cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Cytochromes P450 2B Protects Against Cocaine-Mediated Toxicity in Rat Liver Slices

Abstract Mechanism-based inactivators of rat liver cytochrome P450 2B1 and 2B2 were used to evaluate the role of these enzymes in the hepatotoxicity of cocaine. Loss of liver microsomal androstenedione 16β-hydroxylation was monitored to determine the extent of P450 2B1/2 inactivation by chloramphenicol (CAP) or its 2B-selective analogue, N -(2- p -nitrophenethyl)chlorofluoroacetamide ( p NO 2 C1FA). The effect of P450 2B1/2 inactivation on cocaine-mediated hepatotoxicity was assessed in rat liver slices. Exposure of slices from phenobarbital-induced Lewis rats to CAP concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 μM resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in P450 2B activity and a corresponding decrease in cytotoxicity as measured by K + loss following exposure to 1 mM cocaine. Treating slices from PR-induced rats with 250 μM p NO 2 C1FA protected slices against cocaine-mediated cytotoxicity after exposure to 500 μM cocaine. In vivo administration of 300 mg/kg CAP or 200 mg/kg p NO 2 C1FA to phenobarbital-induced Lewis rats decreased androstenedione 16β-hydroxylation to 30 or 39% of control, respectively, and blocked cocaine-mediated K + loss in rat liver slices. Rat liver microsomes from animals treated with either CAP or p NO 2 C1FA displayed approximately 40% of the control rate of cocaine N-demethylation. Experiments with phenobarbital-treated Munich Wistar (WM) rats, which lack 2B2, revealed similar rates of microsomal N-demethylation and comparable in vitro hepatotoxicity to Lewis rats. The capacity of a specific P450 2B1/2 inactivator to protect against cocaine-mediated hepatotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro and the results with the WM rats support the identification of P450 2B1 as a major cocaine bioactivating form.
Simulation-Based Power Estimation for Low-Power Designs: A Fractal Approach

Low-power CMOS integrated circuit design requires accurate power estimation at every level in the hierar chy. In this paper, the Fractal Compaction Algorithm is presented. It is based on fractal concepts and is used to generate a compacted vector that allows fast, accurate simulation-based power estimation. Typi cally, power estimation methods are either dynamic or static. Dynamic methods simulate the design using specific input vector sets and estimate power. Though accurate, these methods require long simulation time for larger designs. Static power estimation methods, on the other hand, are based on analytical tools that estimate power quickly but with less accuracy. To achieve the accuracy of dynamic methods and the speed of static methods, one approach is to generate a com pact, representative vector set with switching behav ior similar to the original set. The algorithm gener ates a compact vector set by exploiting the correlation in the toggle distribution of the circuit's internal nodes. Experimen...
Self-organization of highly stable electron donor-acceptor complexes via host-guest interactions

Biscrown stilbene S forms complexes of 1:1 and 2:1 composition with bisammonium viologen salt V4+ in acetonitrile solution. Both of the complexes exhibit spectroscopic behavior typical of molecular ...
Stress fracture of the first rib from serratus anterior tension : an unusual mechanism of injury

Fracture of the first rib usually results from high-impact, direct trauma. Stress fractures are less common and are associated with minimal morbidity. The case of a patient with a stress fracture resulting from the use of an exercise machine is reported. Previous reports have attributed stress and fatigue fractures of the first rib to the forces exerted by the scalene muscles. A new pathophysiologic mechanism involving the serratus anterior muscle is introduced and is supported by T2 relaxation times from magnetic resonance imaging. Stress and fatigue fractures of the first rib have minimal complications. An aggressive diagnostic evaluation of first rib fractures occurring by this mechanism is not warranted.
The radular muscle myoglobins of the amphineuran mollusc, acanthopleura granulata gmelin

