cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase Cδ Negatively Regulates Hedgehog Signaling by Inhibition of Gli1 Activity

Constitutive activation of the hedgehog pathway is implicated in the development of many human malignancies; hedgehog targets, PTCH1 and Gli1, are markers of hedgehog signaling activation and are expressed in most hedgehog-associated tumors. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) generally slows proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest of various cell lines. In this study, we show that activated PKCδ (wild-type PKCδ stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or constitutively active PKCδ) decreased Gli-luciferase reporter activity in NIH/3T3 cells, as well as the endogenous hedgehog-responsive gene PTCH1. In human hepatoma (i.e. Hep3B) cells, wild-type PKCδ and constitutively active PKCδ decreased the expression levels of endogenous Gli1 and PTCH1. In contrast, PKCδ siRNA increased the expression levels of these target genes. Silencing of PKCδ by siRNA rescued the inhibition of cell growth by KAAD-cyclopamine, an antagonist of hedgehog signaling element Smoothened, suggesting that PKCδ acts downstream of Smoothened. The biological relevance of our study is shown in hepatocellular carcinoma where we found that hepatocellular carcinoma with detectable hedgehog signaling had weak or no detectable expression of PKCδ, whereas PKCδ highly expressing tumors had no detectable hedgehog signaling. Our results demonstrate that PKCδ alters hedgehog signaling by inhibition of Gli protein transcriptional activity. Furthermore, our findings suggest that, in certain cancers, PKCδ plays a role as a negative regulator of tumorigenesis by regulating hedgehog signaling.
Regulation of ppApp synthesis during sporulation of a conditionally asporogenous rifampin mutant of Bacillus subtilis.

The intracellular synthesis of ppApp in a conditionally asporogenous rifampin-resistant mutant ofBacillus subtilis stimulated to sporulate in the Sterlini-Mandelstam (SM) medium supplemented with ppApp is negligible and comparable to that of the non-sporulating culture. The formic acid extract from the sporulating culture stimulates sporulation of the mutant in SM medium.
The paracellular permeability of opossum kidney cells, a proximal tubule cell line

The paracellular permeability of opossum kidney cells, a proximal tubule cell line. Background The regulation of the unusually leaky paracellular pathway of the proximal tubule is poorly understood partially because of the lack of an appropriate in vitro cell model. In this study, we determined whether the paracellular permeability of opossum kidney (OK) cells would resemble that of the in vivo proximal tubule epithelium. Methods The parental and subclonal OK cells and, for comparison, LLC-PK 1 cells were cultured on permeable Transwell supports. The apparent paracellular permeability coefficient (P app ) for the extracellular marker 3 H-mannitol was determined. Results The P app of OK cell sheets (12.17 ×10 -6 cm/sec) was remarkably close to the previously reported P app of rat proximal tubules. The P app of LLC-PK 1 cells, another proximal tubule cell line, however, was approximately 20-fold lower than that of both OK cells and the in vivo proximal tubule. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator, enhanced the P app of OK cell sheets. The characteristic response of paracellular permeability to Ca 2+ switch was demonstrated in OK cell sheets. Slight variations of P app among several OK subclones were observed. Basal to apical P app was uniformly higher than apical to basal P app , independent of cell subtype. This rectification was attenuated by inhibition of active transport. Conclusions OK cell sheets cultured on Transwell supports possess a leaky paracellular pathway resembling that of the proximal tubule epithelium in vivo.
Sulfate-dependent iron oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans: Characterization of a new EPR detectable electron transport component on the reducing side of rusticyanin

Iron(II) oxidation by pH 2.5 HCl-washed cells of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is known to be sulfate dependent. Sulfate dependence of the autooxidation of a novel component in the electron transport pathway is demonstrated. This component exhibits an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in the oxidized state at g = 2.005 distinguishable from the g = 2.08 signal attributed to rusticyanin. The novel component is proposed to be a three-iron-sulfur cluster based upon the g value, lineshape, and temperature dependence. Oxyanion specificity for the EPR signal has the same dependence on sulfate as does iron(II) oxidation. By using azide to inhibit electron transfer to oxygen, sulfate was shown to be involved in electron transfer from the g = 2.005 component to the copper of rusticyanin.
Cascade AlGaAs-GaAs Solar Cell Research Using Molecular Beam Epitaxy

For both space and terrestrial applications, improvement of solar cell conversion efficiency has a strong leverage on the power/weight and power/cost ratios for photovoltaic arrays. Currently, several strategies for efficiency improvement are being actively pursued. These include (1) the use of sunlight concentration which, in addition to improving specific cell efficiency, also substitutes relatively sheap concentrator cell area for relatively expensive cell area, (2) the use of direct bandgap semiconductors which absorb all the usable photons in only a few microns of material and also can provide a better match to the solar spectrum, and (3) the assembly of carefully chosen combinations of differing band-gap semiconductors into multijunction cascade convertersl. The latter multijunction cascade strategy provides a particularly potent means of improving the overall converter efficiency.
Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease: An Emerging Threat to Patient Safety: Insights from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists

A formerly infrequently isolated strain of Clostridium difficile known as BI/NAP1 has resulted in geographically diverse outbreaks of C. difficile-associated disease. Such rapid dissemination and distribution of an outbreak strain of C. difficile are unprecedented, with many regions across North America, as well as several countries in Europe, being affected, all in such a short period of time. Also of note is that nontraditional hosts (e.g., otherwise healthy, noninstitutionalized persons residing in the community, some without antimicrobial exposure) have been reported to have severe disease. Data suggest that certain virulence characteristics may be responsible for more severe clinical presentations and poor outcomes. These factors (e.g., hypertoxin production, hypersporulation, antimicrobial resistance) possessed by a previously uncommon strain of C. difficile, in conjunction with particular host and environmental factors, may have precipitated the now widespread establishment of this pathogen. Antimicrobial intervention has traditionally been a mainstay of combating C. difficile-associated disease. Efforts to combat BI/NAP1 should include good antimicrobial stewardship in addition to effective infection control and environmental intervention.
Habituating control strategies for process control

By “reverse engineering” the functions of a specific biological system, habituating control strategies are developed for process control applications. A habituating control system has the distinguishing property of more more manipulated inputs than controlled outputs; with the inputs differing significantly in their dynamic effect on the outputs and in the relative costs of manipulating each one. A habituating controller coordinates the use of all the available inputs to achieve high-performance output objectives while simulatneously minimizing the cost of taking control action. The “baroreceptor reflex,” the control system responsible for short-term blood pressure regulation, provides the biological paradigm for the analysis and design of the habituating control structure. Its main characteristics are discussed from a process control perspective, indicating that the robust, high-performance control, characteristic of biological systems is partly due to such habituating control architectures. The broad range of potential process applications is illustrated with two examples. Two basic strategies are presented for the design of habituating controllers for linear systems with two inputs and one output: the direct synthesis approach and the model predictive approach. Compared to previous techniques for multiple-input, single-output systems, the direct synthesis strategy is straightforward and systematic. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of habituating control compared to conventional techniques for which the number of inputs and outputs are equal.
Quantitative Evaluation of Marine Ecosystem Indicator Performance Using Food Web Models

Successful ecosystem-based management requires the selection and use of informative indicators of ecosystem status. We analyzed seven marine food web models to evaluate the performance of candidate indicators of ecosystem structure and function. The basic approach involved simulating fishing perturbations to each model, measuring the response of ecosystem attributes and candidate indicators to the perturbations, and testing the ability of the indicators to track changes in the values of the attributes. We focused on 22 ecosystem attributes, encompassing structural and functional properties that are relevant to a number of stakeholder groups but are typically difficult to measure directly (for example, food web structure, energy recycling). We tested for correlations between the attributes and 27 empirically tractable candidate indicators (for example, foraging guild biomasses, ratios of community-level groups) within each of the models and quantified consistency in indicator performance across the models. Our analysis suggests that no single indicator is sufficient to describe all of the ecosystem attributes, but at the same time highlights broad, catch-all indicators (for example, detritivores, jellyfish) and distinguishes the strongest attribute–indicator relationships. Ecosystem indicators consisting of lower-trophic level, higher-productivity functional groups tended to perform particularly well. We also identified indicators that showed strong or weak associations with different attributes, but together captured changes in nearly all of them. Examples of such complementary indicators include phytoplankton, zooplanktivorous fish, piscivorous fish, and trophic level of the catch. Quantitative approaches such as this one will enable managers to make informed decisions about ecosystem-scale monitoring in the oceans.
RANCIDITY DEVELOPMENT IN A FISH MODEL SYSTEM AS AFFECTED BY PHOSPHOLIPIDS

Blood components demonstrated the ability to oxidize their own lipids. Blood plasma developed strong oxidation odor during storage apparently due to oxidation of its lipid components. Rancid odor and substantial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) development occurred in shaken solutions of trout blood containing approximately 0.01% lipid. When whole blood was added to washed cod muscle that was taken through a lipid reduction process, rancid odor still occurred during storage. Having at least six times more membrane phospho-lipids present did not enhance the rate or extent of rancidity development during storage of washed cod containing added blood. Contrary to sensory data, TBARS formed more rapidly in the reduced lipid washed cod compared to the washed cod containing approximately 0.6% lipid. The TBARS formation was greater in the reduced lipid washed cod than in the washed cod when expressed on a lipid basis but not when expressed on a wet weight basis. The lack of rancidity and TBARS development when hemolysate was added to a myosin preparation suggested that at least trace amounts of lipid were required for rancidity to occur. Results from these experiments indicate that rancid odor and extensive lipid oxidation can occur at remarkably low levels of fish lipid.
Stable isotope characteristics across narrow savanna/woodland ecotones in Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, Western Australia

