cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activating Hair Follicle Stem Cells via R-spondin2 to Stimulate Hair Growth

Wnt signaling is required for the development of the hair follicle, and for inciting the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle. Most strategies to enhance Wnt signaling for hair growth create a state of constitutive Wnt activation, which leads to neoplastic transformation of the epithelial hair matrix. Using Axin2LacZ/+ and Axin2Cre/+R26RmTmG/+ reporter mice and RNA analyses, we show that Wnt signaling is elevated during anagen, is reduced at the onset of catagen, and can be reamplified in the skin and surrounding hair follicles via intradermal injection of recombinant R-spondin2 protein. Using Lgr5LacZ/+ reporter mice, we demonstrate that this amplified Wnt environment leads to activation of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5-positive stem cells in the hair follicle. The onset of catagen is repressed by R-spondin2 injection, and the anagen phase persists. As a consequence, hair shafts grow longer. We conclude that R-spondin2 treatment activates hair follicle stem cells and therefore may have therapeutic potential to promote hair growth.
Adoption of a separate capital budget in local governments: Empirical evidence from georgia

Adoption of a separate capital budget in local governments receives little attention in the literature. It is important to look at various capital budgeting practices in local governments since a separate capital budget as different budget format and structure affects budgetary decisions, thus leading to different levels of investment in public infrastructure. This paper examines factors that facilitate or impede adoption of a separate capital budget by using time series data. Results show that local governments are more likely to adopt a separate capital budget in order to reflect local demands such as growth rate in capital spending.
113 WEIGHT GAIN AND FAT DISTRIBUTION WITH PIOGLITAZONE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES ON INSULIN THERAPY.

Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes (T 2 DM). As PPAR-γ agonists, TZDs improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control and have other beneficial nonglycemic effects. However, weight gain is an undesirable side effect and is of potential concern. Recent studies demonstrate that weight gain with TZD therapy is associated with an increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and a concomitant decrease in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Insulin therapy alone is also associated with weight gain; however, body fat composition has not been studied with insulin therapy or with the additive effects of insulin and TZD therapy. Objective To evaluate the effects of a pioglitazone and insulin combination versus insulin therapy alone on body fat distribution. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial on 25 insulin-treated, obese T 2 DM patients (BMI 36.5 kg/m 2 , HbA 1C 7.7%). Twelve patients were assigned pioglitazone (30 mg titrated to 45 mg) and insulin (PIO + INS) and 13 patients were assigned placebo and insulin (PLA + INS). Abdominal CT scans were performed before and after 12 to 16 weeks of treatment. VAT and SAT pre- and post-treatment and liver/spleen attenuation (L/S) ratios were measured (an L/S ratio Results In the PLA-INS group, body weight increased from 108.7 to 110.1 kg ( p = .02), HbA 1C decreased from 7.8 to 7.2% ( p = .02), SAT increased from 412.9 to 420.8 cm 2 ( p = .31), and VAT decreased from 266.6 to 250.5 cm 2 ( p = .17). In the PIO + INS group, weight increased from 107.1 to 112.0 kg ( p = .00), HbA 1C decreased from 7.6 to 7.1% ( p = .03), SAT increased from 393.9 to 443.2 cm 2 ( p = .001), and VAT decreased from 240.3 to 223.8 cm 2 ( p = .13). When the two groups were compared, a significant increase in the SAT ( p = .01) and a trend toward decreased VAT was noted in the PIO + INS group compared with the PLA + INS group. Further, the L/S ratio in the PLA + INS group decreased from 1.08 to 1.04 ( p = NS) and increased from 0.999 to 1.075 ( p = .06) in the PIO + INS group, suggesting that pioglitazone combined with insulin decreases liver fat compared with insulin alone. Conclusions In patients treated with insulin, at equivalent glycemia, the addition of pioglitazone is associated with increased SAT, decreased VAT, and decreased liver fat. These changes in body fat distribution could possibly contribute to the beneficial effects of the TZDs despite overall weight gain.
Diseases of the Pancreas Involving Channels/Transporters

The pancreas is a digestive gland that is functionally divided into the exocrine pancreas producing digestive enzymes and the endocrine pancreas producing insulin and other metabolic hormones. Diseases of the exocrine pancreas are primarily inflammatory, such as acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. These diseases are symptom-defined clinical syndromes reflecting the final pathologic pathway of multiple complex gene × gene and gene × environment interactions. Diseases of the pancreas originating with channel–transporter dysfunction are dominated by dysfunction in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Risk for chronic pancreatitis is also linked to claudin-2, a tight junction protein that forms a cation–water channel between cells. The dysfunction, however, is unrelated to channel function. New genetic discoveries of a unique class of CFTR variants that specifically alter CFTR bicarbonate permeability and conductance are discussed, along with their implications for human disease.
Response to Richard Wilson and D. Warner North

Both of the presentations have at their core a discussion of cost-benefit analysis. I would like to take a few minutes to react and to explain some of the concerns that the environmental groups in particular, and I think the public generally, have about using this as the model for decisionmaking in the environmental arena. I might point out that there are several models that one can hypothesize in addition to cost-benefit models. There are models which I will label “ecosystem conservative” models, and a third type of model that I will call the “reasonable person-good judgment” model, or if that sounds too normative a label perhaps the “risk averse/cost-conscious” model.
Evidence-Based Best Practices in Designing and Developing Quality eLearning for the Public Health and Health Care Workforce:

The Public Health Learning Network is the nation’s most comprehensive system of educators, public health experts, and thought leaders whose mission is to advance public health practice and improve ...
A regulatory role for β-adrenergic receptors regarding the resolvin D1 (RvD1) pathway in the diabetic retina.

