cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal Thyroid Thermogenesis but Reduced Viability and Adiposity in Mice Lacking the Mitochondrial Glycerol Phosphate Dehydrogenase

The mitochondrial glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPD) is important for metabolism of glycerol phosphate for gluconeogenesis or energy production and has been implicated in thermogenesis induced by cold and thyroid hormone treatment. mGPD in combination with the cytosolic glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (cGPD) is proposed to form the glycerol phosphate shuttle, catalyzing the interconversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glycerol phosphate with net oxidation of cytosolic NADH. We made a targeted deletion inGdm1 and produced mice lacking mGPD. On a C57BL/6J background these mice showed a 50% reduction in viability compared with wild-type littermates. Uncoupling protein-1 mRNA levels in brown adipose tissue did not differ between mGPD knockout and control pups, suggesting normal thermogenesis. Pups lacking mGPD had decreased liver ATP and slightly increased liver glycerol phosphate. In contrast, liver and muscle metabolites were normal in adult animals. Adult mGPD knockout animals had a normal cold tolerance, normal circadian rhythm in body temperature, and demonstrated a normal temperature increase in response to thyroid hormone. However, they were found to have a lower body mass index, a 40% reduction in the weight of white adipose tissue, and a slightly lower fasting blood glucose than controls. The phenotype may be secondary to consequences of the obligatory production of cytosolic NADH from glycerol metabolism in the mGPD knockout animal. We conclude that, although mGPD is not essential for thyroid thermogenesis, variations in its function affect viability and adiposity in mice.
Automated spatial alignment of 3D torso images

This paper describes an algorithm for automated spatial alignment of three-dimensional (3D) surface images in order to achieve a pre-defined orientation. Surface images of the torso are acquired from breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery to facilitate objective evaluation of breast morphology pre-operatively (for treatment planning) and/or post-operatively (for outcome assessment). Based on the viewing angle of the multiple cameras used for stereophotography, the orientation of the acquired torso in the images may vary from the normal upright position. Consequently, when translating this data into a standard 3D framework for visualization and analysis, the co-ordinate geometry differs from the upright position making robust and standardized comparison of images impractical. Moreover, manual manipulation and navigation of images to the desired upright position is subject to user bias. Automating the process of alignment and orientation removes operator bias and permits robust and repeatable adjustment of surface images to a pre-defined or desired spatial geometry.
Stability of continuous emulsion polymer reactors

The stability of continuous emulsion polymer reactors having steady feed streams was studied. Analysis of a population balance model supported the notion of micelle deprivation as the chief cause of reactor instabilities. Analysis of the moments of the distribution indicated that the system may be uniquely stable in one case. Only one steady-state operating point was predicted for the case where the decrease in the termination rate constant due to the gel effect was neglected. INTRODUCTION The mechanistic description of emulsion polymerization was first presented by Harkins.' Shortly thereafter Smith and Ewart2 introduced a mathematical representation of the emulsion polymerization process based on Harkin's original concepts. They solved their recursion relation for three limiting cases. The most widely discussed solution is their case I1 kinetics, where free radical de- sorption does not occur and the free radical termination process is very rapid relative to the radical adsorption mechanism. The consequences of these con- ditions are that the average number of radicals per particle is %, or that at any time half of the particles contain a single growing polymer chain, while the other half contain none. The understanding of the process has been advanced far beyond these early theories. The reader is referred to the review article by Ugelstad and Hansen3 and the treatise by Blackleqr' for thorough discussions of the kinetics of emulsion polymerization. Gershberg and Longfield5 presented one of the first analyses of continuous emulsion polymerization. Their model, based on Smith-Ewart case I1 kinetics, agreed fairly well with data collected in their laboratories. There were, however, several unresolved issues from their study. Sato and TaniyamaG modeled the emulsion polymer process as though it was a series of bimolecular collisions occurring between the species in the system (free radicals, polymer particles, etc.). Their model did not incorporate variations in properties due to particle size. Sato and Taniyama7 later showed how their model could be used to analyze the performance of a continuous emulsion polymer reactor. Thompson and Stevens8 extended their concept to include the free radical desorption mechanism. The advantages, and limitations, of this simplistic bimolecular collision concept were discussed by Thompson and Ste- vens? and are not repeated here. The first generation of population balance models for continuous emulsion polymer reactors were those reported by DeGraff and Poehlein9 and Stevens and Funderburk.lo Their models involved a particle balance over the whole reactor * To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Tetrahydrocannabinol inhibition of macrophage nitric oxide production

