cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ephrin reverse signaling controls palate fusion via a PI3 kinase-dependent mechanism

Secondary palate fusion requires adhesion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the epithelial layers on opposing palatal shelves. This EMT requires transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3), and its failure results in cleft palate. Ephrins, and their receptors, the Ephs, are responsible for migration, adhesion, and midline closure events throughout development. Ephrins can also act as signal-transducing receptors in these processes, with the Ephs serving as ligands (termed "reverse" signaling). We found that activation of ephrin reverse signaling in chicken palates induced fusion in the absence of TGFβ3, and that PI3K inhibition abrogated this effect. Further, blockage of reverse signaling inhibited TGFβ3-induced fusion in the chicken and natural fusion in the mouse. Thus, ephrin reverse signaling is necessary and sufficient to induce palate fusion independent of TGFβ3. These data describe both a novel role for ephrins in palate morphogenesis, and a previously unknown mechanism of ephrin signaling.
Smooth muscle caveolae differentially regulate specific agonist induced bladder contractions

Aims Caveolae are cholesterol-rich plasmalemmal microdomains that serve as sites for sequestration of signaling proteins and thus may facilitate, organize, and integrate responses to extracellular stimuli. While previous studies in the bladder have demonstrated alterations in caveolae with particular physiologic or pathologic conditions, little attention has been focused on the functional significance of these organelles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of caveolae in the modulation of receptor-mediated signal transduction and determine the presence and localization of caveolin proteins in bladder tissue. Methods Contractile responses to physiologic agonists were measured in rat bladder tissue before and after disruption of caveolae achieved by depleting membrane cholesterol with methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Stimulation with agonists was repeated after caveolae were restored as a result of cholesterol replenishment. RT-PCR, immmunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to determine the expression and localization of caveolin mRNA and proteins. Results Following caveolae disruption, contractile responses to angiotensin II and serotonin were attenuated, whereas responses to bradykinin and phenylephrine were augmented. Cholesterol replenishment restored responses towards baseline. Carbachol and KCl induced contractions were not affected by caveolae disruption. Ultrastructure analysis confirmed loss of caveolae following cholesterol depletion with cyclodextrin and caveolae restoration following cholesterol replacement. Gene and protein expression of caveolin-1, -2, and -3 was detected in bladder tissue. Immunoreactivity for all three caveolins was observed in smooth muscle cells throughout the bladder. Conclusions The functional effects of cholesterol depletion on specific agonist-induced contractile events and the expression of all three caveolins in bladder smooth muscle support a central role for caveolae in regulation of selective G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways in bladder smooth muscle. Thus, caveolae serve to differentially regulate bladder smooth muscle by a stimulus-dependent potentiation or inhibition of bladder contraction. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Controversy and the network documentary: Critical analysis of form

Critical evaluation of network television news documentaries frequently contends that the production form is an important factor in the controversial atmosphere that surrounds this type of program. The research reported here was an effort to explore the nature of form in the network documentary. A computerized descriptive content analysis was conducted on programs of the three major networks. Non‐thematic variables ranging from aural verbal word counts to visual‐verbal synchronization were analyzed within the programs of each network and compared across networks to determine proportions and the stability of patterned use. Substantiation was given to the premise that a structured form does exist in the network news documentary. The form appeared to supersede the content of these programs, adding credibility to intuitive critical judgment which places form at the center of the documentary's continuing problems.
Aircraft-based Radiometric Imaging of Tropospheric Temperature and Precipitation Using the 118.75-GHz Oxygen Resonance

Passive microwave imaging of O2 emissions using the 118.75-GHz resonance has been investigated for tropospheric and stratospheric remote sensing of atmospheric temperature and precipitation. An imaging millimeter-wave spectrometer (MTS) using eight double-sideband channels centered around the 118.75-GHz resonance, and including a fixed-beam 53.65-GHz radiometer and video camera was constructed. The MTS collected data during 33 flights of the NASA-ER-2 high-altitude aircraft in 1986 during GALE and Cohmex, yielding the first high-spatial-resolution microwave images of atmospheric O2 brightness. The isolated 118-GHz line offers higher spatial resolution and precipitation sensitivity than O2 lines in the 5-mm band near 60 GHz. The brightness temperature perturbations of clouds in nonprecipitating regions are typically twice as large in the 118-GHz channels. However, observations over cirrus anvils show that the 118-GHz brightnesses are not adversely sensitive to some optically opaque cloud cover. Thus these channels are expected to be useful for temperature sounding in the presence of clouds, although retrieval ambiguities can result from variations in the water-vapor profile and surface emissivity.
Evaluation of Gastric Acid as a Factor in Drug-Induced Gastric Hemorrhage in the Rat