Diabetic retinopathy is a visually debilitating disease with limited treatment options available. Compound 49b, a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been demonstrated to effectively reduce disease pathogenesis associated with diabetic retinopathy. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, previous studies have determined that it reduces the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and inhibits apoptosis of the retinal microvasculture. As inflammation becomes more recognized in driving disease pathogenesis, so does the regulation by pro-resolving pathways as therapeutic points of intervention. The current study sought to explore whether Compound 49b had any influence on pro-resolving pathways, thus contributing to improved disease outcome. Using in vivo (animal model of type 1 diabetes) and in vitro (retinal endothelial cells, Muller cells, neutrophils/PMN) techniques, it was determined that high glucose lowers pro-resolving lipid mediator, resolvin D1 (RvD1) levels and differentially alters required enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), 15-LOX-1 and 15-LOX-2. RvD1 receptors formyl peptide receptor 2 (ALX/FPR2) and G-protein coupled receptor 32 (GPR32) were also downregulated in response to hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, it was observed that β-adrenergic receptor activation restored high glucose-induced decreases in both enzyme activity and RvD1 levels observed in vivo and in vitro. The current study is the first to describe a regulatory role for β-adrenergic receptors on pro-resolving pathways.
Structural basis of O-GlcNAc recognition by mammalian 14-3-3 proteins.

O-GlcNAc is an intracellular posttranslational modification that governs myriad cell biological processes and is dysregulated in human diseases. Despite this broad pathophysiological significance, the biochemical effects of most O-GlcNAcylation events remain uncharacterized. One prevalent hypothesis is that O-GlcNAc moieties may be recognized by “reader” proteins to effect downstream signaling. However, no general O-GlcNAc readers have been identified, leaving a considerable gap in the field. To elucidate O-GlcNAc signaling mechanisms, we devised a biochemical screen for candidate O-GlcNAc reader proteins. We identified several human proteins, including 14-3-3 isoforms, that bind O-GlcNAc directly and selectively. We demonstrate that 14-3-3 proteins bind O-GlcNAc moieties in human cells, and we present the structures of 14-3-3β/α and γ bound to glycopeptides, providing biophysical insights into O-GlcNAc-mediated protein–protein interactions. Because 14-3-3 proteins also bind to phospho-serine and phospho-threonine, they may integrate information from O-GlcNAc and O-phosphate signaling pathways to regulate numerous physiological functions.
Photocatalysis Involving Metal Carbonyls

The focus of this chapter will be largely upon those photocatalytic reactions involving simple mononuclear and polynuclear metal carbonyls of the general formula My(CO)X, although mixed ligand complexes which have at least several CO’s in the coordination sphere of a single metal center will also be considered. The photocatalysis described here is concerned not with energy storage reactions but with processes which are isoergic or exoergic. The role of light in photocatalysis involving metal carbonyls is often simply to effect the dissociation of one or more ligands, usually CO, thus to open coordination sites to other reactants and overcome the >30 kcal mol−1 activation energy needed to dissociate such ligands thermally. If the resulting number of turnovers is small, the principal advantage would be to allow access to a specific product not easily available by simple thermochemical routes with sufficient increase in value to justify the expense of utilizing light. If, on the other hand, photolysis transforms some precursor to an active species which survives numerous reaction turnovers, such a process would be closer to being truly catalytic.
The Context of Professional Psychology

From the time we start as undergraduate majors in psychology, we are taught the theories, methods, and findings that are the substance of the science of psychology. As graduate students, we learn of the professional aspects of this substance and become proficient in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorder if clinical is our specialty. The pattern is similar for the other recognized specialties—counseling, industrial-organizational, and school psychology. Thus, as professional psychologists,1 we are typically very well trained in how to best provide primary psychological services to our clients.
Effects of Fire Exclusion on Previously Fire-Managed Semiarid Savanna Ecosystem

Abstract Long-term (> 100 yr) fire exclusion is associated with numerous ecological consequences in grasslands and savannas, including transitions into shrub- or tree-dominated systems. Several studies have reported differences in woody vegetation after multiple fires among burned and unburned rangelands, but none have reported the impacts of fire exclusion after a period of fire management. We evaluated effects of fire exclusion on herbaceous and woody canopy cover and herbaceous biomass in semiarid savanna of southwest Texas in pastures with known burn histories. Pastures were burned in summer and winter in 1994, 2000, and 2006, followed by 11 yr of fire exclusion. Between 2006 and 2017, woody subcanopy increased (5–21%) in all treatments while overstory canopy remained unchanged. Herbaceous cover decreased (5–18%) in all treatments but remained higher in burned treatments. From 2006 to 2017, herbaceous biomass declined in all treatments by > 650 kg·ha−1 and was not statistically different among treatments. These trends support other research demonstrating the importance of historical mean fire return interval in maintaining grasslands and savannas.
Serendipitous Finding of Asymptomatic Babesiosis in a Patient With Symptomatic Thrombocytopenia.

We report a case of isolated immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) as a result of babesiosis infection. The patient initially presented with a history, physical exam and laboratory findings consistent with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. She was treated with standard of care therapy without clinical response. Daily evaluation of the peripheral smear ultimately revealed a red blood cell inclusion, identified and confirmed as a low-titer babesiosis infection indicative of past exposure. As described below, isolated thrombocytopenia related to babesiosis infection has not been reported prior to the patient's presentation. There are a few cases reported to show a relationship between babesiosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia without an understood pathophysiologic mechanism. We review the literature, propose a possible pathophysiologic mechanism of disease and consider the implications of swift identification to prevent clinical deterioration. J Hematol. 2019;8(4):168-170 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jh570
Physical activity engagement and responses to exercise in plaque psoriasis: a multifactorial investigation of influential factors.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis may increase the risk of physical inactivity, but few studies have evaluated the etiology.OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers to and predictors of physical activity in psoriasis.M...
Care in crisis: COVID-19 as a catalyst for universal child care in the United States

School closings during COVID-19 exposed an under-addressed gender equity issue in the United States: child care in crisis. To better understand the child care crisis in the current U.S. context, we...
Does Trait Hostility Moderate the Asymmetry in Victim-Perpetrator Perceptions of Aggressive Behaviors?

Victims often perceive aggressive behaviors as being more harmful than do perpetrators—a so-called victim-perpetrator asymmetry. We examined whether this victim-perpetrator asymmetry was especially...
Bainite Percentage Determination and Effect of Bainite Percentage on Mechanical Properties in Austempered AISI 5160 Steel

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis with Rietveld refinement was used to determine the percentage of each microstructural constituent in AISI 5160 steel parts, which were austempered at 315°C for 1 minute, 2 min, 5 min, 30 min, and 90 min, separately. Nanoindentation was also conducted to quantify the concentration of bainite to compare with the XRD results. Thus, the bainitic transformation kinetics for AISI 5160 was determined for the selected austempering temperature. The mechanical properties of these parts were also tested to investigate their correlation to the bainite percentage. The results show that the tensile properties, including the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation, increase with the austempering holding time at the selected austempering temperature, which corresponds to the bainite percentage increase. And in the same vein, hardness (both macro- and micro-hardness) decreases with austempering holding time, which corresponds to the martensite percentage decrease.
CFD-Based Computational Studies of Quantum Dot Size Control in Slug Flow Crystallizers: Handling Slug-to-Slug Variation

Recently, slug-flow crystallizers (SFCs) have been proposed for continuous manufacturing of colloidal quantum dots (QDs). Despite the intriguing advantages of SFCs for controlled manufacturing of Q...
Genetic Approaches to Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation

The normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and resultant glucocorticoid (GC) secretion, is essential for human health. Disruption of GC regulation is associated with pathologic, psychological, and physiological disease states such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, diabetes, and osteopenia, among others. As such, understanding the mechanisms by which HPA output is tightly regulated in its responses to environmental stressors and circadian cues has been an active area of investigation for decades. Over the last 20 years, however, advances in gene targeting and genome modification in rodent models have allowed the detailed dissection of roles for key molecular mediators and brain regions responsible for this control in vivo to emerge. Here, we summarize work done to elucidate the function of critical neuropeptide systems, GC-signaling targets, and inflammation-associated pathways in HPA axis regulation and behavior, and highlight areas for future investigation.
Mesothelioma of the peritoneum; a case report in which the ascitic fluid contained hyaluronic acid

Excerpt Hyaluronic acid has been isolated from the pleural or peritoneal fluid associated with mesothelioma by Meyer and Chaffee1and Blix.2In our case this finding led to the suspicion of the diagn...
Progressive Exploration and Production Company

James Kingsley, a financial analyst for Progressive Exploration and Development Company, has been asked to join a team that will analyze the possible acquisition of a sizable oil field in southeastern Oklahoma. To prepare for the task Mr. Kingsley constructs a spreadsheet model of the economic implications of investing in an early stage E&P project. The case provides the opportunity for the following types of student analysis: 1. Forecast project cash flows for an E&P project including the incorporation of an allowance for depletion expenses and the payment of both ad valorem and severance taxes which you may assume are tax deductible for income tax purposes. 2. Calculate alternative measures of project value creation including net present value and internal rate of return. Use these measures to arrive at a conclusion regarding whether to undertake the investment. 3. Use sensitivity analysis to determine the key value drivers that contribute most to the success or failure of the investment proposal. 4. Use simulation analysis to better understand the potential risks inherent in the investment. Specifically, the fundamental risks associated with the quantity of oil and the price at which it can be sold.
High-resolution disc electrophoresis of histones: I. An improved method

Abstract An improved method for high-resolution polyacrylamide gel disk electrophoresis of histones is presented. Electrophoretic patterns obtained by this technique for ribonuclease, trypsin, and a whole calf thymus histone preparation are displayed. The resolving power of this method is excellent and its simplicity, sensitivity, and reproducibility recommend it for routine analytical use.
Chapter 4. Evaluating the control of mRNA decay in fission yeast.

