cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelets are covercytes, not phagocytes: Uptake of bacteria involves channels of the open canalicular system

Recent studies have suggested that uptake of bacteria by human platelets is more similar to ingestion of the same organisms by neutrophils than previously considered. Platelet pseudopods surround a bacterium by a process of circumferential adherence until the organism is fully enclosed in a vacuole consisting of internalized extracellular space surrounded by plasma membrane. The surface connected, open canalicular system (OCS) is not involved in the process of platelet phagocytosis. The present investigation has reviewed the literature on platelet-particle and platelet-bacterial interaction, and added a new study of the process of bacterial engulfment employing tannic acid as an electron dense tracer. The osmium black reaction product formed by tannic and osmic acids during fixation stained the glycocalyx on the platelet exterior surface and lining channels of the OCS. It also stained the vacuoles containing bacteria in platelets as well as channels of the OCS connected to the engulfment vacuole and exterior surface of the cell. Alpha granules releasing their contents into the OCS and into engulfment vacuoles were also stained by osmium black. The only way that tannic acid could reach and stain the interior surface of engulfment vacuoles during fixation was through patent channels of the OCS. In contrast, neutrophils do not contain an OCS, and phagocytic vacuoles containing organisms are never stained by tannic acid. Thus the platelet is a covercyte, not a phagocyte, and uptake of the bacteria does involve channels of the OCS.
Decomposition of two-component ultrasound pulses in cancellous bone using modified least squares prony method--phantom experiment and simulation.

Abstract Porous media such as cancellous bone often support the simultaneous propagation of two compressional waves. When small bone samples are interrogated in through-transmission with broadband sources, these two waves often overlap in time. The modified least-squares Prony's (MLSP) method was tested for decomposing a 500 kHz-center-frequency signal containing two overlapping components: one passing through a polycarbonate plate (to produce the “fast” wave) and another passing through a cancellous-bone-mimicking phantom (to produce the “slow” wave). The MLSP method yielded estimates of attenuation slopes accurate to within 7% (polycarbonate plate) and 2% (cancellous bone phantom). The MLSP method yielded estimates of phase velocities accurate to within 1.5% (both media). The MLSP method was also tested on simulated data generated using attenuation slopes and phase velocities corresponding to bovine cancellous bone. Throughout broad ranges of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the MLSP method yielded estimates of attenuation slope that were accurate to within 1.0% and estimates of phase velocity that were accurate to within 4.3% (fast wave) and 1.3% (slow wave). (E-mail: keith.wear@fda.hhs.gov ).
Acetylation of general transcription factors by histone acetyltransferases

The acetylation of histones increases the accessibility of nucleosomal DNA to transcription factors [1,2], relieving transcriptional repression [3] and correlating with the potential for transcriptional activity in vivo [4 - 7]. The characterization of several novel histone acetyltransferases - including the human GCN5 homolog PCAF (p300/CBP-associated factor) [8], the transcription coactivator p300/CBP [9], and TAFII250 [10] - has provided a potential explanation for the relationship between histone acetylation and transcriptional activation. In addition to histones, however, other components of the basal transcription machinery might be acetylated by these enzymes and directly affect transcription. Here, we examine the acetylation of the basal transcriptional machinery for RNA polymerase II by PCAF, p300 and TAFII250. We find that all three acetyltransferases can direct the acetylation of TFIIEbetaand TFIIF, and we identify a preferred site of acetylation in TFIIEbeta. Human TFIIE consists of two subunits, alpha(p56) and beta(p34), which form a heterotetramer (alpha2 beta2) in solution ([11], reviewed in [12]). TFIIE enters the preinitiation complex after RNA polymerase II and TFIIF, suggesting that TFIIE may interact directly with RNA polymerase II and/or TFIIF [13,14]. In addition, TFIIE can facilitate promoter melting either in the presence or absence of TFIIH and can stimulate TFIIH-dependent phosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II [15-18]. TFIIF has an essential role in both transcription initiation and elongation ([19,20], for review see [21]). We discuss the implications of the acetylation of TFIIEbetaand TFIIF for transcriptional control by PCAF, p300 and TAFII250.
Sincalide-aided ultrasonography of the common bile duct as a predictor of biliary obstruction determined by ERCP and biliary manometry

Sonographically observed changes in common bile duct caliber following intravenous sincalide injection were correlated with distal common duct pathology as defined by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biliary manometry. Thirty-two patients, 17 with prior cholecystectomies, were studied. In post-cholecystectomy patients, a 1-mm or greater diminution of duct caliber within 5min represented a normal response. When gallbladder contraction occurred in normal patients with an intact gallbladder, no change or a diminution in duct caliber was observed. When gallbladder contraction was not observed, a normal response was considered to be the same as that in post-cholecystectomy patients with a diminution in duct caliber occurring. By using these criteria two false negatives, both with hypertensive sphincters of Oddi that responded normally to sincalide injection, were encountered. This technique was valuable in defining non-obstructed post-cholecystectomy dilated bile ducts which demonstrated a prompt diminution in caliber following sincalide injection.
A taxonomy of technology transfer transaction types

