cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces hypophagia and thermogenesis

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei (VMN) regulate energy homeostasis by integrating and utilizing behavioral and metabolic mechanisms. The VMN heavily express pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type I receptors (PAC1R). Despite the receptor distribution, most PACAP experiments investigating affects on feeding have focused on intracerebroventricular administration or global knockout mice. To identify the specific contribution of PACAP signaling in the VMN, we injected PACAP directly into the VMN and measured feeding behavior and indices of energy expenditure. Following an acute injection of PACAP, nocturnal food intake was significantly reduced for 6 h after injections without evidence of malaise. In addition, PACAP-induced suppression of feeding also occurred following an overnight fast and could be blocked by a specific PAC1R antagonist. Metabolically, VMN-specific injections of PACAP significantly increased both core body temperature and spontaneous locomotor activity with a concurrent increase in brown adipose uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression. To determine which signaling pathways were responsive to PACAP administration into the VMN, we measured mRNA expression of well-characterized hypothalamic neuropeptide regulators of feeding. One hour after PACAP administration, expression of pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA was significantly increased in the arcuate nuclei (ARC), with no changes in neuropeptide Y and agouti-related polypeptide mRNA levels. This suggests that PAC1R expressing VMN neurons projecting to pro-opiomelanocortin neurons contribute to hypophagia by involving melanocortin signaling. While the VMN also abundantly express PACAP protein, the present study demonstrates that PACAP input to the VMN can influence the control of energy homeostasis.
Cooperative knowledge work and practices of trust: sharing environmental planning data sets

Knowledge communities of all kinds have social and material practices for deciding what is known and who is to be trusted. In this paper, we address a specific kind of knowledge work, environmental planning, and a particular form of collaboration , the sharing of measurement data sets. We are interested in how trust is created; how trustability is assessed in the arm=s-length collaboration of sharing data sets; and how changes in technology interact with those practices of trust. We look at several elements of scientific practice that facilitate this sharing -- the publication system, communities of practice, boundary objects, and assemblages -- and discuss how a Web-based Digital Library might affect these elements and the knowledge work that they support.
Chemical structure-activity relationship visualization using structure-activity maps

This study shows an effective way to explore and visualize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of flavonoids with antioxidant activity using structure- activity maps (SAMs). SAMs are graphical maps plotting molecular descriptors such as NAB or MSI against their biological activities. NAB (number of non-hydrogen atoms and bonds in a molecule) or MSI (molecular similarity index) is used to quantify the chemical structures. SA Ms pro vide a very efficient method for representing and visualizing SAR information in a biochemical database. SAMs also provide a simple and effective way for ordering and grouping compounds. SA Ms were examined for compounds grouped according to NAB to determine important activity trends utilizing structural orderings. SA Ms were used to systematically identify the effects of chemical modification on the activities of compounds and to determine the site and type of modifications for improved activity.
A "new" thematic series: mass spectrometry-based proteomics of lipid biology.

Proteomics, a global approach to understanding protein expression, regulation, and function, transcends analysis of individual proteins. One of its major tools is mass spectrometry (MS), which can detect and quantify hundreds or even thousands of proteins in one sample. Indeed, it has already made major contributions to important biological and clinical problems [reviewed in (1–3)]. MS measures molecular weight and therefore can detect and characterize posttranslational modifications of proteins (4). Its ability to identify disease-related biomarkers is also a powerful advantage (5). This issue inaugurates a Thematic Series highlighting the application of MS to the study of proteins important in lipid metabolism and biology. We first provide a brief overview of MS, illustrating two of the major approaches used to identify proteins and posttranslational modifications, and then we summarize the topics that will be reviewed in the series.
ASTER DTM vs GTOPO30 and 1/250.000 topographic maps - The case of Lefkas Island, Greece

In this paper, we present the use of ASTER data for the creation of a Digital Terrain Model (DMT) of high accuracy. The area of study is Lefkas Island in the Ionian Sea. For the creation of the DTM, we used an ASTER stereo-pair dating January 01, 2001. The images cover an area of 60times60 km The images have been received in the near infrared (0.78-0.86 mum) part of the spectrum with a spatial resolution of 15 m. We created a 15 m-pixel size DTM. Then, we compared that DTM with the following DTM's a) A GTOPO30 DTM b) A DTM created from digitized contours of 1/250.000 scale topographic maps. We first made an optical comparison of the DTMs. Then we subtracted the DTM created from ASTER data from the DTM created from digitized contours and we presented their difference. Finally, we verified the DTMs accuracy using different points of well-known elevation. All the results demonstrated that DTMs derived from ASTER data have very good accuracy that depends on the accuracy of the ground control points and could be ranged between 15-25 meters
Long-Range Petroleum Migration in the Illinois Basin

