cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of reduced subsets of single nucleotide polymorphisms for the prediction of age at puberty in sows

Summary Genomic information could be used efficiently to improve traits that are expensive to measure, sex limited or expressed late in life. This study analyzed the phenotypic variation explained by major SNPs and windows for age at puberty in gilts, an indicator of reproductive longevity. A genome-wide association study using 56 424 SNPs explained 25.2% of the phenotypic variation in age at puberty in a training set (n = 820). All SNPs from the top 10% of 1-Mb windows explained 33.5% of the phenotypic variance compared to 47.1% explained by the most informative markers (n = 261). In an evaluation population, consisting of subsequent batches (n = 412), the predictive ability of all SNPs from the major 1-Mb windows was higher compared to the variance captured by the most informative SNP from each of these windows. The phenotypic variance explained in the evaluation population varied from 12.3% to 36.8% when all SNPs from major windows were used compared to 6.5–23.7% explained by most informative SNPs. The correlation between phenotype and genomic prediction values based on SNP effects estimated in the training population was marginal compared to their effects retrained in the evaluation population for all (0.46–0.81) or most informative SNPs (0.30–0.65) from major windows. An increase in genetic gain of 20.5% could be obtained if genomic selection included both sexes compared to females alone. The pleiotropic role of major genes such as AVPR1A could be exploited in selection of both age at puberty and reproductive longevity.
Glaucoma Drainage Devices: Risk of Exposure and Infection

Purpose To identify risk factors for device exposure and intraocular infection following implantation of a glaucoma drainage device. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The medical records of adult patients undergoing glaucoma drainage device implantation at an academic medical center between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. Main outcome measures included device exposure and intraocular infection. Results Seven hundred and sixty-three cases were identified. These included 702 primary implants (ie, the first drainage device implanted into an eye) and 61 sequential implants. Among 702 primary implants, there were 41 cases of exposure (5.8%). None of the potential risk factors were statistically significant. Implant location was found to be a marginally significant risk factor. The exposure rates for inferior and superior implants were 12.8% (5 of 39) and 5.4% (36 of 663), respectively ( P = .056). The highest rate of exposure for primary implants occurred in the inferior-nasal quadrant (17.2%, 5 of 29). The rate of exposure for sequential devices was 13.1% (8 of 61), with the highest rate also found in the inferior-nasal quadrant (20%, 5 of 25). Of 49 total exposures, 8 were associated with intraocular infection (16.3%). Exposures over inferior implants were more likely to be associated with infection than exposures over superior implants (41.7% vs 8.1%; P = .0151). Conclusion Implant location approached, but did not reach, statistical significance as a risk factor for exposure. Exposures over inferior implants place patients at a higher risk of infection than superior exposures. More studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors for device exposure.
Black holes through cosmic time: Exploring the distant X-ray Universe with extragalactic Chandra surveys

Extragalactic X-ray surveys are exceptionally powerful tools for studying the evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies, by detecting large numbers of active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star-forming galaxies over a wide range of redshifts and cosmic environments. With its sensitivity and superb angular resolution, Chandra has been at the forefront of recent extragalactic surveys. This article provides a brief overview of Chandra surveys, and highlights a few recent results on the composition of the cosmic X-ray background, insights on X-ray source populations, and links between AGN and galaxy evolution, as well as discussing prospects for surveys with future X-ray missions.
Conceptual Design of the JLab Hall D Replacement Solenoid

The 12 GeV upgrade at Jefferson Lab includes plans for a new solenoid that will replace the existing solenoid made with the Large Aperture Superconducting Solenoid (LASS) coils from Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The conceptual design for the replacement solenoid presented here includes the magnetic design, winding arrangement, conductor selection, quench detection, and protection and cooling scheme. The magnetic design implements three separate coils to provide a 3.8 T field parallel to the beam direction and addresses the fringe field requirements of the facility while integrating into the existing iron yoke. The conductor consists of Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) cable (Nb-Ti) soldered into a copper channel stabilizer. The conductor is layer wound the hard way onto individual internal mandrels. The quench protection system implements a dump resistor and switch. Results from a 3-D quench code are provided for quench initiating at different locations. The magnet is conduction cooled by natural circulation of two-phase helium through cooling tubes mounted at the Outside Diameter (OD) of the cold mass.
Chemical characterization of commercial liquid smoke products.

