cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of the sulfhydryl reagent N-ethylmaleimide on reserpine binding to the catecholamine transporter in chromaffin granule membranes

1. Catecholamines are transported into chromaffin granules via a carriermediated, active-transport process which is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of the sulfhydryl reagent,N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Reserpine is a very potent, competitive inhibitor of the catecholamine transporter and can be used to investigate the characteristics of the catecholamine transporter. 2. The purpose of this study was to determine whether [3H]reserpine binding to the catecholamine transporter present in chromaffin granule membranes isolated from bovine adrenal glands was also inhibited by NEM and, if so, whether this was a direct or an indirect effect of NEM on the catecholamine transporter. 3. Both [3H]norepinephrine transport into and [3H]reserpine binding to the chromaffin granule ghosts isolated from bovine adrenal glands are inhibited by NEM, with IC50 values of 0.63 ± 0.02 and 2.8 ± 0.66µM, respectively. 4. Mg and ATP protected both the [3H]norepinephrine transport into the ghosts and the [3H]reserpine binding to the transporter from inhibition by NEM, shifting the IC50 values to 260 ± 43 and 120 ± 29µM, respectively. 5. NEM inhibition of the catecholamine transport and reserpine binding appears to be due to an action on the proton translocator associated with the Mg ATPase enzyme rather than a direct action on the catecholamine transporter since (a) the concentration of NEM required to inhibit formation of a membrane potential is similar to that required to inhibit [3H]norepinephrine transport into and [3H]reserpine binding to the ghosts and (b) Mg and ATP protected the proton translocation and [3H]norepinephrine transport into the ghosts, and [3H]reserpine binding to the ghosts, from inhibition by NEM. 6. The results support the concept that reserpine is binding to the catecholamine site on the granule membranes and that binding of reserpine requires the presence of a membrane potential.
Smooth-billed ani ( Crotophaga ani ) predation on butterflies in Mato Grosso, Brazil: risk decreases with increased group size

Although most insects are vulnerable to predation by a variety of predators, including birds, there are few direct observational studies in the wild of avian predation on adult butterflies. We examined the predatory behavior of smooth-billed anis (Crotophaga ani) on butterflies, and the spacing behavior of the butterflies which were concentrated on a mineral-rich beach on the Cristalino River, in Mato Grosso, Brazil. We studied eight of the most regularly occurring butterfly species which came each morning to engage in "puddling." Most species of butterfly were closely associated with conspecifics, although nearest-neighbor distance varied among species. The pierids – "yellows" (Aphrissa statira, Phoebis trite), "oranges" (Phoebis argante), and sometimes "whites" (Daptoneura leucadia) – formed very dense groups (or clusters) of up to 1,000 individuals occasionally joined by a few kite swallowtails (Eurytides spp.). Most other butterfly species formed small groups (e.g., daggerwings, Marpesia spp.) or were dispersed individually and non-clumped over the beach (e.g., dingy purplewing, Eunica monima). Anis foraged using two strategies: rapid frontal attack on dense groups of butterflies (yellows, oranges, whites), and a stealthy approach to solitary butterflies (mainly purplewings) or those in small groups. For yellows, the most common butterfly caught by anis, the capture rate reached over 6 per 15 min per ani, and about 8% of those captured managed to escape. Capture rates were much lower for the other species. Time of day, age of the ani (adult or young-of-the-year), and total number of each butterfly species present accounted for variation in the number of each species captured by anis. The number of butterflies captured per 15 min increased as the number of butterflies present increased, but reached a threshold beyond which the capture rate did not increase. The capture rate per individual butterfly (individual risk) decreased with group size up to a group of 40 individuals and remained low with further increases. Thus a butterfly in a group of 100 was no less likely to be eaten than one in a group of 40. For individual ani forays into dense groups of pierids, an individual ani was unable to catch more than 16, regardless of group size. These data confirm the dilution effect of group size for butterflies; each individual yellow or orange was less at risk from ani predation when in a group.
Immunoregulation in disseminated histoplasmosis: characterization of splenic suppressor cell populations.

Abstract Potent immunosuppressor cell activity was induced during the course of disseminated histoplasmosis in C3H/Anf mice. Spleen cells from infected mice severely suppressed the primary antibody response in vitro of normal syngeneic spleen cells to both a T-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells) and a T-independent antigen (trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide) at Weeks 1 and 3 of infection, respectively. Likewise, marked suppressor cell activity was present within lymph nodes. In a kinetic study, suppressor activity was detected first on Day 2 and increased to the maximum level on Day 4 after inoculation of Histoplasma capsulatum . Two populations of spleen cells express suppressor function in this model. One population, identified as T cells, was nonadherent to nylon wool columns; its suppressor capacity was abolished by anti-Thy 1 and reduced greatly by low-dosage X-irradiation (500 R). Cells of the second suppressor population had macrophage-like properties; although poorly adherent to plastic surfaces, they adhered to nylon wool columns and could be removed from spleen cell suspensions by carbonyl iron treatment; high-dosage X-irradiation (3000 R) and mitomycin C treatment failed to abrogate suppression by these cells.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of Sprouty1, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor in prostate cancer

