cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RAPID TOXICITY ASSESSMENT USING ROTIFER INGESTION RATE

Rapid toxicity assessment is an important goal in aquatic toxicology. Ecologically important processes that can be assessed more rapidly than mortality or fecundity, while maintaining sensitivity to toxicants would be especially useful endpoints. Feeding behavior of rotifers is significant ecologically because of its direct effects on reproduction, population growth, and algal species composition. Techniques were developed to quantify ingestion rate in the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus in 1 h, using fluorescently labeled latex spheres. The number of spheres ingested in a fixed feeding interval is directly proportional to the intensity of fluorescence in the gut. Gut fluorescence was quantified in individual females using an image analysis system. The effects of several types of toxicants on ingestion rate are reported and compared to acute and chronic values from whole animal tests.
Tracking Nanosecond and Subnanosecond Protein Dynamics On-the-Fly Using Frequency-Domain Fluorescence:

Fluorescence anisotropy and intensity decay experiments on proteins can provide detailed information on biomolecule dynamics and function. However, experiments of this sort are normally performed while the biomolecule is at or near equilibrium. Although information on protein dynamics under equilibrium conditions is extremely important, details about the protein behavior while it is actually undergoing change can provide significantly more insight into the overall protein behavior. Multiharmonic Fourier frequency-domain fluorescence provides a means to acquire fluorescence anisotropy and intensity decay information on a reasonably rapid time scale. As a result, one can potentially track protein nanosecond and subnanosecond dynamical processes on-the-fly as they undergo change(s) during, for example, protein-ligand binding, enzymatic reactions, or antigen/hapten-antibody association. To illustrate the potential of the frequency-domain on-the-fly methodology, we report here on the behavior of a model protein, bovine serum albumin, that has been labeled site-selectively with the fluorescent probe acrylodan (BSA-Ac). Conformational changes in the BSA-Ac are effected by using trypsin or beta -mercaptoethanol (BME). BME is a disulfide interchange reagent, and trypsin cleaves and excises from the entire BSA molecule a 21 amino acid peptide segment that contains the covalently attached Ac residue. This paper focuses on the time course of the fluorescence anisotropy and intensity decay kinetics of BSA-Ac as it reacts with trypsin or BME.
Cell division and nucleolar ribonucleic acid synthesis in synchronous cultures.

Nucleolar RNA synthesis is inhibited and cell division delayed in synchronous cultures of mouse fibroblasts (strain L-929) treated with actinomycin D (0.04 μg per ml). The gradual loss of actinomycin D from the cells during a 2-hr period following incubation is accompanied by an increase in the rate of nucleolar RNA synthesis to the control level. Following this the rate of protein synthesis is decreased by 25% for approximately 9 hr. The length of time that nucleolar RNA and protein synthesis are inhibited accounts for the delay in mitosis 1 1/2 cell cycles later. These data support the contention that certain proteins produced during one interphase are prerequisite for division in a subsequent cycle.
Identifying the informational needs of readers; A management responsibility

It is argued that, with today's growing emphasis on audience analysis in technical communication, there needs to be a sharper focus on the informational needs of various audiences; much empirical study is needed to provide a fuller definition and understanding of the nature of these informational needs and how they directly affect the writing done. Effective upward management communication is directly dependent on the quality of communication moving downward in the organization to the staff, and on how staff is made to understand the decision-making role and informational needs of the management reader. Of all the people involved in technical communications, the manager of the writers may be best equipped to determine the informational needs of readers, especially those of upper management. A brief review of two empirical studies conducted by the author demonstrates the value of such studies and encourages others to undertake similar studies.
Borehole Breakouts in Berea Sandstone: Two Porosity-Dependent Distinct Shapes and Mechanisms of Formation

We conducted laboratory-drilling experiments in Berea sandstone blocks of two different porosities in which borehole breakouts were induced under several truly triaxial far-field stress conditions. We used a petrographic microscope to study thin sections of the drilled boreholes and observed the mechanism of failure that ultimately resulted in breakout formation. In lower porosity Berea sandstone (17%) we identified a breakout failure mechanism that is similar in its final 'V' shape to that observed in granite and limestone, and occurring along the σ h spring line. This shape results from successive spalling of slabs initiated by dilatant intragranular microcracking subparallel to σ H direction. The cracks extend intergranularly due to the much lower toughness of the rock matrix, and reach the borehole wall along tortuous diagonal paths, forming a wide-angle 'V'-shaped notch. A dramatically different failure mechanism was observed in the higher porosity sandstone (22.5%), a more weakly cemented but still competent Berea sandstone. Breakout failure occurs at the same locations around the borehole as above, but its final shape is best described as a narrow linear slot or fracture perpendicular to σ H direction. Our interpretation of the mechanism forming this type of breakout is that it is related to the weak bonding between the quartzitic grains as inferred from the high porosity of the rock, which also implies less cementing matrix material between the grains. Under sufficient far-field stresses, high stress concentration around the hole (along the σ h springline), causes the collapse of the weak and sparse matrix, and partially or totally debonds the quartz grains. The disaggregated grains spall off in non-dilatant fashion, creating a higher stress concentration behind them. This in turn facilitates further disintegration of the cementing matrix, and removal of additional grains along the σ h spring line. The newly observed breakout type, different from any previously experienced, could have major significance in studying instability problems in wellbores intersecting poorly consolidated sandstones.
Integration of a Retrograde Signal during Synapse Formation by Glia-Secreted TGF-β Ligand

