cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epistasis and the evolutionary dynamics of measured genotypic values during simulated serial bottlenecks.

The evolutionary effects of epistasis have been primarily explored analytically and most empirical studies have utilized yeast, viral and bacterial populations. Empirical analyses in multi-cellular organisms are rare because of experimental constraints. Here, we report the results of a genome-wide scan for two-way epistasis in 16 traits related to body size and composition in F2 mice from the LG ⁄ Jb y SM⁄J intercross. We analyze two-locus genotypic values at quantitative trait loci (QTL), which provides an especially detailed view of epistatic architectures, to evaluate their predicted evolutionary consequences via Monte Carlo simulations. Epistatic profiles vary, but all traits show complicated genetic architectures which are largely hidden in single locus QTL scans. On average, detected epistatic effects are comparable in size to marginal effects. Simulations demonstrate an expected preservation, and often inflation, of heritable variance across several generations of small effective population size for many identified epistatic pairs over a range of starting allele frequencies.
Diffuse Gamma-Ray Emission from the Starburst Galaxy NGC 253

The starburst galaxy NGC 253 was observed with the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) satellite. We obtain a 2 sigma upper limit to the gamma-ray emission above 100 MeV of 8 x 10(exp -8) photons/sq cm/s. Because of their large gas column densities and supernova rates, nearby starburst galaxies were predicted to have gamma-ray fluxes detectable by EGRET. Our nondetection of gamma-rays from NGC 253 motivates us to reexamine in detail the premise of supernova acceleration of cosmic rays and the effect of enhanced cloud densities, photon densities, and magnetic fields on the high-energy spectra of galaxies. By modeling the expected gamma-ray and synchrotron spectra from NGC 253, we find that up to 20% of the energy from supernovae is transferred to cosmic rays in the starburst, which is consistent with supernova acceleration models. Our calculations match the EGRET and radio data well with a supernova rate of 0.08/yr, a magnetic field B greater than or approximately equal to 5 x 10(exp -5) G, a density n approximately 300/cu cm, a photon density U(sub ph) approximately 200 eV/cu cm, and an escape timescale tau(sub o) less than or approximately equal to 10 Myr.
Ground motion amplification due to elastic inclusions in a half‐space

Scattering of plane harmonic SH, P, SV and Rayleigh waves by several inclusions of arbitrary shape, completely embedded into an elastic half-space, is considered. Perfect bonding between the half-space and the inclusions is assumed. The problem is investigated for linear, isotropic and homogeneous elastic materials. The displacement field is evaluated throughout the elastic medium so that the continuity conditions between the half-space and the inclusions are satisfied in mean-square sense. Numerical results of the surface displacement field are evaluated for single and two elliptic inclusions. The results show the following: (a) presence of a subsurface inhomogeneity may lead to large amplifications of the surface ground motion; (2) different surface displacement patterns emerge for different incident waves; (3) the presence of an additional inclusion may change significantly the surface displacement response of a single inclusion; (4) the surface motion extremes strongly depend upon (i) angle of incidence; (ii) frequency of incident field; (iii) embedment depth of the inclusions; (iv) separation distance between the inclusions; (v) material properties of the half-space and the inclusions; and (vi) location of observation point on the surface of the half-space.
Lead resistance and sensitivity in Staphylococcus aureus

Five lead-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Plasmid-free lead-sensitive variants were obtained from the three plasmid-bearing strains. Lead-resistant strains tolerated an approximately 600 × higher Pb(NO3)2 concentration than lead-sensitive strains. Both types of strains initially bound lead, but only the resistant strains accumulated the metal as an intracellular lead-phosphate.
Anorexia nervosa and pregnancy: having a baby when you are dying to be thin--case report and proposed treatment guidelines.

Objective: Pregnant women with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for multiple complications to both the woman and fetus. This report examines when to obtain a psychiatric evaluation or admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit to ensure the safety of both the woman and fetus. Method: A case report of a pregnant woman with AN describes the risks of extreme weight loss during pregnancy and the deleterious effects on the fetus's viability and mother's health. Results: Psychiatric intervention was not requested until late in gestation, when the patient's mental status and low weight had already deteriorated to a point of high risk to both the mother and fetus. Discussion: We propose the development of treatment guidelines for the pregnant patient with AN to ensure the delivery of optimal care for both the mother and the fetus. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Growth of γ-alumina on crystallographically distinct aluminium substrates

The growth ofγ-alumina on crystallographically distinct aluminium substrates has been studied using transmission electron microscopy and diffraction and Rutherford backscattering. Oxides grown thermally on single-crystal substrates showed a preferred epitactic orientation relationship with the substrate, while oxides grown by the same technique on polycrystalline substrates did not exhibit a preferred orientation relationship. The grain size of the oxide was found to be at least one order of magnitude smaller than the initial grain size of the polycrystalline aluminium substrate.
Evidence that the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligand Ro 5-4864 inhibits β-endorphin release from AtT-20 cells by blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels

The demonstrations that Ro 5-4864, a ligand selective for the peripheral-type benzodiazepine (BZD) binding site, inhibited cellular differentiation and proliferation and that occupancy of the peripheral-type BZD binding site likely mediated the observed BZD effects on diverse endocrine tissues suggested that Ro 5-4864 disrupted a common cellular regulatory event. Using a well-characterized anterior pituitary-derived tumor cell line (AtT-20 cells), which synthesizes and secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-lipotropin hormone (beta-LPH), and beta-endorphin (BE), we have investigated the molecular mechanism of action of Ro 5-4864's capacity to alter BE secretion. Ro 5-4864 inhibits basal and induced BE release from AtT-20 cells, through a cyclic AMP-independent mechanism. Ro 5-4864 completely blocked the corticotropin-releasing hormone and forskolin-induced release of BE without altering the concomitant production of cyclic AMP. The addition to AtT-20 cells of CGP 28392, a dihydropyridine that has been demonstrated in other systems to specifically activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, resulted in a cyclic AMP-independent, dose-related increase in BE secretion. This CGP-induced BE release was blocked by increasing concentrations of Ro 5-4864. In contrast to the capacity of Ro 5-4864 to block CGP-induced BE release, Ro 5-4864 lacked the capacity to block enhanced BE secretion due to the calcium ionophore A23187, which increases intracellular Ca2+ levels independent of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Our findings suggest that Ro 5-4864 inhibits BE secretion from AtT-20 cells through a blockade of the voltage-dependent membrane Ca2+ channels and this mechanism of action may be responsible for Ro 5-4864's diverse effects observed on other cell types.
Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder in a national sample of adolescents

Objective Although exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) is common among youths in the United States, information on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk associated with PTEs is limited. We estimate lifetime prevalence of exposure to PTEs and PTSD, PTE-specific risk of PTSD, and associations of sociodemographics and temporally prior DSM-IV disorders with PTE exposure, PTSD given exposure, and PTSD recovery among U.S. adolescents. Method Data were drawn from 6,483 adolescent–parent pairs in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a national survey of adolescents aged 13 through 17 years. Lifetime exposure to interpersonal violence, accidents/injuries, network/witnessing, and other PTEs was assessed along with DSM-IV PTSD and other distress, fear, behavior, and substance disorders. Results A majority (61.8%) of adolescents experienced a lifetime PTE. Lifetime prevalence of DSM-IV PTSD was 4.7% and was significantly higher among females (7.3%) than among males (2.2%). Exposure to PTEs, particularly interpersonal violence, was highest among adolescents not living with both biological parents and with pre-existing behavior disorders. Conditional probability of PTSD was highest for PTEs involving interpersonal violence. Predictors of PTSD among PTE-exposed adolescents included female gender, prior PTE exposure, and pre-existing fear and distress disorders. One-third (33.0%) of adolescents with lifetime PTSD continued to meet criteria within 30 days of interview. Poverty, U.S. nativity, bipolar disorder, and PTE exposure occurring after the focal trauma predicted nonrecovery. Conclusions Interventions designed to prevent PTSD in PTE-exposed youths should be targeted at victims of interpersonal violence with pre-existing fear and distress disorders, whereas interventions designed to reduce PTSD chronicity should attempt to prevent secondary PTE exposure.
Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Holocytochrome c Synthase and the Key Roles Played by Cysteines and Histidine of the Heme Attachment Site, Cys-XX-Cys-His

Mitochondrial cytochrome c assembly requires the covalent attachment of heme by thioether bonds between heme vinyl groups and a conserved CXXCH motif of cytochrome c/c1. The enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) binds heme and apocytochrome c substrate to catalyze this attachment, subsequently releasing holocytochrome c for proper folding to its native structure. We address mechanisms of assembly using a functional Escherichia coli recombinant system expressing human HCCS. Human cytochrome c variants with individual cysteine, histidine, double cysteine, and triple cysteine/histidine substitutions (of CXXCH) were co-purified with HCCS. Single and double mutants form a complex with HCCS but not the triple mutant. Resonance Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy support the proposal that heme puckering induced by both thioether bonds facilitate release of holocytochrome c from the complex. His-19 (of CXXCH) supplies the second axial ligand to heme in the complex, the first axial ligand was previously shown to be from HCCS residue His-154. Substitutions of His-19 in cytochrome c to seven other residues (Gly, Ala, Met, Arg, Lys, Cys, and Tyr) were used with various approaches to establish other roles played by His-19. Three roles for His-19 in HCCS-mediated assembly are suggested: (i) to provide the second axial ligand to the heme iron in preparation for covalent attachment; (ii) to spatially position the two cysteinyl sulfurs adjacent to the two heme vinyl groups for thioether formation; and (iii) to aid in release of the holocytochrome c from the HCCS active site. Only H19M is able to carry out these three roles, albeit at lower efficiencies than the natural His-19.
Association between serotonin cumulative genetic score and the Behavioral Approach System (BAS): Moderation by early life environment.

