cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting polysaccharide–methotrexate conjugates to the rat brain

Delivery of drugs to brain tumors is difficult due to the impermeability, and variable nature of the blood/tumor barrier. Of the various strategies designed to improve drug uptake-intracellularly and into the brain, cationic carriers seem to offer an advantage. In the current investigation cationic polysaccharide–methotrexate conjugates were examined in the rat. Conjugates were prepared from N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) and 3H-methotrexate (MTX) by two different synthetic schemes, resulting in NOCCMTX-1 and NOCCMTX-2. NOCCMTX-1 appeared to have a higher degree of cross-polymerization than NOCCMTX-2. Each conjugate and free MTX were administered intra-arterially in a retrograde manner in the external carotid artery at a MTX dose of 1 mg/kg as a constant rate infusion over 30 min. Animals were sacrificed at various times after administration, and blood and tissue samples collected, processed in a sample oxidizer, and then measured for radioactivity. Brain MTX concentrations were 18- and 12-fold greater at 15 min and 3 hr, respectively, following NOCCMTX-1 administration compared to free MTX treatment. However, NOCCMTX-1 resulted in animal death at about 12 hr after administration. NOCMTX-2 was found to be non-toxic, yet did not increase brain MTX concentrations compared to free drug administrations after correction for MTX in residual blood. Further investigations are planned to combine the positive drug targeting effect of NOCCMTX-1 with the safety of NOCCMTX-2.
Potential target populations and clinical models for testing chemopreventive agents.

Target populations for chemoprevention trials should include those at higher than average risk for the development of prostate cancer as defined by explicit epidemiologic and genetic criteria. Such populations include a primary prevention group without histologic or clinical evidence of cancer, and several clinical models of secondary prevention, including those with clinically evident disease prior to definitive therapy and those at high risk of recurrence after therapy based on histological or biochemical status. Each risk group and clinical model has potential advantages and disadvantages, and the mechanisms that underlie disease development and progression in each group may be unique. These observations give rise to many potential clinical trials of specific agents. These trials should also include collection of data on potentially confounding influences on disease development and progression.
Infrared absorption of oxygen discharge products and ozone at 4°K

Abstract The products of a high frequency electric discharge through oxygen were condensed on a cesium iodide plate at approximately 4.2°K. Absorption spectra of the condensates were recorded over the range 2 to 25 microns. The principal features observed are attributed to ozone and to nitrogen oxides formed from atoms produced in the discharge. The infrared absorption spectrum of ozone at 4.2°K was recorded. From observations of the ozone absorption as function of temperature an upper limit of 3% was inferred for the oxygen atom concentration in the solid.
Reconstitution of thymic function in HIV-1 patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy

The extent to which highly active antiretroviral therapy can restore thymic function in HIV-1 infected patients is not known. We simulate treatment using a temporal model of thymopoiesis during HIV-1 infection, tracking thymic function by the number of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) exported to the periphery per day. Our results suggest that suppressing viral load in peripheral blood and improving inherent thymic function are necessary for the reconstitution of RTE levels in adult thymic infection with either R5 or X4 HIV-1 strains. This is also the case in pediatric thymic infection with R5 strains. However, recovery of RTE levels during pediatric infection with X4 strains also depends on high drug efficacy within the thymus. We further predict that protease inhibitors have high levels of efficacy directly suppressing viral replication within the thymus, while reverse transcriptase inhibitors have low efficacy.
Effects of media and plant selection on biofiltration performance

AbstractThe goal of this research was to compare the pollutant removal effectiveness of biofiltration systems containing different media and plant species. A laboratory column study was conducted by using three media and two plant species, each with and without a submerged zone intended to promote denitrification. Twenty experiments were run by using synthetic storm water over the course of nine months, and ten of them were analyzed. The three media used were concrete sand, masonry sand, and a medium that meets the City of Austin’s biofiltration specifications. The plant species were Buffalograss 609 and Big Muhly, both commonly found in Texas. The results of this study showed a significant improvement in nutrient removal with the presence of these plants in the filter. The columns without plants were found to export substantial amounts of nitrate/nitrite, whereas the columns with the plants demonstrated a substantial removal of nutrients (59–79% of the total nitrogen and 77–94% of the total phosphorus). ...
Human subject research: reporting ethics approval and informed consent in 3 chiropractic journals.