Abstract 1. 1. The radular muscle myoglobins of the amphineuran mollusc Acanthopleura granulata have been purified. 2. 2. The myoglobin is separable into two components Mb-1 and Mb-2. 3. 3. Extended manipulation of Mb-2 converts it into the putative conformational isomers Mb-2′ and Mb-3′. 4. 4. Mb-1 has a molecular weight of 34,600 and contains two atoms of iron. The amino acid composition to the nearest half-residue of the half-molecule is: Lys 17 His 2 Arg 5 Asp 13.5 Thr 5.5 Ser 9 Glu 12.5 Pro 4.5 Gly 17.5 Ala 10 1 2 Cys 1.5 Val 11 Met 6 Ileu 11 Leu 9 Tyr 2.5 Phe 11 Trp present . 5. 5. Mb-2, Mb-2′ and Mb-3′ each have a molecular weight of 16,600 and contain one atom of iron. Their amino acid composition is: Lys 17 His 2 Arg 1 Asp 16 Thr 8 Ser 6 Glu 13 Pro 6 Gly 17 Ala 19 1 2 Cys 2 Val 10 Met 6 Ileu 9 leu 7 Tyr 3 Phe 5 6. 6. The radular muscle myoglobins of Amphineura and Gastropoda are compared.
Computed Tomography as an Alternative to Catheter Angiography Prior to Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Background Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the coronary arteries has been proposed as an alternative screening modality to catheter coronary angiography (CCA) prior to noncoronary cardiac surgery. The safety and utility of preoperative coronary CTA in patients undergoing robotic mitral valve repair is unknown. Methods One hundred and ninety consecutive patients undergoing robotic repair of degenerative mitral leaflet prolapse were eligible for preoperative CT evaluation; retrospective electrocardiogram-gated CTA of the chest to assess the coronary arteries, followed by contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis to assess the systemic arterial and vascular anatomy. If coronary CTA identified coronary artery stenosis 50% or greater, CCA was performed for further assessment. Results Computed tomography evaluation was performed in 178 patients (94%). Six patients (3%) had coronary artery stenosis 50% or greater identified on coronary CTA and underwent CCA. In each of these cases, CCA revealed no significant obstructive lesion. On a per patient basis, coronary CTA had an accuracy of 91% (95% confidence interval 0.81 to 0.96) for excluding obstructive coronary disease. The CT also demonstrated significant noncoronary vascular findings in 6 patients (3%). These findings included iliac artery dissection and aneurysm (n = 4), and pulmonary embolism (n = 2). Mitral repair rate was 100% and no patients underwent conversion to sternotomy. Median hospital stay was 3 days and there were no deaths. Conclusions In patients at low-to-intermediate risk of coronary artery disease, CT is useful as a single screening modality of the coronary arteries and peripheral vasculature to determine candidacy for minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair.
A continuous review model for an inventory system with two supply modes

In this paper we develop an approximate model of an inventory control system in which there exist two options for resupply, with one having a shorter lead time. Because the optimal policy appears to be extremely complex, we consider a reasonable extension of the standard Q, R policy to allow for two different lot sizes Q1 and Q2, and two different reorder levels, R1 and R2. Expressions for the expected on hand inventory and the expected backorders are developed and a procedure for determining the policy parameters is given. The model is validated by simulation, and calculations are included which compare the average annual cost with and without emergency ordering.
Effects of prefattening on ovariectomy-induced hyperphagia and weight gain in rats

The hypothesis that ovariectomy acts primarily to alter body weight and not food consumption was tested by ovariectomizing animals whose weight had been forcibly elevated prior to surgery. While both prefattened and control groups gained weight after ovariectomy, prefattened animals ate less and gained weight at a significantly slower rate. These data are discussed in terms of hormonal modulation of the body weight set-point.
A modified hamiltonian method for the study of multiple site reactivity: comparison with perturbation results

Abstract The interaction field modified hamiltonian (IFMH) method is presented, in which the polarization of the electron density in a molecule A by the electrostatic field generated by the electron density distribution and the model of a molecule B is calculated by a variational procedure. The method is designed to be equivalent to an infinite expansion of the polarization interaction between the molecules, as described previously by a multiple perturbation method. Results from the two approaches are compared for their ability to predict the changes induced in the reactivity of the attacked molecule A by the reagent B. The effects of truncation of the perturbation expansion and of the partial antisymmetizatrization approximation that is common to both IFMH and the perturbation method, are discussed in comparison with a full supermolecule calculation of the AB complex. The numerical comparisons are for the interaction of formyl fluoride (HCOF) with HF at hydrogen-bond distances, calculated ab initio with a contracted (5s, 3p, 2s/2s, p, s) gaussian basis.
Chiefdoms at the threshold: The competitive origins of the primary state

The origins of the primary state are examined, paying particular attention to the interacting complex chiefdoms that precede state formation. A comparative analysis is undertaken of the evolutionary trajectories of two well-documented cases of prehistoric complex chiefdoms in North America and Mesoamerica: Cahokia and Monte Alban. Of special concern are the strategies that the rulers of these powerful, expansionist chiefdoms pursued in response to varying conditions of local competition or resistance. The crucial difference between the two developmental outcomes, the analysis concludes, derived from the varying degrees of inter-polity competition confronted by Cahokia and Monte Alban. The higher level of inter-polity competition in Monte Alban’s case required a complete administrative transformation in order for the leadership’s goal-oriented, expansionist strategies to succeed, resulting in the successful formation of a primary state.
Evaluation of a portable blood gas analyzer for pediatric interhospital transport.

Abstract We evaluated a portable blood gas analyzer for its speed, reliability, and usefulness during interhospital transportation of critically ill children in a prospective study. The accuracy of a portable blood gas analyzer (PBGA) was first established by comparing its results with values obtained from a standard blood gas analyzer. The speed, accuracy, and usefulness of the PBGA were then compared with those of standard analyzers at 10 referring hospitals during interhospital transportation of critically ill children. A highly significant linear correlation was demonstrated between values obtained using the PBGA and those derived from standard analyzers. The time required to obtain blood gas results was 2 min with the portable device, significantly less than the mean of 8.4 min ± 6.4 min (range 1–24 min) required to get results from the laboratory facilities of the referring hospitals. Modification of treatment or adjustment to mechanical ventilation was required in 30% of transported patients based on blood gas results obtained immediately before departure from the referring hospital. We conclude that a portable blood gas analyzer provides rapid, reliable, and useful data that help to determine therapy for critically ill children awaiting interhospital transport.
Imaging of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

