cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diminished retinoic acid signaling in hepatic stellate cells in cholestatic liver fibrosis

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) participate in liver fibrogenesis via myofibroblastic activation, the extent of which appears to correlate with the loss of cellular vitamin A. The present study has tested a hypothesis that HSC activation is associated with diminished retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Pure HSC were isolated from rats with cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) and sham-operated animals (Sham). Northern blot analysis of HSC RNA from BDL confirmed fibrogenic activation of the cells with enhanced mRNA levels for procollagen-alpha1(I) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). Competitive polymerase chain reaction analysis showed selective reductions in the mRNA levels of RA receptor (RAR)-beta and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-alpha to 20 and 17% of the Sham HSC. The mRNA level for cellular retinol binding protein I, a gene with RA responsive element (RARE), was also suppressed by 78% in BDL. The concentrations of all-trans-RA and 9-cis-RA were decreased in HSC from BDL. Nuclear extracts of these cells showed diminished binding activity to the RARE, whereas activity of AP-1, a transcription factor known to be antagonized by RAR and RXR, was enhanced. These results demonstrate diminished RA signaling in HSC from cholestatic liver fibrosis, which appeared to have resulted from RA deficiency and suppressed expression of RAR-beta and RXR-alpha. Furthermore, the reciprocal enhancement of AP-1 activity and coordinately increased expression of an AP-1 responsive gene, TGF-beta1, suggest a permissive role of the diminished RA signaling in promoting AP-1 activity and TGF-beta1 expression.
Thymineless Death in Escherichia coli in Various Assay Systems: Viability Determined in Liquid Medium

Thymineless death has been studied in four different Thy− strains of Escherichia coli by using various assay methods including conventional plating techniques as well as one performed entirely in liquid medium. Plating on L agar resulted in a greater loss in viability than the other assay methods, but this extrasensitivity of starved cells to L-agar plating quickly disappeared upon readdition of thymine to the starved cultures. This indicated that cellular damage responsible for the additional killing on L agar is reversible. The results obtained by three other assay methods, the liquid assay, plating on nutrient agar, or plating on tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-minimal agar, did not differ significantly from each other with all strains tested except strain JG 151. In this strain thymineless death was much faster when assayed in the liquid system than by plating. It is suggested that thymineless death detected on nutrient or minimal agar is not a result of plating, but that the lethal event actually occurs during the period of thymine starvation.
A synthesis of Lyapunov functions for non-linear time-varying control systems

Abstract The formulation of a class of Lyapunov functions for time-varying nonlinear control systems which occur in the stability analysis of control systems is considered. A new approach is presented, which is an extension of a generation technique for time-invariant non-linear systems. This approach, which uses by analogy the classical theory of Hamilton, permits stability and transient information to be obtained from system equations with time-varying damping as well as time-varying gain. A second and third-order example is used to illustrate the application of this new result.
Parameterization of mixed layer eddies. Part II: Prognosis and, impact

Abstract The authors propose a parameterization for restratification by mixed layer eddies that develop from baroclinic instabilities of ocean fronts. The parameterization is cast as an overturning streamfunction that is proportional to the product of horizontal buoyancy gradient, mixed layer depth, and inertial period. The parameterization has remarkable skill for an extremely wide range of mixed layer depths, rotation rates, and vertical and horizontal stratifications. In this paper a coarse resolution prognostic model of the parameterization is compared with submesoscale mixed layer eddy resolving simulations. The parameterization proves accurate in predicting changes to the buoyancy. The climate implications of the proposed parameterization are estimated by applying the restratification scaling to observations: the mixed layer depth is estimated from climatology, and the buoyancy gradients are from satellite altimetry. The vertical fluxes are comparable to monthly mean air–sea fluxes in large areas of...
Vascular Delay of the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle: An Essential Component of Cardiomyoplasty

Abstract Background . Cardiomyoplasty (CMP) uses the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) to assist the heart in cases of cardiac failure. Distal ischemia and necrosis of the LDM is a recognized complication of CMP that can reduce distal muscle function and the mechanical effectiveness of CMP. Methods . Canine (n = 9) LDMs were subjected to a 10-day period of vascular delay followed by a simulated CMP. Two weeks after simulated CMP (corresponding to the healing delay between CMP and the onset of LDM stimulation used in the clinical setting), LDM perfusion was measured in the distal, middle, and proximal segments of the muscle, and circumferential (distal and middle squeezing muscle function) and longitudinal (proximal pulling muscle function) force generation and fatigue rates were measured. The results were compared with the contralateral nondelayed simulated CMP. Results . Muscle perfusion was significantly ( p p Conclusions . Vascular delay can significantly improve LDM perfusion and function in a model that closely reflects clinical CMP, and the use of vascular delay may improve clinical outcomes in CMP. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1034–40)
A Long-Term Perspective on Short-Term Outcomes∗

