cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of abscisic acid on embryo-specific gene expression during normal and precocious germination in normal and viviparous maize ( Zea mays ) embryos

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in many processes during seed development. Abscisic acid prevents precocious germination of the developing seed and regulates the expression of specific genes during development. The availability of maize (Zea mays L.) viviparous mutants, which are defective in ABA synthesis or responsiveness to this phytohormone, allowed the investigation of varying physiological ABA levels on expression patterns of specific ABA-responsive genes. The present work indicated that the expression of several ABA-responsive genes is variable among the different viviparous mutants. Among the genes examined, Em showed the highest correlation between endogenous ABA content and transcript levels. Results from ABA studies strongly support the positive role of this phytohormone in inducing Globulin (Glb1 and Glb2) gene expression in maize embryos. In the absence of ABA, no Glb1 transcripts are detected within 24 h of embryo germination. On the other hand, induction of Glb1 is observed in germinating embryos within 18 h in the presence of ABA. Although Glb1 is positively induced by ABA, the endogenous ABA levels obtained from sibling normal and viviparous mutant embryos do not correspond to the increase in Globulin expression in these mutants. Neither Glb1, Glb2, nor Em transcripts are detected in vp1 mutant embryos suggesting that a functional Vp1 gene product is required for Globulin and Em gene expression. These studies indicate that Globulin gene expression in maize embryos is under the control of different factors which require at least a combination of specific endogenous ABA levels and the presence of a functional Vp1 gene product.
Chromatographic separation of choline, trimethylamine, trimethylamine oxide, and betaine from tissues of marine fish

Abstract A chromatographic procedure using sequential ion-exchange columns is described for separating choline, trimethylamine, trimethylamine oxide, and betaine extracted from marine fish tissues; added exogenous carnitine can also be separated by the system. Choline with its positive charge binds to the AG 50W-X8 (Na+, pH 9) column. The column is first eluted with 0.1 n NaOH to collect trimethylamine, trimethylamine oxide, and betaine; choline is then eluted with 0.5 n NaOH. The amines collected with 0.1 n NaOH are subsequently separated using an AG 50W-X8 (H+, pH 4) column eluted with a linear 0–1 m NaCl gradient.
Nascent lipidated apolipoprotein B is transported to the Golgi as an incompletely folded intermediate as probed by its association with network of endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones, GRP94, ERp72, BiP, calreticulin, and cyclophilin B

We have previously demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperones interact with apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) during its maturation. The initial stages of apoB folding occur while it is bound to the ER membrane, where it becomes partially lipidated to form a primordial intermediate. We determined whether this intermediate is dependent on the assistance of molecular chaperones for its subsequent folding steps. To that end, microsomes were prepared from HepG2 cells and luminal contents were subjected to KBr density gradient centrifugation. Immunoprecipitation of apoB followed by Western blotting showed that the luminal pool floated at a density of 1.12 g/ml and, like the membrane-bound pool, was associated with GRP94, ERp72, BiP, calreticulin, and cyclophilin B. Except for calreticulin, chaperone/apoB ratio in the lumen was severalfold higher than that in the membrane, suggesting a role for these chaperones both in facilitating the release of the primordial intermediate into the ER lumen and in providing stability. Subcellular fractionation on sucrose gradients showed that apoB in the Golgi was associated with the same array of chaperones as the pool of apoB recovered from heavy microsomes containing the ER, except that chaperone/apoB ratio was lower. KBr density gradient fractionation showed that the major pool of luminal apoB in the Golgi was recovered from 1.02 < d < 1.08 g/ml, whereas apoB in ER was recovered primarily from 1.08 < d < 1.2 g/ml. Both fractions were associated with the same spectrum of chaperones. Together with the finding that GRP94 was found associated with sialylated apoB, we conclude that correct folding of apoB is dependent on the assistance of molecular chaperone, which play multiple roles in its maturation throughout the secretory pathway including distal compartments such as the trans-Golgi network.
Compromise Formation Theory: An Intersubjective Dimension

This paper has two purposes. The first is to elaborate compromise formation theory from an intersubjective perspective. The second is to explore the implications of this vantage point for our understanding of the modes of therapeutic action of psychoanalysis. I pursue the goals of this paper by outlining the essentials of compromise formation theory and by elaborating what I mean by its intersubjective dimension. Then I present and discuss analytic data to demonstrate the value of the theory for understanding aspects of mode of therapeutic action. Finally, I contrast this perspective with competing theoretical points of view.
Terminally differentiating epithelial tissues in primary explant culture: a model of growth and development.

