cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Release from quiescence stimulates the expression of integrin α5β1 which regulates DNA synthesis in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells

We show that integrin alpha 5 subunit expression is stimulated when human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells are released from quiescence. The alpha 5 subunit mRNA level in quiescent HT1080 cells was increased 24 hr after their release by 10% fetal bovine serum-containing medium reaching a maximum of 2.5 fold on day 2. Similar levels of induction of cell-surface alpha 5 subunit protein as well as beta 1 subunit protein were also observed. This resulted in a significant increase of cell attachment to fibronectin. The serum stimulation also increased alpha 5 subunit promoter activity by twofold which was protein synthesis independent. Subsequent deletion of alpha 5 subunit promoter DNA showed that the cis-element responsible for the activation is located between -92 bp and the transcription start site. The promoter activity was not induced until 12 hr after the release. Comparison of the effect of a serum-free medium and a 10% fetal bovine serum-supplemented medium revealed that both the DNA synthesis and alpha 5 subunit induction were independent of exogenous growth factors. The increased integrin alpha 5 beta 1 appears to function by reducing mitogenic activity since blockade of fibronectin binding to its receptor with a RGD peptide, a monoclonal anti-fibronectin antibody, or a monoclonal anti-alpha 5 subunit antibody during the release from quiescence significantly stimulated DNA synthesis. On the other hand, stable overexpression of the alpha 5 subunit resulted in decreased DNA synthesis.
Isolation of pregnane-3α,20α-diol from systemic human blood

Abstract Data have been presented in support of pregnane-3α,20α-diol circulating in the peripheral blood of pregnant women. This plasma steroid is conjugated in such a form that it can be cleaved from its conjugation by commercial β-glucuronidase. Chromatographic and spectral properties of pregnane-3α,20α-diol, allopregnane-3α,20α-diol, and allopregnane-3β,20α-diol have been discussed.
A Time Domain Dynamic Simulation Model for Stability Prediction of Infeed Centerless Grinding Processes

This paper presents a comprehensive dynamic model that simulates infeed centerless grinding processes and predicts their instability-related characteristics. The new model has the unique ability of accurately predicting the coupled chatter and lobing process of a multi-degree of freedom and two-dimensional centerless grinding system by considering its critical issues. First, the model considers the complete two-dimensional kinematics, dynamics, surface profiles, and the geometrical interactions of the workpiece with the grinding wheel, regulating wheel, and supporting blade. Second, a two-dimensional distributed grinding force model along the contact length is adopted and modified for centerless grinding processes as a function of normalized uncut chip thickness. The forces of the work holding system are determined by balancing the grinding force and accordingly the work holding instability can be identified as well. Third, a two-dimensional contact deformation model under the condition of general surface profiles or pressure distributions is developed for the contacts of the workpiece with the grinding wheel, regulating wheel, and supporting blade. The new model is validated by comparing the predicted chatter and lobing occurrences with experimental results.
Estimating Advective Near-surface Currents from Ocean Color Satellite Images

Abstract Improved maximum cross correlation (MCC) techniques are used to retrieve ocean surface currents from the sequential ocean color imagery provided by multiple newer generations of satellite sensors on hourly scales in the Yellow Sea and the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. The MCC calculation is validated in a series of Bio-Optical Forecasting (BioCast) experiments with predetermined synthetic velocities, and its products are evaluated by examining the errors and biases with respect to the High Frequency Radar (HFRadar) measurements. The root-mean-square (RMS) errors in our best current products derived from the overlap of satellite sensor swath between the VIIRS sequential orbits are less than 0.17 m s − 1 in the evaluation area outside of the Chesapeake Bay. The most accurate current products are those derived from the imagery data of R rs (551), B b (551) and C(551), while the image sequences of B b (551) and Z eu _lee are identified as the most suited products for the retrieval of currents because of their best production capacities of valid velocity vectors. Mechanisms between the advective processes and the dynamic changes of bio-optical properties are discussed regarding the performances of various color products on the retrieval of currents. Similarities of velocity distribution in the retrieved vector arrays are collected across different MCC products derived from ocean color datasets that are of different types and derived from different spectral channels of satellite overpasses. The inter-product similarities themselves can be used to characterize the near-surface advection as well and usually have smaller errors than each of the individual MCC currents. Moreover, efforts are also under way to improve the ocean color derived currents by merging several of the MCC products with similarities to increase the total spatial coverage. This study not only seeks the image-derived products best representing the sea surface current structures in coastal areas, but also exploits how these currents can be improved or optimized to support the ocean forecasts.
Diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome in children.

Purpose of review The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of potent risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, is composed of insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Of significant impact in the adult population, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and death are rarely seen in the young, but the pathologic processes and risk factors associated with its development have been shown to begin during childhood. The current review summarizes the work published during the past year in the following areas: childhood obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent findings Recent studies have revealed the presence of components of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Obesity has a central role in the syndrome. There is an increasing amount of data to show that being overweight during childhood and adolescence is significantly associated with insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, and elevated blood pressure in young adulthood. Weight loss in these situations results in a decrease in insulin concentration and an increase in insulin sensitivity toward normalcy. With cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes reaching epidemic proportions, it is of great importance to understand and control the risk factors at an early age. Summary The information obtained during the past year has improved our understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of components of the metabolic syndrome in children, and potentially could improve the risk profiles for cardiovascular disease as children make the transition toward adolescence and young adulthood.
QTL-specific genotype-by-smoking interaction and burden of calcified coronary atherosclerosis: The NHLBI Family Heart Study

Abstract Background Calcified coronary plaque (CCP) is a complex trait influenced by both genes and environment, and plausibly an interaction between the two. Because the familial aggregation of CCP has been demonstrated and smoking is a significant, independent predictor of CCP, we assessed the evidence for genotype-by-smoking interaction and conducted linkage analysis of quantitative Agatston CCP scores in participants of the NHLBI Family Heart Study (FHS). Methods During standardized clinical exams smoking habits were ascertained and CCP was quantified with cardiac computed tomography (CT). Among 4387 relationship pairs from 2128 Caucasian examinees variance component analysis was implemented in SOLAR to examine: (1) additive genotype-by-smoking status interaction using a variance component approach; (2) linkage analysis in the full sample and among smoking subsets defined by individual smoking exposure; (3) QTL-specific genotype-by-smoking interaction in the regions that appeared to differentiate between smoking strata. Results The prevalence of CCP (and median Agatston score) was 75% (184.6) in men and 48% (51.0) in women. We detected four genome-wide significant logarithm of odds (LOD) scores in samples stratified by individual smoking exposure: chromosome 4 at 122 cM (nearest marker D4S2297; robust adjusted LOD = 3.1; q = 0.053), chromosome 6 at 99 cM (nearest marker D6S1056; robust adjusted LOD = 3.3; q = 0.053), chromosome 11 at 19 cM (nearest marker D11S199; robust adjusted LOD = 4.0; q = 0.02) and chromosome 13 at 77 cM (nearest marker D13S892; robust adjusted LOD = 3.1; q = 0.053). Additive and QTL-specific genotype-by-smoking interaction was detected on chromosomes 4, 6, 11 and 13; all P Conclusions These findings demonstrate the importance of considering complex interactions in the search for genes that influence the pathogenesis of CCP.
Derivations of R[X,Y,Z] with a slice

The question under consideration is whether every locally nilpotent R-derivation of R[X,Y,Z] with a slice has kernel A generated by two elements over R, where R is a polynomial ring over a field of characteristic zero. Theorem 1.1 gives a fundamental property of such kernels, namely, that A is an A2-fibration over R. While it is an open question whether every A2-fibration over R is trivial, the property of A asserted in the theorem is necessary to the condition that A is a polynomial ring in two variables over R. The last section of the paper presents a family of examples θn (n⩾1) which are quite simple to define, but whose status relative to the kernel question is not known.
The abdominal smile sign.

A 72-year-old man status post cholecystectomy, prostatectomy with residual surgical clips (black arrow), and right hemicolectomy with suture ring (white arrow) presented to the emergency department after “choking on something” while taking his morning pills. He described no chest pain, abdominal pain, dysphagia or dyspnea, but could not find his dental bridgework. A KUB revealed partial dentures in his lower abdomen. By comparing the KUB with an unrelated abdominal CT scan, radiology determined that the dentures were no longer in the stomach. Indications for endoscopic removal of sharp foreign bodies, such as dentures, include location of the object in the esophagus or stomach. Swallowed objects that enter the stomach will typically pass without incident; however, complications have been noted in up to 35% of patients. Impaction, perforation, or obstruction most commonly occurs at areas of acute angulation, including the ileocecal valve. In cases where the object cannot be removed safely, patients should be monitored with daily radiographs. Surgery should be considered if the object does not progress through the gastrointestinal tract within three days. In this case, the patient returned for daily imaging and passed the dentures on day three without pain. After a thorough cleaning, the patient continues to wear his dentures, despite his wife’s protests.
Regulating angiogenesis at the level of PtdIns-4,5-P2

Angiogenesis is a coordinated sequence of cellular responses that result in the outgrowth of new blood vessels. The angiogenic program is regulated by extracellular factors, whose input is integrated at least in part at the level of signal transduction pathways driven by phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) and phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ). Using an in vitro angiogenesis model, we discovered that PI3K was essential for tube formation, whereas PLCγ promoted regression. The underlying mechanism by which PLCγ antagonized tube formation appeared to be by competing with PI3K for their common substrate, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate. These studies are the first to identify signaling enzymes involved with vessel regression, and reveal that the angiogenic program can be coordinated by the availability of a membrane lipid.
Injectable Cartilage: Using Alginate and Human Chondrocytes

