cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Oral and Systemic Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells whose self-renewal, multipotency, and immunosuppressive functions have been investigated for therapeutic applications. Although initially isolated from systemic tissue sources, MSCs have also been isolated from dental and orofacial tissues yielding odontoblastic and cementoblastic differentiation capacities. These unique features facilitate their application for pulpal, periradicular, and mineralized dental tissue regeneration. MSCs have utilized for various systemic organ regenerative therapies, allowing rescue of tissue function in damaged or failing organs. MSCs also possess immunosuppressive functions that allow improved management and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. However, their propensity to undergo cellular senescence, as well as host-immune response mediated loss of potency of allogenicically transplanted MSCs, may limit their use in clinical setting. Here we review the regenerative and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs and their applications in dental, orofacial and systemic tissue regeneration and treatment of inflammatory disorders. We also address challenges to MSC-mediated therapeutics arising from tissue and MSC aging and host immune response against allogenic MSC transplantation, and discuss alternative sources of MSCs aimed at overcoming these limitations.
Some Aspects of Eyedness

Summary Based on the particular adult population described, the following observations were made: 1) eyedness is related to visual acuity and this relationship is not an all-or-none phenomena; 2) just as right handed subjects are more likely to be “pure” right handed than left handed subjects are to be “pure” left handed, right eyed subjects are more likely to be “pure” right eyed than left eyed subjects are to be “pure” left eyed; 3) eyedness is related to handedness at least in right handed subjects; and 4) handedness and eyedness may be related to an anatomical asymmetric structure, the direction of the trichogyria. Some of the implications of these findings to the problem of what factors lead to one particular hand or eye being dominant are discussed.
Comparative effectiveness of two popular weight loss programs in women IV: quality of life and diet satisfaction

Background A number of commercial diet and exercise programs are promoted to help people lose weight and improve fitness. However, few studies have compared the effects of following different types of exercise and diet interventions on weight loss, health, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a more structured meal plan based diet intervention and supervised exercise program that included resistance-exercise to a traditional point based diet program with weekly counseling and encouragement to exercise.
EnvZ controls the concentration of phosphorylated OmpR to mediate osmoregulation of the porin genes.

Abstract Osmoregulation of the bacterial porin genes ompF and ompC is controlled by a twocomponent regulatory system. EnvZ, the sensor component of this system, is capable both of phosphorylating and dephosphorylating OmpR, the effector component. Mutations were isolated in envZ that abolish the expression of both porin genes. These mutants appear to have lost the kinase activity of EnvZ while retaining their phosphatase activity, so that in their presence OmpR is completely unphosphorylated. The behavior of these mutants in haploid, and in diploid with other envZ alleles, is consistent with a model in which EnvZ mediates osmoregulation by controlling the concentration of a single species, OmpR-P.
A transgenic model of transactivation by the Tax protein of HTLV-I.

Abstract The human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein is a transcriptional regulatory protein that has been suggested to play a causal role in the development of several HTLV-I-associated diseases. Tax regulates expression of its own LTR and of certain cellular promoters perhaps by usurping the function of the host transcriptional machinery. We have established a transgenic mouse model system to define the spectrum of tissues in vivo that are capable of supporting Tax-mediated transcriptional transactivation. Transgenic mice carrying the HTLV-I LTR driving expression of the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (βgal) gene were generated, and this LTR-βgal gene was transcriptionally inactive in all tissues. When LTR-βgal mice were mated to transgenic mice carrying the same LTR driving expression of the HTLV-I tax gene, mice that carried both transgenes showed restricted expression of the βgal reporter gene in several tissues including muscle, bone, salivary glands, skin, and nerve. In addition, a dramatic increase in the number of βgal-expressing cells was seen in response to wounding. These observations provide direct evidence for viral transactivation in vivo , delimit the tissues capable of supporting that transactivation, and provide a model system to study the mechanism of gene regulation by Tax.
DETERMINATION OF THE PARAMETERS OF CANCELLOUS BONE USING LOW FREQUENCY ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS

The Biot model is widely used to model poroelastic media. Several authors have studied its applicability to cancellous bone. In this article the feasibility of determining the Biot parameters of cancellous bone by acoustic interrogation using frequencies in the 5–15 kHz range is studied. It is found that the porosity of the specimen can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. The degree to which other parameters can be determined accurately depends upon porosity.
It is not how far you go, it is whether you can get there: modeling the effects of mobility on quality of life in rural New England

Many northern rural areas in the United States present particular challenges to providing year-round transportation options for residents. Climate and the distribution of population and amenities present challenges to developing rural mobility systems that may result in a higher quality of life. Using structural equation modeling and a 2009 survey of residents of Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, this study estimated how the availability of built amenities, natural amenities, weather and attitudes toward travel explain actual and unserved travel demand and subsequently quality of life. The presence of unserved travel demand significantly decreased quality of life, while the predicted number of trips taken had no impact. With regard to quality of life in northern rural climates, future mobility initiatives would have more impact by addressing trips not taken as measured by unserved travel demand, instead of number of trips or vehicle miles traveled.
Expression of c-fos mRNA in the basal ganglia associated with contingent tolerance to amphetamine-induced hypophagia.