The distribution of oil fields in the Illinois basin overlaps but extends considerably northward from the area where the New Albany Group, the basin's most prolific source rock, has generated oil. Oils from reservoirs in Silurian strata from central and western Illinois can be correlated geochemically and isotopically to bitumen from the New Albany near the southern tip of Illinois. We believe that these oils migrated long distances, perhaps 100 km (62 mi) or more from the south or southeast. Migration probably occurred late in the basin's history, after basin sediments were fully compacted, in response to a regional northward flow system set up by tectonic uplift in the south. The hydrodynamic drive for migration during this period was comparable in magnitude to the comp nent of buoyant force acting along migration pathways; both hydrodynamic and buoyant forces contributed to migration. Migration efficiency and velocity are greatest when oil saturates a small part of the carrier bed's porosity. Capillary forces can aid migration by segregating oil into heterogeneities such as especially porous laminae, fractures, or karst channels in carrier beds. We suggest that the oil migrated through Devonian and Silurian carbonates along the weathered and karstified surface of a regional unconformity that formed during Kaskaskia deposition.
A self-splicing RNA excises an intron lariat

Abstract We have investigated the in vitro self-splicing of a class II mitochondrial intron. A model pre-mRNA containing intron 5 γ of the oxi 3 gene of yeast mitochondrial DNA undergoes an efficient intramolecular rear-rangement reaction in vitro. This reaction proceeds under conditions distinct from those optimal for self-splicing of class I introns, such as the Tetrahymena nuclear rRNA intron. Intron 5 γ is excised as a nonlinear RNA indistinguishable from the in vivo excised intron product by gel electrophoresis and primer extension analysis. Studies of the in vitro excised intron product strongly indicate that it is a branched RNA with a circular component joined by a linkage other than a 3′–5′ phosphodiester. Two other products, the spliced exons and the broken form of the lariat, were also characterized. These results show that the class II intron products are similar to those of nuclear pre-mRNA splicing.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in The Treatment of Bacterial Endocarditis

The combination of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and trimethoprim (TMP) in a 5: 1 ratio has not previously been evaluated as the sole antimicrobial agent in treat­ ment of bacterial endocarditis. Bacteremia was suppressed in three patients with Streptococcus viridans endocarditis; however, one patient relapsed three days after cessation of therapy. Two patients treated for six and eight weeks for Pseudom­ onas cepacia endocarditis relapsed within two weeks of stopping chemotherapy. In one patient with endocarditis due to a susceptible Staphylococcus aureus,. treatment was stopped after two days because of lack of clinical improvement and of increasing numbers of organisms on quantitative blood cultures. Review of the literature suggests that administration of polymyxin or another appropriate antimicrobial agent may increase the effectiveness of TMP-SMZ in the treatment of bacterial endocarditis. Since effective antibacterial therapy is available for many organisms causing endocarditis, future evaluation of TMP-SMZ in endocarditis should be limited to those situations in which either no other effective therapy is known or host factors such as allergy to penicillin exist.
Fixed point theorems of GPS carrier phase ambiguity resolution and their application to massive network processing: Ambizap

[1] Precise point positioning (PPP) has become popular for Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic network analysis because for n stations, PPP has O(n) processing time, yet solutions closely approximate those of O(n3) full network analysis. Subsequent carrier phase ambiguity resolution (AR) further improves PPP precision and accuracy; however, full-network bootstrapping AR algorithms are O(n4), limiting single network solutions to n < 100. In this contribution, fixed point theorems of AR are derived and then used to develop “Ambizap,” an O(n) algorithm designed to give results that closely approximate full network AR. Ambizap has been tested to n ≈ 2800 and proves to be O(n) in this range, adding only ∼50% to PPP processing time. Tests show that a 98-station network is resolved on a 3-GHz CPU in 7 min, versus 22 h using O(n4) AR methods. Ambizap features a novel network adjustment filter, producing solutions that precisely match O(n4) full network analysis. The resulting coordinates agree to ≪1 mm with current AR methods, much smaller than the ∼3-mm RMS precision of PPP alone. A 2000-station global network can be ambiguity resolved in ∼2.5 h. Together with PPP, Ambizap enables rapid, multiple reanalysis of large networks (e.g., ∼1000-station EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory) and facilitates the addition of extra stations to an existing network solution without need to reprocess all data. To meet future needs, PPP plus Ambizap is designed to handle ∼10,000 stations per day on a 3-GHz dual-CPU desktop PC.
Recursive data models for non-conventional database applications

Database models provide concepts and tools to establish data-based models of complex real-world applications. The currently prevalent set-oriented and record-based data models provide powerful and quite adequate structural tools for modelling formatted data objects in data intensive applications. Limitations of traditional database models become obvious, however, when modelling such advanced ‘non-conventional’ database applications as in CAD/CAM, computer graphics, or information retrieval which require management of large sets of variously structured data objects (e.g., part representations, drawings, or texts). For a more adequate representation of such ‘complex’ data objects, generalized ‘RECURSIVE DATA MODELS’ are proposed. They allow for the definition and manipulation of objects of not necessarily the same structure, but only a similar structuring concept. This work integrates experiences from the areas of programming languages and classical data(base) models.
Strength and persistence of fire‐induced soil hydrophobicity under ponderosa and lodgepole pine, Colorado Front Range

