cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-type- and Developmental-stage-specific Metabolism and Storage of Retinoids by Embryonic Chick Retinal Cells in Culture

Biological functions of retinoids in the vertebrate retina include the role of 11-cis retinaldehyde as visual pigment chromophore, and possible effects of retinoic acid in histogenesis and cell survival. Qualitative and quantitative regulation of retinoid availability for these complex processes could involve several cell types, including retinal pigment epithelium, Muller glia and retinal photoreceptors and non-photoreceptor neurons; their relative contributions, however, have not been fully elucidated. Using purified cultures, we have carried out a study of cell-type-specific metabolism and storage of retinoids in chick embryo retinal photoreceptors and other neuronal cells, as compared to those of retinal glia. Retinal glia were found to synthesize both retinoic acid and retinyl esters, and to hydrolyse the latter; they also displayed retinol dehydrogenase activities. Cultured neurons and photoreceptors also synthesized and hydrolysed retinyl esters; their capacity for retinaldehyde synthesis from a retinol or retinyl ester substrate suggested the presence of retinol dehydrogenase activity. Retinoic acid was not synthesized in differentiated neuronal cultures, although some synthesis was detectable at early culture stages when the cells were still morphologically undifferentiated. These findings indicate that cell-type-specific metabolic activities are expressed during retinal cell differentiation in vitro, and that embryonic retinal photoreceptors and nonphotoreceptor neurons are active participants in the metabolism and storage of retinoids.
Fluctuations in sugars in cv. Record during extended storage at 10 °C

Tubers of cv. Record (the major UK crisping cultivar) were stored at 10°C for up to 320 days. Throughout storage, the levels of reducing sugar in the tissue surrounding the basal eye were considerably higher than those round the apical eye but the difference in sucrose between the two tissues was not as marked. During storage, there was an initial peak in total reducing sugar content, possibly associated with the break in dormancy, and a second peak associated with vigorous sprout growth. Regular removal of sprouts caused reducing sugar levels to continue to fall, after the initial rise, for much longer than in spouting tubers and for the final sweetening to be considerably delayed, suggesting that the stage of sweetening subsequent to break of dormancy is possibly under the control of sprout growth. However, even in such material sugars may eventually rise, possibly due to ageing of the tuber.
Effects of smoking and cessation on subclinical arterial disease: a substudy of a randomized controlled trial.

Background The mechanisms by which smoking cessation reduces cardiovascular disease risk are unclear. We evaluated longitudinal changes in carotid intima-media thickness among current smokers enrolled in a prospective, randomized smoking cessation clinical trial.
Performance improvement and characterization activities for an imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer

Risk mitigation activities for a prototype imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) system, development originating within NASA's Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) for enabling future space-based atmospheric composition missions, are continuing at NASA Langley Research Center. The system concept and technology are focused on observing tropospheric ozone around 9.6 micron, but also have applicability toward measurement of other trace species in different spectral regions and other applications. The latest results from performance improvement and laboratory characterization activities will be reported, with an emphasis placed on testing performed to evaluate system-level radiometric, spatial, and spectral measurement fidelity.
Acceptability of fat-modified foods in a population of older adults: Contrast between sensory preference and purchase intent

Abstract One hundred and forty-five subjects (46 males, 99 females) completed demographics/nutrition knowledge and food frequency questionnaires, and evaluated regular, low-fat and/or fat-free versions of cheese, bologna, crackers and cookies, blind for degree of liking using a 9-point scale, and with nutrition information for purchase intent using a 5-point scale. Subjects liked the fat-free cheese significantly less ( p p p p
WAVE ENERGY ESTIMATES AND BLUFF RECESSION ALONG LAKE MICHIGAN'S SOUTHEAST SHORE*

Recession rates for unconsolidated bluffs at 23 sites along Lake Michigan's southeast shore are compared with deep water wave energy probabilities to estimate the relative degradational importance of recurrent 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100-year storms. Recession rates are based on measured bluff crest retreat while wave energies are calculated using standard water wave theory and data interpolated from a meteorologically based hindcast model. Correlation and regression tests suggest the following: (1) although wave energy is certainly a destructive factor, it explains less than half of the variation in bluff crest recession, supporting the interpretation that shorezone erosion here results from the interaction of numerous factors; and (2) over long time periods the total effect of more frequent moderate intensity storms is greater than that from rare, especially high energy events.
Historical Perspectives on Autism: Its Past Record of Discovery and Its Present State of Solipsism, Skepticism, and Sorrowful Suspicion

Concepts of autism have evolved over the twentieth century after Bleuler coined the term to refer to symptoms of self-absorption in those with schizophrenia. Autism nosology changed to the current sesquipedalian constellation of autism spectrum disorders with a confusing archipelago of 5 conditions that often serve as islands of confusion to both the general public and professionals. This article reviews historical links that have led to the current confusing and controversial situation that is encouraging some people to return to magic, mysticism, and mantics for health care, despite the amazing accumulation of progress in vaccinology over the past 2 centuries.
CFRP Repair of Steel Beams with Various Initial Crack Configurations