Sprouty1 (Spry1) is a negative regulator of fibroblast growth factor signaling with a potential tumor suppressor function in prostate cancer (PCa). Spry1 is downregulated in human PCa, and Spry1 expression can markedly inhibit PCa proliferation in vitro. We have reported DNA methylation as a mechanism for controlling Spry1 expression. However, promoter methylation does not seem to explain gene silencing in all PCa cases studied to suggest other mechanisms of gene inactivation, such as alterations in trans-acting factors and/or post-transcriptional activity may be responsible for the decreased expression in those cases. Binding sites for Wilm's tumor (WT1) transcription factors EGR1, EGR3 and WTE are highly conserved between the mouse and human Spry1 promoter regions, suggesting an evolutionary conserved mechanism(s) involving WT1 and EGR in Spry1 regulation. Spry1 mRNA contains multiple microRNA (miRNA) binding sites in its 3'UTR region suggesting post-transcriptional control. We demonstrate that Spry1 is a target for miR-21-mediated gene silencing. miRNA-based therapeutic approaches to treat cancer are emerging. Spry1 is highly regulated by miRNAs and could potentially be an excellent candidate for such approaches.
Masticatory Muscle Exercise as an Adjunctive Treatment for Open Bite Malocclusions

The article distinguishes between dental open bite and skeletal open bite malocclusions and reviews the etiologic factor and possible treatment options. The addition of light masticatory muscle exercise on two mixed detention cases is illustrated. The patients were treated with a bonded rapid palatal expander followed by a transpalatal arch and a mandibular lingual arch, high-pull headgear therapy and light masticatory muscle exercises for 1 minute five times per day. A third case illustrates an increase in the clenching exercises of at least 5 minutes per hour for 6 hours. This patient had changed her mind on orthognathic surgical treatment plans. Treatment results suggest that clenching exercises helped to control the vertical dimension and assist in closure of open bite malocclusions. More clinical research is required to ensure the optimum level of masticatory muscle exercise for the treatment of open bite malocclusions.
Apolipoprotein E4 Impairs Macrophage Efferocytosis and Potentiates Apoptosis by Accelerating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is a major genetic risk factor for a wide spectrum of inflammatory metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer disease. This study compared diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation as well as functional properties of macrophages isolated from human APOE3 and APOE4 mice to identify the mechanism responsible for the association between apoE4 and inflammatory metabolic diseases. The initial study confirmed previous reports that APOE4 gene replacement mice were less sensitive than APOE3 mice to diet-induced body weight gain but exhibited hyperinsulinemia, and their adipose tissues were similarly inflamed as those in APOE3 mice. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from APOE4 mice were defective in efferocytosis compared with APOE3 macrophages. Increased cell death was also observed in APOE4 macrophages when stimulated with LPS or oxidized LDL. Western blot analysis of cell lysates revealed that APOE4 macrophages displayed elevated JNK phosphorylation indicative of cell stress even under basal culturing conditions. Significantly higher cell stress due mainly to potentiation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling was also observed in APOE4 macrophages after LPS and oxidized LDL activation. The defect in efferocytosis and elevated apoptosis sensitivity of APOE4 macrophages was ameliorated by treatment with the ER chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid. Taken together, these results showed that apoE4 expression causes macrophage dysfunction and promotes apoptosis via ER stress induction. The reduction of ER stress in macrophages may be a viable option to reduce inflammation and inflammation-related metabolic disorders associated with the apoE4 polymorphism.
Tanzanian and African socialism

Abstract This paper analyses the reasons for the failure of Tanzanian socialism and examines some theoretical explanations. In particular, one section of this paper is devoted to the argument that the Tanzanian model of socialism was flawed because it did not take account of an independent peasantry. This paper summarizes Tanzanian development policies from the pre-independence period onwards and cites their disappointing results. It also uses the Tanzanian case as an illustration of more general problems faced in implementing socialism in Africa.
Stressful ethical issues in uremia therapy: Long Island College Hospital Conference, 30 May 2008, Brooklyn, New York, USA

The objectives of this review are to introduce and explore the following representative ethical problems generated by modern renal replacement therapy: (1) reviewing the historical origin of medical ethics with specific reference to nephrology; (2) recognizing the complex stresses surrounding assignment of a deceased donor renal transplant to a geriatric patient while young patients continue waiting for a donor kidney; and (3) appreciating the concept of futility and support for a uremic patient opting for death rather than further uremia therapy as the best in choice in coping with renal failure.
Interaction of NADP(H) with oxidized and reduced P450 reductase during catalysis. Studies with nucleotide analogues.