Outcomes matter in cardiology. We need reliable data about long-term outcomes to evaluate which treatments work, whether they do more good than harm, and which patients benefit the most. The outcomes that matter most are the ones that patients and their families care about: death and major
Hydration shells of proteins probed by depolarized light scattering and dielectric spectroscopy: Orientational structure is significant, positional structure is not

Water interfacing hydrated proteins carry properties distinct from those of the bulk and is often described as a separate entity, a “biological water.” We address here the question of which dynamical and structural properties of hydration water deserve this distinction. The study focuses on different aspects of the density and orientational fluctuations of hydration water and the ability to separate them experimentally by combining depolarized light scattering with dielectric spectroscopy. We show that the dynamics of the density fluctuations of the hydration shells reflect the coupled dynamics of the solute and solvent and do not require a special distinction as “biological water.” The orientations of shell water molecules carry dramatically different physics and do require a separation into a sub-ensemble. Depending on the property considered, the perturbation of water's orientational structure induced by the protein propagates 3–5 hydration shells into the bulk at normal temperature.
Higher Education Faculty and Student Perceptions of Classroom Incivility

This investigation examined perceptions of undergraduate students and faculty of incidents of classroom incivility; of the perceived effectiveness of faculty in circumventing classroom incivility; and of the effectiveness of polices addressing incivility. Findings revealed there is a statistically significant difference between faculty and student perceptions of the type and frequency of incidents of classroom incivility. Findings also revealed a difference between faculty and students as to whether a teacher’s interpersonal/pedagogical skill could affect classroom incivility. Implications include a dialogue between faculty and students regarding classroom incivility, a refinement of pedagogy/ interpersonal skills for the professorate, and development of policies.
Il marchese-contadino: The Divided Self and the Other in Luigi Capuana's Il marchese di Roccaverdina

AbstractThe master-slave dialectic that illustrates a step in the process of Hegelian self-consciousness, of the recognition-seeking relationship between the subject and the Other provides a paradigm of social relations. Hegel's primeval tale finds resonance in Luigi Capuana's Il marchese di Roccaverdina, through the marquis's rapport with his servants, Agrippina Solmo and Rocc o Criscione. Capuana's rustics may be construed as representations of the slave insofar as they become exploited objects essential for the landowner's achievement of subjectivity; however, as in the characteristic role reversal of Hegel's dialectic, the marquis cannot escape his sense of dependency on his Others. Subsequently, the slave becomes imbued with agency, for without him the master is nothing. This study examines the power dynamic between the marquis and his servants in order to demonstrate how his socio-psychological crisis greatly depends on his interactions and relations with the principal popular characters of the novel.
Case report: Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging in the management of a midline cerebral dysgerminoma

Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging has proved to be an excellent modality for the evaluation of CNS tumors and detection of metastatic seeding through CNS pathways. We present a case of cerebral dysgerminoma in which the use of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) enhancement added important information in lesion detection and delineation for treatment planning. Our results, and a review of recent literature, suggest that Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging may be useful for initial and follow-up evaluation of CNS dysgerminomas.
Toxicity of the venom of the sea-snake, Laticauda colubrina, with observations on a Malay ‘folk cure’

Abstract Venom from the sea-snake, Laticauda colubrina, was subjected to toxicity testing in mice. The ld 50 was 0·45 mg per kg with 95 per cent confidence limits of 0·34 to 0·60 mg per kg. Aqueous extracts of Clinacanthus nutans, a Southeast Asian plant esteemed in Asian folk medicine as a snake venom antidote, were found to be ineffective in prolonging survival time of mice injected with lethal doses of sea-snake venom. Intravenous administration of 0·40 mg venom per kg body weight to a pentobarbital-anesthetized dog produced respiratory arrest, cardiovascular collapse, and death in 12 min. At a lower venom dosage (0·09 mg per kg), death occurred in 2·5 hr. The symptoms of envenomation were suggestive of medullary paralysis, although such a diagnosis was inconclusive.
Interactions between Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and phencyclidine hydrochloride in rats☆☆☆★

delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg, PO) impaired avoidance and rotarod performance, and caused bradycardia and hypothermia. Phencyclidine (PCP; 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 mg/kg, IP) impaired avoidance and rotarod performance and caused a marked increase in photocell activity. When combined, the depressant properties of each drug were enhanced and the stimulation of photocell activity cg/kg THC and its interactions with PCP followed subacute treatment for six days, whereas many of the effects of PCP were enhanced after subacute treatment with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Open-field behavior was affected by each drug alone and in combination in a similar way as photocell activity, but the depression caused by their interaction was greater; both drugs caused an increase in urination. Response rates on an FR-10 schedule of food reinforcement were decreased by 2.5 mg/kg PCP, but not by 5.0 mg/kg THC; the combination caused greater response suppression than either drug alone. The functional interactions between THC and PCP were not related to changes in the concentrations of 14C or 3H in plasma or brain derived from 14C-delta9-THC and 3H-PCP, respectively.
Bone Strength and Related Traits in HcB/Dem Recombinant Congenic Mice

