cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of donor pretreatment with carbon monoxide on ischemia/reperfusion injury after rat liver transplantation; possible role of Hsp 70 expression

Abstract Introduction: Stress response genes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), are known to be involved in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and have beneficial effects against oxidative stress. Carbon monoxide (CO), the byproduct of heme degradation by HO-1, has been shown to provide protection against I/R injury. This study was designed to examine whether donor pretreatment with CO has beneficial effects on hepatic cold I/R injury. Methods: Orthotopic syngenic LEW rat liver transplantation (OLT) was performed after 18 hrs preservation in cold UW. Donor rats were exposed to a non-toxic dose of CO (250 ppm) in a CO chamber for 24 hrs before harvesting. Controls donors were maintained in room air. Hepatic I/R injury was evaluated by serum AST levels and histopathology. Expression of HSP70 protein in donor liver was investigated before harvest. After OLT, expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA, iNOS protein, and cleaved caspase-3 were measured. Results (Table) : TABLE—ABSTRACT 107 . AST (IU/L) 24 h Neutrophil (/mm 2 ) 48 h TNF-α (fold increase) 1 h iNOS (band denity) 3 h Caspase-3 (band denity) 3 h Air 5547 ± 979 87.1 ± 15.2 14.7 ± 5.3 26.3 ± 5.3 3.8 ± 0.3 CO 1981 ± 381 ∗ 23.6 ± 8.6 ∗ 4.8 ± 1.5 ∗ 7.5 ± 2.1 ∗ 2.8 ± 0.1 ∗ Mean ± SD, n = 2–6 animals per group, ∗ P CO-inhalation for 24 hrs significantly increased HSP70 expression in the donor liver. After OLT, donor CO pretreatment markedly attenuated hepatic I/R injury assessed by low AST levels, reduced necrosis, and decreased neutrophil infiltration. Hepatic expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA, and iNOS protein was significantly reduced in CO-treated group. Additionally, cleaved caspase-3 expressing apoptotic cells were significantly decreased with donor CO-inhalation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that donor CO pretreatment leads to attenuation of hepatic cold I/R injury through the inhibition of iNOS induction, pro-inflammatory responses, and pro-apoptotic reactions. The protective effect of donor CO pretreatment is in part mediated by HSP70 induction in the donor liver. Thus, low-dose CO inhalation would be a novel therapeutic strategy to combat hepatic cold I/R injury.
Interaction of Vanillin with Soy and Dairy Proteins in Aqueous Model Systems: A Thermodynamic Study

Interactions of vanillin with soy, casein, and whey proteins were studied in aqueous model systems using a thermodynamic approach. Vanillin-protein binding was examined at 12 and 4 degrees C using 3 proteins and 6 vanillin concentrations. The results were analyzed using a Klotz plot. Number of binding sites (n) and dissociation constants (K(d)) were derived from the plots. The thermodynamic parameters (deltaG degrees, deltaH degrees, and deltaS degrees) for the bindings were calculated. Under identical experimental conditions, whey protein was found to have higher affinity to vanillin than the other 2 proteins. Bindings of vanillin with casein and whey protein were enthalpy driven, while the interaction of vanillin with soy protein was highly entropy driven. The results inferred that conformational changes of soy protein might be important in binding of vanillin.
Measurement back-action: Listening with quantum dots

Single electrons in quantum dots can be disturbed by the apparatus used to measure them. The disturbance can be mediated by incoherent phonons — literally, noise. Engineering acoustic interference could negate these deleterious effects and bring quantum dots closer to becoming a robust quantum technology.
Growth history of hydrothermal black smoker chimneys

Hollow mineral spires known as ‘black smoker’ chimneys precipitate around 350 °C jets of hydrothermal fluid spouting from the sea floor on the East Pacific Rise (EPR) at 21° N (refs 1, 2). I describe and discuss here the formation of mineral zoning across the walls of these structures throughout two major growth phases, a sulphate-dominated stage and a sulphide replacement stage. During the sulphide replacement stage, at least four distinct sulphide mineral zonation sequences develop across chimney walls from interior to exterior. The apparently successive formation of these sulphide zonation sequences is attributed to evolution of radial thermal and chemical gradients accompanying the gradual thickening and sealing of black smoker chimney walls.
How many things do you like to do at once? An introduction to monochronic and polychronic time

Executive Overview Donna Vinton's preceding article provides an overview of many ways that attitudes, values, and beliefs about time can differ. This article presents a detailed look at one of those differences—between monochronic and polychronic time—which, respectively, distinguish between a preference for doing one thing at a time rather than doing two or more things simultaneously. Following an explanation of this difference, Kaufman, Lane and Lindquist's Polychronic Attitude Index, which measures the degree of an individual's polychronic orientation, is described, as is Bluedorn's Monochronic/Polychronic Orientation Scale, which measures the extent to which a department or organization is polychronic. Scoring information for both scales is included to enable readers to identify their individual orientations as well as to provide some indication of their departments' and organizations' orientations. This information can be used to manage one's self and one's organization more effectively, and advice o...
CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells control Leishmania major persistence and immunity

