cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunotoxicity of mono-nitrotoluenes in female B6C3F1 mice: I. Para-nitrotoluene.

The nitrotoluenes are chemicals used in dyes, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and explosives. In the present studies, the toxicology and immunotoxicity of meta-nitrotoluene (m-nitrotoluene) were evaluated. Mice, exposed to m-nitrotoluene at dose levels of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/body weight for 2 weeks by gastric gavage, gained body weight over the treatment period to a slightly greater extent than the control groups. Of the selected organs weighed, the liver and kidney of mice exposed to m-nitrotoluene were increased in weight while the thymus weight was decreased. The liver of mice exposed to m-nitrotoluene, but not ortho-nitrotoluene, showed slight to moderate swelling of the hepatocytes adjacent to the central veins. The hepatocyte swelling appeared to be reversible and there was no evidence of necrosis. The hematology and serum chemistries examined were unaffected by m-nitrotoluene exposure although there were modest decreases in the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and eosinophils in differential blood counts. Bone marrow cellularity and the number of CFU/M and CFU/GM were unaffected by m-nitrotoluene exposure. m-Nitrotoluene suppressed the IgM response to sRBC and the DHR response to KLH. There was a slight (8%) decrease in the percentage of B lymphocytes in the spleen. The response to the T cell mitogens was suppressed by as much as 39%. Fc-mediated adherence and phagocytosis of chicken erythrocytes and NK cell activity were increased dose dependently in mice exposed to m-nitrotoluene. Several immune parameters were unaffected by exposure to m-nitrotoluene, including the IgG response to sRBC, responses to the B cell mitogen LPS and to allogeneic cells, and serum interferon levels. Resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Plasmodium yoelii were unaffected also. Resistance to the tumor model PYB6 was increased. Exposure of mice to m-nitrotoluene decreased resistance to Listeria monocytogenes. The decreased resistance to L. monocytogenes may be related to an effect on T cells, evidenced by a decrease in T cell numbers and in the DHR.
Ionizing Radiation–dependent γ-H2AX Focus Formation Requires Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Rad3-related

The histone variant H2AX is rapidly phosphorylated at the sites of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). This phosphorylated H2AX (gamma-H2AX) is involved in the retention of repair and signaling factor complexes at sites of DNA damage. The dependency of this phosphorylation on the various PI3K-related protein kinases (in mammals, ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related [ATR], ataxia telangiectasia mutated [ATM], and DNA-PKCs) has been a subject of debate; it has been suggested that ATM is required for the induction of foci at DSBs, whereas ATR is involved in the recognition of stalled replication forks. In this study, using Arabidopsis as a model system, we investigated the ATR and ATM dependency of the formation of gamma-H2AX foci in M-phase cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). We find that although the majority of these foci are ATM-dependent, approximately 10% of IR-induced gamma-H2AX foci require, instead, functional ATR. This indicates that even in the absence of DNA replication, a distinct subset of IR-induced damage is recognized by ATR. In addition, we find that in plants, gamma-H2AX foci are induced at only one-third the rate observed in yeasts and mammals. This result may partly account for the relatively high radioresistance of plants versus yeast and mammals.
Kid Categories A Comparison of the Category Productions of LSES and MSES Elementary School Children

The current study compares the productivity (number of responses) and the typical responses to taxonomic and slot-filler prompts in 39 African American children from low-income backgrounds and a di...
Intimate Partner Violence among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Systematic Review

This article presents results from a systematic review of the literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) among U.S. men who have sex with men (MSM). From 576 reviewed studies, a total of 28 met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The population characteristics of each study, definitions of IPV, prevalences of different forms of IPV, and statistically tested correlates of IPV are summarized for each study. The results indicate that all forms of IPV occur among MSM at rates similar to or higher than those documented among women, although data on perpetration rates of IPV are scant, and consensus as to IPV correlates among MSM is absent. This review also finds significant limitations in the reviewed literature, notably the lack of a standardized, validated definition of IPV among MSM; use of unspecific recall periods for IPV; a lack of attention to nonphysical, nonsexual forms of IPV; and near-universal use of cross-sectional, convenience samples of urban MSM. Researchers should develop and validate an MSM-specific definition of IPV, use more rigorous epidemiological methods to measure IPV and its effects, and clarify the mental and physical health outcomes associated with both receipt and perpetration of IPV.
Establish trust from whole chain traceability

T Food Safety plays a crucial role in today's society, and is a growing concern and serious matter for consumers, companies involved in the food chain, as well as for government authorities. In this paper, the authors introduced traceability and analyzed challenges of whole chain traceability. Based on some real practices, the authors argued that a whole chain traceability system is important as the scale of the system increases. Also, a cloud based whole chain traceability platform is proposed for traceability applications. The platform can capture, store, and share track & trace information in an economical way, provide analytics services, such as query, report, early warning etc, and support quick application development & deployment.
How to monitor packet transfers on global network

