cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the menstrual cycle phase in pain perception before and after an isometric fatiguing contraction

The purpose of this study was to compare exercise-induced analgesia in young women after a fatiguing isometric contraction during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Twenty female subjects performed a submaximal (25% maximal voluntary contraction) isometric contraction until task failure during both the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of their menstrual cycle. Pain perception (i.e., pain threshold and pain ratings) was measured before and after the isometric fatiguing contraction. Other measures included mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. Time to task failure of the fatiguing contraction was similar for the two phases of the menstrual cycle. Following the performance of the isometric contraction: (1) pain thresholds increased and pain ratings decreased; (2) anxiety levels increased; and (3) mean arterial pressure and heart rate increased. These changes were not dependent on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Thus, the menstrual cycle phase does not influence the magnitude of exercise-induced analgesia.
Flammable Societies: Studies on the socio-economics of oil and gas

This is an important volume for theoretical and empirical reasons. The editors seek to reveal how ‘the discursive frameworks of global governance function to mediate, and indeed to construct, the a...
Suspended particulate loads and transports in the nepheloid layer of the abyssal Atlantic Ocean

Vertical profiles of light scattering from over 1000 L-DGO nephelometer stations in the Atlantic Ocean have been used to calculate mass concentrations of suspended particles based on a calibration from the western North American Basin. From these data are plotted the distributions of particulate concentrations at clear water and in the more turbid near-bottom water. Clear water is the broad minimum in concentration and light scattering that occurs at varying mid-depths in the water column. Concentrations at clear water are as much as one-to-two orders of magnitude lower than those in surface water but still reflect a similar geographic distribution: relatively higher concentrations at ocean margins, especially underneath upwelling areas, and the lowest concentrations underneath central gyre areas. These distributions within the clear water reflect surface-water biogenic productivity, lateral injection of particles from shelf areas and surface circulation patterns and require that the combination of downward vertical and horizontal transport processes of particles retain this pattern throughout the upper water column. Below clear water, the distribution of standing crops of suspended particulate concentrations in the lower water column are presented. The integration of mass of all particles per unit area (gross particulate standing crop) reflects a relative distribution similar to that at the surface and at clear water levels, superimposed on which is the strong imprint of boundary currents along the western margins of the Atlantic. Reducing the gross particulate standing crop by the integral of the concentration of clear water yields a net particulate standing crop. The distribution of this reflects primarily the interaction of circulating abyssal waters with the ocean bottom, i.e. a strong nepheloid layer which is coincident with western boundary currents and which diminishes in intensity equatorward. The resuspended particulate loads in the nepheloid layer of the basins west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, resulting from interaction of abyssal currents with the bottom, range from ∼ 2 · 106 tons in the equatorial Guyana Basin to ∼ 50 · 106 tons in the North American Basin. The total resuspended particulate load in the western basins (111 · 106 tons) is almost an order of magnitude greater than that in the basins east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (13 · 106 tons). The net northward flux of resuspended particles carried in the AABW drops from ∼ 8 · 106 tons/year between the southern and northern ends of the Brazil Basin and remains ∼ 1 · 106 tons/year across the Guyana Basin.
Characterization of differential properties of rabbit tendon stem cells and tenocytes

Tendons are traditionally thought to consist of tenocytes only, the resident cells of tendons; however, a recent study has demonstrated that human and mouse tendons also contain stem cells, referred to as tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs). However, the differential properties of TSCs and tenocytes remain largely undefined. This study aims to characterize the properties of these tendon cells derived from rabbits. TSCs and tenocytes were isolated from patellar and Achilles tendons of rabbits. The differentiation potential and cell marker expression of the two types of cells were examined using histochemical, immunohistochemical, and qRT-PCR analysis as well as in vivo implantation. In addition, morphology, colony formation, and proliferation of TSCs and tenocytes were also compared. It was found that TSCs were able to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes in vitro, and form tendon-like, cartilage-like, and bone-like tissues in vivo. In contrast, tenocytes had little such differentiation potential. Moreover, TSCs expressed the stem cell markers Oct-4, SSEA-4, and nucleostemin, whereas tenocytes expressed none of these markers. Morphologically, TSCs possessed smaller cell bodies and larger nuclei than ordinary tenocytes and had cobblestone-like morphology in confluent culture whereas tenocytes were highly elongated. TSCs also proliferated more quickly than tenocytes in culture. Additionally, TSCs from patellar tendons formed more numerous and larger colonies and proliferated more rapidly than TSCs from Achilles tendons. TSCs exhibit distinct properties compared to tenocytes, including differences in cell marker expression, proliferative and differentiation potential, and cell morphology in culture. Future research should investigate the mechanobiology of TSCs and explore the possibility of using TSCs to more effectively repair or regenerate injured tendons.
Study of Air Flow Into Ballistic Wounds Using Flow Visualization Experiments and Numerical Simulations

