cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Genetics and Epigenetics of Kidney Development

The development of the mammalian kidney has been studied at the genetic, biochemical, and cell biological level for more than 40 years. As such, detailed mechanisms governing early patterning, cell lineages, and inductive interactions have been well described. How genes interact to specify the renal epithelial cells of the nephrons and how this specification is relevant to maintaining normal renal function is discussed. Implicit in the development of the kidney are epigenetic mechanisms that mark renal cell types and connect certain developmental regulatory factors to chromatin modifications that control gene expression patterns and cellular physiology. In adults, such regulatory factors and their epigenetic pathways may function in regeneration and may be disturbed in disease processes.
Analysis of hydroxide, inorganic sulphur species and organic anions in kraft pulping liquors by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract A new method has been developed for the determination of hydroxide, sulphide, thiosulphate, sulphate, sulphite, chloride, oxalate and formate in kraft green, white and black liquors by capillary electrophoresis. The method provides baseline resolution of all analytes of interest using an electrolyte composed of 10 mM sodium chromate and 2 mM tetradecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide. Separations are conducted under constant current conditions at 25 °C and analytes are quantified by indirect UV-detection at 275 nm. A brief, post run wash of the capillary with 0.5 M NaOH and water gave improved inter- and intra-run repeatability of both migration times and peak areas. Sulphide and other oxysulphur species were relatively stable in white and green liquors diluted in helium-sparged water. However, sulphide present in black liquor samples diluted in the same solvent underwent rapid oxidation to form sulphite and thiosulphate, thereby precluding the measurement of all three anions. We discovered that quinone-type compounds present in black liquor catalyze the oxidation of sulphide and that the addition of reduced glutathione at a concentration of 1 mg/mL during black liquor dilution completely stabilized sulphide, sulphite and thiosulphate for at least one hour, thus allowing for quantitative analysis of the analytes. A mechanism is proposed to explain the action of both quinones and that of glutathione. Results obtained by the new method compared well with those obtained by ion chromatography, titrimetry, and from spike-recovery experiments.
Epidermal Langerhans Cell Involvement in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) possess surface markers and functional attributes which identify them as being of macrophage/monocyte lineage, and recent evidence documents their participation in certain immune process which occur in skin. To assess the role of LCs in lupus erythematosus (LE), a disease in which immune system dysfunction predominates, human epidermis from patients with cutaneous LE was studied with 3 LC surface markers: ATPase activity, HLA-DR and OKT-6 antigens. Suction blister top epidermal skin biopsies from patients with 3 clinical types of cutaneous LE exhibited similar features: LCs were less dendritic, they were more irregularly distributed, and they were present in fewer numbers when compared with those in adjacent normal skin. These changes contrasted with those observed in diseases with similar lichenoid histopathological features. LCs appeared increased in number in lichen planus. LCs in skin lesions from one patient with dermatomyositis exhibited similar morphologic alterations, but surface densities and distributions were preserved. Disaggregated epidermal cells from skin lesions of patients with cutaneous LE induced allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation as efficiently as did cells from nonlesional skin, indicating that the morphologic alterations observed were not associated with a decreased alloantigen presenting capacity. These studies have demonstrated that epidermal LC populations in 3 clinical types of cutaneous LE are perturbed in a manner not seen in 2 other lichenoid skin diseases, although these changes were not associated with an altered capacity of such cells to stimulate proliferation by allogeneic lymphocytes.
Investigation on 3-D characteristics of flow around a yawed and inclined circular cylinder

Abstract A three-dimensional detached eddy simulation (DES) study was conducted to investigate the three-dimensional characteristics of the fully developed flow past a yawed and inclined circular cylinder. Flow at Reynolds number ( Re ) of 1.4×10 5 (based on freestream velocity U and the diameter of the cylinder D ) over a cylinder with axial lengths of 10 D , 20 D and 30 D was simulated. Spanwise wall boundary conditions were also studied to examine their effect on the flow field. The simulation shows that the flow is highly three-dimensional. The swirling flow with low pressure on the cylinder plays an important role in generating multiple moving forces, which can produce low-frequency loadings. The mechanism of generation of forces on the cylinder provides fundamental information necessary for the understanding of the oscillation of a yawed and inclined circular cylinder.
Effects of testosterone and methallibure on courtship and plasma androgen concentrations of male newts, Taricha granulosa.