Fracture susceptibility depends jointly on bone mineral content (BMC), gross bone anatomy, and bone microarchitecture and quality. Overall, it has been estimated that 50-70% of bone strength is determined genetically. Because of the difficulty of performing studies of the genetics of bone strength in humans, we have used the HcB/Dem series of recombinant congenic (RC) mice to investigate this phenotype. We performed a comprehensive phenotypic analysis of the HcB/Dem strains including morphological analysis of long bones, measurement of ash percentage, and biomechanical testing. Body mass, ash percentage, and moment of inertia each correlated moderately but imperfectly with biomechanical performance. Several chromosome regions, on chromosomes 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12, show sufficient evidence of linkage to warrant closer examination in further crosses. These studies support the view that mineral content, diaphyseal diameter, and additional nonmineral material properties contributing to overall bone strength are controlled by distinct sets of genes. Moreover, the mapping data are consistent with the existence of pleiotropic loci for bone strength-related phenotypes. These findings show the importance of factors other than mineral content in determining skeletal performance and that these factors can be dissected genetically.
New Productivity Formulae of Horizontal Wells

This paper presents new productivity formulae for horizontal wells. These new formulae are based on the average potential and the point convergence pressure. These formulae are derived from a three-dimensional solution of the Laplace equation, as opposed to the two-dimensional solutions used in previous formulae. Formulae are also given for the productivity of horizontal wells in reservoirs with either a gas cap or bottom water. This paper applies the newly derived formulae to the Liu-Hua Reservoir in the South China Sea. Results are compared to other formulae for horizontal well productivity presented in the literature by various authors. Significant differences between the new formulae and existing formulae are demonstrated. The newly derived formulae can account for the advantages of horizontal wells, and they are more accurate than other formulae.
Effects of prolonged diving anoxia on the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans

Abstract 1. 1. This species of fresh water turtle sustains non-voluntary diving in deoxygenated water at 22°C for periods of at least 24 hr. 2. 2. Under these conditions bradycardia occurs, although its onset may not be rapid and it may be broken during the dive by periods of rapid heart beat. 3. 3. Extensive glycogen depletion occurs in heart (95 per cent) and liver (83 per cent) as a result of submersion, while lactate increases in these two organs (eight times). 4. 4. Blood glucose levels rise fivefold, while blood lactate rises thirty-seven times. 5. 5. Coelomic fluid shows no change in either glucose or lactate concentration. 6. 6. Liver, but not heart, accumulates succinic acid (1–54 μmoles/g wet wt.).
EFFICIENCY, LEADERSHIP, AND MORALE IN SMALL MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS*

Summary of Findings. 1. The efficiency of a squadron is associated with morale attitudes involving satisfaction with the air site. There is no association indicated between efficiency and such attitude areas as (a) Satisfaction with the Air Force, (b) Satisfaction with the Job, or (c) Personal Commitment to the Mission. The lack of association with these three morale dimensions is explained as due to factors operating outside of the squadron that are attributable to higher headquarters or general social conditions. Deviant combinations of air site morale and efficiency do appear and must be explained by the intervention of various physical and social factors such as specified for Combination B and C. 2. The joint occurrence of efficiency and human relations minded leadership is associated with air site morale. The evidence indicates that the joint occurrence of efficiency and human relations minded leadership may increase the relationship with air site morale.
Depression by ethionine of phosphorylating oxidation in hepatic mitochondria

Induction of hepatic steatosis and suppression of hepatic ATP levels, protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis subsequent to administration of ethionine may be consequences of interference by this compound with mitochondrial phosphorylation of ADP. The mitochondrial dysfunction is not a direct action of ethionine on the organelle.
Monoclonal antibody-directed immunopurification and identification of cytochromes P-450.

Several rat liver cytochromes P-450 have been substantially purified in a one-step immunoadsorption procedure using Sepharose-bound monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the major forms of rat liver cytochrome P-450 induced by 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital (MC-P-450 and PB-P-450, respectively). When mixed with solubilized rat liver microsomes the immuno-adsorbent based on the MAb to MC-P-450 binds two polypeptides of MW 56,000 and 57,000 while the immunoadsorbent made with the MAb to PB-P-450 absorbs a species of MW 54,000. These polypeptides are readily desorbed by 0.1 M glycine (pH 3.0). Isolation of MAb-specific cytochrome P-450 isozymes by this method has applications in numerous phases of cytochrome P-450 research.
Feasibility of a community intervention for the prevention of suicide and alcohol abuse with Yup'ik Alaska Native youth: the Elluam Tungiinun and Yupiucimta Asvairtuumallerkaa studies.

