cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Botanical and Phytochemical Therapy of Acne: A Systematic Review

Acne is prevalent among adolescents and adults with significant psychological effects. Standard oral and topical therapies can have significant side effects including skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, and the development of drug-resistant bacteria. The use of botanicals and phytochemicals in dermatological products is increasingly popular, and many patients are turning to these alternative therapies for treatment of acne. This study aimed to systematically review clinical studies that have investigated the use of botanical agents in the treatment of acne. PubMed and Embase databases were searched in March 2013 for trials assessing botanical therapies in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Data from these trials are presented, and methodology of each study is assessed. Twenty-three trials met inclusion criteria. Interventions included plant extracts, herbal formulations, and phytochemicals. All studies reported favorable results, and several showed equal or superior treatment to standard therapies. No serious adverse events were reported. Few studies were methodologically rigorous. Each botanical was studied in only one or two trials. Botanicals are promising therapies for acne vulgaris although further research is warranted, especially with regard to severe acne and acne resistant to conventional therapy. There is a need for standardized methods for grading acne and assessing therapeutic effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiotoxic effects of hypercatecholemia in renal insufficiency.

Renal insufficiency is regularly accompanied by an increase of the total catecholamines of the blood. Adrenolytic drugs, which inactivate circulating catecholamines, temporarily improve the abnormal S-T segments and T waves in patients with renal insufficiency but not in hypertensive patients without renal complications. It is suggested that in renal insufficiency, the retained circulating catecholamines damage cardiac metabolism and function. In agreement with previous observations, the behavior of the "left ventricular strain pattern" was relatively independent of the blood pressure level.
Cyclin T1-dependent genes in activated CD4 T and macrophage cell lines appear enriched in HIV-1 co-factors.

HIV-1 is dependent upon cellular co-factors to mediate its replication cycle in CD4+ T cells and macrophages, the two major cell types infected by the virus in vivo. One critical co-factor is Cyclin T1, a subunit of a general RNA polymerase II elongation factor known as P-TEFb. Cyclin T1 is targeted directly by the viral Tat protein to activate proviral transcription. Cyclin T1 is up-regulated when resting CD4+ T cells are activated and during macrophage differentiation or activation, conditions that are also necessary for high levels of HIV-1 replication. Because Cyclin T1 is a subunit of a transcription factor, the up-regulation of Cyclin T1 in these cells results in the induction of cellular genes, some of which might be HIV-1 co-factors. Using shRNA depletions of Cyclin T1 and transcriptional profiling, we identified 54 cellular mRNAs that appear to be Cyclin T1-dependent for their induction in activated CD4+ T Jurkat T cells and during differentiation and activation of MM6 cells, a human monocytic cell line. The promoters for these Cyclin T1-dependent genes (CTDGs) are over-represented in two transcription factor binding sites, SREBP1 and ARP1. Notably, 10 of these CTDGs have been reported to be involved in HIV-1 replication, a significant over-representation of such genes when compared to randomly generated lists of 54 genes (p value<0.00021). The results of siRNA depletion and dominant-negative protein experiments with two CTDGs identified here, CDK11 and Casein kinase 1 gamma 1, suggest that these genes are involved either directly or indirectly in HIV-1 replication. It is likely that the 54 CTDGs identified here include novel HIV-1 co-factors. The presence of CTDGs in the protein space that was available for HIV-1 to sample during its evolution and acquisition of Tat function may provide an explanation for why CTDGs are enriched in viral co-factors.
De novo synthesis of transfer and 55 RNA 1f in cleaving sea urchin embryos.

SIGNIFICANT changes in RNA metabolism have been described during early sea urchin development. Until recently the only detectable class of RNA synthesized during cleavage stages was that with a low G + C base composition and heterogeneous sedimentation properties (DNA-Jike RNA)1. The genes for nucleolar ribosomal RNA (26S and 18S) were believed to become active only following gastrulation2–4 and the products of nuclear transfer RNA (4S) genes were first detected at the mesenchyme blastula stage5. Any label in the 4S region of sucrose gradients of RNA from the cleavage stages of embryogenesis was interpreted as reflecting the turnover of the pCpCpA region of pre-existing transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.
Role of the β1 subunit in the function and stability of the 20S proteasome in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus genome encodes three proteasome component proteins: one alpha protein (PF1571) and two beta proteins (beta1-PF1404 and beta2-PF0159), as well as an ATPase (PF0115), referred to as proteasome-activating nucleotidase. Transcriptional analysis of the P. furiosus dynamic heat shock response (shift from 90 to 105 degrees C) showed that the beta1 gene was up-regulated over twofold within 5 minutes, suggesting a specific role during thermal stress. Consistent with transcriptional data, two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that incorporation of the beta1 protein relative to beta2 into the 20S proteasome (core particle [CP]) increased with increasing temperature for both native and recombinant versions. For the recombinant enzyme, the beta2/beta1 ratio varied linearly with temperature from 3.8, when assembled at 80 degrees C, to 0.9 at 105 degrees C. The recombinant alpha+beta1+beta2 CP assembled at 105 degrees C was more thermostable than either the alpha+beta1+beta2 version assembled at 90 degrees C or the alpha+beta2 version assembled at either 90 degrees C or 105 degrees C, based on melting temperature and the biocatalytic inactivation rate at 115 degrees C. The recombinant CP assembled at 105 degrees C was also found to have different catalytic rates and specificity for peptide hydrolysis, compared to the 90 degrees C assembly (measured at 95 degrees C). Combination of the alpha and beta1 proteins neither yielded a large proteasome complex nor demonstrated any significant activity. These results indicate that the beta1 subunit in the P. furiosus 20S proteasome plays a thermostabilizing role and influences biocatalytic properties, suggesting that beta subunit composition is a factor in archaeal proteasome function during thermal stress, when polypeptide turnover is essential to cell survival.
On the parametric failures of SRAM in a 3D-die stack considering tier-to-tier supply cross-talk