Abstract Objective To date, there have been no reports of ethics board approval or informed consent within the chiropractic literature or within chiropractic research. The purpose of this study was to assess the reporting of ethics approval and informed consent in articles published during the 2008 volume year of 3 chiropractic research journals included in PubMed. Methods A quantitative assessment of the articles published in each journal for the 2008 volume year was performed. Information collected included if the article involved human subject research, if it reported ethics board approval, and if informed consent was given to subjects. Data were collected as descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages). Results In aggregate, 50 articles of a total of 143 published involved human subject research (35%). 44 reported ethics board approval (88%), and 28 reported that informed consent had been obtained (56%). Forty-five percent of articles published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics involved human subject research (39/87), of which 95% reported ethics board approval (37/39) and 64% reported informed consent (25/39); 12.5% of articles from the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association involved human subject research (5/40), of which 80% reported ethics board approval (4/5) and 40% reported informed consent (2/5); and 37.5% of articles published in Chiropractic and Osteopathy involved human subject research (6/16), of which 50% reported ethics board approval (3/6) and 17% reported informed consent (1/6). Conclusion Overall, most articles reported ethics approval, and more than half reported consent. This was harmonious with research on this topic from other disciplines. This situation indicates a need for continued quality improvement and for better instruction and dissemination of information on these issues to researchers, to manuscript reviewers, to journal editors, and to the readers.
Laxity and Functional Outcome After Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation of Displaced Tibial Spine Fractures in Children

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate laxity and functional outcome of displaced tibial spine fractures in skeletally immature patients treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation. Type of Study: Retrospective case series. Methods: Six patients (mean age, 12.0 years old) underwent subjective, objective, and instrumented knee laxity assessment at minimum 2 years (mean, 3.2 years) of follow-up time after arthroscopic reduction and 3.5-mm cannulated screw fixation of (Meyers and McKeever type III) tibial spine fractures. Results: Physical examination showed persistent laxity, with an abnormal Lachman examination in 5 of 6 patients and an abnormal pivot-shift examination in 2 of 6 patients. Instrumented knee laxity (KT-1000) showed greater than 3-mm manual-maximum side-to-side difference in 4 of 6 patients. Functional assessment revealed excellent function, with a mean Lysholm score of 99.5 (range, 98–100), mean Marshall score of 49.0 (range, 47–50), and mean Tegner score of 8.7 (range, 7–9). Conclusions: Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of type III tibial spine fractures in skeletally immature patients results in persistent laxity but excellent functional outcome.
Recipient's unemployment restricts access to renal transplantation

Equitable distribution of a scarce resource such as kidneys for transplantation can be a challenging task for transplant centers. In this study, we evaluated the association between recipient's employment status and access to renal transplantation in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We used data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). The primary variable of interest was employment status at ESRD onset. Two outcomes were analyzed in Cox model: (i) being placed on the waiting list for renal transplantation or being transplanted (whichever occurred first); and (ii) first transplant in patients who were placed on the waiting list. We analyzed 429 409 patients (age of ESRD onset 64.2 ± 15.2 yr, 55.0% males, 65.1% White). Compared with patients who were unemployed, patients working full time were more likely to be placed on the waiting list/transplanted (HR 2.24, p < 0.001) and to receive a transplant once on the waiting list (HR 1.65, p < 0.001). Results indicate that recipient's employment status is strongly associated with access to renal transplantation, with unemployed and partially employed patients at a disadvantage. Adding insurance status to the model reduces the effect size, but the association still remains significant, indicating additional contribution from other factors.
Comparative effects of ammonium and nitrate compounds on Pacific treefrog and African clawed frog embryos.

The effects of ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, and sodium nitrate on survival and growth of Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) and African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) embryos were determined in static-renewal tests. The 10-day LC50s for the three ammonium compounds for P. regilla ranged from 25.0–32.4 mg/L NH4 -N. The 10-day sodium nitrate LC50 for P. regilla was 578.0 mg/L NO3-N. LC50s for X. laevis exposed for 4 or 5 days to the three ammonium compounds ranged from 27.5–60.2 mg/L NH4-N. The sodium nitrate LC50 for X. laevis ranged from 438.4–871.6 mg/L NO3-N. The lowest LOAEL based on length or weight was 6.1 mg/L NH4-N for the two species. The lowest LOAELs for NO3-N were 111.1 mg/L for P. regilla and 56.7 mg/L for X. laevis. Calculated unionized NH3 comprised 0.5–1.8% of measured NH4-N concentrations. Potential harm to amphibian populations could occur if NH4-N and NO3-N in agricultural runoff or drainage impacts sensitive life stages for a sufficiently long period.
Factorial Validity of a Computer Self-Efficacy Scale and the Impact of Computer Training:

In this article, a 30-item computer self-efficacy scale is validated and used to examine the influence of computer training on computer self-efficacy. The scale was used to collect data from 224 un...
Gold nanoparticles induce transcriptional activity of NF-κB in a B-lymphocyte cell line

Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have been designated as superior tools for biological applications owing to their characteristic surface plasmon absorption/scattering and amperometric (electron transfer) properties, in conjunction with low or no immediate toxicity towards biological systems. Many studies have shown the ease of designing application-based tools using Au-NPs but the interaction of this nanosized material with biomolecules in a physiological environment is an area requiring deeper investigation. Immune cells such as lymphocytes circulate through the blood and lymph and therefore are likely cellular components to come in contact with Au-NPs. The main aim of this study was to mechanistically determine the functional impact of Au-NPs on B-lymphocytes. Using a murine B-lymphocyte cell line (CH12.LX), treatment with citrate-stabilized 10 nm Au-NPs induced activation of an NF-κB-regulated luciferase reporter, which correlated with altered B lymphocyte function (i.e. increased antibody expression). TEM imaging demonstrated that Au-NPs can pass through the cellular membrane and therefore could interact with intracellular components of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Based on the inherent property of Au-NPs to bind to –thiol groups and the presence of cysteine residues on the NF-κB signal transduction proteins IκB kinases (IKK), proteins specifically bound to Au-NPs were extracted from CH12.LX cellular lysate exposed to 10 nm Au-NPs. Electrophoresis identified several bands, of which IKKα and IKKβ were immunoreactive. Further evaluation revealed activation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway as evidenced by IκBα phosphorylation at serine residues 32 and 36 followed by IκBα degradation and increased nuclear RelA. Additionally, expression of an IκBα super-repressor (resistant to proteasomal degradation) reversed Au-NP-induced NF-κB activation. Altered NF-κB signaling and cellular function in B-lymphocytes suggests a potential for off-target effects with in vivo applications of gold nanomaterials and underscores the need for more studies evaluating the interactions of nanomaterials with biomolecules and cellular components.
Cytochemical differentiation of components of Entamoeba histolytica; with special reference to variations occurring with different associated organisms.

Abstract (1) It has been demonstrated that a hyaluronic acid type of polysaccharide is present in the cytoplasm and nucleus of E. histolytica , when grown with various mono-associates. (2) The outer surface coat of the F-22 strain with streptobacillus associate contained collagen, which was absent in other cultures studied. (3) Variation of the acid polysaccharide content of the cytoplasm and in the nature of the outer surface coat appears to be more closely related to the type of associated organism rather than to strain differences. (4) Ceric ammonium nitrate was capable of bonding with the acid polysaccharide staining material of both cytoplasm and nucleus.
Principals, Trust, and Cultivating Vibrant Schools

Although principals are ultimately held accountable to student learning in their buildings, the most consistent research results have suggested that their impact on student achievement is largely indirect. Leithwood and his colleagues propose four paths through which this indirect influence would flow. Among conditions on the four paths, we assert that trust is key. In this chapter, we explore the evidence that points to the role that faculty trust in the principal plays in student learning and how principals can cultivate trust by attending to the five facets of trust, as well as the correlates of trust that mediate student learning, including academic press, collective teacher efficacy, and teacher professionalism. We argue that trust plays a role in each of the four paths identified by Leithwood, Patten, and Jantzi. Finally, we explore possible new directions for future research.
Efficient recognition of an unpaired lesion by a DNA repair glycosylase.

The duplex structure of DNA, with its internal base pairing, protects the nucleobases from chemical damage, but it also poses a barrier to DNA-modifying enzymes, including the enzymes that recogniz...
Sex-determining chromosomes and sexual dimorphism: insights from genetic mapping of sex expression in a natural hybrid Fragaria × ananassa subsp. cuneifolia

We studied the natural hybrid (Fragaria × ananassa subsp. cuneifolia) between two sexually dimorphic octoploid strawberry species (Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis) to gain insight into the dynamics of sex chromosomes and the genesis of sexual dimorphism. Male sterility is dominant in both the parental species and thus will be inherited maternally, but the chromosome that houses the sex-determining region differs. Thus, we asked whether (1) the cytotypic composition of hybrid populations represents one or both maternal species, (2) the sex-determining chromosome of the hybrid reflects the location of male sterility within the maternal donor species and (3) crosses from the hybrid species show less sexual dimorphism than the parental species. We found that F. × ananassa subsp. cuneifolia populations consisted of both parental cytotypes but one predominated within each population. Genetic linkage mapping of two crosses showed dominance of male sterility similar to the parental species, however, the map location of male sterility reflected the maternal donor in one cross, but not the other. Moreover, female function mapped to a single region in the first cross, but to two regions in the second cross. Aside from components of female function (fruit set and seed set), other traits that have been found to be significantly sexually dimorphic in the pure species were either not dimorphic or were dimorphic in the opposite direction to the parental species. These results suggest that hybrids experience some disruption of dimorphism in secondary sexual traits, as well as novel location and number of quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting sex function.
Last days of the mammoth

Recent discoveries have revealed much more about the life of this behemoth – and its death.
A small molecule Abl kinase inhibitor induces differentiation of Abelson virus–transformed pre-B cell lines

Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed cell lines have provided a critical model system for studying the regulation of B cell development. However, transformation by v-Abl blocks B cell development, resulting in the arrest of these transformants in an early pre-B cell-like state. We report here that treatment of Abelson virus-transformed pre-B cell lines with the small molecule Abl kinase inhibitor (STI571) results in their differentiation to a late pre-B cell-like state characterized by induction of immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain gene rearrangement. DNA microarray analyses enabled us to identify two genes inhibited by v-Abl that encode the Igk 3' enhancer-binding transcription factors Spi-B and IRF-4. We show that enforced expression of these two factors is sufficient to induce germline Igk transcription in Abelson-transformed pro-B cell lines. This suggests a key role for these factors, and perhaps for c-Abl itself, in the regulated activation of Ig light chain gene rearrangement.
Weak boundary conditions for wave propagation problems in confined domains: Formulation and implementation using a variational multiscale method

Abstract We propose a new approach to the enforcement of Dirichlet, Neumann, or Robin boundary conditions in finite element computations of wave propagation problems. The key idea is to enforce the boundary conditions weakly as part of the variational formulation. Due to the hyperbolic structure of the problem considered, the variational formulation does not require any penalty parameters, in contrast with what typically happens in elliptic or advection–diffusion (parabolic) problems. This article presents the implementation of the proposed boundary condition framework using a variational multiscale method for the wave equation in mixed form. We conclude with an extensive set of tests to validate the robustness and accuracy of the proposed approach.
Guided Wave Delamination Detection and Quantification With Wavefield Data Analysis

Unexpected damage can occur in aerospace composites due to impact events or material stress during off-nominal loading events. In particular, laminated composites are susceptible to delamination damage due to weak transverse tensile and inter-laminar shear strengths. Developments of reliable and quantitative techniques to detect delamination damage in laminated composites are imperative for safe and functional optimally-designed next-generation composite structures. In this paper, we investigate guided wave interactions with delamination damage and develop quantification algorithms by using wavefield data analysis. The trapped guided waves in the delamination region are observed from the wavefield data and further quantitatively interpreted by using different wavenumber analysis methods. The frequency-wavenumber representation of the wavefield shows that new wavenumbers are present and correlate to trapped waves in the damage region. These new wavenumbers are used to detect and quantify the delamination damage through the wavenumber analysis, which can show how the wavenumber changes as a function of wave propagation distance. The location and spatial duration of the new wavenumbers can be identified, providing a useful means not only for detecting the presence of delamination damage but also allowing for estimation of the delamination size. Our method has been applied to detect and quantify real delamination damage with complex geometry (grown using a quasi-static indentation technique). The detection and quantification results show the location, size, and shape of the delamination damage.
Design optimization of non-linear structures with rate-dependent and rate-independent constitutive models

A design optimization process for non-linear structures with history-dependent materials modelled using the endochronic constitutive theory is described. This constitutive model does not use the concept of a yield surface and describes plastic, viscoplastic and viscoelastic behaviour with one set of equations. Therefore, development of the yield surface is not traced in numerical calculations, simplifying the implementation of response and sensitivity analyses. The total Lagrangian formulation incorporating both geometric and material non-linear effects is used. Shape, non-shape and material design parameters are treated simultaneously using the control volume concept, and static and dynamic problems are treated. A simple structure is optimized for several cases of static and impact loading conditions to demonstrate the procedure. Plastic and viscoplastic material behaviour as well as shape and non-shape design parameters are treated in the example problems.
Increasing Total Fiber Intake Reduces Risk of Weight and Fat Gains in Women

Research investigating fiber intake and changes in weight over time has not controlled for important covariates, especially physical activity. Moreover, studies have rarely examined the influence of fiber on changes in body fat, only weight. Hence, this study was conducted to determine whether changes in fiber intake (total, soluble, and insoluble) influence risk of gaining weight and body fat over time. Another objective was to examine the influence of age, energy intake, activity, season, and other potential confounders. A prospective cohort design was used and 252 women completed baseline and follow-up assessments 20 mo apart. Diet was measured using 7-d weighed food records. Fiber was expressed per 1000 kcal (4187 kJ). Body fat was assessed via the Bod Pod and physical activity was measured using accelerometers over 7 consecutive days. Across the 20 mo, almost 50% of the women gained weight and fat. For each 1 g increase in total fiber consumed, weight decreased by 0.25 kg (P = 0.0061) and fat decreased by 0.25 percentage point (P = 0.0052). Controlling for potential confounders did not affect the relationships, except changes in energy intake, which weakened the associations by 24-32%. Soluble and insoluble fibers were borderline predictors of changes in weight and fat. In conclusion, increasing dietary fiber significantly reduces the risk of gaining weight and fat in women, independent of several potential confounders, including physical activity, dietary fat intake, and others. Fiber's influence seems to occur primarily through reducing energy intake over time.
In Search of Systems "DNA"

