cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Fluid Flow Mechanical Stimulation Modulates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Osteoblasts are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which initiate and regulate bone formation. New strategies for osteoporosis treatments have aimed to control the fate of MSCs. While functional disuse decreases MSC growth and osteogenic potentials, mechanical signals enhance MSC quantity and bias their differentiation toward osteoblastogenesis. Through a non-invasive dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS), we have found that DHS can mitigate trabecular bone loss in a functional disuse model via rat hindlimb suspension (HLS). To further elucidate the downstream cellular effect of DHS and its potential mechanism underlying the bone quality enhancement, a longitudinal in vivo study was designed to evaluate the MSC populations in response to DHS over 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Five-month old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups for each time point: age-matched control, HLS, and HLS+DHS. DHS was delivered to the right mid-tibiae with a daily “10 min on-5 min off-10 min on” loading regime for five days/week. At each sacrifice time point, bone marrow MSCs of the stimulated and control tibiae were isolated through specific cell surface markers and quantified by flow cytometry analysis. A strong time-dependent manner of bone marrow MSC induction was observed in response to DHS, which peaked on day 14. After 21 days, this effect of DHS was diminished. This study indicates that the MSC pool is positively influenced by the mechanical signals driven by DHS. Coinciding with our previous findings of mitigation of disuse bone loss, DHS induced changes in MSC number may bias the differentiation of the MSC population towards osteoblastogenesis, thereby promoting bone formation under disuse conditions. This study provides insights into the mechanism of time-sensitive MSC induction in response to mechanical loading, and for the optimal design of osteoporosis treatments.
RNA-Seq analysis of isolate- and growth phase-specific differences in the global transcriptomes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli prototype isolates

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are a leading cause of diarrheal illness among infants in developing countries. E. coli isolates classified as typical EPEC are identified by the presence of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) and the bundle-forming pilus (BFP), and absence of the Shiga-toxin genes, while the atypical EPEC also encode LEE but do not encode BFP or Shiga-toxin. Comparative genomic analyses have demonstrated that EPEC isolates belong to diverse evolutionary lineages and possess lineage- and isolate-specific genomic content. To investigate whether this genomic diversity results in significant differences in global gene expression, we used an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approach to characterize the global transcriptomes of the prototype typical EPEC isolates E2348/69, B171, C581-05, and the prototype atypical EPEC isolate E110019. The global transcriptomes were characterized during laboratory growth in two different media and three different growth phases, as well as during adherence of the EPEC isolates to human cells using in vitro tissue culture assays. Comparison of the global transcriptomes during these conditions was used to identify isolate- and growth phase-specific differences in EPEC gene expression. These analyses resulted in the identification of genes that encode proteins involved in survival and metabolism that were coordinately expressed with virulence factors. These findings demonstrate there are isolate- and growth phase-specific differences in the global transcriptomes of EPEC prototype isolates, and highlight the utility of comparative transcriptomics for identifying additional factors that are directly or indirectly involved in EPEC pathogenesis.
Populational Heritability: Extending Punnett Square Concepts to Evolution at the Metapopulation Level

In a previous study, using experimental metapopulations of the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, we investigated phase III of Wright's shifting balance process (Wade and Griesemer 1998). We experimentally modeled migration of varying amounts from demes of high mean fitness into demes of lower mean fitness (as in Wright's characterization of phase III) as well as the reciprocal (the opposite of phase III). We estimated the “meta-populational heritability” for this level of selection by regression of offspring deme means on the weighted parental deme means.
Mastoparan, a G Protein Agonist Peptide, Differentially Modulates TLR4- and TLR2-Mediated Signaling in Human Endothelial Cells and Murine Macrophages

Previous studies have implicated a role for heterotrimeric G protein-coupled signaling in B cells, monocytes, and macrophages stimulated with LPS and have shown that G proteins coimmunoprecipitate with membrane-bound CD14. In this study, we have extended these observations in human dermal microvessel endothelial cells (HMEC) that lack membrane-bound CD14 and in murine macrophages to define further the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in TLR signaling. Using the wasp venom-derived peptide, mastoparan, to disrupt G protein-coupled signaling, we identified a G protein-dependent signaling pathway in HMEC stimulated with TLR4 agonists that is necessary for the activation of p38 phosphorylation and kinase activity, NF-κB and IL-6 transactivation, and IL-6 secretion. In contrast, HMEC activation by TLR2 agonists, TNF-α, or IL-1β was insensitive to mastoparan. In the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, and in primary murine macrophages, G protein dysregulation by mastoparan resulted in significant inhibition of LPS-induced signaling leading to both MyD88-dependent and MyD88-independent gene expression, while TLR2-mediated gene expression was not significantly inhibited. In addition to inhibition of TLR4-mediated MAPK phosphorylation in macrophages, mastoparan blunted IL-1R-associated kinase-1 kinase activity induced by LPS, but not by TLR2 agonists, yet failed to affect phosphorylation of Akt by phosphoinositol-3-kinase induced by either TLR2- or TLR4-mediated signaling. These data confirm the importance of heterotrimeric G proteins in TLR4-mediated responses in cells that use either soluble or membrane-associated CD14 and reveal a level of TLR and signaling pathway specificity not previously appreciated.
Macromolecular structure of the Schwann cell membrane: Perinodal microvilli

