cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural, Functional, and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Substrate Scope of the Novel Nitrating Cytochrome P450 TxtE

A novel cytochrome P450 enzyme, TxtE, was recently shown to catalyze the direct aromatic nitration of L-tryptophan. This unique chemistry inspired us to ask whether TxtE could serve as a platform for engineering new nitration biocatalysts to replace current harsh synthetic methods. As a first step toward this goal, and to better understand the wild-type enzyme, we obtained high-resolution structures of TxtE in its substrate-free and substrate-bound forms. We also screened a library of substrate analogues for spectroscopic indicators of binding and for production of nitrated products. From these results, we found that the wild-type enzyme accepts moderate decoration of the indole ring, but the amino acid moiety is crucial for binding and correct positioning of the substrate and therefore less amenable to modification. A nitrogen atom is essential for catalysis, and a carbonyl must be present to recruit the αB′1 helix of the protein to seal the binding pocket.
1,25-Dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D2, a Vitamin D Analog with Reduced Bone Resorbing Activity In Vitro

Abstract . 1,25-Dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D 2 (19-norD 2 ), a new analog of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , suppresses parathyroid hormone in renal failure patients and in uremic rats but has less calcemic activity than 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Although 19-norD 2 has high affinity for the vitamin D receptor and similar pharmacokinetics to those of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , it has much less bone resorbing activity in vivo . The intrinsic activity of 19-norD 2 on osteoclastogenesis and activation of bone resorption in mouse bone marrow cultures was examined to determine the mechanism involved. 19-norD 2 and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (10 nM) were equivalent in stimulating the formation and maintenance of large multinucleated, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells. However, the amount of bone resorbed by osteoclasts stimulated by 10 nM 19-norD 2 , as measured by pit-forming assays, was reduced 62% compared with 10 nM 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -stimulated osteoclasts ( P 2 in cultures was approximately 20% greater than 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , not enough to account for the different effects on bone resorption. The VDR levels were identical in cultures that were treated with 19-norD 2 and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . In summary, 19-norD 2 is less effective than 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in stimulating mouse marrow osteoclasts to resorb bone. The reason for this difference is not clear but seems to involve the late maturation and/or activation of osteoclasts as the number of pits produced by each tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cell is reduced under stimulation by 19-norD 2 compared with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 .
A Superconducting (Nb-Ti) Liquid Helium Level Detector

Superconducting-coil systems are usually contained in metal dewars so that the liquid helium level cannot be viewed directly. The liquid level can be monitored at fixed points by means of various level detectors [1–4]. However, a simple detector which can give a continuous indication of liquid level is more desirable than fixedpoint detectors. A linear liquid helium level detector which uses a superconducting element of annealed Ta [5] and another using a Pb-Sn [6] alloy element fulfill the requirement of simplicity ; however, neither of them can be expected to work except in very low magnetic fields. Another linear detector which relies on the measurement of the small capacitance difference between liquid helium and gaseous helium [7] should work in a magnetic field ; however, the associated electronics is complicated and the system must be constructed with great care.
Defects in GABA metabolism affect selective autophagy pathways and are alleviated by mTOR inhibition

In addition to key roles in embryonic neurogenesis and myelinogenesis, c-aminobutyric acid (GABA) serves as the primary inhibitory mammalian neurotransmitter. In yeast, we have identified a new role for GABA that augments activity of the pivotal kinase, Tor1. GABA inhibits the selective autophagy pathways, mitophagy and pexophagy, through Sch9, the homolog of the mammalian kinase, S6K1, leading to oxidative stress, all of which can be mitigated by the Tor1 inhibitor, rapamycin. To confirm these processes in mammals, we examined the succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH)-deficient mouse model that accumulates supraphysiological GABA in the central nervous system and other tissues. Mutant mice displayed increased mitochondrial numbers in the brain and liver, expected with a defect in mitophagy, and morphologically abnormal mitochondria. Administration of rapamycin to these mice reduced mTOR activity, reduced the elevated mitochondrial numbers, and normalized aberrant antioxidant levels. These results confirm a novel role for GABA in cell signaling and highlight potential pathomechanisms and treatments in various human pathologies, including SSADH deficiency, as well as other diseases characterized by elevated levels of GABA.
Continuing dental education needs assessment: A regional survey

A continuing education needs assessment was conducted on a random sample of 650 dentists in a six-state region. The survey identified the perceived educational needs of dentists by course topics, teaching formats, scheduling, and sponsoring preferences. Lecture teaching formats were more frequently requested than either participation or demonstration formats. Although geriatric dentistry, endodontics, and restorative dentistry were ranked highest among the three teaching modalities, none of the 47 topics were very frequently requested. In general, the dentists preferred one-day programs held on Fridays or Saturdays during the winter or fall. They appreciated reasonably priced programs, but were willing to pay and drive distances for quality programs. The dentists would like to learn more specialty and new techniques and are seeking more practice administration. Survey results indicated also that dentists with less practice experience were most interested in the in-depth type of participation program. More practice experience was associated specifically with more interest in indepth orthodontic programs, but less interest in in-depth restorative and periodontal programs. The dentists averaged over 50 hours of continuing education per year. Dentists who earned a high number of continuing education hours per year tended to obtain credits from all types of program sponsors in dentistry.
Recursive types reduced to inductive types