Many epithelial tissues are characterized by the presence of basal cells which serve the dual roles of self-renewal and of progression through terminal differentiation, to a functional state. Such tissues, when grownin vitro as primary explants, exhibit a characteristic pattern of outgrowth and development which includes both renewal and efforts toward normal differentiation. The degree of differentiation achieved depends upon conditions of culture and may be modulated in a variety of ways. The human prostate constitutes such a system and offers numerous possibilities for investigating basic control mechanisms in growth and development. Information on a variety of epithelial tissues is reviewed and experimental results using human prostate tissue are presented.
Modeling hysteresis in piezoceramic actuators

Abstract A major deficiency of piezoceramic actuators is that their open-loop control accuracy is seriously limited by hysteresis. This paper discusses the adaptation of the Preisach model to describe the nonlinear hysteresis behavior of these actuators. The adapted model is used to predict the response of a piezoceramic actuator to a sinusoidal input and a triangular input. The predictions are compared with experimental measurements on a stacked piezoceramic actuator. The model reproduces the hysteresis loop of the actuator to within 3% over the entire working range of 0–15 μm. This opens the possibility of incorporating the model into a control loop in order to overcome the accuracy problem.
ABSOLUTE ACTUALITY AND THE PLURALITY OF WORLDS

Let’s fix some terminology at the start. A world (or possible world – for me, the ‘possible’ is redundant) is, first, an individual, not a set or class; second, a particular, not a property or universal; third, concrete in this sense: it is fully determinate in all qualitative respects; and, fourth, a maximal interrelated whole: each world is internally unified, and isolated from every other world. There is at least one world, the world we are part of. It is an actual world, the actual world if there are no “island universes.” Worlds that are not actual (if any) are merely possible. A realist about possible worlds believes that there is a plenitudinous plurality of worlds: whenever something is possible – for example, that donkeys talk, or that pigs fly – there is a world in which it is true. There is more than one way to be a realist about possible worlds. Realists divide into two camps depending upon their account of actuality. According to David Lewis,
Labels, researcher perspective, and contextual validation: A commentary

Abstract This essay focuses on issues of the meaning of ethnic labels and the importance of researcher perspective in studies of ethnic cultures. These issues are raised in the context of a critique of a study on interethnic communication whose methodology and conclusions prompted an argument for an emergent view of intercultural communication that includes contextual validation as a necessary component of the research process.
Localization of prolactin within the pituitary of a cyprinodont fish, Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus), by specific fluorescent antiovine prolactin globulin

Precipitin reactions in vitro have shown that antibody to ovine prolactin is capable of binding ovine prolactin and a prolactin-like fraction prepared from the pituitary glands of the carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the pollack (Pollachius virens). It seems reasonable to postulate that it would also bind prolactin of other teleosts. Hence the globulin fraction of antiovine prolactin serum was bound to fluorescein isothiocyanate, purified, and the antibody solution used to localize prolactin within sections of frozen pituitary of Fundulus heteroclitus. Sections so prepared show the presence of green fluorescent antigen-antibody complex only in the acidophils of the rostral pars distalis. Control staining with fluorescent normal globulin failed to give this result. Serial sections adjacent to the fluorescent antibody-treated preparaions were stained histologically and the erythrosinophilic eta cells identified as those which contain prolactin. Since no other cells of the pituitary gave these reactions it can be concluded that the eta cells are the prolactin cells. Similar preparations from the pituitaries of fresh water adapted fundulus show that in the enlarged rostral zone the erythrosinophilic eta cells contain prolactin.
Restaurant employees' perception of tipping systems across country differences.

The purpose of this study is to examine the practical value of how restaurant employees perceive different tipping systems and if perceived fairness, distributive justice, and/or perceived control vary across countries (Taiwan versus United States). Thus, a five (tipping scenarios) × two (country) MANOVA with perceived fairness, distributive justice, and perceived control as dependent variables followed by separate ANOVA tests for each dependent variable were used to test the hypotheses. Data from two countries were used to gain insight into Taiwanese and U.S. employees’ perceived fairness, distributive justice, and perceived control. Job involvement is also included as a control variable for each of the five restaurant tipping scenarios depicted. There is a significant difference in perceived fairness among all five tipping scenarios; the post hoc test revealed that tipping Scenario 3 (servers keep their tips) has the highest perceived fairness score of all the other tipping scenarios. More detail result...
Importance of the deuteron quadrupole moment in sup2H

We present a phenomenological study of the 2H(d,γ) 4He reaction that allows for the D-state component of the colliding deuterons. The low-energy cross section is determined by an interference between E2 transitions from an initial 5S2 scattering state to either the D- or S-state components of 4He, the latter via the internal quadrupole moment of the deuteron. From a fit to the data, we determine the asymptotic D/S ratio of 4He to be ρ∼-0.40.
Influence of Homogenization on the Curd Tension of Milk