The objective of this study was to determine important chemical characteristics of a full-strength liquid smoke, Code 10-Poly, and three refined liquid smoke products (AM-3, AM-10 and 1291) commercially available (Kerry Ingredients and Flavors, Monterey, TN). The pH of the products were significantly different (P < 0.05) and ranged from 2.3 (Code 10-Poly) to 5.7 (1291). The pH was inversely correlated with titratable acidity (R2 = 0.87), which was significantly different (P < 0.05) among products ranging from 10.3% acetic acid (Code 10-Poly) to 0.7% acetic acid (1291). Total phenol content was quantified using the Gibbs reaction; the only liquid smoke containing appreciable level of phenolic compounds was Code 10-Poly at 3.22 mg mL−1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of liquid smoke dichloromethane extracts revealed that carbonyl-containing compounds were major constituents of all products, in which 1-hydroxy-2-butanone, 2(5H)-furanone, propanal and cyclopentenone predominated. Organic acids were detected by GC-MS in all extracts and correlated positively (R2 = 0.98) with titratable acidity. The GC-MS data showed that phenolic compounds constituted a major portion of Code 10-Poly, and were detected only in trace quantities in 1291. The refined liquid smokes had lighter color, lower acidity, and reduced level of carbonyl-containing compounds and organic acids. Our study revealed major differences in pH, titratable acidity, total phenol content, color and chemical make-up of the full-strength and refined liquid smokes. The three refined liquid smoke products studied have less flavor and color active compounds, when compared with the full-strength product. Furthermore, the three refined products studied have unique chemical characteristics and will impart specific sensorial properties to food systems. Understanding the chemical composition of liquid smokes, be these refined or full-strength products, is an important step to establish their functions and appropriate use in food systems.
Structure-guided Mutational Analysis of the Nucleotidyltransferase Domain of Escherichia coli NAD+-dependent DNA Ligase (LigA)

NAD+-dependent DNA ligase (LigA) is essential for bacterial growth and a potential target for antimicrobial drug discovery. Here we queried the role of 14 conserved amino acids of Escherichia coli LigA by alanine scanning and thereby identified five new residues within the nucleotidyltransferase domain as being essential for LigA function in vitro and in vivo. Structure activity relationships were determined by conservative mutagenesis for the Glu-173, Arg-200, Arg-208, and Arg-277 side chains, as well as four other essential side chains that had been identified previously (Lys-115, Asp-117, Asp-285, and Lys-314). In addition, we identified Lys-290 as important for LigA activity. Reference to the structure of Enterococcus faecalis LigA allowed us to discriminate three classes of essential/important side chains that: (i) contact NAD+ directly (Lys-115, Glu-173, Lys-290, and Lys-314); (ii) comprise the interface between the NMN-binding domain (domain Ia) and the nucleotidyltransferase domain or comprise part of a nick-binding site on the surface of the nucleotidyltransferase domain (Arg-200 and Arg-208); or (iii) stabilize the active site fold of the nucleotidyltransferase domain (Arg-277). Analysis of mutational effects on the isolated ligase adenylylation and phosphodiester formation reactions revealed different functions for essential side chains at different steps of the DNA ligase pathway, consistent with the proposal that the active site is serially remodeled as the reaction proceeds.
Pore‐water pressure measurements: Mississippi delta submarine sediments

Abstract A pore‐water pressure probe (piezometer) was implanted in Mississippi delta sediments at a preselected site (Block 28, South Pass area, 29°00´N, 89°15´W) 145 m from an offshore production platform (water depth approx. 19 m) in September 1975. Total pore‐water pressures (uw ) were monitored for extended periods of time at depths of approximately 15 and 8 m below the mudline concurrently with hydrostatic pressures (u8 ) measured at depths of 15 m and approximately 1 m below the mudline. Relatively high excess pore‐water pressures, ue = (uw ‐u8 ), were recorded at the time of probe insertion measuring 99 kPa (14.4 psi) at 15 m and 50 kPa (7.3 psi) at 8 m. Six hours after the probe was implanted, excess pore pressures were still high at 81 kPa (11.8 psi, 15 m) and 37 kPa (5.4 psi, 8 m). Pore pressures appeared to become relatively constant at the 8‐m depth after 7 h had elapsed, and at the 15 m depth after 10–12 h. Excess pore‐water pressures averaged 72 kPa (10.4 psi, 15 m) and 32 kPa (4.6 psi, 8 m)...
Divine Difference: On the Theological Divide between Hölderlin and Hegel

In this essay I compare the poetic thought of Holderlin with the systematic Idealism of his intellectual peer, Hegel. Although they share a single intellectual genealogy and manifest similar Idealist tendencies, Holderlin's poetry presents the reader with a decidedly non-Hegelian religious phenomenology suggestive of transcendence. Images of physical and historical interruption are key to this phenomenological effect, and they motivate the characteristically Holderlinian language of supplication, gratitude, and grace. I conclude that the poet's work is “rhetorically heterogeneous,” reflecting the mixed philosophical and religious impulses of the German Enlightenment.
Environmental responses of Pinus ponderosa and associated species in the south-western USA