A setting called complete partial ordering (CPO) categories and the notion of dialgebra are described. Free dialgebras on CPO-categories are shown to be the same as minimal invariant objects. In the case that the bifunctor is independent of its contravariant variable (hence construable as a covariant functor), it is shown that minimal invariant objects serve simultaneously as initial algebras and final coalgebras. The reduction to inductive types is shown in a two-step process. First let T be a bifunctor contravariant in its first variable, convariant in the second. For each A it is possible to consider the convariant functor that sends X to TAX. If FA denotes a minimal invariant object of this covariant functor, one for each A, then F becomes a contrainvariant functor. It is shown that the minimal invariant objects of F are minimal invariant objects of the original bifunctor T. Secondly, let T be a contrainvariant functor. It is shown that the square of the functor (necessarily covariant) has the same minimal invariant objects. >
Spectral Analysis for Stationary Solutions of the Cahn–Hilliard Equation in ℝ d

We consider the spectrum associated with three types of bounded stationary solutions for the Cahn–Hilliard equation on ℝ d , d ≥ 2: radial solutions, saddle solutions (only for d = 2), and planar periodic solutions. In particular, we establish spectral instability for each type of solution. The important case of multiply periodic solutions does not fit into the framework of our approach, and we do not consider it here.
Geology of Sierra Gomez, Chihuahua, Mexico: ABSTRACT

The uranium deposits of Sierra Gomez, Chihuahua, consist of hexavalent uranium mineralization in middle Cretaceous End_Page 766------------------------------ limestones. Uranium was produced here in the 1960s, but work was discontinued in favor of the larger deposits of Pena Blanca. The limestones of Sierra Gomez have undergone folding and thrusting. Tertiary volcanics were deposited and subsequently eroded from most of the area. Later faulting of the Basin and Range province left Sierra Gomez as a horst bounded by bolsons. The uraniun deposits are in massive, sometimes fossiliferous or cherty limestones overlain by thin-bedded, fossiliferous limestones. Structurally the core of Sierra Gomez is a syncline bounded by anticlinal structures. Low-angle thrust faults are present in several mines in the area. Hexavalent uranium is present along fractures and faults. Carnotite and tyuyamaunite have been identified. There is widespread calcite, silicification, hematization, and some fluorite, gypsum, and limonite. These replace limestone, either along low-angle faults, or in solution cavities. Trace-element data available at this time indicate anomalous values for fluorine, vanadium, arsenic, molybdenum, mercury, chromium, nickel, copper, and zinc, in mineralized zones. The uranium apparently was diagenetically leached from overlying volcanics and moved into the limestones, primarily along fault zones, until conditions favorable for precipitations were reached. Although evidence is supportive of a leaching hypothesis, it can neither be proven or disproven at this time. End_of_Article - Last_Page 767------------
Production of IL-1β, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide by colonic mucosa decreases sigmoid smooth muscle contractility in ulcerative colitis

We have previously shown that sigmoid circular muscle cells from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) exhibit reduced contraction and Ca2+ signaling in response to the neurotransmitter neurokinin ...
Performance Analysis of Lodging REITs in Relation to Market Segments

This article examines the financial performance of lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs) in relation to their market focus. Secondary data were collected for from 2004 to 2008 from lodging REITs that were traded on major U.S. stock exchanges. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to assess the efficiencies of market segments to generate financial performance. The results showed that two lodging REITs were consistently efficient during the study period relative to other lodging REITs. In particular, lodging REITs investing and/or operating in one or more relatively similar market segments and those focusing on the upper-upscale segment were more efficient than others. This study could provide managers, owners, and investors of lodging REITs preliminary evidence of the relationship between market segments and firm performance. This article also proposes a framework for future investigations to assess the performance of REITs.
Rapid and complete recovery in ventilator-induced diaphragm weakness–problem solved?

numerous animal studies show that controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) induces diaphragm atrophy and weakness, or ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) ([9][1]). During CMV, oxidative stress activates downstream proteolytic pathways (caspase, calpain, and the proteasome), and
Segment-based proxy caching for Internet streaming media delivery