Studies on six drugs at maximal gastric hemorrhage producing dose in the rat indicate that there is no common mechanism of drug-induced gastric hemorrhage. Vagotomy significantly reduced hemorrhage incidence after administration of aspirin, phenylbutazone, 2-deoxyglucose, and reserpine, but not after serotonin or histamine. Acid infusion (0.075 m) in vagotomized rats treated with aspirin and reserpine returned hemorrhage incidence to control values, but acid infusion after phenylbutazone or 2-deoxyglucose did not. Studies on gastric secretion in the acute fistula rat indicated that, of the drugs studied, only 2-deoxyglucose increased any parameter of gastric secretion above control values while the most common effect was an inhibition of titratable acid output. The use of glycine infusion to trap spontaneously secreted hydrochloric acid demonstrated that the decrease in gastric secretion seen with aspirin, serotonin, and histamine was not due to a loss of secreted HCl through the damaged gastric mucosa.
Depression of cell metabolism and proliferation by membrane-permeable and -impermeable modulators: role for AMP-to-ATP ratio

The metabolic and developmental depression commonly observed during natural states of dormancy, such as diapause and quiescence, is typically accompanied by an increase in the intracellular ratio o...
Effects of Window Treatments in Cold Climates

Window treatments were compared for their ability to reduce heat loss through a double-glazed window under subzero weather conditions. A full-sized window was used in a laboratory test system. Roller shades, roman shades, films, and other selected treatments were found to significantly reduced heat loss com pared to the bare window (p < 0.025). Heat loss was reduced to nearly half when roller shades and roman shades were sealed to the window frame. Draperies tested were not significantly different from the bare window. Unlike other re searchers (Hirning & Woell, 1978; U.S. Department of Energy, 1984), the covered cornice did not reduce heat loss, and combinations of window treatments did not improve effectiveness over a single treatment. A cost evaluation indicated that home-constructed roman shades and polystyrene boards would be cost ef fective and provide significant reduction of heat loss.
Probing the electrochemical double layer of an ionic liquid using voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy: A comparative study of carbon nanotube and glassy carbon electrodes in [EMIM]+[EtSO4]−

Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are compared as techniques for analyzing double layer capacitances of ionic liquids (ILs) at the surfaces of two carbon-based electrodes. These systems are relevant for energy storage supercapacitors and often are associated with unconventional electrochemical properties. Certain theoretical and experimental aspects of CV and EIS necessary for quantitative evaluation of the capacitance characteristics of such systems are explored. The experiments use 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium ethylsulfate as a model IL electrolyte in combination with a porous electrode of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The results are compared with those obtained with a nonporous glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The time is constant, and hence the power delivery characteristics of the experimental cell are affected by the electrolyte resistance and residual faradaic reactions of the IL, as well as by the spatially inhomogeneous electrode surfaces. It is shown that adequate characterization of these IL-electrode systems can be achieved by combining CV with EIS. A phenomenological framework for utilizing this combination is discussed.
Pro-Survival and Pro-Growth Effects of Stress-Induced Nitric Oxide in a Prostate Cancer Photodynamic Therapy Model

We discovered recently that human breast cancer cells subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT)-like oxidative stress localized in mitochondria rapidly upregulated nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) and nitric oxide (NO), which increased resistance to apoptotic photokilling. In this study, we asked whether human prostate cancer PC-3 cells would exploit NOS2/NO similarly and, if so, how proliferation of surviving cells might be affected. Irradiation of photosensitized PC-3 cells resulted in a rapid (<1 h), robust (~12-fold), and prolonged (∼20 h) post-irradiation upregulation of NOS2. Caspase-3/7 activation and apoptosis were stimulated by NOS2 inhibitors and a NO scavenger, implying that induced NO was acting cytoprotectively. Cyclic GMP involvement was ruled out, whereas suppression of pro-apoptotic JNK and p38 MAPK activation was clearly implicated. Cells surviving photostress grew back ~2-times faster than controls. NOS2 inhibition prevented this and the large increase in cell cycle S-phase occupancy observed after irradiation. Thus, photostress upregulation of NOS/NO elicited both a pro-survival and pro-growth response, both of which could compromise clinical PDT efficacy unless suppressed, e.g. by pharmacological intervention with a NOS2 inhibitor.
Etiologic Diagnosis of Nonsyndromic Genetic Hearing Loss in Adult vs Pediatric Populations

ObjectivesDetermine the diagnostic yield of a shared genetic testing algorithm in adult and pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and recommend effective testing strategies t...
Strength and Toughness of Silicide Matrix Materials Consolidated by Hot Isostatic Pressing

Substantial improvements have been reported in high temperature strength and creep resistance, and room temperature fracture toughness of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) reinforced with ductile or brittle reinforcements. The influence of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process parameters on the mechanical properties of MoSi2 based alloys was studied. Monolithic MoSi2 powder and MoSi2 powder blended with either niobium powder or silicon carbide whisker reinforcements were consolidated by HIP at 1200–1400°C, 207 MPa, and 1–4 hrs. The HIP’ed compacts were characterized for compression strength and creep resistance at 1100–1300°C. Fracture toughness was measured on single edge notched rectangular specimens at room temperature. Mechanical properties were correlated with post-HIP microstructural features.
Sugar silanes: versatile reagents for stereocontrolled glycosylation via intramolecular aglycone delivery

