cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimates of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) utilization by monarch larvae (Danaus plexippus) and the significance of larval movement

The population of monarch butterflies east of the Rocky Mountains has noticeably declined over the past two decades. The decline is due, in part, to loss of breeding and forage habitat in the Southern and Midwestern USA. To support a resilient overwintering population of six hectares of occupied forest canopy, approximately 1.6–1.8 billion additional ramets of milkweed are needed in the summer breeding range. Milkweed establishment that facilitates natural behavior of monarchs is necessary for effective conservation restoration. This study explored the effect of milkweed ramet density on larval search behavior, milkweed utilization, and survival without predation, parasitism, or competition. Under our experimental greenhouse conditions, monarch larvae abandoned their natal ramet, and subsequent ramets, prior to the pre-pupal wandering stage and before all available leaf biomass on a ramet was consumed. This is consistent with previous field observations. Larvae consumed biomass from three or four milkweed ramets that totaled the approximate biomass of single 10–35 cm ramet. Movement behavior suggests that isolated ramets may not support development through pupation, even though an isolated ramet could provide enough biomass. Our results suggest milkweed patches containing at least two to four ramets of closely-spaced common milkweed would provide sufficient biomass for development and increase the likelihood that larvae moving in random directions would encounter non-natal ramets to support development. Larval movement behavior and biomass requirements are critical aspects of monarch larval biology that should be considered in habitat restoration and maintenance plans, monitoring survey designs and protocols, and population modeling.
Heterogeneous Diffusion of Polystyrene Nanoparticles Through an Alginate Matrix: The role of cross-linking and particle size

Most bacteria in natural and engineered environments grow and exist in biofilms. Recent investigations have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) interact with environmental biofilms, but these interactions are still not well characterized. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are polymers secreted by bacteria to establish the functional and structural integrity of biofilms, and EPS porosity is a major contributor to NP access to and diffusion in biofilms. We used a synergistic combination of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and image correlation spectroscopy to monitor and map diffusion of fluorescent NPs in alginate yielding a detailed picture of the heterogeneous structure and connectivity of pores within a model EPS polymer. Using different sizes (20, 100, and 200 nm) of carboxylated polystyrene NPs, we examined how NP diffusive behaviors change as a result of calcium-induced cross-linking of the alginate matrix. This study reveals that cross-linking decreases NP diffusion coefficients and pore accessibility in an NP size-dependent manner and that NP movement through alginate matrices is anisotropic and heterogeneous. These results on heterogeneous and size-dependent movement within biofilms have important implications for future studies and simulations of NP-biofilm interactions.
Conjugated Polymers Enable a Liquid Retinal Prosthesis

Retinal prostheses with high spatial resolution and sensitivity are desired to restore vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases. A recent publication by Benfenati et al. demonstrates the use of semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (NPs) as a liquid retinal prosthesis with significant potential to restore high-acuity vision.
Molecular population genetics of Sex-lethal (Sxl) in the D. melanogaster species group - a locus that genetically interacts with Wolbachia pipientis in Drosophila melanogaster

Sex-lethal (Sxl) is the sex determination switch in Drosophila, and also plays a critical role in germ-line stem cell (GSC) daughter differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster. Three female-sterile alleles at Sxl in Drosophila melanogaster were previously shown to genetically interact to varying degrees with the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Given this genetic interaction and W. pipientis ability to manipulate reproduction in Drosophila, we carried out a careful study of both the population genetics (within four Drosophila species) and molecular evolutionary analysis (across 20 Drosophila species) of Sxl. Consistent with earlier studies, we find that selective constraint has played a prominent role in Sxls molecular evolution within Drosophila, but we also observe patterns that suggest both episodic bursts of protein evolution and recent positive selection at Sxl. The episodic nature of Sxls protein evolution is discussed in light of its genetic interaction with W. pipientis.
Eltrombopag in children with severe aplastic anemia

Background Immunosuppressive therapy with horse antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine currently remains the standard therapy for children with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling. The thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag has been recently approved for SAA patients 2 years and older. However, there are limited data on its safety and efficacy in pediatric cohorts. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients ≤18 years old consecutively diagnosed with SAA between 2000 and 2018. Patients received either standard immunosuppressive therapy (IST-Std) or IST with eltrombopag (IST-Epag). The primary outcome was the objective response (OR), including partial and complete response (CR), at 6 and 12 months after starting therapy. Results We identified 16 patients receiving IST-Std and nine IST-Epag treatment (seven of nine as upfront therapy and two of seven after previously failed IST). The OR at 6 and 12 months in IST-Std arm was 71% and 100%, with CR in 29% and 58%, respectively. Seven patients receiving upfront IST-Epag had OR at 6 and 12 months, with two of seven (29%) achieving CR at 6 and 12 months. Two patients who previously failed standard IST did not respond to eltrombopag. No significant differences were observed in both cohorts with regard to infections. One IST-Epag-treated patient developed transient grade 3 transaminitis. Finally, no changes in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clone size and cytogenetic abnormalities were seen in either cohort. Conclusion The addition of eltrombopag to standard IST was well tolerated and resulted in satisfactory hematological response at 6 and 12 months in this single-institution experience. A larger cohort with longer follow-up is required to assess response durability.
Distinguishing persistent post-traumatic headache from migraine: Classification based on clinical symptoms and brain structural MRI data:

BackgroundPersistent post-traumatic headache most commonly has symptoms that overlap those of migraine. In some cases, it can be clinically difficult to differentiate persistent post-traumatic head...
Critical Review of a research article 'A Qualitative Study of Career Exploration among Young Adult Men with Psychosis and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder' studied by Alison Luciano, M.P.H., Ph.D. and Elizabeth A. Carpenter-Song, Ph.D.

This is a Critical Review of a research article “A Qualitative Study of Career Exploration among Young Adult Men with Psychosis and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder” studied by Alison Luciano, M.P.H., Ph.D. and Elizabeth A. Carpenter-Song, Ph.D. The article was published online on 15 September 2014 in “Journal of Dual Diagnosis: research and practice in substance abuse comorbidity Volume 10, 2014 – Issue 4”. The purpose of the article was to explore significance of career exploration and career development with regard to coordinated treatment for youthful grown-ups with early psychosis and substance use issues as far as co-happening issue (Luciano and Carpenter-Song, 2014). The article followed and observed standardized formatting in terms of typeface (font and font size), line spacing, margins, line length, alignment, paragraphing, and page numbers. The study objectively explored that career planning along with early treatment of young adults having dual disorder (psychosis and drug abuse) indicated improving functional and clinical results. The study is original and primary work as it was published in the “Journal of Dual Diagnosis” (indexed in ProQuest and PsycINFO) an internationally publication on quarterly basis and uses ScholarOneManuscripts in order to peer review of manuscript prior to publish the article in the Journal (Tylor & Francis Online, n.d.). The article contributed towards body of scientific knowledge. Next is given review of different sections.
Gold nanoparticles in triple-negative breast cancer therapeutics.

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer with enhanced metastasis and poor survival. Though chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and gene delivery are used to treat TNBC, various side effects limit these therapeutics against TNBC. In this review article, we have focused on the mechanism of action of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance the efficacy of therapeutics with targeted delivery on TNBC cells. Methods Research data were accumulated from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using searching criteria "gold nanoparticles and triple-negative breast cancer" and "gold nanoparticles and cancer". Though we reviewed many old papers, most cited papers were from the last ten years. Results Various studies indicate that AuNPs can enhance bioavailability, site-specific drug delivery, and efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, PTT, and PDT as well as modulate gene expression. The role of AuNPs in the modulation of TNBC therapeutics through the inhibition of cell proliferation, progression, and metastasis has been proved in vitro and in vivo studies. As these mechanistic actions of AuNPs are most desirable to develop drugs with enhanced therapeutic efficacy against TNBC, it might be a promising approach to apply AuNPs for TNBC therapeutics. Conclusion This article reviewed the mechanism of action of AuNPs and their application in the enhancement of therapeutics against TNBC. Much more attention is required for studying the role of AuNPs in developing them either as a single or synergistic anti-cancer agent against TNBC.
Preclinical and clinical validation of a novel injected molded swab for molecular assay detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, many actions have been undertaken to help ensure that patients and health care providers had timely and continued access to high-quality medical devices to respond effectively. The development and validation of new testing supplies and equipment, including collection swab, help expand the availability and capability for various diagnostic, therapeutic, and protective medical devices in high demand during the COVID-19 emergency. Here, we report the validation of a new injection-molded anterior nasal swab, ClearTip™, that was experimentally validated in a laboratory setting as well as in independent clinical studies in comparison to gold standard flocked swabs. We have also developed an in vitro anterior nasal tissue model, that offers an efficient and clinically relevant validation tool to replicate with high fidelity the clinical swabbing workflow, while being accessible, safe, reproducible, time and cost effective. ClearTi™ displayed a greater efficiency of release of inactivated virus in the benchtop model, confirmed by greater ability to report positive samples in a clinical study in comparison to flocked swabs. We also quantified in multi-center pre-clinical and clinical studies the detection of biological materials, as proxy for viral material, that showed a statistically significant difference in one study and a slight reduction in performance in comparison to flocked swabs. Taken together these results underscore the compelling benefits of non-absorbent injected molded anterior nasal swab for COVID-19 detection, comparable to standard flocked swabs. Injection-molded swabs, as ClearTip™, could have the potential to support future swab shortage, due to its manufacturing advantages, while offering benefits in comparison to highly absorbent swabs in terms comfort, limited volume collection, and potential multiple usage.
An Empirical Examination of Sample Selection Methods in the Context of Life Insurer Financial Distress

This study empirically examines properties of matched-pair versus non- matched-pair sampling methods in the context of financial distress for the U.S. life insurance industry. While the majority of prior insurer insolvency studies employed matched-pair sampling techniques to identify important variables and to classify and predict firms likely to become financially distressed, we provide empirical evidence that three solvency-related items are sample dependent: variables identified as impor- tant measures of insolvency, coefficients, and classification rates. Thus, empirical studies employing relatively small matched-pair samples are likely to yield sample- specific results that are not fully generalizable to the relevant population of firms. Results apply directly to financial distress models and also extend to other research employing choice-based sampling methods that involve binary state models with skewed distribution of the two states of interest. (Keywords: financial distress; choice- based sample; classification; bias)
Novel dual-channel-spacing WDM multi/demultiplexers based on phased-array waveguide grating

Summary form only given. Phase-arrayed waveguide grating (PAWG) multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DMUX) is a key component for optical wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) network. Conventional PAWG based devices are designed to yield one set of either constant channel-spacing or unequal channel spacing outputs. We report here a novel dual-channel-spacing PAWG MUX/DMUX using an asymmetric design for input and output channels. In particular, this device can operate under two channel-spacing-standards used in current WDM systems.
Rapid Deacylation by Isoleucyl Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase of Isoleucine-specific Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Aminoacylated with Valine

Abstract The mischarged species Val-tRNAile and Phe-tRNAile (both Escherichia coli B) were enzymatically synthesized in a heterologous aminoacylation system under special reaction conditions. When mixed with isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase in the absence of AMP or PPi, Val-tRNAile is very rapidly deacylated at pH 7, 5 mm Mg2+, 15°. On the other hand, isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase does not deacylate Phe-tRNAile. Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase can form valyl adenylate (Val-AMP) from valine and ATP, but the isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase-bound Val-AMP is rapidly hydrolyzed when confronted with tRNAile (Baldwin, A. N., and Berg, P. (1966) J. Biol. Chem. 241, 839). Since Val-tRNAile is rapidly and specifically deacylated by isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, it is reasonable to speculate that Val-tRNAile is a transient intermediate in the tRNAile-induced hydrolysis of Val-AMP. This possibility was tested further by kinetic studies of the Val-tRNAile deacylation and the tRNAile-induced hydrolysis of Val-AMP.
Floating-Point verification using theorem proving

This chapter describes our work on formal verification of floating-point algorithms using the HOL Light theorem prover.
Different AMPA receptor subtypes mediate the distinct kinetic components of a biphasic EPSC in hippocampal interneurons.

CA1 hippocampal interneurons at the border between stratum radiatum and stratum lacunosum-moleculare have AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that consist of two distinct phases: a typical fast component (FC), and a highly unusual slow component (SC) that persists for hundreds of milliseconds. To determine whether these kinetically distinct components of the EPSC are mediated by distinct AMPAR subpopulations, we examined the relative contributions of GluA2-containing and –lacking AMPARs to the SC. GluA2-containing AMPARs mediated the majority of the FC whereas GluA2-lacking AMPARs preferentially generated the SC. When glutamate uptake through the glial glutamate transporter EAAT1 was inhibited, spill over-mediated AMPAR activation recruited an even slower third kinetic component that persisted for several seconds; however, this spillover-mediated current was mediated predominantly by GluA2-containing AMPARs and therefore was clearly distinct from the SC when uptake is intact. Thus, different AMPAR subpopulations that vary in GluA2 content mediate the distinct components of the AMPAR EPSC. The SC is developmentally downregulated in mice, declining after the second postnatal week. This downregulation affects both GluA2-containing and GluA2-lacking AMPARs mediating the SC, and is not accompanied by developmental changes in the GluA2 content of AMPARs underlying the FC. Thus, the downregulation of the SC appears to be independent of synaptic GluA2 expression, suggesting the involvement of another AMPAR subunit or an auxiliary protein. Our results therefore identify GluA2-dependent and GluA2-independent determinants of the SC: GluA2-lacking AMPARs preferentially contribute to the SC, while the developmental downregulation of the SC is independent of GluA2 content.
Three-dimensional low-loss waveguide shuffler and splitter / combiner using novel mirror structure

We present 3D low-loss optical waveguide shuffler and splitter/combiner which will become important for high-channel count optical interconnect. We used a couple of TIR mirrors at a shuffling point and could avoid crosstalk and crossing-loss.
Prescribed burning and hexazinone herbicide as release treatments in a sapling hardwood-loblolly pine stand

To compare release treatments, a randomized complete block study was established in a 7-year-old hardwood-loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand in central Louisiana established using chopping and burning. There were 5 blocks of 3 treatments each: (1) check, (2) hexazinone applied once, and (3) prescribed backfiring applied twice. The first burn in December 1985 (7 years after site preparation) had a fire intensity of 90 kJ/s/m. The hexazinone herbicide was applied in April 1986 (the 8th year after site preparation) with a metered spotgun applicator at a rate of 3.0 kg active ingredient/ha. The second burn in March 1989 (the 11th year after site preparation) had a fire intensity of 106 kJ/s/m. The two prescribed burns increased the number of stems less than 1.5 m tall from 1,380 to 2,960/ha red maple (Acer rubrum L.), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica var. bifora), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.). Burning reduced the number of loblolly pines less than 2.0 m tall, which resulted in a significant increase in average loblolly pine height and diameter. Loblolly pine comprised 62 and 59% of the basal area on the check and burn treatments, respectively, 11 years after site preparation. Hexazinone reduced the number of blackgum, sweetgum, and oak (Quercus spp.) from 6,100 to 4,560 stems/ha and resulted in significantly less hardwood tree basal area than found on the check or burn treatments. Therefore, the herbicide treatment resulted in principally a loblolly pine stand (over 80% of the total tree basal area was pine) four years after hexazinone application.
Homogenization of a nonlinear transport equation

In this paper, we investigate the homogenization of a nonlinear kinetic equation modeling electron transport in semiconductors. We compute effective scattering coefficients for medium with periodic inhomogeneities.
Newly appreciated roles for electrons in ion-atom collisions

Since the previous Debrecen workshop on High-Energy Ion-Atom Collisions there have been numerous experiments and substantial theoretical developments in the fields of fast ion-atom and ion-solid collisions concerned with explicating the previously largely underappreciated role of electrons as ionizing and exciting agents in such collisions. Examples to be discussed include the double electron ionization problem in He; transfer ionization by protons in He; double excitation in He; backward scattering of electrons in He; the role of electron-electron interaction in determining beta parameters for ELC; projectile K ionization by target electrons; electron spin exchange in transfer excitation; electron impact ionization in crystal channels; resonant coherent excitation in crystal channels; excitation and dielectronic recombination in crystal channels; resonant transfer and excitation; the similarity of recoil ion spectra observed in coincidence with electron capture vs. electron loss; and new research on ion-atom collisions at relativistic energies.
Polyacrylamide-gel disc-electrophoresis as a screening procedure for serum lipoprotein abnormalities.

A polyacrylamide-gel disc-electrophoresis system is described that is suitable for screening sera with a wide range of lipid concentrations, and the results agree with analytical ultracentrifugation data. The lipoprotein pattern so obtained was compared with that obtained by other recognized electrophoretic procedures. Lipoprotein determinations were done by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, for 125 patients, to determine its merit as a clinical screening method for lipoprotein abnormalities as compared to the paper-electrophoretic method. The lipid dye and riboflavin concentration of the gels used give a background that makes it easy to detect chylomicra in the sample gel and allows for densitometric semiquantitation of the lipoprotein fractions. The method is reliable, precise, and accurate.
Addiction, Assessment, and Treatment with Adolescents, Adults, and Families

Abstract This study examined the prevalence and patterns of illicit drug use among a state population of 723 incarcerated juvenile offenders. In addition to alcohol and marijuana, results indicated high rates of illicit substance use involving a wide range of substances including amphetamines, opiate drugs, prescription drugs, and solvents. Further, significant gender and ethnic differences were observed with regard to alcohol and drug related problems, suicidal ideation, and age of substance use initiation.
Identification of multiple Gi subtypes and a novel G protein in bovine kidney cortex.

L'expression des proteines G est caracterisee dans le cortex renal bovin. L'etude montre que les trois sous-types des proteines G i sont presents, ainsi que la nouvelle proteine G, G x(z)
Effective elastic modulus of heterogeneous peristatic bar of random structure

Abstract The basic feature of the peridynamic model considered is a continuum description of a material behavior as the integrated nonlocal force interactions between infinitesimal particles. In contrast to these classical theories, the peridynamic equation of motion introduced by Silling (2000) is free of any spatial derivatives of displacement. A heterogeneous bar of statistically homogeneous random structure of constituents with the peristatic mechanical properties is analyzed by the standard averaging tool of micromechanics. The applicability of local elasticity theory is demonstrated for description of effective elastic behavior of this bar. The approach proposed is based on numerical solution (for both the displacements and peristatic stresses) for one heterogeneity inside infinite homogeneous bar loaded by a pair of self-equilibrated concentrated remote forces. This solution is substituted into the general scheme of micromechanics of locally elastic media adapted for the considered case of 1D peristatic structures. A convergence of effective modulus estimations is demonstrated for both the peristatic composite bar and locally elastic bar.
Ultrasonic velocity and anisotropy of hydrocarbon source rocks

An experimental study of the physical properties of black, kerogen-rich shales, also including maturation analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and physical modeling, revealed fairly peculiar petrophysical parameters. Specifically, these rocks have very low porosity and density, but most importantly, both P and S ultrasonic velocities normal to bedding are extremely low, whereas they are much higher parallel to bedding, giving rise to a strong anisotropy even at high confining pressures. We found that these parameters primarily reflect kerogen content, microstructure, and maturation level of these rocks. We found also that microcracks inferred from ultrasonic velocity measurements occur only in mature shales. These microcracks are parallel to the bedding plane and further enhance strong intrinsic anisotropy, notably at low effective pressure. Our results show, that on a small scale, kerogen-rich shales are transversely isotropic rocks and can be effectively modeled using the thin-layer composite concept modified to account for the specific distribution of organic matter in the rock fabric.
Immunoglobulin dysregulation in murine graft-vs-host disease: A hyper-IgE syndrome

