cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microrheological characterization of covalent adaptable hydrogel degradation in response to temporal pH changes that mimic the gastrointestinal tract

Covalent adaptable hydrogels (CAHs) reversibly adapt their structure in response to external stimuli, emerging as a new platform for biological applications. Due to the unique and complex nature of these materials, a characterization technique is needed to measure the rheology of these CAHs in biological processes. μ2rheology, microrheology in a microfluidic device, is a technique that can fully characterize real-time CAH degradation in a changing environment, such as the pH environment of the GI tract. This characterization will enable design and tailoring of these materials for controlled and targeted oral drug delivery. Using μ2rheology, we can exchange the fluid environment without sample loss and measure the change in CAH rheological properties. We show degradation kinetics and material property evolution are independent of degradation history. However, the initial cross-link density at each pH exchange can be decreased by degradation history which decreases the time for the CAH to degrade to the gel–sol transition. These results indicate that CAH degradation can be tuned by changing the initial material properties by varying polymer concentration and ratio of functional groups. We also show that μ2rheology will enable the design of new dynamic materials for targeted drug delivery by enabling these materials to be characterized and tailored in vitro.
Abstract 5251: Reproducible, MoA-reflecting reporter-based bioassays to enable drug development of biosimilars and biobetters

Cytokines and growth factors are small immunomodulatory proteins secreted by a wide variety of cells including fibroblasts, endothelial and stromal cells, whose role is to regulate surrounding cells in an autocrine, paracrine or endocrine fashion. Immunocytokines represent a promising class of activators of the immune system, with the potential to be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities. Many are currently FDA approved therapy agents (e.g. IFN, IL-2 and Epo), while others are targets for approved biological blocking therapies to treat a variety of diseases. Examples of cytokine blocking agents include basiliximab (IL-2R), tocilizumab and sarilumabad (IL-6R), siltuximab (IL-6), ustekinumab and its biosimilars (IL-12/IL-23 p40), secukinumab (IL-17A), bevasizumab (VEGF), and denosumab (RANKL). Many more are in development and trials as biosimilars and biobetters. IL-2 and IL-15 are still clinically important cytokines as researchers look to improve potency, patient tolerance and response by developing new molecules with sustained and targeted activities. We have developed luciferase reporter bioassays which individually can be used for the quantitation of a variety of cytokines and growth factors including IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, IL-23, BCMA, TGF-b, VEGF and RANKL using respective mechanism of action pathways. The bioassay format is based on thaw-and use cells, eliminating the need to establish and pre-culture cytokine responsive cell lines which provides the benefits of convenience, reproducibility, and transferability. We demonstrate these assays measure cytokine response and inhibition with blocking drugs or potency changes from stressed samples. In summary, these reporter-based bioassays provides valuable tools for the development, stability testing, and potency determination in the manufacture of cytokine biosimilars and biobetters. Citation Format: Steven Edenson, Richard Moravec, Dun Li, Jennifer Wilkinson, Frank Fan, Mei Cong. Reproducible, MoA-reflecting reporter-based bioassays to enable drug development of biosimilars and biobetters [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5251.
Central activation deficits contribute to post stroke lingual weakness in a rat model.

Despite significant reductions in maximum volitional forces, the intrinsic force-generating capacity of the protrusive lingual muscles was not reduced with unilateral cerebral ischemia. Small yet s...
The 3D Structure of Northern Hemisphere Blocking Events: Climatology, Role of Moisture, and Response to Climate Change

We present a comprehensive composite analysis of the 3D structure of blocks and its response to future climate change over North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Russia in summers and winters. Using reanalysis and two large-ensemble datasets from CESM1 and GFDL-CM3, we investigate the following: The climatology of 3D structure, physical processes governing the temperature anomaly associated with blocks, ability of GCMs to reproduce the 3D structure, and its response to RCP8.5. In reanalysis, over both ocean and land, the anomalous winds are equivalent-barotropic in the troposphere and stratosphere, and temperature anomalies are positive throughout the troposphere and negative in the lower stratosphere. The main seasonal and regional differences are that blocks are larger/stronger in winters, and over oceans, the temperature anomaly is shifted westward due to latent heating. Analyzing the temperature tendency equation shows that in all three sectors, adiabatic warming due to subsidence is the main driver of the positive temperature anomaly; however, depending on season and region, meridional thermal advection and latent heating might have leading-order contributions too. Both GCMs are found to reproduce the climatological 3D structure remarkably well, but sometimes disagree on future changes. Overall, the future summertime response is weakening of all fields (except for specific humidity), although the impact on near-surface temperature is not necessarily weakened; e.g., the blocking-driven near-surface warming over Russia intensifies. The wintertime response is strengthening of all fields, except for temperature in some cases. Responses of geopotential height and temperature are shifted westward in winters, most likely due to latent heating.
The complementarity effect in the venture capital contract: a generalised formulation and new insights

