cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Color constancy in a naturalistic, goal-directed task

In daily life, we use color information to select objects that will best serve a particular goal (e.g., pick the best-tasting fruit or avoid spoiled food). This is challenging when judgments must be made across changes in illumination as the spectrum reflected from an object to the eye varies with the illumination. Color constancy mechanisms serve to partially stabilize object color appearance across illumination changes, but whether and to what degree constancy supports accurate cross-illumination object selection is not well understood. To get closer to understanding how constancy operates in real-life tasks, we developed a paradigm in which subjects engage in a goal-directed task for which color is instrumental. Specifically, in each trial, subjects re-created an arrangement of colored blocks (the model) across a change in illumination. By analyzing the re-creations, we were able to infer and quantify the degree of color constancy that mediated subjects' performance. In Experiments 1 and 2, we used our paradigm to characterize constancy for two different sets of block reflectances, two different illuminant changes, and two different groups of subjects. On average, constancy was good in our naturalistic task, but it varied considerably across subjects. In Experiment 3, we tested whether varying scene complexity and the validity of local contrast as a cue to the illumination change modulated constancy. Increasing complexity did not lead to improved constancy; silencing local contrast significantly reduced constancy. Our results establish a novel goal-directed task that enables us to approach color constancy as it emerges in real life.
Renal cell carcinoma with caval thrombus extending to the right atrium in a horseshoe kidney: a unique surgical challenge

The surgical anatomy of a horseshoe kidney (HK) is unique in many ways, ranging from its anomalous circulation, shared renal parenchyma between the right and left renal moieties, and its anterior renal pelvis, to the fact that it obscures access to the vena cava and aorta. While renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are known to occur in HKs, the surgical approach to an RCC with tumour thrombus extending to the right atrium has not been reported in the literature. We report an unusual presentation of RCC and the technical aspects of our successful experience with managing RCC of a HK extending to the inferior vena cava and right atrium.
Tuning steric and electronic effects in transition-metal β-diketiminate complexes

β-Diketiminates are widely used supporting ligands for building a range of metal complexes with different oxidation states, structures, and reactivities. This Perspective summarizes the steric and electronic influences of ligand substituents on these complexes, with an eye toward informing the design of new complexes with optimized properties. The backbone and N-aryl substituents can give significant steric effects on structure, reactivity and selectivity of reactions. The electron density on the metal can be tuned by installation of electron withdrawing or donating groups on the β-diketiminate ligand as well. Examples are shown from throughout the transition metal series to demonstrate different types of effects attributable to systematic variation of β-diketiminate ligands.
Fc-Receptor Interactions Regulate Both Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Antibody Effector Functions

Antibodies are now recognized as key therapeutic tools to combat most forms of malignancy. Although the first wave of therapeutic antibodies that emerged over two decades ago directly target tumor cells for killing, a new class of antibody therapies targeting immunoregulatory pathways to boost antitumor immune responses by activating the immune system is poised for clinical success. A notable common characteristic of both classes of therapeutic antibodies is the importance of the IgG Fc domain, which connects the fine specificity of an antibody with immune cells that mediate antibody-triggered effector functions through their engagement of Fc receptor (FcR) family members. It is now clear that multiple variables, including the nature of the target molecules, the local presence of effector cells, and the expression patterns of FcRs, will dictate whether and how an antibody will necessitate interactions with FcRs to mediate optimal therapeutic effects. Thus, through careful in vivo mechanistic analyses of individual therapeutic antibodies, Fc domains engineered for optimal engagement of the appropriate cellular FcRs must be designed to maximize clinical success. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(7); 704–13. ©2015 AACR .
Thermal properties of interacting hadrons

Abstract We study hadronic matter at temperatures close to the pion mass. In the dilute-gas stage, the relativistic virial expansion is used with empirical phase shifts to investigate the thermodynamic properties of an interacting gas of pions, kaons and nucleons. The interplay between the attractive and repulsive interactions which governs the size of the interacting contributions is discussed. In the dense gas stage characterized by the presence of many massive resonances, schematic models that include the effects of repulsive interactions are analysed. Limits on the size of repulsive interactions are established by causality constraints. The causal behaviour of some of the conventional excluded-volume approaches is examined. Since our work is also aimed at studying those equations of state which may be used in dynamical simulations of heavy-ion collisions, phase diagrams are constructed including the thermodynamics of the quark-gluon phase.
Mining transcriptomic data to study the origins and evolution of a plant allopolyploid complex