Immunoglobulin production, particularly IgE, is known to be dysregulated in graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). We examined serum levels of the highly T-dependent Ig isotypes, IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a, in two different mouse models of GVHD. GVHD across minor histocompatibility barriers is produced by injection of B10.D2 spleen cells into 600 rad irradiated BALB/c hosts. Both strains are H2d and mls b, but differ at the minor histocompatibility antigens. As GVHD progresses there is a rapid rise in serum IgE (300-fold) and IgG1 (2.5-fold) with a peak at Day 14. Concomitantly, IgG2a falls. Serum immunoglobulin levels return to normal by 11 weeks. The rise in IgE is abolished by increased (900 rad) recipient irradiation, suggesting that host-derived factors are important. GVHD across major histocompatibility barriers is produced by injection of DBA/2 spleen cells into unirradiated or 600 rad irradiated (B6 x DBA/2)F1 hosts. Only in the irradiated recipients is there severe Ig dysregulation. In this situation there is a 100-fold rise in IgE, and 5- to 10-fold rises in IgG1 and IgG2a. While the results in GVHD across minor barriers suggest stimulation of T helper cells secreting IL-4, the increase in IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in GVHD across major barriers suggests activation of IL-4 and IFN-gamma-secreting T cells. These results indicate that different mechanisms may be operating in these two models of GVH. Murine GVHD can serve as a model for studying dysgammaglobulinemias in general and for hyper-IgE formation in particular.
Measurement of Radiation from Selected TD-2 Microwave Relay Stations

The optimum frequency band for satellite communication systems is generally agreed to be between 1 and 10 Gc. Frequencies in this band are, however, already allocated and or assigned. One solution to this spectrum occupancy problem is frequency sharing, and one of the systems in this band with which a satellite system might have to coexist is the TD-2 microwave radio relay sstem (3.7-4.2 Gc). This paper presents the measured radiation characteristics of several representative TD-2 transmitting terminals. Both ground and airborne measurements are discussed. It is concluded that, subject to some precautions, back-and side-lobe patterns measured in the horizontal plane on an antenna range with ground effects minimized can be used to predict radiation in the vertical plane from these same antennas placed over actual ground. Such a technique, of course,, presupposes that the antenna of interest has been properly designed to somwhat suppress side and back lobes.
Extractive acylation and mass spectrometric assay of 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract The chemical analysis of 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine in tissues, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid is complicated by the low levels in which they occur and the amphoteric nature of the functional groups, which hampers their isolation from aqueous media. In the present report, we describe a practical and simple method for the routine isolation and derivatization of 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine in high yield from aqueous samples like cerebrospinal fluid. The metabolites are simultaneously derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and extracted into an organic solvent. After further treatment with pentafluoropropionic anhydride under anhydrous conditions, the samples are ready for GC MS analysis. The method is able to exploit the theoretical maximal sensitivity available in the electron capture negative-ion chemical ionization mode without any apparent losses during extraction and derivatization, giving limits of detection in the low picogram range. Mean levels of free 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine, and metanephrine in human cerebrospinal fluid were 3.77, 5.20, and 0.40 pmol/ml. Assay of pools of squirrel monkey, human, and canine cerebrospinal fluid with and without previous enzymatic hydrolysis demonstrated that the three metabolites occur predominantly in a conjugated form.
Effects of heat and feed restriction during growth on thyroxine secretion rate of male rats.

The effects of high environmental temperature (34 C) and feed restriction during growth on thyroid activity were investigated in male rats. The indices of thyroid function used were: thyroxine-131I disappearance rate (K) and thyroxine secretion (degradation) rate (TD). Other supporting indices of thyroid activity, plasma protein-bound iodine (PBI), thyroxine distribution space (TDS) and plasma thyroxine level (PT), were used primarily as a basis for TD estimations. Environmental heat (34 C) caused a depression in K throughout the experimental period for the ad lib. and restricted-fed animals. The TD was decreased by heat only at the ages of 60 and 110 days and returned to normal 28 C values by 220 days of age. Restriction of feed intake at 28 and 34 C caused a significant decrease in K and TD. A comparison of rats consuming the same amount of feed at 28 and 34 C revealed similar thyroid activity (K and TD). These data further suggest that feed restriction is a determinant factor in thyroid activity. Rats ...
CONTROL OF AIR EMISSIONS FROM SWINE FINISHING BUILDINGS FLUSHED WITH RECYCLED LAGOON EFFLUENT