The long-term persistence of pathogens in a host that is also able to maintain strong resistance to reinfection, referred to as concomitant immunity, is a hallmark of certain infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. The ability of pathogens to establish latency in immune individuals often has severe consequences for disease reactivation1,2,3. Here we show that the persistence of Leishmania major in the skin after healing in resistant C57BL/6 mice is controlled by an endogenous population of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. These cells constitute 5–10% of peripheral CD4+ T cells in naive mice and humans, and suppress several potentially pathogenic responses in vivo, particularly T-cell responses directed against self-antigens4. During infection by L. major, CD4+CD25+ T cells accumulate in the dermis, where they suppress—by both interleukin-10-dependent and interleukin-10-independent mechanisms—the ability of CD4+CD25- effector T cells to eliminate the parasite from the site. The sterilizing immunity achieved in mice with impaired IL-10 activity is followed by the loss of immunity to reinfection, indicating that the equilibrium established between effector and regulatory T cells in sites of chronic infection might reflect both parasite and host survival strategies.
Progressive dissolution of titanomagnetites at ODP Site 653 (Tyrrhenian Sea)

Abstract Magnetic properties, microscopy and ferrous/ferric iron ratio document increasing down-core alteration of titanomagnetite to iron sulfide at ODP Site 653 (Leg 107, Tyrrhenian Sea). Changes in magnetic properties are interpreted to indicate a grain size increase in titanomagnetite to 40 m below seafloor (bsf) and a grain size decrease from this level to about 150 m bsf, as dissolution affects first the fine grained and then the coarser grained magnetite. The availability of dissolved sulfate from underlying Messinian evaporites may account for the sulfide supply at depth and hence for the prolonged dissolution process. Dissolution at Leg 107 sites adjacent to Site 653 is less pronounced, possibly by the availability of organic matter that can be metabolised by sulfate-reducing bacteria.
WEBERSAT: measuring micrometeorite impacts in a polar orbit

ABSTRACT Webersat, launched January 21, 1990 into a 800 km polar orbit, has a micrometeorite impact detector plate onone face. This paper describes the results of measurements made with this detector since launch and thecorrelation of this data with satilite altitude, location and meteorite showers.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSWebersat's micrometeorite detector is shown in Fig 1. The detector is made of a 6 inch by 1.25 inchpiezoelectric strain gauge. Impacts cause the sensor to generate pulses which are then summed. These pulses arethen coverted into digital values in the range between 0 and 255 inclusive. These values are then sent to theWebersat ground station as part of the satellite's telemetry. A second impact sensor is mounted, perpendicular tothe first, in an attic module, as a gaurd against erroneous impact readings. The second sensor is designed to inbibitthe first, if the whole frame flexes as in the case of thermal creaking. In spite of this safety feature, false impactsmay be recorded. The opening and closing of the satellite's camera iris may falsely register as an impact. Also,impacts of moderate intensity may cause a damped oscillation in the structure. This ringing could cause the sensorto register an excessively high impact count if the event did not excite the second sensor.2The impact sensor is not capable of directly measuring the quantity or magnitude of impacts, but, these quantitiesmay be inferred by taking into account the sample period, rate of change and environmental factors.22. CORRELATION TO METEOR SHOWERS2.1 April impactsWe want to explore the correlation between meteorite impacts and meteor showers, as well as satellite locationand altitude. It should first be noted that all of the impacts listed in Tables 1 thru 4 have been cross-checkedagainst the opening and shutting of the camera's iris. It has been found that none of the events could have beencaused or affected by the taking of pictures.The first of the impacts to be considered occurred on April 26 1990 at 10:24:16 UTC (refer to Table 1). As canbe seen from Table 5,
High level ab initio study of singlet and triplet cyclopropene and diazocyclopropene carbenes stability in comparison with stability of singlet and triple cyclopropenyl cation and anion

Abstract Complete basis set ab initio computational studies were performed with the target being to evaluate the aromatic character (stability) of cyclopropene, diazocyclopropene, and diazocyclopropane carbenes. Their stability was evaluated through the computed structural parameters, the evaluated enthalpies of hydrogenation, frontier molecular orbital energy gaps, and triplet–singlet energy differences. All of these results are compared to the same study performed on the well known aromatic cyclopropenyl cation and the antiaromatic cyclopropenyl anion. It was demonstrated that both singlets, cyclopropene and diazocyclopropene carbenes are aromatic, while the diazocyclopropene hydrogenated isomer should be aromatic both as a singlet and as a triplet.
The blast resistance of sandwich composites with stepwise graded cores

