affect the release of 1-hour-old [3H] PRL either under constant or after the transient removal of DA. These results suggest that the regulated release of PRL is highly dependent on the age of the hormone. The potentiation of TRH-induced PRL release evoked by DA removal was only observed with hormone synthesized from 4 to 5 h earlier. PRL synthesized up to 1 h before was constitutively released and neither DA withdrawal nor addition of TRH affected its secretion in spite of the observation that its relative rate of basal release was not different from that of 4- to 5-hour-old PRL. PRL synthesized more than 8 h earlier was regulated independently by TRH and DA, however, transient removal of DA had no effect on potentiation of the TRH response. Therefore PRL stored for prolonged periods of time cannot be coupled to the biochemical events mediating the potentiating effect of transient DA removal on the action of TRH.
Progressive Burn Injury Documented with Vimentin Immunostaining

Precise determination of burn depth during the immediate postburn period remains an unresolved clinical problem. In an attempt to provide a new clinical option to aid in diagnosis of burn depth, an immunohistochemical marker (antivimentin) was used to examine excisional tissues or serial punch biopsies, or both, in partial-thickness human burn injuries. To test the hypothesis that burn injury continues to progress beyond the first 24 hours, burn depth was assessed by quantitative morphometric analysis in both a partial-thickness porcine burn model and in sequential samples from human patients. Vimentin immunostaining of ubiquitous mesenchymal populations resulted in a precise demarcation between burn eschar and the viable underlying dermis at 1 to 5 days after burn trauma. Porcine wounds showed continuous and significant progression in burn depth during days 1 through 3, but wounds were no deeper on the fourth postburn day. Similarly, 13 of 14 patients showed significant progression in burn depth between 1 to 5 days after burn injury. In conclusion, immunohistochemical staining with an antisera targeted toward a widely dispersed cell population in the dermis can be utilized as an effective tool to confirm the depth of tissue injury during the acute postburn period. Data from our randomly selected patients with partial-thickness burns suggest that burn wounds continue to demarcate for several days. (J Burn Care Rehabil 1996;17:191-8)
Thinking about religion and experiencing the brain: Eugene d'Aquili's biogenetic structural theory of absolute unitary being

. Religious experiences, including mystical states and experience of the divine, are the ultimate reality of human existence that demand an account. Eugene d'Aquili weaves together that account using paradigms of thought which historically have made mutually exclusive claims about the nature of religious experience. While pointing out the deficiencies of the theory from a narrowly scientific point of view, this paper recognizes that neuroscience, or any other solitary discipline, is incompetent to explain religion. This paper emphasizes the significance and truth of d'Aquili's holistic theory, a religious vision which itself explains science and philosophy.
An RNA structural determinant for tRNA recognition.

Escherichia coli tRNACys contains an unusual G15.G48 tertiary base pair that is important for recognition and aminoacylation by cysteine tRNA synthetase. This G15.G48 tertiary base pair has a distinctive chemical modification signature that suggests an N2.N3 base pairing. The N2.N3 pairing of a G.G base pair has not been described in any existing RNA structures. Identification of the structural determinant of G15.G48 is of fundamental importance for understanding the formation of an RNA tertiary base pair, as well as the role of RNA tertiary structure in tRNA recognition. We show here that the structural determinant for G15.G48 is an A13.A22 mismatch in the dihydrouridine stem. Introduction of A13.A22 to an unrelated tRNA confers the distinctive chemical modification signature of G15. G48 while substitution of A13.A22 eliminates this signature. The relationship between G15.G48 and A13.A22 enables the unrelated tRNA to be efficiently recognized by cysteine tRNA synthetase. Modeling studies show that A13.A22 has the potential to form a base triple with A46, which is directly connected to G48 in the G15.G48 base pair. The proposed A13.A22.A46 base triple provides a framework for understanding how two RNA structural elements may be related to each other in playing an important role in tRNA aminoacylation.
Stabilized record bases for complete dentures.

Abstract A step-by-step technique has been described to construct stabilized record bases which allows the dentist to take advantage of undercuts through the use of a resilient denture liner material in the undercut regions. The resilient denture liner material protects the rugae and prevents damage to the casts in the undercut regions during repeated placing and removal from the cast. Shellac denture base material at the posterior limit of the record base permits an easy method of checking the posterior palatal seal. The incorporation of the posterior palatal seal in the record base allows for adequate retention during the recording of the maxillomandibular jaw relation records and try-in procedures. The record bases made by the sprinkle on technique are preferred to those made using the dough method. The bases are rigid, stable, not easily broken or warped, and fit accurately. 5
Pheromone production and its relationship to water conservation: studies on a trichlorophenol in the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), a component of a synthetic chlorophenol mixture highly attractive to the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), was tested to determine its efficacy as a tick-attractant. Attraction was more pronounced for fed ticks than nonfed ticks, making 2,4,6-TCP ideal as a supplement for acaricide-containing baits in tail tags and ear tags. With the exceptions of eggs and larvae, all life cycle stages contain 2,4,6-TCP, and its presence correlates with having ingested a bloodmeal. The occurrence and attractive properties of 2,4,6-TCP suggest that it has possible pheromonal function. Production of 2,4,6-TCP likely favors water conservation by desalinating tick body fluids after a salt (chloride)-rich bloodmeal. Applying this physiological interpretation provides an explanation for the observed presence of sex pheromone, 2;6-dichlorophenol, in males of this species
UBET-based numerical modeling of bulk deformation processes

The paper summarizes the development of numerical procedures for modeling bulk deformation process and preform designing techniques based on the upper bound elemental technique (UBET). UBET has a unique place where an approximate, but faster solution is needed for decision making. In designing and optimizing multistage forging and profile ring-rolling processes, an approximate solution can be used to identify the most influential process parameters. Once an optimum combination of process conditions are determined, computationally intensive, but more accurate finite element analysis can be used to verify and refine results. In this paper, UBET procedures for closed-die forging and profile ring rolling are high-lighted. Experimental investigations are used to validate the model predictions. Also, the UBET-based preform design tool is presented as a process and die design tool for multistage forging processes. Application of these techniques is presented with evidence of effective material usage and extended overall die-life.
Teaching As a Way of Knowing Observing and Responding to Students' Abilities

This article is about action-oriented teacher research, wherein teachers advocate for student's abilities and accomplishments. teacher researchers use the stories students reveal about the competent aspects of their lives as learners to immediately change their teaching. the article describes (a) underlying assumptions about teaching and knowing, (b) the focus of the teacher research perspective, (c) methodological considerations, and (d) applications to the study of special education. adopting a teacher research stance in special education has the potential to provide an alternative view of students in special education programs and to transform both teaching and assessment practices.
Identification of anisoelasticity for electrostatic trimming of rate-integrating gyroscopes

This paper describes a technique for detection of anisoelasticities in rate integrating gyroscopes as part of a self-calibrative control architecture. In contrast to laser trimming typically done in post processing to compensate for structural imperfections, the on-chip control architecture uses feedforward voltage control to tune the non-linear negative spring effects inherent in parallel plate electrodes in order to electrostatically 'trim' the structural non-idealities. As the first steps toward the feedforward control realization, we present three different algorithms that can be implemented on-chip for identification of structural anisoelasticities. The first technique utilizes the results of measured static displacements, requiring precise knowledge of displacements and applied forces. The second technique involves solving for the non-ideal stiffness parameters using Principal Component Analysis and Fourier transforms of the dynamic system response. The last technique embellishes on the second by the addition of an energy compensation control to overcome damping effects in low Q systems. Finally, the implementation of this algorithm in the electrostatic trimming' of structural imperfections is discussed.
Light chains of rabbit immunoglobulin: assignment to the kappa class.

Normal rabbit gamma globulin was reduced under conditions presumed to break only interchain disulfide bridges, and the reduiced product was then blocked with C14-iodoacetamide. The light chains were separated from the heavy chains and subjected to peptic digestion. Two radioactive peptides were recovered from the digest. The peptides are apparently overlapping and represent the carboxyterminuis. Comparison of this region in the rabbit light chains with the corresponding amino acid sequences in various mouse and human light chains indicates that the rabbit light chains are of the K-class.
Producing approximate answers to set- and single-valued queries

Abstract Approximate is a query processor that makes approximate answers available if part of the data base is unavailable or there is not enough time to produce an exact answer. The accuracy of the approximate answers produced improves monotonicaIly with the amount of data retrieved to produce the result. We describe the approximation semantics of A pproximate that serves as the basis for meaningful approximations of both set- and single-valued queries. We show how APPROXIMATE is implemented to make effective use of semantic information, such as a distance function, to define and compare the accuracies of approximate answers with the exact answer.
Comparison between men and women admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit after cardiac surgery.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there are differences in several factors between men and women who undergo inpatient post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation. Design: A retrospective chart review. Information was collected on a variety of factors: age; previous myocardial infarction; number of days from surgery to admission to rehabilitation; postsurgery, prerehabilitation complications; length of stay on the rehabilitation unit; living arrangements before surgery; disposition; and postdischarge recommendations. Setting: Community hospital rehabilitation unit associated with a university hospital. Patients: One hundred thirty-eight patients (54 men, 84 women) admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit after cardiac surgery. Results: There was a significant relationship between sex and preadmission living arrangements; 56% of women lived alone versus 26% of men ( p p Conclusion: Men and women showed comparable courses after cardiac surgery. Before surgery, women lived alone more frequently than men.
COPPER ACTIVATION OF NF-κB SIGNALING IN HEPG2 CELLS

Copper is a persistent environmental contaminant, and exposure to elevated levels of this transition metal can result in a variety of pathologies. Copper affects the transcription of multiple defense and repair genes to protect against metal-induced pathologies. HepG2 cells were treated with copper under multiple conditions and microarray analyses were previously performed to better understand the mechanisms by which copper affects the transcription of stress-responsive genes. Analysis of the microarray data indicated that copper modulates multiple signal transduction pathways, including those mediated by NF-kappaB. Luciferase assays, quantitative reverse transcription real-time PCR, and chemical inhibition in HepG2 cells validated the microarray results and confirmed that NF-kappaB was activated by stress-inducible concentrations of copper. In addition, two novel NF-kappaB-regulated genes, SRXN1 (sulfiredoxin 1 homolog) and ZFAND2A (zinc-finger, AN1-type domain 2A), were identified. Our results indicate that the activation of NF-kappaB may be important for survival under elevated concentrations of copper.
Employer-sponsored insurance : Riding the health care tiger

The rising cost of health care has become a serious problem for employers who provide health insurance to their workers. In this second part of a two-part Health Policy Report, Blumenthal discusses an array of strategies that employers and health-insurance companies are adopting to reduce health care costs and improve the efficiency of the nation's health care system.
Simultaneous Performance on Verbal, Nonverbal and Motor Tasks by Right-Handed adults

A series of four dual task experiments was conducted in which different groups of right-handed Ss (N1 = 24; N2 = N3 = N4 = 18) simultaneously performed a repetitive finger tapping task in conjunction with: (a) a verbal fluency task (Experiment I); (b) listening to logical memory stories from the Weschler Memory Scale (Experiment II); (c) reading logical memory stories (Experiment III); and (d) scanning an array of faces (Experiment IV). Results indicated that all three verbal tasks produced significant asymmetrical depression in tapping performance, with the right hand being more disrupted then the left. The visuo-spatial task, however, exerted symmetrical bilateral depression of both hands. Performance on the cognitive tasks (number of words produced in the verbal fluency task; recall of stories either listened to or read, recognition of faces) was unaffected by simultaneous digital tapping.
Selective depression of N-methyl-d-aspartate-mediated responses by dextrorphan in the hippocampal slice in rat

The effects of dextrorphan (DX) and dextromethorphan (DM) on responses to excitatory amino acids in the CA1 region of the hippocampus of the rat were studied using extracellular and intracellular recording in in vitro slices of brain. Dextrorphan selectively and non-competitively blocked depolarizations evoked by focally-applied N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA), recorded by both extracellular and intracellular techniques. Quisqualate (QUIS) responses and evoked field potentials were not affected by DX. Epileptiform activity elicited in Mg2+-free solution was suppressed by DX. Dextrorphan had no effect on resting membrane potential or input resistance. The antagonism of NMA by DX was dose-dependent with an EC50 of 0.65 microM; DM was also effective but considerably less potent. In the paradigm used in the present study, DX did not produce the clear use-dependent block observed in the presence of MK-801. These data suggest that DX, the metabolite of the widely used antitussive DM, is a potent NMDA antagonist with a potential role as an anticonvulsant and neuroprotective agent.
Sorption of benzidine and 3,3′-dichlorobenzidine to lake sediments. 1. conceptualization and development of a multiparameter model

Aromatic amines, such as benzidine and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine (DCB), are part of the dyes and pigments manufacturing process. The prolonged use of these carcinogenic chemicals in the past generation has introduced a significant amount of contamination to the environment. Their persistency in several mediums has sparked a number of studies in an attempt to develop predictive tools of their fate and transport in the environment. In this study, benzidine and DCB batch isotherms were developed and evaluated. The sediment samples were variable in composition, ranging from sandy to silty-clay sediment samples. The batch isotherms were then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, a multiparameter model (MPM) that accounted for partitioning, covalent bonding, and cation exchange was developed and tested in an effort to understand the various mechanisms. Results proved the proposed model to be effective in predicting sorption of aromatic amines to lake sediments. The findings suggest that the MPM can provide a better understanding of the sorption process of aromatic amines than more conventional models.
Nitrate Dynamic in a Tropical Mollisol Amended with Organic Manures, Planted with Sweet Corn, and Monitored with SPAD Readings

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of relative chlorophyll content (RCC) in sweet corn leaves as an indicator of nitrate concentration in soil. Study objectives were (1) to evaluate the effect of manure types (chicken and dairy), rates (0, 168, 336, and 672 kg ha−1 equivalent N), and application frequency (one and two applications) of organic amendments on (a) nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration within and below the crop root zone and (b) the RCC of sweet corn leaves and (2) to quantify the relationship between RCC and NO3-N concentrations. The results showed a significant increase in NO3-N concentrations within and below the root zone and plant leaf RCC under chicken manure treatments. Manure application rates and frequency had a significant effect on both NO3-N concentration within and below the root zone and leaf RCC. It appears that leaf RCC can be used as an indicator of NO3-N availability for sweet corn cultivated under the study conditions.
[18F]-FLT PET to predict early response to neoadjuvant therapy in KRAS wild-type rectal cancer: a pilot study

Object This pilot study evaluated the utility of 3′-deoxy-3′[18F]-fluorothymidine ([18F]-FLT) positron emission tomography (PET) to predict response to neoadjuvant therapy that included cetuximab in patients with wild-type KRAS rectal cancers.
Urinary Albumin Excretion in Patients With Diabetes After Renal Transplantation

Abstract Background Many studies support microalbuminuria screening as the cornerstone of early detection of nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but there are no studies that address its utility in the follow-up of renal transplant recipients with DM. Materials and methods We retrospectively studied 104 subjects with DM who had undergone renal transplantation. Sixty three had a history of preexisting DM and 41 developed posttransplant diabetes (PTDM). We collected data on random urine albumin/creatinine (A/C) ratio, systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine concentration (Cr), and HBA1C. Results Mean subject age was 58 ± 9.8 years; 63% received cadaveric grafts while 37% received living donor grafts. Mean follow-up was 7 years (range 1.6 to 15.6). Seventy percentage developed proteinuria over time; of these 62% developed microalbuminuria (A/C ratio 30 to 300 μg albumin/mg creatinine) and 38% developed macroalbuminuria (A/C ratio >300 μg/mg). Subjects with preexisting DM were as likely to develop an elevated A/C ratio as those with PTDM. Higher A/C ratios correlated with higher SBP ( P P P P Conclusions Strict SBP and glycemic control are associated with a significantly lower A/C ratio in patients with DM after renal transplantation. Annual monitoring of A/C ratio in patients with DM after renal transplantation can identify candidates for stricter glycemic and blood pressure control, similar to current recommendations for all other patients with DM.
Membrane permeability related physicochemical properties of a novel γ-secretase inhibitor

Abstract Pharmaceutical profiling studies were conducted on a novel prototype γ-secretase inhibitor, to determine the potential of its oral absorption. Such compounds can be of use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The studies included determination of solubility, dissociation constant (p K a ), octanol/water partition coefficient (log P ) and the capacity factor ( k IAM ′) on immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatographic columns. The compound is very slightly solubility in water (120 ± 50 μg/mL) but the solubility increased considerably in basic medium (270 ± 60 μg/mL). The compound exhibited p K a of (10.36 ± 0.11); and log P of (3.36 ± 0.16) determined by shake-flask method and (3.31 ± 0.01) determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimentally determined log P values correlated well with the calculated one of 3.44. The observed log k IAM ′ value of (2.79 ± 0.04) indicates that the compound can reasonably be expected to have high membrane permeability, and therefore, good absorption profile if taken orally. This conclusion is also supported by other parameters determined.
Energy Expenditure of Sedentary Screen Time Compared With Active Screen Time for Children

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effect of activity-enhancing screen devices on children9s energy expenditure compared with performing the same activities while seated. Our hypothesis was that energy expenditure would be significantly greater when children played activity-promoting video games, compared with sedentary video games. METHODS. Energy expenditure was measured for 25 children aged 8 to 12 years, 15 of whom were lean, while they were watching television seated, playing a traditional video game seated, watching television while walking on a treadmill at 1.5 miles per hour, and playing activity-promoting video games. RESULTS. Watching television and playing video games while seated increased energy expenditure by 20 ± 13% and 22 ± 12% above resting values, respectively. When subjects were walking on the treadmill and watching television, energy expenditure increased by 138 ± 40% over resting values. For the activity-promoting video games, energy expenditure increased by 108 ± 40% with the EyeToy (Sony Computer Entertainment) and by 172 ± 68% with Dance Dance Revolution Ultramix 2 (Konami Digital Entertainment). CONCLUSIONS. Energy expenditure more than doubles when sedentary screen time is converted to active screen time. Such interventions might be considered for obesity prevention and treatment.
3-D envelope finite element (EVFE) solver with PML boundary conditions for microwave integrated circuits

A perfectly matched layer (PML) formulation is developed for 3-D envelope finite element (EVFE) solvers. The PML performance is tested against different numbers of layers and different σmax values. The results show that the PML can provide sufficient absorption of incident waves when proper parameters are chosen. Numerical tests also show that this 3-D EVFE algorithm with PML boundary conditions is unconditionally stable as the time intervals increase. Finally, the 3-D EVFE solver equipped with PML boundary conditions has been applied to the modelling of microwave integrated circuits such as MMIC interconnects and on-chip parasitic structures. Good agreements with existing simulation results are obtained with improved computational efficiency.
Evaluations of a Novel Isolate of Isaria fumosorosea for Control of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

ABSTRACT A fungal pathogen that killed adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Asian citrus psyllid) in Florida citrus groves was isolated, characterized molecularly and morphologically and identified as a novel isolate of Isaria fumosorosea (Ifr) (= Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) from the Asian citrus psyllid (Ifr AsCP), but no concentration-mortality or time-response data were obtained. When adult psyllids were sprayed with spores at 28°C, time response (LT50) values of 111 and 102.5 h at spore concentrations of 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 spores/mL, respectively, were obtained. The LT99, was 167.4 and 174.6 h, respectively, for the 2 spore concentrations. After 192 h, the LC50 value was 6.8 × 105 spores/mL and the LC99 was 2.2 × 108 spores/mL. Ten serial passages Ifr AsCP were carried out on malt extract agar (MEA) and dilute Sabouraud dextrose agar and yeast (SDY) media. The pathogenicity to adult psyllids did not decline, but spore yield declined on the SDY medium and Ifr AsCP consistently produced more spores on SDY t...
Oscillations and oscillatory behavior in small neural circuits

In order to determine the dynamical properties of central pattern generators (CPGs), we have examined the lobster stomatogastric ganglion using the tools of nonlinear dynamics. The lobster pyloric and gastric mill central pattern generators can be analyzed at both the cellular and network levels because they are small, i.e., contain only 25 neurons between them and each neuron and synapse are repeatedly identifiable from animal to animal. We discuss how the biophysical properties of each neuron and synapse in the two circuits act cooperatively to generate two different patterns of sequential activity, how these patterns are altered by neuromodulators and perturbed by noise and sensory inputs. Finally, we show how simplified Hindmarsh–Rose models can be made into analog electronic neurons that mimic the lobster neurons and in addition be incorporated into artificial CPGs with robotic applications.
The political sustainability of space exploration

Abstract The swiftly changing policy environment introduces significant uncertainty into the design of technical systems that rely on public resources. Politics necessarily impacts technical design as requirements change to suit different needs. Simple game-theoretic models may be used to provide insights into resource allocation dynamics between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Congress. This paper utilizes game theory, supplemented by Brams’ Theory of Moves, to model the process by which stakeholders within NASA and the US Congress may arrive at an affordable and politically sustainable funding level on a yearly basis. In doing so, this paper advances a game-theoretic definition of political sustainability.
Effects of Protein, Carbohydrate, and Fat Sources on Bacterial Colonization and Degradation of Fiber In Vitro,

Abstract In trial 1, our objectives were to study effects of different substrates (cellulose, red clover, and orchardgrass) on bacterial colonization and degradation of fiber. To quantitate bacterial colonization, we used 15 N as a marker. Use of 15 N appeared to underestimate bacterial colonization of cellulose, but it was assumed that relative differences among treatments and across times were accurate. The 15 N and carboxymethylcellulase activity techniques gave similar patterns for bacterial colonization with time on purified cellulose but not orchardgrass or red clover; this indicated a higher concentration of cellulolytic versus total bacteria colonizing cellulose. Relatively lower detachment from red clover or orchardgrass than cellulose with time may have been due to selection for different types of microbes that were attached more firmly or were less prone to lysis. In trial 2, replacing cellulose with 30% starch or different protein sources (12% CP) decreased NDF digestion of crystalline cellulose but increased adherent bacterial CP concentration (estimated using 15 N) and carboxymethylcellulase activity. The addition of starch and preformed protein may have selected for adherent, noncellulolytic microbes and decreased cellulolysis. The addition of 10% unsaturated or saturated fat did nor affect colonization or NDF digestion, perhaps because of the larger surface area of the cellulose dispersing fatty acids more than would occur with more typical substrates. The addition of starch probably increased carboxymethylcellulase activity more than when using purines or 15 N. Experiments using pure cultures of bacteria or purified substrates are not necessarily related to those using mixed cultures or natural forages.
PCy3)2Cl2RuCHPh Catalyzed Kharasch additions. Application in a formal olefin carbonylation

(PCy3)2Cl2RuCHPh-catalyzed Kharasch additions of trihaloalkanes across olefins provide polyhalogenated adducts, which upon hydrolysis furnish α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes, or γ-hydroxybutenolides. This two-step process represents an overall acylation or carbonylation of an olefin.
Paraneoplastic fasciitis–panniculitis syndrome: a neurological point of view

Dinakar and Hoke report on the case of a woman who presented to a neuromuscular clinic with a history of progressive stiffening and painful spasms of the lower extremities. The patient was diagnosed with paraneoplastic fasciitis–panniculits syndrome associated with recurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma. The symptoms improved on initiation of chemotherapy and worsened on discontinuation of chemotherapy. Background A 54-year-old woman who had undergone gastrectomy to treat gastric adenocarcinoma 5 years previously and had since been in remission presented to a neuromuscular clinic complaining of stiffening and painful spasms of the legs and abdomen. Repeat pan-CT scans and gastric biopsy confirmed the recurrence of poorly differentiated signet ring gastric adenocarcinoma. Her symptoms improved remarkably on initiation of chemotherapy and worsened on discontinuation of chemotherapy. Investigations Neurological examination, MRI of the abdomen and lower extremities, whole-body fluorodeoxyglucose PET, pan-CT scan, electromyography, muscle biopsy, upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and immunophenotyping (paraneoplastic, rheumatological and autoimmune diseases panels). Diagnosis Paraneoplastic fasciitis–panniculitis syndrome associated with the recurrence of poorly differentiated signet ring gastric adenocarcinoma. Management Chemotherapy of recurrent gastric adenocarcinoma and symptomatic management of painful spasms.
Plasma-wall interaction in ATC-during high power neutral beam injection

Measurements of the elemental composition of the vacuum vessel wall surface and impurity influx into ATC during high power beam-heated discharges are combined with previous measurements of power balance and scaling laws to give a self consistent model of plasma-wall interaction in ATC. It is shown that plasma charge exchange induced desorption is the main cause of impurity influx during neutral beam injection. Impurities change the net power balance in these beam- heated discharges by approximately 15 percent. (auth)
Mitochondrial heterosis and complementation as biochemical measures of yield.

THE correlation between mitochondrial activity and heterosis has been established in comparative studies using mitochondria from heterotic and non-heterotic maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. The superior oxidative and phosphorylative activity of mitochondria isolated from maize hybrids compared with mitochondria from parents has been termed mitochondrial heterosis1. Subsequent work has shown that mitochondrial heterosis indicates yield potential in barley2, 3 and wheat4, and, additionally, is indicative of hybrid vigour in Drosophila5 and other animals6.