cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence diversity and organization of the msp gene family encoding gp63 of Leishmania chagasi

During in vitro growth Leishmania chagasi promastigotes differentially express 3 classes of RNAs encoding the major surface protease (MSP) gp63 that can be distinguished by their unique 3' untranslated regions. Here we show that the three classes (logarithmic-specific, stationary-specific and constitutively expressed) are encoded by a family of at least 4 tandem stationary genes (mspS2, mspS1, mspS3 and mspS5) followed by twelve or more logarithmic genes (mspL genes), one constitutive gene (mspC) and a final stationary gene (mspS4). Some of the stationary genes can be distinguished from each other by groups of nucleotide differences within the coding regions that result in localized amino acid differences. Northern blots confirm that RNAs from the individual stationary genes are present in stationary, but not logarithmic, phase promastigotes. Western blots using sera directed against synthetic peptides indicate that correspondingly heterogeneous gp63 proteins are expressed in L. chagasi promastigotes. A 200-bp region upstream of all three gp63 gene classes is conserved except for a variable number of 6-bp repeats. Downstream of the gp63 coding regions are highly conserved, class-specific sequences that include the 3' untranslated regions and extend past the polyadenylation site for 65 bp (mspL), 345 bp (mspC) or 2.8 kb (mspS). These sequence features flanking the msp coding regions are likely important in the growth phase-specific expression of the three gp63 RNA classes.
Scientific contributions to the field from the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing

Abstract The field of business-to-business marketing, as an area of study, is going into its second quarter century of existence. The earliest theories, organizing frameworks, textbooks, and the field's first journal all got their start in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As part of taking stock of the accomplishments of the first 25 years, this article focuses on the contributions made by the Journal of Business-to-Business Marketing (JBBM) since its inception. This article summarizes an important part of the research in the discipline. First, a general overview of the JBBM isprovided noting accomplishments to date. Subsequently, a detailed summary of its literature is presented. This section is organized by topic across the general model of business marketing management. For each article, the following is provided: a statement of the key research issue (the question raised by the researcher), the theoretical background, the methods used, the findings (related to the key issue), and the contribution(s) of the research (the support or refutation and revision to theory). Finally, some thoughts on the future of business-to-business marketing are presented .
Studies of alcaptonuria: Kinetics of homogentisic acid autoxidation

Abstract Rates of oxygen uptake of homogentisic acid preparations have been studied manometrically. Commercially available tyrosinase preparations were found to be enzymically active but to have a negligible, if any, effect on homogentisic acid in 0.1 M phosphate buffers, pH 6.85. Homogentisic acid autoxidation did not demonstrate simple reaction kinetics, but appeared rather to be described by a higher order equation of the type y = 0.71 x0.64. The reaction was inhibited at low enzyme to substrate concentrations and accelerated only minimally at high concentrations. It is suggested that the mechanism of pigment formation in the alcaptonuria syndrome is probably not due to the effects of tyrosinase on homogentisic acid, but is better explained by the likely necessity of other physicochemical phenomena.
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Rangeland Photography

Abstract Because of its perceived impracticality and expense, aerial photography from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remains virtually unused as a rangeland management tool. This underuse suggested 2 objectives. The first was to develop a UAV from off-the-shelf components that could acquire low-altitude large-scale photography for rangeland documentation. The second was to assess the UAV flight characteristics. A remotely controlled UAV suitable for 35-mm photography was built in 56 hours at a cost of $1 480. In a 2-year test period, the UAV successfully completed 100+ sorties at elevations ranging from 10 m to 1 000 m above ground. The average distance required for takeoff is 18.2 m whereas landing requires an average of 22.5 m. Average UAV airspeed at takeoff is about 11.4 m·s −1 . Typical cruise speed during photograph acquisition is 13.8 m·s −1 , resulting in 6.9 mm of blur from forward-image motion. The UAV is an inexpensive tool for monitoring rangeland condition from an aerial perspective. It is currently being used to map squarrose knapweed ( Centaurea virgata Lam. ssp. squarrosa Gugl.) density at several rangeland sites in Utah.
Physical aging of an epoxy subsequent to relative humidity jumps through the glass concentration

In our previous work, we showed that the structural recovery responses of an epoxy after relative humidity (RH)-jumps through the glass concentration have similar phenomenology to, but different kinetics from, those obtained by temperature (T)-jumps. In this article, we report results from physical aging experiments of the same epoxy after RH-jumps. The results show that time-RH superposition and time–aging time superposition can be used to describe the viscoelastic responses in RH-jump experiments. The similarities and differences between RH-jump and T-jump conditions are also presented. In addition, the difficulties in modeling the combined effects of temperature and relative humidity changes that result from these differences are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2107–2121, 2004
Palatability and caloric density as determinants of food intake in hyperphagic and normal rats

