cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catecholamines and the Sympathoadrenal System: The Regulation of Metabolism

Initial recognition of a critical role for the sympathoadrenal system in metabolic regulation can be attributed, in large measure, to the work of W. B. Cannon and his colleagues more than half a centrury ago. In his classic monograph, The Wisdom of the Body,1 Cannon clearly articulated the view, based on his own experimental observations, that the sympathoadrenal system acts to defend internal homeostasis (Cannon’s own term) in a constantly changing environment. The “flight-or-fight” doctrine derived from Cannon’s general theory of sympathoadrenal function has since become one of the central tenets of modern physiology. In recent years, heightened interest in the contribution of the sympathoadrenal system to metabolic regulation has resulted from improved techniques for the in vivo assessment of sympathoadrenal activity and from increased appreciation of the potential effects of catecholamines derived from in vitro studies. Consequently, a large and complex literature has developed over the past decade; this chapter will attempt to review the relevant literature and to provide perspective on the contribution of the sympathoadrenal system to metabolic regulation.
Pathways to Health Behavior

As an analytic technique, path analysis is fortuitously named. Compared to others, e.g., LISREL, logit, probit, or discrimination, path analysis provides intuitive insight into its purpose and procedure, and on a level that nonstatisticians can readily appreciate. The word path suggests starting at one point and proceeding in one direction to another. It is only necessary to add the idea of causation, that having been caused to arrive at one point in the path, there is a nonzero probability of proceeding forward to another, to grasp the essence of path analysis. When the end point of the path is a health behavior and one wishes to test a theory about why that health behavior varies in a population, i.e., why some do it and some do not, or why some do it more often than others, the causal pathway is an attractive concept. Path analysis provides a mathematical way, through a series of equations, to test a hypothesized chain of events or conditions.
Numerical Model and Experimental Investigation of Electromagnetic Tube Compression with Field Shaper

Abstract In this study, a multi-turn coil, a field shaper, and a Al6061-T6 tubular specimen were modeled in LS-DYNA using a 3D electromagnetic-mechanical analysis to predict the velocity and displacement of the specimen. The magnetic pressure applied on the tubular specimen and corresponding deformation were predicted in the model based on two charging energies. To validate the numerical results, experimental tests were conducted. Both velocity and displacement of specimens were determined by Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV). The numerical and experimental results show good agreement validating the ability of the numerical simulations to accurately capture this complicated manufacturing process.
Applying Social Exchange Theory to Police Deviance: Exploring Self-Protective Behaviors Among Police Officers:

Social exchange theory is one of the prominent paradigms used to explain the processes linking organizational treatment of employees to their job performance. However, the theoretical link between ...
Lithium and Gallium Vacancies in LiGaO 2 Crystals

Lithium gallate (LiGaO2) is a wide-band-gap semiconductor with an optical gap greater than 5.3 eV. When alloyed with ZnO, this material offers broad functionality for optical devices that generate, detect, and process light across much of the ultraviolet spectral region. In the present paper, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to identify and characterize neutral lithium vacancies ( V Li 0) and doubly ionized gallium vacancies ( V Ga 2 −) in LiGaO2 crystals. These S = 1/2 native defects are examples of acceptor-bound small polarons, where the unpaired spin (i.e., the hole) is localized on one oxygen ion adjacent to the vacancy. Singly ionized lithium vacancies ( V Li −) are present in as-grown crystals and are converted to their paramagnetic state by above-band-gap photons (x rays are used in this study). Because there are very few gallium vacancies in as-grown crystals, a post-growth irradiation with high-energy electrons is used to produce the doubly ionized gallium vacancies ( V Ga 2 −). The EPR spectra allow us to establish detailed models for the two paramagnetic vacancies. Anisotropy in their g matrices is used to identify which of the oxygen ions adjacent to the vacancy has trapped the hole. Both spectra also have resolved structure due to hyperfine interactions with 69Ga and 71Ga nuclei. The V Li 0 acceptor has nearly equal interactions with Ga nuclei at two Ga sites adjacent to the trapped hole, whereas the V Ga 2 − acceptor has an interaction with Ga nuclei at only one adjacent Ga site.
MicroRNAs modulate alternative splicing in the C. elegans intestine and body muscle tissues

ABSTRACT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to modulate gene expression, but their activity at the tissue specific level remains largely uncharacterized. In order to study their contribution we developed novel tools to profile miRNA targets in the C. elegans intestine and body muscle tissues, and studied their composition and function. We validated many previously described interactions and identified hundreds of novel targets. Overall the miRNA targets obtained are known modulators of tissue function. The intestine tissue being more transcriptionally complex and larger, contains significantly more miRNA targets and includes key metabolic enzymes. Within our datasets we detect an unexpected enrichment of RNA binding proteins targeted by miRNA in both tissues, with a specific abundance of RNA splicing factors. We tested several miRNA-RNA splicing factor interactions in vivo, and found that miRNA-based regulation of specific RNA splicing factors influences alternative splicing in the intestine tissue. These results highlight an unexpected role for miRNAs in modulating tissue specific gene expression, where post-transcriptional regulation of RNA splicing factors influences tissue specific alternative splicing.
Caspase-8 restricts natural killer cell accumulation during MCMV Infection