The proliferation of multimedia content on the Internet poses challenges to existing content delivery networks. While proxy caching can successfully deliver traditional text-based static objects, it faces difficulty delivering streaming media objects because of the objects' sizes as well as clients' rigorous continuous delivery demands. We present two techniques supporting segment based proxy caching of streaming media. We evaluated these techniques in simulations and real systems.
Phase noise and frequency stability of Ka-band harmonic dielectric resonator oscillators

Harmonic dielectric resonator oscillators (HDROs) designed for 25 and 27 GHz were fabricated using a two-stage GaAs MESFET amplifier and a passive two-port resonant structure (RS). The RS consists of a metal cavity, an X-band ceramic dielectric resonator, 50 /spl Omega/ microstrip transmission lines, and a support for elevating the dielectric resonator inside the cavity. The electromagnetic behavior of the RS was analyzed using Hewlett-Packard's High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). The simulator was used to calculate the electromagnetic fields and S-parameters of the passive RS. Solutions were obtained for the dominant mode. The predicted computer results were then compared to measured data. The material properties of dielectric resonators were obtained from two different vendors and evaluated for low-noise microwave oscillator applications. The important material properties for oscillator applications are the unloaded Q, the temperature coefficient, and the dielectric constant. Measured data for resonators from both vendors are presented. The measured phase noise levels at 27 GHz are a 15-20 dBc/Hz improvement over previously published results for DROs. The oscillator also demonstrated a superior frequency vs. temperature characteristic, over the temperature range /spl plusmn/55/spl deg/C, of less than 40 ppm. >
Inpatient hospital utilization among the uninsured near elderly: data and policy implications for West Virginia.

Objective To inform state policy discussions about the insurance coverage of the near elderly in West Virginia (WV) and the impact of the uninsured near elderly on hospitals in the state.
Promoter Analysis of the cap8 Operon, Involved in Type 8 Capsular Polysaccharide Production in Staphylococcus aureus

The production of type 8 capsular polysaccharide (CP8) in Staphylococcus aureus is regulated in response to a variety of environmental factors. The cap8 genes required for the CP8 production in strain Becker are transcribed as a single large transcript by a primary promoter located within a 0.45-kb region upstream of the first gene of the cap8 gene cluster. In this study, we analyzed the primary cap8 promoter region in detail. We determined the transcription initiation site of the primary transcript by primer extension and identified the potential promoter sequences. We found several inverted and direct repeats upstream of the promoter. Deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis showed that a 10-bp inverted repeat of one of the repeats was required for promoter activity. We showed that the distance but not the specific sequences between the inverted repeat and the promoter was critical to the promoter activity. However, insertion of a DNA sequence with two or four helix turns in this intervening region had a slight effect on promoter activity. To demonstrate the biological significance of the 10-bp inverted repeat, we constructed a strain with a mutation in the repeat in the S. aureus Becker chromosome and showed that the repeat affected CP8 production mostly at the transcriptional level. By gel mobility shift assay, we demonstrated that strain Becker produced at least one protein capable of specific binding to the 10-bp inverted repeat, indicating that the repeat serves as a positive regulatory protein binding site. In addition, reporter gene fusion analysis showed that the cap8 promoter activity was influenced by various growth media and affected most by yeast extract. Our results suggest that yeast extract may exert its profound inhibitory effect on cap8 gene expression through the 10-bp inverted repeat element.
Two tools for applying chromatographic retention data to the mass-based identification of peptides during hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments by nano-liquid chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Two tools are described for integrating LC elution position with mass-based data in hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) experiments by nano-liquid chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MALDI-MS, a novel approach to HDX-MS). The first of these, ‘TOF2H-Z Comparator’, highlights peptides in HDX experiments that are potentially misidentified on the basis of mass alone. The program first calculates normalized values for the organic solvent concentration responsible for the elution of ions in nanoLC/MALDI HDX experiments. It then allows the solvent gradients for the multiple experiments contributing to an MS/MS-confirmed peptic peptide library to be brought into mutual alignment by iteratively re-modeling variables among LC parameters such as gradient shape, solvent species, fraction duration and LC dead time. Finally, using the program, high-probability chromatographic outliers can be flagged within HDX experimental data. The role of the second tool, ‘TOF2H-XIC Comparator’, is to normalize the LC chromatograms corresponding to all deuteration timepoints of all HDX experiments of a project, to a common reference. Accurate normalization facilitates the verification of chromatographic consistency between all ions whose spectral segments contribute to particular deuterium uptake plots. Gradient normalization in this manner revealed chromatographic inconsistencies between ions whose masses were either indistinguishable or separated by precise isotopic increments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive calibration and measurement procedures based on the amplification principle in motion perception.