Abstract The administration of methallibure to male rough-skinned newts, Taricha granulosa , reduced the incidence of male courtship behavior and reduced concentrations of plasma androgens, as measured by radioimmunoassay. Daily injections of testosterone raised the concentration of plasma androgens above that in saline-treated males; however, testosterone treatments failed to moderate the inhibitory effect of methallibure on the expression of male mating behavior. The results indicate that male sexual responsiveness in Taricha is influenced by changes in hormones other than plasma androgens.
Interpreting Mueller matrix images of tissues

In recent years, several investigators have begun to explore polarized light imagery as a potential diagnostic tool. For example, polarimetric images have shown promise in identifying a variety of dermatological conditions. Because tissues tend to depolarize a large fraction (~85%) of incident light, the Mueller calculus lends itself well to these applications. A particular property of the Mueller matrix, the Depolarization Index, has demonstrated promise in discriminating between cancerous and benign moles. In this paper, we discuss the depolarizing aspects of tissues, however we primarily attempt to analyze the small fraction of light that has retained a polarization state. Analyzing the residual polarizing properties of a sample is challenging, and it requires a polar decomposition of the measured Mueller matrix into the basic properties of diattenuation, retardance, and depolarization. The diattenuation and retardance images contain information about the complex refractive index of the tissue, including any spatial variations in the index. We present measurements of the diattenuation and retardance of laser light reflected from skin as a function if incident angle and scattered angle.
A 3.3fJ/conversion-step 250kS/s 10b SAR ADC using optimized vote allocation

This paper presents a 10b successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that operates at 0.5V supply voltage and supports a flexible differential input dynamic range from 0.4V to 1V. The proposed ADC employs a majority vote comparison along with a non-binary architecture to alleviate the effect of comparator noise in scaled input voltage swings. To maximize performance subject to comparator power level constraints, the allocation of votes is optimized for each bit cycle. The prototype, fabricated in 65nm CMOS process, achieves ENOB ranging from 7.1b to 9.1b and FOM from 3.3 to 6.8fJ/conversion step while operating at 250kS/s.
Pliocene channel deposits of oyster shells in the Salton Trough region, California

Abstract The Imperial Formation, Salton Trough region, California, consists of rift-related deltaic sediments deposited at the head of the early Pliocene Gulf of California. Shell beds of the small plicate oyster Lopha vespertina (Conrad) form a widespread and distinctive sedimentary component of the deltaic deposits. Consisting of a mixture of skeletal material, calcite cement and siliciclastic sand, and reaching thicknesses of 5 m, the shell beds formed as lateral accretion deposits of meandering distributary channels on shallow marine portions of the delta. Shell beds consist mainly of planar cross-stratified shell gravels of point bar origin and also include facies representing channel lag and overbank deposits. Skeletal material in the shell beds was derived from an oyster-dominated community which inhabited overbank areas along channel margins. In addition to oysters, this community also included small numbers of other epifaunal bivalves, gastropods, corals, bryozoans, barnacles, echinoids, annelids and a shell-boring assemblage representing the Typanites ichnofacies.
The phototoxicity of 2,5-diphenyloxazole (POP) and 1,4-bis(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)benzene (POPOP).

2,5-Diphenyloxazole (POP) is widely used for the determination of radioactivity by scintillation counting. It has been found to be phototoxic to the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis, to the first instar larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, to the crustaceans Daphnia magna and Artemia salida, as well as to the eggs of Drosophila melanogaster. The related molecule 1,4-bis(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)benzene (POPOP) is also phototoxic, but to a lesser degree. Both POP and POPOP can sensitize the formation of singlet oxygen.
Quark elastic scattering as a source of high transverse momentum mesons

From 7 GeV/c pions to 600 GeV/c jets, the wonderful journey from the "old days" of Feynman–Field collider phenomenology to the Tevatron and the LHC.
Energy metabolism, pH changes, and lactate production in RIF-1 tumors following intratumoral injection of glucose.

Abstract The metabolic consequences of increased glucose availability were examined in subcutaneous RIF-1 tumors in vivo , using 13 C and 31 P NMR spectroscopy. Significant increases in the levels of nucleotide triphosphates and phosphocreatine relative to low energy phosphates and in tumor pH were observed within 30 min following injection of 1 g/kg of glucose directly into the tumor. These changes did not occur following an equivalent intratumoral dose of the non-metabolizable sugar alcohol, mannitol. When [1- 13 C]-glucose was administered, [3- 13 C-lactate and [3- 13 C]-alanine were the only labeled metabolites detected in the in vivo 13 C NMR spectra during the period of bioenergetic improvement. Biochemical analysis revealed a substantial increase in tumor and plasma glucose concentration, but no increase in either tumor or plasma lactate, consistent with the absence of acidosis. Evaluation of the distribution of glucose in the tumor by quantitative autoradiography of [1- 14 C]-2-deoxyglucose administered with the glucose indicated that, on average, 7 mM of the added glucose distributed over the entire tumor within 10 min. The significant improvement in overall metabolic status of the tumors following glucose administration is attributed to the existence of substrate limited regions within the tumor.
SERUM LEVELS AND SKIN FIXATION OF TRANSFUSED IgE IN INFANTS