It is not an exaggeration to say that using the Internet and World Wide Web have become common household activities. While the end users do not care how the information gets transferred between end points on a global network, system designers, software and hardware developers, and network managers need to be concerned about the packet based information transfers between the end points. There is a great need to know about how the packets are moving on the network, their relative time responses as the packets travel towards the destination station, and the IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of the intermediate nodes, to qualify the data transfers. Unix and the Windows based platforms are very popular for the Web and Internet related information transfer activities. The authors discuss some popular and very useful connectivity commands which will help the users to monitor the network behavior and show practical case studies of how these can be used to monitor the data transfers and the time involvement.
Long-term results of surgical treatment of adults with cerebral palsy.

Long-Term Results of Surgical Treatment of Adults with Cerebral Palsy SUMMARY Seventeen adults with cerebral palsy who had undergone 39 operations for various deformities were re-examined ¼ to 31 (average 9 11/12) years later. Thirty-one operations resulted in improvement, five in no improvement and three in worsening of the patient's condition. A method of evaluating the surgical results in adults with cerebral palsy is presented. It is hoped that this limited study will encourage those who have a larger pool of patients readily available for study to gather and present material to shed more light on the problems of adults with cerebral palsy. RESUME Resultats a long terme du traitement chirurgical d'adultes atteints d'infirmite motrice cerebrale 17 adultes presentant une infirmite motrice cerebrale et qui avaient subi 39 interventions pour des difformites variees ont ete reexamines de un an trois mois a 31 ans plus tard (moyenne 9 ans 11 mois). 31 interventions avaient apportes un progres, 5 etaient sans effet et 3 avaient aggrave l'infirmite du malade. Une methode d' evaluation des resultats chirurgicaux chez l'adulte atteint d'infirmite motrice cerebrale est presentee. II est souhaite que cette etude limitee encourage ceux qui peuvent etudier un groupe plus important de malades a le faire, a rassembler et a presenter des comptes-rendus qui ectaireront les probleme des adultes atteints d'infirmite motrice cerebrale. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ztisammenstellung der Ergebnisse chirurgischer Behandlung bei Erwachsenen mit cerebraler Kinderlahmung 17 Erwachsene mit cerebraler Kinderlahmung, die sich wegen verschiedener Deformitaten 39 Operationen unterzogen hatten, wurden 1¼ bis 31 Jahre (im Durchschnitt 9 11/12) spater nachuntersucht. 31 Operationen brachten eine Besserung, 5 hatten keinen Erfolg und 3 verschlechterten den Zustand des Patienten. Es wird eine Methode zur Auswertung der chirurgischen Erfolge bei Erwachsenen mit cerebraler Kinderlahmung angegeben. Es wird der Hoffnung Ausdruck gegeben, dass diese zahlenmassig begrenzte Studie diejenigen ermutigen moge, die eine grossere Anzahl von Patienten zur Untersuchung bekommen, Material zu sammeln und zu veroffentlichen, urn die Probleme, die bei der Behandlung Erwachsener mit cerebraler Kinderlagmung bestehen, zu erhellen. RESUMEN Resultados despues de algunos anos de tratamiento en adultos afectos de una paralisis cerebral Se examino de nuevo despues de un ano y cuarto hasta 39 anos (con un promedio de 9– anos) a diecisiete adultos afectos de una paralisis cerebral, en quienes se habian efectuado 39 intervenciones por varias malformaciones. Treinta y una de las intervenciones habian producido un mejoramiento del estado del enfermo, en cinco casos no habia ningun mejoramiento, y en tres habia un deterioro. Se describe un metodo de valorar los resultados quirurgicos en adultos afectos de una paralisis cerebral. Se espera que este estudio limitado de aliento a los que dispongzn de muchos enfermos a quienes pueden estudiar para recoger y presentar datos que iluminen los problemas de adultos afectos de una paralisis cerebral.
Law's System: The Necessity of System in Common Law

T.E. Holland infamously described the common law “chaos with a full index,” and critics from Bentham to Peter Birks have criticized common law for its manifest absence of system, its disorderly collection of legal categories and miscellany of odd rules. Defenders of contemporary common law celebrate its resolute anti-theoretical stance and resistance to systematization. However, this characterization of common law, shared by defenders and critics alike, is greatly flawed. Common law is deeply and pervasively committed to system, although this commitment has not been recognized by modern positivist legal theory. Law of any jurisdiction, because of features essential to its distinctive mode of operating and because of the need to maintain its integrity, cannot ignore the demands of system. Moreover, distinctive modes of common-law reasoning presuppose and respond to the demands of system, while at the same time retaining a salutary pragmatism and wariness of global theorizing.
Arachnoid cysts: case series and review of the literature.

