cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cathepsin D-like aspartyl protease activity mediates the degradation of tissue-type plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complexes in human monocytes

Abstract Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the most important inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in plasma and plays a major role in the regulation of fibrinolysis. Plasma t-PA/PAI-1 complexes are cleared via a receptor-dependent mechanism in hepatocytes, while the fate of complexes formed in the extracellular matrix and in thrombi is less well understood. In this study, the degradation of t-PA/PAI-1 complexes by monocytes was examined. THP-1 monocytoid cells and freshly isolated human monocytes internalize and degrade [125I]t-PA/PAI-1 complexes at rates of 11.4 ± 5.9 (mean ± S.D.) and 44.6 ± 6.3 ng/106 cells/h, respectively. Degradation is blocked by receptor-associated protein (RAP), indicating a member of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family is involved in the uptake /degradation of t-PA/PAI-1 complexes by monocytes. Degradation of t-PA/PAI-1 complexes is also inhibited by chloroquine and by pepstatin A, suggesting that a lysosomal aspartyl protease is likely involved. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting demonstrated that the purifed. lysosomal aspartyl protease, cathepsin D, is capable of digesting t-PA ( t 1 2 15 min ), active PAI-1 ( t 1 2 2 h ), and t-PA/PAI-1 complex ( t 1 2 30 min ). Cathepsin D sequentially cleaves PAI-1 after hydrophobic amino acids, yielding lower molecular weight fragments. PAI-1 conformation influences the degradative efficiency of cathepsin D, with vitronectin-bound PAI-1 and latent PAM exhibiting resistance to proteolysis and > 10-fold prolongation in t 1 2 . These data provide evidence that t-PA/PAI-1 complexes are internalized by human monocytes via a member of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, and identifies cathepsin D-like aspartyl protease activity as largely responsible for the degradation of these complexes. Furthermore, vitronectin-bound PAM and latent PAI-1 are relatively resistant to degradation by cathepsin D, which may be of importance in complex physiological environments.
Use of dual-energy CT and virtual non-calcium techniques to evaluate post-traumatic bone bruises in knees in the subacute setting

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) and virtual non-calcium (VNCa) imaging to detect magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-demonstrated bone bruises several weeks after unilateral knee injury. Patients with unilateral knee injury and MRI-confirmed bone bruises who had undergone a DECT scan of both knees were retrospectively identified. Two radiologists evaluated VNCa images for bruises in four regions per knee without knowing the MRI results. The mean CT numbers were calculated for the lesion-positive and lesion-negative regions of the injured knee, and the contralateral knee. Fourteen patients with a total of 36 regions positive for bone bruises on MRI were identified. The median delay between injury and DECT was 37 days (range, 11–99 days). The mean CT numbers in VNCa images for lesion-positive and lesion-negative regions were –7.6 ± 24.9 HU and –58.2 ± 19.5 HU, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean CT number between the lesion-negative regions in the injured knee and the contralateral knee. No resolution of bruising was seen before week 5, and bone bruising was still identifiable in one out of the two patients scanned at 10 weeks following injury. DECT and VNCa images can identify bone bruising for at least 10 weeks after injury.
Current Evidence for the Impact of Physical Fitness on Health Outcomes in Youth

Physical fitness is tightly linked to our ability to be physically active, and poor fitness is tied to increased risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood....
High and Low Levels of Dogmatism in Relation to Personality, Intellectual, and Environmental Characteristics of Medical Students:

High and low scorers on dogmatism (Rokeach Form E), selected from among 514 students entering 5 medical schools in various parts of the United States, were compared on values (SIV and AVL), Cancer ...
Distal axonopathy in streptozotocin diabetes in rats.

We noted the earliest morphological changes in the motor endplates 8 weeks after the induction of streptozotocin diabetes in rats. Morphometric measurements showed reduced axonal areas of the lateral plantar and the sicatic nerves in the diabetic rats 28 but not 2 and 8 weeks after the experiment. These findings suggested distal axonopathy.
Remote multimode feedback stabilization of plasma instabilities.

An experimental demonstration of a multimode feedback stabilization with a single sensor-suppressor pair is presented. Two modes were simultaneously stabilized with a simple state-feedback-type method where more «state» information was generated from a single-sensor Langmuir probe by appropriate signal processing. A single feedback-modulated ion beam served as the remote suppressor. A simple theory shows good agreement with experiment. This experiment may be considered as a paradigm for controlling certain classes of chaotic systems
Employer obstacles to child care

458 businesses were surveyed regarding their support of employee child-care needs. Small businesses provided less support than large businesses. Obstacles to providing child-care support differed by size of business. Factor analyses indicated that substantially different reasons were used to explain why child care is not supported. Implications for child-care advocates are discussed.
A philosopher's reflection on commercialism in medicine.

