cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression and functional characterisation of a human chimeric nicotinic receptor with α6β4 properties

Despite being cloned several years ago, the expression of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the human alpha6 subunit in recombinant mammalian cell lines has yet to be demonstrated. The resulting lack of selective ligands has hindered the evaluation of the role of alpha6-containing nicotinic receptors. We report that functional channels were recorded following co-transfection of human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells with a chimeric alpha6/alpha4 subunit and the beta4 nicotinic receptor subunit. They displayed an agonist rank order potency of epibatidinez.>>1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP)>/=cytisine>acetylcholine>nicotine measured in a fluorescent imaging plate reader assay. Nicotine, cytisine, DMPP and epibatidine displayed partial agonist properties whilst alpha-conotoxin MII and methyllycaconitine blocked the functional responses elicited by acetylcholine stimulation. Co-transfection of the alpha6/alpha4 chimera with the beta2 nicotinic receptor subunit did not result in functional receptors. The human alpha6/alpha4beta4 chimeric nicotinic receptor expressed in HEK-293 cells may provide a valuable tool for the generation of subtype specific ligands.
Lipopolysaccharide Activates the Expression of ISG15-specific Protease UBP43 via Interferon Regulatory Factor 3

UBP43 is a protease that specifically removes a ubiquitin-like protein, ISG15, from its targets. Highest levels of UBP43 expression are detected in macrophages and in cell lines of monocytic lineage. Macrophages are important in host defense against bacterial and viral infections. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the bacterial cell wall can mimic bacteria and activate monocytes/macrophages to provoke inflammatory responses. Here, we report that LPS strongly activates UBP43 expression in macrophages, which is paralleled by changes in UBP43 protein levels. Two interferon regulatory factor (IRF) binding sites in the UBP43 promoter are responsible for the induction of UBP43 expression by LPS, as well as for basal UBP43 promoter activity. We have identified two members of the IRF family (IRF-2 and IRF-3) that specifically bind to these sites. IRF-3 plays a primary role in the LPS-inducible activation of the UBP43 gene and IRF-2 confers a basal transcriptional activity to the UBP43 promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrate that LPS treatment increases the amount of ISG15-conjugates in macrophages. Coordinated induction of ISG15 and UBP43 suggests that ISG15 conjugation is a dynamic process and that a critical balance of ISG15-modification should be maintained during innate immune response.
The use of slow manifolds in reactive flows

Abstract In calculations of chemically reactive flows, dimension reduction of reactive systems via the use of slow attracting manifolds is an effective approach to reducing the computational burden. In the reduced description, the reactive system is described in terms of a smaller number of reduced composition variables (e.g., some major species) instead of the full composition (i.e., the full set of chemical species), and the evolution equations for the reduced composition variables are solved. In this work, we address the issues arising from the use of chemistry-based slow manifolds in inhomogeneous reactive flows. Chemistry-based slow manifolds are identified (or constructed) based solely on chemical kinetics (i.e., based on homogeneous reactive systems) without accounting for transport processes such as convection and molecular diffusion. For a class of reaction–diffusion systems, by perturbation analysis, it is shown that three different mechanisms contribute to pulling compositions off the chemistry-based slow manifolds, namely, noninvariance, dissipation–curvature, and differential diffusion effects. As the names indicate, these mechanisms contribute, respectively, if the manifold is not invariant; if the manifold is curved (and there is nonzero molecular diffusion); and if the diffusivities of the species differ. In the regime where the fast chemical time scales are smaller than the physical time scales, the composition perturbations off the slow manifold by these three mechanisms are small. However, these three seemingly small perturbations introduce three generally nontrivial terms into the governing equations for the reduced compositions, which in general are of leading order. Moreover, for the convection–reaction–diffusion systems, we validate the close-parallel assumption [Z. Ren, S.B. Pope, A. Vladimirsky, J.M. Guckenheimer, Proc. Combust. Inst. (2007), doi:10.1016/j.proci.2006.07.106 ] to account for these effects in the reduced description. It is shown that with the use of the close-parallel assumption, the reduced description agrees well with the full reactive system. Different scenarios where these three effects could be neglected are also discussed.
A new multigene family encoding calcium-dependent calmodulin-binding membrane proteins of Paramecium tetraurelia