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of 1) soybean oil sprinkling (SOS), 2) misting of essential oils (MEO), and 3) misting of essential oils and water (MEOW) on ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), non-methane hydrocarbons (NHC), total suspended particulate (TSP), particulate matter less than ten microns diameter (PM10), and odor. Baseline emissions of each variable are also presented. Measurements recorded at 1-min intervals were taken from 8/27/02 to 7/21/03 at two fan-ventilated swine finishing barns that were flushed daily with lagoon effluent. TSP and PM10 were monitored with real-time PM monitors. Gas concentrations were measured with one set of analyzers by time-sharing between both barns and ambient air. The tests consisted of four trials over three pig groups or cycles: SOS in the first and second cycles, MEO in the second cycle, and MEOW in the third cycle. The treated barn with SOS resulted in 40% less NH3, 60-63% less TSP, 68-70% less PM10, and in one trial, 30% less odor than the control barn. MEO and MEOW slightly improved hedonic tone of barn air. The mean concentration and emissions were: 1) 18 ppm (n=132) and 55 g/d-AU (n=125, AU=animal unit=500 kg) for NH3, 2) 98 ppb (n=153) and 0.72 g/d-AU (n=129) for H2S, 3) 259 ppb (n=98) and 3.3 g/d-AU (n=92) for NHC, 4) 1424 µg/m3 (n=73) and 6.07 g/d-AU (n=70) for TSP, 5) 334µg/m3 (n=83) and 1.6 g/d-AU (n=75) for PM10. The mean odor concentration and emission were 519 OU/m3 (508 OUE/m3) and 23.5 OU/s-AU (n=21). Odor, H2S and NH3 increased when flushing pits with effluent.
Novel HPMA Copolymer-Bound Constructs for Combined Tumor and Mitochondrial Targeting

A wide variety of therapeutic agents may benefit by specifically directing them to the mitochondria in tumor cells. The current work aimed to design delivery systems that would enable a combination of tumor and mitochondrial targeting for such therapeutic entities. To this end, novel HPMA copolymer-based delivery systems that employ triphenylphosphonium (TPP) ions as mitochondriotropic agents were developed. Constructs were initially synthesized with fluorescent labels substituting for drug and were used for validation experiments. Microinjection and incubation experiments performed using these fluorescently labeled constructs confirmed the mitochondrial targeting ability. Subsequently, HPMA copolymer−drug conjugates were synthesized using a photosensitizer mesochlorin e6 (Mce6). Mitochondrial targeting of HPMA copolymer-bound Mce6 enhanced cytotoxicity as compared to nontargeted HPMA copolymer−Mce6 conjugates. Minor modifications may be required to adapt the current design and allow for tumor site-specif...
Cannabinoids inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication and activate ERK in a rat liver epithelial cell line

Many tumor promoters suppress the immune system; however, the direct effect of immunosuppressants on the tumorigenic pathways of nonimmune cells in solid tissue has not been well documented. Cannabinoids were chosen to explore this question further. Cannabinoids are immune modulators that affect specific intracellular signaling pathways in leukocytes. Since these compounds are nongenotoxic, any tumorigenic effect that might be associated with these compounds would need to occur through an epigenetic mechanism. Therefore, we determined the effect of Δ9-THC and CBN, 2 plant-derived cannabinoids, on 2 key epigenetic markers of tumor promotion: inhibition of GJIC, which is essential in removing a cell from growth suppression, and activation of the ERK–MAPK pathway, which is crucial in activating the appropriate genes for mitogenesis. Both Δ9-THC and CBN reversibly inhibited GJIC at noncytotoxic doses (15 μM) in a normal diploid WB rat liver epithelial oval cell line within 20 min and activated ERK1 and ERK2 within 5 min. Inhibition of MEK with PD98059 prevented the inhibition of GJIC by either cannabinoid, suggesting that inhibition of GJIC was MEK-dependent. Based on RT-PCR analysis and employment of an antagonist of CB1 and CB2, the effects on GJIC and MAPK were independent of both cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids affected crucial epigenetic pathways associated with cell proliferation in a rodent liver epithelial cell model system. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neutropenia and Neutropenic Complications in ABVD Chemotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma

A combination of Adriamycin (a.k.a. Doxorubicin), Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine (ABVD) is the most commonly used chemotherapy regime for Hodgkin lymphoma. This highly effective treatment is associated with a significant risk of neutropenia. Various strategies are adopted to counter this commonly encountered problem, including dose modification, use of colony stimulating factors, and prophylactic or therapeutic use of antibiotics. Data to support these approaches is somewhat controversial, and in keeping with the paucity of definitive evidence, there is a wide disparity in the management of neutropenia in patients receiving ABVD chemotherapy. This paper summarizes the evidence for managing ABVD-related neutropenia during the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.
The inheritance of cognitive interest styles among twins