The moral hazard problem plagues the start-ups and even mature enterprises when they incorporate venture capital to pursue business upgrade or expansion. Especially in the value chain where the venture capitalist can synergise with the entrepreneur to contribute to the firm value. This paper proposes a game theoretic approach to solve the entrepreneur's optimisation problem in a venture capital financing scheme and generalises the formulation without a specific revenue function. Furthermore, this study generates managerial insights for venture capital market and relevant sustainable supply chain management. The key results also show that the complementarity effect can incentivise both the entrepreneur and the venture capitalist to exert more effort, thus achieving larger enterprise value when it is relatively significant, and the inefficiency caused by the allocation of equity share could be mitigated.
Clinical 3D Imaging of the Anterior Segment With Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

Purpose Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is an important ophthalmic imaging modality due to its ability to see behind pigmented iris and to visualize anterior chamber when the eye's transparency is compromised. We created a three-dimensional UBM (3D-UBM) system and acquired example images to illustrate its potential. Methods A commercial 50-MHz two-dimensional UBM (2D-UBM) system was attached to a precision translation stage and translated across the eye to acquire an image volume. The stage was mounted on a surgical microscope, which enabled safe, stable positioning. Image processing steps included image alignment, noise reduction, and calibration. 3D visualization included alignment of the optic axis, multiplanar reformatting at arbitrary orientations, and volume rendering with optimized transfer functions. Scans were performed on cadaver and rabbit eyes. Results 3D-UBM allowed visualization of the anterior segment tissues within a 3D anatomical context, unlike 2D-UBM. En face views and interactive slicer operations suggested an ability to plan and assess treatments, including lens placement and microcatheter cannulation of Schlemm's canal. Interactive software allowed us to make accurate measurements of tissue structures (e.g., iridocorneal angles, cyst volumes). In addition, unique measurements of ciliary tissues included single ciliary process volumes of 0.234 ± 0.093 mm3 with surface areas of 3.02 ± 1.07 mm2 and ciliary muscle volume of 67.87 mm3. Conclusions 3D-UBM imaging of the anterior segment can be used to enable unique visualization and quantification of anterior segment structures. Translational relevance 3D-UBM provides informative 3D imaging of tissues in the eye that are invisible to light to potentially provide physicians with improved diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment assessment as compared to conventional 2D-UBM.
Assessing the Association of Mitochondrial Function and Inflammasome Activation in Murine Macrophages Exposed to Select Mitotoxic Tri-Organotin Compounds.

Background: Mitochondrial function is implicated as a target of environmental toxicants and found in disease or injury models, contributing to acute and chronic inflammation. One mechanism by which...
Rubber ink formulations with high solid content for direct-ink write process

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is a potential technology for future applications such as smart devices and airless tires. Natural rubber, which is used with restricted processing methods in the tire industry, has drawbacks for use in AM technology because of the high pressure and temperatures required to process it. The motivation of this study is to determine if natural rubber can be used as a 3D printable material. To this end, natural rubber latex (NL) was used as the basis for a printable ink. Liquid rubber was introduced to the NL in various amounts to increase the amount of solid in the ink so as to improve its 3D printability and prevent shrinkage, and sulfur and other additives were incorporated into the mixture to facilitate vulcanization. The rheological properties of inks were investigated for consistent extrusion as well as for shape retention in the printed parts. Dimensional accuracy, printability, and mechanical properties of 3D printed specimens have been investigated. Using a direct-print AM system and the developed rubber ink, various 3D structures were fabricated to demonstrate that the developed ink could be a candidate for future rubber applications.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa C-terminal processing protease CtpA assembles into a hexameric structure that requires activation by a spiral-shaped lipoprotein binding partner

Pseudomonas aeruginosa CtpA is a carboxyl terminal-processing protease that partners with the outer membrane lipoprotein LbcA to degrade at least five cell wall-associated proteins, four of which are cell wall hydrolases. This activity plays an important role in supporting P. aeruginosa virulence in a mouse model of acute pneumonia. However, almost nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying CtpA and LbcA function. Here, we used structural analysis to show that CtpA alone assembles into an inactive hexamer comprising a trimer of dimers, which limits its substrate access and prevents nonspecific degradation. The adaptor protein LbcA is a right-handed open spiral with 11 tetratricopeptide repeats, which might wrap around a substrate to deliver it to CtpA for degradation. By structure-guided mutagenesis and functional assays, we also showed that the interfaces of the CtpA trimer-of-dimers, and an N-terminal helix of LbcA, are important for LbcA-mediated substrate degradation by CtpA both in vitro and in vivo. This work improves our understanding of the molecular mechanism of a CTP within the C-terminal processing peptidase-3 group.
The Segregation of Function in the Nervous System: Why Do Sensory Systems Have So Many Subdivisions?