Six infants each requiring one or two exchange transfusions (total 8) were monitored for the level of transfused IgE in their serum and the rate of skin fixation of the exogenous IgE. An average of over 80% of the transfused IgE was detected in the infants blood stream at the conclusion of the exchange. The persistance of the IgE in the circulation was in inverse relationship to the amount transfused. Donor IgE varied from 15 u/ml to 650 u/ml with 70% to 30% remaining in the infants' circulation after 24 hours. Skin fixation of IgE parallels its disappearance from the circulation. Maximum skin fixation was observed between 36 and 48 hours and the skin-fixed IgE persisted for the 31 days that two of the babies were able to be followed. The normal human infant is born with a fully developed mechanism to produce an atopic reaction except for IgE antibody. Thus the IgE infused in conjunction with a transfusion can place the infant at risk of a passively transferred anaphylactic reaction for at least one month.
Production rate, learning, and program costs: Survey and bibliography

Abstract This survey contains items that we have found useful in our integrative research on production rate, learning, and cost. The references given relate to aggregate planning, assembly line balancing, and overhead redistribution. The survey is narrow in that it only relates to learning augmented production models that contain production rate as a decision variable. General references to the learning curve are not included. We make no claims that this survey is complete. Our efforts have concentrated on the economics, industrial engineering, and operations research literature. The authors solicit omitted items for inclusion in future revisions.
Observation of domains and grooves on MO disks with Optical microscopy and image processing

Optical microscopy and image processing are integrated to form a nondestructive test system for imaging magnetic domains and groove structures. High-contrast images and quantitative localized analysis such as Kerr loops, coercivity, and Kerr rotation angle can be obtained from coupons as well as from MO disks.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Model-based sensor rendering for a DIS multisensor airborne surveillance platform

This paper reports on the continuing development of a DIS- compliant model for an airborne platform carrying a multisensor payload. This payload consists of a moving target indicator (MTI) radar, a cooperative battlefield combat identification system (BCIS), and imaging sensors. The imaging sensors are a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and a forward looking infrared (FLIR) imager. The entire platform model is an extension to the ModSAF environment. The sensor model code is fully portable and integrated as ModSAF libraries. Relevant emission protocol data units (PDU) are generated and transmitted. The overall simulation architecture and the MTI and BCIS models have been described in detail elsewhere. The current work concentrates on the development of real-time model-based imaging functions. The software tools which provide this capability are available both in the government- owned inventory and as commercial products. The purpose of the current activity is to investigate the feasibility of integrating software of this kind with the ModSAF environment in order to produce realistic target/scene rendering similar to those obtained by high-resolution imaging sensors. To this end, we investigated real-time scene generation using two approaches. The first, through integration of the IRMA software package developed and distributed by the USAF Wright Laboratories, Eglin AFB, and the second is by use of the commercial software package SensorVisionTM, which is marketed and distributed by Paradigm Solutions, Inc. Both of these produce scene renderings in user specified wavebands by combining entity state PDU information with terrain data. The scene model information is passed to rendering software to produce an IR or SAR rendering of the scene.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The impact of surgical site infection on the development of incisional hernia and small bowel obstruction in colorectal surgery

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term complications of surgical site infection (SSI) in the colorectal population, specifically its association with incisional hernia and small bowel obstruction. Methods Using standardized definitions of SSI, a retrospective review of patients undergoing transabdominal colorectal surgery from January 2002 to December 2005 was performed. Primary outcomes included incisional hernia and small bowel obstruction in patients with SSIs. Results A total of 443 patients were analyzed. The median surgical follow-up was 12 months (2–3,091 days). Infections were identified in 101 (23%) cases. There were 99 cases (22%) of incisional hernia and 32 cases (7%) of small bowel obstruction. Logistic regression revealed SSI to be independently associated with incisional hernia after adjusting for clinical covariates (adjusted odds ratio = 2.23, P = .003; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–3.8). Patients with incisional hernia were 1.9 times more likely to have had an SSI (36.3% vs 18.8%, P ≤ .01). They required a longer operative time (224 minutes vs 198 minutes, P = .03), had an increased body mass index (29.0 vs 26.8, P ≤ .01), and had increased estimated blood loss (363 vs 289, mL, P = .03). Small bowel obstruction was significantly associated with operations involving the rectum (11.5% in operations involving the rectum vs 5.9% in nonrectal operations, P = .05), increased estimated blood loss (409 ml vs 297 ml, P = .04), and red blood cell transfusion (15.5% with transfusion vs 5.7% without, P = .01). SSI was not an independent predictor of small bowel obstruction (adjusted odds ratio = 1.05, P = .91; 95% confidence interval, .45–2.5). Conclusions Patients with an SSI were 1.9 times more likely to have an incisional hernia than those without an SSI. An SSI after colorectal s urgery was a risk factor for the development of incisional hernia but was not a risk factor for small bowel obstruction in our population.
Compartment calcium model of frog skeletal muscle during activation