Abstract Through twin studies, research in behavioral genetics has demonstrated significant genetic components in many personality traits. Less research has been done on inheritance of vocational interest preferences, partially because of the lack of a wholistic conceptual model for understanding the relationships among diverse occupational interests. With the development of scales for the Strong Vocational Interest Blank (SVIB) to measure the six cognitive interest styles propounded by Holland, a parsimonious and comprehensive mapping of the occupational world was available and lent itself to the study of measuring inheritance of vocational preferences among twins. Median intraclass correlations for 409 pairs of monozygotic males, tested with the SVIB, was r = .50; for 570 pairs of monozygotic females, r = .55; for 237 pairs of dizygotic males, r = .27; and for 370 pairs of dizygotic females, r = .27.
Hormonal Control of Glucose Transporter Expression in Rat (RFH) and Human Fetal Hepatocytes (HFH) • 1542

During the fetal period, hepatocytes are exposed to relatively low constant levels of glucose. The fetal to neonatal transition is characterized by remarkable changes in hepatic energy metabolism because of adaptation to intermittent oral feedings. Glucose transport, although not rate-limiting, is critical to the continuing supply of glucose to hepatocytes for storage and energy needs. Freshly isolated and cultured HFH and RFH express large amounts of both the low Km GLUT1 and the high Km GLUT2. Because cultured HFH, in contrast to RFH, do not downregulate GLUT1 and upregulate GLUT2 mRNA abundance in response to glucose, the reason for the change in GLUT abundance after birth in HFH is unclear. To define the mechanism by which hepatocytes change to the adult pattern of GLUT expression (largely GLUT2), we examined hormonal and substrate control of these transporters. RFH were isolated at 20 d gestation (n=4) and HFH were isolated at 13-20 wk (n=8), cultured for 24 h in 1 mM glucose DMEM with 10% FCS and then incubated for 4 h in stripped serum medium and 1 or 8.3 mM glucose with insulin (1μM), glucagon (1μM), or TGFβ (10 ng/mL). GLUT1 and GLUT2 mRNA was quantitated by densitometry and expressed relative to controls following Northern blot analysis of total RNA. In RFH and HFH, both insulin and glucagon increased GLUT1 mRNA abundance by 30-50% (p < 0.05), whereas TGFβ had no effect. In contrast, insulin enhanced GLUT2 mRNA abundance in RFH only in 8.3 mM glucose (p < 0.05) and in HFH in both 1 and 8.3 mM glucose (p < 0.05). Glucagon had no effect on GLUT2 mRNA abundance. TGFβ suppressed GLUT2 mRNA in RFH by 50% (p < 0.05), but not in HFH. We conclude that exogenous glucose and the capacity of the hepatocyte for endogenous glucose production (HFH are capable of gluconeogenesis) alter GLUT2 response to insulin. Glucose availability, as for other carbohydrate-regulated genes, is permissive for the action of insulin. The differential response to TGFβ remains to be explored. Table
A Computational Approach to Understand Arabidopsis thaliana and Soybean Resistance to Fusarium solani (Fsg)

In this study, we reported the analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana microarray gene expression profile of root tissues after the plant was challenged with fungal pathogen Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines (Fsg). Our microarray analysis showed that the infection caused 130 transcript abundances (TAs) to increase by more than 2 fold and 32 out of 130 TAs were increased by more than 3 fold in the root tissues. However, only nineteen ESTs were observed with a decrease in TAs by more than 2 fold and 13 of them went down more than 3 fold due to the pathogen infection. In addition, the number of the up-regulated genes was nearly seven times more than that of downregulated genes. The coordinate regulation of adjacent genes was detected and the distance distribution of the nearest neighbor genes was less likely to be randomly scattered in genome. The results of this study enabled us to decipher the resistance mechanism to Fsg through an integrated computational approach.
Seeing human: distinct and overlapping neural signatures associated with two forms of dehumanization

The process of dehumanization, or thinking of others as less than human, is a phenomenon with significant societal implications. According to Haslam's (2006) model, two concepts of humanness derive from comparing humans with either animals or machines: individuals may be dehumanized by likening them to either animals or machines, or humanized by emphasizing differences from animals or machines. Recent work in cognitive neuroscience emphasizes understanding cognitive processes in terms of interactions between distributed cortical networks. It has been found that reasoning about internal mental states is associated with activation of the default mode network (DMN) and deactivation of the task positive network (TPN); whereas reasoning about mechanical processes produces the opposite pattern. We conducted two neuroimaging studies. The first examined the neural bases of dehumanization and its relation to these two brain networks, using images and voice-over social narratives which either implicitly contrasted or implicitly likened humans to either animals or machines. The second study addressed a discrepancy between findings from the first study and prior work on the neural correlates of dehumanization: using a design similar to prior work we examined neural responses to pictures of humans, animals and machines, presented without any social context. In both studies, human and humanizing conditions were associated with relatively high activity in the DMN and relatively low activity in the TPN. However, the non-human and dehumanizing conditions deviated in different ways: they demonstrated more marked changes either in the DMN or in the TPN. Notably, differences between the animal dehumanizing and humanizing conditions were most evident in regions associated with mechanistic reasoning, not in the mentalizing network. Conjunction analysis of contrasts from both paradigms revealed that only one region was consistently more active when participants saw human, a medial parietal region regarded as the central hub of the DMN. These findings provide a neural basis for Haslam's distinction between two types of dehumanization, and suggest that the DMN and TPN play opposing roles in creating a sense of moral concern.
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Purpose of reviewBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent in old men and often results in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors increase intracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, etc
Fatigue Performance of Laser Peened Materials