Shock tube experiments were performed to study the dynamic response of sandwich panels with E-Glass Vinyl Ester (EVE) composite face sheets and stepwise graded styrene foam cores. Two types of core configurations, with identical areal density, were subjected to the shock wave loading. The core layers were arranged according to the density of the respective foam; configuration 1 consisted of low/middle/high density foams and configuration 2 consisted of middle/low/high density foams. The method to calculate the incident and reflected energies of the shock wave, as well as the deformation energy of the specimen, were proposed based on the shock wave pressure profiles and the high speed deflection images that were obtained. The experimental results showed that configuration 1 outperformed configuration 2 in regards to their blast resistance. Significant core material compression was observed in configuration 1, while in configuration 2 the core layers disintegrated and the front skin (blast side) fractured into two pieces along the midsection. The estimated energies were then calculated for both configurations. The total energy difference between the incident and reflected energies was almost identical, even though the deformation energy for configuration 2 was larger.
A scalable computational approach to political redistricting optimization

We present the experience of developing a scalable computational approach to political redistricting optimization by enhancing a parallel genetic algorithm library on XSEDE and Blue Waters.
Evaluation of Algebraic Stress Modeling in Free-Surface Jet Flows

This study evaluated three algebraic stress models for predicting turbulent stresses near the free surface in a free-surface jet at nonzero Froude number, by comparing to experiments. The models examined included one with no explicit near-surface modeling, one which specified model coefficients in terms of invariants of the anisotropy tensor, and a third model which employed a surface correction with an ad-hoc damping function. Experiment showed that at low Froude number, the anisotropy near the free surface did not attain the limiting behavior characteristic of two-dimensional turbulence and the anisotropy increased with streamwise distance. At high Froude number the surface can have little effect on the anisotropy. Far from the free surface, all the models performed well. For the model with no explicit free-surface modeling, the turbulence near the free surface was predicted to be isotropic. For the anisotropy-invariant model, the predicted anisotropy was too small and confined to locations too near the free surface. The model with the ad-hoc damping function captured the anisotropy near the free surface best, but specification of the decay constant in the damping function is an open question.
A motoneuron-selective stop signal in the synaptic protein S-laminin

Motor axons preferentially reinnervate original synaptic sites on denervated muscle fibers. We have shown that components of synaptic basal lamina direct this selectivity, and we identified a protein, s-laminin, that is concentrated in synaptic basal lamina. Here, we report that a recombinant s-laminin fragment inhibits neurite outgrowth promoted by laminin. A tripeptide sequence in this fragment, Leu-Arg-Glu (LRE), contributes to this inhibition and is itself sufficient to inhibit outgrowth. LRE-mediated inhibition is selective for motoneuron-like cells and is observed in mixtures with several, but not all, outgrowth-promoting substrates. Growth cones extending on laminin stop for up to several hours upon contacting deposits of the s-laminin fragment. Thus, LRE may serve as a cell type-selective and context-dependent target-derived signal that plays a role in synapse formation.
Effects of self-vibrations for hopping conduction

Abstract A conductivity formula, for hopping of particles with vibrational degrees of freedom, is given in the linear field approximation. An application to a finite system having two eigenvalues for the transition rate is made, which reveals that the temperature dependence of the conductivity reflects the typical behavior of local hopping plus vibration.
Induction of apoptosis and down-regulation of bcl-6 in mutu i cells treated with ethanolic extracts of the Chinese herbal supplement PC-SPES

PC-SPES, an HPLC-standardized 8-herb dietary supplement prepared by proprietary extraction/mixing technologies, appears to have a number of health benefits when given to cancer patients. These include reduction of serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) in individuals diagnosed with advanced prostate carcinoma, and overall improvement of morbidity and immune status in terminal cancer cases. Since the expression of bcl-6 in T and B lymphocytes has been reported to be significantly down regulated by mitogens, we reason that the immune boosting effects of PC-SPES could involve the modulation of bcl-6 expression. Such a hypothesis was tested in the bcl-6 abundant Mutu I cells. Specifically, we investigated the effects of PC-SPES in regulating cell growth, induction of apoptosis, effecting changes in the retinoblastoma gene RB and the modulation of expression of the bcl-6. Herein we report that proliferation of Mutu I cells was inhibited by a 3-7 day incubation with ethanolic extracts of PC-SPES, with concurrent induction of apoptosis. In addition, a dose-dependent reduction of bcl-6 was observed, with no concomitant change in either the phosphorylated or the unphosphorylated forms of RB. These data raise the possibility that PC-SPES may enhance immune functions in vivo by down-regulating bcl-6 expression. Alternatively, decrease in bcl-6 could serve as a biomarker for testing the efficaciousness of PC-SPES in vivo.
The metropolis model and its implications for the engineering of software ecosystems

In this paper, we claim that existing models of software engineering and software development lifecycles are seriously out of touch with some of the most important systems in the world---those that are created as a result of commons-based peer production (sometimes known as "crowdsourcing"). To be relevant, software engineering needs a new model of how such software is to be created, maintained, and operated. We propose just such a new model, called the Metropolis Model, which attempts to capture and provide a framework for reasoning about this new and increasingly important form of software-intensive system production.
Environmental temperature as a factor in development of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma protracta.