Publisher Summary It is clear, from the advent of more powerful electrophysiological and anatomical methods revealing sensory representations and patterns of connections in the brain, that advanced mammals—such as cats and monkeys—have many sensory representations within separate areas in cortex and nuclei in the thalamus. This chapter discusses the need of the various subdivisions of the sensory system. The basic subdivision of sensory systems is the area or nucleus. Areas and nuclei—as equivalent structures—contain systematic sensory representations, are architectonically distinct, interconnect with a number of other structures in a unique pattern, are distinguished by the response characteristics of the population of neurons, and uniquely contribute to the sensory-perceptual processing of the system. Species differ in number of areas and nuclei, and increases in numbers have occurred independently in many lines of evolution. Advanced mammals have many sensory representations within each major sensory system. These representations are complexly interconnected, and most must participate in the processing of a sensory event within the system. The multitude of subcortical efferent connections of each area suggests that most cortical representations influence behavior, memory, and emotion in a rather direct manner.
Bordet, Jules Jean Baptiste Vincent

1870–1961 Belgian bacteriologist and immunologist who discovered Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, immune haemolysis and complement fixation. Keywords: bordetella pertussis; complement; complement fixation; immune lysis
Stabilizing a switched linear system with disturbance by sampled-data quantized feedback

We study the problem of stabilizing a switched linear system with disturbance using sampled and quantized measurements of its state. The switching is assumed to be slow in the sense of combined dwell-time and average dwell-time, while the active mode is unknown except at sampling times. Each mode of the switched linear system is assumed to be stabilizable, and the magnitude of the disturbance is constrained by a known bound. A communication and control strategy is designed to guarantee bounded-input-bounded-state (BIBS) stability of the switched linear system and an exponential convergence rate with respect to the initial state, providing the data rate satisfies certain lower bounds. Such lower bounds are established by expanding the over-approximation bounds of reachable sets over sampling intervals derived in a previous paper to accommodate effects of the disturbance.
Suspension and the Extrajudicial Constitution

What happens when Congress suspends the writ of habeas corpus? Everyone agrees that suspending habeas makes that particular - and particularly important - judicial remedy unavailable for those detained by the government. But does suspension also affect the underlying legality of the detention? That is, in addition to making the habeas remedy unavailable, does suspension convert an otherwise unlawful detention into a lawful one? Some, including Justice Scalia in the 2004 case Hamdi v. Rumsfeld and Professor David Shapiro in an important recent article, answer yes. This Article answers no. I previously offered that same answer in a symposium essay; this Article develops the position more fully. Drawing on previously unexamined historical evidence, the first half of the article shows that treating suspension of the writ as legalizing detention is at odds with the dominant historical understanding in both England and the United States. According to that understanding, suspension affects neither the legality of detention nor the availability of post detention remedies (like money damages) for unlawful detention. Suspension of the writ, post detention liability, and legality are distinct questions. My aims go beyond providing a positive account of suspension, however. In the second half of the Article, I examine a set of broader issues that my account of suspension raises but that the current literature almost entirely overlooks. The core question here is this: If suspension does not equal legalization, what are the roles and obligations of the legislative and executive branches when the writ is validly suspended? I suggest ways to think about those branches' independent obligation to uphold and enforce the Constitution during periods of suspension, especially with regard to constitutional norms that might seem to be associated exclusively with the courts. In that respect, the article uses suspension as a window into larger issues regarding the theory and mechanics of constitutional interpretation and implementation outside the courts.
Accel Partners' European Launch (TN)

SUBJECT AREAS: Decision making, Equity financing, Expansion, International business, Investments, Partnerships, Venture capital CASE SETTINGS: United Kingdom; Securities & investing; 30 employees; 2001 In spring 2001, with the venture market crashing all around, the London office of Accel Partners, a major west coast venture capital firm, needs to make a decision about investing in an Irish software company. As the first investment of the new European operation, the decision will serve as a proof of concept for the process that the organization has set up. This case presents Accel's strategy in moving into Europe and staying there even as many other firms shuttered or reduced their overseas' operations. In addition, the protagonists must decide how to structure a term sheet and whether to include another venture firm in the deal.
The biologic activity of mast cell granules. IV. The effect of complement depletion on rat cutaneous late phase reactions.

Cutaneous late phase reactions (LPR) in rats can be induced by the intradermal injection of anti-IgE antibody or isolated rat peritoneal mast cell granules. Rat LPR are characterized by neutrophil-rich infiltrates at 2 to 8 hr followed by mononuclear cell-rich infiltrates thereafter. Rat Arthus reactions are histologically similar and are complement (C) dependent. To determine the importance of C in the pathogenesis of rat LPR compared with its role in Arthus reactions, rats were treated with cobra venom factor (CVF) (250 U/kg i.v.), and the effects of this treatment on total hemolytic complement (CH50), C3 titers, LPR, and Arthus reactions were assessed. CVF treatment produced profound decreases in both CH50 (from 197 +/- 20 to less than 1.0 U/ml) and C3 (from 44,240 +/- 2840 to less than 5 U/ml) titers after 6 hr, which persisted through at least 30 hr. The inflammatory intensity of heterologous reverse passive Arthus reactions was significantly decreased in CVF-treated animals. In contrast, the intensity of LPR was unaffected by CVF treatment. Therefore, although LPR and Arthus reactions share certain histologic characteristics, these similarities are not due to a mutual requirement for the presence of C.
Velocity and acceleration estimation of Doppler weather radar/lidar signals in colored noise