The stable isotopic composition (δ13C) of sediments from lakes are frequently analyzed to reconstruct the proportion of the regional vegetation that used either the C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways, often without conducting a detailed survey of the current local vegetation. We performed a study on the modern vegetation composition within the Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater to complement our future paleoecological investigation of the crater. A bull’s-eye pattern exists where C4 grasses dominate an outer ring and salt tolerant species, including shrubs, herbs, chenopods, and halophytic algae, dominate the inner pan of the crater. The ecotone between the inner and outer zones is narrow and occupied by tall (>7 m) Acacia ampliceps, with some C4 grasses in the understory. Along with the highest water table and most saline soils the center of the crater has C3 plants present with the highest δ13C and δ15N values. The range of δ13C and δ15N values from the analysis of surface soil organic matter (OM) was much smaller compared with the range of values from plant materials implying that either: (1) the current plant OM has not yet been integrated into the soils, or (2) processes within the soil have acted to homogenize isotopic variability within the crater. The application of a two end member mixing model to calculate %C4 and %C3 biomass from the δ13C of surface soil OM was complicated by: (1) the crater containing both a dry habitat with C4 grasses and a central pan with C4 halophytic plants and, (2) the large variation in the δ13C of the plants and soil OM.
Paricalcitol capsules for the control of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of patients with chronic kidney disease. Treatment with calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, reduces parathyroid hormone levels, but may result in elevations in serum calcium and phosphorus. New vitamin D analogues have been developed to reduce parathyroid hormone secretion without concomitant hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Recent data from studies with paricalcitol capsules, the oral formulation of 19-nor-1,25(OH)2D2, show a significant reduction in parathyroid hormone levels with no change in calcium and phosphorus levels when compared with placebo. Paricalcitol also compares favourably to other oral vitamin D analogues, effectively decreasing parathyroid secretion with less hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria than other agents.
An Evaluation of State Sponsored Promotion Programs

Abstract In this analysis, we test hypotheses concerning the effectiveness of government export promotion programs on firm export success by examining the relationships between program offerings and state exports. We find that: (1) trade shows are positively related to direct exports, (2) trade missions are negatively associated with high-tech growth exports, (3) foreign offices are not associated with exports, and (4) objective market information programs, such as computer-generated trade leads, are negatively associated with direct exports. Implications for business are offered as are directions for future research efforts.
EXCITATION TRANSFER IN SELF-ORGANIZED ASYMMETRIC QUANTUM DOT PAIRS

Excitation transfer processes within self-organized quantum dot (QD) pairs in bilayer InAs/GaAs QD samples are investigated. QDs in samples with a 1.74-ML InAs seed layer and a 2.00 ML InAs second layer are found to self-organize in pairs of unequal sized QDs with clearly discernible ground-state transition energy. Photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation results for such asymmetric QD pairs provide evidence for nonresonant energy transfer from the smaller QDs in the seed layer to the larger QDs in the second layer. Variations in the optical behavior as a function of the spacer thickness and composition are attributed to the barrier-dependent tunnel probability. Tunneling times down to 20 ps (36 ML GaAs spacer) are estimated, depending exponentially on the GaAs spacer thickness.
Qualitative and quantitative thin-layer chromatographic analysis of polar lipids from leaves of glanded and glandless cotton genotypes

Abstract Compositions of polar lipids from leaves of glanded and glandless cotton genotypes were qualitatively and quantitatively investigated. Utilizing a two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (TLC) technique, all polar lipid classes were characterized from leaves of seven cotton varieties with widely different genetic backgrounds. Individual polar lipid classes were visualized by spraying with cupric acetate solution and identified by use of specific spray reagents and co-chromatography with authentic lipid samples. Neutral lipids were concentrated along the solvent front. Phosphatidylethanolamine was present in all the glandless genotypes surveyed but it was not present in the glanded genotypes. Eleven other polar lipids were found in common among all the genotypes, regardless of gland genotype. Total leaf lipid extracts were separated into glycolipids and phospholipids by preparative TLC. Relative proportions of individual phospholipid classes in the isolated phospholipid fractions were determined by densitometric quantitation after separation by one-dimensional TLC. Other than for the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine in only the glandless genotypes, there were no differences among the other phospholipid classes. No significant differences in fatty acid compositions for glycolipids and phospholipids were observed among the different cotton genotypes studied.
Outcomes of cataract surgery in children with chronic uveitis.