Tolerance to the hypophagic effect of psychostimulants is contingent on having access to food while intoxicated. Rats given chronic injections of such drugs with access to food learn to suppress stereotyped movements, which interfere with feeding. In contrast, controls given the drug after food access do not learn to suppress stereotypy and, therefore, do not become tolerant. To determine the role of the basal ganglia in this phenomenon, we used in situ hybridization to measure the expression of c-fos mRNA, a marker for neural activation, in the brains of tolerant and nontolerant rats. Rats given chronic amphetamine injections prior to food access learned to suppress stereotyped movements, whereas yoked controls given the drug after feeding did not. Following an acute injection of amphetamine, both of these groups had higher levels of c-fos mRNA than saline-treated controls throughout the striatum, in the nucleus accumbens core, the ventral pallidum and layers V–VI of the motor cortex. In contrast, tolerant rats, which had learned to suppress stereotypy, had higher levels of c-fos mRNA than both amphetamine- and saline-treated controls in the entopeduncular nucleus, globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, pedunculopontine nucleus, nucleus accumbens shell, olfactory tubercle, somatosensory cortex, and layers II–IV of motor cortex. These data suggest that the learned suppression of amphetamine-induced stereotypy involves the activation of dorsal striatal pathways previously implicated in response selection as well as the ventral striatum, long implicated in appetitive motivation and reinforcement.
Northern Archaic Tradition Forty Years Later: Comments

Forty years have passed since the existence of Northern Archaic (NAT), a cultural tradition in northwestern Alaska distinct from Arctic traditions such as Arctic Small Tool (AST) was proposed. The usefulness and even reality of NAT as originally conceived is revisited here to see if the concept continues to have merit or if it should be abandoned altogether. Originally, NAT was thought to represent an expansion of culture northward during middle Holocene times from the more temperate and sub-arctic regions of the continent into forest/tundra-edge habitats of northwestern North America. Although evidence for the tradition came from numerous sites in Alaska and the Southwest Yukon, the concept was fully developed from findings at Onion Portage. Although the sequence demonstrated a change over time from side-notched to lanceolate points, there was a total absence of a microblade industry throughout the entire 2,000 years. Recent findings of notched points associated with microblades in other northern Alaskan sites have demonstrated a far more complex prehistory in the region than originally thought. Discussion of the “notched point” problem stresses the idea that side-notching alone need not indicate a distinct cultural tradition.
Methylphenidate and cocaine: A placebo-controlled drug interaction study

Up to thirty percent of cocaine addicted individuals may meet diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate (MPH) is a highly effective and commonly used treatment for ADHD but, like cocaine, is a cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulant with the potential to cause toxicity at high doses. The present study was undertaken to investigate the likelihood of a toxic reaction in individuals who use cocaine while concurrently taking MPH. Seven non-treatment seeking cocaine-dependent individuals completed this placebo-controlled, crossover study with two factors: Medication (placebo, 60 mg MPH, 90 mg MPH) and Infusion (saline, 20 mg cocaine, 40 mg cocaine). Physiological measures included vital signs, adverse events, and electrocardiogram. Subjective response was measured with visual analog scale (VAS) ratings of craving and drug effect. Cocaine pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for each participant at each drug combination, using a non-compartmental model. MPH was well tolerated, did not have a clinically significant impact on cocaine's physiological effects, and decreased some of the positive subjective effects of cocaine. MPH did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of cocaine. The study results suggest that MPH at the doses studied can likely be used safely in an outpatient setting with active cocaine users.
Radiolytic reductions of Ag(I), Cu(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) in aqueous-ethanol systems and the effect of colloidal sulfur

Abstract Radiation-induced reductions in aqueous AgClO4, CuCl2, PbCl2 and HgCl2 systems have been measured in the presence of ethanol and for Ag(I) and Cu(II) with several other organic components. In dilute solutions and under deaerated conditions, the rates were consistent with known radical yields and rate constants. Approximately one-third of the radicals formed from ethanol under conditions of complete OH scavenging are ineffective in reducing Cu(II). In the presence of colloidal Cu or Ag, all of the radicals are effective in the reduction. In the presence of 0.4–2 × 10-3 g-atom 1-1 of colloidal sulfur, sulfur reduction competes with and augments that of Ag(I) and Cu(II). Ag2S and CuS are formed with a reaction chain occuring in the Ag system at 1.7 M ethanol. A mechanism is suggested that involves reaction of a radical-cation complex at the sulfur-aqueous interface in which the metal sulfide is formed. HgCl2 reduction is unaffected by colloidal sulfur and that of PbCl2 is depressed.
Ontology-centred integration for space operations