Abstract Skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by a rise in calcium (Ca 2+ ) concentration in the myofibrillar space. The objective of this study was to develop a voltage dependent compartment model of Ca 2+ dynamics in frog skeletal muscle fibers. The compartment model corresponds to the myofibrillar space (MS) and a calcium store, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Ca 2+ is released from the SR to the MS based on the voltage and is able to bind to several proteins in the MS. We use a detailed model to account for voltage dependent Ca 2+ release and inactivation. With this model, we are able to match previous experimental data for Ca 2+ release and binding to proteins for an applied (fixed) voltage. We explore the sensitivity of parameters in the model and illustrate the importance of inactivation of the SR; during a long depolarization, the SR must be inactivated in order to achieve realistic Ca 2+ concentrations in the MS. A Hodgkin Huxley type model was also developed to describe voltage at the surface membrane using electrophysiological data from previous experiments. This voltage model was then used as the time dependent voltage to determine Ca 2+ release from the SR. With this fully coupled model, we were able to match previous experimental results for Ca 2+ concentrations for a given applied current. Additionally, we examined simulated Ca 2+ concentrations in the case of twitch and tetanus, corresponding to different applied currents. The developed model is robust and reproduces many aspects of voltage dependent calcium signaling in frog skeletal muscle fibers. This modeling framework provides a platform for future studies of excitation contraction coupling in skeletal muscle fibers.
Effect of impurities on the magnetic ordering in chromium.

It is well known that impurities profoundly alter the magnetic properties of chromium. For example, doping with as little as 0.2% vanadium changes the phase transition from weakly first order in pure chromium to second order. While vanadium impurities suppress the Ne\ifmmode\acute\else\textasciiacute\fi{}el temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$, doping with manganese dramatically enhances ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$. Impurities also change the wave vector of the spin-density wave, which has the order parameter g. According to the theory of Young and Sokoloff (YS), the first-order transition in pure chromium is caused by a charge-density wave with order parameter \ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathit{g}}^{2}$. Scattering by impurities suppresses the charge-density wave and drives the transition to second order. In this paper we refine the YS formalism by examining the subtle balance between the spin-density and charge-density terms in the free energy. We find that the first-order transition is destroyed when the concentration of vanadium exceeds about 0.15%, in agreement with experimental measurements. We also study the effect of impurities on the band structure and Ne\ifmmode\acute\else\textasciiacute\fi{}el temperature.
Young learners’ interactional development in task-based paired-assessment in their first and foreign languages: a case of English learners in China

In response to the growing interest in evaluating young learners’ foreign language (FL) performance, this study aims to deepen our understanding of young learners’ developmental differences in interaction during task-based paired-language assessments. To examine age effects separately from the effect of general language proficiency, we analysed learners’ interaction in both their first language (L1) and FL. We observed the students as they engaged in an assessment consisting of a set of decision-making tasks with their peers. After each task, the students self-assessed their performance. We found differences in interactions across grade levels in both L1 and FL with respect to holistic interactional patterns, topic development, and turn-taking patterns. The students’ understanding of communicative interactive tasks also appeared to differ between grade levels, perhaps reflecting their experiential differences with communicative tasks in class. The paper concludes with implications for implementing task-ba...
Collagen fibres with improved strength for the repair of soft tissue injuries

Abstract Our laboratory has developed a process for self-assembly of high strength collagen fibres in vitro which exhibit the characteristic D period. These fibres can be cross-linked by severe dehydration (dehydrothermal cross-linking) at elevated temperature and formulated into devices used to repair soft tissues. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dehydrothermal cross-linking time and temperature on the tensile mechanical properties of collagen fibres. The results discussed indicate that the tensile strength of reconstituted collagen fibres is optimized by cross-linking for 5d at 110°C. Tensile strength and modulus values of 91.8 and 896 MPa are reported for fibres cross-linked in this manner. High tensile strength and modulus values are especially important in developing biodegradable materials that promote healing of orthopaedic structures.
Pediatric Transplantation Using Hearts Refused on the Basis of Donor Quality

