cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma Gondii Motility and Invasion

Host cell penetration by Toxoplasma gondii, as observed in vitro by light microscopy of cultured cell monolayers, is a rapid process quite distinct from phagocytosis. Active parasite processes including gliding motility, shape changes mediated by the parasite cytoskeleton, the formation of a moving junction with the host plasma membrane, the secretion of factors from parasite organelles, and the formation of a specialized intracellular vacuole (in which the parasite resides and that does not fuse with host lysosomes) are all important to successful host cell penetration and intracellular survival. Parasite motility is a primary effector of invasion, since T. gondii immobilized by various means does not get inside most host cells. The process of attachement and penetration seems to feature considerable redundancy, which allows T. gondii to invade and parasitize a wide variety of hosts.
Two-Level Logic Minimization in CMOS Circuits

Boolean algebra is the primary mathematical tool used in designing the computing machines that have come into widespread use in the latter part of this century. Switching functions, described using two-valued Boolean algebra, are implemented using transistor circuits [4]. These transistors act as on-off switches, which is a natural implementation for representing the primitive operations in a Boolean algebra. Once the primitive operations of a Boolean algebra are implemented using transistor circuits, any Boolean function can be implemented using these primitive operations. Operations AND, OR and NOT form the primitive operations of Boolean algebra. Other variations of these primitive operations such and NAND and NOT can also be used as the set of primitive operations.
The spoofer project: inferring the extent of source address filtering on the internet

Forging, or "spoofing," the source addresses of IP packets provides malicious parties with anonymity and novel attack vectors. Spoofing-based attacks complicate network operator's defense techniques; tracing spoofing remains a difficult and largely manual process. More sophisticated next generation distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks may test filtering policies and adaptively attempt to forge source addresses. To understand the current state of network filtering, this paper presents an Internet-wide active measurement spoofing project. Clients in our study attempt to send carefully crafted UDP packets designed to infer filtering policies. When filtering of valid packets is in place we determine the filtering granularity by performing adjacent netblock scanning. Our results are the first to quantify the extent and nature of filtering and the ability to spoof on the Internet. We find that approximately one-quarter of the observed addresses, netblocks and autonomous systems (AS) permit full or partial spoofing. Projecting this number to the entire Internet, an approximation we show is reasonable, yields over 360 million addresses and 4,600 ASes from which spoofing is possible. Our findings suggest that a large portion of the Internet is vulnerable to spoofing and concerted attacks employing spoofing remain a serious concern.
On-Campus Housing’s Impact on Degree Completion and Upward Transfer in the Community College Sector: A Comprehensive Quasi-Experimental Analysis

The college student persistence literature has indicated that on-campus housing positively affects student persistence. This evidence, however, has largely been based on the experiences of students...
Synthesis and characterization of phosphonated Poly(ethylene terephthalate) ionomers

Abstract A more efficient route for the synthesis of phosphonated dimethyl isophthalate, disodium salt is shown to provide a significantly higher yield (42%), in contrast to a previously reported yield (15%). This higher yield enabled the synthesis of phosphonated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PPET) ionomers using conventional melt polycondensation with ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. The physical properties of these phosphonated PET ionomers (Na+-PPET) were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), melt rheology, and tensile testing. DSC analysis showed that the crystalline melting temperatures, crystallization temperatures, degrees of crystallinity, and crystallization rates decreased with increasing ionic content. Melt rheology confirmed the existence of physical crosslinks in Na+-PPET ionomers, as indicated by a crossover of the storage and loss moduli, attributed to strong electrostatic associations between phosphonated units on the polymer chains. Tensile tests of the Na+-PPET samples showed enhanced Young's modulus and yield stress compared to pure PET.
Amyloid cardiomyopathy in a large integrated health care system.

Background Light Chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis are the most common forms of amyloid cardiomyopathy. Population based studies describing the epidemiology and clinical features of amyloid cardiomyopathy are often based in tertiary medical centers and thus may be limited by referral bias. Methods and Results We performed a cohort study of 198 patients diagnosed and treated in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system who had a confirmed diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis between 2001 and 2016. Associations between demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging data and patient outcomes were quantified using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models for both the AL and ATTR groups. The average length of follow up was 2.8 years (SD 2.9 years) and overall survival was 69.1 percent at one year and 35.4 percent at five years. In the AL group, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 1.33 per 5-point decrease, P Conclusions This study describes a large cohort of patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy derived from a community based, integrated healthcare system and describes demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics associated with mortality and heart failure hospitalization. In this population, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and high BNP levels were strongly associated with mortality.
Testing a method to improve predictions of disease and mortality risk in western lowland gorillas (gorilla gorilla gorilla) using allostatic load.