Fire-induced soil hydrophobicity is presumed to be a primary cause of the observed post-fire increases in runoff and erosion from forested watersheds in the Colorado Front Range, but the presence and persistence of hydrophobic conditions has not been rigorously evaluated. Hence the goals of this study were to: (1) assess natural and fire-induced soil hydrophobicity in the Colorado Front Range, and (2) determine the effect of burn severity, soil texture, vegetation type, soil moisture, and time since burning on soil hydrophobicity. Five wild and prescribed fires ranging in age from 0 to 22 months were studied. Each fire had four study sites in ponderosa pine forests that had been burned at high, moderate, or low severity, and three sites were in unburned areas. Additional sites were established in lodgepole pine stands and an area with unusually coarse-textured soils. At each site the soil hydrophobicity was assessed in two pits using the water drop penetration time (WDPT) and the critical surface tension (CST). Measurements were made at the mineral soil surface and depths of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 cm. In sites burned at moderate or high severity the soils were often strongly hydrophobic at 0, 3, and 6 cm. Unburned sites or sites burned at low severity were typically hydrophobic only at the surface. Although soil hydrophobicity generally strengthened with increasing burn severity, statistically significant differences in soil hydrophobicity were difficult to detect because of the high variability within and between sites. Hydrophobicity also increased with increasing percent sand and was not present when soil moistures exceeded 12–25%. There were no significant differences in soil hydrophobicity between ponderosa and lodgepole pine stands, regardless of burn severity. Repeat measurements on one fire suggest a weakening of fire-induced soil hydrophobicity after 3 months. Comparisons between fires suggest that fire-induced soil hydrophobicity persists for at least 22 months. Overall, CST values were more consistent and more highly correlated with the independent variables than the WDPT, and the CST is recommended for assessing soil hydrophobicity rather than the more commonly used WDPT. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On-Line Measure of Shockwaves for ITS Applications

The formation of shockwaves demarking boundaries between different flow states in time-space domains has been well studied and documented in the literature. Previous research concentrated on theoretical and mathematical analyses of shockwaves, providing valuable insights into shockwave phenomena. In the past few years, the traffic signal systems community has witnessed an increasing interest in adaptive control algorithms. These algorithms strive to achieve real-time platoon accommodation by assuming platoon speed and dispersion characteristics in order to predict its time of arrival at the downstream signal. Instead of assuming platoon speed and dispersion characteristics, we propose an on-line analysis of shockwaves at the downstream intersection to achieve the same purpose. This paper introduces a new metric that can detect and quantify shockwaves formed as a result of a suboptimal offset at an intersection. The new metric, the \iF′ model, captures the effects of shockwaves using cycle-based tabulation of advance detector occupancy and count. A discriminant analysis is conducted to develop thresholds to which \iF′ values can be compared to estimate the offset performance. The metric introduced in this paper can be used for implementing adaptive offset tuning algorithms in a traditional closed loop coordinated traffic signal system.
X-ray diffraction analysis of structural defects in a-plane GaN grown on r-plane sapphire by MOCVD

In this work, we demonstrate the use of X-ray diffraction for analyzing structural imperfections in a-plane GaN grown on r-plane sapphire. Although there are only two (hh 0) planes accessible under symmetric diffraction, there are an adequate number of diffraction planes accessible under the quasi-symmetric configuration to enable analysis of rocking curves that are not influenced by basal-plane stacking faults. By measuring diffraction profiles for a series of symmetric and asymmetric crystal planes, the broadening terms were separated using extrapolation methods based on their geometric dependence. Individual broadening factors can then be correlated to the relative contribution of different structural defects, including threading dislocations, lateral coherence length, and basal plane stacking faults. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Metal–Organic Framework Containing Unusual Eight-Connected Zr–Oxo Secondary Building Units and Orthogonal Carboxylic Acids for Ultra-sensitive Metal Detection

Two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with Zr-oxo secondary building units (SBUs) were prepared by using p,p'-terphenyldicarboxylate (TPDC) bridging ligands pre-functionalized with orthogonal succinic acid (MOF-1) and maleic acid groups (MOF-2). Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of MOF-1 provides the first direct evidence for eight-connected SBUs in UiO-type MOFs. In contrast, MOF-2 contains twelve-connected SBUs as seen in the traditional UiO MOF topology. These structural assignments were confirmed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. The highly porous MOF-1 is an excellent fluorescence sensor for metal ions with the detection limit of <0.5 ppb for Mn(2+) and three to four orders of magnitude greater sensitivity for metal ions than previously reported luminescent MOFs.
Combination therapy with normobaric oxygen (NBO) plus thrombolysis in experimental ischemic stroke.

