cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diminished Hepatic Gluconeogenesis via Defects in Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Flux in Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-deficient Mice

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a highly inducible transcriptional coactivator implicated in the coordinate regulation of genes encoding enzymes involved in hepatic fatty acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and gluconeogenesis. The present study sought to assess the effects of chronic PGC-1α deficiency on metabolic flux through the hepatic gluconeogenic, fatty acid oxidation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways. To this end, hepatic metabolism was assessed in wild-type (WT) and PGC-1α–/– mice using isotopomer-based NMR with complementary gene expression analyses. Hepatic glucose production was diminished in PGC-1α–/– livers coincident with reduced gluconeogenic flux from phosphoenolpyruvate. Surprisingly, the expression of PGC-1α target genes involved in gluconeogenesis was unaltered in PGC-1α–/– compared with WT mice under fed and fasted conditions. Flux through tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation pathways was also diminished in PGC-1α–/– livers. The expression of multiple genes encoding tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes was significantly depressed in PGC-1α–/– mice and was activated by PGC-1α overexpression in the livers of WT mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that chronic whole-animal PGC-1α deficiency results in defects in hepatic glucose production that are secondary to diminished fatty acid β-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle flux rather than abnormalities in gluconeogenic enzyme gene expression per se.
Surgery, anesthesia, and the geriatric patient.

Summary The increasing number of geriatric patients undergoing surgical procedures provides continuing anesthesia and nursing challenges. There are many reasons why elderly patients require close observation after anesthesia and surgery. Careful assessment and aggressive attention to hints of impending renal, cardiac, metabolic, ventilatory, infectious, or thromboembolic complications are crucial for the postoperative care of the elderly patient.
Loss of Guanylyl Cyclase C (GCC) Signaling Leads to Dysfunctional Intestinal Barrier

Background Guanylyl Cyclase C (GCC) signaling via uroguanylin (UGN) and guanylin activation is a critical mediator of intestinal fluid homeostasis, intestinal cell proliferation/apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. As a mechanism for some of these effects, we hypothesized that GCC signaling mediates regulation of intestinal barrier function. Methodology/Principal Findings Paracellular permeability of intestinal segments was assessed in wild type (WT) and GCC deficient (GCC−/−) mice with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, as well as in UGN deficient (UGN−/−) mice. IFNγ and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) levels were determined by real time PCR. Expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs), phosphorylation of myosin II regulatory light chain (MLC), and STAT1 activation were examined in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intestinal mucosa. The permeability of Caco-2 and HT-29 IEC monolayers, grown on Transwell filters was determined in the absence and presence of GCC RNA interference (RNAi). We found that intestinal permeability was increased in GCC−/− and UGN−/− mice compared to WT, accompanied by increased IFNγ levels, MLCK and STAT1 activation in IECs. LPS challenge promotes greater IFNγ and STAT1 activation in IECs of GCC−/− mice compared to WT mice. Claudin-2 and JAM-A expression were reduced in GCC deficient intestine; the level of phosphorylated MLC in IECs was significantly increased in GCC−/− and UGN−/− mice compared to WT. GCC knockdown induced MLC phosphorylation, increased permeability in IEC monolayers under basal conditions, and enhanced TNFα and IFNγ-induced monolayer hyperpermeability. Conclusions/Significance GCC signaling plays a protective role in the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier by regulating MLCK activation and TJ disassembly. GCC signaling activation may therefore represent a novel mechanism in maintaining the small bowel barrier in response to injury.
Editorial: Welcome Mohan; Thank You Lorretta

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Welcome Mohan; Thank You Lorretta” for OE Vol. 34 Issue 05
Propagation of a magnetic field into a superconductor

The propagation of a magnetic field into a superconducting wire of circular cross section is analyzed theoretically. Upper and lower bounds are obtained on ${t}_{0}$, the time required for the field to reach the axis, and on $R(t)$, the inner radius of the normally conducting region. The lower bound is just the approximate result obtained by Sixtus and Tonks, Pippard, and Lipshitz. It has been verified experimentally by Faber for applied fields less than 1.04 times the critical field. It is believed that for large applied fields the actual results should be closer to the upper bounds.
Extensions for multi-module records in conventional programming languages

An extended record facility is described that supports multi-module records by providing: incremental and distributed record type definition, allowing field names of a record to be declared in different modules with different subscopes relative to the root record declaration.field-level declaration of access to records by modules and procedures.specification of record representation in terms of the underlying computer memory.We also describe the uses of records that motivate these extensions as well as the compiler modifications required to implement this extended record facility.From this work, we conclude that the extended record support can be added as a simple, natural extension to existing programming language designs and its implementation entails only modest additions to the compiler and linker with no significant compilation time cost.
VBGhost: a braille-based educational smartphone game for children