As the size and complexity of projects involving integrated space operations continue to grow, there is a need to manage how the processes and data are utilized and stored. In particular, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has a wide repository of project management, scientific, and engineering data, which tend to be splintered across divisions and branches. Currently, operations-based data and processes are separate. Different repositories and formats exist, which makes it difficult for the engineer to semantically, and visually, connect data and models from these repositories. Ideally, project management model components for assembly operations should be connected to databases from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models and/or system model components since such connections would enhance communications, interoperability, and exploration of project management and CAD models. In this paper, we introduce the use of ontologies to seamlessly integrate the data developed and organized by resource planning tools into standard project management documents with integrated cost, resource modelling and analysis, simulation and visualization. We explain the domain of project management and operations at NASA and then describe a new ontology-centred approach pioneered by the co-authors to link multiple, distributed operational facets together. The result is an evolving ‘shared conceptualization’ for NASA operations that will be used to evolve operations models and data into improved support of project management.
Acyclic amides as estrogen receptor ligands: Synthesis, binding, activity and receptor interaction

We have prepared a series of bisphenolic amides that mimic bibenzyl and homobibenzyl motifs commonly found as substructures in ligands for the estrogen receptor (ER). Representative members were prepared from three classes: N-phenyl benz- amides, N-phenyl acetamides, and N-benzyl benzamides; in some cases the corresponding thiocarboxamides and sulfonamides were also prepared. Of these three classes, the N-phenyl benzamides had the highest aAnity for ER, the N-phenyl acetamides had lower, and the N-benzyl benzamides were prone to fragmentation via a quinone methide intermediate. In the N-phenyl benzamide series, the highest aAnity analogues had bulky N-substituents; a CF3 group, in particular, conferred high aAnity. The thiocarboxamides bound better than the corresponding carboxamides and these bound better than the corresponding sulfonamides. Binding aAnity comparisons suggest that the p-hydroxy group on the benzoate ring, which contributes most to the binding, is playing the role of the phenolic hydroxyl of estradiol. Computational studies and NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis indicate that the two anilide systems studied have a strong preference for the s-cis or exo amide conformation, which places the two aromatic rings in a syn orientation. We used this structural template, together with the X-ray structure of the ER ligand binding domain, to elaborate an additional hydrogen bonding site on a benzamide system that elevated receptor binding further. When assayed on the individual ER subtypes, ERa and ERb, these compounds show modest binding aAnity preference for ERa. In a reporter gene transfection assay of transcriptional activity, the amides generally have full to nearly full agonist character on ERa, but have moderate to full antagonist character on ERb. One high aAnity carboxamide is 500-fold more potent as an agonist on ERa than on ERb. This work illustrates that ER ligands having simple amide core structures can be readily prepared, but that high aAnity binding requires an appropriate distribution of bulk, polarity, and functionality. The strong conformational preference of the core anilide function in all of these ligands defines a rather rigid geometry for further structural and functional expansion of these series. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Combination of a urease inhibitor and a plant essential oil to control coliform bacteria, odour production and ammonia loss from cattle waste

Aim: To evaluate urea hydrolysis, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (odour) and coliforms in cattle waste slurries after a urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and a plant oil component (thymol) were added. Methods and Results: Faeces from cattle fed a diet of 70% corn silage and 30% alfalfa haylage, urine and distilled water in the ratio 50 : 35 : 15 were blended at high speed for 1 min. Triplicate aliquots of 750 ml were amended with NBPT plus or minus thymol and reblended for 1 min, and were poured into 1·6 l wide-mouth jars covered 90% with a lid. After 56 days, thymol (2000 mg kg−1 waste) in combination with NBPT (80 mg kg−1 waste) retained 5·2 g of an initial 9·2 g of urea in cattle waste slurries, compared with less than 1 g of urea retained when NBPT was the only additive (P < 0·05). Another experiment using excreta from cattle fed 76·25% high moisture corn, 19·25% corn silage and a 4·5% supplement, blended at a low speed, gave a similar response with urea hydrolysis; and the two treatments, thymol alone and thymol in combination with NBPT, reduced VFA production (P < 0·01) and eliminated all coliform bacteria by day 1. A third experiment indicated coliforms disappeared in the no addition treatment after 8 days; however, they were viable at 6·6 × 104 CFU g−1 waste beyond 35 days in the NBPT treatment. Conclusions: Thymol supplements the effect of NBPT by increasing the inhibitory period for hydrolysis of urea in cattle waste slurries and nitrogen retention in the waste. Significance and Impact of the Study: Thymol and NBPT offer the potential to reduce odour and pathogens in cattle manure, and increase the fertilizer value.
Participation of protease‐activated receptor‐1 in thrombin‐induced microglial activation