Summary Glial cells are crucial regulators of synapse formation, elimination, and plasticity [1, 2]. In vitro studies have begun to identify glial-derived synaptogenic factors [1], but neuron-glia signaling events during synapse formation in vivo remain poorly defined. The coordinated development of pre- and postsynaptic compartments at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) depends on a muscle-secreted retrograde signal, the TGF-β/BMP Glass bottom boat (Gbb) [3, 4]. Muscle-derived Gbb activates the TGF-β receptors Wishful thinking (Wit) and either Saxophone (Sax) or Thick veins (Tkv) in motor neurons [3, 4]. This induces phosphorylation of Mad (P-Mad) in motor neurons, its translocation into the nucleus with a co-Smad, and activation of transcriptional programs controlling presynaptic bouton growth [5]. Here we show that NMJ glia release the TGF-β ligand Maverick (Mav), which likely activates the muscle activin-type receptor Punt to potently modulate Gbb-dependent retrograde signaling and synaptic growth. Loss of glial Mav results in strikingly reduced P-Mad at NMJs, decreased Gbb transcription in muscle, and in turn reduced muscle-to-motor neuron retrograde TGF-β/BMP signaling. We propose that by controlling Gbb release from muscle, glial cells fine tune the ability of motor neurons to extend new synaptic boutons in correlation to muscle growth. Our work identifies a novel glia-derived synaptogenic factor by which glia modulate synapse formation in vivo.
β-Galactoside transport and proton movements in an adenosine triphosphatase-deficient mutant of Escherichia coli

Abstract A mutant of Escherichia coli lacking the Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (E.C.3.6.1.3.) has been previously shown to lack active transport of amino acids and sugars. It is shown that this mutant can couple proton movements to β-galactoside uptake, but that the rate of passive proton permeation is greatly increased. N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide simultaneously reduces the passive proton release and increases the β-galactoside transport. It is concluded that the mutant is uncoupled for active transport due to inability to establish a proton gradient.
The thermoosmotic effect in wood

Water vapor pressures computed from stationary state data for moist wood (Choong 1963) are used to infer changes in the logarithm of vapor pressure per unit change in Kelvin temperature, d ln p/dT, for comparison with corresponding values from a thermodynamic model. The model evaluates the overall heat of transfer associated with passage of vapor through wood, and hence quantifies the thermoosmotic effect. Results of the comparison verify the existence of a constant vapor entropy for wood in the stationary state.
Balloon-borne coded aperture telescope for arc-minute angular resolution at hard x-ray energies

We are working on the development of a new balloon-borne telescope, MARGIE (minute-of-arc resolution gamma ray imaging experiment). It will be a coded aperture telescope designed to image hard x-rays (in various configurations) over the 20 - 600 keV range with an angular resolution approaching one arc minute. MARGIE will use one (or both) of two different detection plane technologies, each of which is capable of providing event locations with sub-mm accuracies. One such technology involves the use of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) strip detectors. We have successfully completed a series of laboratory measurements using a prototype CZT detector with 375 micron pitch. Spatial location accuracies of better than 375 microns have been demonstrated. A second type of detection plane would be based on CsI microfiber arrays coupled to a large area silicon CCD readout array. This approach would provide spatial resolutions comparable to that of the CZT prototype. In one possible configuration, the coded mask would be 0.5 mm thick tungsten, with 0.5 mm pixels at a distance of 1.5 m from the central detector giving an angular resolution of 1 arc-minute and a fully coded field of view of 12 degrees. We review the capabilities of the MARGIE telescope and report on the status of our development efforts and our plans for a first balloon flight.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hydrology and Geochemistry of Thermal Waters in the Upper Napa Valley, California

Shallow low-to-moderate temperature geothermal waters are found in the upper part of the Napa Valley near the town of Calistoga, California. The geology of the upper Napa Valley is dominated by Jurassic to Cretaceous eugosynclinal Franciscan assemblage and the late Tertiary (Pliocene) Sonoma Volcanic rocks. Minor post-Pliocene normal faulting is evident in the volcanic rocks north and southeast of the study area. The thermal waters which have a sodium chloride chemistry with elevated concentrations of chloride, boron, and fluoride, are attributed to fault-controlled hydrothermal circulation. The cold waters are characterized as mixed-cation bicarbonate type with high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and iron. The geothermal aquifer is believed to be recharged by the upwelling of thermal water along a linear fault zone aligned with the topographic axis of the Napa Valley. Data from 140 domestic water wells were used to evaluate the chemical character of the geothermal resource and to construct maps of chloride and boron concentrations. These maps were subsequently used to locate the source of the deep thermal water and zones of cold and hot water mixing, and to develop a conceptual model of the geothermal system.
ELECTRICAL BAROREFLEX STIMULATION NORMALIZES PLASMA NEOPTERIN LEVELS IN DOGS WITH ADVANCED HEART FAILURE

Neopterin (NPT) is a catabolic product of guanosine triphosphate, is synthesized by macrophages and, and when elevated in plasma, is indicative of a pro-inflammatory immune status. NPT has been shown to be markedly elevated in patients with heart failure (HF). This study examined the long-term
Significance of anterior Q waves in left anterior fascicular block--a clinical and noninvasive assessment.