Objective To create engineered cartilage through an injectable medium that could be used as a minimally invasive implant material. Methods Human nasal septal chondrocytes, carried in an alginate polymer, were injected and molded percutaneously into nude mice and developed in vivo. The cartilage was harvested from 14 to 38 weeks and analyzed through gross, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis. Results Of the 15 explants, 14 (93%) resembled native cartilage on gross analysis. The injections maintained their overall appearance with some loss of definition. On histological analysis, 6 of the explants (40%) appeared similar to native cartilage throughout the sample. Eight of the explants (53%) resembled native cartilage; however, there were some areas of fibrous tissue differentiation. The neocartilage stained positive for type II collagen. Explants harvested at week 26 or later and the samples that histologically resembled native cartilage had similar hydroxyproline content to native septal cartilage. Conclusions Injectable, autologous cartilage may be the answer to the long search for the ideal implant in facial plastic surgery. Alginate and human chondrocytes can be used to create an injection that may be molded and maintains its overall size and shape, with some loss of definition, for at least 38 weeks after injection.
Evaluation of Methods for Determining In Vivo Digestion Coefficients for Adult Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii

Adult red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were held in fecal collection chambers and fed common feedstuffs isosubstituted in experimental diets. Apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD) and apparent crude protein digestibility (ACPD) coefficients were determined by the total collection and indicator (chromic oxide) methods. Feedstuffs tested were menhaden fish meal, soybean meal, alpha-soy protein, casein, gelatin, wheat bran, rice bran, wheat gluten, shrimp meal, crab chitin, cellulose, squid meal, corn starch and diatomaceous sand. Rate of consumption of plant feedstuffs was generally higher than feedstuffs of animal origin. Consumption of fish meal and shrimp meal was low (0.59 and 0.44% body weightlday, respectively). Fecal chromium concentrations were lower than chromium concentrations of experimental diets and precluded calculation of realistic coefficients by the indicator method. Analysis of refused feed samples indicated that crayfish did not consume the indicator in the same proportion as the remainder of the diet; therefore, the total collection method was judged the better approach to determining digestion coefficients. ADMD and ACPD coefficients of plant feedstuffs were generally higher than coefficients determined for animal feedstuffs. ADMD coefficients indicated substantial carbohydrate digestion by crayfish.
Filtering effects on input-shaped command signals for effective crane control

Human operators have difficulty driving cranes quickly, accurately, and safely because of the slow response of heavy crane structures, non-intuitive control interfaces, and payload oscillations. This paper presents a new type of interface that allows operators to drive a crane by moving a hand-held radio-frequency tag. Real-time location sensors are used to track the movements of the tag and the tag position is used in a feedback control loop to drive the crane. An input shaper is added to eliminate dangerous payload oscillations. Unfortunately, significant sensor noise can increase the energy-usage and settling-time during operation. To reduce these negative side effects, several filters are used on experimentally-acquired tag trajectories. The filtered trajectories are then used to drive crane simulations. The filter performance is evaluated with respect to the energy usage of the crane trolley, and the settling time of the crane payload oscillations. The effects of filter window lengths on these parameters are also investigated.
Child-holding Patterns in Western Art.

FINGER, STANLEY. Child-holding Patterns in Western Art. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1975, 46, 267-271. It has been suggested that mothers generally prefer to hold their children close to an area overlying the heart on the left side of the midline and that this phenomenon might be confirmed in works of art as well as in naturalistic observations. Artworks by major European and American artists were examined to test this hypothesis. There was a bias for holding a child on the mother's left side in early Christian art and in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Significant side preferences were not observed in pictures in which children were held by men, or in those depicting mothers nursing their babies.
Possible Contributors to the Gender Differences in Alcohol Use and Problems

Research on alcohol use and problems has demonstrated a much higher rate of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among men compared with women. The authors review the most frequently researched biological and psychosocial factors that may play a role in the gender differences in alcohol use and problems. Among the biological factors, women might carry a lower genetic risk for AUDs and tend to suffer more negative biological consequences from drinking as compared with men. Regarding psychosocial factors, men appear to be more likely than women to manifest certain risk factors for alcohol use and problems (e.g., fewer perceived social sanctions for drinking, positive expectancies for alcohol use, personality traits such as impulsivity) and have fewer protective factors. Although these findings have helped to explain some of the gender differences in alcohol use and problems, there are inconsistencies in the literature. Additionally, many studie may not have enough statistical power to detect gender differences. The authors suggest that the biological and social consequences of alcohol abuse for women may be especially potent protective factors against AUDs and discuss the possibility of public health campaigns developed on the basis of this idea.
Exotic Q = − 1 / 3 quark signatures at high-energy hadron colliders

