cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of conserved non-coding DNA elements in the Foxp3 gene in regulatory T-cell fate

Immune homeostasis is dependent on tight control over the size of a population of regulatory T (T(reg)) cells capable of suppressing over-exuberant immune responses. The T(reg) cell subset is comprised of cells that commit to the T(reg) lineage by upregulating the transcription factor Foxp3 either in the thymus (tT(reg)) or in the periphery (iT(reg)). Considering a central role for Foxp3 in T(reg) cell differentiation and function, we proposed that conserved non-coding DNA sequence (CNS) elements at the Foxp3 locus encode information defining the size, composition and stability of the T(reg) cell population. Here we describe the function of three Foxp3 CNS elements (CNS1-3) in T(reg) cell fate determination in mice. The pioneer element CNS3, which acts to potently increase the frequency of T(reg) cells generated in the thymus and the periphery, binds c-Rel in in vitro assays. In contrast, CNS1, which contains a TGF-beta-NFAT response element, is superfluous for tT(reg) cell differentiation, but has a prominent role in iT(reg) cell generation in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. CNS2, although dispensable for Foxp3 induction, is required for Foxp3 expression in the progeny of dividing T(reg) cells. Foxp3 binds to CNS2 in a Cbf-beta-Runx1 and CpG DNA demethylation-dependent manner, suggesting that Foxp3 recruitment to this 'cellular memory module' facilitates the heritable maintenance of the active state of the Foxp3 locus and, therefore, T(reg) lineage stability. Together, our studies demonstrate that the composition, size and maintenance of the T(reg) cell population are controlled by Foxp3 CNS elements engaged in response to distinct cell-extrinsic or -intrinsic cues.
Integral Invariants for Computed Tomography

Using the group theory, we formulate integral invariants of projection data in fan-beam and cone-beam computed tomography (CT), which can be applied to sense an object motion and detect a contrast bolus arrival
A Stabilized Headless Measles Virus Attachment Protein Stalk Efficiently Triggers Membrane Fusion

Paramyxovirus attachment and fusion (F) envelope glycoprotein complexes mediate membrane fusion required for viral entry. The measles virus (MeV) attachment (H) protein stalk domain is thought to directly engage F for fusion promotion. However, past attempts to generate truncated, fusion-triggering-competent H-stem constructs remained fruitless. In this study, we addressed the problem by testing the hypothesis that truncated MeV H stalks may require stabilizing oligomerization tags to maintain intracellular transport competence and F-triggering activity. We engineered H-stems of different lengths with added 4-helix bundle tetramerization domains and demonstrate restored cell surface expression, efficient interaction with F, and fusion promotion activity of these constructs. The stability of the 4-helix bundle tags and the relative orientations of the helical wheels of H-stems and oligomerization tags govern the kinetics of fusion promotion, revealing a balance between H stalk conformational stability and F-triggering activity. Recombinant MeV particles expressing a bioactive H-stem construct in the place of full-length H are viable, albeit severely growth impaired. Overall, we demonstrate that the MeV H stalk represents the effector domain for MeV F triggering. Fusion promotion appears linked to the conformational flexibility of the stalk, which must be tightly regulated in viral particles to ensure efficient virus entry. While the pathways toward assembly of functional fusion complexes may differ among diverse members of the paramyxovirus family, central elements of the triggering machinery emerge as highly conserved.
A fate map of the vegetal plate of the sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) mesenchyme blastula

Previous lineage tracing experiments have shown that the vegetal blastomers of cleavage stage embryos give rise to all the mesoderm and endoderm of the sea urchin larva. In these studies, vegetal blastomers were labeled no later than the sixth cleavage division (60-64 cell stage). In an earlier study we showed that single cells in the vegetal plate of the blastula stage Lytechinus variegatus embryo could be labeled in situ with the fluorescent, lipophilic dye, DiI(C18), and that cells labeled in the central region of the vegetal plate of the mesenchyme blastula primarily gave rise to homogeneous clones consisting of a single secondary mesenchyme cell (SMC) type (Ruffins and Ettensohn (1993) Dev. Biol. 160, 285-288). Our clonal labeling showed that a detailed fate map could be generated using the DiI(C18) labeling technique. Such a fate map could provide information about the spatial relationships between the precursors of specific mesodermal and endodermal cell types and information concerning the movements of these cells during gastrulation and later embryogenesis. We have used this method to construct the first detailed fate map of the vegetal plate of the sea urchin embryo. Ours is a latitudinal map; mapping from the plate center, where the mesodermal precursors reside, through the region which contains the endodermal precursors and across the ectodermal boundary. We found that the precursors of certain SMC types are segregated in the mesenchyme blastula stage vegetal plate and that prospective germ layers reside within specific boundaries. To determine whether the vegetal plate is radially symmetrical with respect to mesodermal cell fates, single blastomeres of four cell stage embryos were injected with lysyl-rhodamine dextran (LRD). The resulting ectodermal labeling patterns were classified and correlated with the SMC types labeled. This analysis indicates that the dorsal and ventral blastomers do not contribute equally to SMC derivatives in L. variegatus.
Computer-Based Intervention to Enhance Self-Management of Calcium and Vitamin D Intake in Women