Natural killer (NK) cells provide important host defense against herpesvirus infections and influence subsequent T cell control of replication and maintenance of latency. NK cells exhibit phases of expansion, contraction and memory formation in response to the natural mouse pathogen murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Innate and adaptive immune responses are tightly regulated in mammals to avoid excess tissue damage while preventing acute and chronic viral disease and assuring resistance to reinfection. Caspase (CASP)8 is an autoactivating aspartate-specific cysteine protease that initiates extrinsic apoptosis and prevents receptor interacting protein (RIP) kinase (RIPK)1-RIPK3-driven necroptosis. CASP8 also promotes death-independent signal transduction. All of these activities make contributions to inflammation. Here, we demonstrate that CASP8 restricts NK cell expansion during MCMV infection but does not influence NK memory. Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice mount higher NK response levels than Casp8+/-Ripk3-/- littermate controls or WT C57BL/6 J mice, indicating that RIPK3 deficiency alone does not contribute to NK response patterns. MCMV m157-responsive Ly49H+ NK cells support increased expansion of both Ly49H- NK cells and CD8 T cells in Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice. Surprisingly, hyperaccumulation of NK cells depends on the pronecrotic kinase RIPK1. Ripk1-/-Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice fail to show the enhanced expansion of lymphocytes observed in Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice even though development and homeostasis are preserved in uninfected Ripk1-/-Casp8-/-Ripk3-/- mice. Thus, CASP8 naturally regulates the magnitude of NK cell responses in response to infection where strong activation signals depend on another key regulator of death signaling, RIPK1. In addition, the strong NK cell response promotes survival of effector CD8 T cells during their expansion. Thus, hyperaccumulation of NK cells and crosstalk with T cells becomes amplified in the absence of extrinsic cell death machinery.
Spontaneous resolution of urinary calculi in a congenital solitary kidney: A case report

Spontaneous resolution of a large renal stone burden in adults is a rare occurrence with few reports in the last 50 years. Improved imaging techniques and understanding of the pharmacology of dissolution therapy have led to a better understanding of which stones have the potential for spontaneous passage or targeted dissolution via medical treatment. Less is known regarding stone outcomes in children, and anecdotes of pediatric patients spontaneously passing large stones has been widely propagated. Here we report a case of spontaneous resolution of a large renal stone burden in a child with a congenital solitary kidney.
São Paulo: a graphic biography: by Felipe Correa, Austin, University of Texas Press, 2018, 348 pp., US$65.00 (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 1477316272, ISBN-13: 978-1477316276

The common refrain that Sao Paulo is a chaotic and unplanned city is only partly true. As a matter of fact Sao Paulo has a rich urban planning history. However, unlike the meticulously designed Bra...
Cryogenic Characteristics of Wire Resistance Strain Gages

The wire resistance strain gage is a device well known in the field of experimental stress analysis for use both at ambient and at elevated temperatures. It now appears that the usefulness of these versatile transducers may be extended undiminished to cryogenic temperatures as well. To support this statement, I would like to indicate how commercially available gages perform under temperature environments as low as 4°K.
Syphilis Immunoassay Signal Strength Correlates with Active Infection in Pregnant Women.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association of ARCHITECT chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA) signal strength (signal-to-cutoff [S/CO] ratio), with maternal syphilis stage, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) reactivity, and congenital syphilis. Study Design A prospective observational study of reverse syphilis screening was conducted. Pregnant women were screened with CIA. Reactive CIA was reflexed to RPR; particle agglutination test (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination [TPPA]) was performed for CIA+/RPR− results. Clinical staging with history and physical was performed, and disease stage was determined. Prior treatment was confirmed. We compared S/CO ratio and neonatal outcomes among the following groups: Group 1: CIA+/RPR+/TPPA+ or CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+ with active syphilis; Group 2: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+ or CIA+/serofast RPR/TPPA+, previously treated; Group 3: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA+, no history of treatment or active disease; Group 4: CIA+/RPR−/TPPA−, false-positive CIA. Results A total of 144 women delivered with reactive CIA: 38 (26%) in Group 1, 69 (48%) in Group 2, 20 (14%) in Group 3, and 17 (12%) in Group 4. Mean (±standard deviation) S/CO ratio was 18.3 ± 5.4, 12.1 ± 5.3, 9.1 ± 4.6, and 1.9 ± 0.8, respectively (p Conclusion Women with active syphilis based on treatment history, clinical staging, and laboratory indices have higher CIA S/CO ratio and are more likely to deliver neonates with overt evidence of congenital syphilis.
Safety and Biocompatibility of Aflibercept-Loaded Microsphere Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel Drug Delivery System in a Nonhuman Primate Model.