Activation of microglia, the resident macrophages in the CNS, plays a significant role in neuronal death or degeneration in a broad spectrum of CNS disorders. Recent studies indicate that nanomolar concentrations of the serine protease, thrombin, can activate microglia in culture. However, in contrast to other neural cells responsive to thrombin, the participation of novel protease-activated receptors (PARs), such as the prototypic thrombin receptor PAR1, in thrombin-induced microglial activation was cast in doubt. In this report, by utilizing primary microglial cultures from PAR1 knockout (PAR1-/-) mice, application of the PAR1 active peptide TRAP-6 (SFLLRN) in comparison to a scrambled peptide (LFLNR), we have unambiguously demonstrated that murine microglia constitutively express PAR1 mRNA that is translated into fully functional protein. Activation of the microglial PAR1 induces a rapid cytosolic free [Ca2+]i increase and transient activation of both p38 and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Moreover, although in part, this PAR1 activation directly contributes to thrombin-induced microglial proliferation. Furthermore, although not directly inducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release, PAR1 activation up-regulates microglial CD40 expression and potentiates CD40 ligand-induced TNF-alpha production, thus indirectly contributing to microglial activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate an essential role of PAR1 in thrombin-induced microglial activation. In addition, strategies aimed at blocking thrombin signaling through PAR1 may be therapeutically valuable for diseases associated with cerebral vascular damage and significant inflammation with microglial activation.
Localization of the Binding Site for Transforming Growth Factor-β in Human α2-Macroglobulin to a 20-kDa Peptide That Also Contains the Bait Region

Abstract α2-Macroglobulin (α2M) functions as a major carrier of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in vivo. The goal of this investigation was to characterize the TGF-β-binding site in α2M. Human α2M, which was reduced and denatured to generate 180-kDa subunits, bound TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and NGF-β in ligand blotting experiments. Cytokine binding was not detected with bovine serum albumin that had been reduced and alkylated, and only minimal binding was detected with purified murinoglobulin. To localize the TGF-β-binding site in α2M, five cDNA fragments, collectively encoding amino acids 122–1302, were expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins. In ligand blotting experiments, TGF-β2 bound only to the fusion protein (FP3) that includes amino acids 614–797. FP3 bound125I-TGF-β1 and 125I-TGF-β2 in solution, preventing the binding of these growth factors to immobilized α2M-methylamine (α2M-MA). The IC50 values were 33 ± 5 and 26 ± 6 nm for TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, respectively; these values were comparable with or lower than those determined with native α2M or α2M-MA. A GST fusion protein that includes amino acids 798–1082 of α2M (FP4) and purified GST did not inhibit the binding of TGF-β to immobilized α2M-MA. FP3 (0.2 μm) neutralized the activity of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in fetal bovine heart endothelial (FBHE) cell proliferation assays; FP4 was inactive in this assay. FP3 also increased NO synthesis by RAW 264.7 cells, mimicking an α2M activity that has been attributed to the neutralization of endogenously synthesized TGF-β. Thus, we have isolated a peptide corresponding to 13% of the α2M sequence that binds TGF-β and neutralizes the activity of TGF-β in two separate biological assays.
Antiangiogenic drugs in ovarian cancer.

Background: There is a critical need to develop effective new strategies for the management of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the rationale for, and initial clinical results of, attempts to interfere with the process of tumor angiogenesis as a novel treatment paradigm in ovarian cancer. Results/ conclusion: Phase II clinical trial data provide strong support for the suggestion that antiangiogenic agents have the potential to play a major therapeutic role in this difficult malignancy. It is reasonable to acknowledge that the pending results of several ongoing evidence-based randomized Phase III trials that directly explore the clinical utility of this strategy may substantially alter the current standard management approaches in advanced ovarian cancer.
activation of expression of a cloned archaebacterial gene in Escherichia coli by IS2, IS5, or deletions

A DNA fragment from the methanogenic archaebacterium Methanococcus voltae, when cloned into the PstI site of the plasmid vector pBR322, complements the Escherichia coli argG mutation strongly or weakly depending on its orientation. Faster-growing variants derived from a strain containing the poorly expressed fragment were found to harbor plasmids which had undergone genetic rearrangements. Some of the plasmids were shown to have acquired an insertion element (IS2 or IS5), derived from the E. coli chromosome, close to the region essential for complementing activity. Other plasmids exhibited no homology with E. coli chromosomal DNA. These were found to represent multimeric forms of the parental plasmid in which 2-3 kb of DNA between the tet promoter and the argG-complementing region had been deleted. Growth rates of the variant strains in the absence of arginine varied significantly, suggesting differences in efficiency of activation of the cloned DNA.
Study on the Survival of Histoplasma Farciminosum in the Environment/Experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Lebensfähigkeit von Histoplasma Farciminosum