Summary 1.Homogenization at pressures of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 pounds reduced the curd tension of milk approximately 25, 46, and 53 per cent respectively. 2.Single-stage and two-stage homogenizers were equally effective in reducing the curd tension of milk. 3.The higher the curd tension of the original milk, the greater was the percentage reduction after homogenization. 4.Homogenization might be used to further lower the curd tension of soft curd milk or to make soft curd milk out of milk of medium curd tension (30 and 60 grams), or reduce high curd tension milk to medium curd tension.
Use of bright light to treat maladaptation to night shift work and circadian rhythm sleep disorders

SUMMARY Night work is associated with increased sleepiness and disturbed sleep. Maladaptation of the circadian system, which is phase-adjusted to day time work and thus promotes sleepiness during its nadir at night and wakefulness (or disturbed sleep) during the day, contributes substantially to this problem. A major cause of suboptimal circadian phase adjustment among night workers is the exposure to morning light, which prevents the delay needed for optimal adjustment to night work. Several laboratory studies indicate that careful application of bright light may cause the circadian system to shift to any desired phase. Furthermore, studies of simulated night work demonstrate that night exposure to bright light can virtually eliminate circadian maladjustment among night workers. While the results are promising, there is still, however, an urgent need for longitudinal studies of bright light application in. real-life settings.
Yang-Mills Gravity and Gravitational Radiation

A new translation gauge theory of gravity in flat space-time with a new Yang-Mills action involves quadratic gauge curvature and fermions. The theory shows that the presence of an “effective Riemannian metric tensor” for the motions of classical particles and light rays is probably the manifestation of the translation gauge symmetry in flat physical space-time. In the post-Newtonian approximation of the tensor gauge field produced by the energymomentum tensor, the results are shown to be consistent with classical tests of gravity and with the quadrupole radiations of binary pulsars.
Definitions of oppression

How we begin to serve others as healthcare professionals and how it is we define underserved and oppressed peoples is important in understanding issues in the organization and allocation of health care. This exploration, based on feminist post-structuralist theory, explores how nurses formulate definitions of 'underserved' and 'vulnerable'. This study goes beyond prescribed definitions to locate meanings used to identify oppression. I present, through an analysis of a literature search, the context and construction of the terms 'vulnerable population' and 'medically underserved'. Professional nursing journals are the source of relevant text. The implications of working with particular understandings of the terms 'vulnerable' and 'underserved' is based on my assumption that healthcare providers need to critically focus on the personal and political meanings they attribute to the labels used to define the clients and communities with whom they work. The presentation of this material supports that the way we define 'vulnerable' and 'underserved' is related to how our work fighting racism, ageism, AIDS, poverty, homophobia, addiction, domestic violence, sexism and colonization is realized.
DG: a scalable approach for broadcasting data securely in wireless networks

This paper addresses the problem of providing secure access control in broadcast schemes in a wireless network. We consider an environment where clients subscribe to information objects sent via a broadcast onto a wireless network. In this context, a client should only be able to access its objects of interest for its subscription period, and the security system used must not be easily broken. Existing data broadcasting approaches fail to perform well with increased client loads. In this paper, we propose to use the Drop Groups (DG) protocol, that uses a novel grouping criterion. We present the broadcast organization under DG, and demonstrate that our approach is scalable. We use simulation to compare the DG protocol with existing techniques.
Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: puzzles, curiosities and conundrums

We report a case of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in a 34-year old patient with a prior diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) who was recently started on hydroxychloroquine. Presenting symptoms included fevers, sore throat and productive cough with progressive weakness, dyspnea on exertion, hemoptysis and dark urine. Initial laboratory abnormalities were consistent with an acute microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. At the time of admission, the patient’s lupus was highly active as evident by his high SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. He was later also found to have severely reduced ADAMTS-13 levels and a positive antibody assay. This case highlights the occasional difficulty in pinpointing the exact etiology of TTP as well as establishes a possible novel drug association between hydroxychloroquine and TTP development.
Polymorphic CAG and GGN repeat lengths in the androgen receptor gene and prostate cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in China.

The length of the polymorphic CAG trinucleotide repeat in the polyglutamine region of the androgen receptor ( AR ) gene is inversely correlated with the transactivation function of the AR. Because increased androgenic activity has been linked to prostate cancer and because an ethnic variation exists in the CAG repeat length, this polymorphism has been suggested to explain part of the substantial racial difference in prostate cancer risk. We conducted a population-based case-control study in China to investigate whether CAG and other polymorphisms of the AR gene are associated with clinically significant prostate cancer in this low-risk population. Genomic DNA from 190 prostate cancer patients and 304 healthy controls was used for direct sequencing to evaluate the relationship of CAG and GGN (polyglycine) repeat length in the AR gene. Relative to western men, our study subjects had a longer CAG repeat length, with a median of 23 and only 10% of the subjects having a CAG repeat length shorter than 20. Men with a CAG repeat length shorter than 23 (median length) had a 65% increased risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.39), compared with men with a CAG repeat length of 23 or longer. For the GGN tract (GGT 3 GGG 1 GGT 2 GGC n ), based on the sequencing results from 481 samples, we are the first to show that although GGC regions in the polyglycine tract are highly variable, there are no mutations or polymorphisms in the GGT and GGG regions. More than 72% of the subjects had a GGN repeat length of 23, and those with a GGN repeat length shorter than 23 had a 12% increased risk of prostate cancer (95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.78), compared with those with ≥23 GGN repeats. Our study not only confirms that Chinese men do have a longer CAG repeat length than western men but also represents the first population-based study to show that even in a very low-risk population, a shorter CAG repeat length confers a higher risk of clinically significant prostate cancer. These results imply that CAG repeat length can potentially serve as a useful marker to identify a subset of individuals at higher risk of developing clinically significant prostate cancer. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the combined effect of CAG and GGN repeats. Because of the significance of AR in prostate cancer, investigation of factors that interact with the polyglutamine region of the AR gene to alter AR function and modulate prostate cancer risk is an important area for future research.
Engineering Artificial Antigen-presenting Cells to Express a Diverse Array of Co-stimulatory Molecules