This paper presents an experimental program to study the behavior of notched steel beams repaired with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Particular attention is paid to examining the interaction between the level of initial damage (i.e., notch depth) and CFRP repair. Multiple stages of fatigue-crack-propagation in a steel beam are simulated by various notch sizes, including a0/h ratios=0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 in which a0= notch depth; and h = beam height. A modeling approach is proposed to simultaneously take into account crack-propagation across the steel section and debonding of the CFRP. Efficacy of the CFRP repair is more pronounced when the damage level increases. CFRP sheet stabilizes the crack mouth opening displacement of the repaired beams until significant debonding takes place. The level of initial damage affects the behavior of a plastic region above the notch tip, the rate of web fracture, and the initiation of CFRP debonding. The damage, however, does not influence the failure mode of...
Analyzing coordination of upper and lower extremities in human gait

Human gait has been studied in biomechanical and clinical research for a long time. Researchers use many different tools to detect and analyze human walking motions. 3D kinematic data captured by motion capture system is one of powerful tools to analyze the human motions. However, not many researches have focused on coordination of upper extremities during human locomotion. In this paper, we introduce the concept of feature extractions to analyze the upper and lower extremities on human gait. For analyzing coordination between arm joint and leg joint movement, we developed a gait visualization tool to measure velocity and angle of each arm joint and leg joint pair, and compare three different gait speeds (e.g., slow walk, casual walk, and fast walk) for each feature extraction.
A comparison of sequenced reinforcement under free-operant and discrete-trial contingencies

Three experiments were performed to examine the effects of sequenced reinforcement on resistance to extinction. When Ss were given extended training in a free-operant lever chamber situation, single N-length (always the same number of nonreinforced leverpresses before a reinforced press) groups were at least as resistant to extinction as multiple N-length (number of nonreinforcements before a reinforcement varied) groups. In fact, when Ss experiencing N-lengths of 6 (six nonreinforcements before a reinforcement) were compared with Ss experiencing N-lengths of 2, 4, and 6, the single N-length groups showed greater resistance to extinction at all training levels. Groups that experienced discrete-trial (the lever retracted for 15 sec after every press) training showed greater resistance to extinction when they experienced multiple N-length sequences. The experiments supported Capaldi’s sequential response hypothesis only when a discrete-trial procedure was used. Extended training did not produce greater resistance to extinction for multiple N-length free-operant Ss.
Friction and wear of Cu-Ni alloys

Abstract The friction and wear of Cu-Ni alloy blocks sliding against 440C and coated steel rings have been studied. Sliding speed was 50 mm s −1 and test atmospheres were argon and dry air. A wide range of experimental techniques was used to characterize the worn specimen and the debris particles. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays have been particularly helpful. Transfer of ring material was observed in most cases, especially when the debris particles were ferromagnetic. The wear rates of the Cu-Ni blocks are largely determined by the amount of transferred ring material. The wear rates of the Cu-Ni alloys decrease with increasing transfer of ring material. However, the wear rate of the ring increases as transfer continues. This process often leads to a transition involving severe damage to the ring. Brushes which remove most of the loose debris significantly reduce transfer and postpone the transition.
BMP-5 expression increases during chondrocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro and promotes proliferation and cartilage matrix synthesis in primary chondrocyte cultures

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play pivotal roles in bone and cartilage growth and repair. Through phenotypes of short-ear (se) mice, which have BMP-5 mutations, a role for BMP-5 in some specific aspects of skeletogenesis and cartilage growth is known. This report examines BMP-5 expression in the growth plate and in differentiating cultures of primary chondrocytes, and the effects of addition of BMP-5 or its inhibition by anti-BMP-5 antibody in chondrocyte cultures. By laser capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry, we found that BMP-5 is expressed in proliferating zone (PZ) chondrocytes and that the expression increases sharply with hypertrophic differentiation. A similar pattern was observed in differentiating cultures of primary chondrocytes, with BMP-5 expression increasing as cells differentiated, in contrast to other BMPs. BMP-5 added to cultures increased cell proliferation early in the culture period and also stimulated cartilage matrix synthesis. Also, BMP-5 addition to the cultures activated phosphorylation of Smad 1/5/8 and p38 MAP kinase and caused increased nuclear accumulation of phospho-Smads. Anti-BMP-5 antibody inhibited the endogenous BMP-5, reducing cell proliferation and phospho-Smad nuclear accumulation. Together, the results demonstrate that BMP-5 is normally an important regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Whether other BMPs may compensate in BMP-5 loss-of-function mutations is discussed.
Police Responses to Woman Battering: Victim Advocates' Reports*:

Most of the research on police responses to battered women has been conducted by surveying or observing the police or by using forms completed by the police. This study takes a unique approach by using data collected by advocates for battered women in two agencies in a large metropolitan area of the United States. In 1992 shelter (refuge) workers and workers at a women victims' hotline agency developed a one-page form to be filled out by advocates for woman battering calls they received in person (not over the phone). The forms were specifically designed to assess the reasons why the police were called and what was their response. Two-hundred-and-fifty-nine forms were completed and provide the data base for this study. The study found that the police responses (both positive and negative) differed according to which victim advocacy agency was involved, whether the responding department was the major urban department (which had a pro-arrest policy) or one of the surrounding smaller departments (without pro...
Human copy number polymorphic genes

Recent large-scale genomic studies within human populations have identified numerous genomic regions as copy number variant (CNV). As these CNV regions often overlap coding regions of the genome, larg
The Social-Entrepreneurship Advantage: An Experimental Study of Social Entrepreneurship and Perceptions of Nonprofit Effectiveness

A common assertion in the nonprofit literature is that nonprofit organizations can become more efficient, effective, and sustainable by embracing social entrepreneurship in their operational and strategic posture. In this article, we examine whether the mere label of social entrepreneurship results—with no actual organizational differences—in an increase in positive attributions associated with a nonprofit organization, an effect we call the social entrepreneurship bias. We experimentally test for the existence of a social entrepreneurship bias by examining how the label of social entrepreneurship alters how people judge a nonprofit’s effectiveness and decide how to allocate scarce donation funds.
Computed Electroencephalographic Activity Mapping in Schizophrenia: The Resting State Reconsidered

• Several topographic mapping studies of electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectra have reported increased slow (delta) activity in the frontal regions of schizophrenic patients. Using supraorbital and lateral canthus electrodes to detect eye movement, we deleted EEG epochs during eye movement in 15 medication-free patients with schizophrenia and in 13 normal control subjects. Power spectral analysis of the 28-channel EEG demonstrated a diffuse mild increase in delta activity in schizophrenic patients compared with normal control subjects but no tendency for frontal localization of this slow activity. There were no differences between schizophrenic patients and normal control subjects in other frequency bands. These results, which replicate earlier findings of increased delta activity in schizophrenia, emphasize the importance of excluding the slow activity due to eye movement in the comparisons of summed EEG spectra. This emphasis can best be ensured by equating the summed spectra from extraocular movement channels of experimental and control groups.
Stereotypes and the Shaping of Identity

I have spent a good deal of time over the years thinking about how our racial identities should figure in our moral and political livesreflecting, that is, on the ethical significance of one dimension of difference.' I have thought about these questions as a moral philosopher and not as a legal theorist, and so I have not had to work within the constraints imposed by the law and the history of its interpretation. The advantage of this freedom is that one may reflect on how things should be, unconstrained by the necessity of deference to the confusions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of our government. The disadvantage is that one can find oneself proposing norms or practices that have no chance at all of being implemented, and giving advice that seems, in the justly derogatory sense, "merely theoretical." So it is cheering to find someone like Professor Post, who both recognizes an important moral truth about the ethical significance of difference and believes that it can be brought to bear in the practical business of interpreting actually existing American antidiscrimination law.
Methodologic Barriers to Addressing Critical Questions About Tobacco and Cancer Prognosis

Cigarette smoking has been causally linked to cancer for decades, and we now know a great deal about its impact on primary cancer incidence in the lung and a growing list of other organ sites. However, the evidence regarding the effects of cigarette smoking and other tobacco use on subsequent prognosis is by no means complete. The article by Gillison et al that accompanies this editorial reports an increased risk of progression and death associated with cigarette smoking duration and intensity among patients with oropharyngeal cancer. This is important information to add to our growing understanding of smoking as a risk factor for clinical outcomes after diagnosis with cancer. The article also provides an opportunity to discuss several challenges—methodologic and otherwise—that are frequently barriers to capturing the data needed in studies of cigarette smoking and cancer prognosis.
Bacterial Nonhomologous End Joining Requires Teamwork

All living organisms must repair DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in order to survive. Many bacteria rely on nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) when only a single copy of the genome is available and maintain NHEJ pathways with a minimum of two proteins. In this issue, Bhattarai and colleagues identify additional factors that can work together to aid in survival of stationary-phase cells with chromosomal breaks.
Photobleaching and Blinking of TAMRA Induced by Mn2

Blinking and bleaching: Coordination of Mn(2+) to DNA induces intersystem crossing, causing fluctuations in the fluorescence intensity and accelerated photobleaching.
Trade Competition and Pollution Standards: “Race to the Bottom” or “Stuck at the Bottom”:

A major argument for upward harmonization of national industrial pollution standards is that unregulated trade competition among countries with wide disparities in standards will exert downward pressure on standards, particularly in the countries with the most stringent standards (the “race to bottom” thesis). But empirical evidence indicates that it is in the rapidly industrializing countries themselves, rather than in the countries with higher standards, that competitiveness concerns exert downward pressure on standards, creating a “stuck at the bottom” problem. The greater sensitivity of rapidly industrializing countries to competitiveness pressures can be explained by the unresponsiveness of their political institutions. This article calls for a radically different approach to the problem of standards and trade competition, proposing an agreement on common minimum standards to be negotiated solely among the rapidly industrializing countries themselves.
Solution-processed nanoparticle super-float-gated organic field-effect transistor as un-cooled ultraviolet and infrared photon counter.