Isosinglet vectorlike quarks are predicted by some unified theories of electroweak and strong interactions. We study hadron collider signatures for the production and decay of isosinglet vectorlike quarks with charge $\ensuremath{-}1/3.$ Previous analyses of run I data from the Fermilab Tevatron are used to set lower limits of $100--200\mathrm{GeV}{/c}^{2}$ on the mass of such quarks, depending on assumptions about mixing with standard model quarks and the mass of the Higgs boson. For future Tevatron data ${(E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=1.96\mathrm{TeV})$ the corresponding mass range is (100--270, 100--320) $\mathrm{GeV}{/c}^{2}$ for $(1,10){\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}.$ At the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) ${(E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=14\mathrm{TeV},$ $100{\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}),$ an analysis of flavor-changing neutral-current decay modes should probe an h quark mass range of $100--1100\mathrm{GeV}{/c}^{2}.$
Shattering the myths about male infertility. Treatment of male factors may be more successful and cost-effective than you think

Male factors play a role in up to half of subfertile couples, contrary to the myth that male factors rarely play a role. In this article, Dr Sandlow counters this and other myths about male infertility and suggests that primary care physicians can increase a couple's chance of conceiving by evaluating for male as well as female factors. This article will also help primary care physicians provide appropriate education and treatment, as well as determine when to make a referral to a male-infertility specialist.
Perceived Quality Improvements Using Daily Allocation of Surgical Residents to the Operating Room and Outpatient Clinics

Introduction. Balancing efficiency and quality in resident education and clinical care is challenging, particularly in a large tertiary center with resident work hour restrictions. This study investigates the use of daily allocation of surgical residents to operative cases and clinics with the goal of improving patient care, resident education, and coverage. Methods. Surgical residents were allocated to cases and clinic activities a day ahead, with a central email generated and sent to all surgical staff the day prior to the procedures and duties. A ten-item questionnaire was administered to the staff on the surgery service before and after this intervention, evaluating perceptions of educational experience, patient care, and coverage of operative cases, clinic, and floor duty. Results. A total of 28 staff members participated. No significant difference was found in the perception of stress at work, coverage of OR cases, or clinic attendance after the intervention. However, a statistically significant increase () was noted in the perception of resident’s educational experience in the clinic (39% vs. 94%), appropriate case distribution (54% vs. 94%), and quality of patient care (50% vs. 100%). Conclusions. Daily allocation of surgical residents to operative cases and clinic activities improves perceptions of resident educational experience and quality of patient care in a busy clinical setting.
Experience of developments and applications of intelligent optical fiber sensors in industries of Russia

Results of R and D of intelligent optical fiber sensors, in particular Fabry-Perot interferometer-based, Bragg grating-based and Doppler frequency-based sensors are presented. Advantages of using the intelligent OFS as self-checking pressure gauges, acoustic emission sensors and sensors of other physical quantities are considered. Presentations of the applications intelligent optical fiber measuring systems in nuclear, oil and gas industries of Russia are given.
Sojourner truth: God's appointed apostle of reform

(1962). Sojourner truth: God's appointed apostle of reform. The Southern Speech Journal: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 123-130.
Dynamic Nuclear Organization of Constitutive Heterochromatin During Fetal Male Germ Cell Development in Mice

In mice, male germ cells enter mitotic arrest beginning at 13.5 days postcoitum (dpc), and remain suspended in the G(0)/G(1) cell cycle stage until after birth. During this period, male germ cells undergo extensive epigenetic reprogramming, which is essential for their subsequent function as male gametes. A global reorganization and spatial clustering of constitutive heterochromatin has been implicated in epigenetic plasticity during cellular differentiation. Here, we have studied the dynamics of heterochromatin in fetal (12.5-19.5 dpc) and neonatal (4 days postpartum) male germ cells. We monitored constitutive heterochromatin-specific markers, and observed changes in the association of histone H3 trimethylation of lysine 9 (H3K9me3), binding of heterochromatin protein 1, and patterns of 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole staining in pericentric regions of chromosomes, along with a coincident loss of chromocenters in fetal prospermatogonia during mitotic arrest. We also observed a transient loss of H3K9me3 associated with major and minor satellite repeat sequences, plus inactivation of histone methyltransferases (Suv39h1 and Suv39h2), and transient activation of histone demethylase (Jmjd2b) in these same cells. These epigenetic changes were correlated with relocation of centromeric regions toward the nuclear periphery in prospermatogonia during mitotic arrest. Taken together, these results show that constitutive heterochromatin undergoes dramatic reorganization during prespermatogenesis. We suggest that these dynamic changes in heterochromatin contribute to normal epigenetic reprogramming of the paternal genome in fetal prospermatogonia suspended in the G(0)/G(1) stage, and that this also represents an epigenomic state that is particularly amenable to reprogramming.
The online monitoring technology research and pilot application for key distribution equipment based on smart distribution network

Online monitoring technology is the key to online warning and condition maintenance for smart distribution network, this paper put forward cable, power tunnel and Ring Main Unit as the key distribution equipment online monitoring, and the focused issues were analyzed about key distribution equipment online monitoring. With the demand analysis for project, the placement of key distribution equipment online monitoring was chosen, and the technical scheme was proposed.
Thromboxane Receptor Signaling Is Required for Fibronectin-induced Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Production by Human and Murine Macrophages and Is Attenuated by the Arhgef1 Molecule