This paper suggests a taxonomy of the various types of technology-transfer transactions. The characteristics used for classification include time factor, number of parties, payment requirements, and modalities. The taxonomy may be used by educators in disciplines involving technology transfer and by corporate and institutional managers and practitioners in the field. Actual cases of transactions are used to test the descriptive and discriminating abilities of the proposed taxanomy, as well as its parsimony.
Effects of a variety of Indian Ocean surface temperature anomaly patterns on the summer monsoon circulation: Experiments with the NCAR general circulation model

The time mean response of the summer monsoon circulation, as simulated by the 2.5° latitude-longitude resolution, July version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) General Circulation Model (GCM), to a variety of Indian Ocean surface temperature anomaly patterns is examined. In separate experiments, prescribed changes in surface temperature are imposed in the Western Arabian Sea, the Eastern Arbian Sea or the Central Indian Ocean. The influence of these anomaly patterns on the simulated summer monsoon circulation is evaluated in terms of the geographical distribution of the prescribed change response for any field of interest. This response is defined as the grid point difference between a 30-day mean from a prescribed change experiment and the ensemble average of the 30-day means from the control population for which the same set of climatological ocean surface temperatures are used in each simulation. The statistical significance of such a prescribed change response is estimated by relating the normalized response (defined as the ratio of the prescribed change response to the standard deviation of 30-day means as estimated from the finite sample of control cases) to the classical Student'st-statistic. Using this methodology, the most prominent and statistically significant features of the model's response are increased vertical velocity and precipitation over warm anomalies and typically decreased vertical velocity and precipitation in some preferred region adjacent to the prescribed change region. In the case of cold anomalies, these changes are of opposite sign. However, none of the imposed anomaly patterns produces substantial or statistically significant precipitation changes over large areas of the Indian sub-continent. The only evidence of a major nonlocal effect is found in the experiment with a large positive anomaly (+3°C) in the Central Indian Ocean. In this instance, vertical velocity and precipitation are reduced over Malaysia and a large area of the Equatorial Western Pacific Ocean. Thus, while these anomaly experiments produce only a local response (for the most part), it is hoped, as one of the purposes of the planned Monsoon Experiment (MONEX), that the necessary data will be provided to produce detailed empirical evidence on the extent to which Indian Ocean surface temperature anomalies correlate with precipitation anomalies over the Indian subcontinent—a correlation which generally does not appear in these GCM results.
Enhanced instrumental sensitivity and selectivity for aminopeptidase profiling.

Abstract Laser-excited fluorimetry has been applied to the identification of bacteria and fungus. The instrumental sensitivity and selectivity of the aminopeptidase profiling method has been enhanced by the use of laser excitation in conjunction with improved spectral and temporal background rejection. The linear dynamic range for the aminopeptidase technique has been increased by achieving a reduced lower limit of detection of the fluorescent tag, β-naphthylamine. Standard aminopeptidase methodology only provides a linear dynamic range of 1.5 orders of magnitude. The laser-based method expanded the range to three orders of magnitude allowing the inherent specificity of aminopeptidase enzymes within the pathogen to be observed. The enhanced linear dynamic range was observed in profiles of Agrobacterium tumefaciens rubi and Phytophthora megasperma var, sojae .
Nitrogen transfer in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

The discovery of a previously unknown mechanism of nitrogen transfer from the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi found on the roots of most land plants, to the host plants suggests that this symbiotic relationship may be a much more important factor in the global nitrogen cycle than was thought. The mechanism involves uptake of inorganic nitrogen by the fungus outside the roots, conversion to amino acids within the fungus, then transfer as ammonium ions from the fungal mycelium into the plant. The first event in host recognition by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is thought to be hyphal branching. A strigolactone, 5-deoxy-strigol, isolated from Lotus japonicus has now been identified as an inducer of branching. Strigolactones are root metabolites, previously isolated as seed germination stimulants for root parasitic weeds. This finding highlights the close relationship between plant and fungus, and may provide a new strategy for the control of both beneficial fungal symbionts and destructive parasitic weeds in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Most land plants are symbiotic with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which take up mineral nutrients from the soil and exchange them with plants for photosynthetically fixed carbon. This exchange is a significant factor in global nutrient cycles1 as well as in the ecology2, evolution3 and physiology4 of plants. Despite its importance as a nutrient, very little is known about how AMF take up nitrogen and transfer it to their host plants5. Here we report the results of stable isotope labelling experiments showing that inorganic nitrogen taken up by the fungus outside the roots is incorporated into amino acids, translocated from the extraradical to the intraradical mycelium as arginine, but transferred to the plant without carbon. Consistent with this mechanism, the genes of primary nitrogen assimilation are preferentially expressed in the extraradical tissues, whereas genes associated with arginine breakdown are more highly expressed in the intraradical mycelium. Strong changes in the expression of these genes in response to nitrogen availability and form also support the operation of this novel metabolic pathway in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Why Students Need to Be Informed about Our Looming Fiscal Crisis: The America's Future Initiative