This paper analyzes the supply crosstalk between logic cores and SRAMs on separate tiers in a 3D die-stack using a distributed RLC based 3D power grid model. The analysis shows that due to the supply cross-talk power variation in cores modulates the performances and parametric failures in SRAM.
Adolescent character formation and psychoanalytic theory

The foremost implication of the Freudian theories of adolescence has been that the analyst enters into an alliance with the patient's developmental process. During sessions, stock is routinely taken of the adolescent patient's defenses and drive fixations. The interpersonal and object relations theories of adolescents' character formation varied with each other and also with the assumptions of classical Freudian metapsychology. Yet, Sullivan, Fairbairn, and Winnicott all stressed relatedness in character formation. They each urged that the attitudes of the actual person in significant relationships, as well as the internal representations of the self and the object, shaped the character tendencies of the child or adolescent. Sullivan was very outspoken about his belief that there could be no uniformly valid theory of character, because people are unique. However, for Sullivan, the needs for the validation of self-worth, and for freedom from anxiety, were universal stimuli for the increasing organization of character trends. In both interpersonal theory and object relations theories, dissociative processes were of paramount importance as defensive operations. Dissociation by the adolescent resulted in further instances of ego splitting (for Fairbairn), of the bad me (for Sullivan), and of the false self (for Winnicott). Fairbairn, and to some extent Winnicott, used the language of classical Freudian theory in order to shape an object relations theory of adolescent development. In spite of their theoretical differences, Sullivan, Fairbairn, and Winnicott spoke with a singular voice in dismissing the exclusive significance of libidinal fixations in character consolidation. I now wish to review Freud's case of Dora as an addendum to this short critical appraisal. The analysis of Dora readily lends itself to a discussion of the confluence of the psychoanalytical models' clinical theories. Dora's unfortunate experience in treatment offered a compelling example of the precariousness of adolescents' adjustment in the midst of developmental and family turmoil.
Stealth surgery: subcutaneous endoscopic excision of benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremity.

Abstract Background Benign subcutaneous lesions of the trunk are typically excised through overlying skin incisions, which can result in permanent, potentially disfiguring scars. We previously reported our experience with transaxillary subcutaneous endoscopic approach for removal of benign lesions of the neck. Here we report a similar approach for removing benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremity. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 4 consecutive subcutaneous endoscopic procedures for benign truncal and lower extremity lesions from November 2006 to October 2008 . The lesions included an anterior chest wall epidermal inclusion cyst, anterior midsternal dermoid cyst, left posterior chest wall giant lipoma, and a lipoma extending from the right gluteal crease onto the thigh . Outcome measures included need for conversion, cosmetic outcome, and complications. Results All procedures were successfully completed using the endoscopic approach without conversion to open excision. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included a 1 cm seroma at cyst site, axillary port site wound infection, and punctate dermal thinning secondary to adherent dermoid cyst, all resolved by 2 weeks postoperatively. All wounds healed with excellent cosmetic result at 1-month follow-up. Conclusions A subcutaneous endoscopic approach can be applied effectively to a variety of benign lesions of the trunk and lower extremities with adequate exposure for dissection and resulting in a quick recovery. Truncal and lower extremity scarring is absent, with small scars well hidden in either the axilla or the buttock, respectively.
APPLICATION OF THE LIST OF VALUES ALTERNATIVE PSYCHOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT SCALE

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of the List of Values (LOV) method of assessing consumers' psychographic profiles. The LOV is a public domain scale composed of nine value-items on which c...
A comparative analysis of constitutive and cell-specific promoters in the adult mouse hippocampus using lentivirus vector-mediated gene transfer.