The present study investigates if genetic variation in the serotonergic system interacts with early adversity to predict changes in the Behavioral Approach System (BAS), a system that taps into reward processing. In a sample of community adults (N= 236) the influence of single serotonergic candidate polymorphisms on BAS was analyzed, we also examined the aggregate contribution of these genetic variants by creating a Cumulative Genetic Score (CGS). A CGS quantifies an individual’s cumulative risk by aggregating the number of risk alleles across the candidate polymorphisms. After individual gene analysis, three candidate genes rs7305115 (TPH2), rs6311 (HTR2A), and rs6295 (HTR1A) were combined into the CGS. There were no significant interactions between individual candidate polymorphisms and childhood adversity, but the CGS interacted with childhood adversity to explain a significant amount of variance (11.6%) in the BAS. Findings suggest that genetic variations in the serotonergic system in combination with childhood adversity contribute to individual differences in reward sensitivity.
Slowing down with age: lung DCs do it too

Among the many hallmarks of the aging process (in both mice and humans) is a progressive decline in immune function (1, 2). This is demonstrable in the diminished response of the elderly to vaccination against viral and bacterial pathogens (1). This fact compounds the more serious problem of the increased susceptibility of the elderly to infection in general and to serious and frequently life-threatening infection of the respiratory tract with respiratory viruses such as influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This decline in immune function with age has been attributed to defects or alterations in both the innate and the adaptive immune system (1, 2). In this issue of the JCI, Zhao and coworkers provide compelling evidence for a novel mechanism of immune dysfunction in aging mice (3). They demonstrate that the migration of respiratory DCs (RDCs) from the lungs to the lung draining lymph nodes (DLNs) in response to infection with several different respiratory viruses is markedly diminished with increasing age. Impaired RDC migration is mediated by the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), basal expression of which Zhao and coworkers show is increased in the respiratory tract with age and is further upregulated in response to infection in a pathogen-dependent fashion. They further demonstrate that blockade of either PGD2 synthesis or action partially reverses the defect in RDC migration, resulting in an enhanced adaptive immune response to infection and increased survival. These findings have interesting potential implications for both control of respiratory virus infection and vaccine efficacy in the elderly.
Postnatal development of survival responsiveness in rat sympathetic neurons to leukemia inhibitory factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor

Embryonic rat sympathetic neurons undergo programmed cell death upon NGF deprivation. We show that during postnatal development, these neurons acquire the ability to be supported in vitro by LIF and CNTF as well as NGF. LIF and CNTF do not promote the long-term survival of embryonic day 21 sympathetic neurons in vitro. However, after 5 days of culture in the presence of NGF, the majority of embryonic day 21 sympathetic neurons can be supported by either of these factors. Furthermore, postnatal day 6 sympathetic neurons can be immediately supported by LIF and CNTF, indicating that acquisition of survival responsiveness occurs in vivo as well as in vitro. During this period, neuronal expression of LIF and CNTF receptor mRNAs remains constant, suggesting that sympathetic neurons alter their responsiveness to LIF and CNTF by allowing additional intracellular signaling pathways to promote survival.
School Crisis Management: A Model of Dynamic Responsiveness to Crisis Life Cycle

Purpose: This study aims to analyze a school’s crisis management and explore emerging aspects of its response to a school crisis. Traditional linear modes of analysis often fail to address complex crisis situations. The present study applied a dynamic crisis life cycle model that draws on chaos and complexity theory to a crisis management case, and further imbued the dynamic model with core aspects emerging from the school’s crisis response to understand crisis management. Method and Analysis: The study was conducted at one Midwestern PK-12 school. A combination of case study design to guide data collection in a systemic manner and grounded theory to guide data analysis was administered. Multiple data sources were collected through semistructured interviews, focus group discussion, and review of crisis plan from members of the crisis management team and selected non–team members. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding strategies were employed to allow for emerging themes with which a constant com...
SPEAKING BODIES, SPEAKING MINDS: ANIMALS, LANGUAGE, HISTORY

This essay explores a nineteenth-century debate over the linguistic capacity of animals in order to consider the links among language, reason, and history. Taking the American animal-protection movement as a point of departure, I show how protectionists, linguists, anthropologists, and advocates of deaf education were divided about the origins and nature of language. Was language a product of the soul and thus unique to humans, or was it a function of the body, a complex form of the corporeal expressions that humans and animals shared? Was language divine or natural? The answers that different activists and intellectuals gave to such questions shaped their view of the relationship of humans to animals and the inclusion of the latter in the moral and political community. I suggest that such debates are helpful to historians since the possession of language—and its traces in the written word—has traditionally been used to divide prehistory and natural history from history proper. If we are to include animals in “history,” we must rethink the relationship of the discipline to language.
A review and assessment of national educational trends in communication instruction