Abstract Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibited nitric oxide (NO.) production by mouse peritoneal macrophages activated by bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN)-γ). Inhibition of NO. production was noted at THC concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/mL, and was nearly total at 7 μg/mL. Inhibition was greatest if THC was added 1–4 hr before induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by LPS and IFN-γ, and declined with time after addition of the inducing agents. This suggested that an early step such as NOS gene transcription or NOS synthesis, rather than NOS activity, was affected by THC. Steady-state levels of mRNA for NOS were not affected by THC. In contrast, protein synthesis was inhibited as indicated by immunoblotting. NOS activity was also decreased in the cytosol of cells pretreated with THC. Addition of excess cofactors did not restore activity. Inhibition of NO. production was greater at low levels of IFN-γ, indicating the ability of the cytokine to overcome inhibition. The effectiveness of various THC analogues, in decreasing order of potency, was Δ8-THC > Δ9-THC > cannabidiol ⩾ 11-OH-THC > cannabinol. The presumably inactive stereoisomer, (+)Δ9-THC, and the endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors, anandamide, were weakly inhibitory. Inhibition may be mediated by a process that depends partly on stereoselective receptors and partly on a nonselective process. LPS, IFN-γ, hormone receptor agonists, and forskolin increased macrophage cyclic AMP levels. THC inhibited this increase, indicating functional cannabinoid receptors. Addition of 8-bromocyclic AMP increased NO. 2-fold, and partially restored NO. production that had been inhibited by THC. This occurred only under conditions of limited NOS induction, suggesting that the effect of THC on cyclic AMP was responsible for only a small portion of the inhibition of NO. production.
Improving Labor-Based Road Rehabilitation in Ghana

In an attempt to create more employment and reduce poverty, a labor-based road rehabilitation program was introduced in Ghana in 1986 with the assistance of international organizations. Although this program has the potential to create more employment than equipment-intensive methods, it is considered less attractive than equipment-intensive methods. It is considered to be too slow, encumbered with labor organization and management problems, and reliant upon casual (nonpermanent) workers. This paper describes the family-based labor management (FBLM) concept intended to make the labor-based road program more attractive to contractors and laborers, and thereby help address the unemployment and poverty problems. It is anticipated that if at least 10% of the $174 million currently used to import construction and earthmoving equipment annually is invested in labor-based road rehabilitation program, about 23,000 jobs could be created. If 50% of the equipment expenses are invested in the program, almost 117,000 jobs could be created annually. The proposed FBLM concept is flexible enough to serve as a model to other African countries encountering similar problems.
Constraints for Some, Opportunities for Others? Interactive and Indirect Effects of Machiavellianism and Organizational Constraints on Task Performance Ratings

The purpose of this study was to examine how the indirect relationship between Machiavellianism and task performance ratings is qualified by organizational constraints (e.g., inadequate resources). Contrary to past research, we suggest that constraints can actually facilitate performance ratings among highly Machiavellian employees because they seek to attain high ratings through self-interested behaviors and social influence processes rather than legitimate task performance. Thus, constraints that inhibit legitimate performers should actually create more opportunities for highly Machiavellian employees. Data were collected from 110 subordinate–supervisor dyads that were recruited from Psychology courses at a small liberal arts college. The results elaborate on past research focused on organizational constraints to reveal that the indirect relationship between Machiavellianism and task performance is positive and significant under conditions of high organizational constraints. This relationship is not significant and trends in a negative direction when constraints are low. This study highlights the importance of considering how resource constraints impact different types of performers in organizations. When resources are abundant, legitimate performance is possible and Machiavellians are hampered in their ability to rely on careerist strategies to succeed. In contrast, high constraints create situations that enable Machiavellian behaviors to pay off. This study’s originality lies in its counterintuitive finding that organizational constraints might actually be beneficial for some employees who adopt Machiavellian, careerist strategies. This is the first study to demonstrate that constraints do not have consistent, negative effects on task performance and to elaborate on how constraints impact the performance of Machiavellian employees.
Fibrates reduce the risk of major cardiovascular and coronary events compared with placebo, but do not affect risk of cardiovascular or all-cause mortality

Commentary on: M Jun, C Foote, J Lv, et al.. Effects of fibrates on cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet2010;375:1875–84.
Adaptive skin pixel classification technique based on hybrid color spaces

ABSTRACT An adaptive skin segmentation algorithm robust to illumination changes and skin like backgrounds is presented in this paper. Skin pixel classification has been limited to only individual color spaces. There has not been a comprehensive evaluation of which color components or a combination of color components would provide the best skin pixel classification. Although the R, G, B components are the three primary features, transformation of these components to different color spaces provide additional set of features. The color components or the features present within a single color space may not be the best when it comes to skin pixel classification. In this paper an adaboost based skin segmentation technique is presented. Bayesian classifiers tr ained on the skin and non-skin probability densities specific color component spaces form the set of weak classifiers which adaboost is implemented. Additional classifiers are generated by varying the associated thresholds of the Bayesi an classifiers. in An adaptiv e image enhancement technique is implemented to improve the illumination as well as the color of an image. This will enable to identify the skin pixels more accurately in the presence of non-un iform lighting conditions. Human skin text ure is fairly uniform. This property is utilized to develop a method, which is based on the neighbo rhood information of a pixel. This step will provide more information in addition to color about a pixel being skin or non-skin. A comparison of the existing color based and neighborhood methods with the proposed technique is presented in this paper. Keywords: Adaboost, skin segmentation, Bayesian classifier , color components, color spaces, image enhancement
Feeding habits and feeding grounds of the Northern elephant seal