Background Viral vectors provide powerful tools for transgene delivery to the mammalian brain to assess the effects of therapeutic proteins, antisense RNAs or small interfering RNAs. A key advantage of such approaches is that specific brain regions implicated in a particular disease can be independently targeted. Methods To optimize transgene expression in sub-regions of the mouse hippocampus and with a view towards devising gene therapy strategies for Alzheimer's disease, we designed lentivirus-based reporter vectors bearing various promoters, including constitutive and cell-specific promoters. Furthermore, we devised methods allowing a side-by-side comparison of transgene expression levels in neural cells both in vitro and in vivo. Results Following stereotaxic injection into the adult mouse hippocampus, titer-adjusted lentiviral vectors bearing constitutive promoters resulted in robust and sub-region-specific transgene expression. Our results show that the human CMV-IE promoter resulted in efficient transgene expression in the entire hippocampus whereas transgene expression mediated by the hybrid hEF1α/HTLV promoter was limited mainly in the dentate gyrus and the CA2/3 region. Finally, the neuron-specific human synapsin I promoter was particularly effective in the dentate gyrus. Conclusions These findings indicate that subregion-specific transgene expression in the hippocampus can be achieved following lentivirus vector-mediated gene transfer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic age hardening of cold-deformed bulk equiatomic Fe–Pd intermetallics during isothermal annealing

Abstract The interplay between the ordering reaction with recovery and recrystallization of the as-deformed state leads to combined reactions (CRs) during annealing of cold-deformed disordered Fe–Pd intermetallics at temperatures below the critical ordering temperature. CRs can be exploited to control the scale and morphology of the Fe–Pd alloy microstructures in order to optimize alloy properties. Here, the magnetic age hardening behavior and microstructural evolution of cold-deformed (cold rolled to 97% reduction in thickness) binary equiatomic Fe–Pd has been studied for isothermal annealing at temperatures of 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C. The evolution of the microstructure during the annealing treatments has been characterized by a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The magnetic age hardening behavior, the evolution of the coercivity as a function of annealing time, has been determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The microstructures of the transforming material have been characterized quantitatively using computer assisted image analysis methods. The CR transformed microstructures are morphologically equiaxed with average grain sizes in the sub-micron range and show coercivity up to five-fold larger than for conventionally processed equiatomic bulk Fe–Pd. During annealing the coercivity increases up to a maximum peak value and has been correlated with the increasing fraction of ordered material. The maximum coercivity obtains, as the ordering phase transformation is complete. With respect to conventionally processed material the ordering transformation in the cold-deformed material exhibits accelerated kinetics and is facilitated by a CR, which involves heterogeneous nucleation and growth processes akin to a ‘massive ordering’ reaction. Further annealing leads to decreasing coercivity, which has been attributed to the onset of grain growth in the population of CR-transformed grains. The characteristic magnetic age hardening response has been rationalized in terms of the microstructural observations.
Comparison of chemically inert and reactive metal-compound-semiconductor interfaces: AuGa2 and gold on GaSb(001)

Abstract AuGa 2 -GaSb(001) and Au-GaSb(001) interfaces were prepared by molecular beam deposition and studied using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), electron energy loss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microprobe analysis. AuGa 2 was chosen as an inert contact because it terminates a pseudobinary tie-line in the Au-Ga-Sb ternary phase diagram. Annealing a AuGa 2 film 500 A thick (deposited with a small excess of gallium) on GaSb to 747 K yielded islands of AuGa 2 and gallium, residing on top of a relatively smooth and flat substrate. In contrast, a gold film 500 A thick annealed to 723 K reacted chemically with the substrate resulting in the formation of islands consisting of Au-Ga compound phase(s) and gross pitting of the GaSb(001) surface. An LEED-AES study of the annealing behavior of a gold film 40 A thick on GaSb(001) showed that gold reacts with GaSb even at room temperature. The resultant Au-Ga phase(s) in the film coalesce into islands above about 500 K. The chemical inertness of the AuGa 2 and the reactivity of the gold thin films are entirely consistent with the bulk thermodynamic properties of the Au-Ga-Sb system.
LTD and LTP at the developing retinogeniculate synapse.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether retinal activity can support long-term changes in synaptic strength in the developing dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of thalamus. ...
Convection-induced novel oscillating microstructure formation in peritectic systems

Abstract Critical experiments have been carried out to examine the formation of banded microstructures in the peritectic Sn–Cd system in both diffusive and convective regimes. It is shown that in directional solidification studies by a conventional method in 3–6 mm diameter tubes, a new oscillatory structure forms which is induced by convection. In this oscillatory mode the two phases form an interconnected network which appear as bands only on specific cross-sections. A successive sectioning has revealed that this microstructure consists of a large tree-like structure of the primary phase that is surrounded by the peritectic phase. A new experimental technique is developed to obtain diffusive growth by directionally solidifying in very thin samples. As the diameter of the sample was reduced, convection effects were reduced and the oscillatory structure was found to disappear for compositions in the hyperperitectic region. Only in the hypoperitectic composition range, where band formation is predicted by the diffusive model, discrete bands have been observed to form in thin samples of diameter 0.6 mm or less.
Adolescent Sexual Assault Victims and the Legal System: Building Community Relationships to Improve Prosecution Rates