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) Q waves in V leads (V2 or V3) pose a diagnostic challenge in the presence of left anterior fascicular block (LAFB). Benign Q waves in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD) primarily due to LAFB have been described. This study evaluates Q waves in the presence of LAFB. Hypothesis: Anterior Q waves in the presence of LAFB may not be indicative of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: From 1990 to 1997, ECGs of 236 male patients with LAFB were analyzes for presence of Q waves in the V leads. Records were reviewed for evidence of CAD. Of 236 patients with LAFB, 61 (26%) had Q waves in the V leads. In this group, 31 patients were available for further analysis. Results: Of the 31 patients with Q waves in the V leads who were available for further study, LAFB was present in 22 patients (71%) and LAFB plus right bundle-branch block (RBBB) were present in 9 (29%). Of 20 patients with Q waves due to MI, 13 (65%) had LAFB and 7 (35%) had LAFB plus RBBB. Of 11 patients with benign Q waves, 9 (82%) and 2 (18%) had LAFB and LAFB plus RBBB, respectively. Benign Q waves were noted in 5.3% (11/206) patients with LAFB. The mean duration of Q waves and Q-wave location limited to V2 and/or V3 are 0.029 s and 64% versus 0.053 s and 15% in benign versus pathologic Q waves, respectively. Conclusion: Patients with LAFB in the absence of MI may have Q waves in the V leads that are approximately 0.02 s in duration and restricted to one or two leads. This anomaly may represent a variation of conduction in the initial 0.02 s QRS vector due to LAFB.
Synthesis of silicon-based polymer films by excimer laser-induced photo-reaction of phenylsilane and methylphenylsilane

The synthesis of silicon-based polymer films was studied by excimer laser (248 nm)-induced photo-reaction of phenylsilane and methyl-phenylsilane at reduced pressure. IR and UV–VIS results showed that the films were composed of Si–C network structures with phenyl rings. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relation between Relaxation Time and Jump Frequencies for Zener Relaxation in Disordered F.C.C. Alloys

The dissociation of pairs has been taken into account, in addition to a mere reorientation of pairs, to derive expressions for the relaxation times of Zener relaxation in disordered f.c.c. alloys. The results are 1/τ1 = (12 k1 + 12.74 k2) fR, 1/τ2 = (8k1 + 12.78 k2) fR for the Eg and T2g mode of relaxation, respectively. Here k1 and k2 are jump rates for non-dissociating and dissociating atoms, respectively, and fR is a correlation factor.
Positive Alpha-Fetoglobulin in a Case of Gastric Carcinoma

ALPHA-fetoglobulin is a protein found in the serum of many patients with a primary hepatoma and in occasional patients with primitive gonadal tumors. Its presence in gastrointestinal cancers is not...
Role of Early Postoperative Surface Echocardiography in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Objective To compare surface echocardiographic data with catheterization and surgical observation as a way of deciding on the need to reoperate to correct hemodynamically important sequelae following pediatric cardiac surgery; to determine the false-negative diagnosis rate of surface echocardiography. Design Case series. Setting Tertiary-care center, pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Patients All 39 patients who underwent reoperation because of hemodynamically significant anatomic sequelae following primary or elective secondary surgery in 1 calendar year. Interventions None. Measurements Two-dimensional and color Doppler ultrasound assessment of anatomy and physiology following cardiac surgery. Results In 85 percent, surface echocardiography provided sufficient information for surgeons to reoperate on the same admission. Detection of important residual shunts or arterial stenoses and identification of anatomic causes of pulmonary undercirculation (or overcirculation) in palliated single ventricle are feasible. Conclusion Early postoperative surface echocardiography is a viable way to decide on the hemodynamic adequacy of cardiac surgery.
The scale of maladaptive self-consciousness: A valid and useful measure in the study of social phobia

Abstract Hope and Heimberg (Journal of Personality Assessment, 52, 626–639, 1988) have hypothesized that self-consciousness, broadly conceptualized as a dispositional tendency to focus attention on oneself, is relevant to the phenomenology of social phobia. Unlike the most commonly used measure of this construct, the Self-Consciousness Scale (Fenigstein, Scheier & Buss, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43, 522–527, 1975), Christensen's (Personality and Individual Differences, 3, 177–188, 1982) Scale of Maladaptive Self-Consciousness (SCONS) explicitly emphasizes the dysfunctional aspects of self-consciousness. The current investigation evaluated the relationship of maladaptive self-consciousness, assessed via the SCONS, to social phobia. Social phobics exhibited higher levels of maladaptive self-consciousness than nonanxious subjects. Among social phobics, maladaptive self-consciousness was associated with greater social anxiety, more avoidance of feared situations, greater severity of phobic symptoms, and several types of cognitive biases, including underestimation of performance quality within social contexts and maladaptive attributional style. Thus, Christensen's (1982) refined notion of self-consciousness, which emphasizes the construct's dysfunctional aspects, appears to be of theoretical and practical relevance to the study of social phobia.
Swift heavy ion irradiation of diamond powder