Prey species consumed by northern elephant seals were identified from the stomach and throat contents of dead seals and from observations of prey captured. Their diet is catholic, consisting of a variety of pelagic, deep water squid, Pacific hake, sharks, rays, and ratfish. Feeding grounds of elephant seals were inferred from sightings of tagged elephant seals at non-rookery locations. Feeding areas extended from northern Baja California to northern Vancouver Island. Juveniles of both sexes and adult males moved north from their haul out sites in search of food, travelling furthest north during the summer. A few sightings suggested that adult females remain in the vicinity of the rookeries where they breed.
P300, probability, and interstimulus interval.

The relationship between target stimulus probability and interstimulus interval on the P300 (P3) component of the event-related potential was assessed in three experiments. In each study an auditory discrimination paradigm was employed wherein subjects indicated with a finger tap response the occurrence of a randomly presented 2000 Hz target tone embedded in a series of 1,000 Hz tones. Target stimuli were presented with a probability of either .20 or .80 in different conditions which were combined factorially with different interstimulus intervals. Experiment 1 presented stimuli at 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 second intervals; Experiment 2 presented stimuli at 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 second intervals; Experiment 3 presented stimuli at 4.0, 6.0, or 10.0 second intervals. P3 amplitude was larger for the .20 relative to the .80 target probability conditions for the shorter interstimulus intervals but not for the longer intervals. P3 latency was consistently longer for the .20 relative to the .80 target probability conditions, with generally little effect observed for interstimulus interval changes. The results suggest that interstimulus interval affects component amplitude by determining the amount of processing resources available when the P3 is produced.
Magnetically trapped particles in the lower solar atmosphere

The trapping of energetic electrons and protons in a simple, arched magnetic field imbedded in the lower solar atmosphere was considered. The lifetime of electrons with kinetic energies up to about 1.5 MeV was found to be completely determined by the motion of the mirror points, provided the gyro-synchrotron loss can be neglected. The same motion also influences the lifetimes of more energetic electrons, up to 10 MeV. This was not found to be the case for protons in the range from 1 MeV to 100 GeV. Some fluid and streaming instabilities were also considered; they pull the particles upward, raise their mirror points, and increase their lifetime. The emission of gyro-synchrotron radiation and bremsstrahlung in this model has been related to observations. Using the duration of non-thermal X-ray peaks given by Kane (1969), the altitude of injection of energetic particles was estimated.
Innovative Applied Research Projects Using Industry Collaboration

Partnerships between the Middle Tennessee State University Engineering Technology Department and the local industrial community are well adapted to research and development projects for the students. Resulting interactions between engineering technology programs and industry are advanced in many ways, including long-term partnerships, informal contacts between faculty members and industrial personnel, consulting, and collaboration on training opportunities, discussions, seminars, and teaching programs. Foremost, however, are the many ways students benefit from the related assignments. Through applied research projects, students focus on innovative project developments that provide practical solutions to complex problems. They learn to initiate, design, and implement new initiatives within the university and industrial partnerships and to profit from the opportunities to explore new technologies and practice skills that meet real world challenges. MTSU modified its introductory engineering course to incorporate not only the fundamentals required to the support basic engineering course learning experience, but to include a choice of hands-on design projects. At present, a solar powered vehicle and a moon buggy have been designed, constructed, and entered into national races to test the decisions and capabilities of the projects as a result of this innovative laboratory approach. The laboratory atmosphere centered on these applied research projects features the opportunity to work at the university and/or take advantage of the industrial partner’s equipment and expertise. Partnerships with industry are essential in providing access to the latest equipment and technology. Applied research projects are important for students to gain a much better “sense” of engineering and to progress to higher levels of project interaction that offer design and design problem issues, use of knowledge, physical application, and comprehension of engineering principles.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Catalytic Indirectly Heated Gasification of Bagasse