A common type of battlefield injury involves high speed fragments of different sizes and shapes hitting the human body, particularly the extremities. Gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in those injuries can result in better strategies for providing medical care. One aspect that still requires additional research is the contamination of ballistic wounds. Studies published in the open literature have shown that in perforating projectile wounds airborne debris such as skin, cloth, and soil particles are introduced into the wound by either the projectile or by the suction created due to the formation of the temporary wound cavity. These debris can transport bacteria resulting in infection, delayed wound healing, or other complications. The amount of suction and ultimately the bacteria distribution in ballistic wounds can vary depending on parameters such as projectile velocity, caliber, mass, and location of injury. Numerical models can be used to study the influence of various parameters on the suction effect but experimental data is needed to validate the simulation results.This paper presents an experiment developed to provide an initial evaluation of numerical models of the air flow and suction effect in perforating projectile wounds. The experiment used rectangular prism (cuboid) targets made of ballistic gelatin which is a common soft-tissue surrogate material used in ballistic research. These targets were shot with 11.43 mm (0.45 in) caliber round lead projectiles fired from air rifles at approximately 230 m/s. The air flow into the temporary cavity of the tissue surrogate targets was visualized using a vapor curtain placed at the projectile entry location. A high speed digital camera captured the movement of the vapor curtain and the formation of the temporary wound cavity during the tests. To simulate the experiment, a Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) model was run using Abaqus/Explicit. In the model, the mechanical behavior of the soft-tissue surrogate target was represented using a hyper-elastic constitutive relation. A small pre-made cylindrical channel was added to the targets to avoid using techniques such as element erosion or considering material failure when modeling the passage of the projectile through the material. Qualitative and limited quantitative results from the model were compared with the results from the laboratory tests.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A parameterized inversion model for soil moisture and biomass from polarimetric backscattering coefficients

A semi-empirical algorithm for the retrieval of soil moisture, root mean square (RMS) height and biomass from polarimetric SAR data is explained and analyzed in this paper. The algorithm is a simplification of the distorted Born model. It takes into account the physical scattering phenomenon and has three major components: volume, double-bounce and surface. This simplified model uses the three backscattering coefficients (σ HH , σ HV and σ VV ) at low-frequency (P-band). The inversion process uses the Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least-squares method to estimate the structural parameters. The estimation process is entirely explained in this paper, from initialization of the unknowns to retrievals. A sensitivity analysis is also done where the initial values in the inversion process are varying randomly. The results show that the inversion process is not really sensitive to initial values and a major part of the retrievals has a root-mean-square error lower than 5% for soil moisture, 24 Mg/ha for biomass and 0.49 cm for roughness, considering a soil moisture of 40%, roughness equal to 3cm and biomass varying from 0 to 500 Mg/ha with a mean of 161 Mg/ha.
System Reliability of a Machine Repair System With a Multiple-Vacation and Unreliable Server

This study deals with reliability and sensitivity analysis of a machine repair system with warm standbys and an unreliable server having multiple-vacation. Failure times of operating and warm standby machines are assumed to be exponentially distributed with parameters λ and η, respectively. Vacation times of the server are also assumed to be exponentially distributed. A practical example of the model under consideration in this study is provided. The Laplace transform technique was used to derive the reliability function RY(t) and the mean time to system failure MTTF. We performed a parametric investigation that provided numerical results to show how various system parameters affect RY(t) and MTTF. Sensitivity analyses of RY(t) and MTTF, along with changes in specific values of the system parameters, were investigated. Relative sensitivity analyses of RY(t) and MTTF with various parameters were also studied.
A Skeletalized Representation of the Total Cavopulmonary Connection

Single ventricle congenital heart problems are reported for 2 out of every 1000 live births in the USA. In these cases, mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood occurs in the heart causing severe cyanosis. The Fontan repair is a 3-stage palliative surgical correction technique performed during infancy. Its aim is to restore normal oxygen saturation by directly connecting the systemic venous return to the lungs and bypassing the right heart [1].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Complicity with conservatism: the de‐politicizing of multicultural and intercultural education

Although multicultural education, a field dedicated to promoting equity and justice in education, continues to be the target of conservative critics, its contemporary crisis brews from within. The greatest danger to the movement toward equity and social justice that underlies multicultural education in the US comes from educators who ostensibly support its goals, but whose work—cultural plunges, food fairs, human relations activities—reflect more of a compassionate conservative consciousness than an allegiance to equity. By reviewing conceptions of multicultural education from the field’s leading US scholars and uncovering inconsistencies between these conceptions and the work people do under the guise of multicultural education, the author works toward a re‐establishment of an authentically progressive notion of the field.
Topological surface states: science and potential applications