At a time when many people, communication education professionals included, seem nearly obsessed with trends, it is especially important to raise critical questions about both what the trends are and how the discipline should respond. This work provides an overview of trends at the national and higher education levels as well as in undergraduate communication education. It examines three dominant trends‐interactive teaching and learning, use of teams, and use of computer technology—which have emerged at all three levels. Finally, it encourages critical assessment of those and all other trends.
Verifying exchange rate regimes

Credibility and transparency are at the core of the current debate on exchange rate regimes. Among the reasons why intermediate regimes have fallen out of favor, a possibly important one is that they are not transparent: it is difficult to verify them. This paper investigates how difficult it is for investors to verify from observable data if the authorities are in fact following the exchange rate regime that they claim to be following. Of the various intermediate regimes, the authors focus on the case of basket pegs with bands. Statistically, it can take a surprisingly long span of data for an econometrician or an investor to verify whether such a regime is actually in operation. The authors find that verification becomes more difficult as the regime's bands widen and/or more currencies enter in the basket peg. The authors analyze regimes announced as free-floating, and find that in some cases the observed exchange rate data validate the announced regime.
Antipneumococcal Activities of GAR-936 (a New Glycylcycline) Compared to Those of Nine Other Agents against Penicillin-Susceptible and -Resistant Pneumococci

GAR-936, a new glycylcycline, had lower MICs (≤0.016 to 0.125 μg/ml) for 201 penicillin- and tetracycline-susceptible and -resistant pneumococcal strains than tetracycline (≤0.06 to 128 μg/ml), minocycline (≤0.06 to 16.0 μg/ml), or doxycycline (≤0.06 to 32.0 μg/ml). GAR-936 was also bactericidal against 11 of 12 strains tested at the MIC after 24 h, with significant kill rates at earlier time points.
The dubuque electricity portal: evaluation of a city-scale residential electricity consumption feedback system

This paper describes the Dubuque Electricity Portal, a city-scale system aimed at supporting voluntary reductions of electricity consumption. The Portal provided each household with fine-grained feedback on its electricity use, as well as using incentives, comparisons, and goal setting to encourage conservation. Logs, a survey and interviews were used to evaluate the user experience of the Portal during a 20-week pilot with 765 volunteer households. Although the volunteers had already made a wide range of changes to conserve electricity prior to the pilot, those who used the Portal decreased their electricity use by about 3.7%. They also reported increased understanding of their usage, and reported taking an array of actions - both changing their behavior and their electricity infrastructure. The paper discusses the experience of the system's users, and describes challenges for the design of ECF systems, including balancing accessibility and security, a preference for time-based visualizations, and the advisability of multiple modes of feedback, incentives and information presentation.
The out-of-sample problem for classical multidimensional scaling

Out-of-sample embedding techniques insert additional points into previously constructed configurations. An out-of-sample extension of classical multidimensional scaling is presented. The out-of-sample extension is formulated as an unconstrained nonlinear least-squares problem. The objective function is a fourth-order polynomial, easily minimized by standard gradient-based methods for numerical optimization. Two examples are presented.
Design of RNA-binding proteins and ligands.

Abstract The rapidly expanding database of RNA structures and protein complexes is beginning to lead to the successful design of specific RNA-binding molecules. Recent combinatorial and structure-based approaches have utilized known nucleic-acid-binding scaffolds from both proteins and small molecules to display a relatively small set of functional groups often used in protein–RNA recognition. Several studies have shown that the tethering of multiple binding modules can enhance RNA-binding affinity and specificity, a strategy also commonly used in DNA recognition.
A Pragmatic Evaluation of the National Cancer Institute Physician Data Query (PDQ)®-Based Brief Counseling on Cancer-Related Fatigue among Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) negatively affects quality of life among cancer patients. This study seeks to evaluate the outcome and patient receptiveness of a brief counseling program based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) PDQ® information to manage CRF when integrated into Radiation Therapy (RT). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study among patients undergoing non-palliative RT. Patients with stage I-III tumors and with Karnofsky score 60 or better were given a ten-minute behavioral counseling session during the first two weeks of RT. The Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was administered at baseline/end of RT. Results: Of 93 patients enrolled, 89% found the counseling useful and practical. By the end of RT, 59% reported increased exercise, 41.6% sought nutrition counseling, 72.7% prioritized daily activities, 74.4% took daytime naps, and 70.5% talked with other cancer patients. Regarding counseling, patients who had received chemotherapy prior to RT had no change in fatigue (-0.2), those who received RT alone had mild increase in fatigue (0.7, p=0.02), and those who received concurrent chemotherapy experienced a substantial increase in fatigue (3.0 to 5.2, p=0.05). Higher baseline fatigue and receipt of chemotherapy were predictive of worsened fatigue in a multivariate model (both p<0.01). Conclusion: Our data suggests that brief behavioral counseling based on NCI guidelines is well accepted by patients showing an uptake in many activities to cope with CRF. Those who receive concurrent chemotherapy and with higher baseline fatigue are at risk for worsening fatigue despite of guideline-based therapy
Impairment of antipyrine metabolism by low-dose oral contraceptive steroids