Abstract The macromolecular structure of perinodal Schwann cell membrane was examined with freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Perinodal microvillous-like processes of Schwann cells exhibit an asymmetrical partitioning of intramembranous particles (IMPs), with a moderate (∼ 900/μm2) density of particles on P-faces and a lower (∼ 300/μm2) density of IMPs on E-faces. The densities of IMPs observed on the fracture faces of perinodal processes are similar to those within the outer membrane of the Schwann cell proper. On both fracture faces of the perinodal processes and the Schwann cell membrane proper, a high (∼ 45%) percentage of the IMPs displayed a large (⩾ 9.6 nm) diameter. Specialized junctions (i.e., gap junctions, tight junctions) between adjacent perinodal Schwann cell processes or between perinodal processes and nodal axolemmal were not observed.
Carcinoma of the cervix and pregnancy.

Abstract Thirty cases of carcinoma of the cervix associated with pregnancy have been reviewed and discussed in relationship to the frequency of coincidence of these conditions as well as the age and parity of the patients involved. Symptomatology has been discussed briefly. Delay has been discussed and the means of reducing delay in diagnosis have been outlined. A general outline of radiation therapy of these patients has been presented and the results of therapy have been discussed briefly.
Sleep Quality and Reexperiencing Symptoms of PTSD Are Associated With Current Pain in U.S. OEF/OIF/OND Veterans With and Without mTBIs

Pain, a debilitating condition, is frequently reported by U.S. veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. This study investigated how commonly reported clinical factors were associated with pain and whether these associations differed for individuals with a history of chronic pain. From the Boston metropolitan area, 171 veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence were assessed for current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, current mood and anxiety diagnoses, lifetime traumatic brain injury, combat experiences, sleep quality, and alcohol use. Hierarchical regression models were used to determine the association of these conditions with current pain. Average pain for the previous 30 days, assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire, was 30.07 out of 100 (SD = 25.43). Sleep quality, PTSD symptom severity, and alcohol use were significantly associated with pain (R(2) = .24), as were reexperiencing symptoms of PTSD (R(2) = .25). For participants with a history of chronic pain (n = 65), only PTSD symptoms were associated with pain (R(2) = .19). Current pain severity was associated with increased PTSD severity (notably, reexperiencing symptoms), poor sleep quality, and increased alcohol use. These data support the hypothesis that PTSD symptoms influence pain, but suggest that problems with sleep and alcohol use may exacerbate the relationship.
Coreference Resolution in a Modular, Entity-Centered Model

Coreference resolution is governed by syntactic, semantic, and discourse constraints. We present a generative, model-based approach in which each of these factors is modularly encapsulated and learned in a primarily unsu-pervised manner. Our semantic representation first hypothesizes an underlying set of latent entity types, which generate specific entities that in turn render individual mentions. By sharing lexical statistics at the level of abstract entity types, our model is able to substantially reduce semantic compatibility errors, resulting in the best results to date on the complete end-to-end coreference task.
Development of an in vitro model for study of non-O1 Vibrio cholerae virulence using Caco-2 cells.

Abstract Non-O1 Vibrio cholerae strains have been reported as a causative agent of diarrhea throughout the world. We recently reported that non-O1 V. cholerae strains cause diarrhea in human volunteers. In this study we evaluated the virulence of three strains of non-O1 V. cholerae in a Caco-2 cell adherence assay by light and electron microscopy. A-5 is an environmental isolate which failed to colonized volunteers and did not cause diarrhea. It exhibited low numbers of organisms adherent to Caco-2 cells, leaving the microvilli intact. Strain 2076-79, isolated from a patient with diarrhea, colonized human volunteers without producing disease. It adhered to Caco-2 cells in moderate numbers without producing any damage to the microvilli. Strain NRT36S, a clinical isolate, colonized human volunteers and produced significant diarrhea disease. This strain adhered in very large numbers to Caco-2 cells and caused damage to the brush borders. Membrane-bound bacteria were also seen within the cytoplasm of these cells. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the generalized adherence of NRT36S to the microvilli of Caco-2 cells. The three strains did not appear to compete with each other for binding sites on Caco-2 cells and were not adherent when assays were conducted at 4 degrees C. Our results with strains A-5, 2076-79, and NRT36S correlate well with observations in human volunteer studies, suggesting that Caco-2 cells provide an appropriate in vitro system for further investigation of the pathogenesis of non-O1 V. cholerae gastroenteritis.
Quantification of hprt gene deletions mediated by illegitimate V(D)J recombination in peripheral blood cells of humans.