Background: The widespread use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only FDA-approved acute stroke treatment, remains limited by its narrow therapeutic time window and related risks of brain hemorrhage. Normobaric oxygen therapy (NBO) may be a useful physiological strategy that slows down the process of cerebral infarction, thus potentially allowing for delayed or more effective thrombolysis. In this study we investigated the effects of NBO started simultaneously with intravenous tPA, in spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. After homologous clot injection, animals were randomized into different treatment groups: saline injected at 1 hour; tPA at 1 hour; saline at 1 hour plus NBO; tPA at 1 hour plus NBO. NBO was maintained for 3 hours. Infarct volume, brain swelling and hemorrhagic transformation were quantified at 24 hours. Outcome assessments were blinded to therapy. Results: Upon clot injection, cerebral perfusion in the MCA territory dropped below 20% of preischemic baselines. Both tPA-treated groups showed effective thrombolysis (perfusion restored to nearly 100%) and smaller infarct volumes (379 ± 57 mm3 saline controls; 309 ± 58 mm3 NBO; 201 ± 78 mm3 tPA; 138 ± 30 mm3 tPA plus NBO), showing that tPA-induced reperfusion salvages ischemic tissue and that NBO does not significantly alter this neuroprotective effect. NBO had no significant effect on hemorrhagic conversion, brain swelling, or mortality. Conclusion: NBO can be safely co-administered with tPA. The efficacy of tPA thrombolysis is not affected and there is no induction of brain hemorrhage or edema. These experimental results require clinical confirmation.
Index-guiding holey fiber with high group birefringence

A novel index-guiding holey fiber with up to 0.015 high group birefringence and ≪ 0.4 dB/m loss is proposed. The differential group delay per meter is tunable from 35–50 ps/m by heating the injected polymer.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in spinal cord injury: a retrospective study.

Background/Objective: Vitamin B12 (or cobalamin) deficiency is well known in geriatric patients, but not in those with spinal cord injury (SCI) . This retrospective study describes vitamin B1 2 def...
Chemistry of grain boundaries in mantle rocks

The compositions of olivine grain boundaries have been analyzed with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) via energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum profiling in three specimens: a peridotite ultramylonite, olivine phenocrysts in a basaltic rock, and synthesized compacts of olivine + diopside. Composition profiles across grain boundaries in both natural and synthetic samples exhibit a characteristic width of 5 nm and a deplel ion of Mg and concomitant enrichments of Ca, Al, Ti, and Cr. Chemical segregation is known to affect grain boundary processes such as grain boundary diffusion sliding, fracture, and migration, all of which influence the rheological properties of polycrystalline aggregates. Also, because grain boundaries are enriched in trace elements, the boundaries can be important storage sites for such elements in mantle rocks. Mantle-derived melts with unusual compositions, such as those rich in Ca and/or Ti, might be explained by preferential melting of olivine grain boundaries enriched in these elements. The common chemical signatures at grain boundaries in all samples indicate that chemical segregation is an energetically favorable phenomenon and thus should occur elsewhere in Earth's mantle. Segregation of trace elements to grain boundaries may play an important role in dynamical and geochemical processes in Earth's mantle.
Hilbert spectral analysis of vowels using intrinsic mode functions

In recent work, we presented mathematical theory and algorithms for time-frequency analysis of non-stationary signals. In that work, we generalized the definition of the Hilbert spectrum by using a superposition of complex AM-FM components parameterized by the Instantaneous Amplitude (IA) and Instantaneous Frequency (IF). Using our Hilbert Spectral Analysis (HSA) approach, the IA and IF estimates can be far more accurate at revealing underlying signal structure than prior approaches to time-frequency analysis. In this paper, we have applied HSA to speech and compared to both narrowband and wideband spectrograms. We demonstrate how the AM-FM components, assumed to be intrinsic mode functions, align well with the energy concentrations of the spectrograms and highlight fine structure present in the Hilbert spectrum. As an example, we show never before seen intra-glottal pulse phenomena that are not readily apparent in other analyses. Such fine-scale analyses may have application in speech-based medical diagnosis and automatic speech recognition (ASR) for pathological speakers.
On socialist fiscal crises: Lessons from Cuba

Socialist states, it was argued, must address accumulation and legitimation concerns, just as capitalist states do. They too are likely to have fiscal problems, but for somewhat different reasons than capitalist states. Because of the nationalization of ownership of most of the economy, socialist states are not faced with the problem of absorbing the costs of production and reproduction while profits are privately appropriated. However, “soft” budgetary constraints strain socialist state fiscal resources. Of particular concern to us, the revenue generating problem of socialist states is compounded by the very successes of their social-welfare policies: when social policies raise life expectancy and lower the fertility rate, the size of the labor force available to contribute to the country's economic base withers at the same time that the state's pension and health care costs increase.
Ergotamine Tartrate in Experimental Vascular Hypertension Associated with Increased Intracranial Pressure

Following the intracisternal injection of colloidal kaolin, the rat will develop arterial hypertension associated with increased intracranial pressure.12 For the sake of brevity, we shall refer to such an animal as a kaolin-hypertensive rat. The elevation of blood pressure was interpreted as being the result of hyperactivity of the vasoconstrictor center in consequence of the increased intracranial pressure.Because ergotamine is known to paralyze peripheral parts of the sympathetic nervous system, it seemed possible that this substance might influence arterial hypertension so produced. Hogler3 has reported no lowering of the blood pressure by ergotamine tartrate when given in the dose of one mg to dogs made hypertensive by kaolin. However, Hogler's first blood pressure readings were taken one hour after the injection of ergotamine tartrate so that a transitory effect might have been overlooked.In addition to producing prolonged hypertension associated with increased intracranial pressure, we also elicited...
The Behavior of Antithrombin III, Alpha2 Macroglobulin, and Alpha1 Antitrypsin during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

We serially measured concentrations of three protease inhibitors, antithrombin III, alpha 2 macroglobulin, and alpha 1 antitrypsin in patients with coronary artery and valvular heart disease during extracorporeal circulation. Assays for immunoreactive antiproteases and for functional antithrombin III were performed on plasma samples obtained at selected intervals before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Significant reductions of all protease inhibitors occurred at some time during cardiopulmonary bypass, although patterns of change were dissimilar for the two patient groups. A return toward preoperative levels was observed after cardiopulmonary bypass was discontinued, but antithrombin III remained diminished in the patients with coronary artery disease. The acute serial changes in this group of alpha globulins is evidence of their participation during the dynamic stress of extracorporeal circulation. Their timely intervention as serine protease antagonists deters sustained thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Effects of Rate and Spray Volume of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki on Activity Against Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Persistence in Cotton Terminals

Effects of rate and total spray volume on activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against Heliothis virescens (F.) in cotton terminals was determined in field cotton. Higher B. thuringiensis rates caused higher initial mortality than the lower rates and maintained higher efficacy up to 3 d, Persistence did not differ significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) among rates, and half-lives ranged from 2.4 to 3.1 d. Spray volume did not affect the activity of B. thuringiensis in cotton terminals. Half-lives for B. thuringiensis applied at a rate of 1.12 kg/ha were 3-3.1 d for 46.7, 93.4 and 140 liters/ha.
Sol-Gel Preparation and Characterization of Niobia thin Films for Catalytic Sensor Applications

Thin films of niobium pentoxide were deposited on quartz plates by spin-coating a solution of niobium ethoxide in ethanol. The films were tested as potential selective gas sensors by exposing them to various reducing environments. It was found that they were selective and sensitive to ammonia. This sensitivity was attributed to the formation of donor-acceptor complexes between chemisorbed ammonia and Lewis acid sites on the solid.
High-yielding seed production technique of new good quality hybrid rice Zaoyou 11

Zaoyou 11 is a thermo-sensitive early maturing rice hybrid derived from the newly bred wild abortive type cytoplasmic male sterile(CMS) line Zao A and the restorer line Gui 11 by Rice Research Institute of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences.The rice hybrid showed a higher yield with good grain quality.During 2004-2006,the planted area of Zaoyou 11 in Guangxi was more than 700 hm2,and the general yield was 7500kg/hm2.Moreover,during 2005-2006,the seed production area of Zaoyou 11 in Guangxi was 41.3 hm2,and the general yield of seed production reached 2625kg/hm2 and the highest was 3750kg/hm2.The grain quality of Zaoyou 11 was up to the first class of China national fine quality rice standards,and it was certified and registered by the Guangxi Committee for Crop Variety Registration in March,2006.The characteristics of parents of new rice hybrid Zaoyou 11 were introduced in the paper,and the high-yielding seeds production technique and key points for commercial production of Zaoyou 11 was also summarized to provide the reference for extension.
Thinking and suggestion on statements for specification of Chinese patent medicines

The status and problems on the quality standard and statement for the specification of Chinese patent medicines(CPM) were analyzed and some suggestions were put forward in this article.The specification in the statement and quality standard of CPM should indicate the amount of unit preparartions,the loading amount of the product in proper packaging,and the active ingredient amount in theory as well;The drug specification and the retail price must be determined according to the active ingredient amount in theory.To abolish the way of dividing the drug specification by the adjuvants difference of the same drugs and not to distinguish the drug specification according to whether sugar or thin film contains or not;The application for the alternation of sucrose-free granule or thin film tablet could be handled in the way of changing adjuvants.
Synergism between interferon-gamma and cytokines or lipopolysaccharide in the activation of the HIV-LTR in macrophages.