Summary: A study on the survival of Histoplasma farciminosum in soil and water was conducted. Five recently isolated strains of the fungus from cases of epizootic lymphangitis affecting horses were tested. The longest survival period of the organism was 18 weeks at -15°C and 16 weeks at 5°C in both soil and water. A shorter life span of eight and six weeks was recorded in nonsterile soil at 26°C and 37°C, respectively. The organism survived up to ten weeks in nosterile water at 26°C. Temperature and moisture content of the soil influenced the viability during the study. Zusammenfassung: In experimentellen Untersuchungen wurde die Lebensfahigkeit von 5 Histoplasma-farciminosum-Stammen, frisch isoliert von Pferden mit “Epizootischer Lymphangitis”, sowohl in Erd-als auch Wasserproben bei verschiedenen Temperaturen (-15°C, 5°C, 26°C und 37°C) uberpruft. Die langste Uberlebenszeit, 18 Wochen, wurde sowohl in Erd- als auch Wasserproben bei -15°C ermittelt. In Proben, aufbewahrt bei 5°C betrug die Lebensfahigkeit der Pilzstamme bis zu 16 Wochen. In nicht sterilisierten Erdproben, bei Temperaturen von 26° C bzw. 37°C, betrug die Uberlebenszeit 8 bzw. 6 Wochen. In nicht sterilen Wasserproben uberlebten die verwendeten H.-farciminosum-Stamme bei Temperaturen von 26°C bis zu 10 Wochen. Temperatur und Feuchtigkeit haben einen erheblichen Einflus auf die Uberlebenszeiten von H. farciminosum in Erdproben.
Epitaxial growth of silicon: A molecular-dynamics simulation.

We have studied the epitaxial growth of silicon using molecular-dynamics techniques. The model consists of a temperature-controlled Si(111) substrate, with the Si atoms projected towards the substrate as is done in the laboratory. The atoms interact via a potential developed by Stillinger and Weber to simulate the bulk properties of Si. We find that at low substrate temperatures the growth is not well ordered; this is in accordance with experimental observation. It is precisely the opposite of what occurs in spherically symmetric potentials that were used to simulate the growth of metallic films. At higher substrate temperatures the growth is into properly stacked, crystalline Si layers. In contrast to the growth of metals (spherically symmetric potentials), the atomic mobility on the growing surface and the thermal conductivity of the system are much lower for Si; the results of this simulation and those of our previous work are in agreement with experimental observations showing, as expected, that a major determining factor in epitaxial growth of films is the nature of the interaction potential.
Two-step growth and fabrication of thermoelectric devices employing indium phosphide nanowire networks

The ability to make a good electrical/thermal contact to a large area filled with semiconductor nanowires has been a major engineering challenge in developing this type of thermoelectric devices. A practical fabrication process of a top electrical/thermal contact onto a network of randomly oriented intersecting semiconductor nanowires was designed by implementing a sequence of two separated metal organic chemical vapor deposition processes for indium phosphide. In the first step, a nanowire network was grown on a substrate with indium phosphide nanowires grown axially. Subsequently, growth temperature and pressure were altered to change the axial growth to lateral growth that promoted the formation of indium phosphide extending over multiple nanowires. Possible growth mechanisms during the lateral growth and structural properties of the laterally grown segment will be discussed.
Detached eddy simulations and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes calculations of a spinning projectile

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes and detached eddy simulations are performed on a 0.50 caliber spinning projectile for three yaw angles over the Mach number range of 0.6–2.7. The simulations are compared with the experimental data of McCoy (McCoy, R. L., “The Aerodynamic Characteristics of 0.50 Ball, M33, API, M8, and APIT, M20 Ammunition,” U.S. Army Ballistic Research Lab. BRL-MR-3810, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Jan. 1990) and theReynolds-averagedNavier–Stokes results of Silton (Silton, S., “Navier-StokesComputations for a Spinning Projectile from Subsonic to Supersonic Speeds,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 42, No. 2, 2005, pp. 223–231). Unlike the Reynolds-averagedNavier–Stokes simulations, the detached eddy simulations are shown to predict unsteady base and wake flows, which affect the predicted aerodynamic behavior of the projectile. There are some notable differences between the predictions of the present Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations and those of Silton; they are most likely a result of the different turbulence models used. This further illustrates the sensitivity of the results to the turbulence modeling approach, for both Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes and detached eddy simulations. The largest difference between Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes and detached eddy simulations is found for the Magnus moment coefficient at small yaw angles. Analysis shows that this moment is particularly sensitive to the unsteady wake and shock motion predicted by detached eddy simulations.
A low cost environmentally benign CO2 based hydrometallurgical process

Green process technologies involving the use of liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide have shown much promise as sustainable extraction and reaction media in many applications such as homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, nanotechnology, polymer synthesis, organic transformations, and the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc. Commercialization of these technologies has been limited by the high capital equipment and utility costs of CO2 based chemical processes. Incorporation of CO2-philic groups such as perfluoroethers, perfluoroalkyls, perfluoracrylates, and siloxanes in molecules has led to organic materials capable of transporting otherwise insoluble polar and organometallic compounds into carbon dioxide at relatively moderate pressures. Combining solvating extractants and carbon dioxide has shown promise in commercial and developmental zinc recovery operations; however, transport of the metal species into carbon dioxide has been limited by the solubility of the charged organometallic compounds formed. Here we show that the use of a CO2 soluble counterion such as perfluorocarboxylic acid will enhance the solubility of organometallic compounds in carbon dioxide provided the molecules are designed to strike a balance between low cohesional energy and high free volume. Following these simple thermodynamic rules, we have identified CO2 soluble organometallic complexes that readily dissolve in carbon dioxide at a low pressure and temperature of 860 psi and 25 °C, respectively . Even though this study focuses on the design of highly CO2 soluble organometallic compounds for hydrometallurgical processes, we surmise that our guidelines can be employed for the development of CO2-philic compounds useful in applications such as catalysis, synthesis of nanoparticles, and organic synthesis in general.
Interactions between an introduced piscivore and a native piscivore in a California stream