This article reviews some physiological parameters that influence the location and degree of injury from hypoxia-ischemia. The ability of various imaging tests, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, to detect tissue changes after hypoxia-ischemia is discussed. Most importantly, we evaluate the extent of our knowledge regarding the correlations between imaging, pathophysiological processes, and clinical medicine.
Further measurements on extensive air showers

A lange experiment on extensive air showers was recently set up at Cornell University, similar to that at M. 1. T., which employs 15 plastic scintillators. Five of the detectors are near the center of the array at spacings of 3 to 80 m. Five others are spaced about the center on a circle of 150- m radius. and the remaining five are on a circle of 500-m riulius. The main component of the apparatus is a magnetic meson spectrometer located near the central counters. When a lange shower occurs, a photograph is taken of a bank of 15 oscillograph tubes upon which all the scintillator pulses are registered. The times and heights of the pulses determine the direction and location of the shower axis and the size of the shower. If a meson has been recorded simultaneously, this fact and the approximate meson energy are registered on the same film by means of neon bulbs. With the oscilloscope method about 200 showers per day are exanfined. (A.C.)
Pericardial Effusion in a Preterm Infant Resulting from Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement

Pericardial effusion in neonates is a rare occurrence associated with malpositioning of central venous catheters. This report describes a case of pericardial effusion in which echocardiographic determination of line position, typically considered one of the most reliable means of placement verification, was misleading. The infant ultimately did well after pericardiocentesis, with complete resolution of symptoms and no further complications.
307 A FORM OF GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE (GSD) WITH HYPERTENSION (HP)

T.S. was a 5 wk. prem. W/F whose neonatal period was complicated by hypoglycemia and prolonged jaundice. She presented at 3 1/2 mos. with hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, hyperuricemia, ↑cholesterol and triglycerides. She also had systolic HP, B.P. varying between 140-200 mm Hg. Glucagon stimulation caused paradoximal hypoglycemia. Light and electron microscopy of liver biopsy were consistent with GSD. Enzyme assays (courtesy of Dr. G. Hug) revealed the following: G-6-P'-tase 5.6 u moles P/min/g tissue (N = 4.7 ± 1.9); liver and muscle debrancher enzyme was present; liver phosphorylase was 12.0 u moles P/min/g tissue (N = 25.1 ± 6.5); active muscle phosphorylase was 9.71 (N = 47.7 ± 13.2) and total muscle phosphorylase was 53.5 (N = 78.0 ± 21.1); liver phosphorylase kinase was 0.067 n moles b → a/min/mg prot. (N = 0.175 ± 0.068). Catecholamines, VMA, HVA, 17-OH, 17-KS, Aldosterone, plasma renin, Ccr, IVP, and aortogram were all normal. At 11 mos. she developed generalized xanthomas; serum cholesterol was 906 mg% and triglycerides 3620 mg%. Clofibrate was started and a month later there was resolution of her xanthomas with fall in cholesterol to 259 mg% and triglycerides to 1624 mg%. Presently she is being maintained on propranolol, diazoxide, allopurinol, Lasix, clofibrate. In summary, our pt. has the clinical picture of Type I A or B GSD but the enzyme findings are suggestive of Type IX. The HP does not fit either type; it could be a coincidental finding, however a true association can not be ruled out at this time.
Absorbance and fluorescence properties of protochlorophyllide in etiolated bean leaves.

Abstract Primary leaves of 7-to-9 day-old etiolated bean seedlings contain a species of protochlorophyllide which is not transformed to chlorophyllide by light; this pigment species exhibits an absorption peak at 631nm in vivo at −196° and a fluorescence emission peak at 639nm in vivo at room temperature. Heat-treatment of etiolated leaves converts the phototransformable protochlorophyllide holochrome to a pigment species with in vivo absorption and fluorescence peaks identical to those of endogenous nontransformable protochlorophyllide. Administration of δ-amino-levulinic acid to etiolated leaves causes the synthesis of non-transformable protochlorophyllide with an absorption peak also at 631nm in vivo at −196° but with a fluorescence emission peak at 643nm in vivo at room temperature. Heat-treatment of such leaves does not affect the position of these bands. The results indicate that protochlorophyllide which is derived from exogenous δ-amino-levulinic acid is in a physically different state from other forms of protochlorophyllide in the leaf.
The crystal structure of actinium metal and actinium hydride

The crystal structures of actinium metal and actinium hydride were determined by analyses of X-ray diffraction patterns. The results are summarized below: CrystalUnit cellAtomicCalculatedSubstancestructuredimensiona (A)radius(A)density(g/cm3Acf.c.c.5·311±0·0101·8810·07Actiniumhydridef.c.c.5·670±0·0068·35
X-chromosome-linked immune-deficient mice have B-1b cells.