The authors are interested in estimating the Doppler shift occurred in weather radar returns, which yields precipitation velocity information. Conventional techniques including the pulse pair processor rely heavily on the assumption that the additive noise is white and hence their performance degrades when the noise color is unknown. Because the data length for a given range gate is usually small, the authors employ the high resolution MUSIC algorithm to estimate the Doppler shift. The challenge lies not only in proving that MUSIC is applicable to weather radar signals which are affected by multiplicative noise, but also in showing that MUSIC is robust when the additive noise is colored. The resulting algorithm can also be used to infer wind speed from a small number of lidar observations where the velocity is approximately constant. Assuming linear shear over a longer range, they employ the ambiguity function to estimate the acceleration and instantaneous wind velocity. Real weather radar and lidar data as well as simulated examples are provided to illustrate the performance of the algorithms.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Actual and Simulated Spaceflight

The sections in this article are: 1 Plasticity of Skeletal Muscle 2 Variations in Flight and Simulated Flight Experimental Designs 3 Muscle and Muscle Fiber Morphology 3.1 Hindlimb Suspension 3.2 Spaceflight 4 Muscle Fiber Type and Contractile Proteins 4.1 Hindlimb Suspension 4.2 Spaceflight 5 Adaptations in the Metabolic Pathways 5.1 Hindlimb Suspension 5.2 Spaceflight 6 Adaptations in Mechanical Properties 6.1 Hindlimb Suspension 6.2 Spaceflight 7 Neuromuscular Activity 7.1 Hindlimb Suspension 7.2 Spaceflight 8 Countermeasures 8.1 Hindlimb Suspension 8.2 Spaceflight 9 Neural Tissue Adaptations 10 Posture, Locomotor Performance, and Movement Control 10.1 Movement Perception 10.2 Posture and Locomotion 10.3 Maximal Torque Velocity 10.4 Tendon Stretch Reflexes 10.5 Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) 10.6 Vibration Sensitivity 10.7 Muscle Transverse Stiffness 11 Exercise as a Countermeasure for Adverse Effects of Spaceflight on the Motor System 11.1 Countermeasures for Motor Deficits 11.2 Some Basic Physiological Principles for Developing Exercise Countermeasures 12 Summary and Conclusions 12.1 Muscle Fiber Size Plasticity 12.2 Metabolic Adaptations 12.3 Fatigability of Muscle and Motor Units 12.4 Regulation of Myosin Isoforms 12.5 Integrative Strategies for Adaptations
“STOP: Can You Drink that Water?” Microbiology, Chemistry, & Advocacy in an Inquiry-Based Water Quality Curriculum for 8th Graders

Abstract For many middle school students, connections between their lives and concepts like chemical reactivity, microbial contamination, and experimental sampling are not obvious. They may also feel that, even if there were connections, understanding the monitoring and quality of natural resources is something for grownups and beyond their responsibility. This curriculum highlights connections. Students characterize bacteria in a local untreated water source and investigate the mechanism, effectiveness, and byproducts of chlorine bleach as a water treatment. Working in groups, they use different growth and treatment conditions to characterize samples, thus collectively obtaining a more complete description of the system. The North Carolina 8th Grade Standard Course of Study Objectives were used during curricular development, and alignment to Next Generation Science Standards performance expectations is provided. Teacher-guided discussions, demonstrations, experimentation, and database investigation engag...
Overriding plate thickness control on subducting plate curvature

Subducting plate (SP) curvature exerts a key control on the amount of bending dissipation associated with subduction, and the magnitude of the subduction-resisting bending force. However, the factors controlling the development of SP curvature are not well understood. We use numerical models to quantify the role of SP rheology on the minimum radius of curvature, Rmin. We find that Rmin depends strongly on the SP thickness when the rheology is viscous. This dependence is substantially reduced when the SP behaves plastically, in line with the lack of correlation between Rmin and SP thickness on Earth. In contrast, plasticity leads to a strong positive correlation between Rmin and the overriding plate (OP) thickness. Using an analysis of Rmin versus OP thickness, we show that such a positive correlation exists on Earth. This suggests that OP structure, in conjunction with SP plasticity, is crucial in generating slab curvature systematics on Earth.
Electrodeposition of polyimides from nonaqueous emulsions

A theoretical and experimental study was carried out to investigate the process of electrodepositing a polyamic acid film from a nonaqueous emulsion onto a metal surface (copper, aluminum) as well as the subsequent drying and imidization steps. The rate of film growth is controlled by the electrophoresis of the polymer emulsion particles to one of the electrodes and the concomitant film compaction due to the outflow of the solvent caused by electro-osmosis. Parameters affecting the coating process such as particle size, charge, ζ potential, viscosity of the liquid medium, conductivity of the deposited film, etc. were considered.
Clutter from non-discrete seabed structures.