Author(s): Kim, Soohyun; Kang-Mieler, Jennifer J; Liu, Wenqiang; Wang, Zhe; Yiu, Glenn; Teixeira, Leandro BC; Mieler, William F; Thomasy, Sara M | Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate the safety and tolerability of a microsphere thermo-responsive hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS) loaded with aflibercept in a nonhuman primate model.MethodsA sterile 50 µL of aflibercept-loaded microsphere thermo-responsive hydrogel-DDS (aflibercept-DDS) was injected intravitreally into the right eye of 10 healthy rhesus macaques. A complete ophthalmic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and electroretinogram were performed monthly for 6 months. One macaque was euthanized monthly, and the enucleated eyes were submitted for measurement of bioactive aflibercept concentrations. Four eyes were submitted for histopathology.ResultsInjected aflibercept-DDS was visualized in the vitreous until 6 months postinjection. No abnormalities were observed in the anterior segment, and IOP remained within normal range during the study period. A small number of cells were observed in the vitreous of some macaques, but otherwise the remainder of the posterior segment examination was normal. No significant changes in retinal architecture or function as assessed by SD-OCT and histology or full-field electroretinography, respectively, were observed. A mild, focal foreign body reaction around the injectate was observed with histology at 6 months postinjection. A mean of 2.1 ng/µL of aflibercept was measured in the vitreous.ConclusionsIntravitreally injected aflibercept-DDS achieved controlled, sustained release of aflibercept with no adverse effects for up to 6 months in the eyes of healthy rhesus macaques.Translational relevanceAflibercept-DDS may be a more effective method to deliver bioactive antivascular endothelial growth factor agents than current practice by reducing the frequency of intravitreal injections and providing controlled drug release.
Association of Impaired Spermatogenesis With the Use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

This cohort study examines the potential association of the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors with testicular histopathologic conditions.
Impacts of bark beetle-induced tree mortality on pyrogenic carbon production and heat output in wildfires for fire modeling and global carbon accounting.

Abstract Forests store significant quantities of carbon, and accurate quantification of the fate of this carbon after fire is necessary for global carbon accounting. Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) encompasses various carbonaceous products of incomplete combustion formed during fires and has potential to act as a carbon sink for up to millennia, but current estimates of PyC production in wildfires vary widely. Northern hardwood forests have changed dramatically in recent decades due to insect epidemics, such as the bark beetle epidemic in the Rocky Mountain Region which has caused widespread mortality. This study assessed impacts of bark beetle-induced mortality on fuel pyrolysis kinetics, carbon partitioning of combustion products, and net heat output to aid in forest fire modeling and carbon accounting by comparing healthy and beetle-killed lodgepole pine tree boles burned in a 2018 forest fire in southeast Wyoming, USA with unburned boles. Results showed charring predominantly restricted to the bark and cambium. Significant differences between burned and unburned healthy and beetle-impacted bark/cambium compositions were identified, and PyC production and energy output were quantified. Charring extent and PyC content were found to be greater in beetle-impacted boles due to a reduction in bark/cambium resistance to heating and charring, with 80 times more PyC produced in a beetle-killed bark/cambium than in a healthy bark/cambium. Upon scale-up, total PyC production in the fire-affected area was estimated to be 0.71 GgPyC (82.5 kgPyC/ha). This was found to be significantly enhanced compared to an estimated PyC production of 0.036 GgPyC (4.12 kgPyC/ha) in a hypothetical healthy lodgepole pine ecosystem of equal area. The results of this investigation concluded that the 58% beetle-induced mortality in the Badger Creek Fire area resulted in 3 times more carbon released to the global atmosphere, 20 times more PyC retained onsite and 32% greater heat output during wildfire.
Chemical Elements in Electronic Cigarette Solvents and Aerosols Inhibit Mitochondrial Reductases and Induce Oxidative Stress.

Author(s): Williams, Monique; Ventura, Jesse; Loza, Antonio; Wang, Yuhuan; Talbot, Prue | Abstract: IntroductionChemical elements and their toxicity were evaluated in electronic cigarette (EC) solvents, fluids, and aerosols.Aims and methodsElement identification and quantification in propylene glycol (PG), glycerin (G), refill fluids before and after use, and aerosols was done using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated using in vitro assays.ResultsSeven elements were present in PG, G, and popular refill fluids, and they transferred to aerosols made with ECs. Selenium was in all products (0.125-0.292 mg/L), while arsenic, aluminum, and tin were frequently in solvent and refill fluid samples at lower concentrations. Iron, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and lead were only detected in fluid after EC use, indicating they came from heated atomizers. Elements transferred most efficiently to aerosols made with second-/third-generation ECs. Of the elements in fluid, selenium and arsenic were the most cytotoxic to human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and pulmonary fibroblasts in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Selenium increased superoxide production in mitochondria and nucleoli and elevated selenoprotein H in nucleoli of BEAS-2B cells at concentrations found in EC aerosols (10 nM or 0.002 mg/L).ConclusionsElements in EC aerosols came from both e-fluids and atomizing units. Within second-/third-generation products, transfer became more efficient as power increased. In vitro responses occurred at concentrations of selenium found in some EC aerosols. Human exposure to chemical elements in ECs could be reduced by regulating (decreasing) allowable EC power and by improving the purity of PG and G.ImplicationsPG, G, refill fluids, and e-fluids contained potentially toxic chemical elements that transferred to aerosols. Transfer was more efficient in second- and third-generation EC products and increased as power increased. Selenium and arsenic were the most cytotoxic of the elements tested in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Selenium tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in BEAS-2B cells, but not in human pulmonary fibroblasts. All fluids contained selenium above the concentration that induced oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells. Selenium increased superoxide in mitochondria and nucleoli and increased selenoprotein H, a redox responsive DNA-binding protein that is upregulated by superoxide and an indicator of nucleolar stress. EC users are exposed to elements in aerosols, which may with chronic exposure contribute to diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Multi-Objective Optimization of an Origami Yagi-Uda Antenna Using an Adaptive Fitness Function