Despite the growing prevalence of osteoporosis, many middle-age women do not engage in recommended bone health promotion behaviors. Based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change, an intervention was designed to increase the self-management behaviors of calcium and vitamin D intake by strengthening health beliefs and using self-regulation skills. In this repeated measures experimental study, a convenience sample of 148 healthy women between 40 and 60 were assigned to either the computer-based intervention group (CBIG) or usual care group (UCG). Measures of health beliefs and calcium and vitamin D intake were obtained at baseline, 8 and 14 weeks, and 6 months. An interaction effect was observed for self-efficacy and approached significance for goal congruence. The CBIG had higher level of calcium intake at 14 weeks than women in the UCG when analyzed using intention to treat. Self-efficacy predicted calcium intake.
Grazing Nassella: Maintaining Purple Needlegrass in a Sea of Aggressive Annuals

On the Ground • Purple needlegrass responds positively to early spring grazing that reduces competition from invasive annuals. • Rest during flowering allows for seed set and re-growth before soil moisture is depleted. • Dry season grazing can create a harsh soil surface microclimate during germination and seedling establishment of competing annuals the following year. • Purple needlegrass is not preferred by grazing livestock during the dry season, but high stock densities can increase its utilization.
A Study of the Database Marketing Course in AACSB–Accredited Business Schools:

This article presents findings of an empirical investigation of the database marketing (DBM) course in business schools within the United States accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Results indicated that from 2001 to 2005 there was a 52.5% increase in the percentage of business schools o fering an undergraduate DBM course and that the content of the DBM course had changed. The major change in topical coverage in the DBM course over the time frame studied was the addition of ethics coverage. There was also an increase in the amount of coverage in the course for areas such as lifetime value of a customer, direct marketing, data warehousing, market segmentation, and customer relationship marketing. During the 4 years between surveys, the analytical techniques covered in class stayed essentially the same with the exception of cross-tabs, in which theoretical and hands-on use increased greatly.
Some perspectives on the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

W E W E R E C O N V I N C I N G L Y told this morning that immu­ nological vectors may hold some important clues in ex­ plaining the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. We heard about numerous immunopathologic reactions, va­ rious immunocompetent and immunoeffector cells, im­ mune secretions and amplification systems. Somehow, all these diverse entities must be tied together to account for the lesions we see in the diseased periodontium.
Cytology and function of the madreporite systems of the starfish Henricia Sanguinolenta and Asterias Vulgaris.

The madreporite regions of two species of starfish were examined by high-resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In both, the madreporite gutter epithelium is predominantly composed of ciliated cells, each bearing a single elongate cilium and numerous microvilli that support and are embedded in cuticle. Fine, contractile pores (10-12 μm) open from the gutters into canals that descend mainly to the underlying ampulla and stone canal. Cells at the pore openings lack cuticle, have rounded, sometimes protruding apices, and bear intermeshing cilia that extend outward through the pores. Below them, the pore canal is lined with irregular, granule-containing ciliated cells possessing retractable apical head pieces and secretory cells containing clusters of unstainable vesicles. Above the basal lamina here and elsewhere is a well-developed nerve plexus. Where the pore canals open into the ampulla and connecting axial sinus, the ciliated cells are more cuboidal, vesiculated secretory cells are absent, and free coelomocytes are numerous. The stone canal is lined with tall, densely packed ciliated cells with numerous microvilli and long iuminal extensions. Cells on its central ridge tend to form choanocyte-like collars. The stone canal appears to be a strong ciliary pump that draws fluid from the axial sinus and madreporite pores. It is likely that the complex form of the madreporite gutters and pore canals provides multiple levels of coordinated defense against the entry of undesirable materials, and probably satisfaction of much of the nutritional needs of the parts from incoming and recirculated fluid.
Self-Organization of Atmospheric Macroturbulence into Critical States of Weak Nonlinear Eddy-Eddy Interactions

It is generally held that atmospheric macroturbulence can be strongly nonlinear. Yet weakly nonlinear models successfully account for scales and structures of baroclinic eddies in Earth’s atmosphere. Here a theory and simulations with an idealized GCM are presented that suggest weakly nonlinear models are so successful because atmospheric macroturbulence organizes itself into critical states of weak nonlinear eddy–eddy interactions. By modifying the thermal structure of the extratropical atmosphere such that its supercriticality remains limited, macroturbulence inhibits nonlinear eddy–eddy interactions and the concomitant inverse energy cascade from the length scales of baroclinic instability to larger scales. For small meridional surface temperature gradients, the extratropical thermal stratification and tropopause height are set by radiation and convection, and the supercriticality is less than one; for sufficiently large meridional surface temperature gradients, the extratropical thermal stratification and tropopause height are modified by baroclinic eddies such that the supercriticality does not significantly exceed one. In either case, the scale of the energy-containing eddies is similar to the scale of the linearly most unstable baroclinic waves, and eddy kinetic and available potential energies are equipartitioned. The theory and simulations point to fundamental constraints on the thermal structures and global circulations of the atmospheres of Earth and other planets, for example, by providing limits on the tropopause height and estimates for eddy scales, eddy energies, and jet separation scales.
CT arterial portography: causes of technical failure and variable liver enhancement.