A new method for the intramolecular glycosylation of alcohols is described. Utilizing carbohydrate-derived silanes, the catalytic dehydrogenative silylation of alcohols is followed by intramolecular glycosylation. Appropriate combinations of silane position and protecting groups allow highly selective access to β-manno, α-gluco, or β-gluco stereochemical relationships as well as 2-azido-2-deoxy-β-gluco- and 2-deoxy-β-glucosides. Intramolecular aglycone delivery from the C-2 or C-6 position provides 1,2-cis or 1,2-trans glycosides, respectively. Multifunctional acceptor substrates such as hydroxyketones and diols are tolerated and are glycosylated in a site-selective manner.
Two-Dimensional Object Localization by Coarse-to-Fine Correlation Matching

We present a Mean Field Theory method for locating two-dimensional objects that have undergone rigid transformations. The resulting algorithm is a form of coarse-to-fine correlation matching. We first consider problems of matching synthetic point data, and derive a point matching objective function. A tractable line segment matching objective function is derived by considering each line segment as a dense collection of points, and approximating it by a sum of Gaussians. The algorithm is tested on real images from which line segments are extracted and matched.
What exactly is an item in the digital world

IFLA's Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) is a model of the bibliographic universe. Although initially its application to the digital world appears to be straightforward, upon closer examination puzzles arise. One is that within the digital world it is surprisingly difficult to say exactly what FRBR items really are. On the one hand, the ontological candidates for items (concrete physical states of the computing system) are rarely identified and treated as items in practice – even though they may indeed be affirmed as items in theoretical discussions. On the other hand, objects that manifestly fail to meet the basic ontological criteria for FRBR items are commonly treated as if they are items. We describe this situation and, based on a re-factoring of FRBR into a set of roles (relationships) rather than a set of entity types, explore two possible resolutions. One, favored by the second author, is consistent with the ontology implicit in the original FRBR vision, but allows assignment of item attributes and roles to things that are not items; the other, favored by the first author, is a radical departure from the underlying FRBR ontology, but preserves the original attribute assignments and roles.
Update on cystic fibrosis epidemiology.

Purpose of review With the improving survival of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, the clinical spectrum of this complex multisystem disease continues to evolve. Epidemiologic studies have provided important insight into the disease course, prognosis, and complications. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of predictors of survival and outcome and modifiers of disease in CF. This review is not meant to be comprehensive, but highlights selected studies, many of which have particular relevance to the growing number of older CF patients. Recent findings Survival rates of US CF patients improved remarkably over the past 15 years, but most of the improvement was limited to patients 2 to 15 years of age. Both median household income and ambient air pollutants were found to be important modifiers of disease, echoing research reported in other chronic lung diseases. Genotype classified according to functional mutation class was highly associated with outcome (class I, II, and III mutations were associated with the highest mortality). Of the emerging pathogens, B. cepacia complex and B. gladioli are the most prominent. A small but significant percentage of patients have been shown to acquire new B. cepacia complex or B. gladioli strains with time. Summary Epidemiologic research in cystic fibrosis continues to inform patient care and clinical research, and to generate new hypotheses regarding pathophysiology. Survival and outcomes continue to improve in this multisystem disease. With continued improving survival, epidemiologic studies will be critical to tracking changes in prognosis and outcome.
Association of PAT proteins with lipid storage droplets in term fetal membranes

As depots for neutral lipids, lipid storage droplets (LDs) accumulate with advancing gestation within the fetal membranes. Little is currently known about the proteins associated with the LDs of these cells. The PAT family [perilipin, adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), and tail-interacting protein of 47 kilodaltons (TIP47)] represents a unique group of proteins thought to contribute to LD formation and function. We examined the association of each of the PAT proteins with LDs of term fetal membranes. We found that large LDs of amnion epithelial cells were reactive for neutral lipid stains and simultaneously encoated with ADRP and TIP47, but not perilipin. Within the remaining cell types, LDs were frequently co-labeled with antibodies recognizing ADRP and TIP47; however, in cells harboring only small LDs, the majority of TIP47 labeling was cytoplasmic. Structures labeled with perilipin antibodies were present only in chorion laeve trophoblasts. Gene and protein expression analyses suggested this to be a small molecular weight perilipin isoform, such as that seen in steroidogenic cells. We conclude that LDs are heterogeneous among differing cell types of the fetal membranes. Subclassification of LDs based on associated proteins suggests that these organelles may serve specialized functions within individual cells.
Zener pins and needles