Despite nearly universal concern about America's rapidly rising national debt, the United States government was $12.5 trillion in debt by the spring of 2010. Yet, few people—including college and university students—understand why we are in debt, what the many effects and dangers could be, the difficult steps necessary to reduce our deficits and debt, and the critical importance of bipartisanship and compromise. Given that young people are the nation's future and knowledge is power, what better place to raise awareness and stimulate discussion than on college campuses?
New solvable model of polymer-chain adsorption at a surface

We solve exactly for the polymer adsorption transition in the two- and three-dimensional directed self-avoiding walk models, by employing a novel transfer-matrix approach. The behavior of the fraction of adsorbed monomers at the threshold and in the high-coverage regime is described in detail, as is the phase diagram of the adsorption transition.
Effective interprofessional education – argument, assumption & evidence

Hugh Barr, Ivan Koppel, Scott Reeves, Marilyn Hammick & Della FreethOxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing, Ltd., 2005ISBN 1 4051 1654 4, 200 pp., £39.50In the Foreword of this book, Madeline Schmitt, Pr...
Effect of Lithium on Human Aggression

LITHIUM has been shown to be effective in the manic and hypomanic phase of manic-depressive psychosis1–3, and to some extent to prevent manic episodes and, to a lesser degree, depressive episodes4–6. Manic depressive disorders are frequently characterized by hyperaggressive and hypersexual activity. In animals lithium has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on aggressive behaviour7,8 and on the sexual and aggressive behaviour seen with p-chlorophenylalanine9. I therefore conducted a clinical trial of lithium on human aggressive behaviour.
Statues and Lumps: A Strange Coincidence?

Puzzles about persistence and change through time, i.e., about identity across time, have foundered on confusion about what it is for ‘two things’ to be have ‘the same thing’ at a time. This is most directly seen in the dispute over whether material objects can occupy exactly the same place at the same time. This paper defends the possibility of such coincidence against several arguments to the contrary. Distinguishing a temporally relative from an absolute sense of ‘the same’, we see that the intuition, ‘this is only one thing’, and the dictum, ‘two things cannot occupy the same place at the same time’, are individuating things at a time rather than absolutely and are therefore compatible with coincidence. Several other objections philosophers have raised ride on this same ambiguity. Burke, originating what has become the most popular objection to coincidence, argues that if coincidence is possible there would be no explanation of how objects that are qualitatively the same at a time could belong to different sorts. But we can explain an object’s sort by appealing to its properties at other times. Burke’s argument to the contrary equivocates on different notions of ‘cross-time identity’ and ‘the statue’. From a largely negative series of arguments emerges a positive picture of what it means to say multiple things coincide and of why an object’s historical properties explain its sort rather than vice versa – in short, of how coincidence is possible.
Timestyles: Role factor influences on the convergence and divergence of couples' complementary and substitute activity patterns

Using a role theory framework, this research focuses on convergence and divergence in complementary and substitute activities for husbands and wives. Hypotheses on the effects of children and wife's employment were assessed for a national sample of married men reporting on their and their wives' activities for a typical weekday and Saturday. Role factors are shown to have a significant impact on timestyles and the specific activities emerging as substitutes and complements.
Efficient Heuristic Scheduling with Partial Queue and Channel State Information

The performance of underwater acoustic communications is heavily taxed by scarce bandwidth and long propagation delays. Furthermore, transmitting is the most energy consuming activity of an acoustic modem. For these reasons, we have focused on the problem of scheduling efficiently transmissions in the context of a delay constrained traffic as typical for surveillance and monitoring applications.
A new constitutive formulation for characterizing the mechanical behavior of soft tissues

We present a new constitutive formulation that combines certain desirable features of two previously used approaches (phenomenological and microstructural). Specifically, we assume that certain soft tissues can be idealized as composed of various families of noninteracting fibers and a homogeneous matrix. Both the fibers and the matrix are assumed to follow the gross deformation. Within the usual framework of pseudoelasticity, incompressibility, homogeneity, and the continuum hypothesis, a pseudostrain-energy function (W) is proposed wherein W is expressed in terms of matrix and fibrous contributions. Unlike phenomenological approaches where a W is usually chosen in an ad hoc manner, the present approach can be used to postulate reasonable forms of W based on limited structural information and multiaxial stress-strain data. Illustrative applications of the theory are discussed for visceral pleura and myocardium. Concise structurally motivated constitutive relations result, wherein load-dependent anisotropy, nonlinear material behavior, finite deformations, and incompressibility are accounted for.
Salivary gland changes in vitamin-A-deficient rats