Abstract Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) regulates various physiological processes in a wide variety of organisms, metazoa and protists alike. To better understand Ca2+/CaM-dependent processes, particularly those with membrane-associated components, we studied Ca2+/CaM-binding membrane proteins in Paramecium tetraurelia, a unicellular model system. A CaM-binding protein, PCM1 (paramecium CaM-binding membrane-bound protein), from a detergent-solubilized ciliary membrane fraction was identified and purified through Ca2+-dependent CaM-affinity chromatography. PCM1 has an apparent molecular mass of approx. 65 kDa. It binds radiolabeled CaM in blot overlay assays and binds to CaM-affinity columns, both only in the presence of 10 μM or higher Ca2+. Three peptide sequences from PCM1 were obtained, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization experiments were designed accordingly, leading to a partial cDNA clone for PCM1 and the discovery of three homologs: PCM2, PCM3 and PCM4. Amino-acid sequences predicted by the full-length coding sequence for PCM3 and partial genes for PCM1, PCM2 and PCM4 are very similar (approx. 85% amino-acid identities). Their sequences indicate that they are hitherto novel proteins with β/γ-crystallin domains, cysteine-rich regions and potential CaM-binding domains. These protein motifs are suggested to mediate protein–protein interaction important for Ca2+/CaM signal transduction event(s) through the PCM family of proteins.
Optimal Reliability Design of Process Systems

The optimal design of system reliability which takes into account the quantitative aspect of systems throughput or capacity is proposed. It is based on the concept of an r-out-of-n configuration instead of the conventional parallel 1-out-of-n configuration and is especially suitable for treating problems which arise in process systems. The problem is solved by the pseudo-Boolean programming method of Lawler and Bell.
2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoyl)benzoic acid derivatives of Group 4 metal alkoxides

Continued exploration of the coordination behavior of derivatives of 2-benzophenone-based ligands with metal alkoxides ([M(OR)4]) was undertaken from the reaction of 2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoyl)benzoic acid (H2-OBzA) with a series of Group 4 precursors. The products of these reactions were identified as: [(OR)2Ti(μ-(c,c-OBzA))]2 (OR = OCHMe2 (OPri; 1 •2tol); OCMe3 (OBut; 2 •THF); OCH2CMe3 (ONep; 3)), [[(OPri)3Ti(μ-OPri)Ti(OPri)2]2(μ-(μc,μ-OBzA))2]2 (4), [(ONep)3Zr(μ-ONep)2Zr(ONep)2]2(μ-(c,μ-OBzA)2) (5 •tol), [(py)(OBut)3Zr]2(μ-(c,c-OBzA)) (6), [(OBut)2Hf(μ-OBut)]2(μ-(c,η1-OBzA)) (7) where ‘c’ = chelating or η2; ‘μ’ = bridging or η1,η1(O,O’); and μc = bridging chelating or η1,η1(O,O’); η2 : η1. The metal centers for each of these compounds adopt a pseudo-octahedral geometry employing the OBzA ligand in numerous binding modes. The different functional oxygens (carboxylate, hydroxyl, and carbonyl) were employed in a variety of coordination modes for 1–7. The complexity of these OBzA-modified compounds is d...
A National Research Survey of Technology Use in the BSW Teaching and Learning Process

The purpose of this descriptive-correlational research study was to assess the overall use of technology in the teaching and learning process (TLP) by BSW educators. The accessible and target population included all full-time, professorial-rank, BSW faculty in Council on Social Work Education–accredited BSW programs at land grant universities. BSW educators did not appear to be using technology in the TLP at an advanced or even moderate level. However, they were found to be more likely to incorporate technology in the TLP as the amount of technology available increased and as their constructivist teaching philosophy strengthened.
Implementing design diversity to achieve fault tolerance

The software faults that are particularly significant in a real-time concurrent system are identified, and the use of design diversity to prevent their occurrence is examined. Two approaches to enforced diversity, recovery-block software and multiversion software, are discussed. The recovery-block scheme combines N diverse software versions arranged (conceptually, at least) in sequential order, although the versions may also be organized to execute concurrently. The multiversion-software approach excuses all N versions in parallel, taking advantage of the redundant processors likely to be available in any system that must tolerate hardware and software faults. Although different, both approaches require sufficiently diverse development environments and that faults in the specification do not lead to similar errors. >
Quorum sensing controls hyphal initiation in Candida albicans through Ubr1-mediated protein degradation

Candida albicans is the most common cause of invasive fungal infections in humans. Its ability to undergo the morphological transition from yeast to hyphal growth forms is critical for its pathogenesis. Hyphal initiation requires the activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway, which down-regulates the expression of NRG1, the major repressor of hyphal development. Hyphal initiation also requires inoculation of a small amount of C. albicans cells from overnight culture to fresh medium. This inoculation releases the inhibition from farnesol, a quorum-sensing molecule of C. albicans, that accumulated in the spent medium. Here, we show that farnesol inhibits hyphal initiation mainly through blocking the protein degradation of Nrg1. Through screening a kinase mutant library, we identified Sok1 as the kinase required for Nrg1 degradation during inoculation. SOK1 expression is transiently activated on inoculation during hyphal initiation, and overexpression of SOK1 overcomes the farnesol-mediated inhibition of hyphal initiation. Screening a collection of transcription factor mutants, the homeodomain-containing transcription repressor Cup9 is found to be responsible for the repression of SOK1 expression in response to farnesol inhibition. Interestingly, farnesol inhibits Cup9 degradation mediated by the N-end rule E3 ubiquitin ligase, Ubr1. Therefore, hyphal initiation requires both the cAMP-PKA pathway-dependent transcriptional down-regulation of NRG1 and Sok1-mediated degradation of Nrg1 protein. The latter is triggered by the release from farnesol inhibition of Cup9 degradation and consequently, derepression of SOK1 transcription. Neither pathway alone is sufficient for hyphal initiation.
Lost Innocence: The Production of Truth and Desire in Northern Cameroon