The question of the influence of commercialism in medicine is often put in terms of how the money factor influences the actions and the judgments of the individual physician—just as in the culture at large there is and has always been the question of sacrificing personal moral values for financial gain. But it is necessary now, perhaps especially for physicians and others who are presumably operating in the “market-free zone,” to put the question in an even more intimate way. The question becomes to what extent does the pressure of financial gain influence perception itself in the clinical setting. To what extent do the pressures of commercialism block or interfere with perceptions of fact and truth in establishing diagnosis, in projecting methods and strategies of treatment, and in assessing the medical, psychological, and moral needs of the individual patient? To this extent, it is not so much a question of physicians making intentional, self-serving decisions. It is a question of physicians unconsciously making such decisions based on perceptions and processes of judgment subconsciously or semiconsciously governed by the monetary considerations that have permeated nearly every corner and pocket of the contemporary culture.
A metaanalysis of 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography in the staging and restaging of patients with lymphoma

BACKGROUND In recent years, the use of positron emission tomography (PET) has become widespread for the staging and follow-up of several malignancies. In the current study, the authors conducted a metaanalysis of the published literature to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose PET (FDG-PET) in the staging of patients with lymphoma. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic MEDLINE search of articles published between January 1995 and June 2004. Studies that evaluated FDG-PET with a dedicated camera and that reported sufficient data to permit the calculation of sensitivity and specificity were included in the analysis. Two reviewers independently reviewed the eligibility of the studies and abstracted data (sample population; characteristics of FDG-PET; and the number of true-positive results, true-negative results, false-positive results, and false-negative results). The authors estimated the pooled sensitivity, false-positive rate, and maximum joint sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Twenty studies were eligible for the metaanalysis. Fourteen studies included patient-based data, comprising a sample size of 854 subjects, and 7 studies included lesion-based data, totaling 3658 lesions. Among those studies with patient-based data, the median sensitivity was 90.3% and the median specificity was 91.1%. The pooled sensitivity was 90.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 88.0–93.4) and the pooled false-positive rate was 10.3% (95% CI, 7.4–13.8). The maximum joint sensitivity and specificity was 87.8% (95% CI, 85.0–90.7). The pooled sensitivity and false-positive rate appeared to be higher in patients with Hodgkin disease compared with those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study indicate that FDG-PET is a valuable tool for the staging and restaging of patients with lymphoma; showing a high positivity and specifity. Clinicians may consider adding FDG-PET to the staging workup of patients with lymphoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Reduced Leydig cell volume and function in adult rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin without a significant effect on spermatogenesis.

Abstract Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is known to alter testicular function. However, its effect on the efficiency of spermatogenesis or on Leydig cell volume has not been determined in adult rats. In two replicas, adult male rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of TCDD at a rate of 0, 12.5, 25.0, or 50.0 μg/kg body weight. Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after treatment. The cytosolic Ah receptor in the testis was estimated at 10.3 ± 1.2 fmol/mg protein in these adult rats. The presence of the Ah receptor at this concentration in the testis reveals that the testis is a possible target organ for TCDD-induced responses. Left testes were homogenized and testicular spermatids were counted by phase contrast cytometry to determine daily sperm production. Right testes were vascularly perfused with glutaraldehyde, embedded in Epon 812, sectioned at 0.5 μm, stained with toluidine blue and evaluated by stereology for germ cells or Leydig cells. Body weight was reduced (P
The action of certain polysaccharides on fertilization in the sea urchin egg

Abstract 1. 1. Several polysaccharides were tested for their action on fertilization in the eggs of Arbacia punctulata and Echinarachnius parma . 2. 2. One sample of heparin (from Hynson, Westcott, and Dunning Co.); a mucopolysaccharide, the human H substance, extracted from pig mucin; and “fucoidin,” a polysaccharide preparation from Fucus vesiculosis , inhibited elevation of the fertilization membrane in relatively low concentrations. Heparin from the Upjohn Co. and also from the Vitrum Co. were relatively inactive. Heating the solutions of Upjohn and Vitrum heparin increased their activity. Oxidation of these polysaccharides with appropriate concentrations of sodium periodate removed their inhibiting activity. 3. 3. Using Hynson, Westcott, and Dunning heparin and Arbacia punctulata eggs the following information was obtained: a) 0.2 per cent heparin prevents cleavage if the eggs are fertilized in the heparin solution. b) If the eggs are fertilized in sea water and then placed in 0.2 percent heparin three to five minutes after fertilization, cleavage occurs. This is true also if the fertilization membrane and hyaline layer are removed to allow penetration of the heparin to the fertilized egg surface. c) Heparin inhibits membrane elevation in eggs from which the jelly coats have been removed. d) Heparin inhibits the membrane elevation which normally occurs when Arbacia punctulata eggs are activated with hypertonic sea water. These results are interpreted as an indication that heparin can prevent cleavage by inhibiting normal fertilization. Also, the heparin has, at least in part, an action on the protoplasmic surface of the egg. 4. 4. Possible chemical mechanisms which might explain the inhibiting activity of heparin are discussed.
Habitat selection and consumption across a landscape of multiple predators.