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of cataract surgery in children with chronic uveitis. Setting Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Methods This retrospective chart review was of patients younger than 17 years with a history of uveitis who had cataract surgery before June 2004. Results Thirty-four children (41 eyes) were identified. The mean age of the 10 boys and 24 girls was 9.8 years (range 4 to 17 years) and the mean total follow-up, 4.1 years (range 0.3 to 15.7 years). Twenty-one children had juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated uveitis, 7 had pars planitis, and 6 had other conditions. Sixteen patients had concomitant posterior segment pathology, 25 received perioperative immunomodulatory therapy, and 13 had intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity improved in 35 of 41 eyes; 31 eyes had an improvement of 3.6 lines at 1 year. Most patients (92%) improved after IOL implantation. Most patients (88%) who received immunomodulatory therapy attained better vision, but this was not statistically significant compared with those who did not ( P = .47). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between those with posterior pathology and those without. At the end of the analysis (1 year), the cumulative probability of improvement in visual acuity in 41 eyes reached 0.91. Conclusion In most cases, and with optimum control of intraocular inflammation, cataract surgery improved the visual outcome in children with chronic uveitis. Intraocular lens implantation was well tolerated in most cases, which may result in optimal vision.
Depression, fracture risk, and bone loss: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Whether depression can increase the risk of bone fractures is uncertain. This meta-analysis, which pooled results from 14 qualifying individual cohort studies, found that depression was associated with a significantly increased risk of fractures and bone loss. The effect of depression on the risk of bone fractures is controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective studies that examined the risk of osteoporotic fractures and bone loss associated with depression. We searched databases and reviewed citations in relevant articles to identify cohort studies that met prestated inclusion criteria; 14 studies were identified. Information on study design, participant characteristics, exposure and outcome measures, control for potential confounders, and risk estimates was abstracted independently by two investigators using a standardized protocol. Data were pooled by use of a random-effects model. In studies that reported fracture outcomes as hazard ratios (HRs) (six studies [n = 108,157]), depression was associated with a 17% increase in fracture risk (HR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.36; P = 0.05); in studies that reported risk ratios as fracture outcomes (four studies [n = 33,428]), depression was associated with a 52% increase in risk (risk ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.26–1.85; P < 0.001). In studies that reported bone mineral density as an outcome (five studies [n = 8,931]), depression was associated with a reduced annualized bone loss rate of 0.25% (0.05–0.45%; P = 0.02) at the hip and 0.29% (−0.07–0.64%; P = 0.11) at the spine. The HR for the three studies (n = 14,777) that did not adjust for antidepressant treatment was 1.30 (95% CI, 1.11–1.52; P = 0.01), and the HR for the three studies (n = 93,380) that did adjust for antidepressant treatment was 1.05 (95% CI, 0.86–1.29; P = 0.6). Evidence supports an association between depression and increased risk of fracture and bone loss that may be mediated by antidepressants.
Growth of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Summary The three-stage desk calculation of the von Bertalanffy equation to describe growth in height and weight with age in the elephant is compared with a new approach to calculating the three coefficients in the function by a computer. The two methods give different results with respect to the weight/age calculations. Theoretical von Bertalanffy equations calculated by both methods to describe growth in height and weight with age in the African elephant in Zambia are compared with previously published equations for the elephant in East Africa. Details are given of growth in height in two known-age African elephants, a female ‘Diksie’ and a male ‘Kartoum’. Theoretical growth in height curves for the female African and Asiatic elephant are compared. The coefficients K and / for growth in height are not transferable to the growth in weight equations. Inherent inaccuracies in the calculation of the coefficients in the von Bertalanffy equation are discussed, and it is concluded that in animals which have a long life-span such as the elephant, the equation serves as a purely empirical representation of weight-at-age data and that there is little biological significance in the parameters it contains. The computer-calculated curves give the best fit to the data. The regression of log age on log shoulder height from 2–20 years of age provides a more realistic approach to comparative growth studies. The increase in adrenal weight with age is linear. Tusk growth in relation to age and sex in Zambia is compared with East Africa. It is concluded that the tusks in Zambia are smaller and are more difficult to sex correctly than their East African counterparts, possibly a consequence of the Zambian elephant having a greater degree of tusk wear. Allometric growth is described with emphasis on the estimation of body weight from shoulder height. The most reliable estimates are obtained from a purely empirical representation of the data, a semilog plot of log body weight on shoulder height.
Production of W± and Z0 pairs independent of electroweak coupling in dynamical symmetry breaking models

Abstract In models where W± and Z0 are fermion-anti-fermion bound states, we show that they are pair produced strongly by gluon-gluon fusion provided the constituent fermions carry color. Extended technicolor is an example of such a model. At very high energies, this should be the dominant mechanism for W± and Z0 pair production.
Damage recovery in vanadium between 3.8-6.0 K