We compare two types of sampled motion stimuli: ordinary periodic displays with modulation amplitude mo=e that translate 90° between successive frames and amplifier sandwich displays. In sandwich displays, even-numbered frames are of one type, odd-numbered frames are of the same or different type, and (1) both types have the same period, (2) translate in a consistent direction 90° between frames, and (3) even frames have modulation amplitude me, odd frames have modulation amplitude mo. In both first-order motion (van Santen, J.P.H. & Sperling, G. (1984). Temporal covariance model of human motion perception. Journal of the Optical Society of America A, 1, 451–73) and second-order motion (Werkhoven, P., Sperling, G., & Chubb, C. (1993). Motion perception between dissimilar gratings: a single channel theory. Vision Research, 33, 463–85) the motion strength of amplifier sandwich displays is proportional to the product mome for a wide range of me. By setting me to a large value, an amplifier sandwich stimulus with a very small value of mo can still produce visible motion. The amplification factor is the ratio of two threshold modulation amplitudes: ordinary mo=e over amplified mo, mo=e/mo. We find amplification factors of up to about 8×. Light adaptation and contrast gain control in early visual processing distort the representations of visual stimuli so that inputs to subsequent perceptual processes contain undesired distortion products or ‘impurities’. Motion amplification is used to measure and thence to reduce these unwanted components in a stimulus to a small fraction of their threshold. Such stimuli are certifiably pure in the sense that the residual impurity is less than a specified value. Six applications are considered: (1) removing (first-order) luminance contamination from moving (second-order) texture gratings; (2) removing luminance contamination from moving chromatic gratings to produce pure isoluminant gratings; (3) removing distortion products in luminance-modulated (first-order) gratings — by iterative application, all significant distortion products can be removed; (4) removing second-order texture contamination from third-order motion displays; (5) removing feature bias from third-order motion displays; (6) and the same general principles are applied to texture-slant discrimination in which x, y spatial coordinates replace the x, t motion coordinates. In all applicable domains, the amplification principle provides a powerful assay method for the precise measurement of very weak stimuli, and thereby a means of producing visual displays of certifiable purity.
Losartan Reduces Central and Peripheral Sympathetic Nerve Activity in a Rat Model of Neurogenic Hypertension

We have developed a new model of neurogenic hypertension in the rat, in which hypertension is caused by injecting 50 microL of 10% phenol in the lower pole of one kidney. Administration of phenol in the kidney causes an immediate and persistent rise in blood pressure (BP), norepinephrine (NE) secretion from the posterior hypothalamic nuclei (PH), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Because angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to stimulate central and peripheral sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, we have tested the hypothesis that losartan, a specific Ang II AT1 receptor antagonist, may lower BP, at least in part, by SNS inhibition. To this end, we studied the effects of losartan on BP and SNS activity following intrarenal phenol injection. Central SNS activity was measured by NE secretion from the PH using a microdialysis technique, and peripheral SNS activity was measured by direct recording of renal nerve activity. At the end of the experiments, brains were isolated and interleukin (IL)-1beta and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA gene expression was measured by RT-PCR in the PH, paraventricular nuclei (PVN), and locus ceruleus (LC). The intrarenal injection of phenol raised BP, as well as central and renal SNS activity, but reduced the abundance of IL-1beta and neuronal NOS (nNOS) mRNA in the PH, PVN, and LC. Whether injected intravenously or in the lateral ventricle, losartan caused a significant (P<0.01) and dose-dependent inhibition of the effects of phenol on BP, NE secretion from the PH, and RSNA. Losartan also caused a significant (P<0.01) and dose-dependent rise in IL-1beta and nNOS-mRNA gene expression in the PH, PVN, and LC of phenol-injected rats. In conclusion, these studies have shown that the intrarenal injection of phenol causes a rise in central and renal SNS activity and a decrease in IL-1beta and nNOS-mRNA in the PH, PVN, and LC. Losartan prevented the rise in BP and SNS activity, as well as the decrease in IL-1beta and nNOS mRNA abundance caused by phenol. These studies have demonstrated that the antihypertensive action of losartan in the phenol renal injury model is largely mediated by inhibition of central and peripheral SNS activity and suggest that activation of IL-1beta and nNOS, 2 important modulators of central SNS activity, mediates the inhibitory action of losartan on SNS activity.
Collagen interactions: Drug design and delivery

Collagen is a major component in a wide range of drug delivery systems and biomaterial applications. Its basic physical and structural properties, together with its low immunogenicity and natural turnover, are keys to its biocompatibility and effectiveness. In addition to its material properties, the collagen triple-helix interacts with a large number of molecules that trigger biological events. Collagen interactions with cell surface receptors regulate many cellular processes, while interactions with other ECM components are critical for matrix structure and remodeling. Collagen also interacts with enzymes involved in its biosynthesis and degradation, including matrix metalloproteinases. Over the past decade, much information has been gained about the nature and specificity of collagen interactions with its partners. These studies have defined collagen sequences responsible for binding and the high-resolution structures of triple-helical peptides bound to its natural binding partners. Strategies to target collagen interactions are already being developed, including the use of monoclonal antibodies to interfere with collagen fibril formation and the use of triple-helical peptides to direct liposomes to melanoma cells. The molecular information about collagen interactions will further serve as a foundation for computational studies to design small molecules that can interfere with specific interactions or target tumor cells. Intelligent control of collagen biological interactions within a material context will expand the effectiveness of collagen-based drug delivery.
Environmental Benefit-Cost Analysis and the National Accounts