Previous studies have shown that the interaction of P450 reductase with bound NADP(H) is essential to ensure fast electron transfer through the two flavin cofactors. In this study we investigated in detail the interaction of the house fly flavoprotein with NADP(H) and a number of nucleotide analogues. 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-NADP, an analogue of NADPH, was used to characterize the interaction of P450 reductase with the reduced nucleotide. This analogue is inactive as electron donor, but its binding affinity and rate constant of release are very close to those for NADPH. The 2‘-phosphate contributes about 5 kcal/mol of the binding energy of NADP(H). Oxidized nicotinamide does not interact with the oxidized flavoprotein, while reduced nicotinamide contributes 1.3 kcal/mol of the binding energy. Oxidized P450 reductase binds NADPH with a Kd of 0.3 μM, while the affinity of the reduced enzyme is considerably lower, Kd = 1.9 μM. P450 reductase catalyzes a transhydrogenase reaction between NADPH and oxidized nucleot...
Classical trajectory study of rotational relaxation of molecular hydrogen: Dependence on the potential surface

Abstract Rotational relaxation times and collision numbers of molecular hydrogen are calculated by a classical trajectory method for five temperatures from 300–1500 K using two different potential surfaces. The differences in functional form of the two potentials are examined in order to explain the significant differences in the computed values. Comparisons are made with recent experimental results.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Do Ratings of Appropriateness Predict Patient Outcomes?:

Sinus surgery appropriateness ratings were recently developed by Value Health Sciences in cooperation with AAO-HNS. The goal of this study was to assess the relationships among three ratings of sinus surgery appropriateness (Appropriate, Inappropriate, or Equivocal) and symptom response. The enrolled population included 49 patients who completed the Smo-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) presurgery and 6 months postsurgery. The SNOT-20 is a patient-based measure of sinusitis-related health status and quality of life. Overall, the mean percent difference (delta %) between pre- and postsurgery SNOT scores was 38%, a statistically and clinically significant improvement. However, there was no relationship between the appropriateness rating for the surgery and the delta % SNOT score (i = 1.83, p-value = 0.171); 20 patients with an Equivocal rating demonstrated the greatest delta % (49%), 20 patients with an Appropriate rating showed the least delta % (26%), and 9 patients with an Inappropriate rating had an intermediate delta % (39%). Furthermore, those patients having an Appropriate rating at the time of surgery reported a greater persistence of bothersome symptoms at 6 months (p-value = 0.02) then patients in either the Equivocal or Inappropriate rating. These results suggest that appropriateness ratings may not predict which patients will obtain the greatest symptom improvement from sinus surgery.
Sampled-data noninteracting control for distillation columns

Abstract The problem of interaction in the sampled-data control of both ends of a binary distillation column is investigated. A dual-algorithm control concept is proposed that effectively handles both load and setpoint disturbances simultaneously.
Improving longevity of prosthetic dialysis grafts in patients with disadvantaged venous outflow.

Abstract Objective: Angioaccess for hemodialysis in an extremity with disadvantaged venous outflow has reduced long-term patency. We hypothesized that arteriovenous bridge graft patency could be improved in patients with disadvantaged venous outflow by preoperative venous duplex mapping. Methods: The charts of 114 patients who underwent 115 prosthetic arteriovenous bridge grafts were reviewed. Disadvantaged venous outflow was defined on the basis of any combination of prior arteriovenous bridge graft, multiple venipunctures, and clinical examination. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of disadvantaged venous outflow. Three groups were analyzed: those with normal venous outflow who had an initial arteriovenous bridge graft (NML), those with disadvantaged venous outflow who had only a clinical examination before redo arteriovenous bridge graft (REDO/DVO), and those with disadvantaged venous outflow who underwent preoperative duplex scanning venous evaluation (MAP/DVO). Life table primary and secondary 12-month patency rates were compared by means of log-rank analysis. Results: Life table analysis yielded 6-month primary patency rates of 65.9% ± 5.7%, 66.4% ± 7.3%, and 43.8% ± 10.9% for NML, MAP/DVO, and REDO/DVO, respectively. The secondary patency rates at 6 months for NML (91.9% ± 3.4%) and MAP/DVO (91.1% ± 4.9%) were statistically equivalent, and both were significantly better than the patency for REDO/DVO (75.0% ± 10.0%; P =.004 and P =.04, respectively). This trend persisted beyond 12 months. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of venous anatomy in patients with disadvantaged venous outflow results in an arteriovenous bridge graft patency comparable to that seen in patients undergoing initial arteriovenous bridge grafts. Vein mapping improves arteriovenous bridge graft durability in the patient with disadvantaged venous outflow by allowing the surgeon to select venous return that is in direct continuity with the central venous system. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:997-1005.)
Synthesis of (+)-8a,9-secoartemisinin and related analogs

Abstract An efficient synthesis of (+)-8a,9-secoartemisinin 2 , ring-D cleaved, tricyclic analog of (+)-artemisinin 1 , has been accomplished. Dioxetane 7 , produced upon ozonolysis of vinyl-silane 5 in methanol, was intercepted with acid to provide the stable bicyclic peroxy-aldehyde 9 , which was readily converted to the title compound(s).
The Portal of Geriatrics Online Education: A 21st-Century Resource for Teaching Geriatrics