I quantified microhabitat use and abundance of fishes in the South Yuba River (Nevada County, California) to test the hypothesis that predation by introduced smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, limits the abundance of native Sacramento pikeminnow, Ptychocheilus grandis. Predation by smallmouth bass appears to be the most likely cause of decreases in native species. Based on microhabitat experiments, competition with juvenile smallmouth bass did not contribute to predation by adult smallmouth bass on native species. The main factors that appear to favor smallmouth bass, with regard to intraguild predation with pikeminnow, are: (1) the smaller size of smallmouth bass at the onset of piscivory; (2) the greater use of cover by juvenile smallmouth bass; and (3) lower microhabitat overlaps of juvenile smallmouth bass with piscivores.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors: effect on angiotensin II‐ and oxytocin‐induced contractions in rat uterine smooth muscle

1 Eicosatetraynoic acid, the acetylene analogue of arachidonic acid, which inhibits both the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reduced the contractile response of rat uterine smooth muscle to either angiotensin II or oxytocin. 2 Indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, did not reduce the response to angiotensin II but did abolish the contractile response to low doses of oxytocin. 3 Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, totally abolished the uterine response to either oxytocin or angiotensin II. 4 The contractile response to carbachol, a cholinoceptor agonist, was unaffected by pretreatment with any of the cyclo-oxygenase or lipoxygenase inhibitors. 5 From these findings, it can be implied that some product of the arachidonate lipoxygenase pathway augments peptide-induced contractions of the rat uterus.
The 22q11.2 deletion: from diversity to a single gene theory.

The 22q11 deletion syndromes are a group of conditions in which a characteristic spectrum of congenital cardiac defects may be associated with a wide range of noncardiological congenital anomalies. These syndromes are all linked by a deletion in the long arm of chromosome 22. Although it is a large deletion, containing many genes, recent advances have led to the belief that the etiology of the diverse abnormalities of these syndromes may be a single gene deletion. This review outlines the historical development of the various “22q deletion syndromes,” including the DiGeorge, velocardiofacial, Takao, Cayler, and CATCH-22 syndromes, briefly describes the relevant cardiac embryogenesis, and then explains how a single gene deletion may encompass the full phenotypic spectrum.
Meningioma in the pediatric population

Pediatric meningiomas are rare. They are usually seen in association with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) or following radiation therapy. The tumors are more frequently intraventricular, cystic, and infratentorial than are those in adult patients. Pathologically they are more histologically aggressive than in adults and tend to recur more frequently. Complete resection is the surgical goal. The treatment of subtotally resected meningiomas, particularly in NF-2, remains controversial.
Comparative studies on the biologies of six species of Trogoderma: T. variabile.

Constant 35°C and a climate programmed at ݲ 32.2°C approached the upper limits for development of Trogoderma inclusum LeConte exposed to: (1) various constant conditions maintained within ±1.1°C and ±5% of the desired temperature and RH; and (2) programmed variable climates with temperatures fluctuating ±11.1°C around means (ݲ) of 32.2, 26.7, 21.1, and 15.6°C during each 24-h cycle, with RH varying as temperature changed. Larval development was retarded severely at constant 21.1° and ݲ 15.6°C. Differences in effects of constant 26.7°C, with 50% RH, and the ݲ 26.7°C programmed climate were negligible, but larvae developed faster at ݲ 21.1°C than at constant 21.1°C. Humidity effects varied with temperature. At the optimum temperature of 32.2°C, with 50% RH, eggs hatched in 5.2 days; larvae reared in groups required 36.8 days for males and 41.7 days for females from hatching to adult maturation; most larvae completed 5 and 6 molts before pupation of males and females, respectively; pupation and adult maturation was completed in 4.8 days for males and 4.7 days for females; the preoviposition period took 0.9 days; the oviposition period lasted 6.8 days; and an average of 84.8 larvae were produced from eggs laid by each fecund female. Decreases in temperature below the optimum resulted in slower development, reduced reproductive activity, and extended longevity of adults. Fertile eggs were laid only by mated females, and multiple matings were not required for a female to lay a full complement of eggs. Of 32 representative foods tested, pollen was the preferred host, followed by mixed animal feeds, processed grains, and several grocery commodities.
Defining Substantial Clinical Benefit for Patient-Rated Outcome Tools for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Abstract Objective To define for 2 shoulder outcomes scales the substantial clinical benefit (SCB)—a metric that defines the change amount associated with patient perception of a large meaningful improvement and that can be used to interpret change over time in the outcome score. Design Cohort. Setting Clinic. Participants Patients (N=74) with shoulder impingement syndrome. Interventions Standardized exercise and manual therapy for 6 weeks, and outcome measures completed at initial evaluation, discharge, and 6 to 8 weeks postdischarge. Main Outcome Measures Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (Penn), and a 13-point Global Rating of Change (GROC). Patients were classified as "substantially improved" when they reported "quite a bit better" (11) or greater on the GROC at discharge and again 6 to 8 weeks after discharge. Patients with GROC Results ROC analyses revealed the SCB for the DASH was 40% (area under the curve [AUC]=.79; confidence interval [CI], .69–.89) and 11 points (AUC=.63; CI, .50–.76); and for the Penn, 20% (AUC=.76; CI, .65–.87) and 21 points (AUC=.80; CI, .69–.90). Conclusions The SCB of 40% for the DASH, and 20% and 21 points for the Penn represents substantial improvement over 6 weeks of care, which was sustained at 12 weeks. The SCB of 11 points for the DASH is not recommended for use because of poor discrimination. The SCB can be used to enable clinical decision-making and in future clinical trials. Alternative approaches such as the within- and between-group change values can produce different SCB values.
CD38/Cyclic ADP-Ribose Regulates Astrocyte Calcium Signaling: Implications for Neuroinflammation and HIV-1-Associated Dementia