Predator community composition can alter habitat quality for prey by changing the strength and direction of consumptive effects. Whether predator community composition also alters prey density via nonconsumptive effects during habitat selection is not well known, but is important for understanding how changes to predator communities will alter prey populations. We tested the hypothesis that predator community composition (presence of caged trout, caged dragonflies, or caged trout + dragonflies) alters colonization of aquatic mesocosms by ovipositing aquatic insects. In a previous experiment in this system, we found a spatial contagion effect, in which insects avoided pools with predators, but only when predator-free pools were isolated (~5 m away from predator pools). Here, we removed the isolated predator-free pools, allowing us to test whether insects would make fine-scale (~1 m) oviposition decisions in the absence of preferred isolated pools. We also estimated consumptive effects by allowing predators to feed on colonists for 5 days following colonization. All insects collected after 21 days were dipterans, dominated by Chironomidae. Total colonization, measured as the number of developing larvae after 21 days, was not affected by either predator presence or composition. Consumption was significant in the trout only treatment, reducing larval insect density by 46 ± 37% (mean ± SE). No other predator treatment significantly reduced prey density, although the proportion of chironomid larvae in protective cases increased in response to direct predation from dragonflies, indicating an antipredatory behavioral response. Taken together, these results reveal that predator community composition altered larval survival and behavior, but colonizing females either did not or could not assess these risks across small scales during oviposition.
Formation of β-Ruthenium-Substituted Enones from Propargyl Alcohols†

The reaction of the dienone ruthenium dicarbonyl dimer {[2,5-Ph-3,4-Tol(η5-C4CO)]Ru(CO)2}2 (7) with propargyl alcohol at room temperature gave a high yield of β-ruthenium-enal (E)-[2,5-Ph-3,4-Tol(η5-C4COH)]Ru(CO)2(CH═CHCHO) (8E), which was characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallography. Reaction of 7 with pent-2-yn-1-ol led to the kinetic formation of the E-isomer (E)-[2,5-Ph-3,4-Tol(η5-C4COH)]Ru(CO)2[C(CH2CH3)═CHCHO] (10E-Et), which isomerized to an equilibrium mixture of Z- and E-isomers upon heating. The intramolecular nature of the 1,2-hydrogen shifts involved in these reactions was established by the absence of crossover products in the reaction of 7 with a mixture of PhC≡CCH2OH and PhC≡CCD2OH. A primary deuterium isotope effect (kH/kD ≈ 11) was seen on the product-forming step in the reaction of 7 with PhC≡CCHDOH. The reaction of PhC≡CCH3 with 7 produced the alkyne complex [2,5-Ph2-3,4-Tol2(η5-C4COH)]Ru(CO)2(η2-PhC≡CCH3) (14). The key step in the mechanism of the reaction of 7 with pro...
Ex dividend day stock price behavior: discreteness or tax-induced clienteles?

Abstract Since prices are constrained to discrete tick multiples while dividends are essentially continuous, ex day price changes will not equal dividends. We argue that the expected price drop is strictly less than the dividend but within one tick of the dividend. The price-drop-to-dividend ratio will (i) be less than one, (ii) increase with dividends generally, and (iii) decline between tick multiples, giving a sawtooth pattern in the data. Since dividends and dividend yields are highly correlated, discreteness will give the impression of tax-induced dividend clienteles even if there are none. Taxable cash dividends and nontaxable stock dividends exhibit similar ex day behavior.
Kinetic studies of dimensional aspects in thin film grain growth

Abstract It has been shown that grain growth in succinonitrile thin films is accurately described by the Mullins–Von Neumann grain growth law. However, there is a small fraction of grains showing significant departures from ideal behavior (Palmer et al., Scripta metall. mater. , 1994, 30 , 633; Palmer et al., Metall. Mater. Trans. A , 1995, 26A , 1061). These grains are examined to see if they show departures from ideal behavior (the Uniform Boundary Model). It has been found that the vast majority of this small fraction of grains shows one of four distinct characteristics: they possess low-angle boundaries, they are small, they possess short boundaries, or they exhibit discontinuous boundary motion. With the exception of the low-angle boundaries all effects are due to the three-dimensional nature of the film. These characteristics have been correlated with grain growth behavior: small grains tend to shrink faster than ideal grains, grains possessing short boundaries tend to stagnate, those undergoing discontinuous boundary motion show irregular behavior. Through these experiments real films have been examined in the context of two-dimensional models.
Rapid Light-Induced Decrease in Pineal Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase Activity

Light acting by way of the eye causes the dark-induced activity of serotonin N-acetyltransferase in the pineal gland of the rat to decrease with a halving time of about 3 minutes. This effect, which is one of the more rapid physiological changes known to occur in the activity of any enzyme that metabolizes biogenic amines, appears to explain the rapid increase in the concentration of pineal serotonin that is caused by light exposure at night.
Electrochemical investigations of lithium-aluminum alloy anode in Li/polymer cells