Object. Arachnoid cysts are commonly encountered fluid collections in the central nervous system. Recent advances in neuroimaging have translated into an increased detection of these cysts; that is, diagnoses can be made more frequently at earlier stages. Significant advances have also been made in the surgical management of these lesions. The authors report on a case series that illustrates the diverse forms of presentation and the treatment modalities commonly used for arachnoid cysts. Methods. Between January 2002 and December 2006, 20 patients with arachnoid cysts underwent surgery performed by the senior author at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Seventy percent of the cysts were supratentorial, 5% infratentorial, and 25% spinal. All diagnoses were confirmed on neuroimaging, surgery, and histological examination. Included in the study were 12 male (60%) and eight female (40%) patients, ranging in age from 2 weeks to 39 years (mean age 10.9 years) at the time of surgery. Symptoms at presentation included headache (41%), weakness (23%), seizure (14%), hydrocephalus (9%), scoliosis (4%), cognitive decline (4%), and visual loss (4%). Twenty-five percent of the cysts were sylvian, 20% intraventricular, and 20% suprasellar. Supratentorial cysts were treated endoscopically in 73% of patients and with open resection in the remaining 27%. Complications included spasticity, hemiparesis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, hydrocephalus, and subdural hygroma. On follow-up evaluation, 60% of patients had stable cysts and improved symptoms, 13% complete symptom resolution, and 13% stable symptoms. All patients with spinal cysts underwent laminectomies and fenestration, and one cystosubarachnoid (CS) shunt was placed. Cyst reaccumulation occurred in three patients; two patients required cystoperitoneal (CP) and CS shunts. No deaths occurred. Conclusions. Most arachnoid cysts are found incidentally and can be managed conservatively. Symptomatic patients are surgical candidates. Treatments include CP shunt placement, craniotomy, or endoscopic fenestration, and stereotactic aspiration. Recent advances in neurosurgical techniques and neuroendoscopy continue to favor fenestration over shunt insertion as the method of choice for initial cyst decompression.
Generalized Records and Spatial Conjunction in Role Logic

Role logic is a notation for describing properties of relational structures in shape analysis, databases and knowledge bases. A natural fragment of role logic corresponds to two-variable logic with counting and is therefore decidable.
Triptycene diols: a strategy for synthesizing planar π systems through catalytic conversion of a poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) into a poly(p-phenylene vinylene).

The performance of conjugated electronic polymers is highly dependent on conformation and the limits it places on electronic delocalization. Coplanarity of adjacent segments is generally desired to create the highest π-orbital overlap, resulting in less energetic disorder along the backbone. Simply stated, enforced planarity of the π-system leads to greater exciton and charge transport (along the π-way).[1] Greater chain coplanarity can be achieved by simply polymerizing fused polycyclic planar, π-extended monomers. Alternatively, post-polymerization annulation and rigidification, often taking advantage of reactive side chains,[2] has proven an effective strategy—particularly for phenylene-based ladder polymers.[2a]
Adult tethered cord syndrome in patients with postrepair myelomeningocele: an evidence-based outcome study

Object As patients with myelomeningocele age, tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in adults with postrepair myelomeningocele has become more common. The authors have structured an evidence-based review of the literature for the purpose of addressing the following questions. 1) How is the diagnosis made? 2) What is the natural history that occurs in adults with postrepair myelomeningocele and TCS? 3) What are the criteria for operative intervention? 4) What is the functional outcome for patients with postrepair myelomeningocele? Methods A computerized search of the National Library of Medicine of the English-language literature published from 1966 to 2003 was performed. Articles pertaining to the clinical aspects and management of postrepair myelomeningocele in adults, TCS in adults resulting from closed defects, and pediatric patients with postrepair myelomeningocele were reviewed. No Level 1 or 2 data were located; however, the search yielded Level 3 and 4 evidence in the literature in which the clinical syndro...
Discussion of “Are voluntary disclosures that disavow the reliability of mandated fair value information informative or opportunistic?”

