cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noncanonical NF-κB Activation and SDF-1 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells

NF-κB is a family of transcription factors regulated through two distinct signaling cascades, the classical and the Noncanonical NF-κB pathways. Noncanonical NF-κB plays important roles in the immune system, as it is necessary for lymphoid organogenesis and B-cell survival and differentiation, as well as osteoclastogenesis. In the last few years, there has been an increased number of studies focusing on both identifying the upstream events that regulate the noncanonical NF-κB pathway as well as determining the physiological roles of noncanonical NF-κB in normal and disease pathologies, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Dysregulation of noncanonical NF-κB has now been associated with the pathogenesis of several types of lymphomas and autoimmune diseases and is believed to contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis. These studies suggest that targeting the Noncanonical pathway, similar to classical NF-κB, may have some therapeutic potential in the future; however, there is still quite a bit about the regulation of the noncanonical signaling that remains to be defined. In this chapter we describe the use of HUVEC, as an in vitro model for examining noncanonical NF-κB signaling in response to different stimuli. We demonstrate two different methods to measure noncanonical NF-κB activation: the processing of p100 to p52, and noncanonical NF-κB-dependent gene expression of CXCL12. The first method examines a key regulatory requirement for noncanonical NF-κB activation, by which p100 undergoes proteolytic cleavage to relieve the inhibition of NF-κB dimers for nuclear translocation and activation of gene transcription. The latter demonstrates the downstream effects of activated noncanonical NF-κB in response to stimuli.
Metabolomic analysis reveals novel small molecule plasma markers of hyperacute ischemic stroke (S30.001)

Objective With metabolomics approach, we aimed to identify small molecule biomarkers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, which should facilitate our understanding of the pathology of stroke. Background As we conduct proteomic screen for blood biomarkers of AIS, we find many accompanying small molecule and peptides to be better markers for hyperacute ischemic injury. Since small metabolites can cross blood-brain barrier more easily than larger proteins, brain derived markers may potentially be better detected in blood as small molecules. Methods: Target small molecule (537) profiles of plasma from AIS patients (<6hr stroke onset) and control samples were studied by LC-MS approach followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Results: Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that AIS patients and controls can be well distinguished by their metabolite composition. One-way ANOVA identified several metabolites differentially expressed in plasma between AIS patients and controls. Stroke patients had significantly reduced concentration of citrate (control: 7.39 ± 0.08; stroke: 7.17 ± 0.12; p-value = 0.0057), and elevated glutamate (Glu) (control: 4.28 ± 0.27; stroke: 5.12 ± 0.33; p-value = 0.006), and plasma lactate (PLA) (control: 5.40 ± 0.19; stroke: 5.69 ± 0.10, p-value = 0.0029). Other novel mediators were identified. Conclusions: Utilizing targeted metabolomics, we found increased Glu and PLA and decreased citrate level in AIS patients within 6 hours of stroke onset. Glu, an excitatory neurotransmitter, and PLA, a known apoptotic marker, are both found in CSF and peri-infarct zone of ischemic stroke. Citrate is not only important in energy metabolism (anaerobic glycolysis), but also binds blood calcium to prevent clot formation. Building on previous studies, this study is a first step to help understand early metabolic landscape of AIS and highlights the role of potential CSF contribution to peripheral metabolic contents. However, further study on source, time profile, and metabolomics-proteomics interaction, are needed and underway. Disclosure: Dr. Deng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beecher has nothing to disclose. Dr. Burant has nothing to disclose. Dr. De Jong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lopez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wickham has nothing to disclose. Dr. Elia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Feeney has nothing to disclose. Dr. McMullin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Buonanno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Eng H has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ning has nothing to disclose.
The Sensing of Optic Flow by the Primate Optokinetic System

Abstract Primates have several reflexes that generate eye movements to compensate for bodily movements that would otherwise disturb their gaze and undermine their ability to process visual information. Two vestibulo-ocular reflexes compensate selectively for rotational (RVOR) and translational (TVOR) disturbances of the head, receiving their inputs from the semicircular canals and otolith organs, respectively. Two independent visual tracking systems deal with any residual disturbances of gaze (global optic flow) and are manifest in the two components of the optokinetic response: the early, or direct, component (OKNe) with brisk dynamics and the delayed, or indirect, component (OKNd) with sluggish dynamics. I hypothesize that OKNd - like the RVOR - is phylogenetically old, being found in all animals with mobile eyes, and that it evolved as a backup to the RVOR to compensate for residual rotational disturbances of gaze. In contrast, OKNe seems to have evolved much more recently in animals with significant binocular vision and, I suggest, acts as a backup to the TVOR (also recently evolved?) to deal primarily with translational disturbances of gaze. I also suggest that highly complex optic flow patterns (such as those experienced by the moving observer who looks a little off to one side of his direction of heading) are dealt with by a third visual tracking mechanism, the smooth pursuit system, which is the most recently evolved of all and spatially filters visual motion inputs so as to exclude all but the motion of the object of interest (local optic flow).
Irradiation Effects on EUV Nanolithography Collector Mirrors