Allopolyploidy combines two progenitor genomes in the same nucleus. It is a common speciation process, especially in plants. Deciphering the origins of polyploid species is a complex problem due to, among other things, extinct progenitors, multiple origins, gene flow between different polyploid populations, and loss of parental contributions through gene or chromosome loss. Among the perennial species of Glycine, the plant genus that includes the cultivated soybean (G. max), are eight allopolyploid species, three of which are studied here. Previous crossing studies and molecular systematic results from two nuclear gene sequences led to hypotheses of origin for these species from among extant diploid species. We use several phylogenetic and population genomics approaches to clarify the origins of the genomes of three of these allopolyploid species using single nucleotide polymorphism data and a guided transcriptome assembly. The results support the hypothesis that all three polyploid species are fixed hybrids combining the genomes of the two putative parents hypothesized on the basis of previous work. Based on mapping to the soybean reference genome, there appear to be no large regions for which one homoeologous contribution is missing. Phylogenetic analyses of 27 selected transcripts using a coalescent approach also are consistent with multiple origins for these allopolyploid species, and suggest that origins occurred within the last several hundred thousand years.
Mineralogy and thermal properties of V-type Asteroid 956 Elisa: Evidence for diogenitic material from the Spitzer IRS (5–35 μm) spectrum

We present the thermal infrared (5-35 micrometer) spectrum of 956 Elisa as measured by the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph ("IRS"; Houck,1.R. et .11. [20041. Astrophys, 1. SuppL 154, 18-24) together with new ground-based lightcurve data and near-IR spectra. From the visible lightcurve photometry, we determine a rotation period of 16.494 +/- 0.001 h, identify the rotational phase of the Spitzer observations, and estimate the visible absolute magnitude (Hv) at that rotational phase to be 12.58 +/- 0.04. From radiometric analysis of the thermal flux spectrum, we find that at the time of observation 956 Elisa had a projected radius of 5.3 +/- 0.4 km with a visible albedo pv = 0.142+/- 0.022, significantly lower than that of the prototype V-type asteroid, 4 Vesta. (This corresponds to a radius of 5.2 +/- 0.4 km at lightcurve mean.) Analysis with the standard thermal model (STM) results in a sub-solar temperature of 292.3 +/- 2.8 K and beaming parameter eta = 1.16 +/- 0.05. Thermophysical modeling places a lower limit of 20 J m(exp -2)K(exp -1)s(exp -1/2) on the thermal inertia of the asteroid's surface layer (if the surface is very smooth) but more likely values fall between 30 and 150 J m(exp -2)K(exp -1)s(exp -1/2) depending on the sense of rotation. The emissivity spectrum, calculated by dividing the measured thermal flux spectrum by the modeled thermal continuum, exhibits mineralogically interpretable spectral features within the 9-12 micrometer reststrahlen band, the 15-16.5 micrometer Si-O-Si stretching region, and the 16-25 micrometer reststrahlen region that are consistent with pyroxene of diogenitic composition: extant diogenitic pyroxenes fall within the narrow compositional range W0(sub 2+/-1)En(sub 74+/-2)Fs(sub 24+/-1). Spectral deconvolution of the 9-12 micrometer reststrahlen features indicates that up to approximately 20% olivine may also be present, suggesting an olivine-diogenite-like mineralogy. The mid-IR spectrum is inconsistent with non-cumulate eucrite as the major component on the surface of 956 Elisa, although cumulate eucrite material may be present at abundances lower than that of the diogenite component. Analysis of new near-IR spectra of 956 Elisa with the Modified Gaussian Model (MGM; Sunshine, J,M., Pieters, C.M., Pratt, S.F.[1990]. J. Geophys. Res, 95 (May), 6955-6966) results in two pyroxene compositions: 75% magnesian low-Ca pyroxene and 25% high-Ca pyroxene. High-Ca pyroxene is not evident in the mid-IR data, but may belong to a component that is underrepresented in the mid-IR spectrum either because of its spatial distribution on the asteroid or because of its particle size. High-Ca pyroxenes that occur as exsolution lamellae may also be more evident spectrally in the NIR than in the mid-IR. In any case, we find that the mid-IR spectrum of 956 Elisa is dominated by emission from material of diogenite- like composition, which has very rarely been observed among asteroids.
Differential Modes of Recognition in N Peptide−BoxB Complexes

N proteins from bacteriophages λ, P22, and φ21 modulate transcription elongation by binding nascent “boxB” mRNA hairpins. This RNA recognition is mediated by N-terminal arginine-rich peptide sequences capable of interacting with their cognate boxB RNA targets. Here, we have analyzed the affinity and specificity of the peptide−RNA interactions that modulate this transcriptional switch. To do this, we constructed a series of peptides based on the wild-type λ, P22, and φ21 N protein binding domains ranging from 11 to 22 residues and analyzed their interactions with the leftward and rightward boxB RNA hairpin targets for all three phage. Binding constant (Kd) values were determined using RNA hairpins labeled with 2-aminopurine (2AP) and monitoring the fluorescence change as peptide was added. Kd's demonstrate that λ and P22 N peptides bind to their cognate boxB targets with high specificity and show equal affinities for their leftward and rightward hairpins. Surprisingly, φ21 shows very little specificity for its cognate targets. λ and P22 N peptides exhibit differential modes of recognition with specificity conferred by their amino- and carboxy-terminal modules, respectively. We have generated a reciprocal matrix of substituted peptides to examine the contributions of individual residues to specificity. Amino acid coupling analysis supports a binding model where the Arg8 residue of λ peptide acts as a conformational hot spot, anchoring the induced loop fold of its boxB hairpin target.
Factors of Immobility: Why the Unemployment Rate is Slow to Adjust