Abstract Salivary gland pathology was studied in vitamin-A-deficient rats. The principal effects of deficiency were acinar atrophy, proliferation and metaplasia of ductal epithelium, and distension of ducts. Obstruction of excretory ducts frequently occurred when metaplasia resulted in the formation of keratinizing epithelium. Inflammatory changes were related either to degenerative alterations in the ducts or infection of the glands. Marked reduction in the activity of oxidative enzymes was observed during transformation of ductal cells to keratinizing epithelium. Metaplasia was accompanied by pronounced mitotic activity and proliferation of squamous cells into the ductal lumina. Convoluted granular tubules were almost completely lacking in the submaxillary glands. The sublingual glands and the mucous glands of the tongue were not affected as much by the deficiency as were the submaxillary and parotid glands and serous glands of the tongue.
Modulation of drug activation profiles through carboxylate ligand modification in cytotoxic trans-platinum planar amine compounds

Transplatinum planaramine (TPA) compounds possessing carboxylate ligands in the trans position have been shown to be potential antitumor drugs in a variety of cell types, including cisplatin and oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines. In this work, we ask whether the nature and stability of the carboxylate ligand can be tuned in an attempt to manipulate the extent of serum protein binding; and consequently influence cytotoxicity, cellular drug accumulation and DNA adduct formation. Monitoring the interactions of selected TPAs with N-acetyl-methionine (NAM) by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy shows significant differences in the rate of sulfur binding. TPA-containing acetate ligands show a much lower sulfur binding rate than those possessing formate leaving groups. The same trend was seen when acetate and formate TPA compounds were incubated with human serum albumin and the reaction monitored for 24 h. To understand whether these results could be translated into a cellular medium, MTT cytotoxicity assays were conducted for each compound, before and after incubation with whole serum. Both the formate and acetate compounds, t-[Pt(4-pic)NH3(OFm)2] and t-[Pt(4-pic)NH3(OAc)2], showed minimal losses in cytotoxic efficacy and outperformed cisplatin after pre-incubation with serum. The same trends were seen when monitoring the effects of protein binding on cellular uptake and DNA platination. The rate of protein binding/drug deactivation was shown to be directly related to the stability of the leaving group (OAc− > OFm− > Cl−). Thus, our results suggest that utilization of the ‘carboxylate strategy’ substantially enhances the cellular efficacy of TPA compounds over cisplatin by allowing for an optimal balance between cytotoxic and metabolic efficiency.
The Life Events Stress-Performance Linkage: An Exploratory Study

For a long time, the relationship between life events, psychological adjustment, and illness has been a subject of much concern in the medical literature. Very recently, several management theorists have proposed a life events stress-performance linkage. In the present study, such a linkage was tested in a classroom setting. One hundred fifty-nine university students were asked to estimate the degree of readjustment required for each of 43 life events and, subsequently, to identify events that they had experienced during the past year. Weighted and unweighted life event stress scores were later correlated with six indices of classroom performance. As hypothesized, measures of stress collected early in the semester were inversely related to future performance. The predictive ability of the stress scores was not enhanced by using readjustment values to weight life events experienced.
Treatment of Advanced Carpometacarpal Joint Disease: Trapeziectomy and Hematoma Arthroplasty

Some surgical treatment options of painful basal joint arthritis do not require complex arthroplasty or suspensionplasty techniques. Simple trapeziectomy with temporary pinning of a slightly overdistracted thumb metacarpal can provide reliable pain relief, good motion, and functional stability. Recent literature supports alternative options when compared with formal ligament reconstruction or suspensionplasty procedures. Simple trapeziectomy is associated with less morbidity due to shorter operative times and the lack of need for graft harvest and ligament reconstruction.
Single-cell platings from freshly isolated mammalian tissue

Abstract 1. 1. Measurements were made of the plating efficiency of single-cell preparations obtained from fresh tissues of the rat. The plating efficiency varied from 2 × 10−4 colonies per cell plated for liver and kidney to 1 × 10−6 for bone marrow. 2. 2. Studies of inocula containing varying proportions of single cells and clumps of tissue provided evidence that the plating efficiencies obtained were a true measure of the cells contributing to the tissue culture population, and not merely a reflection of the method of preparing the inoculum. 3. 3. The results obtained suggested the possibility that the cells destined to give rise to culture populations were non-randomly distributed in the tissue of origin.
Solid lubricants: a review