Abstract The isochronal recovery of thermal neutron damage in V was recently studied1 from 6–320 K by means of resistivity changes. One interesting result was the observation of continuous recovery from 6–40 K in contrast to the spectra of discrete recovery processes seen at low temperatures for thermal neutron damage in nearly all other metals studied. The absence of recovery rate peaks in this low temperature range led to the speculation that the onset of recovery in V may occur by means of long-range interstitial migration rather than the collapse of close Frenkel pairs which is believed to initiate the recovery in most other metals. Another possibility is that close pair recovery in V occurs below 6 K. This speculation is not unreasonable, since recovery below 6 K has been observed in Au, Cd, In, and Zn.2 In the case of Cd, a large recovery rate peak occurs at 5.2 K with a subpeak at 3.6 K.3 In this report, we give results of an investigation which extends the recovery study of thermal neutron damage ...
Understanding Patterns of Publishing Activity in Academic Research Occupations

While it is widely understood that faculty in various disciplines tend to publish at different rates and in different forms, knowledge of these differences is too limited to facilitate systematically differentiated performance appraisal and reward systems. In this study, theory concerning knowledge production system characteristics as influences on individual performance is applied to academic research occupations using a classification scheme developed by Biglan [4]. Regression analysis is applied to a general (industry-wide) sample of United States faculty, with publishing patterns as performance measures. Each dimension of the classification scheme is found to have predictive validity. Output patterns are consistent with a conceptualization of research occupations in terms of (1) transformational/technological processes, (2) research mission, and (3) input/subject matter characteristics. The results offer a basis for generating disciplinary publishing norms and differentiated reward systems.
The preparation of some metallized phenanthrene and naphthalene derivatives.

The synthesis of azo derivatives of the naphthols and phenanthrols and the complex formation of these compounds with chromium, copper, and iron is described. Organo-metallic compounds of a high degree of stability were obtained.
Civil—Military Relations in the United States and Russia: An Alternative Approach

The key to understanding civil—military relations in polities such as Russia and the United States is military culture. Military culture includes a variety of characteristics or norms of behavior. ...
Wavefront sensors for optical diagnostics in fluid mechanics: application to heated flow, turbulence, and droplet evaporation

Optical measurement techniques are extremely useful in fluid mechanics because of their non- invasive nature. However, it is often difficult to separate measurement effects due to pressure, temperature and density in real flows. Using a variation of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, we have made wavefront measurements that have extremely large dynamic range coupled with excellent sensitivity at high temporal and spatial resolution. These wavefront variations can be directly related to density perturbations in the fluid. We have examined several classes of flow including volumetrically heated gas, grid turbulence and droplet evaporation.
Intelligent Agent–Supported Online Education

With the development of Internet technologies, online distance education is becoming an important format for teaching, learning, and instruction. In the 21st century, bleeding edge technologies make it possible for more and more students, especially adults, to benefit from an online education. This new paradigm in education allows students to pursue a second or third degree without sacrificing their jobs. Despite the advances in technology, existing online course management systems are far behind in the technological applications needed to deliver the highest quality online education. The existing distance education systems do not give enough consideration to many important issues, like personalization, mobility of students and instructors, and coordination among online study groups, which seriously affect further development of online education. This article discusses the potential applications of intelligent agents and other modern technologies to solve these problems and make online education more accountable in the open and dynamic environment.
Homocysteine Decreases Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation in Porcine Arteries

Background. Although hyperhomocysteinemia has long been recognized as an independent risk factor for vascular disease, the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of homocysteine are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of homocysteine on vasomotor function and endothelial integrity in intact porcine arteries. Methods. Pig coronary artery rings were incubated with homocysteine (10, 50, or 100 μM) for 24 h. Myograph analysis was performed with thromboxane A2 analogue U46619 for contraction and bradykinin or sodium nitroprusside for relaxation. Pig carotid arteries were perfusion-cultured in control and 50 and 100 μM homocysteine treatment groups. The diameter change was analyzed in response to norepinephrine and acetylcholine, respectively. Endothelial morphology and nitric oxide systhase (eNOS) levels were determined by histology analysis. Results. Endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation (bradykinin) was significantly reduced by 52, 87, and 97% in the pig coronary artery rings treated with 10, 50, and 100 μM homocysteine, respectively, compared to controls (P 0.05). Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was also significantly reduced by 44 and 98% in the pig carotid arteries treated with 50 and 100 μM homocysteine, respectively, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Variable degrees of endothelial cell injury, such as morphology change and detachment, were observed, and eNOS immunoreactivity was markedly reduced in both pig coronary and carotid arteries that were treated with high doses of homocysteine. Conclusion. These data demonstrated that homocysteine significantly decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and eNOS immunoreactivity as well as induced marked endothelial injury in both porcine coronary and carotid arteries. This study suggests that homocysteine-mediated endothelial dysfunction and injury may play important roles in vascular lesion formation in the hyperhomocysteinemic patient.
The Neoliberal University and Agricultural Biotechnology: Reports From the Field