Background There is always more demand than supply of organs in pediatric heart transplantation. Yet, potential donor organs are regularly declined for a variety of reasons, among them donor organ quality as determined by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) refusal code 830 or its equivalent. Methods For the study group institutional and UNOS databases (July 2000 to December 2008) were reviewed to examine outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation using donor hearts that had been previously refused one or more times because of organ quality. Variation between outcomes of this cohort and recipients who received primarily offered heart grafts in a single institution was analyzed. Results In 29 recipients, transplantation or retransplantation was with heart grafts previously declined on the basis of quality. Recovery distances (p Conclusions Despite longer distance recovery (ie, longer graft cold ischemic times), outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation using donor heart grafts refused on the basis of organ quality are highly competitive. Pediatric donor hearts should seldom be declined on the basis of organ quality (UNOS code 830).
Focal dermal hypoplasia syndrome in a male

Focal dermal hypoplasia (Goltz syndrome) is characterized by a pathognomonic abnormality of the skin in association with other congenital defects. There are only seven males among the 52 reported cases. We report the eighth case in a male and evaluate the possible genetic origin of the syndrome. A critical review of the literature provides no evidence for the previously accepted single gene mode of inheritance.
Physiological Responses in Rats Fed Extracts of Endophyte-Free and Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Seed Relative to Some Known Ergot Alkaloids

ABSTRACTThe investigation reported in this paper (No. 88-5-3-11-147) is in connection with a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with approval of the Director.The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over firms or similar products not mentioned.Ethanol and ethanol-water extracts of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed were effective for extracting toxin(s) responsible for feed intake and average daily weight gain (ADG) depression in Sprague Dawley rats. Although the ethanol extract of endophyte-infected seed depressed serum prolactin (Prl) concentrations, the data were less reflective of overall toxicity than feed intake and weight gain. Inclusion of commercially available ergonovine maleate, ergocryptine and ergotamine tartrate had no effect on rat feed intake, ADG or serum Prl at the levels tested. Dietary addition of a recombination of hexane, ethanol and ethanol-water extracts caused a...
Seasonal emergence of Culicoides furens (Diptera : Ceratopogonidae) at Vero Beach, Florida.

The seasonal emergence of Culicoides furens (Poey) has been studied for about 15 months. Three presently important habitats of this species, namely tidal ditches, brackish pools, and impoundments, were observed for comparison. The pattern of emergence from impoundments differed from the other 2 habitats in that relatively few adults were produced early in the year with the onset of warmer weather (March to June), but the rate of emergence continued at a higher level into the beginning of the “winter” months and was generally higher throughout the cold period (September to March). Tidal ditches and brackish pools yielded most adults early in the year, with numbers generally diminishing through the summer and falling sharply to a low level throughout the cold period. The emergence patterns are interpreted in terms of the number of generations completed annually and in light of other data concerning seasonal size change and potential for autogenous development of eggs. Data obtained concurrently with the main study indicated that light traps may provide incomplete information about the seasonal emergence of C. furens .
Increased Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Serine Phosphorylation and Stress-Activated Protein Kinase/c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Activation Associated With Vascular Insulin Resistance in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Insulin resistance is associated with cardiovascular disease. Impaired insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-mediated signal transduction is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Recently, IRS-1 phosphorylation at serine 307 by stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) has been highlighted as a molecular event that causes insulin resistance. We investigated IRS-1-mediated insulin signaling, IRS-1 phosphorylation at serine 307, and SAPK/JNK activation status in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor and IRS-1 in SHR was decreased to 55% (P<0.01) and 40% (P<0.01) of the levels in Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), respectively. Insulin-stimulated IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation in SHR was reduced to 28% of the level in WKY (P<0.0001). Immunoblot analysis revealed that phosphorylated IRS-1 at serine 307 in SHR was increased to 261% (P<0.001) of the level in WKY. Phosphorylated (activated) SAPK/JNK in SHR was increased to 223% of the level in WKY (P<0.01). Serine-phosphorylated IRS-1 that was immunoprecipitated from the aorta of SHR was capable of inhibiting in vitro tyrosine phosphorylation by recombinant insulin receptor compared with WKY-derived IRS-1. These findings demonstrate that insulin resistance in the aorta of SHR was associated with elevated IRS-1 phosphorylation at serine 307 and increased SAPK/JNK activation. The present study suggests that increased SAPK/JNK activation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular insulin resistance via inhibitory serine phosphorylation of IRS-1.
Microdialysis studies on 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine and structurally related analogues.