This paper demonstrates a new connection between benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and the national income and product accounts. The article computes an augmented measure of output, which is defined as gross domestic product (GDP) less environmental pollution damage. Environmental policy BCA is incorporated directly into the adjusted measure of output in two ways. In a particular time period, damages from pollution emissions are deducted from market GDP in a standard with-and-without policy comparison. Second, secular changes in damages, output (GDP), and correspondingly, in the adjusted measure of output are employed to estimate augmented rates of growth. Comparison to a no-policy counterfactual then yields the effect of the policy on the augmented measure of environmentally adjusted value added (EVA) growth. The empirical results suggest that, in the 30 states that adopted flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) technology between 2005 and 2011, augmented output grew 0.12% more quickly than in a no-scrub counterfactual. Augmented output growth in four states was at least 0.20% more rapid because of the installation of scrubbers. The paper reports that benefits-per-capita from FGD were mildly progressive and that counties with relatively large African American populations incur large benefits from FGD installation.
Breaking the Mold: Thoughts on Punjab’s Future Economic Development

The economy of Punjab state in India offers an interesting case study. Punjab has been for decades – and remains – one of India’s better-off states, and so it tends not be included in the primary focus of national programs meant to reduce poverty or spur economic development. But, Punjab’s relative economic position within India has declined rapidly in recent years. This decline has been accompanied by environmental problems and symptoms of deep social malaise. As will be argued in this paper, Punjab is facing a multidimensional crisis that requires urgent attention. This paper provides an overview of Punjab’s crisis, through an analysis of the dynamics of Punjab’s economic development as shaped by its political economy, its social dynamics and exogenous events since independence. It argues that one can understand both Punjab’s success in certain areas of agriculture and its subsequent relative decline in terms of the interaction of these factors. It uses this historical analysis to provide an assessment of Punjab’s future economic development, in terms of the structural changes that are needed, and how these can be encouraged or implemented by policy makers within the constraints of its current political-economic equilibrium.
Is the Use of Protective Behavioral Strategies Associated With College Sexual Assault Victimization? A Prospective Examination

Sexual assault protective behavioral strategies (PBS) may be negatively associated with sexual assault victimization. However, no studies to date have prospectively examined whether the use of sexual assault PBS is negatively associated with subsequent sexual assault experiences. The current study examined the association between the use of sexual assault PBS and subsequent sexual assault victimization severity. College women who reported engaging in heavy episodic drinking (n = 77) were assessed online for their use of sexual assault PBS and history of sexual assault victimization. In addition, a 3-month follow-up survey was given assessing sexual assault victimization severity in the past 3 months. The use of sexual assault PBS was negatively associated with sexual assault severity in the 3-month follow-up period. Future research should further examine these PBS to create more college-specific PBS and to determine whether they are useful as risk-reduction strategies.
Democracy's Religion: Religious Liberty in the Rehnquist Court and into the Roberts Court

This Article examines the development of the U.S. Supreme Court’s free exercise and anti-establishment jurisprudence in the Rehnquist Court and into the Roberts Court. It demonstrates the profound impact that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist had on that jurisprudence, effectively leading the Court to adopt his previously expressed view that both the Free Exercise and Establishment Clause had been construed too broadly in terms of restricting government action. Hence, the Rehnquist Court reversed years of precedent by holding that that religious exemptions from general secular laws were not required as a matter of free exercise, and it cut back severely on anti-establishment precedent requiring the government to remain strictly neutral in matters of religious aid or sponsorship. These developments have meant that religious accommodations now depend principally on statutory rights granted by legislatures, and that government is now free to act more boldly in supporting or sponsoring religious endeavors. In short, the role of religion in the nation’s public life will now be determined to a much greater extent by democratic choices than judicially-imposed mandates.This Article also shows that the Roberts Court is extending these trends in significant ways. It will argue that construing religious exemptions as a matter of statutory intent rather than constitutional mandate has caused the Court, contrary to what might be expected, to read them much more expansively for both majority and minority faiths. This, in turn, will lead to a greater clash between free exercise and anti-discrimination rights, particularly in areas such as same-sex rights. But it will be contended that legislatures are better positioned to adjust these conflicts than judges. It will also demonstrate that Rehnquist Court precedents have emboldened the Roberts Court to further loosen restrictions on government support or sponsorship of religion. At the same time, however, that Court has prohibited government monitoring of which benefits flow to what religious groups — resulting in de facto preferences flowing to majoritarian religious sects at various geo-political levels. It will conclude that this trend would likely trouble the generally anti-sectarian generation that adopted the Establishment Clause, threatening a de facto reestablishment of religion.
Angiotensin II acts at AT1 receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract to attenuate the baroreceptor reflex