An automated design and multi-objective optimization of an origami-enabled deployable Yagi-Uda antenna is presented. The antenna is appropriately designed on a foldable Miura-Ori substrate using our custom origami toolset. To electromagnetically analyze the origami antenna, ANSYS HFSS is used by utilizing Visual Basic Scripting (VBS) as a communication bridge between our toolset and the software. The origami Yagi-Uda antenna is optimized for impedance matching, forward gain, side-lobe gain and bandwidth using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and an adaptive fitness function.
Enhancement of halothane action at the ryanodine receptor by unsaturated fatty acids.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes various studies to extend published findings in skeletal muscle regarding the actions of fatty acids. In the absence of anesthetics, the fatty acids can cause Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle and rabbit cardiac muscle by mechanisms independent of the Ca2+ release channel. Similar interactions could occur with other proteins, such as the Na+ channel, that also has its function altered by halothane and fatty acids. However, significant interactions of free fatty acids with the Ca2+ release channel and Na+ channel are somewhat unlikely under normal circumstances in an intact cell, as the fatty acids are bound to fatty acid-binding proteins in the cytoplasm. Although fatty acids probably have very little impact on Ca2+ regulation in the absence of anesthetics, their augmentation of net halothane-induced Ca2+ release is dramatic. Whereas the concentration of fatty acid required for this effect exceeds that of the normally unbound form, halothane could likely displace fatty acids from fatty acid-binding proteins. Considering the low concentration of fatty acids present and the resistance of the cardiac preparation to fatty acid-albumin complexes, it is unlikely that displacement of fatty acids by halothane plays a significant role in anesthetic action in rat cardiac muscle. Human or porcine skeletal muscle contains about 5 to 10 times as much free fatty acid as cardiac muscle. The huge potency of fatty acid-albumin complexes in their interaction with halothane in skeletal muscle compared to rat cardiac muscle suggests some actual association of fatty acid-binding proteins with the ryanodine receptor.
Monitoring Governmental Disposition of Assets: Fashioning Regulatory Substitutes for Market Controls

Each year the government sells or leases assets worth billions of dollars. The impact on the economy is staggering. FCC auctions to allocate rights to electromagnetic spectrum generated well over twenty billion dollars in the last three years. Proceeds from mineral leases, timber sales, and disposition of real estate from defaulting thrifts have generated another several billion dollars annually. From the taxpayer's perspective, however, government disposition schemes have failed miserably. The government has donated valuable resources to preferred claimants, allocated scarce broadcast and oil rights resources by lottery, and sold both public land and rights to minerals beneath to private parties at a fraction of the market price. The government has also sold timber without any apparent cost-benefit justification, and awarded rights to use electromagnetic spectrum worth billions of dollars to communications giants at a substantial discount. In the article, we analyze the different causes for regulatory failure -- historical, conceptual, and political -- and argue that reforms at both the congressional and administrative level are need to minimize the inefficiency and graft.
High-Impact Practices and the First-Year Student.

High-impact practices, programs, and activities where students commit considerable time and effort in different settings can help to define the first-year college experience and are likely to increase success in areas like persistence, deep learning, and self-reported gains.
Abstract 18897: iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes From a Patient With Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy Exhibit Imparied SR Ca Handling but No Change in Cytosolic Buffering Properties