To facilitate the therapeutic application of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), we have developed a cell-based artificial APC (aAPC) system by engineering K562 cells with lentiviruses to direct the stable expression and secretion of a variety of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines. Here we report the use of a combinatorial lentiviral gene transfer approach to achieve long-term stable expression of at least seven genes in the K562 parental cell line. Expression of various combinations of genes on the aAPC enables the precise determination of human T-cell activation requirements, such that aAPCs can be tailored for the optimal propagation of T-cell subsets with specific growth requirements and distinct functions. The aAPCs support ex vivo growth and long-term expansion of functional human CD8 T cells without requiring the addition of exogenous cytokines, in contrast to the use of natural APCs. Distinct populations of T cells can be expanded with aAPCs expressing CD137L (4-1BBL) and/or CD80. Finally, the aAPCs provide an efficient platform to expand genetically modified T cells and to maintain CD28 expression on CD8 T cells. Therefore, K562-based aAPCs have therapeutic potential for adoptive immunotherapies and vaccinations.
Antispasmodic and Related Pharmacological Actions of Some T-Arylpropylamines

Abstract Seventeen 7-arylpropylamines were tested pharmacologically for their antispasmodic and other related actions.Simple methods for the in vivo evaluation of antiperistaltic activity and for anti-Parkinsonism activity are presented.
Monetary Theory and Monetary Policy: Some Recent Discussions

I. Introduction. — II. Analyses of post-war monetary experience. The purchasing-power-parity approach: Keynes, 268.—III. The foreign-exchange approach: Nogaro, 275; Nogaro's criticisms of Cassel's doctrine, 277. — IV. The approach through the budget situation: Rist, 280; further conclusions, 284. — V. Future monetary policies: Cassel, 286; Keynes, 287; Nogaro and Rist, 291.—VI. Conclusions. The data inconclusive; interpretation a matter of individual choice, 293. Monetary reconstruction: budget equilibrium; devaluation; return to the unregulated gold standard, 298.
The Optimal Downhill Slope for Acute Overspeed Running

Purpose: This study evaluated a variety of downhill slopes in an effort to determine the optimal slope for overspeed running. Methods: Thirteen NCAA Division III college athletes who participated in soccer, track, and football ran 40-yd (36.6-m) sprints, on downhill slopes of 2.1°, 3.3°, 4.7°, 5.8°, and 6.9° in random order. All sprints were timed using the Brower Timing System Speedtrap II. Data were analyzed with SSPS 15.0. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant main effects for the test slopes (P = .000). Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons determined that there were a number of differences between the hill slopes. Results: Analysis reveals that 40-yd sprints performed on hill slopes of approximately 5.8° were optimal compared with flatland running and the other slopes assessed (P < .05). Sprinting on a 5.8° slope increased the subjects’ maximal speed by an average of 0.35 s, resulting in a 6.5% ± 4.0% decrease in 40-yd sprint time compared with fatland running. Compar...
Effect of Diets Containing Dehydrated Poultry Waste on Quality Changes in Shell Eggs during Storage

Abstract The utilization of dehydrated poultry waste (feces) by laying hens has been reported by Flegal and Zindel (1969). Inclusion of this material in the diet caused no significant differences in egg production, shell thickness, or weight of day-old eggs; however, significant differences in Haugh units were found. The purpose of the present study was to determine if dehydrated poultry waste (DPW) in the diet of laying hens had any effect on certain quality changes that occur in shell eggs during storage. PROCEDURE The eggs used were from 32 Leghorn-type hens on each of four different diets. All of the birds were 10 months of age and had been on the experimental diets for three months. The diets used were (1) control, (2) control with 10% DPW, (3) control with 20% DPW, and (4) control with 30% DPW. One-day-old eggs were stored at room environment to accelerate the changes that occur. . .
Morphologic Responses to a Murine Erythroblastosis Virus