During the recent recession and the continuing recovery, the national unemployment rate has maintained a level that has only been observed one other time since the Great Depression. While the initial causes of the increased unemployment rate are documented, the adjustment process and reduction of unemployment rates back toward some natural rate has not been addressed empirically. In this paper, the authors analyze labor supply side factors that may cause unemployment rates to remain high for a longer period than the typical recession. The authors focus on the impact of unemployment insurance extensions, housing market contractions and the general breadth of the economic downturn as factors that slow the labor supply adjustment process and lead to prolonged high rates of unemployment.
Behavioral and electrophysiological measures of click audibility compared in the cat

Cats were trained to make an avoidance response to clicks in the presence of different levels of white masking noise. The audibility of the clicks at different masking intensities could be determined from the percentage of CRs made by the animals. Click-evoked responses were also recorded from the left inferior colliculus of each cat in the presence of several intensities of masking noise. The results showed that the noise level that just obscured the click-evoked response was quite close in intensity to the noise level that produced threshold click detection in the behavioral situation. While both behavioral and electrophysiological methods yielded similar measures of auditory sensitivity, the electrophysiological measure was obtained in a fraction of the time required to obtain the behavioral measure.
Genetic control of susceptibility to the avian leukosis complex. 2. Marek's disease.

Abstract Three inbred lines of White Leghorns were crossed in all combinations giving nine mating types which were exposed to Marek’s disease (MD) by natural and artificial means. Ranking of the mating types by MD mortality after artificial exposure to either the JM or the GA isolate was similar to the ranking after natural exposure, suggesting that exposure to either isolate would be effective in increasing mortality for selection of lines resistant to naturally occurring disease. Differences in the response pattern between inoculation and contact exposure to either isolate was noted. This observation, the large maternal effects and the changes in dominance due to method of exposure, indicate that cross performance cannot be predicted from pureline performance, and that each cross should be evaluated under several conditions of exposure.
Intracellular study of lemniscal and non-specific synaptic interactions in thalamic ventrobasal neurons.

Abstract The effects of low frequency repetitive stimulation of medial thalamic (MTh) non-specific nuclei have been examined in intracellular studies of neurons of the ventrobasal (VB) thalamic complex. VB relay cells identified by medial lemniscus (ML) stimulation were relatively uninfluenced during recruiting responses elicited by MTh stimulation. VB neurons exhibiting long latency EPSPs or IPSP-EPSP sequences in response to ML stimulation were more consistently affected by MTh stimulation. Interactions observed in these elements were characteristically inhibitory in nature although in some cells facilitation of discharge without significant change in membrane potential occurred during MTh stimulation. Potentiation or enhancement of ML evoked IPSPs was observed in a small proportion of identified VB relay cells during 3nd as an after-effect of MTh stimulation. Spontaneosly developing 6–12/sec spindle waves in posterior sigmoid gyrus were associated with prominent IPSP and EPSP-IPSP sequences in VB relay cells. Stimulation of posterior sigmoid gyrus, corona radiata or internal capsule elicited prominent, variable latency, IPSPs or EPSP-IPSP sequences in relay cells and other neurons of the VB complex. The characteristics of these PSPs suggest the operation of complex interneuronal systems acting on VB relay cells via corticofugal projections. The intracellular data indicate marked differences in the distribution of synaptic pathways to VB relay and non-relay cells from medial non-specific nuclei. These results are considered in the light of previous findings on the effects of medial thalamic stimulation on specific neurons of the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus.
Relative Displacement Sensing Techniques for Postevent Structural Damage Assessment: Review

AbstractRelative displacement, which is displacement of a point on a structure with respect to its original location or an adjacent point on the structure that has also undergone movement, can be an effective indicator of postevent structural damage. Although quantifying relative deformations for postevent damage quantification is currently technically feasible, and of great potential benefit, the field remains undeveloped because of lack of knowledge among structural engineers of (1) the enabling technologies and (2) the performance limits of these technologies. The primary objectives of this paper are to review available techniques for measuring relative deformations, identify their limitations, and propose areas where further research is needed. Current methodologies are divided into remote and in situ methods. The latter techniques are deemed most practically feasible and are surveyed in detail and critiqued. Suggestions for current challenges and research opportunities are proposed with emphasis on a...
Using Isotopic Tools to Dissect and Quantitate Parallel Metabolic Pathways

4-Hydroxyacids are ubiquitous in human physiology. They are derived from the drugs of abuse γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), γ-hydroxypentanoate(GHP), in addition to the omnipresent lipid peroxidation prod...
Repository Metadata: Approaches and Challenges

Many institutional repositories have pursued a mixed metadata environment, relying on description by multiple workflows. Strategies may include metadata converted from other systems, metadata elicited from the document creator or manager, and metadata created by library or repository staff. Additional editing or proofing may or may not occur. The mixed environment brings challenges of creation, management, and access. In this article, repository efforts at three major universities are discussed. All three repositories run on the DSpace software package, and the opportunities and limitations of that system will be examined. The authors discuss local strategies in light of current thinking on metadata creation, user behavior, and the aggregation of heterogeneous metadata. The contrasts between the mission of each repository effort will show the importance of local customization, while the experience of all three institutions forms the basis for recommendations on strategies of benefit to a wide range of librarians and repository planners.
Regulation of adrenocorticotropin secretion in vitro by anterior pituitary corticotrophs from fallow deer (Dama Dama)

The actions of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), vasopressin (VP), the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX), and mifepristone (RU 486), a glucocorticoid antagonist, on the secretion of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) by cultured fallow deer corticotrophs were studied in vitro. On Day 5 of primary culture, corticotrophs were challenged for up to 4 hr with medium alone (Control), CRH, VP, DEX, forskolin (FSK), phorbol ester (TPA), cyclic AMP (cAMP), and/or RU 486 at various concentrations and combinations. CRH, VP, FSK and TPA each stimulated (P < 0.01) the secretion of ACTH in dose- and time-related manners. Relative to Control, CRH at 0.001 and 0.1 microM and VP at 0.01 and 1 microM increased (P < 0.01) medium concentration of ACTH by 7.3-, 13.5-, 3.7- and 9.0-fold, respectively. There was a treatment x incubation time interaction (P < 0.01) such that at 30-min posttreatment, CRH-induced ACTH secretion tended (P < 0.10) to be less than that obtained via VP treatment, whereas at 1, 3, and 4 hr posttreatment, medium concentration of ACTH from cells treated with 0.1 microM CRH was greater (P < 0.05) than that in cells treated with 1 microM VP. At equimolar doses of 0.01 and 0.1 microM, CRH was 3.4- and 3.0-fold more potent (treatment x dose, P < 0.05) than VP. Cotreatment with 1 microM DEX reduced (P < 0.001) the stimulatory effects of CRH (0.1 microM), VP (1 microM), FSK (10 microMs), TPA (0.1 microM), and cAMP (0.001 M). However, the coaddition of RU 486 (1 microM) to the CRH plus DEX- and the FSK plus DEX-treated wells partially negated the inhibitory effects of DEX. RU 486 completely negated the inhibitory effects of DEX on the VP-, TPA-, and cAMP-stimulated secretion of ACTH. These data indicate that CRH is a more potent stimulator of ACTH secretion than is VP in primary culture of fallow deer pituitary cells. This study also demonstrates the utility of an in vitro culture system to investigate stress-related hormonal interactions in cervids.
Quantifying inter-population variability in yellow perch sexual size dimorphism

Size-selective angler behavior or the implementation of length-based regulations may have implications in harvest-oriented yellow perch (Perca flavescens) fisheries where perch populations may display sexual size dimorphism (SSD), even though the occurrence of SSD remains poorly documented. Predicted and observed mean lengths-at-age were used to describe the occurrence of yellow perch SSD in populations from four states and one Canadian province. In addition, abiotic and biotic variables were used to predict the occurrence of SSD in yellow perch populations. Predicted mean lengths-at-age were significantly greater for female yellow perch after age 3 indicating female-biased SSD (higher female growth rates and greater maximum attainable lengths) occurred upon maturity. Using observed mean lengths-at-age, 85% of the study populations had at least 1 year class where females were significantly larger than males. Female-biased SSD was present in almost two-thirds of the individual observed mean length-at-age y...
Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis mediated by thrombin and b2 bradykinin receptors in a fibrosarcoma cell line

Abstract The murine fibrosarcoma cell line HSDM1C1 synthesizes prostaglandin E2 in response to thrombin and bradykinin, two products of the coagulation pathway. These physiologic effectors interact with two independent cell-surface receptor systems whose properties we have characterized. HSDM1 C1 cells possess a B2 bradykinin receptor, a type more sensitive to native bradykinin than to related peptides, including Met-Lys- and desArg 9 -bradykinin. A period of bradykinin desensitization follows the initial response. Recovery occurs within 1 hr by a process independent of serum factors. The thrombin-mediated pathway differs in several respects. The maximum amount of prostaglandin E2 synthesized is 40% lower. Prolonged desensitization of the thrombin response occurs after an initial exposure; recovery requires at least 3 hr and depends strictly on the presence of serum. Antithrombin III and hirudin, two proteins that specifically inactivate thrombin, act in serum-free medium to relieve thrombin desensitization. Thrombin's prolonged desensitization thus suggests a persistent ligand-receptor association. The expression of receptor-mediated prostaglandin synthesis governed by multiple physiologic effectors in the same cell may reflect environmental conditions, such as the relative proportions of each effector and the presence of exogenous factors that modulate the ligand-receptor interaction.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) desorbed from clay particles inhibit photosynthesis by natural phytoplankton communities

Abstract PCB (8·6 μg litre −1 of Aroclor 1254) desorbed from clay particles inhibited photosynthesis and chlorophyll a content in natural phytoplankton assemblages more than did a similar concentration of PCB added directly to the water.
Beyond classification of behavior types.