The B lymphocyte subsets of X-chromosome-linked immune-deficient (XID) mice were examined by flow cytometric analyses of spleen and peritoneal cells. As shown in prior studies, young adult XID mice had reduced representation of the CD5 + (B-la) subset in their peritoneal cavity. However, the CD1 1b + (B-lb) B-cell subset was present and exhibited the IgM h i CD45 l o CD23 phenotype characteristic of most B- cells. Although present at a lower frequency than that found in their normal counterparts, B-1b cells were evident in CBA/N and (XD2J)F 1 male mice. With increasing age, B-1b cell number increased and in the oldest XID mice were present as B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. These results show that XID mice do have B-1 cells, particularly the B-1b subset.
Hidden yet happening : the epidemics of sexually transmitted infections and HIV among men who have sex with men in developing countries

Evidence from a range of studies, reports and surveillance systems suggests that epidemics of sexually transmitted infections (STI), most prominently HIV infection, are underway in 2008 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a wide range of developing countries. Although a lack of surveillance and research data limit our understanding of too many of these diverse epidemics, what data are available among MSM in south and central America, the Caribbean, Asia, the former Soviet Union and Africa are remarkably consistent in finding MSM at substantial risk.1–6 In a recent systematic review of the literature from 2000 to 2006 on HIV among MSM in low and middle income countries, our group found an overall adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 19.3 (95% CI 18.8 to 19.8) for MSM compared with general population reproductive age adults.1 HIV risks were markedly elevated for MSM in the Americas (OR 33.3, 95% CI 32.3 to 34.2), Asia (OR 18.7, 95% CI 17.7 to 19.7) and for Africa (OR 3.8, 95% CI 3.3 to 4.3).1 The high rates of prevalent and incident STI and HIV reported among gay, bisexual and MSM from the USA, western Europe and Australia have been described as resurgent epidemics—and in some settings, these incidence densities rival or exceed those seen among gay men in the 1980s.7 8 For much of the developing world, however, little work was done among MSM in the 1980–90s and indeed the data remain sparse in 2008. Whether the epidemics we are now seeing among developing country MSM are due to resurgent spread, ongoing spread that has long gone undocumented, or represent newly emerging epidemic patterns is thus difficult to ascertain. Nevertheless, there is enough evidence to assert that epidemic spread of HIV and other STI is occurring in previously …
Publish your Excel grade book on the Web

I have created an Excel spreadsheet to use as my course grade book. I will begin with an overview of such a sample grade book that I use in a course, teaching students about Microsoft Office. I will then tell you how I use the grade book, the equations that make it work, how to download it from the web, and finally how to modify it.
Surface interactions of iodine with Fe3O4

Abstract The rates of desorption of iodine from Fe 3 O 4 have been measured as functions of temperature and iodine loading conditions. The desorption processes could be described using first order kinetics. Distributions of iodine atoms between sites of different desorption energy were determined to enable one to calculate desorption rates under different conditions.
Qualitative and quantitative measures of indexed health sciences electronic journals.

ContextLittle is known about qualitative and quantitative characteristics of indexed health sciences electronic journals (e-journals).MethodsTo determine peer-review practices and qualitative and quantitative characteristics of different types of indexed health sciences e-journals, 3 types of e-journals indexed in MEDLINE were compared (type 1, completely electronic with no print counterpart; type 2, print and electronic versions with the same title but each publishing some unique content; and type 3, print and electronic versions containing equal content).ResultsThere were 13 type 1 journals, 16 type 2 journals, and 16 type 3 journals. Most journals in each category (85%-94%) imply or state the use of peer review. Significant differences (P<.05, analysis of variance) exist among the e-journals for the inclusion of complex types of publications (clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and practice guidelines) (15%-100%), editorials (0%-75%), letters to the editor (10%-88%), and case reports (17%-94%); the average number of items indexed in MEDLINE (22.5-544.5); and the number of complex publication types, editorials, letters, and case reports.ConclusionsType 1 e-journals do not have the qualitative or quantitative complexity of traditional print journals. Although editors' statements on editorial peer review are similar, there are differences in number and type of materials included in the 3 different types of e-journals.
Examples of vacuum polarization by solitons

Adiabatic calculations of vacuum polarization of fermion fields by solitons are reviewed and extended, and their proper interpretation elucidated. Possible solitons in the strong and weak interactions are discussed as examples. It is emphasized that the ground-state charge can depend on the scale of the soliton, with the adiabatic result holding for fermions with large mass. The very different physical implications of vacuum polarization effects for scalar fields are mentioned. The dual phenomenon, whereby heavy particles carrying conserved quantum numbers induce solitons, is briefly discussed and contrasted.
Die Frage nach den Beziehungen Zwischen den Drei Verschiedenen Evidenzen im Urteilen und den Drei Verschiedenen Einstellungen im Urteilen