The object of the current study was to determine if ANG II acts at type 1 (AT1) or type 2 (AT2) receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) to reduce baroreceptor reflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and heart rate (HR). Experiments were carried out in urethan-anesthetized Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Reflex changes in RSNA and HR were elicited by intravenous infusion of either phenylephrine or sodium nitroprusside before and after bilateral microinjection of CV-11974 (AT1 receptor antagonist, 10 pmol), PD-123319 (AT2 receptor antagonist, 100 pmol), or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF, 50 nl) in the NTS. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)-RSNA and MAP-HR data were fit to logistic functions to analyze the baroreceptor reflex. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivities for RSNA and HR were attenuated in SHR compared with those in WKY rats. Bilateral injection of CV-11974, PD-123319, or aCSF in the NTS of either strain had no effect on baseline arterial pressure, HR, or RSNA. However, CV-11974 injected in the NTS increased significantly (P < 0.01) the sensitivities for baroreceptor reflex control of RSNA and HR in SHR and WKY rats. Neither PD-123319 nor aCSF altered baroreceptor reflex control of RSNA and HR in either SHR or WKY rats. These results demonstrate that endogenous ANG II acts at AT1 receptors of the NTS to attenuate the baroreceptor reflex in SHR as well as in WKY rats.
Specialized ground stone production in the Casas Grandes region of northern Chihuahua, Mexico

Previous research has identified specialized production of prestige goods during the Medio period (A.D. 1200-1450) in the Casas Grandes region of northwestern Mexico and the American Southwest. We evaluate the organization of production of two functionally equivalent types of trough metates from Paquime, Chihuahua, Mexico, using the standardization hypothesis, i.e., the premise that products produced by specialists have less variation than those manufactured by less-specialized producers. We find that the morphology of one of the metate types (Type 1A metates) is statistically more standardized than the other (Type 1B metates). We then compare the Paquime metates to those manufactured by generalized producers from the Mimbres Valley region of New Mexico. We find that Mimbres through-trough metates and the Type 1B metates from Paquime have a similar degree of morphological variation, but that the Type 1A Paquime metates are morphologically more standardized, indicating that specialists produced them. We conclude that specialized production in the Casas Grandes region was not limited to prestige goods but was instead a fundamental organizing principle of the Medio period economic system, reflecting the presence of a well-established social hierarchy and exchange system.
Analytical investigation of forced convection from a flat plate enhanced by a porous substrate

This paper deals with an analytical investigation of forced convection from a flat plate enhanced by a porous substrate. The flow occurs in a composite channel, which is partially filled with the porous substrate, and partially with a clear fluid. The substrate is attached to the upper plate in the channel, which is subject to a uniform heat flux. The lower plate of the channel is adiabatic. The flow in the porous region is described by the Brinkman-Forchheimer-extended Darcy equation. Utilizing the boundary layer approximation for the flow in the porous substrate, analytical solutions for the flow velocity, temperature distribution, and the Nusselt number are obtained.
Determination of Iron in Biological Material

A method is proposed for the determination of iron in biological material which makes use of the reaction between iron and thiogly-collic acid in an alkaline solution with the production of a purple color.Method for blood. Measure 0.2 cc. of blood into a pipette accurately calibrated to contain 0.2 cc. and deliver it into a Pyrex test tube, 20×180 mm., calibrated at 10, 15 and 20 cc. Add 1 cc. of 10 N sulfuric acid and introduce a small piece of silica or a glass bead to prevent bumping. Heat, preferably over a hot plate to evaporate the water. As soon as the material chars, allow to cool for 45 seconds and add 4 drops of 30% hydrogen peroxide drop by drop. Continue the heating for 5 minutes after the solution becomes colorless. Allow it to cool and add 10 cc. water. Into a similarly calibrated Pyrex test tube accurately measure 1 cc. of standard iron solution containing 0.1 mg. iron and dilute with distilled water to about the 15 cc. mark. Add one drop (0.05 cc.) of thioglycollic acid to both standard an...
Dynamic Mechanisms for Ammonia Borane Thermolysis in Solvent: Deviation from Gas-Phase Minimum-Energy Pathways