Introduction: A recent report suggests that human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from a familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patient carrying a MYH7 mutation (R663H) exhibit altered Ca handling, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We recently reported that HCM mutations can increase cytosolic Ca binding affinity, which could explain the abnormal Ca handling of HCM iPSC-CMs. Hypothesis: To test the hypothesis that the MYH7-R663H mutation alters cytosolic Ca buffering. Methods and Results: Human iPSCs derived from a healthy subject (CON) and a HCM patient (HCM: MYH7-R663H) were plated 21 days after cardiac induction at low density on Matrigel-coated dishes. iPSC-CMs were studied 3-4 days after plating using the ratiometric Ca indicator Fura-2AM at room temperature in Tyrode’s solution (2 mM Ca). HCM iPSC-CMs exhibited reduced Ca transients (measured during field-stimulation at 0.5 Hz) and SR Ca content (measured by caffeine spritz). Importantly, cytosolic Ca buffering was not significantly different between CON (Bmax=100±14μM/Lcytosol, Kd=0.61±0.09μM, n=25) and HCM iPSC-CMs (Bmax=115±10μM/Lcytosol, Kd=0.64±0.06μM, n=17). The rate constant of SR Ca uptake was significantly reduced in the HCM group (KSERCA: CON, 0.89±0.2s-1 vs. HCM, 0.45±0.1s-1, p=0.024) while Ca extrusion via the Na-Ca exchanger (KNCX) was only modestly reduced in HCM iPSC-CM (CON, 0.36±0.03s-1 vs. HCM, 0.26±0.03s-1, p=0.04). As a result, the relative contribution of Ca flux pathways was shifted from the SR to the cell membrane in HCM-iPSC-CM (Figure). Conclusions: Human iPSC-CMs from patients with HCM exhibit reduced SR Ca flux, but no change in cytosolic buffering.
The Cancer Genome Anatomy Project: power tools for cancer biologists.

Genome-wide analysis of gene expression in tumors holds great promise for providing both fundamental insights into cancer biology as well for identifying important diagnostic and prognostic markers...
Radiation Dosimetry for Oncology

This article aims to present a complete and basic review of radiation dosimetry for radiation oncology using external photon and electron beams. Basic quantities are defined and the problems involved in measuring absorbed dose are highlighted. A wide range of primary and secondary measurement techniques are described together with the formalism for calibrating dosimeters. Keywords: radiation dosimetry; radiotherapy; primary standards
Foetal programming reveals the dark side of AT2R

This editorial refers to ‘Foetal hypoxia increases cardiac AT2R expression and subsequent vulnerability to adult ischaemic injury’ by Q. Xue et al. , pp. 300–308, this issue. In adults, the proportion of at-risk myocardium that is permanently injured following an ischaemic reperfusion episode can be attributed to genetic background, age, sex, patient lifestyle, sympathetic outflow, degrees of pre- and post-conditioning, variations in coronary anatomy, and differing drug therapies. However, there is growing evidence that the myocardial response to ischaemic stress may be powerfully determined by its unique construction in the womb. It is now known that stressors in prenatal life modify the developing cardiovascular system and lead to vulnerabilities for disease in later life, a process known as programming.1 It appears that the molecular processes conferring plasticity during normal development may be shaped by stressful conditions that impart long-lasting vulnerability to disease.2 Animal studies show that hypoxia,3 excess levels of maternal glucocorticoid,4 and maternal under- or overnutrition in the womb5 independently lead to cardiovascular disease in adulthood. A growing number of studies implicate the renin–angiotensin system and its G-protein-coupled, 7-transmembrane-domain receptors that bind angiotensin II (Ang II) as frequent culprits in the developmental programming of cardiovascular disease.6 The two primary receptors, AT1 and AT2 (AT …
Photofluidics for integrating fiber sensors with high-authority mechanical actuators

An integration of fiber sensor technology and photofluidic interfaces is proposed. A practical implementation of such an integrated system is described in which sensing is performed by employing an acceptable fiber optic method while the logic and feedback is performed using existing fluidic methods. The proposed closed-loop system needs no electrical conversion or feedback information. The capability of the integrated system to accurately track the vibrational behavior of a beam is demonstrated.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EFFECT OF SALINITY ON POLLEN I. POLLEN VIABILITY AS ALTERED BY INCREASING OSMOTIC PRESSURE WITH NACL, MGCL2, AND CACL2

A B S T R A C T Petunia (Petunia hybrida Vilm. cv. 'Snowstorm') plants were grown in saline solution (NaCl, MgCl2, and/or CaCl2) of 0, 1, 2, and 3 bars osmotic pressures. Pollen viability was tested by tetrazolium chloride staining and by germination (by the hanging drop method, using 15 % sucrose and 0.01 % boric acid as the nutrient medium, at 27 4 1 C). Pollen viability decreased with increased salinity. Pollen from plants grown in single salt solutions of NaCl, MgC92, and CaCl2 (each at 0, 1, 2, or 3 bars osmotic pressure) was germinated in base culture medium. Pollen viability decreased more with NaCl than with MgCl2 or CaCl2. In vitro studies of the effects of three salts, viz., NaCl, MgCI2, and CaCl2, on pollen germination and tube growth showed that NaCl inhibited germination and pollen tube growth more than did MgC12 or CaCl2. MgCl2 was least injurious, and even promoted tube growth at 0.5 and 0.75 bars osmotic pressure. Adding low concentrations of MgCl2 reduced the toxic effect of NaCl and increased the percentage of germination. CaCl2 reduced the effect of NaCl less than did MgCl2. We conclude that specific ion effects were more important than osmotic pressure.
Post-Mortem Biochemistry of Pekin Duckling and Broiler Chicken Pectoralis Muscle