We present VBGhost: an accessible, educational smartphone game for people who are blind or low vision. It is based on the word game Ghost, in which players take turns adding letters to a word fragment while attempting to not complete a word. VBGhost uses audio and haptic feedback to reinforce Braille concepts. Players enter letters in the game by using Braille dot patterns on a touchscreen interface. Players can raise or lower dots to create Braille characters using taps and audio feedback from the phone. When a "raised" dot is touched on the screen, the phone vibrates. In VBGhost, a player can either play against the computer or against another person. We demonstrate the potential for the development of fun, accessible and educational games.
Electron emission from phosphorus- and boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films

The electron emission from CVD-grown phosphorus (P-) and boron (B)-doped polycrystalline diamond films has been studied. The current density against electric field characteristics of the P-doped film showed low-field emission compared to the B-doped film. From the slope ratio of the Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) characteristics of P- and B-doped films, a ratio of 0.66 for the emission barrier height was obtained. The small ratio might be caused by the n-type semiconducting properties of P-doped diamond films. >
New Approaches for Moving Upstream How State and Local Health Departments Can Transform Practice to Reduce Health Inequalities

Growing evidence shows that unequal distribution of wealth and power across race, class, and gender produces the differences in living conditions that are "upstream" drivers of health inequalities. Health educators and other public health professionals, however, still develop interventions that focus mainly on "downstream" behavioral risks. Three factors explain the difficulty in translating this knowledge into practice. First, in their allegiance to the status quo, powerful elites often resist upstream policies and programs that redistribute wealth and power. Second, public health practice is often grounded in dominant biomedical and behavioral paradigms, and health departments also face legal and political limits on expanding their scope of activities. Finally, the evidence for the impact of upstream interventions is limited, in part because methodologies for evaluating upstream interventions are less developed. To illustrate strategies to overcome these obstacles, we profile recent campaigns in the United States to enact living wages, prevent mortgage foreclosures, and reduce exposure to air pollution. We then examine how health educators working in state and local health departments can transform their practice to contribute to campaigns that reallocate the wealth and power that shape the living conditions that determine health and health inequalities. We also consider health educators' role in producing the evidence that can guide transformative expansion of upstream interventions to reduce health inequalities.
The Changing Cost Environment of Managing Copyright for Electronic Reserves

Abstract The relatively short history of electronic reserves has seen many changes in copyright policies, practices and costs. Publishers and aggregators frequently facilitate electronic reserve access to articles through electronic journals, but at present no similar standardized approach to accessing book excerpts exists. For libraries managing copyright for electronic reserves, staff time becomes a costly issue. Current trends in publishers' copyright fees for electronic reserves suggest models that academic libraries will be unable to sustain. Costs may encourage libraries to either choose a very liberal interpretation of fair use, or, to the other extreme, drastically curtail book excerpts for electronic reserves.
Selecting the optimum particle for radiation therapy

Ionizing radiation therapy is one of the primary modalities for treating cancers. Ideally, the particle selected to deliver ionizing radiation for routine therapy should control the disease, cause minimal side effects, and be affordable. Two major properties for judging the utility of a particle, physical controllability and selective cell destruction, influence the decision for selection. The proton, at present, has the best combination of capabilities for routine radiation therapy. Heavier ions require further study to determine their role in patient treatment.
A Penrose Drain to Help Reflect the Resected “Specimen Side” Jejunum Beneath the Mesenteric Vessels During a Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction Reflecting the resected portion of the proximal jejunum behind the mesenteric vessels during a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) procedure can be a challenging maneuver.
Analysis and redesign of a military orders processing system

Abstract A study was conducted which analyzed the army orders processing system at the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Timely processing of these orders was essential since they initiated active duty status. This status officially obligated a civilian into a military position. Orders processing behaved as a queuing system with batch arrivals and preemptive service. Given randomness of the arrival and service processes, insufficient clerk manpower caused the orders to be delayed in a queue. The analysis of this system was conducted using computer simulation modeling. The model was designed to schedule clerks so that total processing time was minimized and critical delays were avoided. The evaluation of different manpower alternative included varying the number and arrangement of the processing clerks. Ultimately, the entire orders processing system was redesigned. This article discusses the National Guard's response to the results and recommendations determined through simulation modeling.
Understanding financing options for PACS implementation