The Elluam Tungiinun and Yupiucimta Asvairtuumallerkaa studies evaluated the feasibility of a community intervention to prevent suicide and alcohol abuse among rural Yup’ik Alaska Native youth in two remote communities. The intervention originated in an Indigenous model of protection, and its development used a community based participatory research process. Feasibility assessment aimed to assess the extent to which (1) the intervention could be implemented in rural Alaska Native communities, and (2) the intervention was capable of producing measurable effects. Scales maximally sensitive to change were derived from earlier measurement work, and the study contrasted implementation process and outcomes across the two communities. In one community, medium dose response effects (d = .30–.50), with dose defined as number of intervention activities attended, were observed in the growth of intermediate protective factors and ultimate variables. In the other community, medium dose effects were observed for one intermediate protective factor variable, and small dose effects were observed in ultimate variables. Differences across communities in resources supporting intervention explain these contrasting outcomes. Results suggest implementation in these rural Alaska settings is feasible when sufficient resources are available to sustain high levels of local commitment. In such cases, measureable effects are sufficient to warrant a prevention trial.
568 MALNUTRITION IN INFANTS WITH ACUTE DIARRHEAL SYNDROME

This study was designed to identify the nutritional status in infants admitted with acute diarrheal syndrome (ADS). ADS is defined as diarrhea which lasts for a period of 2 weeks or less. 110 ADS patients, 9 months old or less, were admitted to Ben Taub General Hospital in 1978. The hydrated weights of these infants were compared with 108 healthy infants of similar age from the same geographic area who were attending Well-Child Clinic in 1978. The proportion of the male and female, and distribution of the infants with regard to different ethnic groups were comparable. Age and marital status of the mothers were approximately the same in both groups. 15.4% of the ADS patients were below the 5th percentile for weight by age, but only 4.8% of healthy infants were at this level (P=0.0005). 45.3% of the ADS patients, compared with only 10.8% of healthy infants, were at or below the 10th percentile for weight (p<0.0001). Our data indicate that malnutrition was a significant factor predisposing to the development of ADS requiring hospitalization.
Historical Perspective: A Pathologic Approach to the Classification of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias

The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal diseases of unknown etiology. The pathologic classification of the IIPs has evolved considerably over the past 50 years and is based on the histopathologic pattern. A final, and clinically relevant, diagnosis often depends on integration of the histologic findings with the radiologic and clinical presentations. Specimens for histopathologic evaluation are best obtained by surgical wedge biopsy to allow the accurate recognition of the involvement patterns of these disorders. Two of the most common IIPs, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), differ with respect to prognosis. Patients with IPF have a poorer prognosis than those with NSIP and most other IIPs. Within the NSIP diagnosis, a fibrotic pattern seems to be associated with a worse outcome than a cellular pattern. By distinguishing IPF from other clinicopathologic entities, clinicians should be better able to identify optimal treatment strategies and hopefully to improve patient outcomes.
Psychosocial rehabilitation in schizophrenia: Beginnings in acute hospitalization

Schizophrenic patients discharged from acute inpatient settings are often unprepared to function outside the hospital, leading to recidivism and frequent rehospitalization. Social skills training programs addressing this need have hitherto only been developed for use in outpatient or long-term inpatient settings. We describe the development of a social skills training program for application in a short-term acute inpatient unit. Nursing coordinates the program, which is designed for a 3 to 4 week hospitalization and is delivered in an open group setting. The training program emphasizes communication skills, problem solving, affect identification, needs recognition, and social relatedness. The program uses group discussions, writing tasks, physical activity, education, role-play, feed-back, and assignments. Goals include assessment of individual deficits, inculcation of awareness that life-objectives can be identified and achieved, assistance with transition to postdischarge living situation or outpatient treatment program, and development of awareness of one's roles and responsibilities. The evolution and present structure of the program are described and four representative lessons are detailed.
Fabrication and Use of Electroless Plated Polymer Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates for Viral Gene Detection

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates are prepared by electroless Ag metallization and vapor phase Au deposition on nanostructured poly(chloro-p-xylylene) (nanoPPX) templates. These substrates exhibit quasi-periodic nanomorphology inherited from the underlying nanoPPX template, resulting in highly reproducible SERS signal (<10% spot-to-spot and substrate-to-substrate signal variation for Au/nanoPPX comprising contributions from substrate imperfections). These substrates are therefore chosen for developing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gene detection that requires high sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility of the Raman signal. Metallized nanoPPX films show enhancement factors of ∼104 to 106 that strongly depend on the metallization route and can be optimized by controlling the metallization parameters. RSV gene detection is achieved by using a molecular probe (MP) consisting of a fluorescent moiety and a thiol linker for attachment to the SERS substrate. To detect multiple targets...
One-Year Experience With A PACS Module In Pediatric Radiology: System Viewpoint

The details of a clinical PACS module for Pediatric radiology are discussed. The system operates as a large queueing network allowing several processes to execute concurrently in a prioritized and coordinated fashion. This paper presents clinical data accumulated since March 1987 on system workload, system performance, and workstation optimization techniques.
A hybrid clustering algorithm