Exposure of collector mirrors facing the hot, dense pinch plasma in plasma-based EUV light sources to debris (fast ions, neutrals, off-band radiation, droplets) remains one of the highest critical issues of source component lifetime and commercial feasibility of nanolithography at 13.5-nm. Typical radiators used at 13.5-nm include Xe, Li and Sn. Fast particles emerging from the pinch region of the lamp are known to induce serious damage to nearby collector mirrors. Candidate collector configurations include either multi-layer mirrors (MLM) or single-layer mirrors (SLM) used at grazing incidence. Due to the strong absorbance of 13.5nm light only reflective optics rather than refractive optics can work in addition to the need for ultra-high vaccum conditions for its transport. This chapter presents an overview of particle-induced damage and elucidates the underlying mechanisms that hinder collector mirror performance at 13.5-nm facing highdensity pinch plasma. Results include recent work in a state-of-the-art in-situ EUV reflectometry system that measures real time relative EUV reflectivity (15-degree incidence and 13.5-nm) variation during exposure to simulated debris sources such as fast ions, thermal atoms, and UV radiation (Allain et al., 2008, 2010). Intense EUV light and off-band radiation is also known to contribute to mirror damage. For example off-band radiation can couple to the mirror and induce heating affecting the mirror’s surface properties. In addition, intense EUV light can partially photoionize background gas used for mitigation in the source device. This can lead to local weakly ionized plasma creating a sheath and accelerating charged gas particles to the mirror surface inducing sputtering. In this overview we will also summarize studies of thermal and energetic particle exposure on collector mirrors as a function of temperature simulating the effects induced by intense off-band and EUV radiation found in EUVL sources. Measurements include variation of EUV reflectivity with mirror damage and in-situ surface chemistry evolution. In this chapter the details from the EUV radiation source to the collector mirror are linked in the context of mirror damage and performance (as illustrated in Figure 1). The first section summarizes EUV radiation sources and their performance requirements for high-volume manufacturing. The section compares differences between conventional discharge plasma produced (DPP) versus laser plasma produced (LPP) EUV light sources and their possible combinations. The section covers the important subject of high-density transient plasmas and their interaction with material components. The different types of EUV radiators, debris
Whole body vibration induces forepaw and hind paw behavioral sensitivity in the rat

Whole body vibration (WBV) has been linked to neck and back pain, but the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms responsible for its development and maintenance are unknown. A rodent model of WBV was developed in which rats were exposed to different WBV paradigms, either daily for 7 consecutive days (repeated WBV) or two single exposures at Day 0 and 7 (intermittent WBV). Each WBV session lasted for 30 min and was imposed at a frequency of 15 Hz and RMS platform acceleration of 0.56 ± 0.07 g. Changes in the withdrawal response of the forepaw and hind paw were measured, and were used to characterize the onset and maintenance of behavioral sensitivity. Accelerations and displacements of the rat and deformations in the cervical and lumbar spines were measured during WBV to provide mechanical context for the exposures. A decrease in withdrawal threshold was induced at 1 day after the first exposure in both the hind paw and forepaw. Repeated WBV exhibited a sustained reduction in withdrawal threshold in both paws and intermittent WBV induced a sustained response only in the forepaw. Cervical deformations were significantly elevated which may explain the more robust forepaw response. Findings suggest that a WBV exposure leads to behavioral sensitivity.
Queueing analysis of DCHF and HF token protocol with varying turnaround time

Wireless networks are generally characterized by a medium shared among a group of users. This makes an appropriate media access control (MAC) protocol essential for efficient channel utilization. Wireless MAC protocols show significant performance degradation in some challenging networks (e.g., military HF radio) that are characterized by long link-layer turnaround times, and most of the recent research does not address this problem. This paper develops queueing and simulation models for wireless MAC protocols from two functional categories that are suitable for such networks: DCHF, a contention-based MAC protocol and the contention-free HF token protocol. We explore their statistical performance for varying link-layer turnaround times under varying Poisson loads. The results indicate the performance effects of factors such as link turnaround time, network size, and traffic loading on wireless MAC protocols.
IL-2/Neuroantigen Fusion Proteins as Antigen-Specific Tolerogens in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE): Correlation of T Cell-Mediated Antigen Presentation and Tolerance Induction