The fundamental mechanisms of solid lubrication are reviewed with examples from well-known solid lubricants like the transition metal dichalcogenides and diamond-like carbon families of coatings. Solid lubricants are applied either as surface coatings or as fillers in self-lubricating composites. Tribological (friction and wear) contacts with solid lubricant coatings typically result in transfer of a thin layer of material from the surface of the coating to the counterface, commonly known as a transfer film or tribofilm. The wear surfaces can exhibit different chemistry, microstructure, and crystallographic texture from those of the bulk coating due to surface chemical reactions with the surrounding environment. As a result, solid lubricant coatings that give extremely low friction and long wear life in one environment can fail to do so in a different environment. Most solid lubricants exhibit non-Amontonian friction behavior with friction coefficients decreasing with increasing contact stress. The main mechanism responsible for low friction is typically governed by interfacial sliding between the worn coating and the transfer film. Strategies are discussed for the design of novel coating architectures to adapt to varying environments.
Some relationships between reflection and transmission coefficients for stratified elastic media

The longitudinal and shear speeds for stratified elastic media at depth are deduced from reflection coefficient data and from speeds commonly known in applications. In particular a matrix involving the known reflection coefficient matrix, as a function of incidence and angles and known speeds, has two non-negative eigenvalues. These eigenvalues have the following property: both are zero near grazing incidence and remain zero for angles less than the nearest critical angle. Between the two critical angles one eigenvalue is zero and the second is non-zero. For larger angles both are non-zero. Thus the eigenvalues determine the critical angles and therefore the speeds. Specifically, if the interface reflection coefficient matrix is known as a function of incidence angle, between two constant-coefficient half-spaces, then the speeds of the reflecting layer are determined by these eigenvalues.
Capillary Depletion Method for Quantification of Blood–Brain Barrier Transport of Circulating Peptides and Plasma Proteins

Recent studies indicate that circulating peptides or plasma proteins, such as insulin or transferrin, or modified proteins, such as cationized albumin, undergo receptor-mediated or absorptive-mediated transport through the brain capillary wall, i.e., the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Although morphologic studies such as autoradiography or immunoperoxidase labeling can demonstrate transport of blood-borne protein into brain, there is a need for a rapid, sensitive, and quantifiable physiology-based technique for comparing the relative rates of transport of several different blood-borne peptides or proteins into brain. Therefore, the present investigations describe a carotid arterial infusion technique coupled with a capillary depletion method for quantifying transport of blood-borne cationized albumin, cationized IgG, and acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Because differentiation of true transcytosis into the postcapillary compartment of brain parenchyma from binding and/or endocytosis to the brain microvasculature is important, the present studies use a dextran density centrifugation step to deplete brain homogenate of the vasculature. In addition, 3H-labeled native albumin is used as a vascular space marker to account for release of capillary contents into the postcapillary supernatant following homogenization of brain. This study demonstrates rapid transport of cationized IgG or cationized albumin into brain, as these compounds achieve a volume of distribution of 20-30 microliters/g within 10 min of arterial perfusion. Conversely, acetylated LDL, although rapidly bound by cerebral microvasculature, is shown not to undergo transport into the post-capillary compartment of brain parenchyma. These studies provide the basis for a sensitive, quantifiable technique for studying transport of radiolabeled blood-borne peptides and proteins across the BBB of anesthetized animals.
A Key and Review of Bryophytes Common in North American Peatlands

Abstract. Peatlands are ecosystems that have a ground layer dominated by bryophytes. Bryophytes act as foundational species in both bogs and fens and largely control many ecosystem functions as well as form the majority of organic matter sequestered in many of these systems. Here, a key is presented to 65 bryophyte species that represent most of the species that occur commonly in northern and oceanic North American peatlands. Also, taxonomic comments, brief morphological descriptions, and ecological preferences for each species are given.
Mechanism of action of hypoglycemic effects of an intestine-specific inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) in obese rats

Diminished insulin sensitivity in the peripheral tissues and failure of pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin are known major determinants of type 2 diabetes mellitus. JTT-130, an intestine-specific microsomal transfer protein inhibitor, has been shown to suppress high fat-induced obesity and ameliorate impaired glucose tolerance while enhancing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. We investigated the effects of JTT-130 on glucose metabolism and elucidated the mechanism of action, direct effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a high fat diet-induced obesity rat model. Male Sprague Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet were treated with a single administration of JTT-130. Glucose tolerance, hyperglycemic clamp and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic testing were performed to assess effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, respectively. Plasma GLP-1 and tissue triglyceride content were also determined under the same conditions. A single administration of JTT-130 suppressed plasma glucose elevations after oral glucose loading and increased the disposition index while elevating GLP-1. JTT-130 also enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in hyperglycemic clamp tests, whereas increased insulin sensitivity was observed in hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp tests. Single-dose administration of JTT-130 decreased lipid content in the liver and skeletal muscle. JTT-130 demonstrated acute and direct hypoglycemic effects by enhancing insulin secretion and/or insulin sensitivity.
Attachment styles in dating couples: Predicting relationship functioning over time