Adolescents are at high risk for sexual assault, but few of these crimes are reported to the police and prosecuted by the criminal justice system. To address this problem, communities throughout the United States have implemented multidisciplinary interventions to improve post-assault care for victims and increase prosecution rates. The two most commonly implemented interventions are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs and Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether community-level context (i.e., stakeholder engagement and collaboration) was predictive of adolescent legal case outcomes, after accounting for “standard” factors that affect prosecution success (i.e., victim, assault, and evidence characteristics). Overall, 40% of the adolescent cases from these two SANE–SART programs (over a 10-year period) were successfully prosecuted. Cases were more likely to be prosecuted for younger victims, those with disabilities, those who knew their offenders, and instances in which the rape evidence collection kit was submitted by police for analysis. After accounting for these influences, multi-level modeling results revealed that in one site decreased allocation of community resources to adolescent sexual assault cases had a significant negative effect on prosecution case outcomes. Results are explained in terms of Wolff’s (Am J Community Psychol 29:173–191, 2001) concept of “over-coalitioned” communities and Kelly’s (1968) ecological principles.
The Role of CD2 Family Members in NK-Cell Regulation of B-Cell Antibody Production

Natural Killer (NK) cells, an important component of the innate immune system, can mount much more rapid responses upon activation than adaptive antigen specific responses. Among the various functions attributed to NK cells their effect on antibody production merits special attention. The modification of IgG subclasses distribution as well as the amplification of the B cell response can be functionally relevant both for mediation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and for control of dysregulated autoantibody production. In this review recent experimental evidence for the mechanistic basis of the effect of NK cells on B cell-responses will be covered. Thus, it will be shown that these effects are mediated not only via activation of cytokine and Toll-like receptors (TLR), but also by direct receptor-ligand interactions. Importantly, the function of these receptor/ligands, CD48 and CD244, do not require recognition of class I-MHC molecules but are more dependent on inflammatory conditions brought about by infection or oncogenesis.
Particulate-TiC-hardened steel surfaces by laser melt injection

Abstract Hardened surfaces were produced on 304 stainless steel by the recently developed process of injecting carbide particles into a shallow laser-melted surface layer. The injected TiC can alter the surface properties in two different ways. With processing conditions chosen to minimize the dissolution of the particles, the surface layer consists of the hard relatively coarse (a cross section of the order of 100 μm) injected particles in a soft matrix. With processing conditions chosen to promote the dissolution of the injected TiC, fine (a cross section of the order of 1 μm) dendritic carbides formed on cooling contribute to the hardening of the surface.
Production of indigotin in submerged culture using morchella nov. ES-1

A new strain of the fungusMorchella nov. ES-1 (ATCC 20951) that produces blue pigment in submerged culture has been isolated. The blue pigment was extracted by chloroform or ethyl acetate treatment. The crude extract when chromatographed yielded three fractions; a blue one has been identified by mass spectrometry as indigotin. Fermentation studies using enriched media revealed that maximum accumulation of indigotin in culture was approx 24 mg/L in 168 h.
Overweight and obesity among Alaskan Eskimos of the Bering Straits Region: the Alaska Siberia project.

OBJECTIVE: To document the height, weight, BMI and prevalence of obesity for Eskimo residents of four villages of the Bering Straits Region of Alaska. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: 454 Non-pregnant residents over 24 y of age, with at least one Eskimo grandparent participated in one cross sectional survey within each village. MEASUREMENTS: Height, weight, calculation of BMI (kg/m2), proportion of ‘overweight’ (BMI 25–29.9), and proportion of ‘obese’ (BMI≥30). RESULTS: For women and men, respectively, mean heights were 153.4 and 165.2 cm; weights were 64.2 and 71.6 kg; and BMI were 27.2 and 26.2 kg/m2 after age standardization. For women, 27.9% were overweight, and 32.8% were obese compared with 36.2% and 15.6%, respectively, for men. Alaskan Eskimo participants of the Alaska Siberia Project had a significantly lower proportion of total overweight (BMI≥25, 54.9% for women, and 32.0% for men) compared with the three sites of the Strong Heart Study, which ranged from 65.9 to 80.2% for women and 53.6 to 66.7% for men. Compared with American men of all races, the proportion of overweight and obese participants was similar for Eskimo men. The proportion of obese was significantly higher for Eskimo women compared with American women of all races, but the proportion of overweight was similar. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of obesity among the Alaskan Eskimos is lower than for American Indians, the high proportion of overweight observed in this study is of concern for Alaskan Eskimo adults, especially for women.
Surviving the storm: two cases of thyroid storm successfully treated with plasmapheresis

Thyroid storm is a rare, but critical, illness that can lead to multiorgan failure and carries a high death rate. The following case series describes two adult men with Graves’ disease who presented in thyroid storm and either failed or could not tolerate conventional medical management. However, both patients responded well to plasmapheresis, which resulted in clinical and biochemical stabilisation of their disease processes. The treatment option of plasmapheresis should be considered as a stabilising measure, especially when patients have failed or cannot tolerate conventional therapy. Plasmapheresis leads to amelioration of symptoms and a significant decline in thyroid hormone levels, providing a window to treat definitively with thyroidectomy.
A Knock-In Model of Human Epilepsy in Drosophila Reveals a Novel Cellular Mechanism Associated with Heat-Induced Seizure

Over 40 missense mutations in the human SCN1A sodium channel gene are linked to an epilepsy syndrome termed genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Inheritance of GEFS+ is dominant, but the underlying cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we report that knock-in of a GEFS+ SCN1A mutation (K1270T) into the Drosophila sodium channel gene, para, causes a semidominant temperature-induced seizure phenotype. Electrophysiological studies of GABAergic interneurons in the brains of adult GEFS+ flies reveal a novel cellular mechanism underlying heat-induced seizures: the deactivation threshold for persistent sodium currents reversibly shifts to a more negative voltage when the temperature is elevated. This leads to sustained depolarizations in GABAergic neurons and reduced inhibitory activity in the central nervous system. Furthermore, our data indicate a natural temperature-dependent shift in sodium current deactivation (exacerbated by mutation) may contribute to febrile seizures in GEFS+ and perhaps normal individuals.
Regulation of intracellular free arachidonic acid in Aplysia nervous system.

We have studied the regulation of arachidonic acid (AA) uptake, metabolism, and release inAplysia nervous system. Following uptake of [3H]AA, the distribution of radioactivity in intracellular and extracellular lipid pools was measured as a function of time in the presence or absence of exogenous AA. The greatest amount of AA was esterified into phosphatidylinositol (relative to pool size). We found that the intracellular free AA pool underwent rapid turnover, and that radioactive free AA and eicosanoids were released at a rapid rate into the extracellular medium, both in the presence and absence of exogenous AA. Most of the released radioactivity originated from phosphatidylinositol.
Condensed water on superhydrophobic carbon films

Nanostructured carbon materials, including carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanowalls, exhibit a wide range of interesting properties dictated by the many different bonding configurations. Many of these materials can possess superhydrophobic behavior when water drops are placed on their surfaces: these drops have high contact angles and can roll freely on the surfaces, which is desirable for self-cleaning. In this work, we prepared porous carbon films using a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. These films showed superhydrophobicity with contact angle of 150°, which was explained by the synergetic effect of the highly rough surface combined with the hydrogen terminated edges of graphene sheets. However, the condensed water drops can behave differently: the drops did not roll readily. This behavior mimicked that of water on lotus leaves and further demonstrated that the reported superhydrophobic behavior is a function of how the water gets on to the surfaces.
Connecting the dots between G proteins, G protein coupled receptors, and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (Comment on DOI 10.1002/bies.201300082).

Kabbani et al. [1] in their article in the Hypothesis section of the present volume, present a strong case for functionally important interactions between heterotrimeric G proteins (guanosine nucleotide-binding proteins), G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. They compile information from an impressive array of relevant findings in the literature and couple this with a new analysis of receptor structure to generate a testable hypothesis that certain amino acids in the major intracellular loop of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors form the binding site for G proteins. Why is this of interest? For one, the GPCRs provide important targets for a large number of drugs and have been implicated in numerous physiological functions. Similarly, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been widely studied as representative of the family of neurotransmitter receptors that produce their major effects through their intrinsic ligand-gated ion channels. Could some members of these disparate receptor families be linked through a network of protein interactions involving G proteins as intracellular messengers? Some of the strongest evidence for an interaction between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and G proteins comes from a limited number of functional and proteomic studies of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor made up of the alpha7 subunit. The alpha7 nAChR is considered to be ancestral in many respects as its presence extends to a wide number of invertebrate species. Phylogenetic analysis supports this view as well as the fact that the alpha7 nAChR nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a pentamer consisting of only one type of subunit, i.e., alpha7, unlike all other nAChRs, which have apparently evolved through gene duplication and selection as a heterogenous array of heteromeric pentamers formed from about a dozen different subunits in mammals including humans. Notably, the alpha7 subunit has also drawn attention in recent years for its expression in a variety of non-neuronal tissues and cell types including murine macrophages where the alpha7 subunit nAChR has been implicated in the regulation of inflammation through stimulation of the vagus nerve [2]. In many cases, it is unclear whether the alpha7 subunit containing nAChRs located in non-neuronal tissue function as ligand-gated ion channels, as it can be very technically challenging to demonstrate alpha7-mediated ion flux even in neurons. A potentially exciting extension of the hypothesis proposed in the report by Kabbani et al. [1], and consistent with previous proteomic studies of mouse brain nAChRs and their interacting proteomes, would be that intracellular protein-protein interactions, perhaps involving G proteins, may play a major role in mediating the alpha7-mediated actions of nicotinic agonists such as acetylcholine and nicotine in non-neuronal cell types.
Artificial muscles versus natural actuators from frogs to flies