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the Ag-targeting activity of cytokine/neuroantigen (NAg) fusion proteins may be associated with mechanisms of tolerance induction. To assess this question, we expressed fusion proteins comprised of a N-terminal cytokine domain and a C-terminal NAg domain. The cytokine domain comprised either rat IL-2 or IL-4, and the NAg domain comprised the dominant encephalitogenic determinant of the guinea pig myelin basic protein. Subcutaneous administration of IL2NAg (IL-2/NAg fusion protein) into Lewis rats either before or after an encephalitogenic challenge resulted in an attenuated course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In contrast, parallel treatment of rats with IL4NAg (IL-4/NAg fusion protein) or NAg lacked tolerogenic activity. In the presence of IL-2R + MHC class II + T cells, IL2NAg fusion proteins were at least 1,000 times more potent as an Ag than NAg alone. The tolerogenic activity of IL2NAg in vivo and the enhanced potency in vitro were both dependent upon covalent linkage of IL-2 and NAg. IL4NAg also exhibited enhanced antigenic potency. IL4NAg was ∼100-fold more active than NAg alone in the presence of splenic APC. The enhanced potency of IL4NAg also required covalent linkage of cytokine and NAg and was blocked by soluble IL-4 or by a mAb specific for IL-4. Other control cytokine/NAg fusion proteins did not exhibit a similar enhancement of Ag potency compared with NAg alone. Thus, the IL2NAg and IL4NAg fusion proteins targeted NAg for enhanced presentation by particular subsets of APC. The activities of IL2NAg revealed a potential relationship between NAg targeting to activated T cells, T cell-mediated Ag presentation, and tolerance induction.
Mechanisms and nutritional significance of metabolic responses to altered intakes of protein and amino acids, with reference to nutritional adaptation in humans

Altered intakes of protein and amino acids modulate the rates of the major systems (protein synthesis, protein degradation, and amino acid oxidation) responsible for the maintenance of organ and whole-body protein and amino acid homeostasis. The cellular mechanisms responsible for such changes at low intakes are discussed. For oxidation amino acid availability is a primary determinant and protein synthesis is affected particularly at the initiation phase. Much remains to be learned about amino acid-dependent changes in mRNA synthesis, processing, turnover, and translation. The relationships between protein and amino acid intake and components of whole-body protein and amino acid kinetics are considered with reference to nutritional adaptation and accommodation. The limit of adaptation to protein intake cannot be lowered substantially beyond that for healthy adults whose habitual protein intake is generous. Metabolic control theory should be considered in the interpretation of results of studies dealing with amino acid requirement estimations.
Santalales (Including Mistletoes)

Mistletoes are flowering plants in the sandalwood order (Santalales) that parasitise tree branches. They evolved five separate times in the order and are today represented by 88 genera and nearly 1600 species. Loranthaceae (c. 1000 species) and Viscaceae (550 species) have the highest species diversity. In South America Misodendrum (a parasite of Nothofagus) is the first to have evolved the mistletoe habit ca. 80 million years ago. The family Amphorogynaceae is of interest because some of its members are transitional between root and stem parasites. Many mistletoes have developed mutualistic relationships with birds that act as both pollinators and seed dispersers. Although some mistletoes are serious pathogens of forest and commercial trees (e.g. Arceuthobium), the vast majority are benign and in some cases beneficial to humans (e.g. Viscum album for anticancer drugs). Mistletoes play important roles in many forest ecosystems and their loss results in decreases in faunal diversity, thus making them keystone species. Key Concepts: A mistletoe is a branch parasite in the sandalwood order (Santalales). Mistletoes have evolved from root parasitic ancestors five times independently in five different families: Misodendraceae, Loranthaceae, Santalaceae, Amphorogynaceae and Viscaceae. The first lineage to evolve the mistletoe habit is Misodendrum, a South American parasite on southern hemisphere beech (Nothofagus). Most mistletoe species are found in the families Loranthaceae (c. 1000 species) and Viscaceae (550 species). Loranthaceae evolved on the Gondwanan supercontinent and subsequently spread from Antarctica to South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa. Many mistletoes have developed mutualistic relationships with birds that serve as both pollinators and seed dispersers. Some mistletoes such as Arceuthobium are important pathogens of forest trees, whereas most are beneficial and even keystone species in forest ecosystems. Keywords: parasitic plant; Loranthaceae; Misodendraceae; Santalaceae; Amphorogynaceae; Viscaceae; hemiparasite; sandalwood
A Study of Irradiation-Induced Active Sites on Magnesium Oxide Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Ultraviolet irradiation-induced catalytic activity of magnesium oxide using electron paramagnetic resonance spectra
A General Technique for Eliminating Spurious Oscillations in Conservative Schemes for Multiphase and Multispecies Euler Equations

Standard conservative discretizations of the compressible Euler equations have been shown to admit nonphysical oscillations near some material interfaces. For example, the calorically perfect Euler equations admit these oscillations when both temperature and gamma jump across an interface, but not when either temperature or gamma happen to be constant. These nonphysical oscillations can be alleviated to some degree with a nonconservative modification of the total energy computed by solving a coupled evolution equation for the pressure. In this paper, we develop and illustrate this method for the thermally perfect Euler equations.
Calcitonin responses in intact and adrenalectomized rats.