During an inflammatory response, resident and newly recruited tissue macrophages adhere to extracellular matrix and cell-bound integrin ligands. This interaction induces the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators that include matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Arhgef1 is an intracellular signaling molecule expressed by myeloid cells that normally attenuates murine macrophage MMP production in vivo and in vitro after cell culture on the extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin. In this study, we have extended the characterization of this fibronectin-induced Arhgef1-regulated signaling pathway in both human and murine myeloid cells. Our results show that MMP9 production by fibronectin-stimulated monocytes and macrophages depends on autocrine thromboxane receptor signaling and that under normal conditions, this signaling pathway is attenuated by Arhgef1. Finally, we show that the expression of ARHGEF1 by human peripheral blood monocytes varies between individuals and inversely correlates with fibronectin-mediated MMP9 production.
Assessing hybrid sterility in Oryza glaberrima x O. sativa hybrid progenies by PCR marker analysis and crossing with wide compatibility varieties.

Interspecific crossing of the African indigenous rice Oryza glaberrima with Oryza sativa cultivars is hindered by crossing barriers causing 100% spikelet sterility in F1 hybrids. Since hybrids are partially female fertile, fertility can be restored by back crossing (BC) to a recurrent male parent. Distinct genetic models on spikelet sterility have been developed predicting, e.g., the existence of a gamete eliminator and/or a pollen killer. Linkage of sterility to the waxy starch synthase gene and the chromogen gene C, both located on chromosome 6, have been demonstrated. We selected a segregating BC2F3 population of semi-sterile O. glaberrima × O. sativa indica hybrid progenies for analyses with PCR markers located at the respective chromosome-6 region. These analyses revealed that semi-sterile plants were heterozygous for a marker (OSR25) located in the waxy promoter, whereas fertile progenies were homozygous for the O. glaberrima allele. Adjacent markers showed no linkage to spikelet sterility. Semi-sterility of hybrid progenies was maintained at least until the F4 progeny generation, suggesting the existence of a pollen killer in this plant material. Monitoring of reproductive plant development showed that spikelet sterility was at least partially due to an arrest of pollen development at the microspore stage. In order to address the question whether genes responsible for F1 sterility in intraspecific hybrids (O. sativa indica × japonica) also cause spikelet sterility in interspecific hybrids, crossings with wide compatibility varieties (WCV) were performed. WCV accessions possess "neutral" S-loci (S n ) improving fertility in intraspecific hybrids. This experiment showed that the tested S n -loci had no fertility restoring effect in F1 interspecific hybrids. Pollen development was completely arrested at the microspore stage and grains were never obtained after selfing. This suggests that distinct or additional S-loci are responsible for sterility of O. glaberrima × O. sativa hybrids.
Growth response of yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) seedlings to ozone, sulfur dioxide, and simulated acidic precipitation, alone and in combination

Abstract Nine-week-old, half-sib, yellow-poplar were exposed to O3 and/or SO2 (controls, 0.10 ppm O3, 0.08 ppm SO2 or 0.10 ppm O3 + 0.08 ppm SO2, 4 hr/d, 5d/wk) in combination with simulated rain (pH 3.0, 4.3 or 5.6, 1 hr/d, 2 d/wk at 0.75 cm/hr) for 6 wk, with rain applied either just before or after fumigation. Across all rain treatments, O3 + SO2 resulted in a significant decrease in height growth and dry matter production and an increase in leaf area ratio (LAR) compared with controls. The combined effect of O3 and SO2 was additive in nature, except for root dry weight and leaf weight ratio (LWR) in which a greater than additive response was observed. The alteration in LAR was due to dry matter remaining in the leaves as indicated by an increase in LWR. Rain treatments altered leaf dry weight which appeared as a quadratic function across all pollutant treatments. A significant gaseous pollutant × rain pH interaction occurred for root dry weight, leaf area increase, mean relative growth rate ( RGR ), mean unit leaf rate ( ULR ) and chlorophyll content. Ozone exposure resulted in a linear decrease in root dry weight, leaf area increase, RGR and ULR , as the acidity of rain increased (decreased pH), whereas fumigation with SO2 resulted in an increase in these growth variables as rain pH decreased. Chlorophyll content increased in both O3 and SO2 treatments as the acidity of rain increased. Fumigation of wet leaves caused a significant reduction in dry matter production, shoot elongation, leaf area, RGR and ULR as compared with dry leaves across all treatments. The results of this study demonstrate that the effects of multiple pollutant stresses are more deleterious than any single pollutant exposure for these half-sib seedling trees. These findings are discussed relative to possible implications on the effects of gaseous pollutants in combination with acidic precipitation on yellow-poplar growth and productivity.
Impurity and surface studies in ORMAK

The ORMAK tokamak has been in operation since 1971, and surface impurities problems have been pursued from the beginning. Surface studies of materials removed from ORMAK have revealed the presence of C, O, and Fe. These are also the principal impurities observed spectroscopically in plasma discharges, although numerous other elements are present in lesser amounts. Spectroscopy, X-ray measurements, plasma resistance, and fast ion scattering have been used in an effort to determine Zeff, the effective nuclear charge ot plasma ions. All four measurements have practical difficulties leading to relatively large experimental error limits. Oxygen discharge prc-cleaning has allowed ORMAK discharges to reach higher currents and correspondingly higher ion and electron temperatures; spectroscopic studies reveal a lower level of contaminants, particularly C and N. Power measurements indicate that most of the input power strikes the walls, mostly as radiation. By varying operating parameters it is found that Zeff ∼ Ipne.
Macaques' (Macaca mulatta) use of numerical cues in maze trials.

We tested the ability of number-trained rhesus monkeys to use Arabic numeral cues to discriminate between different series of maze trials and anticipate the final trial in each series. The monkeys’ prior experience with numerals also allowed us to investigate spontaneous transfer between series. A total of four monkeys were tested in two experiments. In both experiments, the monkeys were trained on a computerized task consisting of three reinforced maze trials followed by one nonreinforced trial. The goal of the maze was an Arabic numeral 3, which corresponded to the number of reinforced maze trials in the series. In experiment 1 (n=2), the monkeys were given probe trials of the numerals 2 and 4 and in experiment 2 (n=2), they were given probe trials of the numerals 2–8. The monkeys receiving the probe trials 2 and 4 showed some generalization to the new numerals and developed a pattern of performing more slowly on the nonreinforced trial than the reinforced trial before it for most series, indicating the use of the changing numeral cues to anticipate the nonreinforced trial. The monkeys receiving probe trials of the numerals 2–8 did not predict precisely when the nonreinforced trial would occur in each series, but they did incorporate the changing numerals into their strategy for performing the task. This study provides the first evidence that number-trained monkeys can use Arabic numerals to perform a task involving sequential presentations.
Tolerance to incompatible ABO blood group antigens is not observed following homograft implantation

Failure to develop antibodies to nonself A and B blood group antigens is well described after infant ABO-incompatible heart transplantation and suggests that exposure to incompatible ABO antigens early in life may lead to tolerance rather than immunogenicity. If this finding is also true following ABO-incompatible cryopreserved homograft implantation, then such patients who require transplantation may be able to accept certain ABO-incompatible organs. In this study, we measured anti-A and -B antibody titers (isohemagglutinins) and allosensitization to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in 21 patients after homograft placement (12 of whom were <1 year of age at initial homograft exposure) in childhood. We also examined homograft explant specimens for endothelial preservation and expression of HLA and A and B blood group antigens. We observed no differences in isohemagglutinins between patients who received ABO-incompatible versus ABO-compatible homografts. Allosensitization to HLA was present in 88% of patients (9 of 9 ABO-incompatible recipients and 5 of 7 ABO-compatible recipients). In 7 homograft explant specimens (median implant duration 10.1 years), the vasa vasorum endothelium was intact with ABO blood group antigen expression on 3 of 5 non-O homografts. These data suggest that tolerance to incompatible A and B blood group antigens does not occur following placement of ABO-incompatible homografts in childhood.
Medical bankruptcy in the United States, 2007: results of a national study.

Abstract Background Our 2001 study in 5 states found that medical problems contributed to at least 46.2% of all bankruptcies. Since then, health costs and the numbers of un- and underinsured have increased, and bankruptcy laws have tightened. Methods We surveyed a random national sample of 2314 bankruptcy filers in 2007, abstracted their court records, and interviewed 1032 of them. We designated bankruptcies as "medical" based on debtors' stated reasons for filing, income loss due to illness, and the magnitude of their medical debts. Results Using a conservative definition, 62.1% of all bankruptcies in 2007 were medical; 92% of these medical debtors had medical debts over $5000, or 10% of pretax family income. The rest met criteria for medical bankruptcy because they had lost significant income due to illness or mortgaged a home to pay medical bills. Most medical debtors were well educated, owned homes, and had middle-class occupations. Three quarters had health insurance. Using identical definitions in 2001 and 2007, the share of bankruptcies attributable to medical problems rose by 49.6%. In logistic regression analysis controlling for demographic factors, the odds that a bankruptcy had a medical cause was 2.38-fold higher in 2007 than in 2001. Conclusions Illness and medical bills contribute to a large and increasing share of US bankruptcies.
Morphological appearance manifolds in computational anatomy: Groupwise registration and morphological analysis

Abstract Existing approaches to computational anatomy assume that a perfectly conforming diffeomorphism applied to an anatomy of interest captures its morphological characteristics relative to a template. However, the amount of biological variability in a groupwise analysis renders this task practically impossible, due to the nonexistence of a single template that matches all anatomies in an ensemble, even if such a template is constructed by group averaging procedures. Consequently, anatomical characteristics not captured by the transformation, and which are left out in the residual image, are lost permanently from subsequent analysis, if only properties of the transformation are examined. This paper extends our recent work [Makrogiannis, S., Verma, R., Davatzikos, C., 2007. Anatomical equivalence class: a computational anatomy framework using a lossless shape descriptor. IEEE Trans. Biomed. Imag. 26(4), 619–631] on characterizing subtle morphological variations via a lossless morphological descriptor that takes the residual into account along with the transformation. Since there are infinitely many [transformation, residual] pairs that reconstruct a given anatomy, we treat them as members of an Anatomical Equivalence Class (AEC), thereby forming a manifold embedded in the space spanned by [transformation, residual]. This paper develops a unique and optimal representation of each anatomy that is estimated from the corresponding AECs by solving a global optimization problem. This effectively determines the optimal template and transformation parameters for each individual anatomy, and eliminates respective confounding variation in the data. It, therefore, constitutes the second novelty, in that it represents a group-wise optimal registration strategy that individually adjusts the template and the smoothness of the transformation according to each anatomy. Experimental results support the superiority of our morphological analysis framework over conventional analysis, and demonstrate better diagnostic accuracy.
Synthesis of mucin glycoproteins by epithelial cells isolated from swine trachea by specific proteolysis.

Mucus-producing cells were isolated from swine trachea mucosa by a method that included enzymatic digestion of the epithelial surface with Dispase, a neutral protease from Bacillus polymyxa, and differential attachment of the washed cells to culture flasks coated with collagen. Epithelial cells were the major cell type isolated by these procedures. Ciliated cells that did not attach to the flasks were removed by decantation , and fibroblasts were destroyed by the bacterial protease. The isolated cells synthesized respiratory mucins and the rate of secretion was increased about threefold when tracheas were exposed to sulfur dioxide. The cultured cells incorporated both [35S]O4 and [I-14C]N-acetylglucosamine into secreted mucin glycoproteins. The secretion of glycoprotein increased for about 3 d until the cells became confluent, and then a constant rate was observed for a period of at least 7 d. This increase in the output of mucin glycoprotein during the initial 3 d of culture was accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of mucus-producing cells in the flasks. The results obtained in these and subsequent studies suggest that the rate of formation of mucus-producing cells may be a rate limiting step in the regulation of mucin glycoprotein synthesis in tracheal epithelium. The chemical, physical, and immunological properties of the glycoprotein secreted by isolated tracheal epithelial cells were very similar to the mucin glycoprotein purified from washes of swine trachea epithelium. The purified mucin glycoproteins showed complete cross-reaction with antibodies to trachea mucin glycoprotein. They were eluted near the void volume during gel filtration of Sepharose CL-6B columns. The glycoprotein isolated from culture media under the standard assay conditions had nearly the same carbohydrate composition as samples purified from washes of trachea epithelium. Reduced oligosaccharides released by beta-elimination with dilute alkaline borohydride showed similar elution profiles during chromatography on Bio Gel P-6 columns. Taken collectively, these results suggest that the isolated epithelial cells secreted mucin glycoproteins that were very similar to those synthesized by the intact trachea epithelium under standard incubation conditions.
Nuclear envelope proteins: identification of lamin B subtypes.

Abstract The lamins are a group of nuclear envelope proteins thought to form a structural layer at the nuclear periphery. Lamins A, B and C occur in many cell types although lamin C, a subtype of lamin A, is relatively decreased in chicken cells. A subtype of lamin B has been found in chicken cells. This subtype, called lamin B1, is slightly larger and more acidic than the quantitatively major subtype now called lamin B2. The lamin B subtypes have very similar primary sequences and share a distinctive topology. Two lamin B subtypes have not been observed in mammalian tissues but have been found in three avian tissues, erythrocytes of mature chickens and liver and erythrocytes of 11- to 13-day-old embryos. As these tissues differ widely in metabolic activity, both subtypes appear to be constitutive nuclear proteins.
Mobile ad hoc networks in the sky: state of the art, opportunities, and challenges

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) networks and communications is an emerging research discipline. Researchers are envisioning networks of UAVs for time-critical humanitarian applications such as search-and-rescue, disaster assessment and recovery operations, fire-control, and such. While these are the known applications, we can expect to see increased number of applications as the airborne networking technologies mature. In this paper, we review the state of the art in this emerging discipline and discuss the opportunities that are opened up and the challenges that need to be addressed before UAV networks can be deployed in the air for civilian applications.
RNA polymerase between lesion bypass and DNA repair

DNA damage leads to heritable changes in the genome via DNA replication. However, as the DNA helix is the site of numerous other transactions, notably transcription, DNA damage can have diverse repercussions on cellular physiology. In particular, DNA lesions have distinct effects on the passage of transcribing RNA polymerases, from easy bypass to almost complete block of transcription elongation. The fate of the RNA polymerase positioned at a lesion is largely determined by whether the lesion is structurally subtle and can be accommodated and eventually bypassed, or bulky, structurally distorting and requiring remodeling/complete dissociation of the transcription elongation complex, excision, and repair. Here we review cellular responses to DNA damage that involve RNA polymerases with a focus on bacterial transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair and lesion bypass via transcriptional mutagenesis. Emphasis is placed on the explosion of new structural information on RNA polymerases and relevant DNA repair factors and the mechanistic models derived from it.
Age-related morphometric differences in responses of rat lungs to ozone

The influence of age on morphologic changes in lungs of rats exposed to ozone was studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 60 and 444 days. Rats of both age groups were exposed continuously for 72 hr to either 0.35 or 0.80 ppm ozone, or to filtered air. Tissues were evaluated using light microscopic morphometry and scanning electron microscopy. The lungs from ozone-exposed 60-day-old rats had larger volume fractions of centriacinar lesions than lungs from exposed 444-day-old rats. Within each age group there was an observed dose response, with rats exposed to 0.80 ppm ozone having larger volume fractions of lesions than those exposed to 0.35 ppm. Only the 444-day-old rats lost body weight during the exposure period. They also had smaller fixed lung volumes than same-aged controls. All 60-day-old rats gained weight during the exposure period, although rats exposed to 0.80 ppm ozone gained less than filtered air controls. Lesions observed in both age groups of female rats were qualitatively similar to those previously described in young adult male rats. We conclude that there are age-related differences in the morphometric responses of rats to ozone exposure. Younger rats had larger proportions of centriacinar lesions and macrophages while older rats had greater body weight and lung volume changes.
The effect of employment and training programs on entry and exit from the welfare caseload

To policymakers, the major attraction of employment and training programs for welfare recipients is that they hold out the prospect that recipients can be moved off the rolls and to self-sufficiency in the private labor market, thereby decreasing welfare costs and caseloads. This article considers the possibility that such programs may also affect the attractiveness of welfare in the first place, either by making welfare less desirable because the work-training program is viewed by recipients as a burden, or by making it more desirable because the program is viewed favorably by potential applicants. Such responses are termed here “entry rate effects.” Some empirical estimates are presented which suggest that the magnitude of such entry rate effects on the caseload, where positive or negative, may be quite large.
Mesoscopic pointlike defects in semiconductors: Deep-level energies

Mesoscopic pointlike defects are a class of extended defects with surfaces of minimal curvature that span in size from the point-defect limit (multivacancy, antisite, impurity complex, etc.) to macroscopic inclusions or voids within a semiconductor host. The structural, electronic, and optical properties of these defects evolve continuously from the quantum-mechanical limit to the classical limit. Mesoscopic defects share some features in common with quantum dots, such as Coulomb-charging energies, but unlike quantum dots their electronic properties are dominated by the covalent bond energies of the defect-semiconductor interface. The deep-level energies of spheroidal mesoscopic defects are calculated self-consistently in the unrestricted Hartree-Fock approximation using an extension of the many-electron model of Haldane and Anderson. The calculations in GaAs reveal a high-multiplicity Coulomb ladder of discrete charge states distributed across the semiconductor band gap and centered on the charge neutrality level.
Pharmacologic resuscitation decreases circulating cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 levels and attenuates hemorrhage-induced acute lung injury

Background Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complication of hemorrhagic shock (HS). Histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as valproic acid (VPA), can improve survival after HS; however, their effects on late organ injury are unknown. Herein, we have investigated the effects of HS and VPA treatment on ALI and circulating cytokines that may serve as biomarkers for the development of organ injury. Methods Anesthetized Wistar-Kyoto rats (250–300 g) underwent 40% blood volume hemorrhage over 10 minutes followed by 30 minutes of unresuscitated shock and were treated with either VPA (300 mg/kg) or vehicle control. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, after shock, and before death (at 1, 4, and 20 hours; n = 3–4/timepoint/group). Serum samples were screened for possible biomarkers using a multiplex electrochemiluminescence detection assay, and results were confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, lung tissue lysate was examined for chemokine and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels as a marker for neutrophil infiltration and ALI. Lung cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1; a chemokine belonging to the interleukin-8 family that promotes neutrophil chemotaxis) mRNA levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction studies. Results Serum screening revealed that hemorrhage rapidly altered levels of circulating CINC-1. ELISA confirmed that CINC-1 protein was significantly elevated in the serum as early as 4 hours and in the lung at 20 hours after hemorrhage, without any significant changes in CINC-1 mRNA expression. Lung MPO levels were also elevated at both 4 and 20 hours after hemorrhage. VPA treatment attenuated these changes. Conclusion Hemorrhage resulted in the development of ALI, which was prevented with VPA treatment. Circulating CINC-1 levels rose rapidly after hemorrhage, and serum CINC-1 levels correlated with lung CINC-1 and MPO levels. This suggests that circulating CINC-1 levels could be used as an early marker for the subsequent development of organ inflammation and injury.