Abstract The acute effect of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and three structural analogues on the extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its major metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanil.ic acid (HVA), in the striatum was studied using in vivo microdialysis in awake, freely moving rats. MDA significantly (P MDMA > MDE > MBDB > vehicle. The increase in extracellular DA concentration following a single administration of these compounds was negatively correlated with the level of serotonin (5-HT) and its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the contralateral striatum measured 7 days following drug administration. Thus, extending the alkyi group on the nitrogen or α-carbon of MDA reduces the ability of these compounds both to increase acutely the extracellular concentration of DA and to produce long-lasting depletions of 5-HT in the brain.
Modification of cellular DNA by synthetic aziridinomitosenes

Two synthetic aziridinomitosenes (AZMs), Me-AZM and H-AZM, structurally related to mitomycin C (MC) were evaluated for their anticancer activity against six cancer cell lines (HeLa, Jurkat, T47D, HepG2, HL-60, and HuT-78) and tested for their DNA-modifying abilities in Jurkat cells. Cytotoxicity assays showed that Me-AZM is up to 72-fold and 520-fold more potent than MC and H-AZM, respectively. Me-AZM also demonstrated increased DNA modification over MC and H-AZM in alkaline COMET and Hoechst fluorescence assays that measured crosslinks in cellular DNA. Me-AZM and H-AZM treatment of Jurkat cells was found to sponsor significant DNA-protein crosslinks using a K-SDS assay. The results clearly indicate that the AZM C6/C7 substitution pattern plays an important role in drug activity and supports both DNA-DNA and DNA-protein adduct formation as mechanisms for inducing cytotoxic effects.
Local Public Health Department Characteristics Associated With Likelihood to Participate in National Accreditation

Objectives. We examined factors associated with completing, initiating, or intending to pursue voluntary national accreditation among local health departments (LHDs).Methods. We examined National Association of County and City Health Officials 2010 and 2013 profile data in a pooled cross-sectional design with bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. We conducted individual multivariable models with interest in accreditation and likely to accredit as outcome variables, comparing changes between 2010 and 2013.Results. LHDs with formal quality improvement programs are significantly more likely to have initiated or completed the accreditation process (odds ratio [OR] = 7.99; confidence interval [CI] = 1.79, 35.60), to be likely to accredit (OR = 2.41; CI = 1.65, 3.50), or to report an interest in accreditation (OR = 2.32; CI = 1.67, 3.20). Interest was lower among LHDs in 2013 than in 2010 (OR = 0.56; CI = 0.41, 0.77); however, there was no difference regarding being likely to accredit. LHDs with a hi...
Iowa Gambling Task with non-clinical participants: effects of using real + virtual cards and additional trials.

Performance on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in clinical populations can be interpreted only in relation to established base line performance in normal populations. As in all comparisons of assessment tools, the normal base line must reflect performance under conditions in which subjects can function at their best levels. In this review, we show that a number of variables enhance IGT performance in non-clinical participants. First, optimal performance is produced by having participants turn over real cards while viewing virtual cards on a computer screen. The use of only virtual cards results in significantly lower performance than the combination of real + virtual cards. Secondly, administration of more than 100 trials also enhances performance. When using the real/virtual card procedure, performance is shown to significantly increase from early adolescence through young adulthood. Under these conditions young (mean age 19 years) and older (mean age 59 years) adults perform equally. Females, as a group, score lower than males because females tend to choose cards from high-frequency-of-gain Deck B. Groups of females with high or low gonadal hormones perform equally. Concurrent tasks, e.g., presentation of aromas, decrease performance in males. Age and gender effects are discussed in terms of a dynamic between testosterone and orbital prefrontal cortex.
Corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitor sparing regimens in kidney transplantation

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem that is associated with increased risks of kidney disease progression, cardiovascular disease and death. Kidney transplantation remains the renal replacement therapy of choice for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Despite impressive strides in short-term allograft survival, there has been little improvement in long-term kidney graft survival, and rates of death with a functioning allograft remain high. Long-term safety profiles of existing immunosuppressive regimens point to a need for continued search for alternative agents. This overview discusses emerging evidence on a few promising therapeutic approaches, juxtaposes conflicting findings and highlights remaining knowledge gaps.
Zero dynamics inverse design for asymptotic regulation of the heat equation: the non-colocated case

In this paper we present the results of our recent work on asymptotic regulation using zero dynamics inverse (ZDI) design for a one dimensional heat equation applied to the non-colocated case. In our previous works we have considered several different types of examples for the co-located case in which boundary control is used to track reference signals given at the same end of the rod or on the interior of the rod. In this work we show how this method can also be applied in the case of boundary control in order to achieve tracking a pair of signals prescribed at interior points of the rod.
Overexpression of CXC Chemokine Ligand 14 Exacerbates Collagen-Induced Arthritis