A recently described mouse erythroblastosis virus (MEV) was passed to newborn W/Fu rats. The rats developed generalized malignant lymphomas after 6-7 months. Two separate serial cell-free passage series were initiated. Rat lymphomas induced erythroblastosis in less than 20% of the rats that died within 4 weeks after inoculation. The surviving rats remained apparently healthy for months until they died from lymphomas. Inoculation of newborn C3Hf/Gs mice with the same Filtrates caused only lymphomas in 35-50% of the mice after 3-8 months. The lymphomas were morphologically indistinguishable from thymic lymphomas induced in mice and rats by Gross' leukemia virus. A different morphologic response was observed by serial passages of spleen filtrates or plasma from rats with erythroblastosis. All rats died within 4 weeks with erythroblastosis. In addition, multiple sarcomas and polyostotic osteolytic lesions were found in most rats of such erythroblastosis passages. The same rat erythroblastosis filtrates induced erythroblastosis and sarcomas but no osteolytic lesions in C3Hf/Gs mice. Erythroblastosis in rats was similar to the disease previously described in mice, except for a marked normoblastosis and cerebral hemorrhages which did not occur in erythroblastotic mice. The sarcomas arose in multiple sites and were histologically undifferentiated. The osteolytic lesions were likewise multicentric in origin, affecting particularly the vertebrae and long bones. Their exact nature could not be determined.
Antiphospholipid syndrome: intraoperative and postoperative anticoagulation in cardiac surgery.

HE ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APLS) is a disorder characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis or recurrent fetal loss accompanied by persistent APL antibodies. 1 APL antibodies are a heterogenous group of antibodies that interact with anionic phospholipid cardiolipin (diphosphatidylglycerol) and other phospholipid-binding protein cofactors, the major one being the serum protein 2glycoprotein I (also known as apolipoprotein H). Although these patients are at an increased risk of thrombotic complications, they paradoxically have an abnormal profile of coagulation testing exhibiting prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Patients with APLS are at risk for recurrent vascular occlusive disease (cerebrovascular accident, migraine headaches, and deep venous thrombosis) and other systemic manifestations (myocardial infarction, endocarditis, and pulmonary embolism). 2 They can develop vasculo-occlusive complications before surgery with the reversal of preoperative anticoagulation, intraoperatively because of inadequate anticoagulation during bypass, and postoperatively before adequate anticoagulation is achieved. The risk of perioperative complications is of critical importance during cardiovascular surgical procedures. In two retrospective case series, 8 of 9 patients in one study and 16 of 19 patients in the other developed major complications including cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and vena caval thrombosis. 3,4 Perioperative diagnosis and management of these patients can be especially challenging. The conduct of anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in patients having APLS is not readily apparent, especially in those patients showing the phenomenon of a “lupus anticoagulant,” which prolongs the aPTT but does not protect the patient from thrombosis. Moreover, prolongation of the aPTT complicates monitoring the effects of heparin, Warfarin, and other anticoagulants. 5 There is no consensus regarding intraoperative management of anticoagulation in patients with the APLS. A search of the literature yielded 6 other cases of patients with APL antibodies that detailed the anticoagulation strategy for cardiopulmonary bypass; each case was managed using a different approach. The management of anticoagulation for a woman with APLS undergoing mitral valve repair and a review of the other management strategies is described.
Serious mechanical complication after subclavian vein catheterization.

A 75-year-old diabetic woman underwent exploratory laparotomy because of an intrauterine abscess complicated by septic shock. Prior to surgery, several unsuccessful attempts to insert a right subclavian central line were performed. Once in the Intensive Care Unit, the patient became hypotensive, tachycardic and her hematocrit level decreased from 36 to 29%. There was no evidence of external bleeding at the time of evaluation. A chest X-ray performed 8 hours after central line placement showed a large opacity in the right upper and middle lung segments highly suggestive of an extrathoracic expanding hematoma. (Panel A arrow) A CT scan of the chest revealed collapse of the right pulmonary upper lobe, partial occlusion of the right upper bronchi, and total occlusion of the right middle bronchi. (Panel B arrow) There are three main types of complications related to central line insertions, namely infectious, mechanical and thrombotic. Among mechanical complications, arterial puncture and hematoma are the most common and are more likely to develop if using the femoral rather than the subclavian approach; however, the rate of serious mechanical complication is similar between them. Serious mechanical complication (tensional pneumotorax or hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion) is a life-threatening condition related to both subclavian and internal jugular vein catheterizations. The hematoma did not further increase in size, and the patient required 3 packed red blood cells units to stabilize her hematocrit level.
The maximum principle, semicontinuity and nonlinear PDE's