The way students are taught and evaluated is changing, with greater emphasis on flexible, individualized, learner-centered education, including the use of technology. The goal of assessment is also shifting from what students know to how they perform in practice settings. Developing educational materials for teaching in these ways is time-consuming and can be expensive. The Portal of Geriatrics Online Education (POGOe) was developed to aid educators in meeting these needs and become quicker, better-prepared teachers of geriatrics. POGOe contains more than 950 geriatrics educational materials that faculty at 45% of allopathic and 7% of osteopathic U.S. medical schools and the Centers for Geriatric Nursing Excellence have created. These materials include various instructional and assessment methodologies, including virtual and standardized patients, games, tutorials, case-based teaching, self-directed learning, and traditional lectures. Materials with common goals and resource types are available as selected educational series. Learner assessments comprise approximately 10% of the educational materials. POGOe also includes libraries of videos, images, and questions extracted from its educational materials to encourage educators to repurpose content components to create new resources and to align their teaching better with their learners' needs. Web-Geriatric Education Modules, a peer-reviewed online modular curriculum for medical students, is a prime example of this repurposing. The existence of a robust compendium of instructional and assessment materials allows educators to concentrate more on improving learner performance in practice and not simply on knowledge acquisition. It also makes it easier for nongeriatricians to teach the care of older adults in their respective disciplines.
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity Diminishes the Acute Effects of Relaxin on Growth, But Not Softening, of the Cervix in the Rat

Relaxin promotes growth and softening of the cervix during pregnancy in the rat. This study examined the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) mediates the effects of relaxin on the rat cervix. To test that hypothesis, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was used to inhibit NO synthase, the enzyme that converts arginine to NO and l-citrulline. Nonpregnant rats were ovariectomized when they were 78 days old (day 1 of treatment). At ovariectomy each animal was fitted with silicon tubing implants containing progesterone (P) and estrogen (E) in doses that provide blood levels similar to those during late pregnancy. Rats were assigned to three treatment groups. The control group OPE (n = 6 rats) received 0.5 ml L-NAME vehicle (PBS) sc at 6-h intervals from 0600 h on day 7 through 1200 h on day 8 and 0.5 ml relaxin vehicle (PBS) sc at 0600 and 1200 h on day 8. Group OPER (n = 6 rats) was treated in the same way as group OPE, except that 20 μg porcine relaxin were administered. Group OPERI (n = 7 rats) was tre...
Kalman Smoother Based Force Localization and Mapping Using Intravital Video Microscopy

Motility is an important property of immune system cells. It provides cells with the ability to perform their function not only at the right time but also at the right place. In this paper, we introduce the problem of modeling and estimating an effective force field directing cell movement by the analysis of intravital video microscopy. A computational approach is proposed for solving this problem without dealing with a parametrized spatial model of the field in order to avoid potential errors due to inaccurate spatial model assumptions. We consider the dynamics of cells similar to the dynamics of distributed agents typically used in the field of swarm robotics. The method utilizes a fixed-interval Kalman filter based smoother. Its application results in a map giving the intensity and direction of the effective force field. The results show that real-time video images are a source of data, enabling us to visualize intriguing spatiotemporal phenomena inside immune system organs. The proposed approach can fill the existing gap between contemporary technology and quantitative data analyses present in the field of biosystems.
PARAMETRICALLY EXCITED NONLINEAR TWO-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM SYSTEMS WITH NONSEMISIMPLE ONE-TO-ONE RESONANCE

The response of a parametrically excited two-degree-of-freedom system with quadratic and cubic nonlinearities and a nonsemisimple one-to-one internal resonance is investigated. The method of multiple scales is used to derive four first-order differential equations governing the modulation of the amplitudes and phases of the two modes for the cases of fundamental and principal parametric resonances. Bifurcation analysis of the case of fundamental parametric resonance reveals that the quadratic nonlinearities qualitatively change the response of the system. They change the pitchfork bifurcation to a transcritical bifurcation. Cyclic-fold, Hopf bifurcations of the nontrivial constant solutions, and period-doubling sequences leading to chaos are induced by these quadratic terms. The effects of quadratic nonlinearities for the case of principal parametric resonance are discussed.
The Role of Angiogenesis in Neuroendocrine Tumors

The first studies to assess in vitro angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors used animal-based assays to study the antiangiogenic properties of somatostatin analogs. Current technologies enable investigators to directly appraise the in vitro angiogenic response of an individual's neuroendocrine tumor with and without potential antiangiogenic reagents. This article describes the evolution of methods to assess in vitro angiogenesis in neuroendocrine tumors and describes some of the clinical data.
Effects of an oral androgen on muscle and metabolism in older, community-dwelling men.

To determine whether oxymetholone increases lean body mass (LBM) and skeletal muscle strength in older persons, 31 men 65–80 yr of age were randomized to placebo (group 1) or 50 mg (group 2) or 100...
Advanced radiation treatment planning and delivery approaches for treatment of lung cancer.