Abstract The behaviour of two-dimensional grain structures anchored by circular or elongated pins (needles) is examined in two ways: experimentally, using soap films trapped between two glass plates, and computationally, using a Potts model. In the simulations, the Zener pins are exactly equivalent in size, position and orientation to the pins in the experiment. Rapid grain growth starts without an incubation period and with an underlying time exponent of 1/2. The effective radius of curvature of a growing grain is four times its actual radius. Rapid growth continues until the grain size reaches about half the spacing between pins. Thereafter, growth decelerates and finally stagnates. Repeated simulations and experiments, in which the pattern of pins is identical always show similar kinetic behaviour and similar final grain sizes but no two grain structures are the same. The stagnant grain sizes obey the Friedel ∫;−1/2 dependence on the area fraction of pins. Also in agreement with the Friedel model, the ...
Mass balance of heavy metals in New Haven Harbor, Connecticut: Predominance of nonpoint sources

A mass balance was constructed quantifying all known sources and sinks for the metals Ag, Cd, Cu, and Pb in New Haven Harbor, Connecticut, USA. Sources included direct atmospheric deposition, rivers, treated sewage effluent, combined sewer overflows, and permitted industrial discharge. Sinks were burial in sediments, tidal exchange with Long Island Sound, removal in salt marshes, and dredging. All of these fluxes were measured directly, rather than estimated, and uncertainties were quantified. The mass balance closed successfully within the uncertainty of the measurements. Riverine inputs account for most of the total yearly metal flux. Metal concentrations in the river can be approximated as a simple linear function of discharge. Salt marshes remove an amount of metal equivalent to 20%‐30% of the flux from the river before it reaches the harbor. Burial in sediments is the major sink for all metals examined, but dredging acts as a substantial short-circuit of this sink. Tidal exchange appears to be a relatively small term; however, it is also the least well quantified. Sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent and combined sewer overflow discharge are minor contributors to the overall metal balance, except in the case of Ag. Metal concentrations in STP effluent are a linear function of discharge. Atmospheric deposition is of minor importance but is comparable to sewage effluent. Lakes can be used as natural collectors and indicators of atmospherically deposited metals. Although heavy metals are among the most toxic and persistent contaminants of estuaries, we lack a quantitative understanding of their sources, distribution, transport, and fate. For estuarine systems located in industrialized areas, such as urban harbors, this lack of knowledge is complicated by numerous inputs of metal pollution from point and nonpoint sources and by removal and redistribution of contaminated sediments through dredging operations. In order to determine the relative importance of each of these factors to the distribution and fate of heavy metals in an industrialized estuary, a mass balance of Ag, Cd, Cu, and Pb was constructed for the Quinnipiac River/New Haven Harbor system located in south-central Connecticut. The information generated by this study can be used by ecosystem managers to improve water and sediment quality in the most cost-effective way.
Association of prevalent hypertension with 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium, citrate, and other factors.

Background: The relation between hypertension and the urinary excretion of calcium, citrate, and other factors is unclear. It has been proposed that increased urinary calcium excretion is a central feature of essential hypertension. Metabolic acidosis also may be associated with hypertension and decreases urinary citrate levels. Methods: To compare the urine composition of individuals with and without hypertension, we studied 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium, citrate, oxalate, uric acid, sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and creatinine and pH in a subset of participants with and without nephrolithiasis in the Nurses' Health Study I (older women; N=1,284), Nurses' Health Study II (younger women; N=952), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (men; N=788). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, weight, dietary intake, and urinary factors. Results: In participants with and without nephrolithiasis, citrate was the only urinary factor consistently related to hypertension. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of urinary citrate excretion, multivariate odds ratios of prevalent hypertension in the highest quartile were 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24 to 0.55; P trend P trend=0.03) for younger women, and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.45; P trend
Experienced Poor Lighting Contributes to the Seasonal Fluctuations in Weight and Appetite That Relate to the Metabolic Syndrome

We tested which environmental, social, lifestyle, and health related factors of the individual contribute to the seasonal variations in mood and behavior and whether these influence the risks of the metabolic syndrome and major depressive disorder, both conditions having a high prevalence in industrialized populations. 5480 individuals, representative of the general population aged 30 and over in Finland, were assessed for metabolic syndrome using the ATP-III criteria, gave a self-report of seasonal variations in mood and behavior, and were interviewed for mood, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders using the DSM-IV criteria. The seasonal variations in mood and behavior have a metabolic factor composed of weight and appetite, and greater loadings on this factor increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio of 1.18, 95% confidence interval of 1.10 to 1.26). Self-reports of lighting experienced as poor at home contributed to scores on the metabolic factor (t = 4.20, P < .0001). Lighting conditions and their dynamics may serve as a measure for intervention in order to influence the seasonal metabolic signals and in the end to prevent the metabolic syndrome.
Effect of Ion Bombardment on the Structure and Properties of Pecvd SiO2