The catalytic indirectly heated gasification of bagasse was investigated in this study. The quality of the gaseous fuel was assessed using the total energy analysis of the gas, in which both heat content and total yields of the gas produced from the gasification of bagasse are analyzed at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000°C. Untreated bagasse gasification was used as a baseline for the investigation of the effect of catalysts on the gasification process. The total energy analysis showed a significant improvement of gas quality due to increase of temperature and due to the use of alumina-zinc based catalysts at temperatures below 900°C. The presence of these catalysts in the gasification process affected the quality of the gases formed, mainly by increasing the hydrogen production, reduction of the gas dilution by carbon dioxide and a slightly higher production of carbon monoxide. Above 900°C, temperature dominates the gasification reaction mechanisms causing the catalysts to have little or no significant effect. Thermal cracking of tar is of major importance on the gasification process, as the tar yields reduce from 42.1 to 24.7% of the bagasse original weight with the increase of the gasifier temperature from 700 to 1000°C. However, the solid residue reduced only from 16 to 13.3%. Hence, the increase in the gaseous yields at high temperature appeared to be due to the gasification of tar with some contribution from secondary reactions involving char. The result was the production of a medium heat content gaseous fuel.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
A Multi-Platform Co-Array Fortran Compiler

Co-array Fortran (CAF) - a small set of extensions to Fortran 90 - is an emerging model for scalable, global address space parallel programming. CAF's global address space programming model simplifies the development of single-program-multiple-data parallel programs by shifting the burden for managing the details of communication from developers to compilers. This paper describes CAFC - a prototype implementation of an open-source, multiplatform CAF compiler that generates code well-suited for today's commodity clusters. The CAFC compiler translates CAF into Fortran 90 plus calls to one-sided communication primitives. The paper describes key details of CAFC's approach to generating efficient code for multiple platforms. Experiments compare the performance of CAF and MPI versions of several NAS parallel benchmarks on an Alpha cluster with a Quadrics interconnect, an Itanium 2 cluster with a Myrinet 2000 interconnect and an Itanium 2 cluster with a Quadrics interconnect. These experiments show that CAFC compiles CAF programs into code that delivers performance roughly equal to that of hand-optimized MPI programs.
Abstract PR6: Oncogenic Ras requires stimulation for activity sufficient to initiate a feed-forward inflammatory mechanism capable of inducing pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and cancer.

Oncogenic Ras mutations are widely assumed to be locked in a permanent “on” state and “constitutively active.” Yet expression of oncogenic Ras at physiological levels has little effect on most cells and no obvious effects when expressed in adult pancreatic acinar cells. Here, we demonstrated that oncogenic K-Ras is not constitutively active, which explains the lack of effects. For this study, we measured the level of K-Ras associated with Raf in pull-down assays in resting pancreatic cells bearing one copy of oncogenic K-Ras. We observed that less than 10% of the mutant Ras could be co-immunoprecipitated with Raf, rather than the theoretical 50% which would be predicted if Ras was constitutively active. We also analyzed the effects of Ras stimulation in cells bearing one copy of oncogenic K-Ras. We found that a strong stimulant like EGF could increase the level of K-Ras binding Raf by 10fold, rather than the theoretical value of 2-fold predicted if Ras was constitutively active. These data indicate that oncogenic K-Ras is not constitutively active. Furthermore, we found that oncogenic K-Ras is readily activated by physiologic or pathologic stimulants, such as a diet containing trypsin inhibitor, high doses of cholecystokinin, PGE2 or active Cox-2, or LPS. However, unlike wild-type Ras, oncogenic K-Ras is slow to inactivate, thus greatly prolonging the duration of activity. This effect on signaling kinetics further leads to dramatically amplified levels of Ras activity due to a feed-forward loop in which Ras generates inflammatory mediators which act as Ras stimulants. High Ras activity generated by this loop leads to acinar cell senescence, inflammation and fibrosis-resembling the histological features of chronic pancreatitis (CP). High, but not low, Ras activity also initiates formation of abundant mPanINs that spontaneously progressed to metastatic PDAC. Since a large percentage of the population of normal healthy humans develops Ras mutations as they age, a reduction of factors that activate Ras signaling may have important therapeutic and preventive value. In summary, oncogenic Ras is not constitutively active but predisposes cells to pathological alterations dependent upon Ras activity levels. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the link between inflammation, Ras and PDAC and provide insights for cancer prevention. This proffered talk is also presented as Poster A49. Citation Format: Baoan Ji, Huamin Wang, Haojie Huang, Craig D. Logsdon. Oncogenic Ras requires stimulation for activity sufficient to initiate a feed-forward inflammatory mechanism capable of inducing pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges; Jun 18-21, 2012; Lake Tahoe, NV. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PR6.
The unfulfilled gene is required for the development of mushroom body neuropil in Drosophila