Topological surface states are a new class of electronic states with novel properties. In this talk, I will review the properties of these novel quantum states and highlight some of their key properties that may be harnessed for potential applications. In particular, I will describe efforts in which combination of voltage controlled magnetism and topological surface states may be used to realize a novel low voltage transistor.
Partial characterization of low molecular weight proteoglycan isolated from bovine parietal pericardium

Knowledge of the nature of pericardial connective tissue components is incomplete. To gain a better understanding of the composition of this tissue, bovine parietal pericardium was extracted with 4 M guanidine hydrochloride yielding a proteoglycan-containing protein mixture. This was fractionated by a three-step chromatographic procedure with the resultant purification of a 75-110 Kd proteoglycan. The purified proteoglycan was susceptible to chondroitinase ABC digestion but resistant to chondroitinase AC and nitrous acid degradation suggesting the presence of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan(s). This is the first reported isolation of a proteoglycan from parietal pericardium.
Crystal Structure of the Largest Subunit of a Bacterial RNA-guided Immune Complex and Its Role in DNA Target Binding

Prokaryotes make use of small RNAs encoded by CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) loci to provide immunity against bacteriophage or plasmid invasion. In Escherichia coli, the CRISPR-associated complex for antiviral defense (Cascade) utilizes these RNAs to target foreign DNA for destruction. CasA, the largest subunit of Cascade, is essential for its function. Here we report the crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus CasA. The structure is composed of two domains that are arranged in a chair-like conformation with a novel fold forming the larger N-terminal domain. Docking of the crystal structure into cryo-electron microscopy maps reveals two loops in CasA that likely have important functions in DNA target binding. Finally, DNA binding experiments show that CasA is essential for binding of Cascade to DNA target.
A new approach to the problem of docking two molecules: the ellipsoid algorithm.

A recently developed method of constrained optimization, known as the ellipsoid algorithm, is explored as a tool for determining sterically acceptable interactions between two molecules. These interactions are described by constraints on intermolecular distances. Upper distance bounds between specific pairs of atoms, one in the ligand and one in the enzyme, were used in two different types of docking problems. In the first type, knowledge of a small set of well-defined upper distance constraints was assumed, e.g., specific information about hydrogen bonds or experimentally determined atom–atom distances. The second approach assumes only knowledge of the location of the binding site of one of the molecules, but nothing about how the second, typically small, molecule is packed into this site. In this case, a set of upper distance bounds was used one at a time to explore systematically all possible ways of packing the ligand into the site. In all applications, van der Waals repulsions were used to define a lower distance bound for each atom pair. To specify the relative orientation of the two molecules, a new set of variables had to be introduced. They enable us to represent the set of all possible rotations in a vector space as required by the ellipsoid algorithm. Consequently, in contrast to the usual Euler angles, they assure additivity, so that the result of multiple changes of the variables is not sensitive to the order in which they are performed. In addition to the six degrees of freedom involved in docking rigid objects, conformational flexibility can be explicitly included in the individual molecules. Applications discussed include the docking of two macromolecules and the formation of an enzyme–inhibitor complex. For each constraint set tested, ten randomly chosen starting structures were optimized. The time for each of the runs was between 3 min and 1.3 h on a VAX 750 or a Microvax II; in larger problems, the time is spent primarily in van der Waals checking. The advantages of the ellipsoid algorithm compared to other methods are its robustness with respect to local minima, and the relatively small amounts of computer time and memory that it needs. A final discussion compares this method to some other docking methods, including distance geometry and the matching of molecular surfaces.
A novel zinc-finger protein with a proline-rich domain mediates ABA-regulated seed dormancy in Arabidopsis.

Seed dormancy is an important developmental process that prevents pre-harvest sprouting in many grains and other seeds. Abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating dormancy but the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. An Arabidopsis zinc-finger gene, MEDIATOR OF ABA-REGULATED DORMANCY 1(MARD1) was identified and functionally analyzed. MARD1expression is up-regulated by ABA. A T-DNA insertion in the promoter region downstream of two ABA-responsive elements (ABREs) renders MARD1unable to respond to ABA. The mard1 seeds are less dormant and germinate in total darkness; their germination is resistant to external ABA at the stage of radicle protrusion. These results suggest that this novel zinc-finger protein with a proline-rich N-terminus is an important downstream component of the ABA signaling pathway that mediates ABA-regulated seed dormancy in Arabidopsis.
Studies on the mechanism of LH receptor control by FSH