Scalar, fully nonlinear, second-order partial differential equations arise in stochastic control and the theory of stochastic differential games. The proper notion of solution of these equations and associated questions of uniqueness of these solutions (subject perhaps to boundary conditions) have evolved in a striking way and have many applications in control and differential games. One approach to the central uniqueness question relies on a maximum principle for semicontinuous functions. The notion of maximum principle and the role it plays in the uniqueness theory are explained. >
Detection and Management of Pre-existing Cognitive Impairment and Associated Behavioral Symptoms in the Intensive Care Unit

Recent increase in both the elderly population and associated incidence of dementia are of critical importance to patient care in ICUs in the United States. Identification of pre-existing cognitive impairment, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia, could prevent delirium and associated morbidity and mortality in the ICU. Additionally, noncognitive behavioral symptoms, such as depression, psychosis, agitation, and catastrophic reactions, are common in patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. Detection and management of noncognitive behavioral symptoms associated with MRI and dementia in ICU leads to improved delivery of life-saving critical care.
Administration of inositol to a patient with bipolar disorder and psoriasis: a case report

Background: This case report documents the effectiveness of inositol treatment on a chronic patient with bipolar disorder I and severe psoriasis. Her lithium treatment was discontinued due to psoriasis exacerbation and inositol was administered. The remarked positive effect of inositol was noted on her stable mood during the last 4 years, the absence of psoriatic lesions, which lead to an improved quality of life of the patient. Case presentation: A 62-year-old female Caucasian patient suffering from bipolar disorder, since the age of 32, presenting manic episodes when without lithium treatment. Lithium treatment caused severe exacerbation of psoriasis and was discontinued while anti-psoriatic treatment had no effect. The last 4 years the patient receives 3 gr per day of inositol alone and her mood has been stabilized while there is also a remarkable improvement on her psoriatic lesions. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the course of her bipolar disorder when lithium was discontinued previously we consider that the 4 years of follow up assessments of this patient as a satisfactory time period for concluding that inositol has been a very effective treatment, replacing lithium, for mood stabilization and psoriasis.
Microbiota Downregulates Dendritic Cell Expression of miR-10a, Which Targets IL-12/IL-23p40

Commensal flora plays important roles in the regulation of the gene expression involved in many intestinal functions and the maintenance of immune homeostasis, as well as in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. The microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding RNAs, act as key regulators in many biological processes. The miRNAs are highly conserved among species and appear to play important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, as they can control the differentiation of various immune cells, as well as their functions. However, it is still largely unknown how microbiota regulates miRNA expression, thereby contributing to intestinal homeostasis and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In our current study, we found that microbiota negatively regulated intestinal miR-10a expression, because the intestines, as well as intestinal epithelial cells and dendritic cells of specific pathogen-free mice, expressed much lower levels of miR-10a compared with those in germ-free mice. Commensal bacteria downregulated dendritic cell miR-10a expression via TLR-TLR ligand interactions through a MyD88-dependent pathway. We identified IL-12/IL-23p40, a key molecule for innate immune responses to commensal bacteria, as a target of miR-10a. The ectopic expression of the miR-10a precursor inhibited, whereas the miR-10a inhibitor promoted, the expression of IL-12/IL-23p40 in dendritic cells. Mice with colitis expressing higher levels of IL-12/IL-23p40 exhibited lower levels of intestinal miR-10a compared with control mice. Collectively, our data demonstrated that microbiota negatively regulates host miR-10a expression, which may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by targeting IL-12/IL-23p40 expression.
Severe Skin Erosions and Scalp Infections in AEC Syndrome

Hay-Wells syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft palate with or without associated cleft lip (AEC syndrome). Although several reported patients had eroded skin at birth and recurrent scalp infections, these are not generally regarded as major features of the disorder. In our experience, denuded skin at birth and chronic scalp erosions complicated by infection are common features of this syndrome. Aggressive wound care in conjunction with early administration of topical or systemic antibiotics is suggested.
Optimizing a FIFO, scalable spin lock using consistent memory

The paper presents a FIFO queue based, scalable spin lock (FSSL) that: (1) uses only one atomic swap operation; (2) is scalable as it requires a constant amount of communication; (3) runs without a coherent cache support; and (4) provides a timing guarantee suitable for real time applications. The algorithm is optimal in the number of atomic operations required to solve the scalable mutual exclusion problem in NUMA architectures, improving on T. Craig's (1993) spin lock that uses four atomic swap operations. The FSSL algorithm minimizes the number of atomic operations by replacing them with non atomic read and write operations, and takes good advantage of recent multiprocessors where non atomic memory operations are much more optimized than atomic operations. The algorithm runs correctly in various weakly consistent memories, providing a potentially significant speedup over algorithms with more atomic operations.
Virtual Valve for Microfluidics