Abstract Great technologic progress has been made in the last decade in the radiation treatment of lung cancer. In particular, the widespread use of 3D conformal therapy has the potential to escalate the dose to the tumor while sparing dose to normal tissue. Current technology, however, has yet to impact local control and survival. It could be hypothesized that this is due to geographic misses because of poor target definition, movement of the tumor due to respiration, and dose/ fractionation levels. Several emerging technologies that are described in this article have the potential to address these problems, with results expected in the near future. The technical delivery of radiation has not reached its limit.
Collaborative Localization With Received-Signal Strength in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we present an in-depth study of two collaborative-localization methods, called the multidimensional scaling (MDS) and maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE), for wireless sensor networks. From theoretical analysis, it is shown that MLE is more appropriate than MDS, given the underlying assumption of statistical signal models of the received-signal-strength-based localization problem. We also show that MDS can approximately achieve asymptotic efficiency with appropriate weighting schemes in some scenarios. From extensive simulation results, it is noted that the nonlinear least square algorithms that are commonly used to determine MLE are not as efficient as the iterative MDS algorithms. Thus, we propose a new integrated method MDS-MLE to effectively benefit from the strength of both methods. In the new method, MDS is used as an initialization method for MLE. With the solution of MDS as an initial value, MLE converges much faster and achieves significantly better performance than with random initial values. Superior performance of the new method is clearly demonstrated through simulation results. The effects of the deployment density of sensor nodes and reference nodes (RNs), as well as the deployment structure of RNs, are also studied through various simulations.
THE TRADITIONAL SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PERSONALITY

Is readiness to behave in a socially responsible manner related to certain behavior and attitudes? This study of associations between a personality scale and other survey responses indicates that "high responsibles" tend to be conservative people who embrace the traditional ideas of their society. Leonard Berkowitz is Professor of Psychology and Kenneth Lutterman is Lecturer in Sociology, both at the University of Wisconsin.
Is It Time to Go yet? Understanding Household Hurricane Evacuation Decisions from a Dynamic Perspective

To better understand household hurricane evacuation decisions, this paper addresses a limitation to existing hurricane evacuation modeling aspects by developing a dynamic model of hurricane evacuation behavior. A household's evacuation decision is framed as an optimal stopping problem where every potential evacuation time period prior to the actual hurricane landfall, the household's optimal choice is to either evacuate, or to wait one more time period for a revised hurricane forecast. We build a realistic multiperiod model of evacuation that incorporates actual forecast and evacuation cost data for our designated Gulf of Mexico region. Results from our multiperiod model are calibrated with existing evacuation timing data from a number of hurricanes. Given the calibrated dynamic framework, a number of policy questions that plausibly affect the timing of household evacuations are analyzed, and a deeper understanding of existing empirical outcomes in regard to the timing of the evacuation decision is achieved. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)NH.1527-6996.0000037. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Trending Academic Library Job Market: An Analysis of Library Position Announcements from 2011 with Comparisons to 1996 and 1988.

The primary objective of the study was to describe the number, types and titles, requested qualifications and skills, salary information, and locations of positions advertised in 2011 on the ALA JobLIST and ARL Job Announcements websites and in the print version of the Chronicle of Higher Education for purposes of determining the current state of the academic library job market in the United States. To investigate changes in the academic library job market and identify emerging trends over a 23-year period, results also were compared to studies that analyzed position announcements from 1996 and 1988. Content analysis of 957 unique academic library job advertisements revealed relative stasis in the market regarding the number of positions advertised, presence of administrative duties, geographic distribution of positions, and, to some extent, educational requirements. However, other comparisons were more dynamic. Specifically, there has been a decline in foreign language skills and prior work experience requirements over time while computer skills are increasingly sought. Perhaps most striking is the proliferation of new position titles that have emerged over time, which serves as an indication that library positions are becoming increasingly specialized.
Inositol Hexakisphosphate Kinase 1 Regulates Neutrophil Function in Innate Immunity by Inhibiting Phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-Trisphosphate Signaling

Inositol phosphates are widely produced throughout animal and plant tissues. Diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (InsP7) contains an energetic pyrophosphate bond. Here we demonstrate that disruption of inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (InsP6K1), one of the three mammalian inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (InsP6Ks) that convert inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) to InsP7, conferred enhanced phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3)-mediated membrane translocation of the pleckstrin homology domain of the kinase Akt and thus augmented downstream PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling in mouse neutrophils. Consequently, these neutrophils had greater phagocytic and bactericidal ability and amplified NADPH oxidase-mediated production of superoxide. These phenotypes were replicated in human primary neutrophils with pharmacologically inhibited InsP6Ks. In contrast, an increase in intracellular InsP7 blocked chemoattractant-elicited translocation of the pleckstrin homology domain to the membrane and substantially suppressed PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-mediated cellular events in neutrophils. Our findings establish a role for InsP7 in signal transduction and provide a mechanism for modulating PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling in neutrophils.
Pathogenic organisms associated with artificial fingernails worn by healthcare workers.

