cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repression of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase IV Signaling Accelerates Retinoic Acid-induced Differentiation of Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Neuroblastoma cells having stem cell-like qualities are widely employed models for the study of neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. We find that human BE(2)C neuroblastoma cells possess a signaling cascade initiated by Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent calcium channels and the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and culminating in nuclear calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV)-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factors Ca2+/cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and ATF1 (activating transcription factor-1). This pathway functions to maintain BE(2)C cells in an undifferentiated, proliferative state. Parallel to this Ca2+-dependent pathway is a hormone-responsive program by which retinoic acid (RA) initiates the differentiation of BE(2)C cells toward a neuronal lineage. This is evidenced by RA-dependent induction of the cell cycle inhibitor p21/Cip1 (Cdk-interacting protein 1) and cell cycle arrest, induction of the neuroblastic marker doublecortin and of the neuron-specific intermediate filament protein, peripherin, and by RA-stimulated extension of neuritic processes. During neuronal differentiation there is a complex antagonistic interplay between these two major signaling pathways. RA down-regulates expression of CaMKIV and one of its upstream activators, CaMKK1 (calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 1). This is accompanied by RA-induced suppression of activating phosphorylation of CREB with a time course paralleling that of CaMKIV down-regulation. RA-induced repression of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase/CaMKIV/CREB pathway appears to be involved in regulating the timing of neuronal differentiation, as shown by the effect of RNA interference of CaMKIV to markedly accelerate RA-dependent up-regulation of p21/Cip1 and doublecortin expression and RA-promoted neurite outgrowth. RA-induced repression of the CaMKIV signaling pathway may represent an early event in retinoid-dependent neuronal differentiation.
CHARGE-CONJUGATION, SIGNATURE AND TWISTS

Abstract The distinction between charge conjugation and signature in the analysis of quark diagrams is discussed. The signature twist is different from the quark-line twist (which, for mesons, is related to charge conjugation). They coincide only in the planar level.
The low lying states of ammonia; generalized valence bond and configuration interaction studies☆

Abstract The nine lower singlet and triplet states of ammonia were studied using ab initio generalized valence bond (GVB) and configuration interaction (CI) wavefunctions. The eight lowest (vertical) excited states were found to be Rydberg in nature. Vertical excitation energies were determined to be (in eV): 6.14 and 6.37 for n → 3s; 7.86 and 7.88 for n → 3px,y, and 7.87 and 8.15 for n → 3pz (in each case the triplet energy is first). These results are in excellent agreement (0.06 eV average error) with the observed electron impact excitation energies (in eV), 6.39 (A 1A″2), 7.93 (B 1E″), and 8.26 C 1A′1). The small singlet triplet energy splittings are consistent with those expected for Rydberg-like excited states. We find no vertical transition consistent with the small peak at 4.4 eV apparently observed in threshold electron impact experiments.
Evidence for re-entrant behavior in laponite–PEO systems

We observe evidence of re-entrant behavior in dispersions of a discotic clay, laponite, with added polymer. Under basic conditions, neat laponite forms a disordered colloidal glass. Rheologically, this phase behaves as a viscoelastic solid, and dynamic light scattering shows evidence of non-ergodic behavior. Addition of low molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) melts the glass, resulting in a low-viscosity liquid with fast dynamics. We believe this is due to a depletion force caused by excess PEO chains in solution. A viscoelastic solid is re-formed with the addition of high molecular weight PEO, which we believe to be caused by polymer chains bridging between laponite particles. The physics in our system is quite different from the hard sphere/nonadsorbing polymer systems for which re-entrant glass transitions have been reported in the literature; however, we believe there may be similarities between these phenomena. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a type of re-entrant behavior in anisotropic colloids.
The effects of repeated retention tests can benefit as well as degrade timing performance.

In this study, we examined the effects of interference and repeated retention tests by comparing groups that performed (a) one or two tests, or (b) two tests separated by interpolated tasks. The task involved pressing five keys in 925 ms. Constant error increased after Block 1 of the second test for the group completing the interpolated tasks. Variable error decreased across retention tests and was smaller for the two-test groups compared to the one-test control. Results differed from previous reports of degraded timing accuracy (Magnuson, Shea, & Fairbrother, 2004), suggesting the present results may have been related to highly accurate performance during the first retention test that reflected successful initial encoding of task information.
Subjective and psychomotor effects of carisoprodol in combination with oxycodone in healthy volunteers

Abstract Background Some chronic pain patients on long-term opioid therapy also take centrally active skeletal muscle relaxants. One of those muscle relaxants is carisoprodol, a drug that is abused and capable of producing impairment. It would be of relevance to characterize the effects of an opioid and carisoprodol when taken together to determine if abuse liability-related measures and psychomotor impairment are increased compared to when the drugs are taken alone. Methods As part of a larger crossover, randomized, double-blind study, we examined the subjective and psychomotor responses of 15 healthy volunteers to four experimental conditions: placebo, 350 mg carisoprodol, 10 mg oxycodone, and 350 mg carisoprodol followed 60 min later by 10 mg oxycodone (intended to test the interaction of the two drugs when they were producing their maximal effects). Results Preliminary data analyses indicated that some of carisoprodol's effects were declining when we tested for drug interactions. Despite this, on some outcome measures in which the drugs alone did not differ from placebo, when tested together subjective effects were increased, including those that were abuse liability-related, and psychomotor performance decreased, relative to placebo. Conclusions This is the first study that we are aware of that has shown that carisoprodol and oxycodone, two drugs that are sometimes co-prescribed for relief of pain, produce effects when administered “together” (i.e., separated by 60 min) that are of greater magnitude than when they are administered alone. Some of the effects were not benign, and are of concern from both abuse liability and public safety standpoints.
Excited state dynamics in conjugated molecules

Abstract Using an equation of motion theory, optical absorption lineshapes are calculated for cis and trans -(CH) x and are used to probe intramolecular and vibrational relaxation in these systems. We conclude that the broad edge in trans is due to a large-amplitude multiphonon relaxation consistent with the notion of soliton photogeneration, while the cis edge describes a weaker relaxation attributed to kink confinement in the excited state.
Diabetes treatment--bridging the divide.

Effectors of beta-cell failure are similar in the two main types of diabetes, regardless of the inciting event. Dr. Kristina Rother discusses the disease mechanisms and treatments for the different types of diabetes.
Functional MRI in the early detection of dementias

Functional MRI is a non-invasive imaging technology that can illuminate regional brain activity during the performance of a task, such as a memory paradigm, or at rest. fMRI data can be acquired during a session in which MRI data is also acquired to measure grey and white matter regional brain structure, and these measures can be analyzed together to investigate the relationships between altered regional brain function, structure, and cognitive task performance in neurologic illness. Data will be reviewed on the application of fMRI to the early detection of physiologic abnormalities associated with neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia, and to differential diagnosis of dementias. Recent fMRI work will also be reviewed on the identification of abnormalities in regional brain function prior to dementia, the use of these measures to predict cognitive decline, and their application in investigations of alterations in regional brain networks that subserve cognitive function. Finally, the use of fMRI as a biomarker in clinical trials of putative neurotherapeutics for dementias will be discussed.
Changes in pediatric health-related quality of life in cystic fibrosis after IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbations.

Intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for pulmonary exacerbations (PE) has been shown to improve pulmonary functioning for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, little is known about its effects on pediatric health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This prospective study assessed the impact of IV treatment of a PE on generic and CF-specific HRQOL for children and adolescents with CF. Participants included 52 children and adolescents with CF experiencing a PE (Mage = 13.6 years; 54% males; \( M_{{{\text{FEV}}_{1\% } }} \) predicted = 58.8%). HRQOL, pulmonary functioning, and body mass index were assessed before and after IV antibiotic treatment. Results of this prospective, observational study indicated significant improvements on CFQ-R Respiratory (Mchange score = 11.7; 95% CI = 6.3–17.1; p < .0001) and Weight (Mchange score = 15.9; 95% CI = 7.9–23.8; p < .0001) scales. The CF-specific measure was more sensitive to changes in HRQOL than the generic instrument. These data suggest that CF-specific HRQOL improves with treatment for a PE with IV antibiotics. The noted statistically and clinically significant changes in the CFQ-respiratory scale indicate that the measure may be beneficial to pulmonary health care teams.
Three MDBP sites in the immediate-early enhancer-promoter region of human cytomegalovirus.

Abstract MDBP, a mammalian sequence-specific DNA-binding protein, was found to recognize two sites in the major immediate-early (IE) enhancer of human cytomegalovirus. The recognition sequence for MDBP at each of these sites was localized to 14 by by studying the effects of limited G methylation, depurination, depyrimidination, or deoxyribose modification on the ability of these sites to bind to MDBP. In addition to the two high-affinity MDBP sites in the enhancer, one low-affinity MDBP site was detected 5 by after the transcription initiating residue of this IE transcription unit. The possible biological significance of the two enhancer MDBP sites and the downstream MDBP site is discussed.
On the Response of Short Ocean Wave Components at a Fixed Wavenumber to Ocean Current Variations

Abstract This paper is concerned with the patterns in the degree of saturation of short wind-generated waves (at scales much smaller than those of the spectral peak but large compared with the capillary scales) that are produced by current variations in the presence of wind energy input and loss by breaking or by the formation of parasitic capillaries. It has two aims: the first is to provide a base for interpretation of patterns observed in synthetic aperture radar imagery in terms of current features. The second is to give analytical expressions for the magnitude of the variations in degree of saturation produced by given current fields so that, when appropriate quantitative measurements become available, better parametric representations of the energy loss rates can be developed. Particular care is taken to provide physically based representations of wind input and loss by wave breaking and a relatively convenient equation (4.2) is derived that specifies the distribution of the degree of saturation in ...
Relationship of seminal vesicle size and measures of libido in yearling beef bulls.

Abstract Ninety-five yearling beef bulls were given routine Breeding Soundness Examinations, two libido tests and palpated rectally for internal genital disease and measurement of seminal vesicle size. Finger tips were premeasured, and then used as “glandometers”. The bulls were examined at the end of a 140-day performance test. Sixteen lines of breeding were examined including 13 Hereford, 2 Angus and 1 Red Angus. Average age was 384 days and average weight was 961 lbs. Line and breed differences (P Proximal droplets and midpiece abnormalities, respectively, were the most common spermatozoal abnormalities observed in semen from this group of bulls.
Avoidable Failures of Experimental Procedure.

Some common reasons for failures of experimental procedures are presented and suggestions are given for avoiding them through systematic precautions taken beforehand.
Innovative Teaching in Fisheries Science

Abstract Innovative teaching and new approaches to the university educational process have become increasingly important as natural resource graduates are expected to tackle complex environmental issues. We must seriously evaluate the fisheries curriculum and how it might be improved to meet educational objectives. Equally important, alternative approaches to the teaching process itself must be considered.
Exacerbation of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Rat Cytomegalovirus is Antigen-Specific

Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) is an experimentally induced and genetically controlled animal model of chronic joint inflammation. In rats, there are informative strain differences in susceptibility to CIA. DA rats (RT1avl) develop severe CIA after immunization with bovine (BII), chick (CII), or homologous rat (RII) type II collagens. In contrast, the MHC-congenic DA. 1N(BN) and WF.1N(BN) rats (RT1n) are relatively resistant to CIA and develop moderate CIA in response to immunization with CII but not BII or RII. We previously found that simultaneous infection with rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) greatly exacerbates the severity of arthritis that develops in BII-immunized DA rats. To examine the mechanism of RCMV amplification of CIA, the effect of simultaneous infection with RCMV on arthritis and autoimmunity to type II collagen was determined in WF.1N and DA.1N rats after immunization with BII, CII and RII. RCMV increased the incidence of CIA and the level of autoimmunity to type II collagen (skin-testing and IgG antibody titer) selectively in DA.1N and WF.1N rats immunized with CII, but not in littermates immunized with BII, although the transient reversal of CD4+/CD8+ mononuclear cell ratios in peripheral blood that is associated with RCMV infection occurred equally in both BII- and CII- immunized DA.1N rats. Likewise, RCMV infection moderately increased the levels of anti-RII autoimmunity and arthritis in DA rats sub-optimally immunized with RII but had no consistent effect on either anti-RII immunity or arthritis in RII-immunized DA.1N and WF.1n rats. The data show that RCMV augments arthritis only in rats that are genetically susceptible to CIA and that are appropriately immunized with a species of type II collagen that is arthritogenic for the MHC-haplotype being tested. Two possible mechanisms are suggested by these data: RCMV-associated increases in anti-RII autoimmunity in rats with CIA may result from amino acid sequence homologies between RCMV and type II collagen; alternatively, virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines may activate RII-reactive lymphocytes thereby potentiating autoimmunity and arthritis.
Effect of salt on the transcription of T7 DNA by RNA polymerase from T4 phage-infected E.coli

Abstract Transcription of T7 DNA by T4 core enzyme with host sigma is more sensitive to KCI than that by host core enzyme with host sigma. When salt is added after initiation of RNA chains has occurred, it is not inhibitory. Salt affects the binding of T4 enzyme to T7 DNA to the same degree as the binding of host enzyme. Active preinitiation complex formation is inhibited more by salt with the T4 enzyme and the inhibition is temperature-dependent.
Band model calculations for CFCl3 in the 8-12 micron region

A Goody random band model with a Voigt line profile is used to calculate the band absorption of CFCB at various pressures at room and stratospheric (216 K) temperatures. Absorption coefficients and line spacings are computed.
Qualitative and quantitative measurements of hydrogen bond mediated scalar couplings in acyclic 1,3-diols.

OH···OH hydrogen bond mediated scalar couplings have been observed in acyclic syn- and anti-1,3-diols using a 2D 1H COSYLR NMR experiment and quantified with an uncertainty of ±0.02 Hz with a selective-excitation spin-echo NMR experiment. A theoretical investigation confirmed the importance of the hydrogen bond in mediating the spin-spin coupling in these systems.
Civil Religion and Political Theology

This volume examines the different meanings of civil religion and their relation to political theology. Essays focus on a common ground of values in a democratic society; an assessment of the influence of Christian influence on public life; and practical applications of political theology.
INCREASED ACETAMINOPHEN GLUTATHIONE METABOLITE FORMATION IN CHILDREN - ROLE IN DECREASED CHILDHOOD ACETAMINOPHEN HEPATOTOXICITY

INCREASED ACETAMINOPHEN GLUTATHIONE METABOLITE FORMATION IN CHILDREN - ROLE IN DECREASED CHILDHOOD ACETAMINOPHEN HEPATOTOXICITY
Inorganic additives for passivation of high voltage cathode materials

Abstract The incorporation of additives designed to sacrificially react on the surface of cathode materials of lithium ion batteries has been investigated. Addition of low concentrations of inorganic additives including lithium bisoxalatoborate (LiBOB), lithium difluorooxalatoborate (LiBF2(C2O4)), and tetramethoxy titanium (TMTi) to 1 M LiPF6 in 1:1:1 EC/DEC/DMC improves the capacity retention of Li/Li1.17Mn0.58Ni0.25O2 cells cycled to 4.9 V vs. Li. Surface analysis of the cathode materials (XPS and IR) suggests that structure of the cathode surface film is modified by the presence of the additives resulting in a decrease in detrimental electrolyte oxidation reactions on the cathode surface.
Music That Represents Culture: Selecting Music with Integrity:

On a recent walk through a conference exhibit hall lively with the din of conversation and intermittent musical sounds, I was drawn to a flurry of activity at a music vendor. Among the rows of music books, octavos, recordings, and scores were about a dozen teachers searching for new additions to their curricula. As an observer, I couldn't help wondering what guided their decisions. Especially interesting to me were the more adventurous teachers searching through the multicultural bins. How did they determine what music would be a viable addition to their curricula? While perusing the music, they might have been asking, Will my students enjoy listening to this recording? Is this concert band arrangement of a Mexican ballad faithful to the original? Is there any information about the typical performance style of a Navajo circle-dance song? Can my students produce the vocal timbre it calls for? Is there someone from the culture I can consult about this jazz-band arrangement of Puerto Rican salsa? Answers to these questions could help determine if the music is a suitable fit.
Effect of some contraceptive steroids on pituitary growth hormone content in female rats.

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry the effect of mestranol and/or norethynodrel on growth hormone (GH) was studied with an anterior pituitary gland (AP) donor-recipient technique in rats. Experimental donor rats received per 100 g of body weight subcutoneous injections of 50 mcg of mestranol (16 rats) 1250 mcg of norethynodrel (18) or their combination (23) on Monday Wednesday and Friday for 10 weeks. 12 control donor rats received vehicle alone. P values greater than .05 were considered significant. Mean final body weight body weight gain and absolute AP weight of the 3 steroid-treated donor groups were significantly less than the control values. Body sizes in the 3 donor groups were markedly smaller than in the control group. The effect of donor AP given in ip injections to hypophysectomized recipient rats was studied by measurement of the tibial epiphyseal cartilage width. Judged in this indirect manner total GH in the AP was seen to be significantly decreased by all 3 steroid treatments but still present in moderate amounts. The treatments may have directly or indirectly through the hypothalamus inhibited pituitary GH synthesis and release or the decreased total GH in the AP may have been due simply to the significant decrease in gland size. The estrogenic activities of mestranol and norethynodrel may have been responsible for an inhibition of GH synthesis. On the other hand the steroids may have stimulated GH release from the AP as is the case in humans but concurrently exerted antagonistic action on GH at the level of peripheral tissues.
Simulation of a Camless Engine Valve Actuator With Mechanical Feedback

Fully flexible engine valve actuation systems are enablers for improvements in engine fuel consumption and power delivery, as well as the implementation of advanced combustion strategies like homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). Hydraulically actuated valve actuation systems provide the greatest operating flexibility but have generally required precision flow control (i.e., servovalves) for viable operation while consuming more power than conventional cam-driven valvetrains. This paper describes an electrohydraulic fully flexible engine valve actuator with a mechanical feedback linkage between the engine valve and the spool in the hydraulic flow control valve. This feedback linkage is intended to simplify the control of the engine valve motion and eliminate the need for servovalve-class performance in the hydraulic control valve. The feedback mechanism reduces the control effort needed to operate the flow control valve since the spool position is not solely a function of the control input. With the assistance of mechanical feedback, the flow through the control valve is throttled in proportion to the engine valve motion. Thus, while throttling losses are not eliminated, there is no excessive flow throttling. This will have a beneficial impact on the energy consumption of the actuator. For preliminary study and validation of the concept, a model of the actuator was developed using ADAMS mechanical system simulation software and AMESim hydraulic simulation software. Results for the combined mechano-hydraulic model are presented to illustrate potential performance benefits and pitfalls of the concept, including effects of dimensional tolerances in the flow control valve. The simulation data was also used to size an electromechanical actuator that would be used to the flow control valve in conjunction with the feedback mechanism.Copyright © 2008 by General Motors
Natural convection heat transfer within multi-layer domes

Abstract Domes have become increasingly popular in modern building designs. Glazed domes are used to bring daylight and solar heat into the indoor space. For domes with multiple spaced layers of glazings, there is little information available on natural convection heat transfer within these layers. This information is required for the evaluation of the dome thermal performance (e.g., the U-factor). This paper presents a numerical study on heat transfer by laminar natural convection within multi-layer domes with uniform spacing heated from the outside. The flow and temperature fields within the domed enclosure were obtained using the control volume approach combined with the fully implicit scheme. Correlations for the heat transfer as a function of the dome shape and the gap spacing between the layers were developed under steady-state conditions. The results showed that the convection heat transfer for fully hemispheric domes (half of spheres) may reach more than 13% higher than that for low profile domes (hemispherical caps) for small gap spacings (gap spacing-to-radius ratio δ δ >0.3). The critical gap spacing that yields the maximum heat transfer was quantified for each dome shape.
Lipid peroxidation is not the underlying cause of renal injury in hyperoxaluric rats

Lipid peroxidation is not the underlying cause of renal injury in hyperoxaluric rats. Background Hyperoxaluria is a major risk factor of calcium oxalate stone disease and renal injury is thought to be a significant initiating event. However, the relationship among oxidative stress, renal tubule injury and hyperoxaluria in the progression of nephrolithiasis is unclear, especially in animal models. In the current study, we assess the role of oxidative stress in renal tubular damage in a rat model of chronic hyperoxaluria (HYP) and chronic renal failure induced by hyperoxaluria (HRF) compared to control rats. Methods Urinary excretion of renal tubular enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and α- and μ-glutathione-S-transferase (α-GST and μ-GST, respectively) was quantified in four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats. The study included normal controls, those made hyperoxaluric with ethylene glycol administration (HYP), unilateral nephrectomized controls, and unilateral nephrectomized rats administered ethylene glycol (HRF). Levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP), and glutathione transferase (GST) in the renal cortex were measured after 4 weeks and lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring 8-isoprostane in the urine and lipid hydroperoxide in the renal cortex. Results Urinary excretion of NAG, AP, and LDH was elevated after 2 and 4 weeks in the HYP and HRF groups. Urinary levels of μ-GST, a marker of distal tubule damage, were elevated in HRF rats after 4 weeks. α-GST levels were similar between control and HYP rats but were lower in HRF rats. Levels of catalase, SOD, GP, and GST in the renal cortex were similar among control, HYP, and unilateral nephrectomized control rats, but were attenuated in the HRF rats after 4 weeks. Renal cortical content of lipid hydroperoxide and urinary 8-isoprostane levels were similar among all groups after 4 weeks. Conclusion Ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria in Sprague-Dawley rats is accompanied by enzymuria, which is suggestive of renal tubular damage. The antioxidant capacity of the renal cortex in HYP rats is similar to that of control rats after 4 weeks of treatment; however, this capacity is significantly attenuated in rats that are in renal failure induced by hyperoxaluria, although significant lipid peroxidation is not evident. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation is not the underlying cause of renal injury in hyperoxaluric rats.
Monomolecular Film Properties of Protective and Enteric Film Formers II: Evaporation Resistance and Interactions with Plasticizers of Poly (Methyl Vinyl Ether/Maleic Anhydride)

Surface pressure-area isotherms of monolayers of the half-esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride)(PVM/ MA) on aqueous subphases indicate interactions between the polymer and various water-soluble diester plasticizers. Polymer monolayers, either alone or in the presence of plasticizer, have no effect on water evaporation. Certain monolayer properties of the PVM/MA derivatives are related to properties of the polymers in free films.
The influence of adult density on larval settlement in a coral reef fish, Coryphopterus glaucofraenum

For marine species with open populations, patterns of larval settlement can have important consequences for performance and abundance at later life-stages. In this study, I tested whether larvae of a reef-dwelling goby (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum) settled differentially to reefs occupied by varying numbers of adults. I monitored settlement daily to reefs on which the density of adult gobies varied naturally, or was manipulated experimentally. Rates of settlement were constant across a broad range of adult densities, suggesting that larvae do not choose settlement sites based on the number of adults in their immediate vicinity.
Screening and Prevention: Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in developing countries and significant disparities in cervical cancer mortality rates persist in the United States. Improved recognition of the role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cancer pathogenesis has recently revolutionized screening and prevention strategies. Improved understanding and implementation of these advances will allow primary care physicians to significantly impact the cervical cancer mortality burden. This article reviews the basic physiology of the transformation zone, current understanding of cervical cancer pathogenesis, the history and evolution of cervical cancer screening in general and in specific populations of women, and an overview of the development and current use of the HPV vaccine.
Dendritic cells facilitate accumulation of IL-17 T cells in the kidney following acute renal obstruction

Acute urinary obstruction causes interstitial inflammation with leukocyte accumulation and the secretion of soluble mediators. Here we show that unilateral ureteral ligation caused a progressive increase in renal F4/80(+) and F4/80(-) dendritic cells, monocytes, neutrophils and T-cells 24-72 h following obstruction. Depletion of dendritic cells by clodronate pretreatment showed these cells to be the most potent source of tumor necrosis factor and other pro-inflammatory mediators in the obstructed kidney. F4/80(+) dendritic cells and T-cells co-localized in the cortico-medullary junction and cortex of the obstructed kidney. Cytokine secretion patterns and surface phenotypes of T-cells from obstructed kidneys were found to include interferon-gamma-secreting CD4(+) and CD8(+) memory T-cells as well as interleukin 17 (IL-17)-secreting CD4(+) memory T-cells. Depletion of the intra-renal dendritic cells prior to ligation did not numerically reduce T-cells in obstructed kidneys but attenuated interferon-gamma and IL-17-competent T-cells. Our study shows that intra-renal dendritic cells are a previously unidentified early source of proinflammatory mediators after acute urinary obstruction and play a specific role in recruitment and activation of effector-memory T-cells including IL-17-secreting CD4(+) T-cells.
Enumeration of Marine Bacteria of the Chukchi SEA1

Enumeration of marine bacteria was carried out at Point Barrow weekly during 4 months when the Chukchi Sea was covered with ice and on several occasions when there was no ice cover. Counts were low except for a brief period during the summer. Generally, the counts on a sample were the same on either fresh- or saltwater media, suggesting that many of the bacteria were of terrestrial origin.
Notch-1 and Notch-4 Receptors as Prognostic Markers in Breast Cancer

Background: Studies looking at immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of Notch receptors in breast cancer and correlation with known prognostic factors are sparse. Methods: IHC staining for nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane Notch-1 (N1), Notch-4 (N4), and Jagged-1 (JAG1) was performed and correlated with known prognostic factors. Results: Of 48 breast cancers, 36 (67%) were invasive, mean age was 50 years (range 43-86 years), 37 (77%) were estrogen receptor (ERα) positive, and 13 (27%) node positive. There was significantly more marked N1 membranous staining in ERα-positive tumors (P < .05). On univariate analysis, cytoplasmic N1 was significantly correlated with node status and tumor grade (P < .05); both cytoplasmic and membranous N4 significantly correlated with Ki67 (P < .05); and membranous JAG1 significantly correlated with Ki67 (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, only cytoplasmic N1 significantly correlated with node status. Conclusion: IHC of Notch markers is feasible and correlates with known progn...
Evaluation of the Usefulnes and Usability of Cockpit Situation Display Perspectives for Rov Operations in Approach Civil Air Space

A distributed simulation of ROV operations was conducted by NASA Ames Flight Deck Display Research Laboratory (FDDRL) and the Center for Aeronautic Technologies (CSAAT) at California State University, Long Beach. The goals of this simulation were 1) to examine ROV operators' ability to maintain standard terminal separation from other aircraft and ROVs, 2) to examine the possibility of operating ROVs in terminal airspace without major disruptions in the inbound traffic flows, and 3) to evaluate proposed ROV operator tools. The current paper focuses on this third goal. Specifically the paper describes the motivation behind the development of the manipulatable 2D/3D Cockpit Situation Display (CSD), and examines its usefulness and usability. Data from questionnaires, and from observations of how the CSD was used, suggest that both the CSD format, and the ability to manipulate the CSD viewing angle, were useful and usable. However, workload appeared to play an important role in the perceived usefulness and usa...
Sampling for adults of the planthopper Myndus crudus, a vector of lethal yellowing of palms.

Abstract Tests were made using coloured sticky traps to determine trap efficacy in catching adult Myndus crudus Van Duzee (Homoptera, Cixiidae) under field conditions. Blue traps caught more M. crudus adults than any of the other colour traps tested. Blue traps caught adults of both sexes during the day and night although significantly more adults were caught during the day. A sampling bias was shown in that blue traps caught significantly more males than expected from the field population. Blue sticky traps were more effective at sampling adult M. crudus populations than previous sampling techniques based on host plant attractiveness and should be considered for use in future sampling.
Discriminative modeling by Boosting on Multilevel Aggregates

This paper presents a new approach to discriminative modeling for classification and labeling. Our method, called boosting on multilevel aggregates (BMA), adds a new class of hierarchical, adaptive features into boosting-based discriminative models. Each pixel is linked with a set of aggregate regions in a multilevel coarsening of the image. The coarsening is adaptive, rapid and stable. The multilevel aggregates present additional information rich features on which to boost, such as shape properties, neighborhood context, hierarchical characteristics, and photometric statistics. We implement and test our approach on three two-class problems: classifying documents in office scenes, buildings and horses in natural images. In all three cases, the majority, about 75%, of features selected during boosting are our proposed BMA features rather than patch-based features. This large percentage demonstrates the discriminative power of the multilevel aggregate features over conventional patch-based features. Our quantitative performance measures show the proposed approach gives superior results to the state-of-the-art in all three applications.
EARLY POSTNATAL GROWTH OF LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS: WHAT IS OPTIMAL?

Stern, L. (Department of Paediatrics, Brown University, R.I., USA). Early postnatal growth of low birthweight infants: what is optimal? Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 296: 6, 1982. — The question as to what is optimal depends on an examination of a number of questions which may be stated as follows: 1) Does physical growth as expressed by height and weight bear any relationship to functional or intellectual development? 2) Should postnatal growth of low birthweight (preterm) infants proceed at their presumed in utero growth rate? 3) Does caloric intake beyond a minimum level influence the growth rate and intellectual development of SGA infants? 4) What is optimal—or do we all need to be the same? These questions imply a projected benefit to nutritional techniques, amounts, and procedures. Against these must be balanced potential hazards which relate to a number of specific factors. These include the effort and expenditure of energies involved in feeding practices. The hazards inherent in gavage, intraluminal, and other forms of forced nutrition. Solute loading and the relationship of solute to free water content. The ommission of specific nutrients from any dietary regimen and the toxicity of other specific contents. A balanced approach combining all of these may best decide what is “optimal”.
Capacity-achieving codes for finite-state channels with maximum-likelihood decoding

Codes on sparse graphs have been shown to achieve remarkable performance in point-to-point channels with low decoding complexity. Most of the results in this area are based on experimental evidence and/or approximate analysis. The question of whether codes on sparse graphs can achieve the capacity of noisy channels with iterative decoding is still open, and has only been conclusively and positively answered for the binary erasure channel. On the other hand, codes on sparse graphs have been proven to achieve the capacity of memoryless, binary-input, output-symmetric channels with finite graphical complexity per information bit when maximum likelihood (ML) decoding is performed. In this paper, we consider transmission over finite-state channels (FSCs). We derive upper bounds on the average error probability of code ensembles with ML decoding. Based on these bounds we show that codes on sparse graphs can achieve the symmetric information rate (SIR) of FSCs, which is the maximum achievable rate with independently and uniformly distributed input sequences. In order to achieve rates beyond the SIR, we consider a simple quantization scheme that when applied to ensembles of codes on sparse graphs induces a Markov distribution on the transmitted sequence. By deriving average error probability bounds for these quantized code ensembles, we prove that they can achieve the information rates corresponding to the induced Markov distribution, and thus approach the FSC capacity.
Drosophila Ctr1A Functions as a Copper Transporter Essential for Development

Copper is an essential trace element required by all aerobic organisms as a cofactor for enzymes involved in normal growth, development, and physiology. Ctr1 proteins are members of a highly conserved family of copper importers responsible for copper uptake across the plasma membrane. Mice lacking Ctr1 die during embryogenesis from widespread developmental defects, demonstrating the need for adequate copper acquisition in the development of metazoan organisms via as yet uncharacterized mechanisms. Whereas the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, expresses three Ctr1 genes, ctr1A, ctr1B, and ctr1C, little is known about their protein isoform-specific roles. Previous studies demonstrated that Ctr1B localizes to the plasma membrane and is not essential for development unless flies are severely copper-deficient or are subjected to copper toxicity. Here we demonstrate that Ctr1A also resides on the plasma membrane and is the primary Drosophila copper transporter. Loss of Ctr1A results in copper-remedial developmental arrest at early larval stages. Ctr1A mutants are deficient in the activity of copper-dependent enzymes, including cytochrome c oxidase and tyrosinase. Amidation of Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amides, a group of cardiomodulatory neuropeptide hormones that are matured via the action of peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase, is defective in neuroendocrine cells of Ctr1A mutant larvae. Moreover, both the Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide maturation and heart beat rate defects observed in Ctr1A mutant larvae can be partially rescued by exogenous copper. These studies establish clear physiological distinctions between two Drosophila plasma membrane copper transport proteins and demonstrate that copper import by Ctr1A is required to drive neuropeptide maturation during normal growth and development.
Regulation of GPR119 receptor activity with endocannabinoid-like lipids.

The GPR119 receptor plays an important role in the secretion of incretin hormones in response to nutrient consumption. We have studied the ability of an array of naturally occurring endocannabinoid...
Synthese potentieller Cholinesterasereaktivatoren und ‐protektoren Aliphatische Bis‐Ammonium‐ketoxime

Durch Umsatz von Dimethylaminoaceton oder dessen Oxim mit Ammoniumalkylhalogeniden („Halbsalzen”) wurden ausgewahlte symmetrische und unsymmetrische Bisammoniumacetonyloxime dargestellt, die in enger struktureller Verwandtschaft zu den Bispyridiniumaldoximen stehen. Diese Verbindungen sind nicht nur als Reaktivatoren phosporylierter Acetylcholinesterase, sondern als Praventivmedikamente gegen Phosphorestervergiftungen von Interesse. Synthesis of Potential Cholinesterase Reactivators and Protectors By reacting dimethylaminoacetone or its oxime with ammonium alkyl halides selected symmetrical and asymmetrical bisammoniumacetonyloximes were prepared which have a structure quite similar to that of the bispyridiniumaldoximes. The compounds are of interest not only as reactivators of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase but also as prophylactics in phosphate poisoning.
Self-Renewal Does Not Predict Tumor Growth Potential in Mouse Models of High-Grade Glioma

SUMMARY Within high-grade gliomas, the precise identities and functional roles of stem-like cells remain unclear. In the normal neurogenic niche,ID(Inhibitorof DNA-binding) genes maintainself-renewaland multipotency ofadult neural stem cells. Using PDGF- and KRAS-driven murine models of gliomagenesis, we show that high Id1 expression (Id1 high ) identifies tumor cells with high self-renewal capacity, while low Id1 expression (Id1 low ) identifies tumor cells with proliferative potential but limited self-renewal capacity. Surprisingly, Id1 low cells generate tumors more rapidly and with higher penetrance than Id1 high cells. Further, eliminating tumor cell self-renewal through deletion of Id1 has modest effects on animal survival, while knockdown of Olig2 within Id1 low cells has a significant survival benefit, underscoring the importance of non-self-renewing lineages in
PKC-ζ is essential for endotoxin-induced macrophage activation1,2

Background A critical element in sepsis-induced tissue injury is the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from LPS-activated macrophages. The cellular mechanisms involved in this process remain incompletely understood. The aim of the current study was to further clarify the mechanism of LPS activation through the TLR4 receptor complex by examining the roles of the various isoforms of PKC. Materials and methods Differentiated THP-1 cells were subjected to LPS stimulation. Selected cells were pretreated with various concentrations of Go6983 to inhibit conventional, novel, and atypical PKC isoforms. Lipid raft, cellular, and nuclear proteins were then extracted and analyzed by Western blot and EMSA for components of the TLR4 pathway. Supernatants harvested under the various conditions were analyzed by ELISA for the production of TNF-α. Results LPS stimulation led to the mobilization of TLR4 to lipid rafts followed by phosphorylation and activation of IRAK, ERK 1/2, p38, and JNK/SAPK. Subsequently, LPS induced the activation of NF-κB and AP-1. Activation of these TLR4-signaling components resulted in the production of TNF-α. Inhibition of conventional and novel PKC isoforms had no significant effect on macrophage activation. Inhibition of the atypical PKC, PKC-ζ, was associated with significant attenuation in the mobilization of TLR4 to lipid rafts, the activation of all TLR4-signaling components, and the production of TNF-α. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the atypical PKC isoform, PKC-ζ, is critical to regulation of LPS-induced TLR4 lipid raft mobilization within macrophages, TLR4-signaling, and TNF-α production. Although the mechanism of its activation remains unresolved, it appears that modulation of PKC-ζ activity during Gram-negative infections may limit associated inflammatory-induced morbidity.
Optimizing information flow in the gossip objects platform

Gossip-based protocols are commonly used for diffusing information in large-scale distributed applications. GO (Gossip Objects) is a per-node gossip platform that we developed in support of this class of protocols. GO allows nodes to join multiple gossip groups without losing the appealing fixed bandwidth guarantee of gossip protocols, and the platform also optimizes latency in a principled manner. Our algorithm is based on the observations that multiple rumors can often be squeezed into a single IP packet, and that indirect routing of rumors can speed up delivery. We formalize these observations and develop a theoretical analysis of this algorithm. We have also implemented GO, and studied the effectiveness of the algorithm by comparing it to the more standard random dissemination gossip strategy.
Interim Responses of Floodplain Wetland Vegetation to Phase I of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project: Comparisons of Vegetation Maps from Five Periods in the River's History

Phase I of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP) reestablished intermittent inundation of the river's floodplain by backfilling 12 km of the C-38 flood control canal in 2001. We compared floodplain vegetation maps based on 2003 and 2008 aerial imagery (2 and 7 years following completion of Phase I, respectively) to vegetation maps from 1954 (pre-channelization), 1974 (3 years after channelization), and 1996 (25 years after channelization) to evaluate broad-scale vegetation responses to Phase I restoration. Results indicate that the extent of wetland plant communities expanded rapidly, more than doubling in area within 2 years after completion of Phase I, and that by 2008 wetlands had nearly recovered to pre-channelization levels. However, full reestablishment of the pre-channelization wetland mosaic has not yet occurred. Prior to channelization, much of the floodplain was dominated by a broadleaf marsh (BLM) community associated with extended, deep annual flooding, while shorter-hydroperiod communities dominated the floodplain in 2003 and 2008. Prior to restoration construction, the reestablishment of BLM was predicted to be slow because suitable hydrology is dependent on project components that will not be in place until all restoration components are completed (projected for 2019). Hydrologic data indicate that the duration and variability of floodplain inundation have not yet achieved restoration targets over the entire Phase I study area. Other factors affecting vegetation responses are likely involved, including the age and viability of soil seed banks, the rarity of relict propagule sources following the channelized period, and competition from an invasive wetland shrub species.
Communicating for the good of the state: A post-symmetrical polemic on persuasion in ethical public relations

Abstract As inarguably one of the most influential theories in public relations scholarship, the symmetrical theory devalues the most common public relations objective, persuasion. This article deconstructs Grunig's work and re-constructs classic rhetoric to provide a post-symmetrical direction for public relations scholarship devoted to influencing behavior. By viewing the practice of persuasion from the perspectives of Aristotle, Plato, Isocrates, Burke, Nietzsche and others, this paper provides ethical and procedural guidelines on how today's public relations scholars can refocus the public relations agenda to focus more on real-world issues.
Time-Independent Formal Scattering Theory

While the time-dependent scattering theory has great mathematical, physical, and conceptual advantages over the theory based on the time-independent Schrodinger equation, for the purpose of actual calculation, at least in the nonrelativistic domain, it is not very useful. Such calculations are most conveniently performed at a fixed energy. It has already been pointed out, however, that many of the mathematical steps involved require the use of wave packets for convergence. In the stationary-state theory wave packets cannot be used without a constant presence of cumbersome weight functions and integrations over the energy. Without them certain convergence difficulties are inevitable.