The acquisition of expensive equipment such as picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) becomes increasingly difficult as capital budgets become tighter. Traditional ownership financing options in the form of direct purchase or financing (loan) have several limitations including technology obsolescence, higher fixed pricing, limited options for equipment disposal, and the need to tie up valuable capital. Alternative financing options, in the form of conventional lease and risk sharing arrangements, offer several theoretical advantages including technology obsolescence protection in the form of built-in upgrades, preservation of borrowing power, multiple end-of-term options, and payment flexibility (which can be directly tied to realized productivity and operational efficiency gains). These options are discussed, with emphasis on the acquisition of PACS.
A maternally inherited superantigen encoded by a mammary tumour virus

A COLLECTION of superantigens, molecules which in combination with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) engage T cells bearing particular Vβ chains as part of their αβ receptors, have recently been described1,2. The mouse self superantigen, Mls-la, for example, in conjunction with many MHC class II proteins, engages mouse T cells bearing Vβ6,7,8.1 and 9, almost regardless of the sequences of the other variable components of the receptors on the T cells3–5. Two types of superantigen have been identified so far: first, superantigens encoded in the mouse genome, such as Mls-la; second, superantigens produced by bacteria, such as the staphylococcal enterotoxins1,2. Although the latter type of super-antigens are in many cases known to be proteins of about 220 amino acids6,7, nothing is known about the structures of any of the superantigens encoded in mouse. Here we describe the properties of a new mouse superantigen. The antigen is maternally transmitted in milk and is probably encoded by a mammary tumour virus (MTV). Given the known genetic linkage between at least one of the mouse genomic superantigens and endogenous MTV integration sites8, it is tempting to speculate that the superantigen described here and some of the endogenous mouse superantigens are encoded by MTVs.
Creating Time-Optimal Commands with Practical Constraints

In applications that demand rapid response, time-optimal control techniques are often enlisted. Recently, a new technique has been presented for deriving time-optimal command proe les by solving a set of algebraic constraint equations. This time-optimal solution framework is shown to be easily extendable to derive commands satisfying a variety of practical constraints, particularly constraints on command length and sensitivity to modeling errors.
Measurement of head impacts in collegiate football players: relationship between head impact biomechanics and acute clinical outcome after concussion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between recorded head accelerations and impact locations and acute clinical outcome of symptomatology, neuropsychological, and postural stability tests after cerebral concussion in Division I collegiate football players. METHODS: A prospective field study was used in which accelerometers were embedded in the football helmets of 88 collegiate football players. Linear and rotational accelerations of all head impacts sustained over the course of 2004 to 2006 National Collegiate Athletic Association football seasons were collected in real-time. Change scores were calculated on clinical measures from the players' preseason baseline to postinjury (within 48 h) and regressed against the recorded linear and rotational accelerations of the head at the time of the concussion. RESULTS: Thirteen concussions were recorded ranging in impact magnitudes of 60.51 to 168.71 g. Linear regression showed no significant relationships between impact magnitude (linear or rotational acceleration) or impact location and change scores for symptom severity, postural stability, or neurocognitive function (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that football players are concussed by impacts to the head that occur at a wide range of magnitudes and that clinical measures of acute symptom severity, postural stability, and neuropsychological function all appear to be largely independent of impact magnitude and location. Because of the varying magnitudes and locations of impacts resulting in concussion as well as other factors such as the frequency of subconcussive impacts and number of previous concussions, it may be difficult to establish a threshold for concussive injury that can be applied to all football players. Keywords: American football; Language: en
Effect of amygdala kindling on the in vivo release of GABA and 5-HT in the dorsal raphe nucleus in freely moving rats

Abstract Our laboratory has previously reported a significant subsensitivity to iontophoretically applied GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) in dorsal raphe neurons of amygdala-kindled rats. This subsensitivity was selective for GABA and persisted at least 3 months after the last kindled seizure. In the present series of experiments, we explored mechanisms by which kindling could result in persistent GABA sensitivity changes, using in vivo microdialysis to quantitate neurotransmitter [including GABA and 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT)] release in the dorsal raphe nucleus of awake, unrestrained amygdala-kindled rats. Depolarization-induced release of GABA is markedly increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus in amygdala-kindled animals. This change in depolarization-induced GABA release to be graded, dependent upon the stahe to which the animal is kindled. Thus GABA release is increased in animals kindled to Stage 2 and even in animals kindled to Stage 5 seizures. The change in GABA release is also selective, since no consistent change in the release of other putative amino acid neurotransmitters or 5-HT was observed in these same animals. We hypothesize that this increase in depolarization-induced release of GABA in the amygdala-kindled animal underlies the development of subsensitivity to GABA in dorsal raphe neurons.
Modulation of mutation rates in bacteriophage T4 by a base-pair change a dozen nucleotides removed

Abstract Neighboring base-pairs are known to affect site-specific mutability. A previous analysis had suggested that such effects might decrease rapidly with distance. Here, however, we demonstrate a longer-range (unneighborly) base-pair effect on site-specific mutabilities: a single base-pair substitution substantially alters transition mutation rates at sites more than ten base-pairs away. DNA sequencing carried out during this analysis extends the known sequence of the IIA cistron by 333 residues.
On the mixing and production of exotic fermions in E6.