Allostatic load is the wear-and-tear organisms accumulate due to senescence and stress; it is measured by combining biomarkers from multiple somatic systems into allostatic load indices (ALIs). Fre...
Reversible inhibition and reactivation of electron transfer in photosystem I.

In photosystem I (PSI) complexes at room temperature electron transfer from A1– to FX is an order of magnitude faster on the B-branch compared to the A-branch. One factor that might contribute to this branch asymmetry in time constants is TrpB673 (Thermosynechococcus elongatus numbering), which is located between A1B and FX. The corresponding residue on the A-branch, between A1A and FX, is GlyA693. Here, microsecond time-resolved step-scan FTIR difference spectroscopy at 77 K has been used to study isolated PSI complexes from wild type and TrpB673Phe mutant (WB673F mutant) cells from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. WB673F mutant cells require glucose for growth and are light sensitive. Photoaccumulated FTIR difference spectra indicate changes in amide I and II protein vibrations upon mutation of TrpB673 to Phe, indicating the protein environment near FX is altered upon mutation. In the WB673F mutant PSI samples, but not in WT PSI samples, the phylloquinone molecule that occupies the A1 binding site is likely doubly protonated following long periods of repetitive flash illumination at room temperature. PSI with (doubly) protonated quinone in the A1 binding site are not functional in electron transfer. However, electron transfer functionality can be restored by incubating the light-treated mutant PSI samples in the presence of added phylloquinone.
Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI: Assessment of arterial phase artifacts and hepatobiliary uptake in a large series.

Abstract Purpose To report the quality of gadoxetate disodium MRI in a large series by assessing the prevalence of: 1) arterial phase (AP) artifacts and its predictive factors, 2) decreased hepatic contrast uptake during the hepatobiliary phase (HBP). Methods This retrospective single center study included 851 patients (M/F:537/314, mean age: 63y) with gadoxetate disodium MRI. The MRI protocol included unenhanced, dual arterial [early and late arterial phases (AP)], portal venous, transitional and hepatobiliary phases. Three radiologists graded dynamic images using a 5-scale score (1: no motion, 5: severe, nondiagnostic) for assessment of transient severe motion (TSM, defined as a score ≥4 during at least one AP with a score ≤3 during other phases). HBP uptake was assessed using a 3-scale score (based on portal vein/hepatic signal). The association between demographic, clinical and acquisition parameters with TSM was tested in uni- and multivariate logistic regression. Results TSM was observed in 103/851 patients (12.1 %): 83 (9.8 %) in one AP and 20 (2.3 %) in both APs. A score of 5 (nondiagnostic) was assigned in 7 patients in one AP (0.8 %) and none in both. Presence of TSM was significantly associated with age (p = 0.002) and liver disease (p = 0.033) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis (p > 0.05). No association was found between acquisition parameters and TSM occurrence. Limited or severely limited HBP contrast uptake was observed in 87 patients (10.2 %), and TSM was never associated with severely limited HBP contrast uptake. Conclusion TSM was present in approximately 12 % of gadoxetate disodium MRIs, rarely on both APs (2.3 %), and was poorly predicted. TSM was never associated with severely limited HBP contrast uptake.
A Call for Radical Transparency regarding Research Payments.

In the target article “Promoting Ethical Payment in Human Infection Challenge Studies,” Fernandez Lynch et al. (2021) call for more information sharing about research payment amounts to study parti...
Optical detection of triple negative breast cancer metabolism

Early diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is essential to implementing early, life-saving treatment before the development of metastases. Traditional methods for detecting TNBC is difficult, being both tedious and vulnerable to false positive results. Here we combine optical imaging techniques—deuterium probed resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and multiphoton fluorescence (MPF) to detect TNBC metabolism in early stage. These hallmarks such as glucose and lipid metabolism are revealed through chemical bond vibrational modes with RRS and morphological changes with MPF at subcellular scale.
Molecular cloning expression and biochemical characterization of the human lens ALDH1A1

AIM:To clone, express and characterize the biochemi-cal properties of recombinant human lens ALDH1A1 protein. ·METHODS: The complete coding sequence of ALDH1A1 from human lens library was cloned and expressed in E. coli. with PCR and plasmid transformation. Recombinant human lens ALDH1A1 protein was purified using His-tag column, and its biochemical properties such as enzyme activity, reaction buffer, cofactor, reductant and pH were studied. ·RESULTS: The coding region of human lens ALDH1A1 cDNA encodes a 1506bp DNA and a 501 amino acid protein (MW=54.8 kDa) that is 100% identical to human liver ALDH1A1 and shares a 85% with rat and mouse liver. The activity of recombinant human lens ALDH1A1 can be maintained for a longer period while eluted by thrombin than by imidazole, which has optimum activity with sodium pyrophosphate as a reaction buffer at pH 8.0, preferring NAD as cofactor and dTT as reductant, and exhibits increase activity with higher pH.·CONCLUSION: ALDH1A1 exhibits similar characters as human liver ALDH1A1.
Non-isocyanate Polyurethanes from 1,1′-Carbonyldiimidazole: A Polycondensation Approach

1,1'-Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) provides a platform to generate high molecular weight polyurethanes from industrially relevant diols and diamines. CDI, which is described in the literature for its use in amidation and functionalization reactions, enables the production of well-defined and stable polyurethane precursors, thus eliminating the need for isocyanates. Herein, the functionalization of 1,4-butanediol with CDI yields an electrophilic biscarbamate, bis-carbonylimidazolide (BCI), which is suitable for further step-growth polymerization in the presence of amines. Elevated reaction temperatures enable the solvent-, catalyst-, and isocyanate-free polycondensation reaction between the BCI monomer and various diamines. The thermoplastic polyurethanes produced from this reaction demonstrate high thermal stability, tunable glass transition temperatures based on incorporation of flexible polyether segments, and mechanically ductile thin films. CDI functionalized diols will allow the preparation of diverse polyurethanes without the use of isocyanate-containing monomers.
Adolescent drug use before and during U.S. national COVID-19 social distancing policies.

Abstract Background How adolescent substance use and perceived availability of substances have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic remain largely unknown. Substantial reduction in availability of substances would present a unique opportunity to consider the supply-side hypothesis that reductions in drug availability will lead to reductions in drug prevalence. Methods Longitudinal data come from Monitoring the Future and are based on responses from 582 adolescents who were originally surveyed as part of a national sample of 12th grade students in early 2020, one month before social distancing policies began. They were surveyed again after social distancing policies were implemented, in the summer of 2020. Results Perceived availability of marijuana and alcohol declined across the two survey waves at the largest levels ever recorded in the 46 years of the project, by an absolute 17 %, p Conclusions Perceived availability of marijuana, alcohol, and vaping devices declined at historic rates during the pandemic of 2020. Lack of accompanying reductions in prevalence for marijuana and binge drinking demonstrates the substantial challenges facing a supply-side approach to the reduction of adolescent use of these substances.
Leadership as Process : A theory of organizing in complex adaptive systems

Organization theorists have increasingly recognized the need to incorporate dynamic processes that include individual intentionality into theories of organizing. In particular, the leadership and h ...
Cannabinoid-Alcohol Interactions

Marijuana and alcohol are two of the most commonly abused substances worldwide. Although the psychotropic effects of these drugs are mediated by distinct pharmacodynamic mechanisms, the similar physiological and neuropsychological effects of these drugs have long been recognized. This chapter focuses on interactive effects between cannabinoids and alcohol with a particular emphasis on the influence of endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling on the motivation for alcohol consumption and the etiology of alcohol use disorders. Topics include the modulation of alcohol consumption by exogenous cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, the influence of alcohol exposure on brain eCB formation and alcohol-induced disruptions in eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity. Associations between genetic variants in eCB signaling with alcohol use disorders are discussed along with a possible role of dysregulated eCB signaling in symptoms of alcohol dependence and protracted withdrawal. The chapter concludes with a brief consideration of the eCB system as a viable treatment target for alcohol dependence.
Induction of prophage in Streptococcus lactis C2 by ultraviolet irradiation

Streptococcus lactis C2 has been used extensively by many laboratories in studies on the metabolism of lactic streptococci. By using ultraviolet irradiation as the inducing agent, this organism was shown to release a small bacteriophage, indicating that it is a lysogenic strain. The induced phage had a head approximately 40 nm in diameter and a tail length and width of about 180 and 6 nm, respectively. A structure resembling a collar was observed. Attempts to isolate a sensitive indicator strain for the virus were unsuccessful. Images
Nonsuicidal self-injury among a sample of United States military personnel and veterans enrolled in college classes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), to describe sociodemographic and clinical correlates of NSSI, and to examine the association of NSSI with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a sample of U.S. military personnel and veterans. METHOD: An anonymous online survey was completed by 335 U.S. military personnel and veterans (70.0% male; age mean = 36.67, standard error = 10.59; 82.3% Caucasian, 4.9% African American, 2.8% Asian, 3.7% Native American, 1.2% Pacific Islander, and 7.6% other) enrolled in college classes. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression was used to test the associations among NSSI, suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the sample reported lifetime NSSI and 3% reported NSSI during the last 12 months. The most common method was cutting (78.7%), with 66% reporting use of 2 or more methods for NSSI. Average age of NSSI onset was 17.55 years. Increased likelihood of NSSI was associated with older age, shorter length of time in service, greater trauma exposure, female gender, Native American racial identity, and combat support deployments. Personnel in the Navy and with a history of combat deployment were significantly less likely to report NSSI. NSSI was significantly associated with suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts even when adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSION: The rate of NSSI is comparable to estimates in nonmilitary U.S. samples. NSSI is a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this group. Language: en
Asymmetric photolysis with elliptically polarized light.

Previous investigations have shown the efficacyof right-(RCPL) and left-(LCPL) circularly polarized light inpromoting the asymmetric photolysis of racemic organic substratesand producing measurable enantiomeric excesses (e.e.s) whenphotolysis is incomplete. Synchrotron radiation, polychromaticand having out-of-plane components which are elliptically andultimately circularly polarized, has been suggested as auniversal source of RCPL and LCPL on a cosmic scale. The moreprevalent right-(REPL) and left-(LEPL) elliptically polarizedcomponents have never been investigated for similar capabilities.The present study, using a 212.8 nm laser beam to mimic thesynchtrotron radiation, explores the potential of REPL and LEPLin this context and finds a qualitative trend indicating thateach induces asymmetric photolysis in the same sense as RCPL andLCPL, but to a lesser degree.
In Her Own Voice: Identity Centrality and Perceptions of Workplace Climate in Blogs by Women Scientists

72 1024x768 Normal 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Social identity theory offers a useful perspective for understanding women scientists’ perceptions of the gendered workplace cultures they encounter. This study of blogs written by women academic scientists, found that regardless of whether they exhibited work identity centrality or family identity centrality, women scientists experienced identity interference. This was related to workplace climate, perceptions of job opportunities, workload, research funding, resources/equipment, networking opportunities, professional recognition and respect, and work-family balance. Implications for policy, practice, and social change are discussed.
Starch Biosynthesis in Plants

Starch is a major storage compound in plants that is present both in leaves and in storage tissues. Biochemical and molecular biological data show that ADP-glucose is the glucosyl donor for plant starch synthesis, and its synthesis is catalyzed by ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. Subsequently, starch synthases catalyze the transfer of the glucosyl residue from ADP-glucose to the oligosaccharide chains of the starch components amylose and amylopectin to form new α-1,4-glucosidic residues. After elongation of these α-1,4-glucosidic chains, the branching enzyme catalyzes a cleavage of the elongated chain and transfers the cleaved portion of the oligosaccharide chain to either another region in the amylopectin molecule or to a new amylopectin and forms a new α-1,6-glucosidic linkage. Amylose synthesis is catalyzed by the granule-bound starch synthase. Regulation of starch synthesis occurs at the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase step. The enzyme from higher plants, green algae, and cyanobacteria is activated allosterically by 3-phosphoglycerate and inhibited by inorganic phosphate. Isolation of mutants and control analyses indicate that the allosteric activation and inhibition are of physiological and functional importance in the regulation of starch synthesis. Furthermore, evidence indicates that ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases can also be regulated by a redox mechanism. The current knowledge of the enzyme structures and critical amino acids necessary for substrate binding, allosteric effector binding, regulation, and catalysis for the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is reviewed.
Reproductive success in a natural population of male three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus: effects of nuptial colour, parasites and body size

The effects of nuptial colour, parasites and body size on reproductive success were examined in a natural population of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. Reproductive males were collected, with the contents of their nests, during the embryo-guarding stage from Lynne Lake (Cook Inlet, Alaska, U.S.A.), and nuptial colour, infection status and body size were recorded. Regression analysis revealed that male body size was the only predictor, of those measured, of reproductive success in nature.
Analysis of the internal nuclear matrix: Oligomers of a 38 kD nucleolar polypeptide stabilized by disulfide bonds

When rat liver nuclei are treated with the sulfhydryl cross-linking reagent sodium tetrathionate (NaTT) prior to nuclease treatment and extraction with 1.6 M NaCl, residual nucleoli and an extensive non-chromatin intranuclear network remain associated with the nuclear envelope. Subsequent treatment of this structure with 1 M NaCl containing 20 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) solubilizes the intranuclear material, while the nuclear envelope remains structurally intact. We have isolated and partially characterized a major polypeptide of the disulfide-stabilized internal nuclear matrix. The polypeptide, which has an apparent molecular mass 38 kD and isoelectric point 5.3, has been localized to the nucleolus of rat liver nuclei by indirect immunofluorescence using a specific polyclonal chicken antiserum. Based on its molecular mass, isoelectric point, intracellular localization and amino acid composition, the 38 kD polypeptide appears to be analogous to the nucleolar phosphoprotein B23 described by Prestayko et al. (Biochemistry 13 (1974) 1945) [20]. Immunologically related polypeptides have likewise been localized to the nucleoli of both hamster and human tissue culture cell lines as well as the cellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum. By immunoblotting, a single 38 kD polypeptide is recognized by the antiserum in rat, mouse, hamster and human cell lines. The antiserum has been utilized to investigate the oligomeric structure of the 38 kD polypeptide and the nature of its association with the rat liver nuclear matrix. By introducing varying numbers of disulfide bonds, we have found that the 38 kD polypeptide becomes incorporated into the internal nuclear matrix in a two-step process. Soluble disulfide-bonded homodimers of the polypeptide are first formed and then are rendered salt-insoluble by more extensive disulfide cross-linking.
Early interventions for PTSD: a review

The high prevalence of trauma exposure and subsequent negative consequences for both survivors and society as a whole emphasize the need for secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, clinicians and relief workers remain limited in their ability to intervene effectively in the aftermath of trauma and alleviate traumatic stress reactions that can lead to chronic PTSD. The scientific literature on early intervention for PTSD is reviewed, including early studies on psychological debriefing, pharmacological, and psychosocial interventions aimed at preventing chronic PTSD. Studies on fear extinction and memory consolidation are discussed in relation to PTSD prevention and the potential importance of immediate versus delayed intervention approaches and genetic predictors are briefly reviewed. Preliminary results from a modified prolonged exposure intervention applied within hours of trauma exposure in an emergency room setting are discussed, along with considerations related to intervention reach and overall population impact. Suggestions for future research are included. Prevention of PTSD, although currently not yet a reality, remains an exciting and hopeful possibility with current research approaches translating work from the laboratory to the clinic.
On the existence of an optimal synthesis for linear quadratic optimal control problems with a fixed terminal point

In this paper, we use the dynamic programming and approximation techniques to prove the existence of an optimal synthesis for linear quadratic optimal control (LQOC) problems with a fixed terminal point, in which the optimal control law is given in the feedback form of time and state. Our result establishes an analogy in synthesizing LQOC between fixed terminal point problems and free terminal point problems.
Failure of weight training to affect urinary indices of protein metabolism in men.

HICKSON, J. F., Jr., I. WOLINSKY, G. P. RODRIGUEZ, J. M. PIVARNIK, M. C. KENT, and N. W. SHIER. Failure of weight training to affect urinary indices of protein metabolism in men. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 563–567, 1986. It is commonly believed by some athletes that strength building exercise “tears down” skeletal muscle tissue, thereby enhancing the dietary need for protein, but this has not been demonstrated. Ten college-age males served as subjects in a 15-d, controlled feeding study. The men were 23.1 ± 2.2 yr old (mean ± SD), 177 ± 5 cm in height, and 71.7 ± 9.1 kg in body weight (study days = 1 to 15). The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet provided 0.9 g/kg protein and 15.1 ± 0.4 MJ (3,604 ± 104 kcal)·d-1 energy (study days = 6 to 15). On days 8 and 12, subjects participated in a standardized strength building, weight training exercise regimen. Post-exercise days 9 to 11 and 13 to 15 were designated for recovery. Daily (24-h) urine collections were analyzed for ammonia, creatinine, 3-methylhistidine, total nitrogen, and urea. There was no acute (24-h) effect of weight training exercise on any excretion levels. In particular, urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion data indicate that skeletal muscle protein catabolism was not changed by isolated bouts of weight training exercise.
Stimulation of Luteal Mitochondrial Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage by Cardiolipin*

The effects of exogenous phospholipids upon steroid hormone synthesis by rat luteal mitochondria and mitochondrial acetone powders were studied. Cardiolipin, added as a dispersion, to intact mitochondria prepared from ovaries of PMS gonadotropin-hCG-primed immature rats produced a significant (up to 4-fold) stimulation of net steroid synthesis. A number of other phospholipids, including phosphatidylinositol-4'-phosphate, either had no striking effect upon steroid synthesis or inhibited it. The stimulatory effects of cardiolipin were dose dependent, with maximal stimulation observed at 100-200 microM. Whether mitochondria were prepared from the ovaries of rats acutely treated with cycloheximide, hCG, or vehicle, cardiolipin stimulated steroid production to the same absolute value. Exogenous cardiolipin caused a pronounced increase (6-fold) in steroid synthesis by mitochondrial acetone powders, while phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol-4'-phosphate produced a much smaller increase. Although exogenous cardiolipin was clearly shown to stimulate mitochondrial steroidogenesis, treatments that acutely altered the capacity of rat luteal mitochondria to produce steroids in vitro, such as hCG (stimulation) or cycloheximide (inhibition) administration, did not affect the phospholipid composition of the mitochondrial fractions or the in vivo incorporation of 32PO4 into mitochondrial cardiolipin. We conclude that exogenous cardiolipin can be a potent stimulator of luteal mitochondrial steroidogenesis. While this polar lipid may be an endogenous activator of cholesterol side-chain cleavage, the acute effects of tropic hormones and protein synthesis inhibitors on steroidogenesis do not appear to be mediated by major changes in the mitochondrial content of cardiolipin.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia and upper airway diseases

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare and difficultto-diagnose disease with morbidity related to infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. The disease is caused by mutations in genes that are required for proper ciliary function. The defect in ciliary function results in reduced or absent mucociliary clearance, thereby predisposing the affected individual to repeated bacterial infections. Recent advances in the understanding of the basic biology and function of the cilium have led to the identification of some of the genes that are mutated in cases of PCD. Further studies of this disease will likely lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved outcomes.
Specific mucosal IgA immunity in turkey poults infected with turkey coronavirus

Abstract The objective of this study was to elucidate the kinetics and magnitudes of specific IgA antibody responses in intestines of turkey poults infected with turkey coronavirus (TCV). Turkey poults were orally inoculated with TCV at 10 days of age. Intestinal segment cultures were administered for duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and the IgA antibody responses were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 9 weeks post-infection (PI) in two different experiments. The kinetics of virus-specific IgA antibody responses in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were similar: gradually increased from 1 week PI, reached the peak at 3 or 4 weeks PI, and declined afterward. The virus-specific IgA antibody responses in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum showed negative correlation with duration of TCV antigen in the corresponding locations of intestine with Spearman’s correlation coefficient of −0.85 ( p =0.034), −0.74 ( p =0.096), and −0.75 ( p =0.084), respectively. Moreover, the virus-specific IgA antibody responses in serum were positively correlated with that of duodenum ( coefficient =0.829, p=0.042) , jejunum ( coefficient =0.829, p=0.042) , and ileum ( coefficient =0.771, p=0.072) segment cultures, suggesting that the induction of specific IgA response in serum was predictive of an IgA response in intestine. The results indicate that intestinal mucosal IgA antibodies to TCV are elicited in turkeys following infection with TCV. The local mucosal antibodies may provide protective immunity for infected turkeys to recover from TCV infection.
Can the core length involved with prostate cancer identify clinically insignificant disease in low risk patients diagnosed on the basis of a single positive core

Clinically insignificant prostate cancer, defined as at most microscopic foci of Gleason grade ≤3 disease in the radical prostatectomy specimen, has been recognized in some low risk (PSA 5% (n = 116) involvement of a single positive core, the 4 year PSA failure free survivals were 100% vs. 89% (P = 0.048), respectively. Within the subset of patients with ≤5% of a single core involved, 7% (1/14) met the criteria for clinically insignificant disease. However, of the remaining 93%, 3, 8, and 2 patients had pathologic stage T2a, T2b, and T3a, respectively. Eleven patients had prostatectomy Gleason scores ≤3 + 3, two patients had pathologic Gleason scores of 3 + 4, and one patient had a positive surgical margin. Given that only 7% of low risk patients in this cohort with ≤5% involvement of a single positive core had clinically insignificant disease, the involved core length alone cannot be used to identify patients with clinically insignificant disease. Further studies are needed in order to delineate which patients may not benefit from treatment.
Mapping elasticity in human lenses using bubble-based acoustic radiation force

Abstract This study uses acoustic radiation pressure to displace a femtosecond laser-produced bubble in human lens tissue. Bubble displacement is monitored with low-amplitude, high-resolution ultrasound. Displacements are compensated by bubble size determined from ultrasonic backscatter. The Young's modulus is proportional to the inverse of the compensated displacement with the constant of proportionality determined from similar measurements in a controlled gelatin sample. Multiple measurements were obtained on 12 human lens specimens grouped into two age categories, middle-age (about 40 years old) and old-age (63–70 years old). There were 3 lenses from 2 donors in the middle-age group and 9 lenses from 5 donors in the old-age group. At each radial position, the median value was computed for all measurements within each group. For middle-age lenses, Young's modulus ranged from 5.2 kPa in the center to 1.1 kPa on the periphery. For old-age lenses, Young's modulus ranged from 10.6 kPa in the center to 1.4 kPa on the periphery. These values are the same order of magnitude as previous measurements using other techniques. The age related change in elasticity distribution is also similar to a previous study. Radially varying elasticity may provide insight into the mechanics of accommodation.
Salesmen's reward systems: A comparative approach

This study compared the reward systems of two national sales organizations to determine the effects that different reward policies and differences of the salesmen's behavioral characteristics had on their performance and satisfaction. The study found that the sales firm should provide the means for individual need gratification via a reward system based on performance. This “system” can be used by the sales manager in employee selection, morale building, and improving and maintaining performance.
Water Main Breaks: Risk Assessment and Investment Strategies

Replacement to sustain the integrity of water mains in the United States is on a cycle of approximately once in 200 years, a slow rate that contributes to the current grade of D- on the Infrastructure Report Card. The main indicator of physical integrity is frequency of water main breaks, but reducing these is difficult because of the complexity and scale of the problem and the lack of incentives for pipeline replacement. This paper draws from current research to explain the risk formulation of the decision process for pipeline replacement, the current rates of renewal, and the reasons why utilities renew pipes at low rates. Recommended solutions in the face of a financial crisis focus on analysis and management tools, data systems, standardized reporting, incentive structures, modest rate increases, and voluntary industry reforms. Improving integrity of water distribution systems and reducing main breaks are important to the long-term viability of public water systems, the costs to future generations, and to public health. Solutions will require enlightened and committed professional and political leadership, and optimized life-cycle asset management that includes maintenance, replacement, and realistic cost models and design lives.
A framework for predicting the service lifetime of composite polymeric coatings

Relating product service lifetime to material composition by using standardized, artificial exposures, or even natural exposure, is notoriously difficult. An approach is reviewed here that has been developed to model degradation in polymeric coatings and may be applicable to other systems when they are exposed to natural or artificial weathering conditions. The approach focuses on the ‘wear-out regime’ not ‘infant mortality’ and breaks down the problem into units, which can be separately addressed. Random arrival, and action, of huge numbers of aggressive events, e.g., ultraviolet photons, grains of sand, etc., cause the accumulation of damage which may be modeled, in general, by Monte Carlo techniques or algebraically in simple cases, using the properties of large numbers of low probability events by the Central Limit Theorem. The model shows how degradation rate depends on physical and chemical materials characteristics, the initial state of the coating, and the parameters describing the environment. Well-known physical models for gloss and toughness provide a close match to experimental data and provide scientifically based, well-behaved functions for extrapolation. In addition, the effect of ultraviolet absorbers or anti-oxidants is modeled here in a simple way to demonstrate the flexibility of this approach.
An Analysis of Federal Narcotic Detoxification Policy: Implications for Rehabilitation

The current federal narcotic detoxification policy, limiting such treatment to 21 d, is analyzed with respect to its impact on the success rate for complete withdrawal. Data are drawn from an historical review of American Medical Association statements on narcotic addiction and a review of empirical data on short- and long-term detoxification. The 3-week limit is shown to interfere with achieving successful detoxification rates, although it continues to guide federal detoxification policy. Empirical evidence supports long-term detoxification that recognizes other factors as also having a therapeutic effect. It is time to revise the current federal policy to more accurately reflect the progress made in long-term care.
Information, prediction and structural whole: an introduction

Looks at how an undergraduate had to fill in the gaps to be a success by validating research ‐ using the big names of scientific history to relate the corresponding work. Gives anecdotes of the authors’ progress and the teachers who were most noteworthy in aiding him. Uses tables to emphasize certain points about the environment and various other mathematical and scientific ideas. Emphasizes the importance of other experts’ work in this field.
Seed germination of two cattail (Typha) species as A function of Everglandes nutrient levels

Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) is being replaced by cattails (Typha domingensis andTypha latifolia) in Water Conservation Area 2A (WCA 2A) of the Florida Everglades. This replacement coincides with changes in nutrients in WCA 2A. Investigating seed germination ofTypha in response to different nutrient levels, focusing on phosphate, might help in understanding how this replacement occurs. Three sets of experiments with seed germination were conducted. Series I, a pilot study, was run to set the parameters for further investigations usingTypha domingensis. Germination up to 100% was obtained. Series II used field water collected from three areas of WCA 2A that differed in the concentration of phosphate. These three areas represented high, medium, and low nutrient conditions with total phosphates that ranged from 0.200 to 0.008 mg/liter. Distilled water was used to create a zero nutrient condition.Typha domingensis andT. latifolia seeds were used. Little difference in germination percentage was found betweenT. domingensis andT. latifolia. Germination began after three days, reaching 22% to 40% in seven days. In high nutrients, however,T. latifolia germinated faster. In Series III, distilled water was used that had phosphate levels added corresponding to the concentrations found in WCA 2A. This water was used in place of the field water, which was used in Series II. In Series III, onlyT. domingensis seeds were used. No difference was found in seed germination as the phosphate concentration was varied. Germination began after three days, reaching about 40% in seven days. Seed and “fruit” traits were also measured.T. latifolia produced 1.4 times as many seeds asT. domingensis, but the mean seed weight ofT. domingensis was 3.5 times that ofT. latifolia. Results suggest that both cattail species can germinate under a variety of phosphate levels. Thus, bothT. domingensis andT. latifolia may be long-term threats to areas in the Everglades presently occupied by sawgrass.
The ratcheting of compressed thermally grown thin films on ductile substrates

An analysis of the displacements experienced by undulating thermally grown thin films upon thermal cycling has been presented. The film has been assigned a thermal expansion coefficient that causes it to be compressed upon cooling. It has also been allowed to thicken at high temperature by oxidation of the substrate. It is shown that, in some circumstances, ratcheting occurs, wherein the undulation amplitude, a, increases with each thermal cycle. When such a response happens, undesirable cyclic failure modes are induced. The analysis reveals that there is a critical undulation amplitude, ac, below which ratcheting does not occur. This critical size is related to the expansion misfit, the substrate yield strength and the growth strain in the film per cycle. Connections between these variables and ac are derived.
Modulation of redox homeostasis by Lamiaceae herbs in seminal vesicles of Lumbricus terrestris

Abstract Background/Aims Health benefits of Lamiaceae herbs are attributed to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals. However, mechanism of in vivo functionality is not very well understood. We determined the in vivo effect of dietary Lamiaceae herbs on modulating redox-nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and sperm quality in oxidation prone environment of seminal vesicles in Lumbricus terrestris . Methods Animals fed ad libitum on Lumbricus growth medium supplemented with 0% (control), 0.1% or 0.5% (w/v) of different herbs. The seminal vesicles of the animal were dissected out on day 2 and day 6, and gently disrupted. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA fragmentation (DNAF), glutathione (GSH), nitrates/nitrites (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were determined using standard assays. Sperm maturity and deformation (DFO) was quantified microscopically. Results Overall, the herb treatments decreased MDA levels by (60–90%), increased SOD activity (15–50%), and decreased DNAF (6–11%). Treatments with basil and oregano at 0.1% (w/v) were most effective. Conclusion Our suggests that phytochemicals from Lamiaceae herbs modulate redox stress response, and protect against oxidative stress in seminal vesicles.
Entamoeba histolytica: Isolation of ferredoxin

Abstract A significant portion of the nonheme iron and acid-labile sulfide of axenically grown Entamoeba histolytica was obtained in a colored, low molecular weight protein fraction from centrifuged amoeba homogenates following gel filtration. The colored component was further purified by adsorption on and elution from DEAE-cellulose. Preparations so purified had 390 280 absorbance ratios as great as 0.87. The oxidized form had absorbance peaks at 390, 315, and 280 nm; the enzymatically reduced form, at 350 nm. The difference spectra showed a major peak at 420 nm, and a minor one at 310 nm. The substance was converted to apoprotein and reconstituted with iron and H2S by methods developed for clostridial ferredoxin. When chromatographed on a Sephadex G-50 column calibrated with spinach and clostridial ferredoxins its molecular weight appeared to be about 6000, i.e., close to that of the clostridial protein. The substance is considered to be amoebal ferredoxin, but there remains some uncertainty concerning the number of atoms of iron and acid-labile sulfide per molecule. Its physiological role in the organism is not yet understood.
The biosynthesis of the oxygenated monoterpenes in mint

Abstract Radioactive acetate and mevalonate were found to be incorporated into the volatile oil of Mentha piperita L. var. Mitcham and M. arvensis L. var. glabrata Ray. 14 C-Labelled acetate, mevalonate and CO 2 were fed under light and dark conditions and the results indicate that acetate and mevalonate are incorporated per se and not via prior degradation to CO 2 . Acetate-1- and 2- 14 C and mevalonate-2- 14 C were incorporated into the oil more slowly than 14 CO 2 in the light; all terpenes studied including menthol and menthofuran showed radioactivity within 5 min of feeding 14 CO 2 . Isolation of individual monoterpenes by GLC and determination of their specific activities upon feeding 14 CO 2 for various periods of metabolism confirmed Reitsema's biosynthetic sequences (piperitenone→ piperitone→menthone→menthol; piperitenone→pulegone→menthone and menthofuran) in its major aspects, but it could not be confirmed that piperitenone is the first isolable precursor of these two sequences. Also, isomenthone (which was not considered previously) was found to play a major role, and evidence suggesting the sequence: an unknown precursor→isomenthone→menthone→menthol was obtained.
Geodesy by radio interferometry: The application of Kalman Filtering to the analysis of very long baseline interferometry data

The application of Kalman filtering techniques to the analysis of VLBI data is discussed. The VLBI observables are geometrically related to the geodetic and astrometric parameters which can be determined from them. However, contributions to the observables from the clocks at, and the atmospheres above, the VLBI sites must be accounted for if reliable estimates of geodetic and astrometric parameters are to be obtained. Here, an implementation of a Kalman filter to account for stochastic behavior on those parameters which vary during the course of a VLBI experiment is discussed. Both the nature of the stochastic processes which should be used in the model for the VLBI data and the implementation of the Kalman filter estimator are considered. It is concluded that the Kalman filter is appropriate for analyzing VLBI data.