Abstract Lower environmental temperatures, 22 to 23 °C, retard and higher environmental temperatures, 28 to 34.5 °C, increase the number of metacyclic Trypanosoma cruzi released voluntarily from the enteron of newly infected adult Triatoma protracta over the same time interval after initial infection. Metacyclic Trypanosoma cruzi appeared in feces of Triatoma protracta as early as 7 days after an infective blood meal under higher temperatures but were not found as late as 12 days, and in one instance 56 days, under lower temperatures.
Admissible values of γ in direct oblimin rotation

It is shown that for nonpositive values of the parameter γ in the oblimin criterion, the criterion achieves a minimum on the manifold of all possible oblique rotations of any given full rank initial loading matrixA. For every positive value of γ, on the other hand, it is shown that there exists a full rank initial loading matrixA for which the oblimin criterion does not achieve a minimum over the manifold of all oblique rotations ofA. These results help explain the sometimes divergent behavior that results from using direct oblimin algorithms with γ set to a positive value.
The endoplasmic reticulum in the cortex of developing guard cells: coordinate studies with chlorotetracycline and osmium ferricyanide.

Abstract The distribution of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was investigated in young guard cells of Vicia faba and Allium cepa in order to gain more information on the control of guard cell development. Young, living guard cells of V. faba fluoresce when exposed to 25–100 μ M chlorotetracycline (CTC). Intense fluorescence is restricted to the cytoplasm between the nucleus and adjacent regions of the ventral and paradermal walls. Much of the fluorescence is fibrillar in appearance and seems to arise from endomembranes, but not from particulate organelles such as mitochondria and plastids. A similar fluorescence pattern is produced by the membrane probes oxytetracycline and N -phenyl-1-napthylamine. Procaine and dibucaine render the fluorescence highly prone to photobleaching. Fluorescence appears near the ventral wall during early stages of cell development but declines when the guard cells mature. Epidermal tissue of V. faba and A. cepa was examined in the electron microscope with the aid of osmium ferricyanide staining. ER appears to be concentrated in regions of the guard cell that exhibit intense CTC fluorescence, while no other organelles (e.g., mitochondria) are similarly distributed. Much of the ER consists of a tubular network in close proximity to the plasmalemma. Our results indicate that the ER becomes asymmetrically distributed in young guard cells adjacent to those regions of the cell wall that undergo extensive thickening during cell differentiation. Furthermore, these membranes appear to sequester divalent cations such as Ca 2+ .
DEVELOPING MARKETING STRATEGIES AND TACTICS IN HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH TARGET MARKET RESEARCH

This paper describes research undertaken by a large midwestern university to determine the needs of the market it serves, to ascertain the image of the university, to develop procedures for identifying potential students with a high probability of matriculating and procedures for increasing the probability of matriculation. The population studied was prospective students who submitted ACT profiles. A modified Fishbein instrument was used for measuring their image of the university. Factor analysis was used to reduce 102 ACT variables to 20. These variables plus others developed through literature search and the image study were included in the set of input variables used in multiple discriminant analysis. The resulting classification functions provided a means for identifying variables important to each individual's matriculation decision and providing them with information designed to increase his/her awareness of the attractiveness of the university.
iFoldRNA: three-dimensional RNA structure prediction and folding

Summary: Three-dimensional RNA structure prediction and folding is of significant interest in the biological research community. Here, we present iFoldRNA, a novel web-based methodology for RNA structure prediction with near atomic resolution accuracy and analysis of RNA folding thermodynamics. iFoldRNA rapidly explores RNA conformations using discrete molecular dynamics simulations of input RNA sequences. Starting from simplified linearchain conformations, RNA molecules (<50 nt) fold to native-like structures within half an hour of simulation, facilitating rapid RNA structure prediction. All-atom reconstruction of energetically stable conformations generates iFoldRNA predicted RNA structures. The predicted RNA structures are within 2–5 A root mean squre deviations (RMSDs) from corresponding experimentally derived structures. RNA folding parameters including specific heat, contact maps, simulation trajectories, gyration radii, RMSDs from native state, fraction of native-like contacts are accessible from iFoldRNA. We expect iFoldRNA will serve as a useful resource for RNA structure prediction and folding thermodynamic analyses. Availability: http://iFoldRNA.dokhlab.org. Contact: dokh@med.unc.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Biphasic Effects of Cannabinoids on Acetylcholine Release in the Hippocampus: Site and Mechanism of Action