CXCL14 is a relatively new chemokine with unidentified receptor and undefined function. Recently, we found that CXCL14 is upregulated in arthritic joints in a mouse model of autoimmune arthritis, collagen-induced arthritis. To examine the role of CXCL14 in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis, we have generated transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress CXCL14 under control of phosphoglycerate kinase promoter. The results showed that CXCL14-Tg mice developed more severe arthritis compared with wild-type controls. The draining lymph nodes of CXCL14-Tg mice were significantly enlarged and contained an increased number of activated T cells, particularly the CD44+CD62Llow effector memory cells. In addition, T cells from CXCL14-Tg mice exhibited an enhanced proliferative response against collagen II and produced higher levels of IFN-γ but not IL-4 or IL-17. CXCL14-Tg mice also had elevated levels of IgG2a autoantibodies. These findings indicated that CXCL14 plays an important role in the autoimmune arthritis, which may have an implication in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis in humans and, ultimately, therapeutic interference.
Hypoxia and the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases: gene transcription and the assessment of potential pharmacologic therapeutic interventions

Oxygen is an environmental/developmental signal that regulates cellular energetics, growth, and differentiation processes. Despite its central role in nearly all higher life processes, the molecular mechanisms for sensing oxygen levels and the pathways involved in transducing this information are still being elucidated. Altering gene expression is the most fundamental and effective way for a cell to respond to extracellular signals and/or changes in its microenvironment. During development, the expression of specific sets of genes is regulated spatially (by position/morphogenetic gradients) and temporally, presumably via the sensing of molecular oxygen available within the microenvironment. Regulation of signaling responses is governed by transcription factors that bind to control regions (consensus sequences) of target genes and alter their expression in response to specific signals. Complex signal transduction during hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen in inspired gases or in arterial blood and/or in tissues) involves the coupling of ligand-receptor interactions to many intracellular events. These events basically include phosphorylations by tyrosine kinases and/or serine/threonine kinases, such as those of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), a superfamily of kinases responsive to stress nonhomeostatic conditions. Protein phosphorylations imposed during hypoxia change enzyme activities and protein conformations, and the eventual outcome is rather complex, comprising of an alteration in cellular activity and changes in the programming of genes expressed within the responding cells. These molecular changes serve as signals that are crucial for cell survival under contingent conditions imposed during hypoxia. This review correlates current concepts of hypoxic sensing pathways with hypoxia-related phosphorylation mechanisms mediated by MAPKs via the genetic and pharmacologic regulation/manipulation of specific transcription factors and related cofactors.
Payload Adaptation of A Flexible One-link Manipulator

The payload adaptability of a light-weight flexible manipulator is studied. Using the FEM (Finite-Element Method) model of a flexible manipulator, a lower order compensator can be accomplished. The simulation results have shown that the proposed payload-adaptation synthesizer, which synthesizes a payload identifier and a nominal regulator/estimator interpolator to obtain a near-optimal compensator, has good adaptability with varying payload. And the synthesizer also provides a near-optimal damping for this noncolocated control system with torque constraint on the actuator.
Circadian clock speed increases during aging in the male Syrian hamster: A large-scale study

There are conflicting reports in the literature as to whether or not the circadian period in Syrian hamsters shortens with age, and those studies were conducted with small sample sizes. This report mines data from a large number of experiments resulting in more than 1000 measurements of circadian period in hamsters during aging up to 6 months, and this was correlated with both age and weight. Circadian period was calculated while hamsters were in running wheels in constant darkness. There is a weak correlation between hamster weight and circadian period, and there is significant shortening of circadian period during aging.
The Changing Psychology of Culture From 1800 Through 2000

The Google Books Ngram Viewer allows researchers to quantify culture across centuries by searching millions of books. This tool was used to test theory-based predictions about implications of an urbanizing population for the psychology of culture. Adaptation to rural environments prioritizes social obligation and duty, giving to other people, social belonging, religion in everyday life, authority relations, and physical activity. Adaptation to urban environments requires more individualistic and materialistic values; such adaptation prioritizes choice, personal possessions, and child-centered socialization in order to foster the development of psychological mindedness and the unique self. The Google Ngram Viewer generated relative frequencies of words indexing these values from the years 1800 to 2000 in American English books. As urban populations increased and rural populations declined, word frequencies moved in the predicted directions. Books published in the United Kingdom replicated this pattern. The analysis established long-term relationships between ecological change and cultural change, as predicted by the theory of social change and human development (Greenfield, 2009).
Infrared Camera For Ten Micrometer Astronomy