Summary House, Sharry, Blum, and Koper classified patients according to behavior types and supplied a behavioral insight into the success and failure of prostheses. Fear/anxiety and need are integral parts of behavior. These entities affect individual patients, depending on the strength of the ego states through which they express their personalities and interact with the dentist. If the dentist and his/her staff become behaviorally astute, a great amount of behavior modification can be achieved and the learning process implemented. This will ensure a higher degree of success in the treatment of prosthodontic patients.
Brittle Failure in Compression: Splitting, Faulting and Brittle-Ductile Transition

The micromechanics of brittle failure in compression and the transition from brittle to ductile failure, observed under increasing confining pressures, are eaxamined in the light of existing experimental results and model studies. First, the micromechanics of axial splitting and faulting is briefly reviewed, certain mathematical models recently developed for analysing these failure modes are outlined, and some new, simple closed-form analytic solutions of crack growth in compression and some new quantitative model experimental results are presented. Then, a simple two-dimensional mathematical model is proposed for the analysis of the brittle-ductile transition process, the corresponding elasticity boundary-value problem is formulated in terms of singular integral equations, the solution method is given, and numerical results are obtained and their physical implications are discussed. In addition, a simple closed-form analytic solution is presented and, by comparing its results with those of the exact formulation, it is shown that the analytic estimates are reasonably accurate in the range of the brittle response of the material. Finally, the results of some laboratory model experiments are reported in an effort to support the mathematical models.
Chemical characterization of SOA formed from aqueous-phase reactions of phenols with the triplet excited state of carbonyl and hydroxyl radical

Abstract. Phenolic compounds, which are emitted in significant amounts from biomass burning, can undergo fast reactions in atmospheric aqueous phases to form secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA). In this study, we investigate the reactions of phenol (compound with formula C6H5OH)), guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), and syringol (2,6-dimethoxyphenol) with two major aqueous-phase oxidants – the triplet excited states of an aromatic carbonyl (3C*) and hydroxyl radical (· OH). We thoroughly characterize the low-volatility species produced from these reactions and interpret their formation mechanisms using aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS), nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-DESI MS), and ion chromatography (IC). A large number of oxygenated molecules are identified, including oligomers containing up to six monomer units, functionalized monomer and oligomers with carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups, and small organic acid anions (e.g., formate, acetate, oxalate, and malate). The average atomic oxygen-to-carbon (O / C) ratios of phenolic aqSOA are in the range of 0.85–1.23, similar to those of low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA) observed in ambient air. The aqSOA compositions are overall similar for the same precursor, but the reactions mediated by 3C* are faster than · OH-mediated reactions and produce more oligomers and hydroxylated species at the point when 50% of the phenolic compound has reacted. Profiles determined using a thermodenuder indicate that the volatility of phenolic aqSOA is influenced by both oligomer content and O / C ratio. In addition, the aqSOA shows enhanced light absorption in the UV–visible region, suggesting that aqueous-phase reactions of phenols may contribute to formation of secondary brown carbon in the atmosphere, especially in regions influenced by biomass burning.
Relativistic many-body calculations of energies of n =2 states for boronlike ions

Energies of the fifteen (2l2${\mathit{l}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$2${\mathit{l}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{''}}}$) states for boronlike ions with Z = 5--100 are evaluated to second order in relativistic many-body perturbation theory. Second-order Coulomb and Breit-Coulomb interactions are included. Corrections are made to lowest order for the frequency-dependent Breit interaction and for the Lamb shift. A detailed discussion of the various contributions to the energy levels is given for boronlike iron (Z=26). Comparisons of the calculated energy levels with available experimental data are made for the entire sequence. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Activated Metals. A Procedure for the Preparation of Activated Magnesium and Zinc

Abstract Metals play a crucial role in a wide variety of organic syntheses and biological processes1. Directly or indirectly, their usefulness depends on their propensity to undergo electron transfer and/or form coordination compounds with appropriate reactivity and geometry. The unique role of transition metals in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis has been recently reviewed2.
A Toolkit for Analyzing Quantum Imaging Systems

I will discuss some simple examples of quantum imaging, for which a multi-photon absorbing material is illuminated with light with nonclassical correlations, demonstrating an alternative theoretical approach to an analysis based on optical transfer functions.
TRANCE, a TNF Family Member, Activates Akt/PKB through a Signaling Complex Involving TRAF6 and c-Src

TRANCE, a TNF family member, and its receptor, TRANCE-R, are critical regulators of dendritic cell and osteoclast function. Here, we demonstrate that TRANCE activates the antiapoptotic serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB through a signaling complex involving c-Src and TRAF6. A deficiency in c-Src or addition of Src family kinase inhibitors blocks TRANCE-mediated PKB activation in osteoclasts. c-Src and TRAF6 interact with each other and with TRANCE-R upon receptor engagement. TRAF6, in turn, enhances the kinase activity of c-Src leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules such as c-Cbl. These results define a mechanism by which TRANCE activates Src family kinases and PKB and provide evidence of cross-talk between TRAF proteins and Src family kinases.
GSK3 signalling in neural development

