cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive changes in structure of skeletal muscles from adult Sod1 homozygous knockout mice

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which is localized cytoplasmically and in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, is an enzyme that is critically important for superoxide free-radical elimination. Compared with age-matched wild-type littermates (Sod1 +/+ ), SOD1 homozygous knockout (Sod1 -/- ) mice have smaller body masses, heart and skeletal muscle masses, and muscle cross-sectional areas. At the light-microscopic level, cross sections of skeletal muscles from Sod1 -/- mice show no gross structural abnormalities. Following the staining of muscles of Sod1 -/- mice for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymatic activity, a grouping of SDH-positive fibers has been observed. Immunostaining for neural cell adhesion marker in the gastrocnemius muscle of Sod1 -/- mice has revealed a small number of atrophic denervated muscle fibers. No denervated fibers are observed in extensor digitorum longus (EDL), tibialis anterior, or plantaris muscles. An increase in mRNA expression levels of myogenin and acetylcholine receptor alpha has been detected in muscles in Sod1 -/- mice, but no changes in MyoD expression occur. Compared with fast oxidative fibers in EDL muscles of Sod1 +/+ mice, those of Sod1 -/- mice show increased accumulations of sub-sarcolemmal mitochondria. We conclude that the lack of SOD1 in adult Sod1 -/- mice does not result in extensive denervation of skeletal muscle fibers, although the distribution of fiber types is modified, and that fast oxidative fibers develop alterations in the amount and spatial distribution of sub-sarcolemmal mitochondria.
Comparison of specificity of agonist and antagonist radioligand binding to β adrenergic receptors

DIRECT radioligand binding methods have been used extensively to identify and characterise a wide range of hormone, drug and neurotransmitter receptors. Among the most intensively studied have been the β adrenergic receptors which mediate stimulation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase by catecholamines1. Until recently all of the successful binding studies of β adrenergic receptors have been performed with specific high affinity β adrenergic antagonists such as (−) 3H-dihydroalprenolol2, (±) 3H-propranolol3 or (±) 125I-hydroxybenzylpindolol4. Earlier attempts to use radioligand β adrenergic agonists were generally frustrated by a great deal of nonspecific (that is non-receptor) binding5. We have developed a high affinity radiolabelled β adrenergic agonist, 3H-hydroxybenzylisoprenaline, which, when used in conjunction with high concentrations of catechol and ascorbic acid which block non-receptor binding sites, seems to be a useful ligand for studying the β-adrenergic receptors6. We present here the results of parallel studies of agonist (3H-hydroxybenzylisoprenaline, HBI) and antagonist (3H-dihydroalprenolol, DHA) binding to β-adrenergic receptors in frog erythrocyte membranes. The ability of sixteen β-adrenergic agents (agonists and antagonists) to competitively inhibit binding of the two ligands in identical assay conditions (including catechol and ascorbate) has been compared. The results suggest an impressive coincidence of the binding data obtained with the two radioligands. These results are in contrast with those recently described for several central nervous system neurotransmitter receptors where it seems to be possible to identify discrete ‘agonist’ and ‘antagonist’ conformations of the receptors by performing binding studies with either a radiolabelled agonist or antagonist respectively7–11.
Post-transcriptional regulation of the proα1(I) collagen gene in proα1(I)-deficient, chemically transformed Syrian hamster embryo fibroblasts

Abstract 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide-transformed Syrian hamster embryo fibroblasts (NQT-SHE) synthesize the proα2 chain but not the proα1 subunit of type I procollagen, and they contain little proα1(I) mRNA. This study shows that there was no accumulation of proα1(I) poly(A)+ mRNA in NQT-SHE fibroblasts. BHK cells, a normal established line of hamster fibroblasts that synthesized collagen at approximately the same rate as NQT-SHE fibroblasts, nevertheless produced both subunits of type I collagen and contained proα1(I) mRNA. Run-off transcription assays with isolated nuclei showed that both the proα1(I) and proα2(I) genes were transcribed at about the same rate in NQT-SHE cells as well as in the normal BHK cells. These results suggest that a post-transcriptional defect, probably resulting from transformation, prevents the accumulation of proα1(I) mRNA in NQT-SHE cells.
Identifying the educational implications of chronic illness in school children.

ABSTRACT: Children and adolescents with chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer are at the intersection of the health and education systems. At school, their health needs may be attended to by a school nurse, while their educational needs may be overlooked. This article helps school personnel become more proactive in identifying the educational implications of chronic illness in school children. The confusing array of terms used to refer to this population by health professionals and educators are clarified, and estimates of the size of the population are provided. The potential impact of some common disease processes, treatments, and medications are reviewed, as are the risks of chronic absenteeism. Suggestions for how school and health professionals can identify and work with this group of children are offered.
Comparison of intervention fidelity between COPE TEEN and an attention-control program in a randomized controlled trial

Fidelity in implementing an intervention is critical to accurately determine and interpret the effects of an intervention. It is important to monitor the manner in which the behavioral intervention is implemented (e.g. adaptations, delivery as intended and dose). Few interventions are implemented with 100% fidelity. In this study, high school health teachers implemented the intervention. To attribute study findings to the intervention, it was vital to know to what degree the intervention was implemented. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to evaluate intervention fidelity and to compare implementation fidelity between the creating opportunities for personal empowerment (COPE) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN (thinking, emotions, exercise, and nutrition) program, the experimental intervention and Healthy Teens, an attention-control intervention, in a randomized controlled trial with 779 adolescents from 11 high schools in the southwest region of the United States. Thirty teachers participated in this study. Findings indicated that the attention-control teachers implemented their intervention with greater fidelity than COPE TEEN teachers. It is possible due to the novel intervention and the teachers’ unfamiliarity with cognitive-behavioral skills building, COPE TEEN teachers had less fidelity. It is important to assess novel skill development prior to the commencement of experimental interventions and to provide corrective feedback during the course of implementation.
Are Asian Sovereign Wealth Funds Different

Sovereign wealth funds have become a prominent feature of the international financial landscape. However, legitimate concerns have been raised about these funds. Many of those concerns can be addressed via increased accountability and transparency by the funds. The Santiago Principles are a good start in doing so. My sovereign wealth funds scoreboard points to areas where these Principles can be improved. At the same time, the OECD effort to address concerns from the host-country side has not resulted in the erection of new barriers to that form of cross-border investment, but the OECD failed to reverse the creeping financial protectionism of the past decade. Because of their size and the source of their funding, some Asian funds stand out. As a result, those funds will be held to a higher standard of accountability and transparency.
Joint Degrees: Do They Strengthen or Weaken the Profession?

Abstract The joint degree has grown increasingly popular because it is seen as a way of becoming more competitive in a tight job market. Many schools of social work view it as a way of attracting students. This article explores the structural and philosophical aspects of collaborative education, with particular attention to the joint Master of Social Work-Master of Public Health (MSW-MPH) program. Important issues that should be considered before initiating a joint degree option are also discussed.
Energy-efficient bootstrapping for wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are poised for increasingly wider uses in many military and civil applications. Such applications has stimulated research in a number of research areas related to energy conservation in such networks. Most such research focuses on energy saving in tasks after the network has been organized. Very little attention has been paid to network bootstrapping as a possible phase where energy can be saved. Bootstrapping is the phase in which the entities in a network are made aware of the presence of all or some of the other entities in the network. This paper describes a bootstrapping protocol for a class of sensor networks consisting of a mix of low-energy sensor nodes and a small number of high-energy entities called gateways. We propose a new approach, namely the slotted sensor bootstrapping (SSB) protocol, which focuses on avoiding collisions in the bootstrapping phase and emphasizes turning off node radio circuits whenever possible to save energy. Our mechanism synchronizes the sensor nodes to the gateway’s clock so that time-based communication can be used. The proposed SSB protocol tackles the issue of node coverage in scenarios, when physical device limitations and security precautions prevent some sensor nodes from communicating with the gateways. Additionally, we present an extension of the bootstrapping protocol, which leverages possible gateway mobility.
The microbiology of deep-sea hydrothermal vent plumes: ecological and biogeographic linkages to seafloor and water column habitats

Hydrothermal plumes are an important yet understudied component of deep-sea vent microbial ecosystems. The significance of plume microbial processes can be appreciated from three perspectives: (1) mediation of plume biogeochemistry, (2) dispersal of seafloor hydrothermal vent microbes between vents sites, (3) as natural laboratories for understanding the ecology, physiology, and function of microbial groups that are distributed throughout the pelagic deep sea. Plume microbiology has been largely neglected in recent years, especially relative to the extensive research conducted on seafloor and subseafloor systems. Rapidly advancing technologies for investigating microbial communities provide new motivation and opportunities to characterize this important microbial habitat. Here we briefly highlight microbial contributions to plume and broader ocean (bio)geochemistry and review recent work to illustrate the ecological and biogeographic linkages between plumes, seafloor vent habitats, and other marine habitats such as oxygen minimum zones, cold seeps, and oil spills. 16S rRNA gene surveys and metagenomic/-transcriptomic data from plumes point to dominant microbial populations, genes, and functions that are also operative in oxygen minimum zones (SUP05, ammonia-oxidizing Archaea, and SAR324 Deltaproteobacteria) and hydrocarbon-rich environments (methanotrophs). Plume microbial communities are distinct from those on the seafloor or in the subsurface but contain some signatures of these habitats, consistent with the notion that plumes are potential vectors for dispersal of microorganisms between seafloor vent sites. Finally, we put forward three pressing questions for the future of deep-sea hydrothermal plume research and consider interactions between vents and oceans on global scales.
Insights into myeloperoxidase biosynthesis from its inherited deficiency

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a heme protein present in the granules of neutrophils and monocytes. The activated neutrophil releases MPO into the phagolysosome or into the extracellular space in response to a variety of agonists. During concomitant activation of the NADPH-dependent oxidase, the stimulated neutrophil also generates hydrogen peroxide, and in this way the MPO–hydrogen peroxide–halide system exerts its potent microbicidal activity. Recent interest in MPO has extended well beyond the domain of innate host defense against infection and includes generalized inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, and degenerative neurologic diseases. Search of the various data banks using the cDNA sequence for MPO has uncovered previously unsuspected relationships among peroxidatively active proteins in widely different species. In addition, application of the analytical tools of cell and molecular biology has allowed definition of specific genotypes underlying MPO deficiency and the impact of particular mutations on the fate of MPO precursors along the biosynthetic pathway. In parallel, such studies have allowed significant advances in understanding of the normal steps in MPO biosynthesis and intracellular targeting.
Hemoglobin concentration and working capacity of nonpregnant rural women of the Kathmandu valley of Nepal

The relationship between hemoglobin concentration, nutritional status, and working capacity of village women in Nepal was investigated. Subjects were 71 nonpregnant women (ages 18 to 60 yr) living at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 m in a rural area near Kathmandu. Half of the women (51%) performed manual wage labor on a daily basis, working as field hands during the agricultural season and breaking rocks into gravel during the remainder of the year; the remaining 49% worked only in their own fields or in exchange labor groups. Anemia was mild but widespread; 62% of the women had hemoglobin concentrations of 12.0 gm/dl or lower. Mean hemoglobin for the total sample was 11.7 ± 1.4 gm/dl (range 7.2 to 15.6 gm/dl). A step test was used to measure working capacity, and expired air samples were analyzed for O2 and CO2 using a Scholander 0.5 ml gas analyzer. Caste and ethnic groups differed significantly with respect to hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.005) and heart rate response to submaximal exercise (P < 0.001), but not in anthropometric measurements. Among those ethnic groups accustomed to daily physical labor, i.e., the Newars and Tamangs, lower hemoglobin concentration was correlated significantly with higher heart rate, higher oxygen uptake, and lower mechanical efficiency during submaximal aerobic exercise.
Katrina Recovery Clinic Project: an Engineering Service Learning Experience

This paper presents the experience of service learning in the engineering design curriculum through recovery effort projects after Hurricane Katrina. A brief context for Rowan's Engineering Clinics and the mechanics and logistics of defining and executing such a project will be discussed. This type of project offers far more than technical aspects of design and fabrication; engineering management, writing, public speaking, and ethics are additional parts of the puzzle and contribute to making this a valuable experience. A range of pros, cons, and recommendations are presented as well as a new model engaging other disciplines on our campus in this endeavor. We hope that our experiences will encourage others to include this type of project as one component of the engineering curricula and service learning opportunities provided for students.
Apneic diffusion oxygenation and continuous flow apneic ventilation. A review.

Evolution of life coincides with the most rapid rate of rise in atmospheric oxygen concentration during Devonian time. Oxygen is essential for life, but at the same time is a cellular poison if present in tensions considerably higher than those the particular cellular milieu has become adapted to. Animals exposed to low oxygen tensions breathe continuously, e.g. most species of fish obtain their oxygen from a continuous flow of water at low oxygen tensions. Evolution from water to land breathing generally is associated with intermittent breathing, mass movement of gas in one direction, i.e. inhalation and exhalation. Intermittent breathing is part of this evolutionary process and reduces the inspired oxygen tension from 150 mmHg (19.95 kPa) to approximately 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa) at the alveolar blood interface. Perhaps evolution from continuous ventilation to intermittent breathing may be protecting the body against the high atmospheric oxygen tension. Therefore, it is not surprising that mammals can have adequate oxygen uptake with apneic diffusion oxygenation (ADO) and continuous flow apneic ventilation (CFAV). Mechanical ventilation classic techniques, i.e. intermittent positive-pressure ventilation and continuous positive-pressure ventilation, employ ventilatory frequencies close to the resting breathing rate of the adult. Utilizing low-compression patient circuits has made mechanical ventilation with higher frequencies possible. 60 to 400 breaths per min is used for high-frequency positive-pressure ventilation and high-frequency jet ventilation, and up to 40 Hz is used for high-frequency oscillation (HFO). The two extremes of artificial ventilation - ADO, i.e. supply of O2 by continuous flow, and HFO, i.e. supply of O2 by oscillatory changes - both primarily involve diffusion, even though convection (also secondary to cardiac oscillations) obviously is important in the process of gas exchange. Some recent experimental findings favor continued development and evaluation of CFAV as an additional alternative to artificial ventilation.
The effects of sense of belonging, social support, conflict, and loneliness on depression.

BACKGROUND: A number of interpersonal phenomena have been linked to depression, including sense of belonging, social support, conflict, and loneliness. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of the interpersonal phenomena of sense of belonging, social support, loneliness, and conflict on depression, and to describe the predictive value of sense of belonging for depression in the context of other interpersonal phenomenon. METHOD: A sample of clients with major depressive disorder and students in a midwestern community college participated in the study by completing questionnaires. RESULTS: Path analysis showed significant direct paths as postulated, with 64% of the variance of depression explained by the variables in the model. Social support had only an indirect effect on depression, and this finding supported the buffer theory of social support. Sense of belonging was a better predictor of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings emphasize the importance of relationship-oriented experiences as part of assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with depression.
Septal myectomy remains the gold standard.

This editorial refers to ‘A contemporary European experience with surgical septal myectomy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’, by A. Iacovoni et al. , doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs064 Improvements in the understanding of the haemodynamic abnormalities and pathophysiology of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), as well as advances in surgical techniques have resulted in septal myectomy being the preferred treatment option for severe symptoms refractory to medical therapy.1 The recent American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines emphasized the importance of focused expertise in the diagnosis, and medical and surgical management of HCM.1 Consequently, there are a growing number of centres dedicated to HCM in the USA. The study of Iacovoni et al. 2 has important implications for the management of obstructive HCM in Europe. After the introduction of alcohol septal ablation (ASA) ∼15–20 years ago, septal myectomy has essentially disappeared in Europe. In fact, a recent review article on the management of obstructive HCM by a European institution did not even acknowledge septal myectomy as a treatment option in the management of patients with heart failure symptoms related to outflow obstruction.3 This has resulted in the vast majority of patients with symptomatic HCM in Europe being treated with ASA, and in the process denied the option of septal myectomy. Surgical techniques for relief of left ventricular outflow …
The STAR protein, GLD‐1, is a translational regulator of sexual identity in Caenorhabditis elegans

The Caenorhabditis elegans sex determination gene, tra-2, is translationally regulated by elements in the 3'-untranslated region called TGEs. TGEs govern the translation of mRNAs in both invertebrates and vertebrates, indicating that this is a highly conserved mechanism for controlling gene activity. A factor called DRF, found in worm extracts binds the TGEs and may be a repressor of translation. Using the yeast three-hybrid screen and RNA gel shift analysis, we have found that the protein GLD-1, a germline-specific protein and a member of the STAR family of RNA-binding proteins, specifically binds to the TGEs. GLD-1 is essential for oogenesis, and is also necessary for spermatogenesis and inhibition of germ cell proliferation. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that GLD-1 is a translational repressor acting through the TGEs to repress tra-2 translation. GLD-1 can repress the translation of reporter RNAs via the TGEs both in vitro and in vivo, and is required to maintain low TRA-2A protein levels in the germline. Genetic analysis indicates that GLD-1 acts upstream of the TGE control. Finally, we show that endogenous GLD-1 is a component of DRF. The conservation of the TGE control and the STAR family suggests that at least a subset of STAR proteins may work through the TGEs to control translation.
Gender differences in the influence of personality traits on spicy food liking and intake

It has been proposed, and only minimally explored, that personality factors may play a role in determining an individual’s sensitivity to and preference for capsaicin containing foods. We explored these relationships further here. Participants rated a number of foods and sensations on a generalized liking scale in a laboratory setting; after leaving the laboratory, they filled out an online personality survey, which included Arnett’s Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS) and the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). Recently, we reported strong and moderate correlations between the liking of a spicy meal and the personality constructs of Sensation Seeking (AISS) and Sensitivity to Reward (SPSRQ), respectively. Here, we use moderation models to explore the relationships between personality traits, perceived intensity of the burn of capsaicin, and the liking and consumption of spicy foods. Limited evidence of moderation was observed; however differential effects of the personality traits were seen in men versus women. In men, Sensitivity to Reward associated more strongly with liking and consumption of spicy foods, while in women, Sensation Seeking associated more strongly with liking and intake of spicy foods. These differences suggest that in men and women, there may be divergent mechanisms leading to the intake of spicy foods; specifically, men may respond more to extrinsic factors, while women may respond more to intrinsic factors.
Sociology of Terrorism

The sociology of terrorism has been understudied, even though considerable literatures on various forms of social conflict and violence have been produced over the years. The aim here is to note what has been learned about the social origins and dynamics of terrorism in order to suggest agendas for future research. Arguably the main foci of sociological studies of terrorism should be (a) the social construction of terrorism, (b) terrorism as political violence, (c) terrorism as communication, (d) organizing terrorism, (e) socializing terrorists, (f) social control of terrorism, and (g) theorizing terrorism. For each issue, I provide a brief summary of current knowledge, with bibliographic leads to more detailed information, as well as identify research issues.
Planning a Pharmacy-Led Medical Mission Trip, Part 1: Focus on Medication Acquisition

Pharmacists can be involved in many functions of the medical mission team. Particularly, they can play a large role in formulary development, acquisition of medications, and organization of medications before and during the mission trip. Important factors for consideration in formulary development and logistical planning include the group's budget; importation laws and regulations of the country being visited; transportation and storage of medications and supplies; disease states anticipated; whether controlled substances will be included; whether medical or surgical procedures will be provided; age distribution and languages of the population to be treated; whether sample medications will be used; handling of unused medications and supplies after the trip; and considerations of the population's cultural beliefs. Various organizations are available to provide medications for medical mission efforts at little to no cost, and knowledge of these organizations will help to facilitate the process of medication acquisition. Additionally, pharmacists can provide insight regarding the logistical set-up and workflow considerations during the mission experience.
A neural network pre-processor for multi-tone detection and estimation

A parallel bank of neural networks each trained in a specific band of the spectrum is proposed as a pre-processor for the detection and estimation of multiple sinusoids at low SNRs. A feedforward neural network model in the autoassociative mode, trained using the backpropagation algorithm, is used to construct this sectionized spectrum analyzer. The key concept behind this scheme is that, the network when trained for a certain spectral band, serves as an excellent filter with sharp transition and near complete attenuation in stopband, even at low SNRs. Simulation results to support the advantages of the proposed scheme are presented. Statistical measurements to determine its degree of reliability in detection have been made. >
Protection against Hemorrhagic Colitis in an Animal Model by Oral Immunization with Isogeneic Rabbit Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Attenuated by Truncating Intimin

Strains of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli, also called enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), are important food-borne pathogens for humans. Most EHEC strains intimately adhere to the intestinal mucosa in a characteristic attaching and effacing (A/E) pattern, which is mediated by the bacterial adhesin intimin. Subsequent release of Stx1 and/or Stx2 leads to the frequent development of hemorrhagic colitis and, less commonly, to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to develop an attenuated A/E E. coli strain for use as a vaccine against EHEC infection encoding a truncated intimin lacking adhesive capacity, but which would still express somatic antigens, other products of the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island, and an immunogenic remnant of the intimin molecule. A single-nucleotide deletion was generated in the eae gene in the prototype rabbit A/E E. coli strain RDEC-1 (O15:H−), which resulted in truncation of intimin by 81 C-terminal residues (860 to 939 amino acids) containing a disulfide loop. Inoculation of rabbits with large doses of the truncated intimin mutant (RDEC-1Δeae860-939) was well tolerated, as observed by the absence of clinical signs of disease or evidence of intestinal A/E lesions. The efficacy of RDEC-1Δeae860-939 as a vaccine was evaluated by orogastric inoculation of rabbits with RDEC-1Δeae860-939 followed by challenge with the virulent strain RDEC-H19A, an Stx1-producing derivative of wild-type RDEC-1 capable of inducing hemorrhagic colitis in rabbits. Following RDEC-H19A challenge, nonimmunized control rabbits exhibited characteristic weight loss with watery to bloody diarrhea and demonstrated intimate bacterial attachment, effacement of microvilli, submucosal edema, mucosal heterophile infiltrates, and Shiga toxin-induced vascular lesions. In contrast, the RDEC-1Δeae860-939-immunized rabbits showed no clinical signs of disease, maintained normal weight gain, had reduced fecal shedding of challenge organisms, and showed an absence of gross or microscopic lesions in the intestinal mucosa. Serum antibodies specific to intimin were detected among rabbits immunized with RDEC-1Δeae860-939, indicating that truncation of the intimin functional domain not only attenuated bacterial virulence, but also retained at least some of the immunogenicity of native intimin. Although it is not possible to gauge the exact contribution of residual intimin immunity to protection, this attenuation strategy for A/E E. coli strains shows promise for the development of effective vaccines to prevent EHEC infection in humans and animals.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Ion Channels by Diacylglycerol

Cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channels are critical components in the visual and olfactory signal transduction pathways, and they primarily gate in response to changes in the cytoplasmic concentration of cyclic nucleotides. We previously found that the ability of the native rod CNG channel to be opened by cGMP was markedly inhibited by analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG) without a phosphorylation reaction (Gordon, S.E., J. Downing-Park, B. Tam, and A.L. Zimmerman. 1995. Biophys. J. 69:409–417). Here, we have studied cloned bovine rod and rat olfactory CNG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and have determined that they are differentially inhibited by DAG. At saturating [cGMP], DAG inhibition of homomultimeric (α subunit only) rod channels was similar to that of the native rod CNG channel, but DAG was much less effective at inhibiting the homomultimeric olfactory channel, producing only partial inhibition even at high [DAG]. However, at low open probability (Po), both channels were more sensitive to DAG, suggesting that DAG is a closed state inhibitor. The Hill coefficients for DAG inhibition were often greater than one, suggesting that more than one DAG molecule is required for effective inhibition of a channel. In single-channel recordings, DAG decreased the Po but not the single-channel conductance. Results with chimeras of rod and olfactory channels suggest that the differences in DAG inhibition correlate more with differences in the transmembrane segments and their attached loops than with differences in the amino and carboxyl termini. Our results are consistent with a model in which multiple DAG molecules stabilize the closed state(s) of a CNG channel by binding directly to the channel and/or by altering bilayer–channel interactions. We speculate that if DAG interacts directly with the channel, it may insert into a putative hydrophobic crevice among the transmembrane domains of each subunit or at the hydrophobic interface between the channel and the bilayer.
Spiral antenna irradiation into lossy media with Debye dispersion

This paper presents the analysis of single arm Archimedean spiral antennas radiating into a lossy medium (i.e. water) characterized by Debye dispersion. Conformal Finite Difference Time Domain (CFDTD) method is used for simulation. The error due to the staircase approximation of FDTD mesh is remedied by using CFDTD algorithm. The reflection coefficient simulation result with Debye dispersion is presented and compared with the measurement. CFDTD was also applied to analyze spiral antennas' near-field beam (SAR) in the water medium.
P‐Glycoprotein‐Dependent Trafficking of Nanoparticle‐Drug Conjugates

Resistance to chemotherapy contributes to treatment failure in over 90% of patients with metastatic cancer.[1] Although, many tumors initially respond well to chemotherapies, selective pressure can lead to the proliferation and dissemination of cell subpopulations exhibiting either de novo or adaptive drug resistance, often accompanied by cross-resistance to a range of structurally diverse small molecule drugs. MDR1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is considered to be the most prevalent and single most important cause of multidrug-resistance (MDR) in humans,[2] where the protein facilitates recognition, intracellular trafficking, sequestration, [3] and/or cellular efflux of up to 50% of all cytotoxic chemotherapeutics (e.g. doxorubicin, paclitaxel, vinblastine, etoposide), as well as antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, azithromycin, ketolides), and other therapeutic small molecules.
Variations in the Cell Cycle Status of Lymphopoietic and Myelopoietic Cells Created by Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency causes thymic atrophy and lymphopenia. It was recently shown that zinc deficiency causes sizable losses among the precursor lymphocytes, such that this compartment was depleted 40%-50% in the marrow of young adult mice. However, the myeloid compartments increased substantially both in proportion and absolute number as zinc deficiency advanced. Zinc deficiency caused no change in the cell cycle status of precursor B cells and only modest changes in cycling pro-B cells. Conversely, cells of the myeloid series, especially monocytes, exhibited as much as a 40% increase in the proportion of cells in S and G 2 /M, while myeloid progenitors had an overall 56% increase in cells in the proliferative phase as zinc deficiency advanced. Whether zinc deficiency alters the rate of production of myeloid and lymphopoietic cells or alters the degree of apoptosis or both awaits further study.
Imaging with focused pulsed electromagnetic radiation

We have explored the use of a focusing antenna for imaging of targets based on their dielectric properties. At the focal point of the antenna, metal targets with various sizes were placed. A sensor behind the target was used to detect the forward scattered signal. With this system, the minimum dimensions of a target that can be detected are 7 cm, which is on the order of the product of the pulse duration (200 ps) and the speed of light. Sensor placed at different locations was able to detect differences in scattered signals. This concept leads to an imaging system consisting of a focusing transmitter and a sensor array. This focusing transmitter has the ability to deliver high power pulses, which might even induce dielectric changes in the target. These changes could help to increase the sensitivity of the imaging method.
Activation in the VTA and nucleus accumbens increases in anticipation of both gains and losses

To represent value for learning and decision making, the brain must encode information about both the motivational relevance and affective valence of anticipated outcomes. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are thought to play key roles in representing these and other aspects of valuation. Here, we manipulated the valence (i.e., monetary gain or loss) and personal relevance (i.e., self-directed or charity-directed) of anticipated outcomes within a variant of the monetary incentive delay task (MID). We scanned young-adult participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), utilizing imaging parameters targeted for the NAcc and VTA. For both self-directed and charity-directed trials, activation in the NAcc and VTA increased to anticipated gains, as predicted by prior work, but also increased to anticipated losses. Moreover, the magnitude of responses in both regions was positively correlated for gains and losses, across participants, while an independent reward-sensitivity covariate predicted the relative difference between and gain- and loss-related activation on self-directed trials. These results are inconsistent with the interpretation that these regions reflect anticipation of only positive-valence events. Instead, they indicate that anticipatory activation in reward-related regions largely reflects the motivational relevance of an upcoming event.
Chromosome position determines the success of double-strand break repair

Repair of a chromosomal double-strand break (DSB) by gene conversion depends on the ability of the broken ends to encounter a donor sequence. To understand how chromosomal location of a target sequence affects DSB repair, we took advantage of genome-wide Hi-C analysis of yeast chromosomes to create a series of strains in which an induced site-specific DSB in budding yeast is repaired by a 2-kb donor sequence inserted at different locations. The efficiency of repair, measured by cell viability or competition between each donor and a reference site, showed a strong correlation (r = 0.85 and 0.79) with the contact frequencies of each donor with the DSB repair site. Repair efficiency depends on the distance between donor and recipient rather than any intrinsic limitation of a particular donor site. These results further demonstrate that the search for homology is the rate-limiting step in DSB repair and suggest that cells often fail to repair a DSB because they cannot locate a donor before other, apparently lethal, processes arise. The repair efficiency of a donor locus can be improved by four factors: slower 5′ to 3′ resection of the DSB ends, increased abundance of replication protein factor A (RPA), longer shared homology, or presence of a recombination enhancer element adjacent to a donor.
Establishment of Community Managed Fisheries’ Closures in Kenya: Early Evolution of the Tengefu Movement

AbstractCommunity-based management (CBM) could be an essential tool to prevent the depletion of marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean region. In Kenya, political pressure to strengthen local governance, has led to adoption of CBM as a way of reducing over-exploitation and managing the competing uses and impacts on the marine environment. Several communities in Kenya have embraced CBM and have set aside or closed previously fished areas to enhance recovery of fisheries and biodiversity. These community fisheries closures (locally called tengefu), despite being degraded, may recover to finfish abundances and biodiversity levels similar to established MPAs or above thresholds for maintaining some ecological services. Communities see their direct involvement and control of these tengefu as more likely to result in benefits flowing directly to them. Community closures are also important for articulating and resolving community values and strengthening their management capacity. Here, we describe the evo...
Number of Sexual Partners and Relationship Status Are Associated With Unprotected Sex Across Emerging Adulthood

Sex with multiple partners, consecutively or concurrently, is a risk factor for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as multiple partner–partner contacts present increased opportunity for transmission. It is unclear, however, if individuals who tend to have more partners also use protection less reliably than those with sexual histories of fewer partners. Longitudinal data can elucidate whether an individual shows a consistent pattern of sex with multiple partners. We used latent class growth analyses to examine emerging adult survey data (N = 2244) spanning 10 waves of assessment across 6 years. We identified three trajectory classes described with respect to number of partners as (a) Multiple, (b) Single, and (c) Rare. Trajectory group, relationship status, and their interactions were tested as predictors of using protection against STIs and pregnancy at each wave. The Multiple Partners class had the greatest odds ratio of reporting sex without protection against STIs and pregnancy, followed by the Single and Rare classes. Exclusive relationship status was a risk factor for unprotected sex at earlier waves, but a protective factor at most later waves. There was no significant interaction between relationship status and trajectory class in predicting use of protection. The Multiple Partners class reported more permissive values on sex and an elevated proportion of homosexual behavior. This group overlaps with an already identified at-risk population, men who have sex with men. Potential mechanisms explaining the increased risk for sex without protection, including communication, risk assessment, and co-occurring risk behaviors are discussed as targets for intervention.
P5-S3.03 Individual tracking among high risk groups for STI management in India: an analysis of 400 000 high risk groups followed from 2004 to 2009

Background Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation implemented a large HIV prevention program across six high HIV prevalence states among high risk groups (HRG) consisting of female sex workers (FSW), high risk men who have sex with men (HR-MSM), transgender (TG) and injecting drug users (IDU) in India. Methods The Avahan monitoring system included individual tracking data pertaining to registration, outreach and clinical services among HRG. All clinic visits were recorded using unique identification numbers, and visits by each clinic attendee were tracked from January 2004 to December 2009. Each clinic visit was recorded using a pre-defined clinical encounter form (CEF). Results A total of 439 000 individuals (including 331 616 FSW, 10 280 IDU, 82 246 H- MSM, and 7330 TG) visited the clinics with a total of 2 716 391 visits. Individuals made an average of 6.2 visits to the clinics during the study period. The number of visits per person increased annually from 1.2 in 2005 to 8.3 in 2009. The proportion of attendees visiting clinics more than four times a year increased from 4% in 2005 to 26% in 2009 (p Conclusions The project demonstrated that acceptable and accessible services with marginalised and often difficult-to-reach populations can be brought to a very large scale using standardised approaches. The paper presents the utilisation of these services, improved health seeking behaviour and reduced STI syndromes among the HRG.
Isolation of psittacosis agents from follicular conjunctivitis of sheep.

SummaryPsittacosis - lymphogranulomatrachoma agents were isolated from conjunctival scrapings from 9 of 17 sheep representing 3 different flocks afflicted to 90% with follicular conjunctivitis. The PLT agent isolated from follicular conjuctivitis was specifically related to those causing polyarthritis. Ten to 25% of the sheep with eye lesions had polyarthritic signs and the PLT agents were isolated from the blood of 6 of the 17 sheep tested. Parenteral inoculation resulted in follicular conjunctivitis and polyarthritis.
A Gendered Approach to Science Ethics for US and UK Physicists

Some research indicates that women professionals-when compared to men-may be more ethical in the workplace. Existing literature that discusses gender and ethics is confined to the for-profit business sector and primarily to a US context. In particular, there is little attention paid to gender and ethics in science professions in a global context. This represents a significant gap, as science is a rapidly growing and global professional sector, as well as one with ethically ambiguous areas. Adopting an international comparative perspective, this paper relies on 121 semi-structured interviews with US and UK academic physicists to examine how physicists perceive the impact of gender on science ethics. Findings indicate that some US and UK physicists believe that female scientists handle ethical issues within science in a feminine way whereas their male colleagues approach ethics in a masculine way. Some of these physicists further claim that these different approaches to science ethics lead to male and female scientists' different levels of competitiveness in academic physics. In both the US and the UK, there are "gender-blind" physicists, who do not think gender is related to professional ethics. Relying on physicists' nuanced descriptions this paper contributes to the current understanding of gender and science and engineering ethics.
Famine in Biafra.

For the first time, an official technical mission from the United States has obtained firsthand information on the health of the Biafran population. Their reports confirm that the extent of the caloric and protein malnutrition and the scope of outright famine make the Nigeria-Biafra conflict one of the great nutritional disasters of modern times.
Investigation of pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and drug resistance

OBJECTIVE To investigate the infection status and drug-resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PAE) in nosocomial infections to provide the scientific according to the clinical application of the antibiotics.METHODS PAE were cultured and identified according to the National Clinical Laboratory Operation Rules.The drug sensitivity testing was performed by K-B methods.RESULTS Totally 219 strains of PAE were mainly isolated from the intensive care unit(31.1%),department of internal medicine(24.7%),department of surgery(18.7%) and department of tumor(17.3%).Most of the ABA strains were detected from sputum,pus and secretions,urine,chest ascites and blood,accounting for 31.1%,24.7%,18.7% and 17.3%,respectively.Drug resistance rates of PAE were higher to 14 kinds of antibiotics were,including SMZ/TMP,gentamycin,cefotaxime,cefepime,aztreonam,ciprofloxacin,levofloxacin and so on,arriving at 45.2%-84.9%.CONCLUSION Drug resistance status of PAE is serious.Hospital should strengthen the monitoring,prevention and controlling of it.
Neurologic manifestations of rheumatic fever.

Chorea is a major criterion in diagnosis of rheumatic fever. When it occurs in a child without other signs of rheumatic fever and when other less common causes are ruled out, rheumatic fever prophylaxis is indicated. Other neurologic concerns in rheumatic fever are cerebral embolism from the heart and possible direct cerebral effects.
Gene Assembly and Combinatorial Libraries in S. cerevisiae via Reiterative Recombination

While mutagenesis of single genes is now common practice in molecular biology, engineering multiple target genes still requires complex cloning techniques and thus is limited to expert laboratories. Here, we describe "Reiterative Recombination," a user-friendly DNA assembly technique in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the integration of an indefinite number of DNA fragments sequentially into the yeast genome. The high efficiency of chromosomal integration can further be utilized for the assembly of large combinatorial libraries for metabolic engineering.
Characterization of urokinase receptor expression by human placental trophoblasts

The processes of implantation and placentation are both dependent on the invasion and remodeling of the uterine endometrium and vasculature by trophoblasts. Because the secretion and autocrine binding of urokinase (uPA) appears to be a common mechanism used by cells to facilitate plasmin-dependent tissue invasion, we measured the production of uPA and expression of uPA receptors by trophoblasts. Prourokinase bound specifically, reversibly, and with high affinity to cultured trophoblasts, via the uPA epidermal growth factor-like domain. Trophoblasts derived from two first-trimester placentae bound more prourokinase than cells isolated from term placentae. Furthermore, in vitro differentiation of cultured cytotrophoblasts into syncytiotrophoblasts was associated with diminished expression of urokinase receptors and a parallel decrease in the cellular content of uPA receptor mRNA. Trophoblasts also secreted prourokinase and plasminogen activator inhibitors types 1 and 2 (PAI-1 and PAI-2). Although prourokinase was secreted in amounts sufficient to endogenously saturate trophoblast uPA receptors, trophoblasts secreted greater amounts of PAI-1 and PAI-2 than uPA, and no net plasminogen activator activity was detected in trophoblast conditioned medium. In contrast, plasminogen added directly to cultured trophoblasts was readily converted to plasmin. Although the invasion and remodeling of uterine tissues by trophoblasts is a complex process dependent on several proteases of varying specificity, our findings suggest that the expression and modulation of urokinase receptors on the trophoblast cell surface may play an important role in this process.