Abstract Sub-micrometer sized diamond powder was irradiated with 1.4 GeV uranium ions at fluences of 5 × 1012, 1 × 1013 and 8 × 1013 ions/cm2. The resulting structure of the irradiated diamond powder was investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The high-resolution XRD measurements show that the diamond unit cell parameter increases with irradiation, and the unit cell volume increases by about 1.3‰ for the highest fluence. However, no peak broadening was observed and an ion-induced sharpening was evident after irradiation. Raman, TEM and EELS analysis confirmed that the diamond undergoes a radiation-induced transformation to a graphite-like carbon.
Early Clinical Experience with a Hybrid Bioartificial Liver

Background: Severe liver failure is associated with high mortality. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only effective therapeutic modality; there is a need for a ‘bridge’ system to support patients until an organ becomes available. Methods: A bioartificial liver (BAL) was used to treat 10 patients with severe liver failure. A plasmapheresis system was used to pump patient plasma through a module with porcine hepatocytes. Each treatment lasted 6-7 h. Results: All patients tolerated the procedures(s) well. Eight patients underwent OLT following BAL treatment(s). There were two late deaths after recovery from liver failure. Five patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and decerebration had ICP normalization, increased cerebral perfusion pressure and full neurologic recovery after OLT. There was improvement in the level of encephalopathy and a significant decrease in serum ammonia after BAL treatment(s). Conclusions: BAL treatment is safe and beneficial and can be successfully used as a...
The Transition from Government Control of Sugar to Competitive Conditions

Introduction, 720. — The world sugar market during 1919, 723. — The problem of the surplus, 726. — The problem of the shortage, 726. The problem of decontrol, 728. — Conditions in 1920, 732. —Conclusion, 734.
Field-induced structures in miscible ferrofluid suspensions with and without latex spheres.

We explore magnetic-field-induced ordering and microphase separation of aqueous ferrofluid and of aqueous mixtures of ferrofluid with nonmagnetic latex spheres. The ferrofluid is a surfactant stabilized aqueous suspension of magnetite $({\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})$ particles with average diameter 20 nm (including the $\ensuremath{\sim}2.5\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{nm}$ thick surfactant layer); the nonmagnetic latex spheres are charge stabilized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles with diameters of 42 nm, 108 nm, and 220 nm. In the presence of a uniform magnetic field, needlelike ferrofluid droplets formed that eventually grew to sample-traversing columns at fields of $\ensuremath{\sim}600\mathrm{G};$ the two-dimensional structure of these columns was, however, glassy rather than hexagonal. In higher fields, $\ensuremath{\sim}1000\mathrm{G},$ the columns stretched and coalesced into sheetlike striped liquids, but a true lamellar phase was not observed. The addition of nonmagnetic latex spheres to the ferrofluid suspension lowered substantially the critical field for the formation of columns, and induced lamellar (stripe) phases at relatively low applied fields. Image analysis was used to determine the spatial correlation functions, the average needle or column spacing, and the average lamellae spacing of these samples as a function of latex sphere size and concentration.
Thermal transitions in Fe–Ti–Cr–C quaternary system used as precursor during laser in situ carbide coating

Abstract The temperature range of thermal transitions within the quaternary system (Fe, Ti, Cr, and C) and the thermal stability of the evolved phases were studied with the help of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC studies indicated that the major exothermic reactions (formation of carbides) take place within 850–1150 °C. The evolved phases (TiC, M 7 C 3 , Fe–Cr, and Fe 3 C) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). This multicomponent powder mixture was used as a precursor for synthesizing a composite coating on the surface of steel via laser surface engineering (LSE). The intended wear applications of the coating made thermal stability investigations vital. Experimental evaluation of thermal stability of the phases formed was done.
The Asymptotic Stability of xn+1 − axn + bxn−k = 0

We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the difference equation xn+1 − axn + bxn−k = 0, n = 0, 1, 2, ..., where the coefficients a and b are real numbers and the delay k is a nonnegative integer.
Effective viscosity of glycerin in a nanoporous silica gel

The infiltration of glycerin in a lyophobic nanoporous silica gel is investigated experimentally, and the effective interfacial tension and viscosity are discussed. While the simple superposition principle can be employed for the analysis of interfacial tension, in a nanopore the effective liquid viscosity is no longer a material constant. It is highly dependent on the pore size and the loading rate, much smaller than its bulk counterpart.
Intelligent UAS situation awareness and information delivery