SiO{sub 2} films were deposited on silicon wafers at 25 C by plasma enhanced decomposition of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in a mixture of argon and oxygen. The deposition was performed in a rf-powered (13.56 MHz) asymmetric plasma reactor. The effect of ion bombardment was evaluated by varying the ion energy flux (IEF) at the substrate surface from 0.93 to 9.94 W/cm{sup 2}. On-line optical emission spectra (OES) revealed CO, CH, and H peaks whose absorption intensities increased with increasing applied power. On-line mass spectrometer data showed that the peak intensities of OC{sub 2}H{sub 5}, SiOH (m/e = 45), and HSiOH (m/e = 46) fragments decreased with increasing applied power indicating the decomposition of these species. FTIR spectra of the deposited films showed that the concentrations of Si-OH and trapped CO gases in the film decreased with increasing IEF. Also, the FTIR results and the refractive index measurements indicated that the film density increased as a function of IEF. The stoichiometry of the film did not change when IEF was below 2, but for IEF greater than 4.91 W/cm{sup 2}, the film became Si-rich.
The Effect of pH and Temperature on the Kinetic Parameters of Phosphoglucose Isomerase PARTICIPATION OF HISTIDINE AND LYSINE IN A PROPOSED DUAL FUNCTION MECHANISM

Abstract Phosphoglucose isomerase (d-glucose-6-phosphate ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.9) from rabbit skeletal muscle has been subjected to a detailed kinetic study of the effect of pH and temperature on the Michaelis constants, the maximal velocities, the dissociation constant for the competitive inhibitor 6-phosphogluconate, and the equilibrium constant of the reaction. A coupled pH-stat assay was established as being suitable for measurement of initial velocities in the forward direction between pH 6.0 and 10.0; analogously, the validity of a coupled spectrophotometric assay of the reverse reaction was demonstrated for the range of pH 6.0 to 9.5. Graphical and computer analysis of Km and Vmax data, obtained with these assays as a function of pH, suggest the participation in isomerase catalysis of two ionizable groups in the enzyme with average pK values of 6.75 and 9.3, at 30°. From the change in pK with temperature, values of 7,700 and 16,000 cal per mole, respectively, have been calculated for the heats of ionization for these two groups. These data are considered to be consistent with the involvement of both an imidazole group of histidine and an e-amino group of lysine. Analysis of Ki data for 6-phosphogluconate, obtained as a function of pH for the forward and the reverse reaction, showed no pK at alkaline pH; this has been interpreted as suggesting that the e-amino group of lysine is not involved in the binding of 6-phosphogluconate to the enzyme. On the basis of this evidence, a dual function mechanism is proposed in which the protonated e-amino nitrogen first catalyzes the opening of the hexose ring structure to yield the straight chain form of hexose 6-phosphate, which then undergoes isomerization via formation of an enediol intermediate, with the nonprotonated nitrogen of the imidazole group participating as a base catalyst in this second step.
Strategic issues for the successful merger of residency training programs.

Retrenchments in federal financing, more stringent residency accreditation standards, fewer psychiatric residents, and other factors are putting increased pressure on psychiatric residency training programs to collaborate with or even merge with other residency programs. To improve the likelihood that a collaboration or merger of psychiatric residencies will work, administrators must address such issues as educational philosophy, goals of education and training, governance of the combined program, the impact on faculty and trainees, and the separate institutional cultures. Experiences from the merger of the residency programs at the institute of Living and the University of Connecticut illustrate some of the factors.
An overview of hierarchical control flow graph models

Hierarchical control flow graph models define a modeling paradigm for discrete event simulation modeling based upon hierarchical extensions to control flow graph models. Conceptually, models consist of a set of independent, encapsulated, concurrently operating model components where each component has its own thread of control and the components interact with each other solely via message passing. Two primary objectives for hierarchical control flow graph models are: (1) to facilitate model development by making it easier to develop, maintain, and reuse models and model elements and (2) to support the flexible and efficient execution of models. Hierarchical control flow graph models use two complementary types of hierarchical model specification structures, one to specify components and interconnections and the other to specify component behaviors.
Nitric oxide inhibits Coxiella burnetii replication and parasitophorous vacuole maturation.

Nitric oxide is a recognized cytotoxic effector against facultative and obligate intracellular bacteria. This study examined the effect of nitric oxide produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) up-regulated in response to cytokine stimulation, or by a synthetic nitric oxide donor, on replication of obligately intracellular Coxiella burnetii in murine L-929 cells. Immunoblotting and nitrite assays revealed that C. burnetii infection of L-929 cells augments expression of iNOS up-regulated in response to gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Infection in the absence of cytokine stimulation did not result in demonstrable up-regulation of iNOS expression or in increased nitrite production. Nitrite production by cytokine-treated cells was significantly inhibited by the iNOS inhibitor S-methylisothiourea (SMT). Treatment of infected cells with IFN-γ and TNF-α or the synthetic nitric oxide donor 2,2′-(hydroxynitrosohydrazino)bis-ethanamine (DETA/NONOate) had a bacteriostatic effect on C. burnetii replication. Inhibition of replication was reversed upon addition of SMT to the culture medium of cytokine-treated cells. Microscopic analysis of infected cells revealed that nitric oxide (either cytokine induced or donor derived) inhibited formation of the mature (large) parasitophorous vacuole that is characteristic of C. burnetii infection of host cells. Instead, exposure of infected cells to nitric oxide resulted in the formation of multiple small, acidic vacuoles usually containing one C. burnetii cell. Removal of nitrosative stress resulted in the coalescence of small vacuoles to form a large vacuole harboring multiple C. burnetii cells. These experiments demonstrate that nitric oxide reversibly inhibits replication of C. burnetii and formation of the parasitophorous vacuole.
Epigenetics: where environment, society and genetics meet