Ebenfalls ist die Antwort auf die Frage danach, wie sich die drei verschiedenen Evidenzen im Urteilen einerseits und die drei verschiedenen Einstellungen im Urteilen andererseits zueinander verhalten, schon durch den Versuch, festzustellen, um welche Evidenzen im Urteilen und um welche Einstellungen im Urteilen es sich bei den drei verschiedenen Evidenzen im Urteilen und bei den drei verschiedenen Einstellungen im Urteilen im Sinne der Dreischichtung der formalen Logik als formaler Apophantik bzw. apophantischer Analytik uberhaupt handelt — aber auch durch die Antwort auf die Frage nach den Beziehungen zwischen den drei verschiedenen Stufen bzw. Schichten der Apophantik und den drei verschiedenen Evidenzen im Urteilen sowie durch die Antwort auf die Frage nach den Beziehungen zwischen den drei verschiedenen Stufen bzw. Schichten der Apophantik und den drei verschiedenen Einstellungen im Urteilen —, weitgehend vorweggenommen worden und last sich also folgendermasen zusammenfassen: Es besteht in der Tat keine genaue „eins-zu-eins-correspondentia“ zwischen einerseits dem verworrenen Urteilen bzw. der Evidenz der Verworrenheit, dem deutlichen Urteilen bzw. der Evidenz der Deutlichkeit und dem klaren Urteilen bzw. der Evidenz der Klarheit und andererseits der Einstellung der Formenlehre, der Einstellung der Konsequenzlehre bzw. -logik und der Einstellung der Wahrheitslogik; vielmehr stimmen, erstens, das Urteilen im weitesten Sinne bzw. die Evidenz im weitesten Sinne und die Einstellung auf Urteile im Sinne der reinen Formenlehre der Urteile, zweitens, das deutliche Urteilen bzw. die Evidenz der Deutlichkeit und die Einstellung auf Urteile im Sinne der puren Konsequenzlehre bzw. -logik oder der Logik der blosen Widerspruchslosigkeit und, drittens, das klarea Urteilen bzw. die Evidenz der KlarheitA und die Einstellung auf Urteile im Sinne der formalen Logik der moglichen Wahrheit miteinander uberein, und darin besteht auch die echte correspondentia zwischen den drei verschiedenen Evidenzen im Urteilen und den drei verschiedenen Einstellungen im Urteilen, die der Dreischichtung der apophantischen Analytik zugrunde liegt.
Disability in multiple sclerosis A reference for patients and clinicians

Objective: To create a reference table of disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) that would enable patients to rank their disability relative to others9 with similar disease duration and to develop a cost-effective research tool for comparing MS severity across patient populations and time periods. Methods: The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry collects disability data from patients with MS on a validated, 9-point Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale. We compiled the Disability Expectancy Table, which displays cumulative frequencies of PDDS scores for each year of disease duration, from 0 to 45 years. We also tabulated disease duration–adjusted mean ranks of PDDS scores, referred to as Patient-derived MS Severity Scores (P-MSSS). Results: The cohort consisted of 27,918 NARCOMS enrollees, 72.7% of whom were female and 90.1% of whom were white. Mean age at symptom onset was 30.1 ± 10.1 years, and age at enrollment was 47.1 ± 11.0 years. The Disability Expectancy Table and P-MSSS afford a detailed overview of disability outcomes in a large MS cohort over a 45-year period. In the first year of disease, 15% of patients reported need of ambulatory aid, and 4% needed bilateral assistance or worse; after 45 years of disease, 76% of patients required ambulatory aid, and 52% bilateral assistance or worse. Proportion of patients who reported minimal or no interference in daily activities (PDDS ≤ 1) declined from 63% in the first year to 8% after 45 years of disease. Conclusion: The Disability Expectancy Table allows individual patients to determine how their disability ranks relative to NARCOMS enrollees with the same disease duration. P-MSSS may be used to compare disability across patient populations and to track disease progression in patient cohorts. P-MSSS does not require a formal neurologic examination and may therefore find wide applicability as a practical and cost-effective outcome measure in epidemiologic studies.
Bisphosphonates improve trabecular bone mass and normalize cortical thickness in ovariectomized, osteoblast connexin43 deficient mice

The gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43) controls both bone formation and osteoclastogenesis via osteoblasts and/or osteocytes. Cx43 has also been proposed to mediate an anti-apoptotic effect of bisphosphonates, potent inhibitors of bone resorption. We studied whether bisphosphonates are effective in protecting mice with a conditional Cx43 gene deletion in osteoblasts and osteocytes (cKO) from the consequences of ovariectomy on bone mass and strength. Ovariectomy resulted in rapid loss of trabecular bone followed by a slight recovery in wild type (WT) mice, and a similar degree of trabecular bone loss, albeit slightly delayed, occurred in cKO mice. Treatment with either risedronate (20 μg/kg) or alendronate (40 μg/kg) prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss in both genotypes. In basal conditions, bones of cKO mice have larger marrow area, higher endocortical osteoclast number, and lower cortical thickness and strength relative to WT. Ovariectomy increased endocortical osteoclast number in WT but not in cKO mice. Both bisphosphonates prevented these increases in WT mice, and normalized endocortical osteoclast number, cortical thickness and bone strength in cKO mice. Thus, lack of osteoblast/osteocyte Cx43 does not alter bisphosphonate action on bone mass and strength in estrogen deficiency. These results support the notion that one of the main functions of Cx43 in cortical bone is to restrain osteoblast and/or osteocytes from inducing osteoclastogenesis at the endocortical surface.
Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction and Assessment from Model Organisms