Clustering attempts to partition a dataset into a meaningful set of mutually exclusive clusters. It is known that sequential clustering algorithms can give optimal partitions when applied to an ordered set of objects. In this technical note, we explore how this approach could be generalized to partition datasets in which there is no natural sequential ordering of the objects. As such, it extends the application of sequential clustering algorithms to all sets of objects.
Comparing a lecture with a tutorial in introductory astronomy

In recent years, short question-and-answer activities known as lecture tutorials that are designed to help students work with and discover concepts for themselves, rather than simply being told about them (lectured to) have become a popular tool for learner-centred teaching of introductory college astronomy. Students on such a course are usually non-science majors fulfilling a general education requirement and have a limited background in mathematics. The following is a description of the development, use and assessment of a lecture tutorial.
The purpose of advance medical planning--autonomy for patients or limitation of care?

Methods for advance medical planning were originally developed to ensure that patients' preferences would guide the nature and intensity of their future medical care. Increasingly, however, advance...
Electronic theory of disordered ternary alloys

Abstract The diagrammatic resummation technique of Leath and the coherent potential theory (CPA) of Soven and others has been applied to a single-band Hamiltonian for the description of randomternary alloys.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS AND CONTENT OF GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID IN THE GOLDFISH RETINA

Goldfish retinas incubated with L-glutamate-14C (UL) were found to synthesize γ-aminobutyric acid-14C (GABA-14C) The accumulation of newly synthesized GABA was enhanced by physiological stimulation of the retina with flashing light; and this increase was directly proportional to the logarithm of the light intensity. The total GABA content was also higher in light-stimulated than in dark-adapted retinas, although the glutamate content remained unchanged No differences were found in the cell-free activities of glutamate decarboxylase (EC 4 1.1 15) and GABA-glutamate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.19) extracted from light-stimulated and dark-adapted retinas. These findings, together with other physiological and morphologcal evidence, suggest that GABA plays a functional role in synaptic transmission in the goldfish retina
Self-Contained Gene-Set Analysis of Expression Data: An Evaluation of Existing and Novel Methods

Gene set methods aim to assess the overall evidence of association of a set of genes with a phenotype, such as disease or a quantitative trait. Multiple approaches for gene set analysis of expression data have been proposed. They can be divided into two types: competitive and self-contained. Benefits of self-contained methods include that they can be used for genome-wide, candidate gene, or pathway studies, and have been reported to be more powerful than competitive methods. We therefore investigated ten self-contained methods that can be used for continuous, discrete and time-to-event phenotypes. To assess the power and type I error rate for the various previously proposed and novel approaches, an extensive simulation study was completed in which the scenarios varied according to: number of genes in a gene set, number of genes associated with the phenotype, effect sizes, correlation between expression of genes within a gene set, and the sample size. In addition to the simulated data, the various methods were applied to a pharmacogenomic study of the drug gemcitabine. Simulation results demonstrated that overall Fisher's method and the global model with random effects have the highest power for a wide range of scenarios, while the analysis based on the first principal component and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test tended to have lowest power. The methods investigated here are likely to play an important role in identifying pathways that contribute to complex traits.
Technoeconomic aspects of central photovoltaic power plants

Abstract The economic feasibility of central photovoltaic power plants is investigated from the perspective of an electric power utility company. The maximum acceptable price of the system is established, as a function of conventional fuel costs. Factors which would enhance the economic attractiveness of the system are analyzed. These factors include; increases in conventional fuel costs, decreases in photovoltaic system costs and subsidies to attract utility companies. On etudie ici les possibilites economiques d'installations d'energie par centrales photovoltaiques du point de vue d'une Societe de services d'energie. Le prix maximum acceptable pour le systeme est etabli en fonction des couts habituels du carburant. Les facteurs qui pourraient mettre en valeur l'interet economique du systeme sont analyses. Ces facteurs comprenment: les hausses des couts des carburants habituels, les baisses des couts du systeme photovoltaique et les subventions accordees pour interesser les Societes de service.
Detection of Minute Gastrointestinal Bleeding Utilizing Radioactive Iron, Fe59

Summary1. Excretion patterns of intravenously administered radioactive iron in the stool of normal dogs and in dogs with histamine induced bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract have been compared. 2. Levels of stool radioactivity have been measured following intragastric administration of known amounts of isotope-labelled blood. 3. Radioactivity in the stool can be utilized for detection of occult bleeding. 4. Comparative evaluation following administration of known small quantities of isotope-labelled blood (Fe59) indicates definitely that this test is considerably more sensitive than the guaiac test.
Modulation of phospholipase A2 lytic activity by actin and myosin.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) production is closely coupled with endothelial cell shape and F-actin distribution in vitro. These findings may implicate cytoskeletal constituents in a mechanism regulating eicosanoid metabolism. To determine the potential for such a regulatory mechanism, cytoskeletal protein effects on the ratelimiting eicosanoid cascade enzyme (phospholipase A2; PLA2) were studied. Membrane phospholipid degradation was indirectly determined by spectrophotometric measurement of PLA2-induced rat red blood cell ghost (RBC-G) hemolysis. PLA2 was incubated with actin (skeletal, smooth, or nonmuscle cell) at a nonmuscle cell concentration (100μM) and then exposed to the RBC-G. Comparisons in the presence or absence of actin revealed that F-actin stimulated whereas G-actin suppressed PLA2 lytic behavior significantly (P<0.05). When a 10: or 100∶1 F-actin to myosin ratio was used, the F-actin stimulatory effect was significantly (P<0.05) reduced. These findings suggest that the in vitro correlation between PGI2 production and endothelial cell shape may be the result of PLA2 regulation by cytoskeletal elements that impart cellular form.
Moral Virtues for Journalists

This essay outlines an account of virtue ethics applied to the profession of journalism. Virtue ethics emphasizes character before consequences, requires the “good” prior to the “right,” and allows for agent-relative as well as agent-neutral values. This essay offers an exploration of the internal characteristics of a good journalist by focusing on moral virtues crucial to journalism. First, the essay outlines the general tenets of Aristotelian virtue ethics. Second, it offers arguments touting virtue ethics in comparison with other popular normative theories such as Mill's utilitarianism and Kant's deontology. Finally, an original account of journalistic virtue ethics is offered, with an emphasis on the virtues of justice and integrity.
Skepticism, contextualism, and the epistemic “ordinary”

Critique du contextualisme epistemologique comme reponse au scepticisme general et aux pratiques epistemiques ordinaires. Examinant le conflit entre le scepticisme et les attitudes epistemiques quotidiennes, l'A. oppose a la fragmentation contextualiste de l'ordinaire l'idee selon laquelle l'agent epistemique produit ses propres interpretations pratiques des standards de la connaissance.
POLITICAL ECONOMY AS MORAL PHILOSOPHY: DUGALD STEWART OF EDINBURGH

Dugald Stewart was a professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh who lectured on political economy between 1798 and 1808. These influential lectures tried to turn political economy away from a study of wealth towards wider social concern. While supportive of f ree trade, Stewart was also highly critical of Adam Smith's analysis of the measure of value, of the division of labor, and of Smith's rep resentation of the Physiocrats. Copyright 1987 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd/University of Adelaide and Flinders University of South Australia
Krüppel Expression during Postembryonic Development of Drosophila

Abstract The Drosophila gap gene Kruppel (Kr) codes for a Zn2+ finger transcription factor important in embryo patterning, segment identity, and specification of various cell types. Based on Northern blot analysis, Kr function has been thought to be restricted to embryogenesis. I report here that Kr is also expressed during larval development, primarily in the fat body. Using both a P-element enhancer-trap line and a portion of the Kr promoter fused to lacZ, I find the activation of Kr in the fat body does not begin until the early-third-instar stage. Earlier in larval development, Kr is detected in the nerve cells associated with the gut. Kr's role as a transcription factor during early embryogenesis is well established. After gastrulation Kr protein is detected in a variety of cell types and is probably involved in cell specification. Kr is not detected in fat cells during embryogenesis nor during the first- and second-in-star stages. The delayed expression of Kr in the fat cells occurs at a time in which the larva is undergoing a reprogramming in preparation for metamorphosis. It is possible that Kr serves as a transcriptional regulator in the fat body in this last larval instar. During this last larval stage, several fat-body-specific genes are transcriptionally activated in response to increasing levels of ecdysone. The possible role of Kr in the expression of these ecdysone-regulated genes is discussed.
Mammalian somatosensory mechanotransduction

In the mammalian somatosensory system, mechanosensitive neurons mediate the senses of touch and pain. Among sensory modalities, mechanosensation has been the most elusive with regard to the identification of transduction molecules. One factor that has hindered the identification of transduction molecules is the diversity of neurons; physiological studies have revealed many subtypes of neurons, specialized to detect a variety of mechanical stimuli. Do different subtypes use the same transduction molecules that are modified by cellular context? Or, are there multiple mechanotransducers that specialize in sensing different mechanical stimuli? This review highlights recent progress in identifying and characterizing candidate molecular force transducers, as well as the development of new tools to characterize touch transduction at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels.
An InAs/GaAs quantum dot long wave infrared photodetector with high photodectivity at 180K

We present an InAs/GaAs quantum dot long wave infrared photodetector based on nonlinear photocurrent generation process. A dark current suppression factor of over 10 4 is obtained at 180K. Photocurrent generation process was simulated and compared with conventional linear absorption photocurrent generation. A photodetectivity of nearly 10 10 cmHz 1/2 /W were obtained at 180K. This kind long wave infrared photodetector is promising in working at air-cooled temperature.
Water-soluble organic compounds at a mountain-top site in Colorado, USA