Macrophages (mos) obtained from transgenic mice carrying the HIV long terminal repeat-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (LTR-CAT) sequence were used to study the influence of various biologic response modifiers (BRMs) on the activation of LTR-directed CAT expression. It was found that LPS or IL-6 alone induced moderate levels of CAT expression, whereas IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha had no significant effect. Co-exposure of mos to IFN-gamma and either LPS, IL-6, or TNF-alpha led to significant synergistic increases in CAT levels. Levels were also synergistically augmented when mos were exposed first to IFN-gamma (priming), washed, and then exposed to either LPS, IL-6, or TNF-alpha. Although IL-6 was synergistic with subsequently added IFN-gamma, the reverse sequence of addition was more effective. LPS and TNF-alpha were inactive when added before IFN-gamma. Initial priming signals were rapid as exposure for 3 h to IFN-gamma was sufficient to prepare the cells for subsequent activation by other BRMs. These results suggest that the duration of latency and progression of HIV infections may be greatly influenced by events such as intercurrent infections that cause IFN-gamma production, thereby priming mos to respond to other cytokines that have been reported to be constitutively elevated during the course of infection with HIV (e.g., IL-6 and/or TNF-alpha).
1,25(OH)2D3 modulates intracellular Ca2+ and force generation in resistance arteries.

The mechanism by which 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] enhances smooth muscle force generation was examined. Rats were injected on three mornings with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (35 ng/100 g) or vehicle, and on the fourth morning mesenteric resistance arteries were isolated and used for simultaneous measurement of intracellular Ca 2+ and force or myosin light chain phosphorylation. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 did not affect media thickness or wall-to-lumen ratio, but it increased basal intracellular Ca 2+ (vehicle = 49.2 ± 2.2 nM vs. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 = 65.9 ± 4.0 nM, P < 0.05, n = 24-26 rats). 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 enhanced the active stress and intracellular Ca 2+ responses to increasing doses of norepinephrine, and the increases were normalized by verapamil (10 μM). In a second group of animals, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 significantly increased both basal intracellular Ca 2+ and light chain phosphorylation and the active stress and Ca 2+ mobilization responses to norepinephrine (10 μM). The hormone did not affect peak or steady-state light chain phosphorylation. Myofilament Ca 2+ sensitivity, determined during stimulation with 2 μM norepinephrine, was depressed in vessels isolated from rats treated with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 [vehicle Ca 2+ 50% effective dose (ED 50 ) = 82.7 ± 3.8 nM vs. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 = 104.8 ± 4.9 nM, P = 0.002]. We conclude that 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 enhances resistance artery force generation by altering smooth muscle Ca 2+ homeostasis, with effects on basal and verapamil-sensitive, agonist-induced Ca 2+ mobilization.
Water status and development of tropical trees during seasonal drought

Bud break, shoot growth and flowering of trees involve cell expansion, known to be inhibited by moderate water deficits. In apparent contradiction to physiological theory, many trees flower or exchange leaves during the 6 month-long, severe dry season in the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. To explore this paradox, changes in tree water status during the dry season were monitored in numerous trees. Water potential of stem tissues (Ψstem) was obtained by a modification of the pressure chamber technique, in which xylem tension was released by cutting defoliated branch samples at both ends. During the early dry season twigs bearing old, senescent leaves generally had a low leaf water potential (Ψleaf), while Ψstem varied with water availability. At dry sites, Ψstem was very low in hardwood trees ( −0.2 MPa) in lightwood trees storing water with osmotic potentials between −0.8 and −2.1 MPa. At moist sites trees bearing old leaves rehydrated during drought; their Ψstem increased from low values (<−3 MPa) to near saturation, resulting in differences of 3–4 MPa between Ψstem and Ψleaf. Indirect evidence indicates that rehydration resulted from osmotic adjustment of stem tissues and improved water availability due to extension of roots into moist subsoil layers. In confirmation of physiological theory, elimination of xylem tension by leaf shedding and establishment of a high solute content and high Ψstem were prerequisites for flowering and bud break during drought.
Self-Defense Militias, Death Squads, and State Outsourcing of Violence in India and Turkey

ABSTRACTWhat explains the variation in states’ nonstate partners in civil warfare? States often use nonstate actors to do what their regular military forces cannot do well – navigate the local population. Some of their nonstate partners are ordinary civilians, while others are battle-hardened fighters with a rebellious or criminal past. The choice of proxy carries serious implications for the patterns and effects of violence during civil war, human rights, and international security. This article is the first to disaggregate the nonstate counterinsurgents and offer an explanation for why and how states use each type. It brings together the politics of collaboration with the politics of exploitation. The article shows that the state’s use of nonstate proxies is shaped by the supply of willing collaborators, the state’s ability to exercise control over them, and the trade-offs underlying the use of the different types of nonstate actors. The empirical evidence used to support this argument comes from a nove...
Patterns of physiological decline due to age and selection in Drosophila melanogaster