Abstract Blacconiere, Frederickson, Johnson, and Lewis identify an interesting disclosure and add to our understanding of firm disclosure of option expense. The disclosure is more nuanced than is suggested by the term “disavowal”. Some disclosures are weak, almost tautological “not necessarily … reliable” statements, whereas others are straightforward statements about the “subjective nature” of the inputs to the option valuation model. The “not necessarily … reliable” language largely disappears after SFAS 123R, while stronger language persists. A striking finding in BFJL is lack of opportunism in disavowals, but I suggest that it is preliminary to conclude that there is no opportunism.
Neural markers of errors as endophenotypes in neuropsychiatric disorders

Learning from errors is fundamental to adaptive human behavior. It requires detecting errors, evaluating what went wrong, and adjusting behavior accordingly. These dynamic adjustments are at the heart of behavioral flexibility and accumulating evidence suggests that deficient error processing contributes to maladaptively rigid and repetitive behavior in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies reveal highly reliable neural markers of error processing. In this review, we evaluate the evidence that abnormalities in these neural markers can serve as sensitive endophenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders. We describe the behavioral and neural hallmarks of error processing, their mediation by common genetic polymorphisms, and impairments in schizophrenia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. We conclude that neural markers of errors meet several important criteria as endophenotypes including heritability, established neuroanatomical and neurochemical substrates, association with neuropsychiatric disorders, presence in syndromally unaffected family members, and evidence of genetic mediation. Understanding the mechanisms of error processing deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders may provide novel neural and behavioral targets for treatment and sensitive surrogate markers of treatment response. Treating error processing deficits may improve functional outcome since error signals provide crucial information for flexible adaptation to changing environments. Given the dearth of effective interventions for cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, this represents a potentially promising approach.
Pyridazine N‐Oxide

[1457-42-7] C4H4N2O (MW 96.09) 1S/C4H4N2O/c7-6-4-2-1-3-5-6/h1-4H InChIKey = GAJBWMUZVXJIBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N (activated form of pyridazine, amenable to nucleophilic attack and direct functionalization) Alternate Names: pyridazine N-oxide, pyridazine oxide. Physical Data: mp 151 °C. Solubility: soluble in most polar common organic solvents. Mild solubility in water. Form Supplied in: available as beige powder from many chemical providers. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (1H, d, J = 6.6 Hz), 8.33 (1H, d, J = 6.6 Hz), 7.92–7.87 (1H, m), 7.29 (1H, dd, J = 5.7, 6.6 Hz). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 149.8, 133.9, 133.6, 115.9. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: extensive toxicity data are not known. Reagent should be handled in a laboratory fumehood with appropriate personal protection equipment (laboratory coat, gloves, and glasses). In case of contact with eyes, rinse with copious amounts of water. Must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Effects of therapist gender and type of attention on assessment and treatment of attention-maintained destructive behavior

Adult attention frequently serves as a maintaining variable for problem behavior (Iwata et al., 1994). In addition, different aspects of attention such as the content of a statement or the person delivering the attention may moderate the rate of problem behavior and potentially affect treatment outcome (Fisher, Ninness, Piazza, & Owen-DeSchryver, 1996). In the current study, we examined the effects of two variables hypothesized to affect the rate of attention-maintained aggression in an adolescent female with profound mental retardation: gender of therapist and type of attention (physical versus verbal). The initial study examined the results of functional analyses conducted with therapists of different genders. An analysis was then conducted to determine the main and interaction effects of therapist gender and type of attention on the effectiveness of noncontingent reinforcement. The results indicate that each variable affected the rate of problem behavior (i.e., main effects) and that the two variables combined to produce an even greater effect (i.e., interaction effect) for males than for females. Next, we examined the impact of therapist gender on the effectiveness of an alternative intervention (functional communication training with extinction). The results support the initial hypotheses that therapist gender impacted both assessment and intervention results for this adolescent female. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Net carbon flux of dead wood in forests of the Eastern US

Downed dead wood (DDW) in forest eco- systems is a C pool whose net flux is governed by a complex of natural and anthropogenic processes and is critical to the management of the entire forest C pool. As empirical examination of DDW C net flux has rarely been conducted across large scales, the goal of this study was to use a remeasured inventory of DDW C and ancil- lary forest attributes to assess C net flux across forests of the Eastern US. Stocks associated with large fine woody debris (diameter 2.6-7.6 cm) decreased over time (−0.11 Mg ha −1 year −1 ), while stocks of larger-sized coarse DDW increased (0.02 Mg ha −1 year −1 ). Stocks of total DDW C decreased (−0.14 Mg ha −1 year −1 ), while standing dead and live tree stocks both increased, 0.01 and 0.44 Mg ha −1 year −1 , respectively. The spatial distribution of DDW C stock change was highly heterogeneous with random forests model results indicating that management history, live tree stocking, natural disturbance, and growing degree days only partially explain stock change. Natural
Informatics at NIH.