V(D)J recombinase is normally involved in the highly regulated rearrangement of immunoglobulin and T-cell-receptor gene segments (in B and T cells, respectively) to form functional antibody genes and T-cell-receptor genes. Occasionally, this tightly controlled process acts on inappropriate places in the genome and results in deletions and translocations. Some of these illegitimate V(D)J recombinase-mediated events have been implicated in the genetic changes associated with several forms of leukemia and lymphoid malignancy. We have developed a sensitive, specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay to quantify such events in the peripheral blood cells of humans. This assay detects a V(D)J recombinase-mediated deletion in the hprt gene, which codes for a housekeeping enzyme and is not implicated in cancer development. Alterations in this gene serve as a surrogate indicator for these illegitimate events, which may be occurring throughout the genome. The assay involves a heminested PCR with two sets of primers. Multiple replicates of genomic DNA (each representing 4 × 105 cells) are amplified with specific primers under conditions in which a single copy will give a detectable PCR product. Poisson statistics are then used to estimate the deletion mutant frequency. The frequency of cells with the hprt deletion among 20 healthy young adults ranged from < 1.3 × 10−7 to 4.1 × 10−7 and was compared with the frequency of t(14; 18) previously determined in these same individuals. No correlation was found between the frequencies of these two measures of genomic rearrangement. The DNA sequences of the deletion junctions were determined and provided evidence for multiple independent mutations in some individuals. This assay may serve as a biomarker for the level of illegitimate V(D)J recombination occurring in peripheral blood cells of humans. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 29:28–35, 1997 © l997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Role of pituitary adrenal discharge in antipyretic action of hydroxyphenyl cinchoninic acid (HPCA).

ConclusionsACTH and cortisone, under the conditions of this experiment, were without significant effect on the febrile response of dogs to pyrogen. In contrast, hydroxyphenyl-cindioninic acid produced a significant reduction in the pyrogen-induced fever. It is concluded that HPCA, and perhaps similar common antipyretic drugs, do not cause a reduction in fever by virtue of their ability to cause pituitary adrenal stimulation.
Synthesis and structures of alkali metal salts of bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide

Abstract A series of alkali metal salts of the bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide anion have been prepared and structurally characterized. Despite very similar crystallization conditions, the salts exhibit a variety of solvent inclusion behavior. The potassium and cesium salts are anhydrous, the lithium and rubidium salts crystallize as monohydrates, and the sodium salt includes both water and methanol molecules in the lattice (1:1:1). In all but the rubidium salt, the anion has a cisoid conformation with the trifluoroalkyl groups lying to the same side of the S–N–S plane. Interestingly, the rubidium salt which has a three-dimensional network structure with tunnels running parallel to the c-axis is the only one that does not have a layered structure. However, fluorine segregation resulting in formation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains is a dominant feature in the crystal packing of the entire series.
A Tale of Two Regions in China: Rapid Economic Development and Slow Industrial Upgrading in the Pearl River and the Yangtze River Deltas

The study of regions has been undergoing an intellectual `renaissance', resulting in a growing literature on the renewed importance and dynamics of varied forms of regions and regionalism (see Amin...
Research Challenges and Opportunities in a Mobility-centric World

The Internet recently passed an historic inflection point, with the number of broadband mobile devices surpassing the number of wired PCs and servers connected to the Internet. Mobility now profoundly affects the architecture, services and applications in both the wireless and wired domains. In this "bottom up" talk, we begin by discussing several specific mobility-related challenges and recent results in areas including mobility measurement (including privacy considerations) and modeling, and context-sensitive services. We then take a broader look at current and future challenges, and conclude by discussing several NSF investments in programs and projects in area of mobile networking.
The human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV 3) C protein inhibits viral transcription

The C protein of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV 3), like other paramyxovirus C proteins, is synthesized from an alternate open reading frame (ORF) encoded within the phosphoprotein (P) mRNA, in addition, to two other proteins, namely D and V, which arise from the same mRNA by a process of transcriptional editing. The precise role of the C, D, and V proteins in viral transcription and replication, and their interaction, if any, with other viral proteins remains unknown. To ascertain the role of the C protein, we have examined its effect on transcription using an HPIV 3 minigenome construct and monitoring the luciferase reporter gene expression. Our results demonstrate that the HPIV 3 C protein effectively inhibits minigenome transcription in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the Sendai virus (Se-V) C protein was also capable of inducing an inhibitory effect on the HPIV 3 minigenome transcription, thus demonstrating a heterologous interaction. A coiled-coil motif within the C protein has been identified, and a deletion mutant within this motif abrogated the inhibitory effect significantly thereby implying that oligomerization of the C protein may be involved in inhibition of transcription.
Antioxidants Delay the Onset of Thyroiditis in Obese Strain Chickens

Dietary iodine has been shown to be important in the induction of thyroiditis in susceptible chicken strains although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Iodine may exert its effects through the formation of reactive oxidative radicals which would cause thyroidal injury and initiate infiltration. We have tested this hypothesis by examining the ability of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ethoxyquin, and other antioxidants to prevent thyroiditis in Obese strain (OS) chickens, a strain that develops severe disease by 4 weeks of age. BHA, when administered from hatching until death at 5 weeks of age, reduced thyroidal infiltration and serum levels of antibodies binding thyroglobulin, T3, T4. Similar effects were observed with the antioxidant ethoxyquin. Weaker antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene had only slight or negligible effects on these parameters. BHA reduced thyroiditis in OS chicks killed at 3 and 5 weeks of age, but not at 8 weeks. When BHA treatment was initiated after the development of severe disease, it did not reduce thyroglobulin antibody levels. To determine the mechanism by which BHA reduces thyroiditis, studies were performed to assess the effect of BHA on thyroid function and on the immune responses to exogenous antigens. BHA had no effect on thyroid function in normal strain chickens since thyroidal radioiodine uptake and organification and serum T3 and T4 levels were unaffected. BHA did not alter immune responses to exogenous antigens such as sheep red blood cells or Brucella abortus in OS chickens. In summary, potent antioxidant drugs delayed the onset of thyroiditis when treatment was initiated before the onset of disease, suggesting that reactive oxygen intermediates are involved in the early stages of pathogenesis. However, the site of action remains unknown since they had no detectable effects on thyroid function or general immune responses.
Surgical technique for isolation of the main venom gland of viperid, crotalid and elapid snakes

Abstract The main venom glands of venomous snakes were isolated in situ by a harmless surgical technique. The surgery had no apparent effect on the snakes' appearance, disposition or feeding habits more than 2 years after surgery. The snake, after surgery, could serve as an excellent preparation for studying the venom secretory process in the main venom gland as well as studying the secretions of the accessory glands. Surgery also eliminates the risk of lethal bites occurring to zoo personnel and contributes to the study and treatment of diseases of venomous snakes.
Fermentation of Sugarcane Bagasse Hemicellulose Hydrolysate to Xylitol by a Hydrolysate-Acclimatized Yeast

The yeast strain, Candida sp B-22, which has an increased tolerance to untreated neutralized sugarcane bagasse hemicellulose hydrolysate has been isolated by a continuous adaptation-selection technique which allows yeasts to overcome the inhibitory effect of extraneous chemicals in hydrolysate. With this yeast, xylitol is produced from untreated full-strength hydrolysate in a yield of over 85% of the theoretical value. A final xylitol concentration of 94.74 g/L was obtained from 105.35 g/L D-xylose in hemicellulose hydrolysate after 96 hr of incubation.
String theory and cosmological singularities

In general relativity space-like or null singularities are common: they imply that ‘time’ can have a beginning or end. Well-known examples are singularities inside black holes and initial or final singularities in expanding or contracting universes. In recent times, string theory is providing new perspectives of such singularities which may lead to an understanding of these in the standard framework of time evolution in quantum mechanics. In this article, we describe some of these approaches.
Erdheim-chester disease. Case report and review of the literature

Abstract Erdheim-Chester disease is a distinctive pathologic and radiographic entity characterized by bilateral, symmetric sclerosis of the metaphyseal regions of long bones and infiltration of foamy, lipid-laden histiocytes. Clinically, it ranges from an asymptomatic, focal process to a fatal, systemic disease. All previously reported cases of ErdheimChester disease are reviewed and a new case with diabetes insipidus, partial hypopituitarism, histiocytic skin lesions, and retro-orbital tumors is presented. An 11-year follow-up reveals progression from a benign, limited process to a progressive, systemic disease. Patients with Erdheim-Chester disease show markedly disparate clinical courses and some features similar to Hand-Schuller-Christian disease. They need careful monitoring and further attempts at treatment.
The Effect of Positioning a Message within Differentially Cognitively Involving Portions of a Television Segment on Recall of the Message