The dynamic mechanisms involved in the dehydrogenation of ammonia borane are investigated using quasi-classical trajectory simulations. The effects of solvent and nuclear motion yield qualitatively different results compared to simulations where these considerations are neglected. Not only are rate-limiting barriers substantially different from the gas to solvent phase, trajectories leading from transition states branch to different products depending on the presence or lack of solvent. In addition, the formation of the diammoniate of diborane is shown to be noncompetitive in the gas phase due to the presence of a lower-barrier dehydrogenation pathway. The first comparative analysis of the pathways leading to the thermolysis of ammonia−borane is presented herein.
On Building Consistent Accounting Theory System

Accounting theory system should be consistent. Choosing the correct logical starting point is the prerequisite of assuring that accounting theory system is consistent. The article puts forwards the double starting points theory of accounting theory system and rebuilds accounting theory system based on accounting purpose.
Increased potency of carbachol in isolated rat left atria after chronic reserpine pretreatment

Chronic reserpine pretreatment has been shown to produce postjunctional beta-adrenergic supersensitivity in cardiac tissue. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether chronic reserpine administration also alters the heart's sensitivity to muscarinic cholinoceptor agonists. The direct and indirect (antiadrenergic) negative inotropic effects of muscarinic agonists were examined in isolated rat left atria at various times after initiation of reserpine pretreatment (1.0 mg.kg-1 x day-1 for 7 days). Supersensitivity to the positive inotropic effects of isoproterenol was demonstrated at 1, 2, and 3 wk after initiation of treatment. Concentration-response curves were then obtained for the muscarinic agonist carbachol and the adenosine A1 receptor agonist (-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (PIA) in reducing the inotropic response to isoproterenol (3.16 microM). The potency of carbachol was increased by approximately 2.0-fold at 1, 2, and 3 wk. Also, sensitivity to the direct negative inotropic effects of carbachol was increased 1.7-fold at 1 wk but not at 2 and 3 wk. At 1 wk, reserpine pretreatment did not alter either the direct or the indirect negative inotropic effects of PIA. These results show that postjunctional beta-adrenergic supersensitivity produced by chronic reserpine pretreatment is accompanied by a reciprocal increase in sensitivity of isolated rat left atria to the negative inotropic effects of muscarinic agonists.
Norepinephrine increases Na-Ca exchange in rabbit abdominal aorta

Na-Ca exchange was measured as intracellular Na+ (Na+i)-dependent 45Ca uptake in rabbit abdominal aortic rings. The amount of Na+i-dependent 45Ca uptake was proportional to both the concentration of Na+ in the Na(+)-loading solution and the concentration of Ca2+ in the assay medium. Na+i-dependent 45Ca uptake was inhibited by incorporation of Na+ in the assay medium and by amiloride analogues. Norepinephrine significantly enhanced the rate of 45Ca uptake in Na(+)-loaded tissue but had no effect on Na+i-independent 45Ca uptake. The effect of norepinephrine was prevented by phentolamine but not by propranolol. The stimulatory effect of norepinephrine was absent when the concentration of extracellular Ca2+(Ca2+o) was 0.3 mM or lower but became significant at 0.6 mM and higher. Na-Ca exchange was also increased by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate but not by its inactive analogue (4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate). 1-(5-Isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, blocked the stimulatory effect of norepinephrine on Na-Ca exchange. It is suggested that alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation increases Na-Ca exchange in rabbit abdominal aorta in a Na+i- and Ca2+o-dependent fashion. This effect is possibly mediated through the activation of protein kinase C.
Information Security on the Logistical Network: An End-to-End Approach

We describe the information security aspects of logistical networking. The security model adopted by logistical networking is an end-to-end model that provides tunable security levels while maintaining the scalability of the network as a whole.
Idiosyncratic deals and individual effectiveness: The moderating role of leader-member exchange differentiation.

Abstract Extending prior research on idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), in the current study we examine the functioning of i-deals in the context of leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation. To that end, we integrate justice, social exchange, and social comparison theories and hypothesize that employee perceptions of their managers' procedural fairness and LMX quality partially mediate (in sequence) the positive relationship between i-deals and individual effectiveness, including job satisfaction, in-role performance, and helping behavior. Furthermore, we propose that LMX differentiation moderates this mediated relationship, such that the mediation effect becomes stronger when LMX differentiation within the group is greater. Data from a U.S. sample of 961 employees and their managers in 71 restaurants supported our hypothesized model. Results shed light on managerial practices regarding how to gain positive effects from i-deals by considering the influence of LMX differentiation.
Drifter Observations of Submesoscale Flow Kinematics in the Coastal Ocean

Fronts and eddies identified with aerial guidance are seeded with drifters to quantify submesoscale flow kinematics. The Lagrangian observations show mean divergence and vorticity values that can exceed five times the Coriolis frequency. Values are the largest observed in the field to date and represent an extreme departure from geostrophic dynamics. The study also quantifies errors and biases associated with Lagrangian observations of the underlying velocity strain tensor. The greatest error comes from under-sampling, even with a large number of drifters. A significant bias comes from inhomogeneous sampling of convergent regions that accumulate drifters within a few hours of deployment. The study demonstrates a Lagrangian sampling paradigm for targeted submesoscale structures over a broad range of scales, and presents flow kinematic values associated with vertical velocities O(10) m h-1 that can have profound implications on ocean biogeochemistry.
HPV and survival in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (OPC) treated with induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy (ST) versus chemoradiotherapy alone (CRT): The Dana-Farber experience.