To the Editor :— We read with great interest the recent article in JAMIA by Hendee, in which he called for the creation of a new NIH institute or center to support biomedical engineering, imaging, and informatics.1 We agree with much of his analysis but wish to offer some additional observations and alternative suggestions for how the informatics community might address the concerns that he has raised. The three cited disciplines clearly do “form the infrastructure on which many of the advances in medical science are built,” and we agree that they “must be nurtured and supported so that they will continue to function as the foundation for the knowledge revolutions of the 21st century.” We question, however, Hendee's claim that “there is no home at the NIH for the basic research that is essential to growth of the intellectual capital of these disciplines” and his characterization of the NIH as composed wholly of disease- or organ-specific research agencies. If one reviews the history of research in bioengineering, imaging, and informatics at the NIH, one will find that two entities have funded a large portion of both the basic and applied work in these fields, neither of which is disease- or organ-specific—the National Center for Research Resources (NRCC, formerly the Division of Research Resources or DRR) …
MONITORING WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) IN “GRANNY SMITH” APPLE BLOSSOM CLUSTERS

The efficiency and accuracy of sampling western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis [Pergande]) from “Granny Smith” apple blossom clusters were analyzed during 1986–1987 to develop a sampling plan for research purposes. The accuracy of the “shake” method was compared with an “extraction” process of each of three blossom cluster types: pink, open, and petalless (petal fall). Thrip extractions from combined clusters revealed that a 9-s and 6-s “shake” removed 84 and 74%, of the thrips, respectively, but a 3-s “shake” removed 53%, and was more variable. Open blossom clusters always had higher thrips densities than either pink or petal fall clusters, regardless of the bloom state. The effects of cardinal position within trees were not consistent over time. Clusters from the top of the canopy had more thrips than lower canopy clusters, and apical clusters had more thrips than basal clusters during peak bloom. Variance component analyses indicated that thrips counts from clusters within tree were more variable than counts among trees, even when cluster types were analyzed separately. Two sets of indices (Iwao’s regression of mean crowding on mean density and Taylor’s regression of log variance on log mean density) for each cluster type indicated aggregated spatial patterns. Precision level sampling plans were developed using Iwao’s regression coefficients.
Nonuniformly correlated light beams in uniformly correlated media

The behavior of scalar beams with nonuniform correlations in isotropic random media is investigated. An example illustrates the fact that the off-axis intensity maximum formed in the transverse cross section of a nonuniformly correlated beam on propagation in free space is suppressed when it passes at sufficiently large distances from its source through the isotropic turbulent atmosphere.
Validation of a modified scoring system for cardiovascular risk associated with major lung resection

OBJECTIVES: The well-known revised cardiac risk index (RCRI) has recently been modified based on factors and outcomes specifi ct o thoracic surgery patients (ThRCRI). We explored the accuracy of this modified scoring system in predicting cardiovascular morbidity after major lung resection. METHODS: We analyzed outcomes from a prospective database of patients undergoing major lung resection 1980–2009. ThRCRI score was based on weighted factors for serum creatinine, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and extent of lung resection. Target adverse outcomes included pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema and cardiac death. RESULTS: A total of 1255 patients (mean age 61.8 years; 649 men) underwent lobectomy or bilobectomy (1070; 85%) or pneumonectomy (185; 15%) for cancer (1037; 83%) or other problems. Severe cardiovascular complications occurred in 30 patients (2.4%), an incidence similar to that in the published derivation group (3.3%). ThRCRI median scores in patients without and with severe CV complications were 0 and 1.5 (P< 0.001). Score categories yielded incremental risks of cardiovascular complications (0: 0.9%; 1–1.5: 4.5%; ≥2: 12.8%; P< 0.001). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test demonstrated no significant difference between expected and observed outcomes (P= 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of severe postoperative cardiovascular complications were similar in the published derivation group and the current validation group. The ThRCRI score successfully stratified risk for postoperative cardiovascular events after major lung resection in the validation group. The expected risk in the validation group was similar to the observed risk, indicating that ThRCRI accurately predicted specific risk rather than just relative risk. Further evaluation of the utility of this scoring system is warranted.
Biologic and geographic differences between vaccine and clinical varicella-zoster virus isolates

Vaccine and wild-type strains of varicella-zoster virus differ both in their biologic characteristics and in the clinical manifestations of infection caused by each strain. The biologic differences described for the vaccine strain (temper­ature sensitivity and host cell preference) probably reflect the methods used to adapt the wild-type strain to the in vitro growth conditions imposed during the at­tenuation process in cell culture. In addition, restriction fragment polymorphisms have been described that reflect geographic strain variations between the parental virus used to develop the vaccine strain and other wild-type strains. These poly­morphisms have been exploited as tools for the identification and differentiation of vaccine and wild-type strains in clinical studies. Infection with the wild-type strain results in the typical extensive rash of varicella, frequent transmission to other susceptible contacts, establishment of latency, and in some individuals, re­activation with the clinical picture of zoster. Infection with the vaccine strain results in the development of a protective immune response, minimal rash in a minority of individuals, rare transmission to other susceptible contacts, and a greatly reduced risk of zoster.
Sensory Based Language in Legal Communication

This article explains how lawyers can use sensory based language to be more effective in the legal practice when working with clients, witnesses, and jurors. Most people use language to communicate in either a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic modality, or what is called a “representational system.” By carefully listening to the speaker’s language and observing the movements of the speaker’s eyes, the listener can determine the speaker’s preferred representational system and respond back to the speaker in ways to uncover more information and develop rapport. Some of the concepts discussed in this article are based upon what is called “neuro-linguistic programming” or NLP.
Additive cardioprotection by pharmacological postconditioning with hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide donors in mouse heart: S-sulfhydration vs. S-nitrosylation

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a gaseous signalling molecule, has been found to play important roles in postconditioning (PostC)-induced cardioprotection. Similar to nitric oxide (NO)-mediated protein S-nitrosylation (SNO), recent studies suggest that H2S could regulate protein function through another redox-based post-translational modification on protein cysteine residue(s), i.e. S-sulfhydration (SSH). In this study, we examined whether there are changes in protein SSH associated with cardioprotection induced by treatment with H2S on reperfusion. In addition, we also examined whether there is cross talk between H2S and NO. Compared with control, treatment on reperfusion with NaHS (H2S donor, 100 µmol/L) significantly reduced post-ischaemic contractile dysfunction and infarct size. A comparable cardioprotective effect could be also achieved by reperfusion treatment with SNAP (NO donor, 10 µmol/L). Interestingly, simultaneous reperfusion with both donors had an additive protective effect. In addition, C-PTIO (NO scavenger, 20 µmol/L) eliminated the protection induced by NaHS and also the additive protection by SNAP + NaHS together. Using a modified biotin switch method, we observed a small increase in SSH following NaHS treatment on reperfusion. We also found that NaHS treatment on reperfusion increases SNO to a level comparable to that with SNAP treatment. In addition, there was an additive increase in SNO but not SSH when SNAP and NaHS were added together at reperfusion. Thus, part of the benefit of NaHS is an increase in SNO, and the magnitude of the protective effect is related to the magnitude of the increase in SNO.
Salpingoscopy versus hysterosalpingography in hydrosalpinges

A technique of translaparoscopic salpingoscopy is utilized to evaluate the ampullary segment of the Fallopian tube in patients suffering from infertility. Comparison of this technique with hysterosalpingography in a series of 32 patients with hydrosalpinges demonstrates its superiority in the evaluation of the tubal mucosa. This new diagnostic approach allows a more accurate selection of patients for either microsurgical repair, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT).
Monolithic integration of Mach-Zehnder modulators with Sampled Grating Distributed Bragg Reflector lasers

The growing demand for optical and RF bandwidth at lower cost continues to drive the integration of photonic circuits. Devices have been fabricated that integrate Distributed Feedback lasers (DFBs) with Electro-Absorption Modulators (EAMs) [1], or Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulators [2]. More recently, tunable Sampled-Grating Distributed-Bragg-Reflector (SGDBR) lasers have been integrated with EAMs [3] and Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers [4] (SOAs) to provide full C-Band tunabihty with over lOdB RF extinction and 30-40mW output power [5]. The SGDBR is well suited for integration with modulators and other components due to the lithographically defined mirrors that do not require facet reflections for operation. The incorporation of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer allows for tailorable chirp and a relatively low drive voltage for modulation (<2V) without the coupling losses associated with discrete devices. This compact MZ-SGDBR transmitter is well suited for both digital and analog applications.
Waveform design for MIMO radar with constant modulus and similarity constraints

We consider the problem of waveform design for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar in the presence of signal-dependent interference embedded in white Gaussian disturbance. We present two sequential optimization procedures to maximize the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), accounting for a constant modulus constraint as well as a similarity constraint involving a known radar waveform with some desired properties (e.g., in terms of pulse compression and ambiguity). The presented sequential optimization algorithms, based on a relaxation method, yield solutions with good accuracy. Their computational complexity is linear in the number of iterations and trials in the randomized procedure and polynomial in the receive filter length. Finally, we evaluate the proposed techniques, by considering their SINR performance, beam pattern as well as pulse compression property, via numerical simulations.
Body Condition of Sows Across Parities and Relationship to Reproductive Performance

Weight, heartgirth, backfat and body condition of sows was monitored in a commercial, farrow-to-finish unit during 1 yr. Measurements were obtained during the third, ninth and fifteenth week of gestation and the day after weaning. Litter performance and rebreeding rate also were recorded. Body weight and heartgirth increased (P less than .01) over parities because gestational gains were larger than lactational losses. Backfat tended to be lower in later parities. Body weight, heartgirth and backfat, but not condition score, declined from weaning to the third week of the subsequent gestation in both first and second litter sows. Correlations among measures of body condition were low (less than .45), except the overall correlation between body weight and heartgirth. Number of pigs born alive increased and interval to estrus decreased in later parities. There were no significant relationships between changes in body condition and rebreeding performance of sows. These results suggest that changes in body condition typically observed in sows housed in commercial production units may be too subtle to have an effect on reproductive performance.
'Subthreshold stimulation' of allospecific delayed hypersensitivity by corneal allografts.

Corneal allografts contain few or no Ia+ Langerhans' cells and consistently fail to elicit allospecific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). The present study examined the hypothesis that the inability of corneal allografts to induce allospecific DTH was the result of active suppression. However, the results indicated that an initial exposure to corneal allografts provided a subthreshold stimulus for the induction of DTH because hosts that received a second pair of corneal grafts 7 days later developed DTH. By contrast, hosts that received all four corneal allografts simultaneously, failed to display DTH to donor alloantigens. Hosts that received a single set of corneal allografts did not display DTH to donor alloantigens, yet their spleen cells were capable of transferring DTH to hosts subsequently stimulated with a single set of corneal grafts. The capacity of Langerhans' cell-free corneal grafts to prime the host so that a second set of corneal grafts stimulated DTH to donor alloantigens was termed 'subthreshold stimulation of DTH'. The ability of sequential sets of corneal grafts to induce DTH was abolished by fixation with 0.2% paraformaldehyde. Surprisingly, the single cell-layered corneal endothelium was found to be the crucial corneal component necessary for the induction of allospecific DTH. This unique spectrum of corneal alloimmunogenicity may contribute to the immunological privilege and high success rate of corneal allografts.
Therapeutic temperature modulation is associated with pulmonary complications in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Therapeutic temperature modulation is associated with pulmonary complications in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Defense Industries and the Nation-State

As discussed in Chapter 1, realist theories of European integration focus on the interests of major states. Realists maintain that states try to maximize their power in the international arena by pursuing policies which bring the most benefits to them — or at least minimize their losses. However, the goals and policies of individual states are often shaped by the domestic politics that take place within them. In the context of the European Union (EU), integration is the result of a negotiation process based on intergovernmentalism, lowest common denominator bargaining, and strict limits on future transfers of sovereignty.1 Some variations of realism examine how domestic interests shape national preferences.2 Such approaches try to explain the history of the EU as the outcomes of interstate bargaining, with an emphasis on the roles of the most powerful members.
From Goats to Gardens: Feeding Southern Colorado's Working-Class Poor

The events of the 1913–1914 southern Colorado coal strike and the cooperative work of the Colorado Coalfield War Archaeology Project provide the opportunity to explore archaeology’s relationship to poverty, hunger, and social justice. This article considers poverty in evidence of worker foodways. I consider what kinds of foods were promoted, what foods were available and from where, what foods were eaten, and how they were prepared. This article includes a comparison of prestrike, strike, and poststrike contexts. In so doing, it reveals the futility of dichotomous categories of deserving and undeserving poor as they relate to a transformative project of working-class poverty. It suggests that the distinction between deserving and undeserving poor has been and continues to be about justifying particular sorts of intervention in people’s lives meant to sustain exploitation of their labor.
Enhanced accuracy of breast cancer detection in digital mammograms using wavelet analysis

About every minute a woman dies out of breast cancer, worldwide. The need for early detection cannot be overstated. Towards this, mammography is a boon for both early detection and screening of breast cancer tumors. It is an imaging system that uses low dose x-rays for examining the breasts, by the electrons reflected from the tissues. The use of screening mammography is associated with the detection of breast cancer at an earlier stage and smaller size, resulting in a reduction in mortality. This study was aimed at enhancing the current accuracy (diagnostic) of digital mammograms using industry standard simulation software tool, MATLAB and the MIAS dataset. The technique involves identification of tumor cells to segment them in terms of different stages of the disease. We consider the process of object detection, recognition and classification of mammograms with the aim of differentiating between normal and abnormal (benign or cancerous) cells. It is reported that dense breasts can make traditional mammograms more difficult to interpret. Although newer digital mammography techniques claim for better detection in dense breast tissues, the availability of such expensive digital mammograms is not widespread. This problem can be minimized by analyzing different breast structures (mammograms) using the MATLAB numerical analysis software for image processing applications. The results indicated up to 91% accuracy, compared to 70% at present. Our proposed solution has proved to be an effective way of detecting breast cancer early in different types of breast tissues.
Radiolab’s Sound Strategic Maneuvers

How might argumentation scholars approach sound? Using the analytics afforded by strategic maneuvering, this essay identifies three unique features of sonic presentational devices: they are immersive, immediate and embodied. Although these features offer arguers presentational resource, they also pose new problems to the reasonable resolution of disagreement: immersion hazards overlap (mask), immediacy risks rate of delivery beyond reflection (velocity), and materiality can coerce listeners (force). To theorize strategic use of sound, I reconstruct and analyze a popular Radiolab segment “The Unconscious Toscanini of the Brain.” I find Radiolab uses three different sonic figures: (1) synchronicity, or the translation of data into sound to foreground temporal relations; (2) musical stings, an auditory invocation of embodied memory and (3) the wave, a sonic strategy to arouse and narrow attention. I conclude that Radiolab’s use of sound is reasonable because it extends the critical discussion.
Resveratrol-Mediated Expression of KLF15 in the Ischemic Myocardium is Associated with an Improved Cardiac Phenotype.

