cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic regulation of cervical antiinflammatory cytokine concentrations during pregnancy

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of maternal genotype to the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4, −10, and −13 in the cervix during the first trimester in the context of bacterial vaginosis and cigarette smoking. Study Design In this prospective cohort of 116 pregnant women, we examined 72 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 genes: IL-4, IL-4 receptor, IL-10, IL-10 receptor α, IL-10 receptor β, and IL-13. Results Among black women, an IL-10 receptor β SNP (rs6517158) demonstrated significant association with IL-10 concentration (P = .04), adjusted for bacterial vaginosis. Among white women, there were 4 SNPs in IL-10 receptor α with a highly significant association with IL-10 concentration, adjusted for bacterial vaginosis and smoking. Conclusion Our data demonstrate a significant relation between cervical concentrations of IL-10 and SNPs in the IL-10 receptor α and β genes. The contribution of genotype to IL-10 concentration is significant, even in the consideration of bacterial vaginosis and smoking.
Cytokines reduce toxic effects of ethanol on oligodendroglia.

To characterize immunomodulatory mechanisms that affect oligodendroglia (OL) and white matter following ethanol exposure during early CNS development, we investigated the direct effects of ethanol and cytokines on glia. Mixed glial cultures from newborn rat brain were exposed to 6.5–130 mM ethanol for 1–3 days. OL were sensitive to ethanol, with death ranging from 32 to 88% with increasing time and ethanol concentrations. Little cell death occurred in astroglia or microglia. Mixtures of cytokines representative of those produced by pro-inflammatory Th1 and monocyte/macrophage (M/M) cells as well as those produced by anti-inflammatory Th2 cells were all protective. Three of the cytokines in the Th1 mixture, IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ, were protective individually, although no single cytokine was as effective as the mixture. The protective effects of the Th1 mixture and of IL-2 were reversed by inhibition of both MAP kinase and PI-3 kinase signaling pathways. We conclude that cytokines can act either directly on OL or indirectly through effects on astroglia or microglia to protect OL from ethanol toxicity.
Photocontrol of Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 by Incorporating of Photochromic Molecule into the Functional Loop L5

All member of kinesin superfamily contain a structurally conserved loop L5 near the ATP binding site. The length of the L5 vary among kinesin superfamily members. It is believed that L5 of kinesin is important region for motor function. Interestingly mitotic kinesin Eg5 has the longest L5 in comparing with other kinesins. The kinesin Eg5 is a microtubule plus-end directed homotetrameric molecular motor that is essential for the formation of a bipolar spindle during eukaryotic cell division. It has been demonstrated that L5 of Eg5 performed as a stabilizer for the Eg5-specific inhibitors (STLC, monastrol) complexes. These inhibitors bind to the same pocket on the Eg5 motor domain composed by of loop L5, α2 and α3. In this study, we tried to photo control of Eg5 ATPase activity by incorporating of photochromic molecule into L5. We prepared 5 mutants of Eg5 which have a single cysteine in L5 in order to incorporate thiol-reactive photochromic molecules. We also synthesized thiol-reactive azobenzene derivative, iodoacetyl-trity-azobenzene (IATAB) and spiropyran derivative, iodoacetyl-spiropyran (IASP). Azobenzene is photoisomerized to trans form of hydrophobic by visible light irradiation, and to cis form of hydrophilic by UV light irradiation. Spiropyran is photoisomerized to zwitterionized merocyanine by UV light irradiation. Merocyanine is converted to hydrophobic spiropyran by visible light irradiation. Photochromic molecules were incorporated into the mutants stoichiometrically. The Eg5 mutant W127C and D130C modified with IASP showed reversible alteration of microtubule dependent ATPase activity upon UV and visible light irradiations. In addition, we also succeed in photo control of inhibitory effect of IASP-W127C and IASP-D130C by STLC.
Influence of a tumor promoting phorbol ester on the metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

When added to primary cultures of chick kidney cells, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) decreased the basal rate of production of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1, 25(OH) 2 D 3 ) and increased that of 24, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (24, 25(OH) 2 D 3 ). The normal stimulatory effect of parathyroid hormone and forskolin on 1, 25(OH) 2 D 3 production was abolished or blunted by the presence of TPA and TPA overcame the inhibitory effect of PTH and forskolin on 24, 25(OH) 2 D 3 production. The evidence suggests that protein kinase C may be involved in the regulation of 25(OH)D 3 metabolism by chick kidney cells.
Variability in concentration of suspensates in an estuarine environment

Three data sets of suspensate concentrations, collected under different sampling plans, were analyzed to develop a minimal sampling period, consistent with a predetermined precision. Individual samples collected during any part of a given day were within ±50% of the daily average. In the main channel of the estuary, a monthly sampling scheme closely approximated a weekly pattern; however, seasonal sampling was unsatisfactory. Outside the main channel, weekly, monthly, and seasonal sampling patterns did not differ greatly. Variability in suspensate concentrations must be considered when calculating sediment flux in estuarine and coastal waters.
Desperately seeking diversity: Going online to achieve a racially balanced classroom