This study examined the associations between self-reported attachment style dimensions and romantic relationship functioning over 1 year in a sample of heterosexual dating couples between the ages of 18 and 25 (115 dyads at T1, 57 dyads at T2; 74% Caucasian). Relationship functioning was assessed at multiple levels of analysis via self-reports of interpersonal functioning, observers' ratings of dyadic interactions, and measures of autonomic responding during the interactions. No significant cross-sectional associations were found between attachment style dimensions and interpersonal functioning. However, individuals who reported greater attachment-related anxiety at T1 described their relationships as being of lower quality, were rated by observers as interacting less positively, and exhibited greater electrodermal reactivity during interactions 1 year later.
Inspiration, Socialization, and Skill Acquisition in an Amateur Multimedia Community

Online amateur multimedia communities are one of many places where informal, interest-driven learning is taking place. Therein, multimedia content creators can learn from one another and produce artifacts to share with fellow creators and others. This content analysis of forum postings in the Cold Hotdog community indicates that several factors serve as inspiration including cartoons, movies, and the encouragement of others; that self-deprecation, sarcasm, and humor are common; and that knowledge demonstrations, name-dropping, participation in the forums, and claims to methods of skill acquisition serve as status markers within the community. This analysis helps better understand the participants and one type of environment that one may encounter when trying to acquire and/or refine technical skills in a more informal, less-structured online environment. It is clear that community participants are responsible for not only learning and demonstrating technical skills but that they have to learn and demonstrate different social skills as well.
HOW IDEOLOGY WORKS: HISTORIANS AND THE CASE OF BRITISH ABOLITIONISM

This review considers how historians have approached the role of ideas in understanding the beginnings of early British abolitionism. It pays particular attention to the work of Eric Williams, Roger Anstey, David Brion Davis, and, most recently, Christopher Leslie Brown. It uses Brown's Moral capital as a point of departure for offering an alternative approach to the role of ideology in early British abolition and about its operation generally.
Optical Performance Predictions for High-Energy Laser Systems

In this paper, we describe a wave optics model we have developed for predicting the performance of high-energy laser systems, with particular emphasis on its application to the cylindrical, source-flow HF chemical laser. The structure of the code is based on the 'lumped equivalent optical train' concept, in which any continuous spatial effect on the optical field, such as mirrors, apertures, and gain medium, is approximated numerically by a finite number of transfer functions on the field. Free space propagation between elements is achieved by using Fast Fourier Transforms. The gain is modeled as a series of gain sheets, where the spatial dependence of the gain is calculated from a detailed aerokinetic treatment of the interaction of the intensity field with the flow in the laser cavity. Resonator calculations will be described for two different gain models. In the rotational nonequilibrium (RNE) model, the effects of disequilibrium in the rotational distribution of the individual vibrational levels are accounted for explicitly by solving an evolution equation for each vibro-rotational state of the lasing molecule. The second gain model, referred to as the single line (SL) model, is based on two assumptions, namely that the rotational levels in each vibrational level are in thermal equilibrium, and that the gain on the lasing lines is identical.
Need for integrated quality of service and quality of protection in mobile systems

Recent large scale disasters have awaken governments at home and abroad to their needs for preparedness to support homeland security and public safety. First responders of various agencies are often on the frontline to assist in managing these events to protect lives and property. The effectiveness of their mission is highly dependent on capability of mobile wireless systems available at incident scenes, especially how their mobile infrastructure and devices can handle real-time responses and protection against threads and vulnerabilities in an integrated manner.In this talk, we present challenges to achieve such integration when taking into account resource limitations in mobile systems and possible threats at incident scenes under varying Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Protection demands. We will amplify these challenges on three examples: (a) key management issues, (b) alert mechanisms if threats are detected, and (c) trading QoS/QoP issues when streaming multimedia data among mobile devices. In case of the cryptographic key management issues, we will examine combinatorial key solutions within the scopes of symmetric key cryptography and public key cryptography and how they fare under resource limitations and possible threats. In case of alert mechanisms we will discuss solutions such as Mobi-Herald and examine it against resource limitations and possible threats. Trading QoS/QoP algorithms for allowing streaming data will be examined, especially how well they deliver data under end-to-end delay and confidentiality demands in these resource-constrained situations.
Translational Control by Neuroguidin, a Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E and CPEB Binding Protein

CPEB-mediated translation is important in early development and neuronal synaptic plasticity. Here, we describe a new eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein, Neuroguidin (Ngd), and its interaction with CPEB. In the mammalian nervous system, Ngd is detected as puncta in axons and dendrites and in growth cones and filopodia. Ngd contains three motifs that resemble those present in eIF4G, 4EBP, Cup, and Maskin, all of which are eIF4E binding proteins. Ngd binds eIF4E directly, and all three motifs must be deleted to abrogate the interaction between these two proteins. In injected Xenopus oocytes, Ngd binds CPEB and, most importantly, represses translation in a cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE)-dependent manner. In Xenopus embryos, Ngd is found in both neural tube and neural crest cells. The injection of morpholino-containing antisense oligonucleotides directed against ngd mRNA disrupts neural tube closure and neural crest migration; however, the wild-type phenotype is restored by the injection of a rescuing ngd mRNA. These data suggest that Ngd guides neural development by regulating the translation of CPE-containing mRNAs.
TNF ALTERS GLUCOSE PRODUCTION AND MEMBRANE GLUCOSE TRANSPORTER mRNA ABUNDANCE IN ISOLATED RAT BEPATOCYTES