Recent evidence suggests that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) proteins and their upstream and downstream regulators have key roles in many fundamental processes during neurodevelopment. Disruption of GSK3 signalling adversely affects brain development and is associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which GSK3 activity is regulated in the nervous system and provide an overview of the recent advances in the understanding of how GSK3 signalling controls neurogenesis, neuronal polarization and axon growth during brain development. These recent advances suggest that GSK3 is a crucial node that mediates various cellular processes that are controlled by multiple signalling molecules--for example, disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), partitioning defective homologue 3 (PAR3), PAR6 and Wnt proteins--that regulate neurodevelopment.
DISTINCT PATTERNS OF APOPTOSIS DURING TOTAL LIQUID VENTILATION (TLV) VS. CONVENTIONAL VENTILATION (CV). |[dagger]| 1516

Mechanical ventilation with high pressures and supraphysiologic concentrations of oxygen is often needed to treat critically ill infants, but it can be quite toxic to the lung. This toxicity can lead to cell death by two distinct modes: apoptosis or necrosis. Apoptosis is often a scheduled and physiologically regulated event, while necrosis is the result of unscheduled, acute injury (often accompanied by inflammation). We have previously shown that in vivo, hyperoxia can cause significant cell death in the lung by apoptosis. TLV is a technique that may be associated with less lung injury and better physiological outcomes compared to CV. To examine whether TLV causes less lung injury and apoptosis compared to CV, we studied 2 groups of premature lambs delivered at 110 and 120 days gestation. Animals were ventilated with 100% O2 and TLV (Liquivent, Alliance Pharm., Hoechst-Marion-Roussel) or CV from birth for up to 4h. Unventilated, gestational matched controls were also studied. Standard physiologic and histologic parameters were analyzed. We also utilized the in situ TUNEL assay, which labels 3′-OH ends of DNA cut by endonucleases that are activated during apoptosis, to evaluate the amount of apoptosis occurring in the lung. Similar to previous reports, the TLV group had better gas exchange and less histologic evidence of lung injury compared to animals receiving CV. Approximately 5% of lung cells were apoptotic in both experimental groups, while gestational matched controls showed virtually no apoptosis. However, the pattern of apoptosis seen with both modes of ventilation was distinctly different. CV was associated with the presence of apoptotic cells within the lumen of immature air spaces, often with these cells completely occluding the lumen. In contrast, during TLV apoptosis was limited to a small number of epithelial cells lining the airspaces, with only a few cells found within the lumen. Although the specific cell types have not yet been identified, these observations suggest that the severity of lung injury might be related to a variety of factors including cell specific apoptosis, rather than apoptosis per se. Supported by a research grant from the March of Dimes(1-FY96-0752).
Cultivating Consumer Relationships Through Hypertext and Hypermedia Websites

This study extends cognitive flexibility theory using a structural equation model (SEM) to determine whether a hypermedia and hypertext website shapes cognition, attitude, and behavior within the context of parents enrolling their children into a National Football League (NFL) youth football program after browsing through the NFL Rush website. SEM results indicate an appropriate model fit to the data, with a root mean square error of approximation of 0.053, comparative fit index of 0.98, nonnormed fit index of 0.97, and normed fit index of 0.95. This suggests that this SEM model has implications for creating a higher likelihood to cultivate long-term profitable relationships from a hypertext and hypermedia marketing strategy.
Physician-Ordered Respiratory Care vs Physician-Ordered Use of a Respiratory Therapy Consult Service : Results of a Prospective Observational Study

Objective To assess the impact of a respiratory therapy consult service (RTCS) on practices and appropriateness of ordering respiratory care services Design Nonrandomized prospective observational cohort study with concurrent controls. Setting Adult non-ICU inpatient wards of an academic medical center. Patients A convenience sample of 98 adult non-ICU inpatients at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital, representing 20 inpatient clinical services. Patients whose respiratory care plans were determined by respiratory care practitioners using sign and symptom-based algorithms to specify treatment comprised the treatment group (n=51, respiratory therapy consult group). The nonconsult group (n=47) were patients whose respiratory care plans were specified by their own physicians. Intervention Specification of the respiratory care plan by the RTCS vs by the physicians themselves. Use of the RTCS was at the discretion of the managing physician. Outcome measures Types and number of respiratory care treatments, length of hospital stay, costs of the respiratory therapy provided, appropriateness of respiratory care orders (based on comparison of the actual respiratory care orders with a reference respiratory care plan generated by a study investigator who was kept blind to the actual respiratory care plan), and adverse respiratory events. Results Patients for whom the RTCS was requested by their physicians had a greater severity of respiratory illness based on having a lower triage score, but were otherwise similar at baseline. Fewer initial orders for respiratory care were discordant with the reference algorithms in RTCS patients (15%±26% [SD]) than in nonconsult patients (43%±36%; p Conclusions These results suggest that the RTCS can be an effective strategy to allocate respiratory care strategies appropriately while conserving the costs of providing respiratory care.
Potential application of new imaging modalities in the measurement of cardiac volumes and characteristics.

Developments of various imaging modalities in recent years have resulted in imaging systems with greater spatial resolution, faster data acquisition, and more powerful computer processing. It is the purpose of this report to examine three of these systems, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrafast computed tomography (cine-CT) with respect to their applicability for determination of cardiac volumes and other characteristics related to hypertension. While each of these modalities has widespread applications and specific advantages, this report will be primarily concerned with two objectives: functional ability to record indicator dilution curves suitable for quantification of flow and the anatomic or geometric ability to measure chamber dimensions with high accuracy. Time concentration curves have been outlined on all modalities and used for quant cation of myocardial perfusion and myocardial reserve. Only one modality, cine-CT, determined cardiac output by dilution curves although in vivo arterial recording from PET has demonstrated suitable curves for this application. Both MRI and cine-CT have demonstrated accurate determination of chamber volumes by the geometric method, the latter giving somewhat higher spatial resolution. The advantages of these machines for such purposes have yet to be determined.
Solution of algebraic equations generated by the p-version of the finite element method

Abstract The purpose of this note is to stimulate interest in the development of efficient solution methods for systems of linear algebraic equations and eigenvalue problems generated by the p-version of the finite element method.
A new integration theory for conservative two degree-of-freedom systems

A two degree-of-freedom, conservative system is reduced to a single degree-of-freedom, kinematic system with Hamiltonian integral under the change of independent variable: $$dt = \zeta dt (\zeta = \upsilon _x - \upsilon _y )$$ where ζ is the curl (or vorticity) of the velocity field with cartesian inertial componentsu(x, y, t) andv(x, y, t). In the autonomous case whenut=vt=0, orbits are globally represented by the level curves of an autonomous Hamiltonian functionH(x,y) satisfying a second-order quasilinear partial differential equation (Szebehely's Equation): $$2(H + U)\left( {H_{xx} H_y^2 - 2H_{xy} H_x H_y + H_{yy} H_x^2 } \right) + (H_x U_x + H_y U_y )\left( {H_x^2 + H_y^2 } \right) = 0$$ whereU(x, y) is the autonomous potential function. An inversion of dependent and independent variables reduces this equation to a second-order, ordinary differential equation for a function specifying the orbital curve. The true time variable is recovered by evaluating a quadrature. Fundamental differences exist between this approach and Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
Autophagy in organelle homeostasis: Peroxisome turnover

When cells are confronted with an insufficient supply of nutrients in their extracellular fluid, they may begin to cannibalize some of their internal proteins as well as whole organelles for reuse in the synthesis of new components. This process is termed autophagy and it involves the formation of a double-membrane structure within the cell, which encloses the material to be degraded into a vesicle called an autophagosome. The autophagosome subsequently fuses with a lysosome/vacuole whose hydrolytic enzymes degrade the sequestered organelle. Degradation of peroxisomes is a specific type of autophagy, which occurs in a selective manner and has been mostly studied in yeast. Recently, it was reported that a similar selective process of autophagy occurs in mammalian cells with proliferated peroxisomes. Here we discuss characteristics of the autophagy of peroxisomes in mammalian cells and present a comprehensive model of their likely mechanism of degradation on the basis of known and common elements from other systems.
Identification of Critical Cis-Acting Element in the 5′ - Flanking Region of the Human VLCAD Gene

Identification of Critical Cis-Acting Element in the 5′ - Flanking Region of the Human VLCAD Gene
Empirical Bayes on vector observations: An extension of Stein's method

SUMMARY The statistician is considering several independent normal linear models with identical structures, and desires to estimate the vector of unknown parameters in each of them. An estimator is constructed which dominates the usual Gauss-Markov estimator in terms of total squared error loss. This estimator is shown to have good efficiency in the Bayesian situation where the parameter vectors themselves have a normal prior distribution. A practical example is given.
Endoscopic findings predict the histologic diagnosis in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease.

Background and study aims Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) of the gastrointestinal tract is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Whether endoscopic findings predict the histologic diagnosis of GvHD in the gastrointestinal tract remains controversial. We performed a study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of macroscopic endoscopy findings in the diagnosis of acute and chronic histologically proven gastrointestinal GvHD (GI-GvHD). Patients and methods Endoscopic images from the intestinal mucosa of post-BMT patients were blindly graded as positive or negative for GI-GvHD and compared with corresponding histological findings, which were used as the gold standard. Results 44 BMT patients were referred for 96 endoscopic evaluations. Using 162 endoscopy-biopsy pairs, a positive association between endoscopic grading and histologic grading of GI-GvHD (odds ratio [OR] = 11.97, 95% CI 3.86, 37.16) was observed. Endoscopic diagnosis correctly predicted histologic diagnosis in both acute and chronic GI-GvHD (OR = 9.3 vs. 23.1, P = 0.31). Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy was high in both acute and chronic histologically proven GI-GvHD. Accurate diagnosis of GI-GvHD might be obtained with mucosal biopsies from either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy may play a significant role in establishing early diagnosis and treatment for GI-GvHD in patients following BMT, but histologic evaluation of the gastrointestinal mucosa is needed to confirm the final diagnosis.
Stability analysis of a model of infectious diseases with two transmission routes

Abstract Programs of symbolic manipulation are used to analyze stability of equilibria of a model of infectious diseases with two transmission routes. The condition of the transition from disease-persistent state to disease-free state is obtained. The listed MACSYMA programs can also be used to verify the Routh-Hurwitz conditions for the stability analysis of other systems.
Optimization of growth conditions for the production of proteolytically-sensitive proteins in the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli.