Clutter, or discrete target-like returns, is the most significant problem in the employment of active sonar. It is well understood that discrete objects, which are of the same spatial scale as the target and which possess a significant impedance contrast to the surrounding ocean, can lead to clutter. Here a somewhat counter-intuitive result is shown: that discrete target-like returns can occur from slowly varying seabed structures. The range dependence of the seabed can be weak and smooth—due to changes in layer thicknesses, sound speed, or both. Thus, this clutter mechanism may be a viable hypothesis for areas in which seabed clutter has been observed, but no discrete features, buried or proud, could be found. By using a broadband source, the time-frequency evolution of this clutter could be a useful way to discriminate against other kinds of clutter; e.g., that due to discrete objects.
Eye movements of monkeys during brightness discrimination and discrimination reversal

Eye movements of two stump-tailed monkeys were measured during performance on an easy and a difficult brightness discrimination problem with and without a relatively long fixation required at the beginning of each trial for purposes of calibration. The duration of an individual fixation of the discriminative stimuli was unrelated to most of the variables that were examined, including problem difficulty, response outcome, whether the S+ or the S− was fixated, and presence or absence of a long fixation at the beginning of a trial. Duration of fixation increased markedly, though temporarily, following reversal of the hard problem. The animals tended to do a minimal amount of scanning of the discriminative stimuli and to fixate most frequently on S+ before responding. In general, the results did not support an account of observing behavior in terms of conventional reinforcement.
UROLITHIASIS IN THE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANT: THE ROLE AND EFFICACY OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY

Purpose: Nephrolithiasis in preterm infants rarely requires surgical management. When it persists despite conservative therapy, treatment options are not clearly defined. We report a single institutional experience with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)* *Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia. for the treatment of these small infants.Materials and Methods: We treated 8 infants (mean age 13 months) with a history of prematurity and 9 persistent stones with a Dornier HM3 lithotriptor between 1996 and 1999. Mean weight was 7,700 gm. Of the infants 7 had been treated with furosemide for bronchopulmonary dysplasia and 1 presented with multiple anatomical abnormalities. Gantry modification with a wooden platform and polystyrene foam positioning was used for lung and visceral protection. Ureteral stents were placed in 5 patients before ESWL. Renal ultrasonography was performed before, and 2 and a mean of 8 weeks after ESWL. Stone risk factors in our population were investigated through a mu...
Analysis of U-238 self-indication experiments

Abstract Self-indication experiments provide energy-dependent analogues of self-shielded resonance integral measurements and are important in verifying U-238(n, y) unresolved resonance data for fast reactor design. RPI self-indication measurements for U-238(n, y) are analyzed and compared with predictions using current fast reactor design methods and data. The analyses emphasize the reevaluation of time-dependent background, the inclusion of multiple scattering corrections, and the analysis of capture tank efficiencies for s-wave and p-wave neutrons. The background and multiple scattering corrections reduce the previously reported self-indication ratios at neutron energies below 10 kev, reducing a discrepancy with calculations in this energy range. Calculated values of SIR exceed measured values at energies above 10 kev. The capture tank efficiency is found to be the same for s-wave and p-wave neutron-induced gammas within calculational uncertainties.
Splicing by cell type

A comprehensive study identifies sequence features that predict tissue-specific alternative splicing.
Sugarcane Silage, Sodium Hydroxide- and Steam Pressure-Treated Sugarcane Bagasse, Corn Silage, Cottonseed Hulls, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Aspergillis oryzae Product in Complete Rations for Lactating Cows

Abstract Five experiments compared silages, by-product roughages, and added sodium bicarbonate. Thirty-four cows were fed diets containing 1) 30% cottonseed hulls, 2) corn silage to supply 25% of dry matter intake from nongrain portion, 3) alkali-treated sugarcane bagasse silage, or 4) sugarcane silage both to supply 25% of dry matter intake. Only dry matter intake differed for diets 1 and 2 which excelled 3 and 4 for daily dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein percent. With 36 cows, sugarcane silage, enzyme-treated sugarcane silage, nongrain portion of corn silage, and pelleted cottonseed hulls with sodium bicarbonate (0 or 1%) and an enzyme product from Aspergillus oryzae (0 or 56.7 g/day) were compared. Milk yield was decreased and fat percent increased by silage compared with pelleted cottonseed hulls. Bicarbonate increased milk fat percent and fat-corrected milk in silage-containing rations. For the effect of sodium bicarbonate in early lactation, 36 cows were in a continuous feeding trial of corn silage, cottonseed hulls, or steam pressure-treated sugarcane bagasse, with sodium bicarbonate (0 or 170 g/cow per day). Lactation curves for feed intake, milk yield, and milk fat percent showed no effects of sodium bicarbonate. Cottonseed hull diets excelled corn silage diets. For the same cows and diets plus additional forms of steam pressure-treated bagasse (pelleted and wetter), bicarbonate was detrimental to feed intake and milk yield in pelleted bagasse diets but tended to be beneficial to milk yield in corn silage. Four groups of cows (152 cows/group) receiving 0 or 150g sodium bicarbonate in a corn silage-based ration for 30 days did not differ in a field study.
Effect of Mechanical Loading on Vascular α1D- and α1B-Adrenergic Receptor Expression

Abstract Heterogeneous distribution and function of α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes on arterial and venous vessels, together with evidence for altered α-adrenergic receptor expression in hypertension, led us to examine whether mechanical load influences expression of α1B -and α1D-adrenergic receptors in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We used RNase protection and radioligand binding assays to measure mRNA and α1-adrenergic receptor density. In the first model, SMCs were subjected to phasic loading using flexible culture plates. As a positive control for the load stimulus, postconfluent, quiescent passage 5 cells demonstrated the expected load-dependent morphological realignment. However, no changes were detected in expression of either α1D- or α1B-adrenergic receptor mRNAs or receptor density after 24 to 48 hours of loading. β-Actin and SMC-specific α-actin mRNA, as well as cell number and per-cell total RNA and protein, were also unaffected. In a second model, intact thoracic aortas, in either the presence or absence of endothelial cells, were cultured for 48 hours under tonic load. Like cultured cells, 48 hours of load did not affect SMC expression of α1-adrenergic receptor mRNAs. We used suprarenal aortic coarctation to examine effects of increased pressure in vivo. As with the previous in vitro and in situ models, hypertension (30 days) had no effect on expression of α1B- and α1D-adrenergic receptor mRNAs in the suprarenal aorta compared with sham coarctation. To separate pressure per se from humoral influences, we also measured mRNAs in the subrenal, normotensive aorta. α1B mRNA levels decreased to 68±14% of sham-coarcted controls in subrenal aorta exposed to normal blood pressure but also to systemic humoral changes induced by coarctation. As a positive control for a load effect, SMC-specific α-actin mRNA increased for loaded aorta in organ culture and in hypertensive aorta in vivo, whereas expression of β-actin mRNA was unaffected. These results from cell culture, organ culture, and in vivo models suggest that pressure (load) alone has no effect on α1B- and α1D-adrenergic receptor expression. In coarctation hypertension, smooth muscle protected from the hypertension showed a decline in α1B mRNA that may be due to a humoral factor or factors.
Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in cytokine and cytokine receptor genes and immunity to measles vaccination

Identification of host genetic determinants of measles vaccine-induced immunity can be used to design better vaccines and ultimately predict immune responses to vaccination. We performed a comprehensive candidate gene association study across 801 genetic markers in 56 cytokine/cytokine receptor genes, in a racially diverse cohort of 745 schoolchildren after two doses of MMR vaccine. Using linear regression methodologies we examined associations between SNPs/haplotypes and measles virus-specific immunity. Forty-eight significant SNP associations with variations in neutralizing antibodies and measles-specific IFNγ Elispot responses were identified (p<0.05). Our study replicated an important previously found association of a functional IL12B genetic variant rs3212227 with variations in measles-specific humoral immunity (p=0.037). Similarly, two previously reported promoter IL10 and IL2 polymorphisms (rs1800890 and rs2069762) demonstrated associations with measles-specific cellular immunity in Caucasians (p≤0.034). Multiple IL7R polymorphisms, including a non-synonymous functional SNP (rs6897932/Thr244Ile), were associated with humoral (p≤0.024) and/or cellular (IFNγ Elispot, p≤0.023) measles-specific immune responses in Caucasians, but not African-Americans. Haplotype level analysis confirmed the association of IL7R genetic variants with measles vaccine-induced immunity in the Caucasian group (global p-value=0.003). Our results validate previous findings and identify new plausible genetic determinants, including IL7R polymorphisms, regulating measles vaccine-induced immunity in a race-specific manner.
Solid state coordination chemistry of molybdenum oxides with 1,2,3-triazole (Htrz): The crystal structures of [Cu(I)Cu(II)2(trz)2Mo4O13(OH)], [MoO3(Htrz)0.5] and [Cu(I)trz]

Abstract Hydrothermal chemistry was used to prepare the bimetallic organic–inorganic hybrid oxide [Cu(I)Cu(II) 2 (trz) 2 Mo 4 O 13 (OH)] · 6H 2 O ( 1 · 6H 2 O). The structure consists of { HMo 4 O 14 } n 3 n - chains linked through { Cu 3 ( trz ) 2 } n 3 n + into a three-dimensional framework. The structures of the simple metal–triazole phases [MoO 3 (Htrz) 0.5 ] ( 2 ) and [Cu(trz)] ( 3 ) are also reported. Compound 2 is two-dimensional, constructed from corner-sharing {MoO 5 N} octahedra. Compound 3 consists of {Cu(trz)} n chains linked through weak Cu⋯Cu contacts into a virtual layer.
Parenting-related childhood learning history and panic vulnerability: a test using a laboratory-based biological challenge procedure.

Abstract A small but growing literature highlights specific parenting behaviors in increasing panic vulnerability among offspring. The current study examined the association between parenting-related instrumental and observational learning of sick-role behavior during childhood and reactivity to a panic-relevant biological challenge procedure that has evidenced predictive validity in terms of panic onset. Participants were 93 physically and psychologically healthy young adults (39 females; M age = 23.41 years). As expected, results indicated that instrumental learning experiences involving (panic-relevant) arousal-reactive symptoms predicted increased post-challenge anxiety, arousal, and negative affective valence, even after accounting for variability associated with other theoretically relevant variables (e.g., anxiety sensitivity). Consistent with prior work, this learning history effect was specific to arousal-reactive, as opposed to arousal non-reactive, symptoms. Unexpectedly, observational learning was not related to challenge responding. Findings are discussed in terms of the potential role of parenting in etiologic models of panic development.
Attenuation of ethanol-induced ataxia by α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype in mouse cerebellum: A functional interaction