Abstract Female albino rats with lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamus and without any lesions were presented with powdered diets, the caloric density and palatability of which were varied independently by adding kaolin and sodium saccharin or confectioner's sugar. As the dilution of the unsweetened diet increased above 20% the lesioned rats decreased food consumption more than did the controls, and they increased consumption less than did the controls over successive days of exposure to the diluted diets. Sweetening the dilute diets usually produced a larger increase in food consumption among the hyperphagic rats, especially those in the dynamic phase, than among their controls. The data are interpreted in terms of the hypothesis that lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamus remove or attenuate the long term influence of nutritional balance, leaving body weight to be adjusted to a set point defined by the interaction of prevailing values of other stimuli such as diet palatability that are known to influence initiation and termination of eating.
Drop charging and deflection in an electrostatic ink jet printer

This paper describes the drop charging and drop deflection processes in an electrostatic ink jet printer. Included in the discussion of drop charging are induction interaction effects and charge synchronization requirements, as well as design considerations for the charge electrode. In describing the parameters governing drop deflection, some drop placement errors are related to undesired interactions resulting from aerodynamic forces and electrostatic repulsion effects on the drops. A scheme for obtaining accurate drop placement in the presence of these interaction effects is described.
EDTA treatment alters protein glycosylation in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.

We have found that treatment of cells with EDTA resulted in the accumulation of lower molecular weight forms of two cell-type-specific glycoproteins. These new glycoproteins lacked a developmentally regulated glycoantigen defined by monoclonal antibody 54.2. Since EDTA dissociated the cells, the possible involvement of cell separation was tested by immobilizing cells in soft agarose. Glycoantigen expression on these proteins was found to be dependent on cAMP and high oxygen tension but not on cell contact, and was reversibly sensitive to EDTA regardless of the state of cell association. The EDTA effect was mimicked by other soluble, but not paniculate, membrane impermeable chelators, could be competed by Zn2+ better than Mg2+, and appeared to involve an intracellular mechanism. Studies with [14C]EDTA showed that EDTA equilibrated with a cellular compartment in a temperature-dependent, Zn2+-insensitive fashion with half-time kinetics of loading and unloading of 30–40 min. If the compartment was assumed to be labeled with the same concentration of EDTA as was present extracellularly, calculations showed that its volume was circa 2% of the total cell volume. This compartment probably consists of intracellular vesicles based on the similar labeling of this compartment with a bulk fluid phase marker, inulin. The data suggest that this step in glycosylation, which was found to be delayed 1 or more hours subsequent to protein synthesis, involves an intracellular, transition metal ion-dependent process which can be modulated by chelators entering the cell through the endocytic pathway.
An electrochemical study of Ni2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ ions in melts of composition CaMgSi2O6

Results are reported for a study of the behavior of Ni(2+), Co(2+), and Zn(2+) in molten diopside, determined by cyclic voltametry, as a first step in adapting electrochemical methods for use in experimental geochemistry. The techniques used are described, the theory is briefly discussed, and it is demonstrated that Ni(2+), Co(2+), and Zn(2+) can be reduced, then reoxidized in an uncomplicated case of reversible charge transfer at the Pt electrode. This implies that the neutral metal atoms remain undissolved in the melt. The kinetics of the reduction process, the effects of concentration, the standard reduction potentials, and the diffusion coefficients are discussed in detail. The observations are consistent with the mechanism of Ni(2+) diffusion by transport from site to site. As the proportion of SiO2 in the melt increases, a higher activation energy is required for Ni(2+) to move, and the rate of diffusion is lowered.
Time-Varying Ankle Mechanical Impedance During Human Locomotion

In human locomotion, we continuously modulate joint mechanical impedance of the lower limb (hip, knee, and ankle) either voluntarily or reflexively to accommodate environmental changes and maintain stable interaction. Ankle mechanical impedance plays a pivotal role at the interface between the neuro-mechanical system and the physical world. This paper reports, for the first time, a characterization of human ankle mechanical impedance in two degrees-of-freedom simultaneously as it varies with time during walking. Ensemble-based linear time-varying system identification methods implemented with a wearable ankle robot, Anklebot, enabled reliable estimation of ankle mechanical impedance from the pre-swing phase through the entire swing phase to the early-stance phase. This included heel-strike and toe-off, key events in the transition from the swing to stance phase or vice versa. Time-varying ankle mechanical impedance was accurately approximated by a second order model consisting of inertia, viscosity, and stiffness in both inversion-eversion and dorsiflexion-plantarflexion directions, as observed in our previous steady-state dynamic studies. We found that viscosity and stiffness of the ankle significantly decreased at the end of the stance phase before toe-off, remained relatively constant across the swing phase, and increased around heel-strike. Closer investigation around heel-strike revealed that viscosity and stiffness in both planes increased before heel-strike occurred. This finding is important evidence of “pretuning” by the central nervous system. In addition, viscosity and stiffness were greater in the sagittal plane than in the frontal plane across all subgait phases, except the early stance phase. Comparison with previous studies and implications for clinical study of neurologically impaired patients are provided.
Evidence for the cultural specificity of pessimism in Asians vs Caucasians: a test of a general negativity hypothesis

Abstract Cultural differences in positivity and negativity were examined between 76 Asian American and 76 Caucasian American students matched on age and sex. Based on separate optimism and pessimism scores, Asian Americans were found to be more pessimistic, but not less optimistic, than Caucasian Americans, consistent with previous findings. No differences between ethnic groups were found on measures of positive and negative affectivity, nor positive and negative problem orientation. These findings are consistent with the view that elevated pessimistic thinking is a distinct, culture specific component of Asian, but not Caucasian, sensibility. The present findings are discussed in regard to cross-cultural theory and research involving Asians.
Scaling regimes and functional renormalization for wetting transitions

Interface unbinding transitions, such as those arising in wetting phenomena, are studied in d dimensions with general interactions. Three scaling regimes must be distinguished: a mean-field (MF), a weak-fluctuation (WFL), and a strong-fluctuation (SFL) regime. A simple picture clarifies the origin and nature of the different regimes and correctly describes the MF and WFL critical behavior. In the SFL regime, however, this picture fails, as do more elaborate perturbative methods. To overcome this an approximate functional renormalization group is introduced: it acts as a nonlinear map in the space of interaction potentials, V(l), for two interfaces at a separation l. The formulation is exact to first order in V and embodies the correct scaling behavior at a continuous unbinding transition. In the SFL regime, it reveals two nontrivial fixed point potentials, ${V}_{0}^{\mathrm{*}}$(l) and ${V}_{c}^{\mathrm{*}}$(l), which describe, respectively, the completely delocalized phase and the critical manifold for the unbinding transition. On approaching the upper boundary dimension, ${d}_{u}$=3, these fixed points do not coalesce with the standard Gaussian fixed point but, rather, mutually annihilate leaving a line of novel ``drifting'' fixed points. For dl3, sufficiently long-ranged perturbations cause crossover to the WFL and MF regimes. Thus the functional renormalization-group approach yields a unified description of all scaling regimes.
Electronic spectra and electronic structure of the Cu+ ion in alkali halides

Abstract The Cu + ion as a substitutional impurity in alkali halide crystals provides a simple model system to learn in detail about the optical properties of ions in crystals. The absorption and emission spectra of the d 10 ions Cu + and Ag + in many alkali halides have been previously reported. However, the recent application of high resolution one- and two-photon laser spectroscopy to these systems has revealed a wealth of new information. This article reviews these results with particular attention to the NaF : Cu + system. This system is unique in that sharp vibronic progressions are observed in six of the eight excited electronic states and in the ground state. These data have led to the construction of potential curves for these states. Furthermore, polarized two-photon spectroscopy has been used to assign the absorption bands unambiguously. Other techniques such as magnetic perturbations, line-width studies, and uniaxial stress have also been used to further understand this system. Several theorists have carried out large-scale ab initio calculations; their results are compared and reviewed here.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 suppression in skin by topical delivery of anti-sense oligonucleotides.

We topically applied 20 nucleotide phosphorothioate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotide in a cream formulation. It effectively inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human skin transplanted on severe compromised immunodeficient mice. The effects were concentration dependent, sequence specific, and resulted from reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels in the skin. Intravenous administration of the drug did not show pharmacologic effects, probably due to insufficient drug concentrations in skin. Topical delivery, however, produced a rapid and a significantly higher accumulation of oligodeoxynucleotide in the epidermis and dermis. The results strongly suggest that topically applied anti-sense oligonucleotides can be delivered to target sites in the skin and may be of considerable value in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin disorders.
The role of the thymus in T-cell immune reconstitution after umbilical cord blood transplantation

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells for patients without HLA-matched adult donors. UCB contains a low number of nucleated cells and mostly naive T cells, resulting in prolonged time to engraftment and lack of transferred T-cell memory. Although the first phase of T-cell reconstitution after UCB transplantation (UCBT) depends on peripheral expansion of transferred T cells, permanent T-cell reconstitution is mediated via a central mechanism, which depends on de novo production of naive T lymphocytes by the recipient’s thymus from donor-derived lymphoid-myeloid progenitors (LMPs). Thymopoiesis can be assessed by quantification of recent thymic emigrants, T-cell receptor excision circle levels, and T-cell receptor repertoire diversity. These assays are valuable tools for monitoring posttransplantation thymic recovery, but more importantly they have shown the significant prognostic value of thymic reconstitution for clinical outcomes after UCBT, including opportunistic infections, disease relapse, and overall survival. Strategies to improve thymic entry and differentiation of LMPs and to accelerate recovery of the thymic stromal microenvironment may improve thymic lymphopoiesis. Here, we discuss the mechanisms and clinical implications of thymic recovery and new approaches to improve reconstitution of the T-cell repertoire after UCBT.
Quantitation of 13 Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Cooked Beef, Pork, and Chicken by Liquid Chromatography−Electrospray Ionization/Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The concentrations of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) were determined, by liquid chromatography−electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), in 26 samples of beef, pork, and chicken cooked to various levels of doneness. The HAAs identified were 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, 2-amino-1-methylimidazo[4,5-b]quinoline, 2-amino-1-methylimidazo[4,5-g]quinoxaline (IgQx), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, 2-amino-1,7-dimethylimidazo[4,5-g]quinoxaline (7-MeIgQx), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, 2-amino-1,6-dimethyl-furo[3,2-e]imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, 2-amino-1,6,7-trimethylimidazo[4,5-g]quinoxaline, 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, 2-amino-1,7,9-trimethylimidazo[4,5-g]quinoxaline, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole, and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole. The concentrations of these compounds ranged from <0.03 to 305 parts per billion (micrograms per kilogram). PhIP was the most abunda...
Imagerie de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire obtenue par résonance magnétique, avec une antenne de surface

Apres 454 observations des articulations temporo-mandibulaires de 240 patients par resonance magnetique (I.R.M.), les images produites ont ete comparees a celles des arthrographies, des tomographies et aux resultats operatoires de 85 patients. L'I.R.M. est plus precise que l'arthrographie pour visualiser les modifications au niveau des tissus mous ; la technique n'expose pas le patient aux radiations ionisantes et ne presente pas de risques biologiques connus.
A configurable system for role-specific video imaging during laparoscopic surgery

In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon and the assistant rely on a single laparoscopic video view for performing different clinical roles. The assistant is tasked with manipulating the camera view so as to maintain a global, panoramic view of the operation. The surgeon needs to remain focused on the operation, requiring a detailed close-up view. We use the term role-specific video imaging to describe the need to provide separate views for the assistant and the surgeon. In this paper we introduce role-specific video imaging for laparosopic surgery. The system is designed to be configurable in the sense that imaging parameters and algorithms can be adjusted in real-time so as to meet the specific needs that arise. The system was evaluated on 4 cases by two surgeons on a Linux-based 3.2.0 Kernel, with 4GB RAM, and Intel 3.4GHz I7 (2nd generation) microprocessor. Clinical evaluation of the different configuration modes has helped us determine that high-quality role-specific imaging can be achieved for zooming factors that are larger or equal to 2×2 with bilinear interpolation, while maintaining 30 frame per seconds for the panoramic and close-up views. In future work, in order to minimize interaction with the surgical team, the system will be upgraded to incorporate tracking of the operating instrument during surgery.
CHEMOSELECTIVITY IN CYCLOALKENE-CYCLOALKENE TRANSFORMATIONS VIA PLATINA(IV)CYCLOBUTANE DERIVATIVES

Abstract Evidence presented in this paper suggests that transformations from simple alkenes to homologs can be facile via the pathway outlined. Use of platinum and other metals (Rh) can provide an element of control to the process that does not exist with other processes using acids or heat directly on the hydrocarbon substrate. The evidence derived from the substrates investigated indicates that control of the reaction may be achieved so as to produce high chemoselectivity or even chemospecificity for olefin homologation. Mechanistic evidence indicates that exocyclic methylene and methyl-cycloalkene products follow a pathway that involves an initial alpha hydride transfer step. It is important to note that there is ample precedent suggesting that the isolated platinacyclic complex may not be the complex that yields the observed products, but rather an intermediate platinacycle derived from a ‘Puddephatt rearrangement’ is the pre-product complex. Finally, a pathway involving a carbocationic intermediate is proposed for the ring-homologation reaction for the acenaphthalene to pinenalene transformation.
Ecto-ATPase deficiency in glia of seizure-prone mice.

A DEFICIENCY of calcium-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (Ca2+-ATPase) is seen in brains of mice which are susceptible to audiogenic seizures1. After studying five other animal models of idiopathic epilepsy we concluded that brain nucleotide metabolism is altered in the epileptic animals and that the lesion might not be confined to Ca2+-ATPase2. We speculated that the deficiency of Ca2+-ATPase, which we observed in membrane-enriched brain homogenates, was the expression of incompetent brain cell ecto-ATPases. We have suggested that the genesis of seizures was related to a protracted action of translocated cytoplasmic ATP on cell membranes3 when the latter were deficient in this enzyme. We report here a significant deletion of ecto-ATPase in cultured glia cells raised from neonatal, seizure-prone mice. Between the ages of 20 to 35 d, mice of the DBA/2N strain convulse after repeated exposure to loud noise. Before and after this period, susceptibility to induced convulsions is minimal or absent. Mice of the C57 B1/6N strain are not afflicted in this manner.
Young Adults’ Responses to Infant Names

Many parents in the United States devote a great deal of attention to selecting their children’s names. To better understand this process, 532 potential parents in the United States rated their liking and perceptions of infant names. Liking was related to characteristics of the names (such as popularity, defined as how frequently the names had been previously selected by parents) and to characteristics of the raters (such as their personality traits and gender). Ratings of the physical and behavioral traits of infants depicted through both a name and a photograph were related more strongly to ratings of the photograph alone than the name alone. These results suggest that parent preferences for certain names may account for changes in name popularity over time, and also suggest that the influence of names on adults’ perceptions of infants may be superseded by the influence of the infants’ physical appearance.
Mechanical properties of rat skeletal muscle after hind limb suspension

Abstract It is clear that there are events which occur in response to neuromuscular activity that are essential to maintain normal muscle properties. Two factors thought to influence muscle contractile properties are tension and electrical activity. To study these variables the hind limbs of 10 postpubertal female Sprague-Dawley rats were prevented from supporting the weight of the body for 4 weeks, then in situ isometric properties were determined and compared with 10 age-matched control rats. The soleus (slow plantarflexor), the medial gastrocnemius (fast plantarflexor), and the tibialis anterior (fast dorsiflexor) were studied. The suspended soleus wet weight was 42% lower and the maximum isometric twitch (Pt) and tetanic (P0) tensions were 62 and 69% lower respectively, than in the control rats. The suspended medial gastrocnemius was 18% lower in wet weight and 14 and 9% lower in P0 and Pt than the controls. No differences in wet weight, P0 or Pt were observed in tibialis anterior. Mean contraction time was 22% shorter in the soleus, 9% in the medial gastrocnemius, and unchanged in the tibialis anterior following suspension. Further, the percent of P0 attained during a 330-ms tetanus at 20 Hz was 15% lower in the suspended soleus and unchanged in the other two muscles. The fatigue index (ratio of tension after 2 min of stimulation at 40 Hz for 330 ms once per second to the maximum tension developed during the test) was unaffected by suspension in the soleus and tibialis anterior but was reduced from 49% to 36% in the medial gastrocnemius. The maximum rate of shortening of all three muscles was unaffected by suspension. These results indicate that suspension of the hind limbs selectively affects the mass and force-generating capabilities of the plantarflexors, particularly the predominantly slow soleus. In contrast, the fatigability of only the fast plantarflexor was increased whereas the slow plantarflexor was unaffected. These results, considered in light of collaborative studies, suggest that the chronic force-time levels in a muscle have an important influence on tension- and speed-related properties but not necessarily the fatigability of that muscle. Further, a marked difference in the sensitivity of the contractile elements of slow and fast muscle to this influence was evident.
Assessing, accommodating, and interpreting the influences of heterogeneity.

Heterogeneity, ranging from measurement error to variation among individuals or regions, influences all levels of data collected for risk assessment. In its role as a nemesis, heterogeneity can red...
Determination of the prior austenitic grain size of selected steels using a molten glass etch

A hot etching procedure used to reveal the prior austenitic grain size of several steels was evaluated. Etching experiments, using molten glass, were conducted on a HSLA precipitation hardened steel, two alloy steels, and a control rolled steel. For comparison purposes, the austenite grain size of the HSLA precipitation hardenable steel was determined using a hot-stage microscope. The prior austenitic grain sizes obtained for these steels using the molten glass etch is presented.
Potential of immunomodulatory agents for prevention and treatment of neonatal sepsis

Prevention of neonatal infection-related mortality represents a significant global challenge particularly in the vulnerable premature population. The increased risk of death from sepsis is likely due to the specific immune deficits found in the neonate as compared to the adult. Stimulation of the neonatal immune system to prevent and/or treat infection has been attempted in the past largely without success. In this review, we identify some of the known deficits in the neonatal immune system and their clinical impact, summarize previous attempts at immunomodulation and the outcomes of these interventions, and discuss the potential of novel immunomodulatory therapies to improve neonatal sepsis outcome.
IL-1 beta and prostaglandins regulate integrin mRNA expression.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of IL-1 beta on integrin expression in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. Human recombinant IL-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) produced significant increases in both alpha 2- and alpha 5-subunit mRNA levels, as well as a smaller increase in alpha v-subunit mRNA. In contrast, IL-1 beta decreased alpha 4-subunit mRNA levels by approximately 30% relative to untreated controls. These findings suggest that human IL-1 beta differentially regulates expression of integrins. When cultures were treated with both IL-1 beta and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, the expression of alpha 2-, alpha 5-, and alpha v-subunit mRNA levels were dramatically increased relative to untreated controls; co-treatment with 0.5 mM prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) partially reversed this effect. Indomethacin alone did not affect integrin mRNA levels. Treatment with IL-1 beta or IL-1 beta + indomethacin also induced significant changes in MG-63 morphology (i.e., increased cell elongation) and increased the ability of cells to contract collagen gels. PGE2 reversed the above effects on cell morphology and gel contraction. These findings indicate that (a) IL-1 beta differentially regulates the expression of integrins and (b) that PGE2, which is induced by IL-1 beta, may provide a negative feedback loop which counteracts the stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta on integrin gene expression. It is suggested that products of inflammation may affect cell behavior by differentially regulating the expression of various integrins.
Separation of amino acids from inorganic contaminants.

Abstract If a protein hydrolyzate prepared with HCl is distilled to remove a part of the acid, then neutralized with NH4OH, and evaporated to dryness, the amino acids can be dissolved away from inorganic substances by means of dl-camphorsulfonic acid in acetone. From the filtered solution the amino acids are recoverable quantitatively by passing in dry NH3.
Empirical Grounding Versus Innovation in the DSM-5 Revision Process: Implications for the Future

Despite initial aspirations for a paradigm shift, DSM-5 ended up evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. The requirement that revisions be grounded in empirical evidence, crucial for the credibility of the DSM as a scientifically based document, is inherently in conflict with the push to develop innovative DSM-5 proposals given their limited empirical support by virtue of their novelty. For example, the rejection of the DSM-5 dimensional personality classification demonstrates the difficulties of meeting the high bar for empirical validity. Ultimately, placement of the dimensional personality model and other innovative proposals in Section III of DSM-5 make sense as it will facilitate the collection of requisite data to inform future revisions. Plans to place empirical evidence at the core of an interim revision process raise the prospect that future DSM revisions will be scientifically driven rather than just scientifically informed.
Forging iron links

Hepcidin is a tiny protein that packs a lot of punch. It acts as a potent negative regulator of iron absorption and mobilization. Mouse hepcidin mRNA levels have been shown to be exquisitely sensitive to body-iron stores, erythroid demand, hypoxia, and inflammation. But until recently, little was
Mobility of the Electron Bubble in Superfluid Helium

The phonon-limited mobility of the negative ion in He II is calculated; the results are in excellent agreement with recent experiments of Schwarz and Stark.
Arceuthobium abietinum Subspecies Wiensii, a New Subspecies of Fir Dwarf Mistletoe (Viscaceae) from Northern California and Southern Oregon

Abstract We describe Arceuthobium abietinum subspecies wiensii (Wiens' dwarf mistletoe, Viscaceae), a dwarf mistletoe that severely parasitizes red fir and Brewer spruce in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. This classification is based on morphological and host range differences between white fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum f. sp. concoloris), red fir dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum f. sp. magnificae), and Wien's dwarf mistletoe. Male and female plants of Wiens' dwarf mistletoe were consistently smaller than those of both white fir and red fir dwarf mistletoes, whose plants were about the same size. The shoot color of Wiens' dwarf mistletoe was frequently green-brown or red-brown, while the shoot color of white fir and red fir dwarf mistletoes was typically yellow-green or yellow. Differences in host specificity also distinguish Wiens' dwarf mistletoe from white and red fir dwarf mistletoes.
Plasma-filled gyro-BWO

Recent theoretical studies have shown that the presence of plasma in the high-power microwave (HPM) sources, when properly introduced, may enhance the efficiency of the source. These findings have been confirmed by numerical simulations for some HPM sources. The enhancement has been partly attributed to the neutralizing effect of the positively charged plasma on lowering the disruptive space charge effects of the electron beam used to generate the radio frequency (RF), and partly attributed to a modification of the dispersion relation leading to higher group velocities for the traveling RF waves. Mode selection may also be favorably affected by the presence of plasma in the source. We present the results of numerical simulations carried out to study the effect of plasma on a gyrotron device. Both neutral as well as positively charged plasmas have been explored. The gyrotron device is run in TE/sub 01/ mode and generates a 12.75-GHz steady oscillation without any competing modes. The effect of the plasma at several different densities has been explored. The presence of plasma at the densities explored do not show any significant enhancement of the gyrotron operation. Other plasma densities are being studied. The particle-in-cell (PIC) code used in simulations was the Mission Research Corporation (MRC) 2.5-dimensional code MAGIC.
Philosophers of intellectual disability: A taxonomy

: This essay explores various roles that philosophers occupy in relation to intellectual disability. In examining how philosophers define their object of inquiry as experts and gatekeepers, it raises critical questions concerning the nature of philosophical discourse about intellectual disability. It then goes on to consider three alternate positions, the advocate or friend, the animal, and the “intellectually disabled,” each of which points to new ways of philosophizing in the face of intellectual disability.
Modeling of a MEMS Floating Element Shear Sensor

A MEMS floating element shear stress sensor has been developed for flow testing applications, targeted primarily in ground and flight testing of aerospace vehicle and components. However, concerns remain about the interaction of the flow with the mechanical elements of the structure at the micro-scale. In particular, there are concerns about the validity of laminar flow cell calibration to measurement in turbulent flows, and the extent to which pressure gradients may introduce errors into the shear stress measurement. In order to address these concerns, a numerical model of the sensor has been constructed. p] In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is described. The CFD model directly models a laminar flow cell experiment that is used to calibrate the shear sensor. The computational model allows us to quantify the contributions (e.g. pressure gradient vs. shear, top surface vs. lateral surfaces) to the sensor output in a manner that is difficult by purely experimental means. The results are compared to experimental data, validating the model and resulting in the following: Surface shear stress contributes approximately 40% of the total flow direction force; pressure gradient effects contribute nearly 45% for the textured shuttle described here; lift forces and pitching moments are non-zero. Thus, it is found that flow interactions are complex and that it is insufficient to simply assume that flow forces on the sensor are the top area multiplied by wall shear, as is sometimes done. Pressure gradient effects, at least, must be included for accurate calibration.
Estimation of thermal conductivity of magneto-optic media

We describe a method to estimate the thermal conductivity of the substrate, the dielectric layer, and the magneto-optic (MO) layer of MO recording media. The method relies on the disappearance of the polar Kerr rotation above the Curie temperature of the MO layer. We obtain the thermal conductivities by taking into account the differences in the heat diffusion behavior under different sized focused spots. The results are reliable to better than 5% accuracy.
Shock formation by a moving force field.

Nomenclature = dimensionless fluid sound speed, a/a0 — force parameter, 2Fxc/yjJ0 = heat input parameter, Hxc/yp0a0 = dimensionless fluid pressure, p/p0 = time = characteristic time, xc/a0 = dimensionless time, 7/7c = dimensionless fluid velocity, u/aQ — dimensionless force-field velocity, V/a0 — distance = characteristic distance, force-field length = dimensionless distance, (x — V1)/xc = specific heat ratio = dimensionless fluid density, p/p0 — dimensional variable
Enhancing Older Females' Psychological Well-Being Through Social Shopping, Social Coping, and Informal Social Activities

This study sought to determine the role of social engagement in the psychological well-being of females who were 55 years and older (hereafter older females). The authors developed and tested a comprehensive model that depicted the effects of social engagement activities along with financial and physical well-being on a variety of indicators of psychological well-being. A total of 213 responses were collected and analyzed based on structural equation modeling. The results indicated that various social engagement activities were significant predictors of older females' psychological well-being. Informal social activities were found to be a predictor of all indicators of psychological well-being, while social coping was only associated with life satisfaction. The results showed that social shopping was a significant predictor of social connectedness, depression, and self-esteem. Financial well-being was not significantly related to social connectedness, but it was related to other indicators of older females' psychological well-being. Physical well-being was not significantly related to any of the indicators. This model contributes to building activity and coping theories as well as providing implications for practitioners and service providers who are involved with older females.
APPLICATION OF THE LIBERMAN-PRINCE STRESS RULES TO COMPUTER SYNTHESIZED SPEECH

Computer synthesized speech is and will continue to be an important feature of many artificially intelligent systems. Although current computer synthesized speech is intelligible, it cannot yet pass a Turing test. One avenue for improving the intelligibility of computer synthesized speech and for making it more human-like is to incorporate stress patterns on words. But to achieve this improvement, a set of stress prediction rules amenable to computer implementation is needed.This paper evaluates one such theory for predicting stress, that of Liberman and Prince. It first gives an overview of the theory and then discusses modifications which were necessary for computer implementation. It then describes an experiment which was performed to determine the model's strengths and shortcomings. The paper concludes with the results of that study.
How common is abuse in Greece? Studying cases with femoral fractures

AIMS—To examine the extent of undiagnosed child abuse in Greece by studying young children with femoral fractures, which may be associated with abuse. METHODS—Fifty seven consecutive cases of children under 6 years of age with femoral fracture were identified from the Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System database. Controls were 4162 children with other orthopaedic injuries from the same database. RESULTS—Whereas in the literature about one third of femoral injuries among young children are attributed to child abuse, no child in the studied series had been diagnosed or even investigated in this context. Nevertheless, the pattern of occurrence of femoral injuries was compatible with that of child abuse, in that patients were frequently very young boys of low socioeconomic status, and the accident had frequently occurred under poorly identified or implausible conditions at time periods when most family members were crowded at home. CONCLUSIONS—Epidemiological risk factors for child abuse characterise femoral fractures in young children in Greece. It appears that child abuse is present in this country as in most other cultures. There is a clear need for refocusing medical personnel and hospital social services so that the problem is revealed, quantified, and appropriately dealt with.
Suicidal Ideation of Probationers. Gender Differences.

Abstract. Background: Gender is often related to different life stressors and mental health disorders, but a limited amount of research examines risks of suicidal ideation of probationers by gender. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in suicidal ideation of probationers. Method: Using a national sample of 3,014 male and 1,306 female probationers with data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2009–2011), multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Results: Male and female probationers display similar demographic characteristics although their life circumstances and experiences seem different. Female probationers in the study were more likely to experience financial, psychological, and residential stressors than male probationers were. Female probationers were also more likely to have received medical and/or psychiatric treatments. Female probationers were exposed to more suicidal ideation risks than male probationers were. Additionally, no protective factors to su...
Coordination of muscles to control the footpath during over-ground walking in neurologically intact individuals and stroke survivors

In the original publication of the article, the corrections for the typographical errors in the equations for variance that affects the footpath (VORT) and the total variance (VTOT) should be as following.
Length of Efficacy for Control of Curly Top in Sugar Beet With Seed and Foliar Insecticides

Curly top in sugar beet caused by Beet curly top virus (BCTV) is an important yield-limiting disease that can be reduced via neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides. The length of efficacy of these insecticides is poorly understood; therefore, field experiments were conducted with the seed treatment Poncho Beta (clothianidin at 60 g a.i. + beta-cyfluthrin at 8 g a.i. per 100,000 seed) and foliar treatment Asana (esfenvalerate at 55.48 g a.i./ha). A series of four experiments at different locations in the same field were conducted in 2014 and repeated in a neighboring field in 2015, with four treatments (untreated check, Poncho Beta, Asana, and Poncho Beta + Asana) which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with eight replications. To evaluate efficacy, viruliferous (contain BCTV strains) beet leafhoppers were released 8, 9, 10, or 11weeks after planting for each experiment, which corresponded to 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after Asana application. Over both years, in 30 of 32 observation dates f...
Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumour

A 38-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of an enlarging scrotal nodule. Scrotal ultrasound revealed two soft tissue masses separate from the testicle in the right scrotum measuring 1.7 and 0.8 cm. The patient underwent excision of the scrotal nodules, revealing firm, white tissue with a smooth, nodular surface. On histology, the lesions appeared fibrous with scattered capillaries and areas of inflammatory infiltrate consistent with paratesticular fibrous pseudotumour. On a follow-up ultrasound at 6 months, he had no evidence of recurrence.
Septotinia, A New Genus of the Ciborioideae

Among the many species commonly referred to Ciboria or Sclerotinia are several other groups having well-marked generic characters which wTarrant their segregation under new generic names, for example those species having a conidial stage of the Botrytis cinerea type. The genus to be described in this paper is characterized by a type of conidial fructification heretofore entirely unsuspected as belonging to an apothecial fungus. The apothecial stage, here for the first time reported, is typical of the Ciborioideae.2 But one species of this genus is at present known to the author.
Preparation and efficacy evaluation of simple insecticidal absorbent paper

Objective To develop a convenient method for insect pest control in campground. Methods Absorbing confected insecticide to commercial wrapping paper,and after quality verification,both laboratory experiment and field observation were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and stability of the resulting absorbent paper.Results In the laboratory experiment,the bedbug kill rate within 24 hours(1～15 min absorbent paper exposure) was 100%;bedbug density reduction was above 97% in field experiment.Effects on other reptile insects were also observed.The useful-life for the absorbent paper was up to one year. Conclusion Insecticidal absorbent paper could effectively be used for prevention and cure of field reptile insect.
Selected Microbiological and Chemical Characteristics of Illegally Produced and Marketed Soft Hispanic-Style Cheeses in California.

Recently, there has been a great concern among California state health authorities and the dairy industry that large volumes of illegally produced Hispanic-style cheeses find their way into local markets. In cooperation with the State Milk and Dairy Foods Control Branch, California Department of Agriculture, 100 samples of soft Hispanic-style cheese were collected from all over the state by undercover agents during seizures by state authorities. The cheeses were analyzed in our laboratory for aerobic plate counts, the presence of Salmonella and Listeria , pH, moisture, and salt (%). The state laboratory tested for the presence of phosphatase. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples. Two samples harbored LISTERIA monocytogenes and 2 more L. innocua . Geometric mean of APC on APT agar (Difco, Detroit, MI) was log10 8.64 (range 7.1-9.97) and on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar (Difco) was log10 8.81 (range 7.3-9.98). Fifty-six samples had a pH ≥ 6.0 with 13 samples ≥ 6.5. Forty percent of the samples had a brine of 4 to 8%. Thirty-one samples were phosphatase positive. The four Listeria positive samples had pH of 6.2, 6.2, 6.5, and 6.5 and brine of 4.15%, 4.29%, 3.93%, and 1.48%, respectively. All four samples were phosphatase positive. The high APC and the presence of Listeria spp. is a reflection of the overall unhygienic conditions prevailing during the processing and handling of these cheeses. They definitely present a serious threat to public health.