General Systems Theory (GST) has been an attempt to put precision into the term system thereby making intelligent communication between its users more attractive, something that provides for migration of ideas and the possible resolution of issues by borrowing solutions from unfamiliar domains. We propose to build on GST and in particular, as von Bertalanffy once did, draw on the biological sciences, now hugely advanced beyond that ever imagined by von Bertalanffy and his peers, and use its findings, architectures and emergent behaviors, to argue for a biology of technology and enterprise systems. We do so by expanding on a system of “togetherness characteristics” and in particular explain how these can be applied to better understand familiar systems, e.g. the automobile, and how such systems form part of diverse wider communities (or containing systems). We seek a science and approach that we believe will provide richer insight into system failure, 'health' maintenance, repair, replication, growth, and mutation, all those features of the evolution of systems which constantly challenge us and which thus far we have only been able to explain via macro-level models and tools. We propose to go deeper into the structure of these systems and to discover the "DNA" (building blocks) of these systems. Thus establishing a foundation to understand their behavior using biological analogies which we believe will turn out to be more than metaphors. We assert that these systems have micro-structures which will explain their individual life cycle and their communal ecology.
Remote sensing of fuel moisture content from canopy water indices and normalized dry matter index

Fuel moisture content (FMC), an important variable for predicting the occurrence and spread of wildfire, is the ratio of foliar water content and foliar dry matter content. One approach for the remote sensing of FMC has been to estimate the change in canopy water content over time by using a liquid-water spectral index. Recently, the normalized dry matter index (NDMI) was developed for the remote sensing of dry matter content using high-spectral-resolution data. The ratio of a spectral water index and a dry matter index corresponds to the ratio of foliar water and dry matter contents; therefore, we hypothesized that FMC may be remotely sensed with a spectral water index divided by NDMI. For leaf-scale simulations using the PROSPECT (leaf optical properties spectra) model, all water index/NDMI ratios were significantly related to FMC with a second-order polynomial regression. For canopy-scale simulations using the SAIL (scattering by arbitrarily inclined leaves) model, two water index/NDMI ratios, with numerators of the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI), predicted FMC with R2 values of 0.900 and 0.864, respectively. Leaves from three species were dried or stacked to vary FMC; measured NDII/NDMI was best related to FMC. Whereas the planned NASA mission Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) will have high spectral resolution and very high signal-to-noise properties, the planned 19-day repeat frequency will not be sufficient for monitoring FMC with NDII/NDMI. Because increased fire frequency is expected with climatic change, operational assessment of FMC at large scales may require polar-orbiting environmental sensors with narrow bands to calculate NDMI.
Green manure as a nitrogen source for wheat in the southeastern United States

Interest in developing more sustainable cropping systems has led to renewed interest in legumes as N sources for crops. We conducted a 2-year study to compare the effects of green manure, green manure plus fertilizer, and fertilizer on wheat yield and N leaching potential. In 1991–92, wheat following corn and receiving 0, 45, or 90 kg N/ha was compared with wheat planted after plowing the autumn regrowth of red clover/johnsongrass hay (supplemented with alfalfa) that supplied 107 kg total N/ha. In 1992–93, wheat following corn and receiving 90 kg N/ha was compared with wheat following hay regrowth that either received fertilizer N at 45 kg/ha or 90 kg N/ha or was supplemented with alfalfa (total of 123 kg N/ha). Yield with only green manure averaged 65% of yield with 90 kg N/ha. Yields with green manure plus 45 or 90 kg N/ha were not different from yield with 90 kg N only. The first year, soil to a depth of 30 cm declined from as high as 40 kg/ha in the fall to less than 10 kg/ha as wheat growth increased in the spring. In contrast, concentration averaged 20 kg/ha throughout the growing season. Trends in soil inorganic N were similar the second year. Profile nitrate distribution indicated a greater potential for N leaching with fertilizer than with green manure. Soil from the site was used in a laboratory incubation study to determine the rate of N mineralization from white clover at 10°C. An average of 80% of the clover N was recovered as soil inorganic N; however, in the field study, recovery (soil inorganic N in the 0 to 30-cm zone + Nin above-ground wheat biomass) was only 21%. Supplementing green manures with spring applications of fertilizer N could decrease the leaching loss without decreasing wheat yield.
Human Growth Hormone: Research and Clinical Practice. Roy G. Smith and Michael O. Thorner, eds. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press Inc., 2000, 348 pp., $135.00, hardcover. ISBN 0-89603-505-0.

This comprehensive text gives an up-to-date summary of the growth hormone (GH) field. It provides much more in-depth information than is found in traditional endocrinology textbooks. After an introductory chapter, the book is divided into two parts. Chapters 2 through 10 deal with “research”, essentially the physiology of the GH axis. Chapters 11 through 19 focus on “clinical practice”, encompassing GH deficiency and resistance (pediatric and adult), and treatment. Each chapter can be read as a separate entity. However, that leads to some redundancy throughout the book, in particular with the mechanisms of GH secretion. Several chapters deal with the …
Decreased nNOS in the PVN leads to increased sympathoexcitation in chronic heart failure: role for CAPON and Ang II

Aims Previously, we showed an enhanced excitatory ( N -methyl d-aspartate receptor-NR1) and decreased inhibitory neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) influence within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). Although NR1 and nNOS are normally linked, they can be disconnected by nNOS sequestering with nNOS-associated protein (CAPON). The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism for the disconnection between increased expression of NR1 and decreased nNOS in the PVN of rats with CHF which leads to enhanced sympathoexcitation. Methods and results CAPON expression was augmented while nNOS expression was decreased in the PVN of rats with CHF (6–8 weeks after left coronary artery ligation). Angiotensin II (Ang II) type I receptor (AT1) antagonist losartan (Los) treatment in rats with CHF reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity with concomitant normalization of protein expression of CAPON and nNOS in the PVN. Los treatment also reversed the blunting of endogenous NO-mediated sympatho-inhibition in rats with CHF. Moreover, Ang II-induced increase in CAPON expression in NG108 neuronal cells was also ameliorated by Los. Conclusion Blocking AT1 receptors prevents the overexpression of CAPON and concomitant decrease in nNOS in the PVN, resulting in attenuation of sympathoexcitation commonly observed in CHF. Taken together, our data highlight the importance of altered expression and subsequent interaction of nNOS and CAPON within the PVN, leading to increased sympathoexcitation in CHF. Identifying this crucial nNOS/CAPON interaction regulated by AT1 receptors may provide an important potential therapeutic target in CHF.
Replacing bad (F)actors: hemophilia

Abstract Hemophilia A and B are bleeding disorders that result from functional deficiencies in specific circulating blood clotting factors termed factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX), respectively, and collectively display an incidence of 1 in 4000 male births. Stem cell transplantation therapies hold the promise of providing a cure for hemophilia, but currently available transplantable stem cell products do not confer endogenous FIX or FVIII biosynthesis. For this reason, stem cell-based approaches for hemophilia have focused primarily on genetic engineering of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells. While pluripotent stem cells have been branded with high expectation and promise, they remain poorly characterized in terms of clinical utility and safety. In contrast, adult-lineage-restricted stem cells are established agents in the clinical armamentarium. Of the clinically established stem cell types, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most utilized and represent the standard of care for several genetic and acquired diseases. Furthermore, HSCs are ideal cellular vehicles for gene therapy applications because they self-renew, repopulate the entire blood lineage while concurrently amplifying the transgene copy number >10(6) fold, and also have direct access to the bloodstream. Current research on HSC transplantation gene therapy approaches for hemophilia A and B is focused on the following: (1) identification of safe and efficient methods of nucleic acid transfer, (2) optimization of transgene product expression, (3) minimization of conditioning-regimen-related toxicity while maintaining HSC engraftment, and (4) overcoming preexisting immunity. Based on the existing data and current rate of progress, clinical trials of HSC transplantation gene therapy for hemophilia are predicted to begin in the coming years.
Laser trapping in cell biology

Optical traps offer the promise of being used as noninvasive micromanipulators for biological objects. An analytical model was developed that accurately describes the forces exerted on dielectric microspheres while in a single-beam gradient force optical trap. The model can be extended to the trapping of biological objects. The model predicts the existence of a stable trapping point and effective trapping range. A minimum trapping power of approximately 5 mW and an effective trapping range of 2.4 mu m were measured for 10- mu m-diameter dielectric microspheres and are in reasonable agreement with expected results. In cell biology, the optical trap was used to alter the movement of chromosomes within mitotic cells in vitro and to hold motile sperm cells. Results for the mitotic cells indicate that chromosome movement was initiated in the direction opposite to that of the applied force. >
Multi-walled carbon nanotube exposure alters protein expression in human keratinocytes

Carbon nanotubes have widespread applications, although little is known about their toxicity or interaction with cells. Recent studies in skin and lung reveal that carbon nanoparticles can cause toxicity. To generate a preliminary protein profile of nanotube exposure, we analyzed human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) exposed to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in cell culture using large-format, two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS). Compared with controls, 24 hours of MWCNT exposure altered the expression of 36 proteins (P < .01), whereas 106 were altered at 48 hours. At both time points, roughly 67% of the affected proteins were significantly down-regulated. Peptide mass fingerprinting identified most of the differentially expressed proteins, and the various protein identities reflected a complex cellular response to MWCNT exposure. In addition to proteins associated with metabolism, cell signaling, and stress, we observed a consistent effect on the expression of cytoskeletal elements and vesicular trafficking components. These data clearly show that MWCNTs are capable of altering protein expression in a target epithelial cell that constitutes a primary route of occupational exposure for manufactured nanotubes.
Nuclear conflict and the nuclear self

(1986). Nuclear conflict and the nuclear self. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 6, Commentaries on Heinz Kohut's How Does Analysis Cure?, pp. 349-365.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of human dental calculus: a potentially new non-destructive proxy for paleodietary analysis

Abstract Fifty-eight dental calculus samples from medieval and post-medieval skeletons from Vitoria, Spain, and a single sample from an Alaskan Inuit were tested for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions. There was sufficient carbon and nitrogen concentrations to obtain δ13C and δ15N values, and the samples from Spain produced results that were replicable and comparable to European isotope values based on bone collagen collected from literature sources. The Alaskan Inuit calculus sample yielded a δ15N value of +17.5‰, well beyond the range of the Spanish samples, but consistent with literature data for modern Greenlandic Inuit consuming a diet rich in marine food. There are several potential sources for carbon and nitrogen in calculus. The results of this study yield stable isotope values consistent with those obtained from other biomaterials used as isotope proxies for paleodietary research, including bone collagen, hair, and fingernails, although further work is necessary to verify the fidelity of calculus as an isotope proxy. Many studies in bioarchaeology are precluded by curatorial concerns regarding the destructive analysis of primary biomaterials. However, calculus is an “add-on”, or secondary biomaterial, that is not an integral part of the dental or skeletal system. Hence, its consumption during analysis is technically not destructive. Therefore, isotope analysis of dental calculus may provide a potential new avenue for paleodietary analysis where the use of other primary biomaterials is precluded.
PP7 Is a Positive Regulator of Blue Light Signaling in Arabidopsis

The cryptochrome blue light photoreceptors mediate various photomorphogenic responses in plants, including hypocotyl elongation, cotyledon expansion, and control of flowering time. The molecular mechanism of cryptochrome function in Arabidopsis is becoming increasingly clear, with recent studies showing that both CRY1 and CRY2 are localized in the nucleus and that CRY2 is regulated by blue light-dependent phosphorylation. Despite these advances, no positive cryptochrome signaling component has been identified to date. Here, we demonstrate that a novel Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (AtPP7) with high sequence similarity to the Drosophila retinal degeneration C protein phosphatase acts as an intermediate in blue light signaling. Transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings with reduced AtPP7 expression levels exhibit loss of hypocotyl growth inhibition and display limited cotyledon expansion in response to blue light irradiation. These effects are as striking as those seen in hy4 mutant seedlings, which are deficient in CRY1. We further demonstrate that AtPP7 transcript levels are not rate limiting and that AtPP7 probably acts downstream of cryptochrome in the nucleus, ensuring signal flux through the pathway. Based on our findings and recent data regarding cryptochrome action, we propose that AtPP7 acts as a positive regulator of cryptochrome signaling in Arabidopsis.
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF MICROFIBRILLATED CELLULOSE POLYVINYL ALCOHOL COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Abstract This work reports the preparation of MFC–PVA composite films, and the thermal and mechanical properties of these films. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), which was separated from kraft pulp by a mechanical process, was used as the reinforcement in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. This MFC reinforcement has an interconnected web-like structure with fibrils having a diameter in the range of 10–100 nm, as observed by TEM. MFC–PVA composite films were created by casting from a water suspension to produce a homogeneous dispersion of MFC in the polymer matrix. DMA shows an increase of the storage modulus in the glassy state with increasing MFC content, but a more significant increase in modulus is detectable above the glass transition temperature. There is a steady increase in both the modulus and strength of the composite films until a plateau is reached at 10 wt% MFC. The thermal stability of the PVA composite films is slightly increased with the addition of MFC. As a result of this research, it has been shown that MFC is an excellent reinforcement comparable to cellulose nanowhiskers. Furthermore, by combining MFC with PVA in addition to good mechanical properties, this composite has good chemical resistance and biodegradability. The water soluble characteristics of PVA combined with a water dispersion of MFC are also easily processable.
Artificial Insemination of Pigeons and Doves

Abstract SINCE the development by Quinn and Burrows (1936) of a simple method of obtaining semen from and inseminating gallinaceous birds, artificial insemination has made possible a number of studies on the physiology of reproduction and hybridization of these birds. An extension of the technic to the smaller birds, particularly to the pigeons and doves, holds promise as a tool for more extended work along the same lines. The pigeons and doves include a wide variety of species, many of them separated by psychological and size barriers preventing normal copulation. Barriers of this sort can be surmounted by artificial insemination. In their physiology of reproduction, these birds offer the same problems as those already studied by means of the insemination technic in gallinaceous birds, and in addition problems concerned with the specific and regular ovarian cycle not encountered in the Gallinae. Furthermore, certain types of pigeons (for example, featherless, rumpless) cannot . . .
Sympathetic denervation in the treatment of acute arterial occlusion.

The effect of sympathectomy on the size of the collateral vessels in acute arterial ligation in a hind limb was measured by an angiographic angiometric technic and by noting the pressure in the ligated artery distal to the ligature. The size of the largest collateral vessel present on the sympathectomized side was the same as that on the innervated side. The blood pressure in the ligated artery distal to the ligature was quite similar on the sympathectomized and innervated sides. The usual increase in temperature on the sympathectomized side was noted. This must be due to a shift of blood from the deeper tissues of the hind limb to the arteriovenous shunts of the skin of the toes, rather than to an increase in collateral blood flow.
An object interface storage node for clustered file systems

In order to sustain scalability, clustered file systems distribute files across multiple I/O nodes in the cluster. The basis of many of these file systems is an object storage architecture where data is represented by variable sized containers called objects. The I/O nodes, however, use a POSIX file and directory interface which do not map well to the object interface. As a result, object storage nodes still have to resolve file paths and perform expensive lookup operations to find inodes and open objects stored as files. In this paper, we propose an alternative object based data interface where I/O node data can be accessed directly using object IDs instead of character strings. We modified an existing Linux file system to provide the object based interface which allows for faster data access times compared to the traditional directory-based interface. In addition, we modified a Object Storage Device (OSD) to use our object based interface to gain improvements in object creation and access. We believe this object based interface provides a useful alternative to the existing interface to provide better performance for cluster storage systems.
Sentence disambiguation by asking

Our parsing algorithm produces all possible parses from an ambiguous sentence. For the algorithm to be useful in practical applications, we need a mechanism to select one intended parse out of a batch of parses. In theory, it is desirable for the system to be able to disambiguate a sentence by semantics and pragmatics, and a large number of techniques using semantic information have been developed to resolve natural language ambiguity [13, 45, 7]. In practice, however, not all ambiguity problems can be solved by those techniques at the current state of the art. Moreover, some sentences are absolutely ambiguous, that is, even a human cannot disambiguate them, unless he knows the intent of the speaker.
An ETO-based AC buck-type fault current limiter for use in the FREEDM project

This paper presents a new fault current limiter topology based on the emitter turn-off thyristor that is intended for the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Project. This device is a hybrid device that combines the advantages of solid-state fault current limiters and traditional impedance injecting fault current limiters. Comparing existing devices, the proposed device offers low conduction losses during normal operation while limiting the peak fault current to two times the rated current. The limiting of the fault current is achieved by pulse width modulation and implementing an AC type buck converter. This buck type limiter achieves a full sinusoidal waveform compared to other limiters that switch on and off at a preset value. The ETO can switch the current within a few microseconds and block the fault current without breaking down.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PYROGENICITY OF CANDIDA ALBICANS, SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE, AND CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS.

Kobayashi, George S. (Tulane University, New Orleans, La.), and Lorraine Friedman. Characterization of the pyrogenicity of Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Cryptococcus neoformans. J. Bacteriol. 88:660–666. 1964.—The intravenous injection into rabbits of 109 yeast cells of Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Cryptococcus neoformans (both slightly and heavily encapsulated forms) induced a febrile response indistinguishable from that elicited by gram-negative bacterial endotoxin. There was a brisk rise in body temperature which began as early as 30 min after injection, peaked once or twice, and then returned to normal after about 10 hr. With viable C. albicans, the febrile response did not return to normal but remained elevated for several days and terminated at death of the animal. Of three extraction procedures employed in attempts to isolate the endotoxin-like pyrogenically active substances from C. albicans, only one, the phenol extraction method, was successful. Pyrogenic substances were more easily extractable from S. cerevisiae, but extracted cells of both species were still highly pyrogenic. It was concluded that the particulate nature of the yeast cell did not contribute to the induction of fever, for latex particles of a similar size were nonpyrogenic. Viable or heat-killed C. albicans, phenol extract of C. albicans, zymosan, and polystyrene latex particles all failed to induce in rabbits increased dermal reactivity to epinephrine.
Should Civil Liberties Have Strict Priority

Many political controversies involve conflicts between civil liberties and other important social goals (such as equality of opportunity and non-discrimination). The orthodox view in liberal political theory is that civil liberties must be given strict priority over competing social goals because of (1) the importance of the interests advanced by such liberties and/or (2) their role in upholding the status of citizens. This paper criticizes both lines of argument. Interest-based arguments fail because we are sometimes willing to sacrifice the very fundamental interests of some citizens in order to advance large collections of lower priority interests. This shows that civil liberties cannot have strict priority over other social goals just because of the importance of the interests that they protect. Meanwhile, because considerations of status are often at stake on both sides of conflicts between important civil liberties and other social goals, their importance cannot provide reason to give strict priority to such liberties. These arguments cast doubt on the view that civil liberties ought to have strict priority over other social goals.