The effect of low-dose oral contraceptive steroids (OCS) on the kinetics of intravenous antipyrine was determined. Eight women (age, 23.1 +/- 1.1 yr (mean +/- SE); weight, 57.8 +/- 2.2 kg) using low-dose (less than or equal to 50 micrograms) estrogen oral contraceptive steroids (OCS) on a long-term basis were age- and weight-matched with eight controls (age, 23.4 +/- 0.8 yr; weight, 58.4 +/- 2.1 kg) not using OCS. All were nonsmokers taking no other drugs. OCS subjects had a longer antipyrine elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) than the controls (17.3 +/- 1.6 and 10.5 +/- 0.8 hr; p less than 0.005). Volume of distribution was similar for both groups (0.59 +/- 0.02 l/kg [OCS] and 0.58 +/- 0.02 l/kg). Total metabolic clearance of antipyrine was slowed in OCS subjects (0.41 +/- 0.03 and 0.66 +/- 0.05 ml/min/kg; p less than 0.001). Since volume of distribution and body weight are of the same order in both groups, prolongation of antipyrine t1/2 beta is the result of decreased total metabolic clearance. Thus, even low-dose estrogen containing OCS may impair clearance of other drugs.
Loss of neurovirulence is associated with reduction of cerebral capillary sequestration during acute Babesia bovis infection

Background Severe neurological signs that develop during acute infection by virulent strains of Babesia bovis are associated with sequestration of infected erythrocytes in cerebral capillaries. Serial passage of virulent strains in cattle results in attenuated derivatives that do not cause neurologic disease. We evaluated whether serial passage also results in a loss of cerebral capillary sequestration by examining brain biopsies during acute disease and at necropsy.
Routing-Aware Multiple Description Video Coding Over Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Supporting video transmission over error-prone mobile ad-hoc networks is becoming increasingly important as these networks become more widely deployed. We propose a routing-aware multiple description video coding approach to support video transmission over mobile ad-hoc networks with multiple path transport. We build a statistical model to estimate the packet loss probability of each packet transmitted over the network based on the standard ad-hoc routing messages and network parameters. We then estimate the frame loss probability and dynamically select reference frames in order to alleviate error propagation caused by the packet losses. We conduct experiments using the QualNet simulator that accounts for node mobility, channel properties, MAC operation, multipath routing, and traffic type. The results demonstrate that our proposed method provides 0.7-2.3 dB gains in PSNR for different video sequences under different network settings and guarantees better video quality for a selectably high number of users of the network. Furthermore, we examine the estimation accuracy of our proposed estimation model and show that our model works effectively under various network settings.
Cellular basis of contractile derangements of hypertrophied feline ventricular myocytes

Abstract The objective of this study was to further explore the cellular basis of the reduced rate and magnitude of contraction of feline left ventricular myocytes with severe hypertrophy induced by slow progressive pressure overload. A 3.0 mm internal diameter band was placed around the ascending aorta of 12 young (8–10 weeks old) cats, and sham operations were performed in 13 others. This caused no major pressure overload initially, but 15 weeks later there was a significant pressure gradient across the band (56±14 mmHg) and the heart weight to body weight ratio had increased from 4.2–7 gm/kg. Contraction rates and magnitudes of myocytes isolated from the hearts with hypertrophy (LVH) were significantly slower and smaller, respectively, than those from control (C) animals. Indo-1 fluorescence transients in LVH myocytes were significantly smaller in magnitude and longer in duration than in C, suggesting that contractile defects result from Ca 2 + derangements. Elevation of bath Ca 2 + increased the peak Indo-1 fluorescence and the rate and magnitude of contraction in all myocytes. At the bath Ca 2 + which had maximal inotropic effects there were no differences in the peak Indo-1 fluorescence in LVH and C myocytes, but contraction magnitude remained significantly smaller in LVH. This suggests that there are Ca 2 +-independent contractile derangements in LVH. In support of this hypothesis, the relationship between contraction magnitude and the peak Indo-1 fluorescence (index of myofibrillar Ca 2 + sensitivity) was significantly shifted in LVH myocytes, suggesting that myofibrillar Ca 2 + sensitivity was reduced. There was also a significant shift of the terminal portions of hysteresis loops of cell length v indo-1 fluorescence ratio, providing additional support for this idea. Experiments with isoproterenol suggest that it can reduce myofibrillar Ca 2 + sensitivity in C, but not LVH myocytes. The idea that increased internal resistance to shortening (internal load) is responsible for the contractile defects of LVH myocytes was examined by defining the relationship between the rate of relengthening and the magnitude of shortening. There was no significant difference in this relation between C and LVH myocytes. In addition, colchicine (which depolymerizes microtubular tubulin) had no significant effect on contraction magnitude in either C or LVH myocytes. These results suggest that the contractile properties of feline LVH myocytes result from changes in cellular Ca 2 + regulation and myofibrillar Ca 2 + sensitivity, but not from changes in the internal loading.
Does the Presence of a Major Psychiatric Disorder Affect Tolerance and Outcomes in Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy

Prior studies have suggested that men with prostate cancer and psychiatric disorders (+Psy) have worse outcomes compared with those without (−Psy), particularly due to delayed diagnosis or reduced ...
Advances in Functional Genomics in Legumes

Functional genomics encompasses RNA transcription, protein expression and metabolomics as well as forward and reverse genetics. In recent years several resources like transcriptomes, proteomes, metabolomes, regulatory elements and mutant libraries using TILLING methods have been developed for legumes. These provide powerful molecular resources to identify the legume genes playing essential roles in plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, regulating protein and oil accumulation in seeds and controlling beneficial plant-microbe symbiosis. Functional genomic studies on model legumes as well as on legumes of economic interest have already provided valuable information for enhancing legume productivity and holds promise for the future.
Involvement of the membrane skeleton in the regulation of the cAMP-independent protein kinase and a protein phosphatase that control protein synthesis.

The ultimate targets of transformational changes in cells are the sites in the nucleus and cytoplasm that affect transcriptional and translational control of protein synthesis. Products of a number of oncogenes appear to be analogues of proteins involved in the steps of transmembrane signalling (hormones or growth factors, receptors, G-type regulatory proteins, and tyrosine kinases), and some insight into the specific mechanism is emerging (for review see [1]). However, little is known of the mechanism by which a signal is transmitted from the inner surface of the plasma membrane to specific targets in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In at least some cases, changes in the activity of specific cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-independent protein kinases and possibly phosphoprotein phosphatases appear to be involved.
Detection of estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in human oocytes and cumulus-oocyte complexes using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction * †

Objectives To examine the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) messenger ribonucleic acid in the human ovary. To detect ER gene transcripts in human oocytes; and to study the possible autocrine effect of estrogen (E) in granulosa/cumulus cells. Design Human ovaries from benign gynecological surgeries as well as the oocytes, cumulus-oocyte complexes, and granulosa/cumulus cells from the in vitro fertilization program were used to detect ER gene transcripts using the highly sensitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. Setting Molecular biology laboratory. Results The ER gene is expressed in human ovary. Estrogen receptor transcripts were detected in human cumulus-oocyte complexes and oocytes but not in granulosa/cumulus cells. Conclusions These results suggest a lack of receptor-mediated autocrine effect of E during folliculogenesis and that E, secreted by granulosa/cumulus cells, may exert a paracrine effect to influence oocyte maturation and fertilization competence directly.
Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in sediment cores from the Upper Mississippi River

We determined polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and radionuclide (137)Cs in sediment cores from the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) and the Iowa River, Iowa, at their confluence. Vertical distribution of (137)Cs indicated negligible mixing in the UMR core, while the Iowa River core showed signs of mixing. A clear (137)Cs peak was found in the UMR core, which was correlated to 1963. The PCB vertical distribution in UMR core was similar to the historical trend in Aroclor production observed in Great Lakes cores, with a peak close to the (137)Cs peak, suggesting a date near 1960. In general, PCB congener profiles in both cores resembled the Iowa soil background signal. We concluded that despite evidence of mixing in the Iowa River core, both cores retain the PCB signature of historical and regional environmental exposure. Further, our results indicate that this iconic waterway has a long history of PCBs that reflects national production and use.
Time to Douse the Firestorm Around Breast Cancer Screening

This issue includes recommendations from the USPSTF on screening for breast cancer in average-risk women. The editorialists discuss the recommendation as well as the firestorm after the 2009 recomm...
Asymptotic symmetries in gravitational theory

It is pointed out that the definition of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group as a symmetry group breaks down in the presence of gravitational fields even when the dynamical effects of gravitational forces are completely negligible. An attempt is made to rederive the Lorentz group as an "asymptotic symmetry group" which leaves invariant the form of the boundary conditions appropriate for asymptotically flat gravitational fields. By analyzing recent work of Bondi and others on gravitational radiation it is shown that, with apparently reasonable boundary conditions, one obtains not the Lorentz group but a larger group. The name "generalized Bondi-Metzner group" ("GBM group") is suggested for this larger group.It is shown that the GBM group contains an Abelian normal subgroup whose factor group is isomorphic to the homogeneous orthochronous Lorentz group; that the GBM group contains precisely one Abelian four-dimensional normal subgroup, which can be identified with the group of rigid translations; that the GBM group contains an infinite number of different subgroups isomorphic to the inhomogeneous orthochronous Lorentz group; that the infinitesimal GBM group algebra permits at least one nontrivial representation, which is directly analogous to the rest-mass-zero and spin-zero representation of the Lorentz group; that in any representation of the infinitesimal GBM group algebra there is a "rest mass" operator which commutes with all the other operations; and that no similar "spin" operator appears to exist. It is argued that the GBM group is so similar to the inhomogeneous Lorentz group that the former may be compatible as a symmetry group with present microphysics.Two applications are given: Certain quantum commutation relations covariant under GBM transformations are presented; and a denumerably infinite set of integral invariants, for classical asymptotically flat gravitational fields, are derived. The four simplest integral invariants constitute the total energy momentum radiated to infinity by gravitational waves.
Leakage and Rotordynamics Numerical Study of Circular Grooved and Rectangular Grooved Labyrinth Seals