A partir de deux genres de publications (scientifique et litteraire) de N. Barley, consacrees aux Dowayo du Nord du Cameroun, l'A. analyse les problemes d'interpretation et de causalite, les relations entre le reel / rationnel et l'imaginaire / irrationnel, l'alterite et l'identification.
The effect of diet on ethanol withdrawal symptomatology.

Abstract In Experiment 1 rats were gavaged with ethanol and nutrients at 6 hr intervals for 72 hr. Ethanol dosages were assigned by behavioral criteria of inebriation. Nourished animals were able to tolerate higher ethanol dosages than nutrient-deprived rats (9.62 vs 7.60 g/kg/day). Nourished rats were less likely to have withdrawal seizures than were nutrient-deprived rats given an equivalent amount of ethanol, but nourished rats given 25–30% more ethanol than the nutrient-deprived rats did have withdrawal seizures. Nutrient-deprived rats had BEC's (Blood Ethanol Contents) higher than those of nourished rats receiving equivalent amounts of ethanol but comparable to the BEC's of nourished rats receiving 25–30% more ethanol. All these results were replicated in Experiment 2 in which ethanol dependent rats above starting body weight were produced after only nine ethanol doses (54 hr).
Listeria Rhombencephalitis Mimicking Tuberculous Meningitis

A previously healthy man developed a progressive neurologic illness characterized by an "aseptic meningitis syndrome," progressive hypoglycorrhachia, and severe brain-stem dysfunction. Initial dramatic response to antituberculosis therapy supported the diagnosis of tuberculous basilar meningitis; however, Listeria monocytogenes eventually grew in a blood culture, and the patient recovered following intravenous ampicillin therapy. The entity of listerial rhombencephalitis should be considered as a treatable cause of acute, progressive brain-stem meningoencephalitis. Acute brain-stem meningoencephalitis - characterized by fever, pleocytosis, and cranial-nerve palsies - is an uncommon but serious disease. Wellrecognized causes of this syndrome are granulomatous infections of the CNS (e.g., tuberculosis, cryptococcosis, and the dimorphic fungal infections histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis), all of which are treatable. Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium well known as a cause of acute meningitis-especially in immunocompromised patients-is also a cause of this brain-stem syndrome. Cultures of CSF may be negative in this situation. We recently cared for a previously healthy man with progressive cranial-nerve dysfunction whose condition was deteriorating. Cultures of CSF from
Fine mapping QMi-C11 a major QTL controlling root-knot nematodes resistance in Upland cotton

The identification and utilization of a high-level of host plant resistance is the most effective and economical approach to control root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). In an earlier study, we identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for resistance to root-knot nematode in the M-120 RNR Upland cotton line (Gossypium hirsutum L.) of the Auburn 623 RNR source. The QTL is located in a 12.9-cM interval flanked by the two SSR markers CIR069 and CIR316 on the distal segment of chromosome 11. To construct a fine map around the target region, a bulked segregation analysis was performed using two DNA pools consisting of five individuals, with each being homozygous for the two parental alleles. From a survey of 1,152 AFLP primer combinations, 9 AFLP markers closely linked to the target region were identified. By screening an additional 1,221 F2 individuals developed from the initial mapping population, the Mi-C11 locus was delimited to a 3.6-cM interval flanked by the SSR marker CIR069 and the AFLP marker E14M27-375. These results further elucidate the genetic fine structure of the Mi-C11 locus and provide the basis for map-based isolation of the nematode resistance gene in M-120 RNR.
Carbofuran-induced delayed neuropathy.

Background: Although carbamates have been widely used in the world for many years, carbamate-induced delayed neuropathy is rare. We report what appears to be delayed neuropathy caused by poisoning with carbofuran, a cholinesterase-inhibiting carbamate, although the certainty of diagnosis is somewhat limited by the lack of a sural nerve biopsy and spinal fluid examination. Case Report: A 23-year-old man attempted suicide by ingesting 100 mL of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate). After recovering from acute cholinergic toxicity, he had notable paresthesia in his lower limbs and difficulty walking. Electrophysiologic findings revealed sensorimotor neuropathy. Recovery began at 1 week and continued for 4 months. A similar delayed neuropathy has been described with carbamate, 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate, and m-tolyl methylcarbamate, but not with carbofuran insecticides.
Generic Online Optimization of Multiple Configuration Parameters with Application to a Database Server

