cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiplatelet Therapy in the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the distal abdominal aorta and lower extremity arteries sufficient to reduce perfusion pressure at the ankle below 90% of brachial artery pressure. Although approximately half of all PAD patients are without symptoms when present, the most common clinical presentation is intermittent claudication with atypical features. Critical limb ischemia develops in 1–2% of PAD patients.
Clinical Implications and Impact of Discovery of the Thyroid Hormone Receptor on Integrin αvβ3-A Review.

Hypothyroidism has been reported to improve survival in cancer patients but only recently has the putative mechanism been identified as a receptor for thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine on integrin αvβ3. Recognition of divergence of action of the pro-oncogenic L-thyroxine (T4) from pro-metabolic 3,5,3’-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) has enabled clinical implementation whereby exogenous T3 may replace exogenous (or endogenous) T4 to maintain clinical euthyroid hypothyroxinemia that results in significantly better survival in advanced cancer patients without the morbidity of clinical hypothyroidism.
Spatial perception and memory have distinct activation profiles in human visual cortex

ABSTRACT Neural activity evoked during perception is thought to be reactivated during later memory retrieval. While many studies have found evidence for memory reactivation in visual cortex, few have characterized differences between stimulus-driven and mnemonic activation. Here, we leveraged population receptive field (pRF) models to quantify spatial activity in the human visual system during perception and long-term memory retrieval. We found that mnemonic activity, like perceptual activity, was precisely retinotopically mapped. However, we also observed large, systematic differences between perceptual and mnemonic activity in measures of amplitude and precision. The magnitude of these differences varied according to position in the visual hierarchy, with the largest differences observed in early areas. These differences could not be accounted for by the fact that memory data had reduced signal-to-noise or the possibility that it contained a mixture of successful and failed retrieval trials. Finally, we explore predictions from several models, showing that a simple hierarchical model with reciprocal feedforward and feedback connections accounts for many of our observations. Our results reveal novel distinctions between perceptual and mnemonic activity in visual cortex and provide insight into the computational constraints governing memory reactivation.
Six dimensions of sexual disgust

Abstract Sexual disgust is an emotion hypothesized to deter individuals from engaging in sexual activities that are probabilistically detrimental to fitness. Existing measures of sexual disgust are limited in treating sexual disgust as a unitary construct, potentially missing its multidimensional nature, and inadvertently ignoring important adaptive problems that this emotion evolved to solve. We conducted three studies to address these limitations. In Study 1, women and men (N = 225) nominated over 2,300 unique items that they considered sexually disgusting across a variety of different contexts. Study 2 (N = 331) identified a six-factor structure of the 50 most frequently nominated items: Taboo, Oral sex, Promiscuity, Hygiene, BDSM, and Same-sex attraction. Moreover, this study established construct validity with significant associations between sexual disgust and major dimensions of personality. Correlations between the Three Domains of Disgust Scale and our six-factor measure of sexual disgust established convergent validity. Study 3 (N = 318) confirmed the factor structure found in Study 2, established further convergent validity and examined sex differences and other individual differences in sexual disgust. Discussion focuses on the theoretical importance and psychometric validity of the Sexual Disgust Inventory–a new six-factor measure of sexual disgust.
Immunosuppression trends in solid organ transplantation: The future of individualization, monitoring, and management

Immunosuppression regimens used in solid organ transplant have evolved significantly over the past 70 years in the United States. Early immunosuppression and targets for allograft success were measured by incidence and severity of allograft rejection and 1-year patient survival. The limited number of agents, infancy of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching techniques and lack of understanding of immunoreactivity limited the early development of effective regimens. The 1980s and 1990s saw incredible advancements in these areas, with acute rejection rates halving in a short span of time. However, the constant struggle to achieve the optimal balance between under- and overimmunosuppression is weaved throughout the history of transplant immunosuppression. The aim of this paper is to discuss the different eras of immunosuppression and highlight the important milestones that were achieved while also discussing this in the context of rational agent selection and regimen design. This discussion sets the stage for how we can achieve optimal long-term outcomes during the next era of immunosuppression, which will move from universal protocols to patient-specific optimization.
In search of a core cellular network in single cell transcriptome data

Background: Along with specialized functions, cells of multicellular organisms also perform essential functions common to most if not all cells. Whether diverse cells do this by using the same set of genes, interacting in a fixed coordinated fashion to execute essential functions, remains a central question in biology. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) measures gene expression of individual cells, enabling researchers to discover gene expression patterns that contribute to the diversity of cell functions. Current analyses focus primarily on identifying differentially expressed genes across cells. However, patterns of co-expression between genes are probably more indicative of biological processes than are the expression of individual genes. Using single cell transcriptome data from the fly brain, here we focus on gene co-expression to search for a core cellular network. Results: In this study, we constructed cell type-specific gene co-expression networks using single cell transcriptome data of brains from the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We detected a set of highly coordinated genes preserved across cell types in fly brains and defined this set as the core cellular network. This core is very small compared with cell type-specific gene co-expression networks and shows dense connectivity. Modules within this core are enriched for basic cellular functions, such as translation and ATP metabolic processes, and gene members of these modules have distinct evolutionary signatures. Conclusions: Overall, we demonstrated that a core cellular network exists in diverse cell types of fly brains and this core exhibits unique topological, structural, functional and evolutionary properties.
Hoechst 33342 as a marker for imaging neurites of Dorsal Root Ganglion in vitro.