Abstract Abnormalities in rates of mRNA decay can lead to changes in steady-state levels of transcripts, which in turn can result in changes in protein production and abnormal phenotypes. For example, mice deficient in the gene encoding tristetraprolin (TTP), a tandem CCCH zinc finger domain protein, develop a complex syndrome that includes wasting, arthritis, and myeloid hyperplasia, all secondary to elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This in turn reflects elevated levels of TNF mRNA, which is a direct “target” of TTP binding and TTP-promoted deadenylation and decay. Three TTP-like proteins are expressed in human and four in mice, all of which bind mRNA and control transcript decay. In contrast, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome contains only one TTP-like protein, named Zfs1. Microarray analysis revealed that S. pombe cells deficient in zfs1 overexpress the arz1 mRNA, which has several ideal TTP-like binding sites in its 3′-untranslated region (UTR). We used the “no message in thiamine ( nmt )” repressible system, in which thiamine rapidly shuts off gene transcription, to evaluate the relative stability of the arz1 mRNA in wild-type and zfs1-deficient cells. We found that the arz1 mRNA decayed much more rapidly in the presence of endogenous zfs1 than in its absence. The nmt system also proved useful for the study of mRNA sequence elements that are essential for interactions with zfs1, which eventually results in accelerated transcript decay. These studies illustrate the utility of the S. pombe nmt system for evaluating protein–mRNA interactions that affect mRNA decay in vivo and provide an alternative to the use of transcription inhibitors or heat-sensitive polymerase promoters that are used more commonly to evaluate mRNA decay in Saccharomyces cerevesiae . We hope to use this convenient experimental system to unravel the mechanism by which TTP family members, in this and other organisms, bind to mRNAs and promote their instability.
How Juries Get It Wrong - Anatomy of the Detroit Terror Case

Part II of this Article describes the background and trial of the four defendants in the so-called Detroit Sleeper Cell terrorist prosecution. It examines the evidence relied on by the jury to reach its verdict, particularly the testimony of a key turncoat witness who accused the defendants of participation in a terrorist conspiracy. Part III examines how the jury's search for truth was corrupted by false, misleading, and incomplete proof. It identifies several extrinsic sources of jury error including suppressed evidence, dishonest and unreliable testimony, partisan experts, coaching, obstructed cross-examination, and inflammatory arguments. Finally, with the Detroit terrorist trial as the model, Part IV concludes that while the process of selecting juries is effective in reducing the incidence of intrinsic factors that might impair a jury's decision, even the most fair-minded and competent jury is always vulnerable to extrinsic factors that might infect its verdict. Indeed, the Detroit case illustrates that an intrinsically competent jury able to parse the evidence and apply the law fairly and accurately will almost always make the wrong decision when its verdict is based on extrinsically defective evidence that has been improperly presented.
Mechanism of Action of Gonadotropin I. EVIDENCE FOR GONADOTROPIN-INDUCED MODIFICATIONS OF OVARIAN NUCLEAR BASIC AND ACIDIC PROTEIN BIOSYNTHESIS, PHOSPHORYLATION, AND ACETYLATION

Abstract The time course of chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of nuclear basic and acidic protein biosynthesis, phosphorylation, and acetylation as well as DNA biosynthesis in ovaries of immature rats has been investigated. After injection of radioactive precursor and chorionic gonadotropin into immature rats, ovarian histone fractions F1, F2a1, F2a2, F2b, and F3 were isolated by selective acid extraction. Acidic protein fractions AP1 and AP2 were extracted with 4 m CsCl at pH 11.6 and 14, and were separated from DNA by equilibrium density centrifugation. Histones, acidic proteins, and DNA were purified by Sephadex chromatography. Chorionic gonadotropin was demonstrated to accelerate the incorporation of [3H]lysine into nuclear acidic protein fraction AP1 and into histones F2a1, F2a2, and F3 within 10 min following a single injection of the hormone. Increased rates of phosphorylation of histones F1 and F2a1 and acidic proteins AP1 and AP2, as well as increased rates of acetylation of histone F2a1 and acidic protein AP2, were also observed within 10 min following gonadotropin injection. Stimulation of DNA, histones F1 and F2b and acidic protein AP2 biosynthesis lagged and was not observed until 30 to 180 min after hormone administration. A similarly delayed response to hormonal stimulation was observed when phosphorylation and acetylation of histones F2a2 and F3 were studied. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide administration abolished gonadotropin-stimulated biosynthesis but not phosphorylation and acetylation of histones and acidic proteins. This indicates that hormonally stimulated modification of nuclear proteins by acetylation and phosphorylation was not entirely dependent on protein synthesis. It is suggested that these results would be compatible with the idea that modification of ovarian nuclear protein metabolism is an early event in the action of chorionic gonadotropin.
Dynamic Volume Rendering for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Treatment