Abstract This essay discusses the process of using the Internet to bring together students from classrooms at opposite ends of the country, and with diverse ethnic makeup, to join in a discussion and examination of their responses to a text by an African American author: Zora Neale Hurston's (1978) Their Eyes Were Watching God. Drawing upon DeVillar and Foltis' (1994) model for achieving constructive diversity in schooling through integration, communication, and cooperation, we examine the successes and failures of this project. In addition to reporting on the interactions among the two student groups we discuss the technical and institutional support that made this exchange possible.
Supercritical Rankine Cycle Coupled with Ground Cooling for Low Temperature Power Generation

Abstract This paper presents an application of an earth-air-heat-exchanger (EAHE) as condenser in low to medium temperature power generation plants. A supercritical Rankine cycle (SRC) utilizing organic refrigerants as working fluids was used as the power cycle for the plant. The heat source temperature was varied from 125-175 0 C. The condenser was coupled to an EAHE system buried at a depth of 2 m under the surface of the earth. Its effect on the power cycle efficiency over a period of six months has been studied. It was observed that the soil temperature 10 cm from the surface (horizontal direction) of the underground pipe increased by almost 2 0 C during this time. This temperature change decreased with distance from the pipe. The soil temperature profile varied with time, distance from the pipe and location along the length of the pipe. The efficiency of the SRC increased by 1% and the daily fluctuations were reduced when EAHE was used.
Abundant accumulation of the calcium-binding molecular chaperone calreticulin in specific floral tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana

Calreticulin (CRT) is a calcium-binding protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with an established role as a molecular chaperone. An additional function in signal transduction, specifically in calcium distribution, is suggested but not proven. We have analyzed the expression pattern of Arabidopsis thaliana CRTs for a comparison with these proposed roles. Three CRT genes were expressed, with identities of the encoded proteins ranging from 54 to 86%. Protein motifs with established functions found in CRTs of other species were conserved. CRT was found in all of the cells in low amounts, whereas three distinct floral tissues showed abundant expression: secreting nectaries, ovules early in development, and a set of subepidermal cells near the abaxial surface of the anther. Localization in the developing endosperm, which is characterized by high protein synthesis rates, can be reconciled with a specific chaperone function. Equally, nectar production and secretion, a developmental stage marked by abundant ER, may require abundant CRT to accommodate the traffic of secretory proteins through the ER. Localization of CRT in the anthers, which are degenerating at the time of maximum expression of CRT, cannot easily be reconciled with a chaperone function but may indicate a role for CRT in anther maturation or dehiscence.
IdLNF1-Specific T Cell Clones Accelerate the Production of IdLNF1+ IgG and Nephritis in SNF1Mice

Abstract We have shown that antibodies bearing a nephritogenic idiotype (IdLNF1) are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune glomerulonephritis in the (NZB×SWR)F1hybrid, SNF1. A significant shift in the ratio of CD4+to CD8+IdLNF1-specific T lymphocytes, in favour of CD4+IdLNF1-specific T cells, occurred at 22-24 weeks of age in the SNF1and correlated with an increase in serum IdLNF1+ IgG and its deposition in the kidney. Recently, we reported the characteristics of six IdLNF1-specific T cell clones (CD3+CD4+CD8−Vβ17a+) derived from 22-week-old SNF1mice which proliferated in response to IdLNF1+ Ig and augmented IdLNF1+ IgG production when mixed with SNF1B cellsin vitro. No increase in the production of anti-DNA antibodies was seen. Here we report results of the adoptive transfer of three of these clones, A1, B6 and D2, into 6-8-week-old SNF1mice. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgG and IgM) levels did not differ from those of age-matched unmanipulated SNF1up to and including 35 days post-injection. Similarly, total IdLNF1+ Ig levels did not vary significantly among the groups until 28 days post-injection. However, elevated levels of IdLNF1+ IgG were observed as early as 7 days post-injection in mice receiving clone B6 and 21 days post-injection in mice receiving clone D2. This was in sharp contrast with the results obtained in mice treated with clone A1 or unmanipulated SNF1mice, which did not express IdLNF1+ IgG during this period. Digital image analysis of the kidney glomeruli of mice receiving T cell clones B6 or D2 demonstrated a significantly (P
Mechanistic Studies on the Cytochrome P450-Catalyzed Dehydrogenation of 3-Methylindole