Lab-on-a-Chip technology now becomes increasingly attractive due to advantages such as reduced sample size, reduced reagent consumption, shortened analysis time, potential for high throughput and automation and reduced costs, leading to the potential for manufacturing of disposable devices. On such microchip system, the ability to handling microfluid is important. Extensive microfluidic handling componets including microflow regulator, microfluidic sensor, microvalve and micropump have been reported. Although these microfluid handling methods are successful, for the polymer based microfluidic device, a simple design, easy fabrication and the ability to integrate into the microsystem lacks report. In this paper, we presented such microvalve by utilizing the hydrophobicity of the PDMS material, a popular biocompatible material widely used in microfluidic system. The valve utilized air trapped on the side wall of microchannel by a special microconcave structure design. Controlled by an external coil heater, the trapped air will be enlarged to reduce channel width and so reduce the fluid flow in the microchannel. The valve can work in on/off mode or on flow regulating mode depending on specific flow control requirement.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
What Is Homophobic Bias Anyway? Defining and Recognizing Microaggressions and Harassment of LGBTQ Youth

A national sample of school psychologists was surveyed to assess their observations of bias and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in their schools. Two survey forms were administered, one asking respondents to estimate incidence of bias and harassment, and another with two additional questions with examples of homophobic epithets. Quantitative analysis showed that only 16% of school psychologists reported they observed bias and harassment once a month or more frequently. However, 43% of participants reported hearing epithets such as “that's so gay” among students once a month or more frequently. Also, 8% and 45% of respondents reported that these epithets were spoken by other staff members at least once a month or once a year, respectively. School psychologists responded to direct verbal insults but often ignored homophobic language not specifically directed at people. Findings were framed by the culture of heteronormativity and microaggressions in schools.
Timing constraints for domino logic gates with timing-dependent keepers

Low threshold voltage (V/sub t/) can be applied to domino logic to improve the performance in dual threshold voltage technology. Then, the keeper transistor should be up-sized to compensate for reduced noise margin due to the significant subthreshold current of low V/sub t/ transistor. However, a large keeper transistor degrades performance. To resolve the tradeoff between performance and noise margin, the authors propose a new domino logic which incorporates a dual keeper structure and delay logic gates. Detailed timing analysis of the proposed domino logic yields optimal timing conditions wherein a contention-free skew-tolerant window is maximized. A broad range of the skew-tolerant window connotes robustness against noise and design parameter variations, while reduced contention between keeper and evaluation NMOS transistors ensures high-speed switching. The authors show that the dual keeper structure increases noise tolerance and delay logic gates fortify signal skew tolerance. Simulation results verify that the proposed domino logic is robust to noise and signal skew while presenting high performance and power efficiency.
Pharmacology of Store-operated Calcium Channels

Store-operated calcium entry is a process by which the depletion of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum activates calcium influx across the plasma membrane. In the past few years, the major players in this pathway have been identified. STIM1 and STIM2 function as calcium sensors in the endoplasmic reticulum and can interact with and activate plasma membrane channels comprised of Orai1, Orai2, or Orai3 subunits. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of this widespread signaling mechanism as well as the mechanisms by which a number of interesting pharmacological agents modify it.
Xenopus Oocytes as an Expression System for Ion Channels

Xenopus oocytes have become one of the most commonly used systems in which to express and study ion channels and neural receptors. Gurdon et al. (1971) first demonstrated that Xenopus oocytes can be used to express exogenous mRNA species by injecting reticulocyte RNA into the cytoplasm and studying the synthesis of hemoglobin using biochemical techniques. Miledi and co-workers then demonstrated that functional ion channels and receptors could be expressed by injecting rat brain RNA and using a voltage clamp to measure sodium channel and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity (Barnard et al., 1982; Miledi et al., 1982; Gundersen et al., 1984). Many investigators have since used Xenopus oocytes to study the expression and translation of a large number of molecules [for reviews see Gurdon and Wickens (1983), Colman (1984), Soreq (1985), Snutch (1988), and Dascal (1987)].
Off-resonant quantum dot-cavity interaction

Off-resonant quantum dot-cavity coupling is studied both experimentally and theoretically. A theoretical model is proposed to explain the observations.
Impact of organizational infrastructure on β-blocker and aspirin therapy for acute myocardial infarction

Background Although organizational change has been advocated as a critical component of quality improvement, there is little data available on the variation and effectiveness of organizational elements in the care of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Purpose This study was designed to examine the impact of organizational infrastructure on the use of aspirin and β-blockers during and after AMI. Methods We assessed organizational infrastructure for AMI care in 44 hospitals in Kansas and linked these data to patient-specific process of care data collected in Kansas as part of the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project. While controlling for clustering within hospitals, we examined the relationships between hospital infrastructure and use of aspirin and β-blocker both at admission and discharge. Results Hospitals varied widely in their inclusion of aspirin and β-blockers in AMI pathways, protocols, and standardized order sets. Hospitals also varied in the involvement of their physicians in AMI quality improvement and in their ability to identify a physician champion for AMI care. Patients were more likely to receive aspirin on admission in hospitals that included aspirin in their emergency department order sets (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.48) and were more likely to receive β-blockers on admission and at discharge if β-blockers were included in an emergency department protocol or pathway (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.25-3.77 and OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.14-14.38, respectively). Use of β-blockers at discharge was also associated with commitment of administration to AMI care and the presence of a physician champion. Conclusions Quality improvement efforts should include a close examination of the organization of AMI care to assure that critical elements in the care of AMI patients are not inadvertently omitted.
SELECTING DRUGS FOR THE PREGNANT DENTAL PATIENT