Objective:To determine differences in the identity and quantity of microbial flora from healthcare workers (HCWs) wearing artificial nails compared with control HCWs with native nails.Design:Two separate studies were undertaken. In study 1, 12 HCWs who did not normally wear artificial nails wore polished artificial nails on their nondominant hand for 15 days. Identity and quantity of microflora were compared between the artificial nails and the polished native nails of the other hand. In study 2, the microbial flora of the nails of 30 HCWs who wore permanent acrylic artificial nails were compared with that of control HCWs who had native nails. In both studies, nail surfaces were swabbed and subungual debris was collected to obtain material for culture. Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli, enterococci, and yeasts were considered to be potential pathogens. All organisms were identified and quantified.Results:In study 1, potential pathogens were isolated from more samples obtained from artificial nails than native nails (92% vs 62%; P<.001). Colonization of artificial nails increased over time; by day 15, 71% of cultures yielded a pathogen compared with 21% on day 1 (P=.004). A significantly greater quantity of organisms (expressed as mean log10 colony-forming units ± standard deviation) was isolated from the subungual area than the nail surface; this was noted for both artificial (5.0±1.4 vs 4.1 ±1.0; P<.001) and native nails (4.9±1.3 vs 3.7±0.8; P<.001). More organisms were found on the surface of artificial nails than native nails (P=.008), but there were no differences noted in the quantities of organisms isolated from the subungual areas. In study 2, HCWs wearing artificial nails were more likely to have a pathogen isolated than controls (87% vs 43%; P=.001). More HCWs with artificial nails had gram-negative bacilli (47% vs 17%; P=.03) and yeasts (50% vs 13%; P=.006) than control HCWs. However, the quantities of organisms isolated from HCWs wearing artificial nails and controls did not differ.Conclusions:Artificial fingernails were more likely to harbor pathogens, especially gram-negative bacilli and yeasts, than native nails. The longer artificial nails were worn, the more likely that a pathogen was isolated. Current recommendations restricting artificial fingernails in certain healthcare settings appear justified.
β-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade in Chronic Heart Failure

The medical treatment of chronic heart failure has undergone a remarkable transition in the past 10 years. The approach has changed from a short-term hemodynamic/pharmacological paradigm to a more long-term, reparative strategy that aims to favorably alter the biological properties of the failing heart.1 This is dramatically illustrated by the recent success in treating mild-to-moderate chronic heart failure with β-adrenergic blocking agents. This review describes how a treatment that began as a contraindication1 2 3 became an established treatment of chronic heart failure. The failing human heart is adrenergically activated,4 5 6 which helps to maintain cardiac performance over the short term by increasing contractility and heart rate. In contrast, in the resting state there is no adrenergic support of normally functioning human left ventricles.6 Multiple lines of evidence7 8 9 indicate that it is the increase in cardiac adrenergic drive rather than an increase in circulating norepinephrine that is both initially supportive and then ultimately damaging to the failing human heart. As shown in Table 1⇓, there are 3 adrenergic receptors (β1, β2, and α1) in human cardiac myocytes coupled to a positive inotropic response and cell growth.10 11 12 β-Adrenergic receptors are coupled via the “stimulatory” G protein Gs to the effector enzyme adenylyl cyclase, which converts the substrate MgATP to cAMP. cAMP is a positively inotropic and chronotropic second messenger and is strongly growth promoting. In nonfailing human left or right ventricles, the β1/β2 ratio is 70 to 80/30 to 20, but in failing human ventricles, 35% to 40% of the total number of β-receptors are β2 because of selective downregulation in the β1 subtype.10 11 α1 Receptors are coupled via a different G protein (G …
thr2csp: Toward Transforming Threads into Communicating Sequential Processes

As multicore and heterogeneous multiprocessor platforms replace uniprocessor systems, software programs must be designed with a greater emphasis on concurrency. Threading has become the dominant paradigm of concurrent computation in the most popular programming languages. Large threaded programs are known to be difficult to implement correctly, comprehend, and maintain, while concurrent programs written in process algebraic paradigms of concurrency, such as communicating sequential processes, are known to be easier to analyze. This paper presents our initial work on reverse engineering threaded source code and transforming the code into functionally-equivalent message-passing code. The paper also explores future work needed to convert the message-passing code into communicating sequential processes.
The significant contribution of fungi to soil N2O production across diverse ecosystems.

Abstract Sporadic observations from pure culture study and direct soil measurement have indicated that fungi can substantially contribute to soil N 2 O production. Yet, it is still uncertain whether this fungal significance is a more general ecological phenomenon. In this study, relative contributions of fungi and bacteria to soil N 2 O production were examined in five ecosystems, including conventional farming (CON), integrated crop and livestock system (ICL), organic farming (ORG), plantation forestry (PF), and abandoned agriculture field subjected to natural succession (SUCC). Soil N 2 O production was measured at 90% water-filled pore space from antibiotic-free controls and soils amended with streptomycin, cycloheximide, or both. Streptomycin and cycloheximide additions significantly reduced soil N 2 O fluxes from the five systems, ranging from 31% to 54% and 40% to 51%, respectively. Fungi contributed more to soil N 2 O fluxes than bacteria in PF, whereas fungi and bacteria made comparable contributions in other four systems. Furthermore, soil pH was correlated positively with the percentage of bacterial contribution to soil N 2 O flux, but negatively with the percentage of fungal contribution to soil N 2 O flux as well as the ratio of fungal-to-bacterial contributions. Our results showed that fungi could potentially contribute to soil N 2 O production in diverse agroecosystems and their contribution might be more pronounced in the acidic plantation forestry.
Reintroduction medicine: Whooping cranes in Wisconsin