Following in the footsteps of a variety of previous research that elaborates on the current state of affairs in academia, this article sets out the argument that neoliberalism and its corresponding iterations of science and technology and research funding policies in this country have implications for the types of knowledge that can be generated within and communicated without contemporary institutions of higher education. Using agricultural biotechnology as the lens through which to focus analysis, the article outlines a number of empirical examples that illustrate how the free flow of knowledge either critical of or not readily appropriated by capital is being impeded.
Influence of perioperative storage solutions on long-term vein graft function and morphology.

It has been shown that suboptimal preparation of a vein graft prior to its insertion results in immediate morphologic and functional damage to the endothelial cells but not to the underlying smooth muscle cells. However, little is known about whether such perioperative injury to the vein grafts influences the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia and smooth muscle cell contractility. This study examines the influence of storage in saline solution or Ringer's lactate on the development of intimal hyperplasia and vasomotor function in experimental vein grafts. Twenty-six New Zealand white rabbits had a carotid vein bypass graft performed after the veins had been immersed (15 minutes) in either heparinized saline solution (Sal; n = 13) or Ringer's lactate (RL; n = 13), and each group was harvested after 28 days for either histologic (n = 8) or functional studies (n = 5; four 5 mm rings/graft). Saline storage of the vein graft resulted in a 38% increase in the thickness of the intimal hyperplasia (113±2 vs. 83±2 μm, Sal vs. RL; mean±SEM;p 0.05).The two sets of vein grafts showed no difference in sensitivity to norepinephrine, serotonin, and bradykinin. The standardized maximal contractile forces (maximal contraction/contraction to 60 mmol/L KCl; mean±SEM) to serotonin (0.88±0.11 vs. 0.52±0.07;p 0.05).Saline storage of the vein graft results in the increased development of intimal hyperplasia with an overall enhanced contractility but without changes in agonist sensitivity. This study places further emphasis on the need for good perioperative care of the vein bypass graft because it results not only in the previously documented short-term problems but also in long-term structural and contractile changes that may contribute to decreased graft patency.
INITIATION OF THE VASCULAR SYSTEM IN THE FERTILE FLORET OF ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM (GRAMINEAE)

Procambium was initially isolated near the insertions of lemma and stamen primordia in the grass Anthoxanthum. The palea was initiated before its procambium. The acropetal, continuous differentiation of procambium involved in the siting of leaves on shoots of many other megaphyllous plants, does not occur in the rachilla of this grass. A portion of the vascular system of the fertile floret of Anthoxanthum became connected with the vascular system of the rest of the spikelet by basipetal differentiation of the procambial trace of the fertile lemma. A core of residual meristem persisted in the fertile floret above the procambial trace to the fertile lemma. Vascular continuity between the procambial trace to the fertile lemma and the procambial traces of the stamens was achieved by the differentiation of procambium from this core of residual meristem. PRimARY VASCULAR development in shoots stimulates controversy and research among anatomists. Although the range of study and argument is wide, much centers on whether procambium differentiates continuously and
Renal histopathology and crystal deposits in patients with small bowel resection and calcium oxalate stone disease

We present here the anatomy and histopathology of kidneys from 11 patients with renal stones following small bowel resection, including 10 with Crohn's disease and 1 resection in infancy for unknown cause. They presented predominantly with calcium oxalate stones. Risks of formation included hyperoxaluria (urine oxalate excretion greater than 45 mg per day) in half of the cases, and acidic urine of reduced volume. As was found with ileostomy and obesity bypass, inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs) contained crystal deposits associated with cell injury, interstitial inflammation, and papillary deformity. Cortical changes included modest glomerular sclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Randall's plaque (interstitial papillary apatite) was abundant, with calcium oxalate stone overgrowth similar to that seen in ileostomy, idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, and primary hyperparathyroidism. Abundant plaque was compatible with the low urine volume and pH. The IMCD deposits all contained apatite, with calcium oxalate present in three cases, similar to findings in patients with obesity bypass but not an ileostomy. The mechanisms for calcium oxalate stone formation in IMCDs include elevated urine and presumably tubule fluid calcium oxalate supersaturation, but a low calcium to oxalate ratio. However, the mechanisms for the presence of IMCD apatite remain unknown.
Rapid quantification system for zinc in blood serum