Understanding how environment, social factors and genetics combine to affect patterns of health is an urgent priority. Social factors that affect health patterns include race and socioeconomic status (SES), while biological factors include sex, genetics and epigenetics. The consequence of biology and environment can be observed in life expectancy data. At 25 years old, life expectancy for white men is 4.4 years greater than for African–American men. Females follow a similar pattern. Income also affects life expectancy with high income earners outliving their low income counterparts, and white males and females outliving African–American males and females by 2–4 years at every income level [1]. Environment also affects perinatal mortality. US-born African–American women experience greater rates of perinatal mortality than their foreign-born counterparts [2]. Similar patterns can be observed with multiple health conditions, including cancer, depression, diabetes and heart disease highlighting the importance of this issue [1]. What is less clear is the mechanism by which these disparities are caused. One way in which biology and environment can both leave their fingerprint is through epigenetic changes. Epigenetics refers to the regulation of gene expression through modifications to DNA or DNA-associated proteins. Epigenetic regulation includes histone modifications, DNA methylation and nonprotein coding RNA. DNA methylation has been a particular focus of environment-mediated changes in health. Methylation changes have been associated with environmental chemical exposure [3], race, gender [4] and income level [5]. However, epigenetic gene regulation is bigger than methylation alone. Human and animal studies have begun to investigate environmental effects on epigenetics. While these publications are increasing, some factors need to be considered, these include tissue specificity, epigenetic specificity and transgenerational studies.
The interplay of multiple molecular and cellular components is necessary for compartmentalization of cAMP. Focus on “Assessment of cellular mechanisms contributing to cAMP compartmentalization in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells”

the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) regulates a wide number of cellular responses, which include gene transcription, metabolism, and cell death, and tissue-specific functions such as the integrity of the endothelial barrier in the lung. cAMP signaling is triggered by binding of hormones and
Effect of Acidity Coefficient of Molten Slag on Properties of Slag Fiber

Slag fiber was prepared with centrifugal spinning apparatus by adjusting the acidity coefficient of molten blast furnace slag with iron ore tailing. The results show that with the increase of acidity coefficient, the diameter, slag ball content and moisture content of slag fiber increase. When the acidity coefficient is 1.4, the fiber diameter increases significantly, being over standard range. When the acidity coefficient is between 1.0 and 1.25, and the content of slag ball is lower, the quality of fiber is better. When the acidity coefficient is between 1.15 and 1.3, the moisture content of fiber changes little and remains at about 0.66%, its tensile strength and toughness are better. In adjusting the viscosity of quenched slag for preparation of the fiber at appropriate acidity coefficient, the coefficient should be controlled between 1.0 and 1.4 on the premise of fiber forming conditions.
An improved knowledge integration algorithm for Bayesian nets

In order to integrate inconsistent probabilistic knowledge(constraints) into Bayesian network(BN) knowledge integration,an improved algorithm was proposed.In the iterative process of knowledge integration,the new algorithm bi-directionally modifies both joint probability distribution of the BN and probabilistic constraints,thus reducing inconsistency among constraints.Simulation results show that the improved algorithm can handle not only inconsistency among probabilistic constraints but also inconsistency between constraints and the BN structure.
Spray Layer-by-Layer Assembled Clay Composite Thin Films as Selective Layers in Reverse Osmosis Membranes

Spray layer-by-layer assembled thin films containing laponite (LAP) clay exhibit effective salt barrier and water permeability properties when applied as selective layers in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Negatively charged LAP platelets were layered with poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDAC), poly(allylamine) (PAH), and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in bilayer and tetralayer film architectures to generate uniform films on the order of 100 nm thick that bridge a porous poly(ether sulfone) support to form novel RO membranes. Nanostructures were formed of clay layers intercalated in a polymeric matrix that introduced size-exclusion transport mechanisms into the selective layer. Thermal cross-linking of the polymeric matrix was used to increase the mechanical stability of the films and improve salt rejection by constraining swelling during operation. Maximum salt rejection of 89% was observed for the tetralayer film architecture, with an order of magnitude increase in water permeability compared to commercially a...
Testing the Darwinian legacy of the Cambrian radiation using trilobite phylogeny and biogeography