Abstract The mechanism of the control of LH/hCG receptor by FSH was investigated using granulosa cells from the immature hypophysectomized estrogen primed rat as a model. The specific binding of [ 125 I]hCG to freshly collected granulosa cells was low (0.18 ± 0.01 fmoles/10 6 cells). By contrast, a marked increase in [ 125 I]hCG binding was observed when granulosa cells were cultured in serum free medium with FSH (10 ng/ml); time course studies revealed that the binding capacity was low at day 1 (1.3 ± 0.4 fmoles/10 6 cells), increased sharply at day 2 (11.7 ± 1.7 fmoles/10 6 cells), then reached a maximum at day 3 (19.2 ± 1.3 fmoles/10 6 cells). Comparable results were obtained when cells were primed with FSH in vivo, thus indicating that the defined culture system is both efficient and physiologic for LH/hCG receptor induction. Cholera toxin (CT), PGE 2 , and cyclic nucleotide analogues mimicked in part the FSH effect; Scatchard analysis showed that the 125 I-high binding sites induced by all agents were of high affinity ( K d = ~1 × 10 −11 ), but the number of binding sites induced by CT, PGE 2 , and the cyclic nucleotides was 70, 45 and 25%, respectively, of that induced by FSH. The effect of the agents on the in vitro induction of hCG binding sites was dose dependent; the ED 50 s of CT, FSH and PGE 2 for receptor induction were 40 pg/ml, 4 ng/ml, and 30 ng/ml, respectively. The maximum induction of hCG-binding sites by FSH, CT and PGE 2 closely paralleled their maximum stimulatory effects on cyclic AMP formation. Autoradiography revealed that the increase in [ 125 I]hCG-binding sites was a heterogenous process: in the FSH, CT and PGE 2 treated cultures, only 47 ± 4, 38 ± 4 and 28 ± 2%, respectively, of the viable cells were labeled. By contrast, all compounds induced 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in 70–80% of the viable cells. These results demonstrate a role of cyclic AMP in the mechanism of LH/hCG receptor regulation by FSH but reveal that the mechanism is complex and suggest that some non-cyclic AMP actions are also involved.
A field application of a personal sensor for ultrafine particle exposure in children.

Abstract Background Ultrafine particles (UFPs) have been associated with adverse health outcomes in children, but studies are often limited by surrogate estimates of exposure. Accurately characterizing children's personal exposure to UFP is difficult due to the high spatiotemporal variability of UFP and children's time–activity patterns. Objective The objectives of this study were to conduct a field test of a personal sensor for UFP (PUFP) by measuring UFP exposure among children and assess the sensor's capabilities and limitations. Methods Children wore the sensor at school, during transit periods between school and home, and in their home for 2–4 h on 2 consecutive days and provided feedback regarding their experience with the sensor. The PUFP sensor recorded UFP number concentration at one second intervals and recorded GPS location allowing for comparisons of UFP exposure at homes, schools, and during transit. A mixed-effects linear model was used to compare the effect of microenvironment on personal UFP measurements. Results The overall total median personal exposure to UFP was 12,900 particles/cm3 (p/cm3). Median UFP exposure at homes, schools and during transit was 17,800, 11,900, and 13,600 p/cm3, respectively. Results of the mixed-effects model found that riding in a car and walking were significantly associated with 1.36 (95% CI 1.33–1.39) and 2.51 (95% CI 2.44–2.57) times higher UFP concentrations compared to the home. Conclusions The PUFP sensor can measure near real-time exposure to UFP with high spatiotemporal resolution. Children's exposure to UFP varies by location, with increased exposure during transit to and from school.
Specific N- or C-terminus modified dynorphin and β-endorphin peptides can selectively block excitatory opioid receptor functions in sensory neurons and unmask potent inhibitory effects of opioid agonists