5582 Background: HPV status is a major prognostic marker for survival in patients with OPC. We examined overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with OPC and known HPV ...
Two-Photon Fluorescent Molybdenum Disulfide Dots for Targeted Prostate Cancer Imaging in the Biological II Window

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) quantum dots (QDs) derived from this two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide are emerging zero-dimensional materials that possess very good optical properties. Bioimaging using light in the biological II window (950–1350 nm) is a next-generation approach that will allow clinicians to achieve deeper tissue imaging with better image contrast and reduced phototoxicity and photobleaching. This article reports the development of a water-soluble, zero-dimensional antibody-conjugated transition metal dichalcogenide MoS2 QD-based two-photon luminescence (TPL) probe for the targeted bioimaging of cancer cells in the biological II window. The data indicates that MoS2 QDs exhibit an extremely high two-photon absorption cross-section (σ = 58960 GM) and two-photon brightness (4.7 × 103 GM) because of the quantum confinement and edge effects. Experimental data show that anti-PSMA antibody-attached MoS2 QDs can be used for selective two-photon imaging of live prostate cancer cell...
Reference-Dependent Utility, Product Variety, and Price Competition

Products such as Nike running shoes, Gillette razors, and Gatorade sports drink serve as the standard against which consumers evaluate other members of the category. Empirical evidence suggests that consumers care about not only the consumption utility derived from a product, but also the gain-loss utility in comparison to the reference product of the category. This paper examines how reference-dependent utility affects price competition in a horizontally differentiated market where consumers' tastes are diverse. When consumer valuations are low, the reference product is priced lower than a nonreference product. In contrast, when consumer valuations are high, the reference product is priced higher than a nonreference product. Moreover, loss aversion on the price dimension always intensifies competition among low-valuation goods, whereas loss aversion on the taste dimension softens competition among high-valuation goods only if consumer sensitivity to the difference in match quality is above a threshold. We also find that an increase in the diversity of consumers' tastes reduces equilibrium profits if consumer valuation is low but has the opposite effect if consumer valuation is high. We further explore how an increase in the popularity of the reference product affects price competition. Finally, we assess the robustness of the findings by extending the model in different directions. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2834 . This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Facially amphiphilic polyionene biocidal polymers derived from lithocholic acid.

Abstract Bacterial infections have become a global issue that requires urgent attention, particularly regarding to emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. We developed quaternary amine-containing antimicrobial poly(bile acid)s that contain a hydrophobic core of lithocholic acid in the main-chain. Interestingly, by choosing appropriate monomers, these cationic polymers can form core-shell micelles. These polymers exhibited biocidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species. It is demonstrated that the micelles can deliver hydrophobic antibiotics that functionally have dual antimicrobial activities. Cytotoxicity assays against HeLa cells showed dosage-dependent toxicity for polymers with longer linkers.
Consensus on Core Competencies for Preventive Medicine Residents

Of the currently available literature on assessment of physician competency, very little applies to the needs of preventive medicine specialists. Yet the diversity of the field and the confusion among other medical specialists about the particular expertise of preventive medicine physicians suggest a need for consensus on fundamental competencies expected of graduates of preventive medicine residency training programs. We apply theoretical material on competency-based education from teacher training and instructional development to professional training in preventive medicine. We describe the process by which the Graduate Medical Education Subcommittee of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), a working group of specialists, derived and refined core competencies in working sessions at professional meetings. The drafts produced at these sessions were circulated widely to residency directors and other individuals and groups in preventive medicine before being approved by the ACPM Board of Regents and included in the Residency Training Manual distributed by ACPM. This article includes this list of core competencies for preventive medicine residents. In addition, the article describes assumptions about competency development that guided the process and identifies recurrent problems in competency development. This information may be helpful to readers who wish to develop additional competencies or to tailor these competencies for their own preventive medicine residency programs.
Chaos: Its Descriptions and Conditions for Existence

In this chapter we will discuss and derive sufficient conditions for a dynamical system to exhibit complicated dynamical, or chaotic, behavior. We will also discuss a characterization of this behavior in terms of symbolic dynamics.
On-Chip Antenna Test Structure Design with Reduced Sensitivity to Probe Pad Effects

This paper has shown that, by simply inserting a matching line, the probe pad effects on antenna impedance matching and frequency shift can be reduced. Simulation and measurement results confirm the method.