In outbred sexually reproducing populations, age-specific mortality rates reach a plateau in late life following the exponential increase in mortality rates that marks aging. Little is known about what happens to physiology when cohorts transition from aging to late life. We measured age-specific values for starvation resistance, desiccation resistance, time-in-motion, and geotaxis in ten Drosophila melanogaster populations: five populations selected for rapid development and five control populations. Adulthood was divided into two stages, the aging phase and the late-life phase according to demographic data. Consistent with previous studies, we found that populations selected for rapid development entered the late-life phase at an earlier age than the controls. Age-specific rates of change for all physiological phenotypes showed differences between the aging phase and the late-life phase. This result suggests that late life is physiologically distinct from aging. The ages of transitions in physiological characteristics from aging to late life statistically match the age at which the demographic transition from aging to late life occurs, in all cases but one. These experimental results support evolutionary theories of late life that depend on patterns of decline and stabilization in the forces of natural selection.
In Partial Defense of Probate: Evidence from Alameda County, California

For five decades, probate — the court-supervised administration of decedents’ estates — has been condemned as unnecessary, slow, expensive, and intrusive. This backlash has transformed succession in the U.S., as probate avoidance has become a booming industry and contract-like devices such as life insurance, transfer-on-death accounts, and revocable trusts have become the primary engines of intergenerational wealth transmission. Despite this hunger to privatize the inheritance process, we know very little about what happens in contemporary probate court. This Article improves our understanding of this issue by surveying every estate administration stemming from individuals who died in Alameda County, California in 2007. This original dataset of 668 cases challenges some of the most entrenched beliefs about probate. For one, although succession is widely seen as a tranquil process in which beneficiaries settle disputes amicably and pay a decedent’s debts voluntarily, both litigation and creditor’s claims are common. In addition, attorneys’ and personal representatives’ fees are far lower than assumed. The Article then uses these insights to critique the demand for probate avoidance, to contend that probate’s cautious approach to creditors should also govern non-probate transfers, and to suggest reforms to the probate process.
Quasiparticle structure and coherent propagation in the t - J z - J ⊥ model

Numerical studies, from variational calculation to exact diagonalization, all indicate that the quasiparticle generated by introducing one hole into a two-dimensional quantum antiferromagnet has the same nature as a string state in the {ital t}-{ital J}{sub {ital z}} model. Based on this observation, we attempt to visualize the quasiparticle formation and subsequent coherent propagation at low energy by studying the generalized {ital t}-{ital J}{sub {ital z}}-{ital J}{sub {perpendicular}} model in which we first diagonalize the {ital t}-{ital J}{sub {ital z}} model and then perform a {ital degenerate} perturbation in {ital J}{sub {perpendicular}}. We construct the quasiparticle state and derive an effective Hamiltonian describing the coherent propagation of the quasiparticle and its interaction with the spin wave excitations in the presence of the N{acute e}el order. We expect that qualitative properties of the quasiparticle remain intact when analytically continuing {ital J}{sub {perpendicular}} from the anisotropic {ital J}{sub {perpendicular}}{lt}{ital J}{sub {ital z}} to the isotropic {ital J}{sub {perpendicular}}={ital J}{sub {ital z}} limit, despite the fact that the spin wave excitations change from gapful to gapless. Extrapolating to {ital J}{sub {perpendicular}}={ital J}{sub {ital z}}, our quasiparticle dispersion and spectral weight compare well with the exact numerical results for small clusters. {copyright} {ital 1996more » The American Physical Society.}« less
Comparative Study of Xenobiotic-Free Media for the Cultivation of Human Limbal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells.

The culture of human limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LSCs) in the presence of animal components poses the risk of cross-species contamination in clinical applications. We quantitatively compared different xenobiotic-free culture media for the cultivation of human LSCs. LSCs were cultured from 2 × 2 mm limbal tissue explants on denuded human amniotic membrane with different xenobiotic-free culture media: CnT-Prime (CnT-PR) supplemented with 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% human serum (HS), embryonic stem cell medium (ESCM) alone or in combination with the standard supplemented hormonal epithelium medium (SHEM, control) at a 1:1 dilution ratio, and modified SHEM (mSHEM), in which cholera toxin and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were removed, isoproterenol was added, and the epidermal growth factor concentration was reduced. Several parameters were quantified to assess the LSC phenotype: cell morphology, cell growth, cell size, outgrowth size, and expression of the undifferentiated LSC markers cytokeratin (K) 14, an...
Using the aftercare clinic as an interdisciplinary bridge to longitudinal care

Hospital readmission rates are increasingly used as a measure of healthcare systems’ quality and effectiveness and a tool for reimbursement or penalization if rates are excessive.[1][1] Patients with chronic conditions and patients without a primary care provider often seek care in the emergency
Social support predicts reductions in PTSD symptoms when substances are not used to cope: A longitudinal study of sexual assault survivors.