When is a human-made actuator an artificial muscle. Natural actuators in the animal kingdom vary greatly in their capacity and role. Maximum stress variety by 100-fold as does the velocity at which muscles contract. Some muscles generate near maximum force over broad strain ranges, while others function over only the narrowest ranges. Frequencies of operation range from less than 1 Hz to 1000 Hz. Mass- specific power output can reach over 250 W/kg muscle. Muscles function not simply as force generators, but as springs and dampers. Our isolated muscle experiments on insects show that some muscles function primarily as energy absorber sand have a role in control, while others are effective at power generation. At present, we are evaluating EAPs to see where these actuators fit in the functional space of nature's muscles. EAPs appear particularly promising as artificial muscles for insect-sized robots.
A simple demonstration of the central limit theorem by dropping balls onto a grid of pins

We present a simple procedure for demonstrating the central limit theorem by dropping stainless steel balls on a grid of pins. The experiment is part of a laboratory course on statistics for physics students that emphasizes the application of statistics in data analysis.
Development and characterization of polyclonal antibodies against chicken adipocytes

Abstract 1. Antisera against chicken adipocytes were developed in sheep. These crude antisera showed a high degree of reactivity to adipocyte plasma membranes but also cross-reacted to a lesser extent with other tissues. 2. Antisera cross-reactivity was removed by adsorption of the antisera with various chicken tissue plasma membranes. 3. Antisera reacted with differing affinity to adipocyte plasma membranes from several species of animals.
Murine retrovirus Pr65gag forms a 130K dimer in the absence of disulfide reducing agents

Abstract Gazdar-murine sarcoma virus (Gz-MSV) particles, obtained from tissue culture fluids of chronically infected HTG-2 hamster cells are immature in morphology and contain uncleaved Pr65 gag as the predominant protein (>95% Coomassie blue stain) ( A. Pinter and E. deHarven, 1979 , Virology , 99 , 103–110; Y. Yoshinaka and R. B. Luftig, 1982 , Virology , 118 , 380–388). When Gz-MSV particles are disrupted in 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and then analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in the absence of reducing agents, such as β-mercaptoethanol (β-MSH) almost half of the Pr65 gag Coomassie blue-stained band is detected as a band at a M r of 130K. Electrophoretic blotting studies with monospecific antisera against MuLV p30, p15, p12, and p10 showed that the 130K band cross-reacted with all four antigens suggesting that it was a dimer of Pr65 gag Two-dimensional (2D) SDS-PAGE where the first dimension was run under nonreducing conditions and the second with β-MSH, supported the contention that the 130K band was a dimeric complex of Pr65 gag One also saw minor amounts of a 260K and higher polymeric forms of Pr65 gag on the SDS gels, suggesting that polymeric forms may exist as well. When 32 P-labeled Gz-MSV particles obtained by in vivo labeling of infected HTG-2 cells with [ 32 P]PPi were electrophoresed on SDS-PAGE, only 10% of the 32 P label was detected at the 130K position. In contrast, 30% of the Coomassie blue-stained Pr65 gag material was found at 130K on the 2D gels. This suggests that unphosphorylated Pr65 gag is more likely to participate in dimer formation than phosphorylated Pr65 gag Pr65 gag of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV), which is present as a minor (5% of stain) protein band on SDS-PAGE also showed 130K dimers. Further, in β-MSH-deficient SDS preparations of Gz-MSV, electrophoresed after trypsin treatment, a 32K band that stained with p15, but not p10, p12, nor p30, antisera was observed. If β-MSH was added, this band was no longer present. Thus Pr65 gag dimerization in immature MuLV particles appears to at least involve the p15 region of the polyprotein. Since p15 is an extremely hydrophobic protein, formation of Pr65 gag dimers may occur when virion precursor proteins are brought to the cell membrane during virus assembly.
What Do We Know About Glass Ceiling Effects? A Taxonomy and Critical Review to Inform Higher Education Research

The concept of “glass ceiling effects” has emerged in social science research in general and higher education in particular over the past 20 years. These studies have described the impediments that women and people of color encounter in their quest for senior-level positions (e.g., CEOs) in society as glass ceiling effects. Literature, both empirical and non-empirical, has provided broad and varied interpretations of glass ceiling effects. In turn, the literature is less-than-settled on the application of glass ceiling effects. In this manuscript, the authors analyzed and critiqued 66 documents in order to advance theoretical and practical knowledge regarding glass ceiling effects in higher education.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a CPR and Intubation Video Decision Support Tool for Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND Decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation are a core part of advance care planning, particularly for seriously ill hospitalized patients. However, these discussions are often avoided.
Optical, X-ray and γ-ray observations of compact objects in globular clusters