Labyrinth seals are used in many turbomachines to reduce the leakage from high to low pressure zones. In this paper, a new labyrinth seal design with a circular groove is presented. A 2D CFD simulation was used to model the leakage and optimize the tooth thickness of the new design and compare it to the traditional labyrinth seals with a rectangular groove. The rotordynamics coefficients for the new circular groove design as well as the traditional rectangular groove design were computed using 3D CFD simulations. The results show that the new proposed design provides less leakage than the traditional rectangular groove design. Moreover the new design provides more direct damping when compared to the traditional rectangular labyrinth seal.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Resilience in a Sample of Mexican American Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders

Resolving the many tasks of adolescent development, in part, requires resilience. However, understanding the role that resilience plays in adolescent development involves adequate measurement of the construct. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used measure of resilience but a stable latent factor structure has not been identified across studies. The measure has typically been examined in adult samples while little attention has been given to its use with adolescents in general and ethnic minority adolescents in particular. The primary purpose of the current study is to identify a latent factor structure of the CD-RISC in a sample of primarily Mexican American adolescents (N = 106). Two competing model structures were tested via confirmatory factor analysis and results supported a 7-item unidimensional factor model. Support was also found for the construct validity of the measure in relation to ethnic identity and depressive symptoms for adolescents in this sample. Implications of the study findings for adolescents and avenues of future research are discussed.
Controlling factors and patterns for hydrocarbon accumulation in Bayantala oil field

By detailed analysis of distribution and accumulation of discovered oil and gas pools,combining with different pooling conditions study,this paper reveals that the main controlling factors for oil and gas accumulation in Bayantala oil field include distribution range of main hydrocarbon sources,transfer and sealing action of faults at different time,and spatial distribution of unconformity surface.Under control of these controlling factors,Bayantala oil field can have three patterns for hydrocarbon accumulation,they are patterns of hydrocarbon migrates along faults in short distance into fault block traps,fault screened traps and fault-litho traps which inside source range,hydrocarbon migrates along faults in long distance into fault block traps which outside source range,and hydrocarbon migrates along faults and unconformities into basement weathered crust traps,fault block traps,and fault-litho traps which outside source range.
Traditional graft preparation decreases physiologic responses, diminishes viscoelasticity, and reduces cellular viability of the conduit: A porcine saphenous vein model

Traditional methods of intraoperative human saphenous vein preparation for use as bypass grafts can be deleterious to the conduit. The purpose of this study was to characterize acute graft preparation injury, and to mitigate this harm via an improved preparation technique. Porcine saphenous veins were surgically harvested (unprepared controls, UnP) and prepared using traditional (TraP) and improved preparations (ImP). The TraP used unregulated radial distension, marking with a surgical skin marker and preservation in heparinized normal saline. ImP used pressure-regulated distension, brilliant blue FCF-based pen marking and preservation in heparinized Plasma-Lyte A. Rings from each preparation were suspended in a muscle bath for characterization of physiologic responses to vasoactive agents and viscoelasticity. Cellular viability was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis. Contractile responses to potassium chloride (110 mM) and phenylephrine (10 µM), and endothelial-dependent and independent vasodilatory responses to carbachol (0.5 µM) and sodium nitroprusside (1 µM), respectively, were decreased in TraP tissues compared to both UnP and ImP tissues (p ⩽ 0.05). TraP tissues demonstrated diminished viscoelasticity relative to UnP and ImP tissues (p ⩽ 0.05), and reduced cellular viability relative to UnP control (p ⩽ 0.01) by the MTT assay. On the TUNEL assay, TraP tissues demonstrated a greater degree of apoptosis relative to UnP and ImP tissues (p ⩽ 0.01). In conclusion, an improved preparation technique prevents vascular graft smooth muscle and endothelial injury observed in tissues prepared using a traditional approach.
The Korean Problem and the United Nations

Wartime policy and liberation — The Koreans greeted the end of the second World War with hopes and joy. Throughout the peninsula, rich man and poor, farmer, trader and worker, celebrated the end of 40 years of Japanese domination. Almost without exception, they looked ahead to a new era of self-government and independent development. In the hour of triumph, which they shared with the United States, the Soviet Union and the other allied powers, no Korean publicly warned or admitted that he foresaw any renewal of the pressure of power politics on his country.
Hypertension Prevalence in New York City Adults: Unmasking Undetected Racial/Ethnic Variation, NYC HANES 2004.