The mixings between exotic fermions in ${\mathrm{E}}_{6}$ 27-plets (a Q=-(1/3) isosinglet quark h and charged and neutral leptons E and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{E}$) and their familiar counterparts d, e, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$ are discussed and constraints from electroweak neutral-current data on such mixings are examined. We find off-diagonal couplings dh\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}${Z}^{0}$, e\ifmmode \bar{E}\else \={E}\fi{}${Z}^{0}$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}$\ensuremath{\nu}${\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}_{E}$${Z}^{0}$ and propose new methods for single production of such new fermions in ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ collisions and Z decay. Such couplings also lead (in general) to flavor-changing neutral currents and we examine constraints on the masses and mixings of the h quarks which can be derived from the ${K}^{0}$-K${\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}^{0}$ system and ${K}_{L}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$.
A Quantitative Assessment of Debonding in Unidirectional Composites Under Long-Term Loading

Transverse tensile fatigue behavior of unidirectional E-glass/epoxy and E-glass/ vinyl ester composites with 48-50 volume percent glass fiber was evaluated using a strain-controlled test condition. Analysis based on Weibull statistics shows that there is a significant difference in performance between E-glass/epoxy and E-glass/vinyl ester composites. At all strain amplitudes, the moduli of the composites were retained until final failure occurred. This is related to the development of a single dominant crack and the absence of multiple cracking which leads to the final separation in the test specimen. This behavior is similar to homogeneous materials such as metals. Fatigue life in these composites is found to be initiation dominated and, correspondingly, the propagation life is negligible. This study provides an overall insight into the fatigue behavior and damage in unidirectional composites subjected to long term transverse tensile loading. Also, it is useful in materials selection for controlling long...
Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms – X. The mercury–manganese stars π1 Bootis, υ Herculis and HR 7361

Fine analyses of three sharp-lined mercury-manganese stars, π 1 Bootis (HD 129174), v Herculis (HD 144206) and HR 7361 (HD 182308), are presented. The most Hg-rich among the 12 HgMn stars studied in this series is π 1 Boo. Both it and v Her are Fe- and Ni-poor. The greatest P and Mn overabundances seen in the HgMn stars occur in HR 7361; this is also the most S-poor and one of the few Ca- and Xe-rich HgMn stars. Some correlations are found between the consistently analysed abundances for the 12 stars. These correlations are expected if radiative diffusive processes are operating
Hemispheric asymmetries in the polar solar wind observed by ulysses near the minima of solar cycles 22 and 23

We examined solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) observations from Ulysses' first and third orbits to study hemispheric differences in the properties of the solar wind and IMF originating from the Sun's large polar coronal holes (PCHs) during the declining and minimum phase of solar cycles 22 and 23. We identified hemispheric asymmetries in several parameters, most notably ~15%-30% south-to-north differences in averages for the solar wind density, mass flux, dynamic pressure, and energy flux and the radial and total IMF magnitudes. These differences were driven by relatively larger, more variable solar wind density and radial IMF between ~36°S-60°S during the declining phase of solar cycles 22 and 23. These observations indicate either a hemispheric asymmetry in the PCH output during the declining and minimum phase of solar cycles 22 and 23 with the southern hemisphere being more active than its northern counterpart, or a solar cycle effect where the PCH output in both hemispheres is enhanced during periods of higher solar activity. We also report a strong linear correlation between these solar wind and IMF parameters, including the periods of enhanced PCH output, that highlight the connection between the solar wind mass and energy output and the Sun's magnetic field. That these enhancements were not matched by similar sized variations in solar wind speed points to the mass and energy responsible for these increases being added to the solar wind while its flow was subsonic.
Quasi‐Ionic Model for Image Potentials in Metals