Laser peening is an emerging technology for the surface treatment of metallic materials that is capable of enhancing resistance to fatigue failure. This paper describes some recent results from joint research programs conducted to generate data on residual stress and fatigue performance of laser peened materials. Specifically, we present data for residual stress imparted by laser peening and fatigue life improvement of laser peened coupons relative to as-machined coupons. These data are presented for a range of high-strength materials employed in aircraft and other demanding applications: BSTOA Ti-6A14V titanium alloy, 300M steel, MP35N Ni-Co-Cr-Mo alloy, and 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy. For each material, residual stress distributions were measured for treatment with different laser peening parameter sets. For particular laser peening parameter sets, stress versus life data were generated for as-machined and laser peened fatigue coupons, which quantifies fatigue life improvement attained by laser peening over a range of applied loads.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The effect of powder processing on the coefficient of thermal expansion of MoSi2-Si3N4 composites

Abstract The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of MoSi 2 -Si 3 N 4 (10. 20, 40 vol.%) composites decreases as the volume fraction of Si 3 N 4 increases. Analysis of the microstructural variables suggests that the CTE of the composites is independent of MoSi 2 -grain size but a function of Si 3 N 4 particle size, increasing with decreasing particle size. At the high volume percent ( ≈ 40%) of Si 3 N 4 particulates required in MoSi 2 so that the CTE of the composite is close to that of Mo, Kerner's model provides the closest prediction to the experimental data. Deviation from the prediction is most likely a result of microcracks at MoSi 2 /Si 3 N 4 interfaces.
Coupling constant and quark-loop expansion for corrections to the valence approximation

For full QCD vacuum expectation values we construct an expansion in quark loop count and in powers of a coupling constant. The leading term in this expansion is the valence (quenched) approximation vacuum expectation value. Higher terms give corrections to the valence approximation. A test of the expansion is presented for moderately heavy quarks on a small lattice. We consider briefly an application of the expansion to quarkonium-glueball mixing.
Chemical etch effects on laser-induced surface damage growth in fused silica

ABSTRACT We investigated chemical etching as a possible means to mitigate the growth ofUV laser-induced surface damage on fusedsilica. The intent ofthis work is to examine the growth behavior ofexisting damage sites that have been processed toremove the UV absorbing, thermo-chemically modified material within the affected area.The study involved chemical etching of laser-induced surface damage sites on fused silica substrates, characterizing theetched sites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser fluorescence, and testing the growth behavior of theetched sites upon illumination with multiple pulses of 35mm laser light. The results show that damage sites that have beenetched to depths greater than about 9 jtm have about a 40% chance for zero growth with 1000 shots at fluences of 6.8-9.4J/cm2. For the etched sites that grow, the growth rates are consistent with those for non-etched sites. There is a weakdependence of the total fluorescence emission with the etch depth of a site, but the total fluorescence intensity from anetched site is not well correlated with the propensity ofthe site to grow. Deep wet etching shows some promise formitigating damage growth in fused silica, but fluorescence does not seem to be a good indicator of successful mitigation.Keywords: laser damage, chemical etching, damage growth mitigation, fluorescence diagnostics
Are three diagnoses always better than one

‘‘Triple rule-out’’ (TRO) computed tomography is an electrocardiographically synchronized study of the chest intended to allow the evaluation of three important causes of acute chest pain with one test: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), dissection or other acute aortic syndrome, and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) (1). In the study reported in this issue, Halpern et al (2) compared image quality and arterial enhancement in a TRO protocol to that obtained with a dedicated coronary computed tomographic angiographic (cCTA) protocol. In the largest study on this topic yet published, the authors demonstrate similar subjective coronary image quality and objective aortic, coronary, and pulmonary arterial enhancement for the two approaches. It is worth noting that there are some differences between the two patient groups studied—an acute chest pain emergency department (ED) cohort for the TRO protocol and an outpatient cohort with a mix of presentations for the dedicated cCTA protocol—that may affect perceived image quality. Although patient size, the use of b-blockers, and heart rate were well matched, the TRO group was younger and had more women than the cCTA group. The authors’ definition of coronary image quality evaluated only image blurring, which is primarily influenced by heart rate, heart rate variability, and patient size. However, other factors can affect coronary visualization on computed tomography, including the presence of coronary calcium, which was likely greater in the outpatient cCTA group given the higher pretest probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) generally seen in outpatients undergoing cCTA imaging than ED patients. An ideal study would randomize ED patients to a cCTA or a TRO protocol prospectively, but this may not be practically possible, and it is reasonable to expect that the results of such a study would be similar. Although this and other studies demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach to imaging patients with acute chest pain,