Abstract In the past three years, a new era of study of globular clusters has begun with multiwavelength observations from the current generation of astronomical telescopes in space. We review the recent results obtained from our studies of compact binaries and x-ray sources in globulars with ROSAT and HST as well as our balloon-borne hard x-ray telescope EXITE and ground-based observations (CTIO). With ROSAT, we have obtained the most sensitive high resolution soft x-ray images of clusters which show multiple low luminosity sources in cluster cores that are likely indicative of the long-sought population of cataclysmic variables (CVs). We have obtained deep Hα images of two clusters with HST and found CV candidates for 3 of the ROSAT sources in the core of NGC 6397. New CTIO imaging and spectroscopy of two ‘dim source’ fields in ω-Cen are also described. With EXITE we carried out the first hard x-ray imaging observations of the cluster 47 Tuc; such studies can ultimately limit the populations of millisecond pulsars and pulsar emission mechanisms. A long ROSAT exposure on 47 Tuc also shows probable cluster diffuse emission, possibly due to hot gas from ablating millisecond pulsars. Multiwavelength studies of globular clusters may provide new constraints on problems as diverse as the origin of CVs and LMXBs and the origin of hot gas in globulars.
The Ballistocardiogram in Acute Rheumatic Fever

Sixty-four ballistocardiograms were obtained on a portable equalized electromagnetic ballistocardiograph from 18 young adult males with acute rheumatic fever. Thirteen of these subjects had clinical findings suggestive of heart involvement and five did not. Abnormal records were obtained from only one patient in each group. It appears, therefore, that abnormal ballistocardiograms are not often found in acute rheumatic fever even when evidences of cardiac involvement are present.
Motion events in Chinese novels: Evidence for an equipollently-framed language

Motion events typically involve an entity moving along a path in a certain manner. Research on language typology has identified three types of languages based on the characteristic expression of manner and path information. In satellite-framed languages, the main verb expresses information about manner of movement and a subordinate satellite element (e.g., a verb particle) to the verb conveys the path of movement. In verb-framed languages, the main verb expresses the core information of the path of movement, and the manner information is expressed in a subordinate structure (e.g., a gerundive). Both manner and path, however, are expressed by equivalent grammatical forms in equipollently-framed languages. In this paper, we explore the place of Mandarin Chinese in motion event typology through an examination of motion event descriptions in Chinese novels. We find that Chinese writers do not pattern their narrative descriptions of motion events as do writers of satellite-framed languages, nor as writers of verb-framed languages. Rather, Chinese writers follow unique habitual patterns of language use that lead to the contention that Chinese is an equipollently-framed language.
Eutectoid decomposition mechanisms in hypoeutectoid Ti-X alloys

A TEM study has been made of the bainite reaction in five hypoeutectoid Ti-X alloys, where X was successively cobalt, chromium, copper, iron and nickel. Rational orientation relationships were demonstrated amongst eutectoid α, eutectoid intermetallic compound and the β matrix in Ti-Ni, Ti-Co and Ti-Cr. Formation of Ti2Co at α:β boundaries was observed. Eutectoid α in bainite was found to be slightly misoriented with respect to proeutectoid α, indicating that it is separately nucleated, perhaps sympathetically, rather than the result of the continued growth of proeutectoid α. Eutectoid Ti2Co and Ti2Cu crystals in bainite were approximately equiaxed whereas Ti-Cr2 crystals were elongated, a result ascribed to a ledge height-to-spacing ratio ν/λ at intermetallic compound crystal: β boundaries approaching that of eutectoid (α:β boundaries in Ti-Cr but not in the other two systems. In the Ti-Fe alloy, eutectoid α and eutectoid TiFe were directly observed to have ledged interphase boundaries with their β matrix, but with different inter-ledge spacings and growth directions. Observation of pearlite lamellae growing normal to the broad faces of proeutectoid α plates in the Ti-Ni alloy indicates that this mode of eutectoid decomposition, like that of bainite, can develop from partially coherent interphase boundaries. The suggestion was offered that pearlite forms when λ approachesh at the nucleating proeutectoid α:β interface and that bainite develops when λ h at this interface.
Field Evaluation of Insecticide Application Strategies on Development of Insecticide Resistance by Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Five insecticide application regimes were evaluated to investigate their influence on development of insecticide resistance in field populations of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). These regimes included season-long sequential esfenvalerate applications; two alternate uses of esfenvalerate, azinphosmethyl, endosulfan, oxamyl, and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis ; an integrated pest management (IPM) program; and one early season esfenvalerate application. Response of Colorado potato beetle from each treatment to four insecticides was determined at the beginning and end of the growing season. Afilter-paper technique was used to estimate the concentration response relationship for first instars, and a topical application bioassay was used to measure response of adults. Differences in esfenvalerate susceptibility existed among treatments in the early season; these differences were correlated with frequency of esfenvalerate applications during the previous season. Populations from all field treatments at the end of season showed an increase in resistance to esfenvalerate and endosulfan but not to azinphosmethyl or oxamyl. Increases in resistance generally were related to the frequency that a specific chemical was applied. We observed significant correlations between increase in esfenvalerate resistance and number of esfenvalerate applications in a given regime; 10 applications resulted in a 3.6-fold increase. Direct selection by esfenvalerate appeared to be the primary factor in development of resistance in these populations. Consequently, we suggest that reduction of repeated pyrethroid use is critical for limiting resistance development. The lowest increase in esfenvalerate resistance was found in the IPM treatment, indicating that this management strategy was also effective in retarding resistance development.
MOCA: a multiprocessor on-line competitive algorithm for real-time system scheduling

Abstract We study competitive on-line scheduling in multiprocessor real-time environments. In our model, every task has a deadline and a value that it obtains only if it completes by its deadline. A task can be assigned to any processor, all of which are equally powerful. The problem is to design an on-line scheduling algorithm (i.e. one in which the scheduler has no knowledge of a task unit it is released) with worst-case guarantees as to the total value obtained by the system. We study systems with two or more processors. We present an inherent limit on the best competitive guarantee that any on-line parallel real-time scheduler can give. Then we present a competitive algorithm that achieves a worst-case guarantee which is within a small factor from the best possible guarantee in many cases. These are the most general results yet known for competitive scheduling of multiprocessor real-time systems.
Learning about the practice of peritoneal dialysis

Observational studies are valuable and provocative. We are learning about how we practice peritoneal dialysis (PD) and how we might improve on that practice. For example, outcomes of PD therapy are not worse in large patients. Perhaps this will encourage physicians and patients to utilize PD in large patients. In addition, better descriptions of how we practice will help to identify systematic barriers to the advancement of home dialysis.
Effects of Intra-Abdominal Pressure on Renal Tissue Perfusion During Laparoscopy*

An animal model was established to study the effects of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on systemic and renal hemodynamics during laparoscopy. In a pilot study in five dogs, we simultaneously recorded carotid artery blood flow (CABF), carotid artery blood pressure (CABP), inferior vena caval pressure (IVCP), renal parenchymal blood flow, and IAP. The renal parenchymal blood flow was measured by a laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) needle probe and the renal artery blood flow by an ultrasonic Doppler probe, both placed through laparotomy. The reliability and reproducibility of these two measurements at different renal perfusion pressures were documented. The established method was then used to assess the effects of increased IAP on renal hemodynamics during laparoscopy in six pigs. Pneumoperitoneum was achieved by insufflating the abdominal cavity with air. The LDF needle probe was inserted into the renal parenchyma laparoscopically. An increase in IAP from 0 to 40 mm Hg did not influence CABP. However, significant decreases in CABF were seen from 190.8 +/- 59.5 mL/min at 0 mm Hg IAP to 169 +/- 43.6 mL/min at 15 mm Hg. The CABF decreased in a linear fashion as IAP was increasing (correlation coefficient R = 0.976). Renal cortical blood flow (RCBF) decreased from 50.1 +/- 17.7 mL/min per 100 g at 0 mm Hg to IAP to 21.2 +/- 9.6 mL/min per 100 g of tissue at 15 mm Hg. There was an exponential correlation between IAP and RCBF (R = 0.897).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Origin and early migration of primordial germ cells in the chick embryo: a study of the stages definitive primitive streak through eight somites.

The germinal crescent in the chick embryo is characterized by small, PAS-positive, nonglycogen granules from 1.5 to 5 μ in diameter. The primordial germ cells (PGCs) were found to originate in and separate from the germinal crescent endoderm through stage 7 (2 somites). Shortly after separation most of the granules in the PGCs lost their organization and the PAS-positive material was distributed irregularly throughout the cytoplasm. A few of these granules remained within the cells indefinitely. Glycogen of an agranular nature which had shifted to one pole of the cell was observed at stage four. Granular glycogen which was distributed throughout the cytoplasm was not observed prior to stage 7 or 8. Cell counts on individual embryos showed noticeable variations as to the number of germ cells between embryos of the same stage. For example, in stage 4 embryos the minimum number of cells counted, including attached and free, was 78 and the maimum 169, while in stage 9 the minimum was 83 and the maximum 469 cells. After separation the germ cells were observed almost anywhere between the ectoderm and the endoderm although the majority remained in the area where they originated.
Pathophysiology of Chronic Progressive Renal Disease in the African American Patient with Hypertension

Chronic renal failure and ESRD are major causes of morbidity, mortality, and chronic disability in patients in the United States. Hypertension is a major underlying cause of chronic progressive renal disease and continues to be a leading reason for the heavy burden of ESRD observed in African Americans. Hypertension is actually a syndrome of vascular pathology manifesting itself in patients by a constellation of common findings and attributes. These pathophysiologic alterations include dysregulation of arterial compliance, endothelial dysfunction, obesity and insulin resistance, abnormal sympathetic nervous system activation, accelerated atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and a propensity for increased vascular thrombogenesis among others. This review will focus on some of the important mechanisms possibly involved in the progression of renal disease in the setting of chronic hypertension.