A quasi-ionic model has to deal with the image potential induced in a metal by an ion when the latter is a few interatomic distances away from the surface. At such proximity, the potential is „granular” and the assumptions of the classical treatment are not valid. The proposed model emphasizes the local surface structure and treats metal as the ion cores which are incompletely screened by the conduction electrons. A parameter δ is introduced to take account of the greater shielding of ion-cores in the second layer. This heuristic model has been used to estimate the splitting of orbital levels in the approaching ion and to determine how the splitting depends on δ. It has also been used to calculate the attraction energy between the ion and the metal substrate. The results are compared with results of other models, classical image, Gomer-Swanson and Newns. Separation energy of an electron from the metal surface calculated for alkalis using the quasi-ionic model is shown to have a dependence on lattice parameter similar to that exhibited by the barrier potential. Ein quasi-ionisches Modell mus das Bild-Potential behandeln. das in einem Metall durch ein Ion induziert wird, wenn dies einige interatomare Abstande von der Oberflache ent-fernt ist. In solcher Nahe ist das Potential „granuliert” und die Annahmen der klassischen Betrachtung sind nicht mehr gultig. Das vorgeschlagene Modell hebt die lokaie Oberflachen-struktur hervor und behandelt Metalle als lonenrumpfe, die nicht vollstandig durch Lei-tungselektronen abgeschirmt sind. Ein Parameter δ wird eingefuhrt, der die groere Ab-schirmung der Ionenrumpfe in der zweiten Schicht berucksichtigt. Dieses heuristische Modell wird benutzt, um die Aufspaltung der Bahn-Niveaus des behandelten Ions zu berech-nen und zu bestimmen, wie die Aufspaltung von δ abhangt. Es wird ebenfalls benutzt, um die Anziehungsenergie zwischen Ion und Metallsubstrat zu berechnen. Die Ergebnisse werden mit den Ergebnissen anderer Modelle - klassisches Bild, Gomer-Swanson und Newns, verglichen. Die Ablosungsenergie eines Elektrons von der Metalloberflache, die fur Alkali-metalle mit dem quasi-ionischen Modell berechnet wurde, zeigte ine Abhangigkeit vom Gitterparameter, die der ahnlich ist, die mit dem Barrierenpotential erhalten wird.
Biochemical and behavioral evidence foe hybridization between fire ants,Solenopsis invicta andSolenopsis richteri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Behavioral and biochemical evidence is presented for hybridization between the fire ants,Solenopsis richteri andS. invicta. The response of the two species to extracts of their trail pheromones presented as a point source is clearly species-specific; however, hybrid workers responded to parental Dufour's gland extracts and parental workers responded to Dufour's gland extracts of the hybrid. The behavioral evidence for hybridization was confirmed by gas Chromatograph comparison of the Dufour's gland extracts of the three fire ant forms, which showed a pattern for the hybrid that was intermediate to the two parental species.
Functional analysis of T-cell antigen 4-1BB in activated intestinal intra-epithelial T lymphocytes

The 4-1BB antigen has been recently demonstrated to be a 30 kDa inducible T-cell antigen and is expressed on the cell surface of activated splenic T cells and thymocytes. This novel T-cell antigen also associates physically with the T cell-specific protein tyrosine kinase, p56lck. We show here that the inducible T-cell antigen 4-1BB is expressed on activated intestinal intra-epithelial T lymphocytes (IEL). After activation, or in the presence of IL-2, the activated IELs showed higher levels of 4-1BB. Functional studies revealed that the activated IELs triggered with anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody could enhance the level of IEL cytotoxicity against anti-CD3-secreting hybridoma cells. Cross-linking of anti-4-1BB antibody also enhanced the proliferation of IELs. These results suggest that the inducible antigen 4-1BB has broad biological functions which not only play a role in activated splenic T cells and thymocytes but also in the mucosal immune system.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA ON THE ADRENAL SECRETION OF EPINEPHRINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE IN THE DOG1

A modification of the sensitive fluorometric procedure of Weil-Malherbe and Bone has been applied to a study of the changes in epinephrine and norepinephrine in adrenal venous and peripheral venous plasma of 24 lightlyanesthetized mongrel dogs. Insulin hypoglycemia produced a marked increase in the adrenal secretion of epinephrine and a much less marked increase of norepinephrine. The infusion of glucose produced a rapid decline in the elevated secretion rate of both epinephrine and norepinephrine while the administration of amphenone produced no significant change. An increase in both epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to hypoglycemia was observed in peripheral plasma. THE increased secretion of sympathomimetic amines occurring in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was first demonstrated in 1924 by Cannon, Maclver and Bliss (1) and in the same year by Houssay, Molinelli and Lewis (2). In a series of studies extending over several years Satake (3) found an increase in the content of these su...
Postoperative renal insufficiency