High sensitivity photodetectors in ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) range have broad civilian and military applications. Here we report on an un-cooled solution-processed UV-IR photon counter based on modified organic field-effect transistors. This type of UV detectors have light absorbing zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) sandwiched between two gate dielectric layers as a floating gate. The photon-generated charges on the floating gate cause high resistance regions in the transistor channel and tune the source-drain output current. This “super-float-gating” mechanism enables very high sensitivity photodetectors with a minimum detectable ultraviolet light intensity of 2.6 photons/μm2s at room temperature as well as photon counting capability. Based on same mechansim, infrared photodetectors with lead sulfide NPs as light absorbing materials have also been demonstrated.
MULINIA LATERALIS (MOLLUSCA: BIVALVIA) DIE-OFF IN SOUTH CAROLINA: DISCOVERY OF A VECTOR FOR TWO ELASMOBRANCH CESTODE SPECIES

Abstract: Unexplained and episodic die-offs of the dwarf surf clam, Mulinia lateralis, have been reported on the West Atlantic coast, with such an occurrence in South Carolina in June 2010. A sample of live clams from the 2010 South Carolina event was collected, and 200 clams were measured and necropsied. Two species of tapeworm larvae were observed. Plerocercoids (Duplicibothrium sp.) occupied the digestive gland ducts, and merocercoids (Rhodobothrium sp.) were found beneath the mantle. Specimens of both species were sequenced to obtain partial 28S rRNA gene sequences, and they were identified as the tetraphyllidean D. minutum and the rhinebothriidean R. paucitesticulare, based on an NCBI Standard Nucleotide BLAST search. Of the 200 clams, 2.1% were infected with merocercoids (mean intensity 1.3 ± 0.2) and 75% with plerocercoids (mean intensity 4.3 ± 3.7). Intensity of infection by plerocercoids increased significantly with individual shell length. The presence of plerocercoids was associated with enlar...
Use of scheduling for anti-windup controller design

Preliminary results are presented for developing a scheduling approach for anti-windup control design. The results include state feedback controllers, though generalization to many important classes of dynamic output feedback appears reasonably straight forward. The main idea is to devise a family of controllers that can be used to override the nominal controller, depending on the response of the system. The emphasis is on providing performance guarantees, even for open loop unstable plants. The main idea is demonstrated through a third order unstable model.
Interobserver Reliability of Descriptive Experience Sampling

The descriptive experience sampling (DES) method is a procedure for providing descriptions of the inner experience of individuals. Although analytic arguments for its reliability are found, there have been no conventional interobserver reliability studies of the method. We took a stratified random sample of 10 participants and obtained 6 DES samples from each. Two interviewers independently interviewed the participants and rated them on the presence or absence of 16 characteristics of inner experience, 5 of which occurred frequently enough to analyze separately. The single-sample interobserver-reliability kappas for those 5 characteristics ranged from .52 to .92 (median 0.76). Spearman–Brown adjustment showed that reliabilities for typical 19-sample averages would range from .92 to .98, comparable to highly reliable questionnaires.
Quantitative determination of phencyclidine in pigmented and nonpigmented hair by ion-trap mass spectrometry

A sensitive and specific method has been developed for the quantitative analysis of phencyclidine (PCP) in pigmented and nonpigmented rat hair. After the addition of PCP-ds as the internal standard, hair samples (10 rag) were digested overnight in 1N NaOH at 30~ Digested solutions were then extracted using a solid-phase procedure with Bond Flut Certify TM extraction columns. Reconstituted extracts analyzed on a Finnigan ion trap (Magnum TM) mass spectrometer in the electron ionization mode using helium as the carrier gas, and a DB-5 MS (30 m x 0.25-ram i.d.; 25-pro film thickness) capillary column. The assay is linear from 0.1 to 50 ng/mg with a correlation coefficient of > 0.99 and is capable of detecting 25 pg of PCP on column. The accuracy of this assay was estimated using fortified hair standards at PCP concentrations of 0.5 and 10 ng/mg. Intra-assay coefficients of variation were determined to be less than 6% at 0.5, 2, and 10 ng/mg. Interassay coefficients of variation were determined to be less than 15% at 0.5, 2, and 10 ng/mg. The method has been used to evaluate PCP incorporation into LongEvans rat hair but could also be used to evaluate the incorporation of PCP into human hair. Male rats were shaved prior to dosing such that both pigmented and nonpigmented hair was collected. Animals were administered 12 mg/kg PCP by intraperiloneal injection daily for five days. Fourteen days after the first dose, pigmented and nonpigmented hair were collected and analyzed for PCP. The mean plus or minus the standard error of the mean (n = 5) concentrations of PCP in pigmented and nonpigmented hair were 14.33 _+ 1.43 ng/mg of hair and 0.47 _+ 0.04 ng/mg of hair, respectively. This method is also being used to evaluate PCP as a model xenobiotic for studies of the incorporation of xenobiotics into hair.
LPV supplementary damping controller design for a thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) device