Hypoglycemia is a common sign in newborn endotoxic shock. Our previous study showed that glucose production was decreased and membrane glucose transporter gene expression was altered in the liver of endotoxic suckling rats. TNFα, a key mediator of endotoxic shock, may contribute to altered liver glucose production and membrane glucose transporter gene expression. TNFα this study was performed to evaluate TNFα effects on isolated hepatocyte glucose production and glucose transporter mRNA abundance, Hepatocytes were isolated from 10 day old Sprague-Dawley rats and incubated in RPMI media for 3 hours with or without 4.5×105 unit/ml rMuTNFα. Glucose production and membrane glucose transporter GLUT1 and GLUT2 mRNA abundance were determined. Hepatocyte membrane mRNA abundance was expressed as percent of controls. TNF blunted hepatic glucose production (82.6 vs 0.8 μg/107 cells without and with TNFα, respectively. p<0.001). TNFα increased GLUT2 mRNA abundance to 207% (p<0.01) and decreased GLUT2 mRNA abundance to 19% (p<0.001). Therefore TNFα decreased liver glucose production and altered hepatocyte membrane glucose transporter gene expression.
Impulse invariance and multiple-order poles

The impulse-invariant method of IIR digital filter design from a given analog filter is useful both in filter design and especially in discrete-time simulation of continuous-time systems. The article clarifies aspects of impulse invariance and, in particular, the handling of multiple-order poles. The user is currently faced with incorrect formulas and Matlab software. The problems are discussed, and a method valid for any order poles is presented via a numerical example using original Matlab code.
Valery Troitskaya (1917–2010)

Valery Troitskaya passed away in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on 22 January 2010 at age 92. She was a well-known Russian scientist, respected and loved all over the world. She understood early that much could be learned about space plasmas by characterizing their natural oscillations, and she devoted her scientific career to exploiting that perception. Her devotion to friends and colleagues was legendary, and there are many who owe their success in their scientifi c careers to her effective support. Her life experiences were unique and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Effect of prepartum vaccination with K99 Escherichia coli vaccine on maternal and calf blood antibody concentration and calf health

One hundred and two dry, pregnant Holstein cows were identified alternately as vaccinated or nonvaccinated (Group 0) animals. Vaccinated cows were scheduled for vaccination at 6 and 3 wk prior to expected calving date with Vicogen, a commercial vaccine produced for the prevention of calf scours caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli that possess the K99 antigen. Group 1 included cows that were less than 6 wk from freshening when the experiment started and, therefore, received only one vaccination and cows that received two vaccinations with less than 5 days between the second vaccination and freshening. Those cows with interval between the second vaccination and parturition greater than 5 days were classified as Group 2. Soon after birth, each calf was given 2 liters of colostrum from its dam. For at least 3 days, and longer when available, calves from control cows received pooled colostrum from control cows and calves from vaccinated cows received pooled colostrum from vaccinated cows. Anti-K99 antibody titers were determined by an agglutination test on blood from cows and calves and on colostrum. Other measurements were made by standard procedures. Results from Groups 0, 1, and 2 were cow blood titer at freshening 21, 355, 306; calf total plasma protein at 24 h of age 6.45, 6.31, 6.22; calf packed cell volume at 24 h of age 32.9, 30.0, 30.2; calf blood titer at 24 h of age 34, 762, 1114; colostrum titer 74, 1637, 3404. For 93 calves, mortality was 10.6, 11.1, and 7.1%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Use of optical reporter genes to assess sublethal cellular damage following skin ablation

Numerous medical procedures utilize pulsed lasers to remove unwanted biological tissue. Mid-infrared wavelengths which preferentially target protein absorption bands ablate tissue more efficiently than wavelengths targeting water absorption. However, the mechanism responsible for this finding has not been established. In this report, we combine optical imaging and conventional techniques to assess lethal and sublethal collateral damage after ablative surgery with a Free Electron Laser (FEL). Heat shock protein expression was used to evaluate tissue damage in a transgenic mouse strain, with the hsp70 promoter driving luciferase and GFP expression (hsp70A1-L2G). To examine wavelength-dependence in the mid-IR, laser surgery was conducted on the hsp70A1-L2G mouse model using wavelengths targeting protein (amide II band, 6.45 μm), both water and protein (amide I band, 6.10 μm); and water (2.94 μm). Hsp70-driven luciferase activity was used as a quantitative biomarker for intracellular damage, and histological analyses were conducted to measure the depth of thermal damage. For all of the wavelengths tested, the bioluminescent data showed that the magnitude of hsp70 expression was dose-dependent. Tissues treated at 6.45 µm had approximately 2x higher hsp70 expression than tissues treated at 6.10 μm. Histology showed that immediate tissue injury at the 6.45 μm wavelength was ~2x deeper than at 6.10 μm. The 6.10 μm wavelength generated the least amount of epidermal hyperplasia. Overall, the data suggests that 6.10 μm is a superior wavelength for cutaneous laser ablation procedures.
Void growth in single crystal CuSiO2 during high strain-rate deformation