Biochemical post-mortem changes between red and white avian muscle were determined using duckling and chicken Pectoralis muscles, respectively. Six live Pekin ducklings and six live broiler chickens, in each of two trials, were obtained from commercial plants and processed at a pilot facility. After evisceration, carcasses were held at 4 C, then Pectoralis muscles were removed at .25, 1, 4, and 24 h post-mortem, and sampled for pH, lactate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and R-value (inosine to adenine ratio). Duckling Pectoralis pH significantly (P less than .05) decreased from 6.25 to 5.66 from .25 to 24 h post-mortem, respectively, as compared with that of the chicken, which decreased from 6.41 to 5.62 for the same times. Duckling lactate values, from .25 to 24 h, increased from 15.86 to 28.86 mumol/g, respectively, and chicken lactate values increased from 27.62 to 53.51 mumol/g. The ATP content of the duckling Pectoralis muscle decreased from 1.59 to .14 mumol/g and chicken Pectoralis decreased from 3.42 to .21 mumol/g from .25 to 24h, respectively. The R-values of duckling and chicken Pectoralis significantly increased from .25 to 24 h (.98 to 1.37 and .80 to 1.51, respectively). Duckling and chicken biochemical measurements were significantly different at all post-mortem sampling times, except for 24-h values of pH (5.66 versus 5.62, respectively) and 24-h contents of ATP (.14 versus .21 mumol/g, respectively). The different post-mortem biochemical measurements between duckling and chicken Pectoralis muscle is evidence that different rates of post-mortem metabolism and rigor development exist between these red and white avian breast muscles.
Men in midlife and the quality of father-adolescent communication.

Theory and research on male midlife development are reviewed. Data are presented that show a strong relationship between male midlife stress and the quality of father-adolescent communication.
Electron microscopy of non‐neuronal cellular changes accompanying neural degeneration in thalamic nuclei of the rabbit. II. Reactive elements within the neuropil

Surgical destruction of the cortical projections of thalamic neurons results in rapid and profound atrophy of these neurons accompanied by a variety of non-neuronal reactive changes. During the first post-operative week, non-neuronal elements, distinct from astrocytes and normal oligodendrocytes and tentatively designated as “M” cells, become evident in the degenerating thalamic nuclei. Some “M” cells are characterized by heterochromatin nuclei and numerous free ribosomes, and resemble the agranular leukocytes accumulating simultaneously within the perivascular space of small vessels coursing through these regions (Matthews and Kruger, '73). Examples of such cells were sometimes seen bridging the external basal lamina. Other “M” cells display many profiles of granular endoplasmic reticulum and fewer free ribosomes but cannot be precisely classified as to nature and possible source. From the second through fourteenth week, “M” cells increase in prominence and accumulate electronlucent lipid vacuoles and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) positive dense bodies, presumably lysosomes, until these enlarged lipid-laden cells constitute the predominant non-neuronal entities in the zone of degeneration, in addition to hypertrophied astrocytes. Thirty-four weeks post-operatively “M” cells have decreased in size and apparent numbers, and dense bodies display a lessened affinity for PTA in addition to morphologic patterns suggestive of terminal lysosomes. Normal light and dark oligodendrocytes are encountered within the zone of degeneration throughout the entire survival period. It is suggested that a significant proportion of “M” cells are of mesodermal (hematogenous; perivascular) origin although “M” cells display sufficient diversity of morphology to warrant consideration of additional sources for the reactive vacuolated forms. The experimental observations are discussed in relation to past and present concepts concerning the nature, origin and pathologic transformation of elements classified as microglia.
Latino civic participation: Evaluating indicators of immigrant engagement in a Midwestern city

This article builds on theories of political participation and civic engagement that evaluate Latino immigrant civic participation in a non-traditional immigrant destination city. The growth of the Latino population in the Midwest makes the question of Latino civic participation germane for emergent Latino communities across the region. This research examines civic participation for 560 Latino immigrants in St. Louis, Missouri. Using quantitative methods, we explored the major factors associated with civic engagement for Latino immigrants. We provide evidence that civic habitus, party identification, years in the United States and education played an important role in explaining civic engagement among Latino immigrants.
Synthetic, X-ray structural and polymerization studies on isopropyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl derivatives of titanium

Abstract The reaction of TiCl3(THF)3 with one equivalent of isopropyltetramethylcyclopentadienyllithium in THF followed by oxidation with HCl afforded [η5-(CH3)2CHC5(CH3)4]TiCl3 (1) in 66% yield. Treatment of 1 with C5H5Tl in refluxing benzene gave [η5-(CH3)2CHC5(CH3)4](η5-C5H5)TiCl2 (2) in 95% yield. Reaction of TiCl3(THF)3 with two equivalents of isopropyltetramethylcyclopentadienyllithium in THF followed by oxidation with HCl afforded [η5-(CH3)2CHC5(CH3)4]2TiCl2 (3) in 73% yield. 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a 17.032(2), b 8.275(2), c 19.078(4) A, and β 120.83(1)° (Z = 4). Least-squares refinement leads to a final R (based on F) of 0.038 for 2658 independent reflections. The structure consists of a bent sandwich structure with a CNT-Ti-CNT (CNT = ring centroid) angle of 137.4(1)° and an unusually acute Cl-Ti-Cl bond angle of 88.81(4)°. Ethylene polymerizations by [η5-(CH3)2CHC5(CH3)4](η5-C5-H5)TiCl2/MAO (MAO = methylalumoxane), [η5-(CH3)2CHC5(CH3)4]2TiCl2/MAO, and (η5-C5H5)2TiCl2/MAO are compared at 1.3 atm over the temperature range of 0–50°C.
Numerical Simulations of Three-Dimensional Fluid Flow and Coupled Heat Transfer in Bipolar Plates