Myocardial infarction results in physiological derangements that lead to structural and functional alterations to the myocardium. In addition, oxidative stress potentiates cardiac remodeling and drives disease progression. Unfortunately, treatment with antioxidants in clinical trials have failed to show any therapeutic benefits despite the positive results reported in animal studies, which warrants further investigation into their mechanism(s) of action. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to elucidate a previously unknown mechanism of action for the antioxidant, resveratrol, in the treatment of the ischemic heart. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent four weeks of chronic myocardial ischemia with or without daily resveratrol treatment (10 mg/kg/day). The expression and signaling of Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) were determined by immunoblot and qPCR analyses, respectively. Chronic myocardial ischemia reduced the protein expression of KLF15. In parallel, mRNA transcripts of KLF15 gene targets actively involved in cardiac remodeling were robustly increased in untreated hearts. Importantly, daily treatment with resveratrol stimulated KLF15 expression, which was associated with attenuated gene expression and an improved cardiac phenotype. Additionally, we describe a novel role for KLF15 in the regulation of redox homeostasis. Based on our current findings, it appears that resveratrol treatment induces KLF15 expression, which may, in part, explain its therapeutic efficacy to improve the cardiac phenotype following ischemic injury.
Highly selective fluorescent recognition of glutathione by using a water soluble binaphthyl aldehyde

Abstract A water soluble binaphthyl-based aldehyde was designed and synthesized. This compound in combination with Zn(OAc)2 is found to exhibit greatly enhanced fluorescence in the presence of GSH in aqueous solution (pH = 7.5) but give little or no fluorescence enhancement in the presence of cysteine, homocysteine and other amino acids. This remarkable selectivity makes this probe potentially useful for the analysis of the biologically important GSH.
Checklist of Megafossils From the James City Formation (Lower Pleistocene) at Johnson Point, Craven County, North Carolina

Richly fossiliferous beds exposed along the northern edge of Johnson Point, south shore of the Neuse River (Figure 1), have been the focus of several recent studies (Miller, 1986a, 1986b; Zullo and Miller, 1986; Woods, 1987; Miller and DuBar, 1988). The locality was first described by DuBar et al. (1974, p. 111) as the site of an extensive Crepidula fornicata biostrome within the James City Formation. Because of the interest being lavished on the locality it is important to have a catalogue available of all the mega fossil remains that have been collected to date. Moreover, in a geographic area where fossil localities in river banks are notoriously evanescent, full documentation of species occurrences at significant sites like Johnson Point is clearly desirable. The purpose of my note is to provide this documentation in the form of a stratigraphic checklist (Table 1) together with illustrations of the more common species (Plate I). The list includes rare faunal elements not reported in paleoecologic studies (Zullo and Miller, 1986· Miller and DuBar, 1988). Illustrations should be useful in the recognition of James City beds in isolated outcrops in the Neuse River valley. All fossils in this list came from a series of one-litre bulk sediment samples taken from one part of the outcrop in 1982 after undercutting of the river bank had exposed unweathered beds. The aim at that time was to sample each bedding unit present in the fresh exposure. Figure l shows the sampled action and Table 1 contains fossil inventories for each of the samples. Additional collecting in this way no doubt would lengthen the roster, but the present compilation al least provides a preliminary checklist.
Muscle hypertrophy in prediabetic men after 16 wk of resistance training.

Obese, insulin-resistant men responded to 16 wk of progressive resistance training with muscle hypertrophy and increased strength and a shift in muscle fiber composition toward fast-twitch, type II...
"Being a Therapist Doesn't Exclude You From Real Life": Family Therapists' Beliefs and Barriers to Political Action.

A crucial and overlooked facet of social justice in family therapy is political and policy advocacy. Family therapists have unique insight into how social policies and political discourse shapes clients’ lives and the life of our profession. Such knowledge can inform policymakers and political debate, yet few family therapists are trained to engage in political action. In this randomized, national survey of licensed family therapists’ (N = 174), we explore beliefs about and barriers to engagement in political and policy processes. The findings suggest that there are significant barriers and uncertainties surrounding family therapists’ engagement, including time, feelings of efficacy, and interest. Given these barriers we discuss practical suggestions for clinicians and family therapy training programs.