Cannabinoids have been shown to critically modulate cholinergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus, yet opposing effects of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) agonists on hippocampal synaptic acetylcholine (ACh) efflux have been reported. This study shows that administration of a synthetic CB1R agonist results in a biphasic, dose-dependent, effect on hippocampal ACh: a low (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and a high (5 mg/kg, i.p) dose of WIN55,212-2 induces a transient stimulation and a prolonged inhibition of hippocampal ACh efflux, respectively. Both effects of WIN55,212-2 are mediated through CB1 receptors coupled to Gi but involve different neuroanatomical sites. Thus, intrahippocampal infusion of the CB1R antagonist SR141716A or pertussis toxin blocked the inhibition of hippocampal ACh release induced by the high dose of WIN55,212-2, but was without effect on the stimulatory action of the low dose. In contrast, this latter effect was blocked by SR141716A or pertussis toxin infused, in dual microdialysis experiments, in the septum, in which the majority of cholinergic cell bodies projecting to the hippocampus reside. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of WIN55,212-2 on hippocampal ACh involve dopamine D1 and D2 receptor activation, respectively, given that pretreatment with D1 and D2 receptor antagonists prevents the respective actions of WIN55,212-2. We propose that the in vivo observed biphasic effects of CB1R agonists on hippocampal ACh release result from a differential, functional association of anatomicaly distinct subpopulations of CB1-Gi coupled receptors to neurotransmitter systems that have opposing effects on ACh release. This concept could provide a theoretical framework to understand endocannabinoids as state-dependent modulators of neuronal activity.
Using Critical Incidents to Promote and Assess Reflective Thinking in Preservice Teachers

The powerful influence of prior educational experiences and a varying capacity to think reflectively and critically present potential barriers that preservice teachers face in implementing the knowledge and skills learned in their teacher education programs. Teacher educators can guide students' development of a decision-making schema by providing opportunities for students to reflect on authentic teaching experiences with feedback. This study examined the effectiveness of using Critical Incidents in a supervised field experience with explicit instruction and coaching to increase the capacity of preservice teachers to develop reflective and critical thinking skills. A three-person review panel analyzed 135 Critical Incidents. Examination of frequency and category data showed that writing Critical Incidents increased the degree of preservice teachers' orientation toward growth and inquiry. Results of the self-assessment of growth in critical reflection revealed the emergence of an orientation akin to Dewey...
The Safety of Probiotics

Probiotics are generally defined as microorganisms that, when consumed, generally confer a health benefit on humans. There is considerable interest in probiotics for a variety of medical conditions, and millions of people around the world consume probiotics daily for perceived health benefits. Lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and lactococci have generally been regarded as safe. There are 3 theoretical concerns regarding the safety of probiotics: (1) the occurrence of disease, such as bacteremia or endocarditis; (2) toxic or metabolic effects on the gastrointestinal tract; and (3) the transfer of antibiotic resistance in the gastrointestinal flora. In this review, the evidence for safety of the use of or the study of probiotics is examined. Although there are rare cases of bacteremia or fungemia related to the use of probiotics, epidemiologic evidence suggests no population increase in risk on the basis of usage data. There have been many controlled clinical trials on the use of probiotics that demonstrate safe use. The use of probiotics in clinical trials should be accompanied by the use of a data-safety monitoring board and by knowledge of the antimicrobial susceptibilities of the organism used.
Rotational Dynamics of Phospholamban Determined by Multifrequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

We have used multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance to define the multistate structural dynamics of an integral membrane protein, phospholamban (PLB), in a lipid bilayer. PLB is a key regulator of cardiac calcium transport, and its function requires transitions between distinct states of intramolecular dynamics. Monomeric PLB was synthesized with the TOAC spin label at positions 11 (in the cytoplasmic domain) and 46 (in the transmembrane domain) and reconstituted into lipid bilayers. Unlike other protein spin labels, TOAC reports directly the motion of the peptide backbone, so quantitative analysis of its dynamics is worthwhile. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra at 9.4 GHz (X-band) and 94 GHz (W-band) were analyzed in terms of anisotropic rotational diffusion of the two domains. Motion of the transmembrane domain is highly restricted, while the cytoplasmic domain exhibits two distinct conformations, a major one with moderately restricted nanosecond dynamics (T) and another with nearly unrestricted subnanosecond motion (R). The global analysis of spectra at two frequencies yielded values for the rotational correlation times and order parameters that were much more precisely determined than at either frequency alone. Multifrequency EPR is a powerful approach for analysis of complex rotational dynamics of proteins.
Transposition of native chromatin for fast and sensitive epigenomic profiling of open chromatin, DNA-binding proteins and nucleosome position

We describe an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq), based on direct in vitro transposition of sequencing adaptors into native chromatin, as a rapid and sensitive method for integrative epigenomic analysis. ATAC-seq captures open chromatin sites using a simple two-step protocol with 500-50,000 cells and reveals the interplay between genomic locations of open chromatin, DNA-binding proteins, individual nucleosomes and chromatin compaction at nucleotide resolution. We discovered classes of DNA-binding factors that strictly avoided, could tolerate or tended to overlap with nucleosomes. Using ATAC-seq maps of human CD4(+) T cells from a proband obtained on consecutive days, we demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing an individual's epigenome on a timescale compatible with clinical decision-making.
Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and placental vascular pathology in a multicenter US cohort