Abstract We recently showed that the opioid alkaloids, etorphine, dihydroetorphine and diprenorphine, have remarkably potent antagonist actions on excitatory opioid receptor functions in mouse sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Pretreatment of naive nociceptive types of neurons with pM concentrations of these antagonists blocks excitatory prolongation of the calcium-dependent component of the action potential duration (APD) elicited by pM-nM morphine or other bimodally acting μ, δ and κ opioid agonists and unmasks inhibitory APD shortening which usually requires much higher (ca. μM) concentrations. The present study demonstrates that pM concentrations of [des-Tyr 1 ] fragments of dynorphin and β-endorphin, as well as β-endorphin-(1–27), can also selectively block excitatory opioid receptor functions in DRG neurons and unmask potent inhibitory effects of low concentrations of bimodally acting μ, δ and κ opioid peptides and alkaloid agonists. These N- or C-terminus modified dynorphin or β-endorphin peptides can be readily formed in neurons by specific peptidase activities. Since sustained activation of excitatory opioid receptor functions is essential for the development of tolerance/dependence in chronic morphine-treated DRG neurons in culture, the present in vitro study may help to account for the unexplained efficacy of [des-Tyr 1 ] dynorphin fragments, as well as the endogenous opioids dynorphin A and β-endorphin, in suppressing development and expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal and morphine tolerance in vivo.
Immunomodulatory effect of serum on lymphocytes--consequences for the study of immunostimulants in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract The immunoregulatory effect of serum or plasma on the functions of body cells is often overlooked. Plasma is the natural environment for the cells of the immune system for at least a part of their life span and is the supplier of nutrients and regulatory molecules to the lymphoid tissues harboring immunocompetent cells. The plasma or serum immunoregulatory factors affect both in vivo and in vitro testing of immunostimulants. The serum immunoregulatory factors may be grouped into (1) supporting factors, (2) augmenting (co-mitogenic) factors, (3) mitogenic factors, and (4) suppressive factors. Some of them develop physiologically and appear or dissappear during ontogeny, aging, pregnancy and other physiologic changes, others appear in connection with various diseases. The augmenting and mitogenic factors are mostly poorly defined. The natural and disease-induced immunosuppressive factors are a heterogeneous family of molecules ranging from immunoglobulins, through alphaglobulins and lipoproteins up to unidentified molecules of molecular weights from less than 6000 daltons to over 200,000 daltons. Proteins or polypeptides seem to play an important role in natural immunosuppressive factors, polysaccharides in disease-induced immunosuppressive factors. The presence of immunomodulatory plasma or serum factors affects the evaluation of immunostimulants in both in vivo and in vitro testing. All the cells, serum or plasma of experimental animals or donors should be pre-tested and carefully selected when immunostimulants are tested.
Association between visual parameters and neuroimaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Abstract Background/aims Papilledema refers to optic disc swelling resulting from high intracranial pressure (ICP). The precise mechanism by which papilledema occurs remains uncertain. Although orbital neuroimaging features associated with papilledema are well-described, it is unclear whether these findings correlate with visual function. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a condition in which the intracranial pressure is elevated with no obvious cause, causing papilledema and visual loss. The utility of papilledema and IIH neuroimaging findings as a surrogate marker for visual loss, or a predictor of visual loss, is understudied. This retrospective cross-sectional review aims to correlate parameters of visual function with orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Methods Patients meeting criteria for IIH who had received orbital imaging within 4 weeks of examination were included. Visual parameters of papilledema grade, visual field mean deviation, and visual acuity were correlated with neuroimaging features, including optic nerve thickness, and optic nerve sheath thickness, among others. All MRI scans were reviewed by a neuroradiologist blinded to clinical status. Spearman rank correlations and t-tests were generated with SAS (v9.2). Results Thirty five patients were included. No significant relationships were found between the main visual parameters of papilledema grade and visual field mean deviation, and MRI findings. Conclusions We found no significant correlation between visual parameters and imaging features of papilledema. This might indicate that MRI features may provide insight into the structural changes that occur in papilledema, but may not be helpful when making clinical management decisions for patients with IIH in particular, and papilledema in general.
MYST opportunities for growth control: yeast genes illuminate human cancer gene functions

The MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) was initially defined by human genes with disease connections and by yeast genes identified for their role in epigenetic transcriptional silencing. Since then, many new MYST genes have been discovered through genetic and genomic approaches. Characterization of the complexes through which MYST proteins act, regions of the genome to which they are targeted and biological consequences when they are disrupted, all deepen the connections of MYST proteins to development, growth control and human cancers. Many of the insights into MYST family function have come from studies in model organisms. Herein, we review functions of two of the founding MYST genes, yeast SAS2 and SAS3, and the essential yeast MYST ESA1. Analysis of these genes in yeast has defined roles for MYST proteins in transcriptional activation and silencing, and chromatin-mediated boundary formation. They have further roles in DNA damage repair and nuclear integrity. The observation that MYST protein complexes share subunits with other HATs, histone deacetylases and other key nuclear proteins, many with connections to human cancers, strengthens the idea that coordinating distinct chromatin modifications is critical for regulation.
MHD augmented chemical rocket propulsion for space applications

A performance analysis is carried out of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) augmented chemical thruster (based on a gaseous hydrogen-oxygen system) for space applications such as orbit transfer. The mathematical model used in the analysis is a one-dimensional flow model using equilibrium chemistry for the combustor, choked nozzle, and MHD channel portions of the system, and chemical nonequilibrium kinetics for the high area-ratio gas dynamic nozzle portion of the system. The performance of the chemical-MHD-augmented thruster is compared with that of a pure electric thruster of the same specific impulse level. 13 refs.
The Ah receptor: Binding specificity only for foreign chemicals?