We studied the causes of technical failure and enhancement variability encountered during CT arterial portography.CT arterial portograms and digital arteriograms were obtained via the superior mesenteric artery before partial liver resection in 43 patients with malignant tumors. These studies were reviewed for causes of technical failure and variable enhancement.Eleven (26%) of 43 procedures were technical failures. Causes of failure included aortic injection after catheter dislodgement (four), dense hyperenhancement associated with laminar flow in the portal vein produced by rapid venous return from a selective injection into a proximal branch vessel of the superior mesenteric artery (two), premature scanning beginning at the iliac crest (two), reflux into a replaced right hepatic artery (one), hepatic arterial enhancement via the pancreaticoduodenal arcade (one), and portal hypertension (one). Of the 32 remaining studies, 28 showed areas of parenchymal hypoenhancement or hyperenhancement. Causes of vari...
Strong Regularity and the Sensitivity Analysis of Traffic Equilibria: A Comment

Patriksson (2004) analyzes the sensitivity of solutions of traffic equilibrium problems. One of his central results deals with directional differentiability in the elastic-demand case. Unfortunately, his proof contains crucial errors, and the purpose of this comment is to explain what they are and why they render the proof incorrect. The consequence is that Patriksson's proof of his Theorem 5 is invalid, so the theorem must be regarded as unproven.
The Vienna Academy as an Instrument of Habsburg Foreign and Domestic Policy During the Napoleonic Era

The development of national academies of art richly served the interests of both artists and politicians. They found not only personal and group identity but prestige, support, self-advertisement, and advancement in these institutions, dedicated to promoting the arts, useful industry, and the general welfare. During the early modern rise of nationalism, such benefits contributed to the rapid growth and proliferation of state academies of art, many of which had begun in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries as casual associations of artists interested in working to elevate their profession.
Prediction of therapeutic response to radioactive iodine in Graves' disease using TSH-receptor antibodies and HLA-status.

SUMMARY We have examined the combined usefulness of TSH-receptor antibody detection and HLA status on the therapeutic response to standard doses of radioactive iodine (RAI) in forty-three hyperthryoid Graves’patients. Twenty-three patients had detectable TSH-receptor antibodies as measured by 125I-TSH binding-inhibition (TBI) prior to administration of 7 mCi RAI. Eighteen (78%) of these patients were rendered euthyroid within 3 months. In contrast, twenty patients were TBI negative prior to RAI and sixteen (80%) of these individuals remained hyperthyroid at 3 months and required two, or more, doses of RAI to control their thyroid function. DR3 status alone was not strongly associated with resistance to RAI. However, of sixteen patients without detectable TBI activity and who required two or more doses of RAI, ten patients were DR3 positive (62%) compared with 25% in a control population. Only one patient who was both TBI and DR3 negative required more than one dose of RAI. These data indicate that TBI may be an accurate predictor of the therapeutic response to RAI in patients with hyperthyroid Graves’disease. Investigation of HLA status alone was of limited value, although it appeared that the combination of TBI and DR3 may be of additional help in developing an overall strategy for the treatment of hyperthyroid Graves’disease.
Control Mechanisms and the Relationship Life Cycle: Implications for Safeguarding Specific Investments and Developing Commitment:

Abstract Powerful suppliers often require retailers to make significant idiosyncratic investments to improve coordination between organizations and to enhance the supplier’s presence in the end market. The authors examine how a retailer might better manage the hold-up potential of these transaction-specific investments (TSIs) through the use of three control mechanisms: supplier’s TSIs, the development of relational norms, and the use of explicit contracts. Moreover, the authors consider the time-dependent nature of these mechanisms by observing their effects on commitment over the course of a relationship life cycle. The results indicate that (1) a retailer’s TSIs have a negative effect on its perceptions of supplier commitment; (2) a supplier’s TSIs and relational norms increase the retailer’s perception of supplier commitment, whereas explicit contracts are associated with perceptions of lower supplier commitment; and (3) each of the three control mechanisms moderates the negative impact of retailer in...
A comparison of two parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) of the vine mealybug: rapid, non-discriminatory oviposition is favored when ants tend the host.