Abstract Many epidemiological studies support the notion that people who drink alcohol also smoke cigarettes and vice versa thereby suggesting a possible functional interaction between these two most widely used psychoactive substances. We have earlier demonstrated that direct intracerebellar (ICB) microinfusion of nicotine dose-dependently antagonizes ethanol-induced ataxia and further that this antagonism occurs in a glutamate-nitric oxide-cyclic guanylyl monophosphate (cGMP) sensitive manner. The present study was designed to determine the possible involvement of specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype α4β2 in nicotine-induced attenuation of ethanol ataxia. Using the Rotorod test and direct ICB microinfusion technique in stereotaxically cannulated CD-1 male mice, we performed the Rotorod test following ICB administration of the α4β2-selective agonist, (E)-N-methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-buten-1-amine (RJR-2403; 31.25, 62.5, 125 ng) on ethanol (2 g/kg; i.p.) ataxia at 15, 30, 45, 60 min post-ethanol injection. RJR-2403 dose-dependently attenuated ethanol ataxia suggesting a role of α4β2 subtype in ameliorating ethanol-induced ataxia. Pretreatment with ICB dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE: 125, 250, 500, 750 ng), a potent α4β2-selective antagonist, significantly reduced RJR-2403's effect further supporting the α4β2 involvement. DHβE (ICB) also antagonized ICB nicotine-induced attenuation of ethanol ataxia again reinforcing the role of α4β2 subtype. Additional evidence for the role of α4β2 subtype was provided when ICB α4β2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment markedly antagonized RJR 2403–induced attenuation of ethanol ataxia compared with missense-treated animals. This was confirmed with an associated decrease in the expression of α4β2 subtypes indicated by immunoblot experiments. In conclusion, the results of the present investigation support an important role of α4β2 nAChR subtype in the expression of nicotine-induced attenuation of ethanol ataxia.
On the polynomial representations of current algebras

Abstract We obtain a sufficient condition for a representation of a Lie algebra of the form L = g ⊗Φ , where g is a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field F of zero characteristic and Φ is an associative commutative algebra over F , to be polynomial. As a corollary we classify integrable graded irreducible modules over an extended loop algebra with finite-dimensional homogeneous spaces. The criteria is applied also to irreducible conformal modules over current algebras.
Vibration-rotation and deperturbation analysis of A2Π-X2Σ+ and B2Σ+-X2Σ+ systems of the CaI molecule

Abstract Doppler-limited laser excitation spectroscopy employing narrow-band fluorescence detection was used to obtain a rotational and vibrational analysis in the (0, 0) and (1, 1) bands of the A2Π-X2Σ+ system and the (4, 2) (3, 1), (0, 0), (0, 1), (1, 2), (2, 3), and (3, 4) bands of the B2Σ+-X2Σ+ system of CaI. The A and B states are deperturbed to obtain spectroscopic constants and Franck-Condon factors. Deperturbation was necessary because of the small separation of the A and B states relative to the A ∼ B interaction strength and the A2Π spin-orbit splitting. The main deperturbed constants (in cm−1) are X 2 Σ + A 2 Π B 2 Σ + T e 0 15 624.67(5) 15 700.52(12) ω e 238.7496(33) 241.19(7) 242.63(17) ω e χ e 0.62789(64) 0.53(5) (Pekeris) 1.17(12) (Pekeris) B e 0.0693254(84) 0.070460(14) 0.071572(22) α e × 10 4 2.640(35) 2.15(10) 3.95(2) A e — 45.8968(52) — R e ( A ) 2.8286(2) 2.8057(3) 2.7839(4) where 1σ uncertainties are given in parentheses. The molecular constants provide insight into the orbital composition of the A and B states.
JUSTICE IS NOT EQUALITY

This essay disputes G. A. Cohen's claim that John Rawls's argument for the difference principle involves an argument from moral arbitrariness to equality and then an illicit move away from equality. Moreover, the claim that an argument from moral arbitrariness establishes equality as the essential distributive justice ideal is found wanting.
Application of the method of integral relations to the calculation of two-dimensional incompressible turbulent boundary layer

The orthonormal version of the Method of Integral Relations (MIR) was applied to solve for a two-dimensional incompressible turbulent boundary layer. The flow was assumed to be nonseparating. Flows with favorable, unfavorable, and zero pressure gradient were considered, and comparisons made with available experimental data. In general, the method predicted very well the experimental results for flows with favorable or zero pressure gradient; for flows with unfavorable pressure gradient, it predicted the experimental data well only up to a certain distance from the initial station. This result is due to the flow not being in equilibrium beyond that distance. Finally, the scheme was shown to be efficient in obtaining numerical solutions.
Reliability of the Lateral Dominance Examination