Abstract A first study demonstrating the electrochemical cyclability of the LiAl alloy anode in the Li/polymer cells reported was carried out using LiAl/PEO30-LiN(CF3SO2)2/V2O5 cells in which the cell capacities were limited by LiAl anode. The cells fabricated with LiAl anode exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. The coulombic efficiency throughout the cell cycling was also close to 100% indicating that the lithium dendrite formation in LiAl/PEO30-LiN(CF3SO2)2/V2O5 cells is significantly reduced. The reduction in the lithium dendrite formation was attributed to lower lithium activity in the LiAl alloy and its higher open-circuit voltage (370 mV versus Li). The cell voltage was, however, somewhat lower due to the higher open-circuit voltage of LiAl anode. The use of the LiAl alloy allows us to operate the cell at higher temperatures. Higher operating temperature improves the reaction kinetics while reducing the polarization losses associated with ohmic, mass transport, and diffusion.
Dipole moment matrix elements for the 1-0, 2-0, and 3-0 vibration-rotation bands of diatomic molecules

Abstract Explicit expressions for the matrix elements of the dipole moment have been derived for the 1-0, 2-0, and 3-0 vibration-rotation bands of diatomic molecules. The derivation is based on a cubic dipole moment function and on radial wave functions obtained using a quintic power series expansion of the internuclear potential and third order perturbation theory. The results are given in the form of a rotationless matrix element multiplied by a rotational or Herman-Wallis factor. The expressions for the Herman-Wallis factors include the leading contributions from each dipole moment coefficient and have a reasonably simple form even in the case of the overtone bands. The rotationless matrix elements are similar to results obtained by Herman and Schuler except that their higher order terms are purposely omitted. The reason for this is discussed as are other approaches to the rotational problem which have incorporated a linear dipole moment function. It is pointed out that the results of the present theory for the case of CO are in very good agreement with the numerical treatment of CO by Young and Eachus. The actual comparison is given in a subsequent paper.
Temperature dependence of the properties of low-density polyethylene

The dynamic mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene melts were measured as a function of frequency and temperature using the Orthogonal Rheometer. These results were expressed in terms of the components G′ and G″ of the dynamic modulus and the components η′ and η″ of the dynamic viscosity. The functions J′, J″, η*, and G* were also calculated from the results. The method of reduced variables or time-temperature superpositions was attempted on the results. The classical method was found to require modification to be applied to these low-density polyethylenes. From this modified form of the reduced variables technique, the temperature dependence of the elastic and viscous parts of the response could be separated. The experimentally determined temperature dependence of the elastic part of the response was found not to be in accord with the accepted theory of rubber elasticity. The temperature dependence of the viscous part of the response is discussed in terms of the concept of flow activation energy, and clarification of this term is explored. It is concluded that the temperature dependent properties of polymer melts are best compared at equivalent time scales of response in the non-Newtonian region. In order to do this the temperature dependence of the elastic part of the response must be included explicitly in the reduction scheme.
Oxidation of 6H‐α Silicon Carbide Platelets

Oxidation on the 2 crystal faces of SiC platelets was studied. The oxidation of the C face followed a simple parabolic law and was oxide-diffusion controlled, whereas that of the opposite crystal face exhibited a linear growth rate which was surface-reaction controlled. Previous investigators, who studied the oxidation of Sic by measuring weight change, found that the oxidation rate follows a simple parabolic law. At high temperatures and long reaction times, there is an increase in the oxidation rate which has previously been attributed to a change in the state of the oxide. The present investigation, however, indicates that this change occurs as the linear oxidation rate becomes dominant.
Memory for Pain and the Delayed Effects of Distraction

In spite of the popular belief that distraction is effective in coping with pain, there is evidence that a neutral distractor does not reduce people's reports of pain. However, it may be that distraction's effect is not detectable in immediate ratings, when the need to rate the pain forces the sufferer to concentrate on it. Instead, after a delay, when the pain itself is gone and the person must base the judgment on a memory of the event, having been distracted may attenuate the recalled pain. An experiment with 72 undergraduate participants tested this proposition, with 1 group highly distracted during cold-pressor pain and 1 group slightly distracted. Half of each group rated the pain immediately, and half waited 10 min after the event to rate the pain. The participants who gave immediate ratings showed no effect of distraction, but for participants who waited 10 min before giving their ratings, high distraction led to reduced reports of pain.
Lack of induced chemical defense in juvenile Alaskan woody plants in response to simulated browsing

Juvenile individuals of five species of Alaskan trees and shrubs were clipped at six levels of intensity and sampled for resin, tannin, nutrient, and carbohydrate content. Clipping caused no induction of putative defensive compounds (resins or tannins), indicating that the high level of resin found in many Alaskan woody plants in response to browsing is best explained as a reversion to a juvenile growth stage rather than an induction of a specific chemical defense.
PREVENTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN PERSONS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