The murine Ah locus controls the induction of at least four drug-metabolizing enzymes: cytochromes P1-450, P2-450, and P3-450, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. The Ah gene codes for a cytosolic receptor. It is known that the induction response includes: (i) high-affinity binding of specific foreign chemicals to the Ah receptor; (ii) temperature-dependent translocation of the “activated” inducer-receptor complex into the nucleus; (iii) binding of the complex presumably to chromatin components; (iv) transcriptional activation of specific genes; (v) maximal increases in intranuclear high-molecular-weight precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) that precede by several hours the maximal increases in cytoplasmic mRNA; (vi) translation of the mRNA principally on membrane-bound polysomes; and (vii) increases in the specific membrane-bound proteins (including architectural arrangement with other membrane-bound moieties) that reflect enhanced specific drug-metabolizing activities. It is not known how many of the other drug metabolism induction responses are also governed by receptors. The Ah locus studies have been chiefly unraveled in the mouse, due to several inbred strains having a receptor defect. In addition to “classical” pharmacologie methods (such as structure-activity studies) and standard biochemical techniques, the newer methods of recombinant DNA technology and somaticcell genetics in culture are shown to be important in understanding the Ah receptor and its induction response. It is possible that this receptor is required for endogenous functions critical to life processes, as well as its function in the induction of drug metabolism by certain polycyclic aromatic compounds.
Elliptic jets. Part 3. Dynamics of preferred mode coherent structure

The dynamics of the preferred mode structure in the near field of an elliptic jet have been investigated using hot-wire measurements. A 2:1 aspect ratio jet with an initially turbulent boundary layer and a constant momentum thickness all around the nozzle exit perimeter was used for this study. Measurements were made in air at a Reynolds number ReDe (≡ UeDe/v) = 3.5 × 104. Controlled longitudinal excitation at the preferred mode frequency (StDe ≡ fDe/Ue = 0.4) induced periodic formation of structures, allowing phase-locked measurements with a local trigger hot wire. The dynamics of the organized structure are examined from educed fields of coherent vorticity and incoherent turbulence in the major and minor symmetry planes at five successive phases of evolution, and are also compared with corresponding data for a circular jet. Unlike in a circular jet, azimuthally fixed streamwise vortices (ribs) form without the aid of azimuthal forcing. The three-dimensional deformation of elliptic vortical structures and the rib formation mechanism have also been studied through direct numerical simulation. Differential self-induced motions due to non-uniform azimuthal curvature and the azimuthally fixed ribs produce greater mass entrainment in the elliptic jet than in a circular jet. The turbulence production mechanism, entrainment and mixing enhancement, and time-average measures and their modification by excitation are also discussed in terms of coherent structure dynamics and the rib-roll interaction. Various phase-dependent and time-average turbulence measures documented in this paper should serve as target data for validation of numerical simulations and turbulence modelling, and for design and control purposes in technological applications. Further details are given by Husain (1984).
A Statistical Method for Identification of Polymorphisms That Explain a Linkage Result

Suppose that many polymorphic sites have been identified and genotyped in a region showing strong linkage with a trait. A key question of interest is which site (or combination of sites) in the region influences susceptibility to the trait. We have developed a novel statistical approach to this problem, in the context of qualitative-trait mapping, in which we use linkage data to identify the polymorphic sites whose genotypes could fully explain the observed linkage to the region. The information provided by this analysis is different from that provided by tests of either linkage or association. Our approach is based on the observation that if a particular site is the only site in the region that influences the trait, then—conditional on the genotypes at that site for the affected relatives—there should be no unexplained oversharing in the region among affected individuals. We focus on the affected sib-pair study design and develop test statistics that are variations on the usual allele-sharing methods used in linkage studies. We perform hypothesis tests and derive a confidence set for the true causal polymorphic site, under the assumption that there is only one site in the region influencing the trait. Our method is appropriate under a very general model for how the site influences the trait, including epistasis with unlinked loci, correlated environmental effects within families, and gene-environment interaction. We extend our method to larger sibships and apply it to an NIDDM1 data set.
Survey of materials for hard-tissue prosthesis

The properties of the three main classes of orthopedic alloys (316L steel, Co-Cr alloys and titanium) are discussed, while all show good general corrosion resistance, the 316L steel have a tendency toward crevice corrosion. Fatigue fracture due to poor design and fabrication defects is discussed. A summary of some problems associated with the evaluation of tissue response is presented. Finally, a review of several new trends toward achieving tissue adhesion is presented.
Actin filaments line up acrossTradescantia epidermal cells, anticipating wound-induced divison planes

This paper describes the role of actin filaments in setting up the phragmosome — the transvacuolar device that anticipates the division plane — and in forming a supracellular system that seems to override cell boundaries. Tradescantia leaf epidermal cells were induced to divide by wounding the leaf. New division planes formed parallel to slits, and encircled puncture wounds — the new division planes lining up across cells, instead of the joints being off-set as in normal, unwounded tissue. Within 30 min after wounding, rhodamine phalloidin staining showed that a belt of fine, cortical actin filaments formed parallel to the wound. In the next stage, migration of nuclei to a wall adjacent to the wound, involved pronounced association of actin filaments with the nucleus. Migration could be inhibited with cytochalasin D, confirming the role of actin in traumatotaxis. Later still, actin strands were seen to line up from cell to cell, parallel to the wound, anticipating the future division plane. Next, actin filaments accumulated in this anticlinal plane, throughout the depth of the cell, thereby contributing to the formation of the phragmosome. The phragmosome has been shown in previous work (Flanders et al. 1990) to contain microtubules that bridge nucleus to cortex, and is now found to contain actin filaments. Actin filaments are therefore involved in the key stages of nuclear migration and division plane alignment. The supracellular basis of actin alignment is discussed.
Characterization of Vestibular Dysfunction in the Mouse Model for Usher Syndrome 1F