Bipolar plate is one of the key components in PEM electrolysis cell stacks, and it performs a number of essential functions in stack operation, such as reactant supply to the cell active area, current collection, and mechanical support to the MEA. High efficient PEM electrolysis cell stacks will require optimized bipolar plates. Improvements in the design of bipolar plates can help achieve the set goals of cost and performance for the PEM electrolysis cell. In the present work, numerical simulations were performed for three-dimensional fluid flow and coupled heat transfer in bipolar plates. The Reynolds number of inlet flow is varied from 100 to 900 on the anode side while the Reynolds number is maintained as a constant of 100. The solid wall surfaces of the bipolar plates are assumed to be adiabatically insulated, except that the active areas of the channels are supplied with uniform heat flux. Results of velocity and temperature distributions for different Reynolds numbers will be presented and discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Correlates of syntactic development in kindergartners: deficiency vs. proficiency.

Abstract In a search for correlates of oral language deficiency, a sentence imitation task (SOLST) was used to select 20 syntactically deficient and 20 syntactically proficient kindergarten subjects. The groups were compared on a battery of tasks measuring oral language comprehension and production, verbal and nonverbal intelligence, visual-motor skill, manual dexterity, right-ear advantage, reading readiness, and later reading achievement. On 8 of the 11 variables, the delayed group performed significantly less well than the controls, although Pearson correlation coefficients of other measures with measures of syntax were generally low to moderate. Negative correlations of some variables with right-ear advantage raise the possibility of reverse dominance in some of the experimental subjects. In addition, there was confirmation for poor performance on the Stephens Oral Language Screening Test resulting in subsequent reading difficulties.
A factor preventing melanization of sephadex CM C-25 beads in Plasmodium-susceptible and refractory anopheles gambiae.

One major quantitative trait locus controls melanization of both malaria ookinetes and Sephadex CM beads in a refractory strain of the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Hemolymph transferred from a nonmelanizing, Plasmodium-susceptible strain (4arr) to a melanizing, Plasmodium-refractory strain (L35) caused a reduction in the melanization of CM beads. In addition, when beads were first incubated in vivo in susceptible mosquitoes and then recovered, washed, and transferred to refractory mosquitoes, a strong reduction in melanization was observed. No changes in melanization were observed when beads or hemolymph were transferred in the opposite direction or within a strain. Incubation of beads in vitro in refractory or susceptible hemolymph resulted in a reduction of melanization when these beads were subsequently transferred to refractory mosquitoes. This reduction was significantly stronger when susceptible hemolymph was used as the incubating medium. Protection from melanization was observed after 3-, 6-, and 24-h incubations of beads in susceptible mosquitoes with longer incubations resulting in greater protection. Treatment of protected beads with 1 M NaOH resulted in the loss of the protection but treatment with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1% SDS/DTT/boiling, or 1 M NaOAc (pH 8.9) did not. These results show that a melanization-preventing factor covalently binds to the surface of CM beads in susceptible mosquitoes and can subsequently prevent melanization in refractory mosquitoes.
Relationship of social network size to infant birth weight in Hispanic and non-Hispanic women.

The “Latina paradox” describes the phenomenon of women born in Mexico having their babies in the US deliver fewer low birth weight babies than White US born women. Social support and networks have been suggested as factors in this paradox. Network size was included in Utah’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Survey (PRAMS) for 4 years. Through an analysis of linked Birth Certificate and PRAMS data, the relationship between birth weight and social networks of four groups of women were examined. Perhaps due to Utah’s unique population characteristics and service-oriented culture, the “Latina paradox” was not demonstrated. However, the study did demonstrate that specific social network size options were positively associated with birth weight, and husbands in either culture (White or Hispanic) appear to be the main source of social support. In addition, this study reinforced the importance of carefully planned and executed surveys that are culturally appropriate.
Generation of targets for alloreactive CTL using purified H-2Kk in liposomes and polyethylene glycol

The ability of a purified major histocompatibility antigen to serve as the target cell antigen for alloreactive CTL (H-2d anti-H-2k) was examined. Tumor cells syngeneic with responding CTL were used as targets following modification with purified alloantigen (H-2Kk). A short incubation of tumor cells with H-2Kk liposomes followed by the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) yielded modified tumor cells that were recognized and lysed by CTL. The macrophage-like cell line P388D1 was readily recognized following liposome and PEG modification; apparently because these cells can withstand PEG mediated insertion of H-2Kk and lipid into their membrane. The generation of targets by PEG mediated modification was most efficient using liposomes prepared with an H-2Kk:lipid ratio of about 1:500. H-2Kk containing liposomes prepared with negatively charged phospholipids readily attached to P388D1 cells, however these cells were not targets for CTL unless PEG was added. The specificity of CTL recognition and lysis of liposome modified cells was shown by the reactivity of CTL primed against alloantigens other than H-2Kk and by antibody (anti-H-2Kk) blocking of recognition and lysis. These results demonstrate that purified H-2Kk can serve as the alloantigen for CTL lysis and suggest that the H-2 must be oriented in the target cell lipid bilayer to serve as the alloantigen for CTL mediated target cell lysis.
Three new toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids from the low larkspur Delphinium nuttallianum.