This paper presents an overview of IBD with a critical analysis of the causes and effects of psychological distress in persons with this illness. Based on this literature, risk factors for the development of psychological distress are delineated. It is recognition of these risk factors for the development and the early signs of psychological distress in this population that can enable nurses to prevent this unfortunate psychosocial consequence of this disease. Preventive interventions discussed include the following: treating comorbid psychiatric illness, enhancing problem-solving coping, facilitating mourning and grieving, reducing stress, enhancing the positive appraisal of uncertainty, increasing personal control, increasing social support, and educating patients, families, and others.
Determination of photovoltaic effective capacity on local power grid

This paper investigates the effective capacity of grid-tied PV systems of different geometries on the local power grid. This statistical measure is derived experimentally from hourly system demand and power produced by two types of PV system configurations (a fixed array with 35 deg. south tilt, an a two-axis tracking system). Both the overall effective capacity over the study period and effective capacity associated with the peak load hours a derived. PV grid-penetrations ranging from 1% to 15% of utility peak have been considered.
From a Ricardian to a Marxian Ranking of Economic Goals and Means (A Case of the Soviet Union)

Addresses two major problems. Argues first that the Stalinist model of socio‐economic development, with its actual emphasis on production for the sake of production, has been Ricardian in its nature. As a result, its dominant features have been the sellers′ market of shortages. Maintains, second, that the essence of the current transformation of the Stalinist system is its movement from the Ricardian to the modified Marxian model of capitalism. Since the latter′s proclaimed goal is production for the sake of profits, the “reformed” Soviet socio‐economic structure will have to end up as the buyers′ market of plenty.
"Outcome Interdependence, Interpersonal Knowledge, and Team Performance: A TMS Perspective"

Interdependence among team members is critical for transactive memory system (TMS) development. When members perceive that they are interdependent, they are likely to cooperate with one another by ...
RNA Sequencing, Microarray Hybridization, and Quantitative PCR Produce Complementary, Concordant Results in Longitudinal Analysis of Myocardial Gene Expression in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients

in longitudinal analysis of myocardial gene expression in dilated cardiomyopathy patients David P. Kao MD*, Wayne Minobe*, Kenneth Jones PhD*, Ronald Zolty MD PhD†, Edward M. Gilbert MD‡, Brian D. Lowes MD PhD§, Peter Buttrick MD*, Michael R. Bristow MD PhD* *University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO †Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY ‡University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT §University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Interrelationships between fish nutrition and health

An understanding of how to nurture and/or modulate the different components of the immune system is crucial for the prevention and control of diseases in animal husbandry. It is well established that proper nutrition is essential for maintenance of normal growth and health of all animals including aquatic species. As such, nutritious diets and appropriate feeding regimes play critical roles in intensive aquaculture. In recent years, heightened attention has been given to the development of nutritional strategies that positively influence immunity and disease resistance of cultured organisms to reduce disease-related economic losses. The availability of specific nutrients to immune cells plays a key role on how well those cells perform against a foreign invader. In this sense, research with several fish species has established that not only immunocompetence can be compromised by deficiencies of various nutrients, but that dietary supplementation of some nutrients in excess of minimum requirement levels for optimal growth has been shown to significantly enhance immune responses and disease resistance. For instance, findings from recent studies indicate an important role of key amino acids and their derivatives, like arginine and glutamine, or vitamins, such as vitamin C and E, in modulating immune responses such as increasing phagocytosis and pathogen killing capacity, as well as increasing antibody production and immunological memory. In addition, administration of non-nutritive compounds in the diet has become recognized as a viable means of enhancing immunocompetence of various aquatic species, mainly by the provision of cellular fractions such as β-glucans, complex oligosaccharides (mannanoligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides or sulfated polysaccharides) or yeast and algae extracts. These compounds may act like Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP) molecules, interacting with the innate immune system through their Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) and increasing their capability for detecting and recognizing potential pathogens and readily triggering immune responses. This article will review the broad range of dietary constituents which have been shown to affect immunocompetence and health of aquatic species and how they may influence components of the immune system. Further advancements in nutritional modulation of the immune response hold promise as an effective and relatively inexpensive alternative in combating diseases in aquaculture.
The rise and rise of interprofessional competence

In the past few years, we have seen a continued growth in the use of competency frameworks for the traditional health and social care professions (e.g. nursing, medicine) as well as the emerging pr...
PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF HEPARIN-ACRIDINE ORANGE COMPLEXES IN SOLUTION: PHOTOCHEMICAL CHANGES OCCURRING IN THE DYE AND POLYMER ON FLUORESCENCE FADING

— Photolysis of acridine-orange-heparin complexes in N2- and O2-saturated solution results in permanent photooxidation of AO with little or no concomitant change in the heparin moiety. The major photoproduct is mono-N-demethylated acridine orange; in O2-saturated solution an additional minor oxygenated product, most likely the 10-oxide (N-oxide) or the 9-acridanone (acridone) is also formed. The results suggest an intermolecular electron transfer between adjacently adsorbed dye molecules. The heparin moiety plays a significant role in the photochemistry by bringing dye molecules into favorable geometric orientation for biomolecular reaction and by means of specific dye-polymer interactions.
Involvement of Native TRPC3 Proteins in ATP-Dependent Expression of VCAM-1 and Monocyte Adherence in Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