ABSTRACT The encyrtid parasitoids Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault and Anagyrus nr. sp. pseudococci (Girault) were compared in the laboratory as parasitoids of the mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret). Female C. perminutus preferred second-instar P. ficus for oviposition, and produced more adult offspring (149.3 per female) than A. nr. sp. pseudococci (54.1 per female). The development time, from egg to adult emergence, of C. perminutus decreased with increasing constant temperatures between 18.5 and 30.1°C; at lower (12.0 and 15.0°C) and higher (31.1, 32.7, and 34.2°C) temperatures, the parasitoid did not develop. The lower threshold was calculated by linear methods to be 10.97°C, and the thermal constant was calculated to be 507.98 degree—days. The development times of C. perminutus were longer than those of A. nr. sp. pseudococci, and C. perminutus had narrower temperature tolerances than P. ficus or A. pseudococci. Argentine ants (Linepithema humile (Mayr)) reduced the amount of time C. perminutus ...
Chemosynthetic bivalves of the family Solemyidae (Bivalvia, Protobranchia) in the Neogene of the Mediterranean Basin

The Mediterranean area is the locus of a variety of deep-sea chemosynthetic environments that have been exploited by bivalves of the family Solemyidae during Cenozoic to present time. Large solemyids represented by the Solemya doderleini group were widely distributed in Neogene deep-sea reducing habitats, including cold vent hydrocarbon sites. Based upon the diagnostic structure of the ligament, Solemya doderleini (Mayer), 1861 and S. subquadrata (Foresti), 1879 are moved to the genus Acharax Dall, 1908. After the Messinian Salinity Crisis Acharax doderleini re-colonized deep-sea sulphide environments up to the Pliocene at least. At present, Acharax occurs in similar settings in the adjacent eastern Atlantic Ocean. Thus far, large solemyids are not documented from the present deep Mediterranean Sea in spite of a vast number of seep and reducing habitats with chemosynthetic biota, especially concentrated in its Eastern basin. Promisingly, however, a single live juvenile specimen of Solemyidae has been recently found at bathyal depth associated with a pockmark in the Nile Deep Sea Fan.
Gender and Social Influence: A Social Psychological Analysis.

Men and women are believed to differ in how influential and easily influenced they are: Men are thought to be more influential, and women more easily influenced. In natural settings, men and women tend to differ in these ways, but these differ- ences stem largely from formal status inequalities by which men are more likely than women to have high-status roles. Status is important because of the legitimate authority vested in high-status roles: Within appropriate limits, people of higher status are believed to have the right to make demands of those of lower status, and people of lower status are ex- pected to comply with these demands. Yet, small, stereotypic sex differences in leadership and social influence generally have been found in laboratory experiments and other small-group settings where men and women have equal formal status. These small sex differences may occur because experience with hierarchical social structures in which men have higher status creates expectancies about male and female behavior, and these expectancies affect social interaction in ways that foster behavior that confirms the expectancies. Sex differences that occur in the laboratory as well as natural settings, then, may stem from social structural factors—namely, from the existing distributions of women and men into social roles.
Utility of transaction-level hardware models in refinement checking

Verifying a cycle-accurate RTL model against its functional specification using refinement checking uses a joint execution model to compare the executions of the two models. Creating and instrumenting such a joint execution model manually can be tedious and error-prone. In this paper, we illustrate the use of transaction-based models (e.g. [1]) in simplifying the process of creating and instrumenting joint execution models for refinement checking. We first show how transaction-based specification and implementation models allow simple refinement relations to be written using model variables and constructs. We then show how a joint encoding of the two models can be generated together with assertions expressing the specified refinement relation. This approach avoids the manual bookkeeping otherwise needed for coordinating the executions of the design and the specification, and exchanging information between the two models. We illustrate the ideas on a toy example.
History of childhood trauma and disruptive behaviors in the medical setting

Objective. In this study, we examined relationships between five types of childhood trauma and 17 disruptive behaviors in the medical setting. Methods. Using a cross-sectional consecutive sample of 394 internal medicine outpatients, we surveyed participants about five types of childhood trauma (i.e. witnessing of violence, physical neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse) and 17 disruptive behaviors in the medical setting (e.g., yelling, cursing, threatening medical personnel). Results. Initial correlations indicated relationships between four of the five forms of childhood trauma and the number of different disruptive behaviors endorsed. However, using multiple regression analysis, only witnessing violence and physical abuse remained independent predictors of disruptive behaviors in the medical setting. Conclusions. Individuals with childhood histories of witnessing violence and/or physical abuse are at-risk for perpetrating various disruptive behaviors in the medical setting. Language: en
Diagnosis and Management of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers represent a significant health issue and cost for the growing number of elderly and debilitated patients. The plastic surgeon, as part of the wound care team, has the ultimate responsibility of forming a plan to allow for the eventual closure of the wound. This plan should start with breaking the cycle and eliminating the risk factors that led to the development of the wound. Simultaneously, the surgeon should order an MRI and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and take a bone biopsy to diagnose the extent of the wound and the bacteria present. If more than 10(5) bacteria are present, surgical debridement should be performed, followed by 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Once the bacterial load has been lessened, a 6-week course of Regranex should be applied. Finally, after the wound bed has been prepared adequately, definitive surgical closure should be planned and performed.
Molecular theory of liquid crystals

The lattice theory of liquids consisting of rodlike molecules is presented and discussed with emphasis on polymers exhibiting nematic or cholesteric liquid crystallinity. Steric repulsions between the solute particles are principally responsible for order in lyotropic liquid-crystalline systems. In the case of rigid rods, the axial ratio of the particles governs the concentration at which separation of a nematic or cholesteric phase sets in. For semi-rigid chains such as those of cellulose and its derivatives, the axial ratio of the Kuhn segment is the relevant parameter. These and other predictions of the lattice theory are confirmed by numerous experiments. Liquid crystallinity may be promoted by orientation-dependent intermolecular attractions between extended chain molecules. Such forces originate in the anisotropy of the polarizabilities of groups, e.g., phenylene, in the main chain. They may be especially important in thermotropic melts and concentrated solutions.
67 VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS AND RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER DEFECTS ARE UNCOMMON IN PATIENTS WITH BURIED OPTIC NERVE DRUSEN

Purpose Optic nerve drusen (OND) are acellular, calcified, laminated concretions of unknown etiology that form within the substance of the optic nerve head. OND may be visible on ophthalmoscopic exam (“visible drusen”), but some optic nerves harbor drusen that are not visible on ophthalmoscopy (“buried drusen”). Buried OND are best detected by ultrasonography. Peripheral visual field defects can be detected in 71-75% of eyes with OND and field loss may be sufficiently severe to cause significant visual disability. Some authors have contended that eyes with buried OND may have visual field defects that are more severe than eyes with visible OND. The purpose of this investigation was to study visual field defects and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage in eyes with buried OND. Methods This study was approved by the University of Utah and University of Minnesota Institutional Review Boards. All subjects underwent automated perimetry using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. Visual field defects were defined in a manner similar to that used for the Normal Tension Glaucoma Study. Some eyes underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the RNFL. OCT was performed on dilated eyes with a Zeiss Stratus 3000. Results We evaluated 50 eyes from 35 subjects with buried OND. There were 12 males and 23 females. Ages ranged from 10 to 71 years old. Of these 50 eyes, only 3 eyes had visual field defects. The defects in these eyes were very mild, with a mean defect of -4.92 db. No subjects were symptomatic and no subjects had a loss of central visual acuity. None of the 17 eyes examined with OCT had any significant RNFL defects. Conclusions Although the pathogenesis of visual field loss in OND is unknown, most authors believe that OND cause visual loss by damaging the ganglion cell axons. It is possible that buried OND are not only too small or too deep within the optic nerve to be visible, but also too small to cause detectable ganglion cell damage. Although the majority of patients with visible OND have visual field defects, our data suggest that if a patient with a visual field defect has buried OND, another source for the visual field defect should be sought.
P04.18 Are intravaginal practices associated with precancerous lesions and hpv infection

Introduction Many women engage in intravaginal practices (IVP) to improve genital hygiene and sexual pleasure. However, IVP can disrupt the genital mucosa, possibly increasing acquisition risk of HIV and the reproductive tract infection bacterial vaginosis. Limited prior research also suggests an association between IVP and HPV. In this analysis, we examine associations between IVP, precancerous lesions and high risk HPV (hr-HPV). Methods At a rural clinic in Lilongwe District, Malawi, we began enrolling women in a cross-sectional study in January 2015. As of end of March, 96 women have been enrolled and partial results are available. Enrollment is expected to conclude by May 2015; hr-HPV testing to be complete by June 2015. Eligible women are aged 18 and older and presenting at the clinic with genitourinary symptoms. All women undergo visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and clinician-collected cervical sampling for hr-HPV testing. Women also answer a questionnaire capturing the type and frequency of IVP. Results IVP were commonly reported among participants: 97% reported cleansing the vagina with cotton, cloth or tissue; 44% cleansed with soap and water; and 8% inserted alum or other powder, herbs, leaves, castor oil or traditional products. IVP was also very frequent, with 85% of women reporting at least one practice daily. Twelve women (15%) had abnormal lesions identified during VIA. We observed no significant association between frequency or type of IVP and the presence of abnormal lesions. Conclusion Our data confirm that intravaginal practices are common in Malawi among care-seeking women. As our sample size increases, any associations will become more precise. If IVP is associated with abnormal cervical lesions or hr-HPV prevalence, these practices could represent a modifiable risk factor to target in future health interventions in this region. Disclosure of interest statement The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to report.
Lacrimal gland PKC isoforms are differentially involved in agonist-induced protein secretion

In the present study, we have synthesized and N-myristoylated peptides derived from the pseudosubstrate sequences of protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon [Myr-PKC-alpha-(15-28), Myr-PKC-delta-(142-153), and Myr-PKC-epsilon-(149-164)], three isoforms present in rat lacrimal gland, and a peptide derived from the sequence of the endogenous inhibitor of protein kinase A [Myr-PKI-(17-25)]. Lacrimal gland acini were preincubated for 60 min with the myristoylated peptides (10(-10) to 3 x 10(-7) M), then protein secretion was stimulated with a phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (10(-6) M); vasoactive intestinal peptide (10(-8) M); a cholinergic agonist, carbachol (10(-5) M); or an alpha 1-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (10(-4) M), for 20 min. In intact lacrimal gland acini, Myr-PKC-alpha-(15-28) inhibited phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced protein secretion. This effect was not reproduced by the acetylated peptide or by the myristoylated PKI, which inhibited vasoactive intestinal peptide-induced protein secretion, a response mediated by protein kinase A. Carbachol-induced protein secretion was inhibited by all three peptides. In contrast, phenylephrine-induced protein secretion was inhibited only by Myr-PKC-epsilon-(149-164), whereas Myr-PKC-alpha-(15-28) and Myr-PKC-delta-(142-153) had a stimulatory effect. None of these myristoylated peptides affected the calcium increase evoked by cholinergic or alpha 1-adrenergic agonists. We concluded that phorbol ester- and receptor-induced protein secretion involve different PKC isoforms in lacrimal gland.
Productive versus unproductive entrepreneurship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between the degree of economic freedom in state institutions and industry employment and then determine how these correlations relate to economic growth. Design/methodology/approach – The authors find the correlation between employment and economic freedom for each NAICS industry code and then calculate total employment in industries with positive correlation and negative correlations. The authors use these values in a GDP equation. Findings – The authors find that employment growth in industries characterized by a negative correlation is associated with a decline in state per capita GDP. When the correlations between employment and economic freedom are positive, state per capita GDP tends to grow, even after accounting for overall economic freedom in the state. Research limitations/implications – Eliminating or reducing opportunities for firms to use government institutions to gain special treatment will lead to greater economic growth. Or...
Peripubertal dietary flavonol and lignan intake and age at menarche in a longitudinal cohort of girls

BackgroundDietary phytoestrogens may alter hormonal activity in childhood. Flavonols and lignans are the most prevalent phytoestrogens in the Western diet. We examined whether higher intake of flavonols and lignans was associated with later age at menarche in a prospective study of young girls.MethodsIn all, 1,044 girls aged 6-8 years (mean 7.3 years) with two to four 24-h dietary recalls during their baseline year were followed up for 11 years until the attainment of menarche in the Breast Cancer and Environment Research Project (BCERP). Associations of age at menarche with quintiles of phytoestrogens were assessed using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from Cox proportional hazards models, controlling for body mass index and other covariates.ResultsThe highest quintile of flavonol intake was associated with a later age at menarche, compared with the lowest quintile (adjusted HR: 0.80, 95% CI: (0.66-1.00). For lignans, there was a later age in overweight girls (HR: 0.56, 95% CI=0.40-0.80).ConclusionThese dietary bioactives may reflect a healthy diet, and foods high in phytoestrogens may influence the timing of menarche.
Modulation of antiangiogenic resistance: Targeting the JAK/STAT3 pathway in glioblastoma.

2011 Background: Determining the mechanism of treatment failure of antiangiogenic therapies would provide insight into either potential combination approaches or salvage therapies. Methods: Tumor and monocyte expression of phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) was compared between recurrent glioblastoma patients treated with either conventional chemotherapy or bevacizumab (BEV), and secondarily validated in murine model systems of intracerebral glioma treated with either BEV or cediranib. The JAK/STAT3 inhibitor AZD1480 alone and in combination with cediranib was evaluated in immunocompetent mice bearing intracerebral GL261 xenografts to evaluate therapeutic synergy. Results: Human glioblastoma patients failing BEV have an increase in intratumoral p-STAT3- expression with a mean number of p-STAT3 expressing cells of 36.5 + 8.6% (n=7) compared to a mean of 20.2 + 4 % (n=5) in patients never receiving antiangiogenic therapy. In a separate cohort of recurrent glioblastom...
Alternating and random-sequence polyesters with distinct physical properties

Polymers with controlled sequence can exhibit unique properties and functions compared to their random counterparts. While many methodologies have been utilized to synthesize sequence-controlled polymers, there is still a strong need to build a fundamental understanding of sequence–property correlations. Here we report the design and development of an alternating pendant-functionalized polyester and compare it to a random polyester of the same composition. Our results showed that such polyesters exhibit distinct physical properties compared to their random counterparts. It was found that polyesters with controlled alternating sequences are less ductile and exhibit higher Young's modulus compared to random polyesters. The alternating and random polyesters showed distinctly different hydrolytic degradation profiles. Fluorescence quenching studies showed that the sequence of the polyesters influences their ability to interact with fluoride ions. These interesting results suggest that polyesters with alternating pendant groups exhibit unique properties and would allow access to different applications.
Arginase1 Deficiency in Monocytes/Macrophages Upregulates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase To Promote Cutaneous Contact Hypersensitivity

The innate immune components that modulate allergic contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses are poorly defined. Using human skin from contact dermatitis patients and a mouse model of CHS, we find that hapten allergens disrupt the Arginase1 (Arg1) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) dynamic in monocytes/macrophages (mono/MΦ), which renders those cells ineffectual in suppressing skin inflammation. Mice lacking Arg1 in MΦ develop increased CHS characterized by elevated ear thickening, mono/MΦ-dominated dermal inflammation, and increased iNOS and IL-6 expression compared with control mice. Treatment of Arg1flox/flox; LysMCre+/- mice with a selective NOS inhibitor or knockout of Nos2, encoding iNOS, significantly ameliorates CHS. Our findings suggest a critical role for Arg1 in mono/MΦ in suppressing CHS through dampening Nos2 expression. These results support that increasing Arg1 may be a potential therapeutic avenue in treating allergic contact dermatitis.
Large catchment area recharges Titan's Ontario Lacus

Abstract We seek to address the question of what processes are at work to fill Ontario Lacus while other, deeper south polar basins remain empty. Our hydrological analysis indicates that Ontario Lacus has a catchment area spanning 5.5% of Titan’s surface and a large catchment area to lake surface area ratio. This large catchment area translates into large volumes of liquid making their way to Ontario Lacus after rainfall. The areal extent of the catchment extends to at least southern mid-latitudes (40°S). Mass conservation calculations indicate that runoff alone might completely fill Ontario Lacus within less than half a Titan year (1 Titan year = 29.5 Earth years) assuming no infiltration. Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observations of clouds over the southern mid and high-latitudes are consistent with precipitation feeding Ontario’s large catchment area. This far-flung rain may be keeping Ontario Lacus filled, making it a liquid hydrocarbon oasis in the relatively dry south polar region.
The lost cause: failed French ultimata and the restoration of papal rule in Rome in 1849

AbstractIn one of history’s ironies, the republic that arose in Rome out of Europe’s revolutionary wave in 1848 was crushed by the new republic that had formed in France at the same time. In an additional irony, the destruction of the Roman Republic and the restoration of the papal theocracy were overseen by the internationally renowned champion of constitutional rights and freedom, Alexis de Tocqueville, then France’s foreign minister. This article sheds new light on this dramatic series of events through an examination of the French diplomatic correspondence, which reveals growing dismay at the direction in which events were unfolding. The correspondence also gives a sense of how close the French came to abandoning the pope, a decision that could have changed the course of Italian and French, as well as Church history.
Drug Sales, Integrated Care, and Patient Management:

Managed health care has changed the way health services are provided and paid for. It is still evolving. Many pharmacists have already felt the impact of these changes. This continuing feature illuminates the many facets of managed care with special emphasis on how these changes may affect pharmacists working in health systems. The expertise provided by pharmacists will be needed to fulfill the potential of affordable, comprehensive, and quality health care as promised by managed care. Pharmacists must understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen in the future. To be an active and effective player, you must understand what is happening on the field.
Does selecting ligand shape γδ-TCR repertoire?

In a recent publication entitled “Role of a selecting ligand in shaping the murine γδ-TCR repertoire,” Fahl et al. (1) report that the expression of nonclassic MHC T10 and its related molecule T22 influences the T10/T22 specific γδ-T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. We maintain that caveats in their experimental approaches and analysis significantly limit what can be inferred from these data with regards to the role of ligand expression in shaping γδ-TCR repertoire. The study (1) claims that “Reactivity of the γδ-TCR with … H2-T10/22, is critically dependent upon the EGYEL motif in the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) region of TCRδ. In the … [↵][1]1Email: chien{at}stanford.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Understanding Immigrant Protective Policies in Criminal Justice

This response to Professor Ingrid Eagly's article, Immigrant Protective Policies in Criminal Justice, situates Professor Eagly’s discussion of “immigrant protective policies” in the context of recent federal efforts to regulate “sanctuary” jurisdictions. It argues for the need to unpack the motivations that guide law enforcement officials in developing so-called sanctuary policies. The response also considers the implications of Professor Eagly’s analysis in light of a broader blurring of the boundaries of civil and criminal law.
Global Child Welfare: The Challenges for Family Law

Children in transnational families face the same kinds of crises that other children experience, compounded by issues of language, culture, nationality, and immigration status. Although the global dimension of these families introduces additional concerns, courts and child welfare authorities have the same fundamental obligation to extend their protection to all children present in the United States. This paper reviews a series of problems posed by child welfare cases with international dimensions, and considers how the Hague Child Protection Convention may be useful in these cases, arguing that implementation of the Convention should include significant attention to its cooperation provisions.
The Zeta Function of a Product of Laplace Operators and the Multiplicative Anomaly for XΓd

In chapter 15 we defind the determint det L, in certain situations, of an operator L on an infinte-dimensional space by way pf zeat regularization. Given two operators L 1, L 2it is natural to inquire whether the familiar formula $$\det {{L}_{1}}{{L}_{2}} = \det {{L}_{1}}\det {{L}_{2}}$$ (17.1.1) remains valid. We shall see in general that it does not. The question of the validity of (17.1.1) is one not only of pure mathematical interest but is of practical interest as well, as it arises in various field theories. Namely, in certain settings [13, 18], it is important to compute the multiplicative anomaly α ((L 1,L 2) defined by $$\alpha {{({{L}_{1}},{{L}_{2}})}^{{\underline{\underline {def}} }}}\log \det {{L}_{1}}{{L}_{2}} - \log \det {{L}_{1}} - \log \det {{L}_{2}};$$ (17.1.2) $$i.e., \det {{L}_{1}}{{L}_{2}} = \exp (\alpha ({{L}_{1}},{{L}_{2}}))\det {{L}_{1}}\det {{L}_{2}}.$$ (17.1.3) We see that (17.1.1) is valid if and only if the anomaly α(L 1,L 2) vanishes.
Knowledge Acquisition for a Diagnosis-Based Task

The basic research task discussed in this paper is the investigation of the relative effectiveness of alternative knowledge acquisition methodologies at eliciting different types of knowledge for a diagnosis task. In order to investigate this task, a field study was used.
Changing landscape of cannabis: novel products, formulations, and methods of administration

Laws regulating cannabis have changed radically in the U.S. and abroad. Historically, users smoked dried cannabis flowers that contained Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, as the principal product constituent. Coincident with cannabis legalization and increased interest in medicinal use of the plant, there is now an expansive retail cannabis marketplace with novel cannabis products, formulations, and methods of administration. In this review, we describe emergent cannabis product chemotypes (e.g. THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, balanced or 'hybrid' with high concentrations of THC and CBD), product formulations (e.g. edibles, concentrates), and methods of administration (e.g. smoked, vaporized, orally ingested). Psychologists can play a pivotal role in studying the health impact of cannabis legalization and conducting research to inform product regulation.
Enhancement of local immune response in the treatment of experimental peritonitis.

Phagocytic Cells Attracted Into The Peritoneal Cavity By Micro Bial Contamination Have Been Shown To Be A Major And Probably The Most Important Part Of Host Defense Against Intraperitoneal (Ip) Infections. Interference With Their Function Will Result In Delayed Clearance Of Bacteria From The Peritoneal Cavity And Thus In Increased Mortality (Hau, 1978). Conversely, Ip Infusion Of Activated Macrophages And Polymorphonuclear Granulocytes (Pmn) Will Protect Against I P Infections (Gardner, 1977). The Following Experiments Were Undertaken To Evaluate The Prophylactic Efficacy Of The Enhancement Of The Chemotactic And Phagocytic Properties Of Phagocytic Cells In The Peritoneal Cavity. Thioglycollate Will Attract Granulocytes And Monocytes In The Peritoneal Cavity And Formyl Methionylphenylalanine (Fmp) Is A Synthetic Oligopeptide Which Acts As A Chemoattractant For Pmns (Schiffmann, 1975). Zymosan Is A Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Cell Wall Preparation And A Potent Activator Of The Reticuloendothelial System (Zweifach, 1975).
Revealing anion chemistry above 3V in Li-ion capacitors

Abstract Lithium ion capacitors (LIC) are capable of delivering higher energy densities than supercapacitors, due to their hybrid charge storage mechanism in which Li-ions are stored via Faradaic reactions in negative electrodes and anions are adsorbed via non-Faradaic reactions on positive electrodes. Although there have been concerted efforts to increase the energy and power densities of these devices by engineering the electrodes, little attention has been paid to the critical role of the electrolyte. Here, we investigated the influence of electrolytes on LIC performance by exploring Li-salts with different anions. The individual anionic contributions toward the overall electrolyte's conductivity and electrochemical performances in half-cell and full-cell configurations highlights the importance of the electrolyte formulation in LIC. We demonstrated that the energy and power densities achievable by LICs are largely influenced (and perhaps determined) by the anion adsorption at the positive electrodes, and by the ion transport within the electrolytes. Our study suggests the electrolyte properties, metrics and structural features that are relevant during the design of new LIC systems.
Sustainable Urban Mining of Critical Elements from Magnet and Electronic Wastes

A straightforward and environment-friendly process for acid-free leaching of rare-earth elements and cobalt, which are critical materials, from waste magnet materials has been developed. The proces...
Position Regulation of Bridge Crane with Non-constant Disturbances

Positioning and anti-swing are two main tasks of bridge crane. This paper studies the bridge crane with non-constant disturbance, of which the modes of vibration is known. Feed forward-feedback control law is firstly proposed to realize position regulation with zero steady error and to optimize the swing angle. Observer-based control strategy is secondly established so that the regulation could be realized only by position signal. Model simulations show efficiency of the proposed design.