Pediatric septic shock is a major health problem in the United States, with 42,000 cases annually and an approximate 10% mortality rate. Studies have shown that pediatric septic shock patients regularly have critically low levels of serum zinc (Zn), suggesting oral supplementation of Zn as a therapeutic strategy. To protect patients, it is exceedingly important to monitor blood serum concentration of Zn during supplementation in order to ensure normal physiological levels and watch for heavy metal toxicity due to over supplementation. Current quantification methods typically involve the use of external laboratory facilities and turnaround times ranging from hours to days. This paper presents an improved Point-of-Care device centered on a three electrode Cu based sensor that uses Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) for rapid electrochemical measurement of Zn in serum. This next-generation device incorporates two major improvements over those presented previously - an evolution to a single printed circuit board (PCB) design, and the incorporation of automated concentration detection. The sensor is able to produce quantification results in approximately 6 minutes.
Absence of de Haas-van Alphen spin splitting zeros in Au(Fe) at 0.5 K

Abstract It is found that the dHvA spin splitting zeros for the neck oscillations in pure Au are absent in a Au (100 ppm Fe) dilute alloy, due to conduction electron - impurity moment exchange interaction. An apparent decrease of the conduction electron scattering rate, with decreasing temperature (down to ∼ 0.48 K), is observed for orbits on the belly region of the Fermi surface but not for neck orbits.
ras-transformed cells: altered levels of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate and catabolites

Steady-state cellular levels of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG), and inositol phosphates have been measured in two different fibroblast cell lines (NIH 3T3 and NRK cells) before and after transformation with three different ras genes. At high cell density the ratio of DAG to PIP2 was 2.5- to 3-fold higher in the ras-transformed cells than in their untransformed counterparts. The sum of the water-soluble breakdown products of the polyphosphoinositides, inositol-1,4-bisphosphate and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, was also elevated in ras-transformed NRK cells compared with nontransformed NRK cells. These findings suggest that the ras (p21) protein may act by affecting these levels, possibly as a regulatory element in the PIP2 breakdown pathway.
Go/No-Go Testing of VCO Modulation RF Transceivers Through the Delayed-RF Setup

The increasing share of test and packaging as a percentage of the overall cost for RF transceivers necessitate, radically test new approaches to both wafer-level and final production testing. We present a new system-level test setup for voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) modulating transceiver architectures that we call the delayed-RF setup, along with a novel, all-digital design-for-testability (DFT) modification that enables coverage of the most important system-level specifications. The delayed-RF setup can be used during wafer sort, thus preventing the packaging of nonfunctional dies. Based on this setup and the DFT technique, we present an automatic test development methodology for FM transceivers using frequency-domain signature analysis. We develop two distinct pass/fail criteria based on eigensignatures and envelope signatures and a test generation algorithm that aims at minimizing the required delay while attaining full coverage of target faults. We develop a fault injection and simulation platform for a VCO-modulation, low-IF transceiver architecture using MATLAB and behavioral models including nonideal response. The proposed methodology enables the automation of the test generation process, thus reduces the test development time. Experimental results have shown a 90% reduction in the required delay thereby reducing the cost of this test hardware item
Encephalitozoon hellem in Two Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus): Identification from Archival Tissues

Members of the phylum Microspora are obligate, intracellular, single-celled parasites identified in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Only a few cases of microsporidial infections have been documented in psittacine birds including peach-faced, masked, and Fischer's lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis, A. personata, and A. fischeri, respectively), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala). Parasite identification has typically been limited to phylum or genus, and no avian species of microsporidia has clearly been described. In this report, microsporidia were identified in the kidney and intestine of a new host, the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). Parasites were identified as Encephalitozoon hellem using morphologic, ultrastructural, and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence data obtained from archived tissues. This parasite species was first identified in immunocompromised humans and may be a potential zoonotic pathogen. The epidemiology and prevalence of this parasite in humans and birds should be further explored.
Costs and benefits of direct-to-consumer advertising: the case of depression.

Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) is legal in the US and New Zealand, but illegal in the rest of the world. Little or no research exists on the social welfare implications of DTCA. To quantify the total costs and benefits associated with both appropriate and inappropriate care due to DTCA, for the case of depression. A cost-benefit model was developed using parameter estimates from available survey, epidemiological and experimental data. The model estimates the total benefits and costs (year 2002 values) of new appropriate and inappropriate care stimulated by DTCA for depression. Uncertainty in model parameters is addressed with sensitivity analyses. This study provides evidence that 94% of new antidepressant use due to DTCA is from non-depressed individuals. However, the average health benefit to each new depressed user is 63-fold greater than the cost per treatment, creating a positive overall social welfare effect; a net benefit of >$US72 million. This analysis suggests that DTCA may lead to antidepressant treatment in 15-fold as many non-depressed people as depressed people. However, the costs of treating non-depressed people may be vastly outweighed by the much larger benefit accruing to treated depressed individuals. The cost-benefit ratio can be improved through better targeting of advertisements and higher quality treatment of depression.
DECARBOXYLASE ACTIVITY IN VIVO: EFFECTS OF MORPHINE AND ETHANOL PRETREATMENT IN MICE.