Abstract Background After sexual assault, many college women develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and those who engage in substance use coping are at heightened risk for this outcome. Positively-perceived social support has been identified as an important protective factor against the development of PTSD, but received social support could involve problematic behaviors—like the encouragement of coping through use of alcohol and/or drugs—that could worsen symptoms. Methods In the current study, 147 undergraduate women with a lifetime history of sexual assault completed two waves of self-report measures assessing their symptoms. We test main and interaction effects for social support and substance use coping at baseline on PTSD symptoms one month later. Results Results suggest that social support is longitudinally associated with decreases in PTSD. Although substance use coping did not evidence a direct association with PTSD, the relationship between social support and PTSD was significantly weaker as substance use coping increased. Only support from friends (but not family members or a “special person”) was associated with later PTSD, and this relationship was moderated by substance use coping. Limitations Substance use coping was assessed via a brief measure, and peer encouragement of coping by using alcohol and/or drugs was not directly assessed. Conclusions Clinicians should consider ways to increase access to social support from friends in patients with PTSD and evaluate ways that substance use coping may interfere with social support's benefits.
Improving (Meta)Cognitive Tutoring by Detecting and Responding to Uncertainty.

We hypothesize that enhancing computer tutors to respond to student uncertainty over and above correctness is one method for increasing both student learning and self-monitoring abilities. We explore this hypothesis using data from an experiment with a wizarded spoken tutorial dialogue system, where tutor responses to uncertain and/or incorrect student answers were manipulated. Our results suggest that monitoring and responding to student uncertainty has the potential to improve both cognitive and metacognitive student abilities. Copyright © 2009, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. All rights reserved.
Follicular dynamics and steroid profiles in cows during and after treatment with progestin-based protocols for synchronization of estrus.

Two progestin-based protocols for the synchronization of estrus in beef cows were compared. Cyclic, nonlactating, crossbred, beef cows were assigned by age and body condition score to one of two treatments. Cows assigned to the MGA Select protocol were fed melengestrol acetate (MGA; 0.5 mg x cow(-1) x (-1)) for 14 d, GnRH was administered (100 microg i.m. of Cystorelin) 12 d after MGA withdrawal, and PGF2alpha (25 mg of i.m. Lutalyse) was administered 7 d after GnRH. Cows assigned to the 7-11 Synch protocol were fed MGA for 7 d and were injected with PG on d 7 of MGA, GnRH on d 11, and PG on d 18. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily to monitor follicular dynamics from the beginning of MGA feeding through ovulation after the synchronized estrus. All cows exhibited estrus in response to PG. Mean interval to estrus was shorter (P 0.10). Variances for interval to estrus differed (P 0.10) between treatments. Relative to MGA Select, serum estradiol-17beta concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) for 7-11 Synch 2 d and 1 d before, on the day of GnRH injection, in addition to 4 d after GnRH, and 24 h after PG. Mean progesterone concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) for MGA Select cows from 4 d before to 7 d after GnRH. Forty-four percent of the variation in interval to estrus between treatments was explained by differences in estradiol-17beta concentrations 24 h after PG. This study suggests that follicular competence is likely related to steroidogenic capacity of the follicle and the endocrine environment under which growth and subsequent ovulation of the dominant follicle occurs.
Dendrogeomorphic Applications to Debris Flows in Glacier National Park, Montana USA

Dendrogeomorphology, the use of tree rings to determine the age of a geomorphic event such as debris flows, is a useful tool in determining the recurrence interval and to some extent, the magnitude, of potentially hazardous geomorphic events. Debris flows will damage trees as the debris moves downhill. The impact scars can be dated by counting the tree rings that have grown since the impact, or by determining the year of the onset of suppression rings or reaction wood. The following example refers to the use of dendrogeomorphology in the examination of debris flow hazards within Glacier National Park, Montana USA.
A Competency-Based Curriculum for Critical Care Nurse Practitioners’ Transition to Practice

Background Nearly one-third of new-graduate nurse practitioners report undergoing no formal orientation process, and postcertification orientation processes vary. A validated curriculum would address the need for structured training to enhance new graduates' practice transition. Methods A competency-based practice transition curriculum for intensive care unit nurse practitioners was created using a literature review and expert panels. Competencies were established that were based on clinical categories essential to nurse practitioner practice in the intensive care unit and adapted from existing Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education training, aligned with the precertification nursing curriculum. Participants recruited from academic and clinical backgrounds were asked to rank curriculum items using a 4-point Likert scale. Competencies were refined on the basis of participants' survey feedback. Results A total of 31 participants from academic medical centers and schools of nursing throughout the United States responded to the request for competency validation; 29% of participants provided qualitative data. All 9 competency topics received a mean rating greater than 3.5 and were deemed valid. Using the combined quantitative and qualitative data, a final set of competencies for nurse practitioners in the intensive care unit was developed. Conclusions The curriculum developed and validated in this study can become the basis for practice transition for novice nurse practitioners. The curriculum is adaptable and can be used for surgical and medical intensive care units. As refined, the competencies provide a validated foundation for training of new-graduate nurse practitioners in the intensive care unit.
Let’s break it down: Metabolomics and pediatric MS

Tryptophan metabolic profile is associated with multiple sclerosis risk and disease severity in children.