The deaf-circling Ames waltzer (av) mouse harbors a mutation in the protocadherin 15 (Pcdh15) gene and is a model for inner ear defects associated with Usher syndrome type 1F. Earlier studies showed altered cochlear hair cell morphology in young av mice. In contrast, no structural abnormality consistent with significant vestibular dysfunction in young av mice was observed. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies showed that vestibular hair cells from presumptive null alleles Pcdh15 av-Tg and Pcdh15 av-3J are morphologically similar to vestibular sensory cells from control littermates, suggesting that the observed phenotype in these alleles might be a result of a central, rather than peripheral, defect. In the present study, a combination of physiologic and anatomic methods was used to more thoroughly investigate the source of vestibular dysfunction in Ames waltzer mice. Analysis of vestibular evoked potentials and angular vestibulo-ocular reflexes revealed a lack of physiologic response to linear and angular acceleratory stimuli in Pcdh15 mutant mice. Optokinetic reflex function was diminished but still present in the mutant animals, suggesting that the defect is primarily peripheral in nature. These findings indicate that the mutation in Pcdh15 results in either a functional abnormality in the vestibular receptor organs or that the defects are limited to the vestibular nerve. AM1-43 dye uptake has been shown to correlate with normal transduction function in hair cells. Dye uptake was found to be dramatically reduced in Pcdh15 mutants compared to control littermates, suggesting that the mutation affects hair cell function, although structural abnormalities consistent with significant vestibular dysfunction are not apparent by light and scanning electron microscopy in the vestibular neuroepithelia of young animals.
Consumption of dissolved methane in the deep ocean 1

Oceanic dissolved methane concentrations are normally in excess of atmospheric equilibrium values in surface waters but show a rapid decrease with depth. Deep North Atlantic waters have only ca. 30% of their atmospheric equilibrium values of methane and deep North Pacific waters have only ca. 10%. Methane consumption rates calculated from methane analyses and water mass ages derived from published data on SII/3He ages, r4C ages, and model calculations show that both methane and oxygen are rapidly consumed in “young” water but, while oxygen consumption continues at a low rate throughout the deep ocean, methane consumption virtually ceases within about 100 years of isolation from the surface ocean.
Who's in, who's out, and who's back: follow‐up data on 59 juveniles incarcerated in adult prison for murder or attempted murder in the early 1980s

Since the mid-1980s, when juvenile arrests for violent crime increased dramatically, interest has focused on juvenile offenders who commit violent acts. Legislatures across the United States have enacted a variety of measures to "get tough" with juveniles in response to escalating crime rates and the perceptions that longer sentences were needed. This manuscript provides follow-up data on 59 juveniles who were committed to the adult Department of Corrections in Florida during the period January 1982 through January 1984 for one or more counts of murder, attempted murder, or, in a few cases, manslaughter. Although many of these adolescents received lengthy prison sentences, more than two-thirds had been released from prison prior to November 1999. This article presents data on amount of time served and recidivism over the 15 to 17 year period. Results indicated that 60 percent of sample subjects released from prison were returned to prison, and most of those who failed did so within the first three years of release. Findings from the present study, when examined in the context of previous comparative follow-up studies of delinquent youths, suggest that the dialogue on how to handle violent youths must be continued if juvenile homicide offenders are going to be released to society at some point in the future. Language: en
The Genetics of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal disease for which there is an ever-expanding body of genetic and related pathophysiological information on disease pathogenesis. Many germline gene mutations have now been described, including mutations in the gene coding bone morphogenic protein receptor type 2 ( BMPR2 ) and related genes. Recent advanced gene-sequencing methods have facilitated the discovery of additional genes with mutations among those with and those without familial forms of PAH ( CAV1 , KCNK3 , EIF2AK4 ). The reduced penetrance, variable expressivity, and female predominance of PAH suggest that genetic, genomic, and other factors modify disease expression. These multi-faceted variations are an active area of investigation in the field, including but not limited to common genetic variants and epigenetic processes, and may provide novel opportunities for pharmacological intervention in the near future. They also highlight the need for a systems-oriented multi-level approach to incorporate the multitude of biological variations now associated with PAH. Ultimately, an in-depth understanding of the genetic factors relevant to PAH provides the opportunity for improved patient and family counseling about this devastating disease.
Naturally Occurring Analogs of Lysophosphatidic Acid Elicit Different Cellular Responses through Selective Activation of Multiple Receptor Subtypes