Since the publication of Darwin (1859), the biological meaning of the Cambrian radiation has been debated. Most commentators agree, however, that the Cambrian radiation is fundamentally a time of major metazoan cladogenesis. In and of itself this does not necessarily mean that unique evolutionary processes operated during the Cambrian radiation. Phylogenetic analysis has been used to study the tempo of speciation during the radiation, and thus far there is no need to invoke special rules relating to the tempo of evolution. Instead, what seems unique about the Cambrian radiation is its place as an important episode in the history of life--that is, as the first major radiation of the Metazoa. Although the tempo of evolution during the Cambrian radiation may not have been uniquely high, there were largely unique tectonic events that transpired during the late Neoproterozoic and Early Cambrian, such as extensive cratonic fragmentation. Biogeographic analysis of Early Cambrian olenelloid trilobites reveals that these tectonic events powerfully influenced evolutionary and distributional patterns in this diverse and abundant trilobite group. This emphasizes the importance of physical earth history in generating evolutionary patterns. In the general study of macroevolutionary patterns and processes, earth history phenomena emerge as powerful forces influencing the history of life and provide insights into evolution that can best be inferred by paleontological data.
Alkylation of Sulfonamides with Trichloroacetimidates under Thermal Conditions

An intermolecular alkylation of sulfonamides with trichloroacetimidates is reported. This transformation does not require an exogenous acid, base, or transition metal catalyst; instead the addition occurs in refluxing toluene without additives. The sulfonamide alkylation partner appears to be only limited by sterics, with unsubstituted sulfonamides providing better yields than more encumbered N-alkyl sulfonamides. The trichloroacetimidate alkylating agent must be a stable cation precursor for the substitution reaction to proceed under these conditions.
Dynamics of phase-locked semiconductor laser arrays

We present a theoretical analysis of the temporal behavior of phase-locked semiconductor laser arrays. The analysis is based on semiclassical laser theory modified to include terms that describe evanescent wave coupling between adjacent elements of the array. The numerical results are in excellent qualitative agreement with the only published experimental data on the dynamic characteristics of laser arrays.1
Roots of Anasazi and Pueblo Imagery in Basketmaker II Rock Art and Material Culture

ABSTRACTRock art and analogous material culture of the Anasazi-Western Pueblo tradition on the Colorado Plateau are subjects of this paper. I argue that Anasazi and Pueblo imagery dating from approximately 500 B.C. to A.D. 1450 can be linked back to Basketmaker II times (approximately 500 B.C. to A.D. 450). Support for this premise lies in continuity of representations in material culture over time. The continuity demonstrates conceptual consistencies in the face of cultural change. The subject imagery can be extended to traditional symbols of the Hopi, Zuni, and western Keresan of Acoma.
Conclusion: Legacies of Surveillance and Militarism

The legacies of surveillance and militarism have been ever-increasing surveillance and militarism from the Renaissance to the modern day. If European expansion occurred because of European impoverishment, as Felipe Fernandez-Armesto said in 1992 about Portuguese and Spanish maritime operations some 500 years earlier, the world we have now is a consequence of early modern events. It is also a consequence of imperial ideologies underpinning European expansion, which can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The project of this book has been to describe realpolitik and its relevance to drama by England’s two greatest Renaissance playwrights, Marlowe and Shakespeare. But it has also been written with an eye on imperial continuities between Britain and the United States throughout the last two centuries. In 1989, when I started penning the first crude notes for this book, former (and recently deceased) American Senator J. William Fulbright published The Price of Empire, in which he claimed that the ‘militarized economy’ of the US is a ‘politically forbidden topic’ (131). In 1989 the Bush Administration invaded Panama to reassure US control over the most economically and politically strategic waterway in the Western hemisphere. In 1990–1 Bush (former director of the CIA) apparently tried to implement what Three Days of the Condor hypothesized or predicted - US control over Middle East oil resources. On the other hand, subsequent American military interventions in Somalia and Haiti seemed to have humanitarian ends in view.
Frailty has a stronger association with inflammation than age in older veterans.

Upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has not only been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults but also has been linked to frailty. In the current study we aimed to compare the relative relationship of age and frailty on inflammation and thrombosis in older veterans. We analyzed 117 subjects (age range 62–95 years; median 81) divided into 3 cohorts: non-frail, pre-frail and frail based on the Fried phenotype of frailty. Serum inflammatory markers were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Frail and pre-frail (PF) subjects had higher levels than non-frail (NF) subjects of IL-6 (NF vs. PF: p = 0.002; NF vs. F: p < 0.001), TNFR1 (NF vs. F: p = 0.012), TNFRII (NF vs. F: 0.002; NF vs. PF: p = 0.005) and inflammatory index: = 0.333*log(IL-6) + 0.666*log(sTNFR1) (NF vs. F: p = 0.009; NF vs. PF: p < 0.001). Frailty status explained a greater percent of variability in markers of inflammation than age: IL-6 (12 % vs. 0.3 %), TNFR1 (5 % vs. 4 %), TNFR2 (11 % vs. 6 %), inflammatory index (16 % vs. 8 %). Aging was significantly associated with higher fibrinogen (p = 0.04) and D-dimer levels (p = 0.01) but only among NF subjects. In conclusion, these data suggest that among older veterans, frailty status has a stronger association with inflammation and the inflammatory index than age does. Larger studies, in more diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings.
Instant replay of motor failure conditions