The effect on message recall of placing a message within differentially cognitively-involving portions of a complex audiovisual program was examined. In an experimental design that controlled for time of total exposure to stimulus material and for the time interval between exposure to a test message and later recall and interest tests, subjects viewed a program package consisting of a commercial, a pretested segment of an action-adventure program, and an especially created control in one of four conditions of commercial placement: (1) the commercial was placed between two moderately involving portions of the program which occurred a few minutes prior to both the action-climax and the resolution of the suspense, (2) the commercial was placed immediately subsequent to the highly involving climax and immediately prior to the moderately involving resolution, (3) the commercial was placed subsequent to the climax and immediately subsequent to the resolution, or (4) the commercial was placed between two minimally involving portions of the control communication. Assessments of message recall were taken on one-half of the subjects shortly after they had completed viewing the experimental materials. In order to assess for long-term effects, the remainder of the subjects received a similar recall test and a test of interest in the product depicted in the commercial message one month after the experimental viewing session had been completed. The findings supported the proposition that recall of message content is inversely related to the cognitive involvement potential of the program material presented immediately before and after the critical message.
Marital support giving as a function of attributional confidence

This study sought to investigate the relationship between attributional confidence and social and emotional support. Consistent with uncertainty reduction theory, it was hypothesized that as relationships develop, so too should relational partner ability to predict spousal behaviors, thoughts, and feelings as well as provide appropriate social and emotional support. Two hundred sixty‐nine married people completed several measures assessing perceived attributional confidence, emotional support and social support of their partner. Results indicated a positive relationship between attributional confidence and interpersonal depth, social and emotional support as well as a negative relationship between attributional confidence and interpersonal conflict. Results are discussed in terms of Uncertainty Reduction Theory.
Diastolic function imaging: a comparison of real-time phase contrast magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with segmented phase contrast CMR and Doppler echocardiography

Background CMR measurement of mitral inflow velocities for the assessment of diastolic function is often infeasible in patients with dyspnea - patients who may benefit the most - due to their inability to breath-hold. Although real-time phase contrast (RT-PC) imaging may overcome this limitation, it has not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of RT-PC for the measurement of mitral inflow velocities against segmented PC CMR and Doppler echocardiography. Methods 37 healthy volunteers (aged 28 ± 10 years, 20 males) had echo and CMR studies within a week. Early (E) and late (A) mitral inflow velocities were measured by echo, segmented, and RT-PC CMR (Figure). The E and A velocities were obtained by averaging data from 2 heart beats by RT-PC and 3 heart beats by echo. RT-PC parameters were: TR/TE = 14.0ms/2.3ms, water excitation flip angle=25○ ,10mm slice, 90 x128 matrix, EPI factor=15, TSENSE rate=3, and VENC=150cm/s. Shared velocity encoding was used to achieve an effective temporal resolution of 28ms, but true temporal resolution was 56ms. Retro-gated segmented PC acquisition parameters: TR/TE = 4.5/1.9ms, 10mm slice, 100 x 192 matrix, TSENSE rate=3, VENC=150cm/s, true temporal resolution 36ms. E and A velocities, and E/A ratios between RT-PC and segmented PC CMR or Doppler echocardiography were compared using paired t-tests. Agreement between the techniques was assessed using concordance correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis.
Simultaneous Reconstruction of Absorption and Scattering Maps with Ultrasound Localization: Reflection Geometry

We report simultaneous reconstruction of absorption and scattering heterogeneities using a modified Tikhonov regularization method based on finite element method. The priori information from the co-registered ultrasound images is incorporated by different regularization factors.
Self‐injurious behavior in the nursing home setting

SIB is likely a common phenomenon in older adult nursing home residents. There is little evidence-based treatment guidance for SIB in older population. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Upper ocean variability in west Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf waters as measured using instrumented seals

Abstract Temperature profile data for the west Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) continental shelf waters, collected from freely ranging instrumented seals (crabeater, Lobodon carcinophagus and leopard, Hydrurga leptonyx), were used to demonstrate that these platforms can be used to supplement traditional oceanographic sampling methods to investigate the physical properties of the upper water column. The seal-derived profiles were combined with temperature profiles obtained from ship-based CTD measurements and from a numerical circulation model developed for the WAP to describe changes in temperature structure, heat content, and heat flux in the upper ocean waters of the WAP continental shelf. The seal-derived data documented the fall-to-winter transition of the surface waters and the shelf-wide presence of modified Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) below 150–200 m on the WAP continental shelf. The heat content of the upper 200 m calculated from the seal-derived temperature profiles ranged between 1000 and 1500 MJ m−2; similar estimates were obtained from simulated temperature distributions. The seal-derived temperature measurements provided broader space and time resolution than was possible using any other currently available oceanographic sampling method. As such, the seal-derived measurements provided a valuable dataset for evaluation of temperature fields obtained from a numerical circulation model.
RasGRP4 is a lineage-restricted, guanine nucleotide exchange factor/phorbol ester receptor that controls mast cell development

Summary The nucleotide sequences of the mouse, rat, and human cDNAs and genes that encode the fourth member of the Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Protein (RasGRP) family of signaling proteins have been deduced. RasGRP4 is a mast cell (MC) restricted, cation-dependent, guanine nucleotide exchange factor. It also is a diacylglycerol/phorbol ester receptor that plays a prominent role in dictating which protease and eicosanoid mediators are expressed in rat and human MC lines. RasGRP4 appears to act downstream of the surface receptor Kit/CD117 and upstream of the transcription factor MITF. Allelic variants of RasGRP4 have been identified, as well as functionally different isoforms that are the result of variable splicing of its gene. Earlier gene-linkage studies revealed a site on chromosome 7A3-B1 that controls intrinsic airway reactivity to methacholine in backcrossed C3H/HeJ and A/J mice. The 18-exon mRasGRP4 gene resides on chromosome 7A3-B1, and recent studies revealed that the MCs developed from the hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mouse strain preferentially produce a defective isoform of mRasGRP4. These and other data suggest that RasGRP4 is of critical importance in MC development and that the expression of abnormal isoforms of the protein can lead to MC dysfunction.
Peirce’s topical theory of continuity

In the last decade of his life C.S. Peirce began to formulate a purely geometrical theory of continuity to supersede the collection-theoretic theory he began to elaborate around the middle of the 1890s. I argue that Peirce never succeeded in fully formulating the later theory, and that while that there are powerful motivations to adopt that theory within Peirce’s system, it has little to recommend it from an external perspective.
Novel differential mechanism enabling two DOF from a single actuator: Application to a prosthetic hand

There will always be a drive to reduce the complexity, weight, and cost of mobile platforms while increasing their inherent capabilities. This paper presents a novel method of increasing the range of achievable grasp configurations of a mechatronic hand controlled by a single actuator. By utilizing the entire actuator space, the hand is able to perform four grasp types (lateral, precision, precision/power, and power) with a single input resulting in a potentially lighter and simpler hand design. We demonstrate this strategy in a prototype hand that is evaluated to determine the benefit of this method over the addition of a second actuator. Results show a decrease in weight but a 0.8 sec transition time between grasp types with the proposed method. The prototype hand can be controlled by a single EMG signal that can command a change in grasp type or an opening/closing of the hand. We discuss the potential of this mechanism to improve prosthetic hand design as compared to current myoelectric systems.
Are cholinergic pathways involved in the anesthetic response to α2 agonists

1. We investigated whether change in neuronal activity in cholinergic pathways mediates the anesthetic effect of the α2 agonist, dexmedetomidine, by determining whether physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, could antagonize the hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine in the rat and whether dexmedetomidine decreases the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the thalamus in vivo. 2. Physostigmine did not significantly change the duration of the hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine. There was no significant change in thalamic ACh release after administration of dexmedetomidine. Therefore, α2-adrenergic agonists produce their anesthetic effect through mechanisms which do not involve alteration of the activity of the brainstem cholinergic nuclei.
Strategic responses to CO2 emission reduction targets drive shift in U.S. electric sector water use

Abstract The U.S. electric sector's reliance on water makes it vulnerable to climate variability and change. Here we investigate whether carbon mitigation policies would improve or exacerbate electric sector water reliance. We use EPAUS9r MARKAL to model changes in U.S. electric sector water withdrawal and consumption through 2055 resulting from energy system-wide CO 2 emissions reduction targets of 10%, 25%, and 50%, as well as nine sensitivity analysis scenarios. CO 2 reduction strategies accelerate the deployment of more water-efficient thermoelectric generation technologies and increase the use of renewables, nuclear, and carbon capture. The 50% CO 2 reduction scenario also prompts electrification in end-use demand sectors, most notably transportation, increasing electricity demand 36% by 2055. In aggregate, CO 2 reduction strategies decrease national electric sector water withdrawal in all scenarios (−31% to −46% by 2055), but have a varied impact on water consumption (−4% to +42% by 2055). These changes in electricity generation technology and the resulting change in water use would likely reduce electric sector vulnerability to droughts and heat waves.
The Status of the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

The LHC is the highest energy particle accelerator in the world. The associated-experiments are the largest and most complex-scientific instruments ever built. Each detector is like a 100-megapixel camera which takes 40-million pictures per second.
Specific heat and magnetization of the superconducting monoxides: NbO and TiO

The specific heat of five NbO/subx/ samples (x between 0.96 and 1.02) is reported for the Meissner, mixed, and normal states. The specific heat of seven TiO/subx/ samples, covering the range of composition from 0.91 to 1.17, is discussed and compared to previous work. For NbO, the transition temperature T$sub 0$ reaches a maximum of 1.61 K near x = 1.0; for TiO, the transition temperature is not a function of composition. The densities of states of both systems are derived from the coefficients of the electronic specific heat $gamma$ and compared to the band-structure calculations. While NbO is found to be a low- kappa intrinsic type-II superconductor, TiO is a high-kappa dirty type-II material. Magnetization measurements on six NbO/subx/ samples indicate that a deviation of stoichiometry by 1 at.% on the low oxygen side produces a multiphase system; the majority of such a sample is NbO and the minor phase is free Nb metal with a transition temperature around 6 K. Although magnetization data indicate too large a fraction for the minor phase, specific-heat data show a more reasonable value for this fraction. (AIP)
Infection of mononucleated phagocytes with human cytomegalovirus.

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can be isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes; however, in vitro , only abortive infection of monocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes has been detected. These studies demonstrate that freshly isolated monocytes can be infected with HCMV. Infection of monocytes was not associated with loss of cell viability. The virus replication cycle in monocytes resembled that observed in fibroblasts but the virus yield was approximately 0.1% of that observed in fibroblasts. Transient phenotypical changes occurred in HCMV-infected monocytes. Virus persists in infected monocytes upon differentiation to macrophages, suggesting that monocytes may serve as a carrier of HCMV and a vector for viral dissemination. Differentiated mononuclear phagocytes appear to support a productive HCMV infection. Using a recombinant HCMV strain to express β-galactosidase, we were able to transduce the bacterial β-galactosidase gene into monocytes and macrophages.
A black body mutation of Attagenus elongatulus Casey (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)☆

Abstract Reported here is black body mutation of Attagenus elongatulus Casey, governed by a single autosomal gene, which shows incomplete dominance. There was no difference in the number of larvae produced by normal females when mated to black or normal males. Black males appear to be more responsive to pheromone extracts of both black and normal females.
Community policing: is field training the missing link?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which traditional field training incorporates community‐oriented policing and problem solving in its formal evaluation process. Can community policing be successfully integrated into the San Jose field training model as a formal component of training and evaluation of police recruits?Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes formal field training evaluations and narratives in one police agency that uses the San Jose Field Training Officer Program. The agency endorses and practices community policing and problem solving.Findings – Field training in this agency did not successfully integrate community policing and problem solving into the formal evaluation process.Practical implications – Because field training occurs immediately after the academy, it is the best place to expose recruits to community policing and problem solving in practice, thus linking training with practice. If police agencies are truly committed to community polici...
Differential coupling of GABA-A and GABA-B receptors to the noradrenergic system.

The GABA-A receptor agonist THIP, or the mixed GABA-A/GABA-B receptor agonist progabide dose dependency increased the release of norepinephrine (as measured by the production of MHPG) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This effect was partially reversed by treatment with the GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline. In contrast, the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen decreased the release of norepinephrine in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Pretreatment with the presynaptic noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP4 increased the Bmax for beta-adrenergic receptor binding in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This effect was partially prevented by chronic (14 day) treatment with either the beta-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol or the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen. In contrast, chronic (14 day) administration with either the GABA-A receptor agonist THIP or the antidepressant imipramine failed to alter the increase in betaadrenergic receptor binding produced by DSP4 pretreatment. These data suggest that the GABA-A receptor may be coupled to the presynaptic noradrenergic neuron and modulate the release of norepinephrine, while the GABA-B receptor is coupled to the postsynaptic noradrenergic neuron and likely functions through the cyclic AMP generating system.
The basis of higher Na+ transport by inner medullary collecting duct cells from Dahl salt-sensitive rats: implicating the apical membrane Na+ channel.

The present experiments were designed to examine the function of Na/K pumps from Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and salt-resistant (R) rats. Previous reports have suggested that there is a difference in primary sequence in the α1 subunit, the major Na/K pump isoform in the kidney. This sequence difference might contribute to differences in NaCl excretion in these two strains which in turn could influence the systemic blood pressure. Using ``back-door'' phosphorylation of pumps isolated from basolateral membranes of kidney cortex, we found no differences between S and R strains. We also examined the Na/K pumps from cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. This approach takes advantage of the fact that monolayers cultured from S rats transport about twice as much Na+ as monolayers cultured from R rats. In cells whose apical membrane was made permeable with amphotericin B, comparison of the affinities for ouabain, Na+, and K+, respectively, showed only small or no differences between S and R monolayers. Ouabain binding showed no difference in the number of Na/K pumps on the basolateral membrane of cultured cells, despite a 2-fold difference in Na+ transport rates. The analysis of the steady-state Na+ transport indicates that Na/K pumps in IMCD monolayers from S rats operate at a higher fraction of their maximum capacity than do pumps in monolayers from R rats. The results, taken together, suggest that the major reason for the higher rate of Na+ transport in S monolayers is because of a primary increase in the conductive permeability of the apical membrane to Na+. They suggest that the epithelial Na+ channel is intrinsically different or differently regulated in S and R rats.
Algorithms for optimal partial matching of free-form objects with scaling effects