Background ▪ UAS systems for military operations, border patrol, and other applications have been a great success. Expanded UAS presence in non-segregated civil airspace is limited due to safety risks ▪ Lost command and control links between the unmanned aircraft and the pilot as well as the loss of ATC communications are potential safety risks
Understanding User-Web Interactions via Web Analytics

This lecture presents an overview of the Web analytics process, with a focus on providing insight and actionable outcomes from collecting and analyzing Internet data. The lecture first provides an overview of Web analytics, providing in essence, a condensed version of the entire lecture. The lecture then outlines the theoretical and methodological foundations of Web analytics in order to make obvious the strengths and shortcomings of Web analytics as an approach. These foundational elements include the psychological basis in behaviorism and methodological underpinning of trace data as an empirical method. These foundational elements are illuminated further through a brief history of Web analytics from the original transaction log studies in the 1960s through the information science investigations of library systems to the focus on Websites, systems, and applications. Following a discussion of on-going interaction data within the clickstream created using log files and page tagging for analytics of Website and search logs, the lecture then presents a Web analytic process to convert these basic data to meaningful key performance indicators in order to measure likely converts that are tailored to the organizational goals or potential opportunities. Supplementary data collection techniques are addressed, including surveys and laboratory studies. The overall goal of this lecture is to provide implementable information and a methodology for understanding Web analytics in order to improve Web systems, increase customer satisfaction, and target revenue through effective analysis of userWebsite interactions. Table of Contents: Understanding Web Analytics / The Foundations of Web Analytics: Theory and Methods / The History of Web Analytics / Data Collection for Web Analytics / Web Analytics Fundamentals / Web Analytics Strategy / Web Analytics as Competitive Intelligence / Supplementary Methods for Augmenting Web Analytics / Search Log Analytics / Conclusion / Key Terms / Blogs for Further Reading / References
Modeling Solid‐Phase Control of Solubility of Drinking‐Water Treatment Residuals — Immobilized Phosphorus in Soils

Drinking‐water treatment residuals (WTR) control excessive soluble phosphorus (P) concentrations in soils and appear to do so for a long time. Knowledge of the solid phases controlling the solubility of WTR‐immobilized P could enable the prediction of the long‐term stability of WTR‐immobilized P. We hypothesized that stable aluminum (Al)– and iron (Fe)–phosphate minerals control the solubility of WTR‐immobilized P, thus ensuring that WTR‐immobilized P remains stable in the long term. We utilized both artificially (laboratory) and naturally (field) aged WTR‐amended samples to test our hypothesis and the MINTEQA2 geochemical model to perform chemical equilibrium calculations. The field‐aged WTR‐amended soil (Granby loamy sand and Granby sandy loam) samples were obtained from two sites where an alum‐based WTR (Al‐WTR) had been applied 7.5 years ago. Artificial aging of fresh (freshly amended) soil (Immokalee fine sand) samples was achieved through incubation at elevated temperatures (46 or 70 °C) for 4.5 yea...
High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps When Is the Safety Net Needed?

The goal of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is to decrease the coronary obstruction in a durable manner without compromising or damaging the myocardium so that patients may obtain the clinical benefits from the procedure, namely potentially improved survival in the setting of acute myocardial infarction interventions and improvement in health status for elective interventions. Interventional cardiologists make decisions each day aimed at improving the likelihood of both procedural success and resultant patient outcomes. These wide-ranging decisions include procedural planning, adjunctive pharmacotherapy, and device therapy for both coronary devices and possible use of various hemodynamic support devices. It is in this framework that the effectiveness of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation devices must be considered because they represent a common tool that interventional cardiologists use for procedure and patient support. Article see p 21 IABP counterpulsation was first reported in 1968 as a cardiac-assist device in a patient with cardiogenic shock,1 which supported the patient as shock resolved. As an adjunctive hemodynamic support device, the intra-aortic balloon is timed with the cardiac cycle to inflate at the start of diastole, augmenting diastolic pressure, which increases coronary perfusion and oxygen delivery to the myocardium. It is timed to deflate just before the start of systole, thereby reducing afterload. This facilitates ejection of blood from the left ventricle (LV) by decreasing LV work and reducing myocardial oxygen demands,2 resulting in increased cardiac output. …
Opposing regulation of endolysosomal pathways by long-acting nanoformulated antiretroviral therapy and HIV-1 in human macrophages

Background Long-acting nanoformulated antiretroviral therapy (nanoART) is designed to improve patient regimen adherence, reduce systemic drug toxicities, and facilitate clearance of human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) infection. While nanoART establishes drug depots within recycling and late monocyte-macrophage endosomes, whether or not this provides a strategic advantage towards viral elimination has not been elucidated.
Effective Mutagenesis of Vibrio fischeri by Using Hyperactive Mini-Tn5 Derivatives

We have developed a transposon mutagenesis system for Vibrio fischeri ES114 that utilizes a hyperactive mutant Tn5 transposase (E54K and M56A) and optimized transposon ends. Using a conjugation-based procedure, we obtained independent single-insertion mini-Tn5 mutants at a rate of approximately 10(-6). This simple and inexpensive technique represents a significant improvement over previous methods for transposon mutagenesis of V. fischeri and should be applicable to many other bacteria.
Meningococcal Porin PorB Prevents Cellular Apoptosis in a Toll-Like Receptor 2- and NF-κB-Independent Manner

