cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Functional Roles for Both IL-17RB and IL-17RA in Mediating IL-25-Induced Activities

IL-25 (IL-17E) is a unique IL-17 family ligand that promotes Th2-skewed inflammatory responses. Intranasal administration of IL-25 into naive mice induces pulmonary inflammation similar to that seen in patients with allergic asthma, including increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophils, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IL-5 and IL-13 concentrations, goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness. IL-25 has been reported to bind and signal through IL-17RB (IL-17BR, IL-17Rh1). It has been demonstrated recently that IL-17A signals through a heteromeric receptor composed of IL-17RA and IL-17RC. We sought to determine whether other IL-17 family ligands also utilize heteromeric receptor complexes. The required receptor subunits for IL-25 biological activities were investigated in vitro and in vivo using a combination of knockout (KO) mice and antagonistic Abs. Unlike wild-type mice, cultured splenocytes from either IL-17RB KO or IL-17RA KO mice did not produce IL-5 or IL-13 in response to IL-25 stimulation, and both IL-17RB KO and IL-17RA KO mice did not respond to intranasal administration of IL-25. Furthermore, treatment with antagonistic mAbs to either IL-17RB or IL-17RA completely blocked IL-25-induced pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in naive BALB/c mice, similar to the effects of an antagonistic Ab to IL-25. Finally, a blocking Ab to human IL-17RA prevented IL-25 activity in a primary human cell-based assay. These data demonstrate for the first time that IL-25-mediated activities require both IL-17RB and IL-17RA and provide another example of an IL-17 family ligand that utilizes a heteromeric receptor complex.
Generalizing the Order of Operators in Macro-Operators

Abstract A number of machine learning systems have been built which learn macro-operators or plan schemata , i.e. general compositions of actions which achieve a goal. However, previous research has not addressed the issue of generalizing the temporal order of operators and learning macro-operators with partially-ordered actions. This paper presents an algorithm for learning partially-ordered macro-operators which has been incorporated into the EGGS domain-independent explanation-based learning system. Examples from the domains of computer programming and narrative understanding are used to illustrate the performance of this system. These examples demonstrate that generalizing the order of operators can result in more general as well as more justified concepts. A theoretical analysis of the time complexity of the generalization algorithm is also presented.
High-resolution projections of 21st century daily precipitation for the contiguous U.S.

Changes in precipitation have the potential to produce wide ranging impacts across human and natural systems. Here precipitation projections from select Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models and Earth Systems Models participating in Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project are downscaled to a high-resolution (0.25° × 0.25°) grid covering the contiguous U.S. to improve spatial and temporal characteristics of the model-derived projections and derive multiple descriptors of 21st century precipitation climate. Projections for the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains are characterized by increases in total annual precipitation, with the magnitude depending strongly on the level of radiative forcing. Parts of the southern U.S. are projected to experience moderate precipitation decreases under all forcing scenarios. Increases in total annual precipitation are associated primarily with changes in precipitation intensity during the cold season. Significant precipitation decreases are projected for parts of the southern U.S. in all seasons except autumn and are associated primarily with changes in precipitation occurrence. Many locations in the eastern U.S. are projected to experience longer extreme dry spells and longer extreme wet spells, reflecting an increase in the serial correlation of precipitation. Conversely, many western locations are projected to experience shorter dry spells and wet spells, reflecting a decrease in the serial correlation of precipitation. Most locations are projected to experience an increase in extreme precipitation, reflected in increases in the mean annual single-day maximum precipitation and the number of heavy (>10 mm) and very heavy (>20 mm) precipitation days.
Frequency of micronuclei in root-tips of Tradescantia clone 02: Effects of diurnal temperature difference and 60Co gamma radiation

Abstract Frequency of micronuclei in root-tip cells was used to asses the influence and/or interaction of a large Diurnal Temperature Difference (DTD) on irradiated and non-irradiated Tradescantia Clone 02. Hydroponically grown plants were subjected to four different treatment combinations: no radiation/normal DTD ( ≊7.2° C ), no radiation/large DTD ( ≊23.5° C ), radiation (60R)/normal DTD, radiation/large DTD. An analysis of variance of Feulgen positive micronuclei arising from chromosome fragments in root-tip cells revealed that a 5-day chronic exposure to a large DTD without radiation does not significantly increase the frequency of cells with micronuclei (freq. = 0.53%). An accute 60 R radiation exposure, as expected, did significantly increase the frequency (freq. = 3.23%). None of the treatment interactions significantly altered micronuclei production. These data lend support to the contention that the mutation-induction mechanism of large DTD's, as expressed by variant color sectoring in stamen hair cells of this clone, is not mediated by chromosome breakage. Exposure to a large DTD, therefore, may be a method for inducing mutations in stamen hairs without concomitant chromosome breakage, and may also provide a good cytological means for analyzing somatic crossing over, which has been postulated as a possible mechanism for the expression of spontaneous mutations at the D+ locus. The frequency of micronuclei in irradiated tissue remained constant throughout the 5-day course of the experiments and several explanations for this occurrence are proposed.
Epitaxial growth and phase transition in multilayers of the organic semiconductor PTCDA on InAs(0 0 1)

Abstract We study the initial stages of growth of the organic molecular semiconductor 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracar☐ylic dianhydride (PTCDA) on In-terminated InAs(0 0 1) using scanning tuneling microscopy (STM) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The first 1–2 monolayers (ML) of PTCDA interact relatively strongly with the surface and form a two-dimensional (2D) overlayer with a periodicity similar to that of the original (4 × 2)/c(8 × 2) reconstruction. STM shows that molecular ordering is due to two preferential alignments of the molecules on the substrate which depend upon the molecular orbital symmetry and the atomic-scale substrate potential. A phase transition occurs for coverages greater than ∼ 2ML where bulk-like three-dimensional (3D) PTCDA clusters begin to form with a unique orientation with respect to the substrate. The film orientation results from the alignment of high-symmetry planes of the 3D PTCDA clusters to high-symmetry planes of the 2D PTCDA overlayer. This partially commensurate epitaxial growth supports previously formulated models of “point-on-line coincidence” and is apparently a general phenomenon of some weakly interacting molecular interfaces. The present example of PTCDA grown on InAs(0 0 1) is of interest due to the passivating nature of the 2D overlayer phase which forms a weakly interacting template for further bulk-like PTCDA growth in the Stranski-Krastanov mode.
Human Origins: Search for roots that Darwin started

Today, thanks to a range of discoveries and technologies, we can tell in amazing detail the story that Darwin only guessed at
Effects of inducer levels on a recombinant bacterial biofilm formation and gene expression

A segregationally stable host-plasmid system, E. coli DH5α (pTKW106), was used to study the effect of induction on the accumulation rate of cells and gene expression in biofilm cultures. Isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) was used to induce the expression of β-galactosidase from the plasmid. The biofilm cell net accumulation rates decreased with increasing induction levels. At 0.17 and 0.34 mM of IPTG, the biofilm cell net accumulation rates ranged between 17 and 30% when compared to the uninduced case. At 0.51 mM of IPTG, the biofilm cell density never increased. At 0.17 and 0.34 mM of IPTG, β-galactosidase contents reached maxima 36 hours after induction with both amounts representing about 7.5% of total protein. At 0.51 mM of IPTG, β-galactosidase production reached its maximum, about 16% of total protein, 48 hours after induction. The β-galactosidase mRNA synthesis rates increased with increasing inducer levels. Maximum β-galactosidase mRNA synthesis rates were reached 36 hours after induction for each IPTG concentration.
Cell Image Quality and Point Spread Function Depends on Photomultiplier Sensitivity in a Fast Frame-Rate Multi-color Laser-Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscope

A typical parameter used for describing the resolving capability of a fluorescence microscope is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) obtained by fitting a Gaussian curve to the point spread function (PSF) generated by a fluorescent bead.In this work we used a custom-built video-rate confocal microscope at the diffraction limit to measure variations of PSF FWHM as a function of PSF intensities at different photomultiplier (PMT) sensitivities. Images were obtained by summation (128-256) of pixels with 62.5 ns dwell time. We used fluorescence beads and fluorescence-conjugated IgGs excited at 488 and 561 nm with emission recorded centered at 536 nm and 607 nm, respectively. In general, FWHM as a function of PSF peak intensity remains invariant using maximum photomultiplier (PMT) sensitivity. On the other hand, when using lower PMT sensitivities, FWHM values were correlated with PSF intensities, being at the diffraction limit.In agreement with this finding, we found that at a lower PMT sensitivity the image quality of cells (e.g. isolated heart myocytes labeled with anti-L-type Ca2+ channel and anti-ryanodine receptors) is greatly improved. These proteins accumulate along the tubular transversal structure. It was remarkable that when using high pixel sensitivity (25-16 nm/pixel) we could discriminate discrete molecular clusters near the diffraction limit (∼250 nm). In summary, proper usage of PMT sensitivity helps revealing more subcellular structures using a multi-color laser-scanning fluorescence microscope.
Population study of congenital hypothyroidism and associated birth defects, Atlanta, 1979-1992.

Very little data are available from population-based studies on congenital hypothyroidism (CH) epidemiology and patterns of associated birth defects. By linking data from two population-based registries, we describe the epidemiology of CH and associated defects in Atlanta from 1979-1992. Cases included all infants with CH born from 1979-1992 to mothers residing in the metropolitan Atlanta area at the time of birth. We ascertained CH cases by reviewing newborn screening records and records of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP), a population-based registry of all serious birth defects diagnosed during a child's first year of life. We linked CH cases with MACDP records to ascertain the presence of serious birth defects among infants with CH. Of 97 infants identified with CH through newborn screening and/or MACDP (1:5,000 live births), 87 had primary CH and 10 had secondary. The rate of primary CH was higher among non-hispanic whites than among blacks (1:4,400 vs. 1:10,000) and among females compared with males (1:4,000 vs. 1:7,700). Among infants with primary CH, 77 had isolated CH, 3 had Down syndrome, and 7 had unrelated major structural defects. Based on Atlanta population rates of Down syndrome and major structural anomalies, we infer i) infants with Down syndrome have a 35-fold increased risk for primary CH compared with infants in the general population (P < .0001); ii) infants with primary CH have a 2.2-fold increased risk for major structural anomalies (P < .05). Because this is the first population study of CH in the United States in which data from two population-based registries were linked, the epidemiologic patterns and associated defects are more representative than those found in studies based on newborn screening records only.
The physician-scientist, the state, and the oath: thoughts for our times

Triggered by an encounter with survivors of the studies on twins conducted in Auschwitz by Joseph Mengele, who held both MD and PhD degrees, I offer thoughts on the extraordinary powers physician-scientists have to enhance or degrade human dignity. Biomedical science lacks intrinsic morality, but attains moral status by virtue of its purpose and the ethical framework that controls its conduct, both of which derive from the principles of medical humanism codified in the physician's oath. Physician-scientists have responsibilities to humankind that transcend the state. Careful analysis of historical examples of abuses of human rights committed in the name of medical science or the state is an important mechanism to safeguard current and future human participants.
The effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the microtubules of Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Exposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis to 7,500 or 10,000 psi of hydrostatic pressure for 2, 5, or 10 min intervals results in a change in cell shape and ciliary activity. Shape changes occur concurrently with a degradation of longitudinal microtubules in a posterior to anterior direction. High pressure also causes a disruption of ciliary activity. Fine structural analysis reveals a breakdown (presumably microtubule depolymerization) of the central ciliary microtubules. The depolymerization begins at the junction of the central ciliary microtubules with the axosome and progresses distally along the ciliary shaft for a distance of about 0.5 µ.
Male flowers are better fathers than hermaphroditic flowers in andromonoecious Passiflora incarnata

Summary •The diversity of plant breeding systems provides the opportunity to study a range of potential reproductive adaptations. Many mechanisms remain poorly understood, among them the evolution and maintenance of male flowers in andromonoecy. Here, we studied the role of morphologically male flowers (‘male morph’) in andromonoecious Passiflora incarnata. •We measured morphological differences between hermaphroditic and male morph flowers in P. incarnata and explored the fruiting and siring ability of both flower types. •Male morph flowers in P. incarnata were of similar size to hermaphroditic flowers, and there was little evidence of different resource allocation to the two flower types. Male morph flowers were less capable of producing fruit, even under ample pollen and resource conditions. By contrast, male morph flowers were more successful in siring seeds. On average, male morph flowers sired twice as many seeds as hermaphroditic flowers. This difference in male fitness was driven by higher pollen export from male morph flowers as a result of greater pollen production and less self-pollen deposition. •The production of male morph flowers in P. incarnata appears to be a flexible adaptive mechanism to enhance male fitness, which might be especially beneficial when plants face temporary resource shortages for nurturing additional fruits.
Interaction of epoxide hydrolase with itself and other microsomal proteins

Abstract The interactions of rat liver epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) with itself and with cytochromes P-450 and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase were investigated in microsomal preparations and in reconstituted systems in which all of the enzymes are functionally active. Hydrodynamic measurements indicated that purified epoxide hydrolase behaves as a single aggregate of approximately 16 monomeric units and that further aggregation of the protein only occurs in the presence of high concentrations of phospholipid. Neither guanidine-HCl nor the nonionic detergent Lubrol PX was able to completely dissociate the aggregate into monomers. The interactions of epoxide hydrolase with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and the major forms of cytochrome P-450 isolated from phenobarbital- and 5,6-benzoflavone-treated rats were studied by Soret difference spectroscopy, by perturbation of the fluorescence of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and fluorescein-labeled epoxide hydrolase, and by CD spectroscopy. The spectra provided evidence that binding of the proteins to each other occurs and some of the results suggest that affinity constants are on the order of 107, m −1. The spectral perturbations were not observed with other intrinsic membrane proteins. When microsomes were treated with the crosslinking reagent dimethylsuberimidate and solubilized with detergents, epoxide hydrolase could be precipitated with antibodies raised to cytochromes P-450 or NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. Transient times were determined for the conversion of 1-octene to octene-1,2-dihydrodiol in a reconstituted enzyme system and for the conversion of naphthalene to naphthalene-1,2-dihydrodiol in rat liver microscomes and compared to the transient times predicted from the enzymatic rates of hydrolysis of the intermediate epoxides. In all cases the observed transient times were shorter than expected, in support of the view that coupling of epoxide hydrolase with cytochromes P-450 occurs. These results support the view that epoxide hydrolase couples with cytochrome P-450-containing mixed-function oxidase systems and may have relevance to the metabolism of potentially harmful xenobiotics by these enzymes.
New systems for modeling, estimating, and predicting a multivariate spatio–temporal process

Two new systems for modeling, estimating, and predicting a multivariate spatio–temporal process are given. In the first system, a cylinder containing a fraction of the multivariate data with axis along the temporal dimension is centered at a spatio–temporal prediction location. After fitting a linear or nonlinear within-cylinder trend function using minimum distance, an optimal prediction of the observable multivariate process is computed at the cylinder's center. The local nature of this system makes it suited to the analysis of large data sets often associated with ecosystem analyses. The second system consists of a global model of both the spatio–temporal trend and autocovariance function of the residual process. Each of these is formed by the weighted sum of component global models with weights computed from spatio–temporal kernels centered at each component's most characteristic spatio–temporal location. Minimum distance is again used to estimate all parameters. Predictions are then computed from this fitted global model. Spatio–temporal autocovariance within and between residual processes is modeled with parametric functions and need not be separable in space and time. The fast Fourier transform is used to approximately verify Hermitian positive semi-definiteness of the covariogram matrix. Asymmetry of the cross-covariogram in the temporal dimension is modeled as the sum of parametric even and odd functions. These functions have interpretable parameters. Long temporal memory is also modeled with an interpretable parametric function—obviating the need for fractional differencing across time. These covariance structure models are believed to be new. The use of a combined John–Draper and Box–Cox transformation allows continuous, count, categorical–ordinal, and categorical–nominal process data to be fitted within the same modeling, estimation, and prediction system, thus allowing mixed continuous–discrete multivariate predictions to be computed that take into account correlations between all constituent processes. Numerical examples consist of, first, the local system being used to redesign a spatial monitoring network with simulated data, and then both systems being applied to several different real data sets: multivariate spatio–temporal data (prediction of sulfate deposition in the conterminous U.S. with and without nitrate observations), multivariate temporal-only data (prediction of mink–muskrat pelt counts), and univariate temporal-only data with long memory (prediction of 5000 years of annual Lake Saki mud thickness). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuronal cell death: searching for the smoking gun

During the past year,several model systems have been developed to identify cellular and biochemical events involved in neuronal cell death, to investigate the role of bcl-2 in cell survival, and to characterize the relationship between cell death and the cell cycle.
Economics at the Federal Communications Commission: 2006–2007

This article focuses on media ownership and spectrum auction design. These two issues have not only been particularly important at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the last year, but also are being informed by economic analysis either completed at the FCC or commissioned by the FCC.
Anticonvulsant activity of antagonists for the NMDA-associated glycine binding site

Coupled to theN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complex is a strychine-insensitive binding site for glycine. Pharmacological antagonism of glycine binding at this site can produce anticonvulsant activity. Derivatives of the glycine antagonists kynurenic acid and 2-carboxy-indole were synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant effects. Compounds were tested in mice against seizures induced by electroshock and pentylenetetrazole, and in the rotorod assay for neurological deficit. The derivatives were also assayed for binding at the NMDA-associated glycine site. The most potent anticonvulsant was ethyl 4-methylamino-5,7-dichloro-2-quinoline carboxylate. This compound provided protection against maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Six other compounds were active at 100 mg/kg dose level including 5-fluoro-2-indole carboxylic acid and the diethyl ester of 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid.
Osmolar therapy in pediatric traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES To describe patterns of use for mannitol and hypertonic saline in children with traumatic brain injury, to evaluate any potential associations between hypertonic saline and mannitol use and patient demographic, injury, and treatment hospital characteristics, and to determine whether the 2003 guidelines for severe pediatric traumatic brain injury impacted clinical practice regarding osmolar therapy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Pediatric Health Information System database, January, 2001 to December, 2008. PATIENTS Children (age <18 yrs) with traumatic brain injury and head/neck Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥ 3 who received mechanical ventilation and intensive care. INTERVENTIONS : None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary outcome was hospital billing for parenteral hypertonic saline and mannitol use, by day of service. Overall, 33% (2,069 of 6,238) of the patients received hypertonic saline, and 40% (2,500 of 6,238) received mannitol. Of the 1,854 patients who received hypertonic saline or mannitol for ≥ 2 days in the first week of therapy, 29% did not have intracranial pressure monitoring. After adjustment for hospital-level variation, primary insurance payer, and overall injury severity, use of both drugs was independently associated with older patient age, intracranial hemorrhage (other than epidural), skull fracture, and higher head/neck injury severity. Hypertonic saline use increased and mannitol use decreased with publication of the 2003 guidelines, and these trends continued through 2008. CONCLUSIONS Hypertonic saline and mannitol are used less in infants than in older children. The patient-level and hospital-level variation in osmolar therapy use and the substantial amount of sustained osmolar therapy without intracranial pressure monitoring suggest opportunities to improve the quality of pediatric traumatic brain injury care. With limited high-quality evidence available, published expert guidelines appear to significantly impact clinical practice in this area.
Probing the free radicals formed in the metmyoglobin–hydrogen peroxide reaction

The reaction between metmyoglobin and hydrogen peroxide results in the two-electron reduction of H2O2 by the protein, with concomitant formation of a ferryl-oxo heme and a protein-centered free radical. Sperm whale metmyoglobin, which contains three tyrosine residues (Tyr-103, Tyr-146, and Tyr-151) and two tryptophan residues (Trp-7 and Trp-14), forms a tryptophanyl radical at residue 14 that reacts with O2 to form a peroxyl radical and also forms distinct tyrosyl radicals at Tyr-103 and Tyr-151. Horse metmyoglobin, which lacks Tyr-151 of the sperm whale protein, forms an oxygen-reactive tryptophanyl radical and also a phenoxyl radical at Tyr-103. Human metmyoglobin, in addition to the tyrosine and tryptophan radicals formed on horse metmyoglobin, also forms a Cys-110-centered thiyl radical that can also form a peroxyl radical. The tryptophanyl radicals react both with molecular oxygen and with the spin trap 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid (DBNBS). The spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) traps the Tyr-103 radicals and the Cys-110 thiyl radical of human myoglobin, and 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) traps all of the tyrosyl radicals. When excess H2O2 is used, DBNBS traps only a tyrosyl radical on horse myoglobin, but the detection of peroxyl radicals and the loss of tryptophan fluorescence support tryptophan oxidation under those conditions. Kinetic analysis of the formation of the various free radicals suggests that tryptophanyl radical and tyrosyl radical formation are independent events, and that formation of the Cys-110 thiyl radical on human myoglobin occurs via oxidation of the thiol group by the Tyr-103 phenoxyl radical. Peptide mapping studies of the radical adducts and direct EPR studies at low temperature and room temperature support the conclusions of the EPR spin trapping studies.
Laser microdissection coupled with RNA-seq analysis of porcine enterocytes infected with an obligate intracellular pathogen (Lawsonia intracellularis)

Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the etiologic agent of proliferative enteropathy. The disease is endemic in pigs, emerging in horses and has been described in various other species including nonhuman primates. Cell proliferation is associated with bacterial replication in enterocyte cytoplasm, but the molecular basis of the host-pathogen interaction is unknown. We used laser capture microdissection coupled with RNA-seq technology to characterize the transcriptional responses of infected enterocytes and the host-pathogen interaction. Proliferative enterocytes was associated with activation of transcription, protein biosynthesis and genes acting on the G1 phase of the host cell cycle (Rho family). The lack of differentiation in infected enterocytes was demonstrated by the repression of membrane transporters related to nutrient acquisition. The activation of the copper uptake transporter by infected enterocytes was associated with high expression of the Zn/Cu superoxide dismutase by L. intracellularis. This suggests that the intracellular bacteria incorporate intracytoplasmic copper and express a sophisticated mechanism to cope with oxidative stress. The feasibility of coupling microdissection and RNA-seq was demonstrated by characterizing the host-bacterial interactions from a specific cell type in a heterogeneous tissue. High expression of L. intracellularis genes encoding hypothetical proteins and activation of host Rho genes infers the role of unrecognized bacterial cyclomodulins in the pathogenesis of proliferative enteropathy.
Helmholtz resonance in a piezoelectric–hydraulic pump-based hybrid actuator

This paper demonstrates that a hydraulically acting Helmholtz resonator can exist in a piezoelectric‐hydraulic pump (PHP) based hybrid actuator, which in turn affects the volumetric efficiency of the PHP. The simulation and experimental results illustrate the effect of Helmholtz resonance on the flow rate performance of the PHP. The study also shows how to shift the Helmholtz resonant frequency to a higher value through changing parameters such as the cylinder diameter and the effective bulk modulus of the working fluid, which will improve the volumetric efficiency and broaden the operating frequency range of the PHP actuator. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
THE FLUORESCENCE EXCITATION SPECTRUM OF QUININE BISULFATE.

— A new measurement of the fluorescence excitation spectrum of chromatographically homogeneous quinine bisulfate has been made using a spectrometer offering high resolution and high sensitivity. Comparison of this spectrum with the absorption spectrum of the compound indicates that its quantum yield is independent of the wave number of the exciting light within ± 5 per cent for 2.57 μ-lv 5.0μ-1.
Barrett's disease: Pathophysiology of metaplasia and adenocarcinoma

Peptic ulceration arising in the lower esophagus lined by columnar epithelium was described in detail by Tileston in 1906. Although this concept was challenged in 1950 by Barrett, experimental and clinical evidence has now conclusively demonstrated that Barrett's metaplasia is an acquired condition and is a consequence of chronic reflux of gastric or duodenal contents or both. Current concepts suggest that unknown trophic factors present in these secretions stimulate proliferation of multipotential reserve cells located in the esophageal submucosal glands resulting in columnar metaplasia of the normal squamous epithelium with subsequent potential for malignant degeneration. Today, numerous patients are affected by reflux esophagitis, a lesser number by Barrett's metaplasia, and a smaller but ever-enlarging group by adenocarcinoma. Although high-grade dysplasia is considered a precursor to invasive adenocarcinoma, detection of this abnormal mucosa remains controversial and currently requires esophagoscopy with biopsy. Epithelial markers, such as increased activity of mucosal ornithine decarboxylase, sulfomucin production, nuclear DNA aneuploidy, and recently molecular analysis, have also been proposed to identify those paitents at increased risk for malignant degeneration. As more is learned about the pathogenesis of Barrett's disease, perhaps these cancers can ultimately be prevented.
Searching for efficient X-ray radiators for wire array Z-pinch plasmas using mid-atomic-number single planar wire arrays on Zebra at UNR

Abstract We continue to search for more efficient X-ray radiators from wire array Z-pinch plasmas. The results of recent experiments with single planar wire array (SPWA) loads made from mid-atomic-number material wires such as Alumel, Cu, Mo, and Ag are presented and compared. In particular, two new efficient X-ray radiators, Alumel (95% Ni, 2% Al, and 2% Si) and Ag, are introduced, and their radiative properties are discussed in detail. The experiments were performed on the 1 MA Zebra generator at UNR. The X-ray yields from such mid-atomic-number SPWAs exceed twice those from low-atomic-number SPWAs, such as Al, and increase with the atomic number to reach more than 27–29 kJ for Ag. To consider the main contributions to the total radiation, we divided the time interval of the Z-pinch dynamic where wire ablation and implosion, stagnation, and plasma expansion occur in corresponding phases and studied the radiative and implosion characteristics within them. Theoretical tools such as non-LTE kinetics and wire ablation dynamic models were applied in the data analysis. These results and the models developed have much broader applications, not only for SPWAs on Zebra, but for other HED plasmas with mid-atomic-number ions.
Lactobacillus salivarius for Conversion of Soy Molasses into Lactic Acid

The feasibility of conversion of soy molasses, a low value by-product of soy protein production, to lactic acid by fermentation with Lactobacillus salivarius was investigated. The basic environmental parameters affecting growth and lactic acid production were determined. Lactic acid production in soy molasses was optimal at pW 5.6 and 42 o C. Addition of 0.5% yeast extract to soy molasses reduced fermentation time from 36 to 10 hr and increased lactic acid production by 30%
Comparative testing between conventional and microencapsulation approaches in controlling pyrite oxidation

Abstract Oxidation of pyrite in mining waste or overburden is the main source of acid mine drainage (AMD) production, which causes major environmental pollution. Presently, the most common method of controlling AMD is through the mixing of alkaline substances, such as limestone, with the AMD producing materials. However, the effectiveness of this method is still questionable due to the potential for iron armoring. Pyrite microencapsulation, utilizing either phosphate or silica coatings, is a novel approach for controlling AMD that is under development in our laboratory. Although under laboratory conditions these approaches have been shown to be very effective in controlling pyrite oxidation, testing under natural conditions for possible field application is necessary. We are monitoring an outdoor leaching column experiment to evaluate the performance of both conventional and microencapsulation approaches for controlling AMD. The experiment consists of control, limestone, phosphate, and silica treatments on mine spoil and tailing samples contained in leaching columns and set up in the field. Preliminary results indicate that, after a period of nineteen months in the field, application of microencapsulation and conventional approaches significantly reduced pyrite oxidation. Among the microencapsulation approaches used with the mine spoil, the silica coatings seemed to be superior. The average leachate sample pH was 1.9 from the control, 2.1 from the limestone, 4.6 from the phosphate and 5.9 from the silica coatings. The results of these outdoor leaching experiments have shown that the application of silica coatings could offer an improved solution for the abatement of AMD. However, long-term monitoring and evaluation are still needed.
Socialism, Democracy and Reform: A Letter and an Article by George H. Mead

This article is intended to serve two purposes by presenting a selection from George Herbert Mead's correspondence with Henry Northrup Castle and his little-known series of five articles on the issues of war and democracy. This presentation should renew an interest in Mead's political writings and reform activities. It should also draw the attention of sociologists to the substantial body of unexplored, unpublished writings, which will hopefully continue to be investigated.
Spinal delivery of analgesics in experimental models of pain and analgesia

Systemic administration of analgesics can lead to serious adverse side effects compromising therapeutic benefit in some patients. Information coding pain transmits along an afferent neuronal network, the first synapses of which reside principally in the spinal cord. Delivery of compounds to spinal cord, the intended site of action for some analgesics, is potentially a more efficient and precise method for inhibiting the pain signal. Activation of specific proteins that reside in spinal neuronal membranes can result in hyperpolarization of secondary neurons, which can prevent transmission of the pain signal. This is one of the mechanisms by which opioids induce analgesia. The spinal cord is enriched in such molecular targets, the activation of which inhibit the transmission of the pain signal early in the afferent neuronal network. This review describes the pre-clinical models that enable new target discovery and development of novel analgesics for site-directed pain management.
A STUDY OF VACUOLARIA VIRESCENS CIENKOWSKI1

SUMMARY Good collections of Vacuolaria virescens Cienkowski made from a pond in Forsyth County, North Carolina, marks the first recorded appearance of large numbers of this rare genus in the United States. The abundance of this material permitted a careful study of the gross morphology, nuclear structure, organelles, reproduction, and cyst formation, as well as of the ecology of the flagellates. Definitive descriptions of Vacuolaria virescens and V. viridis (Dang.) Senn by European authors are inconsistent and contradictory. Characteristics earlier attributed to each of these species have been found in the American, taxon. Indications are that the taxa described belong to the same species, V. virescens.
Effects of dietary manganese deficiency on high density lipoprotein composition and metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rats

Manganese (Mn) has been implicated in the development of atherosclorosis but its in vivo role in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism has been inconclusive to date. The objectives of this experiment were to study the effect of dietary Mn deificiency on high density lipoprotein (HDL) composition and structure. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed either a Mn-deficient (MnD, 1.00 ppm) or a Mn-supplemented (MnS, 82.00 ppm) diet for 8 weeks. Very low density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins and HDL, prestained with Sudan black, were separated by a discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. High density lipoproteins were delipidated, apolipoproteins were separated by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (5–20% gradient) and quantified by laser densitometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study changes in HDL structure with dietary Mn deficiency. Body weights, liver weights, liver Mn levels, total plasma protein, HDL cholesterol and HDL protein were significantly lower (P≤0.05) in the MnD rats. The molecular weight of apolipoprotein C-I was significantly less (P<-0.01), and the relative peak area of apolipoprotein E3 was less (P≤0.1) in the MnD rats. Fluorescence studies of apo-HDL showed 71% of tryptophan residues accessible to quenching by Mn+2 with a quenching constant of 1.03×105 M−1 for the MnD rats vs. 58% and 1.29×105 M−1 respectively, for the MnS rats. The data indicate that Mn is involved in HDL metabolism. Changes in HDL composition and surface charge may significantly affect cholesterol transport and metabolism in the SD rat.
Confirmed and presumptive cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy in older horses: a retrospective study (1992-2004).

Background: Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) is a common cause of myelopathy in horses aged 6 months to 4 years. Little information is available regarding the types of lesions, treatment, and outcomes in horses with CVCM that are ≥4 years old. Animals: Twenty-two affected horses (10 with a confirmed diagnosis of CVCM and 12 presumptive cases) and 210 contemporaneous control horses. Methods: Horses ≤4 years old that were diagnosed with CVCM between January 1992 and January 2004 were identified from medical records at Texas A&M University and the University of Florida. Data analyzed included history, signalment, neurologic examination findings, lesion location, treatment, and outcome. Signalment was also recorded in a population of contemporaneous controls. Results: Horses identified had a median age of 8.4 years, and there was a greater percentage of male horses among the cases than among the controls. The most common breeds represented were warmblood (n = 6) and quarter horse (n = 5) types; warmbloods were significantly (P < .05) overrepresented relative to control horses. The caudal cervical vertebral column was the most common site of CVCM lesions, and the C5-C6 (4/9) and C6-C7 (3/9) articulations were most often identified as abnormal via myelography. The most common lesions seen with radiography and myelography were articular process osteophytes. Of the 22 affected horses, 8 were euthanized and a diagnosis of CVCM was confirmed by necropsy for all; 5 of 8 of these horses had spinal cord compression caused, entirely or in part, by articular process osteophytes. Medical management was the therapy chosen in all horses, and administration of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs resulted in improvement in the greatest number of horses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CVCM should be a differential diagnosis in older horses with cervical myelopathy. Articular process osteophytes are the most frequently identified cause of spinal cord compression in this group. Male horses and horses of warmblood or Tennessee Walking Horse breeds may be predisposed to this condition.
Alcoholism and drug addiction: what determines vulnerability?

Despite the complexity of the clinical phenotypes encompassed by alcoholism and drug addiction, the participants were enthusiastic about the substantial progress that is being made towards understanding these phenomena using state-of-the-art approaches derived from molecular, systems and behavioral neuroscience. Current gene-mapping studies in both humans and animals are on the verge of yielding a large number of potentially relevant candidate genes whose precise role in the neurobiology of addiction will need to be elucidated. Based on the collective expertise represented by participants in this conference, the field appears well poised to use this information to improve our understanding of the biological vulnerability to addiction and to develop more effective medications and behavioral treatments.
Insights to compulsory arbitration: the Jamaican experience1

Jamaica is no stranger to compulsory arbitration. Its Public Utility Undertakings and Public Services Arbitration Law (popularly known as the Essential Services Law) has been on the statute book since 1952, providing for compulsory arbitration in essential industries. During the period under review in this paper (1952–69) some 79 cases were heard. Additionally, a number of cases involved court litigation and/or illegal direct action by groups of employees or employers. The Jamaican experience has been full. This paper will seek to present and analyse what has happened in the field of compulsory arbitration in Jamaica and draw appropriate conclusions as to the relevance of the findings for other societies.
Tunable magnetostatic surface-wave oscillator

An S-band oscillator which is electronically tunable over the range 2.8–3.3 GHz is described. The oscillator makes use of a magnetostatic surface-wave delay line in the feedback loop of a solid-state amplifier.
Effects of ouabain and furosemide on saliva secretion induced by sympathomimetic agents in isolated, perfused rat submandibular glands.

The presence of 10−3 M ouabain or furosemide in the perfusate inhibited saliva secretion induced by either isoproterenol (10−5 M) or phenylephrine (10−5 M) from isolated rat submandibular glands and caused characteristic alterations in the electrolyte composition of saliva.
ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LIMING IN A CAPE COD KETTLE POND: A NOTE FOR FISHERIES MANAGERS

ABSTRACT Some Massachusetts lakes are experimentally limed to raise water column pH and alkalinity to mitigate the effects of acidification and to aid in fisheries management. This study evaluated the ecological effects of liming by comparing and contrasting several water chemistry and ecological variables in two softwater ponds. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters have been monitored in Great Pond, Truro, Massachusetts, before and following the addition of lime in March, 1985. Ryder Pond, Truro, Massachusetts, a nearby similar kettle pond that has never been limed, was concurrently monitored as a reference. Results with implications for water resources and fisheries management strategies are presented. Micropterus dolomieui(smallmouth bass) recruitment was successful following liming. Zooplankton and chironomids, both fish prey, declined after liming, however. Elevated calcium concentrations persisting after pH has declined may permit longer intervals between liming events.
A fluorescent carbapenem for structure function studies of penicillin-binding proteins, β-lactamases, and β-lactam sensors

By reacting fluorescein isothiocyanate with meropenem, we have prepared a carbapenem-based fluorescent β-lactam. Fluorescein-meropenem binds both penicillin-binding proteins and β-lactam sensors and undergoes a typical acylation reaction in the active site of these proteins. The probe binds the class D carbapenemase OXA-24/40 with close to the same affinity as meropenem and undergoes a complete catalytic hydrolysis reaction. The visible light excitation and strong emission of fluorescein render this molecule a useful structure-function probe through its application in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assays as well as solution-based kinetic anisotropy assays. Its classification as a carbapenem β-lactam and the position of its fluorescent modification render it a useful complement to other fluorescent β-lactams, most notably Bocillin FL. In this study, we show the utility of fluorescein-meropenem by using it to detect mutants of OXA-24/40 that arrest at the acyl-intermediate state with carbapenem substrates but maintain catalytic competency with penicillin substrates.
F4: Ultra-low-voltage-circuit design

Low-power CMOS design has relied heavily on V DD scaling in the past to exploit the quadratic dependence of dynamic power and the exponential dependence of leakage power on voltage. Today, leading-edge low-voltage designs are pushing FET operation into the weak inversion and subthreshold regimes. Investigators around the world are reporting circuits at voltages between 180mV and 700mV that offer performance which could support a range of applications in wireless sensors, mobile phones, biomedical devices, and ultra-mobile PCs. However, these circuits are highly sensitive to variations in temperature and process. Ultra-low-voltage circuits will be increasingly challenging to design as feature sizes shrink. Current trends indicate nominal supply voltages are unlikely to be reduced much below 1V, transistor threshold voltages will likely remain between 0.3 and 0.4V to manage subthreshold leakage, and effects such as random- dopant fluctuation will increase the spread in transistor parameters, all of which create difficulties in designing robust circuits at low V DD . This Forum brings together leading experts to describe future challenges in ultra-low-voltage design, to explore ultra-low-voltage circuit techniques, and to stimulate thinking about prospects for future ultra-low-voltage high-volume products.
Lateralization of norepinephrine in human thalamus

Norepinephrine has a strongly lateralized distribution in the human thalamus. In the pulvinar region the left hemisphere is rich in norepinephrine, whereas in the somatosensory input area the right hemisphere has a higher concentration of this catecholamine. Such naturally occurring left-right differences in concentration of a neurotransmitter represent a new aspect of hemispheric specialization.
Use of High-Performance Concrete for Bridge Abutments: A Case Study:

As part of an FHWA program to use high-performance concrete (HPC) in bridges, the state of Ohio constructed an adjacent box girder HPC bridge. HPC was used both for the prestressed and precast girders and for the cast-in-place abutments. The abutment mix was primarily designed for durability by using a low water-to-cementitious material ratio and pozzolanic materials. Before construction, laboratory trial mixes were run by using the actual material that was to be used in the abutments. After verifying the suitability of the mix in the laboratory, a few large trial batches were made at the ready-mix concrete plant to verify the plastic and hardened properties of the mix. During construction of the bridge, several problems occurred. Just before construction began, the coarse aggregate failed the state inspection and a new source of coarse aggregate had to be found. Unfortunately, HPC is sensitive to changes in aggregate, but there was no time to create trial batches before construction began. As a result, t...