Fluorescent markers, generally targeting neurotubules, are used to visualize the radiating crown of growing neurites that is produced by dorsal root ganglion cells in vitro. Hoechst 33342 (2'-[4-ethoxyphenyl]-5-[4-methyl-1-piperazinyl]-2,5'-bi-1H-benzimidazole trihydrochloride trihydrate) is a widely used fluorescent DNA marker that stain both live and fixed nuclei. We have recently found that H33342 can visualize the neurites of DRG too, but only when they are fixed in formalin. Images have a good signal-to-noise ratio. We noticed that besides H33342 being a specific marker for DNA, it also stains the transmembrane P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which is involved in the active pump-out of alien molecules from the cytoplasm; so, H33342 remains associated with P-gp after fixation. P-gp is quite ubiquitous in healthy cells and, notably, P-gp has been detected in DRG of several species as well as in human DRG. The use of H33342 as a staining for neurites of DRG in fixed samples could have a practical value due to its widespread use and its better affordability compared to other fluorescent markers for neurites.
Introductory discussion on glial function.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the functions glial cells perform in the brain. The survey presented in the chapter considers the role of glial cells in myelination and demyelination, their possible participation in events occurring at synapses, and the new biochemical information implicating them in the storage and retrieval of memories. Myelin is a stable entity and remains unchanged during the life of the axon. This concept was proved by studies with radioactive cholesterol; the sterol molecules isolated from myelin sheaths of the adult rabbit turned out upon analysis to be those injected into the immature animal a year or more earlier. Myelin can be removed from axons within a matter of hours, and it rapidly forms in substantial amounts in tissue cultures and it forms in a definite sequence in the normally developing brain. All this evidence of brisk activity in myelin formation, dissolution, and reformation contrasts sharply with the fact that the myelin, once laid down, persists thereafter in an unchanged state. Further, demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis as they represent important clinical problems, have provided the impetus for much laboratory activity aimed at discovering their cause.
Eastern wild turkey winter habitat use in south- central Iowa

INTRODUCTION STUDY AREA METHODS Habitat Use Home Range Food Abundance RESULTS Weather Habitat Use Adult males Adult females and all juveniles 1977-78 Adult females and all juveniles 1978-79 Home Range Food Abundance Mortality Weight DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATIONS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS LITERATURE CITED APPENDIX Page iii 1 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 9 9 15 16 16 18 21 23 . 26 27 28 31
Displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children--treatment by Dunlop's traction.

One hundred fifty-six children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated at the Naval Hospital, San Diego, during a recent six-year period. Eighty-one of these patients had sustained moderately to severely posteriorly displaced fractures. Seventy-nine of these patients were treated by Dunlop's traction and were re-evaluated no sooner than six months after their injury. Forty-eight of these patients were personally examined and their end result was analyzed. Changes in the carrying angle of the involved elbow occurred in 37 per cent with a mean change in the carrying angle of 3.4 degrees. Limitation of motion occurred in 23 per cent with an average loss of less than 10 degrees. Excellent results were obtained in 80 per cent, good results in 18 per cent, and unsatisfactory results in 2 per cent. There was no instance of ischemic contracture and no permanent neurological deficit. A roentgenographic method for the determination of fracture angulation in the medial-lateral plane is described as well as a method for the correction of minor to moderate angulation in this plane by varying the rotational position of the forearm after the initial manual reduction. Dunlop's traction as used in this series has been so consistently satisfactory that it is used for all moderately to severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children treated at the Naval Hospital.
Control of relative stereochemistry in the cycloadditive route to β-hydroxy carbonyls. Stereoselective exo aldol reactions of Δ2-isoxazolines

Abstract Aldol reactions with lithium exo-azaenolates derived from fused isoxazoline 10 and a variety of aldehydes have been investigated in the presence and absence of ZrCp 2 Cl 2 . The lithium azaenolate exhibits good (aldehydes) to excellent (ketones) face selectivity, but the syn/anti selectivity is poor. The zirconium enolate exhibits both high face selectivity, which is reversed from the lithium azaenolates, and high syn selectivity. Deoxygenation of the Zr-promoted aldol products complements direct azaenolate alkylation because it provides the opposite diastereomer. Methylation of dianions derived from 12 and 13 also provides access to the aldol products derived from 10 , and the stereoselectivities of these alkylations are either reinforced or eroded by the hydroxy-bearing stereogenic center.
Visiting human errors in interacting with IR systems from decision making perspective