Aim We addressed four objectives: (1) Determine the regional responses of species, size classes and a vegetation type to climate and parent material predictors, including their distributions in environmental space and the relative contributions of the predictors to explained variation. (2) Determine whether size classes of a species respond similarly to climate and parent material. (3) Assess the extent to which the predicted regional distribution of a vegetation type can be approximated by the distribution of its diagnostic species and vice versa. The establishment of a consistent relationship between the distribution of a vegetation type and its diagnostic species would facilitate change detection, management and conservation planning by allowing the use of one distribution to generate the other when data availability is limited. (4) Examine landscape-scale environmental variability in predicted species and vegetation type distributions. Location South-western USA (Arizona, New Mexico and southern Colorado). Methods Ecological response surface models were developed using a data base of 1409 vegetation plots to analyse biotic–environmental relationships of (1) Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson and Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. Ex Hildebr. size classes, (2) P. ponderosa, A. concolor and Quercus gambelii Nutt. combined size classes, and (3) a P. ponderosa forest type widely distributed in the south-western USA. Results and main conclusions Pinus ponderosa and A. concolor models generally were judged to be successful. Quercus gambelii models were judged unsuccessful, which may result from the influence of variables not modelled, such as soil moisture, disturbance, biotic factors and other site limiting factors. Size classes differed in the range of environmental conditions associated with high occurrence probabilities within and between species, reflecting differences in the effects of climate variability and anthropogenic changes, such as fire suppression, on the distribution of each size class. Pinus ponderosa alliance was predicted to be distributed over a narrower range of environmental conditions than P. ponderosa species models, therefore limiting the use of this vegetation type as a surrogate for the distribution of the dominant species, and vice versa. Maps of combinations of environmental variables that produced a high probability of P. ponderosa occurrence showed that some landscapes predicted to contain the species exhibited diverse environmental conditions over short distances. The use of regional environmental relationships to characterize areas with high local environmental variability may facilitate identification of areas of potential rapid biotic change.
A comparative evaluation of calculator watch data entry technologies: Keyboards to chalkboards

Future limitations on the usable complexity of wrist-worn digital devices will depend upon the flexibility and data transmission rate/accuracy of the user-system interface. Three candidate interface types were evaluated as represented by current calculator watch technology. These included hardware keys, software keys and figural recognition. While the figural recognition device theoretically required the least training to operate, other factors degraded operator performance considerably. Specifically, entry rates were slower for this device and error rates higher than for the other two types of devices. It was concluded that the most promising interface for future applications of this type will require technological advances before it becomes competitive with the other interface types.
Molecular Mechanisms of Bidirectional Communication Between the Immune and Neuroendocrine Systems

(1990). Molecular Mechanisms of Bidirectional Communication Between the Immune and Neuroendocrine Systems. International Journal of Neuroscience: Vol. 51, No. 3-4, pp. 363-364.
NonGaussian contributions to the bit error rate in a soliton communication system

Summary form only given. In this contribution, I describe an approach that I recently developed for calculating the actual distribution function of timimg jitter, and I apply this approach to calculating the actual distribution function of the timing jitter of solitons in a filtered soliton communication line. I note that the nonGaussian tails predicted by this theory have recently been observed in direct simulations.
Nitric oxide signaling: no longer simply on or off.

Nitric oxide (NO) triggers various physiological responses in numerous tissues by binding and activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to produce the second messenger cGMP. In vivo , basal NO/cGMP signaling maintains a resting state in target cells (for example, resting tone in smooth muscle), but an acute burst of NO/cGMP signaling triggers rapid responses (such as smooth muscle relaxation). Recent studies have shown that the sGC heterodimer comprises at least four modular domains per subunit. The N-terminal heme domain is a member of the H-NOX family of domains that bind O 2 and/or NO and are conserved in prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes. Studies of these domains have uncovered the molecular basis for ligand discrimination by sGC. Other work has identified two temporally distinct states of sGC activation by NO: formation of a stable NO–heme complex results in a low-activity species, and additional NO produces a transient fully active enzyme. Nucleotides also allosterically modulate the duration and intensity of enzyme activity. Together, these studies suggest a biochemical basis for the two distinct types of NO/cGMP signal observed in vivo .
Therapeutic assessment with an adolescent: choosing connections over substances.

This case study provides an in-depth example of a comprehensive therapeutic assessment with an adolescent (TA–A) and his parents. The TA–A addressed parental concerns about their son's drug experimentation as well as the adolescent's own private questions about his distinctiveness from others, all set against a backdrop of ongoing parental conflict and poor communication. The TA–A process and how it is specifically tailored to balance the needs of adolescents and their parents is discussed. Subsequently, each step of TA–A is illustrated through the case study. Research findings at the conclusion of the assessment and at follow-up indicated significant decreases in internalizing symptomology and school problems, increases in self-esteem and self-reliance, and improved family functioning as reported by the adolescent. At follow-up, the father spoke of developing a more assertive parenting approach and successful follow-through on recommendations. This case study provides a template for clinicians interested...
RyR1 Modulation by Oxidation and Calmodulin