Abstract Water extracts of atmospheric particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) collected at the Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL) (3210 MSL, 40.45° N, 106.74° W) were analyzed for a wide variety of polar organic compounds. The unique geographical character of SPL allows for extended observations/sampling of the free tropospheric interface. Under variable meteorological conditions between January 9th and January14th 2007, the most abundant compounds were levoglucosan (9–72 ng m −3 ), palmitic acid (10–40 ng m −3 ) and succinic acid (18–27 ng m −3 ). Of 84 analytes included in the GC–MS method, over 50 individual water extractable polar organic compounds (POC) were present at concentrations greater than 0.1 ng m −3 . During a snow event (Jan. 11th–13th), the concentrations of several presumed atmospheric transformation compounds (dicarboxylic acids) were reduced. Lower actinic flux, reduced transport distance, and ice crystal scavenging may explain this variability. Diurnal averages over the sampling period revealed a higher total concentration of water extractable POC at night, 211 ng m −3 (105–265 ng m −3 ), versus day, 160 ng m −3 (137–205 ng m −3 ), which suggests a more aged nighttime aerosol character. This may be due to the increased daytime convective mixing of local primary emissions from the Yampa Valley. XAD resin extracts revealed a gas-phase partitioning of several compounds, and analysis of cloud water collected at this site in 2002 revealed a similar compound abundance trend. Levoglucosan, a wood smoke tracer was generally found to be the most abundant compound in both aerosol and cloud water samples. Variations in meteorological parameters and local/regional transport analysis play an important interpretive role in understanding these results.
Development of Standard Procedures for a Simple, Rapid Test to Determine Wheat Color Class

ABSTRACT Growing conditions, kernel characteristics, and genetics affect wheat kernel color. As a result, red and white wheats sometimes cannot be differentiated by visual examination. Soaking wheat kernels in a sodium hydroxide solution enhances the difference in color; red wheat turns a darker red, and white wheat turns straw-yellow. Previously, when NaOH was used for wheat determination of color class, only a visual assessment was made under arbitrary conditions, many times not suitable for field work. In the present work, visible reflectance spectroscopy and visual assessments were used to optimize NaOH (2 mL/g of wheat) soak time (10 min), concentration (5M or 20%), and temperature (60°C). The optimal procedure will provide users who are not laboratory trained with inexpensive, safe procedures to definitively assign wheat color class in the shortest time in field locations. Calibration and prediction of several wheat cultivars using partial least square regression were used to validate the optimal te...
Clinical correlates of graph theory findings in temporal lobe epilepsy

Purpose Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is considered a brain network disorder, additionally representing the most common form of pharmaco-resistant epilepsy in adults. There is increasing evidence that seizures in TLE arise from abnormal epileptogenic networks, which extend beyond the clinico-radiologically determined epileptogenic zone and may contribute to the failure rate of 30–50% following epilepsy surgery. Graph theory allows for a network-based representation of TLE brain networks using several neuroimaging and electrophysiologic modalities, and has potential to provide clinicians with clinically useful biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Simple math for the β-globin locus control region

The only universally agreed upon property attributable to the locus control region (LCR) is its absolute requirement for elevated transcriptional activity of the vertebrate β-type globin genes. Previously, the Groudine group reported that targeted deletion of hypersensitive sites (HSs) 2, 3, or 5/6
Jean-Alphonse Turrettini (1671-1737) on natural theology: the triumph of reason over revelation at the academy of Geneva

Michael Heyd has described the late seventeenth and early eighteen centuries as an era of gradual development from Orthodoxy to the Enlightenment at the Academy of Geneva. One of the most important facets of this change was the eventual triumph of reason over revelation and the inevitable elimination by the mid-eighteenth century of many of the essential doctrines of the faith such as the Trinity and the Incarnation. Deism and atheism, which were becoming more and more feared at the Academy, posed the greatest threats to Reformed thought. Those theologians who considered themselves to be orthodox Protestants and yet enlightened to the use of reason to defend Christianity, attempted to protect the faith against the unique challenges of the times. Their extensive use of reason was a marked departure from the traditional Reformed approach to Apologetics and radically transformed the very nature of Reformed Protestantism. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the specific challenges of this era provided the theological faculty at the Academy of Geneva, and especially Jean-Alphonse Turrettini, the leader of the so-called enlightened orthodox party, with the predisposition to employ a rationalistic approach to natural theology.
Correction of arterial input function in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of the liver

Purpose To develop a post-processing method to correct saturation of arterial input function (AIF) in T1-weighted DCE-MRI for quantification of hepatic perfusion.
Susceptibility of seven tetranychids to the nonoccluded virus of the citrus red mite and the correlation of the carmine spider mite as a vector