This paper discusses the basic incentives behind the need for a computer based data and test control system. The important variables and system data taking speed are shown. Engineering and design concepts are illustrated with an actual system developed to test and control motor life tests in ten air conditioning systems.
Multiplex assay reliability and long-term intra-individual variation of serologic inflammatory biomarkers.

Abstract Background Circulating cytokines, chemokines, and soluble cytokine receptors can serve as biomarkers of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Good reliability of multiplex platforms, which allow for simultaneous, comprehensive biomarker assessment, is critical for their utility in epidemiologic studies. We examined the reliability of the Meso-Scale Discovery (MSD) platform to simultaneously quantitate 15 cytokines and chemokines and the Luminex platform (RD IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and IL-2 were undetectable in >20% of samples. Among the HIV-uninfected men, most biomarkers showed fair to strong within-person correlation (ICC > 0.40) up to 15 years. The ICC for CXCL8 was good in the short term but decreased with increasing time between visits, becoming lower (ICC Conclusions These multiplexed assays showed acceptable reliability for use in epidemiologic research, despite some technical variability and limitations in cytokine quantitation. Most biomarkers displayed moderate-to-excellent intra-individual variability over the long term, suggesting their utility in prospective studies investigating etiologic associations with diverse chronic conditions.
Cryo-electron tomography investigation of serum albumin-camouflaged tobacco mosaic virus nanoparticles

Nanoparticles offer great potential in drug delivery and imaging, but shielding strategies are necessary to increase circulation time and performance. Structure-function studies are required to define the design rules to achieve effective shielding. With several formulations reaching clinical testing and approval, the ability to assess and detail nanoparticle formulations at the single particle level is becoming increasingly important. To address this need, we use cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to investigate stealth-coated nanoparticles. As a model system, we studied the soft matter nanotubes formed by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coated with human serum albumin (SA) stealth proteins. Cryo-ET and subtomogram averaging allow for visualization of individual SA molecules and determination of their orientations relative to the TMV surface, and also for measurement of the surface coverage provided by added stealth proteins. This information fills a critical gap in the understanding of the structural morphology of stealth-coated nanoparticles, and therefore cryo-ET may play an important role in guiding the development of future nanoparticle-based therapeutics.
Auxiliary \(C^*\)-Algebras

This Chapter introduces and characterizes the approximating algebras used later to define the canonical finite-volume approximations and to analyze the numerical errors. In particular, the approximating finite algebra generates the ordinary finite super-cell models with periodic boundary conditions, which are commonly used in the numerical investigations. Formalizing them in an algebraic setting will enable us to bridge more naturally with the thermodynamic limit, to put forward a canonical finite-volume approximation and to ultimately resolve the error estimates with minimal effort. Several key ideas of the Chapter already appeared in [3] but other are reported here for the first time.
Capturing Reality for a Billiards Simulation

A mixed reality platform for a billiards simulation was implemented. For a better training experience, the system uses a natural and tangible user interface as input. The system will capture the reality of user manipulations, including the ball motion, observer position, and gesture. The primary input sensor is an RGB-depth camera. With the help of depth information, the capturing process becomes more robust and efficient. In this physical mini-pool table, an inexperienced user can pick a cue and hit a ball easier to get practical training in a game of billiards. However, distance perception is very critical in training. The display simulating the motion parallax effect is helpful for the user to perceive the distance and orientation in a virtual simulation. For convenience, the system allows a natural gesture to interact with the system. With this system, we demonstrate that capturing reality bring real experiences into the virtual world.
No evidence of nonlinear effects of predator density, refuge availability, or body size of prey on prey mortality rates

Predator density, refuge availability, and body size of prey can all affect the mortality rate of prey. We assume that more predators will lead to an increase in prey mortality rate, but behavioral interactions between predators and prey, and availability of refuge, may lead to nonlinear effects of increased number of predators on prey mortality rates. We tested for nonlinear effects in prey mortality rates in a mesocosm experiment with different size classes of western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as the prey, different numbers of green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) as the predators, and different levels of refuge. Predator number and size class of prey, but not refuge availability, had significant effects on the mortality rate of prey. Change in mortality rate of prey was linear and equal across the range of predator numbers. Each new predator increased the mortality rate by about 10% overall, and mortality rates were higher for smaller size classes. Predator-prey interactions at the individual level may not scale up to create nonlinearity in prey mortality rates with increasing predator density at the population level.