For some decades, radiation therapy has been proved successful in cancer treatment. The major task of radiation therapy is to impose a maximum dose of radiation to the tumor cells. The IMRT technology makes it possible to deliver radiation more precisely by dividing the accelerator head into smaller units called “beamlets” that can be manipulated independently. This treatment planning requires a time consuming iterative work between a physician and an IMRT technician. The state of the art current technique is to determine the IMRT treatment plan at the beginning and use it without changing it in the course of the treatment. However, the assumption of fixed ‘target volume’ throughout the IMRT treatment, is very limiting given that the tumor shrinks in response to the radiation therapy. In this research, we apply time-varying volume rendering technique to the IMRT treatment and develop a proof-of-concept prototype system that enables capturing and relating the time dependent changes of the irradiated volume throughout the course of treatment. This prototype system will enable the researchers to explore different what-if scenarios, such as determining the ‘Target Treatment Volume’ depending on the delivered dose of radiation.
Pulse cyclophosphamide therapy for refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura

Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is generally a chronic disorder in affected adults. Twenty-five percent of these patients will become refractory to routine therapy (corticosteroids and splenectomy), as well as most other available agents. Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide therapy was used to treat 20 patients with severe refractory AITP who had previously failed to achieve a sustained remission with a mean of 4.8 agents (range 2 to 8). Patients received 1 to 4 doses (mean 2.0) of 1.0 to 1.5 g/m2 intravenous cyclophosphamide per course. Of the 20 patients treated with pulse cyclophosphamide therapy, 13 patients (65%) achieved a complete response (CR), four (20%) a partial response (PR), and three patients (15%) failed to respond. Of the 13 complete responders, eight have remained in remission with stable platelet counts during followup intervals of 7 months to 7 years (median 2.5 years). Five patients developed recurrent AITP 4 months to 3 years following a CR. Of these, two patients responded to subsequent courses of pulse cyclophosphamide therapy with current remissions of 1 and 4 years. Of the four patients who obtained a PR, two remain in partial remission after 10 months and 4 years; one relapsed after 18 months and, after retreatment, is still in remission at 6 months. Of the patient characteristics examined, duration of disease was most strongly associated with response to pulse cyclophosphamide. Side-effects of treatment included neutropenia (three patients, one of whom developed staphylococcal sepsis), acute deep venous thrombosis (two patients), and psoas abscess (one patient). Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide should be strongly considered in the treatment of patients with refractory AITP. There is a relatively low incidence of side-effects, and it can be administered easily on an out-patient basis.
Promoting Positive Perceptions of Justice by Listening to Children’s Sentiment in Custody Decisions

When making custody decisions, judges typically rule on the basis of what is in the best interests of the children. The best interests of the child standard could include many factors such as considering children’s sentiment. However, judges tend to limit the amount of children’s participation in custody cases. This can affect children’s level of satisfaction with and adjustment to custody decisions, and their perceptions of justice and fairness. Therefore, comprehensive training standards for legal professionals should document how to obtain children’s wishes, judges should solicit sentiment from children of any age who want to share their custodial preferences, and children should receive education on court roles and proceedings. Proper procurement of children’s sentiment in custody decisions can help promote principles of procedural justice and therapeutic jurisprudence, generating perceptions of the legal system as a legitimate authority.
Reduced Functional Capacity of CD8+ T Cells Expanded by Post-Exposure Vaccination of γ-Herpesvirus-Infected CD4-Deficient Mice

Mice (I-Ab−/−) that lack CD4+ T cells remain healthy for at least three months after respiratory exposure to the murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (γHV68), then succumb with symptoms of chronic wasting disease. Postexposure challenge of γHV68-infected I-Ab+/+ and I-Ab−/− mice with a recombinant vaccinia virus (Vacc-p56) expressing an antigenic γHV68 peptide caused a massive increase in the numbers of Dbp56-specific CD8+ T cells. Previous experiments showed that, despite the large numbers of potential CTL effectors, there was little effect on the long-term survival of the CD4-deficient group and no diminution in the level of persistent virus shedding and latency. Comparison of the expanded CD8+Dbp56+ sets in the I-Ab+/+ and I-Ab−/− mice indicated that these two T cell populations were not identical. More CD69highCD8+ Dbp56+ T cells were found in the CD4-deficient mice, an effect that might be thought to reflect higher Ag load. By contrast, the mean fluorescence intensity of staining for the CD44 glycoprotein was diminished on CD8+Dbp56+ T cells from the I-Ab−/− group, the level of CTL activity was lower on a per cell basis, and the relative prevalence of IFN-γ+TNF-α+ T cells detected after in vitro stimulation with the p56 peptide was decreased. Given that this experimental system provides an accessible model for evaluating postexposure vaccination protocols that might be used in diseases like HIV/AIDS, the further need is to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms and the relative significance of lack of CD4+ T help vs higher Ag load for these expanded CD8+ effector populations.
Tracking tagged MR images with energy-minimizing deformable grids

A framework for automatically tracking tag lines from a sequence of magnetic resonance (MR) images is described. MR tagging is used to create a spatial pattern of varying magnetization so that objects which may otherwise have small intensity variation are textured. The algorithm presented here uses a dynamic programming solution to a variational integral for energy minimization of curves, where the behavior of the curves is controlled by image features and by geometric smoothness. >
Vida PURA: A Cultural Adaptation of Screening and Brief Intervention to Reduce Unhealthy Drinking Among Latino Day Laborers

ABSTRACTBackground: Brief intervention is known to reduce drinking in primary care; however, because health care access is limited for Latino immigrants, traditional brief interventions are unlikely to reach this population. Methods: Using Barrera and Castro's framework, our study aims to culturally adapt a screening and brief intervention program to reduce unhealthy alcohol use among Latino day laborers, a particularly vulnerable group of Latino immigrant men. We conducted 18 interviews with Latino day laborers and 13 interviews with mental health and substance use providers that serve Latino immigrant men. Interviews were conducted until saturation of themes was reached. Themes from interviews were used to identify sources of mismatch between traditional screening and brief intervention in our target population. Results: Unhealthy alcohol use was common, culturally accepted, and helped relieve immigration-related stressors. Men had limited knowledge about how to change their behavior. Men preferred to r...
CO chemisorption on PtCu surfaces. I: CO on (1×3) Pt0.98Cu0.02(110)

Abstract Thermal desorption and photoemission spectroscopy (PES) have been used to investigate the chemisorption of CO on an annealed Pt 0.98 Cu 0.02 (110) surface. The clean surface shows 9.1 ± 2.6% Cu within the top 4 A, and is (1 × 3) reconstructed. Thermal desorption of CO has revealed the existence of various adsorption states with these respective heats of adsorption: (α) 35.2 to 37.8 kcal/mol and (β) 24.5 to 26.3 kcal/mol on Pt sites, (γ) 16.0 to 17.2 kcal/mol on PtCu “mixed” sited, and (δ) 12.9 to 13.9 kcal/mol on Cu sites. PES observation of Cu 3d-derived states (using hv = 150 eV) and the Cu 2p 3 2 core levels (using Mg Kα radiation) shows that the electronic structure of the Cu constituent is changed only when CO adsorbs on the Pt-Cu “mixed” sites or the Cu sites. Furthermore, the CO states associated with Pt sites reflect the structural difference between the (1 × 3) alloy surface and the (1 × 2) pure Pt(110) surface: α-CO on the alloy surface desorbs at a temperature 17 to 21 K. higher than the maximum desorption temperature of CO from pure Pt(110), and the ratio of β-CO to α-CO desorption from the alloy surface is larger than the ratio of low temperature to high temperature peaks in the desorption of CO from pure Pt(110).
Reducing agricultural GHG emissions: role of biotechnology, organic systems and consumer behavior

Agricultural systems are a source of water and air pollution, and GHG emissions. Cropped and grazed soils are the primary anthropogenic source of N2O, a biogenic GHG that also is thought to be the ...
Identification of a glycine transporter from pea leaf mitochondria.

Abstract Mitochondria isolated from pea leaves possess a glycine transporter that is capable of moving glycine from the cytosol into the matrix, the site of glycine decar☐ylase. The carrier was inhibited by mersalyl, p-chloromercuribenzoate, and the glycine analogues, glycine hydroxamate and aminoacetonitrile. Glycine uptake was dependent on the transmembrane pH gradient and was inhibited by uncouplers and electron transport inhibitors. Glycine transport was not, however, inhibited by the glycine decar☐ylase inhibitor, arsenite. This transporter is responsible for the movement of glycine into the mitochondria and provides an important step in photorespiration.
TRANSLUCENCY METER FOR USE IN WHITEWARE RESEARCH

A photoelectric light meter, based on a design by RCA, was developed for a research tool in investigations on whiteware, particularly chinaware. Since its development, it has also found use in work on enamels and on glass. The meter is described in this paper and results obtained with it on both laboratory-prepared and commercially prepared chinaware are given. In addition to use in research, it may be of interest to chinaware manufacturers as a control instrument. The chinaware bodies investigated followed Lambert's exponential law of light absorption. The necessity for obtaining translucency data on pieces of the same thickness, even for relative values, is indicated.
Modeling mechanical properties of an epoxy using particle dynamics, as parameterized through molecular modeling

Abstract The current paper successively applies molecular modeling and mesoscale modeling to scale mechanical models from an atomistic angstrom level to a sub-micron level and determine modulus, stress/strain behavior and defect formation in an epoxy and epoxy–copper interface. The results will show that molecular modeling may be applied directly to parameterize the bead properties used in the mesoscale model, which scale to the physical properties so could provide a means to understand interface behavior linked directly back to molecular origins.
SPECIFICITY OF PROHORMONE CONVERTASE ENDOPROTEOLYSIS OF PROGASTRIN IN ATT-20 CELLS

Biologically active peptide hormones are synthesized from larger precursor proteins by a variety of posttranslational processing reactions. Endoproteolytic cleavage at the Lys74-Lys75 dibasic processing site of progastrin is the major determinant for the relative distribution of gastrin heptadecapeptide and tetratriacontapeptide in tissues. Thus, we explored the ability of two prohormone convertases, PC1/PC3 and PC2, to cleave this important site within progastrin. We expressed wild-type human gastrin cDNA and mutant cDNAs in which the Lys74Lys75 site was changed to Lys74Arg75, Arg74Arg75, and Arg74Lys75 residues in AtT-20 cells. Because AtT-20 cells express Pc1/PC3 but not PC2, we also coexpressed a cDNA encoding PC2 in both wild-type and mutant gastrin-producing AtT-20 cells. Wild-type Lys74Lys75 and mutant Arg74Arg75 progastrin processing sites were efficiently cleaved in AtT-20 cells only after coexpression of PC2. Mutant Lys74Arg75 progastrin was readily processed in cells in the presence or absence of PC2 coexpression, but, in contrast, mutant Arg74Lys75 progastrin was inefficiently cleaved regardless of PC2 coexpression. Northern analysis revealed the presence of PC2 but not PC1/ PC3 in canine antral gastrin-producing G cells. These data suggest that PC2 but not PC1/PC3 is responsible for the cleavage of the Lys74Lys75 site in wild-type progastrin.
Identifying microbial fitness determinants by insertion sequencing using genome-wide transposon mutant libraries

Insertion sequencing (INSeq) is a method for determining the insertion site and relative abundance of large numbers of transposon mutants in a mixed population of isogenic mutants of a sequenced microbial species. INSeq is based on a modified mariner transposon containing MmeI sites at its ends, allowing cleavage at chromosomal sites 16-17 bp from the inserted transposon. Genomic regions adjacent to the transposons are amplified by linear PCR with a biotinylated primer. Products are bound to magnetic beads, digested with MmeI and barcoded with sample-specific linkers appended to each restriction fragment. After limited PCR amplification, fragments are sequenced using a high-throughput instrument. The sequence of each read can be used to map the location of a transposon in the genome. Read count measures the relative abundance of that mutant in the population. Solid-phase library preparation makes this protocol rapid (18 h), easy to scale up, amenable to automation and useful for a variety of samples. A protocol for characterizing libraries of transposon mutant strains clonally arrayed in a multiwell format is provided.
The Complex Road to Happiness: The Influence of Human Development, a Healthy Environment and a Free Press

Happiness is considered one of the goals of individuals and nations. Thus, many interdisciplinary efforts have attempted to determine the factors that lead to happiness. However, most of these efforts have ignored some important but less tangible factors, such as having a free press and a healthy environment. In this study, we argue that press freedom—a measure of social capital—along with human and built capital, and natural capital, predicts levels of life satisfaction across nations. Using data from 161 countries, our study provides empirical support to our theoretical model that forms of capital do not influence life satisfaction separately but are actually situated in a web of interrelationships. This is consistent with the assumptions that the road to happiness is not direct. It is a complex path where different forms of capital influence one another before leading to a happy life.
Impact of referral bias on evaluation of cataract surgery.

Patients from a defined population (Olmsted County, Minnesota) who underwent cataract extraction during 1980 were compared with referral patients operated on at the Mayo Clinic to determine whether selective referral of patients introduces bias into studies conducted at academic centers. Rates of cataract extraction in Olmsted County increased continuously with increasing age and, in the older groups, were greater among females than males. The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual rate, 120 per 100,000 population, was considerably lower than that for 1980 in the United States, 209 per 100,000 population. A significantly greater proportion of referral patients had coexistent diabetes mellitus (P
Prophesy: an infrastructure for performance analysis and modeling of parallel and grid applications

Performance is an important issue with any application, especially grid applications. Efficient execution of applications requires insight into how the system features impact the performance of the applications. This insight generally results from significant experimental analysis and possibly the development of performance models. This paper present the Prophesy system, for which the novel component is the model development. In particular, this paper discusses the use of our coupling parameter (i.e., a metric that attempts to quantify the interaction between kernels that compose an application) to develop application models. We discuss how this modeling technique can be used in the analysis of grid applications.
Patterns of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia occurring in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The purpose of this study was to determine whether AF characteristics were independently associated with postoperative length of stay (LOS). Methods: Two hundred ninety consecutive post-CABG patients were examined through a detailed chart review. Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and the characteristics of AF were recorded. AF episodes were divided into single episodes lasting less than 24 hours (short-lived AF) and recurrent or prolonged ≥24 hours of AF (recurrent/prolonged AF). Results: AF occurred in 94 (32.4%) patients. Twenty-six (27.7%) of AF patients had short-lived AF, and 68 (72.3%) of AF patients had recurrent/prolonged AF. Patients with recurrent/prolonged AF were older (P < 0.001) and more likely to have a history of prior AF (P < 0.001) relative to the other groups. Short-lived AF did not prolong LOS (7.2 ± 2.1 days) relative to patients without AF (7.5 ± 3.9 days), whereas recurrent/prolonged AF significantly prolonged LOS (10.4 ± 6.1 days, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified postoperative complications, recurrent/prolonged AF, age, and digoxin use as independent predictors of LOS. Recurrent/prolonged AF contributed an additional 1.1 days to LOS after adjusting for baseline clinical differences. Conclusions: There are heterogenous patterns of AF after cardiac surgery. A substantial minority of AF is short-lived and isolated with no impact on LOS; however, recurrent or prolonged AF significantly affects LOS.
Evidence for a Naturally Occurring Inhibitor of Oviposition in Aedes aegypti

Gravid virgin females of the BWAMBA strain, recently colonized in the laboratory, rarely oviposit. In contrast, ROCK females, a strain colonized for more than 30 yr, exhibit a high incidence of oviposition before insemination. F1 females from crosses of the 2 strains are more like BWAMBA virgins than ROCK, i.e., they lay few eggs. Extracts from BWAMBA females injected into virgin ROCK females inhibit oviposition. We suggest that the lack of oviposition by BWAMBA and F1 virgins is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring, genetically controlled, endogenous inhibitor.
Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents: Part XXXIV — Contempt Motions Continued

This article, the 34th in a series on New York civil-litigation drafting, discusses civil-contempt motions.A court may invoke its civil-contempt powers “only at the instance of an aggrieved civil litigant.” A court has the authority to act on behalf of public justice to exercise its criminal-contempt power. But a court has no authority to exercise its civil-contempt power, sua sponte, “by standing, without invitation, in the shoes of one of the privately interested litigants appearing before it.”
Superdelocalizability indices and the Pullman theory of chemical carcinogenesis

Abstract Alternative electronic indices, based upon the use of superdelocalizability as a measure of reactivity, are used to obtain an alternative formulation of the Pullman theory of chemical carcinogenesis.
Euclid turns to probability

The theory of probability is viewed from the perspective of the Greek developers of Euclidean geometry. It is observed that much of probability theory was accessible to the Greeks, but that the concept of independence might have been a troublesome one. Analogies are drawn between the difficulties posed by parallelism and independence in the formal development of geometry and probability.
Credibility of a new monetary regime: The currency board in Bulgaria

Abstract Low credibility, reflected in persistent expectations of high inflation, is the usual suspect in costly disinflation efforts. A currency board is a monetary regime that attempts to establish credibility by reducing uncertainty regarding the inflation preferences of the policymaker and the environment in which the policymaker operates. This paper uses unique survey data from Bulgaria and finds that expected inflation is indeed lowered by the prospect of a currency board but to a different degree for different agents. Priors of the “type” of the policymaker and familiarity with the operation of the currency board contribute to explaining the differences.
Psychosocial Variables Associated with Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle School Students.

This study examined the associations among self-esteem, depression, physical self-concept, and body satisfaction among 1,022 middle school students who were in the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zone™ (HFZ) compared to those in the Needs Improvement Zone (NIZ) for body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), participants in the body composition HFZ reported higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as being more flexible and having greater endurance than those in the NIZ. After controlling for SES, girls in the cardiorespiratory HFZ had higher levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction and rated themselves as stronger, having greater endurance, and having lower levels of depression than those in the NIZ. Similarly, boys in the cardiorespiratory HFZ reported having greater endurance and being stronger and more satisfied with their bodies than boys in the NIZ. The findings have implications for promoting healthy school environ...
Dissecting the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) in colon, breast, and lung carcinogenesis

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) is a promising drug target since its agonists increase serum high-density lipoprotein; decrease low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and insulin associated with metabolic syndrome; improve insulin sensitivity; and decrease high fat diet-induced obesity. PPARβ/δ agonists also promote terminal differentiation and elicit anti-inflammatory activities in many cell types. However, it remains to be determined whether PPARβ/δ agonists can be developed as therapeutics because there are reports showing either pro- or anti-carcinogenic effects of PPARβ/δ in cancer models. This review examines studies reporting the role of PPARβ/δ in colon, breast, and lung cancers. The prevailing evidence would suggest that targeting PPARβ/δ is not only safe but could have anti-carcinogenic protective effects.
Our Crisis of Self-evidence

Confidence that the we can hold and be guided by the self-evident truth about our natures is the only real foundation of the liberty our Founders—our political Fathers—worked so hard to protect. But the truth is the more consistently we are guided by our Fathers’ philosopher—John Locke, the more self-evidence becomes a problem for us. We can only address our crisis in self-evidence by knowing better than our Fathers thought they knew.