cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific neurogenic deficits and neurocognitive disorders in middle-aged HIV-1 Tg26 transgenic mice

Varying degrees of cognitive deficits affect over half of all HIV-1 infected patients. Because of antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens, the HIV-1 patient population is increasing in age. Very few epidemiological studies have focused on sex-specific differences in HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The purpose of this study is to examine any possible differences between male and female mice in the progression of cognitive dementia during persistent low-level HIV-1 protein exposure, mimicking the typical clinical setting in the post-ART era. Eight to ten-month old HIV-1 Tg26(+/-) transgenic mice were utilized to assess for specific learning and memory modalities. Initial physiological screening and fear conditioning assessments revealed that Tg26 mice exhibited no significant differences in general behavioral function, contextual fear conditioning, or cued fear conditioning responses when compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates, regardless of sex. However, Barnes maze testing revealed significantly impaired short and long-term spatial memory in males, while females had impaired spatial learning abilities and short-term spatial memory. The potential cellular mechanism underlying these sex-specific neurocognitive deficits was explored with hippocampal neurogenic analysis. Compared to WT mice, both male and female Tg26(+/-) mice had fewer quiescent neural stem cells and neuroblasts in their hippocampi. Male Tg26(+/-) mice had a more robust reduction of the quiescent neural stem cell pool than female Tg26(+/-) mice. While female WT mice had a higher number of neural progenitor cells than male WT mice, only female Tg26(+/-) mice exhibited a robust reduction in the number of neural progenitor cells. Altogether, these results suggest that middle-aged male and female Tg26(+/-) mice manifest differing impairments in cognitive functioning and hippocampal neurogenesis. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding sex related differences in HAND pathology, which would aid in designing more optimized therapeutic regimens for the treatment of HAND.
Disruption of valosin-containing protein activity causes cardiomyopathy and reveals pleiotropic functions in cardiac homeostasis.

Valosin-containing protein (VCP), also known as p97, is an ATPase with diverse cellular functions, although the most highly characterized is targeting of misfolded or aggregated proteins to degradation pathways, including the endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. However, how VCP functions in the heart has not been carefully examined despite the fact that human mutations in VCP cause Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia, an autosomal dominant multisystem proteinopathy that includes disease in the heart, skeletal muscle, brain, and bone. Here we generated heart-specific transgenic mice overexpressing WT VCP or a VCPK524A mutant with deficient ATPase activity. Transgenic mice overexpressing WT VCP exhibit normal cardiac structure and function, whereas mutant VCP-overexpressing mice develop cardiomyopathy. Mechanistically, mutant VCP-overexpressing hearts up-regulate ERAD complex components and have elevated levels of ubiquitinated proteins prior to manifestation of cardiomyopathy, suggesting dysregulation of ERAD and inefficient clearance of proteins targeted for proteasomal degradation. The hearts of mutant VCP transgenic mice also exhibit profound defects in cardiomyocyte nuclear morphology with increased nuclear envelope proteins and nuclear lamins. Proteomics revealed overwhelming interactions of endogenous VCP with ribosomal, ribosome-associated, and RNA-binding proteins in the heart, and impairment of cardiac VCP activity resulted in aggregation of large ribosomal subunit proteins. These data identify multifactorial functions and diverse mechanisms whereby VCP regulates cardiomyocyte protein and RNA quality control that are critical for cardiac homeostasis, suggesting how human VCP mutations negatively affect the heart.
The future of environmental social work: looking to community initiatives for models of prevention

Social work responses to environmental degradation have sought to mitigate harm that has already occurred and create strategies to respond or adapt to environmental hazards. Despite a good deal of ...
Training standards: ASMBS and fellowship council

Bariatric fellowship training is evolving from a time-based model to a competency-based model with promising early results in early pilot models. As payment models evolve into fee-for-performance models, understanding quality improvement measures and the technical proficiencies obtained in a competency-based curriculum model will be paramount in training bariatric fellows to provide best care for future patients.
Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has a more significant positive impact on the growth of open-pollinated heirloom varieties of carrots than on hybrid cultivars under organic management conditions

Abstract To meet the high demand for organic produce, farmers must select crop cultivars that perform well under the low-input conditions of organic production systems. Most cultivars grown on organic farms are genotypes selected through conventional breeding programs, which may impact responsiveness to microbial symbionts. The use of biological inputs such as mycorrhizal inoculants offers the promise of improving yield, quality, and stress-responsiveness of crops, but evidence of efficacy in the field remains elusive. Moreover, interspecific and intraspecific variability may impact the ability of mycorrhizal inoculants to provide benefits. This work evaluated four cultivars (two heirlooms and two hybrids) of carrots and their propensities to benefit from inoculation with isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in organic field conditions with and without late-season water restriction. Inoculants included geographically-distinct isolates from four species (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus clarus, Rhizophagus intraradices, and Septoglomus deserticola). Heirloom cultivars demonstrated a higher propensity to benefit compared to hybrid cultivars from inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. We observed benefits and costs with respect to yield associated with inoculation within four experiments over twoditions. Breeding histories of plant genotypes likely contribute to their mycorrhizal responsiveness.
Outcome-Guided Disease Subtyping for High-Dimensional Omics Data