Background: Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been linked to fetal growth restriction, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that poor maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with increased risk of placental vascular pathology. Design: Maternal serum 25(OH)D was measured at ≤26 wk of gestation in a random subcohort of term, singleton infants in the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1966; n = 2048). A dichotomous vascular construct was created from the presence of any of 12 pathologies identified on placental examinations, including evidence of placental abruption, infarction, hypoxia, decidual vasculopathy, or thrombosis of fetal vessels (n = 240 cases). Results: The relation between 25(OH)D and vascular pathology was modified by infant sex (P = 0.003). A maternal 25(OH)D concentration ≥80 compared with <50 nmol/L was associated with 49% lower risk of pathology in boys [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.27, 0.95] after conditioning on study site. No associations were observed between maternal 25(OH)D and pathology in mothers with female offspring. Subsequent analyses showed that, in pregnancies with a female fetus, vascular pathology was associated with a reduced birth-weight z score when the mother's 25(OH)D concentration was <30 nmol/L (β: −0.73; 95% CI: −1.17, −0.30). No association was observed between pathology and birth weight in mothers of female offspring with 25(OH)D concentrations ≥30 nmol/L or in boys, regardless of maternal 25(OH)D status. Conclusions: Our findings suggest complex relations between vitamin D, placental vascular pathology, and birth weight that differ by infant sex. Maternal vitamin D status may be beneficial for male and female offspring through different mechanisms.
Synthesis of as- Triazines as Potential Antiviral Agents

Four acenaphtho[1,2-e]-as-triazines and 11 5,6-diaryl-as-triazines, all substituted with an aliphatic or aromatic amino function in the 3-position, were synthesized. Two acenaphthotriazines were active against vesicular stomatitis virus in tissue culture.
Research Article: Pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh) on isolated Mus musculus uteri

The roots and rhizomes of Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh), traditionally used as an aid for childbirth, contain several active alkaloids and saponins, which act directly on uterine smooth muscle resulting in an oxytocic response. The historical use of this herbal supplement has been well documented, but there are few clinical studies addressing its efficacy and potential side effects. This research investigated the physiological and pharmacological responses of blue cohosh on isolated strips of murine uterine tissue. Uterine horns from mice were suspended in a smooth muscle bath and exposed to the aqueous extract of blue cohosh (doses ranging from 0.037–23.8 mg). All tissues showed an increase in the strength of contractile force, the frequency of the contraction, and basal tonus. Contractile forces were significantly greater with higher doses (P = 0.0027). The stages of estrous were determined by vaginal smears and dose-dependency was consistent in all stages of estrous observed (diestrus, estrus, metestrus). Blocking experiments with d-tubocuranine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, were inconclusive as decreases in contractile responses were not statistically different from the observed fatigue following control cumulative dosing.
A fractional data allocation method for distributed databases

High performance transaction processing in a distributed database (DDB) system can only be achieved through a high degree of locality of access, which may be attainable by appropriate data allocation. In this paper, we discuss an adaptive data allocation method for DDB systems maintaining resource allocation data, as in airline reservations and inventory control applications. According to the fractional data allocation (FDA) method, fractions of certain widely used resources are apportioned in the form of tokens among the nodes of the network, such that most resource allocation requests can be processed locally. When a resource allocation request cannot be processed locally, or a data fault occurs, tokens are borrowed from other network nodes through independent token transfer transactions. The initial allocation of tokens and system reconfiguration for token reallocation are based on anticipated demand. We also discuss the allocation of metadata in the DDB to make these activities possible. An abstract model, based on the count of token transfer messages, is used to specify an optimal initial data allocation, and to investigate the effect of token borrowing and reallocation policies. >
Expression of the EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in head and neck and renal malignancies—implications for solid tumors and potential for therapeutic inhibition

Solid malignancies are often characterized by overexpression of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) against which many targeted therapies are currently in use and in active development. EPHB4 has recently emerged as a frequently overexpressed RTK in many types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate expression patterns of EPHB4 in two solid malignancies: squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by immunohistochemical analysis. We demonstrate the first association between EPHB4 expression and progression of HNSCC from normal tissue to dysplasia and to cancer. Interestingly, most RCC subtypes exhibited expression patterns that were opposite from that found in HNSCC, possibly owing to their unique biology and high degree of organ and tumor vasculature. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for EPHB4 as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
Infection with Strains of Citrus Tristeza Virus Does Not Exclude Superinfection by Other Strains of the Virus