Background— Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is critical in monocyte recruitment to the endothelium, a key event in development of atherosclerotic lesions. Stimulation of human coronary a...
O 2 ( 1 ∆) production and gain in plasma pumped oxygen iodine lasers: consequences of NO and NO 2 additives

The 1.315 µm [I(2P1/2) → I(2P3/2)] transition of atomic iodine in the chemical oxygen–iodine laser (COIL) is pumped by sequential reactions of I2 and I with O2(1Δ). In electrically pumped systems (eCOILs), electron impact excitation of O2 produces the O2(1Δ) and also produces O atoms through dissociative excitation. The O atoms, through reactions with I2, I(2P1/2) and I(2P3/2), lead to dissociation of I2, quenching of the upper laser level and removal of the lower laser level. While dissociating I2 is potentially beneficial, quenching of the upper laser level is detrimental and so management of the O atom density is necessary to maximize laser gain. In this regard, NO and NO2 additives have been used to manage the O atom density by cyclically reacting with O and I. In this paper, results from a computational investigation of eCOIL systems using plug flow and two-dimensional models are discussed where NO and NO2 additives are used. The system is a flowing plasma sustained in He/O2/NO mixtures with downstream injection of NO2 followed by injection of I2. We found that addition of NO and NO2 is effective in managing the density of O atoms and maximizing gain by minimizing quenching of the upper laser level. We found that by optimizing the additives, laser gain can be maximized even though O2(1Δ) densities may be lower due to the management of quenching and dissociation reactions.
Sifting through the Hyperbole: One Hundred Years of Marijuana Coverage in The New York Times

The contemporary media has often portrayed marijuana as a “slacker drug”; however, this portrayal is somewhat novel. Several scholars have argued in the early 1900s, especially in the 1930s, the media often associated marijuana with violence and mental illness. Another common argument was that marijuana was associated with Mexican immigrants. Conversely, other researchers have argued that these reports were overblown and media accounts of marijuana were not very common until recent years. The current study utilizes recently available on-line archives to conduct a more comprehensive test of how exactly marijuana was depicted in The New York Times from 1851–1950.
CD4 T Cells Promote Rather Than Control Tuberculosis in the Absence of PD-1-mediated Inhibition

Although CD4 T cells are required for host resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, they may also contribute to pathology. In this study, we examine the role of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 during M. tuberculosis infection. After aerosol exposure, PD-1 knockout (KO) mice develop high numbers of M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells but display markedly increased susceptibility to infection. Importantly, we show that CD4 T cells themselves drive the increased bacterial loads and pathology seen in infected PD-1 KO mice, and PD-1 deficiency in CD4 T cells is sufficient to trigger early mortality. PD-L1 KO mice also display enhanced albeit less severe susceptibility, indicating that T cells are regulated by multiple PD ligands during M. tuberculosis infection. M. tuberculosis-specific CD8 T cell responses were normal in PD-1 KO mice, and CD8 T cells only had a minor contribution to the exacerbated disease in the M. tuberculosis-infected PD-1 KO and PD-L1 KO mice. Thus, in the absence of the PD-1 pathway, M. tuberculosis benefits from CD4 T cell responses, and host resistance requires inhibition by PD-1 to prevent T cell-driven exacerbation of the infection.
Type II Diabetes Mellitus and the Incidence of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort

Background: Despite consistent associations of type II diabetes mellitus with hormonally related cancers such as breast and endometrium, the relation between type II diabetes mellitus and ovarian cancer risk is unclear. Methods: Associations of type II diabetes mellitus status, duration, and insulin use with epithelial ovarian cancer overall, and with serous and nonserous histologic subtypes were examined in the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort, a prospective study of U.S. men and women predominantly aged 50 years and older. Between 1992 and 2007, 524 incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases were identified among 63,440 postmenopausal women. Multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using extended Cox regression to update diabetes status and bilateral oophorectomy status during follow-up. Results: Type II diabetes mellitus status (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.75–1.46) and duration were not associated with epithelial ovarian cancer risk. Although not statistically significantly different ( P difference = 0.39), the RR was higher for type II diabetes mellitus with insulin use (RR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.74–2.24) than for type II diabetes mellitus without insulin use (RR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.64–1.43). Diabetes seemed to be more strongly associated with nonserous (RR = 1.41; 95% CI, 0.70–2.85) than serous (RR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.41–1.23) histologic subtypes. Conclusions: Type II diabetes mellitus was not associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer, although higher risks with nonserous subtypes and among insulin users cannot be ruled out. Impact: Larger studies are needed to clarify associations of type II diabetes mellitus with or without insulin use with risk of ovarian cancer overall and by histologic subtypes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(11); 2000–5. ©2012 AACR .
Beyond the Threshold: An Analysis of the Characteristics and Behavior of Early Reaper Adopters