While high throughput technologies provide experimental tools to identify protein-protein interactions (PPIs), their false positive rate can be as high as about 50%. Thus, it is critical to provide computational methods that can assess the experimentally identified PPIs, detect the potential spurious interactions, and reliably predict new PPIs. In this paper, we propose a novel in-silico method for PPI prediction and assessment. Our model is based on new features extracted from different organisms and a Bayesian network that integrates heterogeneous data sources. We successfully apply the novel model to predict human PPIs from three model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae, C. elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster. For those PPIs with mapping information from the three model organisms, our model can reach 80% in sensitivity with a specificity of 70%.
A graphical user interface for numerical modeling of acclimation responses of vegetation to climate change

Ecophysiological models that vertically resolve vegetation canopy states are becoming a powerful tool for studying the exchange of mass, energy, and momentum between the land surface and the atmosphere. A mechanistic multilayer canopy-soil-root system model (MLCan) developed by Drewry et al. (2010a) has been used to capture the emergent vegetation responses to elevated atmospheric CO"2 for both C"3 and C"4 plants under various climate conditions. However, processing input data and setting up such a model can be time-consuming and error-prone. In this paper, a graphical user interface that has been developed for MLCan is presented. The design of this interface aims to provide visualization capabilities and interactive support for processing input meteorological forcing data and vegetation parameter values to facilitate the use of this model. In addition, the interface also provides graphical tools for analyzing the forcing data and simulated numerical results. The model and its interface are both written in the MATLAB programming language. Finally, an application of this model package for capturing the ecohydrological responses of three bioenergy crops (maize, miscanthus, and switchgrass) to local environmental drivers at two different sites in the Midwestern United States is presented.
Concurrent validity of the psychopathic personality inventory with offender and community samples.

The Psychopathy Checklist - Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003) is a frequently used and well-validated measure of psychopathy, but is relatively time-intensive and expensive to administer. The Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI; Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996) is a self-report measure that provides a less time-intensive and less expensive method for identifying psychopathic individuals. Using three independent samples and two different versions of the PCL (i.e., PCL-R, PCL:SV), we evaluated the extent to which the PPI and PCL overlap in their measurement of the psychopathy construct. Across three studies, PPI total and Factor 2 scores correlated moderately to strongly with PCL total and Factor 2 scores. Results for PPI and PCL Factor 1 scores were less positive. These findings raise important questions concerning the integration of results obtained using alternative psychopathy assessments.
Effect of naltrexone on subjective alcohol response in subjects at high and low risk for future alcohol dependence.

We investigated specific subjective effects of naltrexone pretreatment or placebo during various intervals on the breath alcohol level (BAL) curve in nonalcoholic volunteers. Fifteen high-risk (social drinkers with an alcoholic father) and 14 low-risk (no alcoholic relatives in at least two generations) subjects were tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of 50 mg oral naltrexone on response to a moderate dose of alcohol. Dependent measures included subjective stimulation and sedation subscales from the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) and mood subscales from the Profile of Mood States (POMS). At rising BALs, high-risk subjects showed a naltrexone-related attenuation of BAES stimulation. This effect was not evident in low-risk subjects, who directionally showed the opposite effect, although nonsignificant. For both groups, there were no significant naltrexone-related effects for BAES sedation; however, naltrexone did affect several POMS scales on alcohol response, such as decreased vigor, and increased fatigue, tension, and confusion. Confusion was significantly elevated for the high-risk group during rising BALs of the naltrexone session. The results suggest a differential response to naltrexone, based on paternal history of alcoholism and level of stimulation experienced during alcohol drinking.
In vitro synergy testing of novel antimicrobial combination therapies against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Background Antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major public health threat. Current CDC treatment guidelines for uncomplicated gonorrhoea recommend only ceftriaxone plus either azithromycin or doxycycline. Additional treatment options are needed.
A Brief Journey through the Immune System

This review serves as an introduction to an Immunology Series for the Nephrologist published in CJASN. It provides a brief overview of the immune system, how it works, and why it matters to kidneys. This review describes in broad terms the main divisions of the immune system (innate and adaptive), their cellular and tissue components, and the ways by which they function and are regulated. The story is told through the prism of evolution in order to relay to the reader why the immune system does what it does and why imperfections in the system can lead to renal disease. Detailed descriptions of cell types, molecules, and other immunologic curiosities are avoided as much as possible in an effort to not detract from the importance of the broader concepts that define the immune system and its relationship to the kidney.
14-3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute transverse myelitis

The eventual recovery of patients with acute transverse myelitis is variable and can be difficult to predict on the basis of the presenting clinical and radiographic features. We find that an early accumulation of the 14-3-3 protein occurs exclusively in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients who show little or no recovery of neurological function and therefore could serve as a helpful prognostic indicator in this disorder.
The dichotomous species of Codium in Britain

