cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathotype-specific QTL for stem rust resistance in Lolium perenne

A genetic map populated with RAD and SSR markers was created from F1 progeny of a stem rust-susceptible and stem rust-resistant parent of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The map supplements a previous map of this population by having markers in common with several other Lolium spp. maps including EST-SSR anchor markers from a consensus map published by other researchers. A QTL analysis was conducted with disease severity and infection type data obtained by controlled inoculation of the population with each of two previously characterized pathotypes of Puccinia graminis subsp. graminicola that differ in virulence to different host plant genotypes in the F1 population. Each pathotype activated a specific QTL on one linkage group (LG): qLpPg1 on LG7 for pathotype 101, or qLpPg2 on LG1 for pathotype 106. Both pathotypes also activated a third QTL in common, qLpPg3 on LG6. Anchor markers, present on a consensus map, were located in proximity to each of the three QTL. These QTL had been detected also in previous experiments in which a genetically heterogeneous inoculum of the stem rust pathogen activated all three QTL together. The results of this and a previous study are consistent with the involvement of the pathotype-specific QTL in pathogen recognition and the pathotype-nonspecific QTL in a generalized resistance response. By aligning the markers common to other published reports, it appears that two and possibly all three of the stem rust QTL reported here are in the same general genomic regions containing some of the L. perenne QTL reported to be activated in response to the crown rust pathogen (P. coronata).
EXPERIMENTAL GRAM-NEGATIVE SEPSIS: EFFECT OF HEPARIN

The beneficial effect of heparin therapy in children with bacterial septicemia and associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIG) is controversial. Although endotoxin treated animals have been used as the model for DIC recent evidence suggests that experimentally induced infection approximates more closely the human disease state. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin on mortality and DIC in rabbits with gram-negative septicemia. Rabbits were given live Pasteurella multocida (2×109/Kg body wt.) organisms intraperitoneally. The results in 200 animals showed: rabbits given live organisms developed positive blood cultures and endotoxin levels (lysate test) at 2 hours which persisted to death; thrombocytopenia by 8 hours; DIC (reduced fibrinogen factors II, V and VIII) after 8 hours; and 100% mortality by 24 hours. Rabbits given live organisms and heparin (1000 units/Kg IV q 4 H) showed: thrombocytopenia by 8 hours; elevated fibrinogen after 8 hours; and 100% mortality between 16-18 hours. Mean fibrinogen level in animals not given heparin was 256 mg% (± 23) as compared to 403 mg% (± 23) in those given heparin. The data indicates that survival rate was not improved with heparin in experimental septicemia although fibrinogen consumption (DIC) was abolished. The results suggest that successful therapy for DIC in the clinical setting of septicemia should not be equated with reduced mortality.
The development of the training of public speakers in America

(1928). The development of the training of public speakers in America. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 489-502.
What’s in a Word? Coming to Terms in the Darwinian Revolution

For all its rigor, Darwin’s Origin is constructed in a very peculiar way. It is, then again it is not, clear what the Origin is about. Of course, it is apparently about the origin and evolution of species. On the other hand, early on and throughout the Origin, Darwin denies the reality of species. We are thus confronted with the perplexing proposition that species originate and evolve naturally, though species are not real.
The DEL1 mutator gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not act in trans

DEL1 strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibit a high rate of deletions of the three linked genes, CYC1, OSM1, and RAD7. Classical genetic methods showed that DELI segregated as a single Mendelian gene closely linked to CYC1. In addition, genetic evidence suggested that DEL1 was both cis- and trans-dominant (Liebman et al. 1979). Molecular analysis of deletions isolated from a haploid DEL1 strain established that deletion formation was mediated by recombination between yeast transposable elements, Ty's (Liebman et al. 1981). We now report the molecular characterization of deletions isolated from diploids in the trans configuration. This analysis reveals that these deletions probably arose in a two-step process involving mitotic recombination followed by Ty-mediated deletion formation in cis.
A device to produce high center-of-mass energy e+e collisions - accelerator beam colliding with a stored beam☆

Abstract If 20-GeV electrons from the Stanford Linear Accelerator collide with 2-GeV electrons (or positrons) circulating in the storage ring now under construction at SLAC, then the reaction center-of-mass energy will be E c.m. = 12.6 GeV. The luminosity of this device is calculated to be about 2.4 × 10 29 cm −2 sec −1 , and the number of e+e→+e+e+χ reactions at this energy is estimated to be about 60 h −1 when χ = μ + + μ − , about 10 h −1 when χ = π + + π − , and about 1 h −1 when χ = π 0 or η .
Identification of Trace Amounts of Organophosphorus Pesticides by Frustrated Multiple Internal Reflectance Spectroscopy

The technique of frustrated multiple internal reflectance is employed for the identification of trace amounts of organophosphorus pesticides eluted from column, paper, or thin-layer chromatograms. The high sensitivity, the ease of sample manipulation and the applicability to solid and liquid samples give the FMIR technique note-worthy advantages over transmission techniques.
Stationary renewal processes

Abstract Let (t n = z 0 + · + z n ) N be renewal instants sequence. Suppose that the random variables ( z n ) N are independent and the corresponding renewal process is stationary (in weak sense) with a finite positive intensity. Then there exists an integer d ≥ 1 such that the sequence ( t nd ) n ≥0 forms a stationary recurrent renewal process and z m = 0 almost surely if m ≠ nd, ∀n ϵ N .
Epigenetic Treatments for Cognitive Impairments

Epigenetic mechanisms integrate signals from diverse intracellular transduction cascades and in turn regulate genetic readout. Accumulating evidence has revealed that these mechanisms are critical components of ongoing physiology and function in the adult nervous system, and are essential for many cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Moreover, a number of psychiatric disorders and syndromes that involve cognitive impairments are associated with altered epigenetic function. In this review, we will examine how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to cognition, consider how changes in these mechanisms may lead to cognitive impairments in a range of disorders and discuss the potential utility of therapeutic treatments that target epigenetic machinery. Finally, we will comment on a number of caveats associated with interpreting epigenetic changes and using epigenetic treatments, and suggest future directions for research in this area that will expand our understanding of the epigenetic changes underlying cognitive disorders.
Biocompatible interface films deposited within porous polymers by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).

Ultrathin ceramic films were deposited throughout highly porous poly(styrene−divinylbenzene) (PS-DVB) particles using a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. Alumina and titania films were deposited by alternating reactions of trimethylaluminum and H2O at 33 °C and of titanium tetrachloride and H2O2 (50 wt % in H2O) at 100 °C, respectively. Analytical characterization revealed that conformal alumina and titania films were grown on internal and external polymer surfaces. The improved bioactivity of the polymer substrates was revealed on the basis of the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) in simulated body fluid. The accelerated formation of HA on the ALD-modified polymer surface was caused by the negatively charged surface provided by the ultrathin ceramic interface. The potential for ALD films to support cell attachment was demonstrated.
Flexible Microfluidic Devices With Three-Dimensional Interconnected Microporous Walls

Microfluidics is emerging as one of the fastest growing fields for chemical and biological applications. The demand has also increased for methods of fabricating low-cost prototype microfluidic devices rapidly with compatible materials and novel functional attributes. One attractive feature that can be incorporated into microfluidic devices is a porous membrane or porous channel wall [1]. Devices with such features can potentially be used for multiphase catalytic reactions in chemical and pharmaceutical applications similar to the gas-liquid-solid hydrogenation reactions reported by Kobayahi et al. [2] or gas-liquid syntheses by Park and Kim [3].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Microwave-Induced Regeneration of NOx-Saturated Char

The rate of microwave-induced regeneration of nitrogen oxides (NOx)-saturated char was studied. A small amount of NOx-saturated char sample was placed in the microwave field, and its weight was measured as a function of time by a digital balance. The weight loss data were used to calculate the activation energy of C−NO reaction under microwave radiation. The experimental results showed significant surface complex formation from the C−NOx reaction during the regeneration of NOx-saturated char. An increase of power input not only lowered the amount of surface complexes but also enhanced the regeneration rate. When the input power was >300 W, the regeneration was actually completed within 1 min. The activation energy of the microwave-induced C−NO reaction was estimated as 17 kJ/mol, much less than those obtained by others using conventional heating (63−68 kJ/mol).
Abstract 2871: Inhibition of androgen receptor-mediated expression of prostate derived ets transcription factor (PDEF) induces a loss of prostate cancer cell differentiation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL While inhibition of androgen signaling has shown to extend the lives of many patients, there is a growing concern in the field that androgen ablation may select for a more aggressive and lethal phenotype of prostate cancer. It has long been known that androgen receptor (AR) mediates growth and cellular differentiation. Therefore, inhibition of AR may stem cancer growth, but concurrently cause cells to de-differentiate and gain migratory and invasive properties. Prostate derived ets transcription factor (PDEF) is an AR target gene highly expressed in normal prostate tissue and has shown to be sufficient to mediate terminal epithelial cellular differentiation in the lung and colon. Previous studies in our lab have demonstrated, through retrospective IHC staining of FFPE radical prostatectomy specimens, loss of PDEF expression significantly associated with increased incidence and patients’ shorter metastatic free survival time with early stage prostate cancer. Furthermore, previous studies in the literature have detected the PDEF promoter sequence through AR ChIP-Sequencing and ChIP-on-ChIP experiments. We therefore studied the regulation of PDEF expression by AR as a potential mediator of prostate epithelial cellular differentiation. Our data indicated that anti-androgens, androgen starvation or AR shRNA was sufficient to abrogate PDEF protein and mRNA expression. Stable expression of AR shRNA or PDEF shRNA by lentiviral infection displayed a coordinate decrease in e-cadherin expression and an increase in vimentin expression, indicating a potential shift to a mesenchymal-like phenotype. This epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was also observed in cells acutely treated with anti-androgens bicalutamide or finasteride. Together, these results demonstrate that androgen ablation therapy may directly drive cells to de-differentiate and gain migratory/invasive capabilities, and therefore should only be indicated for those patients with a very short life expectancy or co-existing morbidities. 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 2871. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2871
Minstrels, Morris Dancers, and Players: Tracing the Routes of Travelling Performers in Early Modern Cornwall

Minstrels, morris dancers, and players participated in the lively social intercourse of Cornwall in the early modern period, providing entertainment for local festivals and celebrations in exchange for monetary reward. Because many of these groups were locally sponsored by their home parish, town, or village rather than by named patrons, we can determine the troupes' points of origin and begin to assess the routes they may have taken to their destinations. Fifteen record entries in extant documents spanning the years from 1506 to 1596 record twenty-three instances of travel by locally sponsored performers from specifically named locations in Cornwall and Devon. These references provide ample evidence for us to begin tracing the routes taken by local performers from site to site. In order to trace the performers' routes, this essay situates the documentary evidence within the general context of travel in early modern Cornwall, reconstructed from early modern maps, personal diaries, travel itineraries, and studies of Cornish geography, roads, and bridges. Several conclusions emerge from such a study. First, performance venues in sixteenth-century Cornwall fell, roughly, into three playing regions, and performers typically entertained in their own regions of the county. Second, while economic incentives may have influenced a group’s decision to perform, they did not necessarily drive a group to perform farther from home in search of greater reward. Third, and finally, some groups utilized Cornwall's highways to range far from their homes, while others followed the county's many minor roads and tracks to travel shorter distances to nearby parishes. Though little evidence indicates that regularly scheduled performances occurred along 'touring circuits' in Cornwall, this study substanitates other findings of research on touring in medieval and early modern Britain, adding new detail to the picture of who travelled where in Cornwall, what routes they took, and why they performed.
Strengthening governance: Ranking countries would help

The threat of nation‐state failure makes improving governance an urgent task. A more comprehensive, mostly objective, and quantifiable method of ranking developing countries according to their governmental performance accomplishments is required.
High-level expression of porcine factor VIII from genetically modified bone marrow-derived stem cells

Clinical success for gene therapy of hemophilia A will be judged by achievement of sustained, therapeutic levels of coagulation factor VIII (fVIII). Previous clinical trials have suffered from transient, subtherapeutic expression of human fVIII transgenes. Porcine fVIII contains sequence elements that enable more efficient biosynthesis than human fVIII due to enhanced posttranslational transit through the secretory pathway. In this study, we evaluated ex vivo retroviral gene transfer of a high-expression porcine fVIII transgene into bone marrow-derived stromal and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (MSCs and HSCs, respectively) and transplantation into genetically immunocompetent hemophilia A mice. Both MSCs and HSCs demonstrated high-level expression of porcine fVIII in vivo. However, following transplantation of gene-modified MSCs, fVIII activity levels rapidly returned to baseline due to the formation of anti-porcine fVIII-neutralizing antibodies. Alternatively, transplantation of HSCs into myeloablated and nonmyeloablated hemophilia A mice resulted in high-level fVIII expression despite low-level hematopoietic reconstitution by gene-modified cells. FVIII expression was sustained beyond 10 months, indicating that immunologic tolerance to porcine fVIII was achieved. Furthermore, transplantation of bone marrow from primary recipients into naive secondary recipients resulted in sustained, high-level fVIII expression demonstrating successful genetic modification and engraftment of HSCs.
Anastomotic pulmonary hypertension after lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension: report of surgical correction.

This report describes a patient who developed pulmonary hypertension 6 years after lung transplantion for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Evaluation with right heart catheterization followed by pulmonary angiography, however, demonstrated that the pulmonary hypertension was secondary to an anastomotic narrowing of the pulmonary artery, rather than a recurrence of her PPH. Vascular complications of lung transplantation should be considered in patients who experience exertional dyspnea after lung transplantation. The suggestion of pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography should prompt further evaluation, including meticulous hemodynamic measurements.
Morphological and functional aspects of experimental gentamicin nephrotoxicity in young beagles and foals.

A toxic nephropathy induced by gentamicin was investigated in young beagles and foals. Preliminary results indicated that a single 15 mg/kg dose of gentamicin administered to beagles produced subclinical functional and morphological changes in the kidney. Light histological lesions of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicosis were detected in all foals given gentamicin, suggesting an enhanced susceptibility of young horses to clinical renal dysfunction.
Efficient calculation of radiation patterns for reactively-steered array antennas

There is growing interest in the use of directive antennas in wireless systems. An alternative approach to traditional designs, such as mechanically-rotatable reflector antennas and phased arrays, is the reactively-steered array (Gyoda, K. and Ohira, T., 2000; Thiel, D.V. and Smith, S., 2002), in which only a single array element is excited by the RF source, and the other elements are parasitically excited. The parasitic elements are loaded by reactances that can be varied to adjust the relative phases of the element excitations. Through an appropriate selection of reactive loads, the main beam of the array, or a null, can be scanned to any desired direction. These arrays have the advantage of electronic pattern control without the complicated, expensive, and heavy feed network associated with traditional phased arrays. The paper presents a method that permits the fast calculation of radiation patterns of reactively-steered arrays for new sets of reactive loads applied to the parasitic elements. It is a much faster approach than applying full-wave analysis every time the load reactances change. The scan element pattern matrix and the mutual impedance matrix used in the method incorporate all of the effects of nearby scatterers to the extent that they are accurately modeled, but the matrices are computed only once for a given array geometry.
Museums in a troubled world

Museums in a troubled world, by Robert R. Janes, Abingdon, Oxon, UK and New York, Routledge, 2009, 208 pp., US$41.95 (paperback), ISBN10: 0-415-46301-7 He who puts on wisdom, puts on grief; and a h...
Ag/a-Si:H/c-Si resistive switching nonvolatile memory devices

Nanoscale Ag/a-Si:H/c-Si based resistive switching nonvolatile memory devices have been fabricated and examined with active areas down to 50*50 nm2. Close to 100% device yield was achieved without high voltage forming. The on/off resistance ratio increases as the device size is reduced, while the on-state resistance is insensitive to the device size down the smallest scales. This nanoscale resistive switching structure offers the potential as ultra-high density crossbar non-volatile memory devices. In the on-state, a rectifying I-V behavior was observed, a property desirable for large scale integration.
Representing the Sensitivity of Convective Cloud Systems to Tropospheric Humidity in General Circulation Models

Convective cloud variability on many times scales can be viewed as having three major components: a suppressed phase of shallow and congestus clouds, a disturbed phase of deep convective clouds, and a mature phase of transition to stratiform upper-level clouds. Cumulus parameterization development has focused primarily on the second phase until recently. Consequently, many parameterizations are not sufficiently sensitive to variations in tropospheric humidity. This shortcoming may affect global climate model simulations of climate sensitivity to external forcings, the continental diurnal cycle of clouds and precipitation, and intraseasonal precipitation variability. The lack of sensitivity can be traced in part to underestimated entrainment of environmental air into rising convective clouds and insufficient evaporation of rain into the environment. As a result, the parameterizations produce deep convection too easily while stabilizing the environment too quickly to allow the effects of convective mesoscale organization to occur. Recent versions of some models have increased their sensitivity to tropospheric humidity and improved some aspects of their variability, but a parameterization of mesoscale organization is still absent from most models. Evidence about the effect of these uncertainties on climate change projections suggests that climate modelers should make improved simulation of high and convective clouds as high a priority as better representations of low clouds.
The development of myofibrils in cultured muscle cells: A whole-mount and thin-section electron microscopic study

Abstract The development of myofibrils in cultured myotome cells from Xenopus embryos was studied with whole-mount and thin-section electron microscopy. For whole mount, the cells were grown on Formvar-coated grids, fixed, dehydrated, critical-point dried, and examined with a conventional (100 kV) or a high-voltage (1000 kV) electron microscope. Nonstriated bundles of 6- to 8-nm microfilaments, similar to stress fibers in nonmuscle cells, appear prior to nascent myofibrils. These bundles run the whole length of the cell and are inserted into the cell cortex. The transition from striated region to nonstriated region on a single nascent myofibril can be seen in both whole-mount and thin-section images. New sarcomeres appear to be added at the distal end of existing ones. Our data also indicate that these new sarcomeres are formed on a preexisting bundle of thin filaments. This suggests that the bundles of microfilaments are precursors to myofibrils. Evidence for this hypothesis came from the following observations. (1) Nascent myofibrils are anchored to the cell cortex via thin filaments similar to microfilament bundles. (2) Thin filaments in newly formed sarcomeres are often continuous through the middle of the A band. Later they break to form the H zone. (3) Thin filaments appear to be continuous through the developing Z band. Later they interact with the filaments in the Z band to form the staggered appearance.
Nagar Yoga: The Culturally Informed Town Planning of Patrick Geddes in India 1914--1924

Analyse anthropologique des comptes rendus de Sir Patrick Geddes sur l'urbanisme dans le Sud de l'Asie et en Inde| tenant compte des traditions culturelles et des formes d'organisation autochtones, il fit participer les communautes a ses projets architecturaux.
Simulation software for the Utah/MIT dextrous hand

Abstract The Utah/MIT dextrous hand is a 16-joint, four-finger manipulator that is being set-up in our laboratory for concept demonstrations of light assembly and repair tasks. In this paper, we describe a variety of simulation methods that graphically portray the grasps and tasks that the dextrous hand will subsequently carry out in practice. The first series of simulations have followed on from a taxonomy of human hand grasps. This human hand taxonomy shows how grasps can be divided into two basic types, namely power and precision. Since the Utah/MIT dextrous hand is architecturally different from the human hand, the first task has been to generate, in a computer graphic format, an equivalent taxonomy for the Utah/MIT hand. This has involved the development of a “modeler” that not only gives a graphic representation of the complex structure but also provides for realistic rendering, contact information and (with simpler rendering) real time animations of dextrous manipulations. Thus, it is emphasized that the modeler can show various simulations: the static taxonomy for the Utah/MIT hand; the dynamic joint movements; and interactions with objects of varying size. The spatial relationships between the hand and any arbitrary object can be simulated in order to check, for example, that the hand can geometrically bound and close upon the object. Programming tools for the dextrous hand are also discussed in the paper, in particular a sensor-based dataglove. When a human wears the instrumented glove, gesticulations can be stored for subsequent programming of the Utah/MIT hand. Since the architectures of human hand/glove and the Utah/MIT hand are different, this involves cross calibration and conversions between the two media.
Urine-reinfusion natriuresis: Evidence for potent natriuretic factors in rat urine

In awake rats the entire urine output was continuously reinfused i.v. Urine-reinfusion (UR) consistently led to the appearance, within one to two hours, of massive, sustained natriuresis and diuresis, suggesting the existence of potent natriuretic factors in the urine. At the time of maximal natriuresis, mean sodium excretion rate and urine flow rate were 25 and 15 times their respective values in control rats. Ths "urine-reinfusion natriuresis" could be demonstrated despite treatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate, blockage of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin or meclofenamate, reduction of plasma urea by pretreatment with a protein-free diet, or heating the urine to 100 degrees C. The natriuresis was not prevented by the absence of vasopressin (in Brattleboro rats) and was augmented by vasopressin infusion. In the Brattleboro rats, a marked increase in (CH2O + CNa)/GFR with only a slight rise in CH2O/GFR during UR suggests inhibition of both proximal and distal tubular reabsorption. Renal blood flow and plasma flow increased markedly during UR with a lesser rise in GFR, consistent with post-glomerular vasodilatation. Thus, the phenomenon of urine-reinfusion natriuresis suggests the presence in rat urine of potent, heat stable natriuretic factors, whose action is largely independent of changes in mineralocorticoids, prostaglandins, urea, or vasopressin. Renal vasodilatation with decreased sodium reabsorption at both proximal and distal nephron sites, appears to play an important role in the natriuresis.
Webs of Connection Using Technology in Theological Education

The author uses a variety of Internet-related technologies to support pedagogical approaches where students become conscious of their role in the production of knowledge in a public and critically collaborative environment. These approaches also seek to address theory/practice dichotomies by using the Internet to bridge academic and parish contexts. The article describes and assesses three courses utilizing web-based technology. One course features student portfolios posted on a website with peer- and parish-based reviewers. A second course features student creation of the course text with contributions from external professionals. A third course features a ministry resource website created by students.
Measuring the Quality of Care in Radiation Oncology

Quality care is one of the dominant issues in health care today. In this article, we will review the key concepts underlying quality measures and discuss how measures are developed and defined. We will next examine how these measures are currently being used and will conclude with some thoughts regarding the steps necessary to use quality measures to improve the quality of care in radiation oncology.
AGU Journals on a New Website

Since 31 July, all issues of AGU journals have been presented on a new website hosted and developed by our publishing partner, Wiley.
Activation of adenosine receptor A2A increases HSC proliferation and inhibits death and senescence by down-regulation of p53 and Rb.

Background & Aims: During fibrosis hepatic stellate cells (HSC) undergo activation, proliferation and senescence but the regulation of these important processes is poorly understood. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2A) is known to be present on HSC, and its activation results in liver fibrosis. In this study, we tested if A2A has a role in the regulation of HSC proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and the relevant molecular mechanism.Methods: The ability of adenosine to regulate p53 and Rb protein levels, proliferation, apoptosis and senescence was tested in the human HSC cell line LX-2 and rat primary HSC.Results: Adenosine receptor activation down-regulates p53 and Rb protein levels, increases BrdU incorporation and increases cell survival in LX-2 cells and in primary rat HSC. These effects of NECA were reproduced by an adenosine A2A receptor specific agonist (CGS21680) and blocked by a specific antagonist (ZM241385). By day twenty-one of culture primary rat HSC entered senescence and expressed -gal which was significantly inhibited by NECA. Furthermore, NECA induced down regulation of p53 and Rb and Rac1, and decreased phosphorylation of p44-42 MAP Kinase in LX-2 cells and primary rat HSC. These effects were reproduced by the cAMP analog 8-Bromo-cAMP, and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, and were blocked by PKA inhibitors.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that A2A receptor regulates a number of HSC fate decisions and induces greater HSC proliferation, reduces apoptosis and senescence by decreasing p53 and Rb through cAMP-PKA/Rac1/p38 MAPK pathway. This provides a mechanism for adenosine induced HSC regulation and liver fibrosis.
A wireless sensor system for quantification of infant feeding behavior

Research shows that rapid weight gain in infancy is associated to the development of obesity at a later stage in life. Feeding behavior in infants contributes to the rapid weight in early life. Sucking counts can be used to quantify the feeding behavior in infants. This paper presents a new signal processing algorithm to estimate sucking counts in infants from the data collected by a wireless jaw motion sensor. Meals for both breast-fed and bottle-fed infants were videotaped and synchronized with the sensor signal. Sensor signals were normalized and divided into 10 second segments. A percentile-based peak detection algorithm was used to estimate sucking count for each segment. The proposed approach was able to achieve a mean absolute error rate of 7.11% compared to human annotated sucking count with an average intra-class correlation of 0.92 between the algorithm and human raters.
Liking and consumption of fat-free and full-fat cheese

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure the impact of differences in taste test liking ratings of two samples of processed cheese upon consumption of those cheeses when they were sewed as part of a normal lunch. Firstly, forty subjects participated in a taste test to rate their liking for both cheeses, and then in a series of four lunches. Lunches consisted of the cheese plus 8 other items. Individual subjects' consumption of each food item was measured at the lunch. Ratings of hunger, prospective consumption (how much of each of the food served the subject thought he/she could eat) and post-consumption liking were obtained. Judges preferred the full-fat cheese to the fat-free cheese in both taste tests and post-consumption liking ratings. They ate more of the full-fat cheese and consumed more total fat and more total calories when the full-fat cheese was served. The amount of cheese eaten at lunch was related to both the liking of that cheese and to the amount of cheese the subjects thought they would be able to eat.
Transfer of Virus by a Direct Leaf-to-leaf Method

IN evaluating sources of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) resistance in tomato1 to a fruit disorder2, large numbers of mature plants grown in the field and greenhouse were indexed just prior to inoculation with TMV. This was necessary because the presence of related or unrelated viruses has been shown to interfere with TMV multiplication3,4. Since the usual method of indexing by juice inoculation to indicator hosts required considerable time spent in washing mortars and pestles between transfers, a less time-consuming method of inoculation seemed desirable. The leaf-to-leaf method described here is a modification of Yarwood's leaf-disk method5 in which the freshly cut edges of leaf disks are used in the inoculation of labile viruses.
Optimal force, differential force, and anchorage

Abstract 1. 1. When applied to canine retraction for a clinically useful period of time, there are no data to support the theory of optimal force. 2. 2. The logical derivative of this theory, differential force as it is currently employed, could not be substantiated in the present study. 3. 3. The present state of the art does not permit formulation of strong theories regarding force and rate of tooth movement. The most appropriate at this time postulates that higher forces per unit root area (to 3 or 4 grams per square millimeter) increase the rate of biologic response. The rapid tooth movement of the “light” forces appears to be the result of tipping which produces a high load at the alveolar crest. 4. 4. The maintenance of molars in an upright position (“anchorage”) is relatively effective in resisting the canine retraction by distributing the force over a larger root area. Angulated posterior brackets or tip-back bends help prevent mesial tipping by compensating for inaccuracies in bracket location and flexion of the arch wires (especially the lighter arches). 5. 5. The rotary and tipping components of canine retraction are inherently large and require strong compensatory bends for multiple-loop or light arches. Even with heavy arches, the rotary and tipping components are difficult to counteract without traction on the lingual side when the retraction force exceeds 300 grams.
Microbes in mascara: hypothesis-driven research in a nonmajor biology lab.

In this laboratory exercise, students were taught concepts of microbiology and scientific process through an everyday activity — cosmetic use. The students’ goals for the lab were to develop a hypothesis regarding microbial contamination in cosmetics, learn techniques to culture and differentiate microorganisms from cosmetics, and propose best practices in cosmetics use based on their findings. Prior to the lab, students took a pretest to assess their knowledge of scientific hypotheses, microbiology, and cosmetic safety. In the first week, students were introduced to microbiological concepts and methodologies, and cosmetic terminology and safety. Students completed a hypothesis-writing exercise before formulating and testing their own hypotheses regarding cosmetic contamination. Students provided a cosmetic of their own and, in consultation with their lab group, chose one product for testing. Samples were serially diluted and plated on a variety of selective media. In the second week, students analyzed their plates to determine the presence and diversity of microbes and if their hypotheses were supported. Students completed a worksheet of their results and were given a posttest to assess their knowledge. Average test scores improved from 5.2 (pretest) to 7.8 (posttest), with p-values < 0.0001. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of students correctly identified hypotheses that were not falsifiable or lacked variables, and 89% of students improved their scores on questions concerning safe cosmetic use. Ninety-one percent (91%) of students demonstrated increased knowledge of microbial concepts and methods. Based on our results, this lab is an easy, yet effective, way to enhance knowledge of scientific concepts for nonmajors, while maintaining relevance to everyday life.
Linguistic and cognitive supplementation strategies as augmentative and alternative communication techniques in huntington's disease: Case report

Huntington's disease is a hereditary, neurodegenerative disorder with motor, cognitive, and emotional deficits that have a profound effect on the ability to communicate and must be considered when implementing augmentative communication interventions. A therapy approach employing both linguistic and cognitive supplementation strategies was taught to a 44-year-old man with Huntington's disease. The use of a qualitative guided interview assisted in shifting the focus of assessment and treatment away from the speech impairment and on to communicative participation. The participant and his wife were able to use the strategies successfully and adapted them to meet other communicative needs.
Lesions of the calvaria: surgical experience with 42 patients.

Background: Lesions of the calvaria (cranial vault), whether benign or malignant, are rare, and the number that require surgical attention is very limited. During a 13-year period, 42 patients ranging in age from 13 to 82 years were treated surgically at our institution for lesions involving primarily the calvaria. The patients were found to have 16 benign lesions, 21 malignant lesions, and 5 pathologically ill-defined lesions. At last follow-up, 23 patients were still alive. Methods: Criteria for choosing surgery as the preferred therapeutic modality included (a) uncertain diagnosis; (b) benign lesions with a high probability of total removal; 3) malignant lesions that represented theonly residue of a systemic malignancy that was in remission; or (d) lesions that were rapidly enlarging, were causing significant symptoms, or were unresponsive to radiation or chemotherapy. Results: Preoperative needle biopsy was useful for some patients in establishing a definitive diagnosis and in providing the basis for the most effective treatment strategy. Most lesions were treated with either craniectomy alone (n=16) or with craniectomy and cranioplasty (n=26). Six of the 42 patients had postoperative complications. There was no operative mortality. Conclusion: This review of a series of patients with calvarial lesions provides an outline of the overall diagnostic workup and management of this unique patient population.
Rapid response of alpine timberline vegetation to the Younger Dryas climate oscillation in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA

Paleobotanical records from two high-altitude (>3300 m) sites in Colorado show a clear and immediate response to the Younger Dryas climate oscillation. The Black Mountain Lake and Sky Pond records indicate that alpine timberline migrated upslope to near-modern elevations during the late Bolling-Allerod (13.6–12.9 ka). Subsequent declines in arboreal pollen percentages and accumulation rates during the Younger Dryas interval (12.9–11.7 ka) reflect a downslope displacement of the alpine timberline ecotone of 60–120 m in elevation. This change translates to a cooling of summer temperature by ∼0.4–0.9 °C and is consistent with proposed Younger Dryas advances of alpine glaciers in the Rocky Mountains to positions close to Little Ice Age maxima. Alpine timberline readvanced upslope to elevations above both sites between 11.7 and 11.4 ka. The concomitant response of temperature-sensitive alpine timberline vegetation in Colorado and late-glacial changes in North Atlantic thermohaline circulation implicates a rapid, widespread atmospheric transmission of the Younger Dryas climate oscillation.
3-D statistical characterization of the heterogeneity of biological macromolecular complexes by electron microscopy

Electron microscopy provides images of macromolecular complexes from which the 3-D structure of the complex can be computed when all instances of a complex are identical. An algorithm for characterizing the 3-D spatial statistics of the complex is described and demonstrated for the important case when different instances are not identical.
Elderly patients with schizophrenia exhibit infrequent neurodegenerative lesions

Immunohistochemistry and conventional stains were used to examine the brains of 10 elderly patients with both schizophrenia and dementia to characterize the neuropathology of their cognitive deterioration. Control cases included five nondemented elderly patients with schizophrenia, five age-compatible Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and five neurologically normal elderly patients. Only one of the patients with schizophrenia and dementia had AD, another was diagnosed with adult polyglucosan body disease, and the others were devoid of neuropathology that could account for dementia. Quantitation of immunohistochemically detected neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques revealed similarly low counts for the normal control group and both schizophrenia groups. Typically, the neuropathological causes of dementia can be identified in up to 95% of cases, with AD accounting for 50-60%. The unexpected lack of neuropathological findings to explain the cognitive deterioration in this group of elderly patients with schizophrenia prompts speculation about alternative etiologies.
A Critical Role for Lymphotoxin in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis

The lymphotoxin (LT)/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family has been implicated in the neurologic inflammatory diseases multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). To determine the role of individual family members in EAE, C57BL/6 mice, LT-α–deficient (LT-α−/− mice), or LT-β–deficient (LT-β−/− mice), and their wild-type (WT) littermates were immunized with rat myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide 35-55. C57BL/6 and WT mice developed chronic, sustained paralytic disease with average maximum clinical scores of 3.5 and disease indices (a measure of day of onset and sustained disease scores) ranging from 367 to 663 with central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and demyelination. LT-α−/− mice were primed so that their splenic lymphocytes proliferated in response to MOG 35-55 and the mice produced anti-MOG antibody. However, LT-α−/− mice were quite resistant to EAE with low average clinical scores (<1), an average disease index of 61, and the negligible CNS inflammation and demyelination. WT T cells transferred EAE to LT-α−/− recipients. LT-β−/− mice were susceptible to EAE, though less than WT, with an average maximum clinical score of 1.9 and disease index of 312. These data implicate T cell production of LT-α in MOG EAE and support a major role for LT-α3, a minor role for the LT-α/β complex, and by inference, no role for TNF-α.
Insulin-like Growth Factor II Induces DNA Synthesis in Fetal Ventricular Myocytes In Vitro

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) belongs to a family of growth factors that includes insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1). Although the accumulating evidence indicates that IGF1 is involved in regulating proliferation of ventricular myocytes, the role of IGF2 is less clear. To gain more insight into the functions of IGF2, rat ventricular expression of IGF2 mRNA at four developmental stages was examined by Northern analysis. An abundant IGF2 mRNA of approximately 3.8 kb was detected in fetal ventricles. It was dramatically decreased in neonatal ventricles and became undetectable in juvenile and adult ventricles. Similar expression patterns of the mRNA encoding IGF1 receptor and IGF2 receptor were observed. Since the results of Northern analysis strongly suggest the importance of IGF2 in regulating proliferation of fetal rat ventricular myocytes, the effects of an exogenous IGF2 on DNA synthesis in cultured rat ventricular myocytes were determined. DNA synthesis, which was monitored by measuring 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and [3H]thymidine incorporation, was increased by twofold to threefold in IGF2-stimulated fetal ventricular myocytes, whereas no change in BrdU or [3H]thymidine incorporation was observed in neonatal ventricular myocytes. Instead, IGF2 seemed to induce hypertrophy in neonatal ventricular myocytes. An antisense oligonucleotide against rat IGF2 mRNA was able to significantly reduce BrdU incorporation, and this effect was quantitatively reversed by the addition of exogenous IGF2. Reversion by exogenous IGF2 was abolished by a monoclonal antibody against IGF1 receptor. In conclusion, our results suggest that IGF2 directly regulates proliferation of fetal rat ventricular myocytes in a paracrine/autocrine fashion.
Female urethral diverticula

Summary Female urethral diverticulum is a rare condition that isoften difficult to diagnose because of its episodic and var-ied symptoms. With increased awareness of the conditionby clinicians and referral to specialist centres for investiga-tion, surgical intervention offers good symptomatic out-comes with high cure rates and few complications. References 1. Hey W. Practical observations in surgery . Philadelphia: JamesHumphreys, 1805, p. 303.2. Anderson MJF. The incidence of diverticula in the female urethra. J Urol 1967; 98 : 96.3. Stewart M, Bretland PM, Stidolph NE. Urethral diverticula in theadult female. BJU 1981; 53 : 353.4. Cocco AE, MacLennan GT. Unusual female suburethral masslesions. J Urol 2005; 174 : 1106.5. Huffman JW. The detailed anatomy of the paraurethral ducts inthe adult human female. Am J Obstet Gynaecol 1948; 55 : 86.6. Mackinon M, Pratt PH, Pool TL. Diverticulae of female urethra. Surg Clin N Am 1959; 53 : 953.7. Tancer ML, Ravski NA. Suburethral diverticulae. Clin ObstetGynaecol
Tolerance of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine resistant human thymidylate synthases to alterations in active site residues

Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are used extensively in cancer therapy. In the cell, 5-FU is metabolized to 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate (5-FdUMP), a tight binding covalent inhibitor of thymidylate synthase (TS). In order to create 5-FdUMP resistant enzymes to protect chemosensitive normal cells and further understand mechanisms of 5-FdUMP resistance, we have randomized four residues within the active site of TS. Our previous studies identified alterations in residues which produce active TS with enhanced resistance to 5-fluorouridine (5-FdUR). By remutagenizing a subset of the 13 previously targeted residues (A197, L198, C199 and V204), an unbiased random library can be created allowing for extensive testing of all possible amino acid substitutions at each of the sites. Using genetic complementation and selection in Escherichia coli, we identified the spectrum of substitutions that yield active TS as well as those that resulted in 5-FdUR resistant mutants of TS. The 5-FdUR resistant TS were found to share several structural features including hydrophobic substitutions at residue 197, retention of the wild-type leucine 198, the alteration C199L (present in 64% of the drug-resistant library), and polar alterations of valine 204. The catalytic activity of mutants with these features was approximately equal to that of the wild-type TS.