This paper presents veterinary management strategies and diagnostic findings in the reintroduction of the endangered whooping crane (Grus americana). Between 2005 and 2010, 63 (27 male, 36 female) hatchling whooping cranes were assigned to a reintroduction project involving autumn release of costume-reared chicks in Wisconsin. Veterinary care included preventive measures and comprehensive pre-release evaluations to improve fitness and reduce translocation of potential disease agents to native habitats. A total of 44 clinically normal birds were released (70% of assigned individuals). Cases of morbidity were classified according to primary body system affected. Musculoskeletal disorders were described in 57 birds (90%); five birds were removed from the project prior to release (8%), all for abnormalities that prevented normal function. Fourteen birds died or were euthanized prior to release (22%); pre-release mortality was attributed to developmental abnormality, predation, trauma or infectious disease. Chronic respiratory aspergillosis, diagnosed in seven birds (11%), was the most common infectious disease of concern. Predation and trauma were primary causes of post-release mortality; no evidence of infectious disease of captive origin was detected in the study population by the end of 2010. The assessment of data accumulated by this project helped to outline successful health management strategies, as well as identify and mitigate ongoing risks to captive whooping cranes that impede reintroduction efforts and achieving management goals for species recovery. Zoo Biol. 32:600–607, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Competition and nutrient kinetics along a temperature gradient: An experimental test of a mechanistic approach to niche theory1

A resource-based model of competition correctly predicted the ecluilibriulil orltc,omtJ ,tn(l approximated the population and nutrient dynamics of many nutri~l~t-lilnitt,~~ compr~tition experiments with two algal species at temperatures from 8” to 24°C. Silicate growth kinetics of temperature-acclimated Asterionella formosu and Sync~dra ulncl predicted that AstrJrionella should competitively displace Synedra below 20°C and Synudru should displace Astcrionella above 2O”C, as was observed. Although the growth kinetics showed no significant tlifference in silicate requirements at 2o”C, S ynedru displaced Asterionulla for all starting conditions at 20°C. These experiments support a major prediction of an equilibrium thtlor> of competition for a single resource: independent of initial population densities, thtb \pcxc.icJ\ with the lowest resource requirement should displace all competitors. Thus rc’sourcc’ recluirctnents, as defined by a mechanistic model, may be appropriate for defining niche boundaritss. In single species experiments, fit to the Monod model with a nutrient threshold, the II~trient-saturated grcwth rate of Synedra increased from 0. Ifi.&’ at 8”<1 to 0.7ri at 13°C and above; its half-saturation constant for growth was ca. .5.0 /.~%l SiO, , independent of temprraturch from 8” to 24°C. The nutrient-saturated growth rate of Astwionella inc*rcaascxd frown 0.3Fj.d ’ at 4°C to 0.8 at 13”C, and decreased to 0.66 at 24°C; its half-saturation constant for grou+h hurl a temperature-independent value of 2.1 PM SiO, from 4” to 13”C, but increast~cl to 10 ~11 SiO, at 24°C. Half-saturation constants for silicate-limited growth ma) 1)~ t~lnp~‘ratur~~-indt~pendent for temperatures within or below the optimal temperature rnngr~, but illcrch,lso \harpl) fi)r temperatures above it.
Corrosion Behavior of Au and Ag Modified Cu-Ni-Mn Alloys

The linear electrochemical polarization method was used to provide quantitative in vitro measurements of corrosion rates as a function of exposure time for Cu-Ni-Mn, Cu-Ni-Mn-Au, Cu-Ni-Mn-Ag, and Cu-Ni-Mn-Au-Ag alloys in artificial saliva. Both Au and Ag additives to dental-cast Cu-Ni-Mn alloys lowered the corrosion rate significantly.
Controlled intermittent asystole: pharmacologic potentiation of vagal-induced asystole