The mechanism of 3-methyleneindolenine (3MEI) formation from 3-methylindole (3MI) in goat lung microsomes was examined using stable isotope techniques. 3MEI is highly electrophilic, and its production is a principal factor in the systemic pneumotoxicity of 3MI. Noncompetitive intermolecular isotope effects of DV = 3.3 and D(V/K) = 1.1 obtained after deuterium substitution at the 3-methyl position indicated either that hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group was not the initial rate-limiting step or that this step was rate-limiting and was masked by a high forward commitment and low reverse commitment to catalysis. An intramolecular isotope effect of 5.5 demonstrated that hydrogen atom abstraction was probably the initial oxidative and rate-limiting step of 3MI bioactivation or that deprotonation of an aminium cation radical, produced by one-electron oxidation of the indole nitrogen, was rate-limiting. However, a mechanism which requires deprotonation of the aminium cation radical is probably precluded ...
Reward vs extinction in discrimination reversal learning

Pigeons trained on a series of color-discrimination reversals were presented either reward or extinction single-stimulus pretraining at various points during reversal learning improvement. Extinction of the previous S+ facilitated reversal learning more than reward of the previous S-, with this relation remaining unchanged throughout training.
Correlates of ego-level and agency-communion in stage REM dreams of 11-13 year old children.

Summary Twelve male and eight female children, median age 12 yr, 7 months, slept in the laboratory on nine non-consecutive nights over a year's time. Stage REM dreams were collected. Ss were also administered a personality measure (CPQ), an intelligence test (WISC), and an instrument to assess ego level (SCT). The study was designed to examine: (a) the relationship between waking ego level and ego level assessed in stage-REM dreams: (b) male and female dream representations of Bakan's (1966) dimensions of agency and communion; and (c) sex-role differences on the CPQ in relation to agency-communion in dreams. Ego level was found to be continuous from the waking measure (SCT) into dreams, and to be of a comparable absolute level in the two conditions. Male Ss'dreams were rated primarily agentic, whereas females'dreams were primarily communal. Failure of CPQ scales to show strong gender differences made it difficult to test the proposition that waking sex-role differences would be stronger determinants of dream agency-communion than gender itself.
Ultra-wide stopband in a compact low pass filter using stepped impedance resonators and novel techniques

The design procedure of a compact ultra-wideband (UWB) stepped impedance resonator (SIR) low pass filter, is presented in this paper. A SIR LPF with 7 GHz cutoff frequency miniaturized by meander line technique is designed and it is shown that offsetting the stepped impedance resonators, as well as indenting the tap location greatly improve rejection bandwidth. Offsetting input lines further maximizes rejection bandwidth. The proposed filter is simulated in Sonnet EM software, fabricated, and tested on a high dielectric ceramic. The results show an improved stopband performance compared with similar topologies with a drastic size reduction in the filter.
Changes caused by microbial transglutaminase on physical properties of thermally induced soy protein gels

Abstract Two types of soy protein product, soy protein isolate (SPI) and soy protein concentrate (SPC), were incubated with a Ca 2+ -independent microbial transglutaminase to prepare thermally induced gels. Polymerization of soy protein molecules in the gels were shown on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the appropriate range of enzyme concentration several physical properties of the thermally induced gels were substantially enhanced. The impairment of physical properties due to the addition of NaCl as well as the reduction of solid content were well compensated by the enzyme treatment. Thus, the transglutaminase treatment was very useful for the improvement of heat induced gel of soy proteins.
Hematin therapy for the neurologic crisis of tyrosinemia

Hereditary tyrosinemia (tyrosinemia type I) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a defect of the final enzyme in tyrosine metabolism. The disease is associated with renal tubular defects, acute and chronic liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. An elevation in serum 6-aminolevulinic acid concentration is common and is due to competitive inhibition of ALA dehydrase by succinylacetone, a metabolite of tyrosine degradation. 1 A syndrome of acute neurologic crises, which has striking similarity to the acute porphyrias, is seen in as many as 40% of the children with this disorder. 2 As in the acute porphyrias, the episodes of acute neuropathy associated with tyrosinemia are best correlated with ALA excretion. 2 Hematin suppresses ALA synthase, the first committed step in heme synthesis. 3 Clinical studies in patients with porphyria have established the efficacy of hematin in decreasing ALA excretion and the improvement of clinical symptoms after intravenous administration. 4 The drug has few side effects and has been used without major complications in the treatment of numerous patients with acute porphyria. 4 We describe a case of severe neurologic crises associated with extremely high serum ALA levels in a child with tyrosinemia I. We elected to treat this patient with hematin, followed by liver transplantation. We believe this to be a rational course given the marked similarities of this disorder to the acute porphyrias.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of the evidence

Abstract McDonagh M, Helfand M, Carson S, Russman BS. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of the evidence. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1198–204. Objective To identify the benefits and harms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, MANTIS, professional society databases, and reference lists. Databases were searched from inception through December 2003. Study selection We included English-language studies of patients with TBI given HBOT and evaluating functional health outcomes. Data extraction Data were abstracted by 1 reviewer and checked by a second. Study quality was rated as good, fair, or poor. Data synthesis Two fair-quality randomized controlled trials of patients with severe brain injury reported conflicting results. One found no difference in mortality (48% HBOT vs 55% control) or morbidity at 1 year. In young patients with brainstem contusion, significantly more regained consciousness at 1 month with HBOT (67%) than control (11%) ( P P =.037). This decrease in mortality was accompanied by an increase in proportion of patients with severe disability. Patients with intracranial pressure (ICP) greater than 20mmHg or a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4 to 6 had significantly lower mortality at 1 year than controls. Five observational studies did not provide better evidence of effectiveness or adverse events. Two indicated a potential for initially reducing elevated ICP in some patients. However, rebound elevations higher than pretreatment levels occurred in some patients. Adverse events, including seizures, pulmonary symptoms, and neurologic deterioration, were reported; however, no study systematically assessed adverse events, and none reported adverse events in control groups. Conclusions The evidence for HBOT for TBI is insufficient to prove effectiveness or ineffectiveness, and more high-quality studies are needed. The evidence indicates that there is a small chance of a mortality benefit, which may depend on subgroup selection. The effect on functional status and the incidence and clinical significance of adverse effects are unclear.
Detection of Incident Field Loss Using the Glaucoma Henaifield Test

Purpose: To examine different definitions of incident visual field loss among patients with elevated intraocular pressure and varying numbers of abnormal glaucoma hemifield test results over an average of 6 years of follow-up. Methods: A cohort of patients with annual C-30-2 Humphrey visual fields were followed for a minimum of 5 years. Three different definitions of field loss were compared: 1, 2, or 3 consecutive annual abnormal glaucoma hemifield test results. Results: Of 253 subjects, 506 eyes were followed for 5 to 9 years. If incident field loss was defined as one or more normal fields followed by one abnormal glaucoma hemifield test result, the incidence of field loss was 63.6 per 1000 person-years of follow-up. For two or three consecutive abnormal glaucoma hemifield test results, the rates were 27.6 and 19.2 per 1000 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Among patients with field loss in one eye at the start of the study, the incidence of field loss in the fellow eye using 1, 2, or 3 consecutive abnormal fields as the definition of incident field loss was 60.9, 55.5, and 25.5 per 1000 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Three years after incident field loss, 31.9% (1 abnormal test result), 76.5% (2 abnormal test results), and 88.5% (3 abnormal test results) of eyes with incident field loss had an abnormal hemifield test result. For eyes with one, two, and three consecutive abnormal glaucoma hemifield test results at the start of the study, 59.2%, 83.6%, and 89.1 %, respectively, had an abnormal field 3 years later. Conclusions: One abnormal glaucoma hemifield test result is not a consistent criterion for defining incident field loss. The use of two or three consecutive abnormal fields to define incident field loss makes it more likely that subsequent test results will be abnormal.
Observation of domain expansion and contraction in TbFe films by Lorentz microscopy

Lorentz electron microscopy techniques have been used to study in situ, at room temperature, the expansion and contraction of thermomagnetically written circular domains in Tb/sub 19/Fe/sub 81/ and Tb/sub 32/Fe/sub 68/ films. Domains expand or contract more or less radially in Tb/sub 19/Fe/sub 81/, but with the development of jagged walls. In Tb/sub 32/Fe/sub 68/, dendritelike stripe domains with jagged walls form either outside or within the existing domains, leaving the perimeter of the initial circular domains unchanged. The difference in behavior can be understood in terms of the difference in the importance of the local demagnetizing field relative to the local total field. The implications of the nonuniform wall motion for the appearance of domain irregularity during thermomagnetic recording are discussed. >
Persistent left superior vena cava: implications during central venous cannulation

To the Editor, We read with interest the article by Commandeur et al. entitled ‘‘Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the left subclavian vein in a case of persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC).’’ The authors did not mention in their article the possibility of having cannulated the left pericardiophrenic vein, which can be mistaken for the PLSVC on an anterior chest radiograph except that it follows the left superior mediastinal border and then curves laterally along the left heart border (whereas a PLSVC curves medially). Normally, a PLSVC drains into the right atrium. Drainage into the left atrium (as was stated in the report) is rare, creating a right-to-left shunt with associated risks of hypoxemia and systemic embolization. Usually, a PLSVC coexists with a right superior vena cava (RSVC); and the two may or may not be connected by a left innominate vein (Figure, lower panel). The authors noted that ‘‘a PLSVC is usually asymptomatic.’’ However, the risk of other congenital anomalies increase if a PLSVC drains into the left atrium or if the RSVC is absent. As the Figure shows, when the RSVC is absent, drainage from the right jugular and subclavian veins passes via the innominate vein into the PLSVC, and passage of a central catheter via the right jugular or the subclavian vein will appear to take an atypical course on a chest radiograph (Figure, lower panel). With regard to the development of a PLSVC (Figure, upper panel), venous drainage of the upper embryo occurs along the right and left anterior cardinal veins. These veins drain via the right and left common cardinal veins into the sinus venosus and, finally, the primitive atrium. By the eighth week of embryonic life, a connecting vessel has developed between the right and left anterior cardinal veins, directing flow from the left to the right side. This connecting vein is destined to become the left innominate vein. Below the connecting vein, the left anterior cardinal vein atrophies into a fibrous cord (becoming the ligament of the left vena cava and extending from the upper part of the left superior intercostal vein to the oblique vein of the left atrium). The oblique vein of the left atrium (a remnant of the left common cardinal vein) drains into the coronary sinus (developed from the left lateral horn of the sinus venosus). Inadequate development or absence of the connecting vein leads to the development of a PLSVC, which normally drains into the right atrium via the oblique vein of the left atrium and the coronary sinus (Figure). In conclusion, embryonic variations in venous anatomy must always be considered when performing central venous cannulation.
Identification and characterization of inebriated, a gene affecting neuronal excitability in Drosophila.

On the basis of behavioral interactions with mutations in a potassium channel gene of Drosophila—Shaker (Sh)—we have isolated mutations in a new gene called inebriated (ine). In a wildtype background, ine mutants display no observable behavioral defects. However, in a Sh mutant background, ine mutations cause downturned wings and an indented thorax. This distinctive phenotype is also exhibited by flies of other genotypes that cause extreme neuronal hyperexcitability. We utilized the potassium channel blocking drugs quinidine and dideoxy forskolin (DDF) to test the effects of ine on synaptic transmission. DDF and ine mutations each potentiated the effects of quinidine on synaptic transmission, but neither had any observable effects in the absence of quinidine. Application of DDF to ine mutants had no effects either in the presence or absence of quinidine. We conclude that ine mutations increase neuronal membrane excitability and perhaps block a DDF-sensitive potassium channel.
Creative Handwashing Campaign in an Orthopedic Surgical Institution

Abstract ISSUE: The CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene was to be implemented at New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) and education on the use of alcohol-based handwash throughout the facility. PROJECT: In November 2003, a Hand Hygiene Campaign was presented at NEBH, a large orthopedic surgical institution with approximately 900 employees. The purpose was to educate healthcare workers (HCWs) on the CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene and implement the use of alcohol-based handwash product. The campaign included creative posters around the theme of “Got Soap” with soap-mustached nurses and doctors, a children's handwashing poster contest, and creative NEBH hand hygiene buttons. To illustrate hand contamination, cultures were obtained from the cafeteria cashiers followed by alcohol handwash. Raffles of unique talking toilets and ladybug products for pledges to wash hands, and glo-germ studies were conducted throughout the institution. RESULTS: The educational program was a big success, with 500 buttons distributed and over 400 pledges were submitted to wash hands and use handwash. In return, over 70 donated raffle gifts were distributed. Results of hand cultures following alcohol-based handwash were dramatic in demonstrating bacterial reduction. Alcohol-based handwash was installed in all operating rooms, patient rooms, and other departments immediately after the campaign. LESSONS LEARNED: Hand hygiene education can be presented in a fun and creative way and reach all levels of workers. A turnkey approach to setting up an educational campaign will be presented including sources for vendors, websites, buttons, and poster themes.
Managed care: Future good news or bad news for vascular surgeons☆☆☆★

Recently, William W. McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of United Health-Care, emphasized that the key from the patient's viewpoint is access. He stated, "We use the term gateway rather than gatekeeper." He emphasizes the importance of direct access of the patient to the right physician, whether it be a specialist or a generalist. Although some health care strategists believe that patients should initially see a generalist before receiving specialty care, this approach may not save dollars in the long run. Managed care is likely to have a major impact on vascular surgeons. Currently, business purchasing cooperatives are one model for containing costs of expensive invasive procedures among the working population. Such cooperatives are likely to achieve a stronger penetration in the health care market and to negotiate aggressively for packaged fee contracts for specialized cardiovascular care and procedures. Because the vast majority of vascular patients are more than 65 years of age, the movement of Medicare toward managed care may also affect vascular surgery in a major way. If vascular surgeons are to survive financially in the managed care environment, they must continue to provide evidence-based solutions to clinical problems at a reasonable cost and with good outcomes. They must also understand that involvement in the administrative and political leadership of health care is essential to maintaining some influence on the future reimbursement for our services.
The BASL Polarity Protein Controls a MAPK Signaling Feedback Loop in Asymmetric Cell Division

Cell polarization is linked to fate determination during asymmetric division of plant stem cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In Arabidopsis, BREAKING OF ASYMMETRY IN THE STOMATAL LINEAGE (BASL) is polarized to control stomatal asymmetric division. A mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade determines terminal stomatal fate by promoting the degradation of the lineage determinant SPEECHLESS (SPCH). Here, we demonstrate that a positive-feedback loop between BASL and the MAPK pathway constitutes a polarity module at the cortex. Cortical localization of BASL requires phosphorylation mediated by MPK3/6. Phosphorylated BASL functions as a scaffold and recruits the MAPKKK YODA and MPK3/6 to spatially concentrate signaling at the cortex. Activated MPK3/6 reinforces the feedback loop by phosphorylating BASL and inhibits stomatal fate by phosphorylating SPCH. Polarization of the BASL-MAPK signaling feedback module represents a mechanism connecting cell polarity to fate differentiation during asymmetric stem cell division in plants.
Calculation of Physiologic Dead Space: Comparison of Ventilator Volumetric Capnography to Measurements by Metabolic Analyzer and Volumetric CO2 Monitor

BACKGROUND: Calculation of physiologic dead space (dead space divided by tidal volume [VD/VT]) using the Enghoff modification of the Bohr equation requires measurement of the partial pressure of mean expired CO2 (PĒCO2) by exhaled gas collection and analysis, use of a metabolic analyzer, or use of a volumetric CO2 monitor. The Drager XL ventilator is equipped with integrated volumetric CO2 monitoring and calculates minute CO2 production (VCO2). We calculated PĒCO2 and VD/VT from ventilator derived volumetric CO2 measurements of VCO2 and compared them to metabolic analyzer and volumetric CO2 monitor measurements. METHODS: A total of 67 measurements in 36 subjects recovering from acute lung injury or ARDS were compared. Thirty-one ventilator derived measurements were compared to measurements using 3 different metabolic analyzers, and 36 ventilator derived measurements were compared to measurements from a volumetric CO2 monitor. RESULTS: There was a strong agreement between ventilator derived measurements and metabolic analyzer or volumetric CO2 monitor measurements of PĒCO2 and VD/VT. The correlations, bias, and precision between the ventilator and metabolic analyzer measurements for PĒCO2 were r = 0.97, r2 = 0.93 ( P < .001), bias −1.04 mm Hg, and precision ± 1.47 mm Hg. For VD/VT the correlations were r = 0.95 and r2 = 0.91 ( P < .001), and the bias and precision were 0.02 ± 0.04. The correlations between the ventilator and the volumetric CO2 monitor for PĒCO2 were r = 0.96 and r2 = 0.92 ( P < .001), and the bias and precision were −0.19 ± 1.58 mm Hg. The correlations between the ventilator and the volumetric CO2 monitor for VD/VT were r = 0.97 and r2 = 0.95 ( P < .001), and the bias and precision were 0.01 ± 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: PĒCO2, and therefore VD/VT, can be accurately calculated directly from the Drager XL ventilator volumetric capnography measurements without use of a metabolic analyzer or volumetric CO2 monitor.
Troponin organization on relaxed and activated thin filaments revealed by electron microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction.

Abstract The steric model of muscle regulation holds that at low Ca 2+ concentration, tropomyosin strands, running along thin filaments, are constrained by troponin in an inhibitory position that blocks myosin-binding sites on actin. Ca 2+ activation, releasing this constraint, allows tropomyosin movement, initiating actin-myosin interaction and contraction. Although the different positions of tropomyosin on the thin filament are well documented, corresponding information on troponin has been lacking and it has therefore not been possible to test the model structurally. Here, we show that troponin can be detected on thin filaments and demonstrate how its changing association with actin can control tropomyosin position in response to Ca 2+ . To accomplish this, thin filaments were reconstituted with an engineered short tropomyosin, creating a favorable troponin stoichiomtery and symmetry for three-dimensional analysis. We demonstrate that in the absence of Ca 2+ , troponin bound to both tropomyosin and actin can act as a latch to constrain tropomyosin in a position on actin that inhibits actomyosin ATPase. In addition, we find that on Ca 2+ activation the actin-troponin connection is broken, allowing tropomyosin to assume a second position, initiating actomyosin ATPase and thus permitting contraction to proceed.
Development of Resource Allocation Strategies for Operating and Maintaining Traffic Signal Systems

Functional vehicle detection and signal system communication are essential for a traffic signal system to execute its intended coordinated signal timing plans. The degradations of vehicle detection and signal system communication could impose barriers to successful operations of a traffic signal system. To achieve and maintain an acceptable operational level set by a traffic agency, an agency has to prioritize its resource allocation. This paper first introduces the concept of traffic signal system performance. It defines a traffic signal system degradation index which measures the proportion of increased travel time attributable to failures in detection and communication components with respect to the total observed travel time of a traffic signal control section. The paper uses the degradation index and traffic simulation to evaluate the effectiveness of major strategies to improve vehicle detection and signal system communication. These strategies include upgrading detection technologies, improving the responsiveness to detection and communication repair work, providing adequate training, increasing the frequency of inspection, and installing a global positioning system (GPS) clock to maintain synchronization of the time clock in the controller. Finally, recommendations for optimal allocation of operation and maintenance resource allocation strategies for traffic signal systems are provided.
Empirical modeling for processing parameters’ effects on coating properties in plasma spraying process

Abstract In order to model the effects of processing parameters (primary gas flow rate, stand-off distance, powder flow rate, and arc current) on the plasma spraying coating properties (thickness, porosity and micro-hardness), adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and neural network (NN) based empirical models were proposed to estimate process parameters and understand the spraying process. To overcome the difficulty of the small size of sample data, and to balance the trade-off between model complexity and prediction accuracy, the bootstrap method was applied for the resampling technique, and cross validation was applied for the performance evaluation. The ANFIS and NN models were compared on the performance metrics of (1) mean square error (MSE), and (2) determination coefficient ( R 2 ). With the limited size of experiment data, both models illustrated high accuracy. In the training stage: on the R 2 , ANFIS has the value of 1, and NN has the minimum value of 0.84; on the MSE, ANFIS has the minimum value of 1.3e−5, and NN has the minimum value of 0.32. In the validation stage: on the R 2 , ANFIS has the minimum mean value of 0.42, and NN has the minimum mean value of 0.512; on the MSE, ANFIS has the minimum mean value of 23.67, and NN has the minimum mean value of 89.50. The comparisons illustrated that ANFIS model showed significant superiority over the NN model. This may be due to the fact that ANFIS combines the strength of NN's learning capability and fuzzy logic's knowledge interpretation ability. With the obtained ANFIS model, the physical mechanisms – including (1) melting states of particles, (2) loading effect, and (3) oxidation – were interpreted as processing parameters’ effects on the coating properties. The empirical models and that physical mechanism are viable to be effectively integrated with feedback control strategy to regulate the coating quality in plasma spraying process.
Taxonomy of Carminatia (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae)

A taxonomic study of the largely Mexican genusCarminatia is rendered. It is comprised of three closely related species:C. tenuiflora, C. recondita andC. anomala spec. nova. Illustrations, dot maps, keys to species and complete synonymy are presented.
Stimulation of endogenous opioid release displaces mu receptor binding in rat hippocampus

Physiological release of endogenous opioids in the rat hippocampus was detected by an in vitro radioligand displacement assay using [3H][D-Ala2,N-methyl-Phe4,glyol5]enkephalin ([3H]DAGO), a mu selective opioid agonist. In this assay, radioligand binding to opioid receptors in the in vitro hippocampal slice was reduced by competition with endogenous opioids released following tissue depolarization. Veratridine-induced opioid release caused displacement of [3H]DAGO that could be blocked by either tetrodotoxin addition or calcium removal from the incubation buffer. Maximal displacement of [3H]DAGO also required the presence of peptidase inhibitors in the incubation buffer. None of the buffer composition changes directly affected [3H]DAGO binding to rat brain membranes. Calcium-dependent displacement of [3H]DAGO binding from mu receptor sites elicited by focal electrical stimulation depended on the intensity and frequency of stimulation and positioning of the electrode in the slice. Maximal displacement of [3H]DAGO binding was observed following high intensity (150-300 microA), high frequency (10-50 Hz) stimulation of the perforant path, a major afferent fiber system to the hippocampus previously shown to contain proenkephalin-derived opioids. Low frequency stimulation (0.1-1 Hz) was ineffective. Stimulation of the mossy fibers (containing both dynorphins and enkephalins) also significantly reduced mu receptor binding, but to a lesser extent. Electrical stimulation of the hippocampal slice at sites not containing opioid peptides did not cause mu receptor displacement. These results demonstrate that under physiological conditions, the release of endogenous opioids from the major opioid containing pathways can be detected in a single hippocampal slice following high frequency stimulation.
Competition for dispersal agents among tropical trees: influences of neighbors

We distinguish factors influencing seed dispersal that are potentially under the control of parent plants from those that are not in a Panamanian population of the neotropical nutmeg, Virola surinamensis (Myristicaceae). In the first category, we find that individual variation in crop size and nutritional components of the aril failed to explain any variation in the proportion of fruits taken from fruiting trees. The ratio of edible aril to indigestible seed explained a significant but small (13%) portion of variation in the fraction of fruits taken by tropical birds. These results suggest that the potential for ongoing natural selection on fruit and crop characteristics by dispersal agents exists, but is periodic or weak. On the other hand, the number of fruits available to birds within 50 m of any given Virola tree profoundly influenced the extent to which it secured dispersal. More than three times as much variation (42%) in relative dispersal could be explained by the number of “competing” Virola fruits during the peak of an individual tree's fruiting season. When isolated plants are eliminated from the analysis, the depressive effect of competition with neighbors explains 72% of the variation in individual dispersal. These results suggest that birds seek out clumps of fruiting trees, but that intraspecific competition for a limited disperser assemblage occurs within the clumps. Our results are a first step towards separating attributes of the plant that are potentially under the influence of natural selection by dispersal agents from emergent population effects that can override individual advantage in crop or fruit characteristics.
Management of an endangered species of snake in ohio usa

Abstract More species of snakes are becoming endangered yet information on their effective management is lacking. The present study assessed the general biology of the prairie garter snake, an endangered species in Ohio, USA, and the potential impact of mortality due to game management practices in a state wildlife area (automobile traffic and grass mowing operations). Alterations to the present management practices include alternatives such as rescheduling of mowing operations to coincide with the snake's periods of inactivity and using signs to caution motorists to avoid hitting snakes on the road. Future management of wildlife areas should not focus upon a single species or trophic level but rather consider both non-game and game species.
Identification and characterization of intracellular proteins that bind oligonucleotides with phosphorothioate linkages

Although the RNase H-dependent mechanism of inhibition of gene expression by chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has been well characterized, little is known about the interactions between ASOs and intracellular proteins that may alter cellular localization and/or potency of ASOs. Here, we report the identification of 56 intracellular ASO-binding proteins using multi-step affinity selection approaches. Many of the tested proteins had no significant effect on ASO activity; however, some proteins, including La/SSB, NPM1, ANXA2, VARS and PC4, appeared to enhance ASO activities, likely through mechanisms related to subcellular distribution. VARS and ANXA2 co-localized with ASOs in endocytic organelles, and reduction in the level of VARS altered lysosome/ASO localization patterns, implying that these proteins may facilitate ASO release from the endocytic pathway. Depletion of La and NPM1 reduced nuclear ASO levels, suggesting potential roles in ASO nuclear accumulation. On the other hand, Ku70 and Ku80 proteins inhibited ASO activity, most likely by competition with RNase H1 for ASO/RNA duplex binding. Our results demonstrate that phosphorothioate-modified ASOs bind a set of cellular proteins that affect ASO activity via different mechanisms.
Developing an Instrument to Study the Tuberculosis Screening Behaviors of Mexican Migrant Farmworkers

This article details the use of qualitative data in the construction of a Spanish-language, quantitative research instrument designed for a study of Mexican migrant farmworkers’ participation in tuberculosis screening. In the qualitative study, 19 Mexican migrant farmworkers were interviewed in Spanish to elicit their explanatory models (EMs) about tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis Interview Instrument (TII) was developed from the results of the qualitative study and concepts from a theoretical framework consisting of a combination of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). After its development, the TII was subjected to translation and back-translation procedures to insure the equivalency of the English and Spanish versions, and it was reviewed for content validity. Internal consistency reliability, based on the responses of 206 subjects, was satisfactory for all subscales. Future testing of the TII is recommended to evaluate its stability among Mexican migrant farmworkers in ...
Recommendations for Integrating Compstat and Community Policing

Community policing and Compstat are two of the most popular policing reforms in the USA and abroad, but little attention has been paid to how these reforms work together when implemented in the same police organization and whether they could be more fully integrated. Using fieldwork data from site visits to seven police agencies in the USA, this paper addresses this issue. Our principal finding that these reforms operated largely independently suggested to us that there were opportunities for making them work more closely with one another in ways that promise greater benefits than having them operate separately. We provide an empirical basis for the paper’s major purpose, namely to make four key recommendations for integration. The primary purpose of our proposals is to challenge policy makers, practitioners, and scholars to reconsider the current relationship between Compstat and community policing and conceive of more innovative approaches to their co-implementation.
Evidence of aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma

Objectives Lipids are linked to many pathological processes including hepatic steatosis and liver malignancy. This study aimed to explore lipid metabolism in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Emphasis on Holotype (

The description of new species should not be confined to physical description of a holotype. One specimen cannot include all characters or be typical of any taxon. The holotype serves only a nomenclatural function and might also be termed the name-bearer (nomenifer) to avoid confusion of "type specimen" with "typical specimen."
Synthesis of four new members of the (PbSe) 1.16 (TiSe 2 ) n (n = 1, 2, 3, and 4) Family of ferecrystals

A new family of turbostratically disordered misfit layered compounds (ferecrystals), (PbSe) 1.16 (TiSe 2 ) n , is described with n values of 1, 2, 3 and 4. These compounds were synthesized using the modulated elemental reactant method (MER). The high-resolution transmission electron micrographs of these compounds clearly show rotational disorder in the constituent layers of these compounds. θ – 2θ x-ray diffraction scans contain many 00l superlattice diffraction peaks. The c axis lattice parameters determined from this data show a systematic increase as n, the number of TiSe 2 layer, is increased.
NMR coupling constants as probes into London-van der Waals interactions

Abstract Dispersion forces make small but significant contributions to nuclear magnetic resonance coupling constants. The heteronuclear 117 SnCH, 119 SnCH, and 207 PbCH coupling constants in tetramethyllead and tetramethyltin are very well correlated with the change in the dispersion interaction. Measurements are performed in n -heptane-carbon disulfide mixtures differing markedly in their refractive indices, but not in their dielectric constants. It is thus possible to isolate a contribution to the coupling parameter from London-van der Waals forces by using nonpolar solutes in nonpolar solvents. This contribution appears to be of a similar magnitude to the reaction field and/or Stark terms proposed for polar solutes in polar media. This contribution is to be considered in addition to these terms when the solvent dependencies of coupling constants for polar solutes are being analyzed.