Objective: Using 2004 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES) data, we sought to examine variation in hypertension (HTN) prevalence across eight Asian and Hispanic subgroups. Design: Cross-sectional Setting: New York City, 2004 Main Outcome Measures: Logistic regression was performed to identify differences in HTN prevalence between ethnic subgroups controlling for age, sex, education and BMI. Results: Overall HTN prevalence among NYC adults was 25.5% (95% CI: 23.4-27.8), with 21.1% (95% CI: 18.2-24.3) among Whites, 32.8% (95% CI: 28.7-37.2) Black, 26.4% (95% CI: 22.3-31.0) Hispanics, and 24.7% (95% CI: 19.9-30.3) Asians. Among Hispanic subgroups, Dominicans had the highest HTN prevalence (32.2%), followed by Puerto Ricans (27.7%), while Mexicans had the lowest prevalence (8.1%). Among Asian subgroups, HTN prevalence was slightly higher among South Asians (29.9%) than among Chinese (21.3%). Adjusting for age, Dominican adults were nearly twice as likely to have HTN as non-Hispanic (NH) Whites (OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.24-3.12), but this was attenuated after adjusting for sex and education (OR=1.27, 95% CI: .76 – 2.12). When comparing South Asians with NH Whites, results were also non-significant after adjustment (OR=2.00, 95% CI: .90-4.43). Conclusion: When analyzing racial/ethnic subgroups, NH Black and Hispanic adults from Dominican Republic had the highest HTN prevalence followed by South Asian and Puerto Rican adults. Mexican adults had the lowest prevalence of all groups. These findings highlight that ethnic subgroup differences go undetected when stratified by broader racial/ ethnic categories. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study using objective measures to highlight these differences. Ethn Dis. 2016;26(3):339-344; doi:10.18865/ed.26.3.339
Autoantibodies to C1q

ABSTRACT Autoantibodies to C1q bind to epitopes on the collagen-like region (CLR) of the C1q molecule. These autoantibodies are frequently present in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly with active lupus nephritis. Antibodies to C1q serve as prognostic and disease activity markers in SLE, and are particularly associated with proliferative forms of lupus nephritis. Anti-C1q may play a pathogenic role in augmenting immune complex glomerulonephritis by leading to aggregation of immune complexes that have bound C1q. Anti-C1q antibodies are also characteristic of hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS). Anti-C1q is often detected using C1q as the antigen in a high salt buffer, but definitive proof that binding to C1q is caused by autoantibodies rather than immune complexes requires the use of purified CLR of C1q as antigen. In routine clinical practice, measurement of anti-C1q by solid-phase assays with either intact C1q or CLR is useful in assessing disease activity and prognosis in SLE patients and in support of a diagnosis of HUVS.
Maskless wafer-level microfabrication of optical penetrating neural arrays out of soda-lime glass: Utah Optrode Array

Borrowing from the wafer-level fabrication techniques of the Utah Electrode Array, an optical array capable of delivering light for neural optogenetic studies is presented in this paper: the Utah Optrode Array. Utah Optrode Arrays are micromachined out of sheet soda-lime-silica glass using standard backend processes of the semiconductor and microelectronics packaging industries such as precision diamond grinding and wet etching. 9 × 9 arrays with 1100μ m × 100μ m optrodes and a 500μ m back-plane are repeatably reproduced on 2i n wafers 169 arrays at a time. This paper describes the steps and some of the common errors of optrode fabrication.
Identification of a melampomagnolide B analog as a potential lead molecule for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia

Abstract A series of carbamate derivatives of the antileukemic sesquiterpene melampomagnolide B (MMB) has been synthesized utilizing a 1,2,4-triazole carbamate conjugate of MMB as an intermediate synthon. Five imidazole- and benzimidazole-carbamate analogs of MMB (8a–8e) were prepared and evaluated for anti-leukemic activity against cultured M9 ENL1 AML cells. All the analogs exhibited improved anti-leukemic activity (EC50 = 0.90–3.93 μM) when compared to parthenolide and the parent sesquiterpene, MMB (EC50 = 7.0 μM and 15.5 μM, respectively). The imidazole carbamate analog, 8a (EC50 = 0.9 μM), was 16 times more potent than MMB. The comparative bioavailabilities of 8a and MMB were determined in BALB/c mice following oral dosing of these compounds. It has been demonstrated that the absolute plasma bioavailabilities of MMB and 8a were 6.7 ± 0.8%, and 45.5 ± 2%, respectively. These results indicate that, compared to MMB, the PK parameters for 8a display significantly improved bioavailability and exposure after oral administration. Analog 8a is considered to be a potential clinical candidate for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia.