cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of volatile profiles and phenolic compounds of Four Southern Italian onion (Allium cepa L.) Landraces

Abstract Volatile and phenolic compounds of four onion landraces (Airola, Alifana, Montoro and Vatolla) cultivated in Campania region (southern Italy) were compared. Overall, 31 volatiles were identified in the four landraces including: sulfur metabolites (19), aldehydes (7), alcohols (2), acids (2) and others (3). Phenolic compounds, assigned using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and semi-quantified by HPLC coupled with a diode array detector, varied from 297.3 to 1348.3 mg/kg fresh onion. Principal Component Analysis performed on volatiles and phenolic compounds revealed a relatively high inter- and intra-landrace variability, since the relative concentration of individual volatile and phenolic components varied within ample ranges. The four landraces could be distinguished with sound confidence by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric analysis of the fresh bulb skin. The qualitative and semi-quantitative volatile profiles of Airola onions were distinct among each other, indicating sensorial peculiarity of this landrace. The presence of 2-methylfuran differentiated the five Vatolla samples, as the remaining landraces lacked it. Altogether, these results could support consumers’ choices toward onion varieties with higher potential health benefits on a molecular basis and encourage future biodiversity programs to preserve onion landraces exhibiting valuable genetic resources.
Knee strength outcomes in adolescents by age and sex during late-stage rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract Objective To determine if knee strength differences exist according to age group and sex among adolescents during late-stage anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Consecutive patients who had undergone ACLR with a hamstring autograft completed isokinetic knee strength assessment. Patients were categorized into early (ages 11–14 years) and middle (ages 15–17 years) adolescence. A two-way MANOVA was used to examine strength differences according to age group and sex. Results 144 patients were included in the analysis (56.9% females, age = 15.3 ± 1.5 years; days since surgery = 228.2 ± 41.2). Differences in quadriceps peak torque were identified between age groups on the involved (p = 0.001) and uninvolved limbs (p Conclusion Early adolescents produced less quadriceps and hamstring peak torque compared to middle adolescents after ACLR. No differences were found between age groups when normalized to body mass.
Alterations in the gut microbiota contribute to cognitive impairment induced by the ketogenic diet and hypoxia.

Summary Many genetic and environmental factors increase susceptibility to cognitive impairment (CI), and the gut microbiome is increasingly implicated. However, the identity of gut microbes associated with CI risk, their effects on CI, and their mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that a carbohydrate-restricted (ketogenic) diet potentiates CI induced by intermittent hypoxia in mice and alters the gut microbiota. Depleting the microbiome reduces CI, whereas transplantation of the risk-associated microbiome or monocolonization with Bilophila wadsworthia confers CI in mice fed a standard diet. B. wadsworthia and the risk-associated microbiome disrupt hippocampal synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and gene expression. The CI is associated with microbiome-dependent increases in intestinal interferon-gamma (IFNg)-producing Th1 cells. Inhibiting Th1 cell development abrogates the adverse effects of both B. wadsworthia and environmental risk factors on CI. Together, these findings identify select gut bacteria that contribute to environmental risk for CI in mice by promoting inflammation and hippocampal dysfunction.
TNF-α induced bronchial vasoconstriction

The pro-inflammatory characteristics of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been extensively characterized in in vitro systems. Furthermore, this cytokine has been shown to play a pivotal role in ...
On the equivalence of various methods for finding the periodic steady state solution of nonlinear networks

A fundamental equivalence is shown between the harmonic balance, the sample balance, the generalized sample balance, and the shooting methods. This equivalence is shown in terms of the basic equation formulation for the methods and the iteration equations used to find solutions. The paper is intended to be tutorial as well as providing new analysis.
Limits and Henstock Integrals of Products

When it is known that R b a fn → R b a f for a sequence of Henstock integrable functions {fn} we give necessary and sufficient conditions for R b a fn gn → R b a f g for all convergent sequences {gn} of functions of uniform bounded variation. The conditions are easy to apply and involve either the uniform boundedness or uniform convergence of the indefinite integrals of fn. The proof uses Stieltjes integrals and applies to bounded or unbounded intervals on the real line. It is shown how to define Stieltjes integrals on unbounded intervals without treating them as improper integrals. The special cases fn ≡ f or gn ≡ g are also examined. The Abel and Dirichlet tests for integrability of a product are obtained as corollaries as well as a form of the Riemann-Lebesgue lemma. And, if Φ :N→ (0,∞) it is shown what conditions on {fn} and {gn} give R b a fn gn = O(Φ(n)) as n→∞.
What it is like to be a hospital nurse.

This is brought to you for free and open access by the Nursing at Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusionin Nursing Publications and Other Works by an authorized administrator of Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For moreinformation, please contact trace@utk.edu.
Stratification of the Legal Profession: A Debate in Need of a Public Forum

The American legal profession cannot presently meet the legal needs of the population. Ordinary citizens’ demand for legal services continues to rise, but those services are increasingly unaffordable. Recent law school graduates struggle to find professional employment opportunities, particularly ones that can provide salaries to meet their rising debt obligations. At the same time legal education continues to provide a general program of education while legal practice is increasingly specialized. The legal profession has not been innovative about meeting these related challenges. This article argues that the stratification of the legal profession has not been adequately explored as a way to increase access to legal services. Specifically, stratification would involve the training, education and licensure of professionals - other than lawyers - to provide some legal services. For example, a one-year program that focused on housing law leading to a limited license as a housing advocate could be created. This might be an effective way to meet an area of high consumer demand. However, because the state judiciaries regulate the scope of the legal profession’s monopoly, there is inadequate public participation and, accordingly, insufficient external pressure on the legal profession to consider these options. These deficiencies can be illustrated by comparing the judiciaries’ regulation of legal services to the legislatures’ regulation of health care services. This article proposes reforms to allow for public participation in the debate on the scope of the legal profession’s monopoly.
Millimeter and Submillimeter Studies of Interstellar High Temperature Chemistry

Observational studies of interstellar high temperature chemistry have been carried out at mm/sub-mm wavelengths. A survey of the J=2-1 transition of SiO in warm and cold clouds has been conducted at the FCRAO 14 m telescope, with follow-up observations at the LRAM 30 m. SiO was not detected in any cold clouds, but was observed in all regions with TK > 30 K, including a new outflow source 90“ south of Orion-KL. Such measurements suggest that the SiO abundance correlates directly with kinetic temperature. Searches were also performed for two possible new “high temperature” molecules, MgH and SH+.
Enhanced cardiac thermal dilution measurement of cardiac output, volumes, regurgitation, valve effective diameters, ventricular power and efficiency—feasibility analysis using digital simulation

Cardiac output is measured by the thermal dilution method which uses a quadruple lumen catheter, with a thermistor on the tip, through the right atrium, right ventricle and into the pulmonary artery. Cold saline is injected into the right atrium and the resulting pulmonary artery temperature profile is integrated. The same procedure performed with three thermistors and three pressure sensors located on the catheter to measure temperature and pressure in the atrium, ventricle and artery respectively will produce a set of temperature and pressure curves with shapes determined by injectate temperature, injectate volume, heart rate, systolic time interval, body temperature, cardiac output, volumes, flow rates and valve openings. A digital computer program has been developed to optimize the fit of a lumped parameter model to the thermodilution curves in order to determine heart rate, systolic time as a fraction of cardiac cycle, right atrial systolic and diastolic volumes, ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes, cardiac output, inflow valve forward and reverse flow rates and effective diameters, outflow valve forward and reverse flow rates and effective diameters, ventricular power and efficiency. The program has been tested over a range of operating conditions including noise in the temperature and pressure signals, randomly varying heart rate and cardiac cycle. All of the data for the tests were produced by a digital computer simulation of a pulsatile artificial heart. The results of these tests indicate that the enhanced thermal dilution analysis method is feasible.
Spectral Characteristics of the Convective Boundary Layer Over Uneven Terrain

Abstract The paper describes a convective boundary layer experiment conducted in April 1978 at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory, and examines the spectral behavior of wind velocity and temperature from the Observatory's 300 m tower, from aircraft flights alongside the tower and from a surface network of anemometers, for evidence of terrain influence on turbulence structure. The gently rolling terrain at the site does not seem to affect the turbulence spectra from the tower in any perceptible manner, except for minor shifts in the vertical velocity and temperature spectral peaks. The aircraft vertical velocity spectra showed different shapes for alongwind and crosswind sampling directions, as in earlier measurements over ocean surfaces, and their peaks are displaced to higher wavenumbers compared with the tower spectra. Long-term spectra of horizontal wind components from surface stations around the tower exhibit no particular sensitivity to site selection. Under near-stationary conditions the peak of t...
Integration of Existing Applications into a Conference System

An important aspect of computer supported cooperative work is the exchange of data during a conference. Usually, data is stored in data bases or managed by applications which are no conference applications and cannot be shared easily among conference participants. How can this data be used during a conference? In this paper we point out that an ideal solution for this problem is the integration of conference aware systems and conference unaware applications. We describe our experiences with the extension of a public domain sharing system for X applications into a universal sharing component which can be easily integrated into any conference system.
The effects of organizational structure on hospital performance.

The relationship between organizational structure and organizational performance would seem at first to be straightforward and obvious. The more complex organizational structures will result in positive organizational performance (i.e. greater effectiveness or profitability). The premise is that the ability of an organization to achieve its mission successfully should be a result of the organizational structure. It is generally accepted that certain structural configurations are able to achieve certain goals better than others (i.e. a diversified structure as opposed to a simple structure). The research to date indicates that this is not necessarily true. The specific issue examined in this paper will be the effect of structural diversification on performance in industry and healthcare.
Use of nitinol stents for end-stage tracheal collapse in dogs.

Objective To report bronchoscopic placement of nitinol stents (Vet Stent—Trachea®) for improvement of end-stage clinical signs in dogs with tracheal collapse. Study Design Case series. Sample Population Dogs (n = 18). Methods Medical records (January 1, 2004–October 31, 2008) were searched for dogs with a diagnosis of tracheal collapse; 18 dogs met inclusion criteria. Tracheal diameter was compared before and after stent deployment. Stent dimensions were compared after stent deployment and at radiographic follow-up. Results There was a significant difference in the minimum tracheal diameter when initial and post deployment tracheal diameters were compared (P = .003). Stent length was significantly shorter at follow-up when compared to post deployment measurements (P = .004). Owner assessment of outcome was available for all dogs with 11.1% mortality within 60 days. Complications were documented in 9 dogs. Conclusions Use of a nitinol stent (Vet Stent—Trachea®) in dogs with end-stage tracheal collapse is associated with a fair to good outcome despite significant temporal stent fore shortening after bronchoscopic placement.
A Role for Ethical Analysis in Social Research on Agrifood and Environmental Standards

Lawrence Busch claims that though some philosophers may recognize the ethical import of standards, they do not endeavor to understand how people justify standards in social reality. The argument in this paper is that the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Agrifood Governance and Technoscience should actually be understood as fleshing out a more important role for ethicists. This argument is explored through an analysis of the MSU School’s research on standards, a re-assessment of J.O. Urmson’s "On Grading," and a review of major ethical theories, from utilitarianism to discourse ethics. The conclusion is that though standards may be used and justified within social networks and worlds, there will always be points where their determination and application require discussion by stakeholders and other publics. It is at these points in which the reasons offered in support of various standards should be subject to debate and skepticism, and the role of ethics as an activity is crucial in conjunction with social scientific research.
Microvoltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies of (TPP)Co oxidation/reduction in toluene and benzene solutions

The microvoltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry of (TPP)Co (where TPP is the dianion of tetraphenylporphyrin) are reported in toluene and benzene solutions, and provide the first examples of spectroelectrochemistry in these two low dielectric constant solvents. (TPP)Co undergoes four reversible oxidation-reduction reactions in toluene or benzene. The reductions involve one-electron transfers and occur at E1/2 = −0.86 and −2.03 V vs. SCE in both solvents. The oxidations involve the successive reversible abstraction of two electrons and one electron from the initial (TPP)Co species and occur at E1/2 = 1.00 and 1.27 V vs. SCE in both solvents. Each electrode reaction was spectrally and electrochemically characterized in toluene and benzene, and the data in these two solvents are compared to data obtained in CH2Cl2 where (TPP)Co redox reactions have been extensively characterized in detail. Special emphasis is placed on comparing the thin-layer spectra of [(TPP)Co1] in toluene and benzene with that in other solvents commonly used for nonaqueous electrochemical studies.
Sedimentary indicators of atmospheric activity in the northern hemisphere during the cenozoic

Abstract The concentrations and accumulation rates of eolian phases and the mineralogy of sediments from a North Pacific core (LL44-GPC3) have been used to evaluate changes in eolian sedimentation and atmospheric activity during the Cenozoic. The quartz content, and clay mineralogy of the sediments reflect changing source areas for eolian material whereas the accumulation rates of eolian phases reflect climatic variation and wind intensity. Eolian sedimentation decreased from 70 to 50 m.y. ago at the site as it moved north out of the equatorial Pacific where it was supplied with eolian debris from North America and Africa. Low rates of eolian sediment accumulation 50 to 25 m.y. ago reflect the temperate, humid environment of the early Tertiary and the lack of vigorous atmospheric circulation at that time. From 25 to 7 m.y. ago eolian accumulation increased as the site moved into the influence of the westerlies. From 7 to 3 m.y. ago there was a more rapid increase in accumulation of eolian material at the site which was not accompanied by changes in mineralogy or quartz content and was, therefore, related to climatic change and more vigorous atmospheric circulation. About 2.5 m.y. ago a dramatic increase in eolian sedimentation accompanied the onset of dry Northern Hemisphere glaciation.
Indices Used to Evaluate Signs, Symptoms and Etiologic Factors Associated with Diseases of the Periodontium

Oral indices are reviewed and classified. The methods of using indices are discussed and a number of the periodontal indices are compared using a tabular format.
Technical Communique: Blind identifiability of IIR systems

It is shown that, with no prior information, a necessary and sufficient condition for an nth order IIR system to be blindly identifiable is that the over-sampling ratio p>=n+1.
Nonlinear forecasting and the dynamics of cardiac rhythm

Since the initial development of the electrocardiogram, cardiologists have made dramatic advances in the description and understanding of cardiac arrhythmias. Despite these successes, the analysis of cardiac rhythm has remained largely descriptive. Recently, the principles of nonlinear dynamics, or chaos theory, have been applied to the quantitative analysis of cardiac rhythm in a variety of diverse situations. In chaos theory, three types of signals can be defined: periodic signals, which repeat themselves over some finite time interval, chaotic signals, which, while deterministic, demonstrate complex behavior and do not repeat themselves, and random signals, which are unpredictable and nondeterministic. The technique of nonlinear forecasting defines trajectories in a suitably defined phase space and uses the future evolution of trajectories that are close to each other over short distances to make predictions for times further into the future. The ability to reliably predict the future evolution of the trajectories derived from any signal is an important characteristic of the underlying dynamics of the signal and can therefore used to determine those dynamics. The foundation of nonlinear forecasting is reviewed, and an algorithm is described that can be used to determine the underlying dynamics of a signal and has been applied to the analysis of R-R interval data.
Analysis of intercritical heat treatment of cast steels

The effects of intercritical heat treatment (ICHT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of C-Mn, 8630 type, and high strength low alloy (HSLA) cast steels have been investigated. A review of the cast steel literature indicates that intercritical heat treatment has been reported to result in improvements in low temperature toughness when used instead of standard quench and temper or normalize and temper heat treatments. However, it is not clear if this reported benefit of intercritical heat treatment can be achieved without corresponding decreases in strength and hardness.
Silylated precision particles for controlled release of proteins.

With the recent advances in the development of novel protein based therapeutics, controlled delivery of these biologics is an important area of research. Herein, we report the synthesis of microparticles from bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein using Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates (PRINT) with specific size and shape. These particles were functionalized at room temperature using multifunctional chlorosilane that cross-link the particles to render them to slowly-dissolving in aqueous media. Mass spectrometric study of the reaction products of diisopropyldichlorosilane with individual components of the particles revealed that they are capable of reacting and forming cross-links. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were also used to confirm the functionalization of the particles. Cross sectional analysis using focused ion beam (FIB) and EDS proved that the functionalization occurs throughout the bulk of the particles and is not just limited...
Theoretical performance of wide-band interferometers

An interferometer antenna is one of several techniques by which it is possible to realize a large aperture economically. It has been known for many years that the far field interferometer antenna pattern contains many grating lobes when the antenna is energized by a CW signal. However, for wideband signals of finite duration, the antenna pattern is considerably altered. In the present paper, an interferometer multidimensional ambiguity function is defined to determine performance limitations on an interferometer radar with respect to target range R, range rate R, angle, and angle rate.
The Tangjiahe, Wanglang, and Fengtongzhai giant panda reserves and biological conservation in the people's Republic of China

Abstract The People's Republic of China has designated a system of reserves in the mountains that rim the Sichuan Basin as areas to be managed specifically for the conservation of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca . We were invited to visit three of these reserves in April and May 1981 as guests of the China Association for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Forestry. Two reserves, Wanglang (27,000 ha) and Tangjiahe (40,000 ha) are located in the headwaters of the northern tributtaries of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) in the Min Shan, 400 km north of Chengdu. The Fengtongzhai (40,000 ha), type locality of Ailuropoda , is in the Qionglai Shah, 250 km west of Chengdu. We describe the physiography, faunistic and floristic position, and conservation management of these areas. Major issues in the conservation of Ailuropoda are discussed.
Epidural Catheter Tip Position and Distribution of Injectate Evaluated by Computed Tomography

Background The distribution of solutions injected into the epidural space has not been determined. The author therefore examined the site of catheter tips and the spread of contrast material in the epidural space using computed tomographic (CT) imaging in patients receiving successful epidural analgesia. Methods Lumbar epidural catheters were placed in 20 female patients by a midline technique. Anesthetic effect was determined by motor and sensory examinations during analgesic infusion. CT images were obtained for identification of the catheter tip and after radiographic contrast injection of 4 ml and then an additional 10 ml. Results Catheter tips were most often found lateral to the dura in the intervertebral foramen. In these subjects with normally functioning epidural analgesia, there was remarkable interindividual variability in patterns of spread, including various amounts of anterior passage, layering along the dura, and compression of the dura creating a posterior fold. Accumulation becomes more symmetric with increasing injectate volume. Spread through the intervertebral foramina was seen in all subjects. Air and fat in the region of the catheter interfered with solution spread in three subjects, but only over a limited area. Asymmetry in anesthetic effect was attributable to catheter position. No substantial barriers to solution spread were observed. Conclusions A variety of catheter tip positions and patterns of solution spread underlie normal epidural anesthesia. Non-uniform distribution of injectate is common and is compatible with uniform anesthesia. Posterior midline structures play a minimal role in impeding distribution of injectate. A far lateral catheter position is a more common cause of asymmetric block than anatomic barriers to solution spread.
Can One Dent a Dyon

We show that the exact monopole and dyon solutions found by Prasad and Sommerfield are stable by proving that they are absolute minima of the energy. (AIP)
Convergent mechanisms for dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control in metabolic disease: implications for mitochondrial therapeutics

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with a broad range of pathologies including diabetes, ethanol toxicity, metabolic syndrome and cardiac failure. It is now becoming clear that maintaining mitochondrial quality through a balance between biogenesis, reserve capacity and mitophagy is critical in determining the response to metabolic or xenobiotic stress. In diseases associated with metabolic stress, such as Type II diabetes and non-alcoholic and alcoholic steatosis, the mitochondria are subjected to multiple ‘hits’ such as hypoxia and oxidative and nitrative stress, which can overwhelm the mitochondrial quality control pathways. In addition, the underlying mitochondrial genetics that evolved to accommodate high-energy demand, low-calorie supply environments may now be maladapted to modern lifestyles (low-energy demand, high-calorie environments). The pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory environment of a sedentary western lifestyle has been associated with modified redox cell signalling pathways such as steatosis, hypoxic signalling, inflammation and fibrosis. These data suggest that loss of mitochondrial quality control is intimately associated with the aberrant activation of redox cell signalling pathways under pathological conditions. In the present short review, we discuss evidence from alcoholic liver disease supporting this concept, the insights obtained from experimental models and the application of bioenergetic-based therapeutics in the context of maintaining mitochondrial quality.
Interrelation of monocular and binocular acuities in the making of an equidistance judgment.

Experimentation was undertaken to demonstrate that the depth acuity for panel test objects is complex and can be considered to be a combination of the acuities for monocular or congruent and binocular or disparate stimulation. Probability addition to combine the two contributing acuities produced a reasonable fit of the empirical data. A generalization to the natural environment of the trigonometric relation of the acuity for the alignment of horizontal edges to the acuity for depth was not consistent with results reported in the literature. A concept of equivalent-parallactic-angle acuity was offered in conjunction with the known improvement in acuity with reduction in angular separation of the acuity objects as an explanation of the reported improvement in stereoscopic acuity with distance. In contradistinction to implications in the literature, this research indicates that stereoscopic vision remains as the indicator of depth relations after cues available in monocular vision have ceased to be effective, if situational factors favoring the utility of monocular vision are controlled.
Growth of Normal Human Melanocytes in a Defined Medium

In this article we review some of our recent results on the growth of human skin cells in vitro with emphasis on the normal melanocyte. Growth in a defined culture medium of normal human melanocytes isolated from neonatal or adult skin has been achieved. Melanocytes can be routinely cultured in medium MCDB 153 (0.1 mM CaCl2) supplemented with bovine pituitary extract (BPE), insulin, ethanolamine, phosphoethanolamine, hydrocortisone, and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The cells can be propagated for up to 35 cumulative population doublings in this medium. Further studies have shown that the undefined component of the medium, BPE, can be replaced with purified heparin-binding growth factor type-2 (also known as basic fibroblast growth factor), HBGF-2/bFGF, isolated from BPE. Neither epidermal growth factor nor trans-forming growth factor type-alpha could replace HBGP-2/bFGF for the growth of melanocytes. These results are in contrast to the growth factor requirements for normal human fibroblasts or keratinocytes whose proliferation in serum-free medium can be stimulated by either EGF or HBGF-2/bFGF. We have examined mRNA isolated from serum-free cultures of melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts for expression of the HBGF-2/bFGF gene. Fibroblasts, but not melanocytes or keratinocytes, express 4 distinct transcripts which hybridize to a specific HBGF-2/bFGF cDNA probe. Our results suggest that expression of the HBGF-2/bFGF gene is cell-type specific and that HBGF-2/bFGF produced by dermal cells could support the proliferation and/or normal homeostasis of melanocytes and keratinocytes during development and in adult skin.
Purchasing power parity during the 1920s

Abstract In this note the Purchasing Power Parity theory during the 1920s is tested using the co-integration approach. The results do not support the theory. Although exchange rates and prices are non-stationary in the levels, no equilibrium relationship holds among them.
Mechanism and regulation of Cdc25/Twine protein destruction in embryonic cell-cycle remodeling.

Summary Background In Drosophila embryos, the midblastula transition (MBT) dramatically remodels the cell cycle during the 14 th interphase. Before the MBT, each cycle is composed of only a short S phase and mitosis. At the MBT, S phase is dramatically lengthened by the onset of late replication, and a G2 phase is introduced. Both changes set the stage for gastrulation and require downregulation of Cdc25 phosphatase, which was previously attributed to the elimination of its transcripts at the MBT. Results Premature removal of cdc25 transcripts by RNAi did not affect progression to the MBT. Instead, an antibody against the Cdc25 isoform Twine showed that Twine protein was abundant and stable until the MBT, when it was destabilized and rapidly eliminated. Persistence of pre-MBT levels of Twine was sufficient to prevent cell-cycle slowing. Twine protein destruction was timed by the nucleocytoplasmic ratio and depended on the activation of zygotic transcription at the MBT, including expression of the gene tribbles , whose activity was sufficient to trigger Twine destruction and was required for prompt Twine disappearance. Conclusions We propose that the developmentally regulated destruction of Twine protein is a critical switch that contributes to the cell-cycle change at the MBT, including the addition of a G2 phase and onset of late replication. Moreover, we show that this destruction is triggered by the nucleocytoplasmic ratio-dependent onset of zygotic transcription of tribbles and other unknown genes.
Pilot study of Alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) for treatment of urinary clot retention in an in vitro model.

Abstract Introduction: The management of urinary clot retention and hematuria involves manual irrigation with sterile water or normal saline via a Foley catheter followed by continuous bladder irrigation. Irrigation may become difficult because of the formation of dense blood clots. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA/Alteplase) may be a useful pharmacological agent to improve the efficacy of manual irrigation of large, dense clots. The goal of the current study was to compare t-PA to sterile water for clot irrigation in an in vitro model. Materials and Methods: In vitro models of clot retention were created using 500-cc urinary leg bags each filled with 80 cc of unpreserved whole blood from a healthy volunteer. Each model was incubated at 25°C for 24 hours to allow clot formation. Four models each with 25 mL solution of t-PA at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL were evaluated and compared to a control (25 mL sterile water). Models were instilled with solution (t-PA or control) and incubated for ...
Sciatic nerve transection triggers release and intercellular transfer of a genetically expressed macromolecular tracer in dorsal root ganglia

We recently developed a genetic transneuronal tracing approach that allows for the study of circuits that are altered by nerve injury. We generated transgenic (ZW-X) mice in which expression of a transneuronal tracer, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), is induced in primary sensory neurons, but only after transection of their peripheral axon. By following the transneuronal transport of the tracer into the central nervous system (CNS) we can label the circuits that are engaged by the WGA-expressing damaged neurons. Here we used the ZW-X mouse line to analyze dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for intraganglionic connections between injured sensory neurons and their neighboring "intact" neurons. Because neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression is strongly induced in DRG neurons after peripheral axotomy, we crossed the ZW-X mouse line with a mouse that expresses Cre recombinase under the influence of the NPY promoter. As expected, sciatic nerve transection triggered WGA expression in NPY-positive DRG neurons, most of which are of large diameter. As expected, double labeling for ATF-3, a marker of cell bodies with damaged axons, showed that the tracer predominated in injured (i.e., axotomized) neurons. However, we also found the WGA tracer in DRG cell bodies of uninjured sensory neurons. Importantly, in the absence of nerve injury there was no intraganglionic transfer of WGA. Our results demonstrate that intraganglionic, cell-to-cell communication, via transfer of large molecules, occurs between the cell bodies of injured and neighboring noninjured primary afferent neurons.
Modeling Environmental Concern for Urban Tree Protection Using Biophysical and Social Psychological Indicators

Urban forest management is being increasingly recognized as a viable policy vehicle for improving community health, sustainable development, and well-being for city dwellers. To improve our understanding of public concern for the local urban forest, a theoretical framework employing concepts traditionally explored in social–psychological and environmental concern studies was tested using data from a public opinion survey of 800 homeowners living in a major urban area in Southern Appalachia, USA. Publicly available geographic information system (GIS) data were analyzed to measure tree canopy density around survey respondents’ properties. Structural equation modeling was used to test the validity of the hypothesized relationships among the survey-derived constructs and the spatial data as predictors of public support for urban forest protection policy. The results suggest that homeowners living around urban trees place greater importance on various attributes of trees, and that tree knowledge and experience...
Social relationships and immune processes in HIV seropositive gay and bisexual men

This three-year longitudinal study assessed the association between social relationships and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) progression in individuals at risk for morbidity and mortality due to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Two-hundred five HIV seropositive men without AIDS completed measures of social integration and loneliness at baseline. Blood samples used to assess CD4 T-lymphocyte levels were collected at baseline and at six-month intervals for a three-year follow-up period. Contrary to expectation, lower levels of baseline loneliness predicted more rapid declines in CD4 levels over the follow-up period. This association was independent of baseline CD4 values, negative affect, and health practices. A series of mediational analyses revealed that sexual behavior, medication use, bereavement, coping, and a number of other variables were not mechanisms through which loneliness affected the immune system. Loneliness was not associated with time to AIDS diagnosis or time to AIDS-related mortality. These findings are consistent with the emerging view that social relationships can have deleterious, as well as protective, influences on health outcomes.
The Creative Character of Talk: Individual Differences in Narrative Production Ability

The creative character of human message behavior is at once ubiquitous and elusive. Our talk is routinely novel, and yet our understanding of the processes that give rise to such creativity is in its infancy. Moreover, everyday experience suggests that some people are simply better at “thinking on their feet” than are others. The current studies sought to ascertain whether people do, indeed, differ in their ability to produce novel messages or whether our impression of individual differences is more perceived than actual. Two studies involving examination of simple SITUATION-ACTION-BECAUSE narratives are reported. The results of Study 1 suggest that people do differ in their message-production abilities. Additional analyses suggest that this individual difference in message-production ability is distinct from extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism as assessed by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. EPQ lie-scale scores were, however, related to narrative-production performance, and this may reflect...
Evaluation of the child with recurrent wheezing.

CLINICAL VIGNETTE An 8-year-old girl presents for evaluation of monthly episodes since infancy of wheezing, cough (often croupy), shortness of breath, and ‘‘rattling in the chest’’ that are generally accompanied by fever. Symptoms initially occurred in the setting of acute respiratory tract infections, and treatment with inhaled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids typically provided substantial clinical improvement. However, more recently, she reports exertional dyspnea and persistent cough with minimal improvement despite treatment with inhaled bronchodilators, daily use of low-dose inhaled corticosteroids, and a recent short course of systemic corticosteroids. She has no prior history of pneumonia, recurrent otitis media, sinusitis, or eczema. There were no perinatal complications. The family history is negative for atopic disease and cystic fibrosis. Physical examination was notable for weight and height between the 75th and 90th percentiles. Her respiratory rate was 20 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation was 98% while breathing room air. She had a nonproductive cough with no signs of respiratory distress. High-pitched expiratory wheeze was noted over the right middle and left lower lobe areas. The results of the cardiac examination were normal. No digital clubbing was noted. Spirometry (see Fig E1 in this article’s Online Repository at www.jacionline.org) revealed mild intrathoracic airflow obstruction (as evidenced by a reduced FEV1/ forced vital capacity ratio) without response to bronchodilator. Given the presence of symptomatology since infancy and airflow obstruction on spirometry, a chest radiograph (see Fig E2, A, in this article’s Online Repository at www.jacionline.org) was obtained that demonstrated clear lung fields with evidence of a vascular ring with a right-sided aortic arch and posterior tracheal narrowing. This finding led to performance of a barium swallow (see Fig E2, B), which demonstrated a right-sided aortic arch and posterior impression of the esophagus caused by external compression by a vascular ring. Computed tomography confirmed a right-sided aortic archwith an aberrant left subclavian artery. Percutaneous skin testing revealed positive reactions to several molds, cat pelt, and birch mix. She underwent surgical division of a vascular ring, with intraoperative bronchoscopy demonstrating distal tracheal flattening anteriorly. After the procedure, her symptoms resolved completely, and all asthma medications were discontinued without recurrence of symptoms. The full version of this article, including a review of relevant issues to be considered, can be found online at www.jacionline. org. If you wish to receive CME or MOC credit for the article, please see the instructions above. INSTRUCTIONS Credit can now be obtained, free for a limited time, by reading the review articles in this issue. Please note the instructions listed below:
Human attitude control.

Human body attitude control in space, using ten body complex geometry system, noting astronaut training jig
The Security Council's Increasing Reliance on Burdeu-Sharing: Collahoration or Ahrogation?

This article assesses the significance of the United Nations Security Council's increasing reliance on individual UN member states, groups of states and regional organizations to take the lead in peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations. It identifies several factors behind the trend and suggests why it is likely to persist. Although the study acknowledges that burden‐sharing can be effective, it also highlights instances in which it has proven inappropriate. Efforts to develop safeguards and oversight mechanisms are reviewed and found lacking. The report discusses recent initiatives to improve the capacities of regional organizations and individual UN member states to deploy military forces in promoting international peace and security. It concludes that while it is difficult to determine when the Security Council should delegate its mandated responsibilities, a willingness and ability to assume the burden should not be the only criteria employed.
Bisubstrate analogue inhibitors of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase: synthesis and biochemical and crystallographic studies.

6-Hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK) catalyzes the transfer of pyrophosphate from ATP to 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin (HP), leading to the biosynthesis of folate cofactors. Like other enzymes in the folate pathway, HPPK is an ideal target for the development of antimicrobial agents because the enzyme is essential for microorganisms but is absent from human and animals. Three bisubstrate analogues have been synthesized for HPPK and characterized by biochemical and X-ray crystallographic analyses. All three bisubstrate analogues consist of a pterin, an adenosine moiety, and a link composed of 2-4 phosphoryl groups. P(1)-(6-Hydroxymethylpterin)-P(2)-(5'-adenosyl)diphosphate (HP(2)A, 5) shows little affinity and inhibitory activity for E. coli HPPK. P(1)-(6-Hydroxymethylpterin)-P(3)-(5'-adenosyl)triphosphate (HP(3)A, 6) shows moderate affinity and inhibitory activity with K(d) = 4.25 microM in the presence of Mg(2+) and IC(50) = 1.27 microM. P(1)-(6-Hydroxymethylpterin)-P(4)-(5'-adenosyl)tetraphosphate (HP(4)A, 7) shows the highest affinity and inhibitory activity with K(d) = 0.47 microM in the presence of Mg(2+) and IC(50) = 0.44 microM. The affinity of MgHP(4)A for HPPK is approximately 116 and 76 times higher than that of MgADP and 6-hydroxymethylpterin, respectively. The crystal structure of HPPK in complex with 7 (HPPK.MgHP(4)A) has been determined at 1.85 A resolution with a crystallographic R factor of 0.185. The crystal structure shows that 7 occupies both HP- and ATP-binding sites and induces significant conformational changes in HPPK. The biochemical and structural studies of the bisubstrate analogues indicate that the bisubstrate analogue approach can produce more potent inhibitors for HPPK and the minimum length of the link for a bisubstrate analogue is approximately 7 A.
Reconfigurable ATM transmitter/receiver implementation

An architecture to perform the principal transmit and receive functions in an ATM network is presented. This innovative design, based on field programmable gate arrays, can be reconfigured to function as a single 622Mbit/s OC-12c channel or four independent 155Mbit/s OC-3c channels.
The Quantum Interference Computer: Error Correction and an Experimental Proposal

An error correcting mechanism is proposed in the context of the Quantum Interference Computer along with an experimental proposal to test the interference aspects of this approach.
Bone density phenotypes in mice aneuploid for the Down syndrome critical region.

Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is associated with reduced bone density in humans, but it is unclear whether this is due to specific effects of chromosome 21 genes or lifestyle factors. Mouse models with aneuploidy of segments of mouse chromosome 16 that are homologous to human chromosome 21 can be used to elucidate the mechanism by which Down syndrome phenotypes arise. Ts1Rhr and Ms1Rhr mice are trisomic and monosomic, respectively, for the hypothesized “Down syndrome critical region” containing approximately 33 genes. We assessed the skeletons of these mice from 3 to 16 weeks of age using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Ts1Rhr mice were unexpectedly similar to normal controls, showing that a larger region of trisomy is necessary to recapitulate the Down syndrome phenotype. Ms1Rhr mice, in contrast, showed decreases in weight, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone area from weaning to adulthood. Regional bone density was also decreased in the femur, tibia, and lower lumbar spine. The microarchitecture of 3 week old Ms1Rhr femurs was then analyzed using µCT. Volumetric density, total tissue volume, bone volume, and bone fraction were all reduced in both cortical and trabecular bone. Ms1Rhr trabeculae were thinner and had decreased connectivity. A 31.5% reduction in the level of insulin-like growth factor I in the serum was found, and we hypothesize that this is responsible for the bone density phenotype. We discuss bone-related genes in the region and propose that humans with distal chromosome 21 deletions may exhibit reduced bone density. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Semi-Lagrangian Piecewise Biparabolic Scheme for Two-Dimensional Horizontal Advection of a Passive Scalar

Abstract A conservative semi-Lagrangian algorithm with a snall computational diffusion is presented that may be applied to advection of passive scalars in numerical models of the atmosphere. The technique is preferable for the horizontal semistaggered grids where a scalar point is surrounded by four velocity points. It is a coupling of the semi-Lagrangian approach and the piecewise parabolic method (PPM). Unlike the original PPM when applied to the advection of passive scalars, the new scheme is a fully two-dimensional algorithm. Also, it is not restricted by the linear stability condition. This paper describes the two steps comprising the two-dimensional algorithm. The first one is the interpolation pressure for getting the piecewise biparabolic function, and the second is a conservative remapping from the original grid to the grid made by the departure domains. Several test integrations are presented in which the described scheme performs very successfully.