Abstract The mechanism of dynamic void growth in a ductile metal containing secondary particles was studied both experimentally and theoretically. Single crystal Cu-SiO 2 , used to simulate a ductile metal containing secondary particles, was plate impacted at high strain-rates, 5.5–10.4 × 10 4 / s . Voids that were nucleated from SiO 2 particles and grew thereafter were observed across the plate thickness with highest density around the mid-plane. The highest density of voids was predicted by a dynamic void growth model. The dynamic void growth model accounts for the material nonlinearity as well as the inertia effect. A reasonably good agreement between the experimental and analytical results was obtained.
Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes Associated With Eccentric Versus Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Although concentric remodeling (CR) and concentric hypertrophy (CH) are common forms of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), eccentric hypertrophy (EH) can also occur in these patients. However, clinical characteristics and outcomes of EH have not been well described in HFpEF. We prospectively studied 402 patients with HFpEF, divided into 4 groups based on LV structure: normal geometry (no LV hypertrophy [LVH] and relative wall thickness [RWT] ≤0.42); CR (no LVH and RWT >0.42); CH (LVH and RWT >0.42); and EH (LVH and RWT ≤0.42). We compared clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, invasive hemodynamic, and outcome data among groups. Of 402 patients, 48 (12%) had EH. Compared with CH, patients with EH had lower systolic blood pressure and less renal impairment despite similar rates of hypertension. After adjustment for covariates, EH was associated with reduced LV contractility compared with CH: lower LVEF (β coefficient = −3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] −5.4 to −1.1%) and ratio of systolic blood pressure to end-systolic volume (β coefficient = −1.0; 95% CI −1.5 to −0.5 mm Hg/ml). EH was also associated with increased LV compliance compared with CH (LV end-diastolic volume at an idealized LV end-diastolic pressure of 20 mm Hg β coefficient = 14.2; 95% CI 9.4 to 19.1 ml). Despite these differences, EH and CH had similarly elevated cardiac filling pressures and equivalent adverse outcomes. In conclusion, the presence of EH denotes a distinct subset of HFpEF that is pathophysiologically similar to HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) and may benefit from HFrEF therapy.
Janus Kinase 2: An Epigenetic ‘Writer’ that Activates Leukemogenic Genes

Activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a critical role in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. Dawson et al. (2009; JAK2 phosphorylates histone H3Y41 and excludes HP1alpha from chromatin. Nature 461, 819-822) report that JAK2 performs this function by displacing the heterochromatin protein HP1α from chromatin through phosphorylation of histone H3.
Inability of a Variant Strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum to Infect Mice

Nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks were collected from several sites in Rhode Island. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to determine the presence and prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum human agent (AP-ha) and a genetic variant not associated with human disease (AP-variant 1). The remaining ticks from each cohort were allowed to feed to repletion on either white-footed (Peromyscus leucopus) or DBA/2 (Mus musculus) mice. The engorged ticks and murine blood samples were evaluated for the presence of AP-ha and AP-variant 1. Although a high percentage of the infecting ticks harbored AP-variant 1, only AP-ha was amplified from the murine blood samples. Additional ticks were fed on immunocompromised SCID mice, and, again, only AP-ha was capable of establishing an infection, and only AP-ha could be detected by xenodiagnosis. These data suggest that AP-variant 1 cannot establish an infection in mice, and we propose that AP-variant 1 has an alternative natural reservoir, possibly white-tailed deer.
Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer Treated With Warfarin.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with cancer. Previous randomized studies have demonstrated that the rates of recurrent VTE are lower in patients treated with low-molecular-weight heparin compared to warfarin. We performed a retrospective analysis of 236 patients with cancer managed by a dedicated oncology anticoagulation management service to compare “real-world” rates of recurrent VTE and bleeding in patients treated with warfarin versus parenteral anticoagulants. Initial anticoagulant regimen included a parenteral agent with transition to warfarin in 132 (55.9%) patients, enoxaparin in 53 (22.5%), dalteparin in 37 (15.7%), and fondaparinux in 14 (5.9%). Taking into account the competing risk of death, cumulative incidence of VTE recurrence at 6 months was 4.0% with warfarin, 10.3% with enoxaparin, 3.0% with dalteparin, and 7.7% with fondaparinux (P = .004). Bleeding complications occurred in 10.6% of patients on warfarin, 17.0% on enoxaparin, 27.0% on dalteparin, and 14...