We describe an infrared imaging photometer employing a monolithic 32 X 32 pixel bismuth doped silicon charge injection device array. The device is primarily useful in the 8 to 13 karl atmospheric window. The detector is sufficiently sensitive to provide good performance on ground-based telescopes and promises to be very good for low background space flight operation.
The rGel/BLyS fusion toxin inhibits malignant B cells and blocks endogenous NF-κB signaling pathways

4876 Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are aggressive sub-types of B-cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Growth signaling pathways mediated in part through the NF-κB signaling pathway and the growth factor B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) are commonly constitutively expressed in malignant B cell lines. Activation of NF-κB signaling and BLyS expression both play important roles in B-cell development and survival. We previously generated a fusion toxin designated rGel/BLyS for receptor-mediated delivery of the rGel toxin to the malignant B cells. Three MCL cell lines (JeKo-1, Mino, and SP53) and two DLBCL cell lines (SUDHL-6 and OCI-Ly3) expressing all three distinct BLyS receptors (BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA) were found to be the most sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the fusion toxin compared to rGel itself. The rGel/BLyS fusion toxin inhibited NF-κB DNA-binding activity after 7 hr of treatment (80% and 60% inhibition for Mino and OCI-Ly3, respectively) and suppressed constitutive NF-κB activity in a dose and time-dependent manner in both MCL and DLBCL lines. The rGel/BLyS fusion toxin blocked Akt phosphorylation after 1 hr of treatment and induced down-regulation of phospho Akt in a time-dependent manner. We also found that rGel/BLyS down-regulated levels of Mcl-1, Bcl-x L and cyclin D1, but not Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, treatment of cells with rGel/BLyS induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Our results suggest that constitutive NF-κB expression plays an important role in regulating B-cell growth and that the cytotoxic effects of this fusion toxin appear to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting these critical growth stimulatory pathways. This also suggests that rGel/BLyS may be an excellent candidate for the treatment of B-cell malignancies including MCL and DLBCL. Research conducted, in part, by the Clayton Foundation for Research.
Uncoupling Catalytic and Binding Functions in the Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A

The canonical function of kinases is to transfer a phosphoryl group to substrates, initiating a signaling cascade; while their non-canonical role is to bind other kinases or substrates, acting as scaffolds, competitors, and signal integrators. Here, we show how to uncouple kinases' dual function by tuning the binding cooperativity between nucleotide (or inhibitors) and substrate allosterically. We demonstrate this new concept for the C subunit of protein kinase A (PKA-C). Using thermocalorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance, we found a linear correlation between the degree of cooperativity and the population of the closed state of PKA-C. The non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (ATPγC) does not follow this correlation, suggesting that changing the chemical groups around the phosphoester bond can uncouple kinases' dual function. Remarkably, this uncoupling was also found for two ATP-competitive inhibitors, H89 and balanol. Since the mechanism for allosteric cooperativity is not conserved in different kinases, these results may suggest new approaches for designing selective kinase inhibitors.
Is capnometry helpful in children with bronchiolitis

Abstract Background Acute bronchiolitis is the most frequent lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Only small subsets of patients develop severe disease resulting in hospitalization despite having no identifiable risk factors. There is still a debate as to the role of capnometry in assessing ventilation in children with acute respiratory distress, and bronchiolitis in particular. Methods This was a prospective, single blind cohort study in which children younger than two years presenting to the emergency department (ED) with bronchiolitis were included. Our primary outcome was the correlation between the end tidal CO2 (EtCO 2 ) and the clinical decision of hospital admission and discharge. Our secondary outcome measure was the correlation of EtCO 2 upon arrival to the ED and clinical measures of bronchiolitis severity. Finally, by using multivariate models, we looked for other parameters that could contribute to the prediction of illness severity. Results One hundred and fourteen children with bronchiolitis were evaluated. Their median EtCO 2 upon arrival to the ED was 34 mmHg (range 24–65 mmHg). EtCO 2 values upon admission or discharge were not statistically different among patients who were hospitalized and among those who were discharged from the ED. Among admitted patients, we found no correlation between capnometry readings at admission and number of oxygen desaturation days, nor with the length of hospitalization. Wang clinical respiratory severity score was found, by using multivariate models, to predict nasogastric tube need, oxygen desaturation days, and length of hospitalization. Conclusion Capnometry readings upon arrival to the ED did not predict hospital admission or hospital discharge eligibility. Among hospitalized patients, EtCO 2 did not correlate with the evaluated disease severity measures. Wang score was found to be the most consistent predictor of significant outcomes.