The mushroom bodies (MBs) of Drosophila are required for complex behaviors and consist of three types of neurons, γ, α'/β' and α/β. Previously, roles for transcription factors in MB neuronal differentiation have only been described for a subset of MB neurons. We are investigating the roles of unfulfilled (unf; HR51, CG16801) in MB development. unf encodes a nuclear receptor that is orthologous to the nuclear receptors fasciculation of axons defective 1 (FAX-1) of the nematode and photoreceptor specific nuclear receptor (PNR) of mammals. Based on our previous observations that unf transcripts accumulate in MB neurons at all developmental stages and the presence of axon pathfinding defects in fax-1 mutants, we hypothesized that unf regulates MB axon growth and pathfinding. We show that unf mutants exhibit a range of highly penetrant axon stalling phenotypes affecting all neurons of the larval and adult MBs. Phenotypic analysis of unf X1 mutants revealed that α'/β' and α/β neurons initially project axons but stall prior to the formation of medial or dorsal MB lobes. unf Z0001 mutants form medial lobes, although these axons fail to branch, which results in a failure to form the α or α' dorsal lobes. In either mutant background, γ neurons fail to develop larval-specific dorsal projections. These mutant γ neurons undergo normal pruning, but fail to re-extend axons medially during pupal development. unf RNAi animals displayed phenotypes similar to those seen in unf Z0001 mutants. Unique asymmetrical phenotypes were observed in unf X1 /unf Z0001 compound heterozygotes. Expression of UAS-unf transgenes in MB neurons rescues the larval and adult unf mutant phenotypes. These data support the hypothesis that unf plays a common role in the development of all types of MB neurons. Our data indicate that unf is necessary for MB axon extension and branching and that the formation of dorsal collaterals is more sensitive to the loss of unf function than medial projections. The asymmetrical phenotypes observed in compound heterozygotes support the hypothesis that the earliest MB axons may serve as pioneers for the later-born MB neurons, providing evidence for pioneer MB axon guidance in post-embryonic development.
Trends in the Use and Management of Application Package Software

The use of application package software to meet information system needs has grown dramatically in the last decade. The time and cost savings available from the use of packages have overwhelmed traditional objections to their adoption. This paper reports on characteristics of package use based on a survey sample of U.S. firms using packages and in-depth interviews with I/S managers. The results show that many firms now use packages to meet line-of-business, or mission-critical system needs, as well as more generic, backoffice requirements. Furthermore, a significant proportion of sample firms adopt packages as part of an overall strategy to implement much of the core of I/S functionality in packages. An explanation of the forces driving greater use of packages is presented, and implications of these trends are discussed.
Less than the sum of its parts: institutional realities and legal aspirations in early twenty-first century American immigration

This essay considers the implications of some of the legal and institutional forces shaping immigration in the early twenty-first century, and explores what the character of the American system implies for citizenship and migration in an advanced industrial democracy with a complex regulatory state. The essay argues, first, that immigration law must be understood not as a raw reflection of mass public attitudes or a carefully reasoned prescriptive scheme, but instead as a politically generated, fractured system allocating benefits and burdens among a variety of constituents and public agencies. This allocation plainly affects more than just actual or potential migrants. It also shapes the lives of employers, law enforcers, politicians, and the larger public of American citizens. These interactions showcase how much the future of the nation-state may depend not only on seemingly inexorable forces reshaping the international system, but on how law is understood by the public, adjudicated by courts, and enfo...
Anionic polymerization. VI. Effect of polar modifiers on alkylsodium and alkylpotassium polymerization of butadiene

It was found that N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine and hexamethyl phosphorus triamide minimize chain transfer reactions in the polymerization of 1,3-butadiene in hydrocarbon solvent with alkylsodium or alkylpotassium initiators. The polymers obtained with alkylsodium initiators had a high molecular weight and high vinyl content at 90–95% conversion. The molecular weight of the polybutadiene made by alkylsodium and alkylpotassium initiators was dependent on the polymerization temperatures and modifier ratios, but the vinyl contents were independent of the modifier ratios. Vinyl contents of alkylpotassium-initiated polymers showed a slight dependency on polymerization temperature; the vinyl contents of alkylsodium-initiated polymers were independent of temperature. Addition of lithium tert-butoxide and potassium tert-amylate to these initiators in the presence of the modifiers affected the molecular weight but not the microstructure.
Racial Disparities at the Point of Care for Urban Children with Persistent Asthma

Little is known about disparities in preventive asthma care delivery at the time of an office visit. Our objective was to better understand what treatments are delivered at the point of care for urban children with asthma, and whether there are racial disparities. We enrolled 100 Black and 77 White children (2–12 years) with persistent asthma from 6 primary care practices. We evaluated how frequently providers delivered guideline-based asthma actions at the index visit. We also assessed asthma morbidity prior to the index visit and again at 2 month follow-up. Black children had greater symptom severity and were less likely to report having a preventive medication at baseline, but were no more likely to report a preventive medication action at the time of an office visit. Symptoms persisted for Black children at follow-up, suggesting additional preventive actions were needed. Further efforts to promote consistent guideline-based preventive asthma care are critical.
Walt Disney: Master of laughter and learning

(1967). Walt Disney: Master of laughter and learning. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 36-41.
Translational regulation of Anopheles gambiae mRNAs in the midgut during Plasmodium falciparum infection

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted via the bites of infected Anopheline mosquitoes. Midgut invasion is a major bottleneck for Plasmodium development inside the mosquito vectors. Malaria parasites in the midgut are surrounded by a hostile environment rich in digestive enzymes, while a rapidly responding immune system recognizes Plasmodium ookinetes and recruits killing factors from the midgut and surrounding tissues, dramatically reducing the population of invading ookinetes before they can successfully traverse the midgut epithelium. Understanding molecular details of the parasite-vector interactions requires precise measurement of nascent protein synthesis in the mosquito during Plasmodium infection. Current expression profiling primarily monitors alterations in steady-state levels of mRNA, but does not address the equally critical issue of whether the proteins encoded by the mRNAs are actually synthesized. In this study, we used sucrose density gradient centrifugation to isolate actively translating Anopheles gambiae mRNAs based upon their association with polyribosomes (polysomes). The proportion of individual gene transcripts associated with polysomes, which is determined by RNA deep sequencing, reflects mRNA translational status. This approach led to identification of 1017 mosquito transcripts that were primarily regulated at the translational level after ingestion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected blood. Caspar, a negative regulator of the NF-kappaB transcription factor Rel2, appears to be substantially activated at the translational levels during Plasmodium infection. In addition, transcripts of Dcr1, Dcr2 and Drosha, which are involved in small RNA biosynthesis, exhibited enhanced associations with polysomes after P. falciparum challenge. This observation suggests that mosquito microRNAs may play an important role in reactions against Plasmodium invasion. We analyzed both total cellular mRNAs and mRNAs that are associated with polysomes to simultaneously monitor transcriptomes and nascent protein synthesis in the mosquito. This approach provides more accurate information regarding the rate of protein synthesis, and identifies some mosquito factors that might have gone unrecognized because expression of these proteins is regulated mainly at the translational level rather than at the transcriptional level after mosquitoes ingest a Plasmodium-infected blood meal.
Identification and distribution of a two-pore domain potassium channel in the CNS of Aplysia californica

A cDNA encoding a potassium channel of the two-pore domain family (K2p) of leak channels was cloned from the CNS of the marine opisthobranch Aplysia californica. This is the first sequence of the K2p family identified in molluscs and has been named AcK2p1. The deduced amino acid sequence is homologous to channels of the mammalian two-pore domain halothane inhibited (THIK) subfamily, bearing 46% identity to THIK-1 (KCNK 13) and 48% to THIK-2 (KCNK12). We used in-situ hybridization to analyze the distribution of this class of channels in the CNS. AcK2p1 is specifically expressed in many central neurons of all major ganglia including the largest identified neurons MCC, R2 and LP1. The highest expression of AcK2p1 was detected in an asymmetrical and distinct cluster of up to 30 cells located at the dorsal-medial region of the right pleural ganglion. The neuron-specific distribution seen in the molluscan CNS is consistent with data from mammals that indicate THIK is only expressed in restricted neuronal populations, suggesting its involvement in both the maintenance of neuronal phenotype and in the specific functional role of these neurons in their respective networks.
Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) Response to the Three Mile Island Accident

This paper discusses the three general classes of support provided by the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) and describes the role played by ARAC in support of DOE during the Three Mile Island accident in March and April of 1979.
Hormonal correlates of sexual behavior in the female musk shrew: The role of estradiol ☆

Plasma levels of several steroid hormones in the female musk shrew, (Suncus murinus), are reported along with experiments on the causational role steroids play in female sexual behavior. Gonadally intact females sampled directly after a brief (about 7 minutes on average) sexual interaction with a male had equivalent plasma levels of estradiol (E2) but significantly higher plasma progesterone (P4) levels than resting females. In Experiment 2, females that engaged in nonsexual activities with conspecifics other than gonadally intact males had plasma levels of E2 and P4 equivalent to those of females that engaged in sexual behavior with males. Taken together, the results of these two experiments suggest that the relatively higher levels of plasma P4 noted in active musk shrews is not a response specific to sexual interactions with males. In Experiment 3, ovariectomized musk shrews were treated with E2 implants. These tonically administered physiological doses of E2 were not able to activate sexual behavior. However, two steroid-sensitive reproductive target tissues, the cervix and flank pad, were responsive to E2 treatment. Supplemental injections of P4 given to E2 treated ovariectomized females were also ineffective in restoring sexual behavior. These results suggest that physiological doses of E2 do not have direct effects on the expression of female sexual behavior in this mammalian species.
Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival of 393 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in the southeastern United States: a single-institution cohort.

Background Limited data exist on patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) from the southeastern United States, a region with a high proportion of African Americans (AA). Objectives We sought to determine clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival of patients with MF/SS in a southeastern US cohort, compare with other cohorts, and validate proposed revisions in MF/SS staging. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of patients from an academic dermatology referral center (Atlanta, GA) from 1998 to 2013. Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated for overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression; univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used for assessment of prognostic variables. Results Of 393 patients, 55.2% were white, 43.3% AA, and 1.5% other; 52.7% were male and 47.3% female (ratio 1.1:1). Mean age was 53.6 years; mean age among AA was 48.9 years. In all, 19.6% died of disease; 21.9% experienced disease progression. Advanced TNMB classification, presence of a circulating clone without phenotypic evidence of blood involvement, and older age were predictors of poor disease-specific survival in the multivariate analysis, whereas AA race was not. Limitations This study was from a single academic center. Conclusions Outcomes of our patients generally paralleled those of other geographic regions. MF/SS may affect younger patients and more women than previously recognized, particularly among AA. Survival among AA may be more favorable than that observed in prior reports. Our data support the validity of the staging criteria revisions for MF/SS.
Applications of reversed-phase chromatography and nephelometric detection to analysis of non-polar mixture at microgram level

Abstract Non-aqueous reversed-phase chromatography with light-scattering detection is suitable for analysis of various non-polar mixtures. Microprecipitations are conveniently used in solute recovery for further investigations by auxillary chromatographic or spectral techniques. Described applications include determination of the triglyceride and fatty acid composition of vegetable oils, hydrocarbons in petroleum wax, and terpenoids in natural mixtures.
Quantification of Myosin Heavy Chain RNA in Human Laryngeal Muscles: Differential Expression in the Vertical and Horizontal Posterior Cricoarytenoid and Thyroarytenoid

BACKGROUND Human laryngeal muscles are composed of fibers that express type I, IIA, and IIX myosin heavy chains (MyHC), but the presence and quantity of atypical myosins such as perinatal, extraocular, IIB, and alpha (cardiac) remain in question. These characteristics have been determined by biochemical or immunohistologic tissue sampling but with no complementary evidence of gene expression at the molecular level. The distribution of myosin, the main motor protein, in relation to structure-function relationships in this specialized muscle group will be important for understanding laryngeal function in both health and disease. OBJECTIVES We determined the quantity of MyHC genes expressed in human posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) and thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle using real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in a large number of samples taken from laryngectomy subjects. The PCA muscle was divided into vertical (V) and horizontal (H) portions for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS No extraocular or IIB myosin gene message is present in PCA or TA, but IIB is expressed in human extraocular muscle. Low but detectable amounts of perinatal and alpha gene message are present in both of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. In H- and V-PCA, MyHC gene amounts were beta greater than IIA greater than IIX, but amounts of fast myosin RNA were greater in V-PCA. In TA, the order was beta greater than IIX greater than IIA. The profiles of RNA determined here indicate that, in humans, neither PCA nor TA intrinsic laryngeal muscles express unique very fast-contracting MyHCs but instead may rely on differential synthesis and use of beta, IIA, and IIX isoforms to perform their specialized contractile functions.
Unassisted Transport of Block Tryptophan through DOPC Membrane: Experiment and Simulation

The permeation of a blocked tryptophan through a DOPC bilayer membrane is investigated to probe unassisted or passive transport. The transport rate is measured experimentally and modeled computationally with atomically detailed simulations using the Milestoning algorithm. The time scale measured by PAMPA experiments is ∼8h. Simulations with Milestoning suggest a Mean First Passage Time (MFPT) of ∼4h. A similar calculation with the solubility-diffusion model yields MFPT of ∼15min. Both methods show significant variations for the computed permeation rate from opposing sides of the membrane (a factor of about 100). This underlines the difficulties in sampling membrane conformations even after 50 nanoseconds of umbrella sampling simulations. The permeation rate for this small peptide is very different (nine orders of magnitude slower) from the permeation rate of a tryptophan side chain only that was computed previously. This difference suggests critical dependence of transport time on permeant size and on hydrogen bonding. Analysis of the simulation results suggests that hydrogen bonding of the peptide backbone to water and lipid molecules and the creation of membrane defects are responsible for the exceptionally slow transport rate.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Characterization of Pd/γ-alumina catalysts containing ceria