The reliability of the Lateral Dominance Examination over a 5-year period was evaluated in 162 normal and neurologically impaired adults. Stability of individual test items was appraised as well as that of summary measures of handedness, eyedness, and footedness. Items evaluating handedness rendered highly consistent results with the most reliable item relating to hand used for writing (100%). Eyedness and footedness items were somewhat less reliable. While the data raised the possibility that non-right-handers may be slightly less consistent over time, membership in a neurological group, extent of impairment on neuropsychological tests, and gender were unrelated to consistency in lateral preference measurement. It is concluded that the Lateral Dominance Examination is a reliable measure of lateral preference.
Effect of sustained release of bone morphogenetic protein on osteogenic expression of mesenchymal stem cells

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of sustained release of rhBMP-2, grafted to biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) based on osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem (BMS) cells. The release kinetics of rhBM-2 was linear with incubation time in the first two weeks. rhBMP-2 grafted NPs were as effective in inducing mineralization as the rhBMP-2 directly added to the culture media. rhBMP-2 grafted NPs had much higher expression of osteogenic markers osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC), compared to the protein directly added to culture media.
Therapeutic intervention and signaling.

Abstract Significant advances in our understanding of intracellular signal transduction pathways have emerged within the past several years. It is now apparent that, under certain circumstances, particular isoforms of Ras can be prenylated by geranylgeranyl protein transferase as well as farnesyl protein transferase. New pathways controlling growth factor-dependent inhibition of apoptosis involving phosphoinositide 3′-hydroxykinase and the protein kinase Akt have also been clarified.
Vacuum disc: frequency of high signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images.

Objective. To determine the frequency of lumbar intervertebral disc vacuum clefts demonstrating high signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Design and patients. MR images of the lumbosacral spine of 100 patients with radiographic evidence of the lumbar intervertebral disc vacuum phenomenon were retrospectively studied for the signal pattern of the intervertebral disc vacuum clefts. Results and conclusion. Twelve of the reviewed MR studies demonstrated high signal intensity of the vacuum clefts on long TR and TE sequences while the remaining 88 cases demonstrated the vacuum as signal void on both T1- and T2-weighted images. It is concluded that vacuum clefts not infrequently show high T2 signal intensity.
Interaction between the urea cycle and the orotate pathway: Studies with isolated hepatocytes

Abstract Two enzymes catalyze the synthesis of carbamylphosphate (CP) in the liver. One is intramitochondrial and utilizes ammonia to make CP for ureagenesis; the second is cytoplasmic and utilizes glutamine to produce CP for pyrimidine biosynthesis. The extent to which the metabolic independence of the two pathways is abridged by the use of a common precursor was examined with measurements of the incorporation of [14C]NaHCO3 into orotic acid, uridine nucleotides, and urea in isolated hepatocytes. Pyrimidine synthesis was markedly stimulated by physiological concentrations of ammonia, and the stimulation was antagonized by ornithine. At intracellular concentrations of ornithine and levels of ammonia found in the portal circulation, some 90% of pyrimidine synthesis was ammonia-dependent. When the glutamine-dependent activity was released from feedback inhibition with galactosamine, the ammonia-dependent incorporation still accounted for 2 3 of pyrimidine synthesis. These results do not support the widely held view that the cytoplasmic enzyme is the sole source of CP for pyrimidine biosynthesis in the liver. They suggest instead that the bulk of the CP incorporated into hepatic pyrimidines is of mitochondrial origin. However, an experiment with intact animals failed to provide decisive evidence on this interpretation. Pyrimidine biosynthesis was sharply inhibited by the addition of uridine, but ureagenesis was unaffected. When physiological levels of ammonia were provided, the sensitivity of pyrimidine biosynthesis to uridine was lost. Although inhibition of the ammonia-dependent enzyme by pyrimidines has been observed with cell-free preparations, it was not evident in the intact cell. Thus, to the extent that the CP consumed in pyrimidine biosynthesis is of mitochondrial origin, feedback control of the orotate pathway appears to be thwarted.
Delayed exposure to configural information in nonmetric multiple-cue probability learning

Abstract The effects of delayed exposure to relevant configural information were studied. Three groups were run for 480 trials in a two-cue nonmetric multiple-cue probability learning task. All groups had one relevant cue dimension. One group had no relevant configural information, while another always had relevant configural information. The third group began without relevant configural information and was switched to relevant configural information after trial 120. The switched group did learn to utilize the configural information, but not nearly as strongly as the group which always had relevant configural information. A follow-up study explored the effects of the length of the delay before exposure to the relevant configural information. Four groups were run under the above conditions but were switched at trial 40, 80, 120, or 200, respectively. The results replicated the effect for the group switched at trial 120 and showed no differences between the four groups, indicating that the effect of delayed exposure is constant and requires little delay.
Refractory status epilepticus associated with progressive magnetic resonance imaging signal change and hippocampal neuronal loss

A 3-year-old boy developed refractory generalized status epilepticus (SE) of unknown etiology that persisted for 6 weeks despite aggressive antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of brain was normal. Two subsequent MRI scans, performed using a fast spin echo technique, showed progressive increases in T2 signal in both hippocampi. After the child's death, histopathology showed extensive neuronal necrosis and gliosis in bilateral hippocampal subfields CA1, CA3, and CA4/dentate hilus. This case confirms that refractory SE is associated with neuropathologic findings in humans similar to those observed in animal models of SE and that such changes can be predicted by serial MRI signal abnormalities.