The expression of many secreted recombinant proteins in Gram-negative bacteria is limited by degradation in the periplasmic space. We have previously shown that the production of protein A-β-lactamase, a secreted fusion protein highly sensitive to proteolysis in Escherichia coli, can be increased in mutant strains deficient in up to three cell-envelope-associated proteolytic activities. In this work we investigated the effect of fermentation conditions on suppressing any residual proteolytic activity in various protease-deficient strains. Optimal production of the fusion protein was observed in cells grown under mildly acidic conditions (5.5≤pH≤6.0) and at low temperatures. These conditios were shown to specifically decrease the rate of proteolysis. In addition, a further increase in production was observed in cultures supplemented with 0.5 to 0.75 mM zinc chloride. This may relate to the inhibition of a cell envelope protease by Zn2+ ions.
Reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) catalyzed by cyanocobalamin

A biomimetic system has been developed for the reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene (PCE). PCE was dechlorinated to trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) in the presence of dithiothreitol or Ti (III) citrate and catalytic amounts of cyanocobalamin in both homogeneous reaction mixtures and packed bed reactor systems. In packed bed reactors with Ti (III) citrate as the reductant, PCE (0.18 mM) conversion averaged 55% at residence times of 1.75 and 3.5 h. The product distribution was 94% TCE and 6% DCE at the lower residence time. DCE formation increased to 45% at the higher residence time. No reduction of PCE was observed in the absence of cyanocobalamin. This system may be useful as a means of pretreatment of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons in advance of biological treatment.
Neural-immune gut-brain communication in the anorexia of disease.

Peripheral administration of toxic bacterial products and cytokines have been used to model the immunological, physiological, and behavioral responses to infection, including the anorexia of disease. The vagus nerve is the major neuroanatomic linkage between gut sites exposed to peripheral endotoxins and cytokines and the central nervous system regions that mediate the control of food intake, and thus has been a major research focus of the neurobiological approach to understanding cytokine-induced anorexia. Molecular biological and neurophysiologic evidence demonstrates that peripheral anorectic doses of cytokines and endotoxins elicit significant increases in neural activation at multiple peripheral and central levels of the gut-brain axis and in some cases may modify the neural processing of meal-related gastrointestinal signals that contribute to the negative feedback control of ingestion. However, behavioral studies of the anorectic effects of peripheral cytokines and endotoxins have shown that neither vagal nor splanchnic visceral afferent fibers supplying the gut are necessary for the reduction of food intake in these models. These data do not rule out 1) the potential contribution of supradiaphragmatic vagal afferents or 2) a modulatory role for immune-stimulated gut vagal afferent signals in the expression of cytokine and enodotoxin-induced anorexia in the intact organism.
The Determination of Magnitude and Phase Angle of Electrical Quantities

Although the three-voltmeter method for measuring the relative magnitude and phase angle of two voltages or currents is well known, the use of vacuum tube voltmeters, which draw negligible amounts of energy from the circuit, permits the use of the method for purposes which previously have not been considered. A further improvement of the scheme by balancing out one component of either voltage or current adds to the accuracy of the results. The method is considered for two purposes, namely: the measurement of the capacitance and power factor of imperfect condensers, and the measurement of the ratio and phase angle of current transformers.
Haplotype analysis involving a novel polymorphism in bovine alpha-lactalbumin 5' flanking region.

1542 tially with primers described by Voelker et al. (1997). Reaction conditions were an initial 2 min at 94°C, followed by 30 cycles of 94 for 30 s and 57°C for 30 s. A 72°C extension phase was not used during cycles, but the final cycle was followed by a 30-s extension phase at 72°C. Final MgCl2 concentration was 1.1 mM. PCR products from animals homozygous for alternate alleles [as determined by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique] were cloned into a vector using a commercial kit (TOPO Cloning Kit, InVitroGen, Carlsbad CA). Plasmid DNA was extracted from positive clones with a commercial kit (Qiagen, Valencia CA). Sequencing reactions were performed, at least twice in both directions, using BigDye reagents and procedure and analyzed on an ABI377 automated sequencer (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City CA).
Transient disruption in cognitive networks: Combining TMS and fMRI

s / Brain Stimulation 8 (2015) 428e437 433 performance as well as the functional brain responses associated to rTMS interference and those related to preservation of memory function.