CD38 is a 45-kD ectoenzyme involved in the synthesis of potent calcium (Ca2+)-mobilizing agents, cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (cADPR), and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP+). In HIV-1-infected patients, increased CD38 expression on CD8+ T cells is linked to immune system activation and progression of HIV-1 infection. However, the role of CD38 upregulation in astrocyte function and HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD–now called HAND: HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder) neuropathogenesis is unclear. To these ends, we used interleukin (IL)-1β and HIV-1gp120 to activate primary human astrocytes and measured CD38 expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction and CD38 function by ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity. We also determined cADPR-mediated changes in single-cell intracellular Ca2+ transients in activated astrocytes in presence or absence of ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid. CD38 levels were downregulated using CD38 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured. We previously reported a ~20-fold rise in CD38 messenger RNA levels in IL-1β-activated astrocytes. We extend this observation and report that HIV-1gp120 potentiated CD38 expression in a dose-dependent manner and also increased CD38 enzyme activity in control and IL-1β-activated astrocytes. We demonstrate higher cADPR levels in IL-1β-activated astrocytes with a corresponding rise in [Ca2+]i upon cADPR application and its non-hydrolysable analog, 3-deaza-cADPR. In activated astrocytes, pre-treatment with the cADPR-specific antagonist 8-Br-cADPR and CD38 siRNA transfection returned elevated [Ca2+]i to baseline, thus confirming a CD38-cADPR specific response. These data are important for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of astrocyte-CD38 in HAD and have broader implications in other inflammatory diseases involving astrocyte activation and CD38 dysregulation.
RECOVERY FROM SUB-LETHAL X-RAY DAMAGE OF MAMMALIAN CELLS DURING INHIBITION OF SYNTHESIS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID.

THE ability of mammalian cells to recover from sub-lethal X-ray damage was first demonstrated by Elkind et al.1, who found that the effect of two doses separated by an interval of time was less than the effect of the same total dose given as a single exposure. This recovery phenomenon has been confirmed in vitro and in vivo in a wide variety of mammalian cell types2–5. These investigations characterized the dependence of radiation sensitivity on the interval between divided doses as having an initial increase to a maximum followed by a minimum and a subsequent new maximum plateau. The nature of the recovery curve between the fractionated doses suggested that the curve may be the result of two opposing reactions and that one reaction at least may be dependent on the metabolic state of the cell. Hence, the recovery curve may be subject to alteration when a major metabolic process is inhibited. We recently reported that the repair processes were operative under conditions in which DNA thymine was partially replaced by 5-bromouracil5. Reported here are the results of experiments designed to test whether the recovery phenomenon requires uninterrupted DNA synthesis during the interval between fractionated doses. In these experiments 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine (FUDR) was used as an inhibitor of DNA synthesis.
Metro area network optical routers and technologies: FOADM, BOADM, ROADM, and TOADM

The routing of optical signals in metropolitan area networks, core to edge, has seen significant innovations in recent years, fueled by the increased demand for bandwidth in the age of Web 2.0 applications and services. We review the main types of optical routers and describe and contrast their functionalities, attributes, architectures, use in networks, and underlying optoelectronic technologies.
The role of biomechanics in oral implantology.

This paper begins with a brief historical review of the field of biomechanics applied to oral implantology. Based on the current status of development, a set of generalized biomechanical requirements are presented covering analytical, experimental and clinical considerations. The current biomechanics status and requirements are then used to derive a three part role for the biomechanics of oral implantology. The expected benefits to be gained from implementing this role are outlined.
Retinochoroidal (optociliary) shunt veins, blindness and optic atrophy: A non‐specific sign of chronic optic nerve compression