Superinfection exclusion or homologous interference, a phenomenon in which a primary viral infection prevents a secondary infection with the same or closely related virus, has been observed commonly for viruses in various systems, including viruses of bacteria, plants, and animals. With plant viruses, homologous interference initially was used as a test of virus relatedness to define whether two virus isolates were "strains" of the same virus or represented different viruses, and subsequently purposeful infection with a mild isolate was implemented as a protective measure against isolates of the virus causing severe disease. In this study we examined superinfection exclusion of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a positive-sense RNA closterovirus. Thirteen naturally occurring isolates of CTV representing five different virus strains and a set of isolates originated from virus constructs engineered based on an infectious cDNA clone of T36 isolate of CTV, including hybrids containing sequences from different isolates, were examined for their ability to prevent superinfection by another isolate of the virus. We show that superinfection exclusion occurred only between isolates of the same strain and not between isolates of different strains. When isolates of the same strain were used for sequential plant inoculation, the primary infection provided complete exclusion of the challenge isolate, whereas isolates from heterologous strains appeared to have no effect on replication, movement or systemic infection by the challenge virus. Surprisingly, substitution of extended cognate sequences from isolates of the T68 or T30 strains into T36 did not confer the ability of resulting hybrid viruses to exclude superinfection by those donor strains. Overall, these results do not appear to be explained by mechanisms proposed previously for other viruses. Moreover, these observations bring an understanding of some previously unexplained fundamental features of CTV biology and, most importantly, build a foundation for the strategy of selecting mild isolates that would efficiently exclude severe virus isolates as a practical means to control CTV diseases.
Towards intelligent motion inferencing in mathematical sketching

We present a new approach for creating dynamic illustrations to assist in the understanding of concepts in physics and mathematics using pen-based interaction. Our approach builds upon mathematical sketching by combining the ability to make associations between handwritten mathematics and free-form drawings with an underlying physics engine. This combination lets users create animations without having to directly specify object behavior with position functions through time, yet still supports writing the mathematics needed to formulate a problem. This functionality significantly expands the capabilities of mathematical sketching to support a wider variety of dynamic illustrations. We describe our approach to creating this mathematical sketching/physics engine fusion and discuss how it provides a foundation for using mathematical sketching in intelligent tutoring systems.
FlyBase: introduction of the Drosophila melanogaster Release 6 reference genome assembly and large-scale migration of genome annotations

Release 6, the latest reference genome assembly of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, was released by the Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project in 2014; it replaces their previous Release 5 genome assembly, which had been the reference genome assembly for over 7 years. With the enormous amount of information now attached to the D. melanogaster genome in public repositories and individual laboratories, the replacement of the previous assembly by the new one is a major event requiring careful migration of annotations and genome-anchored data to the new, improved assembly. In this report, we describe the attributes of the new Release 6 reference genome assembly, the migration of FlyBase genome annotations to this new assembly, how genome features on this new assembly can be viewed in FlyBase (http://flybase.org) and how users can convert coordinates for their own data to the corresponding Release 6 coordinates.
Certain Forbidden Spectral Lines of Cadmium

An experimental investigation was made to establish conclusively the source and nature of the highly forbidden lines 3320A×(5 1S0–5 3P00), 3141A(5 1S0–5 3P20), and 3403.1A(5 3P10–5 3D3) in cadmium. All such transitions are strictly forbidden for electric dipole radiation and by most of the selection rules for higher pole and magnetic dipole radiation. Bowen (see reference 1) and others, have suggested that the lines are emitted as the result of the interaction of the optical electron with the magnetic moment of the nucleus and are, therefore, produced by only the odd weighted isotopes.The intensities of the above mentioned lines as emitted by a cadmium sample which had been enriched in one of the odd isotopes were compared with the intensities of the same lines emitted by a sample of natural cadmium. Within the experimental error it was found that the forbidden lines are emitted with an intensity proportional to the odd isotope abundance and, therefore, it seems conclusively established that they arise only from the odd isotopes. Comparison of the intensities of some of the forbidden lines with the intensity of an allowed transition from the same multiplet was made in order to give a measure of the interaction of the optical electron with the nuclear magnetic moment.
Blockade of the Fas/FasL System Improves Pneumococcal Clearance from the Lungs without Preventing Dissemination of Bacteria to the Spleen

BACKGROUND The Fas/FasL system is both proapoptotic and proinflammatory. FasL is inhibited by decoy receptor-3 (DcR3), a naturally occurring decoy receptor. We determined the effects of systemic blockade of the Fas/FasL system by a DcR3 analog (DcR3-a) in mice with pneumococcal pneumonia. METHODS Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.2 x 105 or 1.9 x 107 cfu/mL) was instilled intratracheally into untreated C57Bl/6 mice, C57Bl/6 mice treated with DcR3-a, or Fas-deficient lpr mice, and the mice were studied 48 h later. RESULTS After instillation of the lower bacterial dose, disruption of the Fas/FasL system by either DcR3-a or the lpr mutation resulted in improved clearance of bacteria in the lungs (mean +/- SE, 4.6+/-2.1 x 10(6) and 3.5 +/- 1.6 x 10(6) cfu/lung, respectively, vs. 21.9+/-9.3 x 10(6) cfu/lung in untreated C57Bl/6 mice; P<.05) and decreased percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (mean +/- SE, 19.3%+/-9.5% and 20.2%+/-7.8%, respectively, vs. 55.0%+/-12.2% in untreated C57Bl/6 mice; P<.05). These changes were associated with decreased lung concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor- alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and with a decrease in apoptotic cells in the alveolar walls. CONCLUSION Blockade of the Fas/FasL system by DcR3-a in the lungs improves clearance of bacteria in mice with pneumococcal pneumonia.
On the influence of centrifugal buoyancy on rotating convection