ABSTRACT Alteration of skeletal muscle function by reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (NO) may involve regulation of the activity of the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel (also known as RyR1). We have shown that oxidants can activate RyR1 and produce inter-subunit disulfide bonds. Both effects are prevented by pretreatment with either NO donors or N-ethylmaleimide under conditions that modify less than 5% of the total sulfhydryls on RyR1. Oxidation-induced intersubunit crosslinking can also be prevented by the binding of either Ca2+ calmodulin or apocalmodulin to RyR1. Also, both Ca2+ calmodulin and apocalmodulin binding are blocked by oxidation of RyR1. In contrast, alkylation with N-ethylmaleimide or reaction with NO donors preferentially blocks apocalmodulin binding to RyR1, suggesting the existence of a regulatory cysteine within the apocalmodulin binding site. We have demonstrated that Ca2+ calmodulin and apocalmodulin bind to overlapping, but nonidentical, sites on RyR1 and that cysteine 36...
A prospective surgical pathological study of stage I squamous carcinoma of the cervix: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

Abstract Thirty-three institutions collaborating in the Gynecologic Oncology Group gathered surgical and pathological data on 1125 patients with primary, previously untreated, histologically confirmed stage I cervical carcinoma with more than 3 mm of invasion who were selected to undergo radical hysterectomy and paraaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Of the 940 eligible, evaluable patients, 732 had squamous carcinoma. Of the study group, 87 (12%) did not undergo radical hysterectomy because of gross disease beyond the uterus or microscopic aortic node involvement documented at exploratory laparotomy. Among the 645 patients undergoing pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and radical hysterectomy, five risk factors were significantly associated with microscopic pelvic lymph node metastasis: depth of invasion ( P = 0.0001), parametrial involvement ( P = 0.0001), capillary-lymphatic space invasion ( P = 0.0001), tumor grade ( P = 0.01), and gross versus occult primary tumor ( P = 0.009). The factors identified as independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis by multivariate analysis were capillary-lymphatic space involvement ( P P P = 0.0005), and age ( P = 0.02). The model was used to predict the chance of a patient having nodal metastasis for any combination of risk factors.
How might infant and paediatric immune responses influence malaria vaccine efficacy

Naturally acquired immunity to malaria requires repeat infections yet does not engender sterile immunity or long-lasting protective immunologic memory. This renders infants and young children the most susceptible to malaria-induced morbidity and mortality, and the ultimate target for a malaria vaccine. The prevailing paradigm is that infants initially garner protection due to transplacentally transferred anti-malarial antibodies and other intrinsic factors such as foetal haemoglobin. As these wane infants have an insufficient immune repertoire to prevent genetically diverse Plasmodium infections and an inability to control malaria-induced immunopathology. This Review discusses humoral, cell-mediated and innate immune responses to malaria and how each contributes to protection - focusing on how deficiencies in infant and paediatric immune responses might influence malaria vaccine efficacy in this population. In addition, burgeoning evidence suggests a role for inhibitory receptors that limit immunopathology and guide the development of long-lived immunity. Precisely how age or malaria infections influence the function of these regulators is unknown. Therefore the possibility that infants may not have the immune-dexterity to balance effective parasite clearance with timely immune-regulation leading to protective immunologic memory is considered. And thus, malaria vaccines tested in adults and older children may not be predictive for trials conducted in infants.
Competency Mandate: A Model for Teaching Skills in the Administration of the WAIS-R.

The Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests as well as other official policy statements of the American Psychological Association call for competent assessment skills. However, a thorough review of the literature evidences only a handful of models that transmit these mandates into practice. The MASTERY model, a competency-based training procedure, was employed in this investigation as a cost-effective means of actualizing these professional standards. This systematic procedure brought 31 graduate students in clinical psychology to criterion level for competent administration of the WAIS-R after less than 10 hours and two administrations. Practical and research implications of this training model for clinical psychology were discussed.
Total Ionization and Range of Low-Energy Recoil Particles in Pure and Binary Gases

The total ionization and range of the 103-keV $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ recoil particle that results from the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of $^{210}\mathrm{Po}$ deposited on a metallic backing have been determined for a number of gases. The method employed a hemispherical ion chamber and a vibrating-reed electrometer. The 5.3-MeV $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles were used for calibration. The gases used were Ne, Ar, Xe, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, dry air, C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, 95% Ar+5% ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, and other binary mixtures. The equivalent range, in microns, of the $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ particle in the listed gases at STP is 131, 79, 44, 80, 83, 84, 58, and 82, respectively. The uncertainty in each value is \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 \ensuremath{\mu}. The average energy loss per ion pair produced, ${W}_{r}$, in eV/(ion pair), for the $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ particle in passing through the gases, omitting Ne, is 121\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6, 158\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}8, 116\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6, 120\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6, 121\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6, 115\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4, and 81.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2, respectively. Theory and experiment for the range of the $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ particle in the monatomic gases lie within 5% of each other. A rough calculation is made of the energy the recoil particle loses through molecular, nonionizing processes per ion pair produced. For ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ this amounts to approximately 10 eV/(ion pair) of the ${W}_{r}$ value.
Adsorption isotherms of fractal surfaces

Adsorption of inert molecules on fractal surfaces by Van der Waals (VDW) interactions has long been proposed as a method to probe the fractal dimension D but convincing evidence is still missing after more than a decade. We have used small angle scattering (SANS) to determine the pore surface dimensions for three shale samples and carried out nitrogen adsorption studies. We found that analyzing the adsorption isotherm according to the available theoretical predictions always resulted in D values that are lower than those obtained by SANS. There are also systematic deviations from the theoretical curve common to all three samples. To understand the origin of these problems, we used a power law distribution of uncoupled spherical pores as a representation of a fractal surface and carried out numerical simulations of the adsorption isotherm. We found that the simulated isotherms exhibit the same general features observed in the experiment. A crossover between the VDW effect and capillary condensation always occurs and it precludes the use of isotherms to determine D in real systems.
Structural studies of an oligomer (vinyl chloride tetramer) isolated from poly(vinyl chloride) resin used for food packaging applications

Abstract A presumptive single component previously isolated from PVC base resin and tentatively identified from GC-MS data as a vinyl chloride tetramer (mol. wt = 248) has been the subject of further studies. After hydrogenation, two isomeric compounds were separable by capillary GC. Mass spectra confirmed the earlier assignment of one double bond in the parent compounds. Further evidence for the presence of a pair of isomers in the apparently pure tetramer was obtained by epoxidation where two products giving identical mass spectra were produced. The MS fragmentation pattern suggested that the double bond position was allylic to chlorine; GC-MS analysis of the derived chlorohydrins supported this conclusion. Analysis of the tetramer by NMR gave complex overlapping signals, thought to be due to impurities, which hindered interpretation. Some supportive evidence for an allylic double bond was obtained. The structure of the tetramer thus remains only partially determined; the complexities of isomer purification and the difficulties of assigning chlorine substituent patterns make future unequivocal characterisation unlikely.
Predicted secondary organic aerosol concentrations from the oxidation of isoprene in the eastern United States.

Isoprene, the most abundant non-methane hydrocarbon emitted into the troposphere, has generally not been considered a major source of SOA due to the relatively high volatility of its oxidation prod...
Protein homologous cores and loops: important clues to evolutionary relationships between structurally similar proteins

To discover remote evolutionary relationships and functional similarities between proteins, biologists rely on comparative sequence analysis, and when structures are available, on structural alignments and various measures of structural similarity. The measures/scores that have most commonly been used for this purpose include: alignment length, percent sequence identity, superposition RMSD and their different combinations. More recently, we have introduced the "Homologous core structure overlap score" (HCS) and the "Loop Hausdorff Measure" (LHM). Along with these we also consider the "gapped structural alignment score" (GSAS), which was introduced earlier by other researchers. We analyze the performance of these and other conventional measures at the task of ranking structure neighbors by homology, and we show that the HCS, LHM, and GSAS scores display considerably improved performance over the conventional measures of sequence or structural similarity. The HCS, LHM, and GSAS scores are easily computable quantities that allow users of structure-neighbor databases to more easily identify interesting structural similarities between proteins.
In vitro characteristics of the lipid-filled interstitial cell associated with postnatal lung growth: Evidence for fibroblast heterogeneity

This study explores the in vitro modulation of the lipid-filled phenotype of the lipid interstitial cell (LIC) isolated from the developing rat lung. Isolated LIC lose their cytoplasmic lipid droplets when cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) but retain their potential for lipid storage, since they rapidly reaccumulate lipid when subcultured in neonatal rat serum (NRS) and to a lesser extent in adult rat serum (ARS). The return of LIC to a lipid-filled state may not represent cell differentiation, since it occurs in the presence of bromodeoxy-uridine. NRS contains twice the free fatty acids (FFA) of FBS and ARS, and doubling the FFA concentration of FBS and ARS increases LIC storage lipids. Serum triglyceride (TG) is 10 times higher in ARS and 23 times higher in NRS than in FBS. Since LIC lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity is in the range of 3T3-L1 adipocytes (0.56 vs. 1.72 units/mg DNA), the LIC has the potential of incorporating serum lipoprotein-triglyceride. The LPL activity of LIC is 9–12 times that of fetal and adult rat lung fibroblasts and 50 times that of human lung, trachea, or skin fibroblasts; LIC are probably a source of endothelial LPL in the developing lung. The response of LIC and ARLF cyclic-AMP to hormones known to influence lipid synthesis or degradation showed that: only LIC responded to glucagon; prostagladin E1 was a more potent stimulus to LIC; isoproterenol was a more potent stimulus to ARLF; and neither cell responded to ACTH. The unique nature of LIC tends to support further the concept of fibroblast heterogeneity within tissues.
Evaluation of crab meal as a dietary ingredient for young Turkeys

Synopsis Adding 3 or 6% crab meal to the diets of turkeys between 1 d and 4 weeks of age resulted in their average body weight being increased by 5.2 or 6.8% and food consumption by 4.2 or 5.8%. Efficiency of food utilisation was not significantly changed. However, the addition of 5% crab meal to the diets of turkeys between 4 and 8 weeks of age resulted in average body weight gain and food consumption being increased by 1.4 and 1.3% respectively (P>0.05). By adding 5% herring fish meal to the diets of poults from 4 to 8 weeks, body weight gain was increased by 2.0% (0.05<P<0.1), but food consumption was decreased by 2.3% and efficiency of food utilisation was increased by 4.2% indicating that fish meal contains a larger quantity of metabolisable energy than crab meal. The addition of erythromycin at a rate of 13.5 or 20.4 mg/kg increased body weight gain by 4.5% and efficiency of food utilisation by 4.4% during the period between 4 and 8 weeks of age. No significant interactions among the dietary factors...
Electrostatics, Hyperbolic Geometry and Wandering Vectors

A family of planar discrete electrostatic systems on the unit circle with finitely atomic external fields is considered. The geometry of particles in the external field yielding a given minimum energy configuration is studied. As an application, the wandering vectors of the shift operator in the Dirichlet spaces associated with finitely atomic measures are also studied. In particular, the zero locus of a wandering vector is discussed.
Abstract 48: Activation of c-Met receptor signaling by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment

Objective: Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in tumorigenesis by promoting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. At sites of intra-abdominal ovarian cancer metastases, more than half of the tumor microenvironment is composed of CAFs, however, the mechanism for how CAFs promote metastatic disease in ovarian cancer is not known. Because of the prominent role that the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met plays in metastasis, we hypothesized that CAFs within the metastatic tumor microenvironment may activate c-Met signaling in ovarian cancer cells leading to tumor progression at a metastatic site. Methods: Human cancer cell lines and primary human carcinoma-associated fibroblasts isolated from patients’ ovarian cancer metastases were used in multiple biochemical assays to analyze the role of CAFs in c-Met receptor signaling. Results: Using a receptor tyrosine kinase array to analyze phosphorylation of 42 different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), we found that c-Met was the only RTK that was phosphorylated in cancer cells upon co-culture with CAFs. Further analysis of the co-culture revealed that direct contact between cancer cells and CAFs was required for activation of c-Met. Interestingly, the unique ligand for c-Met, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), could not be detected in conditioned media from CAFs by ELISA and addition of HGF neutralizing antibodies to the co-culture did not prevent activation of the receptor. Furthermore, CAFs transiently transfected with HGF siRNA were still able to activate c-Met in the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3ip1 suggesting that c-Met activation by CAFs is HGF-independent. This effect was not limited to ovarian cancer cell lines as co-culture of CAFs with the cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, which expresses wild-type c-Met, and the breast cancer cell line, T47D, showed the same results as the two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3ip1 and OVCAR-5. Remarkably, membrane fragments isolated from CAFs were sufficient to stimulate phosphorylation of c-Met in cancer cells in an HGF-independent manner. Several candidate factors were identified in the CAF membrane proteome which can activate c-Met signaling. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest a potentially novel mechanism whereby CAFs activate c-Met in cancer cells through direct contact which provides an additional rationale for the therapeutic targeting of c-Met in cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 48. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-48
Formation of Orthopoxvirus Cytoplasmic A-Type Inclusion Bodies and Embedding of Virions Are Dynamic Processes Requiring Microtubules

In cells infected with some orthopoxviruses, numerous mature virions (MVs) become embedded within large, cytoplasmic A-type inclusions (ATIs) that can protect infectivity after cell lysis. ATIs are composed of an abundant viral protein called ATIp, which is truncated in orthopoxviruses such as vaccinia virus (VACV) that do not form ATIs. To study ATI formation and occlusion of MVs within ATIs, we used recombinant VACVs that express the cowpox full-length ATIp or we transfected plasmids encoding ATIp into cells infected with VACV, enabling ATI formation. ATI enlargement and MV embedment required continued protein synthesis and an intact microtubular network. For live imaging of ATIs and MVs, plasmids expressing mCherry fluorescent protein fused to ATIp were transfected into cells infected with VACV expressing the viral core protein A4 fused to yellow fluorescent protein. ATIs appeared as dynamic, mobile bodies that enlarged by multiple coalescence events, which could be prevented by disrupting microtubules. Coalescence of ATIs was confirmed in cells infected with cowpox virus. MVs were predominantly at the periphery of ATIs early in infection. We determined that coalescence contributed to the distribution of MVs within ATIs and that microtubule-disrupting drugs abrogated coalescence-mediated MV embedment. In addition, MVs were shown to move from viral factories at speeds consistent with microtubular transport to the peripheries of ATIs, whereas disruption of microtubules prevented such trafficking. The data indicate an important role for microtubules in the coalescence of ATIs into larger structures, transport of MVs to ATIs, and embedment of MVs within the ATI matrix.
The Multiscale Systems Immunology project: software for cell-based immunological simulation

Computer simulations are of increasing importance in modeling biological phenomena. Their purpose is to predict behavior and guide future experiments. The aim of this project is to model the early immune response to vaccination by an agent based immune response simulation that incorporates realistic biophysics and intracellular dynamics, and which is sufficiently flexible to accurately model the multi-scale nature and complexity of the immune system, while maintaining the high performance critical to scientific computing. The Multiscale Systems Immunology (MSI) simulation framework is an object-oriented, modular simulation framework written in C++ and Python. The software implements a modular design that allows for flexible configuration of components and initialization of parameters, thus allowing simulations to be run that model processes occurring over different temporal and spatial scales. MSI addresses the need for a flexible and high-performing agent based model of the immune system.
Passive Smoking in Obstructive Respiratory Diseases in an Industrialized Urban Population

Abstract We examined the risk of obstructive respiratory disease associated with tobacco smoke in indoor air, independent of active smoking, ambient air pollution, and some of the other sources of residential indoor air pollution. Data came from a probability sample survey of nine neighborhoods in Philadelphia conducted in 1985-1986, leading to information on approximately 4200 individuals. While for never-smokers the prevalence of obstructive respiratory conditions was proportional to the level of environmental tobacco smoke, this secondhand smoke was not a factor in the frequency of such problems among current smokers. In a series of analyses restricted to never-smokers, each of the 219 index cases of obstructive respiratory disease was matched by age, gender, and neighborhood to three randomly selected controls where matching by neighborhood effectively controlled for ambient air pollution. Both matched and unmatched two-sample analyses showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.019 and 0.016, respectively) between cases and controls with respect to the level of tobacco smoke in the indoor environment. A conditional logistic regression-matched analysis revealed that heating and cooking as sources of indoor air pollution were not associated with the case/control status. However, the odds ratio for passive smoking at a level of more than one pack per day in the house environment was 1.86 (95% CI, 1.21-2.86). The results show that passive smoking is a significant risk factor for obstructive respiratory disease for never-smokers in an industrialized urban population.
Effect of tissue slices and oxidizing agents on thyrotrophin.

No inactivation of thyrotrophin (TSH) was observed after incubation with slices of thyroid, liver, spleen, kidney and muscle from steers, guinea pigs, rats and mice. Iodine, peroxide and pancreatin reduced TSH activity. The inactivation of TSH by iodine and peroxide was reversed, whereas the inactivation of TSH by pancreatin was not reversed, by the addition of l-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole or methylthiouracil. Complete inactivation of TSH in vivo had occurred at 4 hours in the normal mouse and in the mouse pretreated with l-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole.
Nitro-substituted benzoates of dimolybdenum: the Mo24+ δ to ligand charge transfer band

The preparation and characterization of a series of Mo2(O2CAr′)4 compounds, where Ar′ is a nitrosubstituted phenyl group, are described. The introduction of the NO2 group in the 4- (para) position causes a significant red-shift of a metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band such that these compounds are intensely purple in solution: λmax ca. 540 nm with e ∼ 15 000 M−1 cm−1. The cinnamate derivative (O2CCHCHPh-4-NO2) shows a further red-shift of this MLCT band while the 3-NO2 (meta) derivatives are only slightly red-shifted compared to the parent benzoate Mo2(O2CPh)4. The cyclic voltammograms for Mo2(O2CR)4, where R = Me, tBu, n-octyl, Ph, C6H4-4-NO2, and C6H4-3-NO2 reveal how substituents on R influence the ease of oxidation from the δ orbital. The structure of Mo2(O2CC6H4-3-NO2)4 was determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study as its pyridine adduct with additional pyridine in the lattice. Crystal data for Mo2(O2CC6H4-3-NO2)4(py)2·2py at −174°C: a = 10.982(2) A, b = 20.457(4) A, c = 10.615(2) A, α = 93.82(1)°, β = 90.49(1)°, γ = 98.31(1)°, Z = 2, dcalc = 1.65 g cm−3 and space group P1. The nature of the MLCT band is discussed in the light of Fenske-Hall MO calculations on Mo2(O2C6H5)4, Mo2(O2C6H4-4-NO2)4, Mo2(O2CC6H4-3-NO2)4, and Mo2(O2C6H3-2-Cl-4-NO2)4.
Outcomes of pain center treatment in Washington State workers' compensation.

Background Injured workers with chronic pain who have failed conventional therapies often receive treatment at pain centers. This study evaluated the effect of pain center treatment on time loss status of Washington State injured workers. The primary hypothesis was that treatment at a pain center would lead to a reduction in the probability of a worker's receiving time loss benefits at a 2-year follow-up. Methods A population-based retrospective cohort study was performed on 2,032 Washington State workers' compensation patients who underwent pain center evaluations. Subjects who received pain center treatment were compared to those who were evaluated but not treated with respect to time loss status at 2-year follow-up. Results Univariate analysis revealed that at 2-year follow-up, 35% of treated subjects were receiving time loss payments vs. 40% of evaluated only subjects (P < 0.05). Subjects who were younger, female, and less chronic were more likely to undergo pain center treatment and were less likely to be on time loss at 2-year follow-up. In multivariate analyses, which statistically controlled baseline differences between the two groups, there was no difference between treated subjects and evaluated only subjects. Conclusions There was no evidence that pain center treatment alters 2-year time loss status of already disabled workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:227–236, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Highly weathered mineralogy of select soils from Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain and Piedmont landscapes

Abstract Highly-weathered clay mineralogical suites of Southeastern (U.S.) soils, which are exemplified in portions of upland, well-drained environments of the Piedmont and Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, consist of kaolinite, hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, gibbsite, iron oxides, and to a lesser extent, quartz, halloysite and mica. The development of these mineral assemblages is often coincident with Ultisol formation in these landscapes. By Soil Taxonomy, these soils often have kandic horizons or are in subactive CEC activity classes. Hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, a mineral considered to be pedogenic and ubiquitous within these systems, has been evaluated in past studies through depth distribution trends, thermodynamics-solubility, and alluvial chronosequences, to develop a more thorough understanding of mineral transformations and pedogenesis in these landscapes. The average formula for hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite developed from several regional studies (M+ 0.28 (Si 3.46 Al 0.54 )(Al 1.38 Fe 0.31 Mg 0.31 )[(Al 1.31 (OH) 3.35 )]O 10 (OH) 2 ) suggests the 1/2 cell layer charge to be approximately 0.85, with approximately 67% of the charge offset by non-exchangeable Al-hydroxy interlayers. Thermodynamic evaluations indicate a relatively more stable pedogenic environment for hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite in near-surface and eluvial environments (dependent on the degree of hydroxy-Al interlayer infilling), with a more stable environment for kaolinite in illuvial subsoils. This corresponds with observations of mineral distribution with depth in representative soils of the region, although other mechanisms and pathways, which have been elucidated through several studies, likely play a larger role. Quantification of mineral constituents in these systems faces challenges, but satisfactory results can be obtained using a variety of techniques. Deconvolution of thermal (DSC and TGA) output shows promise for quantifying discrete minerals that have overlapping temperatures of reactions. Chronosequence studies in the region have improved our understanding of the temporal state factor associated with the development of this mineralogy. For example, a study on the Tallapoosa River of Central Alabama illustrated the presence of vermiculite and smectite and the relative absence of hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite within the solum on Holocene terraces, but its presence on significantly older (Pleistocene) terraces. Another study evaluated 29 pedons on seven Alabama River terrace levels (late Pliocene to late Holocene) in Central and South Alabama, and found clay mineralogy on the oldest terrace levels was similar to adjacent upland Coastal Plain landscapes. The aggregate of findings indicate that given sufficient time in a leaching environment, highly weathered mineralogical suites form in a variety of landscapes in this region.
Multiphoton absorption cross section and virtual-state spectroscopy for the entangled n -photon state

Using a microscopic theory, we determine the entangled $n$-photon state generated both by the nonlinear process of spontaneous $n$-photon parametric down-conversion and in a cascade of $n\ensuremath{-}1$ crystals with two-photon parametric down-conversions. Expressions for the entangled $n$-photon absorption cross sections are also obtained. The absorption cross sections exhibit a linear dependence on the photon flux density, and depend on the entanglement times characterizing photons. The effect of relative path delay in the beams is discussed. It forms the basis for extracting the quadrupole moments between states involved in the interaction from the absorption cross section measured as a function of path delay. Effects competitive with entangled three-photon absorption are discussed.
Nuclear protein kinases.

Nuclear protein kinases include enzymes that transfer the γ-phosphate of ATP to serine, threonine, lysine or histidine in proteins. Nuclear kinases with a preference for basic proteins are known as histone kinases; those preferring acidic protein substrates are casein kinases. Histone kinases include both cyclic AMP-independent protein kinases and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases. The best-characterized cyclic AMP-independent nuclear protein kinase is associated with cell proliferation and is activated (or transported to the nucleus) in G2 phase of the cell cycle. It phosphorylates specific serine and threonine residues in the non globular domains of histone H1 and appears to promote chromosome condensation. The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase has unknown nuclear function(s), although it may be translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus in response to specific hormonal stimuli which are also associated with changes in transcriptional activity. There is a massive peak of nuclear cyclic AM P-dependent protein kinase activity in G2 phase of the cell cycle. Nuclear casein kinases are apparently very heterogeneous. Two of these enzymes have been purified to homogeneity. They phosphorylate non-histone chromosomal proteins, including RNA polymerase and ornithine decarboxylase. Phosphorylated ornithine decarboxylase is inactive enzymatically but, in Physarum, it binds to the rDNA minichromosome and stimulates rRNA transcription. Kinases forming phosphoramidate bonds occur in a variety of rat tissues and form phosphohistide in historic H4 and phospholysine in histone H1.
Pathogenesis of gastric particulate lung injury: a comparison and interaction with acidic pneumonitis.

Experimental aspiration pneumonitis studies in general have focused on the pathogenesis of the acidic component of the lung injury, although the injury produced by the particulate component of gastric contents largely has been ignored. The present study compares the inflammatory potential of small g