This article analyzes a large quantity of new data documenting the actual characteristics and behavior of early reaper adopters. It shows that a surprisingly large number of small-scale farmers were among the early purchasers and that institutional evolution-the emergence of local markets and cooperative exchanges for reaper services-encouraged rapid diffusion. These findings call into question the standard interpretation of northern farms as self-contained production units and, more specifically, challenge the usefulness of both the farmspecific-threshold model and the family-labor-constraint model. Nineteenth-century inventors supplied American farmers with a marvelous array of labor-saving devices, but none has attracted more interest than reapers and mowers. The patents of Obed Hussey (1833) and Cyrus McCormick (1834) initiated a revolution in the production of small grain. In the two decades surrounding the American Civil War, no sector of the economy better symbolized the new spirit of American manufacturing progress than the reaper and mower industry. Between the censuses of 1850 and 1860, the number of firms producing reapers and mowers increased from roughly 20 to 73, and annual output rose about tenfold to roughly 25,000 machines. This expansion set the stage for an explosion in sales during the war years. By 1864 approximately 200 firms were making reapers and mowers with a total output of
International Space data analysis announced

The plans for the International Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop (CDAW) 8 series of workshops have been announced. This analysis effort will concentrate on problems associated with the dynamics of the magnetospheric tail and their relationship to substorms. Specifically, the program committee has chosen to address three problems of outstanding importance: the near-earth neutral line model and plasmoid formation (initial workshop topic), the more recently introduced plasma sheet boundary layer model, and the loading-unloading and directly driven models of magnetospheric energy flow.
Human μ Opioid Receptor Models with Evaluation of the Accuracy Using the Crystal Structure of the Murine μ Opioid Receptor.

Models of the human μ opioid receptor were constructed using G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structures and homology (comparative) modeling techniques. The recent publication of a high-resolution crystal structure of a construct based on the murine μ opioid receptor offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the reliability of the homology models and test the relevance of introducing more templates (known structures) to increase the accuracy of the comparative models. In the first model two templates were used: the β2 adrenergic and bovine rhodopsin receptors. For the second model, four templates were utilized: the β2 adrenergic, bovine rhodopsin, β1 adrenergic, and A2A adenosine receptors. Including additional templates improved the accuracy of structural motifs and other features of the model when the same sequence alignment was used. The predicted structures were especially relevant in important receptor regions such as the DRY motif, which has been associated with receptor activation. Additionally, this study showed that receptor sequence similarity is crucial in homology modeling, as indicated in the case of the highly diverse EC2 loop. This study demonstrates the reliability of the homology modeling technique in the case of the μ opioid receptor, a member of the rhodopsin-like family class of GPCRs. The addition of more templates improved the accuracy of the model. The findings regarding the modeling has significant implication to other GPCRs where the crystal structure is still unknown and suggest that homology modeling techniques can provide high quality structural models for interpreting experimental findings and formulating structurally based hypotheses regarding the activity of these important receptors.
A real-time system for angle-independent velocity detection

The first real-time angle-independent velocity detection system for ultrasound has been constructed. The system detects both the axial and lateral components of velocity using the sum absolute difference algorithm, a novel time-domain method for tracking speckle patterns. In addition to quantifying 2-D velocities, the system rejects echoes according to absolute brightness and vectors according to a best match criterion, filters the flow image and presents the information as a color map to the physician each 30-50 ms. Preliminary results are presented along with an introduction to the system architecture, a discussion of clinical applications and an outline of future directions for the project. >
Anion Gap and Strong Ion Gap: A Quick Reference

This article serves as a quick reference for the anion gap and strong ion gap. Guidelines for analysis and interpretation of changes are presented.
Effects of modified nutrient concentrations and ratios on the structure and function of the native phytoplankton community in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, USA

A variety of analyses were used to assess the structure (community composition) and function (assimilation number, nitrogen fixation) of phytoplankton in the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), NC under ambient and modified nutrient concentrations. Dilution bioassays were employed to reduce the concentration of nitrogen (N) or both N and phosphorus (P) and thus compare varied DIN:DIP ratios. Experimental manipulations created conditions that may result from mandated N load reductions to the estuary. We hypothesized that unilateral reduction of N loading to the NRE would increase the activity, abundance and diversity of N2 fixing cyanobacteria. Changes in phytoplankton primary productivity, N2 fixation (nitrogenase activity), genetic potential for N2 fixation (presence of nifH), phytoplankton taxonomic composition (diagnostic photopigment concentration) and abundances of N2 fixing cyanobacteria (microscopy) were determined. Decreasing ambient DIN:DIP ratios in NRE samples resulted in increased rates of N2 fixation when seed populations were present and environmental conditions were amenable. Decreasing the DIN:DIP ratio did not lead to an increase in the abundance or diversity of N2 fixing cyanobacteria. Because N2 fixing cyanobacteria were only actively fixing nitrogen during periods of low riverine N discharge (summer and early autumn), lowering nutrient ratios may not have a major impact on the NRE. However, the maximum potential amount of N from N2 fixation was calculated using rates from this study and was found to be approximately 3% of total riverine loading of N to the NRE. Because N2 fixation occurs farther downstream and later in the year than riverine N loading to the NRE, there is potential for N2 fixation to modify N dynamics. Analyses of the phytoplankton community as a whole in these relatively short term experiments indicated that reduced DIN:DIP may not have a major impact on their structure and function.
The consequences of chirality in crowded arenes--macromolecular helicity, hierarchical ordering, and directed assembly.

Complex three-dimensional superstructures with useful properties[1] can be created easily by reversibly assembling functionalized small molecules through hydrogen bonding and overlap.[2] Examples are 1a and 1b (Figure 1a), which self-assemble through head-to-tail amide hydrogen bonds into arrays of stacked columns (Figure 1b, c).[3] In these molecules, the dodecyl ether substituents provide a liquidlike environment, while at the same time they force the amide groups out
Contrasting Geographic Patterns of Genetic Differentiation in Body Size and Development Time With Reproductive Isolation in Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

Body size and development time are two critical phenotypic traits that can be highly adaptive in insects. Recent population genetic analyses and crossing experiments with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) have described substantial levels of neutral molecular genetic differentiation, genetic differences in phenotypic traits, and reproductive isolation. To determine whether genetic differences in adaptive phenotypic traits exist that correspond to reproductive boundaries, we conducted a common garden experiment with seven D. ponderosae populations previously used to identify reproductive incompatibilities. Genetic differences in development time were striking between faster developing, and more synchronized, northern populations and slower developing, and less synchronized, southern populations. Additionally, genetic differences in average body size were found between many populations. Differences in these two traits, however, failed to clearly demarcate populations that exhibit reproductive incompatibilities. Our results suggest that local selection pressures likely drive divergence in these two traits that is largely independent of the evolution of reproductive isolation in D. ponderosae.
Stereo-selectivity in the reaction of carbomethoxycarbene with cis-butene

The addition of methylene and carbomethoxycarbene (generated photolytically from diazomethane and methyl diazoacetate, respectively) to butyne-2 gives 1,2-dimethylcyclopropene and methyl 1,2-dimethylcyclopropene-3-carboxylate, respectively. In identifying the hydrogenation product of the latter as cis-1,2-dimethylcyclopropane-3(cis)-carboxylate, it was relevant to investigate the reaction of cis- and trans-butene with methyl diazoacetate. It could be shown that addition was by the cis-mode, and that addition to cis-butene preferentially followed the sterically favored “exo” path.
Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection presenting as multiple ring-enhancing lesions on brain MRI.

A 33-year-old man in whom AIDS had been diagnosed in 2003 presented with a 6-week history of progressive generalized weakness, lethargy, dysphagia, slowing of speech, and left-sided weakness. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was initiated, but the patient was not adherent to this regimen. Disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection in the lungs and supraclavicular lymph nodes had been diagnosed 3 to 4 weeks before presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed multiple ring-enhancing lesions. A presumptive diagnosis of central nervous system toxoplasmosis was made, and an extensive work-up for ruling out other causes of multiple ring-enhancing lesions was initiated. Laboratory studies yielded a serum CD4 cell count of 2/μL and a human immunodeficiency virus RNA count of 6100 copies/μL. Results of the following were negative: serum cryptococcal antigen, Bartonella henselae IgM and IgG, cytomegalovirus antigen, rapid plasma reagin, and Toxoplasma IgM and IgG. The following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results were negative: Toxoplasma IgM, IgG, Toxoplasma by polymerase chain reaction and staining, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain, cryptococcal antigen, venereal disease research laboratory test, Gram stain, and bacterial and fungal cultures. Cytologic examination of the CSF showed numerous neutrophils but no malignant cells. Laboratory studies of the CSF yielded a protein value of 52 mg/dL (to convert to mg/L, multiply by 10) (reference range, 15-45 mg/dL) and a glucose value of 26 mg/dL (to convert to mmol/L, multiply by 0.0555) (reference range, 40-70 mg/dL); the CSF was clear, colorless with 5 red blood cells and 42 white blood cells (77% polymorphonuclear and 23% mononuclear cells). Brain biopsy with AFB stain revealed 3+ AFB (M avium) but showed no Nocardia-like organisms. A modified Kinyoun stain for Nocardia species was negative, as was a wetmount preparation for amebae. A liquid-based biopsy culture grew M avium after 10 days of incubation. A confirmatory DNA probe was performed to verify the diagnosis of central nervous system toxoplasmosis. Therapy with ethambutol, rifampin, and amikacin was initiated; however, the patient chose palliative care after talking with his family.