A free-form object matching problem is addressed in this paper. Two methods are proposed to solve a partial matching problem with scaling effects and no prior information on correspondence or the rigid body transformation involved. The first method uses umbilical points, which behave as fingerprints of a surface and their qualitative properties can be used for matching purposes. The second method uses an optimization scheme based on the extension of the KH curvature matching method [Comput. Aided Design 35 (2003) 913], first introduced in the context of a matching problem without scaling effects. Two types of curvatures, the Gaussian and the mean curvatures, are used to establish correspondences between two objects. The curvature matching method is formulated in terms of minimization of an objective function depending on the unknown scaling factor, and the rigid body transformation parameters. The accuracy and complexity of the proposed methods as well as the convergence for the optimization approach are analyzed. Examples illustrate the two methods.
Effects of dopamine and somatostatin on pulsatile pituitary glycoprotein secretion.

The hypothalamic factors dopamine (DA) and somatostatin (SRIH) inhibit pituitary glycoprotein secretion, but little is known regarding the effects of these factors on glycoprotein pulses. To address this question, 12 healthy volunteers underwent frequent blood sampling over 12 h at baseline and during 12-h infusions of DA and/or SRIH. TSH, LH, FSH, and alpha-subunit (alpha) levels were measured in all samples, and hormone pulses were located by Cluster analysis. Both DA and SRIH suppressed TSH pulse amplitude by 70%, while SRIH decreased TSH pulse frequency as well. Both infusions decreased LH pulse amplitude by 30-35%, but had no effect on pulse frequency. In contrast, neither infusion significantly altered FSH pulse parameters, although mean FSH levels declined 15%. DA had no effect on pulsatile alpha secretion, while SRIH decreased alpha pulse frequency. Serum thyroid hormone levels declined during both infusions, but there were no major changes in serum sex steroid levels. Thus, the hypothalamic inhib...
A further investigation of an observing response analysis of fixed-ratio discrimination

Observing responses in three pairs of mixed fixed-ratio schedules were studied. In each pair, the duration of the stimulus produced by the observing response was systematically shortened. It was found that observing responses could be maintained when the FR schedules were FR40 and FR50 at all stimulus durations except 1 sec. This is in contrast to a previous study where observing responses extinguished at a mixed FR30 FR50 schedule.
Use of Microhotplate Arrays as Microdeposition Substrates for Materials Exploration

An approach for high-throughput rapid screening of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) materials using micromachined silicon microheater arrays is described. To illustrate this approach, titanium dioxide was deposited by CVD, using titanium(IV) nitrate and titanium(IV) isopropoxide at temperatures between 130 and 815 °C. Deposition was confined to the microhotplate elements within 4- and 16-element arrays. Film microstructure was examined by scanning electron microscopy. In situ electrical measurements were made with integrated microcontacts during the deposition of TiO2 using titanium(IV) isopropoxide. A novel approach using temperature-programmed deposition with temperature ramp rates up to 800 °C/s was also employed for microstructure modification during deposition. Additionally, the steep temperature gradients present on the microhotplate supports have been demonstrated to provide an excellent platform for investigating temperature-dependent microstructures.
Assessing privatization investment opportunities in Thailand

Executive Summary Multinational corporations (MNCs) can find lucrative opportunities to invest in emerging-market countries by participating in the privatization of state-owned enterprises. The ability of MNCs to form joint ventures or acquire state enterprises in most countries, however, depends on the characteristics of the government's privatiza-tion policies and plans, the pace of their implementation, and the mechanisms allowed for foreign investment. In order to assess the feasibility of privatization policies in emerging-market countries, and especially those undergoing dynamic reforms of their economies, MNCs need a framework for analyzing privatization efforts. The appli-cation of such a framework is illustrated using the experience with privatization and economic reform in Thailand. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Systems thinking, personal quality, and learning

Examines the connection between the softer tools of systems dynamics and personal quality. This is accomplished by portraying the problems and issues managers experienced while engaged in personal quality improvement programmes.
Delusion of Defeat: The United States and Iraq, 1990–1998

AbstractThis article challenges the widely held belief that that the United States ‘won the war but lost the peace’ following the war with Iraq in 1991. Fears of a resurgent Iraq grew throughout the decade, despite abundant evidence that Iraq was becoming desperately weak and was no longer a threat to regional security. In fact, the United States won the war as well as the peace by any meaningful definition of the term. The article also discusses the reasons why US policymakers and observers convinced themselves that they had lost. The final section considers implications for strategy and policy in wars of limited objectives.