In this paper, the Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) controller design technique is applied in the design of a supplementary damping controller (SDC) for a Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC). The power system model with TCSC devices is linearized at different operating points to obtain an LPV open loop model, whose state space entries depend continuously on a time varying parameter vector. Appropriate scheduling parameters are chosen and a suitable grid is formed in the entire parameter space. The locations of the TCSCs with their controllers are carefully chosen based on the analysis of mode shapes as well as the calculation of the modal controllability. An LPV damping controller for TCSC is then designed based on a single Lyapunov function under some realistic constraints. Comparisons from simulation results are presented between an LPV SDC and an Hinfin SDC, which show that the LPV SDC can guarantee robustness over a wider operating range as well as allow more flexibility in achieving specific performance objectives at each operating point
Characterization of CetA and CetB, a bipartite energy taxis system in Campylobacter jejuni

The energy taxis receptor Aer, in Escherichia coli, senses changes in the redox state of the electron transport system via an flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor bound to a PAS domain. The PAS domain (a sensory domain named after three proteins Per, ARNT and Sim, where it was first identified) is thought to interact directly with the Aer HAMP domain to transmit this signal to the highly conserved domain (HCD) found in chemotaxis receptors. An apparent energy taxis system in Campylobacter jejuni is composed of two proteins, CetA and CetB, that have the domains of Aer divided between them. CetB has a PAS domain, while CetA has a predicted transmembrane region, HAMP domain and the HCD. In this study, we examined the expression of cetA and cetB and the biochemical properties of the proteins they encode. cetA and cetB are co-transcribed independently of the flagellar regulon. CetA has two transmembrane helices in a helical hairpin while CetB is a peripheral membrane protein tightly associated with the membrane. CetB levels are CetA dependent. Additionally, we demonstrated that both CetA and CetB participate in complexes, including a likely CetB dimer and a complex that may include both CetA and CetB. This study provides a foundation for further characterization of signal transduction mechanisms within CetA/CetB.
Relationship between oriented calcite concretions and permeability correlation structure in an alluvial aquifer, Sierra Ladrones Formation, New Mexico

ABSTRACT Fluvial deposits of the Sierra Ladrones Formation (Pliocene-Pleistocene) contain abundant elongate calcite concretions that are interpreted to have precipitated in the saturated zone parallel to the direction of groundwater flow. The orientation of these concretions is coincident with the orientation of the permeability correlation structure, as determined from architectural element mapping and permeameter measurements. In cases where the paleo-groundwater flow closely corresponds with the direction of fluvial deposition, measurement of concretion orientations in alluvial rocks and sediments may provide a means of rapidly estimating the major axis of the permeability correlation structure over large areas.
The Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center Program

The Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center (MMRRC) Program serves as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) premier repository of spontaneous and induced mutant mouse lines. The MMRRC Program was established in 1997 through a U01 funding mechanism from the NIH National Center for Research Resources. The purpose of the MMRRC Program is to ensure the continued availability of scientifically valuable, genetically engineered mice and to distribute these mice to qualified researchers studying human and animal biology and disease. The MMRRC Program is made up of a national network of regional breeding and distribution centers, in which UC Davis participates as the West Coast regional Center. The facilities and personnel of the MMRRC regional Centers cryopreserve and distribute mouse strains with potential value in the research of human disease and biology. These strains are then made available for distribution to qualified researchers. Mice are supplied either from a production colony or from a colony recovered from cryopreservation. MMRRC Centers also offer cryopreserved material from some strains for resuscitation at the recipient scientist's institution. The MMRRC at UC Davis is made up from contributions of a number of UC Davis campus resources and units, including the UC Davis Mouse Biology Program, the Center for Comparative Medicine, and the Center for Laboratory Animal Sciences. We provide a host of services in support of the MMRRC Program, including importation of mouse strains by rederivation, cryopreservation and reanimation of frozen embryos and germplasm, assisted reproduction techniques (in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, intracytoplasmic nuclear injection), and comprehensive genotyping (including speed congenics) and phenotyping (pathology, behavior, clinical pathology, etc.) capabilities. As part of its participation in the MMRRC Program, the MMRRC at UC Davis provides a comprehensive list of services and procedures to insure safe and expedient importation, maintenance, archiving, genotyping, phenotyping, and distribution of mutant mouse lines. A number of these services and procedures are provided at no charge to the Donating Investigator, while others are offered for a fee to Requesting Investigators. In addition, using the type 3 submission mechanism, a Donating Investigator can negotiate with the MMRRC at UC Davis to perform selected services and procedures on their mouse strain. For more information on the MMRRC National Program, or to donate mice to, or request mice from, the MMRRC please visit the website (www.mmrrc.org) or go to the MMRRC at UC Davis website http://mbp.compmed.ucdavis.edu/modules.php?name=mmrrc.
Quantitative universality for a class of nonlinear transformations

A large class of recursion relations xn+l = Af(xn) exhibiting infinite bifurcation is shown to possess a rich quantitative structure essentially independent of the recursion function. The functions considered all have a unique differentiable maximum 2. With f(2) - f(x) ~ Ix - 21" (for Ix - 21 sufficiently small), z > 1, the universal details depend only upon z. In particular, the local structure of high-order stability sets is shown to approach universality, rescaling in successive bifurcations, asymptotically by the ratio c~ (a = 2.5029078750957... for z = 2). This structure is determined by a universal function g*(x), where the 2"th iterate off, f("~, converges locally to ~-"g*(~nx) for large n. For ithe class of f's considered, there exists a A~ such that a 2"-point stable limit cycle including :7 exists; A~ - ~ ~ ~-" (~ = 4.669201609103... for z = 2). The numbers = and have been computationally determined for a range of z through their definitions, for a variety off's for each z. We present a recursive mechanism that explains these results by determining g* as the fixed-point (function) of a transformation on the class off's. At present our treatment is heuristic. In a sequel, an exact theory is formulated and specific problems of rigor isolated.
Requirement for Formin-Induced Actin Polymerization during Spread of Shigella flexneri

Actin polymerization in the cytosol and at the plasma membrane is locally regulated by actin nucleators. Several microbial pathogens exploit cellular actin polymerization to spread through tissue. The movement of the enteric pathogen Shigella flexneri, both within the cell body and from cell to cell, depends on actin polymerization. During intercellular spread, actin polymerization at the bacterial surface generates protrusions of the plasma membrane, which are engulfed by adjacent cells. In the cell body, polymerization of actin by Shigella spp. is dependent on N-WASP activation of the Arp2/Arp3 complex. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast, efficient protrusion formation and intercellular spread depend on actin polymerization that involves activation of the Diaphanous formin Dia. While the Shigella virulence protein IpgB2 can bind and activate Dia1 (N. M. Alto et al., Cell 124:133-145, 2006), its absence does not result in a detectable defect in Dia-dependent protrusion formation or spread. The dependence on the activation of Dia during S. flexneri infection contrasts with the inhibition of this pathway observed during vaccinia virus infection.
Optimization of Change Order Management Process with Object-Oriented Discrete Event Simulation: Case Study

AbstractChange orders are common to most construction projects. They can significantly increase project cost and duration, leading to more claims and disputes and ultimately creating an adversarial relationship among project members. Evidence has shown that a contributing factor to the inefficiency of change order management is the management process utilized in most construction projects, which always relates to suboptimal allocation of resources and unnecessary procedures. Discrete event simulation (DES) provides an effective approach to streamline the change order management process by evaluating a series of improvement options. Based on a comparison of two prevailing DES paradigms, activity scanning (AS) and process interaction (PI), this paper presents an object-oriented DES model to investigate the change order management process. A case study has been performed to investigate the change order management process at a Midwestern land-grant university with the proposed simulation model, where the bott...
On the Solution of Rigid Frames by the Column Analogy

Rigorous proofs presented of applications of column analogy to analysis of single span rigid frames whose supports may be fixed or hinged.
Peroxidase-Mediated Formation of Reactive Metabolites of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (49-hydroxyacetanilide) is metabolized by horseradish peroxidase to a reactive metabolite or metabolites that become covalently (irreversibly) bound to either mouse liver microsomal protein or bovine serum albumin. The time-dependent reaction requires the presence of both the enzyme and hydrogen peroxide. Although the binding is almost completely inhibited by either catalase (0.2 mg/ml) or ascorbic acid (1.5 mM), it is unaffected by superoxide dismutase (20 µg/ml). Glutathione also inhibits the binding (∼50% at a concentration of 0.1 mM) with formation of the same glutathione conjugate that is produced from acetaminophen and glutathione in the presence of mouse liver microsomal oxygenases. An acetaminophen radical is generated by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The radical rapidly disappears in the presence of microsomal protein, bovine serum albumin, or glutathione, and is quenched by ascorbic acid with the concomitant formation of the ascorbate radical. The acetaminophen radical can be photolytically generated and spin-trapped with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide. The hyperfine splitting constants AHβ (18.7 G) and AN (15.2 G) strongly suggest that the radical is primarily centered on a carbon atom. These results indicate that a reactive metabolite of acetaminophen is formed in a peroxidase-mediated reaction with properties similar to that which is produced in microsomal incubations, and that an acetaminophen radical is formed under the same peroxidative conditions.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Pelvic Stabilization Systems on Pelvic Movement During Maximal Isometric Trunk Extension and Flexion Muscle Contractions

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two pelvic fixation systems to limit pelvic movement during isometric trunk extension and flexion muscle strength testing. We developed a prototypal pelvic fixation system and compared it with a pelvic strap stabilization system. The prototypal pelvic fixation system consisted of fixation of the anterior superior iliac spines and sacrum, and the pelvic strap stabilization system consisted of a strap across the anterior superior iliac spines and a posterior pad. Small, but statistically significant, pelvic position changes occurred during isometric trunk extension and flexion muscle strength testing with the two stabilization systems. The pelvic angle changes were greater in extension than in flexion and greater when only the pelvic strap stabilization system rather than the prototypal pelvic fixation system was used. Our findings indicate that a more extensive prototypal pelvic fixation system minimizes pelvic movement to a greater extent during isometric trunk extension and flexion muscle contractions compared with the strap stabilization system.
Digoxin Transport in the Distal Nephron of Rats during Saline Diuresis

The nephron segments involved in the renal tubular transport of digoxin and the direction of transport in each segment were evaluated using renal micropuncture techniques in 11 rats made diuretic by i.v. infusion of .85% saline. Tubular fluid was collected from 4 different sites along the nephron: late proximal, early distal, late distal, and ureter. The concentrations of 3H-digoxin and 14C-inulin were measured in each sample and the reabsorption of water and efflux of digoxin were calculated. Water was removed from the lumen along the entire length of the nephron and only 2.53 +/- 0.3% of the filtrate was excreted in the urine. Digoxin was also absorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule and in the loop of Henle. About 1/3 of the filtered drug exited in these early nephron segments probably by passive diffusion. In the distal convoluted tubule, digoxin was added to the tubular fluid. The fraction of digoxin present in the lumen increased form 64 +/- 3.8% of the filtered load at early distal site to 78.7% +/- 4.8% at late distal site indicating that an amount equal to 15% of filtered digoxin entered the tubule. This influx occurred against a concentration of 3-5, suggesting the existence of a carrier mediated or active transport mechanism in this nephron segment. Transport of digoxin beyond the late distal puncture site was negligible. The collecting duct appeared to be relatively impermeable to the drug since a concentration gradient of 30 or greater failed to cause its diffusion out of the tubule. The data indicate bidirectional transport of digoxin in the rat nephron. Efflux occurs primarily in the early nephron segments while net influx is limited to the distal convoluted tubule.
Key to North American Genera of Anobiidae, with Phylogenetic and Synonymic Notes (Coleoptera)

An illustrated key is presented for the 53 genera of Anobiidae in North America. The evolution of body form is discussed so that difficult diagnostic characters can be understood. New generic synonymy is noted: Priotoma Gorham (= Notiotheca Brethes ) and Cryptorama Fall (= Peridorcatoma Lepesme). A phylogenetic list of subfamilies and genera is given.
Some Non-FDA Approved Uses for Neuromodulation in Treating Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: A Discussion of the Preliminary Support.

Introduction Neuromodulation, including cavernous nerve stimulation, gastric electrical stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation, has been used with success in treating several functional disease conditions. The FDA has approved the use of neuromodulation for a few indications. We discuss in our review article the evidence of using neuromodulation for treating some important disorders involving the autonomic nervous system that are not currently FDA approved. Methods This was a review article that included a systematic online web search for human clinical studies testing the efficacy of neuromodulation in treating erectile dysfunction, gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, asthma, and heart failure. Our review includes all feasibility studies, nonrandomized clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials. Results Our systematic literature search found 3, 4, 5, 4, 1, and 4 clinical studies relating to erectile dysfunction, gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, asthma, and heart failure, respectively. Conclusion This review article shows preliminary support based on clinical studies that neuromodulation can be of benefit for patients with important autonomic nervous system disease conditions that are not currently approved by the FDA. All of these investigational uses are encouraging; further studies are necessary and warranted for all indications discussed in this review before achieving FDA approval.
Purple Glove Syndrome with Oral Phenytoin Overdose

The occurrence of purple glove syndrome following the inadvertent oral administration of 1000 mg phenytoin/day is reported in a 10-year-old 18 kg handicapped boy who was admitted in coma to the Niigata City General Hospital, Japan.
A Microphysical Analysis of Elevated Convection in the Comma Head Region of Continental Winter Cyclones

AbstractAn analysis of the microphysical structure of elevated convection within the comma head region of two winter cyclones over the midwestern United States is presented using data from the Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR) and microphysical probes on the NSF/NCAR C-130 aircraft during the Profiling of Winter Storms campaign. The aircraft penetrated 36 elevated convective cells at various temperatures T and distances below cloud top zd. The statistical properties of ice water content (IWC), liquid water content (LWC), ice particle concentration with diameter > 500 μm N>500, and median mass diameter Dmm, as well as particle habits within these cells were determined as functions of zd and T for active updrafts and residual stratiform regions originating from convective towers that ascended through unsaturated air. Insufficient data were available for analysis within downdrafts.For updrafts stratified by zd, distributions of IWC, N>500, and Dmm for all zd between 1000 and 4000 m proved to be statistically indisti...
Generation of 180 W average green power from a frequency-doubled picosecond rod fiber amplifier

We report on the generation of 180 W average green power from a frequency-doubled picosecond rod fiber amplifier. In an Yb-doped fiber master-oscillator-power-amplifier system, 2.3-ps 704 MHz pulses are first amplified in small-core fibers and then in large-mode-area rod fibers to produce 270 W average infrared power with a high polarization extinction ratio and diffraction-limited beam quality. By carrying out frequency doubling in a lithium triborate (LBO) crystal, 180 W average green power is generated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest average green power achieved in fiber-based laser systems.
Rational Selection and Use of Antimicrobials in Patients with Burn Injuries

Caring for patients with burn injuries is challenging secondary to the acute disease process, chronic comorbidities, and underrepresentation in evidence-based literature. Much current practice relies on extrapolation of guidance from different patient populations and wide variations in universal practices. Identifying infections or sepsis in this hypermetabolic population is imperfect and often leads to overprescribing of antimicrobials, suboptimal dosing, and multidrug resistance. An understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may aid optimization of dosing regimens to better attain treatment targets. This article provides an overview of the current status of burn infection and attempts recommendations for consideration to improve universally accepted care.
Growth Plate Cartilage Studies in Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is the most common of the inherited bone dysplasias in man. It is well defined clinically, radiographically and genetically (1, 2). Although its pathogenesis is thought to involve defective endochondral ossification, the specific way in which this occurs is not known. Previous studies of the growth plate in achondroplasia have suggested that the architecture of the growth plate may be mildly abnormal and that there may be abnormalities of extracellular matrix constituents including cartilage collagen and proteoglycan (3, 4). To further explore this issue we have investigated growth plate tissue from 7 patients with heterozygous achondroplasia and 2 patients with homozygous achondroplasia by a combination of biochemical, immunohistochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural methods.
Letter by Naranjo et al Regarding Article, "Hemodynamic Support With a Micro-Axial Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device (Impella) Protects Against Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention".

We read with interest the recent article by Flaherty et al1 published in Circulation Research . In the analysis of this retrospective, single-center study, patients were randomized into 2 groups, percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) supported and unsupported undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. All patients had severely reduced ejection fractions (<35%) and high-risk clinical features. Because acute kidney injury is quite common in this cohort, Impella 2.5 pLVAD support was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk of …
Viewpoint, misdirection, and sound design in film: The Conversation

Abstract Stories can and often do build surprises by encouraging audiences to attribute certain assertions, presuppositions, and evaluations to an “objective” or base-level perspective, only to reveal later on that these elements should be attributed only to the mistaken or deceptive viewpoint of a particular character. This paper presents a comparison of sound design and viewpoint phenomena in Francis Ford Coppola's film The Conversation (1974) with similar narrative twists in prose and with other perspective shifts in film. It shows how viewpoint blends, shifts, and distinctions between the “viewpointed” and “non-viewpointed” status of elements in the visual and auditory stream in film can work together to create this kind of re-evaluation surprise, and discusses how these are and are not analogous to similar effects in prose.
Early therapy response assessment by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantification following glass-based yttrium-90 radioembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

e15140 Background: Early objective imaging biomarker assessment of infiltrative HCC following Y90 radioembolization is not well understood. Early diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) of treated lesions was evaluated and correlated with anatomical treatment response using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). Methods: In an IRB approved prospective proof of concept study, 10 consecutive patients (89% men, median age 55) with unresectable infiltrative HCC and portal vein thrombosis underwent Y90. MR imaging was obtained pre-Y90, 1 and 3 months post-Y90. DWI fat-suppressed single-shot echo-planar sequence with tri-directional diffusion gradient was performed (b=50,400,800 s/mm2). Using pixel-based ADC maps, mean values of treated lesions and surrounding tumor-free liver were measured by manually drawing a noncircular region of interest around corresponding areas on the same image slice. Treatment response was evaluated using mRECIST with complete response as non-enhancement of treated ...
Exploring synthetic immunity: From boutique to global

With a father who was a research scientist and a mother who was a nurse, one would think a career in biomedical research may have been pre-ordained. However, growing up in the Apollo era, I had vis...