When treating pregnant patients, dental practitioners should avoid prescribing some drugs routinely used for local anesthesia, sedation, analgesia or infection. Dental practitioners need to determine that the potential benefits of the drug required for the mother's dental care outweigh the risks to her fetus. This article briefly reviews the relative risks of therapeutic agents commonly used in dental care to help practitioners select the safest drugs for use by pregnant patients.
Entrepreneurial Competencies of the Small and Medium Enterprise Business Operators of Ozamiz City Public Mall Philippines: Basis for Community Extension Programs

The new Ozamiz City Public Mall, Philippines has several entrepreneurs whosell products thus generate income from it. While some of the store ownersluckily make profit, a number of them fail to manage their business venture. Itis in this premise that the researcher is pushed to study why these entrepreneurswere not as successful as the others. Specifically, this paper aimed to determine theentrepreneurial competencies of the SME operators of Ozamiz City Public mall,Philippines. This study was limited only to 100 College level SME operators. The entrepreneurial competencies were measured in terms of Time Managementskills, Marketing Management skills, Technical skills and Financial Managementskills. This study used the descriptive research method in determining theentrepreneurial competencies of the SME business operators and gathered datathrough a standardized questionnaire. The findings revealed that out of fourteenareas of the SME operators of Ozamiz Public Mall, Philippines, nine areas werefound to have high competencies in terms of Time Management skills, FinancialManagement skills, Marketing Management skills and Technical skills. On the other hand, six out of fourteen were found to have Moderate competenciesonly. Therefore, these individuals will be the recipients of the extension programdesigned by the researcher so that they will be able to have a competitive edgeover the other SME operators. Keywords: Business, Entrepreneurial Competencies, descriptive research method,Philippines
Analysis of dpa Rates in the HFIR Reactor Vessel using a Hybrid Monte Carlo/Deterministic Method

The Oak Ridge High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), which began full-power operation in 1966, provides one of the highest steady-state neutron flux levels of any research reactor in the world. An ongoing vessel integrity analysis program to assess radiation-induced embrittlement of the HFIR reactor vessel requires the calculation of neutron and gamma displacements per atom (dpa), particularly at locations near the beam tube nozzles, where radiation streaming effects are most pronounced. In this study we apply the Forward-Weighted Consistent Adjoint Driven Importance Sampling (FW-CADIS) technique in the ADVANTG code to develop variance reduction parameters for use in the MCNP radiation transport code. We initially evaluated dpa rates for dosimetry capsule locations, regions in the vicinity of the HB-2 beamline, and the vessel beltline region. We then extended the study to provide dpa rate maps using three-dimensional cylindrical mesh tallies that extend from approximately 12 in. below to approximately 12 in. above the height of the core. The mesh tally structures contain over 15,000 mesh cells, providing a detailed spatial map of neutron and photon dpa rates at all locations of interest. Relative errors in the mesh tally cells are typically less than 1%.
Factors Influencing the Ozone Resistance of Neoprene Vulcanizates under Flexure

Abstract The need for dynamic testing conditions, such as mild flexing, to study the attack of ozone on elastomeric vulcanizates, has become increasingly apparent. Many rubber goods, such as belts, tire sidewalls, and hose, are subjected to intermittent or continuously fluctuating strains in service and to evaluate their ozone resistance under constant stress or strain conditions is unrealistic and often leads to entirely erroneous conclusions. For example, it is well known that under static strain a vulcanizate's ozone resistance is enhanced by compounding with a wax which migrates to its surface and forms a protective film. However, numerous investigators have reported that when a wax film is continuously ruptured by dynamic testing, the vulcanizate is even more vulnerable to ozone attack than if no wax were present. Other surface films also may act detrimentally under dynamic conditions. One such film may form under static exposure by the migration of antiozonants to the surface of a sample where they ...
Differential conditioning in the planarian

Differential reinforcement of visual and vibratory CSs with a shock UCS showed that a difference in the planarian’s rate of responding to the 2 CSs could be established only when the vibratory CS was positive and the visual CS was negative. In the opposite condition an increase in response rate to both stimuli occurred, but no difference between them was observed. The results appeared to add further support to the proposition that classical conditioning is possible in this organism, but suggested that sensitization and generalization may play a more prominent role in this process than is the case typically.