Centrifugal buoyancy forces in a container rotating about an axis aligned with gravity lead to mean flows that interact with rotating convection. A model of the interactions between these flows and the thermal instabilities that occur in weakly nonlinear rapidly rotating convection is used to estimate when, in terms of external parameters, centrifugal buoyancy has a substantial influence on thermal convective instability. The significant physical effects include the direct action of centrifugal buoyancy on the eddies themselves, the upwards advection of basic-state vertical shear by the perturbation rolls, and the alteration of the mean thermal stratification upon which eddies grow by the basic centrifugally induced circulation. It is shown that the first effect is the most important for common laboratory settings, and can lead to destabilization of the system at outer radii. Other manifestations of centrifugal buoyancy include the generation of a positive offset of the mean temperature at the centre of the cell, and a reduction of this offset by heat fluxes arising from the centrifugally modified finite-amplitude convective eddies.
Quantitative analysis of woodpecker habitat using high-resolution airborne LiDAR estimates of forest structure and composition

article Lightdetection and ranging (LiDAR)technology has the potential toradically alterthewayresearchers and man- agerscollectdataonwildlife-habitatrelationships.Todate,the technologyhasfosteredseveralnovel approaches to characterizing avian habitat, but has been limited by the lack of detailed LiDAR-habitat attributes relevant to species across a continuum of spatial grain sizes and habitat requirements. We demonstrate a novel three-step approach for using LiDAR data to evaluate habitat based on multiple habitat attributes and accounting for their influence at multiple grain sizes using federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW; Picoides borealis) foraginghabitatdatafromtheSavannahRiverSite(SRS)inSouthCarolina,USA.First,weusedhighdensityLiDAR data(10 returns/m 2 )topredictdetailedforestattributesat20-mresolutionacrosstheentireSRSusingacomple- mentaryapplicationofnonlinearseeminglyunrelatedregressionandmultiplelinearregressionmodels.Next,we expanded on previousapplicationsofLiDAR byconstructing 95%joint prediction confidenceintervals to quantify predictionerroratvariousspatial aggregationsandhabitatthresholdstodetermineabiologicallyandstatistically meaningful grain size. Finally, we used aggregations of 20-m cells and associated confidence interval boundaries todemonstrate a new approach to producemaps of RCW foraging habitat conditions based on the guidelinesde- scribed in the species' recovery plan. Predictive power (R 2
Flaming in CMC: Prometheus' Fire or Inferno's?

Research on the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) without exception supports its cognitive and affective benefits for foreign language (L2) learning (Beauvois, 1995, 1997; Blake 2000; Swaffar, 1998). Studies both in L1 and L2 contexts especially draw attention to its ability to promote more democratic discourse patterns than face-to-face classroom interaction (Batson, 1993; Chun, 1994; Kern, 1995). Sproull and Kiesler (1991) claim that people feel more at liberty expressing themselves without fear of social approbation because the typical social norms of face-to-face interactions do not apply to this communicative environment. However, while CMC's liberating effects have been mostly welcome, a less desirable one has also emerged: flaming. While flaming, which refers to aggressive interpersonal behavior and rude language (Miller, 1993), has been addressed in L1 academic and nonacademic contexts, it has not yet been a focus of discussion in L2 circles. The present article, based on a descriptive study with 75 intermediate learners of college German participating in two sessions of synchronous CMC during the course of a semester, investigates students' flaming behavior, and shows that not only is flaming a very infrequent occurrence, it can even be harnessed for the development of authentic communicative and interactive competence.
Stoma Retraction/Ischemia/Stenosis

The common complications of peristomal ischemia, retraction, and stenosis are clinical manifestations of differing degrees of the same pathologic entities of ischemia and tension. Specific technical considerations can and should be made at the time of ostomy creation to reduce their incidence and the often substantial patient morbidity associated with them. Once present, the specific clinical scenario dictates the timing and nature of their surgical correction.
Case Study of Erin Using the FSU Nested Regional Spectral Model

Abstract A case study of Hurricane Erin of the 1995 storm season is presented using the recently developed Florida State University (FSU) Nested Regional Spectral Model. The nested regional spectral model uses a perturbation technique similar to that used in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts regional spectral models, but with a number of differences such as the use of a Mercator projection. The perturbations are deviations from the FSU Global Spectral Model (FSUGSM) results and are spectrally represented with π-periodic trigonometric basis functions. The perturbations are relaxed at the boundary to approach the global model results. The perturbation time tendencies are solved using a semi-implicit time integration scheme similar to that used in the FSUGSM. The regional model has the same sigma-coordinate vertical structure and physics as the FSUGSM. Implicit horizontal diffusion and time filtering of the perturbations is included. Erin...