Abstract The effect of adrenalectomy on the response to exogenously administered calcitonin has been studied in rats. In adrenalectomized rats calcitonin produced a hypocalcemia equivalent to that produced in adrenal intact rats. However, the responses in intact and adrenalectomized rats differed in that recovery from hypocalcemia was delayed by adrenalectomy. Literature data indicate that calcitonin is taken up by the adrenal cortex. Data presented here indicate that adrenal cortical tissue inactivates calcitonin. Thus, the prolongation of the hypocalcemia of calcitonin by adrenalectomy may be due to the removal of an organ that sequesters and degrades the hormone.
The pharmacologist’s fertility

From time to time it is worth pausing and remembering those who have been our teachers and mentors. In this instance I honor and remember Vladimir Nigrovic – a Croatian physician who was a gentleman, a scholar, and a widely recognized authority on diuretics and neuromuscular blockade (Figure 1). He was a teacher and mentor who made a difference in my life and to those in the Anesthesiology and Pharmacology Departments at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, USA. His passion and enthusiasm were infective, and the scope of his intellect was inspiring. He is missed and fondly remembered.
Mapping, modeling and visualization of the influences of geomorphic processes on the alpine treeline ecotone, Glacier National Park, MT, USA

Spatially explicit digital technologies are integrated within a geographic information science (GISc) context to map, model, and visualize selected direct and indirect geomorphic processes that influence the spatial organization of the alpine treeline ecotone (ATE) in Glacier National Park (GNP), MT. GISc is used to examine alpine treeline and its biotic and abiotic controls through the application of multi-resolution remote sensing systems, geospatial information and product derivatives, and simulations of treeline spatial organization. Three geomorphic features are examined: relict solifluction terraces, evidence of nonlinearity in the development of a catena, and the locations of isolated boulders. The significance of these features is in constraining subsequent geomorphic and biogeographic processes, thus leading to disequilibrium. Exploration of these features though GISc indicates that visualizations for characterizing the relations of geomorphic patterns and processes within a three-dimensional context show promise for improved alpine slope models in the future by defining landscape attributes within a spatially and temporally explicit context.
The Challenge of Race: Rethinking the Position of Black Women in the Field of Women's History

erda Lerner's article beautifully captures the major historiographic shifts and developments in women's history since 1969. It is impor- tant, thirty-five years later, to reflect on the ways in which the study of women's experiences has evolved. Perhaps the most significant ideologi- cal influence on early women's history was the feminist movement, which sought to overthrow male domination, patriarchy, and gender discrimina- tion. As Lerner notes, the result was a proliferation of feminist scholarship in the 1980s, which placed women's voices and experiences at the center of scholarly inquiry. Specifically within the field of history, feminist thought advocated for a woman-centered approach, and argued that there was a common sisterhood among women. 1 The creation of new feminist para- digms was tremendously useful in liberating White women from scholarly neglect and oversight, and therefore a debt of gratitude is owed to the schol- ars who blazed the trail and took intellectual risks to create this field. Despite the importance of these early contributions, however, I be- lieve that the most significant progress has been made since the 1980s, after Black scholars raised critiques regarding the "implicit racism" in women's history that systematically overlooked how race and class func- tioned in the lives of women of color. As Eileen Boris and Angelique Janssens explained, "feminists found themselves increasingly under at- tack for ignoring differences of race and ethnicity. The universalizing rheto- ric of gender claimed to embrace all women when in fact it derived from the standpoint of usually middle-class white women in North America or northern Europe." 2 Although these criticisms slightly destabilized the field, the resulting creation of intersectionality, which examines how race, class, gender, and sexuality simultaneously influence women's lives, was an important step in constructing the stories of women's experiences. 3 Yet as Lerner points out, the changes were not only "dramatic" and "pervasive," they were also "confusing" (13). At this moment in the development of women's history, we must be willing to look deeply at our approaches and evaluate their effectiveness. In my opinion, the scramble to incorpo- rate race into the narrative, while critically important, was often clumsy, awkward, and strained. The problem is twofold; first, although feminism is a useful paradigm for White women, the attempt to force Black women
Methanandamide blocks amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats.

Methanandamide acts at targets which modulate amphetamine-induced behaviors. Therefore, we investigated methanandamide effects on the acute hyperactivity produced by a single injection of amphetamine and behavioral sensitization induced by repeated amphetamine exposure in rats. Methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect basal locomotor or stereotypical activity. Methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment did not alter the acute increase in locomotor or stereotypical activities produced by acute amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.). For chronic studies, rats injected with amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 3 consecutive days were then challenged with amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) 5 days later. Expression of locomotor sensitization was blocked when methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was given once, just prior to amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) challenge. In rats co-exposed to methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) on days 1-3 and then challenged with amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) following 5 days of drug absence, the development of both locomotor and stereotypical sensitization was blocked. The ability of methanandamide to block amphetamine-sensitized behaviors suggests that this pharmacologically diverse lipid regulates signaling events impacted by repeated psychostimulant exposure.
AP-2γ Protein Expression in Intratubular Germ Cell Neoplasia of Testis

Although activator protein 2γ(AP-2γ) has been reported to be a marker of germ cell tumors of the testis, its relationship to placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and KIT (CD117) protein expression in intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) has not been directly compared. In this study, staining of AP-2γin 30 cases of ITGCN was examined and compared with that of PLAP and KIT. Both PLAP and KIT were positive in 29 (97%) of 30 cases, whereas AP-2γ was expressed in 100%. All 3 markers were negative in normal testis (0 of 11 cases). DNA binding sites in the promoter region for AP-2γ in the PLAP and c- kit genes might explain the concordance of protein expression.
Use of anti-hypertensive medications and post-transplant renal allograft function in children

Post-transplant hypertension is a common occurrence in children. The relative effect of this hypertension on renal allograft function is uncertain. Examining the accumulated data for pediatric renal transplant recipients at our institution from monthly visits for up to three years, we determined whether the use of anti-hypertensive medications (anti-HTN medications) was associated with allograft dysfunction. Monthly clinical data included height, weight, serum creatinine, cyclosporin A (CsA) trough levels, number of acute rejection episodes, and number of anti-HTN medications. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated monthly for each patient using the Schwartz formula. Time post-transplant was grouped into 6-month intervals. One thousand three hundred and sixty-three monthly data sets from 6 months (n = 76 patients) to 3 yr post-transplant (n = 47 patients) were analyzed. Overall mean eGFR was 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 6 months and 54 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 yr. A lower eGFR was found at all post-transplant time intervals for patients receiving anti-HTN medications compared with those who were not (p < 0.01). This lower eGFR was found at some but not all times post-transplant when patients were grouped by donor type or history of acute rejection episodes and analyzed separately. Mean CsA trough levels were higher at all post-transplant time intervals in patients receiving anti-HTN medications (p < 0.05). While a causal relationship between post-transplant hypertension and graft dysfunction cannot be established from this study, we conclude that the need for anti-HTN medications is associated with worse allograft function.
Autotomy and decreased spinal substance P following peripheral cryogenic nerve lesion.

Cryotherapy has been clinically applied to relieve pain by blocking peripheral nerve function. Clinically, analgesia has been successfully achieved but there is suggestion that permanent pain relief may be accompanied by extended motor and sensory deficits. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of a peripheral cryogenic nerve lesion, i.e., of the sciatic nerve, on behavioral effects and substance P content in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In rats, the right sciatic nerve was exposed and cryolesioned using one freeze-thaw-refreeze cycle. In an alternate group, the right sciatic nerve was cut and a 3-mm region was excised. Animals were allowed to recover 7 or 21 days during which their behavior was assessed. Autotomy, an animal's tendency to attack the nerve-injured affected limb, occurred in both the cryolesioned and sectioned groups. They were killed by transcardiac perfusion of fixative and segments L4-S1 were processed for immunocytochemistry. The SP-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) in the right and left dorsal horns was compared and quantitated using a microcomputer imaging device. We utilized a fully automated program to digitize and quantitate the staining of the substantia gelatinosa. There was no significant difference in SPLI in the dorsal horns of the sham-operated controls at either time period. At 7 days the sectioned group demonstrated a 40% decrease in SPLI and 76% decrease at 21 days. In the cryolesioned group, there was a 34% decrease at 7 days and by 21 days there was a 68% decrease in immunoreactivity on the operated side.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Elastin, a Metabolically Active Lipoprotein

THE protein elastin has been generally regarded as an inert substance on the basis of its solubility properties1 and tracer studies2 employing carbon-14. That elastic tissue demonstrates dynamic, functional properties other than that of elasticity has been suggested in part by studies on arteriosclerotics. The breakdown of the arterial elastic lamellae is generally reported to be the initial event in the pathological changes of the arteries3. That the elastic lamellae of arteries act as selective filters to tissue fluid components has been proposed4. The present report demonstrates that elastin, as it exists in situ in elastic tissue, is composed of metabolically active components.
Life-threatening arrhythmias in the mitral valve prolapse syndrome☆

This study describes seven patients with the mitral valve prolapse or click-murmur syndrome who have survived one or more episodes of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. These arrhythmias include cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, recurrent ventricular tachycardia causing syncope or sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring electroversion. These patients were seen over a two-year period in a single medical center. Five of the seven had repolarization abnormalities in the resting electrocardiogram. Premature ventricular contractions were present in the routine resting electrocardiograms of six of the seven patients and were frequent during treadmill testing and ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in all six tested. There were electrolyte abnormalities or changes in medications known to affect myocardial repolarization during the week before the episode in three of the four patients with cardiac arrest. The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse click-murmur syndrome was made prior to the episode of life-threatening arrhythmia in only two of the seven patients. Varying forms of antiarrhythmic therapy were given to these patients during follow-up periods of five to 26 months. Although the incidence of fatal arrhythmias in the mitral prolapse syndrome is probably small, we suggest that such arrhythmias may not be extremely rare, particularly among those patients who have repolarization abnormalities in the resting electrocardiogram and frequent premature beats. Patients with unexplained ventricular arrhythmias should be screened for mitral valve prolapse.
Improving computer training effectiveness for decision technologies: Behavior modeling and retention enhancement

Managers and analysts increasingly need to master the hands-on use of computer-based decision technologies including spreadsheet models. Effective training can prevent the lack of skill from impeding potential effectiveness gains from decision technologies. Among the wide variety of software training approaches in use today, recent research indicates that techniques based on behavior modeling, which consists of computer skill demonstration and hands-on practice, are among the most effective for achieving positive training outcomes. The present research examines whether the established behavior-modeling approach to software training can be improved by adding a retention enhancement intervention as a substitute for, or complement to, hands-on practice. One hundred and eleven trainees were randomly assigned to one of three versions of a training program for spreadsheets: retention enhancement only, practice only, and retention enhancement plus practice. Results obtained while controlling for total training time indicate that a combination of retention enhancement and practice led to significantly better cognitive learning than practice alone. The initial difference in cognitive achievement was still evident one week after training. Implications for future computer training research and practice are discussed.
Computer Modeling of Nitroxide Spin Labels on Proteins

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using site-directed spin-labeling (SDSL) can be used as an approach for determination of protein structures that are difficult to solve by other methods. One important aspect of this approach is the measurement of inter-label distances using the double electron-electron resonance (DEER) method. Interpretation of experimental data could be facilitated by a computational approach to calculation of inter-label distances. We describe an algorithm, PRONOX, for rapid computation of inter-label distances based on calculation of spin label conformer distributions at any site of a protein. The program incorporates features of the label distribution established experimentally, including weighting of favorable conformers of the label. Distances calculated by PRONOX were compared with new DEER distances for amphiphysin and annexin B12, and with published data for FCHo2 (F-BAR), endophilin, and α-synuclein; a total of 44 inter-label distances. The program reproduced these distances accurately (r2=0.94, slope=0.98). For 9 of the 11 distances for amphiphysin, PRONOX reproduced the experimental data to within 2.5 A. The speed and accuracy of PRONOX suggests that the algorithm can be used for fitting to DEER data for determination of protein tertiary structure.
The Classic: Cartilaginous-cup Arthroplasty in Ununited Fractures of the Neck of the Femur

This Classic Article is a reprint of the original work by J. R. Moore, Cartilaginous-Cup Arthroplasty in Ununited Fractures of the Neck of the Femur. An accompanying biographical sketch of J.R. Moore is available at DOI 10.1007/s11999-011-1976-x. The Classic Article is ©1948 and is reprinted with permission from The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery from Moore JR. Cartilaginous-cup arthroplasty in ununited fractures of the neck of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1948;30:313–330.
Investigation of a food borne outbreak of salmonehlosis among hospital employees

An explosive outbreak of Salmonella enterocolitis developed in 27 hospital employees in an acute-care community hospital in Rhode Island in 1987. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from the stools of 19 employees during the outbreak. In each patient the implicated organism had an identical antibiotic susceptibility pattern, biotype, plasmid profile, and restriction endonuclease digestion pattern. The outbreak was limited to health care workers and other hospital employees; there were no cases in hospitalized patients. Of the afflicted employees 96% ate in the hospital cafeteria on July 11 or 12, 1987. Food-specific attack rates, based on the dietary histories of ill employees and 50 healthy employees who ate in the cafeteria that weekend, indicated an association between the ingestion of salads and illness (p < 0.01). One food service employee, in whom symptoms of abdominal cramping and diarrhea had developed 6 days earlier, had prepared the implicated foods. S. typhimurium with the identical characteristics of the outbreak strain was isolated from the stools of this food service employee. Environmental cultures and cultures of meat, poultry, and dairy sources for the cafeteria all showed negative results. Food service employees need to be counseled against working during any symptomatic enteric illness and require thorough instruction on hygienic food handling. (Am J Iinfect Control 1989;17:141–147)
Isolation and identification of a sex attractant of a mushroom-infesting sciarid fly

A sciarid fly,Lycoriella mali (Fitch), is one of the most destructive pests to the commercial mushroom,Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Singer. Sanitation procedures and pesticide applications were ineffectual in controlling this pest. A supplemental pest control method employing sex pheromones was suggested since previous work indicated the presence of a sex attractant in the female. Diagnostic reactions performed on female extracts indicated saturated hydrocarbons as active components. The biologically most active fractions eluted from the gas chromatograph between standard hydrocarbons C15 and C22. Hydrocarbons C15, C16, C17, and C18 were isolated and identified via TLC, GC, and GC-MS. Male response to standard hydrocarbons C15 to C26 indicated that C17 is a major attractant. Male response to varying amounts of C17 indicated a preference for levels 10−6g and 10−9g.
Q: Should patients with mild asthma use inhaled steroids?

Yes—but only if we consider the severity of the asthma, the goals of therapy, and the benefits and risks.
Inhibition and kinetics of mycobacterium tuberculosis and mycobacterium smegmatis mycothiol-S-conjugate amidase by natural product inhibitors.

The current rise in mycobacterial-related infections and disease, coupled with drug resistance, underlines the continuing need for new antimycobacterials. To this end, we have screened ∼1500 extracts derived from marine plants and invertebrates and terrestrial fungi for their ability to inhibit a newly described mycobacterial detoxification enzyme mycothiol-S-conjugate amidase (MCA). As described in this paper, our screening and chemistry efforts thus far have led to the identification of 13 natural product inhibitors that represent six different structural classes. By conducting enzyme inhibition assays using varied inhibitor and substrate concentrations, we have determined the mode of inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MCA for four of these compounds. We show that two types of bromotyrosine-derived natural products are competitive inhibitors of MCA; while oceanapiside, an α,ω-bis-aminohydroxy glycosphingolipid, and the fungal metabolite gliotoxin, a dithiadiketopiperazine, are simple and mixed non-competitive inhibitors, respectively. Correlation of these results with the chemical structures suggests that MCA is a metalloenzyme and that the oximinoamide and spiro-isoxazoline amide groups present in the competitive inhibitors are substrate mimics.
Staffing an Information Desk for Maximum Responsiveness and Effectiveness in Meeting Research and Computing Needs in an Academic Library

Once widely accepted as a librarian-staffed research hub in academic libraries, the reference desk has become a source of wide-ranging debate. Desks have been reconfigured, combined, and in some cases eliminated. In many libraries, the traditional Reference Desk has evolved into the Information Desk to provide immediate answers to preliminary research and computing questions at a visible service point. In its new incarnation, some have questioned the necessity of librarian service at the desk. However, although transaction content has changed over the years, librarians continue to be indispensable at the desk, providing instruction and ensuring consistent, patron-centered service to meet users’ immediate needs.
Large sample estimation in nonstationary autoregressive processes with multiple observations

Abstract The asymptotic distributions of the least-squares estimators of the parameters in autoregressive processes with multiple observations are derived for the two nonstationary cases, viz., (a) the explosive case and (b) the unstable case. It is shown that nonstandard limit distributions are obtained.
Sensitive, Real-Time Interband Cascade Laser Based Sensor for Ethane Monitoring

A gas sensor based on a CW mid-infrared interband cascade laser and wavelength modulation spectroscopy capable of measuring ethane concentrations with a detection sensitivity of 0.15 ppbv/radicHz is reported.
Identification of a Claudin-4 Residue Important for Mediating the Host Cell Binding and Action of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin

The 24-member claudin protein family plays a key role in maintaining the normal structure and function of epithelial tight junctions. Previous studies with fibroblast transfectants and naturally sensitive Caco-2 cells have also implicated certain claudins (e.g., Claudin-4) as receptors for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). The present study first provided evidence that the second extracellular loop (ECL-2) of claudins is specifically important for mediating the host cell binding and cytotoxicity of native CPE. Rat fibroblast transfectants expressing a Claudin-4 chimera, where the natural ECL-2 was replaced by ECL-2 from Claudin-2, exhibited no CPE-induced cytotoxicity. Conversely, CPE bound to, and killed, CPE-treated transfectants expressing a Claudin-2 chimera with a substituted ECL-2 from Claudin-4. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to alter an ECL-2 residue that invariably aligns as N in claudins known to bind native CPE but as D or S in claudins that cannot bind CPE. Transfectants expressing a Claudin-4N149D mutant lost the ability to bind or respond to CPE, while transfectants expressing a Claudin-1 mutant with the corresponding ECL-2 residue changed from D to N acquired CPE binding and sensitivity. Identifying carriage of this N residue in ECL-2 as being important for native CPE binding helps to explain why only certain claudins can serve as CPE receptors. Finally, preincubating CPE with soluble recombinant Claudin-4, or Claudin-4 fragments containing ECL-2 specifically blocked the cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells. This result opens the possibility of using receptor claudins as therapeutic decoys to ameliorate CPE-mediated intestinal disease.
Dethinning extensive air shower simulations

We describe a method for restoring information lost during statistical thinning in extensive air shower simulations. By converting weighted particles from thinned simulations to swarms of particles with similar characteristics, we obtain a result that is essentially identical to the thinned shower, and which is very similar to non-thinned simulations of showers. We call this method dethinning. Using non-thinned showers on a large scale is impossible because of unrealistic CPU time requirements, but with thinned showers that have been dethinned, it is possible to carry out large-scale simulation studies of the detector response for ultra-high energy cosmic ray surface arrays. The dethinning method is described in detail and comparisons are presented with parent thinned showers and with non-thinned showers.
Effects of neonatal decortication on the social play of juvenile rats

The effects of radical neonatal decortication on the social play of juvenile rats, as well as the effects of neonatal ablation of frontal or parietal cortex, were examined in this series of experiments. When total decorticates were tested in like-lesioned pairs, the frequency of pinning was reduced by about 50% and their average pin durations were shorter. Nevertheless, the play of decorticates appeared essentially normal in general appearance, and did not differ from controls in a measure of overall play vigor using an electronic activity platform. Further, there were no differences in pin frequencies when controls and decorticates were paired together in cross-lesion testing. Separate tests of play solicitation behaviors did not detect any differences between controls and decorticates suggesting that play motivation was essentially intact after decortication. No deficits in pinning resulted from frontal ablations; however, pin durations were shorter in like-lesion testing. In cross-lesion testing, there was an increase in dorsal contacts and a trend toward shortening of pin durations. Parietal aspirations resulted in a 65% reduction in pin frequency, without substantially altering dorsal contacts. Anesthetization of the anterior surface of the animal's back with xylocaine reduced pinning in controls but eliminated pinning in parietals. Although the results generally indicate little participation of the neocortex in the instigation of rough-and-tumble play, the reliable numerical changes that were observed may be explained by apparent motor changes as well as reduced somatosensory sensitivity.
Competitive advantage and performance: the impact of value creation and costliness of imitation

We create an industrial organization type model to relate resources to the spread between product market demand and marginal cost. We define competitive advantage as the cross-sectional differential in this spread, and performance as the longitudinal differential between what a firm appropriates in the product market and what it paid in the factor market. With factor markets imposing different costs on the innovator and potential imitator(s), competitive advantage, performance, and high resource value do not necessarily coincide. Also, the interaction between resource value and the cost of imitation is complex and affected by the number of firms in the industry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limited Access: Disparities in Flexible Work Schedules and Work-at-home

This research tests predictions regarding potential disparities among the employed by personal characteristics in the ability to vary the starting and ending times of their workday and engage in work from home. Women and African-Americans possess less access to flexible work schedules, even when controlling for most job characteristics. Married men have more access, but only if they are parents, and mothers only if they have pre-school-age children. Workers with part-time or long hours gain far greater access. Work-at-home is more common among women, the married and parents-thus, relatively more reflective of family demands. The results suggest where public and organizational policies could be focused to spread flexible work arrangements more toward those who both most value it and lack it.
Anomalous hyperpolarizability dispersion measured for neon.

Measurements of electric-field--induced second-harmonic generation are presented which show that the hyperpolarizability (\ensuremath{\gamma}) of the Ne atom decreases with increasing frequency at infrared frequencies. Such negative dispersion of \ensuremath{\gamma} at frequencies far below the first resonance is unprecedented. The new data, when combined with the results of ab initio calculations indicate that the electron-correlation contribution is 40% of ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Ne}}$. This raises the question of the adequacy of Hartree-Fock calculations of the nonlinear optical properties of other atoms and molecules.
Transcriptional basis of lymphocyte tolerance

Signaling through lymphocyte antigen receptors has the potential to initiate several distinct outcomes: proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, or functional unresponsiveness. Expansion and differentiation of effector T cells is required for defense against foreign antigens, whereas functional unresponsiveness, termed anergy, is a cell-intrinsic mechanism that contributes to peripheral self-tolerance. Other mechanisms of peripheral tolerance include the 'dominant' tolerance imposed by regulatory T cells and immunosuppression mediated by interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta. T- and B-cell antigen receptor ligation induces an increase in intracellular calcium levels as well as activating additional signaling pathways that are further potentiated by costimulatory receptors. In this review, we argue that cell-intrinsic programs of peripheral anergy and tolerance are imposed by sustained calcium signaling in lymphocytes. We address in particular the role of the calcium-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor for activation of T cells, which is activated by antigen receptor stimulation and, depending on the presence or absence of input from its transcriptional partner, activator protein-1, dictates two distinct transcriptional programs: activation or tolerance.
Second, Third, and Higher-Order Consumption Functions: A Precautionary Tale

Abstract No analytic solution exists to the consumption problem of an agent who faces uninsurable income shocks, though perturbation methods can be used to derive approximate solutions. This paper shows it is straightforward to extend the well-known second-order consumption function to third order. However, for every n there is a threshold interest rate below which the nth-order correction diverges. This puts a bound on the accuracy that can be achieved with perturbation methods. Even a second-order consumption function can perform spectacularly worse than a zeroth-order function that disregards precautionary saving, and this cannot be rectified by going to higher orders.
Both Ends of the Leash — The Human Links to Good Dogs with Bad Genes

This Franklin H. Epstein Lecture reviews the many insights into human disease that have emerged from the study of similar diseases in dogs. In addition, gene therapy for canine diseases is being applied successfully to human patients with similar diseases.