The name Codium tomentosum (or its nomenclatural synonym C. dichotomum) has been applied to dichotomous representatives of the genus in the British Isles ever since the genus was established by Stackhouse in 1797. The purpose of this paper is twofold: to show that three distinct species are involved; and to clarify the nomenclature.I am grateful to the directors and curators of the following herbaria for the loan of specimens: British Museum (BM); Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (E); Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University (FH); University of Glasgow (GL); Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K); Rijksherbarium, Leiden (L); Linnean Society of London (LINN); University of Michigan (MICH); New York Botanical Garden (NY); University of Oxford (OXF); Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Laboratoire de Cryptogamie, Paris (PC); Marine Bio-logical Association, Plymouth (PL); Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm (S); Trinity College, Dublin (TCD); University of California, Berkeley (UC); United States National Museum (US). Liquid-preserved and dried material, which has been placed in the Herbarium of the University of California, was kindly provided by Dr Sheila Lodge, Dr Betty Moss, Dr Mary Parke, Dr Mairfn de Valera, and Dr M. A. Wilson. Special thanks are due to Dr Mary Parke for her sustained interest, encouragement, and help in this study
Reductions in Instream Wood in Streams near Roads in the Interior Columbia River Basin

AbstractDespite the success of recent management efforts to reduce streamside logging, instream wood recovery may be limited by the presence of near-stream roads. We investigated the relationships between the presence of near-stream roads and the frequency and volume of different size-classes of wood in streams in the interior Columbia River basin. We developed models to evaluate the average reduction in instream wood for streams near roads (<30 m or 30–60 m). We compared this with the changes in wood frequency and volume related to changes in environmental conditions such as precipitation, bank-full width, gradient, and forest cover as well as to changes in grazing-related management. In order to extrapolate our findings to the entire study area, we used a GIS approach to determine the distance to roads for randomly selected sites throughout the study area. Sites <30 m from a road had 65 (26%) fewer pieces of total wood, 33 (34%) fewer pieces of coarse wood, 31 (37%) fewer pieces of pool-forming wood, an...
Solvent-enhanced Dye Diffusion in Polymer This-Films for OLED Application

A method of solvent-enhanced dye diffusion in polymer films for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) application is introduced. After an initial dye transfer from a dye source substrate into the top of the electractive polymer film, the device substrate is then exposed to solvent vapor. Due to solvent absorption by the polymer film, the glass transition temperature of the polymer is significantly decreased, which leads to greatly enhanced diffusion of the dye in the polymer film. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy shows that the temperature for dye diffusion can be decreased by 150 °C. OLEDs with 0.4% external quantum efficiency were demonstrated. The materials used are the polymer poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) combined with electron transport molecules (PBD), and the dyes coumarin 47, coumarin 6 and Nile red.
Detecting Newcomb-Benford Digital Frequency Anomalies in the Audit Context: Suggested Chi2 Test Possibilities

Digital Frequency Testing [DFT] has achieved justifiable currency as a valuable part of the panoply of the auditor. There are a number of inference models, such as the parametric test for proportional differences to entropic screening, that can be used to create information regarding the use of extended procedures to investigate the difference between the Observed digital frequency compared to the Expectation benchmark. One inferential model which seems ideal for DFT in the audit context is the Chi2 model as it is formed as the ratio of the square of the difference between the Observed and the Expectation benchmarked by the Expectation . This Chi2 ratio fits perfectly the usual audit investigation sensitivity imperative developed by the analytic procedures phase of the audit. However, there are Expectation Specification and Sample Size issues that need to be considered in using the Chi2 test in DFT. We present and illustrate in detail three testing models focusing on the Pearson and the Direct Benchmarking expectation differences with suggestions as to sample size control that could be used by the auditor in the certification audit. We offer important audit action information regarding the inference information that is related to the overall Chi2 test as well as to the Chi2 cell contribution signals. Finally, we have a Decision Support System [DSS] that aides in the creation of this Chi2 audit-screening information. The DSS, programmed in Excel-VBA, is available from the corresponding author as a free download without restriction to its use.
Foliar dehydration tolerance of twelve deciduous tree species

The potential for foliar dehydration tolerance and maximum capacity for osmotic adjustment were compared among 12 temperate, deciduous tree species, under standardized soil and atmospheric conditions. Dehydration tolerance was operationally defined as lethal leaf water potential (Ψ): the Ψ of the last remaining leaves surviving a continuous, lethal soil drying episode. Nyssa sylvatica Marsh., and Liriodendron tulipifera L. were most sensitive to dehydration, having lethal leaf Ψ of -2.04 and -2.38 MPa, respectively. Chionanthus virginicus L., Quercus prinus L., Acer saccharum Marsh., and Quercus acutissima Carruthers withstood the most dehydration, with leaves not dying until leaf Ψ dropped to - 5.63 MPa or below. Lethal leaf Ψ (in MPa) of other, intermediate species were: Quercus rubra L. (-3.34), Oxydendrum arboreum (L.) D.C. (-3.98), Halesia carolina L. (-4.1 1), Acer rubrum L. (- 4.43), Quercus alba L. (-4.60), and Cornus florida L. (-4.88). Decreasing lethal leaf Ψ was significantly correlated with increasing capacity for osmotic adjustment. C. virginicus and Q. acutissima showed the most osmotic adjustment during the lethal soil drying episode, with osmotic potential at full turgor declining by 1.73 and 1.44 MPa, respectively. Other species having reductions in osmotic potential at full turgor exceeding 0.50 MPa were (in MPa) Q. prinus (0.89), A. saccharum (0.71), Q. alba (0.68), H. carolina (0.67), Q. rubra (0.60), and C. florida (0.52).
High-Speed Multipass Coulter Counter with Ultrahigh Resolution