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), plasmalogen-glycerophosphate (alkenyl-GP) and, cyclic-phosphatidic acid (cyclic-PA) are naturally occurring phospholipid growth factors (PLGFs). PLGFs elicit diverse biological effects via the activation of G protein-coupled receptors in a variety of cell types. In NIH3T3 fibroblasts, LPA and alkenyl-GP both induced proliferation, whereas cyclic-PA was antiproliferative. LPA and alkenyl-GP decreased cAMP in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner, whereas cyclic-PA caused cAMP to increase. LPA and alkenyl-GP both stimulated the activity of the mitogen-actived protein kinases extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, whereas cyclic-PA did not. All three PLGFs induced the formation of stress fibers in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. To determine whether these lipids activated the same or different receptors, heterologous desensitization patterns were established among the three PLGFs by monitoring changes in intracellular Ca2+ in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. LPA cross-desensitized both the alkenyl-GP and cyclic-PA responses. Alkenyl-GP cross-desensitized the cyclic-PA response, but only partially desensitized the LPA response. Cyclic-PA only partially desensitized both the alkenyl-GP and LPA responses. We propose that pharmacologically distinct subsets of PLGF receptors exist that distinguish between cyclic-PA and alkenyl-GP, but are all activated by LPA. We provide evidence that the PSP24 receptor is selective for LPA and not activated by the other two PLGFs. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis indicate the co-expression of mRNAs encoding the EDG-2, EDG-4, and PSP24 receptors in a variety of cell lines and tissues. However, the lack of mRNA expression for these three receptors in the LPA-responsive Rat-1 and Sp2-O-Ag14 cells suggests that a number of PLGF receptor subtypes remain unidentified.
Tetracyclus hinziae (Bacillariophyta), a new species from the central Cascade Mountains (WA, USA)

Here we describe a new freshwater diatom species from the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington State, including observations of living cells and chloroplast structure. The species represents the fourth known extant species within the genus, as most species of Tetracyclus Ralfs are extinct. The new species can be distinguished from other Tetracyclus species and Diatoma mesodon Kutzing by its lanceolate-elliptical shape, apiculate ends, small size, rimoportula placement, and distinct septa pattern. The distribution of the new taxon is currently catchments within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, and is found in greatest abundance in aerophilous, moss and liverwort habitats in first- and second-order streams.
Magnetic Behavior and Microstructure of Vanadium Phosphate Glasses

The magnetic properties and microstructures of the vanadium phosphate glass system over the composition range 60 to 90 mol% V2O5 were investigated to study magnetic ordering in the glass and the effect of microstructure on its magnetic properties. Direct antiferromagnetic coupling between V4+ ions in the glassy matrix exists, and a transition temperature near - 70°C was observed. As-cast glasses with high V2O5 concentrations separated into two glassy phases; this separation increased the ESR line width as a result of inhomogeneity broadening. The separation, which concentrated the vanadium ions in a vanadium-rich phase, caused a hysteresis in the plot of ESR line intensity vs temperature at the transition temperature. Reduction of the vanadium ions by dextrose added to the melt enhanced phase separation and resulted in weak antiferromagnetic transitions at +70° and -120°C, the Neel temperatures of VO2 and V2O3, respectively.
Levels of office blood pressure and their operating characteristics for detecting masked hypertension based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

BACKGROUND Masked hypertension (MH)—nonelevated office blood pressure (BP) with elevated out-of-office BP average—conveys cardiovascular risk similar to or approaching sustained hypertension, making its detection of potential clinical importance. However, it may not be feasible or cost-effective to perform ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) on all patients with a nonelevated office BP. There likely exists a level of office BP below which ABPM is not warranted because the probability of MH is low.
Impaired early B cell tolerance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Autoantibody production is a characteristic of most autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The role of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of RA remains elusive, but they appear in the serum many years before the onset of clinical disease suggesting an early break in B cell tolerance. The stage of B cell development at which B cell tolerance is broken in RA remains unknown. We previously established in healthy donors that most polyreactive developing B cells are silenced in the bone marrow, and additional autoreactive B cells are removed in the periphery. B cell tolerance in untreated active RA patients was analyzed by testing the specificity of recombinant antibodies cloned from single B cells. We find that autoreactive B cells fail to be removed in all six RA patients and represent 35–52% of the mature naive B cell compartment compared with 20% in healthy donors. In some patients, RA B cells express an increased proportion of polyreactive antibodies that can recognize immunoglobulins and cyclic citrullinated peptides, suggesting early defects in central B cell tolerance. Thus, RA patients exhibit defective B cell tolerance checkpoints that may favor the development of autoimmunity.