The poor clinical outcomes associated with postoperative HARI necessitate increased vigilance for HARI detection and intervention to minimize the progression to dialysis dependency. Patient survival significantly worsens if HARI requires the initiation of dialysis. Postoperative changes, including intravascular volume expansion, SIRS, and reduced lean body mass, frequently confound the detection of HARI. Serum creatinine levels frequently do not reflect the decreased renal function because creatinine production rate is decreased with reduced lean body mass, and the serum creatinine concentration is reduced by increased intravascular volume expansion and increased volume of distribution associated with anasarca. Additional indices of renal function must be used postoperatively, including urine output, net volume status, urinalysis with microscopic examination of the spun pellet, and corrected estimations of creatinine clearance. Few therapeutic interventions currently exist to reverse HARI other than optimization of renal perfusion and limitation of nephrotoxin exposure. Dialysis remains a cornerstone of maintenance therapy for refractory and severe HARI. Selection of dialysis modality continues to be based on modality availability and patient stability.
Targeted metabolomic analysis of Escherichia coli by desorption electrospray ionization and extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) was utilized to monitor the presence of targeted central carbon metabolites within bacterial cell extracts and the quench supernatant of Escherichia coli. The targeted metabolites were identified through tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) product ion scans using collision-induced dissociation in the negative ion mode. Picogram detection limits were achieved for a majority of the metabolites during MS/MS analysis of standard metabolite solutions. In a [U-(13)C]glucose pulse experiment, where uniformly labeled glucose was fed to E. coli, the corresponding fragment ions from labeled metabolites in extracts were generally observed. There was evidence of matrix effects including moderate suppression by other metabolites within the spectra of the labeled and unlabeled extracts. To improve the specificity and sensitivity of detection, optimized in situ ambient chemical reactions using DESI and extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) were carried out for targeted compounds. This study provides the first indication of the potential to perform in situ targeted metabolomics of a bacterial sample via ambient ionization mass spectrometry.
Effects of oxygen on rat liver RNA polymerase.

The effects of a short period of hyperoxia on RNA polymerase activity of rat liver nuclei were investigated. Two assay systems were used, a low ionic strength, Mg2+-activated reaction and a high ionic strength, NH4+, Mn2+-activated reaction. RNA polymerase activity in low ionic strength assay in the hyperoxic rats averages 34% higher than room air controls (P < 0.001). In high ionic strength assay no significant differences can be demonstrated. The RNA reaction product in low salt resembles ribosomal RNA. Total base composition and nearest neighbor base frequencies are almost identical in nuclei from hyperoxic and control rats. Moreover, nearest neigbor frequency analyses suggest that much of the newly synthesized RNA exists in a double helical form with its sections running in anti-parallel direction.
Observed departure of the Io plasma torus from rigid corotation with Jupiter

A study of forbidden S II red doublet spectra indicates that the Io plasma torus at 5.9 Jupiter radii does not corotate rigidly with Jupiter. The lag is found to be 6 percent + or 4 percent, where the variability range, not the uncertainty, is indicated. Comparison with existing models indicates the lag may be due primarily to ion creation in the Io torus.
Territorial defence of space and feeding sites by a plethodontid salamander

Abstract Two series of experiments were conducted, one in field enclosures and another in the laboratory, to test the hypothesis that the salamander Desmognathus monticola (family Plethodontidae) defends its refuges and feeding sites against conspecific intruders. When two identical cover sites were provided as refuges in the laboratory, residents and intruders occupied separate cover sites significantly more often than the same sites. Residents did not, however, show strong preference for the same site, nor did they consistently defend a specific site. When food supplements were provided consistently at the same cover sites in field enclosures, resident D. monticola occupied and defended the feeding sites significantly more frequently against intruders than the non-feeding cover sites. Individuals not receiving food supplements also excluded intruders from the occupied cover sites but did not defend a specific cover site. Residents in enclosures where no food supplements were provided were significantly more active at night, outside cover sites, than residents receiving food supplements. Individual D. monticola exhibit territoriality by excluding intruders from the refuges they occupy. Providing food supplements increases the site specificity of individuals and decreases the amount of time spent in nocturnal activity.
How Does an Enzyme Evolved In vitro Compare to Naturally Occurring Homologs Possessing the Targeted Function? Tyrosine Aminotransferase from Aspartate Aminotransferase

Aspartate aminotransferase (AATase) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TATase) are Escherichia coli paralogs that share 43% sequence identity. A plausible model posits that TATase arose from a duplication of an ancestral AATase-like enzyme. Directed evolution of AATase to an enzyme having TATase activity was undertaken in order to compare the evolved AATase variants with homologous TATases. Eight rounds of DNA shuffling and in vivo selection followed by a backcross with WT AATase produced enzymes that exhibited 100-270-fold increases in k(cat)/K(m)(Phe) and had as much as 11% of the tyrosine aminotransferase activity of WT E.coli TATase. Amino acid substitutions in 11 clones from rounds 7 and 8 were compared with conserved residues in AATases and TATases. The findings are conveniently and compactly illustrated by the use of Venn diagrams and set theory notation. A statistically significant (0.001 or=75% identical) in AATases and variable (<75% identical) in TATases. Very few mutations occur in the intersection (set AAT intersection TAT) of amino acid residues that are conserved in both enzyme types. Seven mutations from set AAT-TAT were combined by site-directed mutagenesis to give a construct that is 60% as active as the best round 8 enzyme, which has 13 amino acid replacements. The Venn diagrams may provide a generally useful tool to highlight the most important specificity determinants for rational redesign. Amino acid replacements were mapped onto the crystal structure of a hydrocinnamate complex of a designed TATase. Five of the seven positions most frequently substituted in the evolved clones are within 15 A of the phenyl side-chain, but only six of the 48 positions that were mutated once or twice are within that radius. Context dependence, neutral mutations, different selective pressures, and stochastic components provide explanations for the observation that many of the substitutions found in the directly evolved enzymes differ from the corresponding amino acids found in the modern natural TATases.
Hydrothermal carbonization of food waste and associated packaging materials for energy source generation.

Abstract Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermal conversion technique that converts food wastes and associated packaging materials to a valuable, energy-rich resource. Food waste collected from local restaurants was carbonized over time at different temperatures (225, 250 and 275 °C) and solids concentrations to determine how process conditions influence carbonization product properties and composition. Experiments were also conducted to determine the influence of packaging material on food waste carbonization. Results indicate the majority of initial carbon remains integrated within the solid-phase at the solids concentrations and reaction temperatures evaluated. Initial solids concentration influences carbon distribution because of increased compound solubilization, while changes in reaction temperature imparted little change on carbon distribution. The presence of packaging materials significantly influences the energy content of the recovered solids. As the proportion of packaging materials increase, the energy content of recovered solids decreases because of the low energetic retention associated with the packaging materials. HTC results in net positive energy balances at all conditions, except at a 5% (dry wt.) solids concentration. Carbonization of food waste and associated packaging materials also results in net positive balances, but energy needs for solids post-processing are significant. Advantages associated with carbonization are not fully realized when only evaluating process energetics. A more detailed life cycle assessment is needed for a more complete comparison of processes.
Increases in generative concern among older adults following reminders of mortality.

According to terror management theory, people are motivated to protect themselves from the potential for anxiety resulting from awareness of mortality. It was hypothesized that increased concern for future generations, and the symbolic immortality this produces, may be particularly important to older adults when awareness of their mortality is increased. In two studies, older and younger adults' generative concern was examined following mortality or control primes. As hypothesized, older adults' generative concern and preference for pro-social over pro-self generativity were greater following reminders of mortality, whereas neither effect was observed among younger adults. For both studies, age differences were only observed when mortality salience was heightened; older and younger adults' generative concern did not differ in control conditions. RESULTS provide support for the hypothesis that younger and older adults differ in their responses to increased awareness of mortality and suggest that older adults respond to death reminders by adopting a more pro-social generative orientation. Language: en
Four Faces of HAL: A Framework for Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Computer-Assisted Instruction

A conceptual framework for applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is described. The student progresses through four phases (``faces'') of interaction with the computer acting as ``benevolent mentor,'' ``cognizant tool,'' ``problem-solving partner,'' and ``learner.'' The first phase serves to introduce the problem space, with the computer initiating as well as responding to inquiries. In the second phase, the computer provides the student with a set of tools which amplify his problem-solving ability. The third phase employs the computer as a partner, supporting a joint problem-solving endeavor. Finally, the computer plays the role of a learner, and the student learns by teaching it how to solve new problems. Each phase has an analog in general problem-solving techniques, namely, problem representation, heuristic search, directed search, and formal algorithmic expression. Taken together, the four phases comprise an integrated educational system for using AI in CAI. The system is illustrated within the problem space of cryptography, and applications to several other subject areas are cited.
Common Curbsides and Conundrums in Geriatric Medicine

Within the next 15 years, the population of adults 65 years and older in the United States will double to approximately 70 million. Physicians must be well prepared to care for this rapidly growing population. Senior adults comprise a large proportion of most primary care practices in the United States, and the unique needs of this population cannot be overstated. Although traditional preventive screening modalities and disease-specific care models are of great utility, these processes may not be appropriate or consistent with the health goals of many older patients with multiple chronic conditions and reduced functional capacity. This Concise Review highlights commonly encountered clinical scenarios important to the care of these older patients. The topics include diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment, assessment of the cognitively impaired driver, cancer screening in the older patient, and sarcopenia.
Import Orientations for Jor da nian-Based Companies

Abstract This pa per in ves ti gates the forces and fac tors that in flu -ence im p o r t o r i en t a t i o n s in Jor da n. It was found that or ga ni za tional buyers rate qual ity and price, rather than the coun try-of-or i gin, as the most im por tant prod uct at trib ute. The size of firms and their ex pe ri ence in import ing had min i mum im pact on im port ori en ta tions. Re sults in di cate that the or ga ni za tional buy ers in Jor dan are tra di tional in their use of promo tional tools and tend to pri mar ily rely on word-of-mouth and news papers for their in for ma tion con cern ing ex port ers and chan nels. The ar ti cle con cludes with a dis cus sion of the im pli ca tions for in ter na tional business.
Influence of heterogeneity on second-kind self-similar solutions for viscous gravity currents

We report experimental, theoretical and numerical results on the effects of horizontal heterogeneities on the propagation of viscous gravity currents. We use two geometries to highlight these effects: (a) a horizontal channel (or crack) whose gap thickness varies as a power-law function of the streamwise coordinate; (b) a heterogeneous porous medium whose permeability and porosity have power-law variations. We demonstrate that two types of self-similar behaviours emerge as a result of horizontal heterogeneity: (a) a first-kind self-similar solution is found using dimensional analysis (scaling) for viscous gravity currents that propagate away from the origin (a point of zero permeability); (b) a second-kind self-similar solution is found using a phase-plane analysis for viscous gravity currents that propagate toward the origin. These theoretical predictions, obtained using the ideas of self-similar intermediate asymptotics, are compared with experimental results and numerical solutions of the governing partial differential equation developed under the lubrication approximation. All three results are found to be in good agreement.
ASSOCIATION NOTICE, ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANNUAL MEETING

The Twenty-Eighth Annual Meeting of The Association for the Study of Internal Secretions will be held in New York City on Monday and Tuesday, June 18 and 19, 1945. Headquarters will be at the Commodore Hotel. The Chairman of the Local Committee is Dr. Earl T. Engle, 630 West 168th Street, New York City assisted by Dr. Robert Gaunt, New York University, who will be in charge of projection arrangements. Those wishing to present papers should send the title of the paper and four copies of a comprehensive abstract to the President, Dr. Carl R. Moore, Department of Zoology, The University of Chicago, Chicago 37, Illinois, not later than March 15, 1945. Two awards for meritorious work in endocrinology will be given at the next annual meeting of the Association. The work may be either clinical or in the basic sciences. A special Committee of five members of the Association chooses the recipients of these Awards, subject to ratification by the Council.
Associations of moderate alcohol consumption with clinical and MRI measures in multiple sclerosis.

Objective To examine the associations of alcohol consumption patterns with disability and brain injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Design This study included 423 subjects (272 MS patients, 151 healthy controls) participating in a study of clinical, environmental and genetic risk factors in MS. Disability was assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the MS Severity Scale (MSSS). Brain injury was assessed using the quantitative MRI measures of T2-lesion volume (T2-LV), T1-LV, normalized volumes of brain parenchyma (NBV), gray matter (NGMV) and lateral ventricle (NLVV). Information related to alcohol-consumption patterns was obtained with standardized questionnaire during an in-person interview. The associations of alcohol consumption variables with disability and MRI measures were assessed in regression analyses. Results The frequency of MS patients who did not consume alcohol after MS (19.4%) was higher than the frequency before MS (p < 0.001). The EDSS, NGMV and NLVV exhibited a non-linear dependence on duration of alcohol consumption after MS onset: non-linear regression analyses indicated that EDSS and NLVV were lower and the NGMV was greater in MS patients who had consumed for a period of 15 years or less after MS onset compared those who did not consume alcohol or consumed it for more than 15 years. Conclusion The duration of alcohol consumption is associated with disability and MRI measures in MS. Prospective, longitudinal studies of the role of alcohol in MS disease progression are warranted.
A release from proactive interference analysis of gender schema encoding for occupations in adults and children

Abstract The present study examined gender schema encoding (activation of gender stereotypes) in the absence deliberate purposes relating to people (stereotype application). A release from proactive interference short-term-memory task was used. College (Experiment 1) and sixth-grade (Experiment 2) participants were asked to retain item identity and sequence information for briefly presented stimulus sets of occupational names. Buildup and release from PI, when the stimulus set was shifted to the alternate gender signification, was found for both age groups. This result was interpreted to reflect a change in the encoding attribute for the stimulus sets—an encoding change that occurs without intention or deliberate processing. Effect-size estimates for release from PI suggested a developmental increase in gender schema encoding. The discussion of results considers the development of an individual difference index of gender scheme processing based on the release from PI method.
p21-Activated kinase-1 and its role in integrated regulation of cardiac contractility.

We review here a novel concept in the regulation of cardiac contractility involving variations in the activity of the multifunctional enzyme, p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1), a member of a family of ...
An Unusual Cause of Cholestasis in an Infant

The following Brief Report was written by a resident. A discussion by a member of the resident's faculty follows. We invite any resident to submit such articles, together with commentary by a faculty member.