The effects of adding CeO2 to PdAl2O3 as a catalyst modifier were investigated by X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Catalytic effects were demonstrated by using propane oxidation as a model reaction. It was found that CeO2 promotes oxidation of Pd to PdO both with and without alumina. High-temperature reduction (⋍920 °C) and the presence of Pd are required for the total conversion to bulk CeAlO3 from CeO2Al2O3. Pd also assists in the oxidation of bulk CeAlO3 to CeO2 at elevated temperatures. In ambient air, Pd facilitates surface oxidation of CeAlO3 to CeO2, whereas surface Pd acquires an oxidation state between Pd0 and PdO. On PdAl2O3 the propane oxidation rate is found to be lowered by CeO2 if the oxygen concentration exceeds that of the Stoichiometric ratio.
The nature of facework in discussion of everyday problems between friends

This study examined how facework is managed in social support interactions between friends and how facework affects satisfaction of both support seekers and support providers. The study extends previous research on social support by examining solidarity, approbation, and tact as aspects of positive anda negative face and by examining actual interactions between friends about a problem support seekers are having. We found that support seekers were most satisfied when supporte providers minimized the imposition of their advice / suggestiond and showed an explicit appreciation for the support seeker´s problem. Support providers felt most satisfied when support seekers asked directly for help and showed admiration for the provider´s ability to help solve the problem. A positive relation-ship was found between support seekers´and support providers´expressions of approbation and solidarity. Controllability and importance of the problem did not emerge as significant factors in determining any facework strategies of support seekers or providers. Additionally, the closeness of the relationship between friends and the empathic skill of each did not predict types of facework used by participants.
Toward in-vivo photoacoustic imaging of human ovarian tissue for cancer detection

Currently, most of the cancers in the ovary are detected when they have already metastasized to other parts of the body. As a result, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality of all gynecological cancers with a 5-year survival rate of 30% or less [1]. The reason is the lack of reliable symptoms as well as the lack of efficacious screening techniques [2,3]. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve the current diagnostic techniques. We have investigated the potential role of co-registered photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging in ovarian cancer detection. In an effort to bring this technique closer to clinical application, we have developed a co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic transvaginal probe. A fiber coupling assembly has been developed to deliver the light from around the transducer for reflection geometry imaging. Co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic images of swine ovaries through vagina wall muscle and human ovaries using the aforementioned probe, demonstrate the potential of photoacoustic imaging to non-invasively detect ovarian cancer in vivo.
Review of the Subfamily Hirstionyssinae, Synonymy of Echinonyssus Hirst and Hirstionyssus Fonseca, and Descriptions of Four New Species of Echinonyssus (Acari: Laelapidae)

The laelapid subfamily Hirstionyssinae is reviewed and rediagnosed. The 5 genera included in the subfamily are diagnosed and keyed: Ancoranyssus, Echinonyssus, Patrinyssus, Thadeua and Trichosurolaelaps. Neoparalaelaps is specifically excluded from the subfamily. Nakhoda , placed in the Laelapinae by authors of that genus, is discussed relative to its hirstionyssine affinities; however, a subfamily placement is not specified herein. The synonymy of Echinonyssus and Hirstionyssus is supported. Redescriptions and reillustrations are presented for Echinonyssus creightoni (Africa), Echinonyssus liberiensis , n. comb. (Africa), Echinonyssus nasutus (type-species), and Echinonyssus palawanensis , n. comb. (Philippines). Four new species are described: Echinonyssus distinctitarsus , n. sp. (Thailand, China: ex Callosciurus spp. and Petaurista spp.); E. harpagonis , n. sp. (Borneo: ex Callosciurus notatus); E. lukoschusi , n. sp. (Czechoslovakia: ex Talpa europea ); and E. umbonatus , n. sp. (Philippines: ex Hylopetes nigripes ).
Introduction: Immigration and Its Impact on Human Capital Development

A recent report issued by the Pew Research Center forecasted that one in five Americans (19 per cent) will be foreign-born by 2050, which surpasses the historical wave of immigration of 14.8 per ce...
Catalysis of homo diels-alder reactions by Yb(fod)3

Abstract The use of Yb(fod) 3 to catalyze Diels-Alder reactions of acrolein with sensitive dienes in nearly stoichiometric ratio and with high stereoselectivity is described.
Electron temperature dependence of the recombination of electrons with NO + ions

The coefficient for recombination of O4(+) ions with electrons has been measured as a function of Te by analyzing electron- and ion-density decays in microwave-generated afterglow plasmas in neon-oxygen mixtures. Te values in the afterglow were elevated above those of the neutral species and ions by continuous application of microwave power. The data analysis included effects on the Te arising from inelastic collisions of electrons with the minority oxygen molecules and spatial nonuniformities of Te due to the spatially nonuniform microwave heating field. Over the temperature range Te = 143-5500 K the recombination coefficients were found to have a Te exp -z dependence, with z = 0.48 + 0.1 or - 0.05. While the values of the recombination coefficients for this dimer ion are an order of magnitude larger than those of the monomer ions, the temperature dependence is close to the Te exp -0.5 dependence predicted and often observed for diatomic ions.