Fifteen patients are described in whom the triad of blindness, optic disc swelling followed by optic atrophy, and optociliary shunt veins occurred. The causes of the syndrome included spheno-orbital meningioma, optic nerve glioma, meningocele of the optic nerve, and chronic papilloedema. It is postulated that chronic compression of the intraorbital portion of the optic nerve produces gradual obstruction of the central retinal vein, thus preventing the normal passage of venous blood from the retina through the central retinal vein to the cavernous sinus. Optociliary veins are a pre-existing shunt system that allows retinal venous blood to bypass the central retinal vein and exit from the orbit via the choroidal circulation and its anastomoses.
Recognition of Specific Ubiquitin Conjugates Is Important for the Proteolytic Functions of the Ubiquitin-associated Domain Proteins Dsk2 and Rad23

Ubiquitin (Ub) regulates important cellular processes through covalent attachment to its substrates. The fate of a substrate depends on the number of ubiquitin moieties conjugated, as well as the lysine linkage of Ub-Ub conjugation. The major function of Ub is to regulate the in vivo half-life of its substrates. Once a multi-Ub chain is attached to a substrate, it must be shielded from deubiquitylating enzymes for the 26 S proteasome to recognize it. Molecular mechanisms of the postubiquitylation processes are poorly understood. Here, we have characterized a family of proteins that preferentially binds ubiquitylated substrates and multi-Ub chains through a motif termed the ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA). Our in vivo genetic analysis demonstrates that such interactions require specific lysine residues of Ub that are important for Ub chain formation. We show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking two of these UBA proteins, Dsk2 and Rad23, are deficient in protein degradation mediated by the UFD pathway and that the intact UBA motif of Dsk2 is essential for its function in proteolysis. Dsk2 and Rad23 can form a complex(es), suggesting that they cooperate to recognize a subset of multi-Ub chains and deliver the Ub-tagged substrates to the proteasome. Our results suggest a molecular mechanism for differentiation of substrate fates, depending on the precise nature of the mono-Ub or multi-Ub lysine linkage, and provide a foundation to further investigate postubiquitylation events.
Clinical pharmacology of the new beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. Part 10. Beta-adrenoceptor blockade and coronary artery surgery

Abstract In an attempt to resolve the controversy concerning propranolol therapy in patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization surgery, 54 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris receiving chronic propranolol therapy entered a randomized trial and were compared with 17 patients on no propranolol therapy (group I). The 54 patients were divided into three treatment groups: in group II (n = 17) propranolol was abruptly withdrawn 48 hours prior to surgery, in group III (n = 18) propranolol was abruptly withdrawn 10 hours prior to surgery, in group IV (n = 19) propranolol was maintained until the day of surgery, half the usual dose was given 2 hours prior to surgery, and intravenous propranolol was administered every four hours postoperatively. Patients in group II and III had significantly higher increases in the rate-pressure product (RPP) during intubation, and in the postoperative periods compared to patients in groups I and IV. Group IV had the lowest increase in RPP during intubation and a significantly lower incidence of postoperative supraventricular arrhythmias. Patients abruptly withdrawn from propranolol, at 10 or 48 hours preoperatively, are more prone to increments in myocardial oxygen demands than those patients not treated with propranolol postoperatively or who were maintained on the drug. Plasma renin activity, although lower in patients treated with propranolol (group IV), did not seem to play a role in the RPP increments seen. The increased sympathetic tone associated with intubation and the postoperative period most likely contribute to the increments in RPP and the increased incidence of arrhythmia. These data show that (1) propranolol may be given safely to patients at the time of coronary artery bypass and may be maintained postoperatively without a decrement in left ventricular performance; (2) there is a “rebound effect” or increased sympathetic activity in patients who have propranolol abruptly withdrawn 10 or 48 hours prior to surgery. This “rebound effect” causes a marked increase in myocardial oxygen demands during intubation and the postoperative periods, with an increased incidence of arrhythmias. (3) Continuous propranolol treatment up until the time of surgery with maintenance of intravenous therapy in the immediate postoperative period provides protection against these complications. (4) The data and implications can reasonably be expected to apply to propranolol-treated patients with angina pectoris undergoing general anesthesia and noncardiac surgical procedures.
Resistance to Penicillium allii in accessions from a National Plant Germplasm System Allium collection

Abstract Multiple Allium accessions (garlic, and wild and ornamental Allium species) were screened for resistance using Penicillium allii and A. sativum (positive control). Single accessions of A. aflatunense , A. atroviolaceum , A. stipitatum , and Allium sp. remained asymptomatic. Single accessions of A. roseum and A. senescens , two accessions each of A. acuminatum and A. ampeloprasum and a single accession of A. moly displayed lesion expansion rates not exceeding 22%, 26%, 46%, 50%, 61%, 67% and 67%, respectively, of positive controls. Single accessions of A. sativum var. ophioscordon and A. scorodoprasum displayed rates not exceeding 68% and 55%, respectively, of positive controls with deep wounding, but did not consistently differ with shallow wounding. Accessions of A. canadense , A. sativum or A. longicuspis did not differ, differed inconsistently, or differed insubstantially from positive controls. Lesion expansion rates for A. acuminatum , A. ponticum and A. scorodoprasum were significantly less than in positive controls, but their small bulbs often rotted completely. Results document publicly available germplasm possessing significant resistance to P. allii .