Abstract Background . Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft operations have, to date, displayed a higher rate of early graft failure than conventional coronary artery bypass procedures using extracorporeal technology. Construction of the coronary artery anastomosis on a beating heart versus a quiescent heart is likely an important factor in this difference between the two approaches. Controlled intermittent asystole induced by vagal stimulation to give transient nonchemically induced asystole for brief intervals sufficient for placement of coronary artery sutures might improve the precision of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft anastomoses and reduce graft failure while increasing the technical ease of operation. Methods . The feasibility of producing transient, reversible asystole with combined vagus nerve stimulation and treatment with a pharmacologic regimen of (1) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (pyridostigmine, 0.5 mg/kg), (2) a β-adrenergic receptor blocker (propranolol, 80 μg/kg), and (3) a calcium-channel blocker (verapamil, 50 μg/kg) was studied in a sheep model. Seven animals underwent right vagus nerve stimulation in two modes: (1) a single continuous 60-second impulse and (2) multiple sequential 15-second impulses. Results . Vagal stimulation alone achieved bradycardia without consistent and reproducible cardiac arrest. After drug administration 6 animals displayed significant potentiation of vagal-induced asystole in the 60-second stimulation protocol (1.6 ± 0.9 seconds non–drug-treated versus 52.0 ± 5.6 seconds drug-treated; p Conclusions . Increased acetylcholine activity by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and prevention of electromechanical escape activity by β-adrenergic receptor and calcium-channel blockade during vagal stimulation produced a marked potentiation of vagal-induced asystole and a means of achieving controlled intermittent asystole. Controlled intermittent asystole achieved by pharmacologic potentiation of vagal-induced asystole may be a useful technique for enhancing technical ease in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft operations.
The Individualist? The autonomy of reason in Kant’s philosophy and educational views

Immanuel Kant is often viewed by educational theorists as an individualist, who put education on “an individual track,” paving the way for political liberal conceptions of education such as that of John Rawls. One can easily find evidence for such a view, in “Answer to the Question: ‘What is Enlightenment?’,” as well as in his more metaphysical, moral inquiries. However, the place of reason in Kant’s philosophy––what I call the “autonomy of reason”––spells out a negative rather than positive conception of freedom, from which stems a less individualistic or political liberal education than many presume. I cite both well known and lesser known works in the essay to demonstrate that Kant defended universal freedom only as a means towards developing the “autonomy of reason”, and I consider comparatively the education it entails with that spelled out by Rawls, despite the common conflation of the two.
Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP): Relationship to Hamman-Rich Syndrome, Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD), and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a term used for an idiopathic form of acute lung injury characterized clinically by acute respiratory failure with bilateral lung infiltrates and histologically by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), a combination of findings previously known as the Hamman-Rich syndrome. This review aims to clarify the diagnostic criteria of AIP, its relationship with DAD and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), key etiologies that need to be excluded before making the diagnosis, and the salient clinical features. Cases that meet clinical and pathologic criteria for AIP overlap substantially with those that fulfill clinical criteria for ARDS. The main differences between AIP and ARDS are that AIP requires a histologic diagnosis of DAD and exclusion of known etiologies. AIP should also be distinguished from “acute exacerbation of IPF,” a condition in which acute lung injury (usually DAD) supervenes on underlying usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
A Palaeomagnetic Pole from Late Cretaceous Marine Magnetic Anomalies in the Pacific

Summary A method for finding palaeomagnetic poles based on the skewness of marine magnetic anomalies is applied to anomalies 27–32 on the Pacific plate. Palaeomagnetic poles based on the observed skewness of these anomalies are found to be inconsistent with other palaeomagnetic data. The skewnesses of anomalies 27–32 on opposite sides of the Pacifio-Antarctic Ridge are compared: a 12° to 28° skewness discrepancy is found across the ridge crest. By assuming that there is a systematic discrepancy of 12° to 14° in the skewness of anomalies 27–32, the inconsistencies in the pole positions and in the skewness of anomalies across the ridge crest are eliminated. The systematic skewness discrepancy is called ' anomalous skewness '. Anomalous skewness can be explained either by modifying the assumed structure of the magnetic source layer or the assumed behaviour of the palaeomagnetic field. After a systematic correction of 14° is made to the observed data, a unique palaeomagnetic pole is found for the North and South-west Pacific. This pole indicates about 20° of northward motion in the last 70 My, and suggests that there has been little or no motion between the two areas since the Late Cretaceous.
Annular Slabs in Circular Core Buildings

The use of a central circular core to resist wind loads offers certain advantages in the construction of high rise buildings. Annular slabs, fixed at the inner boundary, supported by equally spaced columns on the outer boundary, and subjected to uniformly distributed transverse load are examined. The problem is solved under the assumption that the columns do not restrain the rotation of the slab, and that the column reactions are uniformly distributed over its width along the boundary. The influence of the column number, the column width, and the core radius, is studied with the deflection and stress resultants plotted for several informative cases.
Can Massless Particles be Charged

It is shown that for particles of spin one or larger, Lorentz invariance, masslessness, and conventional electromagnetic coupling are mutually incompatible.
The cell cycle, cell lineages, and cell differentiation.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a general model for cell speciation based on the central roles of DNA synthesis and cell cycle. Two phases of differentiation can be recognized. The first involves the rapid commitment of cells to their respective lineages during the early cleavage stages, and in this regard there is no basic difference between the regulative and mosaic systems. The end product of the early cleavage stages is the “definitive stem cell.” The definitive stem cell retains the capacity to yield the daughter cells that are either replicate stem cells or terminally differentiated cells. The second phase of differentiation involves the biological conditions either in vivo or in vitro that manipulate these stable stem cells for growth, for morphogenesism, and for maintaining populations that turn over. During the early cleavage stage, these two phases are usually separable temporally. It is likely that they will prove to be separable mechanistically as well.