Meningococcal porin PorB is an inhibitor of apoptosis induced via the intrinsic pathway in various cell types. This effect is attributed to prevention of mitochondrial depolarization and of subsequent release of proapoptotic mitochondrial factors. To determine whether apoptosis is globally inhibited by PorB, we compared the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in HeLa cells. Interestingly, PorB does not prevent extrinsic apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha plus cycloheximide, suggesting a unique mitochondrial pathway specificity. Several intracellular factors regulated by NF-κB, including members of the Bcl-2 family and of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, play major roles in controlling apoptosis, and some of them are thought to contribute to the antiapoptotic effect of the gonococcal porin, PIB. However, most of the members of the Bcl-2 family and the IAP family are not induced by meningococcal PorB in HeLa cells, with the exception of Bfl-1/A1. Interestingly, PorB does not induce NF-κB activation in HeLa cells, likely due to a lack of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in these cells. Bfl-1/A1 expression is also regulated by CBF1, a nuclear component of the Notch signaling pathway, independent of NF-κB activation. Since HeLa cells are protected by PorB from intrinsic apoptosis events, regardless of TLR2 and NF-κB expression, the possibility of a contribution of alternative signaling pathways to this effect cannot be excluded. In this paper, we describe an initial dissection of the cascade of cellular events involved in the antiapoptotic effect of PorB in the absence of TLR2.
Comments on Three Methods of Scoring Androgyny as a Continuous Variable

It is shown that Kalin's (1979), Bryan, Coleman, and Ganong's (1981), and Strahan's (1981) one-dimensional scoring systems of androgyny as a continuous variable do not reflect Bern's (1974) and Spence, Helmreich, and Stapp's (1975) two-dimensional masculinity-femininity theories. Further, Kalin's approach can be simplified to the smaller of either the masculinity or the femininity score.
Desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia: clinical evidence and experience

Nocturia is a common and bothersome condition experienced by both men and women. Studies have suggested that nocturia contributes a level of morbidity to those who suffer from the condition, both young and old. Desmopressin has historically been utilized to treat conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, certain bleeding disorders and primary nocturnal enuresis. Recently, interest has increased as to the use of desmopressin (a vasopressin analog) in the treatment of adult nocturia, for whom nocturnal polyuria is prevalent. While desmopressin has been traditionally administered in tablet and bioequivalent high dose melt formulations, newer low-dose orally disintegrating sublingual desmopressin has been recently studied to determine safe and efficacious dosing strategies. In this review, nocturia and its associated morbidities are discussed, followed by a contemporary literature review regarding the safety and efficacy of desmopressin for its treatment.
Effect of fast head field rise time in perpendicular recording

Summary form only given. One of the key advantages of single-pole (SP) head/media with magnetic soft underlayer (SUL) perpendicular recording system is its ability to obtain larger write field in the media than that in longitudinal recording. However, such advantage is diminished as the dimension of the pole tip is reduced to increase areal recording density. In this work, the effects of head field rise time and media damping constant on switching field and switching time are investigated through micromagnetic simulations.
Context-Dependent Regulation of Wnt Signaling through the Primary Cilium

The primary cilium is a highly conserved environmental sensor and modulator of fluid movement in tubular structures. The growing recognition of mutations among its many components has led to the discovery of new disorders collectively called ciliopathies. Ciliary dysfunction disturbs a variety of signaling pathways along its basal body and axoneme that are critical for embryonic development and cell and organ homeostasis. Among the many pathways, here we discuss the emerging role of Wnt proteins in morphogenic signaling and ciliary biology during health and disease.
Highly Coupon and Sale Prone Consumers: Benefits Beyond Price Savings

In recent years, some consumer products' firms have made attempts to replace or sharply reduce the use of sales promotion, including coupons and sales, with everyday low prices (EDLP). While consumers can benefit from EDLP initiatives, the strong negative reactions from many consumers suggest they do not necessarily favor the reduction of sales promotion activities. Their negative response raises concern that consumers who are very highly involved with sales promotion have strong underlying reasons for their resistance. This article attempts to develop a broader understanding of the differences between those consumers highly coupon and sale prone and those less prone to sales promotion across a variety of economic and shopping-related dimensions. Results from three studies reveal that highly prone consumers are drawn to reduced prices, but they also enjoy shopping and gain a sense of achievement by purchasing products on special. Implications of findings are discussed.
AAPM/RSNA physics tutorial for residents: topics in US: beyond the basics: elasticity imaging with US.