Abstract Decarboxylase activity was measured in mice by injection with carboxyl labelled (C 14 ) 5-hydroxytryptophan, and continuously recording the radioactive carbon dioxide level in expired air. Pretreatment with morphine or ethanol produces significant inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase in vivo . This new method of assay may be widely applicable in studying oxidative processes.
Feasibility of measuring gastric emptying time, with a wireless motility device, after subjects consume fiber-matched liquid and solid breakfasts

To explore the feasibility and sensitivity of a new technology for measuring gastric emptying time (GET) in appetite research, and also to compare appetite after subjects consumed macronutrient- and fiber-matched liquid and solid meals. Fourteen women (BMI of 21.2 ± 0.3) participated in this randomized, crossover study. On two separate days, fasted subjects consumed liquid (fruit juices and skim milk) and solid (oatmeal, blueberries, and apples) breakfasts. Both meals had 10 g of fiber and 410 kcal. GET was assessed with the SmartPill GI Motility System®, appetite was assessed with visual analog scales, and food intake was measured at lunch. Despite the same amount of fiber, GET was about 1h longer after the oatmeal than after the liquids. Subjects were less hungry after the oatmeal than after the liquids. Satisfaction and fullness were marginally improved with the oatmeal compared to the liquids. There was a negative association between GET and hunger. Lunchtime food and beverage intake did not differ between treatments. The SmartPill appears feasible and sensitive in appetite research, but has limitations. A solid meal with naturally occurring fiber from oatmeal and whole fruits increased GET and decreased hunger more than a liquid meal with added fiber.
A fluid pressure and deformation analysis for geological sequestration of carbon dioxide

We present a fluid pressure and deformation analysis for geological sequestration of carbon dioxide based on a simplified hydro-mechanical model. This model includes the geomechanical part that relies on the theory of linear elasticity, while the fluid flow is based on the Darcy's law. Two parts are coupled together using the linear poroelasticity theory. For a typical geological sequestration in a semi-infinite geometry with diminishing pressure and deformation fields at infinity, the Helmholtz decomposition can be applied to the displacement vector. Hence, the flow equation can be decoupled from the equation of linear elasticity. Solutions for fluid pressure were obtained for this typical scenario and solutions for ground deformation were obtained using the method of Green's function. Finally, solutions were compared against numerical results using a finite element method for aquifers with two different thicknesses. General agreement can be obtained between analytical and numerical solutions. The model is useful in estimating the temporal and spatial variation of fluid pressure and the mechanical deformation during the entire injection period.
Control and Pointing Challenges of Large Antennas and Telescopes

Extremely large telescopes will be constructed in the near future, and new radiotelescopes will operate at considerably higher radio frequencies; both features create significantly increased pointing accuracy requirements that have to be addressed by control system engineers. This paper presents control and pointing problems encountered during design, testing, and the operation of antennas, radiotelescopes, and optical telescopes. This collection of challenges informs of their current status, helps to evaluate their importance, and is a basis for discussion on the ways of improvement of antenna pointing accuracy
Diurnal variation of the serine dehydratase mRNA level in rat liver

Serine dehydratase mRNA in the livers of rats maintained on laboratory chow (containing 22% protein) under a 12-h light (7:00-19:00)/12-h dark (19:00-7:00) cycle showed a daily oscillation that was maximal at 19:00 and minimal at 7:00 with an amplitude of more than 20-fold. The feeding of high-protein diets (60 and 91% casein) did not affect the oscillation phase. Virtually identical oscillatory phases for the mature serine dehydratase mRNA and its precursor RNAs, and the results of nuclear run-off transcription assays indicated that the oscillation was generated at the level of transcription. Similar oscillation patters were seen in adrenalectomized, starved, or diabetic rats. However, the mRNA oscillation was not precisely reflected in the oscillation of enzyme activity or enzyme protein in both the phase and the amplitude. Rats maintained on laboratory chow under constant light for 2 weeks still showed mRNA oscillation with a peak at 3:00, whereas rats exposed to constant light and fed between 7:00 and 9:00 exhibited an oscillation peak at 3:00-7:00. Under the conditions of a 12-h light/dark cycle and a 2-h restricted feeding between 7:00 and 9:00, a broad peak was seen at 23:00-3:00. These results indicate that the rhythmic expression of serine dehydratase gene is controlled by both meal-responsive and photoresponsive regulators.