Coulter counters measure the size of particles in solution by passing them through an orifice and measuring a resistive pulse, i.e., a drop in the ionic current flowing between two electrodes placed on either side of the orifice. The magnitude of the pulse gives information on the size of the particle; however, resolution is limited by variability in the path of the translocation, due to the Brownian motion of the particle. We present a simple yet powerful modified Coulter counter that uses programmable data acquisition hardware to switch the voltage after sensing the resistive pulse of a nanoparticle passing through the orifice of a nanopipet. Switching the voltage reverses the direction of the driving force on the particle and, when this detect–switch cycle is repeated, allows us to pass an individual nanoparticle through the orifice thousands of times. By measuring individual particles more than 100 times per second we rapidly determine the distribution of the resistive pulses for each particle, which ...
Jiang Baili: Frustrated Military Intellectual in Republican China

The 1911-1927 period represented a window of opportunity for the creation of a Chinese military structure with a professional officer corps. After the fall of the Qing dynasty, Jiang Baili emerged as a rare military theorist who had intellectual status, a nuanced understanding of civil-military affairs, and both domestic and foreign military training. The failure of Jiang Baili to influence China’s military development was mainly due to his individual difficulties in focusing his intellectual talents on real-world issues. After producing two seminal works in the 1910s, Jiang lived for another twenty years as a marginalized, increasingly eccentric military analyst.
Sickle cell disease in a "postracial" America

Sickle cell disease was first identified as a clinical syndrome in the United States nearly 100 years ago. Since that time, perhaps no other medical condition has been as strongly associated with the concept of "race." In this commentary, the authors integrate multidisciplinary perspectives to argue for more rigorous analyses of how perceiving sickle cell disease through racial lenses impacts its public image and, more importantly, its perception among health care providers. The authors assert that concerted efforts involving collaborations among media, community-based organizations, medical professionals, and health care policy makers are needed to challenge popular misconceptions about sickle cell disease heritability and risk.
Representing Social Construction in Consumer Activities: Single-Period and Multi-Period Activity Production

Consumers are seen as limited decision makers who set short-term activity levels from their budgets, stocks of experience, and values following a preference-maximizing heuristic. Disturbances to activity levels in their evolution by exogeneties of social and economic environments, and the feedback of activity levels which agents have no systematic ability to anticipate, reset stock and value levels through the interactive relationships among endogenous variables. Agents then solve the maximization problem for a subsequent period using stock and value levels as modified by the evolutionary process. The dependence of a single-period decision on the stock and value constructs is examined and forms for the dynamic evolution of stock and value constructs that represent the feedback of activity levels to stock and value levels are also introduced. Implications of these forms for the social construction of activities are discussed.
Cell cycle progression and apoptosis after irradiation in an acidic environment

We investigated the effect of an acidic environment on the radiation-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis using RKO.C human colorectal cancer cells expressing wild-type p53 and RC10.1 cells, a subline of RKO.C cells deficient in p53 as well as p53+/+ MEFs and p53-/- MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts). The cells were irradiated with 4 Gy or 12 Gy of gamma-rays in pH 7.5 medium or pH 6.6 medium. p53 accentuated the progression of cells from radiation-induced G2/M arrest to apoptosis and the pH 6.6 environment suppressed the progression of cells through G2/M-phase to apoptosis after irradiation. Further analysis indicated that the radiation-induced G2/M arrest was due mainly to G2 arrest in both pH 7.5 and pH 6.6. Therefore, it was concluded that p53 enhances, and an acidic environment suppresses, the exit of cells from radiation-induced G2 arrest by altering cyclin B1-Cdc2 kinase activity.
Performance of political parties in the 2016 parliamentary election in Slovakia: regional comparisons and district-level determinants

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the results of the 2016 parliamentary election in the Slovak Republic, with a special emphasis on the regional aspects of participating political parties’ election campaigns. It summarizes the election results for the country as a whole, as well as separately by region. An empirical analysis of party electoral performance at the district level suggests that the incumbent Smer party tended to do well in districts with higher rates of unemployment and a lower proportion of university-educated population. Similar patterns hold for the Slovak ethnic nationalist Slovak National Party and the far-right People’s Party Our Slovakia. By contrast, the two parties that presented themselves as being starkly opposed to the Smer government’s policies—Freedom and Solidarity and Ordinary People and Independent Personalities—exhibit greater support in districts with more university-educated voters and lower unemployment rates.
Does rheumatoid factor always mean arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a clinical syndrome, and the diagnosis requires the presence of pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. In the absence of these features, identification of rheumatoid factor in the serum is of little use. Because rheumatoid factor is an immune complex, it is a marker of immune activation and, therefore, may be present in the circulation of persons with a variety of inflammatory conditions that stimulate the immune system. Also, 5% of the healthy population have significant titers of rheumatoid factor in their serum.