A new mode of imaging with ultrasonography (US) is under development in several laboratories around the world. This technique allows estimation of some measure of the viscoelastic properties of tissue. The information displayed in the images is a surrogate for that obtained with manual palpation. Fundamental concepts in elasticity imaging include stress, strain, and the elastic modulus; strain imaging has received the most attention from researchers. A system for elasticity imaging is under development that produces images of mechanical strain in real time by means of a freehand scanning technique. This system is integrated into a clinical US system without any external equipment and involves software changes only. Data obtained with this system demonstrate that the relative stiffness of many fibroadenomas changes as they and the surrounding tissue are deformed. At elasticity imaging of in vivo breast lesions, invasive ductal carcinomas appear, on average, more than twice as large on the elasticity image than on the B-mode image, but fibroadenomas and cysts are nearly equal in size on the two image types. The usefulness of this technology and the new information it provides suggest that it might soon be available on commercial US systems. © RSNA, 2003
Interactive Effect of PAI-1 4G/5G Genotype and Salt Intake on PAI-1 Antigen

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is associated with increased circulating PAI-1 antigen and increased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events. A 4G/5G polymorphism located 675 bp upstream from the transcription start site of the PAI-1 gene affects PAI-1 antigen concentrations. To test the hypothesis that PAI-1 4G/5G genotype influences the effect of activation of the RAAS on PAI-1 expression, we measured morning PAI-1 antigen concentrations in 76 subjects with essential hypertension during low (10 mmol/d) and high (200 mmol/d) salt intake. Low salt intake was associated with activation of the RAAS as measured by plasma renin activity (2.3+/-0.2 versus 0.5+/-0.0 ng angiotensin I. mL(-1). h(-1), P<0.001) and aldosterone (529+/-40 versus 145+/-12 pmol/L). PAI-1 antigen concentrations were 17.9+/-2.7, 19.2+/-2.5, and 27.8+/-4.0 ng/mL during high salt intake and 19.2+/-2.7, 21.6+/-2.9, and 38.9+/-7.2 ng/mL during low salt intake in the 5G/5G (n=14), 4G/5G (n=40), and 4G/4G (n=22) groups, respectively. There was a significant effect of both salt intake (F=6.0, P=0.017) and PAI-1 4G/5G genotype (F=7.6, P=0.001) on PAI-1 antigen. More importantly, there was a significant interactive effect (F=7.8, P=0.001) of salt intake and PAI-1 4G/5G genotype on PAI-1 antigen. PAI-1 4G/5G genotype influenced the relationship between serum triglycerides and PAI-1 antigen such that the relationship was significant only in 4G homozygotes during either high (R(2)=0.31, P=0.014) or low (R(2)=0.37, P=0.006) salt intake. This study identifies an important gene-by-environment interaction that may influence cardiovascular morbidity and the response to pharmacological therapies that interrupt the RAAS.
Active Seismic Monitoring of the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield

Abstract A unique data set of seismograms for 720 source-receiver paths has been collected as part of a controlled source Vibroseis experiment at the San Andreas Fault (SAF) in Parkfield, California. In the experiment, seismic waves repeatedly illuminated the epicentral region of the expected M6 event at Parkfield, from June 1987 until November 1996. For this effort, a large shear-wave vibrator was interfaced with a three-component (3-C) borehole High-Resolution Seismic Network (HRSN), providing precisely timed collection of data for detailed studies of changes in wave propagation associated with stress and strain accumulation in the fault zone (FZ). Data collected by the borehole network were examined for evidence of changes associated with the nucleation process of the anticipated M6 earthquake at Parkfield. These investigations reported significant travel-time changes in the S coda for paths crossing the fault zone southeast of the epicenter and above the rupture zone of the 1966 M6 earthquake. Analysis and modeling of these data—and comparison with observed changes in creep, water level, microseismicity, slip-at-depth and propagation from characteristic repeating microearthquakes—showed temporal variations in a variety of wave propagation attributes, variations that were synchronous with changes in deformation and local seismicity patterns. The main lesson learned from the Vibroseis experiment is that changes were clearly observable in the locked part of the SAF, which has relatively little natural seismicity and could hardly be used for monitoring of travel-time and attenuation changes. The heavily instrumented, creeping part of the SAF northwest of Parkfield is not expected to accumulate stress. Monitoring of this region revealed no significant changes in seismic signatures. Remarkably, in 2004, the expected M6 earthquake at Parkfield occurred and nucleated well into the locked SAF section, well to the southeast of the Vibroseis/HRSN monitoring experiment primarily centered on Middle Mountain. This result suggests that active seismic monitoring can be a useful tool for detecting stress changes associated with the nucleation of larger earthquakes, even when event observations are made over nucleation zones with low natural seismicity. Numerical modeling studies and a growing number of observations have argued for the propagation of fault-zone guided waves (FZGW) within the SAF zone that is 100 to 200 m wide at seismogenic depths and with 20% to 40% lower shear-wave velocity than the adjacent unfaulted rock. FZGW are also capable of assessing the degree of fault continuity and other complex FZ geometries, such as fault jogs. The SAF in the Cholame Valley, where a 2004 M6 earthquake nucleated, is characterized by such complexity. Because FZGW also primarily propagate within the core of fault zones, active continuous seismic monitoring, using guided waves, is our proposed solution for earthquake studies in the Parkfield area.
Technical Requirements for Rapid High‐Efficiency Therapies

