cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A sociological hermeneutics for schizophrenic language

Abstract Drawing upon Kenneth Burke's distinction between semantic and poetic meaning in all language used by human actors, a sociological hermeneutics for understanding the social character of schizophrenic language is developed. The study's perspective is identified through a critical review of Roy Wolcott, Harry Stack Sullivan, Norman Cameron, Gregory Bateson, and Janusz Wrobel's work on the language of schizophrenia. A humanistic interest in the development of more inclusive and open interactions with people suffering from schizophrenia is advocated.
Perioperative fluid balance and acute kidney injury.

Positive fluid balance (FB) has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes. We performed this study to explore the relationship between perioperative fluid balance and acute kidney injury (AKI). The relationships between FB and AKI were explored using a prospective, observational design. Patients were divided into quartiles based on FB status in the first 24 h from initiation of surgery in order to further explore this relationship. One hundred adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery were included in the analysis. The major finding of the study was that positive FB occurred early in the intraoperative period and progressed into the postoperative period and that fluid administration was not clearly associated with any identifiable volume-sensitive event. The evolution of positive FB preceded the rise in serum creatinine. Progressive severity of positive FB was associated with increased incidence of AKI. The highest quartile FB group had a five-fold increased risk for AKI (adjusted odds ratio 4.98, 95 % confidence interval 1.38–24.10, p = 0.046) compared to the lowest quartile group, higher postoperative peak serum creatinine values (p < 0.001), surgery-related complications (p < 0.001) and intensive care unit (p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (p = 0.048). Positive FB was associated with increased incidence of AKI.
Cognitive and Behavioral Responses to Trauma

In order to identify cognitive and behavioral responses to trauma, we have studied responses to mass casualty body handling following the Gander, Newfoundland, plane crash of 1985 and the 1989 USS Iowa disaster, and responses to a simulated chemical and biological warfare environment. Individual and group trauma behaviors show prominent: (a) thinking by similarity (identification, and looking for the familiar/ seeing the past in the present); (b) attribution of meaning (rituals, symbols, language, and rumors); and (c) contagion of behavior. These processes highlight the importance of the study of responses to different traumatic stressors in order to identify cognitive mechanisms and behaviors activated by trauma. Such phenomena may be important to our understanding of the effects of traumatic stress and their acute and long-term health outcomes.
Race, social class, and predictive bias: An evaluation using the WISC, WRAT, and teacher ratings☆

Abstract This study evaluated the interrelationships of a brief form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and teacher ratings of classroom achievement in a large sample (n = 7,028) of 6- to 11-year-old children. Additionally, the study focused on the differential accuracy of these measures in predicting achievement among test takers who differed in race and socioeconomic status (SES). Overall, the results indicated a substantial relationship between the WISC and WRAT (r = .67); the WISC and teacher ratings (r = .45); and the WRAT and teacher ratings (r = .55). The relationship between the WISC and WRAT was found to be independent of race but did tend to decrease with increasing SES. The two relationships involving teacher ratings were found to be lower for black children (WISC vs. Teacher ratings, r = .33; WRAT vs. Teacher ratings, r = .47) and for black children tended to decrease with increasing SES. Although the correlational analyses indicated that race and SES functioned as moderator variables to some extent, an evaluation of possible predictive biases when using the common (total sample) regression equation indicated that biases in predicting achievement tended to be small and in some cases favored the socially disadvantaged child.
Alterations of cAMP metabolism and hormone responsiveness of cloned differentiated rat liver cells (RL-PR-C) upon spontaneous transformation

Abstract In normal Rat Liver Primary Culture (RL-PR-C) liver cells, cAMP was low prior to confluency, then rose continuously as cells became contact inhibited. In contrast, spontaneously transformed RL-PR-C cells did not become contact inhibited, and cAMP decreased steadily with increasing cell density. Normal cells released large amounts of cAMP into the extracellular fluid at all densities, while transformed cells did not do so at any density. Neither exogenous db-cAMP nor phosphodiesterase inhibitors reversed the uncontrolled growth of transformed cells, nor did conditioned media from contact-inhibited normal cells. While both normal and transformed RL-PR-C hepatocytes produced large amounts of cAMP in response to epinephrine and cholera toxin, transformed cells were much more sensitive to these agents; however, only normal cells responded to glucagon. Although the plasma membrane adenylate cyclase of transformed hepatocytes responded better than did that of normal cells to epinephrine, cholera toxin and fluoride, the basal cyclase activity of transformed cells was only about half that of normal cells. The adenylate cyclase of transformed cells did not respond to glucagon, although the number of glucagon receptors of such cells far exceeded that of normal cells. The V max of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase of normal hepatocytes was five times that of transformed cells, although the K m was unchanged. The data indicate that spontaneous transformation of diploid differentiated RL-PR-C hepatocytes leads to cultural hormone receptor and cAMP changes similar to those seen in undifferentiated fibroblasts and other cells transformed by viruses and chemical carcinogens. Although there are significant changes in various parameters of cAMP metabolism upon transformation, decreased cAMP per se does not seem to be responsible for transformation. Furthermore, it is possible that following transformation, these hepatocytes lose some factor necessary for coupling of the glucagon receptor to adenylate cyclase.
Excluding lesbian and single women? An analysis of U.S. fertility clinic websites

Synopsis U.S. fertility services are concentrated in a private medical market. Research has examined disparities in access to these services by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, but has often overlooked access by marital status and sexual orientation. Some conclude that the private market has reduced all barriers except economic ones; others are more critical, noting that inequality still exists for lesbian and single women. To assess clinic receptivity to serving lesbian and single women, I conducted a content analysis of U.S. fertility clinic websites. Most clinics (89.8%) officially accepted single women, according to data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Yet, less than one-third displayed explicit information on their websites; only 10% displayed non-discriminatory statements. Not all website references were inclusive of both groups of women. Findings suggest that clinics may continue to intentionally or unintentionally gatekeep in subtle ways by maintaining a partnered, heterosexual framework of reproduction.
Enzymatic incorporation of orthogonally reactive prenylazide groups into peptides using geranylazide diphosphate via protein farnesyltransferase: Implications for selective protein labeling

Protein farnesyltransferase (PFTase) catalyzes the attachment of a geranyl azide moiety to a peptide substrate, N-dansyl–Gly–Cys–Val–Ile–Ala–OH. The resulting azide-containing peptide was derivatized with a triphenylphosphine-based reagent to generate an O-alkyl imidate-linked product, rather than the amide-linked material expected via a Staudinger reaction. Since the CAAX box recognition motif (where the internal A residues are aliphatic amino acids) modified by PFTase can be incorporated into the C-terminus of virtually any polypeptide, this two-step procedure provides a general method for incorporating a diverse range of chemical modifications specifically near the C-terminus of proteins. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Cloning eleven midgut trypsin cDNAs and evaluating the interaction of proteinase inhibitors with Cry1Ac against the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Abstract Midgut trypsins are associated with Bt protoxin activation and toxin degradation. Proteinase inhibitors have potential insecticidal toxicity against a wide range of insect species. This study was conducted to evaluate the interaction of proteinase inhibitors with Bt toxin and to examine midgut trypsin gene profile of Heliothis virescens . A sublethal dose (15 ppb) of Cry1Ac, 0.75% soybean trypsin inhibitor, and 0.1% and 0.2% N-α-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone significantly suppressed midgut proteinase activities, and resulted in reductions in larval and pupal size and mass. The treatment with inhibitor + Bt suppressed approximately 65% more larval body mass and 21% more enzymatic activities than the inhibitor-only or Bt-only. Eleven trypsin-like cDNAs were sequenced from the midgut of H. virescens . All trypsins contained three catalytic center residues (H 73 , D 153 , and S 231 ), substrate specificity determinant residues (D 225 , G 250 , and G 261 ), and six cysteines for disulfide bridges. These putative trypsins were separated into three distinct groups, indicating the diverse proteinases evolved in this polyphagous insect. These results indicated that the insecticidal activity of proteinase inhibitors may be used to enhance Bt toxicity and delay resistance development.
Emergency Safe Spaces in Haiti and the Solomon Islands

This paper provides background information on emergency Safe Spaces for children and specific information for responses in Haiti and the Solomon Islands. In 2007, both countries experienced natural disasters that resulted in internal displacement of thousands of people. The Save the Children Alliance created Safe Spaces for children living in camps for internally displaced persons. The project sought to accomplish 'B-SAFE' strategies through emergency education, psychosocial, and protection interventions. The B-SAFE strategies are to (B)uild relationships, cooperation, and respect among peers; to (S)creen for high-risk children and youth; (A)ctive, structured learning and life saving information; to (F)acilitate children's natural resilience and a return to normalcy; and to (E)stablish a sense of security and self-esteem. The project made use of child and parent surveys and observation tools that measured B-SAFE indicators. Analysed data demonstrated an improvement in children's behavior participating in the programme.
Nonlinear experiential influences on the development of fear reactions

Failure to find an obvious or linear relationship between a developmental experiential factor and a developmental outcome often leads investigators to posit concepts such as “biological preparedness” and “evolved predispositions” that allude to hypothetical geneticmechanisms that may not exist. However, experiential nonlinearities alone may explain the development of certain instinctive behaviors, as shown by studies on alarm call responsivity in mallard ducklings.
Basic Techniques for Lot Streaming

We present an overview of basic models and solution algorithms for the lot streaming problem. We include models with continuous and discrete sublot sizes, models with and without intermittent idling of machines, and models with consistent and variable sublots. We also introduce a model with limited transporter capacity. First we present solutions for two machines, then generalize to three machines and, where possible, to several machines. We synthesize previous research and introduce several new results.
Security Proofs for Information Protection Systems

Recently discovered procedures use a random input, rather than a cryptographic key, to turn a piece s of information into n + 1 pieces of information in such a way that s can be recovered from any b + 1 of them but that it is hard, or perhaps impossible in a sense which must be precisely defined, to recover s from any b of them. Thus, for example, one might have 15 pieces of information such that any 9 of them suffice to reconstitute s, but euch that no 8 of them give any hint as to what s is. The various authors of euch procedures have called them key safeguarding schemes, threshold schemes, secret sharing, and key sharing. None of these names captures the idea, which we will denote by information protection system (IPS). Our purpose is to put a rigorous foundation under the intuitive security arguments these papers adduce. In the proceed we will produce a distinctive style of proof of security, a rigorous argument involving product measures as a conceptual basis for justifying intuitively plausible probabilistic statement of the sort C. E. Shannon used to describe the security of the one-time pad.
Identification of a new CML target antigen controlled by a gene associated with the Qa-2 locus

BALB/cBy anti-BALB/cJ spleen cells were tested in a secondary cellmediated lympholysis assay. The effector cells generated displayed a positive cytotoxic effect against Con A lymphoblasts from only those strains that were typed serologically as having theQa-2a allele. Confirmation that the target antigen is controlled by a locus closely associated with or identical toQa-2 was obtained by the findings that target cells from B6.K2 (Qa-2a,Qa-3a) mice were lysed by the effector cells, while those from theQa-2, 3 congenic strain B6.K1 (Qa-2b,Qa-3b) were not. The fact that target cells from aQa-2-positive/Qa-3-negative strain (DBA/1,Qa-2ai,Qa-3b) were killed indicates that the target antigen is controlled, at least in part, by theQa-2 locus, not the Qa-3.There is no observedH-2 genetic restriction for this cytotoxic effect, since target cells which have theQa-2a allele but differ from the stimulator cells at theH-2K, D, andI regions were lysed efficiently.
Differences in gene expression amplitude overlie a conserved transcriptomic program occurring between the rapid and potent localized resistant reaction at the syncytium of the Glycine max genotype Peking (PI 548402) as compared to the prolonged and potent resistant reaction of PI 88788.

Glycine max L. Merr. (soybean) resistance to Heterodera glycines Ichinohe occurs at the site of infection, a nurse cell known as the syncytium. Resistance is classified into two cytologically-defined responses, the G. max[Peking]- and G. max[PI 88788]-types. Each type represents a cohort of G. max genotypes. Resistance in G. max[Peking] occurs by a potent and rapid localized response, affecting parasitic second stage juveniles (p-J2). In contrast, resistance occurs by a potent but more prolonged reaction in the genotype G. max[PI 88788] that affects nematode development at the J3 and J4 stages. Microarray analyses comparing these cytologically and developmentally distinct resistant reactions reveal differences in gene expression in pericycle and surrounding cells even before infection. The differences include higher relative levels of the differentially expressed in response to arachidonic acid 1 gene (DEA1 [Gm-DEA1]) (+224.19-fold) and a protease inhibitor (+68.28-fold) in G. max[Peking/PI 548402] as compared to G. max[PI 88788]. Gene pathway analyses compare the two genotypes (1) before, (2) at various times during, (3) constitutively throughout the resistant reaction and (4) at all time points prior to and during the resistant reaction. The amplified levels of transcriptional activity of defense genes may explain the rapid and potent reaction in G. max[Peking/PI 548402] as compared to G. max[PI 88788]. In contrast, the shared differential expression levels of genes in G. max[Peking/PI 548402] and G. max[PI 88788] may indicate a conserved genomic program underlying the G. max resistance on which the genotype-specific gene expression programs are built off.
Dissecting amelogenin protein nanospheres: Characterization of metastable oligomers

Amelogenin self-assembles to form an extracellular protein matrix, which serves as a template for the continuously growing enamel apatite crystals. To gain further insight into the molecular mechanism of amelogenin nanosphere formation, we manipulated the interactions between amelogenin monomers by altering pH, temperature, and protein concentration to create isolated metastable amelogenin oligomers. Recombinant porcine amelogenins (rP172 and rP148) and three different mutants containing only a single tryptophan (Trp161, Trp45, and Trp25) were used. Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence studies demonstrated that oligomers were metastable and in constant equilibrium with monomers. Stable oligomers with an average hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 7.5 nm were observed at pH 5.5 between 4 and 10 mg·ml−1. We did not find any evidence of a significant increase in folding upon self-association of the monomers into oligomers, indicating that they are disordered. Fluorescence experiments with single tryptophan amelogenins revealed that upon oligomerization the C terminus of amelogenin (around residue Trp161) is exposed at the surface of the oligomers, whereas the N-terminal region around Trp25 and Trp45 is involved in protein-protein interaction. The truncated rP148 formed similar but smaller oligomers, suggesting that the C terminus is not critical for amelogenin oligomerization. We propose a model for nanosphere formation via oligomers, and we predict that nanospheres will break up to form oligomers in mildly acidic environments via histidine protonation. We further suggest that oligomeric structures might be functional components during maturation of enamel apatite.
Morphology and cation local structure in a blend of copper‐neutralized carboxy‐terminated polybutadiene and poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine)

Carboxy-terminated polybutadiene neutralized with Cu2+ (CuPBD) and its blend with poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) (SVP) were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The DSC results indicate that in the blend substantial mixing occurs in the CuPBD-rich phase, although complete miscibility is not achieved, and the SVP-rich phase remains relatively pure. The TEM micrographs indicate that the morphology, while irregular, is reasonably described as bicontinuous, with a domain size of order 100 nm. The SAXS patterns show that the ionic aggregates present in CuPBD are destroyed upon blending, which is interpreted as being due to steric hindrances between ionic groups coordinated to vinylpyridine nitrogens. The EXAFS radial structure function of the blend exhibits a marked decrease in the Cu-Cu peak in comparison with CuPBD, indicating a change in local structure upon blending. The results indicate that some of the SVP is miscible with CuPBD owing to complexation between the pendant pyridine groups and the Cu2+ ions, which disrupts the ionic aggregates. However, the two materials are not fully miscible, leading to a rather coarse two-phase morphology.
Dual embryonic origin of the mammalian otic vesicle forming the inner ear

The inner ear and cochleovestibular ganglion (CVG) derive from a specialized region of head ectoderm termed the otic placode. During embryogenesis, the otic placode invaginates into the head to form the otic vesicle (OV), the primordium of the inner ear and CVG. Non-autonomous cell signaling from the hindbrain to the OV is required for inner ear morphogenesis and neurogenesis. In this study, we show that neuroepithelial cells (NECs), including neural crest cells (NCCs), can contribute directly to the OV from the neural tube. Using Wnt1-Cre, Pax3(Cre/+) and Hoxb1(Cre/+) mice to label and fate map cranial NEC lineages, we have demonstrated that cells from the neural tube incorporate into the otic epithelium after otic placode induction has occurred. Pax3(Cre/+) labeled a more extensive population of NEC derivatives in the OV than did Wnt1-Cre. NEC derivatives constitute a significant population of the OV and, moreover, are regionalized specifically to proneurosensory domains. Descendents of Pax3(Cre/+) and Wnt1-Cre labeled cells are localized within sensory epithelia of the saccule, utricle and cochlea throughout development and into adulthood, where they differentiate into hair cells and supporting cells. Some NEC derivatives give rise to neuroblasts in the OV and CVG, in addition to their known contribution to glial cells. This study defines a dual cellular origin of the inner ear from sensory placode ectoderm and NECs, and changes the current paradigm of inner ear neurosensory development.
Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Transcription in Macrophages Exposed to Febrile Range Temperature A POSSIBLE ROLE FOR HEAT SHOCK FACTOR-1 AS A NEGATIVE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATOR

We previously reported that expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was attenuated in macrophages exposed to febrile range temperatures. In this study, we analyzed the influence of temperature on TNFα transcription in the Raw 264.7 macrophage cell line during incubation at 37 and 39.5 °C. The initial activation of TNFα transcription in response to endotoxin (LPS) was comparable in the 37 and 39.5 °C cell cultures, peaking within 10 min of LPS stimulation. However, the duration of transcriptional activation was markedly reduced in the 39.5 °C cells (30–60 min) compared with the 37 °C cells (2–4 h). Deletion mapping of the TNFα gene revealed that the proximal 85-nucleotide promoter sequence and the 5′-untranslated region were sufficient for temperature sensitivity. This sequence contains six heat shock response element (HRE) half-sites but no complete HREs. Electrophoretic mobility shift and immunoblot assays demonstrated that nuclear transclocation of heat shock factor (HSF) and its activation to a DNA-binding form occurred in the 39.5 °C cells in the absence of heat shock protein-70 gene activation. The proximal TNFα promoter/5′-untranslated region sequence competed for HSF binding to a classic HRE. Overexpression of HSF-1 reduced activity of the TNFα promoter. These data suggest that partial activation of HSF-1 during exposure to febrile, sub-heat shock temperatures may block TNFα transcription by binding to its proximal promoter or 5′-untranslated region.
Placement of self-expanding metal stents for acute malignant large-bowel obstruction: a collective review.

Background The purpose of this study was to review our experience with self-expanding metal stents as the initial interventional approach in the management of acute malignant large-bowel obstruction.
Related party transactions: too close for (shareholders') comfort

Purpose – Looks at increasing number of related party transactions despite regulatory scrutiny.Findings – Although related party transactions per se are not illegal or underhanded, they have the potential to raise red flags more readily than other transactions.Practical implications – Provides executives with information on related party transactions and how to avoid impropriety.Originality/value – Of particular value to CEOs and other board members
Oscillatory flow of droplets in capillary tubes. Part 2. Constricted tubes

The motion of fluid droplets in constricted capillary tubes is investigated for flows subject to the combined action of a mean pressure gradient and an oscillatory body force. Numerical computations are employed to determine the effect of the oscillatory forcing on the mean flow rate and the mean droplet velocity. In the absence of oscillatory forcing, a critical pressure gradient for droplet propagation exists, below which droplets become plugged in the narrow constrictions of the tube. For mean pressure gradients below this threshold, oscillatory forcing is shown to be an effective means for unplugging the constrictions and remobilizing the droplets. For this remobilization process to occur, the oscillatory forcing level must exceed a specified value, and the oscillatory frequency must remain below a critical frequency. Quasi-steady models are shown to give effective predictions of the unsteady dynamics over a wide range of conditions.
The abdominal vagal system in rats. An anatomical study with emphasis upon the distribution of the gastric vagi to the stomach

Abstract The findings of the gross anatomical dissections indicate that the abdominal vagal system in rats is similar to that in dogs and man: 2 trunks (one anterior and one posterior) and 4 truncal divisions (hepatic, celiac, and anterior and posterior gastric divisions). The findings with neutral red indicate that the distribution of the gastric vagi to the stomach in rats is the same as that in dogs: a segmental distribution in which the anterior and posterior gastric divisions innervate the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach, respectively, and the terminal branches from the anterior and posterior gastric divisions innervate separate segments of the anterior and posterior walls of the stomach. These anatomical similarities in rats, dogs, and man lend further support to the use of rats as acceptable experimental animals for studies of the vagal phase of gastric secretion.
Microlaparoscopy in Urogynecology: LSH and Sacrocervicopexy

Abstract Study Objective To determine the feasibility of using only microlaparoscopic (3.5 mm) accessory instruments for performing laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) and sacrocervicopexy with the aid of a transcervically placed cannula for introduction of mesh and needles. Design Retrospective evaluation of the first five cases of microlaparoscopic LSH with sacrocervicopexy (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting Community teaching hospital affiliated with a major teaching hospital. Patients Five women with symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse of stage II or higher. Interventions LSH with transcervical morcellation followed by sacrocervicopexy with all 3.5 mm instruments using synthetic mesh with anterior and posterior extensions. Measurements and Main Results Four ports were made in all patients: a 5-mm infraumbilical port for the laparoscope and three 3.5-mm ports (right and left paraumbilical and suprapubic). LSH was performed using a 3-mm bipolar grasping device and reusable monopolar scissors. Resection of the uterus was also performed using monopolar scissors. Transcervical coring through the vagina was performed using a 15-mm serrated cylindrical blade with a central rod placed upward through the cervix, and transcervical morcellation was performed using an electromechanical morcellator. In all patients, sacrocervicopexy was performed successfully using Y-shaped polypropylene mesh, with PTFE sutures on the vagina and the sacral promontory. Reperitonealization over the mesh was performed using a running barbed absorbable suture. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in this group of patients. Conclusion LSH and sacrocervicopexy using 3.5-mm accessory ports is a feasible procedure with the use of transcervical morcellation and a transcervical access cannula.
Sacrifice and Substitution : Ritual Mystification and Mythical Demystification

Les theoriciens du sacrifice de substitution : H. Hubert, M. Mauss, R. Girard, S. Freud. Les theories vediques de la substitution dans le sacrifice. Le ritualisme vedique interprete par la mythologie hindouiste
Cembrene A and a Congeneric Ketone Isolated from the Paracloacal Glands of the Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis)

A diterpene hydrocarbon and diterpene ketone isolated from the paracloacal gland secretions of the Chinese alligator (alligator sinensis) were examined by GC-MS and 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and IR spectroscopy, and identified as 4,8,12-trimethyl-1-(1-methylethenyl)-3,7,11-cyclotetradecatrien e (cembrene A, 1) and its congeneric ketone, 4,8,12-trimethyl-1-(1-methylethenyl)-3,7-cyclotetradecadien- 10-one (2), respectively. This is the first report of cembrene A from a vertebrate; the ketone has not been described previously.
Ornithine decarboxylase in Phycomyces: In vitro and in vivo properties

The properties of ornithine decarboxylase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus were examined. Enzyme from mycelial cultures was extracted and purified approximately 70-fold. The apparent molecular weight is 96K. The Michaelis constants with respect to ornithine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate are 90 and 0.37 microM, respectively. Putrescine is a potent competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 75 microM. Exposure of ornithine decarboxylase to sulfhydryl-modifying reagents resulted in a rapid inhibition of activity. In vivo addition of putrescine produced characteristic decreases in cellular ornithine decarboxylase activity. Light stimulation of dark-adapted mycelial cultures also decreased cellular ornithine decarboxylase activity.
Development and propagation of precipitation cores on cold fronts

Abstract The structure and propagation of precipitation cores on a variety of cold fronts are described. The shapes of the cores, and their orientations with respect to the synoptic-scale front, are not always uniform either between fronts or within the same front. Interactions between cores depend on their proximity and relative strength. Large gaps between precipitation cores move along the cold front at a slower speed than the cores and affect the evolution of the precipitation cores. The spacing of precipitation cores, the height of the head of the density current associated with the cold front, and the strength of the cold front are positively correlated with precipitation strength. This suggests that interactions between cores are strongly influenced by precipitation. Current theories for precipitation cores on narrow cold-frontal rainbands cannot account for these observations. A new mechanism is proposed based on a positive feedback between the diabatic cooling produced by the melting and evaporation of precipitation, the head of the density current, and the strength of the front.
Tribological behavior of thick CrN coatings deposited by modulated pulsed power magnetron sputtering

Abstract Thick CrN coatings (up to 55 μm) have been deposited on different substrate materials (WC–Co, M2 steel, AISI 440C steel, AISI 304 steel, Al–Si eutectic alloy, and copper) using the modulated pulsed power (MPP) magnetron sputtering technique at a high deposition rate of 10 μm/h. The thick CrN coatings have been characterized for the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties. The adhesion of the coatings with different thicknesses on different substrates was evaluated using progressive scratch tests. The dry sliding wear tests for the thick coatings deposited on the AISI 440C substrate were carried out using a ball-on-disk microtribometer. The wear tests were conducted on the 20 μm thick MPP CrN coatings using different ball materials (α-Al2O3, WC–Co, AISI 440C steel, AISI 302 steel, 100Cr6 steel, and brass), different applied loads (5–40 N) and sliding speeds (5–50 cm/s) for a maximum sliding distance up to 10 km. The coating wear tracks and ball wear scars were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The thick CrN coatings showed coefficients of friction in the range of 0.48–0.94 as sliding against different materials and under different test conditions. The wear rate of the coatings increased with the increases in the applied load and sliding speed, which is related to an increase in the plowing force (plastic deformation of the substrate) and an increase in the flash temperature, respectively. The wear rates of the 20 μm thick MPP CrN coating are in the range of 1 × 10− 7 to 5.5 × 10− 7 mm3 N− 1 m− 1. This study has demonstrated that thicker CrN coatings exhibited larger load and sliding speed capacities, which allow them to be operated under more severe conditions, e.g. higher loads, sliding speeds, and operating temperatures.
Choline: Clinical Nutrigenetic/Nutrigenomic Approaches for Identification of Functions and Dietary Requirements

Nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics (the study of the bidirectional interactions between genes and diet) is a rapidly developing field that is changing research and practice in human nutrition. Though eventually nutrition clinicians may be able to provide personalized nutrition recommendations, in the immediate future they are most likely to use this knowledge to improve dietary recommendations for populations. Currently, estimated average requirements are used to set dietary reference intakes because scientists cannot adequately identify subsets of the population that differ in requirement for a nutrient. Recommended intake levels must exceed the actual required intake for most of the population in order to assure that individuals with the highest requirement ingest adequate amounts of the nutrient. As a result, dietary reference intake levels often are set so high that diet guidelines suggest almost unattainable intakes of some foods. Once it is possible to identify common subgroups that differ in nutrient requirements using nutrigenetic/nutrigenomic profiling, targeted interventions and recommendations can be refined. In addition, when a large variance exists in response to a nutrient, statistical analyses often argue for a null effect. If responders could be differentiated from nonre-sponders based on nutrigenetic/nutrigenomic profiling, this statistical noise could be eliminated and the sensitivity of nutrition research greatly increased.
Endophyte infection effects on stomatal conductance, osmotic adjustment and drought recovery of tall fescue

summary Presence of the endophytic; fungus Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams in tall fescue (Festuca artuidinacea- Sehreb.) enhances host persistence in drought-prone environments. However, the physiological mechanism is not well understood. We investigated the influence of endophyte infection and water deficit on osmotic adjustment, stomatal conductance, tiller survival and leaf elongation rate of genotype GA87-122 and cv. Kentucky-31 (KY31) of tall fescue. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in pots containing fine-silty topsoil (experiment 1) or sand (experiment 2). In expt 1, endophyte-infected (EI) and endophyte-free (EF) isolines of GA87-122 were exposed to two drought preconditioning cycles, after which all pots were re-watered and osmotic adjustment determined. Osmotic adjustment was −0.46 and −0.51 MPa in El leaf blades and tiller bases and −0.29 and −0.13 MPa in EF leaf blades and tiller bases, respectively. In expt 2, EI and EF GA87-122 and KY31 Mere exposed to severe drought after two preconditioning cycles, then re-watered. During the second preconditioning drying cycle of KY31, stomatal conductance tended to be lower in EI than in EF plants, but the difference was significant (P 0–05) only at two sampling times. Shoot tissues osmotically adjusted 0.17–0.31 MPa more in EI than in EF plants. Tiller survival and leaf elongation rates were higher (P 0.05) in preconditioned EI than in EF plants. Basal-zone osmotic adjustment was correlated with tiller survival rate in GA87-122 and KY31 (r = 0.87, P 0.01 for both). Enhanced osmotic adjustment in the meristematic and growing zone might account far improved survival of tillers by facilitating protection of the apical meristem.
Dose emissions from marketed dry powder inhalers

Abstract The dose emission characteristics of eight marketed dry powder inhalers (DPIs: Intal Spinhaler®, Ventolin and Becotide Diskhalers®, Ventolin and Becotide Rotahalers®, Bricanyl and Pulmicort Turbohalers®, Berotec Inhalator® have been investigated using the proposed USP dosage unit sampling apparatus for DPIs. Intra- and inter-device variation in emitted doses was determined at air flow rates of 60 and 100 1/min using a 4 1 air throughput in each case except Inhalator®, which was tested at 30 l/min only. The sampling apparatus was found to be suitable for quantifying single emitted doses from all of these devices which comprise examples of low, medium and high airflow resistance DPIs (Table 1 footnote). Dose emissions from the DPIs are presented as percentages of the manufacturers' label claims. Under all test flow conditions variability was high, when compared to the uniformity of content standards usually applied to pharmaceutical products; in some cases relative standard deviations (RSD) were greater than 15%, both within and between devices. However, under the proposed USP test flow rate conditions, the total RSD (n = 25) was
Optical fractionation of chlorophyll and primary production for coastal waters of the Southern Ocean

Our objective was to quantify the potential variability in remotely sensed chlorophyll a (Chl a) and primary productivity in coastal waters of the Southern Ocean. From data collected throughout the springs/summers of 1991–1994, we calculated the proportion of water column Chl a and primary productivity within the upper optical attenuation length (K −1par) and the satellite-weighted depth. The temporal variability was resolved every 2–3 days and was observed to be greater within years than between years. Three-year averages (n=223) revealed that 10.2 ± 3.6% of total Chl a and 14.8 ± 6.5% of production occurred within satellite-weighted depth in predominantly Case I waters. The average values were twice as high within K −1par, 24.1 ± 8% of total Chl a and 34 ± 9% of production respectively. Masked in these long-term averages are very large changes occurring on short time scales of seasonal blooms. We observed that the patterns of Chl a vertical distribution within blooms are also subject to taxonomic influence and dependent upon the physiological state of the phytoplankton. Highest proportions of water column Chl a in the first optical depth were measured during the rapid onset of surface cryptophyte blooms each year, i.e. 50% within K −1par and 30% above the satellite-weighted depth. Lowest fractions, 6% and 2% of biomass within K −1par and satellite-weighted depth respectively, were associated with peak bloom conditions independent of taxonomy. Our analyses suggest that satellite-dependent models of Chl a and subsequent chlorophyll-dependent primary production will be challenging to develop for the near-shore Southern Ocean, especially given the potentially high natural variability in the vertical distribution of Chl a driven by physical forcing, the photoadaptive abilities of polar phytoplankton, and taxonomic influences.
Delaying the primary surgical effort for advanced ovarian cancer: a systematic review of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval cytoreduction.

Objective. To summarize the existing data on interval cytoreductive surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy as alternative treatment strategies for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Methods. All investigational studies with evaluable survival data on interval cytoreductive surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer reported in the English language literature between 1989 and 2006 were systematically reviewed. Results. Three randomized trials and six non-randomized studies of interval cytoreduction following suboptimal initial surgery were identified. Twenty-six studies, including a total of 1336 patients, reporting on neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered in lieu of primary cytoreductive surgery were analyzed according to the survival outcome achieved, the degree of surgical effort or success, and the particular selection criteria employed to justify deferring an attempt at primary cytoreductive surgery. Conclusions. Interval surgery following a concerted but suboptimal attempt at up-front cytoreduction does not appear to have an appreciable impact on survival outcome. Maximal primary cytoreductive surgery remains the standard of care for the majority of women with suspected advanced ovarian cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy represents a viable alternative management strategy for the limited number of patients felt to be optimally unresectable by an experienced ovarian cancer surgical team; however, currently available data suggest that the survival outcome achievable with initial chemotherapy is inferior to successful up-front cytoreductive surgery. Additional research is needed to devise universal selection criteria for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, determine the most efficacious treatment program, and characterize the appropriate proportion of patients in which an attempt at primary surgery should be abandoned in favor of initial chemotherapy.
Determination of Coating Deterioration with EIS: Part II. Development of a Method for Field Testing of Protective Coatings

Abstract A theoretical analysis of the impedance of polymer-coated steel was performed to identify parameters for assessing coating performance in a short time without rigorous analysis of data fro...
An unusual cause for metatarsal stress fractures

Summary An unusual cause for stress fractures of the 4th and 5th metatarsals is presented. An unsuspected foreign body in the medial side of the foot of a child caused an abnormal loading to the lateral column of the foot, leading to the development of secondary stress fractures.
Pregnenolone co-treatment partially restores steroidogenesis but, does not prevent growth inhibition and increased atresia in mouse ovarian antral follicles treated with mono-hydroxy methoxychlor

Mono-hydroxy methoxychlor (mono-OH MXC) is a metabolite of the pesticide, methoxychlor (MXC). Although MXC is known to decrease antral follicle numbers, and increase follicle death in rodents, not much is known about the ovarian effects of mono-OH MXC. Previous studies indicate that mono-OH MXC inhibits mouse antral follicle growth, increases follicle death, and inhibits steroidogenesis in vitro. Further, previous studies indicate that CYP11A1 expression and production of progesterone (P4) may be the early targets of mono-OH MXC in the steroidogenic pathway. Thus, this study tested whether supplementing pregnenolone, the precursor of progesterone and the substrate for HSD3B, would prevent decreased steroidogenesis, inhibited follicle growth, and increased follicle atresia in mono-OH MXC-treated follicles. Mouse antral follicles were exposed to vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide), mono-OH MXC (10 μg/mL), pregnenolone (1 μg/mL), or mono-OH MXC and pregnenolone together for 96 h. Levels of P4, androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), and 17β-estradiol (E2) in media were determined, and follicles were processed for histological evaluation of atresia. Pregnenolone treatment alone stimulated production of all steroid hormones except E2. Mono-OH MXC-treated follicles had decreased sex steroids, but when given pregnenolone, produced levels of P4, A, T, and E1 that were comparable to those in vehicle-treated follicles. Pregnenolone treatment did not prevent growth inhibition and increased atresia in mono-OH MXC-treated follicles. Collectively, these data support the idea that the most upstream effect of mono-OH MXC on steroidogenesis is by reducing the availability of pregnenolone, and that adding pregnenolone may not be sufficient to prevent inhibited follicle growth and survival.
Pathways of renal fibrosis and modulation of matrix turnover in experimental hypercholesterolemia

Dyslipidemia often accompanies and accelerates renal disease, partly by promoting fibrosis. However, the mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. We hypothesized that hypercholesterolemia modu...
Neuropsychiatric aspects of Huntington's disease

OBJECTIVE Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Huntington9s disease and have been considered its presenting manifestation. Research characterising these symptoms in Huntington9s disease is variable, however, encumbered by limitations within and across studies. Gaining a better understanding of neuropsychiatric symptoms is essential, as these symptoms have implications for disease management, prognosis, and quality of life for patients and caregivers. METHOD Fifty two patients with Huntington9s disease were administered standardised measures of cognition, psychiatric symptoms, and motor abnormalities. Patient caregivers were administered the neuropsychiatric inventory. RESULTS Ninety eight per cent of the patients exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms, the most prevalent being dysphoria, agitation, irritability, apathy, and anxiety. Symptoms ranged from mild to severe and were unrelated to dementia and chorea. CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent in Huntington9s disease and are relatively independent of cognitive and motor aspects of the disease. Hypothesised links between neuropsychiatric symptoms of Huntington9s disease and frontal-striatal circuitry were explored. Findings indicate that dimensional measures of neuropsychiatric symptoms are essential to capture the full range of pathology in Huntington9s disease and are vital to include in a comprehensive assessment of the disease.
Nucleolin Interacts with the Dengue Virus Capsid Protein and Plays a Role in Formation of Infectious Virus Particles

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that can cause severe disease in humans and is considered a reemerging pathogen of significant importance to public health. The DENV capsid (C) protein functions as a structural component of the infectious virion; however, it may have additional functions in the virus replicative cycle. Here, we show that the DENV C protein interacts and colocalizes with the multifunctional host protein nucleolin (NCL). Furthermore, we demonstrate that this interaction can be disrupted by the addition of an NCL binding aptamer (AS1411). Knockdown of NCL with small interfering RNA (siRNA) or treatment of cells with AS1411 results in a significant reduction of viral titers after DENV infection. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed no differences in viral RNA or protein levels at early time points postinfection, suggesting a role for NCL in viral morphogenesis. We support this hypothesis by showing that treatment with AS1411 alters the migration characteristics of the viral capsid, as visualized by native electrophoresis. Here, we identify a critical interaction between DENV C protein and NCL that represents a potential new target for the development of antiviral therapeutics.
Isolated skeletal muscle metastasis following successful treatment of laryngeal cancer: case report

Skeletal muscle metastases from tumors are a rare occurrence and can present difficult management decisions. We report here on a patient that had been previously treated for squamous cell laryngeal cancer with surgical resection and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy that presented with a metastasis to the rectus abdominis muscle without evidence of recurrent disease at the primary site. After a metastatic workup with PET/CT scan suggested this to be an isolated lesion, surgical excision with negative margins was performed based upon limited treatment options secondary to the location of the tumor and his favorable prognosis suggested by his pathological staging at the time of the initial resection. Here we discuss the incidence of distant metastases from laryngeal cancer and appropriate screening methods. Additionally, skeletal muscle metastases and treatment considerations are discussed.
A model of radiocesium cycling in a sand hills—Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis) ecosystem

Abstract Digital simulation models of radiocesium cycling in Turkey Oaks were developed from in situ 134 Cs tagging studies. Predictions of 134 Cs steady-state distribution for 3-, 4- and 5-compartment, donor-controlled models were compared with the estimated fallout 137 Cs distribution as a measure of model validation; output from the 5-compartment model compared best. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that Turkey Oak burden of 134 Cs was equally sensitive to the output rate from the tree compartment and the availability of 134 Cs for uptake (i.e., presence in the root zone) but not the rate of uptake by Turkey Oaks. Observed distribution and model predictions indicate that radiocesium is readily bioaccumulated by Turkey Oaks (∼13% of the ecosystem burden) from the soil and is cycled within the sand hills—Turkey Oak ecosystem.