People's interaction and negotiation with an information retrieval (IR) system is a constant decision making process, where people make errors as they do in their daily lives. Knowledge of biases and heuristics inherent in human reasoning as suggested by decision-making theories provides us a useful tool to explore the underlying cognitive processes of human errors in using IR systems. In this pilot study, we explore the potential of decision-making theories for explaining human IR errors and propose a tentative knowledge structure of human errors in IR systems.
Evaluation of povidone-lanoliim alcohol films by in vitro release of cortisol

A series of films containing varying proportions of povidone K-30 and lanolin alcohol were evaluated for wettability, strength, and elastic properties. The drug release characteristics of these films were evaluated using cortisol (2.5% ww), a topical anti-inflammatory agent. The incorporation of lanolin alcohol increased the contact angle of the films. The release of cortisol from the films in aqueous medium at 37° C declined with increasing proportion of lanolin alcohol. The drug release rate constant increased approximately linearly with the increase inpovidone content from 0–65% ww. The films with greater than 65% ww lanolin alcohol demonstrated a Q versus T12relationship as proposed by Higuchi. In povidone-rich films including film VI (58.5% ww povidone), pouidone possibly contributes to the rapid dissolution of cortisol.
Analytic Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations

In this article, existence and uniqueness of analytic solutions to a class of problems of the form $ zG^{\prime \prime }(z)+J(z)G^{\prime }(z)+F(G(z))=0, G(0)=G_0 $ are considered, where J is analytic in some neighborhood about 0 and F is analytic in some neighborhood of G 0 . This is a generalization of a class of problems considered by Rothe (F. Rothe (1997). A variant of Frobenius' method for the Emden-Fowler equation. Applicable Analysis , 66 , 227-245).
Bridging of length scales through gradient theory and diffusion equations of dislocations

Abstract In order to predict the observed characteristic width of shear bands in plastic materials, internal length scales have been introduced by the incorporation of higher-order gradients into the constitutive equations. The gradient enhanced constitutive model is derived using consistent thermodynamics for a classical rate-independent J 2 plasticity model with kinematic and isotropic hardening. Second-order gradients are introduced in the plasticity potential function and yield criteria through the use of nonlocal measures, which are introduced for each of the local hardening variables selected to describe the material response. The numerical implementation of the nonlocal continuum plasticity model is also presented. In order to link the gradient approach to the microstructure, a discussion is given in which relations for the gradient theory material parameters are given in terms of the microstructural material parameters.
Treatment of intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections are caused by a mixture of aerobic, anaerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. Experimental studies in animals and clinical trials indicate that antimicrobial therapy should provide adequate coverage for the whole range of isolates. Penicillins and cephalosporins with relatively limited activity against anaerobes have been associated with clinical failures in treating various types of mixed infections. Aminoglycosides are often used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections. Recent studies have cast doubt on this practice because of increased resistance of Gram-negative bacilli to aminoglycosides and high rates of renal toxicity. Regimens that do not include an aminoglycoside have given good results in treatment of appendicitis, penetrating abdominal trauma, and peritonitis. Enterococci are frequently isolated from intra-abdominal infections, but evidence suggests that it is not necessary to direct treatment at this organism initially.
In vitro and in vivo inhibition of monocyte phagocytic function by factor VIII concentrates: correlation with concentrate purity

Seven factor VIII concentrates of varying purity (specific activity 0.67-10 units factor VIII procoagulant activity (VIII: C)/mg protein) have been examined over a range of concentrations (0.5-0.005 u/ml factor VIII) to establish their effect on in vitro monocyte phagocytic function. All these products inhibited monocyte phagocytic function, but the monoclonally purified product tested was significantly less inhibitory than the others (P less than 0.05). The degree of inhibition observed was independent of the virus inactivation method used to increase product safety. However, comparison of these products of differing purity from the same manufacturer showed that the inhibitory effect decreased as product purity increased. In vivo studies of monocyte function following infusion of two of these factor VIII concentrates demonstrated inhibition of circulating monocytes. The possible role of product purity in modulating immune responses in haemophiliacs is discussed.
In vitro uptake and metabolism of testosterone by goldfish, Carassius auratus, mesenteric adipose tissue.

Abstract Mesenteric adipose tissue was removed from adult goldfish, Carassius auratus, and incubated in vitro with (1α,2α)-3[H]testosterone (T). Total radioactivity in the medium decreased and tissue total radioactivity increased in a time-dependent fashion between 1 and 6 h of incubation with maximum uptake occurring between 4 and 6 h. After ether extraction and thin layer chromatography the amount of radioactivity comigrating with authentic T standard decreased over time in both medium and tissue samples. Radioactivity in the aqueous fraction remaining after ether extraction increased in a time-dependent manner, suggesting the presence of water-soluble conjugated steroids. Acid hydrolysis of the aqueous fraction yielded radioactivity that principally comigrated with T standard following a second ether extraction and TLC, along with a small, unidentified peak of poorly migrating radioactivity. Aromatization of T was assessed after charcoal stripping samples and measuring radioactivity remaining in the form of 3 H 2 O . Small but significant amounts of 3 H 2 O were present in both incubation medium and tissue samples. Incubation with the aromatase inhibitor 4-androsten-4-ol-3,17-dione acetate (ATD) decreased the formation of 3 H 2 O in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that goldfish mesenteric adipose tissue is capable of converting T to several metabolites including water-soluble conjugates and estrogen.
Creation and evolution of magnetic helicity

Projecting a non-Abelian $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ vacuum gauge field---a pure gauge constructed from the group element $U$---onto a fixed (electromagnetic) direction in isospace gives rise to a nontrivial magnetic field, with nonvanishing magnetic helicity, which coincides with the winding number of U. Although the helicity is not conserved under Maxwell (vacuum) evolution, it retains one-half its initial value at infinite time.
Low-noise performance and dark-current measurements on the 256 x 256 NICMOS3 FPA

The NICMOS3 infrared focal plane array (FPA), which was designed as a Hubble Telescope upgrade device, provides excellent low-noise images in the 1 - 2.5 micrometers (SWIR) band. Both the detector array and the readout multiplexer of this hybrid FPA are optimized for low- noise operation. The NICMOS detector array is fabricated in HgCdTe grown on a sapphire substrate (PACE-I material). The sapphire substrate is very rugged and provides a good thermal contraction match to the silicon multiplexer, producing excellent reliability. The composition of the HgCdTe is adjusted to yield a response cutoff at 2.5 micrometers which limits the detector response to thermal background from the atmosphere and telescope. The quantum efficiency of the detectors is %GRT 50% over the 1 - 2.4 micrometers range. The dark current of the NICMOS detector is < 1 eMIN/s at 77 K, which is unprecedented for an IR detector. The multiplexer is a switched-FET CMOS design with a single source-follower per unit cell. The photocurrent is integrated on each detector diode, and the diode voltage level can be read nondestructively, or reset after each readout. This flexibility in the FPA operation makes it possible to generate images at a 12 Hz data frame rate or to optimize for low-noise exposures of many thousands of seconds. With a readout before and after each reset, off-chip correlated double sampling can be implemented to reduce the read noise to < 30 e-.
Lightning discharges producing very strong radiation in both VLF-LF and HF-VHF ranges

We introduce the mechanism of the so-called compact intracloud lightning discharges (CID). Based on experimental evidence of multiple reflections and modeling, we infer that CID is essentially a bouncing-wave phenomenon. Some tens of reflections may occur at both radiating channel ends. The reflections have little influence on the overall CID electric field signature (narrow bipolar pulse (NBP) waveform), but are responsible for its fine structure, “noisiness” of dE/dt waveforms, and accompanying HF-VHF radiation bursts.
Units of speech perception: Phoneme and syllable

Abstract Two detection experiments were conducted with short lists of synthetic speech stimuli where phoneme targets were compared to syllable targets. Unlike previous experiments heterogeneous lists of syllables and phonemes were used to remove possible bias created by homogeneous lists. In Experiment I, targets that matched the response items in linguistic level were recognized faster than those that mismatched, whether the targets were syllables or phonemes. In Experiment II, where all targets and response items matched in level, phonemes were recognized faster than syllables when phonemes were relatively easy to identify, but the reverse held when phonemes were harder to identify. These results suggest that phonemes and syllables are equally basic to speech perception.
Visualization of dendritic morphology of cortical projection neurons by retrograde axonal tracing

Abstract Currently there is no reliable retrograde tracing technique for visualization of dendritic morphologies of projection neurons. Here we describe a simple and efficient method that can be used to label neurons in Golgi-like fashion. The approach relies on activity-dependent uptake of tracer. For this purpose we inject the glutamate receptor agonist N- methyl- d,l -aspartic acid (NMDA) at the tracer injection site to massively stimulate neurons and to thereby promote uptake of biocytin or biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) by axon terminals. The results show that co-injections of NMDA/biocytin and NMDA/BDA into the extrastriate lateromedial area (LM) of rat visual cortex labels large numbers of neurons in area 17 in Golgi-like fashion. Similarly injections of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) lead to Golgi-like labeling of corticogeniculate neurons in area 17. The distribution of labeled neurons is highly topographic. In addition the method allows excellent preservation of ultrastructure, indicating that this approach is useful for determining the organization of neuronal circuits within the central nervous system.
Isotopic Evidence for a Terrestrial Source of Organic Compounds Found in Martian Meteorites Allan Hills 84001 and Elephant Moraine 79001

Stepped-heating experiments on martian meteorites Allan Hills 84001 (ALH84001) and Elephant Moraine 79001 (EETA79001) revealed low-temperature (200 to 430 degrees Celsius) fractions with a carbon isotopic composition δ13C between −22 and −33 per mil and a carbon-14 content that is 40 to 60 percent of that of modern terrestrial carbon, consistent with a terrestrial origin for most of the organic material. Intermediate-temperature (400 to 600 degrees Celsius) carbonate-rich fractions of ALH84001 have δ13C of +32 to +40 per mil with a low carbon-14 content, consistent with an extraterrestrial origin, whereas some of the carbonate fraction of EETA79001 is terrestrial. In addition, ALH84001 contains a small preterrestrial carbon component of unknown origin that combusts at intermediate temperatures. This component is likely a residual acid-insoluble carbonate or a more refractory organic phase.
Developing beam phasing on the Nova laser

We are presently adding the capability to irradiate indirectly-driven Nova targets with two rings of illumination inside each end of the hohlraum for studies of time-dependent second Legendre (P2) and time- integrated fourth Legendre (P4) flux asymmetry control. The rings will be formed with specially designed kinoform phase plates (KPPs), which will direct each half of each beam into two separate rings that are nearly uniform azimuthally. The timing and temporal pulse shape of the outer rings will be controlled independently from those of the inner rings, allowing for phasing of the pulse shapes to control time dependent asymmetry. Modifications to the incident beam diagnostics (IBDS) will enable us to verify that acceptable levels of power balance among the contributing segments of each ring have been achieved on each shot. Current techniques for precision beam pointing and timing are expected to be sufficiently accurate for these experiments. We present a design for an affordable retrofit to achieve beam phasing on Nova, results of a simplified demonstration, and calculations highlighting the anticipated benefits.
Effect of acoustic power on in vivo molecular imaging with targeted microbubbles: implications for low-mechanical index real-time imaging.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of acoustic power on ultrasound molecular imaging data with targeted microbubbles. Methods Imaging was performed with a contrast-specific multipulse method at mechanical indexes (MIs) of 0.18 and 0.97. In vitro imaging was used to measure concentration-intensity relationships and to assess whether damping from microbubble attachment to cultured endothelial cells affected signal enhancement. Power-related differences in signal enhancement were evaluated in vivo by P-selectin-targeted and control microbubble imaging in a murine model of hind-limb ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results During in vitro experiments, there was minimal acoustic damping from microbubble-cell attachment at either MI. Signal enhancement in the in vitro and in vivo experiments was 2-fold to 3-fold higher for high-MI imaging compared with low-MI imaging, which was due to greater pixel intensity, the detection of a greater number of retained microbubbles, and increased point-spread function. Yet there was a linear relationship between high-MI and low-MI data indicating that the relative degree of enhancement was similar. Conclusion During molecular imaging, high-MI protocols produce more robust targeted signal enhancement than low-MI protocols, although differences in relative enhancement caused by condition or agent are similar.
Mediating public disputes: A response to the skeptics

There are more than 75 well-documented cases of successful dispute resolution in the public sector (and a great many more that are less well-documented). The evidence attesting to the merits of non-adjudicatory approaches to dispute resolution is mounting rapidly.
Discussion on “A Hybrid Selection and Testing Procedure with Curtailment for Comparative Clinical Trials” by Elena M. Buzaianu and Pinyuen Chen

Buzaianu and Chen apply strong curtailment to modify the two-stage select-and-test clinical trial design proposed by Thall et al. (1988). The modification reduces the expected sample size while maintaining overall power but requires continuous monitoring in stage 1. I will review the history of this type of design and discuss practical issues related to the use of strong curtailment that arise in trial conduct.
Ablation of a small transmembrane protein of Trypanosoma brucei (TbVTC1) involved in the synthesis of polyphosphate alters acidocalcisome biogenesis and function, and leads to a cytokinesis defect.

Inorganic poly P (polyphosphate) is an abundant component of acidocalcisomes of Trypanosoma brucei. In the present study we report the presence of a protein homologous with the yeast Vtc1p (vacuolar transporter chaperone 1) in T. brucei that is essential for poly P synthesis, acidocalcisome biogenesis and cytokinesis. Localization studies in a cell line expressing a TbVTC1 fused to GFP (green fluorescent protein) revealed its co-localization with the V-H+-PPase (vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase), a marker for acidocalcisomes. Western blot analysis of acidocalcisome fractions and immunogold electron microscopy using polyclonal antibodies against a fragment of TbVTC1 confirmed the acidocalcisome localization. Ablation of TbVTC1 expression by RNA interference caused an abnormal morphology of acidocalcisomes, indicating that their biogenesis was disturbed, with a decreased pyrophosphate-driven H+ uptake and Ca2+ content, a significant decrease in the amount of poly P and a deficient response to hyposmotic stress. Ablation of TbVTC1 expression for longer periods produced marked gross morphological alterations compatible with a defect in cytokinesis, followed by cell death. Overexpression of the TbVTC1 gene caused mild alterations in growth rate, but had no perceptible effect on acidocalcisome morphology. We propose that the PPi-driven H+ pumping deficiency induced by ablation of TbVTC1 leads to alterations in the protonmotive force of acidocalcisomes, which results in deficient fusion or budding of the organelles, decreased H+ and Ca2+ content, and decreased synthesis of poly P. A decrease in the poly P content would lead to osmotic sensitivity and defects in cytokinesis.
Synthesis of alkyl glycoside fatty acid esters in non‐aqueous media byCandida sp. lipase

Alkyl glycoside fatty acid esters were successfully synthesized by lipase-catalyzed transesterification of methyl glucoside, methyl glucoside, methyl galactoside and octyl glucoside with methyl oleate. The experiments were carried out in organic media with lipase enzymes fromCandida sp. as biocatalysts. Time course and the effects of temperature, solvent type, substrate concentration, added water and of immobilizedvs. nonimmobilized enzyme were studied. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic synthesis of alkyl glycoside fatty acid esters were: a molar ratio of alkyl glycoside and methyl oleate of 1:4, an immobilized lipase, SP382 fromCandida sp.; benzene/pyridine (2:1, vol/vol) with no added water; temperature, 55°C; reaction time, 48 h; and shaking at 200 rpm. Acceptable levels of oleic acid incorporation (58.6–100 mol%) onto the alkyl glycosides were achieved.
Hormonal Regulation of Fibrinogen Synthesis in Cultured Hepatocytes

Most of what was originally known of the effects of hormones on fibrinogen synthesis was based, as noted above, on experiments involving surgical removal of endocrine glands. Some caution should be exercised when using such in vivo experiments to derive the hormonal requirements of fibrinogen synthesis, however, since multiple hormonal alterations often occur in these animals. The development of a variety of ex vivo systems has allowed investigators to more carefully control the hepatocellular environment. The work of several laboratories, including our own, has now made it clear that hormones and other agents directly stimulate hepatocellular synthesis of fibrinogen. From the studies summarized here, using chick embryo hepatocytes as a model, several generalizations emerge: Fibrinogen synthesis may be considered to be a "constitutive" liver function, since hepatocytes cultured without serum, hormones or other macromolecular supplements synthesize this protein at a basal rate for several days. Addition of certain hormones (e.g. T3, dexamethasone, insulin), individually and in physiological concentrations, elicits an increase in fibrinogen production, varying with each agent in onset, dose, minimum exposure required and accompanying effects on the synthesis of other plasma proteins. Glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones are similar in the selectivity of their stimulation (neither affects albumin or transferrin synthesis) but differ in that thyroid hormones need to be present for just a short "triggering" period. The stimulation of fibrinogen synthesis by insulin occurs only following prolonged exposure to concentrations 10-times higher than the very low doses to which albumin synthesis responds rapidly.
Problems from Van Cleve's Kant: Experience and Objects

James Van Cleve's Problems from Kant is the most up-to-date, challenging, and extensive study of the Critique of Pure Reason now available from a thoroughly analytic perspective. It covers most of the major topics in the theoretical core of Kant's main work and offers bold defenses of several syn thetic a priori claims. It also reinforces a growing interpretive trend that stresses limits in Kant's fabled critiques of rationalist claims, especially in the Dialectic. The arguments of Van Cleve's Kant point on balance (on purely theoretical grounds) toward "two worlds," ultimate simple entities, double affection, hardcore metaphysical realism on truth, and the thesis that only noumena are genuine substances (120); substantial souls and a necessary being are not asserted but classical proofs for them remain unrefuted. Problems from Kant is distinctive in the way that it combines the crisp and often extremely critical style of argumentation found in Jonathan Bennett's work (developed in the verificationist heyday of the 1960s) with a very helpful grasp of the much more metaphysical character of the leading trends in current systematic philosophy. Although the book defends a phenomenalist reading of Kant's transcendental idealism that is not far from Bennett's empiricist interpretation, it also stresses many points that derive mostly from a philosophical and interpretative sympathy for the rationalist tradition and a revival of modal considerations in the spirit of David Lewis and Alvin Plantinga (and against the likes of Putnam and Dummett). Since there is not enough room here to go into the many points on which I very much agree with the rationalist side of Van Cleve's reading,1 I will take this occasion to play the role of critic and concentrate on one of the few areas in
John Quincy Adams' “Amistad address”: Eloquence in a Generic Hybrid

John Quincy Adams' Supreme Court argument in the Amistad trial of 1841 is an example of a generic hybrid serving both forensic and deliberative purposes. Adams desired not only to win his case before the court, but also to convince a Northern audience to be wary of slavery legislation. He achieved both purposes by premising his arguments upon values held in common by his audiences. Adams' success indicates the importance of the audience in determining the final form of a hybrid.
Effects of inoculum size on cell-mediated and humoral immune responses of foals experimentally infected with Rhodococcus equi: a pilot study.

Abstract The objective of this pilot study was to compare the cytokine profile as well as cell-mediated and antibody responses of foals infected with a low inoculum of virulent Rhodococcus equi resulting in subclinical pneumonia to that of foals infected with a high inoculum resulting in severe clinical pneumonia. The mean (±SD) ratio of post-infection to pre-infection anti- R. equi IgG(T) concentration was significantly ( P = 0.002) higher in foals infected with the high inoculum (195 ± 145; range 62–328) compared to foals infected with the low inoculum (3.9 ± 4.5; range 0.5–11). Similarly, mean (±SD) ratio of post-infection to pre-infection IgM concentration was significantly ( P = 0.002) higher in foals infected with the high inoculum (12 ± 4.0; range 7.4–14) compared to foals infected with the low inoculum (2.5 ± 1.5; range 1.2–4.7). Proliferative responses to R. equi antigens as well as expression of mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in BLN were not significantly different between the two groups. There was a tendency ( P = 0.073) towards a higher IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in the low inoculum group. This study demonstrates that the size of inoculum modulates the IgG subisotype response and possibly the cytokine profile of foals.
Accurate Thomas–Fermi–Dirac calculations for diatomic systems

The Thomas–Fermi–Dirac equation for the electron density in a homonuclear diatomic system is solved numerically. The problems arising and methods of dealing with them are discussed and attention is given to the accuracy of the calculated energies. Comparisons are made to previously published work employing approximations, permitting a discussion of their utility.
Abstract 4677: Slug is a potential target to restore transforming growth factor-β mediated apoptosis in lung cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) inhibits carcinogenesis at early stages by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis. Cancer cells acquire resistance to TGFβ induced apoptosis and divert the TGF-β signaling to stimulate tumor promoting processes such as Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT), immunosuppression and angiogenesis. Hence, the identification of molecular targets/ pathways enabling cancer cells to overcome TGFβ-mediated apoptosis is critical for exploiting tumor suppressive functions of TGFβ for therapy. We have identified slug (snai2), a zinc-finger transcription factor, as a critical regulator of TGF-β mediated apoptosis in lung cancer cells. In EMT models of lung cancer slug is up-regulated by several fold upon TGFβ treatment. Knock down of Smad 3 or Smad 4, but not Smad 2, completely abrogated the TGF-β induced up-regulation of Slug. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed increased occupancy of Smad 3 to the slug promoter on TGFβ treatment indicating slug might be a direct target gene of Smad 3. Slug is often described as a potent E-cadherin suppressor and an important regulator of EMT along with other E-box proteins. In contrast siRNA knock-down of slug (slug KD) in lung cancer cells did not prevent TGFβ induced E-cadherin suppression or acquisition of mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin; instead lead to increased cell death. Slug KD cells on TGFβ treatment underwent apoptosis through the typical apoptosis cascade characterized by increased annexin-v staining and caspase-3 activation. This apoptotic cell death is abrogated by inhibitors of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Inhibition of caspase-8, an initiator of extrinsic apoptotic pathway or siRNA knockdown of RIP1 that promotes necroptosis did not inhibit the death of TGFβ treated slug KD cells. Together these finding suggests slug KD results in cell death via intrinsic apoptosis pathway in response to TGFβ. This study indicates slug induction during EMT allows cancer cells to escape from apoptotic functions of TGFβ and might function as a critical regulatory switch to shift TGFβ role from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter. Thus slug inhibition might serve as a potential mechanism to reinstate the apoptotic functions of TGFβ in lung cancer cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4677. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4677
Collecting duct-specific endothelin b receptor knockout increases enac activity

Collecting duct (CD)-derived endothelin-1 (ET-1) acting via endothelin B (ETB) receptors promotes Na+ excretion. Compromise of ET-1 signaling or ETB receptors in the CD cause sodium retention and i...
Orderly enumeration of nonsingular binary matrices applied to text encryption

Nonsingular binary matrices of order N, i.e., nonsingular over the field {0, 1}, and an initial segment of the natural numbers are placed in one-to-one correspondence. Each natural number corresponds to two intermediate vectors. These vectors are mapped into a nonsingular binary matrix. Examples of complete enumeration of all 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 nonsingular binary matrices were produced by mapping the intermediate vectors to the matrices.The mapping has application to the Vernam encipherment method using pseudorandom number sequences. A bit string formed from bytes of text of a data encryption key can be used as a representation of a natural number. This natural number is transformed to a nonsingular binary matrix. Key leverage is obtained by using the matrix as a “seed” in a shift register sequence pseudorandom number generator.
Cooling and amplifying micro-mechanical motion using light

Progress in the subject of cavity optomechanics will be described. Micromechanical oscillators to microwave rates, as well as progress directed towards cooling to the quantum ground state will be reviewed.
Hemodynamic response to supine exercise in patients with chest pain and normal coronary arteriograms.

Abstract During the past year, the response to supine exercise was included in the hemodynamic evaluation of almost all patients referred to our laboratory because of chest pain. Seventeen of 58 patients with chest pain were found to have normal coronary arteriograms, normal resting intracardiac pressures, and a normal left ventriculogram. Nine of these 17 patients had an abnormal exercise response, as evidenced by a significant increase in the left ventricular end diastolic pressure. The degree of left ventricular dysfunction was minimal, since exercise cardiac output increased normally, stroke volume was maintained during exercise, and the calculated left ventricular end-diastolic volumes and ejection fractions were normal. Atypical chest pain was present in all but one subject, who had typical angina pectoris. In addition, the group shared features such as arrhythmias, dyspnea, and non-specific electrocardiographic abnormalities, which are common to all forms of cardiomyopathy. We suggest that this patient group may frequently be mislabeled as having no cardiac disorder when no further evaluation of cardiac function, other than resting intracardiac pressures and a left ventriculogram, is carried out.
Evidence for a high-temperature short-range-magnetic-order transition in MnO(001).

We report the observation of spin-polarized photoelectron diffraction for antiferromagnetic MnO(001). Data at kinetic energies near 100 eV for the spin-split Mn $3s$ multiplet show abrupt changes in the $^{5}S:^{7}S$ intensity ratio at a temperature of 530\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20 K that is 4.5 times the N\'eel temperature. An additional temperature-dependent study done at higher electron kinetic energies, along with azimuthal diffraction measurements, support the conclusion that this abrupt change is due to a new type of high-temperature short-range-magnetic-order transition.
Age of quaternary sediments and soils in the Sacramento area, California by uranium and actinium series dating of vertebrate fossils

Abstract A method of dating sediments and soils is proposed which utilizes a uranium and actinium series dating of buried vertebrate fossils. Nuclide activities of238U,234U and230Th in some of the bones of a Rancholabrean aged faunal assemblage ranges from 43 dpm/g to 298 dpm/g and high231Pa activities were detected in a few bones. The method dates the riverbank Formation east of Sacramento, California, and the overlying San Joaquin soil as103,000 ± 6,000 years. The age is in accordance with cited geological evidence. Chronological migrations of uranium, uranium-uptake and leaching are related to moisture conditions and hardpan formation. In absence of ground waters, slower migrations of uranium in rain waters penetrating the soil profiles results in mean residence times (mrt) of uranium within fossils to be less than the total elapsed time. Where ground water has been present, absorption of uranium by fossils was rapid, the mean residence times of uranium are higher and equal to total elapsed time.234U/238U ratios are lower in the wetter zones where water facilititates some remixing of uranium isotopes. Losses of uranium from some of the fossils are related to carbonate leaching and windows in the hardpan where rain water has penetrated, resulting in excess231Pa activities.
Dyskeratosis congenita as a disorder of telomere maintenance

Since 1998, there have been great advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a rare inherited bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome with prominent mucocutaneous abnormalities and features of premature aging. DC is now characterized molecularly by the presence of short age-adjusted telomeres. Mutations in seven genes have been unequivocally associated with DC, each with a role in telomere length maintenance. These observations, combined with knowledge that progressive telomere shortening can impose a proliferative barrier on dividing cells and contribute to chromosome instability, have led to the understanding that extreme telomere shortening drives the clinical features of DC. However, some of the genes implicated in DC encode proteins that are also components of H/ACA-ribonucleoprotein enzymes, which are responsible for the post-translational modification of ribosomal and spliceosomal RNAs, raising the question whether alterations in these activities play a role in the pathogenesis of DC. In addition, recent reports suggest that some cases of DC may not be characterized by short age-adjusted telomeres. This review will highlight our current knowledge of the telomere length defects in DC and the factors involved in its development.
An investigation of the possible interaction between the use of Vitamin C and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence and effectiveness in treated HIV+ women.

Summary Objectives Our goal in this study was to examine how Vitamin C interacts with antiretroviral therapy in individuals with HIV. We specifically evaluated how Vitamin C impacts highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence and HAART effectiveness as adjudicated by HIV viral loads and CD4 cell counts. Women served as their own controls, comparing periods of Vitamin C usage with periods of non-usage. Design An intra-individual, cross-sectional comparative study ‘nested' in the WIHS observational cohort study. Subjects Women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Outcome measures Adherence, CD4 count and viral load. Results Our study population was drawn from 2813 HIV+ participants who contributed 44,588 visits in WIHS from October, 1994 to April, 2009. Among them, there were 1122 Vitamin C users with 4954 total visits where use was reported. In the multivariate model adjusting for age, education, race, income, drug use, Vitamin C use order and depression score, there was a 44% increase in the odds of ≥95% HAART adherence among participants during their period of Vitamin C use compared to when they were not using Vitamin C (OR=1.44; 95% CI=1.1–1.9; P -value=0.0179). There was an association with Vitamin C usage and CD4 counts on viral loads. Conclusion Vitamin C usage appears to be associated with improved adherence. Future Vitamin C studies should target specific HAART drugs, and prospective clinical outcomes.