Three new N-(methylsuccinimido)anthranoyllycoctonine norditerpenoids, given the names bearline (1), 14-acetylbearline (2), and 16-deacetylgeyerline (3), were isolated from the extract of the low larkspur Delphinium nuttallianum. The structures of the individual alkaloids were determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. These alkaloids are structurally related to the neurotoxic alkaloid methyllycaconitine (4) and may be important in establishing the toxicity of low larkspurs to cattle. A mouse bioassay was used to measure the LD50 values for two of the new alkaloids (1 and 2), as sufficient quantities of 3 were not available for toxicity testing. A structurally related alkaloid, geyerline (7), was isolated from D. geyeri in sufficient quantities for toxicity testing. The toxicities of 1, 2, and 7 were found to be comparable to that of 4, with calculated LD50 values in mice of 5.7, 3.3, and 6.2 mg/kg, respectively.
Model-based control of a thermal regenerator. Part 2: control and estimation

Abstract This paper describes the model-based control and estimation techniques implemented on the hot blast stoves for the number 7 blast furnace at the Ispat Inland Steel facility in East Chicago, IN. The process model is a detailed heat transfer model of this thermal regenerator system used as part of a predictive control scheme to determine the minimum amount of fuel necessary to achieve the energy requirements. Batch nonlinear least squares estimation is used to update the predicted temperature profile and heat transfer coefficients. These estimated parameters are then used by the model-based controller to determine the minimum fuel required for the subsequent regenerative cycle.
A hidden Markov model for multimodal biometrics score fusion

There are strong evidences of that multimodal biometric score fusion can significantly improve human identification performance. Score level fusion usually involves score normalization, score fusion, and fusion decision. There are several types of score fusion methods, direct combination of fusion scores, classifier-based fusion, and density-based fusion. The real applications require achieving greater reliability in determining or verifying person's identity. The goal of this research is to improve the accuracy and robustness of human identification by using multimodal biometrics score fusion. The accuracy means high verification rate if tested on a closed dataset, or a high genuine accept rate under low false accept rate if tested on an open dataset. While the robustness means the fusion performance is stable with variant biometric scores. We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM) for multiple score fusion, where the biometric scores include multimodal scores and multi-matcher scores. The state probability density functions in a HHM model are estimated by Gaussian mixture model. The proposed HMM model for multiple score fusion is accurate for identification, flexible and reliable with biometrics. The proposed HMM method are tested on three NIST-BSSR1 multimodal databases and on three face-score databases. The results show the HMM method is an excellent and reliable score fusion method.
Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A protein acts as a processivity factor.

We have previously shown that endonucleases present in a protein complex, which has specificity for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, locate sites of damage in DNA by a processive mechanism of action in normal human lymphoblastoid cells. In contrast, the endonucleases present in this complex from xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA) cells locate damage sites by a distributive or significantly less processive mechanism. Since the XPA protein has been shown to be responsible for the DNA repair defect in XPA cells, this protein was examined for involvement in the mechanism of target site location of these endonucleases. A recombinant XPA protein, produced by expression of the normal XPA cDNA in E. coli, was isolated and purified. The results show that the recombinant XPA protein was able to correct the defect in ability of the XPA endonucleases to act by a processive mechanism of action on UVC irradiated DNA. These studies indicate that the XPA protein, in addition to a role in damage recognition or damage verification, may function as a processivity factor.
Studies on aldose reductase inhibitors from fungi. I. Citrinin and related benzopyran derivatives.

AbstractThe fungal metabolites, citrinin (4,6-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethyl-6-oxo-3H-2-benzopyran-7-carboxylic acid) and DHMI (3,4-dihydro-6-methoxy-3,7-dimethyl-lH-2-benzopyran-8-ol), as well as certain synthetic derivatives, have been evaluated for aldose reductase inhibitory activity using a rat lens enzyme preparation. Citrinin and its reduction product, dihydrocitrinin, were found to have significant activity (IC50 < 10 μM), whereas the other compounds were 3-10 times less potent. Kinetic studies showed that citrinin was not an irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme, as might be expected of a quinone methide. Spectroscopic (NMR) evidence is presented for the existence of citrinin predominantly in the form of its hemi-acetal in aqueous solutions, suggesting that it is this benzo[c]pyran derivative which interacts with the enzyme, rather than the quinone methide form.