Optimizing configuration parameters is time-consuming and skills-intensive. This paper proposes a generic approach to automating this task. By generic, we mean that the approach is relatively independent of the target system for which the optimization is done. Our approach uses online adjustment of configuration parameters to discover the system’s performance characteristics. Doing so creates two challenges: (1) handling interdependencies between configuration parameters and (2) minimizing the deleterious effects on production workload while the optimization is underway. Our approach addresses (1) by including in the architecture a rule-based component that handles interdependencies between configuration parameters. For (2), we use a feedback mechanism for online optimization that searches the parameter space in a way that generally avoids poor performance at intermediate steps. Our studies of a DB2 Universal Database Server under an e-commerce workload indicate that our approach can be effective in practice.
Representing partial knowledge in an algebraic security model

The author extends a security model and specification language for key distribution protocols which describes protocols algebraically in terms of term-rewriting systems to include certain kinds of partial knowledge available to a penetrator. She also shows how the model describes the actions by which a penetrator takes advantage of partial knowledge, and gives an example of a protocol specified in the language. >
Using Function Generalization to Design a Cosequential Processing Framework

Framework design is a multifaceted endeavor undertaken to promote reuse of software within a family of related applications. Traditional approaches involve either the evolution or the systematic design of the needed generic structure. This paper explores a systematic design approach called function generalization. In this approach, framework design begins with an executable specification expressed as a set of functions in a functional programming language. This set is analyzed to identify the common and variable aspects of the family of related applications. The set of functions is then transformed in a series of steps to produce a generalized application corresponding to the family. Each step generalizes one variable aspect of the family by introducing higher-order (function) parameters or polymorphic parameters into the functions in the set. The resulting set of generalized functions can be converted to Java code using design patterns to guide the framework construction.
Modulation of the Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves over South America and the Tropical Atlantic Ocean in Association with the Madden–Julian Oscillation

AbstractIn this study, evidence of the strong modulation of the convectively coupled Kelvin wave (CCKW) activity by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is presented, with a particular focus over the South America and tropical Atlantic region. The MJO impacts on CCKWs over this region, as noted in anomalous fields of rainfall as well as vertical profiles of wind, moisture, and temperature, are primarily through the modulation of Kelvin wave amplitude, with secondary effects on vertical structure, and little impact on wavenumber. CCKW activity is enhanced during MJO phases 8, 1, and 2 and damped during MJO phases 4, 5, and 6.Further analyses reveal that the strong modulation of the MJO on the CCKW activity could be largely through two factors: namely, the vertical zonal wind shear and the lower- to middle-tropospheric specific humidity. The CCKW activity tends to be enhanced during MJO phases when the easterly vertical wind shear and positive low- to midtroposphere moisture anomalies are present and vice ve...
Genomic islands of speciation or genomic islands and speciation

Populations of the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, are comprised of at least two reproductively isolated, sympatric populations. In this issue, White et al. (2010) use extensive sampling, high-density tiling microarrays, and an updated reference genome to clarify and expand our knowledge of genomic differentiation between these populations. It is now clear that DNA near the centromeres of all three chromosomes are in near-perfect disequilibrium with each other. This is in stark contrast to the remaining 97% of the assembled genome, where fixed differences between populations have not been found, and many polymorphisms are shared. This pattern, coupled with direct evidence of hybridization in nature, supports models of “mosaic” speciation, where ongoing hybridization homogenizes variation in most of the genome while loci under strong selection remain in disequilibrium with each other. However, unambiguously demonstrating that selection maintains the association of these pericentric “speciation islands” in the face of gene flow is difficult. Low recombination at all three loci complicates the issue, and increases the probability that selection unrelated to the speciation process alters patterns of variation in these loci. Here, we discuss these different scenarios in light of this new data.
Parasite stress promotes homicide and child maltreatment

Researchers using the parasite-stress theory of human values have discovered many cross-cultural behavioural patterns that inform a range of scholarly disciplines. Here, we apply the theory to major categories of interpersonal violence, and the empirical findings are supportive. We hypothesize that the collectivism evoked by high parasite stress is a cause of adult-on-adult interpersonal violence. Across the US states, parasite stress and collectivism each positively predicts rates of men's and women's slaying of a romantic partner, as well as the rate of male-honour homicide and of the motivationally similar felony-related homicide. Of these four types of homicide, wealth inequality has an independent effect only on rates of male-honour and felony-related homicide. Parasite stress and collectivism also positively predict cross-national homicide rates. Child maltreatment by caretakers is caused, in part, by divestment in offspring of low phenotypic quality, and high parasite stress produces more such offspring than low parasite stress. Rates of each of two categories of the child maltreatment—lethal and non-lethal—across the US states are predicted positively by parasite stress, with wealth inequality and collectivism having limited effects. Parasite stress may be the strongest predictor of interpersonal violence to date.
Management of acute agitation in the emergency department

Acutely agitated and combative patients are commonly seen and evaluated by health care providers in the emergency department. Treatment options have evolved significantly in recent years with the advent of intramuscular atypical antipsychotics and an expanded repertoire of patient-friendly oral formulations. Selection of the ideal pharmacologic treatment of an acutely agitated patient strengthens the patient-prescriber relationship and promotes adherence to future therapy. In this article, advantages and disadvantages of various treatment modalities for undifferentiated, psychotic, and nonpsychotic agitation are reviewed, including alternatives to the commonly prescribed haloperidol and lorazepam combination. Atypical antipsychotics may be superior in certain patients, with the added benefit of easier conversion to maintenance therapy. Special consideration is given to the treatment of acutely agitated geriatric patients suffering from delirium and/or dementia. Management of these patients should be guided by etiology and patient characteristics to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit. Although emergency department providers may only see a given patient once, the health care team must have an evidence-based approach to the care that is provided in the emergency department, as it can significantly influence the patient's overall course of treatment in the outpatient setting.
Colistin nephrotoxicity: report of a case with light and electron microscopic studies.

A case of colistln nephrotoxicity without history of previous renal disease was studied by light and electron microscopy of a renal biopsy specimen obtained 11 days after discontinuation of the drug. The histologic picture showed variation from early acute necrosis to regeneration of the damaged renal epithelium. There appeared to be difference of susceptibility among individual tubular epithelial cells to sodium colistinmethanesulfonate in the development of nephrotoxicity. Morphological changes were essentially similar in both the proximal and distal tubules. Indentation of the nuclear membranes was conspicuous and appeared to be demonstrable earlier than the cytoplasmic alterations. ACTA PATH. JAP. 19: 55˜67, 1969.
Numerical methods for the stochastic adaptive control of an investment and consumption model with transaction fees

In this paper an adaptive control problem is formulated and theoretically and numerically solved for an investment and consumption model where the investor's objective is to maximize the discounted utility. Various utility functions can be used. This model includes different transaction costs for transferring money between stocks and bonds by the purchase or the sale of stocks. The numerical methods for the stochastic adaptive control of this investment and consumption model are a continuation of the work in Duncan et al. (1994) where a model of Taksar-Klass-Assaf (1988) without consumption is considered.
Natural images and contrast encoding in bipolar cells in the retina of the land- and aquatic-phase tiger salamander

Intracellular recordings were obtained from 57 cone-driven bipolar cells in the light-adapted retina of the land-phase (adult) tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Responses to flashes of negative and positive contrast for centered spots of optimum spatial dimensions were analyzed as a function of contrast magnitude. On average, the contrast/response curves of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing bipolar cells in the land-phase animals were remarkably similar to those of aquatic-phase animals. Thus, the primary retinal mechanisms mediating contrast coding in the outer retina are conserved as the salamander evolves from the aquatic to the land phase. To evaluate contrast encoding in the context of natural environments, the distribution of contrasts in natural images was measured for 65 scenes. The results, in general agreement with other reports, show that the vast majority of contrasts in nature are very small. The efficient coding hypothesis of Laughlin was examined by comparing the average contrast/response curves of bipolar cells with the cumulative probability distribution of contrasts in natural images. Efficient coding was found at 20 cd/m2 but at lower levels of light adaptation, the contrast/response curves were much too shallow. Further experiments show that two fundamental physiological factors-light adaptation and the nonlinear transfer across the cone-bipolar synapse are essential for the emergence of efficient contrast coding. For both land- and aquatic-based animals, the extent and symmetry of the dynamic range of the contrast/response curves of both classes of bipolar cells varied greatly from cell to cell. This apparent substrate for distributed encoding is established at the bipolar cell level, since it is not found in cones. As a result, the dynamic range of the bipolar cell population brackets the distribution of contrasts found in natural images.
X-ray laser gain from Bragg reflection in relativistic electron beam channel radiation systems

The application of distributed feedback by Bragg reflections in electron-beam channeling X-ray lasers is investigated. Expressions for low-threshold gain are derived for this cavity mirror structure in single crystals and are shown to have possible application in reducing beam high-current requirements by many orders of magnitude. >
Norms and Values: Rethinking the Domestic Analogy

Kratochwil argues that a social-scientific study of the behavior of regimes, and how they exercise power, is a useful method to challenge the exaggerated view of international relations as a “normless anarchy.” By showing how “expectations” dictate action in international affairs, his method asserts the existence of a universal force among nations.
Enhancing Reference Services Through Technology

Summary Technology makes it possible for library users to ask reference questions using e-mail or forms on the web and for librarians to conduct reference interviews using chat or videoconferencing software. This article explores each of these technologies and their current and potential use in reference services. A discussion of how technology has changed the way librarians find answers to reference questions is followed by a review of the tools needed for a well-equipped reference desk.
Class D current-driven transformer center-tapped controllable synchronous rectifier

We present analysis and experimental results for a phase-controlled, synchronous, transformer center-tapped rectifier. The rectifier is driven by a resonant inverter. A digital control adjusts the phase in the driver of the rectifier MOSFET's. The output voltage is regulated while maintaining a 94% maximum and a 80% minimum efficiency for a 30% line swing, and 50% efficiency for a load swing of 400% from full power. Experimental results are presented for a 10 W rectifier with an output voltage of 3.3 V. Theoretical calculations agreed well with the experimental results, with certain deviations due to the nonidealities of the transformer. The center-tapped topology allows for high efficiency even at 3.3 V and simplifies the control design, providing simple regulation.
MACROPHAGE GENETIC REPROGRAMMING DURING CHRONIC PERITONITIS IS AUGMENTED BY LPS PRETREATMENT

Background Persistent and tertiary chronic peritonitis is a clinically challenging problem especially in those who are critically ill. This could be attributed to a state of immune-paralysis, known as microbial tolerance. Microbial tolerance is the diminished pro-inflammatory protein response following repeated stimulation by numerous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of varying origins, which we have shown in this novel model of chronic peritonitis. We aimed in this study to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind microbial tolerance and the early innate immune response resolution in this model. Methods C57BL/6 mice were pretreated intra-peritoneally (IP) with saline or endotoxin LPS 10 mg/kg (LPS 10). Following pretreatment, peritonitis was induced 24 h later injecting 103 Klebsiella pneumonia CFU IP. Gentamicin was administered 4 h prior to infection and BID thereafter. Peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) were obtained through peritoneal lavage and RNA was isolated (n = 3) at 4, 24, and 48 h following infection. SA Biosciences© RT2-Profiler PCR array mouse Toll-like receptor signaling pathway (PAMM_018A) data were further analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Inc. analysis (IPA). Results Of the 89 genes studied, 26 were significantly up-regulated (fold change > 1.2 and P value Conclusion Peritonitis increased PEC gene expression associated with sepsis and a pro-inflammatory response, which was further augmented by LPS pretreatment over 24 h only. Prior exposure to LPS did not induce PEC gene tolerance to subsequent infection with Klebsiella at the mRNA level. Post-transcriptional modification as microRNA down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines could possibly explain such phenomena.
Bioelectricity and regeneration. I. Initiation of frog limb regeneration by minute currents.

We have applied 0.2 μamps of current to the forelimb stump of Rana adults for several weeks. The stimulator was designed to avoid introduction of any physiologically active electrode products into the tissue. Current was applied to the dorsal postaxial region of the stump. Cathodal (i.e., distally negative) current initiated partial regeneration; anodal (i.e., distally positive) current initiated extensive destruction of the limb; while implantation of sham stimulators (delivering no current) yielded limbs showing just a healing response. Regeneration was indicated by organized extension of the severed radio-ulna, newly formed muscle, ligament, and isolated cartilage rods that were partially segmented. Moreover, extraordinarily large amounts of nerve developed in the regenerated tissue. We conclude that the cathodally initiated regeneration was mediated by small electrical fields within the stump and not by electrode products. However, an electrode product (Ag+ ion) cannot be completely excluded as a possible mediator of anodal destruction.
Matrix converter BLDC drive using reverse-blocking IGBTs

This paper demonstrates a method of using a matrix converter with reverse blocking IGBTs (RB-IGBTs) to drive a brushless DC (BLDC) motor with nonsinusoidal flux distribution. The output currents are nearly rectangular and the input currents are sinusoidal. Recently introduced RB-IGBT modules allow for an efficient implementation of the classical topology 18-switch matrix converter. The RB-IGBT modules are controlled so as to provide the required freewheeling paths for the motor currents. The paper presents a suitable carrier-based modulation strategy along with a discussion of selected design issues. Computer simulation and preliminary experimental results are presented. Major advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed.
Evidential arguments from evil

L'article est consacre au probleme du mal et de l'existence de Dieu dans les religions theistes traditionnelles tel qu'il est discute par Paul Draper. L'A. examine l'argumentation de Draper et y met en relief une erreur fondamentale, puis discute les arguments probabilistes generaux sur le mal.
Titration of Variant HSV1-tk Gene Expression to Determine the Sensitivity of 18F-FHBG PET Imaging in a Prostate Tumor

Because of its high selectivity and specificity for the imaging reporter probe 9-(4-18F-fluoro-3-[hydroxymethyl]butyl)guanine (18F-FHBG), the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) variant sr39tk is actively being studied as a PET reporter gene. We recently demonstrated the capability of using a prostate-specific transcriptional amplification PET reporter vector, AdTSTA-sr39tk, to target prostate cancer lymph node metastasis. However, one area that warrants further study is the examination of the sensitivity of PET by determining the minimum percentage of cells expressing the sr39tk transgene needed for detection. Addressing this question could determine the sensitivity of vector-mediated sr39tk PET in cancer-targeting strategies. Methods: DU-145, PC-3, and CWR22Rv.1 prostate cancer cell lines (a total of 1 × 106 cells) were studied, of which 7%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 70% were transduced with the lentiviral vector constitutively expressing HSV1-sr39tk-IRES–enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Cells were subcutaneously implanted into the left shoulder of severe combined immunodeficient mice and evaluated. Tumor cells comparably transduced with an EGFP control vector were implanted on the right shoulder. Mice were imaged using PET with 18F-FHBG at 8, 15, and 22 d after tumor implant. On day 23, tumors were isolated and analyzed for sr39tk transgene expression by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry for EGFP expression. Results: Results showed a linear relationship between the level of sr39tk expression and the quantity of tracer accrual in DU-145, with the minimal value for PET detection at 10%. The magnitude of tracer retention in sr39tk-expressing cells was amplified over time as the tumor grew. Protein levels in the stepwise titration increased with the percentage of sr39tk-transduced cells. Conclusion: The stepwise titration of prostate cancer cells transduced with the lenti-CMV-sr39tk-IRES-EGFP determined the minimum number of sr39tk-expressing tumor cells necessary to be detected by PET using the 18F-FHBG reporter probe. Furthermore, PET signal correlated well with traditional methods of protein evaluation such as flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Unlike the traditional methods, however, the use of PET is noninvasive and will be more advantageous in clinical situations.
Radiation protection programs in nuclear medicine

The development of radiation protection programs in nuclear medicine has been stimulated by the greater degree of regulation that exists in this form of medical imaging. A program within an institution will depend on the amount and type of work to be undertaken, the resources available, and the commitment of the individuals involved. These factors may be part of a licensing program or exist within a broader framework. General policy may be set forth in a manual or guidelines distributed to all employees. The continuing review and development of policy is the function of the institutional committee on radiation. This review must consider patients and workers with the objective of reducing overall dose while obtaining the maximum amount of clinical information. The responsibility for radiation protection is shared by the institution, the licensee, and the individual employee.
Nonmotile Cellulose Synthase Subunits Repeatedly Accumulate within Localized Regions at the Plasma Membrane in Arabidopsis Hypocotyl Cells following 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile Treatment

2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB; [Fig. 1A][1] ) was reported to inhibit cellulose synthesis more than 30 years ago ([Hogetsu et al., 1974][2]) and has subsequently been used in numerous studies (e.g. [Montezinos and Delmer, 1980][3]; [Edelmann and Fry, 1992][4]; [Shedletzky et al., 1992][5]; [Suzuki
Caribou sharing and storage: refitting the Palangana site

Abstract The distribution of caribou at the Palangana site (XCL-00130), Alaska, is compared to two models of hunter–gatherer food sharing. Variance reduction and tolerated theft based on ethnographic observations and mathematical modeling are translated into residual archaeological faunal assemblages based on element frequencies and anatomical refitting. These models, applied to the Palangana caribou assemblage, indicate that food sharing occurred between the site occupants in a manner similar to tolerated theft. Food sharing behaviors are established through comparison of the faunal assemblages of two discrete households occupied contemporaneously. Analysis concludes that stored caribou were distributed among the households in response to consumer needs.
Enhancing the Hole-Conductivity of Spiro-OMeTAD without Oxygen or Lithium Salts by Using Spiro(TFSI)2 in Perovskite and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

2,2′,7,7′-Tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD), the prevalent organic hole transport material used in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite-absorber solar cells, relies on an uncontrolled oxidative process to reach appreciable conductivity. This work presents the use of a dicationic salt of spiro-OMeTAD, named spiro(TFSI)2, as a facile means of controllably increasing the conductivity of spiro-OMeTAD up to 10–3 S cm–1 without relying on oxidation in air. Spiro(TFSI)2 enables the first demonstration of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated and operated with the complete exclusion of oxygen after deposition of the sensitizer with higher and more reproducible device performance. Perovskite-absorber solar cells fabricated with spiro(TFSI)2 show improved operating stability in an inert atmosphere. Gaining control of the conductivity of the HTM in both dye-sensitized and perovskite-absorber solar cells in an inert atmosphere using spiro(TFSI)2 is ...
Customer Focused Advertising Through Server Based Broadcast

Advertising has become a common part of our culture and is an area that is undergoing continuous changes. The same can be said for the means of distributing advertisements. Television and radio are no longer the only means of media distribution. New technologies have allowed consumers to view their favorite programs (and the advertisements that come with them) from a wide variety of devices and methods. Content can be viewed from home, out in public and on the road in ways that were previously unimaginable. For several decades, the most common way to reach viewers was through the television. Although this method of distribution will not change any time soon, other new ways to reach audiences have sprung from modern technologies. What does this mean for the businesses who have ruled the advertising industry for all of these years?
Guerra com a lingoa: Book Culture and Biblioclasm in the Ethiopian Jesuit Mission

This article examines the book culture of the Jesuit mission to Ethiopia (1557–1632). Combining archival and field research, it considers the composition of the mission’s now-lost libraries, the use of books as tools of conversion, book production, and missionary engagement with Ethiopian Orthodox book culture. Furthermore, it illuminates the Jesuit reliance upon Ethiopian collaborators both to understand Orthodox texts and to produce Catholic manuscripts in the absence of a printing press. Using the personal libraries of Pedro Paez, S.J. and Afonso Mendes, S.J. as case studies, it posits that the gradual acceleration of acts performed by Jesuits upon Orthodox books—including collecting, translating, editing, and destroying—paralleled the rising aggression and cultural intolerance of the mission. Ultimately, this resulted in the expulsion and murder of the Jesuits, and the destruction of their libraries in a series of state-sanctioned book burnings that permitted a revival of Ethiopian Orthodoxy.
Highly ordered nanoscale patterns produced by masked ion bombardment of a moving solid surface

We introduce a fabrication method in which a mask with a long, narrow slit is placed between the source of an ion beam and the surface of a solid moving with constant speed. Numerical simulations reveal the method can generate surface ripples and arrays of nanoholes that are virtually defect free. In contrast, the patterns produced by ion bombardment with a broad, unmasked beam are typically rife with defects.
The Role of Two Newspapers in the Assimilation of Italians in Buenos Aires and São Paulo, 1893–1913

Focusing on the Italian language press in Argentina and Brazil, this article explores the role of the foreign language press in the immigrant process of acculturation. Specifically, the author evalu? ates La Patria degli Italiani of Buenos Aires and Fanfulla of Sao Paulo. These two papers, in their respective communities, retained the largest circulation and were generally acknowledged to be the most influential. The author probes the Italian communities in each country, examines the functions of the newspapers and estimates their respective influence.
Study on Growth and Anemia Status of Preschool Children in Minority Areas of Guizhou Province

Objective: To explore the growth and anemia status of preschool children in minority areas of Guizhou Province.Methods: Body height standard references of WHO in 2006 were used as the evaluation criteria to calculate Z scores,and WHO recommended standard was adopted for anemia status judgement.Data were statistically analyzed with software of SPSS 13.0.Results: The growth retardation rate,underweight rate,emaciation rate,and anemia rate of preschool children in minority areas of Guizhou Province were 11.26%,17.56%,6.19%,and 35.66% respectively.Conclusions: The growth and anemia situation of preschool children is not satidfied in minority areas of Guizhou,and the nutritional status of children remains to be improved.
“Pink is a Girl's Color”: A Case Study of Bilingual Kindergarteners' Discussions about Gender Roles

This article discusses the results of an empirical study that examined young bilingual students' discussions of picture books dealing with gender themes in a Spanish/English bilingual classroom. The study focused on the reading of five picture books by sixteen 5-year-old Mexican-origin children at a small charter school. The data were collected by video/audio recordings, interviews, and children's artifacts over a period of five months. The findings suggest that discussions about gender roles using two languages have potential to help kindergarten bilingual children think critically about gender roles and avoid gender stereotypes. This study aims to offer critical approaches to early childhood and bilingual education, providing insights into how teachers can create supportive literacy environments in which bilingual children can develop a critical awareness of gender and gender roles from an early age.
Risk Stratification in Angina Pectoris

Risk stratification of the patient with angina pectoris can be accomplished initially by the history, physical examination, and resting electrocardiogram. Noninvasive testing can add important prognostic information and identify patients who might benefit from revascularization procedures. An exercise electrocardiographic test usually is the initial test to determine risk, but exercise 201Th scintigraphy and exercise radionuclide angiography can provide important additional information regarding outcome in selected subsets of patients.
Ocular Lens Findings in Patients Treated with PUVA

In some animal species, exposure of the ocular lens to 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and ultraviolet-A radiation (PUVA) induces lens opacities. Case reports have suggested that PUVA therapy in humans may be associated with an increased risk of ocular lens abnormalities. To examine this risk, we compared the results of the initial and final examinations, which were performed on an average of 10 years apart in 1,235 individuals enrolled in the PUVA Follow-up Study. After adjustment for age and sex, there was no significant relation between the risk of developing an ocular lens abnormality or cataract and the level of exposure to PUVA. A higher incidence of cataract was noted, however, in the PUVA cohort compared to a large population-based study. In addition, rates of cataract extraction were significantly higher among male members of the PUVA study compared to enrollees in the Physician Health Study. Overall, our data strongly argue against a dose-dependent increase in the risk of cataract or other lens abnormality in association with PUVA therapy in a cohort most of whose members we believe usually used recommended eye protection. Our data do not explain the higher incidence and prevalence of ocular lens pathology in our cohort compared to groups without psoriasis. These differences could reflect differences in criteria for defining these abnormalities, other exposures, or PUVA.