: Significant reductions in treatment time are possible with rapid high-efficiency hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration, provided the therapies are implemented so as to maintain adequacy of solute and fluid removal without compromising patient comfort. The key technical elements necessary for such implementation include high blood flow rates, higher efficiency dialyzers/diafilters, ultrafiltration control systems, and bicarbonate as the buffer source. In addition, hemodiafiltration requires schemes to ensure sterility and nonpyrogenicity of the infusion fluid and appropriate balancing of the rates of ultrafiltration and reinfusion. In general, rapid high-efficiency therapies are technically more complex than standard therapy, and rapid hemodiafiltration appears to be more complex than rapid hemodialysis. The technology required for rapid hemodialysis currently exists, but it needs to be fine-tuned and integrated for routine application.
The Protein Kinase C-Responsive Inhibitory Domain of CARD11 Functions in NF-κB Activation To Regulate the Association of Multiple Signaling Cofactors That Differentially Depend on Bcl10 and MALT1 for Association

The activation of NF-κB by T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critical for T-cell activation during the adaptive immune response. CARD11 is a multidomain adapter that is required for TCR signaling to the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. During TCR signaling, the region in CARD11 between the coiled-coil and PDZ domains is phosphorylated by protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) in a required step in NF-κB activation. In this report, we demonstrate that this region functions as an inhibitory domain (ID) that controls the association of CARD11 with multiple signaling cofactors, including Bcl10, TRAF6, TAK1, IKKγ, and caspase-8, through an interaction that requires both the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and the coiled-coil domain. Consistent with the ID-mediated control of their association, we demonstrate that TRAF6 and caspase-8 associate with CARD11 in T cells in a signal-inducible manner. Using an RNA interference rescue assay, we demonstrate that the CARD, linker 1, coiled-coil, linker 3, SH3, linker 4, and GUK domains are each required for TCR signaling to NF-κB downstream of ID neutralization. Requirements for the CARD, linker 1, and coiled-coil domains in signaling are consistent with their roles in the association of CARD11 with Bcl10, TRAF6, TAK1, caspase-8, and IKKγ. Using Bcl10- and MALT1-deficient cells, we show that CARD11 can recruit signaling cofactors independently of one another in a signal-inducible manner.
Developmental rate estimation and life table analysis for Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Egg and nymphal development were studied under constant temperatures for the newly introduced pest species, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Development was assessed at seven constant temperatures (15–35°C). Development to adult was completed at temperatures between 17 and 33°C, with egg hatch also occurring at 15°C. The relationship between temperature and developmental rate was evaluated using three developmental models. Of the models evaluated, the Briere-1 model was the best fit for the empirical data of egg and total development and for providing accurate values for the temperature threshold. Application of the linear degree-day model estimated 537.63 DD are needed for total development (egg to imaginal ecdysis). An additional 147.65 DD are needed for the preoviposition period of the female. Reproductive parameters were evaluated at 25°C and indicate a median number of 28 eggs per egg mass. Oviposition occurred at 4.32-d intervals, and a female can continue to oviposit throughout its lifespan. H. halys is univoltine in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but if it spreads to warmer climates in the United States, it could have multiple generations per year.
Dendritic Cell Autophagy Contributes to Herpes Simplex Virus-Driven Stromal Keratitis and Immunopathology

ABSTRACT Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is a blinding ocular disease that is initiated by HSV-1 and characterized by chronic inflammation in the cornea. Although HSK immunopathology of the cornea is well documented in animal models, events preceding this abnormal inflammatory cascade are poorly understood. In this study, we have examined the activation of pathological CD4 + T cells in the development of HSK. Dendritic cell autophagy (DC-autophagy) is an important pathway regulating major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)-dependent antigen presentation and proper CD4 + T cell activation during infectious diseases. Using DC-autophagy-deficient mice, we found that DC-autophagy significantly and specifically contributes to HSK disease without impacting early innate immune infiltration, viral clearance, or host survival. Instead, the observed phenotype was attributable to the abrogated activation of CD4 + T cells and reduced inflammation in HSK lesions. We conclude that DC-autophagy is an important contributor to primary HSK immunopathology upstream of CD4 + T cell activation. IMPORTANCE Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the United States and a rising cause worldwide. HSK is induced by herpes simplex virus 1 but is considered a disease of inappropriately sustained inflammation driven by CD4 + T cells. In this study, we investigated whether pathways preceding CD4 + T cell activation affect disease outcome. We found that autophagy in dendritic cells significantly contributed to the incidence of HSK. Dendritic cell autophagy did not alter immune control of the virus or neurological disease but specifically augmented CD4 + T cell activation and pathological corneal inflammation. This study broadens our understanding of the immunopathology that drives HSK and implicates the autophagy pathway as a new target for therapeutic intervention against this incurable form of infectious blindness.
Neoadjuvant GM-CSF and thalidomide in men with high-risk prostate carcinoma undergoing radical prostatectomy

4564 Background: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that stimulates dendritic cells (DC’s) and promotes uptake of tumor antigens by DC’s leading to ...