High-throughput microarray and sequencing technology have been used to identify disease subtypes that could not be observed otherwise by using clinical variables alone. The classical unsupervised clustering strategy concerns primarily the identification of subpopulations that have similar patterns in gene features. However, as the features corresponding to irrelevant confounders (e.g. gender or age) may dominate the clustering process, the resulting clusters may or may not capture clinically meaningful disease subtypes. This gives rise to a fundamental problem: can we find a subtyping procedure guided by a pre-specified disease outcome? Existing methods, such as supervised clustering, apply a two-stage approach and depend on an arbitrary number of selected features associated with outcome. In this paper, we propose a unified latent generative model to perform outcome-guided disease subtyping constructed from omics data, which improves the resulting subtypes concerning the disease of interest. Feature selection is embedded in a regularization regression. A modified EM algorithm is applied for numerical computation and parameter estimation. The proposed method performs feature selection, latent subtype characterization and outcome prediction simultaneously. To account for possible outliers or violation of mixture Gaussian assumption, we incorporate robust estimation using adaptive Huber or median-truncated loss function. Extensive simulations and an application to complex lung diseases with transcriptomic and clinical data demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to identify clinically relevant disease subtypes and signature genes suitable to explore toward precision medicine.
Simulation and calibration of a compact millimeter-wavelength Fourier transform spectrometer

This paper presents the simulation and calibration of a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) developed to measure the spectrum of radiation sources between 50 GHz and 330 GHz, such as the cosmic microwave background. The recorded signal is modified from the ideal by properties of the interferometer and the detection system. We have developed a ray-trace-based simulation with which we can model these effects. The model can be verified with measurements and used to understand the instrument’s systematic effects and to design new optimized configurations. The optimization comprises parameters of the design, such as large etendu, maximal spectral resolution, compact size, operational simplicity, and light weight, that conflict and need to be balanced. The numerical simulation consists of two parts: time-stream signal analysis and a ray-trace-based simulation that includes polarization and path length calculations and can account for the effects of beam loss and change of focus as the delay-generating mirror travels on its path. The simulation can study the coherence level and frequency resolution of the FTS instrument. While not exercised in this study, the simulation also can be used to study the effect of mirror figure and polarizer non-idealities, walk-off rays in the beam due to the large etendu, as well as misalignment of optical elements. We then present the comparison between simulations of a spectrally unresolved source and measurements by the FTS.
Racial differences in treatment and outcomes in multiple myeloma: a multiple myeloma research foundation analysis

Findings on racial differences in survival in multiple myeloma (MM) have been inconclusive. We assessed differences in outcomes between White and Black individuals among 639 newly diagnosed MM patients in the MM Research Foundation CoMMpass registry with baseline cytogenetic data. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived from Cox proportional hazard regression models. Age, gender, and stage were similar between Whites (n = 526) and Blacks (n = 113). Blacks had inferior overall survival (OS) compared with Whites and were less likely to receive triplet therapies or frontline autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). The following factors were significantly associated with inferior OS in multivariate analysis: higher international staging system (ISS) score, ≥1 or ≥2 high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCA), high-risk gene expression profile (GEP), and lack of ASCT. Multivariate analysis in the Black subset found that only lack of ASCT was significantly associated with inferior OS. The receipt of both triplet induction and ASCT only partly abrogated the effect of race on survival. HRCA did not track with survival in Blacks, emphasizing the need for race-specific risk prognostication schema to guide optimal MM therapy.
Retinal Image Analysis to Detect Neovascularization using Deep Segmentation

The retina has a significant role in early detection of sight-threatening disease symptoms. Most of the ocular complications manifest themselves in retina. The extraction of useful information from this vital resource is a critical task. The recent advancement in artificial intelligence has opened ways to provide rapid assistance in detecting ocular disorders through retinal images. In this article, we have proposed a vessels segmentation model for the early detection of neovascularization. It is a common symptom for patients facing chronic diabetic retinopathy. In neovascularization, the tiny vessels are produced that gets block over time with an extensive amount of sugar content in human blood. The detection of newly formatted tiny blood vessels needs a precise vessels extraction system. Our model has shown promising results on a publicly available retinal image dataset. It has achieved the highest accuracy of 0.9554 with 0.9780 AUC. The underlying research is an effort to produce automated disease detection system. The core function of the proposed system is to analyze the structural variation in vessels of subjects experiencing ocular disease symptoms and to reduce the risk of blindness through early diagnosis.
Practical Implementation Issues and Suggestions

The entire service outcome evaluation system is a complex procedure in itself. This chapter gives a comprehensive overview of the issues faced during the implementation stage and the outcomes of various evaluation approaches. Along with the issues faced and outcomes seen, some practical implementation strategies have also been discussed. When planning an evaluation system, it is very important to understand the target, the nature of the target, and the program type. It is also required to know if a process is to be newly started or if changes need to be implemented in an ongoing process and the regular outcomes, keeping in mind the durability of the effects. When evaluating, the targets are classified into various categories based on their levels of distress, availability of resources, and functional capabilities. The fact that assessments are made only after the service has been offered can be a potential “trap” for evaluators, as the best results are seen only when the studies are conducted both at the time of admission and discharge. While evaluation is important, the correct collection of data plays an equally important role, because with misleading data the outcomes can never be accurately determined.
Mixed-signal behavioral simulation of an envelope predistortion linearization system for RF power amplifiers

This paper presents a mixed-signal behavioral simulation for an RF power amplifier predistortion system. The predistortion architecture is based on FPGA-based look-up tables that drive RF vector modulators. Behavioral models are extracted from the RF components and simulated in the same file with the digital components. Trade-offs are made between the FPGA design and the RF component design to optimize the performance of the system.
Long-term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization effects on N2 fixation rates and nifH gene community patterns in mangrove sediments

The bioavailability of nutrients is important in controlling ecological processes and nitrogen cycling in oligotrophic mangrove forests, yet the variation of diazotrophic community structure and activity with nutrient availability in sediments remains largely unexplored. To investigate for the first time how nutrients in sediments affect spatial and temporal patterns of diazotrophic community structure and activity, the sedimentary environment of Twin Cays, Belize, was examined with respect to the effects of long-term fertilization [treatments: control (Ctrl), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)] on N2 fixation rates and nifH gene community structure. We found that N2 fixation rates were significantly higher at the P-treatment, intermediate at the Ctrl-treatment and lower in the N-treatment (P: 4.2 ± 0.5, Crtl: 0.8 ± 0.1, N: 0.4 ± 0.1 nmolAENAE g )1 AEh )1 ; P < 0.001) with spatial (Ctrl- and P-treatments) and temporal (only P-treatment) variability positively correlated with live root abundance (r 2 = 0.473, P < 0.001) and PO 3� 4 concentration (r 2 = 0.458, P < 0.0001). The community structure of diazotrophs showed larger spatial and temporal variability in the fertilized treatments than in the Ctrl-treatment, with the relative abundance of OTUs (nifH operational taxonomic units) at the fertilized treatments inversely related to live root abundance. Overall, long-term fertilization (with either N or P) affects not only nutrient levels in mangrove sediments directly, but also spatial and temporal patterns of both community structure and activity and likely plant-microbe interactions as well. Our findings suggest that the maintenance of natural nutrient conditions in mangrove sediments is important to ensure the stability of microbial functional groups like dia
Rh sensitization in a primipara caused by intramuscular injection of human serum resulting in fatal erythroblastosis.

Abstract It is now generally recognized that transfusions, or even intramuscular injections of Rh-positive blood are far more potent in sensitizing Rh-negative individuals than is pregnancy with Rh-positive fetuses. Thus, while only one of about 25 Rh-negative women bearing Rh-positive babies becomes sensitized to the Rh factor, fully one-half of such individuals can be sensitized by injections of Rh-positive blood.1 This difference is readily explained by the difference in quantity of antigen injected. On the other hand, it has been generally believed up to now that such sensitization could not result from the injection of serum or plasma, which is presumably free of red cells. The purpose of this report is to present possibly the first case which demonstrates that such sensitization can occur after intramuscular injection of serum, causing fatal erythroblastosis even in a firstborn infant.
A cortical–hippocampal system for declarative memory

Recent neurobiological studies have begun to reveal the cognitive and neural coding mechanisms that underlie declarative memory--our ability to recollect everyday events and factual knowledge. These studies indicate that the critical circuitry involves bidirectional connections between the neocortex, the parahippocampal region and the hippocampus. Each of these areas makes a unique contribution to memory processing. Widespread high-order neocortical areas provide dedicated processors for perceptual, motor or cognitive information that is influenced by other components of the system. The parahippocampal region mediates convergence of this information and extends the persistence of neocortical memory representations. The hippocampus encodes the sequences of places and events that compose episodic memories, and links them together through their common elements. Here I describe how these mechanisms work together to create and re-create fully networked representations of previous experiences and knowledge about the world.
Case Study: Logic

The study of single cases, or case study research, has become one of the most important and popular methodological tools at the disposal of social science researchers. This article discusses the general logic of case study research. It provides a basic definition of the case study and then suggests three kinds of case studies – the typical, the prototypical, and the deviant. In addition, it also speaks to the strengths of the case study, as a way of studying history and the evolution of the case, and identifies pitfalls and challenges. Illustrations and examples are furnished throughout.
Paramagnetic impurities in Cr(CO)6 crystals: The EPR spectrum of Mn(CO)5Cl−

Abstract The use of Cr(CO)6 as a host matrix for single-crystal EPR studies of metal carbonyls is discussed. A narrow-line spectrum observed in γ-irradiated crystals of Cr(CO)6 doped with Mn(CO)5Cl is assigned to Mn(CO)5Cl− (or possibly Mn(CO)4Cl−).
Reproductive aging and its consequences for general health

Reproductive aging coincides with endocrine changes that are not solely reproductive in nature and culminates in hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and amenorrhea. These changes are identifiable biochemically regardless of clinical manifestations. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis are associated with changes in other hormonal axes, specifically the adrenal androgen and the somatotropic axis. A large body of literature indicates that reproductive aging is associated with a decline in the somatotropic axis. The interactions between reproductive aging and changes in the adrenal androgen axis are more complex and complicated by age-related declines in the adrenal axis early in the reproductive years. These changes may play an important role in overall health maintenance. Attempts to ameliorate hormonal declines with exogenous hormonal therapy have produced mixed results. Finally, the age-specific timing as well as the rapidity of the changes that occur with reproductive aging seems to have important consequences on metabolism, cardiovascular risk, cognition, bone density, and even mortality.
Adaptive Regulation of Endothelin Receptor Type‐A and Type‐B in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells during Pregnancy in Rats

Normal pregnancy is associated with systemic vasodilation and decreased vascular contraction, partly due to increased release of endothelium-derived vasodilator substances. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor acting via endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) and possibly type B (ETBR) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), with additional vasodilator effects via endothelial ETBR. However, the role of ET-1 receptor subtypes in the regulation of vascular function during pregnancy is unclear. We investigated whether the decreased vascular contraction during pregnancy reflects changes in the expression/activity of ETAR and ETBR. Contraction was measured in single aortic VSMCs isolated from virgin, mid-pregnant (mid-Preg, day 12), and late-Preg (day 19) Sprague–Dawley rats, and the mRNA expression, protein amount, tissue and cellular distribution of ETAR and ETBR were examined using RT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Phenylephrine (Phe, 10−5 M), KCl (51 mM), and ET-1 (10−6 M) caused VSMC contraction that was in late-Preg < mid-Preg and virgin rats. In VSMCs treated with ETBR antagonist BQ788, ET-1 caused significant contraction that was still in late-Preg < mid-Preg and virgin rats. In VSMCs treated with the ETAR antagonist BQ123, ET-1 caused a small contraction; and the ETBR agonists IRL-1620 and sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) caused similar contraction that was in late-Preg < mid-Preg and virgin rats. RT-PCR revealed similar ETAR, but greater ETBR mRNA expression in pregnant versus virgin rats. Western blots revealed similar ETAR, and greater protein amount of ETBR in endothelium-intact vessels, but reduced ETBR in endothelium-denuded vessels of pregnant versus virgin rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed prominent ETBR staining in the intima, but reduced ETAR and ETBR in the aortic media of pregnant rats. Immunofluorescence signal for ETAR and ETBR was less in VSMCs of pregnant versus virgin rats. The pregnancy-associated decrease in ETAR- and ETBR-mediated VSMC contraction appears to involve downregulation of ETAR and ETBR expression/activity in VSM, and may play a role in the adaptive vasodilation during pregnancy. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 489–501, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of soccer heading ball speed on S100B, sideline concussion assessments and head impact kinematics.

AbstractObjective: To examine the effect of soccer heading ball speed on S-100B serum concentration, concussion sideline assessments and linear head impact acceleration.Methods: Sixteen division I soccer players participated in this pre-test post-test design study. Athletes performed five standing headers over a 10 minute period at 30 (n = 5), 40 (n = 5) or 50 (n = 6) miles per hour (mph) (randomized). S-100B serum concentration (ng mL−1) and sideline concussion assessments were measured prior to and post-heading. Peak resultant linear head acceleration (gravitational units; g) was measured during soccer heading.Results: No statistically significant interaction effects were identified between ball velocity groups over time on S100B (effect sizes ranged from 0.03–0.23) or concussion assessments tests. There was a non-significant increase (p = 0.06) in head impact acceleration from the 30 (30.6; SD = 6.2 g) to 50 mph (50.7; SD = 7.7 g) ball speed.Conclusions: In this controlled setting, an acute bout of soc...
Cesarean section mortality

Abstract Laparotrachelotomy in patients with cephalopelvic disproportion can be performed with a maximum maternal mortality of 0.2 per cent as an elective operation and 0.4 per cent after a test of labor (with our criteria). Other indications are usually accompanied by an increased maternal mortality, but the increase should be due to the complication and not to the operation. Total cesarean section mortality can be kept below 1 per cent by the following evaluation of the case: 1. Is there a proper indication—elective, relative, or borderline? 2. Are there any of the following contraindications present? (a) Ruptured membranes over twenty-four hours. (b) Labor over twenty-four hours. (c) Repeated rectal or vaginal examinations. (d) Operative manipulation either for induction of labor or for delivery. (e) Uterine infection. (f) A dead or damaged fetus. 3. Will another procedure, usually a craniotomy, assure a lower maternal mortality?
Cadmium bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine coordination polymers: layered nets and a novel 3,5-connected binodal lattice

Slow diffusion of aqueous solutions of cadmium salts with methanolic solutions of bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine (4-bpfp) generated crystalline coordination polymer phases whose dimensionality and topology are determined largely by the nature of the counteranion. [CdCl2(4-bpfp)]n (1) and [Cd(NO3)2(4-bpfp)]n (2) both possess 2-D coordination polymer layers via ligation of pyridyl nitrogen and amide carbonyl oxygen atoms. {[Cd(H2O)2(4-bpfp)](ClO4)2·4-bpfp·3H2O}n (3) forms similar layer motifs, but with unligated perchlorate anions and 4-bpfp molecules in the interlamellar regions. Use of the more basic sulfate anion produced {[Cd(SO4)(4-bpfp)(H2O)]·H2O}n (4), which has cadmium sulfate polymeric layers linked into a novel 3,5-connected binodal lattice with (4.62)(4.6683) topology by tethering 4-bpfp ligands. All species undergo blue-violet luminescence on exposure to ultraviolet light.
ON THE JACKKNIFE-AFTER-BOOTSTRAP METHOD FOR DEPENDENT DATA AND ITS CONSISTENCY PROPERTIES

Motivated by Efron (1992, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B 54, 83–111), this paper proposes a version of the moving block jackknife as a method of estimating standard errors of block-bootstrap estimators under dependence. As in the case of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) observations, the proposed method merely regroups the values of a statistic from different bootstrap replicates to produce an estimate of its standard error. Consistency of the resulting jackknife standard error estimator is proved for block-bootstrap estimators of the bias and the variance of a large class of statistics. Consistency of Efron's method is also established in similar problems for i.i.d. data.
Second Variation Condition and Quadratic Integral Inequalities with Higher Order Derivatives

The positivity of quadratic integrals involving variable coefficients and derivatives of any order is studied. The result is determined by the solution of an initial value problem for a system of first order nonlinear differential equations. The system is identified as the matrix Riccati differential equation in control theory. A complete conclusion is reached by considering the cases when the solution is bounded and when the solution is unbounded.
The organization of the ipsi- and contralateral claustrocortical system in rat with notes on the bilateral claustrocortical projections in cat.

Abstract The organization of the claustrocortical system was investigated in rat by means of cortical injections of either lectin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase or retrograde fluorescent tracers. The latter were also employed in cat. Evans Blue, Fast Blue, True Blue, Nuclear Yellow and Diamidino Yellow were used in different combinations and were injected, uni- or bilaterally, in different cortical fields. Cells retrogradely labeled from each cortical injection were observed in the ipsi- and contralateral claustrum. Anterogradely labeled terminals were also seen in the claustra of both sides in the horseradish peroxidase experiments. The topographic and quantitative study of the distribution of labeled neurons showed a topographic organization of the rat's claustrocortical system, although a certain degree of overlap of the cell populations projecting to frontal and occipital fields was also evident. Four types of branched claustrocortical neurons were observed in the double labeling experiments: neurons branching ipsilaterally (A) or contralaterally (B) to anterior and posterior cortical fields; neurons branching bilaterally to homotopic (C) or heterotopic (D) cortical fields. Each population of branched neurons was equivalent to a different percent value of the total labeled cell populations; the percent value decreased from type A to type D. Type C branched neurons were also identified in the claustrofrontal system of the cat. The intricate organization of the claustral-ascending projections suggests that the nucleus is involved in different cortical activities and that its efferents may also provide the substrate of a powerful subcortical mechanism of interhemispheric communication.
The Herschel effect and solar photography

A method of photographing the solar image in the UV part of the solar spectrum is described. The resulting images show the bright photospheric network of Sheeley and Chapman; these have been recorded at the small central distance of 20°. During a flare of importance 1b near a spot group, no detectable changes in the spots, their relative positions or the bright photospheric network could be observed.
Bronchoprotective and bronchodilator activity of anaritide (human atrial natriuretic factor [102–126]) infusion in the anesthetized guinea pig*

The present study examined the bronchoprotective and bronchodilator efficacy of infused human atrial natriuretic factor [102-126] (Anaritide) in the guinea pig. Anesthetized and paralyzed male guinea pigs, ventilated via a tracheal cannula, were placed in a plethysmograph for measurement of agonist-induced changes in pulmonary mechanics. Reductions in dynamic compliance of the lung and airway conductance were produced either by 3 to 7 tidal volume breaths of leukotriene D4 (0.125 micrograms/ml) delivered through an ultrasonic nebulizer or by intravenous histamine (2.8 +/- 0.2 micrograms/kg). Infusion of Anaritide (1 microgram/kg/min), before evoking bronchoconstriction with either LTD4 or histamine, produced a significant protection against bronchoconstriction produced by aerosol LTD4, but not against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction of similar magnitude. In other experiments, Anaritide infusion (0.5-2 micrograms/kg/min) also rapidly reversed a stable LTD4-induced decrease in airway conductance, but did not produce a similar reversal of the decrease in dynamic compliance. The data provide evidence that intravenous Anaritide exerts both bronchoprotective and bronchodilator effects against LTD4-induced bronchospasm.
The determinants of slave mortality rates on the middle passage.

An economic model of the middle passage of the African-American slave trade is presented. The model is used to explain why previous researchers have obtained unsatisfactory results when analyzing the factors that contributed to slave mortality rates which were higher than those observed on other ocean voyages at the time. The effects of sailing time and crowding on mortality rates are examined and some conclusions are drawn based on the results of the model. Data are primarily for the nineteenth century. (ANNOTATION)
1030-12 The Action of a Specific Natriuretic Peptide Receptor Antagonist (HS142-1) Upon Basal Coronary and Renal Vascular Resistances

While the natriuretic peptides, ANP (atrial), BNP (brain). and CNP (C-type), mediate potent endothelial-independent vasorelaxing actions in vitro, the role of the endogenous natriuretic peptide system in vascular regulation in vivo remains unclear. HS142-1 is a novel natriuretic-peptide receptor antagonist derived from a fungus named Aureobasidium sp. which selectively blocks particulate guanylate cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide A and B receptors which bind ANP, BNP and CNP and thus attenuates the generation of cGMP. To characterize the vascular actions of the endogenous natriuretic peptide system in the control of basal coronary and renal vascular tone, six normal male mongrel anesthetized dogs were studied while a second group of six dogs served as control. HS142-1 was given as an intravenous bolus at 3 mg/kg and five 20 minute periods were studied. No significant change after HS142-1 was observed in MAP, HR, CO, PAP, PCWP, renal blood flow (RBF) or renal vascular resistance (RVR) compared to baseline. In contrast, a significant increase in coronary vascular resistance (CVR) and decrease in coronary blood flow (CBF) was observed which was different from the control group. C1 (base line) C2 (20 min) C3 (40 min) C4 (60 min) C5 (80 min) C6 (210 min) CBF 52 ± 10 41 ± 10 41 ± 9 37 ± 9 * 33 ± 10 * 32 ± 10 * RBF 258 ± 40 266 ± 46 251 ± 42 249 ± 40 242 ± 37 241 ± 38 CVR 2.1 ± 0.5 3.0 ± 0.7 * 2.9 ± 0.5 * 3.5 ± 0.8 * 3.9 ± 0.8 * 4.0 ± 0.9 * RVR 0.4 ± 0.1 0.4 ± 0.1 0.4 ± 01 0.4 ± 0.1 0.4 ± 0.1 0.4 ± 0.1 CBF, RBF = ml/min, CVR and RVR = RU. Data are Mean ± SE. * denotes p l 0.05 These studies demonstrate that HS142-1 produces potent vasoconstriction in the coronary but not renal vascular circulation. We therefore conclude that the endogenous natriuretic peptide system which is of cardiac and endothelial cell origin is an important regulator of basal coronary vascular tone.
Local area networks—evolving from shared to switched access

Local area networks (LANs) have become pervasive in their application to business, government, and academic data communications. In the United States alone, by 1993 there were over three million LANs installed. This paper describes how advances in structured cabling systems and electronics concentrated in the wiring closet have enabled the evolution of LANs toward a dedicated bandwidth model. Due to the growing number of users, LANs are required to provide increased data capacity and improved management capabilities. These user requirements are being met by increased functions in the electronic wiring closet that include fault isolation, remote network management, increased aggregate bandwidth, and virtual LAN capabilities. This paper focuses on present and future user requirements and the influences of emerging LAN switching technologies on already installed LANs.
Endogenous Siderophore 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Deficiency Promotes Anemia and Splenic Iron Overload in Mice

Eukaryotes produce a siderophore-like molecule via a remarkably conserved biosynthetic pathway. 3-OH butyrate dehydrogenase (BDH2), a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase (SDR) family of reductases, catalyzes a rate-limiting step in the biogenesis of the mammalian siderophore 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA). Depletion of the mammalian siderophore by inhibiting expression of bdh2 results in abnormal accumulation of intracellular iron and mitochondrial iron deficiency in cultured mammalian cells, as well as in yeast cells and zebrafish embryos We disrupted murine bdh2 by homologous recombination to analyze the effect of bdh2 deletion on erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. bdh2 null mice developed microcytic anemia and tissue iron overload, especially in the spleen. Exogenous supplementation with 2,5-DHBA alleviates splenic iron overload in bdh2 null mice. Additionally, bdh2 null mice exhibit reduced serum iron. Although BDH2 has been proposed to oxidize ketone bodies, we found that BDH2 deficiency did not alter ketone body metabolism in vivo. In sum, our findings demonstrate a key role for BDH2 in erythropoiesis.
Fluoxetine in treating emotional lability.

We were pleased to read of Sloan and colleagues' experience with fluoxetine in treating emotional lability[1]. Their study supports our report of the efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of emotional incontinence in patients with stroke and multiple sclerosis [2]. We were also impressed, as was Sloan, by the relatively rapid onset of action of the drug. Patients responded within two to seven days, far sooner than the typical antidepressant effect of fluoxetine. This implies mechanisms of action different than the one by which fluoxetine relieves symptoms of depression. Further studies are warranted to elucidate these mechanisms.
Identification of the Functional Interleukin-22 (IL-22) Receptor Complex THE IL-10R2 CHAIN (IL-10Rβ) IS A COMMON CHAIN OF BOTH THE IL-10 AND IL-22 (IL-10-RELATED T CELL-DERIVED INDUCIBLE FACTOR, IL-TIF) RECEPTOR COMPLEXES

Interleukin-10 (IL-10)-related T cell-derived inducible factor (IL-TIF; provisionally designated IL-22) is a cytokine with limited homology to IL-10. We report here the identification of a functional IL-TIF receptor complex that consists of two receptor chains, the orphan CRF2-9 and IL-10R2, the second chain of the IL-10 receptor complex. Expression of the CRF2-9 chain in monkey COS cells renders them sensitive to IL-TIF. However, in hamster cells both chains, CRF2-9 and IL-10R2, must be expressed to assemble the functional IL-TIF receptor complex. The CRF2-9 chain (or the IL-TIF-R1 chain) is responsible for Stat recruitment. Substitution of the CRF2-9 intracellular domain with the IFN-γR1 intracellular domain changes the pattern of IL-TIF-induced Stat activation. The CRF2-9 gene is expressed in normal liver and kidney, suggesting a possible role for IL-TIF in regulating gene expression in these tissues. Each chain, CRF2-9 and IL-10R2, is capable of binding IL-TIF independently and can be cross-linked to the radiolabeled IL-TIF. However, binding of IL-TIF to the receptor complex is greater than binding to either receptor chain alone. Sharing of the common IL-10R2 chain between the IL-10 and IL-TIF receptor complexes is the first such case for receptor complexes with chains belonging to the class II cytokine receptor family, establishing a novel paradigm for IL-10-related ligands similar to the shared use of the gamma common chain (γc) by several cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15.
HLA variants of cultured human lymphoid cells: evidence for mutational origin and estimation of mutation rate

Variants of a diploid lymphoid cell line that show a loss of HLA-B27 antigen occur randomly in time and independently of exposure to the alloantiserum used for their isolation. From these and previous findings of variant stability, inducibility by mutagens, and the absence of linked variation, we colclude that most HLA variants arise by mutation. The mutation rate for HLA-B27 loss is 8 x 10(-7) per cell per generation.
Pediatric sinonasal tumors in the United States: incidence and outcomes.

Abstract Background Sinonasal tumors in the pediatric population are exceedingly rare. Materials and methods Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify 250 cases of sinonasal malignancy in patients aged Results Overall incidence was 0.052 per 100,000. Rhabdomyosarcoma had the highest incidence among histologic groups. Regional stage was the most common at diagnosis (59%). Overall survival at 5-y follow-up was 62.5%. Patients in age groups 1–4 and 15–19 y had the worst survival rates, as median survival was 205 and 104 mo, respectively. Distant metastases at the time of diagnosis signified a poor prognosis. These were associated with a 39-mo median survival. Survival improved during the study period, P = 0.003. Gender, race, site of lesion, or histology did not appear to affect mortality. Conclusions Sinonasal tumors are rare in children and adolescents. Long-term survival is dependent on age and clinical stage at the time of diagnosis. Cancer-related surgery confers a survival advantage. Gender, race, and histologic type are not associated with mortality.
Does thalidomide have an analgesic effect? Current status and future directions

Dramatic relief of pain and life-altering changes in quality of life in some patients treated with immunomodulators such as thalidomide compel us to look more closely at unconventional mechanisms that may be involved in propagation of persistent pain. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 are the cytokines with the most evidence in pain modulation. TNF-α and IL-1β seem to initiate neuropathic pain, IL-6 maintains such pain, and IL-10 inhibits this persistent pain. Thalidomide was found to be effective in animal models by inhibiting TNF-α production. Several case reports and case series in humans have demonstrated mixed results, with some patients having dramatic responses, especially in chronic intractable conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome. Thalidomide may be an alternative for some patients with intractable pain. However, use of thalidomide is limited by its neurotoxic and teratogenic effects. Newer analogues may significantly improve the risk/benefit of using such immunomodulators.
Design and Optimization of a Semi-Continuous High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Extraction System for Acetic Acid.

a b s t r a c t Supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide was performed to extract acetic acid from real and model solutions of cow rumen fluid. Extractions were performed at varying temperature, pressure, solvent flow rate and extraction times for determining the extraction efficiency using a response surface statistical design. Within the range of variables studied, maximum acetic acid recovery of 93% was predicted at 2.0 g CO2/min solvent flow rate, 2150 psi (14.8 MPa), 45 ◦C, and a 5 h extraction time using an initial acetic acid concentration of 92.4 g/L. A volumetric mass transfer coefficient of 2.848 h −1 at 35 ◦ C and 1500 psi (10.3 MPa) was calculated using a two-film linear driving force mass transfer model. The developed statistical model was tested for applicability on an acetic acid-spiked cow rumen fluid giving comparable results to the developed model. Results further showed that higher molecular weight volatile fatty acids such as propionic and butyric acid present in the fluid were preferentially removed before acetic acid extraction. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Collecting and Documenting Evidence: Methods for Helping Teachers Improve Instruction and Promote Academic Success.

The ongoing collection and documentation of evidence of students’ performance in the classroom is a fundamental component of formative instructional practices, essential for ensuring student success. Multiple methods of collecting and documenting evidence of students’ academic performance in the classroom are described. These methods include direct behavioral observations, evaluation rubrics, recording devices, general curriculum-based outcome measures, goal attainment scaling, and graphing performance. A discussion of how teachers can use data derived from these assessment methods to make instructional decision is provided.
Cytochrome components of denitrifyingPseudomonas stutzeri

Cytochromesc-551,c-552,c-554,cd, ac type with low α/β peaks, and an acidicc-type cytochrome were detected in extracts ofPseudomonas stutzeri. The first four were purified and physically characterized. Light absorption spectra indicate a probably histidine-methionine liganding of heme iron inc-551 andc-554, but an absence of methionine in the ligand ofc-552 heme iron. In displaying two separately reduciblec-hemes, thec-552 appears homologous with that fromP. perfectomarinus.
Risk Taking: Gender Differences and Educational Opportunity

This article focuses on two issues related to educational opportunity: (1) the relationship between risk-taking behavior and mathematics performance, and (2) whether there are gender differences in risk-taking behavior. From a review of literature it was concluded that students who are greater risk-takers perform better on mathematics tests and that males are greater risk-takers than females. It follows, therefore, that males perform better on mathematics tests in which risk-taking plays a role. It was further concluded that these differences effect the opportunities that girls are afforded in their desires to attend college, the availablitity of scholarships, and their self-confidence in mathematics.
African Americans’ Participation in a Comprehensive Intervention College Prep Program

Abstract The National Center for Educational Statistics, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, compiles statistical data for U.S. schools. As charts indicate, in 2001, it reported that nationwide, 76% of high-income graduates immediately enroll in colleges or trade schools. However, only 49% of Hispanic and 59% of African Americans enroll immediately after graduating from high school. Research demonstrates that high academic achievers from low-income families are only one-fifth as likely to enroll in college as high achievers from high-income families (U.S. Department of Education, Center for Educational Statistics, 2001). This article is an examination of the components of a college prep program, GEAR-UP, which is a federally funded comprehensive intervention program to determine if African American participants improved predictors of achievement (PSAT, SAT, and GPA scores).
Reflections on breast attention

reads in merchandise catalogues of the "reassurance" the proper bra can give to women, even to girls before entering adolescence; bare breasts are displayed in a hundred different ways in almost every men's magazine found on the newsstands; aspects of automobile design are said to represent curvatures of breasts. And so one could go on adding to the list of examples. It is undeniable that breast display, concern, and attention are widely institutionalized activities in our society and that motifs suggesting this are frequently found in the plethora of messages from the mass media. According to Ford and Beach (1951: 93-lOl) emphasis on breasts is great even in many preliterate societies, although the size and styles deemed most desirable vary. Breast attention as a phenomenon for serious analysis, however, is only beginning to come into its own among academicians. More needs to be known about its causes, the functions it serves, and the conditions that may lower or heighten the interest shown by males in the female breast from place to place and
Calcium (45CA2+) absorption by sorghum seedling root tips in the presence of ruthenium red and verapamil

Abstract Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. cv GP‐10, SC283, SC574, and Funk 6522DR seedling root tips (1 cm) absorption of calcium (45Ca2+) in the presence of 0.1 mM ruthenium red (RR) and verapamil (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mM) was evaluated at pH 5.5. Verapamil was not inhibitory in Funk G522DR, significantly inhibited 45Ca2+ absorption at 1.0 mM verapamil in GP‐10, SC283, and SC574 by 35, 65, and 55%, respectively. Genetic variation is documented. Additionally, as yet unrecognized physiological parameters seem to induce changes in response by the various cultivars.
Lower extremity mass.

Key Clinical Message Soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors accounting for less than 1% of all malignancies. Multidisciplinary approach is used in the management of these patients.