Abstract When the European red mite, Panonychus ulni ; the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae ; the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae ; the carmine spider mite, T. cinnabarinus ; the Pacific spider mite, T. pacificus ; the sixpotted mite, Eotetranychus sexmaculatus ; and T. evansi were exposed to the nonoccluded virus of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri , either by feeding on contaminated citrus leaves or by spraying with aqueous suspensions of triturated diseased mites, only a few carmine spider mites developed the crystals characteristic of the disease. However, the carmine spider mite was a vector of the virus: when citrus red mites were transferred to leaf cages previously inhabited by carmine mites from contaminated cages, they became diseased; also, aqueous suspensions of triturated carmine mites that had been sprayed with virus inoculum from citrus red mites passed the disease to citrus red mites.
Multivariate Statistical Process Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis Based on an Integration Method of PCA-ICA and CSM

In this paper, an approach for multivariate statistical process monitoring ans fault diagnosis based on an improved independent component analysis (ICA) and continuous string matching (CSM) is presented, which can detect and diagnose process fault faster and with higher confidence level. The trial on the Tennessee Eastman process demonstrates that the proposed method can diagnose the fault effectively. Comparison of the method with the well established principal component analysis is also made.
PURIFIED ANTIGEN RADIOIMMUNOASSAY IN SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS MANSONI

A radioimmunoassay has been developed for detecting human schistosomiasis with a highly purified Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen labelled with iodine-125. The antigen, major serologic antigen 1 (M.S.A.1), has striking immunochemical and species specificity and appears to be the principal antigen responsible for the granulomatous response to S. mansoni eggs. This 125I-antigen was tested with 5 microliter of patient serum as a potential serodiagnostic test for schistosomiasis. 92 control sera from uninfected St. Vincentian patients were seronegative. In studies on 135 lightly infected St. Lucians the 5 microliter serum 125I-M.S.A.1 serodiagnostic test was more sensitive than any tests available at the Center for Disease Control, with 64% of infected children, 83% of adolescents, and 98% of adults being positive. 49 heavily infected Kenyans of all age-groups were uniformly (100%) seropositive. Finally, a semiquantitative version of the 125I-M.S.A.1 radioimmunoassay that uses 0-5 microliter of patient sera demonstrated quantitatively significant differences among age-watched and intensity-watched groups of patients with S. mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum infections.
Defect selective etching of GaAsyP1−y photovoltaic materials

Abstract Rapid and accurate threading dislocation density (TDD) characterization of direct-gap GaAs y P 1− y photovoltaic materials using molten KOH defect selective etching (DSE) is demonstrated. TDDs measured using molten KOH DSE show close agreement with those from both electron beam-induced current mapping and planar view transmission electron microscopy, provided TDD 7 cm −2 . H 3 PO 4 DSE is also demonstrated as an accurate method for characterizing TDD of GaP substrates. Taken together, the DSE methods described here enable TDD characterization over large areas (>10 5 µm 2 ) from substrate to GaAs y P 1− y device layer.
College health 2050.

On May 31, 2040, Kunta Kinte Sanchez O'Shaunessey-Chan, MOND, president of the North American College Health Association (NACHA), gave the keynote address at the opening session of the annual meeting held in the Marriott Conference Center, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He recounted important events of the past 50 years that have shaped the college health field of today, and he predicted important trends for the next decade. Although his speech was given in Spanish, it was simultaneously translated into English, French, and 15 other languages requested by attendees. The English version follows.
Testosterone enhances aggression of wild-type mice but not those deficient in type I 5α-reductase

Abstract Testosterone’s (T) aggression-enhancing effects may be mediated in part by its 5α-reduced, 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenized metabolite 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol). To test this hypothesis, in Expt. 1 gonadectomized (gdx) C21 mice were administered T, 3α-diol, or vehicle and were observed in the resident intruder test of aggression 1 h later. C21 mice administered androgens had significantly higher incidences of aggression than did vehicle-administered mice. In Expt. 2, wild-type mice and mice deficient in the 5α-reductase type I enzyme were administered T or vehicle and tested 1 h later in the resident intruder paradigm. Wild-type mice administered T had significantly shorter latencies and greater incidences of aggression than did 5α-reductase type I knockout mice administered T or vehicle-administered mice. Data from Expt. 1 are consistent with T and 3α-diol having similar aggression-enhancing effects, and results of Expt. 2 suggest that the inability to metabolize T to its 5α-reduced products may attenuate some aggression-enhancing effects of mice in the resident intruder test of aggression.
SMM-Chemokines: A Class of Unnatural Synthetic Molecules as Chemical Probes of Chemokine Receptor Biology and Leads for Therapeutic Development

Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. To develop natural chemokines into receptor probes and inhibitors of pathological processes, the lack of chemokine-receptor selectivity must be overcome. Here, we apply chemical synthesis and the concept of modular modifications to generate unnatural synthetically and modularly modified (SMM)-chemokines that have high receptor selectivity and affinity, and reduced toxicity. A proof of the concept was shown by transforming the nonselective viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II into new analogs with enhanced selectivity and potency for CXCR4 or CCR5, two principal coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 entry. These new analogs provided insights into receptor binding and signaling mechanisms and acted as potent HIV-1 inhibitors. These results support the concept of SMM-chemokines for studying and controlling the function of other chemokine receptors.